The Ditch part deux

the ice Will. i turned the game on and thought it was the European Hockey League. Then I realized it was the Flyers. hard to see here but there are ads in the circles and by the blue lines and in each zone. kind of odd.

 

Sure is cool to see live NHL hockey right now... China or not. 3-1 Kings over Nucks, late 3rd.

 

^^HELL YEAH Will! Boring Wed night and I had a nice Flyers OT win to watch ! Love it.

 

Granlund scores for the Canucks, 3-2 now... 3rd.

 

Pearson makes 4-2, Kings. I must admit, conditions look good on and at the ice rink.

 

Well, the first ever NHL game on Chinese soil is over... Kings 5, Canucks 2.

 

Today's preseason schedule...

Thursday, Sept. 21

Vancouver vs. Los Angeles at Shanghai, 7:30 a.m.

New Jersey at Montreal, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia at Boston, 7 p.m.

Winnipeg at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Detroit at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Dallas at Colorado, 9 p.m.

Vegas at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

 

^^^^this is hockey...

 

Teh Phil Esposito was ambassador to the game in China, don't ask me why. He said the nhl blew it, as usual they do a piss poor job of advertising and pushing their product.
There was no mention of the game anywhere in any paper. The game wasn't even close to being sold out, 10,000 fans in an 18,500 capacity arena.

Tickets were priced at $240, scalpers were getting $37, reminds me of the world cup.

Hardly ever is Bettman scrutinized for his failures besides fans that are disgruntled about rule changes or expansion to a southern team

The advertising in this league sucks the bag compared to the other major sports. It's time this dinosaur disappears for good, time for new blood, new ideas, new energy, FK Gary!

 

Friday, Sept. 22 Preseason action...

Pittsburgh at Columbus, 7 p.m.

St. Louis at Washington, 7 p.m.

Buffalo vs. Toronto at Ricoh Coliseum, Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

Nashville at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers vs. N.Y. Islanders at Bridgeport, Conn., 7:30 p.m.

Arizona at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Vancouver at Edmonton, 9 p.m.

Los Angeles at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

 

Stamkos played last night. It was his first game in 10 Months. He had 2 helpers in the 1st period against Nashville. I think if he stays healthy, TB makes a comeback and finish's close to the top in the Atlantic.

 

There's a strong chance that the Bolts take the Atlantic.
First, the division is far from top-heavy with talented teams. Every team with the exception of one* could have fans arguing passionately that their team could win the division. I think it'll go some permutation of TB, BOS, & TOR, 1, 2, 3. But, these three are not complete teams; every team has big question marks.

Remember, if you're team has question marks, then it is possible that if everything falls in place, and the team avoids bad luck, there's a chance the team could excel.

I can make a persuasive and plausible argument for how the Sabres could win the division. I could, but I won't because I don't think it'll prove to be true. * Detroit is the only team that - for the good of organization - should take it on the chin and strive for last place.

 

I agree with your assessment, Dan. I think i'd lean towards Tampa Bay as being the most complete team as it stands right now. The looming question marks on the teams is going to make for a tight battle in the Atlantic. I really don't see any one team running away with it, but down the stretch, if in tact and healthy, my money is on the Lightning, followed closely by Boston, Toronto, Buffalo and then the Wings.

I'm kinda leaning towards Toronto surpassing the Bruins, but a predictor I'm not and it will be close one way or the other. I like the offense Toronto can bring and if that mixes with decent goaltending with improved defense... they could win it. Going to be a blast to watch this Division unfold.

 

Saturday, Sept. 23...

Los Angeles vs. Vancouver at Beijing, 3:30 a.m.

Colorado at Minnesota, 6 p.m.

Boston at Detroit, 7 p.m.

Carolina at Washington, 7 p.m.

Montreal at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Buffalo, 7 p.m.

Dallas at St. Louis, 8 p.m.

Columbus at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

San Jose at Arizona, 9 p.m.

Winnipeg at Edmonton, 9 p.m.

Looking forward to seeing the new arena in Detroit tonight ... its a beaut!

 

It appears that Sidney Crosby has been placed in concussion protocol... after agreeing to visit the White House. President Trump responded with, "I'm looking forward to meeting Mr. Cosby. I loved his TV show back in the 80s, and I understand that he and I share a common taste for cognitively impaired women."

 

I heard the asshat used to go to ranger games.

 

Im flying tomorrow to Appleton, Wi outside of Green Bay for some golf with college buddies and to see the Packers - Bears game in Lambeau Field. I needed some reading material for the plane and airport. Got the Hockey News magazine. On the cover - Crosby and the Flyers' Nolan Patrick!! Didn't read it yet, but looking forward to reading about hopefully the Flyers next star player.

 

Sounds about right.