play great vs the pens for 55 mins then stumble around and need OT to get the 2 points we earned in regulation.
play a great game vs canucks coasting to an easy win
play very well defensively in Edmonton but the offense was sluggish. Having to shuffle lines do to Brassys quarantine might have been a factor.
played much of the flames game defending in our own end despite maintaining a comfortable lead all night. Klein swept two goals out from behind Hank or this game is a dicey proposition.
Awesome to get the four straight wins but there are still areas of concern and consistency to be dealt with if we are going to make a serious push this season. Like to add I didn't get the Boyle signing then and I still don't get it or like it now.
Was reading earlier on Yahoo that the collapse of the ruble may really hurt the KHL. I've always been worried that Buchnevich may be hard to bring over because he could get star money in Russia vs. having to slog through the AHL for $65k in America. Maybe the ruble collapse will drive players like Buch over here.
Rangers as a franchise haven't had much trouble inking the Russians
there is a strong Russian community presence in NY and comparatively short flight time involved with visiting home.
We are better positioned than most teams, maybe all teams. Indeed, Buchevich would have been a #1 or early #2 if he was Paul Bailey from Ontario. But we havent had a prospect like Buchevich before, a guy who might get $1 million+ to stay in Russia.
Our previous Russian pick was Pashnin in 2009, and he did refuse to sign here to play in the AHL. Grachev (2008) was an OHLer, Cherepanov absolutely fell on signability issues and I dont remember if we were allowed to sign him as an 18 year old (we didnt). AA (2006) was a KHLer but just a 2-8-10 guy in 39 games before he came over. No one was breaking the bank on him. And before that you're back to Tyutin in 2001 and a lot of 1990s guys taken in the 3rd and after who I just dont remember.
This article about the Leafs discusses Corsi and its importance.
Last year, we were bottom five in S% (along with the Kings), this year we're fifth. We're a team that can win with a below-average Corsi with Lundqvist in net, but it isn't ideal.
Also, given the relative differences in Corsi compared to last season, I don't think it's really attributable to a change in style - I do think we're getting higher quality shots than we did last year, though, in large part due to Nash's play.
I think we'll move up, and we've been held back during our recent winning streak because we built up big leads early on. But it'd be nice to see some better numbers here. THN - ( New Window )
Anyone want to place bets on when the Leafs collapse will start?
Secondly I was on Islanders threads 4-5 years ago easily. Devils threads were rare then and more rare now. When the Devils were playing the Rags then the few Devils fans would chime in other than that they are third rate here and in the tri state area.
(The Isles are...unfortunately... legitimately good this year, I fully expect them to finish top 3 in the Metro and probably play the Rangers in the 1st rd.)
Have the Isles beat a starting goaltender yet this year?
What is it with that fucking team their past 110 games? Regulation a mere formality... just show up 2 hours late and you get to see the real action.
And speaking of OTs, CBJ and the Bob have been playing terrific hockey lately... it also helps when you get FIVE straight games now, and 6 of past 7, into the charity bonus.
How regulation wins still aren't worth 3 points remains one of life's unsolved mysteries.
The three point system makes the NHL seem a lot more competitive than it is. There are a handful of mediocre teams with playoff spots on the basis of shootout wins. Pre first lockout, the 6th-8th seeds were usually pretty weak, but now the Wild Card's can be the better teams than those in front of them merely because of the shootout.
We should be able to win four or five of the next six. Which means we'll lose four or five.
As a fan I'd like to see each game count for 3 points (or go back to the pre-shootout rules). But I think people have done some analysis and have concluded that applying the 3 for ROT wins rule would have changed one or two playoff teams over 3 seasons. I dont recall whether they made a similar conclusion re seeding.
Not sure I'd attribute the rise of the low seeds to the 3 point game. I think there is a lot more parity in the league. With the salary floor and more professional management across the board in sports, there are fewer pure doormats.
Maybe you're right - I do feel like there's a bigger gap between teams than the standings indicated last year (I still think it's too early to take a definitive stand this year).
we for example would have hosted LA in the finals with an equitable points system last year.
The Florida Panthers this year have gotten 13 games into OT, just about half their games... and as a result lead us in the standings for that 8th seed (granted we have some games in hand on them and the Caps)
The Devils nearly made the playoffs last season (ditto Caps, but to a bit lesser extent) entirely because they got 40% of their games into overtime.
But the league determined that more fans go to games or watch games on TV under this system. Its been proven time and again that its nearly impossible to come back from 5-6 back of multiple teams with only a few weeks to go, but somebody did some research and there you go...
I do know i'm glad we're not facing CBJ right now... Bob is playing out of his mind.
Maybe you're right - I do feel like there's a bigger gap between teams than the standings indicated last year (I still think it's too early to take a definitive stand this year).
I dont have solid opinions on whether there is a lot of parity in the NHL, but the recent cup participants dont strike me as historically strong cup teams. I feel the Blackhawks, but the Kings are an inconsistent bunch. Kind of amazed that a Lucic/Krejci/Bergeron led the forwards for a Bruins cup team. Nowadays you have #1 seeds like the Pens, who reel off standings points but arent actually dominant against above-average teams. I feel like 10-15 years ago the best teams were WAY better than your 4-6 seeds. Detroit was murdering the league. The Avs came at you with Sakic, Forsberg, Hejuk, Tanguay, Bourque, Foote, Blake, Roy... Of course there were also years where ho-hum rosters won the cup (Devils) or the Presidents trophy (99/00 Blues w/ Demitra, Turgeon, Pronger, and Turek).
Maybe you're right - I do feel like there's a bigger gap between teams than the standings indicated last year (I still think it's too early to take a definitive stand this year).
I dont have solid opinions on whether there is a lot of parity in the NHL, but the recent cup participants dont strike me as historically strong cup teams. I feel the Blackhawks, but the Kings are an inconsistent bunch. Kind of amazed that a Lucic/Krejci/Bergeron led the forwards for a Bruins cup team. Nowadays you have #1 seeds like the Pens, who reel off standings points but arent actually dominant against above-average teams. I feel like 10-15 years ago the best teams were WAY better than your 4-6 seeds. Detroit was murdering the league. The Avs came at you with Sakic, Forsberg, Hejuk, Tanguay, Bourque, Foote, Blake, Roy... Of course there were also years where ho-hum rosters won the cup (Devils) or the Presidents trophy (99/00 Blues w/ Demitra, Turgeon, Pronger, and Turek).
I think you're right on the quality of the 'best teams', and I suspect the reigns of the top tier teams will be shorter than they were in the past. The Blackhawks are bound to take a step back IMO.
CBJ had legitimate injury excuses earlier this year (and are still missing guys). I think they'll wind up nabbing the third Metro spot.
3rd? Maybe 4th, i find it hard to believe NYR, NYI or Pitt will end up behind them. They basically have to play at 120 point pace from Dec 1-on to finish 3rd in this division, major injuries not withstanding to one of the 3 teams i listed, of course.
Stop sucking Dub's dick, Brett. It's an embarrassing read.
As a fan I'd like to see each game count for 3 points (or go back to the pre-shootout rules). But I think people have done some analysis and have concluded that applying the 3 for ROT wins rule would have changed one or two playoff teams over 3 seasons. I dont recall whether they made a similar conclusion re seeding.
I'd like to see it, not just as a fan, but as a reasonable person who is able to understand basic math. Having some games worth more than others is 100% absurd.
We all know the shootout is here to stay, so the only LOGICAL decision would be to award 3 points for every game.
WOW. Fantastic signing. I was sure he was going to leave this offseason on a 4-5/2 type deal to go somewhere looking to let a few guys battle it out (e.g. Talbot, and incumbent, and a rookie). He's a huge piece for us, as it lets us confidently rest Hank during the regular season. This is only a hair more than we were paying Biron to suck.
Isles get another backup goalie tonight (due to injury)
Elliott was out both times they played StL.. they got Allen and Sisterfucker. Darling started for CHI, Kincaid for NJD.. the last time they played a starting goalie was Craig Anderson when they had a home and home with OTT like 2 weeks ago.
play a great game vs canucks coasting to an easy win
play very well defensively in Edmonton but the offense was sluggish. Having to shuffle lines do to Brassys quarantine might have been a factor.
played much of the flames game defending in our own end despite maintaining a comfortable lead all night. Klein swept two goals out from behind Hank or this game is a dicey proposition.
Awesome to get the four straight wins but there are still areas of concern and consistency to be dealt with if we are going to make a serious push this season. Like to add I didn't get the Boyle signing then and I still don't get it or like it now.
We are better positioned than most teams, maybe all teams. Indeed, Buchevich would have been a #1 or early #2 if he was Paul Bailey from Ontario. But we havent had a prospect like Buchevich before, a guy who might get $1 million+ to stay in Russia.
Our previous Russian pick was Pashnin in 2009, and he did refuse to sign here to play in the AHL. Grachev (2008) was an OHLer, Cherepanov absolutely fell on signability issues and I dont remember if we were allowed to sign him as an 18 year old (we didnt). AA (2006) was a KHLer but just a 2-8-10 guy in 39 games before he came over. No one was breaking the bank on him. And before that you're back to Tyutin in 2001 and a lot of 1990s guys taken in the 3rd and after who I just dont remember.
Last year, we were bottom five in S% (along with the Kings), this year we're fifth. We're a team that can win with a below-average Corsi with Lundqvist in net, but it isn't ideal.
Also, given the relative differences in Corsi compared to last season, I don't think it's really attributable to a change in style - I do think we're getting higher quality shots than we did last year, though, in large part due to Nash's play.
I think we'll move up, and we've been held back during our recent winning streak because we built up big leads early on. But it'd be nice to see some better numbers here.
THN - ( New Window )
Same time as the Islanders collapse?
Every Devils fan would be mashing the "Y" key.
Things have completely reversed - 3-4 years ago there were Devils threads all the time and virtually no Islander threads.
I tried to watch their game vs. OTT last night and it almost lulled me to sleep.
God, the Devils suck.
But we're losing Stempniak. Mumps.
You've got to be fucking kidding me.
(Duclair should be playing.... fuck the WJC)
And yeah, the Devils play an extremely boring brand of hockey.
Secondly I was on Islanders threads 4-5 years ago easily. Devils threads were rare then and more rare now. When the Devils were playing the Rags then the few Devils fans would chime in other than that they are third rate here and in the tri state area.
(The Isles are...unfortunately... legitimately good this year, I fully expect them to finish top 3 in the Metro and probably play the Rangers in the 1st rd.)
You've been following them closet Islanders fan. You know.
Piss off arc. I try everyday to. Lol.
H. Lundqvist 27 6 21 .778 60:00
October 14, 2014 boxscore in case you want to look up the deets of that game.
I wouldn't be surprised if Columbus goes on a rampage and steals the second or third spot in the Metro.
And speaking of OTs, CBJ and the Bob have been playing terrific hockey lately... it also helps when you get FIVE straight games now, and 6 of past 7, into the charity bonus.
How regulation wins still aren't worth 3 points remains one of life's unsolved mysteries.
We should be able to win four or five of the next six. Which means we'll lose four or five.
Not sure I'd attribute the rise of the low seeds to the 3 point game. I think there is a lot more parity in the league. With the salary floor and more professional management across the board in sports, there are fewer pure doormats.
The Florida Panthers this year have gotten 13 games into OT, just about half their games... and as a result lead us in the standings for that 8th seed (granted we have some games in hand on them and the Caps)
The Devils nearly made the playoffs last season (ditto Caps, but to a bit lesser extent) entirely because they got 40% of their games into overtime.
But the league determined that more fans go to games or watch games on TV under this system. Its been proven time and again that its nearly impossible to come back from 5-6 back of multiple teams with only a few weeks to go, but somebody did some research and there you go...
I do know i'm glad we're not facing CBJ right now... Bob is playing out of his mind.
I dont have solid opinions on whether there is a lot of parity in the NHL, but the recent cup participants dont strike me as historically strong cup teams. I feel the Blackhawks, but the Kings are an inconsistent bunch. Kind of amazed that a Lucic/Krejci/Bergeron led the forwards for a Bruins cup team. Nowadays you have #1 seeds like the Pens, who reel off standings points but arent actually dominant against above-average teams. I feel like 10-15 years ago the best teams were WAY better than your 4-6 seeds. Detroit was murdering the league. The Avs came at you with Sakic, Forsberg, Hejuk, Tanguay, Bourque, Foote, Blake, Roy... Of course there were also years where ho-hum rosters won the cup (Devils) or the Presidents trophy (99/00 Blues w/ Demitra, Turgeon, Pronger, and Turek).
So, they're changing the rules and allowing shot-outs in the playoffs?
Quote:
Maybe you're right - I do feel like there's a bigger gap between teams than the standings indicated last year (I still think it's too early to take a definitive stand this year).
I dont have solid opinions on whether there is a lot of parity in the NHL, but the recent cup participants dont strike me as historically strong cup teams. I feel the Blackhawks, but the Kings are an inconsistent bunch. Kind of amazed that a Lucic/Krejci/Bergeron led the forwards for a Bruins cup team. Nowadays you have #1 seeds like the Pens, who reel off standings points but arent actually dominant against above-average teams. I feel like 10-15 years ago the best teams were WAY better than your 4-6 seeds. Detroit was murdering the league. The Avs came at you with Sakic, Forsberg, Hejuk, Tanguay, Bourque, Foote, Blake, Roy... Of course there were also years where ho-hum rosters won the cup (Devils) or the Presidents trophy (99/00 Blues w/ Demitra, Turgeon, Pronger, and Turek).
I think you're right on the quality of the 'best teams', and I suspect the reigns of the top tier teams will be shorter than they were in the past. The Blackhawks are bound to take a step back IMO.
Quote:
Firstly Isles are not collapsing.
So, they're changing the rules and allowing shot-outs in the playoffs?
And you can only play backups.
And John Tavares is immune from punishment. Worse than McSorley and Bertuzzi:
3rd? Maybe 4th, i find it hard to believe NYR, NYI or Pitt will end up behind them. They basically have to play at 120 point pace from Dec 1-on to finish 3rd in this division, major injuries not withstanding to one of the 3 teams i listed, of course.
Stop sucking Dub's dick, Brett. It's an embarrassing read.
I'd like to see it, not just as a fan, but as a reasonable person who is able to understand basic math. Having some games worth more than others is 100% absurd.
We all know the shootout is here to stay, so the only LOGICAL decision would be to award 3 points for every game.
WOW. Fantastic signing. I was sure he was going to leave this offseason on a 4-5/2 type deal to go somewhere looking to let a few guys battle it out (e.g. Talbot, and incumbent, and a rookie). He's a huge piece for us, as it lets us confidently rest Hank during the regular season. This is only a hair more than we were paying Biron to suck.
Elliott was out both times they played StL.. they got Allen and Sisterfucker. Darling started for CHI, Kincaid for NJD.. the last time they played a starting goalie was Craig Anderson when they had a home and home with OTT like 2 weeks ago.