NHL '13-'14 Season Thread

[Porch Dweller]

Lost a lot of respect for Lucic tonight. Handshakes is not the place for tough talk. :2

:tpd:

At the very least he could have taken a page out of Dino Ciccarelli's book:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P66fiwPUUj0

[Ahbroody]

Think we all should be happy he didnt start attacking peoples balls in the handshake line. He cleary has a fixation with hitting other dudes junk lately. Suprised dudes didnt use one hand to covee nuts in handshake line with him.

http://youtu.be/0nssGVSiNYU
http://youtu.be/Ioq2gp2pJu4

[yourchoice]

History proves Lucic is a DB. Hard to lose respect for a guy you have so little respect for in the first place. :2

[E.J.]

Surprised ML hasn't come out with an apology yet, almost worse. Don't junk with the history of the game, DB move.

[icehog3]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFTJXZ4f5JA

[E.J.]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFTJXZ4f5JA

That's classic! Fine job, Tom!

[Porch Dweller]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cftjxz4f5ja

lmao!!!

[E.J.]

Word is the Pens have started cleaning house. Out go Shero and Bylsma

[Ahbroody]

Wilson went on record saying Boyle will not get a contract extension and Havlats 5 million per season bust of a contract will be bought out. They need to take that 11 million and land 1 big fish and a solid medium fish. That said cant see anyone really excited to come here given all the flame outs unless they only want a check. We have enough of those already. Burns will be returning to the blue line so hopefully that means Hannan is gone guy is brutal to watch these days. Wilson even commented on how they needed to ice a much better product as the fan base has become jaded and there have been some very vocal season ticket holders have gone on record saying they are not renewing

[Malakai]

Here we go... Kings vs Hawks. Now to get to a game!

[Ahbroody]

Hawks in 6

[E.J.]

Sounds like Carey Price is out the rest of the ECF.... Terrible news for the Habs...

[CRIMPS]

'Hawks look pretty stinkin' good.

[CdnStogie]

Glad to see them take back a game on Ranger turf. Will give them some solid confidence against Lundqvist.

Torkarski played a hell of a game yesterday as well - will be a great up and coming goalie - and for this series... He seemed much more comfortable for his second game.

[icehog3]

Stepan's jaw is broken from the Prust hit. Prust and Carcillo likely facing suspensions, there goes the goon game. ;)

[AdamJoshua]

Oh please, this is the problem with what seems to be Montreal getting away with numerous cheap shots, elbows and forearms that land up high during games. This has been happening in every series and when you don't call them the players try to take things into their own hands and as we all know, it's the retaliation that gets called.

You have to admit that was a crappy 'hit' on Stepan and it was a joke they didn't call that, but then again it was the frogs and for whatever reason they seem to get away with more than most.

[E.J.]

Chicago looks lost and frustrated. Tonight, Kings jumped on them early, but kept pressure on. Kane has been invisible...

[icehog3]

Next time just give a paper cut and pour lemon juice on it. ;) :r

[E.J.]

Tom, I was talking tonight, with a Chicago fan, who was feet planted that Daughty would be 3rd line D on Chicago. Not even going to go into the Kopitar talk...

[icehog3]

Your friend is crazy, E.J., though I wouldn't give up Keith or Seabrook for DD. And Kopitar is one of the best 4 or 5 two-way centers in the league.

That being said, I wish both of them would pull a groin practicig today. :r

[nutcracker]

Whoa - well that was the most bizarre game I've seen. The Habs and Rangers no longer on friendly terms!
Wow. 7-4 ???????

[Porch Dweller]

Whoa - well that was the most bizarre game I've seen. The Habs and Rangers no longer on friendly terms!
Wow. 7-4 ???????

Yeah, during the second period I didn't want to blink for fear of missing a goal or two. :D

[CdnStogie]

Whoa - well that was the most bizarre game I've seen. The Habs and Rangers no longer on friendly terms!
Wow. 7-4 ???????

Should make for a great game 6

[icehog3]

Headed to the United Center tonight, hoping the Hawks can follow the Habs' lead.

[Ahbroody]

Me and the boy are pulling for the Hawks.

[icehog3]

Thanks Mike. :)

[icehog3]

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/Zeus1_zps107ab3bb.png (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/icehog3/media/Zeus1_zps107ab3bb.png.html)

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/Zeus4_zps5e05266d.png (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/icehog3/media/Zeus4_zps5e05266d.png.html)

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/Zeus2_zpsc3538b1e.png (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/icehog3/media/Zeus2_zpsc3538b1e.png.html)

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/Zeus3_zps243bbf8c.png (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/icehog3/media/Zeus3_zps243bbf8c.png.html)

[nutcracker]

Whew

[yourchoice]

Great game for you to go to, Tom!

Every time I turn my head in this series an ex-Flyer is being discussed. :r

[CdnStogie]

Excellent work by the Hawks. They played like they needed the win, though a couple softies were let in... Good thing the team was there to help out.

Hopefully they keep it up.

[CRIMPS]

What a game. That was really fun to watch.

[icehog3]

Great game for you to go to, Tom!

Every time I turn my head in this series an ex-Flyer is being discussed. :r

As long as Zeus was the last one they discussed, Joel! :D

[nutcracker]

King Hendrik finds his game again. Knocking bouncing puck out of the air....
Can't wait to see how the West shakes out

[Partagaspete]

King Hendrik finds his game again. Knocking bouncing puck out of the air....
Can't wait to see how the West shakes out

I love him but HATE! the Ragskirts DAGNABIT!!!!!

Great performance by the King.

LGI

So in this case Lets go Kings/Hawks!

[CRIMPS]

I was pulling for Brad Richards. I really enjoy his game.

It would be fun to see the Hawks pull off this series, now.

[icehog3]

Let's Go Blackhawks!

[icehog3]

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/KaneLA_zps4f2eafa0.png (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/icehog3/media/KaneLA_zps4f2eafa0.png.html)

[dijit]

Hell Yeah Hawks force it back to Chicago for game 7! GO HAWKS

[Porch Dweller]

I'm not a Hawks fan but man they're fun to watch.

[yourchoice]

As long as Zeus was the last one they discussed, Joel! :D

Why not Patrick Sharp, Tom? :r Heck of a game for him, so far.

[MarkinAZ]

Kings and Blackhawks tied up at 4 a piece, and going into overtime:D

[Porch Dweller]

Let me be the first to say "Go Rangers!"

[E.J.]

Let me be the first to say, GO KINGS!


Tough to see anyone lose that series....man that was good...

[The Poet]

Let's Go Blackhawks!

You got your wish, brother . . . they went. :D

[icehog3]

Congrat to the Kings, they refused to lose.

I'll be rooting for whomever The Poet is rooting against. ;) :r

[mk05]

Reminded me of this for some reason. Always next season Tom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GU6D3oSAug

[CRIMPS]

Kings v. Hawks was pretty fun to watch. The goaltending? Not so much....

New York vs. Los Angeles. Puke.

[CRIMPS]

Ratings for the Kings/Hawks game 7:

Chicago : 22.7
LA: 4.8

[The Poet]

I'll be rooting for whomever The Poet is rooting against. ;) :r

Fair enough, brother . . . but the Macon Whoopees ain't in it. :D

[icehog3]

Have good friends who are Rangers fans and good friends who are Kings fans.

Reasons I wouldn't mind the Rangers winning: Martin St. Louis, Johnny Moore

Reasons I wouldn't mind the Kings winning: Marian Gaborik, Darryl Sutter

Reasons I would hate the Rangers winning: Alain Vigneault

Reasons I would hate the Kings winning: Drew Doughty, Slava Voynov, Willie Mitchell, Jake Muzzin, Justin Williams and his cowardly lion hairdo. ;)

[Ahbroody]

First time in a long time just not excited about the finals. Not pulling for either team.

[icehog3]

I'm pulling for the Rangers because I hate Drew Doughty even more than I hate Alain Vigneault :r

[Porch Dweller]

I'm pulling for the Rangers because I hate Drew Doughty even more than I hate Alain Vigneault :r

Reminds me of a line from the movie Lone Star: "Yeah, it's always heartwarming to see a prejudice defeated by a deeper prejudice."

:D

[icehog3]

Reminds me of a line from the movie Lone Star: "Yeah, it's always heartwarming to see a prejudice defeated by a deeper prejudice."

:D

I can live with that, James. :r

[E.J.]

Great game..... Only disappointment is the knowledge that I only get 6 more, at best, until a 4 month break.

[CdnStogie]

Great game..... Only disappointment is the knowledge that I only get 6 more, at best, until a 4 month break.

Lol... Yeah - Im with you - dont care about this series at all... Just tell me who wins at the end of it and i'll be content.

[icehog3]

Stupid sexy Justin Williams..... :mad:

[CRIMPS]

Stupid sexy Justin Williams..... :mad:

I'm pulling for team Brad Richards. I think he is the one that sparkles when he is in the sun.

[icehog3]

Have you ever seen them in the same place in NYC? I'm just sayin'....

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/boyle_zps09ca6e8e.png (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/icehog3/media/boyle_zps09ca6e8e.png.html)

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/boyle2_zps950db094.png (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/icehog3/media/boyle2_zps950db094.png.html)

[icehog3]

Even stranger yet!

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/boyle3_zpsf07280a9.png (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/icehog3/media/boyle3_zpsf07280a9.png.html)

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/boyle4_zps7ad696d0.png (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/icehog3/media/boyle4_zps7ad696d0.png.html)

[Ahbroody]

Awesome game. Right up till that last goal. Then it sucked.

[icehog3]

Awesome game. Right up till that last goal. Then it sucked.

Stupid Sucky Williams. :mad:

[Stogeyfish]

:tu

[icehog3]

Stupid Sucky Williams. :mad:

:tu

At last we agree, Donald! :D

[Stogeyfish]

At last we agree, Donald! :D


Not quite. :r

[icehog3]

Not quite. :r

Well, I know we don't agree on who should be in the Finals, but at least we both agree that Justin Williams sucks! :D :tu

[icehog3]

Second straight two goal comeback win for the Kings....looking more and more like it's going to be their year (again).

[Ahbroody]

I dont think the NHL could ask for a better series and they can play up the East Coast vs West Coast deal.

[Porch Dweller]

Stick a fork in the Rangers.

[MarkinAZ]

Stick a fork in the Rangers.

I'm sure the Rangers can win the next 4 games straight James:rolleyes:

[icehog3]

Stick a fork in the Rangers.

The Rangers may be done, but I would much rather stick a (pitch)fork in Drew Doughty's smug little face. ;)

[Porch Dweller]

I'm sure the Rangers can win the next 4 games straight James:rolleyes:

Oh, it CAN be done. But it ain't happening this year.

[drjammer]

The Rangers may be done, but I would much rather stick a (pitch)fork in Drew Doughty's smug little face. ;)

:r I am with you Tom!

[E.J.]

Funny, Doughty really seems to rub people the wrong way.... Flip side, I really like the kid.

Looks like Trevor Lewis will be bringing the Cup back to SLC this Summer!

[icehog3]

I recognize that Doughty is a great offensive defenseman. I still want to smash his grapes. :r

[MarkinAZ]

I recognize that Doughty is a great offensive defenseman. I still want to smash his grapes. :r

:D...Tom, a little more time on the shotgun range;)

[icehog3]

:D...Tom, a little more time on the shotgun range;)

Will Drew be downrange?? :D

[E.J.]

Kings to close out and raise the Cup tonight....

[CRIMPS]

Kings to close out and raise the Cup tonight....

Yep. Hockey ends tonight :(

[icehog3]

Ranger Pride will make L.A. take it in 5.



OK, sounded good. :lr

[Chainsaw13]

Ranger Pride will make L.A. take it in 5.



OK, sounded good. :lr

If NBC and Bettman have their way, there'll be a game 5. Can't pass up the revenue of a Saturday afternoon game.

[CRIMPS]

If NBC and Bettman have their way, there'll be a game 5. Can't pass up the revenue of a Saturday afternoon game.

Everyone loves a good conspiracy. :r

[nutcracker]

Everyone loves a good conspiracy. :r

Of course there's a game 5! Even LA wants a game 5 - pack the arena and bars in LA on a Saturday or close out the cup with a whimper in the middle of the week???

Only question is would pro athletes even let that into their psych? Doubt it. Not if they're worth their salt they won't.

[nutcracker]

There was of course this guy from my country of origin:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hansie_Cronje

[nutcracker]

Tonight King Hendrik got some help from sticky goal lines! (And Some sneaky hand work from his players)

[E.J.]

What a great game..... Can't wait for Friday!

[Ahbroody]

What a great game..... Can't wait for Friday!

:tpd: There really isnt any post season as good as the NHL and this series has provided so much in the way of edge of seat moments.

[icehog3]

Ranger Pride! :D

[AdamJoshua]

Rangers never should have been in the finals.


Possible Brad Marchand-Patrick Marleau trade in the works.

http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2014/06/is_a_brad_marchand-patrick_marleau_deal_in_the_works.html?p1=Topopage :Carousel_sub_headline

*disclaimer- Chiarelli said there is nothing at all too it and it's rumors in social media, so this will probably happen. :r

[icehog3]

Marleau has some years on him, be a good trade for the Sharks.

Boston should have been in the Finals, then we could watch Lucic punch out Drew Doughty in the handshakes after the Kings won the Cup. :lr

[E.J.]

Boston should have been in the Finals, then we could watch Lucic punch out Drew Doughty in the handshakes after the Kings won the Cup. :lr

:r:r:r





Just 7.25 more hours until game time! Think I'll smoke something nice while I wait....

[Ahbroody]

Rangers never should have been in the finals.


Possible Brad Marchand-Patrick Marleau trade in the works.

http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2014/06/is_a_brad_marchand-patrick_marleau_deal_in_the_works.html?p1=Topopage :Carousel_sub_headline

*disclaimer- Chiarelli said there is nothing at all too it and it's rumors in social media, so this will probably happen. :r

I cant see this happening. Patty has turned into a Cali guy and his wifes family is in SoCal. About the only place I can see him taking a trade would be to the Kings or Ducks. Also Marleau would not fit into the bruins style of play

[Ahbroody]

Marleau has some years on him, be a good trade for the Sharks.

Boston should have been in the Finals, then we could watch Lucic punch Drew Doughty in the balls during the handshakes after the Kings won the Cup. :lr

Fixed it for you.

[Bruins Fan]

That rumor was started by some scrub reporter...and already shot down by Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli.

[icehog3]

That rumor was started by some scrub reporter...and already shot down by Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli.

And then Lucic threatened to kill the rumor. :)

[MarkinAZ]

Heck of a game going on right now:tu

[MarkinAZ]

Great 1st OT by both teams. Some of those players gotta be reaching for the O2 mask right now. Nice 1 on 1 save by Quick near the end of OT...

[Malakai]

Nice back and forth battle

[Malakai]

Go Kings Go!!!

[AdamJoshua]

No no that isn't right, not their fault.

Another good series by the Kings when it counted.

[nutcracker]

Would ave liked one more game at least.....
It was chicago's to take - too bad they faded, but the Kings did play some big games!

Oh well, pre-season again in October!

[yourchoice]

Rangers never should have been in the finals.

You're right, should have been the Flyers. ;)

Great run for the Kings. Deserved SC Champs. Congrats to their fans.

[drjammer]

Congrats to the Kings and their fans!

[AdamJoshua]

Congrats to the Kings and their fans!

I don't know if I've ever seen a Kings jersey down in SD. ... i guess they don't travel well. :r

[CRIMPS]

That was quite the entertaining game and series. Well done, Kings.

[Stogeyfish]

Go Kings Go!!!

:tu :D

[icehog3]

Congrats to Donald and all the Kings Fans. :)

Congrats to Coach Sutter, to Justin Williams on a deserved Conn Smythe, and to Marion Gaborik on his first Cup.

Oh yeah, and f*** Drew Doughty. :r

[CRIMPS]

Congrats to Hasek, Blake, Modano, and Forsberg. The frontpage of this article is rather comical for Dallas Stars fans.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bq5BVV7CMAEW7PC.jpg

[icehog3]

Very deserving group, and Pat Burns as well.

Modano, "former Red Wing"?.....that's rich. :r

[CRIMPS]

Pretty fun start to the FA period.

Spezza to Dallas for Chiasson, others, plus 2nd rnd pick. Really happy with this. I enjoyed Chiasson's antics 5 feet from the net, but we needed more.

Stastny to St. Louis was next, I believe. St. Louis gets better.

Bolland to Florida.

Niskanen is probably next.

Ryan Miller to Vancouver.

Just heard Hemsky to Dallas as well??? Wow. Jim Nill is awesome.

[357]

Jim Nill IS awesome. BTW, that front page is the Detroit Free Press aka the Freep. That's why the Madano tie to the Wings given his single season here. Not that it's how I would have written it but that's the rub.

[E.J.]

7M a year for Stastny?

[icehog3]

Stasny to St Louis makes the Blues better.

Avs lose Stasny and Parenteau, get Briere and Iginla....I think it's a wash at best.

And obviusoly Kesler to the Ducks last wee.

I think the Blues and Anaheim just got tougher for the Hawks and Avs in '14-'15. :2

[E.J.]

Yes, I think Stastny gives the Blues offense, which they need. He is a 2 way player that will grind, I wish the Avs could have found a way to bring him back.....but at less than he was making last year, not with a raise.

I am A BIG Pauly Walnuts fan, but he was overpaid at 6M. Paying 7M a year for him does not seem reasonable.

Iginla is going to be good for that young locker room....hope he finds fountain of youth, not a spring chicken.

Need to get O'Reilly locked up long term. I fear with their continuing to butt heads, when he can, he'll bolt. He's a cat that deserves to get paid.

[drjammer]

I liked Pauly as well but 7m a year, the Blues can have him :2.

[CRIMPS]

The craziest signing, IMHO, is the Niskanen contract, at 7yrs and ~$40MM. Have fun with that, Washington.

The chances of that working out aren't high. He had one good year, after many very lukewarm seasons.

[357]

I know I'm going to get cheapshots galore but, what invisible plague have the Wings contracted?

I get they are not the same HHOF studded roster they used to have but they get snubbed by 2nd level FA year in and year out for 5+ seasons.

I hear a lot of players don't like Babcock but I also head how just about every Canadian team would cut off an owner's teste to get him. :sh

[icehog3]

Maybe the Wings still prefer to grow their own, and snag guys from Europe, rather than go the UFA route? I haven't heard of any big money UFAs snubbing them, Mike.

[357]

This contains the details.

http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/news/sports/story.html?id=13970b21-68f7-41d1-a0de-60b1702f1b09

A few snippets...


Remember when July 1 wasn't just Canada Day, it was Detroit's day?

No team rocked the Kasbah on the annual launch of NHL free agency like the Red Wings. Suitors lined up to sign on the dotted line.

Tuesday, as the free agent period opened, the only sound around Joe Louis Arena was crickets.

...


Christian Ehrhoff could have gotten two years and $8 million, but instead signed for one-year and $4 million from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

"My first priority was to be on a good team," Ehrhoff told TSN.

That's got to sting just a little bit, don't you think?

Dan Boyle picked the bright lights of Broadway over Hockeytown for $3.5 million less than the Wings put forth.

The Wings offered Matt Niskanen seven years and $42 million. He chose seven years, $40.25 million from the Washington Capitals.

Just like that, the Wings were the Austin Jackson of free agency - three swings, three misses, go grab some bench - further evidence that Detroit is no longer a destination NHL players covet.

Second-tier defenders also spurned Detroit.

Tom Gilbert already had the offer he accepted from Montreal by the time the Wings called.

Stephane Robidas, saying he wanted to be closer to family, spurned the Wings to take a similar offer from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Wings weren't willing to give Anton Stralman the fiveyear term he received from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Left standing at the altar again and again. It's a trend that is becoming a recurring theme for the Wings.

Remember the spring of 2012, when Zach Parise and Ryan Suter were the prize UFAs? Flying to Suter's Wisconsin home on owner Mike Ilitch's private jet, GM Ken Holland and Wisconsin grad Chris Chelios did the wooing.

They boarded the return flight certain they had their man.

But Suter signed with the Minnesota Wild.

[357]

Worst of all...

At the end of the day, Detroit's only moves were to keep free-agent defenceman Kyle Quincey, a guy they'd hoped to jettison at the start of the day, for two years and $8.5 million, more than Ehrhoff got from the Penguins.

And another gem
Clearly, there's an image problem afoot for the Wings.

They skate in one of the NHL's most ancient facilities. The view most outsiders have of Detroit is the bleak one presented on the nightly news. They are coached by a demanding, micromanaging taskmaster in Mike Babcock and that's not a quality many of today's pampered athletes seek in their bench boss. Post-season participants for a league-best 23 straight springs, the Wings aren't winning when it matters most - one playoff series triumph in three years, five straight springs absent from the conference finals, their longest drought since 1989-94.

[icehog3]

So they should build a new arena and fire Babcock?

[357]

Not what I'm saying. I keep hearing Toronto would sell their building to buy Babcock if they could. I think he really pushes players, which is a good thing. Also, they are building a new arena but we're a couple years out. I'm just wondering if any of you might know what's going around the NHL watercooler. Clearly Ken Holland doesn't know, the Wings were shocked yesterday. They got denied by everyone they talked to and settled for Quincy who they wanted to jettison. Holland even said as much publicly.

People are just throwing out ideas of why no FA want to come here. I get Detroit itself has a stigma but it has for decades. Something in the past 4-5 years changed.

Honestly I feel the Wings could contend if they were able to add a legit top 3 D-man and maybe a 5/6 D-man. The young forwards with a healthy veteran core should be able to get past the first round if they have some help on the blueline. But, we couldn't even sniff a 1st or 2nd tier FA before they went elsewhere. I just wonder if there's a single reason or if this is a combination effect and unbelievebly bad luck.

[icehog3]

That have some great young forwards in Jurco, Nyquist, Tatar and Helm. But there stars are quickly coming to the end of the line...Zetterberg, Franzen and Datysuk seem to spend more and more time on the IR, Alfredsson, Cleary, Bertuzzi....color them done. Couple good young D-men with Danny DeKeyser and Brendan Smith. Seems to be a good core even with the stars playing less games, so there must be something that isn't being disclosed publicly as to why players are avoiding Motown.

[357]

That's exactly what I'm getting at. I love the young forwards you mentioned along with a couple others. Obviously their starts Dats and Z are old. Kronwall is very good but older. Not as old as Pav/Z. DeKeyser and Smith are good young D-men. We just need a couple more solid D-men. Heck I'd like another forward but I'm not trying to be picky. It just seems to be too much to be a coincidence.

[Ahbroody]

I have been saying for years the salary cap would be the end of Detroits reign and free agents would go else where. As much as Wings fans wont want to face facts back in the day they could pay to get the remaining pieces every year or so to be a cup contender. Those days are gone. The wings last cup was 07-08 and that season the cup had not fully taken afffect as teams could still be over the cap on existing contracts. When 09 came around and every year since nobody comes. Players today dont care about history. Players care about (money as is obvious with the Sharks heartless stars) and winning a title.

Puck daddy just put out an article on the Wings and why no one wants to come. I would just like to say I have been saying this in the nhl thread for at least 3 years. A search of my posts will prove this. The salary cap killed the Yankees errrrr Red Wings. Most fans around the league couldnt be happier to watch this either. Tough for this Sharks fan to gloat to much having a bunch of gutless chokers over here and a team known for under achieving and embarrassing playoff performances

[357]

I understand the cap has created more parity in the league and that the Wings are not the Yankees anymore. However, during the CBA stuff, the salaries were reduced across the board by something like 20% and the Wings have been under the cap since it existed. There was no grandfathered anything. The instant reduction took care of that.

What I don't get is why teams that aren't even in the playoffs, nor are they likely to be in the near future, land better FAs. I understand that great history and $1.00 will get you a cup of coffee. It just seems somehow the Wings are tainted and FAs are avoiding us like the plague. They had to settle for Quincy at 2 years for $8.5 million? Horrible. Absolutely horrible.

3-4 years ago the exuse (for lack of FA signings) was the core is old and no young talent coming up. Now we have good young players on O and D. Yet, no dice. I think Ian White is the biggest name we've signed since Hossa; not counting Alfredson since he's 40. It's frustrating because I feel they aren't that far away. 1 top 4 d-man and one more just to fill out the top 6 and they'd be in a good spot. Assuming they are healthy of course.

[357]

Not saying odds on favorite, but a contender rather than fighting for a 7/8 seed.

[CRIMPS]

There are a number of things going against the Wings, many of which you documented. Part of the Wing's issues, though, may simply be cyclical. With the CBA, teams will go through more of a cycle with their aging players/contracts.

[357]

Good point Zach. I'm used to having my cake and eating it too with them. Similar to how the Michigan Wolverines never had a down year for 3 decades. I mean, a very "down year" was 8-4 and a bowl appearance. I guess I'm spoiled a bit.

[icehog3]

Good point Zach. I'm used to having my cake and eating it too with them. Similar to how the Michigan Wolverines never had a down year for 3 decades. I mean, a very "down year" was 8-4 and a bowl appearance. I guess I'm spoiled a bit.

Until football season starts. ;)

[dvickery]

edmonton has always had problems signing ufa's ... they end up having to offer more $$$ and longer contracts .

partly due to a "non winning" culture ... but (i believe) a lot has to do with location . edmonton is "northerly" and a smallish city .

perhaps this can also be used to explain why detroit is snubbed also ... northern local and no stanley cup runs in the forseeable future .

if someone gave me the choix ... live in detroit or tampa ???

derrek

[E.J.]

Leads us to this, 5M contract, what city do you play in?

Since I do not know tax rates at each NHL city & you are being taxed on the road anyway...bla, bla, bla...don't figure that in.

[icehog3]

Blackhawks lock up Toews and Kane, each for 8 years at 10.5 million per.

I predict at least 2 more Cups for them.

[nutcracker]

Blackhawks lock up Toews and Kane, each for 8 years at 10.5 million per.

I predict at least 2 more Cups for them.

Premium dough for premium players.
Worth every penny to the club.

[357]

Blackhawks lock up Toews and Kane, each for 8 years at 10.5 million per.

I predict at least 2 more Cups for them.

That's about 33% of your payroll locked into two guys. Two very good ones, just saying.

[CRIMPS]

Blackhawks lock up Toews and Kane, each for 8 years at 10.5 million per.

I predict at least 2 more Cups for them.

Stars front office and fans were watching this. Though still locked up for a few more years, Seguin and Benn will command comparable money.

[icehog3]

Toews and Kane had all the leverage, Mike, can you imagine fan reaction if the Hawks let one of them walk? Wish they would have settled for 9 - 9.5, but it is what it is. Hopefully the cap goes up to near 80 mill in '15-'16, then it won;t hurt as bad.

[nutcracker]

Well it ain't baseball yet!

[AdamJoshua]

Well it's an NHL thing and kind of a cool little piece of useless knowledge.


“You've had a Detroit Red Wings sticker on one of your acoustic guitars for years now. How did you get it and why have you kept it on there for all these years? Being from the Detroit area I'm very curious”.

We caught up with Paul recently to find out. He replied,

“We were on a Wings tour quite a while ago and when we played Detroit somebody gave me a Red Wings sticker, which I liked the look of, so I stuck it on my guitar and I have kept it there ever since. It does make it a little awkward when I go to places like Pittsburgh and the Mayor of the town offers me a Penguin sticker to put alongside!”

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/clicktrack/mccartney2.jpg

[icehog3]

Cool! :D

[icehog3]

8 years at 9 million per year for P.K. Subban. Wow.

[AdamJoshua]

Finding guys that can throw elbows and cheap shots at people's heads are few and far between, hell the bruins only have guys that spray water... oh wait he's gone (actually going to miss him), oh and don't forget his skill in knocking the net off the moorings and not getting called for delay of game, 3 times in one playoffs. :r

[icehog3]

the bruins only have guys that spray water...


C'mon, Adam! :r

Lucic
Marchand
Thronton

I'm just sayin'...... :D

[357]

Well it's an NHL thing and kind of a cool little piece of useless knowledge.



http://blog.washingtonpost.com/clicktrack/mccartney2.jpg

He has great taste! :tu