Hockey Trash Talk & BS thread

so who do you guys think is going to be the east and west final team?

 

As a Penguins fan, I couldn't believe we got the W last night. Definitely were outplayed most of the game.

 

Good to see beat up LA team still playing at high level so far ...on these last two road games. Holding that 4th spot.

#justgetin
#topplecalgaryclowns
#getwellforplayoffs23

 

they have been playing very well but i think it maybe a not enough and a little late. They are most certainly making it tough for the western teams and will most definitely going to be a hard out. BTW thanks for big jeff carter, he has been an absolute gem of a player for the guins.

sometimes it happens but i don't complain. the L they took the other night I wasn't mad at either. I wouldn't of changed anything but the outcome of the game. played hard and consistent. just that fluky goal to put the avs in the lead. Now to get pay back tomorrow night.

side note. I am disheartened on how far Rodriguez has fell. He gave me such hope in the beginning of the season but it looks like he was just a flash in the pan.

 

Regarding Rodriguez, most of his success earlier in the year came from playing with the 1st line and especially on the power play. Once Malkin returned, he was relegated for the most part. I would say his success (and that of many others) are directly correlated to the skill level of their linemates and getting time on the power play. Even Carter has cooled off once he was shifted to the 3rd line. The same with Heinen, who has some time in the top 6.

 

I agree. E-rod wasn't going to stay that hot. He is 1 of those guys who shows flashes or brilliance but for whatever reason hasn't even been able to sustain it. Similar to Kap in a way. But for what it's worth, he plays well in spot-duty up in the top 6. He has speed and has decent hands, goods shot. So he's still valuable to have if needed. But not what I would consider a true top 6 guy. If he could sustain that level of play that he had early in the year, then I would say he for sure is top 6 worthy. I like him, he made me a fan of his, this year.

 

It's really hard for me to pick against the 2 top teams in each conference. It just feels like both of those teams are hot and play such a well-rounded game. But FL has a lot more competition in the East, so their road is going to be harder than Colorado's.

 

My gosh the leafs are playing good this year.

 

yeah....but we haven't enterred the playoffs yet...

though I feel better about them heading towards the 2nd season than I have in the previous years

 

Pens recent play against some of the better teams has me a bit worried. They hang in there but ultimately just don't look like a team who can win a series against a top playoff caliber of team. I know playoffs is a different animal but if this recent stretch is any indication, they seem to struggle with teams that are a step quicker and transition up ice faster than they want them to (NYR, Colorado and FL to be specific.)

 

Colorado and Florida are on a whole different level than everybody else right now. I am probably most excited for this seasons playoff! Tampa needs to step up their game, they have the players just need to find their groove.

 

I agree. And I am not faulting the Pens because they are obviously not in their prime, like those teams. But it was just something I noticed, as far as where we struggle. I still throw NYR in there too. They are very fast, opportunistic and sometimes just relentless on the puck (plus great goaltending.) TB is certainly in the conversation as well.

 

Agree but betting the prez winners choke early this year.

 

Shartz GM stepping down ... bummer, looks like Wilson is doing a fantastic job

 

Could happen. History shows it's very possible lol.

 

So how many goals does Matthews need to score to win the Hart? I mean the guys going to hit 60, maybe 65, goals this season. It's hard to argue that doesn't sway some voting.

 

In my opinion he has to get it. I assume Huberdaeu would be with McDavid for the 2nd spot. But to me, Matthews is clearly the front-runner. His overall play is so good this year, not to mention the scoring numbers. Also, I believe he is 2nd in the league in take-aways.

Also, as far as the Geno suspension, I def think he deserved something. No idea how he gets 4 after Matthews got 2 for what looked to be way worse, in my opinion. But it would be asking too much for NHL player safety to be consistent/logical etc. I thought 2 was fair, but it is what it is.

 

i think it is going to be quite a few, i think roman josi has a good chance at it as well, he is literally the only reason the preds have a sniff at the play off, also shitstirren from the rangers has been standing on his head all year and really is the back bone of that team. don't get me wrong Matthews is one of the most prolific goal scorers of this generation and is going to break some records, but hes also backed by a decent team (sans goaltending) but his 200 foot game could use some work. With that said i wouldn't be surprised if he does end up with the hart and the rocket trophy but their some other serious dark horses looming in the shadows.

I think what really did geno in was the fact he took a couple of the dudes chiclets out and he has been sussi before. the whack to the hands would of been enough. The hard part about the league is its getting to be pretty soft with suspensions.... the players and the fans want the physicality and violence but the league is finding a way to deter these type of events.

 

I hear you on AM and having some talent around him. But I think when watching him play, his ability to get a shot off from anywhere is just insane. I think he creates a lot of his own space to do what he does. Also, he might not have the best 200ft game but it's still pretty decent, for a goal-scorer. I might even throw out the word "underrated" at risk of maybe sounding a bit ridiculous lol.

And I hear what you are saying about Geno. I really can't argue that. He for sure needed suspended for that. I know he gets hacked and wacked a lot, over the years. But he gets it more than Crosby because other teams know he has little self control and will react, causing a penalty etc. He's been that way his whole career. Sid will get his cheap shots in here and there, but he has way better self control than Geno.

 

I think the biggest thing for the hart that people over look is its the most valuable player. Sometimes that means scoring alot of goals, but people over look the fact that its harder to do good on a shit team.
I'm not saying Matthews wouldn't be still good on a worse team. but if you gave him buffalo without Marner and the crew feeding him he would be looking at 30 goals in a season or less. I think i just value the ability to over come adversity, like i rather root for the the ford fiesta in a Ferrari race then a Ferrari in a fiesta race.
I am not taking away the skill nor the absolute hockey IQ Austin has, i just think some times people over look players ability do do the best with what they got.

Geno sometimes is a snap show, and when the wires cross he goes off. which is good until they learn to use that against him. Just like shersterkin waving at geno and the pens that last game. Some Rangers fans think its excellent and a truck FU to the pens. But the true fans know, you don't poke the bear... you don't give Crosby the motivation... And you certainly don't give the team your more then likely going to meet in the 1st round ammo to come stomp your head in then wave back at you. Look at the flyers fan base, it took them 10 years to realize booing Crosby just makes him play harder and better against you.