Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

all I can say is, called it!
I also believe they will handle the Habs. Provided the games are called with no bias. :r

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

Pah, if any game in the NHL is ever with bias it's far more likely to be in the favour of whatever US team is involved than in favour of a Canadian team. Bettman knows he has the Canadian market locked up no matter what happens, it's all the southern US market's where hockey has questionable drawing power than he's in trouble. He can probably better market an all US team final to those markets than he can one involving a Canadian team, and that's the direction he's been vainly attempting to grow the league and game.

Might be a little different with Montreal this year considering how well he could spin the whole underdog story combined with fact that the Habs are hockey's NY Yankees, but I digress.

Bettman is pretty universally hated up here North of 49th in case you couldn't tell :r I would love to see a Canadian team win the Cup simply to hear Bettman get booed during the Cup presentation.

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

EPIC :D

aj

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

Unbelievable comeback in every way by Philadelphia...congrats to the Flyers and their fans.

It ain't just in Canada, Geoff...Bettman is roundly booed in every U.S. rink I have ever seen him in, including when I have seen him in Chicago. Unfortunately, I haven't yet witnessed him being booed while handing the Cup to a Blackhawks captain...but I hope this might change this season.

No offense to the Flyers, but I would love to see the Hawks and Habs in the Finals...a chance to correct the biggest heartbreak of my childhood, Game 7 of the 1971 Finals.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/71Finals.jpg

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

SUNDAY Baby!

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...abokovBuff.jpg

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

I'll make you a deal, let's both boo Bettman regardless of what jersey the man that little slime ball is hands the Cup to is wearing.... thought I hope it's colours are red, white and blue ;)

I'd love a Habs v Hawks final purely for the history of it. There hasn't been an Original 6 final in 31 years since the Habs last beat the Rangers in 1979. The stats are also pretty good for my side considering the Habs have won every single Original 6 final they've contested since the league expanded ;). If the Hawks win they get to extinguish the longest Stanley Cup drought in the NHL. If the Habs win they notch up their 25th Cup in the 100th year of their franchise, a win percentage that only the the NY Yankees and the NZ All Blacks surpass.

Both the Hawks and the Habs have tough series in front of them, but I really hope they both make it to the Final.

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

good lord what the hell is this dribble.
anywho, at morning hockey and the blackhawks equipment guys are here setting up.

Got a spare ticket to tuesdays game tom.

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

You don't know how much I wish I could Mike....even more to hang with you than the actual game. I looked at airfare prices and couldn't do any better than $400+...just too much for my current financial status. :( Your offer is one of the more generous things to happen to me since I have been on the boards...Thank you Mike. :)

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

Well maybe if they make the cup. :r I will make sure I have an extra seat for one of those also if they get so lucky.

I still see the Flyers taking the Habs, but maybe not. Who knows as we have seen this year, thats why they play the games isnt it.

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

I'm putting a kidney of eBay tonight, Mike. :)

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The Big Boys are ready to go....

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...g3/bigboys.jpg

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Hold On Tight!

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...hog3/keith.jpg

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HERE WE GO!!!:banger

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Niemi looked great in the 1st period, but Sharks capitalize on one of their three power plays. Hawks need the next goal. :tu

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Let's Go Hawks!!

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...hog3/blues.jpg

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Woooooo!

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What an awesome game...Niemi has been unbelievable! 1-1 after 2 periods.

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Off to choose a cigar for the 3rd period....GO HAWKS!

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...hog3/blues.jpg

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That guy's glove has been incredible.

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come on Hawks!

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Wooooo!!

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Big Buff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Sonofa...

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Pulled through a 6vs4 :D

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

:D:D:D:D

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Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

You know I am starting to dislike that pic Tom.

Great game clearly shows why the teams are 1 and 2. Niemmi saved the Hawks Bacon early and often. That said I like the way the Sharks looked. I think if the Sharks stick to the plan they will win a few and make this a close series. Great Hockey and I think we see why this was the series the NHL wanted to highlight.

I expect to see another awesome game tuesday.

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

Congrats Pops on the Hawks win :tu

I was herfing when the game was on so didn't get to see it at all. Looking forward to seeing the next game.

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

I think Sharks fans and Hawks fans alike probably liked their teams' efforts today. If Niemi has an average game, the Hawks probably lose by 2 or 3.

I think both teams gave the puck away more than they would like. Sharks shot wide on a few juicy rebounds that they will be seeing in their nightmares tonight. It is going to be a great series for sure.

Best thing in this fan's eyes for the Hawks besides Niemi's performance? The fact that they got 40 shots on goal despite not having a single power play chance.

Wish I was going to the game with you Tuesday, Mike...I know it's going to be exciting.

Mike hates the other pic, so this is one from today:

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...og3/bUFFsj.jpg

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

I thought the world stopped when the hawks were on?

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Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

Looks like I may take my son to the game tomorrow night. Seems odd to drop $114 on a seat for a 4 year old, but if I am going to go he would have the time of his life I am sure.
Might sell the tickets though so not sure. Will make sure to post a pic or 2 if I go.

Hoping to see the Flyers lay another beatdown on the Habs so I can say I called that series also. Like I said though if the Habs have this much trouble with the flyers they would be little work for either Western Conference team.

I dont know if beatdown is a strong enough word to describe how bad that game was. The Habs looked scared and their power play couldnt even enter the zone at times. The Flyers looked like the damn Red Wings out there with there crisp passes and cycling

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

being in Philly for game 7 was quite the experience being a B's fan. Congrats Philly and since you are the lesser evil I hope to beat the Habs.

At this point I would like to see the B'hawks and Flyers and seeing the B'hawks take home the cup.

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

I have an interesting night ahead of me...I have tickets to about 10 Phillies games a year. Me and my group of friends "draft" them before the season starts and happen to have tickets for tonight. I am hoping for a rain-out but I don't see that happening. Time for a revised plan!

So tonight I'm going to a baseball game with the intention of watching a hockey game! There is a bar located in the baseball stadium (McFadden's) who better have the game on! Maybe I'll watch some baseball during the intermissions.

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

Man no love for the Sharks around here.
Screw you guys :r

Tonight is a big game. If the Sharks dont win tonight the series likely wont go very long.

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

Au Contraire! I realize I didn't post my picks for this round, but I picked (before the series started) Sharks in 6 and Flyers in 7. Unfortunately I didn't get to see even one minute of the Sharks/Hawks game, but from the highlights I saw and from what I've heard and read, it seemed like the Sharks carried the flow of the game and if not for Niemi's performance could have (should have?) won. I expect even more offensive pressure by the Sharks tonight. <-- Again, disclaimer, I didn't see any of the game.

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

If Niemi had an average game, Sharks win Game 1 Mike. Sure hope the Hawks don't give up 45 shots on goal again.

Are you and your son going? Damn, I wish the airline tickets had been somewhat reasonable to SJ. If you go, have fun!

Buddy let me know he has a nosebleed seat for me for Game 4 Sunday. :wo

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

nah I ended up selling them. Talked to the wife and decided that I needed to recoup some of his summer hockey fees (600.00), and new skates (140.00) not drop more money.

Plus he usually craps out before the end of the game and I would not be happy having to waste that kind of money and leave early cause he passed out. Could have taken a few buddies, but between the his hockey stuff and my recent Habanos purchase I have dropped over a grand in the matter of 2 weeks. married with children, the good and bad.



OOO and Joel I already called the Flyers in your series. Whats interesting is their are some rumors over here the Sharks may go after Price. Was not to excited with what I saw. If the Flyers win again tonight it will be real bad for the Habs. What I find funny is that some fans turn into ghosts when their team loses. Some of us are front and center. Come on habs fans "step yo game up!" Of course if the Sharks get raped that bad it would be tough to show my face, but I would.

Honestly though Habs fans I dont even know if rape is a strong enough word to describe that game. Yeah I got my 5 gallon bucket of salt out and I am throwing it all around.

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

Then we can watch it together, separately Mike. :)

I need to pay my team $550 for summer league as well, I know the $ deal that comes with the territory. ;)

Good luck.......
















.....containing Byfuglien. :r

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...celebrates.jpg

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

If the Sharks stay diciplined and put as many shots on goal.......well and if Niemi slips just a little, then YA Baby!!!
Niemi played a spectacular game.
It was nice to have no penalties for a playoff game but come on, the Sharks gotta capitalize on their Power Play oppertunities.

Git Er Dun Sharks!!!

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

GO HAWKS!

http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedi...ce-girl(3).jpg

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Tonight it will :r Looking forward to the game.

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Brutal anyone got a picture of Shark Steaks on a grill.

Going to the gym

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Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

Some thoughts on the Sharks at this point.

* I really like coach Todd McLellan...I think he will raise the Cup before he is done.

* I gained a lot of respect for Douglas Murray. Not the most talented guy on the ice, but he gives 100% every shift....Zero quit in him.

* I lost a lot of respect for Joe Thornton....the slashes on Bolland's wrist, especially the one on the face off, were just bush league. If he breaks Bolland's wrist doing that, he needs to sit the rest of the playoffs. :2

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

Not a good moment for Big Joe. A little Bertuzzi rubbed off on him.

Never been a huge Sharks fan, but Patrick Marleau is classy. Rob Blake needs to retire.

Not sure what they can do to win in Chicago, except hope that the Hawks just lay down and let them win.

Re: NHL '09 - '10 Thread
 

Crap. Well, Niemi looked great again. That dude is pretty awesome. Sharks had alot of chances in-close. Niemi was on. Hawks blocked way more shots from the point than the Sharks.
Nabbi's gotta get his game on. These goals from the point NEED to be blocked / saved. These are shots that cannot get by a goalie of his calliber. especially when there is only 1 or 2 guys in his zone and not much of a screen.
Sharks got alot of work ahead of them now.
Marleau is still having his best season ever but one man cant do it all.
Hawks sure as heck have shut down the Pavelski line.
I dont know what the hell Heatley is doing out there. He looks like he's skating around on Vicodin and a beer.