The Official 2006 NHL Playoff Thread...

[Nickdfresh]

My hometown hopes...

SCOUTING REPORT
Matching lines? Balanced scoring boosts the speedy Sabres
By TIM GRAHAM
News Sports Reporter
4/21/2006

It took a late outburst from Maxim Afinogenov to place a Buffalo Sabre among the NHL's top 50 scorers. The winger finished 43rd to be precise. Not exactly the numbers one might expect from a team that won 52 games and rolled up 110 points.

Where Buffalo's offense has looked most impressive, however, has been in the distribution. Eleven Sabres finished with 40 or more points. No other NHL team can say that. The ultra-potent Ottawa Senators had only nine, the Colorado Avalanche 10.

If the Philadelphia Flyers would prefer to design a defensive game plan geared toward stopping any one or two lines in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, they'll likely become frustrated with the task.

Chris Drury needed a goal in the regular-season finale to reach 30 goals, otherwise the Sabres would have had six twentysomethings. Five hit double figures in power-play goals.

"That's what makes us a good team," said Sabres winger J.P. Dumont. "We have the four lines that can go at it and score some big goals. We know that we need all 20 guys, and some nights some guys are going to be hotter than others."

The Sabres won't have a first-team All-Star, but so many of their players enjoyed career offensive campaigns. Eight nonrookies either matched or surpassed their previous personal bests in goals. If not for injuries, Daniel Briere probably would have finished among the top 25 in scoring, and Tim Connolly would have been close behind.

Even with Dmitri Kalinin's numbers taking a nosedive, the defensemen contributed more than in seasons past. Brian Campbell, with 12 goals and 32 assists, turned in one of the most productive seasons by a Buffalo defenseman since the late 1990s.

"It's not about one or two lines or one or two players on this team," Briere said. "There's something special here."

What's up

What isn't? The Sabres enter the postseason clicking in virtually every facet on the ice. They allowed five goals over the last five games, including back-to-back shutouts to close out the regular season. Their power play finished third in the league, and their penalty kill finished second. Their offensive depth is further illustrated by the fact their fourth line includes a 25-goal scorer (Thomas Vanek) and another rookie winger (Jason Pominvile) who had 18 goals in only 57 games. And while the Sabres don't have significant NHL playoff experience on their roster, the man behind their bench knows how to guide a team deep into the tournament.

What's down

The Sabres aren't lacking for much, as their record and individual stats attest. But some observers might suggest the Sabres need a few more rugged veterans who've been here before. Any shortage in those areas usually gets exposed in the postseason. Only 305 games of playoff experience are on Buffalo's roster, and 10 of those belong to fearless forward Adam Mair, unavailable because of concussion issues. The Flyers, meanwhile, have several heavy hitters and 988 games of playoff experience working for them.

The Sabres will win if:

The Flyers aren't nearly as mobile defensively, and the swift skating Sabres should thrive on that. The

younger players, especially Miller, need to maintain their composure and perform just as they did in the regular season. If the Sabres don't get overwhelmed by the big stage, they might make it look easy.
e-mail: tgraham@buffnews.com



...Esche was making his fourth start since returning from a groin injury.

"With a talented team like (The Buffalo Sabres) are, they make you move so much," he said. "Those forwards on that team are very underrated. I think they are some of the best in the game right now."

--Robert Esche Feb. 2, 2006

http://cbs.sportsline.com/nhl/gamec...0060202_PHI@BUF


Turn your radios on
I'll appear right there! Yes I will
Turn me up real loud
I'm in your, ears!
Now I'm hanging ten now baby
As I ride your sonic, ooh-wave
(Owwwwwwww!)

Good, God y'all
I'm on fire
I'm on fire
I'm on fire
I'm on fire

Oh yeah!
One time!

Fire!
Fire!
Fire!

(Guitar Solo)

Ow!
Woo!
Ahhh!
Ah-ha!

Ooo!
Ooo!

Lay your bodies down
I'm in your beds. Your beds
Throw your headphones on
I'm in your heads! Ah-ha!

Now I'm hangin' ten now baby
As I ride your sonic, oo-wave
(Ahhhhhhhhhhh!)

Good God y'all

I'm on fire
I'm on fire
I'm on fire (Ow!)
I'm on fire (Woo! Woo!)
I'm on fire (Woo! Woo!)
I'm on fire (Wooooooo!)
I'm on fire
I'm on fire (Wooooooo!)
I'm on fire
I'm on fire (Ow!)
I'm on fire (Ah!)
I'm on fire (Ah!)


(Words by David Lee Roth/Van Halen)

[Unchainme]

whats the NHL?

;)

Ohhh yeah. I'll try and watch a couple games this year

[Nickdfresh]

You may have a hard time in most of the the US (sadly, it's on pay channel OLN).

Fortunately I get the CBC where I am...

[Unchainme]

Originally posted by Nickdfresh
You may have a hard time in most of the the US (sadly, it's on pay channel OLN).

Fortunately I get the CBC where I am...

also on NBC. i get OLN just have been watching the cavs. I got remind myself to watch.

[Va Beach VH Fan]

OLN and NHL Center Ice....

I like the results early on, both the Red Wings and Senators losing....

I may be off base here, but to me the only thing that beats playoff hockey is the NCAA Tournament....

[ALinChainz]

We have a barn-burner in Hockeytown folks ... 2-2 ... under 3 left in OT ...

[ALinChainz]

Maltby scores the game tying goal with 6:17 left in the 3rd ...

And then scores the winner in 2nd OT nearly 3 mins in ...

Wings up 1-0.

[Matt White]

What'd they have tonight Al? 60 shots?!?

Nice to see the Cap'N' with an assist...he's playing like he did when he was....35?:D

[ALinChainz]

They did have nearly 60 shots ... the most Edmonton has ever allowed in any game, playoff or otherwise.

The Oilers played a 1-4 zone all night long, which slowed us down big time.

The Captain made a damn nice touch pass to Lang on that first goal.

Nice to finally get to the playoffs because you know Babcock saved him all season for these games.

[Matt White]

Yup....he's gonna do it again......

Vonnie was crackin' me up with the raggin' on Yzerman.....over at DDLR.com......

AS if!!!:D

[ALinChainz]

You know who is going to be huge is Legace ... solid regular season but only now 3-2 career record in the playoffs.

Ozzie might have to play some major games if shit gos bad.

[Matt White]

It'll be interesting...it always is....

[Romeo Delight]

Damn, Anaheim looked really good!

Calgary was lucky to win.

I can't believe how well the Ducks get out of their own zone.

After watching the Nucks depleted defence stumble all year, it is a treat to watch.

I still think Anaheim will win this series.

[Nickdfresh]

I thought Tampa might upset Ottawa, but unfortunately the Sen's woke up!

[Matt White]

Very interesting opening night...should be some good series....

[Va Beach VH Fan]

It's always the same...

Good teams just seem to get the good bounces...

Incredibly lucky bounce on Draper's shaft to score the tying goal with 6 minutes left...

But that's OK, Detroit's gonna have to earn this series, Edmonton's really looked strong defensively last night...

I'm just rooting for the little guys, I'm here to tell ya...

Buffalo, Nashville, Carolina, teams like that....

[Romeo Delight]

Nashville...I don't really like an NHL team there, but they are now supporting it.

Kariya has something to prove after his experiment (with Selanne) in Colorado failed.

He was not happy to not even be considered for CDN olympic team.

4 assists for him...not bad.

How is Carolina a "little guy"?

Do you mean small market? Because they are the favourite in their series.

Look for San Jose to bounce back.

I smell upset for Montreal.

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Carolina is most definitely a little guy in my eyes, as are Buffalo and Nashville....

I think it's great that with the new CBA, "lesser" teams will be much more competitive...

And yes, my Penguins will be there sooner rather than later, and in Pittsburgh...

So yeah, it's rooting for the little guy, and sticking it to the traditionalists in Canada....

But it's funny how hypocritical the Canadian press is... Outside of Montreal, the only success that Canadian hockey teams have had is the 4 year run of Edmonton during Gretzky's heyday....

I think the new CBA will change that though...

[Matt White]

Nice to see McCarty get the game winner for the Flames.....

Trust me man...I have NO PROBLEM seeing the small market teams win....

The CBA has made for the best hockey in 25 years....

It's boring when only 4 teams have a legitimate shot at the championship....

If I wanted that...I'd watch Major League Baseball!!!:D

Now...if we could only get the "Instigator" rule revoked....

[Romeo Delight]

I have no problem with small market success.

I have a problem when expansion overlooked cities with sold-out season tickets (Hamilton and Winnipeg) in favor of some dream of a US TV deal by expanding into cities where no one understands the game.

I was at a game in Phoneix where the fans were booing the Coyotes for cycling the puck on the power play...looking for a pass in front of the net.

You are trying to force hockey in these cities and weaken the product in the process. Looks like Carolina and Nashville have succeeded to some degree with some good hockey people in place there.

I want the game to grow and don't really care where. I just have a problem with the agenda and how it is being exercised. How can you overlook cities that have sold-out season tickets?????

How many NHL teams have won a Stanley Cup without a Canadian captain....just one.;)

[Matt White]

The unfortunate reality is that MONEY TALKS................

[guwapo_rocker]

If Hamilton got a team it would kill the Sabres.

[Nickdfresh]

Hamilton's team would be mainly self-killing...

And The Leafs were even more against it than the Sabres were in the 80's...

[Nickdfresh]

Ooof! Devils just up 6-1 over the Rangers... (4:26 left in the 3rd)

[Nickdfresh]

Jagr just got hurt! (he's hobbling off holding his left arm...)

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by Nickdfresh
Hamilton's team would be mainly self-killing...

And The Leafs were even more against it than the Sabres were in the 80's...

Yep. Not arguing with you Nickky....just saying, the Leafs are sold

out for the next millennium, there are great grandkids not even

born yet who will have seasons tickets passed on to them.

If southern Ontario was to get another NHL team it would

seriously hurt ticket sales in Buffalo, and they don't need that.

For the Leafs? It would be like a tick on a water Buffalo.

No pun intended.

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Originally posted by DavidFlamma
I have no problem with small market success.

I have a problem when expansion overlooked cities with sold-out season tickets (Hamilton and Winnipeg) in favor of some dream of a US TV deal by expanding into cities where no one understands the game.

I was at a game in Phoneix where the fans were booing the Coyotes for cycling the puck on the power play...looking for a pass in front of the net.

You are trying to force hockey in these cities and weaken the product in the process. Looks like Carolina and Nashville have succeeded to some degree with some good hockey people in place there.

I want the game to grow and don't really care where. I just have a problem with the agenda and how it is being exercised. How can you overlook cities that have sold-out season tickets?????

How many NHL teams have won a Stanley Cup without a Canadian captain....just one.;)


Hold on, Winnipeg had their chance, and blew it....

Wouldn't you admit that a Hamilton team would just be to pacify the fans in the Toronto area ?? I also concur that a Hamilton team would be a big blow to Buffalo...

The only fairly new U.S. NHL city that has not succeeded yet since it's inception is Columbus...

Nashville is a pretty damn good team now...

Carolina also, plus just went to the Cup finals a few years ago...

Even Pittsburgh, with the 2nd worst record in the league, had 93% capacity....

Good trivia question with the Canadian captains, though.... :D

[guwapo_rocker]

Wow what to watch, what to watch......

Think I'll start with the Sabre's vs. Flyer's on TSN, and flip to

CBC during the commercials for the Habs vs. Canes, where some

BEEOTCH just butchered both anthems!!!!

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
Yep. Not arguing with you Nickky....just saying, the Leafs are sold

out for the next millennium, there are great grandkids not even

born yet who will have seasons tickets passed on to them.


Yes, this is true. But I'm not sure that Torontonians would care enough to keep another team afloat anymore than disgruntled non-ticket-havin' Washington Redskin fans kept the old Baltimore Colts afloat...



If southern Ontario was to get another NHL team it would

seriously hurt ticket sales in Buffalo, and they don't need that.

Of course it would, but they wouldn't last anyway. They might take down the Sabres, but So. ONT wouldn't support a team, neither would disgruntled Torontonians that can't get tickets, not after the novelty wore off. And with Golisano, the Sabres may well weather the storm...


For the Leafs? It would be like a tick on a water Buffalo.

No pun intended.

Maybe, but the NHL would be far poorer for it... So what's you point in this grate thought experiment?

[Nickdfresh]

BTW, all Toronto fans are welcome aboard the Sabres bandwagon, as per WGR550's proclamation.:)

[guwapo_rocker]

My point Nick, (and you really need to do something about your anger

issues) was that expanding to Hamilton would hurt Buffalo.

End of story.

You had to get your knickers in a knot again over nothing.

Oh look Philly just scored!!!

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by Nickdfresh
WGR550's proclamation.:)

Who??

[guwapo_rocker]

And they just showed the tape of the philly player getting injured

on the scoreboard screen in Buffalo.

Unwritten rule, you don't do that.

Always has been a two bit shit town.

[Romeo Delight]

Originally posted by DavidFlamma


I smell upset for Montreal.


I love it when I am so right:D

[Romeo Delight]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
A

Toronto is a two bit shit town.

Don't start that shit.

No one from Toronto has a right to disrespect another city.

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by DavidFlamma


Wow Flamma, you can edit quotes??

You're a fucking genious.

Kiss ass cocksucker!!!!

[Romeo Delight]

Don't be an idiot Guwapo.

Calling another city out like that is retarded.

A guy from Toronto no less. unbelievable

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by DavidFlamma
Don't start that shit.

No one from Toronto has a right to disrespect another city.

What a fucking tool!!!

Who the fuck are you again???

Don't tell me what to do pissant!!!

Shut the fuck up!!!

[Romeo Delight]

Fuck you Guwapo.

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by DavidFlamma
Don't be an idiot Guwapo.

Calling another city out like that is retarded.

A guy from Toronto no less. unbelievable

Bahahahahahahahahaha!!!

That's fucking funny junior.

I'd call Vancouver out, but you all came out collectively years

ago!!

[Romeo Delight]

Guwapo's newest business venture

http://www.dundonaldhouse.com/main.html

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by DavidFlamma
Guwapo's newest business venture

http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.dundonaldhouse.com/Newgraphics/dh-house-front.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.dundonaldhouse.com/main.html&h=397&w=283&sz=180&tbnid=ehAEu4C3lpFrjM:&tbnh=120&tbnw=85&hl=en&start=6&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtoronto%2Bgay%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den% 26lr%3D%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official_s%26sa%3DG

Brilliant!!!!

You'll learn how to fix that next year in grade 4 lmao!!

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
And they just showed the tape of the philly player getting injured

on the scoreboard screen in Buffalo.

Unwritten rule, you don't do that.

Always has been a two bit shit town.

Wow Guwappy, you're just itching for a fight, are we not?

My anger issues? You'll know when I'm angry...:)

"Unwritten rule?" Yeah, and the Toronto organization has never replayed vicious hits... :rolleyes: (Darcy Tucker anyone?) thanks for judging an entire town based on a jumbotron replay of a clean hit, which unfortunately caused a presumably minor injury...

Go drown your bitterness with another beer (or six) Guwappy boy.:)

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
Bahahahahahahahahaha!!!

That's fucking funny junior.

I'd call Vancouver out, but you all came out collectively years

ago!!

At least he has the basics of how to write in proper English down, gerbil fetish...

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by Nickdfresh
You'll know when I'm angry...:)



Oh my god.... I am soooo frightened!!!!!!!!

C'mon Nicky, you started it AS USUAL.

And you will post and run AS USUAL!!!!

Why aren't you at the game?? Oh yeah, tickets cost

money. Bahahahahahahaha!!!!!:D

EAT SHIT!!!!!

[Nickdfresh]

Buffalo's a shit town?

Yeah, okay, you got me Guwapo. Buffalo is a shit town, I admit it. I'm so sorry I was born here.

And Toronto is the greatest city on earth!!

But you're still a balding, mulleted ass-licker no matter where you live.:)

[Unchainme]

Didn't Guwapo, Nick, Rikk and Lou get in a fight over something like two years ago? Before I was here?

[Romeo Delight]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
Brilliant!!!!

You'll learn how to fix that next year in grade 4 lmao!!

Since I fixed that link in 5 seconds I see you are waiting on my every post = OWNED!

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
Oh my god.... I am soooo frightened!!!!!!!!

C'mon Nicky, you started it AS USUAL.

Um. How did I start it? You started on some topic completely unrelated to anything (because you're on one of your typical drinking binges of the unhappy).


And you will post and run AS USUAL!!!!

Douche bag that ran to G101 to bad mouth the army, then returns after a certain someone leaves there says what? Qui?


Why aren't you at the game?? Oh yeah, tickets cost

money. Bahahahahahahaha!!!!!:D

LOL Yeah, I really tired hard to get them...


Kind of tough since they've been sold out for a while...

Say, why didn't you go to the game? I hear you talk a lot about going to Toronto games, but never seem to get to them?


EAT SHIT!!!!!

Ooooh. "Eat shit." Is that the extent of your game these days? How creative. Gerbil-snuffer...:)

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by Nickdfresh
Buffalo's a shit town?

Yeah, okay, you got me Guwapo. Buffalo is a shit town, I admit it. I'm so sorry I was born here.

And Toronto is the greatest city on earth!!

But you're still a balding, mulleted ass-licker no matter where you live.:)

LMFAO, well now I'm hurt.

Mullet, nope. Balding. nah.

Ass licking? sure yeah, but I like a nice ass on a chick, and I sure

as hell have licked a bunch of them.


You'll know when I'm angry...:)


Bahahahahaha!!!! :lol: :lol:

That kills me!!!

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by Unchainme
Didn't Guwapo, Nick, Rikk and Lou get in a fight over something like two years ago? Before I was here?

I think I speak for all of the above when I say --what the hell are you talking about?

http://www.brianmay.com/queen/wwry/moscow/pix/AndreiKluev3.jpg

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
LMFAO, well now I'm hurt.

Mullet, nope. Balding. nah.

Ass licking? sure yeah, but I like a nice ass on a chick, and I sure

as hell have licked a bunch of them.

Funny, but I've heard more than one person say you're creepy in a homoerotic sort of way...




Bahahahahaha!!!! :lol: :lol:

That kills me!!!

Whatever floats the old boat.:)

Glad your fixated on everyone else's anger while ignoring your own.

Isn't therapy free in Canada?

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by Nickdfresh
Um. How did I start it? You started on some topic completely unrelated to anything (because you're on one of your typical drinking binges of the unhappy).


Sorry you are wrong.

I responded to post #17. I responded in a civil manner and

made what I believe to be a very valid point.

YOU, as usual got YOUR panties all twisted the second you

saw my username.

Grow the fuck up!!

Oh, at least I can afford beer Nicky.

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
My point Nick, (and you really need to do something about your anger

issues) was that expanding to Hamilton would hurt Buffalo.

End of story.

No one said it wouldn't. But the point is who gives a shit? This is a regional topic, that has been a dead hypothetical issue since at least the late 1980's, completely unrelated to anything in this thread...


You had to get your knickers in a knot again over nothing.

Oh look Philly just scored!!!

Oh look. The Sabres just won the game.:)

And my panties were not in a bunch, they were nice and silky pressed thank you. I was seriously wondering why the way-off topic chatter...

Apparently I'm not the only one that notices...

[Romeo Delight]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
and I sure

as hell have licked a bunch of them.






Overcompensate much?

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by DavidFlamma
Overcompensate much?

Nicky......here is the guy that hijacked your thread.

I only responded.

Bunch of fucking pussies!!!!!

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by Nickdfresh
No one said it wouldn't. But the point is who gives a shit? This is a regional topic, that has been a dead hypothetical issue since at least the late 1980's, completely unrelated to anything in this thread...


I didn't take it there you moron!!!!!!

But ya gotta blame Guwapo!!!!

Look at post #20!!!

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
Sorry you are wrong.

I responded to post #17. I responded in a civil manner and

made what I believe to be a very valid point.

YOU, as usual got YOUR panties all twisted the second you

saw my username.

Grow the fuck up!!

Oh, at least I can afford beer Nicky.

Um, how did I "get my panties in a bunch?" Specifically?

Because I asked, "what's your point?"

Holy shit!! I fucking lost it there!!!!!

You're the ones talking all of the "shit towns" pooky...

I'm proud you can make the major financial sacrifice to get beer though! How super for you...

Funny how you think you have the slightest clue about me Guwapo.:)

But if you noticed, I've think posted about several dozen times without calling out your 'username.' I could give two shits about you or anybody else...

[Unchainme]

I think Nick is owning you Guwapo.

[Romeo Delight]

I was responding to VA's post about small market teams.

You got personal dipshit and started dissing Buffalo.

Mr fucking innocent.
:rolleyes:

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by Unchainme
I think Nick is owning you Guwapo.

Shut up! Or I'll fire you, Guwapo, DaveFlamma, Rikk, Pojo, Sarge, JoeThunder, Lou, Mr. Walker, and myself. And I'll only rehire myself after I spend my bloated RothArmy severance package...:mad:

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by Unchainme
I think Nick is owning you Guwapo.

Yawn...you think???

How old are you, six??

Read the whole thread and you will see Nicky went off again

just because it was me LOL.

How much ass can you kiss in one day dude??:rolleyes:

[Unchainme]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
How much ass can you kiss in one day dude??:rolleyes:

336 was the record on January 29. But my goal is to get to 500 on July 4th in celebration of independence Day.

[Nickdfresh]

Got that post Guwapo, where I went off? You keep pointing me to others' posts...

But I said nothing visceral until people started proclaiming everything shit (for reasons only known to them)...

This isn't "my thread," this is OUR Thread...

So if you guys love hockey, knock the shit off and keep it between the whistles...

It's the fucking playoffs motherfuckers!!:mad:

[guwapo_rocker]

Deal.

[Unchainme]

http://www.chopshopradio.com/images/cd%20gallery/popup%20normal/Ted%20Nugent.jpg

anyone here enjoy Ted Nugent Also?

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by Unchainme
http://www.chopshopradio.com/images/cd%20gallery/popup%20normal/Ted%20Nugent.jpg

anyone here enjoy Ted Nugent Also?

Is fucking Ted Nugent a fucking hockey player!? :mad:Take it to music!

Back on fucking task!

Robert Esche played off his head and nearly beat the Sabres all by himself...

But Buffalo definitely outplayed Philly (w/ 50+ shots)...


And Dave called the upset, Montreal and Huet smoked the 'Canes 6-1...

[Unchainme]

yup were all just one big happy family at the army :)

[Unchainme]

Originally posted by Nickdfresh
Is fucking Ted Nugent a fucking hockey player!? :mad:Take it to music!


No but he's from Hockey-town, I imagine he’s a fan at least.

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by Nickdfresh

Robert Esche played off his head and nearly beat the Sabres all by himself...



Especially considering Buffalo was on the power play for the

entire overtime.:D

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by Unchainme
No but he's from Hockey-town, I imagine he�s a fan at least.

I've seen some sort of tie in, and I do think Terrirble Ted is a Wings fan...

(But there are a lot of hockey towns.);)

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
Especially considering Buffalo was on the power play for the

entire overtime.:D

This is true, there were far more penalties than I expected. It was also a little grittier than I expected...

But I think Philly's just having problems with Buffalo's team speed. They're big, tough, but only semi-mobile defense was caught using their sticks more than their legs against the Buffalo forwards...

[guwapo_rocker]

I was surprised they called so much of it. It is the playoffs.

But yes, it is" the new" NHL.

We'll have to see if it remains consistant.

[Matt White]

HA!!! We ALL know where "Hockeytown" is....

http://www.jankaulins.com/images/products/fullimages/75.jpg

http://www.jankaulins.com/images/products/fullimages/106.jpg

http://www.mlbroadtrip.com/images/photos/september/week5/hockeytown.jpg

http://www.pharmacy.umaryland.edu/faculty/tdowling/images/wings16.jpg

[guwapo_rocker]

Yep!!

http://imagecloset.net/8/04041223toronto_skyline_2.jpg

:D

[Matt White]

HA!!!

I was gonna say...."Montreal?!?"....but naw...


http://www.jankaulins.com/images/products/fullimages/81.jpg

[guwapo_rocker]

Ouch....that hurts!!!

[guwapo_rocker]

I'd post a pic of Maple Leaf Gardens, but it's a Supermarket now.

Go figure. So much for historic landmarks.

[Matt White]

HA!!!

OLYMPIA is a parking lot!!!:mad:

[Matt White]

Our FAVORITE SABRE!!!:rockit2:

http://www.arthurrickerby.com/ebay/RobertGreen/RobertGreen443.jpg

GRATEST AMERICAN PLAYER...PERIOD.

[guwapo_rocker]

It's a real shame.....so many memories.....and so many

mammories!!! The concerts at the Gardens were awesome.

[guwapo_rocker]

Lafontaine was great!!

[Unchainme]

http://www.sportslogos.net/images/Hockey/NHL/CLE-B_6076.gif

We had a team for like 2 years in the 70's.

We havn't had a hockey team since '78, Which is a shame because I honestly think we could support a Pro team, But instead were stuck with a Minor League team no one cares about.

[Matt White]

SUPPORT JUNIOR HOCKEY

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by Unchainme
http://www.sportslogos.net/images/Hockey/NHL/CLE-B_6076.gif

We had a team for like 2 years in the 70's.

We havn't had a hockey team since '78, Which is a shame because I honestly think we could support a Pro team, But instead were stuck with a Minor League team no one cares about.

Where?

[guwapo_rocker]

Originally posted by Matt White
SUPPORT JUNIOR HOCKEY

I grew up watching the Hamilton Red Wings on TV when

I was supposed to be sleeping.

Always thought they were junior A, they weren't affiliated with

Detroit were they?

[Matt White]

Nope...I don't think so...

We used to have the Junior Wings...who played at the Joe...

But..they were owned by somebody other than Illich......

Now...the Griffions are the Wings Farm Club...

[Unchainme]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
Where?

C-town, Ya know Cleveland, Ohio

[Romeo Delight]

The Vancouver Giants are wicked.

Twenty buck a ticket and you are guaranteed a fight.

Gilbert Brule leading them to the promised land right now!!!

[Matt White]

The WESTERN Canadian League, The QUEBEC League, the ONTARIO hockey League......


GRATE HOCKEY!!!

THE STARS OF TOMORROW

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
Yep!!

http://imagecloset.net/8/04041223toronto_skyline_2.jpg

:D


LMFAO !!!!!

Didn't you read my 40th anniversary congratulations that I gave Bug for the Leafs not even making it to the Cup finals ????

And kudos to all you bastards for getting back on topic.... Save all that juvenile horseshit for another forum...

Not my forum, and especially not a hockey thread dammit !!! ;)

[Matt White]

RIGHT!!!

Damn...Surprised the Avs pounded the Stars like that...

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by guwapo_rocker
I'd post a pic of Maple Leaf Gardens, but it's a Supermarket now.

Go figure. So much for historic landmarks.

They all are.:(

Gimme' the old Buffalo AUD any day (soon to be an actual Bass Pro Outlet mall store itself ironically)...

Though, some will say that last night's game was the first time some felt the old magic.

Then again, Buffalo has been out five-years before now...

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by Unchainme
C-town, Ya know Cleveland, Ohio

You'll have to make do with Columbus...

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by Matt White
Our FAVORITE SABRE!!!:rockit2:

http://www.arthurrickerby.com/ebay/RobertGreen/RobertGreen443.jpg

GRATEST AMERICAN PLAYER...PERIOD.

A great player, and a great human being...

He still has a lot of charity connections around here...

But this guy is my favorite skill Sabre:

http://www.grandstandsports.com/images/2355.jpg

Gilbert Perrault #11: He sang fine Elvis covers with only a slight French accent as well...

[Mr. Vengeance]

My Flyers need to regroup. Too many bullshit panalties. I hate the new NHL. Let 'em fucking play! But they can't count on an effort like Esche gave us every night, so they have to make some adjustments. I say it's time to go Hammer style!!!!!

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Originally posted by Nickdfresh
They all are.:(

Gimme' the old Buffalo AUD any day (soon to be an actual Bass Pro Outlet mall store itself ironically)...

Yeah, me too.... Give me the old Civic Arena....

Wait a minute, they still play there.... ;)

[Nickdfresh]

BTW, I agree that the hit by Campell on Umberger should NOT have been replayed, until he got up and was helped off the ice. But injury incidents are replayed all of the time...

And it was a great, clean hit! Umberger had his head down unfortunately, I hope and think he's fine though, and I was a little sick seeing him lay on the ice for so long...

I think (I'm not sure, I just missed it) the (1987?) incident where Sabres goalie Clint Malarchuk had his throat slit by an arrant skate (on TV), and it was replayed on ESPN...

I turned on the TV to the game, and saw the huge pool of blood on the ice and remember wondering WTF just happened.:confused:

No hard feelings? Tell it to Flyers rookie (http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060423/2033154.asp)

The Sabres might be small, and physically unimposing, but they are not going to be trifled with


4/23/2006

http://www.buffalonews.com/graphics/2006/04/23/actualsize/0423sullycol.jpg
John Hickey/Buffalo News
A Philadelphia trainer tends to R.J. Umberger of the Flyers.

By JERRY SULLIVAN

Generally, it takes at least a couple of Stanley Cup playoff games for two teams to muster up a good, healthy disdain for one another. Players need to look into each other's eyes, spend a lot of quality time in the corners, bounce each other off the boards and run each other's goalie a time or two.

But there's something about a Sabres-Flyers series that seems to bring out the hate in people, and quickly. Maybe it goes back to 1975, and Philly knocking off that beloved Sabres team in the Cup final. The names change, the venues are different, but if a Sabres fan is old enough to remember Bernie Parent, how much reason do you need to loathe the Flyers?

And if the teams were a little slow to feel the hate, it changed in the first overtime of the Sabres' 3-2, double-overtime victory Saturday over the Flyers at HSBC Arena. With about 8:40 left in the first OT, Sabres defenseman Brian Campbell laid a thunderous hit on Flyers rookie center R.J. Umberger as Umberger was skating out of his own end.

Umberger crumpled to the ice at his own blueline and lay motionless as the Arena crowd rose to its feet and players from both teams scuffled along the boards in the Buffalo end. The fans were still on their feet, waving white pompoms, when Campbell's hit was shown again on the video board. Umberger didn't return to the game.

Campbell's hit was a clean shot. Umberger wasn't prepared for such a violent shot. But those sort of plays resonate in a Cup series. They ratchet up the ill will. They remind teams and fans just how much is at stake in the playoffs. Daniel Briere's game-winning goal will be replayed and relived for years to come. But in the coming days, the hockey world will be talking about Campbell's hit on Umberger.

"It was just the situation," said Campbell. "It doesn't happen too often. I think he got a bad suicide pass and skated forward with his head down. It was a good, clean hit but it stinks that he got hurt. You never want to see that."

The Flyers didn't seem resentful about the hit after the loss. Philly coach Ken Hitchcock said Umberger, a rookie, "got welcomed big-time" to his first Stanley Cup playoff game. Umberger found out, the hard way, that it's a different game in the postseason, a more violent, close-checking proposition.

The Sabres have a lot of rookies, too, and young veterans who hadn't been in a playoff game. They've been hearing for weeks that the playoffs are a different animal. They also heard criticism from hockey experts that they weren't big or physical enough to survive the playoff crucible.

But when a finesse defenseman like Campbell makes that kind of hit, it sends a message. The Sabres might be small, and physically unimposing, but they are not going to be trifled with. They will do what's necessary in the playoffs, even if it means performing the uncommon tasks. Coach Lindy Ruff calls it "playing out of character."

After the win, defensemen Campbell and Jay McKee were joking about the fact that they had changed roles in Game One. McKee scored a playoff goal and Campbell made the big hit.

"We've got a long road ahead of us," McKee said, "and we're happy with the effort we got. If you want to be successful in the playoffs, you have to have guys playing out of character. It's guys you don't expect blocking shots, guys like Brian making big hits. You don't want guys to be hurt, but Brian played out of character there and it's an emotional thing when a guy makes a hit like that. We need more of that from everyone involved."

We'll see how the Flyers respond. Word is, they were not happy to see Campbell's hit replayed in the arena. Campbell didn't appreciate the replay, either. He said he won't be surprised if the Flyers make a point of finishing their checks on him the rest of the series.

No hard feelings? Don't believe it. Feelings are always touchy at this time of year. Clean or not, a hit like the one on Umberger lingers in a series. If you don't think the Sabres are privately exulting over Campbell's crushing hit, you're kidding yourselves. This is playoff time; it's not for the faint of heart.

"Philly has always drafted and traded for hard-nosed guys," McKee said. "We know it's going to be a battle every night. We're more of a small, speedier team, and it's nice to see a guy like Brian make some hits and add to the energy. We don't want to be pushed around."

e-mail: jsullivan@buffnews.com

[Mr. Vengeance]

It was one of the best open ice hits I've ever seen at any level of hockey. Too bad one of my guys was on the recieving end.

I fully support the Flyers going after the guy after the hit, though. You have to send the message back right away. Hurt one of our guys, we come after your ass.

The ONLY thing that really bugs me about the hit was the replay thing. And really only becasue I KNOW what the media response would be if it had occured in Philly. "Oh those Philly fans..blah blah blah..."

This is going to be a good series.

[Va Beach VH Fan]

That was one BRUTAL, but clean, hit...

The dazed look on Umberger's face was a little scary for a while, I though he might have been seriously hurt....

I also don't have a problem with the Flyers' reaction, in fact I would have been surprised if ANY NHL team hadn't reacted like that, but what I don't understand is how do the Sabres NOT get any power play time after that ?? The Flyers were obviously instigators....

But see, this is why NOW the NHL playoffs are better than ever.... It's got all of the hitting that they always had, but now without the hooking and holding, it's nonstop flying up and down the ice....

[Nickdfresh]

You both raise good points...

Of all players to lay a vicious hit, Brian Campell would not be on my short list of suspects...

The Flyers went after Campell, and I don't blame them one bit, the playoffs is all about messages! But, stop complaining Flyers' fans, about all the penalties, Philly was also cut some breaks... (and I really wasn't pissed about it one bit, because I expect my team to do exactly the same --go after the guy that just laid out one of my players). At the same time, they can't just let hooking and holding to go on because it's overtime, or the final 10-minutes of the third.

Just my $.02...

[Nickdfresh]

Detroit loses to Edmonton 4-2?

Hmmm, what happened?

[Va Beach VH Fan]

I'll be the first to admit that I usually don't watch the Western Conference at all...

But I'm really impressed with Edmonton's defense these 1st 2 games....

They're not letting Detroit get any quality scoring chances.... The majority of the Red Wings goals have been flukes...

They've got a real chance to upset the Wings...

[Mr. Vengeance]

No..I don't agree on the penalty thing and I don't think it's whining to bring it up. This ticky-tac penalty calling, especially in OT is a joke. Just let them play.

The Flyers got away with some extra men calls, but Buffalo got three PP in a row in OT...Advantage Buffalo.

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Nope, don't agree with that...

Keep calling as it is....

You start letting the hooking go, then it's the holding, then it's the charging, then it's the boarding, and on and on.....

[Mr. Vengeance]

There was nothing wrong with the game as it was. Now you put your glove on the guy's waist and it's a goddamn penalty. Pussy calls all over the place.

Be MEN! If someone grabs you, push them off. Don't fall down and look for the penalty. It's as bad as football where everytime a WR doesn't make a catch he starts signalling for a flag.

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Aaaaah, it's a GREAT day for hockey...

ESPECIALLY when Detroit and Ottawa lose.... ;)

[Romeo Delight]

Just like I predicted, San Jose and Anaheim bounce back.

They are for real and as good as any team in the league.

They will win their series.

[Romeo Delight]

Originally posted by Va Beach VH Fan
I'll be the first to admit that I usually don't watch the Western Conference at all...




:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Holy shit!

Some great hockey over here, VA.

Only eastern team that has a chance at the cup is the Devils.

(or Buffalo, or those lucky Habs....);)

[Romeo Delight]

Originally posted by Mr. Vengeance
There was nothing wrong with the game as it was. Now you put your glove on the guy's waist and it's a goddamn penalty. Pussy calls all over the place.

Be MEN! If someone grabs you, push them off. Don't fall down and look for the penalty. It's as bad as football where everytime a WR doesn't make a catch he starts signalling for a flag.


I say have the rules but there must be some discretion.

Some will say that will put us back to where we were before.

Believe it or not there was a time in the NHL where clutching and grabbing was not allowed (in regular season anyway) and their was an abundance of offense.

Call things when someone has the puck.

Away from the puck not so much, unless it affects the play.

Officials are smarter than we are giving them credit for.

Better to outlaw hits to the head than this ticky-tacky shit away from the puck.

No instigator rule will go a long way for stopping those who would use their sticks on people.

[Matt White]

DETROIT has the same problem every first round...NOBODY GOING TO THE NET....

They'll figure it out...or be making Tee times soon......


Keep an eye on the Habs...........Mathematically speaking...their overdue to win the cup...............

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Originally posted by DavidFlamma
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Holy shit!

Some great hockey over here, VA.

Only eastern team that has a chance at the cup is the Devils.

(or Buffalo, or those lucky Habs....);)

I agree, at least from what I saw over the weekend...

Obviously, as a fan of an Atlantic Division team, I see mostly those teams, but a lot of Eastern Conference as well....

Most of the time though the Western Conference games start late here, and I need my beauty sleep.... ;)

[Romeo Delight]

Originally posted by Nickdfresh
Detroit loses to Edmonton 4-2?

Hmmm, what happened?

The Oilers learned how to use the dreaded "trap" or "left-wing lock"

[Nickdfresh]

Buffalo just disembowled Philly: 8-2....

[Romeo Delight]

Clarke is an idiot. He deserves this.

Buffalo was cheated out of their cup...Is this the year for redemption????

[Nickdfresh]

I hope so...

The talk here is that Philly can't win, way too slow and old. And their complete frustration and meltdown bears that out...

But can Buffalo beat Ottawa, or New Jersey? That remains to be seen.

[Romeo Delight]

Montreal up 2-0.

:D

[Matt White]

Beware the Habs.................

[Romeo Delight]

Originally posted by Nickdfresh


But can Buffalo beat Ottawa, or New Jersey? That remains to be seen.

Ottawa can be beaten, but I don't know about New Jersey.

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by DavidFlamma
Ottawa can be beaten, but I don't know about New Jersey.

Uhuhuhuhuhuhuhuh!

But can Carolina be beaten? Both the Sab's and 'Canes are hot as a machinegun in Stalingrad, barring a monumental shitting of the bed by either team, this should be quite a matchup....

Unfortunately, I'm having a hard time watching the games 'cause I'm now in DC and bouncing back and forth between the nation's capital and Buffalo; and I am very, very busy (so I won't be posting much)... So I've traded the local-MSG/CBC for crappy OLN/NBC in the local watering hole for my hockey fix, and I'm stuck with them.:(

[Matt White]

The Sharks found out the hard way that the Oilers are a hard working bunch.......

[POJO_Risin]

The Devils are layin' the wood to Carolina today...

this third period is a statement period...

New Jersey can knock the shit out of Carolina...and make it a series again...

or Carolina could do their yearly tradition of making a game of it...

whichever happens will have a big imprint on game 5...

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Ah, that's OK...

They'll come on back to Raleigh and close it out....

And if Buffalo closes it out tonight (2-1 Sabres halfway through the game), they'll have a nice layoff before the Conf. finals start..

[POJO_Risin]

I like how hockey has them playing back to back nights...but if the Devils get some steam tomorrow night...it could get interesting...

No way the Devils beat the Canes 4 in a row though...with 2 of those in Raleigh...

[POJO_Risin]

To many penalties...and they just didn't look like they had the speed that they've had the past couple of games...

and New Jersey was laying down some hits...

but those penalties killed them...it was good to see Gerber making good saves...they won't be long to pull the rookie tomorrow if they need too...

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet.....

Buffalo eliminates the Sens in OT....

See ya later Ottawa, get your tee times together....

You're slowly but surely becoming the NHL's version of the Atlanta Braves...

Go get a Cup, THEN you can come talk about how great you are....

[POJO_Risin]

I despise Buffalo...

back in the high school days...there was this Buffalo fan who used to talk about Tom Barrasso every other fucking second (when he was in net with Buff)...

it drove me mad...

but drove him more mad when the Pens won...;)

[guwapo_rocker]

Can't stand the fucking Sabres either.

Lindy fucking whiney ass Ruff, go fuck yourself!!!!

[Va Beach VH Fan]

See my predictions in the other NHL thread...

Note to Poj: You may not like them.... ;)

[POJO_Risin]

Don't worry Va...I'm a Pens fan...not a Hurricane fan...

although living in the area...and being involved in two cup chases in 4 years of hockey here...

does stear you in a certain direction...

[Va Beach VH Fan]

I think it's going to be a great series...

Hope you get lucky to get at least one ticket so you can catch a game....

Of course, 3 would be better.... :D

[guwapo_rocker]

1pm game today.

Shit, I'll be pissed by 4.

[guwapo_rocker]

1 - 1

I wonder if Pojo's at the game?

[guwapo_rocker]

Shit 2 - 1 Sabres....

[guwapo_rocker]

3-1 shit, Pojo if you're at the game you're a fucking jinx!!:D

[guwapo_rocker]

3-2!! We have a game. Pojo must have left:D

[POJO_Risin]

So...

I'm sitting in the car...cell rings...

"can you be at the RBC Center in 30 minutes?"

I literally blasted through a red-light before I answered on the phone...

was there in fifteen...

they lost...but a great game nonetheless...

I don't know what you all got from the TV screen...but it looked like teams were dominating at different points in the game...2 very evenly matched teams...

the Canes looked flat from the beginning...with the exception of Brind'Amor...who was all over the place...I hope that came through...

if the Canes make it to the finals...and Brind'Amore doesn't factor into playoff MVP voting...something is wrong...he's the heart of the team right now...

anyways...

the Third period...even when Buffalo scored on that fucking tail end of the worse Power Play I've seen from the Canes since '03...was absolutely controlled by the Canes...

unfortunately...as I said before...it's a goaltenders game...and Andy Miller is one hot fucking goalie...

both Canes goals looked from my vantage point to be relatively lucky...

Brind'Amors looked like a fucking angle from hell...

and Commodore's looked like it was bouncing around a pinball machine...

but...Miller can be beat in traffic...so I think you'll see the Canes start to throw the puck toward the net...much like they started doing against Montreal in the first round...

this should be a great series...

[Va Beach VH Fan]

I didn't see most of the game, my son had a doubleheader...

Good seats ??

[POJO_Risin]

Club seats...about 20 rows back...lower level...player side...Canes net...

I hate to tell you this Va...but there were 3 seats available...lmfao...they thought the game was a night game...didn't check...and had a soccer tournament in Winston/Salem...

his wife and kids were there watching the game...so he had 3 seats available...

My first thought was...I'LL GO!!!

My second thought was...HOW FAST CAN VA GET HERE...

I figured even on a good day...you wouldn't make it until the start of the third...;)

other than the first period...most of the action was on the other side...such is life...

[Va Beach VH Fan]

That sounds about where we sat in October at the Pens/Canes game...

Thanks for not trying to call me, I didn't need the extra stress of you calling me and having to contemplate going or not....

The VA devil.... "GO !! It's only a little league game, he'll get over it"

The VA angel... "No, no, no... Let the boy pitch"....

Yes, he pitched the 2nd game, when you would have called....

[POJO_Risin]

Well...by the time I found out Va...it was a half hour before game time...

you would have needed a time machine to get here...or I WOULD have called you...lmfao...

[POJO_Risin]

Don't worry...if I get more tickets...and have any lead time...you'll be the first I call...

PM me your cell...I have a feeling I'm going to get more...