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DEL.ICIO.USSecond Round Bracketology
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OK kids… time to roll into the second round of the playoffs. But first, take a look back at your first round predictions and see how ya did.
Me? Well, the un-good news is that I only got 4 out of 8 correct. The good news is that the four I was able to accurately project, (Montreal, Pittsburgh, Detroit and San Jose), are the teams I predicted would win in the second round and advance to the conference finals!!!!
So…the Rawhide bracket LIVES!
In this round, I’m going to be paying particular attention to the men between the pipes. Teams have ridden hot net-minder to championships before and this year there are a few that teams could do just that with.
Here’s my picks for round two…if I only bat .500 again, I hope that it’s Montreal and San Jose who come through for me as they are my picks to make the finals.
East
#1 Montreal vs. #6 Philadelphia: First of all, hats off to Boston for taking their round one bout with the Canadiens to a game 7 after dropping behind 3 games to 1. Their play was what playoff hockey is supposed to be all about. Montreal net-minder Carey Price finished the seven game series with a 2.09 GAA and .925 SV% however he had a couple of forgettable third periods. It doesn’t get any easier as Briere, (6 goals & 5 assists), Prospal, (3 goals & 6 assists), and a very dynamic Flyers offense will be attacking him in waves. Look for a fun-filled couple of weeks full of 4-3 and 5-4 kind of games.
Montreal in 7
#2 Pittsburgh vs. #5 New York Rangers: The Penguins haven’t played since the 16th when they kicked Ottawa to the curb in four straight. Inevitably this brings the question about whether it’s a good thing or not to sit that long. However their opponents, the New York Rangers, have had a bit of rest themselves having done away with New Jersey last Friday night. Marc-Andre Fleury earned a .955 SV% and 1.26 GAA in the four games against the Senators. His counterpart didn’t boast such figures in round one…but Henrik Lundqvist finished the regular season with a 2.23 GAA and .912 SV%. The two teams should kick off any rust they’ve incurred early on and play a tough series.
Pittsburgh in 6
West
#1 Detroit vs. #6 Colorado: Looks like Mike Babcock decision to go with Chris Osgood in games five and six was the right call, eh? Osgood turned away 53 of the 54 shots he faced versus Nashville for a .981 SV% and .039 GAA. I think we will see more of him against Colorado. Jose Theodore was no slouch either in his six games against Minnesota as he played all 383:14 of that series that included 3 overtimes and 5 one-goal games. He finished with a 1.88 GAA and .940 SV%. The Avs will have to improve on the 33.3 SA/G they allowed Minnesota or they will get buried by the potent Red Wings attack.
Detroit in 6
#2 San Jose vs. #5 Dallas: Offense could be at a premium in this series as the two teams combined for the two lowest SA/G of the sixteen teams that played in the first round, (23.0 for the Stars and 23.1 for the Sharks). This makes life easier for both goalies. Marty Turco worked a 2.01 GAA .912 SV% against the Ducks and looked very sharp. San Jose’s Evgeni Nabokov will need to be sharper than the 2.45 / .895 numbers versus Calgary. I have to honest with you…even though I picked the Sharks to go to, and win, the finals…this series scares me. If there is an upset to pick in this round, this is the series. I’m sticking with the Sharks…but I’m feeling as nervous as a seal off the California coast, hoping that I don’t get bit here.
San Jose in 7
There IS Hockey Tonight
The Gwinnett Gladiators have force a deciding game 5 against South Carolina in the ECHL playoffs. For those needed a good hockey fix, the game will be broadcasted at Bogeys on PIB.
Go Glads…Spank the Stingrays!
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By R. Stroz
April 23, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
FIRST
By Hookybob
April 23, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
I’ m picking Montreal for two reasons. They were my pick to drink from the cup and I don’t want to have to listen to commentators talk about how good Coburn is.
Rangers over Pittsburgh. All other things being equal I like the Blushirts defense and goaltending more than the Pens. (Although Fleury has been very good of late).
Out west, Detroit over Colorado. I gotta cheer for the man from Peace River. If you have driven the Hudson Hope Loop road (a shortcut to the Alcan) you’d know why.
Stars over Sharks..Zubov is coming back, Richards is warming up, Turco playing well.
Bummer: No hockey tonight.
By R. Stroz
April 23, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
I’m pulling for Pittsburgh and San Jose to reach the finals.
Why?
The player the Thrashers couldn’t keep, Hossa.
The player the Thrashers willn’t be able to get, Campbell.
Maybe that combination will finally send Dung Fuddell packing.
By Skip Jackets
April 23, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Montreal will take it in 5 games. They won’t make the same mistakes they did at the end of the last series.
The Penguins will beat the Rangers. Malkin, Crosby, and Staal will shine, plus they have Malone, Hossa, and Sykora. The Rangers don’t have nearly enough fire power to keep up. I hope Avery starts crap w/ Gary Roberts or Big George.
In the West….I could care less.
By GaVaHokie
April 23, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
The two I picked in September to be in the Cup are still alive… San Jose and Pittsburgh. I’ve got San Jose winning the cup.
However, I’m liking the Rangers chances… Gomez and Drury have really stepped up, but Montreal is firing on all cylinders.
The hockey world might get what it wants in the end… Detroit vs. Montreal.
By The Right Direction
April 23, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
If the Thrashers brass would have some brass and dump DW, the Thrashers would have a chance at both Hossa’s and Campbell.
That would sell seats again, at full price.
By Bruce Levenson
April 23, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
TRD - You must be hoping pigs start flying soon, but you can always wish.
By Rawhide
April 23, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
HookyBob - there IS indeed hockey tonight….I just updated the post….scroll back up and look!!!
Skip Jackets - Welcome to the fray!
Trixie - Happy Administrative Professionals Day! Here are some flowers…
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By Thrasher Ryan
April 23, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
I like to pick upsets.
Colorado beats Detroit in 7.
Pittsburgh beats NY Rangers in 6.
Montreal beats Philadelphia in 7. Brothers Kostitsyn will be the story.
Dallas beats San Jose in 7.
What’s up with the choices in the poll? I don’t want any of those guys here. Is this a hint of who DW will target? Sure as hell looks like it.
Maybe we should add Sergei Federov, Rob Blake, and Owen Nolan to that list too. I wish we could do a true youth movement, but we all know DW will go out and sign a bunch of graybeards.
1 or 2 players away, huh? I call a bluff on that one, Don.
By R. Stroz
April 23, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Regarding the poll, I’d take Avery over Todd Charmin White at center any day of the week.
I can’t stand Avery, but at least he has a pair, especially compared to Charmin.
By Thrasher Ryan
April 23, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Stroz—Do we really need another 3rd or 4th Line Center?
I thought we already have 4 of them: Slater, White, Perrin, Christensen.
Actually, we might even have 5 when Doofus Don re-signs Holik, against popular demand.
Glad I have access to Comp tickets, because I won’t be spending a dime on this crap next year.
By R. Stroz
April 23, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Thrasher Ryan - DW loves third and forth line center as much as Billy Knight loves a team full of forwards.
Of the three in the poll, Avery is the only one under 30 years of age, so, by default, Avery is the winner.
By GaVaHokie
April 23, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
I’ll take Avery… and I’d play him with Kovy. That’s the kind of guy we need to create havoc in front of the net.
By PJ
April 23, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
My picks, for what their worth include a few upsets as well.
Dallas in 7
Detroit in 5
Philly in 7
Pitts in 6
By ranallo10
April 23, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Hokie — You really think Kovalchuk would WANT Avery to come to Atlanta, much less play on his line?? I think we had a better chance of getting Comrie (hair pulling incident) than getting Avery.
Also, I doubt Avery would come to Atlanta. He’s a glitz and glamor person, loves the NY spotlight, loved living in LA, etc. He’ll want to play for a big big market, not Atlanta.
That’s my opinion though.
I would love Avery here, he’s one of a kind, plus Elisha Cuthbert would have to attend at least one game, so it’d be nice eye-candy if the Thrashers lose.
I don’t like Foote, and I doubt Demitra would come here if Hossa’s had any sort of conversation with him since his departure.
By d
April 23, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, Brad Richards has definitely added a spark to the Stars - it is as if Morrow & Turco have taken their game up a notch after his arrival. Dallas in 6.
By R. Stroz
April 23, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
If Kovy grew tired of Avery, all Kovy would have to do is wait for Avery to stand in front of the goal and put the puck in Avery’s back.
By five_hole
April 23, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
I’m disappointed that Washington lost to Philly, albeit in a great series. I have a confession to make; I’m a big Ovechkin fan. He is just plain fun to watch, and was hoping he could get to the next round.
By Tony C.
April 23, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Grr.
I hated seeing Philly win. Not so much as rooting for A-O (although he is fun fun fun to watch)…as I root against Philly.
They are poopy. Have been ever since they got Lindros. Before then too, but there were flashes of ok-to-coolness (Like when Mellanby was a youngster there with McCrimmon and Hextall-you know the team). Mostly though, Philly is poopy. I mean, Bobby Clarke gets saluted for breaking a guy’s leg because he couldn’t keep up? That’s crap. I realize that also that move endeared Clarke to lots and lots of frostbacks that were aghast that a Russian could be better than them. But for me it sums up Philadelphia Flyers perfectly: Almost good enough to win it all, but definitely cheap enough to ruin everything
So Pens in 6.
DAL-vs-SJ: Too close to call, and after the 7-game SJ win, I’d be happy either way.
P.S. So, how fast do you think Huselius will be sent packing after last night’s loss? I wonder if Keenan even let him on the team charter.
By Bob
April 23, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Oof, I only went 5 out of 8 in the first round. But like Rawhide, my Conference Finals are still intact as all 4 are still alive, so I’m going with the semi’s as this and my Conf. and Cup Finals are intact:
Habs over Philthy in 6
Pens over Blue Skirts in 7
Detroit over Avs in 6
San Jose over Dallas in 7
Conference finals
Pens over Habs in 6
San Jose over Detroit in 6
Stanley Cup Final
San Jose over Pens in 6
By xyu
April 23, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Play OFFs. Hm. There is Atlanta Thrashers. Are they playing PO hockey.
By GaVaHokie
April 23, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Ranallo and Stroz… maybe Kovy’s shot totals would go up even more… every time Avery stands in front of the net Kovy would be blasting the puck… he’ll either score or hit Avery… it’s win win.
By GaVaHokie
April 23, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
I hate to admit it, but Avery is turning into a playoff monster.
By Brendan
April 23, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Go Glads!!
Allright, in the “bracketology” I asked you all to be HONEST and to take the “Coin flip Challenge!” Being an honest person, I must report the results. I lost. Again. As usual. Remember, last year my coins went 10-5, while I went 8-7. My coin, a 1982 penny, went 6-2 in the first round, losing only the Colorado over Minnesota and Detroit over Nashville series. I went 5-3, losing the Flyers-Caps, Aves-Wild, and Stars-Ducks series.
“Maggie the Monkey” went 5-3, in case you’re curious. I haven’t seen Maggie’s picks yet for Round II.
On to the Conference Semi-Finals. My “fearless” picks are as follows:
I like Philadelphia over Montreal in seven games. I like Pittsburgh over the NY Rangers in seven games. In the West, I’m going with Detroit over Colorado in seven games. And I’m taking San Jose over Dallas in seven games.
In my coin flips, I came up with four “tails” in-a-row. Which means the coin says the winners will be Philadelphia, NYR, Dallas, and Colorado. All upsets. I’d like to beat the coin flip one of these days.
By R. Stroz
April 23, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie - On the Avery subject, we are in complete agreement. The more I think about the idea, the more I laugh.
The thought of Kovy and Avery high fiving each other would be worth the price of admission.
By Nix
April 23, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
I liked what I saw of Avery in the only game I saw in the first round. He seemed pretty effective, in a gadfly sort of way. But at the same time… I’m bigger than he is. And shouldn’t we be trying to get more size on the team?
By MashaPlayer 7
April 23, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
I picked Dallas over Anaheim in six games (first round) and my friends thought I was crazy. I am now picking Dallas to win the Cup! Of the remaining playoff teams, they don’t have the best scoring, best defense, best goaltending, or are the most physical team. However, they play as a team and have all of the intangibles.
Pains me to say, I grew up in New England and hated Les Habitants. But they are by far the most exciting team to watch in the NHL, so I hope they make it to the Finals.
By NASCAR Dave
April 23, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Everyone needs to remember NASCAR Dave’s philosophy…
Step 1: Cut ALL UFA’s loose! None of those losers are worth bringing back, at ANY price!!!
Step 2: Hire John Anderson as Head Coach.
Step 3: Do NOT sign any new players who are shorter than 6’0”.
Step 4: Do NOT sign any new players who are older than 30 years old.
Step 5: FIRE Don FRAUDell and make him DONE Waddell.
Step 6: Hire any competent GM. Any of them other than DWAD is a step in the right direction.
Step 7: Sign KOVALCHUK to 15 Year Deal.
(Editor’s Note): Step 7 CANNOT be completed unless Steps 5 & 6 are completed first. That is the ONLY way Step 7 happens here in Atlanta.
NUFF SAID.
By R. Stroz
April 23, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
NASCAR DAVE - All in all I agree. That said, I would keep one UFA, Moose. Then after Pavs has another year in Chicago to mature, I would turn Moose into a our goalie coach.
By NASCAR Dave
April 23, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
NASCAR Dave’s picks…
PIT - Because they got Hossa/Dupuis
PHI - Because they got Coburn
COL - Because they got Brunette
DAL - Because my girl likes ‘em
By R. Stroz
April 23, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Since Rawhide put up a new blog at the same time I posted this on the prior blog and although it has nothing to do with any of the current subjects, I thought I would bring it over anyway for kicks and giggles.
In order to improve the Thrashers win/loss percentage next season, the schedule maker should make sure the Thrashers only play teams on the back end of back to back games.
Furthermore, the schedule maker should avoid the Thrashers playing back to back games at all costs.
This simple logistical task should result in a considerably better record next season.
On a serious note, Stats can you find out where the Thrashers ranked as far the quantity of back to back series played last season in comparison to the other teams in the league?
By R. Stroz
April 23, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
NASCAR DAVE - You should pick San Jose because we will never get Brian Campbell.
By ranallo10
April 23, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Stroz and Hokie — Avery is a stud, though he’s definitely a prick too. He’s had talent since his Detroit days, but he’s finally been able to hone that talent into a force to be reckoned with. There is no denying that when Avery is on the ice all of his opponents recognize it.
That being said, I dislike the guy’s way of approaching the game (he has a lack of respect in so many ways, and can’t play the “misunderstood” card anymore)…however, he’s a great talent, and hard to replicate. I’d definitely welcome him to Atlanta IF the cornerstone players were fine with such an acquisition (Enstrom, Kovalchuk, Lehtonen).
Nascar Dave — A 15 year contract for Kovalchuk would mean he’s signed here until he’s 40, with an obviously inflated contract over those last several years. Is that really good for a team??? Can a competitive roster be built around such a contract? I contend it isn’t, and one likely cannot. Anything more than 10 years is debilitating, in my opinion, even with a talent like Kovalchuk.
Stroz — In order to improve the win/loss record for Atlanta, perhaps they should schedule the team 82 games against the Gwinnett Gladiators. The Thrashers might not make the playoffs still, but I guarantee they wouldn’t finish 27th again.
By R. Stroz
April 23, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
ranallo10 - I don’t about playing the Gladiators, Desbiens and Stoesz are too tough for the Thrashers, think Hanson Brothers.
By R. Stroz
April 23, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
ranallo10 - I don’t know about playing the Gladiators, Desbiens and Stoesz are too tough for the Thrashers, think Hanson Brothers.
By ranallo10
April 23, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Stroz — Good point…Desbiens is a beast. Too bad he can’t learn some form of offense to compliment his fists.
Valabik can only handle one of them, well, unless it’s like his part in this fight.
By NASCAR Dave
April 23, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
By R. Stroz
April 23, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
NASCAR DAVE - You should pick San Jose because we will never get Brian Campbell.
I would agree 100% with this gentleman’s statement, however, I cannot cross my girl. Plus I like Modano (and his wife ;). Gotta stick with Dallas here.
But we do agree, Brian Campbell WILL NEVER be coming here. EVER.
By R. Stroz
April 23, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
If we pick up Avery, add Valabik for the whole season, keep Boulton and Thorburn, and add another goon for good measure, our team identity can be the Charlestown Chiefs.
By Brendan
April 23, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
Vancouver has already named a new GM. It’s Mike Gillis. GM Brian Burke will remain as GM in Anaheim.
By Alan
April 23, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
Philly in 7. Pittsburgh in 5. Detroit in 6. Dallas in 7.
Just my predictions.
By R. Stroz
April 24, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
ranallo10 - When are you heading out of town?
By ranallo10
April 24, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this
July
By Russ
April 24, 2008 6:21 AM | Link to this
I only went 5 for 8 in the first round. Here we go with round 2:
Montreal over Philly in 5 Pittsburgh over the Rangers in 7 Detroit sweeps Colorado San Jose over Dallas in 5
By Bob
April 24, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Vancouver has already named a new GM. It’s Mike Gillis.
Gee, look at that. Even with so many decisions to make in the offseason the Canuckleheads fired and replaced their GM in such a short span.
Good thing Levenson kept Waddell around for the past few weeks to make all those moves he’s been making. Wait…
By R. Stroz
April 24, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Bob - No new coach, Lehtonen isn’t re-signed, Rome is getting really warm again.
By Thrasherbob
April 24, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Ahhhh!! Not Avery! He may be on a hot streak, but it’s just a streak and then he’ll go back to his regular a-hole self. I want none of it here. Do you really think Kovalchuk is going to forget the guy who makes suggestive remarks about his girlfriend/now wife? He talks smack about a player with a terminal disease, flips off reporters, and he’s not dating Cuthbert anymore. So Avery is not going to help morale, he’s going stir up more animosity, IMHO. Just what we don’t need. And Please, don’t refer to him as a “stud”…. that’s just wrong.
By R. Stroz
April 24, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Stats - I have another task for you should take this mission:
Count the number of Bobs and Bob derivatives on the ajc Thrashers blogs.
By Tony C.
April 24, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Avery did change what was a very soulless NYR “aimless Euro” team and really brought that bit of spark and sandpaper that they clearly needed. Now, he is an unmatched douchebag, buuut…he also is the guy that (as we all know too well) is pretty much garaunteed to get in the other team’s best player’s head. He is also pretty decent around the net. Now I think the dynamic of our room has changed significantly, but clearly Le Thrash have needed a guy who brings the edge with him. Out of that list, Avery is the no-brainer (isn’t Foote older than my dad?) at this point in all of their careers and given the fallout from the Hossa saga.
Granted, we need D waaaaaaaaaaaaaay more than we need an agitator-but if he was available, I’d definitely run it past the boys in the room and if I got the thumbs-up I’d go after him.
so what UFAs from the teams that got bounced are on your wish list? Now, which of those guys’re realistic???
By Eileen
April 24, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
For what it is worth, I just read an article from the Pittsburgh Gazette website. Dupuis said in so many words that he missed the excitement of a hockey town when he was in Atlanta. He said being in Pittsburgh has reminded him of that excitement.
By Rawhide
April 24, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Eileen - Can you post a link to that article?
By HookyBob
April 24, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Could spirits of dynasties past be on the ice for the Habs?
By Eileen
April 24, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, the title of the article is “Dupuis is a Perfect Fit” in the sports section of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. The article is dated 4/23/08.
By R. Stroz
April 24, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
With Eileen’s info, i found the article on Dupuis
By GaVaHokie
April 25, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
For what it is worth, I just read an article from the Pittsburgh Gazette website. Dupuis said in so many words that he missed the excitement of a hockey town when he was in Atlanta. He said being in Pittsburgh has reminded him of that excitement.
And that’s why quality veterans don’t come here in the first place… they already know this. It’s going to take a lot more creativity on Waddell’s part than trying to negotiate with UFA’s in the summer… that’s why I keep suggesting the idea of trading the Pittsburgh pick and a prospect to Philly for the rights to Jeff Carter. That’s the out-of-the-box thinking we need.
Jeff Carter is RFA status… so if you get his rights, you can just match any offers.
By ranallo10
April 25, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Hokie — If Carter’s a RFA, why wouldn’t Philadelphia rather sign him to a contract OR match an offer sheet OR take the subsequent picks rather than trading him before hand? They would have until the end of the offseason to offset his cap hit (if they go over), so it’s not like they’d be in a rush prior to the draft
I’ve mentioned it before, but I don’t feel Carter will be traded. Richards is their future Captain (from all accounts I’ve heard), but Carter will be integral for their success.
However, I agree with you, until something substantial happens in Atlanta it’ll be an uphill battle for any GM to lure prime talent to this team. Thus, RFA offer sheets, trades or plain old good drafting are the only ways to get the top tier talent into Atlanta.
With the UFA signings you would have to look to get the parts like Todd White, or Eric Perrin, who have the ability to fill a role but can possibly overachieve if given the opportunity.
By NASCAR Dave
April 25, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Dupuis said in so many words that he missed the excitement of a hockey town when he was in Atlanta. He said being in Pittsburgh has reminded him of that excitement.
This is why NASCAR Dave says Dupuis will NOT re-sign here this summer. Don messed up when he traded him. Players will show no loyalty to teams that trade them away like that.
Have a good weekend everybody, I’m off to Talladega for the next 3 days!
PEACE.
By GaVaHokie
April 25, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Ranallo… I think someone is going to over-qualify Carter this summer.
What did Edmonton have to give up in the Penner deal… 3 first round picks? I can understand Philly waiting to see if they can get 3 first rounders off someone… but offering a first rounder and say, Eric Perrin and Brett Sterling might peak their interest.
By Ben
April 25, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
I swear we must all want D-WAD out of a job! But don’t go root for the ‘burgh just cuz D-WAD’s a baffoon. Remember, this is ENTERTAINMENT! Be entertained, not p** that a very nice, yet amazingly incompetent person has hornswoggled his way into a nice career. I mean its not as though you pay the man. Yes, yes I know we pay it $30 at a time. But I go cuz I ginuinely enjoy hockey. When they do win the cup, we all get to be refered to as long-suffering. The T-BIRDS aren’t moving, this ain’t the 70s or early 80s. I posted another time about how 6 is about right for Can-NAY-dia and I feel Lost Wages and KC are mirages.
By ranallo10
April 25, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Hokie — I can see him being the type of player sent an offer sheet, but I don’t think he’s the player that would be overqualified…I really think Philadelphia will match no matter what.
There’s an insane amount of quality RFAs coming to the market, I don’t see why one couldn’t be plucked away. Some of the names that catch my attention are:
Bouwmeester, Meszaros, Stuart, Suter, Ehrhoff, Daley, Mike Green (to get Washington to overpay for him), Stoll, Vermette, Carter, Wolski, Bernier, Filpulla, Pavelski…
I’m sure most will be locked up, but I’d like to see a few more offers thrown around this season.
By Bob
April 25, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Dupuis said in so many words that he missed the excitement of a hockey town when he was in Atlanta
Yep. And why, after 9 years is this not a hockey town? Because Don Waddell has turned off so many fans. Remember Year 1 when we sold out all the games? A lot of those same people still go to games, but now only when their original home town team of Detroit, Buffablow or Philly, etc. come to town, and these days they’re wearing the opposing sweater at Philips, no longer cheering for the Thrash. I know a lot of guys like that.
A new GM comes in and builds a winner and the arena will be sold out every night and this town will get behind a winner and we’ll have a hockey town that fans and players will want to be a part of.
But as long as Waddell is here, the fans, and the players, will stay away.
By Brendan
April 25, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Congrats to the Gwinnett Gladiators on a fine playoffs. They put up a good fight.
By ranallo10
April 25, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
A new GM comes in and builds a winner and the arena will be sold out every night and this town will get behind a winner and we’ll have a hockey town that fans and players will want to be a part of.
Nah, I’d say a new ownership comes in a builds a franchise focused on winning, then the quality hockey personalities (players, coaches, GMs, etc) will come. With a uninspired ownership group, the result is more of the same no matter who the GM is.
A team is only as good as you want them to be, and this ownership doesn’t seem to want them to be anything more than profitable. When they start caring about the success of the club (beyond business success measured in profits/revenue), then they’ll start doing things like hiring quality staff, signing quality players, etc.
Where are you from originally Bob?
By Brendan
April 25, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
We had our chance to draft an impressive team. And whomever is GM will have yet another crack at it this Summer. With picks #3 and another somewhere between 25-30th overall in our pocket, an opportunity is knocking. What will we do with it? Squander it? Knock it out of the park? Trade them both for a slew of NHL players? Parlay them into players and more picks? It’s all out there, in the realm of possibility.
I wonder if the players are surprised that Don Waddell is keeping his job? Ifffff they were trying to get him fired, (not really very likely,) it didn’t work. I wonder if they feel demoralized that their plan didn’t work? If that WAS their plan. So, now what? Lollygag again? Underperform, to try to be placed and claimed off waivers? Start fresh, with renewed enthusiasm?, knowing full-well that nothing will get DW removed as GM. Might as well just start with a “clean slate.” It’s a NEW SEASON, after all.
I see RFA offersheet talk has resumed. While that’s certainly an option, I defer to my earlier stance, “It’s a permitted function under the CBA, but it’s tell-tale sign that there are problems from within the organization.”
Usually, an RFA offersheet is a symptom of an inability to draft well. More often than not, it’s an admission of failure to procure from within, than it is as a PREDATORY tactic, to hurt another team. I don’t think that Bobby Clarke was trying to hurt Vancouver with his RFA offersheet for some 3rd line player. I don’t believe Kevin Lowe was trying to attack the Buffalo Sabres as a threat to the well-being of the Oilers, or even the Anaheim Ducks. But rather, he was just trying to obtain a quality player to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada—a place where you can watch your dog run away for 3 days. I believe the draft pick compensation for Dustin Penner was a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick. The best thing I can say about the RFA offersheet is this: If the player signs it, it means he’s “willing” to come to your market. If not, he’s taken quite a gamble, as he’s obligated to play for the team tendering the offersheet, by the terms of the CBA. In essence, he has signed a contract and is said to be “under contract.”
If a pending RFA status player, like Jeff Carter, is traded … that player does NOT have to play for the team that traded for him. Without an NHL contract, he’s free to play anywhere. Russia … Switzerland … Sweden … Finland. Wherever he wants. He is a player free to pursue options outside of the NHL. I think such un-signed RFA players can return to the NHL at 29 years old, as an unrestricted free agents. Someone double-check that.
If it becomes apparent that the traded RFA player will not sign with the team to which he was traded, that team may trade him to another team. But if the RFA player receives an RFA offersheet, and signs it, and the “rights-holding” team matches the offer, the player must now play for the team to which he was traded or he is in breech of contract. I’m not sure what the penalty really is for that, though. Scott Niedermayer was under contract with Anaheim and didn’t report to them until about Christmas time, a clear breech of contract. He was nursing an injury, he says. The NHL held its tongue out of respect for a future Hall of Fame player who certainly had the option of retirement, had the league considered punitive action.
By ranallo10
April 25, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Brendan — A few things:
1 — Niedermayer was fined by his club (Anaheim) $500,000 for skipping training camp. This is a CBA mandated fine, which is to be imposed by the club and not the NHL. So, Niedermayer’s situation was within all rights of the CBA, and the NHL had no authority to sanction anything against the club or player. Anaheim followed the rules of the CBA, and Niedermayer was not allowed to skip out on his contract without punishment (including his suspension, which means he was not paid for that time off). Brian Burke has admitted that he knows little about the CBA, that’s what his advisers and assistants are for…well, he’s got damn good assistants.
2 — I think it can be argued that Ryan Kesler is not just a “3rd line player”, and that RFA sheets are poaching at it’s finest, but within the confines of the CBA (as well). If a team like Edmonton feels Vanek/Penner is better than any player they can find in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round pick, why do you feel it’s a result of their bad drafting? Maybe it’s also an indictment of the poor upcoming draft classes. Maybe it’s a testament to how good the RFA player is to them. Maybe it’s because they’re trying to force the team’s hand into overpaying for a player, and ultimately tying the hands of a competitor (cap space locked up in a player not worth that much money).
3 — A player signing an RFA sheet is saying “yes, I like how much money you’re offering me, I’ll play in city A or stay put for that much”. It’s a risk/reward situation, but clearly the players know this. Vanek’s agent knew that Buffalo would match, and thus knew he could squeeze as much out of an RFA sheet as possible. Thus, Vanek’s agent signed the offer, and Buffalo immediately matched. I’d be willing to wager it’s what Vanek wanted all along (to be locked up for several years IN BUFFALO), and the RFA offer sheet from Edmonton expedited his contract negotiations with Buffalo.
Just because three RFA offer sheets have been signed, doesn’t mean those offers haven’t been made by teams like Anaheim, Detroit, Toronto, etc…it just means three players liked the contract they were offered, and agreed to the terms. Two teams matched, one passed and took compensation. I’d say each team made the right decision.
Would you, as a free agent or rookie, sign a contract to play in Edmonton?? I wouldn’t.
By R. Stroz
April 25, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Speaking of RFA raids, does anyone think a GM will take a shot at Lehtonen?
By Tony C.
April 25, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Stroz
I don’t think so. The only real possibility I see would be Detroit-they’re not known for developing netminders in their system. Also, with their defense, I am sure they would be confident about KL’s ability to thrive. Now, I’m not saying they will, but out of all the teams in the NHL, I think they’re one of the few that is (A) facing potential goalie crisis, (B) has no other pressing needs, and (C) is most likely not going to be in a position to have an attractive enough draft position to trade straight-up for a likely #1 netminder.
That being said i believe they would rather go with someone more established than KL. I would call it a “shrewd move” if they did put out an offer sheet.
By Brendan
April 25, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
As a rookie, I’d play in Edmonton, if they drafted me. People, to this day, point the “stink finger” at Eric Lindros because he refused to play in Quebec. They never let go of that, for some reason. As a UFA, if Edmonton were contending, I’d have to give it serious thought. But truthfully, I wouldn’t sign some 5-year deal there. I’d look at 2-years, maybe three. It would also depend what caliber player I was. If I’m J.P. Vigier, I take the 5-year deal!!!! I’m just thrilled someone wants me, and is offering guaranteed money. If Edmonton is not contending … I think I tell my agent to politely decline.
Ranallo, I appreciate what your saying about an UPCOMING draft class being less than stellar, vis-a-vis the RFA offersheet. What I’m saying is, unless said team is in its infancy, it’s got a DRAFT HISTORY. And if that draft history is decent, it doesn’t need to go “poaching.” That team has cultivated its own nucleus of players. Teams that screw up their draft … or have other internal problems … have a fan base that is pondering RFA offersheets. Yes, that will do. No further comment.
But I do want to also recognize your point that, certainly, the RFA Offersheet CAN be predatory! In a way, I’m a bit surprised that no one has ever jammed up the Rangers or Devils or Red Wings … just to force them to jettison a player out of cap concerns. I hear ya, whoever just screamed, “Because their budget is bigger than yours, and they’ll screw you TWICE as bad, when KARMA comes back around.” Said another way, if Atlanta breaks even at $38.5 million, and is already at a payroll of $44 million, someone can offer Lehtonen $5 million-a-year knowing full-well that Atlanta can’t match without really blowing the season, financially.
Ooops.
Yeah, that’s why the RFA offersheet is opening up Pandora’s box a bit. It’s not forbidden. But a team that lives in a glass house shouldn’t go around challenging others to a rock throwing contest. Not without first installing a plexiglass, at a minimum.
Finally, I had entirely forgotten about the fine ($500,000) levied against Niedermayer for his failure to report. Good! It was the right thing to do. But, was the fine imposed at the time he wasn’t being paid? Or did the team incrementally take it out of his future earnings? I ask because it’d be far more damaging to be shelling out $500K while you’re income is zero. Bettman said, “I have serious concerns about the Niedermayer situation. And we’ll rectify that before next season, from happening again.” Then he glared at Mr. Daley, who seemed to shrug it off.
By Brendan
April 25, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
If you think the Flyers feel bad about blowing a 2-goal lead against Montreal, (lost, 3-2, in overtime,) imagine how disheartened the NY Rangers feel right about now. They had a 3-0 lead on Pittsburgh tonight. The final score, 5-4, Pittsburgh, in REGULATION time. And yes, both Pascal Dupuis and Marian Hossa scored goals for Pittsburgh.
For the record, I’m not upset about any of that. I wish Pascal and Marian wonderful careers. Both were traded to Atlanta and performed adequately while here. Dupuis even re-signed as a UFA, last Summer. I hope Dupuis and Hossa can stay in Pittsburgh, if they like it there. I doubt cap space will permit that, however. And I don’t mind having Christensen, Armstong, Esposito and a 2008 1st round pick with which to bargain compared to NOTHING AT ALL when Marian signs with the Red Wings in July.
With respect to the Thrashers draft pick, I have to root for the Broadway Blueshirts. I was quite disappointed tonight at their utter collapse. Both Philly and the NYR cannot continue to squander games in this fashion and think they can win this series. The other way of looking at it … is this: Philly and New York are supposed to lose. They’re underdogs, playing on the road. But both of them should be up, 1-0, right now. It’s just one game in a “Best-of-Seven” series. But why play more games than you have to, right?
Morrow and Modano have scored for Dallas, who leads San Jose, 2-1, in the 1st period. SJ led, 1-0, on a goal by Michalek.
By Pascal and Marion
April 26, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
the thrashers are not in the playoffs but we are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! because the owners won’t pay for players…………………….so why do you idiots give those owners your money?????????????????????????????????????????????????
By ranallo10
April 26, 2008 5:08 AM | Link to this
I’m invoking the 5am Brendan Clause for this post
Brendan — I understand what you’re saying, it just seems you’re coming to a conclusion about RFAs solely based on this franchise. Edmonton has a solid young core of players, some good young defenders and solid scoring threats. Gagner, Hemsky, Cogliano, Stoll, Horcoff, Schremp, Greene…these players were all drafted BY EDMONTON. They have a nucleus.
Edmonton is a city where seemingly nobody wants to play. Their biggest stars in the past two years have either been mismanaged (Smyth) or forced a trade (Pronger). Smyth had the opportunity to go back to Edmonton after being traded, yet for some odd reason decided to sign with Colorado…um, that’s no big surprise, is it?? I wouldn’t play in Edmonton, even if they were perennial contenders.
Edmonton’s definitely not the “model franchise”, but for the market they’re in they have passionate hockey fans BUT some disgusting weather to compete with. One game this past year, they offered to jump start any fan’s car if they attended the hockey game. You’ll NEVER hear that done in Atlanta.
My point is that the Oilers might not have Staal, Malkin, Crosby, Letang, and Fleury in their talent pool, but they also don’t have the oldest lineup in the league. They’re a team composed of many draft picks, and young talent acquired (Pitkanen, Torres, Moreau, Grebeshkov, Smid). So if they feel it’s necessary to lock up a potential star for many years while overpaying, why is that an indictment about their draft record???
Edmonton made the Stanley Cup finals just 3 seasons ago, yet nobody wants to go there unless they’re overpaid (Souray)…what does that say about the city? The team succeeded, maybe the city just plain sucks?
Finally, why, if your team can’t retain talent, would you want to continue to cultivate talent only to lose them in 3 years once their rookie contract runs up? With such roster turnaround, perhaps it’s of their better interest to sign Penner for 7 years and lose 3 players who might or might not even break into the NHL by the end of his contract.
The RFA offer sheets are part of the CBA, it’s there for the protection of teams who feel their talent will be drafted, only to succeed on another team’s roster. Sound familiar? Without the offer sheets a player could go to arbitration, receive a one year contract, then bolt their drafting franchise after giving only four years of service. The cost to develop such talent isn’t recouperated by the original franchise…so without the offer sheets, teams like Edmonton, Atlanta, etc would become farm teams for the richer franchises.
As a 3 year pro, would you rather stay in Atlanta or sign a contract in Boston?
By Brendan
April 26, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Well, Ranallo, you may be right. Edmonton hasn’t drafted all that badly through the years. Player retention is an issue that almost any team has to address. But there’s no doubt they bungled the Ryan Symth contract, over $100K.
A lot of the players in this league are Canadian. And Edmonton is a Canadian market. If it matters to Canadian hockey players to play for a Canadian team, it’s possible for Edmonton to try to exploit that. Perhaps by drafting a preponderance of Canadian players or trading for them, etc.
I feel bad for any disadvantaged market, particularly as the NHL adopts policies and practices, such as basing a cap on projected revenue rather than actual revenue, which hurts smaller market teams, even under a “salary cap.”
If Atlanta’s GM, whomever it might be, could operate with a $50.5 million budget in a potentially $54 million cap next year, hypothetically, what a difference it could make. If a market like Atlanta, Phoenix, Buffalo or Raleigh’s break-even point is $39 million, and a cap is $54 million, there’s a $15 million disparity there. The players, paricularly the marquee players, aren’t stupid. They want to play in markets that have the cash flow to seriously pursue championships on an annual basis. I don’t blame them for that.
Now, some people will talk about revenue-sharing. All I can say is that I hope for the best. If Atlanta got $8 million in revenue-sharing, based on 15,000 average fan attendance, then just over HALF of the $15 million disparity could be addressed. At that point, the GM could make a passionate plea to “split the difference” of the remaining $7 million between the payroll ($39 million) and the cap ($54 million - $8 million revenue-sharing = $46 million). Half of $7.0 million is $3.5 million. Take the $8 million from revenue-sharing, plus the $3.5 million, and the $39.0 million (break-even point), add it up, and it comes to $50.5 million in budget. That even leaves “wiggle room” for the trade deadline. But NOT REALLY. The reality is … the team’s already $3.5 million in the hole, at a minimum, and it had better be succeeding or the owner won’t be as generous next season. Playoff revenues would help to offset those losses.
I think players like Hossa and Kovalchuk and Savard are aware of this “problem” of payroll/finances. The Bruins tend to spend. The Red Wings will spend. These markets have certain advantages that Edmonton and Atlanta don’t. There’s no doubt that Edmonton is a “hockey market.” But is there the same population and affluence of Boston and Detroit, to bring forth all that gate revenue and increased ticket prices? Perhaps that explains the RFA offersheet in Edmonton better than a poor draft history. But “overpaying” for players still isn’t a “smart” practice. Edmonton must draft well to survive. They will either have to devise a system of mid-range paid players who are all fairly capable, and try to roll four lines of “depth” talent. Or, they’ll have poach via RFA offersheets, with a limited budget.
I do almost begin to wonder, however, if certain markets CANNOT meet the floor of the cap, which is, at present, $34.3 million, then are they “NHL-worthy?” Or are they minor league markets? When the cap was still $39 million, right after the lockout, it was the most fair of all. The results? Two of the three SMALLEST markets met in the Finals, Edmonton and Raleigh, NC. The league’s accountants and critics probably voiced serious concerns over getting their LARGER markets back into the showcase event called the Stanley Cup Finals. We may enter the 4th season of the post lockout with a cap $15 million, or more, higher than it was in 2005. Is this advantageous for the smaller markets, or the larger ones?