Around the NHL

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Yes, it was an uneventful trade deadline. About the biggest surprise were the Canucks trading Cody Hodgson to Buffalo for Kassian. They're probably hoping they just obtained the next Neely or Bertuzzi. Canuckleheads aren't very happy with this one.

[jagators63]

Montreal Canadiens legend Jean Beliveau is in hospital after suffering a stroke Monday evening, the team has announced

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories...#ixzz1njMEAzlB

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Looks like the national (i.e. Toronto) sports media have finally gotten their wish:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=389346

The Toronto Maple Leafs' slide out of a playoff position has cost head coach Ron Wilson his job. The club let Wilson go on Friday evening, and have replaced him with former Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle.

[The_Cat]

I think Carlyle will be good for the Leafs.

[North Guy66]

^ Well Carlyle and Burke do have a history together.



p.s....Get ready to hear this in the summer....

"The Edmonton Oilers are pleased to announce the hiring of Ron Wilson as their new head coach."

[Hilman]

I hope not, I can't stand him.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Speaking of coaches looking for work

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=616921

Keenan hoping for one more chance behind bench

Mike Keenan works three part-time television jobs in order to stay abreast of what is going on in the National Hockey League today. The coach known as "Iron Mike" would give them all up for a chance to emulate what Ken Hitchcock is doing in St. Louis.

Keenan, who spoke to NHL.com in Las Vegas during Wayne Gretzky's Fantasy Camp, wants to coach again in the NHL. He remains hopeful that the opportunity still exists for him despite his age (62), his reputation as being hard-driving and relentless on his players, and the fact he hasn't coached since the 2008-09 season.

[envaneo]

I like Tom Renney, he's doing a good job. It's not his fault the team is where they are in the standings. I'm no expert but all the First round number #1's in the world won't help the Oiler's. I can site several stats this year: Turnovers, lack of hitting, shots on goal a couple of Dustin Penner like forwards with better intensity and maybe another Chris Pronger would be nice, that's my shopping cart. The above easy to say hard to do. Well, I can dream can't I?

[moahunter]

IMO Renny is being lined up as the fall guy for the season. We weren't supposed to come second last. I actually blame Tambilini to a large extend, as everyone except him seemed to realize the D needed help going into the season, he is only now, a year later, talking about acquiring a top D.

In writing that, Renny has been disappointing of late, mashing up the lines like MacT used to. I mean, how did it make sense to promote Lennart to the first line before the game, then drop him out halfway through the game? I think he is as good as gone.

[envaneo]

^ Which is too bad. If Tom gets replaced by another coach that'd be going backwards not forwards. Maybe Oiler's brass are watching what Tiillman is doing to the Esks and might follow suit.

[jagators63]

hey remember Oilers got too many players injured in the last 4 months, that is a tough part on the team.

[jagators63]

Originally Posted by Sonic Death Monkey

Speaking of coaches looking for work

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=616921

keenan is best stay retired from NHL because if he wants to coach again , he has to keep his cool and if not, he can kiss NHL coaching career goodbye for good.

[envaneo]

Originally Posted by jagators63

hey remember Oilers got too many players injured in the last 4 months, that is a tough part on the team.

Seems to be a running theme with the club. Player development? I don't know

[Sonic Death Monkey]

If Renney is replaced, it is likely going to be by Ralph Krueger. I think the associate coach position works the same as a vice-principal at a school, or the American Vice-President - the person who takes over if the principal or President is incapacitated or fired.

But I wouldn't have minded if they grabbed Randy Carlyle or Ken Hitchcock. They should grab Perry Pearn as an assistant or associate coach.

[moahunter]

^I liked what we saw under Krueger.

[envaneo]

But this is all speculation, I think Renney will stay put. I can't remember how long his contract is.

[Marcel Petrin]

His contract expires this summer. I had thought it was next year and was going to say I that I doubt he'll be going anywhere. However seeing that his contract is up, perhaps a change will be made. I don't think he should take much blame for this season at all. The team is significantly better than it was last year, but unfortunately due to injuries, suspect D and goaltending it hasn't shown up in the standings.

[lobbdogg]

I believe Renny, Kruegar, and Tambelini's contracts are all up this summer. There could be a variety of scenarios that we see for next season.

[North Guy66]

In the n expect to see Todd Nelson promoted to be the Oilers head coach. He's doing a great job in Oklahoma this season. A good chunk of the players on the Barons roster will eventually make it to the big club.

Oh yeah, please get rid of Kelly Buchberger from being an assistant coach on the Oilers.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

The 2nd worst possible outcome for the godless Flames:
- they lose in Dallas
- Avs get 1 point in OT loss
- Phoenix and San Jose went to a shootout (Sharks won)

It only would have worse had LA won their game tonight.

[Hilman]

They are now down to an 8.5 % chance of making the playoffs

http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL.html

[jagators63]

Quebec City is about to get ready to built NHL style Arena this September, They have done very well moving fast to get ready to built. but for Edmonton here, City and katz group should move fast as possible just like what Quebec city does.

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories...-plans-120325/

[Doug]

Much different political climate in Quebec. I'm sure most of the money going into the arena is from taxes.

[Edmcowboy11]

Well this is very interesting though, Quebec municipal and provincial government stepping up to the plate. Here the city is stepping up but the province is unwilling to do so. Interesting considering they don't even have a team in Quebec city.

[Hilman]

^ Pretty easy when you aren't spending your own money and get billions from other provinces (mainly us of course). Looks like our taxes will be paying for an arena, unfortunately in another province lol.

[moahunter]

^it is sort of ironic that we are forced to pay for one in Quebec (indirectly via equalization which we don't receive but our federal taxes fund), but reluctant to pay for one in Alberta.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Habs house-cleaning has begun:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=391671

Pierre Gauthier's tenure as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens is over, as Canadiens owner and team president Geoff Molson announced on Thursday that the club has relieved him of his duties.

"We need to remember that our fans want us to win, period," Molson told reporters at the team's practice facility in Brossard. "Our organizational culture is to support and adopt this passion for victory. Nothing else matters."

The club also parted ways with former general manager Bob Gainey, who was working as Special Advisor to the General Manager. Former Canadiens player and general manager Serge Savard will join the team in an advisory role and will assist with the search for a new GM.

[McBoo]

Can you say Patrick Roy?

[North Guy66]

Did anyone see this? Sometime during the Calgary vs. LA 3-0 loss, a Flames fan threw his jersey on the ice. Another fan also threw his jersey but it didn't reach the ice.

Things are getting antsy in Cowtown!

[Hilman]

^ Great to see, couldn't happen to a better group of fans

[jagators63]

Calgary Flames buy majority stake in Stampeders.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sport...795/story.html

[McBoo]

^ Great, they'll be third or fourth in eternity.

The Kelowna Okanagons will finish second and Jay Feaster will vow never to re-build.

Good corporate move though, errr, okay maybe not so much

[Sonic Death Monkey]

For those of you who hate Pierre McGuire, he is considered a serious contender as new Habs GM. At least that will get him out of the broadcast booth.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

It's now official...no Red Mile again this season!

[The_Cat]

Quebec City Arena to be built in old city to revitalize the core.

[The_Cat]

NHL playoff matchups:

East:

NY Rangers (1) vs Ottawa (
Boston (2) vs Washington (7)
Florida (3) vs New Jersey (6)
Pittsburgh (4) vs Philadelphia (5)

West:

Vancouver (1) vs LA Kings (
St. Louis (2) vs San Jose (7)
Phoenix (3) vs Chicago (6)
Nashville (4) vs Detroit (5)

[JBear]

Rangers/Boston/Jersey/Pittsburgh
Van/St.Louis/Chicago/Detroit(?)

[Hilman]

^ I mainly agree but think Nashville and Phoenix will win their respective series.

[envaneo]

It's going to all come down to goal tending, again.

[Marcel Petrin]

Originally Posted by envaneo

It's going to all come down to goal tending, again.

In other news, the sky is blue and water flows down hill.

[Gord Lacey]

I heard it may come down to scoring as well - team with the most number of goals at the end of the game will win it.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Coach Brent Sutter gone from Calgary
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=392974

[sweetcrude]

Thought this was rather humorous... Please enjoy.

[The_Cat]

Wow, 4 of the first 7 playoff games go into overtime.

[Drumbones]

good post sweetcrude, but looks good on T.O. myself i cant stand central canada. I wish our country stopped at the ont border and we kept all our money here. T. O. . Ottawa, montreal and quebec all suck. Vented.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Brent Sutter named Team Canada coach
http://www.tsn.ca/canadian_hockey/story/?id=393043

I wonder if K-Lowe is auditioning him to see how well he works with Eberle, Nuge and Dub?

[MrOilers]

Originally Posted by sweetcrude

Thought this was rather humorous...

All stories about the Leafs are humorous.

Unless you are a Leafs fan, of course.

[Hilman]

Nice win by the Kings, 2 more please

[The_Cat]

Pittsburgh's also two games down.

[Gord Lacey]

The Pens/Flyers game was crazy. I'm glad I decided to watch that series. The number of hits in those games illustrates how little the Oilers use their bodies effectively.

[North Guy66]

Ha ha! The L.A. Oilers are up 2 games to zip against Vancouver.

[jagators63]

cheering Canucks fans in Fort McMurray got hit with $ 804 tickets.


http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/l...shColumbiaHome

[jagators63]

ex- Oliers Raffi Torres who is now play for Coyotes have been suspended indefinitely for the hit on Hossa.


http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=393534

[Gord Lacey]

The little punk Torres gets 25 games, which will roll over to next season (if they aren't completed during the playoffs, which means he wouldn't play any preseason games either).

http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/con...d=60&id=173753

What an idiot.

[jagators63]

Torres is known for getting big hits on others but he refused to learn his lesson , so he deserved to be suspended for 25 games.

[Gord Lacey]

A big hit is fine, but a hit to the head isn't. Torres has too many big hits to the head.

[jagators63]

Originally Posted by Gord Lacey

A big hit is fine, but a hit to the head isn't. Torres has too many big hits to the head.

yeah , true

[moahunter]

Has Don Cherry said anything yet? I expect him to say something like "He was just finishing his check, player should have kept his head up".

The problem is the double standard. Why did none of his earlier hits like this result in longer suspensions? I think it has more to do with the media and needing a scape goat for early playoff violence, than the crime, but time will tell. Torres is easy to target as he is not a star, if Ovechkin had done this, I don't think we would see this type of suspension.

[jagators63]

Torres does deserve 25 game suspensions because he is a repeat offender when it comes to hitting head shot on other players.

[Marcel Petrin]

Originally Posted by moahunter

Has Don Cherry said anything yet? I expect him to say something like "He was just finishing his check, player should have kept his head up".

The problem is the double standard. Why did none of his earlier hits like this result in longer suspensions? I think it has more to do with the media and needing a scape goat for early playoff violence, than the crime, but time will tell. Torres is easy to target as he is not a star, if Ovechkin had done this, I don't think we would see this type of suspension.

The reason that the other hits didn't merit as long of a suspension is that the "standard" for what is a legal hit has been changed dramatically in the past 2-3 seasons, for one thing. 6 years ago when Torres put Michalek out of the playoffs, that was a kosher hit. Scott Stevens made a Hall of Fame career out of hits that would have him suspended today.

The other thing to keep in mind is that he HAS been suspended or fined numerous times, and it's a sliding scale in terms of suspension length as you become a repeat offender. Obviously the 4 games he got for his hit on Eberle didn't send the message, and the Hossa hit really was pretty terrible.

I agree though that there continues to be inconsistency with this kind of thing. Why was his hit on Seabrook not suspendable? Oh, because apparently there was some sort of "hitting zone" behind the net where a player should expect to get their brains clobbered.

I feel for Shanahan though. Already there's a lot of grumblings from some GMs around the league that the suspension is way too long or a shocker. He's stuck between a rock and a hard place. The NHL needs to completely change the supplementary discipline process, and it's likely to be a contentious issue with the NHLPA in the next CBA negotiations. Some sort of independent tribunal process should be looked at, although I have no idea how you can come up with objective guidelines for what is acceptable and what isn't.

[lobbdogg]

I don't think it has anything to do with Torres not being a star or not.

He has been suspended at least twice this season for 'dirty' hits. And numerous hits over the last 5-6 years. This isn't his first rodeo.

The short suspensions isn't driving home the fact that you can't target a player's head, so I'm all for giving him 25 games. In fact, if I were Shanahan, I would have probably doubled it to 50. The hit on Hossa was predatory, with intent to injure.

The puck was no where near Hossa, Torres even tried to play the puck just before leaping to hit Hossa's head. Here is a pretty good look at the hit http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=629019&cmpid=twt

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Penguins eliminated in 6 games. How many bet on them making it to the Cup final?

[Marcel Petrin]

I did, or at least had several in my hockey pool. And we're not talking small money either. Also have a couple Canucks (as much as I hate to admit it). Not going to be pretty when we have to settle sidebets next year, unless New Jersey and St. Louis both make it to the finals and Boston makes it to the semis. Ugh.

[The_Cat]

Riot time in Vancouver!

[The_Cat]

This guy gets around:

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sport...990/story.html

[North Guy66]

Remember the old saying?.....sometimes the best trade you make is the one you don't make.

Mike Gillis traded Cody Hodgson to Buffalo for Zack Kassian. Hodgson was having a breakout season but the Canucks wanted more toughness. The Canucks seemed to be in a funk after Hodgson was traded.

Too Bad!

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Let the Loungo trade rumors continue!

[JBear]

re: Torres. Well since pre-season is also counted in the suspension, it is somewhat consistent with Shanny's rulings earlier this year when a couple of players were suspended for a large amount of games.

Canucks. They can get a lot more for trading Schneider than Loungo. But I think Lou needs a change of scenery. He actually didn't play bad this year in the playoffs, Schneider just played better.

[moahunter]

Originally Posted by Sonic Death Monkey

Penguins eliminated in 6 games. How many bet on them making it to the Cup final?

I find this funny every year, people write "these are the real contenders", but the reality is, in playoffs, anything can happen. Just think back to the 2006 Oilers run, and Carolina reaching the final. The team that wants it most, often goes furthest. I think, tiredness from previous season also plays a role, some question whether a dnyasty is even possible today, not having a longer off season to recover.

[Marcel Petrin]

Originally Posted by JBear

re: Torres. Well since pre-season is also counted in the suspension, it is somewhat consistent with Shanny's rulings earlier this year when a couple of players were suspended for a large amount of games.

The way that Shanahan talked about the terms of the suspension, it sounded to me like he wouldn't be eligible to play in the pre-season obviously, but that the pre-season games would not count towards the suspension length. Playoffs and regular season only.

I could be wrong.

[Marcel Petrin]

Originally Posted by moahunter

I find this funny every year, people write "these are the real contenders", but the reality is, in playoffs, anything can happen. Just think back to the 2006 Oilers run, and Carolina reaching the final. The team that wants it most, often goes furthest. I think, tiredness from previous season also plays a role, some question whether a dnyasty is even possible today, not having a longer off season to recover.

The difficulty in setting up a dynasty today has far more to do with contracts, free agency, and cap space than it does with a lack of off season. The regular season is only 2 games longer and the playoff format hasn't changed since the Oilers or Red Wings were doing their dynasty things. Training camps are a bit longer, I suppose, but overall the length of the season hasn't changed by more than a couple weeks since the 80's and there's been huge improvements in training and nutrition of the players since then.

[North Guy66]

Originally Posted by moahunter

I find this funny every year, people write "these are the real contenders", but the reality is, in playoffs, anything can happen. Just think back to the 2006 Oilers run, and Carolina reaching the final. The team that wants it most, often goes furthest. I think, tiredness from previous season also plays a role, some question whether a dnyasty is even possible today, not having a longer off season to recover.

The biggest factor is which goalie gets red hot. In 2006 we know what Roloson did...until he got injured in the final. Jonathon Quick is amazing this year while Fleury was absolutely brutal.

The Kings remind me of the 2006 Oilers because the team is gelling together at the right time. Go LA Oilers GO!

[North Guy66]

Originally Posted by Marcel Petrin

The way that Shanahan talked about the terms of the suspension, it sounded to me like he wouldn't be eligible to play in the pre-season obviously, but that the pre-season games would not count towards the suspension length. Playoffs and regular season only.

I could be wrong.

That's what I gathered by the news report. Torres is not allowed to play in the pre-season but it doesn't count for the 25 game suspension.

[moahunter]

Originally Posted by North Guy66

The Kings remind me of the 2006 Oilers because the team is gelling together at the right time. Go LA Oilers GO!

Its great to see Stoll playing well.

[North Guy66]

Originally Posted by moahunter

Its great to see Stoll playing well.

I cry whenever I think of the Stoll and Matt Greene for Visnovsky trade.

Granted Stoll had a brutal season in Edmonton before being traded but he is always good at faceoffs and has a wicked shot. I'll take him over Belanger any day. Matt Greene is exactly what the Oilers need on the blueline and he is joker in the dressing room. Yes, the Oilers needed an offensive d-man at the time of the trade, but in hindsight we gave up too much.

[moahunter]

^I don't think we had a choice on Stoll, he wanted to be with supermodel GF in LA.

[North Guy66]

Originally Posted by moahunter

^I don't think we had a choice on Stoll, he wanted to be with supermodel GF in LA.

From what I recall Stoll dating Rachael Hunter had no bearing on the trade. He was actually a bit shocked of being traded. When the Oilers drafted him (he was reinstated in the draft after Calgary wouldn't sign him), he was being groomed to be a future captain.

I won't mind seeing Dustin Penner come back to the Oilers. He is an UFA this summer. Sign him for $2.5M.

[Gord Lacey]

Originally Posted by Marcel Petrin

The way that Shanahan talked about the terms of the suspension, it sounded to me like he wouldn't be eligible to play in the pre-season obviously, but that the pre-season games would not count towards the suspension length. Playoffs and regular season only.

I could be wrong.

That was my interpretation as well. If the 25 games aren't used up during the playoffs, they will carry over to the regular season, and he won't be eligible for the preseason games.

[North Guy66]

Chicago is bounced from the playoffs. My hockey pool at work is getting a beating.

[JBear]

Originally Posted by JBear

Rangers/Boston/Jersey/Pittsburgh
Van/St.Louis/Chicago/Detroit(?)

Van > LA - WRONG
St. Louis > SJ - DING
Chi > Pho - WRONG
Det > Nas - WRONG

NYR > Ott - ?
Bos > Wash - ?
Pit > Phi - WRONG
NJ > Fla - Not looking good

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Hope Ottawa advances - last Canadian team standing, and will rub Leafs fans' noses in the dirt

Hope Washington advances - don't want to see Seguin win another Cup.

[McBoo]

Sens vs. Nordiques, err Coyotes for the Cup.

Sweet

[envaneo]

I'd like to see a Sens/Blues match up in the finale. C'mon Gary, make it happen. We know you can

[jagators63]

Luongo is open to waiving his no-trade clause if the team asks him to.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/2012/04/2...n-from-canucks

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Bruins eliminated by Caps!

[jagators63]

Originally Posted by Sonic Death Monkey

Bruins eliminated by Caps!

Very interesting that Bruins and Canucks went to the final last year , is now out of this year's playoffs in 1 st round !!

[jagators63]

It was the first time in NHL history that a playoff series between Bruins and Caps had seven games determined by one goal

[jagators63]

Boston Bruins fans are reeling after a stunning overtime loss in Game 7 Wednesday night, but others are reeling from the racist backlash that erupted over Twitter after the Washington Capitals' Joel Ward scored the winning goal.


http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories...#ixzz1tA2L2V8B


what wrong with Bruins fans ??

[lobbdogg]

Originally Posted by jagators63

Boston Bruins fans are reeling after a stunning overtime loss in Game 7 Wednesday night, but others are reeling from the racist backlash that erupted over Twitter after the Washington Capitals' Joel Ward scored the winning goal.


http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories...#ixzz1tA2L2V8B


what wrong with Bruins fans ??

I understand that their team lost, but they lost fair and square. No need to play the race card.

[moahunter]

^sad.

[Alex.L]

I'm glad that both the Bruins and Canucks are out. My office is now "my team is in the playoffs and yours isn't"-fan free.

Refreshing. Also, love all the upsets.

[The_Cat]

Radulov and Kostitsyn suspended by the Predators:

http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/201...lle-predators/

[Gord Lacey]

Sounds like it's a case of "stay out late, you'll be grounded."

[North Guy66]

Radulov and Kostitsyn are not exactly character guys.

Nashville needs more Tootoo and less Radulov.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Marc Bergevin hired as new Habs GM, was assistant GM with Chicago
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=394829

[jagators63]

Raffi Torres to appeal 25 games ban.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/2012/05/0...al-25-game-ban

[jagators63]

after 3 yrs of waiting, Coyotes is a step closer to have an owner.

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories...oyotes-120507/

[North Guy66]

Go LA Kings!

Phoenix doesn't deserve to be in the Stanley Cup final.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

I'm hoping for an LA vs Washington final. Not only because I hate the Rangers, Flyers, Devils and Coyotes, but because an LA vs Caps final will guarantee that a team wins its first-ever Cup.

[JamesL]

Respect.

I'm hoping for a Kings/Rangers final. Rangers because NYC is my second home in a lot of ways; Kings because I love cheering for 8th seeds... and Dustin Penner.