stevkrause

agreed 100% - I don't think people realize the trickle down effect it would have this one also deserves a very good point

I still disagree with contraction - there is almost too much talent out there and the NHL does not have all of the worlds greatest players (like the other majors) If anything they need to re-align and weed out the cities that don't care... I still think they need to move Atlanta, Nashville and Phoenix to Portland, Quebec and Vegas, then they need to swallow their damn pride and work out a transfer agreement with both Sweden and Russia... The talent is there, the game quality is there - the only thing that is missing, is the current "leadership" and its ineptitude to make this game as good as it could be. see point number 3, haha

true - but it would also open the game up, more goals from out deep leads to more one on one matchups instead of just collapsing in the zone... and doesn't that lead to a more exciting game? I think the biggest part is a schedule re-alignment with more relevant teams/matchups taking place

I have NO idea how I forgot that GEM - good call!!!! they DEFINITELY need to get rid of the "save the goalies" campaign - it needs to go back to the old way with that too, if they leave their crease - they're fair game

agreed 100%

the neutral zone trap can be beaten and if goalie equipment was reduced, you would see an influx of goals from 20+ feet out, not to mention... defensive lockdowns haven't really been a big thing since the new obstruction rules, dump and chase will always win when you can't impede a guy - speed always wins that battle... also, ever since the obstruction rule changes, teams are averaging 20-30 shots a night, go back to the days where a GREAT goalie had a .85 save percentage and that equals 4.5 goals on average... yet again leading back to smaller goalie equipment finally, open up the schedule format and you'll see more matchups, maybe even more relevant teams - also meaning a more exciting product. its actually laughable, because douchebag Bettman added that rule to "clean up" the game - thinking fighting was the problem and if anything, it's become WORLDS dirtier since... players just aren't held accountable and don't respect each other anymore, you would NEVER have seen head shots when a guys was helpless, on his knees, head even with the boards in the old school days - because they respected each other and because they knew they'd get their asses kicked if it happened.

agreed completely - I think everything could really be fixed and the NHL could TRULY flourish by 3 things - first and foremost: Like you said, DRASTIC reduction in goalie equipment this is ALL I have to say about goalie equip size: VS. michlin man: second: Re-alignment of the conferences/Schedule change There needs to be more teams in Canada and a more level playing schedule, more games against every team and equal travel league wide - They said they wanted parity, well this is part of it And last but CERTAINLY not least: Removal of the instigator penalty and let the players police themselves This includes an automatic one-game suspension to any player with a shield who starts a fight and doesn't drop his lid, plus a fine. Also, an additional 2 minutes to any player who engages in a fight with a shield and doesn't take off his helmet if the ref can deem that he had ample opportunity to (yes, this touches on some gray area, as it would be at the refs discretion and could get hairy, but it would have to be in a situation like a flat out square off) All of this would cut out the cheap shots, head shots, knee shots, etc and clean the game up where it matters

haha, that's perfect

NAME GP G A PTS +/- PIM PPG PPA SHG SHA SOG SPCT Aaron Downey 9 0 0 0 1 16 0 0 0 0 2 0.00% Dallas Drake 14 0 1 1 -6 19 0 0 0 0 5 0.00% Downey can DEFINITELY drop the mitts better, adds the same checking and grit presence (if not better imo) and is seeming to be less of a defensive liability at this point in the year... I know Drake has been bumped up, but also, we seem to just play larger when Downey is in there... I think he deserves a slot until he proves he's lost it.

It's because they're pretty sure he'll clear and out of respect to him - this way he'll get a shot to play somewhere fulltime if a team wants him enough - it's all out of respect to Downey - They can't afford to put Ellis or Meech on waivers, because someone would take them right away and I could be wrong, but I don't think Kopecky has any options left either...

agreed completely and if this were Brad Norton of last year, I would say go with Drake all the way, but I don't think the overall skill advantage outweighs what you lose in physicality... long story short, I'm not saying Drake over Downey in every instance - I just want to see Downey get more games and I think he's earned it

I think a big mis-conception of this post is that Downey is a better player - I think Drake is infinitely better in many ways and yes, does offer leadership and a mini-scoring punch as well... but we're missing some facts - we do not need this from our 4th line... we need STRONG defense and someone who will make opponents accountable and draw penalties - a la Downey. Look at the penalties he's drawn and what he adds to the team, we HAVE leaders, we HAVE scorers, we need someone who adds those other intangibles - I like the way the REST of the team plays when Downey is in the lineup and that alone is reason to put him in in my opinion.

what else do you need to see - That is a HUGE indicator, this is suppose to be a defensive minded slot/forward a -6 is a pretty damn big deal...

I have been repeatedly writing him in as well... this looks like it could go somewhere

How do you think Rafalski would like the nick-name Raffy Laffy Taffy? haha This needs a thread in itself

On MLIVE - Good Article This needs to be done, I'd love to see them lock him up for something like 6 years+

this is some of the most fun I've had watching them over the last 5 or so seasons, great balance, great personalities and a hell of a lot of skill

your avatar says it all... he doesn't deserve to lose the start until Dom proves he deserves it back

although I could never see him coming back, I would love it... he had the makings to be not only great, but elite...

I miss playing...

I think what you meant to say is "hopefully he'll give us a hometown discount" in other words, the exact same thing you said, but it sounds better, haha

2 goals (got another one last night mind you) and 2 assists, +5 in 8 games, while only averaging 5:33 a game of playing time... he's solid as hell defensively, can flat out skate, plays a smart game and grinds it down low... that coupled with what Downey has brought... buh-bye Grigs, have fun in Russia

to everyone saying it was his nose: re-watch the video, the blood is form his forehead

Friday: Vancouver @ Washington Montreal @ Carolina Buffalo @ Florida San Jose @ Detroit Colorado @ Calgary Saturday: Philadelphia @ Boston San Jose @ Columbus Ottawa @ New Jersey Carolina @ NY Islanders Toronto @ NY Rangers Montreal @ Pittsburgh Buffalo @ Tampa Bay Florida @ Nashville Atlanta @ Chicago Washington @ St Louis Dallas @ Phoenix Edmonton @ Los Angeles Sunday: Minnesota @ Colorado Edmonton @ Anaheim Detroit @ Vancouver - ugh, I hate to say it... but gut feeling