This type of hypocrisy deserves its own thread.

I am sure many of you saw it, Pierre McGuire was interviewing a Penguin after the game on NBC talking about the "1-2-2 trap" the Penguins have implimented and how it works great, nothing negative said.
"The trap has done alot of good for us"
When the Devils "trapped" and even lead the league in goals they were scapegoated, burned at the stake.
What a complete joke.
The media has to make up its mind, the trap is just another defensive system but you cannot praise one franchise for it and scapegoat another.

Pierre and Eddie actually talked about it all game long. They mentioned that Michelle started using it in the Philly game. Since the Rags and Pens trap now, it will become fashionable in the NHL. The Devils' aggressive forecheck style of play will get criticized for being "too exciting", and they will ultimately be held responsible for the next lockout.

While I understand your point and certainly agree with you, I don't think that's nearly as scary as Pittsburgh being called "underappreciated" and the "Stanley Cup Champs."

Pierre and Eddie actually talked about it all game long. They mentioned that Michelle started using it in the Philly game. Since the Rags and Pens trap now, it will become fashionable in the NHL. The Devils' aggressive forecheck style of play will get criticized for being "too exciting", and they will ultimately be held responsible for the next lockout.

Lol, I was just thinking this.

I called the Pens out on it on the main boards. You all can thank me however you want.

I called the Pens out on it on the main boards. You all can thank me however you want.

http://www.dslreports.com/r0/download/1150148~cd9535c2472219a14100de34904ddbdf/cookie.jpg

I called the Pens out on it on the main boards. You all can thank me however you want.

Thank you Foy :D can i haz link to dee threadz plz?

Thank you Foy :D can i haz link to dee threadz plz?

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=It%27s+on+the+main+board+ya+lazy+bastid!!!!

http://www.dslreports.com/r0/download/1150148~cd9535c2472219a14100de34904ddbdf/cookie.jpg
I don't see anything there but an error pic.
Thank you Foy :D can i haz link to dee threadz plz?

Just go to the main boards for the thread on the Pens record on NBC.

I don't see anything there but an error pic.



It's a chocolate chip cookie, just for you. :)

woohoo! I like cookies.

C is for Cookie, that good enough for me!

I am sure many of you saw it, Pierre McGuire was interviewing a Penguin after the game on NBC talking about the "1-2-2 trap" the Penguins have implimented and how it works great, nothing negative said.
"The trap has done alot of good for us"
When the Devils "trapped" and even lead the league in goals they were scapegoated, burned at the stake.
What a complete joke.
The media has to make up its mind, the trap is just another defensive system but you cannot praise one franchise for it and scapegoat another.

I agree wholeheartedly: this schizophrenia of the hockey press regarding the trap is just absurd. The bottom line is that it is a tremendously effective and disciplined backchecking/defensive system. If it were not so great, then it would not have been employed outside of the Meadowlands.

I say: give credit where credit is due!!!!!!!

It's not exactly new either. It was common in the 50s and 60s, it's just that no one called it that.

Very true. The system had roots in Europe as well (in order to cut off the precision-passing of Soviet-style hockey).

But there is no denying that, over the last 15 years, the 1-2-2 "neutral zone trap" was embraced and perfected by the Devils, and that while other teams are praised for their emulations, New Jersey gets dumped on for being "boring"

The Rags lackluster effort was very boring too.
If the NHL really wanted to expand its fanbase they would show teams like the Devils and Sabres more often on NBC rather than the same old tired retread of teams like the Rags.

I want to see teams that are going to play an aggressive attack style hockey. SJ, Chicago, Montreal, and yes, NJ and Washington.

I want to see teams that are going to play an aggressive attack style hockey. SJ, Chicago, Montreal, and yes, NJ and Washington.

:nod:

Give me more Washington please. And Boston. NBC should treat us to a Boston-Washington affair.

Unfortunately, it seems that the only way Washington or Boston gets on NBC is if Crosby or the NYR are their opponent.

Very true. The system had roots in Europe as well (in order to cut off the precision-passing of Soviet-style hockey).

But there is no denying that, over the last 15 years, the 1-2-2 "neutral zone trap" was embraced and perfected by the Devils, and that while other teams are praised for their emulations, New Jersey gets dumped on for being "boring"

The trap is basically a slightly more aggressive version of the European system known as the Torpedo, right?

:nod:

Give me more Washington please. And Boston. NBC should treat us to a Boston-Washington affair.

Unfortunately, it seems that the only way Washington or Boston gets on NBC is if Crosby or the NYR are their opponent.

Actually, it seems like a disproportionate number of Washington-Boston games the last few years have been nationally televised, at least on Vesus or whatnot.

Actually, it seems like a disproportionate number of Washington-Boston games the last few years have been nationally televised, at least on Vesus or whatnot.

True. But for those hockey fans who don't get Versus, or those who have more time to themselves on a Sunday afternoon than a Tuesday night, it would seem like a good idea.

I don't know if this is really worth the discussion, I mean how long can WE beat this dead horse? Haven't we, by now, figured out that the bias isn't simply the system, it's the overall success with it. Plus in large part, our marquee players were mostly defensemen except that highly overlooked 2000 season.

We need to accept that we will never get the credit or respect we deserve for our three championships. 95 was half a win, 00 never even happened, 2003 was just trap, trap, trap, trap, trap. We need to get over it.

And as for the guy who brought this all about, Pierre McGuire is a disgrace to the sport through and through. He disgraces this game every single time he opens his ****ing mouth and that girly little voice of his squeaks out. Plus, if there's a **** for him to suck, he's going to do it like it's his last one ever, especially in regard to Pittsburgh (of whom he has an affinity) and teams with name players.

To digress a bit, his entire argument about fighting today flat out and definitively nullifies any point he'll ever attempt to make regarding the sport of hockey. This is merely the bullied crying about the bully as an adult. He never could play that type of game and that's why he whines about **** like fighting. NO self-respecting hockey player and lover for the sport they play would ever say "take out fighting and let the refs dictate the game." I mean this guy said he legitimately thinks there should be double-minors for taking shots at star players....are you ****ing kidding me? Why does this league need such an elitist, ***** rule?

I mean if anyone here actually thinks that argument even has a shred of validity, well, you should probably kill yourself. The refs should only REGULATE the game, not dictate it as they have been. So **** Pierre, **** the trap, and **** whining about not getting credit. I'll take being an under-appreciated team over being over-hyped and given more credit than we deserve like Pittsburgh and the Raggots.

Please, I implore you all to just stop caring about the injustice. It hasn't hurt our team that much on the ice and for that we should really just not care.

It's just ridiculous.

If NJ plays trap = destruction of the game of ice hockey, awful, boring, no talent disgrace

NYR or Penguins or Bruins play trap = great defensive game, kudos, smart and reponsible coverage

It's just ridiculous.

If NJ plays trap = destruction of the game of ice hockey, awful, boring, no talent disgrace

NYR or Penguins or Bruins play trap = great defensive game, kudos, smart and reponsible coverage

you could add Montreal to that list for any number of obvious reasons.

It's just ridiculous.

If NJ plays trap = destruction of the game of ice hockey, awful, boring, no talent disgrace

NYR or Penguins or Bruins play trap = great defensive game, kudos, smart and reponsible coverage

you could add Montreal to that list for any number of obvious reasons.

I could have added at least 5 or 6 other teams, but stopped at the above because I think they represent the "teams that dare not be insulted" by the media.

I could have added at least 5 or 6 other teams, but stopped at the above because I think they represent the "teams that dare not be insulted" by the media.

Understandable. But yeah, that's the media for you...because at the end of the day, SELLING the story is more important than reporting it and I think you and I both know that.

:nod:

Give me more Washington please. And Boston. NBC should treat us to a Boston-Washington affair.

Unfortunately, it seems that the only way Washington or Boston gets on NBC is if Crosby or the NYR are their opponent.
IDK how this applies, but on ESPN the other day on the ticker they had a category called "News" or w/e and it was all the big news of the day. Such as Gruden gets fired, etc. And one segment was "Ovechkin goes up against Crosby & Malkin tonight" I just laughed at it. Its so sad how the NHL is being marketed and portrayed. There's a lot more beyond Crosby and Ovechkin. Hell, the Penguins are 4th out of 5 in their own division..

Thats kind of irrelevant, but its just been bothering me.

Wow, now the NHL isnt even under NHL, its under NEWS? Jesus Bettman.

Wow, now the NHL isnt even under NHL, its under NEWS? Jesus Bettman.
Where?

Wow, now the NHL isnt even under NHL, its under NEWS? Jesus Bettman.

On the ticker they have the sports, and then they had a general category called "news" or "headlines", this is on TV btw. Not the website

SELLING the story is more important than reporting it and I think you and I both know that.

Exactly.

It's why ESPN magazine featured a massive preseason section on the Rangers last year and made them their cup choice. Of course, people who know dikk about hockey should have known that last season there were at least 6 or 7 more logical choices for Cup champ, but ESPN knows that 8 million people live in New York City and that Rags thus have one of the largest fan bases to buy magazines.

It's why NBC predictably force feeds you a healthy diet of Penguins, Rangers, and Red Wings games each year like a foie gras duck. Good luck ever seeing a Blue Jacket vs Oilers or Florida vs. Carolina game on NBC in your lifetime.

And to preempt the person who is going to jump in and suggest it also has a lot to do about team skill level, that's poop, because even when the Rags had MISERABLE teams all those years, they still got tons of national coverage.

All about the $$$$$$ yo.

Wow, now the NHL isnt even under NHL, its under NEWS? Jesus Bettman.

Bettman owns ESPN?

Back in the day the Winnipeg Jets were on Fox, no joke.

Bettman owns ESPN?

Im just saying that Bettman has done a terrible job with getting the NHL on ESPN, and now they have nearly forgotten about the league.

Im just saying that Bettman has done a terrible job with getting the NHL on ESPN, and now they have nearly forgotten about the league.

ESPN gave the NHL a lowball offer. Versus came in and gave Bettman and the NHL and took it.

It's not Bettman's fault that ESPN has their own agenda and promotes it's own product (the NBA).

Who cares if ESPN has "forgotten" about the league. I wouldn't say that anyway. ESPN is simply putting those sports that are broadcasted on its network ahead of one that is broadcasted on another network.

ESPN gave the NHL a lowball offer. Versus came in and gave Bettman and the NHL and took it.

It's not Bettman's fault that ESPN has their own agenda and promotes it's own product (the NBA).

Who cares if ESPN has "forgotten" about the league. I wouldn't say that anyway. ESPN is simply putting those sports that are broadcasted on its network ahead of one that is broadcasted on another network.
If they had forgotten about the NHL, then why would NJ Devil be in two of their new sportscenter commercials?

Exactly.

It's why ESPN magazine featured a massive preseason section on the Rangers last year and made them their cup choice. Of course, people who know dikk about hockey should have known that last season there were at least 6 or 7 more logical choices for Cup champ, but ESPN knows that 8 million people live in New York City and that Rags thus have one of the largest fan bases to buy magazines.

It's why NBC predictably force feeds you a healthy diet of Penguins, Rangers, and Red Wings games each year like a foie gras duck. Good luck ever seeing a Blue Jacket vs Oilers or Florida vs. Carolina game on NBC in your lifetime.

And to preempt the person who is going to jump in and suggest it also has a lot to do about team skill level, that's poop, because even when the Rags had MISERABLE teams all those years, they still got tons of national coverage.

All about the $$$$$$ yo.

Yep, and lets not kid ourselves, ESPN did largely the same thing when they aired games. But the problem is also about ratings, because again, it's not about broadcasting sports and exposing the sport to a wider audience on network TV, it's about putting the games that sell on because at the end of the day they're just as worried about advertising revenue. So why not cater to the markets with the biggest draw?

Yes from a business perspective on the network's behalf it makes perfect sense and there isn't a lot to argue there. But from a realistic perspective on the sport's behalf, as we both are I'm sure, it's sickening to see some teams not getting exposure.

Here's a kicker for you:

Sunday, Feb. 15
Colorado Avalanche at Detroit Red Wings, 12:30 p.m. ET or
Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers, 12:30 p.m. ET or
San Jose Sharks at New Jersey Devils, 12:30 p.m. ET

which game do you think gets played in the NorthEast? :shakehead And San Jose really should be on here because this is a team everyone out here needs to see.

Wow, now the NHL isnt even under NHL, its under NEWS? Jesus Bettman.

:facepalm:

Harrison, you really need to start searching for things on your own before you get all outraged.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y248/O-mizzle/ESPNHL.jpg

All is well, you just completely misunderstood what SS said.

If they had forgotten about the NHL, then why would NJ Devil be in two of their new sportscenter commercials?

They haven't.

:facepalm:

Harrison, you really need to start searching for things on your own before you get all outraged.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y248/O-mizzle/ESPNHL.jpg

All is well, you just completely misunderstood what SS said.

:facepalm: jeez. i havent watched any ESPN in a while so my bad. :laugh:

If they had forgotten about the NHL, then why would NJ Devil be in two of their new sportscenter commercials?

They haven't. Just pointing out that ESPN has its priorities, and the NHL isn't its top one.

Great thread and I was thinking the same thing and hoping Doc would bring up the double standard issue, but he didn't.

They haven't. Just pointing out that ESPN has its priorities, and the NHL isn't its top one.

Yes...that was my point...

Great thread and I was thinking the same thing and hoping Doc would bring up the double standard issue, but he didn't.

He's too much of a pro, besides it's an issue that requires an in-depth discussion. If he brought up during a play stoppage they would have 30 seconds tops to discuss it and Pierre or Eddie probably would have made some dumbass remark that would have outraged us even more.

:facepalm: jeez. i havent watched any ESPN in a while so my bad. :laugh:

I'm just letting you know that a simple visit to ESPN.com would have saved you a lot of anger and frustration, that's all.

I'm just letting you know that a simple visit to ESPN.com would have saved you a lot of anger and frustration, that's all.

:laugh: my computer wont let me go to any website besides this one. :sarcasm:

:laugh: my computer wont let me go to any website besides this one. :sarcasm:

Well that explains a lot.

Yes...that was my point...

My bad :facepalm:

Here's a kicker for you:

Sunday, Feb. 15
Colorado Avalanche at Detroit Red Wings, 12:30 p.m. ET or
Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers, 12:30 p.m. ET or
San Jose Sharks at New Jersey Devils, 12:30 p.m. ET

which game do you think gets played in the NorthEast? :shakehead And San Jose really should be on here because this is a team everyone out here needs to see.

I was JUST thinking about this yesterday because I have tix and logically the SJ/NJ is head and shoulders above the other 2 games.

But yeah, for ratings you'd think NBC will put on the Floppers/Rags game of course. I'm not 100% certain though, because the networks do not like to be perceived as bias, and this one is such a no brainer it might be tough to stack the deck against NJ/SJ. Plus, they'll want to feature the Rangers in a few of the later (i.e. more important) season games. That's a long-winded way of saying I think there's still a chance the Devils game is the national game.

NBC games below (they can snatch one game each week at their choice from the below options, with at least 14 day notice to the NHL) The bolded games are just my prediction of what game NBC picks to do nationally.

January 1, 1:00 PM ET
Detroit vs. Chicago

January 18, 12:30 PM ET
New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh

February 8
Detroit vs. Pittsburgh (12:30 PM ET)
Philadelphia vs. Atlanta (12:30 PM ET)
Nashville vs. Dallas (1:00 PM ET)

February 15, 12:30 PM ET
Colorado vs. Detroit
Philadelphia vs. New York Rangers
San Jose vs. New Jersey

February 22, 12:30 PM ET
Pittsburgh vs. Washington
Colorado vs. Carolina

March 8
Boston vs. New York Rangers (12:30 PM ET)
Pittsburgh vs. Washington (12:30 PM ET)
Phoenix vs. New York Islanders (12:30 PM ET)
Colorado vs. Chicago (1:00 PM ET)

March 15, 12:30 PM ET
Philadelphia vs. New York Rangers
Detroit vs. Columbus
Boston vs. Pittsburgh

March 22
Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh (12:30 PM ET)
New Jersey vs. Boston (12:30 PM ET)
Los Angeles vs. Chicago (1:00 PM ET)

April 5, 12:30 PM ET
Minnesota vs. Detroit
Pittsburgh vs. Florida
Atlanta vs. Washington

April 12, 2:00 PM ET
New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia
Detroit vs. Chicago
Boston vs. New York Islanders
St. Louis vs. Colorado

Y'all are missing the real hypocrisy.

Islanders are possibly moving to Kansas City. Why? Because they've stunk for more than 20 years, have a small fan base, have an unfavorable lease with Nassau County at the Mausoleum, and aren't going to get approval for the Lighthouse Project.

Flashback to 15 years ago. Devils have a small fanbase at Continental Arena, have an unfavorable lease, and are threatening moving to Nashville.

Media Coverage? Then, particularly from Mike Francesa, Mr. Long Island? The Devils should up and go to Nashville for the area can't support a third hockey team, and who gives a crap about a team from New Jersey. Today? Three Stanley Cup championships, a new beautiful arena, increasing fan support, and a team that continues to remain competitive. The Islanders? NOOOOO, YOU CAN'T LET THE ISLANDERS LEAVE NO MATTER WHAT, NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEIR INCOMPETENCE HAS DESTROYED THEIR FRANCHISE AND THAT THEIR FANBASE HAS DISINTEGRATED!!!!! NO POSSIBILITY OF A NEW BUILDING, AND THE ONLY HOPE IS THAT THEY WIN THE LOTTERY AND GET JOHN TAVARES.

Why isn't anyone saying that the Islanders should just move to Kansas City the same way that everyone said that the Devils should just move to Nashville? Now, THAT'S a hypocrisy.

Can I get an AMEN!!!!!!!!

Y'all are missing the real hypocrisy.

Islanders are possibly moving to Kansas City. Why? Because they've stunk for more than 20 years, have a small fan base, have an unfavorable lease with Nassau County at the Mausoleum, and aren't going to get approval for the Lighthouse Project.

Flashback to 15 years ago. Devils have a small fanbase at Continental Arena, have an unfavorable lease, and are threatening moving to Nashville.

Media Coverage? Then, particularly from Mike Francesa, Mr. Long Island? The Devils should up and go to Nashville for the area can't support a third hockey team, and who gives a crap about a team from New Jersey. Today? Three Stanley Cup championships, a new beautiful arena, increasing fan support, and a team that continues to remain competitive. The Islanders? NOOOOO, YOU CAN'T LET THE ISLANDERS LEAVE NO MATTER WHAT, NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEIR INCOMPETENCE HAS DESTROYED THEIR FRANCHISE AND THAT THEIR FANBASE HAS DISINTEGRATED!!!!! NO POSSIBILITY OF A NEW BUILDING, AND THE ONLY HOPE IS THAT THEY WIN THE LOTTERY AND GET JOHN TAVARES.

Why isn't anyone saying that the Islanders should just move to Kansas City the same way that everyone said that the Devils should just move to Nashville? Now, THAT'S a hypocrisy.

Can I get an AMEN!!!!!!!!
Because the Islanders will always have their dynasty.

Media Coverage? Then, particularly from Mike Francesa, Mr. Long Island? The Devils should up and go to Nashville for the area can't support a third hockey team, and who gives a crap about a team from New Jersey. Today? Three Stanley Cup championships, a new beautiful arena, increasing fan support, and a team that continues to remain competitive. The Islanders? NOOOOO, YOU CAN'T LET THE ISLANDERS LEAVE NO MATTER WHAT, NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEIR INCOMPETENCE HAS DESTROYED THEIR FRANCHISE AND THAT THEIR FANBASE HAS DISINTEGRATED!!!!! NO POSSIBILITY OF A NEW BUILDING, AND THE ONLY HOPE IS THAT THEY WIN THE LOTTERY AND GET JOHN TAVARES.

Why isn't anyone saying that the Islanders should just move to Kansas City the same way that everyone said that the Devils should just move to Nashville? Now, THAT'S a hypocrisy.

That's a great point.

And the only thing that kept the Devils from leaving NJ was a huge upset in winning the Stanley Cup.

If the Devils didnt win the Stanley Cup in 1995, they would have left for Nashville. Thank God they won or we wouldnt be having this conversation.

Lets not forget the rumors for years about how to put in a rule making the trap illegal while the Devils were winning with it. Now it's just praised...

whatever...

Lets not forget the rumors for years about how to put in a rule making the trap illegal while the Devils were winning with it. Now it's just praised...

whatever...
Trapezoid.

Brodeurezoid.

FIXED

Y'all are missing the real hypocrisy.

Islanders are possibly moving to Kansas City. Why? Because they've stunk for more than 20 years, have a small fan base, have an unfavorable lease with Nassau County at the Mausoleum, and aren't going to get approval for the Lighthouse Project.

Flashback to 15 years ago. Devils have a small fanbase at Continental Arena, have an unfavorable lease, and are threatening moving to Nashville.

Media Coverage? Then, particularly from Mike Francesa, Mr. Long Island? The Devils should up and go to Nashville for the area can't support a third hockey team, and who gives a crap about a team from New Jersey. Today? Three Stanley Cup championships, a new beautiful arena, increasing fan support, and a team that continues to remain competitive. The Islanders? NOOOOO, YOU CAN'T LET THE ISLANDERS LEAVE NO MATTER WHAT, NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEIR INCOMPETENCE HAS DESTROYED THEIR FRANCHISE AND THAT THEIR FANBASE HAS DISINTEGRATED!!!!! NO POSSIBILITY OF A NEW BUILDING, AND THE ONLY HOPE IS THAT THEY WIN THE LOTTERY AND GET JOHN TAVARES.

Why isn't anyone saying that the Islanders should just move to Kansas City the same way that everyone said that the Devils should just move to Nashville? Now, THAT'S a hypocrisy.

Can I get an AMEN!!!!!!!!

Becasue Francessa is from Long Island and hates all New Jersey teams.
He's a blowhard anyways, ignore him.

What would we all be if not Devils fans?
Serious question.

Mike is a stupid fat boy.

Trapezoid.

Its the dumbest rule in all of hockey. :shakehead It would make the game MORE exciting if the stupid thing wasn't there, because then the goalies would play the puck more which leads to more scoring chances. :rant:

Originally posted by kyle evs48
What would we all be if not Devils fans?
Serious question.

I think the scary answer is a Rangers fan. I might have leaned more towards the Flyers i think though, i like there jersey and color scheme.


Thank god they won that cup.

What would we all be if not Devils fans?
Serious question.

I'm not sure. I can assure you I wouldn't have been a Rangers fan though. I was a big Nets fan back in the day, and I haaaaaaaaated the Knicks, even though there wasn't a big rivalry between them. Because the Rangers played in the same building, I hated them by default. I've always hated MSG. NBC used to show Knicks games every weekend, and I thought MSG was an overrated dump. It looked dark and depressing to me.

I'm not sure. I can assure you I wouldn't have been a Rangers fan though. I was a big Nets fan back in the day, and I haaaaaaaaated the Knicks, even though there wasn't a big rivalry between them. Because the Rangers played in the same building, I hated them by default. I've always hated MSG. NBC used to show Knicks games every weekend, and I thought MSG was an overrated dump. It looked dark and depressing to me.

MSG hires people like Sam Rosen and Al Trautwig.
MSG hires bad, bad people.

I think the scary answer is a Rangers fan. I might have leaned more towards the Flyers i think though, i like there jersey and color scheme.


Thank god they won that cup.
...............

I would cheer for the Blackhawks. I'm a big fan of a lot of the Chicago sports teams due to family legacy here, and I've lived here in Chicago for four years now and watched the Hawks go from the worst to an up and comer.

But they're not the Devils.

I think the problem the NHL had with Lemaire was that he had so many talented players and his system put the kibosh on them showcasing it, unless it was in spurts. Rolston, Guerin, Niedermayer, Richer, etc.

I didn't mind the Devils using it as much because everybody knew they were loaded with skill. Lemaire just didn't really endorse it. My problem was with the other 10-12 teams who didn't have skilled players who tried to copy it and it didn't do anything but slow the game down a ton.

The Devils will always be synonymous with the Trap. It's Just how the NHL decided to cover/market the team back then. The problem is that the Devils only employed a true trap with Lemaire. After he left the Devils opened the ice a lot more and were one of the more exciting teams in the league to watch.

What would we all be if not Devils fans?
Serious question.

Great question. I know the answer too, I would root for the Nashville Devils. Thank God New Jersey pulled off the massive upset of 1995.

Its the dumbest rule in all of hockey. :shakehead It would make the game MORE exciting if the stupid thing wasn't there, because then the goalies would play the puck more which leads to more scoring chances. :rant:

Exactly, the entire "rule" was a farce, because it was instituted on the premise that it would lead to "more" scoring, but as you correctly said, in general, goalies handling the puck = a bad thing. The real reason is that 27 of 30 GMs represent a team that has a goalie that CANT handle the puck, so it became a great way to neuter the 3 teams that did. :teach2:

I think the scary answer is a Rangers fan. I might have leaned more towards the Flyers i think though, i like there jersey and color scheme. Thank god they won that cup.

WRONG ANSWER :rant::shakehead:help::dunno:

If the Devils left, I'd probably be a Whalers fan. :sarcasm:

If the Devils left, I'd probably be a Whalers fan. :sarcasm:

Oh, so you'd be an Islanders fan. :sarcasm:

I'd probably be an Islanders fan. i like rooting for underdogs and the little guy. And MSG is teh gay.

I don't know if this is really worth the discussion, I mean how long can WE beat this dead horse? Haven't we, by now, figured out that the bias isn't simply the system, it's the overall success with it. Plus in large part, our marquee players were mostly defensemen except that highly overlooked 2000 season.

We need to accept that we will never get the credit or respect we deserve for our three championships. 95 was half a win, 00 never even happened, 2003 was just trap, trap, trap, trap, trap. We need to get over it.

And as for the guy who brought this all about, Pierre McGuire is a disgrace to the sport through and through. He disgraces this game every single time he opens his ****ing mouth and that girly little voice of his squeaks out. Plus, if there's a **** for him to suck, he's going to do it like it's his last one ever, especially in regard to Pittsburgh (of whom he has an affinity) and teams with name players.

To digress a bit, his entire argument about fighting today flat out and definitively nullifies any point he'll ever attempt to make regarding the sport of hockey. This is merely the bullied crying about the bully as an adult. He never could play that type of game and that's why he whines about **** like fighting. NO self-respecting hockey player and lover for the sport they play would ever say "take out fighting and let the refs dictate the game." I mean this guy said he legitimately thinks there should be double-minors for taking shots at star players....are you ****ing kidding me? Why does this league need such an elitist, ***** rule?

I mean if anyone here actually thinks that argument even has a shred of validity, well, you should probably kill yourself. The refs should only REGULATE the game, not dictate it as they have been. So **** Pierre, **** the trap, and **** whining about not getting credit. I'll take being an under-appreciated team over being over-hyped and given more credit than we deserve like Pittsburgh and the Raggots.

Please, I implore you all to just stop caring about the injustice. It hasn't hurt our team that much on the ice and for that we should really just not care.

well mcquire did say on mtl radio that at the end of the day he is a PENGUIN. So his bias towards the pens stems from that.

...............

I would cheer for the Blackhawks. I'm a big fan of a lot of the Chicago sports teams due to family legacy here, and I've lived here in Chicago for four years now and watched the Hawks go from the worst to an up and comer.

But they're not the Devils.
I'd probably cheer for the Hawks too. I piss off my friends in Chicago when I talk about the Devils instead of the Hawks. Sorry guys, the Hawks are fun to watch and all, but I don't think I'd ever be able to root for anyone like I do the Devils. The tradition, the rivalries, the Jersey pride, they have it all!

Carolina most likely. If I decided to pick a team out west probably edmonton.

Very true. The system had roots in Europe as well (in order to cut off the precision-passing of Soviet-style hockey).

But there is no denying that, over the last 15 years, the 1-2-2 "neutral zone trap" was embraced and perfected by the Devils, and that while other teams are praised for their emulations, New Jersey gets dumped on for being "boring"

The league and all it's cronies just like to kiss the arse of the Penguins through any means necessary. It's really dulling down my NHL experience.

The league and all it's cronies just like to kiss the arse of the Penguins through any means necessary. It's really dulling down my NHL experience.

The problem with that frankly is that Crosby isnt living up to Crosby-like standards. That is to say, he's one helluva player, but he's not as good as we were led to believe he is IMO.

I think Ovie is substantially better, and although they came out at around the same time, I think there is always a Canadian bias at play.

I'd probably cheer for the Hawks too. I piss off my friends in Chicago when I talk about the Devils instead of the Hawks. Sorry guys, the Hawks are fun to watch and all, but I don't think I'd ever be able to root for anyone like I do the Devils. The tradition, the rivalries, the Jersey pride, they have it all!

Me too, or the Habs.

I'd probably cheer for the Hawks too. I piss off my friends in Chicago when I talk about the Devils instead of the Hawks. Sorry guys, the Hawks are fun to watch and all, but I don't think I'd ever be able to root for anyone like I do the Devils. The tradition, the rivalries, the Jersey pride, they have it all!

I'm starting to hate the Blackhawks. I have so many friends and relatives in the Chicago area, and now that the team isn't the joke of the league, all these Hawks fans are coming out of nowhere. Of course, because they didn't follow the Hawks at all during the dark era, they know nothing about the team/NHL and act like a bunch of ignorant Rags fans.

I'm starting to hate the Blackhawks. I have so many friends and relatives in the Chicago area, and now that the team isn't the joke of the league, all these Hawks fans are coming out of nowhere. Of course, because they didn't follow the Hawks at all during the dark era, they know nothing about the team/NHL and act like a bunch of ignorant Rags fans.

Sounds like Penguins fans from a couple of years ago...

What would we all be if not Devils fans?
Serious question.
Honestly, I probably wouldn't even be a hockey fan. I was a Devils fan before a hockey fan, if that makes sense, so if they had moved back in '95 before I became a fan I don't think I would have discovered hockey.

That's a scary thought.

The problem with that frankly is that Crosby isnt living up to Crosby-like standards. That is to say, he's one helluva player, but he's not as good as we were led to believe he is IMO.

I think Ovie is substantially better, and although they came out at around the same time, I think there is always a Canadian bias at play.

Ovie is a power forward who can score and Sid is more of a dangler who passes well. I'd take Ovie over Sid anyday.

February 15, 12:30 PM ET
Colorado vs. Detroit
Philadelphia vs. New York Rangers
San Jose vs. New Jersey
:Scottish accent: I'll believe that when me **** turns purple and smells like rainbow sherbet.

If the Devils left, I'd probably be a Whalers fan. :sarcasm:

I'd be a Caps fan . . .

Y'all are missing the real hypocrisy.

Islanders are possibly moving to Kansas City. Why? Because they've stunk for more than 20 years, have a small fan base, have an unfavorable lease with Nassau County at the Mausoleum, and aren't going to get approval for the Lighthouse Project.

Flashback to 15 years ago. Devils have a small fanbase at Continental Arena, have an unfavorable lease, and are threatening moving to Nashville.

Media Coverage? Then, particularly from Mike Francesa, Mr. Long Island? The Devils should up and go to Nashville for the area can't support a third hockey team, and who gives a crap about a team from New Jersey. Today? Three Stanley Cup championships, a new beautiful arena, increasing fan support, and a team that continues to remain competitive. The Islanders? NOOOOO, YOU CAN'T LET THE ISLANDERS LEAVE NO MATTER WHAT, NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEIR INCOMPETENCE HAS DESTROYED THEIR FRANCHISE AND THAT THEIR FANBASE HAS DISINTEGRATED!!!!! NO POSSIBILITY OF A NEW BUILDING, AND THE ONLY HOPE IS THAT THEY WIN THE LOTTERY AND GET JOHN TAVARES.

Why isn't anyone saying that the Islanders should just move to Kansas City the same way that everyone said that the Devils should just move to Nashville? Now, THAT'S a hypocrisy.

Can I get an AMEN!!!!!!!!

Kansas City should be a Devils town. That's where we come from. Do we have a fanbase there; like Atlanta cheered for Calgary until the Thrashers came along?

Kansas City should be a Devils town. That's where we come from. Do we have a fanbase there; like Atlanta cheered for Calgary until the Thrashers came along?

KC was never a hockey town. Football, yes. Basketball, yes. Baseball, somewhat. Hockey, not at all.

The Scouts weren't in Kansas City long enough to gain any long-term fans. I'm sure they had a few hockey fans during the team's existence, but not long enough to keep them and form any meaningful rivalry with another team. I'm sure most KC hockey fans became Blues fans after the team left.

KC was never a hockey town. Football, yes. Basketball, yes. Baseball, somewhat. Hockey, not at all.

The Scouts weren't in Kansas City long enough to gain any long-term fans. I'm sure they had a few hockey fans during the team's existence, but not long enough to keep them and form any meaningful rivalry with another team. I'm sure most KC hockey fans became Blues fans after the team left.

I lived in Missouri for a few years and the KC folks had an IHL team called the Blades.
KC was a big Chiefs city when I was out there, they love the Chiefs.

I lived in Missouri for a few years and the KC folks had an IHL team called the Blades.
KC was a big Chiefs city when I was out there, they love the Chiefs.

I guess it depends on how you define big. I know that KC is big on football (both NFL and college) as well as basketball (mostly college). I don't know how big hockey is on that scale but I would guess it rates about the same in KC as hockey does on ESPN -- a minor sport with a small following which is not worth mentionning.

Maybe there are more hockey fans there now but in the mid-70s, there weren't a lot. And given the fact the Scouts were there for two years, they didn't have time to really build a fanbase. As for the Blades and the Chiefs, I don't have enough knowledge to comment on their popularity.

I'd be a Caps fan . . .

:rolleyes:

haha.

I might be a Caps fan or I might have gone really out and picked a team out west. I've always kinda liked San Jose.

:Scottish accent: I'll believe that when me **** turns purple and smells like rainbow sherbet.

:laugh:

Pretty much what i was thinking but put much more colorfully.

For the record. The system we employ in garden-land is called "we over-paid for 2nd tier players, and if we tried to open it up we'd get flambe'd". For the record.

For the record. The system we employ in garden-land is called "we over-paid for 2nd tier players, and if we tried to open it up we'd get flambe'd". For the record.

pretty much. they play that way because they have to. they dont have the offensive fire power to open up