2011 - 2012 NHL Hockey

**H&H** · 09-29-2011, 10:12 PM

Ok gents, let's talk some NHL hockey (Other leagues are welcome too!)

Looking forward to chatting with the usual suspects, about our favorite sport! Lots of player movement in the off season, as well as Sid is still out with concussion symptoms. Gonna make for an interesting year, of the coolest game on earth.

Game On!

**Franklin** · 09-30-2011, 12:05 AM

This year I'm going to try to drum up more southern California hockey support. It's ridiculous in a state with 38 million people for me to be the only one.

C'mon guys, check out the official website, read about the team, learn to love them, root for them with me, etc.: http://kings.nhl.com/

[EDIT] P.S. I'm liking what I'm reading about defenseman Drew Doughty. L.A. had a great defense last year. Let's hope this signing helps anchor the defense for a while.

**DISCMAN1969** · 09-30-2011, 10:57 AM

I will pop in a little bit later. First I need to cheer on my Phillies to the World Series. Go Phils! Go Flyers! Lose Eagles! could care less about basketball so heh 76ers

**-E5150 StarWanderer-** · 10-12-2011, 04:18 PM

Thank god the NHL season has begun, my hometown team, HPK, has put up dreadful performances here in SM-Liiga, and is the last position in the team standings...

Things are looking much better for the Red Wings though. I haven't seen any of their games, but based on the highlight reels and from what I've read on hockey boards, they have been rather impressive. Two wins in two games, and the new acquisitions have played well. White can't really replace Rafalski in the offensive zone, but I reckon he's miles better in the own end than the injured Raffy. But I expect him to rake in 30+ points.

What has impressed me the most is the fact that their secondary scoring has worked very well right from the get go. Filppula was Detroit's best forward in the pre-season and has been good in the first two regular season matches, even if he hasn't appeared on the score sheet yet. But most importantly, Franzen and Hudler got some goals and points already, which should be good for their mental side. From what I've heard Cleary was rather bad, but it should be noted that he still isn't 100% healthy, so I think we can expect him to rise to his own solid level as the time passes by. And we of course have the best player on earth with Datsyuk, a healthy Zetterberg and some grit with possible upside with Helm, Abdelkader and Eaves. I have high hopes for Helm in particular, I think he has the potential to produce 40+ points as the 3rd line center. Veterans Holmström and Bertuzzi will provide us with the much needed experience and depth, although Holmström in particular has become bit of a burden on even strength. But he's till a valuable asset on PP and PK. Red Wings' offense also has some healthy competition, as Emmerton and Brunnström fight for the spot of the 4th line center and Drew Miller on the background ready the fill in if and when injuries occur. And a prospect Jan Mursak is currently injured, but I hope to see him clinching a spot in the roster when he makes his return. His speed, tenaciousness and serious scoring ability would make him a good asset for Babcock, as he would be able stunt in the scoring lines, although his spot would definately be in the 3rd or 4th line.

Red Wings' defense is lead by the ever-young Norris-Nick Lidström, who never fails to deliver. We also have a versatile weapon in Niklas Kronwall, who can blast cannons from the blue line and deliver hits that intimidate the opposing star players. I already brought up White, who should do well in the same pair with Lidström. I also expect this season be the breakout one for Jakub Kind. He has some serious upside, and has already put up solid performances on the NHL level. I'd like to see him on a regular rotation in the PP units. And we have the always solid defensive d-man with Brad Stuart, who almost never makes any mistakes. Mike Commodore brings some much needed toughness to our defense, although his currently been our 7th D. But I'd like to see him get some games under his belt, preferably with the expense of Ericsson. I still can't believe Holland made that huge contract with him, he has no considerable value to the team and his upside has diminished from a second pairing D-man to a decent NHL'er. Horrible give aways, shots going wide and not using his body - that's what we'll most likely see from him.

Another important factor in the Stanley Cup chase is that Red Wings now have a competent back up goalie with Ty Conklin. Now Howard doesn't have to play such a massive amount of games in the regular season. Conklin was really good in the game against Avalanche, so he has already done more than Osgood did during last season

Another team I'll be watching closely this season is Sabres. They made some interesting moves in the free agency market, and their team has improved greatly from last season. Ehrhoff is an elite offensive d-man, and Regehr is a solid all-around D. But the most interesting acquisition for me is Leino. Like you may know, he's one of my favorite players and now that Sabre's offered him the role of centering the second line, I expect him to have a fantastic season. Center is his natural position after all, since he played almost all of his career before moving to the NHL as a one. With good line mates 60+ points can be expected, and I can even see him reaching 70 points if the stars are aligned properly.

EDIT: I remember asking this on the thread for the last season, but do any of you watch/follow European leagues at all? If you do, I think it would be great to start a thread where you could discuss other leagues. And if you don't, start following them now

If nothing else, atleast you could watch how the prospects of your favorite team fare in their European teams

**Franklin** · 10-13-2011, 08:35 PM

Yes, the season has already begun. We seriously need more participation in this thread.
I checked the standings today. Our Kings are 1-1. I guess that's a reasonably good start. More to follow. Go Kings!

**-E5150 StarWanderer-** · 10-23-2011, 11:54 AM

What is it folks? Have you lost interest in the game of hockey?

My hometown team's game here in SM-Liiga has shown some signs of improvement, but their play is still flawed in many ways. Starting offensive plays from the own end is still slow, and thus results in lot of dump and chase situations on the expense of controlled plays (read: getting to the attacking zone while maintaining possesion of the puck). Luckily the defensive play is better, now the opposing team won't just walk over our formation to our defensive end every single time

But like I said, there's still A LOT to improve. Bad coaching (and yet the management wont sack the head couch!) combined with low self-confidence among the players are the biggest reasons for their game currently.

Red Wings' winning streak came to an end in the hands of Capitals in a 1-7 loss. The result doesn't really give a good picture of the game though. According to raports and highlights Red Wings were the more dominant party in the first two periods, but Conklin was horrible on the net. Many of the goals could have been prevented with a decent netminding. So, I'm not worried about the result, the loss was a mere accident on Red Wings' behalf

**Franklin** · 10-23-2011, 11:28 PM

My L.A. Kings are off to a good start, 5-1-1. I had read that Doughty got hurt but it doesn't seem to have hurt the team any. But I won't write more. Whenever I do, I just jinx the team.

**Franklin** · 10-29-2011, 10:09 AM

We're not exactly Pittsburgh or Washington, but we're 6-2-1. Off to a great start (for us)! Hey, you guys have to chime in once in a while or people are going to think I'm talking to myself and lock me up.
Where is Gregory House these days?

**-E5150 StarWanderer-** · 10-29-2011, 10:26 AM

Things have suddenly taken an unexpected turn. My hometown team's performances have improved greatly, while Red Wings' perfect start is history with three consecutive losses. I don't know what's wrong with them, but it seems that the team is'nt giving their all on the ice. On a bright side, the first scoring line (Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Cleary, Holmström on PP) were good last night from what I've heard.

**H&H** · 10-31-2011, 08:41 AM

Hello gents, long time no talk.

I'll try to chime in, but have been very busy with work and life. I have been traveling quite a bit for work, and do not have the time to come here like in the past.

My (our) Wings have been playing well, but can not get the puck in the net. They have been dominating with shots on goal, but on the wrong side of the scoreboard. In time, with the players involved, they will turn those shots into goals, and will be winning games. Better to have issues now when it is early in the season.

Conklin has played OK. He is not Jimmy Howard, but he will be fine. The team has not performed for either goalie, but Howard will steal games for the Wings this season, Conklin will not, IMO. In due time, JH will have a number of wins under his belt and the Wings will be fine.

As for European Hockey Leagues, I do not follow them. They do not show any of their games over here in the states, but if they did, I would watch them. I love watching the game, and will watch college or NHL whenever I get the chance.

**-E5150 StarWanderer-** · 10-31-2011, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by H&H

Hello gents, long time no talk.

I'll try to chime in, but have been very busy with work and life. I have been traveling quite a bit for work, and do not have the time to come here like in the past.

My (our) Wings have been playing well, but can not get the puck in the net. They have been dominating with shots on goal, but on the wrong side of the scoreboard. In time, with the players involved, they will turn those shots into goals, and will be winning games. Better to have issues now when it is early in the season.

Conklin has played OK. He is not Jimmy Howard, but he will be fine. The team has not performed for either goalie, but Howard will steal games for the Wings this season, Conklin will not, IMO. In due time, JH will have a number of wins under his belt and the Wings will be fine.

As for European Hockey Leagues, I do not follow them. They do not show any of their games over here in the states, but if they did, I would watch them. I love watching the game, and will watch college or NHL whenever I get the chance.

The highlighted segment was true with the Capitals game, but there seems to be a consensus that the Wild and Blue Jackets games were really lazy performances by DRW. I haven't seen their games on their entirety, but I've watched the highlights and read the fans'/experts' thought's about the matches.

I'd say that this team has too much veterans who have seen their best days already. "Norris Nick" Lidström is of course a freak of nature, but the input guys like Holmström and Bertuzzi bring to the team is quite minimal. Holmström is still a beast in front of the net, but that quality alone doesn't really make him that valuble to the team anymore. I loved him when he was still in shape, but he's just too slow and prone for mistakes now. Bertuzzi on the other hand could still be a valuble asset to the team, but he seems to be have some attitude problems. He has taken too many stupid penalties that have been true momentum killers in the last four matches. But I hope he can improve his play. When his game is on, he does a lot of good things on the ice.

Cleary has been probably the worst forward this far, but he's still recovering from an injury, so I wouldn't say he's done. But he should be scratched until he's healthy enough to play on a good level.

Another player who has flopped is Zetterberg. He seems slow and his play lack passion. It's almost like he doesn't care about the regular season anymore. The sad thing is that both Z and Cleary play on Datsyuk's line, so our number one weapon is being wasted at the moment. I believe that Zetterberg will pick up his game, but it should happen a.s.a.p. And I hope we see Murask making his return soon enough too, I think his speed would be a huge asset for the Wings in the bottom lines.

But I really think Red Wings shouls aquire a talented sniper, at the moment our only pure goal scorer is Franzen, and he tends to be rather streaky. Imagine if the team had a dangerous goal scorer to put next to Datsyuk and Z. Then we would have one elite scoring line that could rival any line on the league. Combine that with a very competent second scoring line with Franzem, Filppula and Hudler and the already working bottom lines, and we have a very competetive offense.

**-E5150 StarWanderer-** · 11-15-2011, 09:05 AM

Red Wings seem to a team that likes it's streaks

: first a five game winning streak, then a slump with 5 consecutive losses and now four wins in a row.

Detroit's defense has been on a good level throughout the early season, although soe individual mistakes (*cough*Ericsson*cough*) make the defensive play look worse than it is. Thank god the offense has started to click as well: Filppula-Zetterberg-Franzen and Abdelkader-Helm-Hudler lines have been on fire. It's a shame that they are waisting their number one offensive talent in Datsyuk. Granted that he has been a bit of disappointment so far, but he still manages to create number of plays in every game. But when you have guys like Cleary and Holmström on your line trying to bury those chances you can't expect Datsyuk to amass 100 points

**Franklin** · 12-01-2011, 09:41 PM

It just proves how important all of us are, but I feel this group just has no life this season. Gregory House has left. H&H is too busy to participate much. And I find myself checking out the games, the scores, the standings much less frequently than I did the last two seasons.

So, the KINGS game begins in 10 minutes and my son and I are going to WATCH IT.

Here's a funny coincidence, all six division leaders have exactly seven losses. Weird.

---------- Post added at 07:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:16 PM ----------

Yeah, first minute into the game and it's Kings 1-0.

**H&H** · 12-01-2011, 09:54 PM

Hey guys! I have been traveling quite a bit for work, and I got very fed up with not being able to watch a lot of hockey, so I made an executive decision last night. I ordered the NHL CenterIce Package. I now have the ability to stream games to my laptop anywhere. So my Wings played last night and was so ready to watch them, and that game was not available last night. I was bummed, however I did watch the Bruins stomp the Maple Leafs 6 - 3.

So having this, I will not only be able to watch some games, I will also be able to come in here and chat with you guys about those said games. Wings play tomorrow, and I will be watching from the comfort of my own home (Woo Hoo!)

What happened to House? Did he say why he would not be on here anymore, or did he just up and leave?

You guys take care, and I hope to be a bit more active real soon.

Mark

**Franklin** · 12-02-2011, 12:51 AM

Hey, good to hear from you H&H.

My daughters usurped the television, my son fell asleep by 8:50, which is fine since it's a school day tomorrow and he is only a first grader, but I did check to see that the KINGS finished off the Panthers 2-1. Go Kings. They seem to be about as good as they were last year, good enough to get my hopes up, but not good enough to keep from ultimately disappointing me. I root for the Padres. I root for the Chargers. I root for the Kings. I don't root for teams that ever win championships.

**-E5150 StarWanderer-** · 12-03-2011, 07:30 AM

Red Wings have found their game and are currently second in the whole league. It's heart warming to see, as both Finn and a Red Wings fan, that Filppula is having a true breakthrough season. His offensive potential seems to be finally realizing in the form of points. He uses his great vision and hockey IQ to create changes in every shift, he finally has the courage to use those set of hands god has given to him, and last but not least, he shoots more - something Babcock has wanted him to do for a long time already. Shifting him on the wing has been a good decision on his part this far

Speaking of Babcock, he has finally found and established good lines, and the results are there for everyone to see. I really hope he doesn't start his line carousel again any time soon

Zetterberg-Filppula-Hudler is dangerous in every shift, Franzen-Datsyuk-Bertuzzi has been good as well and the bottom lines skate hard, work hard and score when they have the chance. Howard's incredible goal tending shouldn't be overlooked either. His performances should quiet all the nay sayers claiming Howard isn't a fitting netminder for a winning team.

This NHL season has been really interesting and suprising this far. Crosby's long awaited return, Wild leading the whole league, the firing of two head coaches, Maple Leafs not completely sucking...

Oh, and my belowed HPK has lately been playing their best game of this season. So, things are looking good in the world of hockey from my eyes.

**H&H** · 12-20-2011, 07:42 AM

Filppula is playing some awesome hockey. He is a great player, but IMO, the lack of ice time in previous years hurt him. No fault of his own, just the talent in front of him.

Howard won his 20th game last night and is in the lead for most wins! This guy is the real deal and he will win a cup with the Wings (You heard it first right here). The WIngs are clicking on all 8 cylinders right now, and I look for a good season and a long playoff run.

Cheers!

**-E5150 StarWanderer-** · 12-20-2011, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by H&H

Filppula is playing some awesome hockey. He is a great player, but IMO, the lack of ice time in previous years hurt him. No fault of his own, just the talent in front of him.

Howard won his 20th game last night and is in the lead for most wins! This guy is the real deal and he will win a cup with the Wings (You heard it first right here). The WIngs are clicking on all 8 cylinders right now, and I look for a good season and a long playoff run.

Cheers!

I agree with everything here, I hope Howard finally receives the praise he earns.

Now that Datsyuk has found his normal (read: magical) level and Zetterberg has been steadily racking up points too, things certainly are looking good in Hockey Town. That being said, it wouldn't hurt the team if Holland decides to add another top 6 forward to the roster...

**H&H** · 12-20-2011, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by -E5150 StarWanderer-

I agree with everything here, I hope Howard finally receives the praise he earns.

Now that Datsyuk has found his normal (read: magical) level and Zetterberg has been steadily racking up points too, things certainly are looking good in Hockey Town. That being said, it wouldn't hurt the team if Holland decides to add another top 6 forward to the roster...

I was just looking through an old Hockey News (last month) and they were going over salaries of the 30 teams. One thing that surprised me was the Wings have $4.5 million in cap space. Not a ton of money, but surely enough to get a top 6 scorer at the trade deadline to make a solid Cup run. The past couple of years, they have had little to no cap space, so I was excited to see this.

GO WINGS!

**Franklin** · 12-27-2011, 09:09 PM

The Red Wings are a fun team to root for. Just finished watching the Blues-Red Wings game. Gene Wilder says it best...

**H&H** · 12-28-2011, 09:11 AM

Hey Frank! I was at that game last night. My brother called me up a few days before to let me know he had some free tix he got, and wondered if I wanted to go. I said Sure (actually said HELL YEAH!...LOL). So we get at the arena last night, and where are the seats? 7 rows off the glass, behind the net. My favorite place to sit. We were just to the right of the goalie (Wings goalie for the 1st and 3rd). Oh how I love to watch the goalie work!

Howard stood on his head last night, and was the only WIngs who showed up for the first 2 periods. He even made a save with his head. I feel we are witnessing one of the great young goalie blossom into a superstar right now with Jimmy Howard. The guy is awesome. We've had some good goalies (Osgood, Vernon) One freak in Hasek (freak in a good way), but this guy is one that wins games for the Wings, and we developed him, not traded for the greatness.

All in all we had a great time last night watching them come back from a 2 - 0 deficit to win 3 - 2. That Wings goal late in the 2nd seemed to swing the momentum their way, and they were on fire in the 3rd. It was great spending tim with my brother, father and one of my nephews, who is home on leave from the Army.

I hope you all had an awesome Christmas, and I wish you a Happy New Year!

Cheers!

**-E5150 StarWanderer-** · 01-02-2012, 06:32 PM

So, have you guys watched the ongoing WJC? Some interesting things have taken place there: the Czech goalie Petr Mrazek with his fantastic play and celebrations, great individuals that are fun to watch and most surprisingly, USA not making it to the elimination phase.

**H&H** · 02-13-2012, 11:05 PM

Congratulations out to my beloved Red Wings for tying the league record of 20 consecutive home wins! Shooting for 21, but either way, quite an accomplishment.

**H&H** · 02-18-2012, 08:16 AM

Broke the record and now at 22 home wins! GO WINGS!

**Franklin** · 02-19-2012, 01:19 PM

Congratulations to the Reg Wings. What a winning streak! Right now they're winning again 2-1 @ home (against the Sharks).

I'd really like to see this group get more activated. It seems like a lot of our hockey nut friends have drifted away from b-s.com.

**H&H** · 02-21-2012, 07:36 AM

Yes it does Frank. I know I am also to blame. I never seem to have the time to visit. I will try to be in here chatting. Even if we have to talk the Sharks / Wings I am good with that...LOL

Hope all is well in your world.

23 BABY!

**Franklin** · 03-08-2012, 09:47 PM

The Kings (aka the Queens) hit a new low today, losing 3-1 to Columbus. Is Columbus the worst team in the NHL? Yes. By a wide margin? Yes. Am I embarrassed? Yes.

**H&H** · 03-09-2012, 08:19 AM

Hang in there Frank. Good teams can lose to bad ones. On any given night, any team can beat the other. It's over the long haul that the good teams rise to the top. I know your feeling, my Wings are very depleted right now with a lot of injuries. They are keeping games close, but they are having a heck of a time winning.

**Franklin** · 03-09-2012, 08:12 PM

Yeah, but the Kings are in a three way tie (or were yesterday when I checked) for the 8th and final playoff spot. If they're ever going to show some heart and guts you would think they would do so when they are in the thick of the playoff hunt, going against the weak sisters of the poor.

**H&H** · 03-18-2012, 12:28 AM

I feel your pain. Although my Wings will make the playoffs, they have had a lot of injuries since they ended the home game win record. They are sputtering into the playoffs on about 5 of 8 cylinders. If they do not get healthy quick, it will be yet another early exit from the playoffs.

**Franklin** · 03-25-2012, 12:57 PM

The Kings are doing better now. They were even briefly in first place in the Pacific Division. It appears they will either pass Dallas and win the Pacific, finish in 2nd and take the 8th and final playoff spot, or fall below San Jose (or Colorado) and fail to make the playoffs. That's how close the standings are.

**H&H** · 03-30-2012, 04:36 PM

The standings are crazy close this year. A couple of bad games and a team falls a couple of spots in the Conference. Can not wait to get the playoffs started!

**Franklin** · 03-31-2012, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by H&H

The standings are crazy close this year. A couple of bad games and a team falls a couple of spots in the Conference. Can not wait to get the playoffs started!

It was crazy close like this last year too, with the Kings straddling the line the whole time. Now they have a two game winning streak, which is good enough to put them in first place in the Pacific Division.

**H&H** · 04-09-2012, 10:43 PM

Wednesday it all begins. The "pre-season" is now over. Now the real season starts. I'm hopeful that my Wings will be OK, but have not been the best as of late. Gonna be fun to watch none the less!!

**Franklin** · 04-12-2012, 08:21 PM

Attention Vancouver Canucks: Revenge is a dish best served cold... ice cold.

**Franklin** · 04-14-2012, 07:38 AM

The Kings are serving up a slab of on-your-home-ice WHOOPASS. L.A. Kings 2 games, Vancouver Canucks 0 games.

**H&H** · 04-15-2012, 11:23 PM

Been thinking about you and your Kings. I friggin' love that they are up 2 - 0 on the 'Nucks! My WIngs are having a tough go with the Preds, but I am not surprised. Nashville has been a great team all year, and they are playing very well in the playoffs. I expect that this series will go 7 games. Not sure who will win, but i do think the team that wins will go out in the 2nd round, as they are kicking each others asses, and they will be too beat up to win the next round.

**Franklin** · 04-17-2012, 07:52 AM

Thanks, H&H. Let it be known the Kings are now up THREE games to ZIP. They are on the verge of a fairly major upset.

**Franklin** · 04-17-2012, 09:51 PM

H&H, your Red Wings looked horrible tonight. Wide open goal allowed in period 2 and to put the nail in the coffin, the total giveaway in front of net with 30 seconds to go in the game.

On a more humorous note, I was watching the game, expecting the Kings-Canucks to follow. I started getting annoyed at all the game replays and commentary because my game was starting late. Then it hit me, it's Tuesday, not Wednesday. How embarrassing! I guess I'm just itching to use the broom.

**Franklin** · 04-23-2012, 09:24 AM

L.A. Kings defeat Vancouver Canucks 4 games to 1. I know H&H is the only one reading this stuff, but I wanted to write it anyway!! Sorry, H&H, about your Red Wings.

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