2010/11 NHL Season, Stanley Cup Playoffs & off-season Thread

[zioxide]

Who are "they" exactly? Looking back over the last couple of pages of the thread, the only Bolts fan that posted was jbennardo.

I think that you're forgetting that it was a seven game series.....the last game really could have gone either way. You're talking like you swept them.

No I definitely know it was a hard series. But i was talking about guys like iApples who have been on here during the series and disappeared right after.

And don't worry, I'm still around to take **** about your Bruins.

I would expect nothing less from a Leafs fan. If you didnt talk **** there might be something wrong. Enjoy that 2nd rounder you got from the ****stick trade btw.

We both know that every team has it's bandwagon jumpers, yours included. Much of Boston only pays attention to the Bruins when they're winning (they'd sooner choose the Red Sox, Patriots, or Celtics first). To say that there are no real Lightning fans is a bit insulting.....

I have seen so many people around here jump on the Bs bandwagon recently.. it's crazy. That happens in every sport. But I'd think it's safe to stay that Boston has a LOT of die hards too. I know they call Detroit hockey town, but you could make an argument for Boston too. Hockey has owned this town for nearly 100 years now. The Bruins were the first US NHL team in 1924, and we can't forget that college (BC, BU, the beanpot) and even high school hockey are crazy popular around here. Everyone and their brother grew up playing hockey in some form around here. I don't think you can say the same thing for places like Tampa. Now obviously they do have some real fans, but it's just not the same as Boston.

It's been a tough recent history for the Bruins, starting with crap ownership/management. Since Neely retired, they have been pretty much irrelevent. And when the other 3 teams have won 6 championships in the past 10 years, the people around here won't put up with failing. Thats why this year has been so huge. That game 7 win against Tampa means so much more than us just going to play in the Stanley Cup finals. It's brought the Bruins back to where they were. It was the difference between our kids growing up playing hockey or playing one of the others.

Mark Recchi said after game 7 that the guys could hear the crowd all the way in the locker room BEFORE the pregame warmups. That's crazy. Hockey is back in Boston, and it's back big.

Underestimation is always a formula for success.

I'm not underestimating anyone. It's going to be a crazy difficult series. I just think we match up better against Vancouver than we did against Tampa. Their 1-3-1 and speed game caused us nightmares. I feel like if we can beat them, we could beat anyone. It's going to be a long battle though.. I kind of like robo's prediction. But there is no way this series is ending (in either way) in less than 6 games.

 

[iJohnHenry]

Go Boston, and the Original Six.

The entire Vancouver operation has a stench about them.

 

[Surely]

No I definitely know it was a hard series. But i was talking about guys like iApples who have been on here during the series and disappeared right after.

Meh, I don't think he's actually a Bolts fan.....more of an anyone-who's-playing-against-the-Bruins fan.

I would expect nothing less from a Leafs fan. If you didnt talk **** there might be something wrong. Enjoy that 2nd rounder you got from the ****stick trade btw.

Oh, we will. Enjoy being nervous everytime said ****stick is on the ice.

I have seen so many people around here jump on the Bs bandwagon recently.. it's crazy. That happens in every sport. But I'd think it's safe to stay that Boston has a LOT of die hards too. I know they call Detroit hockey town, but you could make an argument for Boston too. Hockey has owned this town for nearly 100 years now. The Bruins were the first US NHL team in 1924, and we can't forget that college (BC, BU, the beanpot) and even high school hockey are crazy popular around here. Everyone and their brother grew up playing hockey in some form around here. I don't think you can say the same thing for places like Tampa. Now obviously they do have some real fans, but it's just not the same as Boston.

TBH, Toronto is the real hockeytown. Detroit pretty much self-proclaimed that name before anyone else did. And I'm not just saying that because I'm from TO. Hockey is truly #1 in Toronto, but it's also #2, #3, #4, and #5. The Blue Jays, Raptors, Argos, Rock, and the MLS team have to fight over the scraps. It doesn't matter how good or bad the Leafs are, they're ALWAYS #1. At the height of summer, if you turn on sports radio in Toronto, chances are they'll still be talking hockey.

I'm not saying that Boston fans aren't good fans.......you guys just have a serious problem: you're forced to be fans of the Bruins.

Obviously, the same can't be said about Tampa, but yeah, they do have real fans too. Just not as many because it isn't ingrained in the culture.

It's been a tough recent history for the Bruins, starting with crap ownership/management. Since Neely retired, they have been pretty much irrelevent. And when the other 3 teams have won 6 championships in the past 10 years, the people around here won't put up with failing. Thats why this year has been so huge. That game 7 win against Tampa means so much more than us just going to play in the Stanley Cup finals. It's brought the Bruins back to where they were. It was the difference between our kids growing up playing hockey or playing one of the others.

All fair, but I still think that the Bruins will always play 4th fiddle to the other teams.

Mark Recchi said after game 7 that the guys could hear the crowd all the way in the locker room BEFORE the pregame warmups. That's crazy. Hockey is back in Boston, and it's back big.

Still amazing that he's still playing and actually contributing.

I'm not underestimating anyone. It's going to be a crazy difficult series. I just think we match up better against Vancouver than we did against Tampa. Their 1-3-1 and speed game caused us nightmares. I feel like if we can beat them, we could beat anyone. It's going to be a long battle though.. I kind of like robo's prediction. But there is no way this series is ending (in either way) in less than 6 games.

The Canucks are still a much, much better team that the Bolts regardless of the defensive trap they used. The fact that they've made it to the finals without the twins doing anything until that last series, and with Kesler being ineffective until midway through the second series, tells us a lot about the depth of the rest of the team. And Malhotra is back for the finals too.

I'm just hoping for an exciting series (with the Bruins losing, of course).

 

[zioxide]

Oh, we will. Enjoy being nervous everytime said ****stick is on the ice.

Thankfully Chara and Seidenburg will each play 30 so ****stick will only be out there for 10-15.

TBH, Toronto is the real hockeytown. Detroit pretty much self-proclaimed that name before anyone else did. And I'm not just saying that because I'm from TO. Hockey is truly #1 in Toronto, but it's also #2, #3, #4, and #5. The Blue Jays, Raptors, Argos, Rock, and the MLS team have to fight over the scraps. It doesn't matter how good or bad the Leafs are, they're ALWAYS #1. At the height of summer, if you turn on sports radio in Toronto, chances are they'll still be talking hockey.

Montreal would argue with you too. But Canadian cities don't count because hockey is THE sport up there. But as far as American cities, its Detroit and Boston above all the rest I think.

I'm not saying that Boston fans aren't good fans.......you guys just have a serious problem: you're forced to be fans of the Bruins.

Yeah and you're forced to be a fan of Phil Kessel. that's unfortunate.

Obviously, the same can't be said about Tampa, but yeah, they do have real fans too. Just not as many because it isn't ingrained in the culture.

yeah.

All fair, but I still think that the Bruins will always play 4th fiddle to the other teams.

If they ever win a Stanley Cup, watch and see. They'll take over really quick. It's baseball in the summer and hockey in the winter. Boston was a hockey town way before basketball.

Still amazing that he's still playing and actually contributing.

I hope they win it for him and Timmy. Most of other guys on the team have realistic shots to go back to the finals again in the future.

The Canucks are still a much, much better team that the Bolts regardless of the defensive trap they used. The fact that they've made it to the finals without the twins doing anything until that last series, and with Kesler being ineffective until midway through the second series, tells us a lot about the depth of the rest of the team. And Malhotra is back for the finals too.

I'm just hoping for an exciting series (with the Bruins losing, of course).

It's definitely gonna be a great series... it's gonna rely on Timmy playing out of his mind.

 

[robo]

Zioxide
How's Chara going to cover both Sedin's at the same time? I know he's got a long stick,but not that long
Otav89

 

[zioxide]

Zioxide
How's Chara going to cover both Sedin's at the same time? I know he's got a long stick,but not that long
Otav89

Seidenberg? He has been a beast.

 

[robo]

Seidenberg? He has been a beast.

It's funny,he was a stiff when he was with the Flyers
otav89

 

[zioxide]

It's funny,he was a stiff when he was with the Flyers
otav89

Its amazing what playing with Zdeno Chara does. He even made Boychuk look good.

Seriously though, Seidenburg has more TOI/game than Chara does. He is just as important, and massively underrated this year.

 

[cuestakid]

Zioxide
How's Chara going to cover both Sedin's at the same time? I know he's got a long stick,but not that long
Otav89

easy-body slam one into the boards, then skate to the other side and repeat!


But seriously-I think the twins are going to be one of those pairs that you contain but can't stop. The Bruins will have to keep them along the boards and not let them cycle. That is how they beat you; they play keep away until one slips behind the D and before you know it, the red light is on.

 

[Illuminated]

press conference in Winnipeg today at 1pm...The Thrashers look like they played their final season in Atlanta this year...


...back to the Jets!

 

[robo]

press conference in Winnipeg today at 1pm...The Thrashers look like they played their final season in Atlanta this year...


...back to the Jets!

What was Atlanta doing with a freak'n hockey team anyway...
otav89

 

[Surely]

What was Atlanta doing with a freak'n hockey team anyway...
otav89

I think you mean "what was Atlanta doing with a freak'n hockey team AGAIN anyway...."

I guess Bettman was like: "Duh, it didn't work the first time, but I'm awesome, so I can make it work the second time around."

Before anyone says the same thing about Winnipeg, I think it's fair to say that the Winnipeg situation and the Atlanta situation were/are completely different.

 

[MooneyFlyer]

We'll see what the B's can come up with. I know everyone thinks that Vancouver is unbeatable but you never know. Each team has had players that haven't delivered during the various series. We'll see who shows up.

 

[Reventon]

The presser to announce the Thrashers to Winnipeg deal will be held at 12PM ET according to TSN.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=367433

 

[Surely]

We'll see what the B's can come up with. I know everyone thinks that Vancouver is unbeatable but you never know. Each team has had players that haven't delivered during the various series. We'll see who shows up.

Isn't it the offseason already?

It's been so long..........

 

[yg17]

Done deal...Thrashers are going to Winnipeg.

 

[Surely]

Done deal...Thrashers are going to Winnipeg.*

*upon approval of the board of governors (which is a sure thing, but still.....)

I'm so curious to find out if they'll be called the Jets or something new. From what I've been hearing, they'll probably have to use a new name. Perhaps they'll take the name of their AHL team, the Manitoba Moose. Apparently, they're moving that team to St. John's, Nfld. I'm glad St. John's is getting a team again, it was too bad when the St. John's Maple Leafs had to be moved to Toronto (to become the Marlies).

 

[MooneyFlyer]

Isn't it the offseason already?

It's been so long..........

It is for most of the league and fans..

My favorite sign at the game on Friday night:
"Forecast for next week -- Lightning on the golf course"

Robo - do I get to use that signature you've been using for the last year and so sneakily changed in the last couple of weeks??

 

[yg17]

*upon approval of the board of governors (which is a sure thing, but still.....)

Yeah, forgot about that, but it'll be approved.

I'm so curious to find out if they'll be called the Jets or something new. From what I've been hearing, they'll probably have to use a new name. Perhaps they'll take the name of their AHL team, the Manitoba Moose. Apparently, they're moving that team to St. John's, Nfld. I'm glad St. John's is getting a team again, it was too bad when the St. John's Maple Leafs had to be moved to Toronto (to become the Marlies).

I read somewhere that the Coyotes own the Jets name, but since the NHL owns the Coyotes, it's possible the Thrashers could use the Jets name if the NHL allows them to.

I like the Jets name better. When I think of moose, I think of a dumb animal that stands in the middle of a road and gets hit by a car. It's not what I would want my team to be named

 

[Surely]

^^^I prefer the Jets name as well, but the Manitoba Moose has a nice ring to it.

It is for most of the league and fans..

I was referring to the ridiculous amount of time off between the Conference final and the Stanley Cup finals. And the schedule......game 1 is Wednesday, and game 2 is Saturday?


They have no name announcement for the Winnipeg team right now. I'm sure they have a name, but are waiting to announce it at a later date.

 

[robo]

It is for most of the league and fans..

My favorite sign at the game on Friday night:
"Forecast for next week -- Lightning on the golf course"

Robo - do I get to use that signature you've been using for the last year and so sneakily changed in the last couple of weeks??

Sure,why not. It wasn't meant to be sneaky,it was props to Lil Otav (my son)
for winning the HS ice hockey championship here
otav89

 

[SilvorX]

The 11 year old me would be happy with tears right now to find out that Winnipeg would get NHL back.

"The Guess Who rocked and the jets returned anyway!"

 

[MooneyFlyer]

I was referring to the ridiculous amount of time off between the Conference final and the Stanley Cup finals. And the schedule......game 1 is Wednesday, and game 2 is Saturday?

yeah, I know. Just being a bit of a p*ick I guess . I was hoping they didn't delay the start so long so that I could see the first home game before I travel. I'm now pulling for the Bruins in 6 since I will be able to go to that game. Ticket prices are going nuts. I got offered $1500 for my pair for home game 1.

Sure,why not. It wasn't meant to be sneaky,it was props to Lil Otav (my son)
for winning the HS ice hockey championship here
otav89

Just needling you since I've been staring at that damn quote for a long time!!! Congrats on the big win!

 

[cuestakid]

I heard something today on TSN that (I may get these two mixed up so forgive me) the actual sale requires 3/4 of the teams to agree but the relocation is a simple majority-not that either won't be obtained.

I also heard that the arena itself is relatively small (15,500), not including suites (so its likely more like 16,000). Even so, do people think that enough fans will buy season tickets for 2 or 3 years? I mean at some point, 16,000 won't be enough.

Now to the biggest question-what will re-alignment look like?

The one scenario i heard (and the one I like the most) is that Dallas and Colorado switch divisions, Winnipeg would go into the central and the wings would go east.

If I only have to play the wings once or twice a year, I am all for it!!!

 

[Surely]

I also heard that the arena itself is relatively small (15,500), not including suites (so its likely more like 16,000). Even so, do people think that enough fans will buy season tickets for 2 or 3 years? I mean at some point, 16,000 won't be enough.

They're pushing for 13,000 season ticket pledges, and I absolutely think they'll do it. I watched the press conference on the NHL Network, and the prices are very reasonable. They're selling them with 3-5 year commitments.

http://driveto13.com/price.php

It, of course, also helps that the 13th richest person in the world (and the richest in Canada) is one of the owners.

Now to the biggest question-what will re-alignment look like?

The one scenario i heard (and the one I like the most) is that Dallas and Colorado switch divisions, Winnipeg would go into the central and the wings would go east.

If I only have to play the wings once or twice a year, I am all for it!!!

That sounds about right.

I think the Wings will go east, where they belong. I guess that'll mean the Leafs will play them more often, which means I'll start hating them again like I did back when they were both in the Norris.