arnoldbuck

You are right, it is the playoffs ... and pretty much anything can happen. But Luongo is the biggest challenge facing anyteam going into these playoffs in my mind. If you put any other goalie in net for Van, they wouldnt even be in the playoffs. But with him, he gives them a HUGE advantage.

Reminds me of a few years ago with us. When we were down with about 5 minutes left you could almost guarantee the puck wouldn't leave the opposition zone.

Van wins. Dallas vs. Nucks first round.

I live out west, and worked till' really late, so by the time I was up, the game was done. But good to see a big win. But I just wanted to say, I love Lilja fighting. It makes me smile. Everyone has come down on him so hard, but he is alteast giving us some reason to cheer. A reason to support him.

HOLY CRAP!!! What a hit by Thornton!!!

I have to agree. Maybe its just cuz I live here, but it seems like the Nuck's annoncers are some of the most biast. I love it when they see an american team play the trap ... they call it, "disgusting trap style hockey which is ruining our game." Then when the canucks play the trap its ... "thats some good solid defensive hockey!"

Dont know if you already are aware, but there as a wicked DVD set out with some great footage. It has 5 full games, plus video-montages of the 97',98', and 02' teams. http://www.amazon.com/Detroit-Red-Wings-Ce...s/dp/B0002WZRUO

I would actually like to see Van pull this one off, only because I want SJ to play Van in the first round. I think SJ could take Van in the series.

All I can say is I have goosebumps and that funny feeling in my tummy. Haha, I want it!!!

Stoked to see it. Your Yzerman video was great, so I know this is gunna be good.

Yeah, ppl can say what they want about curses etc. But I still would liek to win it. It is a great accomplishment for the team none the less. Sure I want to go on to win the Stanley far more, but it is still cool to have. But with the Sabres having to face the Caps and Philly, probably not gunna happen.

I know it could almost make a new thread ... But a question I would like to raise is this. After next season Zetts if an UFA isn't he? What kind of contract are we going to offer him? One would imagine He deserves something similar to Dats. Any thoughts?

Haha, I know. There were some classic suggestions at deadline. Though, occassionally there is a lop-sided trade, but still, rare.

Haha. I dont know if anyone posted this pic w/ Dom before, but just sifting through some pictures I found it. http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/pgStory?conte...mp;pageNumber=9 - Hasek w/ NY Islanders girls

If Feds could recognize that he woudn't be the focus of the team, and accept a smaller contract, I would totally bring him back. He still is incredibly talented, and I believe he should be credited as being one of the best clutch-players ever. As far as depth at center goes ... well, after Pav, there is nobody who compares to Feds for talent. (unless we are splttin him a Zets up, then those two guys. But that is one of the great thigns about Feds, he has the talent to play different positions. I am sure in the right system, he still could make an impact. This would all depend on price though.

Man love ... haha ... what can I say ... 'he had me at hello'

I agreed with you in the first place. And I am aware - as I said above - that Dats has been smoking for us this season. As for paying lang top-dollar, gimme a break. I'm dont think too many people reading this think I implied that. I know regular season success is crucial to even make the playoffs, but if I had to have a guy who only got 55-60 regular season points (not implying lang by any stretch) but was a true work horse and come playoff time single handedly powered us through, I would go with that. The Stanley Cup means more to me than the Art Ross champ on my team. And as for top dollar ... I mentioned above the only guys I thought truly worthy of that money. So to avoid any further debate of my apparent anti-Dats status I will state cleary ... I love Dats. He is not only entertaining, but has been a very important part of our team this season through injuries and loosing streaks. His play has steadily improved over the months, and he is producing with a variety of players. We have awarded him a contract which may pay off huge if he does produce in April and May as he has through the fall and winter. Other teams cant touch him now regardless of what he does. But in a salary cap world, you can't help but be a little nervous for your club when you see the future and fate of your franchises success gambled upon a players who has not proven his all-round game yet. I hope for Dats all the best over the next 7 seasons. I think if he starts off in October just as he has finished the season, he has a shot at hitting 100 pts. But I want him to be the guy in game 7, overtime, to intercept a pass a score to advance us ... can he ... will he do that? Just a few more days and we will see.

Is he a free agent next year? I will look that up. You know what ... I never wanted him to leave. It was one of three times I was so upset about hockey that I actually shed a tear. But if he were to come back, it would have to be as a smaller role and I dont know if thats what he wants. Our team has been re-established around Zets and now Dats with his new contract. Not too mention with that massive contract, Feds would probably have to come pretty cheap.

I really do enjoy watching Dats out there in our jersey. But I do have to agree it is a lot. There are only a handfull of guys in the league who I would pay that much: Iginla, Luongo, Heatley, Lidstrom, Lecavalier, Thornton and when there time comes Crosby and Ovechkin. That is it. There may be a name or two that I am not thinking of on there, but that is it. I agree with what you are saying. He has been incredible for our team this year. During our loosing skid a while back he was the only one doing s*** all. He deserved a raise and has earned our respect. No way will I come on here and apologize though. I have backed Dats most of the way ... I do like the guy, I think he is one of the most entertaining guys in the league to watch. But I have used the following line before and I will use it again. I am not willing to pay a guy top dollar(not my choice though) for a regular season filled with nifty goals, and sweet psses for a no-show playoff performance. I have faith he can be that guy, I really do. But he HAS to do it. We have signed him to a huge deal, that in the event it fails, will be disasterous. But I will say I am backing him. I hope he has a great run in teh spring this year.

Bert and Shanny may have similar games and talent, but Shanny was 10 times the insperation that Bert is. Bert doesn't have the same heart that Shanny has/had.

I am going to make the comparison. Luongo'a contract isn't for seven years, but the average is nearly the same. I don't care if Dats' deal was a 1 year 6.7 mill contract. The fact is we are paying him the same amount per season and is he going to give us the same return each year? I am not talking about a bunch of highlight reel-goals and plays, but a legit shot everytime he plays to win the game. And go to man at crunch time. Can he deliver that?

Trust me ... I really want to believe that. I really want him to. I want him and Zets to be a devastating force for our team over the years to come. I think he has what it takes. But with many, (I would imagine) in a salary cap world ... $6.7 Mill is a hell of a lot. That is Luongo's salary (roughly) So Dats has to be a cornerstone and hero to us, like he is to Van.

I am not really a big fan of either team, but, that being said I am very excited to watch this game. Ther played eachother on HNiC a few weeks ago and itwas one of the best games I saw all year. Now the playoffs on the line. Gunna be good.

Hell No. Nothing against Luongo, but theats two more wins for the Nucks.

Wow ... just read through fully and an average of $6.7 million. That is a lot more than I thought it would be. A lot more. Don't get me wrong, I love Dats, but he had better earn that in the playoffs.