OT: HOCKEY TIME!!!

flyscots · October 4, 2002

wow that was a big post - sorry!

flyscots · October 4, 2002

OK everybody, its now just one week until the start of the new season of the "World's Coolest Game" (Unless of course you are a fan of NYR, CAR, DAL, COL, LA, or PHO - you only have 6 days to wait)

Thought this Forum would be the best for this thread as I know of Dave's love for sports - especially seeing as I am Philadelphia biased!

After last year's bizarre happenings and the league being so close right down to the last day, what are everyones thoughts and expectations for the new season?

Are the Champion Red Wings gonna STILL dominate even after Bowman's retirement? Are they gonna turn in to the league's biggest moaners now they have CuJo? Are goalies gonna stop being so insane now that Hasek has retired? Of course not to the latter, Ed Belfour has got himself a place in a team - how will that work out for the Leafs? What about Dallas, surely the same cant happen again this year can it? Bill Guerin is a very fine addition to the roster.

After the remarkable run from Carolina last year can we expect them to keep it up, even after losing Gelinas to Calgary. Speaking of Calgary - what a deal they pulled off getting Drury from Colorado. What were the Avs thinking? I assume they made the deal to get Morris, a good young player, but they lost possibly the best young player in the league over the past few years - how much will they miss his big game key plays?

Will any of the regular 'no-hopers' come good this year? How about Anaheim managing to keep Kariya (STILL!?!?) and aquiring Sykora and Oates - will Oates remember how to play after Philadelphia seemingly taught him how not to? Getting Olausson back was a good move for the ducks also, especially seeing as they had to give up Tverdovsky to get Sykora - how tough is that NJ defense gonna be now with T-bomb and Stevens knocking people out with their insane hits.

Still on the underdogs - New York Rangers. Is it finally going to work out for them this year? Kasparaitis to harden up the D, Holik to give some much needed help. Its looking good, especially if Lindros can stay healthy and consistent, you cant see Bure not being high in the scoring charts.

Now my beloved Flyers. Oh how I worry! Booby Clarke is insane, I swear he is a fan of every team in the NHL except his own. I fear the loss of Boucher will hit hard - why trade a good, young level headed goalie and keep the aging, unhappy, argumentative loonatic Cechmanek? I'm pleased to see some young Europeans coming through (finally) These guys are the future of this sport, its about time they arrived in Philadelphia. Richardson and Fedotenko were silly losses, but Handzus is a great gain - one to work hard chasing back. Once again you have to ask how they could possibly be so bad with so much talent on the roster - please Philly, dont let us down again!

My tip for excellence this year: Phoenix Coyotes - Youthfull, enthusiastic, ever improving and with great leadership from The Great One Wayne Gretzky.

Enough from me! I look forward to your feedback and opinions. Hey, what do I know, I'm a foreigner!?!?

John Scotsman

bearded yeti · October 4, 2002

All I can say is: GO LEAFS!

Synthguy · October 4, 2002

Mighty Ducks rock!

Well, at least I hope so. I can't help it, I'm a softy for all things Disney.

Jeff Klopmeyer · October 4, 2002

I did something new this year...went to see the Kings practice! It was fun, it was free and it was open to the public, and it was only ten minutes from my home! Sweeeeeeet!

I took my wife and kid, who also had fun. I got to hang out with Ziggy Palffy, Adam Deadmarsh, Jason Allison and all the guys afterward. Plus, I caught a puck and gave it to my boy.

I have tickets to the Kings/Avs game here at the Staples Center on 10/17...can't wait! Whooo! Hockey!

- Jeff

Postman · October 4, 2002

Hey, Jeff, do you play? Have you ever considered it? It's a blast at any level.

rod76 · October 6, 2002

HEIN???

no one mentioned the MONTREAL Canadiens!!!!!!!

We NEED our 25th Cup

Rick K. · October 7, 2002

Originally posted by flyscots:
My tip for excellence this year: Phoenix Coyotes - Youthfull, enthusiastic, ever improving and with great leadership from The Great One Wayne Gretzky.

Man, I hope the Coyotes do well. I actually live only a couple of miles from their new arena! The progress is pretty awesome. Should be able to score some tix pretty easily.

Rick

whitefang · October 8, 2002

Originally posted by DM:
All I can say is: GO LEAFS!

Now that we Wings fans have Cujo, I wonder how the leafs will do. I'm STILL wondering how we wound up with him. Certainly can't blame last season's playoffs performance on HIM! Wasn't half the team on injured reserve at the time? I was always willing to bet that if the Leafs were healthy in the post-season, the play-off matches would have been far different.

I always hated it when the Wings would play Toronto. I would pray that Joseph wasn't in net because he always gave us a hard time. He seemed to stop everything!

Detroit's last exhibition against Chicago proved that. Even though it was a 1-1 draw, Joseph STILL had to stop 35 shots! And I coulda SWORE seven of THOSE went in. How in the hell did Cujo STOP them?

I'm looking foreward to this season more than I did the last three or four, I'll tell you that!

Whitefang

Jeff Klopmeyer · October 10, 2002

Originally posted by Postman:
Hey, Jeff, do you play? Have you ever considered it? It's a blast at any level.

Funny you should ask.

I played as a wee little tot on the east coast. I have photos of myself in these tiny little Bauers and pads. But then my family moved to SoCal when I was five and I got more into playing soccer, baseball and basketball.

But...my friend and I were just talking the other day about getting into it again. There are plenty of local leagues in L.A., and several accommodate our age/skill level (which is, respectively, high and low).

So...I just might play again sometime soon!

- Jeff

Jeff Klopmeyer · October 10, 2002

And just another brief post to note that my Kings looked freakin' great in the season opener last night versus Phoenix! It may have been 4-1, but felt like 10-1.

Kings to watch this year: of course, Allison and Palffy, but I predict great things for this kid Alexander Frolov. Skates incredibly well. Watch the defense step up as well.

Al Morganti's ESPN pre-season cup prediction: Kings versus Islanders...with Kings winning it all! Yeah baby!

- Jeff

flyscots · October 11, 2002

Don't I just have horrible hockey luck?!

I have been a Flyers fan from a far for a few years now. I finally get into this country 2 days after they are knocked out of the playoffs. I am leaving the country 3 days after their first home game and now that the season is finally back on I am too busy to watch any of the games on TV! Not that I'm complaining about being busy, but its a bit of a bummer.

Now, obviously I didnt see the game, but I am annoyed the Flyers tied - they tie games far too much, never seem to have the killer instinct to be able to finish teams off.

Jeff thanks for the Kings updates. I've been losing track. I have the feeling I'm gonna be able to follow the NHL a lot closer from Scotland than I am at the moment! So can you tell from that one game if I over-estimated the Coyotes or are the Kings THAT good? I know its way too early to say, I was just wondering about first impressions.

Its good to hear your story from the practice. Hockey players have a great reputation of being really good with the fans, kids especially.

John Scotsman

Jeff Klopmeyer · October 11, 2002

Originally posted by flyscots:
Jeff thanks for the Kings updates. I've been losing track. I have the feeling I'm gonna be able to follow the NHL a lot closer from Scotland than I am at the moment! So can you tell from that one game if I over-estimated the Coyotes or are the Kings THAT good? I know its way too early to say, I was just wondering about first impressions.

It's certainly early to make a call like this. I'd say that a) the Coyotes just didn't look like they were together as a team, and b) the Kings just looked great. But anything could happen. The Kings have not lost in nine straight season openers, but have had early season difficulty afterward. We'll just wait and see...I'm trying to not be overly optimistic in this regard.

Its good to hear your story from the practice. Hockey players have a great reputation of being really good with the fans, kids especially.

I would rather my kid be influenced by hockey players than by the players of any other pro sport, especially basketball. Every NHL player I've met has been courteous and very cool.

My pal picked me up a limited edition Wayne Gretzky jersey retirement poster on opening night. Whoo-hoo!

- Jeff

flyscots · October 18, 2002

WooHoo!!!!!

Flyers taking off big style with the 6-2 win over Montreal

Originally posted by HCMF:
no one mentioned the MONTREAL Canadiens!!!!!!!

There ya go, Les Habs got a mention! Not exactly what you wanted but I couldnt resist.

Great to see John LeClair on fire after the 2nd half of last year. I thought he (and Recchi) were supposed to be injured - thats pretty good playing through pain there if they are.

Oh and I STILL havent got to watch a game yet, not even on TV, and I fly back to Scotland on Sunday.

John Scotsman

Jeff Klopmeyer · October 22, 2002

So, I went to my first game of the season last Thursday night...Kings versus Avs at the Staples Center. Of course, how typical that my first game of the year was the Kings' first loss. Of course, going up against Patty Roy is always a tough task, no matter how good your team is...and Palffy was out, injured groin (ow).

In any case, I had a great time, like I always do at hockey games. If it's a typical year, I'll get to see four or five games in the regular season and maybe a playoff game or two if I'm lucky.

- Jeff

SFOracle · October 22, 2002

I just watched my Canucks blow up the Sharks last night. What an amazing offensive outburst, 5 goals in 6 1/2 min in the 2nd period. Naslund got the hat trick. As an expat Vancouverite living in SF, it is always tough to listen to the local TV announcers demoaning the "abysmal" 2nd period, but I was pretty stoked.

Jeff Klopmeyer · October 23, 2002

Originally posted by SFOracle:
5 goals in 6 1/2 min in the 2nd period. Naslund got the hat trick.

Naslund and Bertuzzi are so good it makes me ill.

- Jeff

Kwiks · October 23, 2002

GO LEAFS GO!!!

even though i know they're screwed with the middle aged goaltender duo of Belfour and Kidd, it'll be interesting to watch Moginly and Sundin on the same line, they're already making their way up the scoring ranks. Plus Kaberle, who's gotta be one of the most promising young defencement out there. Sucks to see Cujo with the wings, even though the leafs offered him more (tratior!) My only wish this year is to see the wings crash and burn.

Kwiks

Jeff Klopmeyer · October 23, 2002

Originally posted by Kwiks:
My only wish this year is to see the wings crash and burn.

I doubt the Wings will crash and burn...but I don't think they'll make it past the first round of the playoffs either, despite the some of the expert predictions that they're in line to repeat as champions.

Coaching change...goalie change...guys getting older. I'd be surprised if they weren't injury-plagued at some point in the season, and they don't handle the mental aspect of losing very well. They could easily tail-spin as soon as the good times start to fade.

Go Kings!

- Jeff

The T Dot · October 23, 2002

Originally posted by Kwiks:

GO LEAFS GO!!!

even though i know they're screwed with the middle aged goaltender duo of Belfour and Kidd, it'll be interesting to watch Moginly and Sundin on the same line

Agreed. It will be an interesting season, to say the least.

Sucks to see Cujo with the wings, even though the leafs offered him more (tratior!)

I really liked Cujo, but I had a feeling he wasn't going to stay. Apparently he can't stand Quinn, and was happy to leave. We've had a bad start to the season, but I'm sure the boys will pick it up.

Chris

Kwiks · October 25, 2002

hey Jeff,

Even though I know it's not likely the Wings will crash and burn, it would still be nice to see for once. As for those predictions, you never know. Everyone was saying those things last year.

Kwiks

flyscots · October 25, 2002

WooHoo! A 6-2 win for the Flyers again! Apparently John Leclair is on pace for 115 goals! lol. Chokemanek is giving up 2 a game though which is making for an interesting high scoring season. Whats great about last nights win is that although the Canadiens shut down LeClair, other guys stepped up. Dont close him down and he'll destroy you. Keep him quiet and other guys will take his place. I like it, its looking good!

Oracle: Yeah the Canucks are looking good, not flying but they'll no doubt be up there come spring time. The Sharks game must've been great to watch. I agree with Jeff - Naslund and Bertuzzi are outstanding. I've always loved watching Bertuzzi play but I've wondered about his consistency, do you think he'll play good all year this time rather than being great then quiet? Oh man I know what you mean about the commentators, you should try having to listen to the English Football (soccer) commentators who are unbelievably biased (and stupid)

Leaf fans: I thought for the last few years you would've been lost without CuJo. Last year when he was injured the team seemed to do pretty well so it could look good this year, but 4-1 loss to Florida??? As you say though, Mogilny and Sundin together could be deadly. All the young guys are getting better aswell, damn I wish the Flyers had managed to get Kaberle.

Jeff I agree with your points on the Wings. I would also like to see them struggle a little Kwiks, but the team I wanna see fail the most is your Leafs - sorry!

Oh by the way, I'm back in Scotland now and STILL havent seen a game this season. No NHL coverage yet thanks to the World Series. No fair!

Enjoy the games, John Scotsman

SFOracle · October 25, 2002

I've always loved watching Bertuzzi play but I've wondered about his consistency, do you think he'll play good all year this time rather than being great then quiet?

I think (hope) Bertuzzi has become more consistent. Last year he dominated most of the year. When he cuts to the net, with his speed, strength and skill, there is not a defensmen in the league who can stop him. He was quiet early in the season last year partially due to a 10 game suspension for leaving the bench when someone took a run at Naslund (the Canucks don't really have an enforcer).

I also think both of the Sedin twins are showing signs of break out seasons. That line with the Sedins and Trent Klatt is a forechecking machine. If they can put it together this year we should get more offense from our 2nd line.

It is sometimes hard to be objective when you are looking at your own team, but when I look at the Canucks, the only thing that I see seperating them from Colorado or Detroit would be goal tending. The Canucks have speed throughout the line up, depth, skill, size. They might be lacking a true enforcer after they lost Brown on waivers, but the biggest weakness is Cloutier - I just don't believe he is a playoff goalie.

I also like the Sharks. I'm glad they finally woke up and resigned Nabokov.

coyote · October 25, 2002

I just watched the Islanders play two games this week. Tuesday, they utterly dominated the Hurricanes but lost 4-1 (the Canes last point was empty-net). Last night, they dominated the Panthers and won 5-3.

In both games, they nearly doubled their opponent's shot total. They controlled play throughout, and in fact did a better job against the Canes than the Panthers. They had a few lapses which led to goals - 3 per game. The big difference? In the Tuesday game, they telegraphed every shot by trying all slapshots and naturally everything was stopped. In last night's game, they took many snap wristshots and it's no coincidence they found the net - Luongo didn't have time to prep for each & every shot.

My assessment:

The Islander's goalies need to sharpen up a bit. They aren't terrible, but they need to be able to pick the team up sometimes or the team will become afraid to take chances.

Their defense is generally very solid, but could tighten up a bit more.

Their offense and forechecking can obviously control the game. If they can get out of the slapshot habit, they will become a scoring machine. They also have a tendency to be too unselfish; they make the extra pass when they ought just take it to the net.

Penalty kill & power play - fair. They obviously miss Peca. When he returns they will improve dramatically.

Despite all the problems and the fact that the puck is not yet bouncing their way, they are at .500. Even without Peca, they seem to be coalescing. I think the Islanders are a very dangerous team this year - don't be surprised to find them in the semifinals or the finals.

flyscots · October 25, 2002

Originally posted by SFOracle:
I also think both of the Sedin twins are showing signs of break out seasons.

Excellent! It'll be interesting following the careers of these kids. I'm hoping they live up to their predicted potential (can a predicted potential exist

I dunno - you know what I mean!) They've already shown signs of the psychic telepathy that twins have, thats gotta be scary for defensemen. I Totally agree with you about the goalie, having someone solid back there would make a huge difference.

Coyote: Thanks for the Islanders report. Your assessment reads well but I cant comment coz I haven't seen them yet this year.

Both of you, infact all of you, please keep the updates coming. This is a great way of getting a 'fans eye view' of what's going on without having to search through loads of websites.

Thanks, John Scotsman

Jeff Klopmeyer · October 30, 2002

REALLY bad news for me.

Center Jason Allison, without a doubt the heart of the L.A. Kings, took a cheap shot from a no-name asshole in a game against the stupid-ass Atlanta Thrashers. Result? His knee is fucked up, quite possibly ligament damage.

Worst case scenario? Our best guy is out for the entire season.

Great. Just great.

- Jeff

Jeff Klopmeyer · October 30, 2002

Damnit!

http://home.earthlink.net/~jeffannak/a_allison_i.jpg

- Jeff

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