Fantasy Hockey - Running Out of Title Ideas

[Kontiki]

Continued from here:

http://www.apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=160804&perpage=30&pagenumber=17

Another beating for me. Looks like I'll hold on to the #1 spot though. Come back Spezza - we love you!

[mrboo123]

not a good week for me. Guess thats what happens when you vs Kipper and your main goalie is out

[joncha]

My goalies tanked this week, but my skaters have more than made up for it.

[Asher]

Since starting the season 3-7-2, the Flames are 21-8-2.

Rampage! :b:

[Asher]

In light of Marc-Andre Bergeron's hilariously bad play this year...

From last year...
Originally posted by notyoueither
And Bergeron.

That kid is gonna kill ya in the future, if he hasn't already.

The greatest thing about watching the Oil this year is thinking we might actually keep these kids. If we do, they're gonna break some hearts.

Other wisdom from the same thread on Morrison:
Originally posted by notyoueither


Morrison isn't complaining about being pulled after 2 goals on 3 shots.

He's young. He'll bounce back.

:cute:

[Sparrowhawk]

Originally posted by Kontiki
Another beating for me. Looks like I'll hold on to the #1 spot though.


With a new #2 :nod: closing in on you, you can't have too many bad weeks ;)

Here's too a few more bad weeks by you and a few more good weeks by me to get me back in the #1 position where I belong.

/me :crook:

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Asher
In light of Marc-Andre Bergeron's hilariously bad play this year...

From last year...
Originally posted by notyoueither
And Bergeron.

That kid is gonna kill ya in the future, if he hasn't already.

The greatest thing about watching the Oil this year is thinking we might actually keep these kids. If we do, they're gonna break some hearts.

Yeah, I suppose 9th in goals, 7th in points, 11th in +/- (2nd among the Dmen, your holy stat) on the team is really horrible for a third year dman.

And I still think the Oilers have a good group of young players. Since I wrote that they've added Lupul and Smid as well. In fact, the future's so bright I'm looking to buy shares in sun-glasses manufacturers.

Other wisdom from the same thread on Morrison:
[QUOTE] Originally posted by notyoueither
Morrison isn't complaining about being pulled after 2 goals on 3 shots.

He's young. He'll bounce back.


:cute:

And?

[Asher]

He bounced back fo' sho.

And M-A Bergeron has been terrible except on the Powerplay.

11th on the team, with a minus +/-...yes, he'll be killing the Flames soon. :b:

Did you see his brutal play last game at all? A dandy giveaway, too.

Since I wrote that they've added Lupul and Smid as well. In fact, the future's so bright I'm looking to buy shares in sun-glasses manufacturers.
At what point will people in Edmonton get their rude awakening?

Lupul and Smid have been brutal this year. Bergeron's been awful as well.

Watching the Sportsnet broadcasts are surreal. They gush about players like Lupul, Smid, Bergeron, and Hemsky who are all medicore at best, and this season have ranged from spectacularly poor to middle-of-the-road-Euro-player. Look at Bergeron's age. He's no longer a kid or a rookie anymore and he's still a 3rd pairing d-man on a team with awful defensive depth. Lupul is a team-worst +/-. Smid is just invisible when he's not giving the puck away.

The future is bright indeed.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Asher
He bounced back fo' sho.

And M-A Bergeron has been terrible except on the Powerplay.

11th on the team, with a minus +/-...yes, he'll be killing the Flames soon. :b:

Did you see his brutal play last game at all? A dandy giveaway, too.

Since I wrote that they've added Lupul and Smid as well. In fact, the future's so bright I'm looking to buy shares in sun-glasses manufacturers.
At what point will people in Edmonton get their rude awakening?

Lupul and Smid have been brutal this year. Bergeron's been awful as well.

Watching the Sportsnet broadcasts are surreal. They gush about players like Lupul, Smid, Bergeron, and Hemsky who are all medicore at best, and this season have ranged from spectacularly poor to middle-of-the-road-Euro-player. Look at Bergeron's age. He's no longer a kid or a rookie anymore and he's still a 3rd pairing d-man on a team with awful defensive depth. Lupul is a team-worst +/-. Smid is just invisible when he's not giving the puck away.

The future is bright indeed.

I'm sort of curious where this hard-on for Marc-Andre is coming from all of a sudden.

As for the rest of the blather, everyone is entitled to make an ass of themselves. Carry on, sir.

[Asher]

Mostly from reading lots of Oilers fans crying about how brutal he's been all season. Then I remembered your comment. :b:

[notyoueither]

There are Oilers fans who've been on him since the Roli incident in the SCF last year, and a lot fewer from before that.

There are others who like him. I'm one of those. I like his skating. I like his shot. I like his play for the most part. I think he still needs to improve to live up to his potential, but he's certainly worth some patience.

[Asher]

Lupul's a reallll nice skater as well.

[Asher]

Also,

In fact, the future's so bright I'm looking to buy shares in sun-glasses manufacturers.

Are you sure that's not to shield your eyes from the glare of the goal light behind Rollie? ;)

[notyoueither]

Yes, I'm quite sure.

[Asher]

There must be some kind of mistake!

Ales Hemsky is not in the NHL YoungStars or AllStar team. Huh.

[notyoueither]

Lots of good players aren't in those games. Your point?

[notyoueither]

Oh, and look at that. I thought Smid was 'medicore at best.'

I suppose your views on players are not widely shared. Sort of like your early pronouncements on Kipper vs Brodeur. Knowledge and wisdom, or lack thereof, show through.

[notyoueither]

As an aid for memory.

Originally posted by Asher


I guess you and I are looking at different criteria. I really do not care what goaltenders have accomplished in the past, I care about what they can do today (thus the "today's" qualifier). That's why Huet ranks so high.

I'm mostly looking at this season's performance. I value very highly consistency and how many games they can play reliably.

Brodeur is 6th in GAA and 7th in sv%. If you look at his game log, he's had a lot of off nights compared to the guys I put in #1 and #2 on the chart: 10 games with below 90% svp so far.

Kiprusoff has 6, and 4 of those were within the first 6 games of the season. Ever since then he's been rock solid.

And that, my friend, is why Kiprusoff is the #1 goaltender today in the NHL hockey league.

You'd be better off if you stopped looking at history as a critically important part of today's players. It doesn't matter what they did years ago, it matters what they're doing now.

GP W L OT GAA Sv% SO
BRODEUR NJD 43 27 13 3 2.04 .928 7
LUONGO VAN 43 25 16 1 2.47 .914 2
GIGUERE ANA 34 23 4 5 2.17 .924 4
HASEK DET 34 23 7 3 2.03 .911 5
MILLER BUF 33 22 8 2 2.63 .915 1
KIPRUSOFF CGY 39 22 14 3 2.28 .921 5

Where is that '#1 goaltender today in the NHL hockey league'?

More like 'what is that stat or topic that can be used to troll today?'

[Asher]

I'm not sure that troll is even worthy of response, it was so desperate.

[Ninot]

Habs will win tonight, I know it!

[Asher]

I'm not sure if the Flames will. Road games suck, missing Iggy sucks, and Nashville certainly does not suck.

[Ninot]

Vokoun is a really good cook.

Ok Goalie, fantastic cook.

[Asher]

From TSN.ca :cute:

"Leafs goalie Andrew Raycroft was booed off the ice Saturday in the 6-1 disaster against Vancouver. Meanwhile, Leafs castoff Mikael Tellqvist sparked Phoenix to seven straight wins. Plus, the Buds gave up super goalie prospect Tuukka Rask to get Raycroft. Tick, tick, tick for GM John Ferguson Jr. . . .'

[Flubber]

Oh and where do things stand today

Phoenix -- 9 points out and even 4 and 5 points back of the Avs and Oil-- AS I said all along, they COULD do it, I just don't think they will. 9 points is a long way to go

The OIlers-- I know they have defensive woes but when will their vaunted offence start scoring? They need to start winning NOW since I'm uncertain whether any of Van, Calg or Minn are going to go on a big losing tear

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
I'm not sure if the Flames will. Road games suck, missing Iggy sucks, and Nashville certainly does not suck.


Well- The Flames have been better on the road lately and they have done well without Iggy. But Nashville?? The Flames never seemed to beat Nashville even when Nashville used to be bad. Now that they are good it will be even tougher.

Oh and I hate the name of the Nashville area.

"The Gaylord Centre"

[Asher]

Originally posted by notyoueither
As an aid for memory.

GP W L OT GAA Sv% SO
BRODEUR NJD 43 27 13 3 2.04 .928 7
LUONGO VAN 43 25 16 1 2.47 .914 2
GIGUERE ANA 34 23 4 5 2.17 .924 4
HASEK DET 34 23 7 3 2.03 .911 5
MILLER BUF 33 22 8 2 2.63 .915 1
KIPRUSOFF CGY 39 22 14 3 2.28 .921 5

Where is that '#1 goaltender today in the NHL hockey league'?

More like 'what is that stat or topic that can be used to troll today?'

BTW, you couldn't have trolled with this at a worse time.

NEW YORK -- Ottawa Senators right wing Daniel Alfredsson, Calgary Flames goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff and Florida Panthers center Olli Jokinen have been named the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the week ending January 14.

Kiprusoff backstopped the Flames to three victories, posting a 1.33 goals-against average and .949 save percentage. He made 26 saves in recording his fifth shutout of the season as Calgary defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-0 on Jan. 9. He made 27 saves in a 7-3 Flames win over the Colorado Avalanche, Jan. 11 and finished the week by making 21 saves in a 3-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers, Jan. 13. Kiprusoff has posted four consecutive
victories, improving his season record to 22-14-3 with a 2.28 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage. The Flames lead the Northwest Division with 52 points (24-15-4).

Nice work. ;)

[Asher]

The other thing to keep in mind when looking at these stats is Brodeur plays behind the least penalized team in the league and infront of one of the best PKs in the league.

If you look at, say, Kiprusoff...he hasn't let in an EV goal in 5 games now or so. And he can't be faulted for the vast majority of the PPG, which have come as a result of awful special teams play of the defense infront of him. Take Edmonton's PPG on Saturday, for instance.

Kiprusoff has seen 296 shots against on the powerplay, permitting 41 (86.1% svp). Brodeur's seen 219, permitting all of 15 (93% svp).

At Even Strength, Kiprusoff is at a league-leading 94.4% svp w/ 44 GA and Brodeur is at 93% svp (67 GA).

If and when the Flames pick up their PK play, Kipper's stats will show him to be clear and away the #1 goaltender he is in today's NHL.

[Flubber]

OH and Asher . ..


You were slagging Rich Preston for the Flames special teams woes. I saw a Herald artcile that referred to Wayne Fleming as the coach for the PK, not Preston. I wonder if the article was incorrect or if they are giving a different coach a chance to turn the PK around?

The Flames PK does look awful. The team would be very impressive if and when they tighten this up

[Asher]

Last year it was Preston and I was unaware it changed.

Either way, that coach needs to look for a new job.

[Flubber]

Oh and can you believe it but there are some muted or tongue-in-cheek comments to "trade Jerome".

The Herald did do an article about how well everyone is playing without him. But IMHO if the Flames want to be a very good team they need Iggy and the rest ALL playing well together.

The only comment I would make is that the coaches should think about not throwing Iggy out there for 28 minutes on nights when he is not going well. Others can step up so it needn't always be Iggy that they use when the chips are down. He should be the go-to guy, but he doesn't need to be the ONLY one

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Last year it was Preston and I was unaware it changed.

Either way, that coach needs to look for a new job.

hmm-- I have never been sure what they play on the PK. Its not a "tight" box and they aren't as agressive as some other teams. So it looks like a "semi-aggressive" box that ends up with players caught in no man's land while the puck whips to an open winger.

UNtil they get things straight I would almost advocate a super compact box and give the outside shot. At least Kipper would have a chance at that instead of the goalmouth passes the Flames have alowed

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Flubber
OH and Asher . ..


You were slagging Rich Preston for the Flames special teams woes. I saw a Herald artcile that referred to Wayne Fleming as the coach for the PK, not Preston. I wonder if the article was incorrect or if they are giving a different coach a chance to turn the PK around?

:snicker:

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Flubber
The OIlers-- I know they have defensive woes but when will their vaunted offence start scoring? They need to start winning NOW since I'm uncertain whether any of Van, Calg or Minn are going to go on a big losing tear

Yep, it's not looking good ATM. We'll see how it turns out. I wouldn't be surprised to see them put together a good run, but wouldn't be shocked if they don't either.

[Asher]

Oh noez, more Bergeron love!

http://www.thescore.ca/sixpack/index.asp?name=/2007/01/damn_it_were_ru.html&catID=Oilers
As the NHLPA has continually refused to allow defencemen who make bad plays to be put to death (the Bergeron clause), this Oilers team needs to find something other than "You will die for nothing" to get them to snap out of the season long malaise.

:lol:

[notyoueither]

That's actually funny.

[Asher]

Our penalty kill is going to drive me insane this year.

[notyoueither]

Short trip. ;)

[Asher]

Originally posted by notyoueither
Short trip. ;)
Hmm?

Not at all surprised by the loss. Nashville, for whatever reason, has our number. I think the last time we won in the music city was in 2001.

[Sava]

re: Kiprusoff

You can't really hold his stats against him. After all, look at the team he has in front of him.

[Flubber]

Ninot ??


Can you reassure me again of how truly great our Habs are??

I still see them as a good team . . . a playoff team but I see them as a solid step down from the elite in this regular season

[Flubber]

Toronto fans


Don't despair. After all you are only 4 points out of the playoffs and you have a game in hand . Oh ya but there are those two pesky teams that are tied in points with you and with 1 and 3 games in hand. And then two more teams just a point back with one and 3 games in hand.

So its easy all you have to do is outplay 4 teams that have thus far won at an equal or better clip than you AND make up a 4 point deficit. ;) PLus Tampa is playing better and they have the talent to be VERY good.

Seriously though. ... On the upside for Leafs fans is :

1. that there are FIVE playoff spots held by teams 9 points or less in front of the Leafs.
2. So far none of their close competitors seem inclined to make a run at things either. Pittsburgh at 4-4-2 is the best 10 game record of the teams in 9-13th place
3. The Rangers seem vulnerable now

[Flubber]

Just curious but is this the FIRST time that the gaps between 8th and 9th place in BOTH conferences got as big as 4 points ??

[Flubber]

I could see the Flames not doing that well over their next couple. They go into Dallas and while Dallas has struggled a bit lately, they should be tough on home ice. Then Calgary hosts the Ducks. While the team has generally stepped up pretty well, those are tough games .

[Asher]

Yeah, it's the toughest week of the season schedule-wise and we're doing it without Iggy. After all the traveling and games against tough games we play Edmonton in Edmonton right after Anaheim, in what has been a homer series...

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Yeah, it's the toughest week of the season schedule-wise and we're doing it without Iggy. After all the traveling and games against tough games we play Edmonton in Edmonton right after Anaheim, in what has been a homer series...

But then its the all-star break with a decent chance that Iggy could return shortly after that.

As for the Oil, I actually think the Flames will take them in that game. Don't know why I think that

[Asher]

Phoenix just offered Tellqvist a multiyear contract. Also of note:
Phoenix's record since Tellqvist's first start: 12-7-2 (61.9%)

It's funny to me that every single one of the Leafs' castoff goalies from recent years (Joseph, Belfour, Tellqvist) are outperforming Raycroft and Aubin. Hell, Calgary's backup is doing better than Raycroft and Aubin as well.

[Asher]

Gooooo MINNESOTA!@

Gooooo MONTREAL!@

YEAHHHH BABY!

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Gooooo MINNESOTA!@

Gooooo MONTREAL!@

YEAHHHH BABY!

Canucks Canadiens

Oilers Wild



:idea: :idea: :idea: :idea:

It took a look at the schedule to see why you were cheering this way.

[Asher]

MacTavish is a scratch tonight.

[Flubber]

And tonight is huge in the east-- Games that involve the playoff "hunters"

Islanders Penguins
Capitals Senators

Rangers Devils
Maple Leafs Lightning
Hurricanes Panthers

Fot the Leafs it is too early to say "must-win" but the Leafs can be as few as two or as many as 6 points out of a playoff spot by tonight and its all completely within their own control. "Big-game" just doesn't seem to cover it.

[Asher]

To make it more exciting, Luongo is "uncertain" for the game tonight since he's still recovering from a puck to the throat in yesterday's practice.

Willie Mitchell and Taylor Pyatt are also out.

[Asher]

Funny, worst-case scenario for me tonight. C'est la vie.

[cinch]

Thank. God.

[notyoueither]

A win is a win is a win is a win... and on the road... and in Minney... but the Oilers neither exuded nor inspired confidence.

Damn, that defence is young. I was thinking that all of them combined must have fewer games than Smith and then the announcer confirmed it. Heck, I think all of them combined have fewer seasons than Smith.

[Ninot]

I have never witnessed a worse game in my life.

I mean, I'm sure there have been worse, but I was at tonights game. I had to leave early, it was just too painful. We bood the Habs more than we bood the Nucks or Refs. Thats not right.

I dont care if it was 2 games in 2 nights, at no point beyond the 5:00 mark of the 1st period did they appear to want to win. So that's what, 15 minutes of subpar hockey, followed by 45 of terrible?

[notyoueither]

The Oilers disease has a 65 day incubation period, and cleaning for flu bugs doesn't get it.

[Asher]

Originally posted by Ninot
I have never witnessed a worse game in my life.


You should see St. Louis owning Anaheim. Surreal.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Brodeur, 8th shutout of the season against the damned Rangers :b:.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Ninot


I dont care if it was 2 games in 2 nights, at no point beyond the 5:00 mark of the 1st period did they appear to want to win. So that's what, 15 minutes of subpar hockey, followed by 45 of terrible?


and I was counting on YOU to reassure me that the Habs ARE an "elite" team ;) .

They should snap out if this soon (I hope) but I am not shocked at this stretch. Most teams have a bad stretch and I have never thought the Habs were so good as to be immune

[Ninot]

This isn't the Habs struggling though. This looks like the Habs just dont like playing hockey anymore. It's sad to watch.

They'll snap out of it sometime, but when?

[Asher]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
Brodeur, 8th shutout of the season against the damned Rangers :b:.
Yeah, Rangers have looked pathetic as of late.

[Asher]

Well, two awful periods and an almost-comeback. Then a terrible call with less than 2 minutes left puts us a man short, and it was over.

Gotta pick it up, boys.

[Flubber]

Man the Flames truly sucked for about 50 minutes tonight. It was amazing to me it was only a 3-2 margin with 2 minutes to go.

It was a shame that a bullcrap call eliminated any chance for a wild finish but the Flames did not compete well enough to win.

Also, the Flames dressed 7 dmen tonight-- a move I did not understand

[Asher]

Maybe he's trying to trade Jamie Lundmark for a superstar like Ales Hemsky. :p

[Asher]

Originally posted by Asher
Maybe he's trying to trade Jamie Lundmark for a superstar like Ales Hemsky. :p

The new jerseys aren't nearly as fugly as I feared...

[Asher]

So Robbie Schremp is apparently a healthy scratch on the farm team. He's got 0 points in 2007 and is a minus 3. :b:

[Flubber]

Oh and I wanted to comment on Edmonton's win over Minny a couple nights back. I thought the Oilers played a reasonably smart road game and Rolosen was on his game. Oh here is my take of a nye/asher interchange on Rolosen that night

NYE: Rolosen was amazing . He made many many great stops and shopwed why he is a premier goalie.

Asher: Rolosen sucked. Did you see that goal? It was weak . Did you know that Rolosen had a .667 save percentage on weak shots from almost behind the net?


and they both would have been right!

[Asher]

Roloson is medicore. As he displayed in that game.

[Flubber]

Phoenix loses as well. While there are a LOT of games left, it really really hurts them to drop such a game.

The overall impact of the last couple of nights was to bunch the NW slightly together again. Edmonoton and Colorado were starting to drop off but all the results other than the Vancouver win, tended to bunch the teams.


The big game on the Alberta horizon is the Calgary Edmonton one Saturday. personally, I can't wait

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Maybe he's trying to trade Jamie Lundmark for a superstar like Ales Hemsky. :p

Actually the only reason I can contemplate is to give Zuyzen some time so he is better trade bait, With Phaneuf,Hamrlik and Regehr all capable of playing 25+ minutes a game, goinf with 7 makes little sense.

If the goal was to prime Zuyzen as trade bait , it failed with his atrociious play. Or maybe they want Zuyzen in betetr game readiness as they plan to package a dman to get that playmaking centre they always wanted

[Asher]

Toronto will probably give us Pogge for Zyuzin + Lundmark. Did Sutter talk to them?

[Kontiki]

Vancouver wins again. They're almost starting to make a believer out of me.

[Ninot]

HABS WIUN! i didnt se e the game, free wine took precendent. but TAKE THAT FLUBBER!

[Asher]

Now it's doubtful Iggy will come back before the end of the month. :(

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Ninot
HABS WIUN! i didnt se e the game, free wine took precendent. but TAKE THAT FLUBBER!


Take that???

You do recall that I am first and foremost a Habs fan. I just don't happen to believe this particular team is that great. Good but not great.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Now it's doubtful Iggy will come back before the end of the month. :(

NO shock . Peter Maher "voice of the Flames" was saying that right from the outset once the type of injury was known

[Flubber]

Flames beat the Ducks and look pretty good doing it (except for their PK of course). But the Wild win and the Canucks lose in SO to Buffalo so the teams are as tight together as ever.

Next is Calgary and the Oilers-- woooohooooo

[notyoueither]

Should be a good game.

[Asher]

Turns out Hemsky's not as gritty as some people thought. ***** needs a bodyguard from the AHL to keep him from being picked on.

[notyoueither]

:rolleyes:

At any rate, anyone need a demonstration what losing a player like Yelle or Moreau can do to a team? Check out Toronto's PK and the score that goes with it. Of course, there's the difference in goalies... and defence... and all the rest of the forwards... as well.

And then you have to give some credit to the Pens. That team is scarey good, and should only get better over the next couple seasons.

[Asher]

Originally posted by notyoueither
:rolleyes:

At any rate, anyone need a demonstration what losing a player like Yelle or Moreau can do to a team?
Yelle was out for an extended period earlier this season and we survived...

The injury excuse is WEAK. Toronto got 3 more guys back and they're dropping a game 8-2 (and likely to rise) to frickin Pittsburgh.

It has more to do with a team's overall crappiness, a la Toronto.

And I find it funny you roll your eyes at my gritty Hemsky comment. It's not so absurd, because Lowe thinks the exact same thing as I do...

[notyoueither]

Uh huh, and Godard was brought up why? Because Iggy, Dion, and the boys lack grit?

It's hard to take you seriously most of the time when post after post are pure trolls.

[Asher]

Originally posted by notyoueither
Uh huh, and Godard was brought up why? Because Iggy, Dion, and the boys lack grit
Godard is up cause of injuries.

And MAN IS ROLOSON THE BEST GOALTENDER IN THE LEAGUE OR WHAT??????????????

And man, Marc-Andre Bergeron is GOING TO KILL US IN THE FUTURE ALRIGHT. What a game-changer he is!

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Asher

Godard is up cause of injuries.

:lol:

[Asher]

Roloson's drama queen antics get him a couple PIM. What a loser.

[Asher]

ROLOSON IS THE MAN!! MAN OH MAN.

I love him.

[Asher]

Isn't it awesome that Roloson makes more money than Kiprusoff does?

[Asher]

What a classy captain you have. :rolleyes:

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Asher
babble, babble, babble.

[notyoueither]

Kipper played really well. Roli not so much.

I have to say I'm a little surprised by the Flames going ***** in the 3rd. They hid behind the refs to protect them from the big, bad Stortini, and anything else.

[Asher]

Oh come on. The Flames are up 4-0, we're already dealing with lots of injuries, why the <b>hell</b> would players like Phaneuf risk injury fighting a nobody like Stortini?

There were two fights still in the game anyway, and the Oilers were on the losing end of both of them in terms of getting the worst of it.

Stortini was clueless out there. He has no agitating skill whatsoever, he just goes around asking people to fight near the end of the game when there's no reason to...it had nothing to do with "hiding" from somebody who'd easily get his ass handed to him than smart players not buying into it. Stortini was eventually given a misconduct for his "play".

A pretty classless team all around, the Oilers. Did you guys get two misconducts that game? Good on ya. When you can't play hockey, resort to goonery. That's what Smith did anyway, with his slash. :b:

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Asher
babble, babble, babble.

[Asher]

Losers in the game, losers in the smack. Anything you guys good at?

[Asher]

http://www.pepperheadscanada.com/images/signs/edmonton.jpg

:lol:

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Asher
Losers in the game, losers in the smack. Anything you guys good at?

You're assuming that arguing with the village idiot can have a winner.

[Asher]

Village idiot is that who thinks Hemsky compares with Tanguay. :b:

[Asher]

PS: If you paid attention, you'd notice Godard would've been happy to fight Stortini, but Stortini wouldn't fight and then tried to goad Phaneuf into fighting. ;)

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by notyoueither


You're assuming that arguing with the village idiot can have a winner.

[Asher]

Calling me an idiot twice is perhaps a bit too personal. Try to keep it hockey, guy.

[notyoueither]

Asher, baby, you seem to be under some kind of deluded impression that we are going to have a discussion about hockey.

You are mistaken.

[Asher]

We could talk about hockey if you could bring yourself to do so. The fact that you can't tells me a lot about you.

[notyoueither]

You don't want a discussion about hockey.

You want a troll zone where Tingkai and I bite at the hooks.

Sorry, Charlie, you're not an attractive enough tuna.

[Asher]

You call it trolling, I call it talkin' hockey.

The fact that I have an opinion on about hockey and you disagree with it doesn't mean it's not valid. You choose not to argue with it because you know, deep down, I'm right.

So instead you take the "high road" and fling personal insults, so as to not bite the "troll". An interesting tactic.

Oilers suck, won't make the playoffs. Let's face facts, shall we.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Asher
babble, babble, babble.

[Ninot]

Originally posted by Flubber



Take that???

You do recall that I am first and foremost a Habs fan. I just don't happen to believe this particular team is that great. Good but not great.


Lol, i was drunk, and it was a joke.

I'm less drunk tonight, despite it being my birthday party tonight. Go figure.

I think the Habs won perticularly cuz of me. They are sweet that way.

[Asher]

Happy Birthday. The Flames completely stomped their ECHL-calibre foes to the north in your honour. :b:

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20070121/kiprusoff_3569.jpg

[Kontiki]

My boys pulled out another come-from-behind victory this week. :b: I needed that after the last two debacles.

Since next week is cut short due to the All Star break, I'm thinking of dropping the minimum starts for goalies to 1 so that everyone doesn't get screwed. Any objections?

[Asher]

For such weeks (such as the first week of the season), Yahoo usually does that automatically.

[Sparrowhawk]

Originally posted by Kontiki
My boys pulled out another come-from-behind victory this week. :b: I needed that after the last two debacles.

Since next week is cut short due to the All Star break, I'm thinking of dropping the minimum starts for goalies to 1 so that everyone doesn't get screwed. Any objections?

I checked Yahoo this morning and wondered "what the hell happened!!", Hot Mustard was leading you all week and you beat him 6-1??? I take it you had a number of close categories before Saturday's games?

As for changing the minimum number of goalie games, I am all for that :b: :nod: (as long as we change it back the following week).

/me :crook:

[Flubber]

Originally posted by notyoueither


I have to say I'm a little surprised by the Flames going ***** in the 3rd. They hid behind the refs to protect them from the big, bad Stortini, and anything else.

Nye , asher

THis line of debate seems too obscure even for you two. Every team in the NHL may occasionally add "toughness" when the situation warrants. Godard is around since McCarty isn't. Stortini probably because the Anaheim game got rough and highlighted a need even though the Oilers won.

Oh and its also pretty standard for star players to decline to "go" with every two-bit AHLer thats just up from the minors. Stortini seem to understand this as he didn't drop them with Phaneuf-- if he had, they would have fought.

There seem to be two types of fights in the NHL. The gladiators who know they might go and if they are positioned against each other, will fight. Then there is the heat of the moment stuff after a hit or whatnot.

Phaneuf versus Stortini last night would have been neither. They hadn't mixed it up to get into a spontaneous fight. If Stortini wanted the gladiator style fight, the Flames did put Godard out there to oblige.

The botom line is that Stortini could have had a fight any time by dropping the gloves. He didn't so the Flames did not need to respond

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Ninot



Lol, i was drunk, and it was a joke.

I'm less drunk tonight, despite it being my birthday party tonight. Go figure.

I think the Habs won perticularly cuz of me. They are sweet that way.


Habs last night:b:
Michael Ryder :b:

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher


A pretty classless team all around, the Oilers. Did you guys get two misconducts that game? Good on ya. When you can't play hockey, resort to goonery. That's what Smith did anyway, with his slash. :b:

Asher

You DO realize that one of the misconducts was Reasoner for failing to have his jersey properly secured ??

[Kontiki]

Originally posted by Sparrowhawk


I checked Yahoo this morning and wondered "what the hell happened!!", Hot Mustard was leading you all week and you beat him 6-1??? I take it you had a number of close categories before Saturday's games?

As for changing the minimum number of goalie games, I am all for that :b: :nod: (as long as we change it back the following week).

* Sparrowhawk :crook:

Yeah, lots of close categories plus a big night for my guys - 6G, 4A, +6, 3PPA and a shutout - plus a bit of an off night for Mustard's men.

I'll see what I can dig up about Yahoo automatically taking care of the short week WRT goalie games. If not, I'll likely make the change (for that week only, of course).

[Asher]

Originally posted by Flubber
Asher

You DO realize that one of the misconducts was Reasoner for failing to have his jersey properly secured ??
In a fight, yes. :b:

[Flubber]

Originally posted by notyoueither
Kipper played really well. Roli not so much.



THat about summed up this game. Kipper was excellent. Rollie? He wasn't terrible (except the second one which was awful) but in comparison to the stellar goalkeeping at the other end, he didn't look great. IIRC the third goal was the one where KIpper made a series of saves and then the Flames came back with a pretty passing play to score . . . and that was the game

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Kontiki
My boys pulled out another come-from-behind victory this week. :b: I needed that after the last two debacles.

Since next week is cut short due to the All Star break, I'm thinking of dropping the minimum starts for goalies to 1 so that everyone doesn't get screwed. Any objections?

Would probably be for the best.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Flubber


Nye , asher

THis line of debate seems too obscure even for you two. Every team in the NHL may occasionally add "toughness" when the situation warrants. Godard is around since McCarty isn't. Stortini probably because the Anaheim game got rough and highlighted a need even though the Oilers won.

Oh and its also pretty standard for star players to decline to "go" with every two-bit AHLer thats just up from the minors. Stortini seem to understand this as he didn't drop them with Phaneuf-- if he had, they would have fought.

There seem to be two types of fights in the NHL. The gladiators who know they might go and if they are positioned against each other, will fight. Then there is the heat of the moment stuff after a hit or whatnot.

Phaneuf versus Stortini last night would have been neither. They hadn't mixed it up to get into a spontaneous fight. If Stortini wanted the gladiator style fight, the Flames did put Godard out there to oblige.

The botom line is that Stortini could have had a fight any time by dropping the gloves. He didn't so the Flames did not need to respond

Godard skated away from him. That's mostly what I'm referring to. I didn't expect Dion to go with him.

[Asher]

Skating away from an AHL player starting to start **** with 10 minutes left in a completely 1-sided game is simply smart.

Godard gave Boogaard a concussion...that little punk is nothing.

[Kontiki]

I contacted Yahoo and they confirmed that there will be no goalie minimum for the week, so it looks like we're safe the way we are.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by notyoueither


Godard skated away from him. That's mostly what I'm referring to. I didn't expect Dion to go with him.

Ahh -- I saw some jawing but without knowing what was said its tough to know what went on. But Godard is up in the bigs mainly for his fighting ability so it would be EXTREMELY unusual for him to decline.

Again, I did not see Stortini drop his gloves with Godard. If he had, I can guarantee that the fight would have happened

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Skating away from an AHL player starting to start **** with 10 minutes left in a completely 1-sided game is simply smart.

.

In fairness, Godard cannot brag MUCH more NHL status than Stortini. IT actually might have been better for Godard personally to fight.

For a Phaneuf, he is reasonably tough but he is too valuable and too skilled to be fighting with the other team's chosen heavyweight

[Flubber]

Oh and Phoenix impressed me with their persistence. Down 2-0 against LA and they find a way to win to stay hanging on the periphery of the playoff race

[Asher]

I'm going to go ahead and predict that Phoenix and Edmonton will be locked in a battle of suckiness trying to break into the playoffs.

[Ninot]

How in tarnation does Phoenix still have a chance?

[Asher]

Tellqvist seems to have given them life. ;)

A trade that it seems everybody but me saw as a nothing trade. :cute:

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
I'm going to go ahead and predict that Phoenix and Edmonton will be locked in a battle of suckiness trying to break into the playoffs.

I actually ALSO predict that Phoenix won't make the playoffs. I actually predicted it when they were in their massive win streak

Bottom line is taht there are 5 spots that look spoken for by

Anaheim
San JOse
Detroit
Nashville
Dallas

THat leaves 3 spots for everyone else. I think that Calgary and Vancouver will get two of them. So then it comes down to whther MInny is for real or if some other team can get hot and surpass them.

Edmonton? At the beginning of the season I thought their potent offense would only get better and they could snatch a spot. They still could but frankly they just haven't looked that great for stretches of games. I know people cite injuries but heck the Flames were without their best player and have won 7 of 9. Ottawa has similarly soared . So it appears good teams manage to overcome some level of injuries.

Anaheim? probably has a few too many injuries.

[Flubber]

Speaking of Ottawa . . . They seem to have confirmed my faith in them. Even when they were in 13th I thought they would come out of it and now they have. At times they can look a downright dominating team. I still don't love their goaltending though.

[Ninot]

Montreal's better :cute:

[Asher]

Calgary's better. ;)

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Ninot
Montreal's better :cute:


Perhaps but they have not shown it much lately, nor have they shown the capability to totally dominate that Ottawa has. I'd take you more seriously if the last meeting between the two was NOT an 8-2 Ottawa win

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Calgary's better. ;)

As a total package I can agree-- If we are looking at the teams (leaving aside the goaltenders for the moment) I like Ottawa. BUt Calgary going 7 for 9 without Iggy is really impressing me.

Hopefully the break lets them all recharge and come back still hungry

[Flubber]

Oh and I have seen a bunch of comments around the idea that Iggy's injury will be beneficial for the Flames in the long run. The idea is that the tream learns to play without him and a few people step up. This has happened. The second part is that Iginla returns recharged and refreshed and is a holy terror into the playoffs

[Asher]

I'm actually more concerned about the opposite.

Iggy, traditionally, has slow starts into seasons. To me it seems like he needs a certain amount of games to get in the swing of things, and a prolonged injury like this may not bode well like that.

[Flubber]

I must say that Toronto continues to entertain. They can explosively combust or win a tight one but no matter what they seem to be back to their win one-lose one ways. I kinda admire their tenacity. Right from the beginning I predicted them as just good enough to barely miss the playoffs. I haven't seen much to change that opinion and their current 10th place standing seems appropriate for their play.

Toronto is tantalizingly close to a playoff spot but they should watch out. Both Tampa and Pittsburgh have been good lately and any kind of run by anyone could leave the Leafs in the dust. The good thing for TO is that the Lightening are likely to have a mini-skid after their 8-2 run and the Rangers have come back far enough that they could fall right out of the playoffs.

On the downside, Boston and NYI are just behind the Leafs despite a poor stretch. I expect both teams to rebound a bit and with their games in hand, they could easily surpass TO

[Flubber]

posted by Tingkai on December 3

Don't worry. Won't be forgotten, although I got to laugh at my great timing -- I make the bet and then the Flames go on a winning streak.

But no worries, the Flames will flicker out.





I just wondered how you feel about the Flames now. LOsing Iggy and Kobasew was a perfect excuse to "flicker out" yet they win 7 of 9.

They currently sit in 11th place overall. definitely not an elite placing but I believe you referred to them as a bottom-feeder.

Now in fairness, the Flames would not have far to fall to be in the bottom 8 (damn parity). The 22nd place Islanders actually play better than .500 ( ie more points than games played and have a positive goal differential)

ITs crazy -- after more than half a season, there are only a couple of teams that are absolutely out of the playoffs (plus a few more that should reaklize they are out but they continue to nurture long-shot hopes

[Kontiki]

Meh, I dropped the minimum goalie games just to be safe. I'll change it back to normal next Monday.

[Sparrowhawk]

Anyone want to track who gets the most points in the allstar game? (No idea how many players I have playing even, just curious who will do the best in a pretty much nothing game and too lazy to calculate it myself)

/me :crook:

[Asher]

It's a bit weird seeing players all dressed up...

http://bp1.blogger.com/_854ovM_Af5I/RbZmKd4QMzI/AAAAAAAAAPc/HCvlQETgRPk/s1600-h/full.getty-73023853vd007_nhl_all_star__7_33_03_pm.jpg

http://bp1.blogger.com/_854ovM_Af5I/RbZl_d4QMyI/AAAAAAAAAPU/SDUmR9M7d2c/s1600-h/full.getty-73023853cp003_nhl_all_star__7_06_56_pm.jpg

[Asher]

Another Oilers superstar-in-training fails in the NHL and takes the boat home to mother Russia: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=193406&hubname=

[Asher]

Originally posted by notyoueither
Oh, and look at that. I thought Smid was 'medicore at best.'

I suppose your views on players are not widely shared.

Smid in the youngstars game:

0g 0a -3.

Oilers hockey! Pronger replacement. :b:

[Asher]

Hate when people butcher the anthem...

[Asher]

Phaneuf just scored from 200 ft. :lol:

[Kontiki]

NM

[Kontiki]

Originally posted by Sparrowhawk
Anyone want to track who gets the most points in the allstar game? (No idea how many players I have playing even, just curious who will do the best in a pretty much nothing game and too lazy to calculate it myself)

* Sparrowhawk :crook:

Alright, here we go (if I can get the formatting correct). Not one penalty called (!), so no PP points.



G A +/- SV% W
Alotta Fagina 2 6 +2 - -
Ice Hawks - - -3 - -
KH's Krushers 2 7 +2 - -
Haunted House Boos 2 7 +10 - -
Road Kill - - -4 .625 -
Hot Mustard - 1 -5 .750 -
Flaming Flamers 3 2 +1 - -
Baby Aardvarks 2 - +2 .800 1
Calamitous Intent - 1 -2 - -
Ninots Nipple Clamps 3 1 -6 - -
HK Phooeys 1 2 -3 .750 -
HC assmonkey - 2 -5 - -
Mountain Goats - 2 +4 - -
Georgia Giants 4 4 +1 .692 -



Edit: Goddamn formatting. You can get the jist of it as is.

[Asher]

I like this guy.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/allan_muir/01/22/best.skaters/index.html

DALLAS -- The All-Star SuperSkills Competition on tap Tuesday night will determine the best in the standard flashy fare for such exhibitions: speed, shooting and puck control. But there's more to the game, so I've gone a few steps further and picked the players who are the best in vital categories that include undersung or even intangible skills -- including penalty-killing, reading and reacting to the play, open-ice hits, versatility in a supporting role, re-directing shots, fighting, clutch play, and more -- with a crown for the guy who is the complete deal.

Most Complete: Jarome Iginla, Flames

What do I look for in a player? Speed. Size. Soft hands. Hockey sense. Creativity. Leadership. Physical presence. Defensive awareness. Grit. Ability to lead both a power play and penalty kill. And, of course, the willingness to beat the living snot out of anyone who looks at him the wrong way. There's only guy in the league who can put a check beside all those categories, and that's Iginla.

Honorable mentions: Chris Pronger (Ducks), Marian Hossa (Thrashers)

Best Acceleration: Matthew Lombardi, Flames

Outside of scoring touch, speed is the coin of the realm in the new NHL. There are legions of rocket-powered players these days, but only a few stand out for their ability to go straight from first gear to fifth. Lombardi, a third-year center, isn't as well known as some of the established burners, but his get-up-'n-go evokes memories of the Roadrunner -- we're talking Yvan Cournoyer here, not the nemesis of Wile E. Coyote.

Honorable mentions: Maxim Afinogenov (Sabres), Jason Blake (Islanders)

Best Dangler: Kristian Huselius, Flames

This is the choice that's bound to cause the most disagreement. After all, if you ask 20 fans, you'll get 15 different answers. For my money, Huselius mixes all the elements of an elite dangler better than anyone. It's not just about stick handling, creativity and the daring to attempt what common sense deems impossible. It's that he conjures up this magic at high speed and -- this is important -- rarely coughs up the puck.

Honorable mentions: Ales Hemsky (Oilers), Alexei Kovalev (Canadiens)

Best No-Look Passer: Marc Savard, Bruins

Long-regarded as a one-dimensional player who is easily thrown off his game, Savard has developed into one of those rarities who is worth the price of admission all on his own. The reason? His uncanny ability to exploit the blink-and-you'll-miss-them seams to his teammates, whether he's eyeing them or not. It's a remarkable skill, and one that his fellow Bruins can't quite keep up with. If they could, he'd be leading the league in assists.

Honorable mentions: Jason Spezza (Senators), Sidney Crosby (Penguins)

Most Frightening Fighter: Derek Boogaard, Wild

Ferociously fearless (who needs a helmet?), Boogaard will eagerly take on anyone, even Georges Laraque, who is no lightweight.
Ferociously fearless (who needs a helmet?), Boogaard will eagerly take on anyone, even Georges Laraque, who is no lightweight.

Sure he's a one-trick pony, but man, what a trick. The 6-7, 250-pound behemoth doesn't win 'em all (he's probably still woozy from that beating he took at the hands of Eric Godard), but he has more hurting power in his meat hooks than any other enforcer. The fact that he's lacking in technique only enhances the fear factor. You never know exactly what he's going to do, and by the time you figure it out, there are cartoon birds flapping around your head.

Honorable mentions: Georges Laraque (Coyotes), Zdeno Chara (Bruins)

Best Tip-In Artist: Ryan Smyth, Oilers

With the new rules curtailing the ability of defenders to sever the spines of forwards who venture in front of the net, it's no wonder that Smyth is on his way to his personal best season. Free of the lumberjacks, he's wreaking havoc with split-second deflections that goalies are helpless to stop.

At a time when goalies are so big and so well-coached, the tip is the great equalizer of the offense. Blessed with unparalleled hand-eye coordination, Smyth pumps up his powers with hours of practice re-directing shots in tight. It's not glamorous, but it's effective.

Honorable mentions: Brendan Shanahan (Rangers), Tomas Holmstrom (Red Wings)

Best Shut-down Forward: Sami Pahlsson, Ducks

A washout as an offensive forward -- the Bruins gave up on him after just 17 games -- Pahlsson salvaged his NHL career by focusing his efforts on a defense-first approach. His success stems primarily from his instincts. No forward reads and reacts to a play better than he does. He's tenacious as a pit bull, and his speed -- the quality that got him drafted in the first place -- is perfectly utilized to flummox fleet-footed opponents.

Honorable mentions: PJ Axelsson (Bruins), Mike Fisher (Senators)

Best Outside/Inside Moves: Maxim Afinogenov, Sabres

Perhaps the ultimate application of speed and soft hands is the ability to come up on a defenseman while carrying the puck, crank up the speed to beat him to the outside, then cut hard back to the middle and in on the goalie for a scoring chance. There are more players than ever who can burn down the wing and turn on a dime, but no one shakes and bakes like Max.

Honorable mentions: Alexander Ovechkin (Capitals), Marian Hossa (Thrashers)

Best Penalty Killer: Mike Grier, Sharks

Let's face it -- the best penalty-killer is New Jersey's Martin Brodeur. But when you focus the debate on skaters, San Jose's Grier emerges as the modern prototype. He anticipates the play as well as anyone, and his ability to clog the lanes with his stick routinely foils plays. He consistently keeps the puck-carrier to the outside, limiting scoring opportunities, and he's ferocious when battling for possession in the corners. His arrival in San Jose is the main reason the Sharks' PK has improved from 23rd last season to 10th in 2006-07.

Honorable mentions: John Madden (Devils), Pascal Dupuis (Wild)

Best Open Ice Hitter: Dion Phaneuf, Flames

Looking at Phaneuf's hit totals -- he doesn't even crack the top 20 at the season's halfway point -- you might think he gets the nod based on his rep rather than results. But while some lay the body more often, no one hits harder, or with more devastating effect, than Phaneuf.

Explosive strength is the key, both in his legs and his shoulders, but more important is his timing. Phaneuf doesn't run around looking for hits. He worries about position first. But when the opportunity arises, he goes medieval.

Honorable mentions: Raffi Torres (OIlers), Ryan Hollweg (Rangers)

Most Clutch Player: Martin Brodeur, New Jersey

What is clutch? Maybe the best way to define it is like this: if the game's on the line, who do you most want on your side? If you need to win a Game Seven, you want Brodeur in the net. If you've just scored and you're trying to protect the momentum, Brodeur's your man. When the game's winding down and you're facing an all-out assault...you get the picture. No one's come up big in more big games. Simple as that.

Honorable mentions: Joe Sakic (Avalanche), Chris Drury (Sabres)

[Guynemer]

Originally posted by Kontiki
Meh, I dropped the minimum goalie games just to be safe. I'll change it back to normal next Monday.

"If your league uses Minimum Goaltender Games, please note that these minimums WILL NOT be in effect during All-Star Week, January 22-28."


:confused:

[Kontiki]

Hmmm...I guess I should look a little closer at that first page. ;) No harm in changing it anyway.

[Asher]

Oh sweet!

http://www.edmontonoilers.com/gameday/020708/preview.php

"Daniel Tjarnqvist (inflamed public bone) is doubtful."

Did he whip it out?

[Sparrowhawk]

Originally posted by Kontiki


Alright, here we go (if I can get the formatting correct). Not one penalty called (!), so no PP points.



G A +/- SV% W
Alotta Fagina 2 6 +2 - -
Ice Hawks - - -3 - -
KH's Krushers 2 7 +2 - -
Haunted House Boos 2 7 +10 - -
Road Kill - - -4 .625 -
Hot Mustard - 1 -5 .750 -
Flaming Flamers 3 2 +1 - -
Baby Aardvarks 2 - +2 .800 1
Calamitous Intent - 1 -2 - -
Ninots Nipple Clamps 3 1 -6 - -
HK Phooeys 1 2 -3 .750 -
HC assmonkey - 2 -5 - -
Mountain Goats - 2 +4 - -
Georgia Giants 4 4 +1 .692 -



Edit: Goddamn formatting. You can get the jist of it as is.


:eek: Wow!! Thanks Kontiki, even though NYE and I battled for the bottom of the pack I was wondering about this! Any idea who had the most players in the game? By the way, those goals against averages are kinda funny, though then again, so was the game itself :shame:

/me :crook:

[joncha]

I won teh all-star game. http://www.eventis.ws/forums/images/smilies/1st.gif

[Kontiki]

Originally posted by Sparrowhawk
Any idea who had the most players in the game?

I think it was Imran, actually. He had 4 skaters and 2 goalies (Lecavalier, Visnovsky, Souray, Havlat, Brodeur and Huet). KH and boo each had four skaters as well.

The only player in the game that doesn't belong to anyone was Yanic Perreault. Quick! Everyone try to grab him!

[Asher]

:lol:

Godard just owned Boogaard again. :b:

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
:lol:

Godard just owned Boogaard again. :b:

A type of karma . . . Boogaard mouthed off too much about being a dominant fighter-- this time he had no concussion but he did get a nice shiner

[Flubber]

and I was just watching how often Ference got beat badly. THats uncharacteristic for Ference as he is usually reasonably solid. Except for Kipper Ference could have seen 3-4 goals.

Oh and Regehr didn't play (flu) so Hamrlik and Phaneuf each played more than 30 minutes

[Flubber]

and once again Kipper showed he is a great goalie but a lousy shootout goalie. Its almost at the point where I think they should pull him for the shootout . THAT would be funny to see.

Last night Kipper was amazing in the game but was scored on 2 of 2 in the shootout

[Asher]

Originally posted by Flubber
and once again Kipper showed he is a great goalie but a lousy shootout goalie. Its almost at the point where I think they should pull him for the shootout . THAT would be funny to see.
You can't do anymore, was a rule change this season.

Last night Kipper was amazing in the game but was scored on 2 of 2 in the shootout
Yup. They touched on this in the allstar game. Kipper's strength is the ability to read plays in a game situation. He's unreal 5on5, takes a hit on the PP, and is awful in shootouts.

[Flubber]

Man les Habs know how to look lacklustre. Thats a few games lately where they just fundamentally failed to compete hard

[Asher]

Brutal refjob tonight. le sigh.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Brutal Flames effort tonight.

Fixed.


The Flames did fine on the PK and the PP worked. While I didn't like the reffing much either, the really good teams still find a way to win that game.

THa Flames almost did it but not quite.

I'm just pleased that they got two points out of those last two brutal efforts

[Asher]

Ever since that game in Edmonton, they've adopted the Oilers gamestyle. :(

[mrboo123]

All it took to push the week into my favour was the play of Giguere. :D

[Asher]

What a lame week, so few GP.

They should've just made this week longer.

[Asher]

With Norrena out injured, Columbus' starter is now...Ty Conklin.

Here's hoping Edmonton starts Markkanen on Wednesday this week. :b:

Markkanen vs Conklin, battle of the ages!

[Flubber]

The upside for the Flames these days is that they are still managing to get some offense. With Kipper playing amazing they should get their share of wins.


Regehr being out with the flu has highlighted some surprising fragility on the Flames blueline. Phaneuf and Hamrlik have done well even when playing 30 minutes, but Ference has been mistake prone and Zuyzen has not looked good at all. Girodano seems to play fine but paired with Zuyzen, he has seen his icetime shrink. The last time the Flames went on a bad stretch was when Hamrlik was out so it seems they are vulnerable to injuries to their big three d-men.

With all healthy they should be ok since Zuyzen can go to the bench. But as it stands, I would be dumping Zuyzen if anyone would offer a bowl of belly lint and promote the "other" Regehr

[Asher]

Flames just acquired Craig Conroy for Jamie Lundmark (thank GOD he is gone)

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=194096&hubname=nhl

Here's hoping Conroy can kickstart his career again.

Flames acquire Conroy from Kings
Craig Conroy

1/29/2007 4:12:52 PM

Craig Conroy is heading back to Calgary.

The Flames acquired Conroy from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Jamie Lundmark and two future draft choices.

Conroy returns to Calgary where he played in four seasons between 2001 and 2004. He was a member of the Flames' Western Conference championship team during the 2003-04 season and captained the club during the 2002-03 campaign. In 237 regular season games with the Flames he recorded 188 points with 60 goals and 128 assists. During the 03-04 playoffs he added another 17 points including 6 goals in 26 games.

A veteran of 12 NHL seasons, Conroy has twice been a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy while accumulating 411 points in 706 career games with Montreal, St. Louis, Calgary and Los Angeles. Conroy signed as a free agent with Los Angeles on July 6, 2004. In 52 games this season he has recorded 5 goals and 11 assists for 16 points.

Originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens as their sixth round selection (123rd overall) in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, Conroy was traded to St. Louis in 1996. Calgary first acquired the former U.S. Olympian with a seventh round pick from St. Louis on March 13, 2001 in exchange for Cory Stillman.

A native of Potsdam, NY, Conroy has represented the United States at the 2006 Olympics and at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

[Flubber]

i just KNEW I wouldn't beat you to this story.

[Ninot]

It only took me 8 minutes to get here.

I think its a smart move, but time will tell.

[Asher]

That makes me happy, though. 3 Centres I'm happy with: Langkow, Lombardi, and Conroy.

Who will end up on which line now? IMO, none of those centres deserve 3rd line status.

BTW, congratulations to Koivu for passing his 5-year cancer remission test. :b:

[Flubber]

On the merits, while I think it is overly optimistic to expect the Conroy of a couple of years ago, he is an obvious upgrade from what they have ever gotten from Lundemark . I just hope that fans don't think this cures things. To expect Conroy to be the guy that led that cup run again

I believe that the Flames need a big physical winger. David Moss is big enough but hasn't really shown a physical presence.

AS it satnds, with the return of Iginla and Kobasew, the Flames should have enough talent for the top two lines and the biggest thing for them is to get some play out of the 3rd 4th lines

[Asher]

My projected centres are this:

1st line: Langkow
2nd line: Lombardi
3rd line: Conroy
4th line: Yelle

Conroy's biggest importance will be on the penalty kill, I think.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Ninot
It only took me 8 minutes to get here.

I think its a smart move, but time will tell.

Ya but I am convinced that Asher has a sports ticker alarm attached to his butt. He never seems to take more than 2 minutes to be on these big stories

[Asher]

Originally posted by Flubber
Ya but I am convinced that Asher has a sports ticker alarm attached to his butt. He never seems to take more than 2 minutes to be on these big stories
Brother IMed me when it happened. ;)

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
My projected centres are this:

1st line: Langkow
2nd line: Lombardi
3rd line: Conroy
4th line: Yelle

Conroy's biggest importance will be on the penalty kill, I think.

I agree on the projected centres but I could see Yelle getting a lot more icetime than his other 4th liners. Lets see about their lineup now with the return of Iggy and Kobasew

1st line: Langkow tangs, Iggy
2nd line: Lombardi, Huselius , Kobasew???
3rd line: Conroy, Ritchie , Amonte
4th line: Yelle, Niilson , Freisen

Reserve and on the bench -- McCarty

Waiting on the farm -- Moss, Godard, Boyd,

I don't mind that lineup that much although if players like Freisen and Niilson don't start having some production, I could see the rooks getting in more often.

Also I pencilled Kobasew in for the 2nd line even though he was slated for demotion to 3rd or beyond when he got hurt. If he cannot come back strong, I could see him moving down the chart . As for who gets promoted, who knows? Almost everyone has seen SOME duty on the top two lines

[Flubber]

Bottom line was the flames gave up a player in the doghouse for someone that COULD potentially help them right now. Lundemark had shown nothing for several games.


Now if they could only find someone to take Zuyzen off our hands-- heck the way he is playing I would trade him for 2 free movie passes and a bucket of popcorn.

[Asher]

Originally posted by Flubber
I agree on the projected centres but I could see Yelle getting a lot more icetime than his other 4th liners. Lets see about their lineup now with the return of Iggy and Kobasew

1st line: Langkow tangs, Iggy
2nd line: Lombardi, Huselius , Kobasew???
3rd line: Conroy, Ritchie , Amonte
4th line: Yelle, Niilson , Freisen

I'd go for:

1st line: Tanguay, Langkow, Iginla [skill / power]
2nd line: Huselius, Lombardi, Amonte [skill / speed]
3rd line: Ritchie, Conroy, Kobasew [grinding goalscoring]
4th line Nilson, Yelle, Moss [checking]

[Asher]

Originally posted by Flubber
Bottom line was the flames gave up a player in the doghouse for someone that COULD potentially help them right now. Lundemark had shown nothing for several games.

Now if they could only find someone to take Zuyzen off our hands-- heck the way he is playing I would trade him for 2 free movie passes and a bucket of popcorn.
This explains a lot of the road woes we have. Watching the Minnie and Chicago games, they did a LOT of linematching with their top lines versus Lundmark and Zyuzin. And lo and behold, that's how they scored...

[Asher]

Other way: Lundmark, '07 4th-rounder, '08 2nd-rounder.

Cap implications: +700k this season, +2.394M next season

Medium-term implications: Nilson (and probably Richie) are almost certainly playing their final seasons in Calgary (Friesen and Amonte were already gonzo). The Flames will have even less flexibility this offseason.

Immediate implications: the Flames are better today than they were yesterday. Langkow, Lombardi, Conroy, and Yelle down the middle is a terrific crew.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher

This explains a lot of the road woes we have. Watching the Minnie and Chicago games, they did a LOT of linematching with their top lines versus Lundmark and Zyuzin. And lo and behold, that's how they scored...

Ya -- even though those players got on the ice for 10 minutes or less.

The Chicago second goal was an awful example of Zuyzen not taking the man

The problem is that Ference seems to play less well when you up his ice time. Perhaps Giordano should have seen some spot duty alongside Warrener-- or better still they should bring up the younger Regehr--

Although I never loved Zuyzen, he player better prior to his injury. It seems that the long layoff and then the stretch as a healthy scratch has really impacted his play. Too bad, but the Flames cannot really afford to have him work it out if it is costing them games

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher


I'd go for:

1st line: Tanguay, Langkow, Iginla [skill / power]
2nd line: Huselius, Lombardi, Amonte [skill / speed]
3rd line: Ritchie, Conroy, Kobasew [grinding goalscoring]
4th line Nilson, Yelle, Moss [checking]

I think I like your lineup slightly better but I posted what I think they will do. The coaching staff seems to really like Friesen as they keep on throwing him out there and he sometimes does have stretches where he looks very good

[Asher]

Here's Battle of Alberta's speculate depth chart:

Tanguay - Langkow - Iginla
Huselius - Lombardi - Kobasew
Amonte - Conroy - Moss
Nilson - Yelle - Ritchie
(Friesen, McCarty, Boyd, Godard)

Phaneuf - Hamrlik
Regehr - Warrener
Ference - Giordano
Zyuzin

Kipper
Noodles

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Here's Battle of Alberta's speculate depth chart:

Tanguay - Langkow - Iginla
Huselius - Lombardi - Kobasew
Amonte - Conroy - Moss
Nilson - Yelle - Ritchie
(Friesen, McCarty, Boyd, Godard)

Phaneuf - Hamrlik
Regehr - Warrener
Ference - Giordano
Zyuzin

Kipper
Noodles

THats not bad either-- Moss hasn't shown much in the last couple of games but his goals scored in limited action still far exceeds some of the regulars so I see the logic for putting him in. I still think the coaches like Freisen and he will continue to get his chances. If Iggy and Kobasew are not playing Tuesday, it may come down to who plays better in the last game before they are back.

Oh and I have a tough time seeing Ritchie as a 4th liner. He has worked his guts out far too many times and has been reasonably effective ( considering he scores infrequently)

[Asher]

Iggy skated today with the team (full contact practice).

He's either going to be back tomorrow, or friday.

[Asher]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070129.WBhockeyblog20070129194512/WBStory/WBhockeyblog/

Maki: Iginla gets his set-up man back



One minute, Los Angeles Kings’ centre Craig Conroy was headed to Calgary to face his former Flame teammates. The next minute, his former teammates were the L.A. Kings.

Did that upset Conroy? Not in the least.

Returning to the the team he helped reach the Stanley Cup finals in the spring of 2004, is a good move for Conroy, who had been lounging in a sub-par season with the Kings, scoring just 16 points in 52 games.

Some in the National Hockey League believed the Kings weren’t doing their best to enable Conroy. There were whispers the cordial centre wasn’t getting enough ice time in key situations and that he lacked a strong finisher a la Jarome Iginla, who enjoyed his best scoring seasons as a Flame with Conroy as his set-up man.

That’s why today’s trade, which sent Conroy back to Calgary in exchange for Jamie Lundmark and a pair of draft

picks, works on so many levels. A happy Conroy likely means a revitalized Iginla, who practiced today in full gear and is gearing up for a return to the line-up sometime this week, he said. Iginla has been sidelined almost a month with a sprained knee ligament.

Should the Flames stick with their top line of Daymond Langkow, Alex Tanguay and Kristian Huselius, they could reunite Conroy and Iginla on a second line that could carry the team some nights, assuming the Conroy-Iggy chemistry can be rekindled.

As for the Kings, they give up a veteran and his $2.394 million (all figures US) salary for this season and next for a useable forward (Lundmark has four assists in 39 games) and two draft picks (Calgary’s fourth-rounder this year and its second-rounder in 2008). The Kings are also off the hook for a $600,000 bonus due Conroy should he play in 150 regular-season and playoff games between 2005-2006 and 2006-2007.

Currently, Conroy has played in 130 games. The Flames have 33 games left in the regular season and appear a good bet to make the playoffs.

As for Conroy’s on-ice presence, it undeniably bolsters Calgary’s depth at centre, where Langkow, Matthew Lombardi and Stephane Yelle can provide some offence and good defence.

As for the man who let Conroy bolt the Flames as a free agent in 2004, Calgary general manager Darryl Sutter insisted he had no problems bringing Conroy back into the fold.

“All along, Connie left because (in) ’04 that was before we had a collective agreement,” Sutter told reporters. “What we could pay him and what the unknown of the market was, there wasn’t a way for us to resign him.”

But with room under the salary cap, the Flames had both the finances and the intuitive to reclaim Conroy and, now that they have, everybody is happy - except maybe the other NHL teams that were interested in Conroy.

They can no longer bide their time until the Feb. 27 trade deadline. The Flames have gotten things rolling, and that’s always good for hockey fans.

[notyoueither]

Sounds like a good trade for Calgary and LA.

Wish the Oilers could find a win-win involving a decent, experienced dman. Unfortunately, those seem to be few and far between.

[Flubber]

Asher


That globe article is an interesting take. I had thought more of Conroy rejuvenating a third line but you could make Kobasew a demotion and see how a Lombardi-Iggy-Conroy grouping does. Lombardi has played too well too often to be demoted IMHO and it could be interesting

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Iggy skated today with the team (full contact practice).

He's either going to be back tomorrow, or friday.

I hope its Tuesday. I am going to that game in one of the boxes with free food and drink-- an Iggy return would be a nice bonus

[Flubber]

Originally posted by notyoueither
Sounds like a good trade for Calgary and LA.

Wish the Oilers could find a win-win involving a decent, experienced dman. Unfortunately, those seem to be few and far between.

Good players are always in short supply , particlarly when there are probably 26 teams in the league still acting like they can make the playoffs. Perhaps if a few more teams slump you may see some dumping of older veterans for salary reasons. There are always rentals available from the teams that know they are out of it

[notyoueither]

Yeah, but last year was so sweet. The Oilers got Tarnstrom and Spacek for a couple of buckets of pucks, and they got them around Christmas.

It's getting late, it's late, and the Oilers have an important date.

[Ninot]

Hmm, I guess Flubber didn't follow tonight's game.

Habs break out in the second, Aebischer makes key saves, Habs take back 4th, and still have a game in hand.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Ninot
Hmm, I guess Flubber didn't follow tonight's game.

Habs break out in the second, Aebischer makes key saves, Habs take back 4th, and still have a game in hand.

I did. It was very good to see them defeat an Ottawa squad that crushed them last time out. They are a good team. I have always said that.

[Ninot]

Btw, is it becoming common place for teams to not come out when another team is retiring a jersey? Thrashers didn't come out for Savard and the Sens didnt come out for Dryden. I understand it, but i think it would be nice if they did.

[Asher]

Originally posted by Ninot
Btw, is it becoming common place for teams to not come out when another team is retiring a jersey? Thrashers didn't come out for Savard and the Sens didnt come out for Dryden. I understand it, but i think it would be nice if they did.
It's my understanding that this is a recent trend...last year the Flames were out any time a jersey was retired.

Less classy teams, such as the Oilers, not only hide in the lockerroom about it but publicly complain about it.

[Ninot]

I think the Oilers started the trend.

last year, the Rangers came out for Geoffrion, and Jagr was classy. And the Leafs came out for Cournoyer and Moore.

[Asher]

Kobasew is now out another 4 weeks with a busted elbow...

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Kobasew is now out another 4 weeks with a busted elbow...

Thats too bad-- while he hadn't played great, he was still stronger than most of the bottom two lines. I'd rather him in the lineup than out. This could increase the chance Conroy could see action on the top two lines with a bit of shifting about

[Asher]

Conroy got his first goal as a Flame, against LA, in his first game as a Flame (again).

Lookin good.

[Asher]

Conroy just got #2...

[Ninot]

Quick results! Good on the Flames and Conroy!

[Asher]

He got standing ovations on both goals. He had the biggest grin on his face all night, from pre-game interviews to post-game interviews.

[Asher]

Conroy has scored more in 1 game with Calgary than Nedved has in 10 with Edmonton. :cute:

[Flubber]

Flames lines looked like this

Forwards
Moss Langkow Huselius
Tanguay Conroy Amonte
Nilson Lombardi Ritchie
Friesen Yelle Godard

Comments

They were shifting things around a bit and other than the fact that Godard didn't play much (4 minutes) they kind of rolled 4 lines with different players taking turns where Godard should be. Ritchie had the next least time with 11 minutes which is pretty normal for a regular shift MINUS PP and PK.

Conroy was the biggest guy on the PK with Yelle, Freisen and Nilson. No other forward got real PK time. Fior instance Lombardi got none which is a little bit of a surprise given his speed and shorthanded goals. Oh and Conroy got double shifted a little at the end, probably to give him a chance for the hat-trick.


The only surprise to me is I expected somehow for Lombardi to stay on the top 2 lines but I guess they didn't want to do the position shifting that would entail. It will be interesting to see what they do on Iggy's return . There is a lot of speculation he will play with Conroy but on last nights lines that would require a major juggle . I do expect that Moss will be the one to drop from the top two lines.

As for the injured, Kobasew will get a chance once his injury heals but it might be third line duty -- Kobasew\Lombardi with Ritchie/Moss\Nilson or whatever could be a very good third line.

McCarty?? I just don't see that guy getting into games on a regular basis barring a number of injuries

[Flubber]

Although its a light night tonight, it does feature a key matchup for Leafs fans. The Leafs despite winning 4 of 5 still remain outside the playoffs and face a Rangers team with which they are tied for 9th place. So a key four-pointer.

I actually like the Leafs in this one. The rangers had been slumping and their recent wins have come against Boston and Philly so they are not necessarily signs of a turnaround.

But the Leafs are so freaking inconsistent that tonight might be the one where they blow up and lose 6-1 or 8-2 or something.

IN the other games both Phoenix and Edmonton are starting to be in must-win territory as they try to catch up in the playoff race. ( now 10 and 6 points out respectively). The problem is that Minny, Vancouver and algary are beginning to act like they want to take strangleholds on playoff spots. Each of those 3 are often managing to garner points even when they are not particularly good.

[Flubber]

Oh and to Asher


Have you been following Telqvists stats lately ? I'll refresh your memory
.781
.933
.875
.846
.889

THats his last five games which now brings him to a season stats of

2006-2007 17 1,021 9 6 2 53 516 1 3.11 .897

THat .897 is shockingly close to the .895 that he had posted year in all of his previous NHL years. He has gone back to being the goalie he always was. A 3.11 and .897would put him in 32nd place among active goalies.


All that said , it does place him marginally above Raycroft on sv % and marginally behind on GAA. . . but clearly better than Aubin.

So bottom line is in Tellqvist we have a goalie that will post a sv% of less than .900 but will give some occasional very good efforts. He's clearly better than Aubin this season although Aubin's best years in the NHL are better than Telqvists ( and Aubin's worst years are worse). Since they were betting on Raycroft to return to his great form of a couple of years ago (ie .926) they then had the choice of two backups. I agree that they chose wrong based on this years's stats but I still question what you expect to get for a guy that loses out on your backup competition

OH and how was dinner?? Did you give in and have sex with a lesbian?

[Asher]

Tellqvist is a decent backup I think. For Phoenix probably a starter, if Joseph's off.

And dinner was okay, nothing special. No sex. ;)

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher


And dinner was okay, nothing special. No sex. ;)

Ah I thought you might try to pick up the cute waiter or busboy or whatnot ;)

[Asher]

In these types of restaurants the waiters are hideously old...at least 35.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
In these types of restaurants the waiters are hideously old...at least 35.

How do they even allow themselves be seen in public??;)

[Asher]

Kipper on his slashing penalty last night:

"I was planning to hit him," said Kiprusoff, "but I saw the referee and I kind of stopped (his swing). I pretty much didn't hit him at all. It was a bad penalty and bad timing, good thing our players did a great job (on the penalty kill) and they didn't make me look like an idiot." -

:love:

[Flubber]

The Leafs

This time Raycroft was a big factor in the win. The Leafs have stepped it up when needed . Although they still technically sut 9th , they are opening up some gaps from some of the other contenders behind them.

My fear for the Leafs is that they have won 5 of 6 to get this far. A coild spell now could be a disaster.

The good thing for the Leafs is that they get a few days off before facing Ottawa . . but that is the start of a challenging 5 game stretch-- Sens , Blues (hot lately), Preds, Pens and Isles.--

[Flubber]

Hey NYE

Are you still predicting Phoenix for the playoffs?? My take

Phoenix is 10 points back of MIneesota. I assume Minny will play .500 hockey the rest of the way so they would in that scenario get 88 points. ( I think they will get more )

Phoenix has 48 points and 31 games left. To get to 88 points then need 40 points. That means they need a record of better than 20-11-0 or 18-9-4 or 15-6-10 or whatever. Bottom line is that they need to win more than 9 more games (however) than they lose in regulation.

Even if they do that, they will only get to the playoffs if Minny plays just .500 ( note that Van and Calgary would be 91-92 points as a target).

The reality is that it is much tougher since those teams have exceeded .500 all season and I see no compelling reasons they would not continue. The chance that one of those teams will go into freefall is counterbalanced by the chance that one of Colorado or Edmonto will soar or heck . . . that Columbus or St. Louis will outpoint Phoenix the rest of the way.

Bottom line is that right now . . for a team 10 points out, its almost impossible for them to catch up without teams ahead faltering pretty badly. . . and the problem for Phoenix is that all 3 of the teams they need to pass are in the NW division and those teams have a heck of a lot of games with each other and SOMEONE will be getting points from those games



I think that the situation will be much clearer in a week to 10 days. I don't think that teams like Phoenix have given up hope yet .. . . but its getting pretty close to that point

[Tingkai]

Good month for the Leafs, nice turnaround from December. But you're right Flubber. Any cold spell will doom them, although that is true for half the teams in the east - 10 points separating eight teams.

On the plus side for the Leafs:
- Raycroft gaining confidence is as important as the points. He's making the big saves when the Leafs need him.
- The d-line is coming together, Kubina and Kaberle seem to be a good mix.
- Lots of offense throughout the team, but it seems like if Sundin gets shut down, the Leafs lose.


One interesting thing is that the Leafs are doing great without Tucker. Maybe they can trade him, which might be best. The guy can rev up the team, but all too often, he's causing problems at the wrong time.

Rumor has it that Calgary and Edmonton are interested in him.

[Asher]

Both rumours originated from Toronto. They're RIDICULOUS rumours.

Edmonton has enough forwards, they need a puck-moving d-man.

And Tucker is the antithesis of a Sutter player, which values EV strength and two-way ability. He's a one trick pony with an abnormal first half of the year, like McCabe last year. Sutter picks up players like Conroy, which he did.

I'm waiting for them to give Tucker a 5-year $5M/year no-movement contract like McCabe now...

[Asher]

The one game I cheered for Edmonton for and they sucked.

Roloson is awful, M-A Bergeron is "killing me" now, as nye said last year.

[Asher]

Iginla scores in the first period back...from Conroy. :love:

And Regehr scores seconds later...Conroy gets an assist on that, too.

Edit: Regehr has 3 points so far. that's amazing.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Iginla scores in the first period back...from Conroy. :love:




seems the flames have had these nice stories in the last two games.

two returning players are the first to score on their returns :b: :cool:

[Flubber]

Looking at the standings now, the methematics for the Oil to make the playoffs is almost the same as the Coyotes. THere is one crucial difference though. Edmonton will have far more games with the NW division teams that hold the last 3 spots and therefore have a better chance to overtake them. If you have a lot of games to make up,head to head games a re a blessing

[Flubber]

The problem for those chasing a spot in the west though . . .. its not just the point gap but also the fact that the teams currently in the spots show little signs of faltering now. I mean which of Minny, Calgary or Vancouver can anyone pick to play less than .500 the rest of the way? Because when you assume .500 for those clubs, the math gets very difficult.

I think we are at that point where a game like tonight's games involving the NW are crucial

Oilers Avalanche
Canucks Flames
Wild Coyotes

IN a sense, the Canuck-Flames is irrelevant to the chasers except that they hope it is won in regulation. Meanwhile the Avs and OIlers will be hoping that the Coyotes can take down the Wild so they can climb two points closer

[Asher]

Flubber, I'd love for you to post your commentary on my new hockey blog. Would you like a posting account? :b:

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Flubber
Looking at the standings now, the methematics for the Oil to make the playoffs is almost the same as the Coyotes. THere is one crucial difference though. Edmonton will have far more games with the NW division teams that hold the last 3 spots and therefore have a better chance to overtake them. If you have a lot of games to make up,head to head games a re a blessing

It's not looking good.

[Asher]

Did you guys see the After Hours segment with St Louis and Lecavalier? I am SO RIGHT about them being gay.

They both like Journey and they have a "song" together???

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Did you guys see the After Hours segment with St Louis and Lecavalier? I am SO RIGHT about them being gay.

They both like Journey and they have a "song" together???

I just saw that and I thought the very same thing. It seemed like St. Louis realized how the song thing sounded and immediately tried to backtrack

[Flubber]

Oh and awesome Flames comeback win. They were actually the better team all night tonight

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Flubber


I just saw that and I thought the very same thing. It seemed like St. Louis realized how the song thing sounded and immediately tried to backtrack

:lol:

[Kontiki]

More importantly, another week of kicking ass for me. :b:

[joncha]

:(

[Sparrowhawk]

:lol: Last time weren't you claiming it was Lecavalier and Richards that were gay?

I missed the after hours segment but maybe it is a good thing I did. :shame: (gay hockey players, what's the world coming to :nono: )

/me :crook:

[Sparrowhawk]

Originally posted by Kontiki
More importantly, another week of kicking ass for me. :b:

I am starting to wonder if it matters if I finish first or not (as it seems less likely I will be :D ) beyond bragging rights of course :b:. By the playoff set up, there doesn't seem to be any advantage between finishing first or second. Second versus Third seems significant however, so I hope I can hold off KH, Hot Mustard, NYE and MrBoo.

/me :crook:

[Asher]

Originally posted by Sparrowhawk
:lol: Last time weren't you claiming it was Lecavalier and Richards that were gay?
The guy gets around...Lecavelier's a whore.

[Ninot]

Originally posted by Asher

The guy gets around...Lecavelier's a whore.

QFT

btw, Big Habs win! Souray gets his revenge.

[Asher]

And what point can we put Huselius on the list of players better than Hemsky?

This is amazing (from yesterday's skills competition):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hje5J3emEoQ

[Asher]

Also, a couple canuck fans got injured at the game on Saturday after they fell from the balcony: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/city/story.html?id=27085cb5-b915-4efb-8a28-e9146506f88a

[Asher]

Edmonton Oilers. :q:

Ryan Smyth. :q: A disgrace to Canada.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p5yIoiK3ZXc"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p5yIoiK3ZXc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

[Flubber]

Nye

How are you liking Phoenix's playoff chances these days??

They are heading on a 4 game road trip and I suspect at the end of that, they will be resolved to the fact that they are not a playoff team this year

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Edmonton Oilers. :q:

Ryan Smyth. :q: A disgrace to Canada.




Ah Asher--as predictable as the morning sunrise.


MY wish would be to somehow see Smith traded to Calgary to seehowthe tone changed with regard to this player

[Asher]

The video speaks for itself.

I especially love the crosscheck by Heatley to try to get Smyth to stop being a goon...

[Flubber]

Oh and the Flames rocked this weekend. The crushed Columbus and badly outplayed Vancouver. Heck Luongo was a star despite surrendering 4 goals.

Oh and in an oddity, Ference was a scratch Friday and Zyuzin played and played very very well. Then Saturday, Ference was back in the lineup and had a good night after a few questionable games.

But now Warrener is hurt again/still. Apparently he plays through a lot of hurt. PLus Yelle was out.


The Flames have shown they can be a dominant team -- heck they have the best record in the league at home. BUt the best teams can manage at least .500 on the road . The Flames need to start showing that.

Chicago at home is chance to avenge their poor play in Chicago last time out and then it is on a tough road trip ( Columbus, Buffalo, Detroit). Its a short one but a key test

[Asher]

Zyuzin has a 100mph shot. Who knew.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Zyuzin has a 100mph shot. Who knew.

I was actually more shocked at the fastest skater until I read that Lombardi sat out the competition. I cannot imagine any Flame being faster than Lombardi.

Actually a bunch sat out the skills games -- not really a big surprise the afternoon after back-to-back games.

[Asher]

Lombardi has a charliehorse.

Full breakdown at my blog: http://openicehits.blogspot.com

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Lombardi has a charliehorse.

Full breakdown at my blog: http://openicehits.blogspot.com
Is it really hockey or is it just gay porn?

[Asher]

It's hockey, of course. I do have a gay porn blog, but that's posted under a pseudonym, "Fluffer".

[Asher]

Sean Avery is out of the Western Conference! http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=195031&hubname=nhl

The Los Angeles Kings have traded centre Sean Avery and prospect John Seymour to the New York Rangers for right winger Jason Ward along with prospects Marc-Andre Cliche and Jan Marek.

Avery and Ruutu in the same division...charming. :lol:

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
It's hockey, of course. I do have a gay porn blog, but that's posted under a pseudonym, "Fluffer".

Are you hinting that you assist in the adult film industry on the side?

[Asher]

No, there's all kinds of free porn blogs that link to sites like xtube, etc.

[Flubber]

Another HUGE busy night tonight!! I see 13 games and playoff implications loom large.

Toronto, while ninth are now actually better positioned than that considering their games in hand and overall their position is GREATLY improved as all of the Rangers, Washinton and Boston have gone 3-7-0 in their last 10 and are dropping out of the race. IF those teams don't reverse things and quickly they will be out of the race .

The hot streaks of Toronto, Ottawa, Tampa and Pittsburgh have raised the bar such even teams as high up as Montreal and Atlanta are now much less secure in their playoff position. ( although still doing pretty good as long as they avoid a collapse)

[Flubber]

While the east still has two teams hovering within two points of the last playoff spot ( with games in hand to boot) the west is very different.

Edmonton sits a full 6 points back( with an important game in hand though). Six points is interesting since its neither totally IN the playoff race yet its also not far enough back to consider the race over, particularly when you consider that the Oilers will get a lot of NW games.

But the tale for the OIlers will be told on a road trip that involves only one NW opponent. After their current 3 game homestand, they go on the road and face

Tue Feb 13, 2007 AWAY Bruins
Thu Feb 15, 2007 AWAY Sabres
Sat Feb 17, 2007 AWAY Maple Leafs
Tue Feb 20, 2007 AWAY Senators
Thu Feb 22, 2007 AWAY Blue Jackets
Fri Feb 23, 2007 AWAY Red Wings
Sun Feb 25, 2007 AWAY Wild 2:00 PM ET
1:00 PM KSTC (HD) SNET-W

Thats a 7 game swing and only the Bruins are playing poorly at the moment and culminating in what the OIl can only hope will be a crucial matchup. But its a key time. Any faltering and the Oil could easily be 10-12 points out by the 25th.

If the Oil can go on a winning run on that trip , it would demonstrate their ability even if they remain 4-6 points out. As it stands, they have not shown enough to make a believer of me that they can make a serious playoff run. The win over the Avs was huge but now its Canucks time and another test. The big benefit for the OIl is that they only need to catch any one of Minny, Vancouver or calgary. If they can go on a bit of a winning streak they should catch SOMEBODY. But the math is such that unless someone collapses, they need a winning streak.

Six points? Doable . Lose tonight and it could be 8 ( although Minny is in Dallas so a touch match for them). With Atlanta coming to town and the road trip looming, I don't really think the Oilers can afford to lose much more ground

[cinch]

According to tsn.ca, Monteal just put Samsonov on waivers.

[Asher]

How much do you want to bet he ends up in Edmonton? after all he can REALLY GET HEMSKY THE GREAT going... ;)

[Flubber]

Originally posted by cinch
According to tsn.ca, Monteal just put Samsonov on waivers.

Does this clear cap room for them if no one picks him up?? Can they release him then?

In a way this is surprising to me as I would have thought they might get SOMETHING for him from the trade route. Seven goals is not a lot but someone could take a chance on him returning to his former levels of productivity

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
How much do you want to bet he ends up in Edmonton? after all he can REALLY GET HEMSKY THE GREAT going... ;)

You are a broken record on this one aren't you.??