Slingshot Suplex 0 Report post Posted February 22, 2004 At least the Flyers have won the Cup............St Louis doesn't even have that claim. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted February 22, 2004 Ottawa is FINALLY back in solo first in the Eastern Conference with a 6-3 win over Pittsburgh today. Pittsburgh, incidentally, lost a record-setting 18th straight game, but won't get the NHL record because the streak includes an overtime loss. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treble 0 Report post Posted February 23, 2004 Well, maybe they want to set the record so they'll keep losing some more. I really hope that this shitty team doesn't hurt Ed Olcyzk's future as the team's coach, but I think that Mario realizes that Scotty Bowman couldn't win shit with that team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
starvenger 0 Report post Posted February 23, 2004 Ottawa is FINALLY back in solo first in the Eastern Conference with a 6-3 win over Pittsburgh today. Pittsburgh, incidentally, lost a record-setting 18th straight game, but won't get the NHL record because the streak includes an overtime loss. Talk about a logjam for first overall. 6 teams within 3 points of the Sens. And Tampa has 74 points, so at least they're making their automatic 3rd seed look respectable, weak division notwithstanding. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted February 23, 2004 If the Bruins can't finish first or second overall in the East, then I want them to fall to #6. Playing the Lightning sounds better to me than having to face either NJ, Toronto, Philly or Ottawa. I think that the winner of the Northeast will finish #1 (most likely Ottawa, especially if Belfour takes much longer to get 100%) and that Philly will win their division to finish #2. Tampa will take #3, and then it'd the 3-way race between Boston, Toronto and Jersey. I'd rather face TB then either the Leafs or the Devils, and the Bruins have been better on the road than they have been in Boston, so losing home ice wouldn't ruin my day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Baron 0 Report post Posted February 23, 2004 My habs are struggling. This is what happens when spreading your lines to thin, and it showed at the Leaf/Habs game. (Dackell, Begin, Sundstrom) But hey, I was at the leaf/habs game that night, and my legs were shaking when montreal was down by one. I got some great pics of the rivet/marchment fight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted February 23, 2004 If the Bruins can't finish first or second overall in the East, then I want them to fall to #6. Playing the Lightning sounds better to me than having to face either NJ, Toronto, Philly or Ottawa. I think that the winner of the Northeast will finish #1 (most likely Ottawa, especially if Belfour takes much longer to get 100%) and that Philly will win their division to finish #2. Tampa will take #3, and then it'd the 3-way race between Boston, Toronto and Jersey. I'd rather face TB then either the Leafs or the Devils, and the Bruins have been better on the road than they have been in Boston, so losing home ice wouldn't ruin my day. Earlier in the season, I would've said that as well, but Tampa Bay is playing far too well now to not take them seriously as a 3 seed. Probably the weakest of the top 6 come playoff time will be Philadelphia...that's who I would want to face. And I think they can definitely be caught by New Jersey. Of course, I don't think the 7 and 8 seeds will be real slouches, either. Ain't no way I would want to face Buffalo in round 1. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted February 23, 2004 The way that I view the East shaping up (subject to change as trades and injuries occur) ... 1) Ottawa - the Bondra trade will really help them. If Lalime plays as well as he's capable of, this team will have no excuse not to win the East. 2) New Jersey - got hit hard by the injury bug, and then got lucky that the Flyers had injuries which bit their balls even harder. Brodeur has the experience to carry this team deep into the playoffs, and most likely will. 3) Tampa Bay - good team, but not one that I'm entirely frightened of. Has a good scoring line, but if a team can shut down that one line, might not have enough to win a big series. Plus, Grahame and the Bhulin Wall aren't going to win you a Stanley Cup. 4) Boston - Raycroft is the best goalie that the B's have had in years, and if he can continue to play the way that he's been playing, the Bruins will have a chance of winning their first playoff series in 6 years. They need more than one line to step up (if the other team's top defensive unit shuts down Murray-Thornton-Knuble, the B's are fucked if Ralston, Samsonov, Bergeron, etc don't pick it up) 5) Toronto - only the uncertainty of Belfour's health is keeping them from the top spot right now. Plus, too many teams have bad-blood with the Leafs (Isles, Sens, Flyers) making series seem longer and more drawn out, and that could come back to haunt a team that's definitely not young. 6) Philly - questionable goaltending and untimely injuries will hurt Philly. Until proven otherwise, Burke & Esche are NOT Cup-caliber goalies in my eyes. How long until Bobby Clarke makes the one move that might bring his city a Cup: relieving himself of his duties? 7) New York (Islanders) - always seem to play above their heads come playoff time. Could surprise a team in round one, but really isn't deep enough or skilled enough to make a run for the Cup. Definitely a team that no one would want to face in the first round. 8)Buffalo - if Montreal was playing better, I'd have them in this spot, and I truthfully wouldn't be surprised to see the Habs keep a hold on this last spot. If it's Montreal, they'd better hope that Theodore stands on his head again ... and even then, I don't think they have enough to win a round. Montreal would be eliminated in 5, the Sabres in 7. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted February 23, 2004 nl5, I like the possibility of Boston v. Toronto in the first round. It means that both teams will play will more fire so as to avoid being seen as failures. Other than that, I don't want Ottawa meeting Buffalo in the first round. With Atlanta fading, Buffalo seems to be that upset-minded team that could do some damage (ie, Minnesota last year). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Baron 0 Report post Posted February 23, 2004 If the Habs make the playoffs, Montreal will make it to the conference finals. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treble 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 They just said on HNIC that Washington wants Alexander Steen (prospect playing in Sweden [or somewhere else in Europe]) and Matt Stajan from Toronto for Gonchar. I REALLY don't want the Leafs to give up Stajan, even for someone like Gonchar. You think Washington would take Robert Reichel instead? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Baron 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 Toronto should give a 2nd rounder and Reichal/Renberg (which ever is cheaper) for Gonchar Habs win an important game BTW Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 Edmonton leads Detroit 1-0 as we wrap up the second. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 I want to hug the Carolina Hurricanes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 I want to abolish the Carolina Hurricanes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 I want to abolish the Carolina Hurricanes. OK, but not before the Senators get a win against them on March 20. 1-1 tie in Edmonton. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Baron 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 Toronto is hurting. Its when the games against Carolina they can't afford to lose points Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treble 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 Oh well, at least Boston lost tonight, too. Anyway, I've also heard that the Caps want some of the Leafs defence prospects in a trade for Gonchar and one name someone told me was Coliacovo. The Leafs have a lot of depth in their system in terms of defencemen, so giving up someone like a Coliacovo for Gonchar would be fine by me. Just don't trade Stajan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Baron 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 I can see Coliacovo going because Toronto doesn't use him. I was watchin Sportsnet, and what about Jason Smith from Edmonton? He'd fit in Toronto pretty good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 Wouldn't the Leafs be better off getting a defenseman who can, you know, play defense? They have enough offensive defensemen already. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 It's funny, I read what fans of other teams would want (or be willing to give up) in a trade ... and I can't join in. Being a fan of a team that's completely unwilling to pull the trigger on a big move at the deadline SUCKS. The newest Hockey News speculates that the Blues might be willing to move Pronger (both Weight and Tkachuk have no-trade clauses) so I spent a few minutes thinking how great it'd be to get one of the best D-men in the league in time for the stretch run and playoffs. And then laughed and laughed at the mere idea that the B's would even pretend to pick up a player of his caliber. Maybe the #6 d-man on the Blue Jackets is available. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
starvenger 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 I was watchin Sportsnet, and what about Jason Smith from Edmonton? He'd fit in Toronto pretty good. Well, they just reacquired Berehowsky, they might as well get Smith back too. Stajan I think is probably the Leafs' current "can't miss" youngster on the team right now, so I don't see him going anywhere. Maybe we can trade Domi for someone useful... Wouldn't the Leafs be better off getting a defenseman who can, you know, play defense? They have enough offensive defensemen already. If they started shoring up the defence, then the Toronto media would have less material to bitch about... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treble 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 I don't think Smith would want to play in Toronto because there's some bad blood or something from when he played there before. As for other defencemen, they could probably pick up a stay-at-home type of guy for cheap at the deadline from some team looking to drop payroll. Apparently Gonchar wants to play in Toronto, so hopefully that works in the Leafs favour as the Washington brass might let Gonchar have a say in where he goes because of what he's done for the team over the years. Oh, and on the Hotstove on HNIC on Saturday they said that the Bruins might pick up Ron Francis if him and Carolina decide on whether or not he wants to be traded. He'd be a good guy to have around. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 Oh, and on the Hotstove on HNIC on Saturday they said that the Bruins might pick up Ron Francis if him and Carolina decide on whether or not he wants to be traded. He'd be a good guy to have around. How often is the hotstove accurate? I don't get to catch HNIC enough to know, but I know that a lot of the rumors that you hear in the States never come to fruition. If that trade came true (and the B's didn't have to give up too much) I'd be unbelievably excited. Yes, Ronnie Franchise isn't have the best year of his career statistically, but it would provide more depth at center, give the team a very good face-off man, he'd be a great leader in the locker room, and he's been deep in the playoffs before. If the Bruins could pick up Francis, and if Travis Green ever gets healthy, the team could have 4 legitimate scoring lines for the first time in years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Baron 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 Gonchar and Klee would be a solid defensive pairing. BTW is Klee hurt from Saturday game, taking a puck off the foot? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treble 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 Klee played last night, so I guess he's ok. And Bobby Francis and Joel Quenville bite the dust today. Both stupid moves in my eyes, especially the Quenville firing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2004 I hope St. Louis' streak is over now. What a stupid move. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted February 25, 2004 http://tsn.ca/news_story.asp?ID=73652&hubName=main Glen Sather has decided to step down as the Rangers head coach. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted February 25, 2004 How quickly until Quenneville gets hired somewhere else? With him and Paul Maurice both available, it looks like the Rangers might be able to get someone decent to replace Slats as the head coach. (while we're talking, wouldn't someone like Ted Nolan be PERFECT in New York? Talk abut someone that deserves another chance to be the coach somewhere). And the news in Boston is that both the B's and Canes are denying the Francis to Boston rumors. But the new rumor is that the Bruins would trade Samuelsson, Jillson, and a #1 pick for Gonchar. While it's more than I'd like to see go for a short-time player, it'd allow the team to pick up a good player without sacrificing anything from the starting lineup. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted February 25, 2004 I wouldn't want to give up Jillson. Samuelsson wouldn't be a bad loss, but Jillson is still young and is improving. I'm thinking that Quenville will probably end up in New York. Bob Francis is better suited for a young team. If Florida needed a coach, they could go get him, but John Torchetti has done very well for the Panthers, improving their PK unit drastically. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
