2014-15 NHL Season

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld...

The Chicago Blackhawks will reportedly play against the host Washington Capitals in the 2015 Winter Classic. If that's true, then this will be Chicago's third outdoor game and the second time they've participated in the Winter Classic. It will, however, be the first time that they've been the visiting team in an outdoor contest.

Source: Bob McKenzie on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

2014 NHL Entry Draft takes place June 27-28...

Here are some prospect lists:

http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectbrowse.htm


Mock drafts...

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=723186


From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Joshua Ho-Sang is the draft wild card as some teams could have him in the top 10 while others may not want to take him until the second round.

The Toronto native was selected fourth overall at the 2013 OHL draft and exploded this season with 32 goals and 85 points, finishing 18th in OHL scoring. But he has had an attitude problem at times and that could hurt his draft status. "I don't think it's from unfair labels, it's from stuff that I've done," Ho-Sang said of the criticism aimed his way. "I'm accepting of everything that I've done. I've made mistakes. I've been late to stuff. I've just not done certain things the proper way. That's just all part of maturity, so if that's going to hurt me in the draft, that's something that I'm accepting of, because that's all me. It's something that's a part of growing up. You have to live with the decisions that you have made and you have to kind of deal with the consequences, whatever those may be. I'm prepared for them." Ho-Sang's skill set could still get him drafted in the first round.

Source: Windsor Star

[Kingspoint]

The 2014-15 schedule (released Sunday)...

http://www.nhl.com/ice/schedulebyseason.htm?date=06/22/2014

[MikeThierry]

Where do you see the big name free agents going? There is a report that the Blues have offered Stastny a contract.

[Kingspoint]

I'm definitely not tuned in, but here's some of the latest info...

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Patrick Sharp's agent, Rick Curran, has received multiple assurances from Chicago GM Stan Bowman that his client won't be traded.

"There's no truth to any rumor that Patrick Sharp is available to trade," Curran said. "He absolutely is not available. I had a meeting with Stan Bowman a week ago to ask him what was going to happen. He said, 'I don't know what's going to happen, but I can tell you that Patrick Sharp is not available right now.' When the Sportsnet guy, Nick Kypreos, erroneously made a statement and everyone went crazy, I called Stan again. I asked, 'Has anything changed?' He said, 'absolutely not.' He's full of [expletive]." The Blackhawks have been linked to Ryan Kesler and Jason Spezza in trade rumors and Sharp's name surfaced as a trade candidate, but those reports appear to be false.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times


The Jason Spezza hunt reportedly has five interested teams.

It's believed that St. Louis, Anaheim, Phoenix, Nashville and Florida have contacted the Senators with offers for the club's captain. The Predators were reportedly on his list of teams he wouldn't accept a trade to, though. Ottawa's scouts are prepared if Ottawa lands a first-round pick in the 2104 NHL Entry Draft in a trade for Spezza. The Senators would've had the 10th overall pick, but it was dealt to Anaheim in the Bobby Ryan trade.

Source: Ottawa Sun


The St. Louis Blues are among the teams looking into signing Paul Stastny.

Stastny won't be an unrestricted free agent until July 1, but thanks to the new CBA, teams can already talk to him. The Blues have also been tied to the Jason Spezza trade rumor mill and they might feel like getting Stastny would be the better option given that they wouldn't have to sacrifice any prospect. Stastny is testing the market, but still regards the Colorado Avalanche as his first choice.

Source: ESPN.com


Matt Niskanen will test the free agent market on July 1.

His agent, Neil Sheehy made the announcement on Twitter after his client spoke with the Pittsburgh Penguins about the decision. GM Jim Rutherford expected this to happen, so it shouldn't have come as much of a surprise. Niskanen will be the best blueliner available on the open market, so he should be able to land a hefty contract.

Source: Neil Sheehy on Twitter


The Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks have reportedly entered into the Paul Stastny sweepstakes.

Stastny has been a popular player during the window shopping period prior to the start of the free agency, but a lot of teams may not be able to meet his price point. Stastny's camp is reportedly informing interested parties that he doesn't want to make less than the $6.66 million a year he earned in his last five seasons with Colorado.

Source: ESPN.com

[M2]

I'm hoping the Rangers do a stealth trade with Nash. Vancouver and Toronto would be the two most likely destinations. I'm secretly hoping for Anaheim though. He could for a Legion of Doom line with Getzlaf and Perry. The Ducks also have the cap space and some young talent to deal.

Someone's going to trade for Sam Gagner in the next few days and he's going to be a steal. Could go for as little as a 2nd round pick (Edmonton kept asking too much for him and now he's about to have a NTC kick in). David Perron probably can be had as well.

[westofyou]

Ducks have new jersey's
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrJuAz4CYAA4y4e.jpghttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrJuAz4CYAA4y4e.jpghttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrJuAz4CYAA4y4e.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrJuAz4CYAA4y4e.jpg

[westofyou]

I'm hoping the Rangers do a stealth trade with Nash. Vancouver and Toronto would be the two most likely destinations. I'm secretly hoping for Anaheim though. He could for a Legion of Doom line with Getzlaf and Perry. The Ducks also have the cap space and some young talent to deal.

Someone's going to trade for Sam Gagner in the next few days and he's going to be a steal. Could go for as little as a 2nd round pick (Edmonton kept asking too much for him and now he's about to have a NTC kick in). David Perron probably can be had as well.

Ducks acquire Kesler

[M2]

Ducks acquire Kesler

And James Neal to the Preds (for Patric Hornqvist and Nick Spaling, which might turn out to be a steal for the Pens). In another deal, the Blues got Carl Gunnarsson from the Leafs for Roman Polak. Got a feeling Gunnarsson is going to shine in St. Louis.

[Joseph]

Gunnarsson is a steal for St Louis.

Stasny has rumors all over the place. I've heard Chicago is trying to clear cap space for him and he's interested. Bickell and Sharp are among the rumored to be moving, though not sure how likely either are.

Spezza rejected a deal to the Predators. Ha!

[5TimeWSChamps]

Darren Dreger ‏@DarrenDreger 1m
Oilers trade Sam Gagner to Tampa Bay for Teddy Purcell.

[Kingspoint]

Gunnarsson is a steal for St Louis.

Stasny has rumors all over the place. I've heard Chicago is trying to clear cap space for him and he's interested. Bickell and Sharp are among the rumored to be moving, though not sure how likely either are.

Spezza rejected a deal to the Predators. Ha!

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The door may not be completely closed on Jason Spezza and the Nashville Predators.

"Nashville was on Jason's list that we put together a while ago and without the benefit of a crystal ball, I can't say (if that will change)," agent Rick Curran said. "Call me in three or four days and we might have a better answer." The Predators and Senators had something worked out at the draft, but a deal was vetoed by Spezza's camp because Nashville is on the center's no-trade list. St. Louis and Chicago are still in the hunt, along with Dallas, and whichever team misses out on a middleman like Paul Stastny in free agency could go after Spezza once the dust settles on the "frenzy."

Source: Ottawa Citizen (http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/senators-extra/senators-in-limbo-as-free-agency-arrives)

[Kingspoint]

Darren Dreger ‏@DarrenDreger 1m
Oilers trade Sam Gagner to Tampa Bay for Teddy Purcell.

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Teddy Purcell was caught off-guard by his trade to Edmonton on Sunday.

Purcell seemed to be established in Tampa Bay but obviously that was not the case. "It's a bit of a shock and the phone is blowing up, but other than that it's all good," Purcell said. "Steve (Yzerman) left me a voice mail to call him so I figured something was up. Any time you don't see something coming it's obviously a bit of a shock. Once it digests and sets in, I think it's going to be a good opportunity for me to play some good minutes with a lot of good young guys, so it's going to be exciting. I think it’s going to be exciting to play in a hockey crazy market and get a taste of what it’s like up there. I think it was good for me to start in places LA and Tampa Bay where the media wasn't so big and the (hockey) markets weren't so big. It allowed me to find my way and become an established player. Now I guess I’m going to see what I’m made of, if I can handle it all. It’s a true test of what kind of character you have."

Source: Edmonton Sun (http://www.edmontonsun.com/2014/06/29/oilers-sam-gagner-dealt-to-tampa-bay)

[Joseph]

Gagner didn't even call a Real Estate agent in Tampa before he was shipped on to Phoenix and those terrible Coyotes.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

After a long set of negotiations, the Avalanche and Paul Stastny were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract.

It's been expected all along that Stastny wanted to test the waters as a free agent on July 1st, but the Avs reportedly tried hard to convince him to stay. As one of the top available players on the open market, expect the suitors to be lined up on Tuesday.

Source: Renaud Lavoie on Twitter (https://twitter.com/renlavoietva/status/483763922949120000)

[Spitball]

The Bruins really need to re-sign Jerome Iginla. He will have to accept an incentive-laced offer, but he has expressed a desire to remain in Boston. He is an essential fit with their number one line.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Dallas Stars have acquired Jason Spezza and Ludvig Karlsson from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a 2015 second round pick, Alex Guptill, Nicholas Paul, and Alex Chiasson.

The Senators didn't get a great return for Spezza, but their hands were partially tied by the fact that he wanted to move. Spezza is capable of averaging a roughly point-per-game and that isn't likely to change in Dallas. The Stars are loaded with top-end talent now between Spezza, Tyler Seguin, and Jamie Benn.

Source: Bob McKenzie on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Columbus Blue Jackets don't plan on making a big splash on July 1.

The Blue Jackets lured Nathan Horton to Columbus last summer, but GM Jarmo Kekalainen thinks that at this point the team's growth needs to come from within the organization. "The team you see right now today is probably pretty close to what's going to be there when training camp starts (in September)," Kekalainen added. The Blue Jackets have a ton of cap space, although Kekalainen might not have permission to spend to the ceiling. Even if he does, he might be reluctant to because the Blue Jackets does have several young players that are going to be in line for sizable raises over the next few years and he wouldn't want to put him in a position where they're having a difficult time fitting their RFAs in under the cap.

Source: Columbus Dispatch (http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com/content/stories/2014/07/01/kekalainen-says-no-big-plans-for-free-agency.html)

[MikeThierry]

Blues just sign Stastny. I'm stoked!!!!!!

[Kingspoint]

Some notable signings w/ Rotoworld comments:


The Dallas Stars have signed right winger Ales Hemsky to a three-year/$12 million contract.

The Stars have really improved their team up front as they traded for Jason Spezza and now add Ales Hemsky from the Senators. The 30-year-old winger, if he can stay healthy, could hit the 60-65 point mark as the Stars are loading up at forward.

Source: Darren Dreger on Twitter


Ryan Miller has signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

This was rumoured for some time and Vancouver GM Jim Benning made good Tuesday by signing the top goalie in the market. Miller should thrive with the Canucks and rebound from an inconsistent 2013-14 campaign in Buffalo and St. Louis. We expect him to be a top 10 netminder in 2014-15 with better than league average GAA and SP stats and 35-40 wins.


Brooks Orpik has signed a contract with the Washington Capitals.

The tough defenseman will get five years/$27.5 million from the Capitals and he should provide the Caps with stellar work behind the blueline.


The Rangers have signed Dan Boyle to a two-year, $9 million contract.

This is a very good signing by the Rangers who desperately needed to improve their power play. Boyle will certainly help in that regard as he will man the point on the team's top unit. We expect Boyle to register 40-50 points this upcoming season, which will make him a top 25 defenseman from a fantasy perspective. In addition, Boyle got a no-movement clause in his deal so he will be in the Big Apple through the 2016-2017 campaign.


Dave Bolland has signed a whopping five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Panthers.

The Cats really over paid for Bolland, who is an underrated forward, but certainly not worth $5.5 million per season. Bolland will center the Panthers' third line and will likely register approximately 40 points. With Bolland's injury history we believe Florida has taken a pretty big chance with the term and length of contract extended to the pivot.


Paul Stastny has signed a four-year, $28 million with the Blues.

He was the top free agent on the market and the Blues really improved themselves with the signing of Stastny. Speculation is that he will be the team's top center moving David Backes to more-suited second-line role. T.J. Oshie will likely team with Stastny as they played together on the U.S. Olympic team. Look for Stastny to anchor the Blues' power play and register close to a point-per game this upcoming season.


The Minnesota Wild have signed Thomas Vanek to a three-year deal.

Vanek goes back to Minnesota where he played college hockey and was a scoring star with the Golden Gophers. He will motivated to play in front of friends and should settle in on the Wild's top line alongside Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu. He will also play on the team's top power-play unit. Look for Vanek to register 70 points this upcoming season. Minnesota GM Chuck Fletcher did well to hold the term on this deal to three years. It looks like Vanek and the Wild win here.


The Calgary Flames have signed Jonas Hiller to a two-year, $9 million contract.

This is an excellent signing for the Flames as he can handle a lot of shots, which he will undoubtedly see in Calgary. The deal is modest as compared to some of the contracts that have been handed out Tuesday, and the Flames have done well to shore up their goaltending trhough the 2016-17 season. Hiller will post strong save percentage numbers but his goals against average and win totals may be a little less than league average and as a result will be better suited as a second goalie in fantasy pools going forward.


Jarome Iginla has signed with the Colorado Avalanche for three years and $16 million.

The Avs lost Paul Stastny to the Blues earlier in the day and needed to shore up their forward ranks and Iginla will certainly do that. It remains to be seen if he can keep up with some of the speedy and yonger Colorado forwards but Iginla can still finish as he did retain his scoring touch around the net with the Bruins last season. The three year term for a player of Iginla's age is a little troubling but overall this is a positive signing for the Avs and Iginla should get the chance to play with either Nathan MacKinnon or Ryan O'Reilly.


The Washington Capitals have locked up Matt Niskanen to a seven-year deal worth $40.25 million.

"We are very excited that Matt Niskanen has chosen to sign with Washington," said GM Brian MacLellan. "At 27 years of age, he is just entering his prime for a defenseman. We feel he will be a staple on our blueline for many years to come. We have stated all along that upgrading the defense was our top priority this offseason and we feel we accomplished our goal with our signings today." He racked up 10 goals and 46 points in 81 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins last season. Niskanen will add another weapon to Washington's top-raked power play.

Source: Capitals Today

[Kingspoint]

Blues just sign Stastny. I'm stoked!!!!!!

Congrats.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed Brad Richards to a one-year, $2 million contract.

That's incredibly cheap for Richards, but Chicago was already against the ceiling, so they're still going to have to make a move to accommodate this signing. All the same, this is a great addition for the Blackhawks as Richards firmly addresses their need for a second-line center. With him joining Chicago's offensive core of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, and Marian Hossa, the Blackhawks are in a great position going into the 2014-15 campaign.

Source: John Shannon on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

From the strange-butt-true department...

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Claude Giroux was released from jail Wednesday morning.

Giroux reportedly spent the night in a cell. According to the Ottawa Sun's sources, the police were on a routine patrol at a bar called The Great Canadian Cabin when Giroux grabbed a male officer's buttocks. He was asked not to do that again, but he did so anyways and was subsequently arrested. That being said, the Ottawa Police can't comment on an incident were charges aren't made and they previously stated that they don't expect any charges to be filed against Giroux.

Source: Ottawa Sun (http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/07/02/philadelphia-flyers-star-claude-giroux-arrested-in-ottawa)

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Mikhail Grabovski has inked a four-year, $20 million contract with the New York Islanders.

Grabovski struggled in the second half of the 2013-14 campaign, in part due to injury, but he's capable of recording over 50 points per season. In New York, he'll likely serve as the team's second-line center behind John Tavares. That might cause Frans Nielsen to shift from center as he should also be on one of the Islanders' top two lines.

Source: Arthur Staple on Twitter


Nikolai Kulemin has agreed to a four-year, $16.75 million contract with the New York Islanders.

Kulemin is reuniting with former Maple Leafs teammate Mikhail Grabovski and it wouldn't be surprising to see them play regularly on the second line together. Kulemin is coming off of a rough season where he scored just nine goals and 20 points in 70 contests, but he has the potential to flirt with the 50-point mark in 2014-15.

Source: Arthur Staple on Twitter

[M2]

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed Brad Richards to a one-year, $2 million contract.

That is slightly less than the Rangers were paying him.

[Kingspoint]

That is slightly less than the Rangers were paying him.

He said he took a discount in order to play with the Hawks. The Rangers were obviously great, so I don't get that. Good day for the Islanders in Free Agency.

[reds44]

The Giroux story is awesome...lol

[Patrick Bateman]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed Brad Richards to a one-year, $2 million contract.

That's incredibly cheap for Richards, but Chicago was already against the ceiling, so they're still going to have to make a move to accommodate this signing. All the same, this is a great addition for the Blackhawks as Richards firmly addresses their need for a second-line center. With him joining Chicago's offensive core of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, and Marian Hossa, the Blackhawks are in a great position going into the 2014-15 campaign.

Source: John Shannon on Twitter

I'm really excited about the signing. I actually suggested to my Dad and brother that he would be the perfect fit for the Hawks assuming he would take a lowball salary after his amssive buyout.

Getting guys like Kesler or Spezza is nice in theory, but unless the trading team was retaining big time salary, other quality players would have to go to make it work, plus significant assets going the other way to make it work. The Stastny rumours made no sense because the Hawks just dont have the room now, or in the future.

Richards was the one guy out there that excites me as a bonfide number 2 centre, without having to fork over big assets in trade, or through salary. He was miscast at his age in NY when they signed him as a #1 centre. With the Hawks, I expect him to slot in perfectly with Kane, and a guy like Saad.

[M2]

He said he took a discount in order to play with the Hawks. The Rangers were obviously great, so I don't get that. Good day for the Islanders in Free Agency.

The Rangers couldn't sign him because they bought out his contract. In an ideal world they wouldn't have, but he signed a front-loaded contract before the new labor deal and the ramifications were the team would be punished like crazy on the back end of the deal. In terms of cap management, they had no choice.

He's no longer a first line player, but he's dynamite for a third line.

[Joseph]

Sharp - Toews - Hossa
Saad - Richards - Kane
Bickell - Shaw - Smith/Morin

That's not a bad top 6 at all, and a pretty solid checking line that can score a little.

[reds44]

Sharp - Toews - Hossa
Saad - Richards - Kane
Bickell - Shaw - Smith/Morin

That's not a bad top 6 at all, and a pretty solid checking line that can score a little.
That third line would be a terrible line during the regular season.

[tomnuetten]

The Bruins really need to re-sign Jerome Iginla. He will have to accept an incentive-laced offer, but he has expressed a desire to remain in Boston. He is an essential fit with their number one line.


there was no chance to get him. the bruins have no cap space and even a on year deal with lots of money counting towards next year would have been trouble (with the guys they have to sign aswell). iginla wants to play more than one year and with his age I don´t want to see him with a multi year deal in boston (with the capspace it was unpossible anyway)

good luck to him....

looking at some of those contracts is insane. pouliot, orpik, engelland... hard to judge which of those contracts is the worst

[Joseph]

there was no chance to get him. the bruins have no cap space and even a on year deal with lots of money counting towards next year would have been trouble (with the guys they have to sign aswell). iginla wants to play more than one year and with his age I don´t want to see him with a multi year deal in boston (with the capspace it was unpossible anyway)

good luck to him....

looking at some of those contracts is insane. pouliot, orpik, engelland... hard to judge which of those contracts is the worst

Which was the worst? Dave Bolland. Love the guy. 17 seconds and 2 Cups and all that, but 5.5AAV? Wow.

[Patrick Bateman]

That third line would be a terrible line during the regular season.

Not really - all of them grade out as being pretty good possession guys, just seems like they get rewarded more during the post season (especially in Bickell's case where they play him up front on a scoring line more come playoff time). I would expect that line to be diffiuclt to play against for the opposition even if they arent lighting it up on the scoresheet.

[Patrick Bateman]

Which was the worst? Dave Bolland. Love the guy. 17 seconds and 2 Cups and all that, but 5.5AAV? Wow.

Brutal contract, but Florida has to in order to attract free agent talent.

Bolland I think is mostly broken with all of his injuries, especially his multiple back issues. Hard to imagine he can get through a full season at this point, and I don't think is capable of playing up to his full talents any more.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed Patrick Kane to an eight-year, $84 million contract extension.

Jonathan Toews signed an identical contract. Kane and Toews new cap hits of $10.5 million annually don't take effect until the 2015-16 campaign, but currently they're projected to be the two highest in the league. Kane has emerged as a point-per-game player and a clutch performer in the playoffs, although his recent injury history makes him a bit of a risk going forward.

Source: Darren Dreger


Jonathan Toews has agreed to an eight-year, $84 million contract extension.

Patrick Kane signed an identical contract. Kane and Toews new cap hits of $10.5 million annually don't take effect until the 2015-16 campaign, but currently they're projected to be the two highest in the league. Toews fantasy value in standard leagues will always be a step below his actual worth as his offensive contributions are only a portion of what he brings to the table. He's a superb two-way center and a great team leader.

Source: Darren Dreger on Twitter

[Big Red Smokey]

So this Ryan Johansen debacle is getting good...

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/blue-jackets-president-accuses-ryan-johansen-of-extortion--reveals-contract-numbers-191358217.html?soc_src=mediacontentstory

[Joseph]

So this Ryan Johansen debacle is getting good...

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/blue-jackets-president-accuses-ryan-johansen-of-extortion--reveals-contract-numbers-191358217.html?soc_src=mediacontentstory

Absolutely insane isn't it?

Obviously who knows if these numbers are true, but if he wants money like Toews and Kane already, I feel badly for the fans of the Blue Jackets. Still, I hope he gets signed, I really want that franchise to stick [unless they want to move to Louisville].

[Patrick Bateman]

I think they split a 2 years 8M or something.
Doesn't make sense for him to do a long term think without big bucks.
Doesn't make sense for them to give it to him.
He deserves a nice raise, but only for a few years.

[Big Red Smokey]

In honor of opening night...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfwQ5dOjRW8

[M2]

Rangers-Blues tonight. Dan Boyle making his debut along with 19-year-old phenom Anthony Duclair for NY. Paul Stasny getting his first game for St. Louis and skating with Vlad Tarasenko.

[MikeThierry]

If Johnathan Quick isn't the best goalie on the planet, I don't know who is. Last night, the Blues completely dominated the Kings yet the Kings win in a shoot out. The Kings gave up 43 shots and had 23 giveaways. Unreal.

[Joseph]

He's ridiculous alright.

Been a fun season to start with.

[Chip R]

Gordie Howe suffers serious stroke.

http://hsrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=A2KK_IHwQVBU3jYBem2bvZx4;_ylu=X3oDMTNtbzllb29 uBGJwb3MDMQRjY29kZQNnYQRjcG9zAzYEY3QDMQRnAzc3ZDBlZ WEzLWU0NzItMzJhNy04YjNiLThlYjIyMWZmYWNjMARpbnRsA3V zBHBrZ3QDNARwb3MDMQRzZWMDdGQtc3RybQRzbGsDdGl0bGUEd GVzdAMyNjk-/RV=1/RE=1415755505/RH=aHNyZC55YWhvby5jb20-/RO=2/RU=aHR0cDovL3Nwb3J0cy55YWhvby5jb20vYmxvZ3MvbmhsLXB 1Y2stZGFkZHkvZ29yZGllLWhvd2UtcmVzdGluZy1hZnRlci0tc HJldHR5LXNlcmlvdXMtLXN0cm9rZS0wMDIxMDkxMjAuaHRtbA--/RS=%5EADAWE_RI917Uu3pgbuYQXhHBTEWUAs-

[Kingspoint]

If Johnathan Quick isn't the best goalie on the planet, I don't know who is. Last night, the Blues completely dominated the Kings yet the Kings win in a shoot out. The Kings gave up 43 shots and had 23 giveaways. Unreal.
As a Blackhawks fan, before any of the playoffs began last season, I feared him the most.

[Kingspoint]

Gordie Howe suffers serious stroke.

http://hsrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=A2KK_IHwQVBU3jYBem2bvZx4;_ylu=X3oDMTNtbzllb29 uBGJwb3MDMQRjY29kZQNnYQRjcG9zAzYEY3QDMQRnAzc3ZDBlZ WEzLWU0NzItMzJhNy04YjNiLThlYjIyMWZmYWNjMARpbnRsA3V zBHBrZ3QDNARwb3MDMQRzZWMDdGQtc3RybQRzbGsDdGl0bGUEd GVzdAMyNjk-/RV=1/RE=1415755505/RH=aHNyZC55YWhvby5jb20-/RO=2/RU=aHR0cDovL3Nwb3J0cy55YWhvby5jb20vYmxvZ3MvbmhsLXB 1Y2stZGFkZHkvZ29yZGllLWhvd2UtcmVzdGluZy1hZnRlci0tc HJldHR5LXNlcmlvdXMtLXN0cm9rZS0wMDIxMDkxMjAuaHRtbA--/RS=%5EADAWE_RI917Uu3pgbuYQXhHBTEWUAs-


That makes me sad...not just for Howe, but for all the old-timer hockey players. I still can't believe the Northstars franchise left Minnesota.

[Chip R]

The cure for the common shootout?

http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/10/30/7129739/nhl-shootouts-ahl-overtime-rules

[M2]

The cure for the common shootout?

http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/10/30/7129739/nhl-shootouts-ahl-overtime-rules

I'm not opposed to implementing the AHL system, though 3v3 arguably isn't any more "real hockey" than a shootout.

I still say the cleanest way to fix things is to adopt soccer's points system: 3 for a win, 1 for a tie. Don't muck around with a shootout. If it ends in a tie, you get 1 point. Too many of those and you'll be well outside the playoff picture. In soccer, ties are a killer. In the NHL, ties allow you to hang around the edges of playoff contention.

[OldRightHander]

Tarasenko is officially on fire.

[Joseph]

Tarasenko is officially on fire.

Kid's unreal.

[OldRightHander]

He scored one of the best you'll see all season tonight in NY.


http://video.blues.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=-5&id=661747&lang=en

[MikeThierry]

He scored one of the best you'll see all season tonight in NY.


http://video.blues.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=-5&id=661747&lang=en

Goal of the year thus far. That's Datsyukian right there.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said that Patrick Sharp is slated to miss three-to-four weeks with a leg injury.

Sharp was hurt this past Tuesday against Montreal when he was hit by Alexei Emelin in the third period. He has three goals and nine points in 13 games, which ties him with Patrick Kane for second on the team in scoring. Sharp will also be missed on the power play, where he leads Chicago in average ice time (4:15) per game.

Source: Chris Kuc on Twitter

[OldRightHander]

Goal of the year thus far. That's Datsyukian right there.

Last night's wasn't shabby either.

[Kingspoint]

What the heck triggered this last night?

3rd Period:
18:03 Versteeg, 5 min, Fighting
18:03 Versteeg, 2 min, Slashing
18:03 Vlasic, 5 min, Fighting
18:03 Vlasic, 2 min, Roughing
18:26 Burish, 5 min, Fighting
18:26 Morin, 5 min, Fighting
18:26 Burish, 2 min, Roughing
18:59 Burns, 2 min, Tripping
19:04 Hannan, 2 min, Boarding

[Chip R]

Not good news on the Gordie Howe front.

http://ww2.nationalpost.com/m/wp/blog.html?b=sports.nationalpost.com/2014/11/16/gordie-howes-health-rapidly-declining-according-to-his-son-he-is-not-doing-well-at-all-is-the-bottom-line

[Tom Servo]

http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com/content/stories/2014/11/20/blind-sided.html


On the morning of Oct. 7, two days before the Blue Jackets opened the 2014-15 season, Jack Johnson left his Ferrari parked in the garage of his Dublin apartment and drove his BMW to a federal courthouse Downtown to file for bankruptcy.

Johnson has earned more than $18 million during his nine-year NHL career, not including the $5 million he will be paid this season by the Blue Jackets.

Almost all of the money is gone, and some of his future earnings have already been promised — which is why Johnson, surrounded by a new team of financial advisers and an attorney, signed his financial surrender.


Johnson’s parents allegedly each bought a car, spent more than $800,000 on upgrades to the Manhattan Beach property and traveled, often to see him play NHL games for the Kings and Blue Jackets.

“Jack would ask (his parents) questions: ‘What’s this? What are these guys calling about?’  ” a source said. “And they would tell him not to worry about it, just worry about playing hockey.

“These were his parents, right? He trusted them. It wasn’t until last spring or early summer that he understood there was a significant problem.”

Damn, and I thought Thomas Vanek with his gambling habit had problems...

[Joseph]

Does someone want to remind the Islanders its not the early 80's?

[Chip R]

Evidently, Marty Brodeur is trying out with the Blues.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/26/hes-baaaaack-brodeur-joins-blues-on-tryout-basis/

[Tom Servo]

Does someone want to remind the Islanders its not the early 80's?
Shhh, as an Isles fan this is easily the best they have looked in my lifetime.

[Joseph]

Shhh, as an Isles fan this is easily the best they have looked in my lifetime.

Congrats. They have looked really strong. It's all Nick Leddy I'm sure. :)

[Tom Servo]

Damn, what an awesome finish in Uniondale! Isles are on fire.

[Tom Servo]

Evidently, Marty Brodeur is trying out with the Blues.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/26/hes-baaaaack-brodeur-joins-blues-on-tryout-basis/
He just officially signed.

[Kingspoint]

Chicago is on a roll.

[Chip R]

Gordie Howe has had another stroke.

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/11968157/gordie-howe-hospitalized-another-stroke

[Chip R]

Gordie Howe has had another stroke.

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/11968157/gordie-howe-hospitalized-another-stroke

It appears it was only dehydration. He is hopefully going home today.

Also Jean Beliveau passed away.

[M2]

Also Jean Beliveau passed away.

Here's more on that - http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/11971338/montreal-canadiens-hall-famer-jean-beliveau-dies

The man was one of the titans of the game. The city of Montreal may shut down for his funeral.

[Kingspoint]

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=742171&navid=DL|NHL|home

[Tom Servo]

Cool pre-game ceremony for the retiring Daniel Alfredsson.

[Kingspoint]

Did I mention that Chicago is on a roll?

(Yet, there still just right there with Nashville St. Louis, while Anaheim is ahead all by themselves.)

[Big Red Smokey]

Jack Edwards Ladies and Gentlemen...

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24919134/watch-bruins-announcer-jack-edwards-loses-it-after-missed-call

[Big Red Smokey]

http://deadspin.com/former-nhl-ref-jack-edwards-has-no-credibility-1676082430?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitte r&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Teuvo Teravainen was made a late scratch Thursday against the Minnesota Wild.

No reasoning has been leaked just yet but it is not suspected that the young phenom is in danger of missing significant time. Jan 8 - 7:39 PM

Source: Mark Lazerus on Twitter


Was looking forward to seeing him tonight, but I guess that's going to have to wait.

[IslandRed]

Anyone else have the Predators leading the league in points at the halfway mark? No? Me neither.

Having said that, I don't expect them to finish there; Forsberg might hit the rookie wall at some point, and Rinne's probably not going to play out of his mind all year. But they're a significantly better offensive team than a year ago and the goal differential backs up the record. It would really help if they can stay up there, though, if I understand the new playoff format correctly. If things hold, two of the Blues/Blackhawks/Preds trio would have to play each other in the first round, correct?

[Kingspoint]

if I understand the new playoff format correctly. If things hold, two of the Blues/Blackhawks/Preds trio would have to play each other in the first round, correct?

I never heard about this. What's this new playoff format? Was there something wrong with the old one (other than having too many teams in the playoffs)?

[IslandRed]

Just a tweak of sorts. Still eight teams per conference. Not sure what the point really was except to maybe keep one division from dominating its conference playoff.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=711015


The top three teams in each division will make up the first 12 teams in the playoffs. The remaining four spots will be filled by the next two highest-placed finishers in each conference, based on regular-season record and regardless of division. It is possible for one division in each conference to send five teams to the postseason while the other sends just three.

In the First Round, the division winner with the best record in each conference will be matched against the wild-card team with the lesser record; the wild card team with the better record will play the other division winner.

The teams finishing second and third in each division will meet in the First Round within the bracket headed by their respective division winners.

[M2]

It's the same playoff format as last year.

[IslandRed]

It's the same playoff format as last year.

Hmmm... yes, it is. Looks like they changed it last year. Thanks. Guess I missed it last year since my team was nowhere near the playoffs.

[M2]

Hmmm... yes, it is. Looks like they changed it last year. Thanks. Guess I missed it last year since my team was nowhere near the playoffs.

Which team do you root for?

[westofyou]

Which team do you root for?

He's the token Isles fan

Every board needs one

[Tom Servo]

Hey, I'm the token Isles fan.

[IslandRed]

Which team do you root for?

Predators. An even rarer species than Islanders, probably.

[M2]

He's the token Isles fan

Every board needs one

No, it does not.


Hey, I'm the token Isles fan.

No one should have to endure that kind of suffering. Though the window is open with the Flyers and Devils swirling down the drain. The top four in the Metro has already achieved separation.


Predators. An even rarer species than Islanders, probably.

I'm pro-Collin Wilson. Glad to see him taking a step forward this season. Probably helps not having Barry Trotz yell, "Dump the puck and back check!"

[Tom Servo]

Islanders!

[Joseph]

Someone want to remind the Predators they aren't supposed to be in first place please.

[M2]

Islanders!

I saw that Bryan Trottier dropped the puck at the Isles-Penguins game. I still fear him. Most underrated great player in NHL history.

[IslandRed]

Someone want to remind the Predators they aren't supposed to be in first place please.

Rinne is supposed to be out 3-4 weeks, so that might do it.

[Joseph]

The only consolation is they can't play this poorly when I see them on the west coast in a week. RE: Blackhawks.

[westofyou]

Shhh, as an Isles fan this is easily the best they have looked in my lifetime.

http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/the-rise-of-the-new-york-islanders/

[Tom Servo]

http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/the-rise-of-the-new-york-islanders/
The Leddy and Boychuck additions were huge, along with Halak. We had a solid nucleus before that (years of sucking finally paid off in the drafts), but no goalie or above average defenders.

[westofyou]

The Leddy and Boychuck additions were huge, along with Halak. We had a solid nucleus before that (years of sucking finally paid off in the drafts), but no goalie or above average defenders.

If the Isles get a chance they should ink their goalie to a 15 year contract eh?

[Tom Servo]

If the Isles get a chance they should ink their goalie to a 15 year contract eh?
http://replygif.net/i/347.gif

Technically that deal took place under Garth Snow's watch, but I still prefer to blame Mike Milbury since he drafted Rick in the first place.

[M2]

The Leddy and Boychuck additions were huge, along with Halak. We had a solid nucleus before that (years of sucking finally paid off in the drafts), but no goalie or above average defenders.

I remember thinking St. Louis was mildly off its rocker trading Halak for Miller last year. The Bruins miss Boychuck like crazy.

[Tom Servo]

Isles now move to 3-0 on the season against the Rangers. :beerme:

[Chip R]

Marty Brodeur makes it official.

https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/martin-brodeur-finally-retiring--joining-blues--not-devils--front-office-183917809.html

[westofyou]

Sharks’ Patrick Marleau (35 years, 143 days) expected to play his 1,300th game tonight, will be youngest to reach that plateau

[Tom Servo]

The Buffalo Sabres have acquired Evander Kane, Zach Bogosian, and Jason Kasdorf from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Tyler Myers, Drew Stafford, Joel Armia, Brendan Lemieux, and a first-round draft pick.

[M2]

The Rangers and Islanders just played a 6-5, '80s throwback, instant classic. They combined for 85 shots on goal.

[westofyou]

The Rangers and Islanders just played a 6-5, '80s throwback, instant classic. They combined for 85 shots on goal.

Wings vs Canadians 0-0 49 shots, now this is a classic 1944 game

[Kingspoint]

Got to get Sharp going. Crawford and the Defense appear to be playing well. Hossa is out of his slump. Nice rally for the point tonight.

There was a pregame moment of silence for former defenseman Steve Montador, who died last weekend at the age of 35.

[Joseph]

Gonna be tough to catch Nashville, but we still can catch the Blues.

Saw some Vegas odds [which mean nothing I know] but the Hawks are still the Cup favorites right now.

[Tom Servo]

Nice win last night by the Isles over Nashville, the best team in the league. Really needed that one after letting the Rangers game slip away.

[Kingspoint]

Nice win last night by the Isles over Nashville, the best team in the league. Really needed that one after letting the Rangers game slip away.

Thought they were going to give up that 3-0 lead, but then they turned it around to get the nice victory.

[Joseph]

Blackhawks need to find a slumpbuster. They've been pretty average to below since Christmas.

[Joseph]

Ouch.

[Kingspoint]

Ouch.

Maybe they needed to get embarrassed at home.

[Joseph]

Maybe they needed to get embarrassed at home.

That's all we can hope right now. It's been a rather rough run since Christmas for the team and the defense corps are depleted. Rozy is awful when overused and Q has no choice but to use him with TvR out and now Oduya injured it seems.

Offense is keyed off defense for this team it appears more than anyone wants to admit.

[Tom Servo]

The New York Islanders have signed Nick Leddy to a seven-year, $38.5 million contract extension.

awwwwwwwwwww yiss

[Joseph]

Nick is a great kid and a solid rear guard. I am glad he's got this stability and hope the Isles continue to perform well.

[Kingspoint]

Lucky, Joseph. Hopefully, Kane's OK.

[Joseph]

I sure hope so. It didn't look pretty last night as he went off the ice. Shoulder or collar bone it looked like. Who knows. Hopefully they'll let us know quickly, though in the hockey world 'upper body injury' is all we're going to get.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Patrick Kane (upper body) has been placed on long-term injured reserve.

That means he has to be on injured reserve for a minimum of 24 days and 10 regular season games. Kane was injured in Tuesday's game against Florida, but an update on his condition and a timetable for his return haven't been given by Chicago yet.

Source: Blackhawks.nhl.com (http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=755096&navid=DL|CHI|home)


Patrick Kane (upper body) could be sidelined for more than six weeks and possibly 10-plus weeks, according to a source. The Blackhawks should know more about the extent of Kane's injury on Wednesday. Kane fell awkwardly into the boards after he was cross-checked by Florida defender Alex Petrovic.


Also...

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have recalled forward Teuvo Teravainen from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League and assigned defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk to Rockford.

Teravainen, 20, has tallied four points (2G, 2A) in 15 games with Chicago this season. The Helsinki, Finland, native has recorded 25 points (6G, 19A) in 39 games with Rockford this season. He registered his first career three-point outing (1G, 2A) on Dec. 28 vs. the Chicago Wolves. Chicago’s first-round pick (18th overall) in the 2012 National Hockey League Draft, Teravainen tallied four shots on goal in three regular-season tilts with the Blackhawks last year.

[M2]

Trade deadline approaching rapidly. Here's some things I doubt we suspected coming into the season:

- The Bruins look almost dead. It's rapidly becoming a matter of when a team jumps past them for the last playoff spot in the East, not if. I don't know that they can swing a major deal to save the situation, but they need too.

- The Penguins have the lowest scoring offense of any of the contenders in the Metro. Sid and Malkin are off their games.

- The Islanders and the Lightning are the two highest octane attacks in the league. We know about Stamkos and Tavares, even Kyle Okposo, but Tyler Johnson, Ryan Strome, Nikita Kucherov, Ondrej Palat and Brock Nelson, not so much.

- Winnipeg and Calgary would be chasing playoff spots. San Jose and Minnesota would be fighting for their playoff lives.

- Nashville would be surging toward a President's Cup.

- Arizona would be, arguably, the worst team in hockey.

- The Canucks rebounding somewhat after trading away Ryan Kesler.

Somewhat more predictable:

- The Maple Leafs falling apart, the Flyers continuing their slow slide, the Red Wings getting their act together, Barry Trotz having little use for Mike Green, Carey Price being awesome, Buffalo tanking hard for a shot at McDavid or Eichel, Columbus not being able to carry last year's momentum, Anton Stralman and Johnny Boychuck being excellent pickups, the numbers catching up with Avalanche, the Blues and Blackhawks continuing to dominate the West, the kids in Edmonton still being an unholy mess, the Kings napping the first 2/3 of the season before switching into "kill" mode.

[Joseph]

12 weeks for Kane. Broken collarbone as I suggested. Season over for him, and maybe the Hawks as he's been a star this year and carried an offense at times that has no life. Basically a .500 team in 2015 so far without much punch.

[Kingspoint]

12 weeks for Kane. Broken collarbone as I suggested. Season over for him, and maybe the Hawks as he's been a star this year and carried an offense at times that has no life. Basically a .500 team in 2015 so far without much punch.

Bad break.

[M2]

If you love awkward television, the NHL Network will broadcast TSN's 10-hour NHL trade deadline coverage on Monday. That's not a typo. They really try to fill 10 hours of air time while nothing happens. It's a lot of shots of hockey analysts checking their phones and endless discussion about what's wrong with the Maple Leafs. Also, it looks like most of the main trade targets are moving now, so deadline day may be abnormally quiet. Main thing is try to catch some of this car wreck if you can.

[Tom Servo]

Hoping to see the Isles make a small addition or two, would love to land Jagr.

[Kingspoint]

Hoping to see the Isles make a small addition or two, would love to land Jagr.

Florida got him.

[Kingspoint]

12 weeks for Kane. Broken collarbone as I suggested. Season over for him, and maybe the Hawks as he's been a star this year and carried an offense at times that has no life. Basically a .500 team in 2015 so far without much punch.

Anyone they obtain before the trade deadline will obviously have to have an expiring contract. The vultures will be circling around the Blackhawks this off-season, as it is, with so much of their payroll needing to be jettisoned.

Have anyone in mind they could get right now that could help? They could use help on both sides having lost one of their four best Defensemen this weekend.

[Tom Servo]

Florida got him.
Dislike. :(

[Gallen5862]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2369204-carolina-hurricanes-commit-to-rebuild-with-andrej-sekera-jiri-tlusty-trades


Carolina Hurricanes Commit to Rebuild with Andrej Sekera, Jiri Tlusty Trades

By Mark Jones , Featured Columnist Feb 25, 2015

One day after his team put forth one of its best performances of the season in a 4-1 win, Carolina Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis rocked the NHL trade market with two major deals.

The trades that sent winger Jiri Tlusty to the Winnipeg Jets and sought-after defenseman Andrej Sekera to the Los Angeles Kings proved Francis' ability to plan for the long-term future of the franchise without being distracted by short-term upswings.

Wednesday afternoon, the 'Canes fully committed to rebuilding through youth.

Coming back to Carolina is the Kings' 2015 or 2016 first-round pick, the Jets' 2016 third-round pick and a 2015 fifth- or sixth-round pick, per TSN's Bob McKenzie and the Jets' website. Also part of the Sekera deal is prospect defenseman Roland McKeown, a 2014 second-round selection.

The two trades will eventually altogether net four prospects for the Hurricanes' system—three the team will get to choose itself as well as McKeown, who may instantly become the club's second-best defensive prospect behind Haydn Fleury.

[M2]

I would not be excited about what the Canes got in trade so far nor would I call a commitment to a rebuild.

Hockey's Future rates McKeown Carolina's 5th best prospect on D. He's not very good at defending. The picks are mostly negligible. You can get something in rounds 3, 5 and 6, but the vast majority of kids taken there never taste the NHL. The Kings' 1st round pick isn't all that exciting either. The Canes should get a quality prospect with it, but it's not going to be a Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel instant hero.

Beyond that, selling off two guys who likely were leaving via free agency hardly constitutes a makeover. The system ranks 29th (according to HF) and it's short of potential impact players. If they really want a youth movement they ought to sell off off the Staals, Semin and Ward. Eric Staal and Ward are almost guaranteed to move this summer (each has one year left on his contract). That's when the real youth movement starts.

[M2]

The Blue Jackets just made one of the most pinheaded, small market moves in sports history. The team traded away Nathan Horton, who may never play again to the Maple Leafs for the albatross contract of Dave Clarkson. It's a salary cap sin of the highest order. Horton is still due $22.5M over the next four years, but because of his injury that doesn't count against the cap. The Jackets could have spent that money on someone who can help the team.

Instead it just traded for Clarkson, who may be on the worst contract in NHL history. He's owed $24.25M over the next four years for pure mediocrity, and it's all going to hit Columbus' cap. Seriously, this is going into the history books. It will make worst trade ever lists for generations to come. Columbus fans should be furious at their team. Meanwhile, babies are being conceived in Toronto over this deal (it's that kind of town).

[Tom Servo]

Columbus' explanation is that if they are going to pay someone $20+ million, it should at least be someone who plays. But like you said, it severely limits their options moving forward with the cap and Leafs fans are obviously ecstatic to have Clarkson and his salary on the books gone.

[M2]

Columbus' explanation is that if they are going to pay someone $20+ million, it should at least be someone who plays. But like you said, it severely limits their options moving forward with the cap and Leafs fans are obviously ecstatic to have Clarkson and his salary on the books gone.

And there should be a "Fling your feces at the owner night" based on that. They basically admitted they'd rather save cash than strive to improve. They committed cap sepuku.

[Big Red Smokey]

And there should be a "Fling your feces at the owner night" based on that. They basically admitted they'd rather save cash than strive to improve. They committed cap sepuku.

Awful. I thought the sickest I would be this week about the CBJ was being there live to watch us get waxed by effing Buffalo....and then this happens.

[Joseph]

Blackhawks just picked up Kimmo Timonen from the Flyers for a 2015 2nd rd pick and a conditional 4th in 2016. He hasn't played since the playoffs last season due to blood clots but has been skating all month.

[Gallen5862]

http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=755635&navid=DL|CAR|home



Canes Acquire Hillen, Draft Pick for GleasonCarolina picks up another 2015 fourth-round pick in deal

RALEIGH, NC – Ron Francis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the Hurricanes have acquired defenseman Jack Hillen and a fourth-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft from the Washington Capitals in exchange for defenseman Tim Gleason.

“Tim has been a steady presence on and off the ice for our team, and I wish him all the best in Washington,”said Francis. “This gives us a chance to take a look at Jack for the remainder of the season and continue to accumulate assets for a deep draft this summer.”

Hillen, 29, is in his eighth NHL season and has totaled five assists in 35 games for Washington this season. The Minnetonka, MN, native has appeared in 301 career NHL games with the Islanders, Predators and Capitals, earning 71 points (13g, 58a) and totaling 157 penalty minutes. Hillen (5’10”, 190 lbs.) established career highs in goals (4), assists (18) and points (22) with the Islanders during the 2010-11 season.

The 2015 fourth-round selection acquired by the Hurricanes is Arizona’s pick, acquired by Washington when the Capitals traded Martin Erat and John Mitchell to the Coyotes on March 4, 2014.

[Joseph]

Hawks just nabbed Vermette from Arizona. Great at the FO circle which really killed us last season against the Kings. Let's hope Kane comes back sooner than projected, could get interesting.

[M2]

Hawks just nabbed Vermette from Arizona. Great at the FO circle which really killed us last season against the Kings. Let's hope Kane comes back sooner than projected, could get interesting.

Any word on whether they're moving Sharp? He and Duncan Keith in the same locker room probably isn't going to work.

[Joseph]

I think Sharp is in play and I wouldn't be surprised, nor opposed to moving him. The Hawks are going to need to start to infuse some youth in the coming seasons and guys like Sharp, Bickell, and Crawford might all be candidates for trade. Lot's of rumors floating around out there right now surrounding him, Caps, Red Wings, Florida. I could see it for sure.

I'm not sure if the rumors of Sharp being cozy with Keith's wife are true or not, but the locker room can't be comfortable if so.

[M2]

I'm not sure if the rumors of Sharp being cozy with Keith's wife are true or not, but the locker room can't be comfortable if so.

All reports are they brawled in the locker room the other day and Chicago media keeps claiming it's got the rumor verified six ways to Sunday. It sounds like they've got to move him. Can't imagine they'd trade him to the Wings even if they are in different conferences these days.

[Joseph]

All reports are they brawled in the locker room the other day and Chicago media keeps claiming it's got the rumor verified six ways to Sunday. It sounds like they've got to move him. Can't imagine they'd trade him to the Wings even if they are in different conferences these days.

If they can trade Chelios to the Wings, they can trade anyone to the Wings.

[westofyou]

If they can trade Chelios to the Wings, they can trade anyone to the Wings.

That's funny I was going to say the same thing about Probert.

[Joseph]

That's funny I was going to say the same thing about Probert.

Definitely flows both directions. I think for me Chelly being a Chicago guy and the organization sending him to the 'enemy' is the pinnacle of proof that it's a business. As much as I'd hate to see Kane or Toews sent to Detroit, I don't think it is on the same level as trading one of your native sons.

[M2]

Keith Yandle pulling strings in what already was the 2nd highest scoring offense in the NHL? Sounds like fun.

[Tom Servo]

Thank God the Isles pulled the plug on Chad Johnson, shipped him to Buffalo and got back Michal Neuvirth, who should provide a much better pairing with Halak. Also picked up Tyler Kennedy from SJ for depth.

[Kingspoint]

Nashville showing themselves to be human, losing their 4th straight.

Down 2-0 going into the second, they tried to get back in the game against the Devils by outshooting them 21-6 in the second period, but it wasn't to be as they lost 3-1.

Go Hawks!

[Tom Servo]

Columbus' explanation is that if they are going to pay someone $20+ million, it should at least be someone who plays. But like you said, it severely limits their options moving forward with the cap and Leafs fans are obviously ecstatic to have Clarkson and his salary on the books gone.

So much for that lol.


David Clarkson suffered a torn oblique Tuesday and he's expected to miss four-to-six weeks.

[Kingspoint]

Nashville continues to get out of the gates slowly, giving up the first goal for the 10th straight game, while losing their 5th straight game, this time to the Islanders, who took over first place in their Division with the win.

[IslandRed]

Yeah, the Preds have hit a wall. Hope they get their legs back in time for the playoffs (and hold onto first place in the division). It might help that they're done with the Blues and Blackhawks on the schedule.

[westofyou]

Detroit is 10-0-2 against the Central, the only team in the league to be undefeated against a division

[M2]

Detroit is 10-0-2 against the Central, the only team in the league to be undefeated against a division

Watched the Rangers-Wings game the other night. Detroit's got a composed bunch of players. The Rangers unleashed hell on them during various points of the game and the Wings weathered it.

[westofyou]

Watched the Rangers-Wings game the other night. Detroit's got a composed bunch of players. The Rangers unleashed hell on them during various points of the game and the Wings weathered it.

Ex Devil DMan with the RH shot got the game winner too.

[Kingspoint]

Big game tonight. Chicago at the Rangers. Two fast-paced teams flying up-and-down the rink.

Last night Chicago trounced a short-handed Islanders team, with the Blackhawks' first line getting 4 goals (Toews and Hossa with two each).

[M2]

Big game tonight. Chicago at the Rangers. Two fast-paced teams flying up-and-down the rink.

Last night Chicago trounced a short-handed Islanders team, with the Blackhawks' first line getting 4 goals (Toews and Hossa with two each).

I'm hoping for a track meet.

[M2]

Starting to look like the Kings and the Bruins will miss the postseason. At the start of the season aa lot of people thought that might be the Stanley Cup matchup.

[Joseph]

Starting to look like the Kings and the Bruins will miss the postseason. At the start of the season aa lot of people thought that might be the Stanley Cup matchup.

The West is a lot easier without the Kings.

The Blackhawks could lose to any of them, I don't want to make anyone think I'm disrespecting your team, but the Blues, Predators, Ducks, etc, don't scare me. The Kings don't scare me, but they make me uncomfortable at least.

[Kingspoint]

The West is a lot easier without the Kings.

The Blackhawks could lose to any of them, I don't want to make anyone think I'm disrespecting your team, but the Blues, Predators, Ducks, etc, don't scare me. The Kings don't scare me, but they make me uncomfortable at least.

I mentioned this last season before the playoffs began. Quick and the Kings were the one team I didn't want to face.

[M2]

Blues question: Has 46 seasons without a Stanley Cup made that franchise twitchy? I ask because I truly don't know. I can tell you by that by this time in the Rangers' 54-year drought, it began to weigh heavily on fans and the team. The Blackhawks certainly seemed to be feeling the ill effects when they went 48 seasons between Cups. 42 years between Cups seemed like a gut punch for Wings fans. Toronto is freaking out over its current 47-season drought. 38 seasons did not sit well with Bruins fans. Flyers fans are not enjoying their current 39-season skid. Yet L.A. fans truly didn't seem to give a rip about it taking them 45 seasons to win a Cup.

So I'm curious if St. Louis is going nuts over this or if the franchise's somewhat uneventful history -- no Cups since three as the expansion sacrificial lamb ('68-'70), only two conference finals since then -- has made the idea seem remote.

[M2]

Rangers one win away from a President's Trophy with three more to play. Exciting since the Rangers do not have a glorious history of winning stuff.

Buffalo blew its chance to clinch the McDavid-Eichel derby. Worst record is guaranteed one of them. One more loss and it belongs to the Sabres, but they beat the Canes tonight.

L.A. remains in a knife with Winnipeg and Calgary for the last two spots in the West. Vancouver's suddenly slumping into that morass as well. In the East, the Penguins and Red Wings are in free fall. They're tied with the Bruins, two points ahead of the Senators. The problem for Ottawa is they lose the tiebreaker to each of the other three, so they need to pass someone.

[Joseph]

Hoping the Kings miss things.

Hell of an end to the regular season though.

[OldRightHander]

The Kings are still down 2-0 with 15 minutes left. In other news, the Blues clinched the division with the win over the Hawks and the Preds losing. Now as I'm typing this the Kings just scored, so they're now down 2-1 with an even 15 minutes left.

[M2]

Kings out. Maybe that team should have given a damn about the regular season. Bruins hanging by a thread.

[Kingspoint]

Jake Allen has been great this year, but he's really on a roll going into the playoffs. The Blues have to be favored to reach the Finals.

[M2]

Jake Allen has been great this year, but he's really on a roll going into the playoffs. The Blues have to be favored to reach the Finals.

Beware the Wild.

[Kingspoint]

Beware the Wild.

The City and State could use an NHL Championship.

[M2]

Buffalo clinched at least a #2 pick tonight. Meanwhile the Pens lost again. Last two spots in the East are up for grabs.

Ottawa (97 points) @ Phillly (Sens lose all tiebreakers)
Pittsburgh (96 points) @ Buffalo, which suddenly has not vested interest in losing
Boston (95 points) @ Tampa Bay, come for the hockey, stay for the golf

[Tom Servo]

This Islanders video package before the final regular season game at the Coliseum. :cry:

[Joseph]

Stanley Cup playoffs and the start of baseball season, does it get any better than this?

[cincrazy]

I admittedly don't know much about hockey outside of the Blue Jackets, but boy did they end the season on a torrid pace or what? They seemingly do this every year after they play themselves out of it in November and December, and that's extremely frustrating. But when they finally got healthy this year, they took off and as of this moment are most certainly one of the 8 best teams in the East. Just a shame we won't get to see what they could have done.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Patrick Kane (clavicle) has confirmed that he will be in the Blackhawks' lineup for Game 1.

It will be interesting to see how Kane does given that he hasn't played since Feb. 24 and is coming off of a significant injury. That being said, even if Kane is less than 100%, getting him back will still provide the Blackhawks with a big boost. Look for him to play alongside Kris Versteeg and Brad Richards.

Source: Tracey Myers on Twitter

-------

Patrick Kane (clavicle) has been given the green light by doctors to return.

"Patrick Kane suffered a broken left clavicle on February 24, and underwent successful surgery to repair the fracture on February 25. Patrick has been working extremely diligently with his rehabilitation and has recently returned to full-contact practice without any difficulty" said team physician Dr. Michael Terry. "After discussions with Patrick and the team, and examining Patrick today, we collectively feel it is appropriate, with minimal risk, for him to return to full participation." This paves the way for Kane to get back in the lineup on Wednesday against Nashville, but we'll wait for coach Joel Quenneville to deliver the news when the time comes. The Blackhawks will see how Kane does during Tuesday's session before making a decision.

Source: Blackhawks.nhl.com

[reds44]

Kaaaaaneeeer

[Kingspoint]

Chicago is going to have a really hard time getting by Nashville, especially with the Predators having Game 7 at their place. Nashville has the best Defensive Scorers in the League (their Defense could outscore their Offense in the series,...they're that good), and they haven't even seen, yet, what stud Defenseman Seth Jones can do in the playoffs. The #4 overall pick of the 2013 draft has had a good year on the Predators second line. How Chicago held Nashville to only 9 goals in four games during the regular season was surprising.

The Blackhawks have decided to make 40-year old Timmonen a healthy scratch for tonight's Game 1. Already short Defensively, thanks to the early-season injury to Rookie Van Riemsdyk, 36-year old Rozsival has been overused. Acquiring the injured Timmonen was only a prayer to begin with, but it didn't work out. It's pretty easy to say that the Blackhawks will only go as far as their Defense will take them, but, I think the Blackhawks will only go as far as their Offense will take them, as the Offense is the strength of the team and it can't afford any letdowns. Their Offense can't afford to go into any mini-slumps and must take care of opponents as quickly as they can. Too many 6 and 7 game series with numerous overtime games to boot will cripple the Hawks as the playoffs are extended. Their Defense simply can't last that long.

In addition to their problems on Defense, the Hawks' second line is inconsistent with Richards and Vermette. Vermette has to get back to being the force he was with Arizona before Chicago traded for him at the deadline.

The Goalies seem pretty evenly matched, but if there was an edge, I'd give it to Nashville.

If the Hawks don't win it in five, I think the Predators take it in seven. If the Hawks lose tonight, it's over. They aren't going to win 4 straight against Nashville.

Fortunately, for Chicago, Nashville is not very physical, and that only helps the Hawks.

[westofyou]

Stanley Cup playoffs and the start of baseball season, does it get any better than this?

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/e_ipOA69K5CkPBM8_oV9WA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/sports/2015-04-13/4989c330-e225-11e4-8647-e5f6a0bf58ee_unnamed.jpg

[Patrick Bateman]

If the Hawks lose tonight, it's over.



No offense, but I laugh at these proclamations. This Hawks group has proven time and time again that they are able to come back from the dead in very adverse conditions. It will be a difficult series no doubt, but if the Hawks lose, you can bet they will go down kicking and screaming.

[Kingspoint]

For a healthy Hawks' team for sure. But, this Hawks team has given up power-play goals at a 25% clip the last quarter of the season. There's not enough bodies left on Defense to play an extended series that has Overtime games in it.

I don't think they lose tonight, though.

[Kingspoint]

The 36-year old Roszival immediately gives up a goal as he loses his balance and let's an open Wilson fly to the net unopposed.


......the pace of this game is incredibly fast...as expected. Nobody holding possession for more than three seconds.


Kane turned over what should have been goal #2 for Wilson. Shot too high and out of the rink. It happened right when Chicago had finally gotten control of the game with their first line the last couple of minutes. This break will let Nashville regroup. Both teams will be exhausted at the end of this game.

Again, watch Seth Jones in this series. He's going to be a new Defensive star in this league.

Dang it! Crawford got caught behind the net. 2-0.

[Kingspoint]

Wilson with his 2nd goal (redirect with his back to the net) off a great shot by Seth Jones on a Power Play.

3-0 Nashville. They're smoking the Blackhawks.

Now it's getting chippy.

Hawks couldn't even do what they should have been dominant at against Nashville in that 1st Period....winning faceoffs. They lost 12 of 21.

[Kingspoint]

Great goal by the Hawks. Hjarmaalson streaked towards the goal and received a great pass from (Timmonen, I think) on a 4 on 4 where Nashville had one guy without a stick. 3-1 Predators.


3-2 after a goal 8 seconds into a 5 on 3. Sharp from Kane.

Oh, man...Hossa hits the pipe with 7:00 to go in the 2nd.

Nashville keeps making stupid cross-checks that are giving the Hawks chances to tie this up.


TIE GAME!!!! TOEWS!

[Joseph]

I am not watching. We scored all 3 in the second when I wasn't watching, so I can't tune in for the third.

[Kingspoint]

I am not watching. We scored all 3 in the second when I wasn't watching, so I can't tune in for the third.

Haven't switched to the 3rd, yet, myself...it's the only part that I've missed. I'm watching New Orleans enjoy their victory over the Spurs. They earned it like nobody's business. Congratulations to Monty Williams and the entire New Orleans Pelicans community!

It will be nice having the 2nd best player in the NBA (behind LeBron) in the playoffs.

[Kingspoint]

Chicago gets the 1st PP of the 3rd period. Iffy call.

Nashville keeps winning faceoffs. The Predators held.

Chicago's Forwards have played so well, not letting Nashville's Defense get anything set up, than Nashville just went 14 minutes without a shot...from about 7 minutes left in the 2nd to 7 minutes into the 3rd.

Still waiting for Hossa to come through.

Dang it. Penalty on Hjarmaalson with 10 minutes to go.

[Joseph]

I keep checking my app, but I'm worried I'll jinx it if I change it over.

[Kingspoint]

Sudden Death

Should have mentioned that Darling went into goal a period or so ago.

[Kingspoint]

Nashville didn't let anyone with an out-of-state Credit Card purchase tickets to the game.


Richards charged with a High Stick in OT. Chippy call. Could have gone either way. Darling with 29 straight shots stopped at this point. Chicago gets through it without a goal.

[Kingspoint]

Penalty on Seth Jones in OT. Right call, but it wasn't Jones, but another Nashville player who did the tripping.

I predict Hossa scores here.

Nope. End of OT1.

[Kingspoint]

Duncan Keith with the OT winner 12 minutes left in the 2nd OT.

[Patrick Bateman]

For a healthy Hawks' team for sure. But, this Hawks team has given up power-play goals at a 25% clip the last quarter of the season. There's not enough bodies left on Defense to play an extended series that has Overtime games in it.

I don't think they lose tonight, though.

In theory that all makes sense. But it's also the same team that just came back from a 3-0 deficit on the road after 2 big mistakes that led to goals. These guys are good enough and never quit, they can comeback in seemingly any scenario. Kane being back was certainly a large factor.

[Kingspoint]

In theory that all makes sense. But it's also the same team that just came back from a 3-0 deficit on the road after 2 big mistakes that led to goals. These guys are good enough and never quit, they can comeback in seemingly any scenario. Kane being back was certainly a large factor.

Loved seeing the comeback win. Hated seeing it take halfway into Overtime #2 to get it done. Keith played over 39 minutes. Hawks need to win this in five. Kane made his impact. His return made the second line better, too.

[Fil3232]

Detroit steals home ice from Tampa. They started Mrazek in goal-IMO the right move given Howard's form after injury. Also, could be the last hurrah for the Datsyuk/Zetterberg tandem though I haven't heard anything indicating either is on the way out. Just that the rebuild is solidly underway. Also will be interesting what Babcock does-- has been rumored to Toronto. Interesting times coming in the Motor City.

[westofyou]

Detroit steals home ice from Tampa. They started Mrazek in goal-IMO the right move given Howard's form after injury. Also, could be the last hurrah for the Datsyuk/Zetterberg tandem though I haven't heard anything indicating either is on the way out. Just that the rebuild is solidly underway. Also will be interesting what Babcock does-- has been rumored to Toronto. Interesting times coming in the Motor City.

Yep, spoiled us Wing fans have been, seems like yesterday that Datsyuk/Zetterberg / Hull were 2 kids and an old Goat.

New arena is due in 2017, any rebuild will be short is my guess

[Kingspoint]

Posted this in the wrong thread last night.....

Seabrook with the game winner in 3OT for the Hawks.

Detroit with another shutout.

Wild trying to pull off the upset.

[Kingspoint]

Can't say enough how great Duncan Keith has been in the Hawks-Predators series. If not for an other-worldly performance by Rookie Goalie Scott Darling, he'd be my choice for MVP of this series.

Would love to see what Darling could do as a TE for the Bengals. 6'-6", 233, incredible athleticism, with great hand-eye coordination. Tough as nails with a mean-streak. Dude would be a 1st Round pick in the NFL.

I'm sure many of you got to see Darling when he was with the Cincinnati Cyclones or the Milwaukee Admirals. Nashville must be hating this right now (both affiliates of Nashville). He has stopped every shot through 5 periods of overtime (about 110 minutes). His GAA is right at about 1.05. He's 3-0. He's Pipped Corey Crawford as the starting Goalie for the Hawks. The light's turned on for the 26-year old Darling, as he seems to be seeing everything.

Playoff hockey is about having a hot goalie, and right now, the Blackhawks have a very hot one.

[Joseph]

Can't say enough how great Duncan Keith has been in the Hawks-Predators series. If not for an other-worldly performance by Rookie Goalie Scott Darling, he'd be my choice for MVP of this series.

Would love to see what Darling could do as a TE for the Bengals. 6'-6", 233, incredible athleticism, with great hand-eye coordination. Tough as nails with a mean-streak. Dude would be a 1st Round pick in the NFL.

I'm sure many of you got to see Darling when he was with the Cincinnati Cyclones or the Milwaukee Admirals. Nashville must be hating this right now (both affiliates of Nashville). He has stopped every shot through 5 periods of overtime (about 110 minutes). His GAA is right at about 1.05. He's 3-0. He's Pipped Corey Crawford as the starting Goalie for the Hawks. The light's turned on for the 26-year old Darling, as he seems to be seeing everything.

Playoff hockey is about having a hot goalie, and right now, the Blackhawks have a very hot one.

Hot goalie indeed. Darling is lighting it up right now. He's just so big and yet still agile that he fills the crease and the space between the pipes so well.

I don't want to get my hopes up, I'm just trying to enjoy this as it goes along, but they look good right now, despite the OT marathons maybe signaling otherwise.

[Kingspoint]

St. Louis sending a message tonight....6-1 after 2 periods in Minnesota to knot things up at two apiece.

[M2]

Weirdest thing watching the Rangers-Penguins series is seeing the team with Crosby and Malkin playing dump and chase. The speed/skill differential in this series is lopsided in favor of New York.

Nice to see Ottawa get a win tonight.

[Kingspoint]

Once again, I put this in the NFL thread last night.

Nashville puts together 3 goals in 2-1/2 minutes early in the 3rd to quickly put the game away and stay alive.

No "Blackhawks in 5".

I said that if the Blackhawks didn't win it in five and if the series was full of overtime periods, which it has been, that Nashville would win in seven. Let me be wrong and "Blackhawks in six".

[IslandRed]

The Preds can at least hope that third-period flurry put a few cracks in Scott Darling's confidence. There's a lot of self-fulfilling prophecy in the hot-goaltender thing.

[reds44]

The Preds can at least hope that third-period flurry put a few cracks in Scott Darling's confidence. There's a lot of self-fulfilling prophecy in the hot-goaltender thing.

I'll be pretty surprised if Crawford isn't in goal tomorrow. It was Darling's fault, but Crawford is the guy.

[Joseph]

Last thing I want to see are my Preds fan friends rewarded with a series victory, but the Hawks are going to need to remember who they are and play like it. They are letting Nashville dictate a lot defensively and frankly it's not a lot of fun to watch. The Hawks should have been up by a goal or two headed into the 3rd last night but couldn't get it done.

[M2]

Surprised by the inability of some teams to put away the competition. The Ducks and Rangers did themselves big favors by ending their series quickly.

Most confusing series is the Wild and Blues, which are taking turns kicking the tar out of each other. Every game is a whipping.

Happy that Ottawa's still around. Can't get enough of Dave Cameron.

Islanders trying to make sure today isn't the last game at the Nassau Coliseum. They could really use Bryan Trottier at a time like this.

Chicago's got the worst kind of goalie controversy, the one where you don't want either of them to play.

Having watched all five Rangers-Pens games, I'm happy to report the Pens are done. They need to trade Malkin ASAP and deepen their roster. The scores didn't reflect it because Fleury stood on his head and the Pens defended like crazy, but the Rangers skated circles around them.

[Joseph]

Surprised by the inability of some teams to put away the competition. The Ducks and Rangers did themselves big favors by ending their series quickly.

Most confusing series is the Wild and Blues, which are taking turns kicking the tar out of each other. Every game is a whipping.

Happy that Ottawa's still around. Can't get enough of Dave Cameron.

Islanders trying to make sure today isn't the last game at the Nassau Coliseum. They could really use Bryan Trottier at a time like this.

Chicago's got the worst kind of goalie controversy, the one where you don't want either of them to play.

Having watched all five Rangers-Pens games, I'm happy to report the Pens are done. They need to trade Malkin ASAP and deepen their roster. The scores didn't reflect it because Fleury stood on his head and the Pens defended like crazy, but the Rangers skated circles around them.

The Rangers are going to skate circles around a lot of teams this post season.

I'm with you on Ottawa. If I have a second favorite team, it's the Sens.

My Hawks are one bad game away from scaring me. If Darling doesn't get it done tonight, I don't feel good about game 7 in Trashville.

[Joseph]

Couldn't have started any worse but damn that was a helluva a game.

[Patrick Bateman]

Never count the Hawks out.

[Todd Gack]

The NHL is great. How anyone an enjoy the NBA this time of year is beyond me in the midst of the best damn playoffs professional sports has to offer.

Go 'Hawks.

[Kingspoint]

Never count the Hawks out.

You were right.

I assume Duncan Keith was the series MVP. He was phenomenal.

[Patrick Bateman]

You were right.

I assume Duncan Keith was the series MVP. He was phenomenal.

At least this is a case where we will always be happy when I am right. I always bet on the Hawks, never count them out, and the majority of the time they do us proud! Even yesterday as ugly as it was they found a way tog et back in it.

[M2]

Question to Blackhawks fans: which team would you prefer to play, St. Louis or Minnesota?

[Patrick Bateman]

Question to Blackhawks fans: which team would you prefer to play, St. Louis or Minnesota?

St. Louis.

Minnesota seemed scary to me in the playoffs last year in a series that could have gone either way. A year older, added more talent, and seem to finally have the goaltending under control. It's a pretty complete team.

St. Louis would be no gimme either, but they lack the consistent scary forward group that can get them out of trouble. Their goaltending has never scared me either… always seemingly been a function of a strong defense. When the chips are down and the scoring chances come, the goaltending always fails them.

[Joseph]

Question to Blackhawks fans: which team would you prefer to play, St. Louis or Minnesota?

It would give me more satisfaction to defeat the Blues, I'd prefer to play the Wild.

[M2]

The Wild and Canadiens both go through. I'll say it again, beware of the Wild.

[Joseph]

Oh the Wild are dangerous. They are a much much tougher team than they were in the regular season when the Hawks played them. They were coming hard towards the latter half of the season. Had it lasted another months, they might well have passed the Hawks, hell maybe 2 weeks.

I just bought tickets for Friday night though. Can't wait to get back to the UC.

[Joseph]

Oh the Wild are dangerous. They are a much much tougher team than they were in the regular season when the Hawks played them. They were coming hard towards the latter half of the season. Had it lasted another months, they might well have passed the Hawks, hell maybe 2 weeks.

I just bought tickets for Friday night though. Can't wait to get back to the UC.

[Kingspoint]

Oh the Wild are dangerous. They are a much much tougher team than they were in the regular season when the Hawks played them. They were coming hard towards the latter half of the season. Had it lasted another months, they might well have passed the Hawks, hell maybe 2 weeks.

I just bought tickets for Friday night though. Can't wait to get back to the UC.

Our old defenders, Keith and Kane need the rest.

The Wild Defense is good.

[M2]

Tampa Bay forces a Game 7 with Detroit. Isles and Caps tied 1-1 late in the 3rd. Hoping they have three overtimes.

[westofyou]

Wings have to make everything hard

[Joseph]

Met Tony Esposito today at the Blackhawks store. Unbelievably nice guy. I'm not even kidding. Asked all about us [me and the wife]. What we did for a living, why were we in Chicago instead of at the Derby, what we were going to do the rest of the day, the Hawks game from the night before.

I usually don't seek autographs because these guys can be colossal ******bags and I don't want to ruin any opinion of them I may have formed by meeting them [imagination is better than reality sometimes right?] but Tony O completely turned that on it's ear. Way nicer guy than I would have ever guessed. First class man. First class.

[Chip R]

Met Tony Esposito today at the Blackhawks store. Unbelievably nice guy. I'm not even kidding. Asked all about us [me and the wife]. What we did for a living, why were we in Chicago instead of at the Derby, what we were going to do the rest of the day, the Hawks game from the night before.

I usually don't seek autographs because these guys can be colossal ******bags and I don't want to ruin any opinion of them I may have formed by meeting them [imagination is better than reality sometimes right?] but Tony O completely turned that on it's ear. Way nicer guy than I would have ever guessed. First class man. First class.

That's a great story. I was always a big fan of his brother Phil.

[Patrick Bateman]

Cool story Joseph. Envious.

Hawks just has an easy one against the Wild.. not a very competitive game.

Expecting a big push back from the Wild in Minny for game 3. They certainly didn't have an answer tonight.

[M2]

Game 7 Rangers-Caps, OT. I know Stephane Matteau is still alive, but I think I'm going to pray to him.

[M2]

Turns out Matteau was actually at the game tonight. Smart move. Stepan scores. Rangers win.

[Patrick Bateman]

Congrats M2! My wife is a Capitals fan so were hoping against you tonight… Capitals just couldn't get anything going against the Rangers strong PK. I think that goes down as the difference. Rangers didn't give them a sniff all series with the man advantage. Caps don't have the consistent ES attack to get by without it. Hard to believe, just on Friday, Rangers were a desperation goal with a minute left from being done… they sure earned it afterwards.

[westofyou]

Turns out Matteau was actually at the game tonight. Smart move. Stepan scores. Rangers win.

Henrick was a wall in the OT, that was a lifter for them for sure

[M2]

Henrick was a wall in the OT, that was a lifter for them for sure

Both keepers were outrageous all night. The Caps got what they wanted - shots through traffic. The Rangers got what they wanted too - clear looks at the keeper. Didn't matter, Henrik and Holtby played huge.

A little bit of credit to Vigneault and his staff, the winning goal was a chalkboard play. Stepan wheeled to the weak side after an offensive zone faceoff while the rest of the team overloaded the strong side. That's done with the specific idea that Step's got an open net if the puck finds him. Worked to perfection.

[texasdave]

Is there a league rule that requires the Capitals to blow a 3-1 playoff series advantage on a yearly basis?

[M2]

Is there a league rule that requires the Capitals to blow a 3-1 playoff series advantage on a yearly basis?

It's not so much a requirement as it is them making it their brand. They're selling heartbreak.

Ovie's taking some heat for promising victory and not delivering. All I can say is, not his fault. He was excellent the whole series. The guy the Caps ought to be underwhelmed by is Nicklas Backstrom. He was nearly invisible the whole series. They need to get a real #1 center next to Ovie (and a better RW). Maybe Kuznetsov could step up and do it, but I'd be looking to move Backstrom in a big deal this summer. On the bright side, Mr. Softee Mike Green is a UFA and if the Caps are smart, they'll lose his number.

[Patrick Bateman]

It's not so much a requirement as it is them making it their brand. They're selling heartbreak.

Ovie's taking some heat for promising victory and not delivering. All I can say is, not his fault. He was excellent the whole series. The guy the Caps ought to be underwhelmed by is Nicklas Backstrom. He was nearly invisible the whole series. They need to get a real #1 center next to Ovie (and a better RW). Maybe Kuznetsov could step up and do it, but I'd be looking to move Backstrom in a big deal this summer. On the bright side, Mr. Softee Mike Green is a UFA and if the Caps are smart, they'll lose his number.

I think the way they invested in Orpik and Niskanen….. the writing has been on the wall for Green all season. He's a guy they've sheltered all season and generally not needed to find much of an excuse to reduce his minutes. He's done in Washington, and deservedly so with his play the last few seasons.

Backstrom I'm hesitant to agree with you on. It's not like first line centres grow on trees. If they move him in the offseason, I really don't see the package they get back that makes them better right now. He's not a perfect top guy that is going to be bring the ruckus and physically dominate a series, but he's still checking off a lot of boxes. The Rangers are strong defensively, and I certainly don't disagree with you that they more than neutralized Backstrom that series.

One storyline that I think will be interesting is what San Jose does with Joe Thornton. San Jose is long overdue for a re-tool, Thornton, although aging, does not have a long term contract, has a manageable cap hit, and offers the size and physical ability that every team covets. There are a lot of cuspy teams that he could make a bigger difference on than in San Jose. I think some team should be willing to offer the future assets that would force San Jose's hand to get him. And the payout could be a Stanley Cup. If Washington had a guy like that to make room for Ovy, I mean, that could be very dynamic. Suddenly, Backstrom could even present some match-up issues getting second tier competition.

[M2]

My thing with Backstrom is it's easy to pile up assists playing next to Ovie. I agree about Thornton being a potential solution. Logan Couture would be even scarier.

Just off the top of my head, but I wonder if the Pens and Caps would do some version of Malkin plus stuff for Backstrom plus stuff?

[westofyou]

That game last night was epic... E P I C

[Joseph]

I had to sleep after the 1st overtime ended, but I'm happy that the Hawks won. These teams are going go toe to toe all series long. I hope the Hawks have enough depth in their Defense to advance.

[westofyou]

I had to sleep after the 1st overtime ended, but I'm happy that the Hawks won. These teams are going go toe to toe all series long. I hope the Hawks have enough depth in their Defense to advance.

Ducks looked bigger, hit more and rolled more lines.

But they got the L... playoff hockey is crazy

[Patrick Bateman]

Hawks I thought were better in game 1... probably deserved one of them. Their lack of D depth was really exposed. Anaheim had a number of premium chances to win the game, but good Corey and the posts showed up.

Will be interesting to how much the line matching game can help the Hawks, especially in working Cumiskey/Timmonen into more favourable match-ups and cut the ice time of the 4 regulars.

Unreal play by Seabrook to bat that puck out of the air and get it to the net on the game winner. If he doesn't do that, more than likely an odd man rush the other way, but in that moment, and his positing, just an incredible play to do anything with it, let alone whack it hard enough to create the flurry that ultimately led to a goal.

Every time I wonder whether Seabrook should be one of the cap casualties this year considering his age/contract situation, he does stuff like that.

[Kingspoint]

That lack of D depth will be even more exposed with the next puck being dropped less than 43 hours after the end of last night's game.

[Chip R]

Mike Babcock to Toronto.

[westofyou]

Fifty Million bucks too

[Joseph]

Fifty Million bucks too

Who is gonna replace him in Hockeytown?

[Patrick Bateman]

That lack of D depth will be even more exposed with the next puck being dropped less than 43 hours after the end of last night's game.

We keep talking about it, but they survived two long OT's against Nashville too. These guys are professional athletes and rebound. I think the fatigue is probably a bigger deal in one night.

[westofyou]

Who is gonna replace him in Hockeytown?


This guy- Jeff Blashill

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2015/05/20/jeff-blashill-detroit-red-wings/27689461/

[Kingspoint]

We keep talking about it, but they survived two long OT's against Nashville too. These guys are professional athletes and rebound. I think the fatigue is probably a bigger deal in one night.

See what happens tonight. Think the Hawks need at least three to win tonight.

[Joseph]

That one didn't leave me with a good feeling.

[Kingspoint]

That one didn't leave me with a good feeling.


https://youtu.be/-yXiWZyJL90

[M2]

That one didn't leave me with a good feeling.

I wouldn't sweat it too much. We're at the point in the playoffs where every game is a different beast. Game 3 will be out the window as soon as the puck drops for Game 4. For instance, last night Henrik Lundqvist got back to being a wall, Rick Nash scored two goals and Marty St. Louis had his best game of the playoffs. Completely changed the narrative for the series. Now the Lightning have all the questions. Win and you're suddenly unstoppable. Lose and you've got a crisis.

[westofyou]

I wouldn't sweat it too much. We're at the point in the playoffs where every game is a different beast. Game 3 will be out the window as soon as the puck drops for Game 4. For instance, last night Henrik Lundqvist got back to being a wall, Rick Nash scored two goals and Marty St. Louis had his best game of the playoffs. Completely changed the narrative for the series. Now the Lightning have all the questions. Win and you're suddenly unstoppable. Lose and you've got a crisis.

Yep, it's a roller coaster, every twist feels like it might be your last

[Joseph]

I just see an average-ish goalie who looks like Patrick Roy here or something, of course that's playoff hockey. I've seen it year in year out.

[M2]

Suddenly it's like Frederik Andersen isn't the greatest goalie who ever played. Didn't take long for that to end.

[Kingspoint]

Bold prediction for WC Game 7: OT

[westofyou]

http://www.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2015-05-29/stanley-cup-finals-nhl-playoffs-2015-surprised-fans-face-to-face-with-stanley-cup

Watch what happens when unsuspecting NHL fans come face to face with Stanley Cup

[Joseph]

It's definitely on my bucket list to touch the Cup. I'm not sure I'd cry, but I might. Greatest trophy in all of sports.

[Joseph]

Three times in six seasons. I can't complain about that. Should be a good series.

[Kingspoint]

Three times in six seasons. I can't complain about that. Should be a good series.

Someday the REDS will pull that off. (3 times in 7 years 70'-76')

[Joseph]

1 down, 3 to go.

[Kingspoint]

1 down, 3 to go.
Best of five. Hawks having to defy odds again. Having to do it on the road again.

If they pull this off, it's the most impressive of the three. The first was the most gratifying.

[reds44]

Best of five. Hawks having to defy odds again. Having to do it on the road again.

If they pull this off, it's the most impressive of the three. The first was the most gratifying.

Huh? It's a best of 5 with 3 at the UC.

There is nothing from the first two games that leads me to believe Tampa can beat the Hawks 3 out of 5 times.

Tampa had 2 shots in the third period and they had minutes of PP time because of Sharp.

The Hawks are fine.

[Patrick Bateman]

Huh? It's a best of 5 with 3 at the UC.

There is nothing from the first two games that leads me to believe Tampa can beat the Hawks 3 out of 5 times.

Tampa had 2 shots in the third period and they had minutes of PP time because of Sharp.

The Hawks are fine.

Haha, Kingspoint also said the Hawks were 1 game from elimination before the playoffs even started.

The objective was to win one of the first 2 games, the hawks did so. Road playoff games are supposed to be difficult and they were basically two coin flips. I expect that gap to increase tonight at the UC.

I'll be in Tampa for game 5.... hoping the Hawks take care of business at home and turn it into a potential Cup game.

[Kingspoint]

Huh? It's a best of 5 with 3 at the UC.

There is nothing from the first two games that leads me to believe Tampa can beat the Hawks 3 out of 5 times.

Tampa had 2 shots in the third period and they had minutes of PP time because of Sharp.

The Hawks are fine.

Brainfart.

[Kingspoint]

I'll be in Tampa for game 5.... hoping the Hawks take care of business at home and turn it into a potential Cup game.

Cool! Have fun.

[Chip R]

NBC Sports chairman lobbied NHL to ban playoff beards.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/nbc-sports-chairman-asked-nhl-to-ban-playoff-beards-190308592.html

[Joseph]

I don't know how I'm feeling right now. Bishop is by far the worst goalie of the ones my Hawks have faced so far in the playoffs. Last night we had two essentially wide open nets due to Bishop's injury and failed to put the puck in either. Easily could have won last night by 3 goals but instead we lost by one. At home.

Same situation as 2013, down 2-1 after 3 having lost game 3. I know that one turned out like I wanted. Someone really has to talk me off the ledge right now for this series though. I never want to lose, but to lose to what I still think of as an expansion team would really suck.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Kimmo Timonen will return to the lineup on Wednesday night in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

The veteran defenseman has been a healthy scratch since May 25th when he dressed in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final against the Anaheim Ducks. Coach Joel Quenneville said that Johnny Oduya was likely to play Wednesday night as well, so that means Timonen will probably be coming in for either Trevor van Riemsdyk or Kyle Cumiskey.

Source: Chris Johnston on Twitter


Bryan Bickell will be a healthy scratch Wednesday night in Game 4.

"Frustrating," he said. "... I've been off for a week, play one game, thought it went pretty well. But there are still more games to go." Kris Versteeg, who sat in the press box for Game 3, will get back into the lineup in his place. Bickell has no goals, five assists and a playoff-leading 103 hits in 18 games.

Source: Mark Lazerus on Twitter


Trevor van Riemsdyk appears to be staying in the lineup for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

He was among the first players off the ice for Chicago following their morning skate, which indicates he'll get to make his second NHL playoff appearance. With Johnny Oduya and Kimmo Timonen also expected to play that would mean Kyle Cumiskey will be a healthy scratch on the Blackhawks' blueline.

Source: Chicago Tribune