If anyone forgot, The puck drops tonight!

laurenskye · Post by **laurenskye** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 11:00 am

Yeah, I knew that list was dated. Still, the Wings have the best offense in the league and alot of Ottawa's future depends on a very old and very injury prone Hasek. Should be a great year of hockey.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 11:01 am

Sully wrote:Watching the Ottawa game last night, I expected a faster team. Maybe it's because they played the night before?

Could be, because Montreal is the only team I've seen this year with as much speed as Ottawa. Saturday night was a BIG win for the Sens against an archrival, so maybe a letdown is expected.

But I'm taking nothing from the Flyers. They played well last night. That give-and-go on Carter's first goal showed that kid has some speed and skill! Hitch needs to get him off the fourth line and on a line where he can use more of his talents.

Take care,
PK

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 11:03 am

Heard a great stat last night during the Flyers game; teams trailing after 2 periods have already won more games this season than ALL of last season. That's the new NHL for you, and I love it!!

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 11:06 am

laurenskye wrote:Yeah, I knew that list was dated. Still, the Wings have the best offense in the league and alot of Ottawa's future depends on a very old and very injury prone Hasek. Should be a great year of hockey.

Whoa, whoa: You're saying the Sens' hopes are pinned on an old guy? That's pretty rich, coming from a Wings' fan. After all, the Wings have 14 guys 30 or older on their roster.

And let's look at the "core" of the Wings:

Chelios - 43
Yzerman - 40
Shanahan - 36
Schneider - 36
Lidstrom - 35
Legace - 32
Osgood - 32

Lang and Draper are 34, too.

Hell, no team is more in need of AARP cards in the NHL than the Wings.

Regarding the Sens, Hasek is a key, no doubt. But Ray Emery is a capable backup, 2-0, 2.44, .915 in two games this season. He's no Hasek. He's not even a Legace or Osgood. But I'd take him in Edmonton right now.

Take care,
PK

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 11:07 am

Naples39 wrote:Heard a great stat last night during the Flyers game; teams trailing after 2 periods have already won more games this season than ALL of last season. That's the new NHL for you, and I love it!!

Here, here! Agreed!

Take care,
PK

Sully · Post by **Sully** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 11:09 am

Naples39 wrote:Heard a great stat last night during the Flyers game; teams trailing after 2 periods have already won more games this season than ALL of last season. That's the new NHL for you, and I love it!!

That helps explain why I was on the edge of my seat with 4 minutes left in the game, and the Flyers up 5-3. We've learned from games against the Penguins, Rangers, and Hurricanes that no lead is safe.

Jackdog · Post by **Jackdog** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 11:21 am

Naples39 wrote:
You've got to be kidding me. I understand what you mean that the second win against a team is harder than the first, but do you really believe 'the hard way' is playing the worst teams in the league over and over again?

Ottawa on the other hand has yet to play a single team with a losing record, which certainly makes their similar record look a whole lot better to me. Detroit might turn out to be the best team in the league, but it's going to take a lot more more than beating up on the cellar dwellers in October to prove it.

My Flyers are playing in Ottawa tonight, and while I think they can match their level of play, unless they start getting some goaltending, it's tough to see them coming out with any points.

No I wasn't kidding.

Since you own the Flyers hook a brother up with some tickets when the Wings come to town.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 11:38 am

JackDog wrote:Since you own the Flyers hook a brother up with some tickets when the Wings come to town.

Yeah....ummm....that request might take a while.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 12:14 pm

I know it's early, but this is shaping up to be a hell of a rookie class this season:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=10453&hubname=

Take care,
PK

laurenskye · Post by **laurenskye** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 12:24 pm

pk500 wrote:
laurenskye wrote:Yeah, I knew that list was dated. Still, the Wings have the best offense in the league and alot of Ottawa's future depends on a very old and very injury prone Hasek. Should be a great year of hockey.
Whoa, whoa: You're saying the Sens' hopes are pinned on an old guy? That's pretty rich, coming from a Wings' fan. After all, the Wings have 14 guys 30 or older on their roster.

And let's look at the "core" of the Wings:

Chelios - 43
Yzerman - 40
Shanahan - 36
Schneider - 36
Lidstrom - 35
Legace - 32
Osgood - 32

Lang and Draper are 34, too.

Hell, no team is more in need of AARP cards in the NHL than the Wings.

Regarding the Sens, Hasek is a key, no doubt. But Ray Emery is a capable backup, 2-0, 2.44, .915 in two games this season. He's no Hasek. He's not even a Legace or Osgood. But I'd take him in Edmonton right now.

Take care,
PK

And of all those old players none are goalies (32 is not old). Goalie is the most important position in any sport and if/when Hasek goes down and the goals against skyrocket it will be tough for them.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 12:39 pm

Ottawa averages 4.4 goals per game. Only Colorado is scoring at a higher per-game clip in the NHL.

The Sens also have the second-best defense in the NHL, behind the Wings.

Even without Hasek, I think the Sens can win their share of high-scoring games.

Speaking of goalies, LaBarbera has been unreal in LA. That kid is getting no attention. I hope people start to wake up to his hot start.

Take care,
PK

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 1:30 pm

Damn Flyers game wasn't on here

The local UPN station aired Stargate instead of the game...son of a... I had to listen to it on the radio. All things aside, it was a big win. To beat the Sens on the road is a great thing. I'm loving the "new NHL".

James_E · Post by **James_E** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 2:03 pm

laurenskye wrote:
And of all those old players none are goalies (32 is not old). Goalie is the most important position in any sport and if/when Hasek goes down and the goals against skyrocket it will be tough for them.

Same goes for a lot of teams if their #1 goalie goes down. This is not limited to the Sens.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 2:32 pm

James_E wrote:Same goes for a lot of teams if their #1 goalie goes down. This is not limited to the Sens.

It's not the case for Edmonton. Both goalies suck.

Take care,
PK

laurenskye · Post by **laurenskye** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 3:18 pm

James_E wrote:
laurenskye wrote:
And of all those old players none are goalies (32 is not old). Goalie is the most important position in any sport and if/when Hasek goes down and the goals against skyrocket it will be tough for them.
Same goes for a lot of teams if their #1 goalie goes down. This is not limited to the Sens.

But those other teams are not counting on a 40 year old. That is my point. Especially one who has had a lot of injuries the last couple of years. If that groin goes again he's probably done.

James_E · Post by **James_E** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 3:24 pm

Yeah, I can see that argument. But I'm an optimistic fan. hasek says he's in the best shape of his life due to a personal trainer he hired, he's excited and having fun, so I'm hoping he'll keep in good shape.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 3:57 pm

Remember, too, that Hasek played a whopping 14 games between the end of the 2001-02 season and the start of this season due to retirement, injury and the lockout.

He's 40, but it's a fresh 40.

Take care,
PK

Sully · Post by **Sully** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 5:09 pm

laurenskye wrote:
James_E wrote:
laurenskye wrote:
And of all those old players none are goalies (32 is not old). Goalie is the most important position in any sport and if/when Hasek goes down and the goals against skyrocket it will be tough for them.
Same goes for a lot of teams if their #1 goalie goes down. This is not limited to the Sens.
But those other teams are not counting on a 40 year old. That is my point. Especially one who has had a lot of injuries the last couple of years. If that groin goes again he's probably done.

The Sens aren't counting on a 40 year old. They have one of the finest defensive teams in the league. Hasek is good, but he's nothing like the goalie we saw in the early and mid 90's. The Sens could lose Hasek, and still be a Cup contender.

In most cases, a team would take a 40 year old Hasek over a unproven Legace.

Sully · Post by **Sully** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 5:31 pm

Checking the stats at NHL.com...

There are only 6 players with a +/- of -8 or worse...

Igor Ulanov, EDM -8
Jeff O'neill, TOR -8
Jason Allison, TOR -9
Wade Belak, TOR -9
Darcy Tucker, TOR -9
Scott Hannan, SJS -10

4 Maple Leafs in the bottom 6!

Is that proof that their team is being carried by the Power Play? I'd say so.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 5:56 pm

Sully wrote:Checking the stats at NHL.com...

There are only 6 players with a +/- of -8 or worse...

Igor Ulanov, EDM -8
Jeff O'neill, TOR -8
Jason Allison, TOR -9
Wade Belak, TOR -9
Darcy Tucker, TOR -9
Scott Hannan, SJS -10

4 Maple Leafs in the bottom 6!
Is that proof that their team is being carried by the Power Play? I'd say so.

More proof: Link to NHL team stats

The only teams with a worse 5on5 goal differential are the Pens and Blue Jackets, and they have what, 4 wins between them? Bad news for the Leafs. I think most people should have seen this coming to be honest though.

Look at the other end though--no one is even close to Ottawa in 5 on 5 play.

Jackdog · Post by **Jackdog** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 5:57 pm

Sully wrote:Checking the stats at NHL.com...

There are only 6 players with a +/- of -8 or worse...

Igor Ulanov, EDM -8
Jeff O'neill, TOR -8
Jason Allison, TOR -9
Wade Belak, TOR -9
Darcy Tucker, TOR -9
Scott Hannan, SJS -10

4 Maple Leafs in the bottom 6!
Is that proof that their team is being carried by the Power Play? I'd say so.

Wow! Thanks for the info Sully.

Diablo25 wrote:Damn Flyers game wasn't on here The local UPN station aired Stargate instead of the game...son of a... I had to listen to it on the radio. All things aside, it was a big win. To beat the Sens on the road is a great thing. I'm loving the "new NHL".

First off that is a sin and someone needs to be punished!

That was a damn good game to watch. Which leads to my second point. How many bad games have we seen in the NHL this year. I have Center Ice and I really can think of 2 or 3 so far.

Plus when is the last time we had this much Hockey talk at DSP? How bout......NEVER! At least not with this much intrest from so many different posters.

The new NHL has me watching Hockey over Football. Enough said!

laurenskye · Post by **laurenskye** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:10 pm

"In most cases, a team would take a 40 year old Hasek over a unproven Legace."

Not I. I'll let PK explain.

"Remember, too, that Hasek played a whopping 14 games between the end of the 2001-02 season and the start of this season due to retirement, injury and the lockout. "

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:36 pm

JackDog wrote:
Sully wrote:Checking the stats at NHL.com...

There are only 6 players with a +/- of -8 or worse...

Igor Ulanov, EDM -8
Jeff O'neill, TOR -8
Jason Allison, TOR -9
Wade Belak, TOR -9
Darcy Tucker, TOR -9
Scott Hannan, SJS -10

4 Maple Leafs in the bottom 6!
Is that proof that their team is being carried by the Power Play? I'd say so.
Wow! Thanks for the info Sully.

Diablo25 wrote:Damn Flyers game wasn't on here The local UPN station aired Stargate instead of the game...son of a... I had to listen to it on the radio. All things aside, it was a big win. To beat the Sens on the road is a great thing. I'm loving the "new NHL".
First off that is a sin and someone needs to be punished! That was a damn good game to watch. Which leads to my second point. How many bad games have we seen in the NHL this year. I have Center Ice and I really can think of 2 or 3 so far.

Plus when is the last time we had this much Hockey talk at DSP? How bout......NEVER! At least not with this much intrest from so many different posters.

The new NHL has me watching Hockey over Football. Enough said!

I'm watching the Habs/Rangers right now

(0-0 end of 2nd

) Can't wait until Thursday...Flyers/Caps. When I was a kid I just despised the friggin Caps. There was just something about them...I think it had something to do with Scott Stevens

I started watching the Flyers back in like 82 or 83. I remember the 84-85 playoffs when the Flyers beat the Quebec Nordiques

I can still see Dave Poulin going in a scoring on a 2 man short break away

Of course the Oilers then pissed on my parade

Sully · Post by **Sully** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:43 pm

Diablo25 wrote:
JackDog wrote:
Sully wrote:Checking the stats at NHL.com...

There are only 6 players with a +/- of -8 or worse...

Igor Ulanov, EDM -8
Jeff O'neill, TOR -8
Jason Allison, TOR -9
Wade Belak, TOR -9
Darcy Tucker, TOR -9
Scott Hannan, SJS -10

4 Maple Leafs in the bottom 6!
Is that proof that their team is being carried by the Power Play? I'd say so.
Wow! Thanks for the info Sully.

Diablo25 wrote:Damn Flyers game wasn't on here The local UPN station aired Stargate instead of the game...son of a... I had to listen to it on the radio. All things aside, it was a big win. To beat the Sens on the road is a great thing. I'm loving the "new NHL".
First off that is a sin and someone needs to be punished! That was a damn good game to watch. Which leads to my second point. How many bad games have we seen in the NHL this year. I have Center Ice and I really can think of 2 or 3 so far.

Plus when is the last time we had this much Hockey talk at DSP? How bout......NEVER! At least not with this much intrest from so many different posters.

The new NHL has me watching Hockey over Football. Enough said!
I'm watching the Habs/Rangers right now (0-0 end of 2nd ) Can't wait until Thursday...Flyers/Caps. When I was a kid I just despised the friggin Caps. There was just something about them...I think it had something to do with Scott Stevens I started watching the Flyers back in like 82 or 83. I remember the 84-85 playoffs when the Flyers beat the Quebec Nordiques I can still see Dave Poulin going in a scoring on a 2 man short break away Of course the Oilers then pissed on my parade

I'll be at the game vs. the Caps, looking forward to seeing Ovechkin live. I'm also sitting here watching the Habs/Rags game. This Lundqvist kid is something special for the Rags. He and Theodore have been spectacular.

rubba19 · Post by **rubba19** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 9:43 am

Diablo25 wrote:When I was a kid I just despised the friggin Caps. There was just something about them...I think it had something to do with Scott Stevens

Hopefully it wasn't the unis. They need to go back to those pronto.