NHL 2008-2009 Season

[Dark Prince]

Lets weed out our hockey fans shall we? Regular season is just underway. Realizing we don't have a Sports forum yet, needed to get this up as soon as possible. The preseason has just ended and I dare say this is the year of the Devils. :p

Marty's year to break and possibly put the All-time wins, Shutouts and Games Played records out of reach. A sharp line-up to help out on the offense. Defense looks to be a lot better this year. Here are the standings.

Eastern Conference
Team GP Pts
1. * Boston 29 44
2. * NY Rangers 32 40
3. * Washington 30 37
4. Montreal 28 37
5. Philadelphia 28 36
6. Pittsburgh 29 36
7. New Jersey 26 34
8. Buffalo 29 31
9. Florida 29 31
10. Carolina 29 30
11. Toronto 29 28
12. Ottawa 27 25
13. Atlanta 28 22
14. NY Islanders 29 22
15. Tampa Bay 29 22
* = Division Leader

Western Conference
Team GP Pts
1. * San Jose 28 48
2. * Detroit 28 42
3. * Vancouver 29 35
4. Chicago 27 35
5. Anaheim 30 35
6. Calgary 30 35
7. Minnesota 27 31
8. Nashville 29 31
9. Phoenix 29 30
10. Colorado 29 29
11. Edmonton 27 28
12. Los Angeles 28 28
13. Columbus 28 27
14. St. Louis 28 27
15. Dallas 28 26
* = Division Leader

[Jackel]

All I have to say is this:

Luongo

Canucks last preseason game is tonight and I have to say that if the rest of the preseason is any indication, we'll be a strong force this year...which means (like 2 years ago) Luongo will likely be right up there with Brodeur, pushing him.

[Suave Peanut]

Sorry buddy, but I've reverted to being a full-time Flyers fan. I can no longer follow 3 or 4 teams, so I'm going back to my old hometown heroes. Your boys played well yesterday, but well get you next time!

GO FLYERS!
And to a much lesser extent, the Devils, Predators, and Hurricanes.
And fuck the Red Wings
And the Rangers.

[Dark Prince]

Sorry buddy, but I've reverted to being a full-time Flyers fan. I can no longer follow 3 or 4 teams, so I'm going back to my old hometown heroes. Your boys played well yesterday, but well get you next time!

GO FLYERS!
And to a much lesser extent, the Devils, Predators, and Hurricanes.
And fuck the Red Wings
And the Rangers.

Traitor! I shame you! Shame I say!

Oh yea, fuck the Rangers and the Flyers....;)

[Suave Peanut]

Traitor! I shame you! Shame I say!

Oh yea, fuck the Rangers and the Flyers....;)
Hey man, I was the original traitor when I was 8 years old and switched my allegiance from the Flyers to the Devils. I still have a great deal of affection for the team, and of course to M. Brodeur (my idol as a child; I once wrote him a fan letter!) but now I kind of like being on the same side as my family.

And now Khrymsyn and I can go 2v2 against you and the Chicken! Where is he, by the way?

[Dark Prince]

Hey man, I was the original traitor when I was 8 years old and switched my allegiance from the Flyers to the Devils. I still have a great deal of affection for the team, and of course to M. Brodeur (my idol as a child; I once wrote him a fan letter!) but now I kind of like being on the same side as my family.

And now Khrymsyn and I can go 2v2 against you and the Chicken! Where is he, by the way?

Bah! Once a Devil always a Devil I say, no matter how much crap you have to deal with.

I hope he's not still at EvAv, someone needs to let him know whats going on. Either way, I'll still hold my ground if I'm on my own.

[Troggles]

The Devils do look pretty good this year, and may even end up at the top of the Eastern Conference. I don't think they will win the cup though. It's hard for me not to see the Red Wings winning it again, as much as I hate them. They're just too good. Anyway, I love making predictions, so that's what I'm going to do right now.

Eastern Conference:
1. New Jersey Devils
2. Montreal Canadiens
3. Washington Capitals
4. Buffalo Sabres
5. Pittsburgh Penguins
6. New York Rangers
7. Ottawa Senators
8. Carolina Hurricanes

Western Conference:
1.Detroit Red Wings
2.Vancouver Canucks
3.Dallas Stars
4.Anaheim Ducks
5.Colorado Avalanche
6.San Jose Sharks
7.Calgary Flames
8.Chicago Blackhawks

Stanley Cup Finals: Red Wings over Capitals
Dream Pick - Sabres over Stars with the Sabres scoring every goal with all 5 players in the crease

[National Kato]

Detroit looks hard to beat this year.

[Jackel]

God damn it...losing in Overtime ruins the perfect pre-season.

Before the pre-season I was hesitant to get Satellite so I could watch the Canucks while I'm in Alaska...however now that it looks like the rebuilding year might turn into something fun...I'm leaning to picking it up.

[Sammael]

Oh man, if I knew the Dark Prince were here, I would have tried to beat him to the punch.

Don't sleep on the Rangers this year, they're going to be kicking ass all over the place! How can you beat that first line???? Drury and Gomez switching for center with Naslund?!?!?!

I'm predicting :

Lundquist dethrones Brodeur for the Vezina

Drury and Dubinsky - over 25 goals a piece

Naslund and Gomez - 70 + point seasons

At least reach the conference finals. Maybe the cup.


It's a different team with a different look and a different attitude. I want two more defenseman just in case of injuries, but otherwise I think we're set.

Devils? Last place. Have fun at the bottom.

[Khrymsyn]

Oh I love how some people want to write the Flyers off again this year.

Guess what? It's practically the same team, this time WITH a 40 goal scorer back healthy in Simon Gagne, and the core of the team is 1 year older, more experienced, and more dangerous.

Let's go Flyers!!!!

Oh, and Peanut, welcome back. lol =)

[Troggles]

I'm not writing off the Flyers. I just think their competition has gotten better.

[Sammael]

Guess what? It's practically the same team, this time WITH a 40 goal scorer back healthy in Simon Gagne...

Yeah... IF he is healthy. I think you won't really know for a while.

If he is, grats. He's an incredible player to have.

But he could get another head ringer and be out for 30 + games...

The Flyers will make the playoffs, but will get knocked out in the first round.

[Nameless]

So. Detroit lost to Toronto. In the list of unlikeliest things to ever happen, I'd put this right under Elvis Lives and just above Pink Floyd Reunites.

Well, there goes my hope of seeing theme somehow lose 83 games this year.

[Dark Prince]

Oh man, if I knew the Dark Prince were here, I would have tried to beat him to the punch.

Don't sleep on the Rangers this year, they're going to be kicking ass all over the place! How can you beat that first line???? Drury and Gomez switching for center with Naslund?!?!?!

I'm predicting :

Lundquist dethrones Brodeur for the Vezina

Drury and Dubinsky - over 25 goals a piece

Naslund and Gomez - 70 + point seasons

At least reach the conference finals. Maybe the cup.


It's a different team with a different look and a different attitude. I want two more defenseman just in case of injuries, but otherwise I think we're set.

Devils? Last place. Have fun at the bottom.

So....the Queen will end up with what, 12 votes this year? :D


Whoah buddy, slow down there. Getting a little a head of ourselves, aren't we?

I HIGHLY doubt the Devils will be at the bottom this year. If anything they'll be in the top 8 during the year and probably top 5 for the playoffs. All the critics can shut their yaps....Devils haven't missed a playoff entrance yet.

Now getting to the finals is another story all together. I believe they have the team to do it this year. Defense is looking better...and offense will kick in. Elias will be getting back to his former self and..

Rolston's slapshot will do this to the queen... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG-3rKIQtfc)

[Jackel]

Oh man, if I knew the Dark Prince were here, I would have tried to beat him to the punch.

Don't sleep on the Rangers this year, they're going to be kicking ass all over the place! How can you beat that first line???? Drury and Gomez switching for center with Naslund?!?!?!

I'm predicting :

Lundquist dethrones Brodeur for the Vezina

Drury and Dubinsky - over 25 goals a piece

Naslund and Gomez - 70 + point seasons

At least reach the conference finals. Maybe the cup.


It's a different team with a different look and a different attitude. I want two more defenseman just in case of injuries, but otherwise I think we're set.

Devils? Last place. Have fun at the bottom.

Good luck getting Naslund back that high. While I hope he does pick up his game since he left us in Vancouver...I just don't see it happening.

[Troggles]

The Sabres have named Rivet their captain. I am very surprised the players voted him captain since he's only been there since July. I have very high hopes for him now.

And I'm sooooooo glad Lindy Ruff got rid of that rotating captaincy bull shit. Now they have one man and can get down to business.

[Khrymsyn]

Yeah... IF he is healthy. I think you won't really know for a while.
If he is, grats. He's an incredible player to have.
But he could get another head ringer and be out for 30 + games...
The Flyers will make the playoffs, but will get knocked out in the first round.

While I will agree with that, they got to the conference finals without him, and thier team is still very very young. Mike Richards and Jeff Carter are both dangerous, and improving each season.

Obviously this is a little "rose tinted", but hopefully with Biron actually solidified as a starter for a season, he'll shake off some of that inconsistancy of his. When he's on, he's great. The problem is when he's off, he's barely good. If he can just be "good" when he's off, that'll be huge too.

We've also got a lot more speed at the blue line with additions of Eminger (who I think kinda of had his confidence shattered with the crazyness he was put in in Washington), hopefully Vannaan is fully back from his injuries (although missing Ryan Parent does bum me out), and not having Smith (who I loved for leadership) and Hatcher, should hopefully help do better at having the speed to cover the D zone.

While other teams in the east have improved, I believe the Flyers have as well.

[roboninja]

Look for my Oilers to surprise. Also, Red Wings beat by the Leafs? El Oh El

[Deunnero]

After the beating the Flames took last night at the hand of the Canucks, it is obvious that the defensive squad needs a serious talking to. Kippers could only contain so much and 3 of the 6 goals were easily the fault of bad play up front.

Luongo was stellar in the season opener, and he'll be one to watch.

As for the Oilers, LOL!

[National Kato]

Luongo was stellar in the season opener, and he'll be one to watch.


1st Round Fantasy draft pick for me...I can't wait to see how he does this year.

[Deunnero]

1st Round Fantasy draft pick for me...I can't wait to see how he does this year.

You're already reaping the benefits ... a shutout with 30 shots + on goal, not too shabby.

[National Kato]

Not to mention I also scored Tomas Holmstrom, Pavel Kubina, and Marc Savard. Last night was great for my team!

[danielOut]

7-4 Atlanta over Washington.

I only caught the 3rd (it was 4-all when I tuned in) but I really want to know WTF happened. Did both goalies go out for dinner for the first two periods?

[Dark Prince]

2-1 Devils win in home opener. :D

Can't wait to see this Elias-Rolston-Gionta line over the course of the season

I think I might be getting myself a Rolston jersey.....

[Sammael]

Wooooooooooooooo!
5-0!!!!!!!!
Brandon Dubinskey is lighting shit up this year!!!

[Jboy001]

I'm just getting into hockey but I'm diggin the Capitals w/ ovechkin and semin
of course they are the local team for me so thats who i get to actually see :)

Go Caps!

[shunoshi]

Wild won their home opener 4-3 against the Bruins! Game 2 against the Thrashers tonight. Can't wait!

[MalReynolds]

Go pens go

[danielOut]

Wild won their home opener 4-3 against the Bruins! Game 2 against the Thrashers tonight. Can't wait!

Being entirely honest, I doubt we will win, but if we play like we have so far, I think the Thrashers will at least give you a good show. I'm hoping for a good game. :)

[Sammael]

I'm just getting into hockey but I'm diggin the Capitals w/ ovechkin and semin
of course they are the local team for me so thats who i get to actually see :)

Go Caps!

And now with Nylander healthy... hhoooooooo boy!

You guys are becoming pretty scary.
Nylander is a great player to have. He did a lot for the Rangers in the playoffs two years ago, before he went to the Caps in the off season.

[biosc1]

I'm just getting into hockey but I'm diggin the Capitals w/ ovechkin and semin
of course they are the local team for me so thats who i get to actually see :)

Go Caps!

Boooo-hissssss....boooooo-hisssss...

Well, I guess if the Canucks actually showed up to play last night, it may have actually been an entertaining game from my vantage point :(

[Re3x]

God damn it...losing in Overtime ruins the perfect pre-season.

Before the pre-season I was hesitant to get Satellite so I could watch the Canucks while I'm in Alaska...however now that it looks like the rebuilding year might turn into something fun...I'm leaning to picking it up.

nhl.com has it so you can watch every game online in great quailty and is only 20 bucks a month.

Also GO WINGS!

[Jboy001]

Boooo-hissssss....boooooo-hisssss...

Well, I guess if the Canucks actually showed up to play last night, it may have actually been an entertaining game from my vantage point :(

yea it seemed like you guys forgot how to go on offense
I enjoyed last nights game very much :P

[Mr.Green]

Montreal will face no opposition.

[Troggles]

Montreal will face no opposition.

Except the Sabres who beat them in their opener. GO SABRES!

[shunoshi]

Except the Sabres who beat them in their opener. GO SABRES!

Except the Sabres lost to the Wild, who aren't even on your Western Conference playoff list. :p

[Mr.Green]

Except the Sabres who beat them in their opener. GO SABRES!

Relatively speaking of course! A few incidents like this shootout loss will happen now and then but nothing to write home about.

[Dark Prince]

Wooooooooooooooo!
5-0!!!!!!!!
Brandon Dubinskey is lighting shit up this year!!!

Meh, that game was a mess....judging from the highlights

[Jackel]

nhl.com has it so you can watch every game online in great quailty and is only 20 bucks a month.

Also GO WINGS!

I probably will do that once they setup the fiber optic cable here...until then I have very limited bandwidth.

[Suave Peanut]

Man, I sure picked the right time to revert to a full-time Flyers fan... :rolleyes:

[shunoshi]

Being entirely honest, I doubt we will win, but if we play like we have so far, I think the Thrashers will at least give you a good show. I'm hoping for a good game. :)

Well, your boys made a decent showing. 4-2 the final. Wild start the season 2-0! Wooooo!!

Gaborik's goal was phenomenal. Lifted the defender's stick and buried it in one fluid motion.

[Deunnero]

Standings as of late Tuesday night.

Eastern
1. NY Rangers
2. Montreal
3. Washington
4. Pittsburgh
5. Buffalo
6. Carolina
7. New Jersey
8. Atlanta
9. Ottawa
10. Toronto
11. Boston
12. Florida
13. NY Islanders
14. Tampa Bay
15. Philadelphia

Western
1. San Jose
2. Minnesota
3. Detroit
4. Phoenix
5. Vancouver
6. St. Louis
7. Nashville
8. Calgary
9. Edmonton
10. Los Angeles
11. Columbus
12. Dallas
13. Chicago
14. Colorado
15. Anaheim

[roboninja]

Well, your boys made a decent showing. 4-2 the final. Wild start the season 2-0! Wooooo!!

Gaborik's goal was phenomenal. Lifted the defender's stick and buried it in one fluid motion.

Too bad they are going to have to trade Gaborik before the trade deadline ;)

[Deunnero]

Too bad they are going to have to trade Gaborik before the trade deadline ;)

It's going to make for some Wild times. :p

[shunoshi]

Too bad they are going to have to trade Gaborik before the trade deadline ;)

*plugs ears*

lalalalalalalalalalalala

[Dark Prince]

Man, I sure picked the right time to revert to a full-time Flyers fan... :rolleyes:

Our side is always greener over here. ;) It's not too late to switch back you know. :p

*looks at the standings*

Well, that was too be expected after the way the Devils have been playing lately.

[Troggles]

Except the Sabres lost to the Wild, who aren't even on your Western Conference playoff list. :p

They haven't even played each other this year. Oh, and I don't count anything from preseason.

I wanted to put Minnesota on my list, but I don't think they'll make it after they trade away Gaborik. :P

[shunoshi]

I wanted to put Minnesota on my list, but I don't think they'll make it after they trade away Gaborik. :P

Gah, you bastards are relentless. I reject your reality and substitute my own!!

[Zagrash]

Standings as of late Tuesday night.

13. Chicago


At least we're not in the cellar (yet) woo! I haven't been paying much attention to Hockey lately, but I still say that Bill Wirtz dying was the best thing to happen to the Blackhawks in years

[Troggles]

Down go the Rangers! The Sabres will reign supreme!

[Nameless]

My God, Fabian Brunnstrom with a hat-trick in his first NHL game. One of only three players to ever accomplish this in the NHL. Dallas may have made the right choice by picking him up...

[danielOut]

Devils @ Atlanta tonight... should be interesting, at least. I've been really happy to see how Atlanta has played so far this year. They're by no means a cup contender, though it pains me to say it, but they've got a much more mature style than the past few seasons. The new coach seems to be doing a good job.

[Jackel]

Canucks @ Red Wings as well. This will be a good test for them, to see if they can bounce back from that Washington incident.

[Deunnero]

Any of the posters here play NHL09 on the 360? If so, get to joinin' the club!

All you need to do is PM shunoshi links to fetish sites 5 times, start a thread about baby narwhales and take a picture of yourself in makeup and send it to shunoshiswildones@merkinshavers.net

:D

[Suave Peanut]

While not NHL, I will be going to a sub-pro hockey game this weekend to see a preseason SPHL game as the Knoxville Ice Bears take on the Twin City Cyclones in Winston-Salem!

It's much cheaper than going to a Hurricanes game.

[Deunnero]

I'll probably be sitting in a tree stand this weekend ...

Perhaps very late Sunday/very early Monday, I will be on.

[MalReynolds]

Go Pens Go

[Deunnero]

Go Flames Go

[Khrymsyn]

Man, I sure picked the right time to revert to a full-time Flyers fan... :rolleyes:

It'll be ok. It's the beginning of the season yet. I think Stevens is still trying to figure out where to put people. Plus, we lost basically our 2nd D line to injury in Jones and Parent.
Doesn't help your team when you're down an entire D line and are rotating the 4 people behind D line 1. Really doesn't help when your goalie is playing like crap.
I think we'll be ok. We're scoring. Biron has GOT to get better, and when Jones and Parent are back, our D will be Timmonen, Vaananen, Coburn, Sbisa, Jones and Parent. I feel a lot better with those pairings than what garbage we are putting out there on D right now.

[shunoshi]

Any of the posters here play NHL09 on the 360? If so, get to joinin' the club!

All you need to do is PM shunoshi links to fetish sites 5 times, start a thread about baby narwhales and take a picture of yourself in makeup and send it to shunoshiswildones@merkinshavers.net

:D

HAH! Awesome! :D

While not NHL, I will be going to a sub-pro hockey game this weekend to see a preseason SPHL game as the Knoxville Ice Bears take on the Twin City Cyclones in Winston-Salem!

It's much cheaper than going to a Hurricanes game.

I did a double-take on this and quickly had to check to see if we had a hockey team I'd never heard of. Everyone knows the Twin Cities is Minneapolis and St. Paul.... :rolleyes:

I'll probably be sitting in a tree stand this weekend ...

Perhaps very late Sunday/very early Monday, I will be on.

This sounds like my weekend, hunting. I won't be in a tree stand though; I'll be roaming the north woods of MN for grouse.


Wild face off against the Panthers tonight. Should be another win for us. Go Wild go!! :D

[Troggles]

Chicago all ready fired their coach. Let the chaos ensue.

[roboninja]

Chicago all ready fired their coach. Let the chaos ensue.

Got a source for that? My usual places have nothing on it.

EDIT tsn.ca has it now. Good move, IMO. I never thought that much of Savard as a coach. They should bring in someone experienced.

EDIT2: Says Quenneville might be the replacement. That would be about right.

[Troggles]

ESPN Breaking News (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3646685)

It's from the new guy at ESPN, though he has been known to be a credibly and knowledgeable source.

[roboninja]

ESPN Breaking News (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3646685)

It's from the new guy at ESPN, though he has been known to be a credibly and knowledgeable source.

heh, he is quite well known to Canadians. He appears (or appeared, at least) on Hockey Night in Canada's second intermission show, The Hot Stove, all about league rumblings and rumours.

[Deunnero]

This sounds like my weekend, hunting. I won't be in a tree stand though; I'll be roaming the north woods of MN for grouse.

I'll be in Northern Quebec keeping an eye out for the elusive moose. If we are unsuccessful again, we can only look forward to some deer in a few weeks. We've spotted quite a few spikes and one nice buck over the past few weeks. I'm hopeful that the freezer will get some well deservede usage.

I saw plenty of grouse when I was up North a few weeks ago, as well some jackrabbit, so i'm bringing the 22 this time so I can have something to toss in the frying pan when I get back to camp.


I see a lot of folks posting in here, and I would assume that they own a version of hockey for the consoles. Do we have several 2K8 players? Or do we have some shy one's or some who don't play nice with friends'?

heh, he is quite well known to Canadians. He appears (or appeared, at least) on Hockey Night in Canada's second intermission show, The Hot Stove, all about league rumblings and rumours.

Yeah, it was all over the local papers yesterday that he was going to get the axe.

[roboninja]

Yeah, it was all over the local papers yesterday that he was going to get the axe.

Pa-pers?? ;)

[Deunnero]

Pa-pers?? ;)

A necessary bathroom accessory.

[shunoshi]

Wow, Antti Mietinnen is kicking ass. Wild win tonight against the Panthers 6-2. Mietinnen scored 2 goals and has 5 on the season through 3 games. Mikko Koivu had 4 assists and a goal; he's sitting at 9 points on the season already.

3-0, Go Wild!!

[Suave Peanut]

Damn it, Flyers...

[Jackel]

While not NHL, I will be going to a sub-pro hockey game this weekend to see a preseason SPHL game as the Knoxville Ice Bears take on the Twin City Cyclones in Winston-Salem!

It's much cheaper than going to a Hurricanes game.

Personally I rather enjoy paying to watch the minors play. There just always seems to be that much more intensity as the players are playing for more than just money, but also for the chance to make the big leagues.

WHL Vancouver Giants are my team in the minors.

[Rune_74]

Good game by the Nucks tonight.....take that detroit...burrows break out year?

[Suave Peanut]

Personally I rather enjoy paying to watch the minors play. There just always seems to be that much more intensity as the players are playing for more than just money, but also for the chance to make the big leagues.

WHL Vancouver Giants are my team in the minors.
The SPHL games I've been to aren't like that at all. They just fight a lot to please the crowd, it seems. When I want to watch a good game, I go to a college hockey game. Those boys know fundamentals!

[Sammael]

I watched some of that Wild / Panthers game. I was rooting for the Panthers :(

Rangers looking good, but tonight is a real test (Detroit). I was pretty surprised by Buffalo the other night. Great defense. Vanek looks to be performing the way I thought he would have last year.


Brandon Dubinsky - over 80 points this year. Calling it now.

[biosc1]

Good game by the Nucks tonight.....take that detroit...burrows break out year?

I don't know...I felt like the Canucks were just barely hanging on the whole time. That Detroit team looks good, they just need to finally put Osgood out to pasture. I feel sorry for him, but he's never been a No.1 in my mind.

I'm happy (elated) the Canucks won, but not the way they did it.

[Sammael]

Why feel sorry for Osgood??? Doesn't he already have his ring(s)? He is a very accomplished player.

Feel sorry for John Vanbiesbrouck.

[Dark Prince]

Brodeur inches ever so close to making this his year....

Got his 97th shutout last night in a 1-0 win only 7 away from Sawchuck's record.

Got his 541st win and is only 10 away from Roy's record...

The countdown continues....

[Troggles]

The Sabres are now 4-0! Vanek is the league leading goal scorer and is finally earning that billion dollar contract he has.

[Dark Prince]

Devils win 4-3 last night in the first shootout of the season for either team. :)

And I'm also happy to report that the Rags lost last night in OT thanks to Marian Hossa scoring his 300th goal. Nice work Wings. :)

[Deunnero]

Eastern
1. NY Rangers
2. Buffalo
3. Washington
4. Montreal
5. New Jersey
6. Carolina
7. Pittsburgh
8. Boston
9. Ottawa
10. Atlanta
11. Florida
12. NY Islanders
13. Toronto
14. Tampa Bay
15. Philadelphia

Western
1. San Jose
2. Minnesota
3. St. Louis
4. Edmonton
5. Detroit
6. Nashville
7. Vancouver
8. Chicago
9. Los Angeles
10. Colorado
11. Columbus
12. Phoenix
13. Dallas
14. Calgary
15. Anaheim

[Khrymsyn]

Worst to almost first to worst...

wtf?

[shunoshi]

Wild are 4-0!! Good start to the season and we're winning games without Gaborik...which we're probably going to have to get used to.... :(

[Deunnero]

Wild are 4-0!! Good start to the season and we're winning games without Gaborik...which we're probably going to have to get used to.... :(


I seem to remember a Wild team a few years ago who were of to a great start only to plummet to mid-contendership. Conversely, the Flames had (one of) their worst starts the year they made the Final ... so beware!

[roboninja]

I seem to remember a Wild team a few years ago who were of to a great start only to plummet to mid-contendership. Conversely, the Flames had (one of) their worst starts the year they made the Final ... so beware!

Wrong, 4-0 starts mean your team rocks, and will have a great year.

Go Oilers!

[Deunnero]

Wrong, 4-0 starts mean your team rocks, and will have a great year.

Go Oilers!

This coming from a 2nd rate Alberta team booster! HA!

See you on the ice on New Years Eve ... your gonna have quite the burn to start the new year!

[Suave Peanut]

Worst to almost first to worst...

wtf?
At least we still have the Phillies!

[Dark Prince]

I think the only thing I hate about the NHL schedule is the fact that some teams started earlier then otehrs and thus got a little head start in the standings while every one else had to start on the official first day of the season.

Everyone team should start from day one.....

[Deunnero]

Wrong, 4-0 starts mean your team rocks, and will have a great year.

The last time the Flames started with a 1-3-1 record was 2005-06, when they went on to win the Northwest Division and finished as the top defensive team in the league.

So there! :cool:

[shunoshi]

The last time the Flames started with a 1-3-1 record was 2005-06, when they went on to win the Northwest Division and finished as the top defensive team in the league.

So there! :cool:

The last time the Wild started 4-0 they won the Northwest Division. That was just last year.

I think we've come to an impasse. ;)

[Deunnero]

The last time the Wild started 4-0 they won the Northwest Division. That was just last year.

I think we've come to an impasse. ;)

And so it will be dicided this year. 10 bucks the Flames burn the Wild this year.

[Dark Prince]

So, my awesome Devils show that they have the depth they need this year. They make quick and easy work of the Dallas Stars with a 5-0 beating, and double beating on Sean Avery himself. The crowd with the ever awesome "Avery Sucks" chant....

Marty gets his 98th shutout only 5 away I believe....

Marty also gets win No. 543 only 9 away I believe...

Devils score their second shutout of the season :)

I have a good feeling about this year.....mark my words.....

[Jackel]

I think the only thing I hate about the NHL schedule is the fact that some teams started earlier then otehrs and thus got a little head start in the standings while every one else had to start on the official first day of the season.

Everyone team should start from day one.....

You realize that each team plays the same number of times right? Although I do agree...some teams have stretches where they play far too many games back to back, where others get long breaks.

This seems to happen a lot more with the Western teams because of the travel.

[MalReynolds]

Go Penguins Go

4-2-1

[Dark Prince]

You realize that each team plays the same number of times right? Although I do agree...some teams have stretches where they play far too many games back to back, where others get long breaks.

This seems to happen a lot more with the Western teams because of the travel.

Of course I realize that part. I'm just saying that it seems a bit unfairish maybe that some teams get a head start then others? Using the Rangers and Penguins as an example perhaps.

Let's Go Devils!

5-1-0

[Deunnero]

Brodeur is poised to become a legend this year!

[shunoshi]

Of course I realize that part. I'm just saying that it seems a bit unfairish maybe that some teams get a head start then others? Using the Rangers and Penguins as an example perhaps.

Let's Go Devils!

5-1-0

I wouldn't really call it unfair. You just have to realize that stats are mostly meaningless when one team has played twice as many games as another.

It may be viewed as unfair since the Rangers and Penguins are getting more game time to work out kinks in their systems quicker, but these are all professionals. I don't really think there is much of an advantage.

[Troggles]

Sabres beat the Wild tonight. WOOT!

[Jackel]

I wouldn't really call it unfair. You just have to realize that stats are mostly meaningless when one team has played twice as many games as another.

It may be viewed as unfair since the Rangers and Penguins are getting more game time to work out kinks in their systems quicker, but these are all professionals. I don't really think there is much of an advantage.

I agree. I think it would be more unfair later on in the season, as they'll have larger breaks in their schedule which could possibly kill any momentum they might gain from winning streaks.

[Deunnero]

Down by two goals after two periods Thursday night against the Nashville Predators, the Flames stormed back with four third-period goals to earn a 5-3 victory. As is usually the case, captain Jarome Iginla led the way and he did it with a hat trick.

We're on fire!!!!


Here are the Standings as of October 24, 2008 (I will do this every Friday.)

Eastern
1. Buffalo
2. NY Rangers
3. Carolina
4. Montreal
5. Pittsburgh
6. New Jersey
7. Washington
8. Boston
9. Toronto
10. Florida
11. Atlanta
12. Ottawa
13. Tampa Bay
14. NY Islanders
15. Philadelphia

Western
1. San Jose
2. Minnesota
3. Detroit
4. St. Louis
5. Edmonton
6. Colorado
7. Chicago
8. Calgary
9. Dallas
10. Columbus
11. Phoenix
12. Nashville
13. Vancouver
14. Los Angeles
15. Anaheim

[Sammael]

And I'm also happy to report that the Rags lost last night in OT thanks to Marian Hossa scoring his 300th goal. Nice work Wings. :)

That was a BS game... The Rangers were leading late in the third, very few penalties at all in the game to that point, and the Rangers get called for a bogus too many men penalty. WTF is that??? They showed the replay a dozen times and it was the biggest "lets give the Wings the game" call ever.

:(

[shunoshi]

Sabres beat the Wild tonight. WOOT!

I can't believe we blew a 3-1 lead with only about 6 minutes left in the 3rd..../sigh At least we got a point out of the deal.

Miller scoring on himself was awesome though. :p

[MalReynolds]

5-2-1 now :) go Penguins go

[Troggles]

I can't believe we blew a 3-1 lead with only about 6 minutes left in the 3rd..../sigh At least we got a point out of the deal.

Miller scoring on himself was awesome though. :p

They're so good they win the blooper reels too.

[Deunnero]

Slow news day?

Here's something to talk about ...

Power play goals have jumped 13% compared to this point last season. Through 48 games, NHL teams have combined to score 89 goals, ten more than were scored over the same span in 2007.

A rule change specific to face-offs has contributed to this jump.

Rule 76, which governs face-offs, has been amended and although it has exceptions, it states, following a penalty call, the face-off shall take place in the offending teams end.

Players and coaches alike are applauding this rule change and the NHL's Hockey Operations department welcomes the offence and intends on presenting a video collection of its effectiveness to the leagues general managers at next weeks GM meetings in Chicago.

October 16, 2008 - TSN.ca (http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/darren_dreger/?id=252833)

So, what do you think?

[shunoshi]

Slow news day?

Here's something to talk about ...



So, what do you think?

I think it's a good change. It's only a slight advantage, but has obviously made an impact on goals scored throughout the league. If your PK Center wins the draw, the advantage is lost and the penalty for losing it is to have to traverse the entire ice to get the puck in your end instead of half of it (unless you have a goalie who likes playing the puck up ice).

All in all, thumbs up.

[Troggles]

I am also in favor of this. You commit a penalty, you get penalized. It works.

My favorite rule change has to be no TV timeouts for icing calls. Less commercials, moar hockey!

[Deunnero]

My favorite rule change has to be no TV timeouts for icing calls. Less commercials, moar hockey!


Yes, this was long overdue as well. Now if they could just get the no touch icing implemented.

Is anyone going to be playing later tonight? Say 10'ish EST? If so, i'll take out the rhum, make some ice cubes and chill the coke. :D

[shunoshi]

Yes, this was long overdue as well. Now if they could just get the no touch icing implemented.

Is anyone going to be playing later tonight? Say 10'ish EST? If so, i'll take out the rhum, make some ice cubes and chill the coke. :D

Well, they did make it a penalty to hit someone going for an iced puck now. The more they can do to prevent injuries in icing cases, the better. They're skating WAY too fast to be taking hits against the boards.

I may be on around that time tonight for some OTP action. We'll see how things go.

[Troggles]

I might be on as well. If you see me on, toss an invite!

[Dark Prince]

Freakin awesome Devils/Flyers game going on right now....

Devils getting the lead with 18 to go in the 1st period.... and lead 3-2 after 1..

Lets go Devils!

Take that Krymsyn and Peanut! :P

[Suave Peanut]

Freakin awesome Devils/Flyers game going on right now....

Devils getting the lead with 18 to go in the 1st period.... and lead 3-2 after 1..

Lets go Devils!

Take that Krymsyn and Peanut! :P
And who is leading after the second, my good sir?

[Dark Prince]

Hmmm....there will be revenge tomorrow night. Count on that, enjoy your 1st win of the season for now.

[Khrymsyn]

Hmmm....there will be revenge tomorrow night. Count on that, enjoy your 1st win of the season for now.

Oh, definitely.

As much as I hated it taking this long for the first win...
I Loooooooooved that it was IN JERSEY AGAINST THE DEVILS! Woooo!

Tomorrow, in Philly.... all I gotta say is LETS GO flyERS!

[Suave Peanut]

Tomorrow, in Philly.... all I gotta say is LETS GO flyERS!
:high fives:

Off-topic, but also tomorrow and also in Philly: LET'S GO PHILLIES!

[KingGorilla]

Check out the NHL.com hi-lights from the Wings-Thrashers. Hossa has an amazing goal.

[Dark Prince]

Wow, real classy there throwing a stink bomb on the ice.....

My hatred for Philly has grown ten fold after this one.....

Most of the officiating was complete bullshit

Got to admit though that it was one of the most entertaining efforts so far....

[Khrymsyn]

Wow, real classy there throwing a stink bomb on the ice.....

My hatred for Philly has grown ten fold after this one.....

Most of the officiating was complete bullshit

Got to admit though that it was one of the most entertaining efforts so far....


Yeah, the (It think Kevin Weekes said it was a road flare) thing was completely .. what's the word.. umm... can't find the word I want to use for it. Bascailly a very negative version of "unwanted"...
I hope it's determined that it was a Jersey guy from like Hoboken =P

Seriously, that stink bomb was crap.

[Dark Prince]

Yeah, the (It think Kevin Weekes said it was a road flare) thing was completely .. what's the word.. umm... can't find the word I want to use for it. Bascailly a very negative version of "unwanted"...
I hope it's determined that it was a Jersey guy from like Hoboken =P

Seriously, that stink bomb was crap.

Ha....:p, nice try...

I was actually reading around other message boards and some people are saying that it was two dickhead fake Flyer fans with a Flyers jersey/phillies cap on that threw it on the ice. Freakin classless, if you ask me. Just goes to show that even sporting arena security needs to be beefed up.

I was surprised when that Flyer player picked it up for a few seconds there, that could've easily been some other kind of home-made device especially since the flames were still spiraling from it.

Still doesn't excuse the Devils piss-poor effort with the exception of Parise and and Zajac. 1 point out of a possible 4 and that's down from 3 top forwards. This team seriously needs some kind of big trade or something to be a real offensive threat again...

[Khrymsyn]

Ha....:p, nice try...
Can't fault me for trying =)

I was actually reading around other message boards and some people are saying that it was two dickhead fake Flyer fans with a Flyers jersey/phillies cap on that threw it on the ice. Freakin classless, if you ask me. Just goes to show that even sporting arena security needs to be beefed up.
Yeah, it's disgusting. I like the "tough fans" mentality and reputation. I HATE when stuff like this happens. These are fans that keep track of thier teams win or lose, and are usually pretty knowledge about thier teams, but something about Philly means the assholes are a bit more obnoxious than other teams, and it really bums me out sometimes.


Still doesn't excuse the Devils piss-poor effort with the exception of Parise and and Zajac. 1 point out of a possible 4 and that's down from 3 top forwards. This team seriously needs some kind of big trade or something to be a real offensive threat again...

What's strange is, the Devils offensively are having one of thier better starts, aren't they? I mean hell, of the the jokes around here is always "A Devils game will always be 1-0. All that changes is who gets that 1."

I just hope that these past 2 games are our wake up. We've got talent, but talent doesn't mean crap if it isn't being used.

[Deunnero]

This is worthy of posting. We could also do it every Monday.

So when one of your guys gets top nod, let us know!

NEW YORK - Calgary Flames right-winger Jarome Iginla was named first star of the week by the National Hockey League on Monday.

Iginla led all scorers with seven points (five goals, two assists) to help the Flames win three games last week.

He scored a goal in a 2-1 victory over the Washington Capitals last Tuesday, recorded a hat trick in a 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators on Thursday and had a goal and two assists in a 4-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday.

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Peter Budaj was the second star and Detroit Red Wings right-winger Marian Hossa was the third star.

Budaj posted a 3-0-0 record with a 1.62 goals-against average and .941 save percentage as the Avalanche recorded three victories last week.

Hossa had six points (3-3) as the Red Wings recorded three victories for the week.

SLAM Sports (http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/News/2008/10/27/7219796-cp.html)

[shunoshi]

Nice, Iginla is a bad ass. I have him on my fantasy hockey team. :D

The Wild barely pulled out a win against Columbus on Saturday. They almost blew another 2-goal lead in the 3rd. Columbus scored the tying goal with 11 seconds left on the clock, but Nash's goal was reviewed and disallowed after being determined to be deflected with a high stick. Wild win 2-1.

I wish the Wild would quit turtling up after getting a lead. It gets them into trouble more times than not as they give up the outside completely and allow way too many nasty point shots to be taken.

[National Kato]

Hey Dark Prince, whatever happened to you updating the standings?

[Dark Prince]

Hey Dark Prince, whatever happened to you updating the standings?

You're right, I should be doing that, shouldn't I?


Eastern Conference
Team GP Pts
1. * NY Rangers 11 17
2. * Buffalo 8 14
3. * Carolina 7 9
4. Pittsburgh 9 12
5. Montreal 7 11
6. New Jersey 8 11
7. Washington 8 9
8. Boston 8 9
9. Toronto 8 9
10. Florida 8 8
11. Philadelphia 8 7
12. Atlanta 8 6
13. Tampa Bay 7 5
14. Ottawa 8 5
15. NY Islanders 7 4

Western Conference
Team GP Pts
1. * San Jose 9 14
2. * Detroit 8 13
3. * Minnesota 6 11
4. Colorado 8 10
5. St. Louis 8 10
6. Calgary 8 9
7. Chicago 8 9
8. Edmonton 7 8
9. Vancouver 8 8
10. Nashville 8 8
11. Anaheim 9 8
12. Dallas 9 8
13. Los Angeles 7 6
14. Phoenix 7 6
15. Columbus 8 6

I'll organize it better later on...

[shunoshi]

Jesus, the Rangers have played 11 games already?? MN leading the NW with only 6 GP makes me smile. :D

[Nameless]

Dammit, Ottawa, stop being shit!

[Hyperglide]

Toronto beat Ottawa FUCK YA! Coming again to save the mother fuckin day YA!

Wow Mikku Koivu was leading the league in scoring 3 games in with 9 points but has tailed off abit. That's the shocker of the year. That and Ovechkin is in a early season slump I wish he'd pick up the slack. It'd be nice if he was on a line with Semin.

[Deunnero]

Dammit, Ottawa, stop being shit!

Unless the defense AND the goalkeeping get some improvement, I think the Sens are gonna end up giving Toronto a run for the cellar. :p Habs are gonna walk all over both of em.

[Dark Prince]

Here are the updated standings.....

Eastern Conference
Team
1. * NY Rangers (13Gms, 21Pts)
2. * Montreal (9Gms, 15pts)
3. * Carolina (9Gms, 12pts)
4. Buffalo (10Gms, 14pts)
5. Boston (11Gms, 13pts)
6. New Jersey (9Gms, 12Pts)
7. Pittsburgh (11Gms, 12pts)
8. Washington (9 Gms, 11Pts)
9. Philadelphia (10Gms, 11Pts)
10. Toronto (10Gms, 11Pts)
11. Tampa Bay (9Gms, 9Pts)
12. Ottawa ( 10Gms, 9Pts)
13. Florida (9Gms, 8Pts)
14. Atlanta (10 Gms, 6Pts)
15. NY Islanders (9Gms, 5Pts)
* = Division Leader

Western Conference
Team
1. * San Jose (11 Gms, 18Pts)
2. * Detroit (11 Gms, 16Pts)
3. * Minnesota (9 Gms, 13Pts)
4. Calgary (10 Gms, 13Pts)
5. Anaheim (11 Gms, 12Pts)
6. Nashville (10 Gms, 11Pts)
7. St. Louis (9 Gms, 10Pts)
8. Vancouver (10 Gms, 10Pts)
9. Colorado (10 Gms, 10Pts)
10. Dallas (10 Gms, 10Pts)
11. Edmonton (9 Gms, 9Pts)
12. Chicago (9 Gms, 9Pts)
13. Phoenix (8 Gms, 8Pts)
14. Columbus (10 Gms, 8Pts)
15. Los Angeles (9 Gms, 7Pts)

* = Division Leader

And so the Devils are unfortunately hit with a major injury bug...

Players Out
Brian Rolston
Bobby Holik
Andy Greene

This means we'll be sporting half of an AHL team probably for a couple of weeks at the most. This will undoubtedly suck, but hey...at least it gives time for the kids to play...

[Deunnero]

Calgary had a 6-game winning streak. Wooooooooo! for that alone.

Eastern
Philly is doing something right, look for them to increase their presence this week, Buffalo finally got knocked off their err horse, and New Jersey is keepping it steady; but how will Brodeur's injury affect the team?

Western
Anaheim finally picked up their game and Nashville seems to be climbing up the standings as well, St-Louis and Colorado are going through a rough period it seems. LA just can't seem to get a break, and Vancouver is abuzz with trade rumours!

[Troggles]

Buffalo at New Jersey tonight on Versus. I'll be watching, and I know you will DP. May the best team from Buffalo win!

[Deunnero]

Buffalo at New Jersey tonight on Versus. I'll be watching, and I know you will DP. May the best team from Buffalo win!

Jersey got OWNED! Miller was tight, 2 shutouts in a row.

In a bizarre final sequence, the defenceman got to a loose puck after teammate Mike Comrie lost it in the Columbus zone and fired a shot past Fredrik Norrena. Play continued as Campoli waved his arms to signal that he scored, but to no avail. He then took a pass in the slot and drilled another shot into the centre of the net, setting off a wild celebration as New York snapped a 0-5-1 skid.

After further review following the game, Campoli was proven right. His initial shot went in.

Campoli scores 2 goals in OT to give the Isles the win. They kept showing the replay over and over last night.

[Dark Prince]

Meh

[too short]

[Troggles]

It looks like Weekes will do just fine for New Jersey in the absence of Brodeur. That is if NJ can stop the opposing team from getting 20 shots in one period. That's just not fair to him.

[roboninja]

Hopefully Brodeur's injury is not too bad. I am not a Devil's fan, but I like Brodeur.

WTF, Oilers? 4-0, then 0-5, now 2-0?? Some consistency, please, preferably the winning kind.

EDIT
Oh fuck:
Martin Brodeur's assault on the record book will be put on hold as the Devils' goalkeeper will undergo elbow surgery and will be out of the lineup for up to four months.

“This Thursday morning, Martin Brodeur will undergo surgery to repair the distal bicep in the left elbow," Devils president, CEO and general manager Lou Lamriello said in a statement.

Source (http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=254775&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main)

My condolences, Devils fans :(

[Dark Prince]

This is going to be a real test this season for the Devils to see if they can keep up their ranks in the top 8. If they can manage, I will let out a big sigh of relief for when Marty returns. The players will absolutely have to pick up their play if they want to stick with it this season or they could sink and never make it.

I have full and complete trust in Weekes, a he is capable of being that goalie to take the job he has ahead of him. Hopefully they rotate him with Clemmenson too because I can see that being the case over the next month or so to see how it works out. But, I certainly wouldn't mind seeing Weekes taking the job full force like he's Marty's clone.

Now with Marty out and our defense looking bleak...I would be surprised if we can manage a playoff run.

Players Out
Martin Brodeur [G] (3-4 months)
Paul Martin [D] (day-to-day) (upper-body)
Andy Greene [D] (day-to-day)
Brian Rolston [C] (day-to-day) (ankle sprain)
Bobby Holik [C] (day-to-day) (broken pinky)
Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond (cracked orbital bone)

It's a shame this had to come up all at once...

[Deunnero]

Brodeur out for 3-4 months ... that's going to be rough. Look for some action on the trade front in the coming Weekes ... :P

[Khrymsyn]

Thing is... New Jersey should have been resting Brodeur more for YEARS. What did they think, he was going to be invincible forever??

Weekes is a decent goalie. NJ can stay in it if they tighten up some aspects of thier play. Have to admit, I won't miss seeing him against the Flyers ;-) Hope he heals a-ok though.

[Deunnero]

Thing is... New Jersey should have been resting Brodeur more for YEARS. What did they think, he was going to be invincible forever??

It was a freak accident, not something typical of a goaltender. Just bad luck. Brodeur is a workhorse, and as such should be playing 60 games a year. He gets better the more games he plays and is the sole reason NJ has been a contender for the past decade.

[Dark Prince]

It was a freak accident, not something typical of a goaltender. Just bad luck. Brodeur is a workhorse, and as such should be playing 60 games a year. He gets better the more games he plays and is the sole reason NJ has been a contender for the past decade.

Indeed it was a freak accident. When I saw him reaching for the puck like that and the camera fed away, I knew something was up. Especially when Doc was saying that Brodeur was just starting to slowly get back up.

He's been a beast for years because he knows how to manage his routine on and off the ice something other goalies should take note of *cough*Dipietro*cough*.

This will hurt the team as far as leadership goes, but hopefully the veteran players will finally step it up a notch and give 100% now more then ever. I'm looking at you Elias, Madden and Lagenbrunner. Weekes has a big job on his hands and despite the fact that the Devils will have half an AHL team skating on the ice, that should be no excuse for not winning games. And I hope that winning starts tonight against Tampa.

I'll miss the game and will have to catch the replay of it tomorrow.

[biosc1]

Weekes is a decent goalie.

HEHEHEHEHEHH...OHOHOHOHOH...HAHAHAHAHAHAA...ahem.. .let me compose myself...Weekes...ah...so weak (yah, I went there)...He's a decent goalie, he just needs an attitude adjustment.

Sorry, I just disliked the guys attitude during his tenure here in Vancouver...not a very good "team" player from the sounds of it.

Anyway...We have Luongo now...he's our saviour...perhaps a candidate for Team Canada goalie, depending on Brodeur's injury status in 2010...oh, and he got a shutout last night (yes, it was only the Predators) that was nice after getting defeated by the Wings.

[Deunnero]

Lalongo is poised to be one of the league's elite, but he needs to loosen up and spear a few of those crease crashers ala Hextall. And he needs to get into a fight. Fighing goalies are awesome.

Tampa should be an easy win tonight. Look for some "noname" to pull off a hat trick and for the final score to be 5-2 in favour of Jersey.

[Deunnero]

Lalongo is poised to be one of the league's elite

And he now has 2 consecutive shutouts ... he's hot!

Tampa should be an easy win tonight. Look for some "noname" to pull off a hat trick and for the final score to be 5-2 in favour of Jersey.

Well NJ barely pulled this one out ...

[Dark Prince]

And he now has 2 consecutive shutouts ... he's hot!



We NJ barely pulled this one out ...

At least they got the win they needed. It's something that I hope kick starts their energy. It'll be a long road ahead thats for sure. But, winning the other night certainly helps.

Now I'm hoping they do some damage against Detroit on Saturday.

[biosc1]

And he now has 2 consecutive shutouts ... he's hot!
.

He's making up for that 6 goal night against Anaheim. He's trying to get his GAA down to a normal level again ;)

We'll see if he can keep it up for Minnesota, who are a stronger opponent than Nashville and Phoenix combined...and they hate us.

[Dark Prince]

And what a scary moment last night against Edmonton...

A puck gets cleared along the glass and heads straight for the Devils bench. Colin White ducks out of the way and the puck hits Mike Mottau straight in the forehead. I'm screaming to the heavens..

Why do the hockey gods hate us soooo!!!!!

(thankfully mottau got stitched up and wasn't hurt that bad)

[roboninja]

And what a scary moment last night against Edmonton...

A puck gets cleared along the glass and heads straight for the Devils bench. Colin White ducks out of the way and the puck hits Mike Mottau straight in the forehead. I'm screaming to the heavens..

Why do the hockey gods hate us soooo!!!!!

(thankfully mottau got stitched up and wasn't hurt that bad)
Glad he was not hurt. At least we beat the Rangers tonight as well. Suck it, Sammael! :D

[biosc1]

Vancouver vs Colorado

Luongo vs The Puck

I'm going tonight...it sucks for the Canucks (and Lu) having the last 3 days off...that really has to take them out of their rhythm. I really thought Minnesota could have scored a goal against him, but they didn't. I do think Colorado (who has owned the Canucks over the years) will put in an early goal and the pressure of the streak can be off of the Canucks back.

[Dark Prince]

Well, this is embarrassing and quite frankly should be a wake up call for this Devils team. A 5-2 loss to the rags at home and we're onto a wonderful losing streak. What I don't understand is why don't the Devils run the hell out of lundqvist to throw him off his game is beyond me. I mean, every other freakin team does it, I mean look at what Washington did to the queen the other night and they beat them 3-1. I just don't get it.

This team is completely unorganized and it doesn't help that close to 10 players are injured and on long term injury reserve for a couple of them. This is the most inconsistent team I've seen in years. We seem to only have one player that cares about scoring each game (Parise) and all of our other players are just flat. I mean come on Lou, make some trades and shake things up a little. I know he's got to be dying about this. We can't keep playing half an AHL team forever.

Anyway, here are the standings....

Eastern Conference
Team GP Pts
1. * NY Rangers 18 24
2. * Montreal 13 20
3. * Washington 14 18
4. Pittsburgh 15 20
5. Boston 14 19
6. Buffalo 14 19
7. Carolina 15 18
8. New Jersey 14 16
9. Toronto 16 16
10. Tampa Bay 14 14
11. Ottawa 15 14
12. Atlanta 15 14
13. Philadelphia 14 13
14. Florida 14 11
15. NY Islanders 15 10
* = Division Leader

Western Conference
Team GP Pts
1. * San Jose 17 27
2. * Detroit 14 21
3. * Calgary 17 19
4. Anaheim 17 19
5. Vancouver 15 18
6. Minnesota 13 17
7. Chicago 13 17
8. Edmonton 15 17
9. Columbus 15 16
10. Nashville 15 15
11. Phoenix 13 14
12. Los Angeles 14 14
13. Dallas 15 13
14. Colorado 14 12
15. St. Louis 13 11
* = Division Leader

[MalReynolds]

go pens go

[Dark Prince]

go pens go

Well, its good to know how much you contribute to this thread. :p

[Suave Peanut]

go flyeres go lol

[Deunnero]

Aside from a few top teams, the league is rather boring so far. So much so that I haven't watched hockey in over a week; and I have yet to order the NHL Network. How crazy is that!

I'm glad Calgary is ahead in their division, but it's not really inicative of their play. Some serious shakedowns need to occur to get their game rolling again.

Sad when the best news in the league is about Burke resigning from his position with Anaheim. He's got Toronto in his sights now!

Go Flames Go!

[Jboy001]

stupid fantasy hockey.... stupid manny legace

G Manny Legace (StL - G)
W GAA SV%
0 33.96 .571

[biosc1]

Silly Canucks did not show up last night. Lazy and without effort in the 1st and beginning of the 3rd.

Luongo at least broke his record from last year.

[MalReynolds]

Penguins Beat the wings :P

[shunoshi]

I'm glad Calgary is ahead in their division, but it's not really inicative of their play. Some serious shakedowns need to occur to get their game rolling again.

It's difficult to take the divisions serious right now with the gap in the "games played" column. So far the team that scares me in our division is Vancouver. Luongo is a beast. I have a funny feeling we'll be seeing 4 NW teams in the playoffs again. :D

stupid fantasy hockey.... stupid manny legace

G Manny Legace (StL - G)
W GAA SV%
0 33.96 .571

Is that real? Harsh. No wonder they sent him to the minors in my Be a Pro season on NHL 09. ;)


The Wild are coming off a 4-game rest tonight after getting shutout by the aforementioned Luongo. We should be able to come out with a win tonight against the Coyotes though.

[Jboy001]

yea legace allowed 3 goals in 5 minutes then thye pulled him so his stats were garbage... thinking about dropping him, not sure who to grab in his place though
any suggestions? (i can post a screen of the top avail. goalies)

[biosc1]

(i can post a screen of the top avail. goalies)

Of course. Go ahead, we all will pick our favourites for you :)

[Deunnero]

Of course. Go ahead, we all will pick our favourites for you :)

As long as we get a cut, sure. ;)

[Troggles]

Well, that didn't last long.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3703077

The mullet is out again. :(

[biosc1]

Interesting...though, I don't think Tocchet will have much of an impact.

Doesn't Scotty Bowman live in Florida now... :p

[Dark Prince]

finally!!!!!!!!!

[biosc1]

Just got back from the Canucks vs. Leafs game. First time seeing the Leafs in my life and they just didn't have any jump in them until the end of the 3rd period. I almost thought Luongo was going to post another shutout, but then the Leafs decided to show up to play.

Some good fights and gritty play all around. Good game. :)

[shunoshi]

Well, Wild took down the Blue Jackets in the shootout tonight. Overall a pretty decent game although there were a few bad missed calls.

I'm actually going to see the Canucks/Wild game on Thursday; can't wait!! One of my favorite rivalries and they almost always turn out to be good games.

[biosc1]

One of those interesting rivalries that started out of nothing. If I recall, LeMaire wanted the team to have a rivalry with, so the team chose the Canucks...then it blossomed over the years :)

I just wish we still had Bertuzzi to hear all the boos...was fun watching Bertuzzi and Mitchell go at it in the home opener though :) (Canucks vs Flames).

[shunoshi]

I just wish we still had Bertuzzi to hear all the boos...was fun watching Bertuzzi and Mitchell go at it in the home opener though :) (Canucks vs Flames).

I was going to say, at least he plays for the Flames now so we can hate on him some more. I'm curious to see if he'll get any boos on their first trip to the Xcel next month. Funny about him and Mitchell, old rivalry, both on different teams. ;)

[Deunnero]

Well Calgary continued their domination of the Avs and improved their record to 3-0 so far this season against a strong Colorado team. In all due respect, Budaj made 43/47 saves and has only his offense to blame as Kippers went 21/22.

The Flames outshot the Avs 32-15 after two periods, but the game was deadlocked due to the work of Budaj.

The Flames served only two minors penalties in the game. They were the more rested team with four days off following the San Jose debacle. Calgary had spent that time shoring up their defensive coverage.

Way to go Flames!

[shunoshi]

Wild downed the Pens (in Pittsburgh no less) 2-1 in the shootout. The only reason we even made it there was because of a fluke faceoff draw that trickled between Sabourin's pads.

Oh well, I'll take what I can get. :D

Both Sabourin and Backstrom had stellar games in net.

[Deunnero]

The Wild are chugging along nicely this year.

[shunoshi]

The Wild are chugging along nicely this year.

Yeah, a few hiccups, but we're holding 23 pts. on 16 GP, so I'm not complaining. As usual, 4 NW teams are riding the early top-8 wave. I have to say, the Northwest division is awesome. :D

[Dark Prince]

I hate this fuckin schedule...I don't get how you can play a game on saturday night and then have to wait until freakin thursday night for the next one. Way to go NHL.

[biosc1]

Yeah, a few hiccups, but we're holding 23 pts. on 16 GP, so I'm not complaining. As usual, 4 NW teams are riding the early top-8 wave. I have to say, the Northwest division is awesome. :D

Which Canucks will show up tonight? The defensive non-scoring ones, or the offensive non-defensive ones...

[Deunnero]

Which Canucks will show up tonight? The defensive non-scoring ones, or the offensive non-defensive ones...

With that guy in nets, I wouldn't be worried either way.

[biosc1]

With that guy in nets, I wouldn't be worried either way.

I don't know...I think Sanford may be going into the net tonight...

[shunoshi]

I don't know...I think Sanford may be going into the net tonight...

Sanford actually has a better GAA and SV% than Luongo has against us. ;) Of course, Luongo has faced us in 3 times as many games. It should be an interesting game. Backstrom has been kicking asses between the pipes. I can't wait. I'll be screaming my face off in the Xcel Center tonight.

[biosc1]

I'll be screaming my face off in the Xcel Center tonight.

...until we score...

Just like the Leaf fans last Saturday...generally making fools of themselves on the street and in the arena...quieted down pretty quickly :)

Nothing beats the sound of the "murmur of the crowd" who is watching their team lose...

[Troggles]

The Sabres need to stop failing so hard.

[shunoshi]

...until we score...

Just like the Leaf fans last Saturday...generally making fools of themselves on the street and in the arena...quieted down pretty quickly :)

Nothing beats the sound of the "murmur of the crowd" who is watching their team lose...

Don't hold your breath on that one. ;)

[Deunnero]

Miikka Kiprusoff and the Calgary Flames are having a lot of fun at the Colorado Avalanche's expense. The Avalanche have struggled against Calgary this season, losing all four games to the Flames, the first three in Calgary.

The Flames have dominated shots on goal in the past two games, and only solid play by Peter Budaj, who had 32 saves, kept Colorado in Thursday's game.

It's to bad the Avs offense is so weak. Cuz Budaj is awesome!

Northwest is a scary place to be.

[shunoshi]

Good game last night, even though we lost to the Canucks 3-2. I have to say that I haven't seen a shittier shift in hockey than the one the Canucks scored their 3rd goal on. We looked like a high school hockey team. Everyone standing around letting the puck get cycled like a power play. I've seen the Wild slip into this style of play a few times and they almost all end in goals against.

A little aggravating, but overall it was a good game (excluding a questionable tripping call).

[biosc1]

Blah, the Canucks looked horrible too...definitely looked like they've been doing too much travel. The Wild should have won that game. There were a few glorious opportunities missed by the Wild and just plain luck on the Canucks side.

[Dark Prince]

Devils finally getting on that roll again, and Clemmenson looked pretty sharp there last night.

Elias' line is really picking it up and it can only get even more awesome once Rolston gets back on that line. Elias scored an awesome goal last night making Vokoun look like a fool. Check out the highlights (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/teams/njd;_ylt=Ah.2zpioCMTC5BSSynHcmxV7vLYF)

Can't wait to finally watch them battle against the Islanders. We need to pick up that play against divisional rivals and finally start pwning the Rags again.

[Dark Prince]

Devils on a roll people! Look out!!

[biosc1]

Look out? Pfft...Eastern teams... :p

[shunoshi]

Look out? Pfft...Eastern teams... :p

lol, couldn't have said it better myself. ;)

[Dark Prince]

Look out? Pfft...Eastern teams... :p

Just look at a my avatar.....:D

pfft...western teams...

[National Kato]

Luongo out with a groin injury. Not looking good...this'll hurt my fantasy team big time.

[biosc1]

Ahhhhhhhhh

That's the sound of Canuck fans after watching their team weather the storm of the Detroit Red Wings, without Luongo.

As an aside, next days paper showed Luongo injured and "Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo"

[Deunnero]

Cammalleri had the first three-goal performance of his NHL career and Glencross fired the winner in the third period Thursday as the Flames beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-3.

Cammalleri, who moved up to the top line with Jarome Iginla and Matthew Lombardi two games ago, drew Calgary even at 1-1 by banking his 100th NHL goal off Canucks defenceman Sami Salo during a power play.

Calgary improved to 13-9-1 with a third consecutive win that left the Flames three points behind Northwest Division-leading Vancouver. The Canucks slipped to 14-7-2 after an 8-0-2 tear that included four straight victories.

The Canucks struggled at times to clear their zone and had too many passes and only two shots on a 53-second two-man advantage.

I can't wait for the rematch tomorrow!!!

[Dark Prince]

Luongo out with a groin injury. Not looking good...this'll hurt my fantasy team big time.

Looks like those Canucks will be suffering the fate of the Devils problem...

[roboninja]

Snap the fuck out of it, Oilers! Man, they have looked listless. I am starting to think MacT might have to go, they are not responding to him.

[biosc1]

Looks like those Canucks will be suffering the fate of the Devils problem...

I know...

Dang Flames...

[Deunnero]

I know...

Dang Flames...

Your 3 point lead is going to evaporate when we burn down the place tomorrow! :D

[shunoshi]

Alright, Wild need to make up for the silly game against Colorado earlier in the week. 6-5 is not your average Wild/Avalanche score.

Playing against the Blues and should be able to hand them a loss.

Sidenote: Dark Prince, fix the standings on the OP!! :p

[Khrymsyn]

Hey, Suave, feeling better about picking this year to cheer on the Flyers yet?


BTW, anyone else think the Avery thing is a bit blown out of proportion? Suspended indefinitely for that? really? I mean, I've watched the explanations why he was suspended, but indefinitely?

[biosc1]

BTW, anyone else think the Avery thing is a bit blown out of proportion? Suspended indefinitely for that? really? I mean, I've watched the explanations why he was suspended, but indefinitely?

You have to remember the past history of Avery as well. This wasn't the first time he has been in trouble with the league. Though...I don't see why this is an issue...knowing a hockey player, a lot worse stuff is said on the ice...heck, just look at the movie Slapshot ;)

Some other incidents of note:

2005: Makes comments about French Canadian players who wear visors after being hit by Denis Gauthier. "I think it was typical of most French guys in our league with a visor on, running around and playing tough and not back anything up." Avery would later apologize.

2005: Avery denies saying anything wrong after being accused by Georges Laraque of making a racial slur. The NHL looks into the incident but does not take action due to lack of evidence.

2006: Avery argues with Ducks announcer Brian Hayward. The forward refers to Hayward as an "embarrassment", "(terrible) announcer", and a "(terrible) player".

2006: The Kings send Avery home for last three games of the season.

2007: Avery is fined ($2,500) after a pre-game confrontation with Toronto's Darcy Tucker.

2008: Avery waves hand in front of Martin Brodeur to cause a distraction during Rangrs/Devils playoff series. Brodeur refuses to shake Avery's hand after series. The NHL later invokes a new rule making Avery's tactic illegal.

2008: Serves as an intern with Vogue magazine.

2008: Makes comments to ESPN regarding Jarome Iginla not being exciting enough and what he believed to be failures by the NHL in marketing the game.

2008: Makes comments regarding his ex-girlfriends dating other NHL players and is suspended indefinitely by the league.

[Suave Peanut]

Hey, Suave, feeling better about picking this year to cheer on the Flyers yet?
Yes! Although I would prefer Briere to stay on the line-up for a while. I don't like this in-and-out injury drama!

[Dark Prince]

Yes! Although I would prefer Briere to stay on the line-up for a while. I don't like this in-and-out injury drama!

Traitor! :mad::) We'll kick your ass thursday night. :p

Ohh and I should probably fix those standings in the OP, thanks shunoshi.

Ohh and I think the suspension was well-deserved on him. Fuck Avery. :D

EDIT: Standings Updated

[Kielaran]

The Avery drama is silly. Some of the things he has done have meritted a negative response but for example this,
2008: Avery waves hand in front of Martin Brodeur to cause a distraction during Rangrs/Devils playoff series. Brodeur refuses to shake Avery's hand after series. The NHL later invokes a new rule making Avery's tactic illegal.
was just silly. It was blown completely out of proportion, first because it was legal and second because the league was so upset about it that the 'Avery rule' was made virtually overnight.

I have always subscribed to the 'you get what you deserve' mindset. Not karma, mind you, but that because of his big mouth, he will be hit harder and more often (much like TO when he was with the Eagles).

Of course, if they could prove the racial slurs, then I would be more than happy to see him suspended indefinitely. There is no need for that.

[Khrymsyn]

Yes! Although I would prefer Briere to stay on the line-up for a while. I don't like this in-and-out injury drama!

I'm numb to it at this point, as I still remember having Forsberg...

I like Briere, but I am beginning to honestly wonder if it might just not be better to trade him away or something... I mean, we've got 2 very good, young centers that really deserve to be on lines 1 and 2, and Briere is not a line 3 type guy. Losing him would free up a lot of cap space to to hopefully help us on that front as we've been slamming up against the bubble quite a bit this season.

I dunno. He's a good player, and seems like a nice enough guy, but I'd take Richards and Carter over him at this point.


Biosc, I know his past ain't so great, and think the guy is a big of a jackass. Just think that this and the Brodeur incident were just really blown out of proporition. (going back to the Brodeur incident... why didn't someone clear the crease? hard?)

[shunoshi]

EDIT: Standings Updated

Wow, I feel like I'm hallucinating. Dallas is at the bottom of the Western Conference? That's awesome, but WTF?

*EDIT* Oh, and the Wild smoked the Blues 4-0!! Woo!

[Dark Prince]

Booyah!! Devils beat it out on the Flyers to win in OT, thanks Elias!

A loss would've racked my brain around this weekend. Now, I'm pumped for saturday night against the Canadians.

[Deunnero]

Wow, I feel like I'm hallucinating. Dallas is at the bottom of the Western Conference? That's awesome, but WTF?

*EDIT* Oh, and the Wild smoked the Blues 4-0!! Woo!

Looks like your Wild are hostin' my Flames on the 17th and we'll welcome you on the 26th. Those are gonna determine who's the top team in the NW as the Canucks are fading slowly.

Habs are going to get burned next Tuesday, but not before they whip the Devils. :p

[Khrymsyn]

Booyah!! Devils beat it out on the Flyers to win in OT, thanks Elias!....

Biron needs to learn he isn't Brodeur and STOP PLAYING THE DAMN PUCK.

argh.
lol

[shunoshi]

Those are gonna determine who's the top team in the NW as the Canucks are fading slowly.

That's if the Wild can handle dishing out a loss to Vancouver tonight at the Xcel. Our last game against the Canucks was unspeakably bad. Hopefully my boys are ready for some payback.

[Deunnero]

That's if the Wild can handle dishing out a loss to Vancouver tonight at the Xcel. Our last game against the Canucks was unspeakably bad. Hopefully my boys are ready for some payback.

Vancouver is going through all sorts of bad things as of late. I predict a solid 5-2 win for the Wild.

[roboninja]

The Avery drama is silly. Some of the things he has done have meritted a negative response but for example this,

was just silly. It was blown completely out of proportion, first because it was legal and second because the league was so upset about it that the 'Avery rule' was made virtually overnight.

I have always subscribed to the 'you get what you deserve' mindset. Not karma, mind you, but that because of his big mouth, he will be hit harder and more often (much like TO when he was with the Eagles).

Of course, if they could prove the racial slurs, then I would be more than happy to see him suspended indefinitely. There is no need for that.

While the media has certainly had a field day with the Avery thing, you have to look at it in context. Sure, many worse things are said on the ice, but that is the place for it. This was a pre-meditated act by Avery; the reporters were not even asking him questions, he walked up to them and asked if they were ready for him to say something. That makes all the difference in the world; the exact words he said are almost inconsequential. If this had been something that was overheard while he was joking with teammates, I would agree with you, but it was not.

It is easy to see that the guy needs to go. In a sport as honour-bound as hockey, when your own teammates do not support you, and have been quoted as saying "I hope I never see him again", you know what kind of a prick this guy is. He deserves no sympathy.

[National Kato]

My fantasy goalie roster:

Luongo (IR) - groin strain (facing shots from trainer, but not teammates just yet)
Ward (DTD) - groin, possibly out 2 weeks
Garon - looking good with what little time he gets

My chances of wins are slim now with my goalies in the tank.

[Deunnero]

FLAMES, OILERS AND CANUCKS IN ACTION TONIGHT
THE SPORTS NETWORK

Canada's three Northwest Division teams will be looking for big wins on the road as part of the NHL's four-game schedule tonight.

In St. Louis, the Calgary Flames will try to rebound from a loss when they open a four-game road trip this evening at Scottrade Center against the Blues.

The Flames have dominated the series with St. Louis in recent years, winning three straight and 10 of the last 11 encounters between the clubs. Calgary has also won four of five and six of the last eight meetings in the Arch City.

The Los Angeles Kings will try for their second win versus the Edmonton Oilers this season, and attempt to snap a brief losing streak as well, when the two teams meet tonight at the Staples Center.

Finally, the Vancouver Canucks look to prevent a fifth consecutive loss for the first time in almost three years when they face the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center.

Captain Roberto Luongo went down with a strained groin in a Nov. 22 win at Pittsburgh, and the Canucks have gone 1-4-0 without him - a stretch capped by four consecutive losses including a 6-5 defeat to Detroit on Thursday.

Schneider hasn't faced the Wild, but Sanford is 4-2-0 with a shutout and a 2.54 GAA in eight career games against Minnesota. The Wild have split the first two contests of its current three-game homestand behind contrasting performances.

The Canucks, who have dropped the first three contests on their season-high seven-game road trip, last suffered five straight defeats during an 0-4-1 stretch from March 5-14, 2006.

Tonight will be a great night for hockey!

[Dark Prince]

Biron needs to learn he isn't Brodeur and STOP PLAYING THE DAMN PUCK.

argh.
lol

Every time I see a goalie try to play the puck that isn't Marty, I just let out a little chuckle at their attempts. That was was a really weak attempt by Biron. Some of these goalies definitely need some practice in that skill, it didn't take Brodeur over night to learn what he knows that's for sure.

[Deunnero]

Jarome Iginla and David Moss struck for the second straight game, and Calgary workhorse Miikka Kiprusoff stopped 31 shots to earn his 29th NHL shutout in the Flames' 3-0 victory over the New York Rangers on Sunday night.

Kiprusoff started for the 26th time in Calgary's 27 games - including 12 consecutive. And with that, Calgary moved into a tie with Minnesota. Hot times in the Northwest. :D

And on another note, the Avalanche beat the Vancouver Canucks for the eighth straight time.

[shunoshi]

And on another note, the Avalanche beat the Vancouver Canucks for the eighth straight time.

I wish the Wild could do that. Bad hockey weekend for us with back-to-back losses to both Vancouver and Nashville. :(

[Deunnero]

I wish the Wild could do that. Bad hockey weekend for us with back-to-back losses to both Vancouver and Nashville. :(

I was quite happy about that, we were 4 points back. :p

[Dark Prince]

Updated Standings...

Man what an awesome game last night! An 8-5 beat down of the Rags and the queen. Yes, they lost a 4 goal lead which sucked, but they more then made up for that but scoring only minutes after the 3rd period got underway. Devils just owned the Rangers all around beating them to the puck (with the exception of the lost 4-goal lead).

Devils are playing amazing right now and have a 4 game win streak again! This is the team I've been waiting for and the one that Sutter has been waiting for. Everyone is clicking and it's just awesome. Devils don't deserve to be at the bottom of the Atlantic/7th place overall.

That freakin Ranger team deserves to be lower....they have no defense whatsoever.

[Khrymsyn]

That freakin Ranger team deserves to be lower....they have no defense whatsoever.

They will be sooner or later. remember they had like a 4 game, 8 point head start on the rest of the Atlantic.


speaking of teams climbing the ladder... Pens vs. Flyers on right now, Flyers up 2-0 after the first. woo!

[Deunnero]

Going to be a crazy week in the NW. Lots of important games being played which will give us a good idea of what to expect for the playoffs.

[shunoshi]

If this month is any indication of what the playoffs will be like, MN will not be attending. They're on a severe losing streak right now after two more losses this weekend to LA and Anaheim.

/cry :(

[Dark Prince]

Looks like I have another reason to attend a Devils game again considering their poor 4-2 loss on saturday night.

While I'm glad I was able to see Weekes get the start that game, I kinda wished it was Clemmer instead. Clemmenson was on a roll and Weekes looked a bit rusty that game.

Here's hoping they pull a win out in Toronto and Buffalo.

[Deunnero]

If this month is any indication of what the playoffs will be like, MN will not be attending. They're on a severe losing streak right now after two more losses this weekend to LA and Anaheim.

/cry :(

1...2...3...4...5.... and 6th on Wednesday.
:p

[shunoshi]

1...2...3...4...5.... and 6th on Wednesday.
:p

I praying they snap out of it for Wednesday's game. Plus rumor has it Gaborik will return to the lineup. We'll see how much rust has built up.

[Deunnero]

I praying they snap out of it for Wednesday's game. Plus rumor has it Gaborik will return to the lineup. We'll see how much rust has built up.

Calgary vs. Minnesota, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6:00 p.m. at the Xcel Energy Center, TSN & The FAN 960

After a tremendous start to their season, the Wild have fallen a bit. They only have one win in December, coming against the Blues, and are sitting at eighth spot in the Western Conference standings, one point ahead of the Edmonton Oilers.

Mikko Koivu has been a pillar of strength for the Wild this year. He leads the team in points and scoring, with 30 and 10, and had a career-high four assists in the team’s 6-2 win over Florida early in the season. He’s well on-pace for a career season in scoring and points. In 2006-07, Koivu had 20 goals and 54 points but due to injury, only had 11 goals in 57 games last season. He lit the lamp twice against the Flames last season.

Former Flame Owen Nolan is faring well in Minnesota. He has five goals and five assists this season but hasn’t played since Dec. 5 due to a leg injury. Nolan had three assists against the Wild last season as a member of the Flames.

This is the first meeting between the two this season. They’ll meet five more times after this for a six game season series. Last year, Calgary dominated the season series with a 6-2-0 record. Jarome Iginla led the team in scoring and points against the Wild, netting six goals and five helpers. Injured Marion Gaborik led the Wild with four goals and nine assists.
The last time the Flames won in Minnesota was on Feb. 24, 2008 when they defeated the Wild 2-1. Miikka Kiprusoff played in all six games last season and had a 2.36 GAA and .912 save percentage.

Lace up, we're gonna have a barn burner!

[Deunnero]

From last night ...

Jarome Iginla had two goals and two assists to match his career best for points as the Calgary Flames beat the St. Louis Blues 6-3 Tuesday night. "(Iginla) had a great game," said Flames coach Mike Keenan. "He had a leadership game and you expect that from your best players."

And that means that the Flames are 10-1 when Iginla has more than one point.

Watch out, tonight's going to be a big Wild fire! :D

[shunoshi]

My confidence in the Wild has been shattered this month. I'll be watching, but I fear the results. Hopefully Gaborik's return will spark the type of play we had in Oct/Nov.

[Dark Prince]

The Devils need to wake up yet again after blowing their chances against Toronto. Here's hoping they actually get a win in Buffalo tonight.

[Deunnero]

My confidence in the Wild has been shattered this month. I'll be watching, but I fear the results. Hopefully Gaborik's return will spark the type of play we had in Oct/Nov.

6 game losing streak ... I would be shattered as well.

Todd Bertuzzi scored a spectacular goal with 1:12 remaining in overtime to give the Flames a 3-2 win over the Wild in their first meeting of the season Wednesday night. Miikka Kiprusoff made 25 saves for his 18th win.

Was nice to see Bertuzzi snap his 19-game scoreless streak with an OT winner ... props to Langkow for his dive-pass to set that up.

Was a great game though, a few fights, some nifty work from Koivu/Gaborik, not to mention Gaborik scoring in his 1st game back since Oct. 14. I am looking forward to the next game on the 29th. A belated xmas present of fists and fire! :)

The Devils need to wake up yet again after blowing their chances against Toronto. Here's hoping they actually get a win in Buffalo tonight.

They played very well last night, things are going to get better too, as they are hosting Ottawa tomorrow! And that is almost a sure win!

[roboninja]

My confidence in the Wild has been shattered this month. I'll be watching, but I fear the results. Hopefully Gaborik's return will spark the type of play we had in Oct/Nov.

At least you did not lose a home game 9-2 :( That one will sting for a while, and probably should cost MacT his job.

[Deunnero]

At least you did not lose a home game 9-2 :( That one will sting for a while, and probably should cost MacT his job.

I agree, the Oilers need a new bench boss in order to begin the new year with even a shimmer of hope!

Why don;t you play NHL 09 with us? Do tell.

[roboninja]

I agree, the Oilers need a new bench boss in order to begin the new year with even a shimmer of hope!

Why don;t you play NHL 09 with us? Do tell.

PS3 version. Plus, to be honest, I have not played it all that much. Rock Band 2 has overtaken hockey as the game of choice when friends are over, and my "solo" gaming (as in no one is in the room with me) has been mostly limited to WoW lately, with a bit of TF2 and Fallout 3.

[Deunnero]

PS3 version. Plus, to be honest, I have not played it all that much. Rock Band 2 has overtaken hockey as the game of choice when friends are over, and my "solo" gaming (as in no one is in the room with me) has been mostly limited to WoW lately, with a bit of TF2 and Fallout 3.

That's too bad, we could have used an Oiler fan to help complete our NW division roster. We have the Flames, Wild and Canucks represented already.

Is there a closet Avs fan here? :p

Here's to hoping the Dec. 31st game will be a great one to end 2008. :D

[roboninja]

That's too bad, we could have used an Oiler fan to help complete our NW division roster. We have the Flames, Wild and Canucks represented already.

Is there a closet Avs fan here? :p

Here's to hoping the Dec. 31st game will be a great one to end 2008. :D

Agreed there.
Who knows, by the time next year's version rolls around, I may have picked up a 360 too; they are getting rather cheap. I do have a good friend in TO that got mad at me for buying a PS3 when he has a 360 :)

[Deunnero]

Agreed there.
Who knows, by the time next year's version rolls around, I may have picked up a 360 too; they are getting rather cheap. I do have a good friend in TO that got mad at me for buying a PS3 when he has a 360 :)

Hell, I'd be mad too. Is he a Leafs fan by chance? Then I would understand being mad, cause they are mad all the time, because, well, the whole town sucks at sports. :p

[Deunnero]

So what does our resident Canuck fan think about the 6-month rental fee of 5.5 million?:p

[roboninja]

So what does our resident Canuck fan think about the 6-month rental fee of 5.5 million?:p

I loved it. I won $5 on a bet with another friend (also a Leafs fan) who said he would never sign in Vancouver. She will have to pay up tonight :D

On a hockey front, I think it is great for the Canucks. They can put Sundin on with the twins and have a very potent line.

[Deunnero]

I loved it. I won $5 on a bet with another friend (also a Leafs fan) who said he would never sign in Vancouver. She will have to pay up tonight :D

On a hockey front, I think it is great for the Canucks. They can put Sundin on with the twins and have a very potent line.

"She" and "hockey" are rarely seen in the same paragraph. SHe must be quite the girl! :D

[Dark Prince]

And so the Devils burn the Flyers in the shootout 3-2. This makes for a very pleasant sunday. :)

[KingGorilla]

San Jose firing on all cylinders scares me. I want a repeat goddammit.

[Deunnero]

San Jose firing on all cylinders scares me. I want a repeat goddammit.

Join us for some NHL09 OTP! Now that will scare you. :p

[OldeWolf]

Hockey: Dentist's best friend

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/WeirdPoe/clarke_1_.jpg

Who needs teeth to play hockey, they're overrated. http://www.xentales.com/images/smilies/icon_rambo.gif

[Deunnero]

You should join us too, your fellow Minnesotan is our star centre!

Huge night in hockey tonight, last game-night before the Christmas break.

Boston at New Jersey 7:00 PM
Atlanta at NY Islanders 7:00 PM
Washington at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
Ottawa at Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Los Angeles at Columbus 7:00 PM
Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
Dallas at Toronto 7:30 PM
Nashville at Florida 7:30 PM
St. Louis at Detroit 7:30 PM
Carolina at Minnesota 8:00 PM
Phoenix at Colorado 9:00 PM
Anaheim at Calgary 9:00 PM
Vancouver at San Jose 10:00 PM

Looks like I'll be betting on a lot of these tonight in the hopes of getting some $$$ to spend on the crazy boxing day sales!

[Deunnero]

Flames going into the break as #1 :D

[Dark Prince]

Bah, officiating sucked last night, a few phantom calls got missed big time. There should've been at least a penalty shot on the two-on-one that Boston interfered with on Elias' chance.

A messed up game last night, effort was there, but refs handed this game to Boston.

[biosc1]

Was at the Canucks vs Senators game last night...my oh my, how the mighty have fallen. It's hard to believe that a team as talented (on paper) as the Senators are at the bottom of the league.

I meant to take a picture, but sitting behind the Senators bench, I was struck by the star power of a lot of the names...all of which was squandered by an on-ice performance that was a mess...no sense of cohesion, just really scrambly. A Canuck team that is not performing well, handled the Senators with ease even after playing a very lazy second and third period.

The game picked up in the last 10 minutes and there was a great fight, but the second period reminded me of intramural hockey.

In the end the Canucks won a game they needed to and should have won :)

[Dark Prince]

Devils beating the Rangers twice (8-5! and 4-2!) was as classic as ever and owning them at their own game was priceless.

Now, if only we could get above 5th place again, that would be nice.

[Deunnero]

Calgary is on top of the NW, 3 pts better then Canucks and has 10 pts over the Wild. A good start to the New Year. They are in Nashville tomorrow, and will likely continue their excellent play, and try for a 5th straight win. Iginla is 5th in scoring, and Kippers seems to have shaken off the cobwebs. :D

A great start to the year!

[KingGorilla]

Nice pond hockey. I think the refs were too involved, but I generally think that. Sucked the energy right out of the hawks and the crowd. Conditions sure did make for a high scoring game though.

[Dark Prince]

Mats Sundin Could Make Canuck Debut Tomorrow Night (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=Au4vG2j9yHFx_XSgwb5eXlp7vLYF?slug=ap-canucks-sundin&prov=ap&type=lgns)

Also, Devs game in Carolina tonight was a complete mess. No way the Canes were able to pull off an almost perfect game without committing some kind of infraction. I already noticed a couple of hooks and one or two interferences' that could've been called, always bullshit in Carolina.

It boggles the mind why the Devils were only able to score with 6 players because of a goalie pull with 6 mins left on the lone two powerplays they were scrapped with.

Oh well, looks like the Atlanta game is looking like a huge come back game, especially now that we're in range of the division lead.

[shunoshi]

Alright, I'm feeling a little better now that the Wild have had back-to-back shutouts, felling the Avalanche and Bruins. Here's to excelling in the second half and keeping a top 8 spot in the West!! We need to try and keep the trend alive of 3-4 of the 8 western playoff teams every year coming from the NW division :D

[Troggles]

Do you bite your thumb at me? No I bite your thumb for you.

[Kielaran]

Losing streak broken. Go Pens!

Do you bite your thumb at me? No I bite your thumb for you.

How the hell do you bite through a hockey glove? He even drew blood. On top of that, I can't even imagine how nasty that must have tasted.

[biosc1]

Let's see if Sundin plays tonight. I'm not actually expecting much out of him. I figured pessimism will leave me pleasantly surprised. The last couple of weeks had me much more excited watching the Canuck draft Hodgson playing with the World Junior Canadian team...

There are a lot of great young players coming soon, that's for sure.

As for biting through the glove...It's funny, there was another bite in the Canada Vs. Sweden game...dog pile in front of the net and then a Swede took a chomp out of a Canadian player's hand...didn't get called, but was clearly visible on the replay and by judging the player's reaction.