OFFICIAL 2010-2011 NHL THREAD season and predictions thread

[Rockindeano]

I stand corrected. This years All Star game could be awesome. Look at what the League is doing to select the players:

One thing HBO's "24/7" series with the Penguins and Capitals has taught us is that hockey players love to have fun.

NHL V.P. of Hockey and Business Development Brendan Shanahan believes the players taking part in NHL All-Star Weekend later this month will embrace the event with the same comedic edge, turning the three-night showcase into can't-miss entertainment.

"There is no intensity in that mustache boy shootout, but it really is entertaining," Shanahan, referring to the Penguins' monthly shootout competition we've seen documented on HBO, told NHL.com. "Let's stop trying to make an All-Star Game a real game and let's stop trying to compare it to a real game. If you enjoy watching the mustache boy shootout, you really could and should enjoy All-Star Weekend. They're still trying to score."

"You've got players picking teams and players shunning teams, and you want them to go out the next day and sort of feel like, 'Hey, I'm happy to be here, we're all here to have a good time -- but you punk, you didn't choose me and I want to beat you.'" -- Brendan Shanahan
Six of the 54 players that will be in Raleigh, N.C. from Jan. 28-30 have already been revealed through the final results of the 2011 NHL All-Star Fan Balloting presented by XM.

Thirty-six additional all-stars and 12 rookies will be selected to join Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, Marc-Andre Fleury, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Evgeni Malkin in the NHL All-Star Player Fantasy Draft powered by Cisco, the Honda NHL SuperSkills and the 2011 NHL All-Star Game presented by Discover.

The remaining participants will be unveiled on Jan. 11. The rookies, who will be broken up in two groups of six, will join the all-stars in the SuperSkills competition.

The 42 all-stars will decide amongst themselves which two players deserve the honor of being captains and which four will be alternate captains at All-Star Weekend. The lettermen will be unveiled in approximately two weeks.

The captains and alternates have the responsibility of choosing sides in the All-Star Fantasy Draft, which is scheduled for Jan. 28 and will be televised live on TSN and VERSUS from NHL Fan Fair at the Raleigh Convention Center.

2011 ALL-STAR GAME
Hawks' popularity revealed in ASG voting
Adam Kimelman - NHL.com Staff Writer
Fans really got behind the Chicago Blackhawks for the 2011 All-Star Game, voting nine players into the top 20 in fan balloting for their respective positions. READ MORE ›




RELATED STORIES:

All-Star Fantasy Draft pool to be announced Jan. 11
Sid tops list, named one of first six All-Stars
2011 NHL All-Star Fan Balloting final results

RELATED VIDEO:

WATCH: Top 6 All-Stars as voted by the fans
WATCH: Shanahan on the 2011 All-Star Game

WATCH: Toews and Keith make their All-Star #1 pick
2011 NHL ALL-STAR GAME ARCHIVE ›The team names will be taken from the last names of the two captains.

Every market will be represented at NHL All-Star Weekend, but not every team will be represented in the actual All-Star Game on Sunday night, Shanahan said. It's possible that some markets could be solely represented by rookies.

"I don't know if every player wants to be a GM, but every player considers themselves a good GM," Shanahan said with a laugh. "The GMs' workload is such that a lot of players wouldn't want to be a GM, but while you're playing, whether you're sitting on the back of the bus or sitting on the plane, you play GM constantly."

These captains/GMs will draft 18 all-stars per side to make up a team consisting of three goalies, six defensemen and 12 forwards. A coin toss will determine which captain gets to select first.

An interesting rule in the draft is each captain must select his three goalies by the 10th round and his six defensemen by Round 15. Shanahan said the rule was put in so the final picks of the draft wouldn't be pre-determined.

"Originally we had no guidelines until we started doing the mock drafts and realized that it was anti-climactic to come down to the last four or six players and there were three goalies and three defensemen, and I had already picked my goalies and you had already picked your defensemen," Shanahan said.

The draft will take a break at the end of the 15th round to allow the rookies to take over. Instead of being drafted they will get to select which team they want to join for the SuperSkills competition.

A coin toss will determine which rookie set gets to choose its side.

"It's to just turn it around a little bit on the all-stars and to throw a little bit of hot sauce on the event," Shanahan said. "You've got players picking teams and players shunning teams, and you want them to go out the next day and sort of feel like, 'Hey, I'm happy to be here, we're all here to have a good time -- but you punk, you didn't choose me and I want to beat you.' "

The SuperSkills competition will consist of six events, including the Bridgestone NHL Fastest Skater, the BlackBerry NHL Breakaway Challenge, the McDonald's NHL Accuracy Shooting, the XM NHL Hardest Shot, the Discover NHL Elimination Shootout and the G-Series NHL Challenge Relay.

The all-star goalies will participate in the SuperSkills competition, although they're not expected to steal the spotlight.

"We likened it to it being that the breakaway artists are like the Harlem Globetrotters and you're the Washington Generals, so play, compete, but don't outshine," Shanahan said. "It's definitely a tongue and cheek moment for the goalies to be a good sport. It's a show, and this is about having a little bit of fun. I've played with plenty of goalies that go into the net at the end of practice and act like paid comedians with some of the stuff they do. That's what it's about. It's not about embarrassing anybody or anything like that. It's about putting on a show for fans."

These teams, of course, need coaches. Two have already been determined.

By virtue of winning the Stanley Cup last June, Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville has earned the privilege to coach one of the teams. He's bringing his assistant, Mike Haviland, to be on the bench with him.

Their competition will be determined after all games are finished Saturday night.

The head coach of the team with the highest points percentage (points earned divided by total possible points) in each conference following Saturday night's games will be heading to Raleigh. The two men will serve as co-head coaches opposite Quenneville and Haviland.

If the deadline were Tuesday, the co-head coaches would be Philadelphia's Peter Laviolette and Vancouver's Alain Vigneault.

The coaches will be assigned a captain prior to the coin toss to determine order of selection in the Fantasy Draft.

"I've never played on a more competitive team than the Red Wings, and we were like children. If the coach or anybody asked us to do something and made it a contest, we'd go through a wall with a big smile on our face," Shanahan said. "These players are born to compete and have fun competing, and that's what this is about.

"When you get a look on the inside like '24/7' has done so well, the players love to clown around, love to be loose and have fun, and this isn't asking them to do anything outside of their comfort zone."

[Rockindeano]

You people have to see this video. Especially at the 26 second mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07MyBXjkZWE

The Puck splits in half!

[RedWingFan]

You people have to see this video. Especially at the 26 second mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07MyBXjkZWE

The Puck splits in half!

Wow. Somebody better tell them you're supposed to keep the pucks on ice...not store them in liquid nitrogen!!!

[StevePerryHair]

You people have to see this video. Especially at the 26 second mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07MyBXjkZWE

The Puck splits in half!

Too bad half didn't go in! It would have been fun to see them decide if it counted as a goal?

[RedWingFan]

You people have to see this video. Especially at the 26 second mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07MyBXjkZWE

The Puck splits in half!

Too bad half didn't go in! It would have been fun to see them decide if it counted as a goal?

The entire puck has to cross the line!

[StevePerryHair]

You people have to see this video. Especially at the 26 second mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07MyBXjkZWE

The Puck splits in half!

Too bad half didn't go in! It would have been fun to see them decide if it counted as a goal?

The entire puck has to cross the line!

Yeah, I know that's true when the puck is intact, so I guess technically a split puck would be the same. I can't imagine it's that easy to break a puck.

[Behshad]

Wow Wow Wow !



Did anyone here follow the Junior World Chamopionship?

Usually each year the Gold Medal winner is either US or Canada. So this year when they met at the semi finals, US was knocked out and had to face Sweden (who lost to Russia) for the bronze medal, which US won easily.

Canada being the favorites , played strong and were heading for the gold with a 3-0 lead after 2 periods. Thats when the young Russian showed how good they can be when they play as a TEAM. not only did the manage to tie it to 3-3 within 15 minutes, but they kept goin and finished the game with a 5-3 victory and a well deserved Gold medal! I just cant understand how Canada just collapsed during the 3rd period. Truly a Miracle On Ice !

[Saint John]

I sure did see it. It was very prevalent in the Buffalo area up here and I never tired of seeing the teary-eyed Canadians try and shrug the loss off. Suffering should be nothing new to Canadians, though. After all, they live in ... Canada! A wet, cold and dreary land with no true year-round warm spots like the U.S. and even Mexico. "Hey, Jim, let's go build igloos today! It's only -35 degrees!!!":lol:

What was better was the coaches from Russia coming on the ice sporting bottles of Crown Royal, bombed out of their minds. Hell, they wouldn't let the team leave Buffalo because they were too rowdy. The Captain refused to even let them on board.

[StevePerryHair]

Wow Wow Wow !



Did anyone here follow the Junior World Chamopionship?

Usually each year the Gold Medal winner is either US or Canada. So this year when they met at the semi finals, US was knocked out and had to face Sweden (who lost to Russia) for the bronze medal, which US won easily.

Canada being the favorites , played strong and were heading for the gold with a 3-0 lead after 2 periods. Thats when the young Russian showed how good they can be when they play as a TEAM. not only did the manage to tie it to 3-3 within 15 minutes, but they kept goin and finished the game with a 5-3 victory and a well deserved Gold medal! I just cant understand how Canada just collapsed during the 3rd period. Truly a Miracle On Ice !

Well I would follow these things. But I never know about them. Remember I live in Florida...where the only ice we hear about is the ice cubes in our drinks Sounds like an exciting game though!

[S2M]

Are you fucking kidding me?! 2-0 with 2 and change left, and now the game is tied! WTF Boston?!?!?!?!?!?

[Enigma869]

Are you fucking kidding me?! 2-0 with 2 and change left, and now the game is tied! WTF Boston?!?!?!?!?!?

You do realize that this is the same team that was up 3 games to none against the Flyers in the playoffs last season and up 3-0 in game 7 and lost, right?

[S2M]

Are you fucking kidding me?! 2-0 with 2 and change left, and now the game is tied! WTF Boston?!?!?!?!?!?

You do realize that this is the same team that was up 3 games to none against the Flyers in the playoffs last season and up 3-0 in game 7 and lost, right?

Yes, and I realize this too:

-Wheeler should have left with his twin; Wideman
-Before tonight Bergeron has been sucking ass
-Savard is done
-Rask is too unorthodox to be an NHL goalie....and not the good kind of unorthodox like Hasek...the bad kind like that arc-welder who plays street hockey and comes too far out, and flops all over the place....
-Paille sucks ass
-Recchi is slow as fuck

[S2M]

WOW...thats.all.I.can.say.right.now.....BRUINS = pathetic.

[RedWingFan]

The pucks ready to drop between the Wings and Dean's Yucks.

Detroit's pretty beat up. Hopefully they can pull off the ole Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver sweep!

[S2M]

Ok Meanie, Bruins at Penquins tonight....It's go time!!!

[StevePerryHair]

Ok Meanie, Bruins at Penquins tonight....It's go time!!!

Well, I guess we know how this turned out!

[S2M]

If Tim Thomas doesn't get premium ice time in the All-Star Game there is something wrong. Leads goals against, save percentage, and shutouts. Not bad for a 37 year-old....just saying.

[Rockindeano]

Meanwhile, Vancouver just rolls on....18-1-3 in their last 22.

Note- Daniel will play against Henrik in the All Star Game. Interesting.

[S2M]

I'm thinking this Bruin team may a little bit extra this year...pretty much taking it to Philly right now.

[Rockindeano]

Anyone watching the draft on TV right now? The Twins are going to be separated it looks like.

PS- Behshad eats cum for breakfast.

[Behshad]

Anyone watching the draft on TV right now? The Twins are going to be separated it looks like.

PS- Behshad eats cum for breakfast.

Well not every morning Dean , but couple times a week when I go down on the wife and get her all warmed up till she serves me my " breakfast"

[Rockindeano]

Anyone watching the draft on TV right now? The Twins are going to be separated it looks like.

PS- Behshad eats cum for breakfast.

Well not every morning Dean , but couple times a week when I go down on the wife and get her all warmed up till she serves me my " breakfast"

Seriously, eating woman climax is tasty....for the most part. I have on occasion had some sour bitter moments...I thought I would have a hole in my tongue when i went to look at it in the mirror....serious acid snatch. if it hurt my penis, it probably wasn't a good idea to proceed to lick it, right Deb?

[Don]

Anyone watching the draft on TV right now? The Twins are going to be separated it looks like.

PS- Behshad eats cum for breakfast.

Well not every morning Dean , but couple times a week when I go down on the wife and get her all warmed up till she serves me my " breakfast"

Seriously, eating woman climax is tasty....for the most part. I have on occasion had some sour bitter moments...I thought I would have a hole in my tongue when i went to look at it in the mirror....serious acid snatch. if it hurt my penis, it probably wasn't a good idea to proceed to lick it, right Deb?

If you discover something down there besides hair balls and cotton balls, the best course of action is to immediately gargle some Witch Hazel.

[S2M]

Anyone watching the draft on TV right now? The Twins are going to be separated it looks like.

PS- Behshad eats cum for breakfast.

The NHL AS game is no different from the other 3 major sports games: Lame. Although at least the MLB is for HFA, which I disagree with, but at least it means something.....who wants to see a bunch of primadonnas skate around and not play defense?

Again, if Tim Thomas doesn't start the game there should be an investigation...

[Rockindeano]

Anyone watching the draft on TV right now? The Twins are going to be separated it looks like.

PS- Behshad eats cum for breakfast.

The NHL AS game is no different from the other 3 major sports games: Lame. Although at least the MLB is for HFA, which I disagree with, but at least it means something.....who wants to see a bunch of primadonnas skate around and not play defense?

Again, if Tim Thomas doesn't start the game there should be an investigation...

Shocker: A post loaded with negativity. Fuck, you're miserable sonofabitch. Can't you just comment on the uniquness of this years' format? Nooooo, gotta bitch and moan.

[Behshad]

Anyone watching the draft on TV right now? The Twins are going to be separated it looks like.

PS- Behshad eats cum for breakfast.

The NHL AS game is no different from the other 3 major sports games: Lame. Although at least the MLB is for HFA, which I disagree with, but at least it means something.....who wants to see a bunch of primadonnas skate around and not play defense?

Again, if Tim Thomas doesn't start the game there should be an investigation...

Shocker: A post loaded with negativity. Fuck, you're miserable sonofabitch. Can't you just comment on the uniquness of this years' format? Nooooo, gotta bitch and moan.

Dean is right. Come on Sean. You cam do it !!

[S2M]

Anyone watching the draft on TV right now? The Twins are going to be separated it looks like.

PS- Behshad eats cum for breakfast.

The NHL AS game is no different from the other 3 major sports games: Lame. Although at least the MLB is for HFA, which I disagree with, but at least it means something.....who wants to see a bunch of primadonnas skate around and not play defense?

Again, if Tim Thomas doesn't start the game there should be an investigation...

Shocker: A post loaded with negativity. Fuck, you're miserable sonofabitch. Can't you just comment on the uniquness of this years' format? Nooooo, gotta bitch and moan.

Dean, I've been playing goalie in a rollerblade hockey league for close to 12 years now....I know all about the format. Actually, the correct way to do it is to throw sticks....I actually like the format. But the new format isn't likely to change the fact that it is a boring game.

[StevePerryHair]

Anyone watching the draft on TV right now? The Twins are going to be separated it looks like.

PS- Behshad eats cum for breakfast.

The NHL AS game is no different from the other 3 major sports games: Lame. Although at least the MLB is for HFA, which I disagree with, but at least it means something.....who wants to see a bunch of primadonnas skate around and not play defense?

Again, if Tim Thomas doesn't start the game there should be an investigation...

Shocker: A post loaded with negativity. Fuck, you're miserable sonofabitch. Can't you just comment on the uniquness of this years' format? Nooooo, gotta bitch and moan.

Dean, I've been playing goalie in a rollerblade hockey league for close to 12 years now....I know all about the format. Actually, the correct way to do it is to throw sticks....I actually like the format. But the new format isn't likely to change the fact that it is a boring game.

Cant you just be happy Crosby and Malkin couldn't play and SHUT UP!

[Rockindeano]

Anyone watching the draft on TV right now? The Twins are going to be separated it looks like.

PS- Behshad eats cum for breakfast.

The NHL AS game is no different from the other 3 major sports games: Lame. Although at least the MLB is for HFA, which I disagree with, but at least it means something.....who wants to see a bunch of primadonnas skate around and not play defense?

Again, if Tim Thomas doesn't start the game there should be an investigation...

Shocker: A post loaded with negativity. Fuck, you're miserable sonofabitch. Can't you just comment on the uniquness of this years' format? Nooooo, gotta bitch and moan.

Dean, I've been playing goalie in a rollerblade hockey league for close to 12 years now....I know all about the format. Actually, the correct way to do it is to throw sticks....I actually like the format. But the new format isn't likely to change the fact that it is a boring game.

No one is arguing that it's NOT a boring game, Sean. But why not applaud Shanny on thinking out of the box, and trying to spice it up a bit. I agree, the game itself sucks. I can't even watch it. However, IMHO, the super skills competition is cool. Much better to watch than that fuckin retarded slam dunk contest, where all those high priced criminals, errrr, NBA players are in the stands holding up 9 and 10 cards....ridiculous. However, I will watch this year as I can't get enough of Blake Griffin. That guy is starting to cut into Kobe's kingdom here in LA. Exciting player, well spoken and respectful. I am starting to think he is a hockey player in Clippers gear.

For the public record, what's your GAA in the Roller league? And why don't you play ice hockey? Too expensive or you just don't skate? Not blasting you, just politely asking.

Check your PM Sean.

[S2M]

Honestly, I can't skate....I'm the only one on the rink without skates....I've tried ice skating and can't do it....So I just play goalie. I have no idea what my GAA is....