Will This Last?

[Humpzilla]

Seems so far most of us are eating our words. As up until this point there's been mostly entertaining games, a significant increase in intensity, and plenty of fights on a night by night basis. The way things are going I see us getting a couple of linebrawls or just even more fights off the opening face-off.

Are we going to see this continue --- Is this 'the new normal'?

Will the team's eventually settle in, or will this pace of intensity become too much to maintain? Fatigue & Injuries could become a major factor, though that could lead to more AHL tough guys being called up.

I'd have to think the league office is letting all the rough stuff and aggressiveness go in hopes of placating & satisfying the fans who've been craving this kind of action for months. Even the 'staged fights', which though i'm sure will eventually get quelled

But in the meantime

[slashtrey]

It will not last.

[V12_Bi-Turbo]

I love the current NHL
I dont believe I am typing it
I am very satisfied with the fighting so far

Not sure if it will last.. in a shorten season teams know very well they must get the best results from the first couple of games thats why the intensity is so high. Time will tell

I hope this night turns into fightfest. We can count on Chicago-St. Louis I guess

[ValJamesRules]

I hope it stays! With a shortened season and all, getting off to a quick start is important. I think that's why we are seeing some good fisticuffs. Combine that with nothing but divisional and conference games, and the fireworks display should continue.

[Godly_goon]

when the lock out ended i had too predictions

1) we are in for a play it safe season, less tough guys in the line up in favour of scoring call ups, a less physical game more we need the points to make it in the play offs type of hockey.. especially with no training camp thought players would be not in game shape and we would be in for sloppy hockey

or

2) a 48 game play off like regular season filled with games against nothing but division/conference rivals... hard fought grudge matches all season long with passion... a real gritty type game with lots of injuries and agitator/enforcer call ups to continue a gritty style.... in a 48 game season EVERY game matters every game is a must win, with lots of passion...


right now it looks like option 2 is what were in for!! im also calling a bench brawl in the NHL this season

[slashtrey]

Originally Posted by Godly_goon

im also calling a bench brawl in the NHL this season

I think the NHL will have a team in Australia before there is ever a bench brawl at this point.

[V12_Bi-Turbo]

I pray for a goalie fight this year

[Godly_goon]

Originally Posted by slashtrey

I think the NHL will have a team in Australia before there is ever a bench brawl at this point.

bet? lol i want odds

[acdcrocksno1]

The way I see it there has been no training camps a lot of these guys have to come in and try make an impression.

Also lots of these guys haven't been playing too much and a big hit or a fight is a great way to jump start their season

[Captain Crunch28]

Originally Posted by V12_Bi-Turbo

I pray for a goalie fight this year

I'm going to predict there is 1 goalie fight this season, and it will involve Ray Emery.

[Wadubbin]

I don't think it's going to last.but I'm enjoying it while it lasts...

[slashtrey]

Originally Posted by Captain Crunch28

I'm going to predict there is 1 goalie fight this season, and it will involve Ray Emery.

If only the Blackhawks played the Rangers this year. We could have potentially seen a Biron-Emery rematch.

[shaud19]

Why wont it last? Players say "I'm too tired and don't want to fight or hit anymore"? I believe fights will continue to come. Players know what REAL fans wants a good, entertaining fight. I don't think there's going to be a goalie fight this year... not worth getting suspended if the team is fighting for a playoff spot with the shortened season. Maybe a second string goalie will throw em'.

[dtb1381]

The Bruins havent played the Islanders or anybody in their divison yet, theyll be some fireworks.

[illukka]

right now with the shortened schedule there are no meaningless games. no team can afford to lose points- IMO the intensity will just grow and there will be more animosity between teams and players