The OAO NHL 2003-2004 Season Thread

[Lightning Flik 0]

I thought Roman Turkey had been pretty hot as of late and was doing well but whatever

Meh... I haven't recently seen what he can do.

 

However, I was more impressed with Kippy than Turkey.

[The Czech Republic 0]

I thought Roman Turkey had been pretty hot as of late and was doing well but whatever

Meh... I haven't recently seen what he can do.

 

However, I was more impressed with Kippy than Turkey.

I meant Turek. Turkey just seems to flow off the fingers so well. Maybe it's because it's because I haven't eaten in seven hours?

[Lightning Flik 0]

I thought Roman Turkey had been pretty hot as of late and was doing well but whatever

Meh... I haven't recently seen what he can do.

 

However, I was more impressed with Kippy than Turkey.

I meant Turek. Turkey just seems to flow off the fingers so well. Maybe it's because it's because I haven't eaten in seven hours?

Nah, I like the nickname.

 

The Flaming Kippy-Turkey Combo will definitely help Calgary win the Cup this year.

 

...damn, that wasn't very punny at all.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Who's in net for the Oilers these days? Conklin and who else?

[Lightning Flik 0]

Who's in net for the Oilers these days? Conklin and who else?

It's Ty Conklin and Jussi Markannen (who came back to us apparently)...

 

I don't get WHY we traded back for Jussi if we got rid of him in the first place, but whatever...

 

I think Conklin will get the nod for starter though, just because he has shown (when Salo was injuried) that he was good enough to be starter.

 

...sadly, I don't know if that'll be enough to get us into the playoffs this season or next. Hopefully so, but not really sure.

[Brush with Greatness 0]

So just out of curiousity, what were peoples thoughts on the Fernandez-Roloson combo last year?

 

Are either of those guys Cup calibre goalies? Yet, they managed to take the least talented team in the playoffs to the conference finals.

 

With that said, and despite some doubters, the two goalie system can (not always) be effective in the playoffs. Not only that, but with such an even keel amongst goalies and so few goalies who actually have cup credentials, the two goalie system in the playoffs is without a doubt the wave of the future.

 

How well the system works is all dependant upon the coaching and the personalities of the goaltenders involved. The coach needs to know how to play the goalies off of each other to reach their maximum potential in the playoffs.

 

Speaking of goalies, I find it kind of sad that Luongo is going to get fucked out of the Hart trophy this year because coaching and management felt that Steve Shields should actually earn some of his 1.2 million pay cheque early in the season. With Luongo playing the games that Shields shit the bag, Florida would be in a playoff spot right now.

 

Also, when talking about the unproven goalies that are going to step up their game this year and carry their teams, there must also be some unproven goalies who will crash and burn.

 

So obviously again, all the guys mentioned that could step up: Rycroft, Kiprusoff, Esche, Aebischer, or Vokoun all could be possible contenders for the old collapse.

Who does everyone think will fall apart come crunch time?

[CanadianChris 0]

A nice link, for all you who couldn't see the CBC broadcast the first time around...

 

http://www.cbcshop.ca/CBC/shopping/product...iant_ID=33919E)

[nl5xsk1 0]

So just out of curiousity, what were peoples thoughts on the Fernandez-Roloson combo last year?

 

Are either of those guys Cup calibre goalies? Yet, they managed to take the least talented team in the playoffs to the conference finals.

 

With that said, and despite some doubters, the two goalie system can (not always) be effective in the playoffs. Not only that, but with such an even keel amongst goalies and so few goalies who actually have cup credentials, the two goalie system in the playoffs is without a doubt the wave of the future.

 

(snip)

 

Also, when talking about the unproven goalies that are going to step up their game this year and carry their teams, there must also be some unproven goalies who will crash and burn.

 

So obviously again, all the guys mentioned that could step up: Rycroft, Kiprusoff, Esche, Aebischer, or Vokoun all could be possible contenders for the old collapse.

Who does everyone think will fall apart come crunch time?

I don't think the two goalie system works as well in the postseason as it does in the regular season. When was the last time a team won the Cup without a true #1 netminder? (I was going to say Detroit a few years ago, but I think that either Vernon or Osgood would play most of the playoff minutes, so it wasn't a true two goalie system once they got to the postseason). And until either Roloson or Fernandez wins a few playoff series on their own (not sharing time) I'd have a hard time recognizing either as Cup-caliber goalies.

 

And out of the unproven netminders:

 

Raycroft: should do well, shouldn't really be viewed as a rookie and has played well in big games this year.

Kiprusoff: should do well, something about him just gives me the impression that he could hold his own in a tough playoff series.

Esche: I'm thinking that he won't do well. My guess is that we'll see Burke the first time that Esche has a bad game or period.

Aebischer: should do very well, doesn't have much pressure because of the offensive and defensive strength in front of him

Vokoun: won't do well. The same way that Kiprusoff gives me the impression that he'll succeed, Tomas gives me the impression that he won't.

[Lightning Flik 0]

First to get it out of the way, I'll just say that two goalie system can work, but it is rare and you practically need the two goalies to be best of buddies so that when the other one jumps in, it isn't the goalie who was replaced thinking, "dammit, I did pretty damn shitty." But rather "ok, I fucked up, I'm not doing so great, however, I know my pal can get the job done for tonight. I'll back him up and bail him out when he needs it."

 

However to get the above to happen is RARE. I think the only place that it could've happen was with Roy and Aebisher, since it was a student and teacher relationship going there.

 

 

As for unprovens, I slightly disagree with nl.

 

Raycroft: Will do pretty damn great, probably carry his team on his back to the third round. If he gets the team mostly behind him.

 

Kiprusoff: Kippy is pretty much going to take the Flames far into the playoffs. I wouldn't be ashamed to say that Kippy could take them as far as the Stanley Cup. He's really coming into his own and showing off greatness. Considering what the Flames gave up to get Kippy, I bet the Sharks are kicking themselves in the asses. This guy's for real.

 

Esche: I think he'll do good. He'll win a series at least to show he's reliable, but I have a feeling that he'll get pulled just because it is the freaking Flyers and they don't have mighty aspirations about their goalies.

 

Aebisher: I think he's learned a hell of a lot from Roy and has shown that he can be dependable. My only worry was Colorado picking up Salo. I'm kinda feeling the same way I do with Esche, he flops just once, he'll be out till Salo fucks up.

 

Vokoun: If the Preds get into the playoffs, I can see Vokoun doing some good things. I don't think he's as bad as everyone makes out, but at the same time, he isn't ready to get them far just yet. I can see him stretching a series out for a long time before a collapse (probably game 7).

 

Conklin & Markannen: Why do I included these two? You never know, we might see them. Whilst Conklin has shown that he is dependable and clearly good enough to be a starter, Markannen is just about as good and frankly, we might see a Wild Goalie Situation here where the Oil use both goalies to backstop the nets. It'll be interesting to see who they choose and who they go with.

[The Czech Republic 0]

OILERS BEAT PREDATORS.

 

A few pertinent games against St. Louis and L.A., even Dallas, remain on the schedule, and if they pick up regulation wins against those teams, we'll see all of Canada in April.

[LaParkaMarka 0]

Anyone see Belak swing his stick like a broadsword at an Avs player tonight? He gets five and the game for attempt to injure, and the Avs score twice on the ensuing power play.

 

As far as I know, he isn't a repeat offender, so his suspension shouldn't be too bad. But the guy should still get suspended.

[Guest AllCanadian]

Anyone see Belak swing his stick like a broadsword at an Avs player tonight? He gets five and the game for attempt to injure, and the Avs score twice on the ensuing power play.

 

As far as I know, he isn't a repeat offender, so his suspension shouldn't be too bad. But the guy should still get suspended.

It was a match penalty to he's gotta face Cambell Monday morning. Considering there was no real injury and the fact he plays for the leafs(which is BS) he'll only get 2 games.

[treble 0]

Oh please, his suspension would be the same no matter what team he played for. He'll get at least 2 games, maybe more. No big loss either way.

[LaParkaMarka 0]

Anyone see Belak swing his stick like a broadsword at an Avs player tonight? He gets five and the game for attempt to injure, and the Avs score twice on the ensuing power play.

 

As far as I know, he isn't a repeat offender, so his suspension shouldn't be too bad. But the guy should still get suspended.

It was a match penalty to he's gotta face Cambell Monday morning. Considering there was no real injury and the fact he plays for the leafs(which is BS) he'll only get 2 games.

That's crap. If they really want to cut down on things like the Bertuzzi incident, they need to enforce appropriate sentences regardless of whether or not the victim was actually injured. If Belak hit him below his visor, the guy could have been really hurt.

 

You're right though...the NHL probably won't do very much beyond a couple of games. It's sad. I guess you only really get punished if you succeed in injuring someone. Attempt to injure isn't nearly as bad. And this is why this crackdown on violence or whatever won't have any effect. This Bertuzzi thing will die down, and five years down the road another player will get seriously injured by a cheap shot.

[The Czech Republic 0]

As April approaches, we need widespread usage of my new banner.

[Red Baron 0]

Belak should get the rest of the season for this incident if the league wants to set an example, but Belak will probably get between 2-4 games, IMO

[Guest AllCanadian]

OMG Daryl Suter is officialy my favorite coach in hockey. Putting out the goons with 2.7 or whatever seconds left brilliant!!. Trotz is regretting not matching with Tooto and Stevenson.

[Spaceman Spiff 0]

Esche: I'm thinking that he won't do well. My guess is that we'll see Burke the first time that Esche has a bad game or period.

Not a chance. Burke is purely a back up, and the only way we see him play is if Esche completely flames out (i.e. Flyers lose 2 games back-to-back by being blown out). If Burke is bewteen the pipes, then the Flyers are done.

[nl5xsk1 0]

After watching both Lightning games this weekend, let me reiterate my statements that they'll be lucky to get past round one, and if they do beat the Isles (or Sabres) then they'll be eliminated in the second round. They looked great in getting a 3-0 lead against the Bruins, but then showed absolutely no killer instinct in letting the B's come back and tie it. And Vinny Lecavalier looked HORRIBLE in getting not one, but two Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalties. And, after choking a game away to Boston, you'd think that they'd have come out like a house on fire against the Isles. (as in the team that they're most likely going to be facing in the first round of the playoffs). But nooooo, they look flatter than hell and get shut out by a much weaker team. Plus, Tortorella is publicly questioning Khabibulin for giving up so many softies (and this was before he gave up 5 goals against the Bruins) ... Tampa fans, enjoy the regular season, because it looks like your postseason is going to be a short one.

 

And Spiff, I still think that history will repeat itself and Philly will juggle it's netminders as it chokes another playoff run away.

[treble 0]

Belak got 8 games, although, I'm sure if he wasn't a Leaf he would have been suspended for life.

[fairtoflair7 0]

He prob should have gotten more. That was nasty as was Messier's but Belak was lucky he was wearing a helmet.

[the pinjockey 0]

Best case scenario for the Lightning is to have the Flyers slip to the 4 seed and win their first round matchup. The Lightning are just a bad bad matchup for the Flyers.

 

And I am going to echo Spiff's sentiments. If Burke shows up in goal, the Flyers are toast. Robert Esche is worthy of a chance and he is just as good as anyone else not named Brodeur.

[Spaceman Spiff 0]

And Spiff, I still think that history will repeat itself and Philly will juggle it's netminders as it chokes another playoff run away.

Allow me to repeat (re: goaltenders): Not. A. Chance.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Nashville, L.A., and St. Louis better watch out for the Edmonton Oilers. They beat the Preds, they beat the Sharks. If not mistaken, they've got games left against the Stars, Blues, and Kings. They control their destiny, to be sure.

[Tawren 0]

Flames lose 4-0 to Dallas.

 

Messier gets TWO GAMES for that? Bullshit. That is bullshit. Belak gets EIGHT for something that looks a lot like an accident and deserved maybe, MAYBE, two games. Messier deserves at LEAST 10 games for that bullshit.

[Red Baron 0]

Flames lose 4-0 to Dallas.

 

Messier gets TWO GAMES for that? Bullshit. That is bullshit. Belak gets EIGHT for something that looks a lot like an accident and deserved maybe, MAYBE, two games. Messier deserves at LEAST 10 games for that bullshit.

Accident? Accident?

 

Swinging that stick like a broad sword nearly decapitating Vassinen head off.

 

Okay you can spin around, and maybe get the stick up a bit, but actually being able to use it at a weapon? Clearly uncalled for.

 

And I do think Messier got a bit light on his suspension.

[Guest AllCanadian]

Flames lose 4-0 to Dallas.

 

Messier gets TWO GAMES for that? Bullshit. That is bullshit. Belak gets EIGHT for something that looks a lot like an accident and deserved maybe, MAYBE, two games. Messier deserves at LEAST 10 games for that bullshit.

Accident or not you're responsible for you stick regardless of what position you're in. I don't think I've seen a more vicious stick infraction on purpose or not(Aside from maybe Granato's).

[Red Baron 0]

McSorely? Neidermyer? Ciccereli?

[CanadianChris 0]

Messier gets TWO GAMES for that? Bullshit. That is bullshit. Belak gets EIGHT for something that looks a lot like an accident and deserved maybe, MAYBE, two games. Messier deserves at LEAST 10 games for that bullshit.

Messier doesn't even have ten games left in his career, from the looks of it. He got two so that he'd have one home game left for the MSG fans to say goodbye.

[nl5xsk1 0]

While I wouldn't be surprised if Messier got off easy because of his imminent retirement, I'm laughing at the notion that there really are Leafs fans that think the league is biased against TO and gave Belak a longer suspension as a result. First of all, if they wanted to punish the Leafs, they'd have made them play Belak MORE not suspend him. And I find it really hard to believe that the league would go out of their way to purposely hurt one of their premier teams. 8 games sounds about right for big Wade, and I'd have guessed that Messier (if retirement wasn't an issue) would have gotten about 4-5.

 

This next week will have a huge say in how the Northeast pans out ... the Bruins have 3 consecutive home games against Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal. If they can win at least 2 of the 3 (or gain 4 points, however it's done) then they should be in a good position to capture the top spot in the division.

 

And Spiff, I'll say it again - I wouldn't be surprised if the Flyers pull the trigger on a goalie change far too early. I know, I know, you disagree. But we'll find out who's right soon enough.