NHL '09/'10 Season Thread
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PlasmaTwa2
The Second-Hottest Man in my Mother's Basement
That seems like the most logical matchup - either that or Calgary-Vancouver. However, I have a feeling that the league might want to have a team from the East play so there will be a higher interest in the game nationally, instead of just in the West. Also, since Edmonton and Montreal played in the Heritage Classic, I dont know how eager the league is to have these two teams play in a Winter Classic again. My guess would be the Flames and the Maple Leafs, simply because the Leafs are more popular than the Sens.
they did something outdoors with the Kings back when Gretz' was on the team outside in Las Vegas. I was watching the NHL channel the other day and they had it on there, I think it was in '91.
Here it says in 80 degree heat 13,000 fans packed a rink outside the Ceaser's Palace in 1991: http://kings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?bcid=401141
I didn't know these outdoor niche games went back like that either.
Minnesota's gotta be high on the list because just in the last year alone we got both Target Field and TCF stadium, plus in America there is not one state that even comes close to the history of tradition Minnesota has with hockey.
16 of the top 20 high school teams in the country are in Minnesota. You can't imagine how unbelievable the state tournament is; it was like the biggest moment in our lives to make that damn tournament, considering hockey in Minnesota is like football to Texas or basketball to Indiana.
Oh yeah, and it's -10 outside right now, not including wind chill.
jasonk282
Banned
I would like them to keep up with the classic rivals like Pens/Sabers, Hawks/Red Wings, Bruins/Flyers etc.... I have a feeling Washington is going to be involved in a winter classic next season, just so the league can get Ovie more TV time. Pens/Caps at Heinz? As much as I would like to see that it is nice to see new and different teams into the fray the Wild would be good but gawd damn it's cold as balls out there this time of the season.
You have no idea. I can't even let my cat out without worrying about him getting frostbit and/or dying. As far as cars are concerned, you better have a damn good battery or you're not going anywhere. But hell, that's the weather stick was born in. But trust me, once you get above the Twin Cities, it's no joke. Those people up there just below the border are as tough as nails.
PlasmaTwa2
The Second-Hottest Man in my Mother's Basement
Their second-place performance proved that Finland is as strong as a contender as any of those three, and last time they somehow managed to do it with a second-rate goalie like Niittymäki in net. This year they have Kiprusoff in net, and (IMO) that gives them better goaltending than Sweden.
Plus, any team who thinks that Jonas Gustavsson is one of their country's top goalies is either really dumb or plan on having Lundqvist play every single game (Which he probably will).
lol...so many haters of the Yankees on the board.
Well, I got news: the IIHF team for the US is proof how "real" our tallent actually is. I hope for the day they gel at the right time and play with all the tallent they have on board there (especially in Vancouver this year!). :thefinger
Well, I got news: the IIHF team for the US is proof how "real" our tallent actually is. I hope for the day they gel at the right time and play with all the tallent they have on board there (especially in Vancouver this year!). :thefinger
USA's U-17's creamed Russia today 7-4: http://www.usahockey.com/Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=TU_04_03_02&id=250020 :glugglug:
PlasmaTwa2
The Second-Hottest Man in my Mother's Basement
To quote jasonk282 from somewhere, we are "just being realistic". :thumbsup:
There is no arguing that the United States isn't a talented team, but they are years away from being on the same level as Canada, Sweden, Russia, and Finland are on paper. Of course, we all know once the puck is dropped, those papers mean nothing...
Considering we were in the quarters in Torino and Nagano and took Silver in '02, with all due respect you guys are nuts. We're just in a transitional phase here.
PlasmaTwa2
The Second-Hottest Man in my Mother's Basement
You also finished eighth at the 2006 Olympics, where Sweden and Finland won gold and bronze. Since 2006, Sweden, Canada, and Russia have all won gold at the World Championships (Russia twice), while Finland has won a silver. The highest the States have placed is fourth.
I'm not saying the States are a bad team, but I don't think they will play for gold. Silver, maybe. Bronze, probably. But not gold.
If they are "maybe" playing for silver, wouldn't they technically be playing for gold??
I think they'll lose to Sweden for Bronze. 4 years from now we'll be on the lookout for team U.S.A. Just not this year.
As with any team, it will come down to goaltending. Anyone who's played the game knows that a great goalie, even a really good goalie, can win any game single handed. I saw it many times growing up. I remember one game when I was about 15, we had 60 shots and they beat us 1-0. That was the best damn goalie I ever played against. The same goalie went on to beat us to go to state a couple years later, and our team was ranked 7th in state and top 20 in the country. Four of the kids on that team went D-1 and a couple of 'em are playing pro right now in Europe.
If Thomas plays like he did in the Winter Classic the US will be a threat. :yesyes:
I hope Brodeur finally starts to show his old ass age and they get their asses beat on their own turf! :tongue:
PlasmaTwa2
The Second-Hottest Man in my Mother's Basement
If Thomas plays at the top of his game America will have one hell of a goalie, but from the way it looks right now, if I were the head coach, I would split the first few games between Thomas and Miller. Miller has been on fire this entire year, and I think overlooking him would be a big mistake on America's part.
And don't worry. Brodeur won't be showing his age this year. If Canada really wants to win gold on Canadian turf they need the best in the net. Now, if they play Fleury or Luongo, then I might be a little scared...
Let's see how Miller handles the pressure. Has he ever won a playoff series? I know it isn't only him on the squad, but Cam Ward and Irbe have carried the Canes thru to the Finals. Miller is untested. That said, Thomas hasn't taken the Bruins deep either. Last year losing to the Canes was a tough one. Game 7 at home
That was shit. I can't stand the 'Canes. Every other damn Boston team has brought a title through recently except for the Bruins. :crash:
Didn't Miller help bring the Sabres to the Eastern Finals only to lose to Ottawa a few years ago?