The 1994-1995 NHL Season: Discuss

[Pengwin7]

OK... let's be optimistic and have some fun.

In 1994 there was a hockey lockout and pushed the NHL season start to January 20th. IF we get a season, we're probably looking at a similar timeline, with something that:

Starts: Jan 20th
Ends: early May

# Games: 48

What else do we know about the 1994-1995 season:
1. Regular-season games would be limited to intra-conference play (Eastern Conference teams did not play Western Conference teams).

Well, how about that?
Happen again? It was Bettman running the league last time... I'd have to say it goes again.
Each team has 4 other division rivals (x 4 games each) = 16 games.
And then there are 10 other conference rivals (x 3 games each) = 30 games.
46 games maybe?

What kind of impact would this have on players?
Who does this benefit in the West? It feels like there is less offensive-talent in the West - so I'm thinking this really benefits goalies: Quick, Rinne, etc...
Who does this benefit in the East? With all the Eastern super-talents, I'm thinking the goalies could be in for some rough stats: do we downgrade Lundqvist, Bryz, Rask, Miller?
Or will Rask & Miller's stats be better with a more Northeast Division concentrated load?


2. In 1994-1995, a few young players emerged into the top scorers:
The young Legion of Doom line formed and exploded with all of Lindros/Renberg/Leclair finishing top 10 in points. Other players in their 20s also dominated the scoring: Jagr (PIT), Sakic (QUE), Zhamnov (WPG).

It's very possible those young Oilers completely explode this year as the new Legion of Doom: 2013 post-lockout edition. And of course, Crosby & Malkin & Stamkos are the Jagrs and Sakics... but who is 2013's Zhamnov? The guy that plays on a line with Tkachuk & Selanne?


3. The top two goaltenders were Dominik Hasek and Jim Carey(!?). Hasek was in his 3rd year with Buffalo... Carey had played 55 games in the AHL that year for the Portland Pirates and made the incredible Calder jump to the Caps! Who are 2013's version of this? Devan Dubnyk and Jakob Markstrom?



Have some fun... what do us "old-timers" remember about that lockout and the players that did the best coming out of it?

[ericdaoust]

One thing I remember is that NHL96 (based on 94-95 season) for SNES took a major step backwards. Buyer beware for NHL14.

[27Blue]

The New Jersey Devils ended up winning the Stanley Cup after going 22-18-8 in the regular season—the league's 10th best record and the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Until the Los Angeles Kings won last year, the Devils were the last seed lower than fourth to win the Cup.

http://www.puckprospectus.com/articl...articleid=1406

[doulos]

Any correlation between players who were actively playing during the lockout and their performance in the shortened season? Would be worth some research!

[LeTrefle]

Originally Posted by Pengwin7

OK... let's be optimistic and have some fun.

In 1994 there was a hockey lockout and pushed the NHL season start to January 20th. IF we get a season, we're probably looking at a similar timeline, with something that:

Starts: Jan 20th
Ends: early May

# Games: 48

What else do we know about the 1994-1995 season:
1. Regular-season games would be limited to intra-conference play (Eastern Conference teams did not play Western Conference teams).

Well, how about that?
Happen again? It was Bettman running the league last time... I'd have to say it goes again.
Each team has 4 other division rivals (x 4 games each) = 16 games.
And then there are 10 other conference rivals (x 3 games each) = 30 games.
46 games maybe?
...

Bettman already said that the season won't be shorter than 48 games.
So, my guess is:
4 x 5 games in own division = 20 games
10 x 3 games other divisions = 30 games
Total 50 games

[Pengwin7]

Originally Posted by InnocentBystander

http://www.puckprospectus.com/articl...articleid=1406

???
Pretty blah article. (though I always appreciate the link).
The writer looks at how teams did in their first 48 & last 48 games of last season?
I really don't see why... those schedules wouldn't amount to any symmetry in schedules.

And his closing remarks:
So in the end, if there is a shortened 48-game season in 2012-13, the good teams are probably going to be good and make the playoffs and the bad teams will be bad and won't make it to the postseason.

Uh... yeah... probably.

[Pengwin7]

Originally Posted by LeTrefle

Bettman already said that the season won't be shorter than 48 games.
So, my guess is:
4 x 5 games in own division = 20 games
10 x 3 games other divisions = 30 games
Total 50 games

I thought about this allocation as well... but I can't see an unbalanced game schedule against an in-division opponent. But maybe.

[ericdaoust]

Originally Posted by Pengwin7

I thought about this allocation as well... but I can't see an unbalanced game schedule against an in-division opponent. But maybe.

They will do whatever is most convenient. A compressed schedule means less margin of error when it comes to potential unavailability of arenas.

[ericdaoust]

I don't think it will be much different in the end. Good teams in, bad teams suck.

[LawMan]

I've been thinking about this a bunch as the season hopefully starts soon and we're always looking for a fantasy edge. Here are my ramblings, some considerations may have an effect on players, some may have none whatsoever.

Only Conference Play
1. Helps goalies in bad/low scoring divisions while hurting goalies in good/high scoring division. I'd fear for the peripherals of all goalies in the Atlantic, and expect improvements for goalies in the Northeast and Southeast.

2. Travel
I don't put a ton of emphasis on this (except for Winnipeg) but maybe something to consider.
Every team will travel less but some will get bigger breaks. Colorado and Phoenix seem to be centrally located within their conference. Vancouver and Detroit are now on the edge. The East isn't as widespread however Washington seems reasonably central. Without re-alignment Winnipeg will get killed playing in-division a lot!

Compressed Schedule
1. Backup Goalies. All backups should see slightly more action but those who are more platoon guys could see close to 50% and have the chance to steal a starting job with the hot hand. Edmonton, Colorado, St. Louis, Islanders (a mess), Ottawa, Philly, come to mind as teams to watch their goalie situation.

2. Band-aid Boys. High-risk high-reward. On the one hand they only need to make it 50 games to play the whole season, on the other hand if they get that injury they usually do, a 10 game loss is 20% of the season. Also, guys who have offseason surgery (Gaborik, Kesler, Quick) are looking at playing the whole season, adjust any early guides accordingly.

Players currently playing elsewhere
I would love to see an analysis on how players who played elsewhere during the 1994 lockout did in that season, the KHL didn't exist and I'm not sure how many did play elsewhere.

I'd expect those playing to come out hot, they're in game shape. However, at the end of a 50 game NHL season these guys will be on game 80, while the resters will be on game 50, as a result I see those playing elsewhere coming out hot but burning-out near the end of the season. I see big burnout with young guys making the jump from junior, or worse the NCAA. Perfect example is Justin Schultz, he played 40-45 games last year, if the NHL season starts, in his last week of the NHL season he'll be on game 80+, against better, stronger players who have played 50 which will likely lead to a drop in production.
I'd say those playing elsewhere are net positive in roto where all points matter equally and net negative in head-2-head as they may fade during the fantasy playoffs.