Challenge 20: Dallas Stars (Discussion Thread)

[archibalduk]

Challenge 20 is now open! Make sure you download the latest version (i.e. version 3.1) of the Lidas/Manimal Rosters: http://www.ehmtheblueline.com/forums/vi ... =77&t=7508

None of the rules have changed since Challenge 19. However, I recommend all users to make sure that they are familiar with the rules.

Good luck and enjoy!

[Círyatan]

So, it's the Stars... should be an interesting Challenge.

[bruins72]

I think it should be pretty interesting. Their prospect pool isn't very deep. I just don't see many guys that I really want to develop my team around. And for current NHLers they're not that great either. Their defense is pretty bad. They've got a couple decent forward lines, a couple decent defensive forwards, and a lot of fluff. The team isn't particularly strong, tough, or aggressive. They've got a decent (but not great) goaltending tandem. Their staff isn't horrible either.

[bruins72]

Okay, so who is a more accurate judge of this team's abilities? My board expects us to make the playoffs ( ) and in TheHockeyNews Season Preview we're ranked #26.

[racicot]

Sweet! I'm definitely giving this one a shot!

[dmarchuk1]

Sweet, I just got the feeling to play EHM again after long hiatus and checked the forum today. Nice timing. But, I cant find challenge 19 rules. These the rules to follow?http://www.ehmtheblueline.com/forums/vi ... 8699#98699

[Manimal]

Sweet, I just got the feeling to play EHM again after long hiatus and checked the forum today. Nice timing. But, I cant find challenge 19 rules. These the rules to follow?http://www.ehmtheblueline.com/forums/vi ... 8699#98699

Yup, those are the ones!

[racicot]

Don't mean to be picky, because I know these rosters take an incredible amount of time, but doesn't Trevor Daley have a 6 year deal? He is only contracted for one season in the DB.

Sorry if this is inappropriate...

[Manimal]

Don't mean to be picky, because I know these rosters take an incredible amount of time, but doesn't Trevor Daley have a 6 year deal? He is only contracted for one season in the DB.

Sorry if this is inappropriate...

That contract extension does not kick in until 2011-12 and has a higher cap hit so he (and several others in the same situation) is still with his 10-11 contract as the game starts in the 10-11 season

[timmy_t]

Challenge Time!!!! Yeah!!!!

[Manimal]

I just noticed one of our scouts isn't retired as a player and takes up a spot on our reserve list!

[gclarke]

One scout and the younger goaltender coach as well. I'm guessing they were not flagged with the retire right away. We initially start 55/72 or something, but 3 retire and become staff. 2 more don't the scout and the goaltender, but both count for reserve.

[bruins72]

That kind of stinks. It's not catastrophic though. I know the young goaltending coach was my assistant that I fired. Andy Moog was a bit better and I wanted to keep him because of his Bruins history. I can't remember if I kept the scout or not. We're not that tight against the Reserve max for this to be too big of a deal though.

[bruins72]

Hmmm... I'm getting much better results out of this Dallas squad than I had expected. Five games into the season and we're 4-1-0. My AHL affiliate is 0-4-1 though. I worry about my GM I've got running my AHL affiliate getting fired. But what is going on with Dallas actually winning? My top line of Morrow-Richards-Eriksson has been pretty dominant. There's a huge drop-off after that though.

[dmarchuk1]

The AHL team does just blow but Dallas is pretty good. Morrow - Richards - Eriksson is money. Richards led the NHL in pts through first 10-15 games and has already moved up in Rep to Superb. Ribeiro seemed to come on after 15-20 games and is now 22-23-45 in 40 games as the second line C (few games covering a hurt Richards on first). Lehtonen seems to be a little shaky for my strategies but when he strings together a few decent games he gives me a little more faith in keeping him around long term. I cant wait to get to the next season. Not sure whats needed most for trade but thinking Ill draft some Euros this draft to try and give my AHL team some hope.

My worst stat has to be my powerplay. Was hovering around 12% for awhile. Still scoring goals 5on5 but if could capitalize on PP Id have more of a chance of winning division. I dont see myself making it far in playoffs. If do well, Ill end up 4th or 5th as LA or SJ win the division. Then end up playing the other in first round. Beat each of them once this season but received enough spankings that I know wont get far.

[dmarchuk1]

What do you guys recommend works best. Grabbing a free agent or saving the use for waivers?

[timmy_t]

What do you guys recommend works best. Grabbing a free agent or saving the use for waivers?

Honestly it depends on what need you're trying to fill. You may not get what you want in free agency (since there are limits on the salary) so many people try to make a waiver claim. I know there were a few times in the last challenge that people weren't able to get a good waiver claim after deciding that's what they wanted to do. Don't worry about it too much because more than likely, no matter what you choose, you'll wish you had taken the other route.

[dmarchuk1]

Well, playoffs over. Kings like I thought. Luckily didnt face them till third round. Det and Cal downed in 7 each. Draft time!

Biggest suprise: Glennie WHL player of the year.

Shooooot. Wasnt paying attention, forgot to re-sign personnel. Skillz.

[racicot]

wow, you're done a season and I'm still in training camp...

I'm finding it impossible to unload people from my reserve list actually.

Just one question- Are there any transaction limitations or are we free to manage however we want?

[Manimal]

wow, you're done a season and I'm still in training camp...

I'm finding it impossible to unload people from my reserve list actually.

Just one question- Are there any transaction limitations or are we free to manage however we want?

Very limited regarding trades and waiver pick-ups. None in the first season! Read the rules

[Círyatan]

wow, you're done a season and I'm still in training camp...

I'm finding it impossible to unload people from my reserve list actually.

Just one question- Are there any transaction limitations or are we free to manage however we want?

Tim, if this is your first Challenge, it really is essential that you read the rules. There are actually not too many of them, but they are important. You are not allowed to do any trades/acquisitions whatsoever in the first season, but there are also other restrictions from season two onwards. You will also want to find that there are rules regarding firing your non-playing staff as well.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask (this thread is a good place to do that)!

It's a shame about the non-retiring staff members. I wanted to suggest that we give Manimal a day or two to amend that, but seeing that some people have already played a whole season, I guess we shall have to live with that...

[Manimal]

It's a shame about the non-retiring staff members. I wanted to suggest that we give Manimal a day or two to amend that, but seeing that some people have already played a whole season, I guess we shall have to live with that...

Just see it as extra-challenging! I know I will waive/release some minor-leaguers so it's not too much to worry about

[braeden]

Rookie EHMer and first challenge. Wish me luck.

[Círyatan]

Good luck!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. And do read the rules. Good to have you on board; the more, the merrier.

And why don't you introduce yourself in the Arrivals forum?

[braeden]

Good luck!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. And do read the rules. Good to have you on board; the more, the merrier.

And why don't you introduce yourself in the Arrivals forum?

Thanks

I've read the rules so I don't have any questions at all...Jack Campbell is god,that is all.

Shall do,thanks Ciryatan!