[The_Architect]

Umm...... k?

Quite the catfight going on between Western journalists there.

[SpikePhanta]

He has a point, so what if The Canucks is not Canada's team?
The Canucks is Vancouver's team, hence them having "Vancouver" over their orca logos not "Canada"

[Denscity]

:previous: The Canuck's are BC's team!!

[Xelebes]

Vancouver Sun columnist Response to the Edmonton writers (http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Dear+rest+Canada+please+your+hockey+team/4769549/story.html)

Only post an excerpt of the article, not the whole article.

[Yume-sama]

Well, off to the SCF for the Canucks. The teal tinkerbells will fold rather fast.

[Nicko999]

Thornton isn't choking this year so it might be a good series...

If the Sedins wake up, Vancouver will win if not Sharks in 6.

We have to keep in mind that Antti Niemi has NEVER lost a series (6-0).

[The_Architect]

Sharks in 7.

I think it would be just perfect if Niemi wins a cup, is dumped by that team, been described as not a big part of the championship team, go to another team and win the cup there the year after. Perfect middle finger to those who doubted him.

[krudmonk]

Well, off to the SCF for the Canucks. The teal tinkerbells will fold rather fast.

Ha, against the Cannots? These teams carry the same legacy of falling on their faces, so don't be talking like it's the Wings Pt II. I have no idea how it'll play out but factoring in one stigma and not the other here is stupid.
Sharks in 7.

I think it would be just perfect if Niemi wins a cup, is dumped by that team, been described as not a big part of the championship team, go to another team and win the cup there the year after. Perfect middle finger to those who doubted him.
Sharks fans giving him tons of love since January or so. He faltered in the first round and the casual observers said to keep playing Niitty, but fans knew Niemi would bounce back and has surpassed those expectations.

[MrOilers]

Canucks vs the Sharks

Chokefest '11 :tup:

[SpikePhanta]

Canucks and Sharks are equal in offense and Goaltending IMO.
Defense will be the tie breaker and the Canucks have a deeper blueline than the Sharks.
As I said before Vlasic,White&Boyle is not the same as Keith/Seabrook/Campbell or Suter/Franson/WEBERRRRR.

Gonna be exciting series and it can go either way, will depend on the killer instinct.
Going to go to Game 7, but I can't decide who will win it.

I think Boucher in the east is gonna work his magic and Tampa will win in 6.

[The_Architect]

I dunno about saying they're even offensively..

The Canucks have Kesler, and Kesler. The Sedins are invisible and the odd other forward is contributing. Meanwhile with the Sharks, Big Joe is really stepping it up, Seto is playing really well, Boyle, Clowe and Couture are providing a lot of offense, and then of course there's F*ckin All-Star..

[Nicko999]

Rumours are that the Habs are going to sign Yemelin after the IIHF World Hockey Championships.

Drafted 84th overall in 2004 by the Habs, he is a physical d-man that can play dirty at times. Yume-sama and the Bruins will have nightmares about him. If he cracks the top 6, Subban might become public enemy #2.

I really like the way Gauthier has build the team. He's using youth to build one of the best defense in the NHL.

In a perfect world we trade Spacek...
Markov-Subban
Wisniewski-Yemelin
Gill-Gorges
Weber

If we don't resign the Wiz(:(), we replace him with Weber.

[Nicko999]

Canucks and Sharks are equal in offense and Goaltending IMO.
Defense will be the tie breaker and the Canucks have a deeper blueline than the Sharks.
As I said before Vlasic,White&Boyle is not the same as Keith/Seabrook/Campbell or Suter/Franson/WEBERRRRR.

Gonna be exciting series and it can go either way, will depend on the killer instinct.
Going to go to Game 7, but I can't decide who will win it.

I think Boucher in the east is gonna work his magic and Tampa will win in 6.

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

[jlousa]

Not sure I'd say losing in the Conference finals would be deemed a choke for either team. Making it to the final four is a successful season.

[freeweed]

Canucks vs the Sharks

Chokefest '11 :tup:

On the bright side, one of the 2 big chokers is guaranteed not to choke, for the first time in NHL history!

Canucks-Bruins final. I called this a while back, I'll have to dig up that post some day.

[Calgarian]

Why are Vancouverites taking it so personally that people in Calgary and Edmonton aren't cheering for the Canucks? we didn't cheer for the Oil in '06 and they didn't cheer for us in '04, that's what happens with rivalries. lol

The Canucks and Sharks should be a good battle, though I see Vancouver taking it in 6 or 7.

I love Vancouver and am very much looking forward to visiting it, don't take the fact that I don't like your hockey team personally.

[SHOFEAR]

Why are Vancouverites taking it so personally that people in Calgary and Edmonton aren't cheering for the Canucks? we didn't cheer for the Oil in '06 and they didn't cheer for us in '04, that's what happens with rivalries. lol

.

Because Vancouver fan didn't care about hockey 5 years ago.



Go Sharks.

[MrOilers]

Why are Vancouverites taking it so personally that people in Calgary and Edmonton aren't cheering for the Canucks?

No kidding.

Alberta has two hockey teams that we love, and Vancouver is a division rival. No reason to get all butthurt because Albertans don't want to cheer for Vancouver's stupid team.

[freeweed]

Why are Vancouverites taking it so personally that people in Calgary and Edmonton aren't cheering for the Canucks? we didn't cheer for the Oil in '06 and they didn't cheer for us in '04, that's what happens with rivalries.

Incorrect. Plenty of people in Calgary cheered in 06, at least if car flags and bar crowds were any indication, and plenty of people in Edmonton cheered in 04. *You* (and/or people you know) might not have, but that's a different kettle of fish.

Plenty of people in Calgary and Edmonton, right now, are cheering for the Canucks. Again, car flags alone tell me that.

I think however that Vancouver is facing a small backlash against the term "Canada's team". We usually hear this about the 2 Original 6 teams (yeah, great, you guys were special 50 freaking years ago, we get it). When we heard it about Calgary and Edmonton (and to a lesser extent, Ottawa), it was cute and fun that these small market "new" teams were being rallied behind. Of course, all 3 failed to actually win the Cup, so now it's just getting tired. Vancouver just feels to many to be the latest in a long line of Canadian failure in the NHL.

[Yume-sama]

Don't confuse migrants who've moved for economic prosperity as born and bred Calgarians :P

[Darkoshvilli]

Rumours are that the Habs are going to sign Yemelin after the IIHF World Hockey Championships.

Drafted 84th overall in 2004 by the Habs, he is a physical d-man that can play dirty at times. Yume-sama and the Bruins will have nightmares about him. If he cracks the top 6, Subban might become public enemy #2.

I really like the way Gauthier has build the team. He's using youth to build one of the best defense in the NHL.

In a perfect world we trade Spacek...
Markov-Subban
Wisniewski-Yemelin
Gill-Gorges
Weber

If we don't resign the Wiz(:(), we replace him with Weber.

And we've just signed some Diaz guy from the Swiss league. Apparently he is considered to be the top Swiss D not in the nhl and was their best D at the worlds.

Best case scenario we get another Streit, worst case he helps out Hamilton.

[Calgarian]

Incorrect. Plenty of people in Calgary cheered in 06, at least if car flags and bar crowds were any indication, and plenty of people in Edmonton cheered in 04. *You* (and/or people you know) might not have, but that's a different kettle of fish.

Plenty of people in Calgary and Edmonton, right now, are cheering for the Canucks. Again, car flags alone tell me that.

I think however that Vancouver is facing a small backlash against the term "Canada's team". We usually hear this about the 2 Original 6 teams (yeah, great, you guys were special 50 freaking years ago, we get it). When we heard it about Calgary and Edmonton (and to a lesser extent, Ottawa), it was cute and fun that these small market "new" teams were being rallied behind. Of course, all 3 failed to actually win the Cup, so now it's just getting tired. Vancouver just feels to many to be the latest in a long line of Canadian failure in the NHL.

Sentiments were definitely anti Oilers in '06 and are anti Canucks now, and I judge that by the reactions in the bars when the other team scores, the cheers are definitely louder when Vancouver gets scored on. There are definitely going to be Vancouver and Edmonton fans here, people from both cities live and visit here.

[Urban_Genius]

This year my predictions have been mediocre at best. 6-6, through the first two rounds.
I'll take San Jose in 6 and Boston in 7. Let's hope I'm especially right about San Jose!

[Flamesrule]

I hope Feaster can do some magic for the Flames in the offseason.


Go Sharks.


Damn, last time the Canucks went to the conference finals was 1994.

[touraccuracy]

Damn, last time the Canucks went to the conference finals was 1994.

yup, canucks and flames have both made it to that round once in the past 22 years.

and edmonton once since '92.

alberta hockey fans are reminding me of this guy:
http://www.neuro-tech.net/~chie/wp-content/Rico1.jpg (http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.neuro-tech.net/~chie/wp-content/Rico1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php%3Ft%3D820978&usg=__i1pTBxsFHH65YGLbyQgy72YQmao=&h=367&w=203&sz=21&hl=en&start=7&zoom=1&tbnid=st27UzT6l5Cr5M:&tbnh=122&tbnw=67&ei=vpfNTfG_BoKqsAOvvLW4Cw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Duncle%2Brico%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26biw%3D1920%26bih%3D887%26tbm%3Disch%26prmd%3Divns&itbs=1)
" '89 man, coach shoulda put me in "

[Flamesrule]

yup, canucks and flames have both made it to that round once in the past 22 years.


Flames have made it twice in the past 22 years.

[agrant]

Why are Vancouverites taking it so personally that people in Calgary and Edmonton aren't cheering for the Canucks? we didn't cheer for the Oil in '06 and they didn't cheer for us in '04, that's what happens with rivalries. lol

The Canucks and Sharks should be a good battle, though I see Vancouver taking it in 6 or 7.

I love Vancouver and am very much looking forward to visiting it, don't take the fact that I don't like your hockey team personally.I don't think anyone is. And I agree with you that people should not be cheering for their rival.

[SpikePhanta]

Why are Vancouverites taking it so personally that people in Calgary and Edmonton aren't cheering for the Canucks? we didn't cheer for the Oil in '06 and they didn't cheer for us in '04, that's what happens with rivalries. lol


We aren't. its just that several people come out and say that they don't cheer for the canucks and that the Canucks is not Canada's team, when we never decided to be Canada's team but rather the team of BC and Vancouver.

Please note that the article I posted was in response to several edmonton writers coming out and slamming our team and city publicly.

[touraccuracy]

Flames have made it twice in the past 22 years.

well, once in the past 22 years (as i said) but twice in the past 22 seasons if you want to get technical.

actually, while i'm correcting things, vancouver has now made it twice, obviously.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Calgary_Flames_seasons#Season-by-season_history

[freeweed]

Don't confuse migrants who've moved for economic prosperity as born and bred Calgarians :P

All 14 of the latter cheered against the other teams then, I agree.

However you should also not confuse birthplace with team loyalty. Only simpletons choose things solely on such a trivial factor that they have zero control over. :P

Either way, as I've said it before - every team has 29 rivals, by definition. The people who get so upset by someone cheering for other teams are really cute. Yes, I completely don't follow any hockey EVER except the team that plays in the city I happen to be born in. I don't follow the sport, or know anything about any actual team specifics, I just follow along blindly.

You know what we tend to call those fans? Fairweather fans. They don't actually care about the sport, they only care when the home team wins.

Hmm, just realized - someone is sure to now claim that "rivalries" only include divisional rivals. So I guess when the league realigns every so often, people just completely forget who the 2 minute hate is aimed at and start up against a new set of teams. Screw you all, I'm still booing Toronto no matter what. :haha:

[Nicko999]

Go Dogs tonight!!!:cheers:

[Darkoshvilli]

http://www.upload.ee/image/1338869/oho.gif

[Nicko999]

Yea, just saw that goal... Crosbyesque

[The_Architect]

Yea, just saw that goal... Crosbyesque

Except the Crosby one happened when his team was already up 7-1, ad demolishing the other team. Quite classless.

The goal itself was the same, the situation wasn't.

[The_Architect]

Hmm, just realized - someone is sure to now claim that "rivalries" only include divisional rivals. So I guess when the league realigns every so often, people just completely forget who the 2 minute hate is aimed at and start up against a new set of teams. Screw you all, I'm still booing Toronto no matter what. :haha:

Go for it, we'll continue not giving a shit about Calgary. :haha:

[touraccuracy]

all those jersey changes actually had a purpose, we were working our way to this!

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229014_10150613744165157_530715156_18720382_6567514_n.jpg
source: a friend posted this on facebook...

[Travis007]

That goal was sweet, this kid's got filthy hands. Hope to see Granlund in the league soon.

[Nicko999]

Derek Boogaard found dead in his apartment in Minneapolis.:(

RIP. Way too young to die, he was 28.:(

[Yume-sama]

That's too bad :( I wonder what happened.

Not saying it's what happened, but a lot of players seem to fall in to a bad lifestyle when they go to the Big Apple.

[Travis007]

Sad to hear that. One of the game's great enforcers. The Boogey-Man was always a fan favourite, and a great guy off the ice.

RIP.

[SpikePhanta]

Man he suffered a concussion a few months ago, one has to wonder if that is connected to his death.

r.i.p boogeyman

[Nicko999]

That's too bad :( I wonder what happened.

Not saying it's what happened, but a lot of players seem to fall in to a bad lifestyle when they go to the Big Apple.

What? Cherepanov died in Russia because of a heart problem and Boogaard was found dead in Minneapolis. Nothing to do with the city of New York.

Rumors are that it might be related to his concussion.:(

[Coldrsx]

Derek Boogaard found dead in his apartment in Minneapolis.:(

RIP. Way too young to die, he was 28.:(

Indeed... Very sad.

[Yume-sama]

What? Cherepanov died in Russia because of a heart problem and Boogaard was found dead in Minneapolis. Nothing to do with the city of New York.

Rumors are that it might be related to his concussion.:(

Well, I wasn't talking specifically about him :P Maybe other players haven't *died*, but there's been endless rumours about certain NYR players "habits".

Fleury back in the day (not really a rumour), Redden..., and there's been others.

Your life changes when all the sudden you are a pro athlete with money in a big city, rather than in Minnesota.

[SpikePhanta]

Well NYC is helping Sean Avery. :P
Attitude problems is pretty rare in the NHL when compared with other pro leagues like the NFL and NBA.

[Nicko999]

Already injuries for next season... only in Montreal!:(

RDS reports that Montreal Canadiens forward Lars Eller underwent successful shoulder surgery in Toronto on Friday.

The surgery was similar to the one performed on Habs prospect Louis Leblanc earlier this week.

Recovery time for both is expected to be four to six months.

http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2011/5/14/2170928/habs-eller-undergoes-successful-surgery-and-more-on-diaz

[Nicko999]

My predictions:

TBL in 6
VAN in 7

BTW-Those playoffs have been a dissapointment in terms of multiple OT games.
The only games that have been to second OT:

Caps-Rangers Game 4: goal at 12:36 of 2OT
Pens-Lightning Game 4: goal at 3:38 of 2OT
Habs-Bruins Game 5: goal at 9:03 of 2OT
Predators-Canucks Game 2: goal at 14:51 of 2OT

That's not a lot of games for a multiple OTs fan like me especially when 1 of those games doesn't count because it involves your team so you don't enjoy it!

[Calgarian]

RIP Boogaard.

Scary when someone that is in the prime of their life dies suddenly.

[caltrane74]

One to many shots to the head, I guess.

[Nicko999]

:haha::haha::haha::haha:

And the Bruins are complaining about diving?:haha::haha::haha::haha:

[Yume-sama]

Roloson now only the 2nd goalie in history to win 8 playoff games in a row at the ripe old age of 41 :P

[Nicko999]

Typical Bruins game... they don't have much skill so obviously Tampa exposed them and their slow D.
Then late in the game, they try to take Gagne out who just came back from a concussion.

Lucic and Horton also with some suspension worthy sucker punches with 15 seconds left... but don't kid yourself, they are playing for Boston so they won't get suspended.

And let's not forget fans throwing stuff on ice at the end of the game... judging by some people here, ONLY Habs fans throw stuff on the ice (only waffles in Toronto).

[Nicko999]

Krejci cross checking Moore, Horton sucker punch to Moore and Lucic sucker punch to Hedman...all in about 3 seconds.

Ul613LQqxy4

[mintzilla]

Roloson is the definition of clutch goalie. Tampa bay all the way (damn if he didnt get injured in 06!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

[yaletown_fella]

Tampa will also expose San Jose in the finals. :cheers:

[Yume-sama]

I'll be shocked if San Jose makes it to Game 6, let alone the Finals.

[freeweed]

all those jersey changes actually had a purpose, we were working our way to this!

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229014_10150613744165157_530715156_18720382_6567514_n.jpg
source: a friend posted this on facebook...

This is the funniest hockey thing I've seen in years. :haha::haha::haha::haha:

[Nicko999]

Should be a good game tonight.:tup:

[Darkoshvilli]

Should be a good game tonight.:tup:

Im surprised you didn't comment about Emelin's injury today.

[Nicko999]

Im surprised you didn't comment about Emelin's injury today.

A Habs prospect/player getting injured? That doesn't happen...never!!!

I mean we already have Leblanc and Eller who might not be ready in time for training camp and now Yemelin gets injured.:rolleyes:
At least, we now know he was (or is) going to sign with us otherwise he wouldn't get injured.

Also congrats Vancouver.:tup: 7 more wins!!!

[Some guy]

Should be a good game tonight.:tup:

It was more than good, it was excellent. Physical play and dominance by Vancouver in most of the 2nd and all of the 3rd. . . . . looking forward to game 2. :cheers:

[Coldrsx]

Crap crap crap

[logan5]

The third line really put good fore check pressure on San Jose and chipped in a big goal. And Raffi seems to have gotten his confidence back which is good news.

[NetMapel]

Good win by the Canucks. Also a little shout out to the Ex-Habs (Lappy and Higgins) for really helping us too. I know the Habs fans here should be proud of them :)

[Dwils01]

All I need to do is read Coldrsx post to find out if the Canucks won.
:haha:

[Nicko999]

Good win by the Canucks. Also a little shout out to the Ex-Habs (Lappy and Higgins) for really helping us too. I know the Habs fans here should be proud of them :)

Yes, I really like Lappy. Not only is he a good third liner but he has the ability to get under your skin and take you out of your game.

He's also one of the few players on the Canucks with Conference final experience along with Malhotra, Torres and Samuelson.

Higgins wasn't commited to the team while with the Habs. Very good skater with a good shot. After all, he still find a way to score 23, 22 and 27 goals for us. Sad to see the downfall but he's doing great right now so good for him.:tup:


In the East, we have Moore and Bergeron as ex-Habs so it's very likely that 2 of those 4 players win the Cup.

[The_Architect]

Lappy also got one of the rare penalties for diving last night. ;)
See he hasn't stopped that at all since his Montreal days.

[touraccuracy]

Canucks in 4.

[The_Architect]

Canucks in 4.

:haha: You think the Canucks are going to get a sweep??

They barely pulled off a win last night, and that's with San Jose's collapse in the 3rd, some cases of very one-sided reffing, and only Thornton and Niemi showing up at all!

If the players on the Sharks actually want to show up, AND play a full 60 minutes.. then Sharks in 6 or 7. If not, Canucks in 7.

[Yume-sama]

I'm gonna go with Canucks in 5 :P

Then, and only then, will I cash in my life savings to pay for the exorbitant price of Canucks tickets in the SCF.

$400 nosebleeds? Yes please! :haha:

[agrant]

If all the players show up from both teams, Canucks in 7. :)

[Yume-sama]

The Flames continue handing out no movement clauses like candy. Glencross at 2.55m for 4 years, now an even dozen Flames bums that can't be moved.

Though, he IS one of the least bummy of players who have one.

And Uncle Feaster has been announced as full-time GM. Going to be a long year in Calgary :(

[Nicko999]

:haha::haha::haha:

Best gif ever!!!

http://i52.tinypic.com/63wqd0.gif
http://i52.tinypic.com/63wqd0.gif

[crazyjoeda]

:haha: You think the Canucks are going to get a sweep??

They barely pulled off a win last night, and that's with San Jose's collapse in the 3rd, some cases of very one-sided reffing, and only Thornton and Niemi showing up at all!

If the players on the Sharks actually want to show up, AND play a full 60 minutes.. then Sharks in 6 or 7. If not, Canucks in 7.

I wouldn't say the Canucks barely won last night Niemi kept them in the game. I'm not saying the Canucks will sweep; they could but they will probably take 5 or 6 games.

[David1gray]

:haha::haha::haha:

Best gif ever!!!

http://i52.tinypic.com/63wqd0.gif
http://i52.tinypic.com/63wqd0.gif

I lol'd at that

[Flamesrule]

Canucks in 4.

Typical Canucks fan prediction.:haha:

[Flamesrule]

The Flames continue handing out no movement clauses like candy. Glencross at 2.55m for 4 years, now an even dozen Flames bums that can't be moved.

Though, he IS one of the least bummy of players who have one.

And Uncle Feaster has been announced as full-time GM. Going to be a long year in Calgary :(

2.55 million a year, not as bad as I thought.

I think Feaster getting signed is a good thing, a step higher. Lets just hope he can sign Karlsson and Tanguay. I couldn't care less about Morrison since he is an older man playing in the NHL.

If Feaster can boost the Flames propect pool, then I think the upcoming years could be successful.

[SpikePhanta]

Typical Canucks fan prediction.:haha:

Typical Canucks fan prediction? :rolleyes:

He is the only canucks fan on this forum making that prediction and the only guy i have seen so far make that prediction on the internet.

Not even the bandwagoners on the canucks official forum are making these bold predictions. :koko:

You know who did make a stupid prediction?
Bob Mccown, who said Sharks in 4. :haha:

[Nicko999]

:) :cheers:

Canadiens sign Emelin to a one-year contract

MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced Tuesday the signing of defenseman Alexsey Emelin to a one-year, two-way contract (2011-12). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with Alexsey Emelin. Alexsey is a steady, physical defenseman with strong skating ability. The experience he has acquired in the KHL over the past few years will make for a smooth transition to the NHL,” said Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier.

http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=562604&navid=DL|MTL|home

If you hated Subban, wait until you see this guy.
This difference is that Emelin is bigger, less offensive but is actually dirty.

[Travis007]

Good signing, Habs need size and weight on Defence. Sounds like the Habs are playing it safe with the one year, two way contract.

[touraccuracy]

Typical Canucks fan prediction? :rolleyes:

He is the only canucks fan on this forum making that prediction and the only guy i have seen so far make that prediction on the internet.

Not even the bandwagoners on the canucks official forum are making these bold predictions. :koko:

You know who did make a stupid prediction?
Bob Mccown, who said Sharks in 4. :haha:

when i get a feeling, i say it. i was right about my last one.

[Yume-sama]

Tyler Seguin is unfreakinbelievable. 4 point period, 2g 2a, 6 points in his first 2 playoff games.

He's going to be one hell of an amazing player.

[SpikePhanta]

Is it to much/impatient to ask for Hodgson to have a huge splash ala Seguin?
Anyways I like how Boston and Philly are developing VanR & Seguin.

[Yume-sama]

What a game that was~ Doesn't get much more exciting.

[The_Architect]

Dayum! What a game from Seguin there.. And Ryder too!

You can tell Kabs is trying really hard to get some production going, and get the family of monkeys off his back. I really hope he does too, great guy, deserves not to have the faults of an entire team places on him..

[Nicko999]

What a game that was~ Doesn't get much more exciting.

I have seen better this year but yeah, that was the best game of the playoffs.

And BTW, the most exciting situation for me would be Game 7 OT in the Stanley Cup finals when my team is not in it.:P

[Coldrsx]

They had it....

[Travis007]

Tyler Seguin was inevitable. Watch him break out next season, with proper playing time and line mates.

If only the Leafs...err.. nevermind

[The_Architect]

Tyler Seguin was inevitable. Watch him break out next season, with proper playing time and line mates.

If only the Leafs...err.. nevermind

Yes quite unfortunate.. the Leafs only got a perennial 30+ goal scorer and team leader in points who has yet to hit his full potential.

Many people forget that 1. This is a small sample size and 2. Kessel was also a ppg playoff performer in 15 career playoff games.

[The_Architect]

In other news.. HockeysFuture ranked the Leafs 9th in the league in prospect depth.

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/13076/hockeys_future_organizational_rankings_spring2011110/http://

9. Toronto Maple Leafs

Strengths: With the additions of Joe Colborne, Jake Gardiner, and recently signed Mark Owuya the Maple Leafs continue to benefit from strong depth in all positions. Nazem Kadri has shown flashes of brilliance, James Reimer has provided top-notch goaltending, and Keith Aulie impressed enough that management made room in the top-six for him. Weaknesses: While adding the likes of Colborne and Gardiner has supported the system, the Maple Leafs still lack cornerstone talent in which to build around - specifically a top-line center. They must continue adding highly-skilled forwards and offensive-defenders to the system to build on their competitiveness. Top 5 Prospects: 1. Nazem Kadri, C, 2. Joe Colborne, C, 3. Jake Gardiner, D, 4. James Reimer, G, 5. Keith Aulie, D. Lost to Graduation: Tyler Bozak, Carl Gunnarsson, Jonas Gustavsson. Lost to Trade: Mikhail Stefanovich.

Top 10:
1. LA Kings
2. Florida Panthers
3. Nashville Predators
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
5. St. Louis Blues
6. New York Islanders
7. New York Rangers
8. Anaheim Ducks
9. Toronto Maple Leafs
10. Edmonton Oilers

Up from 12th last year, not too shabby.. Especially considering just years ago it would be a shock if the Leafs ranked outside of the bottom-5.

[SpikePhanta]

Yeah what people forget is that Kessel is only 23, and has yet to reach his prime, 30+ goals for his age is great and he will only go up in skill as the team around him gets better.

Not to mention Kessel himself was drafted 5th in 2006 (same year as grabner who is going to be the star of the NYI)

[freeweed]

Irrelevant, but funny:

Tyler Seguin was in on 4 goals in yesterday’s Conference Final game.

The last time the leaves, as a team, scored 4+ goals in a Conference Final game was May 25, 1999.

Tyler Seguin was 7 years old.

[Nicko999]

In other news.. HockeysFuture ranked the Leafs 9th in the league in prospect depth.

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/13076/hockeys_future_organizational_rankings_spring2011110/http://



Top 10:
1. LA Kings
2. Florida Panthers
3. Nashville Predators
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
5. St. Louis Blues
6. New York Islanders
7. New York Rangers
8. Anaheim Ducks
9. Toronto Maple Leafs
10. Edmonton Oilers

Up from 12th last year, not too shabby.. Especially considering just years ago it would be a shock if the Leafs ranked outside of the bottom-5.

I don't understand why Kadri and Remier are on that list since they're already with the big club.

As for the Habs, they are down from 12 to 20 because Subban and Eller graduated.:haha:

[freeweed]

As for the Habs, they are down from 12 to 20

How did you find anything past 10? I only ask because I'm sure the Flames are bottom 5.

[Travis007]

That's true. Kessel will continue to develop and will reach his full potential when the Leafs sign a true playmaking Centre, or if Kadri reaches that level. I guess time will tell which team benefitted more from this trade. But I am impressed by Burke's ability to be resourceful and replenish the Leafs' farm system. Other prospects I've heard great things about are: Greg McKegg (great name), Josh Nicholls, Jesse Blacker, Matt Frattin, and Jerry D'Amigo.

Oh, and this guy, Mark Owuya. Rapping, Swedish goalie. LOL:


PfVFHbfita0

[caltrane74]

Oh yes, the rapping swedish goalie.

Our team is so multi-cultural. I really wish PK Subban could play with the leafs instead of Montreal.

Then we would have:

Kadri
Subbann
Owuya

[Nicko999]

Sad but true, Andrei Markov and Tomas Plekanec are the only Habs that were with the team pre-lockout.

God I hope we sign Markov... I mean he's BY far the longest serving Hab (since 2000) and could potentially be the second (or even THE) most interesting UFA this summer.

I hope Gauthier won't let that happen especially considering he's always taken hometown discounts. 5.75M a year isn't a lot for a top 5-10 D-man in the league.

[logan5]

Who's Jumbo Joe gonna challenge to a fight tonight? Henrik Sedin? Maybe Sami Salo? I know he wouldn't challenge Kevin Bieksa, because he knows he would get Rick Rypiened.

Go Canucks Go!

[SpikePhanta]

In other news.. HockeysFuture ranked the Leafs 9th in the league in prospect depth.

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/13076/hockeys_future_organizational_rankings_spring2011110/http://



Top 10:
1. LA Kings
2. Florida Panthers
3. Nashville Predators
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
5. St. Louis Blues
6. New York Islanders
7. New York Rangers
8. Anaheim Ducks
9. Toronto Maple Leafs
10. Edmonton Oilers

Up from 12th last year, not too shabby.. Especially considering just years ago it would be a shock if the Leafs ranked outside of the bottom-5.

I don't agree with them on the Canucks, they underestimate several players and they give Hodgson a 7.5

[SpikePhanta]

Sad but true, Andrei Markov and Tomas Plekanec are the only Habs that were with the team pre-lockout.

God I hope we sign Markov... I mean he's BY far the longest serving Hab (since 2000) and could potentially be the second (or even THE) most interesting UFA this summer.

I hope Gauthier won't let that happen especially considering he's always taken hometown discounts. 5.75M a year isn't a lot for a top 5-10 D-man in the league.

I wouldn't say hes one of the most interesting UFA this summer.
Also as much as i like Markov he isn't top 5-10 anymore. His injuries past couple seasons hurt his cause and at his age 33 he is past his prime.