If anyone forgot, The puck drops tonight!

[pk500]

Hmm ... very interesting, Tim. Hadn't heard that. Thanks. Did the rumor indicate who the Oilers had on the block as trade bait?

Take care,
PK

[tjung0831]

Hmm ... very interesting, Tim. Hadn't heard that. Thanks. Did the rumor indicate who the Oilers had on the block as trade bait?

Take care,
PK

Nope haven't heard anything in regards to Oiler players involved in a potential deal. I read something where it said that Kevin Lowe may shy away from a deal with Buffalo and might focus on a deal with St. Louis for Lalime. I think the Blues at this point are ready to pretty much pack it in. They will deal their vets for some youth and draft picks. I believe they will deal Lalime and other veterans like Weight and possibly Tkachuk now as well. Tkachuk was a guy they had planned on keeping but I believe there are issues between him and management now ever since the suspension right before camp. Phoenix inquired about Tkachuk a couple of weeks ago but the Blues said no thanks.
I'm pretty sure that the Blues will be trading Lalime somewhere and it probably won't cost very much to get him. The Blues have some depth in goal and a ton of future depth as well. They may just bring Jason Bacashiua up and let him play and see what he can do for the rest of the year. They also have the Czech netminder Marek Schwarz and they hold the rights to one of the top college goalies in Ben Bishop of Maine.

[pk500]

Who would want Tkachuk? The guy shows up at camp fat and out of shape despite being having the second-highest salary in the league, $7.6 million.

Contrast that with fellow power forward Lindros, who took a big pay cut to play for Toronto this year and showed up at camp fit and motivated and has played really well.

Plus I really wonder if Tkachuk is a good fit for the "new NHL." It's a speed game now, and it's tough to be fast when you're 230 pounds, fat and out of shape.

No way I would pay $7.6 million for Tkachuk. If the Leafs are paying Lindros only $1.55 million in base salary this season, then comparatively Tkachuk is worth about $1 million.

Take care,
PK

[tjung0831]

Who would want Tkachuk? The guy shows up at camp fat and out of shape despite being having the second-highest salary in the league, $7.6 million.

Contrast that with fellow power forward Lindros, who took a big pay cut to play for Toronto this year and showed up at camp fit and motivated and has played really well.

Plus I really wonder if Tkachuk is a good fit for the "new NHL." It's a speed game now, and it's tough to be fast when you're 230 pounds, fat and out of shape.

No way I would pay $7.6 million for Tkachuk. If the Leafs are paying Lindros only $1.55 million in base salary this season, then comparatively Tkachuk is worth about $1 million.

Take care,
PK

Well you can bet the Blues will have to eat some of that salary of they trade him. Tkachuk becomes a bargain next year as his salary is cut to around $3mil. So if a team has incentive, his 2006-07 salary would be it, not to mention he's still considered one of the leagues best goal scorers. Phoenix already inquired about him but Tkachuk as a no trade clause so he's going to be able to dictate if he wants to play somewhere else. The Flames are also said to be interested in Tkachuk as well and Blues GM Larry Pleau was at two of the Flames recent games doing some scouting.

[10spro]

The P. Lalime rumour is, well just that for now, although if it happens, EDM is to part with a few young defensemen which K. Lowe may not be ready to do.
Another rumour I heard with EDM is that they were inquiring about M.A Fleury, to which the Pens said "NO" to their goalie of the future. Hey, but it's only an inquiry right? But then again, if it's their goalie of the future, I would play the kid more, considering they are not doing too well in between the posts.

PK, if I were K.Lowe I would instead ask about the services of M. Fernandez or W. Roloson from Minny as both are playing great and they are competing for the number 1 position. Both to be free agents next year, so I would inquiry the Wild.

[pk500]

If Lowe dealt Bergeron, Cross or Staios, I'd be pissed. I assume Pronger and captain Smith are untouchables. I would have no problem waving farewell to Ulanov or Semenov.

I would think Bergeron would be a hot commodity. He's 25, has a good shot and can skate like a gale-force wind leading the rush -- perfect for the "new NHL." But Lowe better keep him.

And my boy Georges Laraque better not be part of any deal!

Take care,
PK

[10spro]

And my boy Georges Laraque better not be part of any deal!

Take care,
PK

On the contrary PK. I think the role of the enforcer is less and less obvious and important in the new NHL and unless you can really skate and play a key role, the big guys will be used less as the season goes on. A middleweight will do for that matter.

Don't get me wrong, they will be always S**T instigators and fights, its the nature of the game, and on heated rivalries, coaches will dress them up just in case.

But I do foresee the role of the enforcer being less vital in today's NHL and if you're looking for a good goalie, he would be a good package deal.

[bdoughty]

Don't follow hockey but I found this article interesting. Amazing that the guy could not only coach but become a GM and be illiterate. It takes alot to come out and admit such a thing.

Former NHL coach Demers admits he's illiterate
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2212397

[tjung0831]

If Lowe dealt Bergeron, Cross or Staios, I'd be pissed. I assume Pronger and captain Smith are untouchables. I would have no problem waving farewell to Ulanov or Semenov.

I would think Bergeron would be a hot commodity. He's 25, has a good shot and can skate like a gale-force wind leading the rush -- perfect for the "new NHL." But Lowe better keep him.

And my boy Georges Laraque better not be part of any deal!

Take care,
PK

Highly unlikely considering the Blues only coughed up a 4th rounder for Lalime. If it happens and there are Oilers players involved it would be more than just Lalime going to Edmonton.
Also the Blues were rumored in the Fleury rumor as well. I think thats been pretty much shot down.

[pk500]

Markkanen hasn't looked too bad during the recent three-game winning streak, so maybe Lowe is holding off in case Jussi has stablized into a solid No. 1. But Jussi's recent resurgence also has coincided with Cross playing really well, Staios at a +10 for the season (fifth overall in the NHL) and Pronger starting to look more comfortable with the "new NHL."

Detroit obviously will be a damn good litmus test for Markkanen's ability tonight.

Take care,
PK

[Diablo25]

6-1 Flyers! Forsberg continues to impress me. Gagne gets his 12th goal...compliments of Forsberg. He just has an uncanny knack of getting the puck to his linemates.

[Sully]

6-1 Flyers! Forsberg continues to impress me. Gagne gets his 12th goal...compliments of Forsberg. He just has an uncanny knack of getting the puck to his linemates.

Well, you know it's a good game when you can leave the arena after 2 periods, up 7-1...
Gags had 2, Sim had 2, and Carter had 2....

Impressive performance tonight.

[Jackdog]

Detroit obviously will be a damn good litmus test for Markkanen's ability tonight.

Take care,
PK

He passed. He was peppered last night and gave up 3. 2 of those off PP. He stopped some shots from Zetterberg in the 3rd that should have been game winners. He was even better in OT. That was a fun game to watch. Congrats to the Oilers on a good road win.

[laurenskye]

#%!*?# Canadiens!

Where's Grog when you want to yell at a Canuck!

It was a great game.

[James_E]

Yell at me, 10spro or Airdog if you want.

[pk500]

A real test Thursday at Detroit. Jack-diggity, Laurenskye, let's get it on!

Take care,
PK

I thought they had to play a "good" team to get respect .

Now, what was that about a "good" team?

Very fun game last night. I think the Oil exposed Detroit's biggest weakness -- team speed. The Oilers are a faster team, and speed kills in the new NHL. Torres' game-winner was a clear example. That Oilers' line just blew past the Wings on that play, although the Wings were finishing a line change.

The Wings are a very smart hockey team, though. You don't see guys making the mistakes that Edmonton's Cross made to set up Holmstrom's first goal. That's what veteran experience brings.

But the Wings aren't very fleet of foot. Plus they better hope the power plays keep coming, as the Wings have scored at least two PP goals in what, seven of their last eight games? Again, smart players do the right thing on the PP to score goals.

I've never seen Yzerman so invisible in a game in my life. It's sad to see one of the greatest players in NHL history reduced to a grinder, a talisman. Same with Chelios. He was pretty anonymous, too.

Pronger was a beast last night. Really smart and effective on both ends of the rink, piling up 28 to 30 minutes, as usual. Looks like he's finally getting comfortable in Edmonton. Good thing, too, as Cross was brutal, Staios had his shakiest game of the season, and Bergeron was a bit lacking in the defensive department, too.

What huge saves by Osgood midway through the third to keep the Wings in it. Ozzie just seems to have way more presence in goal than a guy like Markkanen. Jussi looked behind him to see if the puck was in the goal at least twice last night, but he made the saves when needed. Still, it sure as hell helps that the Oil blocks shots maybe better than any team in the NHL.

My boys played really well last night. All four lines were flying, digging, grinding. The Oil never gives up, never folds the tent. Don Cherry even complimented them for that last Saturday night on Hockey Night in Canada.

Nice way to start the long road trip!

Take care,
PK

[laurenskye]

"Mmmmm, crow."

You're right about Stevie, I kept thinking he got injured and wasn't playing.

[pk500]

"Mmmmm, crow."

You're right about Stevie, I kept thinking he got injured and wasn't playing.

I checked the awesome game stats feature at NHL.com this morning just to make sure that I didn't overlook something Stevie did, and it wasn't pretty:

11:29 of ice time, no shots, no shot attempts, average shift of 38 seconds, only 11 seconds of power play time, not a single shift in overtime, no hits, no takeaways, no giveaways, no blocked shots, four faceoffs won, seven faceoffs lost, -1 for the night.

The number of blanks on Stevie's stat line was stunning:

http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/2 ... 020196.HTM

Chelios wasn't too far behind on the ugly scale, either. They were both great players, and I'd hate to see them both hang on too long. The Wings need more guys with wheels, and it was clear to me last night that neither Yzerman or Chelios have the legs any more.

Take care,
PK

[Sully]

Jeff Carter is starting go gain some confidence for the Flyers, as well as some extra time on the ice.

His first goal last night was pure effort. Crossing the blue line, one on one, he wrists a shot off Johnson's pads. He races past the defender, to flip the rebound over a Johnson, who was laid out on the ice.

His second goal came on the penalty kill. He stripped a Caps player near center ice, races down the boards, around a defender. He then dekes left to right, across the goal mouth, and puts the puck home.

[dbdynsty25]

Hell, at least Stevie won a few faceoffs...Chelios blocked one shot. Other than that, he didn't play at all.

[tjung0831]

A real test Thursday at Detroit. Jack-diggity, Laurenskye, let's get it on!

Take care,
PK

I thought they had to play a "good" team to get respect .

Now, what was that about a "good" team?

Very fun game last night. I think the Oil exposed Detroit's biggest weakness -- team speed. The Oilers are a faster team, and speed kills in the new NHL. Torres' game-winner was a clear example. That Oilers' line just blew past the Wings on that play, although the Wings were finishing a line change.

The Wings are a very smart hockey team, though. You don't see guys making the mistakes that Edmonton's Cross made to set up Holmstrom's first goal. That's what veteran experience brings.

But the Wings aren't very fleet of foot. Plus they better hope the power plays keep coming, as the Wings have scored at least two PP goals in what, seven of their last eight games? Again, smart players do the right thing on the PP to score goals.

I've never seen Yzerman so invisible in a game in my life. It's sad to see one of the greatest players in NHL history reduced to a grinder, a talisman. Same with Chelios. He was pretty anonymous, too.

Pronger was a beast last night. Really smart and effective on both ends of the rink, piling up 28 to 30 minutes, as usual. Looks like he's finally getting comfortable in Edmonton. Good thing, too, as Cross was brutal, Staios had his shakiest game of the season, and Bergeron was a bit lacking in the defensive department, too.

What huge saves by Osgood midway through the third to keep the Wings in it. Ozzie just seems to have way more presence in goal than a guy like Markkanen. Jussi looked behind him to see if the puck was in the goal at least twice last night, but he made the saves when needed. Still, it sure as hell helps that the Oil blocks shots maybe better than any team in the NHL.

My boys played really well last night. All four lines were flying, digging, grinding. The Oil never gives up, never folds the tent. Don Cherry even complimented them for that last Saturday night on Hockey Night in Canada.

Nice way to start the long road trip!

Take care,
PK

Remember when you watch the Oilers and Blues tonight that the Blues are playing for the Phil Kessel sweepstakes and right now they are pretty much the frontrunner!!! Also I think a big trade is coming down soon. The new owner is going to take over in January. The Oilers and the Blues have been good trade partners in the past. The Oilers are looking for a goalie as well as a #1 center according to Kevin Lowe. Funny that the Blues can fill both of the positions for Edmonton with Weight and Lalime. Something is going to happen, it's just a matter of time.

[pk500]

Tim:

Yeah, the Oil could use a front-line center, no doubt. And Peca clearly isn't it.

But the four-headed center by committee of Peca, Horcoff, Reasoner and Stoll is doing pretty well. Problem is, none of those guys is a regular 30-goal scorer.

Rob Schremp is a good prospect at center for the Oilers. The club just signed him to a longer deal, and he's back in the OHL. He's a bit small but has scored at least 75 points in each of the last three OHL seasons, with 90 last year for London.

Safe to say Schremp will have more points than that this year: He has 41 points through 10 games and was named OHL Player of the Month.

Plus he's a native of Fulton, N.Y., only about 20 miles from Syracuse!

Take care,
PK

[10spro]

Jeff Carter is starting go gain some confidence for the Flyers, as well as some extra time on the ice.

His first goal last night was pure effort. Crossing the blue line, one on one, he wrists a shot off Johnson's pads. He races past the defender, to flip the rebound over a Johnson, who was laid out on the ice.

His second goal came on the penalty kill. He stripped a Caps player near center ice, races down the boards, around a defender. He then dekes left to right, across the goal mouth, and puts the puck home.

I saw the goal, I was going to post it on the "Goal of the Night" thread, a beauty, your Philly team has 3 young rookies in the line up, very impressive, I like the outlook of R.Umberger and M. Richards.

[laurenskye]

Yell at me, 10spro or Airdog if you want.

I do love my northern neighbors for giving me a great sport. I just like to get Grog's goat. Eh boys!

[pk500]

Where the hell is Grog? Anyone ever hear from him? I miss that cat.

Take care,
PK