The 2009-2010 NHL Season: General News & Discussion Thread

[Leto]

Any and all NHL talk is welcome here.

Today Is the Day, The new NHL season officially starts.

Lots of controversy since the Stanley Cup was taken by Pittsburgh last season (and they are favoured 5 -1 to repeat this season).

Phoenix remains a question mark, with Gretzky out of the picture, Balsillie also out of the picture, which means that for the time being, Hamilton continues to be the best hockey city without an NHL team. Sundin too is gone from hockey.

Which team is your team(s)? Who are your surprise teams for this year? Please discuss!

For myself: tonight's opening game between the Montreal Canadiens & the Toronto Maple Leafs is an immediate classic between two teams that will be battling for the final playoff spot come April. (by the way, the Leafs will prevail over the Habs in April - as they will tonight). Expect lively, active play in this game, and throughout the league tonight, as the players test the officiating.


Game On!

[Baraka_Guru]

I haven't followed hockey much since the 90s, really. But for some reason I'm garnering a new interest in doing so.

I'm starting to think that I'd like to see what the Monster can do for the post-Sundin Leafs.

[Jetée]

I don't know how the NHL works, or how many games in total comprise a season, and I thought today was the start of the NHL equivalent of the "pre-season".

I guess I'll be following more intently this year, starting tonight.
I don't have a TV right now, so I'll be watching the games on the radio for now.

Let's Go, reigning NHL MVP!

---------- Post added at 07:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:08 PM ----------

The Star-Spangled Banner is playing right now, so I guess game time is imminent.

[silent_jay]

Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru

I'm starting to think that I'd like to see what the Monster can do for the post-Sundin Leafs.

Sundin, I still hate the fucker, no I won't wave my no trade clause, but I'll see to it you get nada for me when I sign as a FA with the Canucks. Not to mention they gave up Wendel to get the bastard, fuckin Fletcher.....

[streak_56]

My Wings are yet a favourite again....

[Baraka_Guru]

Originally Posted by silent_jay

Sundin, I still hate the fucker....

You know...I was always indifferent about Sundin.

[silent_jay]

Well good to see that after one game Vesa is still the same Vesa, he's never been a starting goalie, never will be a starter, Burke would have been better off keeping Pogie, trading Vesa and going with the young goalies this year, the Habs had what, under 20 shots, and he let in 4 goals, terrible.

---------- Post added at 08:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:08 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru

You know...I was always indifferent about Sundin.

I've just never been a fan, most likely it has to do with the whole Wendel trade in 94 that pissed me off, but Mats just never impressed me much, he could score yes, but he just didn't have that drive, or leadership, not too sure what it was. Now they're talking about him going to the Hall, which I think is just silly, if he gets in the Hall, I'm going to start lobbying for Pokey Reddick next year.

[Baraka_Guru]

Originally Posted by silent_jay

Well good to see that after one game Vesa is still the same Vesa, he's never been a starting goalie, never will be a starter, Burke would have been better off keeping Pogie, trading Vesa and going with the young goalies this year, the Habs had what, under 20 shots, and he let in 4 goals, terrible.

Yeah, I was just looking at the stats. The Leafs practially outshot the Habs 2 to 1.

I've just never been a fan, most likely it has to do with the whole Wendel trade in 94 that pissed me off, but Mats just never impressed me much, he could score yes, but he just didn't have that drive, or leadership, not too sure what it was. Now they're talking about him going to the Hall, which I think is just silly, if he gets in the Hall, I'm going to start lobbying for Pokey Reddick next year.

*shrug* Of course I'd take Wendel over Mats. I don't know anyone who wouldn't.

[silent_jay]

Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru

*shrug* Of course I'd take Wendel over Mats. I don't know anyone who wouldn't.

Cliff Fletcher

[Baraka_Guru]

But he's dead to me.

[silent_jay]

and I as well, Cliff who? haha

[Baraka_Guru]

Cliff Trader

[silent_jay]

haha him and John Ferguson Jr. should get together and write a book, 'How to Ruin a Team in One Trade'.

Got to check out the Canucks game, hopefully they lose, I won't be able to bug Fly, but at least his Canucks would have lost too. Although my buddy is a Habs fan, so tomorrow should be interesting for me.

[Leto]

Originally Posted by silent_jay

Cliff Fletcher

haha good one. Yes, I was a great fan of Wendel, and of Sittler, & Gilmour. They all showed that specific heart.

---------- Post added at 06:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:34 AM ----------

Originally Posted by silent_jay

....Got to check out the Canucks game, hopefully they lose, I won't be able to bug Fly, but at least his Canucks would have lost too.

ya, big loss..... 5-3 for Calgary.

---------- Post added at 06:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:36 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Jetée

I don't know how the NHL works, or how many games in total comprise a season, and I thought today was the start of the NHL equivalent of the "pre-season".

I guess I'll be following more intently this year, starting tonight.
I don't have a TV right now, so I'll be watching the games on the radio for now.

Let's Go, reigning NHL MVP!

---------- Post added at 07:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:08 PM ----------

The Star-Spangled Banner is playing right now, so I guess game time is imminent.

jet.... sometimes the best hockey is seen on radio!

try: AM640 - Home of the Leafs



but to attend to your point on the season:

The 2009–10 NHL season will be the 92nd season of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the 100th season since the founding of the predecessor National Hockey Association (NHA). It will run from October 1, 2009 with four games in Europe, until April 12, 2010, with the Stanley Cup playoffs to follow, all the way up to early June 2010. A mid-season break from February 15 to February 28 will occur to allow participation of NHL players in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Because of the Winter Olympics break there will be no NHL All-Star Game for 2010.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_NHL_season


There are 82 games in a season, then the playoffs.


The currrent MVP (winner in the 2008 - 2009 season) is Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. He has won it twice in a row, and is therefor the 83rd & 84th winner. You really should catch a Capitals game to see him in action.

[silent_jay]

Originally Posted by Leto

The currrent MVP (winner in the 2008 - 2009 season) is Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. He has won it twice in a row, and is therefor the 83rd & 84th winner. You really should catch a Capitals game to see him in action.

He put on a show last night against the Bruins, made the Boston defencemen look like they were standing still.

[Leto]

With apologies to Don Cherry (Ovechkin being Russion and all...) that kid is one of the most refreshing & entertaining players to watch. Plays like a Canadian kid.....

[Glory's Sun]

Let me know when hockey isn't a pussy sport anymore and I'll watch again.

[Baraka_Guru]

What are you watching then? Rugby? Lacrosse?

[Glory's Sun]

nah I used to love hockey, but I got sick of the instigator rule and similar rules that tried to take out all the hitting. it was annoying and while I enjoy the skills and the game, I just can't get around some of the dumb rules that have been instated lately.

[streak_56]

Obviously gucclivr, you need to see Dion Phaneuf in action, there are still hitters around the league not affraid to get a little dirty and they don't get that many penalty minutes.

And Jetee

please don't listen to anything thats has to do with the Toronto Maple Leafs, they have the most disillusional fans out there.

[Leto]

c'm here and say that Streak......

muha ha ha...

[streak_56]

Leto.... have you set up your chair on the parade route already?

[Leto]

It's been there for 42 yrs..... just biding my time. Just like the Red Wings (er... Dead Wings) fans did. How's the Red Mile these days?

[silent_jay]

Originally Posted by guccilvr

nah I used to love hockey, but I got sick of the instigator rule and similar rules that tried to take out all the hitting. it was annoying and while I enjoy the skills and the game, I just can't get around some of the dumb rules that have been instated lately.

Couldn't agree more, it's the pussification of hockey, or if you watch TSN, the Pierre Mcguireification of the game. Also they can get rid of either the second referee, or they can drop video replay, with four officials on the ice there's no need for video review, if four of them can't see what's going on, they shouldn't be refs.

Obviously gucclivr, you need to see Dion Phaneuf in action, there are still hitters around the league not affraid to get a little dirty and they don't get that many penalty minutes.

Agreed as well, Phaneuf is a machine, but the guts to chickenshit ratio has been progressively growing over the years, the rule changes have screwed a lot of players especially defencemen, just watch the next time a defenceman is covering a forward in front of the net, no contact at all, and if he touches said forward, well then that's 2 for interference.

[Baraka_Guru]

What, should we call it the basketballification of hockey?

[streak_56]

Originally Posted by Leto

It's been there for 42 yrs..... just biding my time. Just like the Red Wings (er... Dead Wings) fans did. How's the Red Mile these days?

Red Mile? Just as dead as Torontos playoff hopes!

[Jetée]

Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru

What, should we call it the basketballification of hockey?

Well, coincidence? Leto offered a great summation of what is to follow and occur during this new NHL season, and what intrigued me to find out is that he outlined the fact there there will be 82 regular season games played for each and every NHL team.

Now, I don't know much about basketball either, but I'm quite sure I recall just last weekend in the early morning hours between 2am and 4, on sports talk radio, I heard a broadcaster state that there are also 82 regular season games for any NBA team.

Same number of games. I didn't know that.

[Jetée]

Hey, Leto, not to rub it in or nothing, but from what I'm hearing tonight on the radio, my team is kicking your team's teeth in and out and all around the ice.

It's Capitals - 6, Maple Leafs - 1 at this point in late period 2.

I think I need to get a TV asap or move back into the DC area to see these games live, because while the broadcasting commentary is keeping me up-to-date, it still isn't going to help me understand the flow of the game. Hockey has only three periods, right?

[streak_56]

Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru

What, should we call it the basketballification of hockey?

Lets not forget about players such as Ryan Getzlaf, Mike Richards, Jarome Iginla among other players who can thrown down the gloves, score and not take careless penalties.

Every year they say they're going to crack down and call more penalties, and they did that for one year after the lockout but since then its been "fair" hockey in my mind. Few games are actually won/lost by one bad call made. But lets crucify the game based on the league wanting to crack down.

[Leto]

Originally Posted by streak_56

Red Mile? Just as dead as Torontos playoff hopes!

After last night's drubbing against the Capitals? oh yes.....

---------- Post added at 08:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:20 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Jetée

Hey, Leto, not to rub it in or nothing, but from what I'm hearing tonight on the radio, my team is kicking your team's teeth in and out and all around the ice.

It's Capitals - 6, Maple Leafs - 1 at this point in late period 2.

I think I need to get a TV asap or move back into the DC area to see these games live, because while the broadcasting commentary is keeping me up-to-date, it still isn't going to help me understand the flow of the game. Hockey has only three periods, right?

don't worry about rubbing it in Jet, as a homer (i.e. somebody that has always supported the home town team, whether they are good or bad) I get it "rubbed in" where ever I display my support of the blue and white. So I'm used to it.

I am also used to the perpetual angst that my home town support creates as the Maple Leafs (even though they are one of the most successful and storied teams in the league) have managed to bumble their way to failure on such a consistant basis that my sweater has been retired since 2004. I refuse to wear it until they at least make the playoffs.

IT is often stated that if the length of a hockey game was shortened by 2 minutes, the Maple Leafs would actually win their games. They always seem to snatch failure out of the jaws of etc... (last night's game against the Caps notwithstanding).


Yes, Jet, get a TV, watching Ovechkin play is a delight. He's a machine alright.

Hockey has three 20 minute periods in regular time.

[silent_jay]

Fuckin Toskala, bench the pylon. While Wilson is at it bench Beauchemin and Komaserik as well they aren't doing shit, and they certainly aren't playing defence. They should have never sent Bozak, Hanson, and Khadri down to the minors and back to the OHL, stupid move. Toskala should have been traded in the off season and the goalies should have been Gustavson and Pogie, they are a rebuilding team, rebuild from the net out with some good young goalies, not useless Toskala. Shitty way to start a season.

[IdeoFunk]

I haven't caught a game yet this year, but it looks like this seasons going to be another awesome one. I'm hoping Buffalo can at least inch their way back into the playoffs. I don't see Toronto making it by a long shot... true they did good in preseason, but unfortunately it's just that, preseason.

Plus I can't wait for the olympics either... that'll be insane to see how Canada does on home ice... maybe it can even rival Salt Lake City's winter olympics

[Leto]

Originally Posted by Jetée

Hey, Leto, not to rub it in or nothing, but from what I'm hearing tonight on the radio, my team is kicking your team's teeth in and out and all around the ice.

It's Capitals - 6, Maple Leafs - 1 at this point in late period 2.

I think I need to get a TV asap or move back into the DC area to see these games live, because while the broadcasting commentary is keeping me up-to-date, it still isn't going to help me understand the flow of the game. Hockey has only three periods, right?

Hey Jet, I hope you're keeping pace with your Caps.... The are executing a clinic every time they play, Semin & Ovechkin. what show. Ovechkin has had 5 goals in his first 3 games. Too bad New York (Rangers) spoiled the show last night with their 2 quick goals inthe 3rd period to win the game.

You should enjoy following them this season.

[rahl]

I live in Columbus Ohio and they don't broadcast many of my teams games here...LETS GO PENS! But I will be listening to the games on the internet radio.

[Jetée]

Originally Posted by Leto

Hey Jet, I hope you're keeping pace with your Caps.... The are executing a clinic every time they play, Semin & Ovechkin. what show. Ovechkin has had 5 goals in his first 3 games. Too bad New York (Rangers) spoiled the show last night with their 2 quick goals inthe 3rd period to win the game.

You should enjoy following them this season.

I'm trying. Last year I watched their entire run in the playoffs on the radio and through ustream.tv ... I don't know what kind of deal the NHL struck with the Versus Network, but it really inhibits the exposure of big market teams playing in big-time matches to be featured on such an obscure satellite network.

[Martian]

My cable company gave me NHL Centre Ice free for October. I'm not willing to pay what they want for it, but will enjoy the free preview while it lasts.

The Leafs have not had a good start to the season. As per usual, their defence is a bit of a mess. It's early yet, though.

[silent_jay]

I still hate shoot-outs deciding games.

[IdeoFunk]

Sean Gordon

MONTREAL — Globe and Mail Update
Published on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 11:08PM EDT

Last updated on Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 9:17AM EDT


Might there soon be a new breed of Thrasher alighting on the cobblestones of Quebec City? Or perhaps a sudden influx of Coyotes or Panthers?

Quebec's provincial capital is abuzz over talk that the NHL is receptive to a bid to bring a team back to the city through relocation or expansion.

Call it Les Nordiques 2.0.

It's far from a done deal, but at the very least, excitable Quebec City Mayor Régis Labeaume seems to pay close attention to what he reads in the newspaper.

In an Oct. 2 interview with Montreal's La Presse, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman spoke glowingly about Quebec's Vieille Capitale and suggested the league could eventually consider returning to the city if a new arena were built.

Barely a week later, Labeaume slipped in for a covert visit to the league's New York headquarters – he brought along former Nordiques president Marcel Aubut and met with Bettman last Friday – to talk about that very subject.

Though the discussions were ostensibly conducted in secret, the irrepressible Labeaume confirmed this weekend he had held “an excellent meeting” with Bettman and that he'd received a “very warm” reception and “couldn't have expected better.”

It's expected Labeaume, who is facing re-election in November, will this week pledge more than $100-million in municipal funds for the construction of a new $400-million arena.

League officials couldn't be reached for comment yesterday, but NHL spokesman Gary Meagher was quoted by a Quebec City newspaper saying the league was impressed by Labeaume.

Bettman's position is that despite the Phoenix Coyotes' situation and the for-sale shingles that have quietly been put up on several teams – hockey insiders suggest as many as nine are on the block – the league has no immediate plans for relocating any franchises.

But that's not likely to dim any ardour in Quebec City.

Talk concerning the return of the Nords, who became the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 – and won the Stanley Cup the year they moved – has been building steam for several months, drawing public expressions of support from people like NHL legends Guy Lafleur and Joe Sakic.

Last year, three groups expressed interest in a new arena project, which coalesced around J'ai ma place, a group that has collected more than $8.45-million in pledges toward seat licences and corporate suites.

The collective is interested in building a new 18,000-seat venue in Quebec City by 2014. The increasingly dilapidated Colisée, which was the Nords’ home, is nearing the end of its useful life and is too small to support an NHL team.

Though none of the original groups intending to build a new facility made it contingent on attracting a hockey team – the main interest was in building a concert and trade show venue – there are already takers.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly mused to a Toronto newspaper that Quebec City could be part of a new Canadian strategy that could involve putting teams in other cities.

“We do have an interest in returning teams to Canadian cities that have hosted and supported NHL teams historically,” he told the paper. “Both Winnipeg and Quebec City have done that, so we’ll see how things transpire. That doesn’t mean southern Ontario won’t or can’t be considered. It will be.”

Media conglomerate Quebecor, which fell a reported $167-million short in its attempt to purchase the Montreal Canadiens this year, has already signalled its interest, as has another unnamed group.

“We’re aware of what’s happening around various teams that are apparently for sale, if and when they ever decide to move a team to Canada,” company president Pierre-Karl Péladeau told the Quebecor-owned Journal de Quebec.

Péladeau admitted he has held meetings with Labeaume, and cautioned that “we must respect the institutions of the NHL, we saw what happened with Jim Balsillie.”

The provincial government pledged $50-million toward the construction of a new arena last fall, and this past weekend federal Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Josée Verner, who represents a Quebec City riding, said she also supports the proposal.

The booming city has also weathered the recession better than just about anywhere else in Canada. It has a bustling corporate sector and clearly still pines for big-time hockey, unlike places such as Atlanta, Nashville and Sunrise, Fla.

The Nordiques file will undoubtedly benefit from a serious backroom push from Labeaume, who has built a reputation as a relentless political operator and is known as a man in a hurry.

It was at least the second occasion Labeaume has met with senior NHL officials; Daly was sighted in Quebec City this past summer, and reportedly sought out the mayor.

This is great news, I think it can really go through if the league is actually for it.

[streak_56]

I would love to see where another FRANCHISE can take root in Canada, Winnipeg is too small, Quebec City might get help from Maritimers coming over for a weekend away but I don't think Canada can sustain a franchise for long. Although, a point should be made of failing teams in Florida, Phoenix, and Atlanta... plus, I think the team will always be the Nordiques if it was based out of Quebec City.

[silent_jay]

This just in:

Toskala still a pylon, Leafs defence still non existent.