NHL 2010/2011 Season

[10spro]

Hope Ivanans is OK, haven't seen a heavyweight being dropped like that in awhile, especially these days when the tough guys role will be looking for another job soon.

[pk500]

Hope Ivanans is OK, haven't seen a heavyweight being dropped like that in awhile, especially these days when the tough guys role will be looking for another job soon.

Hopefully the punches didn't affect Ivanans' brain enough that he'll dare to f*ck with Big Mac again. If he does, MacIntyre will be happy to deliver more punishment.

[GTHobbes]

Nice article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette about the first game at the new Penguins facility:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10281/1093555-61.stm

"Penguins triumphant regardless of loss"

"Pittsburgh sports icon Mario Lemieux's decision to bring the team out of bankruptcy in '99 was just the start of a struggle that, many times, seemed overwhelming. There were three consecutive years with no playoffs -- including the 2003-04 season when the Penguins had the worst record in the NHL -- as the Lemieux ownership group struggled for financial stability. There was the painful NHL lockout in the 2004-05 season, the best thing that could have happened for the Penguins and so many other franchises because it leveled the economic playing ice. There was that magical day in '05 when the pingpong ball bounced the Penguins' way and they were awarded the No. 1 pick in that year's entry draft and were able to take Crosby. There was the aborted sale of the team to Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie in '06 because the NHL was smart enough to insist he not move it from Pittsburgh. There was the failed bid later in '06 by the Isle of Capri gaming company to get the slots license that would have guaranteed a new arena. There were flirtations by a frustrated Lemieux with Kansas City and Las Vegas.

"We've been trying for seven years to talk to the politicians," Lemieux said back then. "Nobody was willing to listen to us ... "

But in the end, they did listen.

Facing the possibility of losing the Penguins, the politicos approved plans for the $321 million arena in March 2007.

Finally, it all became real Thursday night.

That's why the final score of this first game seemed a bit less important. From the Penguins players walking the red carpet through their throng of fans to get in the new building to Lemieux skating to center ice during the pregame ceremonies to christen the arena by pouring a bottle of water from melted ice at old Mellon Arena to a wonderful, emotional scoreboard tribute to late, longtime public-address announcer John Barbero, it was an amazing night.

"This team does things right," Talbot said."


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10281/10 ... z11mChmoEQ

[Naples39]

Looked like a pretty nice rink in Pittsburgh. Can't comment too much, but actually looked a little distinguishable from those late-90s era rinks that all seem nigh identical, like Boston and Philly.

[ScoopBrady]

Hawks came away with a point on the road against a tough Avalanche team despite being down 2 goals midway through. At times the defending Stanley Cup champions looked every bit as brilliant as they did last season. At others they were giving up a ton of odd-man rushes. I'm hoping the lack of Soupy and Boynton in the lineup was the main reason. I obviously don't like that guys like Steeger, Buff, Sopel, Eager, and Burish had to go but I am happy with the players Bowman added to the team in their absence.

We saw a little of Bickell last year and he will hopefully fill Big Buff's skates. It would be nice if Dowell or Skille could replace Steeger but I'd settle for half of his production from one of them. It will be a battle between Leddy and Scott to replace Sopel. Sopey was nothing special on defense but he was definitely reliable and a good shot blocker. Fernando Pisani should fill in nicely for Burish and Turco should be every bit as good as Niemi. They lost a lot but they had a ton.

[pk500]

Scoop:

Fernie is a great pick-up for the Hawks. One of the best defensive forwards in the league when healthy and a super penalty killer. Quality guy in the room and the community, too.

Here's another big beef of mine with the NHL: The schedule makers are f*cking morons. The Oilers play Calgary -- their archrival -- FIVE times in October, including preseason. Two of those games are in the regular season.

One of the key aspects of any heated rivalry is significance. Playing the same team five times in one month, even if that team is only 90 miles down the road, sucks the significance out of almost any matchup unless it's the postseason.

Rivalries are spawned and grow in the postseason. Gary Bettman and his minions never have understood that.

[Naples39]

At least they moved away from that ridiculously unbalanced schedule where they played divisional teams over and over. Talk about killing a rivalry.

I also assume for preseason games teams are mostly concerned about cost, and therefore only want to play nearby teams. Seems like all the Flyers preseason games are against NY/NJ teams and Toronto.

[pk500]

All I know is that I used to drool for regular-season games against Calgary. Now it's just another game with a bit more bite unless it's late in the season with playoff spots riding on the outcome.

[Naples39]

All I know is that I used to drool for regular-season games against Calgary. Now it's just another game with a bit more bite unless it's late in the season with playoff spots riding on the outcome.

And by 'used to' you mean in the late 1980's? Because I can't imagine it was anytime from 1995 to the lockout.

Even 05-08 was when they played each divisional team 8 times a season. That was terrible. The 6 it is now is a little better.

[Gangrel]

PK, I think this year might spice the Battle up a bit again. I mean, after McIntyre knocking out Ivvanans (or whatever), the Flames will be looking for blood next time. Plus, I like Fraser, Vandermeer, Storts, Jones.... we have some sandpaper this year. I think with our new top 6, who can hopefully score, the bottom 12 can concentrate more on what they should be doing, which is being "shift" disturbers.... (to get around the censors!)

If nothing else, I think it will be very exciting for me to stay up late on Saturday nights again..... no more games where I can watch an entire period with 2 Oiler shots as they try to cling to a 1 goal lead, only to blow it.........

[pk500]

Gang:

One crucial aspect to success that can't be overlooked: The Bulin Wall must stay healthy, out of jail and playing to his potential. That's a VERY big if. The thought of Deslauriers or Dubnyk as the Oil's No. 1 goalie should give you piss shivers.

P.S.: You know these kids are getting young or I'm getting old because I've been MARRIED longer than Taylor Hall has been ALIVE.

[Gangrel]

Yes, I forgot the Bulin factor. But hey, living in Ottawa, I can tell you that Marty Gerber can come in and save the day........... [/sarcasm off]

Maybe we can trade our drunk driving goalie and Souray for say..... Ryan Miller?

[pk500]

Maybe we can trade our drunk driving goalie and Souray for say..... Ryan Miller?

A drunk Darcy Regier is smarter than Kevin Lowe was on his best day as GM. But Tambellini is starting to convert me a bit, as Eberle, Hall and Paajarvi look to be legit foundation bricks for the future. I also like the addition of "grit grinder" guys Foster and Vandermeer.

[10spro]

ATL's goalie O. Pavelec collapsed inexplicably and was unconscious on the ice as he was being carried away. He seems to be recuperating in hospital and no word as to what happened to him.

[10spro]

Well, no lady Bing for Pavel Datsyuk this year. Seriously, the talented Russian got into a fight with C. Perry who's not a small guy and held his own pretty well. DET looked good in a 4-0 win.

[LAking]

Well, no lady Bing for Pavel Datsyuk this year. Seriously, the talented Russian got into a fight with C. Perry who's not a small guy and held his own pretty well. DET looked good in a 4-0 win.

That's Perry for you. Always going after guys half his size.

[Feanor]

All I know is that I used to drool for regular-season games against Calgary. Now it's just another game with a bit more bite unless it's late in the season with playoff spots riding on the outcome.

And by 'used to' you mean in the late 1980's? Because I can't imagine it was anytime from 1995 to the lockout.

Even 05-08 was when they played each divisional team 8 times a season. That was terrible. The 6 it is now is a little better.

Playing the Islanders 8 times a year was brutal.

[10spro]

All I know is that I used to drool for regular-season games against Calgary. Now it's just another game with a bit more bite unless it's late in the season with playoff spots riding on the outcome.

And by 'used to' you mean in the late 1980's? Because I can't imagine it was anytime from 1995 to the lockout.

Even 05-08 was when they played each divisional team 8 times a season. That was terrible. The 6 it is now is a little better.

Playing the Islanders 8 times a year was brutal.

Wait. Nothing beats the era of the Wild coached by J. Demers. Facing them 8 times in a season was just brutal.

[10spro]

Kings spoiled the 40th anniversary and home opener for the 'Nuckers in a SO. Tight game all around, where only special teams made a difference. OT was more entertaining where LA just couldn't convert on a 4 on 3 PP while spending the entire 2 minutes in the Canucks' zone. Was impressed watching rookie B. Schenn for the Kings who along J. Quick were the best players for the visitors.

Loved the retro unis for both teams. Just classic.

[LAking]

Kings spoiled the 40th anniversary and home opener for the 'Nuckers in a SO. Tight game all around, where only special teams made a difference. OT was more entertaining where LA just couldn't convert on a 4 on 3 PP while spending the entire 2 minutes in the Canucks' zone. Was impressed watching rookie B. Schenn for the Kings who along J. Quick were the best players for the visitors.

Loved the retro unis for both teams. Just classic.

Tough game. Both goaltenders were lights out tonight. You're right on the money about Schenn and Quick. I was actually surprised how good Quick was. His play tailed off toward the end of last season and he didn't look any better in preseason but he sure looked sharp tonight. I still think Bernier could be the starter by the end of the season but it might be a battle between the two.

I'm thrilled that the Kings got the two points. I went into this game thinking they would most likely lose considering it was the home opener for the Nucks and they would be all fired up.

Stoll on the point in 4on3 and 5on3 situations is going to kill me. He has a hard shot but just cannot hit the net at all. Kopi has got to at least make it look like he's going to shoot. It's way too predictable.

EDIT: Oh and yes, i LOVED those retro uniforms. I'm all for the Kings going back to purple and gold full time. They can appease the Gretzky era fans with a black and silver 3rd.

[dbdynsty25]

Stoll on the point in 4on3 and 5on3 situations is going to kill me. He has a hard shot but just cannot hit the net at all. Kopi has got to at least make it look like he's going to shoot. It's way too predictable.

Yeah...how many shots did Stoll take in the 4on3 at the end of OT...like 7 or 8 and I think he was on net twice. Wow...and Kopitar had a few nice crosses that were completely wiffed on in the crease as well. A wins a win tho. Good start for LA. I enjoyed it.

[pk500]

I miss Stollie in Copper and Blue. Still my favorite NHL player.

[MizzouRah]

Blues Win!!!

I think I'm going to like our new goaltender.

[Jimmydeicide]

Kings spoiled the 40th anniversary and home opener for the 'Nuckers in a SO. Tight game all around, where only special teams made a difference. OT was more entertaining where LA just couldn't convert on a 4 on 3 PP while spending the entire 2 minutes in the Canucks' zone. Was impressed watching rookie B. Schenn for the Kings who along J. Quick were the best players for the visitors.

Loved the retro unis for both teams. Just classic.

Tough game. Both goaltenders were lights out tonight. You're right on the money about Schenn and Quick. I was actually surprised how good Quick was. His play tailed off toward the end of last season and he didn't look any better in preseason but he sure looked sharp tonight. I still think Bernier could be the starter by the end of the season but it might be a battle between the two.

I'm thrilled that the Kings got the two points. I went into this game thinking they would most likely lose considering it was the home opener for the Nucks and they would be all fired up.

Stoll on the point in 4on3 and 5on3 situations is going to kill me. He has a hard shot but just cannot hit the net at all. Kopi has got to at least make it look like he's going to shoot. It's way too predictable.

EDIT: Oh and yes, i LOVED those retro uniforms. I'm all for the Kings going back to purple and gold full time. They can appease the Gretzky era fans with a black and silver 3rd.

A nice touch was Quicks pads as well really rounded off the look well i hope he keeps them for the season after that performance.

I thought Shenn looked shakey at the start but got better as he settled in and after that move down the middle splitting 3 Canucks he was lights out.
Glad Kopy is ok that looked nasty.
Does anyone else get the feeling Jack Johnson doesnt get the respect he deserves with Doughty taking all the limelight maybe he likes it that way and im glad he gets the love in shootouts because hes got some moves any of the Kings forwards should envy.
Maybe Murray can swap out Jack and Stollie on the next 4 on 3 Johnson would at least hit the net.

[10spro]

A guy that's going to make Doughty and Johnson even more solid is Willie Mitchell. If he's healthy, he'll be their shut down guy allowing Doughty to be more offensive. If Quick remains consistent and they have the budget to keep Schenn, I have the Kings in 5th place at the end of the year.