NHL 06-07 Thread

[ThrasherCub]

Quick Hockey Resources
NHL Radio on Windows Media Player (http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=Radio)
Radio Schedule for SIRIUS Satellite Radio (http://www.sirius.com/servlet/ContentServer?league =NHL&pagename=Sirius%2FPa ge&c=FlexContent&cid=1065475754246&team=all)
Radio Schedule for XM Radio (http://www.xmradio.com/schedule/sport/get_hockey_schedule. jsp)
NHL Wireless (http://www.airborne-e.com/website/NHLWireless/mobile.php)

I know it's more than three weeks into the season but I've been busy with moving and other (unpleasant) things.

For those who haven't gone past watching and now outright stalk the season, here are the current standings as of 7:54 PM EDT, 10-28-2006.

In the Atlantic division we have New Jersey leading with 11 points for their 10 games played, though just squeaking by with only one more win than loss and an overtime.
Next up is Pittsburgh with 10 points for their 8 games played, they've won 5 games total, two of which were their away games.
The Rangers and Islanders are tied with 8 points each, Rangers coming out on top with 4 wins 5 loses while the Islanders have 3 wins, 4 loses and 2 overtimes.
Last we have Philadelphia with only 5 points to speak of in 9 games, having won only 2 of them. A poor start for the Flyers, they have an astounding six loses, one third of their games played, one over time and their goals against are just one shy of being twice the number of goals for at 35 and 18 respectively.

In the Northeast Division we'll start of with the Buffalo Sabres which have been having a great season so far, having won all 10 of their games with an average of 2 points each. Their goals for are, at 49, more than twice their goals against. Six of their victories were away games, one of which has the honor of being the first game of the season in which they defeated the Hurricanes 3-2 in a shoot out.
Next up is Montreal who are also doing quite well but are standing in the huge shadow cast by the Sabres. Of their 9 games they've scored 12 points and earned 5 wins, 2 over times, and 2 loses.
Toronto follows up with 11 points for 11 games, but unfortunately have 4 wins, 4 loses and 3 ties, coming out of the gate with a poor show for such a team.
Ottawa comes in next with a very average show, 10 points for 9 games, 5 wins and 4 loses, all 4 of which were home games, a real disappointment for the fans.
Last in the NE Conference is Boston having the fewest points of any team in the league with a mere 5 for their 8 games. With 5 loses compared to their OT and two wins it looks like a bad season for the 5-time Stanley Cup winners.

Heading up the Southeast Conference is Atlanta, off to a great start with 7 wins to their 1 loss and 3 overtimes. With 17 points for their 11 games played, it looks like a good season for one of NHL's younger teams.
Florida comes up next with only 11 points for their 12 games, with 6 loses for their 5 wins.
Tampa Bay, Washington, and Carolina all have 10 points with Tampa Bay coming out on top with 5 wins out of their 9 games and are tied with Ottawa for third fewest goals against. Washington is a link behind with 3 wins, 3 loses and an amazing 4 ties, though they only have one more goal against than for. Bringing up the rear are the Hurricanes with 11 games, 4 of which they won, 2 they tied, and 5 they lost.

In the Central Division we have both Nashville and Detroit showing 11 points for 9 and 10 games respectively. Both have 5 wins, 1 overtime, but Nashville one-ups the Red Wings with only 3 loses to Detroit's 4.
St. Louis and Chicago are tied with 8 points. St. Louis has 3 wins, 3 loses, and 2 overtimes, a disappointment to fans of the musical team. The Blackhawks aren't in much better shape having won 4 of their games and lost the other 5, 3 of these loses being home games.
Coming in last in the division is Columbus with 7 points for 8 games, 3 wins, 1 overtime, and 4 loses, showing the third lowest number of goals for at 19.

Kicking off the Northwest Division is Minnesota with a great start at 18 points having won all but 1 of their 10 games. All 7 home games were wins, pleasing fans of the 6 year Wild.
Vancouver comes in with 15 points for 12 games, winning 7, finishing 1 in over time, and losing only 4 games.
Edmonton is close behind with 12 for 10, winning 6 games.
Colorado brings in 10 for 10, having both won and lost 4 games.
Calgary squeaks in last for the Division with 7 points for 8 games played, having won 3 games, lost 4 and finished the final game in overtime.

And in the Pacific Division we have Once laughable Anaheim leading with 17 for 10, having no loses, 7 wins and 3 overtimes, the Ducks proving to be a formidable team.
Close behind is Dallas with 16 points for 10 games played, having won 8 of their games.
My San Jose Sharks come in with 14 for 11 with 7 wins for their 4 loses.
Los Angeles having 8 points for 12 games, having lost 7 of their games, winning 3 and leaving the other 2 in overtime.
Last but not least (almost least, but not quite) is Phoenix with a disappointing 6 points for 11 games, 8 of which they lost. The Coyotes, by the way, are coached by legendary Wayne Gretzky.

[ThrasherCub]

Wins, Loses, Overtimes and Points Scored as of...
3:36 AM EDT, 10-30-2006
(Organized by name)
Team..........W..L.. OT..PTS
Anaheim.......8..0.. .3...19
Atlanta.......8..1.. .3...19
Boston........3..5.. .1....7
Buffalo......10..0.. .1...21
Calgary.......3..5.. .1....7
Carolina......5..5.. .2...12
Chicago.......4..6.. .0....8
Colorado......4..4.. .2...10
Columbus......3..5.. .1....7
Dallas........9..2.. .0...18
Detroit.......6..4.. .1...13
Edmonton......7..4.. .0...14
Florida.......5..6.. .2...12
Los Angeles...3..8...2.. ..8
Minnesota.....9..1.. .0...18
Montreal......5..2.. .3...13
Nashville.....6..3.. .1...13
New Jersey....6..4...1.. .13
NY Islanders..4..4...2. ..10
NY Rangers....5..5...0. ..10
Ottawa........5..5.. .0...10
Philadelphia..2..7.. .1....5
Phoenix.......3..9.. .0....6
Pittsburgh....6..3.. .0...12
San Jose......7..4...0.. .14
St. Louis.....3..4...2.. ..8
Tampa Bay.....5..5...0...1 0
Toronto.......5..4.. .3...13
Vancouver.....7..4.. .1...15
Washington....3..3.. .4...10

(Organized by division standings)
Team..........W..L.. OT..PTS
==========Atlantic== =======
New Jersey....6..4...1.. .13
Pittsburgh....6..3.. .0...12
NY Rangers....5..5...0. ..10
NY Islanders..4..4...2. ..10
Philadelphia..2..7.. .1....5
=========Northeast== =======
Buffalo......10..0.. .1...21
Montreal......5..2.. .3...13
Toronto.......5..4.. .3...13
Ottawa........5..5.. .0...10
Boston........3..5.. .1....7
=========Southeast== =======
Atlanta.......8..1.. .3...19
Carolina......5..5.. .2...12
Florida.......5..6.. .2...12
Tampa Bay.....5..5...0...1 0
Washington....3..3.. .4...10
==========Central=== =======
Nashville.....6..3.. .1...13
Detroit.......6..4.. .1...13
St. Louis.....3..4...2.. ..8
Chicago.......4..6.. .0....8
Columbus......3..5.. .1....7
=========Northwest== =======
Minnesota.....9..1.. .0...18
Vancouver.....7..4.. .1...15
Edmonton......7..4.. .0...14
Colorado......4..4.. .2...10
Calgary.......3..5.. .1....7
==========Pacific=== =======
Anaheim.......8..0.. .3...19
Dallas........9..2.. .0...18
San Jose......7..4...0.. .14
Los Angeles...3..8...2.. ..8
Phoenix.......3..9.. .0....6

this post will be updated to hold most recent standings

[West]

Thank you SO much for making an active thread in Sports. I have been all but praying that someone would make an NHL Thread.

I understand the basics of Hockey so I can try to encourage discussion here, but my knowledge is still rather limited.

[~Abu~ Riddler]

Wow. This is a Great thread!

-It would be also great if there be last seasons rankings to compare.
-Also everybody could post their guesses of rankings and the Cup winner etc.

Philadelphia has been maybe the biggest disappointment so far. Many expected more from them. Someone disagrees?
Calgary has also been little disappointing.

[ThrasherCub]

Short recaps on the games of the 28th, short largely because there were 13 of them.

Ottawa @ Boston
1-2
Main point this game was Zdeno Chara's brutal plays against his formor team, the Ottawa Senators. Chara not only scored the winning goal durring a power play with 4:25 on the clock, but was sent to the Penalty box along with Brian McGratton an Ottawa winger when the two threw down their gloves in front of the Ottawa goal durring the first period. Things were not looking good with a scoreless first period and Senators' Dany Heatly scoring at the end of the second period, but Bruins pulled through with P.J. Axelsson and Zdeno Chara for a one point lead, making this Boston's just second win in six games.
Stars were Tim Thomas (Goaltender, Boston), Zdeno Chara (Defenseman, Boston), and Dany Heatley (Left Wing, Ottawa).

Atlanta @ Buffalo
5-4 SO
Buffalo's first loss all season comes down to a shoot out when Vyacheslav Kozlov of the Atlanta Thrashers scored the only goal of the shootout. The loss was not only the first this season, but the first in the regular season since a 4-2 defeat to Philadelphia on April 7 - also ended their 15-game winning streak over two seasons, two short of the NHL record set in '93. This was also Buffalo's first game without Henrik Tallinder, who broke his arm in Thursday's game against the Islanders and will be out for as much as two months. This has been a breath of fresh air for once pushover team Atlanta Thrashers who with this win have come out on top eight out of their twelve games played, a big step up from last season in which it took ninteen games to register their eighth win.
Stars were Bobby Holik (Center, Atlanta), Jason Pominville (Right Wing, Buffalo), and Daniel Breire (Center, Buffalo).

Toronto @ Montréal
5-4 SO
Tomas Kaberle shot the Maple Leaves into an early lead with two goals and one assist in the first period and, 12:05 into the second period earned his first career hat trick who hadn't scored more than once in a single game since the '01-'02 season. Comming up from below the game was tied with 3:44 left in the game when Sergei Samsonov and Sheldon Souray of the Canadiens scored 2:32 appart. Tied four and four there was a seven round shoot out in which Toronto's Kyle Wellwood slipped one past David Aebischer of Montréal, lifting Toronto to a 5-4 victory. Stars were Sergei Samsonov (Left Wing, Montréal), Alex Kovalev (Right Wing, Montréal), and Tomas Kaberle (Defenseman, Toronto).

Florida @ NY Islanders
3-4 SO
Shawn Bates of the Islanders scored his first goal of the season and the first goal of the game at 5:55 into the first period. Just over two minutes later Nathan Horton tied the game on the Panther's first power-play. Both teams scored, keeping it tied with Alexei Yashin scoring for New York 12:15 into the first, and Joel Kwiatkowski 10:08 into the second. With 62 seconds left in the period Jason Blake takes advantage of a power-play and bounces the Islanders ahead. Jay Bouwmeester tied the game with 3:29 in regulation time with the puck bounced to him off a teammate's puck and shot it past NY goalie Rick DiPietro. Andy Hilbert of the New York Islanders who hadn't registered a single point in the eight games he's played this season beat goaltender Eddie Belfour in the 10th round of the shootout, placing New York in a 4-3 victory over Florida. Stars were Andy Hilbert (Center, NY Islanders), Jason Blake (Left Wing, NY Islanders), and Rick Dipietro (Goalie, NY Islanders).

Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia
8-2
2:02 into the game Mike Knuble scored the first goal of the game and was the last goal the Flyers would have for a good portion of the game. Sidney Crosby had his first career hat trick, scoring once in the first period and twice in the second. Crosby, along with Evgeni Malkin, Mark Recchi, and Dominic Moore brought the Penguins earn a four-game winning streak, the longest they've had since March of '04. Not taking things well, the Flyers started swinging fists earning four penalties of the sort - Hatcher and Eager for fighting, Ruzicka for being an instigator, and Eager recieved a second penalty for misconduct. Stars were Sidney Crosby (Center, Pittsburgh), Evgeni Malkin (Center, Pittsburgh), and Maxime Talbot (Center, Pittsburgh).

Tampa Bay @ Carolina
4-6
Carolina Hurricanes set a franchise record with three scores in 43 seconds. On the first of these impressive goals, Staal took a pass along the boards from Justin Williams and beat Denis from the right faceoff circle on the power play to make it 1-1 8:23 into the period. On the next faceoff, Dan Boyle whiffed on a pass in the Tampa Bay end, sending the puck to Hurricane Craig Adams. Denis stopped Adams but Kevyn Adams pushed the rebound into the net just 9 seconds later. And finnaly with the Hurricanes charging into Lightning territory, Cole dropped a pass to Ray Whitney on the right side then had the puck returned at the left post for a goal at 9:06, breaking the previous record of 63 seconds set by the Hartford Whalers in 1987. Eric Staal scored for Carolina 5:14 into the second period, keeping the Lightning behind for the rest of the game. Stars were Eric Staal (Center, Carolina), Scott Walker (Right Wing, Carolina), and Rod Brind'Amour (Center, Carolina).

Columbus @ New Jersey
0-1
Martin Brodeur stopped 22 shots for his second straight shutout and 83rd shutout of his career, putting him in fourth place on the NHL list,one ahead of Hall of Famer Jacques Plante and just one shy of Glenn Hall for third place. This is definetely what the Devils needed, these two shutouts breaking a three game losing streak in which they gave up an amazing 15 goals. This was the Blue Jacket's fifth loss in six games and, interestingly, their first trip to the Continental Airlines Arena, since 2002. Stars were Zach Parise (Left Wing, New Jersey), Martine Brodeur (Goalie, New Jersey), and Travis Zajac (Center, New Jersey).

due to limits on post length, the review of the 28th's games will continue on a second post

[ThrasherCub]

oct. 28th cont.

Detroit @ St. Louis
3-2
Crossing sports boundaries, the first puck was dropped by Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa, hoping to inspire yet another team. Sadly if failed to spur the Blues on, having lost eight of the nine to the Red Wings during the past two seasons. Holmstrom scored the Red Wings' first goal of the game, scoring the 300th point of his career. His second goal of the game came from a deflection when Legace stopped the initial shot but Holmstrom hit the puck in for this third goal this season. Bill Guerin scored for the Blues in the second period and Radek Dvorak in the third, but it was all that could be mustered out of the grogy team which hadn't played in a week, giving a victory to the Red Wings. Stars were Tomas Holmstrom (Left Wing, Detroit), Dennis Wideman (Defensemen St. Louis), and Pavel Datsyuk (Center, Detroit).

Los Angeles @ Dallas
2-3

Jeff Halpern scored the winning goal with 3:44 left, that being his first goal of the season, extending the King's winless streak to five games - the longest slide for LA since the 11 game slide of the '03-'04 season. The Kings pulled Garon in the final minute and had a two-man advantage during the final 28.7 seconds after Sergei Zubov of the Stars was called for hooking. The Kings couldn't make good on the advantage though. Stars were Mike Smith (Goalie, Dallas), Philippe Bousher (Defenseman, Dallas), and Matthew Barnaby (Right Wing, Dallas).

Anaheim @ Chicago
3-0
The only NHL team without a regulation loss this season, The Mighty Ducks, spoon-fed the injury-depleted Blackhawks their four consecutive defeat and second shutout in a row. Twice the Blackhawks nearly scored, once when a shot slid past Bryzgalov but failed to cross the line, and a second time at 1:17 of the second period when it Seabrook sent a rebound past the goalie who managed to sweep it out of his glove before it crossed the line. Making fans wonder if the Blackhawks were even awake, they managed to only fired one shot during a 1:50 5-on-3 powerplay. The Ducks mannaged a simmilarly dissapointing stunt during their own 3-on-5, but redeemed themselves with a goal in the second and two in the third periods. Stars were Dustin Penner (Right Wing, Anaheim), Ilja Bryzgalov (Goalie, Anaheim), and Lasse Kukkonen (Defensemen, Chicago).

NY Rangers @ Phoenix
7-3
Coyotes took another hard fall as the Rangers stomped a four point diffence into Phoenix ice. The first goal of the game was scored by Coyote Matt Jones only 2:18 into the game. The Coyotes played great for the first ten minutes of the game who were then dominated by the Rangers for the remainder of the game. NY Ranger Jaromir Jagr reports that the team didn't feel much pressure at all, bringing in a flawless second period with four goals. Patrick Fischer and Fredrik Sjostrom both scored for the Coyotes in the third period, but were swallowed up when the Rangers themselves scored twice in the third period, rubbing in their four point lead. Stars were Jaromir Jagr (Right Wing, NY Rangers), Martin Straka (Left Wing, NY Rangers), and Jason Ward (Right Wing, NY Rangers).

Washington @ Edmonton
0-4
Oilers come home from a rough roud trip and take it out on the Capitals. A closeout with one goal in the first period and the other three in the final period, the last of which was an empty net goal by Marty Reasoner. Stars were Dwayne Roloson (Goalie, Edmonton), Ryan Smyth (Left Wing, Edmonton), and Joffrey Lupul (Right Wing, Edmonton).

Nashville @ Calgary
3-2
Off to a slow start with three losses, the young Predators are picking up speed and are now tied with the Red Wings for Central Division lead. The first two periods were all about the Predators, Jean-Pierre Dumont scoring in the first, and Jason Arnott in the second. Jarome Iginla scored twice in the third period, trying to keep the Flames alfoat, but Arnott comes up again and puts Nashville in the lead for a victory over Calgary. Stars were Jason Arnott (Center, Nashville), Jarome Iginla (Right Wing, Calgary), and Mikka Kiprusoff (Goalie, Calgary).

[ThrasherCub]

-It would be also great if there be last seasons rankings to compare.
Done!

Finnal standings of the '05-'06 season.
Team..........W..L.. OT..PTS
==========Atlantic== =======
New Jersey...46.27...9.. 101
Philadelphia.45.26.. 11..101
NY Rangers...44.26..12. .100
NY Islanders.36.40...6. ..78
Pittsburgh...22.46.. 14...58
=========Northeast== =======
Ottawa.......52.21.. .9..113
Buffalo......52.24.. .6..110
Montreal.....42.31.. .9...93
Toronto......41.33.. .8...90
Boston.......29.37.. 16...74
=========Southeast== =======
Carolina.....52.22.. .8..112
Tampa Bay....43.33...6...9 2
Atlanta......41.33.. .8...90
Florida......37.34.. 11...85
Washington...29.41.. 12...70
==========Central=== =======
Detroit......58.16.. .8..124
Nashville....49.25.. .8..106
Columbus.....35.43.. .4...74
Chicago......26.43.. 13...65
St. Louis....21.46..15.. .57
=========Northwest== =======
Calgary......46.25.. 11..103
Colorado.....43.30.. .9...95
Edmonton.....41.28.. 13...95
Vancouver....42.32.. .8...92
Minnesota....38.36.. .8...84
==========Pacific=== =======
Dallas.......53.23.. .6..112
San Jose.....44.27..11.. .99
Anaheim......43.27.. 12...98
Los Angeles..42.35...5.. .89
Phoenix......38.39.. .5...81

[ThrasherCub]

I too am quite dissapointed with the Flyers who, last season, were tied for first in their division and tied for sixth out of both conferences. This season they're putting along lossing 70% of their games thus far, having half the number of points as they have games played, and their GF-GA just blows. Last time I checked it was 20 Goals For and 43 Goals Against. At the end of last season it was 267 and 259. Their only victories this season were against the Rangers, who having lost half their games aren't impressing me this season either, and the Thrashers, who only started playing in the '99-'00 season.
And I'm pretty dissapointed with Calgary's show this season as well. They're last in the division and tied with Columbus for second worst in the entire conference. Last year they headed up their division, winning nearly twice as many games as they lost. Thus far they've lost nearly twice as many games as they've won! I must admit that I don't feel terribly bad though, since my very first Sharks game was against the Flames.

Speaking of Sharks...

My San Jose Sharks defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning last night 4 to 2 with Patrick Marleau scrring the winning shot 10:51 into the third period, and Mike Greier dumping in an empty-net goal with 1:21 left, adding insult to injury. Stars were Joe Thorton (Center, San Jose), Ryane Clowe (Left Wing, San Jose), and Evgeni Nabokov (Goalie, San Jose).
Also playing last night were the Wild and the Avalanche, and Minnesota didn't stand much of a chance. Pavol Demitra scored the only goal on behalf of Minnesota, with Tyler Arnason, Ian Laperriere, and Milan Hejduk pounding through to a 4-1 victory. Hejduk's second goal was the first power-play goal the Wild has given up on the road this season who with the NHL's top penalty-killing unit had shot down 17 dtraight power-play chances on the road. The finnal goal of the game, 17:11 into the third period was also Ian Laperriere's 100th goal. Stars were Milan Hejduk (Right Wing, Colorado), John-Michael Liles (Defenseman, Colorado), and Ian Laperriere (Right Wing, Colorado).

[ThrasherCub]

Tonight's games are...

Blackhawks vs. Flyers, neither team doing stellar this season, Blackhawks having four wins and the Flyers having two, the match-up seems relatively even with Chicago having a slight lead. The game will start at 7 PM eastern time and if you have TV channel Versus, you should be able to catch it.

Thrashers vs. Maple Leafs game will start just half an hour later, with Atlanta hoping to break their seven game losing streak. The young team is actually ahead of the Leafs in NHL standings and team leaders in Goals, Assists, and Points comming out on top of the Leafs' own leaders. Keep your eye on Right Wing Marian Hossa of the Thrashers. Home network will be SNET-O and the away network will be TS.

Ducks vs. Blues, Anaheim showing a great advantage over the poorly performing St. Louis Blues this season, with team leaders largely tied. It does not look good for the Blues who have lost three of four games ane gave up 14 goals in that time, allowing 3.33 goals per game this season. The Ducks have not been defeated in regulation this season and it doesn't look like tonight will offer up much change. The game starts at 9 eastern time with home coverage on FSMW and away coverage of PRIME.

Capitals vs. Flames should be a good game with a fairly even match up between the two. Calgary, which has lost four of its last five games last beat Washington in March of '99. The game starts at 9 eastern time with home broadcast on SNET-W, and away on CSN-W.

Rangers vs. Kings bring the night to a close with their game at 10:30 eastern time, with the Rangers having a distinct advantage in the team comparison, Kings really having no notable advantage other than their single shut out. Rangers have been having a good run lately and will try to continue their success in LA where they are unbeaten in their last three games. Home coverage is on FSW (HD) and away will be on MSG.

[~Abu~ Riddler]

Also no team has ever had so many injuries as Philadelphia had last year and still they did so well and now that they do not have injuries anymore they are losing. They should be strong in every aspect of the game and they are losing so many games. 8-2 against Pittsburg, so not even a small margin.

[ThrasherCub]

I know, jeezus. I was looking forward to the Flyers being able to skate rather than limp but they appear to have taken to crawling. I was picking through the player stats on both the NHL site and the Flyers site trying to figure out what is up with them.

Hopefully they're just in a bit of a funk they'll shake themselves out of. I hope they did well at tonight's game.