- 01:50 AM
- 04/16/24
There is no hockey lockout. The season is progressing normally and, if anything, the games are more exciting than normal. *waves hand* STUPID JEDI MIND TRICKS...WORK BETTER!
posted by filmgoerjuan at 03:21 PM on October 30, 2004
Well we have a ball, a cube...why no snowcone? I weep to think what we're going to have as mascots for 2010 games here in Vancouver, I really do.
posted by filmgoerjuan at 12:43 PM on October 03, 2004
Why do people insist on calling him Gary Bettman? Can't we all just agree to call him "that snivelling little rat-faced git"?
posted by filmgoerjuan at 12:42 AM on September 21, 2004
I was shocked to see Brian Burke actually *smiling* during his sessions with Ron McLean and Kelly Hrudey...now all we need to do is get Pat Quinn on there (although he's a tougher nut to crack).
posted by filmgoerjuan at 12:36 AM on September 15, 2004
Some of us are sent to stud, Ufez...it's just that we don't have any takers :(
posted by filmgoerjuan at 02:49 AM on August 03, 2004
You'd think those teams could do Vancouver the decency of putting in an appearance here in town; however, none of the three play a game in Vancouver this season. In fact, only one team from the Atlantic Division plays in Vancouver this season: Pittsburgh. [And let's see if the Canucks can make *another* weak-assed pass up the middle of the ice in the last few minutes of play...turning it over and giving up a goal...totally weak, guys!]
posted by filmgoerjuan at 02:59 AM on February 05, 2004
Just this past November, I had the opportunity of attending a New Jersey Devils game...what struck me as slightly odd was that, despite the fact that the opposing team that night was Pittsburgh, every so often the crowd would chant "RANGERS SUCK!" One can only imagine what they'd do if they had two Ranger fans disguised as Santas on the ice.
posted by filmgoerjuan at 11:08 AM on December 26, 2003
Personally, I don't like it...still, it's not Anaheim 95-96 3rd Jersey, Kings 95-96 3rd Jersey or Canucks (pick a year) Jersey bad. Really, it seems like a lateral move in my mind. They've exchanged one cartoonish logo for another. At least the old logo had the merit of being distinctive with its SouthWestern flavour.
posted by filmgoerjuan at 08:12 AM on September 04, 2003
I don't think Kariya's worth $10 million to the Ducks or to any team, particularly given his more recent play; however, he has been loyal to Anaheim, even when most people thought he should move on to a Cup-contending team. Well now the Ducks have had their run (and a good run it was, while it lasted). Kariya's free to go to someone else without guilt, without feeling that he's got to stick around and try to win Anaheim a cup. If I were him, I'd take less money to play for a better team...he's got nothing left to prove in Anaheim. Disney has shown that they will milk the franchise for every last penny they can squeeze out of it, then sell it as quickly as they can. I know the money aspect of hockey isn't pretty (on either the ownership or player's side), but at least many of the owners have a love of the game. For Disney it's just another attempt to cash in on a franchise and capture another market.
posted by filmgoerjuan at 12:09 AM on July 03, 2003
Hell, if Canada makes the finals again verses the US, they may sell out BC Place stadium for the final. Could you imagine the attendance for that hockey game! It probably won't happen, but it would be awesome to think about that possibility! Actually, it's my understanding that it's not even 100% certain that GM Place (home of the Vancouver Canucks) will host the hockey games; traditionally, the largest venue is used for the figure skating competitions, which would mean the old Pacfic Coliseum might be the main venue for Olympic hockey (it's a nice enough building, but GM Place is better).
posted by filmgoerjuan at 11:57 PM on July 02, 2003
That was an amazingly flukey goal...however, don't take credit away from Anaheim for the way they played (and again tonight). They are evening up the chances and defending much better than in the first two games. We might even have ourselves a series here...
posted by filmgoerjuan at 12:36 AM on June 03, 2003
Personally, I'm in the camp that thinks that the defence-first style of play is killing hockey. I understand why teams, especially expansion teams, do it. Quite simply, without a bigger budget and the ability to sign more offensive-minded players, the only way to achieve any measure of success is to keep the other teams from scoring and take those 1 goal games. I think that within hockey fandom, good defensive players are given a lot of credit. Many people (myself included) love to see goaltenders make great saves...it's one of the exciting elements of the game. I found that watching Gigeure in the first two rounds was a lot of fun as he was facing a lot of shots and coming up with some amazing saves to keep his team in there. I also like Brodeur, but how much fun is it watching him face 16 (relatively weak) shots in a game? As for the marketing of the game...hockey's a hard enough sell in the U.S....but marketing the defensive side of it is pure death. Soccer has never really achieved mainstream success, but if they were trying to market it, I doubt their pitch would be "Hey it's a great defensive game...look at all our 0-0 and 1-0 scores!".
posted by filmgoerjuan at 10:54 AM on May 31, 2003
There's only one thing that could make me even consider watching this...Anna Kournikova. Sorry, make that two things...Anna and the possibility that this is a tournament that even she might win.
posted by filmgoerjuan at 01:54 AM on May 15, 2003
Hockey puck abuse!?!?!? Isn't it enough that the league has put up those lousy, view-obstructing nets at the ends of the rink to soften the landing of those pucks? What a bunch of crybabies! [Private to Ufez: Sorry about your Stars...I would have gloated, but then my Canucks blew it too and now I feel your pain]
posted by filmgoerjuan at 01:13 AM on May 11, 2003
I'm with Succa on the Ottawa-Vancouver final...they're the only two teams that don't play that boring defensive style of hockey. Watching a Minnesota/New Jersey finals would be like watching paint dry (not to mention the 6 and 7 OT games...*yawn*).
posted by filmgoerjuan at 04:22 PM on May 06, 2003
Hmm...I wonder why they didn't go with the middle cover for this timely issue. Oh yeah, I forgot, they want to sell a lot of copies. My bad.
posted by filmgoerjuan at 11:10 AM on January 25, 2003
Strangely, the mascot has kept silent about the whole affair. But seriously...I'm not entirely keen on the idea of having mascots at hockey games...when they introduced Fin at Canucks games, it seemed like it was something the league had mandated. Just another thing to keep the kiddies entertained, I suppose (and that can be merchandised up the wazoo).
posted by filmgoerjuan at 10:38 AM on January 21, 2003
I second mkn's vote for Canada's double hockey gold. Though for me the most memorable moment of the year was when the crowd at the men's gold medal game in Salt Lake City started singing "O Canada" as the clock ticked down. Canada isn't a country that displays a lot of patriotism, so hearing that sent chills down my spine.
posted by filmgoerjuan at 02:18 PM on December 29, 2002
I would suspect that Martin's poor showing in the poll is almost wholly to do with his lack of success in the post-season. Change the question to "Who's the best regular season coach in the NHL?" and he'd probably fare better.
posted by filmgoerjuan at 12:12 PM on December 26, 2002
This sounds like a great idea...although I don't know that watching hockey in a football arena would give the best views of the game. Still, as an annual one-off event it certainly would be interesting. I like most of the special hockey events the CBC/NHL have cooked up -- Hockey Day In Canada and The Blue Pick-Up Cup spring to mind (though I'd prefer it if they'd done the latter on an actual, rather than an in-studio, frozen pond). I'd also like to see something similar to the Hockey Day in Canada match-ups, but instead pairing up the Original Six teams.
posted by filmgoerjuan at 12:43 PM on September 21, 2002
I certainly think that Gretzky *could* come back to the game and play; however, it would be nowhere near his peak level (nor, indeed, the level that Lemieux has played on his return). I'm also concerned that if he were to come back and play (for Phoenix), there would be almost zero doubt that it would be perceived as an attempt to boost his team's revenue base [remember the skepticism Mario has (nay, continues) to face regarding his motivations for returning]. I think Lemieux came back because he still had something to prove; with Gretzky, what's left?
posted by filmgoerjuan at 06:37 PM on August 02, 2002
I'm overall quite pleased with my local team, the Vancouver Canucks, despite the fact they've made very few moves in the post season. Sure we've had two first round eliminations in the past two playoffs (after squeaking in both times); however, the Canucks have become one of the most consistently entertaining teams to watch over the past few years. Markus Naslund and Todd Bertuzzi are both amazing: while Naslund's wrist shot is among the best in the league, Bertuzzi has this astounding technique whereby he holds off a defenceman with one hand while continuing to control the puck with the other, then glides in and makes a beautiful goal. A year ago no one would have thought that two Canucks would be #2 & #3 in the scoring race (or that the team would be #1 in the league in goals)? My biggest gripe with the team is that they seem to be at a loose end when it comes to goaltending. Dan Cloutier is improving, but he has a tendency to be either very stingy with goals or to give up 4-6. It also gets depressing to see goaltenders let go or traded away, then go on to give amazing performances for other teams (Irbe, Burke, Potvin, et. al.). This is a position that still needs to be addressed. Overall, I give the team a solid B (not re-signing Andrew Cassels could be a big mistake). As for the Leafs...*sigh*...it's hard to figure out what's going on with that team. They have the history, they have the fan base, they have the coaching and they have the cash...why don't they sign more players who can give them a better shot at the Cup? Grade: C minus.
posted by filmgoerjuan at 08:35 PM on July 19, 2002
Manhattan judge gives woman go-ahead to sue MSG.
Here in Vancouver, they're using a thick, black netting that seriously hampers your view of the game. Frankly, I don't even see how they can justify the higher cost of the seats in those sections (as opposed to higher up, but unobstructed views). You'd think that they could install some kind of lightweight, clear or light coloured superstrong netting, but NOOOOOOOOO!