The Official M.E.R.B. Hockey Thread

[gohabsgo]

Leafs now guaranteed to finish bottom three

Losing last night to Philadelphia in ugly fashion certainly didn't do any favours for the Maple Leafs in the standings. but Toronto is now guaranteed to finish either 28th or 29th, thereby having the second or third best shot at winning the first-overall pick heading into Tuesday night's lottery draft.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/spor...anteed-to-finish-bottom-three/article1526595/

EPIC FAIL

 

[Doc Holliday]

Today's news around the NHL


Flames Fire Sale Next?

The Globe and Mail pointed out a very depressing stat: "Ales Kotalik, Niklas Hagman, Matt Stajan and Chris Higgins managed 11 goals collectively in a total of 86 games." These were guys Calgary Flames GM Darryl Sutter acquired this season, and the Flames will be financially responsible for them for a while.

Kotalik and Hagman and owed $3 million a year for the ext two years; Stajan is owed $3.5 million for the next four years. So the Flames might do everything in their power to get rid of these bad contracts -- especially if a new GM steps in and needs to rebuild.

We've already heard the Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprisoff trade talk, and we'll surely hear more about moves that will allow the Flames to get into better a financial position.

But the hardest thing for the Flames might be finding a GM to replace Sutter, who might be fired. The Globe and Mail writes, "Who, in his right mind, would take the job without the security of a five-year contract and the unflinching support of an ownership group who must know intuitively that things will have to get worse in Calgary before they can get better?"


2011 Draft to be held in Minnesota?

The 2011 NHL Draft will be in St. Paul, sources tell the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. This has yet to be announced, but confirmation is likely coming soon.

It'll be a short trip for the dozens of prospects who are Minnesota natives. It's the first time since 1989 that Minnesota will host the draft.


Pat Burns admitted to hospital

TAMPA, Fla. -- Former NHL coach Pat Burns has been released from the hospital after having complications from lung and colon cancer.

Burns was admitted on Sunday, the day of his 58th birthday, and his wife told Montreal radio station CKAC on Thursday that he had returned home. Burns is a regular contributor to a morning sports show on the station.

Burns, who captured a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 2003, won 501 games from 1988 to 2004. He was forced to leave coaching because of the colon cancer, and when he was diagnosed with lung cancer last year, he opted against treatment.

He traveled to Quebec two weeks ago to take part in a ceremony where it was announced an arena would be named after him in the border community of Stanstead.


Slovenian players fired after beating up their coach during celebration

JESENICE, Slovenia -- Six Slovenian ice hockey players who beat up their American coach after winning a league title were released by the team Thursday.

Mike Posma, a former American Hockey League player who took over as coach last year, was beaten up by his players Saturday following Acroni Jesenice's celebrations for winning the title. The 42-year-old New Jersey native was cut and bruised but not seriously injured.

The team denounced the incident Thursday and announced the end of the players' contracts. Club president Slavko Kanalec said the team was "shocked" and "strongly condemns" the incident.

The team said it also suspended further contract talks with Posma, who reportedly left Slovenia for the United States earlier Thursday.

Slovenian media say that both the six players and Posma were drunk while celebrating the team's third consecutive national league title.

The six players were reportedly angry at Posma because he allegedly told a 19-year-old backup goaltender to drive a car -- even though he knew the man was drunk. The goaltender subsequently crashed the car.

The six then turned on the coach, reportedly beating him with wooden traffic signs that they found by the side of the road.

Earlier this week, five of the six players denied that they attacked Posma, claiming they attempted to convince the coach to go to the police and take the blame for the goaltender's accident.

The Slovenian public and team's fans warmly welcomed Posma when he took over as coach last November. He had previously coached rival Olimpija Ljubljana.

On Friday, Acroni Jesenice beat Olimpija to win its eighth Slovenian league title since the country's independence in 1991. Olimpija has won 11.

Posma played defense for the Utica Devils in the 1990-91 AHL season and later spent several seasons playing professional hockey in Switzerland and Germany.

 

[gohabsgo]

Buds, Burke lowest of the low

Now 16 months into his tenure as Toronto Maple Leafs GM the club has sunk to its lowest position since 1990-91

He arrived, as is the custom, amid fanfare, pomp and grandeur, feted as the Stanley Cup-toting saviour of a franchise sorely in need of one.

Sixteen months later, however, Brian Burke’s returns as GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t been good.

Regardless of what happens tonight against the Montreal Canadiens, the Leafs will finish second last in the NHL – 29th overall – this season, the lowest rung they’ve occupied since placing 20th of 21 teams in 1990-91.

Even with a win, the Leafs will exit 2009-10 with only 74 points, seven fewer than a year ago, a remarkable regression given how weak the Eastern Conference is this season and the fact Burke had nine months to evaluate and rework his roster leading up to training camp.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/buds-burke-lowest-of-the-low/article1529699/

 

[joelcairo]

Excellent article GHG - thanks for posting! That's what this "official" thread is all about: informative, factual, and relevant information such as this totally accurate article. The best part was the "buds blunders" section, which comprehensively noted some of Burke's key errors. Of course, it would have been impossible to list them all.

 

[Byteme]

I cheer for the Oilers ( My home town ), I am quessing I am not allowed to comment. LOL................................
So for all you complaining about your teams, suck it up, you could be in my shoes...

 

[Doc Holliday]

Bolts clean house

The Tampa Bay Lightning cleaned house a day after the end of the NHL's regular season, firing general manager Brian Lawton and coach Rick Tocchet.

Jeff Vinik, the team's new owner, made the announcement Monday morning in a news release. His hockey club returned from the Olympic break in playoff contention, but finished 8-12-1, the worst post-Winter Games record in the league, and finished 12th in the Eastern Conference, eight points out of playoff contention.

Vinik said assistant GM Tom Kurvers will assume responsibility for hockey operations until the new GM is hired.

"Our hockey operations department needs a fresh start in order to help us fulfill our goal of being a world-class organization," Vinik said, thanking both men for their dedication and service.

Vinik said he will complete a search for a chief executive officer first. That person will then hire a new GM in time to prepare for the draft and free agency, he said. Tocchet joined the Lightning in July 2008 as the team's associate coach. He became head coach 16 games into the 2008-09 season when Barry Melrose was fired.

Lawton was hired by the Lightning in June 2008 and named GM in October of that year.

 

[Doc Holliday]

What lies ahead for the Leafs

http://www.thestar.com/sports/hocke...e/793869--what-lies-ahead-for-the-maple-leafs

 

[Doc Holliday]

Damian Cox' picks for round 1 of the NHL playoffs

http://www.thestar.com/sports/hocke...ox-my-picks-for-round-one-of-the-nhl-playoffs

 

[JLB]

Buds, Burke lowest of the low

Now 16 months into his tenure as Toronto Maple Leafs GM the club has sunk to its lowest position since 1990-91

He arrived, as is the custom, amid fanfare, pomp and grandeur, feted as the Stanley Cup-toting saviour of a franchise sorely in need of one.

Sixteen months later, however, Brian Burke’s returns as GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t been good.

Regardless of what happens tonight against the Montreal Canadiens, the Leafs will finish second last in the NHL – 29th overall – this season, the lowest rung they’ve occupied since placing 20th of 21 teams in 1990-91.

Even with a win, the Leafs will exit 2009-10 with only 74 points, seven fewer than a year ago, a remarkable regression given how weak the Eastern Conference is this season and the fact Burke had nine months to evaluate and rework his roster leading up to training camp.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/buds-burke-lowest-of-the-low/article1529699/

this is an interesting article suggesting there was a cheaper way to get Kessel and suggesting Burke wouldn't give up two first rounders again if he could do it over. we'll never know. he seems like such a pompous jerk.

 

[Doc Holliday]

this is an interesting article suggesting there was a cheaper way to get Kessel and suggesting Burke wouldn't give up two first rounders again if he could do it over. we'll never know. he seems like such a pompous jerk.

I wonder what Boring Bob Gainey is doing these days......

 

[lgna69xxx]

hopefully retired and enjoying his life, it couldnt have been much fun for him the last few years, losing his daughter and the headaches of running a team with the most spoiled fans/media in all of hockey...

I wonder what Boring Bob Gainey is doing these days......

 

[gohabsgo]

OILERS WIN TOP PICK IN NHL DRAFT LOTTERY, BRUINS TO PICK 2ND

The Bruins' pick will be the highest for the franchise since it made Joe Thornton the No. 1 overall selection in 1997. When GM Peter Chiarelli sent Kessel to Toronto in September, he never imagined he'd find himself in position to land either Hall or Seguin.

The high picks are especially important this year because Hall and Seguin are considered can't-miss-prospects

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=317930

The Bruins (thanks to Blowhard Burke) receive the equivalent of a first overall pick - whether you select Hall or Seguin, Boston is going to land a keeper. Worse for NE division teams, the Bruins will get another top 5 pick next June (again, thanks to Blowhard Burke).

The Leafs and Burke suck ass and blow chunks!

 

[Doc Holliday]

The Bruins receive the equivalent of a first overall pick - whether you select Hall or Seguin, Boston is going to land a keeper. Worse for NE division teams, the Bruins will get another top 5 pick next June.

Bof! I'd rather the pick goes to the Bruins than to the Habs. I'd still take Phil Kessel over Seguin or whomever they'll pick. Way to go Boston...i'm kind of glad they will get something decent in return for losing a player like Kessel, which is only fair. Unfortunately for the Habs, they won't get nothing back for Plekanec when he becomes a free agent on July 1st. He likely will have played his final game as a Hab in about two weeks' time.

 

[gohabsgo]

ass clown

Unfortunately for the Habs, they won't get nothing back for Plekanec when he becomes a free agent on July 1st. He likely will have played his final game as a Hab in about two weeks' time.

In case you can’t read properly, my post dealt with the upcoming draft – what does that have to do with Pleks? didn’t think your shitty team would finish one spot removed from the NHL crapper, did you?

 

[lgna69xxx]

if this is the case, it is nothing out of the ordinary for the habs, they are used to losing free agents for nothing. Mini Bob was taught by big bob it seems, lol

Bof! I'd rather the pick goes to the Bruins than to the Habs. I'd still take Phil Kessel over Seguin or whomever they'll pick. Way to go Boston...i'm kind of glad they will get something decent in return for losing a player like Kessel, which is only fair. Unfortunately for the Habs, they won't get nothing back for Plekanec when he becomes a free agent on July 1st. He likely will have played his final game as a Hab in about two weeks' time.

 

[gohabsgo]

hopefully retired and enjoying his life,

I agree - I hope Bob is enjoying his retirement. On a personal level, Bob has had to deal with more tragedy than any of us will likely have to face in our lifetime.

In Bob we trust … always

http://www.gaineyfoundation.com/

 

[lgna69xxx]

Captain Phaneuf!

Coach Wilson all but names Phaneuf captain
Posted: April 13, 2010, 5:18 PM by Michael Traikos
NHL, Maple Leafs, Dion Phaneuf
It appears as though the wait is over.

After going without an on-ice leader for the past two seasons, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson told Hockey Central at Noon that he expects to have a captain named by next season. And that unless Mark Messier, Steve Yzerman or Joe Sakic comes out of retirement and signs a contract with the team, the player named will be Dion Phaneuf.

“We would have to make a mega-deal to bring the greatest captain of all-time in to not name Dion the captain,” Wilson said in an interview with Mike Brophy and Darren Millard.

“That’s something as a group that we’ll discuss. But most of the players right now look at Dion as the leader of our team. He’s vocal, he’s aggressive, he cares about the teammates and he’s highly involved in the community already in two months.

“More than likely, that’s what will happen.”

Ever since he was acquired in a seven-player trade from the Calgary Flames, the high-profile defenceman has been pegged as the possible successor to Mats Sundin. On his first day in Toronto, the 24-year-old reportedly took over the music in the dressing room. And on the ice, he showed a “swagger” that has proved to be contagious.

“The presence that Dion has in the defensive zone kind of makes some other teams nervous,” he said of Phaneuf, who had two goals, 10 points and 69 hits in 26 games with the Leafs. “They don’t know what he’s going to do, who’s he’s going to hit, who he’s gong to be involved with. So teams spend a lot less time in our zone.”

Wilson also responded to comments he made a day earlier, when he all but guaranteed Kadri would be in Toronto’s lineup at the start of next season.

Like the rest of the team’s youngsters, Kadri is part of the team’s future. But Wilson said that whether or not Kadri, Tyler Bozak, Viktor Stalberg, etc., earn a spot with the team will not be decided until after training camp.

“I have Kadri penciled in next year,” he said. “I have all these guys. They’re not in ink right now. They’re penciled in. And they’ve all been told that.

“The sophomore jinx is — and Luke [Schenn] kind of understands it now — it’s your mental preparation in the summertime. It’s what your expectations are. And if you come in thinking it’s going to be easy or you’re not ready to compete for your job you can get off to a bad start and you can lose your traction and it can take a while to get it back.”

 

[joelcairo]

After going without an on-ice leader for the past two seasons, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson told Hockey Central at Noon that he expects to have a captain named by next season. And that unless Mark Messier, Steve Yzerman or Joe Sakic comes out of retirement and signs a contract with the team, the player named will be Dion Phaneuf.

I'm not a leafs fan, but I don't wish harm on anyone, EVEN the leafs.
So, for THEIR sake, I sure as hell hope Mark, Stevie Y, and Burnaby Joe come out of retirement - and, again for the sake of the leafs, the SOONER the better!

 

[joelcairo]

He’s vocal, he’s aggressive.

On his first day in Toronto, the 24-year-old reportedly took over the music in the dressing room.

Hey, NO ONE can argue with THESE quotes!

Isn't it ironic that the very qualities that made him a cancer in the Calgary dressing room and led to the Flames desperately trying to get rid of him (with only one taker out of the other 29 teams) are the same "qualities" that Burke and Wilson have fallen in love with?

 

[joelcairo]

And on the ice, he showed a “swagger” that has proved to be contagious.

“The presence that Dion has in the defensive zone kind of makes some other teams nervous,” he said of Phaneuf, who had two goals, 10 points and 69 hits in 26 games with the Leafs. “They don’t know what he’s going to do, who’s he’s going to hit, who he’s gong to be involved with.”

No one can argue with THESE quotes either.
Some players have "swagger"(Dion)...and some OTHERS (Stevie Y, Gretz, Burnaby Joe, Le Gros Bill, Sid the Kid, Jean Ratelle, Nick Lidstrom, Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Henrik Sedin, etc., etc.) have SKILL.
And it's not surprising that opposing teams "don't know what he's going to do" - neither do his teammates (!) and neither does Dion HIMSELF. Can you spell "loose cannon"?