Do you guys think the Capitals can *ehem* capitalize on the momentuem they had going into the post season last season, or did their dismal post season ruin that progress they were making.
I highly doubt they have any momentuem, not playing games for 6ish months would kill that.
Ovechkin should be set to go. He has practiced his diving at the local swim club over the summer.
What kind of Flyers fan is focusing on Ovechkin's diving?
There is only one diving board. Sindey and Alexia have to take turns. :P
The Northwest division is always the most exciting in the league. All you eastern pansies have it easy.
So, this year I get to cheer for the villains, again, eh? Fuckin', Todd Bertuzzi. Why, Flames, why?
This was true 5 years ago. The northwest division is no longer the best division in the league. Believe me, it pains me to say that, as I live in Edmonton and love my Oilers, but it's true. I actually think that both the Pacific and Atlantic divisions are better overall.
In the Northwest you have no clear cut super awesome team. You have Calgary, which goes as far as the Kipper takes them, Minnesota, which relies on wnning games 2-1 and 1-0. Edmonton, which should be good, but with so many young guys there are still some questions, Colorado, which, imo, is a shadow of the team that dominated in the late 90's and early 2000's, and vancouver, where not even Luongo can save them.
You have 2, maybe 3 playoff teams, probably 3, 6, and 8 if all 3 teams make it.
In the pacific you have 3 really strong teams in Dallas, Anaheim, and San Jose, then Phoenix, which should be significantly improved this year. Los Angeles will do what Los Angeles does every year, rebuild. Dallas, anaheim, and san jose will probably finish 2, 4, and 5 in the confrence, the order yet to be determined. Phoenix might sneak in at 8th.
in the Atlantic, you have the Pens, Rangers, devils, and Flyers. Then throw in the Islanders. But the atlantic division supplied half of the teams in the eastern playoffs last year. The winner of this division will likely finish on top of the east, with teams at 4, 5, and either 6 or 7, depending on the flyers. I dare to say that right now the Atlantic division is the class of the NHL.
In the Northwest you have no clear cut super awesome team. You have Calgary, which goes as far as the Kipper takes them, Minnesota, which relies on wnning games 2-1 and 1-0.
How's Bergeron doing these days? Getting any better? Last I heard it still seemed pretty bad.
Bergeron seems to be fine. The doctors have given him a clean bill of health and he's been skating with the team since the first voluntary session earlier this year.
Chara still isn't completely healed up yet, though.
For some reason there are rumors that Kessel will start the year in Providence. This makes no sense--he is the best goal scorer on the team.
Yeah, the Chara news is disappointing. We need Big Z to be healthy. I don't want to replace him with, say, Lashoff for any real stretch of time. Replacing Hnidy with Lashoff? Fine. But not Chara.
I wouldn't call Kessel the best goal scorer on the team. He's got all the tools, sure, but the jury is still out on whether or not he has the toolbox. He doesn't seem to be the kind of person who is self-motivated. I don't think it's a coincidence that he played his best hockey after Julien called him out a few times, or after his playoff benching.
Sturm, Bergeron, Savard...they are the most consistent offensive threats on the team. Kessel has flashes of sheer brilliance, but I'm not entirely confident that he'll get it all together, at least in Julien's system.
I've been a Caps fan my entire life. It's been a very, very rough 10 years. Since the loss in the Cup finals, it's been a huge downhill slide, until Ovechkin came on the scene.
Last year we were Southeast Champions.
This year, we will be Eastern Conference Champions!
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Colorado, which, imo, is a shadow of the team that dominated in the late 90's and early 2000's
It's true, it's true. Every year we say we'll rebuild and "Playoffs, here we come!" But every year.......yeah.
This year should be interesting, though, with so many "hard-nosed" players. Going for a rougher team, I suppose.
The Avs have no goal tending worth speaking of. Its going to be a rough year for them. Unless they trade for Khabbibulin maybe. Chicago doesn't need him and they need to move his salary.
Don't you even think about it. Obviously, the habs will be the dominant Eastern team. I mean, sheesh.
Thats the only other team in the East Im ok with -- its my dad's team, so our house was always all Habs in the winter time. Which is why as a 7 year old I rebelled and selected the red white and blue of the Capitals to scorn my father's Canadian pride! And he's not even Canadian!
But I also like the Habs simply because Washington is a big fan of letting goalies go through them and then we take them when you guys can't afford both Sheldon Souray and anyone else
Last year we made it to the playoffs with Huet. This year, to the Cup with Theodore!
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In the Northwest you have no clear cut super awesome team. You have Calgary, which goes as far as the Kipper takes them, Minnesota, which relies on wnning games 2-1 and 1-0.
Neither of those has been true in years.
Calgary had one of it's most difficult years in the past 5 last year because Kipper was only great, not omgawesome. Granted Keenan was a big part of that, and if Sutter was smart he'd can Keenan yesterday(please don't, I'm an Oilers fan). Minnesota has improved their scoring a lot, but goaltending and defense still are, and always will be, first for that team as long as the current coaching staff is intact.
Colorado, which, imo, is a shadow of the team that dominated in the late 90's and early 2000's
It's true, it's true. Every year we say we'll rebuild and "Playoffs, here we come!" But every year.......yeah.
This year should be interesting, though, with so many "hard-nosed" players. Going for a rougher team, I suppose.
The Avs have no goal tending worth speaking of. Its going to be a rough year for them. Unless they trade for Khabbibulin maybe. Chicago doesn't need him and they need to move his salary.
Goaltending has always been a rough spot for us since the glory days of Patrick. When we got Raycroft everyone here was kind of like, "Really?" I mean, Budaj has his hot streaks, and when he is on he is really on, but then he'll go cold for three games.
But at any rate, like I said, I'm very excited to see our new look this year. Much more physical play is expected, with the likes of Ledin, the two Cody's and Tucker. Maybe take some of the pressure off of Laperriere, and hopefully we won't be manhandled like we have been the past two seasons.
Colorado, which, imo, is a shadow of the team that dominated in the late 90's and early 2000's
It's true, it's true. Every year we say we'll rebuild and "Playoffs, here we come!" But every year.......yeah.
This year should be interesting, though, with so many "hard-nosed" players. Going for a rougher team, I suppose.
The Avs have no goal tending worth speaking of. Its going to be a rough year for them. Unless they trade for Khabbibulin maybe. Chicago doesn't need him and they need to move his salary.
Goaltending has always been a rough spot for us since the glory days of Patrick. When we got Raycroft everyone here was kind of like, "Really?" I mean, Budaj has his hot streaks, and when he is on he is really on, but then he'll go cold for three games.
But at any rate, like I said, I'm very excited to see our new look this year. Much more physical play is expected, with the likes of Ledin, the two Cody's and Tucker. Maybe take some of the pressure off of Laperriere, and hopefully we won't be manhandled like we have been the past two seasons.
Mcleod is one of the most fun players to watch play ever. He might not be great but goddamn is he entertaining.
Also I really hope they play Cuminskey more. He had such signs of promise but needed more time in the oven. Hopefully he's a bit more balanced now.
People are poo-pooing the Avs, but they have a lot of young talent like David Jones, TJ Hensick, and I've been hearing some good (and bad) things about Chris Stewart.
And apparently Jason Bacashihua is outplaying both Budaj and Raycroft in training camp. Take that for what you will. I would love to have the Bulin Wall on the Avs.
I'm not expecting a lot from them this year but I think people are really underestimating them. Last year was an abysmal year in terms of injury and they still managed to have a moderately successful season. As long as they stay healthy and they get the goalie situation figured out (yeah yeah, I know it's a lot to ask) they should be okay.
I guess it must be really weird for a Torontonian seeing a team in Ontario that can actually make the playoffs. They do, apparently, exist.
Just not in Toronto.
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edited September 2008
Also I really hope they play Cuminskey more. He had such signs of promise but needed more time in the oven. Hopefully he's a bit more balanced now.
From what I hear, Cumiskey has bulked up, like by 20 pounds. As in, muscle bulked. He was one of the fastest skaters in the West last year and the year before, and now he's supposed to be a speedier, beefier skater..
People are poo-pooing the Avs, but they have a lot of young talent like David Jones, TJ Hensick, and I've been hearing some good (and bad) things about Chris Stewart.
David Jones was looking very good last year, and I also enjoy McLeod. McCormick is good too, but McLeod is the better of the Cody's. Chris Stewart has some serious talent, but from what I've been hearing, he has little discipline and needs to mature. So I'm not sure about him.
And apparently Jason Bacashihua is outplaying both Budaj and Raycroft in training camp.
I had not heard this. Interesting, very interesting.
Look out for Ledin this year, from Sweden. He's supposed to be entertaining and a high-energy player.
And hot-damn, my first game from my 14 game pack is October 9th against Boston. Can't wait.
So Gonchar is injured for 4-6 months? Well isn't that just dandy.
Yea, that's gonna really hurt the pens even strength. They'll put Malkin on the point on the PP, so that will actually probably be better, but they're still in trouble on the blueline without him.
Well, I still have to prepare myself for the fact that the Flames always have a dismal start to the regular season.
It won't be as bad as it has been for the last 2-3 years. Kipper actually came to camp in shape after actually doing some off season stuff in the gym. So instead of going 5-10 in October, we'll go 6-9 :P
Well, I still have to prepare myself for the fact that the Flames always have a dismal start to the regular season.
It won't be as bad as it has been for the last 2-3 years. Kipper actually came to camp in shape after actually doing some off season stuff in the gym. So instead of going 5-10 in October, we'll go 6-9 :P
Yea, how fucked up is that franchise that they have to name their goalie as the captain, when he can't actually do any captain related things during the game =/
It's gonna be pretty sad there next year without Luongo or the Sedins.
Well, I still have to prepare myself for the fact that the Flames always have a dismal start to the regular season.
It won't be as bad as it has been for the last 2-3 years. Kipper actually came to camp in shape after actually doing some off season stuff in the gym. So instead of going 5-10 in October, we'll go 6-9 :P
Yea, how fucked up is that franchise that they have to name their goalie as the captain, when he can't actually do any captain related things during the game =/
It's gonna be pretty sad there next year without Luongo or the Sedins.
Vancouver has tonnes of cap room. They're probably sign all three.
Well, I still have to prepare myself for the fact that the Flames always have a dismal start to the regular season.
It won't be as bad as it has been for the last 2-3 years. Kipper actually came to camp in shape after actually doing some off season stuff in the gym. So instead of going 5-10 in October, we'll go 6-9 :P
Yea, how fucked up is that franchise that they have to name their goalie as the captain, when he can't actually do any captain related things during the game =/
It's gonna be pretty sad there next year without Luongo or the Sedins.
Vancouver has tonnes of cap room. They're probably sign all three.
The question is, do they want to sign there. I will wager that Luongo will leave if the Canucks don't make it deep into the playoffs in atleast one of the remaining season.
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You're not the only one, I am a Bruins fan, born and raised.
I'm not even from north america, and I agree.
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Do you have something against Swedish people? Detroit is basically the Swedish National Team with Datsyuk and a few others now.
kpop appreciation station i also like to tweet some
There is only one diving board. Sindey and Alexia have to take turns. :P
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This was true 5 years ago. The northwest division is no longer the best division in the league. Believe me, it pains me to say that, as I live in Edmonton and love my Oilers, but it's true. I actually think that both the Pacific and Atlantic divisions are better overall.
In the Northwest you have no clear cut super awesome team. You have Calgary, which goes as far as the Kipper takes them, Minnesota, which relies on wnning games 2-1 and 1-0. Edmonton, which should be good, but with so many young guys there are still some questions, Colorado, which, imo, is a shadow of the team that dominated in the late 90's and early 2000's, and vancouver, where not even Luongo can save them.
You have 2, maybe 3 playoff teams, probably 3, 6, and 8 if all 3 teams make it.
In the pacific you have 3 really strong teams in Dallas, Anaheim, and San Jose, then Phoenix, which should be significantly improved this year. Los Angeles will do what Los Angeles does every year, rebuild. Dallas, anaheim, and san jose will probably finish 2, 4, and 5 in the confrence, the order yet to be determined. Phoenix might sneak in at 8th.
in the Atlantic, you have the Pens, Rangers, devils, and Flyers. Then throw in the Islanders. But the atlantic division supplied half of the teams in the eastern playoffs last year. The winner of this division will likely finish on top of the east, with teams at 4, 5, and either 6 or 7, depending on the flyers. I dare to say that right now the Atlantic division is the class of the NHL.
It's true, it's true. Every year we say we'll rebuild and "Playoffs, here we come!" But every year.......yeah.
This year should be interesting, though, with so many "hard-nosed" players. Going for a rougher team, I suppose.
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Neither of those has been true in years.
Bergeron seems to be fine. The doctors have given him a clean bill of health and he's been skating with the team since the first voluntary session earlier this year.
Yeah, the Chara news is disappointing. We need Big Z to be healthy. I don't want to replace him with, say, Lashoff for any real stretch of time. Replacing Hnidy with Lashoff? Fine. But not Chara.
I wouldn't call Kessel the best goal scorer on the team. He's got all the tools, sure, but the jury is still out on whether or not he has the toolbox. He doesn't seem to be the kind of person who is self-motivated. I don't think it's a coincidence that he played his best hockey after Julien called him out a few times, or after his playoff benching.
Sturm, Bergeron, Savard...they are the most consistent offensive threats on the team. Kessel has flashes of sheer brilliance, but I'm not entirely confident that he'll get it all together, at least in Julien's system.
Last year we were Southeast Champions.
This year, we will be Eastern Conference Champions!
The Avs have no goal tending worth speaking of. Its going to be a rough year for them. Unless they trade for Khabbibulin maybe. Chicago doesn't need him and they need to move his salary.
Thats the only other team in the East Im ok with -- its my dad's team, so our house was always all Habs in the winter time. Which is why as a 7 year old I rebelled and selected the red white and blue of the Capitals to scorn my father's Canadian pride! And he's not even Canadian!
But I also like the Habs simply because Washington is a big fan of letting goalies go through them and then we take them when you guys can't afford both Sheldon Souray and anyone else
Last year we made it to the playoffs with Huet. This year, to the Cup with Theodore!
Calgary had one of it's most difficult years in the past 5 last year because Kipper was only great, not omgawesome. Granted Keenan was a big part of that, and if Sutter was smart he'd can Keenan yesterday(please don't, I'm an Oilers fan). Minnesota has improved their scoring a lot, but goaltending and defense still are, and always will be, first for that team as long as the current coaching staff is intact.
Goaltending has always been a rough spot for us since the glory days of Patrick. When we got Raycroft everyone here was kind of like, "Really?" I mean, Budaj has his hot streaks, and when he is on he is really on, but then he'll go cold for three games.
But at any rate, like I said, I'm very excited to see our new look this year. Much more physical play is expected, with the likes of Ledin, the two Cody's and Tucker. Maybe take some of the pressure off of Laperriere, and hopefully we won't be manhandled like we have been the past two seasons.
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Mcleod is one of the most fun players to watch play ever. He might not be great but goddamn is he entertaining.
Also I really hope they play Cuminskey more. He had such signs of promise but needed more time in the oven. Hopefully he's a bit more balanced now.
People are poo-pooing the Avs, but they have a lot of young talent like David Jones, TJ Hensick, and I've been hearing some good (and bad) things about Chris Stewart.
And apparently Jason Bacashihua is outplaying both Budaj and Raycroft in training camp. Take that for what you will.
I'm not expecting a lot from them this year but I think people are really underestimating them. Last year was an abysmal year in terms of injury and they still managed to have a moderately successful season. As long as they stay healthy and they get the goalie situation figured out (yeah yeah, I know it's a lot to ask) they should be okay.
I guess it must be really weird for a Torontonian seeing a team in Ontario that can actually make the playoffs. They do, apparently, exist.
Just not in Toronto.
From what I hear, Cumiskey has bulked up, like by 20 pounds. As in, muscle bulked. He was one of the fastest skaters in the West last year and the year before, and now he's supposed to be a speedier, beefier skater..
David Jones was looking very good last year, and I also enjoy McLeod. McCormick is good too, but McLeod is the better of the Cody's. Chris Stewart has some serious talent, but from what I've been hearing, he has little discipline and needs to mature. So I'm not sure about him.
I had not heard this. Interesting, very interesting.
Look out for Ledin this year, from Sweden. He's supposed to be entertaining and a high-energy player.
And hot-damn, my first game from my 14 game pack is October 9th against Boston. Can't wait.
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Oh man I am so jealous. I really should convince my buddy to get in on this with me.
Edit - Hah. Buddy called me. Apparently him and a guy are gonna split a 14 game pack so I'll be going to opening night plus 6 more. WOO.
Ah, man, Ledin is so energetic. Best worst player to ever curse out a referee. He's an asshole in general.
4 games in 4 nights is stupid =/
It's not going to be a great season, lowlighted with Gaborik getting moved before the trade deadline. Ugh.
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I've hated the Sens for years, since the Leafs were beating them in the first round year after year after year. it's part of being a Leafs fan.
The Sens are a better team now, and have been for a while, I'll admit that. Just gives me another reason to hate them.
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I plan on picking two goalies in the first four rounds. This is a keeper league too, so there is even more pressure on me to pick well.
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Yea, that's gonna really hurt the pens even strength. They'll put Malkin on the point on the PP, so that will actually probably be better, but they're still in trouble on the blueline without him.
Well, I still have to prepare myself for the fact that the Flames always have a dismal start to the regular season.
Also, it's pre-season. Blowouts are not un-common. I think a couple years ago Detroit didn't even win a game in the pre season, or like, 1.
It won't be as bad as it has been for the last 2-3 years. Kipper actually came to camp in shape after actually doing some off season stuff in the gym. So instead of going 5-10 in October, we'll go 6-9 :P
In other news the Canucks named Luongo captain
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=251272&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl
Yea, how fucked up is that franchise that they have to name their goalie as the captain, when he can't actually do any captain related things during the game =/
It's gonna be pretty sad there next year without Luongo or the Sedins.
(go Ducks! Selanne signed for 2 years = win.)
Vancouver has tonnes of cap room. They're probably sign all three.
The question is, do they want to sign there. I will wager that Luongo will leave if the Canucks don't make it deep into the playoffs in atleast one of the remaining season.