[The_Architect]

But then what happens when Toronto signs him in the offseason? ;)

[Ayreonaut]

It might be that bad for them if they're from Alberta. I know i totally hate their hockey teams and hope they hate us. Its great!

Thank you! It sickened me when some Calgarians were cheering for the Oilers in 2006, and I know true Oiler fans were equally distraught when some of their coworkers/family members cheered for the Flames in '04. :cheers:

[freeweed]

Thank you! It sickened me when some Calgarians were cheering for the Oilers in 2006, and I know true Oiler fans were equally distraught when some of their coworkers/family members cheered for the Flames in '04. :cheers:

It sickens me more when Canadians cheer for American teams instead. Especially sunbelt teams, and ESPECIALLY teams that took franchises out of this country. :shrug:

[Calgarian]

It sickens me more when Canadians cheer for American teams instead. Especially sunbelt teams, and ESPECIALLY teams that took franchises out of this country. :shrug:

I don't get this disdain for American teams that a lot of Canadians have. I have no problem cheering for sunbelt teams or American teams in general, it's great for the game that teams from Tampa Bay, Dallas and Anaheim have won the cup. Hockey is Canada's game, true, but we want to have some competition when we go to the World Juniours or the Olympics, and having American teams win inspires more people in those cities to play the game.

I still think the cup needs to come home though, 20 years without a cup in Canada will be a sad milestone! hopefully we can avoid that.

[Ayreonaut]

I still think the cup needs to come home though, 20 years without a cup in Canada will be a sad milestone! hopefully we can avoid that.

I can wait for it to come home with the right team.

[LeftCoaster]

Calgary? That might be a loooong wait! :D

[Ayreonaut]

It sickens me more when Canadians cheer for American teams instead.

That's what good rivalries are all about.

Could you imagine seeing feepa cheer for the Flames? Awkward. :sly:

[Ayreonaut]

Calgary? That might be a loooong wait! :D

Hopefully not 40 years long. I guess you probably know what that feels like.

[The_Architect]

It sickens me more when Canadians cheer for American teams instead. Especially sunbelt teams, and ESPECIALLY teams that took franchises out of this country. :shrug:

I would cheer for literally any team playing against the Habs, Sens, and Canucks.

And I'm pretty sure many posters in this thread would cheer for any team except the Leafs. In fact, I'm willing to bet if the Leafs did the same run the Habs did last year, they wouldn't get anywhere close to the same support in Canada.

[SHOFEAR]

I don't get this disdain for American teams that a lot of Canadians have. I have no problem cheering for sunbelt teams or American teams in general, it's great for the game that teams from Tampa Bay, Dallas and Anaheim have won the cup. Hockey is Canada's game, true, but we want to have some competition when we go to the World Juniours or the Olympics, and having American teams win inspires more people in those cities to play the game.

I still think the cup needs to come home though, 20 years without a cup in Canada will be a sad milestone! hopefully we can avoid that.

I'd rather cheer for some sunbelt team if I cant cheer for my team. The only thing worse than my team not being there, is having the loser ex Calgarian, or Vancouverite in the office talk about how great his team is.

But then again, seeing them get close and loose (hello rider fans) is good for the soul too.

[freeweed]

I don't get this disdain for American teams that a lot of Canadians have.

You clearly have never lived somewhere that has lost a team to an American city, only to watch the team lose millions of dollars every year while all 5000 loyal fans attend each game. And you've forgotten just how close Edmonton, Calgary, and Ottawa came to losing their teams to southern American cities that don't give a shit about hockey.

It's not a disdain for "American teams". It's a disdain for taking the highest level of this country's sport away from the fans who care about it the most, and putting it in places where literally fewer people in a city of 5 million watch it on TV than show up for an exhibition game in a small city like Winnipeg. All for supposed economic reasons, except for the fact that these teams lose 5-10x as much money "down south" as they ever lost in Canada.

Regardless, I don't cheer for the US in the olympics just because we have a few US-born players on the Flames. I cheer for my country first and foremost. And when playoffs come, hell yes I'll cheer for a team from my country long before I'll cheer for a team in the US. Unless it's Toronto, of course (not that I have anything to fear there).

It's the difference between cheering FOR something (my country), vs. what I detect with a lot of you here - cheering AGAINST something (ie: if it's not my team, then I HAVE to boo their main rivals).

[freeweed]

And I'm pretty sure many posters in this thread would cheer for any team except the Leafs. In fact, I'm willing to bet if the Leafs did the same run the Habs did last year, they wouldn't get anywhere close to the same support in Canada.

You're most likely correct in this. The Leaves attract a level of hatred unmatched by any other team in pro sports. Habs fans are deluding themselves when they make claims of "Canada hates us!!".

That being said, there are a LOT of Torontonian ex-pats all over the country. So just by sheer numbers alone, there'd be a ton of support for a cup run. But the anti-Leaf contingent would be strong.

[freeweed]

Can't believe no one's posted this yet. (http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=359271)

[jigglysquishy]

Hailing from Saskatchewan (and therefore not having my own team) I cheer for every Canadian team. I cheer for the Oilers and Flames the same, the Leafs and Habs the same. I don't care about their rivalries (even though they do make for good hockey), I just want a Canadian team to win.

Yes its stupidly patriotic, but I can't cheer for American teams. I want the cup to come home.

[freeweed]

Yes its stupidly patriotic, but I can't cheer for American teams. I want the cup to come home.

When I read threads like this, it's no wonder some people make that stupid claim that Canadians have no national identity. I often feel like I'm the only vaguely patriotic person I know. And yeah, it may be stupid but hey - I'm damn proud of my country.

[Calgarian]

You clearly have never lived somewhere that has lost a team to an American city, only to watch the team lose millions of dollars every year while all 5000 loyal fans attend each game. And you've forgotten just how close Edmonton, Calgary, and Ottawa came to losing their teams to southern American cities that don't give a shit about hockey.

It's not a disdain for "American teams". It's a disdain for taking the highest level of this country's sport away from the fans who care about it the most, and putting it in places where literally fewer people in a city of 5 million watch it on TV than show up for an exhibition game in a small city like Winnipeg. All for supposed economic reasons, except for the fact that these teams lose 5-10x as much money "down south" as they ever lost in Canada.

Regardless, I don't cheer for the US in the olympics just because we have a few US-born players on the Flames. I cheer for my country first and foremost. And when playoffs come, hell yes I'll cheer for a team from my country long before I'll cheer for a team in the US. Unless it's Toronto, of course (not that I have anything to fear there).

It's the difference between cheering FOR something (my country), vs. what I detect with a lot of you here - cheering AGAINST something (ie: if it's not my team, then I HAVE to boo their main rivals).

I see your point, but I think you completely missed mine.

If the Flames relocated to Kansas City or something I would probably have a sore spot for relocated franchises as well. Good point there.

[freeweed]

I see your point, but I think you completely missed mine.

Nah, I just glossed over it. :P

I've never met any Canadians who don't want ANY American teams. Clearly we understand the history and tradition of hockey in the US NE. And we also want a strong competitor for world events.

But as you said, it's time for the Cup to come home. I think nearly 20 years down south is more than enough time for them to have built a strong hockey following.

[Jay in Cowtown]

I don't get this disdain for American teams that a lot of Canadians have. I have no problem cheering for sunbelt teams or American teams in general, it's great for the game that teams from Tampa Bay, Dallas and Anaheim have won the cup. Hockey is Canada's game, true, but we want to have some competition when we go to the World Juniours or the Olympics, and having American teams win inspires more people in those cities to play the game.

I still think the cup needs to come home though, 20 years without a cup in Canada will be a sad milestone! hopefully we can avoid that.

I don't think I could ever cheer for Vancouver, Ottawa or Montreal over any given American team in a finals. I did hope for Edmonton in '06 right up till game 7 when I realized there was a chance they might do what Calgary couldn't 2 years earlier, buy they didn't. I would cheer for Toronto, but have no valid reason for this. :shrug:

What is sad is there is no American city that would appreciate a Stanley Cup win like any of the 6 Canadian cities would, with maybe Ottawa being the only exception. The 2004 run was the most fun (and most self induced ill) I've had in my life!

But I'll probably spend this playoffs in the same place the Flames will... on a golf course not watching it!

[LeftCoaster]

Hopefully not 40 years long. I guess you probably know what that feels like.

Haha I knew that joke was coming as I typed my comment, still went with it though.

And no, I have no idea what that feels like, as I'm not nearly that old, but given the luck of the Canucks, I just might get to find out.

[Calgarian]

What is sad is there is no American city that would appreciate a Stanley Cup win like any of the 6 Canadian cities would



You know Chicago had 2 million people show up to their cup parade right? I think any original 6 city, along with Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Philly, Buffalo and Denver would be just as excited as we would. In most of the south it would be on the 3rd page of the sports section if they're lucky. lol

The only Canadian teams I absolutely refuse to cheer for are Edmonton and Toronto. I always cheered for the Canucks before we faced them in the 1st round in '04. I haven't cheered for them much since then, though I think it would be cool if the Canucks win the cup 1 year after they had the Olympics like Calgary did in '89.

[Nicko999]

Can't believe no one's posted this yet. (http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=359271)

This has already been discussed...

http://bit.ly/f8RqyE

[Nicko999]

Can't believe nobody posted these.:P

"We had a player that was pretty seriously injured," Gill said. "If you're saying anything other than, 'I hope he's well and I hope he's getting better,' then I don't have any time for that."

Micheal Cammalleri
I’m not sure he has a medical degree yet.

http://www.thebruinsblog.net/2011/03/24/habs-cammalleri-cant-miss-a-chance-to-opine-on-bruins-recchi/

[freeweed]

:previous: That's actually what I was getting at, Nicko. The players' opinions are basically irrelevant other than "man, I hope he gets better".

It does open up the debate a little though. Guys with broken necks and career-ending injuries aren't generally going to the movies a week later. And it once again reinforces my belief that penalties should NEVER be handed out primarily on injury status, because it highly encourages teams to exaggerate injury.

Not saying Montreal did this intentionally here (hey, it's possible he just wasn't as badly injured as they first suspected; it happens) but I do think it's something everyone needs to keep in mind in the future before the hysterics start. There's a distinct advantage in claiming a worse injury, especially against a divisional opponent's captain who is also one of their better players. What happens if we see this in a playoff series? I think there'd be plenty of motivation for a team to lie.

[Calgarian]

This has already been discussed...

http://bit.ly/f8RqyE

He actually has no concussion symptoms, so calling it a grade 3 concussion is a bit of an exaggeration. Like I said before, you can get knocked out and not get a concussion.

And like I also said before, I'm happy as hell he's okay, that was scary to watch. The way Pacioretty's head hit the stanchion kinda reminded me of this.

f_H65TtDwIE

Than Cammaleri quote is pretty good. Man the Flames really miss that guy...

[The_Architect]

You know Chicago had 2 million people show up to their cup parade right? I think any original 6 city, along with Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Philly, Buffalo and Denver would be just as excited as we would. In most of the south it would be on the 3rd page of the sports section if they're lucky. lol

The only Canadian teams I absolutely refuse to cheer for are Edmonton and Toronto. I always cheered for the Canucks before we faced them in the 1st round in '04. I haven't cheered for them much since then, though I think it would be cool if the Canucks win the cup 1 year after they had the Olympics like Calgary did in '89.

See that's what I don't get, Edmonton is understandable, but why the hate for Toronto?

[Ayreonaut]

See that's what I don't get, Edmonton is understandable, but why the hate for Toronto?

The media is 100% to blame for that.

[Jay in Cowtown]

You know Chicago had 2 million people show up to their cup parade right? I think any original 6 city, along with Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Philly, Buffalo and Denver would be just as excited as we would. In most of the south it would be on the 3rd page of the sports section if they're lucky. lol


Fair enough, but I still think all those cities would be far more excited to win a Super Bowl or World Series... a Stanley Cup win is our Super Bowl and World Series for 5 of the 6 cities up here, and Toronto would be way more batshit for a Stanley Cup over a World Series win. The NHL is to Canada what the NFL is to America. I still think it would be far more important to us, not saying all those cities you mentioned wouldn't/haven't been excited... but I remember watching a Denver station when they won their second cup, and people they were interviewing were saying... this is cool, but it's not like when we won those 2 Super Bowls.

[MrOilers]

The whole league (and country) overreacted to the Chara hit, not just the Habs. But the Hab fans were the worst.

I don't care if you're a hockey player or a couch potato - unless you're Wolverine, you aren't returning to playoff-level NHL competition a mere 5-6 weeks after a severe concussion and fractured vertebrae. It just isn't happening.

[jigglysquishy]

It's a shame that Canada is so split on our hockey allegiance. If we truly had pan-Canadian support for all our teams it would serve better the entire country. It's in the best interest of all of us that Canadian teams are successful.

I hope that the more teams come north of the border the greater the support for our teams will grow.

Speaking of which, anyone else hope that Winnipeg, Quebec and Hamilton all get teams soon?

[freeweed]

The media is 100% to blame for that.

If my "the media" you mean the CBC and TSN and their forcefeeding of Toronto/Montreal games, then yes.

Being forced to watch every single goddamn Leaves game every time they played, while missing my own home team playing, really sprouted my resentment of the team. It continues to this day - I live with a Sens fan but even when that team was very good, and looked poised to make a deep cup run, and Toronto was in year 39 or so of futility, we STILL had to watch the Leaves game if both teams were playing that night.

Larger audience, history, original 6, blah blah blah. Until we had proper regional broadcasting in this country all I ever got to watch was Toronto and (occasionally) Montreal play hockey. While 4 other Canadian teams got virtually ignored.

Thankfully things are much better now (and satellite and the Internet can solve the remaining headaches for the most part), so instead I just poke fun at 1967. Oh, and the fact that TSN today is still writing stories like "if Toronto makes the playoffs" when they're a whopping 2 games above .500, while completely writing off a team that's 9 games above. The completely senseless Toronto love from TSN continues.

[Nicko999]

The whole league (and country) overreacted to the Chara hit, not just the Habs. But the Hab fans were the worst.

I don't care if you're a hockey player or a couch potato - unless you're Wolverine, you aren't returning to playoff-level NHL competition a mere 5-6 weeks after a severe concussion and fractured vertebrae. It just isn't happening.

Pacioretty played for the Wolverines...;)

According to the different grades, Pacioretty has a severe concussion. The doctors don't know how well he will react to the concussion. After all, they said Crosby would be out for only a week.

I'm not a doctor but concussions are really unpredictable and you don't know what to expect with them.

Aaron Rodgers missed a week with concussion while Crosby is out since January with the same kind of injury.

[Calgarian]

The media is 100% to blame for that.

100% Correct. If I have to hear about Nazim Kadri on CBC again I'm going to f'n scream!

[Calgarian]

It's a shame that Canada is so split on our hockey allegiance. If we truly had pan-Canadian support for all our teams it would serve better the entire country. It's in the best interest of all of us that Canadian teams are successful.

I hope that the more teams come north of the border the greater the support for our teams will grow.

Speaking of which, anyone else hope that Winnipeg, Quebec and Hamilton all get teams soon?

We're not split on allegiance, we all have our own NHL teams that we cheer for, and we all cheer for team Canada. I'm not going to cheer for my arch rival because they are Canadian, that would almost be incentive for me to cheer against them. I want bragging rights and having rival teams win the cup doesn't help that.

[Nicko999]

Well Ottawa has officialy been eliminated from the playoffs... so I guess that leaves us with 27 teams(4 Canadians) still in the race.

Habs-Bruins tonight... Halpern, Plekanec, Darche and Sopel might all be back.:)
I think 2 of those players will play for sure.

I want an injury free game.:(

[freeweed]

100% Correct. If I have to hear about Nazim Kadri on CBC again I'm going to f'n scream!

Did you hear that Joffrey Lupul found his iPhone?

[MrOilers]

According to the different grades, Pacioretty has a severe concussion.

I remember. They said he had a severe concussion and a fractured vertebrae. Hell, they were wondering if he would ever walk again.

But what bothers me is that they did this while petitioning to get Chara suspended, despite the fact that the video shows nothing out of the ordinary on the play, except for the retarded design of the rink.

I find it fishy as hell that once the NHL made the call to not suspend Chara, suddenly Max starts healing in ways not seen since Jesus was making friends with Lazarus. They charted his recovery time from something that's keeping other players out for months, to less than a month and a half, and totally ignored the additional fractured vertebrae.

They don't get it both ways. Either he has the injuries they said he had, or he'll be back when they say he will. It's pretty much impossible that both are true.

[Flamesrule]

Phew, that's good. I was worried sick about Lupul.

[The_Architect]

Did you hear that Joffrey Lupul found his iPhone?

That was a joke, and (at least here in Toronto) it wasn't viewed as anything but a joke.

Also Kadri isn't even the most hyped prospect for the Leafs right now, so you don't have to worry about that.

CBC and TSN are businesses, and will do what makes them the most money/gets them the most popularity, and the Leafs are the team that will do that, which is why they are featured prominently.

Even so, now that TSN is playing all Habs games, it's them that are shoved down our throats here, and the Leafs are only talked about on game days and after a big move or whatever. That and teams in a playoff race are more exciting to follow than teams who are obviously out or obviously in.

[Nicko999]

WOW, Plekanec, Darche, Halpern and Sopel all back tonight. It's now been confirmed.:koko:

[bulliver]

WTF is going on in Boston?

[Some guy]

Just wanted to put my thoughts out there, I am and always will be a Canucks fan, but I will gladly cheer for a Canadian team over an American team anyday.

Hierarchy of my support:

1. Canucks :tup:

2. Any other Canadian team ;)

3. Which ever American team has my favorite Canadian player :D

[The_Architect]

That was the best "revenge" I've ever seen. :haha:

Habs got absolutely steamrolled, physically and on the scoreboard.

[Yume-sama]

Seguin looked like a complete "monster" out there tonight. He's been playing amazing.

[Nicko999]

Can someone please give a brain to Martin... once again Gomez is the most used forward on the team.:yuck:
This is a disgrace, Gomez is not even an ECHL caliber player!!!:yuck::yuck::yuck:

I am ashamed of the whole team including the coach.:yuck:

[Calgarian]

I hope Montreal fans called the cops again tonight because the Habs got absolutely murdered!

[mr.John]

Can someone please give a brain to Martin... once again Gomez is the most used forward on the team.:yuck:
This is a disgrace, Gomez is not even an ECHL caliber player!!!:yuck::yuck::yuck:

I am ashamed of the whole team including the coach.:yuck:

Hey hey easy on poncho Gomez, if he goes on a tear he might score 10 goals this year,$8,000,000 now that's money well spent:koko:

[HomeInMyShoes]

A 5-3 shorthanded goal. Ouch.

[The_Architect]

Leafs with an ugly, UGLY win, but a win nonetheless..
4-3

Kulemin scores 2, Bozak scores, Kessel scores.
Brown scored but he kicked it in so it was disallowed.

Once again, Reimer keeps us in the race. Tied for points with Carolina, 3 back on Buffalo.

[Yume-sama]

A 5-3 shorthanded goal. Ouch.

It's hard to decide what is actually worse. Two quality scoring chances given up 3 on 5, one going in, or that being the 7 - 0 goal.

[xzmattzx]

And you've forgotten just how close Edmonton, Calgary, and Ottawa came to losing their teams to southern American cities that don't give a shit about hockey.


Can you elaborate on this? I know that the Oilers were courted by investors in Houston, but have not heard of anything regarding Calgary or Ottawa.

[Ayreonaut]

WOW, Plekanec, Darche, Halpern and Sopel all back tonight. It's now been confirmed.:koko:

Maybe they should get injured again. :shrug:

Can you elaborate on this? I know that the Oilers were courted by investors in Houston, but have not heard of anything regarding Calgary or Ottawa.

I remember back in the day there was talk of moving Calgary to Portland. I think Ottawa was more recent, so it was probably Kansas City talk then.
Not gonna happen though, if the league moved another Canadian team South, shit would hit the fan in this country.

[Calgarian]

Calgary and Edmonton launched a few initiatives back in the late 90's and early 00's to raise a bit of extra cash, but I can't remember what all of them were. Both Teams launched a lottery, and IIRC, it was a 50/50 type deal. The other thing I can think of right now was the PPV games that they just got rid of. Both teams made a deal with Shaw (local cable provider) to do something like 10 games a year. The price for the PPV games was about $12 for regular definition and $14 for HD (both of which were shit quality). I'm not sure how much money they made off these things, but it was basically the salary cap and the run to the cup finals that set both teams on better financial ground.

[Reesonov]

Calgary and Edmonton launched a few initiatives back in the late 90's and early 00's to raise a bit of extra cash, but I can't remember what all of them were. Both Teams launched a lottery, and IIRC, it was a 50/50 type deal. The other thing I can think of right now was the PPV games that they just got rid of. Both teams made a deal with Shaw (local cable provider) to do something like 10 games a year. The price for the PPV games was about $12 for regular definition and $14 for HD (both of which were shit quality). I'm not sure how much money they made off these things, but it was basically the salary cap and the run to the cup finals that set both teams on better financial ground.

I think the biggest factor was the rise in value of Canadian currency. If the dollar were to drop back down to 0.65 USD, I guarantee you that Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa would not be spending to the cap max any more.

[Calgarian]

I think the biggest factor was the rise in value of Canadian currency. If the dollar were to drop back down to 0.65 USD, I guarantee you that Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa would not be spending to the cap max any more.

That was definitely a factor, a major factor.

[freeweed]

Can you elaborate on this? I know that the Oilers were courted by investors in Houston, but have not heard of anything regarding Calgary or Ottawa.

Ottawa declared bankruptcy and barely managed to find competent local ownership. Calgary almost went down the same path as Edmonton - losing money, attendance way down, shitty team. The relocation hounds were sniffing pretty heavily. Edmonton happened to be the closest (the move to Houston was a matter of weeks at most, according to some) but both Calgary and Ottawa also flirted with losing their teams.

Contrast this with the current US teams - Atlanta and Phoenix are losing tens of millions each and every year, have never been successful, no one local has any interest in purchasing them without massive government subsidies... Edm/Cal/Ott were never in such dire straits - for that matter neither were Wpg/QC/Minny. Winnipeg in its entire existence never lost as much as Phoenix does in a single season. So you may not have heard about years-long drawn out dramas about them moving. However the NHL wouldn't have put 1/10th the effort into any of those franchises as they did for Phoenix, so all it would have taken is things to be just slightly worse, and bam! 2 or 3 fewer Canadian franchises. Fortunately things were turned around, including a miracle owner in Ottawa and the NHL adjusting their ownership rules for Edmonton.

Bettman himself likes to trumpet his "saving" of these 3 franchises as proof that he supports Canadian teams. Because at one point or another, all 3 were being seriously considered for relocation.

[freeweed]

I think the biggest factor was the rise in value of Canadian currency. If the dollar were to drop back down to 0.65 USD, I guarantee you that Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa would not be spending to the cap max any more.

Those teams would still be making more profit than at least 1/3 of the US teams. Yes, at 65 cents and yes, at a max cap spend.

The biggest factor is that all Canadian teams have basically sold out since the lockout. Ottawa is starting to be in the 90% attendance range, but at their ticket prices they're STILL making twice what some US teams are. Plus, our local TV contracts actually attract more than 15,000 fans per game.

What's fundamentally changed is that Americans stopped giving a shit about hockey (and never started, in many places). Canadians have by and large rediscovered the game and are supporting it to a degree never seen before. The salary cap actually helps the US teams far more than the Canadian ones these days, and dollar parity is just gravy.

[MrOilers]

Bettman himself likes to trumpet his "saving" of these 3 franchises as proof that he supports Canadian teams.

Now he's doing everything in his power to "save" the Coyotes, yet when the Jets were in trouble, Bettman practically rolled up his sleeves and helped them load the moving trucks.

[SHOFEAR]

Now he's doing everything in his power to "save" the Coyotes, yet when the Jets were in trouble, Bettman practically rolled up his sleeves and helped them load the moving trucks.

We've seen a steady change of tone from not doing anything to help (QC, Winnipeg) to finding ways for viable small market teams to survive by guaranteeing funding to help offset a shitty dollar when a certain threshold was hit with season tickets and a salary cap (Ed, Cal, etc) to basically doing everything within the NHL's power to prevent franchises from moving (phx etc).

To suggest that he woke up one morning and decided to all of a sudden conveniently decided to help Southern US teams while not doing a thing for Canadian teams is absolutely false.

[freeweed]

We've seen a steady change of tone from not doing anything to help (QC, Winnipeg) to finding ways for viable small market teams to survive by guaranteeing funding to help offset a shitty dollar when a certain threshold was hit with season tickets and a salary cap (Ed, Cal, etc) to basically doing everything within the NHL's power to prevent franchises from moving (phx etc).

To suggest that he woke up one morning and decided to all of a sudden conveniently decided to help Southern US teams while not doing a thing for Canadian teams is absolutely false.

Bettman's plan from day one has always been to help Southern US teams, and ignore Canada. So there was no waking up one morning - this was always his style.

What we're seeing recently is a change like you said - he's slowly moved towards the realization that the Canadian teams are vital to this league. Unfortunately that's coupled with his almost manic refusal to let any southern team move, so it *looks* like he's gotten stronger on that front. But basically, all this is is Gary realizing where his bread is buttered. The 6 Canadian franchises make up something like 30%+ of the league's revenue.

[SHOFEAR]

that 30% (if its true) is sooo misleading. It's only taken one country to be hit by the largest financial crises of a generation, and the other to be left relatively unaffected.

[freeweed]

that 30% (if its true) is sooo misleading. It's only taken one country to be hit by the largest financial crises of a generation, and the other to be left relatively unaffected.

That number was calculated before the recession.

Post-lockout, the Canadian teams have been minting money. While a large number of American teams have been bleeding. The recession only magnified things.

[Flamesrule]

You know, once I think of it, Calgary is still in the playoff run. If the Ducks lose the upcoming next 2/3 games, Flames can certanly make it, with the contrast of Dallas not going to overtime or a shootout. Flames have a pretty easy stretch among themselves, so let's not count them out just quite yet. But Flames need to win most, if not all of thier last games of the season.


I'd say it'll come down to the last game for the Flames.


Also, the Stars have a pretty easy last 2 game stretch- the play against the Avs, which doesn't do us Flames fan a favour.

[Ayreonaut]

The Flames have lost six of their last seven games. It would take a pretty miraculous turnaround to make it.

[Yume-sama]

Last night's Bruins game was the *highest rated* Bruins game in their networks 27 year history. Picked a good time to tune in...

[Darkoshvilli]

Last night's Bruins game was the *highest rated* Bruins game in their networks 27 year history. Picked a good time to tune in...

Hopefully even more tune in when we knock you out of the first round, again. :)

[Xelebes]

Hopefully even more tune in when we knock you out of the first round, again. :)

The Canucks?

[Calgarian]

I'm pretty sure he is a Flames fan.

The Flames are out, it's just a matter of time before it's official.

[freeweed]

The Flames have lost six of their last seven games. It would take a pretty miraculous turnaround to make it.

Agreed. It'll be a pretty big miracle if they manage it. They've just not had the fire lately, plus Kipper has once again been played far too much. He's clearly exhausted.

[freeweed]

Hopefully even more tune in when we knock you out of the first round, again. :)

Yume-Sama doesn't play for the Bruins.

[The_Architect]

Yume-Sama doesn't play for the Bruins.

No I'm pretty sure he's that big eastern European one..

[freeweed]

No I'm pretty sure he's that big eastern European one..

Kaberle's not THAT big...

[You Need A Thneed]

Agreed. It'll be a pretty big miracle if they manage it. They've just not had the fire lately, plus Kipper has once again been played far too much. He's clearly exhausted.

While it is unlikely, the Flames do have a pretty good schedule for it to happen. 4 of their six games are against teams that are barely attempting to even SHOW an attempt to win games. Another game is against Vancouver in the last game of the season, when Vancouver will have absolutely nothing to play for, and Calgary will be playing at home for what could be a lot. The only other game, and the most important one, is a home game vs Anahiem.

If the Flames win all six, they will likely be in, and still have shot if they lose one (especially if that one is in overtime.

They Flames haven't really be playing poorly, even with only 1 win in the last 7. If Anaheim loses the next couple, and the Flames win the next couple, including against Anaheim, the Flames could be in the driver's seat again, and the Flames Schedule would be MUCH easier than the ducks schedule at that point.

[Calgarian]

Don't count out Edmonton and Colorado, both teams would love nothing more than to spoil the party for their divisional rival.

[Nicko999]

It's hard to decide what is actually worse. Two quality scoring chances given up 3 on 5, one going in, or that being the 7 - 0 goal.

Yea, it's the worst game I've ever seen the Habs play... absolutely pathetic. I can't remember a more disgusting performance than that. Possibly the worst lost since Patrick Roy's last game as a Habs.

Yesterday's game made me realize Jacques Martin should be fired...not because of the game itself but because with what he did in the last 2 seasons.

When Gomez plays less than 20 minutes per game, Habs have won 8 straight games. The Habs are also 35-15-5... that's a 120 pts season pace!

Guess who is the center on the "first line" at practice today?:ack:

Just like last year, we're a better team than what the standings says...

[Nicko999]

I just sneaked into 6th place(last playoff position) in the SSP pool and now I'm in semifinals. It's been an amazing battle with 3 more days to go.:tup:

http://bit.ly/i8SuC7

[Ayreonaut]

I just sneaked into 6th place(last playoff position) in the SSP pool and now I'm in semifinals. It's been an amazing battle with 3 more days to go.:tup:

The championship could be a battle between 5th and 6th.

I finished 5th, but if you look at total stats (not win/loss) then I'm in the top 3 in most categories.
Throughout the season I usually won big, or lost tight battles, but in H2H the magnitude of wins and losses doesn't matter, only the end result.

[The Chemist]

So after Malhotra is out indefinitely with an eye injury, is the league finally going to get serious about mandating visors, or will they continue to just give lip service to safety (as they do with other issues, such as no-touch icing and head shots?)

[logan5]

Chris Higgins gets chances but can't finish! Was that his m.o. in Montreal?

[Flamesrule]

I failed in the fantasy league.

I pulled a Calgary Flames. I did pretty good in the first half, but failed during the last bit.

[mr.John]

When Gomez plays less than 20 minutes per game, Habs have won 8 straight games. The Habs are also 35-15-5... that's a 120 pts season pace!

I must say the strange case of rocket Gomez totally fascinates me.
11 years in the NHL, has played 857 games, has scored a staggering 167 goals ,only once scored over 30 goals, in his other 10 seasons he never scored more than 19 goals
his total career earnings $44,454,000 (plus 15 million for the next 2 seasons)
and to top it all off according to the Montreal gazette the man is an arrogant asshole

[SpikePhanta]

While it is unlikely, the Flames do have a pretty good schedule for it to happen. 4 of their six games are against teams that are barely attempting to even SHOW an attempt to win games. Another game is against Vancouver in the last game of the season, when Vancouver will have absolutely nothing to play for, and Calgary will be playing at home for what could be a lot. The only other game, and the most important one, is a home game vs Anahiem.

If the Flames win all six, they will likely be in, and still have shot if they lose one (especially if that one is in overtime.

They Flames haven't really be playing poorly, even with only 1 win in the last 7. If Anaheim loses the next couple, and the Flames win the next couple, including against Anaheim, the Flames could be in the driver's seat again, and the Flames Schedule would be MUCH easier than the ducks schedule at that point.


Well the Canucks could be playing for Sedin's Art Ross hunt, and the president's trophy.

[Ayreonaut]

They'll have the Presidents Trophy wrapped up before then.

[Nicko999]

Chris Higgins gets chances but can't finish! Was that his m.o. in Montreal?

You got it right... when he has chances he can't finish and the rest of the time he was pretty much invisible.

[logan5]

There goes the shutout. Luongo's pissed.

[The_Architect]

Ughhh now I'm starting to think all the teams got together and agreed to not help Toronto as much as possible...

Florida was relatively expected, but Tampa makes me want to facepalm.

[Nicko999]

If everything goes as planned Pacioretty should start rehab in the next few days.:tup:

Pacioretty will be at compete rest until March 26, then begin rehab before he can take part in full practices.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/story/?id=358395&hubname=nhl-canadiens

[Darkoshvilli]

What, people are still playing in the yahoo pool? I forgot about it. lol

[Nicko999]

Well Florida is now officially eliminated from the playoffs race. 26 teams left (4 Canadians)!

[Nicko999]

Let's hope Gomez plays less than 20 minutes.

I'm not expecting this to happen though.:(

Hopefully we score a goal tonight!:help:

[feepa]

my night will be complete if Smack lays a beat down on Regehr regardless of who wins.

[Flamesrule]

my night will be complete if Smack lays a beat down on Regehr regardless of who wins.

Why would he try to: lay a beat down on Regehr?

[Nicko999]

For the first time since 1949, the Habs have been shut out for 3 straight games.

I have nothing more to say...

[Flamesrule]

Did they play good and client figure out Varlamov or did they play terrible?


Yes, Stars and Ducks are losing as of now!

[Yume-sama]

The Caps didn't even play Varlamov tonight~

[Flamesrule]

Oh, lol.

10.

[The_Architect]

Did they play good and client figure out Varlamov or did they play terrible?


Yes, Stars and Ducks are losing as of now!

It was Holtby in net, and he got the first star so I assume he played really well.

Toronto loses to Detroit 4-2, not unexpected but sucks nonetheless.
Holmstrom gets one of his usual garbage tip-ins, I wonder if he's scored a real goal in his life..

At least Tampa gave us a bit of help for once by beating Carolina.

[Nicko999]

Did they play good and client figure out Varlamov or did they play terrible?


Yes, Stars and Ducks are losing as of now!

They played Holtby... and we only had 18 shots all game.:rolleyes:

I'm sorry to think that way but I almost hope we don't score for the next few games so Martin could be fired. Never seen such a bad coach... never!

[The_Architect]

They played Holtby... and we only had 18 shots all game.:rolleyes:

I'm sorry to think that way but I almost hope we don't score for the next few games so Martin could be fired. Never seen such a bad coach... never!

This is the same guy that lost to the Leafs in the playoffs 4 times in 5 years, getting swept their best year and with them finishing the regular season better a few times. We've known he was terrible for years..

[Ayreonaut]

Looks like Anaheim's on their way towards another win. :(

[Ayreonaut]

Sarich is playing like shit. I blame the second goal entirely on his weaksauce play in the corner.