NHL 14/15: Heat up the blades!
- Thread starter Alex78
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stringertom
Bionic Poster
The playoffs were crazy this spring. I'm hoping they can match all the storylines this time around but it's a long way to the Cup.
Go Isles! And, if you suck again, go Kings!
Go Isles! And, if you suck again, go Kings!
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Strongly echo this. Getting back in the playoffs like two years ago is all i'm hoping for, that's like a win in itself to us who weren't around in the early 80's
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Strongly echo this. Getting back in the playoffs like two years ago is all i'm hoping for, that's like a win in itself to us who weren't around in the early 80's
We will be better in goal if Halak stays healthy. We are deeper up front than last year and the blue line can't be defended any worse unless injuries crop up again. I say we are ready for a playoff spot but it won't be as a high seed.
chrischris
G.O.A.T.
Cant wait... go Rangers!
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Agree on everything, the defense has been the problem for years now though. Halak will make it look better, but it's still got Strait, Donovan, Carkner, Hickey and Visnovsky who's approaching 40. Hopefully it's enough to get a low seed in the playoffs, but that's about as good as it'll get before that area improves imo.
Florida were the only team to concede more last year, the likes of Edmonton and Buffalo managed to do better
that's never good.chrischris
G.O.A.T.
Hank the King Of NY will take NYR to sir Stanleys Cup
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Agree on everything, the defense has been the problem for years now though. Halak will make it look better, but it's still got Strait, Donovan, Carkner, Hickey and Visnovsky who's approaching 40. Hopefully it's enough to get a low seed in the playoffs, but that's about as good as it'll get before that area improves imo.
Florida were the only team to concede more last year, the likes of Edmonton and Buffalo managed to do better
Fena, can u PM me? I have a marketing project I'm developing that requires knowledge of EPL kit popularity in GBR!
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Ok, i've emailed you.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Seems like Snow agreed with my assessment of the blue line!
Two trades in a day, one for Boychuk, the other for Leddy.
Things are looking good
Thanks for the heads up! This does make the Isles' weakest link a lot stronger.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Hell of alot stronger imo, Boychuk is someone who turns up every night, hits hard and brings some needed physicality. Leddy is quick and has good handling skills, which should take some of the load off Visnovsky.
i've emailed you back but it says it couldn't be delivered, it said that first time though, hopefully it went through.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Nope, not through yet.???
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Think it's gone through now, I put a link in the email containing some good infortmation, but Yahoo seem to think I must of been trying to trick you
i've taken it out so that should of sorted it.I love the NHL and can't wait for it to start up again. In my opinion it is the best and most exciting out of the major North American sports leagues.
Hopefully neither the Blackhawks or the LA Kings win it all this season though. I don't want dynasties in the NHL. The beauty of the league has been its incredible parity with 8 different teams winning the Stanley Cup in the past 10 seasons, as opposed to the ridiculous NBA where only 3-4 teams have a realistic chance of winning the championship each season.
Hopefully neither the Blackhawks or the LA Kings win it all this season though. I don't want dynasties in the NHL. The beauty of the league has been its incredible parity with 8 different teams winning the Stanley Cup in the past 10 seasons, as opposed to the ridiculous NBA where only 3-4 teams have a realistic chance of winning the championship each season.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Agreed, to an extent. The rivalry between the Kings and Blackhawks is incredible to see though. No doubt a surprise package coming through would be good, but to see the two heavyweights slugging it out again would be fine by me
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Seen it from both sides and you are correct about the Cup playoffs being more exciting than the NBA postseason. I don't mind a successful franchise reaping the rewards for being innovative, building a successful nucleus, and adding pieces to finish the equation. It's what the Isles did to win 4 Cups in a row. It's what the Kings have done to win 2 in 3 years.
My dream Cup finals this year...NY/LA again but Isles instead of Rangers!
I totally agree. Parity = a chance for many, many contestants to win it all = excitement.
But on this forum, almost everybody would cry "Weak era!"...
Although 4 different majors winners in 2014 is a nice sign that things are starting to get shaken up.
On another note: I always love to see how the incoming rookies fare. And since I'm from Germany, the hope is there that Leon Draisaitl will not only stick with the Oilers but also have a solid rookie campaign as their 2nd line center. Maybe something like 15-30-45. Even if he's basically handed the spot because the Oil don't have any other legitimate scoring centers, he's going to be very good - but the question is if it's now or better to let him mature in the Dub for one more year. Will know more after the first 9 games...
But on this forum, almost everybody would cry "Weak era!"...
Although 4 different majors winners in 2014 is a nice sign that things are starting to get shaken up.
On another note: I always love to see how the incoming rookies fare. And since I'm from Germany, the hope is there that Leon Draisaitl will not only stick with the Oilers but also have a solid rookie campaign as their 2nd line center. Maybe something like 15-30-45. Even if he's basically handed the spot because the Oil don't have any other legitimate scoring centers, he's going to be very good - but the question is if it's now or better to let him mature in the Dub for one more year. Will know more after the first 9 games...
stringertom
Bionic Poster
I'm more excited about the 10pm (EDT) puck dropping in the Staples. I'm sensing a little bad blood left over in the Sharks' locker room from the Kings' rally from 0-3 down in the 1R of the playoffs. That series changed at the end of the Sharks' game 3 win when LA decided to get physical (ONJ would have blushed:twisted:!). There will be some scrums tonight!
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Ring/banner ceremonies pretty much spoiled after getting creamed on opening night but it's a long season...no one goes 80-0-0.
Ok, Islanders giving their season debut tonight - only game in the NHL, as if Isles-Canes was the duel we've all been waiting for
But a quick look at the Isles roster makes you think this team could really make a big step forward this season.
Forwards of note: Okposo, Strome, Grabovski, Kulemin, Bailey, Nielsen, and then they have a guy named Tavares, too...
Defence (!) got better just a minute before the season started and now features Boychuk, Leddy, and a promising rookie (Reinhart).
Now I don't understand why nobody seems to want Al Montoya in net (Isles had him... some time ago), but with Halak as their starter and Johnson backing him up, goaltending could be worse. Or what is the chance they reanimate Rick DiPietro???
So I'm hoping for a competitive Islanders team, and if anyone has a (original!) fishstick jersey, here's the chance to show it to us
Edit: Are they actually still paying Yashin not to play in the NHL?
But a quick look at the Isles roster makes you think this team could really make a big step forward this season.
Forwards of note: Okposo, Strome, Grabovski, Kulemin, Bailey, Nielsen, and then they have a guy named Tavares, too...
Defence (!) got better just a minute before the season started and now features Boychuk, Leddy, and a promising rookie (Reinhart).
Now I don't understand why nobody seems to want Al Montoya in net (Isles had him... some time ago), but with Halak as their starter and Johnson backing him up, goaltending could be worse. Or what is the chance they reanimate Rick DiPietro???
So I'm hoping for a competitive Islanders team, and if anyone has a (original!) fishstick jersey, here's the chance to show it to us
Edit: Are they actually still paying Yashin not to play in the NHL?
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Schedulemakers are wack...only one Friday game and Isles/Canes do a back-to-back away/home set as part of a busy Saturday schedule. This is the last opening night in the Nassau Coliseum, where I saw many a game in their heyday including the game 6 OT win vs the Flyers for their first of four consecutive Cups in 1980. Wish I had bought one of those old sweaters!
Dedans Penthouse
Legend
The John Tonnellli goal where Bobby Nystrom was offsides?
:razz:
(btw, i dispise the Home Depot uniformed flyers)
stringertom
Bionic Poster
It was Goring who was offsides on a Duane Sutter goal and, yes, it was a bad call but it was early in the game that was won on the Nystrom OT goal, assisted by Tonelli, and that play was totally legit.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Ok, Islanders giving their season debut tonight - only game in the NHL, as if Isles-Canes was the duel we've all been waiting for
But a quick look at the Isles roster makes you think this team could really make a big step forward this season.
Forwards of note: Okposo, Strome, Grabovski, Kulemin, Bailey, Nielsen, and then they have a guy named Tavares, too...
Defence (!) got better just a minute before the season started and now features Boychuk, Leddy, and a promising rookie (Reinhart).
Now I don't understand why nobody seems to want Al Montoya in net (Isles had him... some time ago), but with Halak as their starter and Johnson backing him up, goaltending could be worse. Or what is the chance they reanimate Rick DiPietro???
So I'm hoping for a competitive Islanders team, and if anyone has a (original!) fishstick jersey, here's the chance to show it to us
Edit: Are they actually still paying Yashin not to play in the NHL?
Good summary, you point out the forwards who grab the headlines, but we also have good talent on the 3rd and 4th lines who do the dirty work. Matt Martin is hitting machine and holds the record for most hits in a season, Cizikas is a great forechecker and brings all kinds of energy, Clutterbuck is on their line too. You see the likes of Tavares, Okposo, Strome etc.. on the bench and think you're getting a breather? Not with those 3 causing havoc
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Isles win their opener, up 5-1 but give up a couple of late goals for the 5-3 final. Solid performance from Nelson with two goals and two assists. Boychuk had a goal and two assists and The Man Tavares dished three times as well.
Nice start for the Isles.
- I became a hockey fan in 1993/94, when the Rangers won the cup on the heroics of Mr. Messier, Brian Leetch, and Mike Richter. Dispatched the Isles in 4 games in the first round that spring.
After that, Isles have gone through so many dark years, I'm hoping they're finally on the road to sustained success again.
Tavares for 100+ points, finally
- I became a hockey fan in 1993/94, when the Rangers won the cup on the heroics of Mr. Messier, Brian Leetch, and Mike Richter. Dispatched the Isles in 4 games in the first round that spring.
After that, Isles have gone through so many dark years, I'm hoping they're finally on the road to sustained success again.
Tavares for 100+ points, finally
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Isles sweep the Canes in the away/home set 4-3. Tavares and Nelson were key again in the win. Boychuk a huge addition with another assist off a blistering slap shot deflected for a goal.
Next up...the Rangers in MSG on Tuesday night. Can't wait!
Next up...the Rangers in MSG on Tuesday night. Can't wait!
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
That caught my eye when the schedules were announced. After the great start, it's taken it to the next level though.
Leddy and Boychuk are obviously quality players in an area where we were lacking, but it's the fact they are winners that is the most important thing to me. There's been talent around the team for awhile now, these two know what it takes to win Cups though, if that rubs off on the young talent, that's invaluable.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
I'm also impressed by Brock Nelson's development and hope it continues. He is the nephew of Dave Christian, a solid pro for many years and a key star for the 1980 US Olympics championship team. Winning has been in his bloodline for generations...his grandfather was on the 1960 gold medal team too.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Isles beat the Rangers with a four-goal barrage in the third, 6-3. Halak faced 40 shots and held them together until the offense broke through.
Next up we're hosting the unbeaten Sharks on Thursday. That will be a nice test.
Next up we're hosting the unbeaten Sharks on Thursday. That will be a nice test.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Do you think it's a bit crass to unveil this years Stanley Cup winners banner at the game? Seems like it's a sure thing, so might aswell save a bit of time
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Do you think it's a bit crass to unveil this years Stanley Cup winners banner at the game? Seems like it's a sure thing, so might aswell save a bit of time
Easy now...it's a long season and the playoffs are a season of their own but I feel the same enthusiasm! It would be a great way to retire the Coliseum though!
Dedans Penthouse
Legend
Rangers are short big time regarding defensemen....and 'Hank's' going through his early season Mr. October swoon. But Sather has to address the back line. That said:stringertom said:
"Beat your wife Potvin, beat your wife! ....'clap'! 'clap!' ...
I know, I'm a douche. I can't help it.. :razz:
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Loved it when "nineteen forty" was the chant from the Coliseum stands all those dynasty years.:twisted: db-Gerry returned!
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Yeah me too, being honest, just making the playoffs is still my only hope for the season. The division is really tough with the Rangers, Capitals, Flyers, Penguins, Devils and Columbus. To think only 3 get a playoff spot, qualifying alone is going to be an uphill struggle.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
There's two wild cards per conference too, no? I don't think we'll be on the outside again this spring.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Correct. There's Tampa, Detroit, Boston and Montreal in the other, i'd imagine the one who misses out there will have a high points total at the end of the season aswell.
Dedans Penthouse
Legend
1940's history. "Beat your wife Potvin" is forever!
About their glory years? More like glory holes: I can hear John Sterling now: "....Denny, over to Bobby Ny......back to Bryan ...." jeez, you'd have thought you were listing to the Christopher Street Cruisers.
: )
Uniondalevegas.
__________________
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Isles peppering the Sharks (14 shots vs 3) in the scoreless first.
Keep it up...something good will happen.
Keep it up...something good will happen.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Another 2 points!
Tavares' winner was incredible, 10 little dekes in the space of a couple of seconds. Halak was great in OT and the shootout too, up at 3am never seems so bad when the islanders win
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Another 2 points!
Tavares' winner was incredible, 10 little dekes in the space of a couple of seconds. Halak was great in OT and the shootout too, up at 3am never seems so bad when the islanders win
I'm liking the balanced scoring...Bailey got a goal tonight, Nielsen and Okposo each had 7 shots on goal and Tavares handed out two assists.
Next up on Saturday in Pittsburgh are the Penguins, who lost tonight there to Dallas.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Yeah everyone is chipping in. I actually watched tonights game on a Sharks stream from the channel that airs all their games, they were really impressed with the Islanders and felt the Sharks were lucky to get a point out of it. That was probably the case for regulation, but they had the better of OT imo.
As you say, on to Pittsburgh. Nelson v Crosby for an early MVP battle
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Yeah everyone is chipping in. I actually watched tonights game on a Sharks stream from the channel that airs all their games, they were really impressed with the Islanders and felt the Sharks were lucky to get a point out of it. That was probably the case for regulation, but they had the better of OT imo.
As you say, on to Pittsburgh. Tavares v Crosby for an early MVP battle
91>87...better forechecking!
