N.H.L. thread

[boffo]

With the new season underway, and at least a few hockey fans here, I figured we should have a try at an NHL thread. List your favourite team/players, discuss the season as it progresses, have some good healthy debate amongst fans, break down trades, etc. Early predictions and the such are welcome as well.

[boffo]

I'm a fan of the Boston Bruins. Have been for about 17 years or so. My current favourite players are PJ Axelsson and Marco Sturm. The team is likely to suck this season and making the playoffs would be impressive. At least Dave Lewis is out as coach, as I think he had a lot of responsibility for their failures last year. With a new coach and a couple new players and goalie, there is a potential that they could be a mild surprise. As a Bruins fan I naturally hate and despise the Montreal Canadiens, and being close to Toronto the Leafs are also a hated team for me.

[BAMBAMBPT]

I tend to follow my Hometown AHL team closer than the NHL Teams. I am a huge Bridgeport Soundtigers fan. They are affiliated with the Islanders, but the local sports radio host on WFAN calls them the ICELANDERS. I get lots of local coverage for the Rangers, Islanders and NJ Devils so I kinda root for all of the tri state teams.

My friends think I am the only Puerto Rican Hockey fan in the world.

Bridgeport Soundtigers:
http://www.soundtigers.com/

[boffo]

My wife is from Lowell, Mass and was a big supporter of the at the time Lock Monsters. I went to quite a few AHL games for a while there.

[BAMBAMBPT]

Originally Posted by boffo

My wife is from Lowell, Mass and was a big supporter of the at the time Lock Monsters. I went to quite a few AHL games for a while there.

The former owner of the Lock Monster Roy Boe started the Bridgeport Franchise. He ran into some Financial problems and the NY Islander took full controll of the team two years ago. All of the guys on the Islanders had their start here. Dipietro, Trent Hunter. They all were in the BPT.

[boffo]

Hamilton and the Toronto are the closest 2 AHL cities to me, and what do you know, they're affiliated with Montreal and Toronto respectively. Saw a couple games in Hamilton when they played the P-Bruins.

[rounds1]

I'm a NY Rangers fan until I die!

Jagr and Straka I'd say are my favorites (surprise, surprise). I used to hate Gomez and Drury, but now of course I love'em.

Rangers might actually take the division from the Devils this year, but I doubt it.

[boffo]

Everyone seems so hyped about the Rangers chances this year, but they're stating to get more like the pre-lockout Rangers. Throwing money at the best FA's available figuring that'll make them the best team. Didn't work in the past, so we'll have to wait and see if it does now.

[rounds1]

Originally Posted by boffo

Everyone seems so hyped about the Rangers chances this year, but they're stating to get more like the pre-lockout Rangers. Throwing money at the best FA's available figuring that'll make them the best team. Didn't work in the past, so we'll have to wait and see if it does now.

I agree - it's like the Yankees: the best don't necessarily make the best team. But Drury and Gomez are also somewhat role players. I mean, Drury in no way acts like a superstar - I'm just looking forward to the first chance he gets to put away a game winner. And Gomez is definitely a good team player.

That's the difference between this team and the team they had a few years ago - they have guys that are really good, but are also team-oriented. Granted, not Jagr so much, but every team has a Jagr.

[BAMBAMBPT]

Originally Posted by boffo

Everyone seems so hyped about the Rangers chances this year, but they're stating to get more like the pre-lockout Rangers. Throwing money at the best FA's available figuring that'll make them the best team. Didn't work in the past, so we'll have to wait and see if it does now.

Madison Square Garden has become a retirement home for stars who are past their prime in both Hockey and Basketball. I do like the Rangers aquisitions.