[OOT] February 2 with eight games.

[djsFlames]

I'm wondering if post-ASB is when all these teams playing over their heads will finally come back to earth a bit.

Leafs, Oilers and Canucks have all played above expectations coming into the season, to various extents. Flames on the other hand have perhaps underachieved (just slightly), considering the acquisitions they made in the off-season.

It's unusual for that many bottom dwellers to turn it around the following season. Perhaps the stretch run will normalize things a bit with competitive teams ramping up their games even more.

[Corral]

San Jose taking care of business against the Canucks tonight. Seems like this is going to be their year to win it all. I hope they pick up Iggy for the Cup run. No doubt they are the sentimental favourite.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by Corral

San Jose taking care of business against the Canucks tonight. Seems like this is going to be their year to win it all. I hope they pick up Iggy for the Cup run. No doubt they are the sentimental favourite.

I like Iggy's chances if he goes there, at least as far as western teams go. Sharks don't look spectacular all the time, but they have an ability to elevate their game when it matters. Just so many weapons down that lineup.

[Mike F]

That's a weak interference call on San Jose...

And it's overturned, to the (not infrequent) confusion of John Garrett

[dash_pinched]

Originally Posted by Mike F

That's a weak interference call on San Jose...

Miller did the Carey Price, he initiated contact with Ward (of course, homer John Garrett sees it differently). lol, call overturned and of course Garrett is up in arms (I don't get that one). Sharks up 4-1.

[AC]

Overturned the goalie interference call!

Rarely see that happen.

[Inferno]

Garrett whining as usual about it being overturned. lol

[Corral]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

I like Iggy's chances if he goes there, at least as far as western teams go. Sharks don't look spectacular all the time, but they have an ability to elevate their game when it matters. Just so many weapons down that lineup.

Agreed. And their core players are hungry for a championship.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by dash_pinched

Miller did the Carey Price, he initiated contact with Ward (of course, homer John Garrett sees it differently). lol, call overturned and of course Garrett is up in arms (I don't get that one). Sharks up 4-1.

I'm not sure exactly what the rulebook says, but I kinda don't think that should be allowed. If a guy is in the crease and forces the goalie to play further in the net, Any contact should be incidental contact and no goal IMO. In this case, the contact itself doesn't impede the goalie from saving the puck, but he clearly pushes Miller further into the net before the shot and doesn't allow Miller to come out and challenge the shot

[Street Pharmacist]

And I know Canucks fans think they have the next Chara, but Tryamkin can't accept a pass at all. He literally bobbles every puck. Then he makes incredibly bad decisions and doesn't get the puck through.

Not sure what they're seeing in him exactly

[hwy19man]

The Blues defeated the stinkin' Leafs 5-1.

[Tsawwassen]

Guy Boucher gets the Senators to beat his former team 5-2, Mark Stone with 3 points. It was a duel between goalies as the Rangers beat the Sabres in OT. Lundqvist faced 37 shots and Lehner had 44 shots. The Flyers get a big 3-1 win over the Habs. The Habs opened the scoring but it wasn't enough. The same happened with the Leafs as they had a 1-0 and then the Blues took over and won 5-1. Stastny and Parayko with 3 points each. The Jets get a road win beating the Stars 4-3 in reg time, Pavelec with 39 saves for the win. The Bhawks hung on for the 4-3 reg win over the Coyotes. The Coyotes were the home team but many Bhawks fans made the trip. The Sharks beat the Canucks in Vancouver 4-1, the Sharkies are 10-1 in Vancouver. That is a strange stat. The Predators win 2-0 over the stupid Oilers, Rinne with the 22 save SHUTOUT.

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

And I know Canucks fans think they have the next Chara, but Tryamkin can't accept a pass at all. He literally bobbles every puck. Then he makes incredibly bad decisions and doesn't get the puck through.

Not sure what they're seeing in him exactly

I haven't watched him as closely as others have, and I don't see much (or any) offensive potential, but he is a huge body who can skate well, is in the right position and has potential. That is the thing with the Canucks defense, they are for the most part still very young players who will still develop. I don't see elite or top pairing potential but rather the basis for good depth in the future. If Juoluvi can develop into a top pairing defenseman it would be a good sign for their future.