Is the trend of the big teams from Detroit, Philly, Dallas and Colorado ending? The talk of the hockey world now is the Thrashers and the Lightning.

The Lightning still un-defeated in the NHL and the Thrashers having a blistering start following the death of Dan Snyder and injury to star Dan Heatley.

The South-East division, once known for being the easy beats and weakest division in the whole league now have 2 of the powers of this NHL season.

Will the trend continue through the whole season or will the bubble burst.

The Thrashers are backed by former Stanley Cup winning Colorado coach Bob Hartley, the Lightning seem to surprise everyone with there ability to get opposing teams into a false sense of security....

Is this the most open NHL season for the last few years?

it's definately the most open... but remember, last year, the same thing happened... if the season finished in 10 games, it would've been the Lightning and Wild battling for the Cup :| this season, it happens to be the Thrashers and Lightning (Lightning arent really a surprise, they did make the playoffs last season)... Thrashers are looking good, but again, I doubt they'll make the playoffs this season. the Western Conference really has no surprises, it's just teams who finished 4-8th are now in the top 3 (Canucks, Blues, etc.) also can't forget the Bruins, 1st in one of the toughest divisions in the league. the Leafs sitting last in the division behind the 2nd last Senators... who could've predicted that?

Playoff seeding is important, but the only thing that matters is how your team does down the stretch. If you have no injuries, and the team is clicking with 20 games left you are in great shape. Example: 2001, Senators get the 7th seed, but won like 16 of their last 20 games, sweep the Flyers (2nd seed) who played horrible down the stretch.

So dont get too excited about the Thrashers. If they make the playoffs, theres no way they will last 7 games against Ottawa, Philly, or New Jersey.

man i hate hockey they need to do somethin about the seeing the puck on tv situation and i would like the sport. :D
GO Canes :rockman: :rockman: :rolleyes: it is a very wide open season in my opinion since the thrashers are doing good :p

Originally posted by $teauA
man i hate hockey they need to do somethin about the seeing the puck on tv situation and i would like the sport. :D
GO Canes :rockman: :rockman: :rolleyes: it is a very wide open season in my opinion since the thrashers are doing good :p

It's sooooo much easier to watch the puck in real life, get yourself down to Raleigh and watch the Canes in person, you'll truley appreciate the sport alot more.

maybe i should for at least four games a season raleigh is only about 1.5 hours away so not that bad. i wish they would just get a franchise in charlotte though, it would be a lot better especially with the brand spanking new arena they are building downtown for the NBA franchise :rockman:. but again they need to do somethin about the puck on tv, because it is nearly impossible to see maybe put a lil arrow over it or somethin or make it like a shiny color :D think about it a pink puck lol it would help tho.

They tried coloured pucks, but the players didn't like it.

It's very hard to say get a yellow ring or something to follow the puck (as in the Football with the down line marked in yellow) as the puck moves very fast at times and you would find that the computer would act slower than the puck and you'd get the highlighter trailing the thing, rendering it ineffective.

Typical yankees, not being able to follow the puck!:p :crazyboy:

Honestly, I understand it from your view, but the only way for it to improve the problem is by watching more hockey. The better you understand the game, the more familiar you are with how plays will turn out or where the puck will be cycled, etc.

After years of watching/playing the game you can honestly predict where passes are going to go and following the game is a breeze.

(H)

im from romania :rolleyes: :p

Originally posted by SnYper
Typical yankees, not being able to follow the puck!:p :crazyboy:

I guess the black puck on the white ice isn't enough of a contrast for the Americans :evil: funny they usually have no trouble distinguishing black from white in the US :D (heard that one from a stand up comedian, so dont gimme your ****) :p

and ya, after 10 years of watching hockey, it's really easy to know where the puck is... judging by the player's reactions and stuff helps

My grandmother can follow the puck on tv. Seriously.

haha boy u guys are funny ones arent' ya :rolleyes:

I would love to goto an Ice Hockey game. Just not seat near the window, maybe 3 rows back, incase it cracks when the players slam into it.

Originally posted by Rob
I would love to goto an Ice Hockey game. Just not seat near the window, maybe 3 rows back, incase it cracks when the players slam into it.

I don't think you have to worry, the glass doesn't break that often. I wouldn't sit that close because f your on the sides close up you can't see the action right along the boards, so get an end seat or go back at least 5 more rows.

Inside the stadium, its freezing cold right? :crazyboy:

I know stupid post, just wonder.

Originally posted by Rob
Inside the stadium, its freezing cold right? :crazyboy:

I know stupid post, just wonder.

No, it's room temperature. The building is too big for it to be cold. Most of the buildings are also used for NBA games as well, the equipment to maintain the ice is pretty good.

It's only freezing cold in public minor hockey rinks where the rinks are very small and the equipment isn't as sophisticated as the new rinks.