The 2005/2006 Hockey Season Thread

[prime time]

You have to realize, there are still two teams between tbhe Leafs and a playoff spot, so if Tampa Bay keeps sucking and the other teams ahead of them don't, then they won't make the playoffs.

[Clawson]

Those two games against the Islanders later on in the year are key to the Leafs chances. I just don't think Atlanta is going to be able to make the final push this year but they're going to be dangerous next year for sure.

I just think it's going to come down to Toronto, Islanders and Tampa.

[prime time]

Clawson, a week ago you were ready to book tee time, does two wins (one against a struggling team) really change you mind that much? And as of today, Atlanta is only 2 points out of the playoffs. Counting them out is just stupid as they are ahead of the Leafs.

[SeanDMan]

Clawson, you're an idiot. Atlanta is HOT HOT HEAT right now. Kovalchuk is ripping it up, and guys like Hossa and Bondra and MARC FUCKING SAVARD are chipping in with secondary scoring, now that they have an actual goalie, look out. Tampa Bay is a mess, they have no goalie, their top stars in Lecav and St. Louis are slumping and inconsistent, and their heart and their freaking captain is in the god damn minors. This is a team with nothing but the benefits of a hot shot out the box, but the rails have fallen off. The last playoff spot in the east is Atlanta's to lose. Even if the Leafs pass the Islanders in those two games, Atlanta has been done the benefit of playing the Lightning three times, the Capitals twice, the Panthers twice, the Islanders twice, the Hurricanes twice, and the Bruins twice, while only playing true top teams like the Senators, Sabers, Flyers and Devils, only once each. Atlanta should more or less coast in. If Toronto can pass them, I will be amazed.

[Clawson]

One reason why I'm more optimistic about a playoff spot is because the Leafs are actually playing with their famous heart and grit again with some players surprisingily stepping up their play (Ondrus and I still can't believe how solid Belak was yesterday). Atlanta certainly have the talent to do it but I'm not all that sure of their heart.

Hell with a win in either one of their next games Toronto or New York can be tied with Atlanta with equal games played. So I don't think Atlanta is going to make it, but they have the talent to that's for sure.

[SeanDMan]

Ondrus stepping up his play isn't suprising, if you've watched Leafs games this season where Benon has played, he's been on.

[Clawson]

Well he's played 2 games so I should change it to he's proved he belongs on the big squad. Also Sundin finally has his hands back as well as he's finally showing confidence again, same with Allison.

Only it may be too late.

[Toe]

Fucking Allison. I had gone out for a bit during the game, and I refused to believe that he had even scored. I am not an Allison fan at all.

[The Sultan of Swank]

I suddenly very badly want Atlanta to make the #8 spot if only to spite Clawson.

[Guest Grapehead]

I suddenly very badly want Atlanta to make the #8 spot if only to spite Clawson.

[Toe]

I'm a firm believer that Ottawa should not win the President's Trophy. Why? I think it will curse them to another early exit from the playoffs. That's just me though.

[Clawson]

And Biggest Crybaby in the NHL Award goes to: Tim Thomas.

I'm pretty sure he threw a temper tantrum everytime he was scored on tonight.

[prime time]

I still say it goes to Lindross. He goes first overall and bitches, and then a few years ago, when Philly didn't trade him, he was almost literally in tears in an interview. Until Thomas actually cries I don't think he can beat good ol' Eric.

[Clawson]

Haha, that reminds me: Carl was crying about the Leaf's medical staff when it was Eric that didn't want the surgery.

[Toe]

I thought that was a great game to watch, exciting and it was very back and forth. Boston killed themselves with the back-to-back 5 on 3's in the second, and Toronto held the momentum the rest of the way.

[NobBe Nobbs]

Toronto won? Again? Oh, hey, horsemen, no, we're about due for an apocalypse. Just wait until those flying pigs and the gremlins stop dancing on that night rainbow.

[Guest Grapehead]

Ottawa pulls out the last second win, and I mean that almost literally. Alfredsson takes it home with 7 seconds left in regulation, talk about heart breakers. On top of the win, Ottawa keeps themselves within 1 point of Carolina and the President's Trophy. Three important games to take them into next week, Boston on Thursday, and Buffalo and New Jersey Sat. and Sun., they need atleast 2 of 3, but they are well capable of being 3 for 3.

[prime time]

Buffalo is the most important of those games as they are just two point behind us right now.

[Toe]

When I look at Buffalo's roster, I have almost no clue how they have gone this far playing so well. I think Ottawa should beat them, and hopefully carry some momentum into the playoffs.

[SeanDMan]

http://www.canucks.com/images/inbydate06/m...06/trevor_b.jpg

The NHL came to visit General Motors Place in order to shoot a series of commercials with Trevor Linden, Ed Jovanovski, and Anson Carter. Each player had an individual shoot which was set up in a certain theme.

Trevor Linden's shoot was a bit of a cold experience as he had to strap on ice packs on his shoulder, elbow, and both knees in order to get the look of a hard-worked, injured athlete.

http://www.canucks.com/theinsider/default....ionID=5&id=1510

...the look?

Left on the season for the Canucks is Columbus, the Flames, the Red Wings, the Sharks twice, the Avs, the Kings twice, the Ducks twice, the Sharks twice, the Wild twice, and the Oilers three times. It looks like, givent he schedules, the Kings are more then likely going to slip out, the Ducks will probably sneak in, and if the Canucks and Oilers both play for the rest of the year like they have been recently, one or both of them may end up golfing next month.

Which would make me cry.