This Bruins game is a blast. 6-1 Bruins in the second intermission. 12 different Bruins with points. Lucic beat the crap out of Ryan Harrison in a fight. Ward chased from the game.

St. Louis gets his 2nd, Atlanta lead cut to 4-2 after two.

uh, what the hell is going on. emery looks....good? like, real good.

Tampa scores again, now 4-3 Atlanta with 12 mins left.

Carolina looks terrible so far this year.

Atlanta comes back with a pair in about 90 secs, back up 6-3 under 7 mins to play.

The one save he made today was just sick.

Great, great game after the stinker they laid on Thursday!

Cole's knee looked bad...hope the guy is ok.

Yeah Erik Cole is a good player. I hope he's ok.

I really feel for the Isles.

They had the lead on the Pens, Mark Eaton scores to tie it. Isles re take the lead 17 seconds later. Fedotenko scores of a defensman's skate to send it to OT. OT scoreless, shootout. Pens take it 2-0, 4-3 for the game.

Isles could have, and maybe should have, won that game. But they find ways to blow it.

Tavares looked pretty good. He scored his 1st, assisted on another, and had a bunch of other chances.

Penner, of all people, scores the Oilers first goal of the season. After one, the Oilers are down 2-1 but played a very good period. Penner has looked solid...like he wants to earn that friggin' contract.

I read that as 'eat that friggin' contract'...which is probably because you mention Penner twice, and that makes a hell of alot more sense.

Even funnier, Penner was interviewed after the first intermission and was asked about his weight-loss in the offseason for the 1000th time and he asks the interviewer if he'd been paying attention because he's answered the question 1000 times already over the last two weeks...GOLD!

Damn. Sam Gagner just kicked Conroy's ass.

Definitely like this more physical approach by the Oilers...if we don't win every night at least I'll be entertained!!

And Penner picks up his second point of the season...an assist on Brule's first goal of the season.

Ouch, that's a tough way to lose a game after playing as well as the Oilers did.

Tavares should make the fans in Kansas City or Hamilton really happy.

He only had to make one save against the Devils, huh? Wow, they actually managed three shots in the game. That's at least four more shots than I expected from them. Go Devils!!!

Did Brodeur score?

And the Sharks find their asses back and put up a dominating effort vs. the Ducks....about 5.5 months later then I would have preferred, but meh.

Pretty exciting game between the Flyers and Caps tonight.

Ovechkin is a monster.

Watching the Gretzky movie on ESPN. It's good so far.

I didn't realize Ray Emery had left the NHL for a year, I was just confused he was in Philly, but Wiki tells me all. Aah.

Yes, it's Tampa, and yes, it took a shootout, but Carolina's finally on the board with a 2-1 win (which I guess is somewhat remarkable since Carolina has been horrid at the shootout the last few years).

So pissed at the Ducks tonight.

If I were Carlyle, I would be tempted to healthy scratch Wiz for a couple games for the dumbass penalty in overtime. But there were so many idiocy culprits on the team that contributed to losing a 3-0 lead, we wouldn't have a team to put on the ice if we put them all on notice.

If I caught the Ducks' earned point tonight in the stands of a baseball game, I would throw it back. They didn't earn it.

I missed the last 10 minutes but I'm not surprised. No momentum at all in the third period, I said to my wife that it wouldn't be a huge shock for them to lose now after the first one went in.

What happened with Giguere, at fault for any of the goals or just unlucky.

After offseason moves and watching preseason my good feelings about this team have pretty much evaporated. Koivu is a great signing but the rest, bleh. Would really have expected Mikkelson, Festerling or Salcido to beat out Eminger and Boynton who are really fricking average or worse. And the Perry-Getzlaf-Ryan line already looks like they lost all their chemistry over the summer and are playing with no energy at all.

Eck, I guess no worse than the start to last season...

Jiggy was actually pretty good for the most part. The Belanger goal that tied the score was atrocious, a long shot through the five hole, not sure where Jiggy was on that one, but he made some very good saves otherwise. He was just the victim of too many man down situations, a "blood in the water" Wild squad, and just a gawd awful penalty kill. While I am not happy about the Belanger goal, I would say he was one of the few Ducks who could skate off the ice and generally say he played about as well as he could, and that he didn't do anything to really lose the game for the team, unlike most of his sad sack teammates.

Funny you mention last season, because this game reminded me of that, before the Ducks gelled at the end. Another third period comeback, lackluster play late. The Ducks gave away so many points last year after building leads, it was downright loopy.

Good start so far for the Rangers. Most promising is that the young kids on defense are stepping up offensively. Del Zotto with 2 goals in the first 3 games, Gilroy notching one, Staal jumping in...

And best of all, Gaborik has managed to make it through 3 games healthy.

Jinx

How about Carle with 4 assists for you last night!

Wasn't it in the thread that I said earlier what a great idea it was to pair him with Pronger?

:redface:

It's official. The Wings signed Brad May to a one year deal.

Where did Holland pull that cap room from?

5th Annual Chicago Blackhawks prediction:

103 points...taken down in the Norris Division Finals by Detroit(I think they have the potential to make the Finals/win a Cup, but I see it happening towards the end of this 5-10 year window, and it certainly will not happen with Huet between the pipes.)

----------------

The offense should be insane, if not reckless at times, but it's so much better than the crap the Wirtz family tossed out on the ice from '97 to '07

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Detroit v Chicago tonight...buckle up boys!

So long as he's in Grand Rapids it wont count against the cap. They may also still have a little room due to Lilja's injury situation.

I am not positive they have a 5-10 year window such as you are predicting. Even next season, the Hawks are going to have some serious cap problems. I hope they remain competitive, it is much more fun as a Wings fan having a decent rival. :)

3 games into this season and the best player has been Matt Carle. He's really improved from last year and him being paired with Pronger allows him to take more chances in the offensive zone. His play in his own end has improved also.

Emery gave up 5 goals but the defense left him out to dry on 3 of them. I am cautiously optimistic with him. Losing Betts for a month will hurt because that 4th line is actually decent. Betts and Laperrier are good on the PK and eat minutes that Richards and Carter had to last year. That'll make those two fresher.

We'll see how much they've improved again tonight. In my mind the Pens are still the team to beat in the East.

So how has Matty Gilroy looked so far? I love that kid, had a chance to meet him 3/4 times at BU, and he's just an awesome guy!

Time will tell, but as long as Toews and Kane are on the club, making the playoffs should never be a problem. Finding a goal-tender, filling in the gaps, etc...yeah, but I think the cap stuff is a tad bit over-blown(see Detroit, year after year!) given the talent the Hawks were allowed to build up while tanking for a decade. Only a true clown can screw this situation up, and I think(hope) Scotty Bowman's kid knows what he is doing.

I haven't seen much of him personally since I was at a bachelor party this weekend and couldn't see the first two games, but early reviews are definitely positive.

May is going to play tonight if his paperwork gets squared away. Abdelkader to GR.

Maltby (36), Draper (38), and May (37). That line is a little long in the tooth even for the Red Wings.

What's up with Patrick Eaves? Is he injured? I sort of lost track of him.

Babcock said he'd play tonight if May can't go, but he'll for sure play the game after. Seems like he just hasn't found a spot, and the writing is on the wall, because when Helmer is gone someone has to go to GR and May is Babcock's guy, so I really don't see it being him, especially after what Babcock said today:

Dola, when Helm is back I think the 4th line will be Draper - Helm - May with Malts as the 13th forward. I still think he'll play 40 or so games but I expect May to play a lot depending on the matchup.

Are you kidding me?

That's a Detroit version of the kid line :D

Helm definitely will be in the line-up. If it's between May and Maltby, it's a bit of a toss-up as far as I'm concerned. I haven't really watched Brad May closely in many, many years, so it's hard to say how much he has left in the tank outside of a willingness to scrap, which is definitely an worthwhile element.

I liked May when he was here, but toughness is really all you can expect to get from him now. Which, as noted, is worth something.

It never made sense for the Ducks to have him, since they already had Parros, but then, Burke was still there, so they were stockpiling big uglies as per Burkian policy.

I would add that May has a reputation as a guy who has a screw loose and isn't afraid to cheapshot somebody (see Kim Johnsson of the Wild in the 07 playoffs) if he feels a message needs to be sent.

He's not a great fighter at all anymore but in terms of "encouraging" people not to take runs at Detroit's star players or take a few extra shots after the whistle he's probably still pretty good value for the reason above.

Penguins were garbage last night. They didn't even show up vs Phoenix.

10 penalties, both goals scored on the PP for the Coyotes (then the empty netter). Brent Johnson got the start and played pretty well-- to give Fleury off with tonight at Philly in mind.

Is the crowd booing Crosby yet?

or, you know, put a bounty on someone's head

Sabres host the Coyotes after five long days from it's season opener.

Actually no. They were all at the Phillies game, got a call today that there were still 500 tix available. But I'm sure since the Phils lost, all the fans will be in a great mood tonight and will shower the Pens with nothing but love.

So that was actually pretty good game...until the final 5 seconds.

Richards does his best Georges Laraque impersonation, then Hartnell does his Mike Tyson.

The Bruins played a great 20 minutes tonight. Unfortunately they forgot to show up for the last 40 minutes and lost 6-1. Two ugly losses in the first three. It's still early, though, and the Bruins get the Islanders and Colorado the next two games.

Boy, the Oilers have deserved better so far this season as they lost in a shootout tonight after the Flames tied it up with 1.5 seconds to go. They've also had several goals bounce off of their own players...I believe they've had one in each of their first three games.

Also lost Souray to a concussion after Iggy's stick got tangled in Souray's skate and they both went into the boards hard and awkwardly.

If Letang stuck his fingers in his mouth, then Hartnell should have bit him. And if you are taking Staggy's words for it, well...you know what I am going to say about that.

Comparing what Richards did to Laraque??? There was no sliding...it wasn't even that bad. He was driving to the net.

I asked this to another one of my Pens fan friends...how can a team be so good yet have such whiny fans, and I'm referring to the Pens?

I can't wait to see Souray get a hold of Iginla. Be a hell of a lot more entertaining than watching Moreau step up, fall down, then eat a few shots with the linesmen in the way.

What a terrible 2nd and 3rd period! They are not exactly firing out of the gates, but I think they can right the ship over the next couple of games. I'm really interested to see Tuuka play tomorrow.

I was glad to see the Wings finally win one, but they really only looked like the Wings for about a half of a period. The rest of the game the Hawks were really taking it to them. They were dictating the game and the pace of the game. In most games the last few years the Wings would be the ones dictating the play and carrying the puck the majority of the time. Granted, Chicago is a very good team, but it will be interesting to see how things come together this year.

So, I guess Chris Neil and Jason Spezza got into a slashing fight at practice today. Clearly the leadership void created by the Danny Heatley trade is beginning to take effect.

Holy crap!

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=294301

Not a big surprise really. Graham James is a douche of epic proportion. Just ask Sheldon Kennedy.

This rumour has followed Fleury for much of his entire career. I wonder if things would have ended differently for him had he acknowledged it earlier (in the sense that it may have spiritually freed him and given him strength to fight those demons then)?

Selishly, I wish Theo had stepped up years ago so Sheldon kennedy wouldn't have had to stand up to it alone but who the hell knows how I'd react in a similar situation. Good for Theo for turning things around. I would like to give that book a read. This despite the fact that seeing him with that flaming C for crap of his jersey still makes me want to puke.

Ouch.

The Wings' road this year just became considerably tougher.

Johan Franzen is out 4 months with a torn ACL.


Red Wings' Johan Franzen out four months with torn knee ligament | Detroit Red Wings - - MLive.com

I'm not sure of the Laraque reference y'all are talking about so I can't compare it to that, but I did see the play last night. It wasn't too bad, definitely worse though than merely driving to the net as most people driving to the net stop where the goalie is.

What I don't get is this - Flyers fans, among others, get on Crosby for being a whiner, taking dives to draw penalties, etc. WTF was Richards doing last night? Dude crashes the crease, hits his arms on the goalpost and then curls into a ball holding his head? It was so exaggerated it was like like Rodney Dangerfield yelling "aw, my arm...I think it's broken" in Caddyshack.

Do a youtube search for George Laraque slide tackle Biron. You'll see.

I agree with Richards, but that's seems to be the M.O with this league more and more.

No suspension for Hartnell. He said the following:

Edit: I don't think Crosby does it as much as when he first came into the league. To be honest the guy didn't bitch at all in the playoffs.

Yeah I just saw this. Not good. Not good at all.

With Franzen out I am wondering how they decide to do the lines now. Babcock loves Fil's line but he'd make most sense to move up to the 2nd line and then have Helm center the third line. That's a big responsibility for Helm though. I could see Abdelkader moved to the 2nd line for a while to put a big body who can skate with Dats and Holmer also.

I am intrigued to see how it pans out as much as it sucks.

The Richards thing I don't think was all that bad, but he certainly didn't try pulling up. It wasn't as intentional as Laraque's, but it's not like he was following the puck- the defenseman in front blocks the original shot.

Take this opinion with a grain of salt-- listening to NHL on XM, they had Pierre McGuire, who I think we can all agree is a huge fan of whatever the flavor of the week is, on the morning show. He loves Crosby, he loves Richards, he loves Ovechkin.

He said he's known Letang since he was still in juniors, and he's never been anything but an honest kid, and he can't see him making this up.

As far as saying Letang stuck his fingers in Hartnell's mouth...not sure what to say. Letang is pushing the net of it's moorings, with Richards in the net, and Hartnell tackles him from behind. I can think of alot of reactions from Letang, but dropping his gloves and sticking his fingers in Hartnell's mouth isn't one of them.

He's not going to get suspended, there is no clear evidence.

Not smart enough to embed the file

YouTube - Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia Flyers 10-08-2009 Last Seconds and Tanger Injury

At the 2:00 mark, it's a different angle than I had previously seen.
Sure looks like Richards intends to make contact. I sure he was off balance/Kunitz shoved him/the wind was blowing, but he leans into Fleury.

On a lighter note, this is pretty good

Apparently Bettman met with Quebec City officials about moving a team back to Quebec as the Nordiques? That would be freaking awesome, would love to see any of the 3 (Hartford, Winnipeg, QC) get "their" team back and all the old school rivalries that come with it. Putting the second team back in French Canada would be an added bonus, and the uniforms are also the best in the NHL IMO.

My question becomes...what team?

Clearly Bettman's not interested in moving the Yotes.

BTW, nice win for the Ducks last night, huh? Good to come back. Man, to get that tie goal with 16 secs left. Dr. Sak's probably still mad about that.

Yotes will have to move, Bettman knows this. He's saving face by not letting the Balsillie bid win but with a team bleeding that much money (and they could be the worst team in the league this year, that's not going to help) and no interested buyers in sight, they have to go somewhere. I also think one of the Florida teams moves in the next 3-5 years.

Unbelievable game last night, just an incredible tying goal from the open net save and keep in the zone by Getz to the ridiculous saucer pass from Niedermayer to the finish. Selanne looks really good so far and Hiller looked much better than his first start as well.

I'm afraid Bettman will never bring the Whale back to Hartford.

Starting to get excited about this Rangers team...

Yeah, good game for the Rangers. The Ducks were playing awful. Only took 18 shots. Don't know if maybe having to play an afternoon game after an overtime night game the night before had anything to do with it, but, hey, not like New York is all that far away from Philly.

I heard it was a great play by Getzlaf to keep the puck in. I listened to it on the radio. I wish the Flyers would've held on but Anaheim is one of the best if not the best team in the west. So I'm not that upset.

This is pretty classic on the Letang- Hartnell case.

Cherry's comments...I don't really expect anything of value there anymore.

But McLean's summary at the end- GOLD

YouTube - Don Cherry talks about Scott Hartnell's Bite

If Letang had his finger in Hartnell's mouth, he deserved to get it bitten.

We could go back and forth for ages, but it is funny that while there is no video evidence of the bite truly happening, Cherry is certain it is because Letang put his fingers in Hartnell's mouth.

Hundreds of players a year get facewashes or hangs in their face after the whistle, but from what I can remember, only two-- Hartnell and Ruutu (last season?)-- have been accused of biting someone.

I'm just making a general statement. I don't know if he bit him out right, if Letang had his fingers in his mouth and he bit him, or when they got slammed to the ice his jaw got jammed shut and he bit him there.

Ouch...Looking forward to the Wings-Sabres game Tuesday. Miller has been stellar in net (and the defense). I just hope our offense and powerplay can actually convert our high shot count into goals.

19-year-old rookie Tyler Myers is looking like he might develop into one the league's top defensemen. Already is showing he is the best on the team right now.

Hey, Bruins lost to the Avalanche. Awesome start to the season!

Hah. I like Chelios, but he really needs to hang up his skates.

Chris Chelios, 47, works out with AHL's Chicago Wolves - ESPN Chicago


My favorite part of the story:

I say, more power to him.

If he loves the game that much, why should he stop playing? It's not like he's going to tarnish his career. Everyone knows what Chelios was in his prime and know that he's not quite the same player, but still can add some value. I think his NHL days are pretty much numbered, but if he wants to give it a shot, I say "go for it."

Good luck, Chris Chelios. Thanks for your time as a Wing and I hope you make it back to the NHL.

I agree...if he is not embarassing himself then i say more power to him.

Dola....Leafs are so desperate for a goal they have Jamal Mayers on the PP.

Oh lord help me.

Bruins should enjoy their lottery pick.

Triple dola..of course as i say that the Leafs score.2-1 NYR

Which means stupid Darcy doesn't extend him on time and gets backed into a Vanek-contract again... Darcy needs to go!

Myers is looking good, I think when he was down on the ice last game he was trying to draw a penalty. I don't really buy his "I got the wind knocked out of me" when he was laying listless.

Rangers put up a 4 spot in the 3rd to beat TOR 7-2.

What worse...the Leafs or Coyotes??

Leafs. At least Coyotes fans won't have to put up with this shit for more than another year or two.

The Flames/Blackhawks game on Versus has been great. The Flames storm out to a 5-0 lead only to see the Blackhawks storm back and tie it up at 5-5. There was a span of a few minutes in the second period where the Blackhawks scored 3 goals to make 5-4.

Iginla, sensing the tide turning, drops the gloves and fights Brower right after the face-off following the 4th Blackhawks goal. He handles himself pretty well and settles things down for his team for at least the rest of the second period. That sequence right there is why there is no sport better than hockey.

And the Blackhawks just won it in overtime: 6-5.

LMAO at Calgary

Thank god the Yotes did'nt move to Hamilton.I could'nt stand to watch that much shit hockey.

Thank god the Yotes did'nt move to Hamilton.I could'nt stand to watch that much shit hockey.