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Hockey: News and Discussion Thread
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97BlackAckCL (06-13-2016)
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97BlackAckCL (06-13-2016)
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From: ShitsBurgh
It was refreshing to watch after so many years of careless east/west passes.
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Yumcha (06-13-2016)
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From: ShitsBurgh
What Will Phil Kessel Do On His Day With The Stanley Cup?
It’s tough to put a finger on exactly what the knock on Phil Kessel in Toronto was; it seemed to morph to fit whatever the Leafs’ deficiency was that week. Sometimes it was that he wasn’t a winner, sometimes he had a bad attitude. He wasn’t in shape, he didn’t make his teammates better, he wasn’t motivated. He ate a lot of hot dogs. Maybe, just maybe, the problem with Phil Kessel was that he was stuck on a shitty team.
The Conn Smythe argument is a tough one. Matt Murray came out of nowhere to backstop the Penguins to a title. Kris Letang played monster minutes against the toughest matchups and performed. Sidney Crosby, who got the MVP nod, constantly drove possession despite opponents throwing their best against him. But Kessel never stopped producing, leading Pittsburgh in goals and points this postseason, and coming a close third in assists. (Lambert’s got the Kessel argument, and it’s compelling.)
But individual trophies don’t really matter. Can’t win? Phil, our Phil, our big, sweet boy, got to lift the Stanley Cup (“it was way heavier than I thought it was going to be”) and will have his name forever inscribed upon it, and everyone will remember the role he played in getting the Penguins there.
Doesn’t make his teammates better? Since March there has been no line better than that of Kessel, Nick Bonino, and Carl Hagelin, the perfect combination of speed and smarts and scoring and even two-way play.Pittsburgh’s HBK Line, freed from the pressure and matchups of a top line, proved to be the Penguins’ best weapon.
Surly? Give us all a big hug, Phil.
In Toronto, Kessel was asked to do too much with too little, made too much money to be the best player on a bad team without feeling the wrath of the particularly harsh local media, and to a lesser extent impatient fans who needed someone to blame. He is, functionally, not that a different player in Pittsburgh: He is still big and fast and has one of the best shots in the game. But has certainly benefited from teammates who will pick up the slack, and because he’s a human being, he’s giving full effort when there’s something worth trying for. Everyone knew that getting him out of Toronto was the best thing for all involved. No one could have seen his vindication coming so quickly.
So that’s that: Pittsburgh made Phil Kessel better, and Kessel made the Penguins better. The only question that remains is what he will do when he gets the Stanley Cup for a day. Throw himself a one-man parade through the streets of Toronto? See how many delicious street hot dogs will fit in its bowl? Cuddle with it? Whatever he wants to do, it’s his; he’s a winner.
The Conn Smythe argument is a tough one. Matt Murray came out of nowhere to backstop the Penguins to a title. Kris Letang played monster minutes against the toughest matchups and performed. Sidney Crosby, who got the MVP nod, constantly drove possession despite opponents throwing their best against him. But Kessel never stopped producing, leading Pittsburgh in goals and points this postseason, and coming a close third in assists. (Lambert’s got the Kessel argument, and it’s compelling.)
But individual trophies don’t really matter. Can’t win? Phil, our Phil, our big, sweet boy, got to lift the Stanley Cup (“it was way heavier than I thought it was going to be”) and will have his name forever inscribed upon it, and everyone will remember the role he played in getting the Penguins there.
Doesn’t make his teammates better? Since March there has been no line better than that of Kessel, Nick Bonino, and Carl Hagelin, the perfect combination of speed and smarts and scoring and even two-way play.Pittsburgh’s HBK Line, freed from the pressure and matchups of a top line, proved to be the Penguins’ best weapon.
Surly? Give us all a big hug, Phil.
In Toronto, Kessel was asked to do too much with too little, made too much money to be the best player on a bad team without feeling the wrath of the particularly harsh local media, and to a lesser extent impatient fans who needed someone to blame. He is, functionally, not that a different player in Pittsburgh: He is still big and fast and has one of the best shots in the game. But has certainly benefited from teammates who will pick up the slack, and because he’s a human being, he’s giving full effort when there’s something worth trying for. Everyone knew that getting him out of Toronto was the best thing for all involved. No one could have seen his vindication coming so quickly.
“I mean, how can you ask for anything better than this?” said Kessel, beaming, with a glint of emotion in his eyes. “It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s special. A year ago you don’t think of this.”
The hot dog story was proven to be false, but this photoshop is so awesome
That Pens 3rd line was unstoppable. As they say, best 3rd lines usually win the Cup. Hawks' successful runs all featured some marquee names on the "3rd line": Vermette, Sharp, Ladd, and etc. Depth wins (not name-brand goalies anymore).
FWIW, I'm happy for Phil...to finally see him lift the Cup after all of that scorn and ridicule (much of it was unfair) was nice.
FWIW, I'm happy for Phil...to finally see him lift the Cup after all of that scorn and ridicule (much of it was unfair) was nice.
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97BlackAckCL (06-13-2016)
How does Mutha Fuzzin' Thrill get stiffed for Conn Smythe? WTF!!!
Just goes to show you the predominant liberal media bias for Canadian Cindy over the fat ugly American sniper who likes hot dogs and apple pie.
Just goes to show you the predominant liberal media bias for Canadian Cindy over the fat ugly American sniper who likes hot dogs and apple pie.
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I knew he wouldn't win but still feel he should of. Wasn't shocked at all when they said Crosby's name.
I never heard the hot dog part before even if it is untrue.
I never heard the hot dog part before even if it is untrue.
FWIW, it was a coin-toss for Phil vs. Sid. BUT, Sid won because he is still Sid and got ALL the match-ups...and still produced and played like a rabid dog. I have no problem with Sid winning it.
Phil did great because his LINE got away from most of the heavy-checking...which is why "best 3rd line wins" adage is true.
Phil did great because his LINE got away from most of the heavy-checking...which is why "best 3rd line wins" adage is true.
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97BlackAckCL (06-13-2016)
Although I did really want the Sharks to win, I gained a lot of respect for the Pens for the run they generated. Was happy to see kessel raise the cup. FWIW I thought Murray would've been a legit choice for Conn Smythe. Crosby played great and won every damn faceoff it seemed like
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97BlackAckCL (06-14-2016)
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97BlackAckCL (06-14-2016)
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From: ShitsBurgh
Trolling Canuckistan
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IMO Bryan Rust was the real MVP, that dude came up clutch many times scored as many goals as Cindy in half as many shifts and shot fucking 20% through the playoffs and was a +7 to Cindy's -2. All of Rust's goals were even strength, half of Crosby's were on the powerplay.
If the Canadian media can't have there golden boy upstaged by a superstar from Wisconsin they certainly can't have him upstaged by a nobody from Michigan.
If the Canadian media can't have there golden boy upstaged by a superstar from Wisconsin they certainly can't have him upstaged by a nobody from Michigan.
Oilers will pick up Steve stamkos, along with a half dozen "tier 1" defencemen, along with Patrick Kane, Sidney Crosby, Malkin, Thornton, etc...
and they will still come in 30th place and effectively ruin everyone's career.
and they will still come in 30th place and effectively ruin everyone's career.
Dafuq?!?
I've honestly stopped caring. I'll let those back end idiots do whatever the hell they want.
Im starting to think there's another behind all of this- I think the owner, Katz, wants to get the oilers out of here and send them anywhere else. As such, he's making them tank the team so that people stop buying tickets so that he can justify moving them. Problem is, you can have an entire team made out of deaf, blind and dumb midgets, high on meth, and the place would still sell out game after game, even if they lost 96-0. Oh, the fans would boo and be posed off- but they'll continue buying every seat out in the arena.
Im starting to think there's another behind all of this- I think the owner, Katz, wants to get the oilers out of here and send them anywhere else. As such, he's making them tank the team so that people stop buying tickets so that he can justify moving them. Problem is, you can have an entire team made out of deaf, blind and dumb midgets, high on meth, and the place would still sell out game after game, even if they lost 96-0. Oh, the fans would boo and be posed off- but they'll continue buying every seat out in the arena.
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From: ShitsBurgh
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From: ShitsBurgh
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97BlackAckCL (06-15-2016)
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97BlackAckCL (06-15-2016)
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From: ShitsBurgh
Couple pics from the parade, my buddy and girlfriend were there :jealous: gf was on the same corner that I was on in 09 for the parade and didn't even know it!
FullSizeRender_zpsnlzfqqbx.jpg
IMG_6396_zpsvremtmuz.jpg
I watched it on TV at lunch, listening to the speeches right now...
My buddy took this from his office, that's Sid and the cup down the street from where my gf was
FullSizeRender_2_zpsajpknomq.jpg
And this one was from the Pens Snapchat page I believe, this is right when Sid and the cup turned onto the parade route
FB_IMG_1466011213633_zpsa4ibvuli.jpg
FullSizeRender_zpsnlzfqqbx.jpg
IMG_6396_zpsvremtmuz.jpg
I watched it on TV at lunch, listening to the speeches right now...
My buddy took this from his office, that's Sid and the cup down the street from where my gf was
FullSizeRender_2_zpsajpknomq.jpg
And this one was from the Pens Snapchat page I believe, this is right when Sid and the cup turned onto the parade route
FB_IMG_1466011213633_zpsa4ibvuli.jpg
FWIW, this is the price to get rid of salary now. Bickell is a pricey winger who can't offer much after that nice run in the playoffs a few years ago...so, Hawks had to unload a good prospect in order for Carolina to take on salary. Getting some draft picks back isn't terrible since well, in this cap era, picks are valuable.
WHUT?!?? POO didn't know?!?!?!?? BUT, HE KNOWS ALL TRADES!!!
FWIW, this is the price to get rid of salary now. Bickell is a pricey winger who can't offer much after that nice run in the playoffs a few years ago...so, Hawks had to unload a good prospect in order for Carolina to take on salary. Getting some draft picks back isn't terrible since well, in this cap era, picks are valuable.
FWIW, this is the price to get rid of salary now. Bickell is a pricey winger who can't offer much after that nice run in the playoffs a few years ago...so, Hawks had to unload a good prospect in order for Carolina to take on salary. Getting some draft picks back isn't terrible since well, in this cap era, picks are valuable.
Last edited by kurtatx; 06-16-2016 at 11:48 PM.
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97BlackAckCL (06-17-2016)
FWIW, Coach Q LOVES Shaw...called him irreplaceable. I personally like what Shaw brings to the team...but, yeah...Panarin should be a priority. And I don't expect him to be cheap. Hawks will need to shed more salary. The cap likely is not moving much.
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From: ShitsBurgh
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From: ShitsBurgh
Since Domcha hasn't stopped by to congratulate Phil yet, I'll post some more pics
FB_IMG_1466029807380_zps5hbtrdcd.jpg
FB_IMG_1466180499125_zpsipfcy82y.jpg
Both of Kessel's linemates spoke at the end of the parade stating what an honor it was to play with Phil, Phil didn't speak, but this speaks plenty
FB_IMG_1466023304116_zps9c7jdofs.jpg
Also, the Leafs updated their team photo...
FB_IMG_1466027537155_zpssvmwkpjb.jpg
FB_IMG_1466029807380_zps5hbtrdcd.jpg
FB_IMG_1466180499125_zpsipfcy82y.jpg
Both of Kessel's linemates spoke at the end of the parade stating what an honor it was to play with Phil, Phil didn't speak, but this speaks plenty
FB_IMG_1466023304116_zps9c7jdofs.jpg
Also, the Leafs updated their team photo...
FB_IMG_1466027537155_zpssvmwkpjb.jpg
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From: ShitsBurgh
Oh, and srika since you asked about the cup, it stopped by the US Open golf tournament yesterday
FB_IMG_1466180441283_zpsmzesz5bl.jpg
FB_IMG_1466180441283_zpsmzesz5bl.jpg