Paul T

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Posts posted by Paul T

  2. Posted

    I managed to get a screenshot to prove my theory.  Focus on teams 12-14 (Cougars / Black Flag / Panthers), all have 25 points.  If the first tie breaker was Wins, the Panthers would be 12th.  If it was Total Wins, the Panthers and Black Flag would be above the Cougars.  And I doubt it is least Losses since the Eagles would be above the Bangers.

     

    So I think it's safe to assume the standings rankings are based on (1) Points (2) Goal Differential (3) Goals For.

     

    tie breaker.png

     

  3. Posted

    I am mainly curious to see if anyone still has players on their team from season 1.  I would think this would be more common for GHL teams since it is tough to promote through the leagues and keep the same players.  If so, post them here.

     

    I do have 1 player on my SHL team that has been with my team (well, my "franchise") since season 1 in LIHL.  Lucas Hirt.  It looks like he was originally on the Protons roster, then moved to Deferiet (formerly the Red River Red Empire).  I renamed the franchise to the Leopards when I took over late in season 9.

     

    Hirt was my 2nd line center in BHL and now centers my 4th line in SHL.  Fortunately for him I don't anticipate promotion to GHL this season so his job is safe for another few seasons at least.

     

    http://www.gameplanhockey.com/player?gpid=4244

     

    Hirt.png

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  4. Posted

    Don't know which other line would carry the scoring if that line won't get going. Not that they're getting it done either, in the past 10 games I've scored more than two goals only once. Which happens to be the only game I've won in that stretch.

     

    I did change, but the old tactic wasn't working either. I'm changing back tonight to the more familiar tactic as well as some line and role shuffling. Something has to work eventually.

     

    True. But maybe your team will start winning games 2-1.  I've found that finding the right combination of tactics, lines, etc. is crucial.  And I remember you dominated SHL a few years ago, but GHL is probably a different beast.  Going Two Way could spark scoring.  In BHL, I was SCR/TWO/SCR and my Two Way line had the best +/-.  Not the case in SHL... my Two Way line currently has the worst +/-, but I'm not sure what to do about it because in the few games I've tried Scoring x3, my team barely scores at all.  I have also tried Two Way x3 and we don't score that way either.  That's why I think finding the right combination is key. 

  5. Posted

    The first line that was doing solid work last season has managed to gather a minus-12 rating in 16 games.

     

    Have you tried your top line as Two Way?  If they aren't scoring and are giving up goals, I'd assume it can't hurt.  Maybe break up Chov and Ryz and put one on your 2nd line (Scoring). 

     

    Also you mentioned you changed OFF tactics this season so your team probably isn't that familiar yet.  I'm sure that can't help offensive production at the moment.

    Steve reacted to this

  6. Posted

    I truly don't understand how the team manages to perform so poorly. The only trick I haven't tried is sacrificing the assistant to the hockey gods, but sadly that option isn't in the game yet.

     

    Your team's performance - or lack of - is baffling, specifically the lack of scoring.  I remember even in our playoff last season, your top line was non-existent.  Granted my defense/goalie were really hot at the time and you got production from other lines, but still.  At quick glance the only thing I noticed was your player's Egos.  7/12 of your forwards are either Arrogant or Cocky.  I have no idea if that could even be an issue, but assuming that traits actually matter, it might be negatively impacting your scoring.  The other thing could be your Off Tactic vs. your opponents Def Tactic.  The only reason I say this is the defensive tactic that I assume most GHL teams use is the best tactic against your offense (assuming you still use the same Off tactic as you did during our playoff last season).  Although I know another GHL team who uses the same Off tactic as you and they do really well.  So maybe not.  Just some thoughts... I could be way off, though...

    Erzac reacted to this

  7. Posted

    Yeah, flocarri has had a rough start as well and he ended on fire last season also. May just be slow start goalies - guess we will find out today as our matchup begins here in about an hour - going down Paul!

     

    ...probably not ;)

     

    I took the much needed home game, but another sub .900 save performance from my goalie. 

    "Stable - you can count on me!".

  8. Posted

    I saw your loss today Paul... he beat me pretty handily the game before that with stats being what I felt was in my favour.  Either we just got rotten luck or he has a "opponent keeper is going to be crap" button :P

     

    Early season results can be a bit crazy at times anyways.  Both of my keepers haven't played great to start the season.  They finished 2nd and 3rd in SHL last year for save percentage so I was fairly confident in them going into this season.  So far Zhutov is .875 save % and 68 performance.  Naud is .855 with 62.  Neither are even in the top 20 this season... yet.  It's been surprising since they were both playing like Hasek toward the end of last season and I thought my defense got better. 

     

    Good to see Sprogis playing well for you so far.  Actually both of your goalies are doing well.

  9. Posted

    First, I think this is somewhat common.  The game, much like real life, can be streaky.  I have been on both sides of this where my team started 27-3 (back in BHL) through the first half of the season, then hit a cold streak and fell out of promotion.  Last season I was nearly .500 through the first half of the season (I'm in Biscuit, SHL by the way), then ended up hitting a hot streak and finished 4th without really changing much.

     

    It can be frustrating, especially since you said you significantly upgraded your team.  As stated, I finished 4th last season and feel like my team was significantly upgraded as well, only to start 2-4 this season.  And in some of those games I was absolutely smoked!  Something that rarely even happened last season. 

     

    There are a ton of factors that go into it.  Could just be a cold streak.  Could be hot streaks for the teams you are playing.  Maybe the other teams have found their chemistry or perfect tactics.  Have other teams also upgraded?  Literally could be 50 different things.  But again, this type of thing happens in real life too.  My advice would be not to panic and start making drastic changes (like tactics).  Maybe try to figure out if certain players are the problem and make adjustments there.  Try different fair play tactics or team focus.  Or just try to ride the wave of emotion until you get back on track.

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  10. Posted

    I'll refrain from talking about my own team's performance for now because I'd probably go all John Tortorella on this forum. 

     

    I need to google him

     

    Haha.  Tortorella currently coaches the Blue Jackets, won a Cup with Tampa in 2004, also coached the Rangers & Canucks for a while.  He is mostly known for being fiery and outspoken - to the point where he sometimes criticizes his own players publicly (post game, etc.).  I love him because (1) he's originally from Boston and (2) he's is entertaining... although I'm not sure I'd ever want him coaching the Bruins. ;)

  11. Posted

    Quick question what screen shot or copier do you use to post the in game content on the forum like in the humor therapy thread I have something I would like to contribute thanks.

     

    - And I'd also like to know how to get my images to 8.4kb - that's exceptionally small for posting...especially working off of a phone.

     

    The program I use to capture images is "Snag It" editor.  I don't use my phone for the forum stuff, that is all done on my laptop.  Truthfully I'm not sure why the images appear so small.  I'd prefer they didn't.  But I'm not very tech savvy (like, at all), so have no idea how to adjust it.

  12. Posted

    It's good to see some IHL chatter in here!  As mentioned by A13 and Balazs, the Stealers are looking good this season.  Sam is a co-worker of mine.  Don't expect him to post much in here, but he's paying attention...

     

     

    I'll refrain from talking about my own team's performance for now because I'd probably go all John Tortorella on this forum. 

  13. Posted

    /\

    I agree with you.  Especially if you aren't just trading with the same team over and over again, it should not be considered cheating.  Although I am not in Howitzer so I'm not fully aware of what shenanigans you guys have going on over there ;)

     

    I'm not saying that every manager should have to waste their time doing this, but here is a good example.  Last season was my 1st in SHL after just having promoted from BHL.  I had 9-10 players who would have made good 1st/2nd line players in BHL and wanted to trade them down for picks.  Instead of just attempting the trade to see who bit, I sent a personal message to every single BHL manager listing every player that was available and what I was asking or stating I'd accept best offer (simple copy and paste).  I'm sure it was annoying for some, but I did it for this exact reason that if I eventually made a trade, I didn't want other BHL managers feeling cheated - and didn't feel like being accused of cheating.  I ended up trading with 2 different teams.  Those two teams got better as a result (I think), but the offer was there for everyone.

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  14. Posted

    I'm not sure what exactly caused people to be concerned with my transaction habits. I've given up a good player to get nothing in return in the interest of offloading salary.

     

    If anyone wants to point out where I "went wrong" I'd be happy to learn what is not considered socially acceptable transactions.

     

    I'll say this upfront - I agree with your message and I would personally never hit the cheat button on anyone (unless it was one of those managers who was blatantly trying to cheat... taking over a team, dropping players, picking them up on a different team, etc.).

     

    Here's where it gets complicated.  When a team gives up a good player for nearly nothing in return, other managers can feel cheated.  I understand the salary dump, but how do you decide which team to give the player to so that it doesn't create an unfair advantage?  I've been on both sides of the "salary dump" type trades, so I understand why it happens.  Just trying to offer some perspective on why other managers would feel cheated.  100% fair would be offering the player to every team for best offer or even posting in the "trade block" thread to see who responds. 

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  16. Posted

    Sorry man.  Manager interaction can make the game so much better.  For what it's worth, and at the risk of sounding like a used car salesman, there is a BHL spot currently open in Biscuit.  I can't speak for other worlds so not trying to take anything away from them, but there is a TON of manager interaction here.  The available team has a solid core of players and should be somewhat competitive, just needs some work to fill out the roster.  Currently Day 5 so you have a couple of days before the games begin.  Plus for every manager who joins Biscuit, I get a $500 recruitment bonus.  Just kidding.

     

    Either way, good luck and hope others start returning your messages

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  17. Posted

    Great work, Erzac!  While this puts a definitive ranking on every team based on overall, it also shows just how close every team is in terms of talent.  One or two players can make all the difference in moving up or down quite a few rankings.  The SHL will be highly competitive again this season.

     

    I should be comfortable with that #3 spot, but I seem to have the lowest amount of available cap space among the top teams so there's a good chance these rankings will shift in the first couple of weeks. 

     

    Thank you for taking the time to do this.

  18. Posted

    In light of recent testimony, I have made a slight change to my opinion on roster limits by league.

     

    GHL - 35

    SHL - 40

    BHL - 45

    IHL -  50

    LIHL - unlimited

     

    My SHL roster is currently 41 players, and aside from a player I have been coveting for the past 3 seasons and am trying to acquire via trade (which would actually reduce my roster since I'd be giving up multiple players), my roster is pretty much set for the season.  There are 5 players I could do without and another 4 players I will probably never use.  That could get me down to 32 if I really had to.

     

    I get the opinion that roster limits should be consistent across the board, but I still have the opinion that (1) it is much easier to stack your affiliate the higher the league, and (2) the higher the league the more managers should have to strategize.  You GHL guys are the cream of the crop... I'm sure you can do it ;)

     

    Again, I am all for whatever is best for the game.  I'm not trying to argue any one else's opinion - I think they are all solid.  My opinions are purely based on what would require more strategy among managers and also create a fair playing field for everyone.

  19. Posted

    Edit: Paul T it doesn't matter how much you care or not. It is important to talk about it and any other issues in the game openly. The more friendly dialogue that happens over an issue the more possible solutions that can be found. The more possible solutions that get discussed the more likely it is that a really good solution gets found. Good solution idea or not talking about issues with the game in an open and friendly manner only will go to help make the game better as issues are getting discussed which will lead to suggested fixes which will lead to improving the game.

     

    Well I didn't say I didn't care.  I just stated that from a strategic standpoint, the affiliate hoarding doesn't bother me all that much personally because it affects all lower league managers equally.  But yes, I agree with your point here, which is exactly why I take part in these discussions.  If there is a problem that people address, it is good to discuss possibilities of how to make the game better and more enjoyable for everyone.  I really dig this game and hope to stick around for a while.  Whatever I can contribute toward making it better is a bonus.

     

    As for lower league roster limits - I just think that if one league has it they all should for consistency purposes.  It would also get managers used to having a limit as they move up the chain.  But realistically, sure, there would be no reason to put a roster limit in LIHL.  Probably not IHL either.  I just know that my SHL roster is much bigger than my BHL roster was - and if I wanted to keep signing players and putting them in the affiliate I could... but I'm not going to because I don't need to.

     

    I still respectfully disagree that the roster limit wouldn't address the issue.  Like I said previously, stashing affiliates is a good strategy and should be used by everyone.  It just seems to become problematic when it becomes excessive.  At what point do you draw the line?  I also like the idea of strategically signing players who actually fit your team, not just throwing out 15-20 offers and seeing what sticks.  I emphasize that last point because I am a huge fan of anything that adds a level of strategy to the game.

     

    I do like the waivers idea that you mentioned.  It's a great idea and would definitely help.  The one problem I see with waivers at the moment is you can put a player there for immediate cap relief, but if someone bids on them, you can just recall them so you don't lose them.  I'd like to see the waiver time get set to 5 days minimum almost like the IR spot, that way it can't be exploited.  But I suppose that's for another discussion.

     

    And yes, I am all for friendly dialogue (almost to a fault :) ).  I'm not the type of person who gets uptight about anything really, especially a game.  In this case I can see there are quite a few managers who are bothered by the hoarding (it was being discussed in the world chat last night as it was happening in Dangles).  And while I agree with them that it could become frustrating, the players who are doing it aren't breaking any rules.  It's good to nip these issues in the bud before managers become angry or discouraged and start quitting over it.  That I'm sure we can all agree on.

  20. Posted

    Oh don't worry he will get there.... .probably in 1st when I get 2nd.... tied for points by my losing the last game of the season....

     

     

     

     

    :)

     

    Eventually.  Maybe.

    Love the scenario, though! 

    Don't forget, despite finishing 2nd your run in BHL was probably a bit more impressive than mine considering it was my 4th season in BHL and you blew through it in 1.

  21. Posted

    @rainsilent - I didn't see that as an extreme.  I see 10 extra players as being enough - but you do make a good point about the draft picks.  I suppose in a perfect world, the roster limit would not apply to players aged 18-20 (since this issue is really around free agency), but I also get your point about simplicity so asking for that may be too much to code.

     

    As for the staggered limits... I dunno.  As someone who has played Biscuit BHL & SHL - and IHL/LIHL in another world for a while - I can say that is considerably easier to stash players in the affiliate the higher the league.  It's not so easy to do this in lower leagues and stay competitive.  But I'm all for simplicity.

     

    To be honest, the whole thing doesn't even bother me that much.  I just like having clear rules for everyone to follow... and right now there seems to be too many rules that are merely insinuated.  And as you can see, everyone has a different opinion on everything.  Roster limits would help solve this one.  But until then, the players who are doing this are not breaking the rules and every lower league team is at the same disadvantage.  At the same time, I can see where it is annoying for other players and could push people away from the game.

     

    Thanks for the update... I'm interested to see what type of fix Anders has planned.

    Steve reacted to this

  22. Posted

    New free agency, same frustration. It seems that most of the young players are still going to higher leagues with BIG TWO WAY contracts and just wait 20-30days and they will be traded to lower league for draft picks and hot prospects. Its not that fun to try to sign 80-85ov youngish players to SHL when GHL teams offer them 2 or even 3mil contracts (same goes with every league). Frustrating to try to build team with 1yr contract washed up veterans. Its not going to change soon but i just had to vent once again. Cheers and good luck for all.

     

    There are multiple threads on this floating around the forums, so I'll say it here as well.  I think a roster limit would solve most of this.  I've gone back and forth on the actual limit a few times now and after analyzing teams and salaries, I feel it should be league specific:

     

    GHL - 30 player limit

    SHL - 35 player limit

    BHL - 40 player limit

    IHL/LIHL - 50 player limit

     

    The higher the league, the easier it becomes to stash players in the affiliate.  It's tougher to do in lower leagues AND keep a competitive roster.  I know some might think the 30 player limit is too low, but GHL teams should be able to build a solid roster from 6C, 11F, 9D, 4G.  Plus having a staggered limit would make more players available for the lower league teams and higher leagues would have to be specific with their roster (if you're a GHL or SHL manager I'm sure you can handle it).

     

    For what it's worth...

    Stashing good affiliate players should be an acceptable practice.  It starts to become an issue when it gets excessive.  So overall I agree with what is being stated here.  The problem is that *technically* it is not against the rules - so it's hard to fault managers for trying to build and better their team.  Getting everyone to agree on "gentlemen's rules" never works when competition is involved.  Plus it is very tough to resist throwing offers on stud players sitting there in free agency, especially when you have the cap room to do it.  Signing players is one of the exciting parts of a manager game.  It is very possible that the managers who are doing this are just caught up in the excitement and not really thinking about how it is negatively impacting everyone else.  That's why I think the roster limit would help.

    Steve reacted to this

  23. Posted

    Also...

     

    Congrats to the Hawkeye Indians and Cuba City Tomahawks for promoting from SHL to GHL.  We had some competitive games this season.  I look forward to catching up to you guys at some point and kicking your a... , butts! :D

     

    Congrats to the Mt. Erie Eagles and Fair Play Angels for promoting from BHL to SHL.  I look forward to continuing our close games with the Eagles from season 12 - and hoping to get revenge on the Angels for the beatdown they put on me in the SHL/BHL promotion playoffs in season 11 (I don't forget these things).

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