[ShoreSlayer]

Ryan Miller, welcome to the Vancouver Goalie Graveyard.

I'm looking forward to the Canucks tanking for a few years. Not only will it force the franchise to lower their ticket costs, but it allows for a bigger market share for my Whitecaps! At the cheapest ticket (last I checked), I would be lucky to make five games for the cost of my (10thish row) season tickets... talk about a rip off!

Totally agree regarding ticket prices although they will never go down. I only go to games I get free tickets to. Otherwise, it's all about the 57" LED

As for Miller, I'm just glad we got him for just a 3 year term. Demko will be ready in a couple years and I believe Miller and Lack, while not providing anything you'd bet money on to make a cup run, will provide enough decent, consistent goaltending to allow a team to develop in front of them around whatever systems the new braintrust has in mind. I doubt they'll tank per se but would be surprised if they're able to compete with anything resembling past years' success in this tough division. Still, I do anticipate some entertaining hockey and I doubt we'll be absolute bottom feeders by any means.

[mooyagi]

Anyone have cap space they want to donate? Please send it to Peter Chiarelli.

[NuuX]

... and I doubt we'll be absolute bottom feeders by any means.

If you go for that you'll have severe competition in Oilers. It seems like they don't want to give away the coveted last spot

[ShoreSlayer]

Hey Ryan, the 'Nucks picked up Vrbata today for 2 years at 5 million/yr. Should I be happy?

[mooyagi]

Hey Ryan, the 'Nucks picked up Vrbata today for 2 years at 5 million/yr. Should I be happy?

5 million AAV is most likely an overpayment but he should help you guys. He is very, very streaky. He can't create his own chances but put him with Hank and Dank and he can score. Don't expect too much on defense although he does have slightly positive possession numbers (granted he gets more offensive zone starts).

I would expect 20+ goals if he somehow stays healthy, although he's never hit 20 outside of the desert. In his best year he scored 35 with Ray Whitney setting him up. Scored 20 this season with 10 coming on the power play. He also seemed to disappear as the season wore on and couldn't buy a goal in the home stretch.

Also a good shootout weapon. 4th among active players in career shootout goals.

Apparently he was willing to go back to Arizona for a lot less money (longer term) but the Coyotes didn't want to give him a full NTC.

All in all I'd say it's a pretty good pickup for the Canucks as long as he can stay healthy. Again, 5 mil is a bit much but if the team isn't going to hit the cap it shouldn't be an issue.

[ShoreSlayer]

Better than I expected. Thanks

[KDibildeaux]

Hey Ryan, the 'Nucks picked up Vrbata today for 2 years at 5 million/yr. Should I be happy?

BOO!!!! You stole our Vrby!


I would like to go on the record and say I hate free agency

[ShoreSlayer]

Hey Ryan, the 'Nucks picked up Vrbata today for 2 years at 5 million/yr. Should I be happy?

BOO!!!! You stole our Vrby!


I would like to go on the record and say I hate free agency

We didn't steal him, he jumped ship for money. Greedy free agent bastard!! You must now despise him and under no circumstances permit your former affections or loyalties towards him to give you cause to ever cheer for Vancouver. Ever!

We have enough troubles of our own without taking on any residual influence of the Kate curse

[KDibildeaux]

Hey Ryan, the 'Nucks picked up Vrbata today for 2 years at 5 million/yr. Should I be happy?

BOO!!!! You stole our Vrby!


I would like to go on the record and say I hate free agency

We didn't steal him, he jumped ship for money. Greedy free agent bastard!! You must now despise him and under no circumstances permit your former affections or loyalties towards him to give you cause to ever cheer for Vancouver. Ever!

We have enough troubles of our own without taking on any residual influence of the Kate curse

No worries, I have no intention of cheering for Vancouver. Methinks you guys are cursed enough, without my help .

Actually, Vrby was about set to take a cheap contract from the Yotes but wanted a full NTC/NMC, which the Coyotes weren't comfortable offering, since they just got burned by Mike Ribeiro (thanks for nothing, fuckhead). Sigh

[Wicker Man]

Are we doing a hockey pool this year? on yahoo or any other website

[mooyagi]

Are we doing a hockey pool this year? on yahoo or any other website

We always do the NHL Hat Trick Challenge here: http://hattrick.nhl.com/hattrick?locale=en

Other than that, we haven't done anything until the playoffs where we do the bracket challenge and a couple of fantasy games (ESPN/TSN and Sportsnet).

[athun]

it may be preseason, but Sutter is back in regular season interview form:

Asked what he thought the Kings needed to do to repeat, Sutter said: "Probably make the playoffs first. That's the first significant step."

[mooyagi]

it may be preseason, but Sutter is back in regular season interview form:

Asked what he thought the Kings needed to do to repeat, Sutter said: "Probably make the playoffs first. That's the first significant step."

Here's hoping they don't take that first step

[Jaimie38]

So... Cheering for Calgary of course, but... I watched Shane Doan (and I hope i got that right) today sign autographs and talk to people, and being an amazing rep for pro athletes! That is how they should rock, if they want some respect, follow guys like that! Hat's off to you Mr. Doan

Here ya go Kate ! A buddy posted this on his FaceBook. Arizona was playing Calgary in preseason, in a little town (4000 or so) located right between Edmonton and Calgary.

[Stained Class]

So... Cheering for Calgary of course, but... I watched Shane Doan (and I hope i got that right) today sign autographs and talk to people, and being an amazing rep for pro athletes! That is how they should rock, if they want some respect, follow guys like that! Hat's off to you Mr. Doan

Here ya go Kate ! A buddy posted this on his FaceBook. Arizona was playing Calgary in preseason, in a little town (4000 or so) located right between Edmonton and Calgary.

Like, red deer?

[mooyagi]

So... Cheering for Calgary of course, but... I watched Shane Doan (and I hope i got that right) today sign autographs and talk to people, and being an amazing rep for pro athletes! That is how they should rock, if they want some respect, follow guys like that! Hat's off to you Mr. Doan

Here ya go Kate ! A buddy posted this on his FaceBook. Arizona was playing Calgary in preseason, in a little town (4000 or so) located right between Edmonton and Calgary.

Like, red deer?

Sylvan Lake

Yeah, Doan is awesome for stuff like that. He always makes time for the fans.

[Decibel]

That was a great game too, interesting to see them lax off a little on some of the rules.

[KDibildeaux]

So... Cheering for Calgary of course, but... I watched Shane Doan (and I hope i got that right) today sign autographs and talk to people, and being an amazing rep for pro athletes! That is how they should rock, if they want some respect, follow guys like that! Hat's off to you Mr. Doan

Here ya go Kate ! A buddy posted this on his FaceBook. Arizona was playing Calgary in preseason, in a little town (4000 or so) located right between Edmonton and Calgary.

Oh yes. DOAN always stops and signs every autograph. The man is a class act and an awesome human being. We're lucky to have him as a captain.

[ShoreSlayer]

Are we doing a hockey pool this year? on yahoo or any other website

We always do the NHL Hat Trick Challenge here: http://hattrick.nhl.com/hattrick?locale=en

Nothing there yet. Day 1 is October 8th right?

[mooyagi]

Are we doing a hockey pool this year? on yahoo or any other website

We always do the NHL Hat Trick Challenge here: http://hattrick.nhl.com/hattrick?locale=en

Nothing there yet. Day 1 is October 8th right?

Yup. If I remember correctly, last season it didn't go up until very close to opening night.

[ShoreSlayer]

Looks like Smitty is poised for another great season. I didn't see the game here but apparently we threw a LOT of rubber at him with quality chances and he made it look easy as usual. Hoping both the 'Nucks and Pho... Arizona have great seasons and get to see each other in the post-season this time 'round

[mooyagi]

Looks like Smitty is poised for another great season. I didn't see the game here but apparently we threw a LOT of rubber at him with quality chances and he made it look easy as usual. Hoping both the 'Nucks and Pho... Arizona have great seasons and get to see each other in the post-season this time 'round

Heh, not too confident on AZ's playoff chances. The Western Conference is going to be rough this year and the Coyotes just haven't made any improvements. Smitty will have to play out of his mind and carry the team to the postseason. He's done it once, but his body of work makes it look like that year was an outlier. Also, so much for the youth movement the team was talking about all offseason. Domi, Gormley and Samuelsson have been sent down. It's a shame Domi has to return to London and can't move on to Portland because of the CHL/AHL eligibility rules. I feel like he has nothing more to learn at the junior level and would benefit a lot more from playing with pros. Was hoping he would at least get the 9 game tryout to start the season and be re-evaluated then.

Vrbata looks like he's fitting in nicely with the Sedins.

Bruins seem to be having the same issue with giving their top prospects a chance (Ryan Spooner especially) but at least they are looking like a contender yet again. I love that they were able to get bridge contracts for Krug and Smith that keep them under the cap (counting Savvy going on LTIR) so they can keep Boychuk and go all in for a run this season.

[NuuX]

Here's to another great season by Kopitar, may he finally win the Selke award (altough it will probably go to a Canadian once again).

[mooyagi]

Here's to another great season by Kopitar, may he finally win the Selke award (altough it will probably go to a Canadian once again).

[mooyagi]

We have 9 NHL defensemen but only 4 capable of playing top 4 minutes so let's trade our fucking 2nd pairing anchor. Great move.

Seidenberg better be healthy and more effective than he was before the injury last year and Bartkowski better make a jump in his development. He couldn't work on the 2nd pairing with Seidenberg out last year but now looks like he's the #4 d-man option.

Was hoping one or two of McQuaid, Bartkowski or Miller would be the ones to go for cap space, not Boychuk.

Chara - Hamilton
Seidenberg - Bartkowski
Krug - McQuaid/Miller

That's still pretty good but I'd feel a lot better about that 2nd pairing with Boychuk on there.

[KDibildeaux]

Looks like Smitty is poised for another great season. I didn't see the game here but apparently we threw a LOT of rubber at him with quality chances and he made it look easy as usual. Hoping both the 'Nucks and Pho... Arizona have great seasons and get to see each other in the post-season this time 'round

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7fjDS0jKiE&sns=em&t=15s

[KDibildeaux]

We have 9 NHL defensemen but only 4 capable of playing top 4 minutes so let's trade our fucking 2nd pairing anchor. Great move.

Seidenberg better be healthy and more effective than he was before the injury last year and Bartkowski better make a jump in his development. He couldn't work on the 2nd pairing with Seidenberg out last year but now looks like he's the #4 d-man option.

Was hoping one or two of McQuaid, Bartkowski or Miller would be the ones to go for cap space, not Boychuk.

Chara - Hamilton
Seidenberg - Bartkowski
Krug - McQuaid/Miller

That's still pretty good but I'd feel a lot better about that 2nd pairing with Boychuk on there.

:(

[mooyagi]

We have 9 NHL defensemen but only 4 capable of playing top 4 minutes so let's trade our fucking 2nd pairing anchor. Great move.

Seidenberg better be healthy and more effective than he was before the injury last year and Bartkowski better make a jump in his development. He couldn't work on the 2nd pairing with Seidenberg out last year but now looks like he's the #4 d-man option.

Was hoping one or two of McQuaid, Bartkowski or Miller would be the ones to go for cap space, not Boychuk.

Chara - Hamilton
Seidenberg - Bartkowski
Krug - McQuaid/Miller

That's still pretty good but I'd feel a lot better about that 2nd pairing with Boychuk on there.

:(

Bartkowski has looked good so far in the preseason, but he was a liability in the #4 spot last year. If he can clean up his mistakes and bad penalties, they should still be fine. I guess only time will tell but as of right now, the team is worse than it was about an hour ago.

Boychuk was such a great fit for the Bruins. Grrrrr.

[ShoreSlayer]

Are we doing a hockey pool this year? on yahoo or any other website

We always do the NHL Hat Trick Challenge here: http://hattrick.nhl.com/hattrick?locale=en

Other than that, we haven't done anything until the playoffs where we do the bracket challenge and a couple of fantasy games (ESPN/TSN and Sportsnet).

Either because they're working on it as I type or just cuz they changed it, your link appears to be broken. However, a google search for NHL Hat Trick Challenge 2015 led me to this: http://hattrick.nhl.com/#/picks?entry_id=mine

Group Name - 70K Tons of Hockey
Password - 70KTOM


Also, my favourite, weekly picks pool is up and running again. Hoping Chris and others from here will return for another go round this season... Will post the link later once home.

[ShoreSlayer]

Well, the great pool I spoke of is up n' running but something's not right as all links are redirecting me back to their nhl main page.

Could someone else give it a shot and let me know if they have the same trouble or if it's just me plz? Thnx!

http://fantasy.sportsnet.ca/sn/hockey14/promo?utm_source=Notices&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2014-10-07%3A+Play+the+NEW+Sportsnet+Fantasy+Hockey+Pool&utm_content=top.jpg
Okay, never mind. Got it figured out.

They've changed the entire interface and some aspects of the system by adding a 3 stars selection where you identify one of your forwards, one D and a goalie as your star in that category for the week and get bonuses if they perform well. Will be interesting to see how it looks from week to week.

Thanks for making the group Ryan. Guess I didn't finalize it or something.

[mooyagi]

Are we doing a hockey pool this year? on yahoo or any other website

We always do the NHL Hat Trick Challenge here: http://hattrick.nhl.com/hattrick?locale=en

Other than that, we haven't done anything until the playoffs where we do the bracket challenge and a couple of fantasy games (ESPN/TSN and Sportsnet).

Either because they're working on it as I type or just cuz they changed it, your link appears to be broken. However, a google search for NHL Hat Trick Challenge 2015 led me to this: http://hattrick.nhl.com/#/picks?entry_id=mine

Group Name - 70K Tons of Hockey
Password - 70KTOM


Also, my favourite, weekly picks pool is up and running again. Hoping Chris and others from here will return for another go round this season... Will post the link later once home.

I couldn't find the group you listed so I went ahead and made one. Same name and password that you put in your post.

Also, there is a mobile app now for hat trick challenge

[CaptOblivious]

in for both hat trick and sportsnet cause dammit i want my title back from Rob

[NuuX]

I think it's a high time for me to add another title to my season 1 victory. I'm sort of tired of back-to-back runner up spots

[mooyagi]

Game Day!!!

The long offseason is finally over and real hockey starts tonight. Even though I'm going to be in boston and will likely pass through the garden on my way in, I don't have a ticket for tonight. Not entirely thrilled with the recent roster decisions but hopefully it all works out. There's a reason I'm not am NHL GM.

Go Bruins!

[shaneos]

OK back for the HT challenge. Hopefully do more than make up the numbers this year. I see you can change your sort order view to either HTs or points, not that it'll make a difference in my case

[ShoreSlayer]

1 selection short of a HT tonight but my 'Nucks won their first season opener in 5 years and currently tied with Boston, Montreal and San Jose for top spot in the league!!

Bring on the Playoffs!!!

[NuuX]

That is not how you start a title defense.

[mooyagi]

That is not how you start a title defense.

Keep it up!

Glad the bruins opened with a win. Opening night for the coyotes tonight playing the jets. Should be a fun one.

[mooyagi]

That is not how you start a title defense.

Keep it up!

Glad the bruins opened with a win. Opening night for the coyotes tonight playing the jets. Should be a fun one.

Or not. What an ass kicking that was.

[NuuX]

Or not. What an ass kicking that was.

You anticipated more than that?