NHL 2011-2012 Season

[Eli26]

Defense Bloody iPhones. I also agree but goaltending is crucial right now.



Indeed. If we could land Subban we'd have another chance at a long term reliable starting goaltender. I'd love to see that.

I love how we all play armchair GM... Awe what the heck! I'll throw myself in the mix!

Subban is a dressing room headache. He may grow out of it, but it's not good for the young players' morale in Edmonton to have P.K. in the mix at this point.

1. Montreal won't do it.

2. Edmonton can afford him, but would they want to?

He would cost more than Sam Gagner. And as for defensemen are concerned, it doesn't make sense to trade one for another. Justin Schultz would have to go the other way for it to make any lick of sense, and that doesn't even make sense. No, even Gagner and a 1st as it sounds appealing, Edmonton wouldn't do either.

And until Edmonton gets a real starter and a solid stay-at-home shot blocker type defenseman, like Michalek was for us in his first year in Pittsburgh, and not his last, with the possibly addition of a physical dman, and a better goaltender (not won over by Dubnyk.. no Spengler performance is convincing enough).... Edmonton is still a couple years off from making big noise in the post season. But hey, things may click for them this year. I just don't see it. They are too top heavy, too young, and too much focus on the offence end of things. Not enough quality two-way guys.

Hemsky is a band-aid boy and Horcoff isn't where he was years ago. Having said all of that, the Oilers sure do have a sexy future!

 

[Eli26]

I am liking Pittsburgh's chances. I know, big Penguins fan stating this. Wholly bias. Well, that maybe a half truth, but it certainly isn't the entire truth. What team, not the Detroit Red Wings has seen more Cup Finals than any other team in the past 5 years? Answer: Pittsburgh.

A well rested Sidney Crosby caping off a rather strong performance (37 points in 22 games), may flourish under a shortened 48-50 game season. It's those long seasons that put the wear and tear, and add to the growing chances of another headshot... all those things, while still evidently have and can happen again, the risk is lessened by a shortened campaign.

So you should see a strong Sid the Kid flying out there. He didn't play over in Europe/KHL for protection purposes. One, his insurance doesn't cover him out there and what NHL team would want to risk the best player in the game to get hurt in a non-NHL contest?

Then you have the reigning MVP, Terrible Ted Lindsay, and Art Ross Champ in Evgeni Malkin, who is tearing up the KHL in scoring, (36-22-40-62, 56 PIMs, plus-21)... he's game ready and should start off where he's currently at. Either way, the Pens own the two best known hockey players in the world.

Sure, Pittsburgh has lost a lot of offence in Jordan Staal (64-25-25-50), but should still get decent offence in a Brandon Sutter who is more than capable enough of maxing out at 20 goals and 40 points. Plus he's a true third-line centerman. Lot more sandpaper to his game vs. Staal. Moving along, you have the evolution that is rookie pro Beau Bennett, who should make the Pens this season. He could add to the offence missed from Staal and Steve Sullivan. I like his chances to be a top Rookie in the NHL. If he makes the top six, he'll have one of Crosby or Malkin passing him the puck. He put up 22 points in 26 games in an offensive inept WBS team, and did this after missing most of his sophomore year in College (10-4-9-13).

Then you have former QMJHL stand-out defenseman, who won top defenseman honours in that league in 10-11, in Simon Despres. Big body, fast and mobile. Makes a great first pass out, isn't afraid to play dirty and physical, or throw down the gloves. Positionally sound. Another NHL ready rookie defenseman in Pittsburgh's foray is NCAA standout, and back-to-back top defensive defenseman, Brian Dumoulin. Another big body defenseman, who has a tremendous hockey IQ. Can control a game with his smart thinking, who's only negative is that he doesn't shoot enough.

Lastly, you have an actual starter NHL goaltending vet in Tomas Vokoun who should be able to push Marc-Andre Fleury, who has never had such a high calibre as a tandem match-up in the Burgh. If MAF should fall, Vokoun can step in. Pittsburgh now has two capable starters. Something they haven't had before. If anything, this should make the Flower work harder and strive to be the best. I liken their chances a lot... they will be a much different team.

Their problem last year going into the playoffs is they went against their game plan. They tried to play the old Philadelphia way. Goon hockey. Be physically intimidating. Make monster hits, that would take guys out of the play, opening big chunks of ice for the Flyers to go in and get ample scoring opportunities. If they play a disciplined game, they are my team to go all the way in the East.

I also like LA's chances for next year in the West. Not a lot has changed, and they have so much good stuff coming through the pipeline in the Toffoli's, Loktionov's, Kozun's, and Pearson's.

btw Are they going to four Conferences this year or next?

 

[Deeznutz6]

I am liking Pittsburgh's chances. I know, big Penguins fan stating this. Wholly bias. Well, that maybe a half truth, but it certainly isn't the entire truth. What team, not the Detroit Red Wings has seen more Cup Finals than any other team in the past 5 years? Answer: Pittsburgh.

A well rested Sidney Crosby caping off a rather strong performance (37 points in 22 games), may flourish under a shortened 48-50 game season. It's those long seasons that put the wear and tear, and add to the growing chances of another headshot... all those things, while still evidently have and can happen again, the risk is lessened by a shortened campaign.

So you should see a strong Sid the Kid flying out there. He didn't play over in Europe/KHL for protection purposes. One, his insurance doesn't cover him out there and what NHL team would want to risk the best player in the game to get hurt in a non-NHL contest?

Then you have the reigning MVP, Terrible Ted Lindsay, and Art Ross Champ in Evgeni Malkin, who is tearing up the KHL in scoring, (36-22-40-62, 56 PIMs, plus-21)... he's game ready and should start off where he's currently at. Either way, the Pens own the two best known hockey players in the world.

Sure, Pittsburgh has lost a lot of offence in Jordan Staal (64-25-25-50), but should still get decent offence in a Brandon Sutter who is more than capable enough of maxing out at 20 goals and 40 points. Plus he's a true third-line centerman. Lot more sandpaper to his game vs. Staal. Moving along, you have the evolution that is rookie pro Beau Bennett, who should make the Pens this season should add to the offence missed from Staal and Steve Sullivan.

Then you have former QMJHL stand-out defenseman, who won top defenseman honours in that league in 10-11, in Simon Despres. Big body, fast and mobile. Makes a great first pass out, isn't afraid to play dirty and physical, or throw down the gloves. Positionally sound. Another NHL ready rookie defenseman in Pittsburgh's foray is NCAA standout, and back-to-back top defensive defenseman, Brian Dumoulin. Another big body defenseman, who has a tremendous hockey IQ. Can control a game with his smart thinking, who's only negative is that he doesn't shoot enough.

Lastly, you have an actual starter NHL goaltending vet in Tomas Vokoun who should be able to push Marc-Andre Fleury, who has never had such a high calibre as a tandem match-up in the Burgh. If MAF should fall, Vokoun can step in. Pittsburgh now has two capable staters. Something they haven't had before. If anything, this should make the Flower work harder and strive to be the best. I liken their chances a lot... they will be a much different team.

Their problem last year going into the playoffs is they went against their game plan. They tried to play the old Philadelphia way. Goon hockey. Be physically intimidating. Make monster hits, that would take guys out of the play, opening big chunks of ice for the Flyers to go in and get ample scoring opportunities. If they play a disciplined game, they are my team to go all the way in the East.

I also like LA's chances for next year in the West. Not a lot has changed, and they have so much good stuff coming through the pipeline in the Toffoli's, Loktionov's, Kozun's, and Pearson's.

btw Are they going to four Conferences this year or next?

4 conf next year and Im sure even that is a done deal yet

and just cause hockeys back, once again, YOU SUCK MAF, Thank god we have Vokoun to push this loser to make a save or two

 

[Eli26]

4 conf next year and Im sure even that is a done deal yet

and just cause hockeys back, once again, YOU SUCK MAF, Thank god we have Vokoun to push this loser to make a save or two

Don't quote me, I just corrected a bunch of spelling mistakes... lol

Oh and added some stuff... I am the Peter Jackson of epically long posts.

I even extend my original posts. lol

 

[CriterionCollector]

Devils are 14 mil under the cap and flush at defense. I think we'll make a deal with Edmonton for Sam Gagner.

 

[CriterionCollector]

Don't quote me, I just corrected a bunch of spelling mistakes... lol

Oh and added some stuff... I am the Peter Jackson of epically long posts.

I even extend my original posts. lol

Is it really necessary to post a mini-essay about how great the Pens are.
Gary Bettman and the hockey media already do that job for you.

 

[Eli26]

Is it really necessary to post a mini-essay about how great the Pens are.
Gary Bettman and the hockey media already do that job for you.

Because I unlike others, who make predictions, like to back up those reasons.

And don't be jealous.... The team is good. What can I say? Besides what I already have, which was a lot! Ha!

 

[Eli26]

Devils are 14 mil under the cap and flush at defense. I think we'll make a deal with Edmonton for Sam Gagner.

Sam Gagner would be a nice pick up for you and yes, you have some good chips to deal for him. But who do you give up? Not Larsson. Gelinas is no where near attractive enough to Edmonton, and then there is Merrill, who again with his suspension last year and being hurt this year brings his value down.

I do like the Devils future, though. Don't get me mistaken. Just curious who you think New Jersey moves for Sam....

 

[CriterionCollector]

I am liking Pittsburgh's chances. I know, big Penguins fan stating this. Wholly bias. Well, that maybe a half truth, but it certainly isn't the entire truth. What team, not the Detroit Red Wings has seen more Cup Finals than any other team in the past 5 years? Answer: Pittsburgh.

What a lousy sample size. Is it also a coincidence that Detroit and Pitt played each other twice in those five years?

Now which two teams have been to the finals the most in the past 20 years? Answer: New Jersey and Detroit.

That's how you run stats, My Friend.

Now if you asked something like, "Which team has tanked the most to get high draft picks" then the answer would be Pittsburgh.

 

[CriterionCollector]

Sam Gagner would be a nice pick up for you and yes, you have some good chips to deal for him. But who do you give up? Not Larsson. Gelinas is no where near attractive enough to Edmonton, and then there is Merrill, who again with his suspension last year and being hurt this year brings his value down.

I do like the Devils future, though. Don't get me mistaken. Just curious who you think New Jersey moves for Sam....

Dude, we could still move Volchenkov or Tallinder and sweeten the deal with Tedenby plus Matthew Corrente. Edmonton would bite.
They're more than likely getting Nathan McKinnon this year anyway.

 

[Eli26]

What a lousy sample size. Is it also a coincidence that Detroit and Pitt played each other twice in those five years?

Now which two teams have been to the finals the most in the past 20 years? Answer: New Jersey and Detroit.

That's how you run stats, My Friend.

Now if you asked something like, "Which team has tanked the most to get high draft picks" then the answer would be Pittsburgh.

They have played more rounds of playoff hockey than any other team not Detroit these last 5 years. So sample sizes be dammed, that still is impressive. They constantly finish over a 100 points in the standings, and were the best offensive team last year. They own the two best players in the world, and have upped their defence and goaltending from last year. I don't see how it's crazy to think they can't be the top team in the East...

I am not guaranteeing it. Just giving my thoughts. You said it's the Devils... so why can't I say it's Pittsburgh, and tell me where I am wrong... what I stated are facts.. with the odd opinion: Like guys who I think should make and excel on our roster.. who has played in more rounds of hockey in those years... Last year they sucked ****, but a lot of people know why. I posted those reasons... oh and horrible goaltending. Then again, Bryzy wasn't that great either. Again, we got Vokoun. Not saying he's the answer, but he's clearly better than what we have had in the past....

 

[Eli26]

Dude, we could still move Volchenkov or Tallinder and sweeten the deal with Tedenby plus Matthew Corrente. Edmonton would bite.
They're more than likely getting Nathan McKinnon this year anyway.

Tallinder is too old. Volchenkov.. meh.. Corrente... not sure I am sold on him being good enough trade fodder for Gagner. I could be wrong. Just don't come crying to me if New Jersey doesn't get him.

Mckinnon maybe... if they heaven forbid when another lottery or finish lousy... again... which I don't see them placing last place or even the bottom 4-5. They have to be better. Something has to give. They'll go for a Seth Jones type. There is no clear-cut BAP in the top 3. And Jones is more of a need than the other two are.

If they do better, they play themselves out of getting a McKinnon, Jones, or Drouin.

 

[CriterionCollector]

Tallinder is too old. Volchenkov.. meh.. Corrente... not sure I am sold on him being good enough trade fodder for Gagner. I could be wrong. Just don't come crying to me if New Jersey doesn't get him.

Mckinnon maybe... if they heaven forbid when another lottery or finish lousy... again... which I don't see them placing last place or even the bottom 4-5. They have to be better. Something has to give. They'll go for a Seth Jones type. There is no clear-cut BAP in the top 3. And Jones is more of a need than the other two are.

If they do better, they play themselves out of getting a McKinnon, Jones, or Drouin.

Lou got us Kovalchuk and Salmela for picks and some other pieces. I'm sure he can get it done for Gagner if it came down to it.

 

[Eli26]

Lou got us Kovalchuk and Salmela for picks and some other pieces. I'm sure he can get it done for Gagner if it came down to it.

Everyone knew Atlanta got burned in that deal. They did it primarily as a salary dump. Different monster altogether. It's comparing apples to oranges. Gagner is not a superstar looking for 100 million for 15 years. Wandell was a bad GM and Atlanta's ownership at the time wanted out. And it wasn't just pieces. There were some decent guys given to Atlanta for Kovalchuk. Unfortunately, the investment turned sour.

Patrice Cormier was Team Canada's captain and looked like a great prospect at one time. Bergfors looked like a potential top six stud, and Oduya was one of NJ's best defensemen at one point. He sucked with the Jets... Turnover machine, but he was doing well in NJ... solid two-way dman with offensive upside. Unfortunately neither Bergfors or Cormier have evolved as well as one would have expected.. Point is, they were much attractive chips at that time vs. the ones you brought up.

Sam Gagner is not a salary dump. He's a capable top six forward, with top line potential. He's 23 and pretty cheap. The main piece coming back has to be something Edmonton seeing making sense. I just don't know how those players you mentioned will get it done.

 

[CriterionCollector]

Everyone knew Atlanta got burned in that deal, and they did it as a Salary dump. Different monster altogether. Apples and oranges. Gagner is not a superstar looking for 100 million for 15 years. Wandell was a bad GM and Atlanta's ownership at the time wanted out. And it wasn't just pieces. There were some decent guys given to Atlanta for Kovalchuk. Unfortunately, the investment turned sour.

Patrice Cormier was Team Canada's captain and looked like a great prospect at one time. Bergfors looked like a potential top six stud, and Oduya was one of NJ's best defenseman at one point. He sucked with the Jets... Turnover machine, but he was doing well in NJ... solid two-way dman with offensive upside. Unfortunately neither Bergfors or Cormier have evolved as well as one would have expected.. Point is, they were much attractive chips at that time vs. the ones you brought up.

Sam Gagner is not a salary dump. He's a capable top six forward, with top line potential. He's 23 and pretty cheap. The main piece coming back has to be something Edmonton seeing making sense. I just don't know how those players you mentioned will get it done.

Kovalchuk wasn't a salary dump at all. I have no idea where you got that from. Atlanta was trying to re-sign him.
Gagner is really good, but he's not going to garner the same value in trades.
Edmonton needs D Men right now and the Devils have a ton of good capable defensive prospects and current players to toss at them.

 

[SixMillionDollarMan Guy]

This is good stuff you two.

 

[CriterionCollector]

This is good stuff you two.

It's a bit inside baseball.

 

[Eli26]

Kovalchuk wasn't a salary dump at all. I have no idea where you got that from. Atlanta was trying to re-sign him.
Gagner is really good, but he's not going to garner the same value in trades.
Edmonton needs D Men right now and the Devils have a ton of good capable defensive prospects and current players to toss at them.

That's right they were.. either way, Atlanta was a poorly run team. See, i don't mind being corrected.

Merrill is the best shot, and NJ is high on him. And like I said, his recent lack of playing will hinder both his development and therefore his price tag. Again, if NJ takes him out of the equation that is a moot point.

Either way, the pieces coming back from NJ's side were all solid pieces at that time. And two of them were showing it at the NHL level. But in the end, Atlanta did want out (thus why my brain said salary dump), and Wandell was a **** GM. lol

Besides, you keep dismissing Reid Boucher... he's one heckuva prospect you got!

 

[SixMillionDollarMan Guy]

It's a bit inside baseball.

You misunderstood me. That wasn't a rip.

I'm enjoying the hockey talk and gaining insights. Remember, I left the NHL when the North Stars left for Dallas in the early '90s. Slowly been getting back into it over the last two years.

 

[Eli26]

Awww Yeah I also remember a hockey writer saying Atlanta pulled the trigger too soon and could have gotten a lot more had they waited out just a bit longer. Granted it was near the trade deadline... bah... you probably have a better recollection than me because you follow the team much closer than I do.