Hockey

Bryz has been criticized since he got here. His contract is too long, he's too inconsistent, why would we trade our captain and his boyfriend to make room for him, etc. It got even worse throughout the season, especially after 24/7 came out. Holmgren yanked him away from the media and would only let him talk to them after games so he wouldn't "get distracted" and he got slammed for an interview he did after the Devils knocked us out and Philly went through a brief stint of calling for his head. It's been ugly; can't wait to go through this for another eight years.

If anyone's interested, this is a good article by Puck Daddy talking about him and Tim Thomas.

Apparently the Sabres are in the market for Shane Doan. I don't see him coming here, but it'd be awesome.

Also, Mike Modano eyeing a comeback? I don't know how that'll go over.

Also also, hells yes TJ Brennan coming back to the Sabres! :D

Supposedly the Pens made him an offer, too, but I agree with you. I don't see him on the Pens or Sabres, or any team besides Phoenix for that matter. He seems too slow for our system.

voracek:

I think I heard that the Bruins can trade Thomas because he's still technically under contract even though he's taking the year off. If there's another team that needs to reach cap minimum they can ask the Bruins for Thomas's contract/rights so he counts against their cap. There's been some talk in the Flyers camp about them doing the same thing regarding Pronger. I'm not sure how accurate that is, though.

Anyway, first post here! Hi, everyone! -waves-

Hello! and yes this is true. He can still be traded, some teams are interested, but most likely he will be around until trade deadline. He is taking the year off regardless, but is training for the Olympics in 2014. ::shakes head:

creatively:

Oh my god I think it's so stupid Thomas is taking the year off. He is so talented and to just take a break when he's on top of the game is stupid. You don't get to be the best by slacking and he's doing just that. I've heard so many theories as to why he's doing it and I just think it's ridiculous. Excuse my ignorance and my selfishness but I think Tim Thomas taking a year off is absurd. Retire if you're going to take a "break" at 38 years old. Goalie is the toughest position to play and you don't see anyone else taking a break. Look at all the other older goalies, are they stopping? Nope! He's gonna be 39 by the time he starts playing again, that's retirement age! What is he gonna do, come back at 39 and play for another year before retiring? By taking a year off he's letting all of Boston's other goalies (and it seems to me like they're stacked in that department) step in and take his spot. None of those guys have any plans to stop and they could sure as hell get Thomas' starting position if they're good enough. I mean, if you have one goalie who's taking a year off to do whatever and another one who's willing to stay and hold up the team the choice is pretty obvious which one you'd keep around longer. I don't know why Tim Thomas, one of the league's best goalies, would want to take a break when you've got guys like Jonathan Quick right on your tail. I won't complain though, I'm happy. Toronto has a fighting chance at the series this season!!

Thomas has expressed he doesn't want to stay in Boston any longer, he uprooted his entire family mid-season from Boston out west. His contract is I believe finished after this season then anyone can take him in free agency should they want to. But his days in Boston are finished. He will not pull the #30 sweater over his head any more from Boston. ((Thank you Lord Stanley and Baby jesus!!))

If we're talking about unfairly criticized off the ice, I'd cast my vote for Patrick Kane. After all everyone says about him, calling him a slut, an alcoholic, ect. of course he does the things he does! I made a post on my Tumblr today about it and thinking about how much he has to see that stuff, people holding up those signs, it's gotta hurt a bit.

Didn't the Pens trade Staal to make way for Parise? Sorry if I'm wrong I can't really remember the details, but if they did, I could definitely see Doan taking that offer. What are they gonna do now that they didn't get Parise!! Good that they didn't, though, because they'd obviously have to chose between he and Geno somewhere down the road, how can you afford those two plus Crosby and all their other big contracts.

I'm going stir crazy waiting for the Leafs to do something, anything!! Anyone else gonna watch the Blackhawks Convention this weekend? That's always a riot, and I guess Kaner, Carcillo, Shawzer and Stalberg are gonna do some stand-up thing? Would've loved to see Tazer and Kaner on that together but I guess I'll have to wait for the Olympic panel.. I always love seeing the two together at the convention. But I'm most excited to see what Sharpy has to say, the secrets he'll spill. Omfg how I would love to see BHTV covering his pranks again. Why did you sign with the Sharks, Bur!!! Good thing we have Joey, we're getting a little dry, that kid is keeping us alive!

Staal just started to complain about how he wasn't part of the two-headed monster that is Geno and Crosby, and he wanted to go to a team where his presence would be more known. It wasn't because we were dishing out big money on Parise (look how well that went; what a bust on everyone's part.). And we don't need anyone right now, as every bandwagon fan keeps saying. We have enough talent to last us to the trade deadline, so nothing to panic about (please remove your fingers from the big red panic button). :P

And let's just say P.Kane is all of those and a bag of chips, in my opinion. I actually despise him. x/

So, what are everyone's thoughts on the whole Weber situation? Obviously, I'm hoping Nashville won't match the offer sheet, but I don't think they will. I read somewhere that Weber's going to make as much in one calendar year as the Preds made in ticket revenue all last season, and unless they're some kind of miracle for them, I don't even think they can match.

Apparently, Weber was in the area a few weeks ago touring all the Flyers' facilities, and he said Philly was "the best fit" and he wants to play here. It would be a huge upgrade if the Flyers can get him, which I'm really hoping they do.

Eh, DOY pretty much sums it up:
http://daysofyorr.com/2012-articles/july/flyersweber-sign-offer-sheet-unreal-trolling-by-philly.html

Pensblog summed up my feelings, too, but they said a few different things in the same manner.

The trade with Staal went down because they needed the money to resign Crosby and Malkin and since Staal wanted more money and/or a longer contract, it was time to let him go. I, personally, was pretty sad that he's moving on, but I'm glad he gets his chance in the limelight.

I figured Parise wouldn't be in black and gold this coming season. I mean, when have the Pens ever won in a free agency battle? And that's coming from a die-hard Pittsburgh fan.

As long as you guys got Sid and Geno I think you're good, you could probably win games even if it was just the two of them I mean come on. Ugh, I hope Nashville matches their offer. I don't want him to become a Flyer. I'm super mad at the Flyers right now because we got JVR and I really don't want JVR. Plus I always hate seeing the captains leave. Apparently there is a good chance Doan will sign with Van? I'm just jealous of all the action the rest of the teams are getting when the Leafs haven't done anything major. I will rest when we have Luongo.

Apparently as of yesterday, Buffalo is still an option for Doan. Like I said, I doubt he'll come here, but it would be awesome if we could land him.

I think that Doan's just checking out his options and he's gonna resign in Phoenix, but I've been wrong before.

creatively:

As long as you guys got Sid and Geno I think you're good, you could probably win games even if it was just the two of them I mean come on. Ugh, I hope Nashville matches their offer. I don't want him to become a Flyer. I'm super mad at the Flyers right now because we got JVR and I really don't want JVR. Plus I always hate seeing the captains leave. Apparently there is a good chance Doan will sign with Van? I'm just jealous of all the action the rest of the teams are getting when the Leafs haven't done anything major. I will rest when we have Luongo.

I agree. I mean, it's Sid and Geno. But Fluery makes me nervous. He hasn't been super consistent. And no matter how good your goal-scorers are, you're still gonna have a sucky time if your goalkeeper isn't playing at his best 100% of the time.

And I agree. The Leafs need to get a move on making a play for some new linemates!

I'm not a fan of this Nash trade. Nothing against him. I just....hate trades. Dubi will forever be one of my Rangers. Sigh. I might be appeased if Doan makes a move though.

I'm kind of sad that Dubi's not a Ranger anymore.

I feel sad every time a player gets traded to Columbus.

Dubinsky to Columbus is just....wrong. Nash on the Rangers doesn't seem like a good fit, even if he is a power forward. :/

Edit: Weber is remaining a Predator. Thank the hockey lords he's not becoming a Flyer.

Weber remaining a Predator is good for the Preds since it's their Captain and a 'BIG' name for them. It's also really good that Philly didn't get him because, honestly, Philly scares me with the integrity and grit that that team possesses. With Weber they would have been outright scary.

I was really worried about Weber headed to Philly. Thank God he's not. The Flyers have honestly started shaping up over the past season and I just don't like it.

Thoughts on Tim Thomas letting everyone know he opposes same-sex marriage?