Official 2009-2010 NHL Thread

[Escape]

well its not that simple escape, the habs are running a type of box trap and their rotations are excellent. but i would like to see more dump and chase, i fee like if bill guerin was out there, we would have a veteran presence realizing what to do with it.
I'd have to watch some of these games to know exactly what is going on I suppose. I'll try to catch today's game if I can. I also heard Montreal is throwing their bodies in front of everything as well. If this is so, at least it's showing alot of desire on their part so I'll give them that much.

So my Canucks are alive for one more day. A few more brutal calls to start the game off but in all, it effected both teams. I'm pretty much getting fed up with the refereeing I'm seeing out there now to be honest. Too many tripping calls when they aren't trips while looking the other way for alot of cross checks and high sticks. I seriously wouldn't be whining so much though if they weren't so blatant.

In all, the Canucks still didn't play that well but they managed to get the win anyways. Luongo had a great game however.

[Ramplate]

Wow Pens were kind of caught with their pants down last night.
I think that is the only game where I've ever seen a team score with a pulled goalie - too bad they needed 2 at that point.

Good to see the Bruins get slammed though :D

[FranklinTard]

i don't think you watch hockey often...

[Ramplate]

We get all the Bruins games up here, so no :P

[saveus1011]

The only good news is that if the Pens and Bruins win, we get the same amount of rest.

[Justin]

I haven't lost hope, but judging by the way Montreal is playing, this could potentially be a very rough game 7 -- although they usually are. My guess is that it goes into OT. The Pens have had several opportunities to score on one-on-ones, but they have yet to convert. Montreal has had multiple chances on capitalizing on the Pens' mistakes and they have converted numerous times.

Like I said, I'm not losing hope, but I'm not making any bets, either. Perhaps the atmosphere and experience will help the Pens pull off a big win, but then again, Montreal is playing with nothing to lose....

[saveus1011]

She can't go out like that.

[Justin]

In the words of the pensblog: Do it.

Go Pens.

[thebtskink]

Good to see the Bruins get slammed though :D


Ramplate, who's your hockey team?

I only ask because I thought you were fans of the Patriots and the Red Sox--I only assumed Boston fanship from there. You're from Vermont, right?

Please tell me you don't root for the Habs.

[docstop]

Pens lose? The Habs have come a long, long way from almost missing the playoffs to knocking off both Ovechkin and Crosby.

Game 7s are tough. The Canadiens are still riding Halak and played a better overall team game. Camalleri is on fire right now too.

Looking for a SJ and Mon final now.

[FranklinTard]

sharks for the cup?

[Angelixx]

i could cry right now. that first period was just...oh god i could cry.

what am i gonna watch on tv now?

What a sad way for the Mellon to go out. that's what is most heartbreaking about this, the poor girl....well that and losing to the habs. *shudders*

[thebtskink]

Ugh. Bruins finally start playing like they should but too far into the second period. This will be an utter embarrassment if they lose game 7.

[slinger]

She can't go out like that.

Full circle.

Lost the first game in the 60s to the Habs and now the last.

[saveus1011]

i could cry right now. that first period was just...oh god i could cry.

what am i gonna watch on tv now?

What a sad way for the Mellon to go out. that's what is most heartbreaking about this, the poor girl....well that and losing to the habs. *shudders*

I was crying. Yeah, I'll admit it.

[FranklinTard]

i have to say what we are all thinking, you're a *****.


everyone is acting like it is unheard of for a road team to come win in a game 7, shows how much the mainstream sports media actually watches hockey. the road team has had the advantage the last few years in game 7's.

[Justin]

Oh well.

Penguins looked exhausted and disorganized. It was truly a disappointing game for them and I didn't expect them to come out so poorly. Did Gonchar even know what was going on? Did Malkin? What was it, 14 giveaways to 0? Was there a reason Poni was even in the game? Ridiculous.

Overall, the Canadiens just played their game better, regardless of how much I despise this "turtle until they screw up" tactic, aka the trap. I won't blame Fleury, since the offense couldn't score on Halak anyway, but he let in a few soft goals. That doesn't exactly help.

They'll be back next year with hopefully a stronger team. But right now, I'm thinking Sharks/Canadiens.

[saveus1011]

i have to say what we are all thinking, you're a *****.


everyone is acting like it is unheard of for a road team to come win in a game 7, shows how much the mainstream sports media actually watches hockey. the road team has had the advantage the last few years in game 7's.

Maybe I like being a ***********

[Justin]

On a separate note, does anyone else find it pathetic how often Montreal riots?

[saveus1011]

Burn the city I say. F the Habs.

[Ramplate]

Ramplate, who's your hockey team?

I only ask because I thought you were fans of the Patriots and the Red Sox--I only assumed Boston fanship from there. You're from Vermont, right?

Please tell me you don't root for the Habs.
Yup, Vermont - SW corner of it.

I used to root for the Hartford Whalers but now they're the Carolina Hurricanes. I don't like the Celtics in basketball and I don't like the Bruins so it's The 76'ers and Penguins for me.

[docstop]

On a separate note, does anyone else find it pathetic how often Montreal riots?

Yep, it's pathetic alright. Never understand why that happens. Sure, some people will get a little drunk but why riot? If your team just won a big game I would never think, "time to break some windows or wreck a car."

[Justin]

They were actually burning pictures of Crosby. Right.

[saveus1011]

I want my gold medals back.

[bbf2]

That's what makes it so annoying. Normally an 8 seed who barely got into the playoffs beating the title favorite and THEN beating the defending champs would be a great story. (especially with the best two players on the sport on each of those respective teams) However, the honor has unfortunately been bestowed upon the most historically successful franchise and the one with the most annoying fans/city.

[FranklinTard]

* and the worst brand of hockey available today.

[saveus1011]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Go Flyers.

[Escape]

duplicate post deleted

[Escape]

I'm glad the Flyers are in on a PP goal because of too many men on the ice. 33 time this has happened in the playoffs so far. The Flyers are only the 3rd team to come back from a three games to non deficit. I'd love to see them get a cup now. They were my team growing up in my teens so I want to revive that in me ha ha.

But seriously I mean what a story that would be. Win the cup after only getting into the playoffs on the last day of the year on a shoot-out.

[saveus1011]

Whoever comes out of the West IMO is gonna win it this year.

[bbf2]

Whoever comes out of the West IMO is gonna win it this year.

The Western finals has the 1-seed vs the 2-seed, and the East finals has the 7-seed vs the 8-seed....crazy, I wonder if that's ever happened before.

[saveus1011]

I was wondering the same thing too.

I'm basing it more on what's happened with the Winter Classic though.

[Ramplate]

wow - is this part of the seven signs of the end of the world? ;)

I think I'm gonna have to go with the Habs on this - even though they beat the Pens

[saveus1011]

The douchery of the fanbase cancels that out for me.

[Justin]

I'd like to see the Sharks win it this year, but part of me wouldn't mind seeing the Habs win it all.

[thebtskink]

The Chicago Blackhawks are the least hateable team left with the least hateable fans. I want them to win.

[FranklinTard]

hate the blackhawks. ever since the early cup years when chelios (douche bag) was on the hawks. and i'd rather pretend there is no eastern conference championship this year.

go sharks.

[Angelixx]

hate the blackhawks. ever since the early cup years when chelios (douche bag) was on the hawks. and i'd rather pretend there is no eastern conference championship this year.

go sharks.

this pretty much sums up my attitude. I'm alright with Chicago winning, I don't absolutely hate them and I do like Toews, but my brother is a huge Hawks fan and i want to see his arrogant ass handed to him. The eastern conference is dead to me at this point, so that pretty much leaves the Sharks. I would be happy to see them take it.

Although I'll admit I'm a little happy the flyers destroyed the habs tonight (i knew Halak would break but to the flyers? really?). no matter who wins that series I just want the losing team to be utterly humiliated. None of this 'oh it was a good game, such a close series' bull ****. So much hate for those teams, I want an annihilation.

On a separate note, does anyone else find it pathetic how often Montreal riots?

yes. extremely pathetic. although on a good note when i went into work and all the bandwagon Habs fans greeted me with "Hey how'd you like the game last night" and I had that beauty of a backhand to throw at them. It's a shame Montreal acts like that because it will always put a negative light on their 'Cinderella story'.

[saveus1011]

this pretty much sums up my attitude. I'm alright with Chicago winning, I don't absolutely hate them and I do like Toews, but my brother is a huge Hawks fan and i want to see his arrogant ass handed to him. The eastern conference is dead to me at this point, so that pretty much leaves the Sharks. I would happy to see them take it.

Although I'll admit I'm a little happy the flyers destroyed the habs tonight (i knew Halak would break but to the flyers? really?). no matter who wins that series I just want the losing team to be utterly humiliated. None of this 'oh it was a good game, such a close series' bull ****. So much hate for those teams, I want an annihilation.



yes. extremely pathetic. although on a good note when i went into work and all the bandwagon Habs fans greeted me with "Hey how'd you like the game last night" and I had that beauty of a backhand to throw at them. It's a shame Montreal acts like that because it will always put a negative light on their 'Cinderella story'.

Agreed with the first part.

I feel you on the Habs fans. One of my close friends is engaged to a guy who's a fan of them and has done all but provoke me.

[FranklinTard]

ha quit *****ing about fans being douche bags, anytime you win and someone else loses, you are a douche bag to them. don't be all hypocritical, **** talking is a large part of the reason we love sports. and i don't think i would enjoy them as much without it...

[Diablo]

Backstrom locked in for the next 10 years.



Caps sign Nicklas Backstrom to 10-year, $67M deal

The Capitals announced this morning that they've signed Nicklas Backstrom to a long-term contract, locking up the 22-year-old center for another 10 years alongside linemate Alex Ovechkin, who has 11 years left on his 13-year, $124 million contract. Backstrom's deal is worth $67 million.

"I think we have a good mix on our team, and I wanted to stay and everything, so there was nothing to think about," Backstrom told reporters gathered at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.

--

What a steal, and a huge re-signing.

[Escape]

Any type of fans who wrecks their city because they either win or lose a championship final are douche bags. And that includes the douche bag Canucks fans of '94 who participated in the riot after we lost to the Rangers in game 7 of the finals.

The only thing I detest about Montreal is they are known for this so if they lose, then fu*kin'A to all their douche bag fans out there. If they win however, then I'm happy for the non douch bag fans because of their passion for the game.

[Angelixx]

edit

[Justin]

Although I'll admit I'm a little happy the flyers destroyed the habs tonight (i knew Halak would break but to the flyers? really?). no matter who wins that series I just want the losing team to be utterly humiliated. None of this 'oh it was a good game, such a close series' bull ****. So much hate for those teams, I want an annihilation.

Halak definitely let the floodgates open. The Flyers pummeled the trapping Devils, and to be honest, I sort of expected the same in this series. However, I think he'll be back stronger. In both the Capitals and Penguins series, he was pulled and then re-inserted and ultimately put up a brick wall against both teams. We'll see, though.

I'd like to see both teams annihilated, as well. I'd also like to see the Sharks win it this year.

[Angelixx]

^ i thought about that too, how Halak bounces back (the Pens won a pretty good game first game and then he came back like almost invincible) so that could definitely happen once they get back to home ice

so I just noticed the philly fans have been singing the Habs' 'ole ole' song. wow philly, you actually made me smile just a little wee bit. (this is what happens to me when my team is out: crazy things like relenting a tiny bit in my hate for the flyers :omg:)

[docstop]

Looks like the Habs are crawling back into the series. Bet the rest of the series will be won by the home teams. Except for game 7 when the Habs pull it out once again.

[docstop]

Hawks - Flyers final. Should be awesome. Go 'Hawks!

[Ramplate]

yeah Hawks

[FranklinTard]

yes anyone but the filth.

[Ramplate]

exactly

[Justin]

Ugly Stanley Cup, but go Hawks....

[Angelixx]

With that empty net goal the flyers went back to being dead to me. Hawks for the cup and all will be right with the world again :)

[docstop]

think the Hawks won their last cup in '61 maybe? longest drought in the NHL. this playoffs has turned into a process of elimination for me. First my Avs lost, reverting me to the Pens, Pens lost, leaving me teamless for awhile, now I've decided to get behind the Hawks. They're young and don't want Philly to bully there way to a cup.

[FranklinTard]

49 years. better not make it 50.

[Angelixx]

This is probably gonna be a stupid question but I'm clearly missing something. When was the last time the Sens won the cup? I thought they had the longest drought because the only info I can find says the last time they won was 1927. Either I'm missing their last win completely or I'm missing some extra info :S?? Someone enlighten me please!

[Boro]

Go Hawks!

[Justin]

This is probably gonna be a stupid question but I'm clearly missing something. When was the last time the Sens won the cup? I thought they had the longest drought because the only info I can find says the last time they won was 1927. Either I'm missing their last win completely or I'm missing some extra info :S?? Someone enlighten me please!

To my knowledge, they've never won it.

[FranklinTard]

This is probably gonna be a stupid question but I'm clearly missing something. When was the last time the Sens won the cup? I thought they had the longest drought because the only info I can find says the last time they won was 1927. Either I'm missing their last win completely or I'm missing some extra info :S?? Someone enlighten me please!

thats what wikipedia says... 1927. but above it says something about the nhl getting license or whatever, exclusivity over it in 1947. which would mean they never technically won it, but that would probably cut a lot of the montreal championships out of the ledger too... what the hell is going on here?!?

[thebtskink]

This is probably gonna be a stupid question but I'm clearly missing something. When was the last time the Sens won the cup? I thought they had the longest drought because the only info I can find says the last time they won was 1927. Either I'm missing their last win completely or I'm missing some extra info :S?? Someone enlighten me please!

Original Senators were around until 1934 in the NHL. These Senators came around in 1992. Intervening years don't count since Chicago has been without a cup for a longer amount of time as one continuous franchise.

[Angelixx]

Original Senators were around until 1934 in the NHL. These Senators came around in 1992. Intervening years don't count since Chicago has been without a cup for a longer amount of time as one continuous franchise.

ok i getcha. i figured it was some technicality type thing. thank you :)

[equipe]

Go Hawks Go!

[Justin]

Penguins hosting the Winter Classic. Nice!

[FranklinTard]

gotta get my tickets.

[Fresh Prince]

Great game tonight.

[Fresh Prince]

Lets goooo......lakers back to the finals!!!!!!!!!!

[Ramplate]

Lets goooo......lakers back to the finals!!!!!!!!!!

And how about them Toledo Mud Hens? ;)

[Angelixx]

Penguins hosting the Winter Classic. Nice!

If i have to sell an effing kidney or a piece of my liver, I am going to that game.

[Fresh Prince]

And how about them Toledo Mud Hens? ;)

All man I meant to post this in the NBA thread my bad.

[Fresh Prince]

Got a feeling the Blackhawks will win again tonight.

[donny]

Ehh, forget about which team your rooting for, I think I can speak for all of us (hopefully), that NBC has awful coverage. They are god awful.

[Fresh Prince]

How NBC godawful?

[Ramplate]

All man I meant to post this in the NBA thread my bad.

hehe we've all done it one time or another :D

I saw the game was on, but I watched Family Guy instead. Go Hawks

[docstop]

Richards is a dirty player, always going for head shots. Too bad he's gonna lose the Cup.

[Ramplate]

Man, I was just signing in to make a comment on that nice breakaway goal to make it 3-2 and the Philthys just scored to tie it again

[Justin]

The Hawks better not blow it.

[Ramplate]

yeah - wow they looked weak

[Boro]

Come on Hawks. :(

[Angelixx]

minus the ****ty first goal the Flyers got, THAT was the game I wanted to see. I am pleased.

I want Chelsea Dagger to the soundtrack to Philadelphia's nightmares.

[Boro]

Yeah, the beginning of the second period was pretty ugly. Otherwise nice job Hawks!

[docstop]

Hawks are gonna break the 49 year drought!

[Ramplate]

Some nice looking goals tonight

[thebtskink]

Awesome.

[Knerys]

Weird freaking ending but nice job Hawks!

[Justin]

Congrats Hawks.

[docstop]

Wow that was one of the worst OT goals of all time to win the Cup. Don't know but from Leighton's performance, think Philly needs to look for a new goalie once again. Can never get a good one there.

And of course Congrats to the Hawks. Fun team and I'm glad they took it over the Flyers.


Now no one will write in this thread till playoffs next year. lol

[Justin]

It was a nice run for the Hawks, but they're going to run into cap trouble next year. I doubt they will be capable of making a second run at it.

[Justin]

Mike Yeo Named Head Coach of the American Hockey League Houston Aeros

By Jason Seidling

Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma will have to make a change to his 2010-11 coaching staff after it was announced on Wednesday that assistant coach Mike Yeo is leaving to become the new head coach of the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League. Houston is the Minnesota Wild’s top minor-league affiliate.

Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma (right) and the rest of the Pittsburgh organization were pleased to hear Mike Yeo named head coach of the Houston Aeros. Credit - Getty Images
This will be the first head coaching gig for the 36-year-old North Bay, Ontario native following four-plus seasons behind the bench for the Penguins. During Yeo’s tenure he helped transform the Penguins from the league’s second-worst outfit in ’05-06 to Stanley Cup champions in ’09.

Bylsma thanked Yeo for his hard work and dedication to the Penguins organization while also talking about how he believes Yeo is ready to lead his own team.

“I am really pleased for Mike Yeo,” Bylsma said. “We all have aspirations and Mike has them to be a head coach. He has had the opportunity to learn here and in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton with different head coaches. You can see the progression and the quality of coach that he is. For him to get recognized and get that opportunity in a place where people know he is a quality person is great for Mike.”

Penguins general manager Ray Shero echoed Bylsma’s sentiments.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for him and his family in the American Hockey League,” Shero said. “I talked to Mike the past couple of years about his career goals and (eventually) becoming a head coach in the National Hockey League. We talked about this being a path he might have to take. I am very happy for Mike. He was a big contributor to our staff and a huge reason why we won a Stanley Cup.”

Shero said the Penguins are in no rush to find a replacement for Yeo. Right now Shero has asked Bylsma, Granato, goaltending coach Gilles Meloche and assistant to the general manager Tom Fitzgerald to think of prospective candidates to talk to as the offseason progresses.

“We will put together a list of candidates,” Shero said. “We will look at our criteria and look to fill that void in the future.”

While working closely with Yeo the past year and a half in Pittsburgh, Bylsma has come to appreciate the strengths Yeo will take with him to Houston.

“Mike has a great work ethic,” Bylsma described. “He takes great pride in his own work as well as the players around him. He is also a guy who is willing to learn and grow. He has shown that. He has been able to take what he’s learned from Michel Therrien and what he learned (as a player) in the American Hockey League and added to what we have done here in Pittsburgh alongside myself and (assistant coach) Tony (Granato). That is why he has continued to grow and will continue to be successful.”

Yeo will be reunited in with current Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher, who served as assistant general manager of the Penguins between 2005-08, and Wild head coach Todd Richards, who was the WBS head coach from 2006-08.

“At his age the time is right for him,” Shero said. “He has a relationship with Chuck Fletcher and Todd Richards in Minnesota, plus he played in Houston for a number of years and was a really popular player there. This is great news for his development. The AHL is a great league for coaches to develop.”

In addition to knowing people within the front office, Yeo might also have the chance to coach several players with ties to the Penguins organization who spent time with the Aeros last season in forwards Andy Hilbert, Nathan Smith and Jean-Michel Daoust and defenseman Ryan Lannon.

Yeo will be making a homecoming with the Aeros as he replaces former Penguins head coach Kevin Constantine, whose contract was not renewed following three seasons behind the Houston bench.

During his playing days Yeo spent five seasons with the Aeros between 1994-95 and ’98-99 when the team was a member of the now-defunct International Hockey League. He was the captain of the ’99 squad which captured the Turner Cup championship.

Yeo’s coaching career began the next season when a knee injury ended his playing days just 19 games into his first season with the Baby Penguins in 1999.

At just 26 years of age, Yeo was asked by then-WBS head coach Glenn Patrick to serve as an assistant coach with the team, a spot he retained when Therrien took over behind the bench prior to the ’03-04 campaign.

Yeo spent five full seasons and parts of two others as an assistant at WBS before accepting his first NHL coaching assignment on Dec. 15, 2005 when Therrien was promoted to Pittsburgh to replace Eddie Olczyk.

During Yeo’s time with the Baby Penguins, WBS made two runs to the Calder Cup Final (2000-01 and ’03-04). Combine that with back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances with the Penguins, including a championship in ’09, and Yeo has certainly proven himself capable of leading a team deep into the postseason.

Shero and Bylsma both believe that Yeo’s penchant for winning probably helped to play a factor in Fletcher’s decision to give Yeo his first head-coaching opportunity.

“There are not too many people who have a Stanley Cup on their resume and can also say they worked with players like (Sidney) Crosby and (Evgeni) Malkin,” Shero said. “He also worked with many of our younger players and helped develop them to play in Pittsburgh.”

“He now has a lot of experience to take with him winning hockey games and being a Stanley Cup champion and working with the best players in the game,” Bylsma added. “All of those experiences are going to suit him well being a head coach.”

Thoughts?

[FranklinTard]

****ing finally. get that bum outta here, guy was in charge of our power play for a long time, when it was anemic.

halak to the blues for a couple young guys, must have been asking for a ton of money, deservedly though, but glad to see him outta the east.

[Justin]

That's how I feel as well, Franklin.

And I just saw that.

[Angelixx]

pretty pumped about the Mike Yeo news, I can finally be really excited about the powerplay.

as for Halak, I'm not hugely surprised about the trade as the dude deserves a huge pay raise after his performance in the playoffs. So the trade's are starting...oh please god Pens, resign Gonch and Cooke. please.

[Justin]

Robbed.

[DaRkKnIgHtDeTeCtIvE]

I knew changes needed to be made due to cap problems, but did the Hawks have to deal away Big Buff? Huet is a cap burden they need to get him off the payroll. I'd almost rather see them trade Hossa and keep Buff, size along w/ grit is a comodity most teams die for, especially in the playoffs...I think this is a huge mistake for the Hawks.
Was glad to see some of my hometown Sabres take home some hardware at the awards last night, Miller and Myers were very deserving.

[Bobby007]

Strange move for the Hawks, I agree. Good for ATL though, who knows how they pulled off this trade, but they are a much better team and one that I'm scared to play next year as a Caps fan.

[bbf2]

I loved the Getzlaf/Bobby Ryan medal segment at the awards. I used to go to Ducks practices and press conferences a lot back when I lived in California so it was funny for me to see the interior of the Honda center again (and the receptionist who used to let us in was in it).

[FranklinTard]

in shero we trust.

can't believe the cash gonchar got, good for him, but so glad it wasn't here.

[Justin]

Same here. I was thrilled to see him gone. Anyone who just lets players skate past him shouldn't be playing, anyway. Let him screw the Sens.

I'm very happy about our acquisitions, especially Michalek.

[Angelixx]

I hope Gonch likes the money cus he ain't winning a cup again :) Gonna miss him and '***** please' eyebrow though.

The only thing I'm really freaking out about is that I really want Papi Guerin to get resigned, mainly for what he does for Sid and the whole mental aspect. And that I love him. But it's looking less and less likely. :(

Oh well, all hail King Shero.