Official 2011-'12 NHL Thread

[B35 via Church]

don't know what practical reasons in that context is supposed to mean....

 

I still say shifting teams around is a waste of time & won't make a difference.... it's professional sports, these guys are gonna have to travel all over the place throughout the season anyway.... it'd be one thing if east coast teams only played east coast teams throughout the season (for example).... but since that's not the case, I'd leave the current alignment as is.....

[Shortline Bus]

don't know what practical reasons in that context is supposed to mean....

 

I still say shifting teams around is a waste of time & won't make a difference.... it's professional sports, these guys are gonna have to travel all over the place throughout the season anyway.... it'd be one thing if east coast teams only played east coast teams throughout the season (for example).... but since that's not the case, I'd leave the current alignment as is.....

 

Bro(B35)not sure you heard but the Atlanta NHL team did moved at the 'last minute' in July to Winnipeg(in Midwest Canada)and Bettman and league did not have time to shift them to either the Central Division in the NHL West (i.e Detroit/Chicago 'home'.)or preferably the NW Division (i.e Minnesota and the Western Canada clubs i.e Oilers, Flames and Cancucks.)

 

Bettman and the owners were trying to make a more drastic realignment and bring back the pre 1993 division setup similar to the old Patrick, Symthe, etc.

 

With that said I agree with all of you (B35) Tokkemon, VG8, just shift to Winnpeg to the Central or Northwest Division and move either the Red Wings or Nashville clubs to the Southeast.

[Via Garibaldi 8]

Bro(B35)not sure you heard but the Atlanta NHL team did moved at the 'last minute' in July to Winnipeg(in Midwest Canada)and Bettman and league did not have time to shift them to either the Central Division in the NHL West (i.e Detroit/Chicago 'home'.)or preferably the NW Division (i.e Minnesota and the Western Canada clubs i.e Oilers, Flames and Cancucks.)

 

Bettman and the owners were trying to make a more drastic realignment and bring back the pre 1993 division setup similar to the old Patrick, Symthe, etc.

 

With that said I agree with all of you (B35) Tokkemon, VG8, just shift to Winnpeg to the Central or Northwest Division and move either the Red Wings or Nashville clubs to the Southeast.

 

Only Nashville would someone what fit in the Southeast based on their geographic location IMO.

[Tokkemon]

So, Brad Marchand has been suspended five games for his hit on Canuck Sami Salo. Depending on which side of the Rockies you're on, there's much poo flinging from both sides for who's to blame.

[Via Garibaldi 8]

Only Nashville would someone what fit in the Southeast based on their geographic location IMO.

 

Good God... I think Shortline is wearing off on me... :eek: Dunno what in the hell I wrote in that previous post. I meant to say that only Nashville would fit into the Southeast Division IMO based on their geographic location.

 

So, Brad Marchand has been suspended five games for his hit on Canuck Sami Salo. Depending on which side of the Rockies you're on, there's much poo flinging from both sides for who's to blame.

 

 

It's really hard to say IMO. However Marchand does have a past for dirty hits and his hit could've ended Salo's career. There was no evidence that Salo was looking to line up Marchand so I agree with the 5 game suspension.

[Shortline Bus]

Congrats to the Flames Jarome Iginla on scoring his 500th Career NHL Goal. On this past Saturday (January 7th 2012) Iginla scored his 500th goal and moved much closer to getting an automatic bid to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Here the video clip on a HNIC game. Man this landmark goal got no media attention here in the US including bad job by ESPN sportscenter.

 

 

 

[Via Garibaldi 8]

Congrats to the Flames Jarome Iginla on scoring his 500th Career NHL Goal. On this past Saturday (January 7th 2012) Iginla scored his 500th goal and moved much closer to getting an automatic bid to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Here the video clip on a HNIC game. Man this landmark goal got no media attention here in the US including bad job by ESPN sportscenter.

 

 

 

 

lol... ESPN... It was on NHL Network... Good enough for me. :cool:

[Shortline Bus]

lol... ESPN... It was on NHL Network... Good enough for me. :cool:

 

Not everyone has NHL Network in America VG8. Thus US NHL fans might have missed it.

[B35 via Church]

Congrats to the Flames Jarome Iginla on scoring his 500th Career NHL Goal. On this past Saturday (January 7th 2012) Iginla scored his 500th goal and moved much closer to getting an automatic bid to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

 

Jarome Iginla.... HOF...

 

heh, sad part about that is, I thought the guy fell off the face of the earth.... aint know he was still playin....

He had his moment in the sun w/ the hype he got in his first couple years, then you stopped hearin about him all of a sudden...

[Via Garibaldi 8]

Not everyone has NHL Network in America VG8. Thus US NHL fans might have missed it.

 

Yeah, but the diehards have it. Who cares about the others?

 

Jarome Iginla.... HOF...

 

heh, sad part about that is, I thought the guy fell off the face of the earth.... aint know he was still playin....

He had his moment in the sun w/ the hype he got in his first couple years, then you stopped hearin about him all of a sudden...

 

Are you kidding me?? Iginla has been the face of the Flames since he was traded for Joe Nieuwendyk. Without him the Flames would be terrible. In fact there have been trade rumors surrounding him for the last few years because he's really the only big asset they have that is worth something. The reason you haven't heard much about him is because the Flames have struggled for years now and have missed the playoffs for many seasons. The problem is they're far too old and need to rebuild. They're solid in net, but are weak in terms of "D" and wingers. Guys like Hannan and Jokinen... Wayyy overrated and overpaid... They need more youth and need to dump salary.

[Shortline Bus]

Yeah, but the diehards have it. Who cares about the others?

 

 

 

Are you kidding me?? Iginla has been the face of the Flames since he was traded for Joe Nieuwendyk. Without him the Flames would be terrible. In fact there have been trade rumors surrounding him for the last few years because he's really the only big asset they have that is worth something. The reason you haven't heard much about him is because the Flames have struggled for years now and have missed the playoffs for many seasons. The problem is they're far too old and need to rebuild. They're solid in net, but are weak in terms of "D" and wingers. Guys like Hannan and Jokinen... Wayyy overrated and overpaid... They need more youth and need to dump salary.

 

 

For the right deal, the Flames should consider trading Iginla and 'rebulid" IMO. It would be nice if he finished his carrer there but from trying to become a playoff contender, for at least 3-4 top prospects I would trade him.

Hell Grezty did not finish his carrer with the Oilers. Just making a point.

 

And VG8 another self centered remark. The NHL Network is not on every cable system in the US even on added packages. So to say, every NHL diehard has it is wrong again. This is another example of why I still say Bettman should made added ESPN2 to the mix when he extended the US TV package with NBC/NBC Sports Net. Despite it's many faults, Sportscenter is still the only real National Sportsnews show for American sports fans.

Granted with the NFL playoffs and the NCAA College football title game would have gone most of the coverage, still i am sure ESPN would have mentioned Iginla's milestone on their show.

[Via Garibaldi 8]

For the right deal, the Flames should consider trading Iginla and 'rebulid" IMO. It would be nice if he finished his carrer there but from trying to become a playoff contender, for at least 3-4 top prospects I would trade him.

Hell Grezty did not finish his carrer with the Oilers. Just making a point.

 

And VG8 another self centered remark. The NHL Network is not on every cable system in the US even on added packages. So to say, every NHL diehard has it is wrong again. This is another example of why I still say Bettman should made added ESPN2 to the mix when he extended the US TV package with NBC/NBC Sports Net. Despite it's many faults, Sportscenter is still the only real National Sportsnews show for American sports fans.

Granted with the NFL playoffs and the NCAA College football title game would have gone most of the coverage, still i am sure ESPN would have mentioned Iginla's milestone on their show.

 

Yeah well the Gretzky thing was very different. The Iginla situation is also quite unique and I don't think they should trade him. They need to build around him because he has carried them for years. If they were to trade him, I think they would be going backwards. What they need to do is try to dump as much salary as possible by ridding themselves of overpriced players via trades where possible and start trying to bring guys up from their farm team.

 

As for the NHL Network, well I wouldn't have signed up for FiOS if it didn't have NHL Network. That was the first thing that I asked about. In any event, the point was that diehard NHL fans have ways of getting their NHL news. That's why so many of us subscribe to the NHL games on line. When I lived near Montréal, we had CBC, which was great because every Saturday during the season was "hockey night". Love Hockey Night in Canada. :cool:

[Tokkemon]

I can't afford NHL Network. So I listen to the Canucks games online from the local TEAM 1040 radio. 100X better commentators than anything on NHL Network or NBC or wherever. There's even a joke where (in Vancouver) its common to watch the game on CBC and listen to it on the radio.

[B35 via Church]

The NHL Network thing, I'm not gonna go apeshit over.... It's not that I can't afford it, I simply don't want it....

Same deal w/ the other sports networks where you gotta pay extra just to get them....

 

 

For the right deal, the Flames should consider trading Iginla and 'rebulid" IMO. It would be nice if he finished his carrer there but from trying to become a playoff contender, for at least 3-4 top prospects I would trade him.

 

Are you kidding me?? Iginla has been the face of the Flames since he was traded for Joe Nieuwendyk. Without him the Flames would be terrible. In fact there have been trade rumors surrounding him for the last few years because he's really the only big asset they have that is worth something. he reason you haven't heard much about him is because the Flames have struggled for years now and have missed the playoffs for many seasons. The problem is they're far too old and need to rebuild. They're solid in net, but are weak in terms of "D" and wingers. Guys like Hannan and Jokinen... Wayyy overrated and overpaid... They need more youth and need to dump salary.

 

@ Via Garibaldi 8:

No, I am not kidding you.... I didn't know the man was still in the league.

 

I get the whole notion of "quiet superstars", but this is ridiculous..... Star players on bad teams still don't tend to lose recognition/hype the way Iginla has (a good example of that is Rick Nash).... yeah yeah, we know, different situation, got that rudimentary concept....

 

As for as Hannan, never heard of him.... Olli Jokinen is overrated, that I agree with....

 

 

@ the both of you (although more directed at Shortline)

Whether they should rebuild via trading him or not, I don't know....

 

Way I see it, it wouldn't help w/e team that would end up gettin Iginla.... and for the love of god, No, I'm not implicating that the man's a subpar player.... Seen enough cases (not just in the NHL, but throughout other sports) where star players of a particular franchise end up on some other team & don't amount to much of anything.... I'm not just referring to the late 30 something that joins some other team to (conceivably) boost their chances in winning a title either.....

[Via Garibaldi 8]

The NHL Network thing, I'm not gonna go apeshit over.... It's not that I can't afford it, I simply don't want it....

Same deal w/ the other sports networks where you gotta pay extra just to get them....

 

lol... I don't pay extra for mine. It's included in my package w/FiOS. :cool:

 

@ Via Garibaldi 8:

No, I am not kidding you.... I didn't know the man was still in the league.

 

I get the whole notion of "quiet superstars", but this is ridiculous..... Star players on bad teams still don't tend to lose recognition/hype the way Iginla has (a good example of that is Rick Nash).... yeah yeah, we know, different situation, got that rudimentary concept....

 

As for as Hannan, never heard of him.... Olli Jokinen is overrated, that I agree with....

 

 

@ the both of you (although more directed at Shortline)

Whether they should rebuild via trading him or not, I don't know....

 

Way I see it, it wouldn't help w/e team that would end up gettin Iginla.... and for the love of god, No, I'm not implicating that the man's a subpar player.... Seen enough cases (not just in the NHL, but throughout other sports) where star players of a particular franchise end up on some other team & don't amount to much of anything.... I'm not just referring to the late 30 something that joins some other team to (conceivably) boost their chances in winning a title either.....

 

Well it's not like Calgary is shown on TV. Think about the last time you saw the Flames on Versus or NBC?? I can't remember once seeing the Flames on either channel. They're shown on NHL Network and of course CBC... As for Rick Nash... LOL... The reason you still hear of him is because he's being tossed around in the media about not being a leader and how he can't handle being a Captain. In his case the fact that he's young does help him because the thought is that maybe he could still be a great player on another team that has less baggage. Iginla on the other hand has had some great years but he goes about things quietly. I've seen him in several interviews and he's a very humble, easy going guy. Probably a little too boring for the media. Has the wife and family at home, stays out of trouble, etc. Furthermore, when you're playing good, the media can't say too much. The only question that's been talked about with him is will he finish his career in Calgary or will he be traded. The guy has had a great career though.... Not too many guys in the 500 club.

 

I have to say having watched the Blue Jackets a lot this season (watched the Blackhawks/Blue Jackets game last night) the thought has crossed my mind of if he would be a better player on another team that had wingers that he could play with. Quite frankly he's really the only big scorer they have and it's difficult to produce when you know that all of the teams are keying in on you and you have mediocre wingers to play with. I believe he's been playing a bit w/Carter this season, but Carter has been on IR list a lot this season as has the PP specialist Wisniewski.

[Shortline Bus]

What been overlooked the last few weeks as the NFL winds down it's season, is the NHL. My NY rangers are having their best start to a regular season in over 15 years (since the 1995-'96 season)so any reactions?

 

 

Meanwhile according to a local Detroit newspaper and USA Today, the Red Wings will host the 2013 NHL Winter classic vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs at Univ. of Mich stadium in nearby Ann Arbor, Mich. The game could produce a world record attendence for a pro hockey as the home of the Univ of Mich College Football team seats just over 100,000 fans.

 

Reactions?

 

Next Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium; should draw 110K

[Via Garibaldi 8]

What been overlooked the last few weeks as the NFL winds down it's season, is the NHL. My NY rangers are having their best start to a regular season in over 15 years (since the 1995-'96 season)so any reactions?

 

 

Meanwhile according to a local Detroit newspaper and USA Today, the Red Wings will host the 2013 NHL Winter classic vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs at Univ. of Mich stadium in nearby Ann Arbor, Mich. The game could produce a world record attendence for a pro hockey as the home of the Univ of Mich College Football team seats just over 100,000 fans.

 

Reactions?

 

Next Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium; should draw 110K

 

I'm not sure how good the Rangers will be this year, but I think if they want to go far or even be considered as Cup contenders they've got to get Lundqvist to go to that next level. He's a good goalie, but lets in too many cheap goals.

 

As for the Wings and Leafs if the Leafs keep playing good hockey next year, it could be a good match.

[Tokkemon]

I simply cannot see the Rangers getting the President's trophy. They will be like the Wild at the start of the year. They start well and maybe sustain it for a while, but suddenly collapse, like they have done in the past.

 

BTW, anyone seen how tight the race is in the Western Conference? It seems unusually divided between the top/elite teams and the bottom-feeders.

[Shortline Bus]

I'm not sure how good the Rangers will be this year, but I think if they want to go far or even be considered as Cup contenders they've got to get Lundqvist to go to that next level. He's a good goalie, but lets in too many cheap goals.

 

As for the Wings and Leafs if the Leafs keep playing good hockey next year, it could be a good match.

 

 

Hey outside of hardcore NHL fans like VG8, did anyone would guess Mr. Thomas a descent (also a Journeymen Goalie)until last season would lead the Bruins to the Stanley Cup? Lundqvist is a much better goalie than Thomas. However I do agree the Rangers Goalie needs to be world class if the Blueshirts want to go deep in playoffs or even mention the "C" word(Stanley Cup).

 

As far as the Red Wings hosting the '13 winter classic, the Detroit tv stations/papers claim it's a 'done deal.' Only question is if the game is at most likely at nearby Ann Arbor(and likely break the NHL single game atttendence record)or Downtown Detroit at the Tigers Baseball stadium vs. the Leafs.

[Via Garibaldi 8]

I simply cannot see the Rangers getting the President's trophy. They will be like the Wild at the start of the year. They start well and maybe sustain it for a while, but suddenly collapse, like they have done in the past.

 

BTW, anyone seen how tight the race is in the Western Conference? It seems unusually divided between the top/elite teams and the bottom-feeders.

 

Well the key thing with the Rangers is work ethic. If Tortorella can keep them working hard, they can go far. I don't see them getting the President's trophy either. They have Richards and Gaborik, but both have histories of being injured, so they have to stay healthy, work hard and hope these two guys can keep producing. They also need a strong Lundqvist and a solid defense. Too many ifs in my opinion, and I think they could use a few more goal scorers. A few of their home grown guys still need more time to grow and also haven't been producing in the goals department.

[Shortline Bus]

Here NY Times article confirming that prior to start of next NHL season, the Islanders will play at least '1' pre-season game at the new Barclays Arena future home of the NBA Nets. Although Charles Wang and team officals deny it, could it be still be a test in maybe in summer of 2015 when their Nassau lease is up, for a future home in Brooklyn?:confused:

 

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/01/nyregion/at-barclays-center-islanders-to-play-where-hockey-was-an-afterthought.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=islanders&st=cse

[Via Garibaldi 8]

Here NY Times article confirming that prior to start of next NHL season, the Islanders will play at least '1' pre-season game at the new Barclays Arena future home of the NBA Nets. Although Charles Wang and team officals deny it, could it be still be a test in maybe in summer of 2015 when their Nassau lease is up, for a future home in Brooklyn?:confused:

 

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/01/nyregion/at-barclays-center-islanders-to-play-where-hockey-was-an-afterthought.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=islanders&st=cse

 

LOL... Charles Wang would be a moron to consider such a proposal. The Islanders would be the odd man out at the Barclays Arena, plus there are just too many events there to make it attractive. I could see them being on the road for long stretches at a time which is certainly not good.

[Grand Concourse]

I think it is a great idea. I know ppl say the arena is not big enough for an nhl team, but what's the fan base at this point? They are not the 80s team that won so many titles. The arena has great mass transit options and the LIRR so fans can still get there. The arena could be better used by both the Nets and Isles, and not waste taxpayer money for one nhl team. And best of all, they don't even need to change their logos as they are still on the Island.

 

As far as traveling- it'd save on costs by having teams play long stretches of games away (in the same region of the country: all east trip, all west trip, etc) and then long stretches at home imo.

[Via Garibaldi 8]

I think it is a great idea. I know ppl say the arena is not big enough for an nhl team, but what's the fan base at this point? They are not the 80s team that won so many titles. The arena has great mass transit options and the LIRR so fans can still get there. The arena could be better used by both the Nets and Isles, and not waste taxpayer money for one nhl team. And best of all, they don't even need to change their logos as they are still on the Island.

 

As far as traveling- it'd save on costs by having teams play long stretches of games away (in the same region of the country: all east trip, all west trip, etc) and then long stretches at home imo.

 

I'm sorry but teams do not want to play long stretches on the road if they don't have to. Just look at Winnipeg. It makes it difficult to be competitive and forces teams to be really good at home before going on long, grueling road trips that require extensive travel. NHL teams want to be in arenas that are suitable for their needs and not everyone elses.

 

The best option is for them to try to secure an arena on Long Island perhaps through private funds since the tax payers already rejected the public proposal. As for the fan base they're not putting a winning product on the ice, so of course people won't show up to see a losing product night in and night out. They've got good talent that has clearly underachieved. Kyle Okposo should be given the rest of this season to prove himself or be traded or waived, as he has been completely unproductive for weeks at a time, though his play has picked up a bit of late.

 

Di Pietro should be traded or waived as well as he is constantly on the IR and Montoya (if he can stay healthy) should be given the #1 role.

 

I would trade Nabakov during this trading deadline and get something for him while he's still worth something because at 36 he's not getting younger.

 

There is no question that a fresh start could refuel the Islanders, but I don't Brooklyn is the right fit. If they were to move there, it would clearly be a last effort to keep the team in New York because the seating capacity for hockey is one of the smallest if not the smallest in hockey, right up there with Winnipeg.

[Shortline Bus]

VG8 being fair in NBA the Lakers and Clippers 'share' the Staples Center with the NHL Kings. And closer to home to the Jets and Giants at the new Giants aka Metlife stadium? Also several NBA/NHL teams including the Knicks and Rangers. Why you would oppose it?

 

 

I'm sorry but teams do not want to play long stretches on the road if they don't have to. Just look at Winnipeg. It makes it difficult to be competitive and forces teams to be really good at home before going on long, grueling road trips that require extensive travel. NHL teams want to be in arenas that are suitable for their needs and not everyone elses.

 

The best option is for them to try to secure an arena on Long Island perhaps through private funds since the tax payers already rejected the public proposal. As for the fan base they're not putting a winning product on the ice, so of course people won't show up to see a losing product night in and night out. They've got good talent that has clearly underachieved. Kyle Okposo should be given the rest of this season to prove himself or be traded or waived, as he has been completely unproductive for weeks at a time, though his play has picked up a bit of late.

 

Di Pietro should be traded or waived as well as he is constantly on the IR and Montoya (if he can stay healthy) should be given the #1 role.

 

I would trade Nabakov during this trading deadline and get something for him while he's still worth something because at 36 he's not getting younger.

 

There is no question that a fresh start could refuel the Islanders, but I don't Brooklyn is the right fit. If they were to move there, it would clearly be a last effort to keep the team in New York because the seating capacity for hockey is one of the smallest if not the smallest in hockey, right up there with Winnipeg.