2008-09 NHL Season

[BooCocky]

Oh goodness, how does it feel to be a Pens fan? they beat up on the Crapitals (creative? I think not). Crosby gets a goal w/o it being anywhere near the net. He is finally coming into a groover. He looks speedy, his defense is coming back, and everything else. Still the excellent passer, o yeah that Malkin, is getting closer to the pt lead. to bad it won't happen with Sid back. My only complaint is, i hate it when the coach puts Malkin and Crosby on the same line. they basically play the same position, and it hurts each others play... I like it on a PowerPlay, but not on a regular shift. Anyways, hopefully Hossa comes back in a game or two.

 

[a7xoff]

I honestly think that the Pens are the better team, and with Hossa I think they are one of, if not the best in the East. The Pens are litterally a force no matter how you look at it. They're goalie can play fantastic, they're defence is pretty solid, and nothing even has to be said about they're offence. I would love to say that the Devils will win the Atlantic Division, but the Penguins are going to make it incredibly hard for them to do. If by some chance the Devils get beat out in the playoffs, even by the Penguins. I hope they win it all. It would be really cool to see the Pens, after years of sucking terribly come back from the lockout in just 3 years win the cup. Damn that'd be cool... The Devils have a good team, but they need to shooootttt the puck more. One of the lowest goals against, AND one of the lowest goals for... Not really a good thing there.

 

[RBH]

Chemistry is word of the day! You can have the greatest players in the world and if they dont have chemistry they do NOT win titles....see the Lakers of several years ago (Oneal, Bryant, Malone, Payton) u need to have the team flow...the Pens have been together for a little while but Hossa is new while the Ducks have won a title together (minus Weight, Scnheider and Bertuzzi) The Penguins and Devils are good but as I said earlier the Ducks went 8-2 against the east and we lost the Penguins when we DIDNT HAVE SELANE OT NIEDERMEYER..and Pronger was out too i think and the Pens won 2-1 if I recall.....if the Ducks and Penguins meet in the Stanley Cup Ducks win 4 games to 3....

 

[a7xoff]

Totally agree with you on that. It takes chemistry to win the cup. The Ducks have it, the Devils have it, the Penguins have it, Hell even the Capitals and Stars have it. The main thing is who can keep a consistant chemistry. The Devils, when they are working together are a well oiled machine. However they are not consistent with that chemistry. Neither have the Capitals, and more recently the Stars. THe Ducks on the other hand have been one of the hottest teams in the league, and even when they loose, they still for the most part play a very good game.

Same can't be said for the Devils right now. Brodeur is only able to do so much. Our defensive chemistry has been incredible since Salvador has joined the team. As good as our defense has been, our offense has not been on the same page seemingly. It's almost like they are either afraid to shoot, or don't pass when they need too. As poorly as they are playing, it's not showing in the standings as we're up there fighting for that top spot. Put a few more pucks in the opponents net and we'll be golden XD

 

[BooCocky]

Coolhayek,

I disagree with the chemistry comment. He is Sidney Crosby, he is the best passer and game breaker in the NHL. He made an immediate impact when he came to PGH, and he is going to do that until he leaves or retires. If you can skate, you can play with Crosby.

Hossa has been practicing, and all that fun stuff, so it isn't anything new. The Pens are a force to be reckon with come playoff time. Fleury is improving again. He was very good before he got injured, and they have Conklin, he still has the highest save percentage in the NHL (unless that has changed in the last few days)?. They are getting healthy when it matters, and they will be a force come playoff time.

 

[RBH]

It takes a whole team to win the cup Brian...Crosby and Hossa cannot do it on their own.....The Ducks have Selanne, Niedermeyer, Getzlaf, Perry (when he comes back), standout rookies Ryan and Carter, Brad May, Beauchemen, Moen and several other standouts that were with the team last year....The Ducks only have to beat one team (Dallas) and they are set they have beaten everyone else (except Pitssburgh but like I said it was before Selanne and Niedermeyer were playing)....the ducks are 5th now that means crap....u can be 8th and stilll win the cup.....chemistery and momentum....did u watch the ducks-canadiens....we OWNED one of the BEST TEAMS IN THE EAST.....3-1....not overtime 3-2...not shootout....3-1....2 goal win.....outskate and outshoot and outplay thats what we did....

 

[Agrex]

I agree, The Pittsburgh Penguins are the team to watch. It's a team jam-packed with talented, young stars. Malkin, Crosby, Fleury, Hossa, and many more. I have faith in the Pens winning the Stanley Cup. They have it all, top-match offence, decent deffence, and improving goal tending. Now with Hossa coming back soon, the future looks even brighter for the Pens. Coolhayek, I disagree on your chemistry comment, as Hossa may be new, but that team just clicks.

Hopefully, my Leafs can pull a Penguin, too.

 

[BooCocky]

It takes a whole team to win the cup Brian...Crosby and Hossa cannot do it on their own.....The Ducks have Selanne, Niedermeyer, Getzlaf, Perry (when he comes back), standout rookies Ryan and Carter, Brad May, Beauchemen, Moen and several other standouts that were with the team last year....The Ducks only have to beat one team (Dallas) and they are set they have beaten everyone else (except Pitssburgh but like I said it was before Selanne and Niedermeyer were playing)....the ducks are 5th now that means crap....u can be 8th and stilll win the cup.....chemistery and momentum....did u watch the ducks-canadiens....we OWNED one of the BEST TEAMS IN THE EAST.....3-1....not overtime 3-2...not shootout....3-1....2 goal win.....outskate and outshoot and outplay thats what we did....

what are you talking about? The Pens have excellent chemistry, and they had excellent chemistry without Sid?

The Pens have a lot, its all because of Sid, and Malkin, but the Pens are loaded, two solid goaltenders, players that can play multiple positions, and they have scorers from all over. There defense can be non existent sometimes , but they have come back from pretty big deficits.

Chemistry really means nothing, they have all played hockey before so chemistry is nothing new, but i can semi agree with you on the momentum thing.

 

[a7xoff]

To an extent though you do need chemistry. Take a look at great lines. Yes Crosby can play with just about anyone. Let's look at one of the dominant lines in Devils history. The "A Line". Consisted of Jason Arnott, Patrick Elias, and Peter Sykora. That line had amazing chemistry and the three of them played great together. Since Sykora and Arnott left, Elias has not really found that great of a foothold on any line that he's played with. Yes the E-G-G line was good with Elias, Gionta, and Gomez, but the majority of the goals came from Gionta and Gomez while Elias pretty much struggled. Team chemistry is not all that wins games, but it is a part of it.

Yes they all know how to play, yes they all do they're thing, but it's just like any sport. Who does who play best with? That's the chemistry. Yes guys like Crosby can play with anyone and still be deadly, but when they work with guys that they have more chemistry with, then they're even deadlier...

 

[Lil Wes]

ROFL. What is all this talk about the Pens being dangerous? They won on a fluke from some jackass from the Caps. They are nothing anymore special than the Devils, who are still my favorite in the conference. But the East is whack and bland. The West is where it's at. Dallas locks up another win against the Av's Sunday. Nothing new. The addition of Richards has done wonders from assist to scoring goals he's been a beast.

 

[a7xoff]

ROFL. What is all this talk about the Pens being dangerous? They won on a fluke from some jackass from the Caps. They are nothing anymore special than the Devils, who are still my favorite in the conference. But the East is whack and bland. The West is where it's at. Dallas locks up another win against the Av's Sunday. Nothing new. The addition of Richards has done wonders from assist to scoring goals he's been a beast.

Wes... I'd love to say that the West is where it's at, but it's not. If Dallas and San Jose were closer to Detroit then I'd say yes, but the fact is out there the Red Wings are ahead by a decent margin due to playing the same sucky teams over and over. Dallas better watch they're backs too cause the Sharks are there. As in like right there... Lets not count out that Dallas has 3 games up on the Sharks right now too. Yes Richards is a beast since going to Dallas... Good for him

 

[BooCocky]

ROFL. What is all this talk about the Pens being dangerous? They won on a fluke from some jackass from the Caps. They are nothing anymore special than the Devils, who are still my favorite in the conference. But the East is whack and bland. The West is where it's at. Dallas locks up another win against the Av's Sunday. Nothing new. The addition of Richards has done wonders from assist to scoring goals he's been a beast.

A fluke? That was just one goal there bub. The Pens won that game, and they were bound to score on that possession. they had the puck down that end for ever and it was just a matter of time. The Crapitals just completely suck. They can't even win with Ovechkin

Who does who play best with? That's the chemistry.

teams that play the best are usually teams with momentum, and Pittsburgh still has that. Decent wins over the last few games, and some nice comeback wins throughout the year.

 

[a7xoff]

teams that play the best are usually teams with momentum, and Pittsburgh still has that. Decent wins over the last few games, and some nice comeback wins throughout the year.

Ok then let me rephrase what I said... Not teams as a whole, but the individual lines on a team require chemistry. If you just threw Crosby on a line with God forbid Jager and Ovechkin, it probably would not do all to well. THe bottom line is on all lines there is a degree of chemistry that helps the team as a whole. Lines that are not doing well, generally do not have good chemistry and are mixed and match to try and find that perfect chemistry. Momentum does play a huge roll as far as a team on a whole scale plays. and Pittsburgh is your prime example as Brian already said.

 

[RBH]

Dallas is not the best! Sorry Im a Ducks fan I gotta represent...u guys have gotten us this year I will admit but we will beat u next time I GUARANDAMNTEE IT...Im gonna be at the Ducks-Dallas game on March 30th (Yes I am MISSING WRESTLEMANIA to see the Ducks play the Stars...thats how hardcore I am)....Im taking my friend Lisa...good luck charm Angels beat the Yankees when I took her so the Ducks will beat the Stars....Ducks are the defending champs everyone and with the exception of last week's road games they have been playing very very well these last 2 months......the Penguins and the Devils are the ONLY 2 TEAMS in the East that can do well enough to make the Finals....and yes the Ducks OWN all of Canada including the Canadiens, Senators, Flames and Canucks (they won season series but again Sellanne and Niedermeyer)...we beat Dallas...were good to go. Plus many Ducks fans still crave revenge on Martin Broduer for the 03 finals....

 

[a7xoff]

Dallas is not the best! Sorry Im a Ducks fan I gotta represent...u guys have gotten us this year I will admit but we will beat u next time I GUARANDAMNTEE IT...Im gonna be at the Ducks-Dallas game on March 30th (Yes I am MISSING WRESTLEMANIA to see the Ducks play the Stars...thats how hardcore I am)....Im taking my friend Lisa...good luck charm Angels beat the Yankees when I took her so the Ducks will beat the Stars....Ducks are the defending champs everyone and with the exception of last week's road games they have been playing very very well these last 2 months......the Penguins and the Devils are the ONLY 2 TEAMS in the East that can do well enough to make the Finals....and yes the Ducks OWN all of Canada including the Canadiens, Senators, Flames and Canucks (they won season series but again Sellanne and Niedermeyer)...we beat Dallas...were good to go. Plus many Ducks fans still crave revenge on Martin Broduer for the 03 finals....

What team doesn't crave revenge on Marty though. I mean the guy is still the best in the league. Please no one say Hasheck and Osgood are playing better then him. If the Devils could play Sait Louis and Nashville all season he'd be on top.

Out of all the teams in the East I hope the Devils don't run into in the playoffs, it'd be the Penguins at this moment. Granted it would be a good series, the Devils just don't have the scoring ability thath the Pens have. I just noticed this though. The Rangers are suddenly there sitting just 3 points out of 1st. No clue where the Hell they came from, but it kinda makes me espically when they were in oh so much trouble about a month ago... Rangers better get ready though, they've got 5 games between the Devils and Penguins this month. All of which could be very intense.

 

[RBH]

it is official gentlemen....the NHL hates Chris Pronger...he has been suspended 8 games for "carlesslly and reckless" endangerment....I would understand if he knocked someone's head against the boards but all he did was step on someone while trying to get away from the guy who was blatantly trying to hold onto him....this is just another example of the NHL picking on Pronger because he is a jerk but whatever...shit happens....Pronger will knock all their asses in the playoffs....

The Ducks remain 3 points behind the Sharks and a point behind Dallas....the NHL Pacific Division is wide open among these 3 but taking Pronger away from us hurts....and it is ridiculous....especaially when he misses all of the division games remaining against the Sharks and the Stars...o well....Ducks won tonight again so thats all that matters today.

 

[a7xoff]

You want to talk about important stretches. The next 6 games are HUGE for the Devils. We have 2 games against the Rangers, and one against the Islanders, Flyers, and 2 against the Penguins. All these games could shape out not only who wins the Atlantic Division, but the entire East as well. The Rangers were hot for a while, but they seem to be cooling off. The Flyers have not been a problem all season, and as far as the Penguins go... It's anybody's guess. We I think have the series lead this season over them, but that does not mean anything. The Islanders? Again I'm not saying anything as they are the team that has given us the most problems this year.

All I have to say about the West is the Sharks are absolutley on fire. 11-0 in the last 11 games, and are currently in OT with Edmonton. So that's 12 games with at least a point. Detroit lost again tonight. If the Sharks win then Detroit's lead is just 6 points. Unfortunatly for the Sharks, Detroit's remaining games are against mediocre teams such as Columbus, Nashville, Saint Lois, and Chicago...

 

[RBH]

2nite the Ducks proved that they could beat Dallas...FINAL SCORE 2-1....while I am not happy that they outshot us...I am happy that we gained some momentum and now in case we play the Stars in the first round, we will definately be ready...and I am also happy that we won without Pronger, Carter, and Perry, imagine when we get them all back....

 

[a7xoff]

I hate the Devils... Really I do... They're my favorite team, but I hate them. How can you play 1 and a half periods of hockey and hope to win??? It just doesn't work at all. I had my fingers crossed that the Devils would actually play three periods since they were against the Rangers... Nope... Didn't happen. Not surprised it didn't either. Devils had a 1-0 lead until like 4 mins left in the 3rd. Brodeur can't stop everything, no one can. Ya had Defense and Offense alike just looking at the puck, not even moving. 1st 1/2 of the game Devils were awake, hitting and playing good solid hockey making it a really tight game. 1/2 way through the second... They stopped again... It just does not work like that... So I hate them... (if only I was serious with that...) Also... I'm really not becoming a fan of the shootouts at all... never was either... *end rant*

 

[a7xoff]

SO the Devils did it again... Played 1 and a half periods of Hockey.... Damn I can't stand watching that... Devils dominated the Islanders for the first period and half the second... Then... again.... they stopped playing... Example... John Madden in on basically a break away... DOES NOT SHOOT THE PUCK. Stops short of the net and wait for the rest of the team to get there... Devils outshot the Islanders, but were definatly outplayed by them again in the second half of the game. Interesting stat. When the Devils have gotten 2 goals they have scored at least a point in 16 straight... 2 goals are very hard to come by for some reason though. Actually no... Setting up for a shot, which the Devils do very well, and TAKING THE SHOT WHEN SET UP, which the Devils do not do, will certainly contribute to getting more than one goal. Tomorrow we play the Penguins which is a HUUUUGGGGEEEEE game for both teams. The Devils are 3-0 this season at Mellon Arena, where they will play tomorrow night. In order for the Devils to stand a remote chance at winning........ THEY NEED TO PLAY 3 SOLID PERIODS... Being the 3rd least goals for team in the whole league doesn't help either...
***End Rant***

Also Congrats to Ovechkin for 60 goals... Veeeeerrrryyyy impressive! Capitals sit just 1 point out of the playoffs, and I sure as Hell am pullin for them to get in. The East better keep they're eyes on the Hurricanes. Right now they are 8-2 in they're last 10, making them the hottest team in the East right now. Given a little more time or some bad luck by the Devils, Penguins, and Canadiens, they are right in it now with 87 points just 5 back. However they have 76 games played where most the east has 74.

 

[RBH]

does anyone else think that the NHL needs to go back to the old way of scheduling? I do NOT like seeing my division opponents 8 times a year....6 times was good enough but 8? I would rather see the Canadiens twice a year and the Devils twice a year and what not? This what I want in a typical Ducks schedule: 30 games against the east like the old days and 52 games against the west...6 X 4=24 games against own division plus 28 games against other divisions....14 games against each conference division....3 X 4=12 plus add a game or 2 against certain teams....that forula woudl work.

 

[a7xoff]

I don't even want to talk about hockey right now, I'm so disgusted from last night. Anyway... I agree that the NHL should go back to more games where it's East vs West. The division play is not nearly as effective as I think the NHL thinks it is. Look at *shudders* the Devils. We've lost all our games to the Rangers, all but 1 to the Islanders, I think 3 to the Penguins... I think we beat the Flyers in all but 1. It doesn't show in the standings for all those losses. It's the same as if we lost to the Sharks or Ducks.
*****Begin Rant*****
The Devils are not going to do anything in the playoffs if they can't score more than 1 goal. Last night was the most disgusting performance I've seen all year. The only reason I watched the whole thing is that I love watching the Penguins play. Really though 7-1 at this point in the season. I was expecting like a 2-2 tie... I was expecting a great game... Forget playing 1 and a half periods of hockey... Lets show up skate around and not play period that always works better... We play the Penguins again on Tuesday, and I honestly don't think we're going to beat them. Sutter better whip his guys into shape and quick cause the Devils are not locked into the playoffs yet, and they are playing TERRIBLY. We have the Penguins tuesday and.... Rangers Thursday... Two key games for the Atlantic title, which the way the Devils are playin should not even be involved in the race for it... Come on Devils get it together
***end rant***

 

[RBH]

The Sharks have officially clinched the division.....o well...we got 4th and Im fully confident that they can beat the Stars in the first round.....winning the division isnt everything its what u do in the playoffs that matter so I am hoping that the Ducks can get hot going into the playoffs as we will either face the Flames, Stars or Avalanche....I hope we face the Flames as they are the easiest to beat but we'll see.

 

[a7xoff]

Well... uhhh.... hmmm.... what to say... 5 game loosing streak for the Devils... have not won in regulation in 6... Playoffs coming up... Team can seemingly no longer score goals... 4 points behind the Penguins... Next game is against the Islanders who we've only beaten once this year... 5 points to be in 9th place... Final games include Islanders, Bruins, Flyers, and Rangers... 8 potential points there. Devils need major help... That's all I'm saying about that... I can't even talk about them right now that's how... hmmm what's the word... Shocked at how poorly they've played this far down the line. Devils 5 game loosing streak made it the longest since 2002...

Out west... The Sharks have not lost in regulation in..... 18 GAMES... HOLY HELL THAT'S A LOT... They're last loss in regulation was to the Devils back in mid Feburary. Want to talk about a team being hot at the right time. It looks like Detroit will win the NHL points lead, but Damn has San Jose put on the heat as of late. Glad the Devils are not a Western team right now as the Sharks look like they're literally out to devour any team in they're path.

 

[RBH]

thank god for the angels and Lakers or I would have no sports this week. The Ducks appear like they are gonna play the Stars and Im confident now that after 2 straight wins against them that the Ducks can beat them and advance to play the Wings in the 2nd round....

Pronger returns this weekend everyone!!!! He is gonna whoop all their candy asses....