Lightning Flik 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 BTW, I find the call for Belak appropriate, since it has been said that Belak is a repeat offender, hence, he gets a stiffer punishment. I don't know when he caused the first incident(s), I'm just commenting on what I heard the Hockey Panel on Hockey Central (SportsNet Channel, 23 Cable, Shaw) said about Belak. So since he's a repeater, he gets the length deserved. Still though, if it wasn't Belak, I could see it being less than 8, and being more like 4-5. I think Enforcers do get frowned at, yet a star does it, like Messier (who was), they get special treatment. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
starvenger 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 They could've given Belak more, and it wouldn't have mattered. By the time the playoffs roll around, Belak will have a nice view from the press box anyways. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lightning Flik 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 They could've given Belak more, and it wouldn't have mattered. By the time the playoffs roll around, Belak will have a nice view from the press box anyways. True. Or at least till Toronto goes against Ottawa, then he'd play. You'd wanna know what would be really weird? Eastern Finals have: Toronto vs. Ottawa Western Finals have: Edmonton vs. Calgary With the guys who've always come out last winning it so we'd get... Stanley Cup Finals: Ottawa vs. Calgary Who wouldn't say that just is really weird and COULD possibly happen depending on where Ottawa and Toronto finish, as well as where Edmonton and Calgary finish. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 While an all Canadian final 4 would be fun to watch, it'd go over like a fart in church here in the States, and that's the last thing that the league needs before a potential season long lockout. The league really needs to have some of the major US markets play well, and go deep, in the postseason (e.g. Detroit, Colorado, Boston, Philly). Best case scenario: Second round consisting of Tampa Bay vs. Toronto & Philly vs. Boston (hopefully with TO and Boston winning, leaving two orginal 6 teams with a long drought since their last Cups) in the East, and Detroit vs. Calgary & Colorado vs. Vancouver in the West. This would keep a surplus of CDN teams alive, and also keep the markets that still care about hockey in the US active as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lightning Flik 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 Actually, Canadian teams in the finals would go over fine, but you NEED to make drama out of it. You need to make it seem like these Canadian teams want to kill each other and drink the other team's blood in the top of the Cup when it is all said and done. People are suckers for TEH DHRAMAH~! as most US people I know can actively recall the brawl that just happened between Nashville and Calgary and the Vancouver Incident. If it has a hell of a story that can be bought, then it will sell, regardless if it is an All-Canadian Final. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Baron 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 They could've given Belak more, and it wouldn't have mattered. By the time the playoffs roll around, Belak will have a nice view from the press box anyways. True. Or at least till Toronto goes against Ottawa, then he'd play. You'd wanna know what would be really weird? Eastern Finals have: Toronto vs. Ottawa Western Finals have: Edmonton vs. Calgary With the guys who've always come out last winning it so we'd get... Stanley Cup Finals: Ottawa vs. Calgary Who wouldn't say that just is really weird and COULD possibly happen depending on where Ottawa and Toronto finish, as well as where Edmonton and Calgary finish. With the way its going, we might see an 89 Final all over again, with an 86 result. Maybe I heard this wrong, but I thought Belak got two games into the playoffs as well, can some one clarify this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 Actually, Canadian teams in the finals would go over fine, but you NEED to make drama out of it. You need to make it seem like these Canadian teams want to kill each other and drink the other team's blood in the top of the Cup when it is all said and done. People are suckers for TEH DHRAMAH~! as most US people I know can actively recall the brawl that just happened between Nashville and Calgary and the Vancouver Incident. If it has a hell of a story that can be bought, then it will sell, regardless if it is an All-Canadian Final. But playoff hockey isn't about assaults on the ice, or goalies dropping the gloves, and that's what most American non-hockey fans get excited about. If you ask the average American sports fan to name more than 3 people on either the Flames or Senators, you'll be waiting a long time. (hell, ask them to find Calgary or Ottawa on a map and you'll probably be waiting for a while.) And if they don't know much about a team, they won't be as passionate about watching them play. I still think the reason that the Ducks got so much love from ESPN & ABC last season was because of the Disney connection. If that was the Sharks or Kings or Coyotes having a remarkable run, they'd have gotten much less press. And if it was two CDN teams in the Cup, ESPN wouldn't take the time or energy to create the drama needed to get any ratings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
starvenger 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 Maybe I heard this wrong, but I thought Belak got two games into the playoffs as well, can some one clarify this. Belak got the rest of the regular season (6 games) plus the first two games of the playoffs, for a total of 8 games. But, he only loses pay for 6 games since a player's salary does not include the playoffs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 It's funny, Belak would have (most likely) been healthy scratched for the first 2 playoff games anyways, so it's basically a 6 game suspension. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lightning Flik 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 *snip* I snipped it so you at least know who I'm replying to. Now, when I say TEH DRHAMAH~! I speak of the teams having a heated bloody rivalry. You know why all this violence and crap gets turned on badly? Because there isn't any understanding behind it. We didn't see Moore basically run his mouth over the whole entire Canuck roster. Dryden or any Avalanche player cracks up about Belak's stick, but they would be hypocritical in a second if it was one of their own players doing that. How much it means for Nashville to make the playoffs for the first time in its existance. If you give that all to the fans, like it was in the ol' days. The hatred, the stupidity, the "real hockey", people would come and understand the aspects that happen. Not some bogus crap that people give out. P.S. I'm not condoning Bertuzzi, or that we really need Nashville in the playoffs; I'm just saying that you can't just go ho-hum to the sport. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 Flik, it's funny, I don't think that you and I disagree ... we're just viewing it a little differently. If ESPN wanted to, they could make hockey a legitimate 4th major sport in the US. They'd just need to wait until the playoff seedings were finalized, and put on a one hour show about each match-up, or dedicate 5-10 minutes on Sportscenter to each match-up. If it's Boston vs. Montreal, show the history behind the matchup (e.g. Too Many Men On the Ice or McLaren waffling Zednik and MTL responding by knocking the top seeded B's from the playoffs) and then show this season's excellent from goaltending Theodore and Raycroft. Same with the other (*current) Eastern matchups (well, at least the Battle for Ontario and the Philly-NJ grudge match ... TB-NYI doesn't have much history). But instead, ESPN will leave it crammed into a 30 minute NHL2night that will only be watched by the same hockey fans that always watch the show. And then to take it the step further, if it was 4 Canadian teams in the Conference finals, ESPN would give it even less attention than they normally do. The network caters to the casual fan, and the casual American sports fan doesn't like hockey much, and likes non-American sports even less. Sad but true. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lomasmoney 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 If you ask the average American sports fan to name more than 3 people on either the Flames or Senators, you'll be waiting a long time. (hell, ask them to find Calgary or Ottawa on a map and you'll probably be waiting for a while.) I can name three players on Ottawa. Jason Spezza, Todd White, Martin Havlat Calgary: Jarome Iginla, Craig Conroy (?), Robyn Regehr Well, then again I am practacially a Canuck anyway Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treble 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 Would a finals between 2 Canadian teams really get any worse ratings in the States than one between 2 American teams that no one cares about? I mean, Calgary vs. Montreal or Nashville vs. Tampa Bay, does it really matter? I figure there's really only about 4 US teams that can draw better than average ratings for the finals that are headed to the playoffs. Detroit, Colorado, and Philly being at the top, and maybe Boston, too, since they have a relatively big fan base that seems to have turned them off in the past few years, but a run to the finals could bring them back in. I'd like to think that the Canadiens and Leafs could draw better ratings in the US than the Nashvilles and Tampa Bays, too, especially if ESPN/ABC were to play up the history of those franchises. The casual sports viewer would (hopefully) know who those teams were when flicking through the channels, as opposed to seeing the Predators in their fugly puke green uniforms and going, 'Nashville has a hockey team now?' before changing the channel to professional bowling. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treble 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 Since I'm too lazy to edit, I'd wager that there are more Leafs or Habs fans in Florida than there are for the Lightning or Panthers. All those old folks would rather watch Toronto play Ottawa than Tampa play the Isles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2004 Since I'm too lazy to edit, I'd wager that there are more Leafs or Habs fans in Florida than there are for the Lightning or Panthers. All those old folks would rather watch Toronto play Ottawa than Tampa play the Isles. It's about even. You have the people who are fans of it, follow the sport, keep stats on players, etc., who are fans of teams for a reason. There are some homers down here who only care about the Lightning or the Cats because they have access to them easier. They couldn't name five players on either Tampa or Florida, but they are fans, they attend games and buy merchandise. The "old folks" care more about baseball (at least in my area). You can chat with them about baseball (including the Jays or Expos) and they'll know players, stats, and history. But throw in a comment about Mogilny's injury, and they have no idea what you're talking about. It might be different upstate, but at least in my area, it's mostly about the "Big 3" in the US (baseball, football, basketball). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted March 24, 2004 I figure there's really only about 4 US teams that can draw better than average ratings for the finals that are headed to the playoffs. --- seeing the Predators in their fugly puke green uniforms and going, 'Nashville has a hockey team now? First of all they're piss yellow, not puke green. As for people caring, I think Detroit, Colorado, Dallas, Philly, and Boston will all draw fans in. The Canadian teams might draw some people in, fans looking for the Oilers or Habs to repeat past glory. Tampa Bay and Long Island don't really have national appeal. St. Louis and Jersey, nobody really cares for these teams. And as for Nashville, everyone I've spoken to wants them out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted March 24, 2004 It is getting MADDENING watching Patrick Lalime. 2 more bad goals tonight (one on a disgusting giveaway by Lalime on a clearing attempt into an open net) and the Sens' chances of winning the Northeast are pretty much shot. It's almost to the point where I'd rather see Ray Emery in net. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treble 0 Report post Posted March 24, 2004 I think that the Leafs, and maybe Ottawa, too, pissed away any chance of winning the conference tonight (hell, maybe the division, too). Not looking forward to reading the Toronto papers tomorrow morning. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted March 24, 2004 Holy crap, Toronto got the shit kicked out of them too. Now I don't feel so bad. And Belfour in net, too -- that's GOTTA hurt. [/Costanza] I'm starting to accept the possibility that the two Ontario teams could be 6th and 7th in the playoff seedings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted March 24, 2004 Poor Luongo. Makes 46 saves and loses, while Marty makes 21 saves and wins. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treble 0 Report post Posted March 24, 2004 So, who's Detroit's starting goalie? I thought that they said when Joseph came back the job was his, but they've been starting Legace a lot lately, probably about 50/50 with CuJo. Are they just going to go with the hot hand once the playoffs start or are they just easing Joseph in slowly? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted March 24, 2004 This was the first Sens game that I've watched in it's entirety in a long while (it seems that most Sens games happen the same time as B's games, and obviously I tend to watch Boston more, but I digress ...) and I was going to ask if Lalime is always that careless with the puck. Besides the Green goal and the Murray goal (which was amazing to watch, btw) there were at least one or two other opportunities where the B's could have scored due to careless handling by Lalime. If he had played the puck more sensibly, last night's game would have been much closer, and could have gone either way. So, my question is: was tonight the exception to the rule, or is he always so shaky with the puck?? Now, here's hoping that the Bruins can come out and play a full 60 minutes of hockey like that against the Leafs tomorrow night. If so, I'll finally start to feel completely confident heading into the post-season. And TC, if I remember correctly, back in the Vernon/Osgood days, the Wings would basically split the playing time towards the end of the regular season and then pick the hotter goalie to carry the load in the playoffs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted March 24, 2004 This was the first Sens game that I've watched in it's entirety in a long while (it seems that most Sens games happen the same time as B's games, and obviously I tend to watch Boston more, but I digress ...) and I was going to ask if Lalime is always that careless with the puck. Besides the Green goal and the Murray goal (which was amazing to watch, btw) there were at least one or two other opportunities where the B's could have scored due to careless handling by Lalime. If he had played the puck more sensibly, last night's game would have been much closer, and could have gone either way. So, my question is: was tonight the exception to the rule, or is he always so shaky with the puck?? Lalime has never been a good puck handler. The nights when he does well are the nights where he can just concentrate on stopping the puck (like in the Colorado game) rather than trying to be a third defenseman. The problem is that the defensive effort by the Sens has been so crappy the last few weeks that that's exactly what he has to try and do, thus making things worse, and causing his teammates to lose confidence in him, and thus for him to lose confidence in himself. I never thought I'd say this, but I would be quite surprised if this team makes it past the first round. The goaltending isn't good enough, and the team as a whole is playing more nervously as a result. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted March 25, 2004 So, who's Detroit's starting goalie? I thought that they said when Joseph came back the job was his, but they've been starting Legace a lot lately, probably about 50/50 with CuJo. Are they just going to go with the hot hand once the playoffs start or are they just easing Joseph in slowly? Come next season, Legace needs to start or depart. If he doesn't replace Joseph as the #1 netminder, trade him away to a team that can showcase his talents. (Chicago) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Baron 0 Report post Posted March 25, 2004 Well I just saw my dad at the Buffalo Montreal game. Fucker didn't bring me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lightning Flik 0 Report post Posted March 25, 2004 Ouch that has got to suck. I hate not being invited to games or that, if it is family or friends. Just because it is usually my fucking sport (NHL) or my fucking team I cheer for that they leave me hanging. Then have the most pitiful excuse every for it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LaParkaMarka 0 Report post Posted March 25, 2004 So, who's Detroit's starting goalie? I thought that they said when Joseph came back the job was his, but they've been starting Legace a lot lately, probably about 50/50 with CuJo. Are they just going to go with the hot hand once the playoffs start or are they just easing Joseph in slowly? Come next season, Legace needs to start or depart. If he doesn't replace Joseph as the #1 netminder, trade him away to a team that can showcase his talents. (Chicago) Chicago has Thibault, and he's a fine goalie. Legace might be better off with a team like Vancouver (assuming Cloutier bombs again in the playoffs). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slingshot Suplex 0 Report post Posted March 25, 2004 Hasn't Thibault been kinda injury prone though the last couple years? Or is it a case of him burning out from overuse? They seem pretty high on this Michael Leighton too. As for Vernon/Osgood in 97, things I've read in the summer after that Cup win, seem to indicate that Coach Bowman planned on going with Vernon in the playoffs all along. Osgood had worked a lot of the early season schedule but by the time the infamous Colorado game rolled around....Vernon started eating up most of the starts from then on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treble 0 Report post Posted March 25, 2004 So Edmonton's in 7th now after an OT loss to Dallas, who themselves are only 1 point behind the SJ and Colorado who are tied for 2nd place in the conference. They can't play each other AGAIN, can they? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted March 25, 2004 What the hell is going on with the violence in the league lately?!? Since the Bertuzzi incident (which was only like 2 weeks ago) we've already had the Belak & Messier suspensions, and then last night Ference threw a sucker punch in the PHX-CAL game, and Turco basically karate chopped his stick into Smyth's mouth in the DAL-EDM game. Even as a fan of the league - and someone who more than tolerates the fighting and sanctioned violence that exists in hockey - I'm beginning to get worried about the dirty image that the league is going to get. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites