2007 NHL DRAFT !

NHL.COM ^ | 6/22/07 | none

[airborne]

NHL DRAFT taking place live now!

JUNE 22-23, 2007 Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH

Live round by round picks - http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=DraftStats

[CurlyBill]

I agree completely. At first, I was really somewhat lukewarm on them... when they were inadvertently leaked by the Caps website last Tuesday. They have grown on me, and I think they are one of the better unis in the league.

[CurlyBill]

The scouting report on Esposito is that he is soft and unwilling to battle in the corners and in front of the net. His stock fell... but much has yet to be seen. He’s been called the Phil Kessel of this draft... but we all know that Kessel only fell to #5. Much has yet to be seen with him. We probably won’t see him wearing a Pens jersey for at least another year or two.

[CurlyBill]

One of the basic problems with hockey is that it simply doesn't translate well to a televised format. The game is too fast, the puck is too small, etc.

Or maybe that people are too dumb and blind to follow it?

[CurlyBill]

I think the big story in this draft has been the fact that the Russians have been largely avoided in the early rounds. Whether or not the lack of a transfer agreement has been the issue will be a debate that will probably last for some time.

[airborne]

We probably won’t see him wearing a Pens jersey for at least another year or two.

If he skates with the baby Pens (AHL), I'll see him in Hershey against the Bears.

That's fine with me! ;^)

[Alberta's Child]

I don’t think they’re going to make a deal before the deadline — only because I’m not sure Gomez would want to sign with a team like Edmonton. He’d probably prefer to sign with another Atlantic Division team, and I don’t see the Devils making a trade like that with one of them.

[Alberta's Child]

Well, maybe. LOL.

But I know hockey as well as just about anyone -- and I don't think it translates well to television.

[airborne]

It works better with a 52” big screen TV!

[ConservativeStatement]

From what I understand, all teams will have new jerseys for next season because of the form-fitting design. There will be two per team meaning no third jerseys, alternates, etc. I’d like to see the home team wear white again.

[CurlyBill]

I've never had any problem watching hockey on TV. Of course, it is better when you're there live... but hockey on TV is great in my book. Having said that, I have played hockey for years and have coached at a number of different levels. I'm now in my fifth year as a high school head coach... so it might be a bit easier for me than someone who is new to the sport.

On another note, did you ever see Mark Cuban's comments on hockey and television? He said that you have to look at hockey on TV from a North American standpoint. Along with Canada, there are more viewers of the NHL than there are of the NBA. This coming from the owner of the Dallas Mavericks. I don't watch the NBA at all. For me, it's even more boring than baseball.

[CurlyBill]

Mee too. I never understood the move to have the home teams wear the dark jerseys.

[CurlyBill]

I’m assuming you’re in striking distance of Hershey. Are you a Bears fan as well as a baby Pens fan?

[airborne]

Yes, I’m close enough to Hershey to smell chocolate if the wind is blowing in the right direction.

I have season tickets at center ice, up behind the benches.

And I am a big Penguins fan, and also a big Bears fan. When they play each other, I root for the Bears (my friends at the Giant Center know I’m a Pens fan, and they tease me sometimes).

It’s a great way to see young talent grow up and move into the NHL. The Bears used to be the farm team for Colorado, so there are many ex-Bears who are now pros.

And it’s nice to go to a hockey game that’s 20 miles from home!

[CurlyBill]

Okay... so I’ll put you down as a bit of a Caps fan too by default!

[airborne]

Sort of. I know a lot of the kids that cameup over the last few years,

But old habits are hard to break, especially for a hockey fan like me!

[G8 Diplomat]

I’m pretty sure it’s the transfer agreement. That’s what just about every NHL authority says, and that’s what’s on NHL.com. I know Russia’s a bit of a screwy nation, but c’mon this is hockey. Like it or not their players are good, and if they’re draft material go ahead and draft ‘em and screw politics.

[CurlyBill]

I’m pretty sure it’s the transfer agreement. That’s what just about every NHL authority says, and that’s what’s on NHL.com. I know Russia’s a bit of a screwy nation, but c’mon this is hockey. Like it or not their players are good, and if they’re draft material go ahead and draft ‘em and screw politics.

I tend to agree, but I think many clubs are worried that they will get the 3 million dollar (or more) shakedown. Kinda like what Jesse Jackson did to Anheiser Busch.

[CurlyBill]

The Caps have really done well with the Hershey Bears and I believe the Hershey fans appreciate what the Caps have done. I know the area is primarily filled with Flyers fans, but I’ve been told by a couple of fans in the York area that things are changing a bit.

[airborne]

I don’t think there are as many Flyers fans as there used to be.

Losing constantly can have that effect! ;^)