All-purpose hockey thread...

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Sirs,

In almost any other year Phaneuf would be a unanimous choice. He might not get all the third place votes if the glass slipper still fits the Ranger netminder.

I recuse myself from the debate. I would advise voters to note Ovechkin D of B: Sept 17 1985, and Crosby's Aug 7 1987. Which is to say (drawing an analogy for the non-puckheads) that Ovechkin is coming out after his sophomore season having played at a major college (Russian elite league) while Crosby is making the jump from high school. It is a huge pt and makes what Crosby has done all the more remarkable.

YHS, etc

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

After watching Carolina's 5-1 win over the Rangers, I've concluded that the former Whalers are one of the teams that will benefit from the new rules. Erik Cole, Eric Staal and Justin Williams may lead the league in breakaway goals.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Mr. Miler aka Red Fisher The Younger is pretty much bang on here.

As much as Ovechkin has lit up the highlight reels, Crosby is a boy dominating in a man's league.

He'll get the Calder.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Shit, if he can take the Pens to the playoffs, he might even get the Hart to go along with it. After all, a few nights ago the pundits were saying the Pens were toast going up against Philly without Mario and a proven goalie, but we all know how that turned out.

By the way, JR, are you referring to Red Fisher from the Gazette or from Scuttlebutt Lodge?

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

I thought they were one and the same.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

I hope you're right.

Peter Laviolette wanted this style of hockey when he took over for Paul Maurice. Mo had a great grinding team, but trying to switch that group to wide-open hockey was the ultimate square peg in a round hole.

A lockout, a couple of deals and the development of Eric Staal haven't hurt things. It gave Laviolette time to get things shuffled to his style, and gave Staal a pressure-free year in the AHL to adjust. Erik Cole has looked great before and after the lockout - his ability to adapt and do what needs to be done is grossly underrated. Goaltending has been stellar, and I think Cam Ward is better than Martin Gerber, though the way the Hurricanes have been scoring, it has mattered little lately.

Contract Carolina? No. ;D

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Sam

Carolina is the real deal.

Cole and Staal have the misfortune of playing in a market where no one gives a shit.

Put them in Toronto and we'll forget Stajan and Steen.

Even though I'm a Leafs looser fanboy, I'm picking Carolina vs Ottawa in the Eastern Final.

And the Sens are still gutless pukes, so, hey, I'll be a Southerner for a month.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Well, I care, JR, but you're right. The Triangle is a better NHL market than some give it credit for, but it will never be confused with the Original Six, Denver, Vancouver, Edmonton and the more traditional markets.

Cole and Staal are outstanding. I was impressed with Cole as he abused almost everyone he matched up with during the 2002 playoffs, and to see him adjust shows how good he really is. If Staal needs any defense, just tell whoever isn't convinced to get out from under the rock.

Ottawa? There's talent there, but while the hockey pundits have been kissing the Sens' a_ses, has anyone noticed that the Hurricanes have beaten them twice already?

Come down South ... we'll find somewhere for you. And treat Jeff O'Neill well ... I was sad to see him go, but given the circumstance, I understand and wish him well.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Mr. Miler:

It seems that it's time of year that sees tradition force people to clear out checking accounts while purchasing family and friends gifts at a drastic markup. This year for Bankrupt-o-palooza, I will be getting those nearest and dearest to me books on Sid The Kid.

While perusing the newest Hockey News, I came across THN's special Bankrupt-o-palooza gift section. The insert suggests three books on The Next One: Sidney Crosby by Gare Joye; The Spectacular Sidney Crosby by Andrew Podnieks; Sidney Crosby by Paul Arsenault.

Which one would you suggest?

Soon to be rubbing two nickles together...

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

A Sens-'Canes Eastern Confernce Final would be good for the sport and awful for T.V. ratings.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

I feel a road trip coming on.

.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

JR: I'll make the trek with ya.