*OFFICIAL* 2012/13 Hockey Thread

The reason for the disparity in # of teams is because expansion is almost guaranteed to happen within the next 2-4 years. 2 teams will likely be added out west.
 
bergeron37 said:
The reason for the disparity in # of teams is because expansion is almost guaranteed to happen within the next 2-4 years. 2 teams will likely be added out west.
Click to expand...

That's exactly what I thought too, but...
The four-division plan, featuring a new set-up for the playoffs, will be in place for a minimum of three seasons, barring any franchise relocation or expansion. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said neither relocation nor expansion were being discussed

I guess the wild card philosophy takes care of the difference in number of teams, but I still don't like it. I'd rather loose two teams than add another 2. We already have teams in struggling markets and further watering down the talent by adding two more teams to the mix would not be good for the sport.
 
Dusty Driftwood said:
That's exactly what I thought too, but...
The four-division plan, featuring a new set-up for the playoffs, will be in place for a minimum of three seasons, barring any franchise relocation or expansion. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said neither relocation nor expansion were being discussed

I guess the wild card philosophy takes care of the difference in number of teams, but I still don't like it. I'd rather loose two teams than add another 2. We already have teams in struggling markets and further watering down the talent by adding two more teams to the mix would not be good for the sport.
Click to expand...

Well if thats the case I would look to relocation being a possibility within the 3 year window.

Phoenix could theoretically be gone any day now, they would stay in the west though so that wouldn't change the number of teams. I would look at either of the Florida franchises being contenders with the Panthers being the obvious front-runner. Neither of those teams are happy about being grouped with the NE teams as it is. Panthers could be moved out west, and then another team added after the 3 year window is up.

The most likely places for relocation or expansion is Seattle. After that I guess it's up in the air.

Either way, these divisions will not look the same in 5 years. They will be very similar but there will be some minor changes or additions.
 
It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. I'd love to see Bettman eat his own words and move a couple teams, but not sure if it will happen that fast. I find it interesting that you say Seattle is the most likely place for a team to move. That's the first I've heard of that. I have heard Kansas City and Vegas as possible destinations for either expansion or relocation, but that's all conjecture right now. Nothing solid...
 
[MENTION=68039]-JD-[/MENTION]
Yeah, hard to believe that PIT even has room for him, but I guess as a rental, you can't get much better. I wonder if he'll stay through next season or move on.
Looks like Ray Shero is serious about bringing the Cup back to Pittsburgh!
 
One of the most depressing mornings as a Bruins fan. I understand the point of NTC/NMC, but ****ing Feaster don't tell us "You have won the Iginla sweepstakes" only to dodge Chia's calls for the next 7 hours because Jerome decided he'd rather play with Crosby and Malkin.

Obviously I don't fault him for that, but to go and submit a list of 4 teams he would go to (BOS, PIT, LA, CHI) when there was clearly only 1 that he wanted to play for.
 
Lots of egos in that Pitt locker room. Chemistry wins Cups, not talent alone. Making all these changes on a team playing so well is crazy risky and IMO foolish.

Did they not pay attention to what the 2 teams that played for the Cup last year proved?

As a Devils fan, I love these moves they've made.
 
Stanley Cup playoffs are right around the corner.
Anyone care to make a prediction?
My gut tells me that it'll be Chicago and Pittsburgh in the finals. But, I want to believe that one of those teams will get beat before they reach the finals. I'm just not sure who could beat them.
I guess Anaheim could be Chicago in the Western Conf Finals and Montreal could spoil Pittsburgh's quest for the Cup (if they can make it past the first round)
Thoughts?
 
Its crazy how close things are still, especially in the east. Pit vs Chi seems like a safe pick. Seems there are ALWAYS upsets. My Canucks are beating the Blackhawks 3-0 right now. just sayin.
 
As long as Pitt is in it at the end, I could care less who they play! Although if it is the Hawks and Pens, I think that would be one hell of a series.
 
-JD- said:
Its crazy how close things are still, especially in the east. Pit vs Chi seems like a safe pick. Seems there are ALWAYS upsets. My Canucks are beating the Blackhawks 3-0 right now. just sayin.
Click to expand...

Good win for VAN tonight, but winning a 1 home game isn't the same as winning a 7 game series when you start off with 2 in Chicago, just sayin'
It looks like we could go head to head in the first round if everything stays the same right now. StL/VAN would be a good series!
 
^Ya, and to be honest, out of most of the teams that are in it I think St louis is one of the worst matchups for Vancouver.
 
Playoff Time

WEST
1 Chicago
8 Minnesota

2 Anaheim
7 Detroit

3 Vancouver
6 San Jose

4 St. Louis
5 Los Angeles

EAST
1 Pittsburgh
8 NY Islanders

2 Montreal
7 Ottawa

3 Washington
6 NY Rangers

4 Boston
5 Toronto

Still calling Chicago and Pitt in the finals
 
Die hard pens fan here. Haven't missed a game. So you know what my pick is...
Only team I think that could take the pens down could be the rangers, if henrik is unbelievable for 7 straight games.

Unbelievable goal tending is the only thing that can take down Pittsburgh. Especially if/when Sydney can come back.

With that....go pens!
 
zgensler31 said:
Die hard pens fan here. Haven't missed a game. So you know what my pick is...
Only team I think that could take the pens down could be the rangers, if henrik is unbelievable for 7 straight games.

Unbelievable goal tending is the only thing that can take down Pittsburgh. Especially if/when Sydney can come back.

With that....go pens!
Click to expand...

Lucky that Pittsburghs Team Cry Baby is not down 3-1 and facing elimination tomorrow night.

What a hot mess this team is. That goalie should be on suicide watch.

Islanders have been a very tough team all year. No surprise here.

You don't win Cups by submitting a nice looking roster, Mr. Shero.
 
The Isles are playing well, but I think Pittsburgh's problems are all mental. I think JR said it during the intermission report, that Pittsburgh expected to just show up and win.
They are lucky this series hasn't gotten out of control (yet). If they can make past the Isles they better get their stuff together, especially if they're playing someone like Ottawa that'll put the hurt on them.
I am glad Vancouver was the first to be eliminated though. I want to like them, but they always have so much drama and play a dirty game with all the talk, embellishment and cheap shots.They would honestly be a lot better if they just cut the crap and played hockey. But, love to see the Sedin sisters cry on their way off the ice. Sorry -JD-
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 803 (members: 4, guests: 799)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,312
Messages
3,554,089
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top