I know it's kind of late but I thought someone would've started this already. I'm really excited for this next series, Philly and Pittsburgh is a great rivalry. I predict Pens in 6 games. I'll also predict a Detroit-Pittsburgh Stanley Cup Finals, Detroit will be a tough match-up.
All the Conference semi-final series weren't very exciting (with a couple of exceptions), and I can't remember it ever being this way in my nearly four decades of watching the NHL playoffs. That being said, the upcoming East Conference finals is the only series that's remotely interesting. I think Pitt will win in 5, but if Philly can steal one of the first two games in Pittsburgh, I think it'll go 6 or 7... and if the refs let Philly play their style, well, they could pull off an upset.
Detroit is the most boring team in the NHL and they are matched up with the second most boring team. Look for a light-hitting, power-play filled series with no intensity. Dallas in 7 since Brendan Morrow and goalie Marty Turco are playing their best hockey of their careers and are the best players in this entire playoffs.
QuoteAll the Conference semi-final series weren't very exciting (with a couple of exceptions), and I can't remember it ever being this way in my nearly four decades of watching the NHL playoffs. That being said, the upcoming East Conference finals is the only series that's remotely interesting. I think Pitt will win in 5, but if Philly can steal one of the first two games in Pittsburgh, I think it'll go 6 or 7... and if the refs let Philly play their style, well, they could pull off an upset.
Detroit is the most boring team in the NHL and they are matched up with the second most boring team. Look for a light-hitting, power-play filled series with no intensity. Dallas in 7 since Brendan Morrow and goalie Marty Turco are playing their best hockey of their careers and are the best players in this entire playoffs.
Obviously its more exciting when your team is doing well. It does seem like most of the match-ups weren't that even, I don't think any of the series have even gone to a game 7 yet. Pens-Flyers should be THE series of the playoffs so far.
Despite the past, Hossa has a had a great post-season thus far. He's scoring goals and making great defensive plays.
Hossa has been playing well. I can't forgive Malkin for his two slew-foots in one shift in the last game. Dirty and cowardly is putting it mildly. I think Pittsburgh's best all-round player this playoffs is young Jordan Staal. He kills all the penalties, wins the draws, stands in front of the net, hits and is the best defensive forward on the Pens, plus he's good offensively too. BTW, I want Philly to win the Cup (since my Bruins and Flames are out). Many of my fellow Torontonians hate the Flyers (due to old rivalries, the Broad Street Bullies legacy, Steve Downey and more specifcally Bobby Clark), but this team is loaded with tough and talented Canadians (minus the injured star Simon Gagne - people seem to forget that he's out); I even like the Euros on the Flyers and American R.J. Umberger is playing really well. I like his game.
I don't agree that this upcoming series will be THE SERIES. I think that one already played out in Round One: Calgary-San Jose. That series was a war and extremely exciting. The Habs-Bruins series was very entertaining.
QuoteHossa has been playing well. I can't forgive Malkin for his two slew-foots in one shift in the last game. Dirty and cowardly is putting it mildly.
I have no idea what you're talking about, i did have to miss the 3rd period and OT due to work. Dirty plays are made all around, its easy to point it out when it's the other team.
QuoteQuoteHossa has been playing well. I can't forgive Malkin for his two slew-foots in one shift in the last game. Dirty and cowardly is putting it mildly.
I have no idea what you're talking about, i did have to miss the 3rd period and OT due to work. Dirty plays are made all around, its easy to point it out when it's the other team.
It was in the 3rd period of Game 4 - I got it wrong. Malkin's slew-foots (don't forget that they were on the same shift) made Hockey Night in Canada's Coach's Corner (the #1 segment of the #1 show in Canada). Slew-footing a player is just as dirty and dangerous as running someone from behind, and it's also far more sneaky and it's normally unprovoked. I don't have anything against the Pens. I hate dirty no matter what teams' players are doing it. Fucking Hatcher is playing well, but he's been really stupid dirty in the last series.
Hey, do you know anything about the IIHF World Hockey Championships? The tournament is being held in North America this year for the first time ever: Halifax and Quebec City. Anyway, Canadians call this the "unofficial" consolation prize championship since the tournament takes place annually during the NHL playoffs and the teams (the good ones) are made up mostly of NHL players from teams that aren't in the playoffs or get beat out early. NOTE: Europeans consider this to be the most important tournament including the Stanley Cup. The Russians just got Ovechkin, Semin and Fedorov, the Finns added Koivu and the Czechs added Jagr. Canada and the US are in the same division and play each other tomorrow at 3:20pm. TSN is carrying the game in Canada live. You can stream the game live on their website too. It should be a dandy tilt.
Here are the Canada and US rosters:
Goalies: Cam Ward (Carolina Hurricanes), Pascal Leclaire (Columbus Blue Jackets), Mathieu Garon (Edmonton Oilers).
Defenders: Dan Hamhuis (Nashville Predators), Logan Pyett (Regina Pats/WHL), Jay Bouwmeester (Florida Panthers), Mark Giordano (Moscow Dynamo/RUS), Brent Burns (Minnesota Wild), Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks), Steve Staios (Edmonton Oilers), Mike Green (Washington Capitals), Ed Jovanovski (Phoenix Coyotes).
Forwards: Derek Roy (Buffalo Sabres), Patrick Sharp (Chicago Blackhawks), Eric Staal (Carolina Hurricanes), Chris Kunitz (Anaheim Ducks), Dany Heatley (Ottawa Senators), Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks), Kyle Turris (Wisconsin /WCHA), Shane Doan (Phoenix Coyotes), Jamal Mayers (St. Louis Blues), Cory Emmerton (Brampton Battalion/OHL), Jason Chimera (Columbus Blue Jackets), Martin St-Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning), Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks), Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets), Sam Gagner (Edmonton Oilers), Jason Spezza (Ottawa Senators).
Head coach: Ken Hitchcock (Columbus Blue Jackets). Assistant coaches: Craig MacTavish (Edmonton Oilers), Mike Johnston (Los Angeles Kings), Pat Burns (Hockey Canada).
Team USA:
Goalies (3): Craig Anderson (Florida Panthers), Robert Esche (Ak Bars Kazan/RUS), Tim Thomas (Boston Bruins).
Defenders (7): Keith Ballard (Phoenix Coyotes), Tom Gilbert (Edmonton Oilers), Tim Gleason (Carolina Hurricanes), Matt Greene (Edmonton Oilers), Paul Martin (New Jersey Devils), Mark Stuart (Boston Bruins), James Wisniewski (Chicago Blackhawks).
Forwards (13): David Backes (St. Louis Blues), David Booth (Florida Panthers), Dustin Brown (Los Angeles Kings), Adam Burish (Chicago Blackhawks), Jeff Halpern (Tampa Bay Lightning), Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks), Phil Kessel (Boston Bruins), Peter Mueller (Phoenix Coyotes), Patrick O'Sullivan (Los Angeles Kings), Zach Parise (New Jersey Devils), Jason Pominville (Buffalo Sabres), Drew Stafford (Buffalo Sabres), Lee Stempniak (St. Louis Blues).
Head coach: John Tortorella (Tampa Bay Lightning). Assistant coaches: Mike Sullivan (Tampa Bay Lightning), Kurt Kleinendorst (Lowell Devils/AHL).
Here's TSN's tournament page: http://www.tsn.ca/canadian_hockey/
i'm going with philly. this is a big rivalry series, so it should be really fun to watch. i pretty much like any philly team. so it works out when i hate the pens. i pretty much hate any team that the media drools over. (although the pens have a really good team, don't get me wrong but that's why i hate'em)
if you're in the city of brotherly love, you may win the series, but you could lose your life.
You guys obviously know your hockey...I don't. BUT, I did watch some of San Jose's games in the first two rounds, and most of their last one. It's kind of frustrating watching a sport that I don't know all the rules to, but those were some great games. Nabokov is a stud.
I'd like to see the Penguins play some games now.
The pens look real good. They obliterated my Rangers. :'(
Quotewatching a sport that I don't know all the rules to {/quote]
it's pretty quick to pick up. look for off sides, two line pass and icing for starters...along with pretty obvious penalties
Off sides:
Offsides:
A player may not skate into his offensive zone ahead of the puck. If that happens, a whistle is blown, and a face-off is held just outside the zone where the breach-offside- occurred. What matters in an offside is the position of the skates: Both skates must be all the way over the blue line for a player to be potentially off-side. The location of the stick does not matter. Offside is also called if a player makes what is called a two-line pass.
Offside is called to keep players from hanging around the red line at center ice, or all the way down in their offensive zone, and waiting for a pass that will give them a breakaway (skating toward the goal with no defenders around except for the goalie) and an easy chance at a goal.
Two Line Pass:
An offside pass is also called a two-line pass. A defenseman with the puck in front of his own net, for example, cannot snap it to a teammate beyond the red line at center ice because it would have to go over two lines, first the blue and then the red, to get there. For that play to work, the player at center ice would have to skate inside the red line, closer to his own net, to receive the pass.
Icing and penalties:
Jim Carr (play by play broadcaster) : Hi, Jim Carr again. Denis, I know that some in our audience don't know the finer points of hockey. Could you tell them, for example, what is icing?
Denis Lemieux (goalie): Well, um, icing happen when the puck come down, bang you know, before the other guys you know. Nobody there, you know. My arm go comes up then the game stop then start up.
Jim Carr: I see. What is high-sticking?
Denis Lemieux: High-sticking happen when the guy take the stick, you know, and he go like that
[high-sticks Jim Carr]
Denis Lemieux: you know. You don't do that.
Jim Carr: You don't do that?
Denis Lemieux: Oh no, never, never.
Jim Carr: Why not?
Denis Lemieux: Against the rules. You know, you're stupid when you do that. Just some English pig with no brains, you know.
Jim Carr: Uh, what is slashing?
Denis Lemieux: Slashing is um, like that
[demonstrates on Jim Carr]
Denis Lemieux: you know.
Jim Carr: Mm-hmm. And there's a penalty for that?
Denis Lemieux: Yeah and for the trip also, you know like that
[demonstrates]
Denis Lemieux: . And for hook like this
[demonstrates]
Denis Lemieux: . And for spear, you know, like that.
[demonstrates]
Denis Lemieux: You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame, you know. And then you get free.
Quote
Offsides:
Two Line Pass:
An offside pass is also called a two-line pass. A defenseman with the puck in front of his own net, for example, cannot snap it to a teammate beyond the red line at center ice because it would have to go over two lines, first the blue and then the red, to get there. For that play to work, the player at center ice would have to skate inside the red line, closer to his own net, to receive the pass.
As of two years ago, two-line passes are allowed and are no longer called off-side.
QuoteYou guys obviously know your hockey...I don't. BUT, I did watch some of San Jose's games in the first two rounds, and most of their last one. It's kind of frustrating watching a sport that I don't know all the rules to, but those were some great games. Nabokov is a stud.
I'd like to see the Penguins play some games now.
You really need to see Slap Shot. Not only is it one of the funniest sports movies ever made - directed by George Roy Hill (The Sting, Butch Cassidy) - it also is a fairly accurate representation of 1970's era minor league pro hockey. Slap Shot is also one of Paul Newman's most underrated and funniest film roles. Here's the hilarious "rules" opening scene that driven_to_distraction transcribed, but this is the complete scene/clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_w4MV_LwMw
(// http://blogs.citypages.com/amadzine/images/slapshot.jpg%20 )
QuoteQuoteYou guys obviously know your hockey...I don't. BUT, I did watch some of San Jose's games in the first two rounds, and most of their last one. It's kind of frustrating watching a sport that I don't know all the rules to, but those were some great games. Nabokov is a stud.
I'd like to see the Penguins play some games now.
You really need to see Slap Shot. Not only is it one of the funniest sports movies ever made - directed by George Roy Hill (The Sting, Butch Cassidy) - it also is a fairly accurate representation of 1970's era minor league pro hockey. Slap Shot is also one of Paul Newman's most underrated and funniest film roles. Here's the hilarious "rules" opening scene that driven_to_distraction transcribed, but this is the complete scene/clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_w4MV_LwMw
(http://blogs.citypages.com/amadzine/images/slapshot.jpg%20)
;D Thanks guys, I've got it all figured out now. I'll have to check out this movie - I've heard good things...
Let's Go Flyers!!!!
I'm not a fan of any of the four teams left, that being said I think the Flyers will take the Pens and the Stars will take the Wings.
[size=72]
LETS GO PENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[/b][/size]
(http://media.canada.com/31a8f7dd-65a5-4524-b9b0-0aa93d9b3b89/041107gary.jpg)
^So Badass!^
Quote[size=72]LETS GO PENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[/b][/size]
(http://media.canada.com/31a8f7dd-65a5-4524-b9b0-0aa93d9b3b89/041107gary.jpg)
^So Badass!^
He came out of retirement after almost two years after breaking his neck back in the mid 90's when he played for Calgary. Not overly big, but he fights anyone and everyone when he needs to and is a born leader and is a bonifide power-forward and a possible Hall of Famer. You bet Gary is a badass.
Tonight's game was awesome. Let's go for a sweep.
I thought the game was sloppy and Philly played kinda dopey. It's a damn shame that the Flyers have to deal with yet another key injury with their best defenseman Kimmo Timonen out of the rest of the playoffs with a blood clot in his ankle. I'd love to see this match-up with a healthy Flyers (which includes their best winger Simon Gagne and the aforementioned Timmonen), but I bet the next game is more competetive and entertaining; and realistically, Gagne hasn't been in the picture for three months or more. At least this was a better game than the no-hitter Dallas-Detroit game.
(http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1741/n72403852311914376274ug8.jpg)
Quote(http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1741/n72403852311914376274ug8.jpg)
;D how did i not see that? ;D
anyways true, you down for an avatar bet? i'll take the wings, but since i'm not a fan of them, if i win, you sport a maple leafs avatar...you down?
QuoteQuote(http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1741/n72403852311914376274ug8.jpg)
;D how did i not see that? ;D
anyways true, you down for an avatar bet? i'll take the wings, but since i'm not a fan of them, if i win, you sport a maple leafs avatar...you down?
yeah probably will, i'll let you know before saturday.
QuoteQuoteQuote(http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1741/n72403852311914376274ug8.jpg)
;D how did i not see that? ;D
anyways true, you down for an avatar bet? i'll take the wings, but since i'm not a fan of them, if i win, you sport a maple leafs avatar...you down?
yeah probably will, i'll let you know before saturday.
i thought this was going to be a for sure thing. it's only for a week. (i forgot to mention that)
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuote(http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1741/n72403852311914376274ug8.jpg)
;D how did i not see that? ;D
anyways true, you down for an avatar bet? i'll take the wings, but since i'm not a fan of them, if i win, you sport a maple leafs avatar...you down?
yeah probably will, i'll let you know before saturday.
i thought this was going to be a for sure thing. it's only for a week. (i forgot to mention that)
ok fine. Pens are gonna win anyway! I'll pick something out for an avatar later.
do and done. good luck...you're the only reason why i wouldn't mind the pens winning.
Quotedo and done. good luck...you're the only reason why i wouldn't mind the pens winning.
Why's that? I can understand not liking teams loaded with talent, and rooting for the underdog (which we are against Detroit, mind you). But you know, we built our team the right way, through the draft. That's how the Steelers do it too. Pittsburgh is considered a small market so thats how they have to do it. This team will be good for a long time, so better get used to it. Well anyways, if they win than thank you for at least being happy for me.
QuoteQuotedo and done. good luck...you're the only reason why i wouldn't mind the pens winning.
Why's that? I can understand not liking teams loaded with talent, and rooting for the underdog (which we are against Detroit, mind you). But you know, we built our team the right way, through the draft. That's how the Steelers do it too. Pittsburgh is considered a small market so thats how they have to do it. This team will be good for a long time, so better get used to it. Well anyways, if they win than thank you for at least being happy for me.
it's funny, people in Minnesota really think that Crosby is a Minnesotan. all because he played that one year of high school hockey here. so i have to deal with that all day at work, and then i go home, and then i see him on tv. frankly i've had it. ;) although you're right, the pens will be good for a long time. one step at a time.
also i was the only kid in the 90's who didn't want to be like Mike. (i guess i hate winners)
This long layoff is driving me nuts. I just want Saturday night to get here.
True, what is your prediction? I want to say Pens in 6.
QuoteQuotedo and done. good luck...you're the only reason why i wouldn't mind the pens winning.
Why's that? I can understand not liking teams loaded with talent, and rooting for the underdog (which we are against Detroit, mind you). But you know, we built our team the right way, through the draft. That's how the Steelers do it too. Pittsburgh is considered a small market so thats how they have to do it. This team will be good for a long time, so better get used to it. Well anyways, if they win than thank you for at least being happy for me.
And Detroit has built their team through the draft too, but since they always have a contending team, maintaining a dynasty is even more impressive.
They made a couple of key free agent signings this year, getting former player Darren McCarty back, adding Dallas Drake and getting Brian Rafalski. They made one trade, getting Brad Stuart, who has played really well on defense for them. Daniel Cleary signed as a free agent in 2005.
They've drafted many of their core players in later rounds: Holmstrom (10th round), Datsyuk (6th round), Zetterberg (4th round), Lidstrom (3rd round), Osgood (3rd round), Franzen (3rd round). They also made some good deals in the past, like getting Kris Draper for future considerations back in 1993 from the Winnipeg Jets (now the Phoenix Coyotes). The Wings also have some decent young players in the system that, knowing them, will probably turn into great players (not on current roster): Cory Emmerton, Kyle Quincey, Logan Pyett, Jacob Kindl (to name a few).
I hate the Wings, but I sure love Steve Yzerman and have a lot of respect for their ownership and scouts.
Well those first 2 games almost made me yak before the 3rd period started
Thanks god we came back to life at home..As long as we show the intensity, speed, and forechecking ability that we did throughout most of game 3 (esp the 2nd pd), we should even the series up. That brings the question to: with this newfound confidence and knowledge we CAN beat the wings, how do we respond in DET for game 5
I dont wanna get ahead of myself since game 4 is still 2 days away, but that game last night got me pumped
Just wondering EVILtrue, what part of the burgh you from? I lived in wexford/cranberry the last 15 years of my life (after being in another burgh suburb) along with penn state the last 4..now im in Iowa for grad school, so nice to see another YINZER rockin the MMJ boards!
QuoteWell those first 2 games almost made me yak before the 3rd period started
Thanks god we came back to life at home..As long as we show the intensity, speed, and forechecking ability that we did throughout most of game 3 (esp the 2nd pd), we should even the series up. That brings the question to: with this newfound confidence and knowledge we CAN beat the wings, how do we respond in DET for game 5
I dont wanna get ahead of myself since game 4 is still 2 days away, but that game last night got me pumped
Just wondering EVILtrue, what part of the burgh you from? I lived in wexford/cranberry the last 15 years of my life (after being in another burgh suburb) along with penn state the last 4..now im in Iowa for grad school, so nice to see another YINZER rockin the MMJ boards!
I'm in the suburbs, westmoreland county. Hopefully they can score early, and play with a lead. That would help. The whole team needs to step up and contribute, as they've done in the other series.
yep
I think Geno needs to wake the fuck up, same with Sykora but as Malk goes, so does Sykora for the most part.
Same goes for Hossa. Hasnt looked good at all this series, and those 2 assists from game 3 are just like stat stuffers since Crosby got them off of rebounds. If he plays better, thatll help Sid out that much more
Nice to see Fleury come back with his best game of the year, but he has to be that or better here on out for us to have a chance
And we need to shoot the puck more! jeebus..just look at what those rebounds get you
t-minus 26.5 hours
LETS GO PENS
If the Pens play with the same intensity as game 3, then we will have a series on our hands and hopefully win this thing in a game 7. I would love for my moving-out-of-PA memory to be the Pens winning the cup before moving back to Capitals territory.
Plus, once hockey is over...we're left with baseball...and that makes me sick.
Quote
Plus, once hockey is over...we're left with baseball...and that makes me sick.
All you gotta do is live by this motto: Steelers Season > Steelers/Pens Season > Pens Season > Steelers Offseason
If you think it, bad dreams wont come
DVRing the game right now...not hopeful on a good outcome, but hoping
Since its possibly the last time ill be saying it for awhile, I gotta say
LETS GO PENS!!!
I can't believe Lidstrom and Roberts went toe-to-toe in a first period fight. Georges Laraques scores two. Wow, what a game.
QuoteI can't believe Lidstrom and Roberts went toe-to-toe in a first period fight. Georges Laraques scores two. Wow, what a game.
Laraque isn't playing, Talbot, Hossa, and Hall have the goals. Missed the first period so i missed the fight. Great game, we need more shots on goal!
QuoteQuoteI can't believe Lidstrom and Roberts went toe-to-toe in a first period fight. Georges Laraques scores two. Wow, what a game.
Laraque isn't playing, Talbot, Hossa, and Hall have the goals. Missed the first period so i missed the fight. Great game, we need more shots on goal!
Look at the post I was responding to and please delete this dialogue for his DVRing's sake... although I believe the time is not self-adjusting.
QuoteQuoteQuoteI can't believe Lidstrom and Roberts went toe-to-toe in a first period fight. Georges Laraques scores two. Wow, what a game.
Laraque isn't playing, Talbot, Hossa, and Hall have the goals. Missed the first period so i missed the fight. Great game, we need more shots on goal!
Look at the post I was responding to and please delete this dialogue for his DVRing's sake... although I believe the time is not self-adjusting.
well since you didn't quote the post i thought you just made a mistake.
I know that Georges has been a scratch since the first game of the finals. I've been watching here at work on the CBC.
I woke up expecting to have missed the game and hoping the Wings once again held the Cup. Nope, we're now into 3OT!
i love hockey.
i dont really care for either of these teams and i have to wake up for work in less than 5 hours... but i find myself sippin some delish beer and watching an amazing game. bring it on 3rd OT.... :D
QuoteI woke up expecting to have missed the game and hoping the Wings once again held the Cup. Nope, we're now into 3OT!
yeah cause, you know.... they haven't won it enough times already.
GO PENS!
QuoteQuoteI woke up expecting to have missed the game and hoping the Wings once again held the Cup. Nope, we're now into 3OT!
yeah cause, you know.... they haven't won it enough times already.
GO PENS!
Pfff... its been like 6 years since they won it. They're the only Detroit team I've ever cared for.
I'm debating whether I want to head to the bar near my house in hopes of it being open right now. My luck I would miss the end of the game.
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :
That game was awesome. During the 2nd OT, Sykora said he was going to score...and...well, we know how that turned out.
Still hope for a game 7!
i had the avatar ready too. if i win, i'm going old school, but not the leafs. i'll wait to display it.
QuoteThat game was awesome. During the 2nd OT, Sykora said he was going to score...and...well, we know how that turned out.
Still hope for a game 7!
I'm supposed to work saturday. If it goes to game 7, there's no way I'll be there.
WHAT A GAME!!!
Damn that game was awesome...We finally didnt get hosed on missed calls and finally showed the ability to comeback. Def should have capitalized with 1 or 2 more goals with all those scoring chances we had in the first 30 minutes of the game, so they need to improve that for tomorrow. And of course get Geno on the board!
I had almost no hope for a win the way DET was flying around most of the 3rd, and with us missing Gonchar. Their 2nd and 3rd goals seemed more inevitable that possible. Mad Max comes through once again, and Sykora with his Babe Ruthian called shot finally made an impact this series
Hopefully, with no NBA on and the game being broadcast nationally on NBC, a lot of people got to see this masterpiece of a game and hopefully the NHL fuond a few more fans who will tune into the rest of the series and some games next year. It was nice to see Jim Rome on his show today lead off with the game and say that the NHL delivered something last night in that game that the NBA hasnt come close to!
LETS GO PENS
I wish you American hockey fans in Pitt could or can watch the CBC Hockey Night in Canada feeds (Detroit being a border town watch the CBC en masse). You'd particularly love watching hockey and Canadian icon Don Cherry repeatedly and lovingly praise Gary Roberts. Don leads off Coaches Corner (the #1 watched TV segment in Canada) with a Roberts love-in, much to the fury of the Canadian sports media, the CBC and Detroit fans. You'd think the Pens were actually winning the series by the way Don isolates great Penguin plays and players (he's really only openly cheering for them since they have more Canadians on the team). You have nothing that even comes close to Don Cherry on you TV airwaves south of my border. He makes Charles Barkely look dreadfully boring and liberal by comparison.
Easy on Sir Charles, but I understand what youre saying. Cherry's blowhardness entertains me more that I like his insight. The fact the he ripped Crosby for much of the past couple years and now seems to be all about the Pens annoys the hell outta me too
That said, Versus hockey broadcasts are terrible and NBC isnt much better. Personally, Id wanna watch Fox Sports Pittsburgh because I think Bob Errey is a very good announcer, but I dont have that option. Id easily take CBC over the terrible VS. and NBC
I can't stand this man, whether he's on NBC or TSN.
(http://www.hockeytalk.biz/images/Pierre___portrait.jpg)
QuoteEasy on Sir Charles, but I understand what youre saying. Cherry's blowhardness entertains me more that I like his insight. The fact the he ripped Crosby for much of the past couple years and now seems to be all about the Pens annoys the hell outta me too
Don's "blowhardedness" often overshadows some really good insight - and I think his personna and flashy dress has helped him keep his job. He showed some clips after game one of the Pens to a man pulling-up on body-checks, causing Detroit to have an easy go of puck control etc...
Don's main beef is old actually, when Crosby was a phenom hotdogging 16-18 year old Quebec junior player and a whining/diving rookie NHLer. I think he was the only one critical of Crosby and I think it's fair. Don't forget Crosby's been followed in Canada since he 8-9 years old.
QuoteI can't stand this man, whether he's on NBC or TSN.
(http://www.hockeytalk.biz/images/Pierre___portrait.jpg)
You notice how that area between the benches where is is during the games was like 2 feet by 2 feet?? hahahahahahah. Im still hoping he gets nailed by a puck in there. I like how he was ripping Sykora early on in the game after he got dinged and Syk just looks at him like shut the fuck up....and then calls his game winner out to pierre(?) to boot
If this makes you dislike Pierre even more, I have friends at TSN (high-up ones too) and they both say Pierre is a nice guy, but over the past couple of years he's gotten really full of himself. Something I don't like about him is that he's all for banning fighting and changing the game in other ways in hopes that it will appeal to more Americans.
QuoteIf this makes you dislike Pierre even more, I have friends at TSN (high-up ones too) and they both say Pierre is a nice guy, but over the past couple of years he's gotten really full of himself. Something I don't like about him is that he's all for banning fighting and changing the game in other ways in hopes that it will appeal to more Americans.
with that, id just like to thank the MMJ board that they dont abide by FCC regulations so i can say FUCK PIERRE!!!
QuoteQuoteIf this makes you dislike Pierre even more, I have friends at TSN (high-up ones too) and they both say Pierre is a nice guy, but over the past couple of years he's gotten really full of himself. Something I don't like about him is that he's all for banning fighting and changing the game in other ways in hopes that it will appeal to more Americans.
with that, id just like to thank the MMJ board that they dont abide by FCC regulations so i can say FUCK PIERRE!!!
During the recent NHL lockout, then Leaf enforcer Tie Domi called Pierre out on radio's The Fan 590 regarding what Domi felt was Pierre's two-faced backstabbing and downright inaccurate insider reporting. Domi didn't threaten Pierre, but he certainly got his point across which in turn cast serious doubt regarding Pierre's ethics and character.
Once again, as I posted 2 days ago prior to victory, I gotta do it once more since it may be the last time in awhile:
[size=18]LETS GO PENS!!![/size]
:'(
It shouldn't even have came down to the last seconds, that non-call (knocking the stick out of the Wings players hands) on the Pens power play was terrible.
Good final series, though. Now it's time to move on to Lakers/Celtics. Go Celtics!
sure we lost in 1991, but now we have our day in the sun. (this is the avatar)
(http://www.lesitedeschampions.ca/minnesota_north_stars_1982.gif)
I went and saw Death Cab For Cutie in Detroit and at the end of the show, we walk out into the street, right across from Hockeytown (big Red Wings sports bar) and there were people running down the street cheering and a growing mass of people in the streets watching the outdoor big screen at Hockeytown as the Wings carried the Cup around the ice. Very cool moment that I'm glad I got to be apart of.
Just read an article that 'hockey night in canada' is changing their theme song. :-/ I only had cbc for my four years in college and watched hnic every saturday. This comes as a shock to me. Cant imagine how I would feel if I had grown up with the show.
Detroit was the better team and there's no arguing that. They capitalized on every chance they had, while the Pens kept falling short. Two 5-3 chances and nothing to show for it. Detroit got off a ton more shots. It would be nice if this turned into a rivalry and a rematch next year. If the Pens can stay together, then expect them back a couple times in the upcoming years. It will be interesting though. Crosby took a smaller deal than he could have and when Malkin's contract comes up, the Pens can't pay him more than Crosby (at least they shouldn't) so who knows if he will stay. Re-signing Hossa would be key...very key.
QuoteJust read an article that 'hockey night in canada' is changing their theme song. :-/ I only had cbc for my four years in college and watched hnic every saturday. This comes as a shock to me. Cant imagine how I would feel if I had grown up with the show.
Imagine how a nation that ties part of its identity to hockey feels by having some idiot at the CBC dumping an iconic song?
QuoteDetroit was the better team and there's no arguing that. They capitalized on every chance they had, while the Pens kept falling short. Two 5-3 chances and nothing to show for it. Detroit got off a ton more shots. It would be nice if this turned into a rivalry and a rematch next year. If the Pens can stay together, then expect them back a couple times in the upcoming years. It will be interesting though. Crosby took a smaller deal than he could have and when Malkin's contract comes up, the Pens can't pay him more than Crosby (at least they shouldn't) so who knows if he will stay. Re-signing Hossa would be key...very key.
-DET was clearly the better team teh first 2 games, but I think the last 4 were almost dead even. Theyre going to outshoot anyone, so I dont necessarily judge by that
-I dont think they capitalized on many of their chances really, but we capitalized on almost none, esp our best ones at even strength. Our PP couldnt even control offensive possession half the time, and those 2 5-on-3's were killers.
-FA this year will be VERY interesting. Malkin and Fleury will clearly be resigned this offseason, and I say Malkin gets anywhere from 8-8.7 which is what Sids getting. But we have a lot of FA's this year outside of them - Orpik, Ruutu, Malone, Dupuis, Eaton, Hall, Laraque, Roberts. Obviously were not keeping all those guys. Id say Roberts retires, Laraque gone for sure. Malone, Orpik, and Ruutu will be hot commodities in that order. I think well def keep Dupuis at a cheap price, but Eaton's a wildcard since they proved they can win without him (Orpik staying or leaving may dictate this). Not to mention Staal is up next year (Id rather see them sign Malone and let Staal go next year). But obviously, the big wildcard is Hossa. Ive heard he hated ATL bc the fans were terrible - he likes PIT because its the opposite and he's playing with Crosby, not to mention he should be on a perennial cup contender if he stays here. Id say his play in the playoffs almost boosted his contract a mill a year, but the only way he stays here is if he takes a pay cut because of those above stated reasons. I think well offer him 6-6.5/yr, whether thats enough to keep him, well see. I def want him to stay in the Burgh
You'd let Malone stay over a 19 year old in Staal that has all the earmarks of being a superstar, not a quality role-player like Ryan? Teams don't trade players like Staal unless they know they can't resign him, and I think he'd resign for less money: those Staal kids are all quality too. Staal was Pitt's most consistent and reliable forward during the playoffs; he was the Pens' best defensive-forward by a mile, best faceoff man and best penalty-killer - all this from a kid that will only get better as he approaches 21 (you just don't find kids that can do all those things out of the gate). I knew the Hossa deal would handcuff the Pens if they didn't win it all - if you don't resign him, you essentially got nothing in the trade.
QuoteYou'd let Malone stay over a 19 year old in Staal that has all the earmarks of being a superstar, not a quality role-player like Ryan? Teams don't trade players like Staal unless they know they can't resign him, and I think he'd resign for less money: those Staal kids are all quality too. Staal was Pitt's most consistent and reliable forward during the playoffs; he was the Pens' best defensive-forward by a mile, best faceoff man and best penalty-killer - all this from a kid that will only get better as he approaches 21 (you just don't find kids that can do all those things out of the gate). I knew the Hossa deal would handcuff the Pens if they didn't win it all - if you don't resign him, you essentially got nothing in the trade.
No doubt Staal is great defensively, but he lacks the speed and shot to be an outstanding offensive player. Hes not Eric Staal. Id have a tough time saying he was out most consistent forward through the playoffs, but he def elevated his game. He only had 12 goals in the regular season, but had 4 in the playoffs. His point total actually went down by 14 from his rookie year as well (partially bc he had a ton of shorthanded goals last year). I like him, I just dont think hes worth over 4 mill at this point.
The Hossa deal essentially did what it was supposed to do. I think when it happened Shero even said he'd consider it a success if we made it to the Eastern Finals. Even if we dont resign him, Dupuis is better than both Christensen and Armstrong, Esposito apparently lacks work ethic, and the 1st round pick will be something like the 29th pick. I questioned it at first, but I didnt realize how good Dupuis was either. Like I said, Hossa likes playing here and wants to win, so its not out of the question we resign him at a discount. If we do, consider Malone, Orpik, and Ruutu all gone - but Id still do it if it came down to that (Though I really want to keep Orpik bc he's our only real physical presence on D and all our Dmen in the minors are offensive :'()
Esposito is only 18 and is a junior star. He has lots of time. Staal is projected to be a better player than Eric (and don't forget his older brother Marc in New York was fantastic as a rookie this year). Don't forget he had a great offensive rookie year and is a legit power-forward; coaches don't rush kids like him, plus power-forwards often take 5 years to blossom (Cam Neely and John LeClair took 3-5 years before they broke-out). Staal's ice-time dropped off in the regular season for some reason this year not to mention his linemates were less than stellar in the talent department. Staal is a good skater though. Bad skaters don't play on the penalty-kill or average over 20 minutes per-game of ice-time in the playoffs. He's lanky, but wait 'til he fills out.
On a side note, CBC reported that Malone was seen crying after the final game in the dressing room, resigned to the fact that he likely played his last game as a Pen.
Alright Jaimoe! well see how Jordan 'Birdman' Staal is looking in 5 years because despite what I said earlier, I think he will be a Penguin for at least 5 more years. And I didnt mention Marc because he's a defenseman, but Im somewhat surprised scouts expect Jordan to be better than Eric, though he probably already is defensively.
Similar to Hossa, but this time a hometown discount since Bugsy Malone is from Da Burgh, Im hoping Malone would resign with us for 2.5-3/yr rather than the 4-4.5/yr hell probably get, but since its likely his last opportunity for a big contract, im not counting on that. Signing Evgeni and Fleury make it difficult to begin with, but Hossa would guarantee. Either way, I wish Bugsy well
Edit to add: I dont care about Esposito. We already have 3 great centers (Staal being included ;) ) so what, is he going to play on the 4th line?! I also think he was that last piece that was added to make the deal go thru, so fine by me
I love Malone. Every team needs one.
One more thing about the Staal clan, there's one more on the horizon: Jared Staal. He's 17 years old and just finished his second season with the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL (coached by ex-NHL standout Mike Foligno). Jared is expected to go in the 2nd round of this year's draft since he's a late-bloomer.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3429820
Hossa, who had a team-high 12 goals during the playoffs, is likely on top of Shero's must-keep list. But Hossa also figures to be the most expensive free agent to re-sign, and that may make it difficult to give Malkin, Staal and Fleury the kind of money they could make on the open market.
A year ago, Sidney Crosby re-signed for less money -- an average of $8.7 million per season through 2012-13 -- to help keep the Penguins together. Hossa, who meshed so well with Crosby after being added at the Feb. 26 trading deadline, is willing to do the same thing.
Hossa expects his agent, Rich Winter, to start talking with Shero soon.
"I'd rather take less and play on a good team," Hossa said. "Hopefully, I can return here and be part of this organization but, with the salary cap, I know how hard it is. There's lots of players to be signed, so we'll see what's going to happen."
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After a couple days of disappointment, this brought a smile to my face...as I said in a post a few hours ago, I really hope Hossa takes a discount to have perennial runs at the cup..And I really hope Shero doesnt disrespectfully lowball him
QuoteYou'd let Malone stay over a 19 year old in Staal that has all the earmarks of being a superstar, not a quality role-player like Ryan? Teams don't trade players like Staal unless they know they can't resign him, and I think he'd resign for less money: those Staal kids are all quality too. Staal was Pitt's most consistent and reliable forward during the playoffs; he was the Pens' best defensive-forward by a mile, best faceoff man and best penalty-killer - all this from a kid that will only get better as he approaches 21 (you just don't find kids that can do all those things out of the gate). I knew the Hossa deal would handcuff the Pens if they didn't win it all - if you don't resign him, you essentially got nothing in the trade.
I agree he'll keep getting better offensively, he's already well- rounded everywhere else. He shouldn't cost too much to keep either.
QuoteQuoteJust read an article that 'hockey night in canada' is changing their theme song. :-/ I only had cbc for my four years in college and watched hnic every saturday. This comes as a shock to me. Cant imagine how I would feel if I had grown up with the show.
Imagine how a nation that ties part of its identity to hockey feels by having some idiot at the CBC dumping an iconic song?
This is fresh off the TSN wire: CTV (Canada's second biggest TV network) just bought the rights to the Hockey Night In Canada theme. What this means is that TSN will play the hell out of the song for every regular season and especially every playoff game, in essense, throwing egg in the collective faces of the CBC brass and employees of HNIC. Shame on you CBC. BTW, TSN is a parter with ESPN, so I guess whenever ESPN gets around to showing games again, they'll be able to use the song too. The thought of that make me sick.
I'm with you man.
This, this is screwed up.
Don't get me wrong, I like Tsn.
But this is ridiculous.
CBC is slipping...I thought it was hilarious that RDS got more viewers for pretty much every Habs playoff game this year.
But dumping the HNIC theme song, and on top of that losing it to their rival?? What the heck were they thinking.
I feel sick too.
Pass the barf bag.
The CBC was short-sighted and arrogant in thinking the song was untouchable. One thing that may have hindered them in the re-bidding for the song is that the CBC is government-funded, i.e., they use Canadian tax money for their budget. Of course this doesn't explain Air Farce's long run on TV does it?
The fact is, eventually Don Cherry is going to have to retire. Then what are they going to have - a crappy nickleback cover and Kelly Hrudey????
Don won't retire. He'll want to go out swinging, so they'll have to fire him.
QuoteDon won't retire. He'll want to go out swinging, so they'll have to fire him.
heh heh, that was my polite way of saying eventually the ol bastard is going to croak...
QuoteQuoteDon won't retire. He'll want to go out swinging, so they'll have to fire him.
heh heh, that was my polite way of saying eventually the ol bastard is going to croak...
Nope. He wants to go out with a good firing.
QuoteQuoteQuoteDon won't retire. He'll want to go out swinging, so they'll have to fire him.
heh heh, that was my polite way of saying eventually the ol bastard is going to croak...
Nope. He wants to go out with a good firing.
That may be so. But that doesn't mean he won't die before that happens.
Hey Penguins fans, Hossa has rejected the Pens contract offer and is testing the free-agent market; was the trade for him worth it now? Malkin has been offered a monster 12 million tax-free contract to play in the new Russian Superleague. You traded away all your 1st to 3rd round picks too for this year's very deep draft, but I like your 4th round choice Nathan Moon from the Kingston Frontenacs. Tense times in Pittsburgh hockey land indeed.
QuoteHey Penguins fans, Hossa has rejected the Pens contract offer and is testing the free-agent market; was the trade for him worth it now? Malkin has been offered a monster 12 million tax-free contract to play in the new Russian Superleague. You traded away all your 1st to 3rd round picks too for this year's very deep draft, but I like your 4th round choice Nathan Moon from the Kingston Frontenacs. Tense times in Pittsburgh hockey land indeed.
I don't think we thought we'd be able to re-sign Hossa anyway. We almost won the cup, yes it was worth it. I hope Malkin stays, but thats out of our control, at least he wouldn't be on another NHL team.
I think Malkin will stay. He was almost smuggled out of Russia, so I can't see him heading back. Hossa rejected the offer, so he once again has shown his colours.
QuoteI think Malkin will stay. He was almost smuggled out of Russia, so I can't see him heading back. Hossa rejected the offer, so he once again has shown his colours.
If I were him I'd take a pay cut for a short-term deal and try to win the cup. Then he could sign somewhere else for lots of money.
QuoteQuoteI think Malkin will stay. He was almost smuggled out of Russia, so I can't see him heading back. Hossa rejected the offer, so he once again has shown his colours.
If I were him I'd take a pay cut for a short-term deal and try to win the cup. Then he could sign somewhere else for lots of money.
I agree, but the guy signed for the money, leaving a very very good Ottawa team to play in one of the worst sports markets and worst hockey market in North America.
QuoteQuoteQuoteI think Malkin will stay. He was almost smuggled out of Russia, so I can't see him heading back. Hossa rejected the offer, so he once again has shown his colours.
If I were him I'd take a pay cut for a short-term deal and try to win the cup. Then he could sign somewhere else for lots of money.
I agree, but the guy signed for the money, leaving a very very good Ottawa team to play in one of the worst sports markets and worst hockey market in North America.
I think being exiled to ATL after being on a competitive team and in a good hockey town may have changed that philosophy. Yes, his agent has a record of going for the most loot possible, but Im not so sure.
As far as the trade, hell yeah it was worth it. Dupuis is better than both Christensen and Armstrong, and that those picks were all at the end of those rounds. We have good minor league talent, outside of a physical defenseman at least.
I dont think anyone who thinks Hossa may resign expected him to be resigned before free agency. He still said that the Pens are at the top of his list, and that if he takes more money than their offer, it will be from a contender and not like the Islanders offering him 10 mill. Shero says right now he's not optimistic or pessimistic of Hossa returning.
And Malkin will be a Penguin for awhile. The IHF already said they will not allow the Russian League to remove Malkin from teh NHL, and Malkin just yesterday was quoted in teh Pittsburgh Tribune Review that he has no interest in going back there, and also maintained he doesnt expect to make as much as Crosby and will play here for less so they can keep their core together.
Itll be interesting to see what happens, but either way will be fine. Malkin will be here, and if Hossa isnt, that means Orpik almost certainly and Malone probably will
I think Orpik stays and Malone is gone.
QuoteI think Orpik stays and Malone is gone.
If Hossa signs with us, Malone def gone and Orpik possibly.
Hossa doesn't sign, as long as Malone hasnt signed at that point, I think Orpik def is here and Malone could possibly.
Pens Deal Malone, Roberts To Tampa
Today at 2:25pm
Executive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero announced Saturday that the Pittsburgh Penguins have traded the rights to pending unrestricted free agent forwards Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Dallas' fourth round pick, previously obtained by Tampa Bay, in the 2009 Entry Draft. In the event Tampa Bay signs Malone to a contract for the 2008-09 season, the pick will become Tampa Bay's third round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft.
Both Malone and Roberts are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, 2008.
"I want to thank both Gary Roberts and Ryan Malone for their time here. They both did incredible jobs for us on and off the ice. They made our team better," Shero said. "We had an incredible run this year and both players had a great amount to do with that. Both of their times here will be remembered fondly by the Penguins and the fans. We wish them nothing but the best.
"From our standpoint, we had discussions with Ryan throughout the year and it appeared from our ability to make a deal with him that July 1 was going to be there for both players," he continued. "At end of the day with Ryan, in particular, we didn't think we were going to go where he was going to be in the market. Ryan said he might want to go to July 1 and see what is there and those are his rights in CBA and I don't begrudge him at all. It's important contact for him and his family. Instead of taking the risk, we tried to do the best we could and acquiring the draft pick is important for us. I had a nice talk with him and thanked him for everything. It was a nice story for him in Pittsburgh, especially with the way played. I hope it works out for everyone.
"Gary said he wasn't returning. He was going to move on, which was right for both sides. This deal gives both players before July 1 to get in discussions with Tampa Bay. That'd be a great story for them if it worked out."
Ive thought Bugsy was going to be the hardest to resign from the get go. Whether TB or Columbus or whoever signs him, I bet he gets around 5 mil and I dont think hes even worth 4. His market price (note I said market 'price', not 'value' bc theres no value @ 5) is much more inflated than what he's actually worth compared Hossa and Orpik's price vs. value IMO
Despite Orpik not taking the offer they gave him a couple days ago, I think this reinstates the fact that Shero wants to resign him before FA opens on Tuesday.