NHL Thread - 2010-11

[It's Damn Real!]

The Rangers announced yesterday they re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Marc Staal to a long-term five-year $19.875M deal ($3.975M cap hit) – this coming on the heels of other comparable RFA's re-signing, like Bobby Ryan's 5-year $25.5M deal in Anaheim ($5.1M cap hit).

Staal is the cornerstone of the Rangers defense, and has the highest possible ceiling of all the defensemen in the organization who've played in the NHL thus far, though Ryan McDonagh may eventually usurp him as the teams top defender.

Deal works marvelously as a rock that'll kill two stones as well (most likely), as it also essentially condemns Wade Redden and his $6.5M cap hit to the AHL come October 1st as there is very little chance the team will be able to actually retain him considering how tight they are against the cap.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Rangers hit a bit of a rut today (though I'm sure many would argue it's a blessing in disguise) when captain and center Chris Drury broke a finger blocking a shot during the Rangers' intense pre-camp scrimmages the team is holding currently.

He's expected to miss up to four weeks, which will likely mean all six pre-season games as well as upward of three regular season games in addition. Some, I'd imagine (especially the jaded Rangers' fans over the last three season) are probably reveling in the idea of witnessing a few games without him, and I actually might be one of them if it means Derek Stepan will be given a longer look, but it's difficult to argue (salary aside) that Drury doesn't add value to this club, because he most certainly does. In fact, there isn't a player on the Rangers' club not named Callahan who busts his ass more on a shift-by-shift basis than Chris, so here's to a quick and healthy recovery!

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Pre-season hockey is underway, which means the regular season is right around the corner!

That said, my Rangers performed admirably last night in a 4-3 OT victory against our rival Devils, despite the half roster we used to check out the performance of a number of rookies and prospects.

Derek Stepan was probably the single most noticeable new face, registering an assist on the first goal and finishing the night a +1. He had a number of key offensive chances and set-ups and could viable join the club for opening night the way his peer in Michael Del Zotto did last season by simply being the best man for the job through camp.

Ryan McDonagh looked solid, though his reactions were a bit slow for the NHL pace, but with time that adjustment will make itself. He's very physical and will undoubtedly usurp Wade Redden come October for a permanent roster spot if I'm a betting man. Well that, and because Redden's $6.5M cap hit is a ridiculous number the team can simply not afford to maintain.

Marián Gáborík was us usual dominant self, and Alexander Frolov looks like the real deal despite the down year last season. In fact, that top-line of Gáborík—Stepan—Frolov might be the closest thing we've had to a legitimate top-line threat since Straka—Nylander—Jágr back in 2006-07.

I really liked what I saw out of Tim Kennedy as well. He, Brandon Prust and Brian Boyle really showed the energy and skill combination necessary for a bottom-six role here, so I'm hoping that continues so they all earn spots come opening night.

HOCKEY IS BACK!

 

[Buffalo Dave]

I really liked what I saw out of Tim Kennedy as well. He, Brandon Prust and Brian Boyle really showed the energy and skill combination necessary for a bottom-six role here, so I'm hoping that continues so they all earn spots come opening night.

Well enjoy having Kennedy. He should be able to make the team, what he lacks in size he makes up for in heart and effort. Timmy is a very gritty player, perfect for 3rd and 4th lines. I'm still shocked that he was released by Buffalo after agreeing to his arbitration hearing for a million, then say they were at $200,000 difference. Thats Regier for you at his finest, lets overpay sum shitbums and not sign someone who works their ass off for 200k more than we wanted to sign him for. I hope he flourishes with the Rangers to make Regier look like a bigger moron than he already is.

 

[RT]

Source NHL.com

The New York Rangers on Saturday waived defenseman Wade Redden, who signed a six-year, with the team two years ago.

They announced the decision during the morning skate prior to Saturday night’s preseason game at New Jersey.

Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather said the move, which removes Redden’s reported $6.5 million salary cap hit and gets the Rangers under the cap, will give younger players an opportunity to make the roster.

"I told him at the end of last year that if he didn't have a great camp this was going to happen," Sather said of Redden.

If Redden clears waivers, he can be sent to the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. The Rangers’ website reported that Redden said he will take a few days to think his situation over before deciding whether to accept the potential assignment to Hartford or try to find a job elsewhere.

I didnt see this coming at all. Wade i still believe is a top d-man in the NHL we will see where he ends up because i really wouldn't want to see him playing in the minors this season. Hopefully there is a team who is looking for a guy who is the typical stay at home defense man

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Source NHL.com

I didnt see this coming at all. Wade i still believe is a top d-man in the NHL we will see where he ends up because i really wouldn't want to see him playing in the minors this season. Hopefully there is a team who is looking for a guy who is the typical stay at home defense man

Bullshit. I've watched Redden for years, and the Wade Redden of 2010 is absolutely nothing like the Wade Redden of 2002. When his mother died, something died inside him, and his game as a result suffered for it.

The bottom line is that regardless of the fact he's an NHL defenseman, he doesn't deserve the salary he's paid, and because of that no team will pay him as though he were.

The CBA prohibits his contract to be restructured which means the only way he can play for another club is if a team trades for him or claims him off waivers (both of which would require they then inheret both his $6.5M cap-hit as well as his remaining salary), or claim him off re-entry waivers in the event the Rangers would be stupid enough to put him on them, in which case both the claiming team and the Rangers would be responsible for half his salary.

You'd have to be blind not to see this coming. Redden was playing on the Rangers' third pairing for two straight seasons and put up abysmal points despite his salary. This was inevitable.

 

[Buffalo Dave]

ESPN:

The Dallas Stars released veteran forward Jonathan Cheechoo from his tryout contract Sunday.

Cheechoo, a former 50-goal scorer, played in two of the Stars' three preseason games and didn't register a point.

"He's a good player. He's played well, but you've got to be better than the people that we've got in the top positions," Stars coach Marc Crawford said. "No disrespect, but our guys in the top positions said to us that no one is taking our spot. You really have to outplay somebody. It's unfortunate, but that's where it is."

Cheechoo had five goals and nine assists in 61 games for the Ottawa Senators last season. His best season was 2005-06, when he tallied an NHL-best 56 goals and added 37 assists for the San Jose Sharks.

The Senators waived Cheechoo in June and bought out the final year of his contract.

The Stars also reassigned 16 players to the the training camp of the Texas Stars, their AHL affiliate.

What the hell happened to this guy? Ever since his stellar 56 goal performance he has steadily declined. He never suffered any major injuries or anything to hurt his game play. I'm sure someone else might give him a chance at some point, or if someone gets injured during the season. Thats pretty bad though, to get cut before the end of preseason.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

ESPN:

What the hell happened to this guy? Ever since his stellar 56 goal performance he has steadily declined. He never suffered any major injuries or anything to hurt his game play. I'm sure someone else might give him a chance at some point, or if someone gets injured during the season. Thats pretty bad though, to get cut before the end of preseason.

Text-book definition of "flash in the pan".

What happened to him? He played with Joe Thornton that season, the league MVP at the time, and every year since did not. That's why his scoring dropped the way it did, just like it did for a number of pan flashes that season including Petr Prucha, Scott Gomez, Olli Jokinen, Miroslav Satan and more.

No one is going to give him a chance, just like they didn't give Mike York, Marcel Hossa or a number of others chances either.

Cheechoo will likely play the next few years in the AHL or accept a larger contract to play in the KHL.

Just as a rule of thumb, always be wary of a player who scores more than he assists. Always.

 

[Hazardous]

Just saw this years betting odds at a cup winner..

Anaheim Ducks 35/1
Atlanta Thrashers 80/1
Boston Bruins 14/1
Buffalo Sabres 26/1
Calgary Flames 35/1
Carolina Hurricanes 65/1
Chicago Blackhawks 6/1
Colorado Avalanche 40/1
Columbus Blue Jackets 100/1
Dallas Stars 50/1
Detroit Red Wings 11/1
Edmonton Oilers 75/1
Florida Panthers 80/1
Los Angeles Kings 16/1
Minnesota Wild 80/1
Montreal Canadiens 25/1
Nashville Predators 50/1
New Jersey Devils 15/1
New York Islanders 100/1
New York Rangers 40/1
Ottawa Senators 35/1
Philadelphia Flyers 14/1
Phoenix Coyotes 40/1
Pittsburgh Penguins 7/1
San Jose Sharks 14/1
St. Louis Blues 35/1
Tampa Bay Lightning 30/1
Toronto Maple Leafs 60/1
Vancouver Canucks 8/1
Washington Capitals 13/2

Am I seeing this right? They have the Canucks listed as a better chance then the Wings?? AND the Caps? That's a laugh. The Canucks are not going to win the cup this year, or any time in the near future. Way too much has to be done to the team beore that will happen.

 

[The People's Peep]

Last night was the first game of the season for my New Jersey Devils and it started out, well, awesome. The ZIP line (thats what its being called at the moment) of Parise, Kovalchuk, and Zajac started out hot. The first goal of the game came from Zajac, who bursted through the D from the pass from Kovy and went 5-hole for the goal. The second goal was Parise's, when him and Kovalchuk were on a 2-on-1 and Kovy passed to Parise who put it home. I was already excited about this top line, and now even more. I can see each of them putting up 30 goals at least.

However, the D was shakey. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt since it is the first game of the season. But its clear that they need some work. With Salvador injured indefinitely, everyone is going to have to step up and fill that missing piece. Tonight, they go to Washington so things are only going to be harder. But with a game under their belt, I hope things get a little better for the defense.

 

[Buffalo Dave]

So happy the season started again. Sabres looked good last night. I was impressed with our new signings on defense, Jordon Leopold and Shoane Morrisonn. I've grown accustomed to seeing Tallinder and Lydman for so long, just hoping these guys can play as well for us as they did. Our little man Tyler Ennis was solid out there, picked up right where he left off last year getting 2 assists. Happy to see Roy find the net this early, maybe for once he will play some consistent hockey, its only one game so I'm not setting my hopes up to high for him yet.

Other news Boston signed Zdeno Chara to a 7 year $45.5 million dollar extension. Looks like he will be there for the rest of his career now.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Fantastic night for my New York Rangers and rookie sensation Derek Stepan who is now only the fourth NHL rookie in history to record a hat-trick in his first NHL game. The last rookie to do so was Fabian Brunnström for the Dallas Stars back on October 15th, 2008.

Believe it, folks, this kid is the real mother fuckin' deal.

 

[Stormtrooper]

Oh man, it's so damn great to have hockey back. On a College Football Saturday, I ended up watching only about 20 minutes of College Football, thanks to my Rangers being back (and the MLB Postseason). I even wore my Sean Avery jersey instead of one of my Notre Dame Football jersey, which is really uncommon for me.

Fantastic night for my New York Rangers and rookie sensation Derek Stepan who is now only the fourth NHL rookie in history to record a hat-trick in his first NHL game. The last rookie to do so was Fabian Brunnström for the Dallas Stars back on October 15th, 2008.

I watched most of the Ranger game (turned it off towards the end of the second period for the Yankee postseason game), and I can say Stepan looked really good. His first goal came on a beautiful deflection set up by Avery doing what he does best. John Tortorella in his postgame not only praised him for his goals, but for his entire game. The best part of his whole game though was that his mother drove in from either Wisconsin or Minnesota for the game (which was in Buffalo), and the Rangers interviewed her after the first goal. It's always nice to see family there for big moments like that.

Believe it, folks, this kid is the real mother fuckin' deal.

woah woah woah woah woah. I want to believe it, and the kid is either a first or second rounder from 2008, but it's only one game (granted against one of, if not the best goalie in the game in Ryan Miller). One game does not make someone the real deal.

In unrelated news, I am very happy to see that Buffalo has new jerseys. Today was an alternate, but I read online that they eliminated the stupid slug-like buffalo, thank God. That thing was one of the worst logos in all of sports. Now if only the Buffalo sports teams would get rid of Buffaloes as logos, and go with whatever the team name is.

 

[LSN80]

So a big win for the Pittsburgh Penguins, doing something they couldn't do all of last year: Defeat the New Jersey Devils and Martin Brodeur.

Unlike the seasons first two games, where large gaffes by the defense or Marc-Andre fleury, the Penguins played a near perfect game. They again were lights out against the oppositions PP, but there were no soft goals this time. Brent Johnson started in net, and stopped 29 of 30 shots. Paul Martin seals the game with an empty net goal against his former team, and the still Jordan Staal-less Penguins get their first win of the season, one I personally felt was a must win.

When healthy, this is shaping up to be possibly the best defensive core in hockey, with all respect to Vancouver and Chicago. Paul Martin and Zbynek Michalek were given big long term contracts, both in mind of being the shut down defensemen they were in Jersey and Phoenix respectively. Michalek lead the league in blocked shots last year. Brooks Orpik is a solid stay at home defenseman who delivers big hits, and Kris Letang is an offensive defenseman who should be able to take the place of aging Sergei Gonchar on the power play. Alex Goligoski is terrific offensively, and is maturing into a good defender as well. Ben Lovejoy is the wild card, he doesn't have much experience under his belt, but played extremely well in his limited time last year. Depth is certainly a concern, with unproven, career minor league defensemen behind them on the NHL level, as well as the AHL. But I believe their top 6 is as good as any in hockey. Anyone else want to make a case for their teams D being better?

 

[Stuntz]

I am eagerly awaiting every game the Blues play this year. After killing the Ducks, I can definatley tell this is not the same team we have seen the last 2 to 3 years. We have alot more energy and more physical than I have seen them in many years. As far as the 35 to 1 odds on winning the cup I would take that in a heartbeat this year.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

I watched most of the Ranger game (turned it off towards the end of the second period for the Yankee postseason game), and I can say Stepan looked really good. His first goal came on a beautiful deflection set up by Avery doing what he does best. John Tortorella in his postgame not only praised him for his goals, but for his entire game. The best part of his whole game though was that his mother drove in from either Wisconsin or Minnesota for the game (which was in Buffalo), and the Rangers interviewed her after the first goal. It's always nice to see family there for big moments like that.

Helps that his Ma was a MILF and that the "friend" he had with him was hot as hell, too.

woah woah woah woah woah. I want to believe it, and the kid is either a first or second rounder from 2008, but it's only one game (granted against one of, if not the best goalie in the game in Ryan Miller). One game does not make someone the real deal.

Trust me, dude — I've been watching his game for three years now at Wisconsin. He's the real deal. He has everything it takes to make it at the NHL — above all else, the attitude. His attitude reminds me so much of Zach Parise it's unreal. He doesn't have the talent Parise does, but he does have the talent to perform at the same level of a Jonathan Toews or Brad Richards, though.

 

[LSN80]

Nice to see Marc Andre Fleury bounce back last night and get his first win of the season, especially allowing a goal on the first shot he faced. Fleury's been known to have a lack of focus, especially when he's given up an early goal.

The big debate here in Pittsburgh has been whether theres a goaltending controversy. Fleury was even called out in public by head coach Dan Bylsma, and then didnt play for 3 games. After last nights 4-3 overtime win(Fleury's first win), the Penguins are 1-3 with Fleury in net, and 4-0 with journeyman backup Brent Johnson in net. Johnson has shown alot of stability in net, and much of the problems in his career have been that he hasnt been able to stay injury-free. When he's been healthy, hes shown alot of the skills to be a No.1 goalie.

That being said, i feel the penguins have to stick with Fleury. He's their young, franchise goaltender at age 25. He lead them to a Stanley Cup in 2008 with fantastic play in games 6 and 7 against the veteran Red Wings team, minus Crosby in game 7. To me, no controversy should exist. Fleury should play, with Johnson just getting spot starts, unless a total meltdown occurs.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

How Dan Carcillo got away with what was a clear-cut headshot — albeit not as intentional as those prior to his who fast-tracked the rule into enactment in less than a season — is beyond me.

Sorry, but "lateral" or not, this is still a head-targeting hit, and he should have sat for it, especially if you consider Joe Thornton just got suspended two games for his hit on David Perron.

Spoiler

[YOUTUBE]b3kdHVzNzHM[/YOUTUBE]

And the Thornton hit that he was suspended two games for:

Spoiler

[YOUTUBE]vJr33aaE_MM[/YOUTUBE]

 

[hatehabsforever]

Love to hear people's thoughts on Tim Freakin' Thomas. 7-0-0. After last post-season and the emergence of Rask, everyone, myself included, had Thomas on his way out of Boston. All of a sudden, it's 2008-2009 all over again. Is Rask injured, or did Thomas just take over for him and get red hot? Either way, nice to know you have a goaltender as hot as Thomas has been, with Rask as a nice contingency plan when/if needed.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Love to hear people's thoughts on Tim Freakin' Thomas. 7-0-0. After last post-season and the emergence of Rask, everyone, myself included, had Thomas on his way out of Boston. All of a sudden, it's 2008-2009 all over again. Is Rask injured, or did Thomas just take over for him and get red hot? Either way, nice to know you have a goaltender as hot as Thomas has been, with Rask as a nice contingency plan when/if needed.

Thomas is an enigma. When he's hot, he's red hot, but when he's not he looks like one of the worst, most uncoordinated back-stoppers in the league.

He's probably one of the most unorthodox guys to play the position in years, but it's hard to say whether or not it'll continue — my guess is not.

Thomas has out-played Rask for now, but Rask has something on his side that Thomas does not have: youth. Rask is the future of goaltending in Boston, regardless of how well Thomas plays right now.

 

[gd]

So I went to the Pens game last night. The Console is sick, obviously. Exciting game from the start. Lots of goals, three (underwhelming) fights, stemming from Matt Cooke being a jackass. Some hot bitch in the seats next to me. Everything was good.

Except the 3rd period of course. A complete and utter collapse. Five unanswered goals is just ridiculous. I know it wasn't all his fault, but hopefully Brent Johnson's play last night ended some of the goaltender controversy. We need Fluery to be our guy if we wanna win a championship.

 

[hatehabsforever]

So I went to the Pens game last night. The Console is sick, obviously. Exciting game from the start. Lots of goals, three (underwhelming) fights, stemming from Matt Cooke being a jackass. Some hot bitch in the seats next to me. Everything was good.

Except the 3rd period of course. A complete and utter collapse. Five unanswered goals is just ridiculous. I know it wasn't all his fault, but hopefully Brent Johnson's play last night ended some of the goaltender controversy. We need Fluery to be our guy if we wanna win a championship.

Speaking of goaltending controversies, Tim Thomas is now 8-0-0. Rask is the future. Now there's a goaltending controversy for you.

I'm actually jealous that you got to see this game live. I wish your Penguins had fared better.

Actually that's a lie, as a lifelong Bruins fan, I'm glad they lost last night. I don't think you have too much to worry about, though, I'm sure the Penguins will be just fine.

 

[Rhonda Rousey's Sports Bra]

The Blues are rolling this year even with the blowout loss last night the Notes are looking great. It doesn't seem to matter who is between the pipes Ty Conklin or Jaroslav Halak. This team seems to have finally matured and look to be on the fast track to the playoffs. good things will come of this season for the Blues, I promise.

 

[gd]

Speaking of goaltending controversies, Tim Thomas is now 8-0-0. Rask is the future. Now there's a goaltending controversy for you.

I'm actually jealous that you got to see this game live. I wish your Penguins had fared better.

Actually that's a lie, as a lifelong Bruins fan, I'm glad they lost last night. I don't think you have too much to worry about, though, I'm sure the Penguins will be just fine.

Not so sure. I know there's a lot of season left, but we're at the outside looking in at the playoff picture at the moment. Fleury is a headcase, it appears. Jordan Staal is injured yet again for almost two months. Aaron freakin' Asham is on one of our top lines. Aaron Asham.

I still think we should be able to turn it around eventually because a team with this much talent shouldn't be struggling like this.

 

[Darryl The Hitman]

At least you've won a Cup fairly recently. I've been a Flames fan pretty much all my life so you can imagine how much fun I've had following hockey (other than 89 and 2004, of course). At least I'm realistic about it and know that the team currently sucks and I don't make excuses for it. Some of my fellow fans are not quite so in touch with reality.

Recently, in the user comments on a TSN.ca article (TSN is The Sports Network and is Canada's equivalent to ESPN) about the Flames, someone suggested a trade that made me shake my head. They suggested trading Iginla to Pittsburgh straight-up for Evgeni Malkin. Now while that would be a wonderful trade for the Fflmaes, I can't see why the Penguins would go for it. I felt like jumping in and posting that the original poster was thinking small. Why not trade him to the Capitals for Ovechkin and see if we can get them to throw Mike Green in as well while we're at it?

I personally would love to see Jarome retire a Flame but if he must be traded, I'd like them to try to get one of LA's young goalies so we would have someone to replace Kipper whenever he retires/is traded.