Hockey Fans Forum

NHL 2009 - 2010 Year Predictions

2009-09-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

Okay hockey fans, on the eve before the 09/10 regular season begins, let me put my predictions out there. Taking into consideration that personnel on the teams will change during the course of the season and injuries will make or break some teams. This is more for myself to look back on and seen if I know as much as I think I do.

First off with it being an Olympic year the Canucks are going to the most affected being the host city and having to play on the road for one straight month. Not to mention all the teams that have players representing their respective countries in the tournament. I think it will motivate certain players to make a good impression on the Olympic dream.

Okay let's start with the west:

1 CHICAGO - growing confident forwards, young solid defense and an average Huet = First!
2 VANCOUVER - Loungo with more support than ever in his career and a system to suit!
3 SAN JOSE - still regular season look for Heatley to win the Rocket Richard Trophy!
4 DETROIT - lost key players and have the most Olympic participants but still dangerous.
5 CALGARY - great captain, great defense, new coach and need Kipper to stay sharp.
6 ANAHEIM - the best power forward line in hockey plus Koivu/Selanne and goal tending.
7 COLUMBUS - continuing last years success, now looking for playoff success.
8 ST. LOUIS - a couple years behind the 'Hawks and a few ahead of the Kings.

Rock, paper, scissors for the east:

1 BOSTON - keep getting better every year, solid line up from the net out!!
2 PITTSBURGH - Crosby has a cup and solid wingers, both firsts in his NHL career.
3 WASHINGTON - powerhouse offense and rookie goalie to challenge for Calder Trophy.
4 PHILADELPHIA - great addition in Pronger and prospects ready to contribute lookout.
5 NEW JERSEY - overacheivers year after year, but still have Brodeur and winning system.
6 CAROLINA - Olympic's help Stall and Ward push the 'canes up the standings.
7 TAMPA BAY - allstar forwards, plus better defense and a healthy Smith = playoffs
8 N Y RANGERS - everthing hinges on Gaborik, Lundquist and watch rookie Anisimov.

Well that`s my two cents enjoy the hockey season. One more guess the Canucks will beat the Flyers in the Stanley Cup Finals this year!!!!

GO PREDICTIONS GO!!

Where was the fight for Winnipeg and Quebec

2009-08-26T22:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this dispute between Bettman and Balsillie is going as far as this. The NHL is now willing to outbid his bid just to keep the franchise in an uninterested market? Why can't this businessman buy a business and improve it as he sees fit?

Now it has become a personal thing between Bettman and Balsillie or maybe the NHL owners and Balsillie although only Bettman has really spoken up. Bettman is too proud to return the team that has failed miserably back to Canada.

Why didn't anyone fight this hard to keep the team in Winnipeg? I mean teams have left Minnesota, Colorado and Atlanta and have been given another chance. I'm sure Winnipeg or Quebec would love to have another NHL team.

Stuff like this is just going to make leagues like the KHL and others more attractive to the players. I wonder if Gretzky would still be the coach in a city that cared or even knew about hockey?

I hope Betmann's contract is over soon, because his Napolean syndrome is running short with fans in Canada.

Go Hamilton Go

Team Canada Hopefuls in Calgary

2009-08-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

So with this being the most boring off-season in years. At least we can still talk about the Olympics. Team Canada is in the middle of their orientation camp in Calgary and many guys feel they have a chance to make the team. And while they don't make the final roster until December, now is a good chance to impress the coaches.

With the players that are invited to camp, I think Megan Fox would be able to ice a team with a good chance. But will the coaches go with the guys they think will best fit the style of system they put in place? That makes it hard for us coaches on the couch. Does Babcock and Yzerman go with combos that play together on their regular teams in the NHL? (IE. Perry/Getzlaf, Thorton/Marleau).

Still what about the players not here? Just because you weren't invited doesn't mean you won't be selected for the team. Look at some players not in Calgary this week, Marc Savard and Brian Campbell come to mind. Not everyone can be invited but Canada could have two different thinking GM's pick totally different teams and I'm sure either team could win gold.

Although I read somewhere that Savard has been blackballed because he never joined the World Championships when he was with Atlanta and never in the playoffs. Canada has enough play making centers to choose from, many centers will be moved to the wing to get some ice time.

Another thing to consider while assembling your team, is the size of the ice. This year the tournament is being played on NHL size ice surface. So it should be more physical and maybe Lucic or Regehr make the team? Whatever team management picks, if they don't win everyone will pick their selections apart.

Personally I think Canada will get it right and Stevie Y and staff will be golden.

Go Canada Go!

Hockey Draft Done Now Free Agent Frenzy

2009-06-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

Now that the draft is over and everyone has to wait five or more years before they can see how they did. The real game begins Free Agency... The draft is really a crap shoot, nobody can predict after about pick ten overall, if the kid will turn out at the NHL level. And most GM's will be long gone before they ever find out.

But free agent season is when you show the fans what immediate plans the team has. Whether you are ready to spend big bucks for the few pieces you think your team needs, or lock up and extend some of the main players you have today?

For most GM's I'm sure they would tell you a little of both, but teams have very different needs right now. With the salary cap expected to drop in 2010 GM's have to watch the spending. Look at Philadelphia every year they go over the cap and figure out how to shed some salary. Where as Nashville can never go out and get the players they could use because owners won't let them spend money.

It is fun being a fan at this time year, but these decision your GM's have to make is not easy. Do they lock up that big ticket player possibly upsetting the players already under contract. Or do they let them sign elsewhere and light it up on another team?

Honestly I would rather the GM build through trades and drafting, look at some of the FA's last season. Hossa leaves big money on the table to play with Detroit for the cup, we know how that turned out. Campbell signs in Chicago for lots of money and doesn't have a good year. Jeff Finger makes $4 million per year, Redden is raping the Rangers and the GM's continue to drive the contracts up.

This league needs a few rule changes how can you trade for the rights of a FA? Gm's screwing each other again. How can a coach step down and be hired by his brother in the same off-season?
Much like Brian Burke changing teams in mid-season. How can Heatley ask for a trade and then provide a list of teams he's willing to go to?

I would not Pay Bouwmeester, Sedins or Hossa over $6 mil/per. Havlat and Gaborik maybe $4.5 mil/per because there are a lot of superstars finishing their entry level contracts and nobody will be able to afford more than one or two, unless the GM's get more reasonable with the contracts. I see Chicago, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh really having trouble keeping their key players together for years to come and be competitive.

Oh well let's see how many dollars are thrown around this years, we know the smart GM's will keep the cheque book closed and hope the other teams handcuff themselves for the future.

Go Smart GM's Go.

Bud Lite plus Viagra equals Hockey Fans?

2009-06-03T22:19:00.000-07:00

Are these commercials really the best for the Stanley Cup playoffs? I know the companies pay big bucks for prime time slots, but come on. I mean how many hockey fans drink lite beer or use sexual medication? Maybe they are trying to copy Gary Bettman and sell a product to a market not interested. Speaking of Bettman I bet he drinks lite beer and needs help with his plumbing.

Honestly, whenever that creepy guy comes on about "antiquing" he isn't helping anybody achieve wood. And what about the Cialis commercial, they flood the yard and burn a friggin' turkey! What's in this stuff? And how is his wife walking after? Sure there are guys who really need it, but I don't think they are finding new business by showing these during hockey games.

Maybe I'm wrong and this is exactly the time your lover suggests to see your doctor, right in the middle of a playoff game. She'd probably have a better chance of you drinking a Bud Lite. Now don't get me wrong the commercials are very well done and entertaining, but the product sucks. Who invented lite beer? I'm guessing a woman, likes the taste of beer but doesn't want the belly.

Actually there is on average about 40 calories less in lite beer per can or bottle. Which is hardly reason to drink the watered down version. Drinking lite beer is like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, sound healthier but just take you longer to get where you are going. It is hard enough trying to hold your piss between periods with regular beer never mind the ladies kind.

I think I can help everyone out. Maybe it's the lite beer causing the erectile dysfunction? I drink lots of regular beer and have no trouble with "tapping the keg". Maybe it is just that your partner doesn't arouse you like before? I'm guessing older gentlemen 60+ might need this? Well how does your bride look 40 years later at this age? Just a thought...

When are they going to make a female Viagra or Cialis? That would be good T.V.

Go Regular Beer Go!

Pittsburgh must defeat Marion Hossa and Detroit

2009-05-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

Only die hard Redwing fans should be cheering for Detroit. The rest of us should want to see Marion Hossa fall flat on his face. I'm sure the Penguins have forgotten how Hosssa left last year in search of a team with a better shot at the Stanley Cup. Sure it was his decision and he was a free agent and could sign anywhere he wanted, but the offers he turned down were outrages.

Rumours had 90 million dollars over ten years from the Oilers and a similar offer from the Penguins. Then when Hossa approach the Redwings G.M. Ken Holland to talk contract he was told nobody makes more than Lidstrom at $7.5 million per. Hossa said "don't call Nik I'll do one year for 7.45". Even his agent thought who leaves $80 plus million on the table, but he added Marion is a special player.

Special alright, just like in 2003 when Selanne and Kariya signed with the stacked Colorado Avalanche for a combined $7 million. They didn't win the cup that year and we can only hope Marion Hossa's attempt turns out the same way. I understand that the Stanley cup is the ultimate achievement in any hockey players career, but watch if he wins it this year I guarantee he goes with the highest bidder this time around.

What if he had a career ending injury this year? I bet he'd regret leaving those multi year contracts on the table. Well that hasn't happened yet, but we can at least hope Sidney Crosby and the Pens are hoisting the Cup and showing Hossa that he could have been a part of a Stanley Cup championship team. Enjoy the finals!

GO PENS GO!

Canada 2010 Olympic Goalie contest heats up!

2009-05-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

Has Marc-Andre Fleury made an impression on Canadians G.M. Steve Yzerman? While everyone has pencilled in Roberto Luongo and Martin Brodeur for the one and two spot, many felt the series between Pittsburgh and Carolina would be the showdown for the number three spot.

After a lot of experts thought Carey Price would grab the third seed, he didn't do himself any favors this post season. How did Loungo and Brodeur's evaluations go? I believe the only secured position is Loungo given he's in the prime of his career and Brodeur's, although still very solid is on the decline.

A few other guys who are on the outside looking in are Cam Ward, Marty Turco, J.S. Giguere and Steve Mason. Don't forget about another Canadian goaltender still in the Stanley Cup playoffs and current champion in Chris Osgood. Nobody ever gives this guy any credit, yet all he does is win big games. People can argue that he plays for a great team. Well what kind of a team can Canada put together that he could play for?

I beleive his regular season numbers are low because of playing in Detroit, he gets bored. Let's look at his all-time playoff stats against the others mentioned above. These are numbers before the third round in this years playoffs

Osgood 36 yrs - 119 games played, .918 save percentage, 2.10 goals against.

Brodeur 37 yrs - 176 g/p, .922 s/p, 1.98 g/a.

Ward 25 yrs - 38 g/p, .922 s/p, 2.19 g/a.

Luongo 30 yrs - 22 g/p, .930 s/p, 2.09 g/a.

Giguere 32 yrs - 52 g/p .925 s/p, 2.08 g/a.

Turco 33 yrs - 47 g/p, .914 s/p, 2.17 g/a.

Fleury 24 yrs - 39 g/p .915 s/p, 2.44 g/a.

I did not include Price or Mason because unless they have an unbelievable hot start next year, they are too young for 2010. I would think Osgood gets some consideration having played with Yzerman many years in Detroit. I also say it obviously depends on the start of the N.H.L. season and who's hot and who's cold. It is a tough decision for Stevie Y. But I think he's safe with who ever he chooses, I believe his tougher decisions will be picking the skaters in front of the netminder.

My choices at this time are: #1 - Roberto Loungo, #2 - Chris Osgood, #3 M. A. Fleury. Looking at the crop of goalies coming out of Canada, they're set for 2010 and many years to come. Next Olympic post I will review and pick the defense, another tough call for Steve Yzerman.

GO CANADA GO!

BRIAN BURKE'S AN ATTENTION WHORE

2009-05-13T20:59:00.000-07:00

We are in the middle of the Stanley cup playoffs, with three out of the four series in round two going to a deciding seventh game. Everybody should be following the teams remaining, but all you see after the game headlines is Burke and Maple Leaf rumours?

Being a Canuck fan and going through a Burke era, I was too fooled by his no BS attitude. Now looking back he is not for the team and very much about getting his own media attention. As Toronto fans are probably feeling finally they have a G.M. that will do something, approach with caution. He will make big changes, in the long run probably not the best though.

How long has he been G.M. six months? and he has signed Chris Hanson, Tyler Bozak and Jeff Hamilton (I like this one) also picked up Gerber on waivers? I mean the guy is always active which makes one think at least he's trying, but I could be a G.M. if we could shuffle minor leaguers around all season.

Now he is after the Swedish netminder Jonas Gustavsson and before that it was Hobie Baker award winner Matt Kilroy, I guess you can't hurt a man for trying but is he really close to all these signings or just acting the part for publisity?

As for this smoke and mirrors about trading Schenn, Kaberle and seventh pick for Tampa's second pick, NO WAY! Just more of Burke finding headlines, why give up two NHL defencemen for a prospect? The leafs already have the better defenceman in Schenn than Victor Hedman(my opinion) unless the N.Y. Islanders take him number one then Mr. Burke might bite wanting the talented forward?

I guess we'll wait and see, there is a lot of time between now and the entry draft, so we'll be hearing a lot more of the Maple Leafs and Mr. Burke until then. I know he was a lawyer and in the front office of the NHL so he is a smart man.

But who can tell me who was the G.M in Anaheim before Brian Burke? The Stanley cup team he inhereted!

GO BRIAN GO

Gary Bettman vs. Jim Balsillie

2009-05-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

When is Gary Bettman going to realize the market for the NHL is in Canada? Jim Balsillie is trying to purchase a struggling US franchise for the third time. Why would the NHL pour more money into the Phoenix Coyotes, when they have someone wanting to buy them?

Jim is willing to buy them if he can relocate to Canada most likely Hamilton, Ontario. Gary needs to admit his choices of expansion were wrong! These cities are not hockey markets, Columbus, Atlanta, Nashville and Tampa Bay are all having attendence problems. Not to mention the once strong New York Islanders and Colorado are also not receive the fan support they did in the past.

Now we have a business man who wants to do what is best for business, but Gary is to proud to let it happen. Maybe Gary needs to move on and let the owners do whats best for the league?

GO JIM GO

Canucks are Canada's only Stanley Cup hope

2009-04-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

Round two begins Thursday and only one Canadian team remains. The Vancouver Canucks have become the countries only hope for the Stanley cup to return to Canada. Not bad for a team many hockey experts predicted to finish outside of the playoffs, before the start of the season. The Canucks have had a very emotional year with the death to Luc Bourdon and Taylor Pyatts fiance. Which I feel has made them a stronger family.

Mike Gillis has had a very successful rookie year as a GM so far. Adding a lot more speed and grit and the coming out of Alex Burrows and Ryan Kesler. He stuck with his team through the trade deadline, injuries and the January slump. All the way to the Northwest division title. Now his team hosts the Chicago Blackhawks in round two.

Not much separates these two teams, Chicago had four more points during the regular season. They were 2-2 head to head with each team winning in the others building. Home ice will be a huge factor in this series as the Canucks are 15-1-1 in their last 17 at GM Place. The Blackhawks are 9-1-1 in their last 11 at the United Center.

Even though the Canucks swept the Blues, I believe the Blackhawks had the easier opponent in Calgary. The Canucks compared to an injured Calgary team is not even close! The 'hawks had trouble with a team missing some very key players. The 'hawks are much like the Blues, but with much better defense. They have young skilled forwards a hot power play and goalie. While Khabibulin played well the last two games, he still had a very average series in round one. He has not beaten the Canucks since January 1998 and his record is 6-16-3 all-time vs. Vancouver, although he played on some very poor teams in Phoenix. So don't be surprised to see Huet sometime during the series.

Vancouver should get past the Blackhawks, if they stay out of the penalty box. As good as the penalty kill has been, the 'hawks have better point men than the Blues. I still think the Canucks can play better hockey than round one. Although they never really trailed the Blues, the never dominated either. This team just sticks with the plan and scores just enough for the win. If the 'hawks think they will wear down the Canucks like Calgary they're wrong. The Canucks defense is bigger and faster with the puck than the Flames.

Vancouver in six.

Home ice advantage plus Luongo proves too much for the young Chicago team, I would say five games, but the layoff might take a bit for the Canucks to get going again.

GO CANUCKS GO!