Ice Hockey back in the USA after owners and players finally agree

[Brighton Breezy]

Habs as my good friend used to live there and went out and visited the place - but I also like to follow Tampa Bay Lightning due to the fact I picked them (for some reason) on an old NHL game when Lecavalier was tearing it up (He's still my favourite player)

Been lucky enough to see a few Rangers games, home and away, and watching hockey in Montreal was an amazing experience. My favourite player signed for them from the Rangers as well this season.

As the poster above said, if Lundqvist is in form the Rangers must have a real chance this year.

 

[Jack Daniels]

Been lucky enough to see a few Rangers games, home and away, and watching hockey in Montreal was an amazing experience. My favourite player signed for them from the Rangers as well this season.

As the poster above said, if Lundqvist is in form the Rangers must have a real chance this year.

The rangers always have a "real chance" owing to the ridiculous approach to finances.

However they are always left wanting come the playoffs. As they end up with too many big egos and not enough determination.

Should be more like the leafs and just give it a miss altogether.

 

[Brighton Breezy]

The rangers always have a "real chance" owing to the ridiculous approach to finances.

However they are always left wanting come the playoffs. As they end up with too many big egos and not enough determination.

Should be more like the leafs and just give it a miss altogether.

Perhaps not this season though. Have among the best defensive rosters in the NHL, the best 'keeper and now Nash to link up with Brad Richards on a front line attack as good as any.

Shorter season could benefit them as they peak earlier than the play offs usually.

 

[mlg57]

Everything will be magnified in 48-game NHL sprint

Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports

Penguins center Evgeni Malkin and others who played in Europe should have an edge for a few weeks.(Photo: Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports)

Story Highlights
Kronwall: 'It's going to be very important to have good goaltending and stay away from injuries'
Penguins coach says timing will be off at start of the season
Backup goalies will take on increased importance

The abbreviated NHL season opens Saturday, and everything will be magnified in a sprint from start to finish.

"It's going to be a little different and more unpredictable," said Nashville Predators general manager David Poile. "I wouldn't rule out anybody (making the playoffs)."

Usually, players play 82 games in about 183 days, but this season they will play 48 in 99 because of the lockout. Injuries, backup goalies and shootouts will become even more important.

"The weeks are going to fly by really fast because there will be a lot of games in a short amount of days," said Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall. "It's going to be very important to have good goaltending and stay away from injuries."

It is difficult to project the level of play because some players will be rusty because they haven't played any real games in eight months. Others will be sharp because they have been playing in Europe.

 

[KneeOn]

Carolina Hurricanes!

Not that we'll do f*** all. Again.

God I miss Brind'amour.

 

[willyfantastic]

Carolina Hurricanes!

Not that we'll do f*** all. Again.

God I miss Brind'amour.

you have 2 Staal brothers now AND Semin from the Capitals so could be a dark horse, no idea about your defense though as you traded Sutter for Jordan Staal

 

[Miami Seagull]

Looking forward to seeing my first Florida Panthers game of the season in a couple of weeks, v Montreal. Always a good atmosphere against the Canadiens with all the snowbirds in town. Panthers are a good bet for a repeat of last years division title too.

 

[Lyndhurst 14]

Rangers v Boston Bruins should be a cracker. First game after a 100 day break, be interesting to see if it has any effect.