The NHL Today

[Topspin]

Too funny $, yeh the rotating dude with the flailing arms is sure me trying to digest all the playoff scenarios! It's also so funny Jgrden giving up on his guys and they'll end up in 7th place! I guess over the last 14 seasons the most upsets have come in the 7th vs 2nd matchup, and I went and asked for the Ducks.

Don't bother watching the Wings Hawks as it was like an allstar game, where no one touches anyone for fear of injury. Neither team could change their seeding, so nothing at all at stake. Wings were resting players and picture this, Chelios was playing forward. They showed him all confused going to the bench not knowing which end to get into.

Yep, remember the WHL with Hull doing that, and also Howe playing with his two sons. Now The Great One, in my view, isn't going to make it as a coach. I think emotionally it will kill him if he continues.

Game today was ridiculous, first shot on Conklin from 75 ft out goes in clean 16 seconds into the game. By the way it was pointed out during the game that the Wings have less than 3 million per yr. in the two goalies combined. We end up losing it with a penalty shot that was probably one of the worst calls of the year. Kronwall make a nice little stick touch from behind to just unsettle the puck enough that no shot was taken, and the back ref calls the penalty shot with 25 seconds left in the game. They score on a nice shot, then get an empty netter for 4 - 2 win. Guess the refs had a plane to catch, so no OT today.

I guess the long term deal with Franzen is somewhat helpful concerning the cap, but no more salary talks now until the playoffs end. Hossa wants to stay and the Kenny Holland says he wants to keep him. I see Hudler, as a limited free agent, probably going unless he takes substantially less than he's worth. I think possibly Maltby and or Samualson will be gone. One of the two goalies as the young guy Howard is out of options to the minors.

I think, only because of home ice, the Sharks win first round. After that it's wide open! Wings are this year, as usual, the best road team, so our seed doesn't really concern me. Getting my Datsuk jersey ready for the playoffs! My son knows how much I enjoy watching Datsuk, and surprised me at Christmas with my first Wings official jersey.

[Cash]

So now, for sure, Sharks clinch the Presidents Cup even though they lost miserably as did the Bruins. Both saving energy I guess.

I was worried T.O. /Ottawa would be televised but I get Penguins/Canadiens. Should be a good one.

Topsin, the little guys were symbolizing your flip/flop love/hate relationship with Ozzie. Can't blame anyone for being up in the air about who's going to beat who this year. It should be great fun!

I still think Jgrden was reading the Eastern Conference stats and didn't see the Ducks there so thought they were out. I had just finished the East for the first time when he posted so pretty sure that is what happened. I will PM him because I don't think he is reading this thread. I miss his comprehensive posts. "Go Ducks"!

Nice of your son with the Datsuk jersey. I bought a friend of mine that I played a ton of hockey with a Canuck jersey. He had a heart attack so I put #911 on the back!!

I'm going to bring the West/East posts forward to this page.

[Topspin]

Just got a little info on the Franzen deal. It's for 11 years ( he's 29 now?!) and goes for less than 4 mil. against the cap. Obviously it's some kind of retirement package that allows the cap to stay low. I'm sure that leaves them money for Hossa. $ you said once you had no sympathy for teams with cap issues, I can't conceive any decent team not being up against a 55 or 56 million cap! 20 into 56 is 2.8 mil., not much average salary for a professional sports team nowadays.

[Cash]

Western Conference Playoff Teams

Team----Point Total

1. San Jose ----117
2. Red Wings---111
3. Canucks-----100
4. Chicago------104
5. Flames -------98
6. Blues---------92
7. CBJackets---- 92
8. Ducks --------91
_____________________________________________________________
Playoff Format:

The third place team this year will either be the Flames or Canucks, and the one who does not win the Northwest will drop into 5th place behind Chicago. Top three seeds go to Divisional winners, regardless if Chicago has more points, they can do no better than 4th.
Best of 7 game series, home ice advantage to higher seeded team.
1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5 (remember 4 will likely be Chicago, even if they have more points than #3)
From here it gets trickier. The highest seeded "winning" team will play the "lowest" seeded remaining team and the "middle" 2 remaining seeds playoff and the winners of those 2 playoffs play against each other in a 7 game Conference Playoff. Highest seeded team is home team with games 1,2,5 & 7 on their home ice, 5 & 7 if required of course.
Then sometime around June the Western and Eastern Conference Finalists playoff again in a best of 7 series to contest for the Stanley Cup.

Eastern Conference Playoff Teams

Team----------Points

1. Bruins----------116
2. Caps-----------108
3. Devils----------106
4. Penguins--------99
5. Flyers-----------99
6. Hurricanes-------97
7. Rangers---------95
8. Canadiens-------93

[Cash]

Originally Posted by Topspin

Just got a little info on the Franzen deal. It's for 11 years ( he's 29 now?!) and goes for less than 4 mil. against the cap. Obviously it's some kind of retirement package that allows the cap to stay low. I'm sure that leaves them money for Hossa. $ you said once you had no sympathy for teams with cap issues, I can't conceive any decent team not being up against a 55 or 56 million cap! 20 into 56 is 2.8 mil., not much average salary for a professional sports team nowadays.

Your memory is too good. I know I said any team but I only meant Detroit!

I heard some stuff about Frantzens contract also and something to the fact that Bettman hated that type of contract and I'm sure it has something to do with the Cap but could not quite decipher it. (I was making some adjustments to my post #122, probably while you were posting. I'm not sure if it was anything of interest or not but you probably missed it).

I See This is My Post #2000!

[Jgrden]

Go Ducks

[Topspin]

The 911 jersey is too funny! I reall y do like Ozzie a lot. I don't believe him to be the most gifted goaltender, but the guy works real hard and cares a LOT! Last year after winning the cup, we had the usual parade in Detroit with about 1 million fans turning out. The players end up on a stage saying a few words to about 100,000 people jammed into common area. After the ceremony the players mingle for a short period of time then leave. On the news they showed that area an hour after it ended and Ozzie was still standing there signing autographs. He stayed until every fan, that wanted one, got his. But, I just wish the damn guy could stop a puck!!!!!!! How do you get the twirling yellow dude to show?http://www.ssrfanatic.com/forum/imag...illy_nilly.gif

[Topspin]

Jgrden glad you're back! Cash is wearing me out, HELP!!

[Jgrden]

Need Parros to get going. Ducks clinched playoffs and are in 7th? place.

[Cash]

Originally Posted by Topspin

Jgrden glad you're back! Cash is wearing me out, HELP!!

I know, I get far too involved in this!!

Originally Posted by Jgrden

Need Parros to get going. Ducks clinched playoffs and are in 7th? place.

Ducks definitely in but could still wind up in 6, 7 or 8.

[Cash]

Eastern Conference Playoff Matchups:

Highest seed home ice advantage

1 vs 8-----Bruins vs Canadiens
2 vs 7-----Caps vs Rangers
3 vs 6-----Devils vs Hurricanes
4 vs 5-----Flyers vs Penguins (Home ice still to be confirmed in this series)

[Cash]

Western Conference Playoff Matchups

1 vs 8-----Sharks vs Ducks
2 vs 7-----Wings vs CBJ
3 vs 6-----Canucks vs Blues
4 vs 5-----Blackhawks vs Flames

[Topspin]

Happy Easter, and may your team go many rounds, unless of course facing the mighty Wings. It's a long standing tradition in Hockeytown to wear your finest duds today. Congrats $, Canucks won division.

[Cash]

Your truck looks great Topspin. Your son looks like he can still play!
This is a game worn jersey! Unlike yourself I actually used to play for the Canucks.
The Langley Canucks that is!
Gave you a shot of my stick in case you wanted to question the legality of the blade curve.
Wings down 2-0 to Blackhawks. Good game though.

[Cash]

Eastern Conference Playoff Matchups:

Highest seed home ice advantage

1 vs 8-----Bruins vs Canadiens
2 vs 7-----Caps vs Rangers
3 vs 6-----Devils vs Hurricanes
4 vs 5-----Penguins vs Flyers

Western Conference Playoff Matchups

1 vs 8-----Sharks vs Ducks
2 vs 7-----Wings vs CBJ
3 vs 6-----Canucks vs Blues
4 vs 5-----Blackhawks vs Flames

***I believe the playoffs start Wednesday April 16. I will post schedule as I see it.

I see the Canucks and Wings play the teams in the West I predicted to be the most trouble Topspin, but I think you are getting the better deal with CBJ.

[Jgrden]

Originally Posted by Cash

Eastern Conference Playoff Matchups:

Highest seed home ice advantage

1 vs 8-----Bruins vs Canadiens
2 vs 7-----Caps vs Rangers
3 vs 6-----Devils vs Hurricanes
4 vs 5-----Penguins vs Flyers

Western Conference Playoff Matchups

1 vs 8-----Sharks vs Ducks
2 vs 7-----Wings vs CBJ
3 vs 6-----Canucks vs Blues
4 vs 5-----Blackhawks vs Flames

***I believe the playoffs start Wednesday April 16. I will post schedule as I see it.

I see the Canucks and Wings play the teams in the West I predicted to be the most trouble Topspin, but I think you are getting the better deal with CBJ.

Ouch, #1 vs. #8. This is quick elimination. But I guess if you are meant to be champion, it doesn't matter who you play.

[Cash]

Originally Posted by Jgrden

Ouch, #1 vs. #8. This is quick elimination. But I guess if you are meant to be champion, it doesn't matter who you play.

As I thought 6, 7 & 8 did do a major change, but I wouldn't sweat it just yet Jgrden. I think the Ducks/Sharks will be a good series, closer than you might think. If the ducks had finished 7th they would have played Detroit which I think would have been worse.

My predictions:

Sharks/Ducks----------Ducks in 7
Wings/CBJ-------------Wings in 6
Canucks/Blues---------Canucks in 7
Blackhawks/Flames-----Blackhawks in 5

Bruins/Canadiens-------Bruins in 5
Caps/Rangers----------Caps in 4
Devils/Carolina---------Carolina in 7 (oooh, my upset pick)
Penguins/Flyers--------Penguins in 6

[Topspin]

Thanks $, for the nice comment on my R. But it sure can't compare to your matched pair. A little poetic payback. I really like the shot with your equipment, and I certainly would challenge the hook on that blade. I haven't had my equipment out of the bag in probably 15 yrs. now. Only use the gloves and skates on occasion, though they are now having a big pond hockey tourney on the lake annually and it's getting the blood flowing. Trouble now is I'm real heavy into table tennis and volleyball in the winter and just don't have any time for hockey. In the summer go to sand v-ball, tennis, and a little biking and disc golf.

What developed on your bad headlight? Any luck with the sale?

Really really like your lift in your garage! When I bought my building 25 yrs. ago it had all the workings for a single post lift installed minus the rack you drive on to. Like a dummy I tried to jack the post out, and at about 10 ft. gave up and cut the flange off and let it fall into the cylinder. Now that I would love to have it, it's beyond repair.

Man $, you must be preparing to run for a political position in the US. Already flip - flopping on your Sharks prediction!! Don't try to slip one by me, I'm watching.

Columbus worries me a lot, as Mason is very capable of stealing a series at any time!

For some reason I still think Boston Montreal is going to go the distance, with a possible upset. It's the chance for the Habs to salvage something this season.

[Jgrden]

Okay, keep the blades sharp.

[Cash]

Originally Posted by Jgrden

Okay, keep the blades sharp.

Okay Jgrden, "Keep your stick on the ice"! Notice how I picked the Ducks to win? Topspin shamed me into that. I do think the Ducks have a chance, but home ice may be the determining factor, and I think to do it the Ducks will have to win Game 7 in the Sharktank.

Topspin, you mentioned Gretzkey earlier, feeling he may not make it as a coach. I don't really have an opinion on that but a comment. This is based on the usual even demeanor he displayed as a player and in interviews as a player. I am dismayed to see him throwing fits behind the bench, getting red faced, yelling and scowling, swearing etc. I think it takes away from the image of "The Great One". I don't like seeing him like that and I also think the tv cameramen exploit that side of him. Mind, there is no explaining cameramen, as to why they insist on keeping the camera trained on a baseball player as he picks his nose for 5 minutes.

The West scares me. The only team I don't have a lot of confidence in right now is Calgary. I think any one of the others could upset the division but I feel Detroit has an advantage based on their recent Stanley Cup winning reputation. I find it a lot easier to be decisive in the East, not saying that I am correct mind you. And what do you mean I am flip-flopping?

I don't have an answer on the headlights. I see I have a tiny one on the other lowbeam also. It really seems to be emanating from the inside. I know you felt it may be a caustic substance, but I have had nothing like that near her. There is no abrasive feel to the blister either, just a completely smooth blister as it would feel on your finger. I may try and get an opinion from the dealership, but I don't have it insured for the road.

I love my lift for working on them but it really is a $3000 jack unless you have 12' ceilings. I can fit 2 Vette's (10' ceilings) or squeeze the R (roof down) and Vette (roof down) by moving the lift as far to the end wall as possible and backing the Vette in bringing the back of the windshild tight. Then it is a pain to move around but in the winter I have to fit in as much as I can as I only have 3 outside canopies.

AS to the sale I have an offer I am contemplating but have another buyer coming on Wednesday that is geographically easier to deal with. It seems I should have her sold this week.

[Jgrden]

Let the games begin.

[Topspin]

$ for sure, 100%, without doubt, unequivocally you and I finally agree! That lift is no better than my 2 1/2 ton floor jack, that I'll be dropping off when I relieve you of that bulky chunk of steel. Did I mention I have 14 ft. ceilings?

Yep, you see exactly what I see concerning Gretzky. My point when I mentioned it was, I really believe he's at risk of a heart attack, or at the very least ulcers. And it is absolutely degrading to his great legacy!

Do I sense a little reluctance on your part, concerning the early exit for the Sharks now??

[Topspin]

Hey, I got a smile to work! I hope you know $, that I've been messing with you a lot and not trying to be a jerk. But, i also realize it helps to make your intentions known, as you do, so I'll try to use the smiles more!! Still learning this forum biz.

[Cash]

Originally Posted by Topspin

Hey, I got a smile to work! I hope you know $, that I've been messing with you a lot and not trying to be a jerk. But, i also realize it helps to make your intentions known, as you do, so I'll try to use the smiles more!! Still learning this forum biz.

Never ever! I know you are not a jerk nor intend anything hurtful. I thoroughly enjoy your banter. I am quite sure there is a lot of hockey guys on here and it would be fun if more joined in the foray. (take the pressure off you) Those smilies to the right are easy. Just make sure you click once where you want whichever applicable one to appear then click on it. At first it just shows as a typo symbol but if you click "preview post" below it will show as the animated symbol. Underneath the you can click "more" and it will lead you to a page with the others "party" and "banana" etc. Again, be sure to click where you want the symbol to appear before you click "more". Then click on the symbol (not the explanation of what it is).

It seems we are in complete agreement of our assessment of Gretzky. And yes, I waffled and went back to my original thought on the Sharks. I really think they are vulnerable and if the Ducks had home ice I would have no reservations about picking them but I'll pick them anyway. I will be discreet about future editting.

[Cash]

Originally Posted by Topspin

$ for sure, 100%, without doubt, unequivocally you and I finally agree! That lift is no better than my 2 1/2 ton floor jack, that I'll be dropping off when I relieve you of that bulky chunk of steel. Did I mention I have 14 ft. ceilings?

Yep, you see exactly what I see concerning Gretzky. My point when I mentioned it was, I really believe he's at risk of a heart attack, or at the very least ulcers. And it is absolutely degrading to his great legacy!

Do I sense a little reluctance on your part, concerning the early exit for the Sharks now??

I noticed you have high ceilings. I also noticed you are a lousy dart player! It looks as though you have lowered your truck. I saw on another thread, and then noticed what you did to improve airflow. It looks nice. I am thinking I am going to paint my airbox at the same time I paint my spoilers and engine cover. I am waiting to make sure it is warm enough and get a calm day as I will have to do this outside. I am also using the time to build courage as I have not painted anything so "in your face" as the rear spoiler. Your garage is great for working in. Mine is finished nicer than most of my house so paint particles floating through the air is not a good idea. I love spending time in my garage so it may as well be nice I figure. I want to install a big screen TV in there. What could be more fun than watching hockey while tinkering on the truck? I could be quite content if my house was a theatre room, family room, one bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and 6 car garage. A good ratio for me, 1500 sq ft house, 1500 sq ft garage!

[Topspin]

Hey $, Thanks big time for the help on the smiles! OK on darts but you DO NOT want to see me swing at a golf ball. I figured I can shoot a puck, what could be so hard about hitting that stationary little ball. Tried once 30 yrs. ago and never been back! No Happy Gilmore here.

Wow, you described my homestead exactly. When I bought it, it had exactly a 1500 sq. ft. block building and a 1000 sq. ft. house. Added on to the house eventually, so had to put 500 more sq. ft. on the building. My office is out there and it has heat, air cond., cable tv, and high speed internet. It's sure not as nice as yours, but very functional for my small business. I also keep one engine stand going and still build a few race engines every year. I have an area set up for table tennis (complete with training robot), and have two different groups of guys that come weekly. My place is clean, but no showplace. You hit it right on the button, nothing better than watching a game and working on the R!!

That's great that you can paint. Anything I've ever painted I've been soooo disappointed in. I don't even try anymore. I'll do small stuff with a can, but I don't touch the gun anymore.

Midnight almost, this is when I normally turn off the lights in the shop and head in. Take Care! Oh yeah, saw your post on Fidyrch - shocker!!

[Cash]

I made the comment about your dart playing ability as it appears you put a clock in the center of your board where it would be safe from flying pointed darts!
Watching Hockey Central and I seem to be the only one that thinks the Sharks may bow out early. Interesting they (all 6 on the panel) give Calgary the edge on Chicago yet they have yet to beat Chicago this year. Go figure.
Earlier I picked CBJ as my dark horse earlier but when you look at matching up CBJ and Detroit I see Mason having a big edge in goal and I really like Rick Nash as a very talented power forward but after that who do you compare to the next 5 or 6 of Detroits best. Mason is going to have to stand on his head to come out with more than 2 wins I think.
I didn't mean to give you the impression I am overly confident about painting. I've done lots of parts and spraying wheels and that sort of stuff but painting these spoilers where perfection is demanded is where I am trying to build up my courage. I really want to have a run at it myself but I am definitely not 100% confident.
I wish I had your natural mechanical ability. I am okay mechanically but it is something like my abilities as a cook. I can build some great meals but it does not come naturally to me. I rely a lot on the cookbooks for help. I did build my Vette pretty much ground up but although I tried to do as much as I could myself I was able to do it in my brothers shop with tons of room and a wonderful array of tools and if I got stumped he was always near for advice or assistance.

[REBEL]

What are the Odds

Detroit 3.50 -1
San Jose 3.75 -1
Boston 5.50 -1
Washington 8.50 -1
New Jersey 9 -1
Pittsburgh 9 -1
Vancouver 12 -1
Chicago 14 -1
Calgary 18-1
Carolina 18 -1
Philadelphia 20 -1
Columbus 28 -1
Montreal 33 -1
Anaheim 33 -1
NY Rangers 40 -1
St. Louis 40 -1
Toronto ha – ha But we beat Detroit in the season opener, it’s all good!

[Topspin]

$, you asked if I lowered my R, and yes I did. I installed the Eiback pkg. that drops the front about 1 1/2" and the back 2". In the photos of the truck, it's weird because the wheels and tires (front and back) look the same size and they're not at all. 19" front and 20" rear, with the front tire 1/2" shorter than stock. Anyone that plays hockey has all the natural ability needed to turn wrenches! I'm sure you do just fine at anything you try.

Concerning other people on this thread, I went back to last year's thread called Lord Stanley's Cup. There was quite a bit of activity ( notably missing was $) including Rebel, Hotrodgirl, Crosscheckfreak, Wingrider, Dicktator, Paceguy, and Jgrden screaming Go Ducks (can you believe that). I eventually drove most of them away with my pitiful Mickey Redmond based limericks. Example follows:

Bingo Bango,
Katy bar the door.
Datzuk outscores Dallas,
Wings need just one more!

For sure it killed Rebel as he hates Redmond more than he hates the Wings. I think Rebel is so upset with his Leafs, that he's staying away this year. I looked back at my first post last year on 4-15-08. I said something like " I love the Wings, but I don't believe they can win the cup with Hasek in goal" and went on to berate Hasek (does that sound familiar?).

In the center of my dart board is a disc golf putter that greatly disappointed me at a critical time, and I'm still debating whether to give it the punishment it so richly deserves!! Those putters seem to have a lot of the same traits as goalies - they just don't show up when you need them most. Are you listening OZZIE???

[HotRodGirl]

=Topspin;631520]
Concerning other people on this thread, I went back to last year's thread called Lord Stanley's Cup. There was quite a bit of activity ( notably missing was $) including Rebel, Hotrodgirl, Crosscheckfreak, Wingrider, Dicktator, Paceguy, and Jgrden screaming Go Ducks (can you believe that). I eventually drove most of them away with my pitiful Mickey Redmond based limericks. Example follows:

Bingo Bango,
Katy bar the door.
Datzuk outscores Dallas,
Wings need just one more!



You haven't driven me away I've been reading this thread daily waiting for the games to begin You'll hear from me then


GO WINGS