Tank til you drop: the 91 Lindros race

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Alberta89

October 14, 1989, 6:30 pm

“We interrupt this broadcast on Leafs Radio to inform you that Leafs owner Harold Ballard has been involved in a car crash. More information will be coming soon.”

“This just in: Leafs owner Harold Ballard was killed by a drunk driver. His son, Harold Junior, has asked that all Leafs business be halted until after his father’s funeral.”

“With Ballard dead, the question now is: where do the Leafs go from here? Actually, a better question might be: Who owns them now?”

October 18, 1989
“Kurvers shoots, he scores! Tom Kurvers zips the puck past Pete Peeters. His first goal of the season ties the game at 2”

“There were rumors that Kurvers would be getting traded, indeed, a deal with Toronto was almost finished, but then the Ballard crash happened."

"Its not likely that it would be, you know, a league altering event, but it almost happened."

"The Devils do appear to intend to keep Kurvers, so we'll see what happens next."

...And that's our POD. Welcome to this NHL alternate timeline! First one for me, so any comments or advice is appreciated. Anyone who doesn't know what this does for the NHL, look up Scott Niedermayer.

This will be a semi-interactive thread, as I will be posting a few polls and forms for expansion, blockbusters, etc.

Next post soon!
 
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1940LaSalle

This should be fascinating. I've been a Flyers fan for ~50+ years, so this is very familiar territory. Hoping this time the Flyers keep Hextall, Forsberg, Ricci et. al. and let someone like Glen Sather strip the system bare to get Lindros.

Might also want to mention Scott Stevens...
 

Alberta89

1940LaSalle said:
This should be fascinating. I've been a Flyers fan for ~50+ years, so this is very familiar territory. Hoping this time the Flyers keep Hextall, Forsberg, Ricci et. al. and let someone like Glen Sather strip the system bare to get Lindros.

Might also want to mention Scott Stevens...
Click to expand...
The focus is the Lindros tank race, but Scott Stevens will also be mentioned. Thanks for the feedback!

And don't worry, any blockbusters (including Lindros) you'll be able to submit an offer on, for any team you like! I'm guessing in your case, it'd be Edmonton.
 
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Carson blockbuster interactive
  • Index

    • Alberta89

    October 24, 1989
    "This just in: Jimmy Carson wants out of Edmonton. Despite picking up 2 goals and 4 points as Edmonton crushed the Isles 5-3, the Oilers top goal scorer last year announced tonight that he no longer wants to play for them. He will likely be highly coveted by other teams as a potential first line forward."

    Could your team benefit from a fifty goal scorer for the 89-90 season and beyond? Then submit your offer now! Offer ends March 6th.
     
    Last edited:
  • Index

    • kinnikuniverse

    Alberta89 said:
    October 24, 1989
    "This just in: Jimmy Carson wants out of Edmonton. Despite picking up 2 goals and 4 points as Edmonton crushed the Isles 5-3, the Oilers top goal scorer last year announced tonight that he no longer wants to play for them. He will likely be highly coveted by other teams as a potential first line forward."

    Could your team benefit from a fifty goal scorer for the 89-90 season and beyond? Then submit your offer now! Offer ends March 6th.
    Click to expand...
    Welp, Habs needed a scoring center since we made a huge mistake in 1980 by not drafting Denis Savard. And we have enough depth to make this trade happen. Plus, i believe that Carson could be a great player for a long time:

    RW Russ Courtnall (Glen Anderson can play on the left wing, so why not? Plus, that will lead to Pat Burns finally play Claude Lemieux as a top 6 winger :biggrin:)
    D Jyrki Lumme (he'd fit right in with the finns already at Edmonton. Plus, he doesn't fit the habs defensive style.)
    C Brian Skrudland (no way we trade our captain Carbonneau, plus Edmonton would want a center back)

    1990 2nd round pick and 1991 3rd round pick

    For

    C Jimmy Carson
    1990 3rd round pick
    1991 2nd round pick
     

    Alberta89

    kinnikuniverse said:
    Welp, Habs needed a scoring center since we made a huge mistake in 1980 by not drafting Denis Savard. And we have enough depth to make this trade happen. Plus, i believe that Carson could be a great player for a long time:

    RW Russ Courtnall (Glen Anderson can play on the left wing, so why not? Plus, that will lead to Pat Burns finally play Claude Lemieux as a top 6 winger :biggrin:)
    D Jyrki Lumme (he'd fit right in with the finns already at Edmonton. Plus, he doesn't fit the habs defensive style.)
    C Brian Skrudland (no way we trade our captain Carbonneau, plus Edmonton would want a center back)

    1990 2nd round pick and 1991 3rd round pick

    For

    C Jimmy Carson
    1990 3rd round pick
    1991 2nd round pick
    Click to expand...
    Sounds like an interesting offer! Sather may want Lemieux however.
     
    Sigma7

    Sigma7

    Pens offer:

    C John Cullen
    LW Rob Brown
    D Zarley Zalapski

    For

    C Jimmy Carson
    LW Craig Simpson
     
    Last edited:
    Sigma7

    Sigma7

    AltSptHst said:
    I don't know if the Pens would want Craig Simpson back. They traded him to Edmonton in 87 for Paul Coffey.
    Click to expand...
    He was part of a package; if that's what it takes to get Coffey, you make that trade.

    If, somewhere down the road, you can get a former #2 overall pick back, all the better.

    Simpson adds flexibility to either deal a left wing (which the Pens have in surplus) or to be flipped himself to address their needs at right wing.
     
    Monthly Recap: 10/89
  • Index

    • Alberta89

    November 1, 1989

    NHL October Recap

    Adams Division

    The Sabres have been on a roll as of late, winning five of their last six games and tying the other one. They currently lead the division by a single point over Montreal. This has been helped by a fantastic breakout stretch from Pierre Turgeon, who has 7 goals and 16 points during Buffalo’s stretch.

    Montreal, meanwhile, has dropped each of their past three games. Their 8-6-1 record so far has seen them slide to second in the division, despite excellent performances in each by Patrick Roy.

    After a below average start to the season, the Bruins have heated up as of late. They were on a four game winning streak before losing an early candidate for game of the year to Buffalo. Ray Bourque and Cam Neely each posted 2 goals and 4 points, but Boston still fell 9-7 thanks to a Pierre Turgeon hat trick.

    Hartford holds on to the fourth spot in the division, but only because of the Quebec Nordiques terrible start to the season. After winning their second game, the Nordiques have failed to win in 10 straight. Michel Goulet expressed disgust at their play after a 13-2 trouncing by Edmonton on the 28th. He scored the Nordiques only 2 goals.

    Patrick Division

    The New York Rangers have had a terrific start to the season, winning 10 of 13 games. Brian Leetch’s performance is a big part of the reason why, as the Rangers defenseman is up to 6 goals and 19 points on the year, including a 5-point effort against Philadelphia on the 30th, as the Rangers cruised to an 8-1 win.

    Just trailing the Rangers are the New Jersey Devils, who have won 4 of their last 5. Players such as Kirk Muller (3-4–7) and Tom Kurvers (2-6–8) have been major contributors to the Devils stretch.

    A fantastic performance from Scott Stevens in a 4-3 OT victory over Montreal jumpstarted the Capitals, who have gone 4-1-2 in 7 games since. They have the potential to challenge the Rangers for the Patrick’s top spot, something no one expected earlier this year.

    The Isles, Pens, and Flyers all seem to be slumping, as none of those teams have won since October 17th. Despite this, the Penguins Mario Lemieux, after an extraordinary season last year, has scored at least one point in every single Pittsburgh game so far. His one man effort of 12 goals and 29 points, the latter of which leads the league, has the Penguins in the final playoff slot.

    Norris Division

    The NHL’s weakest division is a two horse race early on, as the Minnesota North Stars and Chicago Blackhawks repeatedly exchange the division lead. North Stars former 1st overall pick, Mike Modano, has 15 points in 12 games to lead off the season, while Blackhawks center Denis Savard has 9 goals and 22 points in 15 games for Chicago.

    You can’t count out the Blues though, as St. Louis is above .500, which in this division means a potential title! What really stands out though, is the scoring of Brett Hull. The Blues winger had a breakout season last year, with 41 goals. At the pace he’s on now, though, he’ll have that beat by Christmas! Hull leads the league with 17 goals (!) in just 12 games.

    As for the Norris cellar, it’s the Red Wings and Leafs. Detroit’s Steve Yzerman is off to a slow start compared to his monster year last season, with 18 points in 13 games, which leaves Detroit in the final playoff spot. Toronto, meanwhile, has been unable to win many games, despite 10 goals from Gary Leeman, who is having a breakout season.

    Smythe Division

    We now turn our attention to the strongest division in all of hockey, the division that has supported six of the past seven Stanley Cup champions. The defending champs, the Calgary Flames, are off to another great start. Theo Fleury, Joe Nieuwendyk, and Al MacInnis are all in the top 20 in league scoring, each with more than 15 points, and the Flames lead the division by a narrow margin.

    Winnipeg and Vancouver (surprise!) battle for second place, with the Jets Dale Hawerchuk off to another great start with 14 points, and Canucks Russian import Igor Larionov having a decent rookie season with 5 goals and 11 points so far.

    And finally, we get to the big news. On October 15th, the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Los Angeles Kings in a game that saw Wayne Gretzky record 3 points, including the OT winner. The second point, however, makes him the NHL’s all time leading scorer, as it was point number 1852. This game has had a big impact on the standings to this point, as the Kings are just 1 point up on the Oilers for the final playoff spot.

    Trade Rumors

    Jimmy Carson may be moved out of Edmonton within the next 24 hours, as his trade demand has led to several teams submitting offers. The Canadiens and Penguins both appear to be major contenders for Carson, with the Canadiens rumored to be offering captain Guy Carbonneau, and the Penguins possibly offering Joe Cullen. Edmonton’s Craig Simpson may also be part of a potential package.

    Rumors have also begun to pick up surrounding the rebuilding Nordiques. Peter Stastny, Michel Goulet, and Jeff Brown are all potential candidates to be moved soon, although some believe that unless they request a trade, Quebec will wait until the deadline before trading their stars.

    And that’s our October recap! Any comments are appreciated and will be taken into consideration.
     
    Last edited:
  • Index

    • kinnikuniverse

    Alberta89 said:
    November 1, 1989

    NHL October Recap

    Adams Division

    The Sabres have been on a roll as of late, winning five of their last six games and tying the other one. They currently lead the division by a single point over Montreal. This has been helped by a fantastic breakout stretch from Pierre Turgeon, who has 7 goals and 16 points during Buffalo’s stretch.

    Montreal, meanwhile, has dropped each of their past three games. Their 8-6-1 record so far has seen them slide to second in the division, despite excellent performances in each by Patrick Roy.

    After a below average start to the season, the Bruins have heated up as of late. They were on a four game winning streak before losing an early candidate for game of the year to Buffalo. Ray Bourque and Cam Neely each posted 2 goals and 4 points, but Boston still fell 9-7 thanks to a Pierre Turgeon hat trick.

    Hartford holds on to the fourth spot in the division, but only because of the Quebec Nordiques terrible start to the season. After winning their second game, the Nordiques have failed to win in 10 straight. Michel Goulet expressed disgust at their play after a 13-2 trouncing by Edmonton on the 28th. He scored the Nordiques only 2 goals.

    Patrick Division

    The New York Rangers have had a terrific start to the season, winning 10 of 13 games. Brian Leetch’s performance is a big part of the reason why, as the Rangers defenseman is up to 6 goals and 19 points on the year, including a 5-point effort against Philadelphia on the 30th, as the Rangers cruised to an 8-1 win.

    Just trailing the Rangers are the New Jersey Devils, who have won 4 of their last 5. Players such as Kirk Muller (3-4–7) and Tom Kurvers (2-6–8) have been major contributors to the Devils stretch.

    A fantastic performance from Scott Stevens in a 4-3 OT victory over Montreal jumpstarted the Capitals, who have gone 4-1-2 in 7 games since. They have the potential to challenge the Rangers for the Patrick’s top spot, something no one expected earlier this year.

    The Isles, Pens, and Flyers all seem to be slumping, as none of those teams have won since October 17th. Despite this, the Penguins Mario Lemieux, after an extraordinary season last year, has scored at least one point in every single Pittsburgh game so far. His one man effort of 12 goals and 29 points, the latter of which leads the league, has the Penguins in the final playoff slot.

    Norris Division

    The NHL’s weakest division is a two horse race early on, as the Minnesota North Stars and Chicago Blackhawks repeatedly exchange the division lead. North Stars former 1st overall pick, Mike Modano, has 15 points in 12 games to lead off the season, while Blackhawks center Denis Savard has 9 goals and 22 points in 15 games for Chicago.

    You can’t count out the Blues though, as St. Louis is above .500, which in this division means a potential title! What really stands out though, is the scoring of Brett Hull. The Blues winger had a breakout season last year, with 41 goals. At the pace he’s on now, though, he’ll have that beat by Christmas! Hull leads the league with 17 goals (!) in just 12 games.

    As for the Norris cellar, it’s the Red Wings and Leafs. Detroit’s Steve Yzerman is off to a slow start compared to his monster year last season, with 18 points in 13 games, which leaves Detroit in the final playoff spot. Toronto, meanwhile, has been unable to win many games, despite 10 goals from Gary Leeman, who is having a breakout season.

    Smythe Division

    We now turn our attention to the strongest division in all of hockey, the division that has supported six of the past seven Stanley Cup champions. The defending champs, the Calgary Flames, are off to another great start. Theo Fleury, Joe Nieuwendyk, and Al MacInnis are all in the top 20 in league scoring, each with more than 15 points, and the Flames lead the division by a narrow margin.

    Winnipeg and Vancouver (surprise!) battle for second place, with the Jets Dale Hawerchuk off to another great start with 14 points, and Canucks Russian import Igor Larionov having a decent rookie season with 5 goals and 11 points so far.

    And finally, we get to the big news. On October 15th, the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Los Angeles Kings in a game that saw Wayne Gretzky record 3 points, including the OT winner. The second point, however, makes him the NHL’s all time leading scorer, as it was point number 1852. This game has had a big impact on the standings to this point, as the Kings are just 1 point up on the Oilers for the final playoff spot.

    Trade Rumors

    Jimmy Carson may be moved out of Edmonton within the next 24 hours, as his trade demand has led to several teams submitting offers. The Canadiens and Penguins both appear to be major contenders for Carson, with the Canadiens rumored to be offering captain Guy Carbonneau, and the Penguins possibly offering Joe Cullen. Edmonton’s Craig Simpson may also be part of a potential package.

    Rumors have also begun to pick up surrounding the rebuilding Nordiques. Peter Stastny, Michel Goulet, and Jeff Brown are all potential candidates to be moved soon, although some believe that unless they request a trade, Quebec will wait until the deadline before trading their stars.

    And that’s our October recap! Any comments are appreciated and will be taken into consideration.
    Click to expand...

    "Carbonneau is our captain, chosen by both the players, management and our friend and former longtime captain Larry Robinson, and we are not looking to move him anywhere. We are indeed currently looking at possible opportunities to boost our attack on the market to match our closest rivals in the division, but the trade rumours corncerning him are greatly exagerrated."

    -Serge Savard, Habs GM.
     

    Alberta89

    I only put him as a rumor because he was part of a series of five Montréal captains that got traded OTL. With that in mind, it makes sense that he might be part of a package for a terrific scorer.
     
    Carson blockbuster interactive- Results!
  • Index

    • Alberta89

    November 2, 1989

    "This just in: Jimmy Carson is going to Pittsburgh! Glen Sather announced in a press conference this afternoon that the star center has been traded to the Pens in the following deal:

    Oilers receive
    C John Cullen
    LW Rob Brown
    D Zarley Zalapski
    Pittsburgh's 1990 1st Round pick
    Pittsburgh's 1991 2nd Round pick

    Penguins receive
    C Jimmy Carson
    LW Craig Simpson

    "Cullen and Brown will be great second line additions to the Oilers behind the line of Messier, Kurri, and Anderson. Meanwhile, the Penguins gain two former 50 goal scorers, both of whom could potentially do it again. Both teams may expect the deal to kickstart what have so far been two moribund teams going into November."

    November 4, 1989
    "Here's Lemieux, makes a quick drop pass to Carson who shoots. HE SCORES! WELCOME TO PITTSBURGH JIMMY!!! Jimmy Carson, in his first game as a Penguin, slips the puck by former teammate Grant Fuhr. A powerplay goal ties the game at 3. "

    "I dare say that's almost as good as John Cullen's goal in the first."

    "I'd have to agree with you. Cullen and Carson both with spectacular moves on the powerplay, both set up by their new team's captain, both their first goal with their new team, both against their old team. Isn't that poetic?"

    Congratulations Pittsburgh! You have successfully acquired Jimmy Carson from the Edmonton Oilers. Let's see what happens next!
     
  • Index

    • AltSptHst

    Sigma7 said:
    He was part of a package; if that's what it takes to get Coffey, you make that trade.

    If, somewhere down the road, you can get a former #2 overall pick back, all the better.

    Simpson adds flexibility to either deal a left wing (which the Pens have in surplus) or to be flipped himself to address their needs at right wing.
    Click to expand...
    I have no problem with that. I just wasn't sure how productive he really was for the second overall pick.

    After looking up his stats, he had a decent career: https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=4968
     
    Sigma7

    Sigma7

    AltSptHst said:
    I have no problem with that. I just wasn't sure how productive he really was for the second overall pick.

    After looking up his stats, he had a decent career: https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=4968
    Click to expand...

    Simpson gets caught up in a tough situation in Edmonton; he arrives in Gretzky's last season there, the last of the high scoring Oilers teams, and he's still there after they'd gotten rid of their big offense centers (Gretz, Mess, Carson).

    I think he could have been more productive with a more aggressive offense, such as the Pens are building at this point, and that the Oilers had when he first got there.

    Carson benefits the most, I think, as he doesn't get stuck behind Yzerman and Federov in Detroit, rather, he slots in nicely as a 1b center behind Lemieux, but the composition of that line, aside from Simpson (probably, unless he's dealt) is a question mark. He'll still get plenty of time with Lemieux on the PP, so he's going to produce from the jump.

    The Pengos real problem now is they don't have their 1st round pick in the 1990 draft, which was the Jagr pick.

    Now, as it pertains to the Whalers, the Pengos no longer have Brown, Cullen and Zalapski, which means...

    12-21-90: Rob Brown to Hartford for Scott Young

    And, more importantly,

    3-4-91: Cullen, Zalapski, Parker to Hartford for Ronnie Franchise, Ulf Samuelsson, and Grant Jennings

    ...cannot happen.

    😃
     
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