NFT: NYR Early Offseason & Anti-East Conf Playoff Teams Thread

That besides Girardi playing on bad knee, M Stahl had one testicle missing and Boyle had to use a walker to get from the parking lot to the dressing room.

decides it's time to rework the roster a bit, look to move Nash and a D-man to keep Yandle, change up the offensive talent.

In comment 12922562 JonC said:

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decides it's time to rework the roster a bit, look to move Nash and a D-man to keep Yandle, change up the offensive talent.

I'm sure they'd love to move Nash and Girardi, or even Staal. Easier said than done though. I'll give Gorton a lot of credit, and forgive him for the E Staal trade, if he's able to make it happen.

Since the have a bunch of ex-blueshirts on their team. Half-heartedly and I may or may not even watch.

I would like to see a Tampa vs. Washington final. I think it would be a terrific series. I doubt I will watch any of the penguins series.

But I guess stranger things have happened. He has a limited trade contract. Supposedly he can be asked to submit a list of 12 teams he would agree to be traded to.

tomorrow night.

Last night's Blackhawks/Blues game did not disappoint. So much talent on that ice.

I'm hoping for the same with the Ducks/Preds.

truth is i'm upset with Anaheim for giving Hagelin away to Pitt, but i do like all the other teams still left in the West. No animosity there.

Obviously if we see Game 7s in the East i want to see lots of hitting, and the visiting team winning with lots of camera shots of fans with delicious tears coming down their faces.

But I will be rooting hard for Ovie and the Caps in this series.

so who cares? If I had to pick an East team, it's the Penguins because it would be least meaningful for them and their fans to win the conference/Cup. I know it should be TB, but I hate their smug, hockey-inventing coach.

As far as the West, I also just dont care. Maybe St. Louis, since it's at least acceptable to me that they play hockey there. Kind of.

So go Blues!

But I'd be happy with any of the remaining West teams winning the Cup.

It seems like its their year this year and I dont like any of the other teams.

and the Maple Leafs.

So I'm fine with any outcome, at this point making the most out of a shitty situation just want to see good hockey nd the more game 7's the better.

I don't like any of the teams left (though as I said I don't hate any of them(, but I tend to root for American players.

The Caps probably have the best collection of remaining Americans (Oshie, Niskanen, Carlson, Orpik, Schmidt) and the Penguins probably have the most Americans and then TB.

That's my preference. I fucking hate the Capitals but I do want to see how nuts Ovechkin would go if he won the Stanley Cup. I think he might actually destroy it. Haha



I think it'll be Capitals vs. Sharks in the SCF

I don't really hate the Capitals. I like Ovechkin.

I'm rooting for the Sharks to win one. I like Thornton and Burns.

What the hell is wrong with you, pj???

In comment 12922668 Anakim said:

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That's my preference. I fucking hate the Capitals but I do want to see how nuts Ovechkin would go if he won the Stanley Cup. I think he might actually destroy it. Haha I think it'll be Capitals vs. Sharks in the SCF

Sharks, I forgot about them. I hate Joe Thornton, the talent to be among the best players of the modern era, no exaggeration, he could have been in Gretzky/Lemieux/Yzerman/Messier territory, but he's soft and heartless (not good heartless like a villain, but bad heartless like a guy who doesn't give a F).

I am anti-Sharks. that's one team I do not like.

When you're 6'5 225 pounds I don't care how gentleman-ly you are, you should not be a perennial lady byng candidate.

Anyway, here's the video of Boyle's rant. Pretty awesome, lol
Link - ( New Window )

From least offensive champion to most offensive:

Blues>Sharks>Predators>Stars>Bolts>Ducks>Capitals>Islanders>Penguins

Where I said the sky was falling? I came home late from game 4 where they put no effort and I said De Haan shouldnt see the ice again as he was terrible and that I came around on Bailey being bad. And I hate the coach. Which is the equivalent of you dbags wanting to fire AV, trade Nash and kill Glass.

I get the hockey threads are now all circle jerks for homers and the minute someone who's not part of the clique says something negative they attack. Funny how the next 2 games everybody complained about de haan but they arent negative.

I guess since you cant cry about standings and backup goalies now you will cry about the refs. Im sure you missed that play where Hamonic had his stick held for about 45 secs of gametime with no call? It goes both ways.

In comment 12922696 Greg from LI said:

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What the hell is wrong with you, pj???

You're not going to like this, but I actually like Crosby, I know he's got the reputation as a whiner and a diver, but I don't see it as much as fans of his rivals.

The two wings he has are so interchangeable, you could put empty jerseys on his wings and they're good for 50 points. Plus I watched his sledge hockey video where he and a handful of other NHLers (Giroux, Hartnell, Mackinnon, etc.) played sledge hockey with some people with disabilities and I'm a sucker for stuff like that.

I find him to be an amazing player. Generational talent and seems like a good dude off ice.

Malkin too I love to watch - so strong with the puck, but sometimes question his desire.

I do hate guys like Letang, Kessel, and MAF though.
Sledge Hockey - ( New Window )

In comment 12922719 KWhite2250 said:

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Where I said the sky was falling? I came home late from game 4 where they put no effort and I said De Haan shouldnt see the ice again as he was terrible and that I came around on Bailey being bad. And I hate the coach. Which is the equivalent of you dbags wanting to fire AV, trade Nash and kill Glass. I get the hockey threads are now all circle jerks for homers and the minute someone who's not part of the clique says something negative they attack. Funny how the next 2 games everybody complained about de haan but they arent negative. I guess since you cant cry about standings and backup goalies now you will cry about the refs. Im sure you missed that play where Hamonic had his stick held for about 45 secs of gametime with no call? It goes both ways.

It's not really about a circle jerk. Homers are just as bad as "sky is falling" people, which you have been correctly classified as here. If you can't look at the team objectively, whether positively or negatively, this is what happens. I don't know why you're so surprised.

Last year I had the Caps in 7, this year I had the Isles in 6, so I feel pretty good about my grasp on what our team is. You got MILDLY called out by me after you made a handful of idiotic comments, spewed a fireball of hate at me and ran away. Man up, and own what you are. The anthesis of a homer, which is almost worse as it's rooted in a weird hatred for the team you root for.

It'd be nice if you came back for Round 2. I do think you know your hockey, but you need to learn that people aren't always going to agree with you or react to that type of behavior favorably. If you rooted for another team you would've been smoked out, but because you're an Islander fan, you're in the gang, and have gotten a pass.

Come back to the threads and let's have some fun.

In comment 12922701 Mike in Long Beach said:

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Anyway, here's the video of Boyle's rant. Pretty awesome, lol Link - ( New Window )

Thanks. Pretty calm for a rant, IMO.

In comment 12922701 Mike in Long Beach said:

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Anyway, here's the video of Boyle's rant. Pretty awesome, lol Link - ( New Window )

I nuked it so the thread stopped getting bumped.

(And to stop MAB's tears)

In comment 12922701 Mike in Long Beach said:

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Anyway, here's the video of Boyle's rant. Pretty awesome, lol Link - ( New Window )

Who's going to be his Sharon Tate?

In comment 12922701 Mike in Long Beach said:

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Anyway, here's the video of Boyle's rant. Pretty awesome, lol Link - ( New Window )

I love how he says "Brett."


Brett, that fucking clown, who didn't even take me out to dinner even though I won the bet. Get the fuck outta here! The rest of you, I'm fine with.

Which makes all the cheap shots, diving, and crying that much more egregious. There's a reason Wayne Gretzky is widely beloved across the fans of most teams and Mario Lemieux is not, and Crosby is the spitting image of Pepe in that regard.

In comment 12922749 Anakim said:

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In comment 12922701 Mike in Long Beach said: Quote: Anyway, here's the video of Boyle's rant. Pretty awesome, lol Link - ( New Window ) I love how he says "Brett." Brett, that fucking clown, who didn't even take me out to dinner even though I won the bet. Get the fuck outta here! The rest of you, I'm fine with.

He says it with such disdain.

After all the defending I've done for him too.

In fact, it would not shock me at all if Thornton became a Ranger before he hangs it up.

already have one Islander-on-Islander fight in here. This thread is turning out splendidly.

Let the Hate reign.

In comment 12922751 Greg from LI said:

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Which makes all the cheap shots, diving, and crying that much more egregious. There's a reason Wayne Gretzky is widely beloved across the fans of most teams and Mario Lemieux is not, and Crosby is the spitting image of Pepe in that regard.

I think the cheap shots were birthed from the diving and crying accusations (both accurate). It's impossible not to hear what people say about you at least a little bit, and it's always seemed he was out to prove he isn't soft. Sometimes that manifests in a cheap shot here or there.

I do think as he's gotten more secure with himself as a player that the cheap shots have diminished. I dislike Crosby for the same reasons everyone else does, but I don't think he's a bad guy or disrespects the game. I just think it's an element of his personality that he still needs to work on.

In comment 12922765 MetsAreBack said:

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already have one Islander-on-Islander fight in here. This thread is turning out splendidly. Let the Hate reign.

Haha, I figured you'd take that angle :)

I don't want to fight with the guy. Hell, I was the one who was attacked and I'm hoping he comes back to posting. If you missed it, I essentially said what you said (literally a 1 line post) and he sent 2 paragraphs about how I'm the most hated person on BBI and vowed to never post again. It was absolutely ridiculous.

If you think this is a fight, you should've seen Round 1. It was a blood bath (mostly me on the canvas).

Funny how all last year I wasnt negative but you all just forget that. We all do the same shit, we call out strait and the coach last year. When I tried to provide backing for hated players like Grabner, Bailey and Hickey I got laughed at for that. This year I said it and I stand by it, this is my least favorite team in awhile. They used the ice and injury excuse for poor play. I made a prediction of panthers in 5 and after gm 3 I was there to say i was happy I was wrong. But again, the isles got badly outplayed and played the same exact game until gm 6 when they played a better style of hockey.

I dont appreciate being called out by you about how I root for the team when I was here posting during the time nobody cared. Fish was there and can tell you. It was sad having isles threads with 4 people and about 25 posts. I didnt post during game 3 or 4 because I was at both games and got home around 1am each time. I dont need to post here to prove what kind of fan I am. I have all the towels from playoff games from 2001 on and the ticket stubs. If I was such a negative fan I dont think i'd be putting out thousands of dollars on the team.

I will stick to my word and not post on isles threads so you can enjoy all the positive posts.

In comment 12922782 KWhite2250 said:

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I have all the towels from playoff games from 2001 on and the ticket stubs.

So, that's like 6 or 7 towels?

In comment 12922782 KWhite2250 said:

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Funny how all last year I wasnt negative but you all just forget that. We all do the same shit, we call out strait and the coach last year. When I tried to provide backing for hated players like Grabner, Bailey and Hickey I got laughed at for that. This year I said it and I stand by it, this is my least favorite team in awhile. They used the ice and injury excuse for poor play. I made a prediction of panthers in 5 and after gm 3 I was there to say i was happy I was wrong. But again, the isles got badly outplayed and played the same exact game until gm 6 when they played a better style of hockey. I dont appreciate being called out by you about how I root for the team when I was here posting during the time nobody cared. Fish was there and can tell you. It was sad having isles threads with 4 people and about 25 posts. I didnt post during game 3 or 4 because I was at both games and got home around 1am each time. I dont need to post here to prove what kind of fan I am. I have all the towels from playoff games from 2001 on and the ticket stubs. If I was such a negative fan I dont think i'd be putting out thousands of dollars on the team. I will stick to my word and not post on isles threads so you can enjoy all the positive posts.

Dude, just come back to posting. This is absurd. We are essentially having the same back-and-forth we'd have on an Isles thread, except we're doing it at the Rangers grave site. There's a baby shower over on our end. Everyone's happy. So I said you have a schtick. Oh the horror. You were there all year. Come enjoy ROUND 2.

LGI

Have at least, like, 7 or 8 towels then? That's some collection!

In comment 12922787 Greg from LI said:

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In comment 12922782 KWhite2250 said: Quote: I have all the towels from playoff games from 2001 on and the ticket stubs. So, that's like 6 or 7 towels?

GOD DAMN YOU

In comment 12922751 Greg from LI said:

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Which makes all the cheap shots, diving, and crying that much more egregious. There's a reason Wayne Gretzky is widely beloved across the fans of most teams and Mario Lemieux is not, and Crosby is the spitting image of Pepe in that regard.

I liked Lemieux too. I was at the playoff game in 1996 in Washington, Caps Penguins, 4 OT, Todd Krygier or some no-name speared Lemieux in the nuts and then punched him, and Lemieux snapped and beat the hell out of him and was ejected. Almost like Neely demolishing Claude Lemieux.

I gained a lot more respect for him then.

The Pens went on to win (Nedved with time winding down in OT #4?) one of the best games I've been to. Bad thing is they stopped serving beer after the 2nd period. I was there longer without beer than with it.

Anyway, I liked Lemieux too so it probably makes sense i like Crosby. those two guys don't have anywhere near the freedom Gretzky did and I loved Gretzky so I don't mean to diminish him, but the game changed to where Gretzky would not be as dominant today IMO. He'd be like Kane IMO. So still awesome, just not "the great one".

Probably won't watch another minute of Eastern Conference play this season. Fuck every team remaining.

Good news is that we seem to have two good series coming up on the Western Conference side, with plenty of 1:30-2am endings if it ends up being Sharks/Ducks.

Also.. can a guy a 3OT game?

Lots of golf this summer for me. Looking to break 90 after going from the 120's to the 100's last year.

In comment 12922787 Greg from LI said:

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In comment 12922782 KWhite2250 said: Quote: I have all the towels from playoff games from 2001 on and the ticket stubs. So, that's like 6 or 7 towels?

Hahahahaha

In 1997-98, I watched a 37 year old Gretzky play on a terrible team with Niklas Sundstrom and the corpse of Crackhead Kevin Stevens as his linemates, and he still led the league in assists and scored 90 points. This was smack in the middle of the trap era, too. And the next year, on another terrible team with a washed-up John MacLean and Sundstrom, he tallied 53 assists in 70 injury plagued games.

His raw numbers would have been diminished, but he's the Great One in any era.

In comment 12922787 Greg from LI said:

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In comment 12922782 KWhite2250 said: Quote: I have all the towels from playoff games from 2001 on and the ticket stubs. So, that's like 6 or 7 towels?

Yea pretty much cause you know, the organization has been a joke since I've been an adult. Im sure I'll be called negative for saying that

The thunder stick type thing they gave out game 6 vs the pens. Cant forget about that part of the collection

-It drove me absolutely berserk that Nedved scored the game winner. I really hated Nedved at that time, since that trade was such disaster and he immediately started scoring for Pittsburgh.

-As much as I hate the Penguins now, it's nothing compared to how much I hated the Lemieux-Jagr Penguins. I had an exam the next day, and I wasted hours staying up until like 2 AM out of a burning desire to see the Pens lose. So, of course, I got a Penguin win, no sleep, and no studying accomplished. Solid!

-I've seen two overtime playoff penalty shots ever. In both cases, the team I wanted to win failed to convert and ended up losing the game. Joe Juneau for the Caps in that 1996 marathon, and Barkov for the Panthers this year. Grrrrrrrr.....

In comment 12922827 Greg from LI said:

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-It drove me absolutely berserk that Nedved scored the game winner. I really hated Nedved at that time, since that trade was such disaster and he immediately started scoring for Pittsburgh. -As much as I hate the Penguins now, it's nothing compared to how much I hated the Lemieux-Jagr Penguins. I had an exam the next day, and I wasted hours staying up until like 2 AM out of a burning desire to see the Pens lose. So, of course, I got a Penguin win, no sleep, and no studying accomplished. Solid! -I've seen two overtime playoff penalty shots ever. In both cases, the team I wanted to win failed to convert and ended up losing the game. Joe Juneau for the Caps in that 1996 marathon, and Barkov for the Panthers this year. Grrrrrrrr.....

I only even went to the game because my buddy from Natick, MA came down to visit me he's a Bruins fan, but for some reason a diehard Juneau fan. I picked him up at Dulles airport and he walked off the plane wearing an authentic Juneau Capitals jersey. For some reason I thought it was hilarious. We decided to just go to the game last minute. He had the Juneau jersey on during the game.

He's the same person who got hammered one night and ordered a custom made Celtics #34 Barkley jersey.

In comment 12922761 Anakim said:

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.

Lecavlier, Spezza, JVR and Bobby Ryan are ahead of Joe T on that list. Joe T was a little too good and consistent for too long to really be the classic Sather player.

Punk had it coming if you ask me!

There's really no one in the West I'd mind seeing win. I'd suspect whoever comes out on that side will be who I root for in the SCF. I do like Ovechkin though. The Capitals are pretty far down on the list of teams I dislike in the East... I wouldn't be distraught if they won the Cup but I'd prefer they didn't. I certainly hope they demolish Pittsburgh.

Would put the Isles ahead of the Pens-or even the Caps-if you have had ANY interaction with the Caps fanbase.
Like Skin fans only far more fickle and ignorant. Hell fucking no, I'd rather the NHL disband then ever see that dirtbag Ovie win. Go Pens!


PJ-you were at that game in 1996? Man were there a ton of Pens fans there, check out the YouTube when they scored.

In comment 12923012 Rover said:

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Would put the Isles ahead of the Pens-or even the Caps-if you have had ANY interaction with the Caps fanbase. Like Skin fans only far more fickle and ignorant. Hell fucking no, I'd rather the NHL disband then ever see that dirtbag Ovie win. Go Pens! PJ-you were at that game in 1996? Man were there a ton of Pens fans there, check out the YouTube when they scored.

Back then there were always tons of opposing team fans at the Cap Center for "local" team games. My wife, then girlfriend, is a Bruins fans, so we went to the Bruins games and they practically outnumbered Caps fans.

Penguins, Flyers, Rangers all usually outnumbered Caps fans.

Now it's probably different, but this was really just when they started getting sort of popular from what I remember.

DC is a very transient area for a lot of reasons. Practically everyone is from somewhere else. In 5 years living there of the hundreds of people I met I'd say maybe 5 - 10 were from Northern Virginia and one was from DC.

Next will come the explanation that the Caps are much more of a rival for the Rangers than the Penguins are.

what percent of people at caps games are pens fans?

Asking for a friend.

In comment 12923019 Greg from LI said:

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Next will come the explanation that the Caps are much more of a rival for the Rangers than the Penguins are.

LOL, yep. That last sentence gave it away. GoldenTee lives on.

4-0

In comment 12922987 Andy in Halifax said:

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Punk had it coming if you ask me!

I'm still his #1 fan.

The Isles are going to get waxed by the Bolts. I hate both cunt ass franchises, but TB is just too well loaded with talent that the Isles D can't withstand for a series.

Where I might be wrong is that with Stamkos out, the Isles do have the best player in the series. And while Bishop is an advantage over Halak, Halak seems pretty hot right now.

So yeah, it's hockey and crazy things happen, but I say TB in 5.



Caps Pens, same cunty level of fuckheads on both sides, but taking off my cunt colored glasses, I see a pretty tight series. The Caps have been great all year and have a lot of talent all over, along with the goaltending, but this Pens team has some super fast and scrappy secondary players beyond their elite talent.

I say it's going 7, probably Caps..



Fuck every fucking one of them anyway..

Rover ... lol... yup, hudson lives.

In comment 12923044 Davisian said:

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And while Bishop is an advantage over Halak, Halak seems pretty hot right now.

JFC with that weed, Davidson. Halak hasn't played in 6 weeks.

In comment 12923023 Davisian said:

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what percent of people at caps games are pens fans? Asking for a friend.

38.7% roughly.

In comment 12923048 MetsAreBack said:

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In comment 12923044 Davisian said: Quote: And while Bishop is an advantage over Halak, Halak seems pretty hot right now. JFC with that weed, Davidson. Halak hasn't played in 6 weeks.

guilty. I did mean Griess, but then I got high..

But Nikita Kucherov is a stud. He's really, really good. They still have a good amount of firepower. Killorn was a fucking pain in the ass when we played them last year.

I think this series is a better matchup for the Islanders than the last one was. All of Florida's forwards are like 6'6" and 250 lbs.. there wasn't a lot of room to operate. There will be more open ice against TB. Then again, I also thought that would be advantageous for us when we went into that series last year and it didn't play out that way at all.

Stamkos is clearly their best player but I think they can get by offensively without him.. it's Stralman they really need back because their blue line isn't all that great beyond Hedman who is a stud.

I think the Islanders squeak past TB and get bounced by Washington in the ECF.

In comment 12923082 arcarsenal said:

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But Nikita Kucherov is a stud. He's really, really good. They still have a good amount of firepower. Killorn was a fucking pain in the ass when we played them last year. I think this series is a better matchup for the Islanders than the last one was. All of Florida's forwards are like 6'6" and 250 lbs.. there wasn't a lot of room to operate. There will be more open ice against TB. Then again, I also thought that would be advantageous for us when we went into that series last year and it didn't play out that way at all. Stamkos is clearly their best player but I think they can get by offensively without him.. it's Stralman they really need back because their blue line isn't all that great beyond Hedman who is a stud. I think the Islanders squeak past TB and get bounced by Washington in the ECF.

On the power play I'll say they don't even really miss Stamkos, Drouin is lethal with his passing. But he's struggled defensively. Probably why he was in the doghouse in the first place.

I agree with you Capitals represent the East, just not sure NYI can beat TB.

Bishop could be the difference.

in the West it should be the Blues. so much talent on that team and Elliott is playing well.

If the Stars get Seguin back (doubtful) they have a better chance, but don't like either goalie.

Filip Forsberg isflat out nasty for a 21 year old, but I don't know if Nash has enough offense besides him. James Neal?

No matter who wins that series I don't see advancing beyond it even though ANA was the #1 seed.

I thought Dallas would make it to the ECF before Seguin re-injured himself but I don't see it without him. Doubt the Preds would beat StL ...I'd give Anaheim or SJ a shot in the WCF.

Definitely pulling for the Sharks. A Sharks/Blues WCF would be fun just because those two fan bases have been tortured for a while now watching their teams have really good regular seasons and then blow it early in the playoffs.

In comment 12922761 Anakim said:

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In fact, it would not shock me at all if Thornton became a Ranger before he hangs it up.

+1 shocked he didn't wear the Rangers sweater and fail on broadway.

"It just hasn't been a Joe Thornton type year".

In comment 12922575 arniefez said:

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But I guess stranger things have happened. He has a limited trade contract. Supposedly he can be asked to submit a list of 12 teams he would agree to be traded to.

(Hope they lose Game 7)

Nashville for Nash. They're close, can't get over the hump, have some cap space and no State income tax. They have a few nice prospects too.

In comment 12923017 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 12923012 Rover said: Quote: Would put the Isles ahead of the Pens-or even the Caps-if you have had ANY interaction with the Caps fanbase. Like Skin fans only far more fickle and ignorant. Hell fucking no, I'd rather the NHL disband then ever see that dirtbag Ovie win. Go Pens! PJ-you were at that game in 1996? Man were there a ton of Pens fans there, check out the YouTube when they scored. Back then there were always tons of opposing team fans at the Cap Center for "local" team games. My wife, then girlfriend, is a Bruins fans, so we went to the Bruins games and they practically outnumbered Caps fans. Penguins, Flyers, Rangers all usually outnumbered Caps fans. Now it's probably different, but this was really just when they started getting sort of popular from what I remember. DC is a very transient area for a lot of reasons. Practically everyone is from somewhere else. In 5 years living there of the hundreds of people I met I'd say maybe 5 - 10 were from Northern Virginia and one was from DC.

Ahhh I loved those days. Never saw a Caps t shirt in the NOVA suburbs until 2008.....god I hate that fanbase.

is anyone else bothered by the league starting the Second Round before the First Round finishes? I feel like that's a scheduling mistake. I would've thought the league would've started the Second Round tomorrow. In general, teams should be playing every other day unless there's an arena conflict.

its common sense.

Now the fact that 5 plays 6 and 1 plays 2 in the East Conference... and in the West, 1 plays 2 and 3v7W plays 6... is the far bigger issue

In comment 12923800 MetsAreBack said:

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its common sense. Now the fact that 5 plays 6 and 1 plays 2 in the East Conference... and in the West, 1 plays 2 and 3v7W plays 6... is the far bigger issue

Well yeah, the seeding is a mess. 1v8, 2v7, etc. was a much better system.

I know it's not possible right now without moving contracts. But, how good would Stamkos look in a Rangers sweater. I'd do what needs to be be done to get him. The injury scares me a bit. But, he's 26 and still has 5-7 years of elite hockey left. I also want Skjei and Dmac playing full time next year. We need guys who can skate on the back end and Staal and Girardi look like they are skating on sand. You watch the west and it's a different game, much faster. Disappointed the seasons over, but it was expected. I still think back to maybe game 5 when the Rangers were tied with TB on on the PP and we gave up a short handed breakaway to lose the game. That pretty much summed up the team this year.

just has the feel of a guy who comes to the Rangers and has one season where he gets 80% of his peak production surrounded by a bunch of seasons where he is at 60-70%. Basically he'd be 5-10 points better than Brassard. I just feel it in my bones.

go get a star, or rebuild. We can't win with the current group and FA fillers. I still think the window is open if they make smart moves this off season. The team is still talented and deep, but they lack high end skill.

I'd be on board with it but it would take a pretty massive roster overhaul to do it and it's probably a waste of discussion because I can't see Gorton trying to do something that drastic right now.

And unfortunately, the Ranger fan in me knows Deej is right. We'd get Stamkos and he'd be a 60 pt player the rest of his career.

In comment 12923889 Deej said:

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just has the feel of a guy who comes to the Rangers and has one season where he gets 80% of his peak production surrounded by a bunch of seasons where he is at 60-70%. Basically he'd be 5-10 points better than Brassard. I just feel it in my bones.

Only if he's injured. Stamkos would be the most skilled Rangers player in his prime since maybe Leetch. You guys know the history better than me, that's off the top of my head.

Not sure how his numbers would look in an AV system, but the Sedins thrived under AV, so I see no reason why Stamkos wouldn't too.

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Stamkos would be the most skilled Rangers player in his prime since maybe Leetch.

In comment 12924020 BrettNYG10 said:

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Quote: Stamkos would be the most skilled Rangers player in his prime since maybe Leetch.

I know this is your guys' thread and all, but Brett...right thar...that's funny. I LOLed. Well played.

In comment 12924020 BrettNYG10 said:

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Quote: Stamkos would be the most skilled Rangers player in his prime since maybe Leetch.

Of course besides Tanner Glass, I thought that was a assumption we all knew existed.

Robitaille had never scored fewer than 44 goals in a full season to that point, and had 23 in 46 games in the strike shortened 94-95 season (41 goal pace) before the deal. He proceeded to score 24 and 23 goals in his two seasons as a Ranger. They dealt him back to the Kings for Crackhead Kevin, and he went on to have four consecutive 30+ goal seasons for them from 1998-2001.

In comment 12924008 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 12923889 Deej said: Quote: just has the feel of a guy who comes to the Rangers and has one season where he gets 80% of his peak production surrounded by a bunch of seasons where he is at 60-70%. Basically he'd be 5-10 points better than Brassard. I just feel it in my bones. Only if he's injured. Stamkos would be the most skilled Rangers player in his prime since maybe Leetch. You guys know the history better than me, that's off the top of my head. Not sure how his numbers would look in an AV system, but the Sedins thrived under AV, so I see no reason why Stamkos wouldn't too.

The blood clot issue gives major pause. Blood thinners don't go well with hockey.

And the way these things go for the Rangers, he'll never be Stamkos in his prime again if he signs here.

try not to shit on Glass because I know the role he plays, and how teammates respect him for it. But, he's run his course as well. We can't have 4th line players that are unable to produce offensively.

In comment 12924049 Giantfootball025 said:

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try not to shit on Glass because I know the role he plays, and how teammates respect him for it. But, he's run his course as well. We can't have 4th line players that are unable to produce offensively.

You try not to shit on him, but then analogize him to the flu.

In comment 12924041 Davisian said:

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In comment 12924008 pjcas18 said: Quote: In comment 12923889 Deej said: Quote: just has the feel of a guy who comes to the Rangers and has one season where he gets 80% of his peak production surrounded by a bunch of seasons where he is at 60-70%. Basically he'd be 5-10 points better than Brassard. I just feel it in my bones. Only if he's injured. Stamkos would be the most skilled Rangers player in his prime since maybe Leetch. You guys know the history better than me, that's off the top of my head. Not sure how his numbers would look in an AV system, but the Sedins thrived under AV, so I see no reason why Stamkos wouldn't too. The blood clot issue gives major pause. Blood thinners don't go well with hockey. And the way these things go for the Rangers, he'll never be Stamkos in his prime again if he signs here.

I think you sign him expecting 70 points from him the next 3-4 years.

I'd love to see him and Nash together. I think Nash would benefit immensely.

Twice what Brassard makes, hypothetically.

In comment 12924079 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 12924041 Davisian said: Quote: In comment 12924008 pjcas18 said: Quote: In comment 12923889 Deej said: Quote: just has the feel of a guy who comes to the Rangers and has one season where he gets 80% of his peak production surrounded by a bunch of seasons where he is at 60-70%. Basically he'd be 5-10 points better than Brassard. I just feel it in my bones. Only if he's injured. Stamkos would be the most skilled Rangers player in his prime since maybe Leetch. You guys know the history better than me, that's off the top of my head. Not sure how his numbers would look in an AV system, but the Sedins thrived under AV, so I see no reason why Stamkos wouldn't too. The blood clot issue gives major pause. Blood thinners don't go well with hockey. And the way these things go for the Rangers, he'll never be Stamkos in his prime again if he signs here. I think you sign him expecting 70 points from him the next 3-4 years. I'd love to see him and Nash together. I think Nash would benefit immensely.

But.. I want the 90pt seasons. :(

production here. He's what the 9th youngest player ever to score 300 goals?

But you do know if we signed him the blood clots would turn into a Chris Bosh situation and his career would be derailed. That's Ranger luck.

There's also the part where what's in this for Stamkos? Come play for the 29th oldest team in the league, a franchise goalie in his mid 30s, and right up against the Cap? And dont give me NY exposure and media opportunities - its a lazy argument. Crosby generates the most off-ice revenue in the league, Toews and Ovechkin after him -- no current Ranger including Hank is in the top 10, and no NHL player is in the top 100 athletes in endorsement deals. It's just not a mainstream sport.

OK maybe he could pull a Lebron and have enough trust in himself to sign a 3-4 year deal and then sign somewhere else for huge money in 2020... but most players opt for the safer 7-8 year deals. Only way he leaves Tampa is to set the bar higher for elite players and contracts - so you are looking at a $14 million per year pricetag, most likely, at least equal to Shea Weber.

I'd still sign him for $14 mil/year by the way - just saying, i dont see it happening.

goes to Toronto anyway.

they've been clearing space to "bring him home".

In comment 12924101 pjcas18 said:

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goes to Toronto anyway. they've been clearing space to "bring him home".

Agree, with Montreal a dark horse. Boston has a lot of cap space too, though I think they'll focus on signing Yandle and another 2nd line C/wing (maybe bring Lucic back)

Tor are the clear front runners for Stamkos. He's the only big name FA though I'd try to get for the Rangers. Otherwise they should just start selling now and trying to acquire young players and picks.

What would it take to get Anisimov back?

Brassard? Hayes?

Fedotenko in '16.

Doubt they move him and I don't want a $4.5 mil/year third liner anyway.

Oh and Chicago certainly doesn't want Hayes back. That did not end well.

We all talk about Buch assuming he's coming... Is it a done deal?

But if you assume that he wants to play in the NHL, now's the time.

I thought that was pretty interesting.

but if Stamkos does sign with Toronto, I read Montreal would consider trading Subban to the leafs (or elsewhere).

Subban has full NMC that kicks in on July 1 and then he's on the hook for 9M per for the next 6 years. Which isn't the worst thing in the world, he's a 26 year old almost 26+ min per game perennial Norris candidate.

The word in Habs nation is that Bergevin did not want to sign Subban to the LT contract but Molson stepped in and went over Bergevin's head.

So it's not a given that he'd even allow Bergevin to trade Subban, but it's almost a given that Bergevin will try.

A helluva lot is riding on him as their only prospect with plus scoring potential.

I think there is going to be a big negotiation with Buch. He's going to want a 1 way contract which guarantees he'll be in NY because of our cap issues (basically, we wont be able to afford an NHL salaried player in the AHL).

That guy is a very, very good player.

It depends on what they get back. Be hard to get proper value for Subban, though, that's for sure.

In comment 12924599 Deej said:

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That guy is a very, very good player.

Well, this is really their only chance if they want to until 2022 (without him waving his NMC which he'd have no reason to do).

I think it will be explored, but a trade would be unlikely.

I'd trade him, while I think he has the deadliest one-timer on the power play of anyone not named Ovechkin and he's such a good ambassador off the ice, he has flaws.

for $9M I think you can spend it better and the net would be a better team.

but like I said, it would be unlikely.

In comment 12924562 Greg from LI said:

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A helluva lot is riding on him as their only prospect with plus scoring potential.

If the team trades Nash, the pressure on him will be enormous to be excellent quickly.

In comment 12924628 BrettNYG10 said:

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In comment 12924562 Greg from LI said: Quote: A helluva lot is riding on him as their only prospect with plus scoring potential. If the team trades Nash, the pressure on him will be enormous to be excellent quickly.

If this offseason goes the way we think it will - Yandle signs elsewhere, we dump Nash and/or hopefully Girardi, use all our cap space to re-sign the RFAs.... expectations will be fairly low.

I'd put us in the Boston / NJ / Buffalo / Carolina camp... battling for final wild card position.

IT's just hard to see us contending next season under any scenario short of signing Stamkos which i just really doubt happens.

Trading Nash + Girardi on top of not resigning Yandle would leave the Rangers with significantly more money than what's needed to resign the RFAs.

So they'd likely be adding other meaningful pieces in your scenario MAB.

(Obviously, expecting a successful unload of 61 and 5 is very optimistic)

What are your expectations for a Nash trade?

If you can't get at least a first and a good prospect, I think you pass.

Someone did a study (not sure how) and the conclusion was that players will routinely waive their NTC to go to lower tax jurisdictions. Wasnt necessarily an NHL study, but I saw it via an NHL-related link. I'd suspect that given the high Canadian tax rates, Subban waiving his NTC isnt a big concern.

I don't think they're going to trade Nash.

is that I think we're unlikely to get the kind pf package to make it worth while on our end.

If they did trade him this offseason, they won't get decent value for him.

In comment 12924084 BrettNYG10 said:

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Twice what Brassard makes, hypothetically.

I am sure that it is not worth it. You cant pay a 70 point center the Kane contract or higher. And Stamkos is getting more than double Brassard's 5 per season.

Brass's deal is positively valuable. He might be a guy who gets shopped, just because he will give you a real return and cap relief. They would have to have faith in Hayes though, and I cant speak to that. Or maybe you use that savings to resign Staal and pocket the Brassard return in the transaction (not advocating that, just throwing it out there). One of the real stupidities of the recent Rangers offseasons is that they didnt resign the guys that were free, and trade the guys under contract. E.g. they could have resigned Stralman and traded Klein for a late #1 or #2 plus.

In comment 12924732 Greg from LI said:

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If they did trade him this offseason, they won't get decent value for him.

Lets say you get a late #1 (which is what 2nd liners and sometimes 3rd liners return at the deadline). But the $$ lets you resign Yandle. Yandle + #1 > Nash. Though Im not sure I want to commit to Yandle for 6 or more years, which is what he'll demand.

Brassard and Stepan are very good deals. I'd trade Brassard if you could get a young dman and a first back. He's a really good contract. He might fetch more than Nash. I also have a lot of faith in Hayes.

Give Nash away for nothing.

I view the remaining term as good value. 2 years is a perfect option maturity. Pretty low risk with high upside. If somebody doesn't want to give something of value for that, you hold on to it.

Separate topic, if Yandle walks (which, the more I think about it, the more I think it might be smart to just let him), thoughts on signing Jason Demers?

UFA, will be 28 years old, really strong player defensively. Advanced stats also favorable. As much as the knee-jerk reaction may be to replace Yandle's offense, I'm inclined to start renovating the defense from the back - the play in our own end just absolutely has to be better. Right handed and could play alongside McDonagh on on 2nd pair.

In comment 12924718 BrettNYG10 said:

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What are your expectations for a Nash trade? If you can't get at least a first and a good prospect, I think you pass.

Well for starters Nash has a full NMC so he'd likely only agree to a small number of teams. Second, i think you can get one of a first or a good prospect (or maybe someone like Nails in Edmonton, or Shattenkirk in STL if they lose to Dallas) but highly doubt both... he's $8 million a year, not exactly a bargain.

If you dont trade Nash, and Staal stays here and at absolute best you are somehow able to unload Girardi either by buying him out (unlikely as much as it might make sense because 8 years of DEAD cap money is a very long time) or trading him - you are eating at least $2 million per year off that contract...

You've only freed up $6 million or so of space (remember, Yandle only cost us $2.6 million as Arizona ate half). Miller/Kreider/Hayes/McIlraith are due roughly that in raises.

So you go into next season with the same team sans Yandle and Girardi, adding only hopefully Buch. Not a Cup contender IMO.

On 2nd pair

NMC is limited. I think he needs to furnish a list of 10 teams allowable, if he has not done so already.

.

i know you just threw it out there but if they are considering that, we might as well start the full-scale rebuild now. Cut your losses there, he sucks.

In comment 12924770 BrettNYG10 said:

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.

I should have said late first plus

In comment 12924770 BrettNYG10 said:

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.

I would also be for cap room for Stamkos.

It would also be for cap room for Stamkos..

In comment 12924758 MetsAreBack said:

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So you go into next season with the same team sans Yandle and Girardi, adding only hopefully Buch. Not a Cup contender IMO.

That could be a cup contender. Honestly, I thought talent wise we should have been one this season. Lots of elements are to blame. But I buy into addition by subtraction for Girardi, plus more importantly development by Kreider, Hayes, and Miller. Big bodies take longer. Skjei and McIlrath could be better than the rookie combo of McDonagh and Sauer, and very similar, and if paired together will get more sheltered minutes.

I dont have a great explanation for this season. The Kings and Hawks havent been super consistent playoff after playoff. Maybe it just takes a big toll, guys get sloppy and assume they'll just get it together for the playoffs etc. Getting knocked out early could just give us the rest we need for next year.

We have a pretty young core. You minus Boyle and Moore and I would think we are in the middle of the pack when it comes to roster age.

Because the trade for him will just be atrocious if they do not.

It's incredible to watch this team totally screw themselves from what seemed to be a great position. Since 07, I feel like this team has had a mixture of bad luck and poor trades that if individually prevented, could have led us to a cup already.

I know its quite a long time go back, but the What-Ifs kill me...

What if Cherepanov didn't die? Would we have the elite playoff goal scorer we've been chasing? (that Gaborik wasn't able to do for us but did for the Kings, and that Nash has so miserably failed at?)

What if Sauer didn't get hurt? What Girardi have been given the same contract?

Why did we have to throw in THREE first round picks for half a season of an
effective St Louis?

Would Staal be a more effective player if had he never suffered his eye injury?

Would we have had the cap room to retain Hagelin?

If Zucc doesn't get hurt last year, do we get even closer to the cup?

Did we get max value for Talbot? (I honestly have no idea how he has performed in Edmonton)

If Yandle walks, that trade will look even worse in retrospect.

Just sucks to see a team that was on the cusp of breaking through and is in the midst of the window slamming shut, while having the ability to point at 4-5 things that happened over the previous 6+ years that could have changed everything.

Also, MAB, I'm wondering what you mean by full rebuild. Clearly "going for it" has ended up setting us back to begin with, but how long can we expect Hank to perform as a top level goalie?

In comment 12924718 BrettNYG10 said:

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What are your expectations for a Nash trade? If you can't get at least a first and a good prospect, I think you pass.

To Nashville for Kevin Fiala

In comment 12924939 Giants2012 said:

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In comment 12924718 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: What are your expectations for a Nash trade? If you can't get at least a first and a good prospect, I think you pass. To Nashville for Kevin Fiala

Quality young prospect that's probably ready for the big leagues? I'm down.

Some of the European Twitter guys are bitching that the Penguins signed Lukas Bengtsson, who was in the Rangers development camp (and apparently had continued interest in). Apparently a small, quality puck-moving defenseman. I know nothing about him. I suspect NYR couldn't guarantee playing time like the Penguins can.

Not just in terms of AAV, but years.

I love his game, but he'll be 30 years old the next time he plays in a meaningful game, and he's likely to get a contract that takes him to 36 or 37.

Sadly, I think that if they really want to rebuild on the fly, you let him walk and use some of that money to buy years from Miller or Kreider beyond their bridge deals.

If Yandle wants to listen to a 3 or 4 year deal, perhaps I feel a little differently, but I'm thinking he gets something like 6 years $45m.

Cherepanov may or may not have panned out, but he was the most talented Rangers forward prospect since Kovalev. There was a very good chance he could have blossomed into the top dog scorer they've so desperately lacked.

Mike Sauer was a better defenseman than Girardi when he was still good, and likely would still be a very good defenseman today if healthy. He would have gotten one of the big contracts instead of Staal or Girardi.

The eye injury didn't help, but the injury that really seemed to significantly hamper his career is when his brother gave him a concussion. Staal was never a banger, but he was much more physical before that. Ever since he's been almost completely finesse.

If Gaborik didn't hurt his shoulder in the 2012 playoffs, maybe he plays like he did for the Kings in 2014 and the Rangers beat the Devils. They probably lose to the Kings again anyway, but who knows?

very painful trade indeed.


Would you do Nash for Yakupov? I would imagine Nash is more likely to agree to go to Edmonton / McDavid... than to want to play in Nashville. But I do agree that Nashville on the surface is a good fit for him.

Edmonton is such a great place. Forget growing Nashville with no State income tax and a better team.

3/$12 extension.

I don't do Nash for Yakupov. There's a decent chance Yakupov just isn't that good.

Nash and McDonagh for Yakupov and Draisaitl - who says no? With the money saved, the Rangers re-sign Yandle .

Trade Nash for Nail straight up. Only one year left on his deal, already makes $2.5m, and has been a huge disappointment. 23 points in 60 games. Not impressive at all. He's 22 years old, not 19.

As part of a package, sure. But no way straight up.

With a preference for 3-4 years. Even at 34-35 he'll probably still be fairly productive. The cap will probably continue to increase as well, so even if he's getting $6m per year, it won't be that intimidating of a price in 2020-21.

In comment 12924949 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 12924939 Giants2012 said: Quote: In comment 12924718 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: What are your expectations for a Nash trade? If you can't get at least a first and a good prospect, I think you pass. To Nashville for Kevin Fiala Quality young prospect that's probably ready for the big leagues? I'm down.

Of course, Buch is a left winger too so being we're loaded at LW with Tanner Glass . . . .

In comment 12924978 MetsAreBack said:

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very painful trade indeed. Would you do Nash for Yakupov? I would imagine Nash is more likely to agree to go to Edmonton / McDavid... than to want to play in Nashville. But I do agree that Nashville on the surface is a good fit for him.

Why would you do that, just to free up cap space to sign others? Nash is ridiculously better than Yakupov (who is rapidly approaching bust status IMO) on your 2016 - 2017 roster at least. Would you need Edmonton's first round pick too?

In comment 12925005 NYerInMA said:

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With a preference for 3-4 years. Even at 34-35 he'll probably still be fairly productive. The cap will probably continue to increase as well, so even if he's getting $6m per year, it won't be that intimidating of a price in 2020-21.

IMO, let him go to Boston. Just b/c the Rangers backend is desperate doesn't make this a good move. 29 yr old plays well, gets a huge contract, etc. We've seen how this works out. Let him go IMO.

In comment 12924999 Greg from LI said:

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3/$12 extension. I don't do Nash for Yakupov. There's a decent chance Yakupov just isn't that good. Nash and McDonagh for Yakupov and Draisaitl - who says no? With the money saved, the Rangers re-sign Yandle .

Maybe I'm crazy, but I don't make that trade.

In comment 12925018 Giants2012 said:

Quote:

In comment 12925005 NYerInMA said: Quote: With a preference for 3-4 years. Even at 34-35 he'll probably still be fairly productive. The cap will probably continue to increase as well, so even if he's getting $6m per year, it won't be that intimidating of a price in 2020-21. IMO, let him go to Boston. Just b/c the Rangers backend is desperate doesn't make this a good move. 29 yr old plays well, gets a huge contract, etc. We've seen how this works out. Let him go IMO.

My main preference for keeping him is that he's already shown that he's the puck-moving defenseman/PP QB that the team has been looking for since they signed Wade Redden. It's not an easy player to find, and we have one that we know can play well in NY. One in the hand is worth two in the bush, after all.

I don't know. There aren't a lot of avenues for improving right now.

In comment 12925035 Greg from LI said:

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I don't know. There aren't a lot of avenues for improving right now.

Probably hard to turn that one down, but to me, trading McDonagh means full blown rebuild, and there are too many difficult-to-move contracts that make it feel far-fetched. We'll still be here watching Girardi and Staal making snow angels in front of a Hank that starts to look like a European version of Dan Boyle.

because he's the strength of the team, but the obvious is trade Hank to a team that is a goalie away or needs a goalie.

Dallas and Anaheim immediately come to mind, but teams like Calgary, Winnipeg, Columbus, Toronto all could trade for Hank.

Get a young NHL roster player back, a high pick, and clear space.

At his age it might be the most impactful trade the Rangers can make, that helps long-term even if they suffer short-term a little.

In comment 12925035 Greg from LI said:

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I don't know. There aren't a lot of avenues for improving right now.

Getting rid of Staal and Giradi turns the Rangers into a positive possession team. They will be a contender at a ~50% CF%.

I think they can turn this roster around with the right moves.

In comment 12925029 NYerInMA said:

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My main preference for keeping him is that he's already shown that he's the puck-moving defenseman/PP QB that the team has been looking for since they signed Wade Redden. It's not an easy player to find, and we have one that we know can play well in NY. One in the hand is worth two in the bush, after all.

I understand yet let's keep some things in mind. This is as good as he's going to be. He's ranked 15th in defensemen scoring at 29 years old. He's not going to get better so those numbers are going to slide and it's a quick drop to being ranked around 25th in defenseman scoring.

He's never going to have a good shot so he's no real thread as opponents know he's a pass first defenseman. He skates well but he's hardly fast, he's really physical and he's ok defensively. IKD, sounds like we're desperate and we've been down these roads for decades with high dollars to players on the back end of their careers. IF he had a awesome shot I would say yes. Not a fan of a guy who we need b/c he passes well while the others can pass at all. If we had a competent defenseman we wouldn't hesitate to let him walk.

But that could be a tough sell.


Brett, I just don't see any way that the brass wants to ax both of them.

:(

In comment 12925079 BrettNYG10 said:

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In comment 12925035 Greg from LI said: Quote: I don't know. There aren't a lot of avenues for improving right now. Getting rid of Staal and Giradi turns the Rangers into a positive possession team. They will be a contender at a ~50% CF%.

Great, but how do you do it?

Even aside from the NMCs, at what cost?

Would you include Hayes to entice a team to take one of them? For me, that one is a yes.

Keep $2.5m per year to dump the other? Does that even get a deal done?

Take back an equally bad contract for a forward?

Staal is movable. Girardi I think they'll have to buyout or eat quite a bit to trade.

Greg, AV made a few comments yesterday that make me think he knows how bad the D was and that they'll make corrective actions going forward. His player deployments contradict that, but I suspect the front office doesn't have their heads in the sand.

Staal - please, somebody take him.

In comment 12925101 Giants2012 said:

Quote:

In comment 12925029 NYerInMA said: Quote: My main preference for keeping him is that he's already shown that he's the puck-moving defenseman/PP QB that the team has been looking for since they signed Wade Redden. It's not an easy player to find, and we have one that we know can play well in NY. One in the hand is worth two in the bush, after all. I understand yet let's keep some things in mind. This is as good as he's going to be. He's ranked 15th in defensemen scoring at 29 years old. He's not going to get better so those numbers are going to slide and it's a quick drop to being ranked around 25th in defenseman scoring. He's never going to have a good shot so he's no real thread as opponents know he's a pass first defenseman. He skates well but he's hardly fast, he's really physical and he's ok defensively. IKD, sounds like we're desperate and we've been down these roads for decades with high dollars to players on the back end of their careers. IF he had a awesome shot I would say yes. Not a fan of a guy who we need b/c he passes well while the others can pass at all. If we had a competent defenseman we wouldn't hesitate to let him walk.

You're right about his ceiling; it's basically a question of how fast his play will tail off. In terms of his ranking this year, remember that AV didn't figure out how to use him until after the All-Star break. If he'd been on the top PP unit from October, I think his numbers would've been a lot better.

Is that it's a piss poor FA class for D.

In comment 12925122 Giants2012 said:

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Staal - please, somebody take him.

I don't think the draft would be until next summer, since there's definitely no expansion team ready to play until 2017-18 at the earliest.

In comment 12924967 Greg from LI said:

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Cherepanov may or may not have panned out, but he was the most talented Rangers forward prospect since Kovalev. There was a very good chance he could have blossomed into the top dog scorer they've so desperately lacked. Mike Sauer was a better defenseman than Girardi when he was still good, and likely would still be a very good defenseman today if healthy. He would have gotten one of the big contracts instead of Staal or Girardi. The eye injury didn't help, but the injury that really seemed to significantly hamper his career is when his brother gave him a concussion. Staal was never a banger, but he was much more physical before that. Ever since he's been almost completely finesse.

Brendl was more talented, and Chery v. Lundmark could be a close call (and Im discounting hyper talented little guys like Savard). Yeah, I went there.

As for Sauer, I dont think he was as good as the best we saw from Girardi. Dan Girardi was more than a warrior. At his best he was insanely effective.

Agree that Staal basically never recovered from those two injuries. Sad!

A lot of salary. Turns 32 in a few days, bad knee, concussions, glacially slow now, and makes a ton of money.

In comment 12925122 Giants2012 said:

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Staal - please, somebody take him.

Did the league announce two West coast teams for the 2016-2017 that none of us have heard about?

In comment 12925102 Greg from LI said:

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But that could be a tough sell. Brett, I just don't see any way that the brass wants to ax both of them.

Different circumstances but Roy was traded (then Montreal traded Thibault, Theodore, and Halak LOL they just trade goalies), Hasek was traded, Fuhr was traded. Mike Vernon was traded. Ed belfour was traded.

other than Vernon they're all in the hall of fame. I think fans have to realize at 34, 35 before next playoffs, he might be more valuable to the Rangers in a trade than between the pipes.

And it doesn't mean you're rebuilding or throwing in the towel. lots of goalie options IMO.

So whether anyone thinks it's a good idea or not to explore trading him the Rangers can't unless he wants to go and that seems highly unlikely based on everything he has said and done up to this point.

Lundmark's appeal was supposed to be his high floor. A lot of people said that he wouldn't be a huge scorer but that he was a lock to be a potential future captain and good #2 center, a 20-30-50 type. That, of course, didn't happen.

Brendl was a huge gamble. Enormous skill, average athleticism, questionable work ethic. Might have had the higher ceiling but Cherepanov was much more of a sure thing - much better skater and competitor. It's worth mentioning that Cherepanov made Omsk as a 17 year old and was tied for third on the team in goals with 18 in 47 games. At the time of his death, he had tallied 8-5-13 in only 15 games as a 19 year old in the KHL. That's pretty damned impressive, comparable to the numbers Kuznetsov posted that had the Caps drooling.

In comment 12925150 MetsAreBack said:

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In comment 12925122 Giants2012 said: Quote: Staal - please, somebody take him. Did the league announce two West coast teams for the 2016-2017 that none of us have heard about?

Lost again? This summer or NEXT? That would qualify for 2017-18 data boy.

But we're in the minority on that one among the fans, and I'm not sure the front office would have the stones to trade their franchise player.

If you want to retool quickly, though, it makes the most sense.

... regarding thoughts on his impending free agency. Personally, I think he goes home to Toronto.

Will playoffs affect Steven Stamkos' contract situation? - ( New Window )

In comment 12925170 arniefez said:

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So whether anyone thinks it's a good idea or not to explore trading him the Rangers can't unless he wants to go and that seems highly unlikely based on everything he has said and done up to this point.

He's a Ny celebrity and appears to really enjoy it. Doubt he wants to move and couldn't blame him if he didn't.

Swell.


How badly will he want to stay as it becomes apparent that the Rangers aren't going to be a contender for at least another year or two, if not longer? He's going to turn 35 next month. If he wants a Cup badly, and I have no idea why he wouldn't, he's probably going to have to go elsewhere to have a shot at it.

In comment 12925179 Giants2012 said:

Quote:

In comment 12925150 MetsAreBack said: Quote: In comment 12925122 Giants2012 said: Quote: Staal - please, somebody take him. Did the league announce two West coast teams for the 2016-2017 that none of us have heard about? Lost again? This summer or NEXT? That would qualify for 2017-18 data boy.

It's not a matter of being lost, its a matter of reading what passes for your English. If you wanted to ask if there might be a draft next summer -- you simply would have said "is there an expansion draft next summer?"

Only a clueless idiot would ask the question of whether there would be a draft this summer, or 3 months from now, when the league isnt expanding as of now.

But I do enjoy your backtracking yet again... keep up the great work, your value-add is off the charts!!

In comment 12925178 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Lundmark's appeal was supposed to be his high floor. A lot of people said that he wouldn't be a huge scorer but that he was a lock to be a potential future captain and good #2 center, a 20-30-50 type. That, of course, didn't happen. Brendl was a huge gamble. Enormous skill, average athleticism, questionable work ethic. Might have had the higher ceiling but Cherepanov was much more of a sure thing - much better skater and competitor. It's worth mentioning that Cherepanov made Omsk as a 17 year old and was tied for third on the team in goals with 18 in 47 games. At the time of his death, he had tallied 8-5-13 in only 15 games as a 19 year old in the KHL. That's pretty damned impressive, comparable to the numbers Kuznetsov posted that had the Caps drooling.

Well I said Brendl. Re Lundmark I just said it could be a close call.

The failure of that draft class, within the context of a decade plus of worthless drafts, just fucking killed the organization for a while. People want to point to the big FA money to guys like Holik and Kaminsky etc., but it was the trades of picks and piss-poor drafting that murdered us.

In comment 12925316 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

It's not a matter of being lost, its a matter of reading what passes for your English. If you wanted to ask if there might be a draft next summer -- you simply would have said "is there an expansion draft next summer?" Only a clueless idiot would ask the question of whether there would be a draft this summer, or 3 months from now, when the league isnt expanding as of now. But I do enjoy your backtracking yet again... keep up the great work, your value-add is off the charts!!

lol - you really can't figure the difference between "this summer" or "next" and blame me? You're sad

Exactly how much Slats and Gordon fucked up the Talbot situation. I think it's pretty clear that they overplayed their hand and things crumbled, but I'd love to know what they pissed away in doing so.

(Florida ended up getting a better player in Reilly Smith instead)

...and I find it hard to believe Buffalo wouldnt have offered us their late first (21st overall) that they gave up for Lehner (they got a shitty player Legwand also in that deal)

But we got 3 picks for Talbot (a 2nd, 3rd and hail mary 6th) - not sure which is better, one late first or a 2nd and 3rd.

I thought the real disaster was the Hagelin trade - Hagelin for just moving up 18 slots in the 2nd round plus Etem who AV immediately buried on the 4th line and dumped by December. Brutal.

.

but I dont ever recall a number 1 on the table. I thought Jones was considered a much better prospect than an already late 20s Talbot?

I could be mistaken. I just remember Lehner being the one that pissed me off, not Jones (who is tremendous i think)

according to this article, a #1 was on the table for Talbot. And that pick was in the teens i think?

Also Cam is less than 2 years older than Jones.

Ouch. Who knows if true.
San Jose - Talbot - ( New Window )

.

I said from the beginning I expected the Islanders to win this series. It's still a long ways away from over but I just don't think TB is good enough without Stamkos and Stralman. I don't think they'd beat the Capitals in an ECF though.

Florida was a tougher test for NYI than an injury ravaged Tampa team which lets face it, probably loses in the first round if they were playing anyone but Detroit in round 1 (the 6 vs 8 seed).

As we've said way too many times, the Rangers really fucked up not landing in that 7 hole.

If Anaheim wins tonight, i called 7 of 8 right in the first round (Kings wrong), with STL-LA and WAS-NYI projected for next round. WAS-STL final. Of course i did not predict that Dallas would mind-numbingly bring back Seguin off very few practices into game 2 of a series they knew they'd win easily without him. STL should win in 5 tops now.

Kiss the ring.

.

I do have the Caps winning it all, but it was against CHI.

I had the Capitals, TB, Dallas, and maybe Nashville with the upset. I find it hard to believe anyone else on here had Nashville, against the 2 seed.

I was wrong on every other series. and if the Predators lose, I was only right on 3 series.

God PJ sucks

you married a Bruins fan.

I'm either impressed ... or terrified for your marriage... that you've managed to still hate the Bruins all these years while living and raising a family with one.

.

In comment 12925904 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

you married a Bruins fan. I'm either impressed ... or terrified for your marriage... that you've managed to still hate the Bruins all these years while living and raising a family with one.

She's not that hardcore of a fan. I mean she follows the team and knows how they're doing, but she could probably name 3 players on the team (Bergeron, Chara, and Rask). She bought me one of the Winter Classic Canadiens winter hats for Christmas.

We definitely cannot watch Bruins Canadiens games in the same room though. Any time the Bruins score or god forbid win, she and the kids get in my face.

the winter classic was awesome, my wife's whole family was over and I had all my Canadiens gear on. and i have a bottle opener that when you open a bottle plays the Canadiens "goal music" they wanted to kill me by the end of the day.

I can only imagine the house 2 years ago for Game 7

Dance dance danc3

They need a great goaltender, and they have a ton of prospects and young players to deal.

He might be the guy... he'll certainly get his chance to be

Maddening to watch Bishop get plastered with those fucking Serta mattresses strapped to his legs and think about the fact that we couldn't get a single puck past him in 2 of the last 3 games of the ECF last year. But I guess that's just how it goes.

is a better goalie than he was today.

I've seen him steal playoff games and even series.

in the playoffs last year the first game against MTL, the double OT win, he absolutely was a brick wall. same with game 3 and 6.

but...he had bad games in each series. maybe a little MAF-like.

In the SCF the Lightning lost in 6 and Bishop allowed more than 2 goals once in 6 games (and they won that game 4 - 3).

I don't think they need a goalie change.

Holtby, and Quick the Vezina finalists.

But I still say Tampa in 5.

Tonight got away from them, but Tampa still has more than the isles can handle.

Very good game

I don�t know why people in their right mind deal with that basketball bracket shit. the NHL playoffs is the best. I watch every game.

BRILLIANT....

Haha, that was cool. Nashville just played four corners and killed over a minute on the ice with their goalie pulled. Brilliantly done, I would�ve laughed a bit if they put the puck in their own net.

Nashville wins!!

and to be honest, I'm not sure I'd feel this way about Manning and the Giants (primarily since I was born into the Giants and was a fan since as early as I can remember) but I was always in a family that was split between the Devils and the Rangers, loosely gravitated towards the Rangers, but really started truly following hockey after the 04 lockout....which was 05.... Hank's rookie year. He IS the embodiment and manifestation of the Rangers to me, moreso than Eli is of the Giants of the era I remember (other strong personalities that overlapped, not the case with the Rangers as much).

Point being that on a personal level, I'd rather go down with Lundqvist and take the risk that the slight (yet ever increasing) gulf in % chance that the Rangers win the cup just hits blind luck, as opposed to get a mariginally (or maybe even decent) increase in that % without him.

Again, this is just my POV as someone who started watching his rookie year, but it would absolutely kill me to see him go.

We gotta win one with him, or at least try till he hangs them up. He is a Rangers, he was born for New York City, he was an unheralded rookie, and on top of all that he's beast at guitar and can rocks the best god damn suits.

I love the fuckin guy. With some other teams (Giants), I might love players, but when it's their time it's their time, cause hey, it's a business dude, sorry. Just always seemed different with Hank, and sort hockey in general coming from someone who approached the sport as the first generation to strongly follow it.

a month ago that CHI, LA, and ANA would all be out in the the first round, I would've told you you were nuts. Nice to have some new blood in the WCF though.

Also, I have no idea what TB was doing last night, but I guess the hockey gods are just having too much fun twisting the knife in the eyes of Rangers' fans everywhere. Stop the madness!

Also had the Rangers winning every series in 4 and winning the Cup against the Sharks by scoring four goals the entire series.

So close.

That's the fun of it when you know the NBA playoffs is just going to be Lebron vs the Spurs or "whoever" Episode VII

is who beat CHI. I thought STL and CHI were the two best teams in the West.

LA is always hit or miss IMO. CHI was the surprise to lose, but not to STL.

that was one of the best series I've seen in a long time.

In comment 12926541 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Also had the Rangers winning every series in 4 and winning the Cup against the Sharks by scoring four goals the entire series. So close.

Columbus will eliminate the Rangers in Round 1

So close!!!!

....

In comment 12926731 Route 9 said:

Quote:

....

Only team left I don't want to win. I hate Joe Thornton. On one hand it would be great to see another former Bruin win a cup elsewhere, but still don't like him.

In comment 12926645 Giants2012 said:

Quote:

In comment 12926541 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Also had the Rangers winning every series in 4 and winning the Cup against the Sharks by scoring four goals the entire series. So close. Columbus will eliminate the Rangers in Round 1 So close!!!!

If Columbus made the playoffs and the Rangers lost to them I would have been right, dammit!

...and all the wasted cap space that they have get them to take a close look at Lundqvist this offseason?

Cant really blame this year's failure on goaltending though -- they couldnt score goals. Good thing they traded Hagelin.

In comment 12926635 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

is who beat CHI. I thought STL and CHI were the two best teams in the West. LA is always hit or miss IMO. CHI was the surprise to lose, but not to STL. that was one of the best series I've seen in a long time.

The Kings are a quality team, but mind you they couldn't even beat out Calgary for a playoff spot last year. I took the Sharks in 6 in that series. Brett Burns is the most underrated offensive defenseman in 10 years.

Brent* Burns

Can't stand that guy

In comment 12926931 Mike in Long Beach said:

Quote:

In comment 12926635 pjcas18 said: Quote: is who beat CHI. I thought STL and CHI were the two best teams in the West. LA is always hit or miss IMO. CHI was the surprise to lose, but not to STL. that was one of the best series I've seen in a long time. The Kings are a quality team, but mind you they couldn't even beat out Calgary for a playoff spot last year. I took the Sharks in 6 in that series. Brett Burns is the most underrated offensive defenseman in 10 years.

he's not underrated, everyone loves Brett Burns and his beard.

Britt Burns has been retired for 30 years

unpredictable, which is why I have the Sharks winning the whole thing without any need for conscious reasoning. I don't hate the Capitals as much as others do. Ovechkin is a beast beyond beasts and if he wins the Cup I have no problem with it. I hate the Penguins but only because their a division rival, Crosby is "whatever" to me. I wish the Rangers had him.

I don't even hate the Islanders really because, well, I don't live in New York so there again I don't know anyone. and why would I waste my time on such a team who hasn't won a single playoff series in 23 years.

The teams I despise are the Devils and the Flyers, more so the Flyers than the Devils. The Devils are pointless right now and their fans are a "copy and paste" team saying the same thing over and over again, but man I don't know if it was because I grew up in Southern NJ in the late 90s-early 2000s or if it was Eric Lindros, but i FUCKING hate the Flyers more than any other team besides the Philadelphia Eagles.

I have no issues with anyone winning anything from the West. The Dallas Stars? Nashville Predators? Someone's gotta win and of course I'll take them over anyone from the East. Football is different for me, in 2004, I had no issues going with New England because, well, fuck the Eagles?

In comment 12926950 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Can't stand that guy

Yup, I admit he's a decent coach but I'll never forgive him for saying - after his loaded team took the full 7 games to beat a weak Rangers team in 2009 - that his team dominated the entire series and it never should have been so close. Sore winner personified.

Was happy when they then got waxed the following round.

1st place finishes in eight out of nine seasons, including a President's Trophy season, and he's got one conference final loss to show for it. Four first round departures, three second round.

Fuck Eli Apple

And Eli Apple, this has been a week.

Maybe the Knicks will sign Rambis tonight to boot.

....but

It was an ugly game, but a win is a win.

The Capitals (in <70 minutes) matched the goal total the Rangers had against Matt Murray in three games. :(

on parameters of the potential expansion draft.
NHL, NHLPA Agree to Expansion Draft Rules: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction - ( New Window )

In comment 12931461 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

The Capitals (in <70 minutes) matched the goal total the Rangers had against Matt Murray in three games. :(

You know, it's funny - defense was our undoing, and a lot of people scoff at the idea of needing more scoring rather than better defensemen. However, the immense struggle to score that we've seen over the past 5 postseasons certainly suggests that they need scoring, too.

In comment 12932100 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

In comment 12931461 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: The Capitals (in <70 minutes) matched the goal total the Rangers had against Matt Murray in three games. :( You know, it's funny - defense was our undoing, and a lot of people scoff at the idea of needing more scoring rather than better defensemen. However, the immense struggle to score that we've seen over the past 5 postseasons certainly suggests that they need scoring, too.

How much of that is needing new players vs. changing the system though?

Getting hemmed and hawed in our own zone kills the offense which happened quite a bit. I know I'm preaching to the choir about how the two are interrelated.

This goes back to our favorite former Ranger defenseman - you don't need to put up points to be effective at helping your team generate offense.

But yes, I agree. I think a lot of that falls on coaching. The team demonstrates a total inability to score once teams collapse their forwards in the middle and play defensively. Playmakers like Zucc, Brassard, Hayes should theoretically still be able to do well in those situations. And Nash and Kreider should be sticking their 220 pound asses in front of the net to create chaos.

monday morning quarterbacking here, but was TJ Oshie the best off-season addition? For Troy Brouwer?

Any time he gets the puck you almost only ever hear about how great he is at shootouts. Which the difference between winning and losing shootouts could be the playoffs, but in the Olympics the US used him almost every shot since you can repeat shooters.

Anyway, he's not just a shootout weapon. that dude can play, he's gritty, skilled, and plays bigger than his size. I never see him and think he's small out there.

Smart move by the Caps, never watched him much outside the olympics, but I have in the playoffs and he's got some skill.

While everyone was saying how overrated Oshie was, Brett calmly and wisely said he was still a very good player and a good top six addition.

#verysmug

Chris Nichols
‏@NicholsOnHockey
Friedman/expansion draft: "The no-move clauses are going to be honored. You're not going to be able to move a guy who's on a no-move."

In comment 12932170 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

While everyone was saying how overrated Oshie was, Brett calmly and wisely said he was still a very good player and a good top six addition. #verysmug

LOL, I never really saw him do anything besides the shootouts in the Olympics. I don't even know if he got a regular shift in Sochi. And on the shootouts he was so deliberate, almost slow, waiting for the goalie to make first move, so you could see his great hands, but I didn't comment either way since I had so limited information (not that that ever stopped me before).

Quote:

Rob Vollman ‏@robvollmanNHL The 8 remaining teams ranked 2,4,5,6,7,8,10,18 out of 30 in the regular season possession metric of choice, score-adjusted Corsi.

pj, I just thought the overrated meme became too much. People acted like it was a sufficient analysis of the player. He isn't a top-flight winger. But he was a really good second line one and could probably play a role on the first line for a lot of teams - which he's done in Washington this season.

In comment 12932845 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Quote: Rob Vollman ‏@robvollmanNHL The 8 remaining teams ranked 2,4,5,6,7,8,10,18 out of 30 in the regular season possession metric of choice, score-adjusted Corsi. pj, I just thought the overrated meme became too much. People acted like it was a sufficient analysis of the player. He isn't a top-flight winger. But he was a really good second line one and could probably play a role on the first line for a lot of teams - which he's done in Washington this season.

I agree, but I also thought the Justin Williams acquisition was a good one and most people said eh, he's a JAG or he's old.

he's another good top 6 forward, and depth IMO is the difference with this Caps team.

Williams produced a bit more this season, though.

In comment 12932875 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Williams produced a bit more this season, though.

I liked Joel Ward too, even swap or not, Williams is a good player with cup experience, he's not a JAG.

and Ward is older and signed a 3-year deal for roughly the same AAV.

Brouwer last season - 22-21-43. Big deal

Now, yes, Oshie just had a huge game for Washington but it's not as if he's some proven player performer. He's almost doubled his career playoff scoring in this postseason. 5-4-9 in thirty previous postseason games, 4-3-7 in seven this year.

More delicious tears for you Greg!

In comment 12932922 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Brouwer last season - 22-21-43. Big deal Now, yes, Oshie just had a huge game for Washington but it's not as if he's some proven player performer. He's almost doubled his career playoff scoring in this postseason. 5-4-9 in thirty previous postseason games, 4-3-7 in seven this year.

Oshie was also 66% on shootout attempts compared with 33% for Brouwer.

plus all the advanced metrics point to Oshie as the better player.

not saying he's going to the hall of fame, but he's an upgrade.

.

Significantly better? Nah.

The biggest reason the Caps are much improved is that Kuznetsov went from a 37 point scorer to a 77 point scorer, and after that, Justin Williams finding a fountain of youth and having his best season in years at age 35.

...just that they continued their play that begin last January 2015 and maintained it this entire season.


Boudreau has done more with less in Anaheim than AV has done here over the last 3 seasons. Its just that AV got Lundqvist to stand on his head game 7s in Pittsburgh two years ago and Washington last year.

In comment 12933396 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Significantly better? Nah. The biggest reason the Caps are much improved is that Kuznetsov went from a 37 point scorer to a 77 point scorer, and after that, Justin Williams finding a fountain of youth and having his best season in years at age 35.

I'm not saying it's just Oshie and Williams, but I do believe their acquisitions helped their improvement. When many people argued their additions were not a big deal. either way. Oshie impresses me every time I see him play. Tory Brouwer does not. totally different players. brouwer not good hands, but toughness, Oshie very good hands, mild toughness. GM's given the choice of one or the other I'm guessing overwhelmingly take Oshie.

In comment 12933423 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

...just that they continued their play that begin last January 2015 and maintained it this entire season. Boudreau has done more with less in Anaheim than AV has done here over the last 3 seasons. Its just that AV got Lundqvist to stand on his head game 7s in Pittsburgh two years ago and Washington last year.

Seriously? Anaheim is absolutely stacked. Such a disappointment. They're a veteran team, but stacked.

All-stars, olympians. Corey Perry, Getzlaf, Kesler, Silvfberger, throw in Chris Stewart for a gordie howe hatrick. Rakell one of the better young forwards in the game.

Vatanen, Fowler, Lindholm head them up at the point where they're a solid 4 deep.

goalie is their weak link and it's sinks a lot of coaches.

WAS played at a 103 point pace from January 2015 to the end of that regular season. Finished at 101.

They got better. Oshie and Williams are slight upgrades. But small changes can have big impacts in the upper echelons of the NHL. I'd argue the Rangers 2015-2016 are the reverse of that (loss of Hagelin, drop-offs in a few players, etc.).

In comment 12933127 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

More delicious tears for you Greg!

Can't say I feel bad for him


CAN YOU HEAR US?

Greg let me down a little bit. I was fully expecting the "McRib is fuckin' back" picture as soon as I heard Boudreau was fired.

In comment 12933461 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

WAS played at a 103 point pace from January 2015 to the end of that regular season. Finished at 101. They got better. Oshie and Williams are slight upgrades. But small changes can have big impacts in the upper echelons of the NHL. I'd argue the Rangers 2015-2016 are the reverse of that (loss of Hagelin, drop-offs in a few players, etc.).

Fine, i picked the wrong month on recollection. Looked it up, on December 2 last year they were a 10-14 hockey club. 24 points in 24 games. From then on they played at a 110 point pace over their final 58 games.

they are slightly better than this year too.. but as Greg said, that's got more to do with Kuznetsov - not to mention all the PDO luck this year that everyone here has talked about quite a bit.

Oshie is a better fit for them than Brouwer though. Agree there -they have other players that can bring that physical game.

I wasn't (intentionally) busting your balls - I didn't remember them having early season struggles last year (which I was obviously wrong about) so I looked it up.

And yes on the PDO. They aren't all that different from the prior year's Rangers in that regard.

In comment 12933549 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

I wasn't (intentionally) busting your balls - I didn't remember them having early season struggles last year (which I was obviously wrong about) so I looked it up. And yes on the PDO. They aren't all that different from the prior year's Rangers in that regard.

The capitals power play is like looking at art.

other teams do this now to but they set up the diamond with Ovie on the off-point rotating between there and the facoff circle and it all runs through Backstrom.

You need the right personnel for it, but every time I see it and how they work the puck patiently for the one-timer I'm mesmerized.

The Flyers Nick Schultz I was sure broke his foot after taking two of those vicious one-timers off the skate (that's how I broke my foot - though it obviously wasn't an NHL caliber shot - and I've had my same skates since college - pretty sure they've upgraded the padding).

you are a much better Xs and Os guy than me, but I'm surprised the league has not developed a better defense for the Caps PP. I would have someone marking/shadowing Ovi and not let him get comfortable away from the puck setting up for his shot. For the life of me i cant understand why teams give him so much room.

well, in the tradition of AC/DC, I give the people what they want



It does still make me laugh after all this time.

In comment 12933596 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

you are a much better Xs and Os guy than me, but I'm surprised the league has not developed a better defense for the Caps PP. I would have someone marking/shadowing Ovi and not let him get comfortable away from the puck setting up for his shot. For the life of me i cant understand why teams give him so much room.

I'm shocked how open he gets. What happens is though if you watch teams get a guy right in his jersey and then he backs off the face off circle to the left point. that takes the defender out of the play, and essentially creates a 4 on 3.

It's hard for the traditional box pk to work when you have Ovie at the face off dot, Johannsen behind the net on one side, Backstrom behind the net on the other side, Oshie in front of the net and Carlsson at the point. It's just non-traditional.

There were better power plays (%) in the league, the Caps were only 5th, but I love their approach.

In comment 12933635 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

well, in the tradition of AC/DC, I give the people what they want It does still make me laugh after all this time.

It still makes me laugh too.. I was hoping you'd have posted it. So good.

Lazy fucking dude but he can score some goals. Apparently we might be interested.

but where exactly are they going to get the cap space to sign him?

In comment 12934658 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

but where exactly are they going to get the cap space to sign him?

I don't know but you just know the Rangers will find a way to pursue Stamkos

In comment 12933639 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 12933596 MetsAreBack said: Quote: you are a much better Xs and Os guy than me, but I'm surprised the league has not developed a better defense for the Caps PP. I would have someone marking/shadowing Ovi and not let him get comfortable away from the puck setting up for his shot. For the life of me i cant understand why teams give him so much room. I'm shocked how open he gets. What happens is though if you watch teams get a guy right in his jersey and then he backs off the face off circle to the left point. that takes the defender out of the play, and essentially creates a 4 on 3. It's hard for the traditional box pk to work when you have Ovie at the face off dot, Johannsen behind the net on one side, Backstrom behind the net on the other side, Oshie in front of the net and Carlsson at the point. It's just non-traditional. There were better power plays (%) in the league, the Caps were only 5th, but I love their approach.

With a threat as good as Ovie, wouldn't you rather play a 4-3 with someone shadowing him than a 5-4 with him getting his shot off?

And I pray the Rangers have learned their lesson about trying to bring in other teams' over-the-hill super stars ... much rather see the young kids play than watch super stars fail.

Strikes again

Rick Nash 12 PO goals in 65 games lol

Off of Ryan Johansens face..


4-2!!

...

should be looking at a suspension for that hit.

I know I've defended him, because I like the gritty, tough play, but that was just dirty and dangerous.

Hagelin who else?

gross and nauseating. Fuck you Anaheim.

It's not bad luck for Rangers. It's utter front office incompetence the past 3 years.

We will look back at this era and it's not even Ewing Knicks. Those teams made 2 finals, not one, had epic match ups with Jordan and Miller - not Torrey Krug, Crosby and Adam Henrique

I watch how quickly Toronto can turn things around with a little luck today and a good plan - a little envious. I really prefer not to kick a dead can down the road. I don't think there is a cup in this locker room

....

Shocking!

Oh, so that was goalie interference but Dwight King wasnt....of course! Fuck this corrupt league. Gary Bettman has been jerk in off to the thought of another cup for that diseased piece of amphibian shit for years.

In comment 12938059 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Shocking! Oh, so that was goalie interference but Dwight King wasnt....of course! Fuck this corrupt league. Gary Bettman has been jerk in off to the thought of another cup for that diseased piece of amphibian shit for years.

this particular game has nothing to do with Bettman (if any of them do). the Capitals are lucky it's only 5 to 1. They're back on their heels a lot and getting the play taken to them and forced to react. the penalties so far I have zero problem with. Orpik could have been called for at least one more penalty.

.

Washington's tied it 1-1

Lucky goal for the Penguins

Should be suspended a few games. Who knows though, since Wilson wasn't for his hit last game, and Letang wasn't for his hit on the Rangers.

He also isn't really good anymore.

Blues up 2-1 in Dallas.

One shot, one kill.

Only two shots on goal for STL, but they both went it.

In comment 12938059 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Shocking! Oh, so that was goalie interference but Dwight King wasnt....of course! Fuck this corrupt league. Gary Bettman has been jerk in off to the thought of another cup for that diseased piece of amphibian shit for years.

192 hours and counting; Rangers fans still complaining about the refs.

NTTAWWT.

Sounds legit.

Nice game last night, by the way. Way to close with a strong third period.

In comment 12938041 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

It's not bad luck for Rangers. It's utter front office incompetence the past 3 years. We will look back at this era and it's not even Ewing Knicks. Those teams made 2 finals, not one, had epic match ups with Jordan and Miller - not Torrey Krug, Crosby and Adam Henrique I watch how quickly Toronto can turn things around with a little luck today and a good plan - a little envious. I really prefer not to kick a dead can down the road. I don't think there is a cup in this locker room

Just a little comment on the Hags comment and how the team's leadership exemplified incompetence over the past 3 years.

Sorry but as usual I'll say prior to my point that I know emotions get involved and you may say something silly or whatever but...Are you fucking serious? I mean even for like one second are you serious? By no means am I trying to start fucking with you for no reason. I just genuinely have no clue how you think this nor do I get how a Hagelin goal in the playoffs a) indicates a putrid leadership staff nor b) how you forget that Hags always pops in a goal in the playoffs and is a fun player to have on the team but in between goals here and there, he is a ghost. A Penalty Killing Speedster who has hands of stone on most chances. A frustrating player because you want to pay him and you want him to stay but you can't possibly think they should have.

Still can't get over the complaints about the staff. I guess its just better to not get close because if you dont win it makes the other good stuff bad. Now we want to be the Leafs....

3rd most wins over that time period. 200 wins. Only 2 other teams with more wins (CHi, ANA). That includes playoffs

God damn Stars tied it 3-3

suspended 3 games.

if you believe the 1 playoff game = 5 regular season games I think that's 1 game too much, but well deserved.

if you think Orpik stinks or not, this will hurt. his presence, the physical presence, is in the minds of players.

now it's not.

Per NHL.

Well, that's a start. Now make sure they also hold Wilson accountable for his ongoing idiocy. Of course, I assume a tighter eye will also be kept on Letang for any of the many extracurricular plays he typically gets involved in.

In comment 12939625 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

suspended 3 games. if you believe the 1 playoff game = 5 regular season games I think that's 1 game too much, but well deserved. if you think Orpik stinks or not, this will hurt. his presence, the physical presence, is in the minds of players. now it's not.

As a Caps fan, I absolutely agree with this suspension. There is no place in the game for what Orpik did.

In comment 12939651 tony stg said:

Quote:

In comment 12939625 pjcas18 said: Quote: suspended 3 games. if you believe the 1 playoff game = 5 regular season games I think that's 1 game too much, but well deserved. if you think Orpik stinks or not, this will hurt. his presence, the physical presence, is in the minds of players. now it's not. As a Caps fan, I absolutely agree with this suspension. There is no place in the game for what Orpik did.

late and high, dirty play. thought so real time, looked worse on replay.

but...I think 2 games would have been fine, no issue really with 3 though.

In comment 12939200 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Sounds legit. Nice game last night, by the way. Way to close with a strong third period.

We'll get 'em Tuesday. Can't win 'em all.

Vlasic took a bomb off his helmet/shield from Shea Weber. He had no chance to react to that and was so fortunate it hit him where it did and glanced off. I can't imagine the kind of damage it would have done if it was jusr a few inches lower.

That sucks, I was looking forward to another overtime game

The NHL sucks - one game tonight, three games tomorrow night. Have the West games on different nights.

Wonder how quickly Toronto can compete. I'm not really in love with the idea of signing Stamkos to an eight year $10M+ deal when they're probably 3-5 years away from competing.

In comment 12940442 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

The NHL sucks - one game tonight, three games tomorrow night. Have the West games on different nights. Wonder how quickly Toronto can compete. I'm not really in love with the idea of signing Stamkos to an eight year $10M+ deal when they're probably 3-5 years away from competing.

compete for the title or make the playoffs?

they can compete for the playoffs next year with Stamkos and Matthews.

they need a goalie too, I'm not a big fan of Bernier, but a serviceable goalie shouldn't be hard to find.

but competing for the playoffs and being a contender are obviously different. by the third year of the Stamkos deal if Lou and Shanny do a good job they could be legit contenders, though I wouldn't bet on it.

They'd probably be a playoff team immediately, especially in the Atlantic, with Stamkos and Matthews.

Stamkos is a better fit for MTL. They can compete for a Cup with his addition immediately.

In comment 12940442 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

The NHL sucks - one game tonight, three games tomorrow night. Have the West games on different nights. Wonder how quickly Toronto can compete. I'm not really in love with the idea of signing Stamkos to an eight year $10M+ deal when they're probably 3-5 years away from competing.

You'd think they'd put one East game and one West game on each night.

In comment 12940476 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

They'd probably be a playoff team immediately, especially in the Atlantic, with Stamkos and Matthews. Stamkos is a better fit for MTL. They can compete for a Cup with his addition immediately.

MTL would need to cut someone or trade them. Like Plekanec.

and hopefully Desharnais.

Toronto seems to have been planning for Stamkos.

Love to see Stamkos and Subban together. every game they play against each other the announcers can't help themselves from mentioning they're childhood friends and played together all through youth hockey and later with Tavares too.

do you consider bringing MAF back once cleared?

.

OFFICIAL: ‪#‎NYR‬ have agreed to terms with goaltender Antti Raanta on a new contract.

Raanta is a very solid backup

would have been in the playoffs if they had Raanta.

he's always played with an edge (or on the edge) in my opinion, but his comments after being suspended make me believe he's like I thought, simply dude who plays on the edge, not some vicious scum bag.

seems contrite, remorseful, and legitimately apologetic.

I can only relate to him because as you age, and lose speed, agility, stamina, you resort to physicality, clutching, grabbing, etc. but not normally what you saw from Orpik (a guy who hasn't been suspended in 10 years).

Quote:

I can only relate to him because as you age, and lose speed, agility, stamina, you resort to physicality, clutching, grabbing, etc. but not normally what you saw from Orpik (a guy who hasn't been suspended in 10 years).

Don't get old, pj.

I'm hoping for a multi-year deal on Raanta so we can trade him a year from now. He needs to get 25-30 starts. Lundqvist has played enormously stressful minutes in recent years.

The team's done well with back-up goalies and non-Tanner Glass/Stoll bottom six wingers in recent years.

In comment 12940961 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Quote: I can only relate to him because as you age, and lose speed, agility, stamina, you resort to physicality, clutching, grabbing, etc. but not normally what you saw from Orpik (a guy who hasn't been suspended in 10 years). Don't get old, pj. I'm hoping for a multi-year deal on Raanta so we can trade him a year from now. He needs to get 25-30 starts. Lundqvist has played enormously stressful minutes in recent years. The team's done well with back-up goalies and non-Tanner Glass/Stoll bottom six wingers in recent years.

I'm already there buddy. and the spring/summer leagues (which start tonight for me) bring out the worst. the college kids come home, jump on the ice for a night with the old guys and just piss me off (I've been playing with the same guys for 15 years, we have no young guys, but the teams we play always seem to pull them out of the woodwork)

in a fun way, but sometimes frustrating way. the games get chippy.

3 games.

Compares to 1 game for Brandon Prust two years ago for a similar slightly late hit to the head area.... or 0 games for Letang knocking 3 Stalberg teeth out even though a few weeks earlier Keith had been suspended 4 games for reckless stick control.

But since Maata was actually concussed while Stepan *only* suffered a broken jaw and Stalberg only lost a couple teeth,... yeah... wheel of justice still makes no fucking sense.

I think the rink I play at has them.

The college guys tend to be a lot more competitive. I can't recall getting a cheap shot from anyone over 30. I can see it being a pain in the ass.

In comment 12940988 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

I think the rink I play at has them. The college guys tend to be a lot more competitive. I can't recall getting a cheap shot from anyone over 30. I can see it being a pain in the ass.

There are, but we like playing in the "gen pop" leagues makes us feel better.

there is an annual tournament, the Chowder Cup at our home rink (6 sheets of ice here), with hundreds of teams from around the country and Canada.

At that tourney we play over 40 after learning our lesson the hard way when everyone sandbags.

Last summer I got in a fight after someone (the 3rd man in) drilled one of our defenseman, and the guy literally punched me about 5 times before I even reacted. I pummeled him pretty good once I got a hold of him and he paid for it after the initial onslaught but holy crap he was lightning fast. not that strong and small-ish, and I had my helmet on (visor only), but still. I'm too old for that crap.

Afterwards at the bar we checked their roster, the guy was 22 years old. LOL. I almost felt bad.

We both get kicked out, and the two initial people on each of our teams were kicked out as well and he wants to fight off-ice. you don't see that behavior with the older players.

In comment 12940986 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

3 games. Compares to 1 game for Brandon Prust two years ago for a similar slightly late hit to the head area.... or 0 games for Letang knocking 3 Stalberg teeth out even though a few weeks earlier Keith had been suspended 4 games for reckless stick control. But since Maata was actually concussed while Stepan *only* suffered a broken jaw and Stalberg only lost a couple teeth,... yeah... wheel of justice still makes no fucking sense.

Yeah, I thought 2 games would have been the punishment if I had to guess. 1 playoff game = 5 regular season games I believe.

That's obnoxious. There's no point in fighting if someone has a visor/cage on.

Roenick said last night he thought the three games was equivalent to 'five or six' regular season games. I thought that was way too low of a comparison.

In comment 12941075 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

That's obnoxious. There's no point in fighting if someone has a visor/cage on. Roenick said last night he thought the three games was equivalent to 'five or six' regular season games. I thought that was way too low of a comparison.

It would be nice of the league to put out an official statement, but 3 - 5 seems to be prevailing opinion.

this is from the Duncan Keith suspension

Quote:

There�s no official NHL exchange rate when it comes to comparing the importance of regular-season games to playoff games. But if you use a 5-1 ratio you will usually be in the ballpark. In other words, a suspension of five regular-season games and one playoff game is the equivalent of a 10-game regular-season suspension. Some might say the ratio is 3 to 1, making Keith�s suspension comparable to an eight-game regular-season suspension.

at least. Throw the book at guys that hit in the head imo. Zero tolerance.

In comment 12940442 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

The NHL sucks - one game tonight, three games tomorrow night. Have the West games on different nights

Ha! As if we'd want anyone to take their eyeballs off of Crosby vs Ovechkin!!!?

In comment 12941167 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

at least. Throw the book at guys that hit in the head imo. Zero tolerance.

That's fine, but that approach doesnt start in game 2 of a playoff series because its a Penguin that got hurt. That rule, if you want to go that route, is discussed and approved in the offseason and it is uniformally and without exception applied throughout the regular season and in the playoffs against all teams.

The process remains entirely too subjective and inconsistent. Wayne Simmonds, for example, didnt get suspended for cold-cocking McDonaugh when #27 wasnt looking.

In comment 12941167 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

at least. Throw the book at guys that hit in the head imo. Zero tolerance.

that's a tough one to judge IMO, I think Maatta stop short on this and crouches after Orpik is already in hitting motion (which was very late).

late hit, high hit, but I don't believe intent to the head.

this is a slo-mo image, so hard to tell, but you can see Orpik has already begun the hitting motion.



If you watch the full speed video it looks like Maatta stop short and crouches.

Orpik hit - ( New Window )

But I think that at the moment, the penalties for blows to the head are too light and inconsistent across the board. If the league really wants to do away with predatory hits, then they should be throwing the book at these guys. No rationalizing, no saying "oh well the guy was able to stay in or return to the game" or "it was an accident" or "the guy has no prior record". You hit someone in the head, you get 5 games, period. It's the equivalent of saying "well that high stick was accidental, but a high stick is a high stick." The league bent over backwards to bail out the guy who knocked out Stalberg's teeth and that's a perfect example of the inconsistency the disciplinary system.

how Pittsburgh gets special treatment year in, year out.

Quote:

While Orpik didn�t object to the three-game suspension, Capitals Coach Barry Trotz did. He referenced Philadelphia�s Pierre-Edouard Bellemare receiving just a one-game suspension for a hit from behind on Washington�s Dmitry Orlov that could have led to a �career-ending� injury. Orlov just had scratches on his face and returned to the game. �I�m disappointed, but I�m not surprised based on who we�re playing and all of that,� Trotz said. Asked to clarify those remarks later, Trotz said, �take it for whatever you want.�

pj, I'm with you - I can't stand inconsistency and ambiguity. Make it clear - and give contingencies in case you give a guy three games in game five and he gets eliminated you can expand it to six regular season games.

I'm with NYer - I'm in favor of harsh punishments for head shots, but as MAB said I don't think you can start enforcing that with such strictness now.

In comment 12941416 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

how Pittsburgh gets special treatment year in, year out. Quote: While Orpik didn�t object to the three-game suspension, Capitals Coach Barry Trotz did. He referenced Philadelphia�s Pierre-Edouard Bellemare receiving just a one-game suspension for a hit from behind on Washington�s Dmitry Orlov that could have led to a �career-ending� injury. Orlov just had scratches on his face and returned to the game. �I�m disappointed, but I�m not surprised based on who we�re playing and all of that,� Trotz said. Asked to clarify those remarks later, Trotz said, �take it for whatever you want.�

I don't see them getting special treatment year in year out, but that Stallberg play was baffling.

they did lose a top two defenseman here.

the Bellemere suspension sounds like Philly getting special treatment no?

He launches a hit that could have killed a guy and gets the same suspension as a Blackhawks player who uses a homophobic slur.

I think it's just general inconsistency and randomness to discipline.

There are multiple standards in the NHL.

.

In comment 12941513 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

.

As Rangers fan you would definitely be more tuned in to that than me. So I'll take your collective word for it.

the Letang high stick was inexplicable.

But personally I thought the Nash charge was just as dangerous (as was the Lovejoy hit on Stepan - the only problem I have with the Lovejoy hit is when you watch it Stepan starts stopping ten feet from the boards catching Lovejay unaware - dangerous play though).

with a late and high hit to the head of Johannsen just now. Left his feet too.

2 minute penalty. Yup.

Wonder how the NHL manages to excuse this one.

in on this hit by Letang. May not have been Orpik late and egregious but it was late and it was high.

Hagelin scores again

.

?

I should hate the capitals but the double standards with which the NHL measures the Penguins every season is sickening.

This is letangs second suspension worthy play of the postseason. He should get 3 games but if he gets even a game I will be shocked

Its awesome how even when there is HD video and clear pictures, people still try to make it seem like its obvious that what everyone is seeing is not there.


comments - ( New Window )

... right up until you get to the part about actually putting the puck in the net. Murray was outstanding but the Caps made it easier on him than they could have. Caps need to mix it up in front of the net and get some traffic in Murray's way. Except for that, I thought the Caps were the better team last night. Passing and stick handling were much better than it has been. None of it matters, though, if you can't score. Tomorrow night is a must win for the Caps.

Thoughts / comments?

Thought Washington was clearly the better team last night.

Have to win the next one - hopefully Letang's out.

have been great on the PK. Much better than PHI. What they're doing is not letting the Caps skate into the zone and set up (like PHI did). and they're crashing low and blocking shots. When the Caps are allowed to set the PP up and run it through Backstrom it's as good a PP as I've seen, but PIT is being aggressive and not allowing them to get comfortable.

if the Caps aren't going to win the 5v5 battle which is tough vs. PIT for anyone, they have to win ST and they're not.

Plus Holtby isn't playing great. He's not been terrible, so I wouldn't say he's why they lost last night, but he's not stealing games, and I think Murray is.

the Caps had 50 SOG and the Pens had 20 blocked shots.

In comment 12942269 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

This is letangs second suspension worthy play of the postseason. He should get 3 games but if he gets even a game I will be shocked

Maybe the boards made him do it again

.

not 3 games like Orpik, but the hit was late and high. not as late though.

Letang is a much bigger loss for the pens (that obviously should not be a consideration).

what will satisfy the people who think there is a penguins bias? Before we learn of the outcome?

.

In comment 12942646 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

what will satisfy the people who think there is a penguins bias?

The Penguins being disbanded.

In comment 12942698 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

In comment 12942646 pjcas18 said: Quote: what will satisfy the people who think there is a penguins bias? The Penguins being disbanded.

+1

In comment 12942698 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

In comment 12942646 pjcas18 said: Quote: what will satisfy the people who think there is a penguins bias? The Penguins being disbanded.

lofty goal, I'm afraid you might be disappointed.

If they hadn't "won" that double-secret lottery that no one saw which awarded them Crosby, they'd be the Kansas City Scouts now.

In comment 12942728 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

If they hadn't "won" that double-secret lottery that no one saw which awarded them Crosby, they'd be the Kansas City Scouts now.

What motivation did Bettman have to rig the lottery? Why not rig it for the Rangers? the league has to do better with a successful Rangers team than a Penguins team.

And the Penguins had the top pick a couple years before (MAF).

I think the conspiracy theories are born out of envy.

I also don't think no one saw the drawing, where did you read that? I don't think the other teams in the league would just roll over and say ok, rig this for the Penguins.

maybe you watched the lottery a couple days ago on NHL Network. each team in the lottery had a GM or President there and as each one had their pick order revealed they looked pissed off. Except of course Toronto.

I'm still mad about that lottery. Rangers got 16th and had to trade up for the 12th pick, missing Kopitar in the process.

In comment 12942764 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

I'm still mad about that lottery. Rangers got 16th and had to trade up for the 12th pick, missing Kopitar in the process.

Rangers got hosed, they were one of 4 teams with the best odds at getting #1, but I don't buy into the conspiracy theories. I believe that's just how it worked out.

Celtics fans think the Tim Duncan draft was rigged and the whole world (of fans into NBA draft lotteries) watched it.

Let me guess, you think the moon landing was real and 9/11 wasn't an inside job too?

#sheeple

In comment 12942778 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Let me guess, you think the moon landing was real and 9/11 wasn't an inside job too? #sheeple

LOL, as tragic as that draft was I think sometimes people need to face facts and realize sometimes truly terrible things happen for their face value reasons.

I do think dinosaurs are fake though. Or they are still in Africa. I forget which.

13 year old Brett was so pissed when the Rangers were announced. I didn't expect #1... But 16th sucked.

Oddly enough, they probably did better than they would have with any pick in the 3-10 range - unless they were high on Kopitar. Unlikely they would have picked Price since they picked Montoya the year before (which I properly hated at the time).

By "double secret" I meant that weird formula they came up with for that one draft. I don't remember now how it worked, but it was strange and arbitrary. They just made up some bullshit, and somehow the Rangers ended up with the 16th pick in the draft despite being 5th worst in points for the 2004 season. It was total fucking horseshit.

People always say that same thing: oh, why would the NHL be in the tank for the Penguins? The Rangers are the big market team! Well...

1)The Penguins were barely solvent and on the brink of moving in 2005. The Rangers sell out MSG no matter how much they suck ass. What does the league gain by helping the Rangers? They make money regardless.

2)Bettman, and the NHL as an entity, have shown time and again that they are pathetic Pepe LePew slurpers. They'll do anything they can to appease that scumbag.

3)Conversely, Bettman and Dolan had a big feud in the few years prior to that draft (around 2001, I think?) over the league forcing all teams' official websites onto the NHL servers. Dolan had spent a bunch of money on the Rangers' team site and was angry that the league was making it money thrown away.

do better when their flagship franchises do well. not necessarily win championships, but are competitive and newsworthy.

If Pittsburgh moved I don't think the league would suffer.

I don't think it was a good thing for the league that no Canadian teams made the playoffs.

I'm not saying I'd sacrifice my own team doing well for the good of the league, I wouldn't.

but I am saying Crosby on the Rangers would be a million times better for the NHL than Crosby on the Penguins, even if it meant the Penguins had to relocate or simply fold.

I also think Bettman and Lemieux is no different than Bettman and Gretzky - just embracing the stars.ambassadors of the game, and the league hadn't done the Coyotes any favors while Gretzky coached or owned the team.

Pierre LeBrun
@Real_ESPNLeBrun


Letang's hearing with the league scheduled for 1 pm ET

Matthews in TOR and Stamkos in TOR/MON will be very good for the NHL. The lack of relevance for the Leafs, in by far the biggest hockey market, has hurt the league for years on revenue.

In comment 12942893 Deej said:

Quote:

Matthews in TOR and Stamkos in TOR/MON will be very good for the NHL. The lack of relevance for the Leafs, in by far the biggest hockey market, has hurt the league for years on revenue.

Somewhat related - the highest rated show on Rogers and CBC during the postseason so far was the Draft Lottery
Link - ( New Window )

To be right

The Savior� had elbow surgery today. Apparently been a nagging issue for Buchnevich this year.

Writers are really praising Skjei's play at Team USA practice today. Saying he's been the best dman there.

Doh!
Krug out six months, Krejci out five months after undergoing surgery - ( New Window )

Dude looks awfully skinny for a would-be NHL winger.

Buchnevich does look really thin, though. He's listed as 6'2'' 176, but he looks quite a bit lighter.

I think all the listed weights are horeshit, but Buchnevich isn't even a muscular guy.

for his hit last night.

Hey, remember when Hagelin got three games for elbowing Alfredsson in the head?

and Orpik hit were worse than letangs IMO.

I think 1 game is fair, if they gave him 2 I wouldn't have thought it was outrageous. Orpik and Hagelin deserved 3 games.

I don't see much daylight between the two.

to target the head of Alfredsson with his elbow.

I hate trying to gauge intent, but when your elbows come up, it's usually to send a message.

Letang hit Johansson with his shoulder, late (by .04 seconds) and high, but I view it as a hockey play, a dirty one and suspension worthy, but different intent. Scott Stevens made a career out of that Letang hit (other than the lateness).

Orpik was the worst of the three. it was late and high.

really two games worse, but it's worse.

if they could suspend Letang 1.5 games I think that's probably the right degree of difference in my mind.

and like I said if they gave letang two games I wouldn't think it was outrageous or excessive.

was because Alfredsson was concussed on the play.

Which is obviously a stupid fucking way to rule on something.

It all gets back to documenting what specific actions constitute a dirty play, how many split seconds go by when player hits another in the head area, etc - and create a table/grid for everything. To the extent you want to ever deviate from the publically available grid.. ok... that's what hearings can be for, but the onus should be on the league to justify to its fans why it is deviating.

And Letang should have gotten two - ESPECIALLY when you take into account his "flagrant" foul on Stalberg last round. Another area the NHL should explore is the system the NBA has where after a certain number of fouls, you automatically serve X number of games.

Thankfully we're golfing so I don't need to be in game shape.

But three playoff games was a bit much, no? The league is always talking about how so-and-so doesn't have a history of such hits and that's why so-and-so only was fined or only got one game, but neither did Hagelin. Wasn't that supposedly the reason Chris Neil wasn't suspended when he laid out Brian Boyle, too?

I thought John Moore's hit in the 2014 ECF was far worse - and he got two games. Hagelin should've gotten one game IMO.

and randomness is maddening, but I do not believe it is favoring or hurting any one team specifically.

I think at times it sucks for every team based on how they decide to interpret each incident.

the letang slash is still one that defies logic. the excuse was flimsy at-best, like the Wideman excuse but worse.

i love the sport and im not a conspiracy guy but at some point you just have to say something is wrong. I mean its so inconsistent that you almost are forced to see a bias.

In comment 12943377 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

But three playoff games was a bit much, no? The league is always talking about how so-and-so doesn't have a history of such hits and that's why so-and-so only was fined or only got one game, but neither did Hagelin. Wasn't that supposedly the reason Chris Neil wasn't suspended when he laid out Brian Boyle, too?

Interesting because that's exactly I remember that

....

got 7 games
NHL Clown College - ( New Window )

In comment 12943415 Route 9 said:

Quote:

In comment 12943377 Greg from LI said: Quote: But three playoff games was a bit much, no? The league is always talking about how so-and-so doesn't have a history of such hits and that's why so-and-so only was fined or only got one game, but neither did Hagelin. Wasn't that supposedly the reason Chris Neil wasn't suspended when he laid out Brian Boyle, too? Interesting because that's exactly I remember that

that is an example I think the league did a decent job of explaining the discipline or lack thereof.

Pacioretty got suspended for the same hit, but slightly different because of where the head is when the player makes contact.

I agree there are inconsistencies and the letang slash/high stick is all you need, but the Neill hit to me was a good hit. unfortunate since it resulted in a concussion, but when you listen to the league explanation it makes sense.

as long as they're consistent and the rules are clear I have no issues.

but stuff like the letang high stick leaves them open for and deserving of the criticism they get.
Why Neill won't be suspended - ( New Window )

In comment 12943431 SethFromAstoria said:

Quote:

got 7 games NHL Clown College - ( New Window )

Should it have gotten more? late, elbow to the head it was brutal.

Wait no....

He's not...

In comment 12943438 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 12943431 SethFromAstoria said: Quote: got 7 games NHL Clown College - ( New Window ) Should it have gotten more? late, elbow to the head it was brutal.

no I am saying he got 6 more than the dirty Letang whos been suspended before and has a history of the dirty.

In comment 12943451 SethFromAstoria said:

Quote:

In comment 12943438 pjcas18 said: Quote: In comment 12943431 SethFromAstoria said: Quote: got 7 games NHL Clown College - ( New Window ) Should it have gotten more? late, elbow to the head it was brutal. no I am saying he got 6 more than the dirty Letang whos been suspended before and has a history of the dirty.

right or wrong playoff games > regular season games with regard to suspension. Some say the ratio is 5:1 others say 3:1.

I don't think anyone here is saying letang is a clean player. I just didn't think the hit was as bad as Orpik's which netted a 3-game suspension. 2 was probably the right amount.

for that boarding play. If you choose to get technical and say he hit him one inch lower than whatever....

The intent was to hit a player who wasn't ready for the hit, high and hard. He had no regard for his peer. Its clear as day and thats the problem. But then this is what the league says to give an idea of what we are dealing with

NHL's Bill Daly: "The game is a lot safer than it was 10 years ago. Players respect each other more on the ice."

the game is safer today and it isn't even close. if you could measure safety it's 100's of times safer today than just 10 - 12 years ago.


Just watch the first half of this Scott Stevens video. He's in the hall-of-fame and made a career out of the backside hit. all of these hits we're talking about suspensions for were barely penalties when he played.

As far as I can find, Stevens got 1, 1-game suspension for a high stick. He'd be banned from the game today.

Inconsistent, absolutely, especially when it comes to judging the hits and how many games, but safer also absolutely because stuff like this simply isn't allowed anymore.
Link - ( New Window )

Francesa put Rick DiPietro in a body bag this afternoon. Absolute annihilation. Good thing the Isles are paying him for another 13 years because he's going to need the medical coverage.

Is a piece of shit. He knows exactly what he was doing then cries or pleads his case he is innocent. The shame it hose announcers saying that's a clean hit.

Started knocking the isles on his show then people were tweeting dipietro and DP called fatso he sports mesiah or something . Fatso is butt hurt because capuano turned him down.
2 things here, going on fatso show would give the isles more popularity however coach has a lot of things going on and couldn't swing it.

and go Tampa Bay Lightning

Wow, that's like the World Cup of irrelevant jackasses

And there were at least 2 isles trash bags coming in after the whistle blindsiding people. Refs really botched that one. Should have been matching minors at very worst.

look at the Boyle hit just before he scored the game winner but that one will no doubt be discussed ad nauseum.

In comment 12943943 Stufftherun said:

Quote:

look at the Boyle hit just before he scored the game winner but that one will no doubt be discussed ad nauseum.

Big hit from a clutch playoff performer. He is missed.

in most postseasons. He's like the anti-Ranger:)

Glass would have knocked three guys on their asses not one, done a spin-o-Rama and roofed one top shelf that put a hole through the net.

In Sather and AV we trust

but not suspendable IMO, could have been a penalty though.

Can't believe Drouin came back into the game and set up the tying goal. I wonder if the NHL has independent concussion protocol like the NFL. He got wrecked on that play and looked woozy after the hit. concussions don't go away in a half a period.

We've certainly missed him for that.

Really impressed by Drouin.. tough kid. To get your clock cleaned like that and get back out there to set up the tying goal showed some balls. And what else can you say about Kucherov? Dude is so good.

.

if they want to keep that nucleus together, you cant go pay Stamkos $13-14 million a year, which is what he'll command on the open market.

Tough one for the Islanders -- could have been a penalty.

Now they know how the Florida Panthers feel for having games 5 and 6 robbed by biased officiating.

Bummer.

...but trading Yandle for Drouin if it was ever on the table looks pretty damn good in retrospect right now.

But I'd consider it almost a no-brained for them to let Stammer walk. Having 15% of your cap tied up in one player is crippling.

I hate cross-sport comparisons, but just as a high-level frame of reference, even top-paid QBs are less than 15% of the cap, and that's obviously a much more critical/central position than a 1C in hockey.

Especially with studs like Hedman, Kucherov coming up on $ in the near future, they'd be better of spending 50-60% of that on a mid-level first line center who will put up 50 points.

No guarantees that Stamkos will ever touch 90 points again. I'm not betting against it, but I'm not betting 11m x 8 years on it, either.

In comment 12939151 Mike in Long Beach said:

Quote:

192 hours and counting; Rangers fans still complaining about the refs. NTTAWWT.

haaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahaha

In comment 12944175 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

In comment 12939151 Mike in Long Beach said: Quote: 192 hours and counting; Rangers fans still complaining about the refs. NTTAWWT. haaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahaha

Truly one of the biggest weasels on BBI if not THE biggest.

but that non-call was not why the Isles lost. Jack needs to keep his mouth shut and worry about his idiotic coaching decisions.

They fuckin better.


(Ka-Jewel-Uh)

In comment 12944996 Davisian said:

Quote:

They fuckin better. (Ka-Jewel-Uh)

He was great in the tournament. He was on an all-star line, and he's small, but I think he's got an NHL future.

When a team agrees to retain a portion of a player's contract in a trade, do they need to keep a fixed amount/portion for the duration of the deal, or can it be variable year to year?

i.e. Player has 3 years left at $6m each, Rangers retain $3m year 1, $1.5m year 2, nothing in year 3. Is this permissible?

In comment 12945029 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 12944996 Davisian said: Quote: They fuckin better. (Ka-Jewel-Uh) He was great in the tournament. He was on an all-star line, and he's small, but I think he's got an NHL future.

Yeah, that Schmaltz line was a super combo. But I like Caggiula also. Smaller, yes, but has more jump/bite to his game than a lot of the other little guys have. Has an edge, in addition to a nose for the net.

now. Let's go lightning! !

In comment 12945786 Route 9 said:

Quote:

now. Let's go lightning! !

Holtby needs to save that. it was a lucky Pens bounce, but he had time to get over there. 5-hole from that angle is on the goalie IMO.

believe were gonna watch the pens roll into the Stanley cup finals. The only team that could beat them was the caps. Have a hard time seeing NYI/TB beating them.

While I'm glad to be vindicated that they aren't remotely as good as their record, fuck you Caps for falling to pieces against the most repugnant organization in professional sports history.

the Caps win a game in the finals of the Stanley Cup tournament.

<sigh>

Smh.

the Pens get some bounces and start to roll.

Coyotes are hiring a 26 year old GM. I think Maloney gave him a ton of high quality assets to build a team with and the new guy will probably get some undeserved credit.

I should have taken over for Slats when I was 26. We would have won the Cup.

they've been the better team this series, they just need to start banking their opportunities (would normally say capitalizing but... yeah, no)

Greg and others called it though (now that they've lost 5 of their past 7 playoff games) - they've been in cruise control far too long since late January... its tough to turn it back on, and the Pens are white hot.

Absolutely ridiculous those teams met this round and not next though while NYI-TB can both get healthy with one advancing.

he's not ready for the job. Even Epstein had a lot of advisors and bosses when he was "running" the Red Sox.

Hell we all feel Gorton doesnt *really* call the shots as GM for our organization and he's a lot older.

This Caps series reminds me of ours last year against them. Played better, but got a little unlucky and found themselves down 3-1. Even if you're the better team, it's hard to come back from that.

Well Tippett apparently has a significantly increased say. He seems to be running the show. And Tippett's an analytics-focused guy as well.

In comment 12945929 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Smh.

Try doing it for 41 years. Moses was in the desert with the Israelites for less time than this. Just a gut wrenching loss last night with all the turn-overs. <sigh>

In comment 12945964 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Coyotes are hiring a 26 year old GM. I think Maloney gave him a ton of high quality assets to build a team with and the new guy will probably get some undeserved credit.

Is he there to oversee the relocation? They have to be on the short-list to move. Even if the league does stupidly expand.

I wouldn't even let them announce new area plans, I'd move them this off-season to Quebec or Seattle or one of the other locations begging for an NHL team.

they do have some good young players, but IMO they are not close to competing.

They are in great cap shape, they have two long-term commitments OEL and Mike Smith (35 year old journeyman goali) and those aren't even lt commitments by NHL standard they're both 5.5M through 2018-2019. They do have one more year of Chris Pronger at 5M (on the cap), and he hasn't laced up skates in 4 years.

that's it.

In comment 12945984 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 12945964 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Coyotes are hiring a 26 year old GM. I think Maloney gave him a ton of high quality assets to build a team with and the new guy will probably get some undeserved credit. Is he there to oversee the relocation? They have to be on the short-list to move. Even if the league does stupidly expand. I wouldn't even let them announce new area plans, I'd move them this off-season to Quebec or Seattle or one of the other locations begging for an NHL team. they do have some good young players, but IMO they are not close to competing. They are in great cap shape, they have two long-term commitments OEL and Mike Smith (35 year old journeyman goali) and those aren't even lt commitments by NHL standard they're both 5.5M through 2018-2019. They do have one more year of Chris Pronger at 5M (on the cap), and he hasn't laced up skates in 4 years. that's it.

arena not area

In comment 12945971 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

Caps are in same position we were in last year against them

If there was just some way we could be playing the Caps I'd say we'd have a good chance of coming back from a 3-1 hole. But, alas...

IMO, Holtby is the biggest disappointment I'd have. I thought he'd be the one stealing games, not Murray. And Holtby hasn't be terrible (though I blame him for the OT goal last night) he's not raising his level to the status SC winning goalies need to raise their game.

And Kuznetsov. He hasn't shown up really the whole playoffs.

Like I said the other day, I think his rapid development was the biggest reason for the Caps' major improvement from last year to this year, and he's been a no-show in this series.

In comment 12946002 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

And Kuznetsov. He hasn't shown up really the whole playoffs.

Probably because I bought a Kuznetsov shirt when I was in Maryland the weekend before last.

To me, the biggest frustration has been the turn-overs and horrible passing / stick-handling in general. You're not always going to be able to stand on your head and make saves (though Murray seems to have no trouble with that) but the other stuff is in your control and it's just maddening to see it happening over and over, leading to great Pitt chances and goals. And I cringe every time we're on the power play it's been that bloody awful.

No excuse for not leaving it all on the ice Saturday evening.

... he hasn't scored any goals, but he is making plays to put his line-mates in good position to score and they haven't finished. He has grinded well and made some really good passes which have yielded no fruit. Just my opinion, though.

In comment 12946057 tony stg said:

Quote:

In comment 12946002 pjcas18 said: Quote: And Kuznetsov. He hasn't shown up really the whole playoffs. Probably because I bought a Kuznetsov shirt when I was in Maryland the weekend before last. To me, the biggest frustration has been the turn-overs and horrible passing / stick-handling in general. You're not always going to be able to stand on your head and make saves (though Murray seems to have no trouble with that) but the other stuff is in your control and it's just maddening to see it happening over and over, leading to great Pitt chances and goals. And I cringe every time we're on the power play it's been that bloody awful. No excuse for not leaving it all on the ice Saturday evening.

I love what the Penguins are doing on the PK. They are challenging the Caps in the neutral zone, and not letting Backstrom get set up, and he's the QB of that PP.

It was a thing of beauty against PHI, I have no horse in that race, but I was hoping for Flyers penalties just to see that PP in action. It was remarkable how much space they gave Backstrom and how they were able to move the puck so freely to get the one-timer to Ovie (or even Carlson in the middle).

They have zero time so far in this series, you have to give the Pens PK unit and coach a lot of credit.

I still don't think this series is over though.

The Penguins have been outstanding in the NZ all playoffs so far. It's been one of the biggest reasons for their success.

In comment 12945964 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Coyotes are hiring a 26 year old GM. I think Maloney gave him a ton of high quality assets to build a team with and the new guy will probably get some undeserved credit.

Amazingly, the only deal Don Maloney ever won was against Sather in the Yandle deal. He's a colossal idiot while this move might be the most ridiculous move I've ever heard of.

In comment 12946084 Giants2012 said:

Quote:

In comment 12945964 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Coyotes are hiring a 26 year old GM. I think Maloney gave him a ton of high quality assets to build a team with and the new guy will probably get some undeserved credit. Amazingly, the only deal Don Maloney ever won was against Sather in the Yandle deal. He's a colossal idiot while this move might be the most ridiculous move I've ever heard of.

He also won the Korpikoski for Lisin deal.

Well, he loved Korp as assistant GM of the Rangers in 2004. Another awesome job as he also loved Montoya while Lundy was dominating in overseas.

Dallas and Blues tied at 2-2 with 7 minutes to go in the 3rd, great game thus far. St Louis has gotta win this. Also, for some strange reason I think Washington is going to come back and win this series vs Pittsburgh.

...

Weak, weak goal

What an awful, awful turnover

.

in Nashville has been insane so far

...?

Big time call. No goal.

He was pushed in. It's a good goal.

Beautiful game but the league just cannot get out of its own way yet again. But hey at least it wasn't because a guy away from the puck was a half step offsides while cross checks and slashes that knock out 3 teeth are missed without repercussions

from 3OT

No horse in the race, but I am glued

Brand new series

Game

through the first two OT's and will be kicking themselves for not taking advantage on those two PP's.

In comment 12947549 CaptSehorn said:

Quote:

Brand new series

Imagine scoring a game winner in 3 OT and then going home to bone Carrie Underwood (if she isn't on tour)?

So many opportunities in the overtimes

In comment 12947552 Route 9 said:

Quote:

In comment 12947549 CaptSehorn said: Quote: Brand new series Imagine scoring a game winner in 3 OT and then going home to bone Carrie Underwood (if she isn't on tour)?

It's probably better in your imagination than Mike Fisher's reality lol. 2 am with a young baby, wives gonna wive

in World Hockey Championships on now...NBCSN

Canada up 3 - 1. Goals by Brendan Gallagher, Taylor Hall and Matt Dushesne.

US goal by Maroon.

US seriously outmanned in this one.

But some interesting US names Dylan Larkin, Auston Matthews, Bredy Skjei, Noah Hannifin

Goalie is Kinkaid (Devils backup)

Canada has Talbot in net and

Hall
Gallagher
Ceci
Corey Perry
ROR
Domi
Reinhardt
Stone
Marchand
McDavid
Brassard

Surgery on both hips. Yikes.
Rangers' Twitter - ( New Window )

down 5 - 1 I turned it off and got back to work.

Dylan Larkin best player on the ice for the US and the Devils backup looks like a pickup hockey goalie.

Auston Matthews flashed a little, but against that competition didn't look as obviously future-star-ish as McDavid and Eichel.

this tournament might have been a bad idea for him this close to the draft.

In comment 12948068 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

Surgery on both hips. Yikes. Rangers' Twitter - ( New Window )

Cui bono?

In comment 12948068 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

Surgery on both hips. Yikes. Rangers' Twitter - ( New Window )

Maybe this makes the Staal trade more understandable now, but then again, if he was so hurt why did they play him in games 4 and 5?

I thought this was a good article.

Quote:

This year�s Pittsburgh Penguins are the perfect example of this idea put into practice. There are a couple of reasons why they immediately took off after making the change from Mike Johnston to Mike Sullivan, most of which point back to the facelift they gave their transition game. It�s no surprise their performance spiked once they shed Rob Scuderi, cut back on Ian Cole�s inexplicable usage on the top pair, and supplemented a finally healthy Kris Letang and Olli Maatta with another legitimate puck-mover in Trevor Daley. Watching this transition game in action against a polar opposite Rangers team in Round 1 was jarring. The Rangers couldn�t seem to string together two consecutive passes unless Keith Yandle was on the ice. New York�s counterattack was stifled by its inability to break out with any consistency. Had they been able to move the puck from the back end to their skilled forwards more regularly, they surely would have been more competitive.

Why the best defencemen have to be proficient on offence - ( New Window )

not sure I agree with, but definitely thought provoking.

I'll take Shea Weber/Chris Pronger/Zdeno Chara over Doughty every single day of the week. Maybe I'm old school

Sorry Davisian no Caligula for you:

Quote:

Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie 3m3 minutes ago One of the U.S.-based NHL teams interested in college UFA Drake Caggiula (UND) has been informed the player is going to a team in CAN.

EDM or VAN thought to be the favorite

In comment 12948428 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

not sure I agree with, but definitely thought provoking. I'll take Shea Weber/Chris Pronger/Zdeno Chara over Doughty every single day of the week. Maybe I'm old school Sorry Davisian no Caligula for you: Quote: Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie 3m3 minutes ago One of the U.S.-based NHL teams interested in college UFA Drake Caggiula (UND) has been informed the player is going to a team in CAN. EDM or VAN thought to be the favorite

I'd take Doughty over any defenseman in the league and all but around the top 5 forwards.


So fuck you and that little sioux shit.

They can't play offense. Besides some flashes from Yandle, none can shoot, few can pass, their skating is nothing special and nobody hits. Carbon copies of mediocrity with the occasional McD pickpocket.

Hoping Dylan, Skejl and Graves added to McD makes a difference.

In comment 12948434 Davisian said:

Quote:

In comment 12948428 pjcas18 said: Quote: not sure I agree with, but definitely thought provoking. I'll take Shea Weber/Chris Pronger/Zdeno Chara over Doughty every single day of the week. Maybe I'm old school Sorry Davisian no Caligula for you: Quote: Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie 3m3 minutes ago One of the U.S.-based NHL teams interested in college UFA Drake Caggiula (UND) has been informed the player is going to a team in CAN. EDM or VAN thought to be the favorite I'd take Doughty over any defenseman in the league and all but around the top 5 forwards. So fuck you and that little sioux shit.

Doughty over Karlsson? You are smoking something.

I'd take Karlsson. Doughty's overrated.

It's absolutely less about 'point producing' and more about making smart outlet passes. McIlrath has demonstrated an ability to do that. Girardi and Staal both used to be able to do that. If the Rangers can get to an average defense next year, they'll contend.

"offense" is probably the wrong word. Back when MC79 Hockey was still online, Tyler Dellow wrote a really good piece about Stralman illustrating that individual points don't necessarily correlate with overall offense. Stralman didn't score a whole lot as a Ranger, but the team scored quite a bit when he was on the ice. He excelled at taking possession in his own end and getting his team going on offense. He didn't get the assists, but he was putting them in good position to start generating pressure on offense.

What the article should say, IMO, is that efficient puck movement is something that a defenseman needs to be most effective. There might be some exceptions like Pronger, but would even Pronger be as good the way the game is played today?

With the rings in his ears.

In comment 12948444 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

"Stralman didn't score a whole lot as a Ranger, but the team scored quite a bit when he was on the ice. He excelled at taking possession in his own end and getting his team going on offense. ?

Wasn't Stralman's transition game more effective than what many of these defenseman have to offer?

Karlsson is really just a 3rd winger when he's on the ice. He's an excellent OFD but I think Doughty has a more rounded game.

In comment 12948445 Davisian said:

Quote:

With the rings in his ears.

He can thank Jonathan Quick for his ear plugs.

Doughty is great, no doubt about it, but I also don't consider solid breakout an "offensive" defenseman.

McDonagh excels at it, and I like his offensive game more than some do, but he definitely doesn't fit the mold of puck moving defenseman.

On one extreme you have Torey Krug, who is the Phil Kessel of defensemen (he can play a whole game with a carton of eggs and not break one of them - to quote Murray Chadwick) and I have no use for that on my team. Maybe on the PP if I don't have a sniper forward, and on the other end you have stiffs who trip over the puck. The D I like the most are in the middle.

Karlsson is super human, he is like the Gronk of defensemen, excels in all facets.

Doughty is like Phil Housley.

And yeah, Stralman was really good at pushing possession. It was pretty clear that he was one of the best blue liners on the roster. Will never understand the decision to let him go but we've been over this 500 times already and can't do anything about it now.

if he's better overall than Doughty, but he just posted 16-66-82, the best assists and points totals a defenseman has tallied since Leetch (15-70-85) two decades ago in 1995-96.

In comment 12948456 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 12948445 Davisian said: Quote: With the rings in his ears. He can thank Jonathan Quick for his ear plugs. Karlsson is super human, he is like the Gronk of defensemen, excels in all facets. Doughty is like Phil Housley.

Jesus, stop kissing Andy's ass. And Phil housley never broke an egg, but was still awesome.


I will say that I think Doughty's a cunt..

My post about him is too dismissive about his play in his own end, you can't win a Norris if you're shitty defensively I think my perception of Karlsson has always been that he's a smaller guy who isn't very physical and is more of a finesse D-man with elite offensive skill for a blue liner.. but he's a little bigger than I thought he was. I admittedly see very few Senators games throughout the course of a season.

.

In comment 12948469 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

if he's better overall than Doughty, but he just posted 16-66-82, the best assists and points totals a defenseman has tallied since Leetch (15-70-85) two decades ago in 1995-96.

Leetch is exactly the comparison I used last time this topic came up. Karlsson is the best skater I've seen at the blue line since Leetch. But he's a modern day Ray Bourque. He can be a stay at home defenseman if need be. Offense is not his whole game.

Plus the nasty side is there too. I hated Karlsson for a long time because I thought he robbed Subban of some Norris wins.

But Subban isn't close to Karlsson.

He's about to win his 3rd Norris trophy at 25.

In comment 12948477 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

.

LOL, Housley, but that's one of those tallest midget contests.

And it's not to say Housley wasn't awesome. He was. He's in the hall of fame. But that's a guy who was a 4th forward playing defense.

His positioning was very sound. Every now and then he'd surprise someone with a hip check.

In comment 12948444 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

"offense" is probably the wrong word. Back when MC79 Hockey was still online, Tyler Dellow wrote a really good piece about Stralman illustrating that individual points don't necessarily correlate with overall offense. Stralman didn't score a whole lot as a Ranger, but the team scored quite a bit when he was on the ice. He excelled at taking possession in his own end and getting his team going on offense. He didn't get the assists, but he was putting them in good position to start generating pressure on offense. What the article should say, IMO, is that efficient puck movement is something that a defenseman needs to be most effective. There might be some exceptions like Pronger, but would even Pronger be as good the way the game is played today?

Points=/=offense. I think people need to understand that.

Davisian, I guess Crawford is better than Lundqvist. Stupid argument. Don't make bx come back and teach you a lesson.

5 on 5 P/60:

Karlsson: 1.52

Marc Staal: .69

Drew Doughty: .64

Dan Girardi: .63

Fuck off with this bullshit.

You could teach Dav a thing or two about the game someday.

= Chara IMO.

both good players. Both traditional stay at home defensemen with some nastiness. Chara a better shot and taller, but they're very similar players in my mind.

And both could play in any era and excel IMO.

and never be confused with a puck moving defenseman, but yes to the point of the article they both were good at the breakout and even the transition game, their height, strength, long reach, and vision helped them pick out the open man.

At least Andy isn't the only one to know what it's like for his team to waste a beautiful Swede.

In comment 12948516 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 12948444 Greg from LI said: Quote: "offense" is probably the wrong word. Back when MC79 Hockey was still online, Tyler Dellow wrote a really good piece about Stralman illustrating that individual points don't necessarily correlate with overall offense. Stralman didn't score a whole lot as a Ranger, but the team scored quite a bit when he was on the ice. He excelled at taking possession in his own end and getting his team going on offense. He didn't get the assists, but he was putting them in good position to start generating pressure on offense. What the article should say, IMO, is that efficient puck movement is something that a defenseman needs to be most effective. There might be some exceptions like Pronger, but would even Pronger be as good the way the game is played today? Points=/=offense. I think people need to understand that. Davisian, I guess Crawford is better than Lundqvist. Stupid argument. Don't make bx come back and teach you a lesson. 5 on 5 P/60: Karlsson: 1.52 Marc Staal: .69 Drew Doughty: .64 Dan Girardi: .63 Fuck off with this bullshit.

Nice sample size, data boy..

Wait, are you data boy?


Karlsson is Brian Boyle's bitch.

2012-2016:

Karlsson: 1.54

Doughty: .69

Staal: .67

Girardi: .65

...and i see Randall has been making yet more friends on giants threads the past few days. I think i'd take Seth's social skills over his.

In comment 12948551 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

2012-2016: Karlsson: 1.54 Doughty: .69 Staal: .67 Girardi: .65

Jesus.

I stoned corrected.


/intended

In comment 12948555 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

...and i see Randall has been making yet more friends on giants threads the past few days. I think i'd take Seth's social skills over his.

Who the fuck is Randall?

I suspect Randall = Giants2012

In comment 12948573 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

I suspect Randall = Giants2012

I thought that was flounder.


anyway. Nash and Glass for Karlsson and a first?

The name means leader. Thanks

Is underrated from a skill/talent perspective, but he sure does play like a gaping cunt. Punchable face, too. Ugly as fuck.

In comment 12948946 bigbluehoya said:

Quote:

Is underrated from a skill/talent perspective, but he sure does play like a gaping cunt. Punchable face, too. Ugly as fuck.

I know you like your players looking like supermodels as it increases their skill level, but plays like a gaping cunt? He's a top 4, fringe top 2 D-man who plays ironman minutes and always makes the right play. If you follow hockey, I can't imagine you really meant that.

Underrated defender. He also plays like a cheap bitch.

In comment 12948951 bigbluehoya said:

Quote:

Underrated defender. He also plays like a cheap bitch.

Missed the first part, my bad. But if being scrappy and standing up for teammates is a cheap bitch, well, then you've nailed it. Actually, your ex-BF Callahan is a total used tampon tonight. THAT's a cheap bitch.

Including but not limited to that bullshit from before the game the other night, he comes off more as a fugazy cheapshotting tough guy. Seems to be at his feistiest when his opponents have their back turned to him after the play. Again, really solid defender.

Negative comments about Callahan won't bother me any. I don't think he plays a cheap game, but hes overpaid and overrated, and whines to the refs way too much.

Arena

In comment 12948961 bigbluehoya said:

Quote:

Including but not limited to that bullshit from before the game the other night, he comes off more as a fugazy cheapshotting tough guy. Seems to be at his feistiest when his opponents have their back turned to him after the play. Again, really solid defender. Negative comments about Callahan won't bother me any. I don't think he plays a cheap game, but hes overpaid and overrated, and whines to the refs way too much.

My Callahan comments weren't intended to rile you...just pointing out that he's especially cunty tonight.

I do get to see Hammer a lot. He rarely does anything with opponents facing away from him, actually a very clean - but aggressive and feisty as you say - player who doesn't cheapshot, but will retaliate when he receives such, which is pretty frequently. Clutterbuck, I could agree with you on, but Hamonic isn't as you describe him.

.

I still love Cally

...

Obviously missed by the oblivious officials.

You know what to do with it

quick. I feel cheated.

....

That was a bomb from the point.

Say goodnight to the Styx.

hilarious

In comment 12949050 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

hilarious

Was pointed out on Deadspin.

Guy in the stands, in grey. Above the right side board jump fail.


On his fucking phone as that happened.


How the fuck do you look anywhere but on the ice between whistles in an overtime playoff game?

Benn, Crosby, and Kane finalists.

I vote Kane of those three, but it's close.

Asshole.


He's the kind of fast, pain in the ass with skill they need.

Just yet

Of ours against Washington last year. I expect a game 7 overtime ending. Been a great series... Too bad I can't stand either team or fan base I'm rooting for tears and pain all around

What do you do in goal. You have to play Murray next game. If he loses. Do you play MAF cold for game 7??

In comment 12949778 JayBinQueens said:

Quote:

What do you do in goal. You have to play Murray next game. If he loses. Do you play MAF cold for game 7??

Unless Murray falls flat on his face or is injured, I can't see another scenario where MAF would be plugged into a potential game 7. I don't think it goes 7 anyway.

I wouldn't think of making a change for anything other than injury at this point.

And of in the GM, I'm already working on outlets to trade MAF in the offseason. With high priced superstars in the middle/late stages of their career, a young and cost-controlled goalie would be huge for them to maximize their cap flexibility and extend the window.

I hate them, so I hope they're extremely unsuccessful in doing so.

He's a product of their system IMO, but their GM was able to get valuable returns for losers like Scuderi and Perron... So watch them net two firsts.

Rooting for Pittsburgh now in this series simply because a series loss is more devastating for caps starved fans than Pitt fans. The latter already has a cup with this nucleus. But I do like the caps players more than the Penguins stars.

This season just sucked balls regardless. AV talked the other day about 101 points as some sort of achievement.

than you think MAB. My biggest problem with him is in the playoffs he can be a head case, much like Luongo and he's not necessarily a goalie who will win a series or a game for you.

but he's not as bad as Luongo IMO.

Teams like Toronto, Dallas, Anahiem, etc. who are contenders without solid goalies I think may find him very attractive, he's even got a workable 5.75M per contract for the next 3 years.

He does have a limited NTC which might prevent an obstacle to moving him.

but from the Pens perspective, it's less about his value more about the salary. If they feel Murray is their guy then dumping MAF and his 5.75M cap hit the next three years would be huge as the other poster stated.

I wouldn't expect them to get nothing back (so not pure salary dump), but I also don't see him as a huge haul in return type guy either. Somewhere in the middle. first round pick definitely though.

with Toronto...I'm assuming they're a contender by adding Stamkos, maybe Matthews and a goalie like MAF, they have some work to do before they're a contender obviously - picking first in the draft.

...who will be starting game 1 of the ECF for Tampa Bay? ;-)

In comment 12950013 pjcas18 said:

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with Toronto...I'm assuming they're a contender by adding Stamkos, maybe Matthews and a goalie like MAF, they have some work to do before they're a contender obviously - picking first in the draft.

You'd have to think the Lightning's front office has seen enough of them in this playoffs to feel that moving on from Stamkos is more than reality and not just from a financial standpoint.

In comment 12950113 Stufftherun said:

Quote:

In comment 12950013 pjcas18 said: Quote: with Toronto...I'm assuming they're a contender by adding Stamkos, maybe Matthews and a goalie like MAF, they have some work to do before they're a contender obviously - picking first in the draft. You'd have to think the Lightning's front office has seen enough of them in this playoffs to feel that moving on from Stamkos is more than reality and not just from a financial standpoint.

Yep, I agree, Stamkos is unlikely to stay in TB. The lone exception could be in theory slight chance if they win a cup, sometimes post-SC wins generate some euphoria and goodwill and leads to knee jerk decisions.

otherwise, and even if they do win a cup, he's gone.

Isles fans complaining about the refs.

Thought we were the only fans who did that? Pfffffffft!

In comment 12950134 B in ALB said:

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Isles fans complaining about the refs. Thought we were the only fans who did that? Pfffffffft!

If the complaints are coming from Isles fans it must be justified.

Must be.

Hopefully didn't bet any money on his prediction.

MAF could probably fetch at least a first. I don't see a team that picks late enough (20's) that needs a goalie enough - or that MAF is a discernible upgrade over that makes him worth the cost. A team like Calgary or Winnipeg could probably use him (not sure if they have a goaltending prospect in the pipeline).

I think Anaheim has a great young goalie in Gibson. If they want lundqvist for Gibson plus I'm definitely listening.

Friend of mine who is a big leafs fan says some reporters are saying its a done deal - stamkos is a leaf. Maybe hyperbole but at this point there will be no Tampa home discount, Tampa has other players to pay, and Toronto is going to back up the Brinx for him.

Better cost them 14 million a year. Anything less and stamkos settled. Tired of these generational talents taking below market deals (eg ovechkin and Crosby and Tavares)

And that's disgusting.

I'll bet he goes anywhere but Toronto.



Also, great work by Davisian calling the Bolts in 5.



See you sucking it on the back nine, fish.

??

Is one thing but using it as an excuse every single season is another thing all together. Isles fell short and lost to an obviously better team. The Lightning are relentless and so much better than people gave them credit for.Either way it was a fun season however painful and frustrating it ended. It should be a fun offseason. It is more fun when you have actual assets to make your team better.

It's been fun and once again I respect the fans of all the teams on bbi and look forward to all the banter with everyone.

Or maybe I overestimated the Islanders. Either way, I was quite wrong about this series. Today was a major league ass kicking.

In any event, the NHL season is officially over in the tri-state area. Pulling for the Sharks to win it all. And although I have no love for the Lightning, I'd rather see them back in the SCF than PIT or WSH.

To take the leap forward next year.

Just hope Edmonton doesn't overpay for Hamonic

In comment 12950258 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

Or maybe I overestimated the Islanders. Either way, I was quite wrong about this series. Today was a major league ass kicking. In any event, the NHL season is officially over in the tri-state area. Pulling for the Sharks to win it all. And although I have no love for the Lightning, I'd rather see them back in the SCF than PIT or WSH.

I agree. Sharks and Lightning would be ideal although I wouldn't mind St.Louis.

If not SJ, would not mind seeing StL. Both of those teams' fan bases have been massively disappointed for quite some time.

Crazy that the Blues came into the league and got to the SCF in each of their first 3 seasons as a franchise and lost all 3.. haven't been back since.

They tanked to play the worst team in the EC and squeaked by them. You put a decent team missing their best player in their way and the warts show. Tavares and a bunch of question marks from the head coach down...

In comment 12950339 bxgiants4 said:

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They tanked to play the worst team in the EC and squeaked by them. You put a decent team missing their best player in their way and the warts show. Tavares and a bunch of question marks from the head coach down...

Damn...drop that mic, Flufftron. San Dimas High School Football Rules!

Congrats on a good season. Shame neither our teams could move on. I hope you didn't take offense to my earlier comment regarding the officiating. It was a friendly jab. Nothing more.

How about City today? Way to shut the bed. Wow. While MP is surely an honorable and class guy, it's definitely time for a change. That much talent and yet they are wildly inconsistent. The team desperately needs some new blood. Can't believe they're in real danger of finishing outside the top 4.

In comment 12950349 B in ALB said:

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Congrats on a good season. Shame neither our teams could move on. I hope you didn't take offense to my earlier comment regarding the officiating. It was a friendly jab. Nothing more. How about City today? Way to shut the bed. Wow. While MP is surely an honorable and class guy, it's definitely time for a change. That much talent and yet they are wildly inconsistent. The team desperately needs some new blood. Can't believe they're in real danger of finishing outside the top 4.

B, my man. You're always aces with me. No offense taken. I always try to keep officiating out of it as much as possible. Definitely frustrated and it came out...all good. Agreed that both our teams did well but still have many areas to improve upon.

As for City, it was awkward with the Pellegrini/Guardiola saga playing out, but it didn't mask the deficiencies in the mid and back fields all season. An enema is coming (IMO), and there's some dead wood I look forward to jettisoning. But for sure, Kun, KDB, Iheanacho and Hart are joys to watch. Hopefully onto other complimentary players soon.

always hurts to lose a series. I'm sure our respective squads will be right back at it and making our lives miserable come next spring

In comment 12950339 bxgiants4 said:

Quote:

They tanked to play the worst team in the EC and squeaked by them. You put a decent team missing their best player in their way and the warts show. Tavares and a bunch of question marks from the head coach down...

I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. Islanders didn't play Detroit or philly in the first round. They played a team at most two years away from contending for a cup, and it was a great series.

Don't play like tanner glass out there. You're better than this.

In comment 12950380 redbeard said:

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always hurts to lose a series. I'm sure our respective squads will be right back at it and making our lives miserable come next spring

I look forward to it, my crimson friend.

In comment 12950382 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

In comment 12950339 bxgiants4 said: Quote: They tanked to play the worst team in the EC and squeaked by them. You put a decent team missing their best player in their way and the warts show. Tavares and a bunch of question marks from the head coach down... I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. Islanders didn't play Detroit or philly in the first round. They played a team at most two years away from contending for a cup, and it was a great series. Don't play like tanner glass out there. You're better than this.

You're supposed to put /s at the end of that...

Is like one big circle jerk

Yes, please...

Speaking of which, Brian Boyle only makes $550K more than Glass. I know Boyle supposedly left for non-cash reasons, but it's another example of Yzerman doing a good job.

The only real fuck-up I think he's made was re-signing Callahan.

Within a month and before the season started Tampa said unsurprisingly he'd be their 4th line center.

Way to go Blues - yet again this round they cannot close the deal. The one team left in this thing I don't hate - don't detest San Jose either but never liked deboeur.

Blues - caps final would be kind of interesting if for no other reason than we could see which franchise tried to fuck it up more

...

And then kick the repulsive Penguins the hell out of the playoffs.

of the teams left, game 7's are what it's all about.

agree with Greg, hope the Caps force a 3rd game 7 tonight but I don't care in the least who wins.

there is nothing in sports like playoff hockey, and games 7's take it a step further.

Looking forward to them all.

My preference is STL, NSH and WAS - only WAS because I predicted them to win the cup and a lot of you felt they were overrated, so that's my only flimsy reason for caring about any of them other than a small connection to NSH and liking the American players on STL.

But I'd root for the Soviets over the Penguins

I wanted Pitt to get swept to stomp out the meme the Rangers were a good team that lost to a 'hot team' destined for the Cup.

But I'll take a 3-1 collapse.

Tony still sucks, though.

Them winning the Cup doesn't change the idea they were overrated - IIRC, they were given a ~60% chance of winning the East prior to the playoffs. I think that's ridiculous for any team.

And the Rangers were given a 25% chance of winning the Cup last year prior to the playoffs (and even at one point during their 20 game hot streak), both of which were ridiculous.

I think most confessed they were the best team in the league - just not an indestructible force destined for the Cup.

In comment 12952041 BrettNYG10 said:

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Them winning the Cup doesn't change the idea they were overrated - IIRC, they were given a ~60% chance of winning the East prior to the playoffs. I think that's ridiculous for any team. And the Rangers were given a 25% chance of winning the Cup last year prior to the playoffs (and even at one point during their 20 game hot streak), both of which were ridiculous. I think most confessed they were the best team in the league - just not an indestructible force destined for the Cup.

Well I never felt that either, just they were the favorites and almost all the caps fans I know (both of them) feel cup or bust. there is no small victories here. If the Caps don't win the cup this year it's a failure of a season.

I do think they have the best team. all around. Considering forwards, D, goalie, special teams, coaching.

Maybe that changes if Stamkos and Stralman come back for the ECF, but I think the Caps would be favored against anyone if they survive the Penguins.

Who do the Pens start in net tonight? I thought I read MAF is available. I think Murray has been great, but if he loses it in game 6, you can't go with a cold MAF for game 7, right?

If they're going to make a change (and I don't think they should) it has to be tonight.