2008/09 NHL Thread

OK, the Orgasmatron is now set at 11, I think.
If I do come, and I go through this exhibit, I will need extensive medication at the Goose before I recover.

 

I don't have a dog in this fight, but an anti-Habs associate of mine who say Richard play said he was nothing more than Marty McSorley with better hands. Apparently the Rocket wasn't immune to clubbing people with his stick.

 

stars are saying bye bye to avery. here's the team's release from sunday morning:

The Dallas Stars today announced that forward Sean Avery will not return to the NHL team. Representatives for both Avery and the Stars said they would continue to work together in support of Avery during "this critical time" for the player. All parties said there is a clear understanding that a return to the Stars is not in the best interest of either the hockey club or Avery.

"Sean needs to focus on his own well-being while the Stars hockey team must focus on playing hockey and competing for a playoff spot," said Hull. "Everyone understands that Sean will not return to the Dallas Stars. We all need to move forward."

Stars management also said the team would not seek to challenge Avery's contract under the conduct clause included in the Standard Player's Contract. The agreement's Paragraph 2 (e) directs all NHL players "to refrain from conduct detrimental to the best interest of the Club, the League or professional hockey generally." Avery was suspended by the NHL last week for comments he made prior to a game with Calgary.

"The message here is: no distractions. Sean can focus on resolving his personal issues," said Hull, "and the Stars will have closure on this episode. The team needs to put its energies into winning."

The Stars said the team will continue to honor Avery's contract while exploring all options for his hockey future consistent with the terms of his counseling.

"We do care about Sean and want what is best for him," said Hull. "We've agreed to do what we can to help find him a place to play hockey once he addresses his personal issues."

 

Fens, you and me, we'll go genuflect at the exhibit.

 

Larry Brooks that the league should have an across-the-board freeze on ticket prices.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/12142008/sports/moresports/nhl_should_freeze_price_along_with_the_i_144119.htm

 

Well, for evidence of that, you need look no further than the 1955 incident that led to the Richard Riot. He kept pounding Hal Laycoe of the Bruins with sticks that were being passed to him by Habs coach Dick Irvin. Every time he was disarmed, Irvin would give him another stick. When a linesman finally grabbed Richard, he punched the official. This was his second such offence of the season, and the suspension he got was probably pretty lenient, all things considered. The Canadiens and their fans didn't think so, however.

 

I will take this abuse of the Rocket for only so long.

 

Yeah ... and here's a word of warning: the HHOF closes at 5 p.m. daily.

What a load of crap.

 

Fens,
Of the few true gentlemen I've ever met, Maurice Richard is one of them.
And I loathe the Habs.
Better?

 

Stickwork like Richards' was commonplace back then.

From the blue line in Richard was almost unstoppable.

And I have told this story several times but I still have my copy of Andy O'Brien's biography of Richard which the Rocket autographed for me back in about 1962. After that, any athletes' autographs were meaningless.

And like Flash, I hated the Habs when I was a kid.

To appreciate Richard's mythic status in Quebec, read Roch Carrier's "The Hockey Sweater"

Howe was a much better player but he was a mere mortal.

 

Here's a pretty good round-up of some hockey books that have just been published

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/553537

At the top of my list is the late Jack Fall's book

 

Similar winter hours to the one in Canton, Flash, although I wouldn't mind seeing both of them stay open a little later.

That's why I took JR's excellent advice, and waited until Monday morning to make my pilgrimage instead of battling the weekend-afternoon crowd.