I know this is the wrong forum, but this Pens/Flyers game is ridiculous

[Guest]

One of the first things newcomers have a hard time understanding is how in the hell can you have a "roughing" penalty. It seems pretty ridiculous to the casual observer. The main object of the game seems to be roughing. But as VCT said, once you get icing and offsides, the rest is easy. I tell people the rules about offense are a lot like soccer. That Flyers Pens game was crazy. VCT, what's up with the 'nucks? You guys better come out on fire tonight. The Kings played Nashville tough every game this year. They match up with us very well. I'd rather not have to play them in the playoffs.

The main objective of the game isn't roughing. Where did you get that from? The problem with Hockey is that it doesn't translate well to TV for the casual fan. The in-game experience, especially the playoffs, far surpasses any of the other major North American sports live and people are starting to realize that. Honestly, that bullshit yesterday with the Pen-Flyers game, is a huge setback for the growth of the game as people think it's about roughing instead of skill. Sure you need to be able to protect yourself and not get pushed around in the playoffs but that looked like how Hockey was played in the 70s.

[NoD]

They are replaying that game today on NHL network I'm DVRing it for sure, lol. It looked like a bloodbath from some of the highlights I saw

[NoD]

And Stanley Cup playoff hockey is really the best sport to see in person there is. It's great on TV, but in person it's amazing. I actually prefer a good defensive game with great goaltending. Every goal is at a premium and so much rides on each shift. Add to that the physicality, what's not to like? I think the problem with most people is not understanding the rules.

[freakingeek]

The main objective of the game isn't roughing. Where did you get that from? The problem with Hockey is that it doesn't translate well to TV for the casual fan. The in-game experience, especially the playoffs, far surpasses any of the other major North American sports live and people are starting to realize that. Honestly, that bullshit yesterday with the Pen-Flyers game, is a huge setback for the growth of the game as people think it's about roughing instead of skill. Sure you need to be able to protect yourself and not get pushed around in the playoffs but that looked like how Hockey was played in the 70s.

Perhaps that was a poor choice of words but my point was how do you explain to the newcomer or casual observer that a normal balls to the walls check is NOT roughing in some form or fashion? The game is physical, probably more so than any sport other than boxing or UFC. Of course anyone who watches hockey regularly can understand the skill it takes. You're right that TV hockey doesn't translate well unless you are a pretty avid fan. My wife loves to go to Preds games but has a hard time watching it on TV. Things happen so quickly and without being able to see the entire ice surface and the 10 skaters simultaneously when the puck is in play, theres no way to appreciate their speed and skill as the play unfolds. Even seeing it live you can't appreciate how hard they are hitting each other unless you sit close to the ice surface.

[Mercalius]

I think the biggest thing that limits hockey on TV comes down to one big thing: puck visibility.

They've tried addressing this in the past with numerous methods, but nothing has really been successful. Fact of the matter, it's too hard to tell where the puck is at a lot of times on a TV setting. Bigger TVs on average and high definition are slowly fixing this, but it's still IMO the biggest reason between the falloff between the live/televised experience. That being said, once you reach a certain appreciation for the game, watching it televised is still a really enjoyable experience, but for newcomers, not being sure where the puck is a lot of times certainly puts some people off.

[freakingeek]

watching it televised is still a really enjoyable experience,

I love it, I listen to games on the radio too if they're not televised on Dish.

[Omar]

Not a big hockey guy, but that was a very entertaining game.

I can't stop watching tinmans avatar now...we all need avatars like that.

[freakingeek]

I think the biggest thing that limits hockey on TV comes down to one big thing: puck visibility.

They've tried addressing this in the past with numerous methods, but nothing has really been successful. Fact of the matter, it's too hard to tell where the puck is at a lot of times on a TV setting. Bigger TVs on average and high definition are slowly fixing this, but it's still IMO the biggest reason between the falloff between the live/televised experience. That being said, once you reach a certain appreciation for the game, watching it televised is still a really enjoyable experience, but for newcomers, not being sure where the puck is a lot of times certainly puts some people off.

I liked that effect that one of the networks used last year where the puck had a "tracer" super-imposed behind it. It made it a lot easier to follow and wasn't obnoxious and didn't interrupt yuor concentration.

[Guest]

Perhaps that was a poor choice of words but my point was how do you explain to the newcomer or casual observer that a normal balls to the walls check is NOT roughing in some form or fashion? The game is physical, probably more so than any sport other than boxing or UFC. Of course anyone who watches hockey regularly can understand the skill it takes. You're right that TV hockey doesn't translate well unless you are a pretty avid fan. My wife loves to go to Preds games but has a hard time watching it on TV. Things happen so quickly and without being able to see the entire ice surface and the 10 skaters simultaneously when the puck is in play, theres no way to appreciate their speed and skill as the play unfolds. Even seeing it live you can't appreciate how hard they are hitting each other unless you sit close to the ice surface.

Ahh okay, that makes sense. My wife also loves going to see he Caps play at the Verizon Center but she can't sit through a game at home. I find it odd but then again Hockey is my 2nd favorite sport behind Football so I'm bias.

[KogaShuko]

Who cares, hockey sucks anyways.

[freakingeek]

Who cares, hockey sucks anyways.

I'd be pissed if I were you too. Screw the Presidents trophy. It's Lord Stanley's that really counts. The Nucks just don't look like they're hungry and Luongo has looked "off" too. It ain't over till it's over but it ain't lookin good. Sorry man. The top two favored teams in each conference might be the first two out. I thought we might see another Nucks/ Preds matchup.

[KogaShuko]

Yeah, I definitely agree about the cup. PT is meaningless without it. As someone who hated on Luongo around these parts before it became the trendy thing to do I have to say Lu hasnt been the problem. We just look so flat this year. Last season felt almost magical, and it went as long as it possibly could, I think the team is just burned out. Hopefully we can pull off a miracle here and build some nice momentum.

My room mate and I just went and bought a HD projector and screen just to have people over and watch the games before playofffs started and we havent even got to host a party yet! lol Fuckin Canucks. lol

[Mercalius]

Quick has been a wall for that series, no doubt. I'm nowhere near a Canucks fan, but I really don't look forward to playing the Kings if we edge out the Wings.

[freakingeek]

Quick has been a wall for that series, no doubt. I'm nowhere near a Canucks fan, but I really don't look forward to playing the Kings if we edge out the Wings.

The Kings have only lost 2 games in regulation since the beginning or March and they also have very quietly developed in to one of the best defenses in the league.

[CMJ]

Kings gotta put em away Wednesday.