Tony_

Don't forget, Nash might be a natural goal scorer but obviously defense isn't his game. He has a -35 rating this season. That could be another reason why he didn't crack the line up. Kovalchuk has something near -10 while Iginla has +21.

One thing I don't like about NHL 2004 is when players want ######ing crazy raises in Dynasty Mode. I remember in a Dynasty I was just simulating for fun, Mike Comrie was asking me for $30 mill for one season. Freaking outrageous.

R.I.P. Ivan

Kovalev has made public that the only reason he didn't re-sign with the team in before free agency was so he could test the market. He said on numerous occasions that he loved playing in Montreal. He loves the fans, he loves the city, the respect and ovations he got from fans and that Montreal is a hockey town. edit: typo [Edited on 2004/8/17 by Tony]

The only reason Rick Nash wouldn't be on the team Canada roster is because he's not a team player. He's a pure goal scorer and doesn't like to give up the puck. Don't get me wrong, he's a great player but look at the stats, he only had 16 assists last season why Kovalchuk and Iginla had over 40 and 30 respectively.

As long as Bob keeps in contact with Alexei's agent and keep up the small talk, things should come in place. The only issue that was publicly stated as being the reason that Kovalev isn't in a Habs uniform right now is a financial disagreement. Alexei is bound to give up one day. He can't keep putting up against not only Montreal but any team who's interested in him so he can score a big salary. Especially at this time were the CBA and faith of the NHL is fragile. Alexei should come to his sense soon...

It should be affordable. Not alot of players. On the bright side, the game are being played throughout Canada and this sounds way better than the WHA if you ask me.

The only reason I can think of why Dowd isn't signed right now must be the whole youth movement Bob Gainey was talking about a while ago. Dowd might add veteranship and depth in the team (not to mention experience) but I think Bob would rather see a Bulldogs player compete in the big league.

He might be on vacation. Who knows. Supposebly Kovalev was also spotted in July in Montreal.

If I remember right he's a gritty player. Could be the guy we need. LaCouture is alright.

I used to do auto-line changes but like Ribeiro said the computer would pull a gay stunt and put the 4th line when I'm down by one. I got fet up so I do it manually, same thing except I'm more in control.

Looks like Sportsnet is getting ready in case of a lockout. Hopefully they'll broadcast more AHL games and change the commentators. They're really horrible. Can't wait to see some Sweedish games

<Gainey said something like he probably will crack the line up this year. Who knows. He does have AHL experience. In an interview he said he's the player who should replace Langdon.

Ya I love Doan, he has all, including a ton of heart. A player like Doan is an excellent addition to any team. I'm still hoping the World Cup isn't the last hockey we see this year

Sweet, hopefully Sportsnet will broadcast more AHL games and I got a backup plan if there's a lockout.

I wonder what the negociations are like in the NHL and NHLPA meetings. Sounds like 4 hours of childish behaviour to me. Sounds pretty simple to me, players either accept a salary cap or work on a comprise to even things out. I know it sounds easy to say it then make it happen but Bettman and Goodenow should really grow up so some progress can be made.

Can't really chose, I'd like to hear from all the players. Any player is fine by me.

I have a Habs catalog around here and a signed Jersey by either Beliveau or Lafleur is 600$. But I'd rather take my chance and try to meet them in person, makes the experience more memorable.

Now that I think about it, I went to the innauguration of some municipal arena that was now called the "Martin Brodeur Arene". Nothing special. Martin was there, shaked everyones hand and thanked each person for coming. They were handing out a picture of him that was signed (well he signed it once and they made photocopies and gave it to each person). It was alright. You can get way better memorobilia if you show up to his parent's house. His dad is so generous, he hands out cards and posters signed by Martin. Same goes for Jocelyn Thibault. I haven't done that because it might be weird just showing up at their houses but I have friends who have did so.

Like I said with Dackell, nice to see Gordie's useful with some other team. Last season I saw a Bulldog's game and Dwyer scored, was the funniest thing everyone went nuts and so did the Sportsnet announcers. They're reaction was as if they won the lottery or something.

Any line up would be crazy with that group of talented players. The only thing I can think of right now would be that Doan would play either on the 3rd or 4th line.

Thanks for the info PD I wasn't really aware of that. As far as Hossa cracking the line up, who knows, he can be placed anywhere. Only Julien will know the answer when the time will come.

Clear waivers to return to Hamilton? Can't they just send him down there right away?

Niedermayer does have NJ by the balls and good too. At some point in July rumours were going around that Niedermayer's days in NJ are numbered. Supposebly he enjoyed playing with his brother Rob this winter that they're both contemplating joining Vancouver together. Same rumours flew around for Paul Kariya but I doubt either 3 players will join the Canucks.

I think I read on RDS this morning that Marcel Hossa might crack the line up for next season. If Kovalev signs and top 2 scoring lines are the same, it would be interesting to see Bulis-Bonk-Hossa line. Hossa isn't gritty but it adds a more offensive touch to it.