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The way to make the game better is to make the ice larger. I'm sorry, but every player has fun playing on international rinks. They talk about it being a transition after playing in the NHL rinks for a season, but it IS better.

Even if the NHL made their rinks bigger than they are now, but not as large as the International rink sizes, it would be a big factor. I wonder why the NHL didn't force all new buildings to be capable of expanding the ice size in the future if the NHL called for it? There were so many rinks built in the 1990s, and so many people talking about the trap and making the ice bigger.

Can I get some (if only temporary) love for my hometown St. Louis Blues? As a season ticket holder, I've seen many games live this year...and this team is really playing great. Coach Andy Murray has them extremely well prepared for each game. MUCH BETTER than at the beginning of the season.



Come on people!!!! Islanders got a win finally last night against the lowly Flyers. Did anybody see that spear that Jason Blake put on Sid The Kid?

I don't know how the Isles have done so poorly. Although I don't know how St Louis has done so well, so :p
 
That's because Yashing and Satan (as of late he's starting to get it together) haven't really been producing. They were tearing it up in the beginning of the season, it just seems like they hit a rough patch. Better to have it happen now, then at the end of the season when it really counts.

Speaking of surprises (not really) how about the Predators? The Sabres, Preds and Ducks are absolutely filthy this season. Playoff time is going to be very interesting.
 
I don't know how I missed the first part of your post Abstract.

I would like to see the ice surface increase also. I'm actually kind of fond of the Internation Ice Surface (IIS for short). The NHL wouldn't do it because the franchises can't afford to lose precious seats (aka money).

Speaking of the trap (ughhhh), I can't stand it!!! Everytime I watch the Isles play the Devils, I have to see that god awful defensive system (it does work though).
 
Just a quick couple thoughts...
Larger rinks would definately be a plus - more space to move.
Get more advertising, bring positive light to the game/experience.
Two-line passing is great! :D
Don't like the goalie not being able to play the pucks as much tho'.
 
Just a quick couple thoughts...
Larger rinks would definately be a plus - more space to move.
Get more advertising, bring positive light to the game/experience.
Two-line passing is great! :D
Don't like the goalie not being able to play the pucks as much tho'.

Larger Rinks = yes! (if that won't happen, perhaps we go to 4-4 play, then 3-3 for 2 OTs then a SO. Playoffs, however will play continuous OT (4-4))

Advertising more = yes (need to get away from those cheesy myNHL ads) Baseball's I Live For This is a lot better IMHO

Two-line passing = yes (got to to love homerun passes!)

Goalie Handling = maybe (I'm a little biased to this b/c I've seen Ricky DiPietro (DP for short) do some god awful things while puck handling)
 
What's the status of the proposed realignment? There was some buzz about it a month or so ago, but then I remember hearing that it wasn't likely to happen.
 
Link

Even Better Link

ESPN

If anything it might get mentioned at the All Star Game, if not then at the end of the season.

Also, the new form fitting jersey's are making their debut at the ASG. Check them out at the NHL's ASG shop. I'm not particularly a fan of them.
 
What losing in the first round of the playoffs after winning the president's trophy? (Detriot, multiple times)

Preds are nasty. I'd like to see Ducks v Preds for the Western Finals, but anything can happen. I LIVE FOR THIS! (sorry, that's baseball's catch phrase)
 
lol,, gotta admit I was enjoying watching the Dead Thangs being tossed around in that series! :p But, I was actually referring to how piss-poor the Blues have played way too many games against these teams [and the Canucks,,, and the Sharks,,, :eek:].

Hmmmmmmmmm,,, Ducks vs. Preds... interesting. ;)
 
LOL The Dead Thangs! Yea that was pretty fun to watch. I enjoyed watching The Devils thrash the New York Jagrs last season too. (NYI and NJD really hate the Rangers with a passion. For some reason NYI & NJD really don't have that type of rivalry).

Things could be worse for you. You could've been an Islander fan from 1994ish-2001. (see: at least 3 different owners (1 was arrested, Spano), the infamous Gordon's Fisherman Logo (still haunts my dreams b/c fans around here still wear the damn rags!), having some of the worst teams in history)

In due time the Blues will rise again and win Lord Stanley's Cup (unless they're playing the Isles, I'm going to have to root against you). Keep the faith, god knows I did during those trying years. STILL WAITING FOR MY CUP AND MY SUPERBOWL (Jets) DAMNIT!!! I got my World Series (x4, NYY) at least.
 
No real offense, as ya are a hockey fan + an Apple nut too :p, however, must admit that I do have a semi-great dislike against the Yankees. And, the Red Wings are semi-comparable to them [and Atlanta Braves] in that seems they love to throw money around for players. Of course, being also a Red Sox fan [yea I know,,, they have the $$$ issue too, but not as in your face as the Pinstripes - at least to those viewing things from the Midwest], disdain towards the Yankees is inbred too, I suppose... ;)

Well, back on target - I feel your pain as to different owners over the years. Heck, the Blues were semi-close at one time going to... heck, my fingers are not allowed to type the name of that little frozen burg in the Canadian wasteland that starts with an S. And, I do have a high affinity towards the Devils - even w/ the debacle of the Stevens episode [altho, getting Shanahan was very nice] - and much respect for Brodeur [matter of fact, youngest child claims to be him when we play ;)].

Lemieux is still, IMHO, one of the bestest players in the modern era. :)

Back to the Blues - I very much love how we are playing with the blue-collar workingman intensity, grit, and energy, with touch of finesse that the Blues are known for, and to which their old-school fans admire, and appreciate.
 
Ughhhh a Red Sox fan... from the mid-west! I can put that aside because we're here to talk about hockey. Once the actual MLB Season Thread is started, the bashing will start! (It's in our blood as both Sox and Yanks fans to hate each other)

Back to hockey... if you look a few posts ahead of us they're talking about realignment and after that adding 2 more teams. Those 2 teams are most likely to be heading to Canada.

Brendan Shanahan is on the Rangers (filth), not the NJD.

Lemieux was down right nasty. Him and Jagr we're unstopable. Now I have a great disdain for Jagr (though he's fithy when he decides to show up and play)

Sid The Kid, Malkin, and Ovechkin are going to be a force in the NHL for many years.

The Isles are known for their blue-collar approach to hockey too. (See Dynasty Era 1980-1983). I do miss that old smash mouth style of hockey. (See really nasty open ice hits) It does show up in the playoffs though, thankfully.

100th post.... again
 
Well, off topic just for a bit,,, ;) I've always had a sweet spot in my soul for towns/teams from Chicago and Boston. Great cities, food, culture, nightlife, people, history. :)

As to Shanny, what I'm referring to is that he came from the Devils to da Blues, and then NJ in compensation got Scotty.

As to realignment, I do agree that something is needed, but, nothing drastic. Regarding expansion, just as long as it is done w/ future in mind of the league and of the new cities, w/ a strong long-lasting fan-base. Honestly, the Stars have really surprised me as to how vibrant they are doing in Tejas. [however, still think they missed by not calling themselves the Lone Stars. :p]

There indeed some very very scarily talented new players, and w/ the right mindset & training they will be a force on the ice for a long time. Just wish, getting back to what the league needs to increase fan base, etc., the NHL would capitalize more on this new, fresh blood. Gretz seems to be fading from the spot light. There is, to the average guy/gal on the street, just a hockey league - there is little fire, emotion, life to the ads to get more seats in the stands. With that said, prices of such seats need to remain in an area where a family can go to a game w/o dipping into their savings. Salaries, for playing a game, need to be kept reasonable. However,,, that could be a thread in and of itself. ;)

Interestingly, you and I have just now posted our 100th post in a thread pertaining to the fastest and bestest game on Earth in a forum for the bestest computer on Earth. :p
 
Ok, on a seriousier note... to the Ranger fan(s), how do you like Shanny? Was a favourite of mine as a Blue - both on the ice and in the community. Just curious what the perception there is...
 
Who, the Texas Rangers? :confused:





Anyway, Sean Avery is a bit of a t***. I did have him on my Fantasy team for around a week, but seeing as how I've made 29 transactions so far, I've basically had every decent free agent on my team at one point. :p
 
Ok, on a seriousier note... to the Ranger fan(s), how do you like Shanny? Was a favourite of mine as a Blue - both on the ice and in the community. Just curious what the perception there is...
i hated him at first. i can't stand (!) the red wings, so it was logical to hate him as well. but i can't say i feel the same way now. when i saw him score the first goal the other night against his old team 2 minutes in, i felt a rush. him and jagr (ok ok not so great lately) play really well together. i don't get to watch a lot of rangers games since i live in TN, but i find myself getting excited when i see that shanny has picked up more goals and assists. plus his 600th goal (in his first rangers game to boot)? incredible... yeah, it didn't take me long to stop hating him!

edit: speaking of 600 goals, has anyone seen the framed (signed) prints of shanny and jagr with pieces of the net in it to commemorate their 600? it also comes with a 600 dollar price tag:eek: here it is:
600goals_JagrShanny.jpg

they also makes ones that are just jagr and just shanny.
 
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