NHL 2008-2009 Thread

[Thunderbolt]

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Defenseman Marek Malik has signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The team announced the deal on Thursday. The Czech Republic native played in 42 games with the New York Rangers last season. He had two goals and 10 points.

Malik has played in 649 career NHL games with Hartford/Carolina, Vancouver and the Rangers for a total of 33 goals and 163 points. The 33-year-old won the bronze medal with the Czech Republic at the 2006 Olympics.

He was drafted by Hartford in the third round, 72nd overall, in 1993.


gotta be honest, i don't know much about Marek.

He is a tough "stay at home" defensive d-man

 

[lost1dc]

Bah , in the new NHL a team doesn't need a guy to fight if they have a physical enough team to face intimidation . Goons don't win hockey games , they don't really change the course of a game these days . Talented players win games for a team .

So how many games has the talented TBL won this season. And how was their post-season run last year? Wait, didn't they end up dead last?

Amazing how Detroit won a cup and had Darren McCarty in the line-up....wait he's a goon and doesn't help the team. And the year before, Anaheim, who lead the league in fighting majors, won the cup. Of course the league tried to crack down on tough teams by calling every incidental stick infraction or accidental contact to eliminate the Ducks when they played against the Wings last year, for the 2nd yr in the playoffs, and off course they lost to the Wings.

 

[rodfarva]

So how many games has the talented TBL won this season. And how was their post-season run last year? Wait, didn't they end up dead last?

Amazing how Detroit won a cup and had Darren McCarty in the line-up....wait he's a goon and doesn't help the team. And the year before, Anaheim, who lead the league in fighting majors, won the cup. Of course the league tried to crack down on tough teams by calling every incidental stick infraction or accidental contact to eliminate the Ducks when they played against the Wings last year, for the 2nd yr in the playoffs, and off course they lost to the Wings.

Good point. Toughness is vital in the playoffs. The intensity is so much higher and in case no one's noticed there are way more "scrums" and face-washing and "rough stuff" in the playoffs. There's usually more restraint from the players, which can make "goons" less useful, but guys like Laraque, McCarty(who I wouldn't really call a goon), Chara, etc. can make big difference because they're skilled enough to be on the ice and they are really tough, so they'll wear down opposing players. It'll be important for teams to have guys like that if they want to go deep in the playoffs and win a Cup.

However, true "goons" are scum and shouldn't be in the NHL. Scumbag punks like Sean Avery, Ryan Hollweg, Chris Simon, Jarkko Ruutu, Todd Bertuzzi, etc. should all get "Scott Stevened" straight into retirement.

 

[Nikkifan19]

Good point. Toughness is vital in the playoffs. The intensity is so much higher and in case no one's noticed there are way more "scrums" and face-washing and "rough stuff" in the playoffs. There's usually more restraint from the players, which can make "goons" less useful, but guys like Laraque, McCarty(who I wouldn't really call a goon), Chara, etc. can make big difference because they're skilled enough to be on the ice and they are really tough, so they'll wear down opposing players. It'll be important for teams to have guys like that if they want to go deep in the playoffs and win a Cup.

However, true "goons" are scum and shouldn't be in the NHL. Scumbag punks like Sean Avery, Ryan Hollweg, Chris Simon, Jarkko Ruutu, Todd Bertuzzi, etc. should all get "Scott Stevened" straight into retirement.

How in the world is that guy still in the league?

 

[Marlo Manson]

Good point. Toughness is vital in the playoffs. The intensity is so much higher and in case no one's noticed there are way more "scrums" and face-washing and "rough stuff" in the playoffs. There's usually more restraint from the players, which can make "goons" less useful, but guys like Laraque, McCarty(who I wouldn't really call a goon), Chara, etc. can make big difference because they're skilled enough to be on the ice and they are really tough, so they'll wear down opposing players. It'll be important for teams to have guys like that if they want to go deep in the playoffs and win a Cup.

However, true "goons" are scum and shouldn't be in the NHL. Scumbag punks like Sean Avery, Ryan Hollweg, Chris Simon, Jarkko Ruutu, Todd Bertuzzi, etc. should all get "Scott Stevened" straight into retirement.

I agree with all of the players you mentioned except Todd Bertuzzi!! sure he lost his head in that colorado incident and ended a guys career, but if you took every single player who ended a players career or severely injured another player, half the players in the NHL would be guilty of goon tactics! for example here are TB's stats before the incident!! he scored 46 goals in one season thats hardly a goon type player IMHO!

yr Tm GP G A Pts +/- PIM PPG PPA SHG SHA GW GT SOG pct.

1999-00 VAN 80 25 25 50 -2 126 4 7 0 0 2 0 173 .145
2000-01 VAN 79 25 30 55 -18 93 14 10 0 0 3 0 203 .123
2001-02 VAN 72 36 49 85 21 110 14 16 0 0 3 0 203 .177
2002-03 VAN 82 46 51 97 2 144 25 17 0 0 7 1 243 .189
2003-04 VAN 69 17 43 60 21 122 8 8 0 0 2 0 156 .109
2005-06 VAN 82 25 46 71 -17 120 12 20 0 0 3 0 200 .125

snippet from an article http://bleacherreport.com/articles/6563-bertuzzi-vs-moore-whos-to-blame

The list of people who Moore is trying to sue is growing ever larger and now includes Brad May, ex Canuck coach Marc Crawford, ex Canuck GM Brian Burke, the Canucks and the partnership that owns them. Isn't that a bit much?

Maybe Marc Crawford pointed to some board in the dressing room and told his players to take out Moore. I'm sure that's not the first time a coach told his players to hit on a player. Star players get that kind of attention all the time, especially if they're weak or fragile in certain areas. Moore should be flattered to finally be spoken of like a true star.

And as for Bertuzzi, I mean poor guy. He had to switch teams three times because nobody wants him, everyone thinks he's a criminal, and he's never been able to elevate his game to what it once was. The name Bertuzzi now bears some sort of evil connotation.

Ya, that's right, I'm about to defend Bertuzzi, and I know I'm going to get bashed, but hear me out.

About a week before the game that ended Moore's career, a different game between the Canucks and Avalanche took place. A tight, chippy game that culminated with a cheap elbow to the head of Canuck captain Markus Naslund from who else? Steve Moore. Naslund suffered a concussion and never really was the same again. Now, I don't care who you are, but when you cheap shot a team's captain and give him a concussion, you will be wearing a dartboard, and with the next game between the two teams scheduled as early as next week, everyone knew there will be *****.

T.Bertuzzi is just stereo typed as goon because of that one incident! for ****** out loud Pronger is worse then Bertuzzi!! and then there's guys like darcy tucker? there are so many guys trying too hurt elite players on a regular basis! just my opinion!! :2 cents::thumbsup::hatsoff:

 

[Dawn]

Unusual player at Habs practice

 

[rodfarva]

I agree with all of the players you mentioned except Todd Bertuzzi!! sure he lost his head in that colorado incident and ended a guys career, but if you took every single player who ended a players career or severely injured another player, half the players in the NHL would be guilty of goon tactics! for example here are TB's stats before the incident!! he scored 46 goals in one season thats hardly a goon type player IMHO!

yr Tm GP G A Pts +/- PIM PPG PPA SHG SHA GW GT SOG pct.

1999-00 VAN 80 25 25 50 -2 126 4 7 0 0 2 0 173 .145
2000-01 VAN 79 25 30 55 -18 93 14 10 0 0 3 0 203 .123
2001-02 VAN 72 36 49 85 21 110 14 16 0 0 3 0 203 .177
2002-03 VAN 82 46 51 97 2 144 25 17 0 0 7 1 243 .189
2003-04 VAN 69 17 43 60 21 122 8 8 0 0 2 0 156 .109
2005-06 VAN 82 25 46 71 -17 120 12 20 0 0 3 0 200 .125

snippet from an article http://bleacherreport.com/articles/6563-bertuzzi-vs-moore-whos-to-blame



T.Bertuzzi is just stereo typed as goon because of that one incident! for ****** out loud Pronger is worse then Bertuzzi!! and then there's guys like darcy tucker? there are so many guys trying too hurt elite players on a regular basis! just my opinion!! :2 cents::thumbsup::hatsoff:

That's a bogus article. Bertuzzi WAS a great player before sucker-puching a guy from behind and breaking his neck. Ever since then he's been a goon. I watch enough hockey to know that. He didn't lose his confidence, he lost his linemates, that's why he isn't a 97-point kind of guy anymore. Watch him the next time you get a chance, he's just like Pronger, except without as much talent.

 

[Marlo Manson]

That's a bogus article. Bertuzzi WAS a great player before sucker-puching a guy from behind and breaking his neck. Ever since then he's been a goon. I watch enough hockey to know that. He didn't lose his confidence, he lost his linemates, that's why he isn't a 97-point kind of guy anymore. Watch him the next time you get a chance, he's just like Pronger, except without as much talent.

I am not here to argue with you or insult your intelligence whatsoever, I respect your POV and your hockey knowledge, so please know that and also take that into account, but What makes that article bogus, just because you don't agree with it?

Bertuzzi losing his linemates has allot to do with his lack of production, but a player that goes through something as traumatic as what he did, you can, could, and do lose confidence and therefore becomes a player that 2nd guesses everything he does making him a step slower in reaction time!!

I truly believe and know he is remorseful for what he did, and although he is a psychical player who likes too mix it up / scrum and what not, I still don't consider him goon.

Since his skills have diminished, if you don't contribute too your team in some critical aspect of the game, that player is gonna be out of the league, therefore Bertuzzi is now a banger / in your face, in front of the net, rough house player and he can still score!!

I guess YOU AND I will just agree to disagree! I think Bertuzzi has a chance too score 25 - 35 goals this year playing on the same line as iginlia!! thats just my opinion, as you have yours! :thumbsup:

 

[Nikkifan19]

Anybody planning on watching Ottawa/Anaheim?

 

[eldiablo]

Montreal Canadian all the way !!! Go Habs ! Go

 

[Nikkifan19]

Flyers get off the schnide, 6-3 win over the Devils.

 

[rangerfn34]

rangers will be stanley cup champions, 7-2 already.
with the additions of voros and naslund and the departure of that egomaniac sean avery, along with lundquist in the net, they can't be stopped this year.
go rangers!
flyers and penguins suck!!!!!!!!!!!
crosby is gay!!!!!!!!!!:
:****:

 

[Dawn]

Montreal Canadian all the way !!! Go Habs ! Go

:thumbsup:

 

[PlasmaTwa2]

Montreal Canadian all the way !!! Go Habs ! Go

If there is any Canadian team I'm rooting for to win the Cup, it will be the Canadiens. Their hundredth season would be something special, the whole damn country would shut down for something like Montreal/Detroit.

 

[Nikkifan19]

How 'bout Montreal/Vancouver? I can *****, can't I?

 

[Dawn]

You can

But you will need Sundin and also find a way to get Gaborik if you want a real chance!

 

[Nikkifan19]

True that.

 

[PlasmaTwa2]

How 'bout Montreal/Vancouver? I can *****, can't I?

I would **** myself. Total 100% bowel movement.

 

[Dawn]

Seriously thought. A hot goalie like Luongo can do miracles. Like Brodeur did for NJ. Or Hasek some years ago for Buffalo.

You never know :dunno:

For sure, and im saying that not as a Hab fan, it will be fantastic if Habs reach the finals on their 100th birthday. Its already crazy in Montreal today regarding Habs : i can't imagine how it could became for the playoffs or even for the finals!

 

[PlasmaTwa2]

Seriously thought. A hot goalie like Luongo can do miracles. Like Brodeur did for NJ. Or Hasek some years ago for Buffalo.

You never know :dunno:

I wouldn't go so far as to compare Luongo to Brodeur or Hasek just yet, but you're right. The problem isn't with Luongo, but with the offence and defence. Now that Naslund is gone, Vancouver does not have a top forward. The Sedin Twins can perform, I suppose, but Vanocuver just doesn't have the scoring power it did back with Naslund Bertuzzi and Morrison.

And Montreal getting to the finals. Riots if they win, riots if they lose. If they make it I'm heading over to Montreal - I want a new TV.