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Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread - Page 3

post #61 of 646
1/5/09 at 9:53am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

They would be insane to skip the Winter Classic. It's the only real exposure the league gets.
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post #62 of 646
1/5/09 at 11:15am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

The Winter Classic certainly is a unique event for the NHL. I don't think even Bettman is stupid enough to screw it up.

It will be interesting to see where they play next. Boston or New York -- old Fenway or new Yankee Stadium -- seem likely places.
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post #63 of 646
1/5/09 at 11:32am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Merryfield
The Winter Classic certainly is a unique event for the NHL. I don't think even Bettman is stupid enough to screw it up.

It will be interesting to see where they play next. Boston or New York -- old Fenway or new Yankee Stadium -- seem likely places.


I know next year is the East's turn again since it was West this year, but they should have a Calgary Vs. Edmonton game, that would be sick. I'm rooting for Boston, VS Montreal for the east.
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post #64 of 646
1/5/09 at 1:04pm

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

I would think one of the Canadian cities would be next in line to host it, but not likely because of NBC.

The only way Bettman can mess it up, is by trying to have it in places like Florida or Atlanta.
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post #65 of 646
1/5/09 at 1:25pm

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

I don't think Toronto has a stadium that would work -- the Skydome is indoors. I'm not sure what's available in Montreal. And, as you said Walter, I doubt that NBC would want the game in Canada, and Bettman would probably go along with that, even though the NHL doesn't get much money from NBC.
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post #66 of 646
1/6/09 at 12:35pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

OK the Penguins are stinking these days. The power play is nonexistent and this has been a constant under the Therrien regime, I'm getting sick of it. Sure he took them to the Cup finals last year but he still can't assemble an effective power play special team.
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post #67 of 646
1/6/09 at 1:16pm

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Walter C
The only way Bettman can mess it up, is by trying to have it in places like Florida or Atlanta.

My first thought was "have it in Florida and I'll go!" My second thought was to wonder how they would set up an outdoor ice rink in 78 degree weather.
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post #68 of 646
1/6/09 at 1:18pm

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Merryfield
I don't think Toronto has a stadium that would work -- the Skydome is indoors.

The Skydome has a retractable roof, so it could still have an outdoor game. The other option would be Vancouver, but that city has enough on its plate, with the Olympics.
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post #69 of 646
1/7/09 at 6:12am
Thread Starter 

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

The night I complain about the Pens lack of a power play, they get not one but two power play goals. Okay, they were playing the Thrashers but a win is a win. Hopefully someone got a fire lit under their ass.
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post #70 of 646
1/7/09 at 7:04am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Walter C
The Skydome has a retractable roof, so it could still have an outdoor game.

I never knew that. Of course, I do not watch baseball anymore, so I do not see the stadium, either.

The All-Star starters have been determined... not much ballot stuffing going on, huh? Even this Habs fan will admit that not one of those Montreal players should be starting. Having the entire starting lineups from both conferences to consist of players from only four teams is quite silly. That's what happens when you put the voting entirely in the hands of the fans.
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post #71 of 646
1/7/09 at 7:14am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Merryfield
I never knew that. Of course, I do not watch baseball anymore, so I do not see the stadium, either.

The All-Star starters have been determined... not much ballot stuffing going on, huh? Even this Habs fan will admit that not one of those Montreal players should be starting. Having the entire starting lineups from both conferences to consist of players from only four teams is quite silly. That's what happens when you put the voting entirely in the hands of the fans.

No offense meant, because I've known and met some very knowledgable Habs fans, but this farce taints the rest of the league's opinion of the average Canadiens fan's pride in the traditions and history of the sport. When fanboyism reaches this amount of fervor, the respectful, knowledgeable, and tradition steeped fan is the one who is most drowned out. I expect this stuff from an expansion team, not the league's oldest, proudest, and winningest franchise.

That said, the league dropped the ball by not nipping it in the bud right after the bot voting was discovered. So I blame them.
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post #72 of 646
1/7/09 at 7:49am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Jeff,

Yes, it's quite embarrassing, especially since Markov is the only player that could be argued as even deserving to be in the All-Star game, let alone be a starter. The league really should have seen this coming after the near-miss fiasco a couple of years ago when Edmonton fans almost got a journeyman forward voted in as a starter (I can't remember his name now). I still suspect the league "fixed" the final vote there, since he just dropped out of the starting spot on the last day of voting.

Chicago fans did not fare much better.
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post #73 of 646
1/7/09 at 8:25am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Merryfield
Jeff,
Chicago fans did not fare much better.

Yeah, but Chicago is basically an expansion team.

PS - This is basically an automated, internet version of the time my friends and I all voted the entire Red Sox World Series lineup to start in the MLB All-Star game.







Of course, that was 1976 and I was 11 years old.
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post #74 of 646
1/7/09 at 9:33am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Gatie
Yeah, but Chicago is basically an expansion team.
Jeff,

I know you're joking, but as one of the six original teams (Chicago), you're just having a bit of fun, yes?
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post #75 of 646
1/7/09 at 11:31am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ockeghem
Jeff,

I know you're joking, but as one of the six original teams (Chicago), you're just having a bit of fun, yes?

Of course I'm joking. But they certainly are in a rebuilding phase after going years with a worse record than even Boston, which is saying a lot. I can forgive them their exuberance for their players after being starved for so long.
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post #76 of 646
1/7/09 at 1:35pm

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Gatie
Of course I'm joking.
Jeff,

I assumed as much. Please do not do that again without asking permission first. Thanks.
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post #77 of 646
1/9/09 at 11:59am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob McLaughlin
OK the Penguins are stinking these days. The power play is nonexistent and this has been a constant under the Therrien regime, I'm getting sick of it. Sure he took them to the Cup finals last year but he still can't assemble an effective power play special team.

It's pretty frustrating...the D and intensity just isn't there - blow a 3 goal lead again last night and lose. Very aggravating. Not to mention the PP was anemic once again.

My wife surprised me with Pens v. Caps tix for Christmas. It's the sunday March game in DC. At the rate that the Caps are rising and the Pens are falling, it won't mean a thing by that time...

Let's hope that they can get it righted - soon.

Randy
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post #78 of 646
1/11/09 at 4:51am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Randy_Sh

Let's hope that they can get it righted - soon.

Well, yesterday's performance certainly wasn't getting things righted. Pens loose to slumping Avalanche. Now have dropped 7 of 8. 10th Place in East.

Flyers up next in Philly.

Randy
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post #79 of 646
1/13/09 at 11:34am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

I'm wondering if the Sharks will ever lose at home this year. I'm hoping that the Red Wings defeat them this Saturday in San Jose.

The Habs and the Bruins square off tonight. I'd really like to see a close game, something on the order of a final score of 8-0, Boston.
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post #80 of 646
1/13/09 at 1:03pm

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ockeghem
I'm wondering if the Sharks will ever lose at home this year. I'm hoping that the Red Wings defeat them this Saturday in San Jose.

The Habs and the Bruins square off tonight. I'd really like to see a close game, something on the order of a final score of 8-0, Boston.

Kessel out with mono for at least a week (probably more). Damn kids getting damn kid's diseases.

But don't worry Habs fans, I hear Lucic will be healthy, rested, and ready to go. Let's hope for a few Habs through the glass tonight.
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post #81 of 646
1/13/09 at 8:21pm

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

I'm pleased with the 3-1 win tonight. When the Habs scored early, I thought ... oh no. But it was a good, solid win.
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post #82 of 646
1/14/09 at 5:25am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ockeghem
I'm pleased with the 3-1 win tonight. When the Habs scored early, I thought ... oh no. But it was a good, solid win.
I'm glad someone is pleased, 'cause this Habs fan wasn't. Montreal played well, but Thomas played a great game in net for the Bruins. His play, and the Habs taking a few stupid costly penalties, was the difference.
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post #83 of 646
1/14/09 at 6:02am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Merryfield
I'm glad someone is pleased, 'cause this Habs fan wasn't. Montreal played well, but Thomas played a great game in net for the Bruins. His play, and the Habs taking a few stupid costly penalties, was the difference.

Good summation. Both teams are pretty banged up and Thomas may have stole this one. You do have to give Chara credit though, he played what was probably his best game as a Bruin at both ends of the ice. He was a monster out there.
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post #84 of 646
1/14/09 at 8:11am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

I'm gradually getting my oldest son into the NHL. He routinely checks the scores of the MLB, NBA, and NFL; now he's checking the scores of the NHL. During the Boston/Montreal game last night, I told him, whenever you see the 'Montreal Canadiens,' just think Yankees, Lakers, and Cowboys/Dolphins. He easily grasped the analogy, and understood the gravity of hating the Habs.

On a related note, our eldest daughter, during the NBA finals last year, told me that her two favorite teams in the NBA were the Celtics and the Lakers. I told her, "Not if you want to continue living here they aren't."
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post #85 of 646
1/16/09 at 10:22am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ockeghem
During the Boston/Montreal game last night, I told him, whenever you see the 'Montreal Canadiens,' just think Yankees, Lakers, and Cowboys/Dolphins. He easily grasped the analogy, and understood the gravity of hating the Habs.

On a related note, our eldest daughter, during the NBA finals last year, told me that her two favorite teams in the NBA were the Celtics and the Lakers. I told her, "Not if you want to continue living here they aren't."

My kind of parent. Although my son will learn (oh yes he will) that the Stanks and Habs occupy their own special level at the top of the Pyramid o' Sporty Hate.

Last night, they were showing the highlights of the Lakers game and he asked who the blue team was (blue is his favorite color). I was like "PURPLE!!! That's not blue, it's PURPLE!!!"
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post #86 of 646
1/16/09 at 8:44pm

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aaron Silverman
My kind of parent. Although my son will learn (oh yes he will) that the Stanks and Habs occupy their own special level at the top of the Pyramid o' Sporty Hate.

Last night, they were showing the highlights of the Lakers game and he asked who the blue team was (blue is his favorite color). I was like "PURPLE!!! That's not blue, it's PURPLE!!!"
LOL! Nicely done. We can't have his favorite color tarnished.

It's a tough call with me which one sports team I despise the most (from baseball, basketball, football, and hockey). I think I would choose the Yankees first and foremost, with the Canadiens a close second, followed by the Cowboys/Dolphins (a deliberate tie), and then the Lakers.
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post #87 of 646
1/17/09 at 9:38am

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ockeghem
LOL! Nicely done. We can't have his favorite color tarnished.

It's a tough call with me which one sports team I despise the most (from baseball, basketball, football, and hockey). I think I would choose the Yankees first and foremost, with the Canadiens a close second, followed by the Cowboys/Dolphins (a deliberate tie), and then the Lakers.

That would be my ranking too. Although if we are talking fans, I just can't take Habs fans. It's that "Ole Ole" thing. The best and brightest of the hockey world, a proud French speaking populace, adopting a Spanish soccer chant? WTF is that all about?
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post #88 of 646
2/5/09 at 7:00am
Thread Starter 

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

What a comeback from the Pens last night. I admit I turned off the game at a certain point. Apparently Malkin spoke up after the 2nd period (I would have liked to heard that) and that got the fire going again. I know the Pens are a long shot for the playoffs (hard to believe) but I hope they keep the ball rolling...
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post #89 of 646
2/5/09 at 1:57pm

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob McLaughlin
What a comeback from the Pens last night. I admit I turned off the game at a certain point. Apparently Malkin spoke up after the 2nd period (I would have liked to heard that) and that got the fire going again. I know the Pens are a long shot for the playoffs (hard to believe) but I hope they keep the ball rolling...

Bob.

I didn't even watch the game last night on Center Ice. I went to the Pens website to order a shirt to replace a too small Christmas gift and saw the score was 3-1 in the third and thought here we go again...then saw 3-2 and thought it was too little too late.

I too think that the Pens are a long shot to make it and I can't believe it either, but there is plenty of hockey too be played. Malkin can't carry them on his back alone - needs some help to get there. Good news is Gonchar is skating and working out. Hopefully he is back soon since the PP has been such a huge disappointment for them this year. The had a 5-3 for a full two minutes last night and only generated 5 shots. Come on now, get the puck to the net...

Post-Gazette proclaimed this a season saver - I wouldn't go that far, but I hope this is a sign of things to come. Of course, I thought that after they won like 4 of 5 before the All-Star break and then got only 1 of 6 points on the road trip open up the second half.

If they don't make it is Therrien back next year? Hmm...
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post #90 of 646
2/8/09 at 2:35pm

Re: Hockey Talk: The Official NHL 2008-2009 Thread

Reading this article, shows once again, Bettman doesn't get it!

Bettman calls talk of Coyotes demise hogwash
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