2013 NHL

[Ironic Mustache]

Chicago is murdering it so far. San Jose puts an end to that streak tonight, as well as to their own 6 game losing streak. I know there are a few Chicago fans out there, prepared to be disappointed.

[Ugly Bastard]

I've been getting more into NHL lately and actually have a small futures bet on the Hawks to reach and win the finals (I think I got like 10:1 on them to win the cup). Went to first NHL game the other day (Sabres at Islanders). Had 3rd row seats, it was awesome. This hockey thing... I can dig it. Fuck San Jose.

[Cocktooth]

Hawks power play is struggling. Can't win in the playoffs with a bad PP in my opinion. I don't like the lack of physicality they play with either. Carcillo will help that out when he comes back, but the way Saad is playing, I don't know how much time he will get unless they move some pieces. Crawford and Emery have been incredible to this point, minus the quick 3 that Phoenix put on them last week.

Here is my beef with the hockey playoffs and how they are structured more then anything. I hate the fact that teams in the central part of the US are in the Western Conference. Home ice advantage, really isn't an advantage at all. Having to travel to Vancouver for 3 games in the middle of the series is tough. I'd really like to see the Hawks move to the Eastern Conference when reallignment happens after this year, even though I know there is no chance that happens.

Last thing, Western Conference hockey is so soft. It's European hockey compared to the East that is very physical. If the Hawks aren't playing, I would rather watch the Bruins. Love watching them play!

[Ironic Mustache]

In general I get what you mean about the West being less physical but San Jose is a definite exception. They're a big team that uses that to its advantage. Douglas Murray alone is reason enough to make them an exception. Ryan Clowe is another.

Originally Posted by Ugly Bastard

Fuck San Jose.

Fuck your mother. Though I will say I'm disappointed in recent play. 7-0 to start and then they lost the next six straight. I agree with Cocktooth for similar reasons, that the Hawks wont be able to finish this strong and take the cup. San Jose got FUCKED by a ridiculous call when they played that maybe cost them the game. It put Chicago on 4-4 and a one minute PP (where they scored the game winner) and ejected Desjardins, instead of a 4 minute PP for San Jose. The shit call was rescinded the next day. Thanks a lot shit asses. Teams will start figuring them out.

UB, row 3 is fucking awesome but if you ever get a chance to sit on the glass, it's totally worth it. I've sat row 2 also and there's a total difference. Don't get too fooled by expensive center ice tickets. I just sat on the red line last week (row 12, $200 tickets) and it wasn't really a great deal better than row 12 in the corner.

[Cocktooth]

I sat in the corner for the first time a couple weeks ago and actually enjoyed it. The older I get, the less I enjoy sitting by the opposing team and heckling. Hawks win tonight 4-2 Sharpie gets his first and Saad Kane and Hossa tally the others. Should be a good one and the Madhouse will be rocking!

[Ironic Mustache]

Originally Posted by Cocktooth

I sat in the corner for the first time a couple weeks ago and actually enjoyed it. The older I get, the less I enjoy sitting by the opposing team and heckling.

They switch sides every period so sitting on one side gets you either awesome saves or awesome goals 2 periods of 3. Obviously you'd rather see mostly the goals but you at least get 20 minutes no matter what. Also, there's almost never an opposing team presence when I go. It's 95% Sharks fans with a sprinkling of opposition fans. The one exception being the playoff game I went to.

[Ironic Mustache]

Christ that was an embarrassing lost. Fuck.

[Orgazmo]

The San Jose Sharks are the worst hockey team in the NHL.

[Cocktooth]

Great game for the Hawks, finding scoring from some unusual places. Why don't they use Thorton much behind the net anymore? They use to drill the Hawks cause he would have all the time in the world, and pick them apart from behind the net.

I wasn't that happy with Toews picking a fight with Big Joe either. On one hand, it's great that your captain shows grit and toughness, but if he breaks his hand or gets a concussion in that fight, that's a huge loss for the team. Not to mention, taking himself off the ice for 5 minutes. The team is playing well and you take Toews out of the mix for a couple weeks due to injury, it could mess up the chemistry they have built up.

I wish that hockey and the NBA would go to a 48 game season every year. It makes these games so much more exciting and worth watching. I should have bit the bullet and got NHL Center Ice for 50 this year. I watched 3 games at BW's last night, and even got to get after a douchbag Red Wings fan in the process.


Edit: After watching the Toews interview after the game, it's clear that he just flat doesn't like Joe Thorton. Said he had to stand up for himself due to action after the whistle from the last 4 games. Still feel he could have sent in Bolland to get it done, but having your Captain fight someone that dwarfs you in size shows his heart and toughness. Hats off Taser. Now, stick to putting the puck in the net!

[Ugly Bastard]

Here were my row three corner seats at the Islanders game last weekend with E from Entourage in the first row.

[thekremlin]

He looks less bald on TV.

[Cocktooth]

Pretty sick seats for an NHL game. I sat 2nd row, 2 years ago for one. It was a blast. The speed of the professional game is amazing.

[thekremlin]

Originally Posted by Cocktooth

Pretty sick seats for an NHL game. I sat 2nd row, 2 years ago for one. It was a blast. The speed of the professional game is amazing.

Lot of sarcasm in this post, ease up cocktooth

[Cocktooth]

No sarcasm there.

[thekremlin]

Dude, stop being a dick.

[Cocktooth]

Hansen gets a game for the forearm to the back of Hossa's head. I think that's fair. Was it a clean play, no, but the puck was in the vicinity. The Canucks vs. Hawks rivalry is building to a fever pitch. I think before the year is out you might see a nice lil line brawl and a crazy game before it's said and done. Hawks are now 13-0-3 and have tied for the best start ever. They have snagged 29 out of a possible 32 points.

Loved seeing them win a shootout. They are having issues putting the puck in the net one on one. Power play is going to become a huge issue if they lose a couple in a row. It's unbelieveable that they are a +21 goal differential, but are only converting 18% on the power play which is 13th best in the league.

[Orgazmo]

How do draws work in hockey? Does each time auto get 1 point? If so, why do a shootout?

[Ironic Mustache]

There aren't draws. They do a shortened sudden death overtime followed by a shootout. If the game ends in regulation, the winning team gets 2 points, the loser gets 0. Once it goes to overtime, the winning team still gets 2, but the loser now also gets 1.

[Cocktooth]

Originally Posted by Orgazmo

How do draws work in hockey? Does each time auto get 1 point? If so, why do a shootout?

It's so cute, the soccer guy wants info on hockey. To bad the ICE are Junior hockey instead of minors with the Komets like the old days. Can't really enjoy their level of junior hockey.

[Orgazmo]

Originally Posted by Cocktooth

It's so cute, the soccer guy wants info on hockey.

It reminds me of your face.

<3

[Cocktooth]

15-0-3!! Hawks are rolling right now. With a shortened season, and playing so many games in so little time, does Q start thinking about holding out some of the guns and giving them extended rest. They play 5 games this week, starting with last nights win. That is a ton of hockey, in a short period of time.

[DDTempest]

holy fuck that is a fascinating thought!

[Cocktooth]

Some people enjoy talking sports, others prefer talking about the difference between tampons on aisle 5. I prefer sports.

[THEINCREDIBLEdork]

Honestly, I prefer a tampon with a shorter string. It's a little harder to take out, but at least you can't feel it hang out too far and tickle your anus.

[DDTempest]

Originally Posted by THEINCREDIBLEdork

Honestly, I prefer a tampon with a shorter string. It's a little harder to take out, but at least you can't feel it hang out too far and tickle your anus.

Have you tried the new Playtex Sport? I find that they're super absorbent, yet unobtrusive.