DreamsofHope

Congratulations to a great hockey player and a great man! http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2008/06/br...rionovs_in.html

I know that is pretty disappointing... I agree. But it would be more disappointing if neither of them made it in!

I'll be there!!! Woo!

Why?

In response, I feel that 'coaches never lie' isn't what is being said. Babcock is a very honest man and speaks his mind. I trust him on this one. Sure it doesn't mean we will win it, but his confidence in the team says a lot. I feel like this team apart from the 2006 team is better built for the playoffs and Babs knows it. That is why he says, even though we will finish with less points, we are still the better team. We have drive, passion, and a solid mix of young and old. This team is built well. Will we do it? Who knows. Are we the most capable of doing it, as far as teams that Bab's has coached. Yes.

Now we have a pretty solid third line threat with Cleary and Franzen. Wow. That makes me excited heading into the playoffs.

This seems consistant with what Ken Holland has said on the interview just posted on MLIVE. Says they are looking for depth players, and that's it. Doesn't seem like much will shape up before the deadline. Things could always change and I could always be wrong, but that seems to be the conclusion I am drawing from the info I've seen.

Well if they are talking about Sammy and his streakiness as being related to his confidence, why can't we just assume Babcock is trying to keep his confidence high. Babcock has said good things about Sammy all year. Maybe he just knows that he Sammy believes in himself he does well, so Babcock is trying to get Sammy to believe in himself. Yes? No?

I'll be there dude. Where you sitting? I think we talked on myspace a while back. Ha ha. I'm from arvada as well.

You going to the game? I'll be there but I'm nervous. Colorado always comes down on you hard when you lose and sometimes that can be hard to handle. They give you so much crap, so we need to win. If we all will it hard enough, it will happen right? Look for me on tv!

Wow dude.....

Don't forget a Bruin. I feel like injuring your way to the playoffs isn't about who you injure but just that you commonly do so. If you hurt a lot of people, as was previously said, teams are going to start changing their game against you out of fear. And that could definitely be enough to get yourself to the playoffs.

It's cool man. I'm not mad or anything. I can kinda see your point, but there are some immature adults out there too. But yeah I see what you are saying and thanks for the apology. But don't miss my Markov and Kronwall point above!

I in no way think that the hit to Hasek had the intent to injure or should be punished or anything. And hillbillywingsfan I have absolutely no desire to fight with you as I am sure you are a respectable person and have a lot of good things to say. But to suggest that because someone is a kid that they aren't educated in hockey of the past and that they think violence is bad, is a horrible stereotype. I am 20 years old and I feel like I know old time hockey very, very well. And I appreciate what Hasek did and hard hitting and the like. Honestly I don't want to fight with you I just want you to think about what you said. My point on the other hand is recall the Markov hit on the oiler that led to the Dats goal. The dude landed on his head and no penalty was assessed to Markov . My point being that, it isn't the risk of injury involved in the play as much as it is whether the play is illegal or not. Kronwall got his face cut when he hit a person, because the dude's skates flew up into his face . Maybe we should play hockey on Rollerblades?

I remember someone posting a 50 goal for Hudler over and under forum... but I don't remember anyone saying over. Even the poster himself. Maybe I'm off, but I don't remember anyone predicting that... just sayin.

I dont think they put stock in him and lost. I remember someone talking about how everyone at the Olympics was talking about how much of a scoring talent he had. I also remember the things he did in the AHL and that hat wasn't an injury nightmare. I think he has true promise and he is starting to find it. I truly believe this.

The biggest reason I would go with Rex with Dats and Flip with Zets is this: Rex is an amazing goal scorer, and Dats talks a lot about just wanting to set up a great pass for a goal. Then Flip has always been questioned about whether or not he has the finishing touch, but I know he can pass. Zets can finish Flips passes, and Rex can finish Dats passes...

I used to think this, but didn't Nill say somewhere that he was committed to staying even if it wasn't full time? As for Ken Holland leaving. Ha. I don't buy it for a second. It just wont happen.

But see here is the thing.... I definitely agree we could use money to improve our top lines (perhaps bring in Forsberg to solidify that second line). That would be awesome if our second line could hold its own, and we could keep Zetterberg, Dats, and Homer together. But our current problem is this. Yes 4-1-1 is a very good record, but the 1-1 both came from games where we blew a 2 goal lead. To me, that says more about our defense than our offense. We had the goals scored. We were putting points on the board. We just simply couldn't keep the other team from coming back (broken plays, breakaways, etc. etc.) There are a few more factors that go into this: 1. Dom starts slow. As the season goes on he will get better and things will improve. 2. Sure we can put up points now, but what happens in the playoffs when we spent all our money on D and we can't put the puck in the net 3. As last year showed, every game counts and if our D keeps playing like this we can't let games we have well in hand get away from us. 4. Mike Babcock. When ever we blow a lead or screw things up, I almost feel good because I know Babcock is going to get on the team about how to avoid such mistakes in the future, which can only make us a better team in the long run. Basically, I'm not taking a stance. But I felt the need to throw these points out there because I felt like they were being missed.

While I can see the humor in this, and laughed a little at first, I think that shows a complete lack of respect for the game on the fans part. I mean, come on. These people work hard and play hard, and to interfere with the game and make them look like a fool.... just a very disrespectful thing to do for someone who might call themselves a 'hockey fan.'

Hey guys, two questions 1. I want to watch a game tonight but can't decide which one. Can someone give me an idea of which game I should watch and why? 2. What are the must see games this month? Thanks! Edit: And by gane I mean Game.

Already watched the phillies rockies today.... hometown Rockies are making watching worth while. But the hockey season just started so I'm aching for hockey, not baseball.

I'm usually pretty quiet on the boards. I love to read what everyone is writing, and first and foremost I just want to say that I respect all of you guys so much. Sometimes being a true hockey fan can be a very lonely place to be, and it is nice to have some people here who know what they are talking about. While some of you may agree in full, some in part, and some absolutely disagree, I have been inspired to finally give my overall opinion on the wings this year. The Central Division: While Nashville did take a step or two backwards, they are still a capable team, as well as St. Louis and Chicago. While I don't think the division will be as easy this year as it was last, I think that we are still the best team and will continue to dominate the Central. The Defense: It appears Babs has assured us that Lids will be playing with Rafalski, and that Kronner is going to be on the second line. I still don't know what I think about Sopel, but I am almost 100% sure Meech will be on the team no matter what. Quincy and company will almost assuredly be playing in the AHL or Jrs, due to Holland's don't rush, let them develop theory, and Meech's waiver situation. Regardless our Defense will do amazing things this year, and whether Hasek makes them better or vice versa, they are the strength of our team. The Goaltending: Hasek. Osgood, and then Howard. I trust Hasek very much, and if his world comes crumbling down I trust Osgood. I don't feel like there is anything more to say. We are set. The Forwards: I worry. I wish I could say what some people here say: That the team is fine how it is and there is nothing to worry about. I absolutely hope that everyone who is high on Hudler, Fil, and Kopecky, are right. Griggs could go either way, but given Babs history with being slow on rookies not named Filpulla, I am reserving my judgement. I would celebrate if they became dazzling players. If they step up to a new level, we will indeed be fine. But I am still a little concerned. Given our defense, our potential, and our goaltending... I still think we will be okay. Zetterberg, Dats, Homer, Cleary, Draper, Franzen, etc. etc. they give me a lot of hope because they play with fire, and that makes a huge difference. The Management: Babcock Nill, and Holland have proved year in and year out that they give us something to hope for every year. They often say things that I disagree with, and things that worry me. But all in all, I have to remind myself that they are great at what they do, and the end result every year is great. I trust them very much. My Overall Assessment: I have high hopes for the team this year for two reasons. Given the talent level of the team I am sure that they will make the playoffs, especially being in the division we are in. But there is one thing that gives me hope beyond anything else. Our players play with their hearts. With the subtraction of Lang, we have a team that comes to play and they play with fire and intensity. We have a team that aches not just to win, but to play to their full potential. We have a team that fights, and desires. I think it is that and that alone that I can rely on this year. And it is with that, that I predict this team to do amazing things this year, in the regular season, in the playoffs, and off of the ice as a part of the community. If the Edmonton Oilers could scrape into the playoffs and blow the world away getting to the Stanley Cup Finals (Game 7) we can surely do the same ourselves. Except this year, we'll leave the playoffs victorious. For those who read this, sorry about the length, and thanks for reading. It is because I respect you that I am going to ask, please comment and let me know what you think!

Can't see Babcock going for someone who is sub-par at skating though....

Yes that is what I meant by 'cant.' It simply doesn't make sense for other talent to 'blow past him' if he has the clause of being unable to send down. Sure Kindl is better than him.... but they're going to keep Kindl where is he, and Quincy is better, but they're going to keep him in GR because they can and because he will actually get playing time. Meech is on the team until he proves us otherwise.