NHL 2011 PLAYOFFS

Break The Sky

81 wrote:

Big Drop wrote:

MayDay10 wrote:

Chicago is a hockey city.


They were stuck with the worst owner in sports (from all standpoints) for many, many years. I think their perennially last place games were even put on a pay per view basis.

Before that, the fans of Chicago were closer to what they are now. Even without a cup since 1950 or whatever it was. Check out a playoff game from the early 90's.

I almost agree with you on everything related to hockey, but I can't with this. Check out the video of them booing Chelios during his heritage night. They're fair weather fans by the very definition.

you understand the chelly move right? he said he would never play for the wings, than later force a trade to detroit.

"Forced"

Cheli was 37 when he was traded and the Hawks got two first round picks out of it, if memory serves. I just don't think that's on Cheli's shoulders. That was management that pulled the trigger. If anything Detroit was crazy for making the deal. Look at Pronger at 36. . . he's got maybe one or two more years in his career. Who knew Cheli was going to go until he was 47?

81

maybe forced was a bad word, but detroit was on his no trade list.

but at the end of the day, he agreed to go to the hated red wings vs staying with a crappy (talent and owner) hawks team.

lukin2006

MFCarissa wrote:

lukin2006 wrote:

81 wrote:

Tallon didn't hurt them that bad, he did cause a few more dollars being spent than needed because a couple of contracts went out late, but that wasn't the major problem, although it did cost him his job.

you can only have so many "star" contracts and chicago has a bunch.

The problem is you don't need a guy like Hossa, you need a guy like byfuglien, that was a huge mistake trading him, I thought he played a monster role in the hawks championship run, he'll be missed against Vancouver.

Did Hossa's blistering scoring pace of 0.136 goals per game in last year's playoffs not impress you?

Not really...but byfuglien standing in front of Luongo might have given the Hawks a better shot.

Break The Sky

81 wrote:

maybe forced was a bad word, but detroit was on his no trade list.

but at the end of the day, he agreed to go to the hate red wings vs staying with a crappy (talent and owner) hawks team.

I know, and I don't want to show a complete void of compassion. Hell, I've met some Leaf fans that I actually like, so I'm willing to bet there are fans of every franchise I would get along with.

When Hasek wanted out of Buffalo because he was tired of losing, we made a really lopsided trade with Detroit and he went on to win two cups with them. Just less than a month ago he was honored at HSBC arena and everyone cheered for him. I'm still stunned that his number isn't in the rafters.

My understanding of the situation is that none of the people in the UC that booed Cheli even knew hockey existed when Cheli actually played for them. They booed him because they're novice fans, because they're fair weather fans. Any "real" hockey fans would be happy for the time he served as their captain, not that management traded him to a rival team. I can say without hesitation that any Sabres fan that has some sort of a grudge against Hasek has no idea what they are talking about.

Break The Sky

Also what the hate against Detroit by Chicago fans boils down to is nothing more than a huge inferiority complex. . . and little more.

Break The Sky

Also I'm sorry I hijacked this thread. I'll keep opinions to myself henceforth.

81

Big Drop wrote:

81 wrote:

maybe forced was a bad word, but detroit was on his no trade list.

but at the end of the day, he agreed to go to the hate red wings vs staying with a crappy (talent and owner) hawks team.

I know, and I don't want to show a complete void of compassion. Hell, I've met some Leaf fans that I actually like, so I'm willing to bet there are fans of every franchise I would get along with.

When Hasek wanted out of Buffalo because he was tired of losing, we made a really lopsided trade with Detroit and he went on to win two cups with them. Just less than a month ago he was honored at HSBC arena and everyone cheered for him. I'm still stunned that his number isn't in the rafters.

My understanding of the situation is that none of the people in the UC that booed Cheli even knew hockey existed when Cheli actually played for them. They booed him because they're novice fans, because they're fair weather fans. Any "real" hockey fans would be happy for the time he served as their captain, not that management traded him to a rival team. I can say without hesitation that any Sabres fan that has some sort of a grudge against Hasek has no idea what they are talking about.

Few years back, John Paxson of the Bulls was a popular boo target even tho he hit some huge shots during the first three peat. Fans didn't like his GM moves. They booed him at Johnny Red Kerr night a couple years back. Now they chear him because he drafted Rose.

Chicago fans can be tough on players and mgmt when they don't get a winner.

81

Big Drop wrote:

Also what the hate against Detroit by Chicago fans boils down to is nothing more than a huge inferiority complex. . . and little more.

yeah, that's it.

It's a big rivalery in both hockey and basketball. Baseball is up there as well. Football not so much since the lions suck year in and year out.

lukin2006

Big Drop wrote:

81 wrote:

Tallon didn't hurt them that bad, he did cause a few more dollars being spent than needed because a couple of contracts went out late, but that wasn't the major problem, although it did cost him his job.

you can only have so many "star" contracts and chicago has a bunch.

I take it you dislike Chicago because you have to live around them. I'm sure you've noticed that three years ago the people in Chicago couldn't spell the word hockey. Now they act like they've been there all along. They call their arena the "madhouse" like it's some place to be feared. It used to be that Chicago was where you would trade players to as a punishment. They've won four cups in around 90 years, and most of those years was when they were only facing 5-9 other teams.

And just so you don't think it's all speculation, here's my citation: http://espn.go.com/nhl/attendance

Funny how they lead the league in attendance now but three years ago they were dead last. It's the same with the Capitals, and for the most part, the Penguins. It's nothing personal against Chicago. . . I'm sure it's a nice city. . . I just hate fair weather fans.

I think all American city fans are fair weather fans until their team starts winning, check the Red Wing pre 1990...now all of sudden they are hockey town, yet I listen to 97.1 the ticket and most callers are calling in about the Tigers, Lions, Pistons U of M sports or Michigan State sports, their not even close to being number in their own market.

The 1 US city that I think has great fans are those of the Sharks, every time I watch a Shark game the fans seem really into it, now that might be because a lot of Canucks are employed in the computer industry out there.

Compare all that to the 6 Canadian teams, games are sold out throughout the regular season and the fans are just great in the playoffs.

Vancouver has great fans so I'm really hoping that they can bring the cup back to Canada...plus they have the best national anthem singer...love when he sings the Canadian National Anthem, just the best, really pumps up the crowds.

Break The Sky

lukin2006 wrote:

Big Drop wrote:

81 wrote:

Tallon didn't hurt them that bad, he did cause a few more dollars being spent than needed because a couple of contracts went out late, but that wasn't the major problem, although it did cost him his job.

you can only have so many "star" contracts and chicago has a bunch.

I take it you dislike Chicago because you have to live around them. I'm sure you've noticed that three years ago the people in Chicago couldn't spell the word hockey. Now they act like they've been there all along. They call their arena the "madhouse" like it's some place to be feared. It used to be that Chicago was where you would trade players to as a punishment. They've won four cups in around 90 years, and most of those years was when they were only facing 5-9 other teams.

And just so you don't think it's all speculation, here's my citation: http://espn.go.com/nhl/attendance

Funny how they lead the league in attendance now but three years ago they were dead last. It's the same with the Capitals, and for the most part, the Penguins. It's nothing personal against Chicago. . . I'm sure it's a nice city. . . I just hate fair weather fans.

I think all American city fans are fair weather fans until their team starts winning, check the Red Wing pre 1990...now all of sudden they are hockey town, yet I listen to 97.1 the ticket and most callers are calling in about the Tigers, Lions, Pistons U of M sports or Michigan State sports, their not even close to being number in their own market.

The 1 US city that I think has great fans are those of the Sharks, every time I watch a Shark game the fans seem really into it, now that might be because a lot of Canucks are employed in the computer industry out there.

Compare all that to the 6 Canadian teams, games are sold out throughout the regular season and the fans are just great in the playoffs.

Vancouver has great fans so I'm really hoping that they can bring the cup back to Canada...plus they have the best national anthem singer...love when he sings the Canadian National Anthem, just the best, really pumps up the crowds.

Watching the Wild/Stars game yesterday impressed the hell out of me. Those fans in Minnesota were all there even though the Wild were playing for nothing. They really love their hockey up there. It blows my mind how the Northstars were ever moved in the first place.

MayDay10

I dunno. Hasek's 1st return back to Buffalo was pretty brutal. We also still boo Drury, Briere, Campbell, etc... booing doesnt mean bad fans or clueless. Look at montreal. They boo opposing French players for not demanding trades to the Habs.

I know people who are still bitter about Hasek. I myself have just recently got over it.

HailHailVitalogy

Going to Game 1 Caps vs Rangers at the Verizon Center and Game 3 at MSG.

LETS GO RANGERS

Can anyone believe Matt Barnaby picked the Bruins to come out of the East? No disrespect to the Bruins but with their slumping struggles and past playoff history, REALLY?? If Tampa plays the way they have been playing these last few weeks, I think they will come out of the east. Roloson has been playing out of his mind all year, oh yeah and a little man named Martin St. Louis is playing like he was 4 years ago.

The Fixer

MayDay10 wrote:

I dunno. Hasek's 1st return back to Buffalo was pretty brutal. We also still boo Drury, Briere, Campbell, etc... booing doesnt mean bad fans or clueless. Look at montreal. They boo opposing French players for not demanding trades to the Habs.

I know people who are still bitter about Hasek. I myself have just recently got over it.

montreal fans are the worst. booing the US anthem was one of the most classless things I've ever seen

81

i agree that most canadian cities support hockey better than the states.

Detroit used to always sell out until a couple of years ago when the economy took a dump. not they have alot of empty seats.

I'd love to see a game in montreal. that is the best crowd around, imo.

Jason P

81 wrote:

maybe forced was a bad word, but detroit was on his no trade list.

but at the end of the day, he agreed to go to the hated red wings vs staying with a crappy (talent and owner) hawks team.

And it ended up being a very, very, wise move in the end (one "very" for each Stanley Cup trophy hoisted).

And now he's a Wing for life (or until Scotty Bowman steals him)! :twisted:

lukin2006

Big Drop wrote:

lukin2006 wrote:

Big Drop wrote:

I take it you dislike Chicago because you have to live around them. I'm sure you've noticed that three years ago the people in Chicago couldn't spell the word hockey. Now they act like they've been there all along. They call their arena the "madhouse" like it's some place to be feared. It used to be that Chicago was where you would trade players to as a punishment. They've won four cups in around 90 years, and most of those years was when they were only facing 5-9 other teams.

And just so you don't think it's all speculation, here's my citation: http://espn.go.com/nhl/attendance

Funny how they lead the league in attendance now but three years ago they were dead last. It's the same with the Capitals, and for the most part, the Penguins. It's nothing personal against Chicago. . . I'm sure it's a nice city. . . I just hate fair weather fans.

I think all American city fans are fair weather fans until their team starts winning, check the Red Wing pre 1990...now all of sudden they are hockey town, yet I listen to 97.1 the ticket and most callers are calling in about the Tigers, Lions, Pistons U of M sports or Michigan State sports, their not even close to being number in their own market.

The 1 US city that I think has great fans are those of the Sharks, every time I watch a Shark game the fans seem really into it, now that might be because a lot of Canucks are employed in the computer industry out there.

Compare all that to the 6 Canadian teams, games are sold out throughout the regular season and the fans are just great in the playoffs.

Vancouver has great fans so I'm really hoping that they can bring the cup back to Canada...plus they have the best national anthem singer...love when he sings the Canadian National Anthem, just the best, really pumps up the crowds.

Watching the Wild/Stars game yesterday impressed the hell out of me. Those fans in Minnesota were all there even though the Wild were playing for nothing. They really love their hockey up there. It blows my mind how the Northstars were ever moved in the first place.

Yes you are right, I forgot about Minnesota. Bettman got something right!

Break The Sky

MayDay10 wrote:

I dunno. Hasek's 1st return back to Buffalo was pretty brutal. We also still boo Drury, Briere, Campbell, etc... booing doesnt mean bad fans or clueless. Look at montreal. They boo opposing French players for not demanding trades to the Habs.

I know people who are still bitter about Hasek. I myself have just recently got over it.

There was just never any animosity there for me. Briere I have no problem with. Drury I held a bit of a grudge, but that's because we wanted to offer him a contract and not Briere, and he bolted anyways. Those who are mad at Briere and Drury I can half understand, because they left on their own terms. . . but I've never understood hating a player that was traded, even if they demanded a trade. It's management who has to pull the trigger, and without that, they don't move, plain and simple. We traded Campbell, and when we did, I thought it was a great move, because we got a first rounder out of the Sharks (which we used to pick Tyler Ennis!!!!!) and Bernier (who at the time looked great). When I want to get angry about Drury/Briere, I get angry at the Sabre's penny-pinching front office rather than at the actual players. If we didn't take a policy that we don't talk about contracts until after the season is over, maybe we would still have one of them.

If I'm angry about anything that came out of that whole debacle at the end of the season, I'm angry we held on to Vanek! I like Vanek, but had we let the Oilers take him, we could have had FIVE FIRST ROUND PICKS from the Oilers. The Oilers! That's the first overall pick five years in a row pretty much!

Free agency is the reason there is little loyalty to a specific team anymore, and the players are just the cogs of a much larger machine. I don't like Miroslav Satan, and other than that, I can't really name a Sabre I still hold a grudge against.

Break The Sky

The Fixer wrote:

MayDay10 wrote:

I dunno. Hasek's 1st return back to Buffalo was pretty brutal. We also still boo Drury, Briere, Campbell, etc... booing doesnt mean bad fans or clueless. Look at montreal. They boo opposing French players for not demanding trades to the Habs.

I know people who are still bitter about Hasek. I myself have just recently got over it.

montreal fans are the worst. booing the US anthem was one of the most classless things I've ever seen

They obviously love their hockey, but I can't say I condone flipping a car and setting it on fire for every regular season win like they do right now. I'd be afraid to get out of the Bell Centre alive if I were wearing a different team's jersey.

MFCarissa

lukin2006 wrote:

I think all American city fans are fair weather fans until their team starts winning, check the Red Wing pre 1990...now all of sudden they are hockey town, yet I listen to 97.1 the ticket and most callers are calling in about the Tigers, Lions, Pistons U of M sports or Michigan State sports, their not even close to being number in their own market.

The 1 US city that I think has great fans are those of the Sharks, every time I watch a Shark game the fans seem really into it, now that might be because a lot of Canucks are employed in the computer industry out there.

Compare all that to the 6 Canadian teams, games are sold out throughout the regular season and the fans are just great in the playoffs.

Vancouver has great fans so I'm really hoping that they can bring the cup back to Canada...plus they have the best national anthem singer...love when he sings the Canadian National Anthem, just the best, really pumps up the crowds.

97.1 The Ticket is worthless unless they are broadcasting a game. Sports radio is all about people calling up and bitching. People have a lot more to bitch about with the sports you mentioned compared to the Red Wings. Their go-to hockey guy isn't all that smart either. He's always screwing up pretty basic dates, facts, and stats. When they are talking hockey, they just stir the pot with stupid questions. I once heard them discuss the possibility of Kris Draper and Kirk Maltby's numbers being retired by the Red Wings. A conversation like that is designed to incite the casual, emotional fan. Anyone with a brain knows there is not an ice cube's chance in hell of those numbers being retired.

MayDay10

lol @ Draper and Maltby