NHL season starts this week
Moderators: Mop, Dictators in Training
NHL season starts this week
It will be an interesting season to watch with a lot of big names switched teams and the new rules in place.
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Zanchief
I have high hopes for the Sharks, actually. They've got great goaltending, a very nice D-Corps even without Rathje, and they may well be one of the fastest skating teams in the league, which will really come into play if the officials really do stick to the whole "crack down on obstruction/hooking" thing. Then again, this isn't the first time we've heard that, and every other time it's lasted maybe a month into the season, then is completely ignored. I can only hope it sticks this time.
-Arlos
-Arlos
I'd gotten accustomed to teams with good markets being able to afford a good team. Im not thrilled to be accomodating shitty undeserving places like Nashville, or the Carolinas. 
As for my analysis on the Red Wings..
Im pretty sure the Wings will be #1 in their conference, only competition really is the Blackhawks. Who knows, maybe they'll bust their ass for Steve Yzerman to bring one more cup home for him, but I find it rather unlikely.
Legace and Osgood arent in my eyes reliable enough to do well in the playoffs. I would like to see them start grooming Howard early, I feel he could easily be our starter in a couple seasons.
Theres no doubt that Babcock is a great coach, but I think he'll have some issues with the Redwing lineup. From what ive gathered is hes a forceful "my way, or the highway" kinda coach. Hes no Scottie Bowman, guy like Babcock cant influence players like Yzerman, Shanahan, or Lidstrom in the same way. Seemed to have a knack for picking apart the team as the Ducks coach though, so maybe he can figure out a way to make us shine in the playoffs for a change.
Lidstrom, and Schneider are the only real steady defensemen. Chelios' age is starting to show, but hes still as gritty as ever. Guess its good to see him around for another season. Fischer has his moments of being great, then moments that leave you shaking your head thinking 'wtf'. Kronwall looks hopefull and has the skills to do really well, but hes already been injured twice. Broken leg from just skating during a warmup? Fucking sweedish pussies.
Offensively I think they'll do well. Should be interesting to see what kinda moves Datsyuk will be able to pull off this year with slightly less interference, and more open ice. I think this will be an even better year for Draper than last season. Plus you can add Zetterberg, Lang, Maltby, Holmstrom, Shanahan and Yzerman. Offense is the only area I feel confident in.
Wings are getting really old though, and from the preseason games I watched I wasnt all that hopeful about our up and coming prospects. Holland best start workin his ass off now the he cant just offer big $$$ to sign basically anybody they need.
As for my analysis on the Red Wings..
Im pretty sure the Wings will be #1 in their conference, only competition really is the Blackhawks. Who knows, maybe they'll bust their ass for Steve Yzerman to bring one more cup home for him, but I find it rather unlikely.
Legace and Osgood arent in my eyes reliable enough to do well in the playoffs. I would like to see them start grooming Howard early, I feel he could easily be our starter in a couple seasons.
Theres no doubt that Babcock is a great coach, but I think he'll have some issues with the Redwing lineup. From what ive gathered is hes a forceful "my way, or the highway" kinda coach. Hes no Scottie Bowman, guy like Babcock cant influence players like Yzerman, Shanahan, or Lidstrom in the same way. Seemed to have a knack for picking apart the team as the Ducks coach though, so maybe he can figure out a way to make us shine in the playoffs for a change.
Lidstrom, and Schneider are the only real steady defensemen. Chelios' age is starting to show, but hes still as gritty as ever. Guess its good to see him around for another season. Fischer has his moments of being great, then moments that leave you shaking your head thinking 'wtf'. Kronwall looks hopefull and has the skills to do really well, but hes already been injured twice. Broken leg from just skating during a warmup? Fucking sweedish pussies.
Offensively I think they'll do well. Should be interesting to see what kinda moves Datsyuk will be able to pull off this year with slightly less interference, and more open ice. I think this will be an even better year for Draper than last season. Plus you can add Zetterberg, Lang, Maltby, Holmstrom, Shanahan and Yzerman. Offense is the only area I feel confident in.
Wings are getting really old though, and from the preseason games I watched I wasnt all that hopeful about our up and coming prospects. Holland best start workin his ass off now the he cant just offer big $$$ to sign basically anybody they need.
Arlos wrote:I have high hopes for the Sharks, actually. They've got great goaltending, a very nice D-Corps even without Rathje, and they may well be one of the fastest skating teams in the league, which will really come into play if the officials really do stick to the whole "crack down on obstruction/hooking" thing. Then again, this isn't the first time we've heard that, and every other time it's lasted maybe a month into the season, then is completely ignored. I can only hope it sticks this time.
-Arlos
Word on the street is teams like San Jose are the reason for the crack down on obstruction
What, cause they are big-time guilty of doing it themselves, or because it will let them actually use their speed?
I know they used to be a clutch & grab outfit years ago when they weren't anywhere near as good, but I haven't seen 'em doing tons of it, certainly not as much as, say, the Devils, for a few years now.
-Arlos
I know they used to be a clutch & grab outfit years ago when they weren't anywhere near as good, but I haven't seen 'em doing tons of it, certainly not as much as, say, the Devils, for a few years now.
-Arlos
Arlos wrote:What, cause they are big-time guilty of doing it themselves, or because it will let them actually use their speed?
I know they used to be a clutch & grab outfit years ago when they weren't anywhere near as good, but I haven't seen 'em doing tons of it, certainly not as much as, say, the Devils, for a few years now.
-Arlos
Sharks were the 1st team(followed closely by the Devils) that employed the neutral zone trap, and basically wrecked hockey for about 7 or 8 years
the trap is 90% of what the new rules are about, and what they're attempting to eliminate
ps, the sharks are ok, but they're not one of the top5 skating clubs
i was pleased with the couple games i watched on opening night. lots of penalties so if the refs keep it up, mature disciplined teams will be coming out ontop this season. which gives me hope for my wings.
going to be hard for me to get used to such high scores though, ive always liked a low score battle with desperate plays to get a win. guess its not much different with 6-5 or 2-1.
the even higher speed that results from the more open game is pretty fun to watch too.
so far im OK with the new look for the NHL.
going to be hard for me to get used to such high scores though, ive always liked a low score battle with desperate plays to get a win. guess its not much different with 6-5 or 2-1.
the even higher speed that results from the more open game is pretty fun to watch too.
so far im OK with the new look for the NHL.
Raycroft is still a kid, with only 1 full season behind him, and he did well that season. Considering that, hes a pretty good goalie for his age and experience. Couple more seasons under him and he will be 'awesome'. I'd be willing to bet he will be on the leagues best real soon.
Thornton and Glen Murray are the teams best players, both big powerful offensive guys that play well together. Zhamnov was a risk to sign with his back being rather shakey, but if he can stay healthy he will prove to be a good choice. Samsanov is a fast stocky little guy, probably have a good season with the new rules.
Bruins Defense is kinda crappy. Lots of young defenders coming in, so Brian Leetch will be good to have in that aspect. Hes a bit old to be very productive on the ice, but he can teach. Slegr and Gill are kinda like the anchors, which isnt sayin much.
Thornton and Glen Murray are the teams best players, both big powerful offensive guys that play well together. Zhamnov was a risk to sign with his back being rather shakey, but if he can stay healthy he will prove to be a good choice. Samsanov is a fast stocky little guy, probably have a good season with the new rules.
Bruins Defense is kinda crappy. Lots of young defenders coming in, so Brian Leetch will be good to have in that aspect. Hes a bit old to be very productive on the ice, but he can teach. Slegr and Gill are kinda like the anchors, which isnt sayin much.
Tikker wrote:Raycroft will not be a top 10 goalie in the nhl, at any point in his career
Well, he was rookie of the year and was in the top 10 goaltenders last season.. so I guess you would be wrong about 'at any point in his career'.
Edit: Just for 'proof', he was 10th in wins, 6th in GA, and 5th in SV%. His rookie year. Yep, just mediocre at best.
