HOCKEY NIGHT in DSP 07-08

[Sully]

Looks like another Flyer, Riley Cote, is going to be suspended. Cote received a match penalty when he went in on Stars D-man Matt Niskanen with his forearm up, driving his head into the glass.

“I know what's comin'. It's stupid on my part. I had no intention of hurting him. Just wanted to play physical. I understand my status. It really looks bad. I feel terrible. It looks bad for a suspension. I have to be smarter.'', Cote said.

Supposedly, Cote has a phone conference today with Colin Campbell, which means he can receive no more than a 4 game suspension. I think he's likely to get two in this case. Regardless, it's another black eye for the Flyers organization. The Flyers are responsible for half of the suspensions handed down by the NHL this season.


http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/ ... 49740.html

[10spro]

I think one of the reasons the Oil are in a bit of a streak, is because of Rolie. They were in HNIC last weekend vs CHI and he was the reason they won that game. Both Garon and Roloson were mediocre at the start of the season but they picked it a up a notch lately.

[Naples39]

Cote gets 3 games, Flyers on double-secret probation for future blows to the head.

Can't really complain at this point. Cote's play was dumb and totally unnecessary late in a lopsided game. Thanks goodness the Stars' player didn't get hurt on it.

And while I don't think the Flyers organization are in any way encouraging or condoning this behavior, it can only happen so many times before the team has to be held responsible for the repeated actions of their players.

[10spro]

And while I don't think the Flyers organization are in any way encouraging or condoning this behavior, it can only happen so many times before the team has to be held responsible for the repeated actions of their players.

Correct. Players are not getting the message through their thick skulls, so start with the heavy fines from the owner down.

[Feanor]

Why can't dumb no-skill goons like Cote stick to fighting other goons.

[10spro]

Three goaltenders fill the top Three Stars of the week:

Luongo.
Brodeur.
Backstrom.

G. Bettman met with P. Holmgren today and the team is officially on probation sort of speak. The next dumb, cheapshot by a Philly player will cost the organization a heavy fine and or suspension to coach Stevens.

[10spro]

Something is wrong lately. Sens are struggling while the Leafs are winning.

About time western Canada gets a chance to watch Sid the Kid in action this week.

[10spro]

Ducks get an early Xmas gift as Niedermayer decides to come back. They've been struggling but with Scotty back, it's just what they needed. The back end with him, Pronger, Beauchemin and Schneider will be tought to beat.

After the 'Nucks game, I just caught on the third period between EDM-PIT. Wow, #87 is something else. Can't wait for his match up with Phaneuf in CAL and Kesler in VAN on Saturday.

[Gangrel]

As an Oil fan I'm depressed that they gave up 4 straight goals in the third period, but even I will stand up and applaud Crosby's game vision. That kid is amazing!

[vader29]

Kris Letang is a great addition to the Penguins team this year and hopefully he will stick with the big club from here on out. Great win last night.

[10spro]

Kris Letang is a great addition to the Penguins team this year and hopefully he will stick with the big club from here on out. Great win last night.

The kid made two great moves in successive SO's against CAL the other night and VAN tonight as the Pens win in 2-1. I can't recall so much buzz for a hockey player since the dominating days of #99 in VAN city. He was kept pointless tonight thanks to a great game by R. Kesler, but when you have a packed stadium watching every single move by Sid the Kid even during the warmup, you know that you have to improve the schedule.

Who knows when he shows up again in the West, but at least the NHL honchos are changing a bit the horrendous current schedule for next season.

[Feanor]

Good article on head hunting in the NHL: Where has the respect gone?

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/fly ... gone_.html

[pk500]

Interesting video feature on Sid the Kid from 6 years ago:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neO44K7Awg0

Take care,
PK

[pk500]

This long, detailed post at Kukla's Korner makes a case that goalie equipment already has been reduced quite a bit and that further reduction could create a rash of injuries for goalies:

http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/h ... _already1/

Interesting post, too, because the writer offers alternative solutions to open the game:

>>>>>

-- Break up the trap and the “zone” defence.

-- Call penalties for guys who sprawl to block shots.

-- Restrict advanced scouting and the employment of video to do so.

-- Enforce full 2-minute power plays, no matter how many goals are scored, and call icing on PK’ers.

-- How about allowing for unlimited stick curvature, so guys can lift the puck over these butterflying netminders, forcing guys to stay on their feet more, exposing more of the bottom of the net?

-- Actually suggest that teams employ power-play and shooting/passing coaches, because defence is not the only skill that can be taught--Tomas Holmstrom’s so good at tipping pucks because he spends 10-20 minutes at the end of every practice doing it over and over again.

-- Or, maybe, just maybe, let the fans dictate whether they like the game as it is, and stop worrying about the concept that unless you mainstream media types are covering easy-to-report-about 11-9 games, where all you have to do is describe goals instead of actually paying attention to the games when you’re having an “off day” in the press box because the things that win hockey games are subtle, and get over yourselves and your demand that the Oilers-era aberration in scoring, which the NHL had never previously seen and probably will never see again, is somehow the ONLY way by which games can be deemed “entertaining.”

<<<<<

What do you cats think? Honestly, I don't find this season any less exciting than the first season after the lockout. If anything, too much of the 2005-06 season was played on special teams as players struggled to adjust to the new rules.

I hate to admit this, but I agree with Anaheim GM Brian Burke that numerous scoring chances are essential, not nine combined goals per game. A great save provides me just as much pleasure as a great goal.

I want to see chances, either converted or stopped. I don't want to see neutral zones clogged by traps or locks. I'm also alternatively alarmed and amazed at how just about every player in the NHL drops to block shots now, as that has really killed shooting lanes. Fifteen years ago, the only guys who blocked shots were big, "stay at home defensemen" and penalty-killing defensive specialist forwards like Doug Jarvis. Now everyone does it.

But do you remove that grit from the game by outlawing dropping to the ice to block shots? I don't think so. I admire the raw f*cking courage of a guy dropping his body in front of a 100-mph projectile. That's part of the game for me.

I also agree with the GM's who claim the constant bleating about further changes needed in the game creates an image that the sport is flawed. You're not going to attract new fans or induce the return of old fans to a product that is perceived to be damaged.

The NHL is better now arguably than it's ever been, when you factor in the athletic ability of the players, the skating ability of all players and the speed of the game. Hockey is THE GREATEST F*CKING SPORT IN THE WORLD, and it's about time the brass of the NHL and its teams started promoting that instead of airing to the media and public that the game is somehow broken and needs another overhaul.

Tweaking, maybe, but not a second complete makeover in less than five years.

Take care,
PK

[EZSnappin]

I'd do two things to change the game:

1. Wooden sticks. Not everyone should be ripping 100 mph slapshots. Let mutant mashers like Chara stand out instead of being just another hard shooter like everyone else. The article PK linked to a few weeks back did a much better job explaining all the benefits than I can so go read it.

2. Reduce padding all around - goalies and skaters alike. Without mega-slappers flying at them all the time, goalies wouldn't need such absurd armor (I'm talking chest and shoulders and the like, not the already reduced legs and gloves). Also it would encourage them to get a blocker, stick or glove on it instead of taking so many shots to the midsection. Skaters also would be more leery of diving to the ice to block a shot, and some of these hits might be reduced as the damage done to both guys would be greater. If you look at a game from just ten years ago, you don't see armored hulks out on the ice. I'm glad that these guys are protected, but it also lets them be reckless and think they can shrug off contact. I watch lots of "classic" bruins games on NESN and the guys play smarter; sliding and angling to avoid big hits, and taking advantage of how out of position going for big hits places the defense.

I'm enjoying the game as it is currently played, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be better. At least what they play resembles hockey at an amateur level, which is something you can't really say about the NBA.

[10spro]

I am with your sentiments PK. The game is far more exciting today than the pre-lockout days. I had as much fun watching last weekend VAN-PIT which ended up 1-1 going to a SO but both teams created plenty of chances to score. I am glad that the talk of bringing bigger nets has died down a bit, but an effective way to eliminate the trap is more to my concern. Get rid of NJ?

How about taking a look at how points are awarded? Three points for a regulation win, 2 points for an OT win. 1 point for the lottery SO 'win' and no points for any type of loss. What I see lately is that teams are laying back in the last 5 minutes of a tied game, happy to pocket at least a point. Weaker teams try to do the same in OT, hoping to steal it in a SO. A 3 points for a regulation win would produce the fire-wagon hockey fans crave.

Here's another issue: One change I'd like to see is the instigator penalty gone. Let the players protect each other and bring the excitement back. Its not like this rule is stopping fights, its just allowing goons to fight with star players and not be held accountable.

The only thing I would never have changed is the schedule pre-lockout days, and although the recent meeting between GM's has brought a consentment for next year, I still would like to see Sid the Kid every year on home and home games.

The next meeting is in Naples in February, and among the issues to be discussed are diving, faceoff locations, the breaking of sticks on a slashing call, and penalties late in overtime and whether they should have any impact on the shootout.

[Gangrel]

I can't remember if i read this in the Hockey News, or my local paper, but there was an article a few weeks ago about why composite sticks are ruining the game. It has nothing to do with shot speed either.

The hypothesis of it was that puckhandling is very diminished with composties. Now, I have personally never used one, but our very own Jason Spezza resisted changing to composties because "you can't feel the puck on them as well as wood".

The article makes a few points, including that the number of turnovers is higher, thus teams cannot apply as much pressue as they used to, because of the stickhandling problems and other things that go along with the composites.

It was an interesting read, and made me think of the problem in a different angle.....

[pk500]

Gangrel:

It's absolutely true. You see many more passes bouncing off stick blades in the last five years than you did before, which makes no sense considering the increased athleticism of the players. It's because of the dead feel of composite sticks.

Also, the accuracy of shots is HIDEOUS with composite sticks compared to wood. Another reason why you're seeing fewer shots on goal.

In the 1987-88 season, when everyone used wooden sticks, the NHL average shooting percentage for all teams was 12.2 percent. At this point of the 2007-08 season, it's 9.6 percent. That's a drop of almost 22 percent.

Man, can you imagine the Oilers of the 80s playing with wooden sticks and today's rules? Can you imagine Paul Coffey unencumbered by hooking and grabbing? Gretzky? The Oilers may have hung up more than 500 goals in a season instead of their record 446 goals in 80 games in 1983-84.

Think about that: 446 goals in 80 games. That's 5.5 goals per game. That's the average COMBINED score these days in the NHL. That record will stand forever unless there are drastic rules changes, which I think few want.

Back to sticks, I think it's VERY unlikely that the NHL will mandate wooden sticks. The equipment companies are making WAY too much money by selling $180 sticks instead of $50 sticks, and Bettman doesn't have the balls to rock that boat.

Take care,
PK

[Naples39]

By now I've established myself on this board as a progressive when it comes to rules, so my thoughts shouldn't surprise too many. Here goes:

-I agree with the general sentiment that keeping scoring chances up is the most important thing, and a tight 1-1 game with great saves and chances is perhaps the most exciting game of all. That being said, that exciting 1-1 is the exception to the rule, and the simple reality is the vast majority of low scoring games are low scoring games precisely because neither team are generating chances.

-I think goalie equipment needs to be reduced as much as possible, and I am skeptical that we have reached the limit of what can be done without compromising safety. The simple fact is that with modern technology goalies have gained huge mechanical advantages, and unless goalie equipment is shrunk more, or nets are made larger, the shooter-goalie dynamic is out of balance in terms of the history of the sport.

-I'm also skeptical of mandating wooden sticks. If players could really gain an edge by having better touch with a wooden sticks, wouldn't more players be using wood? These guy's livelihood is this game, and surely if they were more effective with wood more guys would be using it. I don't believe that all these men are zombies sacrificing the quality of their game just to use the latest fad. Also, in terms of declining shooting %, I'd say the leading causes of that is bigger and better goalies, and the fact that the game is played now at a higher speed with tighter defenses, meaning forwards have to settle for shots from less threatening parts of the ice, usually with a defender right in their face.

-I'd support a proposal to restrict players from going down to block shots. It's another thing where modern technology has skewed the historic balance of the game. Sure, it still takes bravery to get down and block a shot, but restricting going down doesn't take guts and bravery out of the game, it merely removes another defensive option for the team on defense.

-I like enforcing full 2-minute PPs. May not change much other than simply increase scoring, but this a great example of the game returning to its roots with a rule reversion that addresses modern needs.

-I don't like the idea of illegal defenses or stuff out there. Let 'em play. The only suggestion that I remotely liked was the idea that you ban opposing forwards from skating backwards in the neutral zone. That way teams can still position themselves anyway they like, but can't passively defend.

-One more general comment--I believe that if you increase scoring in and of itself, it will necessarily lead to more scoring chances. If all of a sudden sitting back on defense is a less effective tactic, teams will have no choice but press for more scoring opportunities, thus strictly targeting ways to get more goals on the board will indirectly create scoring opportunities as well, which is what it's all about in the first place.

Okay, sorry for the long post.

[pk500]

I'm also skeptical of mandating wooden sticks. If players could really gain an edge by having better touch with a wooden sticks, wouldn't more players be using wood?

No. A hard shot has been glamourized so much in hockey lore that the extra 7 mph that the composite stick delivers is all these guys want.

Was Bobby Hull revered because his shot was accurate? No, he was revered because his shot reportedly was measured at 110 mph.

Did the Oilers get Sheldon Souray this season because he's a good defenseman? No, they got him because his 103-mph slapper from the point scares the sh*t out of goalies and defensemen during the power play.

A hard shot is still the holy grail of hockey. Plus composite sticks are so much lighter than wood that players love them.

I'd support a proposal to restrict players from going down to block shots. It's another thing where modern technology has skewed the historic balance of the game. Sure, it still takes bravery to get down and block a shot, but restricting going down doesn't take guts and bravery out of the game, it merely removes another defensive option for the team on defense.

I'm really struggling with this one. I'm in awe of guys dropping to block shots, but I'm also sick of players looking like freshly caught fish flapping on a dock every time someone winds up to shoot. Really torn on this issue.

I like enforcing full 2-minute PPs. May not change much other than simply increase scoring, but this a great example of the game returning to its roots with a rule reversion that addresses modern needs.

Abso-freakin-lutely. I agree 100 percent. I'd even go so far to enforce icing on teams that are short-handed.

I don't like the idea of illegal defenses or stuff out there. Let 'em play. The only suggestion that I remotely liked was the idea that you ban opposing forwards from skating backwards in the neutral zone. That way teams can still position themselves anyway they like, but can't passively defend.

I agree with your first premise and disagree with the second. You simply can't enforce illegal defenses or no backward skating by forwards because you'd need a third ref. The existing two refs would spend so much time looking for zone defensive and backward skating infractions that, with the speed of the game, they'd have little time to see anything else.

Plus teams would devise ways to circumvent the illegal defense calls. It's easier to teach defense than offense.

Damn good post, man.

Take care,
PK

[Naples39]

A real throwback game tonight in Philly as the Flyers win 8-2. A few scraps, lots of chances and odd-man rushes, and plenty of bad blood.

It was a real exciting game the first two periods, but then the Flyers put it away in the 3rd.

What made the game particularly fascinating though is all the storylines going on. The Pens beat the Flyers 8 times last year with Crosby putting up huge numbers, but the Flyers have turned the tables this year. Also Mike Richards has been matched up against Crosby every game this season and those two have had extended 'conversations' every game. No question that Richards' line won the battle tonight, as the Richards line outscored them 4-0 at even strength to give the Flyers the 4-2 lead after 2 periods. Lupul led the charge with a hat trick plus 3 primary assists.

Then you have the extra-curricular activities. The fans chanting "Crosby sucks!" The coaches yelling at each other across the benches. Laraque taking a run at Biron late in the game (albeit a half-hearted run). End result of roughly 100 PIMs in the game.

Fun, fun stuff boys. If we had more games like this I don't think we'd have any threads about fixing the game.

[Leebo33]

The Penguins tonight definitely looked like a team that has gone from Pittsburgh to Edmonton to Calgary to Vancouver and to Philadelphia in 6 days.

[Jimmydeicide]

The Penguins tonight definitely looked like a team that has gone from Pittsburgh to Edmonton to Calgary to Vancouver and to Philadelphia in 6 days.

wAAAH.

Try any west coast teams travel schedule pre changes especialy Vancouver supposidly the worst of any teams.

[10spro]

The Penguins tonight definitely looked like a team that has gone from Pittsburgh to Edmonton to Calgary to Vancouver and to Philadelphia in 6 days.

wAAAH.

Try any west coast teams travel schedule pre changes especialy Vancouver supposidly the worst of any teams.

That's just what happened when we lost to LA. But seriously, I think every team goes through this crazy schedule at one point or the other and one of the key reasons some of the fat Eastern honchos did not want to change the current schedule.

Having said that, yes VAN has a lot of air miles points.

[10spro]

A real throwback game tonight in Philly as the Flyers win 8-2. A few scraps, lots of chances and odd-man rushes, and plenty of bad blood.
Laraque taking a run at Biron late in the game (albeit a half-hearted run). End result of roughly 100 PIMs in the game.

Fun, fun stuff boys. If we had more games like this I don't think we'd have any threads about fixing the game.

I think Crosby and Biron had something going earlier too but the Laraque's slide into the goaltender was an obvious one, he should get a call from C. Campbell.