NHL Regular Season 2013

MrJoeSoap

With the season only 11 or so days away, I guess it's about time we put the lockout to bed and concentrated on getting back into the swing of things.

The season format is almost certainly going to be a 48-game schedule, with no games between conferences (East plays East and West plays West). According to Bob McKenzie on Twitter, it will mean 4 games vs. two Divisional opponents (8); 5 games vs. two divisional opponents (10); 3 games vs 10 Conference rivals (30).

Here is the current Stanley Cup betting:

Stanley Cup Winner
Pittsburgh Penguins 15/2
New York Rangers 10/1
Vancouver Canucks 11/1
Los Angeles Kings 11/1
Philadelphia Flyers 14/1
Chicago Blackhawks 15/1
Boston Bruins 16/1
St. Louis Blues 17/1
Detroit Red Wings 19/1
San Jose Sharks 22/1
Washington Capitals 25/1
Buffalo Sabres 28/1
Carolina Hurricanes 28/1
Nashville Predators 33/1
New Jersey Devils 33/1
Tampa Bay Lightning 30/1
Minnesota Wild 28/1
Anaheim Ducks 45/1
Ottawa Senators 45/1
Toronto Maple Leafs 45/1
Edmonton Oilers 40/1
Phoenix Coyotes 45/1
Montreal Canadiens 55/1
Florida Panthers 55/1
Dallas Stars 55/1
Winnipeg Jets 70/1
Colorado Avalanche 70/1
Calgary Flames 70/1
New York Islanders 125/1
Columbus Blue Jackets 200/1

I'm most interested in seeing how Minnesota do with their new high-profile acquisitions. There is talk about Kovalchuk possibly not returning to the Devils, but it is just talk at the moment.

tolosenc

If Schneider can handle the pressure of being the main man in Van, then I like a Canucks-Bruins rematch in the summer. Still don't think the we have the physicality needed to be champions, though.

MrJoeSoap

tolosenc wrote: »

If Schneider can handle the pressure of being the main man in Van, then I like a Canucks-Bruins rematch in the summer. Still don't think the we have the physicality needed to be champions, though.

Any thoughts on where Luongo might end up? Florida return looked likely initially but from listening to TSN Toronto the past few days it seems that the Leafs might have designs on him.

tolosenc

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

Any thoughts on where Luongo might end up? Florida return looked likely initially but from listening to TSN Toronto the past few days it seems that the Leafs might have designs on him.

I think it was more of a case of he'd go to Florida than Florida actually wanting him. All anyone keeps hearing is Toronto, but I wouldn't rule out him staying this year and Gillis moving Ballard. Another option is just to buy him out if we have an amnesty, and possibly re-sign him to a favorable deal (e.g. $20m over 5 years), he'd be easier to trade and keep around that way.

MrJoeSoap

And the first GM casualty of the season is confirmed. Brian Burke has been fired from the Leafs.

COYW

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

And the first GM casualty of the season is confirmed. Brian Burke has been fired from the Leafs.

Four years there, their first American GM and they failed to make the playoffs during that period of time. Rumours about that it is due to a disagreement over a trade for Luongo.

Fiery mutant

Wonder why Burke was fired now, seems very odd.

Any ideas who might get the hot seat? At least some things are starting to move now, been a long time coming. The last few months have snailed by, I was half afraid we would get no season, and even the thought of having to wait until October for NHL hockey was making me queasy.

Edit : I see Dave Nonis got it. Ah we'll, good luck to Burke from all Bruins fans, our favourite GM Toronto ever had.

COYW

tolosenc wrote: »

If Schneider can handle the pressure of being the main man in Van, then I like a Canucks-Bruins rematch in the summer. Still don't think the we have the physicality needed to be champions, though.

Still don't think the Canucks have the toughness that is needed to win the cup. I am expecting a big regular season from the Caps but they will probably fall to bits once the playoffs come round.

I am very excited about having Nash as a Blueshirt, he could be the difference but there is a big difference between playing for the Rangers and the Blue Jackets. There is going to be massive pressure on him to produce from day one.

MrJoeSoap

COYW wrote: »

Still don't think the Canucks have the toughness that is needed to win the cup. I am expecting a big regular season from the Caps but they will probably fall to bits once the playoffs come round.

I am very excited about having Nash as a Blueshirt, he could be the difference but there is a big difference between playing for the Rangers and the Blue Jackets. There is going to be massive pressure on him to produce from day one.

I'd be very interested to see how Richards gets on this half-season.

His two seasons at Dallas before the Rangers were a point a game, and his productivity dropped off a bit once he moved.

MrJoeSoap

Looks like Kovalchuk wants to stay in the KHL until the end of the season. This one could get interesting...

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/10/kovalchuk-wants-to-finish-the-season-in-the-khl/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

$100m contract and he doesn't want to play. Ouch.

tolosenc

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

Looks like Kovalchuk wants to stay in the KHL until the end of the season. This one could get interesting...

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/10/kovalchuk-wants-to-finish-the-season-in-the-khl/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

$100m contract and he doesn't want to play. Ouch.

Isn't there a memorandum of understanding between the two, whereby the KHL won't employ anyone already contracted in the NHL in the event of a clash?

He may get a dispensation to play in their ASG, but that's about it, I imagine.

MrJoeSoap

tolosenc wrote: »

Isn't there a memorandum of understanding between the two, whereby the KHL won't employ anyone already contracted in the NHL in the event of a clash?

He may get a dispensation to play in their ASG, but that's about it, I imagine.

Some quotes from the KHL president (and oil baron) Alexander Medvedev in the past few days:

“The NHL’s opinion of itself is so high. … Okay, let them get drunk on their greatness,”

“We’ll see how many Euros look our way.

“A number of players have either decided to stay or are looking into it. …Our league will act according to our own and international rules. If players decide to stay, we will help them.”

robby^5

From his point of view it's pretty understandable that he doesn't want to return straight away. He's captain of the team on course to win the championship and must be feeling torn between letting down the team and fans he's been with all season and returning to a league which wouldn't let him play.

He'll be back of course due to his contract and Lamoriello says he has no reason to believe he wont be. But as a Devils fan he's gone down in my estimation a little, certainly don't think he's captain material now but hopeful he keeps up his current form as we need him at his best.

Rented Mule

tolosenc wrote: »

I think it was more of a case of he'd go to Florida than Florida actually wanting him. All anyone keeps hearing is Toronto, but I wouldn't rule out him staying this year and Gillis moving Ballard. Another option is just to buy him out if we have an amnesty, and possibly re-sign him to a favorable deal (e.g. $20m over 5 years), he'd be easier to trade and keep around that way.

Knowing Dale Tallon, I would say that you are right about him wanting to/moving to Florida.

I'm not sure how the buy-outs are going to work in the new CBA. I do know that things have changed in how teams can bury contracts in the AHL. It should be interesting to see how this all pans out.

MrJoeSoap

The schedule has been announced. Next weekend can't come soon enough.

MrJoeSoap

Any fear of the fans not coming back are well and truly gone at this point. The Penguins are currently having an inter-team match at the Consol, and the place is packed with 2,000 people outside looking for access. Roll on Saturday.

COYW

This start of this season is going to be extremely unpredictable due to the lack of pre-season practice and games that the teams will have had. I was looking at the results of some of the warm-up games going on and noticed that the Bruins lost to Providence, their AHL affiliate 7-5 the other day. It shows how little preparation the NHL teams will have had come their first game of the season.

MrJoeSoap

COYW wrote: »

This start of this season is going to be extremely unpredictable due to the lack of pre-season practice and games that the teams will have had. I was looking at the results of some of the warm-up games going on and noticed that the Bruins lost to Providence, their AHL affiliate 7-5 the other day. It shows how little preparation the NHL teams will have had come their first game of the season.

God help whoever drafted Tuukka Rask, 6 goals on 24 shots!

Fiery mutant

COYW wrote: »

This start of this season is going to be extremely unpredictable due to the lack of pre-season practice and games that the teams will have had. I was looking at the results of some of the warm-up games going on and noticed that the Bruins lost to Providence, their AHL affiliate 7-5 the other day. It shows how little preparation the NHL teams will have had come their first game of the season.

I watched the game live, and it was entertaining. 8 goals in the third period, but the P-Bruins showed why they have been playing so well in the AHL this season. Played good and physical and used their roster very well. Was great to see Bourgue get 3 point too for the Bruins, if he can stay and claim a spot on the roster, then he could be a future star for us.

Waitsian

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

God help whoever drafted Tuukka Rask, 6 goals on 24 shots!

A little rusty eh? I think he'll come good though...:p

John bloody Ferguson Jr is the answer to that quiz question, and then later traded him, inexplicably! Justin Pogge indeed; Andrew Raycroft too (I shudder at the thought).

MrJoeSoap

mod9maple wrote: »

A little rusty eh? I think he'll come good though...:p

John bloody Ferguson Jr is the answer to that quiz question, and then later traded him, inexplicably! Justin Pogge indeed; Andrew Raycroft too (I shudder at the thought).

I was referring to the Fantasy league we have, just a bit of banter. I actually had Rask as my second Goaltender to Lundqvist last year and he was invaluable. Excellent goalie.

Will be interesting to see how he fares as a No. 1

Waitsian

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

I was referring to the Fantasy league we have, just a bit of banter.

Oops, sorry, the thought didn't even enter my head

But I knew you weren't being serious, nor really was I - apart from the fact I wish Rask had never been traded of course!

He's an excellent goalie for sure.

Dublinproud

Wade Redden to the Blues.

That puts pay to any hope they had for success!

Roll on tomorrow!

tolosenc

Finished my exams today. No I can start looking forward to hockey. Until my next set of exams, which will clash with the first round of the playoffs.

COYW

Dublinproud wrote: »

Wade Redden to the Blues.

Wow, I thought he was well and truly finished.

MrJoeSoap

Always felt sorry for Redden, in the sense that it wasn't his fault he was paid that much money and couldn't live up to expectations. Struck me as a decent guy, unless there was something I missed to suggest otherwise.

He's had a minus rating in his two AHL seasons so I can't see him doing much in St. Louis.

COYW

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

Always felt sorry for Redden, in the sense that it wasn't his fault he was paid that much money and couldn't live up to expectations. Struck me as a decent guy, unless there was something I missed to suggest otherwise.

He's had a minus rating in his two AHL seasons so I can't see him doing much in St. Louis.

Yep, way too much money and way too much expected of him. Sather is to blame for that as opposed to Redden. I have nothing against the guy but I am surprised to see him back in the NHL.

tolosenc

So, Kings ship 5. Only did that twice last year. Way to early to call something, but if Quick isn't as good as he was last year, LA won't go far.

Masked Man

Fighting seems so stupid.

eire1

Not much has changed with the Habs anyway. PP was awful, crowd were booing and shouting shoot. A lot of chants for PK Subban too, hopefully that will be resolved soon.

On a whole, they deserved the 2-1 loss last night.

MrJoeSoap

The new handpassing rule just screwed the Penguins over in MSG. Rangers score on a 5-on-3 to make it 1-1 after James "Real Deal" Neal scored the opener on the PP.

Masked Man

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

The new handpassing rule just screwed the Penguins over in MSG. Rangers score on a 5-on-3 to make it 1-1 after James "Real Deal" Neal scored the opener on the PP.

What's the reasoning for that rule? Seems like it's punishing clever play.

MrJoeSoap

Masked Man wrote: »

What's the reasoning for that rule? Seems like it's punishing clever play.

I was following some discussion on it on the HF Boards but they don't seem to know either, a lot of people are quite annoyed at it. Fair enough to make it illegal but to call a penalty seems like overkill.

MrJoeSoap

Not even half way and the Penguins have chased Lundqvist.

aaronm13

A great and unexpected start to the season for the Hawks. Really happy with the first two games. Nice to see Toews getting on the score sheet so early. Emery was a mess in goal last night and Crawford wasn't really tested against the Kings so can't judge him. So big question over that position still. Very impressed with Bolland so far in the second line center slot. Roll on St. Louis tomorrow.

MrJoeSoap

aaronm13 wrote: »

Emery was a mess in goal last night and Crawford wasn't really tested against the Kings so can't judge him. So big question over that position still.

They've taken Henrik Karlsson today from the Flames for a 7th round draft pick. Strange that they wouldn't have picked him up off waivers last week for nothing...

aaronm13

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

They've taken Henrik Karlsson today from the Flames for a 7th round draft pick. Strange that they wouldn't have picked him up off waivers last week for nothing...

Seems odd alright but that's Stan Bowman for you. Looks like Hutton is going to miss some time for his part in the brawl for Rockford the other night so Karlsson will be straight down there.

MrJoeSoap

Patrick Marleau becomes only the second player in NHL history to have multiple goals in his first four games of the season. He has outscored some entire franchises.

COYW

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

Patrick Marleau becomes only the second player in NHL history to have multiple goals in his first four games of the season. He has outscored some entire franchises.

Some stats for him, 13 SOG/6 goals.

Rented Mule

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

They've taken Henrik Karlsson today from the Flames for a 7th round draft pick. Strange that they wouldn't have picked him up off waivers last week for nothing...

aaronm13 wrote: »

Seems odd alright but that's Stan Bowman for you. Looks like Hutton is going to miss some time for his part in the brawl for Rockford the other night so Karlsson will be straight down there.

Things make sense from day to day. I remember having a long talk with former Winnipeg and Chicago GM Mike Smith about this many years ago. Some trades are held up for the dumbest things.

At the end of the day, Chicago was able to get the depth that they were looking for.

tolosenc

Luongo to start tomorrow vs Chicago. Goalie situation confusing.

COYW

tolosenc wrote: »

Luongo to start tomorrow vs Chicago. Goalie situation confusing.

His SO last night probably forced his start tomorrow. We will find out over the next few days whether he is #1 now or not.

Pens v Rangers tonight. Vokoun is starting in goals for the Pens after having putting in a solid performance against the Islanders two nights ago; after replacing Fluery. Rangers played well against the flyers last time out. Pens were poor against the Islanders judging by the stats and the highlights of the game. I reckon this could be a very good tight hard hockey game. Looking forward to it, I have to admit.

tolosenc

COYW wrote: »

His SO last night probably forced his start tomorrow. We will find out over the next few days whether he is #1 now or not.

I figure it could be an emotional one tonight (Duncan Keith induced a concussion in Daniel last time we met) so I guess it makes sense to have the older head in net.

aaronm13

Begrudgingly have to admit Luongo was good last night. A pretty poor game and flat game too. Another tough shootout loss be we have still taken points in every game so far. What the hell was the thinking behind Leddy taking the fourth shot.

tolosenc

aaronm13 wrote: »

Begrudgingly have to admit Luongo was good last night. A pretty poor game and flat game too. Another tough shootout loss be we have still taken points in every game so far. What the hell was the thinking behind Leddy taking the fourth shot.

Gillis and Gilman were in Washington last night. No smoke without fire, but would the Caps trade for Louie? And if so, who? (c'mon Ovi! :P)

Kesler is to travel with the team, which is good news.

COYW

tolosenc wrote: »

Gillis and Gilman were in Washington last night. No smoke without fire, but would the Caps trade for Louie? And if so, who? (c'mon Ovi! :P)

Kesler is to travel with the team, which is good news.

Watched the Caps yesterday and a goalie is the least of their worries. Ovie looked like half the player he was a few years ago.

MrJoeSoap

COYW wrote: »

Watched the Caps yesterday and a goalie is the least of their worries. Ovie looked like half the player he was a few years ago.

Mike Rupp traded to the Wild for Nick Palmieri (going to the AHL) and Darroll Powe.

COYW

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

Mike Rupp traded to the Wild for Nick Palmieri (going to the AHL) and Darroll Powe.

Can't say that I am disappointed to see him go. Apart from the Winter classic last year, I can't remember him doing anything special for us. He's slow, can't receive a pass and always losses when he fights.

MrJoeSoap

COYW wrote: »

Can't say that I am disappointed to see him go. Apart from the Winter classic last year, I can't remember him doing anything special for us. He's slow, can't receive a pass and always losses when he fights.

I got a retweet off him once, and that combined with his Jagr salute at the Winter Classic and his hat-trick for the Pens v the Rangers means I've a bit of a liking for him. But hockey-wise he is quite limited, and won't be a big loss.

MrJoeSoap

The Bruins have traded Tim Thomas to the Islanders for a conditional second-round pick in 2014 or '15.

The Islanders paying a high price for a goaltender? Never!

smackbunnybaby

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

The Bruins have traded Tim Thomas to the Islanders for a conditional second-round pick in 2014 or '15.

The Islanders paying a high price for a goaltender? Never!

Classic!