I think NSH and PHX implode. Weber gets moved in the OS. SJ could get in with Niemi standing on his head. LA definitely in. DET in but no threat. STL in. VAN out unless they change coaches soon.
- tredbrta

Come on man, I hate Vancouver as much as the next guy but you gotta look at it somewhat objectively here... They have a lot of talent and 2 solid goaltenders, really hard to imagine them being outside the top 8. I at least believe they have a better shot then San Jose or Detroit because their division is so crappy and as of today they are tied with Minnesota for the lead...

Per Bruce Garrioch of Ottawa Sun:

Despite the denials of GM Darcy Regier, league sources confirmed to QMI Agency Saturday the Sabres are indeed ready to "blow it up" and pretty much every player on their roster is available before the April 3 trade deadline…Sources say the Sabres aren't going to move high-scoring winger Thomas Vanek or top prospects Marcus Foligno, Cody Hodgson or Alexander Sulzer. Nobody would take Tyler Myers' contract, but every player is up for discussion.

Which of these 2012-13 Western Division Playoff teams will miss this year?

DET
LA
NSH
PHX
STL
SJ
VAN

Interesting game tonight with the surging Wild going to BC to take on the reeling Canucks. And some rumblings out of Alberta that the Oil can make the top 8 this year.
- scottak

PHX has nothing to play for anymore.

Which of these 2012-13 Western Division Playoff teams will miss this year?

DET
LA
NSH
PHX
STL
SJ
VAN

Interesting game tonight with the surging Wild going to BC to take on the reeling Canucks. And some rumblings out of Alberta that the Oil can make the top 8 this year.
- scottak

As much as I want to see the Nux @ #9, I'm going with PHX.

Come on man, I hate Vancouver as much as the next guy but you gotta look at it somewhat objectively here... They have a lot of talent and 2 solid goaltenders, really hard to imagine them being outside the top 8. I at least believe they have a better shot then San Jose or Detroit because their division is so crappy and as of today they are tied with Minnesota for the lead...
- Jagbears

Besides, Do we really want the Canucks to fire AV ? AV is a loser and its better that the Canucks have him

Come on man, I hate Vancouver as much as the next guy but you gotta look at it somewhat objectively here... They have a lot of talent and 2 solid goaltenders, really hard to imagine them being outside the top 8. I at least believe they have a better shot then San Jose or Detroit because their division is so crappy and as of today they are tied with Minnesota for the lead...
- Jagbears

Yes, the talent is there but look at their play in the last week or so. They seem to be tuning out Vigneault. Talent is why I think their best chance would be a coaching change early and then a run to make the playoffs.

And yes, I am biased by hatred for all things Canuck (hockey not country). I am going to enjoy their decline even more than Detroit over the next few years. Gillis has left them nothing in the minors aside from Lack and they have cap issues. Will love to see them have to buy out Luongo and get nothing for him after Gillis demanded too much.

Besides, Do we really want the Canucks to fire AV ? AV is a loser and its better that the Canucks have him
- mrpaulish

Good point. Of course, we may just see them end up with Laviolette or Torts and those 2 are just as egomaniacal and entitled as Vigneault.

Whoever they have will have little to work with in the next few years unless Gillis rapes somebody in a trade. Highly unlikely. The Luongo debacle... Hodson for Kassian? Please....

Yes, the talent is there but look at their play in the last week or so. They seem to be tuning out Vigneault. Talent is why I think their best chance would be a coaching change early and then a run to make the playoffs.

And yes, I am biased by hatred for all things Canuck (hockey not country). I am going to enjoy their decline even more than Detroit over the next few years. Gillis has left them nothing in the minors aside from Lack and they have cap issues. Will love to see them have to buy out Luongo and get nothing for him after Gillis demanded too much.
- tredbrta

I agree that they might be better off with the coaching change, but I still think that were they to stick it out with Vigneault they'd figure it out and slide into the 7-8 spots
(Side Note: Would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to draw them in the 1st round, gets our boys extremely engaged and hyped up right away in the playoffs)

Good point. Of course, we may just see them end up with Laviolette or Torts and those 2 are just as egomaniacal and entitled as Vigneault.

Whoever they have will have little to work with in the next few years unless Gillis rapes somebody in a trade. Highly unlikely. The Luongo debacle... Hodson for Kassian? Please....
- tredbrta

So awesome right ?? hahahahahahaha.

That Rangers team has to be the biggest disappointment this year. Nash was always overrated and selfish. Without getting to the playoffs and making a run I think Torts is a goner and that team may get blown up.

Prediction - 3 coaches who think/act they invented the game will be canned this year - Torts, Laviolette, and DBAG #1 Vigneault.
- tredbrta

I agree that if Plilly and especially the Rangers miss Lavi and Torts are back on TSN
If Vancouveree chokes Gillis or AV are gone I would guess AV survives and Gillis is gone but who knows

That being said it would be hard to imagine the Rangers and Canucks missing the post season

A lot of pressure is mounting on both these teams because any losing streak at this stage will be disaster

Only concern for the Hawks tonight for me is Emery between the pipes
He make me cringe every time he starts

Here's hoping I'm wrong

Per Kuc...


Brookbank and carcillo are scratches...
- mrpaulish

that will be 3 games in a row for Carcillo..don't remember him doing anything stupid in the last game he played to get in Q's doghouse.

that will be 3 games in a row for Carcillo..don't remember him doing anything stupid in the last game he played to get in Q's doghouse.
- Glenman12

Except that Bollig has placed responsibly and well.

that will be 3 games in a row for Carcillo..don't remember him doing anything stupid in the last game he played to get in Q's doghouse.
- Glenman12

Bollig has been playing well. Possibility Carcillo is hurt? Would have liked to see some more protection for Kane and Toews against the Av's punks.

that will be 3 games in a row for Carcillo..don't remember him doing anything stupid in the last game he played to get in Q's doghouse.
- Glenman12

Possibilities:

1) knee is bugging him
2) some other, minor injury
3) They like what they're getting from Bollig
4) Showcasing Bollig (supposedly, teams have asked about him)

Per Bruce Garrioch of Ottawa Sun:

Despite the denials of GM Darcy Regier, league sources confirmed to QMI Agency Saturday the Sabres are indeed ready to "blow it up" and pretty much every player on their roster is available before the April 3 trade deadline…Sources say the Sabres aren't going to move high-scoring winger Thomas Vanek or top prospects Marcus Foligno, Cody Hodgson or Alexander Sulzer. Nobody would take Tyler Myers' contract, but every player is up for discussion.
- FourFeathers773

Maybe they hit the jackpot last year suckering teams to turn over firt round picks for middle players...that IS NOT HAPPENING with THIS DRAFT CROP!

that will be 3 games in a row for Carcillo..don't remember him doing anything stupid in the last game he played to get in Q's doghouse.
- Glenman12

wasn't the knee drain last Monday?

Possibilities:

1) knee is bugging him
2) some other, minor injury
3) They like what they're getting from Bollig
4) Showcasing Bollig (supposedly, teams have asked about him)
- John Jaeckel

I wouldn't have minded (if Carcillo is healthy) seeing him taking a turn in the spot Hayes has been occupying for tonight at least. I'm not one that usually wants Carcillo anywhere near the top 6 but the Avs have played pretty physical against the Hawks so far and it wouldn't have hurt to have Carcillo in there to balance the scales.

Possibilities:

1) knee is bugging him
2) some other, minor injury
3) They like what they're getting from Bollig
4) Showcasing Bollig (supposedly, teams have asked about him)
- John Jaeckel

didn't carcillo get in a fight the last game he played? something happen?

on a different note, hope bollig goes "grimson" on the 'lanche...yep, I'm a meathead

If the Hawks would not have matched they would pf gotte a #1,#2, and #3 pick from the Sharks right ?
- mrpaulish

Compensation on RFAs lost to an offer sheet depend upon the AAV $. If Leddy was offer sheeted and the Hawks didn't match, most likely outcome is 1st and 3rd round draft picks. Details here:

http://www.pensionplanpup...sation-table-offer-sheets

didn't carcillo get in a fight the last game he played? something happen?

on a different note, hope bollig goes "grimson" on the 'lanche...yep, I'm a meathead
- dpard

STUUUUUUU....

Also remember Bob-I-dropped-my-vial-Probert beating the sh!t out of him and Mike Peluso in those couple seasons early in the 90's when both those guys were on the 'Hawks and Probert was still with the Wings.

Compensation on RFAs lost to an offer sheet depend upon the AAV $. If Leddy was offer sheeted and the Hawks didn't match, most likely outcome is 1st and 3rd round draft picks. Details here:

http://www.pensionplanpup...sation-table-offer-sheets
- MartiniMan

Leddy getting between $3.4M & $5.0M ?? Hmmmm....not exactly crazy. But with the lower cap in 13-14 it seems a little less likely. Hope the 'Hawks can secure him for well under $3.4M AAV.

wasn't the knee drain last Monday?
- wiz1901

That could well be it

Per Bruce Garrioch of Ottawa Sun:

Despite the denials of GM Darcy Regier, league sources confirmed to QMI Agency Saturday the Sabres are indeed ready to "blow it up" and pretty much every player on their roster is available before the April 3 trade deadline…Sources say the Sabres aren't going to move high-scoring winger Thomas Vanek or top prospects Marcus Foligno, Cody Hodgson or Alexander Sulzer. Nobody would take Tyler Myers' contract, but every player is up for discussion.
- FourFeathers773

The only problem I have with this is the windbag author, Garrioch.

He gets to talk out his arse in two different media and basically decides what sounds feasible and says it....usually not connected to any real knowledge.

STUUUUUUU....

Also remember Bob-I-dropped-my-vial-Probert beating the sh!t out of him and Mike Peluso in those couple seasons early in the 90's when both those guys were on the 'Hawks and Probert was still with the Wings.
- blackhawk24

we used to call him. Chicken Stuuuuuuu!

The closest thing to an animal they had was Enrico Ciccone who seemed to find some unsuspecting "bambi" and godzilla him..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeDLjRUSoJw

oh, and by the way..no vial was dropped...he crossed the bridge into the US in the car with owners daugther...he blow was what he hid in his shorts....truth.


My worst Wing wheeled Probie hawk destruction came at homw when Manson dropped them a week or so after Probert got out of jail. Manson started firing away, and Probert (obviously wasted no time away from the weights while incarcerated) grapped hi, and basically rag-dolled him. He would push Manson out and away, then pull him in close smack him good, push'em out / in bang/ out/ in pow, etc.

We were devastated and shocked at how badly Manson looked in the bout...our "tough guy."

Possibilities:

4) Showcasing Bollig (supposedly, teams have asked about him)
- John Jaeckel

I hope not. Bollig is solid as an enforcer and fills the 4th line role well. He is the exact opposite of Scott. I also hear he is very popular with team mates.

Though I am sure the SCH crowd would love to see him go. Pacifist scum!