[Tournament] 06-07 NHL Discussion Thread

The Canucks are hot right now, having won 5 straight and 8 of 11.

Luongo has been fantastic, especially last night vs. Dallas, when he made 39 saves (1 goal against) and five more saves in the shootout, helping Vancouver win 2-1 in a shootout. He basically held us in the game for the last two periods and overtime in a game that we shouldn't have won. It was magic to watch.

This was only the second time since the lockout that Dallas had lost in a shootout, dropping their shootout record to 15-2.

On our five-game streak we beat Edmonton, Dallas, and Calgary (3 times). It's been a treat to see them completely shut down Iginla and co. three times in a week. Next up is Edmonton again and then Florida on Sunday (I'll be there live for that one).

Notes:

-Luongo was named the NHL's first star of the night, albeit there were only 3 games played
-Markus Naslund hasn't scored in 16 games
-The Canucks have the second best penalty kill in the NHL (87.6%), including the top PK at home, with an inhuman 93.6%. Montreal has the best PK at 88.0%.
-Vancouver is 8-1 in overtime this year (6-0 in the 5 minute period; 2-1 in the shootout)
-Vancouver's recent ability to put the puck in the net is largely due to the defense jumping up into the play (Mattias Ohlund 10 points in last 11; Kevin Bieksa 11 points in last 12) and the rising powerplay

There's nowhere I can't reach.

To expand on Wojo's post,

Dan Cloutier is out for 3 months with a torn cartilage in his hip. Man did Dave Nonis (Canucks GM) ever fleece Lombardi, or what? I'm sure that Crawford had a hand in things, and a logical person can look at Cloutier's strong years with the Canucks, but come on.

They extended his contract for two more years giving him 3.5M per before the season even started. Come on. Clouts' career is over, and I'm sorry to rub this in the face of any present Kings fans. The guy probably isn't even a suitable NHL backup at this point. Nonis got a second round pick in 2007 for him, and also received another second rounder (2009) when Cloutier signed the extension (It was listed as a conditional pick when the trade went down).

Speaking of goalies, life is good with Roberto Luongo.

He plays in his hometown tonight, and after spanking the Malple Laffs 6-1 on Saturday, the Canucks absolutely molested the Canadiens 4-0 at the Bell Centre tonight.

Did anyone else watch this game? The Habs played abysmal, and the Canucks played probably their most complete game of the year, bar none. It was mind boggling how many times a Canuck player picked the pocket of a Montreal guy. And those passionate, passionate Hab fans had a hayday with their team, practically booing them off the ice.

Luongo made 30 saves for his third shutout of the season.

Kesler (1G,2A) played an awesome game.

Thats (9-1-0) in the last 10 for the Canucks. Thursday should be good, a matchup between the two hottest teams in the league.

Vancouver @ Ottawa

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by The Dopefish

Additional Spam:
Rory Fitzpatrick scored the game-winning goal against the Ottawa Senators tonight. All-Star snub!!!

Did you see the goal? He freaking skated over the blueline, and flipped in a little dump on Emery.

Emery whiffed on it and it fluttered in past his glove.

Hilarious. Probably one of the worst goals that I've seen in a long, long, time.

That's 10 of our last 11, boys.

Another real test in Buffalo tomorrow. I think we're going to have fits with the Sabres' speed, namely Maxim Afinegenov. Look for Kevin Bieksa to be deep in the minus column tomorrow night.

There are murmurs that Dany Sabourin could get the start tomorrow, but I don't know if that would happen with the way Luongo (And the team itself) is playing as of late.

By the way, kudos to Cristobal Huet for the bounceback performance tonight against a talented Atlanta team.

COme on guys, pitch in with some detailed game reviews from your teams, I feel like an idiot going on about the Canucks every time that I post.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Well, with the Canucks surging (11-1-3 in the last 14), needing a trade for offense to make a push for the very tight NW division, and the Bruins in need of a shake-up, may I suggest a very generous trade?

Perhaps Brad Boyes for a couple of our players on the endless list of team pluggers?



Umm, pretty please?


Well, Ryan Kesler is out for the season. He had hip surgery (The same surgery Morrison had) and is out 12-16 weeks. 12 weeks brings him back for the playoffs, but he will not be the same for a long, long time. Say all you want about his low production (6G, 10A) but he has been incredible this season. He anchors (Along with Willie Mitchell, also injured) the league's number 1 PK, and is a pain in the ass to play against. His defence is stellar, and he has responded in pressure situations better than some veterans that I have seen. I don't think it is a stretch to say that one day he will be a Selke nominee.

By the way, Boston fans. Marc Savard is dynamite all year until I pick him for for my All-Star break annual pick-up, and then he slumps like hell.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by The Dopefish

Pittsburgh and Minnesota.

Rematch of the 1991-92 Stanley Cup Finals! ONLY WITHOUT MIKE MODANO.

In all seriousness, I say Pittsburgh makes it, provided they pick up a veteran defenseman before the deadline. Preferably a gritty, stay-at-home one. For the sake of not saying Vancouver, the only reason I think Nashville might not make is their young, in-experienced (For the most part) defense. In the West, defense is big time in the playoffs. Although, if Vokoun faulters, Nashville can fall back on Mason. I guess the lack of experience on D is overrided by the best 1-2 goaltending punch in the league.

In the East, it usually comes down to hot goaltending and I could see Fleury being the Ward-esque type guy (Young goalie leads his team to the finals), with the support of Crosby and Malkin on offense, and Recchi's veteran-ship

Pittsburgh vs. Nashville.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by The Dopefish

FreeHooker: I was actually going to say PIT v. NSH, but I thought that would make for one shitty SCF.

In other news, the Penguins may have an arena deal by the end of...tomorrow.

Really? Why do you say?

I think it would be the best SCF in a while. Quite honestly, I have not been impressed with the last 5 finals, excluding the Tampa victory over the Flames, which was an excellent series. (Canucks vs. Flames was a better series but only the first round, and I'm biased)

The only part of last year's finals that was entertaining to me was seeing Cam Ward make some unbelieveable saves, on his way to MVP.

Nashville and Pittsburgh are both high-flyers, and both have great goaltending. To add to the drama, the NHL's poster boy (I don't mean this in a bad way) would be in his first Stanley Cup Finals at only 19 years of age, in his sophmore season. I wonder if ratings would drop a bit from the last 2 finals because of the fact that having a Canadian team in there definitely does wonders, but Canada will still tune in. Nashville and Pittsburgh both have passionate fan bases, which would help create an awesome atmosphere.

If the NHL is looking to cast a good light on their new style of play, there is nearly no better way to do it than a series like this. Quite honestly, I would even go as far as to say that this series has the potential to be epic. A lot of this does ride on Sidney Crosby and his performance, though.

By the way, I hope that Pittsburgh does get an arena deal done, I'd like nothing more than to see them stay.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by The Dopefish

It's NASHVILLE. Like Carolina, they probably have to pay their fans to come into their stadium.

Nashville may not have an overly large fan base, but the fans they do have seem to be pretty emotionally involved in hockey.

Or maybe they just want the Predators to score so they can hear more country music.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

From Philadelphia's side of things, they just committed highway robbery with this trade.

I wouldn't even have given a first rounder alone for Peter Forsberg. He's most likely a rental, plain and simple. I don't even think I need to talk about the bummed ankle(s). I'd only pay that much for a rental is if he was an absolute top-ten all-around player in the league, and that includes intangibles (Leadership included). I mean to take nothing away from Forsberg, who as we all know, has sick skills.

To get Scottie Upshall, who will most likely be a solid second liner, future top pairing defenseman Ryan Parent, AND first and third round picks for Peter may be the deal of the decade for Philly. It is almost immeasurable how much this will contribute to Philly's rebuilding process.

I guess what I'm getting at is that this move is basically unnecessary for the Predators. Enough with the "When you have the chance to get this kind of player, you do it" crap, Nashville could have given half that package for someone like Sheldon Souray, who would have put them over the top where they really need it.

They don't need offense. Yes, they helped their defense by pulling off two great deals to get Vitaly Vishnevski. But getting Forsberg was absolutely unneccesary for their offense. They need that gritty, top defenseman who can lead them in the playoffs to succeed in the Western Conference.

Most amazing jew boots

Canucks win! Canucks win!

3-2 win over Anaheim in OT. They played a pretty sore first period, but picked it up after that. The game was really fun to watch for a 7 minute span in the third, which had no whistles during that span. Then the Canucks went into the usual shutdown mode to go for the single point.

Roberto Luongo got the night off. Dany Sabourin played well for his first career NHL win, making 38 saves. I really don't know what to say about this team. 18-3-3 since Christmas, 6th overall in the NHL. With this lack of talent? I'm trying to stay objective, but I'd like to think that Alain Vigneault is the front runner for the Jack Adams...

Him and Michel Therrien are probably side-by-side if the voting took place today...

Speaking of the Penguins, I need NHL center ice package so that I can see more of their games. I fell in love with watching them after seeing them play twice this year on Hockey Night in Canada.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Wojo

Even though Vigneault is a damn good coach and fixed a lot of mistakes from the previous nucks coach, I think Therrien has the edge over him. Remember the Penguins were absolute dog shit for 4 years in a row and now they are one of the best teams in the East.

Speaking of dog shit, the FSN feeds from the South are exactly that, dog shit. It's like they have no idea what contrast is. I just noticed tonight and other nights how games in Florida are televised with such a dark contrast, I feel like I have glaucoma.

True that, man, true that. But I'd like to point out the disgusting lack of talent that this year's version of the Canucks possess.

Pittsburgh is up the butt with young talent. But then again, to mold these young'uns into mature, winning individuals is quite an impressive feat in itself. By all accounts, Crosby's maturity has been on the rise meteorically from last season.

Kudos to both coaches, I'll leave it at that.

(Edit: Another win by the Canucks tonight , but I see the Penguins won too. Something has just dawned on me. We seem to be the surprise teams of each conference, with completely different teams. One is noted for defensive and special teams play, while is the other is headlined by offensive stars. Both in the top 4 in their respective conferences, when both were expected by many to be out of the top 8. Interesting? I think so!)

(Second Edit: I've seen one game on an FSN feed, and I pray that I'll never have to do it again. North of the 49th, we (In particular, us Westerners) have to deal with an Eastern bias. The Toronto Maple Leafs literally play one game every saturday night (For as long as, well, ever), and it is always shown on Hockey Night in Canada. HNIC is more likely to show two Eastern games than our very own home team for the people watching out west. This is the only reason I get to see the odd Penguins and Capitals game. To top it all off, the Canucks might have 5 games shown all year in HD, while the Leafs have something like 34, and counting.)

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by BZ

Why is that guy responding twice?

Oh and looks like GFF is against most analysts opinions, but whatever too many non-objective nerds here. Also Den, wtf, I already explained the situation to you in gfchat, why are you rambling again in here.

Additional Spam:


Please do.

I agree with you, BZ. It was a dirty hit from Neil. Even though it was only .49 seconds after Drury, Neil is able to clearly see that Drury does not have the puck anymore. The common law only applies in cases where you cannot avoid the man once the puck has left him.

It is acceptable to hit a man without the puck if it is too late to avoid him, it is NOT "Oohhh its still okay to hit him, as long as I do it quickly".

Chris Neil needs a harsh reminder of this.

To clarify, there is not a 1 or 2 second window after players get rid of the puck that they are still allowed to be hit in. It doesn't work like that. The player without the puck cannot get hit period, but leniency is given if the player is unavoidable.

On another note, how did Brian Burke get a first round pick for Shane O'Brien? Surely Tampa could have made more out of a first round pick than a guy who is 5th or 6th on the depth chart.

Let's not stray from this Ottawa/Buffalo argument, though. Thoughts?

Bottom line, Drury was avoidable.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I feel for you acid, I feel for you. I hate the Oilers (Sorry), but I still loved Ryan Smyth. I think every team in the NHL would love to have him on their team, he is one of those guys that nearly every Stanley Cup team needs. Not to mention he is the second best shot-tipper in the game (Holmstrom).

Here's hoping Edmonton, err, Lowe, can redeem himself in the offseason and re-sign him.

And Denicalis, I'm sure Edmonton fans around the world appreciate your concern, but I'm pretty sure you are a Boston fan, meaning you have your own GM to yell at. Brad Boyes for Dennis Wideman? Sorry, but you just got robbed.

What is it with Boston management?

Hey acid, is Lowe possibly as hated right now as Jan Bulis is in Vancouver?

I'm really starting to feel sorry for you guys. Here, take Jan Bulis as a gift.



...






Please?

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Denicalis

Fucking Christ, Dope. Couldn't your team have just beaten NYR in regulation? Think of it as a personal goddamn favour for a team that just went from 6 to 8 back.

A bitch, eh?

I know how you feel...it's like that in the NW division daily. You could say it every night... "Please god I don't care who wins...as long as it isn't a 3-point game..." Sure enough, it would be some stupid overtime or shootout win for whoever.

Although, lately, the 'Nucks have been able to pull away... 27-5-5 since Christmas...

Anyhow, g'luck to the Bruins...I'd love to see them get in. Probably my favourite team from the East (other than Carolina).

For anyone who follows the West, what the hell is going on with the Flames? Sweet vindication for Canuck fans everywhere... I read somewhere that the Flames haven't beaten a playoff team on the road since November...ouch. The way Colorado is playing, that eigth spot is up for grabs again when a week ago it seemed the eight playoff teams were set.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

YouTube Video

Who's ready for the playoffs? I am!

FELIPE NO

Wearin' mine right now.

If I did, however, win a free jersey contest, I'd have to go with Thomas Vanek.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Thank god for pretty boy Taylor Pyatt!

He's been piss-poor, getting demoted from the twin line to play with Smoke and Linden...and then he scores the winner.

I was beginning to become scared of Dallas and their shutdown type of play, simply outworking us and pouncing on mistakes. Suddenly things changed in the third...the Canucks just began to dominate.

Hansen is looking good, he should be kept with Morrison and Bulis...he's making Bulis look pretty good.

Naslund is proving to be a true captain so far...I've been impressed by his play the most. He should be kept with the Sedins for game 4...

Lou, Lou, Lou, what can I say about you...

I'm pumped after game three!

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Yeah, that was grade A bullcrap, Vivi. Complete embellishment by the Sabre. DId you see Robataille (The Islander who took the penalty) blow a gasket right in the referee's grill when the whistle blew? And then there was the Islander who slashed his stick on the glass when the whistle blew, and he did it pretty hard too, shaking the glass.

I figured there would be at least one unsportsmanlike conduct penalty out of the two players...or hell, I at least figured the guy's stick would break when he slashed the glass.

Should be interesting to see what happens of Vanek and Afinogenov next game after being benched for basically thw whole third period. Afinogenov has always been criticized for his consistency and heart while Vanek had trouble playing in the playoffs last year, too.

Does Marty Brodeur seem awfully human to anyone else? (To sharply change the subject)

There's nowhere I can't reach.