kipwinger

He's the NHL version of Skip Bayless?

It was a clean hit, but he got ROCKED. I'd be amazed if nothing was broken (collarbone) or displaced (shoulder). If he could play right now I'd be shocked. Orpik hits like a truck.

Anybody remember that time Ken Holland said that Nyquist was not going to be a "savior" or something like that? I know what he meant and all, but how much more wrong could he have been?

That's one tough dude. Atta boy kid!

Usually it changes for me, because I like the way particular teams play the game and don't like the way others play. If the Wings got knocked out I'd probably pull for Columbus or St. Louis as they both play pretty hard defensive games. In years past I've always liked the way Phoenix plays and have pulled for them (when not playing us).

I'll say this about the whole "sacrificing offense for defense" thing. Nobody is asking Ovie to be a defensive stalwart. But Stamkos has shown that you can score a TON of goals and still at least try on defense. Is he a defensive stud? No. But he makes an effort. Ovie doesn't.... BUT, Ovie is hardly the only scorer in the league who doesn't really try on defense so it's a bit disingenuous to single him out without saying the same thing about a ton of other guys (past and present).

I agree that Boston is far and away the best team in the East. But I think at least three teams in the West (Chicago, St. Louis, and L.A.) would give them fits. My prediction is Boston definitely does not win the Cup this year.

I'm really not trying to be a pessimist, but I'm still not a believer in our defense...even with Ericsson back in the lineup. They're a sieve, and Jimmy isn't standing tall behind them like he did a year ago.

But that's not what you said. You called him a complimentary player...and he's not. I'd agree that there are better players in the league, or guys that are better leaders or whatever. But to say he's a complimentary player is silly. He had four 100 points seasons while being the primary offensive threat on his team. You're saying he's not "the guy" because he doesn't play defense...and he doesn't, I agree. But lots of guys don't play defense yet still get credit for being first rate players. Certainly nobody would call Kessel, Vanek, Kane, etc. complimentary players. But for whatever reason it's popular these days to downplay just how good Ovechkin is...even if he could be better.

I think you're taking it a little far here. Ovechkin has carried that team on his back into the playoffs many times in his career. While there he's averaging more than a point per game. You're probably the only person in the history of hockey to call an 8 time all-star, three time league MVP, one time scoring leader, three time goal leader, and rookie of the year a "complimentary player". Alex doesn't play defense, I get it. But to suggest he hasn't carried that team on his back for every second of the limited success they've had is silly. Particularly when he's never ever had a quality goaltender, defenseman, or coach.

Because he unilaterally created the new playoff format?

I know, that was the point. Mantha's output is absurd.

Supposedly he's got Helm's speed but with better hands. He's also apparently quite strong on his skates with insane lower body strength. The biggest knock on him that I've read is that he doesn't play a team game and tends to try and do everything himself. Also, early on there were some questions about his attitude that seem to have been taken care of. He's not scoring like Mantha or anything, but he definitely has top six upside and almost certainly top nine.

I actually think Kindl would be good on a run and gun team like Washington or Florida. Teams like that usually don't get forechecked too hard and that's Kindl's biggest weakness. On a team like that I think he'd be good because he's a good skater and his shot is fine.

There's no way to guard him because of his shot. Every year everyone predicts the downfall of Ovie and it doesn't happen. When you can one time the puck like he does you'll always get your goals.

I agree with you about them never winning with Ovie, but not because he's the Captain. Rather because his contract is prohibitive. It's Washington's fault for giving that much cap space to a guy that can only score goals. If he were the exact same player, but making 6 or 7 million he'd be worth every single nickel (with or without the defense or the captainship). Sooner or later these GM's will realize that you don't win cups with one guy, franchise or not. Devoting that much money to a Weber, Ovie, Lecavalier, Kovalchuk, etc. is a recipe for disaster. Hell look at the guys I've just mentioned, one cup between them despite all that time in the league and all that money spent on their services.

I think you could trade him. I just don't think the return would be great, but who cares right?

Jesus did they? How did I miss that? Well that was really stupid. Why move a veteran skill player from a team desperate for veteran players? Almost as dumb as moving Smid. They're still never going to make any noise until they move two of Hall, Eberle, Nuge, Yakupov, in my opinion. I'd still try and land Stastny or ROR though and trade for/sign defensemen based on how this shook out. Yeah, I completely missed him being traded somehow. I thought he was still there. I definitely don't expect him to go back (why would any sane person do that).

They really need to trade two of Hall, Eberle, Nugent Hopkins, and Yakupov for defense or a veteran top line center, and then keep Hemsky and Gagner. Afterward use the freed up money to sign whichever one (center or d-man) you didn't get in the trade. Personally, I'd move Nuge and Yakupov and keep the other two. For example, trade Nugent Hopkins and a pick for Ryan O'Rielly (since he wants out) and then sign a good d-man, or trade Nugent Hopkins for a quality d-man and sign Paul Stastny. Then trade Yakupov for a second second pair defenseman. You could theoretically have top six of... Hall-Stastny-Eberle Hemsky-Gagner-Perron The above much better than what they've got now and they'd get some help on defense if they traded both Nuge and Yakupov for quality veteran defense.

They've got like 40 guys on their team that need the puck to be effective. There's only one puck. Trade a couple superstars for really good depth/role guys and use the freed up money to land a quality free agent or two. Look at what Columbus has been able to do with half the assets. Do that. Oh, if management/coaching could collectively pull their heads out of their asses that would be a big help.

This is probably my favorite post ever on LGW. Atta boy!

Franzen's been blocking shots like a mofo. Atta boy.

Is it wrong that I think given the opportunity each and every Leafs fan would do something just as stupid?

I definitely agree with this 100%.

I don't really think it's fair to pigeonhole an entire...hey look a pony!