The 2008 NHL Offseason Thread

[Teh Don Ditty]

Thank the Dolan's for the Jets still playing in New Jersey. Although it's not like if they played in NY it would make any difference, I still wouldn't pay money to go watch them lose.

Don't get me started on the Dolan's please. I hate the fact that I have to fork over more than enough money to them every month.

I do love the Jets though!

Right, I've actually seen the Golf HD logo on screen while watching something on that channel. For a while though, we didn't have any of the VS HD feed at all.

Correct. If there was an HD Versus game it would go on like Channel 701 or something like that. At least there's a (somewhat) dedicated channel for it now.

Yup, I'm not too sure about the Sharks anymore.

How about Avs/Wings? I think the Avs are gonna take them down. I don't see Detroit getting past them. But that can all change as well lol.

I think the Avs can do it. It'll be tough, but I think it can be done. roland.g your thoughts?

Agreed. The coverage is crap because no one cares, and no one cares so the coverage is crap. It's really a no-win situation for the NHL. Also, the NHL re-uped with NBC for next season.

In Canada, it's the opposite. Hockey stories are always first on Sportscentre (not Sportscenter ). People care so the coverage is good, and the coverage is good because people care.

NBC... shudder. It beats Fox at least. Anyone remember Fox Trax™?

I loves me some Canada.

 

[dejo]

I grew up and lived in Canada until I was almost 30 years old. Having spent about 12 years in the U.S., I find you really have to make an effort to follow the NHL down here. Up in Canada, you simply can't avoid it.

 

[Teh Don Ditty]

I grew up and lived in Canada until I was almost 30 years old. Having spent about 12 years in the U.S., I find you really have to make an effort to follow the NHL down here. Up in Canada, you simply can't avoid it.

I've been to Montreal once for 3 days. It was absolutely incredible to have people stop us on the street to talk about hockey. (We were rocking our Isles jerseys). Here I'm lucky if people even know what hockey is.

Your statement does hold true. Does that mean I'm a (wannabe) Canadian?

 

[Rhosfelt]

Every time we visit the Falls, or Toronto I make sure to wear my jersey just to talk with some people about hockey. It truly is like football, only people are not as big of idiots. Especially in the offseason.

Offseason football talk: "you suck you fag!"

Offseason hockey talk: "did you hear about the new prospect in the draft this year? Only 18...I hope we get them..what draft seed are you?.." So on.

Much more understanding people I think.


Anyways, ESPN was probably the best coverage I got while watching Hockey. My FSN pittsburgh channel is good, but the commentators are well morons (Errey, and Stagey), and like to belittle what my team does every now and again. I've even names my two dogs after them now. NBC is okay, but they like to talk about other team a lot during the game a little annoying.


...crap have to go to class more later...

 

[Surely]

I grew up and lived in Canada until I was almost 30 years old. Having spent about 12 years in the U.S., I find you really have to make an effort to follow the NHL down here. Up in Canada, you simply can't avoid it.

Hey, me too. I lived in Canada until 31 (except for 4 years in Chicago for school), and I moved to the U.S. a couple months ago. It definitely is a big effort to find hockey coverage, and to find other people here that actually care or know about hockey is impossible. Thank the Lloyd for the internet and the The 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs Thread (All your favorite teams suck).

I've been to Montreal once for 3 days. It was absolutely incredible to have people stop us on the street to talk about hockey. (We were rocking our Isles jerseys). Here I'm lucky if people even know what hockey is.

Your statement does hold true. Does that mean I'm a (wannabe) Canadian?

Eh, if you're a hockey fan, you can be an honorary Canadian.

I've had great conversations with total strangers about hockey while I was living in Toronto. Even when I wasn't wearing anything hockey. One of my favorite talks was with this old granny in a Tim Hortons. We were both just sitting there, at a counter, drinking coffee, when she says: "Do you follow the Leafs, kiddo?" Great conversation.

I was at the beach in Santa Monica a few weeks ago, and I look over to my left and some dude is rockin' a Maple Leafs Sundin hat. They were on vacation from Toronto, and we had a nice playoff conversation.

Hockey: it's the great unifier.

If you walked down the street in Toronto in your Isles jersey and I walked by, I'm sure I would have given you a "BOO!" as you passed.

My FSN pittsburgh channel is good, but the commentators are well morons (Errey, and Stagey), and like to belittle what my team does every now and again. I've even names my two dogs after them now. NBC is okay, but they like to talk about other team a lot during the game a little annoying.

I don't understand- you don't like it when the commentators criticize your team or talk about the opposing team? You'd rather have a rah rah homer announcer?

 

[Teh Don Ditty]

Hey, me too. I lived in Canada until 31 (except for 4 years in Chicago for school), and I moved to the U.S. a couple months ago. It definitely is a big effort to find hockey coverage, and to find other people here that actually care or know about hockey is impossible. Thank the Lloyd for the internet and the The 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs Thread (All your favorite teams suck).

Take note, an American Honorary Canadian started this thread.

This thread is a bit more lively this year than it was last year.

Eh, if you're a hockey fan, you can be an honorary Canadian.

Huzzah!

I've had great conversations with total strangers about hockey while I was living in Toronto. Even when I wasn't wearing anything hockey. One of my favorite talks was with this old granny in a Tim Hortons. We were both just sitting there, at a counter, drinking coffee, when she says: "Do you follow the Leafs, kiddo?" Great conversation.

I was at the beach in Santa Monica a few weeks ago, and I look over to my left and some dude is rockin' a Maple Leafs Sundin hat. They were on vacation from Toronto, and we had a nice playoff conversation.

Hockey: it's the great unifier.

If you walked down the street in Toronto in your Isles jersey and I walked by, I'm sure I would have given you a "BOO!" as you passed.

Sheer epicness right there. I loves me some hockey fans.

We did get that in Montreal. But most of those people stopped and talked to us for a few. It was really cool.

I probably would've said, "Hey, has Darcy Tucker taken out anymore knees?"

 

[robo]

All right guys hammer away,if the Flyers can keep Kovalev in check I think they will be cool.I think it's going seven games. I haven't been this excited
since my son's high school varsity team won the Flyer's Cup (two weeks ago).

Peace

 

[Legolamb]

Agreed. The coverage is crap because no one cares, and no one cares so the coverage is crap. It's really a no-win situation for the NHL. Also, the NHL re-uped with NBC for next season.

In Canada, it's the opposite. Hockey stories are always first on Sportscentre (not Sportscenter ). People care so the coverage is good, and the coverage is good because people care.

,,,And then there is Don Cherry. OK I know his cred value for Boston, but he is an affront on so many different levels, I don't know why no one mentioned him before.
Full disclosure, I'm a Habs fan with strong Rangers leanings (transplanted NY'er living in la belle Province).

 

[Surely]

,,,And then there is Don Cherry. OK I know his cred value for Boston, but he is an affront on so many different levels, I don't know why no one mentioned him before.
Full disclosure, I'm a Habs fan with strong Rangers leanings (transplanted NY'er living in la belle Province).

Aw, c'mon, you gotta love Don Cherry. He's fantastic. I may not agree with everything he says, but he is very knowledgeable (especially about the intricacies of the game), has great respect for the game and the history of the game, is funny as hell, and is one of the most patriotic Canadians I know. Yes, I know he's not Mr. Popularity in Quebec, but when CBC is showing a Habs game, and he's there, all the fans want to shake his hand and pat him on the back.

Gotta love Grapes!

 

[Rhosfelt]

I don't understand- you don't like it when the commentators criticize your team or talk about the opposing team? You'd rather have a rah rah homer announcer?

I'd like it if on a goal our own hometown announcers didn't say lucky shot in a condescending tone, or belittle our team, and get the stats wrong when they are hired specifically for hockey my town. Don't get me wrong I love them, because they are a good laugh during the games, but some aspects can be utterly annoying.

On NBC I wouldn't care if they talk about the opposing team, but they don't. They talk about other teams in the league which is not what i want to hear, I'd like to hear about the game I am currently watching, not about team that have been out of the playoffs (it has happened, during play none-the-less). Wait until intermission, or if it is breaking new, at least until there is a break in play.

 

[dejo]

The "in-the-bench" reporting bites, IMHO. Especially when they are interviewing the coach (or players) during the game. Ooh, that irks me! Does the CBC do that?

 

[Surely]

I'd like it if on a goal our own hometown announcers didn't say lucky shot in a condescending tone, or belittle our team, and get the stats wrong when they are hired specifically for hockey my town. Don't get me wrong I love them, because they are a good laugh during the games, but some aspects can be utterly annoying.

On NBC I wouldn't care if they talk about the opposing team, but they don't. They talk about other teams in the league which is not what i want to hear, I'd like to hear about the game I am currently watching, not about team that have been out of the playoffs (it has happened, during play none-the-less). Wait until intermission, or if it is breaking new, at least until there is a break in play.

I can't comment on your home announcers since I've never heard them, but I'll take your word for it unless someone says different.

I like that they talk about other NHL teams during the game on NBC. I can see what is going on on the ice, I don't need them to describe every stride and pass to me.

Eh, chacon à son goût.

The "in-the-bench" reporting bites, IMHO. Especially when they are interviewing the coach (or players) during the game. Ooh, that irks me! Does the CBC do that?

I really like the in-the-bench reporting! I really like the ice-level analysis. TSN started it this season (or maybe last season?), and now they all do it. It's a cool perspective, and Pierre McGuire is a good analyst. Glen Healy is also very good- when he does it for Leafs games, the play-by-play guys always rip on him.

 

[Surely]

Hey TDD:

Did you listen to the Hockeycentral podcast (also on iTunes) for today? The panel was full of ex-Islanders- Bill Berg, Ray Ferraro, and Jamie McLennan.

It was pretty funny- they pretty much just talked about old times the whole show. Great stories....

 

[Teh Don Ditty]

Hey TDD:

Did you listen to the Hockeycentral podcast (also on iTunes) for today? The panel was full of ex-Islanders- Bill Berg, Ray Ferraro, and Jamie McLennan.

It was pretty funny- they pretty much just talked about old times the whole show. Great stories....

No, no I didn't. Looks like I'm going to in a bit though. Thanks surely!

 

[robo]

2-0 Flyers end of 1st. Not bad for the 4th line

Peace

 

[gauchogolfer]

So far so good. Now to leave work so I can get home and actually watch it.




Edit: even before I get home I've already jinxed us...1-1 now.
No more posting for me about this until it's over.

 

[Surely]

So far so good. Now to leave work so I can get home and actually watch it.


View attachment 113505

Edit: even before I get home I've already jinxed us...1-1 now.
No more posting for me about this until it's over.

Uh-oh. I think you should have stayed at work- it's 2-1 Wings now.

 

[gauchogolfer]

Uh-oh. I think you should have stayed at work- it's 2-1 Wings now.

Nope, still at work. Time to high-tail it home, I guess.

 

[Surely]

Nope, still at work. Time to high-tail it home, I guess.

3-1 now. No Forsberg could be a problem.....

4-1.....
Goalie change time.

 

[Teh Don Ditty]

Why the flip do I have Avs/Wings when I'm clearly in the East market? I should be seeing Flyers/Habs...

 

[Surely]

Why the flip do I have Avs/Wings when I'm clearly in the East market? I should be seeing Flyers/Habs...

That sucks, but this has been a good game.

4-3 now- now it's a game.

And it's 3-2 Flyers now.

 

[Teh Don Ditty]

That sucks, but this has been a good game.

4-3 now- now it's a game.

I would like to see the Habs/Flyers but I have no problem watching these old foes face off.

This series will go 7.

 

[Teh Don Ditty]

Wings 4
Avs 3

Habs 4
Flyers 3
F/OT

 

[Keebler]

Wings 4
Avs 3

Habs 4
Flyers 3
F/OT

i have a feeling the flyers were tired for the 1st game. They'll bring it harder next game.

I can't believe how many chances mtl missed....2 posts, breakaway chance and the penalty shot.

should be a great series.

Go HABS Go!

 

[stomer]

I can't believe how many chances mtl missed....2 posts, breakaway chance and the penalty shot.

The Flyers blew it. They just had to secure a face-off and they'd have won, anyway, I'm not complaining.

I read on L'Equipe this morning that Washington has allowed Huet to play for France during the World Championship which will be played between the 2nd and 18th of May. I've a few questions regarding this: Does the World Championship receive much interest in north America? And why do the organisers choose to start the championship before the playoffs have ended? Wouldn't it be more sensible to start them once the NHL playoffs have finished?