Stanley Cup 2006 Thread

[BradfordBenn]

Figure we have hijacked the Grey Cup long enough.

How about that finish? Short handed goal in OT. :dance

Back to Edmonton for Game 6 on Saturday at 8PM EDT.

I can't believe that turn over and how calm the Oilers looked. I watched in on the DVR a few times.

Hockey really shines in HD!

[nhlkats]

im so happy i could bust...oh wait...too late

great game, both sides, the goal keepers in both nets were OUTSTANDING! what a game! such a finish!

i love this sport

[rinty]

My thinking this morning was that all they had to do was win this game tonight and it could set a row of dominoes going. They get the huge lift from the win and move back to the House of Pain North, where pandemonium reigns, playing on good ice, against the bouncy boards that they're used to.
With their good goal tending last game, and with a couple of days in between to work on the power play, I thought it might be doable.
Then if they win the next one, back to Carolina where the Hurricanes are going to be tight in front of their own crowd, and fighting back after losing two in a row.

I was watching a bit of Germany/Poland World Cup during commercials, and it seemed like slo-mo after the hockey.

And the high def wide screen is great.

Rinty

[Burnszilla]

We watched it in hi def too.
Let's keep the Cup in Canada!

[ian408]

Great game...

[tessler]

Who is this guy, Stanley Cup, you speak of?

[Mika]

And what does he ride.

sorry I could not resist.

[rinty]

Not a Hayabusa.

Rinty

[Oznay]

Gotta hand it to the Oilers,they were fightin'to stay alive,and that O.T shot,short handed,was a shot to remember! :wave

[Crow18]

Okay boys, now we've got them right where we want them... With our backs up against a re-e-e-ally big wall.

Manoman what a shot! Very John Madden.

This is how the Oilers play best. It should be a fun ride.

[bubbagazoo]

My thinking this morning was that all they had to do was win this game tonight and it could set a row of dominoes going. They get the huge lift from the win and move back to the House of Pain North, where pandemonium reigns, playing on good ice, against the bouncy boards that they're used to.
With their good goal tending last game, and with a couple of days in between to work on the power play, I thought it might be doable.
Then if they win the next one, back to Carolina where the Hurricanes are going to be tight in front of their own crowd, and fighting back after losing two in a row.



Rinty

The Huilers (French for oil is huile) gotta skate. And skate hard. It's as simple as that. MacT needs to roll all four lines which means keeping Georges out of the line up. In game four, Laraque actually looked good in the third period because everybody else was so tired they slowed down to his speed. Keep Todd Harvey in.

The flower play still needs to be more selfish. Take the shot. Ward will give up the rebound. Despite the lack of second shots, Ward has not controlled the rebounds very well. His defence has bailed him out in those situations by completely collapsing to the front of the net. Mike Peca commented between periods that Hemsky has a great shot and felt that if he shot more, he could easily finish the regular season with 35-40 goals. Instead, he was mid-20s (I think).

The boys have to keep hammering on the 'Cane's players. I don't think Dougy will play considering how he held his shoulder when he left the ice. Between Weight, Aaron Ward and the rest of the old guys, I think they are starting to show the toll of the extra couple of games against Buffalo.

Gotta hand it to the Oilers,they were fightin'to stay alive,and that O.T shot,short handed,was a shot to remember!
__________________
Nose

When you are down 3-1 in the other guy's barn, there is no pressure on you. They accomplished what they had set out to do in game 4. They skated hard then entire game (unlike only 40 minutes in game 4). This is a speed team and I think they are better at the speed game than Carolina. The 'Canes have some great skaters but they seem to be 1/2 a step slower now than they were in games 1 and 2.

When both teams skate, the entertainment value is extremely high. And the quality of the hits -- fantastic. Nary a cheap shot in the bunch from either side. Raffe Torres - what a rock. Even when he is the target, he wins.

Saturday is going to be fun if both teams perform at the level that they have shown regardless of the outcome.

[nhlkats]

flower play :laugh thats a knee slapper

I agree on Hemsky. I was throwing soft objects in my residence during game 4 because i was so frustrated with him. when he had wide open lanes and decided to pass instead of shoot, arrrggg. He's been doing that all playoffs long. Kid's got such a nice shot, as we saw last night on that one timer which was :brow , to put it best, him showing off his talents.

But the real question is, we saw sharks drown in oil, we saw ducks sufficate in oil, but can oil be had during a hurricane? if they keep taking penalties, carolinas power play is too strong....


:lurk

[bubbagazoo]

flower play :laugh thats a knee slapper

I agree on Hemsky. I was throwing soft objects in my residence during game 4 because i was so frustrated with him. when he had wide open lanes and decided to pass instead of shoot, arrrggg. He's been doing that all playoffs long. Kid's got such a nice shot, as we saw last night on that one timer which was :brow , to put it best, him showing off his talents.

But the real question is, we saw sharks drown in oil, we saw ducks sufficate in oil, but can oil be had during a hurricane? if they keep taking penalties, carolinas power play is too strong....


:lurk

All playoffs!!!! He's been doing that his entire career (a downside to living in Edmonton - too much Oilers on TV, not enough Habs :D ) As for can oil be had during a hurricane -- oil can be used to calm boiling water so why not. The 60 minute effort has to be there for game 6.

[BradfordBenn]

Get the Center Ice Package on DirecTV or Rogers. It is worth the money. I was able to watch my Devils all season.

Go Oilers, kick the Canes butt for what they did to my Devils....

I think that MacTavish is working some good magic, mainly cause he has been there and is being a player more then a coach and getting the guys through the challenges.

But they gotta put it on net!!!!

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

Well now. . . here it is 4:30 PM on a Saturday afternoon, game six has not even started in Edmonton yet and I find the following blurb on SportsNet.ca about a hockey magazine in Texas publishing the following:-

MAGAZINE CURSE FOR 'CANES?

16 June 2006

A sports collectible magazine believes the Hurricanes will win the Stanley Cup, so much so that they went to press with the headline, 'Canes win the Cup!

Roughly 60,000 issues of Beckett Hockey magazine -- with a cover featuring Cam Ward, Eric Staal and the words "Canes Capture the Cup!" -- will hit U.S. and Canadian newsstands next week, whether or not the Canes hoist the trophy.

"It would be better for us if Carolina wins -- it would make the issue less of a curiosity,'' Muir said. "But I think it will do pretty well either way. You'll have all the interest from Canes fans [if they win] ... and an oddball collectible if they lose."


And here's the cover in living colour:- QUICK! - somebody take this down to the Oiler dressing room and paste it on the main door. If ever there was incentive to win a game - THIS IS IT! ` ` ` ` ` (Anybody remember "DEWEY WINS" from 1948?)
`
`

[ian408]

maybe they know something we don't?

Exciting first couple of minutes tho.

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

WOW!

Oilers - 4 ` ` ` ` The other people - 0

See ya's Monday night in Raleigh!` ` ` :rocker ` `:clap ` ` ` ` ` ` :rocker ` ` :clap ` ` :rocker

[bubbagazoo]

Get the Center Ice Package on DirecTV or Rogers. It is worth the money. I was able to watch my Devils all season.

Go Oilers, kick the Canes butt for what they did to my Devils....

I think that MacTavish is working some good magic, mainly cause he has been there and is being a player more then a coach and getting the guys through the challenges.

But they gotta put it on net!!!!

The Center Ice package has been discussed but we cannot justify the costs. That and I get way too involved when watching the Habs. So much so, my DSW doesn't allow me to watch them. She doesn't allow me to watch the Roughriders either.

4-0. Carolina, here we come - just like MacT promised the fans behind the Oilers bench after game 5.

:drink :eat :drink :eat

[ian408]

wow! what a game!

[BradfordBenn]

What a great game. Got the DVR set for Monday already.

[nhlkats]

Cam Ward is amazing. How he got a glove on that 3on1 ...wow...

That being said, de Oilers have really stepped up to the task. The power play is getting shots, and goals too; every aspect of their game has improved.

Game 7... :thumb

[rinty]

Super game. It looked to me like the 'Canes are getting tired. And the Oilers have really been working on their power play.
The funniest bit was when they replayed MacTavish raising seven fingers to the Carolina fans behind the Oiler bench after game 5.

Rinty

[Crow18]

I wasn't able to see the game last night, but I just finished watching it. Amazing.

My only worry is that the Oilers may get ahead of themselves. I've never seen Brind'Amour look defeated like he did just halfway through the game. Even if Cam Ward has confidence in himself, I don't think he trusts his defensemen any more.

It was good to see Erik Cole skating and looking healthy. I hope Carolina trades him to some team I can cheer for.

[BradfordBenn]

I wasn't able to see the game last night, but I just finished watching it. Amazing.

My only worry is that the Oilers may get ahead of themselves. I've never seen Brind'Amour look defeated like he did just halfway through the game. Even if Cam Ward has confidence in himself, I don't think he trusts his defensemen any more.

It was good to see Erik Cole skating and looking healthy. I hope Carolina trades him to some team I can cheer for.

I was surprised to see Cole playing last night... I would not have put him in giving he had not sakted with the team in 3 months or so.

It was a great game though. I think at some point we need to come up with a MOA Meet and Greet at a game this winter.... Maybe October as it is still early enough to ride... any suggestions?

[ian408]

I was surprised to see Cole playing last night... I would not have put him in giving he had not sakted with the team in 3 months or so.

It was a great game though. I think at some point we need to come up with a MOA Meet and Greet at a game this winter.... Maybe October as it is still early enough to ride... any suggestions?

Depending on the team, you might be able to work through them and get
tickets, etc.. The Sharks used to do something similar with the local hockey
teams. What was cool was that your team (youth or adult) could skate a
game at The Tank before or after a Shark's game. How cool is that? I've
played and red'ed and it is really something special.

[BradfordBenn]

Yup, just got to figure out where and when....

[RevWillie]

GO 'CANES!

OK, this thread has a definite Oilers bend to it, so I figured that I should root for my local team. Trouble is, the Oilers are the most physical team that the Hurricanes have met so far, and I'm not so sure that the Canes are healthy enough to beat them. We will be watching the action in Raleigh with many crossed fingers.

hockey is a nice diversion in this hot weather, but I can't wait for college basketball season! :thumb

[BradfordBenn]

GO 'CANES!

hockey is a nice diversion in this hot weather, but I can't wait for college basketball season! :thumb

Basketball is just a waste of perfectly good ice hockey space.
:laugh

[nhlkats]

Trouble is, the Oilers are the most physical team that the Hurricanes have met so far, and I'm not so sure that the Canes are healthy enough to beat them.Carolina has speed and high levels of technical ability, in other words, depth. Body checks hurt, but speed kills. Go Oilers.

[Crow18]

Depending on the team, you might be able to work through them and get
tickets, etc.. The Sharks used to do something similar with the local hockey
teams. What was cool was that your team (youth or adult) could skate a
game at The Tank before or after a Shark's game. How cool is that? I've
played and red'ed and it is really something special.

That is cool. When I was playing goal in a beginners' league, we did a few promotional skates between periods at Portland Winterhawks games. Thousands of fans cheering a bunch of software geeks and lawyers and construction workers wobbling around on the ice.

Maybe when the 06-07 schedules are released, we could see which teams start the season with a 2 or 3 game homestand.

[bubbagazoo]

Carolina has speed and high levels of technical ability, in other words, depth. Body checks hurt, but speed kills. Go Oilers.

Oilers have lots of speed as well. Like I stated earlier in this thread, I think the Oilers are at least 1/2 a stride quicker right now. And the Oiler depth is amazing. Replacing Laraque with Todd Harvey is something that should have happened in game 2. With Todd in the line up, the Oilers have 4 lines that can skate with anybody. And how about Rem Murray - 18 months ago he was out of hockey trying to get his life going after developing cervical dystonia. In March he ws playing in Houston for the Aeros. Now he will be dressing for game 7 of the Stanley Cup final.

Here's to Jason Smith being the first person since Jean Beliveau in 1971 to raise the Cup in the opposing team's barn after game 7.
:thumb :dance :thumb :dance :thumb :dance

[Oznay]

undefinedundefined
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Canada!!!!!!!!! :wave

[nhlkats]

Here's to Ryan Smith for being the first person (?) to score on Cam Ward without a deflection right in front of the net, but rather from a straight backhand!

[BradfordBenn]

So far my favorite part has been the anthems in Edmonton. How cool is it that the crowd sings, both anthems!

[Crow18]

So far my favorite part has been the anthems in Edmonton. How cool is it that the crowd sings, both anthems!

I wish the woman who sings the anthems in Carolina would let the crowd take over. She is abysmal.

Edmonton better pick up their pace here.

[Mika]

As soon as she gives me her phone number I will mention what you said right after she agrees to a date. :brad

[BradfordBenn]

I agree she did not hold a candle to the anthems in Edmonton. To quote the L&T Jennifer, "Is is a bad sign when the Canadians sing our national anthem better then we don?"

[jgr451]

Looks like it's over.
Edmonton fought well and honourably tonight.

[nhlkats]

well, now what? no more hockey for months.

[Crow18]

Well, poop.

It was a good game, though. I'm happy for Glen Wesley and Erik Cole.

I think I threw up a little bit in my mouth when Bettman was praising Peter Karmanos for moving the team.

Now I have to go play my own playoff game.

well, now what? no more hockey for months.

Don't the rinks in Wisconsin stay open all summer?

[RevWillie]

REDNECK HOCKEY RULES!

It was a good game, but the 'Canes were up to the challenge.

Wow, the Stanley Cup in NASCAR country! :nod

[BradfordBenn]

Congrats to the 'Canes at least I can take solace in the fact that my Devils lost to the eventual champs.

[nhlkats]

Don't the rinks in Wisconsin stay open all summer?holy ninja edit batman!
:brow
sarcasm aside, indoor rinks yes, outdoor obviously not since we've had a heat wave the past decade or so. it doesnt even snow in november anymore. we have to wait till february or march for the little snow we get. and then when we do get snow, the outdoor pond rinks freeze over, and then we go out and play pond hockey and smack our heads into the ice when our skates get stuck in the ridges in the ice, causing our un-insured selves to have to go to the ER and get an emergency CT scan because of aforementioned sustained concussion. :bottle

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

Good game, 'Canes, good series - you're the Stanley Cup champs for 2006.

CONGRATULATIONS! Nice to see the names Brind'Amour, Wesley, Weight, Hedican and Ray Whitney on the Stanley Cup - finally! ` `:thumb

Rev. Willie - Enjoy the celebrations in North Carolina. The Cup gets to stay on Tobacco Road for a year.
`

[bubbagazoo]

As soon as she gives me her phone number I will mention what you said right after she agrees to a date. :brad

Try looking in the NC State student directory :deal . According to Mike and JD, she is a student there.

The best anthem singer I observed during the playoffs was that 13 year old girl in Anahiem. What a remarkable voice. :thumb

I'm glad the fans were singing here in Edmonton. Paul Loreau, in my opinion, is a lousy singer. Monotone at best.


NHL Awards are on Thursday and the draft is this weekend. Minnesota is probably breathing a sigh of relief. They got the Oilers' first round pick for Roli. Had the Oilers won last night, Minnesota would have been picking last in the first round. Now they can pick 17th (I think - I do know it is mid-pack). Then the free agents are available starting 1 July. Talk about busy for the next two weeks. For Edmonton's sake, I hope they can sign Roli, Peca, Pisani, and Spacek. All are UFA's.

[bubbagazoo]

REDNECK HOCKEY RULES!


Wow, the Stanley Cup in NASCAR country! :nod

Now we need some NASCAR races in the Heartland of Hockey
:thumb

There are rumours that the Busch series may be coming to Montreal but that is too far away for me. Heck, Las Vegas is closer. But tickets for the Busch and Cup races in March are stupid expensive :cry . The Truck series tickets in September are very reasonable. But I want to see Cup and Busch.

[Mika]

Puts MN mid pack. On the pro side what MN will be known for is the players the colleges here produce for other teams in the NHL.

As to the NC State student directory idea...just an evil thought...way to young...I have motorcycle tools that are older than she is :nono :laugh :brad

[nhlkats]

http://www.bustedtees.com/bt/images/BT-boringnascar-featured-125.jpg

[bubbagazoo]

http://www.bustedtees.com/bt/images/BT-boringnascar-featured-125.jpg


It can be. But so can all other forms of racing. The problem with NASCAR is they cannot decide whether or not they are a spec racing organization like the Legends cars are. They have rules up the ying-yang about how you can build the cars but not enough to guarantee that everybody is in equal equipment.

I like NASCAR for the personalities of the drivers and crew chiefs. I love hockey for the game itself.

[nhlkats]

But so can all other forms of racing.I have never been bored watching WRC. Or F1. Lets see, professional drivers going in a neverending left turn with redneck sponsors, oops, its raining, better stop racing, or, professional drivers in awd cars racing on the edge of a mountain in the middle of sweden thru snow, sleet, gravel, etc...

I'm not saying that NASCAR is easy. It takes a lot of skill and teamwork to make it happen. All I'm saying is that there exist other forms of racing that are better.

http://fmotor.nifty.com/wrc/images/subaru10_01.jpg

vs.

http://blog.micah-and-susan.com/archive/images/nascar3-thumb.jpg

:wave

I just hijacked this thread, it used to be about hockey.

http://www.geocities.com/keith587/96-97/konstantinov-a.jpg
I miss Vladdy!

[MCMXCIVRS]

Now we need some NASCAR races in the Heartland of Hockey
:thumb

There are rumours that the Busch series may be coming to Montreal but that is too far away for me. Heck, Las Vegas is closer. But tickets for the Busch and Cup races in March are stupid expensive :cry . The Truck series tickets in September are very reasonable. But I want to see Cup and Busch.

I guess you'll have to make due with the Indy Champ car race next month. I'll be up there for that. I'm planning to tak the long way there from Calgary..... through Prince George.

[bubbagazoo]

I guess you'll have to make due with the Indy Champ car race next month. I'll be up there for that. I'm planning to tak the long way there from Calgary..... through Prince George.

Actually, Ed, I will probably check out the local Legends Cars series schedule and maybe go down to Wetaskawin and watch them race. Way too many people show up for the Champ Car race and I hate big crowds. That's why I seldom go to Eskimo or Oiler games..

Enjoy the ride. I cannot take rides that long in July -- gotta work. August, however, is looking really promising. :D

[Crow18]

holy ninja edit batman!
:brow
sarcasm aside, indoor rinks yes, outdoor obviously not since we've had a heat wave the past decade or so. it doesnt even snow in november anymore. we have to wait till february or march for the little snow we get. and then when we do get snow, the outdoor pond rinks freeze over, and then we go out and play pond hockey and smack our heads into the ice when our skates get stuck in the ridges in the ice, causing our un-insured selves to have to go to the ER and get an emergency CT scan because of aforementioned sustained concussion. :bottle

Yeah, I grew up playing unprotected pond hockey in Connecticut. I try to get back once a year in the winter and log a few miles on real frozen water. Can't do that in Portland, so we pay $20/hour for refs, boards, goalies, zambonis, and petty rink politics.

[bubbagazoo]

and petty rink politics.

Gotta hate those. It's been a while since I was even close to rink politics. In small town Canada, the politicing is usually between the hockey folks and the figure skating folks. Both complain about not enough ice time and complain about the damage to the ice the other group inflicts.

My favourite bit of "politicing" was way back when, the figure skating club ran the concessions in the arena. I used to walk in and proudly proclaim that figure skating was a waste of ice time. Then order something at the counter. They could tell I was just having fun. Of course they would make some sort of comment back to me about how badly did I want what ever I ordered. But they wanted my money more than I wanted the burger or cocoa, so ..... :brad :brad

[Rod Sheridan]

What's this? Lord Stanley's Cup has been won by an American team? Why would they want to do that? Wasn't that what the war of 1812 was about, getting rid of all things British?

Send it back home to the "colony" where it belongs, to a place where the people speak "proper" english!

Oh well, all kidding aside, congratulations on winning the cup......Rod.

[nhlkats]

does anyone know where the young Edmonton defenseman Marc Andre Bergeron was? I didnt hear him mentioned in the past couple games?

[jgr451]

NASCAR!!
(Rolls eyes)
I was in a bar in Puerto Vallarta when Olympic hockey was on.Choice was the big screen and audio,or a couple of side 25 inch tvs and no sound.The place was packed with Canadian hockey fans and it was GAME ON!!
However there was a table of Americans who complained loudly enough to the Mexican bar guy....so they got Nascar switched to the big screen...What a waste.Ugly American Abroad Syndrome.
We went to a different bar for the next game,one run by a Calgarian.
Nascar is OK if there is nothing else going on,and I agree with somebody who said the drivers and teams have discipline and skill,driving those puppies at 200+ mph...but still.

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

does anyone know where the young Edmonton defenseman Marc Andre Bergeron was? I didnt hear him mentioned in the past couple games?
Oh, I guess you haven’t heard yet. Bergeron is rumoured to be on his way down to a semi-professional ‘B’ team, the Omaha SandCrabs, for a couple of years after his dumb from-behind hit on Andrew Ladd in Game 1 in Raleigh with 5:54 left on the clock and the score tied 4-4. Bergeron nailed Ladd in the Edmonton crease and sent him flying into goalie Roloson who was down on all fours looking for the puck. The net was knocked off its moorings and went one way while the goaltender’s knee went the other way and took the Stanley Cup with it.

Hence, to answer your initial question – Marc-Andre Bergeron will be playing in a draughty Nebraska arena with the SandCrabs until 2009 thinking, all the while, about how close he might have been to winning a Stanley Cup. Sign stapled to his locker door in Omaha will read: ‘Don’t kill your own goalie!’
`

[bubbagazoo]

does anyone know where the young Edmonton defenseman Marc Andre Bergeron was? I didnt hear him mentioned in the past couple games?

He was benched in favour of Tarnstrom for games 2-7 of the final. Don't believe anything Slash5 says. He will be back here next year.

[bubbagazoo]

NASCAR!!
(Rolls eyes)
I was in a bar in Puerto Vallarta when Olympic hockey was on.Choice was the big screen and audio,or a couple of side 25 inch tvs and no sound.The place was packed with Canadian hockey fans and it was GAME ON!!
However there was a table of Americans who complained loudly enough to the Mexican bar guy....so they got Nascar switched to the big screen...What a waste.Ugly American Abroad Syndrome.
We went to a different bar for the next game,one run by a Calgarian.
Nascar is OK if there is nothing else going on,and I agree with somebody who said the drivers and teams have discipline and skill,driving those puppies at 200+ mph...but still.

In my house, hockey is number 1, NASCAR number 2, CFL number 3, Gordon Ramsey number 4, US College football number 5, NFL number 6. So, if there is a conflict, that is how it gets settled. Mind you, numbers 3-6 never seem to be a problem because I can find better things to do if it is a nice day (like ride !!!!)

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

He was benched in favour of Tarnstrom for games 2-7 of the final. Don't believe anything Slash5 says. He will be back here next year.
HA! He made 'the hit' in Game One. Then he's benched for games 2 to 7 - I rest my case. SandCrabs - make way for Marc-Andre. ` ` :D

[nhlkats]

wait a minute, so the league suspended him? or was this his own choice? he is a good player!

[bubbagazoo]

wait a minute, so the league suspended him? or was this his own choice? he is a good player!

No suspension. He just got benched in favour of somebody MacT figured would cause less damage. :D

[rinty]

My birthday present:

The Flames get Alec Tanguay. And now it's off to the Red Mile to celebrate.

Rinty

[bubbagazoo]

My birthday present:

The Flames get Alec Tanguay. And now it's off to the Red Mile to celebrate.

Rinty

You Calgary fans will celebrate anything won't you? :brow

[rinty]

We have to stay in shape for the Stampede.

Too bad about the Oilers losing Pronger. You would think his wife would cut him some slack for a few years. It's not like they play all their lives. And does she want him playing for one of the worst teams in the NHL?

[bubbagazoo]

We have to stay in shape for the Stampede.

Too bad about the Oilers losing Pronger. You would think his wife would cut him some slack for a few years. It's not like they play all their lives. And does she want him playing for one of the worst teams in the NHL?

Prongs isn't gone yet. Just because he asks does not mean that the team has to grant his request. I have not read anything about the actual reasons although the broadcast media has been saying that his wife is not happy here. :stick

I believe Kevin Lowe will be responsible to the team and get equivalent or better value if he does actually trade Pronger. I think a good trade (won't happen but it's one that I think is equal talent moving) would be Pronger to Pittsburgh for Sidney Crosby. Pronger is the calibre of player that if you are trading away a franchise player, you should get one back in return.

[nhlkats]

all the hype...about Crosby, and what did he amount to (besides tv commercials?) Forget Crosby, look at Alexander (the Great) Ovechkin!

As for Pronger, a lot of hype too. When I think of the playoffs and Pronger, I think "his shots missed the net often (except for the beauty penalty shot), errors in defensive zone leading to goals against EDM, etc). yes, he is big, yes he has experience, but overrated IMHumbleO. shrug?

[rinty]

I wondered if Pronger's wife was being set up as the goat...

Rinty

[bubbagazoo]

all the hype...about Crosby, and what did he amount to (besides tv commercials?) Forget Crosby, look at Alexander (the Great) Ovechkin!

As for Pronger, a lot of hype too. When I think of the playoffs and Pronger, I think "his shots missed the net often (except for the beauty penalty shot), errors in defensive zone leading to goals against EDM, etc). yes, he is big, yes he has experience, but overrated IMHumbleO. shrug?

Crosby had over 100 points this year, just like Ovechkin (the first time in NHL history that two rookies scored over 100 points in the same season). And he did it on the worst team in the league. Crosby was more of a setup man this year - not so many goals. But, hey, the kid goes into the corners and works hard. I would take him any day over even the best Russian ever. I merely suggested a Crosby for Pronger trade to show what I think would be fair compensation.

I wondered if Pronger's wife was being set up as the goat...

Rinty

When I first heard the story on Saturday after the draft, all I heard was that Chris had asked for a trade for personal reasons. I think everybody else is concluding that Lauren is not happy with being in Edmonton. There may be extenuating circumstances that we are not aware of.

If there is a player in Edmonton who has family issues that would take him out of here, it's Peca. His family lives in Buffalo. He did not move his wife (another Lauren) and kids to Edmonton. He did not move them the Long Island when he played for the Islanders. I think he is headed back to the Eastern Conference on 1 July.

[nhlkats]

yes, Sid the kid did grind it out. shows in his penalty minutes.
ok, both kids have MAD skills. fair? yes.

You could say im biased towards the old Soviet style of play. ;)

not to say Алексей doesnt hit : http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4340245665359093525&q=ovechkin

and the stickhandling is just sick:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8668486982679575521&q=ovechkin

couldnt find many Syd Crosby vids...well, there was this one:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7997819676928051198&q=sidney+crosby

:thumb

[bubbagazoo]

Chris Pronger to the Ducks for Joffrey Lupul, prospect Ladislav Smid and a conditional draft pick. Kevin Lowe probably got the best he could but it's not enough for a franchise player. Especially going to a conference rival you gotta play 4 times during the year and potentially 7 times in the playoffs.

We know what Lupul can do. He has a personal goal of getting at least one shot on net every game. Smid and a draft pick -- big unknowns. Right now, it looks like Brian Burke won this deal hands down. :confused:

[rinty]

Robert:

Do you have any idea what the Pronger personal issues were that led to the request to be moved? I read there were so many rumours being posted on to the Oilers web site that they had to purge them.

Rinty

[bubbagazoo]

Robert:

Do you have any idea what the Pronger personal issues were that led to the request to be moved? I read there were so many rumours being posted on to the Oilers web site that they had to purge them.

Rinty

I have heard everything from he was messing around with a local TV personality to something as simple as his wife just did not want to be in Edmonton. Personally, I think that if the issues were either of the above, he should have dealt with them and honoured his contract rather than ask for a trade. I'm kinda old fashioned that way. You strike a deal and you stick to your word - ya don't change your mind and ask out of the deal. :nono

From the current rounds of trades and free agent goings on, I doubt the Oilers will make the playoffs next year. Spacek has stated he won't be back. And Lowe has already stated that there are a few current Oiler UFAs that he won't be offering contracts to. So ....

And Marty Reasoner is back. That man was hit by so many pucks shot by Oiler players, you would think that he would want to go some place safe. :laugh

[Crow18]

At least he wasn't photographed with Paris Hilton.

Man, what a black eye for the sport that was.

[rinty]

Too bad about your Devils, Brad. At least your team got through one round.

I'm hoping now for an international final round.

Rinty

[IAMBOB]

Figure we have hijacked the Grey Cup long enough.

How about that finish? Short handed goal in OT. :dance

Back to Edmonton for Game 6 on Saturday at 8PM EDT.

I can't believe that turn over and how calm the Oilers looked. I watched in on the DVR a few times.

Hockey really shines in HD!

They're playing hockey again?? When did the strike end??:buds

[Crow18]

Too bad about your Devils, Brad. At least your team got through one round.

I'm hoping now for an international final round.

International finals would be cool; I'd rather have seen Calgary or Vancouver representing Canada. If Buffalo finishes off the Rangers, I think the Eastern Finals are going to upstage the Stanley Cup Finals.

This year I don't hate any of the teams left, especially since Carolina didn't make the playoffs and Dallas went out in round 1.

I'll tell you, though, I am getting a little sick of watching Brett Hull's NBC coverage.

[BradfordBenn]

Yea, Brett Hull is not the best of TV personalities.

I am rooting for Buffalo over the Rangers. When they play the Senators, I think I got to go for the Senators.

[bubbagazoo]

Yea, Brett Hull is not the best of TV personalities.

I am rooting for Buffalo over the Rangers. When they play the Senators, I think I got to go for the Senators.

I'm gonna watch and not cheer for anybody. I just love the game. When it is well played, nothing beats hockey for entertainment value. :thumb

[rinty]

I'm gonna watch and not cheer for anybody. BUBBAGAZOO

Bubba: You took a double whammy this year, Robert. Your wife's favourite Oilers blew out, and your Habitants didn't make it, so you're in a watching mode. The best news for your wife right now is the Ownership Group's turning down Darryl Katz' 143 million dollar offer for the team! That was impressive.

I know it's not going to generate the best (U.S) ratings, but an international final would be super.

Brad/Crow: Too bad about Hull. We get the CBC's Ron McLean, Craig Simpson, and Kelly Hrudy, who are superb. When Cherry's on, you can always shift over to PBS Hi Def for a few minutes. Or watch him for entertainment value. Can you get CBC on satellite in the U.S?

Crow: The Canucks are going to need your help in next year's playoffs, and there's good riding between Vancouver and Whistler.

Rinty

[Crow18]

Bubba: You took a double whammy this year, Robert. Your wife's favourite Oilers blew out, and your Habitants didn't make it, so you're in a watching mode. The best news for your wife right now is the Ownership Group's turning down Darryl Katz' 143 million dollar offer for the team! That was impressive.

I know it's not going to generate the best (U.S) ratings, but an international final would be super.

Brad/Crow: Too bad about Hull. We get the CBC's Ron McLean, Craig Simpson, and Kelly Hrudy, who are superb. When Cherry's on, you can always shift over to PBS Hi Def for a few minutes. Or watch him for entertainment value. Can you get CBC on satellite in the U.S?

Crow: The Canucks are going to need your help in next year's playoffs, and there's good riding between Vancouver and Whistler.

Rinty

LOL. I'll see if I can get released from my current contract. It's hard being a checking-line center in a no-check league (It's harder when they keep putting me on defense). I'm older than Trevor Linden, but at least I'm younger than Chelios.

I could buy a few more bikes on an NHL salary, but I might show up late to a few games.

I've seen a few CBC games; excellent coverage. I remember when Hrudey played for the Islanders. Next season I think I'll overcome my inherent cheap-ass-ness and spring for the NHL Center Ice package. What I like about watching Don Cherry is looking at his suit and thinking that somewhere an overstuffed couch is running around naked.

[rinty]

Half the time I don't even know what Cherry is talking about, with all his bluster. And I think, from Don McLean's body language, that he's had a gut full of him too.

But if the CBC tried to get rid of him, I think they'd have a revolt on their hands.

Oh well, that's what the remote is for.

Rinty

[sjbmw]

Hockey Night in Canada is a superior telecast in all ways. I love Grapes.
US Hockey broadcasts cannot compare.
The Center Ice package is done now that VS. has the playoff games, so Grapes is gone too. He needs to be on American TV. Forget Hull and Ferraro, give us Grapes!

[henzilla]

Also as exciting as watching Skittles in the toilet:stick :stick :stick

Sorry guys, had to jump on the NASCAR analogy from the other day...We have Hockey in Texas, yet Hi School football is THE sport .... ie:Friday Night Lights :laugh


Don't start taking that personal!! I'm just a kiddin' Hockey Fans

[rinty]

Henzilla:

We know you're just sore cause Dallas is out.:laugh

Rinty

[bubbagazoo]

We may have Ron, Craig and Kelly who do a good job but we also have to tolerate Bob Cole and Harry Neale. Ya know, there's a reason Harry is not an NHL coach. The same reason Gary Green hasn't been one in over 25 years. It's because they know nothing about the game. As for Bob, the game on the ice is not the same one he is describing. I guess they have jobs because the Toronto Make Me-Laff fans love them.

Regarding Ray Ferraro -- he talks too much. He does colour for the Oiler games on Sportsnet. I suppose the gift of the gab covers up for his partner - Kevin Quinn. Hey, Flames TV. You can have Quinn back.

And how about that Skittles :) race at Richmond yesterday. :thumb I usually don't watch the full race unless they are at Daytona or Talladega. But the race yesterday had all sorts of action. Side by side racing for pretty much every position on the track. I was entertained. Just disappointed that my man Mikey Waltrip missed his 9th consecutive race.

[henzilla]

And how about that Skittles :) race at Richmond yesterday. :thumb I usually don't watch the full race unless they are at Daytona or Talladega. But the race yesterday had all sorts of action. Side by side racing for pretty much every position on the track. I was entertained. Just disappointed that my man Mikey Waltrip missed his 9th consecutive race.

I had it Tivo'd only to find it missing...I saw it rescheduled and recorded...then went riding in a constant drizzle...My " Happy " driver was looking good till the peanut butter cup car had a bite taken out of it:banghead ...And Toyota & Mikey are struggling...in NASCAR anyways...they will unfortunately fiure it out soon


BTW, where were the Stars prior to Dallas???

[bubbagazoo]

I had it Tivo'd only to find it missing...I saw it rescheduled and recorded...then went riding in a constant drizzle...My " Happy " driver was looking good till the peanut butter cup car had a bite taken out of it:banghead ...And Toyota & Mikey are struggling...in NASCAR anyways...they will unfortunately fiure it out soon


BTW, where were the Stars prior to Dallas???

They are one of the six 1967/68 expansion franchises. They were originally the Minnesota North Stars.

[rinty]

Hey Flames TV you can have Quinn back. Bubbagazoo

No thanks. We're quite happy with Charlie Simmer. He should actually be moved over to the CBC.

Rinty

[Crow18]

Also as exciting as watching Skittles in the toilet:stick :stick :stick

Sorry guys, had to jump on the NASCAR analogy from the other day...We have Hockey in Texas, yet Hi School football is THE sport .... ie:Friday Night Lights :laugh


Don't start taking that personal!! I'm just a kiddin' Hockey Fans

No offense taken, but if you like I can go on my Forcible Hockey Team Relocation rant. It involves moving any NHL team whose facilities can't generate playoff-quality ice in May and June. Which is to say, Dallas, Phoenix, Tampa, Atlanta, Florida, Anaheim, and we'll throw in Carolina too (since I'm an angry, bitter Whalers fan).

I skate with a kid who used to play High School football (plus a little college ball at Portland State, I think). Offensive line. Now he works nightshift in a jail. His nickname is "Meat".

[Pat Carol]

We watched it in hi def too.
Let's keep the Cup in Canada!


I hate to disappoint you. The cup is coming back to HOCKEYTOWN (Detroit)

GO WINGS!!!!!!!:twirl :dance

[bubbagazoo]

I hate to disappoint you. The cup is coming back to HOCKEYTOWN (Detroit)

GO WINGS!!!!!!!:twirl :dance

What's this? A fan of the senior citizens of the NHL :laugh

I doubt the Detroit Lead Wings have the horses to get past Anaheim. I think the only position Detroit is stronger in is goal. Both teams are skilled in front of the goaltenders but I think the youth in Anaheim will be the difference. They are experienced enough to not panic and young enough to simply out work the Wings. And while play off hockey doesn't lend itself to fisticuffs, what we have here is the team with the fewest fighting majors (Detroit) playing the team with the most.

This should be an entertaining series.

Ottawa v Buffalo should be an entertaining series as well. Two teams that are young, skilled, have good goaltending and who really do not like each other. TV ratings in Canada on HNIC should be up there if the two teams deliver on the potential they have for good two way hockey.

[henzilla]

Henzilla:

We know you're just sore cause Dallas is out.:laugh

Rinty

Yeah, bonehead MAVERICKS! :rofl ooops ,wrong sport...again!

[BradfordBenn]

No offense taken, but if you like I can go on my Forcible Hockey Team Relocation rant. It involves moving any NHL team whose facilities can't generate playoff-quality ice in May and June. Which is to say, Dallas, Phoenix, Tampa, Atlanta, Florida, Anaheim, and we'll throw in Carolina too (since I'm an angry, bitter Whalers fan).


Having been on a few of these ice surfaces... I can tell you that the Ice in some of these places is better then New York City MSG and other multiuse venue. PLus I have met the Ice Man and he can get the Ice in shape. The challenge is the other uses in the venue. But I do agree I miss hockey teams in Canada.

[Pat Carol]

I find it hard to believe that a hockey team owned by the do gooders of Disney would have a chance against the boys of Mowtown.
It would be sad to see the Red Wings lose to a bunch of girly boys from the left coast called Mighty Ducks. None of the ducks up here in Northern Michigan are very mighty.
Now I realize the Tigers being beaten by Cardinals. That hurt. Then there was the Wolverines being defeated by Buckeyes. What's a Buckeye?
It was pretty cool to see the Pistons defeat the Bulls. Bulls can be dangerous, especially if you run with them. I am still stumped not knowing what a buckeye is.
The game ins't over until the fat lady sings.

PC:dance

[ltljohn]

[COLO What's a Buckeye?
I am still stumped not knowing what a buckeye is.
PC:dance

It's a small poisonous nut that grows on trees in Ohio.

[rinty]

I have met the Ice Man and he can get the Ice in shape. Bubbagazoo

High humidity also really affects the quality. It's frustrating to see talented skating and passing teams playing on snow cone ice in some of the finals games in southern venues.

Rinty

[BradfordBenn]

I find it hard to believe that a hockey team owned by the do gooders of Disney would have a chance against the boys of Mowtown.

PC:dance

While the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim were originally started and owned by Disney they are no longer owned by Disney. They are now the Anaheim Ducks, at the moment I do not remember who purchased them they are no longer part of the Disney Family. In addition the Disney company sold off the Anaheim Angels.

This is also the reason the logo has changed as the Disney company kept the rights to logo and the name Mighty Ducks.

[bubbagazoo]

The game ins't over until the fat lady sings.

PC:dance


Or the octopi go splat :D :D

[rinty]

I see that the Sens / Sabres game is on at 8 p.m. central. Did CBC get it's way with NBC, who prefer afternoon games, or does NBC not have rights to the Conference finals? I would think that many New York staters would still be watching Buffalo, even though the Rangers are out.

It's a shame to spend good spring riding weather watching sports on Saturday and Sunday afternoons; even playoff hockey.

Rinty

[sjbmw]

Rangers are out. NBC no longer cares about hockey.

[nhlkats]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070516/SPORTS0103/705160424/1128

a pair of Ducks combined to mash his head into the glass. Rob Niedermayer was punished
with a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct, though Chris Pronger appeared
to inflict the most damage. Watching Holmstrom leave the ice woozy and bleeding,
an Anaheim fan might have thought, "good play."


Pronger should have gotten a misconduct and a suspension, along with Niedermayer.
Two simultaneous late high hits from behind with a player in a vulnerable position. No attempt at getting the puck, or even finishing a check.
Deliberate attempt to hurt another player.
Toss them both.

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/premeditated.jpg
http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/guralnick%20stitches.jpg

[rinty]

I think the League will be handing out a suspension to Pronger.

Rinty

[bubbagazoo]

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/guralnick%20stitches.jpg

Just a flesh wound.

I didn't see the game or the hit so I cannot comment.

[rinty]

It was ugly.

Rinty

[bubbagazoo]

It was ugly.

Rinty

Finally got to see the hit in the highlights (if that's what you wanna call them). Pronger deserved the suspension he got and I believe had he been a lesser star or the injured player been a bigger star, the suspension would have been longer.

I do agree, however, with Brian Burke's comments about the state of Holmstrom's helmet. And it is the same state as most of the players in the NHL. The helmet cannot properly protect the player when the chin strap is down by the guys knees. If they wore the chin straps snuggly, the helmet stays in place, the severity of any injury is drastically reduced. Obviously, from the picture of the hit that nhlkats posted, Holmstrom's helmet came off rather easily. And other "highlights" show Holmstrom's helmet coming off several times during the game.

The NHL needs to get better at reducing and then stopping the hits to the head. At the same time, the NHLPA needs to make sure its members are properly prepared to play the game and that includes wearing the protective equipment properly. There are a lot of things the NHL and NHLPA can learn from the IIHF when it comes to protecting the players. International rules require a player to leave the ice if his/her helmet comes off. A minor penalty is assessed if the player does not go directly to the bench when the helmet comes off. Does this have anything to do with how the game is played - no. It has to do with keeping the players safe.

[rinty]

Robert:

The helmet issue came up during the broadcast, and they showed a head shot of Holmstrom, taken earlier in the game. He had it strapped down absolutely tight.

I've noticed that even in the NFL, where they wear real helmets, they get popped off from time to time.

With Holmstrom standing in front of the net all the time, lots of guys are going to be taking shots at him there.

Rinty

[nhlkats]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20070517_130333_5576

For those of you who haven't seen it yet ^^^

Bubba, I agree with you about the hits to the head issue.

The issue here is not with Holmstrom's helmet. First, please read what S.Niedermayer said:
It's hard to know really what's going on. I mean, my brother got the penalty. They're talking Chris now. Anybody else they want to bring in? Maybe they should talk to Holmstrom as well. You know, I don't know. I don't know what they're doing.
He is tongue tied, playing the "media game". This is b/c he cannot force himself to talk truthfully about the matter.

This leads me up to my point: All this side banter about who got assigned what, whether the helmet was tight, etc, is irrelevant. The tightness or secureness of Holmstrom's helmet has nothing to do with the intentions and eventual execution of Pronger and Niedermayer.

They knew what they were doing. They got penalized. And that's it. It's done. Duck's coaching staff understands this. Scott Niedermayer, with comments like that, not so much. Next game, please.

And, I'd feel the same if it were Holmstrom and Chelios hitting Pronger or Niedermayer or whoever like that.

[Crow18]

I'm pretty sure Holmstrom's helmet came unsnapped. Pronger's forearms came up under the lip at the back of the helmet, forcing it up. I've been hit in that spot (although not into the glass, and definitely not by Chris Pronger) and my chinstrap unsnapped itself. I think it's designed to unsnap under sustained pressure, so it doesn't choke you.

[rinty]

Brad/Crow

We got the NBC feed for the Sunday Detroit / Anaheim game. I thought the NBC guys did a pretty good job on the game. They don't talk as fast as the CBC guys, so it's easier to follow them, for slow guys like me, watching a fast game.

Too bad about the afternoon games; wastes a bit of good spring activity time. At least the Sunday afternoon rain here gave me an excuse to watch.

Brad, I know you don't like Hull, but I thought he was OK. Calls it like he sees it.

But the American teams are wearing themselves out, and Canada is resting. I'm hoping for Detroit in the West, even though the Niedermeyers are Cranbrook, B.C. boys.

Rinty

[Crow18]

Brad/Crow

We got the NBC feed for the Sunday Detroit / Anaheim game. I thought the NBC guys did a pretty good job on the game. They don't talk as fast as the CBC guys, so it's easier to follow them, for slow guys like me, watching a fast game.

Too bad about the afternoon games; wastes a bit of good spring activity time. At least the Sunday afternoon rain here gave me an excuse to watch.

Brad, I know you don't like Hull, but I thought he was OK. Calls it like he sees it.

But the American teams are wearing themselves out, and Canada is resting. I'm hoping for Detroit in the West, even though the Niedermeyers are Cranbrook, B.C. boys.

Rinty

At least you didn't get the NBC feed for the Saturday game. They chose not to show the overtime in favor of a couple hours of drooling about horses. Now I have nothing against horses--I've got a couple hundred of them in my garage--but if you sign on to broadcast a hockey game, and especially an elimination game, you damn well show the whole game, right?

I think Mike Emrick called today's game; he's really good. Most of the time I don't like the major networks' gimmick-of-the-year (Sounds of the Game, the FoxPuck, etc.), but I really like the way they've got Pierre McGuire in that little box between the benches. He's had some pretty good in-game interviews.

Hull was pretty well-behaved today. In the past, he spent a lot of his time baiting Ray Ferraro. It felt like somone on the other side of the studio was telling him to act "colorful".

[rinty]

There would be rioting in the streets up here if an overtime period were bumped.

A few weeks ago, a couple of the picky local guys on the Fan 96 said they thought McGuire was one of the best of the Canadian commentators. They use him mostly on the Eastern Conference games. They said the guy can take copious notes during a game, yet not miss a thing.

Having him in that little box is a cool idea. He doesn't seem at all intimidated, giving his opinions, with the heavy hitters sitting on either side of him.

The Ducks / Red Wings series has certainly turned into a dog fight.

Are you playing through the summer?

Rinty

[Crow18]

There would be rioting in the streets up here if an overtime period were bumped.

A few weeks ago, a couple of the picky local guys on the Fan 96 said they thought McGuire was one of the best of the Canadian commentators. They use him mostly on the Eastern Conference games. They said the guy can take copious notes during a game, yet not miss a thing.

Having him in that little box is a cool idea. He doesn't seem at all intimidated, giving his opinions, with the heavy hitters sitting on either side of him.

The Ducks / Red Wings series has certainly turned into a dog fight.

Are you playing through the summer?

Rinty

Dog fight, yeah. I can't help but think there will be some more attrition before the series is over. I was sorry to see Schneider go out against San Jose. He was my favorite player on the Wings (now that Yzerman and Shanahan are gone). Giguere--who was a Whalers 1st round pick in like '94 or '95--has been huge. Since I'm not rooting for either team, mostly I want to see Detroit's offense dominate, but have Giguere stop every shot.

McGuire's a keeper. He took a stick to the forehead during a broadcast a few weeks ago. Kept right on going. He had a big maroon bruise afterward, and the guys in the booth kept making Gorbachev jokes.

I'm playing through the summer, yeah. I always do, but this year, I'm a little conflicted about it. On the one hand, all this stuff really cuts into my riding time, but this summer will be the last season I can skate with some old friends, so I really wouldn't miss that. I'll probably be on a new team in the fall, though, so maybe I'll get to talk someone into buying a jersey logo from me.

[nhlkats]

old time hockey. like Eddie Shore.

nhlkats is puttin on the foil.

[nhlkats]

3 things the Senators need to do in order to get back into the series. Go.

[rinty]

It's not looking good, now.

Rinty

[nhlkats]

I'll start:

1 - Spezza needs to step up, as with the rest of the #1 line. Too lax on the puck. Especially game 2, that was awful.
2 - Neal, Fisher, and Volchenkov (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRM-oWqsKBc) cannot be the only physical presence for Ottawa, others need to step up.
3 - Put games 1 and 2 behind them, use crowd momentum.

Otherwise, this is as good as done.

Im going to add

4 - Guys like Comrie need to be more involved with top lines that are producing at the moment. His speed and stickhandling needs to be utilized (Fisher too).

Another point I'd like to add is re: Volchenkov's style of body checking.
Unlike his dirtier teammate Neal, or the much over-rated clumsy Pronger, Volchenkov's hits are classy. They are not body checks a-la-douche (see Pronger/Niedermayer). He has a very precise and accurate way of stepping up into his man. Young defensemen learning to play hockey can learn a lot from watching this young man play.
Just thought he deserved a little credit. Sure fun to watch on the highlight reel.

[sjbmw]

Spezza is finally acting his age.

Ottawa has gotten into a pounding game and it's not there style.
The game winner in game 1 was from a missed check.
They got wrapped up in the emotion of the away rink, and fell into the trap the Ducks set.

No matter how many times Brian Murray screams, the Sens top line won't dump the puck in with speed and get the fore check going. Seems like they are prisoners of their style. Adapt or die.

For a poorly as the Sens have played, the Ducks still needed some breaks to win both games.

Although they are down 0-2, I still think the Sens win this series. I don't believe they can remain brain dead forever. Home ice and the last line change will enable them to build some momentum.

Every Canadian team in the Cup finals carries the weight of an entire nation on their shoulders. It's added pressure. I can't think of any other professional sport that does this to their teams.

[rinty]

The Anaheim snow cone ice doesn't allow the Sens their tic tac toe style of playing, either.

Rinty

[nhlkats]

Chris Pronger suspended (again) for douche-baggery. (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/hockey/4858129.html)
Intentional elbow to the head of another player resulting in a concussion.
Obviously he did not learn his lesson from the previous suspension.
A poor example of asst captain for his team, and an even poorer example of a hockey player at this level.

http://cdn.nhl.com/images/wire/ap/2007/06/84c67096-7278-41a8-afec-e211cdf1692d.jpg

[169347]

GO! SENS! GO! Chris Pronger is a douche bag and a relic of the OLD NHL. Not much of a role model for the up and coming kids in organized hockey, IMHO.

Woodgrain

[Crow18]

I'm rooting for a seven-game series, with the Sens raising the cup at the end of it. Although now that I think about it, it would be better to see the Sens win in six, and raise the cup on home ice.

I liked the old NHL, and Pronger isn't a relic of it. In the old NHL, he'd have to answer for a hit like that.

[sjbmw]

GO! SENS! GO! Chris Pronger is a douche bag and a relic of the OLD NHL. Not much of a role model for the up and coming kids in organized hockey, IMHO.

Woodgrain

Listening to Brian Burke on XM cry about "big guy hits little guy" AGAIN. Sheesh. Maybe Pronger needs a checking clinic to use his shoulders.

[rinty]

It's just 'cause Pronger's so tall, don'tchano? :D

Rinty

[bubbagazoo]

Regardless of how tall somebody is, ya don't stick your elbow out like Prongs did when he got beat. If Prongs were shorter or McAmmond taller, it should still have been an elbowing or interference penalty. Prongs was beat, knew it, and reacted in a lazy manner.

[nhlkats]

Regardless of how tall somebody is, ya don't stick your elbow out like Prongs did when he got beat. If Prongs were shorter or McAmmond taller, it should still have been an elbowing or interference penalty. Prongs was beat, knew it, and reacted in a lazy manner.
I too was surprised, when the referee, standing right there, saw the whole thing go down, and skated away w/o calling anything. It almost encourages this type of behavior.
I must add, I liked Pronger as a player much better for Edmonton. He wasn't as dirty? Or am I wrong? On Edmonton he seemed like part of the glue that kept the team together. Over there in Anaheim he seems like a wrecking ball, setting his team down a D, AGAIN.

[169347]

Pronger's had a history of this type of behavior, but then, so did Gordie Howe. The original Mr. Elbows. Some of you must have missed Don Cherry's diatribe on the new elbow pads, blah, blah, blah.

Woodgrain

[rinty]

Cherry was sure in his glory last night. First he gets to escort General Rick Hillier, Canadian Chief of Defence, into the game. Then he gets to sit in on an NBC discussion with Hull and the other guy, and they let him wade into the fighting in hockey / media sensitivity topic.

Hilarious.

But they should get rid of him.

Rinty

[sjbmw]

Love Grapes. Canada's Howard Cosell.

He is a big part of my NHL Center Ice Package.
Coaches Corner!

John Ferguson tells a disgusting story of where he got the name Grapes.

[bubbagazoo]

Cherry was sure in his glory last night. First he gets to escort General Rick Hillier, Canadian Chief of Defence, into the game. Then he gets to sit in on an NBC discussion with Hull and the other guy, and they let him wade into the fighting in hockey / media sensitivity topic.

Hilarious.

But they should get rid of him.

Rinty

I couldn't agree more. It has been the same thing over and over for way too many hockey seasons. Don Cherry really should retire. I doubt, however, that the CBC would want to see that happen. Grapes is probably responsible for attracting a good chunk of the advertising revenue for Hockey Night in Canada. Bob Cole and Harry Neale should probably join Grapes. CBC has play-by-play and colour guys who are so much better than Bob and Harry. But the Make-BeLeaf fans and the Toronto market seem to love those two. Go figure.

As for fighting in hockey -- my thoughts.

A spontaneous fight that comes about as the result of a play on the ice is fine. 5 minutes for fighting and carry on with the rest of your day.

The fight that results when two schmucks come off the bench, line up for a face off and challenge each other before the puck is dropped and start swinging as soon as the puck is dropped is wrong. The two combatants AND the coaches who sent them out should be thrown out of the game. Sorry, Georges Laraque, but you really need to improve your skating.

In summary -- a premeditated fight has no place in the game. Spontaneous, emotion driven fighting is always going to happen regardless of the penalty (see baseball, football, basketball, etc as examples of this) and I honestly do not see anything wrong with it.

[nhlkats]

Alfredsson :nono
http://video.nbcsports.com/player/?id=115941

One of the worst displays of unsportsmanlike conduct. *And* from the captain of the team. Shame.

Ottawa outplayed in 2nd and 3rd. This thing is over. Giguere (sp?) --> outstanding. Emery, also outstanding. Both are MVP.

And then there are the disappointments. A long list of players.

[Crow18]

After Emery's dive and Alfredsson's slapshot, I don't care much for either of these teams. It's nice watching hockey on TV, but I'd rather just go skate.

I think the funniest thing about Cherry's appearance was how blatantly and unabashedly Brett Hull was brown-nosing him.

[ian408]

You should try breaking up a hockey fight :D

As for fighting, a scrap over any play is almost a simple penalty. Or is it?
Sometimes you send a stronger message for the penalty you don't call.

[ian408]

It's just 'cause Pronger's so tall, don'tchano? :D

Rinty

Sorry. Not an excuse. He's a douchebag.

[bubbagazoo]

You should try breaking up a hockey fight :D



Been there, done that. And had to do it in a small town arena that did not have separate penalty boxes for both teams. 2 players benches with the timer's table/penalty box for both teams in between them. Officials on the ice would break up the fight, bring the combatants to the penalty box and I would have to break up the fight that started there. And what really sucked was they had traction in the box so they could really brace themselves. :doh

[bowhunter]

Pinheads up by 3 fourteen minnys left

[sjbmw]

Sens never recovered from a 9 day layoff. No playoff team ever has. 100% of playoff teams that have a layoff of 7+ days or more lose the next series. Incredible stat the NHL should be taking a hard look at. The NHL basically sealed the Sens fate memorial day weekend.

The last team to be burnt by this stat in the Finals?
Brian Murray's 2003 Mighty Ducks.

[ian408]

Been there, done that. And had to do it in a small town arena that did not have separate penalty boxes for both teams. 2 players benches with the timer's table/penalty box for both teams in between them. Officials on the ice would break up the fight, bring the combatants to the penalty box and I would have to break up the fight that started there. And what really sucked was they had traction in the box so they could really brace themselves. :doh

hahaha! That's too funny. Thankfully, we don't have many of them left.

The first fight I broke up was a bit of a CF. Normally, you coordinate with your partner
but this one was out of hand real quick and my partner was at the bottom of the pile
with two guys on top of him pounding on each other.

Now, I just let them fight until they wear themselves out...:lol3

[BouncinBob]

Sens never recovered from a 9 day layoff. No playoff team ever has. 100% of playoff teams that have a layoff of 7+ days or more lose the next series. Incredible stat the NHL should be taking a hard look at. The NHL basically sealed the Sens fate memorial day weekend.

The last team to be burnt by this stat in the Finals?
Brian Murray's 2003 Mighty Ducks.

I'd have to dig around to find out the year... Your above example was to the Devils benefit, but weren't they hurt by a long layoff once? Maybe I'm remembering 2003 and have it backwards.

When the Devils came to be I had season tickets until I moved to Ohio. I saw Scottie come up, and became a big fan. I believed he had better hands and was a better skater than Brian Leach. But under the then current defensive style they played, he was not allowed to go. Years later he was and he show his talent.

He sure put on a show this year. Watching the CBC post game last night, the #1 most frequent response from Ducks to "who helped make this happen" was Scottie. They interview Alfredsson also and he named Scottie too. I'm glad he got another cup, this time with his brother, it will make his mother happy (she wanted Rob to win in 2003 because Scottie already had some rings).