Hockey Thread

[Macky]

Figured since Hockey season is just around the corner I'd start a thread about it. Post up your teams and any discussion.

To start, I went last night to a Sushi roll contest for the Anaheim Ducks at RA sushi. got a little taste of Hockey fever again. here are some pics..


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/Ducks%20on%20a%20Roll/IMG_5270.jpg



http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/Ducks%20on%20a%20Roll/IMG_5204.jpg

Corey Perry

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/Ducks%20on%20a%20Roll/IMG_5188.jpg

Sheldon Brookbank

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/Ducks%20on%20a%20Roll/IMG_5294.jpg

Troy Bodie


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/Ducks%20on%20a%20Roll/IMG_5246.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/Ducks%20on%20a%20Roll/IMG_5243.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/Ducks%20on%20a%20Roll/IMG_5237.jpg

[Macky]

just a couple weeks before face off! :D

[Macky]

some highlights today from the Anaheim Ducks' training camp...


the banners that matter:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/IMG_5312.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/IMG_5339.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/IMG_5340.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/IMG_5346.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/IMG_5360.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/IMG_5375.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/IMG_5418.jpg

:D

[ukyo]

Can't get enough of it! This is year #2 for us as full season ticket holders, but we have been going since 2003. :)

http://ukyoandsmocat.com/misc/2010-2011.jpg

We have some pics from training camp yesterday. I don't feel like resizing them right now, but it was an awesome day of hockey. We basically got to see 3 NHL quality games (games were two 20 minute periods with continuous clocks and 1:00 penalties) for free while standing on the glass at the practice facility.

First pre-season game is 09/21/2010. I can't wait!!!

[Macky]

yep preseason opener is on 9/21 next week for everyone. We're up against the Coyotes. I cant wait. we're going back today for day 2 of training camp. :D

[ukyo]

Funny thing. I got NHL11 for my PS3 and played the Memorial Cup so I could be entered in the draft. Who drafted me? The Anaheim Ducks. This is the second time I have ended up on the Ducks roster. If you haven't tried it, NHL11 is an amazing game.

[Jeremy C]

some highlights today from the Anaheim Ducks' training camp...


the banners that matter:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/IMG_5312.jpg

My team has a couple of those too. :)

Pic is a little old (missing one) and I don't have any personal pics of the rafters, but you get the idea...

877

This year I won't be able to go to both Wings games in Phoenix, as I'm sharing one trip with the GF to let her go see the Penguins (how could ANYONE like that that anyways???). I suppose it's not so bad, though. Each game I've gone to has had as many or more Wings fans than Coyotes fans in their arena. :)

[x2xtreme360]

I've been skating since I was 2... playing hockey up until I was 13... now I don't have cable and I haven't been able to follow the NHL for over 2 years now:(

[TwoXist]

My extent of watching hockey only extends to the Mighty Ducks movies. Although, i have been to a few Roadrunner and Coyotes games. It has just never been that interesting to me.

[Jeremy C]

I've been skating since I was 2... playing hockey up until I was 13... now I don't have cable and I haven't been able to follow the NHL for over 2 years now:(

I don't have cable either, and I get more games than I cable would ever have provided. I have a thread in the member's area that has more info. I refuse to go without hockey. :)

[Maximal]

Have my tickets to the Sabres pre-season opener next Saturday. :)

[Macky]

I don't have cable either, and I get more games than I cable would ever have provided. I have a thread in the member's area that has more info. I refuse to go without hockey. :)

you and me brother.

[Macky]

already peeled off a couple from our season ticket holder pack....woo! hoo!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/IMG_5547.jpg

[Macky]

Have my tickets to the Sabres pre-season opener next Saturday. :)

thats too long! ours begins tuesday :D

[3000GTCSULB]

Anaheim Ducks season ticket holder since 2007. Cant wait for Tuesday's first game.

[Macky]

Anaheim Ducks season ticket holder since 2007. Cant wait for Tuesday's first game.

really? thats cool, never knew you were one too. I cant sleep now myself. tomorrow's the day!

[gerber93tt]

preseason opener for the penguins is wednesday against the red wings at the new consol energy center! :)

[Macky]

beat those wings!!! :D

[3000GTCSULB]

I love pre-season games....you see all the rookies give it there all. I'm excited to see Luca and Calder. Should be fun...last year before the start of the game I went to the stand for a pizza and beer, I look up and it's Parros. That guy has a great stache. LOL.

[Macky]

Im going to try and come early tomorrow. I know most of the regular players would probably be helping around the Honda Center tomorrow. But I cant wait for Fan Fest next week.

[TonyM]

My team has a couple of those too. :)

Pic is a little old (missing one) and I don't have any personal pics of the rafters, but you get the idea...

877

This year I won't be able to go to both Wings games in Phoenix, as I'm sharing one trip with the GF to let her go see the Penguins (how could ANYONE like that that anyways???). I suppose it's not so bad, though. Each game I've gone to has had as many or more Wings fans than Coyotes fans in their arena. :)

HAhaha, hell yeah man! Red Wings to the cup!

I'm just pissed that I probably won't be able to make the Wings games in Dallas this year as they're during the week. Sucks that hockey is either a 4.5 hour drive or a 3 hour flight for me . . . :(

[Macky]

less than 12 hours before the preseason puck drop! :D

[Jeremy C]

preseason opener for the penguins is wednesday against the red wings at the new consol energy center! :)

Hope you guys start your new building the same way you did your original building (losing). :p

My GF is a huge Pens fan. I have made sure to tell her that if it were ANY other team I might feel otherwise, but it's the Wings. Besides, I hate Crosby and enjoy seeing anything that can steal some of his thunder. :D

[Jeremy C]

HAhaha, hell yeah man! Red Wings to the cup!

I'm just pissed that I probably won't be able to make the Wings games in Dallas this year as they're during the week. Sucks that hockey is either a 4.5 hour drive or a 3 hour flight for me . . . :(

I've got two weekend games I'll be able to get to. My boss is cool with me and lets me flex my schedule around to get out early for the games (went to game 2 of the Wings/Coyotes series last season). Nothing quite like a Wings game. It seems every team brings their A games when the Winged Wheel is in town. :)

[Macky]

i think its because visually it looks like whatever team is against the wings look like they are against mama russia :P :D

[Macky]

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/PHXxANA.jpg

w00t!

[Macky]

good grief freakin' rookies!!!

[TonyM]

I've got two weekend games I'll be able to get to. My boss is cool with me and lets me flex my schedule around to get out early for the games (went to game 2 of the Wings/Coyotes series last season). Nothing quite like a Wings game. It seems every team brings their A games when the Winged Wheel is in town. :)

Nice, that works out well.

I could just take some PTO and go to the game . . . going to have to see how bad my hockey addiction gets by that time. At least I've found the ONE hockey bar in Houston, the Maple Leaf. Playoffs 09 the whole bar was wall to wall wings fans. One lone ducks fan during that series, we almost felt sorry for her being a lone ranger haha. I love hockey season.

[Jeremy C]

...yep. This game is a lost cause. I suppose I should have figured as much since the Pens brought out their stars and Detroit brought out their tryout-group. I would have hoped Osgood would have decided he could stop a puck again. I guess he's trying to be the next Luongo.

[Macky]

saw the score during our 2nd intermission. :D

[Jeremy C]

After taking a look at the roster from last night, I suppose I can't be too upset. Detroit didn't bring the A-team. When you bring the replacements against the Pens top line, things will get ugly.

[Macky]

thats true.

last night though, San Jose brought their top 2 lines led by Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. The Ducks had only part of the Getzlaf line and the scrappers in the 4th line, the rest were all rookies. but we pretty much stopped short of humiliating them with a 5-2 victory, goals 3 and 4 just 18 seconds apart.

without Nabokov, the Sharks are pretty much in trouble. Nabby was the thorn for us all these years.

[Jeremy C]

Nabby was the only reason they didn't have yet another 1st round departure last year. I like to think of San Jose as the Capitals of the West: Great regular season, but never leave enough in the tank for the season that starts in April.

[Macky]

Nabby was the only reason they didn't have yet another 1st round departure last year. I like to think of San Jose as the Capitals of the West: Great regular season, but never leave enough in the tank for the season that starts in April.

yep. I think between the queens and the guppies, I think the guppies hate us more because they're almost a constant #1 seed only to fall in the post season.

the queens, well, they're all pissy with low class fans. I dont know which is more embarassing - be a #1 contender in the west constantly only to fall in the post season or having the "Great One" be in your team and never win the cup. for a team that was not taken seriously since its inception, the Ducks pretty much shut the door on these two CA teams when we beat them to the Cup. :D

[gerber93tt]

there were a bunch of new faces playing with the pens last night that i havent seen. the wings couldve had more new faces for the fact that they have been an aging team and could use some younger people in the lineup. it is only preseason though, every team is just working out the kinks and seeing how well the players mesh with each other and how well they come together as a team. at least they got a w to break in the arena

[3000GTCSULB]

Sbisa looked good on the ice, he needs to be alittle more physical though. Fowler would benefit from a year in the juniors...but they might throw him in the NHL.

I think Sexton is gone this season.

[ntcmpjg]

lets go penguins
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs232.snc4/38952_415042138261_539753261_4602846_4382106_n.jpg
just like her daddy haha
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs214.snc4/39047_415236188261_539753261_4609748_2177033_n.jpg
the stars were good when they had
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs113.ash2/39010_415042208261_539753261_4602853_6896229_n.jpg
I have a shit ton of jerseys from all of the old teams from when i was a kid lol

[Jeremy C]

there were a bunch of new faces playing with the pens last night that i havent seen. the wings couldve had more new faces for the fact that they have been an aging team and could use some younger people in the lineup.

Nothing against you, but this is one thing that I always find funny. Our "aging team" has been an issue since the early 90's (seriously - you can find gray hair jokes going back to '93 as far as I can find) yet we've had 4 cups in that time frame. The Wings have made it a specialty to get Vets to work well with new guys, then the new guys become the vets, rinse repeat.

[Macky]

my brother has an older Lemieux jersey from back in high school, we had a legacy Ducks jersey but for the life of me I think we left it back in the phils. :(

[Macky]

Ducks at Sharks underway...:)

[Macky]

gotta love the Pacific Division rivalry. as soon as the game was underway, the first period saw 24 penalties, with 41 total for the whole game. 20 of which went to the Ducks and the rest to the Sharks.

the game last night didnt feel like an exhibition game with that many penalties. Sharks lose to us in the preseason 2-0, as the Ducks beat the Sharks 5-4 in the shark tank.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/evomacky/penalties.jpg

[Macky]

twenty nine shots and the only Duck able to whistle one past Roberto Luongo was a former Canuck. LOL

[Jeremy C]

Of course Luongo was doing great - there's no pressure in these games. Ho only becomes full of holes when the game actual matters. :D

[Macky]

we play the queens tomorrow. got a running bet that we might get more penalties with them compared to the sharks lol

[Macky]

first regular season game against Detroit :D

[ukyo]

After a rough pre-season the local boys take it to the Caps in the home opener last night, winning 4 - 2 (should have been 5 - 2 but a quick whistle cost us a goal that was in the net). Ondrej Pavelec (starting goalie) gave us all a scare when he passed out on the ice just a couple of minutes in to the first period and did not regain consciousness. They had to take him off ice via a stretcher. Word from the team is he is OK and they kept him in the hospital overnight for observation.

Other than Ondrej falling out it was a great game. After watching my team struggle to find offense all pre-season they took it to the Caps and pretty much dominated the entire game. There were 4 or so shifts where the Caps were able to maintain pressure, but they did not score on any of them. Apart from that it was all Thrashers. Great home opener. We're in Tampa tonight and then on a road trip out West. Macky, you'll be seeing our guys soon. ;)

[Macky]

terrible start for us, but as we are typically known for fighting, it wasnt a surprise. what we need to do is avoid the sin bin - playing 35 minutes in Joe Louis with a man down is not a bright idea.

ukyo, we will be seeing you guys soon then :D

[ukyo]

Jeebus... talk about a penalty fest! That was the most penalties I have seen this season. We were lucky to steal that point. How we could go from scoring a goal in the first 16 seconds to giving up 3 unanswered goals is crazy. The Ducks out played us almost all night. There was no reason for us to win that game. Crazy...

Oh... GO THRASHERS!!!

[Jeremy C]

Yeah, Ducks haven't been showing themselves pretty good so far. "If we can't win it, beat them" isn't exactly a good mantra to be chanting. Just bad form.

[Macky]

Jeebus... talk about a penalty fest! That was the most penalties I have seen this season. We were lucky to steal that point. How we could go from scoring a goal in the first 16 seconds to giving up 3 unanswered goals is crazy. The Ducks out played us almost all night. There was no reason for us to win that game. Crazy...

Oh... GO THRASHERS!!!

Atlanta stole that game. I cant believe it either. But I have to give it to Atlanta, unlike most teams, the penalties were really accidental ones compared to some teams (*cough* detroit *cough*) but we lost and there's no excuse for that. The high stick play should have, imo, been reversed but hey, one night you get calls your way, the next you dont. its just the way it is. we just have to play better and stay out of the box - the Thrashers made us pay on the manned advantage.

[ukyo]

Atlanta stole that game. I cant believe it either. But I have to give it to Atlanta, unlike most teams, the penalties were really accidental ones compared to some teams (*cough* detroit *cough*) but we lost and there's no excuse for that. The high stick play should have, imo, been reversed but hey, one night you get calls your way, the next you dont. its just the way it is. we just have to play better and stay out of the box - the Thrashers made us pay on the manned advantage.

It wasn't played with a high stick. Peverley missed it and Stewart hit it in well below the cross bar. It was a good goal. Since we had to watch the broadcast, we got to see every possible angle on it. The true high stick (Peverley) missed and Stewart banged it home. Thing is, if Stewart had not hit it, the momentum was going to carry it in and give Byfuglien the goal. It was going in either way.

I still can't believe we won that one. Dawes in the shootout? I would have never picked him.

[Macky]

It wasn't played with a high stick. Peverley missed it and Stewart hit it in well below the cross bar. It was a good goal. Since we had to watch the broadcast, we got to see every possible angle on it. The true high stick (Peverley) missed and Stewart banged it home. Thing is, if Stewart had not hit it, the momentum was going to carry it in and give Byfuglien the goal. It was going in either way.

I still can't believe we won that one. Dawes in the shootout? I would have never picked him.

I watched it again. you're right, he missed that puck but it was hit by Stewart below the cross bar.

oh well, twice in two seasons we dont win against you guys hahaha. there's always next year :D

[ukyo]

I watched it again. you're right, he missed that puck but it was hit by Stewart below the cross bar.

oh well, twice in two seasons we dont win against you guys hahaha. there's always next year :D

That was the only home game I missed last year. At about 4:30 PM on game day some jackhole decided to use a backhoe to cut the data cable to our facility about 3/4 of a mile away. I ended up working almost 30 hours straight that day. Getzlaf is one of my favorite players, and I was really looking forward to seeing him play here last year. :(

[Macky]

We make it interesting again and squander a 2-goal lead into the third, but put the Coyotes away with a 3-2 win. Shane Doan though has to be penalized for that blind side hit on Dan Sexton. Even the replay showed he hit him on the head and sent him to the boards. He leads the penalty minutes against us as a single player with over 150+ PIMs.

[Macky]

NHL reviewing the hit on Dan Sexton by Shane Doan: http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2010/10/18/doan_review/

[Macky]

SUSPENDED!

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=540911


Phoenix Coyotes forward Shane Doan has been suspended for three games and will forfeit $73,387.11 in salary as a result of delivering an illegal check to the head of Anaheim Ducks forward Dan Sexton in a game Sunday night, the NHL announced Monday.

"Doan delivered a late hit from the blind side to the head of an unsuspecting opponent," NHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell said. "While it was fortunate that Sexton did not suffer an injury, the message should be clear that this is the type of hit that we want out of our game."

The incident occurred at 6:35 of the third period and no penalty was assessed on the play. The incident can be viewed here.

Doan will miss games against Los Angeles (Oct. 21), Carolina (Oct. 23) and Montreal (Oct. 25). He is eligible to return Oct. 26 at Ottawa.

Doan's fine is based on his average annual salary and is calculated under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

[ukyo]

SUSPENDED!

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=540911

Ouch! I saw the hit when it happened. Didn't look that bad, but it was still in violation of the new rule. The best way to teach a lesson is to hit 'em in the wallet.

[Jeremy C]

Impressive game tonight. 4 total penalties and all in the first. That was fun to watch.

If you want to see something fun - go watch the highlights reel on nhl.com. When Selaane gets his breakaway goal: look above Howards right in the first row. one pane of glass over. Big guy in a white shirt with blue stripes. To the right of that guy is a little kid (all you can see is the white arms on the glass that stick out of his jersey). Those two would be my brother and his son. I would say he had some pretty good seats there.

[mk_]

Sabres!!!!

[ukyo]

Sabres!!!!

Don't you mean: HA HA Devils! You are reaping what you sow with the Kovalchuk deal. :)

It's nice to see salary cap circumvention actually biting a team in the butt for a change. Too many have gotten away with it already.

[mk_]

Gotta watch out with those Russian hockey players!

These teams gotta be nuts giving out 15 yr contracts. Look at the Isles and DiPietro, has he played 5 games since signing that a couple years ago?? :)

[Macky]

BUMP!

my team's starting to right the ship. 6 straight and within a point of the LA Queens in the Pacific :D

[Maximal]

I'm just gonna leave this here...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrJr7Tyk83U

[Jeremy C]

So Nick Lidstrom has an 11-game point streak, and is tied for most points by a defensemen (arguably he is the leader as he has 3 games in hand against the guy he's tied with). I wonder what it would be like for a 40 year old to get a Norris trophy? :D

[TonyM]

So Nick Lidstrom has an 11-game point streak, and is tied for most points by a defensemen (arguably he is the leader as he has 3 games in hand against the guy he's tied with). I wonder what it would be like for a 40 year old to get a Norris trophy? :D

Well hopefully we won't have to wonder beyond this season.

The Wings are playing very good hockey right now, very solid wins last week. I love it.

[ukyo]

I'm just gonna leave this here...

Ack! Bout time you guys had something to celebrate. What was that, the first home win of the season? But hey, anyone that takes down the Crapitals is OK with me. ;)

My team started out OK, but has faltered as of late. Of course, we have basically a new team, new coaching staff, and a new GM. It's going to take time. This is not our year, but we are building something good for a change after 10 years of high offense / no defense. At least... I hope we are.

[Jeremy C]

:D - No matter how much we all disagree on who the best team in the NHL is (Red Wings), there is at least one thing we all can agree on: The Caps (and more specifically, the neanderthal the have for a captain) suck!

[Macky]

:D - No matter how much we all disagree on who the best team in the NHL is (Red Wings), there is at least one thing we all can agree on: The Caps (and more specifically, the neanderthal the have for a captain) suck!

agreed.

in all honesty, Andreas Lilja actually stabilized our blue line. I think he was a worthwhile addition to Anaheim.

[3000GTCSULB]

Selanne lost the game today, 4 mins with dumb penalties.

[Macky]

but dallas got away with 3 uncalled too many men on the ice and that last tripping call against dallas (bonino got tripped behind the dallas goal) wasnt called either. the Ducks didnt play well but it doesnt help if refs dont call things even.

[Jeremy C]

The Stars have been on the good end of a lot of missed calls or blown calls over the years. Not quite sure how they get so many their way.

Lilja is a good D-man. We just didn't have the room. The one that still irks me is Leino. That guy gets like 3pts in 42 games with the Wings, gets traded to Philly and becomes a superstar there. WTF?!?!

[TonyM]

Lilja is a good D-man. We just didn't have the room. The one that still irks me is Leino. That guy gets like 3pts in 42 games with the Wings, gets traded to Philly and becomes a superstar there. WTF?!?!

Traded to Philly is the key . . . when you're playing for a shitty team it's easier to stand out.

[Macky]

The Stars have been on the good end of a lot of missed calls or blown calls over the years. Not quite sure how they get so many their way.

Lilja is a good D-man. We just didn't have the room. The one that still irks me is Leino. That guy gets like 3pts in 42 games with the Wings, gets traded to Philly and becomes a superstar there. WTF?!?!

you got me there too. even the commentators were saying it as it happens. I counted three. its one thing that we didnt play good hockey for 60 mins. but if you're playing 5 on 7 with the refs and the opposing team, you're gonna lose.

[TonyM]

I've heard more whining from Ducks fans about blown calls than anyone else. Come on guys . . .

[Jeremy C]

A quick google search of "stars redwings blown call" nets you about a dozen different REALLY bad calls that dallas has benefited from. A couple good goals getting called back, non-goals being allowed, and just really bad calls that have led to goals. When we play Dallas, I pull out the tinfoil hat.

[Macky]

That game the Wings had against the Blues was hilarious! Halak scoring on himself will definitely be up there with the Toskala videos LOL

[FeaRpb]

I haven't been able to see much of this seasons games. I need to get caught up on the ranks.

[Jeremy C]

That game the Wings had against the Blues was hilarious! Halak scoring on himself will definitely be up there with the Toskala videos LOL

I had to watch that a few times. I laughed at it, but truthfully if you asked Halak to repeat it, it would take hundreds of tries to get that again. When you watch the slow motion replay the puck was just at the right spot with him twisting his arm at just the right moment to double tap the puck. I will also say that nhl.com's list of wacky goals they put up with Halak's were great. I dunno bout you, but scoring two separate goals using my face just doesn't seem to be the best way to earn your points.

Also - Go Cleary go! 8 goals in 6 games. :D

[Jeremy C]

Bringing this one back up since we're getting into the slog of the season now.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=lebrun_pierre&id=5918807

Whether you're a Wings fan or not, you have to give credit where credit is due, and it's about time someone did a piece on Lidstrom. I'm pretty tired of Crosby/Ovechkin getting shoved down my throat every time I want to read some hockey news, and there are so many other talented players out there that deserve to get the spotlight every once in a while.

[3000GTCSULB]

I hate the Wings because they are the MOST dominating team in ANY SPORT.

[TonyM]

I hate the Wings because they are the MOST dominating team in ANY SPORT.

Haha, when you're the best, everyone is gunning for you.

The Wings are truly dominant this season, even getting whooped by the Kings Monday night they played most of the game better than the Kings did - Quick just saved their ass time and again. Go Wings!!!

[Jeremy C]

Haha, when you're the best, everyone is gunning for you.

The Wings are truly dominant this season, even getting whooped by the Kings Monday night they played most of the game better than the Kings did - Quick just saved their ass time and again. Go Wings!!!

I think there's a lof ot people that look at the Wings with the same mentality of the Yankees. They are the most dominant team in ages, with the longest active palyoff streak in all professional sports. Here's hoping it keeps going. Hometown fans, though... we're a different breed when it comes to our fanaticism. Here at work I've got my Wings stuff in my cube, and right across from me is a guy sporting Avalanche stuff. It's been a pretty interesting work relationship with that guy...

That game reminded me way too much of last year when the Wings were at the height of their injuries and down players. We took a team comprised of the Grand Rapid Griffins more than the Wings to LA, they got 50+ shots off on us, and Howard only gave up a goal with just over a minute left in the game IIRC. Payback is a bitch.

And I am glad my wife doesn't read this forum: I was kind of glad Philly beat Pittsburgh last night. Needed to get the Pens off the front page of everything. She is a hard-core Pens fan, which considering that's her greatest flaw I think I'm doing pretty damned good. :D

[TonyM]

I think there's a lof ot people that look at the Wings with the same mentality of the Yankees. They are the most dominant team in ages, with the longest active palyoff streak in all professional sports. Here's hoping it keeps going. Hometown fans, though... we're a different breed when it comes to our fanaticism. Here at work I've got my Wings stuff in my cube, and right across from me is a guy sporting Avalanche stuff. It's been a pretty interesting work relationship with that guy...

That game reminded me way too much of last year when the Wings were at the height of their injuries and down players. We took a team comprised of the Grand Rapid Griffins more than the Wings to LA, they got 50+ shots off on us, and Howard only gave up a goal with just over a minute left in the game IIRC. Payback is a bitch.

And I am glad my wife doesn't read this forum: I was kind of glad Philly beat Pittsburgh last night. Needed to get the Pens off the front page of everything. She is a hard-core Pens fan, which considering that's her greatest flaw I think I'm doing pretty damned good. :D

I think few people understand how intense the Wings-Avs rivalry of the late 90s early 00s really was. To me it was Michigan-OSU; Texas-Oklahoma; Yanks-Red Sox all rolled into one. I miss that rivalry, it was fun while it lasted.

Yeah once in awhile the Wings have a game like that where they spend SOOOOO much time in the offensive zone that I think Howard/Ozzie get bored back in net. Then when the opposing teams makes it into the zone and gets one shot off it's essentially against a cold goaltender. Either way, I'm not concerned. We're going to dump a few games here and there and in all honesty, I think they Wings play at their best when they're just on the cusp of being #1 - sometimes being #1 brings it's own curse.

Haha, that's tough living with a Pens fan, but at least she's a hockey fan. My girlfriend, being a Houston native, had never been to a hockey game before I took her to he Joe last year. Now she loves it and if we're not lucky enough to have the game on Versus or NHL network then we go to the only hockey bar in Houston and watch it there. Which is fun since it's usually majority Wings fans with a few Pens sprinkled in here and there.

[Macky]

for the record I was rooting for the Wings when they played the queens the other day. I may not be a Red Wings fan, but I would rather root for them than the pansy-ass LA Kings.

[Jeremy C]

for the record I was rooting for the Wings when they played the queens the other day. I may not be a Red Wings fan, but I would rather root for them than the pansy-ass LA Kings.

Yeah, with you I can understand the "anybody but another Cali team" thing. It's like us with "anybody but Chicago" and the previous mentioned Av's hatred of yore.

Being here in the desert, hockey is foreign to everyone. If I want to see a game with people, I have to drive to Phoenix and watch the Coyotes play. I'll be at the Wings game there in (I think it's) March and look forward to that one. Every game I've gone to there has been more Wings fans that Coyotes fans, including the 7-4 game #2 last year in the playoffs.

And yeah - anyone who was there for the Wings-Avs rivalry of the 90's will agree that was the most intense and bitter rivalry in hockey, if not all sports. There was more hatred on ice when those two played than any other rivalry I've seen. Many sports writers feel that specific rivalry shaped the playoffs for years, as those two teams took quite a few of the cups, and it seemed that for a while the road to the cup required going through Colorado or Detroit. I kinda miss that rivalry, but am glad I was around to witness the entire thing. When I go to games I still wear my #16 (with his name in Russian and the VK/SM patch from '98) jersey. The people that recognize my jersey are the ones that are the most fun to talk to from my experience. :)

[Jeremy C]

and just because it needs saying:

1st career hat trick by Lidstrom tonight. 4 point game. 1442 games before his first, and 20th 2-goal game.

[ntcmpjg]

And I am glad my wife doesn't read this forum: I was kind of glad Philly beat Pittsburgh last night. Needed to get the Pens off the front page of everything. She is a hard-core Pens fan, which considering that's her greatest flaw I think I'm doing pretty damned good. :D

Lets go pittsbugh haha

[TonyM]

When I go to games I still wear my #16 (with his name in Russian and the VK/SM patch from '98) jersey. The people that recognize my jersey are the ones that are the most fun to talk to from my experience. :)

Haha, it's the best when people realize you're a true fan based on your jersey. I still rock my #26 Joe Kocur jersey, that guy was awesome.

And I think it's fitting that after all the bitching in the ESPN conversations forum about Lidstrom not being an 'offensive' defenseman (as if he's supposed to be??) he goes out and puts 4 pts on the board with a hattie.

Lidstrom is awesome.

[Jeremy C]

Chris Osgood gets his 400th career victory tonight, becoming the 10th goaltender in history to do so, and the only other active goaltender sharing that milestone being Brodeur. To top it off, stopping 46 shots out of 49 isn't a bad way to earn it. :D

[TonyM]

It's about time, I'm glad he finally got it last night. Granted, they really had to work at it from the offensive side. Good work by the Wings, as always. I think they just need to get through this holiday 'mini-slump' they'be been on and they'll be fine.

It's funny, what we consider a slump for the Wings would be a good performance for most teams.

[ukyo]

Bumping the thread just because hockey is the best sport ever. Just re-upped my season tix for next year. :)

[TonyM]

Word, some good games over the weekend. It was nice having a Wings game on NBC yesterday.

[Macky]

awesome game yesterday for my team :D

[Jeremy C]

Word, some good games over the weekend. It was nice having a Wings game on NBC yesterday.

Don't know if you remember Ken Ellis, but he's a B's fan. Yeah... :D

And it was honestly a little odd watching a game. I'm so used to Ken Cal listening to the games on 97.1's website that hearing Emerick (sp?) call the game was almost jarring in the difference. I want to have Cal call the TV games!

And for those of you that have to suffer through playing against the Pens, I do recommend listening to their radio announcer. The shit that comes out of that guys mouth is hilarious. Look up Mike Lange (sp again) and listen to some of his clips on youtube for a laugh.

[Macky]

Playoffs Baby!!!! :)

[TonyM]

Another matchup with the 'Yotes . . . Wings in 6, I say. Hopefully Z gets back for game two.

As for the rest of the West: Vancouver in 6, Nashville in 7, San Jose in 5. I really think the Preds could pull off the upset.

[FeaRpb]

I hate San Jose

[TonyM]

I hate San Jose

I'll second that.

[Macky]

playoffs thread here :D

http://www.3sgto.org/f8/2011-stanley-cup-playoffs-thread-4552.html

[TonyM]

Chris Osgood gets his 400th career victory tonight, becoming the 10th goaltender in history to do so, and the only other active goaltender sharing that milestone being Brodeur. To top it off, stopping 46 shots out of 49 isn't a bad way to earn it. :D

Announced his retirement today, anyone think he's a HoF contender? I don't see how 401 wins and 3 cups couldn't be!

All the best OZZIE!

[Macky]

Ozgood was awesome. he should be HoF at least.

[ntcmpjg]

What do you guys think of
jaromir jagr going to the flyers. I think he owed it to Pittsburgh to come back and win another cup

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jeremy C]

I may be biased, but I see Osgood as a 1st ballot hof. There are goalies with far less credentials in there.

As for Jagr - I think he'll pull a Modano so no worries about him going to philly. What I look forward to is a conference realignment that puts detroit back in the east. About time.