frankgrimes

Well said it's nice following a niche sport, no need to grow the game. It's better to make the fans that are already there happy than trying to alienate them and adding a few "new" fans.

Go Hamburglar you can do this go Sens.

I've liked their Big Bad Bruins style but their ownership while filthy !! rich is also known for being very tight with the NHL front office and having an essientiell role in some **** decisions. I bet a lot of money if we didn't have a cap the Bruins wouldn't be anywhere aclose to the same atmosphere the Wings would be in salarywise..I#d be shocked if they'd go over 90 mill. On the other hand I'm 100 % sure Mr. I would provide a blank check and task Holland with getting the best players possible, Jacobs would not do that.

Boston media made up stuff like him being late all the time (1 time actually *lol*), being too involved in partying and not doing enough on the ice (which is difficult if you are a rookie tasked with third line duties). I think the fans and management would have accepted that huge mistake but following that up with Iginla and Boychuck and people can say what they will about Shawn Thornton but that guy was beloved there (not only by the fans) I think taking those 3 guys out really changed the dynamics of that locker-room and maybe some players were (rightfully) pissed at Chiarelli. That being said Chiarelli is a good and very smart man, he will land another job in no time

You can't trade a gift like Seguin for spare parts. Bring in a guy who fits like a glove, has all the intangibles in the world, is tough as nails and led the team in scoring and then not resign him. Follow that up by not waiting to get a better return come trade dead line for Boychuck. Bruins needed help at the trade dead line and Chiarelli did again nothing. This is not a knee jerk reaction by Boston I think they didn't trust him anymore.

Pull a Pronger mule you've been a great Wing and one of the key parts of our last cup. There's a life after hockey which is much more important.

Needed to happen, his post cup record speaks for itself: Seguin, Iginla, Boychuck and not doing anything at the trade dead line although Charlie's message couldn't have been more clear other than saying: playoffs our you are fired. Julien's future will depend on the new GM. Bruins should have stayed true to their big bad Bruins vision instead off trying to play the skilled game it's just not their style.

Rinne, Weber, Josi and Jones need to be on their game and shutdown captain serious if they can do that I like their chances. I think this one goes to 7..I'll for sure cheer for the Predators come on beat the Blackhawks before they are going into capacaclypse nbext year.

I think the Flames are too fast and big for the Canucks. Goaltending wil be a questionmark for both teams will Ramo be healthy, can Miller regain his pre-injury form ? My gut says Flames in 6.

No problem. McLaren is kind off a sad story, guy played and fought with a broken finger..gets healthy and then they demote him to the AHL feel bad for him. Jamie Devane is such a great and interesting prospect (not as tough as our McKee) but the guy has some skill and I could see him turning into a more skilled version of Shawn Thornton which is really scary. If the Wings are out in the first round do the Leafs have to wait till July 1 or can they talk to Babcock right after that ?

Keep in mind Seguin would have reached it too he missed almost a month with an injury. Pasha just like Sundin will have to wait a bit but I think he will get in at some point. There are teams like Ottawa, Anaheim with balanced scoring...Also keep in mind that forwards nowadays are at least trying to be defensively responsible and willing to sacrifice some points to help a team out.

Well there is still Tannenbaum if he tells Shanahan to offer whatever it takes he has to do it.

I'd go with Lesnar too guy is a former UFC hw champ . As far as scoring: I didn't think the 8:2 (Kings Oilers) or 9:1 (Preds Leafs) was entertaining. This while scoring debate has only gotten some legs because Crosby didn't run away points wise this season...ok no one scored 100 points so what? I'm looking at the whole package and it just isn't the same. Tight games are great but they also need some other elements to it like big hits, fights, enemies, great saves (thankfully they are there) and a bunch of HHOF players showing off their skill.

Most fans and the media are just realistic here, Tampa is superior in almost every facet of the game, safe for experience. Stevie has done such a good job with that team. As often said there is a difference between being negative and realistic.

Put it inside an aluminum back inside a back

I guess other than Poulin and a few scouts nobody of the Burke/Nonis era is back. Wouldn't it be hilarious if Shanny hired Eakins ? Lol

I was referencing to Jamie Devane and Tyler Biggs country strong and they can play. Orr and McLaren are without doubt great mentors for them. I get the whole character thing but seriously he just fired 25 people (with families kids wives) in one day I'm not do sure anymore if character is something he still has (maybe he worked too long for the NHL dops ) Watched the presser I'll give him credit for not coming in with guns blazing but Shanahan is the VP him saying he wants a GM working under himself, Hunter and Dubas means the guy can scratch Shero, Chiarelli, Futa of his list. .look at Burke and Linden they provide advice but aren't meddling with the day to day GM business. I have a feeling he will promote one of his two BFF to the GM role. If Shanahan doesn't believe that Toronto is a tough market then I really don't know what constitutes a tough market in his mind. Yeah the fans are massive and loyal but most of them are outpriced of the ACC. Also Shanny talking about a fantastic coach sadly describes a very clear picture of whom they'll want.

It's not just about the enforcers per se it's about the whole package. Hits are way down, hipchecks ? Almost gone and even if people are doing them perfectly they'll get a hearing or suspended I mean WTF this is a league that has seen guys like Stevens lay out guys left and right and the fans got pumped up cheered , fans from the opposing team had real enemies to hate and also guys that would take care of business ON the ice i.e the crowd was entertained. Kronwall has gone from one of my favorite Wings to someone I wouldn't care if we trade him (mind everyone I really like the guy) but the guy used to bring an element that made other teams aware when he was one the ice and provided fans - of an otherwise boring and softish team - with enjoyment. Without hits, fighting what's left to cheer for ? Yes goals and nice saves ok...sounds very entertaining compard to the whole package of fights, hits, goals, saves, line brawls and seeing a bunch of HHOF lines play on ONE team and showing off their chemistry and skills.. This is league is going in the wrong direction and yet the GM meetings aren't fighting against that trend. There is nothing barbaric about enforcers taking care of business if rats are taking advantage of star or smaller players. If Benn is tough enough to punch Z four times in the head he is also tough enough to answer to McGrattan, Colton Orr instead of a suit who has his office based in New York (i.e. Quintal). I really hope the ratings continue to go down till the owners decide it's time to clean house and bring back hockey to it's roots. Another point is this: Sadly the league is more concerned about NON fans than the fans that are actually going to the games and following the game already, I Mean seriously ? If people think the game is too violent and to hard to take part in guess what find another sport and hopefully be happy with it.

Offense = equal Defense = slight edge to the Isles Goaltending = Caps Coach = Caps So Caps in 6 I guess

Good god if Vinnik tells Stevie you are going to do this then he is going to do it. Does he have a veto option? Maybe but Vinnik is the owner it's his show. If I am the owner of a company and decide for whatever reason I'm not doing business with someone then that's my free decision. Don't worry there will be 4 home games for Detroit matter what. I don't know what a Lexus lounge is but it sounds like some sort of suit s area. If people want to be mad at someone be mad at Vinnik and his PR guys.

The best sport in the world is hockey (but with the way things are going it needs a 180° return to what it once was). As far as scoring goes yeah it's part of the game but I can appreciate hard hits, nice fights more because scoring will always be there some years higher some years lower but so what.

I thought he was our best player against Minnesota, not giving him the next game (against the Hurricanes?) could turn out to be a huge mistake. I'm convinced we are going to see him in the third period of game 1.

Tried to listen to it on TSN but for whatever reason my audio didn't work (otherwise it works just fine so my SB is working). So Shanahan thinks they need players with character yet two of their biggest character guys are down in the AHL and after firing over 25 people on sunday he should be the last guy talking about character. Chelios was right Shanahan is like a politican trying to manipulate the masses (fans). From what I've read the GM job there will be GM in title only: Boss = Shanahan, then his BFFs Dubas and Hunter and THEN the GM - save for a ridiculous annually overpayment I can't see any sane GM opting for that job.

Give it a few more years and this game will be like soccer on ice, figure skating with sticks and gear and players will be asked to play in a synchronized way ...instead of acting like men they will be forced to run to Quintal and asking him for help. I don't care about the scoring part don't think it's that important but you are - as always - damn right in all other points.

This is not Stevie's decision the guy isn't dump, guess some PR guy needed to justify his job.