NHL awards/draft/off-season/training camp/preseason running thread

Re: 2007 NHL awards/draft/off-season/training camp/preseason running thread

Some of what Reebok has done to the sweaters is laughed at by the players.

Reebok told the Sharks that the new sweaters would make the players six percent faster. Well, great, but what does that really mean in the scheme of things? And the players picked up on it. A Sharks forward--I want to say Patty Marleau--told reporters that was sure he felt six percent faster in the new sweaters compared to the old ones. Kyle McLaren told Reebok he wasn't going to wear the new socks.

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards/draft/off-season/training camp/preseason running thread

I know some of the players have laughed at Reebok. I can't wait to see some of them order their sweaters at least five sizes too big to keep from looking like they've been shrink-wrapped to their pads. Some could go bigger if they're trying to hide tape jobs and extra padding while nursing various little ailments.

Six percent faster? There has to be some hockey players laughing their a_ses off upon hearing this. So many fourth-liners and older players couldn't care less how fast they feel.

My question is, for every Sidney Crosby - who reported worked with the league and Reebok every step of the way - how many have the polar opposite point of view? Are there enough who oppose it, do they have enough pull to get away with saying something and how many of them well, knowing that Reebok's deal with the NHL may mean fines along the lines that players and coaches suffer from the big bad NFL for not conforming?

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards/draft/off-season/training camp/preseason running thread

You guys are fuuuuunny.

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards/draft/off-season/training camp/preseason running thread

We try!

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards/draft/off-season/training camp/preseason running thread

Okay, I'm signed up on NHL.com. You all may laugh at me freely but there will be no pointing!

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards/draft/off-season/training camp/preseason running thread

Welcome aboard!

I can promise that there aren't any Ilya Kovlachuk's in this league! ;D

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards/draft/off-season/training camp/preseason running thread

I signed up as well for the nhl.com league. BTW, if you don't want your real name displayed, you can easily change it to your user name as I did.

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards/draft/off-season/training camp/preseason running thread

And then she tells me she's at rehearsal when the draft's on so I have to do all the heavy lifting.

HB, is there an auto-draft function?

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards/draft/off-season/training camp/preseason running thread

There is, I believe. Let me double check.

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards/draft/off-season/training camp/preseason running thread

I can give you my picks now if you want.

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards/draft/off-season/training camp/preseason running thread

I took in the Canes-Caps exhibition today. It was a thriller for an exhibition game: Washington led 2-0 after two listless periods from Carolina, then the Canes rally for a 4-3 overtime victory.

As expected, many of the stars such as Ovechkin, Semin, Brind'Amour, Ward and Kolzig all didn't play. A lot of kids got into the action.

I wouldn't go assuming that Graham beats out Leighton for the backup goalie spot for the Canes if Sunday's play is any indication. They split time with Graham starting and Leighton relieving halfway through the second period. Graham wasn't bad, but gave up two goals. Leighton looked impressive, only giving up one goal and making a couple of spectacular saves.

Leighton is a feisty guy, too. He got into a goalie-goalie fight with Cam Ward a few years back in the AHL. On Sunday, he was exchanging words with Ben Clymer after making a up-close save and gave Clymer a little poke check in a sensitive area. Clymer, not surprisingly, wasn't amused. It was right in front of me, so I had a good view of it all.

For most of the third period, Carolina finally cranked up Laviolette's speed game and generated lots of chances. It helped that the Caps kept taking penalties.

But it was great to see some hockey. Gets me pumped up for the season!

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards/draft/off-season/training camp/preseason running thread

Here's what NHL.com says about the draft.

So, in English, you don't have to be at the draft. But it helps in the selection of your team.