TropicalFruitGirl26

Yikes.....talk about grasping for straws....do the Isles REALLY feel Boyle will sign with them? I realize last season may not have been Boyle's best, but honestly, if he intends to keep on playing, I would think some place other than Long Island, who still have a long rebuild ahead would suit him in his final days as an NHL player......that is, if Boyle COULD sign on and have another team take a chance on him for a year or two. Thing is, if Boyle really is 'washed up', then even if the Isles do sign him, what good does he do them?? I know giving up a 4th/5th round pick for a CHANCE to sign Boyle isn't giving up a ton, but still, it's still only a chance, and hope Boyle has anything left to give...and that he would want to give it with the Isles, and second, those 4th-5th round picks can often turn into a very good bottom six (sometimes top six player) out of nowhere. I just don't see the sense this makes from the Isles standpoint. Sharks? Well, obviously they had no intention of re-signing Boyle, they will retool their defense (among other things), and they will get that later pick to add on to the team at some point. Nothing lost by San Jose, and really, not a ton lost by the Isles, yet, it is another head scratching move for New York.

That is pretty damned good, @Poulin20 . What's next? If Regis becomes GM of the Pens, are we looking at a game of Wac-A-Pierre? That's it kiddies...just wait till that little shiny headed general manager sticks his head out and let'm have it!

Oh, and I didn't mention it in my previous post, but on ADDING more teams to the playoff mix, definitely not. It is only just in recent seasons that the NHL can get 8 legitimate playoff teams in each Conference whereas for many years, it seems there were some lower seeded teams that really had no business being in the post season. The long standing jokes from those outside of the NHL fanbase of "everyone in the NHL gets into the playoffs" no longer hold true, and for that I am glad. No reason to add more teams to the mix to dilute the playoff formula once again. Play-in games are indeed gimmicky and pointless really, as the regular season should be enough to determine who gets to play past game 82. As for extending the season and/or playoffs, again, no. As was pointed out already, hockey season IS long and grueling enough. Now, if the NHL wants to eliminate a few pre season games and have the overall NHL year start and end a bit sooner OR use those eliminated games to add a few extra regular season games, while having the NHL season end right about where it is now, then I can be on board with those things. But lengthening the season and playoffs to go past mid June and into July possibly? Errrr, no thanks. Some better overall scheduling really can take care of a few problems though...get a handle on that NHL!

Didn't read every single part of this thread...some parts, frankly were a bit unreadable due to the derailment of the topic in some areas...but my thirty nine cents on changes to the new playoff format: NO! Leave things alone already! I will acknowledge that the NHL has a bunch of things that could use revision and fixing, and it did take me a while to warm up to the new format, but looking back, I would have to say the new re-alignment and the new format (well, new old format, as this was done before) has worked out pretty well and its intention of intensifying division rivalries is well on its way. No need for the NHL to go monkey with the recipe on playoffs so soon after implementing it. As many have stated, it's no way to keep certain fan sects if the rules/formats/etc are going to be changed more often than some people change underwear (yikes...just gave myself a very nasty visual just now ) ! Anyways, the NHL is closing in on a very successful playoff season under the new format and honestly, even though I did like the previous 1-8 conference format, I think the current 'play out of your division' format has the potential to really create some matchups where teams are so fed up with seeing each other that some genuine rivalries will develop and not the hackneyed manufactured rivalries the NHL and media has sometimes been guilty of trying to create. I know evolution is part of any sport and the NHL is no different, but evolution implies subtle changes as time goes on, not sudden drastic changes on a seasonal basis, and I think the NHL should just leave the playoff format alone for the next decade or so (at least) and focus their attention on other areas that need some serious overhaul (ahem....rewarding losing teams with precious standings points and the shootout to determine who was the 'better' team, for starters).

This next post is for @Vanflyer : Yes, Dustin Tokarski was traded to the Habs for journeyman goaltender Cedric Desjardins. At the time, that trade was a real head scratcher for Bolts fans, including myself. I had heard all sorts of stories from all sorts of sources regarding that all over the internet: Some claimed Tokarski had a 'bad attitude' while playing in the AHL....others said Tokarski had peaked and he would not be any more than what he was (i.e. a great minor league goalie, but a marginal NHL one).....and still others said the plans were already in place to bring in several other goaltenders (starting with Lindback, ending with Bishop...but with Gudlevski in the pipeline as well) and that Tokarski simply wouldn't get the proper looks to be successful at the NHL level. I tend to believe that last one. Goaltending, as many know, was a HUGE issue for the Lightning, and Steve Yzerman made it a point to bring in as many viable options as possible to see who would emerge as the guy they could go to. Turns out, Ben Bishop was that guy. Also, it seems Tampa Bay had decided that, in goal, "bigger IS better" as when you look at the size of the main goalies the Bolts were looking at (Bishop 6'7, Lindback 6'6, and even Gudlevski at 6'4), Dustin Tokarski, at 5'11, probably looked like a guppy by comparison. Granted, size isn't everything as the skill set is obviously still necessary, but seems the Bolts, as long as they felt those big guys had good to decent skill sets compared to a smaller goaltender, that they should go with a larger netminder to go along with their larger-than-average defensemen. Enter Montreal who really needed not only a guy to backstop Hamilton in the AHL but a guy who could be a very reliable backup and possibly REPLACE Carey Price eventually. Basically, the Bolts traded away Tokarski for almost nothing (no offense to Desjardins, but frankly, the Bolts had NO INTENTION of having him as a regular on the big club), and figured Desjardins was just good enough to backstop their AHL affiliate and at least be an experienced option to call up should the Bolts have severe injury issues in goal at the NHL level...which actuallly they did, and Desjardins did see some games with the Lightning. I remember, outside of the Tampa fanbase, not much was made of this trade. I remember trying to discuss this with fans outside the Bolts fanbase and most were like "Who? What? Big deal...minor league swaps". Well, if this playoff was any indication, Dustin Tokarski COULD make this trade a big deal. Did the Bolts screw up by not keep Tokarski? Can't really say that because, like I said, I believe the Bolts were dead set on a certain type of goalie and Tokarski apparently didn't fit that mold. And Ben Bishop has made it clear that it is now his starting job to lose moving forward, while the Bolts still have reasonable to good options further down the line as well. If we want to call this a "win" for Montreal on the trade front, I could go with that...however, it was something where I believe TB felt "if Tokarski turns into something good for the Habs, then great, but we like what we have". Yes, @Vanflyer , Tokarski HAS been a winner wherever he has played. Memorial Cup, Calder Cup, Gold at the Junior Worlds. Now, all he has to do is prove he has what it takes to get the hardest prize of them all...the Stanley Cup. And wouldn't it be something if the Bolts at some point in time run into a very good Montreal team in the playoffs, backstopped by, yup, Dustin Tokarski....THEN the issue can be settled whether the Lightning with Bishop or the Canadiens with Tokarski got the better of the fortunes since that 'obscure' minor league swap.....

You know, overall, I would have to say the Montreal Canadiens' 2013-14 season was a good one. They were a contender for the playoffs throughout the year, then fell off a bit, only to have some ppl write them off, then come back to make the post season, then sweep away a very good, but young and inexperienced Lightning team (just you wait next year, Habs! ), beat their arch rivals (and defending EC Champions) Boston Bruins on their way to the Eastern Finals. I bet if you would have told most Habs fans pre-season, that their team would be in the Eastern Finals and went through Boston to do it, they would have taken it! That said, this IS Montreal after all. And much like Toronto, a season is not really a success unless it ends with a Stanley Cup win. Well, obviously that isn't going to happen this year and all the Habs can do now as a group is see what went right, push that further, and retool in areas where they perhaps faltered....and believe it or not, overall team defense, at least in the playoffs was minimal...and that is an area I believe the Rangers were able to take advantage of. That is strange for me to say because historically, Montreal has been pretty sound without the puck and in dealing with opposing teams' rushes. They usually play a responsible brand of defense then use their team speed to take advantage of take aways and turnovers. I just felt the Habs weren't particularly good on defensive coverage during the playoffs. Not to beat this into the ground, but they DID get away with subpar defense against the Lightning, who were too naive to punish Montreal's poor defensive play, and they got away with it against Boston, who appeared to tired out and/or slow to take full advantage of it.....not so with the Rangers, who have been one of, if not THE most, opportunistic teams in these playoffs. Off season re-tooling of the defense? Perhaps....or just execute better. PK Subban, Josh Georges, and Alexei Emelin look to be staples on Montreal's defense for some time to come....the other three regular defensive spots need to be filled, perhaps with some more stay-at-home types (maybe Jared Tinordi plays a bigger role for the Habs next year?), and it will remain to be seen whether Andrei Markov is re-signed. In goal, well, they had Carey Price through most of the year and into the playoffs until the collision that took him out. And as many have mentioned, how Carey Price goes, so do the Canadiens. That said, Dustin Tokarski stepped in and did a pretty damned good job being thrust into the spotlight. Not saying Tokarski > Price, because really, Carey Price is still much more accomplished at the NHL level than Tokarski is, but Dustin did NOT play like he was a downgrade from Price in the overall scheme of things....again, had his defense played a bit better in front of him, perhaps the ECF series is still going on. If I am Peter Budaj, I am worried about my job, because if Tokarski has a great training camp and exhibition season this September, there should be no reason why he doesn't make the club as Price's backup for next season. There just isn't a whole lot more for Tokarski to accomplish at the minor league level, and Peter Budaj, while a reliable backup, is not going to be anymore than what he already is. Do the Canadiens make another deep run next season as well? That is tricky to answer. They certainly have some players in their primes and some young players who one would expect to get better with experience, but alot will hinge on what kinds of contracts and signings the Habs make in the off season which could determine their course for the next few seasons. UFA's and RFA's alike will require some decisions with some long term vision. I think the Habs need to start on smart signings and/or re-signings on defense, then work from there. They are in a division where teams like Ottawa and Toronto VASTLY underperformed, IMO, and I would think they would improve to varying degrees....others like Tampa Bay and Detroit will no doubt look to be playoff contenders again, Boston will be Boston once again (meaning always tough to play against..though age may be catching up with some of their players), then you have teams like Florida and Buffalo, who may struggle again, but with young players fighting to stay in lineups, could be problematic for a team like Montreal if they don't have their own affairs in order.

Have to go with the general consensus here on "good extension". And why not? the last two seasons under Richards, this Columbus team has improved by leaps n bounds. Sure, some better talent has found it's way on to the team, but it's more than just that. The team overall simply has an attitude that "Hey, we can play with and beat anybody on any given night". And that kind of attitude, one would think, has been helped along by a steady, hockey smart leadership behind the bench....and Coach Todd Richards has shown he has been that. Coaching stability. Something every good franchise needs, but unfortunately, is sometimes overlooked. Hard for a team, even with good players, to be successful when there is a carousel in management. Just ask Washington. And as the Caps hope to settle down and get better under Barry Trotz, the Jackets look to continue to improve on the course that Coach Richards has helped set.

Hehe. I LOVE these mic'd up inside looks. Of course, my real concern when it came to players knowing they'd be mic'd is that they would act unnaturally and say or do things "for the cameras and audio". But this seemed real genuine. Just goes to show, that most hockey players are only really mortal enemies ON the ice and perfectly fine (again, usually) with each other off the ice. Most of the "Player A hates Player B's guts" or "Player Z wants to KILL Player Y" stuff is for the fans and media. No doubt some players really don't like each other, but I suspect that is the exception rather than the norm. As for Bergeron and the officials, hey, THOSE are the sorts of things that, to me, make a really good on-ice captain. A guy who can talk to an official like that, sort of 'soft soap' the guy, if you will, and maybe next time around, get a call favorably for his team. I don't think anyone ever questioned a guy Patrice Bergeron's leadership skills and that little insight between he and the official is a pretty good example. Zdeno Chara may be the one wearing the'C', and not taking anything away from him, but it would not surprise me at all if the locker room looked more towards a guy like Bergeron as the team's REAL leader on and off the ice. Good stuff!

Thought I would **Bump** this thread. Would be interesting to hear other's opinions on what they find are the sharpest differences between the AHL and NHL levels.

Gonna have to agree with @radoran on this one, @Hockey Junkie . Under NO circumstances should a FO or coaching staff play to lose games. It honestly doesn't matter whether you have raw rookies or experienced vets....once the message is sent that losing is ok, that will permeate the team's culture and locker room with such a stench that it may take years or even decades, to clean away. Certainly finishing in a position to be able to claim a top player in any draft is desirable to a team in serious need of talent infusion, but at what cost? The integrity, self respect, and competitive edge of your current players? The loss of fan support and respect around the league, none of whom should ever, EVER support a 'tank job'? No, that simply isn't worth it. Plus, who is to say that even if Buffalo tanks, and they get the players they want in the draft that those players won't bust, suffer career shortening injuries, or be good, but then simply walk away the first chance they get because they can't stand being a part of an organization that accepts losing. Then what is Buffalo left with? A continuing losing culture where no good FA in their right mind would want to be a part of and one where would-be NHL'ers in any draft hopes they can avoid being drafted to. Best thing the Sabres can do is prepare and play next season as if they EXPECT to win the Stanley Cup. THAT is the only choice there. They certainly will struggle and lose games, especially being in a pretty tough Atlantic division, but at least that way, they do it honestly, keep their integrity intact, and then really CAN make good decisions regarding who really belongs there and who needs to be shipped out.

Oh, I am pretty sure many factors went into the hiring of McClellan. Since the ownership termed this a 'refresh' as opposed to a 'rebuild', I would think a guy like McClellan who is very familiar with not only the workings of the organization, but of the players that are already here, yet different enough in mindset, would be the perfect guy. And Trotz' experience and track record with the Predators was certainly more extensive than Adam Oates' just trying to find his coaching legs in the NHL. If the team were gonna do a complete rebuild as some fans suggested they might have to do, I am not sure if McClellan would have been kept on. Rebuild usually means clean slate and as you know, oftentimes, that means a cleaning out of the any and all of the former administration. With this approach, sure you get a brand new coach (very necessary it seems) but keep a guy in McClellan is different enough, yet familiar enough to know what needs to change and STAY competitive, and what needs to NOT be messed with. And everyone involved (ownership, FO, and on-ice coaching staff) will not get very many chances to get things right as the Metro division as a whole looks to be trending upwards. Any major screw ups in Washington and they could find themselves floundering in the cellar for a few seasons looking up at teams like that have made great strides towards being contenders, and bleeding fans left and right.

Here ya go guys...the official introductions of new GM and Head Coach to the media. From NHL.com http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=720816&navid=nhl:topheads They are not calling it a 'rebuild', but a 'refresh'. And also this from the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/wp/2014/05/26/capitals-name-brian-maclellan-general-manager-barry-trotz-coach/ In reading that, everyone seems to be saying the right things. The new GM made it a point to let everyone know that he won't be 'McPhee 2.0'...and it seems the owner Leonis was impressed with McClellan telling him straight up certain things that can be improved from the ownership standpoint. Huh? What's this? A guy with a set large enough to tell his boss HE could do a better job? Ok...sounds good so far... Also, from the sounds of it, Trotz realizes he can't turn the Captials into the Predators and win games 1-0 or 2-1 on a nightly basis, but DOES acknowledge the team needs to improve overall....being more 'well rounded' as he put it. Again, all sounds good in the media. Now it will remain to be seen what changes in personnel will need to be made and how much resistance there will be to certain play style tweaks.

Well, it has indeed come to pass. From NHL.com http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=720753&navid=nhl:topheads I was not aware that Barry Trotz was a minor league coach for the Washington organization before, and with the new coach comes a new GM and I would HAVE to think that a definite change in philosophy and way of going about business is at hand. Face it, with all the talent that has gone through that Capitals clubhouse the last several years and having one Alex Ovechkin in there the whole time, one would have thought Washington would have accomplished more than what they have. All this talk about "Ovie running the show", if true, will seem to come to a halt now. It may have been possible that a guy like Ovechkin, with his star status, was able to run one coach out of town (Boudreau), but to continue to do so? And now with a new bench boss who takes no crap from players and a new GM looking to shake up the status quo in DC? No chance now. Ovie will either need to adapt, or he will be gone. Whether forced out somehow, or he takes his puck and goes home to Russia and the KHL, either way, things will not be staying the same. Honestly, in all this mess, I think the former GM McPhee may have been the single biggest issue with the Caps lack of success the last few seasons. He was the one, after all, who signed the players the Caps ended up with, and again, if the Ovie stuff is true, he tolerated it....probably in the name of keeping the fans showing up at the arenas. Boudreau has since proven he does have what it takes to harness talent (Anaheim), Dale Hunter did pretty well during his short lived tenure as Washington's coach (proving you CAN get Ovie to listen if you are firm and compelling enough), and Adam Oates? Well, he learned some lessons the hard way about trying to be a "players's coach" before ever really establishing himself as the guy you need to really listen to. Hopefullly, Oates gets a shot somewhere else, perhaps a minor league gig, sharpen up his coaching skills, then takes another run at an NHL job. Now that McPhee is out, McClellen in, and Trotz in as well, there will be some hard decisions to make and some accountability put into place for those who think coasting through seasons is acceptable. Don't know much at all about McClellan as a GM, but Barry Trotz for SURE, cares more about putting out a competitive and winning team as opposed to just 'looking good' out there. Trotz' new division will feature the Pens, Rangers, Flyers, and Devils who ALWAYS care about winning above everything else, and also feature some possible up n coming teams such as Columbus and Carolina, so he knows he cannot afford to stand around and be compared to the likes of the Islanders within the division. And if that means pissing off a star player or two in the name of winning, then so be it. Should be a very interesting series of events leading up to training camp 2014 and into the season starting in October.

Oddest thing I find about this would-be pairing is the philosophies. Barry Trotz, long time head coach of the Nashville Predators, is a defense-first coach and fostered that for almost 15 years with the Predators, never wavering from that philosophy from the time the Preds were an expansion team trying to survive in the NHL, to when they became legit playoff contenders with some big name stars on the roster. I don't see how he will suddenly change his philosophies going over to Washington. In fact, if you are the Caps ownership, I would think you KNOW this, and are thinking about hiring Trotz to change that very thing: the team philosophy. Along with that, expect big time changes to personnel, with the only players being able to stay around are those that will 'buy in'. And you can expect one of the first changes to be made to Washington, would be in goal. Trotz seems to believe in 'building from the goalie on out', and in that manner, build a solid foundation moving forward. Whether that means actually finding a new goaltender or trying to get more out of any current goalie (Holtby for instance...with a better defensive structure in front of him of course), remains to be seen. Also remaining to be seen is how Alex Ovechkin fits into all of this. I can see various scenarios being played out with Ovechkin. ---He can be traded for whatever the Caps can get for him......probably not likely due to his marketability and, let's face it, despite his deficient defensive play, STILL scores goals at a good rate...and he can be quite a hitter if motivated. ---He can be convinced to finally buy into a defense-first style, using team-defense forced turnovers on the opposition to then transition to scoring chances ---He can be allowed to be his usual self (more offense than defense...and with or without the captaincy) while the rest of the team moves towards a defensive style....meaning Trotz will tolerate one guy (Ovechkin) NOT playing defense while everyone else does, but banking that Ovechkin's offense will more than make up for it. Hey, don't laugh, that sort of thing has happened before where a team has an offense first guy on a defensive squad....NJ had done that for several years before, and a modern day example, could be Marion Gaborik playing on the Kings. Works so long as the offensive guys production outweighs any lapses in his defense AND the rest of the team, including the goalie, plays a solid, air tight defense. ---A final disastrous scenario, would be squabbling behind closed doors (or for all the world to see) between Ovechkin and Trotz, and that squabbling affecting the entire team, and leading to the Caps having an awful, awful season. Personally, I think Nashville made a mistake letting Trotz go. Yes, I know Nashville has been in a rut lately as far as contention, but to be fair, Pekka Rinne, whom the Preds had not really had healthy for them the last couple seasons, is a big part of that team. Also, losing a guy like Ryan Suter, which in turn seems to have affected Shea Weber's play (Suter's long time partner), certainly didn't help, with the team scrambling around trying to replace not only Suter's play, but his sizable minutes with other defensemen. Only reason I could see the Preds making a coaching change was to move in a different direction (i.e. become a more offense oriented team). Peter Laviolette may do that for them. Trotz no longer being an effective winning coach, hopefully, did not play a factor into that decision, as he is far from that. But Trotz in Washington could be an adventure. Coach has to know he will have his work cut out for him, and I have to think that Caps ownership understands he will demand certain things his way not only on the team now, but in the development pipelines, as Trotz also seems to be a believer in producing your own defensive players....something the Caps are currently WOEFUL at. Dale Hunter, another defensive oriented player/coach, did a pretty good job for the short time he was with the Caps as their head coach. For various reasons, he didn't stay on, but while there, guys like Alex Ovechkin seemed to buy in somewhat to what the coach was selling on the defensive side. Perhaps Barry Trotz can expand upon that? Or maybe Barry Trotz realizes even he may be in over his head on "Ovechkin's team". We will see.

You know, we all give Pierre McGuire all sorts of grief for all sorts of things (most of which is well earned), but honestly, one would think that if the Pens FO even CONSIDERED him for the job, they have to believe he really does know more about hockey than his goofy on-air persona would lead you to believe. Now.....THAT all said..... If Regis becoming GM of the Pens ever does come to pass and the Pens fall short of at LEAST an ECF appearance (hmm..win?), Pens fans may never hear the end of it from other fan bases....particularly on THIS site where Regis is so highly regarded... ^_^ . And don't EVEN get me started on what the backlash would be should the Pens (gasp!) MISS the playoffs with ol Captain Obvious running the show from the GM's box....yikes! Looking at it from that context, bringing in Pierre to be the Pens GM may rank right up there with other such outstanding ideas that worked out so well, such as former Bolts clown co-owners Len Barrie and Oren Koules bringing in Barry Melrose to coach the Lightning because "he knew how to motivate and make winners out of players" :wacko: Oh, and Mr. Melrose was fired not too far into the season................. Hey, I am no Pens fan by any stretch, but I would feel for the fanbase should Regis be the face of the FO. Any and ALL failures, no matter how small, would be magnified to the Nth degree by fans and the media.

And speaking of teams that need a goalie that can stand on their heads, I wonder if a team like Ottawa would consider trading Craig Anderson for some mid level prospects or draft picks (he has only one year left on his contract) and perhaps sign an available goaltender like Ryan Miller or a Jonas Hiller? Ottawa does have the cap room and they are a team that, quite frankly, I believe UNDER performed offensively last season. Defensively, Ottawa was never really considered elite, but at their best, could score with just about anybody. When you have guys like Bobby Ryan, Kyle Turris, Milan Michalek, Jason Spezza and defenseman like Erik Karlsson and Jared Cowen who are somewhat offensive oriented, you expect the team to score more than they did this past season. And much like a team like the Caps, the Sens would rely on a goalie that can withstand lots of SOG due to the way they play. Craig Anderson has been good in that regard for them, however, some inconsistencies in his game coupled with with his soon-to-expire contract and some nagging injuries could make the Sens re-consider their options in goal. Maybe a Jonas Hiller, Ryan Miller, or dare I say, an Ilya Bryzgalov be a fit in Ottawa? Nah...scratch Bryz...lol..as some on this site have pointed out, he thrives better on a team that is well structured defensively....Sens aren't that, I'm afraid.

Here is an article from NBC Sports' Pro Hockey Talk, dated from yesterday on possible destinations for Ryan Miller out of the open market: http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/19/five-options-for-ryan-miller-now-that-st-louis-isnt-one/ A bit interesting, if not overly stimulating read. The writer pretty much points out some of the more obvious and widespread speculations that have been going around (Miller to either SJ, Ana, or Vancouver for instance), while pointing some other landing spots that seem VERY unlikely (Pittsburgh and Minnesota for example). I said at this past year's trading deadline that I thought the Washington Capitals could be a landing spot for Miller. Sure, it doesn't play into the whole "wants to play closer to his wife" scenario, however, the Caps DO need a backstop, and that backstop needs to be able to withstand lots of incoming shots and stand on his head nightly, as the Caps don't play much in the way of defense. A motivated Miller COULD do those things and I suspect, even with the Caps' overall problems, as long as Alex Ovechkin is on the roster making the kind of money he is and attracting attention league wide like he does every year, that the Caps will continue to find ways to keep the team competitive. Not sure if they can achieve true Stanley Cup contender status doing things the way they have the last few years, but the thinking there seems to be "win now", and having Miller as their goalie could go a long way for a team that, despite their lack of defensive smarts, still find ways to score goals. Miller was so accustomed to a Buffalo team that lacked offensive talent once guys like Vanek, Briere, and Pominville left that he may very well welcome a team that not only would hand him the crown to the goalie throne immediately, but can provide some goal support for him even when he does have off nights. And notice I said a "motivated" Miller. I say that because, while I never followed Buffalo Sabres games on a nightly basis, I did see enough of them over the last couple seasons to see that if the team plays uninspired hockey in front of him, he seems to 'fall asleep' in goal or at the very least, play like he isn't all that interested in the game. With Washington usually being a good scoring team, yet giving up tons of SOG, it may suit him just fine to know that not only will the team score, but he will see enough action in net so as to not get bored. My opinion on all that anyways. I really hope that the article writer's "Minnesota" as a landing spot doesn't come to pass. Why? Well, while I do think many teams could benefit from the former Sabre's services, I'd still like to see Darcy Kuemper given the starter's job right from day 1 in St. Paul. He has proven that he has made enough strides as a pro that he should be considered for the starter's role, even over a guy like Nik Backstrom, before the team thinks about bringing in an expensive FA goaltender. The only thing really that has derailed Kuemper this past season were the concussion issues. Granted, those ARE big deals, but unless doctors say he can never play again, I don't see why a young promising goalie like Kuemper can't be considered a valid option.

@yave1964 re: Brodeur in Winnipeg Honestly, if Brodeur agrees to go there, I would say he probably has taken one too many pucks to the face mask. The Jets may very well need to upgrade from Pavelec, and I am sure they would LOVE Brodeur there, but from Marty's standpoint: WHY would he do it? If he wants to continue to play somewhere, anywhere, and be the starter, then yea, ok, I can see that. But if he wants to go out on a winning note, and possibly having a real shot at making the post season and competing for a Cup, then NO, NO, NO he doesn't end up there. Jets have a myriad of issues they need to address all over the ice before they can be taken seriously as a playoff team, much less a SC Contender....that coupled with the fact the Jets would be in arguably the toughest division in the NHL next season (Blues, Hawks, Avs, Wild, Stars, Preds), plus Brodeur's age, well, that doesn't bode well for him going out 'on a high note'. Personally, I would rather see Brodeur retire instead of even being a backup for his own NJ Devils. The man has NOTHING left to prove, has done everything a goalie could want to do at the NHL level (Cups, ASG, Vezinas), and has set goalie records. He can go out with his head high NOW. His HOF induction is all but assured. No need for him to let fans remember him as a 'hanger-on'. I know that is all easier said than done...seems great athletes often don't know when to call it a career, and the fire may very well still burn in him to compete. But if he does want to keep playing, I would think someplace other than Winnipeg would suit him. Call me nuts, but I would actually say he would be better off somewhere like Edmonton before Winnipeg.....The Oilers are due to figure out team defense....errr, aren't they?? I do agree though, overall in the NHL, that the goalie market will get very interesting.

Twitter feeds seem to suggest former Tampa Bay Lightning farmhand Dustin Tokarski may get the start instead of Peter Budaj. And if Tokarski starts, and the shows in any way, bits of why the Bolts once looked at him as their future goaltender, then the Habs may be more competitive than ppl think. Budaj is a known quantity at the NHL level (serviceable, yet unspectacular...most likely NOT up to bailing out the Habs like Price has done in previous rounds when they give up monstrous scoring chances to the opposition), while Tokarski, is the unknown quantity, but has showcased he can be a top level goalie at the AHL level (he was on the Calder winning team in Norfolk two seasons ago), AND he did play some goal at the NHL level for the Lightning at a time when the Bolts defense was pretty much non existent. Not saying Tokarski = Canadiens' problems solved, but if the Habs are even seriously considering this, it is telling on the confidence they have in Budaj to help beat the Rangers, AND the possibility that Tokarski can match the kind of play that had people looking at him as a future NHL regular goaltender. Obviously, if you have Carey Price, you go with him, but since they don't, I think I would go Tokarski over Budaj. Habs may end up flopping the rest of the series anyway, but I'd rather do it with a better than average chance (Tokarski) than a likely NO chance in Budaj minding the net.

Hmm...emotional and physical letdown after disposing of arch rival Boston for the Habs? Could be..... Rangers clearly had the extra jump, clearly dictated on almost every facet of the game...in fact, I mentioned to some on here how the Rangers looked like the damned Harlem Globetrotters at times against Montreal's hapless defense and goaltending! Tic tac toe, score......pass, fake, pass shoot score....skate, rush, pass, score...you get the idea... all while the Canadiens' defense looked like a bunch of fans going "oooo, ahhh" in wonderment at the Rangers handling of the puck in their zone. Ridiculous (as in beyond stupid) penalties taken and turnovers certainly didn't help the Habs' cases either. I gotta believe that after that horrendous start to the ECF, Montreal simply has to throw that one in the trash can, forget it ever happened, and start Game 2 as if they are rested, ready to go and are going for a 1-0 series lead. That's the mentality to have after being thoroughly embarrassed like they were in that Game 1 that won't matter.....err, unless of course they lose the series by a game, then they can ALL lament Game 1 together on the golf course... Seriously though, Habs WILL come out better in Game 2. They have to. Hard to believe that the same team who swept away a very good (albeit inexperienced, green and without Bishop) Lightning team, beat the defending Eastern Conference champions, AND caused Milan Lucic to have a complete breast re-alignment, is the same team that looked like a HS hockey squad compared to the Rangers in this particular games. The Rangers have proven themselves to be pretty good, pretty resilient, and pretty resourceful, but the Rangers are NOT that much above the Canadiens (if at all) that one should take that 7-2 score and go, "Oh yea, not surprising NY did that". That all said, I've said it before in prior series, the Canadiens have had a habit of leaving golden opportunities for the other teams in the form of massive defensive gaffes, piss poor coverage, or flat out handing the puck over to the opposition. The Lightning couldn't get their stage fright in check to take advantage of it, the Bruins were a bit slow to take advantage of it, but the Rangers, well, they look every bit the part of the team that can and WILL take advantage of Montreal's gi-normous lapses if they persist on doing that. If there was ever an opportunistic team in these playoffs, the NYR are proving to be just that. As for NY, they better not kid themselves into thinking the rest of the series will go anything close to how Game 1 went. But you know, like him or not, I don't think Alain Vigneault will let his team get complacent. They need look no further than the last 10 min of Game 1 to make a point of how 'letting up' can be a dangerous thing. NY seemed to have the 'right' names show up on the production sheet: Richards, Nash, St. Louis, Krieder, Stepan for example. If the Blueshirts can get those guys playing like they are supposed to consistently, and Montreal continues the defensive brain fart lapses, the Habs could find themselves on the losing end of the handshake line sooner than later....with Milan Lucic enjoying the spectacle...

@ruxpin Sorry, couldn't disagree more. Obviously, it's your prerogative to feel that way about it and that is fine. As you pointed out, there are others who probably feel the same way to varying degrees, but personally, I like the tradition. It falls right in line with who hockey players are. IMO, they are quite unique amongst team sports players. Think about it. In what other sport can guys abuse the hell out of each other like they do in hockey, then go have dinner with each other's families? I am talking about enforcers who routinely go after each other in games, yet OFF the ice, can many times be found sharing drinks and visiting each other's households on holidays. Guys who are great friends off the ice playing for the same or different teams, yet ON the ice, mortal enemies if they are wearing opposite sweaters. Like I said, unique. Same thing with the end-of-series handshakes. Unique. Shows class, despite the barbaric nature of what goes on sometimes on that ice surface. I think it is something that should stay...no FORCING any player to do it....and something that really does stand out as something different and/or special, depending on one's point of view. Some, such as yourself may not care for it and I respect your right to feel that way about it, but it is my right to believe that opinion is in the minority, and that is where it will stay. Dumber than the shoot out? Ummm, not even close. Dumber than naming a division "Metro" and the relocating the name Atlantic to a division where all but one actually sits anywhere NEAR the Atlantic (except perhaps Montreal, as they can probably sail up the River St. Laurence to GET to it... ). Dumber than rewarding teams with standings points despite losing games, then calling said team who is 15-13-10 an ABOVE .500 team? (Sorry, but that team is 15-23 no matter how you slice it, 8 games below .500 for the mathematically challenged....they LOST 23 times while winning only 15, bottom line) Dumber than talking about removing fighting, which in turn would allow rat players to run rampant, THEN the league can lament the problem of containing dirty players that do what they do with no fear of retribution? Dumber than having Gary 'Garden Gnome' Bettman running the entire show for as long as he has despite the work stoppages and loss of fans? Sorry, got on a tangent there, but I think you get the idea: The 'Handshake' has a LONG way to go before it can claim the title of dumbest thing ever... As for Lucic, even well before this whole handshake thing, he was a bullying buffoon. And as is typical of bullies,when the tables are turned on him, he acts indignant...as if "how dare that guy mock me" or "how dare that guy check me into the boards like he did". Milan Lucic CAN behave in whatever manner he likes. That is HIS prerogative, but he and players like him need to understand, just like anything else in life, that if you are gonna behave a certain way, ppl will view and treat you a certain way....and when someone can turn the tables on you, there will be more people enjoying it rather than sympathizing with you for it. I fully understand the whole concept of competition and how heated it can get. I can be pretty competitive myself when it comes down to it. I've never actually played hockey, but in my teens and early 20's was involved in quite a few Tae Kwon Do local touraments, and man, did I hate losing. In fact, sometimes, I swore the other girl I was sparring was taking short cuts by taking cheap shots whenever the ref tried to break a clinch, or took an extra swipe if we tumbled then had to untangle ourselves back to our feet. And then, when I LOST to that person, it pissed me off to no end they not only did so, but did so using some nefarious means. Bottom line though, I didn't win. At the end, I had the choice to either bow and shake their hand or not to. I opted to do so because it was MY way to let it go. It would have been very classless of me to bother with the handshake, bow, then say something stupid to the other person, regardless of what I thought their methods were. Milan Lucic. Classic bully. He was out bullied, out smarted, out played, hell, out TROLLED by Wiese, Emelin, and whomever else he wants to claim 'did him wrong'. If it were him on the winning end, running goaltenders, boarding players, taking extra punches at guys while the refs were trying to get between them, he probaby would have seen it as just "competitive, hard hockey, and that the other player/team just needs to grow up and deal with it'. You know, he may have a point: Deal with it Lucic. Don't like how Wiese, Emelin, et al went about their business...then just head right for the locker room and go beat up on some tough water coolers. You want to send messages? Wait till next season's exhibition schedule or regular season, then show them on the ice how you felt bout last year. But keep the bully kiddie nonsense OUT of the line where grown mature men are congratulating each other after a tooth n nail struggle to continue their season. Oh and Rux, on your first line...nope, I don't hate you at all...in fact, I respect you speaking your mind on something that flies clearly in the face of what others may think. Wouldn't have you any other way.

Yea, not to pile on, but Lucic did behave like a sore loser. Especially when much of this seems to have stemmed from Lucic's showboating (chest thumping, making muscles) towards the Canadiens during the series....only to have the Habs mock Lucic when THEY scored. Seems that really stuck in Milan's craw along with I am sure, whatever else went on during the series (the extra hits, the regular playoff trash talking, poking at goalies, etc). But you know, this is pretty typical not only for Milan Lucic, but for Boston as a team, barring a few classy players: They can dish it out, think it's alright to bully their way through games and series, do whatever they want...but the minute the other team returns the favor, they act like someone stole something from their kids and are justified in ANYTHING and EVERYTHING they do thereafter. I realize hockey is an emotional sport and most guys leave everything out on that ice when all is said and done....but that is exactly why Lucic's actions are deplorable. You are supposed to leave it on the ice. When it's over, it's over. Done. Finito. Hecho. And in truly one of the NHL's (and sports) finest customs, you congratulate the other team after beating the holy hell out of each other, knowing full well you both did whatever it took to try to win. If a player doesn't want to do that, like many have already said....stay out of the handshake line. THEN when asked about it, Lucic had the nerve to say that he didn't want to say what was said on the ice "because it belongs on the ice"...oh yea, go on the handshake line, act like a still frustrated ape and THAT is only between you and the other players....not like the media, fans, and everyone else watching on TV will notice, eh? Twit. Lucic and the Bruins CAN bank on this: If Lucic thinks that tirading at the end of series will make other teams think twice in the future about "upsetting him", he better think again. He may be a big, strong hulking fighter of a player, and may even intimidate SOME players in the NHL, but make no mistake....there will be teams and players that will use that very same thing to get into his head, provoke him, and use his own emotional impulses against him for future games and possible playoff series. As is usually the case, an emotional and out of control player is more often than not a LESS effective player when it comes down to it. Overall, just not very classy at all by Lucic...and if he has any sense about him, when he finally settles down, perhaps he can issue a short, yet sincere apology, not for being emotional and upset his team lost (I think everyone will grant him that), but for his actions AFTER the series was over. Just no excuse for it. And I would feel the same way if it were a favorite player of mine on MY team. Just give the other team their due for beating you and move on. That is hockey, that is the NHL.

Thank you, Sir! I mentioned in the Hawks-Wild playoff thread, i got lucky with these tickets...listening to a local radio station, I was the designated caller they were looking for (18), and they are telling me I won some VIP suite tickets for tonight! Like I said, only regret is, I can't watch what I am sure will be a very exciting Game 7 in Pittsburgh live.

Thanks, @MinnyNorthernLights , oh, and welcome to HF's fine hockey forum! I got lucky on this deal. I listen to cool 108 FM, they were doing this thing on the radio, I was the 18th caller, next thing I know, I am being told I won some VIP Suite tickets for two! Hoping some of my luck rubs off on Minnesota tonight as well. Yea, the prices are pretty insane without sitting in the rafters...though, I HAVE sat up there, and aside from everything looking smaller (I DO have mediocre eyesight anyways), there really isn't a bad seat in the house. I've been to quite a few Wild games since moving to the TC area (and some while I still lived in FLA, as I did visit in-laws during the winter before that), but NEVER have had the pleasure of being a VIP suite member....catered food, cushy chairs...hmm, do they do pedicures there too? lol Either way, sounds like fun. I may have 'next morning' regrets, as it will make for a late night for my two young boys, next day being a work n school day (they are being babysat at their grammas), but hey, it's a price I will pay to see the green n gold.