Hockey 2010-2011

[ila]

The rivalry between Montreal and Boston is going to be a little more intense this season as both teams made some good off-season moves.

Montreal made the right choice picking Gionta as the Captain. He's a natural on-ice leader. Montreal made the wrong choice when they let Halak go. Price is a fantastic goalie, but he's not consistent enough to carry the team for a whole season, whereas Halak is a fantastic goalie and he's consistent.

Predictions for the seasons

Montreal will make it into the playoffs, but lose to Boston.

Chicago is still an unknown quantity right now, but they will still go far this season.

Vancouver will make to the finals although they may not win the cup.

Phoenix will lose its team. YEAH!!

[GRH]

I'm stoked and ready! I caught a Vancouver pre-season game the other night. I can't wait for "Hockey Night in Canada" in the coming months. I think most people know where I stand...I'm a fan of Montreal and Boston. I like it when either team does well, but in a head-to-head matchup between the two I'd have to root for Montreal.

I don't keep up with the news during the offseason...So ila's post informed me about the decision regarding goalies. That's sad...I really liked Halak. I don't know if Montreal will be as strong without him.

I also like the buzz surrounding Vancouver this year...I expect they'll go deep.

[ila]

Originally Posted by GRH

I'm stoked and ready! I caught a Vancouver pre-season game the other night. I can't wait for "Hockey Night in Canada" in the coming months. I think most people know where I stand...I'm a fan of Montreal and Boston. I like it when either team does well, but in a head-to-head matchup between the two I'd have to root for Montreal.

I don't keep up with the news during the offseason...So ila's post informed me about the decision regarding goalies. That's sad...I really liked Halak. I don't know if Montreal will be as strong without him.

I also like the buzz surrounding Vancouver this year...I expect they'll go deep.

You are most welcome, GRH, for the information regarding goalies. Halak I'm sure will be missed.

A little bit more information for you regarding Gionta. He is from New York (Rochester I think, but I could be wrong) and only the second American to be Captain of Montreal. The other one was Chelios.

[smc]

I'm traveling with less time than usual for logging on, but wanted to make a few quick remarks. I will write a more extensive pre-season assessment later this week.

I am excited for my Bruins having signed Tyler Seguin, who already is making an impact beyond his years. The Bruins have some serious work to do to atone for their epic collapse against the Flyers in last season's playoffs. We shall see. Boston always looks good before the season begins.

More to come, including some views of other teams ...

[dauls]

Originally Posted by ila

Phoenix will lose its team. YEAH!!

But to where?

To Hamilton or Winnipeg? Maybe Milwaukee or Portland or Seattle. Or somewhere non-traditional like Houston or Las Vegas!

[ila]

Originally Posted by dauls

But to where?

To Hamilton or Winnipeg? Maybe Milwaukee or Portland or Seattle. Or somewhere non-traditional like Houston or Las Vegas!

My bet is on Winnipeg. Bettman doesn't like Hamilton and Jim Balsillie. The board of governors who at one time thought Balsillie was the greatest thing since sliced bread have decided to be sycophants to Bettman, therefore Hamilton will never get a team. Toronto and Buffalo both have vetoes on Hamilton and neither team will approve a Hamilton franchise. It's too bad because hockey would be a big draw in Hamilton and they deserve a team.

I shuddered when I read your remark about Houston or Las Vegas. That would be a nightmare to a true hockey fan. It's bad enough that Dallas has an NHL team; Houston would be a horror. I wouldn't be too upset if Utah got a hockey team. At least they have snow and it gets cold there.

[dauls]

Originally Posted by ila

My bet is on Winnipeg. Bettman doesn't like Hamilton and Jim Balsillie. The board of governors who at one time thought Balsillie was the greatest thing since sliced bread have decided to be sycophants to Bettman, therefore Hamilton will never get a team. Toronto and Buffalo both have vetoes on Hamilton and neither team will approve a Hamilton franchise. It's too bad because hockey would be a big draw in Hamilton and they deserve a team.

I shuddered when I read your remark about Houston or Las Vegas. That would be a nightmare to a true hockey fan. It's bad enough that Dallas has an NHL team; Houston would be a horror. I wouldn't be too upset if Utah got a hockey team. At least they have snow and it gets cold there.

Houston/Las Vegas - Well with Bettman you never know.

Does Winnipeg have the financial strength to get the franchise?

Toronto and Buffalo should show some balls and accept a bit of on and off ice competition from Hamilton. Local rivalry is good for sport.

[ila]

Originally Posted by dauls

Houston/Las Vegas - Well with Bettman you never know.

This is so true and all so very possible with Bettman making the decisions; not to mention a true hockey fan's nightmare.

Originally Posted by dauls

Does Winnipeg have the financial strength to get the franchise?

Reports are that both Winnipeg and Quebec City have the financial strength to keep a franchise. Both cities have about the same population draw and hockey is almost a religion in both areas. The only difference is that Winnipeg has a new arena and Quebec City wants to build a new arena.

Originally Posted by dauls

Toronto and Buffalo should show some balls and accept a bit of on and off ice competition from Hamilton. Local rivalry is good for sport.

Yes both teams should allow competition from Hamilton. Their is a huge fan base around the Hamilton area and these fans would rather cheer for a team than split their loyalties between Toronto and Buffalo. I have no doubt that Shadows would agree with me on this.

[smc]

I will always be hoping for the NHL to have a team in Halifax!

[dauls]

Damn, first game of the season and the Devils suffer an OT loss.

Although it is nice to see Jason Arnott back in a Devils jersey. I can't believe it is over eight years since he last played for the Devils - the trade took him to Dallas.

[ila]

Originally Posted by ila

Predictions for the seasons

Montreal will make it into the playoffs, but lose to Boston.

Chicago is still an unknown quantity right now, but they will still go far this season.

Vancouver will make to the finals although they may not win the cup.

Phoenix will lose its team. YEAH!!

Well it looks like prediction #4 may not happen this season. There is a reported buyer for Phoenix. Rumour has it that as part of the deal Glendale may be responsible to cover any losses the team might have this season. If that is the case the taxpayers of Glendale are going to end up with a whopping bill.

[shadows]

Originally Posted by ila

Well it looks like prediction #4 may not happen this season. There is a reported buyer for Phoenix. Rumour has it that as part of the deal Glendale may be responsible to cover any losses the team might have this season. If that is the case the taxpayers of Glendale are going to end up with a whopping bill.

So they are basically putting a bandaid on top of their sucking chest wound? That just means that they are putting off the inevitable.

It may not happen for a couple of years, but hockey is NOT a viable market in Glendale.

The Coyotes are off to a crappy start so far, with a 1-2-1 record. They've never had great attendance, but a slow start will really make them stay away in droves.

[transjen]

Haven't watched a game yet this year or even know if the Flyers won a game yet,

Jerseygirl Jen

[shadows]

Originally Posted by transjen

Haven't watched a game yet this year or even know if the Flyers won a game yet,

Jerseygirl Jen

How come you are not a hockey fan anymore Jennifer? I remember how much you enjoyed the Flyers last year, and I can't understand why you wouldn't like them anymore.

And they are currently 2-2-1 this season.

[transjen]

Originally Posted by shadows

How come you are not a hockey fan anymore Jennifer? I remember how much you enjoyed the Flyers last year, and I can't understand why you wouldn't like them anymore.

And they are currently 2-2-1 this season.

Baseball is and always has been my fav sport and with the Phillies making the playoffs the NHL and Flyers has gone by with out me paying any attention plus last years cup loose took a lot of the spirit out of me

Jerseygirl Jen

[shadows]

Originally Posted by transjen

Baseball is and always has been my fav sport and with the Phillies making the playoffs the NHL and Flyers has gone by with out me paying any attention plus last years cup loose took a lot of the spirit out of me

Jerseygirl Jen

I truly hope that someday your love of hockey will return.

[smc]

Originally Posted by ila

Predictions for the seasons

Montreal will make it into the playoffs, but lose to Boston.

Wow, how did I miss this prediction made while I was away?!

ila, my friend, are you feeling okay?

[ila]

Originally Posted by smc

Wow, how did I miss this prediction made while I was away?!

ila, my friend, are you feeling okay?

I was in a rather gloomy mood when I made that prediction. As of right now I'm going to stick with that prediction. I think Boston has the better team this season.

[shadows]

Originally Posted by ila

I was in a rather gloomy mood when I made that prediction. As of right now I'm going to stick with that prediction. I think Boston has the better team this season.

As Montreal proved last year, the better team doesn't necessarily mean going onto the next round. A hot goalie and all bets are off.