Kind of a weird source, but a really interesting look at how the last 7 Cups were won:
http://proicehockey.about...s-win-the-Stanley-Cup.htm

Being big, spending to the limit, having a great PP, and blocking a lot of shots don't seem to matter very much.
- Tomahawk

How bout employing enforcers?

So the Canadiens are going to retire Guy LaPointe's number (actually, just add his name to the rafters since Geoffrion and he had the same number). He's a good player and all, but when you think of all the greats in Canadiens history, he seems a bit out of place.
- jmatchett383

In his book "The Game", Ken Dryden credits Lapointe as being the heart and soul of the team that won 6 cups between 71-79, so I can understand it.

So with Timonen re-signing on the cheap, last years D, is this years D right?
- PLindbergh31

Minus Gus, Mez, and Hall Gill

I hope there is another guy coming this summer, not Nisk or Stralman, but a Fayne type would be great.

Minus Gus, Mez, and Hall Gill

I hope there is another guy coming this summer, not Nisk or Stralman, but a Fayne type would be great.
- Marc D

If they can unload Grossmann and VL they can add Niskanen. I like Niskanen a lot.

As a Finn, not sure he goes there.
- wilsonecho91

He would have better luck as a Norwiegan or a Swede. Maybe he's really good at Kubb, that could earn him some points.

Minus Gus, Mez, and Hall Gill

I hope there is another guy coming this summer, not Nisk or Stralman, but a Fayne type would be great.
- Marc D

Ghostisbehere!

In his book "The Game", Ken Dryden credits Lapointe as being the heart and soul of the team that won 6 cups between 71-79, so I can understand it.
- BiggE

and for anyone who hasnt read that book, its pretty much a must-read for serious hockey fans.


and after having read it, the impression i came away with of Dryden was that he was too smart and too tormented for his own good, and it made me think that 2 top qualities in a successful goaltender might be that they be dumb and happy-go-lucky.

and Mark Howe's book, also very good. I highly recommend that as well.

and LaPointe... highly underrated player, imo.

Ghostisbehere!
- mayorofangrytown

I'll take a wild guess and say Laughton will be more likely to make the team then Ghost.

You probably have both guys on the roster, yes?

So, aside from the long-time locks like Selanne, Jagr, and Broduer, what players in the game today do you think have already made the HOF?

If they can unload Grossmann and VL they can add Niskanen. I like Niskanen a lot.
- PLindbergh31

I think you are going to hate the contract he gets this summer.

I think you are going to hate the contract he gets this summer.
- Marc D

I will love the contract he gets this summer, because it will be someone else overpaying for him.

I will love the contract he gets this summer, because it will be someone else overpaying for him.
- Doc_Sarcasm

good point

now watch him sign for less then AMac with a hated rival

good point

now watch him sign for less then AMac with a hated rival
- Marc D

then the hatred will flow

I'll take a wild guess and say Laughton will be more likely to make the team then Ghost.

You probably have both guys on the roster, yes?
- Marc D

Not really... to be honest I'm just going to spend the next couple months pumping Ghostisbehere's tires as the next Brian Leetch.

In reality, I'll stick to what I've said all season, I think Ghostisbehere, Laughton, Haag and Morin get long looks in training camp. Haag will go to the Phantoms as soon as their camp opens, Ghost will go to the AHL as a final cut, so will Laughton because I think they bring in a 4th line center if they already haven't. Morin will get a couple games and go back to the Q.

I think Ghost comes up first because of injury by November and sticks. Laughton gets his shot fairly quickly too. They'll both be on the roster before the turn of the year and they'll excel.

In his book "The Game", Ken Dryden credits Lapointe as being the heart and soul of the team that won 6 cups between 71-79, so I can understand it.
- BiggE

That may be, and I'm no big Habs fan, but I'd think Guy Carbonneau is more deserving. Possibly the best defensive forward (who could give you substantial offense as well) of all time. Dude basically owned the Selke award in his day (even though Gainey won more).

I think you are going to hate the contract he gets this summer.
- Marc D

He might break the bank, but his level of play last year warrants it. I'd much rather slightly overpay difference makers, than overpay mediocrity. Flyers giving 5+ million per for the MacDonald types doesn't accomplish anything.

So, aside from the long-time locks like Selanne, Jagr, and Broduer, what players in the game today do you think have already made the HOF?
- jmatchett383

Iginla, Chara and Alfresson. I'd like to think Timmonen has a shot but that's just me (he's outscored Chara in about 100 fewer games). I think Joe Thornton is border line.

He might break the bank, but his level of play last year warrants it. I'd much rather slightly overpay difference makers, than overpay mediocrity. Flyers giving 5+ million per for the MacDonald types doesn't accomplish anything.
- PLindbergh31

I don't think Niskanen is a "difference maker." Not saying AMac is, but Niskanen's gonna get stupid money.

He might break the bank, but his level of play last year warrants it. I'd much rather slightly overpay difference makers, than overpay mediocrity. Flyers giving 5+ million per for the MacDonald types doesn't accomplish anything.
- PLindbergh31

He's had two good seasons book-ending six years of complete mediocrity... I'd be scared to death of committing long-term to him.

So, aside from the long-time locks like Selanne, Jagr, and Broduer, what players in the game today do you think have already made the HOF?
- jmatchett383

Toews is the first one that comes to mind for me. Also Pronger but that's a bit of a stretch as far as "in the game today" goes.

Iginla, Chara and Alfresson. I'd like to think Timmonen has a shot but that's just me (he's outscore Chara in about 100 fewer games). I think Joe Thornton is border line.
- mayorofangrytown

I don't think Timonen has a shot. You've got guys from his time like Lidstrom, Pronger, Blake, Chara, and Niedermayer all ahead of him.

Iginla, Chara and Alfresson. I'd like to think Timmonen has a shot but that's just me (he's outscored Chara in about 100 fewer games). I think Joe Thornton is border line.
- mayorofangrytown

I think Kimo deserves it but I have a feeling he may never make it.

He's had two good seasons book-ending six years of complete mediocrity... I'd be scared to death of committing long-term to him.
- Tomahawk

I hear you. He's going to get paid big based off last year. He hasn't done it year in and year out though. That is a concern. Only 27. Do you think he gets 7 million per?

I don't think Niskanen is a "difference maker." Not saying AMac is, but Niskanen's gonna get stupid money.
- jmatchett383

He's better than MacDonald by a good margin.

He's better than MacDonald by a good margin.
- PLindbergh31

Not if this past season was just an anomaly. 7mil is a lot for a player who had 1 good season.