2010-11 NHL Season discussion

[Chip R]

Seems like the Black Hawks just won the Stanley Cup a few weeks ago and tonight the new season begins.

[westofyou]

Wings are recharged and the BH have shed quite a number of name players.

The west is looking stacked, unsure of the east, but I have a feeling the Capitals are looking to clean up that stench they left on the ice when they were last playing.

[reds1869]

Can I cover my eyes during the CBJ opener? If so, I'll join the discussion. ;)

[Joseph]

Go Hawks.

I expect a different Hawks team this year and like WOY said, the Wings are recharged. The old Norris division is sure up for grabs as is the Western Conference.

[New York Red]

Honest question: you guys - I assume - are from Reds country, so how did you become hockey fans?

I spent most of my life in Reds country, then moved to NY a few years ago. These people are crazy about hockey up here. They start playing soon after they're able to walk. Boys, girls, they all play. They install metal rings in their backyards, then fill them with water, wait for them to freeze, and play hockey on them during the winter.

Even in the summer, I'm used to seeing basketball goals in KY, OH and IN driveways .. but these people have hockey goals in their driveways (they don't even call them driveways ... lol .. they're "tarmacs"). It's crazy. I've been to a few Islander and Ranger games, and it's pretty cool live. But I can't develop the love otherwise.

[reds44]

Was really surprised with how bad the Hawks defense was last night. One of the reasons they won the cup with Niemi last year is because of how strong their defense was. I know 51 was out and we had Leddy making his debut on the blue line as a 19 year old, but Seabs look really bad and 4 was a -3 tonight. Turco facing 40+ shouldn't happen. Keith also played 34 minutes, a number that needs to come way down.

1 point on the road though, could have been worse. Sharpie and Hossa played like men.

[westofyou]

Honest question: you guys - I assume - are from Reds country, so how did you become hockey fans?


I spent my 1st 13 years in Michigan, we didn't play basketball in the winter. Played street hockey and floor hockey in gym, skated on lakes and if we were lucky someone's dad flooded the yard and made a rink. Dented the furnace with the puck when there was nothing else to do.

[NatiRedGals]

Thought id bump this back up! Our Jackets are playing some awesome hockey right now! Who knows so far were crushing expectations. Yes its early but who thought we would open up a team record 6-1 on the road? Chance to sweep Cali tonight up 1-0 at start of 2nd period against San Jose I got the broom!

[Brutus]

Thought id bump this back up! Our Jackets are playing some awesome hockey right now! Who knows so far were crushing expectations. Yes its early but who thought we would open up a team record 6-1 on the road? Chance to sweep Cali tonight up 1-0 at start of 2nd period against San Jose I got the broom!

Wins against LA, Anaheim and San Jose. Darn impressive.

They're scoring and playing pretty good on the other end. Nash had the hat trick this evening. Definitely looking up. Of course, they started strong last year (though not this well) and tanked, so we'll see.

[westofyou]

What's "cali" ?

Oh it's that fictional place on the coast. :p:

BJ's are off to a nice start, other teams (BH) not so much... limit goals in this league and you'll get points, but you have to win at home because there is no way that the BJ's continue their road domination.

[cincrazy]

What's "cali" ?

Oh it's that fictional place on the coast. :p:

BJ's are off to a nice start, other teams (BH) not so much... limit goals in this league and you'll get points, but you have to win at home because there is no way that the BJ's continue their road domination.

In your opinion, are the Jackets a playoff-caliber team this year? I know next to nothing about the rest of the league, and I'm still evolving as a hockey fan. The Jackets start this season has me very interested, but can they keep it up? I'm just not certain of how good they are in comparision to everyone else.

[westofyou]

In your opinion, are the Jackets a playoff-caliber team this year? I know next to nothing about the rest of the league, and I'm still evolving as a hockey fan. The Jackets start this season has me very interested, but can they keep it up? I'm just not certain of how good they are in comparision to everyone else.

Too early to tell, but their key will be defense, because in the end they aren't loaded offense wise. What's hard on them is they have to battle the 2 best teams in the west within their own division. I haven't seen too many BJ games yet so I'm really not up to speed on them, but I have seen a mess of west coast teams and any team that can sweep 3 of them in a row then they are playing good hockey at the moment.

[reds1869]

Another nice win for Columbus last night. Nash is absolutely on fire right now.

[Brutus]

Tonight the Blue Jackets picked up yet another road win, though this one was a less impressive 4-3 OT victory over the lowly Islanders.

Nonetheless, at the moment, the CBJ and the Red Wings are tied for the most points in the West.

And speaking of which, those two play one another in the annual pre-night OSU/Michigan contest on Friday.

[westofyou]

So, the BJ's have a good defense and Mason seems on his game, but man.... that team needs to rework their PP, just horrible, something like 7 for 44 and last in the league with 10 goals. They had a 2 man advantage for 2 minutes and got 1 shot off in the 3rd period today.

If they can get that aspect of the game to below average they'll be in the hunt for a spot, otherwise they'll end up looking up again this season.

[reds1869]

So, the BJ's have a good defense and Mason seems on his game, but man.... that team needs to rework their PP, just horrible, something like 7 for 44 and last in the league with 10 goals. They had a 2 man advantage for 2 minutes and got 1 shot off in the 3rd period today.

If they can get that aspect of the game to below average they'll be in the hunt for a spot, otherwise they'll end up looking up again this season.

I fear that will be easier said than done. Until they decide to put the puck on net they will stink on the powerplay. You can't score if you don't shoot, and right now the CBJ aren't shooting. They pass up plenty of open shots to try to get the perfect one.

[Chip R]

A little controversy about Colin Campbell's opinions on Marc Savard.

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nhl/news/story?id=5829728

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

A little off topic, but does anyone know any bars in the Cincinnati area that have NHL Center Ice where I can watch non-Blue Jackets games?

After living near Denver the past five years, I'm having serious Avalanche withdrawal and miss watching their games. But it seems no bars here carry the Center Ice pack. I've asked at numerous Buffalo Wild Wings and none of them have anything more than the NHL Channel. In fact, I usually wierd them out ... "He's asking for WHAT game?"

Any help would be appreciated!

[westofyou]

A little off topic, but does anyone know any bars in the Cincinnati area that have NHL Center Ice where I can watch non-Blue Jackets games?

After living near Denver the past five years, I'm having serious Avalanche withdrawal and miss watching their games. But it seems no bars here carry the Center Ice pack. I've asked at numerous Buffalo Wild Wings and none of them have anything more than the NHL Channel. In fact, I usually wierd them out ... "He's asking for WHAT game?"

Any help would be appreciated!

http://cincinnati10.cityspur.com/2009/09/26/what-bars-in-cincinnati-have-nhl-center-ice/

Djs sports bar 513-242-3293
Buffalo Wings -in Blue Ash- 513-563-9464
Willie’s sports cafe
(513) 891-2204 Kenwood
(513) 770-0333 Mason
(513) 860-4243 West Chester
(513) 922-3377 Western Hills
(859) 581-1500 Covington, KY

[Revering4Blue]

Islanders destined for Quebec City?

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/266550-islanders-destined-for-quebec-city

[Joseph]

The Islanders and Thrashers are both ripe for the picking.

Its a shame Louisville couldn't support a team.

[MikeThierry]

I'm just wondering but how big are the Blue Jackets in Cincy? Do the TV ratings do well for them in Cincy?

[westofyou]

I'm just wondering but how big are the Blue Jackets in Cincy? Do the TV ratings do well for them in Cincy?

Hockey has never been a big draw in Cincinnati, More of a small fan base, loves their cheap ECHL team, not too many care about the NHL nor know too much about the game.

[Sean_CaseyRules]

I've got a good feeling about the Jackets right now. We're going to make the playoffs and win at least 2 games. That's my prediction, and you can take it to the bank.

[Kingspoint]

Six wins in a row for the BlackHawks!

Here they come...

[Revering4Blue]

Don’t rule out the NHL’s return to Winnipeg. The MTS Centre isn’t big enough to meet league standards with just over 15,000 seats and there’s concern about how much corporate support a team would attract, but better to have a full house in Winnipeg than crickets in Atlanta. The talk is the Phoenix situation will somehow work itself out, but the Thrashers’ problems are different and moving the franchise could be the only option .


You have to wonder about GM Scott Howson’s future in Columbus if the club doesn’t make the playoffs. That wasn’t what Howson promised when he took over and the mistakes are starting to pile up on him. The signing of D Mike Commodore, currently playing in the AHL, could be the last straw for the people signing Howson’s paycheques. Maybe they should bring back Doug MacLean.

http://www.ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/2011/03/05/17507741.html

[westofyou]

I've got a good feeling about the Jackets right now. We're going to make the playoffs and win at least 2 games. That's my prediction, and you can take it to the bank.

If they can't beat the Oilers or the Blues (1 shot last 18 minutes of the game) then I'd begin to have doubts.

[Joseph]

It's been a really amazing season. Vancouver is really impressive, but can they do it in the playoffs? What if they match up with the Blackhawks who have been in their head the last couple post seasons? Can my 'hawks even hold on to the 8th seed? They've got games in hand in comparison to the those trailing them in the standings like Calgary. The Predators have just amazed me in goal this season and thats rare for one of those rust belt clubs. So many good teams and good stories....

[Sean_CaseyRules]

Looks like I'd be in trouble with the law for boucing checks....what abysmal play from the Jackets this last month....We were looking good, and then just completely lost it....Man it's tough being a Jackets fan, at least I've got the Redlegs to look to

[Kingspoint]

Joseph, the Blackhawks are really struggling to score right now.

I can't figure out why. Any ideas? I watched them last night, and every shot was weak, or not open to begin with. I know the officiating was questionable, but that doesn't take away from their scoring opportunities. Are there too many scorers and not enough passers? They just don't seem to get good shot attempts.

[westofyou]

The Hawks are much worse defense wise this year, their penalty kill is not very good and that plus a drop of about 30 some goals on the offense side of things has affected their game, especially the last month, where they have seen more road games than you'd like to this late in the year.

They have a point over the Flames and Stars, and a game in hand over the Flames.

But they have to play the Wings in back to back games and the Canes.

The Stars have Phoenix 2 times and the Aves, the Flames have the Oilers (who would love to spoil their season) and the Canucks.

I'm liking the Stars chances for 8th place based on the schedule... and being a RW fan.

[HotCorner]

The Caps finally ascended to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. The transformation from offensive juggernaut to defense-first slowed them down early this season but it looks like they are rounding into form at the right time. After last year's historic playoff collapse, I'm feeling better about their chances but still a bit gun shy.

[Joseph]

Joseph, the Blackhawks are really struggling to score right now.

I can't figure out why. Any ideas? I watched them last night, and every shot was weak, or not open to begin with. I know the officiating was questionable, but that doesn't take away from their scoring opportunities. Are there too many scorers and not enough passers? They just don't seem to get good shot attempts.

In addition to what WOY had to say, I have seen a team that lacks that big body they had last year with Byfuglien. I know he wasn't a scoring force in the regular season last year, but he was able to muscle a lot of guys out of the way and opened up better lanes for the scorers. Of course the losses of Versteeg and Eager and Ladd don't help matters either and John Madden was really under rated on the checking line too.

Sopel was a defensive monster that we've tried to replace with some kids mostly and while I'm high on Leddy and others long term, they arent tried and true like Frankenstein was. [Even though I wasn't a fan of his while he was here].

I think the Hawks could get hot and go a long way on talent in the playoffs, but I don't know that I expect it to happen if they do manage to hold onto that 8th seed. Vancouver and Detroit as first round possibilities don't exactly inspire me in terms of moving on.

I think it all boils down to them not being as physical as other teams. Check out how many times they've been outhit by a wide margin this year, you'll be shocked.

[Kingspoint]

The Blackhawks have beaten Detroit the last three times they've played them this year, 3-2, 4-1, and 4-1, only losing to them once, at the very beginning of the season back in October, a 2-3 loss.

The Hawks got a very needed win on Wednesday against St. Louis.

[westofyou]

The Blackhawks have beaten Detroit the last three times they've played them this year, 3-2, 4-1, and 4-1, only losing to them once, at the very beginning of the season back in October, a 2-3 loss.

The Hawks got a very needed win on Wednesday against St. Louis.

Yep, but the playoffs are a different story.

The Hawks got a step closer, Phoenix lost last night and the Kings took the 4th slot so far, expect Phoenix to play the Stars HARD.

I'm expecting the Wings to probably play with less fervor the last 2 games than the Hawks, I wouldn't be surprised if they take both games. The Wings goalies have been banged up and there is a chance that their 31 year old 3rd stringer starts at least one of those games.

However the playoffs will demand more hitting and increased skill in special teams, now that's where the Hawks need to up their game. Scoring is fine for this team, they need to play better defense in front of the goal during the PP.

[Kingspoint]

I'm expecting the Wings to probably play with less fervor the last 2 games than the Hawks, I wouldn't be surprised if they take both games. The Wings goalies have been banged up and there is a chance that their 31 year old 3rd stringer starts at least one of those games.



I was hoping something like that might happen.

[Joseph]

I'm not sure if the Wings were playing for that result last night or not, but the Hawks needed it for sure.

It all comes down to Sunday though. Win and in. Hell win and get a little help and they are the 5 seed potentially.

[reds44]

Don't even need to win. Just get to OT.

[westofyou]

I'm not sure if the Wings were playing for that result last night or not, but the Hawks needed it for sure.

It all comes down to Sunday though. Win and in. Hell win and get a little help and they are the 5 seed potentially.
IF San Jose loses tonight look for teh Wings to press for 2nd place, if San Jose wins look for the wings to play hard, but not with as much fervor.

[Reds]

Ooooooohhh Carolina. you boys broke my heart :( nevertheless, Cam Ward - Skinner - Cole - Ruutu great seasons! makes you wonder what else we can get out of the canes.. we had good years from many players and still fell short.

last year, long losing and winning streaks - out of it the whole year basically. this year, the opposite, no long losing or winning streaks but in it until game 82.. totally different, much more painful.

way she goes. :(

[Kingspoint]

Scorrrrrrrrre!

[Kingspoint]

That was knotted up quickly.

:(


And, that was even quicker,...

:( :(

[Joseph]

Intense hockey in Chi-town today, but again the Hawks were outhit by a wide wide margin and they came up short.

[Joseph]

Hawks back into the playoffs and get rewarded with Vancouver. At least 4 more game, can't be disappointed in that.

[Kingspoint]

Hawks back into the playoffs and get rewarded with Vancouver. At least 4 more game, can't be disappointed in that.

When it comes to the NHL, you truly just need to get in. Any seeded team, any year, can win the NHL Championship. But, then they wouldn't be the best team in the NHL, according to anyone who thinks that the Connecticut Huskies aren't the best team in College basketball this year (simply hogwash and makes no sense, as there's nothing more difficult to do than to go through the Big East Championship AND the NCAA Championship without a loss).

[texasdave]

Dates, times and television schedule for the first round of the playoffs for those interested.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/hockey/nhl/04/10/playoff-schedule.ap/index.html

[Reds]

Sharks win game one late into the night against the Kings. First OT game of the playoffs.

[NJReds]

Sharks win game one late into the night against the Kings. First OT game of the playoffs.

Horribly officiated game. Clowe gets a roughing penalty for a light push in a scrum. Then Stoll gets nothing for knocking Ian White out of the game with a brutal hit from behind against the boards (and elbow to the head) on Ian White. Should've been a 5 minute major, and I'd be shocked if he avoids a suspension.

LA's goalie, Quick, played a tremendous game and kept the Kings in it all night.

[HotCorner]

Sharks win game one late into the night against the Kings. First OT game of the playoffs.

Actually the Caps-Rangers had the first OT game of the playoffs! ;) The Caps defense first approach is paying off so far.

[Joseph]

The Capitals are a scary scary team with their new style.

The Hawks on the other hand....

[Joseph]

Down 3-0, doesn't look like my Hawks will be repeating.

[Kingspoint]

Vancouver has outhit them and out-toughed them every game. They deserve to be three up with one to play.

[Joseph]

Last night was at least fun for me to watch. Not great hockey, but the Hawks seemed so dominant. The Canucks seemed to relax, that might be a bad sign for them down the line if they can't flip the switch against a better team.

[Oxilon]

3-0 Rangers heading into the 3rd. Now it's 3-3 heading to overtime. The Caps are good.

[Kingspoint]

We need two in the 8th and one in the 9th.

Let's go.

First two batters get on base.

[reds44]

Vancouver has outhit them and out-toughed them every game. They deserve to be three up with one to play.
Game 4 was a rather different story. Canucks better win tonight, otherwise it's major uh oh time for them.

[westofyou]

Game 4 was a rather different story. Canucks better win tonight, otherwise it's major uh oh time for them.

Nah, they're a given at this point

[Kingspoint]

We need two in the 8th and one in the 9th.

Let's go.

First two batters get on base.

I was wondering where that post went.

[Kingspoint]

Game 4 was a rather different story. Canucks better win tonight, otherwise it's major uh oh time for them.
I didn't see any of it. If the Hawks can out-hit them in Game 5, then they'll have a chance, but if Vancouver does what they did the first three games (they probably did relax in Game 4...I've seen the Lakers do that a million times after being up 3-0), even if they only do it in the 3rd period, they'll win tonight.

Go Hawks!

[Joseph]

I didn't see any of it. If the Hawks can out-hit them in Game 5, then they'll have a chance, but if Vancouver does what they did the first three games (they probably did relax in Game 4...I've seen the Lakers do that a million times after being up 3-0), even if they only do it in the 3rd period, they'll win tonight.

Go Hawks!

Vancouver again killed the Hawks in hitting, but Chicago didn't miss any nets last night. I can't imagine them coming back after being down 3 games to none, but at the end of the series the Hawks have probably ensured they will have outscored the Canucks.

[reds44]

It doesn't matter if the out hit them. It's completely overrated. They just need to not be effected by hitting, which they were in the first two games.

Get a lead on the Canucks and they go to crap. Happens everytime.

And back to back 5 goal victories is not a fluke.

[Joseph]

3 games all.

Wow.

[westofyou]

3 games all.

Wow.

Classic fail for the Canucks so far, really amazing.

[Kingspoint]

One more in Vancouver. Tonight's game was really good. That was fun to watch.

[NJReds]

Classic fail for the Canucks so far, really amazing.

You don't win a series in three games. Good to see the defending champions bounce back like this, too. Game 7 will be interesting, to say the least.

[westofyou]

You don't win a series in three games. Good to see the defending champions bounce back like this, too. Game 7 will be interesting, to say the least.

4 teams have lost a PO lead of 3-0, ALL TIME.

In essence you do win the series if you win the 1st 3, so if they do lose it's an epic fail.

Epic

[Patrick Bateman]

As a Hawks fan, that game last night was way more fun than anything I've ever watched including last year's SC win.

I've never felt my team's back up against the wall THAT much and come away with the win.

The Hawks are a cat with 9 lives and have used up 8 of them. I hope they can keep this last one going for one more game.

[Joseph]

The Canucks would have to fire their coach if they can't get a win in Game 7. WOY is spot on, its an Epic fail. They outplayed the Hawks in games one and two and won game three as well. If they don't manage to excorcise the demon that is Chicago this year, it ain't ever gonna happen for them. They've got the Sedins and aside from against the Hawks Luongo is one of the absolute best goaltenders in hockey.

Patrick, I love ya brother as a fellow Hawks fan, but last night didn't equal the thrill of Game 6 against the Flyers last year. Overtime winner by Kaner....man, that was just awesome. Last night was great though, I'll give you that. I love playoff hockey.

[westofyou]

Two game sevens tonight

That is the awesome.

[Patrick Bateman]

The Canucks would have to fire their coach if they can't get a win in Game 7. WOY is spot on, its an Epic fail. They outplayed the Hawks in games one and two and won game three as well. If they don't manage to excorcise the demon that is Chicago this year, it ain't ever gonna happen for them. They've got the Sedins and aside from against the Hawks Luongo is one of the absolute best goaltenders in hockey.

Patrick, I love ya brother as a fellow Hawks fan, but last night didn't equal the thrill of Game 6 against the Flyers last year. Overtime winner by Kaner....man, that was just awesome. Last night was great though, I'll give you that. I love playoff hockey.

Maybe it's the Reds/Hawks/Bengals fan in me, but last year, the Hawks faced no adversity. It was like it was too easy.

They have been all but eliminated like 6 times already this year. Forcing the game 7 against Vancouver especially (remember I live in Canada!), was really a sweet moment, whereas, when Kane scored the winner, it felt more like a relief that we didn't lose.

Seems weird to say that, but last game had a lot of emotion for me.
Winning tonight would make this a sweet season.

[Joseph]

Man that hurt. Amazing game. The series was won by Vancouver, but my lord I think we saw the coming out party for Corey Crawford. The saves he made last night were at times mind boggling. When he stopped the shot falling down, then the rebound as he was laying flat on his stomach should impress even the worst of Hawk haters out there.

It'll be interesting to see if Vancouver spent themselves trying to get past the Hawks and will get anywhere or if that'll be their toughest test and they'll steamroll. I'm sure its somewhere in between. For my money the Cup winner will be required to get thru either Detroit or Washington, maybe both who knows, but they are both just on a different level right now it seems.

Very disappointing to see my teams season end, but there is still a lot of good hockey to be played.

[Kingspoint]

Man that hurt. Amazing game. The series was won by Vancouver, but my lord I think we saw the coming out party for Corey Crawford. The saves he made last night were at times mind boggling. When he stopped the shot falling down, then the rebound as he was laying flat on his stomach should impress even the worst of Hawk haters out there.

It'll be interesting to see if Vancouver spent themselves trying to get past the Hawks and will get anywhere or if that'll be their toughest test and they'll steamroll. I'm sure its somewhere in between. For my money the Cup winner will be required to get thru either Detroit or Washington, maybe both who knows, but they are both just on a different level right now it seems.

Very disappointing to see my teams season end, but there is still a lot of good hockey to be played.

It was deja vu Olympics Final. Same building, same last minute tying goal, same quick overtime finish, same winning goalie. Luongo probably gave up that final goal just to make it dramatic. ;)

[Joseph]

playoff hockey is just something else. I was sure the Caps and 'wings were the teams to beat and between them they have zero second round wins.

Of course those series are far from over.

Proud of those folks in Nashville too, its been a grind to get here for that franchise, still a long way to go, but they are 'real'. I hate em. :)

[NJReds]

What a fantastic series between the Sharks and the Wings. As a Sharks fan on the east coast, I don't get to see many games in the regular season, but I watched almost every minute of this series. I'm emotionally drained and I'm just a fan. I can't imagine how the players feel. There's nothing like playoff hockey.

[westofyou]

What a fantastic series between the Sharks and the Wings. As a Sharks fan on the east coast, I don't get to see many games in the regular season, but I watched almost every minute of this series. I'm emotionally drained and I'm just a fan. I can't imagine how the players feel. There's nothing like playoff hockey.

Close... sooo close.

Big guys down doomed Wings, if they had moved ahead the Canucks would have beaten them hard, without the bigger RW's they are a very big team.

[NJReds]

Close... sooo close.

Big guys down doomed Wings, if they had moved ahead the Canucks would have beaten them hard, without the bigger RW's they are a very big team.

Sharks and Wings are so close talentwise right now ... this series was just crazy. Only one game was decided by more than one goal, and that was a last minute empty-netter to make it a 2 goal decision.

Datsyuk is so good it's scary. I was nervous every time he carried the puck into the zone. And for a guy that skates around so much, spinning, changing direction, he never seems to get tired.

The Wings play with so much heart and determination. But this year's Sharks team does too. Thornton played his butt off on both ends of the ice. Clowe is a grinder, and Couture is a joy to watch. Niemi is better in net during the playoffs than Nabakov. Just a calmer influence between the pipes. He was outstanding last night.

The Canucks series should be a good one.

[Joseph]

So much for Detroit and Washington being the strong teams.

I'm still rooting for the Bruins considering who is left.

[blumj]

http://i56.tinypic.com/2rnekxx.gif

[MikeThierry]

God I hate Vancouver. I generally root against Eastern Conference teams in the finals but I hope either the lightening or Chara on the Bruins destroys the Sedin Sisters. I think next to Detroit, Vancouver is the team I despise the most.

[NJReds]

God I hate Vancouver. I generally root against Eastern Conference teams in the finals but I hope either the lightening or Chara on the Bruins destroys the Sedin Sisters. I think next to Detroit, Vancouver is the team I despise the most.

Unfortunately the Sharks reverted back to their normal selves. Thornton and Marleau will take the brunt of the blame, but where the heck was Heatley for the past month?

[MikeThierry]

NJ, the Sharks almost remind me of the Blues. The Blues had a run where they went to playoffs 25 years straight. Yet every single time they would fizzle out in the playoffs. Granted, they did come up against those dominant Red Wings teams of the 90's. I just don't know where San Jose can go from now. They seem to almost have an embarrassment of riches with the team they put together. Do you think it is coaching?

[NJReds]

NJ, the Sharks almost remind me of the Blues. The Blues had a run where they went to playoffs 25 years straight. Yet every single time they would fizzle out in the playoffs. Granted, they did come up against those dominant Red Wings teams of the 90's. I just don't know where San Jose can go from now. They seem to almost have an embarrassment of riches with the team they put together. Do you think it is coaching?

Unfortunately, as a fan of a west coast team while living on the east coast, I don't get to see them play enough to put my finger on it. But based on friends who watch them, and what I've read there's a lot of blame to go around.

- Coaching ... there are some that don't like the coach, but this team played hard in the playoffs and I'm not sure if a different coach gets different results.

- GM ... the salary cap handcuffed the Sharks, and they are a very salary top heavy team. They dumped some quality players (Erhoff ... who's with Vancouver) among others to get under the cap. Also, they traded prospects for deadline deal guys who didn't pan out. The Sharks are also weak on the blue line. Not a lot of quality defense.

- Leadership from players ... Thornton has a bad rep, but I thought he played really hard and really well during the playoffs. That wasn't the case in previous years. Marleau is up and down, but the criticism he gets doesn't match his production. He's scored a lot of big playoff goals. Heatley is a waste of space.

- Wacky NHL playoffs ... sometimes the best team doesn't win. Hot goalies and the like can end the dream. That wasn't the case this year, because I think Vancouver is better.

[westofyou]

Unfortunately, as a fan of a west coast team while living on the east coast, I don't get to see them play enough to put my finger on it. But based on friends who watch them, and what I've read there's a lot of blame to go around.

- Coaching ... there are some that don't like the coach, but this team played hard in the playoffs and I'm not sure if a different coach gets different results.

- GM ... the salary cap handcuffed the Sharks, and they are a very salary top heavy team. They dumped some quality players (Erhoff ... who's with Vancouver) among others to get under the cap. Also, they traded prospects for deadline deal guys who didn't pan out. The Sharks are also weak on the blue line. Not a lot of quality defense.

- Leadership from players ... Thornton has a bad rep, but I thought he played really hard and really well during the playoffs. That wasn't the case in previous years. Marleau is up and down, but the criticism he gets doesn't match his production. He's scored a lot of big playoff goals. Heatley is a waste of space.

- Wacky NHL playoffs ... sometimes the best team doesn't win. Hot goalies and the like can end the dream. That wasn't the case this year, because I think Vancouver is better.

I see a lot of Sharks games, they are kind of tweeners in style, not too big, not to small, skill players on the top two lines. Kind of historically they lack two things in my mind, a killer defenseman (Lindstrom, Pronger, Hatcher, Stevens) a real game changer, the other thing they tend to miss is real gritty 2 way superstar who takes the game (Modano, Yzerman, Forsberg)

The bridesmaid vibe is getting old down there, and I'm unsure if they get better this off season, as they are already pretty darn good....however it looks like they picked a bad time to peak as the Canucks are big and deep and can roll out endless combos at this stage of the season and that is the type of thing that wears a team down fast.

[MikeThierry]

Well the stage is set. Boston vs Vancouver. Who are you all rooting for?

I generally do not like Boston teams but this is a case where the enemy of my enemy is my best friend. I want to continue the streak of Canadian teams not winning the Stanley Cup. I kind of get a slight giggle every time I hear a person from Canada whine about this issue and ultimately blaming it on Bettman. Is that a spiteful position on my part... absolutely. I admit it. I also just don't like the Canucks. I have always felt that they view themselves as a team that is entitled to win it all. I dislike the Sedin Sisters. Ever since the Blues faced them a couple of years ago in the playoffs, that team has always left a sour taste in my mouth. They sort of whine about every single little thing that happens to them.

Rant over

By the way, massive props to Stamkos tonight. The guys face was practically destroyed tonight by a puck but came back and played hard.

[Cedric]

Well the stage is set. Boston vs Vancouver. Who are you all rooting for?

I generally do not like Boston teams but this is a case where the enemy of my enemy is my best friend. I want to continue the streak of Canadian teams not winning the Stanley Cup. I kind of get a slight giggle every time I hear a person from Canada whine about this issue and ultimately blaming it on Bettman. Is that a spiteful position on my part... absolutely. I admit it. I also just don't like the Canucks. I have always felt that they view themselves as a team that is entitled to win it all. I dislike the Sedin Sisters. Ever since the Blues faced them a couple of years ago in the playoffs, that team has always left a sour taste in my mouth. They sort of whine about every single little thing that happens to them.

Rant over

By the way, massive props to Stamkos tonight. The guys face was practically destroyed tonight by a puck but came back and played hard.

I think the Sedin twins are exactly what the NHL needs more of. Skill players with flair and imagination.

[Joseph]

Put me in the camp of those rooting for the Bruins. I don't like the Canucks one little bit.

[westofyou]

Canucks in six, they are deep creative and everything good about the game currently, but if the Bruins win it's a big W for tradition and the original six.

In series like these I tend to let the team I want to win choose me, as a RW fan I could care less about all of them, as a hockey fan I'll end up siding with the team that charms me first.

[klw]

Apparently the Thrashers have been sold and are moving to Winnepeg.
http://www.foxsportssouth.com/05/31/11/Winnipeg-Group-to-Announce-Thrashers-Rel/landing_thrashers.html?blockID=529608&feedID=4354&GT1=39002

[westofyou]

Apparently the Thrashers have been sold and are moving to Winnepeg.
http://www.foxsportssouth.com/05/31/11/Winnipeg-Group-to-Announce-Thrashers-Rel/landing_thrashers.html?blockID=529608&feedID=4354&GT1=39002

Good, that town doesn't need a hockey team

[Raisor]

Good, that town doesn't need a hockey team

I'm going to punch the next Canadian I meet right in the face.

[Revering4Blue]

Atlanta is losing the Thrashers for the same reason the Flames headed to Calgary in 1980--lack of local ownership, or at least committed to keeping the team in Atlanta, stepping up. It's a shame. We all know Atlanta is a transient city, but c'mon..it's not like the natives resemble Flo from Mel's Diner. They'll support NHL Hockey if it is marketed well. What happened--NHL Stanley Cup Championship--in Tampa Bay and Raleigh could have occurred in Atlanta, too.

[westofyou]

They are losing the team because no one cares about Hockey there as much as College sports or the Hawks.

Hockey doesn't play well in the south, it really helps to have a fan base that not only knows the game, but grew up with it. The NHL is best when it plays to its strengths, which includes fostering real fan bases and thus real rivalries.

I wonder what the shifts in the divisions will be? Someone is going east and the "Jets" will be going west

[IslandRed]

I wonder what the shifts in the divisions will be? Someone is going east and the "Jets" will be going west

Without having any knowledge of the politics of it, my first guess would be Columbus -- they and Detroit are the only Western Conference teams in the Eastern time zone, but it will be harder for Detroit to get the votes to do it, being a premier ticket draw for everyone else in the West.

[westofyou]

Without having any knowledge of the politics of it, my first guess would be Columbus -- they and Detroit are the only Western Conference teams in the Eastern time zone, but it will be harder for Detroit to get the votes to do it, being a premier ticket draw for everyone else in the West.

The Blackhawks need one other original six team in the west, you might be on to something

[Joseph]

Early talk is that Detroit has asked to move east but as WOY mentions, the Hawks would be the only original 6 team left in the west if that happened so its highly unlikely that it would.

Nashville going to the Southeast or Columbus going to the Eastern Conf in general both make sense and neither franchise have deep rooted rivals [but I bet both would hate to lose the visiting draws of Chicago and Detroit]. I personally [not that it matters] would hate to see that cause Columbus and Nashville are both close enough that I can drive to see my Hawks play there.

[MikeThierry]

Early talk is that Detroit has asked to move east but as WOY mentions, the Hawks would be the only original 6 team left in the west if that happened so its highly unlikely that it would.

Nashville going to the Southeast or Columbus going to the Eastern Conf in general both make sense and neither franchise have deep rooted rivals [but I bet both would hate to lose the visiting draws of Chicago and Detroit]. I personally [not that it matters] would hate to see that cause Columbus and Nashville are both close enough that I can drive to see my Hawks play there.

As a Blues fan, I would hate to lose that rivalry that we have had with Detroit. That has sort of been a hate filled rivalry for decades. I think overall you would lose more if Detroit moved to the east rather than Columbus.

The one thing I have never understood is why Dallas is in the division they are in. Many nights, they are playing divisional opponents two time zones over.

[MikeThierry]

The game tonight was amazing. If this is any indication of how the series is going to be, not only will it be great but someone might lose a limb in the process.

[Joseph]

Go Bruins.

[Cedric]

Yay... Sarcasm.

Boston fans are insufferable in every way.

[Patrick Bateman]

Yay... Sarcasm.

Boston fans are insufferable in every way.

You should move to Canada... maybe all hockey fans are insufferable?

[MikeThierry]

Yay... Sarcasm.

Boston fans are insufferable in every way.

Actually, Vancouver fans are amongst the most despised fans in the NHL. Even people in Canada do not like the Canucks or their fan base. It made rooting for Boston in this series so much easier.

[KronoRed]

I'm going to punch the next Canadian I meet right in the face.

Just ask them how old they were the last time a Canadian team won the cup.

:)

[blumj]

I'm not much of a hockey fan, but last week, Boston talk radio was absolutely inundated with unbearably smug Vancouver fan callers of the "Oh, I'm sure you guys have a cute little team" variety. The funny thing is, most everyone around here pretty much figured they were right, the Bruins fans seemed to me to be hoping they wouldn't be swept or otherwise completely outclassed in some embarrassing fashion.

[Kingspoint]

Congratulations to Boston and their fans!

[Kingspoint]

Actually, Vancouver fans are amongst the most despised fans in the NHL. Even people in Canada do not like the Canucks or their fan base. It made rooting for Boston in this series so much easier.

But, Vancouver women are hot!

[MikeThierry]

But, Vancouver women are hot!

:beerme::beerme::beerme::beerme:

Absolutely.

[WVRed]

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261668_759363787143_42201512_37213714_2306538_n.jp g

[Newport Red]

This might hurt their "most liveable city in the world" ranking next year.


http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2011/02/liveability_ranking

[LvJ]

I heard goalie Robert Luongo tried to commit suicide...








He jumped out in front of an incoming transit bus, but it went through his legs.

[VottoFan54]

I heard goalie Robert Luongo tried to commit suicide...








He jumped out in front of an incoming transit bus, but it went through his legs.

:bowrofl:

Robert Luongo was beyond shaky this postseason.

[blumj]

I don't know how much of the heat Luongo's really taking, as opposed to people just having fun, but it's a little unfair if he's truly getting most of the blame for a team that scored 8 goals in a 7 game series.

[Todd Gack]

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/kingshmegland/LuBrongo.jpg

[IslandRed]

http://cdn.someecards.com/someecards/filestorage/boston-bruins-nhl-champions-sports-ecards-someecards.png

http://www.someecards.com/sports-cards/boston-bruins-stanley-cup-nhl-finals-funny-ecard

[Reds]

Hockey doesn't play well in the south, it really helps to have a fan base that not only knows the game, but grew up with it. The NHL is best when it plays to its strengths, which includes fostering real fan bases and thus real rivalries.

I wonder what the shifts in the divisions will be? Someone is going east and the "Jets" will be going west

Laughable. Check our Tampa and Raleigh, they got a cup and look at where they're at. The real reason Atlanta lost the team was because it's a bad sports town with a team that didn't do jack for longer than a decade.

C-bus or NASH moves to Southeast division in a years time, likely NASH.

[westofyou]

Laughable. Check our Tampa and Raleigh,

16th and 21st in the league in attendance...21st and 23rd the year before, 20th and 21st the year before.

Bang up job