cool, cool

maybe try beating them in the playoffs once, first
- senstroll

I mean, what's he supposed to say here? "the coyotes fans because there are like 3 of them.". Dumb question.

I may not participate this year as a form of contestation to Paré kneeing Laine out of his redemption story.

Or it could just be a lack of time.

I'll let you decide.
- Scabeh

thank you

Ok.
Hows laine doing?
- Fakepartofme

Better than expected, so I guess that's nice.

Ohmagerd a real prospect!

Ohmagerd a real prospect!
- AdamFrench

Better than expected, so I guess that's nice.
- Scabeh

That really was good to hear, 2-3 months.


You think Harbor Walleye gets fined again for last nights hit?

That really was good to hear, 2-3 months.


You think Harbor Walleye gets fined again for last nights hit?
- Snot Dillingham

I don't think he should.

Why you can certainly argue he intended to nail Stutzle, fact is he ended up hitting his gloves and it's Stutzle's own stick that hits him in the face.

If you give anything to Xhekaj, it's fine, but I'd expect Greig to receive a similar punishment for his earlier hit on Dach.

Stupid preseason games man. Talented players getting hurt when the game doesn't even count, so stupid.

Ah. The NHL. They just make their own problems.

Whether you think Pare deserved a beatdown for the contact with Laine (for the record, the more I've watched it, the more I think Laine's approach is way too wide - he was going to connect with the leg whether Pare moved to hit him or not - and for the record, Pare's shoulder is the lead point and his knee follows as a result, but it's poorly timed, poorly executed and honestly had almost no chance at success from that angle) or not - Xhekaj deserved an actual suspension for his assault on Pare.

The NHL lets him off and this is how he responds: https://x.com/i/status/1841284751837069640

Matt Rempe has been running around like a (frank)ing idiot for a year and the NHL continually ignores him, and this is one 20 second segment of him in the preseason: https://x.com/i/status/1841328407315177675 That first one is a clear elbow shot that just missed the head, and the second one is still a forearm shot to the head. I have to admit that at this point I'm absolutely baffled by the way the DOPS has handled the kid. I don't care if you're eleven feet tall - none of his hits are to the body as the principal point of contact.

Two big strong players who can exist on the edge and be effective at what they do, but thanks to the DOPS both keep standing on the wrong side of the line. I sincerely think that Parros' former role in the NHL has clouded his judgement too much.

I don't think he should.

Why you can certainly argue he intended to nail Stutzle, fact is he ended up hitting his gloves and it's Stutzle's own stick that hits him in the face.

If you give anything to Xhekaj, it's fine, but I'd expect Greig to receive a similar punishment for his earlier hit on Dach.

Stupid preseason games man. Talented players getting hurt when the game doesn't even count, so stupid.
- Scabeh

Couldnt agree more. As Duke said in Rocky 4- "What are you guys doing out there? This was supposed to be an exibition!"

I don't think he should.

Why you can certainly argue he intended to nail Stutzle, fact is he ended up hitting his gloves and it's Stutzle's own stick that hits him in the face.

If you give anything to Xhekaj, it's fine, but I'd expect Greig to receive a similar punishment for his earlier hit on Dach.

Stupid preseason games man. Talented players getting hurt when the game doesn't even count, so stupid.
- Scabeh

It doesn't matter what part of Stutle's own anatomy or possessions hit himself - the fact that Xhekaj propelled himself at him from the blindside with his elbow extended and having left his feet? Those are all bad looks on that hit. It was beyond reckless - and if a guy like Rempe threw that same hit at Slafkovsky, Montreal fans would want more than a pound of flesh.

Ah. The NHL. They just make their own problems.

Whether you think Pare deserved a beatdown for the contact with Laine (for the record, the more I've watched it, the more I think Laine's approach is way too wide - he was going to connect with the leg whether Pare moved to hit him or not - and for the record, Pare's shoulder is the lead point and his knee follows as a result, but it's poorly timed, poorly executed and honestly had almost no chance at success from that angle) or not - Xhekaj deserved an actual suspension for his assault on Pare.

The NHL lets him off and this is how he responds: https://x.com/i/status/1841284751837069640

Matt Rempe has been running around like a (frank)ing idiot for a year and the NHL continually ignores him, and this is one 20 second segment of him in the preseason: https://x.com/i/status/1841328407315177675 That first one is a clear elbow shot that just missed the head, and the second one is still a forearm shot to the head. I have to admit that at this point I'm absolutely baffled by the way the DOPS has handled the kid. I don't care if you're eleven feet tall - none of his hits are to the body as the principal point of contact.

Two big strong players who can exist on the edge and be effective at what they do, but thanks to the DOPS both keep standing on the wrong side of the line. I sincerely think that Parros' former role in the NHL has clouded his judgement too much.
- Monkeypunk

The amount of stupid dangerous plays in the preseason makes me want my team to sit our best players until the regular season.

Pare did stick out his knee when caught flat footed, I said before I don't blame him as he reacted in a fraction of a second against a much better player/skater than him but the end result sucked.

Xhekaj shouldn't get suspended for hitting Stutzle's gloves, even if you clearly know he intended to hit much more than that. If he ends up with another fine or a suspension, so be it but Greig needs to get one as well for it all to makes sense.

Doesn't really matter since I'm not convinced Xhekaj proved he belongs in the Habs top 6 on defense to begin with.

But those are just a few of numerous dangerous plays that I've seen since the preseason started. Nobody talks about Max Domi crosschecking Hutson on the head twice in the same game because Hutson is fine, but why on earth would a veteran player do that?

Better than expected, so I guess that's nice.
- Scabeh

I'm curious if this is one of those, "Doesn't need surgery, but should probably get it, but if he does he doesn't get to play and really wants to," type of scenarios that hurt him more later. Like (and for the record I am not a doctor) we hear so many cases where a player had the option for surgery but didn't want to take the additional time and they tried and tried and tried to play through it and it seemed to just derail their whole careers. Obviously I have local media and recency bias - but I think both Klingberg and Murray were examples of guys who had been playing hurt for years. I think Evander Kane was in a similar boat.

I've said before - when you guys acquired him - I like Laine. I think he can be a dynamic game breaking player. I hope he comes back healthy and strong.

- Scabeh

Goalies are such strange creatures.

The amount of stupid dangerous plays in the preseason makes me want my team to sit our best players until the regular season.

Pare did stick out his knee when caught flat footed, I said before I don't blame him as he reacted in a fraction of a second against a much better player/skater than him but the end result sucked.

- Scabeh

A big part that has been missing in the Pare discussion:

Why would anyone think that Pare would think that taking out Laine's knee would get him closer to an NHL roster?

Sorry, it doesn't make sense.

The amount of stupid dangerous plays in the preseason makes me want my team to sit our best players until the regular season.

Pare did stick out his knee when caught flat footed, I said before I don't blame him as he reacted in a fraction of a second against a much better player/skater than him but the end result sucked.

Xhekaj shouldn't get suspended for hitting Stutzle's gloves, even if you clearly know he intended to hit much more than that. If he ends up with another fine or a suspension, so be it but Greig needs to get one as well for it all to makes sense.

Doesn't really matter since I'm not convinced Xhekaj proved he belongs in the Habs top 6 on defense to begin with.

But those are just a few of numerous dangerous plays that I've seen since the preseason started. Nobody talks about Max Domi crosschecking Hutson on the head twice in the same game because Hutson is fine, but why on earth would a veteran player do that?
- Scabeh

I agree - the preseason has gotten stupid. I didn't think that much of the Domi stuff only because they were stupid and unnecessary (which is alot of the petty poop you'll see Domi do), but not vicious . . . although I did miss that part of the game and can only comment that the replay I saw on Twitter didn't look like it was really head as much as shoulder/neck -- which is not intended a trivial dismissal of the the fact that it is still completely unnecessary.

I haven't seen the Greig hit, so I'm not going to comment. He's on Ottawa, so I'm fine with the Earth opening up and swallowing him whole.

WRT the Pare knee, I think for me the thing is that his feet don't change position - if his skate had moved outwards, then there's intent. In the case of that play, I don't see his feet change position at all during his glide backwards as Laine approaches - but when Laine cuts to the inside on him, he moves his shoulder, his knee extends as a result (and maybe it was to try and catch him, but I don't read that as sticking his knee out in an attempt to use it - only because he is leading with his shoulder). But even with that, the glide in by Laine has that left leg so wide, I don't think he slips cleanly by Pare's leg even if Pare makes no move to stop him.

At the end of the day there's a lot of vitriol and rage at Pare - a guy who will likely never play in the NHL - and I'm sincerely not sure he's entirely to blame here. I think if Laine tries that on an NHL player, they have already moved in tighter to stand him up before Laine is sort of forced into trying to make that move. I think most of the rage all comes all the back around to what you were saying though - in the preseason injuries like this are frustrating and stupid.

Good morning, gentlemen.

Just putting together the season predictor - have to list the Leafs.

Anyone I'm missing?

Anyone that can easily be lopped off?

I eagerly await your comments.

Player Pos

Nick Abruzzese C
Easton Cowan RW
Connor Dewar C
Max Domi C
Nikita Grebenkin RW
Pontus Holmberg RW
Calle Jarnkrok C
David Kampf C
Matthew Knies LW
Mitch Marner RW
Auston Matthews C
Bobby McMann C
Fraser Minten C
William Nylander RW
Ryan Reaves RW
Nicholas Robertson LW
Alex Steeves C
John Tavares C
Max Pacioretty LW
Alex Nylander LW



Simon Benoit D
Oliver Ekman-Larsson D
Jani Hakanpää D
Timothy Liljegren D
Jake McCabe D
Morgan Rielly D
Chris Tanev D
Conor Timmins D



Matt Murray G
Anthony Stolarz G
Joseph Woll G

Good morning, gentlemen.

Just putting together the season predictor - have to list the Leafs.

Anyone I'm missing?

Anyone that can easily be lopped off?

I eagerly await your comments.

Player Pos

Nick Abruzzese C
Easton Cowan RW
Connor Dewar C
Max Domi C
Nikita Grebenkin RW
Pontus Holmberg RW
Calle Jarnkrok C
David Kampf C
Matthew Knies LW
Mitch Marner RW
Auston Matthews C
Bobby McMann C
Fraser Minten C
William Nylander RW
Ryan Reaves RW
Nicholas Robertson LW
Alex Steeves C
John Tavares C
Max Pacioretty LW
Alex Nylander LW



Simon Benoit D
Oliver Ekman-Larsson D
Jani Hakanpää D
Timothy Liljegren D
Jake McCabe D
Morgan Rielly D
Chris Tanev D
Conor Timmins D



Matt Murray G
Anthony Stolarz G
Joseph Woll G
- Atomic Wedgie

Maybe Hildeby, that's about it - but he'd get 1-2 games in a worst case scenario?

Goalies are such strange creatures.
- AdamFrench

I agree, wait I'm offended!

I'm offended at the truth I guess.



I know there are a couple other strange creatures on here so I'll share this piece of sad news another of the oldest (often said to be the oldest) goalie gear companies has closed up shop.

First Brown closed up as John Brown retired and now Kenesky.

Kenesky opened their shop in 1915 and in the 60's and 70's was pretty much the gear every NHL goalie wore.

Sad because they made some fantastic gear even to this day but they suddenly shut down apparently only giving their staff 30 minutes notice. I have had 3 sets of gear from them (still have 2) and the quality is better than anything on the market today by far - all hand crafted made here in Canada.

RIP to both - I'll never sell my 2 sets now that I can't get another set!

Gentlemen, and the rest of you.

It's that time of year.

Replace your furnace filter.

Remember where your stored your car's ice scraper.

Figure out an excuse why you can't go for an all-day drive to Elora to go antiquing and look at the fall colours with your wife/girlfriend.

And most importantly, it's time to fill out your predictions for the year!

Welcome to the Official 2024-25 Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction Thread:

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...hp?thread_id=188971&dbm=1

For those of you not familiar with this particular exercise, about 20 years ago I got tired of listening to my brother wax on about how he predicted everything at the start of the year, and how he was much smarter than the Leafs' GM (a low bar, I know).

So I made a rule if he (and my other brother) wanted to buy tickets from me (we have a draft every year), he had to show up with his predictions for the year.

It proved remarkably useful for telling him to STFU later in the year. And it also proved to be a lot of fun.

So have fun, and start with your predictions.

BIG WEDGIE PRO TIP: You don't have to fill it out all at once. You can do a little at a time, and just keep saving it, and coming back and editing it later.

Have fun.

This is at least the 10th version - if you want to see the 2015-16 thread, it is here:

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...read.php?thread_id=129188

See you on the 'buzz.

I agree, wait I'm offended!

I'm offended at the truth I guess.



I know there are a couple other strange creatures on here so I'll share this piece of sad news another of the oldest (often said to be the oldest) goalie gear companies has closed up shop.

First Brown closed up as John Brown retired and now Kenesky.

Kenesky opened their shop in 1915 and in the 60's and 70's was pretty much the gear every NHL goalie wore.

Sad because they made some fantastic gear even to this day but they suddenly shut down apparently only giving their staff 30 minutes notice. I have had 3 sets of gear from them (still have 2) and the quality is better than anything on the market today by far - all hand crafted made here in Canada.

RIP to both - I'll never sell my 2 sets now that I can't get another set!



- Cush29

The sport of hockey is in real trouble - equipment is too expensive, and the manufacturers still can't make a profit.

Gentlemen, and the rest of you.

It's that time of year.

Replace your furnace filter.

Remember where your stored your car's ice scraper.

Figure out an excuse why you can't go for an all-day drive to Elora to go antiquing and look at the fall colours with your wife/girlfriend.

And most importantly, it's time to fill out your predictions for the year!

Welcome to the Official 2024-25 Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction Thread:

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...hp?thread_id=188971&dbm=1

For those of you not familiar with this particular exercise, about 20 years ago I got tired of listening to my brother wax on about how he predicted everything at the start of the year, and how he was much smarter than the Leafs' GM (a low bar, I know).

So I made a rule if he (and my other brother) wanted to buy tickets from me (we have a draft every year), he had to show up with his predictions for the year.

It proved remarkably useful for telling him to STFU later in the year. And it also proved to be a lot of fun.

So have fun, and start with your predictions.

BIG WEDGIE PRO TIP: You don't have to fill it out all at once. You can do a little at a time, and just keep saving it, and coming back and editing it later.

Have fun.

This is at least the 10th version - if you want to see the 2015-16 thread, it is here:

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...read.php?thread_id=129188

See you on the 'buzz.
- Atomic Wedgie

Elora is a good day trip.
Nice little hikes and some good pubs.
Get off your butts and go.

The sport of hockey is in real trouble - equipment is too expensive, and the manufacturers still can't make a profit.
- Atomic Wedgie

I think the big name manufacturers are making money, the smaller shops are struggling to some degree.

In the case of Kenesky closing it has some of the tell tale signs of a bankruptcy and the gear is (was) fantastic but the way the business was run left something to be desired.

Many folks complained about poor communications, lead times that were insanely long etc. I only experienced a bit of that and it was frustrating but I always got past it due to the gear itself and the quality. I think it just got worse and worse over time though.

Sad reality - handcrafted takes longer, costs more and people was fast/cheap more often that high quality and slower.

Elora is a good day trip.
Nice little hikes and some good pubs.
Get off your butts and go.
- Fakepartofme

Not in 15 inches of snow.

Gentlemen, and the rest of you.

It's that time of year.

Replace your furnace filter.

Remember where your stored your car's ice scraper.

Figure out an excuse why you can't go for an all-day drive to Elora to go antiquing and look at the fall colours with your wife/girlfriend.

And most importantly, it's time to fill out your predictions for the year!

Welcome to the Official 2024-25 Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction Thread:

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...hp?thread_id=188971&dbm=1

For those of you not familiar with this particular exercise, about 20 years ago I got tired of listening to my brother wax on about how he predicted everything at the start of the year, and how he was much smarter than the Leafs' GM (a low bar, I know).

So I made a rule if he (and my other brother) wanted to buy tickets from me (we have a draft every year), he had to show up with his predictions for the year.

It proved remarkably useful for telling him to STFU later in the year. And it also proved to be a lot of fun.

So have fun, and start with your predictions.

BIG WEDGIE PRO TIP: You don't have to fill it out all at once. You can do a little at a time, and just keep saving it, and coming back and editing it later.

Have fun.

This is at least the 10th version - if you want to see the 2015-16 thread, it is here:

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...read.php?thread_id=129188

See you on the 'buzz.
- Atomic Wedgie

Elora rules man, go jump in the quarry. Also the restaurant at the Mill Inn is really good. Like really good.

Gentlemen, and the rest of you.

It's that time of year.

Replace your furnace filter.

Remember where your stored your car's ice scraper.

Figure out an excuse why you can't go for an all-day drive to Elora to go antiquing and look at the fall colours with your wife/girlfriend.

And most importantly, it's time to fill out your predictions for the year!

Welcome to the Official 2024-25 Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction Thread:

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...hp?thread_id=188971&dbm=1

For those of you not familiar with this particular exercise, about 20 years ago I got tired of listening to my brother wax on about how he predicted everything at the start of the year, and how he was much smarter than the Leafs' GM (a low bar, I know).

So I made a rule if he (and my other brother) wanted to buy tickets from me (we have a draft every year), he had to show up with his predictions for the year.

It proved remarkably useful for telling him to STFU later in the year. And it also proved to be a lot of fun.

So have fun, and start with your predictions.

BIG WEDGIE PRO TIP: You don't have to fill it out all at once. You can do a little at a time, and just keep saving it, and coming back and editing it later.

Have fun.

This is at least the 10th version - if you want to see the 2015-16 thread, it is here:

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...read.php?thread_id=129188

See you on the 'buzz.
- Atomic Wedgie

But what if I forget to finish half of it in time and I have to throw the whole thing out?