Earthhuman

Whose out of their mind, here? Sakic is all class. But I don't think he'd ever leave the Avalanche. That would be like Toronto picking up Yzerman for '05-'06. Just wrong. But to say no to a player like that... if you want a playoff performer, look no further.

Not a bad trade either way, all things considered. The problem with Columbus is, there aren't any actual hockey fans there. Those people want flash and pizazz and glitter and whatnot. Umberger is more of a hard-working, smack-the-puck-until-it-goes-in type, something that's easier to appreciate after watching the likes of Lang and Samuelsson. Columbus is bound to make the playoffs sooner or later. I wonder if that's this year. I doubt it, but we shall see.

Where are the sour-grapes guys who complained about the Ducks' exploits last year?

Hey, we think alike. Except I was thinking of him as more of a future Wing. Does he play hockey?

Next on my to-do list is learn Swedish. You guys might find this funny. I had to do a research paper on a European country's current problems, and I ended up having to do Sweden. I did some research, and came to the conclusion that it's top three problems were: 1. Quality of life too high. 2. Women too beautiful. 3. Risk of loss of sovereignty by invasion too likely as Russia rises to pre-Democratic political structure and ideals. I got an A on the paper, though.

Just a thought, whatever happened to Kindl? I know his stock has fallen a bit, but I'd wait for training camp to see exactly how the players stand.

Ohhhhhh. Well now we know.

I don't think anybody doubts him now as a star defenseman. Same goes to Franzen. That's why they're not under-rated. Their rating is increasing with their greatness.

After this thread, Hudler is no longer under-rated. He's right where he should be. In light of that, I have to say Kirk Maltby. EDIT: By the league, Zetterberg is most under-rated. Well, maybe.

Don't forget the N for Norris.

I'm stunned. I thought for sure this would be a thread on how great Yzerman is. I was looking forward to it. One more thing to keep in mind is, in any given game, there may be 2 truly elite defensemen on the ice, maybe. In that same game, there could be as many as 5 truly elite forwards. The pool is much deeper for Yzerman.

But the years played to cups won ratio is about the same. At least closer than 2:1

Wings defense is solid, it's the perfect situation for him to learn in. In a couple of years, no Lidstrom, no Chelios... better to do it now before Toronto gives him a shot and ruins his career. For the record, he played excellent this season. After a few convincing games, I preferred him in net than any of the other goalies. He was in position. He made big saves. I don't think he was beaten on an outright shot once. Deflections and rebounds, from what I remember. And most of all, he was playing behind such superstars as Quincey, Meech, Ericsson, Lebda, Lilja, and Chelios.

Osgood is a professional, a class act, a calm, collected, loyal, deserving player. The problem is that there are only, what, 91 numbers left? Lidstrom is getting his number retired.

The organization wouldn't have extended Osgood 3 years without planning to start him. It would be a waste of Howard.

Ozzie is the Glen Anderson of goalies.

32000 posts. Jeez people.

Yes it was. I was thinking the same thing. If I remember correctly, the Wings/Carolina series was the strongest ratings the NHL has ever recorded. It was hug.

Rafalski has been doing everything we expect from him, but, as somebody else eluded to, he hasn't been as /noticeable/. To much Stanley Cup experience, I guess.

Crosby had one in the bank, really all it would have taken was to be a split-second faster, but Lidstrom's stick was right there, hugging the bottom corner. And again before that, while Crosby was at the side of the net on the PP, Lidstrom grabbed his stick and went to the ice, saving another goal. Think of it this way- would the Wings have won if they went into the second period down two goals? Maybe, maybe not. Lidstrom is still the best. Kronwall has been amazing though- probably the major difference between the year's playoff run and the last.

Give the stupid thing to Ozzie, if not for his performance (deserving), then as a formal apology for ignoring his near-elite status throughout his career.

Betcha he doesn't say anything stupid to the press again.

That would have been awesome!

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/nhl_..._to_big_leagues

Sometimes the only way to properly grasp a situation is to treat it a little lighty. -Douglas Adams Besides, I didn't make the joke. I was going to, but I forgot Eklund's name. Lucky someone got to it, at least.