Last week, we took a division-by-division look at the Eastern Conference, in terms of what each team faces this summer heading into next season. Now it’s the Western Conference’s turn, starting with the Central Division. Here’s how the teams finished this season, followed by a look at their summer outlooks…
1. Detroit Red Wings, 104 points (3rd in Western Conference)
2. Nashville Predators, 99 points (5th in Western Conference)
3. Chicago Blackhawks, 97 points (8th in Western Conference)
4. St. Louis Blues, 87 points (11th in Western Conference)
5. Columbus Blue Jackets, 81 points (13th in Western Conference)
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Hanging around?: After a difficult summer of 2010, the Blackhawks appear to have put the worst of their salary-cap woes behind them. The entire core of the defense is intact, led by Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, as is emerging goalie Corey Crawford. Chicago is also in good shape up front, with top-six forwards — including Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa — under contract, although Patrick Sharp looms as a huge unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2012.
Saying goodbye?: Depth centers Ryan Johnson and Tomas Kopecky are unrestricted free agents. They’re not difficult to replace, but the one thing the Blackhawks lacked this season was that third- and fourth-line grit, and that’s still an issue going into this summer. The other question is in goal. How much confidence do the Blackhawks have in Crawford, and who will back him up. Marty Turco is an unrestricted free agent, and Alec Richards was only average in the AHL this season.
Draft card: The Blackhawks’ minds might be eased a bit if they had a strong goalie prospect in the system, but they don’t. The good news is that the Blackhawks are fairly deep on defense, with Nick Leddy and Dylan Olsen leading the way. Leddy played more than half of this season in the NHL and, at age 20, is making good progress. Jeremy Morin, a strong forward prospect, also got a taste of the NHL, with two goals in nine games.
(Restricted free agents: Evan Brophey, C; Troy Brouwer, LW; Chris Campoli, D; Brian Connelly, D; Nathan Davis, C; Jake Dowell, C; Michael Frolik, LW; Robert Klinkhammer, LW; Mathis Olimb, C; Alec Richards, G; Viktor Stalberg, LW; Ivan Vishnevskiy, D.)
(Unrestricted free agents: Jassen Cullimore, D; Garnet Exelby, D; Jordan Hendry, D; Ryan Johnson, C; Tomas Kopecky, RW; Fernando Pisani, RW; Jeff Taffe, F; Hannu Toivonen, G; Marty Turco, G.)
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
Hanging around?: Well, at least they’ve got Steve Nash. The Blue Jackets finished 12th in the Western Conference in both goals scored and goals allowed, so it’s difficult to get too excited about anything they’ve got coming back. R.J. Umberger did score 25 goals and Kristian Huselius, when healthy, is a 20-goal threat as well. Columbus has goalie Steve Mason for two more seasons, but Mason had a 3.03 goals-against average this season and has been unable to recapture his early magic.
Saying goodbye?: The Blue Jackets have only 10 of their regular 20 players under contract for next season. They will be able to shore up their defense by re-signing restricted free agents Sami Lepisto, Marc Methot and Anton Stralman, but what do they do with RFA forward Jakub Voracek, who has been something of an enigma in Columbus? Mathieu Garon is also an unrestricted free agent in goal, and had given the Blue Jackets some solid games behind Mason.
Draft card: The near future could be rough for the Blue Jackets, but they do have a deep and balanced group of prospects. Ryan Johansen, a center, is only 18 but put up 40 goals in the Western Hockey League this season. Nikita Filatov remains intriguing but has yet to make an impact in the NHL. Columbus would be more secure if it had a top-flight prospect in goal. Allen York got better in every season at the NCAA level. Can he be a surprise breakthrough one day?
(Restricted free agents: Mike Blunden, RW; Nick Holden, D; Petr Kalus, RW; Tomas Kana, C; Sami Lepisto, D; Marc Methot, D; Michael Ratchuk, D; Anton Stralman, D; Jakub Voracek, RW; Gustaf Wesslau, G.)
(Unrestricted free agents: Chris Clark, RW; Grant Clitsome, D; Trevor Frischmon, C; Mathieu Garon, G; Ben Guite, C; Jan Hejda, D; David Leneveu, G; Greg Moore, RW; Ethan Moreau, LW; Andrew Murray, C; Craig Rivet, D; Jonathan Sigalet, D; Trevor Smith, LW; Scottie Upshall, RW; Kyle Wilson, C.)
DETROIT RED WINGS
Hanging around?: Does anything ever bother these guys? The Red Wings never seem to develop any holes in their lineup. Their talented top six — Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Johan Franzen, Dan Cleary, Valtteri Filppula and Todd Bertuzzi — is all set, as is Tomas Holmstrom and others. Brad Stuart, Brian Rafalski and Nicklas Kronwall are set on defense, as is goalie Jimmy Howard. That, alone, would be enough to form the core of a playoff team.
Saying goodbye?: All eyes and ears in Detroit this summer will be on Nicklas Lidstrom, who is mulling whether to return next season, at age 41. Detroit has already lost veteran defenseman Brian Rafalski to retirement, and Jonathan Ericsson and Ruslan Salei are unrestricted free agents. If the Red Wings have a potential hole, it’s on defense. Goalies Joey MacDonald and Chris Osgood are also UFAs, which might leave Jimmy Howard without an experienced backup.
Draft card: There isn’t likely to be much immediate help on defense from inside the system. Brendan Smith is a top prospect on defense but just completely only his first pro season after three years at the University of Wisconsin. Many of the Red Wings’ top prospects are centers, so perhaps there will be some movement to the wings, given that the Red Wings have centers Datsyuk, Filppula, Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm at the NHL level.
(Restricted free agents: Dick Axelsson, LW; Jordan Owens, LW; Francis Pare, C; Jordan Pearce, G; Logan Pyett, D.)
(Unrestricted free agents: Kris Draper, LW; Patrick Eaves, RW; Jonathan Ericsson, D; Ilari Filppula, F; Sergei Kolosov, D; Nicklas Lidstrom, D; Joey MacDonald, G; Derek Meech, D; Drew Miller, LW; Mike Modano, C; Chris Osgood, G; Ruslan Salei, D; Jamie Tardif, RW.)
NASHVILLE PREDATORS
Hanging around?: The strength of this group is in the back end, and with its tenacity up front, and that’s unlikely to be significantly changed this summer. Other than veteran banger Shane O’Brien, the Predators have the ability to bring back their defense intact, as well as breakthrough goalie Pekka Rinne and solid backup Anders Lindback. Up front, midseason acquisition Mike Fisher returns, as does 20-goal scorer Patric Hornqvist and center David Legwand.
Saying goodbye?: Does it matter? This organization shuffles players in and out, and it seems as though they all get on board with coach Barry Trotz’s system and win. The biggest storyline figures to be the Predators’ ability to lock up restricted free agent defenseman Shea Weber. He’s a franchise cornerstone and, arguably, the one player they can’t afford to lose. Up front, Steve Sullivan, Joel Ward and Marcel Goc are due to be UFAs, so Nashville might have some holes to fill.
Draft card: Nashville’s prospect list reflects its NHL-level philosophy. As ranked by the Hockey’s Future website, four of the Predators’ top six prospects are defensemen. No surprise there. Southern California product Jonathan Blum got a nice 23-game taste of the NHL and looked to have good potential — he scored a goal against the Kings — and up front, Nashville’s best hope might be winger Taylor Beck, who finished his junior career with a 42-goal season in the OHL.
(Restricted free agents: Mark Dekanich, G; Dan Gendur, RW; Matt Halischuk, RW; Linus Klasen, LW; Sergei Kostitsyn, RW; Teemu Laakso, D; Chris Mueller, F; Cal O’Reilly, G; Mark Santorelli, LW; Nick Spaling, C; Andreas Thuresson, RW; Shea Weber, D.)
(Unrestricted free agents: Steve Begin, C; Wade Belak, F; Marcel Goc, C; Aaron Johnson, D; Grant Lewis, D; Jamie Lundmark, C; Shane O’Brien, D; Brett Palin, D; Steve Sullivan, C; Joel Ward, RW; Kelsey Wilson, LW.)
ST. LOUIS BLUES
Hanging around?: The Blues were average this season, both in terms of goals scored and goals allowed, so it’s difficult to know what to make of this group. Here’s the good news: the defense is young and has room to improve, and the Blues might have found a keeper in goalie Jaroslav Halak. Up front, Chris Stewart was a monster after his midseason trade to St. Louis, and is heading into a contract year, and the Blues will hope for bounce-back seasons from forwards David Perron and Andy McDonald.
Saying goodbye?: This is a team with ownership questions, so how much will be spent this summer? The back end is in solid shape, but up front, among the top 12, the Blues have three unrestricted free agents and four restricted free agents. The latter category is the more notable, as the Blues need to figure out their long-term plans for T.J. Oshie and Matt D’Agostini. Ty Conklin is also a UFA, so the Blues will need to identify a backup for Halak, who played 57 games this season.
Draft card: The Blues are also deep and balanced and appear to be building in an admirable way. There’s excitement about 19-year-old forward Vladimir Tarasenko, who has been playing in the KHL, as well as with last year’s first-round pick, Jaden Schwartz, who had 17 goals in 30 games at Colorado College. In goal, Jake Allen had a strong season in the AHL. Is he ready to step up and play 20 games behind Halak at the NHL level?
(Restricted free agents: Ben Bishop, G; B.J. Crombeen, RW; Matt D’Agostini, RW; Nicholas Drazenovic, C; T.J. Hensick, C; Nikita Nikitin, D; T.J. Oshie, C; Roman Polak, D; Ryan Reaves, RW; Vladimir Sobotka, C.)
(Unrestricted free agents: Dean Arsene, D; Ty Conklin, G; Adam Cracknell, RW; Cam Janssen, F; Graham Mink, RW; Nathan Oystrick, D; Chris Porter, LW; Dave Scatchard, C; Dave Spina, RW; Tyson Stachan, D.)
Sharp is going to be available? That guy always kills us each time we play the B’hawks. Put him on the “wish” list.
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tantrum4 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 9:06 am
@DesertKing,
Not until 2012, next year.
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DesertKing Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 9:16 am
@tantrum4,
Maybe work out an early sign and trade? We should always be thinking 3-5 years intot he future reference who is available and what they can bring to the team.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 2:14 am
@DesertKing, I doubt we would ever part with enough to pry Sharp away.
I can’t believe Joel Ward is a UFA? I thought he was too young?
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Scot Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
@Anjin,
He probably doubled his upcoming salary with his playoff performance.
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The big question is who will move out of the Central division and move to the Eastern Conferene? I say either Detroit or Columbus just based on the geographics.
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txkingsfan Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 9:41 am
@Iceage35, i suspect eastern conf owners will nix Detroit moving to their conference. Why bring in a team that will take a playoff spot every year? Columbus is the safe bet for them – even if they provide a BS answer for why – we’ll know the real reason.
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Dominick Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
@txkingsfan,
Owners in the Eastern Conferance would welcome Detroit with open arms because Detroit sells tickets. Detroit has been petitioning the NHL for at least 10 years now, to move to the East.
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Sebastian Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:03 am
@Iceage35, Detroit moving to the east is as likely as the Kings signing Richards.
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SuperSonic420 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@Sebastian,
My money is on Nashville moving to the Southeast Division. The other two Eastern divisions are pretty much set. I know Nashville is in the central timezone, but it makes more sense to the SE teams to travel there than to Columbus or Detroit.
Dallas moves to the Central, Winnipeg goes to the NE, and Colorado is back in the Pacific.
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SuperSonic420 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
@SuperSonic420,
Winnipeg to the Northwest I mean.
CB14 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 9:33 pm
@SuperSonic420, Agree. Nashville is the closest team to the SouthEast, that way the NHL doesn’t have to change up the Eastern Conference divisions. I also like the idea of Colorado moving to the Pacific, and Dallas going to the Central. That all makes the most sense IMO.
I think you mean Rick Nash, not Steve.
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Scot Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
LOL I just noticed that too, and wanted to see if someone else pointed it out first. The Blue Jackets could definitely use Steve Nash, I bet he would be good setting up Rick!
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CB14 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
@Scot, He is a Canadian.
Just read your response to mine on the other post. I live in Torrance so we’ll have to watch a Kings game and grab a beer once the season starts.
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Did you write this a while ago Rich? Rafalski has since retired from Detroit.
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DesertKing Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 9:17 am
@tantrum4,
RH mentions that Rafalski retired in the Detroit portion.
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Stuart Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 9:56 am
@DesertKing, that’s what was strange, he was mentioned in the “locked up” and the “saying goodbye”…
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DesertKing Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 9:57 am
@Stuart,
Aah, I see….
I gotta say, St. Louis absolutely destroyed us last season. They were the best team I saw play against the Kings and they had everything, size, speed, goaltending, and physicality. The biggest problem they had was injuries, and I think that was the reason they didnt make it into the playoff’s. Looks like they are still suffering from the lingering effects of one Andy Murray even though he is long gone ! lol
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DesertKing Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 9:22 am
@puck73,
I remember that we couldn’t beat them or the B’Hawks during the regular season. We need to stay out of Illinois!
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Stuart Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 9:57 am
@DesertKing, STL is Illinois? whoa
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DesertKing Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:01 am
@Stuart,
Yeah, east St. Louis is. The arena is on the Missouri side, but come on, does anyone know where Missouri is? Those of us from Illinois still think St. Louis should bave been on the east side of the river
Stuart Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@DesertKing, LMAO!
Goring 19 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@puck73, must be a midwest thing. Andy who? oh the horra. I just had losing streak flashbacks!
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KC23 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
@puck73, I’ll still scratching my head wondering how St.Louis missed the playoffs. Every time I watched them they looked like a top 5 team.
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Tomas Kopecky could be a good chopice to replace Poni. He can play both left and right wing and shouldn’t cost much. Given the choices of what’s available, I think he might fit.
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are the Kings prepared to give Brad Richards a 5 year / $6.5 mil per to lock him in?
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puck73 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:01 am
@txkingsfan, Getting Richards would be huge. He immediately makes your powerplay better. Not only can he set up other guys, but he creates space, and he gets his shots thru to the net. I was also hoping to trade for Parise, however if that cant happen then maybe signing Selanne to a 1 year deal (if he would play here) would be just as huge because Selanne also can dominate on the powerplay, he has the ability to get that deadly one timer away.
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Stuart Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:15 am
@puck73, and he hits the net more often than not. I would take Team-moo for a year!
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Chris Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:19 am
@puck73, If Selanne comes back, there’s only one team he’s going to play for.
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DesertKing Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:06 am
@Chris,
Winnipeg?
BobKnob Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@Chris,
yeah srs. There’s zero chance of him going anywhere else.
Redlights Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:05 am
@txkingsfan, The salary saved by not re-signing Zues and Poni would pay for Richards.
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txkingsfan Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:39 am
@Redlights, we need to keep in mind that we must sign Doughty long term as well. I think a front loaded contract for the 5 years would be a good move for Richards. Although I doubt that it would be about the money for Richards coming to LA: does he want to play in LA. This has been a problem for top tier players in the past, but I suspect that this is changing now given the success of the CA teams and the Western conference. Thoughts?
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@txkingsfan, I agree. Remember, when Dean Lombardi came here, he said right from the get go that not only was he going to build from the backend out, he also said that he was focused on trying to change the culture and the way other players around the league viewed this organization. Here are some examples that it is changing…Justin Williams signing for a reasonable amount. Jack Johnson brokering his own deal without an agent. Ryan Smyth waiving his no trade clause to come here. Rob Scuderi, winning a Stanley Cup and writing his own ticket, could have played anywhere he wanted and signed here. Williie Mitchell…was coveted by San Jose and Washington, teams that were more attractive, and yet he signed a 2 year deal here. Fredrick Modin waived his no trade clause to come here as well. As you can see, the culture is changing here pretty dramatically the last 2 seasons !
Redlights Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@txkingsfan, • We still have some money left in the coffers for DD. I think Schenn makes the team and either Stoll or Zues are gone. If we keep Zues it will be for a much lesser amount. That would give us the cash to sign Richards and a player like Tomas Kopecky to replace Poni. Since Kopecky can play both wings and Richards can play LW and Center we would have many options and still have room for a rookie to crack the line up and add some fire power.
• Cant wait to see what happens. But I think DL knows this is the year to make a move.
Stuart Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@txkingsfan, but why would we HAVE to sign DD long term? Would it be a slap in the face to offer a short term, clause laden, contract? Good numbers, but still not long term after his little slide off the path season last year… just wondering.
Dave Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@Redlights, actually, that money is going to doughty and simmonds. to sign Richards another move would need to be made to free up space.
even a short-term deal for Doughty doesn’t free up the cap space for this year.
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BobKnob Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:19 pm
Can the Sedins please stop diving and faking? Go back to Europe and play soccer if you want to do that crap. Next year I would like the league to take a look at dives post-game and hand out fines and suspensions for this acting crap, it’s ridiculous and ruins the game. I think this would be a good way to put an end to it, since a lot of it is hard to catch for the refs.
BobKnob Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
@Dave,
oops, not sure how this ended up in this thread of convo.
Dominick Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@txkingsfan,
He made 7.8 mill last season. It’s a dream if you think he’s going to sign for 1.3 mill less, just out of the kindness of his own heart. He will take at least 7.8, or hold out till someone figures out how to get it to him.
Also many used the arguement “if he wants to win he’ll take it” last year with Kovalschmuck. It didn’t pan out then and I don’t think it will pan out now. The only way the Kings will sign a retirement deal for a high scoring top of the pecking order FA, is if they have the capspace available at the time the FA’s free.
The last couple of years the Kings have been outbid at every turn (I’m not blaming AEG like many do, because their spending plenty now). When ever these guys become FA’s, we have other issues that have to be dealt with, and try to be responsible, where as, other teams have just throw caution to the wind.
If we’re ever going to sign a guy like this, who would fit so well, we’re going to have to have the money free’d up ahead of time. Like next season, when Parise is an FA.
[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
@Dominick, I’m on board with that. I’m to a point with the horrible FA market, and one where B. Richards is going to be overpaid and over sought. I’m thinking it might be better to get our guys Like Lokti., maybe Kitsyn or Schenn some experience and bring in a another mid level guy with upside like Leino, or trade for a mid level guy with speed like a TJ Oshie, where we wouldn’t have to give up all our talent, and then clear space for next year and grab Parise, he is better than anyone we could get this year
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Dominick Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
@Ravens,
I see we’re both thinking along the exact same lines. Leino would be my real target this off season, with maybe a trade at the deadline if we need it (but only a rental). Oshie would be another midlevel deal that could work short term.
Plenty of other options, without gutting the entire team, or tading away valuable assets just to aquire 1 guy.
Sammuch Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
@Ravens, Love Parise he plays with big heart!!!! Speeeeeeeeed, get us 30 to 40 goals ever year and played for a real D team NJ
Duckbasher Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@Dominick, – I dunno… even with lots of empty seats all across the league, the teams with cap room will be for sure on the Richards hunt (due to the weak UFA field to pick from). I say Richards gets close to what he’s already getting. Hope we are in the ballpark.
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Dominick Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 3:27 pm
@Duckbasher,
If it happened I wouldn’t fight it. I also wouldn’t be disappointed if it didn’t. I have tried to stress to fellow Kingsfans that there are other options. I want it now always seems to be the theme though. For 5 years now everyone has been frothing at the mouth for every top FA thats come our way during the summer, or trade deadline. This is no different.
PP Anybody? Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 2:16 am
@Dominick, Hey, people can dream, right?
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KC23 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@txkingsfan, I refuse to get my hopes up for Richards. He is going to be too over priced imho.
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CB14 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@KC23, For the first 5 or 6 years yes, but if Dean could add on the last 3 or 4 years to it that would lower his cap hit a ton. Even if we give him 8 million for 5 years then 6 mil, 4 mil, 2 mil, 2 mil. That’s 54 million over 9 years, a cap hit of 6 million. That’s do able to me. He gets huge money up front, but by adding on the additional years it takes his cap hit down from 8 million to 6 million, much more reasonable for the Kings to be able to handle. I don’t see anyone giving him more than 8 mil over 5 or 6 years, but I could be wrong.
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Harry Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
@KC23, If we get Richards, Say bye to Stoll. Also, we still need to lock up Doughty & Simmonds…So Richards is doubtful.
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Richards – YES
Parise – YES
Selanne – you’re joking
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puck73 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:17 am
@RolePlayer, I doubt Selanne would sign here, but as they say…money talks
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RolePlayer Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:23 am
@puck73, Selanne? A King?? Not even he paid us.
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puck73 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:30 am
@RolePlayer, As I said, doubtfull. Remember, he did play for Colorado and San Jose so I guess if the Kings wanted him bad enough its possible, but again..Doubtfull
DLB Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@puck73, Selanne has considered retirement before, and the choice was always between retiring or playing with the Ducks (and Koivu). I agree there’s almost no chance he gets poached by another team.
It’s just like Hejduk’s situation in Colorado. Plenty of other teams would love them, but they like their current teams and don’t want to move.
[Reply]
soyokaze Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@RolePlayer, Selanne is beloved in Anaheim. He either:
1.) Retires
2.) Plays final season as an Anaheim Duck
The only other possibility is that he gets low-balled with a contract offer to sign elsewhere. That would be a PR disaster for the Ducks, so don’t expect that to happen.
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Dominick Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@soyokaze,
I agree. Teemu has given to that franchise countless times, and wouldn’t have a change of heart all of a sudden. The Ducks owe him for his countless dedication to their franchise and wouldn’t dream of burning him now.
This is a franchise that has spent the last 3 summers sitting on their thumbs all summer long waiting to see what Teemu is going to do, before they figure out what they will do to upgrade their team.
There is no way he would play with the Kings, unless maybe they signed Paul Kariya.Even then I don’t see it happening ever.
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Scot Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@Dominick,
Yeah, no chance. He’s a Duck or he retires. And that’s how it should be.
KC23 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@RolePlayer, Teemu, another year? Is their enough steroids left in the world?
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puck73 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@KC23, lol, hmmm…where have I heard that one before !
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Bailey Fan Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@RolePlayer, Teemu has said in the past that he would return if he belives he has a good chance to win another Cup with the Ducks. That’s why he came back last year. I’m not sure about his judgement though, this year’s Ducks didn’t come close to beating the offensively challenged Preds in round 1, and Teemu was frustrated with the team’s lack of effort.
Ducks aren’t looking like they’ll improve at all next season, so I think he’ll retire unless Anaheim makes a big splash in the offseason (Kariya)
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any money we say from Handzus is going to go to Daughty’s contract
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txkingsfan Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:41 am
@Orphios, yes but remember we were going to give Kovy $11 mill or something crazy like that. If Richards wants to come here we can make it happen even with signing Doughty.
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Scot Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
@txkingsfan,
The Kings never offered Kovalchuk anywhere near 11 million a year. If he ever signed with the Kings, it was on DL’s terms, not his.
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KC23 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@txkingsfan, You’re about 5 million off with your 11 million a year which is why it was never close to happening.
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CB14 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
@txkingsfan, His cap hit was going to be between 5.5 and 6 million dollars. The salary has really nothing to do with it, it’s all about what we could fit under the cap. That’s why Dean refused to give Kovulsuck a contract with a cap hit higher than 6 million.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@Orphios,
Not really. Doughty’s cap hit is already near 4M, his CAP HIT wont be much more than what it is already. I can see him doing short-term around 4M, 2-3 years, or longer term 6M for 7 years (like Kopi). Either way, its not a huge dent in the cap structure.
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Yes lets be real here. Brad Richards is forsure the best looking UFA out there, and DL will pursue it. Thats not the problem. As someone stated earlier, many many teams are looking for a player like Richards, and to already be at slight cap crunch, we cant afford to sit around and deal with this guy. If its not quick, Deano get out! I think our best bet is too look at Phili for a trade. They have so much offensive talent, lets see, Leino , Giroux , Briere , Nodl , Versteeg , Richards , Hartnell , JvR etc , and yet year and year there goalie has let them down. I know how good we have it with the Quick and Bernier DUO, but i mean you have to be open about shopping Bernier. High value, for a critical time for this franchise to get a player we need, to show the NHL that were on our way..
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puck73 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:02 am
@Michael_DD8, Bernier, Johnson, and a prospect for Parise..thats the deal I would make. Richards is the only guy on Philadelphia that interests me, and I really dont see them moving him.
[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@puck73,
yes puck, NJ too, same problem with goal tending. Bernier and johnson should do it. I feel like a prospect would be over the top, assuming the expectations for both Bernier and JJ.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@Michael_DD8,
Its getting scary. 3 Insiders agreeing on a deal with NJ including Bernier? Still waiting for the fall-out. Hey Chicken Little, can you tell me where to get one of those umbrellas?
Scot Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@puck73,
I do see Philly trading Richards. From what I’ve heard, they are very unhappy with him in the locker room. I’m not saying what I’ve heard is true, but I’ve heard very rational, reasonable evidence.
If they trade Richards, it allows them to give the “C” to the real captain of that team, Chris Pronger, for a couple seasons. And it would allow them to fill a Larger than Life need for the team, GOALTENDING. JVR stays, Carter stays, Giroux stays, Briere stays, Richards goes.
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
@Scot,
Keep in mind, I think it’s mostly the local Philly media that doesn’t like Richards. They don’t play well together. And Richards doesn’t write articles, so it’s obvious there is at least a little bias in the stories being put out about him.
Stuart Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 12:54 pm
@Scot, I wonder if it is a locker room problem that is only in theirs or is it a Richards problem that will affect any locker room he’s in?
SLIM Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
@Scot,
I said this awhile back and people said no way!!
The problem, I hear, is not in locker room but with coach…
Everyone said Carter and i said don’t be surprised
about Richards…We will see..
Scot Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@Stuart,
Yeah, good question. No idea. Maybe the chemistry in that locker room isn’t right for Mike Richards. I think if you add almost ANY player (except Sean Avery) to this Kings team, the new player will fit in, and have no other choice. This Kings team (locker room) is solid, and close knit, and will make any new player feel welcome and comfortable.
@SLIM,
I think you’re right about the issues with the coach, I heard that as well.
Osaka Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@Scot, Richards has a no trade clause. Out of all their centers only Carter doesn’t have the clause.
Dave Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@puck73, no thank you – i wouldn’t trade Johnson and Bernier for Parise.
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
@Dave, couldn’t agree more. Johnson is going to be a monster in this league once he matures….Bernier, the Kings drafted him to be the “Man” and he has done nothing so far to change that perception. The fact is no one expected Quick to be as good as quickly as he has been, so Bernier doesn’t have to be the “Man” just yet. If any goaltender goes, and that should only happen in a blockbuster deal, it should be Quick, and I love the guy, just think Bernier is and will be the real-deal.
KC23 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
@Dave, I would in a heart beat.
Osaka Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@puck73, For Parise? Why do Kings fans love this guy so much? Carter on Philly does interest me a lot! As DL has pointed out the core of the team are the top 4 D-men, goalie, and top 2 centers. I think he would rather upgrade C2 than pick up a LW, that’s where the money will be spent.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 8:24 am
@Osaka,
You’d be moaning about Carter after the first 30 games. He would probably have 12 goals after half a season and no way does he bring it 100% on D from what I’ve understood, though I can’t back that up personally.
Have you actually carefully watched him play to back up your pov?
Osaka Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@number 6, Yeah orinally I am from Philly, still have have family there so the Flyers are always a topic of discussion so I have always kept an eye on them. I moved to LA in 79 and was a Kings fan from that momment, on but I still keep up with Philly. That’s why I want to fleece them.
Oh just got word from my peeps Flyers aquire Bryzgalov.
DLB Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@Michael_DD8, Bernier’s value will no doubt grow higher in time, but I think Philly would want Quick. They have a young guy in Bobrovsky. While I think JB’s going to be better, they need a more experienced netminder ASAP. They have invested a heck of a lot in the Pronger window, and they must win now.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:17 am
@DLB, I agree with you. Philadelphia will want a goaltender with experience, not a prospect like Bernier who hasnt proven enough yet IMO. Jon Quick is the guy they will want, and trust me…HE AINT GOING NOWHERE !
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@puck73, ditto!
Dominick Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@puck73,
I agree. Quick for anyone right now would be foolish. Quick is young, an extremely low cap hit, and has improved every year so far. He also spent most of last season in the top 5 in goal tending stats for the entire NHL. I say “So what” if Philly needs a goalie to win the cup now, doesn’t mean we have to be the ones to give it to them.
Scot Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@puck73,
I also agree with this.
Osaka Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
@puck73, Anybody could be traded.
PP Anybody? Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 2:22 am
@puck73, With the use of that double negative, that means he’s going somewhere.
LB Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:13 am
@Michael_DD8,
Bernier for JVR straight up. Win-win for both teams right?
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
@Michael_DD8, I think Detroit would also be a good trade partner. They are strong at center and have excellent center prospects. They are weak at defense and no strong back up goalie/defense prospects which we are rich in.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@KC23,
Detroit actually has some money to spend this summer. I’d be surprised if they went the trade route at all this summer. Usually when I look at teams, to see if there’s anything to pick our teeth with, I look at Detroit first, and they do have to get younger, but I don’t think it will happen this summer.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@Dominick, You might be right, but their defense looks mighty thin atm.
Duckbasher Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
@Michael_DD8, – Trade quick. Keep Bernier.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@Duckbasher, Good afternoon, my name is Jim “@poorman” Trenton, and I approve this post.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@puck73, LOL!
Rich, do you have any info regarding Nashville’s former top prospect Alex Radulov? He had a taste in the NHL and definitely impressed, but then for whatever reason (money, I’m sure), bolted off to Russia. Does Nashville still retain his rights? They could have used him the past few years. If he is not still property of Nashville, I would think some NHL team would want to sign him.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@Scot, i would actually think most nhl teams would steer clear of a guy who walked out on an NHL contract in favor of playing in the KHL.
His contract with nashville was only through the 08-09 season but he left for KHL before the season started and was suspended by Nashville.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
@Scot, http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/How-KHL-money-issues-will-send-Alex-Radulov-back?urn=nhl-wp4812
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
@Sebastian,
Wow, thank you. That’s definitely an update. What a sticky, ugly situation.
No doubt, he’s a great player though.
Russians are a huge risk, but sometimes they also pay off huge. (Pavel Datsyuk, among others)
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 8:52 am
@Scot, deffinitely a big risk. i THINK if he was to return to the NHL he would remain property of Nashville as a RFA, but im not sure about that.
Rich in on XM with Boomer right now!!
[Reply]
Off topic but did anyone else hear about Donald Brashear fighting MMA now??? Holy cow, what’s next?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
@Stuart,
Bertuzzi running an anger management angency… Fukufiji,,Fukukawa,,,Fjifuke,,, aw hell, that guy running a spelling class…
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@DesertKing,
Todd Bertuzzi and Carlos Zambrano opening it together?
(I figure if you’re an Illinois guy, you know I’m talking about
)
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@Scot,
An Illinois guy yes, but not a Cubs fan (go Angels!!), but I do know what you are talking about and you nailed it. Jack Nicholson could have retired off of those two guys!!
Game 3 is coming up…
I go on the TSN.ca live blog during game..
It’s a hoot!..Stirring up the pot..And it’s simple..
No signing up…just enter nick name and comment…
Come join me and see the Nux fans go crazy…
I know ..I have no life…But I have fun..
[Reply]
holly Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@SLIM, Too irate to do so, but you’ve got to tell me what they’re using to defend that hit.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
@holly,
Horton is lucky he’s alive.
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holly Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 6:13 pm
@Kingsfanone,
It was brutal.
I’m assuming that was commentary on the hit, but then again, I wouldn’t put it past Canucks fans to use that excuse.
SLIM Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
@holly,
Nux fans had EVERY excuse in the book..
They even said that they had the Bruins right
where they want them..Classic..
They were bragging at the beginning and then
went really quiet..Even Mod was stunned…
Couldn’t happen to a better fantod..Hopefully they
will stop being arrogant with the SWEEP…
But I doubt it..
[Reply]
SLIM Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
@SLIM,
Oh…And they even claimed it was a fair hit
until Bob McKensie tweeted on the blog that it
was VERY late..and still they said things like
Rome isn’t a dirty player and it was iffy..
God I really dislike Nux fans and couldn’t be happier
with tonight’s outcome..Mod censored a lot of my Bruins comments..
What a BS hit on Horton from Rome
[Reply]
Man, I hate Vancover, that was vicious hit. i don’t think Horton will be back anytime soo.Hope he is all right
[Reply]
Murf Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Y@David, true that was an ugly late hit .if Rome plays again this year it’ll be too soon
[Reply]
RYC Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@David, Talk about a late hit.
[Reply]
Reason # 1 to have a big tough guy in your lineup who happens to also skate well and has the abilty to score, Thornton turining things around for the B’s
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Don’t know if anyone caught it today on Puckdaddy but this a.m. there was a thread that dealt with ‘dirty’ with Alain Vigneault calling out Boston for being dirty. Calm down. You did read his correctly. Later on when I don’t have far more important things to do I’ll go back to the blog and see if I can find it.
But I do understand his reasoning, because Vancouver isn’t a dirty team….. I mean, they aren’t dirty if you eliminate Burrows, Torres, Lapierre, Kesler (sort of) and Rome. At that point then they’re basically fine.
Btw, I was surprised (or not) earlier this season to discover that Matt Cooke started his career with the Canucks. That figures. Probably while Burke was GM?
[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
@number 6, L.A. times already has an article up calling our the Nux on their antics….and incase anyone missed the hit by Rome on Hortn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8voTc9A7qDQ
[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
@Ravens, I ment- calling OUT the Nux, not our Nux.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 7:44 pm
@Ravens,
Hey Raves… Our Nux, Chock Full O’ Nux, What Nux! What’s the difference? Oh, and I didn’t see the hit as I turned the game on late, so thanks for that.s
But now it’s prediction time. My guess… If Nux win the Cup someone, at least someone isn’t gonna shake Burrows hand in the lineup. Not sure what I would do, but if they didn’t I’d understand….. and I would like to say one last thing….
CB14 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
@Ravens, I didn’t see the hit live, but I just saw that clip that you just posted, and man was that hit late. Another reason to hate the Casucks. Dirty, just plain dirty. Knowing the NHL Rome won’t even get suspended. There wasn’t conclusive evidence that the hit was late or to the head. Pathetic, dirty play by a dirty team.
[Reply]
Darrell Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
@Ravens, I think what really caused the damage was his head hitting the ice. I don’t think it was a hit to the head or an elbow, but it was blind-side and late.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:42 pm
@Darrell, It was a shoulder to the head. I got a good view of it on a replay and it’s clear Rome’s shoulder hits Horton’s head straight on. At the 26 second mark of this clip you can see Horton’s head jerk backward from being hit by Rome. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABcQ6nnmoGg
holly Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
@Darrell, It really wasn’t a technical blindside because the rule deals with positioning of the player’s body, not his head. Horton’s head being turned away made it a somewhat literal blindside but as the rules are written, it wasn’t.
It was, though, shoulder to head.
Stuart Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@Darrell, the still frame on the nhl.com home page shows it clearly. Rome’s shoulder is clearly above Horton’s and making contact with his head, hence shoulder-to-head contact. The weight of his body bouncing on his neck after he hit the ice did nothing to help matters, but still, the initial hit was the culprit. I would almost feel comfortable saying Horty was out before he hit the ice.
CB14 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
@number 6, This Vancouver Canucks team is a disgrace to hockey. They’re have dirty players, (Torres Burrows Rome), cheap players, (Kesler the sedin sisters), and divers, (Everyone). The fact that they are in the Stanley Cup Finals is a disgrace to the sport of Hockey. Because i’m a Lakers fan I hate Boston, but GO BRUINS! Pound those ******** into oblivion.
[Reply]
No way!!!! Lucic sticking his fingers at the mouth of Burrows….if you like WWF. this is your dream hockey game, not sure what it has to do with hockey, but it’s a train wreck I can’t stop watching
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
@Ravens,
left you a reply above which hopefully u saw
[Reply]
holly Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
@Ravens, Recchi did the same to Lapierre earlier in the game in response to Lapierre doing it to Bergeron in game 2. I think people were actually madder about that than the actual biting incident.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
@holly,
Can’t really blame em. It was a childish classless thing to do. Is that what champions are made of?
[Reply]
….. Before I thought Vancouver was a great team but I didn’t respect them a lot. Now I think they’re a great team, and I have absolutely No respect for them. I do for some of their d men and even for Kesler, and the twins as hockey players, but as a whole…….Yikes!! Sorry. I am….. I’m sorry but I don’t know what else to say.
Slashes after time runs out in a losing effort (see Kesler on Datsyuk I believe it was), Burrows tripping goalies in the last two series, biting people, hitting a guys head into the ice when he’s already flat on his stomach. Raffi Torres, don’t know what his story is. Might be the nicest guy in the world, but I don’t care for players who hit with the intention of hurting people. Hit hard, fine. Hit very hard. Fine. But hitting with nasty intention behind it just isn’t my thing and never will be.
[Reply]
Jack the Lad Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
@number 6, Datsyuk?
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
@Jack the Lad,
Oops. Soooorrrry. I was thinking of Joe Thornton. It was he in the SJ series who slashed Datsyuk after the game horn sounded. Anyway, I guess I don’t have to add on stuff. But if I’m not mistaken then he (meaning Kesler) slashed someone somewhere (pretty good guese). I just can’t place it – but I think I did confuse the Thornton slash on Datsyuk. Oh well….. I”ve seen a lot of hockey
[Reply]
Jack the Lad Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
@number 6, No problems, too much Hockey is a GOOD thing!
I think, just maybe, since the NHL doesn’t appear willing to take on the Nux, the Hockey Gods have decided they will.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
@IceGuy,
I like it. The rivalry is getting absolutely nasty. Good guys, bad guys, this series has everything. Cannucks getting cocky, and Boston coming back at home and making a statement that they’re not going to just quit. Goal tending battles, bullying, taunting, dirty hits, clean hits, this is playoff hockey. I hope it gets nastier.
The only thing I can’t stand is that Jeremy Roenick won’t shut up.
[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
@Dominick, I don’t think I saw too many hits, after Horton went down, that wasn’t either sligtly late or where the guy lifted his skates just slightly off the ice. It was Nasty..and it was highly intertaining, I only wish it was cliffy sticking his fingers in the face of Burrows
[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 8:33 pm
@Ravens, Entertaining!
Dominick Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
@Ravens, Ha ha ha! I could see Cliffy doing that too.
CB14 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
@Ravens, I could see Clifford doing that, but as stupid as Burrows is, he’s not stupid enough to bite Cliffords fingers. He’s too much of a sissy to do that. Look at who he bit against Boston. It was Patrice Bergeron, one of Boston’s smallest players, and a guy who has Zero career fighting majors. He’s more sissy than he is stupid.
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:35 pm
@Ravens,
Entertaining isn’t even the word for it. For my taste, comical comes to mind, as well as bush league. I am just fed up with the Nucks antics and total lack of control of the NHL. I grew out of WWF wrestling a long time ago. I want to watch great hockey, and it ain’t happening. By a longshot. Too bad.
holly Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
@CB14, actually, I think Bergeron has one in the NHL. A few years ago he went with one of the Montreal guys. Shocked everyone for three reasons… he was fighting, he’s apparently a southpaw, and he unquestionably won. Of course, it wasn’t like the guy he fought was some skilled fighter, either.
CB14 Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 6:56 pm
@holly, I looked at the stats on NHL.com and I didn’t see a fighting major in his career. Mabye they forgot about it, or mabye they just gave him a 4 minute roughing penalty. Either way I didn’t see one.
holly Reply:
June 8th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
@CB14, http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/64060
I remember it only because of the post-game interview with him. The reporter said something along the lines of “You surprised everyone out there by being a lefty, what can you say about that?” and he replied “Nothing, I didn’t know either.”
CB14 Reply:
June 8th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
@holly, I stand corrected. Good research. I didn’t realize to look at the Playoff stats. It was there when I changed it from regular season to playoffs. My Bad. Nice left hook by Bergeron, I wouldn’t think he had that in him.
Listening to JR and some of the others, seems it’s not just myself and a few of you guys who are not too high on the Canucks ‘approach’ to the game of hockey…. or at least certain aspects of it.
And you know whats Stupid for them? What’s stupid for them is they have plenty of size, skill, speed and finesse that they can do just fine without resorting to the idiocy. In thinking about, that makes them look actually rather …
forget it. It’s a bit of a shame for the game of hockey. They could be like The Wings, or Chicago was last year. Instead they earn their nickname of Canuckleheads on this blog.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
@number 6, I never listen to a word JR has to say, but it’s nice to hear the other commentators seeing the things we’ve all been seeing about the Casucks. Disgracefull hockey.
[Reply]
Is it just me, or is vancouver one of the dirtier teams I’ve seen in recent memory. They seem to hide it under all that skill.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
@Goring 19, It’s not just you.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
@Goring 19,
Oh it isn’t just you by a ton!
[Reply]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPqT5OJaoDQ
Best hit by a goalie, or am I just overreacting because it was on a Sedin sister? Either way I still Loved it! Go Bruins
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:17 pm
@CB14, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51y3CYu02aI&feature=fvst
I just found this one too. I love Tim Thomas.
But I’ll take Johnathan Quick over him any day of the week.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 10:02 am
@CB14, Exactly. And besides, Jon Quick owns Tim Thomas in the shootout ! lol
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:41 pm
@CB14,
The funniest part is the refs don’t call interferance on him! Love it.
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 12:58 am
@Kingsfanone,
He had the puck. I’m pretty sure the goalie can take the body if he has the puck.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@BobKnob,
2 things.
You must be getting moderated, as your comment didn’t post until almost 1pm.
If you listen to the announcers or watch a replay, I believe the Sedin never touched the puck. I may be wrong, but the announcers were mentioning he didn’t touch it.
BobKnob Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
@BobKnob,
Were you watching a Vancouver feed or something?
There should be a replay available on yahoo sports.
He very clearly picks the puck out of the air with his hand, drops it down in front of him, and nearly bangs it into the net with his stick. The only reason it didn’t touch his stick is because Thomas took him out with a good bodycheck a split-second before. That is not interference, even if it were a player checking him on any other spot on the ice, because he had touched the puck and was about to control it with his stick.
Sedin was also gliding into his crease there, so there’s even more justification for taking the body.
It was a pretty awesome play imo.
Darrell Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 4:42 am
@Kingsfanone, The scorer credited him with a hit – that may be a first, especially in the Playoffs!
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 1:47 am
@CB14, I think I am there now, I started out going for Vancouver but now it is Go Bruins! I do love Tim Thomas! His responses in the interviews are great “I think I have a good idea how to play goalie so I don’t need to take advice….” something like that. Hey Quick is a big TT fan. I heard Quick single TT out several times as the goalie he looks up to or respects the most.
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 4:58 am
@Osaka,
Well in terms of mental toughness TT is a great role model…here’s a guy who people thought was washed up and then he put together this past season which i don’t think is just him having a lucky year but rather a combination of being physically healthy again and finding ways to be mentally healthy (he does yoga now, etc)
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 7:52 am
@Osaka, I’m on the fence. I’ve been a Vancouver fan for years, almost two decades…but these guys are so classless. Sedin whipping his head back. Rome’s hit. Raffi Torres. Burrows. Lapierre. What happened to guys like Linden, Hedican, Mclean? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, they had classless guys back then too…Pat Quinn, Geoff Courtnall to name a couple.
You can hear it in Doc Emerick’s voice. Eddie O’s voice. Even that d-bag Pierre Macguire’s voice. They’re all insinuating how cheap the canucks are.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 10:06 am
@FKA PakiFro, Maguirre is always sucking up to Olzcyk all the time. He is always calling him Edso during the game, and always wanting his opinion. Its like he is saying ” look at me Edso !” what do you think of my opinion Edso? ! What a wuss !
Stuart Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 11:52 am
@puck73, kinda has the same feel as the little dog that followed Spike around in the old Bugs Bunny cartoons, don’t he. LOL
What cracked me up was that Pierre had to share that tiny space between the glass with Glenn Healy! CLASSIC!
Osaka Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@FKA PakiFro, You forgot Bure!
holly Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
@Osaka, I think that’s a Boston thing across the board. Players and coaches aren’t always the most interview friendly. They are, if the question is right, but if they think a question is dumb they’ll give a really curt answer. On the one hand, I can see how it irks a lot of people. On the other hand, it’s something that us Bostonians have kind of grown to know and love. And it makes for some stellar television moments, particularly when dealing with the Red Sox (yes, I realize that you all probably hate them). Beckett’s been known to chew people out for asking him a question he already answered and Dustin Pedroia is just a gem. They can be obnoxious, but it’s a refreshing change from the near scripted responses that you hear during 90% of other postgames.
Also, major credit to Claude Julien for calling out everyone involved in bitegate, not just Burrows and Lapierre.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
@holly, I was really impressed with Julien, he is a man of his word. A lesser man would have justified his players’ actions. Go B’s.
just heard about the death of Barry Potomski – at 38. Very sad.
[Reply]
I hope they light greasy up for 8 more tomorrow night!!
[Reply]
Well it’s official..4 game suspension to Aaron Rome…
Horton won’t be back this series….
I was on game thread and Nux fans said it
was a good hit..Couldn’t believe..
Is this also a make-up call for the Bite?
[Reply]