Sorry Nil, but

norskipaul · Senior Member

Sorry Nil, but

Nil d · Guru

Don't get me wrong, Paul. It's hard not getting caught up in the hype down here with this kid being one of our own. I love the kid, but am in no way happy about the outcome of last night's game. I consider him the opposition, and I would have liked nothing better than to see him lose last night. Many have ragged on about his ego, etc., but when you consider he is all of 18 and has been under the microscope for years (I knew of him when he was 11) I think he handles himself well - in both official languages, I might add. With Gretzky, Lemieux, etc going or gone, the NHL needs new stars, and I don't think they could do much better than this guy.

brooklynhabfan · Guru

norskipaul wrote:

...giving hm a heroes welcome like he's just returned from overseas after single-handedly defeating the entire German army...
Maybe it's a cultural thing, but that wouldn't happen over here. We wouldn't let some upstart come into our place and let him walk all over us,

Hmmm... Norway, Germans, upstarts walking in and taking over... all sound so familiar... can't quite place it...

Seriously. though, someone has to be "the one", ever since Mark Macguire (sp?) saved baseball's ass (I promise never to use the words "balls" and "ass" in the same sentence again) the marketing guys love having an "it boy". Even better if he's got a near rival to compete with. Better still if that rival has vowels in his name. I guess that's why we're still looking to fill that slot.

So, even if he's a horse's patoot, it brings money and interest to the game, which boosts the health of the league. So it can't be all that bad

all the best
your pal
Johan Nygaardsvold ( at least I never mentioned Vidkun Quisling)

beakermania · Senior Member

Norskip

Is Ovechkin not a good enough rival for Sid??

I know the Americans were trying to push Kessel, and he is good, but i don't think he is in the same league as those two. Kinda like comparing Yzerman to Gretzky/Lemieux in the 80s, he was always third fiddle. Just like to point out also that I don't think any of the three are as good as Gretzky/Lemieux, just a comparison to throw out there.

brooklynhabfan · Guru

beakermania wrote:

Is Ovechkin not a good enough rival for Sid??

Wrong kind of vowels

norskipaul · Senior Member

brooklynhabfan wrote:

norskipaul wrote: ...giving hm a heroes welcome like he's just returned from overseas after single-handedly defeating the entire German army... Maybe it's a cultural thing, but that wouldn't happen over here. We wouldn't let some upstart come into our place and let him walk all over us, Hmmm... Norway, Germans, upstarts walking in and taking over... all sound so familiar... can't quite place it... Seriously. though, someone has to be "the one", ever since Mark Macguire (sp?) saved baseball's ass (I promise never to use the words "balls" and "ass" in the same sentence again) the marketing guys love having an "it boy". Even better if he's got a near rival to compete with. Better still if that rival has vowels in his name. I guess that's why we're still looking to fill that slot. So, even if he's a horse's patoot, it brings money and interest to the game, which boosts the health of the league. So it can't be all that bad all the best your pal Johan Nygaardsvold ( at least I never mentioned Vidkun Quisling)

Johan Nygaardsvold/Quisling, I sure didn't see that one coming. It's nice that some one knows something about our history, but I agree that the war metaphor as somewhat out of place. actually I was thinking more about England, soccer and so on. Our home ground is supposed to be a fortress, not a place anyone can waltz into and take over. Some times I get the feeling that the sell-out crowds and the atmosphere at the Bell intimadate the home players and inspire the visitors instead of the other way around.When it comes to Crosby I'm sure he's a great guy, but I'm sick of the media drooling all over him, and I get the impression through some of the posts that he's starting to believe in the hype...not good. Where does this knowledge of Norwegian history come from anyway?

Desi · Senior Member

Norskipaul -- I know exactly what you mean. It seems like our guys get intimidated the minute they step on home ice, as if every move they make is going to be scrutinized and criticised so they shy away from doing anything the least bit risky. (Of course, everything they do WILL be scrutinized and criticised -- and right here on this board, too! But they should still play like professionals and not worry about the Monday-morning quarterbacking.)

I used to look forward to the team's going on the road so that they could free-wheel it a little bit more. But lately, they just stink whereever they play -- it doesn't seem to matter!

No doubt the other teams are psyched to come into the Centre Bell and leave with a W. Maybe we should hire a team of psychologists to convince our guys that home games are really away games. Maybe then they'd come to the rink with a little more fire in the belly. (No offense to Odin...)

Les Canadiens Sont La

barry33 · Guru

Nil d wrote:

Don't get me wrong, Paul. It's hard not getting caught up in the hype down here with this kid being one of our own. I love the kid, but am in no way happy about the outcome of last night's game. I consider him the opposition, and I would have liked nothing better than to see him lose last night. Many have ragged on about his ego, etc., but when you consider he is all of 18 and has been under the microscope for years (I knew of him when he was 11) I think he handles himself well - in both official languages, I might add. With Gretzky, Lemieux, etc going or gone, the NHL needs new stars, and I don't think they could do much better than this guy.

Nilsey- as you know I love this guy and met him and have found him to be a class act. However, watching him, I have seen some things in his demeanour that are beginning to bother me. It started when Olcyk was coaching and Syd was essentially coming out in the press and calling "for a change". As well, I really believe that the way he has spoken on the bench to veterans has gotten around the league and may have been a factor in being left off the Olympic Team. But as I said in another post (geeeeeeeeesh I hate agreeing with Don Cherry), he has GOT to stop the acting. When a stick comes up anywhere near his head he snaps it back like he has been shot. And up until now, it has worked and he is getting the calls. But the refs watch video tape as well and will soon start ignoring it.

Having said all of this, the kid is 18 and has alot of maturing to do obviously. He is just going to have to be careful because at this time his demeanour indicates that the fame is going to his head IMHO.

brooklynhabfan · Guru

norskipaul wrote:

Johan Nygaardsvold/Quisling, I sure didn't see that one coming. It's nice that some one knows something about our history, but I agree that the war metaphor as somewhat out of place. actually I was thinking more about England, soccer and so on. Our home ground is supposed to be a fortress, not a place anyone can waltz into and take over. Some times I get the feeling that the sell-out crowds and the atmosphere at the Bell intimadate the home players and inspire the visitors instead of the other way around.When it comes to Crosby I'm sure he's a great guy, but I'm sick of the media drooling all over him, and I get the impression through some of the posts that he's starting to believe in the hype...not good. Where does this knowledge of Norwegian history come from anyway?

It's also funny how opposing teams seem to arrive in town with the attitude that they are going to play one of the great Habs teams in the storied Forum, even though neither still exist (sort of). I always find that one of the weird parts of being a habs fan. Sort of like when I was growing up, and a relative I hadn't seen for years came up to me with a huge smile, which, upon getting closer, changed to a "what happened, you were such a cute baby?" expression.

Norway - where else can I indulge in my hobby of amateur whaling in peace? Now, if they just could de-confiscate my cattle-pult, I'd be in business! There's nothing more beautiful than a cow gracefully arcing over the fjords at sunrise.... ahhhh...

BTW, did you see the Arsenal - Man Utd game? zzzzzzz.... Although you still have to chuckle at the Arsenal-Arsene Wenger arse-fest

barry33 · Guru

Norway - where else can I indulge in my hobby of amateur whaling in peace? Now, if they just could de-confiscate my cattle-pult, I'd be in business! There's nothing more beautiful than a cow gracefully arcing over the fjords at sunrise.... ahhhh...

Brooksy- I go amateur whaling every Saturday night here at the Country and Western Bar. Cmon up.

norskipaul · Senior Member

The sight of a cow arcing over a fjord in the morning can be quite awe-inspiring. When it comes to whaling let me say that I more into what Barry's talking about. I've never really bought the Mother Teresa of the sea crap either, but I don't really want to get into that. I'd rather go to the C+W bar!

Nil d · Guru

barry33 wrote:

It started when Olcyk was coaching and Syd was essentially coming out in the press and calling "for a change".

I believe he said that a change had been needed, but he only said that after the coach had been fired. I don't think he called for his head before the fact.

AB Habman · Guru

Nil d wrote:

Don't get me wrong, Paul. It's hard not getting caught up in the hype down here with this kid being one of our own. I love the kid, but am in no way happy about the outcome of last night's game. I consider him the opposition, and I would have liked nothing better than to see him lose last night. Many have ragged on about his ego, etc., but when you consider he is all of 18 and has been under the microscope for years (I knew of him when he was 11) I think he handles himself well - in both official languages, I might add. With Gretzky, Lemieux, etc going or gone, the NHL needs new stars, and I don't think they could do much better than this guy.

When an elete special player comes around like Crosby, fans ask why isn't he hit and made to pay the price to to be succesfull? Easier said than done. Their great because they are hard to hit without making it obvious that a player is going out of their way to hit without taking a penalty. Also every great player has self confidence that may mimic arrogance.

A player like Crosby may bring denial at first to accept as great because they are opposition and will damage offensively. Like many fans accross the globe that already accepts him as special, it's just a matter of time before most will. Just wait till he matures and gains even more confidence on the ice than look out!

In Alberta, I spent alot of time watching Gretzky and Crosby really reminds me of an 18 yr old Gretzky on and off the ice. The difference being that Gretzky wasn't as strong or fast as Crosby but had a sharper vision at his age. Crosby will acquire this but it may take a couple more years. He will eventually be a complete player and that will make him great! Will he score more points than Gretz? I don't think he will be blessed with the same talent surrounding him that Gretz utilized over his career! Also Gretz was rarely injured. You need alot of luck on your side to duplicate what Gretz did. Luck and greatness go hand in hand!

normie · Member

Ya hit it right on the nose Paul!!!! Nil knows my feelings about "kidney" after I payed big $$ to see him play in the Orr vs Cherry game back here in Van and he "no-showed".....I'm still pissed about that. The Pens are not coming to Van this season and even if they were I would'nt buy a ticket. I've already seen Mario in his prime. I did'nt want to see him hurt in the Mtl game, but I would've liked to have seen him layed out a few times....nufsed.....cheers.....normie

brooklynhabfan · Guru

norskipaul wrote:

I've never really bought the Mother Teresa of the sea

The world's least popular tuna brand? BTW, walk into a bar holding a whale jaw, you'll be fightin' off the ladies with a harpoon ( I carry mine with me at all times)