32 replies to this topic

[Dark Knight]

"The owners made no threats, but said if no deal was forthcoming, they would have to look at their options. And replacement players are an unspoken option."

LINK

[Baltic Gal]

There was reports that Roenick and several other players moved independently in a bid to get a solution. Linden said while their intentions were good, it had not helped.

"I don't think it was helpful to the process. It probably sent, and it's unfortunate, the wrong message to the other side but at the same time their intentions were to help the process."

Let me guess how all those "done deal" rumors got started.

Let me guess who told Mario that a deal would be offered.

[Veca]

This is all bordering on the absurd. If Bettman stays, the NHL is a cooked goose!! I just wish that someone,anyone would just do something. Stop the yapping, stop the posturing, stop the insanity and just do something!!!

[Francaise]

Okay I get to rant too!!!

BOOBOOBOOO on Bettman!!!!!

Yeah, Mario and Wayne G. said they were mislead!

Players come on, get a grip, ya ain't getting top $$$$$$$$$$ over the NFL players anymore.

Bettman and Goodenow have got to go!!!!!

...okay I'm done! hehhehehehhehe

[Dark Knight]

...bordering on the absurd, Veca? It's over the cliff and in free fall over the precipice of imbecility! Do these guys actually think they're bigger than the game of hockey? I cheer for the crest on the jersey, not for who's wearing it! Morons!!!

[MrsBevo]

While you might be able to cheer for the crest on the jersey, DK, you can't put just anybody in the jersey. Although I enjoyed the minor league hockey, that's exactly what it was - minor league. A shadow of what I really wanted to see. You can't put the ticket seller and the guy who sells cotton candy in the uniform and put them on ice. You actually need talent, and the majority of the best talent belong to the NHLPA.

[DropThePuck]

While you might be able to cheer for the crest on the jersey, DK, you can't put just anybody in the jersey.

MrsB, I'd cheer most heartily for you wearing the crest of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks!

[Dark Knight]

While you might be able to cheer for the crest on the jersey, DK, you can't put just anybody in the jersey.  Although I enjoyed the minor league hockey, that's exactly what it was - minor league.  A shadow of what I really wanted to see.  You can't put the ticket seller and the guy who sells cotton candy in the uniform and put them on ice.  You actually need talent, and the majority of the best talent belong to the NHLPA.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't disagree Mrs.B. On the other hand I don't want to see the PA holding the sport hostage. I'd rather watch a minor league or college. In other words, I prefer players who want to play.

[DropThePuck]

I don't disagree Mrs.B. On the other hand I don't want to see the PA holding the sport hostage. I'd rather watch a minor league or college. In other words, I prefer players who want to play.

Hear, hear DK! <link> , <link>

[JasonAKADfan8]

So are we grasping at the Cincy Ducks becoming the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim or are we just trying to find players in all the other minor leagues who weren't drafted? I'm a little confused how it will work...but in all honesty if the minor league players get this opportunity it could help them grow into the talent they are supposed to be earlier...I mean it is the future NHLers is it not? Or am I just off on this one??

[hockey2k]

There are no details on using replacement players...because the NHL has not said they would. This is just TSN trying to get everyone's hackles up.

My only other comment about this article... Trevor Linden is such a tool.

[JasonAKADfan8]

All those in favor of voting Trevor Linden a tool vote Aye!! Aye!!!

[SacredCow]

Hockey2K used the word tool. I love it!

Anyway, I am with DK on this one. I cheer for the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back. Replacement players wouldn't be as good as NHL players, but they wouldn't be the guy from the cotton candy stand, either. The Cincinnati games I went to were entertaining, and if that's what the NHL puts on the ice come October, I'll be in the stands cheering.

The NHL has promised to open the 2005-2006 season on time, and I hope they mean it.

[QuacksMeUp]

All those in favor of voting Trevor Linden a tool vote Aye!!  Aye!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Aye, Aye! With a cherry on top!!!

[hockey2k]

Trevor used to be one of my favourite players too...but now his bobblehead must face the corner!

I've been watching WHL hockey all year and have been pretty satisfied...the skill level may not be the same, but in some cases it's more entertaining hockey than some of the NHL games I've seen. Replacement players or not, we'll be seeing a lot of new faces when hockey resumes anyway...a lot of the older players will probably be calling it quits for one reason or another. I say, bring on the new generation!!

[Francaise]

Although I enjoyed the minor league hockey, that's exactly what it was - minor league.  A shadow of what I really wanted to see.  You can't put the ticket seller and the guy who sells cotton candy in the uniform and put them on ice.  You actually need talent, and the majority of the best talent belong to the NHLPA.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

here here... 3cheers for wisdom.....

[Veca]

Although I enjoyed the minor league hockey, that's exactly what it was - minor league.  A shadow of what I really wanted to see.  You can't put the ticket seller and the guy who sells cotton candy in the uniform and put them on ice.  You actually need talent, and the majority of the best talent belong to the NHLPA.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

here here... 3cheers for wisdom.....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'll add my 3 cheers to that!!

[MKLightning]

As far as the minor league hockey thing goes, I watched a couple of local games in England. To start with, it was cool to watch - it was hockey. But, then I started to get frustrated with the level of play. OK, I was spoiled with the NHL - sorry Barmy Army! I watched plays develop but there was no-one there to finish it off. Yes, we have seen that happen with the Ducks , but with our local team (Milton Keynes Lightning - 2004/2005 EPL champions ) it happened a lot. I will continue to support them, since local hockey is important, but gosh I long to see an NHL game again. Hopefully, on my next visit to the States they will be playing again.

However, I am confused on something. If they do have replacements, who do they use? If players from the AHL are used, aren't some of them members of the NHLPA (Chistov, Lupul, etc)? Because of that, they wouldn't play, or because they are currently playing for the AHL that would make them eligible to play as a replacement? I am so confused. If you are a player on the cusp, who plays for the AHL, but then plays for their NHL affiliate (when there's a season) due to injury, etc., does that make them a member of both unions, and thus have to pay dues to both?

[Reb]

I'm with H2K on this one. I could care less if I see another Fedorov, Kariya, Giguere, etc. or not.
I believe it was Coach Brooks who instilled in the lads that it was more important what was on the FRONT of the sweater than the name on the back. Give a coach who can teach and motivate and inspire (Bylsma perhaps) and a team united on the ice that will buy into and share that passion and I will give you a pleasurable hockey fan experience.

[JasonAKADfan8]

I have to join h2k and Reb on this one...whoever wears the Ducks logo next season will be playing because they love the sport, the fans and want to win. Those players who play in the minors today are the future of the NHL. If the players are going to be as greedy and fanless friendly then they deserve to sit and watch some younger players earn the experience and shot they deserve and might also learn a little bit about team and loyalty to the fans...I miss NHL hockey very much and the considerable talent in the league but they come and they go and if we are about to see the dawn of some new talent I'll be more than happy to be witness to that. Go Mighty Ducks!!!

[Veca]

I guess I am alone here. I disagree about not caring to see the same guys play. I've grown very fond of some and those are the guys I want to see play. I follow several players from team to team. While I do get attached to new ones here and there, I would say I remain pretty loyal to some of my favorites till they retire. I don't think I would want to start from scratch, but then, that is me!!

[JasonAKADfan8]

Hey Veca...I do understand where you are coming from I love a lot of the players but I do have a problem with a union that literally screwed the fans..lifts our hopes and then drops us like a...well I can't think of the reference I'm trying to portray but for some players to mislead the press, the fans and two of the greatest players to ever suit up...that is plain blatant BS...I would love for the CBA to happen and the NHL to return but if both sides keep screwing around it won't get done. I love the spirit and ethic of the players in the minors cause they are not corrupted to the big life they LOVE hockey and they love the fans and they respect the game. For some reason a lot of the NHL players have forgotten how to respect the game and that goes doubly for Bettman!!!

[Veca]

Hey Veca...I do understand where you are coming from I love a lot of the players but I do have a problem with a union that literally screwed the fans..lifts our hopes and then drops us like a...well I can't think of the reference I'm trying to portray but for some players to mislead the press, the fans and two of the greatest players to ever suit up...that is plain blatant BS...I would love for the CBA to happen and the NHL to return but if both sides keep screwing around it won't get done.   I love the spirit and ethic of the players in the minors cause they are not corrupted to the big life they LOVE hockey and they love the fans and they respect the game.  For some reason a lot of the NHL players have forgotten how to respect the game and that goes doubly for Bettman!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sadly, in life, power and money corrupt. I think it's like with many celebs, once you get to the "top" and have to deal with the invasion of your privacy, the demands made on your family, you get treated like a comodity by fans and the team, you have no private life...it tends to make some a little bitter and reclusive. When you deal with the big NHL teams, it is about the money, it is first and foremost a business. I think the "love of hockey" get's lost in all the dealings and power struggles. I don't see it changing for very long once the young kids are brought up. Given time, a lot of their attitudes will also change, it's just the nature of the beast I fear.

[Stumpedos]

I'm fine with it. Hockey is hockey

[Reb]

ahhh Don Cherry, gotta love 'im!
Cherry: NHLers Shouldn't Slam Scabs
They ARE scabs! Well, many of them anyway.

Edited by Reb, 06 March 2005 - 09:22 AM.