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Hockey: News and Discussion Thread
09-08-2015, 04:56 PM
I feel the need...
Oh and I just returned from the land of domcha and have never seen so many bandwagoneer blue jay fans evar. I swear every other person downtown was wearing jays gear from head to toe. Who knew Toronno was such a baseball town!?! 
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97BlackAckCL (09-09-2015)
09-08-2015, 06:09 PM
Senior Moderator
Go Expos!
09-09-2015, 11:32 AM
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
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iTrader: (6)
Doesn't surprise me though, domchaland is always looking for a wagon to jump on
09-09-2015, 11:55 AM
Senior Moderator
I follow the Jays closely, always have. But now I don't want to talk about them because so many others are.
Jays fans are smarter than Leaf fans I guess. they stop going when the team stinks.
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97BlackAckCL (09-09-2015)
09-09-2015, 11:57 AM
Senior Moderator
And fawkin Toronto media makes me sick. Since Stamkos has yet to sign his inevitable extension in Tampa, the Toronto media has jumped all over the Stamkos to Toronto train.
09-09-2015, 12:09 PM
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Stamkos to the maple waffles
09-09-2015, 12:34 PM
Senior Moderator
Anyone watching the World Cup presser?
09-09-2015, 12:54 PM
Senior Moderator
Team Finlandia to win...?
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97BlackAckCL (09-09-2015)
09-09-2015, 01:13 PM
Senior Moderator
I actually think the under 23 and Team Europe teams were a neat idea.
But McWaffle should be on the main roster.
And my god was that press conference ever terrible.
But McWaffle should be on the main roster.
And my god was that press conference ever terrible.
09-09-2015, 01:53 PM
Trolling Canuckistan
09-09-2015, 04:24 PM
Senior Moderator
Toews comments on the Pens and Kessel and calls it an "overdose of skill"...
I think so too...If Kessel and Malkin/Crosby develop some chemistry, it could be nuclear.
Phil Kessel with Crosby and Malkin could be ?an overdose of skill? | Toronto Star
I think so too...If Kessel and Malkin/Crosby develop some chemistry, it could be nuclear.
The hockey world knows Phil Kessel is a Pittsburgh Penguin. But it doesn’t know whether the former Maple Leaf sniper will play with Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.
That’s what training camp is for — and that’s what scares Jonathan Toews.
“Hopefully they can’t figure it out either,” Toews joked Tuesday. “If they do, then we’re all in trouble. That’s an overdose of skill, if Kessel ends up playing with one or the other.
“It’s pretty amazing what a pure sniper, pure goal-scorer could do with two guys that can move the puck and control the puck like Crosby and Malkin.”
About 40 of the game’s top stars are in Toronto this week for the NHL-NHLPA media tour, doing photo shoots and one-on-one interviews to promote the upcoming season and next year’s re-invented World Cup.
Kessel was not among the players invited, but Crosby and Malkin were, and both joked about how they wanted to be Kessel’s centre.
“Of course I want to play with Phil,” said Malkin, hinting he might “take my time” on a line change in order to steal some time with Kessel.
“I’m sure we’ll both end up playing with him at some point during training camp,” Crosby said. “Everybody is excited to have him as a teammate, to know with one chance in the slot he can change a game pretty quickly. Those guys aren’t easy to find. I think that regardless who plays with him, he’s going to create a lot of offence.”
The Kessel trade was one of the biggest moves of the off-season, with the Penguins getting a player in his prime from the Leafs for two draft picks, including a first-rounder, and two prospects (Kasperi Kapanen and Scott Harrington) in a six-player swap.
The trade had its roots in another poor season for the Leafs, who have been looking to deal veterans for draft picks and prospects as part of their rebuilding process.
“We knew after the year we had there was going to be some changes, and he was the guy that they decided to move,” said Kessel’s former teammate, James van Riemsdyk. “That’s how things go.
“But for him to go to a team like that, it seems like a good position for him. Not to put any more pressure on him, but I can see him having the highest goal total of his career.
“He landed in a good spot. It will be good for him.”
Crosby was excited that the message from GM Jim Rutherford was that he believes the Penguins can win
“We still believe in the guys that are still there,” Crosby said. “For Jim to send the message by adding some different guys and showing he believed in the core, it means a lot.
“Hopefully it’s something that will motivate us from the start, and make us understand we have to find a way to (win).”
That’s what training camp is for — and that’s what scares Jonathan Toews.
“Hopefully they can’t figure it out either,” Toews joked Tuesday. “If they do, then we’re all in trouble. That’s an overdose of skill, if Kessel ends up playing with one or the other.
“It’s pretty amazing what a pure sniper, pure goal-scorer could do with two guys that can move the puck and control the puck like Crosby and Malkin.”
About 40 of the game’s top stars are in Toronto this week for the NHL-NHLPA media tour, doing photo shoots and one-on-one interviews to promote the upcoming season and next year’s re-invented World Cup.
Kessel was not among the players invited, but Crosby and Malkin were, and both joked about how they wanted to be Kessel’s centre.
“Of course I want to play with Phil,” said Malkin, hinting he might “take my time” on a line change in order to steal some time with Kessel.
“I’m sure we’ll both end up playing with him at some point during training camp,” Crosby said. “Everybody is excited to have him as a teammate, to know with one chance in the slot he can change a game pretty quickly. Those guys aren’t easy to find. I think that regardless who plays with him, he’s going to create a lot of offence.”
The Kessel trade was one of the biggest moves of the off-season, with the Penguins getting a player in his prime from the Leafs for two draft picks, including a first-rounder, and two prospects (Kasperi Kapanen and Scott Harrington) in a six-player swap.
The trade had its roots in another poor season for the Leafs, who have been looking to deal veterans for draft picks and prospects as part of their rebuilding process.
“We knew after the year we had there was going to be some changes, and he was the guy that they decided to move,” said Kessel’s former teammate, James van Riemsdyk. “That’s how things go.
“But for him to go to a team like that, it seems like a good position for him. Not to put any more pressure on him, but I can see him having the highest goal total of his career.
“He landed in a good spot. It will be good for him.”
Crosby was excited that the message from GM Jim Rutherford was that he believes the Penguins can win
“We still believe in the guys that are still there,” Crosby said. “For Jim to send the message by adding some different guys and showing he believed in the core, it means a lot.
“Hopefully it’s something that will motivate us from the start, and make us understand we have to find a way to (win).”
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97BlackAckCL (09-10-2015)
09-09-2015, 07:08 PM
I feel the need...
09-09-2015, 07:09 PM
I feel the need...
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97BlackAckCL (09-10-2015)
09-09-2015, 07:12 PM
I feel the need...
I don't think anyone disputes those lines have the makings of offensive fireworks, but the $750 million dollar question in the burghs of pitt has been where is the lock down defense to lift another cup so Super Mario can cash out some chips.
09-09-2015, 07:49 PM
Senior Moderator
Kessel has way more talent and skill than Kunitz.
09-10-2015, 09:29 AM
Senior Moderator
Hey Fibs, when you getting your scale model of the new NSX?
Oh that's right never, because it vapourware.
Oh that's right never, because it vapourware.
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97BlackAckCL (09-10-2015)
09-10-2015, 10:47 AM
Senior Moderator
The NSX is like the Patriots and the NFL rulebook. Like Patrick Kane and the word "no". Like the Leaves and the Cup in modern-times:
Non-existent.
Non-existent.
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97BlackAckCL (09-10-2015),
dom (09-10-2015)
09-10-2015, 01:32 PM
Trolling Canuckistan
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97BlackAckCL (09-10-2015)
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97BlackAckCL (09-10-2015)
09-10-2015, 03:03 PM
I feel the need...
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97BlackAckCL (09-10-2015)
09-10-2015, 08:19 PM
Senior Moderator
Colour
Rumour
Cheque
Favour
Flavour
Grey
Honour
Labour
VAPOUR
Rumour
Cheque
Favour
Flavour
Grey
Honour
Labour
VAPOUR
09-11-2015, 11:24 AM
Ok guys seeking some advice for my fantasy hockey pool.
It's a keeper league (keep 4 forwards, 2 defensemen and 1 goalie). Categories are goals, short-handed goals, game-winning goals, assists, penalty minutes, goalie wins and shutouts.
Here are my keepers:
FORWARDS:Corey Perry, Jonathan Toews, Logan Couture, Evander Kane
DEFENSEMEN:Shea Weber, Kevin Shattenkirk
GOALIE: Ben Bishop
Our draft is tomorrow. Our league has 9 owners (we had 10 but one owner dropped out), and I have the 8th pick in the draft. There are 15 rounds, so each team will finish with 9F, 6D, 2G, and 5 bench players. I have a decent base for a competitive team, but not the best in my league (probably middle of the pack). Most of the stud players have been taken, but here are some stud players who will be available in the first couple of rounds:
FORWARDS: Stamkos, Nash, Kopitar, Voracek, Datsyuk, Hall, McDavid, Eichel
DEFENSE: Ekman-Larsson, Josi, Barrie, Kilngberg, Faulk
GOALIE: Rinne, Dubnyk, Bobrovsky
I'll get my hands on at least one of these guys when my turn comes around. I finshed 2nd in the pool last year and goaltending cost me the pool (I had Lethonen as my second goalie) so I'm tempted to draft a goalie with mt first pick, but if a star forward is available, do I take him first and hope to get a good goalie in the next round? Also should I draft younger guys in the hopes of building a strong team for years to come, or draft to win now?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
It's a keeper league (keep 4 forwards, 2 defensemen and 1 goalie). Categories are goals, short-handed goals, game-winning goals, assists, penalty minutes, goalie wins and shutouts.
Here are my keepers:
FORWARDS:Corey Perry, Jonathan Toews, Logan Couture, Evander Kane
DEFENSEMEN:Shea Weber, Kevin Shattenkirk
GOALIE: Ben Bishop
Our draft is tomorrow. Our league has 9 owners (we had 10 but one owner dropped out), and I have the 8th pick in the draft. There are 15 rounds, so each team will finish with 9F, 6D, 2G, and 5 bench players. I have a decent base for a competitive team, but not the best in my league (probably middle of the pack). Most of the stud players have been taken, but here are some stud players who will be available in the first couple of rounds:
FORWARDS: Stamkos, Nash, Kopitar, Voracek, Datsyuk, Hall, McDavid, Eichel
DEFENSE: Ekman-Larsson, Josi, Barrie, Kilngberg, Faulk
GOALIE: Rinne, Dubnyk, Bobrovsky
I'll get my hands on at least one of these guys when my turn comes around. I finshed 2nd in the pool last year and goaltending cost me the pool (I had Lethonen as my second goalie
) so I'm tempted to draft a goalie with mt first pick, but if a star forward is available, do I take him first and hope to get a good goalie in the next round? Also should I draft younger guys in the hopes of building a strong team for years to come, or draft to win now? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
09-11-2015, 11:37 AM
Senior Moderator
I would pick Rinne at 8. 
Late 1st round picks for me usually is a goalie. I'll go with a PPG type forward if I'm in the Top 5 picking...but, otherwise, I go with goalie.
Late 1st round picks for me usually is a goalie. I'll go with a PPG type forward if I'm in the Top 5 picking...but, otherwise, I go with goalie.
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M.I.N.O. (09-11-2015)
09-11-2015, 12:51 PM
There's a possibility that Rinne may not be available at #8, so would you take Dubnyk or Bobrovsky with that pick, or take a forward and hope they are still available in the 2nd round?
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M.I.N.O. (09-11-2015)
09-11-2015, 01:50 PM
I don't expect either of them to be available at the 8th pick. The hype is too huge around McDavid so he'll go early, and Stamkos...well because he's Stamkos
I might be lucky enough to get Hall or Kopitar at #8. I don't expect Nash or Voracek to fall to #8 either.
I might be lucky enough to get Hall or Kopitar at #8. I don't expect Nash or Voracek to fall to #8 either.
09-11-2015, 01:54 PM
Senior Moderator
Bob, yes. Dubnyk...he'd be a mid-late 2nd rounder if I passed on a goalie in the 1st round.
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M.I.N.O. (09-11-2015)
09-11-2015, 01:56 PM
Senior Moderator
09-11-2015, 02:01 PM
Senior Moderator
Hawks dump some salary by sending Versteeg and Nordstrom to the Canes for some prospects: Kris Versteeg traded to Carolina Hurricanes by Chicago Blackhawks in multiplayer trade - NHL.com - News
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97BlackAckCL (09-11-2015)
09-11-2015, 02:58 PM
Senior Moderator
Is that what, the 16th team Versteeg has played for?
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97BlackAckCL (09-14-2015)
09-11-2015, 02:59 PM
Senior Moderator
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97BlackAckCL (09-14-2015)
09-11-2015, 03:05 PM
Senior Moderator
I'm pegging Sid going over the century mark...
Stamkos, Seguin would not be far behind in the high 90s. And Phil the Thrill may be up there too. Everyone else is probably 80ish.
And honestly, it's all about the pacing and flow of a game for me. When you have 2 highly skilled teams trading chances or rushes, I don't need a goal to feel entertained. What's BORING is watching the old Devils' trap system...but, generally speaking, it's all about skill and speed these days.
I think the NHL is pretty entertaining. I don't need 12-9 games. There are some wildly entertaining 2-1 games IMO.
Then again, what do I know about hockey?
Stamkos, Seguin would not be far behind in the high 90s. And Phil the Thrill may be up there too. Everyone else is probably 80ish.
And honestly, it's all about the pacing and flow of a game for me. When you have 2 highly skilled teams trading chances or rushes, I don't need a goal to feel entertained. What's BORING is watching the old Devils' trap system...but, generally speaking, it's all about skill and speed these days.
I think the NHL is pretty entertaining. I don't need 12-9 games. There are some wildly entertaining 2-1 games IMO.
Then again, what do I know about hockey?
09-11-2015, 03:39 PM
Senior Moderator
Point
You
Its not about seeing 12-9 games. I watch sports to see the best players. To see greatness. Having them on the Ice more creates more exciting hockey and creates better chances/pace. You want to watch the skilled players, not the grinders. That goes for any sport. No one watches the NFL to see a lineman make a block. The off shoot to that is skilled players putting up more points because they're on the ice more. Not the team scoring more goals.
But IIRC, scoring was down again last year. And down dramatically since the last lock out.
You
Its not about seeing 12-9 games. I watch sports to see the best players. To see greatness. Having them on the Ice more creates more exciting hockey and creates better chances/pace. You want to watch the skilled players, not the grinders. That goes for any sport. No one watches the NFL to see a lineman make a block. The off shoot to that is skilled players putting up more points because they're on the ice more. Not the team scoring more goals.
But IIRC, scoring was down again last year. And down dramatically since the last lock out.
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97BlackAckCL (09-14-2015)
09-11-2015, 04:11 PM
Senior Moderator
Point
You
Its not about seeing 12-9 games. I watch sports to see the best players. To see greatness. Having them on the Ice more creates more exciting hockey and creates better chances/pace. You want to watch the skilled players, not the grinders. That goes for any sport. No one watches the NFL to see a lineman make a block. The off shoot to that is skilled players putting up more points because they're on the ice more. Not the team scoring more goals.
But IIRC, scoring was down again last year. And down dramatically since the last lock out.
You
Its not about seeing 12-9 games. I watch sports to see the best players. To see greatness. Having them on the Ice more creates more exciting hockey and creates better chances/pace. You want to watch the skilled players, not the grinders. That goes for any sport. No one watches the NFL to see a lineman make a block. The off shoot to that is skilled players putting up more points because they're on the ice more. Not the team scoring more goals.
But IIRC, scoring was down again last year. And down dramatically since the last lock out.
The fact that goons are phasing out for the "agitators" --players who can skate, score, punch occasionally -- should be indicative that the skill has gone up in the league. A good team rolls 4 skilled lines and each line has its purpose...the very entertaining teams have a great method of puck possession and are essentially playing keep-away which is very entertaining watching them cycle, move and clear pucks.
Again, I'm not trying to be difficult, but not sure what you are looking for. Based on your description, it'd almost seem like you should just watch the All-Star game (which I think sucks) and be happy?
09-12-2015, 07:55 AM
I feel the need...
Its not about seeing 12-9 games. I watch sports to see the best players. To see greatness. Having them on the Ice more creates more exciting hockey and creates better chances/pace. You want to watch the skilled players, not the grinders.
But IIRC, scoring was down again last year. And down dramatically since the last lock out.
But IIRC, scoring was down again last year. And down dramatically since the last lock out.
You can't equivocate NFL with the NHL as you can't dictate the pace of play in similar ways and you can't keep the other team's offense off the ice. And to echo Yummy's point that the only way to increase production of outliers (such as Stamkos, Crosby, Ovie) is to allow less contact and bigger ice. Do you really want to watch European hockey all the time.
That being said, to domcha's point about the NHL needing stars, absolutely true. To build the game and expand the audience the league needs to find a way to allow for a few more shots to find the net. My humble suggestion would be to expand the goal size an inch all the way around.
09-12-2015, 10:04 AM
My draft starts in 1 hour! Any last minute tips are appreciated!