Read in this morning's LA Times that nearly TWICE as many people watched coverage of the NFL draft than watched the NHL playoff coverage last weekend (804,000 viewers vs 442,000 viewers).
I can't believe how dull NFL draft coverage is, and wondered why anyone would want to attend or go watch all day in a bar, as I know people do. I sometimes follow along getting news updates (esp for first round), but basically prefer to see the results when it is all over, since watching the draft as it occurs is not much different than watching paint dry.
If the NHL can't outdraw the fucking NFL draft, then I think as punishment Bettman should be forced to watch the entirety of the NFL draft so perhaps he can get a clue. As it stands in this society, anyone who enjoys or watches hockey is deemed a loser or an idiot, even tho, as someone who is fairly obsessed with all sports, nothing beats playoff hockey. Certainly not meaningless baseball in April, or the boring NFL draft.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Flyers -- Keep Biron
Didn't know Biron and Briere are buds. If they are stuck with Briere, then they might as well keep Biron as well. He played well enough -- Flyers were right there despite getting eliminated, and despite far more crappy performances from Jones, Carle, Gagne and Carter, vis-a-vis Biron. Don't see why anyone wants to go fishing again for the holy grail of a so-called "shutdown" goaltender. I see the names bandied about, particularly Giguere (Ana) and Clemmensen (NJ) and am not convinced getting either of them (or Khabibulin) will produce notably different results when $15m in salary (the four above) basically disappear vs the Pens.
Some have said Briere might be tradeable to the Habs, since they are going to be overhauling this summer, but not sure I see anyone there of comparable value that has more upside than Briere, unless they do it for a salary dump.
Others have said that Gagne is amenable to waiving his no trade clause, and I think that is where I would start, tho I don't know where I would shop him and who would be interested. Straight up for Franzen would be my fantasy, but highly unlikely.
Flyers have said they are interested in re-signing both Knuble and Alberts. I think if Carle and Jones are on the outs, then I think they have to sign Alberts, although I have a sneaky suspicion the Flyers think Carle is going to payoff and might let Alberts go and keep Carle (big mistake). Bottom line is that Alberts is less than half the cost of either Jones or Carle.
If they "build" around Alberts and Sbisa (who is relatively cheap), getting a stud physical guy (people say Bouwmeester or Komisarek) might be more doable. If I could wave my magic wand, I'd go hard at someone like Erskine on the Caps who is a bargain ($550k) and has huge upside, and forget the retreads.
As to Knuble, I am neither here or there. I like his veteran presence, and I think Richards likes him, but I think Stevens needs to manage his minutes so he stays fresher, and consider dropping to the 3rd line or giving Richards a better skater to work with once in a while.
Some have also said Carter's trade value might never be higher. I wouldn't disagree, but would prefer they hang on and teach him how not to be such a pussy, and like, say Richards and Ovechkin, learn how to hit and be physical if the goals are not coming (ideally, all the time, but would settle for when he's not scoring).
Nittymaki I think has to go. He never distinguished himself as a starter. Plus has recurring hip issues. Signing a cheap backup will save a bit of cap space too.
Trade #1: Gagne for Erskine and Fehr/Fleischmann from the Caps (throw in Cote if Caps looking to replace Brashear). Pair Erksine with Coburn which will free up Coburn's offensive skills, which were kept deep in check paired with Carle and all of his defensive lapses.
Trade #2: Gagne and Carle/Jones for Sammy Pahlsson, Duncan Keith and Troy Brouwer from the Black Hawks.
Some have said Briere might be tradeable to the Habs, since they are going to be overhauling this summer, but not sure I see anyone there of comparable value that has more upside than Briere, unless they do it for a salary dump.
Others have said that Gagne is amenable to waiving his no trade clause, and I think that is where I would start, tho I don't know where I would shop him and who would be interested. Straight up for Franzen would be my fantasy, but highly unlikely.
Flyers have said they are interested in re-signing both Knuble and Alberts. I think if Carle and Jones are on the outs, then I think they have to sign Alberts, although I have a sneaky suspicion the Flyers think Carle is going to payoff and might let Alberts go and keep Carle (big mistake). Bottom line is that Alberts is less than half the cost of either Jones or Carle.
If they "build" around Alberts and Sbisa (who is relatively cheap), getting a stud physical guy (people say Bouwmeester or Komisarek) might be more doable. If I could wave my magic wand, I'd go hard at someone like Erskine on the Caps who is a bargain ($550k) and has huge upside, and forget the retreads.
As to Knuble, I am neither here or there. I like his veteran presence, and I think Richards likes him, but I think Stevens needs to manage his minutes so he stays fresher, and consider dropping to the 3rd line or giving Richards a better skater to work with once in a while.
Some have also said Carter's trade value might never be higher. I wouldn't disagree, but would prefer they hang on and teach him how not to be such a pussy, and like, say Richards and Ovechkin, learn how to hit and be physical if the goals are not coming (ideally, all the time, but would settle for when he's not scoring).
Nittymaki I think has to go. He never distinguished himself as a starter. Plus has recurring hip issues. Signing a cheap backup will save a bit of cap space too.
Trade #1: Gagne for Erskine and Fehr/Fleischmann from the Caps (throw in Cote if Caps looking to replace Brashear). Pair Erksine with Coburn which will free up Coburn's offensive skills, which were kept deep in check paired with Carle and all of his defensive lapses.
Trade #2: Gagne and Carle/Jones for Sammy Pahlsson, Duncan Keith and Troy Brouwer from the Black Hawks.
perhaps the flyers and sixers should take some notes:
from the nytimes.
wow, what a pathetic performance tonight by the sixers. no dwight howard and they still lose by 20. I don't know if this is worse than being up 3-0 and giving up 5 unanswered goals or not. The phillies, long the worst run franchise in the city are now heads and shoulders over the eagles, flyers and sixers. Go buy a phillies hat and practice positive reinforcement.
from the nytimes.
wow, what a pathetic performance tonight by the sixers. no dwight howard and they still lose by 20. I don't know if this is worse than being up 3-0 and giving up 5 unanswered goals or not. The phillies, long the worst run franchise in the city are now heads and shoulders over the eagles, flyers and sixers. Go buy a phillies hat and practice positive reinforcement.
Second round starts tonight...
My second round picks:
Chicago (2) vs. Vancouver (4)
Anaheim (2) vs. Detroit (4)
Carolina (4) vs. Boston (3)
Pittsburgh (3) vs. Washington (4)
Chicago (2) vs. Vancouver (4)
Anaheim (2) vs. Detroit (4)
Carolina (4) vs. Boston (3)
Pittsburgh (3) vs. Washington (4)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Chi (2) vs Vancouver (4)
Ana (3) vs Detroit(4)
Car (2) vs Boston (4)
Pit (2) vs Wash (4)
Only diff is Car. Think Ana has decent shot to upset.