2011-12 NHL Thread

[ski bahk do]

OK gang, camps are opening, so call me presumptious, but I figure it's time for a new thread dedicated to the new season.

Not a lot of roster spots up for grabs in LA this fall. The goalie picture is solid for the first time in the organization's history. Alec Martinez played well after being called up last season; I wouldn't expect to see any changes to the D-corps. The off-season moves have bolstered the top two lines and Ethan Moreau should secure a spot on the third line filling the role vacated by Wayne Simmonds. Brad Richardson may have to fight off a youngster like Linden Vey, Tyler Toffoli or Brandon Kozun to keep his spot, one of the few compelling battles for a roster spot during this camp.

Ducks have arguably the best top line in the league, an aging and inconsistent second line, and not much established in the bottom six forwards, so it will be interesting to see what plays out in camp. This camp represents an enormous opportunity for a lot of the younger guys like Bonino, Palmieri (who absolutely torched the AHL the last two monts of last season), Belesky and even a couple of the guys who are still eligible to play in juniors like Emerson Etem and Devante Smith-Pelley. Ducks D corps is nothing spectacular, but pretty much set in stone. I'd be surprised to see anyone other than Beauchemin, Fowler, Visnovsky, Sbisa, Lydman, Foster and Brookbank on opening night. Here's to Hiller's recovery being complete...

I don't follow the East and the Flyers much, so I'd be interested to get Grumpy's take. Camp will be interesting with all the new faces. The team had nice forward depth before all the off-season action, and they inked Jagr to a comeback contract, so the pieces are likely already in place to ice three solid lines, leaving the creation of a fourth line as the only major offensive project in camp. Kings fans will be keeping an eye on the development of Brayden Schenn as the long term assessment of the Richards deal starts. The D-corps also looks pretty solid and likely only the seventh man/spare part slot up for grabs. With the money he's making and the moves the team had to make to get him, Bryzgalov is your unquestioned #1 goalie. Bobs will back up, but might have to be moved if further roster moves are needed at any point since this team has zero cap space.

GAME ON!!!

[SKIPUNK]

Really looking forward to puck season. Kings need to get Doughty signed and into camp. I'll be disappointed if the Kings dont make it to the western confrence finals.

[ski bahk do]

Really looking forward to puck season. Kings need to get Doughty signed and into camp. I'll be disappointed if the Kings dont make it to the western confrence finals.

The need to quadruple the number of playoff games they have won each of the last two seasons to make the WCF. Pretty big jump, but if it doesn't happen with this roster, it's probably never going to happen.

[Snowave]

While not a rare negotiating move, when a player doesn't report to camp because of contract talks, it creates ill will between the team and the player. Not a good move IMO for the kid, Doughty and the Kings.

[rallyhardwear]

With the majority of the team returning, the STANLEY CUP CHAMPION Boston Bruins are poised to make a run to repeat as the champs. (It's a long season - I know).

LETS GO B's!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ski bahk do]

With the majority of the team returning, the STANLEY CUP CHAMPION Boston Bruins are poised to make a run to repeat as the champs. (It's a long season - I know).

LETS GO B's!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rally, I have kept up with the Flyers because they have been a trading partner with both the Kings and Ducks, but I really haven't kept up with the B's. Is it really last year's squad again? Any significant changes or good camp battles?

[rallyhardwear]

Key losses: Mark Recchi (Retired), Michael Ryder (Dallas), Thomas Kaberle (thank god).

Off Season Acquisitions : Joe Corvo (Carolina), Benoît Pouliot (Habs - I hated this dude and cant stand former Montreal signings)

The B's will have a bulls eye on their back as all champs do the following season. Fighting for spots will be rookie Jordan Caron who won a spot on the squad out of camp last season but fizzled out. Pouliot was in the dog house for Les Habitants and is young and gritty. Corvo will bring MUCH needed help to the PP. Apparently the B's have invited Chris Clark (former Caps captain) to camp on a try out basis. Good move to have a veteran presence battling for a job.

Seguin will be expected to produce and bring a more consistent game to the table. Marchand is tied up for two seasons which is huge. Marc Savard is probably done for good so this will free up some big cap space if they need to make some moves. Horton is back with no repercussions from that awful hit in game 3 of the finals.

That's pretty much it. See everyone at Grumpy's on 10/6 to watch the banner raise against Jaromir Jagr's Flyers!

[Grumpy]

It is now officially Pronger's Flyers.

Can't wait to watch this possible train wreck. I was going to cancel my Center Ice because I was tired of watching the overpaid, underachieving, toxic twins but they are gone now. Really looking forward to seeing this new young, hungry, core take over the team.

Hopefully Richie and Carts can stay off the drugs and booze and succeed in their new settings.

[rallyhardwear]

VERSUS NHL preseason schedule (all times ET and subject to change)

Wednesday, Sept. 21 Toronto at Philadelphia 7 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 26 Rangers at Philadelphia 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 28 Detroit at Chicago 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 29 New Jersey at Philadelphia 7 p.m.

[ski bahk do]

OK, so maybe all spots on the LA blue line aren't solidified as Doughty is a holdout.

[ski bahk do]

Dustin Byfuglien -- artist AND seer?

[rallyhardwear]

Jody Shelley to Receive NHL Suspension of Five-Plus Games

http://www.nesn.com/2011/09/report-jody-shelley-to-receive-nhl-suspension-of-five-plus-games.html

[ski bahk do]

Jody Shelley to Receive NHL Suspension of Five-Plus Games

http://www.nesn.com/2011/09/report-jody-shelley-to-receive-nhl-suspension-of-five-plus-games.html

Well, if Shanny plans on being tougher on dangerous play than his predecessor, it's good that he's making it known now.

What's the over/under on salary Matt Cooke will lose this year?

[Grumpy]

Matt Cooke will be on a very short leash. Especially after Mario came out and spoke about bad hits on his precious little Crosby. If he had any balls at all he would release Cooke who is the dirtiest piece of crap in the NHL.

Shanny will ruin the game because he is a huge pu$$y. His rule changes suck and is just another way to pussify the sport. Get rid of the instigator and let the players police themselves. Cooke, Avery, and Kaleta would be out of the league because they suck as players and turtle when called out.

If you want the game to be better contract six teams, Phoenix, Florida, Dallas, Columbus, Nashville, and Anaheim or the Devils. That would bring the talent level back up and get the scrubs out of the game.

This will be the last time you see Shelley in an NHL sweater. He had a good run but can no longer hang with the big boys and has been neutered. He is nothing but a punching bag out here. The Flyers will waive him and he will be replace by Zac Rinaldo.

[ski bahk do]

Them's fightin' words, Grumpy. Contract the Duck? CONTRACT THE DUCK???

Over the last decade, they've played in something like a regular season's worth of playoff games, been to two finals, had two Conn Smythe winners, a Hart/Richard double winner, and won a Cup.

I don't disagree that the league could stand a little contraction (NHLPA will never let it happen, mind you), but there are a lot more worthy candidates than Anaheim, my friend.