this thread is for the NHL, or lack of it for now...don't expect much traffic here until the lockout ends, if it ever does... :bawling: :bawling: :bawling: :bawling: :bawling:

seems like they're always in lockout mode!!!! :rolleyes:

season possibly saved???? trying not to get my hopes up yet.....if you have been following the news, the players accepted a cap late last night, and in turn, the league said that it will not link revenues to player salaries.....the final offer is below....

ESPN.com news services

NEW YORK -- The NHL has made its final offer.

The players' association has until Wednesday at 11 a.m. to accept a $42.5 million salary cap or the season will be canceled, a source close to the negotiations told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The offer is being presented with no room for further negotiation, according to TSN of Canada.

There were no negotiations on Tuesday, only a letter from the league to players' association executive director Bob Goodenow that stated the NHL's demand.

The most significant movement toward a settlement since the lockout began in September came in the wee hours of Tuesday morning when the players' association came off its reluctance to a salary cap -- and proposed one. That offer was made after the NHL dropped its longstanding demand for a link between revenues and player costs.

But the major concessions didn't lead to a new collective bargaining agreement that would keep commissioner Gary Bettman from wiping out what's left of the lockout-damaged season on Wednesday.

The cap the players offered was a soft cap of $52 million, another source close to the negotiations told the AP on condition of anonymity. Teams would be allowed to spend up to 10 percent above that three times in six years but would be subject to an escalating luxury tax on anything above $40 million.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

there are plenty of minor leaguers. BRING ON THE SCABS!!!!!!

ESPN ( http://espn.go.com ), Yahoo ( http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl ), etc. are reporting the season is done.

its not dead yet!!!

Originally posted by jbuffethed
its not dead yet!!!

IT IS DEAD!!! just think, the lightning can keep the cup for another year.

Thats what I'm talkin about lol. If it isnt over, it wont be worth watching.

EDMONTON, Alberta -- Close to 1,000 cheering fans gathered around a makeshift outdoor ice rink in the Canadian hinterland to catch a glimpse of history in a sport that is struggling with its public image.

At 1:13:01 a.m. ET on Sunday, a group of 40 Canadian players, who took to the ice on Feb. 11, shattered the Guinness Book of Records for the longest ever match by playing 203 consecutive hours of hockey and vowed to keep skating into Monday.

"All I can think about right now is that my father and my wife are watching," said organizer and player Brent Saik, as fireworks lit up the northern Alberta sky to celebrate the achievement intended to raise money for cancer research.

The Edmonton optometrist was initially inspired to organize the longest hockey game as a fund-raiser for pediatric cancer research two years ago, in honor of his father, Terry, who died of colon cancer in 1991.

Saik, 36, and his hearty cohorts set the record with a match of 82 consecutive hours, but that mark was then beaten by a group in Ontario. He decided to try again last year after his wife Susan died of a brain tumor.

Ice hockey is close to a national religion in Canada, but its image has been badly tarnished this winter by a labor dispute that prompted the National Hockey League to cancel its season.

"These guys do it from the heart," said Crystal Brown, warming her hands by a nearby bonfire, while watching the latest shift of 12 players -- six players to a team -- lumber up and down the ice.

"Guys are still blocking shots out there and it's day No. 8," said player Dana Reynolds, lying down while volunteers iced down his swollen ankle.

The players hope to eventually reach 240 hours on the ice, with a goal of raising $250,000 (Canadian) before the final buzzer sounds.

---------------------------------

talk about going through withdrawl up there..... :eek: ;)

NHL Labor Talks Continue to Sputter Along

By IRA PODELL
AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- There were fresh NHL labor talks with the same old refrain. "No progress was made towards a new collective bargaining agreement," NHL chief legal officer Bill Daly said Friday in a statement..

And the beat goes on.

One season has already been lost, and the goal is to prevent it from growing to two.

The league and the players' association met for 1 1/2 hours Friday in Toronto and expect to talk more next week. This session wasn't really for bargaining purposes, but more to set the tone for upcoming discussions.

The meeting that began around noon was the first between the sides since Feb. 19 - three days after commissioner Gary Bettman canceled the 2004-05 season.

"It was just general conversation," players' association executive director Bob Goodenow told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "We talked about how we might proceed on a going-forward basis."

Bettman invited Goodenow back to the table for Friday's meeting after the pair sat out the last session.

"We plan to meet again next week for further dialogue," Goodenow said. "There were no proposals exchanged today."

The previous session had Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux in the room, but the presence of the Hall of Famers-turned-owners wasn't enough to help broker a deal and overturn Bettman's historic announcement.

Nothing changed Friday in the meeting attended on the NHL side by Bettman, Daly, general counsel David Zimmerman and outside counsel Bob Batterman. The players' association was represented by Goodenow, senior director Ted Saskin, associate counsel Ian Pulver and outside counsel John McCambridge.

The NHL is the first major sports league in North America to lose an entire season to a labor dispute. The league brought the union back to the table quickly because it would like to have an agreement in place so the draft can be held on time in June, and relaunching plans for next season can be put into effect.

The players wanted to take more of a break from negotiations. They had less of an incentive to initiate talks now because they are not due to be paid again until next season.

All previous offers were off the table, including the league's decision to drop its demand for cost certainty and the union's willingness to accept a salary cap in return.

"Obviously, we need to cover some various concepts," Goodenow said. "Whatever either side thinks would be pertinent, and would help the process, should be raised."

By many accounts, these talks were back at the square-one stage.

"I wouldn't even want to characterize it," Goodenow said. "I think we just talked about where we are. We didn't get into any specifics."

Bettman has said he remains committed to starting next season on time by reaching a collective bargaining agreement with the union. But if that doesn't occur, he will consider using replacement players to ensure there is hockey in the fall.

:banana: :D :yes: :thumbsup: :cool: :) :wave: :thmsup: :biggrin: :deal: :salue: ;) :jumping: :drink: :grouphug: :dude:

---------------------------------

NHL, players reach agreement to end lockout

Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Associated Press

NEW YORK -- The NHL and the players' association reached an agreement in principle today on a six-year labor deal, ending a lockout that wiped out last season.

The sides met for 24 hours starting yesterday afternoon to hammer out the collective bargaining agreement that will return the NHL to the ice on time in the fall. In February, commissioner Gary Bettman canceled last season, making the NHL the first North American sports league to lose a year because of a labor dispute.

"It's a new day," Philadelphia Flyers coach Ken Hitch**** told The Associated Press. "It's pretty exciting."

Both sides still need to ratify the deal, a pact that is expected to contain a salary cap -- something players' association executive director Bob Goodenow never wanted. That process is expected to be completed next week, the league and the union said in a joint news release.

If all goes according to plan, a scaled-down draft is expected to be held later this month and training camps will open from Vancouver to Miami in September. Real NHL games will be back on the schedule come October.

"It'll be a great thing to get the game back up," Columbus Blue Jackets coach Gerard Gallant said.

It took all night and then some for the final round of negotiations to produce an agreement.

The sides met for 10 straight days in New York, and it became clear this morning -- the 301st day of the lockout -- that they weren't going to leave the room without an agreement in hand.

The expected salary cap will likely have a ceiling approaching $40 million and a minimum somewhere between $20 million and $25 million.

Player salaries will not exceed 54 percent of league-wide revenues.

Some players in recent days have voiced their displeasure over what will be included in the new agreement.

Bettman warned in February that the offers the union passed up were better than any it would see once a year of hockey was lost.

Just days before the season was wiped out, the players' association said for the first time it would accept a salary cap if the league dropped its desire to link player costs to revenues.

That started a wild week that included the cancellation of the season on Feb. 16 and a false hope three days later that it would be saved. Even Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux -- superstars turned executives -- couldn't resurrect it during an emergency bargaining session in New York.

Negotiations resumed in mid-March.

i'm going to boycott the NHL this year. especially after reading the idiotic comments Roenick made.

at least roenick doesn't sugarcoat anything..... he tells it how it is.....

although, it would be funny for him to be on that new 30 days show....... have him work a minimum wage job and try to pay the bills then..... :lmao: :naughty: i'm sure he'll shut up then.... :yes: :thmsup:

not sure when i'll go out to see an NHL game again......

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :D :D :D :D :D :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :nuts: :nuts: :nuts: :nuts: :nuts: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :thmsup: :thmsup: :thmsup: :thmsup: :thmsup: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :deal: :deal: :deal: :deal: :deal: :salue: :salue: :salue: :salue: :salue: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :drink: :drink: :drink: :drink: :drink: :dude: :dude: :dude: :dude: :dude:

-------------------------------------------------

Penguins win right to draft juniors phenom Crosby
17-year-old considered the best NHL prospect since Lemieux

Friday, July 22, 2005
By The Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Sidney Crosby is a week away from joining Mario Lemieux and the Penguins.

The Penguins beat out the remaining 29 NHL teams today in an unprecedented draft lottery that gave every club a chance to get the first pick and nab Crosby -- the 17-year-old phenom from the Canadian juniors.

He will be chosen first next Saturday in Ottawa.

Pittsburgh joined Columbus, Buffalo and the New York Rangers with three balls in the 48-ball bin. The lottery was weighted to give teams that struggled in recent years a better chance.

The Penguins used that and the four-leaf clover general manager Craig Patrick carried in his palm to their advantage, edging Anaheim for No. 1.

Pittsburgh has already said it will take Crosby.

"I think he's a fantastic fit," Patrick said. "To be able to add someone of Sidney's talent, my mind goes round and round with possibilities."

Crosby has been the MVP two straight years while playing for Rimouski in the Canadian Hockey League. He has 120 goals and 183 assists in 121 games.

Wayne Gretzky has said that Crosby is the best player he's seen since Lemieux.

Now he'll get a chance to play with Lemieux, who stars for and owns the Penguins.

"We trained together and skated together," Crosby said. "He's been great just to be around him. To see the way he handled himself, I learned a lot."

After the Penguins, the Fighting Ducks of Anaheim will pick second, Carolina Hurricanes third, Minnesota Wild fourth and Montreal Canadians fifth. The remaining teams will draft in the following order:

Columbus, 6; Chicago, 7; Atlanta, 8; Ottawa, 9; Vancouver, 10; Los Angeles, 11; San Jose, 12; Buffalo, 13; Washington, 14; New York Islanders, 15; New York Rangers, 16; Phoenix, 17; Nashville, 18; Detroit, 19; Philadelphia, 20; Toronto, 21; Boston, 22; New Jersey, 23; St. Louis, 24; Edmonton, 25; Calgary, 26; Colorado, 27; Dallas, 28; Florida, 29; and Tampa Bay, 30.

Hockey reminds me of soccer. Guys skating (running) around and trying to get the puck (ball) through the GOALLLLLLL. Why? Beats me. :dunno: :confused: :screwy:

you just don't understand, i bet... being from the dust bowl that is AZ..... :rolleyes: :yes: ;)

Penguins sign two-time All-Star defenseman Gonchar
Wednesday, August 03, 2005

By Chuck Finder, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Penguins made their first big splash in the free-agent pool this morning, signing one Russian but apparently lost out on another.

Defenseman Sergei Gonchar, 31, long a nemesis of the Penguins on the Washington Capitals blueline, signed with Pittsburgh. The Penguins did not release terms but the Canadian Press reported the deal to be a five-year, $25-million contract. Gonchar will join Dick Tarnstrom in giving the Penguins' defensive corps some offensive punch.

Gonchar, a burly 6 foot 2, 215 pounds, has scored more goals and points than any other NHL defensemen over the past four seasons, from 2000-04, with 74 goals and 241 points for Washington and Boston.

A second team NHL All-Star in 2001-02 and 2002-03 with the Capitals, Gonchar was traded to the Bruins on March 3, 2004.

The Russian who apparently got away was longtime Penguins star Alexei Kovalev, whom Canadian Press reported today re-signed with the Montreal Canadiens to a four-year, $18-million deal.

i cant believe the mother f'n stars would let modano go!!!!!!!!!

let's see here....

the pens have picked up recchi (last year signing), gonchar, palffy, andre roy, AND, THE LATEST, Thibault.......

wonder how far into the playoffs we'll go this year???? :nuts: :banana: :biggrin: :thmsup: :notworthy

after the furst week of action, the nhl is looking good...scoring is up about 45% from the last time they played, it's free-flowing again...... the only thing i don't like is the shootout deciding tie games.

let's see here....

the pens have picked up recchi (last year signing), gonchar, palffy, andre roy, AND, THE LATEST, Thibault.......

wonder how far into the playoffs we'll go this year???? :nuts: :banana: :biggrin: :thmsup: :notworthy


sounds like they'll be going into retirement before the playoffs
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

hmmm, nah......

although, i think that they do have the most points for a team with no wins..... :lmao: :nuts: :screwy:

love the new look, free-flowing nhl.

how bout them panthers? i went to a preseason game last week and i was surprised. they seem to be doing well, for now, but it is only the first week and a half

Penguins place Thibault on waivers



Tuesday, November 29, 2005
By Dave Molinari, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



Less than 24 hours after the Penguins recalled goalie Marc-Andre Fleury from their farm team in Wilkes-Barre, they placed veteran goalie Jocelyn Thibault on waivers.

The waivers took effect at noon today; if Thibault is not claimed by another team by noon tomorrow, the Penguins can assign him to Wilkes-Barre.

If Thibault would decline to report to the Baby Penguins -- something coach Eddie Olczyk and general manager Craig Patrick said they do not believe he would do -- the Penguins could suspend him and not be obliged to honor the two-year contract worth about $3 million that he signed after being acquired from Chicago in August.

Thibault was 1-7-2, with a 4.38 goals-against average and .880 save percentage in 12 appearances with the Penguins this season.

Fleury is scheduled to be in goal when the Penguins face Buffalo tonight at 7:38 at Mellon Arena.

Looks like the pens are losing against..oops I mean playing the rangers again tomorrow @MSG. :biggrin:

i really don't know what to think of the pens... on paper, they look good, but on the ice...... not.

at least they recalled fleury.... that should help stabilize the goaltending situation.....