The NHL Thread

[silvermedalist]

They woke up for 40 seconds. Tied it up and then lost in the first minute of overtime. This is getting to be routine for them.

Very disappointing with so much talent. They have to help Ovetchkin out. They have been trying so hard to improve their defense that they have stopped doing what they do best. Score. And do it in a free wheeling syle. They dont have strong enough goaltending yet to be able to gamble like they want to. I expect them to get better. Better these things are ironed out now than have a disaster like last year in the playoffs.

This just in. Final score. Minnesota Wild 10 The Province of Alberta 1. And the Toronto Maple Laughs lose 7-0. Something must be done in Toronto now for sure. This has gone too far. I dont know if firing Wilson will solve anythiing though. The man probably wish's he were coaching anywhere else right now at this moment after todays humiliation. My team has its problems, but they fight like junk yard dogs. They will not go quietly. The Leafs have to look themselves in the mirror and wake up. They were doing much better and then Bang. Well, enough said on that.

There needs to be some wheeling and dealing. Unless everyone just wants to see Pittsburgh and golden boy Crosby march into the fiinals. Right now my money would have to be on a Pittsburgh and Vancouver final. That would certainly be a good final.

Hey, did those drunken Russians ever get on their plane back? I guess they rang up quite a bill of porn at the hotel they were at. I wish I was selling the /Vodka.

[Footsteps of Dawn]

Well, that was a bust against the Pens last night. I don't know how to feel...I definitely feel less cranky than I usually do after losing to the Pens, knowing that it wasn't so much the Red Wings playing them as the Grand Rapids Griffins, but on the other hand, our usual guys weren't exactly fired up, either, so that tilts it back in the direction of being peeved. Plus, Miller TOTALLY should've gotten a penalty shot - even the Pittsburgh announcers thought so! Argh, whatever. On to the next one. And at least we didn't get any MORE injuries last night. Between Cooke, Rupp, Orpik and Engelland (did I forget anybody?), I think we got lucky. Now, how long until Datsyuk and Cleary are back? Please let it be soon.

Speaking of the Wings and Pens, 2 more months until I see both of them play at the Joe!

[silvermedalist]

Well, that was a bust against the Pens last night. I don't know how to feel...I definitely feel less cranky than I usually do after losing to the Pens, knowing that it wasn't so much the Red Wings playing them as the Grand Rapids Griffins, but on the other hand, our usual guys weren't exactly fired up, either, so that tilts it back in the direction of being peeved. Plus, Miller TOTALLY should've gotten a penalty shot - even the Pittsburgh announcers thought so! Argh, whatever. On to the next one. And at least we didn't get any MORE injuries last night. Between Cooke, Rupp, Orpik and Engelland (did I forget anybody?), I think we got lucky. Now, how long until Datsyuk and Cleary are back? Please let it be soon.

Speaking of the Wings and Pens, 2 more months until I see both of them play at the Joe!

Yikes. No wonder I got such juicy odds on them in St Louis tonight. Well, they should beat the hapless Blues nonetheless. Also took Philly to whack Ottawa, Dallas to beat Edmonton and stuck my nect out with Buffalo and Washington. Who would have thought Washington at the Islanders was no gimme. It isnt.

[silvermedalist]

Vanek shoots. He scooooores!!!!!!!!!!! SABRES defeat Boston AGAIN!!!!

[Footsteps of Dawn]

Yikes. No wonder I got such juicy odds on them in St Louis tonight. Well, they should beat the hapless Blues nonetheless. Also took Philly to whack Ottawa, Dallas to beat Edmonton and stuck my nect out with Buffalo and Washington. Who would have thought Washington at the Islanders was no gimme. It isnt.

Yep, we beat the Blues - in OT. We held 'em at 3-0 for a long time, but we got lazy and they tied it up at 3. Today we lost big time to the $*#% Hawks...1-4. Funny, our one goal was by Emmerton, a kid who got called up from the Griffs to replace Filppula, who was out with the flu today. He wouldn't have even got that one if Crawford hadn't pulled a Halak and basically put it in his own net. I don't know how we've held on to 2nd place this long.

Glad you guys having been winning more...I'd much rather see the Sabres in the playoffs than Florida, Carolina, or Atlanta. What is it with the Islanders, though? We haven't been having too much luck with them, either. There's one out of many games I'd like to have back.

Ha, and now we're in the middle of Nabby-gate with them...I am going to be PISSED if they suspend him instead of putting him back on waivers. I know there's pretty much no way we're going to get him back, but it's ridiculous for a team to pick a guy up and just make him sit the whole season so nobody else can have him. That's not going to make you too popular with future FAs, either.

[silvermedalist]

Yep, we beat the Blues - in OT. We held 'em at 3-0 for a long time, but we got lazy and they tied it up at 3. Today we lost big time to the $*#% Hawks...1-4. Funny, our one goal was by Emmerton, a kid who got called up from the Griffs to replace Filppula, who was out with the flu today. He wouldn't have even got that one if Crawford hadn't pulled a Halak and basically put it in his own net. I don't know how we've held on to 2nd place this long.

Glad you guys having been winning more...I'd much rather see the Sabres in the playoffs than Florida, Carolina, or Atlanta. What is it with the Islanders, though? We haven't been having too much luck with them, either. There's one out of many games I'd like to have back.

Ha, and now we're in the middle of Nabby-gate with them...I am going to be PISSED if they suspend him instead of putting him back on waivers. I know there's pretty much no way we're going to get him back, but it's ridiculous for a team to pick a guy up and just make him sit the whole season so nobody else can have him. That's not going to make you too popular with future FAs, either.

The Islanders have been a thorn in our side as well. And have been coming on. We are in their building this afternoon, same time as the Championship game in the NFL so Ill have to flip back and forth. They need to win this game or things are looking bleak. Overcoming the loss of one of your best guys when you are a small market team is very tough to do. But that dick head Regier should have done better than sign a lame ass in Neidermeyer.

[Electrophile]

So the Red Wings sign Nabokov to a one-year deal, and the Islanders claim him off waivers. Now, he's refusing to report to Long Island.

I love it. He's going Galt.

He obviously realizes it's far better for him to play for the Red Wings than the Islanders.

[silvermedalist]

So the Red Wings sign Nabokov to a one-year deal, and the Islanders claim him off waivers. Now, he's refusing to report to Long Island.

I love it. He's going Galt.

He obviously realizes it's far better for him to play for the Red Wings than the Islanders.

They mentioned this during the Sabres win at the Island today. The phones are ringing off the hook over this in Toronto. There will be much trouble over this issue.

[silvermedalist]

Your boys are playing better Black Dawg. I am disappointed they did not beat the Rangers. Should our ship sink I would probably come on board yours as far as the East is concerned but would be cheering for the Canucks all the way if my team flounders. I have far from given up as hope is still there. Atlanta is falling apart fast and we simply must go on a streak. Very doable with the upcoming schedule. We must go in to Ottawa and take care of business but Regier has to make a move when he knocks heads with the GMs at the all star game. Where is the blasted all star game anyway? Skate and shoot. I think Crosby and Malkin are both out of the lineup for Pittsburgh. without them they are an average team. With a good goalie in Fleury. Vancouver showed how good they are last night by pummeling Dallas. What I would do to have one of the sedins. Phiilly is playing very good hockey and as much as I cant stand them I will admit it. They are a threat for sure. I do think their achilles heel is their goaltending which will be what they look to fix perhaps. I am surprised they did not go after Nabokov. I expect a better second half from my Sabres and from the Sharks. Alot of young kids are getting their shot to play on my team due to Roy's season ending injury which is a killer for us. Regier must move his ass and do it fast. Will be interesting to see what Vancouver does? They really need do nothing in my opinion. But they may want to get an enforcer. A goon so to speak. There is alot of season left. Will see how it plays out. Go Sabres!

[ally]

Will be interesting to see what Vancouver does? They really need do nothing in my opinion. But they may want to get an enforcer. A goon so to speak.

We've got injuries on the blue line that may be more long term than originally thought. Bieksa, Alberts, Rhome. I see your kid from Rochester got a goal for us last night. Good for him He may just stick with the big club afterall

[silvermedalist]

We've got injuries on the blue line that may be more long term than originally thought. Bieksa, Alberts, Rhome. I see your kid from Rochester got a goal for us last night. Good for him He may just stick with the big club afterall

Now send us some help!!!!!

[ally]

Now send us some help!!!!!

There's still a hell of a team wearing the Blue and Gold and it would be a huge mistake for Regier to sell the fort . To this point, the Sabres may not be having the season we'd both hoped for but IMHO, it would have to be a sensible trade before I'd pull the trigger.

[silvermedalist]

There's still a hell of a team wearing the Blue and Gold and it would be a huge mistake for Regier to sell the fort . To this point, the Sabres may not be having the season we'd both hoped for but IMHO, it would have to be a sensible trade before I'd pull the trigger.

I would never pull the trigger on Lindy. Or Regier either. Quinn yes. In a minute. Cheap bastard that he is. I cant wait til the new owner takes over. Anyway, we got out of Ottawa with a big win. Lindy and Miller screaming at the ref for goalie interference that was obvious and not called on Ottawa's second goal. Nonetheless we beat them in OT> With Connelly, Kaleta out. Vanek playing limited minutes. I just saw an arcticle saying that Roy had All Star numbers but is injured. Vanek has more goals than five all star forwards including the one from Toronto but they felt obligated to have a maple leaf in the all star game. So no Sabres. That is bullshit. Venek should be there. Roy would have been. And Miller should have been voted in also, just because he is the regning Vezina winner. How many times did Broduer have a shitty start and get in? Many. Miller is now on his game. If we can stay healthy and get our guys back next week we will make it. We will pass Atlanta fast. WE are four back with two in hand. So in effect we have pretty much already caught them. The Rangers and Montreal are not safe yet. New Jersey is now playing like New Jersey but It is probably too much to over come for them. Edmonton just scored to tie Phoenix. I have Phoenix with the Sabres. Damn these Oilers. My buddy in Vegas is laying some hockey bets for me. I had Buffalo flat. Winner. Tomorrow I am going to take a long shot parlay. New Jersey over Detroit and Florida over Boston. But Ill hammer the Canucks and Sharks to cover myself. Edmonton just scored again. Phoenix sucks. They are pretenders. That prick Whitney can rot there. Fucking fish out of water. If you cant beat Edmonton something is wrong. Not to say this young team isnt getting better. They will. But right now, no way. I think the one team in the league I cant figure out is Minnesota. I just dont know how good they really are. Last check they were giving Chicago fits and beating them.

Black Dawg. Tell your boys to take care of Atlanta for us tonight. Go Caps

[silvermedalist]

My buddy called me from Vegas and I just laid down some action! Last night before the all star break.

Vancouver and washington

Vancouver and San Jose

San Jose and Washington

San Jose and New Jersey (yeah, against the big bad Red Wings)

New Jersey and Vancouver

Had my Sabres last night. Took OT to win and gave me a coronary watching it.

B Ball

Philly

Charlotte

Memphis

Just for the fun of it. It makes it more interesting to watch. But I still love watching hockey no matter. Never get sick of hockey. Go sharks. Go Canucks. Go Caps. My boys have a week off. They need it to heal the wounded.

[silvermedalist]

How do the Capitals get shut out by Atlanta. Damn. Thanks for nothing. Devils tie the score and they wave it off. Bullshit. Its in the net and they dont even go to Toronto.

[silvermedalist]

Well I am now watching Vancouver and will switch back and forth to the Sharks game and Flames game also. I just love Center Ice. Uh oh. penalty on the Canucks. Wake up boys!! The damn Capitals really let me down Black Dawg. And seeing Ovetchkin with his head down on the bench was a bit disconcerting. I do like Boudreau. Hope he gets the ship sailing again. But I have some real concerns with this Capitals team. All this talent and something is missing. I think they need a kamakaze type player that will crash the nets and run some bodies. Dont let Ovy do it because you cant have him in the box. Semin and Backstum and Knuble must pick up their games. The announcer in that game said some things I liked. Said, watch out for the Sabres, they are coming. 9-3-1 in last 13. And he said Vanek has more power play goals than anyone in the NHL in the last five years. Including Crosby. Vanek has more than anyone folks. So why is he not in the all star game? its bullshit that is why. Bullshit.

[silvermedalist]

No need to worry about San Jose. Too many turnovers. I have never seen a team turn the puck over as much as they did last night. Their goalie kept them in it. Washington did not play that bad. A hot goalie did them in. but a team that just the other night gave up I think 7 or 8. No help from Washington.

[silvermedalist]

Yesterday the rumour was the Flyers were after Iginla. Today its Erik Cole of Carolina. They are playing as good as anyone and probably have the best team they have had in a long long time. Hear that wolfman? I am praising your team. The team I hate so much. Not enough greed to steal Briere from us. But when all is said and done you still have two glaring problems. One, is goaltending and the other is the inability to beat the Penguins who have had your number for a long time. But maybe someone else will do the favor for you like last year and knock them out? A certain possibility. If Crosby and or Malkin are out they are not the same team. My boys next game next Friday is at Pittsburgh. I hope that we do something as far as a trade goes. Whitney should have come to Buffalo intstead of Phoenix. He is going nowhere with the coyotes. Now the search will be on for all teams.

[silvermedalist]

11-10 just as I figured. Skate and shoot. No Crosby. No derek Roy. No Vanek. No me watch that fiasco. I voted. They must have thrown my votes into the mississippi river or whatever piece of water is down there. Why did I vote for Dan Boyle? Why? He actually made it. I watched him turn the puck over about sixteen times the other night. the prick cost me some cabbage.

[silvermedalist]

Black Dawg!! What the hell is wrong with your boys? 2-0 and they let Monreal come back. Ouch. I think Boudreau is a good guy. But is he a good enough coach given the talent he has? He has to right the ship just like Mclelan in San Jose. Nice comeback by Sharks in this game regardless of how its ends! Score!!! Sharks were down 3-0 and now lead 4-3. My boys return to action Friday with four games in hand on Atlanta. I stuck my neck out tonight and bet on the Islanders and Devils and they came through. Going to take Detroit at Ottawa tomorrow and lay them a goal and a half on the road. Ottawa has major problems. The Leafs wont finish last this year. The rest of the season will be interesting. I cant wait to see waht our new owner has up his sleeve.

[Black Dawg]

Black Dawg!! What the hell is wrong with your boys? 2-0 and they let Monreal come back. Ouch. I think Boudreau is a good guy. But is he a good enough coach given the talent he has? He has to right the ship just like Mclelan in San Jose. Nice comeback by Sharks in this game regardless of how its ends! Score!!! Sharks were down 3-0 and now lead 4-3. My boys return to action Friday with four games in hand on Atlanta. I stuck my neck out tonight and bet on the Islanders and Devils and they came through. Going to take Detroit at Ottawa tomorrow and lay them a goal and a half on the road. Ottawa has major problems. The Leafs wont finish last this year. The rest of the season will be interesting. I cant wait to see waht our new owner has up his sleeve.

The thing that is most bewildering is why they can't win in overtime or a shoot out. They'll need to get this together if they want to get by the first round.

[silvermedalist]

Well the Buffalo Sabres have been sold to a Pennsylvania businessman ranked the 110th richest man in Anerica by Forbes. His name is Terry Pegula. His wife is from my hometown of Fairport NY. He has already signed REgier for an extention but Ruff I hear turned down an offer earlier in the fall. I am praying he stays. Now that the new guy is here, he wants to.

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabres-nhl/article330374.ece

[ally]

Well the Buffalo Sabres have been sold to a Pennsylvania businessman ranked the 110th richest man in Anerica by Forbes. His name is Terry Pegula. His wife is from my hometown of Fairport NY. He has already signed REgier for an extention but Ruff I hear turned down an offer earlier in the fall. I am praying he stays. Now that the new guy is here, he wants to.

http://www.buffalone...ticle330374.ece

Hope this new owner wants to see a winning team in Buffalo for years to come.

[silvermedalist]

Hope this new owner wants to see a winning team in Buffalo for years to come.

Me too Ally but I want Lindy to be there for a while. Lets see what happens at the trade deadline now. A press conference will take place in Buffalo tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully with no surprises where Lindy is concerned. I have heard this guy is a Sabres fan and with his wife being from here, Im sure they will try and patch up the relaionship betwen the Sabres and Rochester Americans within two years or so. The affiliation with Portland has hurt Rochester's AHL team at the windows big time. Now days our loyalties are with the Sabres first and foremost.

[ally]

Me too Ally but I want Lindy to be there for a while. Lets see what happens at the trade deadline now. A press conference will take place in Buffalo tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully with no surprises where Lindy is concerned. I have heard this guy is a Sabres fan and with his wife being from here, Im sure they will try and patch up the relaionship betwen the Sabres and Rochester Americans within two years or so. The affiliation with Portland has hurt Rochester's AHL team at the windows big time. Now days our loyalties are with the Sabres first and foremost.

Keep us posted on the press conference. Us small market franchises need to stick together and when a change happens in any of our markets, it can send a message to the rest.