NHL 2011-12 season thread

[Tempo Gain]

Saw Dale Hunter stepped down today, too bad, would have liked to see what Caps did next year under him. That Holtby is going to be something, like velcro.

[Pop Fly]

KK, I would never lump you in with those lame-oids. I respect any fan who sticks by their once glorious team, but does so with humility. What I loathe is never-have-beens cockwalking about crowing that they are the best ever.

I will, however, take you to task on the idea that you are a goalie-man yet call a 1-0 game boring.

For two reasons:

1) 1-0 is the second best score in hockey. The best being 0-0. A true goalie-man would get that.

2) I love the new penchant for blocking shots. Putting career and limb on the line for team and glory makes me respect forwards a lot more than prima donna pussy goalscorers.

As much as the NHL tries to increase scoring, the mean remains the same. Limiting equipment size, the deeper endzone, the elimination of the two line offside, the smaller crease, the trapezoid, the relaxed interference rules and even Gainey's laughable one blade on the ice blocked shot proposal (would they actually enforce that with 2 PIMs? ) have all failed to increase scoring. Goalies make the game great, the greatest game on earth. Ask anyone who has scrimmaged with a jersey hanging off the crossbar how much less fun that is than even having a sieve D-man strap on the gear. And the modern goalie, well....forget greats like Dryden and Tretiak, every team that makes the post season has a world class athlete backstopping them. Even Brodeur at 40 years of age has adapted his game, his style to befit today's faster pace.

No sirrah...with all the respect due to such a knowledgeable and dedicated fan as yourself, blocked shots and low-scoring affairs make for better hockey. My Rags are even taking it to a whole nutha level in that the are blocking in tandem with King Henrik, trying to work the block shadow to the farside, leaving shortside for Lundquist. This dedication and commitment to system will get their names on the grail, mark my words.


Looking forward to your return.

Shame about Hunter. He did a great job.

[jonnyspermz]

If you love shot blocking - and top notch goaltending - then no doubt you're enjoying my Blueshirts nail-bitingly delicious run. I'm having flashbacks to 1994 (even tho half of our team couldn't walk, let alone skate, back then), and loving the NY/NJ grudge match happening right now. I won't share any spoilers, for those of you who download your games.

[k.k.]

KK, I would never lump you in with those lame-oids. I respect any fan who sticks by their once glorious team, but does so with humility. What I loathe is never-have-beens cockwalking about crowing that they are the best ever.

I will, however, take you to task on the idea that you are a goalie-man yet call a 1-0 game boring.

For two reasons:

1) 1-0 is the second best score in hockey. The best being 0-0. A true goalie-man would get that.

2) I love the new penchant for blocking shots. Putting career and limb on the line for team and glory makes me respect forwards a lot more than prima donna pussy goalscorers.

As much as the NHL tries to increase scoring, the mean remains the same. Limiting equipment size, the deeper endzone, the elimination of the two line offside, the smaller crease, the trapezoid, the relaxed interference rules and even Gainey's laughable one blade on the ice blocked shot proposal (would they actually enforce that with 2 PIMs? ) have all failed to increase scoring. Goalies make the game great, the greatest game on earth. Ask anyone who has scrimmaged with a jersey hanging off the crossbar how much less fun that is than even having a sieve D-man strap on the gear. And the modern goalie, well....forget greats like Dryden and Tretiak, every team that makes the post season has a world class athlete backstopping them. Even Brodeur at 40 years of age has adapted his game, his style to befit today's faster pace.

No sirrah...with all the respect due to such a knowledgeable and dedicated fan as yourself, blocked shots and low-scoring affairs make for better hockey. My Rags are even taking it to a whole nutha level in that the are blocking in tandem with King Henrik, trying to work the block shadow to the farside, leaving shortside for Lundquist. This dedication and commitment to system will get their names on the grail, mark my words.


Looking forward to your return.

Hey Toe, it's all good. No worries. I do respect a 1-0 hockey game, but prefer a little more action. That's just my take on it.
I'll be back on the weekend.

[Wilch]

Vancouver fans are awesome.

Canucks fans are women.

And they are awesome.

**Removed**

[bismarck]

I should probably temp that last post, but I too have an eye for a beaut. I'll let it stand unless someone complains it's too racy or something.

[Pop Fly]

I should probably temp that last post, but I too have an eye for a beaut. I'll let it stand unless someone complains it's too racy or something.

I'd say leave it up as it is the only thing their fans have to cheer for. It certainly ain't the hockey.

Go Rags!!!

[Wilch]

I should probably temp that last post, but I too have an eye for a beaut. I'll let it stand unless someone complains it's too racy or something.

Well in that case, I hope you saved the picture. I'll be removing it before anyone throws in a complaint.

I'd say leave it up as it is the only thing their fans have to cheer for. It certainly ain't the hockey.

Actually, folks in Vancouver have plenty to cheer for. The Canucks still have the window of opportunity to a title, albeit a small one. This last season has been tough, hopefully Mike Gillis will make the necessary adjustments to right the ship. The only downside is that the Canucks prospect pool is not so good at the moment.

Anyway, although I was hoping the Yotes could go all the way, it seems like the Kings have taken control of this series. I'm hoping the team that comes out of the west obliterates whoever comes out of the east.

[Pop Fly]

I'd say leave it up as it is the only thing their fans have to cheer for. It certainly ain't the hockey.

Actually, folks in Vancouver have plenty to cheer for.

I totally agree they have a great shot, shoo-ins actually....for The Heimlich Cup.

[Wilch]

Interesting fact of the day: The last time Torts and Sutter faced each other in the Cup Final, Torts team won and Brad Richards won Conn Smythe.