James Tanner: Stranger Things, SK Top-Five + Hockey Pool Assistance Needed
Promising absolute zero percent coverage about the Jimmy Vessey saga.
- James_Tanner

just watched the movie cell last night

got ripped by critics, but I thought it was decent

Those are both very cool books - especially Needful Things which I feel was like the very last book that feels like King in the 80s (maybe that makes sense to someone) - but I don't think either can be top five.
- James_Tanner

he needs to make rage into a movie

You know why Stephen King movies generally suck? Because he's more of a storyteller than he is an author. By that, I mean he leaves a lot to your imagination, so much so that when you see it on screen, it just doesn't *feel* right...it's one persons interpretation of the story. Authors tend to put a lot of detail and description, so it can be translated to film much easier.

BTW...Tommyknockers is one word, and Eyes of the Dragon was a great book, and should be on your list. Because your opinion is wrong.

he needs to make rage into a movie
- homiedclown

THIS.

Will Poulter for Charlie Decker. DONE

James Tanner: Stranger Things, SK Top-Five + Hockey Pool Assistance Needed
Promising absolute zero percent coverage about the Jimmy Vessey saga.
- James_Tanner

For me its:

1. The Stand
2. The Talisman
3. It
4. The Green Mile
5. Revival

just watched the movie cell last night

got ripped by critics, but I thought it was decent
- homiedclown

Good to know. I enjoyed the book but was unsure about whether the film would match

Eleven dies. Will doesnt.

Have you watched the show "11.22.63?" It's produced by Stephen King AND JJ Abrams. It's nerd paradise. We'll sort of, it's really good though even though the name of the show is just a date.

Eleven dies. Will doesnt.
- Dcoms

Not quite true

Have you watched the show "11.22.63?" It's produced by Stephen King AND JJ Abrams. It's nerd paradise. We'll sort of, it's really good though even though the name of the show is just a date.
- Dcoms

Same as the book and the show is scarier than the book.

Although Tanner always claims to never read my posts (because I enjoy using his own words against him and destroying him factually), I figured I'd write a response not only because I like fantasy hockey, but far more importantly because my flight was delayed, which caused me to miss my connection in Frankfurt. With a rebooked 7am flight, I decided to stay in my comp'ed airport hotel room and watch Netflix... and then discovered that it appears Netflix has now blocked VPN's. Not speaking German, I decided to browse Hockeybuzz.

Without knowing more specifics of the league, this is what I'd go with:

Ovechkin, Tarasenko, Kucherov (or Hall), Byfuglien, Letang

Sell high on Crosby and whichever of Hall or Kucherov you didn't pick (and anyone else you can that's not in the above five players) before the draft for a few high picks.

Reasoning for my picks:

1) Ovechkin - a no brainer. The best goal scorer in hockey right now. Will also put up an insane amount of shots (flirts with 400 every year) and huge PP numbers; and should put up strong +/- numbers as Washington looks set to be a dominant team again this year.

2) Tarasenko - Should put up 40+ goals and figure to challenge for the Rocket Richard trophy this year. I expect a monster season this year from Tarasenko who is just entering his prime. Like Ovie, should put up big shot numbers (300+), strong PP numbers, as well as a good +/- as the Blues look set to continue to be strong.

3) Hall / Kucherov - Although I disagree with pretty much everything that Tanner spews forth, I do agree that Hall is a truly elite LW. But no one really knows what is going to happen in NJ, as Hall joins one of the worst offenses in the league. However, he put up stellar numbers in a similarly poopty situation in Edmonton, so hopefully he'll continue to pour in the points whilst lined up with Henrique & Palmieri. Should also put up big shot numbers (wouldn't be surprised to see him top 300+ in NJ as their new #1 weapon) as well as PP points. Plus/minus might be an issue. While I believe Hall is the superior player, I would choose Kucherov in this situation. Barring injury, he should easily match last season's 30+ goals / 60+ points again, and I expect he may well do even better, flirting with point per game range. He's just surrounded by so much talent in Tampa - he doesn't have the weight of the team on his shoulders, he doesn't have to be the man like Hall does in New Jersey, he won't be facing the opposition's top defenders every shift like Hall will because Tampa's opponents will also be focusing on shutting down Stamkos, Johnson, Drouin, etc. I don't think there's a wrong pick here, but I'd go the safe route and take Kucherov. I think Hall is a superior player, and he may well explode for 50+ goals (as Tanner predicted he would last season...), but I have my doubts as he heads into a brand new, defense first system where he is the undisputed #1 offensive weapon.

4) Byfuglien - another no brainer. Dude puts up huge numbers across the fantasy boards. Consistent 15-20 goals, ~ 50 points, lots of PP time, ~ 100 PIM, 200+ shots every year. Love Letang as well (see below), but if forced to choose just a single defenseman I'd take Byfuglien simply because of his durability & Letang's recent health issues.

5) Letang - Like Byfuglien, Letang consistently puts up great fantasy numbers across the board year after year. Actually, looking at their yearly stats side by side, Letang and Byfuglien put up remarkably similar stats year after year - Letang some more assists, Buff some more PIM, but very, very similar. Overall I chose to go with 3 F / 2 D rather than 4 F / 1 D, as it's usually much harder to replace quality defensemen in fantasy leagues than it is to pick up quality replacement forwards.

You could argue for keeping another forward (eg Hall / Kucherov) or a goalie (Elliott or Murray), particularly depending on league rules, in which it might make more sense to take another forward. Likewise a goalie - but the existing goalie situation doesn't excite me a whole lot. Elliott is a phenomenal goalie, but Calgary is an interesting and unknown situation. Whilst they desperately needed a true #1 goalie like Elliott, I think his fantasy numbers (wins, save %) are going to take a big hit as Calgary got caved in routinely on the possession front. Murray I like, but once again the uncertainty of the situation concerns me - no one knows whats going on with the Pens' goaltending beyond the fact that it's very likely one is traded before the deadline.

As for Crosby, I'd definitely try to trade him for a couple high-round picks. I like Crosby, he seems to have re-found his game after the coaching change last year and I could definitely see him putting up 100 points next season... but, center is usually the easiest position to replace in fantasy pools. In small leagues (like 8-12 teams), just due to numbers you've often got crazy situations going on where guys like Joe Thornton, Bergeron, Krejci, Sedin, Backstrom, Monahan, Spezza, etc are going for basically nothing in the later rounds (or undrafted altogether). Sure, Sid is likely going to put up 20-30+ more points than most guys I just listed, but I'd rather trade him for a few high draft picks and then "settle" for a guy like Backstrom or Thornton.

In honour of being stuck in Germany, I considered keeping Leon Draisaitl, and it was at that point that I realized I've probably drunk too much "bier". Gute nacht!

Although Tanner always claims to never read my posts (because I enjoy using his own words against him and destroying him factually), I figured I'd write a response not only because I like fantasy hockey, but far more importantly because my flight was delayed, which caused me to miss my connection in Frankfurt. With a rebooked 7am flight, I decided to stay in my comp'ed airport hotel room and watch Netflix... and then discovered that it appears Netflix has now blocked VPN's. Not speaking German, I decided to browse Hockeybuzz.

Without knowing more specifics of the league, this is what I'd go with:

Ovechkin, Tarasenko, Kucherov (or Hall), Byfuglien, Letang

Sell high on Crosby and whichever of Hall or Kucherov you didn't pick (and anyone else you can that's not in the above five players) before the draft for a few high picks.

Reasoning for my picks:

1) Ovechkin - a no brainer. The best goal scorer in hockey right now. Will also put up an insane amount of shots (flirts with 400 every year) and huge PP numbers; and should put up strong +/- numbers as Washington looks set to be a dominant team again this year.

2) Tarasenko - Should put up 40+ goals and figure to challenge for the Rocket Richard trophy this year. I expect a monster season this year from Tarasenko who is just entering his prime. Like Ovie, should put up big shot numbers (300+), strong PP numbers, as well as a good +/- as the Blues look set to continue to be strong.

3) Hall / Kucherov - Although I disagree with pretty much everything that Tanner spews forth, I do agree that Hall is a truly elite LW. But no one really knows what is going to happen in NJ, as Hall joins one of the worst offenses in the league. However, he put up stellar numbers in a similarly poopty situation in Edmonton, so hopefully he'll continue to pour in the points whilst lined up with Henrique & Palmieri. Should also put up big shot numbers (wouldn't be surprised to see him top 300+ in NJ as their new #1 weapon) as well as PP points. Plus/minus might be an issue. While I believe Hall is the superior player, I would choose Kucherov in this situation. Barring injury, he should easily match last season's 30+ goals / 60+ points again, and I expect he may well do even better, flirting with point per game range. He's just surrounded by so much talent in Tampa - he doesn't have the weight of the team on his shoulders, he doesn't have to be the man like Hall does in New Jersey, he won't be facing the opposition's top defenders every shift like Hall will because Tampa's opponents will also be focusing on shutting down Stamkos, Johnson, Drouin, etc. I don't think there's a wrong pick here, but I'd go the safe route and take Kucherov. I think Hall is a superior player, and he may well explode for 50+ goals (as Tanner predicted he would last season...), but I have my doubts as he heads into a brand new, defense first system where he is the undisputed #1 offensive weapon.

4) Byfuglien - another no brainer. Dude puts up huge numbers across the fantasy boards. Consistent 15-20 goals, ~ 50 points, lots of PP time, ~ 100 PIM, 200+ shots every year. Love Letang as well (see below), but if forced to choose just a single defenseman I'd take Byfuglien simply because of his durability & Letang's recent health issues.

5) Letang - Like Byfuglien, Letang consistently puts up great fantasy numbers across the board year after year. Actually, looking at their yearly stats side by side, Letang and Byfuglien put up remarkably similar stats year after year - Letang some more assists, Buff some more PIM, but very, very similar. Overall I chose to go with 3 F / 2 D rather than 4 F / 1 D, as it's usually much harder to replace quality defensemen in fantasy leagues than it is to pick up quality replacement forwards.

You could argue for keeping another forward (eg Hall / Kucherov) or a goalie (Elliott or Murray), particularly depending on league rules, in which it might make more sense to take another forward. Likewise a goalie - but the existing goalie situation doesn't excite me a whole lot. Elliott is a phenomenal goalie, but Calgary is an interesting and unknown situation. Whilst they desperately needed a true #1 goalie like Elliott, I think his fantasy numbers (wins, save %) are going to take a big hit as Calgary got caved in routinely on the possession front. Murray I like, but once again the uncertainty of the situation concerns me - no one knows whats going on with the Pens' goaltending beyond the fact that it's very likely one is traded before the deadline.

As for Crosby, I'd definitely try to trade him for a couple high-round picks. I like Crosby, he seems to have re-found his game after the coaching change last year and I could definitely see him putting up 100 points next season... but, center is usually the easiest position to replace in fantasy pools. In small leagues (like 8-12 teams), just due to numbers you've often got crazy situations going on where guys like Joe Thornton, Bergeron, Krejci, Sedin, Backstrom, Monahan, Spezza, etc are going for basically nothing in the later rounds (or undrafted altogether). Sure, Sid is likely going to put up 20-30+ more points than most guys I just listed, but I'd rather trade him for a few high draft picks and then "settle" for a guy like Backstrom or Thornton.

In honour of being stuck in Germany, I considered keeping Leon Draisaitl, and it was at that point that I realized I've probably drunk too much "bier". Gute nacht!
- TheMaritimer

I think I read 11.22.63 quicker than I read this post.

Yep, from the same collection as Shawshank, just didn't care for the movie.
- Mr.Bobby

Lots of good King movies: Shawshank, the Body, Green Mile, 11/12/63, Creepshow, Silver Bullet, Carrie, the Shining, the Mist, Apt Pupil, Secret Window, the old made-for-TV the Langoliers (his best short story) Misery is actually probably the best movie, Dreamcatcher isn't as bad as people say, the show Under the Dome was pretty good,
the running man is classic Arnie, hearts in Atlantis.

So tons of decent stuff, and the Shining and the Body are two of the greatest movies ever made. Also, Shawshank is probably one of the most popular movies ever made.

Crazy to think that the films the Shining, and the Children of the Corn come from the same guy.

Ween hopefully that isn't the best song on the album
- Garnie

Actually in 1996 Ween released a Country album, which is hilarious because most of their fans probably hate country music. It's pretty amazing though.

I've read Kings books since I was eight years old

-That's what happened to you , but truly that doesn't sound healthy...not sure I'd let me 10 yr old read any King books yet.
- Garnie

I read Eyes of the Dragon in grade three. At first my Dad would only let me read that and the Talisman and Different Seasons. Then he got pretty pissed in grade four or five when he caught me reading the Dead Zone, but he let me finish it.

Hey James, How does the blogger pay work on Hockeybuzz

-By Article, View count, Comments, etc?

I'm just wondering why certain bloggers continuously post so much crap on here, and some never bother to do it at all it seems

Seems some guys just go by pure volume of trash articles, yet some guys rarely bother to write (looking at Dan Spiegel) because they don't get the hit count when they do anyways

You write everyday and your hits and comments are huge, you must be doing alright?
- TheGame316

I'm not going to comment on what the pay is or anything cause I think I might get in trouble, but I don't really think the pay is the driving factor. It's just cool to have a form for your thoughts. It's not a full-time job, so life gets in the way sometimes which is why those guys probably don't write all the time.

I highly doubt anyone's motivation for writing has anything to do with money or popularity, but then again, I have the pure soul of a naive sucker, so I don't really know.

Dude Stranger Things is amazing! My 2nd favorite show right now
- Mordecai

What's your first?

he needs to make rage into a movie
- homiedclown

I think that ship sailed after Columbine. I doubt anyone wants to watch or even read that anymore. I think it's probably the worst thing he's done.

You know why Stephen King movies generally suck? Because he's more of a storyteller than he is an author. By that, I mean he leaves a lot to your imagination, so much so that when you see it on screen, it just doesn't *feel* right...it's one persons interpretation of the story. Authors tend to put a lot of detail and description, so it can be translated to film much easier.

BTW...Tommyknockers is one word, and Eyes of the Dragon was a great book, and should be on your list. Because your opinion is wrong.
- Darksyde

I'd say it's probably more to do with the length of his books and the fact that adapting psychological horrors to a visual medium often makes them look cheesy.

back in the day all the short books got made into low budget horror films and the long ones into crappy tv mini-series.

You're going to see everything he's done that hasn't been done well remade into a big budget picture pretty shortly.

For me its:

1. The Stand
2. The Talisman
3. It
4. The Green Mile
5. Revival
- Gunslinger

High ranking for a newer book. Interesting. I liked that one, but I don't think it was great.

Although Tanner always claims to never read my posts (because I enjoy using his own words against him and destroying him factually), I figured I'd write a response not only because I like fantasy hockey, but far more importantly because my flight was delayed, which caused me to miss my connection in Frankfurt. With a rebooked 7am flight, I decided to stay in my comp'ed airport hotel room and watch Netflix... and then discovered that it appears Netflix has now blocked VPN's. Not speaking German, I decided to browse Hockeybuzz.

Without knowing more specifics of the league, this is what I'd go with:

Ovechkin, Tarasenko, Kucherov (or Hall), Byfuglien, Letang

Sell high on Crosby and whichever of Hall or Kucherov you didn't pick (and anyone else you can that's not in the above five players) before the draft for a few high picks.

Reasoning for my picks:

1) Ovechkin - a no brainer. The best goal scorer in hockey right now. Will also put up an insane amount of shots (flirts with 400 every year) and huge PP numbers; and should put up strong +/- numbers as Washington looks set to be a dominant team again this year.

2) Tarasenko - Should put up 40+ goals and figure to challenge for the Rocket Richard trophy this year. I expect a monster season this year from Tarasenko who is just entering his prime. Like Ovie, should put up big shot numbers (300+), strong PP numbers, as well as a good +/- as the Blues look set to continue to be strong.

3) Hall / Kucherov - Although I disagree with pretty much everything that Tanner spews forth, I do agree that Hall is a truly elite LW. But no one really knows what is going to happen in NJ, as Hall joins one of the worst offenses in the league. However, he put up stellar numbers in a similarly poopty situation in Edmonton, so hopefully he'll continue to pour in the points whilst lined up with Henrique & Palmieri. Should also put up big shot numbers (wouldn't be surprised to see him top 300+ in NJ as their new #1 weapon) as well as PP points. Plus/minus might be an issue. While I believe Hall is the superior player, I would choose Kucherov in this situation. Barring injury, he should easily match last season's 30+ goals / 60+ points again, and I expect he may well do even better, flirting with point per game range. He's just surrounded by so much talent in Tampa - he doesn't have the weight of the team on his shoulders, he doesn't have to be the man like Hall does in New Jersey, he won't be facing the opposition's top defenders every shift like Hall will because Tampa's opponents will also be focusing on shutting down Stamkos, Johnson, Drouin, etc. I don't think there's a wrong pick here, but I'd go the safe route and take Kucherov. I think Hall is a superior player, and he may well explode for 50+ goals (as Tanner predicted he would last season...), but I have my doubts as he heads into a brand new, defense first system where he is the undisputed #1 offensive weapon.

4) Byfuglien - another no brainer. Dude puts up huge numbers across the fantasy boards. Consistent 15-20 goals, ~ 50 points, lots of PP time, ~ 100 PIM, 200+ shots every year. Love Letang as well (see below), but if forced to choose just a single defenseman I'd take Byfuglien simply because of his durability & Letang's recent health issues.

5) Letang - Like Byfuglien, Letang consistently puts up great fantasy numbers across the board year after year. Actually, looking at their yearly stats side by side, Letang and Byfuglien put up remarkably similar stats year after year - Letang some more assists, Buff some more PIM, but very, very similar. Overall I chose to go with 3 F / 2 D rather than 4 F / 1 D, as it's usually much harder to replace quality defensemen in fantasy leagues than it is to pick up quality replacement forwards.

You could argue for keeping another forward (eg Hall / Kucherov) or a goalie (Elliott or Murray), particularly depending on league rules, in which it might make more sense to take another forward. Likewise a goalie - but the existing goalie situation doesn't excite me a whole lot. Elliott is a phenomenal goalie, but Calgary is an interesting and unknown situation. Whilst they desperately needed a true #1 goalie like Elliott, I think his fantasy numbers (wins, save %) are going to take a big hit as Calgary got caved in routinely on the possession front. Murray I like, but once again the uncertainty of the situation concerns me - no one knows whats going on with the Pens' goaltending beyond the fact that it's very likely one is traded before the deadline.

As for Crosby, I'd definitely try to trade him for a couple high-round picks. I like Crosby, he seems to have re-found his game after the coaching change last year and I could definitely see him putting up 100 points next season... but, center is usually the easiest position to replace in fantasy pools. In small leagues (like 8-12 teams), just due to numbers you've often got crazy situations going on where guys like Joe Thornton, Bergeron, Krejci, Sedin, Backstrom, Monahan, Spezza, etc are going for basically nothing in the later rounds (or undrafted altogether). Sure, Sid is likely going to put up 20-30+ more points than most guys I just listed, but I'd rather trade him for a few high draft picks and then "settle" for a guy like Backstrom or Thornton.

In honour of being stuck in Germany, I considered keeping Leon Draisaitl, and it was at that point that I realized I've probably drunk too much "bier". Gute nacht!
- TheMaritimer

Yeah lots of good reasoning in this post along the lines of what I'm thinking. Good luck in Germany dude.

just watched the movie cell last night

got ripped by critics, but I thought it was decent
- homiedclown

Thought is was meh.. But watchable.

What's your first?
- James_Tanner

Right now, Preacher on AMC.

Have you watched the show "11.22.63?" It's produced by Stephen King AND JJ Abrams. It's nerd paradise. We'll sort of, it's really good though even though the name of the show is just a date.
- Dcoms

Just watched that last week... It was impressive.

Lots of good King movies: Shawshank, the Body, Green Mile, 11/12/63, Creepshow, Silver Bullet, Carrie, the Shining, the Mist, Apt Pupil, Secret Window, the old made-for-TV the Langoliers (his best short story) Misery is actually probably the best movie, Dreamcatcher isn't as bad as people say, the show Under the Dome was pretty good,
the running man is classic Arnie, hearts in Atlantis.

So tons of decent stuff, and the Shining and the Body are two of the greatest movies ever made. Also, Shawshank is probably one of the most popular movies ever made.

Crazy to think that the films the Shining, and the Children of the Corn come from the same guy.
- James_Tanner

Under the Dome was a disgrace.