NHL Offseason Thread [Archive] - RonFez.net Messageboard

narc

06-23-2006, 10:31 AM

With the Draft approaching tomorrow, there are bound to be quite a few trades. So I figured it'd be a good time for an offseason thread, and what you anticipate for your team, especially with the first full offseason of free agency. 
The Sabres had their first profitable season in years, and they will spend more next year, especially with a lot of their players deserving bonuses. But they still won't spend near the cap, especially since it has gone up to 44 million. Worse, they only have three players signed for next year to deals.They are 
Chris Drury 
Jochen Hecht 
Thomas Vanek 
In addition, the Sabres have already extended qualifying offers to two of their restricted free agents, Danny Briere and Jason Pominville, which means they'll be back next year, making a lot more (especially in Pominville's case). 
The Unrestricted Free Agents who will undoubtedly be testing the market are: 
Jay McKee 
Mike Grier 
Rory Fitzpatrick 
Doug Janik 
McKee is most likely gone, which is a shame. He's an assistant captain, is the longest tenured Sabre, playing in Buffalo since he was drafted by them, and had one of his better seasons statistically. But with Lydman, Tallinder and the emergence of Brian Campbell, McKee is not in the top half of the defensive corps otherwise, and he could probably stand to make a lot more than the Sabres can pay him. 
Grier did not have a good season statistically, but is invaluable in the locker room, is an outstanding forechecker, and is Chris Drury's BFF. The Sabres will go farther to keep him under contract, but if he demands too much, they'll let him go. 
Fitzpatrick played okay most of the time as the seventh defenseman. He's also comparatively old to be spending too much on, and his spot will probably be filled by Nathan Paetsch or Janik, either of whom looks ready for the NHL. He also might be okay with dropping down the depth chart since he's from Rochester, where the Sabres minor league affiliate is. 
Of the restricted free agents, the Sabres will almost certainly trade or not make an offer to Marty Biron. Biron is good enough to be a starter and had that 13 game winning streak this year. He also made a crapload of money for sitting on the bench for the most part, and is not as talented as Ryan Miller. Miller, who only made a little more than half a mill next year will get a huge and well-deserved raise. The Sabres will also likely say goodbye to Taylor Pyatt. He played well in the playoffs, but sat on the bench for most of the year, and also was one of the higher paid Sabres. 
The situation with the UFA's means that the Sabres will stand to lose at least 2 defenseman, more likely than not. Darcy Regier has indicated that at the draft tomorrow they will both be attempting to trade up from the 26th position, and trading away their surplus of forwards. In addition, with Biron leaving, they'd need a passible backup for Miller, and I'm not sure Michael Leighton would suffice. So I'd look for Jiri Novotny, Maxim Afinogenov, J.P. Dumont, or Ales Kotalik, all of whom would have fairly high trade value, to be trade bait, if not one of their other minor league forwards.

MHasegawa

06-23-2006, 06:49 PM

<a href="http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169536&hubname" target="_self">Bertuzzi traded for Luongo</a>

narc

06-23-2006, 07:24 PM

Wow, what a terrible move by Florida. Luongo is an absolute stud. Bertuzzi is incredibly overrated. There'll be some great Luongo-Kipper duels next year though.

spoon

06-24-2006, 07:00 AM

That move fucking sucks for FL!  I can't believe the Canucks fleeced them so bad and that ex ranger fuck let it happen.  Is he setting up his next gig in Vanc?  Now they had to realize that the Canucks didn't even want the ineffective, marred power forward in this new quick pentaly riddled NHL.  Things keep looking worse for my Avs.  The good news is that they did sign Joe Sakic to a 1 year deal and he'll be back as long he wants too.  He'll continue to sign one year deals to protect the Avs in terms of salary cap if he does decide to reitire in the mid of a 3-year deal.  So he stated he's going nowhere, and plans to play for a few more years, but doesn't want to take a chance in case he changes his mind or runs into injury concerns.  The guy is just a top notch Captain and did in fact lead the Avs again last year in points (mainly bc Tanguay got hurt).  As for the Sabers, I wouldn't worry that much.  Every team in the league is in the same position.  The whole NHL is loaded with 1 year deals of late due to feeling out the new financial system and how players adapt to the new rules and distinct changes in the game on the ice. They all wanted, and needed the flexibility to change it up.  They'll lose a few players, but most big names will be back until we take Drury back to be the next captain of the Avs in three years!!!  I pretty much pull for the Sabers in the East, so having him there actually works for me.

cougarjake13

06-24-2006, 12:57 PM

Ducks drop the mighty from their name and unveil new unis<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5722100">http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5722100</a><img height="329" src="http://www.katu.com/news/images/story2006/060622ducks.jpg" width="210" border="0" />

keithy_19

06-24-2006, 01:17 PM

They're still queer.

cougarjake13

06-25-2006, 06:06 AM

a few trades from yesterdays nhl draftbruins trade goalie raycroft to toronto for tuuka raskla kings trade c pavol demitra to the wild for 17th pick and f patrick osullivancolorado trades alex tanguay to calgary for defensemen jordan leopold, 2nd rd pick in 2006, and a conditional pick in 07 or 08<a href="http://blogs.foxsports.com/Spector">http://blogs.foxsports.com/Spector</a><img height="100" src="http://home.comcast.net/~bob80/RFnetCougarJake13.jpg" width="300" border="0" />

QueensideDave

06-26-2006, 09:00 AM

Florida better bulk up their Defense. They were letting up more shots per game than any other team and Auld is not going to be able to handle that.

I think Luongo wanted to leave despite him saying he was "shocked". The only thing he should be shocked about is that the panthers really Only got Bertuzzi for him.

narc

06-26-2006, 09:06 AM

I also don't think Raycroft is much of an upgrade for Toronto. He was terrible in Boston this past year. Works for me because I hate the Leafs.

cougarjake13

06-27-2006, 05:36 PM

Mark Cuban and Dan Marino may buy the Penguins<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5734578">http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5734578</a><img height="100" src="http://home.comcast.net/~bob80/RFnetCougarJake13.jpg" width="300" border="0" />

cougarjake13

06-28-2006, 03:06 PM

dave lewis new bruins coach<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5738064">http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5738064</a>

narc

07-01-2006, 01:37 PM

Bruins sign Chewbacca...I mean Chara. <img src="http://starwars.carrotnetwork.com/reviews/votc/chewbacca/09.jpg"
 Fallon should be happy. I'm a little surprised, I thought he would go into a team like New York, Detroit, Philly or Toronto. One of the huge market behemoths.

Fallon

07-01-2006, 03:21 PM

Fuck yeah motherfucker! The B's signed Marc Savard too!!!

narc

07-01-2006, 04:42 PM

McKee signs with St. Louis. No link yet. 4 years, $16 million. They're doing a hell of a job rebuilding.

TheGameHHH

07-01-2006, 04:47 PM

Devils locked up Langenbrunner.

MHasegawa

07-01-2006, 06:22 PM

we locked up Pisani for 4 years and Rolo for 3

TheGameHHH

07-01-2006, 09:17 PM

Elias is staying for 7 years!

HBox

07-01-2006, 09:43 PM

WHEW!

cougarjake13

07-02-2006, 06:18 AM

staal re ups with carolina     <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5748800">http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5748800</a>senators drop hasek and sign martine gerber   <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5749066">http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5749066</a>rob blake is going back to cali , signs with L.A. Kings  <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5750314">http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5750314</a>guess the rangers are just going to sick back and do nothing <img height="100" src="http://home.comcast.net/~bob80/RFnetCougarJake13.jpg" width="300" border="0" />

Fallon

07-03-2006, 11:20 AM

Yzerman retired.

Tenbatsuzen

07-03-2006, 11:22 AM

cougarjake13 wrote: guess the rangers are just going to sick back and do nothing    ...they signed Cullen?

MHasegawa

07-03-2006, 11:33 AM

Pronger was traded to the ducks for Lupul, i fuckin hate athletes wives, fuckin cunts

narc

07-03-2006, 11:38 AM

I just wonder if the rumor's true: that his wife wanted to move because Pronger knocked up some young kid.

cougarjake13

07-03-2006, 02:17 PM

Tenbatsuzen wrote:  cougarjake13 wrote: guess the rangers are just going to sick back and do nothing  ...they signed Cullen?  they resigned martin straka woo hooo

MHasegawa

07-03-2006, 03:35 PM

narc wrote: I just wonder if the rumor's true: that his wife wanted to move because Pronger knocked up some young kid.    If that's true, she shoulda just left him.

Gvac

07-03-2006, 03:46 PM

Stevie Y retiring is the end of an era; a really long era.You don't see players like him anymore - a guy who always put the team first and played his entire career in one city.  He'll go down as one of the greatest team captains of all time, in any sport.  I can't even put into words what he's meant to a long time Wings fan like me. To give you an idea of how weird this is for me, I remember this 18 year old superstar being brought up to Detroit to turn the franchise around.  I was 17 and starting my senior year of high school.  I'm 40 now, and The Captain has been there the entire time.  I can barely remember a time when Yzerman wasn't with the Wings.  To say I'll miss him is an understatement.  To say I'm eternally grateful for everything he did for the Detroit Red Wings and their fans is an even greater understatement.

narc

07-05-2006, 03:31 PM

Sabres lose Grier, sign Numminen to a one-year deal and Spacek to a 3 year deal. 
Okay, terrific. I would have preferred not to lose Grier, and apparently the Sabres matched the offer he took from the Sharks. He said he wanted to go with San Jose because he likes their team, but I think part of it might be racism. I don't think he's the type of guy to bring this up, but I swear, after every game on the post game show, whenever Grier came up, someone would call in and say something racist and get dumped out of. 
I hope it's not that.

HBox

07-05-2006, 03:34 PM

Okay, terrific. I would have preferred not to
lose Grier, and apparently the Sabres matched the offer he took from
the Sharks. He said he wanted to go with San Jose because he likes
their team, but I think part of it might be racism. I don't think he's
the type of guy to bring this up, but I swear, after every game on the
post game show, whenever Grier came up, someone would call in and say
something racist and get dumped out of.I didn't know the Sabres post game show was broadcast on XM 202 High Voltage.Seriously though, that's incredibly fucked up.

narc

07-05-2006, 03:41 PM

<hr color="cococo" align="left">HBox wrote: <hr color="cococo" align="left"> Okay, terrific. I would have preferred not to
lose Grier, and apparently the Sabres matched the offer he took from
the Sharks. He said he wanted to go with San Jose because he likes
their team, but I think part of it might be racism. I don't think he's
the type of guy to bring this up, but I swear, after every game on the
post game show, whenever Grier came up, someone would call in and say
something racist and get dumped out of.<hr color="cococo" align="left">I didn't know the Sabres post game show was broadcast on XM 202 High Voltage.Seriously though, that's incredibly fucked up.<hr color="cococo" align="left">

There didn't seem to be much malice behind it, but it did seem like the same sort of thing that Ron and Fez have to deal with. The thought process that: "Oh my god, I'm on the radio! I have to be funny for my friends! Quick, use the n-word! Make a gorilla comparison!" I was impressed actually with some of the racist callers, because they'd hold it together for awhile and have a normal call, and then just drop it in there.

pronger

07-05-2006, 08:54 PM

Flyers locked up every crappy center under 6'

spoon

07-06-2006, 03:35 PM

<table cellspacing="0" width="100%" border="0"><tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr><tr class="shad"><td valign="top"><img alt="Zdeno Chara and Dave Lewis" src="http://nhl.speedera.net/image-upload/chara070506_presser_308x194.jpg" border="0" />Who knew Hitler helped bring Chara to the Bruins?  Nice look Dave you ass!  Now get in line.</td></tr></table>

narc

07-07-2006, 06:52 PM

Johnson's going to college rather than play for St. Louis. 
<a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AgXxyH1DRn8n9I_A29xtTKx7vLYF?slug=ap-blues-johnson&prov=ap&type=lgns">http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AgXxyH1DRn8n9I_A29xtTKx7vLYF?slug=ap-blues-johnson&prov=ap&type=lgns</a>
Good for him. I think this is one of the big differences between the NHL and other leagues. But in the interim, it certainly doesn't help the Blues very much. 
What do you think the over/under is on him actually finishing college?

cougarjake13

07-07-2006, 06:54 PM

narc wrote: Johnson's going to college rather than play for St. Louis. <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AgXxyH1DRn8n9I_A29xtTKx7vLYF?slug=ap-blues-johnson&prov=ap&type=lgns">http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AgXxyH1DRn8n9I_A29xtTKx7vLYF?slug=ap-blues-johnson&prov=ap&type=lgns</a>Good for him. I think this is one of the big differences between the NHL and other leagues. But in the interim, it certainly doesn't help the Blues very much. What do you think the over/under is on him actually finishing college? probably 1000 to 1 but im not real good at making bet lines so i could be wrong

cougarjake13

07-09-2006, 11:15 AM

Shanahan leaves Red Wings for Rangersone year deal for 4 mil<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5769418">http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5769418</a><img height="100" src="http://home.comcast.net/~bob80/RFnetCougarJake13.jpg" width="300" border="0" />

spoon

07-09-2006, 03:23 PM

Well it's official, the final few white people in Detroit are leaving fast now!  Wow this has been a tough offseason for Gvac's wings and my Avs.  Not looking good right now.

narc

07-09-2006, 04:06 PM

That actually makes me think less of Shanahan. Is he just going to become Brett Hull and whore himself out year by year to whatever team pays him the most?

Gvac

07-09-2006, 04:15 PM

Jesus.Yzerman retires and now Shanahan bolts.At least we locked up Lidstrom for another 2 years (and Chris Osgood, though I think he's basically done.)There's still quite a bit of young talent on the Wings with Datsyuk and Zetterberg, as well as veterans like Lidstrom and Chelios, but I'm not too optimistic about the 2006-07 season.

cougarjake13

07-11-2006, 03:02 PM

dont know if this is good news or not but Report: Belfour to sign with Wings<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5776058">http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5776058</a>here's his stats for last year Belfour was a mediocre 22-22 last season with a 3.29 goals-against average and .892 save percentage with the Maple Leafs

Gvac

07-11-2006, 03:07 PM

I figured they'd go after Belfour.  He's gotta be around 67 years old by my calculations.  God help us.

cougarjake13

07-11-2006, 03:16 PM

Gvac wrote: I figured they'd go after Belfour.  He's gotta be around 67 years old by my calculations.  God help us. guess they didnt want legace back huh

Gvac

07-11-2006, 03:20 PM

They didn't even make Legace an offer.  He was absolutely awful against Edmonton in the playoffs this year so I guess they figured he'd never be a big game goalie.  I know getting an older Hasek a few years back was a good move but I think Belfour's even more shot than Osgood.

cougarjake13

07-11-2006, 03:22 PM

why didnt they go after gerber or roloson ???

narc

07-12-2006, 01:05 PM

Schedules are out today. Look up your favorite team. We open up against in Carolina. If watching Carolina raise that banner isn't motivation enough, I don't know what will be.... 
Also interestingly enough, the furthest west any team in the Northeast conferece will have to go is St. Louis.
<a href="http://www.nhl.com/schedules/index.html">http://www.nhl.com/schedules/index.html</a>

spoon

07-12-2006, 03:09 PM

I'm shocked they didn't fix the problems that most brought up during the regular season last year.  So they continued to overload the in division matches allowing for weighted win-loss records as witnessed by the Wings and Preds last year.  Sure the Blues, Jackets and Hawks should be better this year, but some division will be weaker and the schedules should be split up more evenly if they rank teams via overall points.  Not to mention that some teams won't ever face each other all year and some teams never get close to one coast or another.  The NHL made more money than ever last year with the highest attendance levels ever as well.  They can't claim financial problems with the travel.  I just don't like it at all.  The closest the Avs come to the area this year is Boston, with Buffalo and Toronto being the next closest two cities.  With teams in NYC, on Long Island, in Philly, in New Jersey and in Washington this is a fucking joke!  Thanks NHL, last year we never saw Crosby and Ovechkin, this year we never see the NYC area.  Good job.

narc

07-12-2006, 03:35 PM

I actually like the way it is now. It is a little more unfair for the Western Conference teams, but that's always been the case. I like a lot of divisional games because those are the teams I hate the most. And I think it's always been the teams you play the most are the teams in your division, so there would always be a problem with that. And as we saw, those teams never do well in the playoffs. It used to be that whoever won the Southeast Division you'd never take seriously because they all sucked, and they'd never do well. Now things have changed, and the Central Division sucks. It's just the way it is. It'll change again.

spoon

07-12-2006, 03:55 PM

Yah but now it's overkill.  Here's the Avs as an example: The Avalanche’s 82-game regular season schedule features 72 contests within the Western Conference, including 32 against the Northwest Division, as well as 10 games against the Eastern Conference. The Avs will play 75 night games versus only seven afternoon contests and will play 30 games on either a Saturday or Sunday (11 at home). In addition to the eight games against Northwest Division opponents Calgary, Edmonton, Minnesota and Vancouver, Colorado will face-off with each of the other Western Conference opponents twice at home and twice on the road. The 2006 Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes (December 11) highlight a slate of Eastern Conference opponents scheduled to visit Pepsi Center. In addition to the Hurricanes, Colorado will also host the Washington Capitals (October 25), Tampa Bay Lightning (January 5), Florida Panthers (February 6) and Atlanta Thrashers (February 8). The Avalanche will travel to Boston, Buffalo, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto to round out its Eastern Conference schedule.  I don't like it at all, and most of the players disliked it too.  The only advantage was that of money and travel.  But fuck that, they make enough to deal with those factors.  Only 10 mixed conf games fucking blows.  64 points up for grabs vs. your own division is fucking myopic at best.  And was it just me or was the devils/ranger battle last year old by the fifth meeting.  Too many games diluted the matchups that are usually great and killed other like Detroit/Avs too.  Also, with the new format team matchups cross conference will only be in town once every three years.  Hence I won't even see the Avs at NJ, NYI, NYR, and PHIL but 3 times a decade!  Fucking awful setup.  They used to play here every year.  With 82 games, every team should play at least once.

docgoblin

07-12-2006, 04:04 PM

I'm an Islanders fan since the team came to be. I think we're in a very bad situation right now. This guy: <img border="0" src="http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1562/yashincopy3oi.jpg" />(Alexei Yashin) has been a bust for the most part. They should have never let Peca go. He was the heart and soul. DiPietro is terribly overrated (or underrated for how bad he is, as Dave might say). It looks like another long season for the Isles... UGGGH! 



This message was edited by docgoblin on 7-12-06 @ 8:06 PM

narc

07-12-2006, 04:27 PM

<hr color="cococo" align="left">spoon wrote: Yah but now it's overkill. Here's the Avs as an example: The Avalanche's 82-game regular season schedule features 72 contests within the Western Conference, including 32 against the Northwest Division, as well as 10 games against the Eastern Conference. The Avs will play 75 night games versus only seven afternoon contests and will play 30 games on either a Saturday or Sunday (11 at home). In addition to the eight games against Northwest Division opponents Calgary, Edmonton, Minnesota and Vancouver, Colorado will face-off with each of the other Western Conference opponents twice at home and twice on the road. The 2006 Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes (December 11) highlight a slate of Eastern Conference opponents scheduled to visit Pepsi Center. In addition to the Hurricanes, Colorado will also host the Washington Capitals (October 25), Tampa Bay Lightning (January 5), Florida Panthers (February 6) and Atlanta Thrashers (February 8). The Avalanche will travel to Boston, Buffalo, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto to round out its Eastern Conference schedule. I don't like it at all, and most of the players disliked it too. The only advantage was that of money and travel. But fuck that, they make enough to deal with those factors. Only 10 mixed conf games fucking blows. 64 points up for grabs vs. your own division is fucking myopic at best. And was it just me or was the devils/ranger battle last year old by the fifth meeting. Too many games diluted the matchups that are usually great and killed other like Detroit/Avs too. Also, with the new format team matchups cross conference will only be in town once every three years. Hence I won't even see the Avs at NJ, NYI, NYR, and PHIL but 3 times a decade! Fucking awful setup. They used to play here every year. With 82 games, every team should play at least once. <hr color="cococo" align="left">
But then before, you'd go 2 or 3 years without playing a team in the Western Conference at all. At least for us. And it would be completely random who that team was. I like this schedule because it was more regular. And from what I've heard most of the Sabres like it too because they don't have to travel and be away from their families for two weeks straight twice a year like they used to have to. 
You sort of have a good point about the conference battles getting a little old. 8 games against Boston got a little dull, but that's only because the Bruins sucked this past year. In contrast, ALL of the games against Toronto and a good portion of those against games against Ottawa were absolute dynamite. 
It's all a matter of perspective.

MHasegawa

07-12-2006, 04:32 PM

I agree with spoon, this type of schedule works just fine if this was football but it doesnt work in hockey. Its an 82 game season and its over saturated with this intra division setup, it takes away for the bad blood between rivals that could be better set up for playoff time or intra games in april, for example I LOVE the battle of Alberta but 8 games against the flamers in the regular season is more than enough, its as annoying as baseballs schedule. 

This message was edited by MHasegawa on 7-12-06 @ 8:33 PM

narc

07-13-2006, 12:33 AM

<hr color="cococo" align="left">MHasegawa wrote: I agree with spoon, this type of schedule works just fine if this was football but it doesnt work in hockey. Its an 82 game season and its over saturated with this intra division setup, it takes away for the bad blood between rivals that could be better set up for playoff time or intra games in april, for example I LOVE the battle of Alberta but 8 games against the flamers in the regular season is more than enough, its as annoying as baseballs schedule. 

This message was edited by MHasegawa on 7-12-06 @ 8:33 PM<hr color="cococo" align="left">
I'm surprised to see you say that about the Battle of Alberta. 
I don't know, I don't think having 8 games against the Sens took anything away from the drama during the playoffs. It made it more like an epic struggle, just to make it over the top. The Sabres went 3-5 against the Senators, being thoroughly outclassed earlier in the year 10-4 and 6-1, but then they started winning really close emotional games towards the end of the year, and then what happened happened in the playoffs. It was like a bad sports cliche and I don't think it would have had quite the drama had their not been the 8 games during the regular season to have that play out. 
And I know the Toronto fans absolutely live for those games against the Canadiens and the Sens because those are both such huge rivalries. I mean, Toronto-Montreal in hockey has the same history and lore as Boston-New York does in the AL East. I can't imagine those two teams not playing at least eight games against each other. I can see other conferences not being as into it. Especially in the west. Like who in Phoenix really would care about playing Dallas 8 times or L.A. 8 times? Not that people in Phoenix care about hockey much anyway. But at least in the Northeast Division it really works well I think. And it could work in other divisions too. Detroit-Chicago has as much lore as Toronto-Montreal, but then Chicago has Bill Wirtz to deal with. I'd really like to see that rivalry come back once he finally kicks the bucket.

spoon

07-13-2006, 12:51 AM

Let's be fair, the Sens always find a way to suck in the playoffs.  Right Marc!

Gvac

07-13-2006, 02:34 AM

Is this schedule for real?  What a crock of shit.  Just look at this one stretch on the Wings' sched -<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="3" border="1" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><tr><td>Dec 18 2006, Mon</td>
<td>AWAY</td>
<td>Columbus</td>

<td>7:00 PM EST</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec 20 2006, Wed</td>
<td>HOME</td>
<td>Columbus</td>

<td>7:30 PM EST</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec 22 2006, Fri</td>
<td>HOME</td>
<td>Minnesota</td>

<td>7:30 PM EST</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec 23 2006, Sat</td>
<td>AWAY</td>
<td>Minnesota</td>

<td>8:00 PM EST</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec 27 2006, Wed</td>
<td>HOME</td>
<td>Minnesota</td>

<td>7:30 PM EST</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec 28 2006, Thur</td>
<td>AWAY</td>
<td>Columbus</td>

<td>7:00 PM EST</td></tr></table>

spoon

07-13-2006, 02:53 AM

Merry Christmas Detroit!  Here's at least 8 out of 12 possible points for the holidays.

This message was edited by spoon on 7-13-06 @ 6:54 AM

nate1000

07-13-2006, 06:47 AM

The free agent market is out of control- teams are paying WAY too much for some of these players. I think we are going to see some teams get fucked this year by not having enough depth and having too much invested in a couple of key players. Sooner or later the injury bug gets every team. It's a long season.

nate1000

07-13-2006, 06:48 AM

BTW 18 posts since October 2005- I creep myself out with my own lurking. I hereby vow to be more funny.

Freakshow

07-13-2006, 07:29 AM

We got our Zednik back!

<a target='blank' href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/12/AR2006071201459.html>Caps trade for Zednik</a>

WhistlePig

07-13-2006, 08:38 AM

Freakshow wrote: We got our Zednik back!

<a target='blank' href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/
2006/07/12/AR2006071201459.html>Caps trade for Zednik</a>

You beat me to posting this. Woo Hoo! Zednik is back!

narc

07-13-2006, 02:26 PM

My question is if Legace is going to go to Florida like everyone says. I've also heard St. Louis is interested. 
I'm not sure that's a great idea by the Wings. Belfour looked terrible last year - old and slow, and his game is not suited to the new NHL. I say this every year, but this could be the year the Wings finally fall off their pace. Although they still do have Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Lidstrom.

spoon

07-13-2006, 02:47 PM

I say they have nowhere else to go in the regular season standings, but losing Y and Shanny can only hurt.  Not to mention Legace is a great regular season goalie, just not big in the playoffs (obviously important).  Sure the Wings have some good players remaining but they'll lack the overall leadership which they once had with the likes of the two that have gone and Chelios.  Now they only have him to help lead a huge group of young Swedes and few Russians.  The biggest hit they'll take this year is that Chicago and St. Louis have upgraded tremendously, while the young Blue Jacket team will be much improved with a healthy superstar (Nash) and Foote on D.  Not to mention that the Preds aren't that bad, just not as good as this division made them out to be last year.  So all in all this year will certainly be a tougher one for the wings, but is it all enough to knock them out of the playoff hunt?  I doubt it. 

El Mudo

07-13-2006, 04:44 PM

Chicago could be dangerous too in that division...they just got Havlat, and Khabibulin did win a cup in Tampa

Although their biggest obstacle is still Bill Wirtz

El Mudo

07-13-2006, 04:46 PM

By the way, if you don't know who Bill Wirtz is, he's probably the most evil person in the entire history of sports

<a target='blank' href=http://www.careermisconduct.com/>http://www.careermisconduct.com/</a>

cougarjake13

07-16-2006, 01:13 PM

looks like dallas might sign eric lindroshe had 22 points in 33 games for toronto last year not bad but with being concussion prone its always a risk to sign him<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5789352">http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5789352</a><img height="100" src="http://home.comcast.net/~bob80/RFnetCougarJake13.jpg" width="300" border="0" />

spoon

07-16-2006, 03:32 PM

Yah, he might fuck your team captain's wife!

narc

07-18-2006, 01:05 PM

Garth Fucking Snow? What? Really? Okay. Just glad I'm not an Isles fan. <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=Au_cuZlNUPyKGoQIbwtmS3Q5nYcB?slug=ap-islanders-smithfired&prov=ap&type=lgns">http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=Au_cuZlNUPyKGoQIbwtmS3Q5nYcB?slug=ap-islanders-smithfired&prov=ap&type=lgns</a>

terry1979

07-18-2006, 01:07 PM

Wang definitely got his "yes" man.....PAAAAATHETIC!

HBox

07-18-2006, 01:12 PM

Wasn't Garth Snow the guy who was driven to tears during an arbitration hearing with the Islanders?

Tenbatsuzen

07-18-2006, 02:07 PM

spoon wrote: Yah, he might fuck your team captain's wife!   Wasn't it the other way around?  Lindros fucked Brin'damour's wife?

TheGameHHH

07-18-2006, 03:20 PM

I read in the Star Ledger today that the Devils probably won't be keeping Gomez. They are heading to arbitration on friday, and it appears that if the arbitor rules on the side of Gomez the Devils will conduct a sign and trade. If the arbitor rules towards the Devils then he'll stay the season. I'm really pulling for the Devils on this one, I wanna continue to work with Gomez's hot ass girlfriend.

Snoogans

07-18-2006, 04:39 PM

It coulda been worse, coulda been Grant Fuhr. Cause we all know blacks lack the mental capacity to hold front office positions. On a serious note, Isiah Thomas is doing everything he can to prove Al Campanis right

narc

07-19-2006, 05:40 PM

Let's just hope for the Islander's sake that Garth Snow is as good at GMing as he is at getting girls to kiss in LI bars. Hot pics to follow:
 
<img src="http://www.deadspin.com/sports/upload/2006/07/snow1.jpg" 
<img src="http://www.deadspin.com/sports/upload/2006/07/snow2.jpg"

MHasegawa

07-25-2006, 09:29 PM

HEMSKY SIGNS FOR 6 YEARS, BITCH!!!

AppleBoy

07-26-2006, 06:16 AM

Scott Gomez was awarded a one year, $5 million contract through arbitration.  Now the Devils have 48 hours to sign him or else he becomes an unrestricted free agent.  This wouldn't be much of a problem if the Devils didn't have $7.1 million count against the cap for Mogilny and Malakhov.  When Lou fucks up, he fucks up big time.

keithy_19

07-26-2006, 03:40 PM

How much did the Devils offer Gomez?

TheGameHHH

07-26-2006, 03:58 PM

The Devils offered 4, Gomez countered with 7. I'm really hoping they'll be able to snag him for 5 mil. I think anything over that was Lou's threshold.

AppleBoy

07-27-2006, 09:15 AM

<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2531331" target="_blank">Looks like the Devils will sign Gomez after all.</a> It will put them over the cap and they have yet to sign Gionta and Martin.  Fun times ahead. <img src="http://www.ronfez.net/messageboard/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/wacko.gif" border="0" />

TheGameHHH

07-27-2006, 11:28 AM

Gionta has gotta stay, I like Paul Martin but I wouldn't really care if he left. Sick shit about Gomez, he's a great player.

narc

07-30-2006, 12:12 PM

Sabres are having similar problems to the Devs. Probably will only be able to keep Briere or Afinogenov but not both. I'm hoping they keep Briere, even though paying 5 million for him is outrageous.

Gvac

07-31-2006, 12:59 PM

The Wings signed Hasek today.  I guess with Stevie Y retiring they felt they needed another 40+ player on the roster to keep Chelios company.  I'm fearing next season.

narc

09-02-2006, 10:02 AM

J.P. Dumont is now a Predator....looks like I'll have to find a new daddy.

cougarjake13

09-08-2006, 06:21 AM

anyone setting up a fantasy hockey league on yahoo ???

Fallon

09-12-2006, 10:39 AM

UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Rick DiPietro re-signed with the <a title="Related information on New York Islanders" href="http://search.news.yahoo.com/search/news/?p=New+York+Islanders" onclick="activateYQinl(this);return false;">New York Islanders</a> on Tuesday, agreeing to a record 15-year deal that will pay the No. 1 goalie $67.5 million. Idiots.

HBox

09-12-2006, 10:44 AM

Fallon wrote: UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Rick DiPietro re-signed with the <a href="http://search.news.yahoo.com/search/news/?p=New+York+Islanders" title="Related information on New York Islanders" onclick="activateYQinl(this);return false;">New York Islanders</a> on Tuesday, agreeing to a record 15-year deal that will pay the No. 1 goalie $67.5 million. Idiots.  <img width="138" height="118" border="0" src="http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/5658/ohshit2lh7.gif" />

AppleBoy

09-12-2006, 11:08 AM

Fallon wrote: UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Rick DiPietro re-signed with the <a title="Related information on New York Islanders" href="http://search.news.yahoo.com/search/news/?p=New+York+Islanders" onclick="activateYQinl(this);return false;">New York Islanders</a> on Tuesday, agreeing to a record 15-year deal that will pay the No. 1 goalie $67.5 million.  If anyone ever needed any proof that it's Charlie Wang making all the dipshit moves, there it is.

mendyweiss

09-12-2006, 11:45 AM

AppleBoy wrote: Fallon wrote: UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Rick DiPietro re-signed with the <a title="Related information on New York Islanders" href="http://search.news.yahoo.com/search/news/?p=New+York+Islanders" onclick="activateYQinl(this);return false;">New York Islanders</a> on Tuesday, agreeing to a record 15-year deal that will pay the No. 1 goalie $67.5 million.  If anyone ever needed any proof that it's Charlie Wang making all the dipshit moves, there it is.How the hell did that Chinaman become a billionaire?

cougarjake13

09-12-2006, 02:26 PM

mendyweiss wrote: AppleBoy wrote: Fallon wrote: UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Rick DiPietro re-signed with the <a title="Related information on New York Islanders" href="http://search.news.yahoo.com/search/news/?p=New+York+Islanders" onclick="activateYQinl(this);return false;">New York Islanders</a> on Tuesday, agreeing to a record 15-year deal that will pay the No. 1 goalie $67.5 million.  If anyone ever needed any proof that it's Charlie Wang making all the dipshit moves, there it is.How the hell did that Chinaman become a billionaire?he invented fortune cookies

lleeder

09-12-2006, 03:18 PM

cougarjake13 wrote: mendyweiss wrote: AppleBoy wrote: Fallon wrote: UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Rick DiPietro re-signed with the <a title="Related information on New York Islanders" href="http://search.news.yahoo.com/search/news/?p=New+York+Islanders" onclick="activateYQinl(this);return false;">New York Islanders</a> on Tuesday, agreeing to a record 15-year deal that will pay the No. 1 goalie $67.5 million.  If anyone ever needed any proof that it's Charlie Wang making all the dipshit moves, there it is.How the hell did that Chinaman become a billionaire?he invented fortune cookiesAll I have to say about this deal is : Worst Episode Ever

spoon

09-12-2006, 04:43 PM

That simply can't be real can it???  Fucking crazy.

narc

09-12-2006, 07:58 PM

Di Pietro will be 40 in 15 years. If he has a career ending injury before then...well, let's just hope they have an out in their contract for that. I think they did this to send a message: that we're utterly retarded.

spoon

09-12-2006, 08:01 PM

Message heard loud and clear!

This message was edited by spoon on 9-13-06 @ 12:01 AM

soupcan

09-12-2006, 08:17 PM

is this how dumbass clubs r gonna get around the salary cap now?    <img width="336" height="210" border="0" src="http://www.okpatents.com/phosita/images/angry.jpg" />

Fallon

09-12-2006, 08:18 PM

narc wrote: Di Pietro will be 40 in 15 years. If he has a career ending injury before then...well, let's just hope they have an out in their contract for that. I think they did this to send a message: that we're utterly retarded.   The contract is guaranteed. DiPietro will be paid in full should he retire
because of injury; if he ends his career otherwise before the deal expires, he
would forfeit the remaining dollars. <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-islanders-dipietro&prov=ap&type=lgns" target="_blank">-Story</a>

spoon

09-12-2006, 08:20 PM

One must say, he has one hell of an agent.  Even if it means he's stuck on the Island for 15 years, it's way more than he's worth right now, let alone 10 years down the road.

narc

09-12-2006, 08:27 PM

<hr color="cococo" align="left">Fallon wrote: narc wrote: Di Pietro will be 40 in 15 years. If he has a career ending injury before then...well, let's just hope they have an out in their contract for that. I think they did this to send a message: that we're utterly retarded. The contract is guaranteed. DiPietro will be paid in full should he retire
because of injury; if he ends his career otherwise before the deal expires, he
would forfeit the remaining dollars. <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-islanders-dipietro&prov=ap&type=lgns" target="_blank">-Story</a> <hr color="cococo" align="left">

So he gets $67 million if he has to retire because of injury next year. Christ, the Islanders are dumb.

Fallon

09-12-2006, 09:11 PM

narc wrote: Fallon wrote: narc wrote: Di Pietro will be 40 in 15 years. If he has a career ending injury before then...well, let's just hope they have an out in their contract for that. I think they did this to send a message: that we're utterly retarded. The contract is guaranteed. DiPietro will be paid in full should he retire
because of injury; if he ends his career otherwise before the deal expires, he
would forfeit the remaining dollars. <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-islanders-dipietro&prov=ap&type=lgns">-Story</a>  

So he gets $67 million if he has to retire because of injury next year. Christ, the Islanders are dumb.   Same team that signed Yashin for 10 years.

Tenbatsuzen

09-12-2006, 09:18 PM

I'm still trying to figure out which move was more stupid on the Islanders part - Snow to GM or the 15 year deal.  I mean... 15 fuck years?  In a league with a Salary Cap?  Are they INSANE?   I find it amazing that the Rangers succeeded in spite of Nolan and Sathier last year, but I'm not sure if they're gonna do as well again.  Time will tell.

Fallon

09-16-2006, 05:07 PM

New Sabers Jerseys.<img width="600" height="466" border="0" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/f5/full.getty-71899849rs006_sabres_prac_5_04_40_pm.jpg" />   <img width="600" height="468" border="0" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/32/full.getty-71899849rs005_sabres_prac_5_04_10_pm.jpg" />

JesterOfSadness

09-16-2006, 05:55 PM

The jerseys dont look that bad, though at first glance I thought it was the Predators jersey. *shrug*

furie

09-16-2006, 06:00 PM

<hr color="cococo" align="left">lleeder wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: mendyweiss wrote: AppleBoy wrote: Fallon wrote: UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Rick DiPietro re-signed with the <a title="Related information on New York Islanders" href="http://search.news.yahoo.com/search/news/?p=New+York+Islanders" onclick="activateYQinl(this);return false;">New York Islanders</a> on Tuesday, agreeing to a record 15-year deal that will pay the No. 1 goalie $67.5 million. If anyone ever needed any proof that it's Charlie Wang making all the dipshit moves, there it is.How the hell did that Chinaman become a billionaire?he invented fortune cookiesAll I have to say about this deal is : Worst Episode Ever<hr color="cococo" align="left">

i must agree. so we got this kid till he's 40? I like DiPietro, but Jesus.

This message was edited by furie on 9-16-06 @ 10:01 PM

narc

09-17-2006, 12:33 PM

There was a better Sabres jersey on the internet that they didn't choose. There are some people who hate it though a lot more than I do, though.

narc

09-17-2006, 10:40 PM

Pre-season started last night. Are you ready?

This message was edited by narc on 9-18-06 @ 3:20 AM

Kevin

09-17-2006, 10:56 PM

narc wrote: Pre-season starts tonight. Are you ready? <img height="200" src="http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Backstage/1687/WWF/hhh.jpg" width="171" border="0" /> I SAID ARRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE YOUUUUUUUUU RRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDYYYYYYY YYYY.

Fallon

09-17-2006, 11:09 PM

The Devils beat my B's 5-0 yesterday, so no, we're not ready!<img width="240" height="180" border="0" src="http://www.obsessedwithwrestling.com/pictures/t/tripleh/42.jpg" />

El Mudo

09-20-2006, 05:24 PM

Now you see Evgeni Malkin...      Now you don't... 
MONCTON, New Brunswick -- <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=3638">Evgeni Malkin</a> was injured during
his first NHL preseason game Wednesday night when he collided with
<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=pit">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> teammate <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=756">John LeClair</a> early in the second period against Philadelphia.
 The rookie Russian center was taken to a hospital for further
evaluation, the team announced. Penguins veteran winger <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=11">Mark Recchi</a>
also was sent to hospital after he was hit with a high stick in the
first period.
Malkin had just finished making a dazzling pass to LeClair when
the veteran winger, after missing a great scoring chance, crashed
into the boards behind the net and took out Malkin in the process.
The Russian rookie catapulted over LeClair and landed hard on the
ice.
 
  http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2596541