"Since when is this perennial bunch of losers canada's team? It's not my team. Most people I know despise the Leafs. They have never won anything, at least not since they had a 1 in 6 chance of winning anyway. People have been born and died of old age since the Leafs won a stanley cup. Keep living in the past though because this hire does nothing for anyone but Babcocks bank account and gigantic ego. The Leafs have been a suckfest for 60 years and will be for 60 more, in NO WAY do I associate my country with this abomination."

You are good at math.
- SolidGoldBricks

Thanks?

I would be very interested in what your opinions regarding trading Marty St. Louis are.
- Johnny Wrath

I would say the lightning won that trade outright. Callahan had his appendix out on a monday and was back at practice on wednesday, you can't buy that kind of leadership and dedication and the Bolts got a first round pick too did they not? Big win for them, they are not in the finals without the ranger players they acquired.

I'm liking this model of making the coach the highest paid or nearly the highest paid.

Its a clear message to the players who works for who.

Owner, President, GM, Coach, Players.

Let's suppose the Penguins decide that Malkin and Crosby aren't compatible. They can't run a power play nor play effectively at even strength. The very thought causes Penguins fans to visibly start. Let's suppose that the Penguins can acquire Stamkos somehow; either a trade or a UFA signing. Is Stamkos a better compliment to Crosby for roughly the same cap hit? Theoretically the best North American set-up guy and the most authoritative North American finisher together kind of thing. It's like imagining Malkin and Ovie on a line in the NHL.

If you want to imagine what a team could look like with a super elite playmaker and a super elite right-handed finisher, check out Anaheim. The problem with the Penguins is then a question of depth a center. Centers may be difficult to come by unless the Penguins are talking to the Oilers about their sudden collection of three #1 Cs.
- Johnny Wrath

Malkin and Ovie play on the same line in international competition all the time and the results have never been good or even acceptable, that is a bad example.

I don't understand your point. WSH hasn't won a thing so having Backstrom and Ovie together has accomplished nothing for them. ANA has been disappointing until other fowards filled out their lineup. Kane and Toews don't usually play together in CHI and they have other high end forwards as well as quality depth forwards. Having one line of Crosby and Stamkos wouldn't be any better and probably worse than having two superstar centers.
- jfkst1

Only point I'll make is that Toews and Kane were making 6 each which allowed for the others and depth. You know this, but just making the point.

Malkin and Crosby aren't compatible together. Its clear as a blue sky on a fall afternoon with a brisk breeze smashing right into my face and making my eye water.

It would change the template to having a much more reliable scoring line and a much more mechanically sound power play. The depth issue doesn't change; it just shifts the scoring pressure to two players on one line from two players on two lines.

If you imagine that there is a hockey Ockham's razor, loading one line is a better solution than the way Pittsburgh is modeled.
- Johnny Wrath

Thats really not true, the Ducks had one supserstar line for the last what 8 years and it wasn't until they got a quality 2C that they found success again. The year they won the cup Perry and Getzlaf and Chris Kunitz were the 2nd line.

First off this would never happen. If it did, Pens would be better off with Stamkos if for no other reason than he likes to play on ther other side of the ice on the PP. I would happily move Malkin in a straight up trade for another talent at his level that shot righty. But there are very few players like that and none of them are available. That's why I'd take a flier on Semin, cause there's a chance he could be that.
- Tojo.

Why is everyone so obsessed with Semin, he's garbage and not getting younger to boot. The LEAST you could get him for is 3.5 million and that's for the next 5 years. There's no legitimate reason to even consider thinking about bringing in Semin. And the notion of 'well he's a Russian and Malkin happens to be a Russian" is idiotic." It's like saying "my black male friend and my black female friend should immediately get married, because, you know, they are both black."

Thats really not true, the Ducks had one supserstar line for the last what 8 years and it wasn't until they got a quality 2C that they found success again. The year they won the cup Perry and Getzlaf and Chris Kunitz were the 2nd line.
- Dcoms

Ducks have been really good for a while, but like many Western teams that are considered disappointing, they just haven't been as good as the Hawks and Kings. Riviting series to see if Kesler helps gets them over the hump.

Why is everyone so obsessed with Semin, he's garbage and not getting younger to boot. The LEAST you could get him for is 3.5 million and that's for the next 5 years. There's no legitimate reason to even consider thinking about bringing in Semin. And the notion of 'well he's a Russian and Malkin happens to be a Russian" is idiotic." It's like saying "my black male friend and my black female friend should immediately get married, because, you know, they are both black."
- Dcoms

Hes a Russian and from time to time he shows flashes of brilliance. But if he were on the Pens it would be a nightly event of 71 and Semin lighting it up.

Hes a Russian and from time to time he shows flashes of brilliance. But if he were on the Pens it would be a nightly event of 71 and Semin lighting it up.
- sammy87

Maybe if another "credible" blogger writes it, some of you will see the light.

http://thehockeywriters.c...ins-need-to-trade-malkin/

Ducks have been really good for a while, but like many Western teams that are considered disappointing, they just haven't been as good as the Hawks and Kings. Riviting series to see if Kesler helps gets them over the hump.
- Tojo.

I would never usually bet against the blackhawks but their lack of depth at center and on defense is going to be their downfall. It's going to be a long series but they are going to get outgrinded. And you want to talk about bad deadline day deals Timonan and Vermette have been a complete joke and Vermette cost more than Perron did and has contributed much much less. The Hawks are in real trouble next year when the Toews/ Kane contract reality sets in. Their defense, which has been first rate the last 5 years is going to be a shell of it's former self in 2 years and the new guys look shaky. Teravainnan's contract will help with the loss of Sharp but it could be the end of an era. Bolts Ducks is still as fun a final as Bolts Hawks though.

Hes a Russian and from time to time he shows flashes of brilliance. But if he were on the Pens it would be a nightly event of 71 and Semin lighting it up.
- sammy87

You can't confidentially say that, most likely he would be good for a week or 2 because it would be a new experience and then he would become complacent again and then he would be invisible. Beau Bennet is 100 times better an option than Semin and at a quarter of the price.

Maybe if another "credible" blogger writes it, some of you will see the light.

http://thehockeywriters.c...ins-need-to-trade-malkin/
- sammy87

This article by some nobody that you call credible says it all. The Jackets got Anisimov and Dubinsky for Nash who together do not bring what Nash brings to the table alone. I'd rather have 1 star than 3 mediocre players any day. You're not going to get fair value for Malkin and if you trade Malkin you don't have Malkin on your team any more.

Why is everyone so obsessed with Semin, he's garbage and not getting younger to boot. The LEAST you could get him for is 3.5 million and that's for the next 5 years. There's no legitimate reason to even consider thinking about bringing in Semin. And the notion of 'well he's a Russian and Malkin happens to be a Russian" is idiotic." It's like saying "my black male friend and my black female friend should immediately get married, because, you know, they are both black."
- Dcoms

First off, there are only 3 years left on his deal and he just turned 31 in March so age isn't a factor. At the end of his deal, he'd still be younger than Dupuis and Kunitz are now.

The Russian factor is nice for making Malkin happy, but I'd agree that would be a dumb basis to acquire him for. Why I would is he's about the only top 6 forward you can acquire without paying prime assets. Prior to this year, he had 8 straight where despite the intensity problems, the production was there. He'd fill a hole for a 2nd line wing and IMO we would benefit most from a right handed goal scorer. So long as we aren't actually paying him near 7M, I believe he would live up to his contract and add the one thing we need most, a goal scoring winger.

That said, totally understand and respect anyone's opinion to not want him. There's some risk, but I believe the perceived risk is greater than the actual risk. If there wasn't, he wouldn't be available cheap. But we need a guy like him, there aren't even any 20 goal scorers in free agency, and we don't have anything to trade that we don't need to get a scoring wing.

It's just they are the most obnoxious fans. They feel so entitled to every player. They're the first ones to rip on any other team for any reason. It's irritating when they get get their way then gloat. If all this didn't happen. I wouldn't complain.

When tampa beat the wings. Their fans didn't laugh in our face and gloat non stop.

When the oilers fans got another #1 first overall. They didn't gloat and laugh at everyone.

First sign their team is good and Babcock is turning them around. They'll be the first ones to rub in everyone's face. It's annoying
- digitalbath

i hate to say it but you are right. i like to think since we have the most fans, we have the most idiots. either way, you're right.

I would never usually bet against the blackhawks but their lack of depth at center and on defense is going to be their downfall. It's going to be a long series but they are going to get outgrinded. And you want to talk about bad deadline day deals Timonan and Vermette have been a complete joke and Vermette cost more than Perron did and has contributed much much less. The Hawks are in real trouble next year when the Toews/ Kane contract reality sets in. Their defense, which has been first rate the last 5 years is going to be a shell of it's former self in 2 years and the new guys look shaky. Teravainnan's contract will help with the loss of Sharp but it could be the end of an era. Bolts Ducks is still as fun a final as Bolts Hawks though.
- Dcoms

Agreed, imagine them without Odulya and Rozival next year. I think they'll still be good, but they'll come back to the pack.

i hate to say it but you are right. i like to think since we have the most fans, we have the most idiots. either way, you're right.
- clark_griswold

for the honesty... theres a few good leafs out there

Maybe if another "credible" blogger writes it, some of you will see the light.

http://thehockeywriters.c...ins-need-to-trade-malkin/
- sammy87

The writer doesn't even make a trade proposals. I hate it when they do that. It's a waste for the readers.

This article by some nobody that you call credible says it all. The Jackets got Anisimov and Dubinsky for Nash who together do not bring what Nash brings to the table alone. I'd rather have 1 star than 3 mediocre players any day. You're not going to get fair value for Malkin and if you trade Malkin you don't have Malkin on your team any more.
- Dcoms

See this is exactly the problem with everyone who doesnt want to consider trading Malkin.
It isnt about winning the trade, or getting "fair" value however you would evaluate that. Its about improving our hockey team which has obviously gone flat and needs a shake up.

Now obviously you dont toss him out, if there isnt a trade that makes sense then you dont pull the trigger. If Malkin is willing to waive his NMC you explore trying to get a top six Center and Wing.

First off, there are only 3 years left on his deal and he just turned 31 in March so age isn't a factor. At the end of his deal, he'd still be younger than Dupuis and Kunitz are now.

The Russian factor is nice for making Malkin happy, but I'd agree that would be a dumb basis to acquire him for. Why I would is he's about the only top 6 forward you can acquire without paying prime assets. Prior to this year, he had 8 straight where despite the intensity problems, the production was there. He'd fill a hole for a 2nd line wing and IMO we would benefit most from a right handed goal scorer. So long as we aren't actually paying him near 7M, I believe he would live up to his contract and add the one thing we need most, a goal scoring winger.

That said, totally understand and respect anyone's opinion to not want him. There's some risk, but I believe the perceived risk is greater than the actual risk. If there wasn't, he wouldn't be available cheap. But we need a guy like him, there aren't even any 20 goal scorers in free agency, and we don't have anything to trade that we don't need to get a scoring wing.
- Tojo.

I think if Malkin is staying, Semin is probably the best option. He has and incredible shot and Malkin has proved to be able to get the most out of snipers. I dont prescribe to the lazy Russian stereotype surrounding Semin either. I think he would be revitalized playing with Geno, he obviously isnt enjoying his time in Carolina.
But if people think we are going to get him cheap with 50% retained they're mistaken. Its going to cost us one of top assets, probably Pouliot... Are people okay paying that price on the maybe that is Semin?

I think if Malkin is staying, Semin is probably the best option. He has and incredible shot and Malkin has proved to be able to get the most out of snipers. I dont prescribe to the lazy Russian stereotype surrounding Semin either. I think he would be revitalized playing with Geno, he obviously isnt enjoying his time in Carolina.
But if people think we are going to get him cheap with 50% retained they're mistaken. Its going to cost us one of top assets, probably Pouliot... Are people okay paying that price on the maybe that is Semin?
- stackthepads

If that was the price then no. But I don't think that would be the price.

This series is making it hard for me to not get my hopes up about Sheary

The writer doesn't even make a trade proposals. I hate it when they do that. It's a waste for the readers.
- jfkst1

Second time I read something from this guy since I took exception from one of his blogs, and it was the same backwards crap as always. Completely hypocritical.... Poor writing...Poor everything. He's been the equivalent of the backwash after sucking on the bench water bottle during the game. That's what you get.

Suspension is coming, heading to DKs place and staying.