I kind of want a Chelsea - Madrid final and watch Mou troll Madrid with a CL win.
- theblueandgold

I wouldn't put too much stock though in what happened to Bayern today, they've had the Bundesliga won since about mid-season. They just have to worry about Neuer going off injured. They'll be ready for Real, plus they have the German Cup semi-final against Kaiserslauten coming up. They've pretty much tuned out league games.

You just have to wonder if Ronaldo will be healthy for the first leg, as he suffered another set back in training.

Sorry for the in depth post, I'm a huge football fan. And by football, I mean the original football.

I wouldn't put too much stock though in what happened to Bayern today, they've had the Bundesliga won since about mid-season. They just have to worry about Neuer going off injured. They'll be ready for Real, plus they have the German Cup semi-final against Kaiserslauten coming up. They've pretty much tuned out league games.

You just have to wonder if Ronaldo will be healthy for the first leg, as he suffered another set back in training.

Sorry for the in depth post, I'm a huge football fan. And by football, I mean the original football.
- Carlo

I'm a Dortmund fan... with that said, youre trying to tell me Bayern fielded the team they did today and didnt play 100% against their biggest league competition in front of their fans because they had the league wrapped up? With the way they got so frustrated towards the end of the game, they cared about that game, just couldnt do anything. Dortmund defense smothered any attack and they couldnt hang with Dortmund pace.

I hope Rondaldo is healthy, that would be a shame.

Listen to Stafford's comments afterward! Exactly what you are stating above.
- Irish 14

Just saw it. Thanks. He's 100% right.

I think we will be ahead of Edmonton. Meaning, it won't take as long. We already have a lot of young defensemen in our system. It will be about picking up talented forwards in the next few drafts. It will be a young team that might not gel for 5 years. The Sabres are going to build with high draft picks. I am looking forward to the rebuild.
- Jerry1964

You mean like number 4 ? I really hope not.

As a Bruins fan, I have to agree that the hit on Paille was just an unfortunate accident. Absolutely zero intent on behalf of the Buffalo player. I think the penalty was given as a direct result of the previous shenanigans of soon-to-be-former-NHLer John Scott. The officials did not want this meaningless game to degrade to the point of no return and it worked. He didn't deserve the penalty and he will not be suspended.

We've missed the playoffs 3 years. I think if the right moves are made, they can make it in 2 more.
- HonkFortheGoose

2 more could get us in but not likely make us cup contenders.Looks at team s like Philly,Pittsburg, and Boston that's how far behind we are in talent right now.

Murray needs to make a Seguin (would have to include Ehrhoff, Ennis and pick) type of deal this summer! Great trade for Dallas!

*Roll Leino up in bubble rap!!!!
- Irish 14

O'Reilly?
Don't hate me everyone!
Hahaha
Seriously though...
That "Drury" type player is who I think we're missing going forward.
I guess Girgensons could become "Peca-like" which would be good...
But I wouldn't hate it if our "defensive" center was also a threat to score

Who else might we target?

As a Bruins fan, I have to agree that the hit on Paille was just an unfortunate accident. Absolutely zero intent on behalf of the Buffalo player. I think the penalty was given as a direct result of the previous shenanigans of soon-to-be-former-NHLer John Scott. The officials did not want this meaningless game to degrade to the point of no return and it worked. He didn't deserve the penalty and he will not be suspended.
- rynoisgod

Scotts no worst then Thorton who Im sure doesn't want anything to with Scott again.As far as the coments on Lucic, hate the guy but I disagree with the posters on here that he wont fight.Ive seen him fight guys his own size many times but his job his role isn't to fight that's Thortons role.

2 more could get us in but not likely make us cup contenders.Looks at team s like Philly,Pittsburg, and Boston that's how far behind we are in talent right now.
- buffalo 1

I think it's gonna be more like 3yrs before we are competing for the playoffs
These guys we're gonna be drafting over the next two years are going to need some time to grow into consistent players.

O'Reilly?
Don't hate me everyone!
Hahaha
Seriously though...
That "Drury" type player is who I think we're missing going forward.
I guess Girgensons could become "Peca-like" which would be good...
But I wouldn't hate it if our "defensive" center was also a threat to score

Who else might we target?
- jdfitz77

Don't see them moving Ennis the only guy who can both stay healthy and score on this team. Not sure they will move the Hoff either until their sure they have a Dman who could be his replacement.

I'm a Dortmund fan... with that said, youre trying to tell me Bayern fielded the team they did today and didnt play 100% against their biggest league competition in front of their fans because they had the league wrapped up? With the way they got so frustrated towards the end of the game, they cared about that game, just couldnt do anything. Dortmund defense smothered any attack and they couldnt hang with Dortmund pace.

I hope Rondaldo is healthy, that would be a shame.
- theblueandgold

I'm not saying they didn't try, I'm just saying I don't put much into it going forward into the Champions League and the German Cup. Of course they tried, but they also lost before the second leg against United, and they dominated that game, even after going down a goal. All credit to Dortmund, they have a great team, and Lewandowski is one of my favorite players, it was unfortunate he wasn't on display today. And while I think next year could be Dortmund's year, I also think they could lose a couple players to the bigger clubs. I still feel Bayern is the favorite for the CL.

Yes it is a shame about Ronaldo, Ancelotti has said there is a good chance he could play on the 16th against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, but it doesn't look too promising. Which would suck for a game that has the potential to be another great one.

Good Luck. From what I hear the Free Agent class is kind of weak this year. I haven't checked it out yet. Ive been studying the draft.
- Jerry1964

Well I don't think we need any top free agents, but mos def some quality character guys. I do think that Mac T will shoot for Markov. Don't be surprised if we offer an over pay like 3 years 18 million. Other than that I can see 2 year deals offered to Robidas, Hainsey and , Mitchell to help coach/mentor/cover the asses of our talented but inexperienced Blueline.

Also ,2 way centers like Legwand,Ott,Goc, and solid if unspectacular wingers like Winnik, j.Jokinen, Downie or Kulemin will likely be our targets.

Do you guys think the prices will be high this year? Once the Big fish are gone (Gaborik,Stastny, Vanek, Miller,Cammilerri ,Callahan), do you think the depth guys will be cheap?

Don't see them moving Ennis the only guy who can both stay healthy and score on this team. Not sure they will move the Hoff either until their sure they have a Dman who could be his replacement.
- buffalo 1

Nolan named the following players that are locks for the future: Myers, Ennis, Hodgson, Girgensons, Foligno.

I'm not saying they didn't try, I'm just saying I don't put much into it going forward into the Champions League and the German Cup. Of course they tried, but they also lost before the second leg against United, and they dominated that game, even after going down a goal. All credit to Dortmund, they have a great team, and Lewandowski is one of my favorite players, it was unfortunate he wasn't on display today. And while I think next year could be Dortmund's year, I also think they could lose a couple players to the bigger clubs. I still feel Bayern is the favorite for the CL.

Yes it is a shame about Ronaldo, Ancelotti has said there is a good chance he could play on the 16th against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, but it doesn't look too promising. Which would suck for a game that has the potential to be another great one.
- Carlo

Oh okay... yeah I dont put much into Bayern losing to Dortmund affecting them in the CL. I still view them as the best team in Europe... I just dont want to see BVB's league rivals win back to back CL.

Well I don't think we need any top free agents, but mos def some quality character guys. I do think that Mac T will shoot for Markov. Don't be surprised if we offer an over pay like 3 years 18 million. Other than that I can see 2 year deals offered to Robidas, Hainsey and , Mitchell to help coach/mentor/cover the asses of our talented but inexperienced Blueline.

Also ,2 way centers like Legwand,Ott,Goc, and solid if unspectacular wingers like Winnik, j.Jokinen, Downie or Kulemin will likely be our targets.

Do you guys think the prices will be high this year? Once the Big fish are gone (Gaborik,Stastny, Vanek, Miller,Cammilerri ,Callahan), do you think the depth guys will be cheap?
- Jeropotato

Hey man, you being an Edmonton Oiler fan I have to ask. Should Ryan Smyth's number be retired? Or will that diminish what the other numbers in the rafters achieved?

Well I don't think we need any top free agents, but mos def some quality character guys. I do think that Mac T will shoot for Markov. Don't be surprised if we offer an over pay like 3 years 18 million. Other than that I can see 2 year deals offered to Robidas, Hainsey and , Mitchell to help coach/mentor/cover the asses of our talented but inexperienced Blueline.

Also ,2 way centers like Legwand,Ott,Goc, and solid if unspectacular wingers like Winnik, j.Jokinen, Downie or Kulemin will likely be our targets.

Do you guys think the prices will be high this year? Once the Big fish are gone (Gaborik,Stastny, Vanek, Miller,Cammilerri ,Callahan), do you think the depth guys will be cheap?
- Jeropotato

You could always sign Leino after we buy him out.

I think it's gonna be more like 3yrs before we are competing for the playoffs
These guys we're gonna be drafting over the next two years are going to need some time to grow into consistent players.
- jdfitz77

Im more optimistic with being a playoff team but as far as a championship team 3 to five at least under the best circumstances. Anyone know if theres any future goalies in this years draft ?

Hey man, you being an Edmonton Oiler fan I have to ask. Should Ryan Smyth's number be retired? Or will that diminish what the other numbers in the rafters achieved?
- Carlo

Hard to say. On one hand, The Oilers set very lofty standards for a Jersey being retired. On the other hand...it's been 25 years damn near since the boys left town and Smyth has done more than any Oiler in that time. I won't complain either way. He does deserve some sort of honor tho.

Nolan named the following players that are locks for the future: Myers, Ennis, Hodgson, Girgensons, Foligno.
- sippyd

Id agree with Nolan.The only guy I question is Foligio but maybe Nolan can make him his next project since I thinks he done with Stafford now.

Oh okay... yeah I dont put much into Bayern losing to Dortmund affecting them in the CL. I still view them as the best team in Europe... I just dont want to see BVB's league rivals win back to back CL.
- theblueandgold

Haha, I hear you. That's how i feel about the Bruins and the Leafs.

watching Reinhart , National Championship Game good night for hockey

Hard to say. On one hand, The Oilers set very lofty standards for a Jersey being retired. On the other hand...it's been 25 years damn near since the boys left town and Smyth has done more than any Oiler in that time. I won't complain either way. He does deserve some sort of honor tho.
- Jeropotato

I know he didn't play his whole career with the Oilers, but he seemed to for the longest time be the face of that team. Damn, he would take a beating in front of the net to score a goal. The guy was all heart.

Im all for skipping the game tomorrow and going into the off season.Ive never seen a team have worst luck then the Sabres this year.Poor Hacket.

You could always sign Leino after we buy him out.
- jaumiller

...and of what "Character" is he?

Id agree with Nolan.The only guy I question is Foligio but maybe Nolan can make him his next project since I thinks he done with Stafford now.
- buffalo 1

That's what I'm thinking.