Ice Hockey Thread - 2011/12 Season

downloadthedavey

Got home and stuck on the 'nucks Flames game.  After a crappy start to the month we're now 5 games unbeaten and a goal up after 5 minutes right now 

Having a stormer aren't you - overtaken St Louis and in with a chance of Presidents' Trophy now - good work! And we've got to play you again, ****!
 
Ah well, last week of the regular season and then into the playoffs - excited much?! Flyers - Pens will be a brutal series if they end up meeting!

www.twitter.com/ktdude 

Aaah nice little win by the Rangers over the Flyers there to clinch the Eastern conference, yeah. Feels pretty good. 2 to go and then it's playoffs baby!!
 
Check out my latest NHL debate if you have a chance and are interested - this time, who are your three key players for a successful playoff side? http://www.ukamericansportsfans.com/three-is-the-magic-number

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Any EPL fans? 

Not in here at the moment buddy, think there was one a while back... I'm an EIHL enthusiast myself although a supporter of British hockey in general. Who's your team?

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Raufera7

Any EPL fans? 

 
ENL South 1 if that counts - Romford Raiders (who are just down the road from me) have just won the league and I'm going to try and make a few play off games.

They're showing the elite league grand finals on sky which is good coverage, too bad the commentator knows pretty much nothing about it and has no ice hockey experience.

MK lightning fan here. Finished 5th in the league which was disappointing seeing as one point we looked to be title contenders. But had a bad run of form. Facing slough in the playoffs to get to Coventry which will be a tight game. Our main problem is that we don't have that import scorer which all the top teams do.

I remember romford when they were in the EPL!

It certainly is great coverage, only 3 live Sky games outside of that this year which was a bit disappointing. Do you mean Chris Ellis or Simmsey? I have my issues with both!
 
Ah an MK fan, I have a couple of those on my Twitter feed, I enjoy the whole UK hockey community banter, tis good. Sounds like a difficult match-up to get to the playoff finals, will you go to Coventry if you make it? I'm off to Nottingham this weekend, don't support a team this year (used to be Newcastle Vipers) but love it nonetheless.
 
Hi Kieran!! Hope you enjoy it if you make it to Romford!

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ktdude

It certainly is great coverage, only 3 live Sky games outside of that this year which was a bit disappointing. Do you mean Chris Ellis or Simmsey? I have my issues with both!

Ah an MK fan, I have a couple of those on my Twitter feed, I enjoy the whole UK hockey community banter, tis good. Sounds like a difficult match-up to get to the playoff finals, will you go to Coventry if you make it? I'm off to Nottingham this weekend, don't support a team this year (used to be Newcastle Vipers) but love it nonetheless.

Hi Kieran!! Hope you enjoy it if you make it to Romford!

 
Simmsey. Literally all MK fans have an issue with him. He personally attacked one of our players, saying it was against the code of Ice Hockey to lure Sir Tony Hand into a fight and therefore gain a powerplay...See, surely that's a good tactic? Tony Hand is an assist machine in this league, remove him from the game for a couple of minutes is certainly helpful for the team isn't it? 
 
Haha, did you see the banter between us and Sheffield? If we meet them I'm sure it'll be one hell of a game. It's because we don't like one particular player on their team, not sure if you'll remember a certain Andre Payette?  
 
Yeah if we get through, we're likely to be playing the league champions Guildford at Coventry in the semi finals. I really think Guildford should go elite though with the money they've got, but I guess they prefer to be the big fish in the small pond.  

Oh I see - yes Simmsey certainly does kiss some ass where Hand is concerned, and other senior Brits. Tactically that totally makes sense of course. He has a tendency to disparage any club that doesn't fit with his 'big club' ethic.
 
Haha I'm a relatively new fan but I know all about Payette, I've been educated! He wasn't popular as a player outside of Newcastle but sure is doing a fine job as a coach and appears to have calmed down a lot based on some of the terrible tales I've heard about his behaviour both on and off the ice!
 
Guildford, more ex-Vipers, you're spot on, they do like being the big fish in the small pond, it's frustrating not just from other EPL teams' point of view but for mid to lower EIHL teams point of view too; they can't attract the best Brits because of the money Guildford are offering, crazy that players don't want to play in the top league but there you go, money talks in all sport!

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Carn The Crow

Raufera7

Any EPL fans? 

ENL South 1 if that counts - Romford Raiders (who are just down the road from me) have just won the league and I'm going to try and make a few play off games.

I keep meaning to go to a game with you!

ktdude

Oh I see - yes Simmsey certainly does kiss some ass where Hand is concerned, and other senior Brits. Tactically that totally makes sense of course. He has a tendency to disparage any club that doesn't fit with his 'big club' ethic.

Haha I'm a relatively new fan but I know all about Payette, I've been educated! He wasn't popular as a player outside of Newcastle but sure is doing a fine job as a coach and appears to have calmed down a lot based on some of the terrible tales I've heard about his behaviour both on and off the ice!

Guildford, more ex-Vipers, you're spot on, they do like being the big fish in the small pond, it's frustrating not just from other EPL teams' point of view but for mid to lower EIHL teams point of view too; they can't attract the best Brits because of the money Guildford are offering, crazy that players don't want to play in the top league but there you go, money talks in all sport!

 
It would seem that you haven't heard his antics in the EPL either then. When he beat our team he done a big speech after the game just to rub it in, threatens one of our players on Facebook after a clean check resulted him not being able to ice, this was a result of his head hitting the boards. And laughs at our coach (Nick Poole, who I assume is widely respected?) when he offers him a handshake after the game and skates off. Aggressive style of play in the EPL which many teams don't like. Yes he's an awesome coach, that's clear with what he's doing with Sheffield, but I'm not a fan. He is box office though. 

Definitely with Guildford! Although MK have forme elite like Leigh Jamieson, and who I would consider to be the best import D in the league; Lucas Zatopek. Like I really enjoy playing Guildford as our games are amazing, but it's just not right how much money they've got in the league. Arguably the same could be said for Manchester? Guildford's roster is ridiculous though, Greg Chambers left Coventry to join them, and Campbell from Vipers (Who is a very very good player imo)...I wonder why  

david123

Carn The Crow

Raufera7

Any EPL fans? 

ENL South 1 if that counts - Romford Raiders (who are just down the road from me) have just won the league and I'm going to try and make a few play off games.

I keep meaning to go to a game with you!

 
First play off game's this Sunday against MK Thunder but I'm down in Portsmouth. Should be a win for Romford given that we've beaten them 7-0, 9-0, 11-1 and 6-3 already this season, but there's always the chance of an upset. If we get through we can perhaps look at going to the next home game?

Be stunned if you guys didn't beat Thunder. Do sort of feel sorry for Thunder as they literally have no backers, and most of the best players get called up to Lightning. But then again Steelers lost didn't they in the play-offs? 

True dat. I've felt quite sorry for the Thunder as well - were supposed to be playing them at MK in the First Leg on Saturday, but they couldn't secure home ice so the EIHA awarded the game as a 0-0 tie. Means the tie will now be over a single leg at Romford, which gives them even more of an uphill struggle.

Raufera7
It would seem that you haven't heard his antics in the EPL either then. When he beat our team he done a big speech after the game just to rub it in, threatens one of our players on Facebook after a clean check resulted him not being able to ice, this was a result of his head hitting the boards. And laughs at our coach (Nick Poole, who I assume is widely respected?) when he offers him a handshake after the game and skates off. Aggressive style of play in the EPL which many teams don't like. Yes he's an awesome coach, that's clear with what he's doing with Sheffield, but I'm not a fan. He is box office though. 

Definitely with Guildford! Although MK have forme elite like Leigh Jamieson, and who I would consider to be the best import D in the league; Lucas Zatopek. Like I really enjoy playing Guildford as our games are amazing, but it's just not right how much money they've got in the league. Arguably the same could be said for Manchester? Guildford's roster is ridiculous though, Greg Chambers left Coventry to join them, and Campbell from Vipers (Who is a very very good player imo)...I wonder why  

No I hadn't heard that stuff about him at Sheffield - I tend to hear a very tainted view of him as I'm friends with some really big fans of his, also know plenty of people who know about both sides having had to deal with him at his worst.
 
Yes Manchester and Guildford are a step ahead budget-wise and player-wise, just had a look at Guildford's roster out of interest, amazing how many ex-Vipers there are. And Curtis Huppe from Belfast/Manchester, Andrew Sharp...
 
Re: Steelers, that was a crazy turn of events. Sacking Colt King that close to playoffs was a suicide move from Finnerty regardless of whether or not the two had issues, totally de-stabilised them and Hull totally bowled them over with confidence.
 
Can't wait for the playoff weekend - 2 sleeps to go!

www.twitter.com/ktdude 

ktdude

Raufera7
It would seem that you haven't heard his antics in the EPL either then. When he beat our team he done a big speech after the game just to rub it in, threatens one of our players on Facebook after a clean check resulted him not being able to ice, this was a result of his head hitting the boards. And laughs at our coach (Nick Poole, who I assume is widely respected?) when he offers him a handshake after the game and skates off. Aggressive style of play in the EPL which many teams don't like. Yes he's an awesome coach, that's clear with what he's doing with Sheffield, but I'm not a fan. He is box office though. 

Definitely with Guildford! Although MK have forme elite like Leigh Jamieson, and who I would consider to be the best import D in the league; Lucas Zatopek. Like I really enjoy playing Guildford as our games are amazing, but it's just not right how much money they've got in the league. Arguably the same could be said for Manchester? Guildford's roster is ridiculous though, Greg Chambers left Coventry to join them, and Campbell from Vipers (Who is a very very good player imo)...I wonder why  

No I hadn't heard that stuff about him at Sheffield - I tend to hear a very tainted view of him as I'm friends with some really big fans of his, also know plenty of people who know about both sides having had to deal with him at his worst.

Yes Manchester and Guildford are a step ahead budget-wise and player-wise, just had a look at Guildford's roster out of interest, amazing how many ex-Vipers there are. And Curtis Huppe from Belfast/Manchester, Andrew Sharp...

Re: Steelers, that was a crazy turn of events. Sacking Colt King that close to playoffs was a suicide move from Finnerty regardless of whether or not the two had issues, totally de-stabilised them and Hull totally bowled them over with confidence.

Can't wait for the playoff weekend - 2 sleeps to go!

To be fair to him, I'd give him coach of the year, I just don't like his antics. However, they have got a certain Janice Ozolins who is an absolute amazing import. I'm surprised none of the elite teams have gone for him yet, but he is a little small. As long as nobody goes near Mr Zatopek I'm happy, but Elite teams always go for him in the summer. 
 
Andrew Sharp  I wouldn't use him as a support for a good player . He tries to fight in our league but only person who would be interested I imagine would be Payette nobody else would even dare to. 
 
Crazy stuff ain't it? I'd prefer it though if the play-offs were in group stages like a couple of years ago, made it better I felt. 
 
Coventry next weekend. Would love it if we got there, best fans in the league. Kind of going to my game with a heavy heart though this weekend, as it'll be the last time for a long long time before I see another MK game as I'm going to Uni, why I want us to get to Coventry so bad just for one more week. 

Lancashire Hawks fan here, and Sheffield, as I'll be damned if I support a Manchester team

On another note, fantastic couple of games for Jake Gardiner for  my Leafs, leads the NHL in rookie Defencemen, maybe what we needed, a pointscoring D-Man to accompany Schenn and Phanuef.

Stammers is only 1 away from 60

the only Leafs that are safe from trades: Reimer, Schenn, Phaneuf, JML, Grabovski, Kessel and Lupul

we need to axe Komisarek, Armstrong and Kulemin, give the "A's" to Grabovski and Kessel/JML/Lupul

Stammers gets 60!

First player to get 60 and not playoffs since our GM. Spooky.

10th this season is a little disappointing, we have enough there to get into the playoffs but our D just didn't perform this season. We have a lot of draft picks now, so our preseason will hopefully be a busy one. I am quite confident if getting playoffs next year with the new league structure.

Now I need to pick a team for the playoffs.

We finished with the President's trophy again which i wasn't expecting after a very wobbly march. 'nucks v Kings in round 1, can't say i'm that worried about L.A given how poorly they ended the season and how strongly we did.

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I'm going to Say Penguins Vs Vancouver for the finals

if Malkin stays fit, or Vancouver **** it up again, Penguins for the cup 

the 2 strongest teams in the league, with Detroit, San Jose, NYR and for some reason the Blues trailing behind 

Looking forward to the playoff series against Flyers. Going to be a pretty brutal series, even though they dominated us in the season, providing everyone stays fit we have a real chance of reaching the final at least.
 
Tempted to order a Letang premier jersey for £57 with free delivery, not bad at all.

EIHL: Play-offs was a fantastic weekend, shame about the hockey. First semi-final was excellent, second was terrible, final was dull, and I hate Panthers more than ever before!
 
EPL: Unlucky Raufera You'll have to go and check out some Blaze games if you're going to Coventry though.
 
NHL: last night's first play-offs games could not have gone any better! Pleased with all the results! Another 60-odd days of that please! Also, COME ON RANGERS! That is all.

www.twitter.com/ktdude 

ktdude

EPL: Unlucky Raufera You'll have to go and check out some Blaze games if you're going to Coventry though.

 
Unlucky doesn't cover it. Was absolutely gutted it being my last Lightning game. Still immensely proud though.
 
7-4 up in the 1st leg and then to lose 11-10 in OT to a deflected shot just ugh. Went to the away game as well, just like to say if anyone is going to Slough's rink its easiest one of the worse I've seen, and I thought MK's was bad! Anyways on to the game, we didn't get into Slough in the game till the 3rd, when we finally got to grips with them. Was an amazing game though, 13 seconds left we're 9-10 down and get a Penalty shot and score to go to OT amazing. Still gonna go to Coventry this weekend hope Manchester beat Sheffield! 
 
So not long till the rumours start up apparently we're being linked with Mr Adam Calder. Who is reportedly on £800 a week with Slough . He'll have to take half of that to join a team who only finished 2 points behind them though.

Aw dude that blows. Sounds like an immense game, just such a shame about the result especially being it was your last game Glad you're still going to the play-off weekend, I'm sure it'll be a blast.
 
EIHL rumours have already started, it's hilarious stuff. I was actually planning on checking out Slough next season as my Dad wants me to take him to a game - not too worried about the state of the rink, I started as a Vipers fan at Whitley Bay and I don't imagine it can be any worse than that!

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Did you see Steve Moria has left Bisons today? Be interesting to see where he ends up. Doug Sheppard is meant to be coaching Bisons next year so I imagine they'll become a force. 
 
I got a rumour today that Leigh Jamieson leaving Lightning to go Elite. But don't see it happening seeing as he's got a business and lives in MK. Matt Towe from Guildford to Steelers is also another (Former Devil). 

Losing to the Kings at home  i didn't think Daniel Sedin being out would have such an effect. Everyone was pretty poor bar Luongo.

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Yeah I heard about Steve Moria wonder what he will do next, have already heard rumblings of Elite League but the rumours since the season ended have ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous, so I'm not believing anything until I see it in writing! Although Alex Penner to Coventry appears to hold water even though I thought it was rubbish at first - he's made some cryptic remarks on his Facebook about coming back to the UK. Let the goonery abound!
 
Aw davey, bad start eh. I don't see Kings being able to beat you all series though, surely not? If that was the upset I'd be very surprised. I think either Devils or Preds to do the upsetting.
 
Great playoff games last night, chuffed at NYR's win, Ryan Callahan is my god now. I will worship him and bear his children.

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I have decided to stick a tenner on the Predators winning the cup. Go them! They're my new team for the next few weeks.

'Nucks will pull it back tonight, and hopefully the negative reaction to Kesler's play will make him focus a bit more

Off to Coventry today for EPL Play Off Finals. Not the same without Lightning being there though . C'mon Phoenix! If it's a Slough vs Sheffield final it'd perhaps be one of the worse games of Ice Hockey ever so please make it Flames vs Phoenix. 

I'm knackered after staying up last night. Dreadful performance, the Kings murdered us on every power play. We had about 8 or 9 of them and every single time they went with the same tactic of working it in close even though it wasn't working. Also yet again our defenders were turning it over and putting us in trouble by being too fancy trying to pass it around under pressure. I feel sorry for Luongo because yet again he was brilliant but there's rumbling of Schneider going in goal for the trip to L.A. We desperately need Daniel cleared because only Henrik and Salo looked like they gave a damn last night. Henrik set up some brilliant moves that lead to nothing because no one was supporting him.
 
on a more positive note the Boston V Washington series looks set to be great. who'd have a thought a game that was nil nil at the end would have been so good.

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Raufera7

Off to Coventry today for EPL Play Off Finals. Not the same without Lightning being there though . C'mon Phoenix! If it's a Slough vs Sheffield final it'd perhaps be one of the worse games of Ice Hockey ever so please make it Flames vs Phoenix. 

How were the games? I'm quite pleased Slough won, I'm not sure why really. Underdogs I guess.
 
GB were unlucky not to get something out of their first game at the World Champs yesterday.
 
And please tell me you all saw the Pens v Flyers game last night. If you didn't, buy Gamecenter right now and watch it from start to finish. Absolutely electric game, completely insane.
 
Nucks are throwing it away Quick is on fire at the moment. Rangers Sens is turning into a thrilling series too, brutal stuff. Absolutely loving the playoffs so far.

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ktdude

Raufera7

Off to Coventry today for EPL Play Off Finals. Not the same without Lightning being there though . C'mon Phoenix! If it's a Slough vs Sheffield final it'd perhaps be one of the worse games of Ice Hockey ever so please make it Flames vs Phoenix. 

How were the games? I'm quite pleased Slough won, I'm not sure why really. Underdogs I guess.

GB were unlucky not to get something out of their first game at the World Champs yesterday.

And please tell me you all saw the Pens v Flyers game last night. If you didn't, buy Gamecenter right now and watch it from start to finish. Absolutely electric game, completely insane.

 
To be fair to Slough they were by far the best team all weekend! Although it makes me feel a little better we got knocked out to the eventual winners, I can't help but think that could of been us.  Anyways here are my reviews of the games:
 
Guildford Flames 2 - 3 Slough Jets. Guildford were on for the treble which only Peterborough have done, and looked to be set for the final after being 2-0 up. But even then they never looked impressive at all and took their foot off the gas and Slough came right back into it and deserved to win it. Was a poor game though
 
 
Manchester Phoenix 5 - 5 Sheffield Steeldogs (Mancs win on PS). Great game probably the game of the weekend actually! Mancs powerplay got them the goals as expected against Sheffield who were going for penalties galore due to a Mr Payette (More on him later). Anyways so Mancs were 5-2 up, and then Sheffield got back into it through a blue line rocket and Mr Ozolins (who else). Then for some reason! Tony Hand called a time out with 20 seconds left in Normal time, Why? It allowed Payette to rally the troops and they scored to send it to OT. In OT 2 amazing saves from Fone (Open goal and dived across absolutely world class) and Bowns (1 on 1 with Manchester forward). But when it went to penalties you knew Mancs had the more class forwards to win them the game.
 
And now for Mr Payette! At the end of the 2nd period it went into a mass brawl. A Manchester play cheap shotted a Sheffield one as the whistle blew then it all kicked off! Bowns punched someone in the back of the head, mass brawl, Payette fighting with someone, but was kicking all over the ice. Then! When Payette went off someone threw beer over him! Apparently it was McPhearson from Lightning, but many deny this. IF it was Grant I'd be very disappointed and imagine Nick would have a serious word with him. Anyways the next day Payette was giving it the gob saying how he was an angel apparently and Grant should be locked up for something that he hasn't been proven of. 
 
And the final. Manchester Phoenix 1 - 4 Slough Jets. Slough dominated this game, Manchester didn't have a clue. 
 
So that's Coventry 2012! Roll on the close season! MKL for Calder is a go apparently which makes me a very very happy man. 
 
Oh and Penguins game was insane! 

Sounds like an interesting weekend! The Manc/Sheff game sounds intense. I heard about the beer throwing incident, all seems a bit dodgy, but hey, entertaining nonetheless! I'm miffed with Hand for not being with Team GB seeing as he's their head coach but it's not all his fault, the way the national team is an afterthought for those in charge is really poor. The lads gave it a valiant effort nonetheless against a superior side in Slovenia.
 
Still can't quite believe the Pens game, watching Crosby and Giroux fighting one another is a sight I thought I would never see. Wish Giroux had kicked a bit more ass but never mind. I'm hating the Pens more with every day that goes by at the moment!

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Apparently it was Grant. But Grant then took it upon himself to be fair not to attend the rest of Coventry after that incident and is apparently embarrassed about the whole affair. Just move on I guess.
 
Was a bit petty though by Crosby like he is a legend but it was pathetic. So was the fight though to be fair! 

Got up early to catch the Rangers v Sens game 4 before work, gutted at the result, was a really close game. 2-2 in the series now, no idea which way it's going to go. Nervous!
 
Another netminding trainwreck in game 4 of Pens v Flyers, Bryz and Fleury want their heads banging together. Sounds as though it wasn't quite as feisty as game 3 although that was to be expected.
 
Awesome and hilarious link about hockey hugs - check it out:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/hockey-hugs-playoff-edition-chris-phillips-catapult-sharp-195010301.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

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Dafuq?

Red Wings and Sharks out in 5 a-peice?  
and Pittsburgh out in 6?

Blues or Preds for the cup? 

kristoff624

I have decided to stick a tenner on the Predators winning the cup. Go them! They're my new team for the next few weeks.

 
It's on!!!

ohwell, my alliance switches to the bruins. Should see of the Crapitals now.

Well we were total **** so fair play to the Kings. Not sure who i want to win now. Quite Liking Philly in the East and St Louis in the West.

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