First, Joe was amazing tonight. He has put the team on his back lately, with seven points in the last three games. But Mikey, I wouldn't say we "housed" the Stars tonight. One thing about Dallas, they come to play and they play hard. There was a stretch in the 3rd period when I thought we were in trouble, but the Sharks played through it and held on for another close win. Good to see Marleau involved as well. Did anyone else notice f'ing Frankenstein was on the ice for that Modano goal? I hate that douchebag.
I want to say something about this whole Niedermeyer situation. I think it stinks. Not just because it's the Ducks. Not just because it's Niedermeyer and his stand out play will have a huge impact on the Pacific Division and probably give the Ducks a huge boost. Not just because he is convienently coming back when the Sharks and Ducks play head to head three times, like Mike said. My problem is that players going into "retirement" and then magically changing their minds after the rigors of training camp and the boring part of the season has past could soon become a more regular occurance in the NHL. Hell, it is Roger Clemens favorite summer trick. Wait until the highest bidder comes around, missing Spring Training, join the team in middle of the season for the fun part and make a ton of cash. Bogus teammate and bad for sports in general. What kind of message does this send? Hey kids - don't bond with your teammates, serve as a role model for younger players and work your ass off through the rough patches at the beginning of the season like everyone else. If you're an aging superstar, you can skate with your buddies and join the big boys in the clutch, and look like a hero in the process. This year in the NHL, we have three of these situations. Niedermeyer's fate has been determined. Will Selanne be the next to decide retirement isn't for him? What about Forsberg, who is waiting until the best team with the right offer comes along in 2008 so he can jump right in for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Do you see the problem? What is going to keep Joe Thornton and Sidney Crosby from saying...hey - I don't want to play until December either! My back hurts too! This type of behavior could become more common place in the years to come. I hope not, but this isn't a good trend so far.
So, welcome back Niedermeyer. Your team hasn't been the same without you. Now you can hug your brother and cry over family photos of you two holding each others Cup. Drew Remenda speculated tonight that the Ducks will likely have to make a trade to accomodate the Ducks impending salary cap problems for next season, when they must resign RFA Corey Perry. I think Schneider is gone. And if I were him, I would flip Niedermeyer the bird on his way out the door.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Niedermeyer's "retirement" part of a larger problem...
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4 comments:
I'm glad Niedermayer is coming back. However, I agree that this sets a dangerous presedent. I don't want players taking half the season off. It's not what I pay to see.
I don't get the issue with next year's cap. It's next year. And looking at the numbers, the Ducks have 17 guys signed at a cap hit just over 46mil. With the cap going up again, that's plenty of room to sign a few more players. And if not, it can be addressed in the off-season. Especially since Scott says he absolutely will retire at the end of this season (taking all his salary off the books for next season).
Even though they aren't scoring enough, I'd say Marchant or McDonald are most likely to move. As long as defence still wins Cups, who can compete with a blueline of Pronger, Beauchemin, Niedermayer, and Schnieder?
28-19 in shots, 13-5 in givaways, 5-2 in penalties taken, 30-19 in faceoffs won. Maybe it was a one-goal game, and the Sharks inability to wrack up goals made it seem close late, but the Sharks pretty well dictated play the entire time, and out-and-out dominated for extended stretches.
And I forgot to say, great take on the Scotty situation. I don't want to see AHL hockey until Christmas- out ticket prices stay the same the entire season.
I agree the stats were heavy in the Sharks favor, but I don't think they out and out dominated this game. We've seen similar stats from the Sharks before, especially out shooting opponents, and they still find a way to lose. Last night was different, but only because Joe put out a superhuman effort. I don't confuse the Stars for the Ducks for a minute. Sharks still didn't put together a solid 60 minute effort, if you ask me. And I'm usually the "glass is half full" guy between the two of us!
As for Niedermeyer and the Ducks, why should you believe what he says at all? He may decide in January 2009 he wants to come back again. I think they do have to clear Schneider from the books, otherwise the Ducks have zero flexibility to make adjustments at the deadline. If they choose to part with McDonald over an effective but aging defensemen, that is madness.
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