Hockey Talk - 2007-2008 Season

[tomalak301]

Not exactly what I was hoping for, but going to the game where the cup is awarded is one hell of a consolation prize. I took a few cell phone pics, and I'll post them here later if they turned out decent.

I'm a bit disappointed in a few of the fans there, though. Too many Pens fans booed the awarding of the Cup. Fortunately, most were pretty good about it, but I really hated the booing during the awarding of the Stanley Cup. Show some damn respect.

And bafflingly, many of the Detroit fans were as disinterested in watching their team hoist the Cup as the Pittsburgh fans. They were quickly filing out with everybody else. What the hell!?

It sounded like I heard some booing. Maybe it was just too Bettman for what he has allowed to happen to the league but I was really surprised. Then on radio I heard comments like props to Pittsburgh for respectfully staying and watching Detroit get the cup. Yeah they might have stayed, but it sounded like a lot of them were booing and that isn't good. They should hold their heads high. It may be disappointing, but they gave Detroit a good series.

 

[Ovation]

I swear .... the last 30 seconds of a hockey match when the difference is 1 goal or none, are among the most nerve-wracking in sports. That last shot tonigh.... it looked like one inch more to the right, and the game is tied as time runs out.

Congrats to the Red Wings!

And that's why football (with all those time outs near the end) and basketball (time outs and fouls) PALE in comparison to hockey as exciting sports in the final minutes of a game. The sport that is arguably the most physically demanding in terms of energy expenditure (if not brute strength)--hockey--has the fewest stoppages and time outs (which probably sucks for players but is great for spectators).

Congrats to Detroit (with 3OT, does my prediction of Detroit in 7 count? ).

The great thing about this series (though is was a bit of a slow start, entertainment-wise) is that each team was a skills-oriented team and as other teams often "copy" the Cup winners, it can only help the league if skill is further privileged across the board.

A note about the Conn Smythe--in recent years, it has largely become a "goalie" trophy (there was even talk that Osgood would win it this year). I'm very glad it went to Zetterberg, though. His was the most complete performance by a forward I've seen in the last ten years (led all scorers--or tied with Crosby, don't have the stats handy--a PLUS 16, an amazing penalty-killer (two 5 on 3s stand out), he's the complete package).

 

[Ariadne]

And bafflingly, many of the Detroit fans were as disinterested in watching their team hoist the Cup as the Pittsburgh fans. They were quickly filing out with everybody else. What the hell!?

Do you mean that they rushed out right away, or that they didn't stay for the whole thing? The televised part lasted for a long time, if I'd been there I would probably only have stayed for the first round of hoisting...

 

[Pegaritaville]

I rooted for the Red Wings but, now that they've won, I feel dirty for doing so. I hate it when I don't like either team in the finals.

I kind of feel the same way. Maybe next year the Wild will make it to the finals and prevent me from facing that kind of dilemma again.

Anyway, it turned out to be a great series with a lot of exciting games.

 

[Scout101]

Congrats, Detroit!

And in the spirit of the Steelers thread, Suck It, Pittsburgh!

 

[Garak]

Congreats to the Wings and Wings fans everywhere - you guys deserved it, that's for sure.


In other hockey news, this really sucks:

http://www.faceoff.com/story.html?id=3e472613-9d13-4542-812e-7f34cf1eb65d

What a horrible decision.

 

[AdmiralGarak]

And bafflingly, many of the Detroit fans were as disinterested in watching their team hoist the Cup as the Pittsburgh fans. They were quickly filing out with everybody else. What the hell!?

Do you mean that they rushed out right away, or that they didn't stay for the whole thing? The televised part lasted for a long time, if I'd been there I would probably only have stayed for the first round of hoisting...

They watched Lidstrom hold it, then out they went. They didn't wait to see Zetterberg, Osgood, Datsyuk, Kronwall or any of the others hold it.

Why'd they spend $100+ to see the game if not for that??? The Pens' fans leaving I can understand, but not the Red Wings' fans.

 

[BigFoot]

In other hockey news, this really sucks:

http://www.faceoff.com/story.html?id=3e472613-9d13-4542-812e-7f34cf1eb65d

What a horrible decision.

Damn that sucks, I hope the head honchos at CBC change their minds.

 

[Ariadne]

In other hockey news, this really sucks:

http://www.faceoff.com/story.html?id=3e472613-9d13-4542-812e-7f34cf1eb65d

What a horrible decision.

From the sounds of things, they have until noon tomorrow to make a deal.

And, given the public outcry, they probably will.

 

[James Bond]

Congreats to the Wings and Wings fans everywhere - you guys deserved it, that's for sure.


In other hockey news, this really sucks:

http://www.faceoff.com/story.html?id=3e472613-9d13-4542-812e-7f34cf1eb65d

What a horrible decision.

Wow you've gotta be kidding me.

... later in the day, CBC Sports executive director Scott Moore said the deadline on resolving the dispute with Claman is, in fact, 5 p.m. Friday - after which the corporation could launch a nationwide contest to create a new Hockey Night in Canada theme.

Oh dear God, no.
It'll probably end up being based off the hippity hop or something.

 

[AdmiralGarak]

I'm a bit disappointed in a few of the fans there, though. Too many Pens fans booed the awarding of the Cup. Fortunately, most were pretty good about it, but I really hated the booing during the awarding of the Stanley Cup. Show some damn respect.

And bafflingly, many of the Detroit fans were as disinterested in watching their team hoist the Cup as the Pittsburgh fans. They were quickly filing out with everybody else. What the hell!?

It sounded like I heard some booing. Maybe it was just too Bettman for what he has allowed to happen to the league but I was really surprised. Then on radio I heard comments like props to Pittsburgh for respectfully staying and watching Detroit get the cup. Yeah they might have stayed, but it sounded like a lot of them were booing and that isn't good. They should hold their heads high. It may be disappointing, but they gave Detroit a good series.

Don't misuderstand and think that most of the fans booed. Most cheered or politely applauded. It's just that a minority did boo, and were vocal enough that it tainted the moment.

I like that the fans didn't turn their backs on the Pens for losing. There were sustained chants of "Let's go Pens!" and "Fleury!" after the game. That's a huge change from the fans' attitudes toward the Pens from just two years ago.

 

[the 4th hanson bro]

for better or worse, it's become a bit of a tradition to boo Bettman when he presents a trophy or speaks at a game, like the All Star game.

 

[Ariadne]

for better or worse, it's become a bit of a tradition to boo Bettman when he presents a trophy or speaks at a game, like the All Star game.

Well, he has made a few controversial decisions.

 

[AdmiralGarak]

That may be. If so, I'm glad they weren't booing Detroit. Detroit's players have had nothing but kind words for the fans in the Igloo. (Not that I'd expect otherwise, but I still appreciate it.)

 

[Garak]

NHL draft is today, a lot of rumours floating around, including the Sedins for Jokinen, Spezza going just about everywhere and Malkin moving to the Kings for Kopitar and the 2nd overall pick.

 

[BigFoot]

^ That would be cool (Kopitar moving to the Pens).

 

[Garak]

It pains me whenever the name Kopitar comes up, as we drafted Bourdon a spot in front of him.

He would look awesome on the Pens though, look at what he does with that so-so supporting cast in LA.

The Spezza rumours make no sense though, while it's obvious the Sens need goaltending the only way you ever trade a player the caliber of Spezza is if you get a Roberto Luongo or a Marty Turco in return, and that's just not going to happen.

 

[BigFoot]

^ Yeah, I gotta say I'd be much happier if Kopitar was playing for the Canucks instead of the Kings. Well, as long as he doesn't get traded to the Rangers, I can deal with it.

 

[Ariadne]

Spezza going just about everywhere

Gee, I hope not.

 

[tomalak301]

NHL draft is today, a lot of rumours floating around, including the Sedins for Jokinen, Spezza going just about everywhere and Malkin moving to the Kings for Kopitar and the 2nd overall pick.

When I found out the Sharks don't have a pick until the forth round, I decided not to care. Hope it's going well for whoever does though.