redwing77

News just in: I have a source close to the team that told me Eric Fabian and Chris Porter are gone. Sorry to break the news.

Not me. Coming into the season I expected Toews to bolt for the pros. Though, technically, the decision hasn't been made, it's easier for me because I came to grips with it before this season even started. It's only a matter of time, IMO. If he does decide to play, then I can claim to be surprised.

Interesting according to ESPN early this afternoon, ZPar was the 3rd star overall for that day's games yet wasn't named a star of the game he played in.

He's the "low respect" guru, for sure, but I do recall a few others. We even had a poster call for Porter to be stripped of the C. It doesn't really matter anyways. All that matters is that he made the list. Joe and Brian still top the list. Kaip is more of an "also ran" in the category.

Was this considered a "defensive showdown?" Or perhaps a "Goaltender's duel?"

True. That's how he should motivate the skaters on the team: The slowest skaters get eaten! You slack, I break you like a twig!

Chris- He did have a good soph year. And he did do better than UND guys, but seriously, UW plays such a boring style of hockey that it is hard to believe that any one player on UW can surpass 40 points in one season. I guess that's why Pavelski is doing so well in the NHL. Heatly isn't exactly terrible either. I think Turris will be a good one. I'm not saying UW doesn't have a good incoming class (however, I've heard negative things about Gudmanson). I'm just saying that he will be playing in a system completely different than anything he's ever played in before. He won't be running and gunning anymore. Even if Turris came to UND he wouldn't get 100+ points in a season, sure, but I believe he won't approach 40 points. I could be wrong, but I just don't think Turris and the UW system mesh well...at least on paper.

I didn't make it up. Kaip: Early in the year Kaip appeared on the "low respect list" and was deemed unfit to get the minutes he was getting. Didn't make that up. LaPoint: No one is bashing him...yet. You see, he's of the same mold as Brian Lee. Not as physical of a defenseman as others of LaPoint's size. He's good on the PP and has a great shot and outlet pass. This guy is a less hyped Brian Lee. It is GOING to happen. I guarantee it. It is just a matter of time.

I think Turris will have problems at UW because of their defensive posture. I see an adjustment period and a huge drop off in scoring for him. Will it affect him professionally? Nope. Joe Pavelski was an ok scorer with UW but not great. He's doing much better now that he's in a better system.

So do I. My problem is biting my tongue whenever the "haters" show up.

Even so, let the "haters' laments" begin.

Maybe right now. However, if Lee stays, then these "fans" have Kozek, Kaip, Finley, Lee, and LaPoint to bash all year. Maybe they can find room to bash other players based upon statistical and respect-based "problems." Great to see Big Joe back.

Sorry, but when the pitcher can take 5-10 minutes just to cycle 30-40 times through his 4 or 5 pitch types and then decide that he's going to look around for hot chicks in the stands... then check the runner....then start a 2 minute long windup... that's tension? The only tension I feel is "WHEN IS HE GOING TO THROW THE DAMN BALL!?" I agree about basketball. The instant it gets physical, they go to the foul line. Really, the game is full of pu$$ies. Swat the ball, miss, hit the guy's wrist, and they cry for mommy as they shoot two from the line. Christ. Mike Prpich would take that wrist slap and give that smile of his and either shrug it off like a mosquito bite or perhaps slap the other guy's nose...with his fist.

If we are talking Gopher recruits, how did O'Brien lose so much ground with CSS? He was a first rounder for the LONGEST time. I also find it laughable that Brian Schack is now listed as a possible 7th round pick. Hes a less talented Jake Taylor.

Haven't seen him play. Read somewhere that Hughes wants to go to Michigan.

Hmmm.... I've watched baseball since I was 6 years old. I've only been into hockey since I was 18 years old. Interesting thing: baseball sucks to watch. It's boring as all hell. Too slow. If you watch on TV or listen to the radio you have to deal with commentators (trust me, when you are a Cubs fan, this is excruciating). There is very little action in baseball. Most of the time, excitement comes in classless play (rushing the pitcher). Sure, I love great hits and great plays just as much as anyone. But it is so slow and boring to watch that, unless I'm watching it at the ballpark, I don't have time to watch anything more than highlights when it comes to baseball.

I know this sounds arrogant, but I can't help but think that if David doesn't commit to the Sioux, it means he's committed to playing Major Junior. I really don't think he'll commit anywhere else. He'll probably visit other schools just to get a grasp on what's out there (I think every recruit should before they commit) but then make his decision sometime before this time next year. Not every player is an Oshie or Chorney (According to Chorney's aunt, Taylor made one unofficial visit, one official visit, and then committed to UND. He did not look anywhere else). Give David time.

Alas, I've only caught bits and pieces. My crappy TV provider (I don't get Midcontinent or CableOne OR satellite) doesn't provide me with Versus so I only get NHL games when FSN covers them (crappy Wild games) or if they are on NBC (rarity) or if I go over to my folks place. I wish though. It's been quite exciting. I miss Stevie Y as well. He really added character to the team. He was the definition of what a Captain should be. Stevie was my fave. Close behind is Lidstrom. All time that I've seen on TV (only seen one Red Wing game live) I LOVED Konstantinov. For an undersized defenseman, he hit like a semi truck. Datsyuk and Zetterberg are turning into the real deal. Interesting that neither was drafted higher than the 6th round.

Detroit wouldn't be a bad place for him. But isn't Columbus not too far off too? Wouldn't want him there. I was thinking teams like: Anaheim Detroit Nashville Vancouver NJ NYR Buffalo Calgary San Jose Tampa Bay I think NJ could get rid of some of their big $$ talent. I don't know whom it is that has a shorter term contract, but say... Gomez some AHL bum to Chicago for: Rights to Toews 2007 2nd round pick

I for one hope that Toews gets traded to a team that doesn't suck as much as Chicago.

I don't know. Proudsioux has an agenda, and alcohol is a major part of it. That's all I think of when I read his posts. Buning has done a pretty good job so far. The tough part is yet to come, I admit, but I think he's doing alright. I don't know what Idalski will do with the team, but I'm highly doubtful that he could do worse than Rivard, regardless of how hard she worked or how nice a person she is or is not.

Thanks for the alternative perspective. Don't really care though. He's a monster. I don't care what made him do it. All that matters is that he did. I wouldn't be surprised if Cho was deemed a black eye to the Asian American community. According to KFAN, Cho's parents were considering moving back to Korea but even Korea doesn't want them back. THAT fact is sad. Harming or harrassing Cho's parents isn't going to prove anything. They didn't kill 33 people. They didn't encourage Cho's behavior, to my knowledge. Leave them out of it.

Why is this so surprising? Their rhetoric is redundant and tiring. All they want is someone to assault them so they can get money. With 33 victims' families in attendance with emotions running high, seems like a "sure thing." Let's hope the families and funeral attendees don't do anything stupid. I'd love for the Westboro Church to go bankrupt because no one gives a damn about what they say anymore.