Musical Chairs in the West [UPDATED 7/5]
by Quisp on Jul 5, 2011 7:47 PM PDT
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- Canucks - in: Marco Sturm, Andrew Ebbett, Mark Mancari, Steve Pinizzotto; out: Tanner Glass, Raffi Torres, Christian Ehrhoff, Alexandre Bolduc, Rick Rypien.
- Sharks - in: Martin Havlat, Brent Burns, Michal Handzus, Jim Vandermeer; out: Dany Heatley, Scott Nichol, Devin Setoguchi, Ben Eager, Jamal Mayers, Ian White, Kent Huskins.
- Red Wings - in: Mike Commodore, Garnet Exelby, White ; out: Derek Meech, Brian Rafalski, Ruslan Salei.
- Kings - in: Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, Colin Fraser; out: Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds, Ryan Smyth, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Peter Harrold, Handzus.
- Coyotes - in: Curtis McElhinney, Boyd Gordon, Mike Smith, Marc-Antoine Pouliot, Matt Clackson, Tyler Eckford, Torres, Bolduc; out: Vernon Fiddler,Ed Jovanovski, Ilya Bryzgalov, Ebbett.
- Ducks - in: Kurtis Foster, Andrew Gordon, Bryan Rodney; out: Andreas Lilja, Andy Sutton, Josh Green.
- Stars - in: Sheldon Souray; Michael Ryder, Radek Dvorak, Adam Pardy, Fiddler; out: Brad Richards, Marc Crawford (coach).
- Wild - in: Darroll Powe, David McIntyre, Setoguchi, Heatley; out: Chuck Kobasew, Cam Barker, Andrew Brunette, Jose Theodore, Maxim Noreau, Burns, Havlat.
- Blackhawks - in: Dan Carcillo, Sean O`Donnell, Steve Montador, Rostislav Olesz, Brunette, Mayers; out: Troy Brouwer, Tomas Kopecky, Brian Campbell, Marty Turco.
- Predators in: Brett Lebda, Robert Slaney, Brodie Dupont, Niclas Bergfors, Zack Stortini; out: Matthew Lombardi, Cody Franson, Steve Sullivan, Joel Ward, Marcel Goc, Taylor Stefishen, Andreas Thuresson,Aaron Johnson.
- Flames - in: Chris Butler, Paul Byron, Ben Walter, Clay Wilson; out: Ales Kotalik, Robyn Regehr, Pardy.
- Blues - in: Evgeny Grachev, Brett Sterling, Huskins, Elliott, Nichol; out: none?
- Avalanche - in: Semyon Varlamov, Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Kobasew, Hejda; out: Brian Elliott, Tomas Fleischmann, Peter Budaj, John-Michael Liles, Walter.
- Blue Jackets - in: Jeff Carter, Curtis Sanford, James Wisniewski, Alex Giroux, Aaron Johnson; out: Jakub Voracek, Jan Hejda, Scottie Upshall, Mathieu Garon, Nikita Filatov, Commodore.
- Oilers - in: Eric Belanger, Corey Potter, Darcy Hordichuk, Smyth, Eager, Barker, Sutton, Green; out: Richard Petiot, Fraser, Foster, Souray, Vandermeer.
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Have to think Los Angeles, Vancouver, and San Jose are the front runners in the West this year. I really like all of the Canucks moves, the Kings just got loads better, and the Sharks improved in an area they really needed to with the addition of Handzus (PK) and Burns (defense).
If Detroit can go out and get a guy to help replace Rafalski (Ian White?) they might get bumped up into that category, but right now, I don’t think there’s any doubt those are the three heavyweights.
I thought Dallas had a really good free agency as well even if they lost Richards and still ended up as a fringe playoff team. Some good role players that will help them out next season with a low risk high reward guy (Souray) that could pan out. Chicago’s additions are in that same vein— no game changers, but a nice addition of depth.
"Now get on board going down the river float, we gonna raise a ruckus tonight" - OCMS
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
Canucks – Worse
Sharks – Slightly better
Wings – Even
Kings – Better
Coyotes – Worse
Ducks – Better
Stars – I want to say better, But I think maybe worse. A lot of good new role players, but #1 center leaving is tough.
Wild – Worse, by virtue of their weakening D.
Hawks – Better.
Preds – Worse.
Flames – Worse
Blues – Even
Avs – Also hard to tell. Do the goalies pan out?
BJs – Better
Oil – Better, (you forgot to list Kurtis Foster as Out for them) but I don’t like the Foster for Sutton trade for them.
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jul 2, 2011 1:28 PM PDT reply actions
Upgrade the Wings to “better” with the addition of Ian White.
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jul 2, 2011 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Sharks – Slightly better
Ducks – Better
Do you stand by this? The Ducks improved to a greater extent than the Sharks?
History never repeats itself, but it often rhymes.
Battle of California
And clearly Foster is amazing. Huge upgrade. Fear the Ducks!
History never repeats itself, but it often rhymes.
Battle of California
I wonder about the Ducks. They’ve only made 1 average move to upgrade their bottom 6, and nothing yet on top D talent. Goalies still a big question mark also, and so is Teemu. I don’t see them as better yet, although they did have a great 2nd 1/2 last season (and even passed us, coming from the depths of hell, in the 1rst 1/2), and may already be better, statis quo.
They have a lower internal budget. It hampers things.
Probably counting on Fowler and Sbisa to grow with experience.
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
although they did have a great 2nd 1/2 last season
Also, I don’t think the amount of luck involved in their playoff push can be stressed enough. Look at Corey Perry’s career shooting percentage compared to what he did last year — 12% to 17% (!). It should fall back down to earth, and hard. Others outperformed. Then they got better goaltending SV% out of Ray Emery than he’d ever put up in his life. AND they got to play the Kopitar-less Kings in the final two games, which matters quite a lot when one point separates seventh from fourth.
They have good stars, but they really need more depth. They played those stars too many heavy minutes, and it caught up with them. Perennially losing the shot battles is not a good sign.
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
Ahem – are you forgetting about Mr. Dan Ellis? The Ducks will be fine.
History never repeats itself, but it often rhymes.
Battle of California
Is Dan Ellis Still Around?
Only caught him once, live (end of last season), and he’s a kick to watch when during timeouts or when the play is at the other end. He’s got more nervous tics than any dozen other goal tenders, combined.
Now, when you say “Canucks – Worse”, I assume you made a typo. The “e” and the “t” keys are pretty close to one another after all.
;)
by Passemoilapuck on Jul 3, 2011 12:03 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Chicago=Better?
Don’t see how the mostly also rans Chicago picked up offset the losses of Brouwer, Kopecky and Campbell.
Redwings
Are out 1 Rafalski. Also, you’re missing the entire eastern conference.
I kid, thank you, this was very helpful.
Wait you’re right. Minus Rafalski is worse, even with White addition.
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jul 2, 2011 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Based on his strong play while a member of the Maple Leafs, I would say Ian was the best replacement for Rafalski as you could find on the UFA market.
Free Oscar Moeller
by DodgerBlueBalls on Jul 2, 2011 2:08 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I like WHite’s game a lot actually. He’s probably the best candidate for replacement. I expected them to go after Kaberle though.
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jul 2, 2011 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I am very concerned that Ballard + Corey Schneider is how this story is going to end:
“The Phoenix Coyotes are apparently thinking about moving their top blueliner. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period implies a deal involving Keith Yandle could be in the works:
“I’m not saying a Yandle trade is close, but it’s been/being explored. Word on the street is he’s concerned with future of team in Phoenix.”
A restricted free agent, Yandle received a qualifying offer from the Coyotes. The 24-year-old is due a big raise from the $1.3 million he was paid last season. Yandle netted 59 points for the Coyotes in 2010-11."
by Doughty99 on Jul 2, 2011 3:31 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Actually
That makes a lot of sense. Good trade for both teams. This is likely a rebuilding year for Phoenix since their D is getting remodeled and their offense is kinda in flux. Gives them a goalie for the future and isn’t the streaky Mike Smith
"And in net, number 39, DAAAAAAN CLOOOOUTIER"
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"
I wondered if LA would try to sign Sturm, after trading for him and then being forced to waive him earlier this year. I really like that pickup for VAN.
DET is at worst, even by trading Rafalski for White. Seriously, Rafalski was always hurt, and even if he was playing, it usually looked like shit because he was playing hurt, or he’d leave a game early cause he was hurt. At one point late in the season, his leg actually spontaneously combusted during a game, it was pretty gnarly. Strips of muscle and ligament all over the ice, made Malarchuk look like a papercut.
No really though, the last two years or so, while Rafi has been good on the PP, he’s a damned liability in his own zone and it drives me crazy. Frankly, I’m not sorry to see him go, and I don’t think White is really much of a downgrade at all, and potentially even an upgrade defensively. If anything, DET is worse off for having resigned dumbass Ericsson for 3 years at more than 3M/yr. He sucks too, unless he suddenly starts playing like he did when he first broke into the league (as distant memory now). Salei too, glad he’s gone. Honestly, its amazing how much some great forwards and one of the greatest defensemen ever can cover for a bunch of dipshits on the blue line.
Now look what you’ve made me do!
http://sacrificethebody.blogspot.com/
Sacrifice the Body - Examining the NHL through statistical analysis, reasoned thought, and blind conjecture.
I don’t think White is really much of a downgrade at all, and potentially even an upgrade defensively.
You poor, poor man.
by RudyKelly on Jul 2, 2011 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Dude, Rafalski has been flying downhill pretty damn fast the last couple years. The biggest issue is he just can’t move. Loose pucks in corners, passes that aren’t exactly on his tape, things he ought to be able to get to, he just isn’t able to get there any more. Whoever is out there with him is essentially on their own in the defensive zone, because the guy is just plain useless anywhere within 10 feet of another player in his zone. He can’t get back to beat a dump and chase, he can’t win the board battle for a dumped puck, he can’t catch a puck being chipped along the boards between defensemen under pressure (unless it lands directly on his stick). Injuries just caught up to the guy, in a pretty nasty way.
Ian White is obviously not as good as Rafalski was before his limbs started falling off, but is he better than quadripelegic Brian Rafalski? It’s hard to be worse.
http://sacrificethebody.blogspot.com/
Sacrifice the Body - Examining the NHL through statistical analysis, reasoned thought, and blind conjecture.
Vancouver-definitely worse but still good (Erhoff was more important than he was given credit for)
San Jose-Best in conference
Us-better of course!
Red Wings-Worse. Whites a decent pick up but Rafaski was a better player and fit for their system and Commodore will be hilarious trying to play Red Wings’ style
Coyotes-Far worse
Stars-worse
Ducks-Depends on Hiller, probably worse
Wild-even
Columbus-marginally better
Flames-worse
Preds-worse
Colorado-Crazy
Edmonton-Better (young players have a year under their belt)
Better in East-Caps, Panthers, Sabres, Penguins
For every moment of triumph, for every instance of beauty, many souls must be trampled.
by Nut on Jul 2, 2011 4:55 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
San Jose-Best in conference
Wooooo!
History never repeats itself, but it often rhymes.
Battle of California
WOW
Apat from the fact that this article is about a couple months too early ( you guys do know there will be aq ton more moves over the summer right?
-Vancouver…worse? Definitely? How exactly? Because we lost the Hoff? Thats funny. Wrong.
-SJ…HAHAHAHAHAHAhahahahahahahahaha…sorry, ran out of breath there. Best in conference? Wow…aptly named…thats…nuts!
-LA…did the best ON PAPER. Lets see them on the ice before giving them the keys to the WCF just yet.
-Wings? Never underestimate. They are, like the Canucks, not done yet.
Yotes, Stars,Ducks, Wild,Columbus,Flames, Preds, Colorado, Edmonton…who cares? They are fighting for the bottom four.
Look, I know that a Kings fan wants to disparage the best competition, because it makes you feel better about your team…but, keep this in mind. Its 2 days after FA Day. Its way too early for saying who got better or worse…and….
The Canucks are still the best team until someone on the ice takes it from us. Period. End of story. The Kings got better….so what? A lot of teams look “better on paper” every offseason. Not every one takes that next step…
Nuck’s Misconduct Bishop, 1st United Church of Luongod. "For true believers, the bile you spew is our fuel, and when the Canucks raise the Cup next year, we shall drink it, mixed with your tears like the sweetest wine." WAACH' 6/26/11
OH
That top 4 should be a top 5 and include the Hawks, who did get better “on paper”
Nuck’s Misconduct Bishop, 1st United Church of Luongod. "For true believers, the bile you spew is our fuel, and when the Canucks raise the Cup next year, we shall drink it, mixed with your tears like the sweetest wine." WAACH' 6/26/11
“Canucks are still the best team until someone on the ice takes it from us. Period. End of story.”
Boston, remember?
Are Teemu Selanne and Melanie Griffith Twins?
by USHA#17 on Jul 3, 2011 8:30 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions 6 recs
I'm sorry
I missed the part where Gary Bettman handed us the cup…
Christopher Gibson- Suomi Swag
Barca Blaugranes- SB Nation's FC Barcelona blog
@shadowking011
Geez
Musta missed the part where I said in the first sentence “in the conference”.
Just like media hacks in the Finals…just take a few words out of context and there you go, you feel better.
Fine, best in conference. Better? And that is a fact, end of story.
But hey, dismiss the team that won the Prez’s Trophy, was the first team since 1978 to lead the league to lead in defense and offense, with a #1 PP and #2 PK as well, because they came up one game short in a 7 game series.
Nuck’s Misconduct Bishop, 1st United Church of Luongod. "For true believers, the bile you spew is our fuel, and when the Canucks raise the Cup next year, we shall drink it, mixed with your tears like the sweetest wine." WAACH' 6/26/11
But hey, dismiss the team that won the Prez’s Trophy, was the first team since 1978 to lead the league to lead in defense and offense, with a #1 PP and #2 PK as well, because they came up one game short in a 7 game series.
- on the penalty kill. Washington and Pittsbugh both finished ahead of the Canucks.
But hey, dismiss the team that won the Prez’s Trophy, was the first team since 1978 to lead the league to lead in defense and offense, with a #1 PP and #2 PK as well, because they came up one game short in a 7 game series.
It’s fairly easy to dismiss a team that got so royally smoked in the Stanley Cup Finals. They never even looked like thye belonged in that series. Even the games they won, it was only because Luongo saved their asses, and one bad turnover by Andrew Ference in the 3rd period of Game 2. And the games they lost made a mockery of the Cup Finals.
by Garrett79 on Jul 3, 2011 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Who dismissed Vancouver? Well Boston did, but I did no such thing
Nobody said Vancouver was gonna fall on their face… Nobody said the Kings were gonna win the West either…
We just a very good offseason so far and we feel good about it, don’t mistake that for us disparaging other teams…
Christopher Gibson- Suomi Swag
Barca Blaugranes- SB Nation's FC Barcelona blog
@shadowking011
Touchy, touchy.
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jul 3, 2011 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, I won’t push the issue for fear that he might start breaking things and putting stuff on fire.
by Passemoilapuck on Jul 3, 2011 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions 7 recs
That, sir, deserves a “zing.”
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jul 3, 2011 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Well shit
Must have used the wrong words. Not trying to hate on you guys at all. Just saying they have to earn the respect on the ice is all…but I get that you guys are excited about all the moves, so sorry if it sounded like I was trying to poop in your corn flakes.
Not upset, seriously, at all. Said with a smile…just sorta find it amusing that some Kings fans are already expecting the mantle of “best team in the West” because they made a couple moves in the off season.
And its starting stuff on fire, not putting it! LOL We know our riot terminology in Vancouver…
Nuck’s Misconduct Bishop, 1st United Church of Luongod. "For true believers, the bile you spew is our fuel, and when the Canucks raise the Cup next year, we shall drink it, mixed with your tears like the sweetest wine." WAACH' 6/26/11
A couple of things
1. it’s not an article. it’s a list. a perpetually-updated list.
2. when someone says x “got better” and/or “y got worse” I think you can mentally supply the qualifier “in terms of whether or not their UFA signings did or didn’t improve their roster on paper.”
3. kings fans don’t expect anything other than to be more likely to get out of the first round next season.
4. lots of teams finish the regular season with the most points only not to be able to finish it off in the playoffs. but i will concede that the canucks are certainly one of the best teams not to win the cup since 1978.
5. “set on fire.”
Wait till this year.
by Quisp on Jul 3, 2011 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Setting on fire. You’re right. Sometimes it’s hard for me to hide that I’m an ESL.
by Passemoilapuck on Jul 3, 2011 10:50 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Aside from your screen name, it's entirely hidden.
I have a hard enough time speaking English as a first language.
Wait till this year.
LOL
set is right! Damn, is my face red!
Nuck’s Misconduct Bishop, 1st United Church of Luongod. "For true believers, the bile you spew is our fuel, and when the Canucks raise the Cup next year, we shall drink it, mixed with your tears like the sweetest wine." WAACH' 6/26/11
Look — I know you love your team, but people can express different opinions without causing affront. I’m not sure, but I think you are taking things personally.
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
What
Me? Holy. Not at all. I don’t play for the team, for crying out loud.
Just banter.
Did I not use the LOL right? ;-)
Nuck’s Misconduct Bishop, 1st United Church of Luongod. "For true believers, the bile you spew is our fuel, and when the Canucks raise the Cup next year, we shall drink it, mixed with your tears like the sweetest wine." WAACH' 6/26/11
Ok, well…you seems less friendly and more aggressive in the defense of your team than just "banter." You attack Kings fans for assuming the Stanley Cup is ours, and for being “just like the media hacks,” etc. — looking at the comments that were made, that is an exaggeration.
Greater calm and less namecalling would be better. OK?
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
Look man, at least the Nucks (people not the team)
Didn’t burn their own shit up after they won, right?
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jul 5, 2011 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Ref #4
see Sharks, San Jose
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jul 5, 2011 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, I for one am NOT one of those fans celebrating before the victory, but the point of this post was to give your opinion on how everyone has done over the course of the free agency. Even if Vancouver did "get worse’, it’s doesn’t mean they got worse than everyone else, they’re still probably better.
You can say you said it with a smile, but go back and read your post, it sounds pretty harsh.
Oh, and people from different English speaking areas use different expressions. “In line” or “on line”, etc. Wherever he’s from they might look at you funny if you said “starting stuff on fire”.
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jul 3, 2011 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
I guess if you are looking for an insult
Then yeah, harsh. As a statement of fact, its just my opinion.
Its OK, I don’t expect that folks for a team that thinks it is a rival ( and the Kings are sorta like the Wild in that regard, you guys hate us far more than we hate you…we got others for that…get in line! )…to actually be fair when talking about the Canucks. Look at the backhanded way Quisp went at it, calling it …
lots of teams finish the regular season with the most points only not to be able to finish it off in the playoffs. but i will concede that the canucks are certainly one of the best teams not to win the cup since 1978.
…like they choked or something, instead of the truth. For a variety of reasons, they came up one game short against a team as good as they are. But yeah, they must really have just lucked out to be so good…its all playing in the NW, right?
Forgetting the fact that there are not “a lot”. Teams that finish first often reach the Final. Which is really how I view success. I wanted the Cup, of course. But getting to the Final is better than the other 28 teams as well.
I thought is was banter, not “harsh” at all. But if that offended you there Great, well, my apologies. Read it again. I basically said that Kings fans should stop proclaiming the title when all they did is lose to the Sharks, and make a few deals. Maybe you don’t like the language, but even when it is explained to you the intent, you still have to argue what you feel were my motivations…kinda not the banter I was looking for!
Should relax a bit is the “fire” stuff. It was a joke for crying out loud! I thought the riot line proved that, and Q’ has the right term for both of us! Geez…
Nuck’s Misconduct Bishop, 1st United Church of Luongod. "For true believers, the bile you spew is our fuel, and when the Canucks raise the Cup next year, we shall drink it, mixed with your tears like the sweetest wine." WAACH' 6/26/11
well, to be fair
i think you have either to ignore all tonal issues and give the writer the benefit of the doubt, expecting the same in return, or else you can object to the tone of others, but then you need to consider your own.
having said that, I think that mastering one’s tone, and understanding the effect one’s tone has on others, is not easy.
Wait till this year.
by Quisp on Jul 3, 2011 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Tell me whether it comes off as friendly banter:
Apat from the fact that this article is about a couple months too early ( you guys do know there will be aq ton more moves over the summer right?
Right off the bat, you’re taking offense to the concept of the post. Obviously it’s early. I figured he wouldn’t have to qualify it by saying “on paper” or “as of now”. All speculation is on paper until the puck drops.
-SJ…HAHAHAHAHAHAhahahahahahahahaha…sorry, ran out of breath there. Best in conference? Wow…aptly named…thats…nuts!
Tell me a Sharks fan is going to find that as good natured ribbing.
Look, I know that a Kings fan wants to disparage the best competition, because it makes you feel better about your team…but, keep this in mind. Its 2 days after FA Day. Its way too early for saying who got better or worse
Do I have to look for the insult in that, or is it not obvious?
I’m not saying you can’t come to your team’s defense, that’s what this forum is for. Can’t we talk about hockey instead of how delusional the fans of X team are? I already know I’m delusional, I don’t need it pointed out to me.
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jul 3, 2011 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah it wasn’t friendly banter, it was the kind of shit that gives Van fans a bad name and why a lot of folks around the league think Van fans are arrogant douches.
by JenLovesHockey on Jul 3, 2011 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m with you Jen, but be careful. I don’t want to lump him in with other Van fans, or vice versa. Just the way I don’t want to be lumped in with the LA crazies.
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jul 3, 2011 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh I know what you mean :) I have relatives up there in Vancouver who were born and raised there. And they’re not douchebags at all :)
(That guy showing up here laughing at you guys was just annoying me)
by JenLovesHockey on Jul 3, 2011 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions
I hear ya. I would be happier if we could just keep the conversation on hockey, ya know?
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jul 3, 2011 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions
So you say,
Read it again. I basically said that Kings fans should stop proclaiming the title when all they did is lose to the Sharks, and make a few deals.
After you responded to
Vancouver-definitely worse but still good
San Jose-Best in conference
Us-better of course!
Red Wings-Worse.
Who the hell said the Kings were proclaiming the title? Jesus, chill out for a goddamn minute. You know – other fanbases get to have confidence in their own teams, too, not just you guys
by JenLovesHockey on Jul 3, 2011 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
when the Canucks raise the Cup next year
This is in his sig line; now it makes sense. We’ll just have to realize how uppity with the predictions we’re being.
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
That’s what I don’t understand. I don’t really care about his tone or any of that but his main point is that I was overconfident that the Kings were the best team in the conference when I said the Sharks were. And the point of Quisp’s post was “who got better?” not who was the best team in ‘10-’11, so I’m pretty sure I can say the Canucks are worse than they were last year.
For every moment of triumph, for every instance of beauty, many souls must be trampled.
by Nut on Jul 3, 2011 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Just saying they have to earn the respect on the ice is all…
Which is why we’re arguing about it on a blog.
"Now get on board going down the river float, we gonna raise a ruckus tonight" - OCMS
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
“find it amusing that some Kings fans are already expecting the mantle of ‘best team in the West’" – Jesus Christ, you’re bringing way too much arrogance and animosity to another team’s blog, why don’t you STFU and go back to NM instead of arguing shit here. Even if your intentions are good, you’re actually coming across as a douche, I’m not sure if you can tell. Not a lot of Kings fans are even saying that they’re “best in the west,” so sheez, can’t they be a little optimistic on their fanblog? Not like Van fans weren’t tooting their own horn all season and post-season.
by JenLovesHockey on Jul 3, 2011 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions
And I’m not saying that you’re a douche, but you’re really sounding like one, and I must say myself that even as a Sharks fan, I’m getting intimidated by net year’s Kings roster.
by JenLovesHockey on Jul 3, 2011 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions
-SJ…HAHAHAHAHAHAhahahahahahahahaha…sorry, ran out of breath there. Best in conference? Wow…aptly named…thats…nuts!
I have to admit, even I LOLed at that
by JenLovesHockey on Jul 3, 2011 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yotes, Stars,Ducks, Wild,Columbus,Flames, Preds, Colorado, Edmonton…who cares? They are fighting for the bottom four.
The Canucks would be too i they didn’t play in the worst division in hockey. Their point total last season, as well as their vaunted offensive and defensive numbers, was aided in no small part by the fact that they shared a divison with the 2 worst teams in hockey (Edmonton and Colorado) as well as also-ran Minnesota and a marginal Calgary team.
Nothing is likely to change about that this coming season either. No other upper echelon team in the league has such a cakewalk division. Not even Washington in the usually weak Southeast where the Lightning really came on this year and made things interesting.
And yet, I’m certain that a year ago you would have been happy to write off the President’s Trophy winning Capitals with their league-best offense.
I'll put money on it now
In 2012, the Canucks are the 3rd seed behind the Kings and Red Wings (but probably actually 5th overall in points with the Hawks and Sharks also topping them) but get bumped off in the first round next season by Columbus.
I have to agree with your assessment here...
for the most part. But really the Kings are much better and what else can the Canucks do? They need a some top tier D, no? Where are they going to get it?
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jul 5, 2011 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I am trying to figure out how swapping Heatley for Havlat
and Setoguchi for an aging Handzus makes SJ better? Help me out here people.
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jul 5, 2011 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Trading Seto got them Burns.
Trading Heatley for Havlat will help them keep Burns.
Zeus allows them to put Couture on the wing, where he’ll probably be as or more effective than Setoguchi.
Handzus has been a great player and he is declining. Particulary with regard to the tight defensive game he plays. He’s lost a step in my opinion. But he has some value and he mlght be a positive influence on Couture.
I see White>Burns as a wash at least for this next season.
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jul 5, 2011 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Burns is much better than White as long as he’s healthy
For every moment of triumph, for every instance of beauty, many souls must be trampled.
by Nut on Jul 6, 2011 7:57 AM PDT up reply actions
Kings
How can the Kings not be the most improved, at this stage, in the West? We are now younger, faster, deeper and have scoring punch that was sorely lacking last season.
All things are subject to interpretation whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth. -Friedrich Nietzsche
It appears the entire pacific except Phoenix improved. Same is true for Vancouver and Edmonton (through they still suck they will surprise a lot of teams). And watch out for the Ducks.
Next season is going to be a grind in the Pacific.
Are Teemu Selanne and Melanie Griffith Twins?
by USHA#17 on Jul 3, 2011 8:27 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Punctuation police
You left Pacific lowercase in the first sentence but capitalized it in the fourth.
tsk tsk! ;)
www.twitter.com/SportsXRadio
by BoulderDodger on Jul 3, 2011 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions
I claim mobile device immunity
through not that such things might not happen regardless :). More criminal was not mentioning Dallas, a club that a hole to fill and looks to be a spoiler type bottom 4.
Are Teemu Selanne and Melanie Griffith Twins?
LOL! c'mon now.
Policing a blogger for gramatical errors, is like trying to get Paris Hilton to go to church.
Funniest, comment, ever;!!!!!!!!!!!
by JZarris on Jul 3, 2011 11:53 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
One of these days, I’m going to start writing all my blog comments like the character dialogue in “Pogo.”
"I think you just outed yourself as Dean Lombardi. I knew it all along." — Rudy Kelly
I doubt there's more than three people on this blog who know who/what Pogo is,
and you’re one, and I’m another one…anybody else?
Wait till this year.
You mean the Huck Finn of comics?
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jul 3, 2011 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions
//raises hand
Free Oscar Moeller
by DodgerBlueBalls on Jul 3, 2011 2:09 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Quisp, that makes at least 4 :-)
You see? You draw a literate crowd. :-)
"I think you just outed yourself as Dean Lombardi. I knew it all along." — Rudy Kelly
This is a bit off-topic but I was hoping one of you guys could settle a bet for me.
My friend says that Orville Wright was better looking than Wilbur, but I think that’s just crazy talk. Problem is, we were both born in the seventies (the 19’s) and have only seen photos of them. So could you one of you guys help us out? Maybe a poll or something? If it’s tied between the four of you maybe a best of three match of Tabletop Ninepins to settle it?
Thanks.
There is an excellent article in the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
“Orville Wright” by Wilbur Wright
They don’t do shit like that anymore.
The same edition has such gems as “Relativity by Albert Einstein.” The next edition (’28?) has “Guerrilla Warfare by T.E. Lawrence.”
Wait till this year.
You’re not just going to get a ticket from the Grammar Police for that sentence, Quisp, but should be sent straight to jail.
like trying to get Paris Hilton to go to church.
Just leave a trail of cocaine leading inside, like birdseed for the roadrunner.
History never repeats itself, but it often rhymes.
Battle of California
It appears the entire pacific except Phoenix improved.
The Kings and Sharks improved. The Stars and Coyotes did nothing. The Ducks haven’t done anything that’s going to matter AT ALL, and it’s driving me crazy that people keep saying they’ve improved.
The battle for the top team in the Pacific got tougher, between the Kings and the Sharks, but the other 3 teams have fallen back.
History never repeats itself, but it often rhymes.
Battle of California
Yep, guilty, I missed the descending Stars who belong with Phoenix (on several levels). Last year the Ducks improved as the season progressed. Expect that improvement to continue.
The minor addition of Foster should help make the Ducks a more difficult team to play against. Expect they will add a few points to their total at the expense of Phoenix and Dallas.
Are Teemu Selanne and Melanie Griffith Twins?
Well there's just 1 problem with that.
Foster is the only move they’ve made so far that is even possibly an upgrade for sutton, and they’ll be starting without Teemu (who could retire) and Hiller (who probably should). They haven’t signed a goalie yet, and Foster still isn’t a replacement for selanne. Their D was suspect to begin with, and they needed upgrades on their bottom 6 (at least 3 more) even before free agency hit. Nothing indicates that they’ve improved anywhere at all. In fact if they stay the way they are, their in trouble.
The whole Rafalski/white thing is not even an issue. We’re talking Red Wings. If there’s 1 team over the last 15 years, who can squeeze anything out of a slow (or old) veteran player, and make him fit there system, it’s the Red Wings (unless it’s just flat out impossible, like with Madano).
As I see it the Wings have a new problem, one they have not had in a decade. They continue to set up excellent plays but the passing skill is no longer connecting. I wonder if Detroit will be forced to evolve into a new style of play due to their diminished / diminishing passing game.
Are Teemu Selanne and Melanie Griffith Twins?
Modano?
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jul 5, 2011 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Bring back Petiot!
The Kings haven’t been the same without him.
:-D
"I think you just outed yourself as Dean Lombardi. I knew it all along." — Rudy Kelly
At the risk of being ripped apart by fans of a team I denigrate, here are my opinions-
Kings- much much better; on paper they might be the best team in the conference going into the season
Ducks- slightly worse, but basically the same. for them it really comes down to whether Hiller returns to normal and Perry has another career year
Sharks- the same, but I think losing Setoguchi will actually hurt them more than the addition of Burns will help
Yotes- worse. I don’t think they are contending for a playoff spot anymore
Stars- much worse because of the loss of Richards, but hey it can never hurt to lose Crawford as your coach
Red Wings- a little bit worse with the loss of Rafalski
Blackhawks- worse, but they have given themselves more flexibility in terms of the salary cap. I really don’t think the players they picked up can replace Kopecky, Brouwer, and Campbell
Blue Jackets- much improved. I think this is a playoff team now
Predators- worse
Blues- exactly the same inept team they were this year
Canucks- slightly worse, but they still play in the worst division in hockey so it won’t matter, they are almost guaranteed a top 3 spot in the West
Flames- same?
Wild- I’m not really sure, to be honest
Avalanche- so much worse. It’s like they are trying to be the worst team in the NHL and get that top draft pick next year. But they shipped that to Washington for a player who probably won’t even play for them. I cannot understand what’s going on in Denver.
Oilers- better, but lipstick on a pig is still just a pig with lipstick on
I agree with most of what you’re saying G, but I do anticipate the Blues to be improved. A full season of Chris Stewart and a refocused Halak should do wonders for them.
Free Oscar Moeller
by DodgerBlueBalls on Jul 3, 2011 2:14 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Anything is possible. It could also be that Halak is not nearly as good as he looked in last year’s playoffs. And one might argue they gave up too soon on Erik Johnson. Honestly, I’m not that familiar with the Blues. Do they have any other decent forwards to play with Stewart? In Colorado he had Duchene and Stastny. I don’t feel like the Blues have any comparable talent up front. Also, their division is gonna be tough next year. The Predators are still going to be solid as long as they keep Weber and have Rinne back in net. The Blackhawks are still a shell of their 2010 Cup-winning team, but they’re still quite good (just ask the Canucks). The Red Wings are going to be excellent again next year. And even the Blue Jackets look to have made great gains over the last week or so by finally picking up a really top-notch center to play with Nash in Carter and one of the best offensive d-men in the league in Wisniewski. Without taking a serious look at their lineup I’d imagine the Blues will be down with the Avalanche at the very bottom of the NHL standings in 2012.
And Cap Geek has already updated…gotta love those guys. 2.5M in space and the dismissal of a headcase; if Havlat stays healthy I say win for San Jose (which pains me).
I would agree. Damnit.
For every moment of triumph, for every instance of beauty, many souls must be trampled.
by Nut on Jul 3, 2011 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm going to disagree on some points
Saving 2.5 is a great move, because Couture is on the last year of his ELC. But I think Havlat is a downgrade from Heatley. As Gabe Desjardins says:
Havlat got soft ice time from the second he got to Min, while McLellan used Heatley to match up against opposing line 1s. The deal makes the Sharks worse, but not $2.5M worse, so they come out ahead.
He had his own issues in Minny, too, getting benched last year, having his agent bitch publicly about power play time, and drawing the ire of Koivu. Sounds like both needed a change of scenery. But will probably be a lot more motivated in SJ.
Another thing that’s weird about his underlying numbers is that he was on the ice for more goals against at even strength than any other regular forward (50+ games) on the team, even though his Corsi isn’t bad. The year before he came in second to Boogaard. His last year in Chicago, he was first again. The save percentages of the goalies were abnormally low when he was on the ice, so you’d think that it was just bad luck, but the same bad luck three years in a row? It’s odd.
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
What are the Wild thinking? But good riddance to Heatley, who will hopefully be stuck in that hinterland forever and never get his name on the Cup. I remain of the opinion that murderers should not be allowed in professional hockey.
It makes total sense that the victim’s parents forgive Heatley but you continue to hold a grudge.
History never repeats itself, but it often rhymes.
Battle of California
by Megalodon on Jul 3, 2011 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/16/sports/hockey/16snyder.html?ref=dansnyder
Just because they are crazy doesn’t mean I should be. Dany Heatley pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide. In other words, he admitted to having killed someone. But did he serve a single day in jail? He did not. There is something very wrong about that. It serves to demonstrate one of the ills of our society- those with wealth and influence can do as they wish without facing the same repercussions the rest of us would. Maybe he feels bad about – and I have no doubt that he does – but so do thousands upon thousands of other murderers who are rotting in prison, where they should be.
I think murderers intend to kill. Chill out.
For every moment of triumph, for every instance of beauty, many souls must be trampled.
by Nut on Jul 4, 2011 6:08 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Again?
Garrett, I appreciate your passion but is it totally necessary for us to do this every year? We had this EXACT same discussion about a year ago and it was pretty played out even then. Your feelings on the topic are well known; why bring this carnival to town again?
At this point it sounds like the most productive thing for you to do is run for office or, at the least, write a powerful letter to Fulton County Judge Roland Barnes explaining your disgust and anger.
by JZarris on Jul 4, 2011 7:36 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Yandle re-signs with the Yotes for 5 years, 5.3 cap hit. Good for them.
…Maybe we should keep updating this on a sidebar.
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
Interesting
Gladys Kravitz’ latest on the Doughty negotiations suggests that Lombardi is waiting for other developments (like Shea Weber’s arbitration) to determine what might be fair market rate for DD.
She also dismisses the possibility of an offer sheet for Doughty, likely because of the cost if the Kings decide not to match. She also considers Drew’s long-standing affection for the Kings as a factor.
"I think you just outed yourself as Dean Lombardi. I knew it all along." — Rudy Kelly
The only thing left is intent.
If there were reports that DD was unhappy in LA, I could see someone offering an offer sheet, believing that there is a chance they could land him. Since there’s nothing like that being reported, the only reason a team would offer him something, wouldn’t be to land him (which would be pointless because it would be matched), but to drive his price up, and f**k with the Kings.
If they made it too high, and the Kings didn’t match, they would screw themselves.
We wouldn’t necessarily know if someone offered Drew an offer sheet and he turned it down. Could have happened. Offer sheets are stupid though for players that are going to make as much as Doughty and Stamkos. You would have to overpay and I doubt even they would be worth the cap crippling contract you would have to give them + 4 1st round draft picks.
For every moment of triumph, for every instance of beauty, many souls must be trampled.
by Nut on Jul 6, 2011 7:59 AM PDT up reply actions
Yandle and Wisnewski signed deals with cap hits of ~$5.5 mil range, and Keith’s monster 13 year deal is also in that range. I’m thinking length might be the issue here, with the Kings wanting a longer term. Seeing how DL’s longest contract has been seven years (Kopitar and Johnson), I’d say ~$6 mil per for 7 years would be more than generous. Doughty would be 29 at the end and could still command another huge contract if he develops as expected.
I'm not saying that's fair, or not fair, or even that's what he deserves.
But if DD believes he will be worth 7 mill when he is 25, that contract would be 4 mill light. To most of us that would be considered chump change because the rest would be more than any of us would ever see in our lifetime, But why do so many out there believe that DD should be the one to eat it on the 4 mill?
If my boss said I had to take a pay cut so he could upgrade other employees, I’d tell him to go take a flying leap. I’m not the owner. That’s not my problem. Taking money out of my pocket for you doesn’t feed my family.
you probably dont make 4-5 mil a yr though.....
"It's not illegal. It's frowned upon, like masturbating on an airplane."-Alan Garner
If my boss said I had to take a pay cut so he could upgrade other employees, I’d tell him to go take a flying leap. I’m not the owner. That’s not my problem. Taking money out of my pocket for you doesn’t feed my family.
There is a big difference between professional sports and any other profession though. With the salary cap you can’t simply say it isn’t my problem to make the team good because the size of Doughty’s salary and thus cap hit directly affects the quality of players the Kings can afford to put around him. If he simply wants to make as much money as possible I can respect that but he has to know that if he wants to win as well as make a fortune then it IS in his best interest to take a little less money/cap hit and allow the team more flexibility to put great players around him.
It isn’t an issue of whether AEG is willing to pay him what he is worth but more an issue of if they do then his cap hit is X amount and that will affect what they are allowed by the league to spend on other players regardless of if they would like to spend more than the cap. The key thing in sports is that money isn’t everything. Lots of players take less to go to good teams and have a chance to win the Cup, just look at Vokoun’s deal with the Capitals. I’m sure he could have gotten more elsewhere but not on a team as good as the Caps are and he wants a chance to win so he took less.
So basically DD, don’t ask for money, but a hand out. Maybe a donation of what the team thinks is affordable. Trust me DD, this is the only deal that is fair for us, so take it.
Now go out there and give us 100%!
by defrim65 on Jul 7, 2011 4:49 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
yes.
please accept our charity so you can play a game for a living. Oh and while your at it, slack off all summer and come to training camp 20 lbs overweight. In fact we have worked out an endorsement deal as part of the contract for you with Dunkin Doughnuts.
I mean, who really needs to be paid double their annual salary?
"It's not illegal. It's frowned upon, like masturbating on an airplane."-Alan Garner
I know right!
He should be paying them? It’s not like he’s considered the Kings best defeneman, and at his young age it’s all down hill from here. Let some other team use his fat ass as their #1 defenseman. We’re already one of the best defenses in the league, and clearly would be better without the most productive guy out there at that position.
Maybe if he didn’t eat so many doughnuts his plus minus would be better.
Heeey, if you’re in the tippy top of the 1% of humans who excel at a playing this violent sport where careers can be brief, you should put everyone else before yourself and bless your lucky stars, amirite?
Let’s wait for actual facts to come in before we start ripping a guy, anyhow.
Drew Doughy, I hereby extend to you the full benefit of my doubt.
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
my comment was meant with a full heaping of sarcasm.
i want DD and believe he will sign for somewhere around 5.75-6.25 mil…..
at least, thats the bedtime story ive been reading myself.
"It's not illegal. It's frowned upon, like masturbating on an airplane."-Alan Garner
catching up on this thread
Hey Niesy. Been out of the loop for a few weeks as was on vacation in the wonderful city of LA (as I no longer live there). So, since I last posted DD is still an RFA and other team’s supporters seem to be getting just a wee bit uppity on this thread.
But there is always you and Quisp to bring an element of calm and sanity to it all.
Yeah, the Kings do look better, but as of today there is no guarantee of DD on the blueline (yes, it should all work out, but there are no guarantees in life) and we still have no idea what form Kopi will have after such a serious injury and playing w a left winger (presumably) who was only a rumour last twenty games of the season plus the playoffs.
As they say in England’s premiership ’it’s all to play for’.
Ummm. I just said that, but actually, (said in accent of the geico) it’s sorta true ain’t it?!
Hey, number 6!
It’s good to hear from you. I hope the trip to LA went well. I’m jealous. I only get to go back 1-2 times a year, but when I do, I always stock up on the beach time and the In-N-Out. And the vitamin D from natural sunlight.
As they say in England’s premiership ’it’s all to play for’.
Ummm. I just said that, but actually, (said in accent of the geico) it’s sorta true ain’t it?!
Very true!
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
As much as I wish that Drew would handle his contract the way Jack Johnson did — he would probably get just as much money with much less hassle, once you factor out Meehan’s parasitic fee — I can’t blame him for wanting to maximize his earning power.
The thing that irritates the heck out of me about the current system is that young, impressionable players are (understandably) so afraid of being exploited by teams that they wind up in the embrace of high-powered agents like Meehan, Scott Boras, Drew Rosenhaus, etc. who exploit them as badly as the teams would, just in a different way.
That’s why I salute JJ for having the brains and the stones to handle his contract himself.
"I think you just outed yourself as Dean Lombardi. I knew it all along." — Rudy Kelly
It’s the sign of a currupt society. Guys back in the old days did it with a verbal agreement and a hand shake, and got burned so many times for it.
Now you’ve gotta have lawyers, just to protect you from lawyers, and everything has been haggled down to such detailed proportions, that you need a lawyer just to weed through interpretations of the agreement that the lawyers are trying to make to the other lawyers, on your behalf.
JJ’s contract was a breath of fresh air.
How much is an agent’s typical cut of an NHL contract ? I thought I read about 10% somewhere. If that’s the case, over the course of a $42 million contract that’s a cool savings of $4.2 million.
Great point on JJ’s contract. I think that the fact he went to college (and intends to finish I believe) put him in a better position to negotiate his own deal and avoid having to pay an agent.
get your education kids!!!!
…now where the hell did i put my community college application and class catalog???
"It's not illegal. It's frowned upon, like masturbating on an airplane."-Alan Garner
I never thought of that
That’s really astute thinking on your part Doug. It never even occurred to me, but it makes perfect sense.
One point re: DD
I’ve stated once before that when I read DD’s pre draft interview on LAKI I felt he seemed rather ‘young’. I mean, Yeah, he Is young. But Stamkos (yessss, I know Stamkos hasn’t signed either yet) is the same age and seems simply more mature.
Anyway, I also felt DD had moments on the ice where he didn’t play with alot of maturity. Clearly one can get by quite well when you have that much talent, but makes me wonder if the same thing isn’t at play here wrt the contract.
Someone said in a letter today in the Times that inferred DL was too cheap (cautious financially) wrt FA offers (Richards, Kovi) and now with DD. I think he’s sane actually. How happy would we all be if we’d signed Kovalchuck to a $95million contract and had the space to offer Doughty an average contract of $4.8M? I’ll bet he’d be really happy then, and people would still be all over DL for mismanaging the cap.
I’m glad I’m not in his shoes. (DL’s).
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