Jump to content

Allie

Members
  • Posts

    920
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by Allie

  1. Completely disagree. Back in the early 90s, if you were under a certain height and weight, no matter HOW good you were..how many goals you scored, etc., you wouldn't have even been looked at. Gretzky was one of the few, small men out there...and his talent was so unreal they couldn't turn him away. My oldest brother never grew past 5'7" and was told he'd never get past midget. Luckly for him, his speed got him to junior and then to semi pro in the US for a few years.

    The "New" NHL focuses on speed, agility, mental capacity, etc. Guys like St. Louis and Gaborik would have never crept up into the league if it weren't for the shift on philosophy. Physicality is very important in the game and some people, like Crosby, could use it a bit more. But I'd say that Sid and Ovi are completely different players. Ovi is an amazing 2 way player. Sid is more of a goal scorer and sees the ice just a tad bit better.

    That's my problem with the Maple Leafs. They have stood back and watched every team to adapt to the new philosophy but themselves. The day they start getting younger, fresher, more vibrant talent, that's the day they will make the playoffs again.

    Completely disagree . Gretzky wasn't so small. He played at 6' and weighed 185 lbs. Gordie Howe was 6" and weighed 205 lbs. There were smaller players in the NHL long before the 90's and the present day

    Dave Keon of the Leafs was 5'9" and only weighed 165 lbs he played from 1960 to 82 and hockey was a lot rougher then than it is now.

    Another was Johnny MacKenzie of the Bruins he was also 5"9" and weighed only 170lbs. Stan Jonathan 5"8" weighed 175 also played for the Bruins and was their enforcer

    Brian Trottier was 5" 11" and 195 lbs.

    So all in all the NHL has had it's share of smaller players going back many yrs. and many of them were not prolific goal scorers.

    Marian Gaborik is a bit bigger than Martin St. Louis. Gaborik is 6'1" and 200 lbs . While Martin St. Louis is 5'9" and only 177 lbs

    Also your star player is not expected to be overly physical. He gets paid the big bucks to put the puck in the net not to be hitting everything in site

    They want their stars in the lineup not on the injury list. That's why teams have scores and grinders.

  2. Not sure whether Luongo would hear Kesler's statement until after the game. I would be willing to wager though that while standing near Luongo on play stoppages some players would fire the dig of fighting the puck or having an off day. It's part of the game. I've done it myself to get under someone"s skin and throw them off their game. Some pretty mean things are said to opposition during a game, some hit home some don't just as some players hear everything while otheres just let it go over their heads

  3. Being from BC you're not required to take the complete driving exam in WA. State. People from BC , Germany and other US States do not have to take the actual driving test they just show their out of State license for a WA. license.

    Where as others must take the full exam written and driving.

    Not sure whether they keep your out of State license, with my being from N.S I had to take the full exam so no use in presenting my N.S. license to them

  4. Actually....

    In an interview after the game Crosby said that he didn't even look to shoot the puck, he just shot it and it went it.

    That's why the great players are so great. they have that 7th sense of no look passes no look goals

  5. I agree about Kesler. Totally. I have NEVER liked his attitude...and I'm a Canucks fan! I DO think he's a great player though...I just wish the guy would never speak, because he always comes off like a whiny jerk when he does. Talking about Luongo looking like he's "fighting the puck" in the second period intermission was pretty lousy...not only because it's his day-to-day teammate, but because it simply wasn't true! Luongo had let in one goal at that point, and it was a good, hard-fought goal.

    If Kesler wasn't so good on the ice, being one of the better two-way players in the game, I'd love to see him traded. But even I have to admit that he has immense value to the Canucks, sooo...I hope he resigns at the end of the season when his contract expires.

    Luongo was fighting the puck that whole game. He looked very unsure of himself on many shots there were more than a couple times that he went to glove a puck and it bounced from his glove. Why do you think the US were trying to get as many shots at him as possible? Because they and most everybody else saw that Luongo was having a tough day. Some games it happens to goaltenders where nothing goes the usual way. The goal that tied the game if he had caught and held the puck instead of it bouncing from his glove the game would have ended 2-1.

    So I agree with Kesler's evaluation of Luongo at that time

    As for Ryan Miller making a mistake on the Crosby goal. Did you ever consider giving credit that maybe Crosby made a great shot and put the puck where the opening was.

  6. Who's the BEST and why are we? OH CANADA

    Happy to see Sid the Kid from my neck of the woods score the winner

    I'm taking it that you're NOT the Canadian.

    If you are......wow.

    Bottom line is: what color is the medal on their necks....GOLD baby!

    Other games mean squat Canada won the game that counted. Would you like some cheese with that whine?

    Who's the BEST and why are we? OH CANADA

    Happy to see Sid the Kid from my neck of the woods score the winner

    Other games mean squat Canada won the game that counted. Would you like some cheese with that whine?

    Whoops wrong posteing lol,lol

    Still doesn't discount they split games and US outscored them.

    There really should be a 3rd final game in a 'technical' sense.

    For now they are 'even'

    Canada won when it counted the other games mean squat. Would you like some cheese with your whine?

  7. We were a bit tentative that 1 st period. Gotta start being a bit more aggressive on the boards and in the corners but overall we did play an okay preiod of hockey

    The announcer is getting to me though with his hockey terminology. When has a body check become a cross body hit and when a blocker save is made it's not a waffle boards it away save. It's a goal stick not a damn waffle board.

    Also his assumption that the only differences between Canadian hockey players and US hockey players is a passport is dead wrong.

  8. Although yes they probably were thinking of a Sun. game I don't think they took this game for granted. The Slovaks had quite a few pro players also.

    If not for a crossbar in the dying seconds it would have been an OT game. Then it's anyone's game to win..

    I would think Canada to be the favorite. The US is not rested by much, not like they won and early series and had 3 or 4 days off waiting for an opponent. Besides these are all pro players whom are accustomed to playing several games without a days rest.

    Come Sun. I'm sure both will be ready to go. As for pressure remember Canada is the home team they have that so called 7th player on the ice with them. I can tell you crowd support goes a long way in bringing a team to a high adreneline level.

    If we play with the same intensity and own the corners and the board battles as we did against Russia then Canada will be the Gold medal winners.

    If we play as flat and sluggish as tonite's game then the US will take Gold

  9. Tonite Canada played just as I had feared they might after coming off a high energy game against Russia.

    We were very flat to-day no speed and hype the team was very sluggish. Not sure what causes this after a huge win but it happens I've been involved in these type games several times.

    They should be more energized going into the Gold game and hopefully they'll be a wound up as they were for the Russians.

  10. The Canadians applied constant pressure, they smothered Russia and pounded them along the boards and in the corners.

    It's always the same with most European hockey players when they play Canada. They are always looking over their shoulder waiting for that big hit and slow down when going into the corner on a race for the puck.

    The Russians didn't play bad they were simply outplayed in every aspect of the game.

    Wyatt's Torch Posted Today, 10:43 PM

    QUOTE (Allie @ Feb 24 2010, 07:40 PM)

    No doubts on who the best team is now.

    Sweden still hasn't lost a game, nor has the U.S....

    I DO think Canada is the favorite now though...but if Sweden beats Slovakia tonight, we've got a tough game ahead of us on Friday.

    Having an undefeated record doesn't mean anything when it comes to one game, it only serves as placement and looks good in the standings.

    I've been in several tournaments where we held an undefeated record and in the end came away being the brides maid.

    If the Canadians are as intense and hit like they did tonite Sweden will be out too. There is no way from watching all these teams Canada and Russia are a few steps above the US and Sweden. Sweden does have a great team but just not as great a team as the Russians or Canada.

    You gave the Russians a 60 - 40 odds Wyatt so I'm hoping your concern on the US and Sweden is as accurate as that prediction. :whistle::whistle::whistle:

    All kidding aside my biggest concern is usually after a big win like this a team can easily become deflated (been there had it happen) I don't know what causes this but after an intense win sometimes for the next game a team comes out flat with no hype.

  11. The dig (which was very tongue-in-cheek, by the way...) was because you said this (emphasis mine):

    That was and still is my view/opinion. I would go to Brodeur in such a big game but I don't make that decision.

    I'm a true, loyal Team Canada supporter too...but I, on the other hand, don't see a problem with picking a team apart...it doesn't affect the fact that I want them to win. It's just a sport I love and my love for it isn't blind and purely nationalistic. :yes:

    Then I am of a different fan loyalty than you. When I as a fan my team whether here in the Olympics or the NHL I never pick my team apart or lay individual blame if we lose.

    If every team (and I emphasize team) played the perfect game there would be no winners.

    Like you my love for the game is not blind either, but as for being purely all for my Nation of Canada you can mark a big in EVERY WAY beside that one.

    Besides Canada there are 2 other great teams here, the Russians and the Swedes and even if my Canadians do happen to lose, in my heart they will always be best hockey players on this planet

    and with that said

    I AM CANADIAN

  12. Alright! So now that we've got Germany out of the way, the BIG game is nigh -- Russia vs. Canada, 7:30 EST, 4:30 PST. Luongo has already been named as the starter (sorry Allie :P), and this should be one heck of a game... Explosive Russian offense, strong defense and one of the most consistent goaltenders in the game (Nabokov has always been one of my favorites, dating back into the '90's).

    I give 60-40 odds to Russia in this one, but I hope I'm wrong!

    As for the other games, the U.S. should beat Switzerland (noon PST, btw...), and sadly, Sweden probably has the edge on Slovakia. I really, really want Slovakia to win though. As much as I like Forsberg and (obviously) the Sedins, I still think Slovakia has been criminally underrated.

    Should be an exciting, nail-biting night of hockey!

    Hey, why the dig at me? I couldn't care if they put the guy selling popcorn in goal as long as we win. I thought they would come back with Brodeur after giving him a splinter seat and that was my view. They feel Luongo can beat the Russians and I'm hoping they are correct.

    I'm a true, loyal Team Canada supporter, I do not sit and pick the team apart and find fault in them and post pictures implying them to be a bunch of fools running into each other as some people do :whistle::whistle:

  13. I am really missing my home and native land right now. NBC couldn't cover a hockey game if their corporate lives depended on it. The game last night was supposed to be on MSNBC though and I tuned into it and guess what? No hockey game! If anyone else is as pissed as I am, express your frustrations here.

    I watched the game on MSNBC yesterday. They had 3 games on Russia/ Czech , Canada/US and Sweden/ Finland

  14. Zoiks...which game were YOU watching? Like I said before, the third goal was a good goal, but the first two should have been routine saves had Brodeur's positioning been solid. It wasn't. You can't give a goaltender a passing grade for missing deflections... Good positioning causes most deflections to bounce of pads or chest. Brodeur looked downright shaky on at least two of the goals. I'd contend that he looked shaky on ALL of them, but so it goes. There is NO WAY we had more hits than the U.S. team. They're aggressive and physical, and that's their greatest strength, other than Miller.

    I'm assuming I watched the same Canada/US game that you did. Can't agree with you on your deflection theory. Deflections are one of the most difficult shots on goal for a goaltender to stop. The reaction time is almost impossible sure once in awhile a goalie stops a deflection but the majority of deflection end up over the net or in the net.

    When a goaltender makes a move to where a shot is headed then all of a sudden it changes direction he/she is pretty well handcuffed.

    As for the US being physical and aggressive, no way the US has been rated and scouted as a fast skating team not aggressive and physical.

    This is from TSN write up:

    Physically, they punished the U.S. team, with Rick Nash leading the way in dishing out major open-ice hits.

    That's a very unfair comment.

    I go back to your opening statement " which game were you watching" Canada dominated and there were times where the US couldn't get the puck away from the men. The US reminded me of kids chasing grown ups for the puck scrambling all over the ice.

    Not if you have a hot goalie yourself...

    There are games where one goaltender tends to as we say " stand on his head" and this was one of those games. Even with the goals the US. scored if not for a hot goaltender Canada could have easily had a blow out game.

    Martin Brodeur has been one of the best goaltenders in the world (I would say one of the five best...). But he's not anymore. If you want to go by stats, take a look at current NHL leaders. Miller has a .930 save percentage, 2.16 GAA and 30 wins while playing in front of a decidedly mediocre team (Tim Connolly is their leading scorer with 55 points...Tim Connolly!). Evgeni Nabokov has .928 sv%, 2.26 GAA, 34 wins and plays on an offense-minded team. Bryzgalov... .920, 2.30, 32 wins on the Phoenix Coyotes of all teams...predicted at the beginning of the year to be last place in the conference. Kiprusoff -- .925, 2.18, 27 wins on a team that can't score. Brodeur, meanwhile, is at .915, 2.32 with 34 wins...good numbers, sure, but he plays for one of the most defensively sound teams in the league. The .915 is a bit worrisome there. Good numbers...but not great. Indeed, if you're one of those people (like I am) who believe that save percentage is the key goaltending statistic, his CAREER save percentage sits EIGHTH out of goaltenders currently in the league, and ninth all-time. Know which goaltender has the BEST save percentage out of all active goaltenders? Roberto Luongo.

    My opinion Brodeur still is #1 in the world. You give stats so I'll give some too

    Brodeur has played 6 more games (58 verses 52 Miller) has 7 shutouts and 34 wins.

    Although Brodeur has 130 goals against to Miller's 111 keep in mind he played 6 more games

    Can't see why you figure Miller plays with a mediocre team.

    Kolvachuck leads New Jersey with 63 pts but most of those were with Atlanta so let's say Parise leads the team with 61pts. Not much in difference between he and Connelly with his 55pts.

    New Jersey has 77 pts Buffalo 75 pts.

    New Jersey has scored 162 goals where as Buffalo has scored 166 goals

    New Jersey has given up 144 goals where as Buffalo has given up 152 goals.

    New Jersey has scored 166 goals over all while Buffalo has 162 over all

    If one goes by stats then they're pretty well even. Stat don't win games a quality team wins games.

    I love Canada. I love Canadian hockey. Truly. I'll be whooping it up and bouncing on my couch if Canada wins Gold in men's hockey. But when you look at the rosters of the other quality teams out there, and more importantly, see how they've been playing...well, thinking that Canada is a "sure thing" for Gold is naively optimistic. They DO have a chance, but it's going to take a lot of effort...and much better goaltending than Brodeur can provide.

    I will agree with you on yes Canada as a whole team hasn't played to their potential. Brodeur aside do you think with all the offensive firepower Canada has goaltending should even be a issue? I mean come on with our line up other than Russia who matches it..

    All I can say and I fully believe this " when it come crunch time don't worry Brodeur and the rest of Team Canada will be there.

    This was a statement game. This game was as hyped up as any Stanley Cup final or Gold medal game would have been. EVERYone was watching. The pressure to win this one was immense. And Brodeur couldn't handle the pressure. A couple of our defensemen (Pronger especially) didn't fare well either...but if Brodeur is a world class goaltender, this was the kind of game he NEEDED to win. Canada's offense was powerful, and managed to get three goals on a goalie who otherwise had an outstanding performance. There's really no excuse for Brodeur.

    You're actually going to state that Martin Brodeur with all his experience in huge games couldn't handle pressure. He like the rest of his teamates in this tournament are proffessionals and have been in many pressure situations, so pressure is secondary to them.

    How did he look under pressure in the shoot out, handled that pretty well didn't he? Although we lost Brodeur is a world class goaltender

    Then you agree Miller played above himself. Once again the hot goaltender theory. Without him Canada would have had a blow out even with 4 goals against..

    I was never ON a bandwagon. I've stated quite frequently (several times on this board, and several times off it) that I don't think the roster of Team Canada is great. I think it's a GOOD team...but there are six other teams, in my opinion, that have a legitimate shot at Gold too: Czech, Russia, U.S.A., Sweden, Finland and even Slovakia. And most of those teams now have one less game to play than Canada... Do I hope that Canada turns it around and wins Gold? Of course! Do I think that's possible with Brodeur in net? Nope.

    I'm on Canada's bandwagon and win or lose will continue to ride that bandwagon. When my team loses then I lose with them not pick them apart and lay blame. I'll support them when they lose and when they win.

    I think we have a great roster and other than Canada getting Gold the only other possible Gold teams I see are Russia and Sweden.

    And J&K's breakdown of each goal is impeccable. I saw them the EXACT same way. Perfectly described, K.!

    Finally...was Kesler's empty netter not the best empty net goal anyone has ever seen? Wow...

×
×
  • Create New...