NHL 2011-2012 thread

[Breetai]

One interesting team might be the Oilers. They have a few high-profile young players/rookies. Plus Smitty is back with them. I do sincerely hope they get out of the bottom of the league. If they can make it within 5-8 points of a playoff spot, I think it would be a successful year for the Oilers to build on for making the playoffs next season. If they make the playoffs this year, then they've exceeded expectations. Of course, I would love to see them in the playoffs.

[retrosportsgamer]

flyers look really promising this season with the new goalie. Already took down boston.

The only issue with the flyers is if they can stay healthy. They have a great squad, but I'm not so sure they're built for the playoffs. It's way too early to tell though.

The defense and goaltending should be top notch, but as you noted, a lot rests on Pronger's health. He was a monster in 2010 during the run to the cup and of course was hurt last year.

The tema will need time to gel considering all the new pieces on the top two lines but so far so good. It's a little bit of a refreshing re-boot in the midst of a couple successful seasons. I like Holmgren a lot - one of the best GMs in the game.

[Luke]

The defense and goaltending should be top notch, but as you noted, a lot rests on Pronger's health. He was a monster in 2010 during the run to the cup and of course was hurt last year.

The tema will need time to gel considering all the new pieces on the top two lines but so far so good. It's a little bit of a refreshing re-boot in the midst of a couple successful seasons. I like Holmgren a lot - one of the best GMs in the game.

I think it's fair to say that the Flyers have a reputation of getting to the playoffs, but then not only beating the snot of their competition, but themselves as well. This doesn't bode well for the Flyers nor their competition. Pronger is great, don't get me wrong, but he's not like Desjardins, a player who was a threat on both ends of the ice.

And as great as it is to see Jagr in the rink, he is one concussion away from retirement. I remain skeptically optimistic for the Flyers post season, but I do see them getting there.

[Breetai]

The defense and goaltending should be top notch, but as you noted, a lot rests on Pronger's health. He was a monster in 2010 during the run to the cup and of course was hurt last year.

He was a HUGE monster in the playoffs of 2000, 2001, 2006, 2007 and 2010. I mean, he is the main reason why the Oilers went from nowhere one year, to the final game of the Stanley Cup finals the next, and then, when traded, won the cup with his new team and the Oilers missed the playoffs every year since. When healthy, he is THE most effective player in the league. He has been that since his second year in St. Louis in the 1995-1996 season. I honestly think that.

If the Flyers stay healthy, they are the favourites to be in the final (them or the Pens). If fact, I actually think we might see a repeat of the 2009-2010 finals between Chicago and Philadelphia if both teams stay healthy.

[skyknight]

Well, we're about to hit the quarter mark of this season, gotta say the Oilers blew my expectations - I was wondering when the "rebuilding" would stop, but now its the Flames that need to do it: Iggy and Kip + Brew are taking too much of their salary cap.

I do wonder if the Leafs can hang on, the Blue Jackets needs to be blown up, seriously. When does Sid play, and if then, are the Pens the best team in the East?

[Luke]

How awesome is Theo Fleury for being willing to share his past and stretching out a hand to those abused at Penn State? Now I don't want to start a topic about penn state, but Theo once again showed that he's a stand up guy (must have been his time with the Avalanche).

Oh, and Go Hawks!

[the King]

Good game tonight with the Wings visiting Pittsburgh. Although I don't like the guy I do wish Crosby was playing. Looking more likely that this concussion thing might cut his career short which would be a shame.

[EvilRyu2099]

Good game tonight with the Wings visiting Pittsburgh. Although I don't like the guy I do wish Crosby was playing. Looking more likely that this concussion thing might cut his career short which would be a shame.

Reminds me of Justin Morneau of the twins with his post concussion issues.. A shame indeed..

[Luke]

Hossa's SOG was incredible.

[skyknight]

Good game tonight with the Wings visiting Pittsburgh. Although I don't like the guy I do wish Crosby was playing. Looking more likely that this concussion thing might cut his career short which would be a shame.

Reminds me of Justin Morneau of the twins with his post concussion issues.. A shame indeed..

Not just Crosby out, but also the top scorers of several teams are out as well. I do think head shots will be a hot topic this off season. Otherwise I say HELL'YA to the new realignment plan, just hoping the NHLPA will agree on that unanimously.

Otherwise, I think the Desert Dogs will done after this season, makes no sense for them to stay there - no owners want to stay there and loss massive money, the city is sick of footing the bills, no fans to fill the arena - look at Winnipeg and ask why other US teams are allowed to exist and suck money from local govmnt and other owners (there is revenue sharing among owners).