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Boooooo! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by CutMeMick
Good to see another hockey fan.
Do you think Bertuzzi is as overpaid as most Ducks fans do? Also, what do you think about Brian Burke as a GM?
Just curious because they used to be part of the Canucks and quite frankly I'm glad they're both gone.
The Sharks are deadly when they're on, when the Canucks looked like a lock to make the playoffs they were the team I wanted them to face the least.Quote:
Originally Posted by amat
The Sharks in some ways remind be of the old Canucks team; all kinds of talent when they are on their game, but somehow they are surprisingly inconsistant.
Of course, the big difference is you guys don't have Dan Cloutier playing goal for you. I always wonder what that Canucks team could've done if Burke had got them a decent goalie. All those years of a great team wasted because Cloutier, as great a guy as he apparently is, counldn't get things done in the post-season. Though to be fair to Cloutier, most of the team has proven that they couldn't, and still can't, get things done in the playoffs.
Hey Doot, or anyone else, what do you think of the Canucks firing Nonis? I think it's a idiotic, knee-jerk move by the now questionable ownership.
That's the thing it is strangely inconsistant stuff. Tonight it came on a failure to clear pucks from the zone. Not one time all year did I see the Sharks struggle this much at clearing the puck. It was a struggle each and every time and their inability to clear directly triggered all 3 goals tonight. It's like they figure out a new way every night to not play half as good as they are. We see it in spots, Cheechoo, Thornton and Marleau all registering multiple points, but in between that brilliance is a bunch of dumb mistakes that teams expected to win the Cup don't make.Quote:
Originally Posted by CFHThe Sharks are deadly when they're on, when the Canucks looked like a lock to make the playoffs they were the team I wanted them to face the least.Quote:
Originally Posted by amat
The Sharks in some ways remind be of the old Canucks team; all kinds of talent when they are on their game, but somehow they are surprisingly inconsistant.
Of course, the big difference is you guys don't have Dan Cloutier playing goal for you. I always wonder what that Canucks team could've done if Burke had got them a decent goalie. All those years of a great team wasted because Cloutier, as great a guy as he apparently is, counldn't get things done in the post-season. Though to be fair to Cloutier, most of the team has proven that they couldn't, and still can't, get things done in the playoffs.
Hopefully they can pull together and close this out in Calgary because I don't like this team's chances in 1 game to be perfectly honest. Well I do because they have home ice but it's shaky.
That being said I think they do close it in Calgary. It's an elimination game they know what to expect, the Flames to come out and hit them in the mouth but the Sharks pretty much have weathered that effectively the last two games. The Flames did the same thing in Game 3 and the Sharks rode it out and then completely shut the Flames down for the rest of the game. The entire game was played in the Calgary zone on Calgary ice and I expect about the same thing tonight. There is no reason that Jerome Iginla and Owen Nolan should be giving the Sharks this many problems. Phanuef wasn't a factor tonight, they played Marleau on the 1st line and Phanuef couldn't stop him. Thornton was freed a bit and played the led a lot of breaks. Primeau hasn't really done much it's been Iginla, Nolan and Sarich. Sorry but those 3 shouldn't be giving the Sharks this many problems, I think the Sharks are due for that 60 minutes of great hockey.
The Sharks got smoked tonight, think they'll be able to bounce back for game 7?Quote:
Originally Posted by amatThat's the thing it is strangely inconsistant stuff. Tonight it came on a failure to clear pucks from the zone. Not one time all year did I see the Sharks struggle this much at clearing the puck. It was a struggle each and every time and their inability to clear directly triggered all 3 goals tonight. It's like they figure out a new way every night to not play half as good as they are. We see it in spots, Cheechoo, Thornton and Marleau all registering multiple points, but in between that brilliance is a bunch of dumb mistakes that teams expected to win the Cup don't make.Quote:
Originally Posted by CFHThe Sharks are deadly when they're on, when the Canucks looked like a lock to make the playoffs they were the team I wanted them to face the least.Quote:
Originally Posted by amat
The Sharks in some ways remind be of the old Canucks team; all kinds of talent when they are on their game, but somehow they are surprisingly inconsistant.
Of course, the big difference is you guys don't have Dan Cloutier playing goal for you. I always wonder what that Canucks team could've done if Burke had got them a decent goalie. All those years of a great team wasted because Cloutier, as great a guy as he apparently is, counldn't get things done in the post-season. Though to be fair to Cloutier, most of the team has proven that they couldn't, and still can't, get things done in the playoffs.
Hopefully they can pull together and close this out in Calgary because I don't like this team's chances in 1 game to be perfectly honest. Well I do because they have home ice but it's shaky.
That being said I think they do close it in Calgary. It's an elimination game they know what to expect, the Flames to come out and hit them in the mouth but the Sharks pretty much have weathered that effectively the last two games. The Flames did the same thing in Game 3 and the Sharks rode it out and then completely shut the Flames down for the rest of the game. The entire game was played in the Calgary zone on Calgary ice and I expect about the same thing tonight. There is no reason that Jerome Iginla and Owen Nolan should be giving the Sharks this many problems. Phanuef wasn't a factor tonight, they played Marleau on the 1st line and Phanuef couldn't stop him. Thornton was freed a bit and played the led a lot of breaks. Primeau hasn't really done much it's been Iginla, Nolan and Sarich. Sorry but those 3 shouldn't be giving the Sharks this many problems, I think the Sharks are due for that 60 minutes of great hockey.
Tonight they were bad from the first puck, it's been a back and forth series and they are back home at the Tank, I imagine they will take it. They should, I'm fairly confident they are good at bouncing back and for fucks sake this is to good of a team to exit in the first round and they know it. They were more confident and seemed a bit woken up in the 3rd period but couldn't put one between iron, I imagine that will carry over though and once they step on home ice they take care of business.
That place has very good acoustics and is a bit smaller then your typical hockey arena, that place is going to be LOUD. I'm talking Stars games loud. They haven't been as loud as they could be in the first games but that will no doubt change. It's going to be a cool scene for San Jose. And there are people who think the Sharks should be gotten rid of because of the warm weather :rolleyes: San Jose is a hockey town no doubt about it.
I'd bet that SJ will take it, but Iginla and Kipper have the ability to win a series all by themselves. Then again, so does Joe Thornton and Nabakov. The Sharks have always seemed to be reasonably well supported, they're not one of the U.S. teams that need any help drawing fans I don't think. The Panters and Preds on the other hand...Quote:
Originally Posted by amat
With the Canucks out, I'm cheering for the Bruins and the Red Wings, my 2nd favorite teams. I hope the Capitals beat Philly too, because I like the Caps and I HATE Philly.
Well they are just stupid for putting a team in Nashville, I went to the very first game in Nashville and it's obvious it's not a town that needs a hockey team. They already have a niche, they are a country music town where the Nascar Cafe pulls in more money then any restaraunt in town. They just don't care or appreciate one.Quote:
Originally Posted by CFHI'd bet that SJ will take it, but Iginla and Kipper have the ability to win a series all by themselves. Then again, so does Joe Thornton and Nabakov. The Sharks have always seemed to be reasonably well supported, they're not one of the U.S. teams that need any help drawing fans I don't think. The Panters and Preds on the other hand...Quote:
Originally Posted by amat
I have heard the argument made many times though that any team not in a major market or not in cold weather should be contracted and the Sharks come up a lot. It's ridiculous.
In my experience there seem to be a fair number of hockey elitists who seem to think that hockey only belongs in Canada and the origional 6 cities. While I would like to see one or two more teams in Canada, especially now that the dollar is doing relatively well, the southern U.S. markets are great at supporting their teams. I think Tampa Bay had the 3rd highest attendance this year. However, hockey is in a few places it has no buisness being, like Nashville. Gary Bettman is just too stubborn to admit it.Quote:
Originally Posted by amatWell they are just stupid for putting a team in Nashville, I went to the very first game in Nashville and it's obvious it's not a town that needs a hockey team. They already have a niche, they are a country music town where the Nascar Cafe pulls in more money then any restaraunt in town. They just don't care or appreciate one.Quote:
Originally Posted by CFHI'd bet that SJ will take it, but Iginla and Kipper have the ability to win a series all by themselves. Then again, so does Joe Thornton and Nabakov. The Sharks have always seemed to be reasonably well supported, they're not one of the U.S. teams that need any help drawing fans I don't think. The Panters and Preds on the other hand...Quote:
Originally Posted by amat
I have heard the argument made many times though that any team not in a major market or not in cold weather should be contracted and the Sharks come up a lot. It's ridiculous.
Exactly, it's like the NFL scheduling games in London. Football has no place in Englad, they don't ccare about it, never have never will.Quote:
Originally Posted by CFHIn my experience there seem to be a fair number of hockey elitists who seem to think that hockey only belongs in Canada and the origional 6 cities. While I would like to see one or two more teams in Canada, especially now that the dollar is doing relatively well, the southern U.S. markets are great at supporting their teams. I think Tampa Bay had the 3rd highest attendance this year. However, hockey is in a few places it has no buisness being, like Nashville. Gary Bettman is just too stubborn to admit it.Quote:
Originally Posted by amatWell they are just stupid for putting a team in Nashville, I went to the very first game in Nashville and it's obvious it's not a town that needs a hockey team. They already have a niche, they are a country music town where the Nascar Cafe pulls in more money then any restaraunt in town. They just don't care or appreciate one.Quote:
Originally Posted by CFH
I have heard the argument made many times though that any team not in a major market or not in cold weather should be contracted and the Sharks come up a lot. It's ridiculous.
At least the NHL is an event though. I would go to a European football game just for the atmosphere and the experience even though I don't watch or follow the game. Hockey doesn't have that same buzz and excitement about it. It did briefly following the Rangers '94 cup win, but the NHL squandered it by developing into a boring, defensive league with watered down talent because of expansion. The lockout didn't help, and Bettman made a terrible decision when he took the NHL to Versus instead of staying on ESPN as well. Hockey needs to work its way back to being a major sport in the U.S. and it has a long ways to go.Quote:
Originally Posted by amatExactly, it's like the NFL scheduling games in London. Football has no place in Englad, they don't ccare about it, never have never will.Quote:
Originally Posted by CFHIn my experience there seem to be a fair number of hockey elitists who seem to think that hockey only belongs in Canada and the origional 6 cities. While I would like to see one or two more teams in Canada, especially now that the dollar is doing relatively well, the southern U.S. markets are great at supporting their teams. I think Tampa Bay had the 3rd highest attendance this year. However, hockey is in a few places it has no buisness being, like Nashville. Gary Bettman is just too stubborn to admit it.Quote:
Originally Posted by amat
It's sad because to be big in the sports market now, you need to be big with ESPN. Kind of sad a bit of a stranglehold ESPN ha sand it's not fair. But this is a rant for another day.
I think hockey is moving in the right direction, the rule changes after the lockout have greatly improved the appeal of the sport but I still don't like the shootout.
Hockey isn't doing so bad at the grassroots I don't think. And by that I mean actually at the arenas. It's by far the best sporting experience live and not to many people who have actually been to a hockey game disagree with that. It's not a sport that translates 100% to TV no matter what station it's on. The key is to get more people to games and that is the reason so many people are fans in San Jose. None of these people in the South Bay ever grew up with hockey but once they went to the games, they became fans. That's how I became a fan. I went to a game in 3rd grade (the Nashville opening night versus the Panthers) and became a fan instantly. That's what it takes because if you don't grow up with it, you can't fathom what the complete hockey experience is like until you've gone.
But I agree on Versus, very bad call. Incredibly bad call and I can't believe it was made to e honest. The worst part of it is they don't even show it locally. You should never rob local markets of their sport especially hockey. I wouldn't think a major sporting league to be so dumb. Honestly, that KILLED the Cup series last year I believe it was the lowest rated in Cup history?
Yeah, nobody in the States watched the final series last year. I really don't understand why the owners haven't replaced Bettman, I dispise that hobbit-looking fucker (no offense to Bilbo if he reads this). They NEED to get back on ESPN asap, in addition to the availibility they will get better coverage on shows like Sportscenter.Quote:
Originally Posted by amat
As a Canadian, I've been a fan of the sport since I was kid because I played hockey for many years, but I only just went to my first game this year. Canucks beat the Wings 4-1, one of their best games of the season, and it was great.
Unfortunately, the Canadian owners are making it impossible for the hardcore fans to attend the game. I was only able to go because my uncle had access to corporate tickets. We were 8 rows back from the ice, it was great.
The tickets would have cost over $150 origionally, and vendors (which is the only way to get tickets because they're sold out literally months/years in advance) would have increased that by at least 50%. So its prohibitive for the average fan.
Vancouver has the 2nd most expensive ticket prices in the league (Toronto is 1st), so the arena is pretty much dead because it is full of suits and not fans. The only atmosphere comes from the upper bowl, where the more hardcore fans are able to afford tickets.
I agree with what you say about grass roots hockey being to key to success. California is a perfect example of that. When the Kings came to LA, the NHL started growing grass roots hockey in Cali, and now they support several teams quite well. LA's attendance is suffering, but that has more to do with a sustained inability to ice a competetive team which has lead to fan apathy.
5-2!!!! :D
Finally, this is their best hockey of the playoffs in this second period, these are the Sharks I'm used to seeing. Roenick is making his impact, 4 points with a goal to his credit. Really provided the energy tonight hopefully it carries over. Setoguchi has been playing great all series.
5-3....
I'm almost positive SJ will win, but I've seen Calgary come back from 2 or 3 goal deficits against the Canucks so many times over the last few years...
Sharks are doing a good job of staying aggressive though and not as many stupid mistakes out of the Calgary zone. Iginla is still giving them hell though which to me seems like it just should not happen.Quote:
Originally Posted by CFH
yyyyyyyeeeeeeeesssssssssss
phew, what a tough bunch that was, great series but wow. This is great.
How do you think the Sharks match up against the Stars? I think SJ will take it, Nabakov vs Turco should be good, and if the Sharks get Zubov back it will be interesting to see how he deals with Thornton/Marleau.
The Sharks will never have an easy time with the Sharks and vice versa. They played the last game of the season in a throw away game and then ended up finishing their checks and fighting. It turned into a brutal game and the Sharks got like 100 penalty minutes which eventually cost the Sharks the game.
I think though that the Sharks will take it, they are a lot more talented and they tend to be able to get past Turko more then most. Should be a scrappy series but I think they get by.
CFH
whats your thoughts on this gillis character that has been hired as the new GM for the canucks.
Well, to be honest, I was not a fan of firing Dave Nonis in the first place and replacing him with a former agent (who is not well-liked by the other GMs because of the Nylander-Edmonton fiasco last year when he agreed to terms with Edmonton and then signed with Washington. Gillis was Nylander's agent). To be fair though, I don't think he can be judged before he has made a single move. That being said I am extremely sceptical of both the ownership (Aqulini's) and management (Gillis). I swear to you, if they trade Luongo or squander him by not surrounding him with a decent team for the final two years of his contract I will turn my back on this team.Quote:
Originally Posted by Doot
Here we go Pens! :D
They will probably lose tonight b/c they had 10 days off with nothing to do. Or maybe that makes them rested and ready. If it were me, 10 days off would make me lose focus.
I loathe the Rangers (see 1994, Mark Messier/Keenan, etc.). I hope the Pens sweep the series. I would also like to see big George Laroque rearranged Sean Avery's already fugly mug. After the Bruins were eliminated my allegiance shifted to the Pens and the Habs in the east, even though I don't particularily like either team.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cortez The Killer
Go Pens.
I read a interview with Gillis and he was saying he has 20 million to spend and wants to build around Luongo. He also says he is looking for the BEST players available to buy and wants more grit and more offensive pressure.
so it sounds like he isnt looking for 3rd and 4th liners he is looking for a top line it seems.
I like all that lets just see what he actually does though.
The problem is that no one really good is available. Hossa is the best UFA out there, but he'll end up getting 7.5M+ on a long-term deal. It'll turn into another Naslund-like contract. Also, there will be 20+ teams, some of whom have more cap-space than the 'Nuck competing for the services of Hossa and other UFA's. The Canucks are in a bad position. Aside from Hossa, there are no elite talents available (I wouldn't even consider Hossa elite), so what good does that 20M do? Unless you want more defensemen, there's just not much out there. I can't think of a single UFA who has grit and top 6 talent who isn't well past their prime and looking for a sweet, long-term deal.Quote:
Originally Posted by Doot
Gillis is going to have to try and trade for talent, and other GMs, in addition to having a low opinion of Gillis, know he will desperate for scoring and they can, and will, take advantage of that.
Nonis would've had the same cap-room to play with as well. Apparently he had a few draft-day deals almost ready which would have improved the Canucks offense.
I'll take aNYBODY over philly and NY. But I think my soft spot is for the Sharks. I've always liked them... always a good solid bunch of guys, even back to the patty falloon days. and they were my 2nd favorite team next to the leafs when Owen was there. Gotta still like Marleau and Nabokov.Quote:
Originally Posted by CFHI loathe the Rangers (see 1994, Mark Messier/Keenan, etc.). I hope the Pens sweep the series. I would also like to see big George Laroque rearranged Sean Avery's already fugly mug. After the Bruins were eliminated my allegiance shifted to the Pens and the Habs in the east, even though I don't particularily like either team.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cortez The Killer
Go Pens.
In the Eastern Conference the three teams I love to see lose are Toronto, NY Rangera, and Philly. I also have a bit of a soft spot for SJ, when they're not dominating the Canucks that is, I'll be cheering for them if Detroit gets knocked out.Quote:
Originally Posted by Von MilashI'll take aNYBODY over philly and NY. But I think my soft spot is for the Sharks. I've always liked them... always a good solid bunch of guys, even back to the patty falloon days. and they were my 2nd favorite team next to the leafs when Owen was there. Gotta still like Marleau and Nabokov.Quote:
Originally Posted by CFHI loathe the Rangers (see 1994, Mark Messier/Keenan, etc.). I hope the Pens sweep the series. I would also like to see big George Laroque rearranged Sean Avery's already fugly mug. After the Bruins were eliminated my allegiance shifted to the Pens and the Habs in the east, even though I don't particularily like either team.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cortez The Killer
Go Pens.
Hey I get to watch the game tonight. I don't have Versus and didn't realize it was on FSN tonight.
Fucken hell the Sharks are making more mistakes in their own zone in these playoffs then I've seen all year combined. Pavelski gives the puck away in his own zone twice in 3 minutes and it results in 2 goals. And he does it again and a stick save. Sharks need something big Dallas is controlling the puck this third period.
I didn't see the game tonight, but I'm surprised that Dallas has gone up 2-0 on SJ. I still wouldn't be surprised if the series went 7 games though.Quote:
Originally Posted by amat
Fuck
CFH, you only hate the Leafs because you know deep down they're Canada's team. :cool: Westerners. :rolleyes:;)
how bout them penguins. 7-0 in the playoffs :cool:
Are you from the center of the universe, I mean Toronto? I know you're just kidding around, and I don't want to start bashing Ontario/Toronto.Quote:
Originally Posted by Von Milash
I don't really have anything against the Leafs or their fans, but I, like many other Canadians, very much resent having all things Toronto rammed down my throat on a consistant basis.
Looks like the Sharks are done. I imagine this means the end of Ron Wilson. Do you think they'll be trading a fair number of players as well?Quote:
Originally Posted by amat
Well Thornton, Cheecho, Marleau Nbakov and Michalek are all signed long term and not likely to go anywhere. Out of all them I would think Marleau to be the most likely to go and I'm pretty sure he has a no trade clause. But he had a great playoffs. So I think they come back with the same core line. Setoguchi has been one of the few bright spots these playoffs I think he is coming into his own. Same with Pavelski aside from Game 2 this series. Ehrhoff, Rivet and Murray have left much to be desired so I wouldn't mind them trying to sure up the defense. That's pretty much the hump right now. The Sharks are deadly when they aren't backed up in their own zone and that's where they have been most of these 10 games in the playoffs.
But that's what's so great about being Canadian... that and and the taxes!Quote:
Originally Posted by CFHAre you from the center of the universe, I mean Toronto? I know you're just kidding around, and I don't want to start bashing Ontario/Toronto.Quote:
Originally Posted by Von Milash
I don't really have anything against the Leafs or their fans, but I, like many other Canadians, very much resent having all things Toronto rammed down my throat on a consistant basis.
Niagara Falls area.
Don't for get the incredibly sanctimonious politicians and the national inferiority complex. Oh, and the Queen.Quote:
Originally Posted by Von MilashBut that's what's so great about being Canadian... that and and the taxes!Quote:
Originally Posted by CFHAre you from the center of the universe, I mean Toronto? I know you're just kidding around, and I don't want to start bashing Ontario/Toronto.Quote:
Originally Posted by Von Milash
I don't really have anything against the Leafs or their fans, but I, like many other Canadians, very much resent having all things Toronto rammed down my throat on a consistant basis.
Niagara Falls area.
It seems like with all their talent, for whatever reason, that they are very fragile mentally. From what I've seen they do very well when they have the lead, but once they fall behind they seem to collapse mentally. I think a big part of that is Wilson (who I do not like at all), but I think they could use a bit of a personal shake-up. Maybe they're all to comfortable, seeing one or two veteran players shipped out could be just what the team needs. It would instill a bit of desperation. They really remind me of the old Canucks (except the Sharks have much better goaltending) in that they have all the talent they need, but they are somehow lacking something.Quote:
Originally Posted by amat