2008/09 NHL Thread

Stars choked away a shutout win and are now headed to OT. 1-1 at the Baggage Surcharge Center.

 

Hmm ... spectators will be charged extra for overtime. Given the number of people in the stands, it might equal what John Swofford will pull in for the ACC on Saturday. [/crossthread]

 

Continuing the crossthread, they're giving them away down here.

 

That's funny - and not at all surprising. Keep in mind, sports fans, that the man running this is chairman of the BCS. Gary Bettman might not have messed things up this badly.

 

That's a sad fucking statement for the state of hockey in Dallas considering all the hatred the Avs and Stars have built up from past playoff meetings. That series right there is what made me and still makes me hate Patrick Roy.

 

And the Oilers manage to pull out a 5-4 win in LA after blowing a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes by the mid point of the second period — Kings took a 4-3 lead a little over 10 minutes into the frame. Penner tied it in the third and they win in a shoot out. Mr. Schremp had another two assists tonight — one on Pouliot's goal and one on Cogliano's goal.

Gagner is now out with a concussion and Gilbert Brule has been called up. I look forward to their game today against the Sharks, should be interesting. As long as Schremp's line is scoring like they are I hope MacTavish doesn't get any wise ideas and break them up. Brule will probably centre the fourth line between the great Stortolini and Liam Reddox.

 

Why were the Stars stupid enough to offer Sean Avery a $15 million contract in the first place?

It's the goal scorers and goalies who should be making that kind of money,not the grunts. Especially grunts with more baggage than, um, American Airlines.

 

The thing is he's a grunt who can actually play the game. It was a definite overpayment which is why even the Rangers stepped away, but it's not like he isn't a guy who can contribute. He can play on the second line and won't kill you.

The Rangers were far more successful with him in the lineup than when he was out. And it's not even close. Sad as it is, he was a difference maker on that team and Dallas thought he could be for them.

However, he the baggage is a little much.

Brett Hull played with him in Detroit and must have thought he could be controlled or at least steared to some degree, he took a chance on him and it has obviously blown up in his face. He has been absolute poison in that dressing room.

 

Except Dallas is one of the worst teams in the league right now and Patrick Roy has retired.

It's kinda like the old Toronto/Ottawa rivalry. A shadow of its former self since both teams suck

 

Interesting summary of Bettman's comments on the Avery suspension by Puck Daddy:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Bettman-explains-Avery-ban-from-haste-to-protec?urn=nhl,127132

 

They paid $15 million for a grunt who can play and brings attention with him. The Stars knew this and likely hoped he would help put bums in the seats.

They got the attention they wanted, didn't they?

Three-game day on CBC today ...

 

Spezza has a snatch!

Can't wait to see him play at the 'Dome later this month.