gotbeer

'Male' hippo in Japan zoo found to be female after 7 years

2 minutes ago, deepdrive said:

Use the concept of negative painting and it becomes a little clearer why Z is the trade speculation. Instead of looking at who might be moved, look at who won't be moved.

Leo and McTavish seem to make the coaches and Verbeek happy. They bring skill and character to the team that I don't think Verbeek wants to lose. Unless it's a trade he wins big in, I don't think he would move them.

Terry didn't have a good year. But as the team grows in experience, I think it will suit his style more. Also, he's always been a little slow on the development curve, but steady at improving. I think the guy will continue to get better. Doesn't seem to be physically damaged, only 7M a year (if he's grows to be a 35-40 goal scorer), already locked up for multiple years, good character and work ethic/approach. I just can't see a reason to move him. Kind of Silfverberg in the sense that there's always someone else to focus on dealing with trade wise.

Vatrano is not going to be traded unless he can't be extended. The guy brings an energy to the team that it needs and Verbeek caveats. Probably why Zellweger is the smaller defender we kept. The team just is more alive when he's on the ice.

Cutter and our first pick are Verbeek choices. Until they play themselves out of favor, they're not going anywhere.

Killorn was brought in for character. He was overpaid for the same reason. He's a quality player when he's healthy. His contract is probably not movable until the last year. I don't see him going anywhere. Strome is probably the same situation less the talent.

So there you go. That leaves Z. He has potential talent and is a draw. Not what would keep him here, but might make him desirable to another org. The fact that he has a sense that he's worth more than he presently is, only adds to this. I don't think Verbeek wants to trade him. But i do think he has less holding him back from making a deal that would give the team more experience in a equally talented player (By equally talented, I mean would fit in to give the Ducks as much on the balance.)

the strange thing about this whole Z speculation, is that I haven't heard Cronin or Beeker speak poorly about him at all.  Even when he got benched, neither Cronin or Z said anything bad about it outside of a learning experience.  Most of Cronin's comments about Z have been positive.  Just looking at Beekers, hoping he grows into what we expect of him comment, and Cronins constant praise of him.  I'm wondering if they are both trying to do tough love on Z and work the immaturity out of him.  Cronin said that the guys in the locker room look up to Z.  Just reading between the lines, it doesn't sound like they are looking to trade him, but to elevate him so that he becomes a letter on the team.  

Verbeek: Ducks targeting top-6 forward, top-4 D-man this summer

Maybe those Stamkos rumors have some legs?

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The 2024 UFA class includes several high-profile right-shot forwards who could fill a top-six role, including Sam Reinhart, Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Joe Pavelski, Tyler Toffoli, David Perron, and Elias Lindholm. On the potentially cheaper - and younger - side, there's also Daniel Sprong and Jack Roslovic.

 

The crop of right-shot UFA defensemen isn't quite as deep, but the likes of Brandon Montour, Dylan DeMelo, Matt Roy, Brett Pesce, Chris Tanev, and Sean Walker could hit the open market.

So duck stream interviewed beeker. Some interesting things in it. We will be looking at a c next season. Looking for bottom 6 fast grit. Top 4 Rd. But what I thought was an interesting comment, a top 6 right shot. Considering you have leo, cutter, Z, Mct, vatrano, then killtheducks.  Not to mention right shot Terry. They also did talk about Z, and I thought he was real careful with his words during that section. Very noticeable change in tone. Not sure what to make of it, as he didn't say anything about trades, but also did not deny it also.

So happy for Uncle Rico.

2024 NHL playoffs: Oilers' Adam Henrique sets NHL record for longest period of time between playoff goals

2 hours ago, Jason said:

Maybe if you claim to be an illegal, are dirty and smell bad then they will look the way. 

So talk to them after hike.

3 hours ago, Crampknees said:

I think it's pretty awesome.  Easy access to the freeway, has a freight elevator, river front property with rafting/slip-n-slide, draw bridge with moat, and who wants to stoop down and shit in a hole when you can sit on a toilet and shit in a hole.  In So Cal he could list the place for $850k. 

And yet, if I put an addition on to my house, the city will be so quick up my ass telling me I don't have the right permits, and to take it down.

1 hour ago, Jason said:

Suspect in Metro stabbing in Studio City arrested in previous attacks – NBC Los Angeles

Shit like this will not help either. 

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Court records show Nowden, 45, was convicted in July 2019 of an assault with a deadly weapon, while he was on probation for attacking a train passenger on the Metro system earlier that year.

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Jail records and law enforcement officials confirmed Nowden was arrested several times in recent months on misdemeanor charges, including a February 2024 LAPD arrest for an assault at the same Red Line station.

No charges have been filed in that case to date.

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Detectives said they believe Nowden may be responsible for other recent, unreported attacks on other Metro riders, and urged anyone with information to contact Valley Bureau Homicide.

Now that someone was killed, police are interested.  The system is so broken.

1 hour ago, Blarg said:

And I barely have cell phone reception in San Dimas. 

That's because the phones in San Dimas keep trying to call the future.  

3 hours ago, deepdrive said:

Earlier today, I saw the video clip of Strome's breakaway (no goal) he had at the end of the season.

Just now, saw the breakaway by Matthews (goal).

Nothing to say.

This is what I hope happens next season.  Everyone is healthy to open camp.  Stoned is on the 4th line, probably with Jones and Leason.  3rd line is Lundestrom/Terry/Nesterenko or Colangelo.  Stoned is going to be the filler for when anyone gets hurt on any of the lines.  Ugg.  3 more years left.  

Vger.

NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft finally phones home after 5 months of no contact

49 minutes ago, Jason said:

Construction starting on high-speed rail between Las Vegas and Southern California - ABC7 Los Angeles

Watch this get completed well before California's Central Valley one just further proving the State's incompetence. 

Lol.  Expected to be completed by 2028.  Crazy train may lay a foot of track by then. 

Personal best.  20 miles on the Mt. Wilson hike yesterday.  A bit hot, but found a group of people to hopefully do a bunch of hikes with.  Someone pass me the drugs.

Not sure what kind of snake this was.  Looks like a rattler, but it didn't have a rattle on him.  

On 4/21/2024 at 6:41 AM, Redondo said:

700 HP. Gifted by Dubai’s Crown Prince, $400,000 super boat

Dubai Vice.  Where Crockett is laughed at for only owning one TestaRosa.  

11 hours ago, Vegas Halo Fan said:

Incredible story.

10 hours ago, deepdrive said:

I agree with her. That would be a pretty good name. I don't see the reason behind the other two (Venom, Blizzard). Maybe someone (as in the owner) thought they sounded cool ?

Can you imagine what her book sales have suddenly become?  Good that the team even recognized it.  Or even knew about it.  Plus she seems really receptive to any copyright challenges.  

8 hours ago, arch stanton said:

This could be true but I think it's very possible only one Central team gets out of Round 1. I think Vegas will beat Dallas again and Vancouver shouldn't really have any problems with Nashville. That leaves the Jets/Avs serie. If the Avs get 4 .880 games from the goalies they'll win this. If not the Jets win by default

When did the Avs trade for Gibswim?

Utah author says she was stunned by one of the trademarked Utah NHL hockey team names

US migrant crisis shifts from Texas to California border

41 minutes ago, Vegas Halo Fan said:

The whole thing has incredibly disorganized. 

As far as team name,  logo, etc. is concerned, this group was seeking an expansion team.  They can't be totally in the dark - can they?

I think they could.  Before this move, even in expansion, Salt Lake was a longshot.  Houston and Atlanta were considered frontrunners.  Especially Houston.  So it could very well be they didn't spend the extra millions on a pipe dream that may never happen.  

1 hour ago, deepdrive said:

Notice how not a word is being said about our chances to win the upcoming lottery?

It's like Ducks fans are resigned to getting a 4th or 5th pick. 

Don't want to get disappointed again?  Believe it is actually rigged?  Realize the odds are actually what they are?  Or maybe like me, some have looked into the prospects a little and believe our best pick could be at 3-5.

I'm not totally sold on Celebrini or Levshunov.

So, if this scenario happened, do you think it's worth looking at?

Say a player that would definitely help the Ducks became available.  I really don't know who that would be right now.  Little Z really screwed up the we need a RHD top liner desperately situation.  But say someone was available.  Would you, after the draft is determined, trade the 4th/5th pick for that player, and say a unprotected first round pick in 2026?  

I'm almost thinking that picking this year when the cupboards are totally full is counterproductive.  And getting picks for when we are contending so that we can have a good prospect pool when we reach our peak may be more important.  

23 minutes ago, arch stanton said:

Feels like this might be the year the Coyotes get some lottery luck 

That would be the ultimate dagger in the backs of former Coyotes fans.

32 minutes ago, Lhalo said:

The replies lol.

 

So he was a hero that deserves then?

Lol.

Ducks troll Flyers fans ahead of Cutter Gauthier's NHL debut

46 minutes ago, deepdrive said:

My biggest take away from last nights game was that teams might not be able to stop us from entering the zone like they have in the past. Our skating and puck handling skill level has reached a level where we can even move through Vegas's defense regularly. Quite different than in the past when they could just shut us down and force us to dump and chase.

The last few games we play showed it's a good day to be a Ducks fan. I think low 80's in points is very feasible for next year.

Playoffs.  Last week for a WC spot.  No less dammit.

As for zone entries.  It's the Z factor.  He has the confidence when the puck is on his stick, to make a controlled entry.  And not only control the entry, but to set up the play.  It also helps that Vatrano is right there with him, and that a Dman is usually not far behind, usually the other Z.  come to think of it, little Z can also skate into the zone with control to set up.  Terry shows that he can dangle into the zone, but in most cases, it's to shoot.  Leo at times has shown he can enter the zone, but it's a big difference between Leo and the Z's.  Just like it's a big difference between Leo and every else on the team.  

Also, first impressions on Gauthier.  First he's bigger than I thought he'd be.  He's filled in and thick.  Not a skinny like Z but more of a thick like McT and Leo.  Second he isn't a speedster, but has a good first step.  Third, and maybe it's because he's new and players don't know how to play him yet, but he has good puck control in a phone booth.  A Timmy/Z/Leo type control.  Fourth, and something that has been missing on this team for a long time.  His shot.  yeah, I know that Leo/McT/Vatrano has good one timers, but usually we only see that on the PP on a set play.  What I noticed about Cutter is that he has no catch and release shot.  His is a pure shot, he does not catch the puck then shoot it.  It's all one timer, even in a phone booth with little room, and even his wrist shots.  That's going to be big once his teammates trust that.