[DanHibiki]

That's really neat man.

http://i.qkme.me/3omlm3.jpg

screw u guys, i'mmmmm going home

[Vansterdam]

is it LUONGOLD or LUBONGO

you can still use LUONGONE if he gets traded :troll:

[civicyvr]

Ottawa better win!!! Canadas last hope!

Hold on boys and withstand the barrage of 1st period at MSG. Haha.

[Tim Budong]

It will be a cold day in hell before MG trades Luongo to Chicago.

Arch Rival yes
but with the looming realignment, it could mean we see less of the hawks
which sucks, because its entertaining hockey

[PornMaster]

Holy fuck ottawa is getting bombed!
This style of hockey is so fun to watch lol

[civicyvr]

These images still cracks me up and lessens the pain of our first round exit.

And wow to all the racist boston fans.

http://i46.tinypic.com/1h40th.gif

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/06BBesS4i901m/610x.jpg

[Tim Budong]

These images still cracks me up and lessens the pain of our first round exit.

And wow to all the racist boston fans.

http://i46.tinypic.com/1h40th.gif

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/06BBesS4i901m/610x.jpg

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/9170/modface426164516.jpg

[pastarocket]

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/9170/modface426164516.jpg

Yeah, I got a good laugh from these pictures too. Keep smiling Ovie!

[Vansterdam]

ottawa needs to step it up

[PornMaster]

Fuck Ottawa needs to wake up or bye bye my 100

[Vansterdam]

fuck yea ottawa

[mako]

nice
Alfie can really rip it

[MR_BIGGS]

I don't know why, but I am cheering for the Sens. What a shot by Alfie.

[PornMaster]

Wow alfie turning beast mode, showing some heart as a captian.

[TjAlmeida]

I want Ottawa to win but also think Lundqvist deserves to go further into the playoffs.

[DanHibiki]

dafuq is spezza doing?!!? he's playing like it's beer league hockey.

[Tim Budong]

Madden/Kopecky just got pwned by each other
Devils up 1-0 already

[Tim Budong]

Heres the video for the collision

Madden, Kopecky collision in Game 7 - YouTube

[spoon.ek9]

aw shiet, penalty to the sens.

[spideyv2]

When the fuck will a canadian team win a cup

[spoon.ek9]

Rangers win :okay:

[pastarocket]

Have we seen Alfie play his last game?

[LUUUUUUUU]

lol no hand shake for craig anderson, what a sore loser

[DanHibiki]

:okay:

[Vansterdam]

that was an intense 3rd period

gg ottawa

[RiceIntegraRS]

Rangers vs Capitals...... that should be really intense. Go Capitals

[DanHibiki]

Washington is the team to cheer for now I guess

[bballguy]

I also have Caps in 7 against NY.

[wahyinghung]

Devils up 2-0

[highfive]

Classy Alfie.

Elliotte Friedman Twitter
Alfredsson leaves OTT team bus to shake hands of Senators fans on 33rd street. Wow.

[mb_]

Did people forget what happened exactly a year ago?

Alex Burrows OT Winner Vs Chicago - Handshakes - R1G7 2011 Playoffs - 04.26.11 - HD - YouTube

:tears:

[Gh0stRider]

Rangers vs Caps should be good....hopefully


now come on Devils!!!

[GLOW]

These images still cracks me up and lessens the pain of our first round exit.

And wow to all the racist boston fans.

http://i46.tinypic.com/1h40th.gif


wow no flinch ala kobe bryant
just stands there stone cold like :accepted:

[pastarocket]

Powerplay goal for the Panthers! They score! Overtime?

[spoon.ek9]

Panthers tie it!

[krazynuck]

love florida fans....look at all the trophy wives/gf's at the game....I'd love to see florida beat Philly if they win

[Gh0stRider]

omg panthers tie it up wtf

[murd0c]

this is a great game happy im watching it

[pastarocket]

Brodeur shuts the door on Versteeg. Overtime is coming up.

[DsZ24]

Ot coming. Going to be an exciting finish

[pastarocket]

Come on Florida! -wanna see some toy rats on the ice!

[SkinnyPupp]

Man that is some fucken garbage hockey being played in Florida

[Renthal]

wish we got weiss instead of booth...

[Tim Budong]

Brodeur will eliminate all the rats!
GO DEVILS

rockin this atm
http://distilleryimage4.instagram.com/ed653864900111e181bd12313817987b_7.jpg

[Gh0stRider]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA DEVILS!!!

[Tim Budong]

ADAM HENRIQUE!!!!!!!!

[spoon.ek9]

wow. devils win.

[pastarocket]

Henrique with the winner! -definitely one of the top NHL rookies this year. Jersey wins!

[seakrait]

Efff. I was rooting for the Panthers.

[spideyv2]

Lol dale tallon's reaction

[SkinnyPupp]

:derp: FLORIDA NEEDS GOALTENDING WHERE WILL THEY GET IT?

[skyxx]

Awww man, I really wanted Panthers to win. DAMN IT!!!!

[b0unce. [?]]

jersey!

[SkinnyPupp]

Rangers are going to win the cup btw

[SkinnyPupp]

ROUND 2 PREDICTION TIME~!

(1) NYR vs. (7) WAS
(5) PHI vs. (6) NJ

(2) STL vs. (8) LA
(3) PHX vs. (4) NSH

[spoon.ek9]

ROUND 2 PREDICTION TIME~!

(1) NYR vs. (7) WAS
(5) PHI vs. (6) NJ

(2) STL vs. (8) LA
(3) PHX vs. (4) NSH

I agree with you other than LA winning against STL.

[Tim Budong]

I dont even wanna predict the west.....
Im rooting for the flyers...I do hope Brodeur at least have a great game or two in the series

Confident Ovi should dismantle the Rangers...but it really depends on if the Caps D wanna show up or not...

Rangers will win that

[LUUUUUUUU]

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3421/11nz.jpg

[SkinnyPupp]

I agree with you other than LA winning against STL.
Gotta be one upset at least right? :)

[Ch28]

NYR vs PHI
NSH vs STL

NYR vs NSH finals

NSH cup champs

[pastarocket]

I'm gonna watch mainly the Eastern conference games.

It looks like a snooze fest in the West with these defensive minded teams like LA, STL, Phoenix, and Nashville.

Go Philly!

[cliffhanger33]

Wanted jersey to win haha, but wasn't cheering for either teams

[Vansterdam]

luongo to florida? lol

[Tim Budong]

The West is all about the playing TEXTBOOK DEFENSIVE SYSTEMS
As a hockey fan, I kinda enjoy it

[Gh0stRider]

2012 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2012 3:00 P.M. WASHINGTON AT NY RANGERS NBC, CBC
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2012 7:30 P.M. WASHINGTON AT NY RANGERS NBCSN, CBC
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2012 7:30 P.M. NY RANGERS AT WASHINGTON NBCSN, CBC
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012 12:30 P.M. NY RANGERS AT WASHINGTON NBC, CBC
*MONDAY, MAY 7, 2012 7:30 P.M. WASHINGTON AT NY RANGERS NBCSN, CBC
*WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012 TBD NY RANGERS AT WASHINGTON TBD, CBC
*SATURDAY, MAY 12, 2012 TBD WASHINGTON AT NY RANGERS TBD, CBC

SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2012 3:00 P.M. NEW JERSEY AT PHILADELPHIA NBC, CBC
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012 7:30 P.M. NEW JERSEY AT PHILADELPHIA NBCSN, CBC
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012 7:30 P.M. PHILADELPHIA AT NEW JERSEY NBCSN, CBC
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2012 7:30 P.M. PHILADELPHIA AT NEW JERSEY NBCSN, CBC
*TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2012 TBD NEW JERSEY AT PHILADELPHIA NBCSN, CBC
*THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012 TBD PHILADELPHIA AT NEW JERSEY TBD, CBC
*SATURDAY, MAY 12, 2012 TBD NEW JERSEY AT PHILADELPHIA TBD, CBC

2012 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2012 7:30 P.M. LOS ANGELES AT ST. LOUIS NBCSN, TSN
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2012 9:00 P.M. LOS ANGELES AT ST. LOUIS CNBC, TSN
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012 10:00 P.M. ST. LOUIS AT LOS ANGELES NBCSN, TSN
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2012 3:00 P.M. ST. LOUIS AT LOS ANGELES NBC, TSN
*TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2012 TBD LOS ANGELES AT ST. LOUIS CNBC, TSN
*THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012 TBD ST. LOUIS AT LOS ANGELES TBD, TSN
*SATURDAY, MAY 12, 2012 TBD LOS ANGELES AT ST. LOUIS TBD, TSN


FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012 9:00 P.M. NASHVILLE AT PHOENIX NBCSN, TSN
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2012 8:00 P.M. NASHVILLE AT PHOENIX NBCSN, TSN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2012 9:00 P.M. PHOENIX AT NASHVILLE CNBC, TSN
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012 7:30 P.M. PHOENIX AT NASHVILLE NBCSN, TSN
*MONDAY, MAY 7, 2012 10:00 P.M. NASHVILLE AT PHOENIX NBCSN, TSN
*WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012 TBD PHOENIX AT NASHVILLE TBD, TSN
*FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012 TBD NASHVILLE AT PHOENIX TBD, TSN

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=629665

[Airtrackz]

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3421/11nz.jpg

Looks like the new poster for facepalm 2012!:fullofwin:

[TRDood]

Did people forget what happened exactly a year ago?

Alex Burrows OT Winner Vs Chicago - Handshakes - R1G7 2011 Playoffs - 04.26.11 - HD - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmoqnNkUbAk)

:tears:

I was there. Came back from HK at 5PM and rushed to the arena for 7PM puck drop. Epic night. :fuckyea:

But this year :okay:

[Gh0stRider]

Looks like the new poster for facepalm 2012!:fullofwin:

ok

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/TRD604/Emoticons/aviary.jpg

[LUUUUUUUU]

jacob markstrom will probably be ready by 2013-14

[Sentinel]

NHL Crazy Trick Shots and Stick Skills HD - YouTube

Seen the first one before, never seen the other ones.

[Harvey Specter]

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3421/11nz.jpg

Epic picture LOL.

I really wanted the Panthers to win as well and the Sens but oh well it's good news for the NHL and the ratings that NY is moving on.

[Tim Budong]

NHL Crazy Trick Shots and Stick Skills HD - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urTbHV6LyKU&feature=g-vrec)

Seen the first one before, never seen the other ones.

The Crosby puck pyramid is fake i think
someone mentioned that here last season..or was it the season b4...

but those small spots were for the 11k reebok stuff

[Tim Budong]

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3396/ardnz7mcaaev9jw.jpg

[cliffhanger33]

Man, imagine if Lu does go Toronto. Have to get used to this trololol
http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/hldTuQSRi7PijIAYrfty3Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnhlexperts/louleafs.jpg

[EmperorIS]

I don't think I'll ever get used to Luongo in any jersey other then a Canucks one. But that goes for every core Canucks player that was ever traded or let go

[SkinnyPupp]

Still weird seeing Bert in a wings jersey. Even weirder seeing him skating with some actual effort

[Tim Budong]

Does anyone think that the chances of getting a proper return on Luongo is hindered by the fact that the Flames can deal Kipper to any team thats willing after July1, yes Kipper is older, but contract wise, its "less risk"

[SkinnyPupp]

Does anyone think that the chances of getting a proper return on Luongo is hindered by the fact that the Flames can deal Kipper to any team thats willing after July1, yes Kipper is older, but contract wise, its "less risk"
Yes, and there are plenty of other good goalies out there too, and GM's potentially don't have to pay them for 5 years after they stop playing.

Kipper doesn't want to play in a big market though

From TSN

GOALIES
Tomas Vokoun, G, Washington
Age: 35
TSN.ca Rating: 73.49
Stats: 25-17-2, 2.51 GAA, .917 SV%, 48 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $1.5M
Comments: Aside from November, played as expected, but injury limited his playing time late in the season.

Josh Harding, G, Minnesota
Age: 28
TSN.ca Rating: 72.34
Stats: 13-12-4, 2.62 GAa, .917 SV%, 34 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $750K
Comments: Now that he's healthy, might get a chance to start somewhere else.

Martin Biron, G, N.Y. Rangers
Age: 34
TSN.ca Rating: 67.53
Stats: 12-6-2, 2.46 GAA, .904 SV%, 21 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $875K
Comments: Not as good as he was in 2010-2011, but a fine option as a veteran backup.

Scott Clemmensen, G, Florida
Age: 34
TSN.ca Rating: 70.90
Stats: 14-6-6, 2.57 GAA, .913 SV%, 30 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $1.2M
Comments: Solid in reserve role the last four seasons, should earn a couple more for team needing stability between the pipes.

Al Montoya, G, N.Y. Islanders
Age: 27
TSN.ca Rating: 55.48
Stats: 9-11-5, 3.10 GAA, .893 SV%, 31 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $601K
Comments: Could be interesting in a backup role behind a better team.

Chris Mason, G, Winnipeg
Age: 35
TSN.ca Rating: 63.17
Stats: 8-7-1, 2.59 GAA, .898 SV%, 20 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $1.15M
Comments: Had some good moments, still capable of fulfilling backup role.

Curtis Sanford, G, Columbus
Age: 32
TSN.ca Rating: 69.45
Stats: 10-18-4, 2.60 GAA, .911 SV%, 36 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $600K
Comments: First NHL action since 2008-2009 and was Blue Jackets' best netminder.

Jonas Gustavsson, G, Toronto
Age: 27
TSN.ca Rating: 61.85
Stats: 17-17-4, 2.92 GAA, .902 SV%, 42 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $1.35M
Comments: Never lived up to the Monster hype, but had some decent moments; could be a solid backup.

Brent Johnson, G, Pittsburgh
Age: 35
TSN.ca Rating: 50.38
Stats: 6-7-2, 3.11 GAA, .883 SV%, 16 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $600K
Comments: Struggled after several seasons of quality work in backup role.

Ty Conklin, G, Detroit
Age: 36
TSN.ca Rating: 49.21
Stats: 5-6-1, 3.28 GAA, .884 SV%, 15 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $750K
Comments: Back-to-back subpar seasons could make it tough to get another NHL deal.

Alex Auld, G, Ottawa
Age: 31
TSN.ca Rating: 48.46
Stats: 2-4-2, 3.35 GAA, .884 SV%
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $1.0M
Comments: No room in Ottawa; will he find another taker in the NHL?

Marty Turco, G, Boston
Age: 36
TSN.ca Rating: 30.70
Stats: 2-2, 3.55 GAA, .868 SV%, 5 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $600,000
Comments: Played a little in Austria before joining the Bruins after Tuukka Rask was injured. Is there room for him?

Dwayne Roloson, G, Tampa Bay
Age: 42
TSN.ca Rating: 46.39
Stats: 13-16-3, 3.66 GAA, .886 SV%, 40 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $3.5M
Comments: It's been a long and productive career, but this past season wasn't one to remember.

[7seven]

Don't forget Tim Thomas might be available as well. Rask state during the season he was getting tired of being just a backup, so it'll be interesting to see what Boston does there.

[SkinnyPupp]

Trade Lu AND Cory and bring in Timmy! :fuckyea:

[7seven]

Trade Lu AND Cory and bring in Timmy! :fuckyea:

Timmah would love that! He would no longer have to live under Obama's evil regime!!!!

[Soundy]

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3421/11nz.jpg

Headdesk AND Facepalm in one shot!

[411ken]

Yes, and there are plenty of other good goalies out there too, and GM's potentially don't have to pay them for 5 years after they stop playing.

Kipper doesn't want to play in a big market though

From TSN

GOALIES
Tomas Vokoun, G, Washington
Age: 35
TSN.ca Rating: 73.49
Stats: 25-17-2, 2.51 GAA, .917 SV%, 48 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $1.5M
Comments: Aside from November, played as expected, but injury limited his playing time late in the season.

Josh Harding, G, Minnesota
Age: 28
TSN.ca Rating: 72.34
Stats: 13-12-4, 2.62 GAa, .917 SV%, 34 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $750K
Comments: Now that he's healthy, might get a chance to start somewhere else.

Martin Biron, G, N.Y. Rangers
Age: 34
TSN.ca Rating: 67.53
Stats: 12-6-2, 2.46 GAA, .904 SV%, 21 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $875K
Comments: Not as good as he was in 2010-2011, but a fine option as a veteran backup.

Scott Clemmensen, G, Florida
Age: 34
TSN.ca Rating: 70.90
Stats: 14-6-6, 2.57 GAA, .913 SV%, 30 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $1.2M
Comments: Solid in reserve role the last four seasons, should earn a couple more for team needing stability between the pipes.

Al Montoya, G, N.Y. Islanders
Age: 27
TSN.ca Rating: 55.48
Stats: 9-11-5, 3.10 GAA, .893 SV%, 31 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $601K
Comments: Could be interesting in a backup role behind a better team.

Chris Mason, G, Winnipeg
Age: 35
TSN.ca Rating: 63.17
Stats: 8-7-1, 2.59 GAA, .898 SV%, 20 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $1.15M
Comments: Had some good moments, still capable of fulfilling backup role.

Curtis Sanford, G, Columbus
Age: 32
TSN.ca Rating: 69.45
Stats: 10-18-4, 2.60 GAA, .911 SV%, 36 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $600K
Comments: First NHL action since 2008-2009 and was Blue Jackets' best netminder.

Jonas Gustavsson, G, Toronto
Age: 27
TSN.ca Rating: 61.85
Stats: 17-17-4, 2.92 GAA, .902 SV%, 42 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $1.35M
Comments: Never lived up to the Monster hype, but had some decent moments; could be a solid backup.

Brent Johnson, G, Pittsburgh
Age: 35
TSN.ca Rating: 50.38
Stats: 6-7-2, 3.11 GAA, .883 SV%, 16 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $600K
Comments: Struggled after several seasons of quality work in backup role.

Ty Conklin, G, Detroit
Age: 36
TSN.ca Rating: 49.21
Stats: 5-6-1, 3.28 GAA, .884 SV%, 15 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $750K
Comments: Back-to-back subpar seasons could make it tough to get another NHL deal.

Alex Auld, G, Ottawa
Age: 31
TSN.ca Rating: 48.46
Stats: 2-4-2, 3.35 GAA, .884 SV%
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $1.0M
Comments: No room in Ottawa; will he find another taker in the NHL?

Marty Turco, G, Boston
Age: 36
TSN.ca Rating: 30.70
Stats: 2-2, 3.55 GAA, .868 SV%, 5 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $600,000
Comments: Played a little in Austria before joining the Bruins after Tuukka Rask was injured. Is there room for him?

Dwayne Roloson, G, Tampa Bay
Age: 42
TSN.ca Rating: 46.39
Stats: 13-16-3, 3.66 GAA, .886 SV%, 40 GP
2011-2012 Cap Hit: $3.5M
Comments: It's been a long and productive career, but this past season wasn't one to remember.

I wouldn't sign any of these guys for a #1 goalie. They are ok but as most of their comments said... they are mainly good in a reserve/backup role.

[AzNightmare]

Trade Lu AND Cory and bring in Timmy! :fuckyea:

lol, how many more seasons do you think Tim Thomas has left?

[Soundy]

lol, how many more seasons do you think Tim Thomas has left?

Thomas is a bum, couldn't even get past the first round.

[Tegra_Devil]

Thomas is a bum, couldn't even get past the first round.

.............................uhhhhhhhhhhh neither did the canucks................

[sonick]

Adjusted & manipulated for future use:

http://i.minus.com/iBprpUfpkenDe.jpg

[Soundy]

.............................uhhhhhhhhhhh neither did the canucks................

Hey, at least they MADE the playoffs :troll:

[Gumby]

Hey, at least they MADE the playoffs :troll:
http://data.whicdn.com/images/17119565/a80583ac00e7918612734c2a4f6de4e18828_thumb.jpg

[411ken]

Hey, at least they MADE the playoffs :troll:
lol

[411ken]

Hey, at least they MADE the playoffs :troll:
lol

[spoon.ek9]

Does anyone think that the chances of getting a proper return on Luongo is hindered by the fact that the Flames can deal Kipper to any team thats willing after July1, yes Kipper is older, but contract wise, its "less risk"

Lu's contract still has the out clause in the 5th year. Since he's heading into the 3rd year, it's basically a 3 year commitment then management (and Lu) can decide if they want to change directions.

[civicyvr]

Does anyone think that the chances of getting a proper return on Luongo is hindered by the fact that the Flames can deal Kipper to any team thats willing after July1, yes Kipper is older, but contract wise, its "less risk"

Kipper's actually a good goalie and I can't see calgary letting him go.

I wouldn't sign any of these guys for a #1 goalie. They are ok but as most of their comments said... they are mainly good in a reserve/backup role.

Agree with Ken here except maybe Vokoun.

[Tim Budong]

Lu's contract still has the out clause in the 5th year. Since he's heading into the 3rd year, it's basically a 3 year commitment then management (and Lu) can decide if they want to change directions.

goalies, starters especially are normally not dealt. Once Luongo is moved, his NTC is gone.

[Tim Budong]

quite awesome
http://3.cdn.nhle.com/lightning/v2/ext/Stamkos_infographic.jpg

[MR_BIGGS]

Canada's team:

11357

[Tegra_Devil]

Hey, at least they MADE the playoffs :troll:

losings all the same...but have fun with your participation ribbon :fullofwin:

but i guess you can count 1 win, as making the playoffs.....hell florida even put up more of a fight LOL

[411ken]

quite awesome
http://3.cdn.nhle.com/lightning/v2/ext/Stamkos_infographic.jpg

My favorite player right here... wish he would go to Vancouver LOL..hahahaha

[spideyv2]

Some idiot on facebook said Luongo for Stamkos would be realistic, because the Lightning won't be able to afford St. Louis, Lecavalier, and Stamkos

[Ronin]

Kipper is pretty much the only reason Calgary had a sniff of the playoffs this year. They were in contention because he posted a 2.35GAA and 35 wins despite Calgary being a terrible, terrible hockey team. Except for the wins, he was every bit as good as Pekka Rinne, stat-wise. If Calgary ditches him, it will be for full-on rebuild mode.

And none of those goalies are #1 goalies...they're all career backups. Remember what happened when Chris Mason got a #1 job as soon as he left Nashville? Al Montoya? CURTIS SANFORD!? Good teammates, mediocre goalies.

But then again, I'm sure most of us thought Mike Smith was done before he got to Phoenix and beastmoded that shit.

Either way, Lu or Schnoo will be the best option available for several teams. Remember Luongo's contract has an out clause...and big market teams don't really give a shit about salary or else someone would've assassinated Wade Redden by now.

[kwy]

One can dream, hey.

[will068]

quite awesome
[IMG] ...


Damn Coho, what you could have been but you never will be.

[Ronin]

Some idiot on facebook said Luongo for Stamkos would be realistic, because the Lightning won't be able to afford St. Louis, Lecavalier, and Stamkos

Dumbest thing I've heard all day.

Yes, because the Lightning want to trade away their young Hart nominee that just scored 60-freakin'-goals to keep an underachieving center that hasn't been the same since winning the Cup and an aging Ooompa Loompa.

Don't get me wrong...love the way St. Louis plays. He won me hockey pool in his Hart trophy year. Got him in the 7th round because he wasn't a superstar yet but seriously, TB would be absolutely insane to let Stamkos go to keep a guy that will probably retire in 2-3 years.

[highfive]

Jayare604 - tell that idiot to at least offer Schneider instead of Luongo for Stamkos, he would look less of an idiot.

[spideyv2]

I told him there was no way of that happening

Trade a generational talent for an aging goaltender with a hefty contract :lol. Lu would definitely help them, but losing stamkos would be too much.

[MR_BIGGS]

Stamkos trains with Gary Roberts. Hodgson started training with him about last year.

Will Hodgson have a breakout year, after a full year of training and getting more ice time?

[Ronin]

Hodgson has talent. That Yzerman-style slapper is deadly but he's a huge defensive liability. There was a stat about how many goals Hodgson was on the ice for in his games with the Sabres...and it was a lot. That comes with experience though so I project he'll be a good 2nd line player sometime in the next 2 or 3 years.

Can't teach size though...and that's what the Canucks wanted in Kassian. Give Kass a couple years to get in the game before we judge this trade too harshly.

[Gh0stRider]

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IslandersLuongo.jpg
http://www.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/BlueJacketsLuongo.jpg
http://www.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/TampaBayLuongo.jpg
http://www.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ChicagoBlackhawksLuongo.jpg
http://www.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/MapleLeafsLuongo.jpg

which one looks better?

[AzNightmare]

Hodgson has talent. That Yzerman-style slapper is deadly but he's a huge defensive liability. There was a stat about how many goals Hodgson was on the ice for in his games with the Sabres...and it was a lot. That comes with experience though so I project he'll be a good 2nd line player sometime in the next 2 or 3 years.

Can't teach size though...and that's what the Canucks wanted in Kassian. Give Kass a couple years to get in the game before we judge this trade too harshly.

I hope Kassian pans out as MG expects.
But none the less, people are still going to be pissed now because Kassian wasn't able to help at all during the playoffs.
And we were supposed to make another cup run NOW, not when Kassian pans out.

[Tim Budong]

Kassian...hahaha I can see him in the minors next year...
Best situation for him is to log big minutes in the AHL and earn his way back into the Roster

but trying to figure which team gives reasonable return for either goalie..i can only think of Chicago

I would LOVE to see Patrick SHARP as a Canuck

TB has too many underachievers and many speculate if the dance was done with TB, its Ryan Malone coming back...which to me..is DO NOT WANT..

[AzNightmare]

lol, I personally have no problems with Sharp as a player...

but damn, just thinking any blackhawk walking in the canucks dressing room,
and vice versa, Lu in the blackhawks dressing room.

:pokerface:

[HonestTea]

+1 for Patrick Sharp!

[Tim Budong]

lol, I personally have no problems with Sharp as a player...

but damn, just thinking any blackhawk walking in the canucks dressing room,
and vice versa, Lu in the blackhawks dressing room.

:pokerface:

+1 for Patrick Sharp!

truth be told, its tough to find a consistent 30g man in the league to boost our forwards, let alone a 40g guy
I dont hate the Hawks all that much... They play entertaining hockey. and Toews is just a beast

[highfive]

Stamkos trains with Gary Roberts. Hodgson started training with him about last year.

Will Hodgson have a breakout year, after a full year of training and getting more ice time?

I don't think so. Stamkos went 1st overall for reason. Secondly, Cody really lacks the speed especially out in the East. You can say Sedins are slow too but look at how the Sedins cycle and look at how the protect the puck. Hodgson can't cycle or protect the puck as well as the Sedins can.

I hope Kassian pans out as MG expects.
But none the less, people are still going to be pissed now because Kassian wasn't able to help at all during the playoffs.
And we were supposed to make another cup run NOW, not when Kassian pans out.

Yeah but so many of the people keep expecting Kassian to replace Hodgson but it was Pahlsson who was suppose to be. Pahlsson would've been great to shut down the opposing centre if our top forwards can actually score some goals.

[civicyvr]

+1 for Patrick Sharp!

truth be told, its tough to find a consistent 30g man in the league to boost our forwards, let alone a 40g guy
I dont hate the Hawks all that much... They play entertaining hockey. and Toews is just a beast

+3 for Sharp but I'll doubt it will happen. :badpokerface:

[UFO]

Lu's contract still has the out clause in the 5th year. Since he's heading into the 3rd year, it's basically a 3 year commitment then management (and Lu) can decide if they want to change directions.

The 5th year out clause is player option, so if Lu has/will ask MG for a trade, he's basically exercising that out clause early. Seems kind of redundant because if the player doesn't want to be there, he'll ask for a trade instead of rotting until he reaches a certain year in the contract. The team option for the out clause is in year 7 of his deal where the team can ask for a list of teams Lu would be willing to accept a trade to.

Once Luongo is moved, his NTC is gone.

Are you sure about that? I have never heard this being brought up by anybody.

Cody really lacks the speed especially out in the East. You can say Sedins are slow too but look at how the Sedins cycle and look at how the protect the puck. Hodgson can't cycle or protect the puck as well as the Sedins can.


Cody will never be a fast or powerful skater. He may learn to better protect the puck over time. He's got really quick soft hands though. Watching him this season, he has become stronger on his skates which allows him to dangle with more authority and confidence but still lacks the power in his first few strides to really bust out after making his move.

[spoon.ek9]

so.. PHX is winning 2-1 at the moment. PHX fans are out in full force to support their team :thumbsup:

[SkinnyPupp]

lol, I personally have no problems with Sharp as a player...

but damn, just thinking any blackhawk walking in the canucks dressing room,
and vice versa, Lu in the blackhawks dressing room.

:pokerface:
If Brad May can play for the Avalanche, anyone can play anywhere :)

[spoon.ek9]

3-2 PHX! Rinne with the temper tantrum :rofl:

[fliptuner]

Hmmm. I'm liking PHX in this game. Now 2-3 PHX

[TjAlmeida]

go ed jovo. Guy deserves a good playoff run!

[SkinnyPupp]

Radulov is legit

[E-40six]

go ed jovo. Guy deserves a good playoff run!

:lawl:

His team has already been knocked out

[spoon.ek9]

OT for the yotes and preds :fuckthatshit:

[SkinnyPupp]

How many shots did the coyotes have that period? 2?

[SkinnyPupp]

Fuck the Coyotes suck, how did they score 3 goals? :fulloffuck:

[fliptuner]

Actually, it was NSH that got lucky with their first goal.

[fliptuner]

Yotes win

[SkinnyPupp]

:fulloffuck: :fulloffuck: :fulloffuck: :fulloffuck: :fulloffuck: :fulloffuck: :fulloffuck: :fulloffuck: :fulloffuck: :fulloffuck: :fulloffuck: :fulloffuck: :fulloffuck:

[murd0c]

fucken awesome!!

[SkinnyPupp]

WTB Ray Whitney

[spoon.ek9]

those hands on whitney :ahwow:

good goal

[fliptuner]

Did I hear that right? First time PHX wins in the second round?

[murd0c]

Did I hear that right? First time PHX wins in the second round?

you did and thats including the Jets as well

[fliptuner]

I thought so but it seemed kind of hard to believe for 16+ seasons

[SkinnyPupp]

I thought so but it seemed kind of hard to believe for 16+ seasons
You must not be very familiar with the Jets lol

[Tim Budong]

Mike Smith stole it
damnnnnnn

[spoon.ek9]

Mike Smith stole it
damnnnnnn

he made some pretty sick saves heh.

[Gumby]

Holy cow - 4/5 of PHX's wins so far have come in OT.

[604778]

Found this on tumblr.

Over the past six seasons, Roberto Luongo has played a total of 447 regular and post-season games as a Canuck, and of that, has won 256 of them. He has set regular-season franchise records for most wins and shut-outs. He’s been the Captain and arguably the best starting goaltender the Canucks have had. But most importantly, he’s always been one of the most hardworking on the rink, and has been a class-act, even when faced with the harshest of criticism. Roberto Luongo has done much more for this organization than this city gives him credit for, and he deserves to know that he’s truly loved and appreciated by fans.

[Tim Budong]

Found this on tumblr.

and I will say this..
only 1 in 20 people will see that

[SkinnyPupp]

Found this on tumblr.

Wow someone sure is pumping his tires

[Vansterdam]

always a chance luongo isnt going anywhere hes trolling us all

[Ronin]

I must be insane but I actually picked Phoenix in 7 over Nashville.

Also, crazy ass question...if the Coyotes somehow manage to win the Cup, does Gary F'n Bettman get a ring? Or who gets the owner rings? No one?

[VooDood]

Roberto Luongo | Live Forever - YouTube

[jeedee]

Interesting that all 4 remaining Western teams have never won a cup but whoever makes it to finals can potentially win it's first.

[Verdasco]

:fulloffuck: i will shit brix if we trade Lu when he is still at its prime. this city is fucking dumb in terms of media output and the fans :fulloffuck:

[Eastwood]

:fulloffuck: i will shit brix if we trade Lu when he is still at its prime. this city is fucking dumb in terms of media output and the fans :fulloffuck: Possibly sensationalism. Why would we trade the goalie that won us the 2 years Presidents Trophy?

[SkinnyPupp]

Because Cory, while unproven in the long run, has been rock solid almost 100% of the time. Lu is great but he does allow shit goals from time to time. That's why he didn't get the start after 2 losses. It wasn't because he caused them to lose the first 2, it was because they couldn't risk him having one of his inevitable shit games in a must win situation.

Cory has been rock solid in every way, even their most important games. That game against Boston was like a "game 8" for the team, and the writing was pretty much on the wall when Cory brought back a win.

Remember Lu's play in Boston? Also iirc he has a poor record in la. So do you really want to count on someone you can't play in certain cities?

[punkwax]

Pretty sure its Minnesota he's 0-168 in.. Its early.

And Lu isn't in his prime. That was 5-6 yrs ago. And look how good he is still.

SP is right though, Cory is relatively unproven. Who knows if he'll have struggles in certain arenas as well. Way more question marks around Cory and he's WAY better trade bait. This is why MG is faced with a ridiculously tough decision.

[urrh]

Pretty sure its Minnesota he's 0-168 in.. Its early.

And Lu isn't in his prime. That was 5-6 yrs ago. And look how good he is still.

SP is right though, Cory is relatively unproven. Who knows if he'll have struggles in certain arenas as well. Way more question marks around Cory and he's WAY better trade bait. This is why MG is faced with a ridiculously tough decision.

just going from the stats off Luongo's wiki page, his numbers are pretty consistent in his time here. people are just seeing his past with rose coloured glasses because they remember some ungodly saves when he first joined and was a more aggressive goalie.

[highfive]

The bigger question mark is whether Cory is able to handle a 65-75 games season? And you tag on a long playoff run that can be 16-28 more games?

Remember when we had Luongo and the problems was he got tired during the playoffs because of the many games he played.

I think we need 2 good goalies or a back up who's able to play 25-30 games in the regular season and can provide good goaltending for the team to win.

[highfive]

Side note...BURROWS aka MONSTERRRR is playing for Team Canada!!!!

[spoon.ek9]

I just dug up my hockey card collection and noticed I have Bure and Lidstrom rookie cards :D

It looks like everything is between 1990-2003. I have a ton of cards in this binder if anyone might be interested.

[Vansterdam]

might have to get a burrows team canada jersey now :troll:

[Vansterdam]

Alex Burrows to join Duncan Keith on Team Canada for the 2012 World Championship (http://vansunsportsblogs.com/2012/04/28/alex-burrows-to-join-duncan-keith-on-team-canada-for-the-2012-world-championship/)

The thirteenth and final forward for Canada’s entry in the 2012 World Championships is reportedly Alex Burrows of the Vancouver Canucks.
Burrows has represented his country on the international stage before, but in ball hockey. He competed in the 2003 and 2005 ball hockey World Championships, leading Team Canada to gold each time. Being named to Team Canada in ice hockey is yet another chapter in Burrows’ incredible success story.
This time around, he likely won’t be playing as integral an offensive role, however, as the team already boasts talent like Corey Perry, John Tavares, Jeff Skinner, Patrick Sharp, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Jordan Eberle. Burrows’ skill on the penalty kill and defensive acumen likely played into the decision to add him to the roster (or maybe just the fact that he said yes).
There may be a bit of awkwardness in the locker room, though: Duncan Keith is one of the defencemen heading to Finland and Sweden for the two week tournament.
While Keith’s elbow on Daniel Sedin is fresh in people’s minds and there is the matter of Burrows’ supposed knee to Keith’s groin, the most notorious interaction between Burrows and Keith dates back to 2009, when a Dustin Byfuglien punch to Luongo’s head lead to a line brawl in a game between the Canucks and Blackhawks.



Burrows, Hackett added to Team Canada for Worlds (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=394514)

URICH, Switzerland -- Canada added Vancouver Canucks forward Alex Burrows and Minnesota Wild goalie Matt Hackett to its roster for the IIHF World Hockey Championship on Saturday.

That brings Canada's roster for the event to 23 players -- three goalies, seven defencemen and 13 forwards.

Burrows scored 28 goals and added 34 assists for the Vancouver Canucks in 2011-12. The Pincourt, Que., native scored once in the playoffs as the Canucks were eliminated by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round.

Hackett, meanwhile, spent the majority of the season with Minnesota's American Hockey League affiliate in Houston.

The London, Ont., native had a 3-6-0 record in 12 games with the Wild to go along with a 2.38 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage.

Burrows and Hackett will both be representing Canada internationally for the first time.

Teams can add additional players over the course of the championship, with a limit of 25 players on the official roster. Players will not get officially registered to the roster until May 3.

Canada opens the tournament against Slovakia on May 4.

[cliffhanger33]

Haha excited to watch the monster play

[Renthal]

1 nothing blues!
eat it quick!

[spoon.ek9]

1-1 after 1 period.

[SkinnyPupp]

Kings win!

I think they are going to take this series, maybe another 5 gamer for them.

I don't think St. Louis is ever going to score more than 1 goal on Quick, maybe 2.

It'll be LA and NY in the finals

[cliffhanger33]

+ it would look better for the canucks if LA makes it to the SCF, beating out all of the higher seed teams. Just comes to show that LA is a strong team and that it wasn't only the canucks who could fall to them

[vafanculo]

I think LA will go far. Usually the teams that knock Vancouver always do well.

[Tim Budong]

Its tough to label the kings as a true "underdog" as the 8thbseed. That pac divisuinbrace was intense and the west was always a tight race.

[fliptuner]

I think LA will go far. Usually the teams that knock Vancouver always do well.

http://i.imgur.com/ErIup.png

[Verdasco]

out of all 4 remaining teams in the western conference, i think LA has the most offence so my money is on them

[Ronin]

I must be nuts...I think Phoenix is the best team still left in the West.

[mb_]

http://i.imgur.com/wm9PX.png

-

I think Nashville has the best chance to make it to the final

[HonestTea]

Nashville would be my pick too

[PornMaster]

My guess is St Louis vs Philly

[dlo]

Philly n lA would be good lol reuniting jeff + mike :lol

[Mike Oxbig]

If philly vs LA

LA is gonna win

[cctw]

bet is on phoenix!

[Verdasco]

If philly vs LA

LA is gonna win

i disagree, philly > LA anyday

[trancehead]

giroux would make quick as porous as a 14 year old

[punkwax]

I'm cheering for Philly but think their success is mainly on Bryz' shoulders. Might not be fair, but there's a Jeckyl and Hyde thing going on there...

I can't really cheer for anyone out west but I'm a big Weber fan so I'll be hoping for a NSH vs PHI final with God Giroux ultimately hoisting the cup.

If anyone can stop G its Weber and Suter, but I won't be happy to see a defensively minded team win it all.

[RRxtar]

Philly n lA would be good lol reuniting jeff + mike :lol
would love philly vs LA with philly winning. it would make me feel better than i did when hossa went to the final for back to back losses after switching teams.
:lawl:

[LSF22]

I'm the 1% hoping Phoenix wins it... or at least wins the west :alonehappy:

[Tim Budong]

NSH/LA vs Philly Final

[quasi]

I'm the 1% hoping Phoenix wins it... or at least wins the west :alonehappy:

There fans so don't deserve it.

[MR_BIGGS]

Do most people watch the CBC feed or the NBC feed for the same game? If TSN has a game, I usually switch to them.

[7seven]

Do most people watch the CBC feed or the NBC feed for the same game? If TSN has a game, I usually switch to them.

I watch the NBC feed, I find the production quality and feed way better.

[Verdasco]

if jim hughson i watch CBC, if it's some old boring dude, i switch to NBC. Way much better colour quality and play by plays compared to CBC. More footage of random shit too and CBC is boring as fuck. TSN is good, i find it the same as NBC except more canadian

[Verdasco]

and is it me or is Madison square garden fucking dark LOL

[murd0c]

I'm the 1% hoping Phoenix wins it... or at least wins the west :alonehappy:

I want Phoenix to win it as well...

[Roach]

I want Phoenix to win as well. Not so much because I am cheering for Phoenix as a team, but instead so the NHL willl receive some of it's worst ratings in Stanley Cup playoff history.

Perhaps then they will get a wake-up call that expansion teams in non-hockey markets are a failure, and that the current style of low-scoring, high-checking hockey is a yawn.

So yeah, go Phoenix.

Kev

[belka]

and is it me or is Madison square garden fucking dark LOL

Ya, seems all the lights are focused on the ice surface, like it should be.

[jeedee]

and is it me or is Madison square garden fucking dark LOL

Anaheim and San Jose too :lol

[Tim Budong]

REXELL PLACE..
in which the TV side is reversed
and dark
thats shitty

[Tim Budong]

Alfredsson to join Tre Kronor

The guy has a few years left in him, so I hope this won't be the last time we see him play

[subordinate]

Alfredsson to join Tre Kronor

The guy has a few years left in him, so I hope this won't be the last time we see him play

If I were Alfredsson...coming off a concussion, why join Tre Kronor? :mindfuck

[Tim Budong]

If I were Alfredsson...coming off a concussion, why join Tre Kronor? :mindfuck

Because Alfredsson. The guy knows he doesn't have much hockey left. Also, the thing with concussions is that its tough to judge how severe it is. You can suffer from one, and be symptom free for a bit, then it comes back. The guy's a class act anyways. I can't think of a better Swede in the past 20years to put that much commitment in their program.

Heres an illustrated guide to round 1 of the playoffs

http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnhlexperts/2012_firstround1.gif

[LSF22]

^

Heard on TSN too... pretty cool cuz remaining teams are all different seeds

#1. NYR
#2. St Louis
#3. Phoenix
#4. Nashville
#5. Philly
#6. Devils
#7. Caps
#8. LA

[civicyvr]

Philly n lA would be good lol reuniting jeff + mike :lol

You mean trolling by them. :troll:

[mb_]

kicked :lawl:

[badgerx3]

woo flyers win

[RiceIntegraRS]

man Briere is soo clutch

[gars]

http://youtu.be/WdaYBZJ0hwE

[mb_]

Phoenix DAFUQ

[LUUUUUUUU]

yay Phoenix!

[highfive]

Upside of Nashville losing.

Upcoming UFA like Suter and Gaustad maybe Weber next year not wanting to return and wanting to go to a winning team instead.

[MR_BIGGS]

Nashville makes it close. 3-2.

EDIT4-2 Yotes. Doan with a nice rush.

[ForbiddenX]

I want Phoenix to win this series

PHX vs LA for WCF

[Gh0stRider]

ya Coyotes!!

[SkinnyPupp]

I wonder if the Winnipeg fans are wishing they got this team instead of the fucken Atlanta Thrashers :fuckthatshit:

That being said, if they move to Quebec and become my old favourite team the Nordiques :megusta:

[Mike Oxbig]

nordiques logo reminds me of
http://www.clipartguide.com/_named_clipart_images/0511-1006-1201-5425_Playground_Toys-Slide_clipart_image.jpg + http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/m/t/mtl172/hockey_stick.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2OGCKoTykxw/TJoyFPfFGoI/AAAAAAAAB0U/leY3dsEweJ4/s1600/quebec_nordiques_1992.gif

[SkinnyPupp]

Yeah unfortuantely they left the city before getting a chance to update their logo :lol

[spoon.ek9]

I was happy to hear the Flyers won this afternoon. Saw the replay and kind of laughed at Briere for being disappointed when the puck he kicked in didn't count. Cmon man :lol

[murd0c]

I wonder if the Winnipeg fans are wishing they got this team instead of the fucken Atlanta Thrashers :fuckthatshit:

That being said, if they move to Quebec and become my old favourite team the Nordiques :megusta:

My old favorite team was the Nordiques as well which made me a Avs fan back in the day. Who couldn't be a fan when they were in their hayday and the Canucks were in their dark days.

That being said when they come back I will be super excited!!

[Airtrackz]

5 goals on Rinne, PHX is crazy!

[Tim Budong]

Burrows is wearin no 41 for Canada

[MR_BIGGS]

To add fuel to the fire, Gary Robert (who trains Hodgson in the off-season) has chimed in on Mike Gillis' remarks at the end-of-season press conference. The guys Gary Roberts trains:

Tampa Bay's Stamkos works with Roberts and has grown into a 60-goal scorer and MVP finalist. Pittsburgh's James Neal scored 40 times. Florida's Stephen Weiss has turned into a perennial 20-goal scorer. Carolina's Jeff Skinner was the 2011 Rookie of the Year.

Full article:
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabres-nhl/article834441.ece

Gary Roberts knows Cody Hodgson well. The retired 22-year veteran of the NHL has seen Hodgson try to train through a debilitating injury. Roberts has seen his young son take to Hodgson, and he watched the center respond by having daily lunches with the 4-year-old boy on Roberts' patio. Roberts has seen the drive and desire Hodgson has to be a successful hockey player.

With all Roberts has seen, he couldn't believe his ears.

While recapping the trade that made Hodgson a member of the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver General Manager Mike Gillis essentially said last week he was glad to be rid of the center.

"I spent more time on Cody's issues than every other player combined on our team the last three years," Gillis said.

Roberts was flabbergasted.

"I listened to Mike Gillis the other day," Roberts said by phone over the weekend, "and my impression was, 'Are you kidding me?'

"If anybody knew this kid, this young man, to know what he went through mentally and physically for two summers trying to find out what the heck was wrong with him -- of course they dealt with his issues more than anybody else in the organization because he was injured and they couldn't figure out what was wrong with him.

"It almost was like they thought he didn't want to work. Well, I can tell you that this kid out of all the kids that I train, he's up there in the [Steven] Stamkos group as far as commitment and determination. What I tell him, he does, so I know he's coachable and I love working with him."

Roberts, obviously, was fired up by Gillis' comments. Not surprisingly, Hodgson seems to have brushed them off.

Since joining the Sabres two months ago, the 22-year-old has repeatedly declined to look back at his time in the Canucks organization. He doesn't want to dwell on a stint filled with a misdiagnosed back injury, questions about his commitment and attitude, disagreements regarding playing time and, possibly, a trade request.

"I talked to Cody after this came out with Gillis," Roberts said. "I know he's on vacation, and I said, 'Hey, I know you went through a lot of stress. How are you feeling about some of those comments?' He said, 'Gary, I've dealt with a lot of stuff there in the last three years, and I'm just going to take the high road.'

"For me, I'd like to be the guy that looks at Mike Gillis and says, 'You're a moron.' It doesn't really do anybody any good other than the fact that Mike Gillis looks like, as they say on TSN, a dud."

Roberts is certain Hodgson will be anything but a dud. Hodgson is preparing for his third summer training under Roberts, and the fitness guru with a Stanley Cup and Masterton Trophy on his resume says this offseason will be the best of Hodgson's life.

"I'm looking forward to this year really being an opportunity for him to really explode as far as his conditioning goes," Roberts said.

Hodgson's ability to work out is what gives Roberts his confidence. For too long, Hodgson wasn't able to do much.

The center hurt his back in the summer of 2009. The convoluted chain of events following the injury is the main reason the 10th overall pick in the 2009 draft is in Buffalo and Zack Kassian, the 13th pick in 2009, is Vancouver.

Doctors diagnosed Hodgson's injury as a bulging disc that shouldn't be much trouble. When it was, there was surprise, disappointment and mocking, including disparaging remarks from Canucks coach Alain Vigneault.

Hodgson struggled through 2009-10. He failed to make the Canucks out of training camp and played just 24 games for his junior team. When he tried to join Vancouver's minor-league team for the playoffs, doctors wouldn't clear him to play.

That summer, Hodgson went to Roberts.

"Just watching him move in the gym, I said, 'Cody, something's not right,'" Roberts said. "He wasn't getting better. He could do some things, but as soon as you loaded him at all he had issues. Fortunate enough, we found a tear in his multifidus muscle in his back, which is really your major back stabilizer muscle, and that was really where things, I think, turned around for him."

Hodgson put up 30 points in 52 minor-league games in 2010-11. He played another 20 games with Vancouver, including 12 in the playoffs.

This season, as a rookie, he took off. Hodgson had 16 goals and 33 points in 63 games with the Canucks, then had three goals and eight points in 20 games with the Sabres.

"It's a real honor to play in this league, and to play a full season is obviously something you dream of as a kid," Hodgson said. "It was a good year. I just wish I could have done more to help Buffalo get in the playoffs."

The Sabres are counting on Hodgson to help them get there next season.

"It's exciting because Cody Hodgson has been a good addition, is going to fit in very well with a group of players," Buffalo GM Darcy Regier said. "Not just the team as a whole but even a younger subset whether it's Tyler Myers, [Tyler] Ennis, [Drew] Stafford, and I think that that is a positive."

If Hodgson's growth curve mirrors that of Roberts' other well-known pupils, he will be the No. 1 center the Sabres need. Tampa Bay's Stamkos works with Roberts and has grown into a 60-goal scorer and MVP finalist. Pittsburgh's James Neal scored 40 times. Florida's Stephen Weiss has turned into a perennial 20-goal scorer. Carolina's Jeff Skinner was the 2011 Rookie of the Year.

"A lot of people think it's just pushing the weights and doing the workouts and stuff, but it's more than that," Hodgson said. "It's about vitamins. It's about taking care of yourself not just in the gym or on the ice, but away from the ice, too, getting the proper rest, nutrition, doctors, soft tissue guys, chiropractors -- take care of yourself throughout the year so you're not missing games and you're always feeling at your peak."

Said Roberts: "Last summer, we trained him the way he should be trained. That was one summer of training in three he was really able to do what he needed to do.

"He's a pretty strong kid, but it's his speed and power that we're really going to focus on this summer. Now that he's healthy I have a pretty good feeling that he will be a faster and more powerful guy in September, which will help him develop into the player that he should have been two years ago if he would have been healthy."

A second full summer of training combined with a full season getting accustomed to the Sabres has Hodgson eager to show he belongs, no matter what anyone at his previous home says.

"I think about myself as a Buffalo Sabre now," Hodgson said. "I think we have a really good team, and I think next year coming back hopefully we'll be even stronger. I'm excited to see what we can do."

So is Roberts.

"I totally respect what he's gone through," Roberts said. "I think Buffalo's got not only a great player but a really good young man who's going to be there hopefully a long time."



Only way some people in Vancouver, and quite a few on this discussion board will emotionally get over this trade, is if/when Kassien goes into beast mode. Many are making projections that Hodgson will have a breakout year next season. Granted, he'll get more icetime and will get to play with better players.

[punkwax]

Roberts is specifically speaking of Hodgson, not his crazy family. I'm sure everyone here agrees Hodgson himself is a character guy. I don't think his offseason trainer would get the same whining regimen as his GM / coach would.

[TheKingdom2000]

Vote Schneider for TSN Play of the Year! (http://www.tsn.ca/showdown/2012/?p=2556&s=r)

4mins left guys. Vote for Schneider

vote vote vote vote

[Soundy]

Voting closed - Cory wins round 1 with 51.8% of the vote!

[highfive]

Roberts is specifically speaking of Hodgson, not his crazy family. I'm sure everyone here agrees Hodgson himself is a character guy. I don't think his offseason trainer would get the same whining regimen as his GM / coach would.

More importantly...Hodgson's agent said that they talked about ice time on Twitter. He later on deleted all those tweets. One of them was a tweet of his phone number for one of the Vancouver Sun's reporter thinking it was a DM. lol

[civicyvr]

To add fuel to the fire, Gary Robert (who trains Hodgson in the off-season) has chimed in on Mike Gillis' remarks at the end-of-season press conference. The guys Gary Roberts trains:

Tampa Bay's Stamkos works with Roberts and has grown into a 60-goal scorer and MVP finalist. Pittsburgh's James Neal scored 40 times. Florida's Stephen Weiss has turned into a perennial 20-goal scorer. Carolina's Jeff Skinner was the 2011 Rookie of the Year.

Full article:
Sabres' Hodgson fighting a bum rap - Sabres & NHL - The Buffalo News (http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabres-nhl/article834441.ece)



Only way some people in Vancouver, and quite a few on this discussion board will emotionally get over this trade, is if/when Kassien goes into beast mode. Many are making projections that Hodgson will have a breakout year next season. Granted, he'll get more icetime and will get to play with better players.

I am in that camp. Especially if he turns out to be anything like Briere, which I think he will. The way they handled his injury, the trade and his exit was very poor.

Well, what's done is done. All the best to Cody and support for Kass.

[civicyvr]

My old favorite team was the Nordiques as well which made me a Avs fan back in the day. Who couldn't be a fan when they were in their hayday and the Canucks were in their dark days.

That being said when they come back I will be super excited!!

I wish I have one of these.

[spoon.ek9]

Roberts is specifically speaking of Hodgson, not his crazy family. I'm sure everyone here agrees Hodgson himself is a character guy. I don't think his offseason trainer would get the same whining regimen as his GM / coach would.

this is what i had been arguing with people about at the time of the trade. the family/agent don't necessarily represent what the client wants at all times. why? because they still see them as kids and think that THEY know what's best for them. everyone here has been in a situation where their parents said things to people in charge and wish they would just shut their damn mouths.

I look forward to seeing what Coho AND Kassian can bring to their respective teams.

[murd0c]

I wish I have one of these.

I have the jersey but with no name on it hmmmm

[7seven]

Kinda NHL related I guess :fullofwin: Pics of Paulina Gretzky slutting it up again over the weekend lol. Poor Wayne




I have a old white Nordiques Sakic jersey in my closet somewhere, should go dig it out.


Also....

http://philly.barstoolsports.com/files/2012/04/theblackguy-480x489.jpg

:facepalm:

[Tim Budong]

this is what i had been arguing with people about at the time of the trade. the family/agent don't necessarily represent what the client wants at all times. why? because they still see them as kids and think that THEY know what's best for them. everyone here has been in a situation where their parents said things to people in charge and wish they would just shut their damn mouths.

I look forward to seeing what Coho AND Kassian can bring to their respective teams.

Kassian will bring it.. In Chicago
HAHA

[MR_BIGGS]

The Wayner ain't going to be happy with that picture.

[murd0c]

I can't wait until she starts doing porn.... By the looks of things thats going to be sooner then we think :D

[civicyvr]

I have the jersey but with no name on it hmmmm

Do it!



I have a old white Nordiques Sakic jersey in my closet somewhere, should go dig it out.


Also....

http://philly.barstoolsports.com/files/2012/04/theblackguy-480x489.jpg

:facepalm:

Haha. WTF.

On the topic of jerseys, wouldn't mind getting one of these either.

http://www.reeboknhljersey.com/images//nhl_jerseys/winnipeg_jets/jets-004.jpg

[MR_BIGGS]

I know the Luongo trade talks have already been beaten to death on this board (and it's only April), but this was a pretty good article written over the weekend, and kind of how I feel about the whole situation.

Source: http://thehockeywriters.com/debunking-the-roberto-luongo-myths/

[highfive]

I can't wait until she starts doing porn.... By the looks of things thats going to be sooner then we think :D

I guess you go five hole on her. :fullofwin:

[MR_BIGGS]

I guess you go five hole on her. :fullofwin:


11425

[Gh0stRider]

7seven, cant allow those pics.

removed

[murd0c]

good thing I saved them :)

[SoulCrusher]

:(

damn you ghostrider

[murd0c]

I reposted them in the fucked up shit thread just now :D

[pastarocket]

11425

She can possibly be the next Great One... in porn.

[Greenstoner]

SEARCH "paulina gretzky" in google

Vancouver sun's article , there are about 35 pics in there

[DanHibiki]

She prob doing this on purpose to rebel against daddy

[Gh0stRider]

@News1130Sports: Vancouver Canucks forward Jannik Hansen will skate for Denmark at upcoming World Hockey Championship as rosters are finalized.

[Tim Budong]

Fan of the week? LAWLS

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/GoJXa0qICltT.jinGO2dxg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnhlexperts/143582579.jpg

[Hondaracer]

and to think he just started watching hockey last week

:troll:

[Ronin]

I know the Luongo trade talks have already been beaten to death on this board (and it's only April), but this was a pretty good article written over the weekend, and kind of how I feel about the whole situation.

Source: Debunking the Roberto Luongo Myths | The Hockey Writers (http://thehockeywriters.com/debunking-the-roberto-luongo-myths/)

I wrote all this shit last year LOL. You can probably find it in this thread (or the one before).

...except I did mine with maths like a nerd.

[chun]

^

http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/hipster-barista-template-thumb-240x180.jpg

[Mike Oxbig]

Everyone who says to trade luongo and i ask why they say "because he lets in softie or hes past his prime"
:blueguy:


Trading Luu is gonna lose a lot of true fans in Vancouver.

[Tim Budong]

Everyone who says to trade luongo and i ask why they say "because he lets in softie or hes past his prime"
:blueguy:


Trading Luu is gonna lose a lot of true fans in Vancouver.

and for some, it means more season ticket packages to go around for true fans who have been waiting

but in terms of hockey, a lot of people fail to see the bright spots in lu

[civicyvr]

Caps gotta get more shots on the PP.

Guys like Green, Karlson, Wideman, Hamrlik, Ovi, Semin, Backstrom all can shoot.

Oh, nice. 2 - 1 Caps.

[highfive]

and for some, it means more season ticket packages to go around for true fans who have been waiting

but in terms of hockey, a lot of people fail to see the bright spots in lu

I don't think season ticket demand would drop at all. Vancouver has a lot of corporate buyers. As long as the economy doesn't tank, demand is still there.

Besides, people who usually say that are drunken idiots who calls 1040 after the game.

[Vansterdam]

how long is season ticket wait do you guys think lol im guessing 4+ years

[Gh0stRider]

lol kings score 31 seconds in

[murd0c]

So I guess Pauline Gretzky's first porn has to be called "She shoots he scores: How to score on the five hole" :troll:

[spideyv2]

I'd take a misconduct to get up in her box

[spoon.ek9]

So I guess Pauline Gretzky's first porn has to be called "She shoots he scores: How to score on the five hole" :troll:

are you sure you aren't more interested in the back door play? :pokerface:

[Tim Budong]

are you sure you aren't more interested in the back door play? :pokerface:

Gretzky made the backdoor play famous
hahahaha

its perfect
hah

Gretzky's Office

[Vansterdam]

holy fuck la with another shorthanded goal