You know what? I made a mistake. I thought it was the other guy you were making the bet with. Didn't mean to attribute that derp to ShootforWarAmps. He's got his own brand of derp.
- BlueBallz

It's an easy mistake to make, they're both derping hard on the Leafs, treating it like it's a career. Neither one of them would bet anyway because they know they don't like the odds ha ha.

I think we disagree there about Andersen, I thought he stole a bunch of games for the Leafs and was their MVP all year. We'll see, right? At least they have some other goalies in they system for once, as unproven as they are. At any rate a Leafs vs. Flyers series would be really entertaining.
- Zezel

He was their MVP ... I just don't like him and have little faith in him. I don't see him as a guy who can carry a team when it is necessary in the playoffs.

He was their MVP ... I just don't like him and have little faith in him. I don't see him as a guy who can carry a team when it is necessary in the playoffs.
- Aetherial

I like him, but I'm biased in favour of Scandinavians.

It's an easy mistake to make, they're both derping hard on the Leafs, treating it like it's a career. Neither one of them would bet anyway because they know they don't like the odds ha ha.
- Zezel

Well, if you're going to derp then derp hard. D'oops may have derped himself to death over in the never ending thread. That's true dedication to the derp.

Yeah, no other country in the whole world takes refugees or asylum seekers. Just America.

The whole post was in regards to taking children away from their families but you just go ahead and continue ignoring this cruel and illegal practice. It's not as if the Trump tribe had to scramble to correct it after massive bi-partisan backlash.

Once again, this was not something that previous administrations practiced and now the current one is only just starting to see the consequences, political and humanitarian, of it.
- BlueBallz

Meh.
Blame the asshats who wrote and passed the legislation that prescribed the actions to be taken.
They are truly to blame...now they all hide and point at Trump.
While I dont agree with it, I also dont agree with knowingly using children to force entry into the country either. It is part of a much larger issue for the USA not for Canada.
America has a boarder issue pure and simple

So, by betting odds, it seems that they are contenders.

But, from your assessment above, you could also make the argument that the Leafs aren't contenders.

Tampa, Washington, Pittsburgh (maybe), Boston (maybe) Vegas (Maybe), Winnipeg, Nashville... there are 4 teams I believe are better than the Leafs and 3 maybe's.

So by that yardstick, I would say the Leafs aren't contenders.

I won't bother to agree or disagree with your "yardstick" because it doesn't matter and you supported your argument with numbers, so my agreement or not isn't really relevant. It is an interesting take that can actually lead to agreement/disagreement/discussion, so thanks for that.
- Aetherial

Ya, whatever.
The whole debate is a buch of opinions.
The Laughs finnished tied for 5th in the league last season.
They and other teams have made changes, and more are very likely to come.
I think adding Traveres was a major move and certainly puts them in the discussion based on opions --mine happens to be they can be considered a contender rather than taking a hard stance and laughing at the thought of it.
But to each their own.
Out.

Meh.
Blame the asshats who wrote and passed the legislation that prescribed the actions to be taken.
They are truly to blame...now they all hide and point at Trump.
While I dont agree with it, I also dont agree with knowingly using children to force entry into the country either. It is part of a much larger issue for the USA not for Canada.
America has a boarder issue pure and simple
- IonSabres

Again, the laws as they stand have been in place for far longer than Trump has been in office. Jeff Sessions stood up and stated that zero tolerance was in effect, using Bible verse in a weak attempt to justify the position, in a disgusting display of combining church and state contrary to the intentions of the Founding Fathers. No previous administration did. And it's not just people crossing illegally it's people using legal means of the refugee process and asylum request who are being denied due process and having their children abducted.

Migrants aren't forcing their way in with children. They are human beings who happen to have children who they love and want to protect so they flee their homes at great risk in order to try and keep them safe. Desparate people do desparate things.

The border issue is largely overblown but certainly can't be ignored. Violent criminals and anyone trying to re-enter after having been previously deported, see ya. Families just trying to escape persecution and stay alive who will contribute to the community and economy if given the opportunity, you know the principles upon which what was once arguably the greatest nation were founded, welcome.

Guys, please stop bickering.
Our teams are all contenders.
We are all special.
Except for Ottawa and Montrèal. (Different kind of special)

Guys, please stop bickering.
Our teams are all contenders.
We are all special.
Except for Ottawa and Montrèal. (Different kind of special)
- shoreorrpark

I'm going to agree with this and go play outside with my kids.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone.

I knew he wouldn't take the bet, it was more just a fun way to make a point about odds favourites.
- Zezel

How did you know I wouldnt take the bet? I could have easily taken it because:

1) Its hockeybuzz, my account isnt important to me
2) I am under no obligation to actually uphold the bet if I lose.

I also gave reasonable reasons why not to take the bet not to mention there was nothing for you to lose. If I was right nothing would have happened.

He had an embarrassing troll fail a few months ago about the CBA.
- Aetherial

What was this? I do not remember. I made predictions for last season and I cant even recall what most of them where. I'll forget this entire thread in a couple days.

Requesting asylum (which many of the people who had their children illegally abducted by US agents under orders from Trump and Sessions were doing) isn't coming to the country illegally, duh.

And even if it was it doesn't warrant taking children away from their parents. Making toddlers who are still in diapers stand in court dockets, without their families, for immigration offences could be a hilarious comedy sketch if it wasn't the farcical reality that these kids are facing. Nobody who has children of their own and possess a shred of empathy or human decency can think this is right or just.

Previous administrations didn't need to do this nor does the current one. They chose to because they are cruel and incompetent. And now they have to fix it and the fallout is far from over as there will certainly be numerous lawsuits.

For some of these people their biggest "crime" was having the wherewithal to leave an untenable situation, undertake a perilous journey and beg for help in order to stay alive or try to protect their children. Most of these people have endured more hardship than anyone should ever have to and will have a greater appreciation for the country than the average American/Canadian who takes the comparatively easy lives we live for granted.

But don't worry, I'm sure history will look back at this as being the right move just like the internment of Japanese people in the US and Canada during WW2.
- BlueBallz

Should we just let everyone in ? A country with no borders is not a county. Or should we put the kids in federal prison with the parents?

And actually obama and bush did the exact same thing. 100% the same

Should we just let everyone in ? A country with no borders is not a county. Or should we put the kids in federal prison with the parents?

And actually obama and bush did the exact same thing. 100% the same
- 716

That isnt the problem. I understand that you cant just waltz into a country and say Im living here now however do you not see a problem with the fact that you are sending people to federal prisons, separating them from their children just because they are scared and trying to flee a country run by cartel's a drug lords? The people are scared.

There was a similar instance in Canada where Trudeau brought over all these Syrian refugees. I dont necessarily disagree with that as we should want to help them however Trudeau went and gave them all citizenship and bypassed the process of obtaining them in order to do that which isnt right. That upset a lot of people who are legally trying to obtain a citizenship in Canada. The Refugees should have only been brought here until the war in Syria with ISIS is over and then send them back. Now we have a bunch of foreign citizens that arent fluent in our language and collecting welfare which was already being severely abused.

Something has to be done but imprisoning them and separating them from their families is not the right way to handle it. Not to mention that no one has any idea where these kids are anymore....

Obviously we all have different opinions on what the definition of a contender is, so here is my checklist:

- A team who has CONSISTENTLY shown over previously yearS that they are one of the BEST in the regular season

- A team who has CONSISTENTLY shown they can beat other good teams in the playoffs

- A team who at the very least stayed at the same competitive level or improved over the off-season

How many does your favorite team check off?

If your answer is not ALL of them, then you are not a contender.

If your answer is "I Just Know They Are Because...", then fine 75% of the NHL are contenders.

Can a team win the cup without being considered a contender in the summer, absolutely.

Vegas odds gave my team one of the best odds though, awesome you should read up on how and why odds are given. It's gambling to make a profit, not a prediction.

Are you stupid? Believe what you want, but I don't visit fast food places so I guess we will never meet.

Again, the laws as they stand have been in place for far longer than Trump has been in office. Jeff Sessions stood up and stated that zero tolerance was in effect, using Bible verse to support the position, in a disgusting display of combining church and state contrary to the intentions of the Founding Fathers. No previous administration did. And it's not just people crossing illegally it's people using legal means of the refugee process and asylum request who are being denied due process and having their children abducted.

Migrants aren't forcing their way in with children. They are human beings who happen to have children who they love and want to protect so they flee their homes at great risk in order to try and keep them safe. Desparate people do desparate things.

The border issue is largely overblown but certainly can't be ignored. Violent criminals, see ya. Families just trying to escape persecution and stay alive who will contribute to the community and economy if given the opportunity, you know the principles upon which what was once arguably the greatest nation were founded, welcome.
- BlueBallz

There is certainly is the asylum process, no doubt, but seeking asylum requires one to be in the country to apply. Those captured under Trump's strong enforcement of laws on the books already impacted about 2,300 kids, mostly from Central America.
They tried to enter the US illegally. The parents were imprisoned and the kids seperated yes.
They will be re-united, and subsequently these will be simply rejected.
They can then apply for legal entry through the refugee process...but it takes mknths/years annd is currently capped at roughly 50,000 annually I believe.

Under past admi istrations they were usually grgranted entry and then had to apply for asylum...they joined what amounts to about 12,000,000 illegal immigrants living in the US presently.
The US has roughly 37,000,000 legal immigrants in the US. It takes years to apply and be granted legal immigration.

Many who support cracking down on our boarders to reduce illegal immigrants fell this way because we come from families who took the legal approach and did not take shortcuts.

Asylum was meant to help those under imminent danger, and really from their government..not from gangs etc. The US admidts around 15,000 annually from the 35,000 or so who apply.

I'd say my country, while far from perfect does do its' fair share with respect to immigration, refugees and asylum seekers.

Canada does its part too...but remajns far from perfect...and is also re-aligning its thoughts as well.
Btw Canada has about 35,000 asylum cases waiting to be heard due to significant increase in those crossing the boader from the US... must be all the trump haters lol!


www.theguardian.com/world...nt-migrant-asylum-seekers

Obviously we all have different opinions on what the definition of a contender is, so here is my checklist:

- A team who has CONSISTENTLY shown over previously yearS that they are one of the BEST in the regular season

- A team who has CONSISTENTLY shown they can beat other good teams in the playoffs

- A team who at the very least stayed at the same competitive level or improved over the off-season

How many does your favorite team check off?

If your answer is not ALL of them, then you are not a contender.

If your answer is "I Just Know They Are Because...", then fine 75% of the NHL are contenders.

Can a team win the cup without being considered a contender in the summer, absolutely.

Vegas odds gave my team one of the best odds though, awesome you should read up on how and why odds are given. It's gambling to make a profit, not a prediction.

Are you stupid? Believe what you want, but I don't visit fast food places so I guess we will never meet.


- Glak18

Reading comprehension is a difficult subject.

You are the Flyers fan version of UG, with a bunch more derp.

Be proud, that is quite the accomplishment.

Reading comprehension is a difficult subject.

You are the Flyers fan version of UG, with a bunch more derp.

Be proud, that is quite the accomplishment.
- Kinger34

Again another example of nothing provided to the discussion other than "You're stupid".

Speaking of, I did giggle at your attempt of an insult. Reading comprehension is a skill and/or ability, not a subject. You must of missed that day in middle school.

There is certainly is the asylum process, no doubt, but seeking asylum requires one to be in the country to apply. Those captured under Trump's strong enforcement of laws on the books already impacted about 2,300 kids, mostly from Central America.
They tried to enter the US illegally. The parents were imprisoned and the kids seperated yes.
They will be re-united, and subsequently these will be simply rejected.
They can then apply for legal entry through the refugee process...but it takes mknths/years annd is currently capped at roughly 50,000 annually I believe.

Under past admi istrations they were usually grgranted entry and then had to apply for asylum...they joined what amounts to about 12,000,000 illegal immigrants living in the US presently.
The US has roughly 37,000,000 legal immigrants in the US. It takes years to apply and be granted legal immigration.

Many who support cracking down on our boarders to reduce illegal immigrants fell this way because we come from families who took the legal approach and did not take shortcuts.

Asylum was meant to help those under imminent danger, and really from their government..not from gangs etc. The US admidts around 15,000 annually from the 35,000 or so who apply.

I'd say my country, while far from perfect does do its' fair share with respect to immigration, refugees and asylum seekers.

Canada does its part too...but remajns far from perfect...and is also re-aligning its thoughts as well.
Btw Canada has about 35,000 asylum cases waiting to be heard due to significant increase in those crossing the boader from the US... must be all the trump haters lol!


www.theguardian.com/world...nt-migrant-asylum-seekers
- IonSabres

Seems that we differ on some of the fine points of what constitutes illegal entry and who can or can not apply for asylum but we actually agree on the contributions of both nations regarding proper, legal migration as well as recognizing the short comings.

It is nice that we can discuss this in a civil and respectful manner using facts. Sadly this is something politicians on both sides of our shared border have proven incapable of.

Have a great weekend.

That isnt the problem. I understand that you cant just waltz into a country and say Im living here now however do you not see a problem with the fact that you are sending people to federal prisons, separating them from their children just because they are scared and trying to flee a country run by cartel's a drug lords? The people are scared.

There was a similar instance in Canada where Trudeau brought over all these Syrian refugees. I dont necessarily disagree with that as we should want to help them however Trudeau went and gave them all citizenship and bypassed the process of obtaining them in order to do that which isnt right. That upset a lot of people who are legally trying to obtain a citizenship in Canada. The Refugees should have only been brought here until the war in Syria with ISIS is over and then send them back. Now we have a bunch of foreign citizens that arent fluent in our language and collecting welfare which was already being severely abused.

Something has to be done but imprisoning them and separating them from their families is not the right way to handle it. Not to mention that no one has any idea where these kids are anymore....
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Great post although it wasn't just ISIS murdering civilians in Syria. Another complicated discussion for another time perhaps.

Enjoy your weekend.

Seems that we differ on some of the fine points of what constitutes illegal entry and who can or can not apply for asylum but we actually agree on the contributions of both nations regarding proper, legal migration as well as recognizing the short comings.

It is nice that we can discuss this in a civil and respectful manner using facts. Sadly this is something politicians on both sides of our shared border have proven incapable of.

Have a great weekend.
- BlueBallz

Agreed, however there really is no differing on the legal definition of asylum, i researched the actual asylum qualification and process ..it is in fact correct.

Yours is an opinion of what should be done.
That is Fine, no worries and yes we differ there.

You too gave a greatvweekend!

What was this? I do not remember. I made predictions for last season and I cant even recall what most of them where. I'll forget this entire thread in a couple days.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

not you

(Unless Blueballs was talking about you?)

I was talking about Glak.

not you

(Unless Blueballs was talking about you?)

I was talking about Glak.
- Aetherial

I gave a point blank response to your question AGAIN about what I consider a contender...how many did your team check off?

not you

(Unless Blueballs was talking about you?)

I was talking about Glak.
- Aetherial

I (frank)ed up earlier. Please disregard with my apologies to all concerned.

I gave a point blank response to your question AGAIN about what I consider a contender...how many did your team check off?
- Glak18

I wasn't part of the earlier discussion, partly because of how quickly it devolved into childish name calling, but if I may I'd like to answer your question.

The 3 points you outlined as your criteria for a contender are very restrictive but not unfairly so. If they weren't it would be as you said earlier on in that half the fan bases could claim their team is a contender.

So, with regards to the Leafs they only meet the last point and not the first two.

However, using these same criteria we must eliminate the Jets (lack of consistent playoff success) and Vegas simply by virtue of the fact that they have only had one season and therefor have not yet had the chance to show consistency.

I wasn't part of the earlier discussion, partly because of how quickly it devolved into childish name calling, but if I may I'd like to answer your question.

The 3 points you outlined as your criteria for a contender are very restrictive but not unfairly so. If they weren't it would be as you said earlier on in that half the fan bases could claim their team is a contender.

So, with regards to the Leafs they only meet the last point and not the first two.

However, using these same criteria we must eliminate the Jets (lack of consistent playoff success) and Vegas simply by virtue of the fact that they have only had one season and therefor have not yet had the chance to show consistency.
- BlueBallz

I would agree on all points you made. Being referred to as a summer time contender isn't the be-all end-all situation, every team still has to play the season.

Thank you for your ability to be able to communicate and intelligent response.