NHL general discussion thread

Cylon · 06-07-2008

Did anyone catch NHL.com dropping the ball on the Awards?

They had various paraphernalia focused on Ovechkin and his newly awarded Hart Trophy. It was taken down after some time and acting like nothing happened,

Does it mean that Ovechkin won the Hart? Not entirely, but why else would they be sporting merchandise like that. I can't say I'm surprised over that since he sure deserves it, especially with the Caps late season run to make the playoffs.

I'll have my award predictions (or at least who I think should win) soon.

Magnum Force · 06-12-2008

Well the awards are tonight. Sadly, I won't be able to watch... I have graduation and the grad-night party until 5am tomorrow.

But the Sharks have found a new head coach after firing Ron Wilson (he is now the head coach of Toronto).

The Red Wings' assistant coach, Tod McLellan, will be the new Sharks' head coach. I think this is going to be an interesting year for the Sharks this coming season...

Sharks to name McLellan their new head coach

Cylon · 06-13-2008

Here are the award winners, which I copied from ESPN.com:

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESPN.com

• James Norris Memorial Trophy, defenseman -- Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit

• Calder Memorial Trophy, rookie -- Patrick Kane, Chicago

• Frank J. Selke Trophy, defensive forward -- Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit

• Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, most gentlemanly -- Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit

• Jack Adams Award, coach -- Bruce Boudreau, Washington

• King Clancy Trophy, humanitarian contribution to hockey -- Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay

• Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, perserverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey -- Jason Blake, Toronto

• Lifetime Achievement Award -- Gordie Howe

• Art Ross Trophy, points scoring leader -- Alexander Ovechkin, Washington

• Maurice Richard Trophy, goal-scoring leader -- Alexander Ovechkin, Washington

• William M. Jennings Trophy, goalies with fewest goals against, minimum 25 games -- Chris Osgood and Dominik Hasek, Detroit

•Vezina, goalie -- Martin Broduer, New Jeresy

• Lester B. Pearson Award, outstanding player -- Alexander Ovechkin, Washington.

Brodeur won the Vezina Trophy, which was a real shock to me. I would have figured Nabokov or Lundquist would walk away with the award, and Brodeur would have been a long shot to win it this year.

Magnum Force · 06-13-2008

Yea, after reading that, I just yelled at my computer screen. Brodeur didn't even do that great.

Scuba Steve · 06-14-2008

I knew OV would take a lot of awards.

Marty winning the Vezina is down right disgusting. Favoritism at its best.

hcky21rskor · 06-22-2008

I'm pretty happy with the Avs draft even though they didn't get a pick in the first round. In the 2nd round they picked up Cameron Gaunce (50th overall), and Peter Delmas (61st overall). I haven't really seen Gaunce play, but I can see Delmas being our starter in a few years.

Outside the draft itself, the Coyotes picked up Jokinen from the Panthers. The Coyotes traded defensemen Keith Ballard, Nick Boynton, and their 2nd round pick for Jokinen. Jokinen has was it takes to get Phoenix back up and running, and to possibly be a contender for the playoffs this year.

Also, Granato better get moving on getting new contracts established. Liles and Bruno and both UFA and I better see them back in a burgundy jersey when the 09 season kicks off. Also, I hope Foppa and Sakic come back, at least for one more year. I would like to see Foote re-sign as well, but if not we can use the extra salary elsewhere.

Pvt.Dirt · 06-23-2008

The Predators drafted the top goalie Chet Pickard with the 18th pick. With the seventh pick we also drafted C Colin Wilson. I'm pretty happy with the results, and we finally got rid of Chris Mason!

So yesterday I went into our Walmart and Zach Parise was there signing autographs. I got 3 pucks signed along with a picture of him. I'm glad he came, he went to UND(University of North Dakota) for college hockey so it's nice to see him.

hcky21rskor · 06-23-2008

Hossa said that he's going to try out free agency before he makes a decision on returning to Pittsburgh or not. The Penguins just made it to the Stanley Cup finals, why would Hossa not want to stay with them? I see him returning to the Penguins though.

Sakic has a talk with the Avs GM the other day and he still remains unsure on whether or not he wants to play a 20th season. Sakic proved that he is still among the NHL's elite, just look at the playoffs alone, so I think he should definietly play at least another year.

Scuba Steve · 06-23-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by hcky21rskor

Sakic has a talk with the Avs GM the other day and he still remains unsure on whether or not he wants to play a 20th season. Sakic proved that he is still among the NHL's elite, just look at the playoffs alone, so I think he should definietly play at least another year.

I think he has it in him.

Cylon · 06-23-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by hcky21rskor

Hossa said that he's going to try out free agency before he makes a decision on returning to Pittsburgh or not.

About of the month ago there were rumors that the Rangers were very interested in signing Hossa. Hopefully that falls through since I don't want to see him become a Ranger. As soon as he signs mega-million dollar contract, he'll go flat, no doubt about it. I've always said that the once super stars (or current) end their careers with the Rangers in order to further solidify and increase their retirement package. I think there is plenty of evidence in the past, plus most of the money in their contracts is usually guaranteed along with a no-trade clause. Go figure that one.

EDIT:

Welcome back to coaching, Barry Melrose!

ESPN - Lightning hire Melrose as new head coach - NHL

I can't believe he actually took the head coach position for the Lightning.