NHL '14/'15 Thread

[Jagger69]

And Nashville got Pekka Rinne back from the disable list. Carter Hutton did a great job in his absents.

Yep. Anyone who thinks that Nashville is anything other than a legitimate Cup contender makes a gross miscalculation. On a team virtually bereft of superstars, they are rock solid in every sense of the game and Rinne makes them damned-near invincible once they get a lead. I have tremendous respect for this highly-underrated team who leads the conference after not even making the playoffs last year. David Poile and Peter Laviolette have done an incredible job of revitalizing the Predators this season.

Big week for the Bruins. If they are going to make any kind of move, it needs to be now. I, however, am not confident they will. Maybe squeak in as the 8 seed and get bounced in 5 or 6.

I think we're on your schedule in a few days. I always love it when the Blues and Bruins get together!

 

[feller469]

The Bs are done. Losing to Calgary last night after getting out to a 3-0 lead was the nail in the coffin for me. Just don't have the magic this year.

Thursday night, the Bs are at the Blues. Time to dust off the #77, the #8 and take on Brett Hull and Al MacInnis. Adam Oates would have to play a period with each team.

 

[MustBeGood]

What a crazy game @ The UC. Redwings break a 1-1 tie @ 2:06 mark of the 3rd period. Hawks answer 43 secs later.

2-2 abd OT it looks like.

 

[MustBeGood]

Damn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Redwings win the SO 2-1.

Kane's hit the crossbar sucked.

Congrats Redwings.

 

[Bloodshot Scott]

The West will go down to the last game again. Wild are right back in the thick of it. Dubnyk was 10-1-1 since coming to us before the Canuck loss the other night. A win over Calgary tonight will be great if we can get it.

 

[dakdak]

so where are people on the west vs east debate this year? and what do you guys think about seattle hosting a team? they are even talking about las vegas as a possible expansion

 

[Jagger69]

Damn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Redwings win the SO 2-1.

Kane's hit the crossbar sucked.

Congrats Redwings.

Never should have gone to the shootout in the first place. Saad's goal should have been whistled down on the offside (and it wasn't even close). Makes me think the coach's challenge should be instituted in the NHL. You guys were damned lucky to get that single point.

Red Wings are friggin' good....definitely a team to watch out for in the East.

so where are people on the west vs east debate this year? and what do you guys think about seattle hosting a team? they are even talking about las vegas as a possible expansion

The best teams in both conferences are very close talent-wise. However, the West remains the deeper of the two by a longshot. As for expansion, I'd rather see a team in Houston before Seattle and way before Las Vegas but unless Les Alexander decides to make a serious bid to bring one in, it'll never happen. Disgraceful....Houston is the 4th largest city in the USA and is without a pro hockey team at any level. My son and I have to drive to Austin to watch an AHL franchsie play....ridiculous.

 

[MustBeGood]

Never should have gone to the shootout in the first place. Saad's goal should have been whistled down on the offside (and it wasn't even close). Makes me think the coach's challenge should be instituted in the NHL. You guys were damned lucky to get that single point.

Didn't see the offsides. Was just glad the Hawks tied it up late.

 

[bobjustbob]

Does anyone think the Islanders for real yet?

 

[dakdak]

The best teams in both conferences are very close talent-wise. However, the West remains the deeper of the two by a longshot. As for expansion, I'd rather see a team in Houston before Seattle and way before Las Vegas but unless Les Alexander decides to make a serious bid to bring one in, it'll never happen. Disgraceful....Houston is the 4th largest city in the USA and is without a pro hockey team at any level. My son and I have to drive to Austin to watch an AHL franchsie play....ridiculous.

i think the west is deeper too but i think the cup goes east this year. just a hunch. and it is somewhat crazy that a place like houston isnt even being considered for a franchise. do you think there is sufficient interest locally to support a team? there is some talk about a second franchise in the toronto area and i think there is enough interest there.

Does anyone think the Islanders for real yet?

they will crumble just wait for it

 

[Jagger69]

Does anyone think the Islanders for real yet?

They sure looked for real last night. We'll see how they handle the playoff pressure. Halak is someone to worry about however....he has a history of melting down.

and it is somewhat crazy that a place like houston isnt even being considered for a franchise. do you think there is sufficient interest locally to support a team?

I absolutely do but unless Les Alexander is the owner, it will never happen (he owns the NBA's Rockets and the Toyota Center). There are huge groups of northerners and people from other regions where hockey is supported living in and moving to the area. Hell, when the AHL's Aeros were here up until 2013 they would average 8-10 thousand per game. I'm sure an NHL team would draw well. Again, it's the 4th largest city in the USA....it should have merit as an NHL option based upon that alone.

 

[dakdak]

I absolutely do but unless Les Alexander is the owner, it will never happen (he owns the NBA's Rockets and the Toyota Center). There are huge groups of northerners and people from other regions where hockey is supported living in and moving to the area. Hell, when the AHL's Aeros were here up until 2013 they would average 8-10 thousand per game. I'm sure an NHL team would draw well. Again, it's the 4th largest city in the USA....it should have merit as an NHL option based upon that alone.

the bolded part really surprised me and makes me think you are right that the city could support a franchise. which division? keep them with the stars?

 

[Jagger69]

the bolded part really surprised me and makes me think you are right that the city could support a franchise. which division? keep them with the stars?

The league is out of balance with 14 teams in the West and 16 in the East so it would make great sense to expand with 2 teams added to the West. Seattle could go into the Pacific Division and Houston would fit perfectly into the Central.

 

[dakdak]

but doesnt that make 32 teams and doesnt that screw up playoff numbers or do you just stick with 16 teams in the playoffs and more teams dont make it?

 

[Jagger69]

but doesnt that make 32 teams and doesnt that screw up playoff numbers or do you just stick with 16 teams in the playoffs and more teams dont make it?

Stick with 16 although I am still not sure if I like the existing wild card format. I need more time to let it grow on me.

 

[dakdak]

Stick with 16 although I am still not sure if I like the existing wild card format. I need more time to let it grow on me.

can you imagine a viable option? i hate that the division leaders get a higher seed than teams with more points. i understand the theory but it stinks

 

[feller469]

M. Subban is not ready for the NHL. Wow, he doesn't even look comfortable. I know it is his first game, but...

 

[Jagger69]

can you imagine a viable option? i hate that the division leaders get a higher seed than teams with more points. i understand the theory but it stinks

Agree. I also hate that the #2 and #3 teams in each division are the most likely to face each other. Of course, perhaps that's borne from the fact that a 2 and 3 seed has led to first-round exits for the Blues against winner of the last 3 Stanley Cups (LA and Chicago). Makes me think we'd be better off as a wild-card and play the upset against someone like Nashville who has never won anything. Not sure what the answer is.

M. Subban is not ready for the NHL. Wow, he doesn't even look comfortable. I know it is his first game, but...

A curious move by Julien. Is Rask worn out? The Blues had the highest goals-to-shots percentage in the NHL this year by netting 5 of 15 last night so it was not a stellar goaltending performance to say the least.

 

[dakdak]

rask is porous and has had his day i think. they are looking to find a replacement for him is my guess

 

[MustBeGood]

NBC double header Sunday.

Capitals @ Flyers @ 12:30 EST
Bruins @ Blackhawks @ 3:30 EST

NBCSN will have Stars @ Wild @ 8:00 EST

Going to miss the Caps and Flyers being at a kids clothes store in the morning but WILL be back in time for the Hawks. Third Sunday in a row on NBC for the Hawks.

Go Hawks. And Jagger thanks in fantasy for Jake Allen great game.