NHL Thread 2008-2009

Pitchers and catchers errr… goalies and centers have reported to training camp, its that time again

And Erik Johnson hurts his knee getting out of a golf cart, way to start the year Blues!

i am going to the pens home opener, 10 rows from the glass. pretty excited for that

Sweet, I get to test the "Add to Your Ignore List" of the new forum.

And with that, Go Ducks!

Anaheim vs. Detroit for the Cup. Montreal gets the winner in the NHL Pro Bowl.

Go Kings! This season has got to be better than last season.

Originally posted by vansmack:
Sweet, I get to test the "Add to Your Ignore List" of the new forum.

you are going to ignore hockey?

Originally posted by pdx pollard:

Originally posted by vansmack:
Sweet, I get to test the "Add to Your Ignore List" of the new forum.

you are going to ignore hockey?

Nope, you can only personally ignore threads, but if you like a thread, the forum will allow you to ignore people in the thread.

actually I think the ignore feature only blocks private messages

Thanks a lot, buzz kill.

you're welcome!

though i have been to insanely busy to look at many of the off-season happenings, i will be truely happy when the season starts.

and isnt it soon, there are a couple games in Europe either next weekend or the weekend after.

Have any of you been fiercely working on your mullet in anticipation?

yes, all of us

I wish there was a rookie only playoff series…
http://boards.washingtoncaps.com/index.php?autocom=blog&blogid=59&
Washington 7 Philly 0

I don't wish the NHL was so lame they had to book the 'world's greatest arena rock band', Def Leppard for a opening day 'spectacular'.
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=382528&page=NewsPage&service=page

They could have at least booked AC/DC who are still actually played at games.

Originally posted by pdx pollard:
actually I think the ignore feature only blocks private messages

I just tested it. You're right.

Originally posted by very sonick:
and isnt it soon, there are a couple games in Europe either next weekend or the weekend after.

The season starts with games in Stockhold (Ottawa vs Pittsburgh) and Prague (NYR vs Tampa).

Here's a fantastic bit of serendipity. We booked our vacation to Munich and Prague months ago. So imagine my surprise when we realized we'd be in Prague for both the NYR/Tampa games. Our friend (who's going with us) works for the NCAA and has good connections. Good enough to get us tickets for one of the games there. Should be fun.

People needing a pre-season fix can watch MSG on cable tonite to catch the Sens and Rangers (they played on Sat. Sloppy game but fun to watch). Check StubHub for cheap preseason Caps tix. We grabbed a pair for $11 each (plus s/c) for front row club seats.

Having said that, a few comments about the upcoming season:

- as much as I'd love to see my Habs pull it off this season, I still think last year was an anomaly. They'll finish 5th overall.

- no one in the east can match the west. Look for the winner to come from there. I think the Wings will repeat.

- watch for Chicago and Tampa. They're going to be seriously fun to watch. Some very talented kids on those teams.

- enjoy the hockey while you can. I'm betting on another lockout in four years when the current CBA expires.

Originally posted by xcanuck:

- enjoy the hockey while you can. I'm betting on another lockout in four years when the current CBA expires.

I was just reading they are looking to expand by 2012, they even mentioned Portland (no chance in hell here though I think). Hopefully expansion plans would lead to a short lockout.

Originally posted by xcanuck:
- enjoy the hockey while you can. I'm betting on another lockout in four years when the current CBA expires.

I think a lot depends on how well the KHL does in the next couple years.
People kinda sleep on it as just a renamed Russian Super League, but it now also includes teams from Latvia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus. They are also planning on expanding into other countries like Sweden, Finland, Czech Rep., Ukraine, and Germany.
Quality teams like Frölunda and Kärpät have been asked to join.
I don't think the owners will be so likely to let it go to another lockout.

Originally posted by xcanuck:
- no one in the east can match the west. Look for the winner to come from there.

Smartest thing said yet.

i agree and go further with no one in the west can match the wings