GMRwings1983

I wonder what Franzen's "hustle" ratings would be if such a stat still existed? (Don't think it did last year)

I know. You've told me before about your insane hatred for Kohn and for Stacy Roest.

Am I the only one who hated Ladislav Kohn? The guy cost us so many playoff games, that I lost count.

I should clarify that I don't like Wendel Clark. He jumped the gun on too many fights and was a dirty player at times. But he was a great fighter who held his own against top heavies like Probert and Wilson. Don't know why he felt the need to cheat in so many of his bouts. I just didn't understand Carman saying that Clark had no skill or was somehow nothing more than a goon. That's not true. Like I said, he was a very good player and scored a lot of big goals for the Leafs. He carried them in those '93 playoffs. That was why I took exception to his post.

No Legends Team right?

I would have voted sometimes. Otherwise, I abstained from voting.

Do you hate everyone who's ever been in a hockey fight? How can you say Wendel Clark was a useless goon? He wasn't even a goon. The guy was a pretty good player in his prime. I suppose he scored 300 goals despite having "no skill" as you put it?

You make it sound like every ex enforcer has died. There have been lots of tragic deaths due to concussion symptoms, but most concussions still come from hits, especially for non-fighters. In many years, you may start seeing skilled players whose careers ended because of concussions committing suicide and turning to drugs. Will you want to eliminate hitting then? Hockey is a physical sport, and hits to the head will occur, whether it be due to legal hits, which are allowed, or fighting, which is also allowed. Honestly, the best way to prevent concussions is to take hitting and fighting out of the game. I know you just want fighting out, but that's still asking for a lot. That's all we need is more Ruutu's and Cooke's running around cheap shotting people, knowing nobody will ever fight them. There has to be some accountability in a league where accountability seems to be waning. I think they should get rid of the instigator rule first, and see if that deters cheap shots.

FIghting has been a part of North American hockey for a long time. I don't want that tradition to change. I shouldn't have to watch the UFC to see a sport I've been watching since I was a kid.

Our powerplay is no longer an enforcer. It flat out sucks. And nobody is rattled by our team like they were say in 2002. In the meantime, go watch the NBA.

My favorite was NHL 2000. That game was fun, but I could never get over those backhanded goals scored from the blueline, where the puck was essentially chipped over the goalie's shoulder. Pissed me off each time.

Sometimes. Depends on the situation. Honestly, I don't like seeing him skate away from a ***** like Kesler. He should have went with him, whether it was a clean hit or not. Makes our whole team look bad when he just skates away. Then again, he is our number 1 defenseman and we should have someone out there to protect him. Unfortunately, Kenny won't get either another number one defenseman or someone to protect Kronwall. We're pretty much stuck with this lineup.

I always hated Dallas Drake and thought he was a cheap piece of garbage. Still feel that way, but I'm glad he contributed to our Cup run.

Surprised Datsyuk rose, since his numbers didn't exactly spike last season. Kronwall got higher as well, significantly from what I remember him being. I think Howard's overall got worse, which is a little surprising. But then again, the game rates pretty much everyone above a 75. Even enforcers were rated in the 80's in the last game. The whole rating system made no sense to me. I don't see any reason to buy this game. The freezing issues last year were a joke and the game had other issues that EA didn't seem to care about. Still not as bad as FIFA's scripting issues, though. On this forum, yes.

We should still give him a tryout.

Wait, so nobody mentioned the 1942 Finals?

I think Lidstrom was the best player on that team, and the only one of those Hall of Famers who was truly in his prime. Conn Smythe could have gone either way. I have no problem with Lidstrom winning it. He was consistently the best player over those 4 playoff series. Yzerman is my favorite player on the team and of all time.

2009 Penguins (everybody's choice seemingly) 1999 Avalanche (up 2-0 going home, and going for a 3-Peat) 2003 Ducks (still embarrassed about this one) 2006 Edmonton (see above) 2004 Calgary (see above)

That's not what Patrick Sharp's face said.

Other guys worthy of mention that weren't already named in this thread are Beliveau, Stevens, Clarke and Gretzky. I've commented before on how Wayne is never thought of as a great captain, even though he never took a game off and constantly outworked the opposition for loose pucks. He should be mentioned as one of the best captains.

Thread full of great fights and big playoff victories. Wonder if we'll get to see either anytime soon?

All you need to know about why we suck, is that you have Dan Cleary on the top line. Hell, it doesn't matter how you slice it, our forward lineup is old on the top 2 lines. And keep in mind, many of these players have a history of injuries, so depth will be a factor. I expect to see Nyquist, Tatar and Mursak a lot this season.

If that doesn't work out, we can always bring back Aaron Ward. He's still under 250 lbs, right?