[Ally Chimienti]

Yea, that's a good point about the playoffs, it's all about getting hot at the right time. More importantly, there's the important cliche' that "A hot goalie can defeat a better team in a playoff series..." Thats what makes things so exciting, of course.

I didn't watch the Heritage Classic, but I'm happy to see the Habs lose. With the inconsistent Bruins play of late, I'll take what I can get.

The Pens had better learn how to get along without Sid, because I don't see him coming back at 100% this season. Maybe, I'm wrong, I'm not a doctor, but I've seen concussions affect the impact of Bergeron and Savard for longer periods of time than the time it took to get back to "100%". Fortunately for the Pens, though, they have a very solid team all around.

[james kite]

So what you are saying if the Leafs make the playoffs they have a chance of winning it all? :shocking: Hell I would just love to make the playoffs. Ah well, living the dream again.

[Justin]

So what you are saying if the Leafs make the playoffs they have a chance of winning it all? :shocking: Hell I would just love to make the playoffs. Ah well, living the dream again.

:rofl:

Sorry, not possible.

[Marquis T]

The heritage classic game was, I suppose, a good spirited game from intent but it was mostly boring. It seemed players were too concerned with the ice surface so much that they played a very conservative game and there was virtually no physicality to it. This season I'm likely to just be a very conservative viewer 'til playoff time.

I tried to watch the Heritage Classic, but my retinas were burned by Calgary's god-awful uniforms.

The Flyers know this too well, however Boucher has come into his own this season and Bob is a solid young goalie who certianly can handle his own.

You are absolutely correct, but I refuse to say anything more nice things about the Flyers.

The Pens had better learn how to get along without Sid, because I don't see him coming back at 100% this season. Maybe, I'm wrong, I'm not a doctor, but I've seen concussions affect the impact of Bergeron and Savard for longer periods of time than the time it took to get back to "100%". Fortunately for the Pens, though, they have a very solid team all around.

So very true... If it were up to me, I wouldn't risk it with Crosby. As pissed as he would be, I'd tell him to sit this one out for his own good. Luckily and thankfully, I'm not qualified to make that call. Only Sid, the doctors, and team management can do that.

[cutiecute]

I tried to watch the Heritage Classic, but my retinas were burned by Calgary's god-awful uniforms.

Take that back!! I kind of liked them. They reminded me of http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gSUImuP3ELs/TNlq23tRhFI/AAAAAAAAAOA/8430fwALFdU/s1600/canucks_vintage_replica_jersey_1983_big.jpg

But as far as the Flames go, they should've chosen http://www.icejerseys.com/images/jerseys_alt/flames_big.jpg

[kirsty williams]

Take that back!! I kind of liked them. They reminded me of http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gSUImuP3ELs/TNlq23tRhFI/AAAAAAAAAOA/8430fwALFdU/s1600/canucks_vintage_replica_jersey_1983_big.jpg

I will admit they started to grow on me after awhile. I don't think I minded the jerseys themselves. There was something about the socks and pants that annoyed me, though.

[Mandy Muir]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11052/1126987-100.stm.

Well, the Pens certainly have a lot of good, young defenseman and they could really use a quality winger. I'll miss Goligoski, though.

[Josh Trembly]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3227 has pretty good numbers. Seems like a good short-term trade for the Pens, a good offensive addition. I think the Stars got the better end of this trade though. I really like Goligoski.

Edit: Spelling

[Spooky Angel]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3227 has pretty good numbers. Seems like a good short-term trade for the Pens, a good offensive addition. I think the Stars got the better end of this trade though. I really like Goligoski.

Edit: Spelling

I really like Goligoski too, but with Letang, Orpik, Martin, and Michalek as their top four defenseman, I guess he was expendable. They also have a great, young defenseman in their system by the name of Simon Despres who is projected to make the big club next year.

Here in Pittsburgh most people think the Penguins got the better of the deal. I guess time will tell. They certainly could've used a goal or two last night when they lost to the Capitals 1-0.

[SHAWNNA-KAY]

I just had a thought, and didn't want to start a new thread. If the NHL strike didn't happen, (or was it a lock out? I can't remember now) and Pittsburgh didn't win the lottery draft and get Crosby, would they be where they are now?

Who is looking forward to the Trade Dealine this Monday? Last year, since I lost my job, I watched TSN all day, and it was a DUD! I really hope this year turns out to be better, since I have nothing else better to watch again this year.

Go Leafs Go!

[Elle H]

I just had a thought, and didn't want to start a new thread. If the NHL strike didn't happen, (or was it a lock out? I can't remember now) and Pittsburgh didn't win the lottery draft and get Crosby, would they be where they are now?

Who is looking forward to the Trade Dealine this Monday? Last year, since I lost my job, I watched TSN all day, and it was a DUD! I really hope this year turns out to be better, since I have nothing else better to watch again this year.

The NHL lockout and new contract with a salary cap allowed smaller-market teams like Pittsburgh to compete with the big boys. If it wasn't for a cap, the Pens would not be able to spend like other teams could (see baseball, e.g., the Yankees). Since Pittsburgh svcked for so many years, they were able to get picks like Fleury, Malkin, and Crosby. So to answer your question, no, Pittsburgh would not be where they are today if it wasn't for the lockout and the Crosby lottery pick. They would be as awful as the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. [I'm sorry to mix baseball with hockey]

I look forward to the playoffs in general, so the trade deadline is exciting to see teams trade for, and trade away, good players.

[Sista Sila]

I feel like all the big trading action has happened already, so the deadline won't be too busy.

I'm really happy that they implemented a salary cap. Even though small-market teams still svck, the cap and good drafting can keep them right in the mix. It makes being a GM a balance between development, UFA spending, and smart contract extensions. In baseball, you can stock up good young players, align them for one year, and make a run for the playoffs (see 2003 Marlins, or more recently the Rays) with a tiny payroll, but the next year, or whenever your studs end their contracts there is a mass exodus. I feel like that doesn't happen in hockey, which makes the teams more stable.

Another interesting factor in pro-hockey is the depth of the development leagues. The draft is 6 rounds deep (I believe) and most of the players who are drafted remain in college or the juniors allowing them to develop. Only the best young ones go straight to the AHL or NHL, where there's an important mix of young players and experienced.

Anyway, I'm just saying this because I think that even though the Bruins traded away some good development talent, I feel like we have a very good young team that's ready for the future. We still have the Leaf's first round pick for next draft, and some very good prospects. That being said the Bruins best chance to make a good run is this year, because Tim Thomas is being so beastly.

[Kitana Lucas]

Solid win from the Bruins tonight 3-1 over the red-hot Flames. It was a great team effort, all around, although I must admit I was a little disappointed by Kaberle's defensive effort. He wasn't on the ice for the goal-against (which was an Calgary PowerPlay anyway) but he still allowed some bad chances and Thomas sort of saved his butt. Thomas had a good game, floundered a lot, but so what, he's the best goalie in the league, who cares how he does it? Marchand also tallied another goal. I'll be peeved if he doesn't get Rookie of the Year.

In other news, Staal injured Staal tonight. Brother Eric Staal (CAR) hit brother Marc Staal (NYR), who left the game and did not return. I don't know whether to laugh or not...

[Naomi Ward]

Solid win from the Bruins tonight 3-1 over the red-hot Flames. It was a great team effort, all around, although I must admit I was a little disappointed by Kaberle's defensive effort. He wasn't on the ice for the goal-against (which was an Calgary PowerPlay anyway) but he still allowed some bad chances and Thomas sort of saved his butt. Thomas had a good game, floundered a lot, but so what, he's the best goalie in the league, who cares how he does it? Marchand also tallied another goal. I'll be peeved if he doesn't get Rookie of the Year.

In other news, Staal injured Staal tonight. Brother Eric Staal (CAR) hit brother Marc Staal (NYR), who left the game and did not return. I don't know whether to laugh or not...

Yes, nice win by Boston.

As long as it isn't Jordan Staal (PIT), I say you can laugh a tiny bit.

[Melly Angelic]

My beloved Leafs have also won. Oh woe is me. They are teasing me again getting so close to the playoffs again. :cryvaultboy:

[Brooks Hardison]

Are they still trying to get Hamilton, Ont a team?

[kirsty williams]

Are they still trying to get Hamilton, Ont a team?

Oh somebody is always trying, but nothing is concrete as of yet. It actually cooled down now, an no 2nd team in Southeren Ontario.

If Hamilton gets a Hockey team, then Toronto will be crying that they want one too.

[Juanita Hernandez]

Oh somebody is always trying, but nothing is concrete as of yet. It actually cooled down now, an no 2nd team in Southeren Ontario.

If Hamilton gets a Hockey team, then Toronto will be crying that they want one too.

It would only make sense that they either have a second team in Toronto or put one in Hamilton. I wonder how much to boost to the Canadia/US/Chinese economy another Toronto or a Hamilton team will make.

[stevie trent]

My beloved Leafs have also won. Oh woe is me. They are teasing me again getting so close to the playoffs again. :cryvaultboy:

Just lose already and give us a lottery pick again.

I thought Winnipeg is the current front runner for a new Canadian team?

[Portions]

There's some really poor markets here in the United States that have hockey teams. There's usually talk from the fans about moving one of them to a better market in Canada, but Bettman seems to not want a part of it.

[Amy Cooper]

Yea, because if Pheonix gets out, then Atlanta, Tampa Bay, New York Islanders, Florida, will all demand a move too, because their markets are less than desirable. I think Bettman thinks that it would be a domino effect. After all, we must remember that teams in Winnipeg, Quebec and Hartford all failed for a reason. If they couldn't do it then, what makes anyone think they can do it now?

[Christina Trayler]

Who else thinks that Tim Thomas is the Hart Trophy winner? When you think about it, the other three big candidates, the Sedin brothers and Stamkos all have other people on their team making them so successful. The Sedins have that weird/incredible symbiotic relationship with each other, and Stamkos has Martin St. Louis who's just been incredible this season. This is opposed to the Bruins. The Bruins don't NEARLY as well when Rask is in the net. But when Thomas, who's basically locked up the Vezina at this point, is in the net the Bruins have looked incredible. He was averaging a .946 SV rate which would be a record, but that recent Bruins lapse in defense which was not Thomas' fault made that slip, yet he still has a chance to get that record, that's how incredible he's been. Who's with me that Tim Thomas is the single most valuable player to a contending team this season?

[JR Cash]

Who else thinks that Tim Thomas is the Hart Trophy winner? When you think about it, the other three big candidates, the Sedin brothers and Stamkos all have other people on their team making them so successful. The Sedins have that weird/incredible symbiotic relationship with each other, and Stamkos has Martin St. Louis who's just been incredible this season. This is opposed to the Bruins. The Bruins don't NEARLY as well when Rask is in the net. But when Thomas, who's basically locked up the Vezina at this point, is in the net the Bruins have looked incredible. He was averaging a .946 SV rate which would be a record, but that recent Bruins lapse in defense which was not Thomas' fault made that slip, yet he still has a chance to get that record, that's how incredible he's been. Who's with me that Tim Thomas is the single most valuable player to a contending team this season?

Its not like Timmy does it by himself either, they have one of the best group of Defenders in the league.Thier just flat out good at defense.Not that I have watched many of thier games but maybe Rask is just not all that good?

[Jessica Thomson]

Rask is having an off year. If you eliminate 3 of the past 4 games, Thomas' GAA would be 1.85 or thereabouts. Defensive breakdowns have really cost him some of his incredible numbers. So, Oblivion-Yea! I think he should be considered for MVP. If he can drop his GAA below 1.95 and get his SV% up as we close off the season, I think he really should have a chance at it. Without him, the Bruins wouldn't be in the top of the Eastern Conference. Yet, I think a lot of credit ought to go to Claude Julien and his defense-first system, where most of those saves come from low percentage areas to the outside. Yet, Thomas has come up huge time and time again, robbing high percentage shots from the league's best. Plus he's a Vermonter, which is nice.

[matt white]

Yea, because if Pheonix gets out, then Atlanta, Tampa Bay, New York Islanders, Florida, will all demand a move too, because their markets are less than desirable. I think Bettman thinks that it would be a domino effect. After all, we must remember that teams in Winnipeg, Quebec and Hartford all failed for a reason. If they couldn't do it then, what makes anyone think they can do it now?

:(

As much as I'd like to see a team here, and as much as everyone says "Oh absolutely I'd go to a bunch of games!", we just aren't a big enough city to maintain a professional hockey team. Our population is too small and with tickets anywhere between 60-80 (I believe) I just don't think people can afford to regularly go to games :shrug: