Hockey Is Back

[DeviRule201]

just days after commish Gary Bettman announced that the NHL season was cancelled the season is about ready to make like a hollywood story and come back. You heard it hear first boys and girls. THE NHL is backkkkkk.

:multi :multi :multi :multi

[bdfresh62]

just days after commish Gary Bettman announced that the NHL season was cancelled the season is about ready to make like a hollywood story and come back. You heard it hear first boys and girls. THE NHL is backkkkkk.

:multi :multi :multi :multi

Proof?

[bdfresh62]

Holy crap. Just checked TSN and ESPN and both say they are having a meeting tomorrow. The Hockey News is also reporting that both sides have agreed on a cap at 45 million.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=1994750

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=115396

[Ben F.]

Pathetic.

[OCMarsh]

I was hoping it would stay away. Oh well, now that they have their dispute worked out maybe Paul Allen will bring a team to Portland. I might be able to watch if I had a team to cheer for.

[bdfresh62]

I just want to watch some darn hockey. I realize not everyone is a fan, but I am a hardcore fan. There is nothing on right now this time of year sports wise. I hate basketball, so then I would have to wait until April when baseball starts back. I really just miss hockey and wish they would get their act together.

[DeviRule201]

i have inside sources that say a deal is basically done and it would take something huge to break that deal right now....deal will be announced most likely on sunday (wink wink NBA all star game)

[UNC41]

i have inside sources that say a deal is basically done and it would take something huge to break that deal right now....deal will be announced most likely on sunday (wink wink NBA all star game)

Who gives a fuck. The winner of a 20 game season should be engraved on my ass, not the Stanley Cup.

[UNC41]

I just want to watch some darn hockey. I realize not everyone is a fan, but I am a hardcore fan. There is nothing on right now this time of year sports wise. I hate basketball, so then I would have to wait until April when baseball starts back. I really just miss hockey and wish they would get their act together.

College hockey.

[antgrave]

Wahhhhhhhhoooooooooooo

[antgrave]

College hockey.

college hockey is hardley ever on tv

[bdfresh62]

college hockey is hardley ever on tv

Yeah plus I live in South Carolina. There isn't a college hockey school within 500 miles of us here.

[Jake]

bout damn time.

[Hudak-Budak]

Great, back to hockey taking up stuff I actually want to watch on ESPN 8.

[mojo1210]

Who gives a fuck. The winner of a 20 game season should be engraved on my ass, not the Stanley Cup.
:thumbsup

god damn right. ill be excited to watch some hockey if this is true, on the other hand this season is an exhibition one. that and tix should be given away because of the bullshit fans have delt with.

[mojo1210]

Great, back to hockey taking up stuff I actually want to watch on ESPN 8.

the ocho

[FPrefect61]

Hmm, and dozens of people are happy about it.

[twosteppn36]

wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

[dmb6743]

thank god, oh how i miss my penguins.

[NavyBoy41]

they are a little too late... i'm pissed. one of the only things I wanted to do before I left for the Navy was drive down to Nashville when or if they played the Stars (my team)... I only have about 9 days till I leave.. Thanks a lot greedy ass owners.. you bastards..

:monkey

[Gregb486]

happiest day of my life!!!

[penn darvis]

I was hoping it would stay away. Oh well, now that they have their dispute worked out maybe Paul Allen will bring a team to Portland. I might be able to watch if I had a team to cheer for.
We'll send you one of ours.

[DeviRule201]

DEVILS.....if the season does return and all the players from europe are freed from their contracts my new jersey devils have a very solid team lined up...hmmm can u say REPEAT OF 1995?!?

[Gregb486]

DEVILS.....if the season does return and all the players from europe are freed from their contracts my new jersey devils have a very solid team lined up...hmmm can u say REPEAT OF 1995?!?nope.

[Davenumber40]

they are a little too late... i'm pissed. one of the only things I wanted to do before I left for the Navy was drive down to Nashville when or if they played the Stars (my team)... I only have about 9 days till I leave.. Thanks a lot greedy ass owners.. you bastards..

:monkey

I believe it's the players fault. The owners went from a 31 million dollar cap all the way up to 42.5 but the players wouldn't drop from 51 to 42.5.
How strong is hockey gonna be after this? There wasn't a large fanbase before and baseball is still recovering from the '94 season.

[coyn113]

sooo happy, best news i have received in the past year

[JC10380]

If the owners agree to a $45 million cap, they will lose tons of money. Someone inside the BlueJackets organization that I know said the owners need a $40 million cap to be stable. People say "well the owners want a $42 million cap and the players want a $49 million cap, thats only $7 million apart." Not really, its around $210 million apart, if every team hits that cap.

[trippingbilly12]

if its true, the season will be short as hell anyways.

[joepsu0985]

Ill take a stanley cup with 29 games...Shit bring it to pittsburh...Lets go Pens

[KCoozino]

Ill take a stanley cup with 29 games...Shit bring it to pittsburh...Lets go Pens

bring it to pittsburgh??? i highly doubt that...Let's go Red Wings!!!

[killymagee2000]

Its all a little premature:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=115459

[bohazo]

they are a little too late... i'm pissed. :monkey

:thumbsup

After this bs I will not be going to any games, before the season I was hoping to get a twenty game plan to the caps. I am way to bitter to even care this year. Why even bother with a season-they should just have playoffs.

:lorraine

[FunkyTeaParty]

If this happens I hope the Rangers go winless. Why win during a tainted season when there is a stud available in the draft?

Also, they shouldn't be rushing at the last second now to save this season. Fix the problem!! That is more important than having some bullshit 28 game season.

[Number27]

If this happens I hope the Rangers go winless. Why win during a tainted season when there is a stud available in the draft?

Also, they shouldn't be rushing at the last second now to save this season. Fix the problem!! That is more important than having some bullshit 28 game season.
I couldnt agree more.

[Gregb486]

If this happens I hope the Rangers go winless. Why win during a tainted season when there is a stud available in the draft?

Also, they shouldn't be rushing at the last second now to save this season. Fix the problem!! That is more important than having some bullshit 28 game season.the rangers will go winless regardless, you have nothing to worry about.

[Gregb486]

espnews says deal imminent

[watchtower86]

YESSSSSS

i really hope the NHL comes back. i love hockey

[Lude99]

Lets Go Devils!!!!!!!!

[tarheel997]

DEVILS.....if the season does return and all the players from europe are freed from their contracts my new jersey devils have a very solid team lined up...hmmm can u say REPEAT OF 1995?!?

Remember one name...Zach Parise.

[snyddogg430]

Remember one name...Zach Parise.

Yeah if hockey comes back I can definately see him being called up. Played great for Albany, and in a shortened season, why not see what he's got? I think if a season does happen, it'll be very experimental for a lot of teams, roster-wise.

[Tomriddle]

Lets Go Rangers!

[Proof2k3]

the rangers will go winless regardless, you have nothing to worry about.
:thumbsup Let's go Devils!

[Gregb486]

lookin extremely doubtful right now, talks ended today without a deal

[joepsu0985]

Lets go pens

[Tomriddle]

the rangers will go winless regardless, you have nothing to worry about.

:24 :24 :24 :24 :24
Jack's coming for you!!!

[DeviRule201]

unbelieveable....no deal everyone the season will not be back...very sad very sad...the two sides met again today in NYC and they couldnt come to an agreement even when it was reported that something was going to get done :rolleyes

[watchtower86]

bastards

[Yesac820]

Damn i liked having more bball highlights on espn

[scoot_14]

Looks like no deal to me.

[killymagee2000]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=115459

No deal.

[Tomriddle]

Damn.

[AdamCU81]

I don't think anyone would take the NHL seriously at all if they started it back up now after cancelling it. It's probably better this way...hopefully start with a fresh season this fall.

[tarheel997]

Yeah if hockey comes back I can definately see him being called up. Played great for Albany, and in a shortened season, why not see what he's got? I think if a season does happen, it'll be very experimental for a lot of teams, roster-wise.

He went to my bro's high school, nicest kid you've ever met. He was the MVP of the AHL all star game as a rookie...he'll get called up.

[Gregb486]

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii wish

[PilotC150]

He went to my bro's high school, nicest kid you've ever met. He was the MVP of the AHL all star game as a rookie...he'll get called up.
And I've seen him play at least 65 games. He is amazing to watch and will be a GREAT asset to the Devils.

[tarheel997]

And I've seen him play at least 65 games. He is amazing to watch and will be a GREAT asset to the Devils.

Yeah I used to love going out to Shattuck to watch them play. Murray, Smaby, Porter, and Stafford all were there. J.P. Parise was there too but then he got kicked out.

[NavyBoy41]

I wonder if the players and owners know EXACTLY how much they've fucked themselves. And they thought that the attendance numbers were down last year.. Ha. I don't think they've seen anything yet. It's going to be like a fucking Montreal Expos home game in every arena across the US next year... Nice job guys..:monkey

[devils744]

i think the owners know that bringing back fans will be a very hard task. thats why linkage from revenues will be in the new cba. the nhlpa really blew this one.

I wonder if the players and owners know EXACTLY how much they've fucked themselves. And they thought that the attendance numbers were down last year.. Ha. I don't think they've seen anything yet. It's going to be like a fucking Montreal Expos home game in every arena across the US next year... Nice job guys..:monkey

[alphatabs]

What the hell do Hockey people have to strike about? Why don't they shut up and play or go back to the maple syrup factory.

[EatSleepJeep]

I wonder if the players and owners know EXACTLY how much they've fucked themselves. And they thought that the attendance numbers were down last year.. Ha. I don't think they've seen anything yet. It's going to be like a fucking Montreal Expos home game in every arena across the US next year... Nice job guys..:monkey

I can't wait to see the signs in the stands when play resumes. I'll bet they're rather scathing.

[The Onion]

I just put my NHL stuff into storage for the year...

:BANG I'll be right back.

[PFhockey]

http://www.nike.com/canada/nikehockey/lockout/

:(

[Davenumber40]

"The death of professional hockey in AMERICA is a nasty omen for people with heavy investments in NHL teams. But to me, it meant little or nothing -- and that's why I called Bill Murray with an idea that would change both our lives forever."

Just wanted to quote Hunter. I really don't give a damn about hockey but I feel for you fans. I can't imagine what it'd be like to lose college B-ball or English football. I hope for your all's sake they're back next season and the game recovers quickly. In the mean time replace it with the English Premiership.

[bohazo]

I wonder if the players and owners know EXACTLY how much they've fucked themselves. And they thought that the attendance numbers were down last year.. Ha. I don't think they've seen anything yet. It's going to be like a fucking Montreal Expos home game in every arena across the US next year... Nice job guys..:monkey

:thumbsup

[chiznaz]

man i hope basketball doesn't go through this after this season. It doesn't appear that it will thank goodness.

I don't have the slightest interest in hockey, but I feel for its fans. The fans are the ones who get screwed here.

[mantra4]

What the hell do Hockey people have to strike about? Why don't they shut up and play or go back to the maple syrup factory.its not a strike... its a lockout dumbass

[angelces]

http://www.nike.com/canada/nikehockey/lockout/

:(
:lorraine :(

[killymagee2000]

I think the NHL is in serious trouble with their sponsors and the networks. Apparently, ESPN has an out clause in their contract with the NHL that allows them to get out of the tv contract on April 15/05.

[alphatabs]

its not a strike... its a lockout dumbass

Whatever it is, it's stupid. And I'm not a dumbass, dumbass.

[angelces]

I think the NHL is in serious trouble with their sponsors and the networks. Apparently, ESPN has an out clause in their contract with the NHL that allows them to get out of the tv contract on April 15/05.
wow that would be trouble. on SOOO many levels

[Franchize41]

I think the NHL is in serious trouble with their sponsors and the networks. Apparently, ESPN has an out clause in their contract with the NHL that allows them to get out of the tv contract on April 15/05.

thats a fact, ESPN brought on alot of pressure to continue the negotiation process over the weekend or they would drop the contract.

[killymagee2000]

thats a fact, ESPN brought on alot of pressure to continue the negotiation process over the weekend or they would drop the contract.

Thanks for the verification. The NHL is in big trouble.

[nlaposta1]

I don't get how any fans are going to be able to look at a pro hockey player in the eye...

athletes don't give a rats ass about the fans. Hence the lockout. I just wish fans would see that.

The players have fucked themselves again, it would seem. Its like they don't want to get involved with the finances, but they don't trust the owners either. Like jesus, pick one or the other.

Someone help me out here. In theory, couldn't the owners all agree to a 49 million dollar salary cap... get the players to sign it. BUT, once the season starts, the owners all secretly agree that they will not go over 40 mill. I know its collusion but how do you prove collusion??

[illbackyouup_03]

If there is a season next year I won't give a shit. I'll still be watching all the time.

[nlaposta1]

If there is a season next year I won't give a shit. I'll still be watching all the time.

I don't know if I could do the same.... I guess time will tell.

I just think that not only are these players greedy beyond belief, but they are incredibly idiotic as well. I have never seen a union or association act as ridiculous as the nhlpa is.

I can't wait till the owners come back next year with a proposal for a 30 million dollar salary cap :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

[killymagee2000]

Gretzky clarifies what happened last weekend when we all thought there was a deal done:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=115751

[nlaposta1]

and now they are saying that the NHL will be improved when it comes back, rule changes and what not, more scoring....

hockey has SO many problems, its amazing! people forget that when it comes back, the product is still going to for the most part suck ass.

I watched pens - north stars from 1991 - stanley cup final... AMAZING game. when hockey was actually exciting!

[killymagee2000]

I watched pens - north stars from 1991 - stanley cup final... AMAZING game. when hockey was actually exciting!

I was watching Motreal and Calgary (1989) the other day, thinking to myself, "This is real hockey."

At that time there were no teams in Atlanta, Aneheim, Columbus, Nashville, San Jose, Florida, Tampa, Phoenix, Carolina, etc. Ahhh, the good 'ol days.

[nlaposta1]

Even when SJ joined scoring was WAY up.. I remember Craig Janney for gods sake had like 120 points in 1992...

For me its not really scoring, its scoring chances... of which there are none. Its pretty sad.

[bdfresh62]

I think with the proposed rule changes, scoring will go back up. The problem is the game has changed so much. It's shifted from an offensive game to a defensive one.

[killymagee2000]

I think with the proposed rule changes, scoring will go back up. The problem is the game has changed so much. It's shifted from an offensive game to a defensive one.

The game became completely defensive oriented when the Devils won their first Cup. I think that all the game needs is a team to come along and win with speed and scoring, much like the Lightning did. Then things will change.

[bdfresh62]

The game became completely defensive oriented when the Devils won their first Cup. I think that all the game needs is a team to come along and win with speed and scoring, much like the Lightning did. Then things will change.

Agree with you completely.

[The Onion]

The game became completely defensive oriented when the Devils won their first Cup. I think that all the game needs is a team to come along and win with speed and scoring, much like the Lightning did. Then things will change.

Absolutely.

[Snipper007]

I think Hockey needs a new image and this is not the way to do it!

[shane019]

I am on the side of the owners, but I understand where the players are coming from. The owners messed up by getting greety, but they are now trying to fix the problem.:thumbsup

[Gregb486]

i hate the trap. but every team, including my flyers do it. i wonder if they could make an illegal defense call, sort of like in basketball. make it just a whistle.

[FACHEBLOOTZ]

Why hockey is stll around is beyone me. Didn't NHL lose something like 400 million last year?

[Gregb486]

Why hockey is stll around is beyone me. Didn't NHL lose something like 400 million last year?because its a great sport. not my favorite, no, but its still a major sport, one of the 4 major sports, and it deserves to be in every aspect.

[WVCubsFan]

i hate the trap. but every team, including my flyers do it. i wonder if they could make an illegal defense call, sort of like in basketball. make it just a whistle.



Eliminate the red line.......

get out of your own zone and dump away. Hit the corners with a HUGE head of steam and dig it out. Makes the trap fairly useless + allows for longer passing (2-line pass calls would be almost eliminated). Do they use a red line in Europe?

[Gregb486]

Eliminate the red line.......

get out of your own zone and dump away. Hit the corners with a HUGE head of steam and dig it out. Makes the trap fairly useless + allows for longer passing (2-line pass calls would be almost eliminated). Do they use a red line in Europe?i dunno, a lot of the major rule changes i am against, just becaue i personally don't need anything more to make me love hockey.

if your changing a rule just to get new fans, i don't think think that is the right thing to do.

[EatSleepJeep]

i hate the trap. but every team, including my flyers do it. i wonder if they could make an illegal defense call, sort of like in basketball. make it just a whistle.

The trap is killing the game, it just turns into a dump and chase match. Blah.

Make a trap defense a whistle with a face off in the offending teams' zome, just like icing.

[Gregb486]

The trap is killing the game, it just turns into a dump and chase match. Blah.

Make a trap defense a whistle with a face off in the offending teams' zome, just like icing.exactly

[WVCubsFan]

i dunno, a lot of the major rule changes i am against, just becaue i personally don't need anything more to make me love hockey.

if your changing a rule just to get new fans, i don't think think that is the right thing to do.

Maybe. What if they just changed the "culture" of the game.....let the goons have at each other, again. Where's the Bob Proberts or Marty McSorleys of today? Even Brashier cleaned up his game---it's not near as much fun to watch now.

No, I don't just "watch for the fights", but you have to admit that it fires up everybody--including the players--when two guys drop the gloves and go. It wasn't that long ago that the whole team could climb the boards and join in, if they wanted to.

[Gregb486]

Maybe. What if they just changed the "culture" of the game.....let the goons have at each other, again. Where's the Bob Proberts or Marty McSorleys of today? Even Brashier cleaned up his game---it's not near as much fun to watch now.

No, I don't just "watch for the fights", but you have to admit that it fires up everybody--including the players--when two guys drop the gloves and go. It wasn't that long ago that the whole team could climb the boards and join in, if they wanted to.well i agree with that totally. i think in the second case, brashier doesn't fight a lot anymore because he finally plays on a team that acknowledges he has some skill too, he's not just a fighter. also, he will kill anyone he fights.

[killymagee2000]

i hate the trap. but every team, including my flyers do it. i wonder if they could make an illegal defense call, sort of like in basketball. make it just a whistle.

I think that the best way to eliminate the trap is to get rid of the rule against two line passes, i.e., get rid of the red line. Another thing that would help is if the nets were moved back to their original positions (circa early '90s) and move the blue lines back, thereby decreasing the size of the neutral zone.

But who listens to me anyways?

[firedwarftj]

Hockey wont be back to we get the Whalers in Hartford ....

[killymagee2000]

Maybe. What if they just changed the "culture" of the game.....let the goons have at each other, again. Where's the Bob Proberts or Marty McSorleys of today? Even Brashier cleaned up his game---it's not near as much fun to watch now.

No, I don't just "watch for the fights", but you have to admit that it fires up everybody--including the players--when two guys drop the gloves and go. It wasn't that long ago that the whole team could climb the boards and join in, if they wanted to.

The whole problem here is the instigator rule. If you instigate a fight, you get slapped with another penalty. If you get rid of the instigator rule, and let the players police themselves, you won't see as many cheap shots and cheap injuries. Plus guys will be more willing to mix it up.

[TrippinMonkey41]

I wish they could have brought hockey back this season because Nashville is really hurting without it. A lot of local business relied on hockey every season to boost their sales. Oh well I guess here's to next season.*raises beer*.

Brad

[killymagee2000]

I wish they could have brought hockey back this season because Nashville is really hurting without it. A lot of local business relied on hockey every season to boost their sales. Oh well I guess here's to next season.*raises beer*.

Brad

Seriously? :ugh I was under the impression that Nashville could give a crap about hockey.

[TrippinMonkey41]

Seriously? :ugh I was under the impression that Nashville could give a crap about hockey.

That is true that Nashville doesn't seem to care about hockey (we were 28th in attendance) but a lot of local business do promotions during hockey season and so do the radio stations. The businesses surrounding the arena benefit a lot even though we do have low turn out. Also we had a good season last year which I think would have brought a lot more people this year.

Brad

[coyn113]

Even when SJ joined scoring was WAY up.. I remember Craig Janney for gods sake had like 120 points in 1992...

For me its not really scoring, its scoring chances... of which there are none. Its pretty sad.

actually it was 106, i had to check for myself cuz i couldnt believe it but
good god thats insane

[bdfresh62]

Hockey wont be back to we get the Whalers in Hartford ....

So true. Gosh I miss the Whalers.

[nlaposta1]

Anyone read Damien Cox's article about markus naslund a couple days back? I have officially lost all respect for Naslund, what an idiot...


Naslund drops gloves, throws cheap shot


DAMIEN COX
SPORTS COLUMNIST

In Markus Naslund's world, only elite hockey players have rights.

Steve Moore, to Naslund, only had the right to be a victim.

And certainly not to make a fuss about it.


"He's suing everyone so he can make money," Naslund told a Vancouver paper. "I've got no respect for him at all.

"This is just a guy who's trying to hit a home run (financially). Someone who wasn't good enough to play.

"I'm not saying what (Bertuzzi did) was right. But if it was me, I'd be doing everything I could to get back and play and show everyone the character I have."

Oh, don't worry. We now are keenly aware of the "character" possessed by Naslund.

This is the same captain of the Canucks who hid behind the brutes on his own team after being nailed with a clean hit, asked them to go out and make like the dogs of war so he could keep his saintly hands clean.

Has a little Tonya Harding-Jeff Gillooly scent to it, wouldn't you say?

This is a hockey player, based on his words yesterday, who looks down his nose at the marginal players in the game, the grunts, checkers and pluggers who have to scratch and claw just to get on the active roster of an NHL team for a few games.

Those Naslund judges as not "good enough to play" certainly don't deserve the same consideration as, say, he does. People like Moore should not have the temerity to bodycheck those above him in the food chain.

This Naslund is a "leader" who allowed the foaming-at-the-mouth lynch mob to get way out of control in the Canucks dressing room, ultimately helping to create the scenario that left Moore with a broken neck, Bertuzzi suspended indefinitely and the Canucks out millions of dollars in post-season revenue.

That Moore's career has been destroyed by Bertuzzi's attack, and that his health may have been permanently damaged, matters not to the Scandinavian, who we can only assume would never had made his comments without first thoroughly examining Moore's health charts.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
`He's suing everyone so he can make money. I've got no respect for him at all.'

Canuck Markus Naslund, right, on former Avs winger Steve Moore

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


That Bertuzzi pleaded guilty in criminal court to intentionally assaulting Moore was also similarly not worth consideration to Naslund.

He figures Moore should just suck it up. Recovering lost wages and opportunity through a lawsuit would never be done by a manly sort.

Just go and steal somebody else's job during the lockout like the rest of us, Naslund seems to instruct.

It's the hypocrisy that really gets you.

On one hand, Naslund takes shots at NHL commissioner Gary Bettman for the indecency of trying to design a system that will cap NHL playing incomes at an average of about $1.3 million per season. The Swedish profile-in-courage then takes shots at an injured athlete who can't even exercise because of his severe injuries, suggesting he's just out for the money.

Gotta love a guy who suggests that if he'd suffered a broken neck he'd make like John Wayne.

Moreover, this is the reverse juice on the hockey slang of the 1970s when newcomers were labelled "chicken Swedes" by nasty Canadian brutes.

Now it's the Swedes deriding the manhood of the Canadians.

That Naslund questions Moore's character is indeed the topper. After all, at least Borje Salming stood up for himself. Naslund could have sought revenge against Moore himself last winter, could have dropped his gloves, lifted his protective visor and given the Harvard grad the old Ingemar Johansson one-two.

Instead, he let Brad May and Bertuzzi play judge and jury while he kept his Lady Byng tiara in place.

Now the lawsuit is on, and the evidence sure looks compelling that there was a conspiracy to take Moore's livelihood away from him.

Sadly, one name is missing from the list of defendants.

Would love to see the name of Markus Naslund added.

What a stupid, stupid man.

[pockyway]

[QUOTE=nlaposta1What a stupid, stupid man.[/QUOTE]
'nuff said, that is an absolutley disgusting way to act about this situation:violent
reminds me of something Cluade Lemuix(sp) would say, scumbag

[nlaposta1]

This gets better and better. Now Goodenow is saying that they have to negotiate in order to understand how to negotiate again.

:lol :lol :lol :lol

[killymagee2000]

This gets better and better. Now Goodenow is saying that they have to negotiate in order to understand how to negotiate again.

:lol :lol :lol :lol

What kind of meaningless double-talk is that. Sheesh, Goodenow and Bettmen suck.

[nlaposta1]

Did you hear about the group that wanted to buy the NHL for 3 billion flat out? If I was an NHL owner I would have hopped right on that jet, except if I owned one of the big teams.

[killymagee2000]

Did you hear about the group that wanted to buy the NHL for 3 billion flat out? If I was an NHL owner I would have hopped right on that jet, except if I owned one of the big teams.

Yeah. I was just reading the article:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=116886

Its actually a pretty good idea to set up a franchise system.

[nlaposta1]

and if the teams do shitty, you move em. I still don't get why the league is insistent on keeping all of these shitty teams. Buy them out!

[killymagee2000]

A Deal is done! :multi

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=130274

Some of the highlights:


- a hard team-by-team salary cap with a payroll of range of $21 million to $39 million (in the first year), which includes all player costs (benefits, insurance etc).

- the league's total expenditure on player costs (salaries, bonuses, benefits and insurance) is not permitted to exceed 54 per cent of defined hockey-related revenue and the salary cap and payroll range will move up or down as revenues increase or decrease each year of the deal.

- a 24 per-cent salary rollback for any NHL player who has time remaining on an existing contract, keeping in mind that the players will receive none of the monies they were slated to earn in the lost season of 2004-05.

- liberalized free agency (including unrestricted status at 27 by year four of the deal), a more restrictive entry level system, totally revamped salary arbitration, improved pension benefits and a revenue-sharing plan.


So this is what they killed an entire season for???


A buddy of mine, who's in the know, says that the entry draft will be held in August in Toronto. It will be a lottery draft, with each team having an equal chance to get the no. 1 overall pick (i.e. Sidney Crosby)

[dmbcrazy4041]

its too little too late for me, I say fuck em!

[nlaposta1]

watch crosby go the rangers!

well i'm glad its done, but the players have to be thinking they got absolutely shit on. how goodenow hasn't been canned yet is beyond me. the deal in february was twice the deal this one is, but now they have the rollback, PLUS a cap, PLUS linkage, like what did the players win on actually?

at least now we can get back to complaining about how shitty the actual sport is!

[boiii]

fingers crossed for crosby to come to the habs.
and fingers crossed that with the new 27-free-agent rule, lecavalier wants to come home.

cheers.
ken

[esc2476]

well at least now the NHL will not = the No Hockey League.

[boiii]

oh wow the lottery formula sucks.

The lottery formula is as follows - each team begins with three balls. For every playoff appearance in the last three years or No. 1 overall pick over the last four years, a team loses one ball. But each team will still be guaranteed to have one ball in the lottery. The first round will go with teams picking 1 through 30, with the 30th team picking 31st and the draft order 'snaking' back and forth in a seven round draft.

Lottery
Balls Team 2004 Draft Position 2003 Draft Position 2002 Draft Position 2001 Draft Position
3 Buffalo 13th 5th 11th 23rd
3 Columbus 4th 3rd 2nd 8th
3 NY Rangers 6th 12th 10th 10th
2 Anaheim 9th 19th 7th 5th
2 Calgary 19th 9th 9th 11th
2 Chicago 2nd 14th 21st 9th
2 Edmonton 14th 17th 14th 19th
2 Los Angeles 11th 13th 18th 18th
2 Minnesota 12th 20th 8th 6th
2 Nashville 15th 7th 6th 12th
2 Phoenix 5th 11th 19th 15th
2 Pittsburgh 1st 2nd 5th 22nd
1 Atlanta 10th 8th 1st 3rd *
1 Boston 27th 16th 29th 13th
1 Carolina 8th 1st 25th 14th
1 Colorado 21st 26th 28th 30th **
1 Dallas 20th 28th 13th 26th
1 Detroit 29th 27th 30th ** 29th
1 Florida 7th 4th * 3rd * 4th
1 Montreal 18th 10th 15th 7th
1 New Jersey 22nd 30th ** 20th 28th
1 NY Islanders 16th 15th 22nd 1st
1 Ottawa 23rd 29th 16th 27th
1 Philadelphia 25th 24th 26th 24th
1 St. Louis 17th 22nd 23rd 25th
1 San Jose 28th 6th 27th 20th
1 Tampa Bay 30th ** 25th 4th 2nd
1 Toronto 24th 21st 24th 17th
1 Vancouver 26th 23rd 17th 16th
1 Washington 3rd * 18th 12th 21st

cheers.
ken

[Rent-a-Beaner]

Yes!! :thumbsup Im glad they didnt try to alter the game to increase scoring. Here's to the Blues making the playoffs another 6 consecutive years, and still probably not winning the cup!

[rebubula07]

seriously thank you god.....I have been waiting for this announcement all my life. It will be nice to see the avs win another stanely cup.

[slitz]

:bounce

let the buyouts begin!

see ya Leclair, Amonte, Burke. dont let the dorr hit you in the ass.

[slitz]

some rumors from Philly. this guy has been pretty much dead on with rumors. he works for the organIzation.

Clarke WAS 100% right in waiting to sign carter and Richards. He will now get them maxed at 850,000, comparative to 1.2 million with high bonuses. This move alone will allow the Flyers to sign 1-2 more players and give them cap flexibility. These 2 will be grandfathered, but with a 24% rollback and a 30% reduction on available bonuses. These 2 could be signed by the end of the day.

Niedermayer will 100% be a Flyer. I am hearing that Clarke contacted Niedermayer the second he was allowed to and that they have agreed to a deal in principle. 3-years @ 5-6 million per.

With the cap @ close to $40 million per, he will also add another 1-2 winger. Demitra has been contacted. If he doesn't pan-out, look for Martin Rusinsky (sp) to be a cheaper option.

Handzus to Edmonton for a d-man is being discussed. I would think that it is Smith over Brewer, but I do not know the specific target.

Roenick has not been asked back yet or told of his options. He is irate that the Flyers didn't call him once management was able to talk to players.

LeClair is the only clear-cut buy-out right now, he is actually leaning towards retirement once he is bought-out.

Domi will be on the Flyers or Rangers next year, mark it down.

Lindros has already been contacted by the Leafs. expect a signing any day.

The Bolts have told Khabibulin to look elsewhere. Detroit or Vancouver are the front-runners..

[UNC41]

Hmm... I'll watch as many games as I did this past year.

[slitz]

also heard the flyers may go hard for Sykora

[PilotC150]

Well congratulations Edmonton. You just stole the greatest college defenseman away from his school.

Alright, so maybe "steal" isn't the right word, but I'm mad that he'll likely be leaving now.

[mr.MikeD]

Well congratulations Edmonton. You just stole the greatest college defenseman away from his school.

Alright, so maybe "steal" isn't the right word, but I'm mad that he'll likely be leaving now.

hey, we need all the help we can find.

[ryguy178]

Woo Hoo hockey's back!! :multi :bounce :multi


some rumors from Philly. this guy has been pretty much dead on with rumors. he works for the organIzation.


I like a lot of the things he mentions. I think the flyers are in a fairly decent position going into the season.


I also don't like the way the draft system has been set up. I don't see why they couldn't keep the current positions that would have been already established in the last draft.

I do like the free-agent rule.

Has there been any word on the proposed rule-changes and if they have been adopted??

[bense27]

Devils are going all the way this year...:onot really. they suck now:lol

[devils744]

some rumors from Philly. this guy has been pretty much dead on with rumors. he works for the organIzation.

philly doesn't have that kind of money to spend. here is a list of who is under contract and who isn't. look at the restricted free agents. esche & gagne won't be cheap to keep.

Philadelphia Flyers
15 players, $34,680,000

Players under contract: John LeClair ($6.8 million), Jeremy Roenick ($4.9 million), Tony Amonte ($4.5 million), Keith Primeau ($3.4 million), Danny Markov ($2.4 million), Eric Desjardins ($2.3 million), Michal Handzus ($2.1 million), Donald Brashear ($1.7 million), Mike Knuble ($1.5 million), Sami Kapanen ($1.5 million), Turner Stevenson ($1.3 million), Joni Pitkanen ($912,000), Mattias Timander ($608,000), Antero Niittymaki ($380,000), Todd Fedoruk ($380,000)

Key restricted free agents: Robert Esche, Simon Gagne, Kim Johnsson, Patrick Sharp

Key unrestricted free agents: Sean Burke, Eric Desjardins, Vladimir Malakhov, Marcus Ragnarsson (retired), Alexei Zhamnov

Player(s) who we think will be bought out: John LeClair ($6.8 million), Tony Amonte ($4.5 million)

[slitz]

philly doesn't have that kind of money to spend. here is a list of who is under contract and who isn't. look at the restricted free agents. esche & gagne won't be cheap to keep.



amonte and leclair takes $11 mil off the books. roenick may still be bought out for another $4mil. add roughly $3 mil now under the cap and they have plenty of money. sure gagne and esche wont be cheap but what exactly is cheap in the new scheme of things in the nhl?

only time will tell how the new pay scale will work out.

[slitz]

i tried to edit but i missed the window


take leclair, amonte, roenick off and you're at 18.08
add richards and carter at the max and you're at 19.68

even if you keep roenick you're only at 24.68 with 15 under contract

[devils744]

How can you agree to a deal in principle whe the CBA hasn't been ratified and you have no idea how much cap room you're gonna have yet? i don't get it. Also, why would Nieds settle on the first contact when many teams would want him? Just doesn't add up. Time will tell.

[slitz]

How can you agree to a deal in principle whe the CBA hasn't been ratified and you have no idea how much cap room you're gonna have yet? i don't get it. Also, why would Nieds settle on the first contact when many teams would want him? Just doesn't add up. Time will tell.


I dont know either, but Nieds was spotted taking a tour of the flyers practice facility over the weekend with Turner Stevenson. not sure what that means but it fits with the other stories.

but they are well aware of how much cap room they will have. I'm sure most teams are well prepared for the free agent feeding frenzy. the same cap numbers have been rumored for weeks

[devils744]

I dont know either, but Nieds was spotted taking a tour of the flyers practice facility over the weekend with Turner Stevenson. not sure what that means but it fits with the other stories.

but they are well aware of how much cap room they will have. I'm sure most teams are well prepared for the free agent feeding frenzy. the same cap numbers have been rumored for weeks

well if he has signed, then more then likely the devils will get compensation since you can't talk to players yet. so at least we will get something.

[CMICHdave]

I dont know either, but Nieds was spotted taking a tour of the flyers practice facility over the weekend with Turner Stevenson. not sure what that means but it fits with the other stories.

but they are well aware of how much cap room they will have. I'm sure most teams are well prepared for the free agent feeding frenzy. the same cap numbers have been rumored for weeks

In re to your signature, did not the Flyers lose big that night?

[bense27]

Wait so the Devils are losing Stevenson and Niedermeyer!!??!

[devils744]

Wait so the Devils are losing Stevenson and Niedermeyer!!??!

stevenson was already a flyer by the end of last season. it's been so long i forget how it happened though :lol

[1eyed_jack]

You heard it hear first boys and girls. THE NHL is backkkkkk.

:multi :multi :multi :multi


it was gone?

[EatSleepJeep]

philly doesn't have that kind of money to spend. here is a list of who is under contract and who isn't. look at the restricted free agents. esche & gagne won't be cheap to keep.

Philadelphia Flyers
15 players, $34,680,000

Players under contract: John LeClair ($6.8 million), Jeremy Roenick ($4.9 million), Tony Amonte ($4.5 million), Keith Primeau ($3.4 million), Danny Markov ($2.4 million), Eric Desjardins ($2.3 million), Michal Handzus ($2.1 million), Donald Brashear ($1.7 million), Mike Knuble ($1.5 million), Sami Kapanen ($1.5 million), Turner Stevenson ($1.3 million), Joni Pitkanen ($912,000), Mattias Timander ($608,000), Antero Niittymaki ($380,000), Todd Fedoruk ($380,000)

Key restricted free agents: Robert Esche, Simon Gagne, Kim Johnsson, Patrick Sharp

Key unrestricted free agents: Sean Burke, Eric Desjardins, Vladimir Malakhov, Marcus Ragnarsson (retired), Alexei Zhamnov

Player(s) who we think will be bought out: John LeClair ($6.8 million), Tony Amonte ($4.5 million)


Did you factor in the 24% roll back?

If so, I'll shut up. If not, YOU"RE WRONG!!@!1!!!!1!!!!

[devils744]

Did you factor in the 24% roll back?

If so, I'll shut up. If not, YOU"RE WRONG!!@!1!!!!1!!!!

did you factor in that you can't talk to free agents let alone sign anyone yet?

[EatSleepJeep]

did you factor in that you can't talk to free agents let alone sign anyone yet?


I'm talking about the players under contract to calculate cap room, free agents have nothing to do with that.

[bense27]

WHo do you think will go all the way this year? I know it is too early to really tell.

[EatSleepJeep]

WHo do you think will go all the way this year? I know it is too early to really tell.

Dallas.

I'm biased.

But it's still gonna be Dallas.

[thelindz]

Well congratulations Edmonton. You just stole the greatest college defenseman away from his school.

Alright, so maybe "steal" isn't the right word, but I'm mad that he'll likely be leaving now.

Hey...considering I'm from Edmonton, I'm curious.

Who did we pick up??

[slitz]

well if he has signed, then more then likely the devils will get compensation since you can't talk to players yet. so at least we will get something.
I think a 1st rounder is the comp for tampering

Wait so the Devils are losing Stevenson and Niedermeyer!!??!
philly signed Stevenson and Knuble before the lockout. Neidermeyer isnt gone yet but several teams are hot on this trail

Did you factor in the 24% roll back?

those numbers are with the rollback

In re to your signature, did not the Flyers lose big that night?
yes, you bastard, they did :shrug

[CMICHdave]

yes, you bastard, they did :shrug

refresh my memory...was that game 3, the one where the Detroit Red Wings scored 6 unanswered goals?

[gonefishing76]

Isles in 06 bitches! Peca and Yashin all season long.

[thelindz]

Aren't the winter olympics this year?

[slitz]

refresh my memory...was that game 3, the one where the Detroit Red Wings scored 6 unanswered goals?


I believe it was game 4, the end of the sweep... or as Terry Murray called it "a choking situation".

[slitz]

Aren't the winter olympics this year?


yep, and the all star game is cancelled to make room for the olympics. looks like thats the only bone the owners are throwing back to the players.

[devils744]

WHo do you think will go all the way this year? I know it is too early to really tell.

it's way to early to tell. there is going to be so much player movement that who knows where everyone will end up and who will be on what teams. i believe i heard about 50% of the leagues players are not signed. in 2 weeks we will know more when contracts will be bought out and the free agency frenzy begins.

as for nieds, i do not doubt that he will talk to many teams to drive up his price a bit. but i think it will come down to the devils or vancouver. anything else and he is just another two-bit liar. lou loves him and will do what he can to sign him. if he goes somewhere else i'm not too worried. we have the best gm in the game especially now with a cap. in lou we trust!

[devils744]

yep, and the all star game is cancelled to make room for the olympics. looks like thats the only bone the owners are throwing back to the players.

that and free agency by the end of the cba will be 27 i think or 7 years of service, whichever comes first.

[DMBand520]

What does everyone think about the new potential rule changes? I heard yesterday that the Red Line is pretty much definitely gone. They are changing to offsides rules slightly (not sure how). Also they are discussing that if the game is still tied after OT there will be a shootout to determine a winner instead of having a tie. They are even discussing the possibility of slightly larger nets.

Sorry I dont have a link I heard this on the radio yesterday in Philly. They were interviewing Keith Primeau and he was talking about the rule changes that are being discussed.

[jester29]

What does everyone think about the new potential rule changes? I heard yesterday that the Red Line is pretty much definitely gone. They are changing to offsides rules slightly (not sure how). Also they are discussing that if the game is still tied after OT there will be a shootout to determine a winner instead of having a tie. They are even discussing the possibility of slightly larger nets.

I'm good for almost any rule changes. They need to pick up the offense and the speed. Granted, I don't want 15-9 games, but a bit more wouldn't hurt (Please, no more 0-0 ties!)

I heard they were going back to tag-up offsides, lower tolerance for interference away from the puck, no red line... I also heard that, for a tie, they would do: 5 minutes 4-on-4, 3 minutes 3-on-3, then a 3 man shootout. Hey, whatever they want to do, but I think it would make it more exciting to actually have a winner. I heard they're also getting rid of the 'point of an OT loss'. If they keep it in there for a shootout loss, maybe that'll lessen the effects for people who hate having games decided by a shootout. If it's tied for 65+ minutes, let's decide it SOMEHOW! :)

[ryguy178]

..and the avatar is back baby...

[DMBand520]

..and the avatar is back baby...

You were just lookin for the first chance for an excuse to dump the Phillies avatar! :lol ... At least the Flyers are probably gonna make the playoffs next year.

[ryguy178]

You were just lookin for the first chance for an excuse to dump the Phillies avatar! :lol ... At least the Flyers are probably gonna make the playoffs next year.
:lol if the phillies win 3 consecutive games I might switch it back just to honor the great achievement...but right now the prospect of the flyers playing in 3 months is more exciting then the phillies playing now...

[Tomriddle]

NY Rangers. No doubt about it.

[DMBand520]

:lol if the phillies win 3 consecutive games I might switch it back just to honor the great achievement...but right now the prospect of the flyers playing in 3 months is more exciting then the phillies playing now...

:lol yeah, I'm not sure if the Phils have another 3 game winning streak left in them this season. I have tickets to 7/19 against the Dodgers and 7/23 against San Diego (i might have those teams mixed up). Hopefully I get to see a win one of those days.

[pockyway]

Dallas.

I'm biased.

But it's still gonna be Dallas.

i'm with you Jeep. if my dynasty in NHL 2005 (EA) is any indication, Dallas is going to be a powerhouse for the next five years:lol

question for you Jeep: a buddy of mine and i were discussing original N-Stars left on the team and all i could think of was Modano, any others? i know i could look it up but i'm a lazy bastard. Matvichuk and Zubov have been there awhile but i don't know if it's been that long. Langenbruner would've been i believe if not for that silly trade a few years back. :mad

new rules: only one i don't like is eliminating the red line, at least they didn't make the goal bigger as was once preposed i believe.

[devils744]

larry robinson is the new coach for the devils. they are off to a good start :thumbsup

[slitz]

larry robinson is the new coach for the devils. they are off to a good start :thumbsup


:thumbsdow

I still have visions of Elias beating Boucher for the game winner in 2000 with Robinson behind the bench

[devils744]

:thumbsdow

I still have visions of Elias beating Boucher for the game winner in 2000 with Robinson behind the bench

ahhhh..memories :)

[dmb6743]

Here's what the new ice will look like this season (pretty sure this is what it's gonna be in all arenas, could be wrong....shootouts will also be apart of the new season, pretty sure this going to take place of OT, but it could be like an OT period then a shootout or something.

[absltcit33]

pens will get crosby and dominate.

[ryguy178]

Here's what the new ice will look like this season (pretty sure this is what it's gonna be in all arenas, could be wrong....shootouts will also be apart of the new season, pretty sure this going to take place of OT, but it could be like an OT period then a shootout or something.
you better not be serious.

[BlueWater13]

They were just testing that color out for ice in a minor league game i read. If it went over well then they were going to think about using it for the NHL....i don't think that color would be real smart to use

[ryguy178]

They were just testing that color out for ice in a minor league game i read. If it went over well then they were going to think about using it for the NHL....i don't think that color would be real smart to use
From your user name I thought you would be a huge advocate for it.


Sorry that was lame.

[mr.MikeD]

players voted for the deal...

http://www.cbc.ca/story/sports/national/2005/07/21/Sports/nhlparatify050721.html


After looking over the details in a lengthy meeting on Wednesday, the NHL Players' Association voted in favour of the proposed collective bargaining agreement, all but ending the longest labour dispute in professional sports history.


sucks to get such a huge pay cut though, just ask poor todd marchant. imagine the indignity of only getting $2.47 Million a year to play a game.

"I don't like the rollback, no question," said Columbus player rep Todd Marchant, whose salary will be $2.47 million next season instead of $3.25 million. "No one's happy about that but it's something we had to do."

[jester29]

question for you Jeep: a buddy of mine and i were discussing original N-Stars left on the team and all i could think of was Modano, any others? i know i could look it up but i'm a lazy bastard. Matvichuk and Zubov have been there awhile but i don't know if it's been that long. Langenbruner would've been i believe if not for that silly trade a few years back. :mad

Ah... hockey conversations. I love it! And I'm ok w/ no red-line...

Original North Stars still in Dallas:
Modano & Matvichuk.
Derian Hatcher would've been... Langenbrunner didn't hit the NHL until they were already in Dallas. Zubov went to Dallas in a trade from the Pens in 97.

[SideshowRob]

its going to be the Sharks and the Lightening in the Cup Finals... mark my word

and ive always voiced my approval for a Shootout after OT for the last three years, and ive sent many a letter to the commisioner... fucking bastard...

[jester29]

Rob - He's finally listening, eh? :)

[nlaposta1]

NO RED LINE!!!

this is bad. this could slow the game down even more!

[ryguy178]

NO RED LINE!!!

this is bad. this could slow the game down even more!
This will only speed it up and make it 10x more exciting. Instead of blowing the play dead for stupid 2-line passes, it will lead to exciting outlet passes.

[mr.MikeD]

draft lottery in progrees - see nhl.com.

[mr.MikeD]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/draft/feature.asp?fid=7314

no crosby for edmonton:

21 Toronto Maple Leafs
22 Bostin Bruins
23 New Jersey Devils
24 St. Louis Blues
25 Edmonton Oilers
26 Calgary Flames
27 Colorado Avalanche
28 Dallas Stars
29 Florida Panthers
30 Tampa Bay Lightning

[boiii]

ahhhhhhhh the habs were so close!

cheers.
ken

[boiii]

pitts or anaheim.

id hate to see crosby at either teams.

cheers.
ken

[mr.MikeD]

i gotta go with pitts of those two though. at least it has some hockey history .

[boiii]

yea my fingers are crossed for pitts too.

:)

cheers.
ken

[boiii]

yea pitts!

cheers.
ken

[nlaposta1]

pitts it is!

[nlaposta1]

at least those of us in the eastern conference get to see him play now.... seeing as toornto will play anaheim once every three years!

[nlaposta1]

This will only speed it up and make it 10x more exciting. Instead of blowing the play dead for stupid 2-line passes, it will lead to exciting outlet passes.

I highly recommend listening to what scotty bowman thinks of taking out the red line... I wish I had his quote for you, essentially he is against it and knows it is just going to become a crutch for defensemen to lean on.

[boiii]

not even entertaining offers.
b.s.

i hope crosby pulls a lindros and refuses to play.

cheers.
ken

[mr.MikeD]

could have been worse i guess.

[nlaposta1]

not even entertaining offers.
b.s.

i hope crosby pulls a lindros and refuses to play.

cheers.
ken

that would be great. He deserves to be in a real market. not in the worst team in the league. i was hopin they'd move to winnipeg after all.

[mr.MikeD]

not even entertaining offers.
b.s.

i hope crosby pulls a lindros and refuses to play......

cheers.
ken

......for any team except for Edmonton. (I will concede to the habs as well though)

[absltcit33]

pens will get crosby and dominate.

i am the swam

[boiii]

yea, he wants to played for the habs.
it keeps coming up during the interview.

cheers.
ken

[ryguy178]

Damn Pittsburgh huh. I guess that will give me an actual reason to dislike them now.

[boiii]

haha did anyone see that they forgot to cut the feed
and then the guy was yelling at the guy to get him a number to get mario on the phone

cheers.
ken

[ryguy178]

What is the deal with the new NHL logo. Nothing special.

[absltcit33]

Damn Pittsburgh huh. I guess that will give me an actual reason to dislike them now.

so when darius kasperitus gave lindros his 10th concussion, it wasn't reason enough?

[ryguy178]

so when darius kasperitus gave lindros his 10th concussion, it wasn't reason enough?

I applauded.

But no, I never really disliked the Pens. Honestly..

[bense27]

A couple of the new rules:

No Red Line-Meaning two line pass is now legal

You are not allowed to change lines when you ice the puck.

[absltcit33]

I hate to be bandwagon but I feel a revitalized interest

[killymagee2000]

Wow. Pittsburgh scored the no. 1 pick. So now they have three amazing youngsters: Crosby (presumably), Malkin and Fleury. If they pick Crosby, and I think we can all assume they will, it will be amazing for him. He will be under the guidance and tutelage of the Maginificent One.

[ryguy178]

These are two rule changes that I think many will overlook that are actually, in my opinion, pretty significant:

- A team that ices the puck cannot make a line change prior to the ensuing face-off;

Delay of game penalties for any players shooting the puck over the glass in his defensive zone

[absltcit33]

Wow. Pittsburgh scored the no. 1 pick. So now they have three amazing youngsters: Crosby (presumably), Malkin and Fleury. If they pick Crosby, and I think we can all assume they will, it will be amazing for him. He will be under the guidance and tutelage of the Maginificent One.
I guess they said Lemieux trained with him two years ago

[jester29]

Wow. Pittsburgh scored the no. 1 pick. So now they have three amazing youngsters: Crosby (presumably), Malkin and Fleury. If they pick Crosby, and I think we can all assume they will, it will be amazing for him. He will be under the guidance and tutelage of the Maginificent One.

Wow... Time to order my new Pens jersey. Hopefully they keep the 'new' style with gold & back & the cartoon penguin on em

[jester29]

These are two rule changes that I think many will overlook that are actually, in my opinion, pretty significant:

- A team that ices the puck cannot make a line change prior to the ensuing face-off;

Delay of game penalties for any players shooting the puck over the glass in his defensive zone

I'd forgotten those. I found the complete (?) list:

- Allowing the two-line pass (no red line) like international hockey;
- Reduction in size of goalie equipment;
- Using the AHL crease and limits on goaltender puck handling;
- No tie games; using a penalty shootout after overtime; After a five minute overtime, three players will be selected from each team for the shootout. If still tied, it will then be a sudden death shootout;
- No-touch icing;
- Bringing back tag-up offside;
- Move nets back two feet towards end boards;
- Reducing the size of the neutral zone;
- A team that ices the puck cannot make a line change prior to the ensuing face-off;
- Officials will have the discretion to wave off icing if it is deemed to be the result of an attempted pass;
- A player that instigates a fight in the final five minutes of a game will receive a game misconduct and automatic one-game suspension;
- Zero tolerance on interference, hooking and holding/obstruction
- Delay of game penalties for any players shooting the puck over the glass in his defensive zone.

You're right about those Delay of Game penalties... I'm also glad the nets are moving back. And I'm looking forward to shootouts after ALL the OT ;)

[mr.MikeD]

- A team that ices the puck cannot make a line change prior to the ensuing face-off;



i think this is big, especially with the 20 second face off rule. get a dog tired line at the end of a shift icing the puck, and only getting a 20 sec rest before defending? That'll be interesting when it happens, and hopefully it cuts down on a lot of icing.

[ryguy178]

- Zero tolerance on interference, hooking and holding/obstruction


Wait...didn't they try this? :ugh

[ryguy178]

Does anyone know about when they are planning on making up the season schedule??

[ryguy178]

The National Hockey League is returning with an exciting new regular-season schedule format that emphasizes division rivalries. Format





Each club will play eight games against each of its four division rivals (32 total).
Each club will play four games against each of the 10 non-division clubs in its conference (40 total).
Each club will play 10 inter-conference games, hosting one game each against all five clubs from a designated division and traveling for one game each against all five clubs from a different division. For the 2005-06 season, Northeast Division clubs will host the Pacific Division and visit the Northwest; Atlantic Division clubs will host the Northwest and visit the Central; and Southeast Division clubs will host the Central and visit the Pacific. Division vs. division assignments will rotate annually.


That doesn't seem like a lot...I forget how many inter-conference games there were last year, but it was certainly more than 10.

[ryguy178]

Sorry for 4 posts in a row, but here is a really detailed account of all the new rule changes:

http://www.nhl.com/nhlhq/cba/rules_changes072205.html

[killymagee2000]

Sorry for 4 posts in a row, but here is a really detailed account of all the new rule changes:

http://www.nhl.com/nhlhq/cba/rules_changes072205.html

I was checking that out earlier. I still maintain that the most important one is cracking down on obstruction. Getting rid of the centre ice line will do nothing if the refs don't call the clutching and grabbing.

Edit: in fact I think that getting rid of the centre ice line may lead to less mobile defencemen grabbing and clutching moreso in the neutral zone.

[ryguy178]

Now i'm really confused...I've read in a number of places that No-Touch icing will now be implemented...but then I came across this on NHL.com:

"Touch" icing will remain the practice, although the Linesman will have discretion to wave off apparent icing infractions if they are deemed the result of an attempted pass. Providing the discretion to the Linesman also should have the effect of reducing the number of situations in which a race for the puck might result in an injury to a player. "

[SideshowRob]

Now i'm really confused...I've read in a number of places that No-Touch icing will now be implemented...but then I came across this on NHL.com:

"Touch" icing will remain the practice, although the Linesman will have discretion to wave off apparent icing infractions if they are deemed the result of an attempted pass. Providing the discretion to the Linesman also should have the effect of reducing the number of situations in which a race for the puck might result in an injury to a player. "

we're making athletes sprint less... we're making them do less of what they're paid to do, eh?

so does a player have to touch the puck after it crosses the endline for it to be icing? or does it just have to cross the endline?

[bense27]

When is the draft?

[killymagee2000]

July 30

[bense27]

Oh ok, thanks man. You know what time and channel?

[ryguy178]

12 Noon EST, probably will be on ESPN, but you can watch it online at TSN

[SideshowRob]

the Sharks got 12th pick, im very happy

[bense27]

What pick do the devils have?

[ryguy178]

Here is a cool desktop I made in celebration of the new Hockey season, enjoy:

http://www.seas.upenn.edu/~ryanjt/NHL1.jpg

[EatSleepJeep]

Dallas: 2nd to last in this draw. It's OK. We still got Junior Lessard outside of the draft.

[ryguy178]

another dekstop:

http://www.seas.upenn.edu/~ryanjt/nhlback.jpg

[SideshowRob]

Drafting Order:

1. Pittsburgh

2. Anaheim

3. Carolina

4. Minnesota

5. Montreal

6. Columbus

7. Chicago

8. Atlanta

9. Ottawa

10. Vancouver

11. Los Angeles

12. San Jose

13. Buffalo

14. Washington

15. NY Islanders

16. NY Rangers

17. Phoenix

18. Nashville

19. Detroit

20. Philadelphia

21. Toronto

22. Boston

23. New Jersey

24. St. Louis

25. Edmonton

26. Calgary

27. Colorado

28. Dallas

29. Florida

30. Tampa Bay

[gravedigger2424]

Didnt watch Hockey till......Well never really did but did watch the playoffs every once in awhile

[SideshowRob]

^^^ no sport is as fast, hard hitting, and entertaining... and the only reason it gets a bad rap is because everyone associates it with Canada and no one likes Canada...

[killymagee2000]

Here's a link to a cool tracker to see what each team is doing re: signings, buyouts, etc.:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature.asp?fid=6926

[pockyway]

Here's a link to a cool tracker to see what each team is doing re: signings, buyouts, etc.:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature.asp?fid=6926

:thumbsup that's going on the fav. list, thanks.

sidenote on my Stars: they better resign Modano and Morrow. and Turgeon is making too much $.

[bense27]

and the only reason it gets a bad rap is because everyone associates it with Canada and no one likes Canada...:lol

and it is the fastest and most entertaining:thumbsup

[SideshowRob]

:lol

and it is the fastest and most entertaining:thumbsup

didnt i say that?

[SideshowRob]

ive been a fan my entire life... but i still have no idea what the difference between Restricted Free Agents and Unrestricted Free agents are...

im looking for some clarification here... anyone? ryan? help?

[ryguy178]

ive been a fan my entire life... but i still have no idea what the difference between Restricted Free Agents and Unrestricted Free agents are...

im looking for some clarification here... anyone? ryan? help?
An UFA can sign with any team that offers him a contract without having to consult the team he previously played for or have them recieve compensation. A RFA gives the team he is currently under contract with the first right to match the contract proposed to the player by another team, in which case he can't sign with a different team. If a RFA signs with another team, the old team also has the right to recieve compensation in the form of a Draft Pick for losing the player to RFA

[SideshowRob]

An UFA can sign with any team that offers him a contract without having to consult the team he previously played for or have them recieve compensation. A RFA gives the team he is currently under contract with the first right to match the contract proposed to the player by another team, in which case he can't sign with a different team. If a RFA signs with another team, the old team also has the right to recieve compensation in the form of a Draft Pick for losing the player to RFA

glorious... how does one become either restricted, or unrestricted?

[Franchize41]

glorious... how does one become either restricted, or unrestricted?

when at the end of your contract, your 31 years old or older, and have been in the league a minimum 4 seasons, your unrestricted... you could 32 and play one season and youd still be restricted though thats a rare case. Gradually the 31 age limit will drop as in 06-07 its 29 years, 07-08 its 28 years and finally in 08-09 it lowers to 27, which in my opinion is too young

[boiii]

The National Hockey League is returning with an exciting new regular-season schedule format that emphasizes division rivalries. Format



* Each club will play eight games against each of its four division rivals (32 total).
* Each club will play four games against each of the 10 non-division clubs in its conference (40 total).
* Each club will play 10 inter-conference games, hosting one game each against all five clubs from a designated division and traveling for one game each against all five clubs from a different division. For the 2005-06 season, Northeast Division clubs will host the Pacific Division and visit the Northwest; Atlantic Division clubs will host the Northwest and visit the Central; and Southeast Division clubs will host the Central and visit the Pacific. Division vs. division assignments will rotate annually.




..and they're breaking for turin.

cheers.
ken

[jester29]

The #4 Ranked US skater: Jack Johnson, D, U.S. under-18 team

Hehe...

[ryguy178]

Any of you Puckheads interested in a Fantasy League?? I'll gladly set it up and run it...

[absltcit33]

:thumbsup

[killymagee2000]

Any of you Puckheads interested in a Fantasy League?? I'll gladly set it up and run it...

Why yes, yes I am.

[ryguy178]

Shall we go with good old Yahoo??

[DMBfan41]

Any of you Puckheads interested in a Fantasy League?? I'll gladly set it up and run it...

count me in Ry

[gbs3769]

I love hockey, but there is no way that I could be organized to handle a fantasy league. I have enough trouble with my fantasy football league.

- Matt

[ryguy178]

I love hockey, but there is no way that I could be organized to handle a fantasy league. I have enough trouble with my fantasy football league.

- Matt
You could just do minimal weekly lineup changes..


I'm in an Ants Baseball league (which I am winning of course) And I don't think one message has been posted all year, I don't think people pay attention at all, and I don't even know who the hell is in the league. Its not very competitive.

[boiii]

Any of you Puckheads interested in a Fantasy League?? I'll gladly set it up and run it...


yes.
and.

Montreal Canadiens - Decline team options on Patrice Brisebois
:thumbsup.

cheers.
ken

[AntsMarching466]

I'm in for some fantasy hockey. And let me call it right now, Pittsburgh Penguins, Atlantic Division champions.

[nlaposta1]

yeah count me in as well.

[Newfiedmbfan]

Count me in on the fantasy league

[AlpineValley804]

I wonder if the players and owners know EXACTLY how much they've fucked themselves. And they thought that the attendance numbers were down last year.. Ha. I don't think they've seen anything yet. It's going to be like a fucking Montreal Expos home game in every arena across the US next year... Nice job guys..:monkey

With the exception of Joe Louis Arena. You'll never have trouble selling tickets in Detroit.

[SideshowRob]

Shall we go with good old Yahoo??

i'm in

[SideshowRob]

With the exception of Joe Louis Arena. You'll never have trouble selling tickets in Detroit.

the loyalty of the fans in San Jose is astounding as well... there are so many people that live for the Sharks...

and New Jersey too...

[ryguy178]

If i get time i'll make up a league today.


Stat Category preferences?? Head to Head? Rotisserie?

[SideshowRob]

Head to Head is fun but if there's anyone who is inactive in the league it gets upsetting when you have a really good week against someone with only three active playes in their lineup...

and i havent played rotisserie in so long... is that just the point system?

[SideshowRob]

From the San Jose Sharks Homepage:

"Your Loyalty was tested...
Your Patience was tested...

We hated to put you through it...

But we've ironed out our differences for the good of the game...

Because in the end...
We all love hockey

And share the common goal of bringing the Stanley Cup to San Jose..."

thats the first sign ive seen yet by a team to make ammends with the public

[MacGuyver]

Count me in. Point system all the way. do we draft and then go from there?

[Flyerfan_27]

Ill play too

[SideshowRob]

Count me in. Point system all the way. do we draft and then go from there?

theres no "u" in MacGyver

[jester29]

Is it too late? Can I still get into the league?