Well, he was brought in to work on rebuilding the Leafs. He's a pretty good coach - he just has dick all to work with this year. That's why Burkie has been reloading with draft picks.
Official Hockey discussion thread
- Thread starter IronDuke
- Start date
I didn't say next season...5 seasons down the road.
Nigel Tufnel
Ancient Mariner
Crosby and Ovechkin are definitly worth watching. I kind of feel for Crosby, having the Mantle of being the Next One thrust upon him even before lacing them up for his first NHL game. Hopefully he can get some wingers to help him out. One to protect him and one to finish his plays. I think Guerin fills both of those roles.
On another note, Sean Avery was at it again Sunday, giving Tim Thomas of the Bruins a love tap with his stick on the back of his helmet.
Guess he crossed the line he was trying to walk. It did'nt work cause Thomas shut the door. I could see a tap on the shoulder, but a tap on the head. What the fuck man?
Anyway, the MVP for the Blueshirts is Lundvist. The Rangers are 29th in scoring but 6th in defense. Look at the New York blueline and it is'nt really all that impressive. I think that more than half of the defensive numbers are because they have the King between the pipes. My advice to Slats if he ever should read this post.....total revamp. Keep Lundqvist, Dubinsky, Mara, Avery(he has some value, just when he is not being a bonehead), Gomez or Drury(but not both). Everyone else can go.
On another note, Sean Avery was at it again Sunday, giving Tim Thomas of the Bruins a love tap with his stick on the back of his helmet.
Guess he crossed the line he was trying to walk. It did'nt work cause Thomas shut the door. I could see a tap on the shoulder, but a tap on the head. What the fuck man?Anyway, the MVP for the Blueshirts is Lundvist. The Rangers are 29th in scoring but 6th in defense. Look at the New York blueline and it is'nt really all that impressive. I think that more than half of the defensive numbers are because they have the King between the pipes. My advice to Slats if he ever should read this post.....total revamp. Keep Lundqvist, Dubinsky, Mara, Avery(he has some value, just when he is not being a bonehead), Gomez or Drury(but not both). Everyone else can go.
I am holding my breath!! We are 'in' with 2 (?) games to go.
Nigel Tufnel
Ancient Mariner
I am ammending my eariller post. Keep Drury and dump Gomez. Biggest game of the season and Captain Clutch delivers with 2 goals. I lost my faith in you. I forget it's not the many, but the when. That is why the Rangers signed him. Hope the Blues can pull it of for you Wasted. Unbelievable run they are on. Let's go Rangers...your destiny is in your own hands this evening. Win and we are in!!!
Has anybody witness a late season tankjob like the Islanders did against the Whalercanes? Fucking embarassing. This coming from a die hard Rangers fan. This is I believe maybe the lowpoint for a club that hoisted the cup four consecutive years and holds the record for most consecutive playoff victories. No wonder why the greats on those dynasty teams choose not to be affiliated. Never have I seen an entire club roll over like they did. If I were a season ticket holder I'd wipe my ass with remaing tickets and send it to the clubhouse and tell them that is how bad they stink. You are gauranteed last place and having a 48% chance of winning the Jonathan Tavares sweepstakes. Have some fucking pride.
Has anybody witness a late season tankjob like the Islanders did against the Whalercanes? Fucking embarassing. This coming from a die hard Rangers fan. This is I believe maybe the lowpoint for a club that hoisted the cup four consecutive years and holds the record for most consecutive playoff victories. No wonder why the greats on those dynasty teams choose not to be affiliated. Never have I seen an entire club roll over like they did. If I were a season ticket holder I'd wipe my ass with remaing tickets and send it to the clubhouse and tell them that is how bad they stink. You are gauranteed last place and having a 48% chance of winning the Jonathan Tavares sweepstakes. Have some fucking pride.
Tavares could start bringing it back, though. Remember it all started in Long Island in the 80s when they had some good draft picks...Denis Potvin (1st overall 1973, 1052 pts for the Isles), Clark Gilles (4th overall 1974, 663 pts for the Isles), Bryan Trottier (22nd overall 1974, 1353 pts for the Isles), Mike Bossy (15th overall 1977, 1126 pts for the Isles, half goals, in only 10 seasons). They did it from the draft then, and they could be in a good position now. Let's look.
Assuming it takes 7 seasons to build a champion, let's look at the NYI picks from 2001-2008, first rounders.
2001:
NYI did not draft until selection 101 in the FOURTH round. This is a bad sign already.
2002:
22nd overall: Sean Bergenheim. Currently plays for the Islanders. Career total: 33 pts.
Who did they miss? Cam Ward (2006 Conn Smythe winner), Duncan Keith (Hawks staple on the blue line), Matt Stajan (decent 2nd line centre for TML), Matthew Lombardi (perennial 20 goal scorer for Calgary/Phoenix).
2003:
15th overall: Robert Nilsson. Went to the Oil in the Ryan Smyth trade. Isn't doing that hot there.
Who did they miss? Zach Parise (40+ goal scorer for NJ), Ryan Getzlaf (40+ goal scorer for Anaheim and a nice guy), Corey Perry (30+ goal scorer for Anaheim), Shea Weber (big PP d for Nashville), Patrice Bergeron (solid 2nd line centre for Boston), Matt Carle (good 3rd or 4th d, not sure who he's with now), Dustin Byfuglian (20+ goals for Chicago), Jaro Halak (backup and sometimes prime goalie for MTL, 2.3 something GAA). And that's not including the extra 2 dozen guys who are NHL regulars unlike Nilsson.
2004:
16th overall: Petteri Nokelainen. Played 15 games for the Isles with 1 point, got hurt and traded to Boston for a minor leaguer.
Who did they miss? Marek Schwartz (2nd line forward for STL), Mike Green (Norris Trophy lock for this year, one of the best PP defensemen in the League, plays for Wash),
2005:
15th overall: Ryan O'Marra. Traded to Edmonton for Smyth. Has yet to play a single NHL game.
Who did they miss? The following have become NHL regulars or are going to be soon. Ryan Parent, Tuukka Rask, Andrew Cogliano, Matt Niskanen, Steve Downie, Paul Stastny, Tom Fritsche, Kris Letang, Kris Russell, Cody Bass, Tom Pyatt, Darren Helm, Brett Sutter, Matt D'Agostini, Sergei Kostitsyn,
2006:
7th overall: Kyle Okposo. FINALLY a good pick. This kid was hot in University hockey and has contributed since joining the Isles. He needs a centerman though.
Who did they miss? Still early, but...Milan Lucic is the only player I see who might have a greater upside.
2007:
DID NOT DRAFT. This year's pick went to the Oil, who blew it on a noone.
2008:
9th overall: Josh Bailey. No idea, still too early.
But, let's compare to STL in the same period. No analysis, just names.
1st round picks for the Blues in that period: Shawn Belle, Marek Schwartz, TJ Oshie, Erik Johnson, Patrik Berglund, Lars Eller, Ian Cole, David Perron, Alex Pietrangelo. MUCH BETTER LIST.
Assuming it takes 7 seasons to build a champion, let's look at the NYI picks from 2001-2008, first rounders.
2001:
NYI did not draft until selection 101 in the FOURTH round. This is a bad sign already.
2002:
22nd overall: Sean Bergenheim. Currently plays for the Islanders. Career total: 33 pts.
Who did they miss? Cam Ward (2006 Conn Smythe winner), Duncan Keith (Hawks staple on the blue line), Matt Stajan (decent 2nd line centre for TML), Matthew Lombardi (perennial 20 goal scorer for Calgary/Phoenix).
2003:
15th overall: Robert Nilsson. Went to the Oil in the Ryan Smyth trade. Isn't doing that hot there.
Who did they miss? Zach Parise (40+ goal scorer for NJ), Ryan Getzlaf (40+ goal scorer for Anaheim and a nice guy), Corey Perry (30+ goal scorer for Anaheim), Shea Weber (big PP d for Nashville), Patrice Bergeron (solid 2nd line centre for Boston), Matt Carle (good 3rd or 4th d, not sure who he's with now), Dustin Byfuglian (20+ goals for Chicago), Jaro Halak (backup and sometimes prime goalie for MTL, 2.3 something GAA). And that's not including the extra 2 dozen guys who are NHL regulars unlike Nilsson.
2004:
16th overall: Petteri Nokelainen. Played 15 games for the Isles with 1 point, got hurt and traded to Boston for a minor leaguer.
Who did they miss? Marek Schwartz (2nd line forward for STL), Mike Green (Norris Trophy lock for this year, one of the best PP defensemen in the League, plays for Wash),
2005:
15th overall: Ryan O'Marra. Traded to Edmonton for Smyth. Has yet to play a single NHL game.
Who did they miss? The following have become NHL regulars or are going to be soon. Ryan Parent, Tuukka Rask, Andrew Cogliano, Matt Niskanen, Steve Downie, Paul Stastny, Tom Fritsche, Kris Letang, Kris Russell, Cody Bass, Tom Pyatt, Darren Helm, Brett Sutter, Matt D'Agostini, Sergei Kostitsyn,
2006:
7th overall: Kyle Okposo. FINALLY a good pick. This kid was hot in University hockey and has contributed since joining the Isles. He needs a centerman though.
Who did they miss? Still early, but...Milan Lucic is the only player I see who might have a greater upside.
2007:
DID NOT DRAFT. This year's pick went to the Oil, who blew it on a noone.
2008:
9th overall: Josh Bailey. No idea, still too early.
But, let's compare to STL in the same period. No analysis, just names.
1st round picks for the Blues in that period: Shawn Belle, Marek Schwartz, TJ Oshie, Erik Johnson, Patrik Berglund, Lars Eller, Ian Cole, David Perron, Alex Pietrangelo. MUCH BETTER LIST.
Nigel Tufnel
Ancient Mariner
Look at who the Isles did have though, but were traded away as salary dumps or just because Mike Milbury fucked it up
1. Zdneo Chara
2. Roberto Luongo
3. Wade Redden
4. Todd Bertuzzi
5. Ollie Jokinen
6. Raffi Torres
Now let's say Milbury kept Luongo and thought he had the goaltender of the future. He does'nt pick Dipietro. But instead, he could have drafted Dany Heatley or Marain Gaborick. I know this is all hindsight, but look at Luongo and DiPietro. Has DP even played a full season yet? Luongo, had issues with the groin this season, but he is back. Having Luongo, then getting to pick Gaborick or Heatley. Then all the players listed above. That is a very strong core of players. And lets say they never traded Palffy (which was a salary dump trade). They could have been competeting for not only the Eastern Conference, but for another Stanley Cup. But let's say that they trade some of the players listed above, and get some trade value in either 2 or three gritty roleplayers or 1st or second round draft picks. I just pray Tavares does'nt go to the Island. DP will be a solid goaltender if he can stay healthy. But the damage inflicted by Milbury's and Wang's poor judgement has fucked this club up for a long time. I believe the window for this club has passed. In the end it is all about the money and the reluctance of the Islander's front office to want to fork it over. I also believe that Charles Wang would also relocate the team to Kansas City. There could be no other explaination. Any thing else defies logic.
1. Zdneo Chara
2. Roberto Luongo
3. Wade Redden
4. Todd Bertuzzi
5. Ollie Jokinen
6. Raffi Torres
Now let's say Milbury kept Luongo and thought he had the goaltender of the future. He does'nt pick Dipietro. But instead, he could have drafted Dany Heatley or Marain Gaborick. I know this is all hindsight, but look at Luongo and DiPietro. Has DP even played a full season yet? Luongo, had issues with the groin this season, but he is back. Having Luongo, then getting to pick Gaborick or Heatley. Then all the players listed above. That is a very strong core of players. And lets say they never traded Palffy (which was a salary dump trade). They could have been competeting for not only the Eastern Conference, but for another Stanley Cup. But let's say that they trade some of the players listed above, and get some trade value in either 2 or three gritty roleplayers or 1st or second round draft picks. I just pray Tavares does'nt go to the Island. DP will be a solid goaltender if he can stay healthy. But the damage inflicted by Milbury's and Wang's poor judgement has fucked this club up for a long time. I believe the window for this club has passed. In the end it is all about the money and the reluctance of the Islander's front office to want to fork it over. I also believe that Charles Wang would also relocate the team to Kansas City. There could be no other explaination. Any thing else defies logic.
^^Thanks for the above good wishes for the Blue's!! I am hoping that they get in for a bit.. I am not expecting greatness out of them, but I think the Blackhawks slid in last year (another really good young team) and they have some confidence and are now a fairly strong team now (battling between 4th and 5th last I heard).
PS, like the new pic, Nigel!
PS, like the new pic, Nigel!
The Blues Are In!!!!!
Woo Hoo!!
ok, we mite be 4-n-done, but we are there!!
Go Blue Notes!!
Woo Hoo!!
ok, we mite be 4-n-done, but we are there!!
Go Blue Notes!!
You'll be playing either San Jose or Detroit, but that's OK, Montreal's against either Boston or Washington!
ESPN (yeah, i know 
) Said that the Blues were one of the more surprising and possibly dangerous teams going into the playoffs-- I guess cause they are 'hot' right now.
I'm excited... I hope i can see some of it!!
) Said that the Blues were one of the more surprising and possibly dangerous teams going into the playoffs-- I guess cause they are 'hot' right now. I'm excited... I hope i can see some of it!!
Nigel Tufnel
Ancient Mariner
Any team that comes from a 10 point defecit to clinch a playoff berth is a dangerous one indeed. I think the turning point for the team was the decision to hang on to Andy Murray as head coach. That gives a young team the confidence in the coach to buy into what he is saying and what system he is trying to instill. Reminds me of Washington last season, but they were a little different, bringing Gabby as there head coach. If I were the Sharks, I would not be too confident in playing ST. Louis, giving their history in the post season.
Good to see Kovalev wanting to play again. Likle I stated in an earlier post, when he wants to be, he is one of the best players in the game. Strange how fickle of a player he is.
As for the Rangers, they clinched!! But only for the Heroics of the King. I just wished they had some scoring.
Good to see Kovalev wanting to play again. Likle I stated in an earlier post, when he wants to be, he is one of the best players in the game. Strange how fickle of a player he is.
As for the Rangers, they clinched!! But only for the Heroics of the King. I just wished they had some scoring.
Well, it looks like they'll be playing Washington...so it is going to be A-O vs. the King, and the NY Offense That Couldn't vs. Jose The Odor.
OK. All I have heard since the fucking trade deadline is Bill Guerin this, Bill Guerin that! Fuck Bill Guerin. The guy is a defeatist, all he wants to do is win cups and he hated being on the Isles. Should never have signed there. Now he's happy to be on the Pens, so he's actually trying. And quite frankly my left nut could score on Sid the Kid's wing.
The best trade deadline acquisition? Not Guerin (5-7-12 in 16). Not Antoine Vermette (7-6-13 in 16). Not Olli Jokinen (8-7-15 in 18). The best has been 42 year old superchamp Mark Recchi, with 10 goals and 5 assists in 17 games. That's right, 10 goals. Rex doesn't fuck around, he shows up and scores at a massive rate (one goal per .58 games, which would be good enough for 48 goals in the season at that rate). All he needed was a fucking team, and he's back like he's 22, not 42.
On top of that, remember that Rex was waived by Pittsburgh last year, because they kept putting him on the fourth line. Surprise, when centred by a genius like Jarko Ruutu, Rex can't score goals. In Atlanta, they slotted him on the Kozlov-Kovalchuk line, and he came back with tons of points. Tampa put him on the third line with Stamkos or some other nameless bum, same fucking problem. Give him Bergeron? Bam! Fuck, Mark Recchi is hella sweet, and he would have been #1 on my list of players to trade for.
Anyway, there needs to be more love for Rex.
OK. All I have heard since the fucking trade deadline is Bill Guerin this, Bill Guerin that! Fuck Bill Guerin. The guy is a defeatist, all he wants to do is win cups and he hated being on the Isles. Should never have signed there. Now he's happy to be on the Pens, so he's actually trying. And quite frankly my left nut could score on Sid the Kid's wing.
The best trade deadline acquisition? Not Guerin (5-7-12 in 16). Not Antoine Vermette (7-6-13 in 16). Not Olli Jokinen (8-7-15 in 18). The best has been 42 year old superchamp Mark Recchi, with 10 goals and 5 assists in 17 games. That's right, 10 goals. Rex doesn't fuck around, he shows up and scores at a massive rate (one goal per .58 games, which would be good enough for 48 goals in the season at that rate). All he needed was a fucking team, and he's back like he's 22, not 42.
On top of that, remember that Rex was waived by Pittsburgh last year, because they kept putting him on the fourth line. Surprise, when centred by a genius like Jarko Ruutu, Rex can't score goals. In Atlanta, they slotted him on the Kozlov-Kovalchuk line, and he came back with tons of points. Tampa put him on the third line with Stamkos or some other nameless bum, same fucking problem. Give him Bergeron? Bam! Fuck, Mark Recchi is hella sweet, and he would have been #1 on my list of players to trade for.
Anyway, there needs to be more love for Rex.
PLAYOFF MATCHUPS FINALIZED!
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Series 'A' - #1 Boston Bruins vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens
Series 'B' - #2 Washington Capitals vs. #7 New York Rangers
Series 'C' - #3 New Jersey Devils vs. #6 Carolina Hurricanes
Series 'D' - #4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Philadelphia Flyers
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Series 'E' - #1 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Anaheim Ducks
Series 'F' - #2 Detroit Red Wings vs. #7 Columbus Blue Jackets
Series 'G' - #3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 St. Louis Blues
Series 'H' - #4 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #5 Calgary Flames
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Series 'A' - #1 Boston Bruins vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens
Series 'B' - #2 Washington Capitals vs. #7 New York Rangers
Series 'C' - #3 New Jersey Devils vs. #6 Carolina Hurricanes
Series 'D' - #4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Philadelphia Flyers
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Series 'E' - #1 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Anaheim Ducks
Series 'F' - #2 Detroit Red Wings vs. #7 Columbus Blue Jackets
Series 'G' - #3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 St. Louis Blues
Series 'H' - #4 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #5 Calgary Flames
Nigel Tufnel
Ancient Mariner
How many teams has Guerin been with now? I lost count. Anyway I'd like to see a San Jose/Boston final. Joe Thornton scores the cup winning goal on Boston ice. 'nuff said.
As for the Rangers, if they can win two games, I think that is all I cam expect out of them. But I don't know if Boston can beat Montreal in the playoffs.
As for the Rangers, if they can win two games, I think that is all I cam expect out of them. But I don't know if Boston can beat Montreal in the playoffs.
We knocked them off last time we were in this position, in...2002 I think? That was the year The Odor went hot though.