Frankly, I don't care where he's rated. Before last season, Mike Smith was rated 28th and it was said he'd have a real hard time filling the void left by Bryzgalov's departure. Now Smith gets all sort of praise heaped on him.
These ratings always tend to be a) based on last year, b) based on a limited number of games of actually seeing the player, so much of the information comes second-hand and in over-simplified/exaggerated fashion ("He didn't let in a bad goal all year!" "He single-handedly cost them that game!") and c) based either on who are the fashionable guys to pick -- which is what most pundits do in order to play it safe -- or else for the pundit to try to position himself as the maverick contrarian with his own over-simplified/exaggerated logic on why he knows so much more than everyone else does about why a certain player will succeed or fail.
It's all meaningless, except for actually happens on the ice. I detest ratings and predictions, and I give them grudgingly when I'm asked to. The only absolute truth about hockey is to expect the unexpected. - bmeltzer
Bill, first off I know many have said this peviously, but I want to thank you for your work during the lockout. You are the best and you certainly kept me sane..(relatively). - Hextall271
Location: it's been 84 years, AZ Joined: 01.02.2007
Jan 19 @ 9:57 AM ET
Hahah Ihear ya... My game is at 4pm but i have to leave at 315.. couldn't be at a worse time for me to watch the game.. but of course, the team can't play without a tender. - Hextall271
To be honest, I do think we lose bad today, for no other reason than those guys are probably hell bent on avenging that humiliation last year. - DrMidnite
To be honest, that's not happening. The Penguins might win the game, but it's not going to be a humiliation. Laviolette pretty much told the team the first day of training camp that he wants the energy up against the Pens.
Neither team will be playing conservative, that's for sure.
I hope Neal drops the gloves today. If he had any respect for the game he'd do it.
The best part is, NBC will show us the Kings banner raising ceremony before the Flyers-Pens kick off, because we all want to see our former players celebrate.
To be honest, that's not happening. The Penguins might win the game, but it's not going to be a humiliation. Laviolette pretty much told the team the first day of training camp that he wants the energy up against the Pens.
Neither team will be playing conservative, that's for sure.
I hope Neal drops the gloves today. If he had any respect for the game he'd do it. - KGBflyers10
No way Neal fights, but I can see there being a few fights especially if someone nails someone else with a big hit. This is such a rivalry it's awesome to watch
Location: Be nice from now on, NJ Joined: 03.17.2006
Jan 19 @ 11:08 AM ET
No way Neal fights, but I can see there being a few fights especially if someone nails someone else with a big hit. This is such a rivalry it's awesome to watch - Hextall271
Laughton will be the one who nails Neal. - MBFlyerfan
If so, the kid is making an audacious entry into the league. I am happy for him but can you imagine the betterflies he must have today? Gotta be an exciting day for a young kid.
Good morning friends. As Badger Bob Johnson once said, its a great day for hockey. Looking forward to renewing acquaintances/hostilities.
Enjoy the game and embrace the hate. Love this rivalry. - Emperor Filonius
Hope you enjoy the game too.. The league would be better off if here were more intense rivalries like this. I remember the level of hatred between the Habs and Nordiques, and it was awesome to see.
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