NHL stuff.
 

First, NHL 2004 demo by EAsports was released today

Link: http://www.easports.com

Vancouver Canucks have signed Magnus Arvedson. He should add more depth and speed to the second line and ease some pressure off of the bert/naslund/morrison line. Jiri Slegr is with the canucks now so that fills in Murray Baron's shoes. Johan Hedberg has been brought in so the canucks have some more depth in the back up goalie position. And last, Darren Langdon is with the canucks. I think the canucks are a much better team this year and have an extremely good chance of being #1 in the western conference. full roster can be found here.

ps. Canucks new jersey

Detroit has some goalie issues to work out with cujo:). I'm sure they're trying to get rid of him but with his no trade contract it's going to be tough. Colorado is still a viable option if they can get an agreement going. I think Hasek can carry the team through the playoffs. He might not be at his 100% until the second quarter of the season but he's better than cujo's broken ankle. Probably better than cujo with a good ankle. Losing Federov is probably bitter sweet. He's got the talent, but was a drag also. Hatcher is going to be good for Detroits def.
detroits roster can be found here.

Colorado is looking kind of scary. They've brought in some great guys and have a great chance for #1. Abeeshier(sp?) imo isn't a number 1 goalie. I think Teemu Selanne and Paul along with Sakic, Forsberg and Hejduk are going to make the most potent offense in the league. If they get their goalie stuff worked out...possible stanley cup just as long as another minnesota wild or mighty ducks don't come along.
team roster can be found here.

I don't see Dallas as being quite as dangerous this season. The other elite teams in the western conference have all become even better...I don't think Dallas has.
team roster here.

I can see Minnesota continuing to improve greatly. They have great management/coaching. Gaborik just might be a 50 man some day.
roster can be found here.

Edmonton. Edmonton is a playoff team. They're going to do good this season. Calgary. Calgary as of now isn't a playoff team, or even close to being a playoff team. I love them, but it's going to be atleast 2 seasons before they have a chance at getting back in...unless a mariacle happens in their organization.


As for eastern teams. I don't see Toronto doing as good this year. I foresee them not making anything above 7th place in the east. Ottawa has improved their power a bit and New Jersey has signed the oldest in the league, Igor Larionov.

Anyone have more roster update info about the eastern teams, feel free to add.

Re: NHL stuff.
 

I like their new jersey! Good stuff.

I can't wait for this hockey season. I agree with you about the Leafs... But you never know about them. They could come out and play some really good hockey and surprise all the doubters... But that is what leaf fans say every year, but whatever.

And how good does NHL 2004 sound? I made a thread about it yesterday in the Dungeon, but then it never showed up. I was truly pissed off.

Re: Re: NHL stuff.
 

I'm loving it. It sucks having to use the keyboard for it though. With the 2 button pass layout and the charge up hitting, the keyboard just doesn't work that well. I want to get a PS2 controller/PC converter.

The game feels a lot more like real hockey. I'm loving it. Much different feel than the last few NHL games. It will take a while to get used to for all of us who have played NHL 2002/03 to death.

I consider NHL 2004 to be the dawn of the new simulation gameplay. It's vastly improved over last year, but needs tweaking.

I'd give NHL 2003 a score of 8/10. NHL 2004 I'd give 9/10.

so far my first impressions have been great. The new developer of the game just needs to settle into yearly dev of the game and it should be by far the best hockey game by 2005/06.

Haven't played ESPN 2004 but from the reviews it sounds really good. If I had a PS2 or xbox then i'd give it a rent and make my decision from there.

Re: NHL stuff.
 

Really its more of a money problem. Or maybe just an awkard feeling.

but Hasek is detroits goalie. The fans know it, The players know it, Hasek knows it, Cujo knows it. Theres no dispute whos going to be in net and everyone already knows cujo is all but traded. The no trade is no big deal, Cujo already said he'll wave it. Wings said they have a few people that are interested. Rangers being one of the leaders. but rangers would want to give lindros and wings arent 'really' wanting lindros with his prone to injuries.
He'll be traded soon tho. just have to see where and for what. Detroit will most likely pick up a lot of his salery still tho.


As for NHL2004, its pretty good, far better then 2003. Takes a little getting used to tho, but feels much harder and more realistic. The graphics are better, players actually look like who they are supposed to. instead of computer generated faces.
Have you gotten in a fight yet tho? Fighting is GREAT. you are given a choice if you want to fight or not now. As your playing a little light would pop up at the bottom and say fight? you can just keep playin or if you press i think the line change button? (not sure which it was) it jumps into a fight. The actual fighting is one of the best i've ever seen in the NHL series. your grabbing jerseys, leaning in and out to dodge punches, trying to get your arm free then wailing on the guy. etc. I had a LOT of fun with the fighting.


And just goto RadioShack, i got my PS2 to USB Adapter there, for $10
works great. and on thier website it says they have a newer one now for same price that supports rumble feature (rumble is the only thing mine dont do on PC)

I'll play ya sometime when the game comes out Bouncer. online play is fun fun fun :) and if you know who you want to play its free. (not sure what they're doing this year but last it was a montly payment to use thier service to match you up with others online. but free if you know the others IP address)

Re: Re: NHL stuff.
 

Well, I just totally prepayed my copy for PS2! yeah!

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pc and ps2 cant play online with each other =(

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Good, I don't want to play against you anyways.



;)

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awwwww. I'd of went easy on you. possibly let you win a few to get your hopes up.

:p

Re: NHL stuff.
 

Off topic, why the hell did the canucks ever change their jerseys/logo? Those new ones SUCK. God, the old black/red/orange with the hockey skate was so cool.

Re: Re: NHL stuff.
 

actually i like the new logo better.

i dont like the blue and green color stripes however.

I personally like the old green/blue hockey stick logo the most. But, the new third jersey is close enough. I like the dark read and blue border but the green and blue border for the third jersey is kind of eye catchy.

damn I'm looking forward to hockey season. Not playing this year though. it takes up every weekend I have and practices are a pain. Kind of sad but I don't have the time to fit it in with my other stuff.

And ya, I've only won two fights in 2004. It's hard.

And I really want a controller for this game for sure. I was going to get it for the cube but decided no cuz of the whole, can't play my friends online thing. So ya, gotta pick me up a adapter and PS2 controller or get a GC adapter from liksang. I'd rather not buy it online but then I have to pay 30 on the new controller.

have to think that one through a bit. I've got until 22nd.:)

And besides Null, is there anyone else here who is getting this game for the PC? going to be fun.

meh, the jersey didn't go through. Kind of pissed. I liked the looks of it way more than the canucks current third jersey. It doesn't look different enough. Oh well. Maybe next year they'll take on that design.

Re: NHL stuff.
 

I don't see those anywhere yet. If it's true, then bring on the old Hartford Whalers. :)

Re: Re: NHL stuff.
 

Oh god yes. The whalers logo/unis were so much cooler looking than the 'canes.

Ahh, preseason starts and 3 fights (or more?) already. Hockey rules.

And on the subject of jerseys, The Whalers' jersey is ten times better than Carolina's. And I like Vanouver's third...