Aussie_Wing

Max Nicastro, that is one heck of a name! Gun.

One? Howard and Larsson.

TERRIBLE trade by Philly IMO. Just makes no sense.

And don't you think this goalie is a bit old? Born in 1989 when most are 1990...

They know what they're doing and I have huge faith in them it's just that I really don't like taking goalies, especially this early. Much prefer keeping track of the progress of skaters.

We picked a goalie? I must admit, I hate it when that happens.... Disappointing.

I'm a huge fan of draft day and it seems to grow each year. Just the tought of a whole new batch of youngsters entering into our organisation and being able to follow their careers is real exciting.

GDT eh...? I want 60 minutes of hockey, no turnovers from Lilja, get Samuelsson off the point, now! Goals to Datsyuk, Hank and Drapes (empty net). In all seriousness, can't wait, I might have to set the alarm and listen online.

If they were offloading Malkin, surely they would get a lot more in return than that?

When is the draft and if it's today, how many hours until it starts? Thanks in advance.

As noted on HF Boards, former Wings draftee Andreas Jämtin has signed a two year, two way deal with the NY Rangers. Interesting move and I'm actually surprised the Wings let him go. He is coming off a good season in the SEL where he had 17 goals, 13 assists and 167 PIMS. The Griffins could have used him that's for sure.

The Wings are so good because we have a great defence, solid goaltending and a ton of underpriced forwards who we can depend on to score. I mean Samuelsson gets bagged a lot but he is an absolute steal at $1.2 million. And that is why we're so successful. But as for the Hossa offer, it's a great price if the Pens can get it done but they really could be in strife in a few years.

Great news, I rate Quincey highly and feel he could be a very good third pairing defenceman for a number of years.

Interesting stuff BRTD. Very pleasing to hear that Dumars isn’t going to stick with the same line-up after another unsuccessful run in the playoffs. I feel that it’s time for massive changes and I would start by trading Wallace. He has been a great player for the Pistons and has been near faultless off the court during his time here but I get the feeling that we’re not going to get anything better out of him and as a result it’s time to move on. I desperately want to see Prince traded too as he is overrated and inconsistent. We all know he can score 25 points and occasionally be a triple double threat but all too often he has sub 10 point games where he disappears. He’s at his best when he’s aggressive and driving to the hoop but he settles for jumpers when he is a streaky shooter. Let’s see if we can get a high draft pick for him, or package him with Rasheed and try and get a gun. For a while now we’ve been the team with a lot of good players but no guns. It’s time for a gun, someone you can rely on to give you a huge game when the going gets tough. Hamilton IMO is the only current starter I consider off limits for opposition teams. Is Jarvis Hayes coming back or will he walk? McDyess, Billips, Prince, Wallace should all be up for grabs. We need to turn to youth and start building around Stuckey, Johnson, Maxiell and Afflalo as they are the ones who will make this team great again.

This better not spell the end of Quincey in Detroit.

Carson Daly, as in...? He has his own show? What the heck.

So is Ovechkin cleaning up?

The crowd went absolutely insane after that goal. Even though the end result of the game was devastating I have watched that goal so many times now, purely because of the crowd. So, so loud.

If there's something I hate more than anything it's players acquired at the deadline not re-signing with their teams. But I guess this situation is a bit different. I saw someone say he might be worth $5 million. No way is he worth that. He’s a very good defenseman but $5 million? I want him back however I don't think he will be back. And besides, and I've said this a few times now, Quincey won't be as good but I would really hate to see him walk away.

It was the right time but after reading some articles and watching a few clips on YouTube, I must admit I am feeling a bit sad. Truly one of the games greats and he will be missed. It won't be the same without having Hasek playing in the NHL.

I'd say that bridge has been burnt. He ruined his chance.

People are so quick to forget. Kopecky was playing real well before he got injured. His second half of the regular season was real good and he was playing the best hockey of his career. He was using his size and providing some offence.

Surely we've got enough defenceman? Ericsson, Quincey, Kindl, Smith, Pyett all waiting in the wings. No need to draft another, unless of course we're drafting for best available and there's a clear standout with the 30th pick.

The second Slam of 2008 starts today and it promises to be a beauty! Undoubtedly there will be some interesting storylines to be played out on both the men and women’s draw. Rafael Nadal is still undefeated at the clay courts of Roland Garros and he will be the overwhelming favourite to make it 4 straight French Open titles. Coming off Masters Series wins in Monte Carlo and Hamburg; Nadal is in fine form and looks likely to hold aloft the trophy once again. There may be 127 other men in the draw but only 2 loom as legitimate contenders to beat Nadal; Federer and Djokovic. Both took a set off him at Hamburg and both will be a big challenge for the Spaniard. Federer’s confidence against Nadal must have surely taken a beating in Hamburg as he led 5-1 and 5-2 in the first two sets before allowing Nadal to whittle away the lead. He has the game to beat him but does he have the belief? Andy Roddick is the first major casulty as he has been forced to withdraw due to a shoulder injury. It's a big blow for Roddick as he was playing the best clay court tennis of his career. Lleyton Hewitt is still in doubt as he struggles to overcome constant hip injuries. He has decided to make his way to Paris and will make a decision in the coming days. It would be a shame if he can’t play as he’s quite underrated on the clay. Richard Gasquet is enduring a horror run of form and has split with his coach. He too is contemplating whether to play, but his concern is not injury but form. Three time champion Gustavo Kuerten will probably make his final appearance on the tour. The women’s side promises to be very interesting with the absence of Justine Henin who was far and away the best clay courter. Last years runner up Ana Ivanovic will be looking to go one step further and with Henin out of her way she is a huge chance to get her breakthrough Slam. She might not be coming into the tournament with the greatest of form but she will have time to find her touch. Soon to be crowned world #1 Maria Sharapova will be hoping to win the title which would give her victory in all four Grand Slams. The clay is her least preferred surface and while I can see her going deep, I don’t think she’s a real threat to win. However her movement has significantly improved which will be a boost for her. Having just come off a Tier 1 win in Rome, Jelena Jankovic will be one of the favourites and rightfully so given she reached the SF’s here last year. The draw is out and unfortunately Djokovic is on Nadal's side. I was desperately hoping he would be in Federer's half.

Ivanovic you champion! World #1! Ana Nadal's performance last night was one of the best displays I have ever seen. 6-1, 6-3, 6-0. Yes that's right, Federer won 4 games. FOUR games in a Slam final. Unbelievable display from Rafa.