Thats what I am resigning to hope for... playoff saving energy/make sure I don't get hurt mindset.
- Guile

I will say this, his all around game has improved a lot over the past three seasons. If he is able to just take his offense up to a new level in the postseason, we can go very far.

Thats what I am resigning to hope for... playoff saving energy/make sure I don't get hurt mindset.
- Guile

Or is he playing hurt now? No shots? Not even once? He consistently got beat on the boards last night.

There is no hate for Backstrom on this board. Just about everyone here recognizes just how great he truly is. It's no wonder that when he is playing that elite two way hockey Ovi's numbers go way up. They are as dynamic a duo as it gets.
- usethe1-2-2

I was looking at Ovie highlights this season. It's not good. He could probably still have a monster 70 goal year. He can also run any player in this league. He's huge. On many occasions, players who go at Ovie to defend their battered teammate stop short of doing much once they get up close.

He ran Doughty a few times in LA, it was shocking. I hate his BS burning stick stuff and his dangling laces on his hockey pants but no man that big should be that fast. I would love just once to know what it feels like to crush a one-timer with that much authority into the net. Beating a beer league goalie near shelf with a wrister from the bottom of the circle is about all I have.

What the heck is wrong with Sid? Where is the dominance? Where are the shots? Saving up the juice for post season?
- chimpira

The failure to back check that guy on the 2nd goal last night was disturbing. I couldn't believe my eyes. Like I said last night, controller disconnect.

I agree with everything you just said except this.

Beau is an NHL player, but he is not a bottom 6 player; end of story. His skill set is as a top 6 forward, he just cant crack our top 6.

Our team is built to play in the playoffs, good ole JR built it that way and has stated it many times.

Lappy, Winnik, Cole, Comeau, and Downie are going to make life a living hell in the playoffs for who ever we play.

Our success rests on the shoulders of 87 & 71, if they can bring it; consistently, I love our chances.


F Sutter
- nbartley9

I agree with everything you said except bb is going to be a bust. Another wasted first round pick.

The pens had no traffic in front of the net. Varly could have called for a fair catch on 90% of the shots. Another reason shots for and against is a stupid measuring stick.

Or is he playing hurt now? No shots? Not even once? He consistently got beat on the boards last night.
- chimpira

There is the chance his wrist never got fully healed... or that groin/hip thing from around the all star break didn't 100% heal and its now nagging.

Ron Francis came out this morning and basically called out JR for being a poophead and intentionally misleading the media to try and get into Jordan Staal's head.

He said that there were absolutely no discussions regarding trading Jordan Staal and that the moment he heard about the rumours he talked to J.Staal himself to set the record straight.

Said he can still remember how it felt being a player and having your future discussed in the media and how he wants to be as open and honest with the media and his team as possible so that his players always know where they stand with the club and aren't getting mixed messages.

There is the chance his wrist never got fully healed... or that groin/hip thing from around the all star break didn't 100% heal and its now nagging.
- Guile

If that is the case, why not rest him a game here and there? Whatever it is, it is perplexing either way.

I was looking at Ovie highlights this season. It's not good. He could probably still have a monster 70 goal year. He can also run any player in this league. He's huge. On many occasions, players who go at Ovie to defend their battered teammate stop short of doing much once they get up close.

He ran Doughty a few times in LA, it was shocking. I hate his BS burning stick stuff and his dangling laces on his hockey pants but no man that big should be that fast. I would love just once to know what it feels like to crush a one-timer with that much authority into the net. Beating a beer league goalie near shelf with a wrister from the bottom of the circle is about all I have.
- Johnny Wrath

The caps have surrounded him with size and speed as well. Ovie is killing it right now, although I'd still give the hart to price, ovie is closing the gap fast. Just a dominant player right now.

If that is the case, why not rest him a game here and there? Whatever it is, it is perplexing either way.
- chimpira

Because teams like to not play their best player

That, and like last year, he is likely not admitting to the injury if its so.

Ron Francis came out this morning and basically called out JR for being a poophead and intentionally misleading the media to try and get into Jordan Staal's head.

He said that there were absolutely no discussions regarding trading Jordan Staal and that the moment he heard about the rumours he talked to J.Staal himself to set the record straight.

Said he can still remember how it felt being a player and having your future discussed in the media and how he wants to be as open and honest with the media and his team as possible so that his players always know where they stand with the club and aren't getting mixed messages.
- BINGO!

Who cares, Staal sucks. He is laughable on the canes first line. Luckily you came to the right place where folks here are delusional enough to think Staal was good.

Nothing more than a good 3rd line player.

Who cares, Staal sucks. He is laughable on the canes first line. Luckily you came to the right place where folks here are delusional enough to think Staal was good.

Nothing more than a good 3rd line player.
- Sell My Monkey

k.

Ron Francis came out this morning and basically called out JR for being a poophead and intentionally misleading the media to try and get into Jordan Staal's head.

He said that there were absolutely no discussions regarding trading Jordan Staal and that the moment he heard about the rumours he talked to J.Staal himself to set the record straight.

Said he can still remember how it felt being a player and having your future discussed in the media and how he wants to be as open and honest with the media and his team as possible so that his players always know where they stand with the club and aren't getting mixed messages.
- BINGO!

It's Mister Poophead to you!

It's Mister Poophead to you!
- chimpira

HEY HE PERSONALLY WISHED ME A MERRY CHRISTMAS ONCE.

HE IS A VERY NICE MAN.

Because teams like to not play their best player

That, and like last year, he is likely not admitting to the injury if its so.
- Guile

I was thinking earlier (before I had coffee) that this season especially, the #1 line is Malkin. Malkin is the better, more consistent forward. Fleury is most responsible for the team's success and Letang is going to win the Norris trophy but Geno has been better for a while now and frankly has a better NHL resume.

I was thinking earlier (before I had coffee) that this season especially, the #1 line is Malkin. Malkin is the better, more consistent forward. Fleury is most responsible for the team's success and Letang is going to win the Norris trophy but Geno has been better for a while now and frankly has a better NHL resume.
- Johnny Wrath

I'll take this lesser Crosby in the regular season, if he jumps to playoff MVP level in a month.

I'll take this lesser Crosby in the regular season, if he jumps to playoff MVP level in a month.
- Guile

Only playoff MVP Pittsburgh has is #71. Sayin.

Only playoff MVP Pittsburgh has is #71. Sayin.
- Johnny Wrath

BB is basically dustin jeffrey, just younger and weaker, neither of them are bottom 6 type players, neither of them are good enough to be on any nhl teams top 6

i think theyd both do well over in europe somewhere with the bigger rinks and less hitting...sad to say but im not even being sarcastic

BB is basically dustin jeffrey, just younger and weaker, neither of them are bottom 6 type players, neither of them are good enough to be on any nhl teams top 6

i think theyd both do well over in europe somewhere with the bigger rinks and less hitting...sad to say but im not even being sarcastic
- JLT168

Dustin jeffrey, who is an Islander farmhand right now, was always lacking in just about every aspect when it came to being an NHL'er. Now Beau has the hands, the vision, and the skating to be here. He isn't tough, but neither was Jokinen and people here loved him.

He is a good player who will only get better. he is cheap and easy to retain. He has top six abilities and is currently being forced to try and make them work with a scrub 4th line center.

*Edit* in an opposing arena Bennett, just under 10minTOI, was credited with 2 shots and 3 hits. Meanwhile Downie and Lappiere had two hits combined in over 21minutes TOI combined with 0 shots on net. GRIT

BTW Cole played 12+minutes, all even strength, blocked 3 shots and had 4 quality hits. Didnt' get a shot on net, but was very smart and quick with the puck. It is important to see what he can do on the PK.

BTW Cole played 12+minutes, all even strength, blocked 3 shots and had 4 quality hits. Didnt' get a shot on net, but was very smart and quick with the puck. It is important to see what he can do on the PK.
- usethe1-2-2

Have Lovejoy's quickynotes as well?

Have Lovejoy's quickynotes as well?
- Guile

6 shot attempts (2 SOG), 25 shifts with 19:27 TOI and 3 hits. If I remember correctly he was on the PK. He played a solid game all around.

Edit: Lovejoy did pinch at his own blueline and let Mackinnon get a nice scoring opportunity in the 1st though

I was thinking earlier (before I had coffee) that this season especially, the #1 line is Malkin. Malkin is the better, more consistent forward. Fleury is most responsible for the team's success and Letang is going to win the Norris trophy but Geno has been better for a while now and frankly has a better NHL resume.
- Johnny Wrath

You sir are a moron

You sir are a moron
- dbell646

sidenote....Ducks have the coolest home jerseys in the league.