Faustus using my "no" on the yotes board....c'mon man. SHould copyright that shyte
- UnnamedSource

- Ogilthorpe2

I'm starting to tear up.......

I should stop being snarky on this board.....compared to that this is paradise....
- UnnamedSource

Gotta be who you are US. (frank) em if they can't take a joke.

Soooo... I'm in a position to pick up Antti Raanta on waivers in my keepers league. I'm curious as to what his future will look like with the blackhawks, as I need to make up games in the goaltending department. I know Corey returned recently, but I noticed Antti had a nice run while he was given a go, and with Corey potentially going to Sochi... I don't know, maybe he sees more time to give Corey a rest before the playoffs. Insight please?

Soooo... I'm in a position to pick up Antti Raanta on waivers in my keepers league. I'm curious as to what his future will look like with the blackhawks, as I need to make up games in the goaltending department. I know Corey returned recently, but I noticed Antti had a nice run while he was given a go, and with Corey potentially going to Sochi... I don't know, maybe he sees more time to give Corey a rest before the playoffs. Insight please?
- LotekLeafs

If Crawford stays healthy and plays well, I don't see Raanta getting very many more starts the rest of the way...8-10 maybe. Who knows though, Q might try to keep Craw fresh like he did last year with Emery.

If Crawford stays healthy and plays well, I don't see Raanta getting very many more starts the rest of the way...8-10 maybe. Who knows though, Q might try to keep Craw fresh like he did last year with Emery.
- Ogilthorpe2

Al said in one of his articles that 8-10 more starts for Raanta would put Crawford right on target to match his previous career high in number of starts. I think that's probably the ballpark we're looking at.

The NFL used to own Sundays, now it's too spread out.
- Ogilthorpe2

Never underestimate the need of networks for programming.

Never underestimate the need of networks for programming.
- StLBravesFan

The almighty dollar. The only reason Thursday night games exist (aside from the traditional two Thanksgiving games) is a reason for people to pay for NFL Network.

So, you want a guy who can't crack the line-up on a rebuilding team and insert him into a Cup contender? I think you answered you're own question.

If we get to Dahlbeck, things have gone horribly wrong injury wise. McDonald is a legit top 6 D-man. For this season, I say roll with what we have.
- Elbows15

What I want is speed speed speed and better pk. Backlund addition would relieve others of always having to be main guys on pk. Notice that I said "investigate" and to be totally accurate Backlund plays 20 TOI the past two months. He probably would play on most if not each teams checking line. This is due to his style and effective play this season.

I would concur about Dahlbeck usage. The playoffs is a battle with casualties along the way. It would be difficult to pick up anyone descent as many teams no doubt will be looking for help on their blueline. I would guess Bowman, maybe a conservative hat is he, who may think insurance on back end before forward help is considered. If so, hopefully Krueger's betterment in the face off means we will not be so dreadful in this aspect of the game in the playoffs. Poor face off percentage means having to win a scrum for puck control after nearly each drop of the puck

If Crawford stays healthy and plays well, I don't see Raanta getting very many more starts the rest of the way...8-10 maybe. Who knows though, Q might try to keep Craw fresh like he did last year with Emery.
- Ogilthorpe2

Much appreciated.

Give the guy a break. He left out an extra. The real question is who is the extra, extra, exrra, extra D-man.
- Elbows15

I think that Canadien school teachers probably stress the (emphasis added) over an extra "extra" but we can have fun with it. They may also define "oxymoron" as Jack Skille. See third definition, or fourth definition added to Webster's Dictionary (Canadien edition). And Lalonde can play EA sports at the beach with Kyle Beach if he leaves Germany for sunny Charlotte. Why there is even another Beach who plays for the Wolves. But with Orlando gone from the AHL there may only be one beach left (where you can play EA Sports)

Q's long lost pal Sami Lepistö, is going to Sochi with team Finland.

Q's long lost pal Sami Lepistö, is going to Sochi with team Finland.
- Beaver-Warrior

Would not expect a high "Finnish" if Lopisto is among their quality choice on defense.

Is that former Blackhawks Kukkonen and Kontiola on Finnish roster?

Would not expect a high "Finnish" if Lopisto is among their quality choice on defense.
- jhawk59

I wouldn't dismiss their chances with Rask, Niemi or Lehtonen in net.

I wouldn't dismiss their chances with Rask, Niemi or Lehtonen in net.
- Beaver-Warrior

The goaltender would have to win them some games. After seeing their roster, I edited by adding a comment to my thread above. Do the comparison to an NHL roster; that is not really even a strong NHL roster in their collection of the better Finnish players.

I wouldn't dismiss their chances with Rask, Niemi or Lehtonen in net.
- Beaver-Warrior

The goaltender would have to win them some games. After seeing their roster, I edited by adding a comment to my thread above. Do the comparison to an NHL roster; that is not really even a strong NHL roster in their collection of the better Finnish players.

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 9m

Niklas Hjalmarsson, Johnny Oduya and Marcus Kruger all named to Sweden's Olympic hockey team.

1.The goaltender would have to win them some games. After seeing their roster, I edited by adding a comment to my thread above. Do the comparison to an NHL roster; that is not really even a 2. strong NHL roster in their collection of the better Finnish players.
- jhawk59

Point 1. Short Tournament/Hot Goalie, It's happen before.

Point 2. NHL & International Hockey are two different beasts.

Still they're a dark horse to be sure.

It is amazing how much money things cost now. Even the movies. I don't know how families can go to games. Watching in the comfort of my own home is fine with me
- tomcat24

Just going by yourself @ 1 beer per period is an easy +$100 affair. North if you're on a date. Neat if you're sitting in a box or if its a business entertainment thing but other than that I'd just assume sit at home or in a bar stool, spend half, flirt with a pretty bartender or waitress and be entertained all night instead of a few hours.

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 9m

Niklas Hjalmarsson, Johnny Oduya and Marcus Kruger all named to Sweden's Olympic hockey team.
- Beaver-Warrior

Good for our Tre Kroner triumvirate !!!! Good luck, #STAY #HEALTHY and I hope you all finish a close 4th or 5th

Would not expect a high "Finnish" if Lopisto is among their quality choice on defense.

Is that former Blackhawks Kukkonen and Kontiola on Finnish roster?
- jhawk59

No TT on the team?

Some rule against it?

If there isn't a rule against it, and the leader of Hockey Finland don't think he could make a national squad, why would we think he's going to be NHL ready in April - or next fall?

If there is a rule against it - never mind.

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 9m

Niklas Hjalmarsson, Johnny Oduya and Marcus Kruger all named to Sweden's Olympic hockey team.
- Beaver-Warrior

Good for them. So we are up to 5 Hawks now. I expect 3 more from Team Canada. Still don't think seabrook makes it. He should, though

No TT on the team?

Some rule against it?

If there isn't a rule against it, and the leader of Hockey Finland don't think he could make a national squad, why would we think he's going to be NHL ready in April - or next fall?

If there is a rule against it - never mind.
- StLBravesFan

I was a bit shocked not to see him on the roster.

Good for them. So we are up to 5 Hawks now. I expect 3 more from Team Canada. Still don't think seabrook makes it. He should, though
- tomcat24

7 so far: Kane (U.S), Hossa & Handzus (SVK), Rozsival (CZK), Hjalmarsson, Oduya, Kruger (SWE)

Good for our Tre Kroner triumvirate !!!! Good luck, #STAY #HEALTHY and I hope you all finish a close 4th or 5th
- philco28

So - we're looking at 9 for sure (including Toews and Keith) and possibly 12 going to play in the Evil Empire (where the temp was in the 50s yesterday, BTW).