C5: . . . . Wed, Feb 17, 10:30AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi, Goalies! Just got back from Europe. No hockey over there! OK, a few new pix have been added to the goalie page, some good ones of Beezer (his first entrance), a couple incredible ones of Dunham, and one super-cool close-up of Shields. A few other goalies, too. At this button

C5: . . . . Wed, Feb 17, 10:30AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...So while I'm on that subject, I should mention that there is a pic there of Cujo letting in the very last goal ever at the Gardens.

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Feb 17, 10:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
whoaaa... it's deja vu all over again!

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Feb 17, 10:35AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey Chris and C5... merci beaucoup for all the work you guys put into this place and for the clean slate.

C5: . . . . Wed, Feb 17, 10:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Thanks, Tripp, and right back at you. This place is very enjoyable because of folks like you who post both serious and fun stuff.

C5: . . . . Wed, Feb 17, 10:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Let's welcome 4Qts to the chat page! View him at this button ... and if there are other goalies out there who have pix (some of you have even sent me some that I lost!) send 'em in.

Chris: . . . . Wed, Feb 17, 9:18PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Check out the bottom of the chat page. I just added two permanent links to C5's great resources he set up. Also, a little credit for him for his dedication to The Goalie's Domain. Thanks C5!!

fourqts: . . . . Wed, Feb 17, 10:12PM PST (-0700 GMT)
CdP... I'm a regular at teh behind the mask shops (two locations) and at the 2 play it again locations that have a descent selection of hockey gear.... I like the people at the stores alot, but they just cannot compete on prices. I do exactly as you are saying mostly... Try thr gear on at the shops then give them a chance to match the order price (which they will not) then I order out of canada. A good expamle of the desert markup is the price at garners for a r6 C/A .... $450 canadian or about $315 US... Play it again has it for $549 US..... NOT! I'm a gaolie but I'm not rich

fourqts: . . . . Wed, Feb 17, 10:15PM PST (-0700 GMT)
As for the skates tried them on at store (React 3) priced at 270 US.... Ordered for $160 US from The Sports Exchange

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 6:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
smott, are you still with us? Hopefully didnt jump off the nearest bridge after those powerhouse Islanders wrecked your birds streak... ugh.

Beatts: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 7:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Saaaallllloooo.....If you listen real carefully, REAL CAREFULLY, you can almost hear Felix Potvin's career going down the drain....It's kind of sad considering of what he once was....

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 7:16AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hi beatts, what do you think will happen to Felix for next year? I'm hopeful that he can shake his bad luck and land somewhere where he can do some good. Hope he's not washed up.

C5: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 7:32AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Wow... Thanks, Chris!

C5: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 7:33AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I'm playing my first ever AAA game tonight! Ex-pros and NHL'ers. Should be SUPER cool. Just luck. Didn't get "noticed" or anything. I'm hoping to play well enough to get invited back.

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 7:51AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Whoa, good luck c5. try not to flinch.

Guardian: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 7:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yep, a shout out to C5! And Chris, without whom none of this would have happened. We owe _you_ big thanks.

Guardian: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 7:54AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Toast...can you pass your email address along to me? I'm moving to Toronto at the end of the month. sgandkr@hotmail.com

Beatts: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 9:47AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Sieve, I agree with you, I hope Potvin gets back on track, being a huge Leaf Fan and seeing what they put him through makes me hope he has a great year....It just isn't happening yet...

Vile: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 9:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I am having a hard time waiting for the playoffs. I don't want to skip this part of the season, but I guess I would like to just skip ahead to the first round of the playoffs. Just too many what-ifs that can only be settled in the playoffs. After last year, all bets are off in the East, but in the West, I predict at least 1 of the big 4, Stars, Yotes, Avs, or Wings will fall... heh heh heh... I might need to just be sedated until April.

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 10:15AM PST (-0700 GMT)
The more Potvin's stock, and trade value, continue to fall, the better the chance of him going to Edmonton. Sather still loves this guy. There's no doubt that he's a good goalie who still has some mileage ahead of him. Hopefully his confidence can be salvaged. Milbury wants one of the Oilers' young D-men to recoup the loss of Berard. I think Sather would give Mironov, but he'd still like to try to swing a Mironov/Barnaby deal.

C5: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 10:15AM PST (-0700 GMT)
It might be a snooze for you, Vile, but I can just imagine the talk in the locker rooms of teams caught in the middle of the pack! A lot of teams will be leaning hard on their experienced leaders. My dark horse? First round, anyway, Panthers. Pens. Bruins to get lucky. Montreal to pull together? I'm throwing stuff out, here. It's possible. The next 6 weeks are everything to these teams.

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 10:20AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Also, yours truly not only puts up the zero last night, but rings up two assists. I'm in some kind of zone lately. Seeing the puck really well for some reason. Got a wicked tattoo on my forearm from an absolute rocket from an ex-NHL'er... but I'll take the welts anyday to preserve a shutout. Still, those guys can fire the puck. It amazes me. Kinda makes me wonder what it'd be like to face Al Macinnis.

Vile: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 10:21AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yeah, there is a lot of important things that can and will happen these last weeks. The Trade Deadline aught to be big. Even if none of the big boys get traded, that would still be big. I'm not bored with this part of the season, I am just ready for it to all happen quicker :)

Vile: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 10:22AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Congrats Tripp.

C5: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 10:22AM PST (-0700 GMT)
What kind of headling is "Edmonton edges Anaheim 6-2"??? Hi, Tripp, hey, that could be cool, Potvin in Edmonton. He'd be the #1 guy there for sure and you gotta hand it to Edmonton-- they make their players feel LOVED.

Vile: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 10:22AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I just read a small blurb about Jimmy Waite going down to the minors. Otherwise I can't find anything else... what's up with Waite?

C5: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 10:23AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yeah, Tripp, congrats! I've lost a few donuts lately. No excuse. Good to see you were zoned long enough to hold on. Looks like Salo lost a donut last night with 2 mins remaining.

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 10:48AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Thank you, thank you **raising my stick to my adoring chat fans** :-) Looks like Waite got sent to the AHL for a conditioning stint. Has he been that shaky? Injured? I don't follow the Yotes that closely. J.S. Giguere and Tyler Moss are/were down in the AHL too. Looks like they're stuck there, with Wregget returning and Freddy B. playing so well. In fact, the Syracuse Crunch beat Giguere & Co. for their first win in 17 games. Ouch.

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 10:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
One other possible Oilers trade could involve Norm Maracle, of Detroit. Supposedly Sather really likes him, too. I guess Detroit doesn't want to lose him for nothing in the expansion draft and wants to try to deal him away.

Vile: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 11:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I am looking for a basic pair of Goal Skates. I am trying to find a balance between entry level price and quality/durability of price. The lowest so far, Sports Exchange has CCM 452 for $120. Reid's has CCM 550 for $160 and Garners has the Bauer 1000 for $130 and 3000 for $180. I would like to justify a higher end model, but I don't personally know the differences. Can anyone offer some advice? CCM vs. Bauer? Thanks...

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 11:56AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Maracle has that little DUI issue to clear up before the border patrol lets him into Alberta. Word is he was weaving in and out of traffic doing 100 in a 70 with a couple honeys in the car. Young, Dumb, and full of...uhh...well, you know...

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 12:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I hung out with Maracle at a tourney one time. He slugged down almost an entire bottle of Captain Morgan's!!!! He sure likes to party. Helluva goalie, though.

Vile: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 12:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Drop that "of price" after quality/durability, must have been some problem with my browser :)

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 1:29PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I've got a question for you guys/gal. Has anyone here used a Heaton c/a pad? I can get a great deal on a Helite 5, and I'm wondering what they're like. I love my Vaughn 3500, but this deal is almost too good to pass up. Any words of wisdom for me?

: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 3:17PM PST (-0700 GMT)
goalies

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 9:19PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Vile... Here is the difference between the r1 r2 and r3 skate (similar to the difference between 452, 700ish and 800ish CCP models) The five is the pro skate, composite foot bed, pro blade, stiff reinforces boot "growler cowling" (that is the plastic on the bottom of the boot) and compression foam in the ankle. The 3000 loses the Growler cowling and the composit foot bed and therefore some stiffness but it has a relatively stiff boot and has the compression foam in the ankle, The 1000 is the entry level lower quality cowling and blade no composite footbed no compression foam in the boot and a softer flex.... Best price on the reactor 3 is via the sports exchange... about 170

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 9:19PM PST (-0700 GMT)
that would be ccm not ccp

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 9:20PM PST (-0700 GMT)
and I named the bauer models wrong on the top

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 9:24PM PST (-0700 GMT)
tripp congrats on the doughnut.... As for the C/A's I've heard good things about others playing with the Heaton's and if it is a scream... gotta do it... I don't personally like the fit of the heaton's I've tried on I feel better in the Bauer C/A's and Pants.... To me they feel the best

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Feb 18, 9:51PM PST (-0700 GMT)
As for Waite, they have to send him down to play a game or two now and then.... he was out hurt for 2 weeks then played against the Ducks and looked rusty giving up big rebounds and los of them.... Boolin is like Hasek.... He wants to play alot.... But we need waite to let nik rest for the playoff run. So get him a little work in the A then we'll probably see him on this road trip.... He is also sporting new pads (ROY style) and it looked as if he decided to play with them without breaking them in..... Vein tenders..... and that did not help the rebounds

Beatts: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 7:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Tripp, I use a Heaton C/A and like it. I have been stung a couple of times on the forearm but I think its a quality piece of equipment. Mind you I'm biased, I swear by Heaton equipment...not a fan of their trappers though...I prefer the cooper/Bauer trapper..like Khabbyboooooolins....Did I spell that right ?? hehe

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 9:36AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Beatts, check out SFSL web page and look at the new 99 Louisville line. It's made in conjuction with Brian Heaton and is called the X-hale line. Kind of gaudy looking if you ask me but 2 well known names making something new might open some new doors(or close a few)

C5: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 10:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Some great chat, there. Vile, what size feet do you have? I have an extra pair of skates but they're size 10 or so. I'd let them go for $50.

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 11:07AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Thanks for the c/a opinions guys. I think I'll stick with the Vaughn and leave the Heaton for someone else. I also have a Brown Excel that I'm very happy with. I just hate breaking in new pads, and from what I understand the Heaton's start out very stiff.

C5: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 11:25AM PST (-0700 GMT)
More cool goalie pix coming this weekend. Very few good ones of Richter. Whoever's working in NY sure is having trouble getting a decent shot of him. I wish I could get Reuters stuff. While I was in Europe I was reading a newspaper from The Hague and it had an absolutely WONDERFUL pic of Hasek, but I couldn't find it anywhere.

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 11:29AM PST (-0700 GMT)
They're probably having trouble getting pics of Ricky because he keeps getting yanked in the 1st period. He's been pulled way early in his last 2 starts

C5: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 11:32AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Trip... heh! :D No, the lighting is consistently poor. However, I just got a GREAT snap of Cloutier, so check in on that. Goalies, I'll be taking images DOWN as new and better images come up, so grab 'em and put them on your HD's. Space is limited...

C5: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 11:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Maybe Richter demands to be pulled after a certain amount of goals? Trying to save himself? What is a goalie to do when he's labored on a bad team for long enough? Whe's the cut-off? When do you demand a trade?

C5: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 11:40AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Then again, after the absolute ASS-WHUPPING I got last night, 13-2, maybe he enjoys it! I played awful in the first period last night, but my guys didn't exactly help out. Only 7 guys against a true AAA team with two full lines. Their D was incredible-- they were projecting their power all the way up to the RED LINE, it was incredible. It had layers. The blue line had the points and boards covered, the neutral zone was clogged, and inside their zone the forechecking was fearsome. You'd have sworn this team had a coach standing on the bench. Needless to say I had a good time.

C5: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 11:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Made one save by pulling the puck out of the net on a 2 on 1... definitely a goal, but I KNEW the refs didn't see it... sure enough, they set up a face off on my circle... To me, after that, the joke was over and with the other team screaming blue murder I skated out to tell the refs it was indeed a goal...

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 11:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ya know, despite the occasional off game, Richter's actually been pretty good this season. His stats might not show it, but in his behalf, the Rangers team defense is incompetent... of course, so is their offense :-D Lots of goals go in off his teammates. Gretzky takes 2 minute shifts and is -21 or something, Leetch wants to be a scorer and gives up odd man rushes, Popovic is a buffoon. MSG is a dark building, though. Tom Barrasso went spastic before a playoff game there because there was a shadow on the ice. He refused to play until they rearranged the rafters that were supposedly blocking one of the lights. I was there, and couldn't really see any shadows... but those goalies are a crazy and stubborn lot, eh? :-)

Vile: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 12:08AM PST (-0700 GMT)
With the massive bonuses he got last year, Federov doesn't need a paltry 2mil this year, but still, it is pretty decent of him to officially donate his entire year's salary.

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 12:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hey everybody, check out the first Beezer pic on C5's pic page. That floating Keith Oberman head in the middle of the play is tooooo funny...

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 12:11AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hi vile, yep, I'm still trying to figure out if he is doing it on his own accord, or if his agent told him to. Still a lot of people sour on him here. He gushes sincerety in the newspaper article, but it may just be a good spin.

smott: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 12:36AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi guys...yes my Birds flatter than a pancake vs the Isles...streak had to end sometime...and y'know it's OK, because when I think back to their 17-0-1 '93 record, right at the end of the season, it really left them without any stuffing for the playoffs and they went out 2nd rd to the Isles. So I don't want them to peak too early. They coul dbe a playoff dark horse, we shall see. If Kovalev keeps remembering to shoot, and Barrasso stays healthy, who knows. Even Jagr seems to have grown up this year.

smott: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 12:37AM PST (-0700 GMT)
BTW, I have Bauer 4000's Toastie got me a great deal on them up in T.O. A little tight in the heel but I got them stretched and they are the best skates I ever had.

gbfreeman: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 1:03PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Roller coaster night last night. First game 6-0 shutout. First of the season after losing the last 2 shutout bids in the last minute. Second game, started okay, then pulled a great play with my "D". Playing the puck from behind the net, got good wood on it and put it to her right past her stick and onto the onrushing opponents tape. Pretty goal. Great view from behind the net. GGGGRRRRRRRR. 3rd game we had 5 players and 2 hadn't skated for us before. Lose 7-0. 2 fluke goals, 2 goals tipped in by my defense, 3 goals scored on second rebound. Not one to write home about. 4th game total war. 3-3 10 minutes into the game. Lost my post on the fourth goal and gave the shooter about 5 and a 1/2 feet of net to shoot at. Scored one on myself trying to break up a centering pass. 7-6 with 10 seconds left and went into the splits (full) for only the second time in my life. I am so sore!

gbfreeman: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 1:04PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh yeah, made the save and the team suddenly forgot how crappy I played the rest of the game. Ultimate case of "what have you done for me lately".

gbfreeman: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 1:06PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I think every announcer who hasn't played between the pipes needs to stop with the critiques about how bad a goalie played a shot. Penalty should be having to put the tools on and get between the pipes to face some NHL shots.

C5: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 4:46PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Those of you put off by large downloads will be happy to know that tonight I finally got around to making sure that ALL graphics in the Pro Chat pages are now fully optimized. What was once a gallery with 24mb of images is now only 14mb. Goalies added tonight: Cloutier, Kidd, Osgood and Thibault. The Thibault pic is my fave-- Sundin scoring a goal, and check out the happy, kid-in-a-candy-store look on his face!

C5: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 5:24PM PST (-0700 GMT)
And I'm probably going to lose my Canadian citizenship for doing this, but there's a SPECIAL SURPRISE for you Americans on the Pro Picture page! Want a hint? I'll give you two-- first, the pix are black and white, and two, they are old as hell! And no, they're not of Toast, either! Check them out.

C5: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 5:48PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh! And Smott, forgot to mention. Down in the miscellanous section-- and down there only because they are not NHL goalies-- are two chick goalies, too! Frost and Nentwig. Check them out! It's not often you see pony tails sticking out of the back of goalie helmets. Also added to this section, a pic of Doehler, playing in Moscow. Enjoy.

deke: . . . . Fri, Feb 19, 7:35PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Cloutier looked great tonight, just missed the donut. That's good for him and the Rangers, but bad for my trip to Calgary since I wanted to see Richter. On the other hand, if he plays like he did tonight, it'll be fun to watch that too.

TheCat37: . . . . Sat, Feb 20, 10:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I want to get custom goalie pads made. Can I just call Vaughn or Brians direct, or do I have to go through a place like SourceLondon to do it? Thank you

Tripp: . . . . Sat, Feb 20, 1:56PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey TC37. Not sure about Brian's, but I know Vaughn doesn't sell direct to customers. You'll have to go through a retailer, my friend. Although I love the 4000 pads and 5500 glove with the single T, Vaughn's got some new designs for '99 at button I dunno how they differ from what's already on the market, but there are e-mail addressed there to contact Vaughn. Hope this helps

Tripp: . . . . Sat, Feb 20, 2:24PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Okay, in my never ending quest to help my fellow man (sorry if you're a chick, TC37) here we go... according to the boys at SFSL, the V-lite glove at the Vaughn website is sorta like my Vaughn 5500 with the single T, only thinner in the palm. Still good, but not as protective as the 5500. The 4040 line is a junior version of the 4000's. So overall, the 4000 and 5500's are still Vaughn's big guns. Not sure what level you play at, but the stuff I have is well worth the money. Some of the shots I face leave a vapor trail behind them, though, so I like the peace of mind the best pads give me. You may not need to spend quite as much coin. So there ya go. The Trippster does his homework!

C5: . . . . Sat, Feb 20, 3:34PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Geez... sometimes I have to wait for shots to get to me. Sometimes I'm even tempted to have a cigarette or something-- if I smoked, that is.

C5: . . . . Sat, Feb 20, 7:24PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Just played an A-level game. It was like in slow-motion. There's just no energy. I come home after playing games like this seriously considering giving up playing. It's just no fun. I'd KILL to play on a team that doens't depend on wraparounds to score 99.999% of their goals. {{sigh}}

C5: . . . . Sun, Feb 21, 11:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Some good pics today. Goalies added: Khabby, Brodeur, Vernon (1st) and Hackett (also his 1st). Collect the whole set! Will be removing goalies soon.

Tripp: . . . . Sun, Feb 21, 2:35PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ahhh... I've had many nights where I felt like selling my pads and just not playing anymore. Sometimes I wish my teammates' effort and play matched their ego and their mouth. Of course if that were the case, they'd have more points than Gretzky :-D

Tripp: . . . . Sun, Feb 21, 2:40PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Got to watch the Sens beat the Flyers for first place in the east last night. The Tugger was a wall. Looks like he'll be their playoff goalie this season. He's a lot smaller than I thought. They said 5'11" 160. So since I'm roughly the same size at about 6' 155, maybe I should have been watching him a bit more closely to pick up a few pointers.

Beatts: . . . . Sun, Feb 21, 3:09PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Tripp...Heatons break-in real easy...I've had Bauers, Vaughns and brians pads throughout the years and Heatons are far and away the nicest to break-in. Brians and Vaughns coming next while Bauers were hell...Just my opinion

C5: . . . . Sun, Feb 21, 3:31PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Beatts, I saw the R6's at a store in Calgary and my first thought was man, those look like hell to break in.

Tripp: . . . . Sun, Feb 21, 4:11PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Thanks Beatts... most of my chest pads have been Vaughn. They do take awhile to break in, but I love the protection they give. I still have a 2500 that I'll never get rid of. Brown c/a's are soft right out of the box.. You wear em once, and they loosen right up. And if Brown is good enough for Hasek, Beezer, Fuhr, Skudra and Richter, who am I to complain? I had a Louisville once, which was awful. I even stood in a hot shower with the thing on a few times, trying to break it in. It felt like I was wearing a piece of wood on my chest and arms. I've never used much of the Heaton/Koho equipment other than sticks. Though I'm using one of the WAAHH Revolution blockers now, which I like.

C5: . . . . Sun, Feb 21, 4:17PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Goalies added tonight, from tonight's games: Belfour, Roy, and Roloson making a stop on Brown. Roloson earned major kudos in Buffalo tonight.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Sun, Feb 21, 8:06PM PST (-0700 GMT)
If your interested in checking out Roli's new mask click this button it really is a good looking mask.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Sun, Feb 21, 8:13PM PST (-0700 GMT)
On another note I would like to remind everyone of an old adage. Buyer beware. Without naming names( you can figure it out for yourself) there is something not quite kosher going on on the market board. Remember you don't get something for nothing and if it's too good to be true it probably is. So with that in mind my friends I hope you take a close look at what your paying for and what you expect to be getting. I am almost positive it's not a chat regular who posted it but I'd hate to see any of you good people here on the chat get ripped off. This concludes my public service announcement today :-)

J.T.: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 5:15AM PST (-0700 GMT)
First off, this is all Smott's fault. I'm now also in the poorhouse, trying to scrape together the cash to make the downpayment on the condo I signed for yesteday. Fortunately, delivery is 10 months away, so it's time to start brown bagging the lunch....

smott: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 6:45AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I beg your pardon???

smott: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 6:46AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey nobody forced ya to sign!!! :-D

smott: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 6:46AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...anyway peanut butter & jelly sandwiches kinda grow on you....

smott: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 6:48AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Meanwhile OI VEY but don't my Birds lose their 3rd straight to the Bullies....they have been taking teams on slides and turning them around (see NYI, NYR now Flyers..) Close game at 2-1 but Philly is just too big. The Lindros line is so strong there's only so much you can do. I was hoping Hexy would cheese out (bad first goal) but he didn't, so, rats....now Pens get Pups, Stars, Avs...YIKES!....

J.T.: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 9:47AM PST (-0700 GMT)
PB&J will seem like a luxury...trust me. At least I have 12 months to come up with the down payment and closing stuff.....hmmm, maybe this is a good time to rethink taking up yet another expensive hobby. Then again, life is short.

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 10:18AM PST (-0700 GMT)
You think the Pens are frustrating? Try being an Oilers fan. Last night they lost their 4th OT game in a month and a half. Richter stood on his head, and the Oil had a goal disallowed with about a minute left... but these overtime losses are getting ridiculous. It was kinda funny to see Guerin and McSorley rough up His Majesty Gretzky in front of the old home crowd, though.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 11:38AM PST (-0700 GMT)
For those interested, the customer service number for Vaughn is 1-800-304-4229

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 1:16PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Who here has a way of getting a hold of Chris to do some maintenance on the market page? The B.S. not associated with equipment sales is starting to get out of hand and needs to be deleted.Who ever has his E-mail please drop him a line. Thanks

fourqts: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 1:55PM PST (-0700 GMT)
What is happening to my puppies???? Losses to the Ducks, Phili, TAMPA, Fla...... And not only did they lose by big margins, they were dominated on the ice..... Into Smottie's town tonight to play the Pens. Maybe they will have a little heart with Drake back in the lineup. Me thinks Tkchoke is not so healthy, as he seems to be doing nothing in the games.... Then to make matters worse, Schofeile (SP) plays him with J.R. (effectively taking JR out of the game as well playing 4 on 5 when Thchoke is in the game). The only one doing any scoring is the warrior Tocc. Maybe a coach with half a brain could figure this out. Also the D Looks very timid as of late (Diduck hurt, Lumme hurt, and JJ hurt) I think the others don't want to get hurt. And Nik is getting shelled (and we know his confidence can be fragile) even though it does not appear to be his fault.... Call up Waite and let Nik sit a few, DO NOT play JR and Tkchoke on the same line until Tkchoke shows that he is 100% in a few games, and start getting all over the D in practice. Or not only will they fall too far behind Dallas, But may slip to the lower end of the playoff picture.

fourqts: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 1:56PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Now stepping off of the bench and onto the surface. Ordered a Brown C/A from Garner on Fri as well as a set of Reactor 3000 skates from The Sports Exchange. I'll be on the ICE much more in the comming weeks. As to get away from my roller team a little. Played to a 8-8 tie last night. In which I let in 6 goals in the opening period. My team thought it would be cute to let a man set up on the edge of the crease when the puck was in the corner, through the first period. If I move from the post to cover the guy across the crease, the puckhandler shoort it in.... If I play the shooter as I should then he pops a pass just out of poke range to the man in the slot and bingo. Then my team decides to move the puck up the boards and we dominate the rest of the game for the most part. After the game is over and we're leaving, a couple of the other teams players ask me how it felt playing the first period with no help, and credited the tie to me for making a few key saves in the final 3 minutes.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 4:59PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey goalies..... I just got back from a tournament, and I played great. The first game I played we won 6-2 and I faced 40 shots, and the second game we lost 4-1, I faced 30 shots and I played great again..... It was for the Valley Ice All-stars. It was in Eugene Oregon and I had a blast. We played four games. I played two games, and Denis played two. The first game Denis played he lost 7-6, and the next game he played he lost 6-1..... I felt so bad for Denis, he played terrible. The guys were begging the coach to let me play, even the parents in the crowd were ready to start a chant to get me in the net. Since I played so well in the 2nd game the coach told me I might start again later that day for the 3rd game. But I didn't want Denis to lose his turn and I was happy that the coach desided to play him instead. In that game Denis was awful. He let in very soft goals, including one from the redline. The players on the bench don't have confidence in Denis and they wanted me to play. During the entire game they were arguing with the coach to let me play..... I am sure Denis was embarressed with the way he played and I wish I could make him feel better. Denis is sort of a shy guy and he didn't hang around with the guys at the hotel like the rest of us did. Denis is a real nice guy, but he isn't a very good goaltender. His parents don't have a lot of money, and Denis has been using the same equipment forever. The pads he uses aren't very protective and I am wondering if that is affecting his game..... I would like Denis to feel better. I am wondering if it is a good idea for me to give him a call and talk about the tournament, or if it is a bad idea..... About the guys begging to let me play so we could win, and at the hotel the guys were hoping I was going to play and all of that. It kinda embarresses me. I am not a guy who has to play every game, and I wanted Denis to get his share..... any comments?

C5: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 6:22PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I dunno, GH. Money only goes so far, and talent carries the rest. He could use some confidence, but it's probably got to come from the coach in this case. As far as my league goes, the best goalies always show up with the worst equipment. I always end up thinking "Uh oh" when Mike Liut shows up... ;-)

C5: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 6:25PM PST (-0700 GMT)
CdP, just ICQ'd him your comments. 4Q, heh heh, what a stupid strategy! Wait, your guys playing with my guys??? My guys learned early in the season not to hang around the crease. I'm so focused on the puck (read: W.T.F. IS IT??) that my stick just naturally seems to find the knees of ANYONE in range. Many a forward has asked me, "What the hell'd you go and do that for?" as he's rubbing his ankle. I just look at him kinda dazed. I don't remember doing it, I tell him, but all I'm doing is clearing my crease. I sometimes yell, "Three in the key!" but that never works... wrong sport, I think...

snowman: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 7:54PM PST (-0700 GMT)
A little backhand to the tender juicey spot on the calves works to get there attention also!! Guys that hang in the front will learn quick not to dawdle in front of your net

snowman: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 7:55PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Especially if the D is doing a great clearing job

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 8:00PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Mike Liut?? Cripes, there's a blast from the past. When God said "let there be light", Mike flipped the switch!

fourqts: . . . . Mon, Feb 22, 9:28PM PST (-0700 GMT)
c5 trying to get a line on a little server space for more picts (as to not use your space up and have to trash picts) let you know as i hear more. as for whacking the ones by the crease... I meant in the slot in perfect shooting position for the pass from the corner..... out of range to poke the pass and where they should be cleared by the d.... note the should as I mentioned the six goal first period

C5: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 7:05AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Did anyone see the Mastercard commercial about Hasek? Goalie pads, $1500. Glove, $400. Having a "Slinky" for a spine: Priceless. For everything else...

Vile: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 7:47AM PST (-0700 GMT)
4qts, I am curious about your Reactor 3 skate purchase from the Sports exchange. All I could find on the website were R3 player skates. Is that what you bought, or did you find the R3 goal skates I didn't see. I was hoping to buy some goal skates from Sports Exchange but they don't really have anything in my size...

Vile: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 8:03AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I saw the commercial C5, I chuckled for nearly 10 minutes. Altho, to be accurate, he has a slinkies for knees... but average viewers prolly wouldn't get that.

Vile: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 9:35AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I got asked to join a team for the next season... so I went out to watch their last game this season. The goalie they had filling in was okay. The cool thing was I got my first real look at Battram's stuff. This guy had Blocker/Catcher and pads. The stuff still shined... really nice looking. Unfortunately he lost, 5-1, so I didn't want to bug him too much to check out his stuff.

Tripp: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 10:24AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Man... rough night for Khabibulin. He looked shaky right off the hop. Made some nice stops, but you could see he was fighting it all night. Well, not ALL night, since he got the hook. Glad to see Robert Esche come in and do well, though. He's a heck of a nice guy. Besides, we American goalies need to stick together. Yotes need to get healthy though, or they'll get shown the door early in the playoffs once again.

C5: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 10:44AM PST (-0700 GMT)
4q, no worries on server space yet, just space on the page... also don't want you goalies to have to slog through a bunch of old images just to get to the new ones. Considering making a separate playoffs one, though, when the time comes... Images from the Run for the Cup!

Vile: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 11:03AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Man, having trouble actually finding skates my size... Bauer is apparently between models and doesn't actually have any available for order...

smott: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 1:58PM PST (-0700 GMT)
GH glad to hear you played well in your tourney....as for Denis, well, remind you rteammates that he needs their support too.....

smott: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 2:00PM PST (-0700 GMT)
And wow 4q we in Pensland thank you for sending us Boolin on an off night!...Couple of the greasiest goals he'll probably ever let in helped my Birds get out with a win....and did we ever need it, after a 3-game skid and heading West for Stars-Avs......

GoalieHawk: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 3:08PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott----- I know. I was given Denis a lot of support, but the guys on the bench didn't. I told them they need to play hard for Denis and not complain..... About that redline goal. It wasn't from the redline. It was from their own blue line. Also, it was shorthanded. Man, did I feel bad for Denis..... In other news. I think I've told you about the other try-out I got, for the Nevada Gamblers of the WSHL. Also the try-out for the Utah Valley Golden Eagles also of the WSHL. Anyways. I think I might be able to go to only one try-out. Here are my options. Butch Peacock(the owner/gm of the Gamblers) really wants me to attend his try-out and he has told me a lot of info about his team, and it is more than likely I will make his team. On the other hand they are a poor team with only four returning players, and no returning goalies(which is good for me). I heard that Stan Wiess(owner/gm of the Utah Valley Golden Eagles) isn't a real nice guy, and that he pays more attention to his Midget team than his Jr.B team. Also, I haven't talked much to him, and Butch has talked to me a lot. Yet, the Utah Valley Golden Eagles are on of the top teams in the league. I'm confused. I think I'll go for Nevada for more pro's than con's. The pro's if I go to Nevada are..... Probaly be the starter, three/ 2-hour practices a week, good commication with owner/gm..... the con's, re-building team, not as much exposure..... The pro's for going to Utah..... Good team, more exposure..... The con's..... Might not make the team/or be back-up, people don't like Stan Weiss and his son..... So I don't really know what to do. I guess I should talk more to Stan. Any comments?

gbfreeman: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 4:25PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Goaliehawk, go where you will feel most comfortable. With the listing of pros and cons it sounds like you already made up your mind. With the teams in the same league you will get the exposure you want when you play at the other teams houses. Also, it gives you the chance to carry the team. That is a great feeling.

gbfreeman: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 4:32PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Had 4 games on Sunday. 0-4! Lost 3-1, 2-1, 6-5, and 3-1. In the last game the ref played a HUGE part in the outcome. Tied 0-0 my team clearing the zone, the ref gets the puck tangled in his feet and KICKS IT! Guess where? Right onto the stick of the onrushing opponent! Later in the game, I get kicked in the head and go down. Ref lets play go on and finally there is a whistle. Yep. He was whistling because the puck had finally been stopped. BY THE BACK OF MY NET!!! He kept letting this stuff go on and called NOTHING. My D finally had it and BURIED a guy who tapped me on the way through the crease. Mini-melee ensues and guess who the 3rd man in was. THE OTHER GOALIE. Okay smott, here is where the guy thing comes in. Had to inform him that his opponent in these situations is me. Really sucked, the guy was (and still is) a friend.

gbfreeman: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 4:34PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Only player suspended was my D. My team plays against them again tonight. Wonder if there is going to be any carry over. Film at 11.

fourqts: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 4:57PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Vile..... I don't think the reactor 3000's are listed on Sports exchange vsir\te as of yet, but send an email to "Cam" and tell him Joel In Phoenix sent you and ask what they have..... Alot of the stuff never gets listed due to the amount of business they do in the local area..... They have been super cool to me. As for seeing the Battram stuff for the first time.... I think it was you who was talking about getting new pads, right..... Before you buy just give scott a call and talk to him about your game. He will give t\you a solid recomendation in his line, let you lay out the colors, save you some serious dollars, and make you the highest quality pad I've seen out there.

fourqts: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 5:04PM PST (-0700 GMT)
jesus I just cannot type tonight can I..... I normally use my laptop and adjusting to a regular keyboard really sux....

fourqts: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 5:06PM PST (-0700 GMT)
If you want a more detailed description of my Battram experience check the review page... right under CdP's review of his Battram Stuff.

fourqts: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 5:09PM PST (-0700 GMT)
As for my pups did I make the right call before the gasme yesterday or what..... Nik needed to sit a few out... And the only offense was produced short handed wghen tkchoke and JR were not playing together. The #1 line struggled all night. Hopefully nik can pull it back together quick... but I still think he needs to sit a few out.... Pull up Waite and let him work out his confidence with the big team or let Eschse (sp) play one or two as he has looked functional.

fourqts: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 5:12PM PST (-0700 GMT)
One thing is for sure, If the Yotes get back on their game, I would not want to see them in the first round whoever I am. But if they continue this sub 500 crap, I'm praying I get them in the first round...... The Ronning trade to get Briere more Ice time is looking like the dumbest move in the NHL.

fourqts: . . . . Tue, Feb 23, 10:48PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Don't think I told this story yet so here is the deal of the month I believe... Last week got stuck in traffic on the way home from across town.... Get bored waiting to get through a light and spy a Play-it-Again store so I decide to go in and have a looksie. I notice a set of nike inlines that are missing the wheels and bearings that are in almost new shape (hardly a scratch on them). After a little haggling I leave the store with my new skates (for which i happened to have extra bearings and wheels at home) for a mere $20. HEHE sometimes it pays to take a look in the used shops

Vile: . . . . Wed, Feb 24, 8:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Cool, 4qts... thanks.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Wed, Feb 24, 8:46AM PST (-0700 GMT)
gbfreeman----- Yeah. I think I will go for Nevada.

: . . . . Wed, Feb 24, 9:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Cool story gbfreeman :)

Vile: . . . . Wed, Feb 24, 9:39AM PST (-0700 GMT)
That was me...

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Wed, Feb 24, 12:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
For those interested, Brown's phone number is (705) 445-7133 and they do custom orders as well

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Wed, Feb 24, 12:19AM PST (-0700 GMT)
GH, one thing your going to find out as you move higher on the ladder of hockey is that it's a business and business's do what's best for them to come out ahead. People think hockey is a sport but on the competitive levels once you start making money, getting contracts and agents the hockey is a means to an end. It is obvious that Nevada looks pretty good right now but you stated Utah is ranked very high right now. Think of it this way, you can have a job that you really like in a nice environment but make beans or you can have a job that may not be the greatest but pays off extremly well in the long run if your able to be competitive and produce. Figure out which road you want to go. Take the easy path and maybe take longer to get to your destination or take the hard path and reach your destination sooner. AH decisions, the fabric of life.

gbfreeman: . . . . Wed, Feb 24, 2:08PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Continuing saga of the other night's fracas. Disciplinary hearing tomorrow to appeal 2 suspensions from my team. The other teams goalie wasn't even assessed a minor for entering the pile up. Well, got a small measure of revenge last night. Cross checked the guy who precipitated the mess in the back. Hey, he was in my crease! Ref gave me a warning. But, I guess he got the last laugh, they won 2-0. Lost the nightcap 4-3. Let in 2 soft goals, 1 other I didn't even see, and one when my D passed it to the other team at the top of the crease. Loser in 6 straight. 3-1, 2-1, 3-2, 6-5, 2-0, and 4-3. Small lapses in concentration seem to be killing me. The only high point of the last 6 games was getting an assist last night.

C5: . . . . Wed, Feb 24, 4:34PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Tonight is my A-level team's first playoff game. It's double elimination. We came in 4th, so we're playing the #1 team. Wish me luck...

C5: . . . . Wed, Feb 24, 9:03PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Where is everyone? Playing, I hope! {sigh} Lost my first playoff game tonight to the #1 team, 2-1. Considering that our last game was 9-4, I have to say that our whole team played awesome. I thought I played well, as did my whole team. I made one stop which was just like a Brodeur save. Guy popped out of a furball in front of the net with the puck, dequed right and went across me, stick side. I went with him but he kept going over and around, only to bury the puck in my glove hand which has popped around and over as I roll with him. Very cool stop. But the best part was my D being there to sweep the rebound away. I love that. Ahhh, the support feels great. It was a depressing loss for me. I couldn't have saved the goals they got, but I know a better goalie would have made them. One was a freaky kick from a furball in front, right into the only 6 inches they had open, and the other was right off the faceoff, they somehow got the puck to this guy way, way over in the slot, and he put it low stick side, nothing I could do. Oh well. I'm having a cup of tea and then I'm outta here.

deke: . . . . Wed, Feb 24, 9:27PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Returned from my trek to Calgary from Spokane to see NYR and Flames Monday night. You may recall that I wanted to see Richter rather than Cloutier, but got my wish in a way I wouldn't have asked for when they pulled Danny after two goals on four shots about eight minutes in. Richter looked great for about a period before the wheels fell off. Fun nonetheless. Before the game Flames presented Fleury with a solid silver hockey stick for setting the Flames all-time scoring record. He proceeds to score the first goal of the game on the first shot. What made the trip special was that we happened to be staying at the same hotel as the Rangers. Got a chance to talk with Richter, Leetch, and Charlie Huddy after the game. Wayne decided not to brave the crowds outside the hotel post-game. It was pretty cool when the Calgary fans gave him a standing O. Freddy looked good except on a shot from the red line by Malhotra. All in all a good time was had.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Wed, Feb 24, 11:17PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Carpe De Puck----- I just talked to Stan Weiss(owner/gm of Utah Valley Golden Eagles) and he said that if I am a good hockey player I will get invited to many try-outs. He told me that I should attend all try-outs I recieve. That I shouldn't make a decision without trying it out first. For example, you wouldn't buy a car without test driving it first..... He also said he wanted me to come to the try-out. So I will go to both and if I get contracts I will ask a laywer for advice, and whatever works out the best then I'll sign on the dotted line..... I guess why I only wanted to go to one try-out was the money reasons. The cost of flying, hotel, and the try-outs cost money, a lot of money..... Well, I have a lot of time to get ready for the try-outs, which start around late July, or early August.

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Feb 25, 7:00AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hi all. anyone else see what Luc R. did to the Wings last night in OT? Won it laying on his belly. Ozzie shoulda been there but still a beauty of a way to win it. He's great.

Vile: . . . . Thu, Feb 25, 7:19AM PST (-0700 GMT)
NAshville had a pretty stunning win over Dallas last night. Sergei Krivokrasov scored with 28 sec left to win 2-1. It was billed as the battle of Czech goalies, Turek and Vokoun. Both played very well, but the Ice at Reunion arena would probably win worst ice in the NHL.

snowman: . . . . Thu, Feb 25, 8:28AM PST (-0700 GMT)
c-5 Sounds like a good game despite the outcome. I cant agree enough with that feeling of the D clearing the bound away after a great save. My team has actually done better with that aspect. Outcomes still in the loss column but a more competitive game.(not as many blowouts) how to not lose by as much it seems :(

C5: . . . . Thu, Feb 25, 9:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Snowman, thanks, yeah, the only thing I wanted more was the win. When they got that second goal early in the third I knew that was it. It was that close of a game. Our offense just wasn't cutting it, and their goalie was playing very, very well.

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Feb 25, 10:44AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey all. Sorry to hear about the tough loss, C5. Sounds like a real bummer. Well, 3 games in 3 nights this week for moi. I took a world-class shellacking on Tuesday, losing 7-2. I was under siege from the get go. Our whole team was just completely flat, and I was as much to blame as anyone. The first shot was high blocker side, and ended up catching the butt end of my stick. It didn't go in, but it just felt like my timing was off all night. Managed to shake that game off and dug out a win yesterday. Still felt kinda uncomfy out there, but hopefully I'll be able to get back into the groove tonight.

C5: . . . . Thu, Feb 25, 12:52AM PST (-0700 GMT)
It's cool when one of your guys hums the ESPN intro after a save. ;-)

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Thu, Feb 25, 2:36PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Vaughn has a new line of blockers that is interesting to say the least. They have put a "vertical roll", just like the one on your pads, on the outside edge of the blocker. How effective or practical it is can be decided by you. I don't expect to see too many Pro's sporting them anytime soon though.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Thu, Feb 25, 2:41PM PST (-0700 GMT)
GH, by all means try to go to all the camps your invited to. The way it sounded in your post you wern't invited to Utah with open arms like you were in Nevada. Going to different places for camps can get expensive but you have to spend a little money to make money. I do recommend that you pick the camps you want to go to or can afford to attend that you feel offer you the best chance. That is assuming that you've been invited to several over a large geographical area. Best of luck

GoalieHawk: . . . . Thu, Feb 25, 2:54PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Carpe De Puck----- I got invited to Utah as well as Nevada. Stan Weiss told me he wants me to go to his try-outs, so I will..... One of the things I like about Utah is that devotion to the hockey team. Utah is involved in many tournaments and places their hockey players well. Such has getting exposure by college, OHL, and Jr.A..... If I play for Utah it will be a great experience for me. I have a lot of time before the try-outs. So I'm just gonna wait and see what happens.

Scoop: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 0:58AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey all.... working with a new browser now so hopefully I won't have that dreaded double posting problem that has kept me from posting the last few months or so..... anyway, heading down to Soldotna, AK for the State's Tier 1 tourney this am..... It is supposed to be the best the state has to offer but to be honest it isn't. Damn good hockey though.... the winner of this tourney could hold their own with any amatuer team (maybe)..... in the "crossing bridges since burned" category..... GOALIEHAWK: you will get noticed ONLY if you are playing.... It seems you already have your mind made up but..... go somewhere you will play. How many times have you gone to a hockey game and watched one team dominate the other... and say "I bet that backup goalie is pretty good".... probably never.... but how many times have you watched the goalie on the wrong end of a lopsided game and walk away saying..."he may have given up 10 goals but damn, he made a lot of great saves" I guess the bottom line is that you can't make any saves from the bench. Rebuilding or not, if it were my decision (and it is not) I would choose to go where I could play. Only by playing will you ever get noticed.

Scoop: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 1:02AM PST (-0700 GMT)
gbfreeman..... are you in San Diego area? If so, let me know.... A goalie buddy of mine will be moving down there this summer and is looking for icetime opportunties..... anyone else down that way feel free to respond as well.....

C5: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 5:43AM PST (-0700 GMT)
The picture page is down because the server is being moved to a new building.

smott: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 7:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Geez-LouEEZE...my Birds do it again last night to the Avs, 3-2....a really fun game to watch, lots of skills & skating, no traps. Wow. Billington unbelievable or it would have been 10-2. Meanwhile my Fave Fowl are only clinging to like 6th spot in the East. Of course...6th place might be the best - doesn't that spot get the Canes first Round?....

smott: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 7:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Speakign of Canes....did they just offer Trevor Kidd a bunch of money?? Did I miss something or hasn't Arty been outplaying him?

Vile: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 7:35AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I was at the Stars game Wednesday night, and they had a weird whistle I had never heard of before. They called "Premature Substitution". They whistled the play dead and had a face off. Someone tried to explain it that the Home team can't substitute until the vistor does. I know home teams have the right of last substitution, but this seems a little weird.

Vile: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 7:39AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott, yeah, they said the contract was based on his past performance, and They feel he is their future.

Vile: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 7:40AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Personally, I'd be pretty pissed if I was Arty... I don't know what he has to do to get a little respect.

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 7:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
well, after all Archie is 32 yrs. old. waaaaay over the hill. hehe (compared to me. 31 and 2 days) : >)

Toast: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 8:07AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Okay, a bit of explanation about Arty and Kidd. Arty is a free agent at the end of the year, unrestricted. Not a lot of top notch goalies in that category this year, so he might be in line for some decent money. Plus...expansion draft. Canes in a tough spot, they would lose someone if they signed Arty. So they are going to cut bait, save some dough and protect Kidd.

Toast: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 8:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
And yes, the six spot gets the Canes (or Florida).

Vile: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 8:25AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Good point, Toast. I figured there was something like that going on. The big talk in Dallas is whether to trade Turek now, or let him go in the expansion... They got lucky last year with some experience or age clause that protected Turek, but apparently that has expired for this one.

Toast: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 8:28AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I think it is less than two full seasons. It also depends on the number of D you want to protect, if you protect two goalies you expose more D.

Toast: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 8:29AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Trade Turek to whom? You are not likely to get much for him at this point and I am trying to think what team would be looking for a guy like him right now. Usually in goalie deals you get one back anyway.

smott: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 8:42AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ah thanks Toastie for teh explanation re Arty and Trevor.

smott: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 8:43AM PST (-0700 GMT)
So the Can't Miss Kidd has been some team's future for like what 12 years now?....

gbfreeman: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 9:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Scoop, yes I live in San Diego. There are 3 or 4 ice rinks in the area that I know of (one 2 blocks from my house) and about 10 or 11 roller places. Goalies are always needed (as I can attest to currently playing on 4 teams and subbing on 2 others. 9 games in 5 days. played three last night. Lost the first one 2-1 on a fluke goal. Blocker save, puck rolls up my arm and falls into the net. Second game we got outshot 43-17 and lost 4-2. Had to make a lot of tough saves. After the game the other team kept coming up and congratulating me on the saves. Yeah great, it was still a loss. Took my record in my last eight to 0-8-0! Biggest margin of defeat 2 goals. Third game we got worked again (gave up a goal on a 2-0 with 1 second left in the first) but we got the win 3-2. My team iced the puck 4 times in the last 30 seconds of the game. It seemed the other team won every faceoff and got at least one shot on goal off of it. Ended up facing a shot from top of the crease with 2 seconds left in the game. Got beat and had to throw my head in the way of the shot. Deflected over the net. Bells are still ringing in my head.

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 10:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Howdy all. Mercifully, my slump seems to have come to an end. I played pretty well for the second night in a row, and wasn't fighting the puck at all. I made a nice early glove save, and it everything just went right from then on...okay it wasn't as difficult as I made it look. But any glove save when you're in a half split deserves some theatrics, eh? Took a rocket off the shoulder that's been reconstructed a couple of times, though. I've got a wicked stinger today. I contacted Vaughn about getting a c/a pad with some extra protection in the left shoulder area, and got two replies from Mike Vaughn himself. Hopefully this won't take 13-14 weeks like my glove did!!

JAKE: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 1:29PM PST (-0700 GMT)
TRIPP, how did you get in touch with Vaughn? I have vaughn catch, and blocker both of which i love, however the catch is starting to get a little ragged and i was wondering if Vaughn had a re-hab program for their equipment. I liked the pads that SCOOP got so much i went out and picked up a pair of Vaughn 5500's in black and white. These pads are every bit as high in quality as the other Vaughn stuff i have; in fact these pads better than i ever will be as a goalie,but what the heck.

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 1:38PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey Jake. I e-mailed them at: info@Vaughnhockey.com You can also give em a ring at 1-800-304-4229

JAKE: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 1:54PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey TRIPP thanks. And i hope you get to read this SCOOP; GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

C5: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 2:20PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I'm absolutely positive that a lot of gloves and things can be rehabilitated. Have you taken a close look at Irbe's catch, lately??? I'm sure it's the same one he used when he first entered the NHL!

C5: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 4:05PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Has anyone noticed that the chat opens to the top message now?

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 5:04PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Jeez, C5... I thought Irbe's glove was the same one that Gump Worsley used when HE broke into the NHL! :-) If you scrape all of those skid marks off Archie's pads and gloves, you could probably make about 20 new pucks.

z-man: . . . . Fri, Feb 26, 11:42PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I just started playing roller hockey and I am using my Helite 5 pads. Would it be better to buy roller pads or is it common to use ice pads in roller hockey? I don't want to damage them. I also have some cheap Itechs I can use but obviously they are not as comfortable but they are stiff enough for the level of play at the moment. The floor in the rink I play in is polished cement, not wood.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 6:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Z-man buy some roller pads or you will be buying new 5's come end of the season. Concrete and ice pads don't mix.

C5: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 8:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Tripp, you kill me! Z-man, I've played on polished concrete many a time and not noticed anything specifically damaging to my pads from it, although, I didn't have amazing pads to begin with.

snowman: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 9:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
C-5 Yes I noticed that the chat opens at the top...no more scroll. It even reloads the whole page when typing in new messages BTW-- Good Luck Scoop!

fourqts: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 12:13AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Z-man I concurr with the no Ice pads on concrete..... I just plain refuse to play on crete..... Sport court another story though

fourqts: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 12:15AM PST (-0700 GMT)
As for the NHL..... My yotes look like they get it back the other night in Washington, then go on to get blanked by the great-one-less rangers and back to relying on boolin to make huge saves to keep it at 3-0. Maybe a coaching change is in order as they seem to have no offense at all.

DJ: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 1:51PM PST (-0700 GMT)
New guy here, discovered you today. I'm urgently in the market for new pads and I'm seriously considering Battrams. I have NEVER seen any up close and personal though. I did see a couple of mentions from Vile and fourqts. Do either of you have them? Does anyone own some. I've been playing goal a long time and have had either Cooper or Vaughn's throughout. The "Name" pads have gone beyond my budget these days and the Battrams look good online. Thanks...

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 2:41PM PST (-0700 GMT)
DJ check out the review board on the right side of the page at the top of the screen. I and several others here have Battram pads and you can check out our thoughts on them on the review board. In other news. I read they are thinking of reducing the catcher size to a perimeter of 48" down from 50". Pretty soon we're going to be standing out there in our jock straps and a light sheen of oil. I've even heard the idea of making the net BIGGER by 2' was thrown out on the table. can you imagine that one?

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 2:51PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Talked to Matt yesterday and the mask is back from the painter. All he has to do is assemble the hardware and the cage and yours truely will be sporting some new color, chrome to be exact. Kinda like Beezer has on the side of his mask but different design. It should be awesome, I can hardly wait. For those of you who are ITECH fans. Check out their web site at this button they have some nice pics of a few masks and who wears them in the big leagues

fourqts: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 3:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
CdP.... I heard no jocks either.... just fig leaves.... I also hear that they are going to start giving people goals for getting the puck into the zone.... Funny thing is at the end of games this appears to be the hardest thing to do... I say toast the red line to get people out of the ugly trap....

fourqts: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 3:07PM PST (-0700 GMT)
DJ yes both CdP and I play in Batts..... As he said check the review page... But I'm never one to not give scott a little air play on the chat line.... High quality stuff, nice guy, takes a while to make it, but it looks good and if I ever develope a little skill, I'd be able to comment on how good they are for skilled individuals.

smott: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 3:21PM PST (-0700 GMT)
...what's all this talk about jocks???

smott: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 3:21PM PST (-0700 GMT)
...the chest protector's where it's at, boys!

Tripp: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 4:38PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Sure it is, smottsie... if you suddenly want this board to sound like the Vienna Boy's Choir.

DJ: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 5:03PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Tnx to fourqts and Carpe de Puck for the fast response to my Battram queries. I've checked out the review page and it's what I want to hear. Apparently the Battram crew are on vacation this week so I'll give 'em a call when they return. Now I just gotta pick a design...

fourqts: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 9:54PM PST (-0700 GMT)
DJ... have scott send you blanks via email then use ms paint to color them in and see what you like.... that was the fun part.... the not so fun part is the wait to get them..... also, If you are playing roller and ice, talk to scott about the bold series and add the roller scratch plates (which are removable)... That is my setup and it has worked great for me....

z-man: . . . . Sat, Feb 27, 11:14PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Thanks for the info on the roller pads. I will use my Itechs and deal with it to save my Heatons. I have to play rolller hockey mostly now to practice because ice time is so scarce. I just bought a new pair of K2 Goalie inlines so I cant give it up so soon.

fourqts: . . . . Sun, Feb 28, 12:21AM PST (-0700 GMT)
K2 GOALIE INLINES?????

fourqts: . . . . Sun, Feb 28, 12:22AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Pups get smacked by the devils.... Out shot bad by the ugly trap..... Ther are just trying to drop out of the playoffs arent they...... Boolin gets shelled again....

fourqts: . . . . Sun, Feb 28, 12:23AM PST (-0700 GMT)
This just in Fleury and player x to colorado for drury, player x and future considerations...... I guess colorado is serious..... Bad news for pups and stars

Tripp: . . . . Sun, Feb 28, 2:46PM PST (-0700 GMT)
actually, I think the Avs gave up Rene Corbet and Wade Belak along with future considerations. Drury is still an Av. Kinda sucks, though... I live near Belak here in Hershey, where he's been playing for the Bears. Nice guy (off the ice, anyway). He's a biiiiig young defenseman, but it really looks like the Flames could have gotten more. This could be almost as bad as the Bure deal.

J37: . . . . Sun, Feb 28, 4:40PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi everybody, remember me? I just got back to playing again after having some bad knee surgery that didn't go so hot. Both the ACL and MCL were replaced and I just got cleared to play last month. I'm pretty rusty but I'm glad to be back between the pipes. Still got the Ace catcher and Legacy blocker, had to dust them off! I was a little sore the next day but the knee felt pretty good. Well I'll be checking back to chat with someone soon. See you guys later and Bon chance!

J37: . . . . Sun, Feb 28, 4:40PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi everybody, remember me? I just got back to playing again after having some bad knee surgery that didn't go so hot. Both the ACL and MCL were replaced and I just got cleared to play last month. I'm pretty rusty but I'm glad to be back between the pipes. Still got the Ace catcher and Legacy blocker, had to dust them off! I was a little sore the next day but the knee felt pretty good. Well I'll be checking back to chat with someone soon. See you guys later and Bon chance!

J37: . . . . Sun, Feb 28, 4:41PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Sorry about the double post.... = )

C5: . . . . Sun, Feb 28, 7:18PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi, J37! Yeah, we remember you! Glad you're back on your fee-- skates, I mean.

C5: . . . . Sun, Feb 28, 7:19PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Got a STUNNING pic of IRBE to put in the picture page-- currently down-- tonight. Wow. This one guaranteed to be on the 1998-99 final NHL page for sure.

deke: . . . . Sun, Feb 28, 8:24PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I think the deal on Fleury was that he is unrestricted at the end of the season and said he wouldn't sign a contract anywhere until next year. Flames stood the chance of losing him outright after the season, so they were faced with taking the best deal they could get. With the future considerations it's hard to say how the deal ultimately shakes out. I know I'm biased, but how about the Rangers in the second period today. Of course ther is the third period, but the key is the hung on to win a tough one at home where they haven't been beating many teams this year.

Tripp: . . . . Sun, Feb 28, 8:58PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I understand what you're saying, Deke... but future considerations and draft picks are a crap shoot at best. Guys like Bure and Theo are proven commodities in the league. The star player of my junior team (naah, it wasn't me ;-D ) was a very high draft pick. He scored all kinds of crazy points in Jr. A, and so far he's never made it any higher than the AHL/IHL level. Calgary had no leverage in this deal, nor could they afford to trade for another star player, but let's face it... Colorado got a steal here. They're a way better team this evening than they were this morning. Can we say the same for Calgary?

fourqts: . . . . Sun, Feb 28, 11:25PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Shelled tonight 11-6 need i say more..... My d looks like the Yotes D

deke: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 6:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Tripp - You are absolutely right about Fleury and the Avs making themselves better. I'm sure the thinking in Colorado was that picking up Theo could very well have them toasting Lord Stanley this year. If that happens they probably have a good chance of signing a contract with Fleury. If not, they may just be renting him. Regardless, to pick up a player of his calibre for what they had to give up is a steal. If the picks work out for Calgary, maybe it will take some of the sting out of the deal.

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm yes Theo to Colorado?....Avs are looking like sneaky sleepers this year, Pups unfortunately look like pretenders at the moment....I'd be worried if I were the Stars....

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:56AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Over in the East 6 teams are separated by maybe 4 points...Canes or Panthers will be the joke of the playoffs at #3 seed...possibly worse than 8th in points!

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:58AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...but all the 1st round matchups will be entertaining...are the Flyers starting their choke already? A little soon eh? Meanwhile the Caps played with some serious desperation knocking off my sleepwalking Birds yesterday...Pens played about 20 mins and scored 3 goals, not enough unfortunately. We really need a couple rounds worth of revenue come playoff time....I still hope to get Canes first round!

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 10:00AM PST (-0700 GMT)
As for moi, my D looked Phoenix-like too last night 4q...several breaks, 2 screens, 4 off me and in....eeek that added up to 8! Needless to say we lost. But I didn't let any in from the redline, so I didn't feel quite like Khabbi heh heh heh....

Vile: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 10:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Speaking for Dallas, Theo doesn't scare me... Roy does :) I wonder if they'll put Theo, Sakic, and Foresberg on the top line :)

Vile: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 10:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
By the way everyone, I am now a part of the Dallas Stars organization...

Vile: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 10:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I picked up a part time job at the StarsCenter (practice facility) Pro Shop.

Sieve: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 10:22AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hi all. I think every team in the hunt in the west, needs to be concerned. In my mind the Avs just went from middle of the playoff pack, to front runner. Vile, does that mean major equipment discounts? cool.

Sieve: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 10:28AM PST (-0700 GMT)
personally, on a 3-game no lose streak (2-0-1). whew, havent got to say that in a while. knocked off #1, and #2 in our division in one week! not bad for 5-12-1 cellar dwellers. tripp, your old snag made me a hero last night.

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 10:52AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Sieve... you're always my hero, man

gbfreeman: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 11:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
ESPN is reporting that the Boston Bruins will buy out the remainder of Jim Carrey's contract and that he will the sign with the Blues. I don't know about this. The kid the Blues had in net last night (Brent Johnson)looked pretty good.

gbfreeman: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 12:01AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Played 2 last night won the first one 4-2. Gave up a weeeeaaaakkkk goal with less that a minute left. Nightcap was a great game. 0-0 with 1:30 left in the game faceoff in our end. Clean win to the point and "D" takes a mean slapshot. Stopped it with my arm. The puck then trickled in. AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH. I would have rather missed it completely. Lost 1-0.

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 12:30AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I dunno what to think about the Carey deal. If the Bruins are going to eat most of the salary and the Blues don't have to send any compensation, what do you have to lose? You're basically getting a Vezina Trophy winner for nothing. If he doesn't pan out, ship him to Worcester and call up Brent Johnson or Rich Parent. I agree that Brent looked good yesterday, but the Blackhawks aren't really a good guage of a goalie's mettle. Fuhr is about two years short of fossilizing into coal, and McLennan doesn't seem to be the answer. Jeez, even the Islanders gave up on him.

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 12:40AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ah hmmm...Carey's a big question mark despite the VEzina I think....great numbers at first but shooters really figured him out, especially his poor lateral movement/footwork. Also I think Shoenfeld in Washington really destroyed his confidence, yanking him so often in the playoffs. Pens benefitted of course! But Jim has a long way to go to prove himself I believe.

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 12:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
However, I always root for the underdog and wish him the best!

Vile: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 12:47AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I get discounts on merchandise, but not equipment. They supposedly only mark up the equipment to cover shipping, because they are trying to get people to join hockey... I can't really tell yet, because they don't carry goal equipment, and that is all I have been researching lately. They get Turek's equipment at the end of the year, but I am only 5'9" and Turek is in the 6'3" range. Finally ordered some skates from Garner's, I really liked those guys. Thanks for the help 4qts, but Cam didn't have anything in my size. The best thing about this job is I keep running into Bob Gainey.

Vile: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 12:49AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmm, I hate it when I start a message, get interrupted, then come back to it. I appologise for how random all that seemed.

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 12:56AM PST (-0700 GMT)
As usual I agree with you 100% smottsie... I won't be listening for Carey's Vezina or Jennings acceptance speech anytime soon. But it makes good business sense for St. Lou. Like I said, with Boston dropping the coin to buy him out, what do they have to lose? If he's a flop - and I'm afraid he will be - we all expected it. If he succeeds, well then it's all gravy.

Sieve: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 1:10PM PST (-0700 GMT)
hehehe

TheCat37: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 2:05PM PST (-0700 GMT)
LOL Tripp. I don't think Fuhr is that old.

C5: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 2:39PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I think Vernon and Fuhr should both retire together after a Sharks/Blues game in 2002.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 3:18PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey goalies..... I had a game last night. We won 3-0, I stopped 18 of 18 shots for my second shut out of the season. About 16 of the 18 shots were good chances, including a semi-breakaway with 20 seconds left in the game. My stats so far are 15-0-0, 2.20 GAA, .908 SAVE%, 2 SHUTOUTS. I have the best stats in the league. Talk to yah later.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 3:18PM PST (-0700 GMT)
OK gang...jock check. My old cup has seen better days and I'm in the market for another. I've been looking at the Vaughn and Brain's line. Any feed back from the field on pros and cons would be appreciated.

GoalieSmuck: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 3:32PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey goalies.....It's me again, ya know the greatest goalie in my universe. I played another outstanding game last night. I'm 1000-0-0 all shutouts and a perfect % and GAA. I am so great now that my skates don't even touch the ice when I play, I hover above it since I get more mobility that way. I've also become telepathic so now I know where the shooter is gong to put it before he does, hence I never miss a shot on goal. Gotta run, have to practice my blindfolded glove save in the splits for my next game, I mean win. Bye

fourqts: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 4:23PM PST (-0700 GMT)
CDP I use a DR piect that has great protection over top of the cup..... Has worked well for me and no rubbing... Was a big $20.00 I think......

fourqts: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 4:23PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Piece

Toast: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 4:52PM PST (-0700 GMT)
ROFL (with tears in my eyes...). Oh jeez, that was priceless...other news from the Toast front. Open playoffs tonight with Corporate A league. Should do okay tonight. Weird format, two three team round robins, play each team twice - top team advances to the finals.

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 5:04PM PST (-0700 GMT)
hhhhmmmm...heh heh. Sorry, I was trying not to laugh, but.... :-D

deke: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 5:55PM PST (-0700 GMT)
CdP- I've been real happy with the Bauer Reactor cup. Good abdominal protection and excellent padding around sides to keep the edges of the cup away from the most vulnerable areas. That was my complaint with the Vaughn cup. I notice that Brown has a new design, apparently endorsed by a number of NHL'ers. Might be worth a look.

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 5:58PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi deke what up?

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 5:59PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ooops guess I missed him. Ah if anybody's interested I am very pleased with my Vic/McM chick-cup....good protection, and best of all, it's hot pink!

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 5:59PM PST (-0700 GMT)
SEE ya! :-D

HAY: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 8:37PM PST (-0700 GMT)
HAY GUYS, ANY ONE MIND A GIRL IN THIS ROOM? GOALIE FOR 6 YRS, I THINK I CAN HANDLE THE LOCKER ROOM. SEEYA P.S. YOU GUYS ARE GREAT I LOVE THE SITE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

RUSTY: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 8:38PM PST (-0700 GMT)
HAY GUYS, ANY ONE MIND A GIRL IN THIS ROOM? GOALIE FOR 6 YRS, I THINK I CAN HANDLE THE LOCKER ROOM. SEEYA P.S. YOU GUYS ARE GREAT I LOVE THE SITE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 8:42PM PST (-0700 GMT)
NO girls allowed here! Don't be ridiculous, chicks can't play hockey!

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 8:43PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Kidding... I'm kidding. The more the merrier! Welcome to the board. Just do us a favor and kill the caps lock, please?

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 8:57PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ouch guys, just back from B league where we got a 6-2 spanking from the #2 team. We used to be #2 but have managed to drop 2 of the last 3....feeling pretty rusty out there and not directing rebounds too well. But as usual for teh important games, our ringers fail to show. What IS it with men anyway???

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 8:58PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Anyway guys...don't mean to bring on too much of a downer but I hope you can stand a little bit of bad news...Hmmm, not a real easy way to say this but, here goes.

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 8:59PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:00PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Won't bore you with too many details except to say that it's looking like the whole 9 yards, chemo and radiation etc. I've had a couple of non-cancerous lumps removed in the past, this is the 3rd and whattya know, it's cancer. Pretty lousy track record for somebody still in their 30s, eh?

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh no, smottsie. My prayers are with you :-(

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm... suddenly I don't feel so well myself

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
HAd surgery 2 weeks ago to remove the lump margins and lymph nodes. Good news is the lymphs and margins appear clear of cancer which is a good sign that it hasn't spread but due to my youth, (and my VERY strict no-nonsense surgeon), doesn't get me out of chemo.

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hiya Tripp! Um please it's a little early for prayers heh heh heh....

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:04PM PST (-0700 GMT)
HAd the drainage tube out on Thursday but geez there's 3 incisions and they all hurt! Plus the nerves get chopped and I don't have full extension with my arm yet. Definitely rusty out there tonight.

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:04PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Not condolences, just prayers :-) they can't hurt

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:05PM PST (-0700 GMT)
But we're definitely rooting for ya! Get yourself well!!!!!

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:05PM PST (-0700 GMT)
So, such is life eh? I look forward to 4 1/2 to 6 months of chemo, hurling quite a bit and oh yes losing my hair! I am told they let you do whatever you can throughout (the more active the better). SO do ya think any of my teams will mind having a bald goalie???

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:06PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well I must say I don't recommend that drainage tube thing in your chest for a week. Most uncomfortable. So happy when they took it out I went to the gym.

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:07PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Not if you keep stopping the puck ;-)

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:08PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I had 2 drainage tubes in my shoulder when I destroyed it... no fun at all.

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:09PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yup, really icky! ANyway, in chattign with my pals at the rink I find out that my favorite ref had testicular cancer when he was 26! Now 15 years free of recurrence.

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:09PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm. Breasts & testicles. Small world!

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:12PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Again my apologies for the downer news but all you guys are my pals, plus I figured you could take it!

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:16PM PST (-0700 GMT)
No worries, smott. And no apologies needed! We can take it, and so can you. We're all here for ya!!

smott: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:18PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Heh heh thanks Trippster for the kind thoughts! If only I could maybe get some sympathy points from opposing teams. But nah they lit me up for 6 tonight. GO figure.

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:20PM PST (-0700 GMT)
How frightfully rude of them! How dare they try to win the game?

deke: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 9:35PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey smott - sorry to hear the news - all the best in your treatment and recovery.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 10:34PM PST (-0700 GMT)
GoalieSmuck: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 3:32PM PST (-0700 GMT) Hey goalies.....It's me again, ya know the greatest goalie in my universe. I played another outstanding game last night. I'm 1000-0-0 all shutouts and a perfect % and GAA. I am so great now that my skates don't even touch the ice when I play, I hover above it since I get more mobility that way. I've also become telepathic so now I know where the shooter is gong to put it before he does, hence I never miss a shot on goal. Gotta run, have to practice my blindfolded glove save in the splits for my next game, I mean win. Bye..........................................................................................................................> Couldn't have said it better myself. By the way, you didn't mention that I got drafted by the NHL, 1st overall when I was born!

GoalieHawk: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 10:36PM PST (-0700 GMT)
ANYWAYS!..... I am just wondering. But what Are Midget A, AA, AAA, B, C, Tier1, Tier2, Jr.A, Jr.B, Jr.C are????? I've asked these questions many times before, but I've never gotten a true answer. Can someone answer this for me? Thanks.

gbfreeman: . . . . Mon, Mar 1, 11:36PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Stay strong smott. You have all of our support and good wishes. Your insurance gonna pick it all up? On an unrelated subject. If any of you get the chance, check out Black Flags cover of Louie Louie. Henry Rollins seems to get into it just a little.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 3:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott, sorry to hear the news. You will be in my prayers from now on. Keep the chin up and the body square and you'll never go wrong. Hang in there kiddo your among friends here so let us now how your doing from time to time eh?

C5: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 6:35AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smottie, it's all just another game! We really are rooting for our best chick goalie. Keep us posted!

Beatts: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 7:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott, Hopefully I can give you some good news....My father was diagnosed with Leukemia 7 years ago, they gave him 6 months to live, needless to say he is still VERY much alive today, constantly playing practical jokes on any unsuspecting person he can get his hands on...Why?? Because he has an unbelievable attitude towards it, he has a good time every day, does what he wants..when he wants. Attitude is everything....By the way, the good news, He has been in Chemo twice...and never lost his hair. Ask your doctor about the different variations of Chemo. My dad's was for a week interval where he was hospitalized and had to where a "Chemo bag" which intraveniously gave him his medicine. His only complaint...his food all tasted like crap.. No hair loss or excessive weakness, just his taste buds taking a dive into a toilet for a couple weeks...I realize Breast Cancer is different from Leukemia but as long as you always keep a great outlook you'll do fine...Mind over matter is a beautifull thing....Keep your stick on the ice... ;~)

J.T.: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 7:21AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Best of luck to you Smott...you make me feel much better about the upcoming ripping out of the tonsils I have to undergo next week. Two weeks of being happy-boy on prednisone haven't killed it, so out they come...which, according to my doctor "can be quite a risk at your age." Gee, thanks for the kind words. ;-) Anyways, just a little spooked about being knocked out for the first time. Don't worry about the going bald part...I'm finally starting to get used ot it. Grumble grumble...HEAL WELL!!

smott: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 7:26AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hiya JT. As for tonsils, well try not to sweat it. There are various methods of anaesthesia and I believe I have tried all of them. First is local only - ask if that is an option. (Yes they cut open my chest with only local - it can happen folks.) If not, the next is what is called "IV sedation" usuall some sort of cocktail primarily valium, which I highly recommend as being most pleasent! You are mostly asleep but wake up immediately upon cessation of the meds.

smott: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 7:26AM PST (-0700 GMT)
You are a bit fuzzy for maybe 1/2 an hour but as soon as you show you can walk without falling on your face, they send you home. May feel sleepy rest of the day.

smott: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 7:29AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Last option is full General Anaesthesia, which is considered "short stay" meaning several hours. I liked it least because you are definitely gonzo, and you wake up really out of it, plus your throat hurts because of the airway they shoved down your throat. You spend a little while in close observation until you can uncross your eyes, then it's a couple more hours in general recovery. THen you're outta there. Today's world of drive through surgery. (Unless for tonsils they like ot keep you overnight but I doubt it) Plan to lose at least half the day on this one, and yes you'll likely feel very queasy and seasick the rest of the day. Forget about ordering pizza, you won't feel too hungry. By next AM you should be chipper though.

smott: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 7:31AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and thanks guys for all the kind words and thoughts!

smott: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 7:32AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Beatts glad to hear your Dad is doing so well! Though I am afraid the chemo cocktail they are likely to mix for me includes adriamycin, reknowned for getting the hair! Oh well. I am told the anti-nausea drugs are much improved however, so I do hope to keep hurling to a minimum.

Sieve: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 8:28AM PST (-0700 GMT)
aww man, so sorry to hear it smott. Never even met you, but my heart hurts. Best of luck.

JAKE: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 8:36AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott sorry to hear about your illness, my mom had the same thing 5 years ago at age 82 went through the stuff you'll have to do and is now fine just a little older, which is good. As for bald goalies the teams i play for don't seem to mind my completly hairless pate. GOOD LUCK I KNOW YOU WILL BE FINE!!!!!!!!!!!

GoalieHawk: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 8:56AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott----- Wow, that came out of the blue..... Sorry to hear to have breast cancer, but don't worry, you're a goalie and we're tough. So don't sweat it. I wish you all the best of luck.

Vile: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 10:00AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott, you are the toughest woman I have ever met. Good luck.

Vile: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 10:07AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well, it official, Carey went to the Blues...

Vile: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 10:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Interesting rationalization being used around Dallas, the Avs signed Theo just to catch up with the Stars signing Brett before the season...

J.T.: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 10:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
As far as tonsils go, I'm not sweating it. From the "You know you're an athelete when" files.....I'm much more worried about the 10 days or so of training I'll miss. Race season starts in 8 weeks, and I need every day I can get at this point! Argh. At least this Prednisone has me quite happy for the time being. ;-) NOW, if only it would work......

Tripp: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 10:29AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well... from the "misery loves company" file, my date with the scalpel and laser is March 31st. Looks like a few of us will be on the injured reserve for awhile, eh?

Tripp: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 10:31AM PST (-0700 GMT)
And holy smokes... Bobby Essensa stops 47/50 Avalanche shots, and my Oilers beat Colorado just like they did in WAAHHH's first game with the Avs. Man, it'd be nice if they were a bit more consistent!

C5: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 10:43AM PST (-0700 GMT)
And speaking of surgery, I have a wisdom tooth that needs to come out, so I've schedule surgery on that. the tooth is totally sideways.

deke: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 7:32PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Rangers surrender lead twice tonight and end up in a tie with the Stars. They pick up a much needed point but Boston, Montreal and Washington all win. The east stays tight. Fleury out indefinitely with a strained knee. On the home front, lost 7-6 to a senior team with a couple of ex-NHL'ers. Faced a lot of rubber. Maybe next time.

fourqts: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 7:59PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Damn Smott... much luck with the whole ordeal.... Thoughts in PHX are with you.

smott: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 9:56PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Thanks again fellas. Geez! This cancer thing is doing wonders for my popularity! :-D

smott: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 9:57PM PST (-0700 GMT)
As for moi, trooped out for my Weekly Shellacking and go down 6-2. 3-2 until last few minutes of the 3rd when best D got tossed and I wound up like a fish in a barrell.

smott: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 9:58PM PST (-0700 GMT)
As for the toss, well, a call on a very marginal hold. I hear the D go "Oh for --" to the ref. Turns out it was more like "Oh F-- you!"

smott: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 9:59PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Anyway, gone for the season! Refs are so prickly! I got shelled last 5 mins. But felt a little better though right arm still way less than 100% and will be for awhile. read up on that lymph surgery and it turns out all kinds of nerves get hacked. Oh so THAT explains the shooting pains down my arm!

smott: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 10:00PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Meanwhile back East, yes aren't Caps, Bs et al making it interesting! Hope my Pens don't choose this moment to fade, they have been streaky all year, win a bunch in a row, lose a few, etc etc. Barrasso healthy for the minute though.

smott: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 10:05PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Trippster good luck with your scalpel date! You too C5! Wisdom teeth aren't so bad (yes I had those out too all 4) except if they're really sideways they may drill the bone on ya and break the tooth first to extract it. Yummy huh? Shots to the mask will HURT for awhile BTW heh heh!

smott: . . . . Tue, Mar 2, 10:06PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Gosh it's a regular ER around here! Where's George Clooney when you need him! :-D

J.T.: . . . . Wed, Mar 3, 5:37AM PST (-0700 GMT)
It's like chat room of the walking wounded. :) Good news from here is that despite being severely messed-up on prednisone, it seems to be doing the job. Cross your fingers...I may get to keep the tonsils. Managed to escape work just in time last night to get in about 60 wobbly minutes going around in circles to Madonna. Amazing how the skating goes when you're a bit dizzy. ;-)

smott: . . . . Wed, Mar 3, 7:42AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Cool J.T. Hey doesn't that prednisone really bulk you up?? Good for muscle development etc?...

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Mar 3, 9:24AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Thanks smottsie, I'll need it. This'll be my 6th shoulder operation, 3 of them reconstructions... and I'm only 23 years old!!

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Mar 3, 10:33AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Another first for me... I got heckled at open hockey on Saturday night. Yes, open hockey. I dyed most of my hair blonde, and apparently a bunch of kids who were watching us play decided that I looked like Tommy Salo. So I spent the next two hours hearing Saaaaaa-loooo and other things I can't write here. Man, it was fun. I love being razzed by fans. Even if it's only 15 smartass kids.

fourqts: . . . . Wed, Mar 3, 12:21AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Got my new skates yesterday and will probably receive my new Brown CA today.... Saved about $250 in the process.... Maybe have to go play tonight

gbfreeman: . . . . Wed, Mar 3, 2:05PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Played one game last night. Scrub team is suprising me constantly. 4-6 last season, 4-2 this one and tied for first. Winning 3-0 with 10 minutes left in the game and had faced all of 6 shots. My offense skates by heading for the faceoff circle and says "lets tighten up and get Greg the shutout"! The "D" looked at this guy like he was crazy (joining me). The next 30 seconds I faced 4 shots on good scoring opportunities and I was ready to kill him. Faced 2 breakaways in the last minute and had to stand on my head. Ended up winning 4-0. My teammate has been instructed about proper hockey etiquite (sp?). One tonight and 3 tomorrow. Playing against some pretty mediocre teams. Good chance to rebound from the recent 0-8-0 run.

C5: . . . . Wed, Mar 3, 2:07PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Goalies, the picture page is back up. Check in for a cool pic of Dunham, an AWESOME pic of Irbe, a cool one of Vernon crushing V. Bure's head, as well as Snow, Beezer and Richter. Link below.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Wed, Mar 3, 2:20PM PST (-0700 GMT)
C5 the link doesn't seem to be working. The usual page does not come up when you click on it, one of your other pages appears.

smott: . . . . Wed, Mar 3, 5:24PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yikes my Pens struggling against the hot Habs....shots 17-5 after 1, score still tied. Straka out, Barrasso injured again.

smott: . . . . Wed, Mar 3, 5:28PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Geez Trippster your shoulder's a mess! How'd it get so bad for one so young??

smott: . . . . Wed, Mar 3, 5:28PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm I like that dyed-hair idea! For when I get my pre-chemo crew-cut of course heh heh heh....

deke: . . . . Wed, Mar 3, 8:58PM PST (-0700 GMT)
fourqts: Good choice on the Brown c/a. I'll be surprised if you don't find it easy to wear and very protective. Did you get a model with the built in collar? Mine doesn't have the collar, but I use the separate Brown collar with it. Works real well. Hope it works out for you.

C5: . . . . Wed, Mar 3, 9:06PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Sorry, goalies. The link is fixed. Testing the images now.

C5: . . . . Wed, Mar 3, 9:14PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh, wow. It's been kinda lean lately but tonight was a BUMPER crop of COOL goalie pix. Gonna add Irbe, Roloson, and a super-cool closeup of Barasso! Very niiiice!

C5: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 6:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Forgot to say that I added Roy being scored on, Fiset, a cool closeup of Dunham, and one of Kolzig.

C5: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 6:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Has anyone noticed the Olympic Images at the top?

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 6:54AM PST (-0700 GMT)
My GOODNESS an Avalanche of goals last night in Florida!!! I guess Bure sat out the 3rd and so did the rest of the Panthers!....

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 6:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
And Jagr rescues a point for the Pens vs Montreal. My Birds playing very lackluster lately. Straka injured shoulded, Barraso w/hand Xrays.

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 6:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Whoops missed C5....

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 8:06AM PST (-0700 GMT)
The bad thing about this whole college B-ball march thing is that we see no hockey during the week...... NICE!!!!! We need "the hockey channel" me thinks..... There is no news here in Phoenix about any moves to get the Yotes out of this funk that they are in.... No scoring and poor d play has dropped them to 9 games over .500..... Local talk radio calling for the ousting of Schonfeild(SP)... Detroit Dead things and all the bandwagon fans in town on Friday.... Maybe the rivalry there will spark this so called team.

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 8:52AM PST (-0700 GMT)
those bandwagon fans make every game like a home game. of course, I think its kinda cool... : >) Dont worry 4q, its a big game, they (Wings) will roll over for your guys.

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Quick trivia - who's the only team to have a better home record than Detroit in the 90's?.....

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm I suspect the Wings may be emerging from their funk, as are the Avs, just as Pups and FLyers seem to be succumbing. Nice to see all that desperation heating things up out West! Though my Pens cling wisely to the coveted 6th spot!....

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:13AM PST (-0700 GMT)
As for Schoenfeld....hmmm well don't know if he should be bounced but I always thought he was too much of a hothead (though the "Have another donut" remark was a timeless treasure). After teh Jim Carrey stuff I've never thought he was a good goalie coach and wonder about Boolin's sometimes brittle confidence.

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
4q do you really think a coaching switch is in order?..

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:40AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I think I would have done things very different lately.... here is my theory on the pups current woes and how they should have been handled then (granted hindsight is 20/20 ut I've been preaching the same thing over the past month). First the tender situations: Boolin has always had shakey confidence.... But at the beginning of the "problems" (we'll use the begining of february as the slump start date with a loss to the Sharks in out building on Feb 8th. where we peppered Vernon and could not score)... Boolin continued to play well for them till the Pitt game on the 22nd, but the team was playing horrible D in front of him.. 5 losses and 1 win in that time for boolin and he played good enough personally to win all these games... Waite sent down after Phili on the 16th and therefore going onto the road, nik thinks he is playing all the games. He gets shelled by tampa and florida and looses it in the pitt game. I think he should have been sat down before the roadie and Waite should have played through his problems as the team was playing through theirs...... So you go into the roadie with the intentions of starting Waite for every game and give Nik a reast for 2 weeks (as is deserved due to his performance which has been good vs the teams bad) Waite is playing through his problems and nik is a reserve for two weeks.

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:42AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm is it just me or is Schoenfeld singularly stupid when it comes to treating goaltenders?....

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:43AM PST (-0700 GMT)
resting up for the stetch run. you see if you can get Waite playing his game again at the nhl level before the playoffs. I think this would have been a good situation for the tenders.... If the D plays bad you don't crush the confidence of your #1, and you get Jimmi playing his game instead of trying to play nik's style

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:43AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hey smott.. this will be another huge spew here

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:46AM PST (-0700 GMT)
uh oh heh heh...

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:47AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I only saw Waite a couple of times early on but I thought he looked incredibly sharp, so quick. Surprised to hear he got sent down. Sorry if my Pens were the ones to prick Boolin's confidence! But we needd that win....

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:49AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Whoops I meant desperation out East above. Lots of competition for the 7th & 8th spots....

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:49AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Now for the Offense..... Early i nthe season tkchoke gets a rib cracked and has not been effective at all since.... Be it that he is too busy cross checking the guy who did it to him a minute before, or sitting in the box for swinging at the guy who just cross checked him it doesn't matter.... Tkchoke is being ineffective. Therefore you are playing your number one line in a four on five situation the whole game. Your second line is centered by Briere a finesse player and wingers of tocc and Adams (both grinders) so the second line will not click till it is danny skating around and unloading shots with tocc and adams on the edge of the crease which would not allow them to be back in the defensive zone fast enough for schonfeild. so no second line scoring.... Checking lines are not supposed to score all that often so I'll ignor the checking line.... The fourth line is from springfeild with two grinders and a skating finesse center... same problem as line #2

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and how much financial trouble are the Habs in anyway?.....

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:51AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Um....how was teh 2nd line scoring in the early part of the season then?....

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:51AM PST (-0700 GMT)
now we start to press the Defense to score because we are getting none from our front lines.... So we are giving up odd man rushes left and right. I do not care how good you are playing as a goalie.... If 10 2 on 1's come at you.... or better yet 2-0's how many are going to score?

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I think Ronning held the puck better than briere..... letting tocc and Adams get into position.... Sonething danny could learn maybe???

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 9:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ehhh I dunno how my shoulder got so shredded, smottsie. The original injury was from some big lug falling on me as I reached out with my glove to cover a loose puck. Completely tore the rotator cuff. He goes on to be a first round pick of the Bruins, and I sit here waiting for another date with the surgeon. But I'm not bitter, or anything ;-)

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 10:01AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Looks like my Oilers get to tangle with the Pens on Friday. Oilers need these points badly, as they've got to hold on to that playoff spot. Petr Skudra and Bob Essensa... do goalie matchups get any more titanic than that??!!

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 10:16AM PST (-0700 GMT)
So the goailies are getting shelled.... No scoring is occuring early in the games, and therefore the d is pressured to try to jump up later in the game... Therefore the pups are losing and looking bad doing it

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 10:19AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Schonfeild needs to learn how to take care of his tenders and how to blend a line.... But do we want him to learn while contoloing the future of hockey in phoenix...... I would probably be talking to melrose about the job... and if he was interested launching schon.

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 10:45AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm strong opinions 4q! You missed your calling, should be behind the bench!

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 10:46AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Trippster eek your shoulder's cat food my friend! Had a big lug fall on me Monday. No injuries thankfully. What a way to meet guys.

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 10:47AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and did you hear Skudra will start? Does that mean definite word on Barrasso's hand xrays?

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 10:52AM PST (-0700 GMT)
The guy on the radio this morning said that Barrasso has a deep bruise (how deep can it get on your forearm?), so I figured Skudra would probably get the nod. I know Essensa will be in there for sure, since Passmore was in against Buffalo last night

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 10:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hiya Trip. Here in Pgh they said hand or wrist, looked like he just got bit on a shot off the glove.

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 10:54AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I'm looking forward to seeing how Carey does. I think he's still NHL-level with a good coach on footwork and some refreshed confidence.

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 11:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
yuck... I think we can all relate to taking that dreaded blast off the wrist. That stings just thinking about it. Not as much as Rich Parent's "scrotal contusion"... but it still stings. I guess Carey won't play til Johnson cools down. He's getting the call against Toronto. He deserves it, too... his svs% is like .955%.

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 11:11AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well um I relate more to the wrist injury than the contusion you mentioned.... :-D

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 11:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Great game for me personally last night. We beat the highest scoring team in the league 4-1. Their only goal was a long fluttering shot that I was completely screened on (think Nedved beating Olie over his shoulder in OT of the playoffs). Other than that, I really walled it up. We play the cellar dwellers tonight, so this'll be a good chance to pad my stats. One more assist and I'll have 10 for the year.

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 11:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Good going!!

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 11:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
One more assist for me and I'll have one for...um...maybe my whole life!...

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 11:49AM PST (-0700 GMT)
heehee... so I take it you won't be catching Fuhr or Tommy in the points column any time soon?

smott: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 11:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Nope! Actually I do have a handful of inadvertant, kick-it-out-cherry-picking-ringer-grabs-it-and-scores assists. I gues they count.

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 11:56AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Dang right they do! Not like I'm putting long bomb passes right on their tape, ya know! That would take talent and skill.

Vile: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 12:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmm, 4Qts, I never considered Adams a grinder when he was in Dallas. I thought he was a real wuss, and fragile to boot (prolly related events). But I am real happy to see him remain healthy all season. I figured he'd be dead by now playing on the concrete glass Phx has.

Vile: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 12:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Adams could score when he was healthy, and on a good line. I think the final straw last year was when he couldn't play during the playoffs because of headaches/neckaches. I'm sure they really hurt, but I think they really needed hi, to play.

Vile: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 12:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well, I have finally collected all my equipment, and I have joined the "Instructional League" at the StarsCenter. I have two weeks of practice with my new team before I play a game. I imagine I'll play a bunch of pickup before that, however.

Vile: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 1:00PM PST (-0700 GMT)
And lastly :) I just got my new skates, and I was wondering if anyone has some maintenance (sp?) tips or can point me to a good resource.

C5: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 2:28PM PST (-0700 GMT)
CdP, you'll be heartened to know that I'm gonna be converting all my Hextall sticks to Fiset patterns. Awesome sticks. Last night I managed to hit the glass again on a clear, and it actually went to the blue line! I am regularly playing the puck to my D and/or wingers on their way back. It feels weird to clear the puck to the blue line only to have your guy carry it behind your net, but they do seem to appreciate having the option.

C5: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 2:28PM PST (-0700 GMT)
So it's gonna be me and a saw. I don't think I'll attempt turning the blade. But the paddle... Any advice? I think I'll saw DOWN the handle and THEN out.

gbfreeman: . . . . Thu, Mar 4, 4:21PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey smott, it's not a bruise! Barrasso broke it. Will miss 4-6 weeks while his hand heals. Peter Skudra has to carry the lo