Which NHL team should I follow?

[Scott Weber]

Here are the finalists. Growing up in Seattle, I've never had any affiliation to the NHL, nor have I ever been a fan of hockey. But I enjoy the game and want to become more knowledgeable - but I need a rooting interest. So, who will my team be? (Don't vote for your home team)

Vancouver Canucks - I live closest to this franchise. But I don't know anybody on their team.

Colorado Avalanche - This was my team in Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98. Feel some sort of affiliation to them, and they still have Joe Sakic.

Calgary Flames - When I was a kid, the Seattle Mariners had a minor league affiliate in Calgary. So I used to read the paper and see Calgary in the NHL standings and say hey, like the Mariners! I was like 8. I also have a close friend who is a Flames fan.

Washington Capitals - Ovechkin.

Pittsburgh Pens - Crosby.

Tampa Bay Lightning - I already root for one Tampa Bay team (Rays), why not 2?


Right now I'm leaning towards Colorado or Calgary.

[StuGrimson]

Sakics awesome but Colorado will be awful this year

Vancouver should be fun but they never are. They deserve a chance but will probably disapoint.

I love everything about Calgarys team

Washington is very exciting as well but Im not a big fan

Crosby is fun as hell to watch as is Malkin but the rest of the team does nothing for me

Tampa should be exciting to watch but in their first two games have just been awful and disapointed me completely

OUt of those teams Id take Calgary or Washington. I still think Chicago is the team to watch though as do many other hockey thread regulars.

[CarlosLunes]

devils.

[xbrokendownx]

my vote out of these is definitely the flames. theyre my favorite team in the west along with Chicago. they have one of the best wingers in the league in Jarome Iginla, one of the best defenseman in the league in Dion Phaneuf, and a great goalie in Miika Kiprusoff

[we are cured]

as an ambassador of the game...don't watch vancouver. we need people like you and watching them back off and shut down after scoring 1-2 goals is like watching paint dry. though luongo is an awesome goaltender and you'd probably appreciate his talents.

calgary is a gritty team that has a nice combo of speed and power.

other than that i'd say just catch all of these teams on the national games of the week, and follow either phoenix or chicago. i'd personally go with the blackhawks.

[Scott Weber]

i'd rather not follow a super major market team. that rules out chicago, NY, Jersey.

[we are cured]

chicago and jersey are not super major market teams. remember this is the NHL. the blackhawks didn't televise their home games for like 40 or 50 years, they're only beginning to gain fans back.

[LeftWideOpen]

i say tampa bay, for obvious reasons ;-)

[Scott Weber]

i have an mlb/nfl mentality though, so to choose those cities goes against what I'm used to for those cities.

[we are cured]

well whatever, i'd go with calgary or phoenix then. i really like phoenix's squad, they have three balanced lines and peter mueller/martin hanzal are young stars in the making.

[Broken Parachute]

Yeah, Chicago seems like a major market team but they're just as small as most other teams. Out of that list, definitely Calgary and definitely not Vancouver.

Also, while I like Colorado, I find they're brand of hockey to be a bit boring also.

If I had to make a list for you, in order:

Chicago
Calgary
Phoenix
Rangers (biased)
Tampa Bay

[anamericangod]

Sabres!

[StuGrimson]

It all depends on what you want from the games you watch. For skilld offensive hockey you cant beat watching Washington/Pittsburgh/Chicago/Detroit/Montreal/Ottawa

Personally I prefer offensive teams that are big, tough and beat the hell out of each other but still can play high skilled run and gun hockey. Like a Calgary or Philadelphia and to a lesser extent Anaheim and Phoenix.

[Broken Parachute]

If you want exciting hockey, stay away from Colorado, Minnesota (even though I like them) and Vancouver. I find them to be so dull to watch, haha.

[Scott Weber]

well whatever, i'd go with calgary or phoenix then. i really like phoenix's squad, they have three balanced lines and peter mueller/martin hanzal are young stars in the making.
here's what I know about phoenix:


jeremy roenik.

[we are cured]

out of his selections id say washington in the east and calgary in the west.

[tambo41187]

Out of those teams, there are very few things not to like about the Flames. Everything from their captain, their grit, and their style of play. Penguins play a very enjoyable style as well. Vancouver, Washington, and Colorada all bore me at times. Tampa should be exciting this year, however they might be a few years off from being any good.

If you want exciting hockey with a disinterest in defense than Sabres are your team.

[we are cured]

here's what I know about phoenix:


jeremy roenik.

haha. gretzky is the coach

[AreTwoKay]

Sakics awesome but Colorado will be awful this year


how are they going to be awful please enlighten me on this? they're practically the same team with a few people gone and a few additions that i think will help.

[FondestMemory]

you should go with the penguins.

that'd kill those rumors of your obvious hatred of the city.

they're also the only team i watch, so i couldn't tell you jackshit about any of the others.

[LastPlaceRocks]

If you want exciting hockey, stay away from Colorado, Minnesota (even though I like them) and Vancouver. I find them to be so dull to watch, haha.
Someone has got to explain to me how everyone likes Minnesota yet can't stand to watch the team.

Anyways in regards to your question Scott, go with Washington or a team out west like San Jose. They're not on your list, but they should be more exciting than either Vancouver or Calgary.

[Flags of Dawn]

haha, the blackhawks can barely fill half the united center when good teams come to town. that should change in a few years though.

[bigmike]

Chicago
Calgary
Phoenix

In that order.

[jaimej]

Tampa Bay. They're a fun team to watch. I root for them when they're not playing the Rangers. If only for Vinnie LeCavalier. Haha.

[LastPlaceRocks]

how are they going to be awful please enlighten me on this? they're practically the same team with a few people gone and a few additions that i think will help.
Combination of goaltending and special teams. If those two step up and players like Statsny and Smyth can stay healthy, they should contend for and get a playoff spot.

[AreTwoKay]

Combination of goaltending and special teams. If those two step up and players like Statsny and Smyth can stay healthy, they should contend for and get a playoff spot.
wow we lost Theo oh well. I loved him but he sure didn't help us much except a hot streak or two last year cause he was living up to his plays well in contract year mode. Only 2 skaters stayed healthy for us all of last year and we still made it to the playoffs with alot of help from the younger dudes on the team/dudes from lake erie.

[Chris M.]

The Bruins!

But really, Calgary. I guess you could say their my team in the west seeing as I pick them to either go to the Cup finals or the Western Conference finals nearly every year. Also, Iginla is one of my favourite players and is probably the best all around player in hockey.

[zizou1790]

i voted pittsburgh but calgary is a solid choice as well

[LastPlaceRocks]

wow we lost Theo oh well. I loved him but he sure didn't help us much except a hot streak or two last year cause he was living up to his plays well in contract year mode. Only 2 skaters stayed healthy for us all of last year and we still made it to the playoffs with alot of help from the younger dudes on the team/dudes from lake erie.
You'd rather have Budaj than Theodore?

[StuGrimson]

Maybe awful isnt the right word for Colorado but they wont make the playoffs. And the goaltending and defense are question marks for me, as well as 3rd and 4th line depth.

[deadstar]

wow we lost Theo oh well. I loved him but he sure didn't help us much except a hot streak or two last year cause he was living up to his plays well in contract year mode. Only 2 skaters stayed healthy for us all of last year and we still made it to the playoffs with alot of help from the younger dudes on the team/dudes from lake erie.
Chicago is a lot better. So will be Phoenix. Its a tough conference to make the playoffs.

[AreTwoKay]

You'd rather have Budaj than Theodore?
hell yes.

[btbam > you]

You'd rather have Budaj than Theodore?

While Theo was on top of his game in the first round of the playoffs, he was still very inconsistent during the season at times. I know Budaj isn't the best goalie out there, but he has a solid overall record and I think he will be capable of keeping us in games if the offense isn't producing well.

[LastPlaceRocks]

hell yes.

While Theo was on top of his game in the first round of the playoffs, he was still very inconsistent during the season at times. I know Budaj isn't the best goalie out there, but he has a solid overall record and I think he will be capable of keeping us in games if the offense isn't producing well.
Well good luck with that. I hope the Avs prove me wrong, but until that happens I'd take Calgary, Minnesota and Edmonton over them in the Northwest.

[bigmike]

Mark me down as not wanting Budaj over Theo at all. Then again, there's that solid backup plan of Andrew Raycroft laying in the weeds as well. Championship!

[tambo41187]

Agreed, cannot see the Avs making the playoffs this year. Same issue as the last few years; inconsistent goaltending...ill buy into them when that changes.

[deadstar]

But Ryan Smyth will put up career point totals!!! Maybe he'll pass the 70 point plateau this year!!!!

[StuGrimson]

Smyth has to be the most overrated player in the league. Ugliest too.

[Chris M.]

Smyth has to be the most overrated player in the league. Ugliest too.

But he's a warrior!!!!

[tambo41187]

But Ryan Smyth will put up career point totals!!! Maybe he'll pass the 70 point plateau this year!!!!

But he cares SO much, i mean he cried when he left the oilers. You know because he just needed thos few extra millions.

Useless if he is not around the net

[StuGrimson]

Its like Saku Koivu, the guy was supposed to be great but consistently has average inconsistent seasons but nobody says a damn thing about him. I hate to say it but if he never had cancer he would have been shipped out of Montreal years ago.

[LastPlaceRocks]

It's Montreal. You're not allowed to say bad things about them.

[Kram41]

1) Flames
2) Capitals
3) Penguins


If I didn't hate them so much because I'm a Sharks fan, they'd be one of my favorite teams. Besides Ovechkin, Iginla is the most exciting player to watch in my opinion (the epitome of what I think a great hockey player should be). Phaneuf's exciting to watch. Cammaleri's going to be great this year, and you've got a great goalie in Kiprusoff.

The Capitals are young and exciting, and I'd love to get to watch Ovechkin 82+ games a year.

The Penguins are my other favorite team besides the Sharks... really exciting young players. Great media coverage, lots of storylines to follow...

[livethesounds]

flames or Canucks.
You don't want to look like a frontrunner with the Penguins. Colorado is the easy choice for people who knew about hockey when they were younger, phoenix sucks (i have their minor league team here in SA, but i still can't root for them at all).

Canucks because you live the closest to Vancouver, they have one of the better golatenders in the league, and though they may not be that good currently, just two years ago they were a pretty solid team. They aren't very exciting to watch though

Calgary is a fun team to watch and to root for, even for me as a stars fan. They're not really the tops in the west, but they're usually in the mix with a great mix of young and old stars. And hey they're probably closer to seattle than DC, pittsburgh, denver, or phoenix.

[xbrokendownx]

phoenix does not suck. theyll be a decent to good young team

[LastPlaceRocks]

They're still another year away.

[we are cured]

i don't know...they could surprise people this year. bryzgalof can steal games and jokinen is a beast. they should have a killer PP

[livethesounds]

phoenix does not suck. theyll be a decent to good young team

haha i know, but to him they would suck. you gotta see this as someone new to the league.

[LastPlaceRocks]

At the same time, their blue-line took a hit in the Jokinen trade while Phoenix is in a very competitive division. They'll improve upon last year's finish (and are a team to watch in the future), but it will take a lot to go right for the Coyotes to make the playoffs.

[livethesounds]

i don't know...they could surprise people this year. bryzgalof can steal games and jokinen is a beast. they should have a killer PP

they'll improve, no doubt, but i just don't see them making more of a splash then they did last year with the division they're in.

[AshesAshes]

Colorado gets my vote.

NJ is where its at though

[StuGrimson]

I hope the new group of young fast teams like Chicago, Edmonton and Phoenix replace the defense first teams like Minny, Colorado and Anaheim this year. I loved Anaheim 2 years ago but they completely turned me off last season.

[we are cured]

anaheim stopped scoring last year. they got away with having no powerplay throughout the 07 playoffs (after having a great one during the 06-07 season), but it caught up with them in the regular season.

[we are cured]

and as much as it pains me to say this, i think NJ will be much more bearable to watch this year. the rolston addition alleviates elias from having to bear to much of the scoring load - i also think gionta will be back as long as he doesn't get petr prucha syndrome and starts avoiding all parts of the ice except the boards

[AshesAshes]

I just ordered NHL Center Ice anybody else get this?

[xbrokendownx]

and as much as it pains me to say this, i think NJ will be much more bearable to watch this year. the rolston addition alleviates elias from having to bear to much of the scoring load - i also think gionta will be back as long as he doesn't get petr prucha syndrome and starts avoiding all parts of the ice except the boards



fuckin right!

[we are cured]

unfortunately for you i think gionta does have a little bit of prucha in him. something about those little guys that try to prove they can take any hit, then are noticeably scared two seasons later

[xbrokendownx]

i like gionta for 30 goals this year with maybe even half of them on the PP. him and holik will be sitting in front of the net causing havok and with rolston's shots he should get plenty of chances for deflections and garbage goals which he is best at

[livethesounds]

I just ordered NHL Center Ice anybody else get this?

i would, but i get my stars games on FSN, plus i have NHL network, VS, and HDNet that all play regular season games a few times a week. Plus if there are games i want to see that arent on TV, i have two different places online to watch games (one specifically for NHL games). so i think i'm set.

[Kram41]

I just ordered NHL Center Ice anybody else get this?

I'm going to order the online one in the next couple days.

[livethesounds]

I'm going to order the online one in the next couple days.

is that cheaper? and do they do blackouts for teams that are in your area?

[we are cured]

i couldn't live without center ice. it gives me an excuse to sit there and do nothing at work while thinking of what game i'm going to watch that night.

[Kram41]

is that cheaper? and do they do blackouts for teams that are in your area?

I don't think it's much cheaper. I just found out they revamped it and are calling it "NHL GameCenter Live" this year.

I believe they blackout the local games.

I'm moving in a couple weeks and will be jumping from place to place for about a month until I get settled, so I figure I'll just get the online one so I can have it where ever.

[duhpunk]

i dont follow hockey much, but i love going to the games. naturally i root for Florida and Tampa Bay.

[Zeran]

colorado. fuck calgary and fuck vancouver. they're bitches.

[xbrokendownx]

i dont follow hockey much, but i love going to the games. naturally i root for Florida and Tampa Bay.




sorry to hear that

[Broken Parachute]

i dont follow hockey much, but i love going to the games. naturally i root for Florida and Tampa Bay.Florida is the worst organization in the league as far as I'm concerned. They should just fold, haha. I really hope they relocate.

[LastPlaceRocks]

sorry to hear that

Could be worse.

[emkvetwin]

LA! LA! LA! LA!

if you want to avoid the bandwagon-type feel and start with a team on its way up, take Tampa Bay. their first games haven't been too encouraging, but when you root for the Rays and the Lightning have a guy like Stamkos, you'll be just fine rooting for them.

[Scott Weber]

I think I'm taking Calgary in the West and Tampa Bay in the East.

[duhpunk]

sorry to hear that

haha. like i said, i dont really follow hockey religiously. unfortunately, the Panthers stadium is about an hour from here, so it's the only way i can really go to the games until i go home for Christmas break, then i'm an hour from Tampa Bay

Florida is the worst organization in the league as far as I'm concerned. They should just fold, haha. I really hope they relocate.

yeah, they've been pretty terrible every time ive seen them.

[emkvetwin]

good calls on both.

i've got Washington in the East; when i realized how disappointed i was after they lost in OT of Game 7 last year, i decided to follow them more closely.

i have a bunch of family in NY who are Isles fans, so i followed them by association. but they are so messed up right now.

[Broken Parachute]

haha. like i said, i dont really follow hockey religiously. unfortunately, the Panthers stadium is about an hour from here, so it's the only way i can really go to the games until i go home for Christmas break, then i'm an hour from Tampa Bay


yeah, they've been pretty terrible every time ive seen them.I like Tampa, but I don't see a reason for Florida to exist. I don't think there are enough hockey fans in Florida to follow two local teams.

[duhpunk]

I like Tampa, but I don't see a reason for Florida to exist. I don't think there are enough hockey fans in Florida to follow two local teams.

strangely enough, both arenas are normally 75% full when i go.

[Broken Parachute]

strangely enough, both arenas are normally 75% full when i go.The thing is there are cities who would get stadiums 100% filled if they had a team.

[LastPlaceRocks]

Well it's not like there's enough hockey fans in NYC to follow three teams...

[Broken Parachute]

Well it's not like there's enough hockey fans in NYC to follow three teams...What? LOL the Islanders aren't a real hockey team silly.

[LastPlaceRocks]

The thing is there are cities who would get stadiums 100% filled if they had a team.
Which cities do you have in mind?

[LastPlaceRocks]

What? LOL the Islanders aren't a real hockey team silly.
No, that's Hartford. But it'd be great if Garth Snow was a figment of my imagination.

[duhpunk]

The thing is there are cities who would get stadiums 100% filled if they had a team.

possibly. i know the Lightning were selling out a few years ago before the strike, but no one down here cares for the sport anymore.

[StuGrimson]

Tampas attendance has always been good, Floridas not so much. Though you can say they both always did get higher attendance than their baseball teams. Not many cities can say that.

[LastPlaceRocks]

Tampa had decent attendance figures last year; especially for a team that finished in the cellar.

[Broken Parachute]

Which cities do you have in mind?I'm sure people in Madison, Green Bay or Milwaukee would love a team. A team in Seattle (or a more Northern Washington city) could possibly work. I doubt another Canadian team being added to the mix would hurt (put a team back in Winnepeg or Quebec?).

You'd rather Florida stay where they are?

[StuGrimson]

Wade Belak said in an interview they give away panthers tickets at grocery stores if you spend more than 50 bucks

[Broken Parachute]

I think ever since the Stanley Cup especially (and even before), people in Tampa started to legitimately care about the team...which is fantastic for hockey in the southern states.

Tampa had better than the league average last season and the season before that. League average was approx. 16,900/17,300 and Tampa had 19,900/18,700

[duhpunk]

the Panthers are going to be the next Rays. just you wait :-d

[StuGrimson]

I was at a game in Tampa the year they won the Cup when they were just getting good around December, yes it was a Leafs game and there were a good 5000 Leafs fans there but it was completely sold out and the fans were fantastic

[LastPlaceRocks]

I'm sure people in Madison, Green Bay or Milwaukee would love a team. A team in Seattle (or a more Northern Washington city) could possibly work. I doubt another Canadian team being added to the mix would hurt (put a team back in Winnepeg or Quebec?).

You'd rather Florida stay where they are?
I don't know about having a team in Florida stay where they are compared to a team in Southern Ontario (although that raises another set of questions) or possibly Seattle/Portland (if someone can figure out a place for them to play), but for the most part it's better to have a team there compared to some of the cities up there. I don't see a team existing in Wisconsin, as Madison exists for the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay is a metro of 150,000 (it works for the NFL due to its unique circumstances) and no one cares about hockey in Milwaukee. Both Winnipeg and Quebec City are too small to support an NHL city and have no corporate support (there's a reason why neither city have a team anymore).

[dont you move]

Calgary and Tampa are solid choices

[StuGrimson]

I know Ive said this a million times before and I hate talking about this but you dont need local corporate support to be successful in Canada anymore. Everything is based out of Toronto anyway. It makes much more sense for a national company to support a team in various cities like Winnipeg and Quebec here than it does in the States for a national company to support a team in a relatively unimportant market like Columbus or Raleigh or even Buffalo.

Corporate money was the excuse a decade ago and I dont buy that as a viable reason anymore.

[dont you move]

do you guys really think a new team in Canada would get enough people to switch loyalties from existing teams?

[StuGrimson]

I dont necessarily want another team in southern ontario (though i wouldnt turn one away) im only speaking of winnipeg and quebec city whose fans probably arent heavily attached to any different franchises yet.

[LastPlaceRocks]

I know Ive said this a million times before and I hate talking about this but you dont need local corporate support to be successful in Canada anymore. Everything is based out of Toronto anyway. It makes much more sense for a national company to support a team in various cities like Winnipeg and Quebec here than it does in the States for a national company to support a team in a relatively unimportant market like Columbus or Raleigh or even Buffalo.

Corporate money was the excuse a decade ago and I dont buy that as a viable reason anymore.
I don't really want to re-hash this argument because we've had it a couple times, but both cities still would need a new arena/large renovations.

[StuGrimson]

That I do agree with, same with Hamilton if that ever gets brought up. Copps Coliseum is just disgusting.

[ESundy36]

Out of that selection of teams Calgary because of Phanuef, Iginla and Kiprusoff.

[sizablescarsxx]

my vote out of these is definitely the flames. theyre my favorite team in the west along with Chicago. they have one of the best wingers in the league in Jarome Iginla, one of the best defenseman in the league in Dion Phaneuf, and a great goalie in Miika Kiprusoff

agreed.

[larokr]

I think I'm taking Calgary in the West and Tampa Bay in the East.

I still have to pick a new favorite Western Conference team. I don't know if I can still follow the Western team I've been following since I started watching hockey.

Out of that selection of teams Calgary because of Phanuef, Iginla and Kiprusoff.

Agreed.

[imirish06]

the flyers. they're a FUN team to watch. they love to throw down.

[pand75]

Smyth has to be the most overrated player in the league. Ugliest too.
So glad he's gone lol.

Choose the Edmonton Oilers Weebs. Up and coming young team, like the Rays lol

[sundaydrivetsl]

I am excited for the season to start. I watched almost every Wild game I could last season. I love my Wild, they should be pretty solid this season. They were pretty inexperienced last year.

[Broken Parachute]

the flyers. they're a FUN team to watch. they love to throw down.Calgary > Philly because Calgary has Jim Vandermeer now.

[nateisawesome]

I am a Columbus fan and have been since they got their franchise. I really like Rick Nash and besides their games are always on FSN

[sundaydrivetsl]

I dont get how warm weather cities have professional hockey teams. Obviously there is a market for it, thats why they are there, but for someone from cold weather climate- and the state of hockey, its weird to imagine palm trees outside of a hockey arena. Kids in Florida cant play hockey, unless they get ice time, which I cant imagine being easy. Here in MN almost every city over the size of 5,000 people has a hockey rink, if not more than that.

Im not saying that just because people cant easily access ice time doesnt mean that the city cannot have a professional franchise, for me its just odd to associate Phoenix, Tampa, San Jose, LA, Florida to hockey... Its like when I see people here in MN surfing...

[williek311]

I was thinking of making this exact same thread. I was leaning towards Calgary because I normally play with them in most NHL games.

[Broken Parachute]

I dont get how warm weather cities have professional hockey teams. Obviously there is a market for it, thats why they are there, but for someone from cold weather climate- and the state of hockey, its weird to imagine palm trees outside of a hockey arena. Kids in Florida cant play hockey, unless they get ice time, which I cant imagine being easy. Here in MN almost every city over the size of 5,000 people has a hockey rink, if not more than that.

Im not saying that just because people cant easily access ice time doesnt mean that the city cannot have a professional franchise, for me its just odd to associate Phoenix, Tampa, San Jose, LA, Florida to hockey... Its like when I see people here in MN surfing...That's stupid logic.

[sundaydrivetsl]

That's stupid logic.

Explain.

[sundaydrivetsl]

That's stupid logic.

I don't think it's that stupid to think.

Its hard for me to understand there actually being a market for hockey in those kind of places. And everyone knows that the NHL is probably the least popular of the four major sports in the United States.

[Broken Parachute]

What is so hard to understand? The NHL wants the game to expand. How would not having teams spread out across the US be beneficial to them at all? I don't get what you're saying. You'd rather just have teams in cold climate cities? How can you say that's even remotely plausible.

[sundaydrivetsl]

What is so hard to understand? The NHL wants the game to expand. How would not having teams spread out across the US be beneficial to them at all? I don't get what you're saying. You'd rather just have teams in cold climate cities? How can you say that's even remotely plausible.


Dude, I'm not an idiot. I understand what the NHL wants, I'm not questioning that. That was accomplished 10 years ago when the NHL started its facelift. Thats old news. I never said anything about me rather just having teams in cold climate cities.

What you don't get is my curiousity to how there is even a market for an NHL team in south Florida for example. Obviously there is a market because you obviously do not have to live in a cold place to be a fan of hockey, but from a grass roots stand point, is hockey a part of the community? Do high schools have hockey teams? what unique was does the NHL or franchise reach out to younger youth and local hockey organizations-if they exist. Thats all.

[xbrokendownx]

saying hockey only deserve to be in cold weather cities is dumb. that eliminates more than half of the US basically

[StuGrimson]

This subject has been beaten to death 1000 times and I dont think your going to get a good response to it because nobody wants to get into this anymore. Now all we need is somebody to make a comment about the Devils attendance and how the Wings will repeat as champions and you pretty much sum up the new members contributions to the hockey thread.

[xbrokendownx]

Devils have no fans!

Wings will totally repeat!

[sundaydrivetsl]

This subject has been beaten to death 1000 times and I dont think your going to get a good response to it because nobody wants to get into this anymore. Now all we need is somebody to make a comment about the Devils attendance and how the Wings will repeat as champions and you pretty much sum up the new members contributions to the hockey thread.

I dont want a good response. Its a public forum, and I stated what I wanted to say. I dont want to "get into" anything. It was a simple observation, get over it.

I got my money on Calgary this season, even though, yes pretty generic of me, the Red Wings are going to be unstoppable.

[HoustonCalling]

Devils

[HoustonCalling]

Devils have no fans!

Wings will totally repeat!
I'm going to the season opener on Friday, can't fuckin wait.

[sundaydrivetsl]

Devils


Whats it like having 4 teams within a 100 mile radius? Philly, Rangers, Islanders, NJ? or maybe more specifically 3 just in NY/NJ? Who gets the most love? I know the Islanders arent the biggest, most resepected team in that area.

Im just curious since the Wild are the only NHL team within a 1000 mile radius. Closest team being Chicago.

[dont you move]

I'm going to the season opener on Friday, can't fuckin wait.

that makes three of us. we'll make up half the crowd

[Markus1186]

I've been to a game at the bank atlantic center. I love the fact that you can go outside between periods in the middle of january and be warmer than you are inside and see palm trees. At that time im usually freezing my ass off in the coliseum parking lot. Great arena too and the enthusiasm of fans really surprised me.

[Broken Parachute]

What you don't get is my curiousity to how there is even a market for an NHL team in south Florida for example. Obviously there is a marketLOL you keep contradicting yourself. You question hockey markets in warm weather cities and then say there's "obviously" a market in those cities. What? Why are you questioning it if it's so "obvious?"

because you obviously do not have to live in a cold place to be a fan of hockey, but from a grass roots stand point, is hockey a part of the community? Do high schools have hockey teams?I'm sure they do. A lot of schools in cold weather cities don't have teams either so that point is silly to even bring up,

what unique was does the NHL or franchise reach out to younger youth and local hockey organizations-if they exist.Is this...even a question? It makes no sense. What are you asking?

Thats all.This is shockingly familiar to regular forum members.

[xbrokendownx]

I'm going to the season opener on Friday, can't fuckin wait.


ill be there. going to try to leave work around 4:30 and shoot up the turnpike



Whats it like having 4 teams within a 100 mile radius? Philly, Rangers, Islanders, NJ? or maybe more specifically 3 just in NY/NJ? Who gets the most love? I know the Islanders arent the biggest, most resepected team in that area.

Im just curious since the Wild are the only NHL team within a 1000 mile radius. Closest team being Chicago.


Rangers get the most love by far. we wont get into this becaues we have hundreds of times, but the devils came into an area with 3 established teams already in place (add in the flyers) so its rough



that makes three of us. we'll make up half the crowd



oh siq burn!

[dont you move]

that is all

[Broken Parachute]

Whats it like having 4 teams within a 100 mile radius? Philly, Rangers, Islanders, NJ? or maybe more specifically 3 just in NY/NJ? Who gets the most love? I know the Islanders arent the biggest, most resepected team in that area.

Im just curious since the Wild are the only NHL team within a 1000 mile radius. Closest team being Chicago.It makes for great road games between teams because travel isn't such a huge hassle. It's nice to go to an Isles game and see the Rangers and Isles fans split down the middle in attendance. Actually, sometimes more Rangers fans show up to Devils home games which is funny.

It's not even just Isles/Rags/Devils/Philly. My uncle and his friends do a road trip every year to see the Caps and the Pens as well as the Bruins. It's so nice having a ton of teams in the Northeast just hours away.

[Broken Parachute]

Rangers get the most love by far. we wont get into this becaues we have hundreds of times, but the devils came into an area with 3 established teams already in place (add in the flyers) so its roughAnd yet there's still an amazing rivalry...which is why I love hockey rivalries over rivalries in any other sport.

[xbrokendownx]

oh yea for sure..hockey rivalries to me are better than anything, except maybe Yankees-Red Sox but youre not a part of that so you wouldnt know haha

[sundaydrivetsl]

LOL you keep contradicting yourself. You question hockey markets in warm weather cities and then say there's "obviously" a market in those cities. What? Why are you questioning it if it's so "obvious?"

I'm sure they do. A lot of schools in cold weather cities don't have teams either so that point is silly to even bring up,

Is this...even a question? It makes no sense. What are you asking?

This is shockingly familiar to regular forum members.

Wow, you're just can't seem to grasp what I am talking about. There obviously is a market- thats not the question, I have said that. The question is HOW IS THERE A MARKET? I went on to ask HOW, such as HOW does the NHL and franchises draw in their fans? I'm sure it is much more difficult for youth in warmer climates to play hockey for the sheer fact that there is a less availability of rinks or places for grassroots fans. Sure you can sit on ESPN.com, or watch NHL on TV, but unless you can play or have played, or can attend hockey games any night of the week any time of the year, I would feel it would be difficult to retain an actual fan base. That is my HOW question. If Tampa is selling out crowds, yes man, its OBVIOUS that there is a NHL market in Tampa. How?though is my curiousity. To me, I am just having a hard time understanding how places like Tampa has a solid NHL base, but I think its great, and its working out well for the NHL.

Im not sure if many high schools have hockey programs too in warm weather areas, but i do know that from where I am from, almost EVERY high school has a program. Its not that silly to bring up.

I had a spelling error, the question basically was asking "what are the unique ways the NHL connects to community and fans?"

[Markus1186]

For starters Tampa has won a cup in its recent history. Teams like Tampa, PHX, and FLA have been around for over a decade and all have had some kind of mediocre success at some point. So I for one am not surprised they dont have a problem drawing a fanbase. Also keep in mind Florida and PHX are common retirement destinations for people up north.

And the youth hockey thing is irrelevant, up and down the whole east coast theres many places without HS programs, including alot of the tri-state area which holds 3 franchises.

[Zeran]

I dont get how warm weather cities have professional hockey teams. Obviously there is a market for it, thats why they are there, but for someone from cold weather climate- and the state of hockey, its weird to imagine palm trees outside of a hockey arena. Kids in Florida cant play hockey, unless they get ice time, which I cant imagine being easy. Here in MN almost every city over the size of 5,000 people has a hockey rink, if not more than that.

Im not saying that just because people cant easily access ice time doesnt mean that the city cannot have a professional franchise, for me its just odd to associate Phoenix, Tampa, San Jose, LA, Florida to hockey... Its like when I see people here in MN surfing...

why is hockey anywhere? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[sundaydrivetsl]

I wish I grew up in an area with Lacrosse. The Minnesota State High School League JUST started an official High School Lacrosse program. There are less than 30 high schools with programs the last time I checked. I would have loved to have been able to play that sport.

[we are cured]

how is there a market? the south is filled with transplanted northerners, the game is strategically marketed to local fanbases, and markets are determined by potential rather than present value. the NHL has a lot more to gain by sticking teams in undeveloped markets than it does in markets that are already giving the league TV ratings.

[acfrue]

you are missing the red wings, root for them

[HoustonCalling]

Whats it like having 4 teams within a 100 mile radius? Philly, Rangers, Islanders, NJ? or maybe more specifically 3 just in NY/NJ? Who gets the most love? I know the Islanders arent the biggest, most resepected team in that area.

Im just curious since the Wild are the only NHL team within a 1000 mile radius. Closest team being Chicago.
As far as popularity, fan base and interest it goes:

1. Rangers
2. Islanders
3. Devils

The New York media hardly talks about the Devils, all the love is shown for the Rangers and Islanders. The only decent Devils coverage you get comes out of North Jersey, and it's pretty much just coming from the local newspapers. The NY radio stations (WFAN, ESPN 1050) in general don't talk about hockey as much, when they do it's predominantly Rangers and Islanders. The only Devils radio talk you get is the pre and post game reports before and after the game.

It's all good though, I love the team. I don't mind at all that they aren't hyped, I get enough of that with the Yankees. It's funny though, if you look at all the local New York professional sports teams over the past 15 years, aside from the Yankees, the Devils are really the only team that have been one of those dominate, "we're always going to be in the playoffs" teams. Throw in 4 Stanley Cup apperarances in 9 years, 3 Championships and a bunch of division titles, and its all very impressive.



that makes three of us. we'll make up half the crowd Haha nice, I hope they give away something cool.

ill be there. going to try to leave work around 4:30 and shoot up the turnpike Yea I'm leaving work early, finding a bar and taking the train over. I'll be in Section 119.

[HoustonCalling]

And going back to the question of having three teams, it's just something I'm use to I guess. I mean its obvious why there is so many New York teams, I wont get into that. But I could see why it could be frustrating if you're a fan and you have to travel so far to see your team. Meanwhile I have three teams right in my backyard. Solution: move to NYC. haha.

[Drew Beringer]

I wish I would of gotten into hockey.

[dont you move]

they're giving out a magnet schedule i believe.

[Drew Beringer]

Maybe I'll root for Pittsburgh cause I might be living PA in few years.

[Vanilla Bear]

i'm gonna try to get into hockey more this season too. i get the Minnesota Wild games here, so naturally i'll be trying to follow them.

[youkwalks]

I'm late to this conversation, but why dont you follow hockey this season and let a rooting interest come naturally?

This is how I became a Florida Gators fan. Started watching college football when I was kid and they were always on. The beat FSU and after that I was a fan.

[acfrue]

Maybe I'll root for Pittsburgh cause I might be living PA in few years.

drew, dont be gay, you are better than that

[xbrokendownx]

i hope you like watching paint dry

/generic wild comment

[Scott Weber]

I'm late to this conversation, but why dont you follow hockey this season and let a rooting interest come naturally?

This is how I became a Florida Gators fan. Started watching college football when I was kid and they were always on. The beat FSU and after that I was a fan.
Because I don't really feel like being a front-runner, and that's what I'd be doing in that case. I like picking underdogs and watching them develop. The payoff is sweeter when it happens (sup rays,

[robat19]

well if you arent going to root for the wings, root for the caps.

[acfrue]

Because I don't really feel like being a front-runner, and that's what I'd be doing in that case. I like picking underdogs and watching them develop. The payoff is sweeter when it happens (sup rays,

well in that case maybe you should root for the leafs, even their coach says they wont win a cup this year and you can watch them develop from a shitty team into a mediocre team....in a few years

[deadstar]

I obviously would say root for the Pens but the media jerks them so much and they are one of the more popular teams now.

[robat19]

Because I don't really feel like being a front-runner, and that's what I'd be doing in that case. I like picking underdogs and watching them develop. The payoff is sweeter when it happens (sup rays,

Well only one "expert" on ESPN picked the wings to win the cup, so you could root for them.

[Scott Weber]

Well only one "expert" on ESPN picked the wings to win the cup, so you could root for them.
yeah no. I already know enough about the wings to know I'll never root for them.

[Drew Beringer]

drew, dont be gay, you are better than that
what?

[xbrokendownx]

he probably hates the penguins

[StuGrimson]

Just ignore any wings fan whose name isnt bigmike

[sundaydrivetsl]

It makes for great road games between teams because travel isn't such a huge hassle. It's nice to go to an Isles game and see the Rangers and Isles fans split down the middle in attendance. Actually, sometimes more Rangers fans show up to Devils home games which is funny.

It's not even just Isles/Rags/Devils/Philly. My uncle and his friends do a road trip every year to see the Caps and the Pens as well as the Bruins. It's so nice having a ton of teams in the Northeast just hours away.

Oh crap, I never thought of that. Thats sick!
I could drive to Wild games in 20 mins. Chicago in 7 hours, colorado in 18?. Detroit in 13?. St Louis in 9?

[sundaydrivetsl]

As far as popularity, fan base and interest it goes:

1. Rangers
2. Islanders
3. Devils

The New York media hardly talks about the Devils, all the love is shown for the Rangers and Islanders. The only decent Devils coverage you get comes out of North Jersey, and it's pretty much just coming from the local newspapers. The NY radio stations (WFAN, ESPN 1050) in general don't talk about hockey as much, when they do it's predominantly Rangers and Islanders. The only Devils radio talk you get is the pre and post game reports before and after the game.

It's all good though, I love the team. I don't mind at all that they aren't hyped, I get enough of that with the Yankees. It's funny though, if you look at all the local New York professional sports teams over the past 15 years, aside from the Yankees, the Devils are really the only team that have been one of those dominate, "we're always going to be in the playoffs" teams. Throw in 4 Stanley Cup apperarances in 9 years, 3 Championships and a bunch of division titles, and its all very impressive.



Haha nice, I hope they give away something cool.

Yea I'm leaving work early, finding a bar and taking the train over. I'll be in Section 119.


For Minnesotans, Devils are the most liked on that list.

It probably goes

Wild
Red Wings
Avs
Devils

[acfrue]

what?

well i was just telling you not to be ghey and like the penguins (because the penguins are ghey) and i was just saying that you are better than that

[acfrue]

he probably hates the penguins

keen observation

[Chris M.]

Two A+ posts by acfrue. Would read again.

[robat19]

Just ignore any wings fan whose name isnt bigmike

yes, because bigmike is the only real red wings fan on here.

[acfrue]

yes, because bigmike is the only real red wings fan on here.

no, its probably because bigmike knows his shit

[pand75]

or because bigmike doesn't provide us with such intellectual and meaningful insights as the other red wing fans

[robat19]

or because bigmike doesn't provide us with such intellectual and meaningful insights as the other red wing fans

red wing fans no zero about hockey

[pand75]

No, because Red Wing fans aren't ghey

[robat19]

No, because Red Wing fans aren't ghey

liek ghey?

[pand75]

stop it.

[acfrue]

No, because Red Wing fans aren't ghey

my sarcasm detector is in the shop for repairs, i'm X-)

[dont you move]

well i was just telling you not to be ghey and like the penguins (because the penguins are ghey) and i was just saying that you are better than that

I'd like to nominate this as the next genthread title

[Broken Parachute]

red wing fans no zero about hockeyLOL u no shit bout red wingz.

[LastPlaceRocks]

For Minnesotans, Devils are the most liked on that list.

It probably goes

Wild
Red Wings
Avs
Devils
Speak for yourself. And the reason why there are no other teams closer than Chicago (or Winnipeg back in the day) is because the Twin Cities is the only large media market in the Upper Midwest. Where else are you going to put a team?

[robat19]

LOL u no shit bout red wingz.

ok, you are so right...

[+thecalisonme]

just watch hockey night in canada

[acfrue]

I'd like to nominate this as the next genthread title

:idea:

[sundaydrivetsl]

Speak for yourself. And the reason why there are no other teams closer than Chicago (or Winnipeg back in the day) is because the Twin Cities is the only large media market in the Upper Midwest. Where else are you going to put a team?

I dont want another team in the Upper Midwest...Its pretty much Wild country here, but many people stick to the NHL teams that are pretty popular/well known....Like NJ, Colorado, and Detroit. Im not saying that almost everywhere in MN loves these teams, Im just saying. I remember when Winnipeg was in the talks of moving the JEts to Minneapolis, but that didnt pan out. then.. the talk of the Hartford Wahlers, but that didnt pan out..then 5 more years went by, and Minnesota got a new team.

[AshesAshes]

Are you just gonna follow the games online Scott?

[Scott Weber]

Are you just gonna follow the games online Scott?
NHL Network and online, yeah. I wish there was more day games because that's when I'm available to watch.

[xshady121]

ottawa

[Crocodile Logic]

out of the teams listed, i'd say to go with Washington. they've got a solid team, and an obvious all-star in ovechkin.

i also agree that it'll be interesting to see how Chicago does this year, and i think they'll be a fun team to watch.

[acfrue]

out of the teams listed, i'd say to go with Washington. they've got a solid team, and an obvious all-star in ovechkin.

i also agree that it'll be interesting to see how Chicago does this year, and i think they'll be a fun team to watch.

agreed, the caps are the best one on that list, plus ovechkin is fun to watch, you'll like watching the caps scott

[phil19]

living in australia, ive never followed hockey at all but its always been a sport which ive loved to watch. the winter olypics are my fav because i get to see some awesome hockey. but one thing ive always wanted was a hockey jersey. seeing as id never followed it, i didnt have a team so i ended up purchasing a san jose sharks jersey, simply because it looked awesome! so this is now my team. on that same criteria, i would suggest the avalanche, as they too have an awesome looking jersey

[kbauer]

washington might be the most fun to watch in the league but i think the flames are going to win the cup so go with them. i think youre going to enjoy hockey if you give it an honest chance, i really do.

[kbauer]

ottawa


lolololollololol bitch plz

[harry_grundel]

three words

Dallas Fucking Stars

[CubbyNick42]

I'm always for geography. Vancouver's my vote.

[zeropunk16]

I'm gonna say Detroit Red Wings but I'm pretty sue everyone will disagree, haha.

[MyWorldEntire]

I haven't watched much hockey in the past, but this year I'm going to try to support the Blackhawks and (gulp) the Toronto Maple Leafs

[acfrue]

I'm gonna say Detroit Red Wings but I'm pretty sue everyone will disagree, haha.

oh zeropunk, you're not alone....but besides robat, bigmike and i, were pretty much alone

[acfrue]

I haven't watched much hockey in the past, but this year I'm going to try to support the Blackhawks and (gulp) the Toronto Maple Leafs

lolz, good luck with that

[Killadelphia]

good calls on both.

i've got Washington in the East; when i realized how disappointed i was after they lost in OT of Game 7 last year, i decided to follow them more closely.

i have a bunch of family in NY who are Isles fans, so i followed them by association. but they are so messed up right now.

I thought it was awesome.

[Killadelphia]

the Panthers are going to be the next Rays. just you wait :-d

Yeah, okay. Panthers were already successful in their past.

Calgary > Philly because Calgary has Jim Vandermeer now.

such a dumb trade to begin with, but at least we got rid of Eager.

Whats it like having 4 teams within a 100 mile radius? Philly, Rangers, Islanders, NJ? or maybe more specifically 3 just in NY/NJ? Who gets the most love? I know the Islanders arent the biggest, most resepected team in that area.

Im just curious since the Wild are the only NHL team within a 1000 mile radius. Closest team being Chicago.

It's awesome, especially for Philly when you add in Washington. So many rivalries can sprout about.

In terms of fan bases:

- Rangers
- Flyers
- Devils
- Islander
- Capitals

Tampas attendance has always been good, Floridas not so much. Though you can say they both always did get higher attendance than their baseball teams. Not many cities can say that.

Tampa has more full-time residential people and a bigger market. Also, the demographic of the population is different as well. St. Pete also gets a little chilly for a month, at least at night.

Florida on the other hand would sell out if they played the Flyers, Red Wings, and Rangers all year.

Maybe I'll root for Pittsburgh cause I might be living PA in few years.

A part of me never wants to see another Penguins fans sprout about. But another part of me notices that all your teams seem to fail recently.

I'm always for geography. Vancouver's my vote.

yes, plus he can root for the bed-sharing twins! Anyway Scott, I'd pick Vancouver or Calgary. At least if you ever have the urge to see a Stanley Cup playoff game, the drive wouldn't be too brutal.

[Killadelphia]

And yeah Scott, if you want a good, young physical team to watch that will also score a lot, watch the Flyers.

Or at least watch Mike Richards.

[Scott Weber]

And yeah Scott, if you want a good, young physical team to watch that will also score a lot, watch the Flyers.

Or at least watch Mike Richards.
yeah can't see that happening. i just don't have any link to the flyers. it's gonna be calgary and tampa bay.

[cahrishurr]

Canes lol, fat chance on choosing them im sure.

[kbauer]

oh zeropunk, you're not alone....but besides robat, bigmike and i, were pretty much alone

:wave:

[acfrue]

:wave:

oh, i didnt realize you were from michigan/a redwings fan, i will change it

[acfrue]

oh zeropunk, you're not alone....but besides robat, bigmike and i, were pretty much alone

EDIT: and dont forget kbauer

[Killadelphia]

yeah can't see that happening. i just don't have any link to the flyers. it's gonna be calgary and tampa bay.

Just letting you know.

[softhands]

ottawa

Might as well watch the Leafs..

My choice will always be the Flames, but that's because they are my team.

[emkvetwin]

I'm always for geography. Vancouver's my vote.

your avatar is awesome. i had to say that.

I thought it was awesome.

haha, can't blame you there.

NHL Network and online, yeah. I wish there was more day games because that's when I'm available to watch.

that's the upside of rooting for an east coast team... their games start at 4!

I'm gonna say Detroit Red Wings but I'm pretty sue everyone will disagree, haha.

:nod:

I was thinking of making this exact same thread. I was leaning towards Calgary because I normally play with them in most NHL games.

i actually think that's a good way to start a rooting interest.

Wow, you're just can't seem to grasp what I am talking about. There obviously is a market- thats not the question, I have said that. The question is HOW IS THERE A MARKET? I went on to ask HOW, such as HOW does the NHL and franchises draw in their fans? I'm sure it is much more difficult for youth in warmer climates to play hockey for the sheer fact that there is a less availability of rinks or places for grassroots fans. Sure you can sit on ESPN.com, or watch NHL on TV, but unless you can play or have played, or can attend hockey games any night of the week any time of the year, I would feel it would be difficult to retain an actual fan base. That is my HOW question. If Tampa is selling out crowds, yes man, its OBVIOUS that there is a NHL market in Tampa. How?though is my curiousity. To me, I am just having a hard time understanding how places like Tampa has a solid NHL base, but I think its great, and its working out well for the NHL.

Im not sure if many high schools have hockey programs too in warm weather areas, but i do know that from where I am from, almost EVERY high school has a program. Its not that silly to bring up.

I had a spelling error, the question basically was asking "what are the unique ways the NHL connects to community and fans?"

smart advertising, an exciting product, marketable player, a great arena... or in our case, Wayne Gretzky!

I wish I would of gotten into hockey.

it's never too late!

[Drew Beringer]

your avatar is awesome. i had to say that.



haha, can't blame you there.



that's the upside of rooting for an east coast team... their games start at 4!



:nod:



i actually think that's a good way to start a rooting interest.



smart advertising, an exciting product, marketable player, a great arena... or in our case, Wayne Gretzky!



it's never too late!
yeah I'm gonna try to get into it, my girlfriend's friend is a big Penguins fan, so I'll ask her some questions about the team to become better informed haha.

[bigmike]

Become a Wings fan, Drew, not a filthy Pens fan!

[LastPlaceRocks]

yeah I'm gonna try to get into it, my girlfriend's friend is a big Penguins fan, so I'll ask her some questions about the team to become better informed haha.
Hopefully she knows what she's talking about and is not just a fan of Crosby.

[Drew Beringer]

Hopefully she knows what she's talking about and is not just a fan of Crosby.
:shrug: let's hope so haha

[emkvetwin]

Become a Wings fan, Drew, not a filthy Pens fan!

yeah, don't be ghey.

well Drew, we're pretty young and exciting ourselves...

[LastPlaceRocks]

:shrug: let's hope so haha
If that's the case, step away from the Pens.

By the way Drew, that avatar is amazing.

[larokr]

Hopefully she knows what she's talking about and is not just a fan of Crosby.

I hate people like that. I was in an elevator and some girl said "nice shirt" to me and how she's obsessed with the Pens (I was wearing a Jordan Staal shirt). I thanked her and started talking about the game that night. She looked confused and then said "Well, I just love Sidney Crosby." Then I just stopped.

[IAmNietzche]

The Hawks' 2nd line is the most exciting in hockey. Dustin Byfuglien is my favorite player. I'm excited for this season.

[we are cured]

yeah i'm pretty stoked for tonight, i finally get to see the hawks in person. of course i have to root against them, but i'll take it.

[Crocodile Logic]

yeah I'm gonna try to get into it, my girlfriend's friend is a big Penguins fan, so I'll ask her some questions about the team to become better informed haha.
not another penguins fan. ugh.

[StuGrimson]

If Byfuglin would learn to use his size to his advantage he would be a fun player and a better player. He is destined to be just another Taylor Pyatt as I see it.

[Crocodile Logic]

with the money he's getting, i think the hawks are hoping he becomes more than just a role player.

[tambo41187]

The ultimate sign a player is never going to be any good....getting compared to Taylor Pyatt.

[jaimej]

yeah i'm pretty stoked for tonight, i finally get to see the hawks in person. of course i have to root against them, but i'll take it.
We need to go to a game together soon!

[we are cured]

yeah i'll let you know when a ticket opens up, as usual it will be a last minute thing

[Zeran]

The Hawks' 2nd line is the most exciting in hockey. Dustin Byfuglien is my favorite player. I'm excited for this season.

it's really good to see the turn around chicago has been having this past year or so. refreshing and exciting. looking forward to seeing how they do this season. i'm a big fan of patrick kane.

[LastPlaceRocks]

I hate people like that. I was in an elevator and some girl said "nice shirt" to me and how she's obsessed with the Pens (I was wearing a Jordan Staal shirt). I thanked her and started talking about the game that night. She looked confused and then said "Well, I just love Sidney Crosby." Then I just stopped.
I do as well, although it can go across both sexes.

[PigDestroyer]

Columbus Blue Jackets!!! Rick Nash!

In all seriousness, I've been a die hard CBJ fan since they came into the league 8 years ago...and they've been nothing but a disappointment. However, we finally have a good GM, a great coach with a cup (Ken Hitchcock) and of course, one of the best players in the league in Rick Nash. (also, one of the best thugs in the league, Jared Boll)

The team is finally competitive and ready for a playoff run. If your going to start following a team, how about a new, young team, starting to build their history?

...however, if the Jackets are pathetic again I'd suggest the Rangers. Works for me.

[LastPlaceRocks]

They're not really a disappointment when you compare them to the other expansion teams of the past decade. They just have the "never been to the playoffs" monkey to get off their back.

[kbauer]

EDIT: and dont forget kbauer


thats better.

[kbauer]

I hate people like that. I was in an elevator and some girl said "nice shirt" to me and how she's obsessed with the Pens (I was wearing a Jordan Staal shirt). I thanked her and started talking about the game that night. She looked confused and then said "Well, I just love Sidney Crosby." Then I just stopped.


Well my gf is a Crosby fan girl but I took it because atleast shes watching. Is it annoying, extremely but is it ultimately a good thing, yes.

[larokr]

I do as well, although it can go across both sexes.

Yeah, I agree completely. That's just the only time I've met someone like that, though.

Well my gf is a Crosby fan girl but I took it because atleast shes watching. Is it annoying, extremely but is it ultimately a good thing, yes.

Yeah I agree as well. It's nice to have more people watching hockey and getting involved. But yeah, it is annoying.

[livethesounds]

Columbus Blue Jackets!!! Rick Nash!

In all seriousness, I've been a die hard CBJ fan since they came into the league 8 years ago...and they've been nothing but a disappointment. However, we finally have a good GM, a great coach with a cup (Ken Hitchcock) and of course, one of the best players in the league in Rick Nash. (also, one of the best thugs in the league, Jared Boll)

The team is finally competitive and ready for a playoff run. If your going to start following a team, how about a new, young team, starting to build their history?

...however, if the Jackets are pathetic again I'd suggest the Rangers. Works for me.

that Kris Barch / Jared Boll fight was great tonight.

[Metfan615]

Islanders haha

[Broken Parachute]

Islanders hahaI think he said he wanted to follow a real hockey team.

[imirish06]

Please don't be a Penguins fan.

[Nourez]

I'd vote Devils or Habs, but from the choices you've given, I'll go for the flames.

[Zeran]

I think he said he wanted to follow a real hockey team.

burn

[Zeran]

this thread is so long, hah

[<3rkwon]

Tampa Bay. They're a fun team to watch. I root for them when they're not playing the Rangers. If only for Vinnie LeCavalier. Haha.

you mean you love barry melrose

[LastPlaceRocks]

People love Barry Melrose?

[Broken Parachute]

Barry Melrose is a genius when it comes to making himself look stupid.

[Metfan615]

I think he said he wanted to follow a real hockey team.
haha that's true... they're pretty bad, especially in the game Monday vs. Buffalo

[LastPlaceRocks]

hell yes.
Do you still want Budaj over Theodore?

[Zeran]

fuck.

[we are cured]

so scott did you end up following through with this?

[Scott Weber]

Not as much as I wanted. I've been tracking Calgary all year though, they seemed to be the choice.

[we are cured]

yeah they played some rough games in the beginning but have looked pretty gritty lately. wait until the playoffs, mike keenan-coached teams are usually a blast to watch in the postseason.

[pacmanghost x]

If I was elitist, I would say the New Jersey Devils...

However, my pick is the Caps... Ovechkin is an outstanding player, and is a beast when it comes to scoring goals.

[Chris M.]

If I was elitist, I would say the New Jersey Devils...

However, my pick is the Caps... Ovechkin is an outstanding player, and is a beast when it comes to scoring goals.

There's time and date stamps on posts for a reason

[pacmanghost x]

There's time and date stamps on posts for a reason

Huh? :-|

[we are cured]

If I was elitist, I would say the New Jersey Devils...

However, my pick is the Caps... Ovechkin is an outstanding player, and is a beast when it comes to scoring goals.

btw quit fooling yourself, this isn't proper english

[pacmanghost x]

btw quit fooling yourself, this isn't proper english

Once again... Huh? :-|

[Chris M.]

Are you fucking dense?

[StuGrimson]

Once again... Huh? :-|

Hurry up and you might be able to get in on the NHL predictions thread

[LastPlaceRocks]

hell yes.

While Theo was on top of his game in the first round of the playoffs, he was still very inconsistent during the season at times. I know Budaj isn't the best goalie out there, but he has a solid overall record and I think he will be capable of keeping us in games if the offense isn't producing well.

Still want Budaj over Theodore?

[Tian]

If I was elitist, I would say the New Jersey Devils...

However, my pick is the Caps... Ovechkin is an outstanding player, and is a beast when it comes to scoring goals.

For the same reasons I would point any new NHL fan to the Caps. Just exciting to watch with, or heck even without, Ovechkin in the line up.

[superichie]

None of these. FLORIDA PANTHERS!

[deadstar]

None of these. FLORIDA PANTHERS!
The last time the Panthers had fans they were throwing rats on the ice.

[acfrue]

Are you fucking dense?

Yes, and he's 14.

The last time the Panthers had fans they were throwing rats on the ice.

lolololol.

[superichie]

The last time the Panthers had fans they were throwing rats on the ice.

In case you haven't noticed, they're second in their division.

And the fans never went anywhere. Not sure what teams you're a fan of, but I personally stick by my favorite teams whether they're winning or not.

[xbrokendownx]

second in the southleast is like 4th in any other division

they are having a decent year but lets relax here

and the fans have gone somewhere...theyve been in the bottom 5-6 in attendance the last 2 years

[we are cured]

the panthers are fun to watch so naturally i was disappointed when they got smoked by boston last night

[deadstar]

Yea. its unfortunate their fans disappeared because they are definitely on the right track towards building a cup contender.

[superichie]

Yea. its unfortunate their fans disappeared because they are definitely on the right track towards building a cup contender.

They'll come back. Panthers attendance has never really been that high (except for 1996 obviously) simply because its Florida and and its hockey. if the panthers continue to do well, the fans will come back.

The only real loyal fans in South Florida are Dolphins fans. haha!

[xbrokendownx]

i hope that was a joke

Dolphins have some of the worst fans

[zeropunk16]

Please don't be a Penguins fan.

This.