Official 2008-2009 NHL Season Thread

[a7xoff]

I just want to throw this out there.... The Rangers have played 27 games already...Only the Ducks and Hurricanes have hit 25, so the Rangers still do have a few games over basically the rest of league. Hey Mysteriofan, looks like Montreal is trying to get it going again... Something still doesn't seem to be clicking for them still, but they've played better over the last few games. They got a mediocre schedule upcoming with the Thrashers, Rangers, and still broken Devils. I'm thinkin they'll pick up a few points in those games.

Hayek, glad to see the Ducks are playin good at the moment. I just hate looking at the standings and seeing how far the Ducks are from the Sharks, and then seeing the difference in goals scored and allowed... Ducks have gotta tighten up even more on defense or score more cause they just have 4 more goals then allowed... However they're leading Detroit 1-0 right now

 

[RBH]

I never make excuses usually but playing Detroit on the tail end of a back to back games ir ough but playing at the Joe is worse,. I am just glad that they were able to keep it competitive and only lost 2-1. The Red Wings did outshoot us but our defense and goaltending is still our strength and the reason why we even compete with them in the first place. Good job Red Wings for evening up the season series.

 

[IrishCanadian25]

JS Giguere left the game tonight with "tightness in his groin area."

Now, if I am Jiggy, aside from being upset I had to leave the game, I use this to my advantage. It becomes my pick up line. I go straight to a bar where hockey fans are, find a hottie, walk up to her and say "hi, I am JS Giguere, and I have a tight groin area."

Seriously, the Ducks, like the Devils, will have a hard time without that #1 goalie playing.

 

[RBH]

JS Guggure is happily married.... Anyways, the Ducks have always been great at developing great goaltending so I dont think they would be in too much trouble without Giggure if we had to be without him. Hiller has played just fine for us and I think we could use the two strong goalies to our advantage. I just want more consistency outta the team so that we can be the first team since Detroit to win 2 titles in 3 years.

 

[a7xoff]

NHL Power Rankings 7th Edition

1.) San Jose Sharks (LW 2nd)
The Sharks continue to play near perfect hockey. They knocked Boston off the top sport in the rankings as the Sharks just continue to impress. Joe Thorton's 4 point night helped a lot in crushing Toronto last night. Averaging almost 4 goals a game helps out too.

2.) Boston Bruins (LW 1st)
I have a feeling for a little while it's going to be Boston and San Jose flip flopping for the top spot as both teams are just that damn good right now. Boston looses it's number 1 spot after a loss to the falling Sabers, but made up for it in destroying the Islanders and solidly beating Detroit. Boston went 11-1-1 in the month of November.

3.) Detroit Red Wings (LW 3rd)
After loosing to both Montreal and Boston, Detroit stays in the number 3 spot. Red Wing fans probably would love to have Chris Osgood in net, or a tougher defense. Otherwise though this team is still one of the leagues best.

4.) Pittsburgh Penguins (LW 5th)
The Pens move up the list after a very impressive win over the Devils. Congrats on the hat trick Crosby, him and Malkin are easily two of the best the league has to offer. If this team learns to find the back of the net on powerplays more... Watch Out!

5.) Philadelphia Flyers (LW 11th)
The Flyers suddenly woke up and are playing like a team again. By that I mean the team that surprised everyone last year. Yes they lost to Toronto, but not before a 6 game win streak and a 7 game point streak.

6.) Anaheim Ducks (LW 7th)
The Ducks move up a spot after carrying a 4 game win streak that was snapped in a very close games against Detroit. Over the last 5 games they've let in just 6 goals and scored 12. That sounds more like the Ducks to me.

7.) Vancouver Canucks (LW 4th)
Vancouver has dropped three straight. By now we know what that team is capable of, and I at least am thinking that they'll move back up soon enough.

8.) Calgary Flames (LW 13th)
Calgary takes a leap in the rankings after a three game win streak that got snapped by Dallas. WITHOUT AVERY!!!! Anywho... The Flames have pulled themselves together a bit and look to keep rolling.

9.) New York Rangers (LW 6th)
Bottom line... Rangers had 3 regulation wins in November, and lost 4-0 to Florida...I stand by my statement...

10.) Minnesota Wild (LW 9th)
Suddenly teams are starting to score on the Wild... Suddenly the Wild are scoring... If only they scored more when teams couldn't score on them.

11.) New Jersey Devils (LW 10th)
After loosing to the Penguins 4-1 the Devils have been out of action until tomorrow where they play the Flyers. Great news for all Devils fans... Holik, Rolston, and Madden are all skating at practice!

12.) Chicago Blackhawks (LW 8th)
The Blackhawks have had a little bit of a bumpy road to travel on lately. They ride a three game loosing streak into their game tonight against the Ducks, but still looked very good in thier OT loss to San Jose.

13.) Montreal Canadians (LW NR)
Montreal is trying to get things going again. They beat Detroit, but notafter loosing to OT bouts to the Bruins and Islanders. After beating the Red Wings, they were shut out by Washington now to rebound and win two straight. However letting Atlanta score 4 goals in one period is not a good thing.

14.) Washington Capitals ( LW 12th)
Stumbling along are the Caps. After shutting out Montreal the Caps have been shut out by Columbus and lost to Florida. Those are two teams that Washington should easily be able to beat.

15.) Dallas Stars (LW NR)
Don't get me wrong their playing horribly and by no means are on here cause of their play. They're on here so I can say THANK YOU to the Stars for dealing with Avery in a way he should have been dealt with long ago.

Question Of The Week
Very basic here... What do you think of a lot of the new rules the NHL has added since the lockout?

Personally I like some of them. Two line passes, the goalie trapazoid are a couple of the things I like that the NHL has added in. The throwing the puck over the glass delay of game is good too. However, the league has to cut back on the hooking calls. I mean it's next to impossible to play real good defense without getting called for something. Instead of giving a little hook to the offense, defense are basically extra goalies and are forced to block shots, otherwise they get penalized. Let them play hockey I say, let them check, let them hook to an extent, and for the love of God don't take fighting away.

 

[RBH]

I do not want to see Dallas anywhere near your supposed power rankings next time. They suck this year. That is fact. The Anaheim Ducks won again today at home. They play well against everyone at home. We did give the Sharks one of their three losses this year at Honda Center but cannot seem to solve them at HP Pavilion.

How about the LA Kings? I am not a fan of the Kings by any means but it would be amazing if the Kings could make the playoffs this year. Do you guys know that the Ducks and Kings have NEVER and the Rob Hayek means NEVER made the playoffs in the same season ever before? Yes the Ducks have been alive for 16 years and it has never happened. I kinda want it to happen because I want to play them in the first round.

 

[RBH]

We are officially at the halfway point of the NHL season and my Anaheim Ducks have fallen to 7th in the west with only 2 points leading the 9th place Wild (gulp). I am actually quite relieved that the all star break is here and now the Ducks can clear their heads and hopefully, hopefully get a win Monday over the Coyotes. We get Temmu Selane and Todd Merchant back next week so i am very excited about that. Kent Huskins is coming back too so we get our 2nd best offensive player and 2 of our better defensive players. Of course the Ducks are without Francois Beachemen for the rest of the year and that sucks but I am confident that they can get out of this stupid rut that they are in and finish at least 4th possibly in the west.

 

[a7xoff]

We are officially at the halfway point of the NHL season and my Anaheim Ducks have fallen to 7th in the west with only 2 points leading the 9th place Wild (gulp). I am actually quite relieved that the all star break is here and now the Ducks can clear their heads and hopefully, hopefully get a win Monday over the Coyotes. We get Temmu Selane and Todd Merchant back next week so i am very excited about that. Kent Huskins is coming back too so we get our 2nd best offensive player and 2 of our better defensive players. Of course the Ducks are without Francois Beachemen for the rest of the year and that sucks but I am confident that they can get out of this stupid rut that they are in and finish at least 4th possibly in the west.

Ya that about sums up my opinion on the Ducks as well. They can beat New Jersey then loose to the Islanders?????? I mean they're like a minor league team... Come on 1 win all of 2009 so far... So sad it was against the Ducks too... Anyway... Hopefully the Ducks can get out of the mess that they are in. They still look like a great team, but for some reason they just haven't been playing like one...

Yep so we're at the halfway point of the season. The All Star Game is on Sunday, and then a two day break, and boom the Devils are facing Ottowa. I have to say I am very, very impressed with the Devils this season. Barring a second half meltdown, I will be proud of the team no matter how far they go. I mean seriously at the start of the season when the team was basically a big injury list nobody thought they were going to do much, and now they sit on top of the Atlantic Division again and 3rd in the East. That's without Brodeur whom is still out due to an injury. The team's style has changed in a big way. Something happened in early December and suddenly the Devils stopped playing dump and chase, and began to crash the net. It's paid off big time as we're actually tied for 5th I believe in goals scored while still boasting a great defense and goals against with again around 5th in the league. The Devils enter the break on a 5 game win streak and look to (and should be able to) extend it to a season long 6 against Ottowa.

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

The halfway point of the season has come and I'm still surprised at how well the Bruins have played. I really thought they would come back down to earth, but not yet. Reminds me of the Canadiens last year. Ya, the Sharks are dominating the regular season, but I still see them bowing out in the playoffs once again, I just can't trust them in the playoffs to think they will go all the way.

My leafs are pretty much where I expected them. They have been competitive most nights which is good, but other games they just lack any emotion. I'm still expecting big moves from them and can't wait to see this team after the trade deadline.

Another surprise to me is the way the Devils have played without Brodeur. They have hung in there and kept pace with the other East teams are still in the thick of things in their division. Great support from Clemmenson to help this team out and once Brodeur gets back, the Devils can make the extra step and maybe take the division lead.

I'm still shocked that Anaheim has dropped to 7th and Phoenix is sitting in 5th. I really believe that the loss to Selanne has been hard to get over, but hopefully his return sparks that team and brings them back to the top four spots. Phoenix I still don't know how they keep winning, but they do have a very good young core of players. I still want to see how they do down the stretch.

 

[a7xoff]

Well Simpsons Fanatic the Devils have already taken that next step in taking the Division lead. In fact they took it before the All Star Break. Tonight the Devils beat Ottowa by a score of 4-1. Not surprised at all that they beat the Sens. However I was very impressed when the Devils killed off a 4 minute penalty allowing 0 shots on goal. Clemmers again only gave up 1 goal and got his first 20 win season in the process. That fellow, Parise, he just keeps impressing me more and more every game. His line at the All Star Game, if it ever becomes an actual line... It will be scary.... Tonight he made an incredible pass as he was falling that led to the Devils 3rd goal I believe? Shanahan has 2 goals in his first three games since coming back to the Devils. I just hate that Pandolfo is the guy sitting out right now...

Here's a surprise of the season I haven't seen yet... Columbus. They're looking like a team that can make it to the playoffs for the first time. They did beat Detroit tonight, have a win over San Jose, and played a very good game against the Devils. If Columbus can just become a little more consistant, that team could be playoff bound.

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

Yes, it was a good win by the Devils tonight. Clemmenson has been great in relief that's for sure. As far as Pandolfo goes, I've heard rumours that he and Madden may be on the trading block as they've seen decreased minutes this year.

Toronto got rocked tonight against the Wild. The real thing about this loss that bothers me is that Pogge was in net. I'm really pushing for him to be called up permenently, but this game won't help his cause. I know it wasn't hisw fault on most goals, but Wilson won't like the performance either way. He is going to be called up sparingly for the rest of the season so hopefully he improves.

As for Columbus, they are definitely in the playoff race and I do wish them luck, especially for Nash. There are also rumours about Columbus shopping for a top-six forward and they have been linked to Antropov and even Spezza. They are also looking for a top defenceman like Kubina. I feel if they address those needs they are very capable of making the playoffs.

 

[a7xoff]

Ugh well I for one will be upset if we traded either Madden or Pandolfo.... Or both for that matter. Pandolfo has been with the Devils since I started watching a long time ago. I hope that he is able to finish out his career with the Devils. Last night we won 4-1 in a game that I talked about in a previous post.

I've been hearing a lot of talk about Dallas as the All Star Break began. A lot of people have been saying that now that Avery, and all of his controversey is gone, Dallas will start to pull back together. I think they have, but not consistantly. I mean this month they did beat Detroit. That has to say something. Now I don't think that Dallas is goingto be a threat for any sort of a run in the playoffs, but perhaps they can make it in as they are just 3 points from a 7th seed in the West... In fact Dallas is just 4 points out of a tie for 5th. Right now though... Dallas sits in 11th.

Right now the coldest team in the league is Vancouver. 6 straight losses. Granted the last 2 were OT losses, none the less Luongo has not been able to carry the team as he did before he was injured. In fact compared to now, Vancouver was playing better without him. I'm afraid of a similar situation happening in NJ when Marty gets back. I mean every one always says Marty carries the Devils, and Luongo carries the Canucks. Both teams did pretty well for themselves without their respective goalies. However Vancouver has really not done well since he came back, and I just hope that Marty coming back will not lower the Devils level of play.

 

[Mr. TM]

The Canucks in general are cool, but the last couple games where they did lose in Overtime, they are regenerating a spark. The Canucks have for the longest time been a better second half team then they have been a first half team. Luongo is a little rusty, that is for sure, but he did play pretty will at the All Star Game. Hopefully now he will get going again and lead the team to an impressive second half. If Sundin gets playing up to his normal skills, then the team will be firing on all cylinders. I look at the Canucks, and see a team that can only get better, and they can get a lot better.

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

With the addition of Sundin, I definitely think the Canucks 1st and 2nd line will get a good boost, but I'm not sure that will be enough to take this team to the next level in the Western Conference. They are solid between the pipes with Luongo and they are decent defence wise, but I just feel that a piece is missing on that team. I don't really know what it is, but when I look at their roster I just feel like something is missing.

Basically their 1st and 2nd lines consist of Sundin, Sedin twins, Demitra, Bernier, and Wellwood, with some changes every so often. Solid group I think, but I feel like more fire power wouldn't hurt. On defence, they have Ohlund and Salo anchoring the defence, with Mitchell and Bieksa behind them. Again, a decent group but nothing to write home about.

Maybe I feel like their forwards don't have enough depth after the first 2 lines, but again something is missing and I don't think they can hang with the elite in the West, like the Wings and Sharks.

 

[Mr. TM]

I think the Canucks have a chance to at least be one of the top divisional teams by the end of this year. The North West has become a poor division it seems, at one time it was one of the best, now it is one of the poorer. But maybe that is a good thing, teams in the division may need to rebuild. I don't know if the Canucks will need to start that process in a few years, I am just worried that they will, and I'll have to put up with a poor team for a few more years.

 

[a7xoff]

I read an article today that there was nearly a fight at the Canucks practice... Not for nothing, but you know things are going the wrong way when you have teammates going at it...

The Devils have extended the win streak to 8 now. They beat Boston in a great game last night, and beat the Penguins tonight. Both were in OT and both required the Devils to come from behind. The Devils beat Boston... The number 1 team in the east right now. Say what you will, but if you saw the game, Boston got away with a couple things that I don't think they should have, and it led to them getting a goal... Not to mention a huge miscue by Clemmers... Anywho though the Devils won the game and increased their Atlantic lead a little bit. The next big test is comin on Tuesday against Washington.

 

[Mr. TM]

The Canucks did have a bit of a fight at their practice, between Raymond and Mitchell. Luongo commented, and said that he thought that it was good for the team, and then got in a little bit of an altercation from the media over that statement. Overall, the team needs to get its spark back, and this might be the thing that does that, or breaks the camels back.

 

[klunderbunker]

As just a casual hockey fan I don't have much authority when I say this. It appears that Boston and San Jose are the front runners for the finals and that to me isn't good for the NHL. Yet again it would be two random teams playing for the Cup. This happens nearly every year in the NHL and it seems that it's one of the biggest issues. Teams go from nothing to champions in an offseason. Boston and San Jose are both good if not great teams this season, but where were they last season? The Wings are good this year but not great. The parity in the NHL is insane and to me it hurts the game a lot.

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

I see what you're saying KB, but for the more in depth fan, no offence, I feel it's good to have some balanced competition other than the same 4 teams in the finals every year.

As for San Jose and Boston, San Jose has been a great regular season team for awhile now, but are choke-artists in the playoffs. Boston was a borderline playoff team last year, but they were just maturing and gelling together because they were young. Now, I didn't expect them to mature to the top of the standings in one season, but they were expected to challenge for a top spot in the East. I am not surprised that San Jose is where they are, but I still won't trust them in the playoffs until they prove something, so for now I don't see them winning the cup or even making it to the finals. Boston has a chance because of the competition in the East, which they are on par with or above right now. Either way, I love the balance in the NHL and keeps things exciting and fresh.

But I do understand your stance as a casual fan because the big market teams are the ones that attract the casual fan, such as yourself. San Jose is not as big a market as other hockey towns, but Boston is an original six team, so that should count for something and it should be refreshing to see them back in the thick of things. The original six seem to be getting better all at once, minus the Leafs for now, which is great to see in my eyes.

 

[klunderbunker]

None taken.

The thing that a lot of people don't realize is how big of a market San Jose really is. It's one of the top 15 cities in America as far as population go. While I'm not sure how many of them are hockey fans, some of them have to be. You're absolutely right it is a good thing to see so many of the original 6 getting better. They started the sport and it's always good to see the old powers against the new. Hockey is still very fun to watch on a week to week basis. Here I mainly only get Blue Jackets games though, which sucks because I'm a Stars fan.

As for the balance you're talking abotu, that's very true. A balance needs to be had between the traditional powers and a group of teams that change on a yearly basis. It's always fun to see the old guard taking on the young up and coming teams. I just wish there was more of that. The biggest issue I think the NHL is facing is that there's too many teams. You could contract a few of them and it would begin to unsaturate the market, but that's a story for another thread.

I wouldn't want the same four teams in the finals every year. I'd like to see some continuity though. Typically in other sports it takes a long time for a team to grow from awful to a great team. Watching this transition over a period of say 5 years is some of the most fun you can have in sports. To me, and I'm not saying this is the case for everyone at all, when teams come from nowhere to be one of the top teams, things get a big confusing, as if to say where did they come from? It's very fun once in awhile, but not all the time. Take Pitt for example. For the last few years they've built up a great team built around Crosby, culminating last year in the conference championship. That was just fun to watch them challenge the superpower Wings. Of course that can't happen all the time, but you get the idea.

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

I agree that San Jose is a big market, population wise, and yes they do have their fanbase. The American fans are hard to convince when it comes to hockey. If it's not a prominent hockey market, like Detroit, then most of the nights there will be empty seats. As for their being too many teams, well that may change with the state of the economy as it is. Phoenix is already in trouble, as is Nashville. They are struggling in their current location and could very well be relocating. The NHL needs to find the proper markets for hockey and build a franchise there. Kansas City is lobbying for a team right now and they even have plans for a stadium. There are also people who want Canada to gain another team, for obvious reasons.

 

[Mr. TM]

I think to along with that, the NHL is obviously hyping a couple cities especially in the East to be in the finals this year. The obvious one is Montreal. The city was awarded the All Star Game, as well as playing its 100th year as a team. Being that it would be the 16th year since a Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup (last being Montreal), and Montreal being such a large market team, the NHL obviously wants Montreal to be in the top four this year.

 

[klunderbunker]

Moving the teams would be fine. Seriously, do Columbus, Nashville and Orlando need hockey teams? Put them in cold climates where people like hockey. When the Kings came into the league they were put there because there were 800,000 Canadians in LA. When polled, the main reason they moved to LA: They were sick of hockey. LA has a team because it's the second biggest city in America. Move some teams around, contract them, whatever. Either way there's too many teams that just don't make any money. Get rid of them. It would help things out.

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

I think to along with that, the NHL is obviously hyping a couple cities especially in the East to be in the finals this year. The obvious one is Montreal. The city was awarded the All Star Game, as well as playing its 100th year as a team. Being that it would be the 16th year since a Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup (last being Montreal), and Montreal being such a large market team, the NHL obviously wants Montreal to be in the top four this year.

Since it is Montreal's 100th year, they have been awarded alot of the NHL events, like the All-Star game and the draft. While I agree that the NHL would like Montreal in the top four, I feel that Bettman wants an American to continue to win the Stanley Cup so the fanbase can increase. It's no secret he wants to cater to the American fans and teams so I think he can live without a Canadian team winning the cup.

Also, screw the Habs.

 

[klunderbunker]

As far as the Montreal thing goes and Bettman wanting an American team, that would make sense. Canada is always going to be hockey crazy so they don't need it to get over. Americans simply aren't big fans of the game. I've always at least liked it and a lot of my friends do as well. However I could easily see the complaints from Canadian teams about never winning the cup. That's their game and they rarely win. I'd be upset if the Blue Jays always won the World Series.