The NHL Thread (36 Viewers)

[Mark]

I was looking at some vids on youtube, games on TV and scouting reports on the net and here's what I'd like for us to draft this summer. Still early so I might change my mind on a couple by watching the memorial cup.

Habs draft at picks #25(23-24 if PIT or CHI lose in round 2 so it's pick #25), #34, #36, #55, #71, #86, #176, #206.

no order, just names for now:

- Nikita Zadorov, D, 6'5¼", 221lbs
- Valentin Zykov LW, 5-11¾, 209lbs
- Samuel Morin, D, 6'6", 202lbs
- Frédérik Gauthier, C, 6'4½", 214lbs
- Mirco Müller, D, 6'3¾", 184lbs
- Robert Hagg, D, 6'2¼", 204lbs
- Michael McCarron, RW, 6'5", 228lbs
- Anthony Mantha, RW, 6'3¾", 190lbs
- Kerby Rychel, LW, 6'0¾", 205lbs
- Steve Santini, D, 6'1½", 207lbs
- Emile Poirier, LW, 6'0¾, 183lbs
- Brett Pesce, D, 6'2¾, 170lbs
.....................


for UFA's we should go for Clarkson, Bickell, Jones(EDM), Bordeleau, Scuderi, Murray, Dupuis...

 

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[Enron]

You mean next season and the new divisions

 

[Nzoric]

I think that's an interesting point, Andy.

My opinion is that the Caps have leadership issues; I've thought that for awhile. Brooks Laich should captain that team (and ideally, they should be looking to add a bit of skilled leadership) - but how do you strip AO without creating a shit storm? I don't think they can. Seems impossible.

I know that on his day Ovechkin is one of the world's best, but he's never been captain material; there are too many instances where he doesn't lead by example, which is vital obviously, and I just don't get the feeling that he can inspire that locker room too much with his words, either (at least from what I've heard in his interviews, and I know there's a bit of a language barrier, but I'm not talking about broken English - I'm talking about substance).

This guy is introducing conspiracy theories about the officials rigging games - or it's the league, trying to create favourable matchups to increase revenue - and also continually repeating how it's not just one guy (yes, it is a team game). But he makes over 9.5M per season, and when the team's record so clearly demonstrates that he usually needs to score for them to win - and then he buries 1 goal in 7 games? 1 goal, 1 assist, -2, in 7 games? That's not acceptable production, not even close. As captain, he need to man the fuck up and take responsibility for not getting his job done. That top line did not get it done. He needs to start by placing the largest portion of that burden of blame on himself, that's part of his fucking job. A good captain expects more from himself than anyone expects from him, and he expects more from himself in terms of effort and dedication than he does from anybody else. Ovechkin needs to take a look in the mirror.

It makes it really difficult to build a team around, IMO. He's a fantastic player, but not a true leader, and in terms of his overall game, he's usually the second best player on that team. That's despite making almost 3M more than Backstrom - which is absolutely crazy to think about. If I could pick between those two for my team, I would choose Backstrom every time.

Anyway, new coach, new system, the goaltending has generally gotten better, and they do have a few elite offensive pieces (provided they're healthy); it will be interesting to see what changes happen in the offseason, and how the team continues to develop in year two of Oates' system.

While I agree about some of the issues you posted, you can't fault him for not leading by example. He got us out of the slump in that 4 games series against Winnipeg half way through the season, ever since that he had more than a point per game. Against the Rangers he was hitting like a mad man, back checking and getting insane amounts of shots on goal - you just can't get around the fact that Lundqvist was a machine towards the end of the series.

Not to blow fire to the conspiracy theory, but game 5 was remarkable. Rangers didn't have a single penalty minute despite it being an equally tough game by both teams. High sticking, slashing, brawling after stoppage of play - the caps were sent to the penalty box for all those things and yet the Rangers got away with it all.

 

[KB824]

I was looking at some vids on youtube, games on TV and scouting reports on the net and here's what I'd like for us to draft this summer. Still early so I might change my mind on a couple by watching the memorial cup.

Habs draft at picks #25(23-24 if PIT or CHI lose in round 2 so it's pick #25), #34, #36, #55, #71, #86, #176, #206.

no order, just names for now:

- Nikita Zadorov, D, 6'5¼", 221lbs
- Valentin Zykov LW, 5-11¾, 209lbs
- Samuel Morin, D, 6'6", 202lbs
- Frédérik Gauthier, C, 6'4½", 214lbs
- Mirco Müller, D, 6'3¾", 184lbs
- Robert Hagg, D, 6'2¼", 204lbs
- Michael McCarron, RW, 6'5", 228lbs
- Anthony Mantha, RW, 6'3¾", 190lbs
- Kerby Rychel, LW, 6'0¾", 205lbs
- Steve Santini, D, 6'1½", 207lbs
- Emile Poirier, LW, 6'0¾, 183lbs
- Brett Pesce, D, 6'2¾, 170lbs
.....................


for UFA's we should go for Clarkson, Bickell, Jones(EDM), Bordeleau, Scuderi, Murray, Dupuis...

Yes please. Please Please Please. Canadiens Bloodline

 

[Rollie]

While I agree about some of the issues you posted, you can't fault him for not leading by example. He got us out of the slump in that 4 games series against Winnipeg half way through the season, ever since that he had more than a point per game. Against the Rangers he was hitting like a mad man, back checking and getting insane amounts of shots on goal - you just can't get around the fact that Lundqvist was a machine towards the end of the series.

Not to blow fire to the conspiracy theory, but game 5 was remarkable. Rangers didn't have a single penalty minute despite it being an equally tough game by both teams. High sticking, slashing, brawling after stoppage of play - the caps were sent to the penalty box for all those things and yet the Rangers got away with it all.

Henrik was great, no doubt about it. Alex Ovechkin was not great. For Washington to win against quality teams like the Rangers, he needs to be great; that's the type of salary he's getting paid, he's eating up the teams resources, they need more bang for their buck. He's paid to be a top 2 player in the world, brother (current highest salary, right?).

I feel very comfortable faulting him for not leading by example. Remember, I'm not just talking about this series, we're talking about a longer term pattern here. I'm glad he's starting to focus more on back checking, that he's developing other areas of his game a bit, but there were still some glaring examples where he wasn't engaged the way he need to be (like him totally upright, floating back into play as NY was scoring a huge game winner). Anyway, I didn't watch that much of this particular series, I can't give you a bunch of specific examples from that particular 7 game series. Just saying that in the past, there have been too many examples where he hasn't been consistent enough in his effort; not cool for a captain.

Leading by example is about how he comports himself in all aspects of training for, and playing the game, as well as his responsibilities off the ice, as a reference point and spokesperson for the club. I've seen and heard plenty from Ovechkin to shake my head at over the years, that's all.

As for the tinfoil hat conspiracies, I don't buy 'em. Poor officiating happens (I didn't see game 5), and I know it can be absolutely infuriating for a fan.

 

[Nzoric]

I see your point and Im not buying into the conspiracy. I just remember watching the game and seeing Brouwer going to the box for interference when the pyck was obviously in play just to see Boyle slash Ribeiro in the back of his knees two minutes after, no call. Cant remember the precise minutes, but I think we spent 16 min in the box while they had 0. That game ended 1-0 for the rangers and we couldve won the series there.

 

[Rollie]

I see your point and Im not buying into the conspiracy. I just remember watching the game and seeing Brouwer going to the box for interference when the pyck was obviously in play just to see Boyle slash Ribeiro in the back of his knees two minutes after, no call. Cant remember the precise minutes, but I think we spent 16 min in the box while they had 0. That game ended 1-0 for the rangers and we couldve won the series there.

It really sucks when the series is so close, and you can point to examples like that - it definitely does.

I know a lot of Maple Leafs fans who have been thinking, 'literally one blocked shot, one more stick in the lane, one less rebound, another face-off win (Boston dominated 43-18 game 7). That series was ours.' It sucks for those fans, who have endured losing for so long.

But a 7 game series is never truly about 1 play, 1 period, 1 game. The story is the whole... and NY was able to get out of 2-0 and 3-2 holes against Washington. So frustrating, I know. I remember 2010 well, my team had the biggest collapse in professional sports history. When shit like that happens, there are all sorts of things to point to, but penalties, non-calls, etc., are usually in the mix.

Edit: and in fairness to the player:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=423338

 

[Nzoric]

Youee nor qaxxæenrbf aby of my åooibts bitxh

 

[Mark]

Yes please. Please Please Please. Canadiens Bloodline

Pronovost family.

Pacioretty type player with more toughness.

so many young talents in this year's draft, my pants are tight!

 

[KB824]

Please leave this sport forever. Please. You worthless piece of shit. Please die. Somehow, someway. I just don't care. Just leave this earth.

http://espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/201...orres-suspended-rest-los-angeles-kings-series

 

[Rollie]

What a huge win! Best effort of the playoffs from the B's, the 3 rookie D-men were excellent, great execution of the game plan, and hitting 4 posts didn't get the team down, either.

Great to see Marchy get the winner, set up by who else, #37.

Youee nor qaxxæenrbf aby of my åooibts bitxh

Yeah, I think I translated 'You're', 'not', 'of', 'my', and 'Bitch', here.

 

[Enron]

Henrik was great, no doubt about it. Alex Ovechkin was not great. For Washington to win against quality teams like the Rangers, he needs to be great; that's the type of salary he's getting paid, he's eating up the teams resources, they need more bang for their buck. He's paid to be a top 2 player in the world, brother (current highest salary, right?).

I feel very comfortable faulting him for not leading by example. Remember, I'm not just talking about this series, we're talking about a longer term pattern here. I'm glad he's starting to focus more on back checking, that he's developing other areas of his game a bit, but there were still some glaring examples where he wasn't engaged the way he need to be (like him totally upright, floating back into play as NY was scoring a huge game winner). Anyway, I didn't watch that much of this particular series, I can't give you a bunch of specific examples from that particular 7 game series. Just saying that in the past, there have been too many examples where he hasn't been consistent enough in his effort; not cool for a captain.

Leading by example is about how he comports himself in all aspects of training for, and playing the game, as well as his responsibilities off the ice, as a reference point and spokesperson for the club. I've seen and heard plenty from Ovechkin to shake my head at over the years, that's all.

As for the tinfoil hat conspiracies, I don't buy 'em. Poor officiating happens (I didn't see game 5), and I know it can be absolutely infuriating for a fan.

The Caps have never really had the mindset to rise above misfortune in the playoffs. Ovi is the biggest culprit and easies goat because he's largely the most important player. However, no one else steps up. If it's a close game and the Caps go down and are unable to come back immediately then you've probably done enough to win. Most of that is due to Bruce B not signing character guys as his role players and now Oates is stuck. Now he needs to spend the next couple of off seasons switching out softies for guys that can play against adversity. Mike Green trade time? Ovi paycheck cut time? Won't happen, I know but the Caps need another dominant personality who isn't a complete bitch. Bottomline is if the Caps are going to succeed in the play offs they're gonna need to shake things up.

 

[Nzoric]

Great to see Marchy get the winner, set up by who else, #37.



Yeah, I think I translated 'You're', 'not', 'of', 'my', and 'Bitch', here.

I think I was pretty mad at your for "Not answering any of my questions bitch". I don't see what questions I asked, so.. yeah, tequila.

 

[Mark]

Watch the 1st game of the Memorial Cup and gotta say we got a nice one in Darren Dietz. Patrice Brisebois was all over him and I know why. Our other prospect Thrower sucks. Solid game by Zadorov, scored too. Max Domi is the real deal also. Tough as nail like his father but much much better offensively.

 

[Alex-444]

 

[Rollie]

The Caps have never really had the mindset to rise above misfortune in the playoffs. Ovi is the biggest culprit and easies goat because he's largely the most important player. However, no one else steps up. If it's a close game and the Caps go down and are unable to come back immediately then you've probably done enough to win. Most of that is due to Bruce B not signing character guys as his role players and now Oates is stuck. Now he needs to spend the next couple of off seasons switching out softies for guys that can play against adversity. Mike Green trade time? Ovi paycheck cut time? Won't happen, I know but the Caps need another dominant personality who isn't a complete bitch. Bottomline is if the Caps are going to succeed in the play offs they're gonna need to shake things up.

Looking at Cap Geek, their commitments are pretty much made for the next couple years - like you said - not too much room at all. They should probably re-sign Ribeiro given his production, but I'm not sure how they can; Johansson needs a deal, Alzner needs a deal, another steady defenseman wouldn't hurt, and they currently have about 6M in space for next year.

I can't really see who they'll deal, but they need to try to move some salary.

I think I was pretty mad at your for "Not answering any of my questions bitch". I don't see what questions I asked, so.. yeah, tequila.

Sorry for being hard on your boy, Nz. Oatesy was the truth as a player, hopefully he can get Ovie back to being consistently at his best. A healthy Backstrom helps, for sure.

 

[radekas]

Red Wings providing a nice cold shower for the arrogant Blackhawks bandwagon fans :troll:

 

[blondu]

hattrick

 

[Mark]

Dietz!

Stopping MacKinnon(only 1 goal so far ) and Drouin from scoring and scores on the PP.

 

[Rollie]

Habs fans, what's the deal with Emelin waiting on surgery? I was surprised to see that he just had his ACL/MCL repaired today, considering he got hurt on April 6th. What gives? 6 month recovery, why did they wait 6 weeks before operating, was that necessary for some reason?

Huge win by the B's tonight, really played a solid game. King Henrik was unreal, almost stole this one for the Rangers. Officiating wasn't great, NYR have now played back to back games at MSG with a grand total of zero penalties. I'd be interested to see when the last time that happened was (Edit: just checked the box, I forgot there were the offsetting minors to Marchand and Dorsett; still no Boston PP).

Thorny with two assists, Paille with the winner, and Campbell was great all night. Merlot Line FTW