2013-14 NHL Season

I just love the myth of Bolland. He was so highly thought of by arguably the best organization in hockey they trade him for a fourth and chose to sign Brandon Bollig with the money they saved.

If you listen to the Cox and Simmons of the world, Nonis water carriers he's worth 5 plus mill a year. More mythical bullshit because of where he's from rather than actual production.

 

That's how I feel about Linden in Vancouver.

Canucks and especially Canucks ownership are a complete gong show. Christ, the Canadian teams are all fucked.

 

I always thought Bolland was a perfect guy on a team like Chicago. Leafs got all misty-eyed because he is a local guy, I never thought he would excel in the role they needed him for and won't be the least bit surprised if he bails on the whole hometown circus for a place that seems to know what it's doing.

 

I think it's a little unfair to bash Bolland. He missed 56 games this year because of a serious injury. There's a chance that he probably wasn't close to 100% when he returned.

If he signs with the Leafs, then they definitely become the Mimico Maple Leafs--Bolland, Clarkson and Shanahan all from our neighbourhood.

The Blue Goose will be rocking.

 

I suspect it won't take long for Shanahan - and Linden - to ask themselves what the fuck they have gotten in to. Lotta issues in both of those places.

It is unfair to bash Bolland for his truncated season, but I never believed he would be as good with the Leafs as he was with Chicago.

And the Goose regulars are the only ones excited that Clarkson is still there. (I guess I won't be welcomed back.)

 

Stars clinch with win against St. Louis. Coyotes must get at least one point against Anaheim or the season finale is moot. Stars own tiebreaker.

I agree with your assessment of Ruff. Nill worked a long time in, arguably, the NHL's best organization. I don't see Dallas heading south.

 

Agreed. Messier's vaunted leadership skills were invisible in Vancouver. He flat out stole millions from Orca Bay.

 

Watched Los Angeles shutout Edmonton last night. The Kings have been pretty solid in their own end for significant stretches this season. L.A. has given up two goals or less in 53 of its games this season and that's not just the work of Quick, Jones and Scrivens (pre trade). 99 points and a chance to set a new single-season win record with a victory against Anaheim Saturday. Not bad, especially considering Brown and Richards have had down years.

Meanwhile, St. Louis cannot score and now, apparently, cannot defend. Last night against Minnesota, Miller must have thought he was back in Buffalo. Dude ended up getting the hook.

It will be interesting to see how many games Rupp gets for his shoulder-shot to Oshie's head. Not a fan of his team but I like T.J. Hope he's OK.

 

Yeah, Francesco's presser introducing Linden reminded me of Chuck Barris', er, James Dolan's intro of Phil Jackson to the New York media.

 

It's just for seeding purposes, but Colorado catching St. Louis is a pretty epic collapse on the Blues' part. If they don't fix it in the last two games, they boned themselves a bit getting Chicago instead of Minnesota.

 

Minnesota's playing well but I agree, Rick. I can envision the Blackhawks kicking the Blues' arse. Right now, Chicago is as hot as St. Louis is cold and, as I'm sure you're aware, Mr. Toews and Mr. Kane have been resting.

 

Yeah, Kane and Toews are sort of the wild-card for Chicago. I figure they'll play in the playoff series, but how effective will they be?

Minnesota has come on and is getting scoring from other people besides the Parise line. Got 43 saves from John Curry in a win over St. Louis last night. (Never mind the fact they allowed 45 shots on goal.) I'm not sure they can win a best of 7 against St. Louis, Anaheim or Colorado. But I like their chances better now than I did a month ago.