NHL '15 - '16 Season Thread

[icehog3]

Free Patrick Kane!!

[AdamJoshua]

Don't want him you keep him.

[The Poet]

Any chance of a season-long strike . . . again?


One can always hope, right?

[icehog3]

Don't want him you keep him.

I want to keep him too. ;)

Any chance of a season-long strike . . . again?


One can always hope, right?

CBA has several years left on it. Just ignore the thread, you'll be fine. :r

[E.J.]

Avs going to surprise this year!! Got all their injuries out of them last year.

[AdamJoshua]

I have a very old friend, literally and figuratively, who's bday is today, I asked him to add on to his bday wish that Rask has a career ending injury, nothing dangerous just enough to keep him out of the pipes. Being a life long Bruins fan he agreed and thought it was a brilliant idea. *crosses fingers*

[AdamJoshua]

Also looking forward to the CC league this year, it's my year I can feel it! (oh and are we having 4th place winnings? No no no need I'm taking first this year!)

We'll have to see what Donny S does with the Bruins, I like the idea of the Big Bad Bruins again, seems he loaded up with big hitting 20-25 goal scorers across the board. I was sure they would get rid of Rask when they picked up Martin Jones but they flipped him to the Sharks in under 30 seconds... just ugh.

[Bruins Fan]

Adam what did Rask do steal your girlfriend?
Rask is one of the premiere goal tenders in the NHL.

[pnoon]

Rask is one of the premiere goal tenders in the NHL.

:po

[AdamJoshua]

:lr

[icehog3]

Adam what did Rask do steal your girlfriend?
Rask is one of the premiere goal tenders in the NHL.

He raped Patrick Kane. :eek:

[nutcracker]

Free Patrick Kane!!

....with the purchase of any box of Captain Crunch...:r:r:r

[AdamJoshua]

**** and I've been buying Lucky Charms .. oh well still get to chase around a tiny guy with red hair and something to hide.

[icehog3]

....with the purchase of any box of Captain Crunch...:r:r:r

That made me laugh, Neil. :D

Trix are for kids, Adam. And by kids, I mean 53 year old guys high on gummies. ;)

[drjammer]

Avs going to surprise this year!! Got all their injuries out of them last year.

Not quite sold yet but hopefully so :)

[icehog3]

Another NHL enforcer suicide, this time Todd Ewen at age 49. Tragic.

[E.J.]

Happy to see the Avs get Johnson signed long term.

[drjammer]

Happy to see the Avs get Johnson signed long term.

Me too!

[icehog3]

Tampered evidence in the Patrick Kane case was a hoax, accuser's mom lied, accuser's lawyer quit, looking more and more like Kane will be vindicated.

[nutcracker]

Tampered evidence in the Patrick Kane case was a hoax, accuser's mom lied, accuser's lawyer quit, looking more and more like Kane will be vindicated.

But tarnished forever....
You don't have to be guilty to be ruined.

[dvickery]

Unfortunately our courts have never ever found a man innocent ... Kane will have to live with this cloud over his head forever .

On a side note ... Why does Kane seem to get himself into situations that tarnish his reputation while others don't ?

Great player with poor life skills .

Derrek

[icehog3]

But tarnished forever....
You don't have to be guilty to be ruined.

Maybe outside of Chicago, most of the people I talk to here won't hold it against Kane if he is cleared. He might be dumb, but he ain't no rapist. :2

[E.J.]

Where is the Avs offensive production? Been a rough preseason. 14-15 shots last night, shutout again...

[E.J.]

41 game suspension for Raffi Torres... http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=781798

[yourchoice]

Hopefully the Flyers will take a step forward and play meaningful games in April. The playoffs would be a bonus.

[Bruins Fan]

It's show time!! I'm excited to see what the new look Bruins have?

[nutcracker]

;sNot liking these new Bruins. Someone gave Tuka some magic potion.
Still hate your anthem singer Rene Rancourt - ugh. ;s

[icehog3]

Still hate your anthem singer Rene Rancourt - ugh. ;s

Sounds just like the Cowardly Lion, hoe can you not love that?

"and the rockets re-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-d gla-a-a-a-a-a-a-re.........":noon

[Porch Dweller]

Boston knows that the regular season started, right? Wow, they're making a ton of bad decisions.

[nutcracker]

:hyTuuuuuuuuuuka

[nutcracker]

:hyTuuuuuuuuuuka

Adam? Adam?
You watching this?

When last did Thorburn ever score? Even the newbie Petan got in on the action.

[icehog3]

I have Rask in my other fantasy league, looks like he ain't getting much help. :hn

[Porch Dweller]

I switched over to the Tampa-Philly game after the Bruins debacle. I gotta say, 3-on-3 overtime was exciting as can be.
As a side note, I've been futilely hoping for years that the NHL would go to the International-sized rink just so the skill players would have more room to show what they can do. Of course, the owners would never go for it because that's less $$$$ seats in the lower bowl.
What do y'all think? Would you like to see the bigger rink used in the NHL?

[E.J.]

Holy dump by the Avs...ugh.

[E.J.]

1 of 82, but super frustrated tonight.

[Bruins Fan]

Just as everyone expected we have no defense men!!
Looks like it is going to be a long season.

[drjammer]

Way to go Avs, nice of you guys giving up a 4-1 lead :confused:

[icehog3]

I'm against the international size for the NHL, James, but I'm a traditionalist.

Hawks looks for win #1 in the furst regular season game ever at the Barclays Centre.

[CRIMPS]

Stars looked great and Niemi was fantastic in his first shutout. Umm... was Crosby even playing? No shots on goal and I rarely even noticed him.

[nutcracker]

Stars looked great and Niemi was fantastic in his first shutout. Umm... was Crosby even playing? No shots on goal and I rarely even noticed him.

He's too busy doing Tim Hortons advertisements.

[icehog3]

He's too busy doing Tim Hortons advertisements.

I've got Scheifele and Wheeler on my fantasy team, Neil, let's keep those guys hot!

[AdamJoshua]

Adam? Adam?
You watching this?

When last did Thorburn ever score? Even the newbie Petan got in on the action. Don't worry if you can't find him you'll have plenty of chances to play this season. :lr

As I posted in another thread ...

Let's play Where's Tuukka?!

http://www.gazettenet.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=b9$ag qnVq3TOrzfuWWNvRM$daE2N3K4ZzOUsqbU5sYu3cm$$wm505uu DH728UGVVWCsjLu883Ygn4B49Lvm9bPe2QeMKQdVeZmXF$9l$4 uCZ8QDXhaHEp3rvzXRJFdy0KqPHLoMevcTLo3h8xh70Y6N_U_C ryOsw6FTOdKL_jpQ-&CONTENTTYPE=image/jpeg

[massphatness]

Sabres and my fellow BU alum Jack Eichel breaking out the SLICK new scoring music

awww yeah (https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/652314447969517568)

[AdamJoshua]

Justin Abdelkader showing up for me big time with the 3 goals.

[icehog3]

Kaner with 2 goals including the game winner.

Figures our first 3 on 3 OT would end with a 4 on 3 goal. :lr

[nutcracker]

I've got Scheifele and Wheeler on my fantasy team, Neil, let's keep those guys hot!

Two sweet goals from those two last night (again) - I really liked the Sheifele shot. - casual flick in the top corner.

Watching the Ehlers kid - he's quick - the team suddenly faster!

Two games is nothing, but the Jets are starting with some decent form.

[drjammer]

Hoping for a win tonight for the Avs :tu

[CRIMPS]

Hoping for a win tonight for the Avs :tu

Sorry, Don. Hoping for the opposite. Should be a great game.

[AdamJoshua]

Rask leads the Bruins out for pregame warmups vs. Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens.

Sorry Tom ... :lr

[icehog3]

Sorry Tom ... :lr

Bounce back game? I can only hope. :lr

[drjammer]

Sorry, Don. Hoping for the opposite. Should be a great game.

6-3 ;);s

[CRIMPS]

Oofah. The Avs are in the Stars head.

[jane23]

me too

[massphatness]

Jack Eichel is going to get me watching the pro game again ...

[nutcracker]

So the Jets head home 3 and 1 after a decent effort on thre road.
The Leafs continue to suck.

All is well in the universe......

[AdamJoshua]

Holtby is quickly becoming my Rask.. well ok he hasn't given up 6 in a game ... twice :lr

[E.J.]

"We can't play like this." - Patrick Roy

'Bout sums it up as far as the start of the Season for the Avs.

I really have no idea where to start, they are all over the place, chaotic. Varlamov is saving at about an .820 or something, though granted, he's not getting a lot of help. Bright side, if there is one, they're putting the puck in the net.

GO AVS!

[Porch Dweller]

Bruinsfan got a nice b-day present last night!

[yourchoice]

Nice win for the Flyers last night! (Sorry Tom)

I thought it was pretty cool the Flyers had Timonen's ceremony while the Blackhawks were in town.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/cms/binary/11438764.jpg?size=640x420

[icehog3]

The goalie was great, Joel, nice win by the Flyers.

[AdamJoshua]

DieCrawfordDie? :lr

[Bruins Fan]

Vegas Odds..Who will be the first to go?
Here are the odds for the first NHL head coach fired this, courtesy of Bovada:

Claude Julien (BOS) 3-2

Darryl Sutter (LA) 2-1

Todd Richards (CLB) 5-1

Mike Johnston (PIT) 11-2

Lindy Ruff (DAL) 6-1

Bill Peters (CAR) 7-1

Bruce Boudreau (ANA) 11-1

[Prefy]

Good to see all is well in the NHL thread! We are coming for ya this year Admiral!

[icehog3]

Like what I've seen from them so far, Matt...but it's early, My Brother. ;)

[drjammer]

Looks like another long season for the Avs :rolleyes::(:sad

[Porch Dweller]

Nice to see the B's get a home win at last.

[E.J.]

Looks like another long season for the Avs :rolleyes::(:sad

Digging themselves a hole early for sure. I'm holding judgment until the 20 game mark....but it's not looking promising.

[drjammer]

Digging themselves a hole early for sure. I'm holding judgment until the 20 game mark....but it's not looking promising.

I am still hopeful but it seems like the team is just not playing as a team :2

[CRIMPS]

Jamie Benn is a man among boys, right now. What an absolute force. The Benn/Seguin twosome is something to behold.

Stars were down 0-3 and came back to beat the Ducks 4-3, scoring the game winner with 1:28 left in the third. Stars are for realz.

[nutcracker]

:noon Got your Jetsgear on yet Tom?

[nutcracker]

Hutch makes 45+ saves - lights out play.
Ehlers and Sheifele continue to excite the crowd

Go Jets Go!!!!

(Sorry Tom)

[icehog3]

That's OK, Neil, you can take the season series, and we'll take the Cup. :)

[AdamJoshua]

Crawford is killing me....


on an unrelated note...

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/11796426_979290832140793_7878902611364572882_n.png ?oh=df2badffcec742914fe0ec50e6ea4f2f&oe=56B31C29

[drjammer]

Crawford is killing me....


on an unrelated note...

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/11796426_979290832140793_7878902611364572882_n.png ?oh=df2badffcec742914fe0ec50e6ea4f2f&oe=56B31C29

:tu:tu:tu

[AdamJoshua]

So who payed the bill, Tom, the team or Kane? :lr

[icehog3]

So who payed the bill, Tom, the team or Kane? :lr

The girl's 3 male DNA samples in her kootch (none of them Kane's) paid that bill. ;)

[AdamJoshua]

The girl's 3 male DNA samples in her kootch (none of them Kane's) paid that bill. ;)

So you are saying he has issues ... some kind of eunuch or something. -(P

[icehog3]

Maybe he developed issues over the last 2 years, he certainly didn't have any against Boston in 2013. :fu

[Porch Dweller]

Maybe he developed issues over the last 2 years, he certainly didn't have any against Boston in 2013. :fu

Why ya gotta be so hateful?

;) :D

[E.J.]

Too bad about Connor McDavid, hope he can get back in 6 weeks.

Avs beat a team they need to beat.

[CRIMPS]

Poor Tuka Rask. Seguin was out there, snipin'.

[icehog3]

Too bad about Connor McDavid, hope he can get back in 6 weeks.

Avs beat a team they need to beat.

Nope.....GM said months. Too bad for the kid....and my fantasy team.

[AdamJoshua]

Poor Tuka Rask. Seguin was out there, snipin'.

An autistic manatee could score on Rask, poor Boston not poor Rask.

[nutcracker]

Happily the Leafs still suck.

[AdamJoshua]

Elliott and Crawford doing their best to reenact the Giants / Saints game... and Elliott gets the win. :bh

[icehog3]

Elliott and Crawford doing their best to reenact the Giants / Saints game... and Elliott gets the win. :bh

Nope, Allen got the win, Elliott was pulled again after goal #5...and looks to be day to day. Luongo lost a win with 10 seconds left. Hope Price's back-up can get some wins, and that Talbot has a goiter.

Collapse by the Hawks was an epic fail.

[Porch Dweller]

And that crowd in Chicago was dead, too. Up 5-2 in the second and it sounded like a morgue.

[AdamJoshua]

Crawford **** the bed twice.... I swear he knows he's my starting goalie and he's threw that week just for Tom...bastards! :lr

[icehog3]

Crawford **** the bed twice.... I swear he knows he's my starting goalie and he's threw that week just for Tom...bastards! :lr

Crow knows which side his bread is buttered on, Adam. ;)

[E.J.]

Berra is playing awesome. Avs win 2 straight for the 1st time this season.

[nutcracker]

Jets are starting to imitate Maple Leafs in sucking.....

[AdamJoshua]

Crow knows which side his bread is buttered on, Adam. ;)

Yah what's his excuse this week?

Bruins are in trouble, seems that Donny S was probably asked if he wants to be the GM for a season to try it out, knowing the team has basically nothing and the drafted a lot of mid-level talent that they were pretty sure they would be able to sign. No defense, Rask as your goalie and very little offense. The perfect storm of suck.

[icehog3]

Trust me, Crawford is not the issue, but the losses are killing me a lot more than a fiver of cigars worth, Adam. ;)

At this point I'd rather have Rask in the Asylum league than Luongo and Elliott. Talk about the storm of suckage. :lr

[drjammer]

Berra is playing awesome. Avs win 2 straight for the 1st time this season.

:tu:tu:tu

[CRIMPS]

Jets are starting to imitate Maple Leafs in sucking.....

If that were true, they would have beat the Stars last night. Leafs have the Stars number :(

[nutcracker]

If that were true, they would have beat the Stars last night. Leafs have the Stars number :(

Now that's really a low blow..... we're even WORSE than the Leafs???

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[drjammer]

The Avs are 3-0 on this current road trip :tu:banger

[CRIMPS]

Now that's really a low blow..... we're even WORSE than the Leafs???

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Uh, that comment was more about the Stars not being able to take care of the lowly Leafs, and less about the Jets. :)

I am actually a fan of the Jets. Unfortunately, they are also in the central, so I can't root for them often.

Stars were able to notch another win over another Central team, Minnesota. John Klingberg had the game winning goal and two more assists. I think he could win the Norris this year.

And, Patrick Kane is still pretty good, I guess.

[icehog3]

:lr :D

[E.J.]

Know this is late, but the Avs looked to be rolling a bit, then chit the bed vs the Leafs. It was tough to watch and never really got any better. The defensive mistakes the Avs make on a regular basis, are head scratchers at best....

[icehog3]

Hossa. Nuff said.

Crawford made the save of the year in OT against Tayor Hall to give his team (and Adam) a chance.

[AdamJoshua]

Brad Marchand is batting 1.000

https://streamable.com/rmds

[E.J.]

Avs win(beating the Jets), end a long road trip 4-3. Strange trip at that, win 3....lose 3, win the last one. Beating a Central opponent that sits above them, always good.

[E.J.]

Side note, Duchene has 10 goals in his last 10 games...

[nutcracker]

Jets seemed to have this one after 20 mins, but no one could shoot the puck on goal - all over the map. Faded really badly in the third.

With Leaky out Hutch didn't look too bad. The second goal was a bad deflection and he couldn't help that.

Worry about Halibuck who has had a horrid season in the AHL so far. Should have called up Comrie instead!

[icehog3]

Funny, Neil, the commentators for the Avalanche last night were calling Halibuck "the best goalie in the world not in the NHL".

[Bruins Fan]

Funny, Neil, the commentators for the Avalanche last night were calling Halibuck "the best goalie in the world not in the NHL".

Ha Ha what a joke, everyone knows it is Rask :r

[icehog3]

Ha Ha what a joke, everyone knows it is Rask :r

Where is he then, John? :lr

[nutcracker]

Funny, Neil, the commentators for the Avalanche last night were calling Halibuck "the best goalie in the world not in the NHL".

Mmmm - I guess that's why the Moose are 4:9:1 and second last in the league.
I unfortunately have season tickets for the Moose - he's as leaky as Pav-a-leak.

(I only go to sporting events to watch my teams lose)

He's ranked #18 in the AHL. His backup (Eric Comrie) is #2. (By stats)

http://theahl.com/mobile/statdisplay.php?type=top_goalies&bblh=mSafari


Not sure which games your commentators are watching.

[nutcracker]

Where is he then, John? :lr

Checked out most of the time.

[icehog3]

Not sure which games your commentators are watching.

Not my commentators, Neil, I'm a Blackhawks guy. Avs broadcast was the only one I could get (No Jets broadcast) on Centre Ice last night.

[drjammer]

Not my commentators, Neil, I'm a Blackhawks guy. Avs broadcast was the only one I could get (No Jets broadcast) on Centre Ice last night.
Sometimes those guys can be a little off :D

[E.J.]

Avs vs Ottawa and Craig Anderson tonight. I'll miss the first half(have a game myself), but expect to start my Thanksgiving weekend being thankful for a win!

[icehog3]

Avs vs Ottawa and Craig Anderson tonight. I'll miss the first half(have a game myself), but expect to start my Thanksgiving weekend being thankful for a win!

Took a chance on Varlamov in my bob-CA fantasy league. Feets don't fail me now.

[E.J.]

Walk in the door, pour me a drink, turn on the game with great anticipation... Down 1-4 and we're on PK.

My team won...

AVS SCORE!!! 2-4!

[E.J.]

Took a chance on Varlamov in my bob-CA fantasy league.

:gary

[E.J.]

MacKinnon!!!!

Apparently I just needed to start watching!

[E.J.]

Ugh.... Fun game, save for the finish, while I watched. No idea how they buried themselves early.

[E.J.]

Avs win!

[nutcracker]

Avs win!

Yeah, we noticed....:bhd

[E.J.]

Thought maybe some extra attacker late magic was going to happen, but it was not to be.

Avs lose.

[CRIMPS]

A few days late. That second night of a back-to back, down 3-0, come from behind, overtime win over a divisional opponent was something else by the Stars.

I was smiling for a few hours after that. It kept me awake.

[icehog3]

Yeo went off the deep end at practice in Miinesota again, but this time looks like he lost Suter and Parise among others. Save for a quick turnaround, I'd say his time is short.

[mahtofire14]

I'm on Yeo's side on this one. This team needed a come to Jesus meeting. One game they will out skate the other team and play like they are unbeatable. Next game they come out and don't move their feet, can't complete passes that a 12 year old can make and don't play with any urgency. They've been like this for years. If Suter and Parise can't handle it they need to grow a pair.

[CRIMPS]

A few days late. That second night of a back-to back, down 3-0, come from behind, overtime win over a divisional opponent was something else by the Stars.

I was smiling for a few hours after that. It kept me awake.

And then the Stars go play Calgary, get a 3-0 lead, and lose it in a shootout. Yuck!

[mahtofire14]

And then the Stars go play Calgary, get a 3-0 lead, and lose it in a shootout. Yuck!

This gives me flashbacks to what your team did to us a couple nights ago!

[nutcracker]

Doesn't matter where one is in the standings, hammering the Leafs 6-1 seems very satisfying!

[nutcracker]

Well, I do confess I was wrong about Connor Hallebuyck. He didn't look good with the Moose, but has really stepped up with the Jets. He's let 3 goals in in 3 games. He absolutely stole the game from the Caps yesterday.

Cautiously optimistic........

[E.J.]

Avs on a bit of a run! Varly playing really well!

[icehog3]

Avs on a bit of a run! Varly playing really well!

I added him to my other fantasy team right before he started this run, I am rooting for him in all non-Blackhawks games. ;)

[drjammer]

Avs on a bit of a run! Varly playing really well!

Sure is good to see :)

[E.J.]

How good is Dallas right now...

[nutcracker]

How good is Dallas right now...

How badly do the Jets suck right now?

Time to give Ladd back to Chicago....

We could swap him for - I dunno - maybe a Toews or maybe Kane. We'd throw in a few used pucks as a bonus.....

[icehog3]

Sad to see the Jets in such a funk, Neil. No Kane or Toews though, maybe Scuderi and Shaw for Byfuglein and Ladd, just to help you out.

Dallas is very good right now, though we all know that the playoffs are the real test....right, St. Louis Blues fans? :r

[CRIMPS]

How badly do the Jets suck right now?

Time to give Ladd back to Chicago....

We could swap him for - I dunno - maybe a Toews or maybe Kane. We'd throw in a few used pucks as a bonus.....

:r

[CRIMPS]

Dallas' offense is fun, no doubt. What I saw in the third period against the Hawks, though, was how improved their defense was. They aren't defensive world beaters, but they are improving and they aren't giving up shots. I'll take that.

Exciting times for us Stars fans.

[weedsnager]

Stars look good, it was the men against the boys last night. I watch every Blackhawks game, and they are a boring team to watch right now

[icehog3]

Those "boys" become the manliest of men come April. ;)

Dallas' defense is definitely improved, the playoffs will be their big test. I'd love to see Hawks-Stars Western Finals in '16. :tu

[nutcracker]

Sad to see the Jets in such a funk, Neil. No Kane or Toews though, maybe Scuderi and Shaw for Byfuglein and Ladd, just to help you out.
:r

Pass.

Maybe Chevy will send you Ladd for one of your ice cleaner gals or the old dude with the fake hair who sings the anthems!

...or maybe just that bucket of pucks....

[icehog3]

He's not really that old, Neil, 51. I'd trade you him and 5 rolls of tape for Ladd, especially if you throw in his mom Cheryl. ;)

[nutcracker]

Tom - a buddy of mine knows an AHL player who, about 20 years ago, was traded for a bus. Has to be the funniest trade (or the biggest insult ever)

[nutcracker]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Martin_(ice_hockey,_born_1964)

[AdamJoshua]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Martin_(ice_hockey,_born_1964)

That link was wonky but this one works

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Martin_%28ice_hockey,_born_1964%29

Guy played for the Whalers, he's ok in my books!

[icehog3]

Tom - a buddy of mine knows an AHL player who, about 20 years ago, was traded for a bus. Has to be the funniest trade (or the biggest insult ever)

12 NHL goals....that's 12 more than me! :D :tu

[weedsnager]

Those "boys" become the manliest of men come April. ;)

Dallas' defense is definitely improved, the playoffs will be their big test. I'd love to see Hawks-Stars Western Finals in '16. :tu

Not with the crew they have now. They have no offense and really miss saad and sharp..and Bickel Is more clueless then ever

[icehog3]

Bickell is overpaid for his limited abilities. Anisimov's has as many goals as Saad, Panarin has more points than Sharp. Teravainen and Shaw are starting to score, not to mention Kane leads the league in scoring, Seabrook is 12th in scoring by D, Keith is 20th despite missing a third of the season so far, and on and on.

Dallas can put the puck in the net for sure, but I think their D might be a little overmatched in the playoff atmosphere. Hawks basically played 4 defensemen for the last 3 rounds last season and took home the Cup. But blah, blah, blah, right? :rolleyes:

I'll bet cigars or cash that the Hawks go farther than the Stars in the playoffs.

[weedsnager]

Yeah if Bickel played with half the emotion that shaw has, he'd be an all star. You can't compare saads goals. Look at who he is playing with now compared to last year.. Kruger has played around 30 games and has 1 frikin point....it's more about goals, you have to factor chemistry also


I would love to take that bet , cause I think Dallas has what it takes this year, but the Hawks are my team, I don't want to root against them

[icehog3]

Kruger is out for the rest of the season, so he will end with one point. Brings lots of intangibles, but he needed to produce more for sure. Point taken on Bickell as well.

Regarding Saad....and don't get me wrong, I miss him. He scored 23 goals with the Blackhawks in 82 games last year. Anisimov is on pace to better that.

While I'd like to see more from Garbutt and a couple of the Hogs, I like the chemistry. I'll put the Hawks top 4 D against any in the league, and when Hossa is healthy I like their top two lines.

I'd love you to make that bet too, I can always use more cigars. ;)

[icehog3]

Hawks finally solve Varlamov. He had a good run, glad it's over. ;) :r

[mahtofire14]

I'm not saying it's going to happen but I'd throw down some cigars that the Wild go farther than both Chicago and Dallas. Just to make it more interesting.

[weedsnager]

Hawks finally solve Varlamov. He had a good run, glad it's over. ;) :r

Hawks looked good last night, glad to see darling get the win

[icehog3]

I'm not saying it's going to happen but I'd throw down some cigars that the Wild go farther than both Chicago and Dallas. Just to make it more interesting.

I'm down, Pete. ;)

Hawks looked good last night, glad to see darling get the win

Yup, good kid with a cool story. I'm sure he will tell you it should have been a 3-1 regulation win.

[E.J.]

Well that escalated quickly....

[icehog3]

Two bad ones in a row for Valarmov against Chicago, E.J.....after about 9 straight dominant ones.

I feel bad about it, said icehog never. :)

[icehog3]

Hawks win their 9th in a row, another stellar game for Crow.

[E.J.]

Avs win in Dallas, really playing well as of late. Look very much like a playoff team.

[icehog3]

Glad to see the Avs win, Tyson Barrie get a short handed assist, and Dallas lose, E.J. :tu

[nutcracker]

First entertaining night from the Jets in a while - Ehlers gets a hat-trick in his rookie year and Buff knocks two in - including a spectacular deception shot from the red line and a 3 on 5 breakaway goal. Love him or hate him, he's sometimes incredible to watch.

Rumours are of a $7M x 5 year contract ask to keep him.

He certainly gets the crowd up - the place was bedlam!

[icehog3]

Love me some Byfuglein, Neil. :tu

[AdamJoshua]

Well it was nice knowing you Wideman ... wow it certainly looked intentional.

Calgary Flames veteran defenseman Dennis Wideman could be facing NHL discipline after cross-checking a linesman during the team's home game against the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night.

Wideman had just taken a hit from Nashville winger Miikka Salomaki and was skating toward the Flames bench when he leveled linesman Don Henderson from behind, sending him to the ice and against the boards.

Wideman was not penalized for the play, which occurred midway through the second period. The Predators were leading 1-0 at the time. I

It wasn't immediately clear if Wideman intentionally hit the referee or mistook him for another player after the Salomaki hit.

The 32-year-old Wideman is in his fourth season with the Flames. He's second on the team in penalty minutes with 30.

https://vine.co/v/iilwrbO79ww

[icehog3]

I was watching it live, and it looked ridiculously intentional to me, like he got pissed that the linesman was in his way. I was equally unimpressed with his demeanor on the bench afterwards, when it appeared that he said "**** him" to my lip reading skills. I wouldn't be upset with a lengthy suspension, but I am sure he will try to argue it was accidental. I call bullsh!t.

[E.J.]

Hard to argue that wasn't intentional. I'm not sure what the CBA allows, but violence towards the refs cannot be tolerated. I have to assume he's going to sit for a chunk.

I missed the Avs games due to having a game. We got smoked, I tweaked my shoulder and it's getting worse as the night goes on... But AVS WIN!!!

[icehog3]

It was a great game, E.J., and a nice comeback for the Avs.

Hope the shoulder gets better quickly.

[AdamJoshua]

Good for John Scott, captain of the All Star team, scores 2 goals and wins the MVP for the game. The 90K for being on the winning team is no small sum considering his 500k salary and it's good Karma as his wife is expecting twins any day now. So much for the NHL and team's shady handling of the fans voting him in, first they stopped giving vote updates, then he was sent to the AHL, then traded to the Habs and send to their AHL team ... shady business indeed.

[icehog3]

Nicest part of the MVP award was that he really was one of the contenders, it wasn't just a "gesture". I think that van will help out too, with 2 girls and twins on the way any day.

Definitely the "feel good" story of the season so far.

[AdamJoshua]

Yup yup and yup. You have so many guys that don't want to be there, or just bow out and take the 1 game suspension, he was genuinely happy to be there and it showed. I guess the fans got that one right.

[E.J.]

Such a great story and the best part, he really appeared to grasp the position he was in and embraced it. His interview with Roenick was solid. I liked that Roenick was straight forward with his previous feelings and that Scott's response was perfect.

All in all, that couldn't have worked out better for hockey. It was a great show and a great story line.

[E.J.]

Avs lose to Blackhawks. They really started jumping in the 3rd, I had to leave for a game, hoped to return to find out they won....that was not the case. Same 1-2 score.

The Varlamov civil case went to jury and returned with a victory for him, including him getting what I assume are his legal fees covered($126K). Wonder if that woman even has the ability to pay. I'll try to read a bit about it today if I have some time.

[icehog3]

Pickard was great, E.J., and Crawford was as well in the 3rd. Nail biter for sure.

Glad Varlamov got vindicated, been a long road for him.

[E.J.]

...and how about that return for McDavid! Not that I'm breaking news, but that kid is special.

[E.J.]

1/4 a Season(20 games) for Widemans' crosscheck of a ref.....'bout right I guess.

That decision will cost him almost 600K.

[icehog3]

McDavid's goal was sick, and 2 PP assists too. Kid is gonna be a star for a long while.

I am guessing the NHL gave Wideman 20 games because it will (a) appease the refs and (b) give a starting point for the appeal. My guess is he ends up with between 15-17 games off after the appeal. And he deserves every bit of it from my vantage point.

[AdamJoshua]

I have to say 20 games seems right, Wideman was a favorite when he was on the Bruins, good solid play that gave it his all, don't know what the **** he was thinking when he hit the ref, but I agree he'll get it reduced one or two games but just some token number. 546K in pay gone, I am going to guess he learned a lesson there, oh and he probably shouldn't expect too many calls to go his way when he is able to play again.

[icehog3]

I have to say 20 games seems right, Wideman was a favorite when he was on the Bruins, good solid play that gave it his all, don't know what the **** he was thinking when he hit the ref, but I agree he'll get it reduced one or two games but just some token number. 546K in pay gone, I am going to guess he learned a lesson there, oh and he probably shouldn't expect too many calls to go his way when he is able to play again.

Some fans say the Hawks didn't get a call for 10 years after Tommy Lysiak intentionally tripped a linesman.

[E.J.]

Avs getting some unreal opportunities here vs Dallas, including a PS, just can't convert.

Getting a bit chippy as well... Avs have had their number, think they are getting frustrated. (Hope I didn't jinx them)

[E.J.]

I did jinx 'um... Avs go from their best 5 minute stretch to not being able to get the puck out of the zone and giving up the tying goal. Should/could be worse without some great saves by Pickard.

[E.J.]

:mad:Yep...jinxed 'um....stupid post....:mad::mad:

[E.J.]

Apparently McDavid had a couple more tonight.

[icehog3]

Two assists on Eberle goals actually, but the Kid is the real deal, E.J.

When do they say Varlamov will play next?

[E.J.]

When do they say Varlamov will play next?

Have not heard, but I don't know why he wouldn't start Saturday. He's been back on the ice for 3-4 days after the trial, he's their clear #1. Should know tomorrow AM.

[E.J.]

Varlamov to start in net this Saturday vs Winnipeg via the Denver Post.

[icehog3]

Time for me to take him off the IR in my other fantasy league then, surprised Yahoo had him on the IR for a non-injury situation.

[E.J.]

Not a great night to pull Varly off IR... Go AVS!

[icehog3]

Yeah, he stunk.

Crawford, not so much. Go Hawks!

[mahtofire14]

Can I be a Blackhawks fan? I'd love to find out just once what it feels like to win. My team has completely mailed it in. The players are trying to get Yeo fired and it's obvious. Paper even wrote a story on it yesterday.

[icehog3]

I saw Suter's latest comments yesterday, Pete....definitely some change needed for the Wild.

[mahtofire14]

I honestly believe it's the players quoting on Yeo. He's called them out for not playing and they've just decided to quit. I would be fine with getting rid of damn near everybody but Parise and Coyle. Nobody should be safe.

[AdamJoshua]

Nice post from Looch to the Boston Fans ahead of returning to the Gahden tomorrow night.

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/milan-lucic-letter-to-boston-bruins/

[icehog3]

Good read, Ads. Not a Lucic fan, but still nice to see his appreciation to his original team and their fans.

[nutcracker]

Jets just signed Buff to 5 years, $7.5/year.

He's worth it in entertainment value alone.

Now I wonder if they'll get a bucket of pucks and a 14th round pick for Ladd?

[nutcracker]

Jets just signed Buff to 5 years, $7.5/year.

He's worth it in entertainment value alone.

Now I wonder if they'll get a bucket of pucks and a 14th round pick for Ladd?

[icehog3]

Byfuglein makes more than Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook? Gimmie a break. :r

Rumours in Chicago say they might make an offer for Ladd as a rental for their Cup run.

[nutcracker]

Byfuglein makes more than Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook? Gimmie a break.

They probably recoup the value in jersey sales alone - he's a fan favorite.
(OK - a little hyperbole there, but he is marketable on any advert)

[AdamJoshua]

My boy Tuk showing his cat like grace on the ice.

https://mtc.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/47FDE239931309036735036043264_32b2b572c8a.0.1.1791 0458192005783998.mp4?versionId=ADq6er46t4RpoAgMlhy 0HPcP2UfhZlFb

[icehog3]

Not a good night for the B's.......

[mahtofire14]

Wild actually looked like they gave a hoot last night against the Stars but fattened their impressive 3-3 overtime record to 1-8.

[E.J.]

Avs PP unit rolling, though at times even they've looked sketched, up 3-0 almost half way through against Ottawa, I'll take it! GO AVS!

[E.J.]

Apparently I can't post here during games any longer....I'm the cooler.

[AdamJoshua]

****in' crawford ...

[E.J.]

Not often you get the game winner as an EN goal... I'll take it and the 2 points! GO AVS!

[icehog3]

****in' crawford ...

They played like garbage in front of him.

Realize just how valuable Panarin is to Kane after watching Teravainen, Dejardins, Cekac, Panik and other scrubs try to take his place the last 2 games. :hn

[drjammer]

Sorry guys I have not been more active here. This is the first time in many years that I have not followed hockey as close as I have in the past(got caught up in broncos fever again). I am ready for the final run and the playoffs and I will start to follow the Avs and Hawks more closely :tu

[AdamJoshua]

Thank God for the Jets :D

Sorry, Neil!

[E.J.]

Avs win in Detroit in a shootout! GO AVS!!

[drjammer]

Avs win in Detroit in a shootout! GO AVS!!

Watched most of the 3rd period and o.t./shootout :tu

[E.J.]

If you don't have Center Ice, rejoice, because it's free for the next 7 days!

[E.J.]

Wild fired Yeo.

[mahtofire14]

Wild fired Yeo.

Yep. Feel bad for him. You can't fire the whole team (which is what they deserved) but someone has to take the fall. Personally I would have rather seen Koivu, Granlund, Vanek, and Pominville, hell even Suter, gone before Yeo. I don't see this righting the ship.:sh

[icehog3]

Yeo's a good coach. Team might get a little jump in the short term, but they have bigger issues in the long run.

[nutcracker]

Gotta love this guy! Seems Francois St Laurent won't be welcome in Winnipeg anytime soon.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/watch-furious-paul-maurice-tossed-from-jets-lightning-game/

[mahtofire14]

Wild are 3-0 under Torchetti. Almost look like a real team. Pretty much proves they just quit on Yoe. Too bad. They are winning puck battles again and even moving their feet on the pp. I've said it before but we have a team of premadonnas here.....man it's annoying.:sl

[E.J.]

So what do you think it's like for a guy like Hall or RNH, to be "the man"....go #1, then work that moniker as best you can, it's a tough roll. Being Canadians doesn't help, carry a Country with that. Then....boom, this kid is jumping and special.

So, to be "the promised one" since you're probably 8(?), to have the chosen one come in and jump.....what's it like? They have to watch it everyday in practice.

[E.J.]

2pts for the Avs. I will not complain!

[icehog3]

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/icehog3020/Jagr3_zpsw4374k3o.png (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/icehog3/media/icehog3020/Jagr3_zpsw4374k3o.png.html)

3rd Greatest of All Time!!

[E.J.]

The more I see him, the more I love what he's done. THN had him at #37 to start the year.

[icehog3]

#37 currently, or all time, E.J.? If it was all time, that's a joke. I watched a 44 year old man look like a man against boys tonight against Winnipeg, easily the best and hardest working player on the ice. If he hadn;t gone back home for a few seasons, he'd be second all time ahead of Howe and trailing only Gretzky, and actually likely giving that "unbreakable" record a run for the money.

Regarding the Edmonton question, yeah, it must be strange. Looks like Hall has actually stepped up his game, but he can't compete with McDavid. As for as RNH goes, he will be wearing a different sweater by next season.

Nice job by Barrie tonight, got me a GWG in the fantasy league. :wo

[nutcracker]

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/icehog3020/Jagr3_zpsw4374k3o.png (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/icehog3/media/icehog3020/Jagr3_zpsw4374k3o.png.html)

3rd Greatest of All Time!!

Classy response from the Jets bench last night - applauding Jagr.

[E.J.]

The #3 all time goal scorer went right over my head last night....

But yea, THN did a ranking in April of last year and had Jagr at #37. I would never assume I know enough about these guys to make a list or move cats up or down(I don't know half of them). Here is their top 50. http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/the-top-100-nhl-players-of-all-time-throwback-style/

1. Wayne Gretzky
2. Bobby Orr
3. Gordie Howe
4. Mario Lemieux
5. Maurice Richard
6. Doug Harvey
7. Jean Beliveau
8. Bobby Hull
9. Terry Sawchuk
10. Eddie Shore
11. Guy Lafleur
12. Mark Messier
13. Jacques Plante
14. Ray Bourque
15. Howie Morenz
16. Glenn Hall
17. Stan Mikita
18. Phil Esposito
19. Denis Potvin
20. Mike Bossy
21. Ted Lindsay
22. Red Kelly
23. Bobby Clarke
24. Larry Robinson
25. Ken Dryden
26. Frank Mahovlich
27. Milt Schmidt
28. Paul Coffey
29. Henri Richard
30. Bryan Trottier
31. Dickie Moore
32. Newsy Lalonde
33. Syl Apps
34. Bill Durnan
35. Patrick Roy
36. Charlie Conacher
37. Jaromir Jagr
38. Marcel Dionne
39. Joe Malone
40. Chris Chelios
41. Dit Clapper
42. Bernie Geoffrion
43. Tim Horton
44. Bill Cook
45. Johnny Bucyk
46. George Hainsworth
47. Gilbert Perreault
48. Max Bentley
49. Brad Park
50. Jari Kurri

[icehog3]

Where the Hell is Dave Manson?? :D

Lists are subjective, lots of greats on that list. Jagr would definitely be in my top 20 though.

[mahtofire14]

Boy I gotta say, this might be the best outdoor series game I've ever seen. Other than that elbow to the mush of Zucker. That was pretty ugly.

[icehog3]

Worst one I've seen, Pete. :lr

Hawks really stunk it up. I don't think Rosival's hit on Zucker was dirty, thought he caught shoulder (no "hit to the head" penalty assessed), and Zucker was just unlucky enough to crack his coconut when he went down. Hope he is OK long ter.

[mahtofire14]

Worst one I've seen, Pete. :lr

Hawks really stunk it up. I don't think Rosival's hit on Zucker was dirty, thought he caught shoulder (no "hit to the head" penalty assessed), and Zucker was just unlucky enough to crack his coconut when he went down. Hope he is OK long ter.

I don't think he meant to hit him high but he definitely got his elbow up over the shoulder. Zucker was half out before his head hit the ice. Don't think it was dirty, just size differential.

[icehog3]

Hope he is OK, Pete.

Just watched one of the Avalanche pulling out a tooth on the bench after catching a puck in the mush. Ouch.

[nutcracker]

Hey Tom - hot of the press - Ladd is headed back to the Blackhawks.
Hope for him you guys make a run of it.....

[E.J.]

Would not be disappointed to see the Blackhawks beat the Preds night now.

[icehog3]

Hey Tom - hot of the press - Ladd is headed back to the Blackhawks.
Hope for him you guys make a run of it.....

Yeah, heard about it this A.M.....pretty solid rental, Neil.

Sorry, E.J..... :hn

[nutcracker]

Most people liked Ladd. I thought him over-rated myself. He is going to be expensive next year anyway, especially if he goes deep into the playoffs - his value will go up. I think Ladd did the best of everybody...

I think we did alright too:

"top pick, top prospect" being touted around town.



Is Marko Dano any good? - I see he was playing with the Hogs - ?development, or does he just not make it in the NHL?

[icehog3]

Hawks gave him a chance straight out of camp, Neil, and he didn't stick. And he hasn't been back, so he certainly isn't ready for the Hawks line-up presently. But he is very young, and has a lot of "potential"....maybe he will live up to it in the 'Peg.

[icehog3]

Heard Dano will make his Jets' debut tomorrow.

The Jiri Sekac era has ended in Chitown.

[E.J.]

Man I loved watching that Avs vs Wings alumni game. The old school highlights had me going and the game ended right! What a great rivalry!!! Hold chit what a ton of players!

[icehog3]

Avs lose the Stadium Series game, but win the jersey game. Avs jersey was good lookng, and that Red Wings ensemble was just hideous.

Hawks win the preview of the Stanley Cup Finals this afternoon, 3-2. :wo

[AdamJoshua]

Finally got to watch a Bruins game and I should have known better, 13 for 31 at home, wow that's just terrible, I guess Rask can't take the pressure of playing in front of the hometown crowd. TB was 1 for 27 on their recent power plays, they scored 2 on the PP in 40 seconds against Rask, he's good for what ails you!

[drjammer]

Avs lose the Stadium Series game, but win the jersey game. Avs jersey was good lookng, and that Red Wings ensemble was just hideous.

Hawks win the preview of the Stanley Cup Finals this afternoon, 3-2. :wo

Alumni game was better ;) I think I heard there was 43,000 in attendance for the game, man Sakic still has a nasty wrist shot :)

[E.J.]

I just don't understand the trade for Boedker....:confused:

[icehog3]

Hejuk a long time guy for the Avs, so I understand it's hard to see him go. Boedker has a lotta upside....scored 2 GW OT goals against the Hawks when they eliminated the Hawks in 2012.

[icehog3]

Stupid Vashilevsjinovsky was 1 minute from getting me a shutout in the fantasy league. Stupid Canadian. ;) :r

[AdamJoshua]

I don't know why I dumped him... bad move on my part, not going to get manager of the year.

[icehog3]

You will if you sweep the playoffs. ;)

[mahtofire14]

Well we didn't trade Suter unfortunately but we did have the biggest steal of the trade deadline. We got an actual hockey player for Niklas Backstrom. I figured we wouldn't get more than a bucket of pucks for him.

[E.J.]

Big game tonight, Pete!

[mahtofire14]

Sure is for both of us. Brodin was supposed to be back for us tonight but for whatever reason he is still on the shelf. Would be much more confident with him back. However keep an eye on our own MN boy Mike Rielly #4 on defense. He's only played around ten games for us but man is this kid a smooth skater. Fun to watch. Hopefully be a good game. What are your thoughts on David Jones EJ? Had a couple nice seasons with your squad.

[E.J.]

Funny, the trade that ended Jones' career in Colorado, brought Tanguay back to Colorado...and then both traded again this deadline.

Jones had a couple strong seasons in Colorado, but never was one of my guys. He is what he is at this point, I wouldn't expect much.

Now watch him get like 8 minutes tonight and get the game winner.:gary

[mahtofire14]

Funny, the trade that ended Jones' career in Colorado, brought Tanguay back to Colorado...and then both traded again this deadline.

Jones had a couple strong seasons in Colorado, but never was one of my guys. He is what he is at this point, I wouldn't expect much.

Now watch him get like 8 minutes tonight and get the game winner.:gary

Not suiting up tonight. I figure he'll be a fourth line guy.

[E.J.]

Nice start, IGGY!!!

Boedker with the assist...

[icehog3]

Nice start, IGGY!!!

Boedker with the assist...

That didn't take long. ;)

[E.J.]

It also didn't take long for Minny to take the lead... Ugh!

But yea, He'll of a start for Boedker, point on his 1st shift with the Avs.

[E.J.]

Hanging Varly out to dry, both goals were open ice no defender....

[E.J.]

Make that 3 X....

Avs D being the Avs D.... Go get another speedy forward!!!

[E.J.]

Nice game, Pete! Ugh...thought when the Avs tied it up, good things were going to happen. Not so much.

[mahtofire14]

I thought for sure it was going to go to overtime. Boy our goaltending needs some help.