All-purpose hockey thread...

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Sirs, Madames,

Thierrien was fired in Montreal with cause. Not before he got an extension, which had no cause. Who did Alain Vigneault piss off that he doesn't have a NHL job and Thierrien does.

YHS, etc

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Interesting because Cox makes the same point in his column today about Therrien and Endicott.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Co...883&call_pageid=968867503640&col=970081593064

Call me crazy, but here's figuring even on a night like last night when the penalty killers are needed more than the snipers and power play artists, the Pens might want to get Crosby (24 shifts) out on the ice more than Shane Endicott (25 shifts).

Makes you wonder, really, whether Michel Therrien remembers getting fired the first time.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

therrien didnt exactly rank on the genius meter last night, but he is deserving of a second nhl chance. his wilkes-barre ahl team (the penguins farm) was something like 24-1 when he was promoted. it's obvious that the penguins are no longer "club mario" and is being worked much, much harder in practice. and, bottom line, the club is alot more competitive.

therrien, however, needs strong assistants -- for two reasons: 1) to control his temper, which is legendary, and 2) to control his on-ice brain farts, which are equally as legendary.

in 2002, the canadiens led the hurricanes 2-1 in the eastern conference semifinals. montreal led 3-0 in game four, gave up two and then watched as their head coach took an absolutely abominable bench minor for screaming at the refs, something hed been warned about throughout the game. the canes tied it on the power play, then won it in overtime when therrien sent out his fourth-line centre on a defensive zone faceoff against carolina's top line.

mentally demoralized, montreal lost the next two -- including 8-0 in game six. it's taken a few years for executives to forget that one.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Rumors from around the league, via Foxsports.com...

Prince of Pucks: Is Brodeur on block in Jersey?

The struggling New Jersey Devils have been dogged by trade rumors this season, with seemingly every member of the roster getting mentioned at one point or another as potential trade bait.

Goalie Martin Brodeur had been a notable exception but over the past several weeks his name popped up in the rumor mill, fueled by media speculation he might request a trade. One report out of New York had the Detroit Red Wings apparently offering up young forward Henrik Zetterberg and netminder Manny Legace to the Devils in exchange for the two-time Vezina winner.
This was news to Brodeur, who recently told the Toronto Sun he had no intention of leaving the Devils. If GM Lou Lamoriello was planning to trade Brodeur, he'd first have to consult the netminder to request he waive the "no-trade" clause in his contract and to date Lamoriello has not made that request.

The Devils have their woes this season, but if anyone is moved it won't be Brodeur.

*
St. Louis Blues forward Doug Weight has been frequently mentioned in the rumor mill in the first half of the 2005-06 season. In an interview with the Vancouver newspaper The Province, he acknowledged hearing speculation of playoff-bound clubs like the Ottawa Senators and Vancouver Canucks having interest in his services and admitted to being flattered, but denied wanting out of St. Louis at this time.
He did, however, leave the door open to a potential move by the March 9th trade deadline, saying he'll see how things look once he returns from playing for Team USA at the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. Weight's in the final season of his contract and he'd have to waive the no-trade clause in his contract before the Blues could shop him or he'd have to request a trade.

Weight's playmaking skills will make him one of the most sought-after players at the deadline and in this summer's unrestricted free agent market, so the betting here is he'll probably seek a trade to a Cup contender after the Olympics.

In that way, Weight can contribute to the struggling Blues for as long as possible and his trade would then hopefully bring in a strong return that the club can use to rebuild.

*
Speaking of Weight, the Province apparently suggested the Canucks might be able to make a deal for Weight by offering up center Brendan Morrison (who's struggling this season) and goalie Dan Cloutier.
One big problem with this package is Cloutier is out for possibly the rest of the season recovering from knee surgery. The league frowns on moves involving injured players, and no general manager in his right mind would okay a trade for a player unless he's healthy.

*
Rumors the Florida Panthers are shopping goaltender Roberto Luongo have waned in recent weeks, but those involving center Olli Jokinen are still percolating.
The Panthers captain is eligible for unrestricted free agent status this summer, and Panthers GM Mike Keenan intends to open talks with Jokinen's agent over a possible contract extension.

Jokinen leads the Panthers in points this season, and his performance has improved in recent weeks after overcoming a minor injury, leading the once-struggling Panthers to within striking distance of a postseason berth.

Still, there are reports the Calgary Flames might try to obtain him. The Ottawa Sun reported over the weekend of rumors the Flames might offer up a package including center Steven Reinprecht if Keenan fails to re-sign Jokinen.

Anything's possible but it must be remembered that Jokinen is a "Keenan guy", whose game notably improved playing for Iron Mike, and as such Panthers GM Keenan will do everything he can to retain him. Even if Keenan cannot re-sign Jokinen, a package with Reinprecht as the centerpiece isn't going to be enough to put him in a Flames uniform.

*
A recent report in the San Francisco Chronicle suggested the San Jose Sharks haven't closed the door on a potential return of former captain Owen Nolan to the roster.
Nolan is still recuperating from off-season surgery for an injury he suffered playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs back in 2003-04, which is the basis for his contentious contract buyout negotiations with the club. It's expected that once Nolan is given a clean bill of health, his buyout will be settled via arbitration thus making him an unrestricted free agent.

The paper cited Sharks GM Doug Wilson saying he told Nolan earlier this season he'd be willing to speak with him once his knee was fully healed and his contract situation resolved.

But there are no guarantees Nolan will return to the Sharks. Having bolstered his offense with Joe Thornton, Wilson is now believed seeking depth for his blueline corps, and Nolan wouldn't be able to help in that regard.

Furthermore, there are several other clubs, including the Calgary Flames, Phoenix Coyotes, and Colorado Avalanche, who are believed interested in Nolan's services once he becomes a free agent, which could make it even more difficult for the Sharks to sign him.

At home in Prince Edward Island, Canada, he's known as Lyle Richardson. But around these parts, he's known as Spector, FOXSports.com's Prince of Pucks. Check in with Spector for the latest NHL rumors from around the league and buy his book.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

More on Connecticut beginning to pave the way for the Whalers' rebirth. http://www.courant.com/news/local/h...8.story?page=1&coll=hc-big-headlines-breaking

Also, just for BYH and Stormy...http://www.whalerwatch.com/page11.html

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

From NHL.com

NHL posts best-ever December attendance

Third consecutive record-setting month

NEW YORK -- The National Hockey League posted the best December attendance in its 88-year history, attracting 3,382,628 fans to 200 total games and setting an attendance record for the third consecutive month. The December average of 16,913 per game was 91.7% of capacity and two percent above the previous December high of 16,578, set in 2001.

Twenty-four of the 30 NHL clubs are even with or ahead of their 2003-04 performance. The top gainers are the Pittsburgh Penguins (+36%), Tampa Bay Lightning (+24%), Calgary Flames (+21%), Boston Bruins (+21%), Carolina Hurricanes (+19%), Nashville Predators (+14%), Ottawa Senators (+13%), San Jose Sharks (+10%) and Florida Panthers (+9%).

NHL Decmber Attendance Since 1987

Year GP Avg. % Increase *

2005 200 16,913 ----
2003 209 16,312 +3.7%
2002 207 16,101 +5.0%
2001 211 16,578 +2.0%
2000 203 16,456 +2.8%
1999 184 16,254 +4.1%
1998 175 16,212 +4.3%
1997 177 15,954 +6.0%
1996 172 16,401 +3.1%
1995 180 15,511 +9.0%
1993 173 15,212 +11.2%
1992 163 14,737 +14.8%
1991 143 14,911 +13.4%
1990 149 15,294 +10.6%
1989 143 15,725 +7.6%
1988 145 15,280 +10.7%
1987 146 15,138 +11.7%

* Percentage increase of the December, 2005 attendance figure over prior December figures.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

No way in hell the Wings part with Zetterberg or Datsyuk.

This rumor could be a little more likely. Saw it on Spectors hockey.

THE SAULT STAR: Peter Ruicci reported yesterday Dallas Stars netminder Marty Turco loves the state of Michigan, having played at the University of Michigan where he became the NCAA leader in career victories. Ruicci suggests Turco, an unrestricted free agent this summer, could sign with the Red Wings, as both their current goalies, Chris Osgood and Manny Legace, are also unrestricted free agents this summer. Turco and his family are natives of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, meaning a move to Detroit would put them closer to "The Soo".

Spector's Note: My thanks to Chris Dawson. The Stars will likely do whatever they can to retain Turco, who's improved play since early October is a big reason why the Stars have played so well by mid-season. Still, one shouldn't rule out a big bid from a rival club like the Red Wings, especially with the salary cap due to rise next season.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

I don't see Brodeur going anywhere. They have had injury and cap problems all season, but now have Patrick Elias back in the fold. They're not out of anything yet. besides, parting with Brodeur would be like the Aves parting with Sakic, it's not going to happen. The big thing with the Devils is they need a coach, and to have that certainty and consistency there. They'll be fine.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Anybody else watching the Oilers/Hawks game right now? Man does Hemsky look awesome out there. He's flying right now, made a great move to assist on the Oilers only goal and has made a few other pretty nice plays.
1-0 Edmonton with about 3:30 left in the first

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

im watching penguins-canadiens. wild game. pittsburgh led 3-1 after one, fell behind 4-3 and is now ahead 5-4 in the third.

crosby has two goals.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

i couldnt watch any game since the Wings were on OLN.

Damn Bettman and his weak ass TV contracts.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Who's in net for Montreal?