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Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

#1
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10/16/08 at 8:29am
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All right guys, another season of the fastest, most exciting professional team sport is underway! Just a few topics for discussion to kick things off...

Can the Red Wings repeat? Or more importantly, can anyone stop these guys? And now they have Hossa for one season, will this make them even more formidable, or will last year's chemistry be gone?

Penguins--lost a few guys to other teams, and a few more to injury. Can the successes of the past two seasons be built upon?

Sean Avery--The bad boy of hockey is in a deep hole already this year with 2 game misconducts. How soon until suspension? Will he be off his game now? Maybe he shouldn't have taken that summer internship...

Let's hear you talk up your favorite team! Everyone still has hope at this point, right?

"I'LL SHOW YOU THE LIFE OF THE MIND!!!" - Barton Fink

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#2
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10/16/08 at 8:52am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

My Habs are looking strong. They added Alex Tanguay and Robert Lang to an already potent offense. Their only significant loss was Mark Streit, who played the point on the league's #1 power play. Their young talent is starting to mature -- especially the Kostitsyn brothers. The big question is whether their two young, talented goalies continue to develop. Cary Price looked great last regular season, but was very shaky in the playoffs and was the reason they lost to Philly.

The Wings will be tough to knock off, but there is a reason no team has repeated as champs in awhile. The regular season and playoffs are a long grind, and it's very difficult to survive two straight years.
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#3
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10/16/08 at 9:47am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Most prognosticators are predicting the Blues will finish near the bottom of the heap in the West. I think they will surprise and sneak into the playoffs in maybe an 8 spot. Unfortunately, they lost their future star defenseman, Eric Johnson, to a season ending knee injury involving a golf cart. That was a painful loss and a freak accident that seems to happens to Blue's players.

The Blues are relying pretty heavily on youth now. Their top draft pick is playing on defense, Alex Pietrangelo, (18 yo) and he is def learning on the job. Patrick Berglund from Sweden will challenge for the Calder. He's got some pretty exciting moves and is fun to watch. The Blues are rolling 3 lines that can score now which hasn't happened since they won the President's trophy.

The Blues have also (so far in 3 games) revitalized their anemic power play from last year and are on a blistering pace. I think they are 7-14 right now. Tkachuk (4 goals) and Kariya have been doing well. The penalty kill seems to be holding despite losing a key killer like Jamal Mayers.

The Wings are going to be tough for sure. I think they probably will repeat.

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#4
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10/16/08 at 12:54pm
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Blackhawks coach fired after just four games...wow.
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#5
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10/16/08 at 1:13pm
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

I don't think any other sport gets rid of coaches as often as hockey. They don't get credit for what they do right, but always seem to get blamed for what goes wrong.

"I'LL SHOW YOU THE LIFE OF THE MIND!!!" - Barton Fink

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#6
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10/16/08 at 9:22pm
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

10,000


maybe the flyers coach should get fired.

they should not be 0-4
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#7
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10/17/08 at 4:51am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

I am interested in seeing how #1 overall draft pick Steve Stamkos does with Tampa this season. We saw him a couple of times last season in the Ontario Hockey League -- we attend quite a few Plymouth Whalers games. The kid stood out head and shoulders above the rest of the players on the ice. He has real talent.
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#8
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10/17/08 at 7:53am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

It's still too early to hit the panic button for the Flyers. I know they have gotten off to worse starts than this in the past, then bounced back.
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#9
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10/17/08 at 8:54am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Ouch. Hate to see the Pens blow a 3 goal lead. They had been doing a good job preventing Ovechkin from scoring too, what a wasted effort!

"I'LL SHOW YOU THE LIFE OF THE MIND!!!" - Barton Fink

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#10
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10/17/08 at 12:02pm
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Was enjoying last night's game for the Pens until the 3rd - that period hurt. Got outshot something like 20 to 6 I think. They were outshooting the Caps by a nice margin before that period.

Question - when does Crosby get a goal. Answer - 2 on Saturday v. the Leafs.
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#11
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10/17/08 at 12:07pm
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Comcast had a free preview this past week for the NHL Center Ice package, so I was able to catch two extra Montreal games -- wins against Philly and Boston. Unfortunately, Comcast is not showing any of these games in high definition, even though the Habs - Bruins feed was coming from NESN-HD. I would love to see more Montreal games, but cannot see paying $160 for this package if none of the games are in HD. As it is, I will have to settle for the occasional game on CBC (our affiliate usually shows Toronto instead), plus what I can find streamed online.
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#12
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10/31/08 at 4:40am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

History was made during the Montreal - Minnesota game last night. Saku and Mikku Koivu became the first brothers to face each other in an NHL game as their respective teams' captains.
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#13
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12/9/08 at 6:57am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Ugh, the Pens blow another lead. It's 3-1 and when I come back they've lost 4-3. Sure, they come from behind a lot to win games, but I think I'd rather see 60 minutes of consistent hockey, if there is such a thing. Between the Pens and the Steelers I'm not sure my heart can take much more of this!

"I'LL SHOW YOU THE LIFE OF THE MIND!!!" - Barton Fink

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#14
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12/9/08 at 11:16am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Bob, I think the Pens need more consistent goaltending if they want to get over the hump. Fluery has potential, but he's been hurt and has shown the inconsistency of a young goalie. He may mature, though, which should be your hope.
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#15
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12/9/08 at 11:21am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

As long as the Bruins defeat the Habs, I'm happy.
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#16
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12/9/08 at 12:38pm
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob McLaughlin
Ugh, the Pens blow another lead. It's 3-1 and when I come back they've lost 4-3. Sure, they come from behind a lot to win games, but I think I'd rather see 60 minutes of consistent hockey, if there is such a thing. Between the Pens and the Steelers I'm not sure my heart can take much more of this!


Hey Bob.

I agree 100 percent - they need to toughen up on the PP and get some action in front of the net. 2 man advantage and just 3 shots. Getting too cute...also, D injuries have hurt. Gill now is going to be out for 2 to 4 weeks, so that doesn't help. Hopefully Whitney's return is on track.

Gonchar being out not only hurts the PP point, but D as well. He's still not due back til much later this season...

I wouldn't pin this on Fleury - geez, he's been hurt the last two weeks and played really well in the playoffs. Hopefully he comes back and we can get going. He is practicing again...
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#17
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12/9/08 at 12:42pm
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ockeghem
As long as the Bruins defeat the Habs, I'm happy.

You have that backwards, Scott. Go Habs!
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#18
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12/9/08 at 12:48pm
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

The Bruins beating the Habs is like a happy butterfly floating gently on the breeze over a sunny garden as little birdies fill the air with a joyous tune.

"How wonderful it will be to have a leader unburdened by the twin horrors of knowledge and experience." -- Mr. Wick

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#19
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12/9/08 at 3:30pm
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aaron Silverman
The Bruins beating the Habs is like a happy butterfly floating gently on the breeze over a sunny garden as little birdies fill the air with a joyous tune.
LOL! That line above reminded me suspiciously of Mr. Spock in the episode Charlie X.
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#20
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12/10/08 at 6:18am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aaron Silverman
The Bruins beating the Habs is like a happy butterfly floating gently on the breeze over a sunny garden as little birdies fill the air with a joyous tune.

Lucic beating the tar out of Komisarek right after scoring a goal is like all of the above plus Kathy Ireland in her prime peeling and feeding you grapes.
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#21
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12/10/08 at 7:05am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aaron Silverman
The Bruins beating the Habs is like a happy butterfly floating gently on the breeze over a sunny garden as little birdies fill the air with a joyous tune.

Nice analogy. They are both rare occurrences.

Actually, the hated Bruins have been off to a very surprising start this season. As much as it pains me to say so, they may be this season's Montreal -- i.e. picked to finish outside the playoffs, but instead finish very high in the conference.
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#22
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12/10/08 at 7:50am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Merryfield
Nice analogy. They are both rare occurrences.

Actually, the hated Bruins have been off to a very surprising start this season. As much as it pains me to say so, they may be this season's Montreal -- i.e. picked to finish outside the playoffs, but instead finish very high in the conference.

Not surprising at all. They had a year to buy into Julien's system, which was solidified in their suprising series against the Habs in the playoffs. A series in which they effectively figured out how to shut down the vaunted Hab PP (and in doing so, clued in the rest of the league) by aggressively attacking the cross ice pass. In addition, some great prospects are now coming into their own: Kessel is an all-star after being benched last year, Lucic has continued the his stellar playoff showing, Krecji is seeming like a truly elite playmaker (on the third line!). Thomas and Fernandez are in the stratosphere right now, which IMHO has much to do with the system, but that's no discount to the effort they put forth. Combine these with veterans who now play a more complete game (Savard, Wideman) and the fully solidified "team" concept, and you can see how a team can be where the Bruins are today.

Maturity and a belief in themselves goes a long way in turning an inexperienced and raw team into a monster that is very hard to play against and is never out of a game. You can thank a playoff series that should have gone 4, but eventually went 7 for starting that.
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#23
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12/10/08 at 8:13am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

It certainly is nice to see the Habs - Bruins rivalry heat up again, especially with Montreal's other traditional rival (Toronto) continuing to struggle.

The Canadiens power play has been pathetic this season, as you alluded to Jeff. While part of it may be a result of last season's playoff series, I think much of it can also be attributed to the loss of defenseman Mark Streit. He was the trigger on the point after Sheldon Souray left the year before, and did an excellent job anchoring the power play. Montreal has not been able to replace him like they replaced Souray.
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#24
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12/10/08 at 1:32pm
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Merryfield
It certainly is nice to see the Habs - Bruins rivalry heat up again, especially with Montreal's other traditional rival (Toronto) continuing to struggle.

The Canadiens power play has been pathetic this season, as you alluded to Jeff. While part of it may be a result of last season's playoff series, I think much of it can also be attributed to the loss of defenseman Mark Streit. He was the trigger on the point after Sheldon Souray left the year before, and did an excellent job anchoring the power play. Montreal has not been able to replace him like they replaced Souray.

Streit was the one they neutralized in the playoffs. As I remember it, he was a non-factor after they shut off the cross ice seam and pressured the points. Their PP needs a revamp, they have been figured out and they aren't getting the play from Kovalev, who was able to single handedly turn a weak scheme into a one-on-four tour de force. Unfortunately for the Habs, that Kovalev has disappeared quicker than Jagr's game after he left the Penguins.
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#25
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12/12/08 at 12:49pm
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Woot Woot. Pens end 3 game skid and score 9! Ok, it was against the Isles, but it was nice to find some offense. 3 PP Goals, Sykora's first career Hat Trick and one from Dupuis as well.

One game does not turn around a season, but let's hope it's a step in the right direction...

Next Game: Pens @ Flyers 12/13. Should be fun as games against Philly always are...
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#26
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12/17/08 at 6:52am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

I was hoping to see a shootout between the Capitals and Islanders in last night's game on VS, which almost happened, but Alexander Ovechkin scored the game winner with 10.7 seconds left.

The Flyers complete a perfect 4-game homestead, which included wins over the Penguins and ending a 5-game losing streak against the Avalance.
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#27
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12/17/08 at 7:06am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Yeah, your Flyers are on a pretty good run. They were clearly more up for the game than the Pens were last weekend. My question, did many Pens fans show up for that game in Philly? It always seems there are lots of pesky Flyers fans in the Igloo when they play here in Pittsburgh. Of course we treat them as respectfully as possible...(I almost said that with a straight face).

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#28
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12/17/08 at 8:14am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob McLaughlin
My question, did many Pens fans show up for that game in Philly? It always seems there are lots of pesky Flyers fans in the Igloo when they play here in Pittsburgh. Of course we treat them as respectfully as possible...(I almost said that with a straight face).

I'm not surprised, as there always seem to be a large contingent of Flyers fans that travel with the team, mainly to opposing teams' building within the Atlantic Division.

I'm not sure with the Penguin fans, but I will find out when I go to their next meeting in Philly on January 13th.

It is early and a long season, so I'm being cautiously optimistic.
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#29
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12/19/08 at 6:52am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

The Flyers' winning streak ended, falling behind 3-0 and not able to recover against the Canadiens.

And who would have thought the Bruins and Rangers would be on a tear in the East.
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#30
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12/19/08 at 10:07am
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Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Walter C
The Flyers' winning streak ended, falling behind 3-0 and not able to recover against the Canadiens.

I had a rare treat, being able to watch this game last night thanks to a special edition of "Hockey Night in Canada" on CBC. The game was closer than the score indicated, with lots of offensive action at both ends. It was nice to see the Habs win a game after struggling over the past week.
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