View Poll Results: Is your team in cap hell?
Yes
0
0%
No
0
0%
Don't care
0
0%
Go Nordiques!
0
0%
Voters: 0. You may not vote on this poll
Hockey: News and Discussion Thread
Trolling Canuckistan
Slightly off topic at first but it all comes together, plus it made me that a Canadian would write this article...
5 Ways Professional Sports Benefit Society | Cracked.com
Rich men don't get a lot of support in modern society, but at the risk of appearing controversial, I'm going to stand up for this under-appreciated demographic. When someone like Ray Rice ends up in the news for making Middle-earth's orcs look civilized, it's easy to forget that most athletes are non-awful human beings who quietly contribute a lot of good things to their communities.
Before anyone misinterprets that and tries to email me anthrax, people like Rice deserve all the coverage and criticism they get. There's definitely a systemic problem that comes from giving a bunch of strong young men millions of dollars they'll probably mismanage while telling them that they're powerful and important and famous and can get any girl they want. But while this system creates some truly awful people, it's important to remember that most athletes aren't completely terrible people.
Mariano Rivera, for example, created a foundation that spends at least half a million dollars a year building schools and orphanages and providing social services in the United States and Panama.
"I also threw the exact same pitch for the entirety of my career. Tell me what having to try is like."
Soccer superstar and walking Axe commercial Cristiano Ronaldo was asked by the parents of an infant who needed surgery if he would donate a jersey and some cleats for an auction, and instead he just paid the 50,000 pounds to cover the entire procedure (although it's possible he already had his checkbook out for his monthly hairspray order and cutting another check was easier than walking over to his wardrobe). On the local level, you'll find players you couldn't name if you're not a serious fan getting involved in school reading programs, or visiting children's hospitals and promising sick kids that the next chance they get they'll punch Sidney Crosby in the face just for them.
"He didn't, though."
Before anyone misinterprets that and tries to email me anthrax, people like Rice deserve all the coverage and criticism they get. There's definitely a systemic problem that comes from giving a bunch of strong young men millions of dollars they'll probably mismanage while telling them that they're powerful and important and famous and can get any girl they want. But while this system creates some truly awful people, it's important to remember that most athletes aren't completely terrible people.
Mariano Rivera, for example, created a foundation that spends at least half a million dollars a year building schools and orphanages and providing social services in the United States and Panama.
"I also threw the exact same pitch for the entirety of my career. Tell me what having to try is like."
Soccer superstar and walking Axe commercial Cristiano Ronaldo was asked by the parents of an infant who needed surgery if he would donate a jersey and some cleats for an auction, and instead he just paid the 50,000 pounds to cover the entire procedure (although it's possible he already had his checkbook out for his monthly hairspray order and cutting another check was easier than walking over to his wardrobe). On the local level, you'll find players you couldn't name if you're not a serious fan getting involved in school reading programs, or visiting children's hospitals and promising sick kids that the next chance they get they'll punch Sidney Crosby in the face just for them.
"He didn't, though."
Senior Moderator
Boychuk traded to Isles: Islanders acquire Boychuk, close to adding Leddy as well - Article - TSN
Leddy looks to be gone from the Hawks to Long Island it appears too.
Leddy looks to be gone from the Hawks to Long Island it appears too.
Senior Moderator
A few more days!
Senior Moderator
Yumchah, doesn't Finlandia have a league that should be mentioned in the title?
Senior Moderator
Senior Moderator
And Leddy to Isles is official. Snow poached some pretty good D-men for his team on talented squads that needed to unload salary.
Trolling Canuckistan
I'm hoping for this on opening night.
Chara/Seidenberg
Hamilton/Mcquaid
Krug/Miller
Trolling Canuckistan
People are up in arms over boychuk being dealt for picks. Apparently Peter Chiarelli is the only guy in Boston besides me who understands how many players you can dress for NHL games as well as what a salary cap is.
At one point in his press conference yesterday he told the reporters, "I've really got to get you guys a copy of the CBA."
At one point in his press conference yesterday he told the reporters, "I've really got to get you guys a copy of the CBA."
Last edited by black label; 10-05-2014 at 08:54 AM.
I feel the need...
Trolling Canuckistan
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
iTrader: (6)
Seriously? Who the F cares about the IIHF and KHL?
All hail Finlandia!
All hail Finlandia!
I feel the need...
Speaking of domcha, would like to thank him for inviting me out to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving this year even though I will miss the first two home games at The Joe. Sounds like Canadian Bacon, heavy side of maple syrup and very hoppy beer will be featured on the menu. Bitter beer makes the MLSE syrup go down smoother.
Upon returning to Hockeytown, BlackLabel-cha, Domcha, BlackAckalacka~cha will be served and then I might just sell my mighty power plenum just to spite Moogelino before he makes a pilgrimage to mecca on Halloween.
The following users liked this post:
97BlackAckCL (10-05-2014)
The following users liked this post:
97BlackAckCL (10-06-2014)
Sanest Florida Man
Senior Moderator
Interesting read on Phil the Thrill: Kessel: Nice Guy. Tries Hard. Loves The Game. - Sportsnet.ca
The following users liked this post:
97BlackAckCL (10-06-2014)
2008 Acura TL
My East Predictions
1. Boston
2. Pittsburgh
3. Tampa
4. Philadelphia
5. Rangers
6. Montreal
7. Columbus
8. Washington
9. Islanders
10. Ottawa
11. Detroit
12. Toronto
13. New Jersey
14. Florida
15. Buffalo
16. Carolina
1. Boston
2. Pittsburgh
3. Tampa
4. Philadelphia
5. Rangers
6. Montreal
7. Columbus
8. Washington
9. Islanders
10. Ottawa
11. Detroit
12. Toronto
13. New Jersey
14. Florida
15. Buffalo
16. Carolina
Senior Moderator
^ Not terrible picks, Rounder. I think #8 will be a dogfight between the Things, Isles, and Caps.
2008 Acura TL
West:
1. Chicago
2. Los Angeles
3. St. Louis
4. Colorado
5. Dallas
6. Anaheim
7. San Jose
8. Phoenix
9. Minnesota
10. Nashville
11. Vancouver
12. Calgary
13. Edmonton
14. Winnipeg
If I didn't have to pick two different divisional winners, I would have Chicago, St.Louis and Avs 1-2-3.... I do not think LA is "that good", but they will finish ahead of Anaheim.
1. Chicago
2. Los Angeles
3. St. Louis
4. Colorado
5. Dallas
6. Anaheim
7. San Jose
8. Phoenix
9. Minnesota
10. Nashville
11. Vancouver
12. Calgary
13. Edmonton
14. Winnipeg
If I didn't have to pick two different divisional winners, I would have Chicago, St.Louis and Avs 1-2-3.... I do not think LA is "that good", but they will finish ahead of Anaheim.
The following users liked this post:
97BlackAckCL (10-06-2014)
Senior Moderator
West:
1. Chicago
2. Los Angeles
3. St. Louis
4. Colorado
5. Dallas
6. Anaheim
7. San Jose
8. Phoenix
9. Minnesota
10. Nashville
11. Vancouver
12. Calgary
13. Edmonton
14. Winnipeg
If I didn't have to pick two different divisional winners, I would have Chicago, St.Louis and Avs 1-2-3.... I do not think LA is "that good", but they will finish ahead of Anaheim.
1. Chicago
2. Los Angeles
3. St. Louis
4. Colorado
5. Dallas
6. Anaheim
7. San Jose
8. Phoenix
9. Minnesota
10. Nashville
11. Vancouver
12. Calgary
13. Edmonton
14. Winnipeg
If I didn't have to pick two different divisional winners, I would have Chicago, St.Louis and Avs 1-2-3.... I do not think LA is "that good", but they will finish ahead of Anaheim.
Their MO is just get into the dance and then go from there. I doubt they'll get the 2nd seed...still see Anaheim as the regular season team to win the division title.
The unofficial word is that the Kings and Hawks are now in a race to 3 Cups...but, regardless, I believe the road to the Stanley Cup will go through LA again this year.
Anyhow, where's Moog to come flying in here to tell how wrong I am...?
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
iTrader: (6)
I miss moogy
Senior Moderator
The following users liked this post:
97BlackAckCL (10-06-2014)
The following users liked this post:
97BlackAckCL (10-06-2014)
Senior Moderator
The Leaves Corsi numbers were pretty wretched last year if I remember correctly (hence their terrible shots-against numbers)...so, by having this person on staff, they can get better puck-possession-type players going forward.
Trolling Canuckistan
Well, yeah. Corsi and Fenwick...when used with other aspects of judging talent does apparently work.
The Leaves Corsi numbers were pretty wretched last year if I remember correctly (hence their terrible shots-against numbers)...so, by having this person on staff, they can get better puck-possession-type players going forward.
The Leaves Corsi numbers were pretty wretched last year if I remember correctly (hence their terrible shots-against numbers)...so, by having this person on staff, they can get better puck-possession-type players going forward.
The following users liked this post:
97BlackAckCL (10-06-2014)
Senior Moderator
Senior Moderator
^ so many jokes
Senior Moderator
Poo's Atlantic predictions. Who you going to believe? Poo or Rounder?
The Atlantic Division is all it once easy and difficult to project. The way these teams performed last year may or may not be a good indication of where they're heading. There have been quite a few changes in the vision of many of these teams throughout the division. Players have changed while coaches shifted.
Sitting here on October 6, it is really anyone's guess how the standings will play out. So here is my guess:
#8: Buffalo Sabres
Here's the thing about the Buffalo Sabres: There is a lot of talented youth on this team. There might just be too much high-upside talent for them to finish with the top overall pick. They’re a well coached bunch as well.
The immediate upside for the Sabres would be a sixth spot, and I know many Sabres fans don't see that as an upside. Not at all.
I just have a feeling that this team will get off to a better start than people are anticipating. I like Jhonas Enroth a lot. I have a feeling that Drew Stafford, playing once again for a contract, could surprise people. With Josh Gorges and Brian Gionta as veteran mentors, the youth of the Sabres is in great hands for the future.
Should this team get one of the top two picks in the 2015 NHL Draft, just you watch, people will have them in the playoffs next year. They may be right.
#7: Ottawa Senators
It is with great fear that I rank the Ottawa Senators in this position. Over the years, this team has often been counted counted out when they should have been counted in among the playoff teams.
The signing a Bobby Ryan is a huge step for this team in the right direction. Additionally, there is no denying the talent of some of the Sens younger players. Lastly, when you have one of the best defenseman in the world captaining your squad almost anything can happen.
Nevertheless, I don't see where the goals are going to come from apart from the top few players. Additionally, I really am not thinking that this team is going to win games because their goalie is going to steal games. That could happen -- it has happened in the past -- but to expect that out of this bunch in 2014-15 feels like a stretch to me.
#6 Florida Panthers
One thing we have come to expect out of Sunrise is that the current year's team will be nothing like the previous one. While that is true again this year, there are some very positive signs that point to the team having a formidable nucleus in place.
As for management, it is hard to bet against Dale Tallon and Gerard Gallant. Panthers fans can know for sure this team is in good hands and will eventually be good and competitive for a long stretch of time.
The Panthers made some of the best signings of the summer, bringing in players who compete and will enable them to be competitive against the tough teams in the Northeast like Boston or Montréal. You can be sure there's nothing Gerard Gallant would rather do than finish ahead of the Montréal Canadiens this year. Canadiens players last year to a man said how much they will miss him in the locker room and on the bench.
Ultimately, what separates Florida from Ottawa or Buffalo (besides about 40 degrees Fahrenheit) is the talents of Roberto Luongo. He still has what it takes to be elite, especially in a low-pressure atmosphere like Florida. With Luongo in goal, some very fast and effective young players and the character players that of been brought, the Panthers could surprise disbelievers and battle for a playoff spot.
#5: Detroit Red Wings
Yes, once again a hockey writer is going to tell you that this is the year the Red Wings are finally going to lose their incredible streak of consecutive playoff seasons. Yes, I have predicted it the last few years and been proven wrong each time. Ultimately, I am just going on a hunch here that the Wings will come up a bit short this time.
It's never a wise pick to bet against a team coached by Mike Babcock. He has a knack for making iffy depth greater than the sum of its parts and for taking elite talent and making it gel. Some coaches can do one or the other. He can do both.
Even so, my prediction is that Detroit misses the playoffs in 2014-15.
Here's the thing: the Red Wings have put together this long playoff streak because they have been able to re-tool on the fly year after year. That is an extremely commendable thing to be able to do. When the Steve Yzerman and Sergei Fedorov era Red Wings started to look old, along came Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg to step in and become superstars. The irreplaceable Nicklas Lidstrom finally retired and the Wings still managed to hold together. That's incredible.
Last year, the Red Wings saw another group of young players who appeared to be following in their footsteps. I like Tomas Tatar, Gustav Nyquist and Riley Sheahan. What's not to like about that quartet? But are they Dats or Zets or are they just off-line players? I like Danny Dekeyser but can be become the glue that holds the blueline together?
I don't really have the answer to those questions. Maybe the next superstar in Detroit is Anthony Mantha. Maybe they'll step up in combination. If that's the case, then the Red Wings could find themselves a few years away from re-emerging among the elite Cup contenders. For now, though, I think the playoff streak comes to an end.
#4: Montréal Canadiens
The most amazing thing about the team that has always been my second favorite NHL team is the fact they have a superstar goalie who is continuing to improve. Carey Price might be better now than he was last year. I really saw a change in his game following the Olympics. It was as if he suddenly believed his own press clippings but in a good way.
The one thing about Price that always bothered me was his own wavering self-confidence. We know how amazing a goalie this guy is. I have talk to players who have played with him and other great goalies and tell me there is no comparison. Price is the best there is.
The Habs also have one of the best defenseman in the NHL in PK Subban. If you don't think is one of the best for whatever reason, I challenge you to argue he is not at least one of the most exciting. However, beyond PK and the top of the lineup, there are still questions.
If those questions are answered by the team rallying and like last year finding ways to win than the Canadians finishing third in the playoffs. In my opinion they will be battling a team from the Metropolitan division to make the playoffs.
Michel Therien coaches from the hip. He is a gambler goes on instinct. Let year he got dealt a very good hand. To his credit, even when he didn't get dealt the best hand he managed to get production out of what seemingly was not too much on paper.
My fear is the cards could start evening up on this team. The reality is Carey Price, as long as he's healthy, makes any team a playoff contender, and should be Canadiens once again get into the playoffs, Price can take them as far as anyone.
#3: Toronto Maple Leafs
Speaking of getting dealt a bad hand, nothing went right last year for the Maple Leafs after the Olympic break. All the speed and grit and determination from two years ago turned to frustration and, at some crucial junctures, lethargic performances on must-win game nights.
Picking up Jonathan Bernier before the season was the only bright spot for an otherwise muddled version of this classic team. So why do I have them in third place? Because I like what they did in the off-season, I like what they didn't do, and I like where the youth is heading and believe they will get back to form this year.
Again, this is just a guess. I honestly believe the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens could finish separated by a little as a point. When you get to that spot when you are trying predict a result you might as well be flipping a coin. This year I see the cards evening out somehow and the Maple Leafs will find themselves once again in the playoffs.
If you combined the best of the Habs and the best of the Leafs you would have a pretty unstoppable unit. I'd actually take more Leafs than Habs on that team. Getting back to reality, when I measure the strengths and weaknesses of the current Toronto and Montréal squads, I lean ever so slightly in favor of the Leafs edging out the Habs. Time will tell.
#2: Boston Bruins
The two best teams in the Eastern Conference Will finish first and second in the Atlantic Division. That is why part of me believes only three teams will make the playoffs in this division, and I know many will argue that two of the worst teams in the Eastern conference even that out a bit.
The problem with that thinking is Buffalo and Ottawa will still give their divisional rivals a battle every night. The Bruins are the one team in the East for whom it's virtually impossible to imagine a realistic scenario where they struggle to make the postseason.
So why second place? The Bruins know they peaked a little too early last year. The regular season really doesn't mean much to Boston. That won't stop them from competing and being among the class of the NHL. But it might cost them first place in this division where I believe the next team has a bigger chip on their shoulders and more to prove going into the regular season.
Once the playoffs hit, the Bruins Will be seeking their vengeance. This is a very scary team that could easily be in the Stanley Cup Finals.
#1: Tampa Bay Lightning
Sometimes a team find success too quickly. That has not been the case with the Lightning. This is a talented group that is been brought along the right way. And this is a group with ridiculous top flight talent. And this is a group that was embarrassed in last playoffs. All this plays into my believe that they will win this division and perhaps even the Presidents Trophy.
Steven Stamkos is a flat-out superstar who, if healthy all season, will pass 50 goals and possibly even 60. He has something to prove, and you don't want to be on the other side of whatever that is. He shares this desire with his teammates.
If the Lightning won a few playoff series last year they probably wouldn't have addressed their needs as well as they did this summer. Ultimately, it comes down to whether Ben Bishop's success last year was a fluke or the real deal, and I am a believer in Big Ben.
At the same time, there is so much talent and so much desire and such great coaching surrounding the squad that I can see them looking a lot like the Colorado Avalanche did last year. Speed kills. Youth and speed destroys.
Tomorrow I will preview the most difficult of all NHL divisions: The Metro Division.
Sitting here on October 6, it is really anyone's guess how the standings will play out. So here is my guess:
#8: Buffalo Sabres
Here's the thing about the Buffalo Sabres: There is a lot of talented youth on this team. There might just be too much high-upside talent for them to finish with the top overall pick. They’re a well coached bunch as well.
The immediate upside for the Sabres would be a sixth spot, and I know many Sabres fans don't see that as an upside. Not at all.
I just have a feeling that this team will get off to a better start than people are anticipating. I like Jhonas Enroth a lot. I have a feeling that Drew Stafford, playing once again for a contract, could surprise people. With Josh Gorges and Brian Gionta as veteran mentors, the youth of the Sabres is in great hands for the future.
Should this team get one of the top two picks in the 2015 NHL Draft, just you watch, people will have them in the playoffs next year. They may be right.
#7: Ottawa Senators
It is with great fear that I rank the Ottawa Senators in this position. Over the years, this team has often been counted counted out when they should have been counted in among the playoff teams.
The signing a Bobby Ryan is a huge step for this team in the right direction. Additionally, there is no denying the talent of some of the Sens younger players. Lastly, when you have one of the best defenseman in the world captaining your squad almost anything can happen.
Nevertheless, I don't see where the goals are going to come from apart from the top few players. Additionally, I really am not thinking that this team is going to win games because their goalie is going to steal games. That could happen -- it has happened in the past -- but to expect that out of this bunch in 2014-15 feels like a stretch to me.
#6 Florida Panthers
One thing we have come to expect out of Sunrise is that the current year's team will be nothing like the previous one. While that is true again this year, there are some very positive signs that point to the team having a formidable nucleus in place.
As for management, it is hard to bet against Dale Tallon and Gerard Gallant. Panthers fans can know for sure this team is in good hands and will eventually be good and competitive for a long stretch of time.
The Panthers made some of the best signings of the summer, bringing in players who compete and will enable them to be competitive against the tough teams in the Northeast like Boston or Montréal. You can be sure there's nothing Gerard Gallant would rather do than finish ahead of the Montréal Canadiens this year. Canadiens players last year to a man said how much they will miss him in the locker room and on the bench.
Ultimately, what separates Florida from Ottawa or Buffalo (besides about 40 degrees Fahrenheit) is the talents of Roberto Luongo. He still has what it takes to be elite, especially in a low-pressure atmosphere like Florida. With Luongo in goal, some very fast and effective young players and the character players that of been brought, the Panthers could surprise disbelievers and battle for a playoff spot.
#5: Detroit Red Wings
Yes, once again a hockey writer is going to tell you that this is the year the Red Wings are finally going to lose their incredible streak of consecutive playoff seasons. Yes, I have predicted it the last few years and been proven wrong each time. Ultimately, I am just going on a hunch here that the Wings will come up a bit short this time.
It's never a wise pick to bet against a team coached by Mike Babcock. He has a knack for making iffy depth greater than the sum of its parts and for taking elite talent and making it gel. Some coaches can do one or the other. He can do both.
Even so, my prediction is that Detroit misses the playoffs in 2014-15.
Here's the thing: the Red Wings have put together this long playoff streak because they have been able to re-tool on the fly year after year. That is an extremely commendable thing to be able to do. When the Steve Yzerman and Sergei Fedorov era Red Wings started to look old, along came Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg to step in and become superstars. The irreplaceable Nicklas Lidstrom finally retired and the Wings still managed to hold together. That's incredible.
Last year, the Red Wings saw another group of young players who appeared to be following in their footsteps. I like Tomas Tatar, Gustav Nyquist and Riley Sheahan. What's not to like about that quartet? But are they Dats or Zets or are they just off-line players? I like Danny Dekeyser but can be become the glue that holds the blueline together?
I don't really have the answer to those questions. Maybe the next superstar in Detroit is Anthony Mantha. Maybe they'll step up in combination. If that's the case, then the Red Wings could find themselves a few years away from re-emerging among the elite Cup contenders. For now, though, I think the playoff streak comes to an end.
#4: Montréal Canadiens
The most amazing thing about the team that has always been my second favorite NHL team is the fact they have a superstar goalie who is continuing to improve. Carey Price might be better now than he was last year. I really saw a change in his game following the Olympics. It was as if he suddenly believed his own press clippings but in a good way.
The one thing about Price that always bothered me was his own wavering self-confidence. We know how amazing a goalie this guy is. I have talk to players who have played with him and other great goalies and tell me there is no comparison. Price is the best there is.
The Habs also have one of the best defenseman in the NHL in PK Subban. If you don't think is one of the best for whatever reason, I challenge you to argue he is not at least one of the most exciting. However, beyond PK and the top of the lineup, there are still questions.
If those questions are answered by the team rallying and like last year finding ways to win than the Canadians finishing third in the playoffs. In my opinion they will be battling a team from the Metropolitan division to make the playoffs.
Michel Therien coaches from the hip. He is a gambler goes on instinct. Let year he got dealt a very good hand. To his credit, even when he didn't get dealt the best hand he managed to get production out of what seemingly was not too much on paper.
My fear is the cards could start evening up on this team. The reality is Carey Price, as long as he's healthy, makes any team a playoff contender, and should be Canadiens once again get into the playoffs, Price can take them as far as anyone.
#3: Toronto Maple Leafs
Speaking of getting dealt a bad hand, nothing went right last year for the Maple Leafs after the Olympic break. All the speed and grit and determination from two years ago turned to frustration and, at some crucial junctures, lethargic performances on must-win game nights.
Picking up Jonathan Bernier before the season was the only bright spot for an otherwise muddled version of this classic team. So why do I have them in third place? Because I like what they did in the off-season, I like what they didn't do, and I like where the youth is heading and believe they will get back to form this year.
Again, this is just a guess. I honestly believe the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens could finish separated by a little as a point. When you get to that spot when you are trying predict a result you might as well be flipping a coin. This year I see the cards evening out somehow and the Maple Leafs will find themselves once again in the playoffs.
If you combined the best of the Habs and the best of the Leafs you would have a pretty unstoppable unit. I'd actually take more Leafs than Habs on that team. Getting back to reality, when I measure the strengths and weaknesses of the current Toronto and Montréal squads, I lean ever so slightly in favor of the Leafs edging out the Habs. Time will tell.
#2: Boston Bruins
The two best teams in the Eastern Conference Will finish first and second in the Atlantic Division. That is why part of me believes only three teams will make the playoffs in this division, and I know many will argue that two of the worst teams in the Eastern conference even that out a bit.
The problem with that thinking is Buffalo and Ottawa will still give their divisional rivals a battle every night. The Bruins are the one team in the East for whom it's virtually impossible to imagine a realistic scenario where they struggle to make the postseason.
So why second place? The Bruins know they peaked a little too early last year. The regular season really doesn't mean much to Boston. That won't stop them from competing and being among the class of the NHL. But it might cost them first place in this division where I believe the next team has a bigger chip on their shoulders and more to prove going into the regular season.
Once the playoffs hit, the Bruins Will be seeking their vengeance. This is a very scary team that could easily be in the Stanley Cup Finals.
#1: Tampa Bay Lightning
Sometimes a team find success too quickly. That has not been the case with the Lightning. This is a talented group that is been brought along the right way. And this is a group with ridiculous top flight talent. And this is a group that was embarrassed in last playoffs. All this plays into my believe that they will win this division and perhaps even the Presidents Trophy.
Steven Stamkos is a flat-out superstar who, if healthy all season, will pass 50 goals and possibly even 60. He has something to prove, and you don't want to be on the other side of whatever that is. He shares this desire with his teammates.
If the Lightning won a few playoff series last year they probably wouldn't have addressed their needs as well as they did this summer. Ultimately, it comes down to whether Ben Bishop's success last year was a fluke or the real deal, and I am a believer in Big Ben.
At the same time, there is so much talent and so much desire and such great coaching surrounding the squad that I can see them looking a lot like the Colorado Avalanche did last year. Speed kills. Youth and speed destroys.
Tomorrow I will preview the most difficult of all NHL divisions: The Metro Division.
Last edited by dom; 10-06-2014 at 11:01 PM.
Sanest Florida Man
Trolling Canuckistan
I think I've figured I out. Wednesday October 8th will be an interesting day in the cosmos where a syzygy will occur bringing the moon, earth and sun into perfect 180 degree alignment. Those of us on the east coast will be able to witness a rare selenelion where an eclipsed moon sets in the west and the sun rises in the east simultaneously. As rare and technically impossible as this is happen it still not as rare as the leafs actually winning the cup.
Senior Moderator
Something like that.
Senior Moderator
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
iTrader: (6)
He's from Floriduh, they don't play hockey in Floriduh
The following users liked this post:
97BlackAckCL (10-08-2014)
Sanest Florida Man
Senior Moderator
Senior Moderator
black label...banned?
Did somebody get a hurt real bad...?
Did somebody get a hurt real bad...?