NHL season thread -

[Very Honest Content]

So they realigned the divisions, put one extra team in the East and instead of going back to the classic division names that, you know, had history of the game connotations to lend to the sport, actually nick-named one the Metro division. I'm pretty sure a misleading English-to-Russian translation of the slang use of that nickname led to Kovalchuck deciding to pack his bags and take his girls home to 'stay Russian at heart,' but I digress and I'm still a bitter Devil's fan (Fuck you Messier/brooklynbailiff!) about the whole thing, so it probably has nothing to do with it. So predictions for the season? Is everybody going with the safe Chicago/PittsburgH final? I'm not, I'd take San Jose and Washington over the two favorites but since I'm a total homer in the last pro sport I still follow, for shits and giggles, I'm going LA/New Jersey round two as my official prediction!

(And fuck you Messier/brooklybailiff! )

 

[Kamen Rider Black RX]

As a Canadian, I should be part of this. But honestly, I think the league is rigged and the sport boring to watch on TV.

 

[Very Honest Content]

I think the officiating in the playoffs is definitely biased towards producing as close to the ultimate ratings bonanza a LA/Rangers final would entail that they can get (Chicago/Boston was just fine for future TV deals in terms of generating leverage for Bettman to negotiate a higher number paid to them for TV rights after all) but not 'fixed' outright, as it's tough to fix the puck crossing the goal line, outside of whistling man advantages or letting judgement calls slide.

The TV product is an acquired taste, but live, nothing is better than it professionally that I've ever attended yet.

 

[Kamen Rider Black RX]

I just dislike the notion of the NHL scheduling more games to feed rivalries. I remember a few seasons back Ottawa (The closest team) did not play Colorado (my childhood team) once. I think because of this, teams get more of a feel for their rivals and become unfamiliar with other teams which hurt them in the playoffs. That and Canadian teams cannot afford any talent not past their prime.

And as for live? I spent most Saturday nights during middle school at Junior A games. It's one of the things I miss most about living in the city.

Sidenote: One of the general managers was my dad's gym teacher.

 

[Marmalade]

Kovalchuk looking to be out thanks to Poni's sick moves! Goes to show what happens when you realize that you're not the only person on the ice. :3

I don't know what I'm gonna do with my jerseys of fail collection (Parise and Kovalchuk), but I'll definitely be rocking a new name and number this season.

 

[Pine Tar]

Kovalchuk looking to be out thanks to Poni's sick moves! Goes to show what happens when you realize that you're not the only person on the ice. :3

I don't know what I'm gonna do with my jerseys of fail collection (Parise and Kovalchuk), but I'll definitely be rocking a new name and number this season.

I guess you could always go with Brodeur?

 

[Very Honest Content]

Well that's an auspicious beggining Devil's fans . . .

30 might hang around as his replacement's backup to try and hit 700 wins in another season or two after this, you know, just to really fuck over all the guys chasing his career numbers. Hell, if the trapezoid gets removed soon he can double his effectiveness as a third defense-man again overnight on pucks sent to the corner to chase and add another quality season of spot duty to his totals on top of what the fumes he's got left in the tank. He already kind of set the stage for that type of roll transition when he told Schneider the media doesn't care how many games he starts in Newark and he can't be that greedy for starter money after two decades of being in the top pay tier for his position.

 

[Pine Tar]

Stanley Cup Finals so far: Those old Rangers are no match for the Kings!

 

[Very Honest Content]

Well, shits and giggles was good for half the final pairing being spot on and I got the wrong side of the Hudson river in the East, but I told brooklyn the Rangers would lose the finals before they started so I'm going to pat myself on the back for my prognostication skills for the season.

Next on my list of NHL things to do as a fan, cue up the

Spoiler: music

for the impending end of an

Spoiler: era

.

(Excuse me, I have something in my eye . . .)

 

[Morbid Boredom]

Well, there don't seem to be any surprises for the 2014-2015 season, other than that the Islanders aren't dead-last.

Only a matter off time.

 

[Dalish]

I'm still not giving up on the Red Wings. When it comes right down to it, I'll pick an orig 6 match up over any other possible outcome. The NHL has really fucked up the divisions this year to try and make hockey more ~exciting~, but forcing teams to play up their rivalries is eye-roll worthy.

 

[Pine Tar]

I'm still not giving up on the Red Wings. When it comes right down to it, I'll pick an orig 6 match up over any other possible outcome. The NHL has really fucked up the divisions this year to try and make hockey more ~exciting~, but forcing teams to play up their rivalries is eye-roll worthy.

Rivalries develop over time. Look at the NFL, you wouldn't have any reasonable expectation to think that Indianapolis/New England, Denver/New England would be a great rivalry, but the fact that it's Peyton versus Tom makes the stakes transcend geography. Really, a rivalry needs consistent high stakes. I'd say Pittsburgh/Washington could've become a great rivalry, but the Capitals didn't have any legit defense to compete in the playoffs hence why they hired Trotz as their coach. The playoffs are where rivalries are born, not geography although geography helps.

 

[Karen]

As much as I love the Hurricanes and going to their games, I find myself cheering for the Predators this season because they have a better coach. There are some really good players on Carolina, but the current coach feels the need to take some excellent forwards (Jeff Skinner, the Staal brothers) and have them sit out for the majority of the match, or have Skinner playing defensive.

 

[Butta Face Lopez]

Rangers are the team to beat son

 

[Morbid Boredom]

Well, the Islanders managed to fuck up their incredible season, so much for one last hurrah like the glory days of Fort Neverlose*. All the same, they made it to the playoffs and Ovechkin can't deliver. The Isles will not win the second round.

I say it's Ducks v. NYR in the Championship.

Spoiler: *Honestly...

I will not miss the Mausoleum. I'm looking forward to seeing the Islanders play in Brooklyn. It'll be easier for me to get there, and the options for an after-game snack will be superior.

 

[Mrs Paul]

Rangers are the team to beat son

As long as it's not the Capitals. Now that my Pens *sob* are out, I just want the Crapitals knocked out. Hard.

 

[Butta Face Lopez]

I dearly hope the Rangers can oblige you.

As long as it's not the Capitals. Now that my Pens *sob* are out, I just want the Crapitals knocked out. Hard.

<3

 

[Frank Rizzo]

Gee, I wonder what Alex "Pshhh, we're totally gonna win Game 7" Ovechkin will have to say now...

 

[Blueberry]

I have a inkling it's going to be Tampa bay winning it all, regardless of today's loss

 

[Butta Face Lopez]

I foresee another heartbreaking Rangers loss in the Finals