NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said he expects the NHL's teams in Canada to be able to play home games this season.
"On the basis of our discussions [with provincial health authorities] in the past week, as well as our exchange of correspondence over the last 24 hours, we believe we are aligned and in agreement on the conditions on which each of our Canadian franchises can begin play in their own buildings for the start of the 2020-21 NHL season," Daly said in a statement Thursday.
https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/30594357/nhl-expecting-canadian-teams-play-home-games-season
Glad to hear this. Since teams will only play within their divisions, and all Canadian teams were placed in the same division for this season, this seemed like a no-brainer. But one never knows until it happens.
This obviously can be reassessed come playoff time. By then, hopefully the widespread use of the vaccine will make COVID-19 less of a threat in both the U.S. and Canada.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The United States of America has won the Gold Medal in The 2020-2021 International Ice Hockey Federation, World Junior Hockey Championships, with a 2-0 win over Canada. This comes after a thrilling goal by Alex Turcotte with 1:16 left to eliminate Finland 4-3 in the semifinals. Turcotte and Trevor Zegras with the tallies in the Gold Medal Game.
One of the better events in sports.
https://twitter.com/IIHFHockey/status/1346681724411858944?s=19
https://twitter.com/usahockey/status/1346688753297838080?s=19
Amber waves of grain. Purple Mountain Majesties:
https://twitter.com/usahockey/status/1346804711739908097?s=19
NBC/NBCSN TV Schedule
Jan. 13 – with Tripleheader on NBCSN
First-Ever Martin Luther King Day Quadrupleheader on NBCSN
https://nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2021/01/06/nbc-sports-announces-full-2020-21-nhl-regular-season-schedule/
NHL opening night on NBCSN...
Pittsburgh v Philadelphia draws Total Audience Delivery of 972k, its highest ever for regular season game. 5:30pm Eastern Start time.
I don't have the numbers yet for the terrific St. Louis v Colorado game that had 10:45pm Eastern Start.
NBCSN:
PIT/PHI (Wednesday 1/13, 4:30): 972K
CHI/TB (Wednesday 1/13, 7:00): 880K
STL/COL (Wednesday 1/13, 9:45): 403K (blacked out in Denver)
Quote from: Mr. Nielsen on January 15, 2021, 02:43:42 PM
NBCSN:
PIT/PHI (Wednesday 1/13, 4:30): 972K
CHI/TB (Wednesday 1/13, 7:00): 880K
STL/COL (Wednesday 1/13, 9:45): 403K (blacked out in Denver)
Making a case for earlier games.
NHL Outdoors.
Lake Tahoe.
https://twitter.com/NHLonNBCSports/status/1363218072522395651?s=19
https://twitter.com/NHLonNBCSports/status/1363219519930531840?s=19
(Sportsnet Canada) NHL has a deal with ESPN for 7 years, includes 4 Stanley Cups. This will cover half of its tv deal partners. Other half is still open. Lots of ESPN+ streaming content forthcoming too.
Quote from: shoothoops on March 09, 2021, 09:18:49 PM
(Sportsnet Canada) NHL has a deal with ESPN for 7 years, includes 4 Stanley Cups. This will cover half of its tv deal partners. Other half is still open. Lots of ESPN+ streaming content forthcoming too.
ABC gets the four Stanley Cup Finals, over 1,000 ESPN+ games, ...ESPN/ABC also gets one Conference Fnal, and half of all Round 1 and 2 playoff games.
$2.8 Billion for half. Previous NBC exclusive deal was $2 Billion.
Glad hockey will be back on ESPN. I miss seeing it there.
Amazing what getting 1 superstar Russian can do.
The Wild are actually fun to watch for a change.
Quote from: MU82 on March 10, 2021, 09:36:49 PM
Glad hockey will be back on ESPN. I miss seeing it there.
There is a comfortability knowing ESPN knows how to cover sports, including hockey.
The other half is still up for grabs and NBC is still a possibility, but it will no longer have NBC Sports Network after this season. I suppose that would mean more Peacock. But Fox and CBS are also still in the running ror the other half which includes 3 Stanley Cup Finals and the rest of thr not covered stuff I mentioned above.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on March 10, 2021, 10:14:45 PM
Amazing what getting 1 superstar Russian can do.
The Wild are actually fun to watch for a change.
It was a nice win for the Wild last night over Vegas (one of the league's best and hottest teams. Petriangelo didn't make the Midwest trip) Kaprizov is off to a good start for Minnesota, 20 points in 24 games.
Quote from: shoothoops on March 11, 2021, 07:33:13 AM
It was a nice win for the Wild last night over Vegas (one of the league's best and hottest teams. Petriangelo didn't make the Midwest trip) Kaprizov is off to a good start for Minnesota, 20 points in 24 games.
Forsure.
Just overall though the team is more fun to watch. Guys like Ek and Greenway taking a jump. The D is healthy. Just way more pace to this team then most years. Fiala still hasnt even really got going yet. 12th in goals per game while have a terrible PP. Fun to not have to bank on 2-1 games.
They haven't played STL yet. But 8 games vs Colorado and Vegas with a 4-3-1 record. Love to see competitive hockey.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on March 11, 2021, 11:29:46 AM
Forsure.
Just overall though the team is more fun to watch. Guys like Ek and Greenway taking a jump. The D is healthy. Just way more pace to this team then most years. Fiala still hasnt even really got going yet. 12th in goals per game while have a terrible PP. Fun to not have to bank on 2-1 games.
They haven't played STL yet. But 8 games vs Colorado and Vegas with a 4-3-1 record. Love to see competitive hockey.
It's a strange season, shortened schedule, 57 games, the Blues played 7 straight games vs Arizona at one point just to schedule games. They just got Tarasenko back after over a year and half and 3 shoulder surgeries. Vegas and Colorado are good. Lots of back and forth West Coast trips this season as they were moved to the West for this year. The Blues and Minnesota don't play until late March, then they play each other 6 times in April. New look there not signing Petro but signing Krug, and Hoffman. Thomas out a long time with injury but Kyrou is a nice player to watch there. I think the layoff and bubble hurt some teams last year and helped others. Hopefully there will be more cohesion this season and playoffs.
Quote from: MU82 on March 10, 2021, 09:36:49 PM
Glad hockey will be back on ESPN. I miss seeing it there.
NBC did so much for the sport after the last 10 years. Mix feelings by many on this.
25 exclusive national regular-season games on ABC or ESPN;
75 national regular-season games per season produced by ESPN that will stream exclusively on both ESPN+ and Hulu.
Out of market games formally nhl.tv moves to ESPN+.
Half of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on ABC and ESPN each season; ESPN gets 1st pick of which Conference Final.
Coverage annually of NHL's Face-off (opening night games), the NHL All-Star Game and Skills Challenge, plus other NHL special events each season.
Who gets the next package? Bettman said that he heard from several suitors already on Wednesday including NBC. Sources told the Sports Business Journal that negotiations between NBC and the NHL had been strained over the past several weeks, especially as it pertains to price. Fox also has shown interest, but it has not had meaningful talks recently as its execs have tried to complete an NFL deal. Turner engaged early on in the process. Sources said it would be interested in a deal if the price comes down far enough.
Quote from: Mr. Nielsen on March 11, 2021, 12:25:28 PM
Who gets the next package? Bettman said that he heard from several suitors already on Wednesday including NBC. Sources told the Sports Business Journal that negotiations between NBC and the NHL had been strained over the past several weeks, especially as it pertains to price. Fox also has shown interest, but it has not had meaningful talks recently as its execs have tried to complete an NFL deal. Turner engaged early on in the process. Sources said it would be interested in a deal if the price comes down far enough.
Some of these things have been mentioned (and a few other numbers) a few posts above. (Sportsnet Canada broke tbe story.)
Quote from: shoothoops on March 11, 2021, 12:34:58 PM
Some of these things have been mentioned (and a few other numbers) a few posts above. (Sportsnet Canada broke tbe story.)
Hulu part I didn't see. Might have missed it.
Yet, what you quoted me was from Sports Business Journal. Good read, from the best in the business.
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/SB-Blogs/Newsletter-Media/2021/03/10.aspx
Kirill the Thrill
Tough one today. Car accident.
R.I.P. Bobby, "No. 5 in your programs, No.1 in your hearts." "No sweater touches the ground."
https://twitter.com/hochman/status/1374839274663739398?s=21
2 seeded Michigan, (8th Nationally) is out of NCAA Hockey Championships due to COVID-19.
Quote from: shoothoops on March 26, 2021, 03:31:11 PM
2 seeded Michigan, (8th Nationally) is out of NCAA Hockey Championships due to COVID-19.
Lost a 4 seed ND already too.
Shame when the tournament is only 14 teams.
Positive numbers for this year's Frozen Four and playoffs. Lots of great games. Always a fun event.
https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/04/espns-2021-ncaa-division-i-mens-ice-hockey-championship-coverage-is-most-viewed-since-2014/
NBC has officially pulled out of the bidding for the NHL's second TV package, according to U.S. and Canadian sources.
Quote from: Mr. Nielsen on April 26, 2021, 11:16:29 AM
NBC has officially pulled out of the bidding for the NHL's second TV package, according to U.S. and Canadian sources.
Turner Sports is expected to be the other new NHL partner besides ESPN.
Quote from: shoothoops on April 26, 2021, 11:55:24 AM
Turner Sports is expected to be the other new NHL partner besides ESPN.
Sort of shocking as it was reported by HNIC that FOX/FS1 to be the leader over the weekend.
Quote from: Mr. Nielsen on April 26, 2021, 12:42:52 PM
Sort of shocking as it was reported by HNIC that FOX/FS1 to be the leader over the weekend.
Turner ended up with a higher bid.
Quote from: shoothoops on April 26, 2021, 01:32:03 PM
Turner ended up with a higher bid.
From Andrew Marchand.
CBS was not interested in bidding, and Fox was not willing to go hog-wild on bidding.
Turner is going to pay in the neighborhood of $225M per season over its seven-year NHL deal, according to sources. That's nearly $1.6B.
ESPN is paying the NHL $400M a year over its seven-year deal.
The west looked stacked up top with Vegas, Colorado and STL.
Coming into the year I definitely had expectations that the Wild would be the "best of the rest" and get that 4th spot. But I didn't think it was a gurantee.
So the fact we have not only clinched a playoff spot already with 10 games left AND been the clear cut 3rd best team the entire time(closer to the big dogs than 4th) is really surprising and impressive.
Ultimately it will still result in just a first round loss but not much you can do about being realigned to have to play the two best teams in hockey. For once, I actually feel confident about the future though rather than just feeling like a middling playoff team.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on April 26, 2021, 03:58:54 PM
The west looked stacked up top with Vegas, Colorado and STL.
Coming into the year I definitely had expectations that the Wild would be the "best of the rest" and get that 4th spot. But I didn't think it was a gurantee.
So the fact we have not only clinched a playoff spot already with 10 games left AND been the clear cut 3rd best team the entire time(closer to the big dogs than 4th) is really surprising and impressive.
Ultimately it will still result in just a first round loss but not much you can do about being realigned to have to play the two best teams in hockey. For once, I actually feel confident about the future though rather than just feeling like a middling playoff team.
Kaprizov changed Minnesota's team, especially with Zuccarello. And they have had improved goaltending, Kahkohnen, and PK. Good 5v5. Being able to create more offense changed their energy but they are still D & goaltending first type of team.
Colorado, Vegas both have been good as expected in the West. Stl hasn't played the same since they were a top team seeking back to back cups just before the pandemic playoffs. Only two active D remain, have had some injuries, but theirs is more about 60 minutes of doing the little things, effort, and finishing. Get a bit more net front presence, and.better at the blue line. They have a lot of firepower, if they do the little things for 60 minutes. It will be an interesting final push of a couple of weeks.
It's done deal for TNT/TBS
https://pressroom.warnermedia.com/us/media-release/nhl-comes-turner
Fiala and Kirill are just clutch.
100 penalty minutes in the first period of Caps/Rangers tonight.
That's not a typo.
Quote from: DegenerateDish on May 05, 2021, 07:04:44 PM
100 penalty minutes in the first period of Caps/Rangers tonight.
That's not a typo.
The league totally spit the bit when the powers-that-be chose not to suspend Washington's Tom Wilson for borderline criminal behavior the other night. This one was bound to be ugly.
Torn on who to root for in the Finals. On one hand, a repeat is pretty boring IMO, on the other, I wouldn't mind seeing Canada's dry streak continue. The Habs also have more than enough post season success for a franchise for me. Would have preferred Isles v Knights, but it is what it is.
I thought the winner of the Lightning-Hurricanes series would win the Cup, and I see no reason to think differently now.
Talented team with some good young players and also a lot of battle-tested vets, all backed by the hottest goalie in the playoffs. That's a championship combination.
Pat Maroon has now won 11 straight playoff series, seeking his 12th, and, 3rd straight Stanley Cup. (Seeking his 2nd straight with Tampa after winning it with St. Louis in 2019)
ESPN signed Mark Messier after TNT signed Wayne Gretzky. (Plenty of Jari Kurri jokes to NHL Network)
Quote from: shoothoops on June 26, 2021, 09:53:54 AM
Pat Maroon has now won 11 straight playoff series, seeking his 12th, and, 3rd straight Stanley Cup. (Seeking his 2nd straight with Tampa after winning it with St. Louis in 2019)
ESPN signed Mark Messier after TNT signed Wayne Gretzky. (Plenty of Jari Kurri jokes to NHL Network)
Montreal seeking first Canadian Stanley Cup since 1993. First one to play for the cup since 2011.
Quote from: shoothoops on June 26, 2021, 09:53:54 AM
Pat Maroon has now won 11 straight playoff series, seeking his 12th, and, 3rd straight Stanley Cup. (Seeking his 2nd straight with Tampa after winning it with St. Louis in 2019)
(https://s3media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/571/960/9960571.jpg)
I really wanted the Isles to win it.
Had absolutely no expectation of them beating the Lightning. Come game 7 I was less confident they would win then the WIld would beat Vegas in game 7 2 rounds ago.
Bummer
Quote from: Fluffy Blue Monster on June 26, 2021, 10:28:41 AM
Montreal seeking first Canadian Stanley Cup since 1993. First one to play for the cup since 2011.
Yep. It's been a long time for the Habs, and, Canada in general. I know several Nashville fans and media that didn't see it coming for Shea Weber. It's good for the game.
I think the storyline for the Fonals is kind of great. You have a legendary Original Six team who has been snakebitten for the last 25+ years. From an old school hockey hotbed. Facing off against one of the most successful expansion teams from a "weird" non-traditional hockey market. Also intriguing since they are normally Division mates and the Lightning's success has contributed in no small part to the Habs recent struggles.
Unfortunately he played for the Badgers, but Caulfield is insanely fun to watch and a great story
Quote from: shoothoops on June 26, 2021, 10:43:40 AM
Yep. It's been a long time for the Habs, and, Canada in general. I know several Nashville fans and media that didn't see it coming for Shea Weber. It's good for the game.
Since the Habs won the Cup in 1993, the last for a Canadian franchise, every current Canadian franchise has now made the finals, except for Winnipeg (which didn't exist until 2011-12), and Toronto.
Vancouver (2x), Edmonton, and Calgary each lost in 7 games. Ottawa lost in 5. It's time for another Canadian champion.
To twist the knife a little more, Colorado won the cup the season after relocating from Quebec City.
So, I'm not much of a hockey fan, but I was following the Toews story. Really relieved the ALS rumors were not true. Sounds like he will play next year and was/is battling Chronic Immune Response Syndrome.
Very sad story about a Columbus Blue Jackets prospect who just died in a fireworks accident:
https://apnews.com/article/columbus-blue-jackets-matiss-kivlenieks-hockey-nhl-sports-032b8580cdc3cd53c4a950886714c6d2
When I was a kid, one of my best friends had 3 fingers blown off in a fireworks accident, and I've never been a fan of them since. This is just the latest example why.
Death always sucks, but this was just so unnecessary.
Quote from: MU82 on July 06, 2021, 07:19:25 AM
Very sad story about a Columbus Blue Jackets prospect who just died in a fireworks accident:
https://apnews.com/article/columbus-blue-jackets-matiss-kivlenieks-hockey-nhl-sports-032b8580cdc3cd53c4a950886714c6d2
When I was a kid, one of my best friends had 3 fingers blown off in a fireworks accident, and I've never been a fan of them since. This is just the latest example why.
Death always sucks, but this was just so unnecessary.
Also another case study in the dangers of "fast" information on social media. I think 3 different causes of death came from "sources" in the morning yesterday, none of which were the actual. Incredibly tragic.
Fireworks are incredible, beautiful, and steeped in history across the globe...but really have no business being used outside of professionals. The danger/excitement of a bottle rocket isn't worth the risk. And nobody shooting off a shell in their backyard is experiencing an ounce of an actual incredible firework display, its just pyro desires.
Quote from: JWags85 on July 06, 2021, 10:25:07 AM
Also another case study in the dangers of "fast" information on social media. I think 3 different causes of death came from "sources" in the morning yesterday, none of which were the actual. Incredibly tragic.
Fireworks are incredible, beautiful, and steeped in history across the globe...but really have no business being used outside of professionals. The danger/excitement of a bottle rocket isn't worth the risk. And nobody shooting off a shell in their backyard is experiencing an ounce of an actual incredible firework display, its just pyro desires.
Bolded is what I meant when I said I've never been a fan of fireworks. I like a good, professional display as much as anybody does.
And yes to what you said about the race for info on social media. The legitimate media made some errors, too, but issued corrections pretty quickly.
Obviously, a terrible tragedy.
Tampa repeats. Yzerman built a monster. Hoping he can do the same back in Detroit.
Is there a tougher job in professional sports than NHL goalie? The TB goalie is incredible.
3 straight for Pat Maroon.
https://twitter.com/bradytrett/status/1412972612897054720?s=21
https://twitter.com/nhl/status/1412239893212893186?s=21
https://twitter.com/nhl/status/1412972029314322433?s=21
Quote from: MuggsyB on July 07, 2021, 09:58:12 PM
Is there a tougher job in professional sports than NHL goalie? The TB goalie is incredible.
Price was really good too. Carried the Habs to the finals. TB's was better.
Effen Titletown.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on July 07, 2021, 11:16:28 PM
Price was really good too. Carried the Habs to the finals. TB's was better.
True. TB is way more talented. Who's the best goalie ever? Hasek?
Quote from: MuggsyB on July 07, 2021, 11:28:59 PM
True. TB is way more talented. Who's the best goalie ever? Hasek?
Who knows?
For example, Grant Fuhr was tremendous, especially in the playoffs, but his stats weren't great because the Oilers prioritized offense over defense.
Quote from: MU82 on July 07, 2021, 11:32:33 PM
Who knows?
For example, Grant Fuhr was tremendous, especially in the playoffs, but his stats weren't great because the Oilers prioritized offense over defense.
I just remember as a kid Hasek being ridiculous for the Sabers. Incredible reflexes. I guess most debate Roy or Hasek....I was just throwing it out there.
Quote from: MuggsyB on July 07, 2021, 11:28:59 PM
True. TB is way more talented. Who's the best goalie ever? Hasek?
As far as I can tell some combo of Hasek, Roy, and Brodeur are pretty much the conversation at this point. I'm sure there are older players that people will argue for, but I'm not too familiar with anyone who preceded these three. I'd give it to Hasek personally but Roy and Brodeur were both really good for a really long time.
Quote from: Warrior Code on July 07, 2021, 11:52:48 PM
As far as I can tell some combo of Hasek, Roy, and Brodeur are pretty much the conversation at this point. I'm sure there are older players that people will argue for, but I'm not too familiar with anyone who preceded these three. I'd give it to Hasek personally but Roy and Brodeur were both really good for a really long time.
I remember thinking Bernie Parent was darn near invincible during the Flyers' heyday. And I hated the effen Flyers, so it ticked me off bigly. I also hated the effen Islanders, but Billy Smith was incredible.
Real old-timers would probably go with somebody like Jacques Plante or Terry Sawchuk. Those with a world view might put Vladislav Tretiak in the mix. During my formative years as a Rangers fan, I loved Eddie Giacomin.
Were I to choose the best I've seen since I've been old enough to think objectively, my short list would be (in alphabetical order) Brodeur, Dryden, Esposito, Fuhr, Hasek, Parent, Roy, Smith.
But Vasilevskiy is damn good and is getting pretty close to earning a spot on that list. 3-time all-star (the last 3 seasons in which there was an ASG), 4-time Vezina finalist (with 1 win), 2-time champion (winning the Smythe this year). Pretty darn impressive. It's tough for opponents when the most talented, most experienced team also has the hottest goalie.
Quote from: MU82 on July 08, 2021, 09:24:40 AM
Were I to choose the best I've seen since I've been old enough to think objectively, my short list would be (in alphabetical order) Brodeur, Dryden, Esposito, Fuhr, Hasek, Parent, Roy, Smith.
But Vasilevskiy is damn good and is getting pretty close to earning a spot on that list. 3-time all-star (the last 3 seasons in which there was an ASG), 4-time Vezina finalist (with 1 win), 2-time champion (winning the Smythe this year). Pretty darn impressive. It's tough for opponents when the most talented, most experienced team also has the hottest goalie.
Vasilevskiy is fantastic, but he has a way to go. He's also been tremendously helped by fantastic defense. Hedman and McDonough anchoring your top 2 D lines frees up any goaltender to be the best version of himself.
I think its kind of crazy how mercurial the position, and especially perception, is. Look at Fleury. He's backstopped 3 Cups for the Pens. Went to a bunch of ASGs. Backstopped a Canadian gold medal team...and they couldn't wait to run him out of Pittsburgh. Then he went to Vegas and put an expansion team on his back that went to another Stanley Cup finals, plus another Conference Finals. And he just won his first Vezina. Probably one of the most underappreciated goalies of all time.
Quote from: Warrior Code on July 07, 2021, 11:52:48 PM
As far as I can tell some combo of Hasek, Roy, and Brodeur are pretty much the conversation at this point. I'm sure there are older players that people will argue for, but I'm not too familiar with anyone who preceded these three. I'd give it to Hasek personally but Roy and Brodeur were both really good for a really long time.
A solid list right there, but Ken Dryden has to be included on any best ever list.
Quote from: JWags85 on July 08, 2021, 10:21:13 AM
I think its kind of crazy how mercurial the position, and especially perception, is. Look at Fleury. He's backstopped 3 Cups for the Pens. Went to a bunch of ASGs. Backstopped a Canadian gold medal team...and they couldn't wait to run him out of Pittsburgh. Then he went to Vegas and put an expansion team on his back that went to another Stanley Cup finals, plus another Conference Finals. And he just won his first Vezina. Probably one of the most underappreciated goalies of all time.
I'm with you 100% on Fleury. Pittsburgh fans focused on a few playoff failures instead of the tremendous success he had winning three Cups. The save he had a the gun in game 7 in 2009 still haunts me as a Wings fan.
I'd put him at the top of the "all underrated list" along with Chris Osgood, Mike Vernon, Ed Belfour, Ryan Miller, Curtis Joseph, and Mike Richter of those I saw play.
Quote from: JWags85 on July 08, 2021, 10:21:13 AM
Vasilevskiy is fantastic, but he has a way to go. He's also been tremendously helped by fantastic defense. Hedman and McDonough anchoring your top 2 D lines frees up any goaltender to be the best version of himself.
I think its kind of crazy how mercurial the position, and especially perception, is. Look at Fleury. He's backstopped 3 Cups for the Pens. Went to a bunch of ASGs. Backstopped a Canadian gold medal team...and they couldn't wait to run him out of Pittsburgh. Then he went to Vegas and put an expansion team on his back that went to another Stanley Cup finals, plus another Conference Finals. And he just won his first Vezina. Probably one of the most underappreciated goalies of all time.
Good points, all.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on July 08, 2021, 10:46:21 AM
A solid list right there, but Ken Dryden has to be included on any best ever list.
I'm with you 100% on Fleury. Pittsburgh fans focused on a few playoff failures instead of the tremendous success he had winning three Cups. The save he had a the gun in game 7 in 2009 still haunts me as a Wings fan.
I'd put him at the top of the "all underrated list" along with Chris Osgood, Mike Vernon, Ed Belfour, Ryan Miller, Curtis Joseph, and Mike Richter of those I saw play.
Also, good points re Fleury.
Unlike all the others on your list, though, Belfour is in the HoF, so he's not completely underappreciated.
Quote from: MU82 on July 08, 2021, 10:54:23 AM
Good points, all.
Also, good points re Fleury.
Unlike all the others on your list, though, Belfour is in the HoF, so he's not completely underappreciated.
I did not realize that about Belfour. Though sometimes guys can be elected to the HOF but underappreciated by fans.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on July 08, 2021, 11:28:22 AM
I did not realize that about Belfour. Though sometimes guys can be elected to the HOF but underappreciated by fans.
Its cause he played the prime of his career in prime Bill Wirtz era Chicago. The Hawks were good, but the media coverage and fan support was ehhh.
Ryan Miller is another great call. Again, even though he was on some good teams, playing in Buffalo for awhile had him toiling in some level of obscurity. Then heading to the hated Canucks didn't help. Which is funny cause the Canucks have become pretty dang likable the last few seasons.
https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl/records/nhl-goalies-all-time-save-percentage-leaders.html
Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on July 08, 2021, 12:33:39 PM
https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl/records/nhl-goalies-all-time-save-percentage-leaders.html
Corey Crawford at #13 on this list? Never would have guessed he'd be that high. I think he stopped more pucks with his head than any other goalie I've ever seen.
Quote from: Warrior Code on July 08, 2021, 12:58:37 PM
Corey Crawford at #13 on this list? Never would have guessed he'd be that high. I think he stopped more pucks with his head than any other goalie I've ever seen.
Crawford had a stretch where he was absolutely unreal. But again, he also played with fantastic D-men most of his career which helps.
It also shows why its an imperfect statistic when measuring goaltenders. Looking at some of those names. Nobody is confusing Cory Schneider or Khudobin as all time greats.
Quote from: JWags85 on July 08, 2021, 01:47:13 PM
Crawford had a stretch where he was absolutely unreal. But again, he also played with fantastic D-men most of his career which helps.
It also shows why its an imperfect statistic when measuring goaltenders. Looking at some of those names. Nobody is confusing Cory Schneider or Khudobin as all time greats.
Oh, I totally agree. I always thought he was overlooked even as the Hawks were winning Cups with him.
Quote from: JWags85 on July 08, 2021, 12:23:35 PM
Its cause he played the prime of his career in prime Bill Wirtz era Chicago. The Hawks were good, but the media coverage and fan support was ehhh.
Ryan Miller is another great call. Again, even though he was on some good teams, playing in Buffalo for awhile had him toiling in some level of obscurity. Then heading to the hated Canucks didn't help. Which is funny cause the Canucks have become pretty dang likable the last few seasons.
Miller also made his name at the keeper for the 2010 US Olympic Team. They were only in the gold medal match because of his ridiculous performance in Vancouver.
Terry Sawchuk has to be up there, due to the fact he spent much of his career without a facemask. That my friends, is insane.
Quote from: lawdog77 on July 08, 2021, 02:36:37 PM
Terry Sawchuk has to be up there, due to the fact he spent much of his career without a facemask. That my friends, is insane.
I'm convinced so much of the absurdly tough and lunatic NHL player behavior is just endemic to the sport after how insane it was early.
Quote from: JWags85 on July 08, 2021, 05:47:41 PM
I'm convinced so much of the absurdly tough and lunatic NHL player behavior is just endemic to the sport after how insane it was early.
You also didn't have players shooting as hard, or raising the puck as much back then. Still can't wrap my mind around it, but also can't wrap my mind around the MLB not requiring helmets until the early 70s. Think it was more a lack of education about the seriousness of head injuries at the time.
Quote from: Its DJOver on July 08, 2021, 06:00:33 PM
You also didn't have players shooting as hard, or raising the puck as much back then. Still can't wrap my mind around it, but also can't wrap my mind around the MLB not requiring helmets until the early 70s. Think it was more a lack of education about the seriousness of head injuries at the time.
I mean hell, even in recent times, look at the fit that players threw in requiring helmets or face shields. Players resist them as long as possible
NHL Expansion Draft protected lists are live.
https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-expansion-draft-protected-list-for-seattle-released/c-325681800?tid=289242400
As was the case with Vegas, the Kraken are gonna get some real good players.
It'll all be about managing the salary cap, and there also probably will be some deals. (In Vegas' case, they received draft picks from a couple teams to get the Knights to draft Player X instead of Player Y.)
Several teams left very good but relatively high-salary players unprotected, such as Montreal goalie Carey Price and Carolina's Nino Niederreiter, gambling that Seattle won't want to take on their contracts.
My daughter and son-in-law are very excited about the Kraken starting play, and they already have bought their season tickets. I have warned them that the Knights were not the norm and that it often takes many years of excruciatingly bad seasons before expansion teams win. But I do think there is hope for some optimism because the NHL kept the same expansion-draft rules in place that Vegas had.
Quote from: MU82 on July 19, 2021, 09:02:29 AM
As was the case with Vegas, the Kraken are gonna get some real good players.
It'll all be about managing the salary cap, and there also probably will be some deals. (In Vegas' case, they received draft picks from a couple teams to get the Knights to draft Player X instead of Player Y.)
Several teams left very good but relatively high-salary players unprotected, such as Montreal goalie Carey Price and Carolina's Nino Niederreiter, gambling that Seattle won't want to take on their contracts.
My daughter and son-in-law are very excited about the Kraken starting play, and they already have bought their season tickets. I have warned them that the Knights were not the norm and that it often takes many years of excruciatingly bad seasons before expansion teams win. But I do think there is hope for some optimism because the NHL kept the same expansion-draft rules in place that Vegas had.
The expansion rules help, but Vegas had the assistance of the "Vegas flu". They got a home ice advantage as the first pro team in Vegas, and all it has to offer, that the Kraken wont have.
Yeah, but the Kraken will have Keefe. And an endless supply of jokes about their name.
Quote from: JWags85 on July 19, 2021, 10:01:52 AM
The expansion rules help, but Vegas had the assistance of the "Vegas flu". They got a home ice advantage as the first pro team in Vegas, and all it has to offer, that the Kraken wont have.
Are you saying that the fans in Seattle won't be as loud and supportive as those in Vegas? That could be true.
Seahawks fans are considered among the NFL's loudest and most supportive, but not so much for the Mariners. Hockey fans, in general, are "rowdier" than those in some other sports, so we'll see how Seattle's NHL fans are.
Quote from: tower912 on July 19, 2021, 10:16:17 AM
And an endless supply of jokes about their name.
The name isn't my fave, but their logo is pretty cool.
I jokingly said they should have been the Starpucks.
Quote from: MU82 on July 19, 2021, 10:56:49 AM
Are you saying that the fans in Seattle won't be as loud and supportive as those in Vegas? That could be true.
Seahawks fans are considered among the NFL's loudest and most supportive, but not so much for the Mariners. Hockey fans, in general, are "rowdier" than those in some other sports, so we'll see how Seattle's NHL fans are.
No, I'm saying that the Vegas party life was the big unknown variable that first year that snakebit a lot of teams coming to play for the first time. There were multiple articles about the "Vegas Flu" regarding both the dry desert air and the extracurriculars that players were surrounded by.
Quote from: MU82 on July 19, 2021, 10:56:49 AM
Seahawks fans are considered among the NFL's loudest and most supportive, but not so much for the Mariners. Hockey fans, in general, are "rowdier" than those in some other sports, so we'll see how Seattle's NHL fans are.
I think Seattle's support of the Sounders is pertinent too, as hockey tends to have a somewhat similar cult-ish following. The question will be is there enough enthusiasm to go around. If the Kraken and Sounders end up competing for the same target audience's disposable income, things could be a bit rough. I'm guessing that they overlap enough with mainstream Seahawksy fans and cult Soundersy fans to carve out a nice niche. Probably mutually exclusive with bringing an NBA team back though.
The overlap between the MLS and NHL (regular) season is about as minimal as possible. I see no reason why they can't attract largely the same audience. If there's a playoff run by either team, you would miss the start of the others season, but by and large the timing is about as good as you can ask for.
Seattle has 4 million people in the metropolitan areas. I think they'll be able to have enough people to support both a hockey and a soccer team.
My daughter/SIL also are Sounders season-ticket holders and my daughter especially loves the futbol. So that's 2 Seattle-ites, anyway, who will enthusiastically support both teams.
Seattle supported the Sonics quite well. Unenthusiastic fans wasn't the reason the team moved to OKC. The owners wanted a new arena and the politicians said no, which of course has happened to many cities over the years. And the NBA is said to have Seattle very high on its list for its next round of expansion. But I do have to agree with those who wonder if the NBA shouldn't, well, Fear the Kraken!
No, a potential NBA team would be fine in Seattle regardless of the NHL's presence. Denver has a million less people than Seattle yet can support all five professional leagues.
Quote from: Fluffy Blue Monster on July 19, 2021, 11:47:52 AM
No, a potential NBA team would be fine in Seattle regardless of the NHL's presence. Denver has a million less people than Seattle yet can support all five professional leagues.
I'd like to see Seattle get the NBA back, so I hope it happens, and I hope you're right.
There's a lot of money, including tons of high-powered corporate money, in Seattle.
Predators prospect Luke Prokop comes out as gay.
Honestly, the NHL seems like a place where this would be NBD. Much of the talent coming from smaller or more conservative areas might skew it as they grew up where it didn't "exist" in the public eye, but otherwise, hockey feels very "if you can skate and hit, who cares what youre into".
Quote from: JWags85 on July 20, 2021, 08:35:52 AM
Honestly, the NHL seems like a place where this would be NBD. Much of the talent coming from smaller or more conservative areas might skew it as they grew up where it didn't "exist" in the public eye, but otherwise, hockey feels very "if you can skate and hit, who cares what youre into".
Here's hoping it will not be a big deal to those involved in hockey.
But as a big-picture story, it is a very big deal.
Oh, and thanks for the clarification on this, too:
Quote from: JWags85 on July 19, 2021, 11:06:19 AM
No, I'm saying that the Vegas party life was the big unknown variable that first year that snakebit a lot of teams coming to play for the first time. There were multiple articles about the "Vegas Flu" regarding both the dry desert air and the extracurriculars that players were surrounded by.
https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1428453837048881159?s=19
Coyotes need a new home. Milwaukee Coyotes anyone?
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on August 20, 2021, 08:02:47 AM
https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1428453837048881159?s=19
Coyotes need a new home. Milwaukee Coyotes anyone?
To be renamed Hartford Whalers.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on August 20, 2021, 08:02:47 AM
https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1428453837048881159?s=19
Coyotes need a new home. Milwaukee Coyotes anyone?
Move them to Quebec City as the new Nordiques, and shift Detroit back to the Western Conference to re-establish old rivalries with the Blackhawks, Blues and Avalanche.
As a Marquette fan, I'd rather not have another pro team in the Fiserve getting priority dates and times.
Quote from: Pakuni on August 20, 2021, 10:05:16 AM
Move them to Quebec City as the new Nordiques, and shift Detroit back to the Western Conference to re-establish old rivalries with the Blackhawks, Blues and Avalanche.
As a Marquette fan, I'd rather not have another pro team in the Fiserve getting priority dates and times.
Mine was not a serious suggestion
Quote from: Pakuni on August 20, 2021, 10:05:16 AM
Move them to Quebec City as the new Nordiques, and shift Detroit back to the Western Conference to re-establish old rivalries with the Blackhawks, Blues and Avalanche.
As a Marquette fan, I'd rather not have another pro team in the Fiserve getting priority dates and times.
I'm greedy, and I want a home town NHL team to root for. Wisconsin deserves a hockey team as much as any other state.
Milwaukee Hogs (Harley-Davidson tie in)
Milwaukee Muskies (State fish and alliterative)
Milwaukee Cranes (Bird, plus they could easily tie in the Calatrava design)
These names also all kind of suck.
Quote from: Pakuni on August 20, 2021, 10:05:16 AM
Move them to Quebec City as the new Nordiques, and shift Detroit back to the Western Conference to re-establish old rivalries with the Blackhawks, Blues and Avalanche.
As a Marquette fan, I'd rather not have another pro team in the Fiserve getting priority dates and times.
Houston would be next man up, hey?
Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on August 20, 2021, 12:25:02 PM
Houston would be next man up, hey?
I don't know. It's a huge market with great demos ... but so are Miami, Phoenix and Atlanta, all of which are/have been hockey flops. I'm not familiar with Houston, but is there much of a hockey culture there? Hockey teams rely on the gate and other in-market revenues far more than the NBA, NFL or even MLB, so a team may be better off in a passionate market of 900K residents than one with three times the number of people, but fewer who actually care about the sport.
In the last season with fans, the Houston team ranked 17th in AHL attendance, with an average 5,241 fans per game. Quebec's junior team that year averaged 8,477 per game.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on August 20, 2021, 08:02:47 AM
https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1428453837048881159?s=19
Coyotes need a new home. Milwaukee Coyotes anyone?
Why?
I think Fiserv's owners would be remiss not to reach out.
Quote from: Pakuni on August 20, 2021, 01:35:42 PM
I don't know. It's a huge market with great demos ... but so are Miami, Phoenix and Atlanta, all of which are/have been hockey flops. I'm not familiar with Houston, but is there much of a hockey culture there? Hockey teams rely on the gate and other in-market revenues far more than the NBA, NFL or even MLB, so a team may be better off in a passionate market of 900K residents than one with three times the number of people, but fewer who actually care about the sport.
In the last season with fans, the Houston team ranked 17th in AHL attendance, with an average 5,241 fans per game. Quebec's junior team that year averaged 8,477 per game.
Quebec City would be ideal. New arena, passionate fan base (they were over 90% capacity when the Nordiques absolutely sucked in the 90's), an ownership group already in place, and theyd be the only game in town. Not much different than Winnipeg, which has been very successful since returning to the NHL. However, high Quebec taxes, the language issues (Montreal is a bilingual city, in QC it's all French), and the Canadian Dollar are negatives they'll have to overcome.
Kansas City is also waiting in the wings. They have an empty arena and no NBA competition during the season. When the Islanders almost moved there they sold out of season ticket deposits.
Quote from: Pakuni on August 20, 2021, 01:36:14 PM
Why?
I think Fiserv's owners would be remiss not to reach out.
Wasn't Fiserv configured to not accommodate hockey? I remember talk about that on here - ice shows but not hockey.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on August 20, 2021, 06:45:01 PM
Wasn't Fiserv configured to not accommodate hockey? I remember talk about that on here - ice shows but not hockey.
There's a college hockey tournament scheduled to take place there in December, so it seems to be an option on at least a temporary basis.