HOCKEY NIGHT in DSP 07-08

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 11:30 am

The only Canadian team that's been playing well and has been consistent this season is MON. One problem though: They are also without their Captain and Saku means the world to this team. I hope C. Price does well in the playoffs and we'll soon find out if he can take the heat.

CAL & OTT getting to the dance through the back door sort of speak, will have to play out of their skates to advance to the next round.

Tonight at the garage, there will be a lot of long faces in the crowd, but I hope fans will appreciate the heart & soul of the team for many, many years in what could be his last game in the NHL: T. Linden.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 11:42 am

Well, even though they were officially eliminated from the playoffs Thursday night I'm still proud of the Blackhawks. They finally seem to be headed in the right direction with a solid core of youngsters. Kane and Toews played better than expected and the organization is making all of the right moves by getting rid of Bob Pulford, hiring John McDonough, putting all games on tv starting next year and celebrating legends like Stan Mikita, Bobby Hull, and Tony Esposito.

The UC sold out 12 times this year and has been consistently packed since the All Star break. I've been saying for years that there's a lot of interest in the Hawks around these parts and that fans would come back in droves if Wirtz stepped down or died. It's too bad he was stubborn to the end because I would have really liked to see what Rocky has done with this team in one short year.

Savard continues to improve as a coach and the team has really bought into him. I love his recognition of Dustin Byfuglien's puck posession and offensive talent and the fact that he moved Big Buff from defense to offense. This kid is playing like the Eric Daze we thought we had with Eric Daze. I'm expecting the playoffs from this squad next year and for the first time in many years I really think it's going to happen. It would have happened this year if Toews didn't get hurt. There was a bad stretch when he was out and 2 less losses would have secured the 8th seed this year.

This is definitely the best hockey season in the Chicago area since they made it to the Finals. I'm looking forward to watching the playoffs.

Gangrel · Post by **Gangrel** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 12:48 pm

pk500 wrote:Gang:

Very short, especially with the loss of Alfie and Fisher for an extended shelf stay due to injuries suffered in the game Wednesday against Toronto.

Ottawa is toast. Good riddance -- the biggest underachievers in the NHL. Only a handful of players on that team have any heart or balls. Heatley and Spezza are gutless, soft loafers.

Take care,
PK

I pretty much agree with you. Fisher IS the lion on the team, and was the most consistent "in the game" guy I say attending my 10 games or so this year. Chris Kelly is also another one. Alfie is for the most part, although I think he's been nursing his hip flexor the last half of the season.

Spezza only blocks shots if he's tripped in front of the puck, and Heatley to me has a dangerous one timer and not much else.

Murray should keep Phillips, Volchenkov, and Brian Lee on the Defense, and ditch Richardson, Mesazros, snd even Schubert..... And Redden hasn't been all that good the past few years either and is an UFA......

I think no matter what happenes, there are big changes here this summer.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 7:04 pm

The changes possibly should start with Murray. The talent he has assembled hasn't done the job, and he didn't exactly rescue the team, its attitude problems or its "soft" label when he replaced Paddock.

Murray probably still remains a good hockey man, but both he and the Senators' franchise probably would benefit from a change of address for him.

Take care,
PK

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 9:18 pm

Flyers are in but it sure would be nice to put one on the Pens Sunday afternoon. A cherry on top would be Crosby getting his ass handed to him in some way, shape or form

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 9:47 pm

Go Caps Go! What a day for WAS fans. AO was like a little kid jumping up and down.

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 10:05 pm

Looks like if Pit beats Philly tomorrow, that will be their first round matchup, #1 seed vs #8 seed. If Philly beats Pit, then they will jump up to the #6 seed to face the Caps, and Pit will play #7 seed Ottawa. Tomorrow may be the first time I would have absolutely no problem watching the Pens lose to the Flyers.

Feanor · Post by **Feanor** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 10:44 pm

Yeah, even though you'd most likely beat the Flyers, the series would be extra physical compared to playing the Senators and teams that get roughed up early in the playoffs have a tough time later on.

Bryan McCabe really covered himself in glory tonight as the Leafs season ended early once again. He started whacking away at a Montreal player like the guy was a pinata.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 10:52 pm

I know I DON'T want to see the Pens in the 1st round. Crosby and Malkin scare the piss out of me

. A win tomorrow would be gorgeous.

Feanor · Post by **Feanor** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 11:02 pm

If we're playing Pittsburgh then the refs scare the s*** out of me.

Sully · Post by **Sully** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 7:35 am

Pitt's playing great hockey right now, but a first round matchup between the two would easily be the most physical matchup in the first round. That doesn't bode well for the winner of the series.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 8:33 am

Way to go, Caps!

Anaheim-Dallas is going to be a furious first-round matchup in the West.

Take care,
PK

Sully · Post by **Sully** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 5:30 pm

Bring on the Caps!

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 6:06 pm

As much as I hate the Flames, J. Iginla stood tall last night when he gathered his team and they shook T. Linden' hands as it was most likely number 16 last game in a Canuck uniform. I had the opportunity to speak to Jarome a couple of years back, this guy is as classy as they come. A classy gesture to a classy guy, thanks for the memories Trevor.

The DAL-SJ game today was nasty, I guess Joe Thornton is getting ready for the big dance as he dropped the mitts and was ejected for his action. The hottest team since the trade-deadline will have to show their true potential during the playoffs against Calgary. Should be a dandy.

Sully · Post by **Sully** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 6:24 pm

10spro wrote:
The DAL-SJ game today was nasty, I guess Joe Thornton is getting ready for the big dance as he dropped the mitts and was ejected for his action. The hottest team since the trade-deadline will have to show their true potential during the playoffs against Calgary. Should be a dandy.

Doesn't Joe Thornton usually take the playoffs off?

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 8:15 pm

Sully wrote:Bring on the Caps!

Co-Signed

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 8:25 pm

Sully wrote:
10spro wrote:
The DAL-SJ game today was nasty, I guess Joe Thornton is getting ready for the big dance as he dropped the mitts and was ejected for his action. The hottest team since the trade-deadline will have to show their true potential during the playoffs against Calgary. Should be a dandy.
Doesn't Joe Thornton usually take the playoffs off?

He's been a no show for sure, but I can't think of a team with a bigger pressure to win that SJ after screwing up the last couple of playoffs.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 9:47 pm

I despise Calgary with a venom saved for a very select few, but I've always had infinite respect for Jarome Iginla. He is the spiritual successor to Gordie Howe and Mark Messier in one package. Class act, great leader, supreme player.

Can't say I'll ever feel the same way about Dion Phaneuf ...

Take care,
PK

Feanor · Post by **Feanor** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 9:36 pm

TSN seem like a bunch of wankers. I expected more class from a Canadian broadcaster. But the coverage by the actual NHL Network is usually very good, so it's alright.

snaz16 · Post by **snaz16** » Fri May 30, 2008 7:45 pm

With the impending sale of the Lightning about to go thru, it appears as though Tortorella could be done in Tampa
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/
Its not going well with most fans,that Barry "mullet" Melrose seems the likely replacement.
Torts is well thought of for guiding Tampa to the Cup in 04.
What are some of your thoughts for the Lightning if this plays out.