Running 2017-18 NHL thread

You’re wrong

 

Never met a goalie yet who didn't think he would be a great forward; never met a forward who had any interest in being a goalie

 

There are several reasons, one of which is in many cases the retiring officials are not likely to be selected to go far in the playoffs unless they're a legend like Bill McCreary. So a few years back the league and the officials union agreed to have the officials retire at the end of the regular season. This way, a veteran would be spared any embarrassment for not getting picked to do the playoffs or just do one round. More important, the official gets to pick his last game, which is why they don't all retire at the last regular-season game. Every official has a favourite rink for various reasons, plus by knowing the day in advance they can have a brief ceremony and bring in family. And, as I recall, the refs now get two years pay as severance.

 

I’m not saying they would want it or be good at it. I’m surprised at the consensus they would be helplessly flailing on the ice like newborn deer.

But I'll defer to the more experienced.

 

Went to the Caps-Canes game last night. Washington played like horseshit but they were due for a dud. I'm actually OK with Trotz toying around with the bottom six in this last week until he finds the best mix, though I have a suspicion Gersich is going to be part of that mix come playoff time. Had really cool seats. Upper deck, but front row of the upper deck just above where the Caps shoot twice. Would honestly prefer those to some of the lower-level seats. Tremendous view of the whole ice.

 

Ask any forward in the NHL how they would do if they played goalie for a game.

 

Thanks. Makes sense and it's nice that they get special consideration and attention. I have thought that Jackson (I call him "ski-jump nose" because, well, it should be obvious) was usually prominent in the playoffs. Heyer too. But I don't know how old these guys are.

Funny story about Heyer. He lives in San Diego. He was a linesman at a Ducks-Preds playoff game last season. We were talking with the couple next to us and they said got their tickets through Heyer, who is a good friend of theirs. During the game, Heyer called a questionable offsides on Getzlaf. Getzlaf glared at Heyer, then smiled. The replay showed he probably wasn't offside, but it was close. The fans are booing. I looked at the guy next to us and said, "So are we not allowed to boo him because we're sitting next to you guys?" And I laugh. The guy stood up and started shouting: "Shane, that was brutal. C'mon Shane, you're better than that. Shane, bear down, you're ruining the game." We all got a good laugh out of that.

 

Sidney Crosby.

Sidney Crosby on playing goal in NHL: 'I'd love to get the nod' - Sportsnet.ca

But then again, Sid's pretty weird.

 

A lot of guys talk that way, doesn't mean they'd do it if it came down to it.

 

Here's the only decent example I could find on the internet:

Major junior, skater forced to play goal. He allowed 13 goals and made 32 saves on 45 shots.

 

Never heard of him