No I totally agree, there is very little US talent in the NHL compared to Canada, I just think it is moronic to say that hockey doesn’t belong in certain places. If you are a true fan of hockey, you should want it to spread and be seen by as many people as possible, which carries with it the possibility of new fans, players, and financial supporters.[/quote]
Not at the cost of diluting the game. The push for more goals, less physicality, and the introduction of the shootout are a few examples of how the league is trying to draw in new fans at the cost of making the game worse.
I don’t know how anyone who has watched the game over multiple eras (i.e., not just the new fans) can say that the product we get on the ice nowadays is superior to hockey in previous eras.
I’ve always been a hockey fan and I probably always will be, but slowly, the game I grew up loving is being taken away.
I agree westcoast about a leauge that wants to expand should have the right to locate anywhere they want…but what you can’t ever understand is the frustration we Canadians feel when we see a hockey crazed city like Winnipeg loose a franchise only to see one in Florida slowly die…unless they are winning/rant.
Philly showed some pride lastnight.
I’ve lost count of how many players have hurt themselves trying to lay the body on Chara lol. It’s kinda comical to see guys just bounce off him.
[quote]bond james bond wrote:
I agree westcoast about a leauge that wants to expand should have the right to locate anywhere they want…but what you can’t ever understand is the frustration we Canadians feel when we see a hockey crazed city like Winnipeg loose a franchise only to see one in Florida slowly die…unless they are winning/rant.
Philly showed some pride lastnight.
I’ve lost count of how many players have hurt themselves trying to lay the body on Chara lol. It’s kinda comical to see guys just bounce off him.
[/quote]
As a former Whalers fan and someone who was born in Hartford, I can understand your frustration. However, being in the northern US/Canada there are still opportunities to watch high level of hockey whereas in the south, it is really a hockey fans only chance of ever seeing a good game in person.
I think it is perfectly reasonable to be frustrated with the loss/movement of a team, but ultimately the NHL is a business, and they are going to expand into the markets that they think bring the best opportunity for financial success (obviously they aren’t always correct).
To say that the level of play has deteriorated is simply incorrect. I can understand if you don’t like how the game is being played now, because you prefer what you watched long ago, but sports progress, rules change, and athletes get better. The game has not gotten worse, it has simply evolved, and I would bet that the athletes now are far superior to those 20 years ago.
[quote]WestCoast7 wrote:
I think it is perfectly reasonable to be frustrated with the loss/movement of a team, but ultimately the NHL is a business, and they are going to expand into the markets that they think bring the best opportunity for financial success (obviously they aren’t always correct).
To say that the level of play has deteriorated is simply incorrect. I can understand if you don’t like how the game is being played now, because you prefer what you watched long ago, but sports progress, rules change, and athletes get better. The game has not gotten worse, it has simply evolved, and I would bet that the athletes now are far superior to those 20 years ago.[/quote]
I agree with this almost to the letter. The only thing I want to add is that this is true of all sports. Obviously hockey is no exception, but look at football, baseball, basketball, soccer, etc. All the athletes are getting bigger/faster/stronger overall. The games are dynamic, and I actually like watching them progress over the years.
Go Wings and Habs! Maybe Franzen will keep shooting the lights out.
No I totally agree, there is very little US talent in the NHL compared to Canada, I just think it is moronic to say that hockey doesn’t belong in certain places. If you are a true fan of hockey, you should want it to spread and be seen by as many people as possible, which carries with it the possibility of new fans, players, and financial supporters.[/quote]
[quote]LiquidWolf wrote:
I think there’ll be an Original 6 showdon in the final.[/quote]
Hawks-Bruins? I’d like to see that. This might be the year for Chicago. They’re all singing praises now that Detroit’s out. If they can finish off Vancouver, I know they got enough to beat San Jose. They just can’t play against Detroit for some reason.
If only Detroit could hold a lead!! They scored first in 4 of the 5 games in this damn series. Never thought I’d be saying that. Used to be, if Detroit got a lead the game was over. Oh how I miss the 2002 playoffs. That Red Wings team was unreal.
Not a red wings fan by any stretch of the imagination…but a little shocked that they actually got knocked out by SJ in the second round. Good on SJ tho, always been a big fan of Marleau and Jumbo Joe.
On the flip side…fuck MONTREAL!!! Play better! Jesus your killin me!
[quote]WestCoast7 wrote:
I will sleep very soundly tonight.[/quote]
As will I. Mainly because I’m drunk and just popped 3 Z-12. But I did get a smile while I saw SJ knock off the Red Wings in some bar…
[quote]Rico Suave wrote:
SJ - Boston final… can’t see it happening any other way.[/quote]
Fixed
[/quote]
I would really like to see a team other than the Penguins make it to the finals out of the East. I just have a thing against teams getting to the finals in consecutive years, I think such an awesome experience should be spread around.
To be honest, I am extremely relieved to have gotten the Red Wings out of the way, as I thought they were the second best team in the West, and the one that could provide the Sharks with the most problems.
I am looking forward to a great series between the Hawks/Canucks and the Sharks, but think it will be hard for either of those teams to provide as much grit, talent, and experience as we faced in the Wings.
My thoughts/ As someone who grew up a Bruins fan in Boston, then became a Wings fan at about age 14 this whole playoff is bitter sweet. There is always of late some johnny come lately team from some state that should not freaking have an NHL team to begin with (Think the Disney Ducks, The Tampon Bay lightning etc) that shows up and ends up winning it all.
I give to the Sharks for closing it out even 5, even though they got owed in game 4 and Nabakov is still shaky at times. Not a big fan of Thorton,but I will take him over cry baby Crosby anyday. i can’t stand the Pens and NEVER liked the flyers especially when that big dummy lindros was there.
As for the Phoenix Jets and Carolina whalers, whatever. Lame. Ok, now that i’ve vented, I see this as Bruins-Blackhawks, which would be a great series. I think the Canucks are done, sadly if not tonight then next game.I think the Flyers are done even though they did show a little fight. As to the sharks, we shall see. I don’t discount them from the finals, but i don’t see it. And Nabakov need’s to stop freaking diving
[quote]Rico Suave wrote:
SJ - Boston final… can’t see it happening any other way.[/quote]
Fixed
[/quote]
I would really like to see a team other than the Penguins make it to the finals out of the East. I just have a thing against teams getting to the finals in consecutive years, I think such an awesome experience should be spread around.
To be honest, I am extremely relieved to have gotten the Red Wings out of the way, as I thought they were the second best team in the West, and the one that could provide the Sharks with the most problems.
I am looking forward to a great series between the Hawks/Canucks and the Sharks, but think it will be hard for either of those teams to provide as much grit, talent, and experience as we faced in the Wings.[/quote]
That is a good compliment for the Wings, you are showing class. Do not underestimate the Blackhawks though. The Sharks did well to close it out in 5, but it was a close series and Chicago is’nt dissimilar form Detroit, San jose has a size advantage, but Chicago has the speed advantage. Experience goes to the Sharks. I doubt you will see Vancouver.
