Putting the FINAL aside...

[li0lsh]

What a great fucking year for hockey this was gentlemen (and the few ladies out there)

 

[Nasty_Magician]

The Devils didn't make the playoffs, and this was still one of the most enjoyable NHL season's I've seen. And I love that it's being capped off by two very deserving teams/fan bases facing off in a game 7. Perfect.

 

[elocomotive]

I doubt this will be our final aside - we go off topic all the time here.

 

[li0lsh]

I doubt this will be our final aside - we go off topic all the time here.

well I'mm make sure that doesn't happen!

 

[dash]

Great season of hockey combined with exciting playoffs and the return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg. All we need is Crosby healthy in October.

 

[dare2be]

Great season of hockey combined with exciting playoffs and the return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg. All we need is Crosby healthy in October.

...and April-May-June

 

[elocomotive]

I feel like it was a good year in hockey in general. Revenues/viewership seem up despite the recession. That's a good sign. And with what Dash said, a new town/arena that cares about hockey and will fill up every night instead of being not that passionate/half full will be good for the game.

I feel like it was also a very controversial year for hockey. A hit to one of the game's most prolific stars and a number of injuries (especially concussions) and lots of talks over discipline and health of the players. I think the NHL is at a real crossroads this offseason with how the game will be played, hits that will be allowed, etc. that could have a huge impact on the game going forward. I'm hopeful they'll start being more clear in their rulemaking, more transparent in their decisions, and more consistent in how they apply them. But we'll see...

 

[Nasty_Magician]

Let's not forget Colin is out Shanny is in.

 

[Forty_Sixand2]

The Caps were swept in the second round like the pathetic choking dogs that they are. It was a terrible hockey season as far as I am concerned. Underachievement can not be trumped by a nice series in the finals. Sorry.....

 

[ritari330]

The Caps were swept in the second round like the pathetic choking dogs that they are. It was a terrible hockey season as far as I am concerned. Underachievement can not be trumped by a nice series in the finals. Sorry.....

every year sucks then

 

[flyersfan4706]

Swept second round. Choked away the #1 seed. God knows if I am getting my hopes up over Bryz.

Not so enjoyable. If the Bruins win I might be checking into the suicide thread.

 

[Forty_Sixand2]

every year sucks then

Well, the first couple of runs, the Caps were new and up and coming so it was exciting to make the playoffs and win a round and take the Pens to 7, because I felt like we were the underdogs. Now we are established and have more talent than 90% of the league and falling short has become a disappointment. My expectations have changed as the team changed. This team should be in the conference finals at least every year.

Think about how you feel with the Braves, an established good team. Pennant or bust, right??

 

[Forty_Sixand2]

every year sucks then

BTW, it that x-ray of you???

 

[IPostedWhat]

With the amazing run the Sabres had to make the playoffs, considering the passing of Rico, and the fact that the ownership changed over to Pegula, I will admit that I was pretty bummed that the Sabres couldn't make it past the 1st round again. It just seemed like this would of been THE year to really have it all come together and be a "Cinderella" Season.

Other than that, we have seen a lot of great Hockey in the Playoffs, and it doesn't get any better than a Game 7 in the Final.

 

[awaz]

Great season of hockey combined with exciting playoffs and the return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg. All we need is Crosby healthy in October.

neg.

 

[maddogmark25]

Awesome season, save for a certain deadline deal for one Kris Ver-dweeb........








Thankx a bunch, Homer

 

[devs30rko]

Shockingly I haven't had this much fun w hockey in probably 3 or 4 years. This year was excellent provided tons of storylines throughout the year.
Kudos everybody and let's keep this rolling

 

[OregonDucks]

it all started back in the olympics.

 

[ritari330]

Well, the first couple of runs, the Caps were new and up and coming so it was exciting to make the playoffs and win a round and take the Pens to 7, because I felt like we were the underdogs. Now we are established and have more talent than 90% of the league and falling short has become a disappointment. My expectations have changed as the team changed. This team should be in the conference finals at least every year.

Think about how you feel with the Braves, an established good team. Pennant or bust, right??

That's a good point about the Braves. When they had their long run of division titles, it was, not so much anymore. I agree with all of that you said, but overall as far as all of hockey instead of just the Caps it was a good year of hockey. Very disapointing, but as long as there is still hockey playing I won't think about it as much I guess. Once the game is over tonight I'll remember how badly we played vs Tampa.

BTW, it that x-ray of you???

Yep, an x-ray of my knee with the screws in it after my surgury earlier this year:

 

[flyersfan4706]

Ewww