BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 May 07 - 09:48 AM

Since we discussed streaming radio games somewhere upthread, I thought I'd put these tips here.

~S~

======================

Here's how my husband and I enjoy radio games.


1. We really like our "local" team's play caller. He's GOOD. We stream the game on the PC and use Total Recorder-- a nifty, almost freeware program-- to record it as it comes in, which makes that game [I]portable.[/I] So we'll have summer hockey reruns to get us through the post-Stanley Cup withdrawal, long drives for vacay travel, etc. Some of these are games we recorded without listening to them at the time they were playesd, and therefore we have no idea how they turned out.


2. We make the radio calls more "real" for the half-dozen or so teams we halfway follow, like this:

Say my husband will take the home team of the day's game, and I'll take the visitor. We each have a roster printout and we sit in adjoining recliners. He's in his goalie's end for periods 1 & 3 and we can follow the game SO much better because we're each only trying to suss out [I]one[/I] set of players' names in the call, and we can visualize "our" team heading into the other team's zone to score on their ass because the call includes left/right orientation, relative to the offensive team's wing setup.


3. We have mock fights. "You almost scored on my ass, I'm gonna have to kill ya now," for instance, can get pretty hilarious as we playfully try to smack each other, grab and squirt water bottles, sword fight with folded rosters, etc. (The dog gets pretty upset.)

We don't trade chairs for the second-- we each have our chairs pretty well broken-in for custom fit. We just trade rosters. As a result we know quite a bit about quite a few players. By the end of a game we have each got two team's guys fairly well fixed in our minds-- IF it's a good play-by-play caller.


4. We keep a cheap binder chairside, with rosters and broadcast schedules. By the second or third time we've heard a team play, we don't need the rosters anymore after a quick pre-game scan to remind ourselves of their setup.


5. If we're so much in hockey withdrawal this summer that we fire up a game in our camper on a rainy vacay day, it's only going to be a matter of time before the mini-sticks come out, because the only comfy place to sit in there is facing each other, at the small table. I suppose we could curl up in our bunk, but..... well never mind, I won't say. :~)

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 08:13 PM

Hockey coverage has changed so much since my Esposito-era fandom. I feel like I am more a fan of ALL of them than of any one team-- and Yzerman was awesome!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Beer
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 07:25 PM

Thanks Susan. That was much appreciated. I hadn't seen that article.
Beer

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 07:15 PM

4:18 PM EDT, 07/04/2006
Front office beckons for Yzerman after 22 years on ice with Red Wings

(CP) - Scotty Bowman calls Steve Yzerman "a real dream to have on your team," and expects the Red Wings' long-time captain to remain a part of the Detroit franchise now that he has retired as a player.

Bowman, who coached Yzerman from 1993 to 2002, doesn't see him as a coach and certainly not as a public-relations man, shaking hands with season-ticket holders and dropping ceremonial pucks at kids' tournaments. He sees Yzerman working in the front office - perhaps as a special assistant to the general manager, as baseball legend Al Kaline does with Red Wings' owner Mike Illitch's other team, the Detroit Tigers.

"He likes to make decisions," Bowman said Tuesday. "I think he'll step back for a month or so and then meet with people to see what he'll do.

"He wants to learn the business."

Detroit general manager Ken Holland and vice-president Jim Devellano told reporters Monday at Yzerman's retirement announcement that they hope Stevie Y will join them in the front office, although that decision has not yet been made.

It is expected that Yzerman will be named assistant GM.

Devellano told the Detroit Free Press they have groomed their captain for front-office work in recent years on the sly, including him in talks on trades, contract signings and other matters.

"We just kept it quiet, obviously, because he was a still a player," Devellano told the newspaper. "Over the last three, four, five years, Kenny Holland and myself have talked to him about eventually joining us on the management staff."

That would keep the 41-year-old Yzerman with the team he spent 22 stellar seasons as a player.

The gifted centre from Ottawa retired as a career Red Wing and the NHL's sixth-leading scorer of all time with 1,755 points. He also led the club to Stanley Cup titles in 1997, 1998 and 2002 and splits most of the team's scoring records with all-time great Gordie Howe.

"He was a wonderful player and a real dream to have on your team," said Bowman. "Some players don't need much coaching and he was one of them."

When Bowman was hired in Detroit, Yzerman was a 10-year NHL veteran and had been the team's captain for eight.

Bowman took a slick, speedy goal-scorer and playmaker and turned him into one of the NHL's best two-way centres while remaining an impact player on the attack.

"When I got there the team was one of the top-three on offence in the league, but they didn't play well defensively," he said. "I told Steve that if he would lead the charge and play well defensively, it would help.

"I said it may cut into his stats, but he didn't care. I compared him to (former Montreal Canadiens centre) Jacques Lemaire, who played with (Guy) Lafleur and (Steve) Shutt, but did a good job on defence.

"He really wanted to win a Stanley Cup. He'd played 10 years for that team and there had been a lot of disappointment. And then he won it three times and he got an Olympic gold medal as well."

Yzerman, who had been turned down by Team Canada early in his career, helped end Canada's 50-year gold medal drought with a victory at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

He was known as one of the NHL's great leaders, although teammates say he lead by example rather than with inspirational speeches or in-your-face confrontations.

"He didn't say a lot, but when he did he meant it, and then he'd go out and show them what to do," said Bowman. "And he was a wonderful role model.

"He never had any incidents in 22 years. No controversies. He was very humble."

Bowman recalled Yzerman several times playing through great pain, particularly with knee injuries late in his career. Some thought he was done when he missed most of the 2002-'03 season to have major knee surgery, but was back the next season.

But age and bad knees finally forced him to retire.

While Yzerman showed last season with 14 goals and 20 assists in 61 games that he still had something to contribute, his production had slowed to where, as he said Monday: "I've given up hope that I'm still improving."

"This was a tough decision for him," said Bowman. "He wanted to play again.

"He told me he could handle most things on the ice, but he didn't want to be a part-time player."

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 05:27 PM

The Bruins have made some big moves and will certainly be stronger next season. The picked up Zdeno Chara and Marc Savard in free agency. The Senators Signed Martin Gerber as a free agent who attributes his poor performance against Montreal in round 1 to the flu. We shall see.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Beer
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 04:52 PM

A message from two great players.
Beer


"Steve Yzerman was a tremendous hockey player who epitomized everything good about our game. He loved the game and played with passion every night. He was a winner who led Detroit to three Stanley Cups and was always there for his country to represent Canada on the international stage. He was the face of the Detroit Red Wings for the past 20 years and will be remembered as one of the best players and leaders that ever played the game of hockey. It was a pleasure to have worked with him.
-Wayne Gretzky

"Steve was a great ambassador for the game of hockey and will be sorely missed by everyone associated with the Nation Hockey League. Steve was a great leader, a great teammate and most importantly is a great person. I was fortunate to play at the 2002 Olympics with Steve and we won a gold medal together. It was a memorable experience and something I'll always cherish. I wish Steve the best of luck."
-Mario Lemieux

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 08:31 AM

I'm sorry to hear that Stevie Y has retired. He embodied everything that a hockey player should, both on and off the ice. The game was better for having him.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Beer
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 05:13 PM

A great man has just announced his retirement. Steve Yzerman. I would say this even if I wasn't a Detroit fan. A gentleman and a great hockey player. He will be missed and I for one hate to see it happen. But We all get old and even though our minds say one thing the body just doesn't react as it should. Its never easy to admit that your past your prime. Good luck Steve
Beer

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: GUEST,JTS
Date: 30 Jun 06 - 11:01 AM

NHL.com just lists two minor leagues

AHL

And

ECHL which calls its self "AA" hockey on its website.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Jun 06 - 09:59 AM

Well, it's a start. Thanks!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 30 Jun 06 - 07:10 AM

Susan,

It used to be pretty simple. To use the baseball analogy it went like this. NHL (majors), AHL and Central Hockey League were pretty much on par (AAA), then the International Hockey League (AA), then the East Coast League (A). I have no idea how it works now.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Jun 06 - 07:03 PM

Thanks-- I do know that part, and I would also love to know how all the under-AHL fit together.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: GUEST,JTS
Date: 29 Jun 06 - 07:00 PM

As far as I know for pro North American Pro leagues its

NHL
AHL
Everything else

AHL is where the officail farm teams are.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Jun 06 - 04:08 PM

Here's a question one or two of you seasoned hockey nuts may be able to answer.... I am JUST starting to get how the various non-NHL leagues fit together and what their pecking order is considered to be. Can any of you clarify, or point me to a readable chart?!?

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: GUEST,JTS
Date: 29 Jun 06 - 12:15 AM

Yes Thanks Frank.

Right now I'm wearing a 'Canes 2006 Stanley Cup Champions tee shirt that I bought in Cary, NC while the victory parade was happening 10 miles away from me, downtown Raleigh.

I may have to switch from Sens to 'Canes now that we are living in NC (about 2 hours from the RBC Center). At least I'll be able to see them play on TV.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Beer
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 08:13 AM

Hope things are better in your personal life Frank. And thanks for the fun all year.
Beer

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jun 06 - 10:26 PM

hEY fRANK, IT WAS PRETTY COOL TO HAVE A SPOT TO TALK ABOUT HOCKEY RIGHT HERE AT mUDCAT. aw crap, damn capslock!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Pseudolus
Date: 27 Jun 06 - 10:13 PM

OK, I know this thread should be done but I had to fess up. I have had some personal things going on and did not disappear just cause my Flyboys lost. Although it was tempting. In any case Congratulations to the Carolina fans! None of whom seemed to have been represented in this pool. Peace came the closest I guess picking the Oilers.

In any case the Flyers stunk up the joint! Well, at least I have the Phillies...aw, damn!!!!!

Frank

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 12:13 PM

WEll wwoop-dee-doo for my Subaru! Finally...........

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: GUEST,leftydee
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 11:01 AM

Congrats to the Hurricanes and their fans ( do they really watch hockey in NC?)it was a great series. Too bad about my Red Wings, but how 'bout those Tigers?!

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Beer
Date: 20 Jun 06 - 02:02 PM

Great series for both teams. In my book"s there were no losers.
And by the way, thanks to Psewdolus (Frank) who seemed to have disappeared after the Flyer's lost. It was his idea at the beginning of last season. It was fun and no one got out of hand.
Have a great summer to all who participated and see you all in the fall I hope.
Beer

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 19 Jun 06 - 11:51 PM

Well, I wanted to see the Cup back in Canada, kudos to both teams for a great series. Congratulations to Carolina for winning the Cup and to Cam Ward who certainly deserved the Conn Smythe Award.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Johnhenry'shammer
Date: 19 Jun 06 - 11:31 PM

Hockey's not over quite yet. We still have the NHL awards show on 6/22 and the NHL draft on 6/24. You better believe that my TV will be tuned to OLN on those days.

Congratulations to the Oilers and the Hurricanes for a great series. And of course extra congratulations must go to the Hurricanes and Cam Ward for their Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe trophy victories.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Jun 06 - 11:21 PM

Now the withdrawal sets in. I'm looking forward to Oiler games, via NHL Radio next year, already.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: bobad
Date: 19 Jun 06 - 11:20 PM

Congratulations to the Hurricanes, they gave full measure for the money. Remind me not to base wager on the prognosticatorial skills of mudcatters in the future.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Jun 06 - 09:14 PM

Yeah,

GO OILERS!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: gnu
Date: 19 Jun 06 - 08:05 PM

Well... since way back last fall... and only about 9 hours before the Summer Solstice... it is about to be decided, The Holy Grial of hockey.

GO OILERS!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Anonny Mouse
Date: 19 Jun 06 - 02:22 PM

While I was adament in wanting the Buffalo Sabres in the finals (I believe they wouldda taken Edmonton in 6), I think Edmonton seem now to have the BIG "MO." They have confuzzled the 'Canes. It will be one heluva game 7, and as someone posted, may likely go into O.T. However--keep in mind the 'Canes are on home turf...and they may just come out roaring for vindication for an Edmonton team that absolutely DOMINATED game 6. Even though the Sabres are out, this may be one of the most entertaining, and close cup series I've seen.

And yeah, now I'm pulling for Edmonton--having grown to detest the Canes for their "big victory" over a Sabres team missing 5 key people. Frankly, the fact the Oilers have rallied to tie the series is amazing. I really thought they were OUT. Kudos to their players and coach.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Johnhenry'shammer
Date: 19 Jun 06 - 12:48 AM

WYSIWYG, I think that they need to keep Ward in there for as long as possible. If Gerber went in, they'd be in more trouble than they already are.

I'm an avid Avalanche fan and I was heartbroken to see the way their season ended but I've been pulling for our Northwest Division buddies the Oilers ever since and I've been more than pleased. I've got two candidates for the Conn Smythe Trophy: Fernando Pisani for Edmonton and Cam Ward for Carolina. GO OILERS!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: GUEST,JTS
Date: 19 Jun 06 - 12:28 AM

Wow!

How about them Oilers!!!

Win or lose I'm paying the bet! I'm singing their praises!!

How about them Oilers!!!

(Did anyone pick the 'Canes?)

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jun 06 - 10:04 AM

Laviolette shouldda played Gerber. Not because Ward was bad-- IMO he was not-- but because the Oilers had figured out how to score on him in Game 5, and obviously continued on from there in Game 6. Switching goalies on them would have bought them a bit more room to let Cole have a go getting his legs back. (Maybe the 'Canes expected to lose 6 and used it as a practice a tempo for Cole!)

And wasn't it a shame that there were ice problems that were only just resolved in time for the game's start? And after the "Canes had so much trouble skating on it before?!

GO OILERS! Right up to 7's closing buzzer, maybe overtime, is my bet.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: GUEST,gnusanscookie
Date: 18 Jun 06 - 05:35 AM

Told ya.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 18 Jun 06 - 03:42 AM

Wow, going to game seven. The Oilers sure came to play tonight.

Go Oilers.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Peace
Date: 17 Jun 06 - 11:01 PM

I wonder if Obie will attend Game 7?

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Jun 06 - 10:58 PM

[giggle]

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: GUEST,Jts
Date: 15 Jun 06 - 06:34 PM

See? If not for the V that would have been 55 and 44 shots... AT LEAST!!!

;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Beer
Date: 15 Jun 06 - 04:07 PM

Jack , if you looked back you wou;d have seen that the Wings had over 50 shots in one game. In another over 40 and out shot the Oilers in every game. It wasen't the V it was Rolson.
Beer

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: GUEST,Jack the Sailor
Date: 15 Jun 06 - 01:17 PM

I think the V-Trap may have prevented the Wings from getting more shots.

I think Roloson played very well, but now they seem to be getting along without him.

I don't know who to cheer for I live in North Carolina, But then Edmonton is a Canadian team....

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Jun 06 - 11:52 AM

"Pisani's goal was the first shorthanded overtime goal in Stanley Cup Final history."

GO OILERS!

Must get more beer.....

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 14 Jun 06 - 11:40 PM

Woo Hoo, Great read by Pisani on the steal. What a shot. Keep it going Oilers.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Jun 06 - 11:14 PM

:~)

Faulkner her us scream all the way from outside.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Jun 06 - 10:50 PM

Of course they knew what it WAS. They just took a long time figuring out how to PLAY against it.

Now we're onto overtime. I'm doing OK so far on one breath per minute of play! :~)

GO OILERS!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Beer
Date: 14 Jun 06 - 09:38 PM

You mean that you and I and thousands of other fans knew the Oilers were using the "V" trap and the coaches just figured it out when it was to late! Sorry, can't buy that. Rolson won the series. If the Detroit coaches figured it out to late then we should be hired instead.
Good game so far. But the Oilers are still taking to many penalties.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Jun 06 - 09:04 PM

Have to differ on what won the Oilers the Detroit series, Beer. You CAN score on a v-trap if you are very opportunisitic. And it DID confuse the Wings-- I saw the moment they finally figured out how to play against it, and it was a long time coming.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Beer
Date: 14 Jun 06 - 08:45 PM

Have to disagree with you Susan. The "V" trap didn't do the Red Wing in. You don't out shoot your opponent if you are applying the "V" successfully. Detroit out shot the Oilers in every game and in two of them by very large numbers. The "V" doesn't permit you to have many shots on net. The Wings were not surprised by the "V". They have played against that system many times. They lost because of one factor. Rolson won the series for the Oilers. Plain and simple. The Wings also stunk.
As far as the present series I think it will be over tonight. Sorry Peace. You can't win if you can't score. The Oilers have to score on power plays. And their penalties are also doing them in.
But here is what really pisses me off. And here is where I also agree with "Gnu", Put the puck on the net. The only team that could pass the puck about 20 times before shooting "Then Scoring " were the Russians. The power plays are the most exasperating thing to watch. They pass the puck, pass the puck for god knows how many times then shoot and miss the net. Miss The Net!!! When players are in contests and they have targets to hit that pop up in the corners they hit them. In practice they shoot the puck and hit the net area. But in a game they miss the net so many times it is not acceptable. I don't mean when they don't have a clear shot. I mean when they do have a clear shot. They miss the net. A player that is paid X amount of big bucks should be fined and fined heavily each time they miss the net. I know , I know, this is bullshit. Well missing the net on a clear shot is also.
By the way Susan. A slap shot to create a rebound is acceptable. But a slap shot at the net and missing the net is not.
"Go Oilers"
Beer

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Jun 06 - 06:17 PM

I just about can't stand the suspense. Yet that is exactly the state of mind I have been in, each time the Oilers came through with any of their impossible playoff victories.

I just wish MacTavish had brought back out the v-trap that so confounded the Red Wings, for that first full game played in these finals without Roli. If he doesn't use it tonight, I think the Oilers are going down. I don't think they can outplay the Canes-- MacTavish has done what he has done with them this year by out-thinking and out-coaching the opponents. I sure hoope he does it again for three more games, starting tonight!

GO OILERS! F*CK WITH THEIR HEADS!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 11:46 PM

Go Oilers.

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: gnu
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 05:09 AM

Oilers in seven!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: Anonny Mouse
Date: 12 Jun 06 - 01:10 PM

Been awhile since I posted on this one. Obviously, as usual, Buffalo fans are ALWAYS the bridesmaid, NEVER the BRIDE! Damn 'Canes have YET to play a team where some key players have been injured and OUT. Witness game 7 of the Semis: Sabres--4 first line defensive players OUT, best shot blocker-McKee: OUT...best centerman/playmaker, Connelly: OUT. It finally caught up with the gutsiest team the NHL has seen in many decades. So, yeah--I'm pissed, bitter, etc. I think a Sabres-Oiler Cup finale wouldda been great.

So, what happens? 'Canes cream Edmonton in the first two games, and nearly win the third (only lost by a still-disputed goal)-oh, golly, gee, guess what???? THEY KNOCK OUT THE OILER'S NUMBER 1 Goalie (Roloson-who, ironically, was a Sabre for a bit!). Who's next? De-capitate Pronger? I believe the 'Canes will win the cup, but to me it will be a Pyrric (sp?) victory. They have YET (even BEFORE THE SABRES) play a healthy team in their so-called "run to the cup." B'rindAmour made some really assholey comments about Lindy Ruff to in his post-game "victory" interview. Ruff did a great job, and has a little daughter laid up with a BRAIN TUMOR, so let's all pile on HIM! GEEEZ. I Don't like the 'Canes...can ya tell? *G*

Subject: RE: BS: Hockey's back...Are ya happy about it?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Jun 06 - 12:57 PM

I'd love it, but I have a feeling it's going to be a nailbiter right up to the last minute of the 7th game.

~S~