All-purpose hockey thread...

Re: All-purpose hockey (NHL and Olympics) thread...

He was a great prospect in the early days, but then the Islanders gave up on him, so did the Oilers and now the Bruins. This will be his fourth chance.

 

Re: All-purpose hockey (NHL and Olympics) thread...

Mr. F,

You are, as usual, correct. I had forgotten about the man in the fedora, although it's safe to say he'll never be forgotten in Texas. Thanks for the heads up.

 

Re: All-purpose hockey (NHL and Olympics) thread...

Do the 'Canes really need 6'4, 224lbs in their press box?

 

Re: All-purpose hockey (NHL and Olympics) thread...

That's one big cheerleader there.

 

Re: All-purpose hockey (NHL and Olympics) thread...

The first couple years were average attendance. When the Wings would play down there, half the arena would be wearing red and white.

Now there are still a good chunk of red and white jerseys (lot of car factory transplants), but they get a lot more Nashville fans in there now.

But like you said, the Preds have always drawn fairly well, tho. The biggest problem is getting their fans to learn or understand the game.

It is a fun place to watch a game tho.

 

Re: All-purpose hockey (NHL and Olympics) thread...

Kessel would have been much better off spending another year in college. Could've rounded out his game a lot more than it is right now. He has great talent, but if he gets buried in Boston...

 

Re: All-purpose hockey (NHL and Olympics) thread...

I doubt he's going to improve by playing another year of college hockey. Better to sign with the Bruins and play in the AHL.

 

Re: All-purpose hockey (NHL and Olympics) thread...

JR,

I just wonder if you draft a kid that high and then send him to the AHL. Minnesota has a decent college program and I just think he would develop more on the ice, and off it also. He has offensive talent, without a doubt.

 

Re: All-purpose hockey (NHL and Olympics) thread...

Sirs, Madames,

Kessel would have been better off to have played in major junior last year--maybe even this year. As for developing off the ice at Minnesota--he was developing a taste for beer. The A was good for Eric Staal and Jason Spezza. Can't imagine Kessel buying the tough love approach. If he's not in Boston, he'll fester.

His upside rep is founded on a good world junior tournament in Grand Forks (tho' he petered out at the end of the tournament), a good under-18 last year. But he didn't blow anybody away at world juniors this year and didn't dominate (or seem particularly focused by all reports).

YHS, etc

 

Re: All-purpose hockey (NHL and Olympics) thread...

According to the Globe, Kessel could find a spot on the Bruins' second line. [ur]http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2006/08/30/kessel_gets_early_start_for_bruins?mode=PF[/url]

For those who don't have an account with Boston.com...

Kessel gets early start for Bruins

By Fluto Shinzawa, Globe Staff | August 30, 2006

WILMINGTON -- He admitted feeling tired from traveling from Wisconsin the previous day, but during yesterday's informal skate at Ristuccia Arena, Phil Kessel didn't let fatigue hinder his skating.

The 18-year-old rookie, who would have been a sophomore at the University of Minnesota this year, arrived in Massachusetts Monday and took to the Wilmington ice yesterday morning. Kessel turned pro Aug. 16 when he signed a three-year maximum-salary deal with the Bruins ($850,000 per season, plus performance bonuses).

``It's pretty cool," Kessel said of being in pro camp. ``It's a little weird but I'm just going to see what happens."

Kessel, who will wear No. 81 in camp, according to media relations manager Ryan Nadeau, looked as fast as advertised. The right-shooting forward is a candidate for the left wing position on the team's second line alongside Marc Savard and Glen Murray.

Kessel joined a group of veterans who started skating Monday, led by defenseman Zdeno Chara, who looked intimidating in his all-black outfit (other skaters wore white-and-gold jerseys above their black pants). Other players included Brad Boyes, Wayne Primeau, Brad Stuart, Paul Mara, Jay Leach, Bobby Allen, Martins Karsums, Tim Thomas, and Hannu Toivonen.

``I heard he was running things a little bit," said general manager Peter Chiarelli of Chara. ``That's who he is. He has a lot of leadership characteristics. It doesn't surprise me that he's taking charge. Then again, he's only dropping pucks and doing a few drills, so I wouldn't read too much into it."

 

Re: All-purpose hockey (NHL and Olympics) thread...

Wasn't Kessell skating on the third or fourth line for the Gophers last year? Suddenly he's on the Bruins second line?

As far as Ibister, eh. The Canes do need some depth, so it's not a bad move. Not a very good one though.

 

Re: All-purpose hockey (NHL and Olympics) thread...

fotf,

I was trying to be kind in my post. As you point out there seem to be other factors. He would have been better off in major junior as far as developing as a hockey player, but that's not where he chose to go. I just don't know if he's ready to make the move up right now.