Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Wish that the Bruins would get back to playing the way they were for most of the season. Couple of players out really affect the balance of the team.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

You, myself, and probably every other hockey fan! I missed the last one, but I refuse to miss this one, I'll make sure I get my school work done.

taltos,

They will eventually pull through. Sharks just went through that, and are finally just getting everyone back. Missing 1 or 2 players consistently, can completely change the tempo of the game for ANY team.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Went to the HURRICANES - SABRES game tonight. Wow!

Cam Ward was amazing... but Lalime was excellent for the Sabres as well (Miller is out.) 'Canes won... in a flippin' shootout! Sabres get a point, which ties us for the 8th spot.... but only 2 points out of 5th. Wild night in Raleigh! :ih

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

The East is really tight, Joe, March is going to be a great month for hockey. :D

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Probably academic, though... Detroit and San Jose are absolute beasts! Probably mow through the Eastern Conference. But there is a reason they play the games, isn't there? ;)

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

While I think the West is better than the East, once in the playoffs, it can be a disadvantage. Last year I don't think the sharks would have had a chance beating Detriot after going through the flames and stars, just too many hard games in a short period of time though.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

You're right... just hope it ends up well for the East.

Especially my 'Canes! :D

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Martin Brodeur's first game back and he gets a shutout. Not too shabby.
:ih

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Crosby might not play tonight?

Oh......Bummer. :r :dance: :r

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Must be he has a hangnail.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Bruins!

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Hell yeah!!!! Amazing game!:ih

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

He got another one today! Brodeur has four shutouts in 13 games this season.

:ih

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

While my allegiance in the East goes toward Boston and Montreal, you gotta love Brodeur!!! Dude's sooo good for the league... He's hands-down one of the greatest (if not the greatest) goalie that I've ever seen.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

His 100th career shutout as well.

He is simply amazing. :)

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

If I am not mistaken he is just 6 games shy of Roy's win total.

BTW Nice moves by the Isles. Garth Snow is really putting them in line to get some great draft picks next year. The RE rebuilding starts now. Damn, I hate Mad Mike Milbury!

T

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Nothing on ESPN yet, did they move Guerin?

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

I'm looking forward to the Blues/Wings game on Tuesday. The best in the division against the worst. The Blues are on a 3 game win streak and fighting for their lives. I'll be watching the Avalanche/Islanders game tonight.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

One of my cigar buds is originally from St. Louis. The dude absolutely knows his sports trivia and is a complete baseball & hockey nut (probably why I like him!). I know it's killing him to watch the Blues right now, but I keep telling him... look at Chicago. They've made some changes in the front office, they're young & quick on the ice, they've got solid goaltending (Huet's gonna be the man), and they've been getting tougher and more physical, too (well, that last one might be a stretch, but you know what I mean). St. Louis will get there again, as well. And as long as the Wings are in the West (Bettman, you effin' rat!!!!) those are the rivalries that I'd really like to see again.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

I hope so!! I've been waiting my whole life for a cup. Everytime we seem to have it together it blows up. 1999-2000 season the Blues win the Presidents' trophy with solid veterans and tons of young talent. The Laurie family killed this franchise. They purchased a solid team that was consistent and moving in the right direction. The following off season they let go all the young talent and buy as much "Star" power as they could. That was a huge mistake, just look at history. Remember the Rangers? All the star power and big names in the world doesn't mean you will have a great team. They lost the cohisiveness, the camaraderie, the flow, the know.
Anyway, thanks for the words of encouragement. :tu

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Nothing yet except that he was at warm-up at Buffalo, than not seen even on the bench after that. I was referring to the comrie and campoli trades along with the potential of this one. Looks like he will go to either Pittsburgh, Montreal, or the Caps. But it will be a Eastern team and the Isles will get a high round draft.

T

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

New Jersey Devils one time Captain and Defenseman Scott Stevens came to visit Jr. at the hospital today. Gave him a signed hat and poster. Sat with him and just talked. What a very, very nice guy.

I wish I could describe Al's face when Mr. Stevens walked in the room. One for the books I tell ya. :)

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

I always hated Stevens.

I don't hate him anymore. :)

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

That is very cool... glad he did that for Al, Jr. Classy move. :tu

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Well said, gentlemen. Very well said.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

I always hated that he played for the wrong team i.e. not mine. But I liked him.

What a nice thing too o. I hope Jr. is doing well and is in my prayers.

T

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Nice win for the Wings and Chris Osgood last night. Did any of you guys see the Downey/Janssen fight? With all of the BS & talk about trying to gradually sweep it out of the league, it was cool to just watch them let the guys throw. Not exactly Probert/Domi, but take a look for yourself.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96TBOfBS30Y

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Jr. with Scott Stevens. I really wish I could describe the moment when Jr. saw Mr. Stevens. Just can't for some reason.

(Bad phone pic. Real photo was taken and I will share when I get it)

http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/u...l/IMG00020.jpg

(I would ask that this photo of my son not be chopped.)

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Thanks for sharing this moment, Al! A truly classy move by Stevens. :ss

Still praying for your son. Hang tough! :tu

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Prayers on the way for your son, Al. That Stevens is a Class-Act.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Who knew he was a really good guy all along?... again, very cool stuff!

Prayers and best wishes for your son.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Aw, ****.... Jordan Leopold is back with Calgary... yeah, the deadline this afternoon is gonna get good!!

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

It seems as if hockey players are the most charitable and participate in more humane events than any of the other major sports.

Don't get me wrong, there's always a lot of stories of NFL, MLB and NBA players participating in their communities, but it seems as if NHL players go above and beyond.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

The biggest thing for me is that the NHL players for the most part GET IT (giving back to the fans). Where is with the other 'big' sports, it's way too much about me and it's an inconvenience (again, there are exceptions).

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Well said, I've said this for years. Hockey players are the "blue collar" of the sports world. From high school, college to pro. A hockey player is a stand-up guy,:ih for the most part. :ih

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

A father of a Penn State defenseman passed away last week. The team, coaching and support staff make the 6 hour drive to the funeral. As well as taking time to stop by and see Jr.

My wife always said that if we had a daughter she would of wanted her to merry a hockey player. That in it's self speaks volumes.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

I would agree and would put the NASCAR community and professional golfers in the equation also. They all realize that they have nothing without the fans.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

not a good year for PSU hockey it seems..but I'm happy to hear they stopped by to see Jr. I'm sure that made his day. I'm also considering getting a scott stevens sweater now

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Absolutely....the Blackhawks taking a side trip to their GM's father's funeral this season was a prime example.

Like I said, I have gone from disliking Scott Stevens to being a fan for life.

No real blockbusters at the deadline, Hawks picked up Sammy Pahlsson from the Ducks as a center in exchange for a 6th D-man, no real big improvement as I see it.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Eh, sharks did some trading, not too happy with it, but we will see. Gave up 2 young kids, and a draft pick. It is more the draft picks which may come back and haunt them, as there are some good stipulations attached.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Yeah, it looks like the Kings have thrown in the towel for this season. I guess losing four in a row will do that to you. Trading Patrick O'Sullivan and a 2nd round pick for Justin Williams? Doesn't make much sense to me. POS is a bit soft but quite skilled. Williams is injured way too much for my liking. Oh well. As we Kings fans are so used to saying, better luck next season!!

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Looks like the Red Wings will stand pat. No suprise as we are strapped by the salary cap. But then again, I think we are primed for another run at the Cup.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Don't get the O'Sullivan deal. Makes little to no sense to me, though I can't complain, as it will benefit the Sharks!

Guess the sharks also got rid of McClaren as well for a 6th round pick.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

How about my Stars knocking off the Sharks in the mighty shark tank last night.:dance:

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Hope so, James. Calgary definitely got better this afternoon when they snagged Jokinen after adding Leopold. Lombardi's gonna be missed (imo), but they've gotta be feeling really good after today. They're stacked as it is, and Kiprusoff is stone. It's gonna get nice come April, May, and June, that's for sure! Going through that turd Keenan would make the Cup that much sweeter, too!! :tu

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Dallas played a good game, as they did in the previous one. Ok, since obviously I can be biased, but did YOU see an intent to injure, or even a head butt to warrant the game misconduct?!

Sharks 3rd and 4th lines are hurting right now though, with injuries, hopefully everyone will get healthy 2 weeks before playoffs.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Well, the Blues won last night against Tampa, in OT!! 2 more points and climbing. Tonight we take on the Panthers. Can't wait!!

I have to say, I always loved hanging out with my friends, drinking a few cold ones :al and watching whatever game was on. Now, I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be, than sitting next to my boy and watching his face enjoy the action. Life is funny.
Two hours until game time, and my son is already in his Blues sweater.
Talk to ya later fellas. :ih

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

WTF is up with the Wings (and "pesky" Saturday opponents)?!!! For a while I was thinking that it might be Detroit/San Jose playing for the West... until last Wed came along (w/Calgary getting a whole lot better). And now, down the stretch, I'm seeing the team playing unfocused in certain games, and their defense taking most nights off. Just please don't use the "hurt/injured player(s)" excuse... it's late in the season, and everybody's banged-up and trying to get healthy. While I always want to see good, competitive play through til the end, I just hope this isn't another early-out season (1st or 2nd round). And no, I'm not freakin' out.... just a bit concerned...

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

Hawks are in the exact same boat, John...playing like they have already clinched a playoff spot. Brian Campbell has been awful the past couple weeks, not acceptable for a 7.5 million dollar player, and now Havlat joins Sharp and Khabibulin on the injured list. Not a good way to go into the last month of the season.

Re: NHL '08- '09 Thread
 

The Flames seem to be falling into a complacent trend as well. Losing their last two games to teams they should have beaten, albeit on the road.

Iginla has been hot and cold this season. I'm hoping the new top line will start gelling in time for the post season run....

Assuming the top line starts rolling and they start playing with the grit and dertermination they have in years past, I see the Flames or San Jose coming out of the West.