< NHL Discussion Thread >

[Xiomera]

Originally Posted by Stash

The two Florida teams would probably be out of place no matter how you slice it up.

Yes, though it strikes me as a little odd they aren't grouped with Carolina since the Canes are the only team that's really near them. Not sure if what they have is a rivalry, but they've been division-mates for a while.

[Jensen]

Originally Posted by Xiomera

Well, I've seen plausible alternatives pitched by the ESPN hockey writers.

Like I said, the East can suck it up and deal with it.

What are they? I haven't seen them. This scenario is the best compromise for all teams involved. FLA/TB are still only going to play 3 road games against teams in their conference at most. Plus, they will get the added revenues from the Canadian teams for their home games. I really don't see how they could have possibly done this realignment any better. Anybody remember this ad Florida had last year?

[Hines]

I'm still surprised Florida still has a hockey team.

[njx9]

Originally Posted by Jensen

What are they? I haven't seen them. This scenario is the best compromise for all teams involved. FLA/TB are still only going to play 3 road games against teams in their conference at most. Plus, they will get the added revenues from the Canadian teams for their home games. I really don't see how they could have possibly done this realignment any better. Anybody remember this ad Florida had last year?

maybe i missed it, but is florida actually a big market for montreal, ottawa and toronto? or is that just "ironic" marketing?

[SuperMcGee]

I think it kind of is. They can draw pretty decent Sabres crowds, as well, though it's not hard to outnumber the local fans. Then again, the rats are back.

[Xiomera]

Originally Posted by Jensen

What are they? I haven't seen them. This scenario is the best compromise for all teams involved. FLA/TB are still only going to play 3 road games against teams in their conference at most. Plus, they will get the added revenues from the Canadian teams for their home games. I really don't see how they could have possibly done this realignment any better. Anybody remember this ad Florida had last year?

I don't feel like repeating myself, but I'll say it once more to avoid another asinine argument with you: I like this alignment. I find nothing of note to complain about.

[Jensen]

Originally Posted by njx9

maybe i missed it, but is florida actually a big market for montreal, ottawa and toronto? or is that just "ironic" marketing?

A lot of Canadians have homes in Florida and a lot travel during the winter months. This article explains it better. Obviously not everybody that travels to Florida is going to be a hockey fan, but they probably have the greatest Canadian tourist level of any other team if I had to guess.

[Jensen]

The Sharks are so frustrating to watch...play good for the 1st half of the period and completely suck dick the 2nd half. By nature, the Wild put in their backup's backup and the Sharks won't score again most likely. Hopefully after this game Doug Wilson will fire whoever the hell is working the PK because it's beyond pathetic.

[yo123]

I turned it off about halfway into the first period because we were getting absolutely **** on. I guess I'll give this another shot.

[yo123]

Nice dive Vlasic. Good god that was sad. Heatley barely nudged him.

[Jensen]

Victor Oreskovich playing like a mad man.

[Jensen]

well, i'm glad i skipped studying to watch that piece of **** game...

[Verloren]

Originally Posted by njx9

maybe i missed it, but is florida actually a big market for montreal, ottawa and toronto? or is that just "ironic" marketing?

I'd expect it to be similar to what Dallas used to have before their local fan base grew. A lot of Canadians would travel to watch their team play Dallas because it was cheaper (tix+travel) than going to a local game. Now it's shifted to Phoenix/Florida teams for that type of game.

Even better was when Florida used to offer food along with tickets!

[Wootylicous]

Can't believe we picked David Fischer over Claude the beast Giroux. holy crap.

[SuperMcGee]

Can't believe we are actually letting this happen. ******* embarrassing.

[SuperMcGee]

Are you ******* kidding me, Gragnani?

[fischbowl]

Originally Posted by SuperMcgee

I think it kind of is. They can draw pretty decent Sabres crowds, as well, though it's not hard to outnumber the local fans. Then again, the rats are back.

Little belated, but Hollywood Beach is a big French Canadian resort town and its located about 10 minutes from BankAtlantic Centre where the Panthers play

[SuperMcGee]

Nashville showing some offensive resilience, again. Wilson coming up with big plays is a good sign, and I've always felt Erat is as under-appreciated a player as there is in the league. They need to get back to cutting down on the goals they're letting in if they want to compete, but a potential deadline (or earlier) player like Tuomo Ruutu could be very affordable and let them be able to roll out 3 respectable lines.

[HChu]

The team that I root for is stinking a little less recently.

For some reason, I am a huge fan of the Florida Panthers being good. I hope they keep up their level of play.

[slightlyaraiderfan]

Wow, Brayden is out again with a concussion, kid can't catch a damn break this year. Still pulling for the kid, even though he plays for the ugly Flyers.

[djp]

Minnesota Wild: NHL's first 20 win team.

[Xiomera]

Originally Posted by djp

Minnesota Wild: NHL's first 20 win team.

How is that possible!?

[Jensen]

Well if I didn't already think this league was a giant turd, they gave me even more reason to last night. Go look at what Travis Hamonic got a major penalty and game misconduct for.

[SuperMcGee]

Yeah, I saw that. Quite dumb. They obviously just got it wrong, but it shouldn't have been that hard to see what really happened.

[yo123]

Originally Posted by Xiomera

How is that possible!?

The usual formula. Good defense, solid goaltending, except this year we're getting timely offense to go with it.