2013 NHL Thread

[a7xoff]

I'd love to see the classic played at night. When the sun starts to set on the games it always makes it that much more fun to watch. I guess in a sense the stadium lighting could make it a little difficult for the players to see, but it can't be as bad as the sun. The rivalries in the NHL that the league could capitilize on with the Winter Classics is awesome. The rivalries in the NHL I feel are bigger than those in the NFL. Yeah there are great division rivals in the NFL, but with the amount of times every year the division teams in the NHL face eachother. There are some really great rivalries that under the lights at a frozen field would be awesome. Some off the top of my head

Vancouver and Chicago
Boston and Montreal
Montreal vs Toronto
New Jersey vs New York (Rangers)
New York vs New York (If the Islanders ever get it together)
Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh
Colorado vs Dallas (Still one of my favorite playoff series from 2000)
San Jose vs Vancouver

There are quite a few others as well, but those are just a few I can think of being a fan of an Atlantic Division team.

On a totally different topic though... The Boston Bruins are the Stanley Cup Champs and their currently a +68 in goal differentials. They have the best offense and defense right now in the NHL. Trying to as unbiased as I can be I feel that if the Bruins somehow manage to keep playing to the level they have been playing. They will have a good chance at a repeat. The only thing that keeps clouding this idea for me is that they are in a Division where only Ottowa is the only other team currently in the top 8 of the East. So what you guys thoughts on the Bruins so far?

 

[LoudClearVoice]

I think the league should look into having the All-Star Game as the Winter Classic, one year.

I would say to do it every year but that certainly wouldn't work in the warm weather climates.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

I think the league should look into having the All-Star Game as the Winter Classic, one year.

I would say to do it every year but that certainly wouldn't work in the warm weather climates.

That will never happen. Ever. Nor should it, for two reasons:

1. The All-Star game is a joke. No one watches it. It gets piss poor ratings because it's not a hockey game. It's a weekend of fun and games where a group of names plays only the offensive side of the game in what is essentially a light-hearted no-contact exhibition game.

2. Because the ASG is a joke, no one would pay good money to go to an outdoor even to see it, as they struggle enough to sell tickets to get people to see the regular "game" as it is.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

That will never happen. Ever. Nor should it, for two reasons:

1. The All-Star game is a joke. No one watches it. It gets piss poor ratings because it's not a hockey game. It's a weekend of fun and games where a group of names plays only the offensive side of the game in what is essentially a light-hearted no-contact exhibition game.

2. Because the ASG is a joke, no one would pay good money to go to an outdoor even to see it, as they struggle enough to sell tickets to get people to see the regular "game" as it is.

The outdoor gimmick aspect of it would sell the tickets. It would give people an excuse to want to go to the All Star game.

It is a joke. No one cares about it because there's nothing special about it. But if it were to be played outdoors, people would buy tickets. I mean, how many people get a chance to see Pro Hockey played outdoors (even if it is the ridiculous spectacle of the All Star game).

All the leagues are looking for gimmicks to get people interested in their All Star games and this one in theory could work.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

The outdoor gimmick aspect of it would sell the tickets. It would give people an excuse to want to go to the All Star game.

It is a joke. No one cares about it because there's nothing special about it. But if it were to be played outdoors, people would buy tickets. I mean, how many people get a chance to see Pro Hockey played outdoors (even if it is the ridiculous spectacle of the All Star game).

All the leagues are looking for gimmicks to get people interested in their All Star games and this one in theory could work.

No, they wouldn't, because there is nothing there to drive them into the bitter outdoor weather conditions (that could include rain, snow, etc) other than the desire to see a light-hearted, no-contact exhibition game, which I can assure you no one has.

The NHL already does plenty to spark interest in a meaningless game by providing the weekend festivities that precede it, including the skills competition and a ton of meet-and-greets with all the players (as well as players of old) for those in attendance. They do just fine and have no need for any other gimmicks to sell tickets.

 

[CH David]

No, they wouldn't, because there is nothing there to drive them into the bitter outdoor weather conditions (that could include rain, snow, etc) other than the desire to see a light-hearted, no-contact exhibition game, which I can assure you no one has.

The NHL already does plenty to spark interest in a meaningless game by providing the weekend festivities that precede it, including the skills competition and a ton of meet-and-greets with all the players (as well as players of old) for those in attendance. They do just fine and have no need for any other gimmicks to sell tickets.

I was actually thinking about how it wouldn't be a horrible idea to play the All Star Game outside one year for the Winter Classic. It won't happen because of how interactive the fans are. I mean a bunch of Sens were the top vote-getters for goodness sake.

If the All Star Game was legit hockey between the true stars of the NHL, it could work outside. But until that happens, I've got to agree that it wouldn't work. The reason the Winter Classic works is because it includes teams that fans enjoy watching good hockey, whether as fans in attendance or spectators on tv.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

I was actually thinking about how it wouldn't be a horrible idea to play the All Star Game outside one year for the Winter Classic. It won't happen because of how interactive the fans are. I mean a bunch of Sens were the top vote-getters for goodness sake.

If the All Star Game was legit hockey between the true stars of the NHL, it could work outside. But until that happens, I've got to agree that it wouldn't work. The reason the Winter Classic works is because it includes teams that fans enjoy watching good hockey, whether as fans in attendance or spectators on tv.

And that will never happen, which is why this remains a bad idea.

The All-Star game will never feature the intensity or physicality of a natural NHL game because it's not designed to. It's designed to "wow" and "woo" fans who may not give hockey a chance due to how grueling and physical it can be during the regular season and give them the opportunity to see the more offensive-side of the game.

 

[CH David]

And that will never happen, which is why this remains a bad idea.

The All-Star game will never feature the intensity or physicality of a natural NHL game because it's not designed to. It's designed to "wow" and "woo" fans who may not give hockey a chance due to how grueling and physical it can be during the regular season and give them the opportunity to see the more offensive-side of the game.

Nobody gives a shit about any of the All Star Games except for the MLB. Why? There is a reason to watch the MLB All Star Game. It's an exhibition game but it has implications for the World Series. Nobody will care about a no defense game like the NBA, NHL, and NFL. Plus when you've got stars missing the festivities due to injury or because they don't want to be a part of it. No good.

It's just one of those that has changed over the years. Casual fans want the offense, and don't care about any sort of defensive effort.

 

[a7xoff]

The All Star game is totally worthless in the NHL. Personally I'd like to see the All Star game become something more of how the Pro Bowl is in the NFL as far as it's placement on the schedule is concerned. Smack in the middle of the season where you've got a bunch of guys from teams that are in the race for the playoffs trying not to go at eachother too hard because they want to avoid injury at all costs. I feel like if the All Star game was sometime during the post season, perhaps just before the cup finals start, all the players from teams that didn't make it may play a little bit harder. I could be wrong with that.

The whole fan interaction thing really turns the game into a joke. I mean come on the entire first line of the Senators are in and not a single Devil made it in. Seriously. I'm not complaining about it trust me, I'd rather not have any of our top players get hurt, but if you look at the stats of say Patrick Elias or Hell even Kovalchuck, odds are they are better than some of those Senators who got in. The game is a complete joke. That's really all there is to it. I can't see what moving it outside would do for it's popularity as it still remains a meaningless game that the fans put together, often times favoring the home town team (Ottowa)

 

[CH David]

The All Star game is totally worthless in the NHL. Personally I'd like to see the All Star game become something more of how the Pro Bowl is in the NFL as far as it's placement on the schedule is concerned. Smack in the middle of the season where you've got a bunch of guys from teams that are in the race for the playoffs trying not to go at eachother too hard because they want to avoid injury at all costs. I feel like if the All Star game was sometime during the post season, perhaps just before the cup finals start, all the players from teams that didn't make it may play a little bit harder. I could be wrong with that.

I think putting it near the finals just turns it into a Pro Bowl type situation like the NFL. Players still don't want to get hurt, so they just play low-key defense with a lot of offense. I think with the physicality that comes with the NBA, NFL, and NHL it is just bound to be an offensive display so players don't get hurt. The only thing that could maybe turn it around is making it mean something. Home-ice advantage or something. Though for home ice they would need to do East vs. West again. Just imagine seeing Sidney Crosby feeding Alex Ovechkin in front of Duncan Keith and Nicklas Lidstrom. Legit good, clean, hard hockey. I can dream.

The whole fan interaction thing really turns the game into a joke. I mean come on the entire first line of the Senators are in and not a single Devil made it in. Seriously. I'm not complaining about it trust me, I'd rather not have any of our top players get hurt, but if you look at the stats of say Patrick Elias or Hell even Kovalchuck, odds are they are better than some of those Senators who got in. The game is a complete joke. That's really all there is to it. I can't see what moving it outside would do for it's popularity as it still remains a meaningless game that the fans put together, often times favoring the home town team (Ottowa)

Parise, Toews, Datsyuk, Briere, Richards, Getzlaf. The list goes on to players that should be in the starting lineup or whatever the top vote-getters are. The best part about the NHL All Star game isn't the game itself. It's all about the skills competition and even now that seems a little meh to me. I know Chara is going to win the Hardest Shot Competition. Ovechkin is gonna win the Breakaway Challenge. Why should I watch?! I also miss the goalies trying to score from down ice over a banner. That was badass.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Fuck the Big Bad Bruins! What's up, Bah-stin? Sup habs? What happened on Saturday, man?

No wonder it's so quiet in here. You got Gábo-rík-rolled, hard (yeah, I went there).

It's all good, though. I'm sure you're sitting back still trying to convince yourself how this Rangers team is going to fall off and how much of a pretender they are, but those pretenders just beat the defending Stanley Cup Champions in the first meeting of the year, so I'll go ahead and take that opinion of yours with about the biggest grain of salt I can find since I know it's being posted out of spite, anger and probably a dash of jealousy.

LET'S GO RANGERS!

 

[Davi323]

In the spirit (fuck, it's a blatant ripoff) of IDR's post:

Fuck the Big Bad Blackhawks! What's up, Chi-caaaaaaaago?? What happened, man?

It's all good, though. I'm sure you're sitting back still trying to convince yourself how this Red Wings team is going to fall off and how much of a pretender they are, despite being on a twenty YEAR playoff streak, but those pretenders have more points than you with less games played, so I'll go ahead and take that opinion of yours with about the biggest grain of salt I can find since I know it's being posted out of spite, anger and probably a dash of jealousy.

LET'S GO RED WINGS!

 

[hatehabsforever]

Fuck the Big Bad Bruins! What's up, Bah-stin? Sup habs? What happened on Saturday, man?

No wonder it's so quiet in here. You got Gábo-rík-rolled, hard (yeah, I went there).

It's all good, though. I'm sure you're sitting back still trying to convince yourself how this Rangers team is going to fall off and how much of a pretender they are, but those pretenders just beat the defending Stanley Cup Champions in the first meeting of the year, so I'll go ahead and take that opinion of yours with about the biggest grain of salt I can find since I know it's being posted out of spite, anger and probably a dash of jealousy.

LET'S GO RANGERS!

Can't say that I blame you for celebrating and bragging a little bit, IDR. Upsets tend to elicit that response in people. So how are the Rangers making out so far this post-season? Oh wait, that's right, it's not the post-season quite yet, it's January. Talk to me in May, pal, when it really matters.

I'm sure the Rangers will do OK in the playoffs this season, especially if they get a weak opponent in the first round. You know, someone like the Florida Panthers, that's assuming of course that they manage to last until the post season.

The only thing I hope is that this time next year, Tim Thomas makes a more responsible decision and accompanies his teammates to the White House. I think it would be downright rude to pass on such an invitation two years in a row.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Can't say that I blame you for celebrating and bragging a little bit, IDR. Upsets tend to elicit that response in people. So how are the Rangers making out so far this post-season? Oh wait, that's right, it's not the post-season quite yet, it's January. Talk to me in May, pal, when it really matters.

I'm sure the Rangers will do OK in the playoffs this season, especially if they get a weak opponent in the first round. You know, someone like the Florida Panthers, that's assuming of course that they manage to last until the post season.

The only thing I hope is that this time next year, Tim Thomas makes a more responsible decision and accompanies his teammates to the White House. I think it would be downright rude to pass on such an invitation two years in a row.

Oh, so now the Rangers are a playoff team, eh? What finally convinced you of how wrong you've been — the fact we're ahead of your own club, or the fact we've been at or near the top of the standings (in the entire NHL) for the last month and a half?

Amazing, though. My team beats yours, and have essentially rolled over the majority of the NHL (minus the west coast teams we've only played sparingly), and the only success they're going to have is going to come if they match up against weak clubs?

I'll be back in May, for sure, to give you another lesson on logic and how it works in reality — a place you don't seem to live in.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

The only thing I hope is that this time next year, Tim Thomas makes a more responsible decision and accompanies his teammates to the White House. I think it would be downright rude to pass on such an invitation two years in a row.

This provided he even remains with the club after this stunt he pulled in refusing to attend the White House congratulatory ceremony citing personal politics as the reason for his refusal — an incredibly selfish reason, and one that Deadspin author Barry Petchesky thinks may cost him his position with the team:

http://deadspin.com/5879151/

--

The Boston Globe paints a picture of a team that was never very fond of Thomas in the first place. He's depicted as standoffish, mostly friendless, and possessed of certain beliefs that he feels particularly strong about.

Or, "[expletive] selfish [expletive]," as one team source tells the Globe. That's another way to put it.

Supposedly Bruins management had their concerns about Thomas when he briefly lost the starting job, and about what kind of teammate he would be. With his no-trade clause up after this season, and Tuukka Rask more than ready, the Globe offers that this White House snub may be the first step toward the end of the line for Thomas in Boston. And considering most of the grumbling in the story comes from front-office sources, it's safe to say that "Timmy's on his way out" is the official-unofficial company line.

"He's the kind of strain where you actually do stop and reconsider what you think about him," one hockey writer tells me. "This is the kind that sends you freaky email forwards."

--

Take that with as large a grain a salt as you need to, but don't be surprised when the organization announces a trade that sends Thomas packing. This is exactly the kind of move (his refusal to attend the WH event) that causes teammates to lose respect for players who put things like religion and politics before the team.

 

[hatehabsforever]

I'm not buying that for a second. As long as he can keep winning, all will be forgiven and that's the bottom line. He was a huge reason why the Bruins ended their extended Stanley Cup drought last season, and he's an equally integral component to their success so far this season. Winning forgives everything.

Having said this, he is getting older. He will demand a significant new contract when the time comes. And I do believe he ruffled some significant feathers with his conduct. If his level of play even starts to drop off at all, this could result in a push out the door. I do believe that Rask is ready to be the number one guy, but personally I do hope that Thomas sticks around and has at least the chance to repeat.

His level of play in the next while will determine the legitimacy of the report.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

I'm not buying that for a second. As long as he can keep winning, all will be forgiven and that's the bottom line. He was a huge reason why the Bruins ended their extended Stanley Cup drought last season, and he's an equally integral component to their success so far this season. Winning forgives everything.

Having said this, he is getting older. He will demand a significant new contract when the time comes. And I do believe he ruffled some significant feathers with his conduct. If his level of play even starts to drop off at all, this could result in a push out the door. I do believe that Rask is ready to be the number one guy, but personally I do hope that Thomas sticks around and has at least the chance to repeat.

His level of play in the next while will determine the legitimacy of the report.

Believe it, because it's not just Deadspin reporting on it now:

http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey...e_house_snub_no_surprise_to_bruins/?page=full

Separately, the sources both said Thomas’s actions merely revealed what his teammates have known since 2006-07, his first full season with the Bruins: that he is a solitary, me-against-the-world figure who often puts himself in front of the team.

In Thomas’s statement, he did not mention the Bruins nor his teammates. He concluded it by saying it was a choice he had to make as an individual.

Such is the personality that has left Thomas with few friends among the players. But it’s also the attitude that has made Thomas a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and the Bruins’ most important player.

--

As important as he's been, Tuukka Rask is no joke, and the Bruins would not be "wrong" in thinking that a guy on the wrong side of 35, who often alienates himself from his team and puts himself before it would be best serving the organization in a trade than by slowly declining a la Brodeur, despite his Conn Smythe or Stanley Cup performances of the past.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

So now that we're past all this All-Star game nonsense, time to get back on track with the rigors of the hockey world.

With just 29 days to go to the NHL Trade Deadline, Tim Gleason is now off the market (having signed a 4-year/$16M extension this morning), which should help to shift the focus in Carolina to Bryan Allen, Joni Pitkänen and Tuomo Ruutu.

@DarrenDreger:

Gleason signing now puts trade focus in Carolina on Ruutu, Allen and Pitkanen. Pitkanen's injury status may not interfere with trade.

--

The Rangers had a lot of interest in Gleason, but it's understandable that he re-signed in a place he's comfortable playing as opposed to chancing the open market or a trade scenario. This won't, however, change the fact that the Rangers are still in the market for a defenseman as well as a top-6 scorer. Eyes are still on Suter/Weber (though it's highly unlikely Suter is moved at this point) as well as probably a myriad of lesser known/reported names.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

My Red Wings have an incredible almost 6 million in cap space so they will definitely be buyers at the deadline. I used to love the trading deadline before the salary cap era because we'd pick up great players for nothing. Now, it's a little more difficult.

The Wings are very interested in several players but it's a tricky situation when you're a good team. This team has really great chemistry right now and some might say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'd love another defenseman and a "top 6 forward" for depth but we'll see what happens.

 

[Davi323]

I was both miffed and thrilled for Pavel Datsyuk. He STILL hasn't gotten an All-Star game goal, but then again, he was +4 with 3 assists...He had a pretty good game overall. I just want him to get that damned monkey off his back!

As for the Red Wings salary cap space, if they are going to make a move, I want deeper defense before adding another goal scorer. They are currently 4th in the league in scoring, and 6th in goals against. Realistically, this is a damn good hockey team anyway, and they don't really NEED anyone.

However, there is one other possibility. Ken Holland may be deliberately not using that additional cap space. The NHL's CBA expires this year, and it's been rumored that one of the things that may be on the table is a reduction in the salary cap. Not every team in the NHL has the deep pockets the Red Wings have, and some teams may be struggling to meet the minimum. A lot of times, we think of the salary cap as only the TOP a team is allowed to spend, we rarely remember that there is not only a cap to the maximum amount, but also a cap to the minimum amount. Teams are required to spend a specific amount of money at minimum, and some teams may be struggling to match it. The Red Wings may be anticipating a reduction to the cap, and is saving money so that they don't have to cut a player because they are suddenly over the limit. If they spend the 6 million, and the cap gets reduced, suddenly they have to trim whatever amount they are over by.

Personally, I would love to see the cap get eliminated altogether, but I doubt that is going to happen.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

My Red Wings have an incredible almost 6 million in cap space so they will definitely be buyers at the deadline. I used to love the trading deadline before the salary cap era because we'd pick up great players for nothing. Now, it's a little more difficult.

The Wings are very interested in several players but it's a tricky situation when you're a good team. This team has really great chemistry right now and some might say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'd love another defenseman and a "top 6 forward" for depth but we'll see what happens.

From what I've read, there's a lot of rumors circulating about their interest in Ales Hemsky, and with Brad Stuart almost certainly leaving in the off-season to finish his career on the West Coast (where his family lives), they're likely to be in line for a defender as well.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

From what I've read, there's a lot of rumors circulating about their interest in Ales Hemsky, and with Brad Stuart almost certainly leaving in the off-season to finish his career on the West Coast (where his family lives), they're likely to be in line for a defender as well.

If there's going to be a lockout then Lidstrom is probably going to hang up the skates after this year so with Stuart and Lidstrom gone, we know we have to do something on defense. I really like Ryan Suter but Nashville would be mentally ******ed to trade him to the Wings. The Wings might make a play for Shea Webber in the offseason but again, no way Nashville trades him to Detroit.

I'd love Parise, we'd fit him in somewhere and Hemsky is definitely in play from what I'm hearing. Also, Ty Conklin fuckin' stinks so we're possibly going to look at upgrading the backup goalie position because as good as Howard is, he's going to need more rest in the second half and Conklin just can't cut it.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

If there's going to be a lockout then Lidstrom is probably going to hang up the skates after this year so with Stuart and Lidstrom gone, we know we have to do something on defense. I really like Ryan Suter but Nashville would be mentally ******ed to trade him to the Wings. The Wings might make a play for Shea Webber in the offseason but again, no way Nashville trades him to Detroit.

I'd love Parise, we'd fit him in somewhere and Hemsky is definitely in play from what I'm hearing. Also, Ty Conklin fuckin' stinks so we're possibly going to look at upgrading the backup goalie position because as good as Howard is, he's going to need more rest in the second half and Conklin just can't cut it.

Backup goaltenders are easy to pick up in free agency. If you are talking this off-season alone, you have Niittymäki, Gustavsson, Hedberg, Clemmensen, Auld, Raycroft, Montoya, Emery, Sanford, Johnson, etc. all available. The Wings will have no issue finding someone in that group.

The D situation is a little different. They can go the free agent route again, or trade, or simply promote Kindl and Brendan Smith full-time to round out a group that already houses Kronwall, Ericsson and White (provided Lidström retires). My guess is that they sign at least one free agent defender, however.

 

[shooter_mcgavin]

Love watching the SE Division Standings ... Dropping from 1st to 2nd in the Division leads to dropping from 3rd to 9th in the Eastern Conference LOL!!! And to think this was the division that produced two back to back Stanley Cup Champions and President Trophy winners in Recent Years.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/rang..._tnrcx77ovFAzjNpT4SMVIL?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=

If Rangers general manager Glen Sather is interested in reuniting with Ryan Smyth by acquiring Edmonton’s veteran left wing to bolster the attack, the feeling may well be a reciprocal one, The Post has learned.

A well-placed source told The Post that Smyth, who was drafted sixth overall in 1994 by Sather and then played the first five years under his direction while he was general manager of the Oilers, would give serious consideration to waiving his no-move clause in order to pursue a Cup on Broadway.

The Eastern Conference-leading Rangers, who have scored 17 goals in their last nine games and have been limited to two goals or fewer in 20 of their 49 matches, are seeking to add both scoring punch and a defenseman in advance of the Feb. 27 trade deadline.

Smyth, who will turn 36 on Feb. 21, has recorded 34 points (16 goals, 18 assists) in 50 games while getting 19:55 of ice time in this final year of his contract under which he carries a $6.25 million cap hit.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound winger is a documented net presence who certainly would be a sight for sore eyes on the dysfunctional Rangers power play that has failed on 28 consecutive five-on-four advantages since Jan. 5, and is mired in overall 1-for-26, 2-for-39 and 4-for-57 skids.

http://forecaster.thehockeynews.com/hockeynews/hockey/player.cgi?1342

ASSETS: Has underrated playmaking skills. Goes to the net with ample vigor and scores the majority of his goals due to supreme determination. Always leads by example.

FLAWS: His style of play often leads to a lot of injuries. Doesn't have enough of a shot to be an elite goal-scoring winger. Isn't as dangerous as he used to be.

CAREER POTENTIAL: Veteran grinding winger with playmaking and scoring skills.

--

If the Doan desires were as strong as was insinuated, I can understand why they'd target Smyth in the event Doan was made unavailable (highly likely), especially with the reports that Ruutu's camp has opened/re-opened extension negotiations in Carolina. All three are very similar players.

Smyth, IMO, is everything Callahan should aspire to be: A grizzled veteran with great net presence and a knack for scoring goals off sheer determination. Though his age could be a factor, his drive and in-game approach would mesh well with the hard-nosed Rangers’ philosophy, and frankly, the team could use a veteran presence for a Cup run. It's not as though he's dwindling that far, either considering he's still on pace for 25 goals at the age of 35 on one of the worst teams in the NHL.