Official NHL/hockey thread

[schmenke]

:bigcry: :bigcry: :bigcry: :bigcry: :bigcry:

[dunes]

Again captain nick pulls one out of his bag of tricks getting a shot through to be tipped in front. will try one more at home. go wings.

[Mark in Oshawa]

:bigcry: :bigcry: :bigcry: :bigcry: :bigcry:

Schmenke, look at the bright side, they likely lost to the Stanley Cup Champions!

[schmenke]

^ true that.
I'd love now to see a Boston - Detroit final!

[janneppi]

Aboout the world championships, you know, the hockey games that actually matter. :)

Semifinals today
Sweden - Czech
Finland - Russia

Finland, Russia, Sweden haven't been good at all this year, loosing to the likes of germany, Norway. I was quite surprised that Russia beat Canada last night, I thought they couldn't bother at all after watching the frist period.

[janneppi]

Ohmygood, it's going to be a hellish sunday.
Granlund was rather good today. :p

[A.F.F.]

Granlund is just awesome. I thought there's hype all over him but now that I've seen him play, .... just wow. Goal of the year!!!

[Mark in Oshawa]

Aboout the world championships, you know, the hockey games that actually matter. :)

Semifinals today
Sweden - Czech
Finland - Russia

Finland, Russia, Sweden haven't been good at all this year, loosing to the likes of germany, Norway. I was quite surprised that Russia beat Canada last night, I thought they couldn't bother at all after watching the frist period.

Games that matter??? lmao....Europeans take the World Hockey Championships more seriously than North Americans. To us, the NHL playoffs get all the attention. I wish the IIHF would settle for a World Cup like all the other sports have every 4 years where everything can stop and go best on best. Play it on the 2 years in between the Olympics and alternate back and forth, World Cup and then to the Olympics.

Canada played well against the Russians, but they had a talent boost with Ovechkin flying over there. We usually take the guys who miss the playoffs who feel they have something left after an NHL season. I wish our best were over there.

I hears the Finns beat the Russians and good on Finland. I say Finland will beat the Swedes in the Final! (I always cheer for the Finns when they are not playing Canada!).

[Tomi]

Ohmygood, it's going to be a hellish sunday.
Granlund was rather good today. :p

Quite an amazing guy that Granlund, tomorrow will be the game of the year, cant wait!!!

[Garry Walker]

Well, I hope Russian goalie Barulin made a statement to the police, because what Granlund did to him was Rape.
Amazing goal and justified result, good luck to finns tomorrow against Tre Kronor.

[gloomyDAY]

:(

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Derek-Boogaard-of-the-New-York-Rangers-passes-aw?urn=nhl-wp4873

R.I.P. Derek.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz3j5KMe450

[Mark in Oshawa]

Quite an amazing guy that Granlund, tomorrow will be the game of the year, cant wait!!!


That is an old lacrosse player's trick. Never seen anyone do it in a real game though. Granlund has some serious onions for pulling it off though...

Go Finland Go!

[A.F.F.]

It's not just Granlund's goal. The guy has been amazing. Playing his first worldchampion tournament and he has been one of the best players of the team. He is not fast, not big but how he reads the game is unbelievable. He let the opponent come on his skin and then makes perfect passes to others... And how about that penaltyshot? I think he is ready to put Wild jersey on...

[Tomi]

It's not just Granlund's goal. The guy has been amazing. Playing his first worldchampion tournament and he has been one of the best players of the team. He is not fast, not big but how he reads the game is unbelievable. He let the opponent come on his skin and then makes perfect passes to others... And how about that penaltyshot? I think he is ready to put Wild jersey on...

Exactly, I only wish he would stay here for a 1 or 2 years in proper coaching.

[Mark in Oshawa]

Congratulations Finland!!! Nicely done, burying the Swede's in the third like that. Nice to see Koivu win a World Championship as Captain.

Also on the junior level here in Canada, it looks like the 4 teams are set for the Memorial Cup. The WHL champs are the Kooteney ICE from British Columbia, Ontario's champs are the Owen Sound Attack (an OT goal in Game 7 in Mississauga's arena); The QMJHL champs are from St. John NB and then the host team and OHL finalists against Owen Sound, Mississauga St. Mike's Majors.

Good night for hockey all in all, with the Canucks winning and the Sedin Brother's being actually in a game for once this playoffs. Those guys are better than they have shown...and I want them to do well.

[cali]

Congrats to Finns! A game to remember for sure!! Jalonen has put together a team which had no significant stars in it, but it was a TEAM. Granlunds goals against Russia was epic, impressive performance overall.

[janneppi]

Hip Hei!
Excellent third period from the Finnish team, I guess Swedes ran out of steam towards the end due relying so much on the two top lines. to be honest, I didn't think they'd win it during the second period, Sweden was miles ahead at that time in the way they moved.

[DexDexter]

Thanks everybody! Watching the game wasn't fun, it was actually quite painful, I mean my stomach was cramping and I was sweating all the time. That's how important national team hockey is for us. :)

[Bob Riebe]

... and the Sedin Brother's being actually in a game for once this playoffs...l.Weren't they in the movie Slap Shot?

[schmenke]

You're thinking of the Hansen brothers :p :

[Mark in Oshawa]

Thanks everybody! Watching the game wasn't fun, it was actually quite painful, I mean my stomach was cramping and I was sweating all the time. That's how important national team hockey is for us. :)

You think you were tight. Last Olympics, when the US tied the game with 2 or 3 minutes to go, you heard 33 Million people hold their breath and start sweating....no nation is as anally fixated on a hockey game as this one when the big game is on the line and the national team is on the ice. My stomach was churning until Crosby scored.

That said, watching the replay of the gold medal game I saw the Finn's in the stands after every goal and it is CLEAR you guys love your team and the sport. Not that the Swedes looking shocked didn't. Just the right guys won!

[A.F.F.]

You think you were tight. Last Olympics, when the US tied the game with 2 or 3 minutes to go, you heard 33 Million people hold their breath and start sweating....no nation is as anally fixated on a hockey game as this one when the big game is on the line and the national team is on the ice. My stomach was churning until Crosby scored.

That said, watching the replay of the gold medal game I saw the Finn's in the stands after every goal and it is CLEAR you guys love your team and the sport. Not that the Swedes looking shocked didn't. Just the right guys won!

:up:

[DexDexter]

You think you were tight. Last Olympics, when the US tied the game with 2 or 3 minutes to go, you heard 33 Million people hold their breath and start sweating....no nation is as anally fixated on a hockey game as this one when the big game is on the line and the national team is on the ice. My stomach was churning until Crosby scored.

That said, watching the replay of the gold medal game I saw the Finn's in the stands after every goal and it is CLEAR you guys love your team and the sport. Not that the Swedes looking shocked didn't. Just the right guys won!

Yep, that's how it goes. BTW Hockey is number one sport only in two countries in the world, Finland and Canada so no wonder people sweat over there and here :)

[A.F.F.]

Canucks made it to the finals.... I could be happy if I could tolerate Bros Sedin even the slighest thing :mark:

Is it true that NHL is coming back to Winnibeg ?? I can't remember but wasn't it Coyotes which was formerly Jets? But now Trashers are moving to Winnibeg? Please correct if I'm wrong. I'm just happy that it's one more to Canada :) ( Winnibeg is in Canada, right? ;) )

[Mark in Oshawa]

Canucks made it to the finals.... I could be happy if I could tolerate Bros Sedin even the slighest thing :mark:

Is it true that NHL is coming back to Winnibeg ?? I can't remember but wasn't it Coyotes which was formerly Jets? But now Trashers are moving to Winnibeg? Please correct if I'm wrong. I'm just happy that it's one more to Canada :) ( Winnibeg is in Canada, right? ;) )

Winnibeg?? Oh I think you mean Winnipeg...or is this some Finnish humour thing? lol

The latest I have heard is the Atlanta Thrashers (dopey name for a hockey team since the Thrasher in question is a little bird) who after 10 years or so of losing money hand over fist in a city that doesn't give a flying fidoo about most pro sports has been sold to a group called True North Sports who will relocate them to the MTS center in Downtown Winnipeg.

The good: An NHL team in a city that will passionately care about hockey is good. One of the Backers of True North is David Thompson. For those who read Forbes Mag and their annual accounting of the richest people on the planet, ole Dave pops up in the top 20 or something of Billionaires. He has cash. Lots of it.....and he will need it because here is the bad:

While there is no shortage of passion and love for hockey in Winnipeg, the NHL and the salaries they pay will mean the MTS center will need to be sold out pretty much solid and at a ticket price a hell of a lot higher than when the Jets were around. Winnipeg, even with their Metro area of population is only about 750000 so they would be one of the smallest markets in the NHL. What is more, the MTS Center only holds about 16000 and that is if you pay off the fire marshal. It is a new building, which replaced the Winnipeg Arena, but for some dumb reason, they didn't make it that extra 2000 seats it really needs to be a really decent sized NHL rink. It does however have boxes, but with Manitoba being sort of an Agricultural and crossroads center miles from no where really, it doesn't have the corporate climate to pay big bucks for all those private boxes the way the oil and gas industry fills the boxes in Edmonton and Calgary, or the big corps based out of Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal support those. Winnipeg will be like Ottawa without the 19000 seats. If the Canadian dollar drops down to 70 cents US, Winnipeg will be in jeopardy unless David Thompson wants to write checks....for the red ink. The NHL and the stupid Salary Cap is an economically stupid outfit. Ya, they have cost certainty with the top of the food chain, so the Red Wings, Leafs and Flyers don't over spend; but the salary floor they agreed to almost guarantees owning about 10 of the 30 teams is almost always a money loser, and if the Canadian dollar drops below the US past a point, all but 3 Canadian teams are in the red with full buildings.

So yes...Winnipeg is likely going to have hockey. The Jets were a great team, with great fans, and for a while, one of the hottest hockey players ever in Teemu Selanne (Anyone who saw his goal celebration after winning the rookie record for goal scoring would love him!).

This weekend is big hockey people..Memorial Cup final Sunday...St. John Sea Dogs vs one of three teams (they all tied in round robin play as of today). Also, we will know the opposition for Vancouver for the final.....

[A.F.F.]

It's going to be Winnipeg right after they get the team. Now it's Winnibeg :D

[AndyRAC]

Good news about Winnipeg, now what about Quebec??

As for the NHL, good to see the Canucks in the Finals - they've been the best team all season - so deserve to win Lord Stanley's Cup!! Whether that happens is another matter. Boston seem to have their name on it....but it's about time the Cup returned to it's rightful home - Canada!!!

[Mr. Mister]

On Winnipeg etc...if there's any movement, it's Atlanta, and they may be the Manitoba Moose rather than the Winnipeg Jets, with the AHL team of the former name moving to St. John's. Québec's going to have to wait while the NHL denies the whole Phoenix thing didn't work out. And if there's movement, they aren't going to play with the conferences for at least a year, meaning Winnipeg/Manitoba would be in the Southeast Division. No doubt they'll report an increase in attendance for Southeast Division teams and deem the whole expansion down there a success! :D

On the playoffs...

You want a way to not support the Boston Bruins?

Live in Boston.

Fans will put you off in minutes. Retreated back to my usual Rangers pretty quickly. I'd love a great series, but for my sanity, I think I'd like Canucks in four so we can get past all those Facebook statuses. ;)

Really looking forward to a competitive, safe series in all seriousness. Been a surprising year of hockey when you really think about it. Never would have predicted anyone other than the Red Wings in the finals and even moreso I couldn't expect the "FIRE CLAUDE JULIEN" brigade to have a shot at winning the Cup under his very guidance.

[DexDexter]

Isn't Winnipeg quite a small city? Do they now have the resources to maintain a profitable NHL club? I remember when Teemu was playing there, they had a bad team, terrible arena, lacklustre attendance and no money.

[Firstgear]

Isn't Winnipeg quite a small city? Do they now have the resources to maintain a profitable NHL club? I remember when Teemu was playing there, they had a bad team, terrible arena, lacklustre attendance and no money.
Yes, Winnipeg is quite small, about 700,000.
Can a team here be profitable? I think Mark summed it up pretty acurately a few posts back. I read or heard a few days ago (I wish I remember where) that all the Canadian teams are in the top 10 in the league in profitabitily and Winnipeg, if it got a team should be right up there as well.
Things have changed in the league and in our city since the Jets left. The league now has a salary cap. That, combined with the Canadian dollar being pretty much at par with the US dollar (15 yrs ago it was about .65US and the players contracts are all in US) gives a team here a chance to be competative. Also, the team previously didn't have rights to consession or parking money. The new owners (if the deal goes through) own the new arena (the old one was demolished a few years ago) so they have that going for them as well.
You're right about them usually being a bad team (dump & chase, dump & chase....man that was some boring hockey) but with the factors listed above changing things in their favour, I think they've got a chance here.
Two possible things holding them back are the size of the new arena (16,000?) being quite small by NHL standards, and that Winnipeg is known to be quite a wholesale (read - cheap) town. So will the fans fill the arena every game , paying NHL ticket prices after the initial jubilation wears off? Hard to say. People here have been talking about the return of the Jets for years now, and it's gotten loads of attention lately. There have been new rumours in the local papers here nearly every day for months now. People are getting really excited, but will they put their money into it?
Me? - my boys are Calgary & Montreal fans, so we might go to the occasional game when those teams are in town.
People here loved Teemu, one of I believe 6 players still in the league that played here before the team left. Do you remember Thomas Steen? He's still here and recently was elected one of our city councellors.

[Eki]

Yes, Winnipeg is quite small, about 700,000.

I guess "small" is relative. Helsinki is biggest city in Finland, and it only has about 590,000 inhabitants.

[DexDexter]

Yes, Winnipeg is quite small, about 700,000.
Can a team here be profitable? I think Mark summed it up pretty acurately a few posts back. I read or heard a few days ago (I wish I remember where) that all the Canadian teams are in the top 10 in the league in profitabitily and Winnipeg, if it got a team should be right up there as well.
Things have changed in the league and in our city since the Jets left. The league now has a salary cap. That, combined with the Canadian dollar being pretty much at par with the US dollar (15 yrs ago it was about .65US and the players contracts are all in US) gives a team here a chance to be competative. Also, the team previously didn't have rights to consession or parking money. The new owners (if the deal goes through) own the new arena (the old one was demolished a few years ago) so they have that going for them as well.
You're right about them usually being a bad team (dump & chase, dump & chase....man that was some boring hockey) but with the factors listed above changing things in their favour, I think they've got a chance here.
Two possible things holding them back are the size of the new arena (16,000?) being quite small by NHL standards, and that Winnipeg is known to be quite a wholesale (read - cheap) town. So will the fans fill the arena every game , paying NHL ticket prices after the initial jubilation wears off? Hard to say. People here have been talking about the return of the Jets for years now, and it's gotten loads of attention lately. There have been new rumours in the local papers here nearly every day for months now. People are getting really excited, but will they put their money into it?
Me? - my boys are Calgary & Montreal fans, so we might go to the occasional game when those teams are in town.
People here loved Teemu, one of I believe 6 players still in the league that played here before the team left. Do you remember Thomas Steen? He's still here and recently was elected one of our city councellors.

I remember Steen, didn't know he didn't go back to Sweden. Winnipeg Jets is pretty well-known in this country because Selänne was a real superstar over here when he went to the NHL and people and the media followed his first year quite a lot, a lot more than they follow the NHL now. I think they even showed live Winnipeg games over here if I'm not mistaken.



I guess "small" is relative. Helsinki is biggest city in Finland, and it only has about 590,000 inhabitants.

That's not really the case, as you know. Helsinki is the basically a city of about 1 000 000 people, Espoo and Vantaa are just huge suburbs of Helsinki in reality. They don't even have a centre.

[Firstgear]

Well, for an NHL city, 700,000 is definately small, especially as there are no other relatively large centers nearby. You could drive 8 hrs east or west before hitting anything with a population over 100,000.

[A.F.F.]

That's not really the case, as you know. Helsinki is the basically a city of about 1 000 000 people, Espoo and Vantaa are just huge suburbs of Helsinki in reality. They don't even have a centre.

It's other way around. Vantaa on Stadin Amerikka.

[Mr. Mister]

Well, for an NHL city, 700,000 is definately small, especially as there are no other relatively large centers nearby. You could drive 8 hrs east or west before hitting anything with a population over 100,000.

Yeah, surrounding area is the problem, not the city itself. Most teams are in cities with less than 700k in the cities themselves.

I think Winnipeg would be more successful than the team in Atlanta, at the very least. Still think it should have been the Québec Nordiques getting to debut that new logo they never used (the one with what I guess was a husky or a wolf (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q124/cdnuniguy/Pink/96Nordsjersey.png))...but I don't call the shots. Honestly, hockey's a niche sport. Always going to be. Just cater to the people who want to be catered to. Many of those people are in Canada...

[Firstgear]

Well, word on the radio is that the deal is done. True North Sports Entertainment (the guys wanting to bring the Thrashers to Winnipeg) have called a news conference for 11am today (just under 3 hours from now) with Bettman flying into town as well.

YouTube - ‪Stompin Tom Connors - The Hockey Song‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZWxErEbQkY)

[schmenke]

Sounds promising :up: .

[A.F.F.]

I'm all for it :up:

( Like it needs my blessing :dozey: )

[DexDexter]

It's other way around. Vantaa on Stadin Amerikka. :D :D


Yeah, surrounding area is the problem, not the city itself. Most teams are in cities with less than 700k in the cities themselves.

I think Winnipeg would be more successful than the team in Atlanta, at the very least. Still think it should have been the Québec Nordiques getting to debut that new logo they never used (the one with what I guess was a husky or a wolf (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q124/cdnuniguy/Pink/96Nordsjersey.png))...but I don't call the shots. Honestly, hockey's a niche sport. Always going to be. Just cater to the people who want to be catered to. Many of those people are in Canada...

Let me correct you a bit. Ice hockey is a niche sport in the United States of America, it's not a niche sport in Russia, Canada, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic or Slovakia.

[AndyRAC]

So, are the Thrashers, going to stay as the Thrashers - or will they revert to Jets? Was watching NHL On The Fly before, and it seems they are staying in the South West Division.

[Firstgear]

Name hasn't been decided yet, but it sounds like Thrashers is out (Atlanta Spirit Ownership Group kept the name).
Here's an article from a local paper:

What (http://www.winnipegsun.com/2011/06/01/whats-in-a-name)

Sounds like Jets, Falcons, Polar Bears, Moose (our current American Hockey League team name) are all possibilities.

Almost everyone here that cares at all "Wants their JETS back". But if the new owners want to make any money selling jerseys etc. they better at least change the logo/colors because it seems (from the way people were dressing yesterday) that everyone here still has a Jets jersey.

I believe they're staying in the East for the first year, and then there's supposed to be a realignment of divisions.

[schmenke]

Although I can understand the nostalgia for the "Jets", the new team needs a new name. As I understand it, ultimately the old Winnipeg Jets were named after the New York Jets football team :dozey:
The new franchise needs to be renamed to something more appropriately Manitoban.
I heard someone suggest the "Winnipeg True North". Sounds good to me :)

[Firstgear]

I've always been told they were named after the Avro Arrow. I don't know though, how the Arrow's saga fits in with Winnipeg specifically.

[schmenke]

I could be wrong, but I understand that the name was borrowed from Winnipeg's WHL team at the time, the owner of which was a fan of the NY Jets :mark: .

[dunes]

I can admit when i'm wrong so there it is. Boston in 7

[Mr. Mister]

Luongo's always good for one of those 8-1 kind of games, but I'm still surprised it happened. Boston's supposed to just be a grit team, and without Horton or Seguin last night, their team of third and fourth liners pulled 8 goals out of somewhere. When it comes to Bruins hockey, I'm wrong about everything...

On another note, they won't be the Jets, that much is confirmed. Winnipeg Whiteout has been tossed around, since that's the only term they have trademarked at the moment. Hard to make a home jersey with that name, but then again, you could get a polar bear in the logo without having the name "Polar Bears," which, while suggested, just has an AHL feel to it.

[Bagwan]

Well , well , nice job , Vancouver .

Very classy .

Good thing we didn't have any Bruins sweaters hanging around in that crowd .
With the smell of alcohol said to be noticeable at 1:00pm in the afternoon , there might have been people killed .

Hundreds have been treated for tear gas inhalation and various injuries(like stabbings) .
Stores looted , and multiple vehicles over-turned and burned .


Nice show .


We are all ashamed .
Sad to see it after some great hockey .

Thank-you to the teams . Sorry to the NHL .

I started watching hockey when there were only six .
I only bother with play-off hockey now .
I'm happy an original six team won .

They have more canucks on the team than the Canucks .

[schmenke]

I too remember the original six. I used to marvel at Bobby Orr skating end-to-end to score a goal, then a smile and a nod, not whooping up with fist pumps the way some prima-donnas celebrate a goal these days. He was pure class.

Boston was by far the better team in this series. Alain Vigneault simply didn’t know how to play a big, physical team like them. Congrats to the Bruins :up: .

As for the riots, well, the city was partly to blame. I can only assume next time they won’t permit 100,000 spectators into the city core to watch the game on big screens, all the while consuming alcohol.
There wasn’t a hockey fan in those crowds :down: .

[Bagwan]

I too remember the original six. I used to marvel at Bobby Orr skating end-to-end to score a goal, then a smile and a nod, not whooping up with fist pumps the way some prima-donnas celebrate a goal these days. He was pure class.

Boston was by far the better team in this series. Alain Vigneault simply didn’t know how to play a big, physical team like them. Congrats to the Bruins :up: .

As for the riots, well, the city was partly to blame. I can only assume next time they won’t permit 100,000 spectators into the city core to watch the game on big screens, all the while consuming alcohol.
There wasn’t a hockey fan in those crowds :down: .

There were a lot of dirty moves mixed into a good game .
But , good hockey by today's standards . That's why I only bother with a few play-off games .

Well , that and the fact that I can't keep all the teams straight , let alone know the names of all the players .

We must be getting old or something .

As for the riots , the city let them do it , but it is the individual that must makes his/her own choices .

Healey , before the game , said that if the Canucks win they'd blow the roof off the town , and if they lost , they'd burn it down .
He wasn't too far off in that prediction .
Such was the passion in the crowd .

They burned a stuffed bear on a pike .
They were a drunk , depressed hockey mob , burning cars and destroying property because they lost a game .

Vancouver has a black eye .
Pictures of it are flooding in , and many will hear loud knocks on thier front doors in the near future .
Place these people on display , and charge money to shoot pucks at them to pay for the damage .

[dunes]

Congrats to both teams on a 7 game series. I don't believe Vancover showed up for game 7 but a nice series anyways. Congrats to my Mom's Bruins. Congrats to Tim Thomas truely deserving in my iopinion.

Total disgrace on the city of Vancover for thier aftermath.Even boston had some troubles with celebration at home.Its just a disgrace.


Jagr to Detroit I hope not. I think personally hes a whinney brat and should stay where ever it is he went to.
Thanks Mike Madano for your 1 year contribution to the Wings this year. hope the wrist heals nicly and you'll allways be welcome back home in Westland as well as detroit.

[A.F.F.]

Congrats to both teams for great series.

Too bad for city of Vancouver.... :(

[Garry Walker]

I am surprised no one has posted here regarding the catastrophe that happened in Russia. Almost every teammember of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl got killed in the plane crash, such big names for hockey world, in both players and coaching staff.

[Mark in Oshawa]

Yeah, surrounding area is the problem, not the city itself. Most teams are in cities with less than 700k in the cities themselves.

I think Winnipeg would be more successful than the team in Atlanta, at the very least. Still think it should have been the Québec Nordiques getting to debut that new logo they never used (the one with what I guess was a husky or a wolf (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q124/cdnuniguy/Pink/96Nordsjersey.png))...but I don't call the shots. Honestly, hockey's a niche sport. Always going to be. Just cater to the people who want to be catered to. Many of those people are in Canada...

Sold out all season tickets in 17 minutes. I think a city of 700000 can at least make a go of supporting the Jets. God knows there are 11 teams in financial trouble in the NHL, and none are in Canada. Sometimes you sell your product to people who understand it rather than selling it to people who choose not to learn or enjoy it....

[Mark in Oshawa]

I am surprised no one has posted here regarding the catastrophe that happened in Russia. Almost every teammember of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl got killed in the plane crash, such big names for hockey world, in both players and coaching staff.

I havne't been posting on Chit Chat for the most part since the spring...it was a tragedy and an awful thing to conteplate, but I am not shocked in a sense. Russian airlines such as Aeroflot are still using on all their domestic routes old USSR era relics such as the Yak 42 that were in the crash. Dave King, the former Canadian national team coach coached in the KHL for a year or two and he said it was one of the reasons he left, in that he didn't think much of the airplanes he had to sit in.

Pavel Demetria, Ruslan Salei, and a few others plus head coach Brad McCrimmon all died on that plane...and were NHL'ers. I counted 5 or 6....so a lot of people starting the NHL season will do so with heavy hearts.....

[BleAivano]

I havne't been posting on Chit Chat for the most part since the spring...it was a tragedy and an awful thing to conteplate, but I am not shocked in a sense. Russian airlines such as Aeroflot are still using on all their domestic routes old USSR era relics such as the Yak 42 that were in the crash. Dave King, the former Canadian national team coach coached in the KHL for a year or two and he said it was one of the reasons he left, in that he didn't think much of the airplanes he had to sit in.

Pavel Demetria, Ruslan Salei, and a few others plus head coach Brad McCrimmon all died on that plane...and were NHL'ers. I counted 5 or 6....so a lot of people starting the NHL season will do so with heavy hearts.....

yes many Russian airlines do but not Aeroflot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeroflot#Current).

Their mainstay in the fleet are Airbuses as well as 9 B767,
However they do have more modern Russian aircrafts such as the IL-96 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyushin_Il-96) (6) and the brand new Sukhoi Superjet 100 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Superjet_100).
Aef also have orders for B777, B787 and Irkut MS-21. (http://www.motorsportforums.com/Irkut%20MS-21)

[cali]

yes many Russian airlines do but not Aeroflot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeroflot#Current).

Their mainstay in the fleet are Airbuses as well as 9 B767,
However they do have more modern Russian aircrafts such as the IL-96 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyushin_Il-96) (6) and the brand new Sukhoi Superjet 100 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Superjet_100).
Aef also have orders for B777, B787 and Irkut MS-21. (http://www.motorsportforums.com/Irkut%20MS-21)

Quite right, and as far as I've been told, biggest problem is not the russian airplanes, but the people and the way planes are maintained.
Like you said, Aeroflot is using very modern fleet.

[A.F.F.]

I truly hope that we won't be seeing any more tragedys in the hockey world :/

The new season of NHL is about to start..... what are your thoughts about it? Teemu one-more-year Selänne continues so no news from Ducks camp. Some interesting trades thought. Obvioulsy I have looked most of them through blue and white glasses but most interesting is Dany Healey's move to Minnesota. I hope it'll boost Mikko Koivu and the rest of the team yet another level :up:

what is the difference between from NFL and NHL. I am from Hongkong so not so familiar with your games leagues.

[A.F.F.]

Does ESPN air NHL anymore?

[BleAivano]

Does ESPN air NHL anymore?

to make a long story short:

NHl sold the rights to Medge consulting (MC). MC asks for too much money and no European tv company or ESPN Am have bough the rights so far.
currently there is no legal way of watching NHL from Europe.
everyone just say that "They are working on it".

[A.F.F.]

to make a long story short:

NHl sold the rights to Medge consulting (MC). MC asks for too much money and no European tv company or ESPN Am have bough the rights so far.
currently there is no legal way of watching NHL from Europe.
everyone just say that "They are working on it".

Well isn't that just ****ing great ?? Thank you BleAivano

[DexDexter]

to make a long story short:

NHl sold the rights to Medge consulting (MC). MC asks for too much money and no European tv company or ESPN Am have bough the rights so far.
currently there is no legal way of watching NHL from Europe.
everyone just say that "They are working on it".

I wasn't aware of that and I consider myself as a hockey fan up to a point. That probably shows how big NHL is in Europe. A fringe sport. You're not going to make a lot of money by selling the rights in Europe.

[AndyRAC]

Great decision by the NHL - unbelievable. What was wrong with the old deal? Great coverage on ESPN/ ESPN America with live games and NHL on the Fly......and now nothing.

No wonder the NHL is the 4th of the big 4 US Sports........

[DonJippo]

to make a long story short:

NHl sold the rights to Medge consulting (MC). MC asks for too much money and no European tv company or ESPN Am have bough the rights so far.
currently there is no legal way of watching NHL from Europe.
everyone just say that "They are working on it".

NHL broadcasts expected to start in Finland during next weekend according to a finnish sportmagazine. I believe this is a part of wider deal including other Nordic countries as well.

[BleAivano]

NHL broadcasts expected to start in Finland during next weekend according to a finnish sportmagazine. I believe this is a part of wider deal including other Nordic countries as well.

correct, VIASAT have bought the rights for this and the following 4 seasons.
according to this article: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nhl-seals-international-tv-mega-deal-2011-10-20viasat paid 50 million US dollars for the rights for the 5 seasons that they now have aquired.

[A.F.F.]

Congrats Sweden juniors for the title!! :up:

Not much of talk aout NHL this season, eh?

[Garry Walker]

Congrats Sweden juniors for the title!! :up:

Not much of talk aout NHL this season, eh? People must be shocked at New York Rangers' success.

[A.F.F.]

Well, I can't deny it does the job..... :D

[A.F.F.]

But I'm looking forward to see if Ducks make it to playoffs :up:

[schmenke]

Seven goals last night and not one for Gomez... :s

[Mark in Oshawa]

Congrats Sweden juniors for the title!! :up:

Not much of talk aout NHL this season, eh?

I haven't been on the forum much, blame me!!!

[A.F.F.]

To be honest, me neither. But I rather blame you Mark :)

[MrJan]

Right, I'm trying to get more into hockey since a trip to Sweden. I've always liked the sport but we hardly embrace it in the UK, I sort of have a general idea of the basic rules, mostly learnt from computer games. As my brother lives in Toronto I sort of fell into picking the Leafs as my team so this evening I'm watching the Ottawa game. Anyway it's thrown up a few questions for me, firstly the Division/conference/league system, WTF? What is the point in seperating them into localised areas (eg NE, NW) when there is an overall league? Also the playoff system, how the hell is that worked out?

Oh and what's with the thing where a player is sent away from a face-off? Why do they do that?

[schmenke]

Firstly Miguel, I sympathise for your support for a clearly embarrassing NHL organisation, and having to endure its home city every time you visit your brother.

Secondly, in response (hopefully) to your queries to your new-found armchair sport:

The NHL league is divided into two Conferences, East and West, each with three divisions (I believe this will change back to 4 next season), for a total of 30 teams.
There are 5 teams within each division, 15 within each Conference for a total of 30 teams in the League.
The divisions are divided geographically primarily to minimize the cost of travel. Teams play most of their games within their respective conference and most of these are within their own division. Because the league is geographically expansive it would be prohibitively expensive for teams to regularly play others outside their area.

The playoff fixtures are quite simple. By the end of the regular season, the top 8 teams from each conference advance to the playoff round. In this round each of the 8 teams play within their conference in a best-out-of seven format: The top team plays the 8th place team, the second place team plays the 7th place team, and so on. This format continues until a Conference winner is decided. The two Conference winners then play a best-out-of seven series for the League championship, Lord Stanley’s cup.

A player is removed from a face-off at the discretion of the linesman (the fellow in the black and white striped jersey, who is charged with, among other things, dropping the puck) if the player has committed a face-off violation. More often than not the violation is placing his stick down on the ice before the opposing player. The visiting team player is permitted to drop his stick first.

Good questions. Other than that, the rules are quite simple... most pucks in the opposing team’s net wins :p : .

[MrJan]

Thanks for clearing that up, Schmenke. I had the basics of the playoffs, just wasnt sure where you had to finish to be included (the break up of divisions confused me). Presumably then people don't really pay too much attention to the league of divisions, seeing as it's the position in the conference that matters at the end of a season.

So how are the Canadiens doing at the minute? Really setting the league alight? ;) :p :

[schmenke]

...So how are the Canadiens doing at the minute? Really setting the league alight? ;) :p :

:mad:


"There's always next year..." is getting tiresome :s
Although perhaps not as tiresome as your brother may feel :p :

[dunes]

Do the Red Wings deserve to have an asterek after thier incredible 21-0 home game stand. just wondering. i dont believe so but i am a TRUE wings fan.And yes i know thier is no asterek and wont be one but just wondering about the census opinion.

[A.F.F.]

I'm cheering Ducks to the playoffs !!!

[Garry Walker]

I'm cheering Ducks to the playoffs !!!
It is not going to happen, despite Old Teemu playing some amazing hockey. It really isn't good if the best player by far in your team is a guy who is going to turn 42!!! in a couple of months.

I would love for Anaheim to make it to PO as Teemu and Saku are among my all time favourite players.

[dunes]

The see saw battle in the west continues. the hawks of chicago came into motown and pushed them back as vancover still strolls though. and how about them Rangers in the east. all thats missing there is mark messier backing predictions and backing them up.Still tight at the bottom tier of the west as well as one of 5 teams can be in the playoffs.

[schmenke]

Habs won't make the playoffs, but if they can douse the Flames tonight in the 'Dome it'll make my day :) .

Will be interesting to watch both Camellari and Bourque on the same ice again :D

[A.F.F.]

It is not going to happen, despite Old Teemu playing some amazing hockey. It really isn't good if the best player by far in your team is a guy who is going to turn 42!!! in a couple of months.

I would love for Anaheim to make it to PO as Teemu and Saku are among my all time favourite players.

I couldn't agree more. As much as I like Teemu scoring points, it really shouldn't be the case where the first line is Getzlaf, Perry, Ryan.

[A.F.F.]

The playoffs are about to start!! Where's Mark in Oshawa when you need him?

[donKey jote]

in his truck with billy's missus ? :andrea:

[A.F.F.]

Yes !!! Way to go Pekka Rinne !!!!!!

[schmenke]

Schmenke’s corner:

Well, two days into the playoffs and I’m somewhat surprised.

The President’s Cup winning team falls to the Kings in game 1. Yes, they’re still missing Daniel, but defensively the ‘Nucks looked shaky. No excuses there as their top D-men are healthy. Will we see Schneider in net in game 2?

The Penns blew a 3-goal lead in Pittsburg, albeit one of the Philly goals was questionable. Can’t really fault Fleury for at least two of the four Flyer goals. I watched most of game one, and although entertaining, it wasn’t the slug-fest that I was expecting. The Penns will have to play more than just two periods in game 2.

Nashville could be the dark horse of the series. Although not really a powerhouse offense, they have surprisingly reasonable depth, especially now with both Kostitsyn brothers. Contribution from Shea Webber doesn’t hurt either.

Having said that, I can’t figure out why Detroit isn’t scoring more goals. With Zetterberg back in the line-up, Datsyuk, Filppola, Franzen, etc., and offensive defensemen like Kronwall and Lidstrom, they really should be scoring more. I think their weak link may be goaltending.

The Sens kept it close in MSG last night until Tortorella called a time-out to fire up his team. Wasn’t even close after that. I can’t see the Sens winning a game in this series, although the Rangers shouldn’t get overconfident as they’ve always had a week defence, and their next series won’t be a pushover.

Boston – Washington: Two teams I can’t stand, although I have a tad more respect for the former. To watch Chara hoist the cup would make me sick, but to see Ovechkin do the same would make me puke :down: . Evenly matched teams though for this series. Could go either way.

Another close one in Phoenix last night, although with Toews back in the ‘Hawks lineup, I certainly would have thought an easy win for Chicago. Phoenix has been impressive all year; doing well with what they’ve got.

Overall, with only two days into it, it’s not looking good for my pool :p : (I finished dead-last in the regular season pool :mark: )

[A.F.F.]

Having said that, I can’t figure out why Detroit isn’t scoring more goals. With Zetterberg back in the line-up, Datsyuk, Filppola, Franzen, etc., and offensive defensemen like Kronwall and Lidstrom, they really should be scoring more.

Pekka Rinne. Period.

[A.F.F.]

Phoenix seem to play with huge heart. I'm definately cheering for them :up:

Ranger used their few opportunities to score with huge percentege!!

And how is it possible that Bruins win with 17 saves 1-0 ????

[BleAivano]

Phoenix seem to play with huge heart. I'm definately cheering for them :up:

Ranger used their few opportunities to score with huge percentege!!

And how is it possible that Bruins win with 17 saves 1-0 ????


They've got Oliver!! He'll be the next Niclas Lidström. Really great to see that we'll have two Swedish defencemen that will "dominate"
the league for the next decade(s). Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Erik Karlsson.

[A.F.F.]

They've got Oliver!! He'll be the next Niclas Lidström. Really great to see that we'll have two Swedish defencemen that will "dominate"
the league for the next decade(s). Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Erik Karlsson.

Don't you think Hedman will rise up to what people expect of him??

[A.F.F.]

Pekka Rinne. Period.

Ok... maybe not :mark:

[DonJippo]

Ok... maybe not :mark:

Nothing wrong with Pekka they won again :D

[A.F.F.]

Yes, another great game by Rinne.

Oh, I wished to have seen Flyers vs. Penguins game, especially that last one. I followed it through nhl.com but that is pretty lame......

[janneppi]

Who cares about some sad little puck series far away when Reipas is finally in the hockey finals here. :D

[DonJippo]

Oh, I wished to have seen Flyers vs. Penguins game, especially that last one. I followed it through nhl.com but that is pretty lame......

I saw it on tv thanks to Viasat :bounce:

That little prcik #87 showing his true talent... :rolleyes:

[schmenke]

Yes, another great game by Rinne.

Oh, I wished to have seen Flyers vs. Penguins game, especially that last one. I followed it through nhl.com but that is pretty lame......

That game was an embarrassment :s
Certainly not the kind of game you’d expect from two Cup contenders :down:

Meanwhile, Vancouver, Detroit, Devils... wtf?!
I think we'll see the Sunshine series this year... Florida vs. L.A. :D

[A.F.F.]

Who cares about some sad little puck series far away when Reipas is finally in the hockey finals here. :D

Oh, you mean Heinola's Peliitat's farmteam ??

[BleAivano]

I saw it on tv thanks to Viasat :bounce:

That little prcik #87 showing his true talent... :rolleyes:

yeah i agree. very "Brave" as long as the referee as nearby but as soon as they aren't aren't around.
Sidney quickly turns around run away. Pretty much like Brave Sir Robin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZwuTo7zKM8). :P

[MrJan]

Yes, another great game by Rinne.

Oh, I wished to have seen Flyers vs. Penguins game, especially that last one. I followed it through nhl.com but that is pretty lame......

Not great quality but I've found Live Sport Streams, Football, Soccer, Ice Hockey, Tennis, Basketball / LiveTV (http://livetv.ru/en/allupcomingsports/1/) good for watching hockey. Good selection of feeds, usually from the Viasat coverage. I find that all steaming coverage will ocassionally freeze or drop signal, but these are generally quite good.

[janneppi]

Oh, you mean Heinola's Peliitat's farmteam ??
They're also the cooling down team for Hollolan Kiekko. :D

[A.F.F.]

:bounce: Rinne & Nashville !!!!!!

Also Phoenix and Florida, brilliant job !!! :up:

[BleAivano]

Crosby seems to be "popular" in Philly;
Philadelphia paper labels Sidney Crosby 'The Cowardly Penguin' on cover - NHL.com - News (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=628483)

[A.F.F.]

Gee, I wonder why?? :p

[DonJippo]

Crosby seems to be "popular" in Philly;
Philadelphia paper labels Sidney Crosby 'The Cowardly Penguin' on cover - NHL.com - News (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=628483)

Game four tonight, three hours and it's game on :bounce:

[MrJan]

Game four tonight, three hours and it's game on :bounce:

Just watched the highlights on NHL.com :eek: What a crazy first period!!!

[schmenke]

Embarrassing series :s . That’s not the way professional hockey should be played :down:
I'm glad to see Pittsburg stay alive though.

Similarly with Vancouver, althought I would have thought a more offensive game with Daniel back in the lineup.
Ottawa too stays alive, although the head-shot to Spezza was a bit frightening.

[A.F.F.]

I don't like bros Sedin but I like Dustin Brown even less so I was glad of the way he got back at him....

[A.F.F.]

Way to go Phoenix !!! :up:

[BleAivano]

Way to go Phoenix !!! :up:

yeah "Harry" leads the way as usual.

Rangers at home vs Sens in game 7, Lets go Rangers.

[schmenke]

Go Sens :dozey:

[A.F.F.]

Go Sens :dozey:

:laugh: ;)

[A.F.F.]

Anyway.... Boston out :mark:

I truly hope Florida gets it done !!!

[BleAivano]

Anyway.... Boston out :mark:

I truly hope Florida gets it done !!!

well you hope was all in vain. Good to see that Rangers pull through though.
we've got some interesting rounds coming up. I think Rangers vs. Caps will be of the same kind as
the series between Rangers and Sens. While Devils vs. Flyers probably will be more offensive.

Wouldn't be too suprised if we would get a SC final between NY Rangers and LA Kings. East Coast vs. West Coast
Biggest city vs second biggest city. Hank vs. Quick.
That is what I am hoping for.

[schmenke]

Normally I would cheer for an “original six” team, but I can’t stand that insufferable Tortorella :s .

I’d love to see Rinne win the cup, but I can’t stand that unbearable Carrie Underwood :p :


Go Jersey :dozey:

[A.F.F.]

Nashville vs. Philadelphia is my hope for final. But I also would love to see Rinne getting the cup.

[A.F.F.]

It's all over for Nashville AND Philadelphia... I'll be cheering for Phoenix, I hope they'll get the cup!

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[Garry Walker]

No one watching the world championships?

Awful semi for Finland against Russia yesterday, but it was expected that Russia will win with their line-up. Doesn't seem like anyone can stop them from winning.

[A.F.F.]

Well, Finland continued to suck today against Chzec and lost the pronze medal :mark:

And you were right about Russia, no-one stopped them in this tournament.

[Mark in Oshawa]

Russia is always tough in the World Championships and disappears in the Olympics.....where every nation has their best horses ready to go....mmmmm wonder how much that IIHF World Championship means to your average North American player too...since many don't go....


As for me, I haven't been watching much of the finals, but it appears the LA Kings are going to roll over the Devils in the same manner they rolled over everyone else....

[A.F.F.]

So far yes, that's how it seem to go. I cheer for Devils purely one reason. I canät stand Dustin Brown. :down:

[BleAivano]

Former Russian/Soviet icehockey player Vladimir Krutov have died.
He was the Left WInger in the famous KLM line (Krutov-Larionov-Makarov)


He died in a hospital in Moscow earlier today.
Vladimir Krutov, Russian hockey legend, dead at 52 - thestar.com (http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/1206643--vladimir-krutov-soviet-ice-hockey-legend-dead-at-52)

[Mark in Oshawa]

No mention of what kills a man of 52? He wasn't very old...god speed to the man....

[Garry Walker]

Former Russian/Soviet icehockey player Vladimir Krutov have died.
He was the Left WInger in the famous KLM line (Krutov-Larionov-Makarov)


He died in a hospital in Moscow earlier today.
Vladimir Krutov, Russian hockey legend, dead at 52 - thestar.com (http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/1206643--vladimir-krutov-soviet-ice-hockey-legend-dead-at-52)

Sad. A true legend in hockey, one of the greats. Shame that he failed in NHL.


No mention of what kills a man of 52? He wasn't very old...god speed to the man....
The same that kills so many more russian men (and women). Booze.

[Garry Walker]

And I cannot not mention how happy I am that Kings are destroying the devils in the finals, hopefully they will finish the series on saturday when game 5 takes place.

[Mark in Oshawa]

And I cannot not mention how happy I am that Kings are destroying the devils in the finals, hopefully they will finish the series on saturday when game 5 takes place.


To quote an old army joke, "Not so FAST Kowalski".

Devils push it to a Game Six, which is how far I figured the Kings would need to go to beat Martin Brodeur and the Devils.

[schmenke]

$104M! Holy crap! I know the cap is increasing, but seriously...?!

For the Pens' sake I hope he has a sturdy helmet :s

[A.F.F.]

$104M! Holy crap! I know the cap is increasing, but seriously...?!

For the Pens' sake I hope he has a sturdy helmet :s

Word. I was suprised to hear that. He seems such a fragile player novadays :/

[Mark in Oshawa]

They must have a clause to protect them if Crosby's bell is rung again. I don't get it, but I suspect they didn't want him taking his show elsewhere.....even if it is a year or two away.

Hey Freeagent's are free to sign today. No big news yet, not with the lack of huge names but ya just never know...Parise, Brodeur are looking, Suter is looking...Luongo wants out of VanCity....the Leafs are desparate to do more than just go down the toilet another year....the Flames picked up Wideman, does that mean Boumeester is going to be traded? IS Iggie staying in Calgary? Will the King's reload? Will the Lightning do something drastic? God knows I am gonna enjoy watching the coverage tomorrow....

[A.F.F.]

OJ wants to stay in Calgary. I wondeer if Calgary wants OJ to stay? :p

[schmenke]

Apparently not :p :
O.J. off to the Jets.
Jiri Hudler to the Flames.

[A.F.F.]

Parise and Suter to Wild. Minnesota needs back up to both fencesm O and D.

[MD24]

Free agent forward Zach Parise and defenceman Ryan Suter have both agreed to terms on 13-year, $98 million contracts with the Minnesota Wild.
The deals carry an average annual salary of just over $7.5 million.


Wild agree to terms with free agents Suter, Parise (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=399913)

[Garry Walker]

Wild agree to terms with free agents Suter, Parise (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=399913)

Massively overpaid.

In other news, Jagr signs with Dallas Stars.

[schmenke]

Brodeur re-signs with the Devils for another two years. $9M.

Carey Price re-signs with the Habs for another 6 years. This surprised me. I would have thought he'd look elsewhere.

[A.F.F.]

Very interesting season to look for..... if it only starts !!!!! :mad:

[BleAivano]

Very interesting season to look for..... if it only starts !!!!! :mad:

Don't worry, they'll be up and running within 4-6 weeks or so.

[A.F.F.]

Don't worry, they'll be up and running within 4-6 weeks or so.

Doesn't seem like it now... :mark:

[BleAivano]

Doesn't seem like it now... :mark:

OK they are not really agreed yet but I told you that they would be up and running within 4-6 weeks. ;)

Some more info about the latest offer;

NHL, NHLPA enter zone of potential agreement | Hockey | CBC Sports (http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/opinion/2012/10/nhl-nhlpa-enter-zopa-in-labour-talks.html)
Breaking down the league's proposal - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/19780/breaking-down-the-leagues-proposal)

[A.F.F.]

Fingers crossed.....

[BleAivano]

pretty nice goal by Filip Forsberg, a future NHL-star (drafted in 2012 as nr 11 by Washington Capitals).

Forsberg krossar plexiglaset | ISHOCKEY | Sportbladet | Webbtv | Aftonbladet (http://www.aftonbladet.se/webbtv/sport/ishockey/article15626828.ab)

[A.F.F.]

While millionaires and billionaires still fight, the juniors play hockey !!!! WJHC started yesterday. Finland had two pre-games before the tournament and won tehm both... oh, btw, they were against Canada and USA ;)

[veeten]

Good news! The lock-out may be over. Tentative deal has been agreed to by both the NHL & the Player's Union.

NHL, NHLPA reach tentative agreement - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8817955/nhl-nhlpa-reach-tentative-agreement)

lets go Times

[A.F.F.]

Finally !!!!

First I was pissed off but coming to think of it, this new schedule is so thight that they are basicly playing playoffs already. Every game counts :up:

Welcome HOCKEY !!!

[MrJan]

Yeah!!! Although without internet access during the evenings I'm not sure how I'll manage to follow it. I managed to catch a few AHL games when I was in Toronto over Christmas, including the Boxing Day game versus Hamilton which was at the Air Canada Centre thanks to the lockout. Not sure that I believe the "sell out crowd 18,800" figure that was announced, but it was still good to be in a busy arena for some hockey.


First I was pissed off but coming to think of it, this new schedule is so thight that they are basicly playing playoffs already. Every game counts :up:


Makes me laugh that 48 games is considered a tight schedule in hockey, in soccer we're playing 46 games during the whole season!

[schmenke]

...Makes me laugh that 48 games is considered a tight schedule in hockey, in soccer we're playing 46 games during the whole season!

How long is the soccer season?

[A.F.F.]

Yeah!!! Although without internet access during the evenings I'm not sure how I'll manage to follow it. I managed to catch a few AHL games when I was in Toronto over Christmas, including the Boxing Day game versus Hamilton which was at the Air Canada Centre thanks to the lockout. Not sure that I believe the "sell out crowd 18,800" figure that was announced, but it was still good to be in a busy arena for some hockey.



Makes me laugh that 48 games is considered a tight schedule in hockey, in soccer we're playing 46 games during the whole season!

I'm sorry but you're not allowed to talk about soccer in a hockey thread :)

[MrJan]

I'm sorry but you're not allowed to talk about soccer in a hockey thread :)

Well I'm going to do it anyway :p :


How long is the soccer season?

Depends on the league. Premier league teams play 38 league games + any cup games and the season runs from early/mid August to early/mid May. Teams in the other 3 main leagues will play 46 games as there are more teams in the lower leagues (24 as opposed to 20). Cup runs all depends on how well you play as they are usually knockout competitions, a Premier League team would have played about another 10 games or so if they reached the final in each of the two domestic cup competitions.

I see that the Leafs have decided to start the season in a stable way, nothing quite like trying to settle everyone back into things!

[A.F.F.]

Boot to Burke ??! Not necessarily a bad thing, eh?

[schmenke]

...
Depends on the league. Premier league teams play 38 league games + any cup games and the season runs from early/mid August to early/mid May. Teams in the other 3 main leagues will play 46 games as there are more teams in the lower leagues (24 as opposed to 20). Cup runs all depends on how well you play as they are usually knockout competitions, a Premier League team would have played about another 10 games or so if they reached the final in each of the two domestic cup competitions....

So roughly 50 games in about a 7 month season, compared with the NHL's 82 games in a regular season in about the same duration (mid Oct. to mid April).

Haven't seen this year's compressed season schedule yet.



...
I see that the Leafs have decided to start the season in a stable way, nothing quite like trying to settle everyone back into things!

I don't understand the timing for Burke's dismissal. Why fire him before a game has even been played? :cornfused: The decision was obviously made some time ago.

[MrJan]

So roughly 50 games in about a 7 month season, compared with the NHL's 82 games in a regular season in about the same duration (mid Oct. to mid April).

Yep. Of course in soccer you don't have lines that can change, so at least 8 of the guys that start the game will play the full 90 minutes...although of course hockey is more demanding physically.

I can't get the thing with Leafs either. I'm still relatively new to hockey (it's so difficult to follow from over here) but it seems to me that the time to get rid was back in the summer or after a few games if/when results aren't going right. To do it a few days before things get underway just seems silly.

Oh and for the record, the draft system makes no sense if you're new to it!

[A.F.F.]

Finally!! Today it starts. The Cup is up for grabs. :bounce:

[BleAivano]

Finally!! Today it starts. The Cup is up for grabs. :bounce:

the only problem is the over priced mandatory Viaplay package you have to subscribe to if you want to see NHL at all in Sweden. :mad: :angryfire :down: .

[MrJan]

the only problem is the over priced mandatory Viaplay package you have to subscribe to if you want to see NHL at all in Sweden. :mad: :angryfire :down: .

livetv.ru ;) Really good for hockey, quite often they have Viasat feeds, although there don't seem to be any around.

Watched the Penguins/Flyers game earlier, great second period and it was a bit of a shame that Philly couldn't get the equalising goal and take it to OT, would've liked to see another 5 minutes.

Tail end of the Leafs game at the minute, all getting a bit tense as Montreal have suddenly remembered how to play hockey (seriously weak powerplay performance against a notoriously poor PK unit.

I also had the Bruins/Rangers game on, but the only bit I really saw was a great toe to toe punch up :D

[janneppi]

Finally!! Today it starts. The Cup is up for grabs. :bounce:
Or if you look at Finnish media, Mikael Granlund's season begins with Granlund's team playing against a team where Granlund doesn't play. There are also other players in Granlunds team and in the league who are not called Mikael Granlund, but they are not interesting because Mikael "Granlundin Mikke" Granlund!!!!

[A.F.F.]

Or if you look at Finnish media, Mikael Granlund's season begins with Granlund's team playing against a team where Granlund doesn't play. There are also other players in Granlunds team and in the league who are not called Mikael Granlund, but they are not interesting because Mikael "Granlundin Mikke" Granlund!!!!

:laugh:


Anyway, Teemu had a flying start to the season. 2+2 points like Jagr. Veterans are on the move this year :up:

[gloomyDAY]

http://i.minus.com/idjiZVZaCjVyr.gif

[schmenke]

Sweet pass! Is that Mark Streit laying on his belly? He must feel like a fool :p :

[MrJan]

I see that the Leafs have decided to start the season in a stable way, nothing quite like trying to settle everyone back into things!

1/4 of the way in and not going too bad for the Leafs, they've had a good week with schooling the Habs and then a win against the Flyers last night. I didn't catch a lot of hockey last season but Leafs seem a bit more physical this year, the game at Montreal saw a few of them go toe to toe, even late on when the game was won, although Montreal looked quite poor TBH.

I haven't really been following too much beyond Toronto's game to game performance, I usually watch them on a Saturday and try to catch highlights through the rest of the week. It can be pretty difficult keeping up though, everything in hockey seems to change really quickly, one moment a team is in great form and the next they suck.

[schmenke]

Habs blew a 3 - 0 lead late in the third. Six minutes to go in the game and the Lightening scored three goals :s . Terrible. Still won in a shootout though.
Coach Therrien said during the post-game interview "We played good hockey... for 54 minutes."

[A.F.F.]

Ducks have been VERY strong !!! I'm amazed, especially how strong has been Fasth's performance as a goalie. Way to go Ducks!!!

[BleAivano]

Just read the sad news of the passing of Wayne Fleming. :( http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRDz3aCMUlLA8tDfboHKiBV-1VN8Owwi7Jjg1CJgHxCeHQc6aZJ

Longtime NHL assistant Wayne Fleming dies at 62 - NHL.com - News (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=662237#&navid=nhl-search)

http://cdn.nhl.com/lightning/images/upload/2010/11/fleming-bench2-DL.jpg

[schmenke]

Anyone following the trades?

Notably:

Jagr to Boston.

Iggy to Pittsburg (where he scored a goal last night).

Pommenville to the Wild.

Gaborik to the Blue Jackets.

Blake Comeau didn’t hang around too long with the Flames and has been traded to the Blue Jackets for a bag of pucks.

Still awaiting decisions on both Kiprusoff (Toronto?) and Luango...

[Garry Walker]

Gaborik to the Blue Jackets.



What!?

Gaborik has not been that good this year, but still quite surprising. A money saving move for Rangers.

[schmenke]

What!?

Gaborik has not been that good this year, but still quite surprising. A money saving move for Rangers.

Yep, I think the Rangers got the better end of that deal.

[BleAivano]

Anyone following the trades?

Notably:

Jagr to Boston.

Iggy to Pittsburg (where he scored a goal last night).

Pommenville to the Wild.

Gaborik to the Blue Jackets.

Blake Comeau didn’t hang around too long with the Flames and has been traded to the Blue Jackets for a bag of pucks.

Still awaiting decisions on both Kiprusoff (Toronto?) and Luango...

Not to mention that Caps "gives" away their top prospect Filip Forsberg for Erat and Latta. The caps fans are not amused by that trade.

[schmenke]

Kipper and Luango stay put.
Kipper to retire next year and Luango, well, his contract is just too expensive :mark: .

[A.F.F.]

It's not sure that Kiprusoff will retire. He said it will be one option.

How about Ottawa getting Cory Conacher?

[BleAivano]

talking about goalies what do say about Brodeurs stats lately? :D

He won his 666th win about three weeks ago but neither he or the devils have won a single game since. :D


The Devils really need to get their goalies sorted, both Marty and Hedberg have one more season
left on their contracts and its unlikely that they will be re-signed.

I also think that the Rangers will start to consider to find a new back-up for Hank as Biron
will be 37 when his contract expires after the next season.

[schmenke]

...I also think that the Rangers will start to consider to find a new back-up for Hank as Biron
will be 37 when his contract expires after the next season.

That's young compared to Brodeur! :p :

[MrJan]

Talking of goalies, great shutout for Reimer last night, be pulled out some stunning saves while Leafs were shorthanded in the third. Makes you wonder if all this talk of Leafs needing a goalie is a bit previous...or if its one of the reasons for his current form.

[A.F.F.]

Still talking about goalies, who remembers Tim Thomas? Rask has done some great work for Boston.

[MrJan]

Booooooooooooo

[BleAivano]

Booooooooooooo

yeah the leafs did really well yesterday didn't they? :D ;)

[MrJan]

yeah the leafs did really well yesterday didn't they? :D ;)

Only watched the 6 minute highlights but didn't look great. Not too surprising as they ended the regular season on a bit of a slump, even games they were winning they didn't have many shots on goal. Still time to come good but I think they'd have been better placed if it had only been a 38 game season!!

[BleAivano]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p11X-4fc7vc

[MrJan]

Phew! Quite a tense game 5 there but Leafs managed to pull it out. There's a lot of times that I watch the Maple Leafs and they remind me a lot of my soccer team. They'll have a spell in the game that they're really on top, lots of posession and shots, but not capitalise on it, a lot like the first period tonight. Then there are other times when they sit back and invite pressure on themselves and you feel like it's inevitable that the other team will score, which is pretty much what happened in the last period. It can be frustrating at times but at least it makes things interesting!

[BleAivano]

SWEEEEEEEEEDEEEEEEEEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awsome we won the shoot out vs Canada.

Great penelty shots by Loui Loui and Pettersson with Enroth being secure in goal.

[mr nobody]

Is anyone going to beat the Blackhawks? It's hard for this Redwings fan to even watch the games they play against them.

[BleAivano]

Sweden-Finland 3-0. https://static.flashback.org/img/smilies2/beer2.gif

[BleAivano]

Apparently IIHF world championship are available for free at IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/icehockey) in those countries in which WC are not shown on tv.

[BleAivano]

woooooooohooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo WORLD CHAMPIONS.

http://www.svenska.gu.se/digitalAssets/1233/1233551_Svensk_flagga.jpg