22 and counting......Wow!
GM Shero acquires three veterans without giving up a roster player. They're gonna be toughened up now, with Morrow, chubby Murray, and Iginla. Meanwhile, I am enjoying the Ducks four game losing streak! Be interesting to see what the Ducks do against the Black Hawks.
We (Boston) got totally played on that move... we thought it was a shoe-in that he's coming to Boston, then he comes out and says we're not good enough. He's right! Our guys are performing way below their level - complacent and unmotivated. The Pens seem like the team to beat this year. Maybe it's just me but I don't see anyone in the Western conference who could hold a candle to the top 2-3 teams from the east this year. I watched (wasn't it?) the Avalanche end the Blackhawks winning streak. The Av's!
Jagr to Boston this afternoon. Not sure how I feel about it yet. Hopefully he can help the Bruins power play.
Jarg is probably my all-time favorite player. But I am *really* skeptical about whether this is a good move. Jagr is a bit of a selfish player - he tends to hang around the crease or in the offensive zone. He's not really the type of guy who will hustle back to the defensive zone. The Bruins are a top defensive team, and part of the reason is their hustle. The Bruins are also a physical team - but Jagr really isn't a physical guy. And finally, the Jagr is old... the second oldest guy currently playing in the entire NHL, and there are only 20 guys who ever stuck around longer than him in the history of the NHL. I don't think that is what the B's need. They need a young, strong, hustle type of player who can score goals. What Seguin was supposed to do but is flaky about making happen. The best part of the deal is what we gave up for him - McDermid and Payne and a draft pick? What a joke! That was the biggest steal since Alaka.
We observed Jagr's prowess this evening, as the B's won a big-un in a shutout against Jersey. Jagr is expected to boost the B's past Montreal for home ice playoff advantage. Trade dealine passed. Blues got healthy on "D" with J Leopold and J Boumeester (sp?). Penguins obviously dealt to make THIS playoff run right through for Stanley. Rangers remain hopeful (??). R Clowe moves east, and he's one tough SOB to play against. How's about the Columbus Blue Jackets being in the hunt, with M Gaborik now aboard? Anaheim remains a darkhorse - but could really put the hurt on opponents in the playoffs. San Jose Sharks have been on a jag after weeks of epic fail. Still looking forward to viewing the first ever clean hit pegging Patrick ("Don't call me mouthpiece-Pat") Kane as he crosses the blue line into center ice area and wakes up in the middle of tomorrow. Minnie looks good with addition of J Pominville. In spite of the disgusting lockout......that lasted forever as owners and players b*tched about who owns the playground, it's nice to see so much harried hockey action in an abbreviated season. May the best sixteen clubs achieve the Stanley Cup playoffs! I'm seeing the OHL Plymouth Whalers play the Owen Sound Attack tomorrow 7:05 PM at Compuware Arena, Plymouth, MI - Game ONE of round two. SRT Mike - there are 2-4 W Division clubs that will pounce on the E Division stand-on.
I think competition in the E conference is just so much stronger that the points get spread out over a much better field... in the W conference, there are quite a few pretty soft teams, so a decent team tends to stand out a lot more. We'll know the truth in a few months though As for Jagr, I hope I am wrong about him - love the guy and his play style. Not sure if he'll be a boon to Boston or not. It was great that he scored the game winning goal in his first game with the B's, but it might be a stretch to rack it up to skill, considering Marchand bounced it off his skate while Jagr was looking the other way
I have always liked Jagr, he is one of the best stick handlers of all time. Mario Lemieux at one point called him the best player in the world - and he was right (at that time).
Do you watch Bruins games? What do you think of the trade? After seeing what we "paid" for Jagr (MacDermid and Payne), I think it was a fantastic trade (for Boston - Dallas got screwed, IMO). I agree that Jagr is one of the best stick handlers ever - I hope I am wrong with how he fits into the B's, it's looking good so far!
I do watch the Bruins. I like the trade. While I agree with you that Jagr is not what he used to be, the cost to get him was very minimal and IMO he will make Boston better not worse.
Watching closely as the Stanley Cup playoff picture clears. Holding my breath that the Red Wings make it in, but certainly don't look forward to their potential first round ouster at the hands of the much-despised Black Hawks.... Hey, one last note: The Leafs are in!!!
Lol. I heard something on the radio the other day, something like "The Red Wings may miss the playoffs while the Leafs clinched a playoff spot - the end (of the world) must be near" On a side note, Neal - what a terrific series between your Plymouth Whalers and my London Knights!
Holy cow, Mike! We had a flood of Knights fans here last night for game 4. CJ's was full of London fans and I found myself outnumbered (gasp....). Too bad the West powerhouses have to decide who hits the golf course early. OHL East wouldn't dent either club.
Hey Neil, I believe it, we have a large London Knights fan club here....we do not have an NHL team so that is the main reason. Regarding the OHL West - you are dead nuts, it is a shame they had to meet in the semis, should be an OHL final matchup
Ok, NHL playoffs start tomorrow - let's have everyone's 1st round picks. Here's mine: Chicago over Minnesota - 4 games LA over St. Louis - 6 games Detroit over Anaheim - 6 games Boston over Toronto - 5 games Pittsburgh over NYI - 5 games Vancouver over San Jose - 6 games Montreal over Ottawa - 7 games Washington over NYR - 7 games
St Louis in seven. Detroit in seven. Boston will take it in six. San Jose stomps Vanc in five. Wash tucks NYR to bed in six.
Lol...last year it was the Rangers in 7, this year it's the Caps' turn They shouldn't, but their goaltending (Carey Price always stinks it up in the playoffs) is suspect this time of year.
Really disappointed with the mistake Quick made last night. I had my proline (wagers) on Anaheim, Los Angeles, and Chicago and lost out due to that one error! Tonight I am excited and worried to see Toronto facing Boston. My thoughts for tonight include a W for Pengiuns and Canucks in a higher scoring matchup in both. Toronto and Boston is a toss-up but I'm expecting to shock the first game.
Best of all worlds as all the NHL playoffs were watched here. Ottawa stuns Montreal? Caps take it to NYR. LAK gets two on the chin from STL. And Wings fortunate to rescue one that was destined for Ducks.
Good summary. IMO, I wouldn't call the Ottawa win a stunner. As I stated before, Carey Price stinks it up in the playoffs, and last night was no different.
