Today the NHL and NHLPA agreed in principle on a new deal. After 301 days, hockey is officially back!

'Boot damn time. Now if we could just get the Northstars back to Minnesota...

You should learn to respect the Wild in Minnesota, as an Avs fan I did a couple years ago in the playoffs.

I got no problem with the Wild.



But the Stars in Dallas?




I will never forget. I will never forgive.

GRIZFAN20 wrote:Today the NHL and NHLPA agreed in principle on a new deal. After 301 days, hockey is officially back!

And there was much rejoicing!! I'm just waiting for game schedules to determine what I can get to in between Griz games. Pays to have friends with crashspace in Calgary and Edmonton. Road trip!

Going to be a great day!
(insert happy dance)

Somehow, I don't really care. Hockey has great playoffs, but is otherwise pointless.

I am excited....NHL is back and a new coach is in place over in Hockeytwon!

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote:I am excited....NHL is back and a new coach is in place over in Hockeytown!

Good luck to the Wings! How do you think you are going to come out in the end? I saw that you have three guys on waiver now (Hatcher, McCarty and Whitney). Some good names there.

Sounds like Calgary is not expecting any changes to their roster. They actually improved in the CBA negotations. But coming from a small budget team, I can see that. They are hoping to make another run for the Cup this year. Should be really interesting to watch.

Will be interesting to see where my Avs end up. We have a new coach too. They have announced that they are honoring Sakic and Blake's contracts, so the real question is after that who can you afford to keep? Forsberg and Foote are free agents. I see one or both of them leaving. Probably Forsberg since he spent most of last season injured in Sweden. Bunch of other questions on our bench too...going to be interesting so see where everone shakes out.

The hard part now is having to wait until October for the puck to drop!!

It is definetely going to hurt the Avs and Red Wings to some extent. Our teams were not afraid to spend the money. I was not impressed with Hatcher in the Red Wings uniform. Whitney was solid, but the worst to me was McCarty. That guy played balls out every night. he did get a little too finesse the past couple years though. I think my Wings will be ok this season. Probably no Stanley Cup in Hockeytown though. One positive out here is maybe Illitch will spend more on the Tigers since he can't throw all his money to the Wings.

Avs fan: Who do you think makes out best with the new CBA?

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote: I think my Wings will be ok this season. Probably no Stanley Cup in Hockeytown though.

I'm thinking the very same thing for the Avs. I think we are going to lose a couple of our big names, or maybe a couple off the second lines, but I think we have enough good quality players in the system that will help later on. This year is that belt-tightening phase. From buffet to fast-food. It's a big learning curve for a lot of people. I have heard on the Avs lists that several players are considering taking a significant pay cut to stay. Will have to see what comes of that.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote: Avs fan: Who do you think makes out best with the new CBA?

Owners for sure.

But as far as the individual teams...I'm leaning towards those teams that were already at or below the cap number in the last season. They are already used to working within those numbers. In some cases, some teams gained a bit of a surplus with the CBA. So they can use it to possibly pick up some of these players that are being released.

If I had to pick a single team, based on what I've read on the team dynamics so far...I'm thinking that the Buffalo Sabres are a good candidate. Unlike the big money teams, they aren't scrambling to get under the cap, they are low on the news radar, have good team consistency and morale, looking forward to camp, and now, they have a little money to shop with. Doesn't mean I'm givin up on my Avs or the Flames, but I think these quiet guys are worth watching.

Back at ya!

We had one of the beat writers for the Detroit Free Press on the radio tonight and he was talking about McCarty and how he has been a fan favorite but was getting paid too much for what they want him to do. Also they said to look for the Red Wings to start talking to Osgood about coming in as a backup for Manny. I think it would be a good move. At least there will be no Cujo around here. The writer was also talking about how some goaltenders like Cujo do poorly on great defensive teams because they need to see more shots on goal rather than 18-20 shots.

What do you think on the shootouts? When the IHL was here in town we would have them if the game was tied after regulation. I think its great from a fans perspective but if I was a defenseman I wouldn't care for it from the standpoint of doing my job to shut these guys down and now it is entirely up to the goaltender.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote:We had one of the beat writers for the Detroit Free Press on the radio tonight and he was talking about McCarty and how he has been a fan favorite but was getting paid too much for what they want him to do.

I guess it all depends on who he is being compared to. He's no Datsuyk or Yzerman, but I think McCarty has done more than some of the other players on the Wings bench. Now you want to toss a name that is over paid and overrated...Jaromir Jagr.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote: Also they said to look for the Red Wings to start talking to Osgood about coming in as a backup for Manny. I think it would be a good move.

I like Osgood. Legace was great last year, but if something happens you need someone to step in. BTW- One of my favorite clips is when Osgood and Patrick Roy faced off at center. Nothing like having two goalies making some penalty minutes.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote: At least there will be no Cujo around here. The writer was also talking about how some goaltenders like Cujo do poorly on great defensive teams because they need to see more shots on goal rather than 18-20 shots.

I think if a goalie faces alot of shots, he's going to react quicker. Gain better hand/eye coordination. Luongo of the Panthers said in the playoffs that he'd rather face 38 shots than 10. I can see that. Less standing around. In a high scoring atmosphere I think those goalies that can do that are going to do well. I think defensive teams from last season are going to have to do some retooling to keep up.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote: What do you think on the shootouts?

Hmmm...Jury is still out on that. Being in Missoula, there isn't alot of AHL or IHL being broadcast so I haven't gotten to see much of the action. I like the idea of a winner in every game, but I'm not sure if I want it always coming down to a one-on-one scenario. The few penalty shots I saw last season were exciting, and I hope that "energy" is what comes out of it. I am also glad that it's only regular season and not in the playoffs. Wait and see!

What do you think about the removal of the red line and crackdown on obstructions?

Removal of the red line and the crackdown on obstructions to me is a way for the NHL to get people who do not care about the sport interested. I can already see some high scoring games. I love offense but what I love even more are those tight playoff battles where the game is still going on at two in the morning. I see the need to get viewer intrest up especially after a lockout, however I don't want to see it turn into an indoor soccer game.

We just got Shannahan to resign which pleases me. He still has a couple of good years left in him hopefully. The mood around here was somber about McCarty. He will be a great pick up for another team.

So whats the word on Forsberg and Foote? I have read where you said the Avs are committed to Sakic and Blake.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote: We just got Shannahan to resign which pleases me. He still has a couple of good years left in him hopefully. The mood around here was somber about McCarty. He will be a great pick up for another team.

Heard you guys were still trying to sign Yzerman, Good luck with that. I think he should be given the opportunity to finish where his home is. Sounds like Chelios is still on the block though. Well, if doesn't get picked up he can always cook. I wonder if he goes to another city if he'll open another restaurant?

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote: So whats the word on Forsberg and Foote? I have read where you said the Avs are committed to Sakic and Blake.

Sounds like Forsberg and Foote are going free agency today unless something truly weird happens and they get resigned. If you read the Avs Boards you'd think the world was ending. Lots of heads in the sand there today. Selanne and Kariya are gone too (although most of us were pretty sure they were short-timers to start with). The rest of the big names on the roster got offers (Hejduk, Tanguay, Hinote, Konowalchuck, etc.) so the core of the team from last year is somewhat intact. Now we have to see who takes the offers.

I saw from the Draft this weekend that Colorado signed some talented new blood too. I know the Av's have a strong tradition of home-growing their players, so maybe GM LaCroix is thinking more down the road than October when it comes to the rosters.

Rumor mill says Forsberg and Naslund (VAN) want to play on the same team, wherever they end up. Which tells me that he's not inclined to stay in Colorado without a whole lot of money or incentives. I'd rather keep Adam Foote over Forsberg. He's a monster defenceman and not as injury prone as Forsberg. He also has said that he wants to stay in Colorado. Have to check out the wires tonight and see where people are ending up. There are a bunch of big names out there and alot of teams shopping.

Yep, we got Stevie Y for one more year. To Wings fans and pretty much any sports fan in Michigan this guy is the hero of the state. It will be great that he can finish off his career in the winged wheel. People were worried he wouldn't come back this year and were already talking about Draper or Lidstrom wearing the C on their jersey.

I saw where Hatcher and Neuwendyk have signed already. Im still waiting to see where the Wings go with the goaltender situation. They were saying Ogood and Khailibulin from Tampa are the two to go after.

Hejduk to me is one of the most underrated players in the league.The guy is just a straight up winner. I definetely wouldn't be crying over Selanne and Kariya. To me those two are so spotty. They will have a good year and then a bad. There is never consistency in my eyes from them.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote:Yep, we got Stevie Y for one more year. To Wings fans and pretty much any sports fan in Michigan this guy is the hero of the state. It will be great that he can finish off his career in the winged wheel. People were worried he wouldn't come back this year and were already talking about Draper or Lidstrom wearing the C on their jersey.

Posh on the unbelievers, I knew he'd come back for at least one. Even if it was to go out on top. 22 years in one place says alot. I am glad he's got the job again! Frankly I have a hard time seeing anyone else BUT Stevie Y as captain in Detroit. Hard shoes to fill.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote:I saw where Hatcher and Neuwendyk have signed already. Im still waiting to see where the Wings go with the goaltender situation. They were saying Ogood and Khailibulin from Tampa are the two to go after.

Lots of people on the move today. Avs lost Foote to Columbus of all places, but then they need a good defenceman. I see Calgary signed McCarty and Tony Amonte, and retained Iginla. Going to make an interesting line-up. Heard they were courting Scott Neidermeyer too...goaltenders, I'd take Khabi over Osgood of given the choice. Khabi's got the game 7 gut-experience. All comes down to money these days.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote:Hejduk to me is one of the most underrated players in the league. The guy is just a straight up winner.

I like Hejduk alot. He's a top scorer just really kind of a quiet, get the job done, kind of guy. (New dad too!) I think he, Tanguay and Forsberg made a rocking line in 2003. If the Avs can keep Forsberg (still an unknown at this point) I see that continuing, although Sakic would be my next choice to fill in if Forsberg leaves. Super Joe is another workhorse.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote:I definitely wouldn't be crying over Selanne and Kariya. To me those two are so spotty. They will have a good year and then a bad. There is never consistency in my eyes from them.

Bingo! Give kalamazoo a beer!

I thought Kariya wasn't all bad, just broken so much I don't think he got a real chance to develop anything. That being said he may still have ended up where he is now. He'll probably get the chance to prove me otherwise, somewhere else. Selanne was alot of hype and no production on any of the Avs lines.

Got my Nov. 11 tickets for Calgary-Colorado! Should be settled into the season long enough to be a great game. Only 8 hours from Missoula, kind of like an extended daytrip to Billings.

Forsberg signed a 2 year deal today with the Flyers????? What happened to wanted to play with Naslund? With Naslund resigning with the Canucks, I thought for sure the Avs could resgin Foppa. At least the Avs will keep Milan and Alex.

Rumor has it the Avs might try and sign Modano now that Forsberg left. He doesnt have as much talent as Peter does, but he would be a huge addition to the team.

GRIZFAN20 wrote::cry: Rumor has it the Avs might try and sign Modano now that Forsberg left. He doesnt have as much talent as Peter does, but he would be a huge addition to the team.

Modano re-signed with Dallas.

**SIGH** Going to miss Forsberg, but it sounds like he wanted more money than the Avs had left to work with. As much as I hate the idea. I think it may be a good thing in the long run. He's got injury issues. That first game against the Flyers in the Pepsi Center is going to be interesting...I think it will be worse than when Kariya left Anaheim...almost dreading logging onto the Avs Board this morning.

Looks like Lacroix picked up Pierre Turgeon from Dallas and Patrice Brisbois from Montreal to help fill in on the Avs line.

Definetely some interesting signings since yesterday. Modano sticking in Dallas was a good choice. I saw where Boston had some interest in him but backed away some. Modano hasn't been the great the past couple of years though. I remember seeing something about some bad financial dealings he was involved with. He's got that pretty boy flair to him but hopefully he has a solid comeback.

Calgary has really impressed me so far. Amonte isn't what he was in Chicago but he can still be solid. McCarty will be solid and gives the Flames good offense and physical play. Retaining Iginla was great. I can see the Flames in the Finals again as a real possibility.

I don't see what the hell Philly was doing with signing Forsberg. It's good but they have exceeded the cap now from what I read and still have to take care of couple more moves. Hopefully Peter stays healthy and has some good years ahead of him. Now wasn't he in the deal for Lindros back in 92? I like the pick-up by the Avs on Turgeon. Another good player who has been overshadowed by teammates and whose health has kept him low on some peoples radar.

Ken Holland from the Red Wings was on the sports report last night saying that the foundation of Detroit is set for this coming season unlike some other teams. He says to look for the Wings to add some complimentary pieces as the season approaches.

Its good to get some hockey chat . Especially when it come from some Avs fans. The Wings-Avs isn't what it used to be back in the late nineties but we should have some great games this year.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote: I don't see what the hell Philly was doing with signing Forsberg. It's good but they have exceeded the cap now from what I read and still have to take care of couple more moves.

Rumor mill has Jeremy Roenick on the move soon. Somewhere west. There's an interview with Roenick on ESPN that has him pretty much sitting on his bags waiting to hear where his ticket is going. He has family out West and I really doubt that the Flyers are going to keep another top payroll player now that Forsberg's on bench. The week's not done yet, so I suspect that there is more shaking expected.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote: Ken Holland from the Red Wings was on the sports report last night saying that the foundation of Detroit is set for this coming season unlike some other teams. He says to look for the Wings to add some complimentary pieces as the season approaches.

It sounds like the Avs have the highest returning numbers even after losing Foote and Forsberg. Lots of younger players who have seen lots of ice time. I see a few trades down the line, but that is something to be expected. Especially around March.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote: Its good to get some hockey chat . Especially when it come from some Avs fans. The Wings-Avs isn't what it used to be back in the late nineties but we should have some great games this year.

Same here.

I wish that we had more games against this year, I think I saw 4 on the schedule, but with the emphasis on regional matchups I guess they consider the Avs to be more west. I am hoping to catch the Wings in person when they are in Calgary. If ESPN decides to pick up the regional TV, Missoula will probably get Red Wings game coverage over the Avs again. Which just floors me, because Calgary and Denver are closer geographically. Things that make you go Hmmmm...

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Actually I wouldn't mind seeing Roenick in a Boston uniform.....he played his college hockey there....would be neat to see. Regional coverage for Missoula hads been Detroit games? That cracks me up. I would think Denver or Minnesota even.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote:Actually I wouldn't mind seeing Roenick in a Boston uniform.....he played his college hockey there....would be neat to see.

Looks like Jeremy is Hollywood bound. Spot on ESPN just sent him to the Kings. I don't know all that much about the Kings, other than Luc Robataille is still there.

grizfaninkalamazoo wrote:Regional coverage for Missoula has been Detroit games? That cracks me up. I would think Denver or Minnesota even.

It's bizzare. We have to have an eastern feed or something. You think you're tuning to the 'West game' between the Avs and San Jose, and get Detroit and Philly. Not that I am complaining, I like Detroit too, but it really makes planning a pain in the patoot. Especially when they come up against Griz home games! Do you tape the hockey game, or the Griz (so you can replay the ones you missed screaming your head off at WGS). The choices, the choices...

Today the Avs signed Brad May. Nothing special as far as goal scoring is concerned, but I think he will provide alot of toughness and will be a great player to stick in front of the net to block the goalies vision. Steve Konovalchuk was good at that last year, but the Avs will need him to be scoring the goals and let May do the screening

I'm drawing a blank...was May formerly with the Canucks?? I see the Avs locked in Hejduk in a 5 year deal. Happy to see that.

Yes, May was with the Canucks.