the hockey thread

[Jbones72]

Going to the Rangers/Islanders game tonight. I have a feeling I'm going to see the final nails in the coffin, both for the 2008-2009 season and for Tom Renney!

Well I was 2 games early. I agree that something had to be done, but I don't think bringing in John Tortorella will change anything this year.

[capt. scotty]

Going to the Rangers/Islanders game tonight. I have a feeling I'm going to see the final nails in the coffin, both for the 2008-2009 season and for Tom Renney!

Well I was 2 games early. I agree that something had to be done, but I don't think bringing in John Tortorella will change anything this year.

I honestly dont think NYR has a chance to win a series in the playoffs no matter who the coach is or how good they start playing (barring a big move before the deadline). Dont feel bad, because I think the same exact thing about my Pens - if they even make the playoffs.

Boston, Philly, Jersey, and Washington are all just too strong IMO for any other team to beat them best of 7.

And your heard it here first - I think Jersey is going to the cup. Once they get Brodeur back, Boston is the only team even close in the goaltending category, and while Id slightly favor Washington and Philly's scoring ability ahead of them, its not by much.

Well see though, cant wait for the playoffs regardless if the Pens make it or not because they have no shot of winning a series as a 6+ seed.

[Jbones72]

At this point, barring a miracle trade, I'd rather have them tank not make the playoff's and get a good draft pick for next year. It's funny how the Devils are somewhat ignored in this area, considering how successful they have been over the years!. If Lou was the Rangers GM he would be the toast of the town, but I'm stuck with Slats til he retires!

[.Walt]

Classic. I was watching the Wild game the other night, and the guy I was watching it with wouldn't shut up about explaining how hockey works. I'm not retarded. There's is NO WAY a America can know more than 40 current hockey player names (other than the local team).  Due to the fact ESPN won't give hockey the light of day, and sports radio won't talk hockey. Unless you are a HUGE hockey fan, or play video games that's the only way. But really, he knew the names from playing video games. That doesn't make you a expert.   you're not fooling me Mr. Jones.

[capt. scotty]

Classic. I was watching the Wild game the other night, and the guy I was watching it with wouldn't shut up about explaining how hockey works. I'm not retarded. There's is NO WAY a America can know more than 40 current hockey player names (other than the local team).  Due to the fact ESPN won't give hockey the light of day, and sports radio won't talk hockey. Unless you are a HUGE hockey fan, or play video games that's the only way. But really, he knew the names from playing video games. That doesn't make you a expert.   you're not fooling me Mr. Jones.

Im an American. I could probably name 40 players using only 5 randomly picked teams. I like Hockey, but I wouldnt say im a HUGE fan - but either way, its like youre taking the millions of HUGE American hockey fans out of the equation.

ESPN showing as much or as little of any sport doesnt dictate how much of a given sport I watch, so I never understood the whole if hockey is on NBC or ESPN, more people will watch it. I think most people will watch what they want. Although I love watching sports in general, so maybe Im not in this contingent.

[Jaimoe]

I just like that you Yanks like talking about hockey, regardless if you can't name more than 40 players. I think I could name at least 10 on every team, but if Canadians can't, we get beaten.

[capt. scotty]

I just like that you Yanks like talking about hockey, regardless if you can't name more than 40 players. I think I could name at least 10 on every team, but if Canadians can't, we get beaten.

Here, here!!!

Pens had a huge 1-0 win over the Islanders tonight, getting the game winner with only a couple minutes left. They dominated play much more than the score would dictate, and based on how bad our D has beenand Fleury giving up soft goals, pitching a shutout is even more impressive. Plus, both Crosby and Ryan Whitney didnt play. Kris Letang looked good in his 1st game sicne Dan Bylsma has been coach, hopefully he invigorated Letang which I think was his main goal in the first place.

Most importantly though, is were now only 2 points behind the 7 and 8 seeded Buffalo and Florida, and 1 point behind 9th seeded Carolina. Def needed that win with a road trip coming up and the next couple games being vs. Chicago and Dallas

[capt. scotty]

Pens trade Ryan Whitney to Anaheim for Chris Kunitz and Eric Tangradi.

At first I was thinking that the Pens couldve gotten a better scorer, but the more I think about that Im not so sure. Im starting to like this deal more and more. We lose our most overrated offensive defensiveman (which we have too many fo) who was being overpayed and have Letang and Goligoski waiting in the wings as offensive Dmen ready for his role. If you projected Whitney's +/- out for the 08-09 year, he would end up at -44. Good riddance.

As for what we got, well see. I wouldve liked a better scorer, but Kunitz is a solid all around player who also saves us an extra mill in cap space. And actually, his best season of 60 points a couple years ago was when he was centered by Andy McDonald, someone whose passing ability and speed are actually better than Getzlaf. He has offensive ability, but is also a great forechecker who makes a lot of hits, has speed, is in his prime, crashes the net, and has toughness. Everything is pretty much just what we need. And apparently, this minor league prospect Eric Tangradi was the Ducks #1 prospect and is a physical 6'3'' 220+ winger/center who has over 80 points so far this year. If he pans out, I we absolutely stole from Anaheim.

Also, this probably means the Ducks will move Pronger or Neidermayer before the deadline for more offense since they now have Whitney

[Jaimoe]

Good deal for the Pens. Tangradi is a good power-forward prospect and plays for the very good Belleville Bulls in the OHL (who will probably be the regular season Eastern Conference champs). The CHL (OHL/WHL/QMJHL ain't the minors - technically it is, but to me the minors means the AHL, ECHL etc... He's second in the OHL in scoring behind 17 year-old phenom John Tavares (although he ain't no Tavares). Kunitz is a steady offensive player and should help round out the 2nd or 3rd lines (or even the top line).

[.Walt]

Classic. I was watching the Wild game the other night, and the guy I was watching it with wouldn't shut up about explaining how hockey works. I'm not retarded. There's is NO WAY a America can know more than 40 current hockey player names (other than the local team).  Due to the fact ESPN won't give hockey the light of day, and sports radio won't talk hockey. Unless you are a HUGE hockey fan, or play video games that's the only way. But really, he knew the names from playing video games. That doesn't make you a expert.   you're not fooling me Mr. Jones.

Im an American. I could probably name 40 players using only 5 randomly picked teams. I like Hockey, but I wouldnt say im a HUGE fan - but either way, its like youre taking the millions of HUGE American hockey fans out of the equation.

ESPN showing as much or as little of any sport doesnt dictate how much of a given sport I watch, so I never understood the whole if hockey is on NBC or ESPN, more people will watch it. I think most people will watch what they want. Although I love watching sports in general, so maybe Im not in this contingent.

You've posted rankings of players who average the most backchecks. You've said you watched the Junior Championships, and you watch more hockey then baseball. I think you're more than just an average fan. Reading your posts, you sound more like a HUGE fan.

I live in a state that loves hockey. Our state high school tourny (I believe) makes the most money for any sport, in any state. We have five D1 college teams. What I'm getting at is that our state is hockey first, and pretty much anything second. I can only wonder about how fans in other states get their hockey news. To be honest, I don't think there's millions of die-hard hockey fans. To be a hockey fan in the U.S. you have to do work. You can't be lazy. Because the only way you're going to know what's going on is by doing it yourself. That's why I have HUGE respect for actual fans (which includes you, and everyone in here).

Give me college hockey any day.

[Taterbug]

Classic. I was watching the Wild game the other night, and the guy I was watching it with wouldn't shut up about explaining how hockey works. I'm not retarded. There's is NO WAY a America can know more than 40 current hockey player names (other than the local team).  Due to the fact ESPN won't give hockey the light of day, and sports radio won't talk hockey. Unless you are a HUGE hockey fan, or play video games that's the only way. But really, he knew the names from playing video games. That doesn't make you a expert.   you're not fooling me Mr. Jones.

Im an American. I could probably name 40 players using only 5 randomly picked teams. I like Hockey, but I wouldnt say im a HUGE fan - but either way, its like youre taking the millions of HUGE American hockey fans out of the equation.

ESPN showing as much or as little of any sport doesnt dictate how much of a given sport I watch, so I never understood the whole if hockey is on NBC or ESPN, more people will watch it. I think most people will watch what they want. Although I love watching sports in general, so maybe Im not in this contingent.

You've posted rankings of players who average the most backchecks. You've said you watched the Junior Championships, and you watch more hockey then baseball. I think you're more than just an average fan. Reading your posts, you sound more like a HUGE fan.

I live in a state that loves hockey. Our state high school tourny (I believe) makes the most money for any sport, in any state. We have five D1 college teams. What I'm getting at is that our state is hockey first, and pretty much anything second. I can only wonder about how fans in other states get their hockey news. To be honest, I don't think there's millions of die-hard hockey fans. To be a hockey fan in the U.S. you have to do work. You can't be lazy. Because the only way you're going to know what's going on is by doing it yourself. That's why I have HUGE respect for actual fans (which includes you, and everyone in here).

Give me college hockey any day.

Yo walts, Do you play Hockey ?  My bro-inlaw lives in White Bear lake and he played in the Pond Hockey Tourney, No check league my ass  ;)..  He said he felt like he was hit by the same truck 5 times in a row.

[.Walt]

Classic. I was watching the Wild game the other night, and the guy I was watching it with wouldn't shut up about explaining how hockey works. I'm not retarded. There's is NO WAY a America can know more than 40 current hockey player names (other than the local team).  Due to the fact ESPN won't give hockey the light of day, and sports radio won't talk hockey. Unless you are a HUGE hockey fan, or play video games that's the only way. But really, he knew the names from playing video games. That doesn't make you a expert.   you're not fooling me Mr. Jones.

Im an American. I could probably name 40 players using only 5 randomly picked teams. I like Hockey, but I wouldnt say im a HUGE fan - but either way, its like youre taking the millions of HUGE American hockey fans out of the equation.

ESPN showing as much or as little of any sport doesnt dictate how much of a given sport I watch, so I never understood the whole if hockey is on NBC or ESPN, more people will watch it. I think most people will watch what they want. Although I love watching sports in general, so maybe Im not in this contingent.

You've posted rankings of players who average the most backchecks. You've said you watched the Junior Championships, and you watch more hockey then baseball. I think you're more than just an average fan. Reading your posts, you sound more like a HUGE fan.

I live in a state that loves hockey. Our state high school tourny (I believe) makes the most money for any sport, in any state. We have five D1 college teams. What I'm getting at is that our state is hockey first, and pretty much anything second. I can only wonder about how fans in other states get their hockey news. To be honest, I don't think there's millions of die-hard hockey fans. To be a hockey fan in the U.S. you have to do work. You can't be lazy. Because the only way you're going to know what's going on is by doing it yourself. That's why I have HUGE respect for actual fans (which includes you, and everyone in here).

Give me college hockey any day.

Yo walts, Do you play Hockey ?  My bro-inlaw lives in White Bear lake and he played in the Pond Hockey Tourney, No check league my ass  ;)..  He said he felt like he was hit by the same truck 5 times in a row.

No, I never played hockey, although I wish I did. I've been known to play a few games between friends. My claim to fame was writing messages on my stick's blade, and then making hash marks for every time I scored.

I take it your brother in law didn't win, huh? That always looks like so much fun.

BTW thanks for Crede

[Jaimoe]

If you guys ever start playing, take power-skating first. Also, don't play in a league that is out of your league. It's very difficult to learn how to play at an older age, similar to trying to teach an adult how to throw a baseball like a man.

[Taterbug]

Classic. I was watching the Wild game the other night, and the guy I was watching it with wouldn't shut up about explaining how hockey works. I'm not retarded. There's is NO WAY a America can know more than 40 current hockey player names (other than the local team).  Due to the fact ESPN won't give hockey the light of day, and sports radio won't talk hockey. Unless you are a HUGE hockey fan, or play video games that's the only way. But really, he knew the names from playing video games. That doesn't make you a expert.   you're not fooling me Mr. Jones.

Im an American. I could probably name 40 players using only 5 randomly picked teams. I like Hockey, but I wouldnt say im a HUGE fan - but either way, its like youre taking the millions of HUGE American hockey fans out of the equation.

ESPN showing as much or as little of any sport doesnt dictate how much of a given sport I watch, so I never understood the whole if hockey is on NBC or ESPN, more people will watch it. I think most people will watch what they want. Although I love watching sports in general, so maybe Im not in this contingent.

You've posted rankings of players who average the most backchecks. You've said you watched the Junior Championships, and you watch more hockey then baseball. I think you're more than just an average fan. Reading your posts, you sound more like a HUGE fan.

I live in a state that loves hockey. Our state high school tourny (I believe) makes the most money for any sport, in any state. We have five D1 college teams. What I'm getting at is that our state is hockey first, and pretty much anything second. I can only wonder about how fans in other states get their hockey news. To be honest, I don't think there's millions of die-hard hockey fans. To be a hockey fan in the U.S. you have to do work. You can't be lazy. Because the only way you're going to know what's going on is by doing it yourself. That's why I have HUGE respect for actual fans (which includes you, and everyone in here).

Give me college hockey any day.

Yo walts, Do you play Hockey ?  My bro-inlaw lives in White Bear lake and he played in the Pond Hockey Tourney, No check league my ass  ;)..  He said he felt like he was hit by the same truck 5 times in a row.

No, I never played hockey, although I wish I did. I've been known to play a few games between friends. My claim to fame was writing messages on my stick's blade, and then making hash marks for every time I scored.

I take it your brother in law didn't win, huh? That always looks like so much fun.

BTW thanks for Crede

No they didn't go to far into it.  
On Crede, they did a poll in the Chicao Sun-times on if the trade will come back and bite the Sox,  I think it was something like 87% of peeps said yes, and I agree.  I have watched his entire pro career and he was one of my favorite players next to AJ Pierzynski ( yea that's right   8-)  ).   If he stays healthy, you guys got the division this year and maybe World Champs  ;) ;D ;D

***** SORRY THREAD MASTER**** BACK TO HOCKEY *******

[.Walt]

similar to trying to teach an adult how to throw a baseball like a man.

i see you're point. i promised myself i'd never be that guy. if you're a dude and you can't throw, you're not a dude. but so very entertaining to watch.  

[capt. scotty]

Good deal for the Pens. Tangradi is a good power-forward prospect and plays for the very good Belleville Bulls in the OHL (who will probably be the regular season Eastern Conference champs). The CHL (OHL/WHL/QMJHL ain't the minors - technically it is, but to me the minors means the AHL, ECHL etc... He's second in the OHL in scoring behind 17 year-old phenom John Tavares (although he ain't no Tavares). Kunitz is a steady offensive player and should help round out the 2nd or 3rd lines (or even the top line).

I listened to a lot of the main radio sports talk show for a couple hours this afternoon, and the host Mark Madden said he didnt think it was a bad trade for the Pens, just that hey thought we could get more (say, maybe Milan Hejduk). My first reaction when I heard about the trade driving back from work today before this came on was the same thing, but after I thought about, what team would trade us any player of that caliber for a Whitney who hasnt look good for 2 years and has injury problems?? Outside of a rental, I highly doubt any, and we got Kunitz whose contract goes through 3 more seasons. It was funny though, because Id say 80-90% of the people who called in thought it was a terrible trade, and Im guessing most have never even heard of Kunitz let alone see him play, and these were probably the same people who were cursing Whitney for the last month and cheered yesterday it the arena (seriously) when it was announced he was scratched for family matters - go figure. Madden himself even stated himself most Pens fans dont know much about hockey  ;D

Anyways, now I dont think he is the winger that Sid would like (I think his optimum situation was what he had probably, 3rd fiddle on the top line where the main winger - Perry - is a better scorer than him), but hell help more than anyone we have Im certain. And theres no way hell play on the 3rd line for us, hes a top 6 forward and well see if Bylsma elects to put him with Sid or Geno, though my guess is Sid.

Maybe we still make a move before the deadline, but I dont see anything major coming just yet though there is a lot of Staal talk. And I dont think well have enough cap space for next year after we re-sign the guys we need to (Sykora, Scuderi, Goligoski, and I think well make an offer to Fedotenko) plus Malkin's and Staal's contracts hitting the chalk to make a run at a 35+ goal scorer (Id jizz in my pants instantly if we got Cammalleri who I hear Calgary wont be able to afford and would be a perfect complement to Sid and Kunitz)

As for Tangradi, never heard of him until today and I really like what I hear. Not only is his size and physicality something we need even more than what Kunitz brings, but hes supposedly still very raw yet is only a couple points behind Tavares (who I know is a couple years younger than him, but the Pens dont need the next Crosby/Ovie/Kane, they need a guy like this).  Talked to my cousin today and I guess he knows somebody a few years younger than us who played on some Pennsylvania Jr. team or something with Tangradi and said he's crazy good.  

I might have questioned Whitney for Kunitz straight up, especially because though I think Whitney's 59pt season is more aberration than norm, it will take a couple more years to see if thats the case. But I cant believe we got this guy who seems to be 1 of the top few forward prospects as well, and it seemed possible in interviews I heard he might be playing on the Pens by next year.

[Jbones72]

41 shots tonight and they still can't score 2 goals! I've never seen so may shots that to a open net that are too low, high, wide...in my life! I was glad to hear the "Fire Sather" chants loud and clear in the Garden, not that it will do anything!

[Jaimoe]

Good deal for the Pens. Tangradi is a good power-forward prospect and plays for the very good Belleville Bulls in the OHL (who will probably be the regular season Eastern Conference champs). The CHL (OHL/WHL/QMJHL ain't the minors - technically it is, but to me the minors means the AHL, ECHL etc... He's second in the OHL in scoring behind 17 year-old phenom John Tavares (although he ain't no Tavares). Kunitz is a steady offensive player and should help round out the 2nd or 3rd lines (or even the top line).

I listened to a lot of the main radio sports talk show for a couple hours this afternoon, and the host Mark Madden said he didnt think it was a bad trade for the Pens, just that hey thought we could get more (say, maybe Milan Hejduk)

Hejduk is not in his prime anymore and I'm not sure of his contract, but he's a nice short-term solution. Kunitz is in his prime though. I don't think the Pens need another finesse player and Kunitz won the Cup recently, so that'll be a bonus down the stretch. Whitney's contract and the log-jam on defense had lots to do with this trade.

A couple of things I like about Tangradi is that he played for the hyped, talented, but disappointing US World Junior team this year and he's a late bloomer. Most good power-forwards are late bloomers. Milan Lucic was a 2nd-round draft choice in 2007 and made the Bruins last season right after he won the 2007 MVP at the Memorial Cup (the CHL championship and hardest cup to win in any sport; look it up) - and he wasn't a big scorer in the WHL. I love that kid.

You guys should ignore any hockey radio talk in Pittsburgh and tune in to The Fan 590 on the internet, as long as it isn't blocked - their Hockey Central show from noon to 1pm every weekday is very informative, hosted by Daren Millard, Nick Kypreos, and Mike Brophy (from the Globe & Main - Canada's best newpaper and The Hockey News)

[capt. scotty]

A couple of things I like about Tangradi is that he played for the hyped, talented, but disappointing US World Junior team this year and he's a late bloomer. Most good power-forwards are late bloomers. Milan Lucic was a 2nd-round draft choice in 2007 and made the Bruins last season right after he won the 2007 MVP at the Memorial Cup (the CHL championship and hardest cup to win in any sp

So was it this years World Junior Championship where I hear someone (I think he was for Canada) went down the US bench after scoring a goal and when he got to where Tangradi was, Tangradi decked him??  :D

Thats exactly what the Pens need. Some players who arent god damn sissys

[Jaimoe]

A couple of things I like about Tangradi is that he played for the hyped, talented, but disappointing US World Junior team this year and he's a late bloomer. Most good power-forwards are late bloomers. Milan Lucic was a 2nd-round draft choice in 2007 and made the Bruins last season right after he won the 2007 MVP at the Memorial Cup (the CHL championship and hardest cup to win in any sp

So was it this years World Junior Championship where I hear someone (I think he was for Canada) went down the US bench after scoring a goal and when he got to where Tangradi was, Tangradi decked him??  :D

Thats exactly what the Pens need. Some players who arent god damn sissys

When the US played Canada in their round-robin game, the US opened up a 3 goal lead early in the game. Every time they scored, they played it up immediately after and then would skate by the Canadian bench and start to mock the team - I'm being no homer here; these teams hate each other and this was classless and unprecidented. Canada eventually climbed back in the game and did the same thing to the US bench. I'm not sure if anyone threw any real punches since the player would be suspended, but I remember the incident. It actually led to a new rule where a player couldn't celebrate a goal in front of a bench. BTW, Canada won the gold and went unbeaten in the tournament. The US was a gold medal threat, but ended up beating the Czechs for 5th place.