| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 5:10:48 AM | | Isn't there another League out there somewhere that could put up a challenge to the Wings? | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 6:00:19 AM | I'm thinking that hockey is back bigtime in places like Washington and Pittsburgh for this year and the NHL should be happy with that bit of news. But the NHL is too hell-bent on parity for me to believe in dynasty's right now.
Pitt has a good young squad but we'll probably see a different rep in the final next year and the year after and so on and so on. Players will leave over the summer and some players will get hurt with the compressed schedule trying to squeeze 4 games a week in all winter. Some guys will get hurt, some will start slow, some lines won't mesh and gel the way they did this year and some teams will add a building block here and a building block there. Free agents like Hossa will probably move on for bigger money than Pitt can logically afford. Heck Carolina can't even get back to the playoffs after winning the Cup two years ago.
We see it every year now where a club is thought to go back and capture all the hardware next year and they're nowhere to be seen come finals time... Everyone gets their spin at the wheel in the new NHL.
I think maybe you'll see malkin head out to star in is own right somewhere else the year after this when his contract comes due. I have a sneaky feeling Malkin doesn't enjoy being in Crosby's shadow while they keep up the nonstop tirade of all the gretzky comparisons with Crosby. He seems to be in a bit of a snit this round and what Cherry pointed out about malkin slamming the bench door in front of crosby I spotted while the game was on. That was no accident. I don't think the chemistry's all that great between those two. Malkin was pretty darn good in his own right when I watched him in the junior tourney a couple of years back. I see him moving on to get out from under all the crosby fanfare. He's not gonna stick around to watch crosby get all the headlines when it was him that was the catalyst while crosby was out all that time with the ankle.
Pens have only 34 mill committed to next year right now so they're in good shape that way, but the list of UFA's is long on that squad: Orpik, Ruutu, Malone, Dupuis, Roberts, Laraque, and then also fleury is RFA. The season after you have Malkin, Sykora, Staahl, Gill, Scuderi, Talbot etc. Every year we see guys leave successful clubs for the big payday and I don't think it'll be any different in Pitt. They'll definitely be a contender again next year, but dynasty, me, I think it's a wee bit early to be predicting it. I just don't see it yet in this new NHL. I see hockey being back in the Steel City bigtime and that's good. 'Bout time Lemieux's faith in the franchise to get him some of his long lost money back is working out.
Next year Philly will be better, Washington, probably the habs etc etc. I'd bet right now almost any amount of money that the pens will not be back to the Final next year even though everyone in Pittsburgh has every right to believe they're only that one step away right now. We've just seen it too many times where the club takes a step back and sometimes never does make that last step.
This is a different NHL than back during the first Oilers isles matchups in around 83/84 whenever it was. Those squads had pretty much set rosters for their four and five year runs with a bit of tinkering here and there each year. We see a lot more bodies change uniforms all the time now after a successful run because of the need to carry a few savvy veterans, a few young up and comers trying to earn themselves the big dough, and we see a lot of them fade into the sunset after their big run. It's the salary cap era.
JMO. | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 6:36:41 AM |
The only one to give Detroit any kind of a challenge this playoff season so far has been Dominik Hasek
Prairie, there were actually a few Wings slappies in Detroit that wanted to replace Ozzie with Hasek last series, when we lost a couple to Dallas. Just goes to show everybody thinks they're an expert.  | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 7:31:39 AM | "Pens have only 34 mill committed to next year right now so they're in good shape that way, but the list of UFA's is long on that squad: Orpik, Ruutu, Malone, Dupuis, Roberts, Laraque, and then also fleury is RFA. The season after you have Malkin, Sykora, Staahl, Gill, Scuderi, Talbot etc."
You could sign just about everyone listed there for the 22M they have to play with.
Malkin, 7M*
Fleury, $3.5M
Malone $3M
Stall, $3M*
Sykora, $3.5M*
Ruutuu $1.M
Laraque $1,M
Plus, you'll have an extra 6M by this time next year, if the cap ceiling continues to rise to sign the likes of Scuderi and Talbot. Roberts is gone. Dupuis would be nice but not likely...or Hossa. Gill ... who cares. Dittor Orpik
Naturally, it's all about the fiscal management but the Pens are sitting a lot better than most teams in the NHL in that regard, and that's why I say there's a possibility of long term steadiness. (and before we get into semantics here, I will admit that DYNASTY may be a strong word)
I look at the Oilers situation, as an Oiler fan, and compare the rest of the league to that. The Oilers situation has been grave for some time now.
Somehow (read "total mismanagement"), the Oilers had their backs to the cap wall all season long last year, despite having 8 rookies on the roster opening day.
Shero is doing it right... now as long as he doesn't fall into the Kevin Lowe syndrome of overpaying players this summer, while suffering the effects of Stanley Cup finals euphoria, he'll be fine.
That's what killed the Oilers. | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 8:17:08 AM | Malone $3M
malone is a u.f.a and will probably get 4-5 million a year.luckly for them he is from pitt.they might save some homer money.not to mention,chance of winning a few cups money. | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 8:20:08 AM | | ohya.look for somebody to toss a big offer out there for staal.i would be very surprized if he is still a pen next year. | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 8:51:11 AM | """staal.i would be very surprized if he is still a pen next year..."""
You probably mean the year after. He's committed to 2.2 mill next year and then he's RFA. But that's the kid i would want on my hockey club. He's only 19 and i think he'll be even more of the complete player than Sid the Kid. For a 19 year old i just sit and watch and shake my head at how good this kid is gonna be. Not to take anything away from Sid's talent and accomplishments, but these Staal boys play the complete game. The total package. Odd that Therrien feels Malkin and Crosby are still a bit young in the head to be out there killing penalties, but he doesn't hesitate to have Staal out there.
I see similarities in Malkin to the old days with yammy jagr or even a Bure. Kind of a bit of a morose sulker by the looks of it and maybe plays to potential moreso only when he feels like it. I don't think he's into playing second fiddle to Crosby at all. He has every right to be a bit tired by this point in a long NHL season. It's a long grind for a young 20 or 21 year old still growing. But him saying he's tired tells me his heads not in the right place right now for these finals. I honestly do think there's a bit of teen jealousy or rivalry there in pitt and i don't think they'll be a dynamic duo for ever and ever. If you're tired and you're in the Finals, then it has to be a bit about attitude. You can sleep lots when you're dead.
I would honestly consider moving him if need be for some added depth in other positions maybe late next year and focussing on Staal. I like malkin don't get me wrong. i just sometimes wonder about the team concept thing with some of our more moody european players. Some horses just don't pull well in tandem. They had to move Killer out of Toronto after they brought in Sundin because of a similar type scenario. Right now that club is pumped on enthusiasm (well going into the finals they were anyway) and yet malkin doesn't seem to share in it. The pictures not quite right there. I'd love to see that Staal kid in a Leaf uni two years from now.
http://www.nhlscap.com/capnumbers/pittsburgh.htm
EDIT: And yes, definitely Malone will be giving the hometown discount to stay in his hometown. He's gonna be a good one too. | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 9:28:47 AM | I'd love to see that Staal kid in a Leaf uni two years from now.
Sly what has that Staal kid ever done to you for you to hate him so?
As for Pitt i'd be keeping Staal over Malkin also. Malkin could bring alot in return and Crosby is the Kink of Pittsburgh. Staal makes a great compliment to him.
Therion is over coaching. By not using Crosby and Malkin on the PK he is keeping his two most gifted players on the bench. In games with a lot of kill situations it just screws up their flow and the rotations. It's his job to teach them isn't it?
Keep up the good work coach! | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 9:41:14 AM | Sly what has that Staal kid ever done to you for you to hate him so?
i am cryin over here. 
i agree with trading malkin aswell.this is a neww n.h.l,you almost have to keep up your pics and prospects. | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 2:05:43 PM | oh the boys are on their game today I see.  | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 2:16:28 PM | When you serve em up like the Penns against the Wings sly we have to slam em home.
Top shelf...
Peanut Butter...
Drained!
Glad you can laugh about it. | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 6:42:44 PM | Wow I didn't realize Ryan Malone was so old.
I don't think I would get rid of Malkin if I were Shero.
Anyway, those numbers were just off the top of my head, but the point is, with as much money as the Penguins have to play with, there shouldn't be a problem.
Also, just looking at the numbers, it looks to me like their cap hit for next year sits at $27M right now, which is actually under 50% of the cap for next year (56.6M), so they're in even better shape.
Incidentally, what's with Cole doing the play-by-play? CBC announced on their Web site Tuesday morning that Hughson would be taking over.
Cole must have fought back with some sort of "Grandfather" clause
I kill me | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 7:10:41 PM | | Hey Matty Sundin made the playoffs! | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 7:59:14 PM | Third goal by Pens... Roberts should of got a penalty for interference. He nails a guy as they are both going to the puck.. The guy never touched the puck..
Then Don Cherry shows the highlights of 4 checks on one shift and even he says opps those were all penalties
Ref's put their whistle away.. Then the ref gives a makeup Pens penalty for hooking afterwards as he realized he missed it... Ref falls in the corner and then later gets hit with a puck.. sad ... I don't care who wins but brutal refing. I am sure their boss will be chatting with them.. They are reviewed in every period of every game. Next game look for a tighter game | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 8:24:14 PM | what i want to know is how come crosby can 2 hand his stick at other players legs all the time and never ever get a call.
anyways pens played the very best hockey they have all year and just barly held on, over in 5 i say. | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 9:33:32 PM | " I don't care who wins but brutal refing."
Well it's not too often you and me agree on much but that reffing was egregious . I'm not sure if that's how you spell egregious, but it's the word i heard last nite by the guy doing the Spurs/Lakers game. I guess the NBA playoffs have been plagued by brutal reffing as well. That crosschecking call on Gill had to be made by the ref a hundred feet away instead of the ref right in front of the play. I'm watching them in front of the net wondering wtf the ref is watching if he's not calling this.
Crosby with the stick is just too much. He actually broke his stick on the guys legs the one time. I thought the Pens kinda got away with quite a bit tonight but the game's over now. Very inconsistent though in the reffing. If Malkins hook with 4 minutes left was a minor, then it should have been maybe the sixth or seventh minor of the period instead of the only one.
Entertaining game. I can't believe Holmstrom didn't bury that one with ten minutes left. But too be fair, Hossa should have had maybe four goals. Good effort by the Pens to hang on in the third. Maybe we'll get a series out of this yet. Pens were successful on the dump and chase, plus a real nice gaff by Stuart in the first, and their little goalie kept them in there in the third. Wings looked out of synch thru much of the first half of the game but then started to find their passing game shortly before the Mules goal which was a beauty. Ozzy looked like he might have hurt himself on that malkin shot. | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 9:38:59 PM | Sly no argument about the reffing but you have to understand how the 2 man system works.
The high Referee (Outside the blueline) is responsible for watching the interference and cross checking in front of the net. The low ref follows the puck. The Gill call was right on I would have called it interference actually though. | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/28/2008 10:04:23 PM | """but you have to understand how the 2 man system works."
Probably. But it could be a bit of an oxymoron since the 2 man system doesn't seem to work a lot of nights. Tonight was a wash. Lots of missed or ignored calls on both sides. Chippy affair but some good end to end stuff in the third. It's starting to warm up a bit. Next game will tell us if we're getting a series here.
What's with the Wings powerplay? 2 for 19 | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/31/2008 8:09:22 PM | Anyone else catch the Hotstove tonight? Jerry Bruckheimer has apparently asked for permission from Anaheim to speak to Burke. Odd request from a guy who doesn't even own a hockey team.
Could this mean that Bettman has told him he will be able to get a team in Las Vegas?
Ahhhh yes ... that hockey mecca in the middle of the desert
I still think Burke ends up in Toronto by the time of the Tavares draft | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 5/31/2008 9:49:58 PM | | where is kaos? his team pretty much just won the cup. my post right now would be the full song of ring of fire and a bunch of yeah baby's. he better be getting some of that pink stuff, or im questioning he fanship for the wings. | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 6/1/2008 8:15:14 AM | Hey smack, I enjoy these games but my life does not revolve around them. I don't believe that the measurement of my enjoyment of a Wings victory should be based on how loud I shout afterwards. I am not a part of the Wings organization I am simply a fan. I am a hockey fan first and foremost a and a Wings fan secondly.
That being said yesterdays game was a classic.
A close nail biter with both goaltenders playing well. Osgoode played terrific. Zetterberg without recording a point established himself as the most complete player in the NHL today.
Therion has been outcoached this whole series. | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 6/1/2008 10:09:14 AM | i disagree a fan is a part of the team, we spend the money that pays these guys, the crowd can be that extra man on the ice.
that zetts on that 5 on 3 was amazing. | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 6/1/2008 11:00:28 AM | "Therion has been outcoached this whole series. "
That may be the understatement of this thread! | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 6/1/2008 8:21:34 PM | Zetter was simply AMAZ-WING on that 5 on 3. How the Pens didn't score I'll never know.
The biggest story that's lost with all the Sid the Kid hype is Osgood. His renaissance in the playoffs and stellar goal work "should" win him the Conn Smythe. It'd be criminal if he doesn't.
 GO WINGS TOMORROW NIGHT....FINISH IT!!    | |
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| Hockey anyone?
Posted: 6/1/2008 8:38:51 PM | | I picked Osgood at the beginning of the finals, but I'm guessing if it ends tomorrow, Zetterberg gets it | |
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