NFT: It is NHL Opening Day - Predictions, Notes, Discussion

I feel like there are 3 or 4 serious cup contenders about 10-12 teams who can win, 3 or 4 borderline teams who can contend for a playoff spot and about 6-8 teams who will be vying for Macklin Celebrini/Cole Eiserman.

The Metro is loaded this year.

My Rankings by division:
Atlantic:
1. TOR*
2. FLA*
3. BOS*
4. TBL
5. OTT*
6. BUF
7. DET
8. MTL

Metro:
1. NJD*
2. CAR*
3. NYR*
4. PIT*
5. NYI
6. WAS
7. CBJ
8. PHI

Central
1. DAL*
2. COL*
3. MIN*
4. WIN
5. STL
6. CHI
7. NSH
8. ARI

Pacific
1. EDM*
2. LVG*
3. LAK*
4. CAL*
5. VAN*
6. SEA
7. ANA
8. SJS

Teams with an asterisk are my picks for playoffs.

I think the following teams can be considered cup contenders:
NJD, CAR, EDM, DAL, TOR

Can win:
COL, NYR, BOS, FLA, LAK (dark horse to win), MIN, PIT (with health)

the following teams are in the Celebrini/Eiserman race:
MTL, SJS, ARI, PHI

Money puck odds below:

Favorites: EDM, CAR, TOR, DAL, BOS, LVG

After the loss to the Devils, I was feeling like the Rangers are never going to win the Cup again. Now, after what I think was a very under the radar and effective offseason, I think they will be one of the best teams in the league again. That said, I predict the Stars win the Cup this year.

If McDavid is healthy, he casually puts up 160 points and wins the Hart again. Oettinger is my Vezina pick, Fox for the Norris. For Bedard, I think 85 points is a realistic outlook given the talent around him, but within a few seasons should be a perennial 100 point player. Selke, I have no idea who will win with Bergeron gone, part of me thinks they'll just slap his name on the trophy again.

If I'm picking a non-playoff team from last year from each conference to push their way in, it's probably Calgary and Ottawa. No real surprises there, Buffalo and Detroit could be risers in the East too. It'll be hard in the Atlantic with Toronto, Boston, Tampa, Florida looking like they should all be playoff teams. Should be interesting to see how it all shakes out!

I've never understood the NHL's scheduling.

I don't have any predictions, I'm happy hockey is back and am looking forward to a good season from the Islanders. I think they'll be a playoff team, hopefully they'll have a run n them come springtime.

for the best. no other way to approach them.

definitely a believer in OTT and BUF.

Just not yet sold on goalie.

Korpisalo/Forsberg can be good, but playoff/cup good? not sure
Levi could be Vezina good, but he's young

You can argue they are the best team up the middle in the league with Kopitar, PLD, Danault, with some elite wingers in Fiala and Kempe. They're a little shaky at the blue line and in goal.

Carolina has the same problem they have every year, they still don't have the elite scoring wingers you need to go through the playoffs, where Devils I feel have the opposite problem and are all speed, and lack the grinding element the playoffs demand. Rangers are a balance between the two, but their issue is inconsistency. Kreider can look like the best player in the world one night, then you don't hear his name the next. Lafreniere, Kakko do not produce enough offensively. As good as these Metro teams are, they are all flawed. That said, pretty much every team is flawed, and even the ones who look like they aren't (Boston last year), it's still tough to go through the playoff gauntlet.

McDavid can put up 170 points (> 2 ppg pace).

would be the most points in a season since Lemieux's 199 in 88-89.

has LAK as 13th in win the cup percent, so that's why I consider them a dark horse. Anyone outside the top 5 I kind of think is a dark horse, but maybe that's splitting hairs since they are expected (63.7%) to make the playoffs.

In comment 16243031 Victor in CT said:

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for the best. no other way to approach them.

That is the smart way to go about it, but I'm too damn stupid to do it that way lol. Here's how I look at it though. I think Laviolette, while not an "exciting" hire, is going to make a big difference. After seeing all the stuff I've seen about Gallant basically completely having nothing to do with the team last year, how he wasn't on speaking terms with Drury, supposedly, players seemed to turn on him pretty quickly...I think Laviolette brings the stability they need. I'm also excited about their assistant/associate coaching hires. Maybe Peca can get in the dot with Chytil and make him a terrible faceoff center instead of the worst in the league.

Lineup-wise, the Rangers look really good on paper, IF Lafreniere and Kakko can produce more offensively, and if Panarin can be more of an impact player in the playoffs. I think the Bonino and Wheeler signings are brilliant. I look at Wheeler as Lafreniere insurance. If Lafreniere can't cut it in the top 6, Wheeler can play at 2RW. He also gets to the blue paint, which no Rangers forwards really seemed interested in doing while Akira Schmid got way too comfortable in the playoffs. Cuylle is going to be a difference maker as well. Defensively, 1-6 they are about as good as anyone. Gustafsson was another great signing, and I expect Miller and Schneider to be better than they were last year. Miller in particular, has looked like he can be great, but has also had some rough stretches, I think we see more consistency out of him this year.

I don’t get why NHL & NBA start when they do. They get lost in the sauce between NFL, CF, & MLB playoffs.

most isn't Chytil (who worries me) or Lafreniere or Kakko or Cuylle - it's Schneider.

he looked awful in the pre-season and they need him to develop into a future top pair D/at least top 4.

In comment 16243044 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:

Quote:

I don’t get why NHL & NBA start when they do. They get lost in the sauce between NFL, CF, & MLB playoffs.

they have to if they want to end when they do.

In comment 16243045 pjcas18 said:

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most isn't Chytil (who worries me) or Lafreniere or Kakko or Cuylle - it's Schneider. he looked awful in the pre-season and they need him to develop into a future top pair D/at least top 4.

What in particular are your concerns about Chytil? For me, it's his inconsistency, how he has his stretches of 7 goals in 5 games, then goes 12 games without a goal. Schneider I think will be good with a more stable player next to him. I don't put too much stock in what happens in preseason, but younger guys like him, I do like to see have more of an impact, the way Cuylle and Othmann did.

In comment 16243031 Victor in CT said:

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for the best. no other way to approach them.

This is my approach. A very similar roster to last year with a different coach. Laviolette will let Kakko, Chytil and Laf get into the top six. I actually like the Rangers bottom six this year and I think that could be pivotal. Also, this might be the first time in a while they have to worry about a backup goalie being able to go out and win games. This isn't 2014 Jonathan Quick.

In comment 16243049 ShockNRoll said:

Quote:

In comment 16243045 pjcas18 said: Quote: most isn't Chytil (who worries me) or Lafreniere or Kakko or Cuylle - it's Schneider. he looked awful in the pre-season and they need him to develop into a future top pair D/at least top 4. What in particular are your concerns about Chytil? For me, it's his inconsistency, how he has his stretches of 7 goals in 5 games, then goes 12 games without a goal. Schneider I think will be good with a more stable player next to him. I don't put too much stock in what happens in preseason, but younger guys like him, I do like to see have more of an impact, the way Cuylle and Othmann did.

You hit on it - he's unplayable late in games at C because he cannot win a face off. So, it means my line configuration has to include a wing who can take a face off on his line or I need to avoid them late in the game.

Its not uncommon for players to be awful on the dots as youngsters, but improve over time (see Kotkaniemi 42% in year 2 and they threatened to move him off C and now he's over 51% back to back years and still just 22 years old) but Chytil is rapidly approaching the age where you'll get it or you won't.

I like his game otherwise but agree consistency is lacking.

(lol, I can't not laugh to myself whenever I type major award)

predictions:
Hart: McDavid
Ross: McDavid
Richard: Pastrnak
Norris: Dahlin
Vezina: Igor
Selke: Bergeron (just kidding), Kopitar
Calder: Cooley (everyone on the planet has Bedard who I think wins, but I want Cooley to win, lol)

Final 4: NJD, TOR, DAL, EDM

DAL beats NJD in the finals

Conn Smythe: Jason Robertson

In comment 16243096 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

(lol, I can't not laugh to myself whenever I type major award) predictions: Hart: McDavid Ross: McDavid Richard: Pastrnak Norris: Dahlin Vezina: Igor Selke: Bergeron (just kidding), Kopitar Calder: Cooley (everyone on the planet has Bedard who I think wins, but I want Cooley to win, lol) Final 4: NJD, TOR, DAL, EDM DAL beats NJD in the finals Conn Smythe: Jason Robertson

Maybe the other guy whose name is pronounced Cooley can make a run! I see what you're saying about Chytil and agree. I can live with a guy whose faceoff percentage is 45/46. Chytil being sub 40 is concerning. It's funny though, because I feel like there are several times that when he does win, he wins clean, and it often leads to a goal. Or the goal he scored off the faceoff against Toronto last year. He has the size, speed, skill to be a great player, and one of my "bold predictions" is that he scores 30 this year.

Cup Final, I am going to predict the Rangers get there to lose to the Stars (I said Dallas earlier, but didn't say who they'd beat). Conn Smythe I'll pick Oettinger, Richard Trophy I'll say Matthews after a "down year" where he only scored 40. Selke, I'll say Barkov. Hoping Zibanejad and Kakko can get into this conversation too, but highly doubt they'll be finalists.

Why do you have TBL above OTT in your rankings but have OTT making the playoffs and not TB?

In comment 16243125 BrettNYG10 said:

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Why do you have TBL above OTT in your rankings but have OTT making the playoffs and not TB?

lol, I should have them flipped in the rankings. I was going back and forth on them. TBL is descending, OTT ascending, just not sure how much yet. If TBL goalie play is not great while Vasilevskiy is out then I stand by OTT leap frogging them.

Haha, okay. I'm an OTT truther as well.

In comment 16243053 Costy16 said:

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In comment 16243031 Victor in CT said: Quote: for the best. no other way to approach them. This is my approach. A very similar roster to last year with a different coach. Laviolette will let Kakko, Chytil and Laf get into the top six. I actually like the Rangers bottom six this year and I think that could be pivotal. Also, this might be the first time in a while they have to worry about a backup goalie being able to go out and win games. This isn't 2014 Jonathan Quick.

50+ years of Ranger fandom does this to a person :-)

even without Vasilevskiy. Their lineup is still stacked top to bottom. Goaltending is definitely an issue until he comes back, but they have a great core, they're deep up the middle, have a solid blue line. Power play is dynamic. They aren't the powerhouse they were a few years ago, but they're still definitely a playoff team in my opinion.

So after the train wreck of a season for the Giants I am just going to assume the worst rather than get my hopes up. But no matter what I am excited for hockey season to start. Good luck to all except fans of Montreal and Toronto.

on NJD...
After a lousy Yankees and Giants seasons, it's the only light left shining.
I think they will do ok, cup? maybe not yet but the arrow is pointing way up for this team.

are insane. either would be a good PP1.

I would put Jack with Meier, Hischier, Luke and Toffoli though. that is like an Olympic team or all-star team PP.

Quote:

Amanda Stein @amandacstein Behold two equally powerful #NJDevils man-advantage units that do not deserve to be distinguished by 1 or 2: As the captain, we will start with Nico’s unit: Meier, Hischier, Holtz, Mercer and Dougie. Followed by Jack’s unit: Toffoli, Jack, Bratt, Palat and Luke. 11:21 AM · Oct 10, 2023 · 3,180 Views

Rangers bounce back with a deep playoff run.

Isles continue to be most boring team in hockey, and miss the playoffs.

Devils succumb to their unsettled defensive corps and goalie situation and get bounced in playoffs in first round.

Those are my only predictions. ;-)

In comment 16243031 Victor in CT said:

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for the best. no other way to approach them.

I don't agree. The Rangers are one of my only teams that I don't need that pessimistic view on, going into every season. Although I sure as hell have that outlook every season with Giants, Knicks and BC football/hoops! Yankees I always expect a playoff team.

In comment 16243044 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:

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I don’t get why NHL & NBA start when they do. They get lost in the sauce between NFL, CF, & MLB playoffs.

They're indoor sports. They don't want the playoffs dragging into the summer.

in that game vs PIT

Crosby, Malkin, and Letang will set the record for most consecutive seasons for a trio to play together in all of professional American sports.

18 years.

They had previously been in a tie with Jeter, Rivera and Posada.

In comment 16243053 Costy16 said:

Quote:

In comment 16243031 Victor in CT said: Quote: for the best. no other way to approach them. This is my approach. A very similar roster to last year with a different coach. Laviolette will let Kakko, Chytil and Laf get into the top six. I actually like the Rangers bottom six this year and I think that could be pivotal. Also, this might be the first time in a while they have to worry about a backup goalie being able to go out and win games. This isn't 2014 Jonathan Quick.

Completely agree. Never understood the Quick signing. He stunk last year and is turning 38 this season. So last season shouldn't be expected to have been an aberration, but more likely now the norm. Jaro Halak apparently was never offered any big money, as he is still unsigned...so he probably could have been brought back for the same deal Quick got. Would have much preferred him. Halak only needs 5 more wins to get to 300, so I'm sure he still wants to play too. I wonder if Halak will be on speed dial if Quick starts off the year looking like shit.

In comment 16243315 BC Eagles94 said:

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Rangers bounce back with a deep playoff run. Isles continue to be most boring team in hockey, and miss the playoffs. Devils succumb to their unsettled defensive corps and goalie situation and get bounced in playoffs in first round. Those are my only predictions. ;-)

Yeah I think you can be right. A lot of the Rangers' questions were around bottom 6 and defensive depth. They addressed both of those things in the offseason, not to mention that if they need a boost later in the season, Othmann will be waiting in Hartford. I think Wheeler may be the most "underrated" signing by any team this offseason. I know he's older, but he's still a 60+ point player. That number may drop off a little this year with him presumably getting 3rd line/2nd PP minutes, but I think a line of him with Cuylle and Trocheck can be imposing, a good blend of skill, size and physicality.

In comment 16243356 BC Eagles94 said:

Quote:

In comment 16243053 Costy16 said: Quote: In comment 16243031 Victor in CT said: Quote: for the best. no other way to approach them. This is my approach. A very similar roster to last year with a different coach. Laviolette will let Kakko, Chytil and Laf get into the top six. I actually like the Rangers bottom six this year and I think that could be pivotal. Also, this might be the first time in a while they have to worry about a backup goalie being able to go out and win games. This isn't 2014 Jonathan Quick. Completely agree. Never understood the Quick signing. He stunk last year and is turning 38 this season. So last season shouldn't be expected to have been an aberration, but more likely now the norm. Jaro Halak apparently was never offered any big money, as he is still unsigned...so he probably could have been brought back for the same deal Quick got. Would have much preferred him. Halak only needs 5 more wins to get to 300, so I'm sure he still wants to play too. I wonder if Halak will be on speed dial if Quick starts off the year looking like shit.

I think if Quick doesn't work out, Rangers feel comfortable with Garand, at least for now. Quick will benefit from a good blue line, an area where the Kings were severely lacking last year. He was pretty good in Vegas, went 5-2-2 for them down the stretch, so I'm hopeful that with this lineup in front of him, he can be decent. If he plays 20 games, I think he can reasonably go something like 10-5-5. I'm not putting much stock into what we saw in preseason. This is Jonathan Quick, the guy has won 2 Cups and played in almost 100 playoff games. Just like Panarin, Kreider, Zibanejad, these guys are going through the motions during preseason.

A few 2023 draft picks:
Bedard, Carlsson, Fantilli, Cowan

Nathan "Grav"
@NathanGraviteh
Notable rookies on opening night rosters around the NHL, a thread 🧵:

Leo Carlsson (ANA)
Pavel Mintyukov (ANA)
Lukas Dostal (ANA)
Tristan Luneau (ANA)
Jackson LaCombe (ANA)
Logan Cooley (ARI)
Matthew Poitras (BOS)
John Beecher (BOS)
Jakub Lauko (BOS)

Nathan "Grav"
@NathanGraviteh
Notable NHL rookies on opening night rosters Part 2🧵:

Devon Levi (BUF)
Zach Benson (BUF)
Matthew Coronato (CGY)
Jakob Pelletier (CGY)
Adam Fantilli (CBJ)
Daniil Tarasov (CBJ)
Mackie Samoskevich (FLA)
Alex Laferriere (LAK)
Marco Rossi (MIN)
Brock Faber (MIN)

Nathan "Grav"
@NathanGraviteh
Notable NHL rookies on opening night rosters Part 3 🧵:

Luke Evangelista (NSH)
Alexander Holtz (NJD)
Luke Hughes (NJD)
Samuel Bolduc (NYI)
Will Cuylle (NYR)
Bobby Brink (PHI)
Tyson Foerster (PHI)
Emil Andrae (PHI)
Samuel Ersson (PHI)
Henry Thrun (SJS)
Ty Emberson (SJS)

Nathan "Grav"
@NathanGraviteh
Notable NHL rookies on opening night rosters Part 4 🧵:

Tye Kartye (SEA)
Scott Perunovich (STL)
Joel Hofer (STL)
Matthew Knies (TOR)
Fraser Minten (TOR)
Easton Cowan (Likely sent down, TOR)
Pavel Dorofeyev (VGK)
Ivan Miroshichenko (WSH)
Matthew Phillips (WSH)
Alex Alexeyev (WSH)

East Playoff teams:
Car
NJD
NYR
Tor
Bos
Fla
TB
Buff
I think Ottawa and Pitt are right there the whole way and I could see one of them making it. Vas is a big loss, but TB with their championship pedigree will find a way to compensate and slide into the playoffs. I'm all in on Buffalo being a new team in. I think like the Devils they will just play too fast for a lot of teams to deal with.

West
Col
Dal
LV
Minn
LAK
Edm
Sea
Cal
I think the competition 1-10 is better in the East, but the top teams in the west may be the top teams overall. I think the 7-8 spots in the west are weak and Vancouver could slide in if Seattle falls back to reality this year.
Playoffs:
Tor over Car in the ECF
Col over Dallas in the WCF
Colorado wins the cup.
I just think everyone expected them to win cups, they did it rather easily 2 years ago, slipped up a bit last year but I think they bounce back and take it this year though if Oettinger gets his act together in the playoffs, it wouldn't be shocking if they won it all. I do think this is the year for Toronto to make a run. There is no dominant team in the East so why not them? They got the playoff series monkey off their back last year and could have easily beaten Florida if not for multiple OT bounces.

was a rough go with baseball and Giants and ND haven't been any better.

NYI should be as advertised. Borderline playoff team with a great goalie, good d-line, and a bunch of question marks along with a few playmakers at forward.

Wouldn't be too surprised to see them make the playoffs and make some noise, but a playoff miss is certainly possible too. Looking forward to seeing Horvat and Barzal play together with a full camp to work on chemistry.

If the 4th line is truly done, I hope Lambert has a guts to move on like he did with Bailey last year.

I think the NHL blew a big opportunity yesterday with a lot of kids off from school to have a hyped up fun opening day with some day games leading to games throughout the day. I agree that it is so weird how the NHL staggers openings so much. The Nashville Mayor declared today Predators day in Nashville and they're making a big deal about a 5:30 opener down town. Ideas like that are what the league needs. This is a golden era of young budding superstars in the league. Market it!

Crazy talk.

I think they are on the decline.

Stamkos, Kucherov and Hedman maybe 2nd in the league the PIT big 3 Crosby, Malkin and Letang in tenure (but it's *just* 10 years they have been together).

I think TBL is very top heavy (with those 3, Point, Cirelli and Sergachev) and the top isn't always healthy.

When they haven't been Vasilevskiy has bailed them out, but without him it comes down to a journeyman goalie.

I would not be shocked if they miss the playoffs.

Gun to my head, I think FL is the team to miss it. But I wouldn't be shocked at TB. I think their days as a top-tier contender are over.

if it was winter I may agree with you, but no kids are staying indoors all day on Columbus Day to watch hockey.

Too many other options - besides it's one of the biggest youth hockey tournament weekends of the year.

with my buddy from home (went to Quinnipiac vs BC - for the banner raising - great game) who coached Mackie Samoskevich (FLA rookie from 2021 draft) and all he'd talk about all weekend is how good this kid is going to be.

He was overshadowed on his INTL play on WJC/U18 USA teams by players like Cooley, Berniers, etc. but he always had a wicked shot that stood.

Regardless of him, I put FLA (based on talent and age of talent) ahead of TBL. They have got to fix that blue line though in FLA. Without Ekblad and Montour it's a bunch of bottom pair Ds. Mikkola may be on their top pair to open the season.

In comment 16243442 pjcas18 said:

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with my buddy from home (went to Quinnipiac vs BC - for the banner raising - great game) who coached Mackie Samoskevich (FLA rookie from 2021 draft) and all he'd talk about all weekend is how good this kid is going to be. He was overshadowed on his INTL play on WJC/U18 USA teams by players like Cooley, Berniers, etc. but he always had a wicked shot that stood. Regardless of him, I put FLA (based on talent and age of talent) ahead of TBL. They have got to fix that blue line though in FLA. Without Ekblad and Montour it's a bunch of bottom pair Ds. Mikkola may be on their top pair to open the season.

Mackie is a fellow Sandy Hook resident! Pretty exciting to see him getting a shot this year with Florida, and hope he lights it up with the exception of the 3 times the Rangers play the Panthers!

In comment 16243498 ShockNRoll said:

Quote:

In comment 16243442 pjcas18 said: Quote: with my buddy from home (went to Quinnipiac vs BC - for the banner raising - great game) who coached Mackie Samoskevich (FLA rookie from 2021 draft) and all he'd talk about all weekend is how good this kid is going to be. He was overshadowed on his INTL play on WJC/U18 USA teams by players like Cooley, Berniers, etc. but he always had a wicked shot that stood. Regardless of him, I put FLA (based on talent and age of talent) ahead of TBL. They have got to fix that blue line though in FLA. Without Ekblad and Montour it's a bunch of bottom pair Ds. Mikkola may be on their top pair to open the season. Mackie is a fellow Sandy Hook resident! Pretty exciting to see him getting a shot this year with Florida, and hope he lights it up with the exception of the 3 times the Rangers play the Panthers!

Yep, apparently he has two sisters who are also great athletes.

coming into the season. Can they ring out one more playoff appearance with the group? Pittsburgh when they put their 5 best guys out there have a ton of firepower. I tend to think one makes it and one doesn't, although Buffalo and Ottawa can blow by both.

In comment 16243436 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

if it was winter I may agree with you, but no kids are staying indoors all day on Columbus Day to watch hockey. Too many other options - besides it's one of the biggest youth hockey tournament weekends of the year.

The first game I ever took my daughter to was a Columbus day game about 10 years ago. The Devils made it "kids opening day" they had all kinds of characters and contests. Brought some juice to the building at a time the Devils sure weren't. Meh who cares. The better the marketing idea the more allergic Bettman is to it any way...

has a more well rounded and deeper team (which is unusual for PIT) than TBL (without Vasilevskiy). Lars Eller is PIT 3C. Ryan Graves is sneaky add.

But I think both PIT and TBL will live and die with their stars health. You can say this about all teams and injuries are not predictable, but with both PIT and TBL they have a recent track record of injuries to their star players and they are getting older, so for them it's more of an issue IMO.

If Crosby, Malkin, Letang, Karlsson, Jarry and Guentzel play 65-70+ games each then PIT should be in the playoffs.

is awful. Missing the last Olympics probably set hockey back 5 years.

It is free marketing, the Olympics get plugged globally by everyone. they are begging for those human interest stories to be the backdrop. And it was a huge miss for the league.

they spend so much time on things like "hockey is for everyone" which is true and should be true and any type of bias in the game should be eradicated, but that money is spent on people no matter how great the game is or how much it truly is for everyone, they will never be ok with it or spend money on it. So to me that is kind of what we call in my industry table stakes but should not be your only or top priority for marketing.

PIT had a remarkably unlucky season last year and now added Karlsson. I think they're going to be pretty good this year.

.

line on the Pens.

I got a DK booster to make it basically even odds.

I think I'm going to like sports gambling on my phone being legal. lol. or I'm going to hate it.

In comment 16243368 ShockNRoll said:

Quote:

In comment 16243356 BC Eagles94 said: Quote: In comment 16243053 Costy16 said: Quote: In comment 16243031 Victor in CT said: Quote: for the best. no other way to approach them. This is my approach. A very similar roster to last year with a different coach. Laviolette will let Kakko, Chytil and Laf get into the top six. I actually like the Rangers bottom six this year and I think that could be pivotal. Also, this might be the first time in a while they have to worry about a backup goalie being able to go out and win games. This isn't 2014 Jonathan Quick. Completely agree. Never understood the Quick signing. He stunk last year and is turning 38 this season. So last season shouldn't be expected to have been an aberration, but more likely now the norm. Jaro Halak apparently was never offered any big money, as he is still unsigned...so he probably could have been brought back for the same deal Quick got. Would have much preferred him. Halak only needs 5 more wins to get to 300, so I'm sure he still wants to play too. I wonder if Halak will be on speed dial if Quick starts off the year looking like shit. I think if Quick doesn't work out, Rangers feel comfortable with Garand, at least for now. Quick will benefit from a good blue line, an area where the Kings were severely lacking last year. He was pretty good in Vegas, went 5-2-2 for them down the stretch, so I'm hopeful that with this lineup in front of him, he can be decent. If he plays 20 games, I think he can reasonably go something like 10-5-5. I'm not putting much stock into what we saw in preseason. This is Jonathan Quick, the guy has won 2 Cups and played in almost 100 playoff games. Just like Panarin, Kreider, Zibanejad, these guys are going through the motions during preseason.

It's not Quick's preseason that has me worried, it's his regular season last year. He stunk. And LA was a pretty good team where two other goalies looked just fine in net. And the 5-2-2 record you speak of for Quick with Vegas, was a product of Vegas lighting it up for him. His goals against was 3.13 for Vegas. Quick seems cooked to me. Hopefully I'm wrong.

school, and is from CT, so I thought the signing was basically a favor, I assume he and Drury know each other pretty well.

I did not think he would be the backup though. I thought he'd eventually get replaced by Halak or someone similar.

a good game. I'm only surprised because I feel like NSH is a small bump up from SJS/MTL/etc. but not a big one

Bigger draft bust: Lafreniere or Bedard?

Many people are asking.

I just turned the game on, for context, so I only saw his intermission interview.

Clearly, he is no Derek Stepan.

Ya right. He is 18 and looks solid to me. Almost scored already. The way he smoothly skates is Peter forsberg like

But yeah he is a bust.

In comment 16243848 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Bigger draft bust: Lafreniere or Bedard? Many people are asking.

Bedard, for sure. Laf is a first ballot HOF in comparison

I am taking the Hurricanes vs. Kraken in the cup final with the Canes winning in six.

Then again being a Canes fan. I take the Canes every year. So what do I know?

In comment 16243861 NorcalNYG said:

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But yeah he is a bust.

Brett was being facetious…

Devils (yuck) vs Stars.

In comment 16243861 NorcalNYG said:

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But yeah he is a bust.

You new around here?

wins with a typical Vegas game. 4 goals from 4 different players, control the face off circles, block shots, tight checking, give up shots, but limit scoring chances. Solid D and goalie play.

So boring. lol.

so obviously couldn't get a great sense of the flow of the game and all that, but from what I saw, Bedard made a few giveaways, but aside from that, he looks great. Not to make this about Lafreniere, but it is possible that Bedard puts up more points than Lafreniere did in his first 3 years (91). I was really surprised to see Pittsburgh lose to Chicago after Chicago eliminated them last year, with all the reinforcements Pittsburgh brought in.

Tampa was very inconsistent, but when they were on, they were deadly. Nashville pressed them hard for the second period and to start the third, but Tampa just outclassed them in the end. Vegas started too damn late, but I wasn't surprised to see them roll Seattle, who I think takes a step back after a very surprising year last year.

In comment 16243747 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

line on the Pens. I got a DK booster to make it basically even odds. I think I'm going to like sports gambling on my phone being legal. lol. or I'm going to hate it.

I went nuts on opening night, had a parlay Pitt -1.5/O 6.5 Pitt vs. Chicago/Vegas -1.5, so I lost that. Also had a shot prop on Crosby/Bedard both 3+ and hit on that, so I came out $5 ahead, big time high roller here!

today and 6 home openers. Only team to play again from yesterday is CHI, they are @BOS and I will be at that game.

Today's slate:
MTL @TOR 7pm
OTT @CAR 7pm
CHI @BOS 7:30pm
WIN @CAL 10:00pm
COL @LAK 10:30pm
EDM @VAN 10:30pm

I won't post the schedule every day, lol, but it's early in the season.

And the first period of the Vegas game. I know you have the whole Tampa vs St. Pete dynamic but it always astounds me the all out raucous atmosphere you get for Lightning games vs the morgue environment of Rays games. They looked fine. That top line of Stamkos-Kutch-Point are a absolute juggernaut. As for Bedard, he looked every bit the part. 5 shots and really driving play. He doesn't have that elite scorer to play with like many stars do, but I could easily see him getting 80+ points this year with where the game is at now. I have to say, going back to last year's playoffs, PK and Messier in the studio are a fun watch. Kind of like Barkley and Shaq in the NBA. They intermesh some decent hockey points with fun stuff like PK breaking down how the players dress.

In comment 16243976 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

today and 6 home openers. Only team to play again from yesterday is CHI, they are @BOS and I will be at that game. Today's slate: MTL @TOR 7pm OTT @CAR 7pm CHI @BOS 7:30pm WIN @CAL 10:00pm COL @LAK 10:30pm EDM @VAN 10:30pm I won't post the schedule every day, lol, but it's early in the season.

I love it! As Giants fans, this is all we have anyway! A lot of late starts so I won't be catching too much of the action, interested to see how Ottawa comes out in a year where they're expected to take a step. Tough first assignment for sure. Edmonton/Vancouver could be a fun one, but no chance I'm awake when that one starts lol

In comment 16243980 Stu11 said:

Quote:

And the first period of the Vegas game. I know you have the whole Tampa vs St. Pete dynamic but it always astounds me the all out raucous atmosphere you get for Lightning games vs the morgue environment of Rays games. They looked fine. That top line of Stamkos-Kutch-Point are a absolute juggernaut. As for Bedard, he looked every bit the part. 5 shots and really driving play. He doesn't have that elite scorer to play with like many stars do, but I could easily see him getting 80+ points this year with where the game is at now. I have to say, going back to last year's playoffs, PK and Messier in the studio are a fun watch. Kind of like Barkley and Shaq in the NBA. They intermesh some decent hockey points with fun stuff like PK breaking down how the players dress.

He doesn't have an elite scorer to play with - other than Hart trophy winner and former Devil Taylor Hall - but the real relevant factor is that he is on the 1st line and PP1 unit. Deservedly so on that roster. But when compared to his contemporaries like Jack Hughes or Alexis Lafreniere or even Jurai Slafkovsky - none of them (maybe Hughes?) began on their teams top line or PP1 units.

Lafreniere and Slafkovsky were on 3rd lines at best. Bedard is obviously a better player - I'm not arguing that, but he's also in a situation he should score more. Much more.

In comment 16243987 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16243980 Stu11 said: Quote: And the first period of the Vegas game. I know you have the whole Tampa vs St. Pete dynamic but it always astounds me the all out raucous atmosphere you get for Lightning games vs the morgue environment of Rays games. They looked fine. That top line of Stamkos-Kutch-Point are a absolute juggernaut. As for Bedard, he looked every bit the part. 5 shots and really driving play. He doesn't have that elite scorer to play with like many stars do, but I could easily see him getting 80+ points this year with where the game is at now. I have to say, going back to last year's playoffs, PK and Messier in the studio are a fun watch. Kind of like Barkley and Shaq in the NBA. They intermesh some decent hockey points with fun stuff like PK breaking down how the players dress. He doesn't have an elite scorer to play with - other than Hart trophy winner and former Devil Taylor Hall - but the real relevant factor is that he is on the 1st line and PP1 unit. Deservedly so on that roster. But when compared to his contemporaries like Jack Hughes or Alexis Lafreniere or even Jurai Slafkovsky - none of them (maybe Hughes?) began on their teams top line or PP1 units. Lafreniere and Slafkovsky were on 3rd lines at best. Bedard is obviously a better player - I'm not arguing that, but he's also in a situation he should score more. Much more.

Oh absolutely with the 1st line and 1 PP he's definitely in a good spot. However come on PJ you know I have a soft spot for Hall in my heart but the current Hall is a distant relative of the Hart winning Hall. My point is that the other stars like Jack with Bratt or Timo, Kuch with his line, Usually have a robin to their batman whereas Bedard doesn't right now otherwise I think he could challenge 90-100 points right now with what I've seen in the pre-season and last night.

That was the only negative I saw for a young 18 year old.
Blackhawk fans should have a a lot of fun watching him play

facetious about Hall. He's a good player obviously but not a scorer in that class you were talking about.

I do think he's a good distributor.

In comment 16244034 Rick in Dallas said:

Quote:

That was the only negative I saw for a young 18 year old. Blackhawk fans should have a a lot of fun watching him play

There were a few times I watched him try to dangle around a defenseman and get stripped of the puck. He'll learn when, at this level, he can get away with making a move like that and when he can't. He's clearly a very dynamic player, and I hope for PJ's sake he pots his first NHL goal tonight. That would be incredible to be there for that.

On the Winnipeg deals. I still think Scheifele's may become the worst deal in the league in a few seasons, but you understand it a little better after reading it. He had a real connection with Dale Hawerchuck and the Jets see him as a leader and they just aren't ready to tear it down. Oh well that's their bed to sleep in.

.
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 16244046 Stu11 said:

Quote:

On the Winnipeg deals. I still think Scheifele's may become the worst deal in the league in a few seasons, but you understand it a little better after reading it. He had a real connection with Dale Hawerchuck and the Jets see him as a leader and they just aren't ready to tear it down. Oh well that's their bed to sleep in.

I'm more interested in the Hellebuyck contract, which continues to solidify the goalie market. Sorokin got 8.25 AAV, Hellebuyck 8.5. When Shesterkin is due for his new contract, with the cap going up, I'm guessing Rangers will sign him to something like 5x9.5.

I am betting 2 units on TOR (money line) and 1 on BOS (also money line) and a 2-team parlay with BOS and TOR.

My most hated enemy teams will give me pleasure to lose these bets.

I opened a draft kings account. they had a promo if you are a new customer, you bet $1 to win $100 if Josh Jacobs has over 1 yard. Naturally this is a device to get you to sign up and gamble. Well it worked. In addition I got a new customer promo of 8 free $25 bets.

I lost one last night (PIT). and I have 4 more today (2 TOR, 1 BOS and 1 parlay).

New Jersey Devils
@NJDevils
Coach is here to stay!

We have re-signed Head Coach Lindy Ruff to a multi-year extension.

📰: http://bit.ly/3PUCunf

In comment 16244122 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I am betting 2 units on TOR (money line) and 1 on BOS (also money line) and a 2-team parlay with BOS and TOR. My most hated enemy teams will give me pleasure to lose these bets. I opened a draft kings account. they had a promo if you are a new customer, you bet $1 to win $100 if Josh Jacobs has over 1 yard. Naturally this is a device to get you to sign up and gamble. Well it worked. In addition I got a new customer promo of 8 free $25 bets. I lost one last night (PIT). and I have 4 more today (2 TOR, 1 BOS and 1 parlay).

I just put together a parlay featuring O/U's which I generally suck at. I have Tor -1.5/EDM vs. VAN O 6.5/CHI vs. BOS O 5.5. I'll probably wait to see if there are any boosts like last night when I hit on the Bedard/Crosby 3+ shots (+125 boosted to +200). I know parlays are sucker bets, but I can't stay away lol

In comment 16244149 ShockNRoll said:

Quote:

In comment 16244122 pjcas18 said: Quote: I am betting 2 units on TOR (money line) and 1 on BOS (also money line) and a 2-team parlay with BOS and TOR. My most hated enemy teams will give me pleasure to lose these bets. I opened a draft kings account. they had a promo if you are a new customer, you bet $1 to win $100 if Josh Jacobs has over 1 yard. Naturally this is a device to get you to sign up and gamble. Well it worked. In addition I got a new customer promo of 8 free $25 bets. I lost one last night (PIT). and I have 4 more today (2 TOR, 1 BOS and 1 parlay). I just put together a parlay featuring O/U's which I generally suck at. I have Tor -1.5/EDM vs. VAN O 6.5/CHI vs. BOS O 5.5. I'll probably wait to see if there are any boosts like last night when I hit on the Bedard/Crosby 3+ shots (+125 boosted to +200). I know parlays are sucker bets, but I can't stay away lol

it's fun, as long as you're not a college student gambling your tuition money or a parent gambling your mortgage payment.

it's different than when I grew up in the days of bookies when you had to scrounge, beg or borrow to pay the bookie on Thursday when he came by to collect. now you have to pay for the bets upfront out of your account. I'm sure there are some dangerous angles to it, but for my use it's just fun/entertainment.

In comment 16244184 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16244149 ShockNRoll said: Quote: In comment 16244122 pjcas18 said: Quote: I am betting 2 units on TOR (money line) and 1 on BOS (also money line) and a 2-team parlay with BOS and TOR. My most hated enemy teams will give me pleasure to lose these bets. I opened a draft kings account. they had a promo if you are a new customer, you bet $1 to win $100 if Josh Jacobs has over 1 yard. Naturally this is a device to get you to sign up and gamble. Well it worked. In addition I got a new customer promo of 8 free $25 bets. I lost one last night (PIT). and I have 4 more today (2 TOR, 1 BOS and 1 parlay). I just put together a parlay featuring O/U's which I generally suck at. I have Tor -1.5/EDM vs. VAN O 6.5/CHI vs. BOS O 5.5. I'll probably wait to see if there are any boosts like last night when I hit on the Bedard/Crosby 3+ shots (+125 boosted to +200). I know parlays are sucker bets, but I can't stay away lol it's fun, as long as you're not a college student gambling your tuition money or a parent gambling your mortgage payment. it's different than when I grew up in the days of bookies when you had to scrounge, beg or borrow to pay the bookie on Thursday when he came by to collect. now you have to pay for the bets upfront out of your account. I'm sure there are some dangerous angles to it, but for my use it's just fun/entertainment.

That's how I treat it. I do a max of $5 bets, the most I bet was a futures for Igor to win the Vezina, I threw $20 on that and it paid out $120, which has basically funded my betting for the next 2 years since I only place small bets. I told my wife, I won $5.50 yesterday, if I can do that every day for a year, that's $2,007.50! What can go wrong?

Every point counts, and the playoffs races are going to come down to the wire. Need bubble teams like Pitt to leave points on the table.

In comment 16244184 pjcas18 said:
[quote
it's fun, as long as you're not a college student gambling your tuition money or a parent gambling your mortgage payment.

it's different than when I grew up in the days of bookies when you had to scrounge, beg or borrow to pay the bookie on Thursday when he came by to collect. now you have to pay for the bets upfront out of your account. I'm sure there are some dangerous angles to it, but for my use it's just fun/entertainment. [/quote]
Haha college betting what memories! I got into it one semester, won 4 straight football bets for a total of $100, thought I was Jimmy the Greek and then proceeded to lose about $400 and was done forever. haven't made a bet in the 35 years since. Season long fantasy is my thing now. not big money either. The most I'm in are my house leagues in football and baseball that are like 100-$150 for the season. otherwise I do 3 or so per sport for like $40-50 per league. I find it fun GM'ing. I tried small money daily fantasy when it first hit like 5 years ago, but It never really hit for me.

Kudos

Mathews with a hatrick, Mikko Rantanan with 4 points, pasta with 2 goals for Boston, Connor Bedard got his first last night.Vancouver rolling up a huge number on Edmonton Pederson with 4 points. Kuch got 2 in the opener Tuesday. The Toronto-Montreal game was really fun. It's no shock the NHL play is so good out of the gate. Unlike most of the other sports, the pre-season mirrors the regular season much closer.

Bedard's first goal in person which was cool. Missed all the other games because of it, but either way it was good to see.

Also didn't know it was the Bruins 100th anniversary so all the Bruins legends were there which was also kind of cool to see.

used all my free DK bets.

Thurs I bet BOS, TOR, and a BOS and TOR parlay (money line).

last night I bet NYR, NJD and a NYR and NJD parlay (also money line).

I also had Bedard to score in the first 10 min Thurs.

I have won 7 bet in a row. I lost Davante Adams to catch over 6.5 passes MNF.

I am out of free bets, but I will use this $8 now (just kidding it's not a ton, around $450) and see how long it can last during hockey season.

very surprised Buffalo laid such an egg. Devs got a surprisingly strong effort out of Detroit. They really out-Devil'd the Devils for large part of that game especially the 1st period. Vanacek was really solid and Jack gonna Jack with 2 quick goals late 2nd to turn the game. It was the type of game a good team wins, they didn't play their best but the stars (Jack and Dougie) made plays and they held on. Minnesota is a team to watch. they are really solid. They're not built in the sexxy score a ton a goals current NHL mode, but they have talent and a strong system and Gustavsson seems to be for real. I think they fall short when they go up against Colorado, Vegas or maybe even Edmonton because they lack enough firepower outside of Karil and maybe Boldie but night in night out they are a tough team to play against.

They are going yo be a problem to play in the West
Strong forwards and goaltending will carry them a long way in playoffs

In comment 16245836 Rick in Dallas said:

Quote:

They are going yo be a problem to play in the West Strong forwards and goaltending will carry them a long way in playoffs

Yeah the Stars are a load. all that you mentioned, plus they have Miro Heiskanen on D as that quarterback/Norris trophy candidate type D man. Binnington turned back the clock and stood on his head last night to keep it close for the Blues. Some interesting stuff from last night: The Red Wings got real physical at times with Jack and he didn't like it at all. He took 2 minors, when he took 3 all of last season. Also I'm not sure how popular this opinion will be as we don't talk about her much in here but I really like Emily Kaplan and her work at ESPN. She gave some really fun stuff out last night from between the boards. like telling us which players were really jawing at each other, and that bit about after the first PP Jack really hit the iPad hard figuring out a specific play along the boards.

for parent's weekend and I tried to bet on several games, but was blocked because SC does not allow gambling.

As luck would have it I would have lost them all.

So, my 9 game consecutive bets won streak is still alive.

betting the money line for the Rangers at home tonight.

last year's most injured team (MTL) starts off with a bang.

Kirby Dach out for a significant period of time after 1 game.

is the season. 1 game.

Between the Mets, Giants and Habs I'm starting to question if the injuries are somehow my fault.

Eric Engels
@EricEngels
Initial word I'm receiving on Canadiens' Kirby Dach is he has a torn ACL+torn MCL in his knee. There are more tests being done, and we'll wait for Habs to officially confirm once they're received all the info, but this puts Dach's season at risk if it ends up being the case.
4:51 PM · Oct 16, 2023
·
21.7K
Views

He really seemed to thrive in his new home last year and looked to take even more strides this year.

NYR held on vs an inspired ARI team. Cooley is going to be really good.

Igor was fantastic. Panarin good again. Trouba off to a great start.

CHI surprises (again) this time in TOR.

Yeah Cooley will end up being the top guy in that draft. Devils off to a very sluggish start. They just look out of sync. It happens. Nico and Timo were already split up in the middle of the game last night they have been creating nothing. I think Nemec is not far away. Smith has not been good.

is a good team. Wins are wins, but I'd also look at pace of play, purpose, cohesion, etc. because losing to FLA is not a huge surprise to me.

So, how did they look from an effort standpoint?

I did not see much of the Devils game.

In comment 16251685 pjcas18 said:

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is a good team. Wins are wins, but I'd also look at pace of play, purpose, cohesion, etc. because losing to FLA is not a huge surprise to me. So, how did they look from an effort standpoint? I did not see much of the Devils game.

Yeah I figured Florida would come out desperate for a win last night and the Devils didn't look great vs inferior opponents the first 2 games at home. Florida was up 4-0 early 3rd and the Devs looked flat and out off it. They made a big run the last 15 minutes to make it close. The puck possession/shot differential has been way off so far as opposed to last year. The Devils have 10 goals in 3 games 9 have all been scored by 4 players- Jack, Bratt, Dougie and Haula. Outside of Haula the secondary guys are doing nothing outside of maybe McLeod. Very small sample size. They'll get their act together. I think some road games will do them good. Simplifies things and gets you to focus better.

In comment 16251236 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

is the season. 1 game. Between the Mets, Giants and Habs I'm starting to question if the injuries are somehow my fault. Eric Engels @EricEngels Initial word I'm receiving on Canadiens' Kirby Dach is he has a torn ACL+torn MCL in his knee. There are more tests being done, and we'll wait for Habs to officially confirm once they're received all the info, but this puts Dach's season at risk if it ends up being the case. 4:51 PM · Oct 16, 2023 · 21.7K Views

Wow, one game and done….this is horrible news. Even I was hoping to see how your #2 line would do: Newhook-Dach-Slafkowsky. Lots of promise there…..

I wonder if Monahan gets elevated to line 2…or maybe you bring up Joshua Roy…the latter seems to be successful wherever he plays.

is moving to 2C between Slafkovsky and Anderson and Harvey-Pinard is moving up to the 1st line with Suzuki and Caufield.

In comment 16251778 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

is moving to 2C between Slafkovsky and Anderson and Harvey-Pinard is moving up to the 1st line with Suzuki and Caufield.

I wonder how that munchkin line will work out….giving up a lot of physicality….I imagine your boys are going to be taken plenty of hits…better have Jackeye out there to watch over that…

In comment 16252008 5BowlsSoon said:

Quote:

In comment 16251778 pjcas18 said: Quote: is moving to 2C between Slafkovsky and Anderson and Harvey-Pinard is moving up to the 1st line with Suzuki and Caufield. I wonder how that munchkin line will work out….giving up a lot of physicality….I imagine your boys are going to be taken plenty of hits…better have Jackeye out there to watch over that…

Suzuki can play physical and even though Harvey-Pinard won't confuse anyone with Pat Verbeek, it's really just Caufield I'd worry about.

Bedard over 2.5 SOG
Matthews over 3.5 SOG
Panarin over 2.5 SOG

also Rangers ML and Detroit ML

Calgary messed up another parlay for me.

Tonight I'm going with Sabres ML and Canucks ML parlay

Wild money line and the Islanders money line

I’m on my way back to MA not sure I’ll get there in time to bet

Need a reliable free Rangers stream for long time fan in VA. If there is one . . . . .

24 teams in action. Speaking of that, I think I posted this before, but I think there are two days this season when all 32 teams will have games and the NHL is going to have a "game mix" channel to track the games. The Sunday Ticket used to have a screen where you can put I think it was 6 or 8 games at once and it would show all 6 on your TV screen.

it was kind of information overload, but still fun. This will be more fun - and more overload.

undefeated teams left (including OT/SO) are VGKs (all they do is win) at 4-0, Avs at 3-0, NYI at 2-0 and the Bruins at 2-0.

We are no more than 4 games in for any team and only 4 teams haven't lost.

There are no teams that have not gotten at least 1 point yet, and only two winless teams (SJS 0-2-1 and SEA 0-3-1).

In comment 16253889 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

24 teams in action. Speaking of that, I think I posted this before, but I think there are two days this season when all 32 teams will have games and the NHL is going to have a "game mix" channel to track the games. The Sunday Ticket used to have a screen where you can put I think it was 6 or 8 games at once and it would show all 6 on your TV screen. it was kind of information overload, but still fun. This will be more fun - and more overload.

The NHL has always had this bizarre infatuation with being a Tuesday -Thursday-Saturday league. This week and next it's like that to the max. It's fantasy hell. You have nights where nobody plays, then those 3 nights you have everyone playing so you have to sit people.

Isles/Devs so far.

Isles need to stay out of the box

scores on his first shot at the United Center.

That is my prediction

notes....from nhl.com

McDavid out 2 weeks with UBI

Kopitar sets Kings all time games played record. He is such a great player, I feel like he has been very under the radar out in LA. 2 cups, 2 selkes (would be more if not for Bergeron), good on face offs, and scored at almost a .9 ppg pace. future hall of famer

Bruins goalies showing up again this year, they have allowed 7 goals in 5 games on their way to a 5 - 0 record.

Avs also unbeaten and their goalies (including Georgiev) have allowed just 8 goals in 5 games.

VGKs only other unbeaten (including OTL/SOLs) team, at 6-0.

Only winless team is SJS

night was MTL in BUF. MTL won 3-1, BUF seems stuck in tweener mode. Not bad but not good.

MTL is very young and has no star but has a solid core. Jake Allen is still capable of a game like last night every now and then. Fun team to watch.

In comment 16258006 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

notes....from nhl.com McDavid out 2 weeks with UBI Kopitar sets Kings all time games played record. He is such a great player, I feel like he has been very under the radar out in LA. 2 cups, 2 selkes (would be more if not for Bergeron), good on face offs, and scored at almost a .9 ppg pace. future hall of famer Bruins goalies showing up again this year, they have allowed 7 goals in 5 games on their way to a 5 - 0 record. Avs also unbeaten and their goalies (including Georgiev) have allowed just 8 goals in 5 games. VGKs only other unbeaten (including OTL/SOLs) team, at 6-0. Only winless team is SJS

Bruins might have gotten another good one in the 2nd round in Poitras. Kid has been impressive. Don't know how they don't keep him up now.

In comment 16259294 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

night was MTL in BUF. MTL won 3-1, BUF seems stuck in tweener mode. Not bad but not good. MTL is very young and has no star but has a solid core. Jake Allen is still capable of a game like last night every now and then. Fun team to watch.

PJ, frozen frenzy tonight. You like any lines?

I personally like NJ -1.5 for +105.

Also like a small 4 team ML parlay with Toronto, Ottawa, Detroit and Boston for +520.

If I had to do a single ML it would be Ottawa over Buffalo.

In comment 16259320 LawrenceTaylor56 said:

Quote:

In comment 16259294 pjcas18 said: Quote: night was MTL in BUF. MTL won 3-1, BUF seems stuck in tweener mode. Not bad but not good. MTL is very young and has no star but has a solid core. Jake Allen is still capable of a game like last night every now and then. Fun team to watch. PJ, frozen frenzy tonight. You like any lines? I personally like NJ -1.5 for +105. Also like a small 4 team ML parlay with Toronto, Ottawa, Detroit and Boston for +520. If I had to do a single ML it would be Ottawa over Buffalo.

I lost my streak. I had the 49ers on the ML last night. I figured after the Jets debacle, being on MNF they were a lock.

Tonight, like you, I like NJD, but I like the NJD money line (if I get a booster). Devils would normally be heavy favorites regardless, but with MTL on the back end of of a b2b so I don't see NJD losing. I might even take the goals in this one (-1.5) as you say, but basically I'm a ML bettor because goals can be tricky. As the saying goes, nothing less secure in hockey than a 2-goal lead.

I like all the games you do.

But I also like the Pens as a home "underdog"

and lastly, the long shot, I may bet on SEA (+110) or +1.5, I'm not sure I am a Red Wings believer yet.

not the Jets debacle with SF, it was the CLE debacle.

Let's have a frozen frenzy where everyone plays! Then let's schedule it on NBA opening night...

For what this defensive group needed. Responsible play, can move the puck, strong, smart. I didn’t realize what a balanced player he was.

With another goal. Also hope Lauko is ok

PJ I'm not just patronizing you, I like Montreal's game. That was a strong effort on a back to back. Vanacek was on top of his game otherwise the Habs could have made that anyone's game. I like their physicality. We all know Caufield will be an elite scorer. They probably need some more offense. Toffoli is everything the Devs hoped Tuna would be the past few years. Hard to not see him score 30-35 again if he stays healthy.

at another level and the team speed NJD has is an absolute weapon the only way to fight it is with physicality but you need to be able to catch them to hit them unless you want a parade to the box. Xhekaj is MTL's best all around D right now and I love seeing it. Matheson is the best skater, but he's not great in his zone and not physical.

1st period MTL was able to hang with them (with the help of Primeau), but my the mid 2nd their D were turning over pucks constantly. I thought Primeau kept it from being embarrassing.

I liked the Devils PK approach too, I absolutely hate the drop pass every single team seems to do on PP zone entry and i like that NJD found a way to disturb it, I also like that Matheson said F-that. lol. I wish MTL had more players who could skate the puck in the zone. That is not Suzuki or Caufield's strength. Dach was better at it, but he's gone for the season obviously. Maybe have Matheson make the zone entry.

Anyway, entertaining game.

hit for me last night.

Ottawa forgot how to play hockey until late in the game. Lost on the parlay.

Made up for it late with a Rangers/Vegas ML. Can't believe how the Flyers are playing tough so far this year. They're not an easy out like in years past.

In comment 16260202 LawrenceTaylor56 said:

Quote:

hit for me last night. Ottawa forgot how to play hockey until late in the game. Lost on the parlay. Made up for it late with a Rangers/Vegas ML. Can't believe how the Flyers are playing tough so far this year. They're not an easy out like in years past.

SEA came up huge for me (after allowing 3 straight 3rd period goals to get behind). As did NJD and BOS. I lost the Pens. They may be in trouble if they don't get shit straightened out.

They have a ton of money in older players - kind of long-term too.

I thought this was the deepest Pens team in a long time, but they look old and slow. like me. lol.

In comment 16260147 Giantsbigblue said:

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With another goal. Also hope Lauko is ok

That was a beauty.

Showed off the speed and then the skill.

Kid is definitely sticking after 9 games.

Serves zero purpose to send him back to play with teenagers at this point.

In comment 16260262 BillKo said:

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In comment 16260147 Giantsbigblue said: Quote: With another goal. Also hope Lauko is ok That was a beauty. Showed off the speed and then the skill. Kid is definitely sticking after 9 games. Serves zero purpose to send him back to play with teenagers at this point.

High hockey IQ play on his part. I remember reading he was awesome in camp but no one thought he would make the team 2 months ago

Right now than the full steam ahead the stop and throw it backwards thing every team does in the PP now. I know it's some kind of analytics thing about zone entry but it just seems to kill the momentum of the rush. X is really impressive back there on the backline. Love his game. Can't believe he was undrafted but I guess you get those guys that fall through the cracks in all sports. Man Edmonton -woof. 7 more ga last night. They gotta tighten that shit up.

is Devils/Caps o6.5 (-130)

Not sure if I'm gonna bite on it.

In comment 16260567 LawrenceTaylor56 said:

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is Devils/Caps o6.5 (-130) Not sure if I'm gonna bite on it.

I wouldn't touch the over. but...both teams on the back end of b2b so who knows.

The reason I would be hesitant is WAS has just 7 goals in 5 games.

I like the NJD money line more.

Macklin Celebrini (Canada) and Cole Eiserman (USA) earn A ratings from Central Scouting per NHL.com

Celebrini is a Freshman at BU, Eiserman also a BU commit, would be a Freshman there next year even though there is just 2+ months difference in age.

Eiserman is an absolute sniper. Celebrini more of a play maker IMO.

Both very good players I expect to be at the top of the 2024 draft. hard to say how they compare to recent top of the draft players without seeing how they develop in their 17 year old seasons.

my gut says a notch above the Lafreniere draft, a jump up from the Slafkovsky draft but not quite at the Hughes level.

Eiserman's shot though will be NHL caliber as an 18 year old.

In comment 16260608 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16260567 LawrenceTaylor56 said: Quote: is Devils/Caps o6.5 (-130) Not sure if I'm gonna bite on it. I wouldn't touch the over. but...both teams on the back end of b2b so who knows. The reason I would be hesitant is WAS has just 7 goals in 5 games. I like the NJD money line more.

I guess b2b for both teams means no defense, lol good call LT.

With 3 assists last night. He now has 11 points in his last 3 games. He has 17 points in 6 games. Coming into the season goaltending was the concern and they’ve done nothing to alleviate that concern. Hopefully Schmid turns it around soon or a trade will need to be made by the deadline.

In comment 16261245 Jay on the Island said:

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With 3 assists last night. He now has 11 points in his last 3 games. He has 17 points in 6 games. Coming into the season goaltending was the concern and they’ve done nothing to alleviate that concern. Hopefully Schmid turns it around soon or a trade will need to be made by the deadline.

Yeah I agree that the goaltending has been inconsistent at best. Schmid in a small sample size has been pretty bad. Not sure what difference maker goalie will be available though. Also the scoring outside of the top 6 has been non existent. Luke Hughes has had a mistake here and there but overall has been solid and totally looks like he belongs. Mercer is off to a slow start and has been pretty much invisible. Very small sample size, I expect them to take off.

I’m not worried about them as they will get going soon. Hischier, Meier, and Mercer have gotten off to a slow start. Toffoli on the other hand has been a huge addition. If he stays healthy I would be surprised if he doesn’t score 40 goals this season. Unfortunately he is likely a 1 year rental due to the lack of cap room they will have to keep him. This is what most of us feared when they gave Palat a 5 year $30 million dollar deal.

As for the potential options for the devils in net if they do pursue a trade. I still have my eye on Carter Hart. I’m not sure what it would take to land him but I would be willing to part with Holtz in the package.

a huge night last night (3 points and the OT GW).

Between the starts for Hughes, DeBrincat and Caufield - seems like a small player revival. Hughes is listed at 5' 11" so not quite the same smallness, but he's diminutive.

Hughes through 6 games is just shy of a 3 ppg pace.

It's ridiculously early in the year to look at things this way, but the top 3 in the points list are all Americans (Hughes, Larkin and Debrincat) which doesn't matter, I like hockey players from all countries, but it helps build the game which is more needed in the US than some other places.

so far?

It's so early to be surprised, but....

Flyers have to be one. Bobby Brink (or I should say Bobby Orr Brink - seriously his middle name is Orr) with his first two NHL goals last night.

MTL at 4-2-1 is surprising especially with the injuries (again) Dach out for the year, Savard out 6 weeks, Guhle out 2 weeks)

BOS 6-01. I don't know, man, two sub 2 GAA goalies. How? Ullmark wins the Vezina last year, but holy shit, Swayman looks like Patrick Roy.

DET 5-2-1, Yzerman gambled and it's early but so far looks like a solid gamble.

EDM, I wouldn't panic yet, but it's not far off.

Most of the west is as expected, SJS may be the worst team I have ever seen.

Vegas. In OT at least to CHI.

first loss of any type on the season.

McDavid back tomorrow for the battle of Alberta (at Commonwealth Stadium).

are awesome in the Heritage Classic. I am normally not a fan of alternate unis but these are great.

look really old school

When I got home from the Devils game last night. Yeah the unis were good. Seemed like better quality hockey than the usual outdoor games. Maybe the weather was perfect as opposed to being too warm or cold. I'm kicking around going to the Devils one in February. Not dying to but my friend from highschool wants to come in from Israel for it and my son really wants to go. Was nice to see a Devs win. Solid game. Jay's favorite boy Smith had another agregious misplay directly leading to another goal. It's getting bad with him. Lindy was asked about him in the post game presser, he tried to cover for him. Unfortunately he's stuck in the lineup right now. Miller is on IR, Nemec just returned from an injury down in the A. He's pretty much boxed into play Smith at this point so he just has to make the best of it. The problem is when your goaltending is decent, not great you pay for these defensive breakdowns more. Lost in Jack's sizzling hot start is Bratt. 2 more goals and 3 points last night(also had a goal wiped out on an offsides review) now 14 points in 8 games. He's had these hot steaks before so we'll see but he may just be in line for a big breakout this year.

Today I like Panarin o2.5 SOG.

In comment 16267681 Stu11 said:

Quote:

When I got home from the Devils game last night. Yeah the unis were good. Seemed like better quality hockey than the usual outdoor games. Maybe the weather was perfect as opposed to being too warm or cold. I'm kicking around going to the Devils one in February. Not dying to but my friend from highschool wants to come in from Israel for it and my son really wants to go. Was nice to see a Devs win. Solid game. Jay's favorite boy Smith had another agregious misplay directly leading to another goal. It's getting bad with him. Lindy was asked about him in the post game presser, he tried to cover for him. Unfortunately he's stuck in the lineup right now. Miller is on IR, Nemec just returned from an injury down in the A. He's pretty much boxed into play Smith at this point so he just has to make the best of it. The problem is when your goaltending is decent, not great you pay for these defensive breakdowns more. Lost in Jack's sizzling hot start is Bratt. 2 more goals and 3 points last night(also had a goal wiped out on an offsides review) now 14 points in 8 games. He's had these hot steaks before so we'll see but he may just be in line for a big breakout this year.

Have you been to an outdoor game? fun for the novelty and a great time, but not so great for the hockey. I went to frozen fenway and the site lines are downright awful. it's the one time at Fenway you wanted to be in the upper deck. But it was -20 degrees with the wind chill and colder and windier up there. hot chocolate was freezing for people who had it. I had a ton of friends go to the Habs Bruins at Gillette and you are so far away from the rink it was bad there too.

Fun, and a great social event, but no beuno for hockey (at most venues I would guess).

If you're cool with that I highly recommend it.

Congrats on being 5-2-1, but I think your boys have been lucky, getting some great goaltending to bail you out. Allen looked like Price Saturday.

Anyhow, I want to ask you….don’t you think Slafkowsky should be in Laval like Roy is? He looks dazed and confused…especially without Dach centering his line.

In comment 16267964 5BowlsSoon said:

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Congrats on being 5-2-1, but I think your boys have been lucky, getting some great goaltending to bail you out. Allen looked like Price Saturday. Anyhow, I want to ask you….don’t you think Slafkowsky should be in Laval like Roy is? He looks dazed and confused…especially without Dach centering his line.

Slafkovsky is absolutely lost. He is a defensive liability and an offensive zero. You can see the skill but he lacks the IQ and confidence. Laval may be just what he needs, heck they sent Caufield down, but it seems like they too dug in/stubborn to make the move.

In comment 16267903 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Have you been to an outdoor game? fun for the novelty and a great time, but not so great for the hockey. I went to frozen fenway and the site lines are downright awful. it's the one time at Fenway you wanted to be in the upper deck. But it was -20 degrees with the wind chill and colder and windier up there. hot chocolate was freezing for people who had it. I had a ton of friends go to the Habs Bruins at Gillette and you are so far away from the rink it was bad there too. Fun, and a great social event, but no beuno for hockey (at most venues I would guess). If you're cool with that I highly recommend it.

Never been to one. Yeah that's the gist I get. That it's awful to actually watch the game but more about the "experience" I don't know the prices are so insane too. Meh I may end up getting roped in lol.

In comment 16267681 Stu11 said:

Quote:

When I got home from the Devils game last night. Yeah the unis were good. Seemed like better quality hockey than the usual outdoor games. Maybe the weather was perfect as opposed to being too warm or cold. I'm kicking around going to the Devils one in February. Not dying to but my friend from highschool wants to come in from Israel for it and my son really wants to go. Was nice to see a Devs win. Solid game. Jay's favorite boy Smith had another agregious misplay directly leading to another goal. It's getting bad with him. Lindy was asked about him in the post game presser, he tried to cover for him. Unfortunately he's stuck in the lineup right now. Miller is on IR, Nemec just returned from an injury down in the A. He's pretty much boxed into play Smith at this point so he just has to make the best of it. The problem is when your goaltending is decent, not great you pay for these defensive breakdowns more. Lost in Jack's sizzling hot start is Bratt. 2 more goals and 3 points last night(also had a goal wiped out on an offsides review) now 14 points in 8 games. He's had these hot steaks before so we'll see but he may just be in line for a big breakout this year.

At this point I would rather see Cal Foote get time over Smith until Nemec or Miller are ready. Smith should be in the AHL not playing every night with a prized rookie.

They asked Lindy on his presser Sunday if they had any plans to get Foote in there and he acted like he never heard of him. Listen they're not gonna play an AHL journeyman. Hopefully Miller gets healthy soon or they just promote Nemec soon. Smith can't be long for this lineup. I wonder if Seamus Casey becomes an option after the NCAA season or maybe with his size he stays another year at Michigan.

Bruins are 8-0-1. I thought they would still be a playoff team but never expected a start like this. Jim Montgomery is a hell of a coach apparently.

with sub 1.8 GAA and both over 93% save percentages.

that is insane. Hard to know if it's because of the D and scheme, etc. or if both goalies are so locked in they are brick walls.

Ullmark is the reigning Vezina winner and he's off to a ridiculous start and you can make a case Swayman is off to a better start.

In comment 16269036 pjcas18 said:

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with sub 1.8 GAA and both over 93% save percentages. that is insane. Hard to know if it's because of the D and scheme, etc. or if both goalies are so locked in they are brick walls. Ullmark is the reigning Vezina winner and he's off to a ridiculous start and you can make a case Swayman is off to a better start.

With McAvoys dirty hit last night we might get that answer

Bruins announce what we already knew, Poitras remains in the NHL for the season (or at least for the foreseeable future and will use year 1 of his ELC)

gets 4 games. I like him a lot as a player, but he earned this.

NHL Player Safety
@NHLPlayerSafety
Boston’s Charlie McAvoy has been suspended for four games for an Illegal Check to the Head on Florida’s Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

In comment 16269784 pjcas18 said:

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gets 4 games. I like him a lot as a player, but he earned this. NHL Player Safety @NHLPlayerSafety Boston’s Charlie McAvoy has been suspended for four games for an Illegal Check to the Head on Florida’s Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Can't disagree as much as I want to

Ryan Novozinsky
@ryannovo62
·
Follow
Per Hockey Stat Cards, #NJDevils defenseman Brendan Smith’s total Game Score (-4.40) ranks 122nd out of 127 defensemen with at least 8 games played in 2023-24.
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 16270339 Jay on the Island said:

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Ryan Novozinsky @ryannovo62 · Follow Per Hockey Stat Cards, #NJDevils defenseman Brendan Smith’s total Game Score (-4.40) ranks 122nd out of 127 defensemen with at least 8 games played in 2023-24. Link - ( New Window )

Why haven't they upgraded? Are they hesitant to use a year of Nemec's ELC so they can space out paying him and Luke Hughes?

lose a 1st draft pick for their role in the Evgenii Dadanov trade then no trade saga between LV and ANA.

Apparently when OTT traded Dadanov to Vegas they failed to inform Vegas Dadanov had in fact submitted his limited 10-team no trade list. Which included ANA and survived his trade from OTT to LV.

They get to pick if its the 2024, 2025 or 2026 1st round pick they lose within 24 hours of the draft lottery.

In comment 16270582 pjcas18 said:

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Why haven't they upgraded? Are they hesitant to use a year of Nemec's ELC so they can space out paying him and Luke Hughes?

Nemec was injured but he returned to action a couple of nights ago. Colin Miller was expected to play over Smith but he too is injured. Still at this point I would rather give Cal Foote playing time over Smith.

In comment 16270749 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

lose a 1st draft pick for their role in the Evgenii Dadanov trade then no trade saga between LV and ANA. Apparently when OTT traded Dadanov to Vegas they failed to inform Vegas Dadanov had in fact submitted his limited 10-team no trade list. Which included ANA and survived his trade from OTT to LV. They get to pick if its the 2024, 2025 or 2026 1st round pick they lose within 24 hours of the draft lottery.

They got a worse punishment than the Blackhawks did for covering up sexual assault. Gross.

In comment 16270997 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 16270749 pjcas18 said: Quote: lose a 1st draft pick for their role in the Evgenii Dadanov trade then no trade saga between LV and ANA. Apparently when OTT traded Dadanov to Vegas they failed to inform Vegas Dadanov had in fact submitted his limited 10-team no trade list. Which included ANA and survived his trade from OTT to LV. They get to pick if its the 2024, 2025 or 2026 1st round pick they lose within 24 hours of the draft lottery. They got a worse punishment than the Blackhawks did for covering up sexual assault. Gross.

Priorities of course.

But in that case Bettman should also lose his job. the league reaction to it was beyond embarrassing.

I don't really remember the details of the Dadanov incident--but that doesn't strike me as THAT bad? And neither did the Coyotes incident a few years ago.

It's just bizarre to me.

In comment 16270749 pjcas18 said:

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lose a 1st draft pick for their role in the Evgenii Dadanov trade then no trade saga between LV and ANA.

New Sens owner is claiming the NHL downplayed the investigation during his due diligence, telling him it was a non-issue.

Quote:

Andlauer was made aware of this potential Dadonov ruling while he was undergoing his due diligence process before finalizing the sale of the Senators. But he was told it would be a “non-issue” — meaning the penalty likely wouldn’t amount to much. On Wednesday, a visibly agitated Andlauer asked rhetorically, “I don’t know if a first-rounder is a non-issue for you guys. But it is to me.” [Presumably he meant it is not to him] “Maybe because the club was for sale and they didn’t want to dispute the sale, and making sure the seller got the biggest price possible,” said Andlauer. “I don’t know.”

If he's accurately characterizing what he was told about the investigation, does seem underhanded if you're moving towards a penalty like that to call it a non-issue.

Athletic article - ( New Window )

Looked like the end of Jaws. 10-1 Canucks. Quinn Hughes with 5 points. Jack leads the NHl leads the league with 20 points Elias Petterson has 19, Bratt has 18 and JT Miller and Quinn are tied with Panarin at 16. 5 of the top 6 scorers in the NHL right now are Devils and Canucks!
The Devils PP is at 44%, including 5 for 8 the past 2 games. Obviously things will cool down and it's early but some wowing #'s right now.

SJS is quite possibly the worst team I have ever seen. Even more so with Couture on LTIR but he's getting old.

they are the roadkill I expect the contenders to start picking at first.

Grier has his work cut out.

In comment 16272165 pjcas18 said:

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SJS is quite possibly the worst team I have ever seen. Even more so with Couture on LTIR but he's getting old. they are the roadkill I expect the contenders to start picking at first. Grier has his work cut out.

Yeah they are bad. DeBrincat and Frank Vatrano are leading the NHL with 9 goals, the Sharks as a team have 10.

Jack Hughes leads the NHL in points
Quinn Hughes leads NHL defensemen in points
Luke Hughes is tied for 1st in rookie defenseman scoring. He is just 1 point behind Cooley for the rookie lead and Hughes has played one less game.

In comment 16272412 Jay on the Island said:

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Jack Hughes leads the NHL in points Quinn Hughes leads NHL defensemen in points Luke Hughes is tied for 1st in rookie defenseman scoring. He is just 1 point behind Cooley for the rookie lead and Hughes has played one less game.

Luke has kind of surprised me with how he has come on so quickly. He has taken over the role as QB and displaced Dougie Hamilton on a PP that is the best in the league so far. He has also not had the kind of defensive breakdowns I thought we'd see this early. He looks more and more like a young Scott Niedermyer every game.

In comment 16272842 Stu11 said:

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Luke has kind of surprised me with how he has come on so quickly. He has taken over the role as QB and displaced Dougie Hamilton on a PP that is the best in the league so far. He has also not had the kind of defensive breakdowns I thought we'd see this early. He looks more and more like a young Scott Niedermyer every game.

Yeah he has surprised me early on. I was expecting more mistakes plus he is playing with Brendan Smith which makes his life much more difficult especially in his own zone. I look forward to the Devils finding a better defenseman to pair him with.

In comment 16272889 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 16272842 Stu11 said: Quote: Luke has kind of surprised me with how he has come on so quickly. He has taken over the role as QB and displaced Dougie Hamilton on a PP that is the best in the league so far. He has also not had the kind of defensive breakdowns I thought we'd see this early. He looks more and more like a young Scott Niedermyer every game. Yeah he has surprised me early on. I was expecting more mistakes plus he is playing with Brendan Smith which makes his life much more difficult especially in his own zone. I look forward to the Devils finding a better defenseman to pair him with.

Not right off the bat, but I wonder if he and Nemec end up together. Guess it depends on just how good Nemec is. I expected some defensive regression for the Devs early due to losing 2 vets and playing younger guys and there has been regression for sure but oddly enough it's been more out of the vets- Marino , Siegs and of course Smith as opposed to Bahl or Luke.

in NY/NJ, Rangers lose Fox, Devils lose Jack Hughes. Both teams best players (other than Igor in NY).

Fox, while he's on LTIR, is not that serious. I have not heard about Hughes.

In comment 16273229 pjcas18 said:

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in NY/NJ, Rangers lose Fox, Devils lose Jack Hughes. Both teams best players (other than Igor in NY). Fox, while he's on LTIR, is not that serious. I have not heard about Hughes.

Nightmare scenario for the Devils. They looked very bad last night without Hischier and Hughes.

but 30 teams in action today/tonight.

Devils and Ducks only teams off.

Some good match-ups.

NYI very quietly off to a good 5-2-2 to start host CAR.

BOS heads to DET who is a year ahead of schedule and BOS is down 2 of their top 4 D. McAvoy suspended, Grzelcyk LTIR.

In a battle of West Conference heavyweights COL visit LVG
Also in a battle of West Conference heavyweights DAL (7-1-1) visit VAN (7-2-1)

less compelling than the other games
PIT heads to winless SJS where new Pen Erik Karlsson had this to say about visiting his former team "I'm looking forward to making some good memories in that rink" lol.

In comment 16273286 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 16273229 pjcas18 said: Quote: in NY/NJ, Rangers lose Fox, Devils lose Jack Hughes. Both teams best players (other than Igor in NY). Fox, while he's on LTIR, is not that serious. I have not heard about Hughes. Nightmare scenario for the Devils. They looked very bad last night without Hischier and Hughes.

Yeah of course they're mum on what it is exactly but my best guess is concussion. He played the next shift and nobody plays the next shift when it is shoulder/collar bone. They did look really bad till about 5 minutes to go in the 2nd period. From then on Binnington stole the game which he can still do on occasion. The upside is Schmid looked sharp for the 1st time this year.

are in trouble IMO.

They're not playing well at all and from the looks of it McDavid is not 100%. I'm sure he felt pressure to be back for the Heritage Classic and in general with his teams poor start, but he doesn't seem himself.

Phillip Thompson
@_phil_thompson
An ex-Blackhawks player, a Black Ace teammate of Kyle Beach, sues the Hawks alleging a 2010 sexual assault
link - ( New Window )

lose their first game in regulation to the upstart ducks. Down 2-0 ANA stormed back with 4 3rd period unanswered goals.

Mason McTavish is quickly becoming a star and Troy Terry proving he's not just a shootout player (jk, no one thought he was but he's good at it).

through almost one-month of the season for me:

1. BOS (no comment from me other than they should not still be good after losing Bergeron, Krejci, Hall and Clifton, not to mention Bertuzzi and others)

2. VAN (i just expected them to struggle with the drama around Miller, Boeser, etc. but Pettersson, Hughes and Demko are playing lights out).

3. EDM (time to panic?)

4. DET (Not sure I'm a believer yet, but Yzerman has this team ahead of schedule)

week to week with UBI (shoulder I think).

At this time I don't think he's on IR, so maybe it's one week.

If he's placed on IR he needs to miss 7 calendar days. LTIR would need to miss 24 calendar days (and ten games).

those are the key metrics to look for if he is placed on either IR. LTIR has cap considerations (the team can exceed the cap by the amount of the contract of the player on LTIR)

Where did Matt Poitras come from? Was he a highly rated prospect?

This is bullshit.

In comment 16276961 pjcas18 said:

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through almost one-month of the season for me: 1. BOS (no comment from me other than they should not still be good after losing Bergeron, Krejci, Hall and Clifton, not to mention Bertuzzi and others) 2. VAN (i just expected them to struggle with the drama around Miller, Boeser, etc. but Pettersson, Hughes and Demko are playing lights out). 3. EDM (time to panic?) 4. DET (Not sure I'm a believer yet, but Yzerman has this team ahead of schedule)

Losing Hall didn't really hurt much. You can't replace a Bergeron though. I do think him ending up coming back during the Florida series still injured ended up hurting them as well as Ullmark playing with an injury.

In comment 16277567 BrettNYG10 said:

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Where did Matt Poitras come from? Was he a highly rated prospect? This is bullshit.

I blame COVID, so many of the players from his age group didn't get properly scouted. Always had talent, but never stood out. I mean you don't get drafted 54th without talent, but no one walked away from the draft thinking the Bruins got a steal either.

never made a Canadian junior team. The OHL is probably the best CHL league though, so being dominant there (like he was) definitely helped.

In comment 16277562 pjcas18 said:

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week to week with UBI (shoulder I think). At this time I don't think he's on IR, so maybe it's one week. If he's placed on IR he needs to miss 7 calendar days. LTIR would need to miss 24 calendar days (and ten games). those are the key metrics to look for if he is placed on either IR. LTIR has cap considerations (the team can exceed the cap by the amount of the contract of the player on LTIR)

My best guess is a concussion. I don't get it with the Devils. Why the hell can't you just state what the injury is? Other teams clearly state concussion. Like what are they scared other teams will target his head when he comes back? If they do they'll get lengthy suspensions.

In comment 16277663 Stu11 said:

Quote:

In comment 16277562 pjcas18 said: Quote: week to week with UBI (shoulder I think). At this time I don't think he's on IR, so maybe it's one week. If he's placed on IR he needs to miss 7 calendar days. LTIR would need to miss 24 calendar days (and ten games). those are the key metrics to look for if he is placed on either IR. LTIR has cap considerations (the team can exceed the cap by the amount of the contract of the player on LTIR) My best guess is a concussion. I don't get it with the Devils. Why the hell can't you just state what the injury is? Other teams clearly state concussion. Like what are they scared other teams will target his head when he comes back? If they do they'll get lengthy suspensions.

Concussion may make sense if he doesn't go on IR or definitely not LTIR.

You can be out of concussion protocol in a week.

allegation is more troubling.

If it's true of course.

because if it's true, the NHL and Blackhawks had to know of the existence. How could the Blackhawks and/or the NHL hire an independent firm to investigate the Beach incident and the complaint of John Doe never came up????

My hope is this is a money grab, but it should be easy to prove.

It's his shoulder, not concussion. His source's best guess is 3-4 weeks, but that's fluid. According to Elliot Friedman he thinks it's the shoulder but not sure. Friedman added that at first the Devils feared it would be months, but no longer feel that's the case. Not the worst news but 3-4 weeks still sucks. That's a huge blow especially with Nico out too.

In comment 16278355 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

allegation is more troubling. If it's true of course. because if it's true, the NHL and Blackhawks had to know of the existence. How could the Blackhawks and/or the NHL hire an independent firm to investigate the Beach incident and the complaint of John Doe never came up???? My hope is this is a money grab, but it should be easy to prove.

Yeah it didn't need to, but this appears to get worse and worse for that organization. The league wouldn't do much, but hopefully Beach makes them pay big time in the civil trial.

In comment 16278503 Stu11 said:

Quote:

In comment 16278355 pjcas18 said: Quote: allegation is more troubling. If it's true of course. because if it's true, the NHL and Blackhawks had to know of the existence. How could the Blackhawks and/or the NHL hire an independent firm to investigate the Beach incident and the complaint of John Doe never came up???? My hope is this is a money grab, but it should be easy to prove. Yeah it didn't need to, but this appears to get worse and worse for that organization. The league wouldn't do much, but hopefully Beach makes them pay big time in the civil trial.

Beach already settled with the Blackhawks - unless you mean if he has sued the NHL, if so, I am not aware.

This is a second player.

In comment 16278510 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16278503 Stu11 said: Quote: In comment 16278355 pjcas18 said: Quote: allegation is more troubling. If it's true of course. because if it's true, the NHL and Blackhawks had to know of the existence. How could the Blackhawks and/or the NHL hire an independent firm to investigate the Beach incident and the complaint of John Doe never came up???? My hope is this is a money grab, but it should be easy to prove. Yeah it didn't need to, but this appears to get worse and worse for that organization. The league wouldn't do much, but hopefully Beach makes them pay big time in the civil trial. Beach already settled with the Blackhawks - unless you mean if he has sued the NHL, if so, I am not aware. This is a second player.

Ahhh didn't realize that. Thought he was in the midst of suing them. This story was so disturbing when it broke, I've kind of tuned out recent developments.

In comment 16278501 Stu11 said:

Quote:

It's his shoulder, not concussion. His source's best guess is 3-4 weeks, but that's fluid. According to Elliot Friedman he thinks it's the shoulder but not sure. Friedman added that at first the Devils feared it would be months, but no longer feel that's the case. Not the worst news but 3-4 weeks still sucks. That's a huge blow especially with Nico out too.

Watching the replay it seemed more shoulder than head, but you never know. If he avoids LTIR in the next few days its a good sign.

sounds like a mild separated shoulder to me.

is on fire.

2 goals already tonight (9).

so is Matthews, also 2 already tonight (13) to lead the league

TBL vs TOR is a good game (like an NBA all-star game good)

Yesterday, now worse after last night's loss to Vancouver. Edmonton after just 11 games is now 9 points out of 4th(Anaheim) in the Pacific. They've already lost 3 times to Vancouver. They have a ton of talent and can probably dig themselves out, but as we've seen year in year out it can be real tough to make the playoffs in hockey if you get off to a horrific start.
On the other hand Vancouver is legit. Demko when healthy has always been quality in net. Elias Petterson and Quinn Hughes are Hart candidates at this point and Boeser is having a huge bounce back with 10 goals already. They are really fun to watch. I don't know if I've ever seen a Dman take the leap in his game that Hughes has so far through 12 games. Sure Dmen take longer to develop, but he had developed already into a nice 60 assist 65-75 point guy. His previous career high in goals was 8, he has 5 already. His previous career high in shots was like 155 he has 45 already. He's definitely the front runner for the Norris right now.

and I hate to seem like I'm taking credit away from him, but I wonder if Luke debuting has pushed Quinn. I felt like his first couple years he was Torrey Krug-like (which isn't an awful thing). Good skater, but obvious holes in his game preventing him from being elite.

He looks like a different player. And VAN always had this talent they were just notorious underachievers loaded with drama. They have quite a few good American players.

I mean he went from being nice level as a baseline for multiple seasons, to jumping to Cal Makar level or better. I have a few Canucks(not Hughes unfortunately lol) so I've been watching them a decent amount on ESPN+ and multiple nights notably last night on the same rink as Connor Mac and Dreiseitl Hughes was the best most impactful player on the ice.
Speaking of Connor Mac and the Hart race my guys on Sirius made a good point yesterday. Points wise when it comes to the Hart Connor Mac is working with a point spread. Just finishing at the top of the points race or slightly ahead is not enough for him to win the Hart. He really needs to beat the field by like 10-15 points or more. I don't know whether he's still hurt, or whatever and it's still so early but as of this moment he has a deficit to make up Hart wise.

earlier I think McDavid is still hurt. He just does not seem like himself. Doesn't have that burst/video game quality.

Why do you think he has a spread? because of playing with Draisaitl?

It's usually the opposite IMO, the stars get the benefit of the doubt - like Bergeron and the Selke.

A lot of players could be Hart right now and I wouldn't count McDavid out, but like you said he's got some ground to make up.

Jack Hughes was probably the favorite before the injury.

Now it's wide open.

Quote:

A lot of players could be Hart right now and I wouldn't count McDavid out, but like you said he's got some ground to make up.

Lafrenière time, baby.

In comment 16279261 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Why do you think he has a spread? because of playing with Draisaitl? It's usually the opposite IMO, the stars get the benefit of the doubt - like Bergeron and the Selke.

Because of the greatness president that he has set up by lapping the field in scoring every year. If he slips down into the rest of the group it will be perceived that he has lost it a bit. What you said about the awards is true for every award except MVP. The perceived runaway best player in the sport has to maintain that lofty status to keep winning MVPs. It happens in the NBA all the time. I don't think anyone would argue that for the better part of the last 20 years LeBron has been the best player in the league year in year out but how many MVPs has he won?

In comment 16279268 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Quote: A lot of players could be Hart right now and I wouldn't count McDavid out, but like you said he's got some ground to make up. Lafrenière time, baby.

Not Kakko?

In comment 16279284 Stu11 said:

Quote:

In comment 16279261 pjcas18 said: Quote: Why do you think he has a spread? because of playing with Draisaitl? It's usually the opposite IMO, the stars get the benefit of the doubt - like Bergeron and the Selke. Because of the greatness president that he has set up by lapping the field in scoring every year. If he slips down into the rest of the group it will be perceived that he has lost it a bit. What you said about the awards is true for every award except MVP. The perceived runaway best player in the sport has to maintain that lofty status to keep winning MVPs. It happens in the NBA all the time. I don't think anyone would argue that for the better part of the last 20 years LeBron has been the best player in the league year in year out but how many MVPs has he won?

That's why hockey is supposed to have:

Hart (MVP)
Lindsay (formerly Pearson) (Best player)

McDavid has 3 Hart trophies and 4 Lindsays/Pearsons

So voters don't get in the trap of having to rationalize making a great player on a terrible team the MVP.

In comment 16279286 Stu11 said:

Quote:

In comment 16279268 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Quote: A lot of players could be Hart right now and I wouldn't count McDavid out, but like you said he's got some ground to make up. Lafrenière time, baby. Not Kakko?

Kakko is fucking killing me.

First off, the Rangers still misuse him, he needs to be on the PK. Second, I really thought he'd put up 20-30 this year.

He will take Conn Smythe tho.

In comment 16279298 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 16279286 Stu11 said: Quote: In comment 16279268 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Quote: A lot of players could be Hart right now and I wouldn't count McDavid out, but like you said he's got some ground to make up. Lafrenière time, baby. Not Kakko? Kakko is fucking killing me. First off, the Rangers still misuse him, he needs to be on the PK. Second, I really thought he'd put up 20-30 this year. He will take Conn Smythe tho.

Holtz is quickly becoming the Devils version of Kakko. The dude has actually shown something so far this year And with each goal he moves down a line. Pretty soon they'll have him playing 3rd line on the mights on ice kids that play between periods.

Oooof.

was moved up to play with Caufield and Suzuki last game and had his 1st goal of the season and was his most dominant I have seen him.

coaches overthink it sometimes with the young players.

Slafkovsky is a tank, he is 19 years old but he's 6' 3" 240 and I think he's still growing into his body.

He looks lost at time defensively but he also flashes brilliance at times. Speed, hands, and agility for that size is rare. I look at Byfield now and think that could be Juraj in a year (but at wing not center).

tonight, Slaf will be back on the 3rd line with Josh Anderson and Christian Dvorak (probably) (stupidly).

In comment 16279355 Anakim said:

Quote:

Oooof.

The Canes should sign him.
With Andersen out indefinitely. Campbell would be a nice fill in with Raanta. I am sure that he has not regressed that much and may get back to normal with the Canes defence in front of him.

In comment 16279313 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Holtz is quickly becoming the Devils version of Kakko. The dude has actually shown something so far this year And with each goal he moves down a line. Pretty soon they'll have him playing 3rd line on the mights on ice kids that play between periods.

This is what drives me crazy about Ruff. In the preseason he had a line of Meier Hischier and Holtz. In 3 games together they produced 9 points. I was excited because Holtz has to play with a good play driving center to reach his full potential. Then right before the first game Ruff demotes Holtz to the 3rd line with Palat and Haula replaced Holtz with Mercer on the Hischier line. That line struggled most of the season.

Now Holtz is playing on the 4th line.

In comment 16279733 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 16279313 Stu11 said: Quote: Holtz is quickly becoming the Devils version of Kakko. The dude has actually shown something so far this year And with each goal he moves down a line. Pretty soon they'll have him playing 3rd line on the mights on ice kids that play between periods. This is what drives me crazy about Ruff. In the preseason he had a line of Meier Hischier and Holtz. In 3 games together they produced 9 points. I was excited because Holtz has to play with a good play driving center to reach his full potential. Then right before the first game Ruff demotes Holtz to the 3rd line with Palat and Haula replaced Holtz with Mercer on the Hischier line. That line struggled most of the season. Now Holtz is playing on the 4th line.

ND creating chances with the slugs he's playing with and scoring a few goals. Like especially with Nico and Jack out he should no brainer be getting top 6 time

I expected them to lose without Jack and Nico they just don't have enough firepower especially if Bratt is gonna be pedestrian the way he has been the past 3 games. It was an odd man rush for party for the Avs as the Devs were constantly out of position and making bad decisions in the neutral zone and the Avs blueline. You can't give the Avs a paraded of 2 on 1's and breakaways and not pay. Jay's favorite player in the NHL- Miles Wood even made us pay with a shorty. I get that they have taken a lot of the physicality out of the game , but the Devils need to flat out protect themselves better. Its been a huge problem with Nico he takes way too many hits and Wood leveled Siegenthaler last night. Ross Colton could easily face a suspension not for the board on Luke Hughes but the ensuing high stick/cross check to Timo Meier on the way to the penalty box but Hughes absolutely has to protect himself better there. Were Colton's antics borderline? sure but thats hockey its a rough sport.
Side point- How bizarre have the past 7 games been for the Avs? They have been shut out 3 times, but in the 4 games they have scored they have 23 goals. so basically they either score 6 goals or get shut out.

lost to SJS. in regulation.

is this rock bottom? EDM is tied for last place in the entire league (with SJS) but...EDM has a game in hand so they have that going for them.

How do they get out of this? I read a tweet that basically said they need to play the rest of the regular season at a 104 point pace just to reach 94 points which is around the expected wild card cut off.

In comment 16282409 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

lost to SJS. in regulation. is this rock bottom? EDM is tied for last place in the entire league (with SJS) but...EDM has a game in hand so they have that going for them. How do they get out of this? I read a tweet that basically said they need to play the rest of the regular season at a 104 point pace just to reach 94 points which is around the expected wild card cut off.

Yeah it's amazing how bad Edmonton has been outside of the Heritage Classic. San Jose after giving up 20 goals in 2 games ( I don't think my middle school street hockey team even did that) has actually won 2 in a row. I agree something is wrong with Connor Mac. I doubt he's healthy. 0 points and 4 shots vs San Jose???

For something they feel can help the team. He was a healthy scratch last night. This while Jack and Nico are out of the lineup and they lose for a 2nd straight time this year at home in regulation Washington. The kid is never gonna get a fair shot here, so why bother at this point. If you're going to dress career AHL fodder over him and refuse to give him a shot when dressed to play with legit scorers why keep him on the roster? It's clear Lindy has no use for him.

requests a trade from the Flames and I think they will aggressively try and grant him his wish.

He's the kind of D I think the Rangers could use. Massive, stay at home D, can take some of the load off Trouba from being the team protector but add some value unlike a Reaves at this point.

He is in the final year of his contract, I suspect the amount of salary CAL eats is in relation to the return.

I think a 4th round pick is probably right.

I think we could see a mid-season fire sale from CAL.

Hanifin is the guy I would prefer on that blue line, but he'd cost more.

Maybe signing 29 year old Huberdeau and 32 year old Kadri to long-term deals to make up for losing Tkachuk and Gaudreau wasn't actually that smart....Huberdeau looks lost without Barkov. Went from a 100 pt player to a 50 pt player overnight. Linemates matter.

They could sure use some help in the backline right now.

In comment 16283422 Stu11 said:

Quote:

They could sure use some help in the backline right now.

He would be a good pickup for anyone IMO, I thought the Devils had better in house options. Maybe not quite ready?

In comment 16283581 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16283422 Stu11 said: Quote: They could sure use some help in the backline right now. He would be a good pickup for anyone IMO, I thought the Devils had better in house options. Maybe not quite ready?

Well my off season fear has come to fruition with replacing Severson and Graves with youth. It's the absolute right thing to do and they will be fine in the long run but for now I think a solid vet like Zadorov would probably be a better fit than rushing Nemec up. Mainly because the vets like Sie

over BOS in OT.

BOS did get hosed with a goal called back for a VERY weak goalie interference, but I'm not going to shed any tears over that one.

Snapped a 10 game losing streak to BOS.

MTL is a fun team, hope they don't sustain any more injuries. With Dach this team could have been a darkhorse.

hitting his stride, up to 9 goals (2 day, one elite from a spot you shouldn't score from, both great goals).

Oilers fire Woodcroft, hire Kris Knoblauch (Hartford AHL).

back on the ice. TBL treaded water in his absence (and he's still at least a few weeks away), see if they can maintain it until he returns.

I watched about half the Oiler/Islander game last night, both teams looked like shit. McDavid doesn't look like McDavid at all, his goal was pretty lucky, Sorokin should have had it. The assist was nice, though.

In comment 16283340 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

requests a trade from the Flames and I think they will aggressively try and grant him his wish. He's the kind of D I think the Rangers could use. Massive, stay at home D, can take some of the load off Trouba from being the team protector but add some value unlike a Reaves at this point. He is in the final year of his contract, I suspect the amount of salary CAL eats is in relation to the return. I think a 4th round pick is probably right. I think we could see a mid-season fire sale from CAL. Hanifin is the guy I would prefer on that blue line, but he'd cost more. Maybe signing 29 year old Huberdeau and 32 year old Kadri to long-term deals to make up for losing Tkachuk and Gaudreau wasn't actually that smart....Huberdeau looks lost without Barkov. Went from a 100 pt player to a 50 pt player overnight. Linemates matter.

I think Schneider is growing into that role.

The nice surprise of Gus makes me think e are ok on D.

Lance Lysowski
@LLysowski
Darren Dreger reports that Patrick Kane and his agent, Pat Brisson, will begin talking to 8-10 teams this week.

So, pump the brakes on all the Kane-to-Buffalo speculation at the moment. Final decision possible early next week.

In comment 16289107 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

I watched about half the Oiler/Islander game last night, both teams looked like shit. McDavid doesn't look like McDavid at all, his goal was pretty lucky, Sorokin should have had it. The assist was nice, though.

Isles have been playing very uninspired hockey. They seem very complacent. There needs to be some sort of shakeup before the season gets too out of hand

I was really unimpressed with most players other than Barzal, frankly. Speaking of him, I was convinced he'd be a 90-100 point guy, his career has been a bit of a let down IMO.

In comment 16289520 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Lance Lysowski @LLysowski Darren Dreger reports that Patrick Kane and his agent, Pat Brisson, will begin talking to 8-10 teams this week. So, pump the brakes on all the Kane-to-Buffalo speculation at the moment. Final decision possible early next week.

Larry Brooks says Rangers are not one of them #blessed

for nostalgia and I can ignore baggage, I think Kane would be a good addition to any contending team.

In comment 16289684 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

for nostalgia and I can ignore baggage, I think Kane would be a good addition to any contending team.

Aren't you worried about the hip resurfacing surgery? Players have a very hard time coming back from that, with the most recent example being Backstrom.

In comment 16289752 LawrenceTaylor56 said:

Quote:

In comment 16289684 pjcas18 said: Quote: for nostalgia and I can ignore baggage, I think Kane would be a good addition to any contending team. Aren't you worried about the hip resurfacing surgery? Players have a very hard time coming back from that, with the most recent example being Backstrom.

Of course, and I'd need to work him out and have him pass a physical, but that just changes how much I'm willing to pay him (assuming things check out). I have seen his workouts that he posted online, he seems to be moving well (from as much as you can tell from a workout).

Just for the PP alone, I'd consider him.

In comment 16283852 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

over BOS in OT. BOS did get hosed with a goal called back for a VERY weak goalie interference, but I'm not going to shed any tears over that one. Snapped a 10 game losing streak to BOS. MTL is a fun team, hope they don't sustain any more injuries. With Dach this team could have been a darkhorse.

I just saw the Calgary-Habs highlights….wow, poor Josh Anderson….he can’t buy a goal…..he hits lots of posts plus goalies like to stone him. On a more positive note, Slafkowsky is playing better, so that is a good thing for your boys. I also think you may trade Allen seeing Primeau looking good in your win v Detroit.

In comment 16289799 5BowlsSoon said:

Quote:

In comment 16283852 pjcas18 said: Quote: over BOS in OT. BOS did get hosed with a goal called back for a VERY weak goalie interference, but I'm not going to shed any tears over that one. Snapped a 10 game losing streak to BOS. MTL is a fun team, hope they don't sustain any more injuries. With Dach this team could have been a darkhorse. I just saw the Calgary-Habs highlights….wow, poor Josh Anderson….he can’t buy a goal…..he hits lots of posts plus goalies like to stone him. On a more positive note, Slafkowsky is playing better, so that is a good thing for your boys. I also think you may trade Allen seeing Primeau looking good in your win v Detroit.

Anderson is snake bit. I'm not worried.

Slafkovsky is coming out of his shell.

He is becoming a beast on the boards, shooting more, gaining confidence. MSL commented on his defense which is where he looked the most lost. He's 19 years old. I don't think he's going to be a Bedard/Hughes/McDavid level #1 but probably not much different than Lafreniere/Hischier

could have NHL implications once finalized. Including suspensions.

Players on that Canada team included some big names.

Makar, Batherson, Hart, Kyrou, Fabbro, Foote, Thomas, Howden, and more.

Some of them have made public statements denying their involvement, others have provided evidence they weren't even at the gala (Kyrou, Mete). Someone will be held accountable IMO.

Rick Westhead
@rwesthead
Hockey Canada offered a bit more detail today about the appeal filed by some 2018 World Juniors team players, who were found to have violated the federation's code of conduct.
The World Juniors appeal will be heard by a three-member panel who have extensive legal experience, Hockey Canada tells me, adding there is no timeline on the appeal process.
Hockey Canada declined to identify the members of the appeals panel.
While appeals to sanctions for misconduct are now supposed to be directed to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC), Hockey Canada's policies were different in 2018 when its officials first learned of this incident.

Grant McCagg has had some interesting tweets about Slafkovsky lately.
X.com - ( New Window )

In comment 16290414 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Grant McCagg has had some interesting tweets about Slafkovsky lately. X.com - ( New Window )

He is improving, and if you watch hockey you can see the tide slowly turning. he is shifting from passive to driving play. Still work to do, but starting to see glimpses at the NHL level of what made him the #1 overall pick.

He is doing things at the NHL level Logan Cooley (for example) will never be able to do (or Shane Wright, or plug in whoever).

Shit, at 19, he's 6' 3" 240 pounds.

Also, awesome content from The Athletic on the adjustments Sullivan has made.
The Athletic - ( New Window )

not being in on Kane or at least he's possibly interested in them...per ESPN:

Quote:

...Kane is expected to interview with up to eight teams in the coming days. The Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers are among the teams that have checked in on Kane during free agency. There have been reports that the Rangers and Detroit Red Wings are also on his radar....

NHL can't get out of their own way. Despite almost every fans hesitance to like it, 3v3 OT is the best rule change hockey since they change the rule outlawing the the two line pass so naturally the NHL is looking at ways to change it.

I'll withhold judgment because the NHL says they're looking at ways to enhance it in an effort to avoid shootouts (so maybe they do hear the fans since no one likes shootouts) but I'll wait and see. The NHL has a way of messing things up.

In comment 16290570 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

NHL can't get out of their own way. Despite almost every fans hesitance to like it, 3v3 OT is the best rule change hockey since they change the rule outlawing the the two line pass so naturally the NHL is looking at ways to change it. I'll withhold judgment because the NHL says they're looking at ways to enhance it in an effort to avoid shootouts (so maybe they do hear the fans since no one likes shootouts) but I'll wait and see. The NHL has a way of messing things up.

Well said PJ, I know how to fix it. Eliminate the shootout and make OT 10 minutes instead of 5. If they are still tied at the end of one OT go to another. I understand if you need more time to comprehend that intricate suggestion.

3 Canucks sit atop the league leaders in points:

1. JT Miller: 10G 16A 26 pts
2. Elias Pettersson: 7G 19A 26 pts
3. Quinn Hughes: 6G 20A 26 pts

Pasta and Panarin next at 24 pts with 15 and 14 games respectively

In comment 16290955 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 16290570 pjcas18 said: Quote: NHL can't get out of their own way. Despite almost every fans hesitance to like it, 3v3 OT is the best rule change hockey since they change the rule outlawing the the two line pass so naturally the NHL is looking at ways to change it. I'll withhold judgment because the NHL says they're looking at ways to enhance it in an effort to avoid shootouts (so maybe they do hear the fans since no one likes shootouts) but I'll wait and see. The NHL has a way of messing things up. Well said PJ, I know how to fix it. Eliminate the shootout and make OT 10 minutes instead of 5. If they are still tied at the end of one OT go to another. I understand if you need more time to comprehend that intricate suggestion.

Yeah definitely bag the shootout. 10 minute 3v3. That OT is probably the best idea the NHL has come up with in a century. I understand its not purist hockey but man is it fun to watch. Do 10 minutes at least.

is huge in OT, but so many teams now have a face off guy out for the face off and he gets off the ice right after.

Nothing wrong with that IMO.

It sounded like in the article they were alluding to limiting the neutral zone time or something - just don't mess with it. Leave it 3v3 sudden death but extend it to true sudden death it's the most exciting 5 minutes of hockey outside the playoffs. no reason to monkey with it.

it should be from the blueline down not Center. I can't stand stoppages when a guy is 2 steps from center and dumps it in. Also when its a clear pass it shouldn't be icing. The rule was obviously created to deter teams from just dumping the puck down the ice when they are in trouble in their own zone. Enforce it that way.

In comment 16291477 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Yeah definitely bag the shootout. 10 minute 3v3. That OT is probably the best idea the NHL has come up with in a century. I understand its not purist hockey but man is it fun to watch. Do 10 minutes at least.

I agree, the only two good ideas then NHL has had during Bettman's tenure is the 3 on 3 OT and the winter classic.

In comment 16291494 Stu11 said:

Quote:

it should be from the blueline down not Center. I can't stand stoppages when a guy is 2 steps from center and dumps it in. Also when its a clear pass it shouldn't be icing. The rule was obviously created to deter teams from just dumping the puck down the ice when they are in trouble in their own zone. Enforce it that way.

I have had that icing rule since I was in mites, so I'm fine with it. For a while they had the two-line pass rule and it was different for college and pro than youth hockey so I never played with that rule.

Now, what infuriates me is now in youth hockey - all the way to high school plays automatic offsides.

my kids in squirts had already mastered tag up offsides and then they had to go back to automatic offsides.

That is USA Hockey though, not the NHL but it's ridiculous.

so it's his first run at full ice and with offsides.

I shed a tear every time he changes his angle and/or slows up into the OZ to let his teammate carry the puck in first.

There are 3-4 kids on the team who refuse to learn this, now 2 months and 15 games into the season.

In comment 16291539 bigbluehoya said:

Quote:

so it's his first run at full ice and with offsides. I shed a tear every time he changes his angle and/or slows up into the OZ to let his teammate carry the puck in first. There are 3-4 kids on the team who refuse to learn this, now 2 months and 15 games into the season.

I have teammates in beer league who have played hockey for 20+ years on average still consistently go offsides. We do bust their balls so different than kids, but you will find over the years the same kids probably still go offsides, lol

deck hockey team for two years and it was extremely frustrating with how often they go offsides. It was in the 7-9 age group and we would practice it every practice and once the game started it was as if nobody told them what offsides was.

back to practice today, I thought I read he's targeting returning for the game tomorrow vs NYR.

if I read that right.

Seems quick if that's correct.

Watching the game now.

.

In comment 16292608 BrettNYG10 said:

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Watching the game now.

Nothing has changed. The NHL has been horrible at advertising for decades. The NHL desperately needs a new commissioner with an actual vision and understanding of how to build the game.

In comment 16292637 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 16292608 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Watching the game now. Nothing has changed. The NHL has been horrible at advertising for decades. The NHL desperately needs a new commissioner with an actual vision and understanding of how to build the game.

It's ridiculous, I only knew about the game today because I checked ESPN to see if there was a game on. Why aren't other broadcasts (like MSG) advertising this stuff? It's silly.

In comment 16292608 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Watching the game now.

What's the global series?

In comment 16292608 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Watching the game now.

It's a joke. I watch NHL network regularly. I watch games other than the team I root for. I follow nhl media accounts. I'm a more engaged fan than average and I had zero idea. Only because I ran across a random highlight on Twitter did I know the game was on.

In comment 16292663 JayBinQueens said:

Quote:

In comment 16292608 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Watching the game now. What's the global series?

There are four games being played in Sweden. It started yesterday and lasts through Sunday.
Nhl.com - ( New Window )

In comment 16292671 Diversify yo bonds said:

Quote:

In comment 16292608 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Watching the game now. It's a joke. I watch NHL network regularly. I watch games other than the team I root for. I follow nhl media accounts. I'm a more engaged fan than average and I had zero idea. Only because I ran across a random highlight on Twitter did I know the game was on.

I was only aware of it because a friend told me he was going over there to watch them. I had no idea.

In comment 16292656 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 16292637 Jay on the Island said: Quote: In comment 16292608 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Watching the game now. Nothing has changed. The NHL has been horrible at advertising for decades. The NHL desperately needs a new commissioner with an actual vision and understanding of how to build the game. It's ridiculous, I only knew about the game today because I checked ESPN to see if there was a game on. Why aren't other broadcasts (like MSG) advertising this stuff? It's silly.

I only knew about it from reading this thread.

In comment 16292973 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 16292656 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: In comment 16292637 Jay on the Island said: Quote: In comment 16292608 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Watching the game now. Nothing has changed. The NHL has been horrible at advertising for decades. The NHL desperately needs a new commissioner with an actual vision and understanding of how to build the game. It's ridiculous, I only knew about the game today because I checked ESPN to see if there was a game on. Why aren't other broadcasts (like MSG) advertising this stuff? It's silly. I only knew about it from reading this thread.

Yeah I only knew about it because I missed putting one of my fantasy guys on Friday with the 2pm start lol.

about it, but I just thought while kind of cool it's not for "us" it's like the NFL games in UK and Germany. it's to bring the game to a wider audience.

the only thing better about the NHL and the Global Series than the NFL and games in Germany is there are a lot of NHL players from those countries (this year it's Sweden).

Milan Lucic arrested. Domestic violence incident, apparently.

Placed on an indefinite leave of absence.

In comment 16293023 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Milan Lucic arrested. Domestic violence incident, apparently. Placed on an indefinite leave of absence.

Only NHL player I have seen disrespect the handshake line after a playoff series. I'm sure it happens, but he's the only one I saw do it - just classless. So anything else he does, doesn't surprise me.

of course I support due process and not everything is as initially reported, but get a f-ing spine Bruins. You need to word this as he is being kept away from the team while and investigation is conducted.

"Joe Haggerty
@HackswithHaggs
Milan Lucic taking an “indefinite leave of absence” from team after an alleged domestic incident. Statement from the Bruins: “The Boston Bruins are aware of an incident involving Milan Lucic Friday evening. Milan is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team…"

This season so far, Luke Hughes has spent the majority of his 5 on 5 ice time playing on the New Jersey Devils’ third defensive pairing. The top pairing has mostly been Dougie Hamilton and Jonas Siegenthaler, while John Marino and Kevin Bahl have stayed together as a second pairing. Now, as a rookie, being on the third pairing is nothing to be ashamed of, and he has certainly shown that he can grow into a bigger role, and probably will as he progresses. He has also been given quality power play time and has really made a positive impact there, a bigger impact than at 5 on 5 for sure.

The issue for Luke for most of the season, however, is that being on the third defensive pairing has meant playing alongside Brendan Smith. And in terms of production, numbers, and just overall quality of play, that has been nothing short of a disaster for the younger Hughes brother. This has been evident for anyone who has simply sat down and watched some Devils hockey this season, but the numbers also really showcase this.

These numbers are honestly pretty damning for both Brendan Smith and for the coaching staff that kept them together for over 128 minutes at 5 on 5. Luke Hughes was clearly propping up Smith and doing the best he could to make that pairing work, and while I also believe that Smith was working just as hard to make the pairing work, the fact of the matter is that he was just pulling Luke down with him. Luke’s numbers without Smith are incredible, while when with Smith, they are really subpar. His Corsi jumps over 13.5% without Smith, his Goals For jumps over 50% (!!!!) without Smith, and this is solidified by his expected Goals For jumping over 40%. And if you want to look even a little closer, his high danger attempts jump almost 30% when playing without Smith. It’s almost like Luke is a completely different player when playing without Smith.
Luke Hughes Shined Bright Thursday Without Brendan Smith - ( New Window )

with Colin Miller the other night and the results were significant.

really here to me except....Charlie Lindgren (Rangers D Ryan's older brother)...I always wanted him to get a chance in MTL, but when he did he didn't seize it, but good to see him have success, albeit SSS. Also Quick being ahead of Igor is a surprise based on how we seemed to be a castoff last deadline and struggled in the pre-season.

Quote:

MoneyPuck.com @MoneyPuckdotcom Top goalies as of Sunday https://moneypuck.com/goalies.htm

Was nearly a PPG player last season. Has a modified NTC. Have to imagine he asks out?

In comment 16295401 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Was nearly a PPG player last season. Has a modified NTC. Have to imagine he asks out?

Here is the funny thing about Laine.

as an 18-year old rookie he put up 36 goals and 64 points with WIN and a lot of Rangers fans pointed to that season as why Lafreniere was a failure and a bust.

Who trades Lafreniere (a far more complete player) for Laine now (who is still just 25 years old)? No one, that's who.

everyone wants everything immediately. sometimes patience pays off.

I thought he was going to be a star.

The Rangers fan/Laf discourse was mostly always stupid, although that story is far from over.

In comment 16295423 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

The Rangers fan/Laf discourse was mostly always stupid, although that story is far from over.

it was stupid, and it's not over, but successful hockey teams aren't built on the Laine's of the world IMO. They are built on players like Lafreniere - who needs to improve his production like he's doing so far this year, but I think you get my point.

but won't be the same without Russians.

Greg Wyshynski
@wyshynski
Current plan for the 2025 World Cup of Hockey, which will NOT be called the World Cup of Hockey:

- 4 national teams (US, CAN, SWE, FIN)
- Zero Russians
- Chance USA and Canada play 3 times
- Next proper World Cup might not be until 2028.

is the favorite for Kane.

I read (per Elliotte) he has met with DAL and TOR, but those two seem unlikely.

In comment 16297831 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

is the favorite for Kane. I read (per Elliotte) he has met with DAL and TOR, but those two seem unlikely.

Makes sense from the local hero standpoint, but I figured he'd be more help to a team that's more in contention. I guess they figure if they're out of it at the deadline they can deal him.

In comment 16297845 Stu11 said:

Quote:

In comment 16297831 pjcas18 said: Quote: is the favorite for Kane. I read (per Elliotte) he has met with DAL and TOR, but those two seem unlikely. Makes sense from the local hero standpoint, but I figured he'd be more help to a team that's more in contention. I guess they figure if they're out of it at the deadline they can deal him.

I think the Rangers make the most sense, again, but seems like they need a D more.

I also read BOS mentioned.

and FLA for Kane now too.

What's Laine's issue? Is it just effort/determination?

In comment 16298058 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

What's Laine's issue? Is it just effort/determination?

Laine has had attitude issues dogging him for a while. but CBJ coach benched Johnny Gaudreau too.

sometimes when your stars aren't producing it's on the stars, but sometimes it's not just on the stars. People don't often understand the role confidence plays in success. I bet there is some sports psychiatrist who has a book on it.

I'd avoid Laine unless it's a salary dump kind of thing.

lost again last night giving up 5 goals.

they are the 3rd worst team in the league right now.

If there is ever a shakeup now is the time to do it.

Quinton Byfield has 15 points in 17 games and had this incredible pass last night.

pj will preach, you don't give up on young talent.
X.com - ( New Window )

In comment 16298254 pjcas18 said:

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lost again last night giving up 5 goals. they are the 3rd worst team in the league right now. If there is ever a shakeup now is the time to do it.

What's going on with them? Shit defense/goalies?

I watched the NYI/EDM game last week and nothing looked right other than Draisatl. They won, but McDavid looked off, the play was sloppy, etc. This was Knoblauch's first game, but it looked like a preseason game.

Goaltending still sucks.

looked much better last night.

Bouchard has one of the best shots in the league.

Kane is Kane, so good but also sometimes so bad

Hyman is an underrated top 6 piece

RNH is very capable

Nurse is a problem - especially at that contract -

and their D is not deep, but goalie has been a problem since McDavid was a rookie.

EDM should do what PIT does and trade all their draft picks but EDM should trade them for a goalie (Carter Hart?) and veteran D depth.

What about the noise about the Habs working out a trade with one of the goalies? Hughes can’t keep 3 and for Edmonton, “American Thanksgiving” approaches lol.

In comment 16298543 kevken60 said:

Quote:

What about the noise about the Habs working out a trade with one of the goalies? Hughes can’t keep 3 and for Edmonton, “American Thanksgiving” approaches lol.

I do think they'll trade one but none of the Habs three goalies, right now, are starters on a contender IMO. But the Habs D are so young it's hard to truly evaluate them - and they're all doing ok. They'll trade one because all three are in that space of not good enough to start on a contender, but not bad enough to sneak through waivers. So they have to keep three or trade one.

The best one is/was probably Casey DeSmith who they already traded to Vancouver for Tanner Pearson.

I like Montembeault and Primeau but I don't think either would move the needle in EDM. Jake Allen either.

today - 2 short of "frozen frenzy" - after 0 games yesterday.

NHL scheduling is weird.

Should be an awesome game
Really impressed with the depth of the Stars 4 lines.

In comment 16298787 Rick in Dallas said:

Quote:

Should be an awesome game Really impressed with the depth of the Stars 4 lines.

Dallas was my dark horse last year in September. I thought they were better than Vegas and Colorado.

In comment 16298524 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

EDM should do what PIT does and trade all their draft picks but EDM should trade them for a goalie (Carter Hart?) and veteran D depth.

If Hart is really available then NJ has to acquire him. At this point I would be willing to trade Vanecek, Holtz, and a 1st.

In comment 16298894 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 16298524 pjcas18 said: Quote: EDM should do what PIT does and trade all their draft picks but EDM should trade them for a goalie (Carter Hart?) and veteran D depth. If Hart is really available then NJ has to acquire him. At this point I would be willing to trade Vanecek, Holtz, and a 1st.

Flyers are in 2nd place in the metro, but it's "fools gold", I don't think they're good and they have 3 more games played than 3rd place (WAS - also not good) and 1 more than 4th place (CAR) who are both one point behind them.

I know it's ridiculously early to think this way, but 4 points (2 games) separates 2nd place from 7th place in the metro with games in hand all over the place.

IOW, if I were PHI I'd sell on Carter Hart, but they may not agree.

They're playing decent. Maybe by trade deadline they'll fall out of it. They don't have much organizational depth in goal so I'm not so sure they would trade Hart. They'd probably look to deal guys like Cam Atkinson or Sean Couturier first

Just what I expected of these 2 teams.

These 2 teams have played a bunch of OT games.
Not much separates them…

But they are REALLY old. Most of their best players are well into their 30s, Pavelski and Suter are 39. Doesn’t seem likely that those guys can all stay healthy and productive all the way through May and June

In comment 16299622 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

But they are REALLY old. Most of their best players are well into their 30s, Pavelski and Suter are 39. Doesn’t seem likely that those guys can all stay healthy and productive all the way through May and June

Stars average age of the roster is 1.5 years older than the Rangers.

Stars have veteran presence in guys like Pavelski, but their core is similar to NYR. Heck, their star Jason Robertson is 24, Wyatt Johnson is 20. Roope Hintz (27) (would have probably been Conn Smythe if DAL won and he is younger than Kreider, and Panarin) so is Seguin (31), Heiskanen (24).

I think like the Rangers, the Stars have a good mix of youth and veterans - just their veterans, like Pavelski, will require some monitoring.

And Igor is 3 years older than Otter in net.

CHI could go back to back - Bedard and Celebrini.

TSN
@TSN_Sports
Chicago has announced that Taylor Hall will have season-ending knee surgery.

great fit on any contender.

Mark Lazerus
@MarkLazerus
Corey Perry, who was scratched last night as a mysterious "organizational" decision, is not on the ice for Blackhawks practice.

In comment 16299647 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

CHI could go back to back - Bedard and Celebrini. TSN @TSN_Sports Chicago has announced that Taylor Hall will have season-ending knee surgery.

It's a shame. The season after he won the Hart he injured his knee in like December, the Devils pulled their usual "day to day" and we never saw him again that season. He hasn't been the same since. I'm sure he'll fight his way back but he'll never be more than a shell of his old self.

Back tonight.

needs to be blown up as much as this one.

Ken Holland is not the guy.

NHL Watcher
@NHL_Watcher
Friedman on 32TP: "I honestly believe that the Oilers are going to try and weather this as much as they can without doing anything they're going to regret for generations"

circulating about a Montembeault to EMD "blockbuster" involving Jack Campbell.

Of the three MTL goalies, Montembeault is the one I'd least want to trade and getting Campbell back makes no sense so I doubt it.

being discuss in intermission of the Habs Sharks game by Sharks announcers. I put blockbuster in quotes because I do think Sammy is an up and coming goalie (at 27 years old) but I don't know he is who i would target if I was EDM and need a "win now" goalie.

lose at home in regulation for the first time all season. DET is WAY ahead of schedule IMO.

Yzerman pushing the right buttons (so far).

In comment 16300288 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

circulating about a Montembeault to EMD "blockbuster" involving Jack Campbell. Of the three MTL goalies, Montembeault is the one I'd least want to trade and getting Campbell back makes no sense so I doubt it. being discuss in intermission of the Habs Sharks game by Sharks announcers. I put blockbuster in quotes because I do think Sammy is an up and coming goalie (at 27 years old) but I don't know he is who i would target if I was EDM and need a "win now" goalie.

That doesn't make any sense for Montreal unless a 2nd round draft pick is also coming to Montreal. I am not suggesting that Montembeault is a good starting goalie but Campbell is worse, older, and has a terrible contract.

I don't like proclaiming "rock bottom" because as Eric says things can always get worse but if there's a lower point than then scoring 1 lousy goal vs Columbus at home then I don't wanna be around for it. Team looks clueless out there. Yeah the defense is bad but they slept walked through 2 periods offensively then came on with 23 shots in the 3rd but couldn't put one in. They're pretty much imitating the Panthers season last year. Let's hope it ends similarly.

In comment 16300356 Stu11 said:

Quote:

I don't like proclaiming "rock bottom" because as Eric says things can always get worse but if there's a lower point than then scoring 1 lousy goal vs Columbus at home then I don't wanna be around for it. Team looks clueless out there. Yeah the defense is bad but they slept walked through 2 periods offensively then came on with 23 shots in the 3rd but couldn't put one in. They're pretty much imitating the Panthers season last year. Let's hope it ends similarly.

When Brunette landed the Nashville HC job I was extremely disappointed and I mentioned how I was concerned that he played a big part in the Devils surprising success last season. Now I am not saying that is the reason why the Devils have played so poorly but it certainly is one of the factors IMO.

I won't go into a Ruff rant again but once again he is proving that he is not the right man to lead this franchise. The Devils need to turn the season around quickly and the first move I would make is to acquire a goaltender. If they still struggle then it is time to consider a change at HC. Travis Green is not the right choice either.

In comment 16300366 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 16300356 Stu11 said: Quote: I don't like proclaiming "rock bottom" because as Eric says things can always get worse but if there's a lower point than then scoring 1 lousy goal vs Columbus at home then I don't wanna be around for it. Team looks clueless out there. Yeah the defense is bad but they slept walked through 2 periods offensively then came on with 23 shots in the 3rd but couldn't put one in. They're pretty much imitating the Panthers season last year. Let's hope it ends similarly. When Brunette landed the Nashville HC job I was extremely disappointed and I mentioned how I was concerned that he played a big part in the Devils surprising success last season. Now I am not saying that is the reason why the Devils have played so poorly but it certainly is one of the factors IMO. I won't go into a Ruff rant again but once again he is proving that he is not the right man to lead this franchise. The Devils need to turn the season around quickly and the first move I would make is to acquire a goaltender. If they still struggle then it is time to consider a change at HC. Travis Green is not the right choice either.

Yeah Jay they really miss Brunette. Also Severson. He was an underrated puck mover. They're D looks lost in the defensive zone and it's not the kids as much as Siegenthaler and Marino have to play better though Luke and Bahl were shaky today.

During the 1st period int. Everything he said was spot on. You can see the lack of urgency and emotion on the ice just watching, but being down there between the boards Bryce really was astounded by the lack of emotion and caring on the bench. This coming off their worst effort of the season by far vs Detroit and the proverbial "team meetings" on Thursday following it. To come out that flat and emotionless is real damning for Lindy. Here it is admittedly it's a bad screen capture on YouTube.
Link - ( New Window )

physical health, mental health, attitude, trade....

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
·
34m
Corey Perry will remain away from the Blackhawks "for the foreseeable future," Kyle Davidson says.

In comment 16300684 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

physical health, mental health, attitude, trade.... Ben Pope @BenPopeCST · 34m Corey Perry will remain away from the Blackhawks "for the foreseeable future," Kyle Davidson says.

Listening to NHL radio yesterday none of the insiders could figure it out. He's playing solid so it's not performance based. If it were personal reasons they'd at least allude to that. If it were an insubordination issue something would have leaked out. It's a real mystery.

In comment 16300766 Stu11 said:

Quote:

In comment 16300684 pjcas18 said: Quote: physical health, mental health, attitude, trade.... Ben Pope @BenPopeCST · 34m Corey Perry will remain away from the Blackhawks "for the foreseeable future," Kyle Davidson says. Listening to NHL radio yesterday none of the insiders could figure it out. He's playing solid so it's not performance based. If it were personal reasons they'd at least allude to that. If it were an insubordination issue something would have leaked out. It's a real mystery.

It is apparently a Blackhawks decision not a Perry deicsion - and given their history I don't even want to speculate.

that I think Buffalo is going to finally break out and become a playoff team they always disappoint. The Devils are finally healthy and they beat Buffalo 7-2 after an embarrassing loss to Columbus. Buffalo recorded just 11 shots.

either, I think Levi needs to get healthy but they have some other problems. Benson looks legit though (and they should hope he is - they just blew year one of his ELC). tons of talent on that team - forwards, blue line, net.

And then the Coyotes shut out Vegas.

two bets I was prepared to make yesterday, Habs money line over Kings (such long odds I thought why not) and GK's money line over ARI (to balance it out with a sure thing). I missed out on getting both in and neither was close. Lucky for me.

There are rumors circulating on twitter that Perry was released because he slept with Bedards mom.

In comment 16305130 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

There are rumors circulating on twitter that Perry was released because he slept with Bedards mom.

Hahahahaha

In comment 16305130 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

There are rumors circulating on twitter that Perry was released because he slept with Bedards mom.

99% sure that was a joke.

Tough biz. The guy made the playoffs every year he's been in the league. 142-67-23.

In comment 16305148 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16305130 Jay on the Island said: Quote: There are rumors circulating on twitter that Perry was released because he slept with Bedards mom. 99% sure that was a joke.

And Perry isn't actually released.

actually now Perry is released effectively and I don't think it's because of the rumors, but who knows.

That statement is pretty harsh.

are true. Kyle Davidson released a statement.

I think it's legal, not salacious/scandalous.

Kyle Davidson said, of course he could be lying, it does not involve any players or their family members and "anyone suggesting otherwise is wildly inaccurate and frankly its disgusting" He really couldn't come out much stronger.

My guess is it is alcohol or drug related or Perry acted inappropriate with a staff member/member of the public (like hotel staff).

.

In comment 16306683 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

.

Here is Kyle Davidson's full statement. If you believe it to be true, the rumors were made up.

Because they’re still feeling the backlash from the Kyle Beach story?

In comment 16306743 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Because they’re still feeling the backlash from the Kyle Beach story?

I think they have to and it's their own fault (if they are). There is a second accuser, not sure how legitimate, from the same off-season as Beach who has now filed a lawsuit claiming the same video coach molested him and also saying he reported it and the team failed to act.

Daily Hive Vancouver
@DailyHiveVan
#Canucks trade Beauvillier to Blackhawks: report

"an incident occurred that day involving a team employee," he was pulled as soon as the team was aware of it (and didn't play that game), and they began their investigation.
link - ( New Window )

like NYR were a good fit here - same with BOS.

Sportsnet
@Sportsnet
The Calgary Flames have traded Nikita Zadorov to the Vancouver Canucks for a 2024 5th-Round Pick and a 2026 3rd-Round Pick. 🔁

Things are starting to clarify, especially out West. It's pretty much 5 teams- Vegas, Colorado, Dallas, Vancouver and the Kings. The East is a mosh pit. The Rangers, Bruins and Panthers have separated themselves for the time being but I think they come back to the group at some point.

Some surprises in the East- Washington has been a big surprise. I thought they were cooked. Just coming off sweeping a tough back to back in LA. I'm still dubious of them but who knows. Detroit not as.much of a surprise but I think especially adding Kane they are in it to get in the playoffs.
I think we're gonna see the teams in the East really be active in the trade market. It's so tight from 4 to like 12 in the East.
Vancouver has 2 or 3 legit Hart candidates in Q. Hughes, JT Miller and even Boeser who's leading the league in goals and Pettersson is having a great year too. Luke Hughes has every bit the upside of Quinn too. Damn that family is good.

Things are getting interesting in NJ on the blue line. Luke Hughes already took Hamilton's place on the 1st power play unit and last night he was in the top pairing with Dougie out. He looked great last night including the GWG in OT. Colin Miller has been surprisingly good since he returned from injury.

Here is hoping that when Hamilton returns the Devils finally bench Brendan Smith and roll with Miller as the 3rd RD. No more of this 7 Dman nonsense.

In comment 16309584 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

Things are getting interesting in NJ on the blue line. Luke Hughes already took Hamilton's place on the 1st power play unit and last night he was in the top pairing with Dougie out. He looked great last night including the GWG in OT. Colin Miller has been surprisingly good since he returned from injury. Here is hoping that when Hamilton returns the Devils finally bench Brendan Smith and roll with Miller as the 3rd RD. No more of this 7 Dman nonsense.

Yeah Jay I have a lot of Devils thoughts...
-How the hell is the organizational forward depth so horrendous? with Foote, Timo, Haula hurt they're resorting to calling up career AHL'ers in their mid to late 20's and playing Smith of all guys at fwd???
-If Dougie is out for an extended period of time you know they won't but they really need to call up Nemec. He's tearing it up in the AHL. It's time. He doesn't belong down there. I get that D has been a problem but come on he surely cannot make it worse. Smith has been a bit better lately, but he still can't stop Myles Wood disease of constantly taking needless penalties. I think its an acceptable outcome that we take a little step back this season and make the playoffs but not have a great year. the future compete window is so wide open its time to make sure Nemec, Luke and the other young guys get the needed experience at this time of the year. the more I look at it I won't be shocked if one of the vets like Siegenthaler get dealt for what Fitz views as an upgrade to settle down the D. They are simply giving up too many high danger chances and are trapped in the zone way too much 5 v 5. The goaltending is not good enough to overcome it and I don't see any goalie out there on the market who's improving that substantially any time soon. As many saves as Schmido made last night he crumbled late in regulation with a Mackenzie Blackwood type goal to make it 3-2 and giving up the 5-hole from 100 feet away for the tying one late.
-As poorly as they've played they've hung in there and haven't buried themselves in any kind of hole they can't get out of pretty easily.

surprises to me are:

Atlantic:
Bruins (I did not think they'd be as good with losing the players they lost I do think there will be some settling back to the pack but I thought they were a 4-8 seed, not a 1-4 seed)

Red Wings (way ahead of schedule IMO, and loaded with prospects - and I love stuff like the Kane gamble because if the bottom falls out but Kane plays well they can traded him at the deadline. He has a full NTC I believe but he and his agent already said he wants to play for a contender)

Ottawa - but their record isn't as bad as some think - for example they're behind MTL but have 6 games in hand on MTL.


Metro:
Rangers - I can't even say the Rangers, I had that as a SCF contender all along. They have every ingredient to win a cup, just need health - which they had last year - just didn't have the coach.

Capitals - I think WAS is fools gold unless Lindgren turned into Carey Price


Central:
maybe the Wild - I didn't think they'd be a juggernaut, but I thought they would be a playoff contender - still can be but they look like dogshit

Pacific:
GK's - still no idea how that team is such a machine.

Canucks - they go from on the cusp of a mutiny to unstoppable, JT Miller can't lead and is a malcontent and Brock Boeser is a finesse guy to the 80's Oilers on offense with Thatcher Demko filling the role of Grant Fuhr.

Oilers - turning things around, but man they are making it hard on themselves


maybe more - but those are my early thoughts.

Can a team have 6 games on another. Silly NHL.

In comment 16309670 JayBinQueens said:

Quote:

Can a team have 6 games on another. Silly NHL.

I think it has to do with the global series (they were in it) and bye weeks,but yeah, it's stupid.

In comment 16309637 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Yeah Jay I have a lot of Devils thoughts... -How the hell is the organizational forward depth so horrendous? with Foote, Timo, Haula hurt they're resorting to calling up career AHL'ers in their mid to late 20's and playing Smith of all guys at fwd??? -If Dougie is out for an extended period of time you know they won't but they really need to call up Nemec. He's tearing it up in the AHL. It's time. He doesn't belong down there. I get that D has been a problem but come on he surely cannot make it worse. Smith has been a bit better lately, but he still can't stop Myles Wood disease of constantly taking needless penalties. I think its an acceptable outcome that we take a little step back this season and make the playoffs but not have a great year. the future compete window is so wide open its time to make sure Nemec, Luke and the other young guys get the needed experience at this time of the year. the more I look at it I won't be shocked if one of the vets like Siegenthaler get dealt for what Fitz views as an upgrade to settle down the D. They are simply giving up too many high danger chances and are trapped in the zone way too much 5 v 5. The goaltending is not good enough to overcome it and I don't see any goalie out there on the market who's improving that substantially any time soon. As many saves as Schmido made last night he crumbled late in regulation with a Mackenzie Blackwood type goal to make it 3-2 and giving up the 5-hole from 100 feet away for the tying one late. -As poorly as they've played they've hung in there and haven't buried themselves in any kind of hole they can't get out of pretty easily.

It is extremely frustrating when players like Willman, Tierney(who has been an absolute abomination in 5x5 situations), Laberge, and Brendan Smith at forward when they have Graeme Clarke, Chase Stillman, and even Xavier Parent in the AHL. Also, Bastian has been bad this season as well.

Why they are so reluctant to promote Clarke is mind blowing. He isn't having the same season so far but he lead the team in points last season as a 21 year old. He had a great training camp last year and was a serious contender to make the NHL roster but was stuck behind Holtz, Foote, etc.

I agree 100% that Nemec should be promoted while Hamilton is out but we both know that won't happen. If it is strictly because of contract control then I can understand it but if they really think that Brendan Smith gives them a better chance of winning then I really worry about whoever is making that decision. Sure Nemec will make a few rookie mistakes here and there but he will also provide great moments. Smith makes mistakes every game yet offers no upside or any offense yet he has dressed for every game.

I would be willing to trade Siegenthaler for another defensive defenseman. Siegenthaler was arguably the best defensive defensemen in the NHL two years ago but last year he took a big step back and this year he's the same. I was hoping he would return to form but I would not be opposed to an upgrade. I think it's time to shake up the lines as well. If it were up to me the pairing would be:
Hughes Marino
Bahl Hamilton(when he returns)
Siegenthaler Nemec
Miller

There is one goalie reportedly on the market that I want them to acquire and that is Carter Hart. I am not willing to include Holtz anymore but I hate to say it but I would seriously consider dealing Seamus Casey if they could land Hart.

promoted Simon Nemec to the NHL. Now let's see if Ruff will play him over Smith.

In comment 16309961 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

promoted Simon Nemec to the NHL. Now let's see if Ruff will play him over Smith.

I think they're gonna play him Jay. I bet they move Smith back to fwd. Compared to his defense he was actually somewhat usable as a 4th liner. Especially with the awful journeyman options we have been talking about.

fwds Holtz has been sniping lately and showing that promise of a 6th overall pick. I didn't realize Stillman was in the AHL. Geez what the hell are they waiting for, the guy was a first rounder 2 years ago. I would definitely give him and Clarke a shot over these absolute zeros.

In comment 16310007 Stu11 said:

Quote:

fwds Holtz has been sniping lately and showing that promise of a 6th overall pick. I didn't realize Stillman was in the AHL. Geez what the hell are they waiting for, the guy was a first rounder 2 years ago. I would definitely give him and Clarke a shot over these absolute zeros.

I was just reading about Stillman the other day. Even though he only has 7 points in 14 games in the AHL he has been among the best players on the team this season. Utica has not been good this season mostly because of graduations(Holtz, Foote), injuries, and poor goaltending(Kallgren). Still is only 20 years old and would bring much needed energy to the 4th line.

What is most impressive about Holtz' performance lately is that he is doing it mostly on the 4th line with McLeod and Lazar. Imagine what he could do if he was playing alongside Hughes or Hischier.

In comment 16310063 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 16310007 Stu11 said: Quote: fwds Holtz has been sniping lately and showing that promise of a 6th overall pick. I didn't realize Stillman was in the AHL. Geez what the hell are they waiting for, the guy was a first rounder 2 years ago. I would definitely give him and Clarke a shot over these absolute zeros. I was just reading about Stillman the other day. Even though he only has 7 points in 14 games in the AHL he has been among the best players on the team this season. Utica has not been good this season mostly because of graduations(Holtz, Foote), injuries, and poor goaltending(Kallgren). Still is only 20 years old and would bring much needed energy to the 4th line. What is most impressive about Holtz' performance lately is that he is doing it mostly on the 4th line with McLeod and Lazar. Imagine what he could do if he was playing alongside Hughes or Hischier.

yeah and Holtz' goals have been absolute snipes too. McLeod has actually developed into a really nice player. He's shown some offensive prowess lately and he's near the top of the league in the faceoff dot this year. Lazar has also been a pleasant surprise this year. I agree on Stillman I was just reading that about him too once you mentioned him. Definately they should give him a shot.

In comment 16310088 Stu11 said:

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yeah and Holtz' goals have been absolute snipes too. McLeod has actually developed into a really nice player. He's shown some offensive prowess lately and he's near the top of the league in the faceoff dot this year. Lazar has also been a pleasant surprise this year. I agree on Stillman I was just reading that about him too once you mentioned him. Definately they should give him a shot.

I didn't care if McLeod re-signed or walked in free agency but you are right he has been a pleasant surprise so far. He is having his best season so far and I hope he can keep it up.

Dougie Hamilton has a torn pec.

Tomas Nosek had surgery on his foot.

In comment 16310243 Jay on the Island said:

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Dougie Hamilton has a torn pec.

Ouch. That's pretty much a season ender no?

In comment 16310264 Stu11 said:

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In comment 16310243 Jay on the Island said: Quote: Dougie Hamilton has a torn pec. Ouch. That's pretty much a season ender no?

No word yet but I would be surprised if he comes back this season. Nemec will likely remain with the team permanently.

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"I'm glad the kid (Luke Hughes) isn't hurt. A really good player, young man in this league. But that's a problem in our league right now. Our players in this league do not put enough emphasis on making sure you're protecting yourself from hits like that. Making sure you absorb hits like that. We've kind of tried to turn this league into a no-hit league. Now people aren't ready to be hit. I think it's a lost art in how you take hits. I do think looking at the clip, I think (Hughes) thinks it's icing. A mistake was made. We've got good refs, we've got good linesmen. A mistake was made last night and what bothers me is we had to suffer for that mistake, losing a player. But I believe the league, it's a no-go. There is nothing wring with the play. It shouldn't even have been a penalty. It screams to the athletes in our game, be prepared to be hit, because big hits are allowed. Nowadays I'm not so sure because everyone puts their arms up when there's a big hit. It makes me sick what goes on in the league here on big hits. That's part of the game." "I'm not trying to run down the league, I just think we've taken away the policing of the game from the players, with all the new rules we've taken away the policing of the game. It should belong to the players. It comes into how the game - it's a fast game, which is fantastic. The skill in the game is fantastic. I think some of the rule changes we've made have improved the game. But I just don't think we should take the foundation of the National Hockey League out. Hits are allowed. Back in the day, and I'm not trying to go way back, but you've got to learn how to take a hit. That's a big play in winning games is taking a hit to make a play, and being braced to take these hits. And if you do have a big hit you shouldn't have to fight someone two seconds later because it's a big hit. That's what I don't get. Not blaming anybody, I just don't like where that part of the game is going. That's a foundation of the National Hockey League. It's a man's game. We've got it convoluted a little bit."

Some will scoff at this as macho neanderthal opinion, a relic of the past. I think he's right and it's observable in the nfl as well. A second order consequence of the concussion prevention. Too many players are putting themselves in dangerous positions.

We all want to avoid concussions, but avoiding all contact in youth sports is counter productive. Physicality needs to be taught and trained for, early on, and there are safe ways to do so.

with torts too.

that one IMO is more on the linesman than on Hughes but I do think a rule change you will see and it's not necessarily this play, is a removal of the "reverse check". for one, it's against the rules. it is never called but you can't hit a player who doesn't have the puck or just had the puck in a bang bang play. You can't hit someone so they can't get to the puck before you which is basically a reverse check.

In my level 4 training two years ago they said it's already being called up through high school as a penalty and I think the college, AHL, NHL will outlaw it too.

But to Torts' point -that play was a: on the linesman not blowing the whistle quick enough and b: Hughes not ready to take a hit and you can say a influenced b but what drives me crazy about this version of the NHL is players having to "answer for" clean hits. Sure it was a devastating hit by Hathaway, but it was clean or dirty in any way he had control over.

And agree that especially for him I thought it was pretty spot on, measured and well thought out. I've said it all season the Devils especially the Hughes brothers and Nico simply do not protect themselves well enough. That was an odd play. Both linesman fell asleep.

Guys skating through the slot with their head down. Not shoulder checking when you retrieve a puck. Trying to avoid a hit and putting yourself in an even more vulnerable position.

You see it every game, and it results from a lack of preparation. You shouldn't be learning this stuff at the pro level.

In comment 16310307 Diversify yo bonds said:

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Guys skating through the slot with their head down. Not shoulder checking when you retrieve a puck. Trying to avoid a hit and putting yourself in an even more vulnerable position. You see it every game, and it results from a lack of preparation. You shouldn't be learning this stuff at the pro level.

good observation. I bet it's because they keep pushing hitting to later and later in player development. Ever see how an international U18/U20 game is called?

In comment 16310310 pjcas18 said:

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I bet it's because they keep pushing hitting to later and later in player development.

100%
I can't speak to youth hockey, but youth football in some places is setting kids up for injury. They avoid contact through the formative years. Reach their teens and it was slow motion form tackling drills, a few reps per practice of thump and wrap. Live games come and kids are getting destroyed with no concept of how to take hits and protect yourself going to the ground. There's so many tips and tricks to it that can only be gained by experience. The well intentioned sheltering actually leads to concussions.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault signed a three-year, $9.45 million contract extension on Friday.

Defense this year is worrisome, seems like their strategy is trying to outscore bad defense.

Outshooting the sharks 2:1 and down 5-3. Sharks haven't scored more than 2 on the road until tonight.

still can't shake the injury bug, but better than last year (so far). EDM better turn things around, they have no excuse.

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NHLInjuryViz @NHLInjuryViz Most injured teams currently (last game played) by total AAV of missing players. Usual exceptions.

The D hasn't been great but the advanced stats really have not been kind to the Devs goalies. Every breakdown is ending up in the back of the net. With Dougie at least done till around playoff time if not the season it will be interesting to see if they can pull a Tampa Bay and effectively use his 9 mill. On the bright side Nemec looked very solid. Now somebody explain this to me like I'm a 2 year old: how is it you play Smith for 2 months and keep Nemec in the minors then play him the most minutes among Dmen in his NHL debut???

lost Alex Newhook for 3 months.

talk about snakebit. I'm starting to think between the Giants, Mets and Habs maybe it's me.

Dach out for the year, Newhook 3 months, Savard, Xhekaj, Guhle missed time, and mamny more.

In comment 16310939 Stu11 said:

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The D hasn't been great but the advanced stats really have not been kind to the Devs goalies. Every breakdown is ending up in the back of the net. With Dougie at least done till around playoff time if not the season it will be interesting to see if they can pull a Tampa Bay and effectively use his 9 mill. On the bright side Nemec looked very solid. Now somebody explain this to me like I'm a 2 year old: how is it you play Smith for 2 months and keep Nemec in the minors then play him the most minutes among Dmen in his NHL debut???

I have another question. You are playing the worst team in the NHL after a game the night before. Your starting goaltending Schmid faces 47 shots and then for some reason decide to play him the next day rather than the fresh Vanecek. IIRC Ruff did not play a goalie back to back once last season but he decides to do it against the worst team in the NHL. Why?

Oh and there were several shifts where Luke Hughes was paired up with Nemec. Reports were that the Devils didn't promote Nemec earlier in the season because they didn't want so much inexperience on thier blue line yet decide to play two rookie Dmen together.

Time to finally make a change behind the bench. Dean Evason is available right now, make the move before he is hired by another team.

In comment 16311091 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 16310939 Stu11 said: Quote: The D hasn't been great but the advanced stats really have not been kind to the Devs goalies. Every breakdown is ending up in the back of the net. With Dougie at least done till around playoff time if not the season it will be interesting to see if they can pull a Tampa Bay and effectively use his 9 mill. On the bright side Nemec looked very solid. Now somebody explain this to me like I'm a 2 year old: how is it you play Smith for 2 months and keep Nemec in the minors then play him the most minutes among Dmen in his NHL debut??? I have another question. You are playing the worst team in the NHL after a game the night before. Your starting goaltending Schmid faces 47 shots and then for some reason decide to play him the next day rather than the fresh Vanecek. IIRC Ruff did not play a goalie back to back once last season but he decides to do it against the worst team in the NHL. Why? Oh and there were several shifts where Luke Hughes was paired up with Nemec. Reports were that the Devils didn't promote Nemec earlier in the season because they didn't want so much inexperience on thier blue line yet decide to play two rookie Dmen together. Time to finally make a change behind the bench. Dean Evason is available right now, make the move before he is hired by another team.

As I watched a bunch of random line changes throughout the game instead of building cohesion with what works, I've come to that conclusion as well. Ruff has hit his ceiling with what he can do with this team.

On an under the radar 5-1-1 streak, knocking off Carolina and FL in the last two.

If they could hold on to 3rd period leads there would be a much different conversation around this team

Stars just destroyed Lightning 8-1.
They skated circles around Tampa Bay.

I love Christmas, not just for Buddy the Elf or Ralphie and Scut Farkus or the wet bandits, but because it's World Juniors time.

This year in Gothenburg, Sweden, December 26 - January 5.

No Russia again.

Group A:
Canada, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Latvia

Group B:
USA, Czechia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Norway

Groups are determined based on last year's place

Canada (1), Czechia (2), USA (3), Sweden (4), Finland (5), Slovakia (6), Switzerland (7), Germany (8), Latvia (9), Austria (10) - I guess Austria got relegated.

from, NHL.com
2024 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

Dec. 26

Slovakia vs. Czechia, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET

Finland vs. Canada, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET

United States vs. Norway, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET

Sweden vs. Latvia, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 27

Slovakia vs. Switzerland, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET

Finland vs. Germany, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET

Norway vs. Czechia, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET

Latvia vs. Canada, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 28

Switzerland vs. United States, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET

Germany vs. Sweden, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 29

Norway vs. Slovakia, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET

Latvia vs. Finland, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET

Czechia vs. United States, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET

Canada vs. Sweden, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 30

Switzerland vs. Norway, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET

Germany vs. Latvia, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 31

United States vs. Slovakia, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET

Sweden vs. Finland, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET

Czechia vs. Switzerland, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET

Canada vs. Germany, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET

Jan. 2

Quarterfinal 1, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET

Quarterfinal 2, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET

Quarterfinal 3, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET

Quarterfinal 4, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET

Jan. 4 (Scandinavium)

Relegation Game, 5 a.m. ET

Semifinal 1, 9 a.m. ET

Semifinal 2, 1:30 p.m. ET

Jan. 5 (Scandinavium)

Third-place game, 9 a.m. ET

Championship game, 1:30 p.m. ET

Pierre LeBrun
@PierreVLeBrun
The NHL updated governors today on the latest revenue projections for the season and as expected, the league told owners the salary cap for next season is projected to be around $87.7 million
8:18 PM · Dec 4, 2023
·
272.6K
Views

First time all 3 brothers play in the same NHL game. Hughes Mom seems funny l. They did an interview on NHL network yesterday about it
Link - ( New Window )

but Bratt bails them out with a goal in the final minute. The D is not great but the goaltending just hasn't been good enough. Some how some way Fitz has to do something to fix it. Jack & Luke scored. 3 points for Jack. Quinn with a few assists. Overall fun game.

game did not disappoint. Cool to see too.

In comment 16314644 Stu11 said:

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but Bratt bails them out with a goal in the final minute. The D is not great but the goaltending just hasn't been good enough. Some how some way Fitz has to do something to fix it. Jack & Luke scored. 3 points for Jack. Quinn with a few assists. Overall fun game.

It's ridiculous when every game they have a 2-3 goal lead in the 3rd period you just know they are going to blow it. Fitzgerald has to make a movie in net. I don't care if they try to get lucky with an Adin Hill type of acquisition but they can't continue with Vanecek. Vanecek has been the worst goaltender in the league this season.

In comment 16314757 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 16314644 Stu11 said: Quote: but Bratt bails them out with a goal in the final minute. The D is not great but the goaltending just hasn't been good enough. Some how some way Fitz has to do something to fix it. Jack & Luke scored. 3 points for Jack. Quinn with a few assists. Overall fun game. It's ridiculous when every game they have a 2-3 goal lead in the 3rd period you just know they are going to blow it. Fitzgerald has to make a movie in net. I don't care if they try to get lucky with an Adin Hill type of acquisition but they can't continue with Vanecek. Vanecek has been the worst goaltender in the league this season.

I think John Gibson very well could be the guy. After a surprising start, Anaheim has hit the skids big time. I can't think he's in their long term plans.

In comment 16314764 Stu11 said:

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I think John Gibson very well could be the guy. After a surprising start, Anaheim has hit the skids big time. I can't think he's in their long term plans.

That contract is a tough pill to swallow. If Anaheim was willing to eat $2 million each year for the remainder of that contract then that makes it reasonable to acquire him but he is coming off four subpar seasons.

First two calls I would make are to Nashville and Philadelphia. I'd ask if Askarov is available and if not then turn to Philly and Carter Hart.

Depending on what their long term plan is in net. However I don't see them as sellers as the 5-8 spots out west are wide open and they are in the thick of it. It's getting more and more clear that the Rangers and Canes broke Vanacek in the playoffs last year. His advanced stats are among the bottom of the league. Not that Schmid has been a lot better, but I think he needs to be given the crease for awhile. Vanacek needs a new start somewhere else.

is probably more the state NJD needs.

If you're going to put an AHL goalie on the Devils keep Schmid. I do think Askarov will be awesome, but the Devils window is open now.

Saros is the bold move you can win with.

And NSH is not a contender IMO.

I just don't think Nashville is ready to deal him. unfortunately Gibson may be the most palatable realistic option out there.

In comment 16315094 pjcas18 said:

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is probably more the state NJD needs. If you're going to put an AHL goalie on the Devils keep Schmid. I do think Askarov will be awesome, but the Devils window is open now. Saros is the bold move you can win with. And NSH is not a contender IMO.

Nashville reportedly turned down a big offer from a team last year for Saros at the deadline. They said that he was not available. There was speculation that it was the Devils who made the offer. If they have decided to make Saros available as he is a FA at the end of next season then he moves to the top of the list. I suggested Askarov because I was operating under the assumption that Saros is still not available. If they are going to extend Saros long term then they might as well make Askarov available if they can receive more help elsewhere on the roster or multiple draft picks.

but Edmonton won 5 straight. Had a 6-1 win over Carolina last night.

matters? or maybe players need to be focused, who knows.

Kane to make his Red Wings debut tonight.

should see rosters leaking soon for WJC. some names already have (more on the not being invited to try out) No Bedard obviously, no Cooley, no Shane Wright, etc.

That Detroit-SJ game was one I've never seen before. It was scoreless with 11 minutes to go in the 2nd, then there were 8 goals in the next 11 minutes. The first 4 by Det., the next for by SJ(the teams combined for 6 goals in 3 minutes). They traded goals in the 3rd with SJ scoring late to tie it and then winning in OT. A horrific loss for Det. Carolina is really struggling. Lost for the 2nd straight night in regulation in Alberta. Had a 2-0 lead in the 3rd and gave up 3 to the Flames. For the first time all season the Devs won a game where they scored 3 goals or less. For the first time all year they had a goalie (Schmid) steal one as they were badly outshot by Seattle. Nemec got his first career goal for the winner.

the Kings. MTL if you can believe it really dominated play for the first 2 periods, but were losing 2-0 and the Kings had no panic. Such a solid steady team.

when I was talking about the Rangers possibly struggling vs teams who can play with pace, but also have skill - like NJD and OTT - MTL is a good example of a team who plays with pace but does not have the same skill level (or D).

losing Dach and Newhook doesn't help but they can't put the puck in the net.

They're a wagon. Big and physical and skilled to boot. The top 4 in the west- Van, LV, LA and Colorado are really tough.
Ovi got points #1500 last night. Watched a chunk of that game last night. He looks cooked. You'd think he'll stick around to get the goals record but it might take 2 more seasons after this. It might get ugly with Washington trying to rebuild and pacify him at the same time.

#Isles Transaction: The New York Islanders have acquired Robert Bortuzzo from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for the team’s 7th round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft.

today with NYR vs WAS.

Charlie Lindgren (ex Hab) has really established himself (finally) and faces brother Ryan today when the Caps and Rangers.

In comment 16316625 Anakim said:

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#Isles Transaction: The New York Islanders have acquired Robert Bortuzzo from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for the team’s 7th round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft.

The last definition of a 'just need a body" trade. Yet you have isles fans on social media saying it was a bad trade.


Side note, how are the Kings so good?

as expected no Cooley and others of his stature, but the surprise to me is no Cole Eiserman and that in and of itself wouldn't be so surprising, he's 2024 draft eligible, but it's that James Hagens is expected to make it and be on the top line - he is 2025 draft eligible - oozes skill, but Eiserman can wire it. I guess they feel they have enough goal scoring with the BC line all coming back.

*just projected*

Projected Depth Chart For Camp (not a lineup)
Forwards

Cutter Gauthier – James Hagens – Jimmy Snuggerud

Gabe Perreault – Will Smith – Ryan Leonard

Rutger McGroarty – Frank Nazar – Gavin Brindley

Oliver Moore – Danny Nelson – Gavin Hayes

Isaac Howard - William Whitelaw - Carey Terrance

Quinn Finley
Defense

Lane Hutson – Ryan Chesley

Zeev Buium – Seamus Casey

Drew Fortescue – Sam Rinzel

Jake Livanavage – Eric Pohlkamp

Patrick Geary – Aram Minnetian
Goalies

Trey Augustine OR Jacob Fowler

Sam Hillebrandt

Star studded group like L Hughes, Cooley, Owen Power Bobby Brink etc... that dominated the team the past few years. There are still some holdovers like Snuggerud left but it will be interesting to follow this group and get to know them. Interested to see how Devils prospect Seamus Casey stacks up if he's a top pairing guy.
Also an interesting goalie tidbit from the Devils organization last night Nico Dawes made his return to game action for Utica after June hip surgery. Evidently he was impressive as the first star in a 4-1 win. He could be a guy to keep an eye on the 2nd half off the season as a call up if both Schmid and Vanacek continue to struggle. Dawes played a lot 2 seasons ago when the Devils went through like 7 goalies. He actually was probably the most impressive of the group. Major hip surgery for a goalie is no joke,but he's still young and if he can keep his form they just might give him a try if there is no external upgrade available.

but even without the guys you mentioned that USA team is LOADED. USA and Canada will be the favorites.

Canada looking for the three-peat.

The system has taken it to a whole new level. It will be fun to get to know the group this year.

(granted I have only seen him on the PP so far) has looked absolutely fantastic.

He had a goal waived off for offside but he's so f-ing creative and hard to stop he looks great so far.

goal counted.

In comment 16317200 pjcas18 said:

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(granted I have only seen him on the PP so far) has looked absolutely fantastic. He had a goal waived off for offside but he's so f-ing creative and hard to stop he looks great so far.

It's cool. I'm way more happy seeing Johnny Brodzinski and the corpse of Blake Wheeler on the right side...

He definitely hasn't been playing like his usual self

In comment 16317202 pjcas18 said:

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goal counted.

He has a nice steal and rang the post late in his debut the other night vs SJ.

In comment 16316977 Stu11 said:

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Star studded group like L Hughes, Cooley, Owen Power Bobby Brink etc... that dominated the team the past few years. There are still some holdovers like Snuggerud left but it will be interesting to follow this group and get to know them. Interested to see how Devils prospect Seamus Casey stacks up if he's a top pairing guy. Also an interesting goalie tidbit from the Devils organization last night Nico Dawes made his return to game action for Utica after June hip surgery. Evidently he was impressive as the first star in a 4-1 win. He could be a guy to keep an eye on the 2nd half off the season as a call up if both Schmid and Vanacek continue to struggle. Dawes played a lot 2 seasons ago when the Devils went through like 7 goalies. He actually was probably the most impressive of the group. Major hip surgery for a goalie is no joke,but he's still young and if he can keep his form they just might give him a try if there is no external upgrade available.

Two seasons ago Nico Daws was much better than Schmid both in the AHL and NHL. It was so surprising at first last season when Schmid was promoted to NJ over Daws but Schmid was excellent for much of the season.

I am glad that he’s back because I assumed he would miss the entire season. It’s great for Utica as Kallgren has been horrendous this season. Hopefully they can move on from him now.

an assist short of gordie howe hat trick.

kind of.

He score the GW in the shootout and fought Connor Clifton.

Slaf is making leaps and bounds and pushing himself to "best player on the ice" discussion lately in most games he plays.

bring in Puljujarvi for a PTO.

Costa Rontzocos
@Rontzeeez
Dave Pagnotta believes #GoHabsGo    has engaged in talks with #LGRW    about Jonatan Berggren #NHLNetwork

had the nerve to boo John Tavares after he scored his 1000th point to tie the game vs NYI with 6 seconds to go. At first, the immediate reaction on twitter was to gleefully mock the NYI fans and how they deserved to see that happen for how they treat Tavares. After NYI actually won the game, it got nastier.

NYI fans are going to boo him the rest of his career. I certainly will. TOR needs to get over it. Fans pay dearly for tickets these days and have the right to boo whomever they want. The fact that TOR still cares about this 5 years after he's been there is kind of weird.

I don't have loyalty to a player like Tavares who left in free agency.

I can see maybe being forgiving (and by forgiving I mean just maybe not booging but definitely offering no extra cheers, etc.) to a legend like Guy Lafleuer finishing his golden years in Quebec or NY, but not a guy who leaves in his prime for the $$$.

F-him

loaded again for the WJC.

Only returning player from last years gold is Habs 2023 2nd round pick Owen Beck.

Roster highlighted by Macklin Celebrini (consensus 2024 #1 overall pick - from BU)

This team will be going for a 3-peat (maybe for the first time ever at the WJC)

ROSTER

Forwards

Owen Beck, 19, Peterborough (OHL), MTL

Nate Danielson, 19, Brandon (WHL), DET

Fraser Minten, 19, Saskatoon (WHL), TOR

Macklin Celebrini, 17, Boston University (NCAA), 2024 Draft

Matthew Wood, 18, University of Connecticut (NCAA), NSH

Carson Rehkopf, 18, Kitchener (OHL), SEA

Owen Allard, 19, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL), 2024 Draft

Jordan Dumais, 19, Halifax (QMJHL), CBJ

Matthew Savoie, 19, Wenatchee (WHL), BUF

Easton Cowan,18, London (OHL), TOR

Conor Geekie, 19, Wenatchee (WHL), ARI

Brayden Yager, 18, Moose Jaw (WHL), PIT

Defensemen

Tristan Luneau, 19, Anaheim (NHL)

Jake Furlong, 19, Halifax (QMJHL), SJS

Noah Warren, 19, Victoriaville (QMJHL), ANA

Oliver Bonk, 18, London (OHL), PHI

Tanner Molendyk, 18, Saskatoon (WHL), NSH

Maveric Lamoureux, 19, Drummondville (QMJHL), ARI

Denton Mateychuk, 19, Moose Jaw (WHL), CBJ

Goalies

Scott Ratzlaff, 18, Seattle (WHL), BUF

Mathis Rousseau, 19, Halifax (QMJHL), 2024 Draft

Samuel St-Hilaire, 19, Sherbrooke (QMJHL), 2024 Draft

In comment 16323071 Metnut said:

Quote:

had the nerve to boo John Tavares after he scored his 1000th point to tie the game vs NYI with 6 seconds to go. At first, the immediate reaction on twitter was to gleefully mock the NYI fans and how they deserved to see that happen for how they treat Tavares. After NYI actually won the game, it got nastier. NYI fans are going to boo him the rest of his career. I certainly will. TOR needs to get over it. Fans pay dearly for tickets these days and have the right to boo whomever they want. The fact that TOR still cares about this 5 years after he's been there is kind of weird.

The back and forth between Butchie and Biz (who is a twerp) was/is great

but McDavid 4th in points.

EDM 8 (?) game winning streak came to an end, but McDavid seems to be getting back to his regular self.

40 pts in 25 games.

Kucherov found the fountain of youth, after a couple injury plagued seasons I thought he was tailing off.

they let go Berube the other day and I'm guessing Jordan Kyrou wasn't a big Berube fan as when they asked for comment he just replied: "No comment he's not my coach any more". Berube obviously was popular there due to winning the cup and as a result the fans boo'd Kyrou every time he touched the puck last night. When asked about it in the locker room after the game Kyrou broke down. I don't know I grumble when my team isn't playing well and I'm there at the game I've never boo'd my own team or players specifically. I do it in my living room. I get people do it and are frustrated. Just not my thing. Seems counterproductive.

they ruled it a goal despite the goalie poke checking it off Zucarello. they reviewed and ruled it a good goal due to the fact that he did not attempt a shot prior to the poke check. This was unlike a few weeks back when a SO goal vs. Toronto was disallowed due to an ever so slight double touch off the goalies pad. Below is a link of the Zucarello play with the NHL's rule explanation.
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 16324710 Stu11 said:

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they let go Berube the other day and I'm guessing Jordan Kyrou wasn't a big Berube fan as when they asked for comment he just replied: "No comment he's not my coach any more". Berube obviously was popular there due to winning the cup and as a result the fans boo'd Kyrou every time he touched the puck last night. When asked about it in the locker room after the game Kyrou broke down. I don't know I grumble when my team isn't playing well and I'm there at the game I've never boo'd my own team or players specifically. I do it in my living room. I get people do it and are frustrated. Just not my thing. Seems counterproductive.

seek out the video
He was openly weeping in his post game. Could barely speak. 7 years left

Evan Rawal
@evanrawal
The Avs have traded Tomas Tatar to the Seattle Kraken for a 2024 5th round pick.

Few ramblings:

Is Noah Dobson as good as his point totals this season suggest?

The Metro is wild--I thought NYR was third to CAR/NJD going into the year. And CAR would be out of the top three on a point percentage basis to Washington (who I thought would be ass).

Ovechkin not scoring much is pretty shocking.

Controversial prediction that I may have posted before: Crosby hits 2,000 points.

In comment 16325393 BrettNYG10 said:

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Few ramblings: Is Noah Dobson as good as his point totals this season suggest?

Mostly. He's taken another leap. The PP improvement is largely due to him. Much faster decision making and quicker walking the line.
He's always had tremendous vision and poise, and the knack to get shots through.

Still some adventurous moments and lapses in his own end, but he's making lots of strong plays too. He jumped Troy Terry, rubbed him out and in one motion sent the outlet that sprung holmstrom for the gwg Wednesday.
He's also been eating minutes since all the injuries to the blue line.
I don't see him as a Norris caliber guy, but there's more room to grow.
Yet another example/lesson that defenseman progress in non linear and you shouldn't give up on a talented one before he's 26.

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Ovechkin not scoring much is pretty shocking.

I think he needs more help, and I think his dosages/cocktails will be adjusted when he goes home this summer. He will be like Chelios, tear the jersey off at gunpoint.

Quote:

Controversial prediction that I may have posted before: Crosby hits 2,000 points.

It will be close. I think he can play the grinder, puck digger role at 40 and put up 75+ even as his wheels slow. The issue is his buddies are all washed.
Maybe he goes somewhere to be a #2 behind another superstar.

Thanks, Diversify.

The right move from a pure hockey perspective is trading Crosby at the deadline or in the off-season but sentimental considerations might take over. Does Crosby want to stick around with a franchise that is basically going nowhere? People have speculated for years that he would join MacKinnon in COL.

In comment 16325429 BrettNYG10 said:

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but sentimental considerations might take over.

It already has. Keeping the band together, especially Malkin, was largely driven by Crosby.

It's tough when franchise icons age out. Teams in all sports rarely navigate this cleanly.

on youtube of Crosby hand delivering season tickets to I think just random pens season ticket holders this summer.

It looked like he was in some trailer park in Appalachia but he walks up to the door, shakes the peoples hands, goes in and hangs out with the people sits on a ratty couch and talks hockey and just seemed like he was fulfilling his life's purpose making people happy.

I don't see him pushing for a trade anywhere, no matter how bad it gets. He might be the type to accept a trade if its best for the team, but I just don't think he'd push for it (just my guess with obviously zero insight).

And the thing is I feel like this year is the deepest and most talented Pens team in years. If it falls apart this year I don't see it getting better soon until the "re-up" of the big three runs out.

Also a side note, it's not secret, but also not super well publicized how philanthropic Crosby is. I won't pretend to actually know any athletes personally but my sense is Crosby is one of the most unassuming and giving athletes on the planet. Some of the sled hockey stuff he's done is downright tear-jerking.

I would prefer to see him remain with Pittsburgh for the remainder of his career. For some reason it bothers me when an all-time great changes teams late in their career. It still annoys me that Marty Brodeur went to the Blues for half a season to finish his career.

Where it's amazing that at his age he can still drive play the way he does. He was by far the best player on the ice the other night vs Montreal. I've heard the same type stuff PJ how he quietly does all these philanthropic things without any fanfare.

so far this season. Not sure what the hell is going on, but I had them as a playoff team this year and taking that next step.

Their downfall might benefit my Rangers, because I think Ottawa ships out Tarasenko (currently on a 1 year deal) and could find a partnership again between the two. Wishful thinking.

is playing in the WJC since he's been named C.

A few A's too:
Gauthier
Brindley
Hutson
Chesley


Also, sounds like James Hagens (2025 draft eligible) did not make the team after all.

Every single US player was either drafted or draft eligible (Sam Hillenbrandt - G - not sure we even see him play and Zeev Buium - D - could be a fun player to watch)

The bulk of the US players were drafted in the top 3 rounds, most in round 1 to be exact).

USA and Canada should be heavy favorites- Canada going for the three-peat but you never know how the team will gel in these tournaments.

Wasn't surprising. They were my biggest disappointment all year.

this year. Something is just missing there. As an aside Torts should be a strong Jack Addams candidate. The Flyers aren't going away any time soon. He's got them playing a strong disciplined system and there's more talent there than I thought and that can be enough to get you in the playoffs especially when you're getting strong goaltending. Not gonna get on Jack at all. He's won the Devils a ton of games the past few years but last night may have been his worst game as a pro. He flat out lost them that game. 2 egregious giveaways leading to goals including the winner in OT. If Lou still ran the team he'd probably fire Ruff eventhough the record isn't the type that gets a guy fired. Hockey is very much a system sport and the Devils simply have no system to rely on this year. They are not driving puck possession the way they did last year. the stretch pass or even outlet pass has disappeared. Even when they have a dominant period like the 1st Sunday vs Anaheim and the 3rd period last night they can't seem to manage a goal. Something's off. Its hard to put a finger on. Were Severson and Graves that valuable as puck movers? Timo has been flat out awful since he came to the Devils. Apparently his injury that kept him out for 2 or 3 weeks has been lingering and it affects his skating Ruff admitted yesterday. They just simply can't drive play the way they did last year. Too often it seems like they are just hanging on with no apparent system being played. Frankly the only reason they are over .500 is because they've had an extremely soft schedule and before last night they were great in 3 on 3 OT. I fear like Florida last year this morose is gonna last all season. Florida got it together in March and pulled a parlor trick in the post season. Don't know if that's a strategy to rely on though.

about NJD in December.

talent usually wins out in the end in the NHL and they have one of the best rosters in hockey.

I'd feel better if they made a goalie transaction, but I think they'll be there in the end.

I also think Torts has done an incredible job so far, but Tocchet is the Jack Adams for me. They went from near mutiny to +44 goal differential in 33 game and AS level performances from rumored malcontents like Miller, Boeser, and getting a career year from Hughes. Not to mention Demko playing like the Vezina leader.

and Fitzgerald has to acquire a goaltender. Once again Ruff is not the guy to lead this team. The goaltending has been a mess especially since Schmid has not been close to what he was last year. Do they attempt to play Nico Daws in net first or do they go out and acquire another goalie?

In comment 16329883 Jay on the Island said:

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and Fitzgerald has to acquire a goaltender. Once again Ruff is not the guy to lead this team. The goaltending has been a mess especially since Schmid has not been close to what he was last year. Do they attempt to play Nico Daws in net first or do they go out and acquire another goalie?

Thing is the goaltending hasn't hurt them the past 2 losses. Vanacek was great against Boston last week in the OT win and very good last night. He had no chance whatsoever on the goals. The past 2 games their best line has been the 4th line and that's death for this team. I think they might give Dawes a shot first but eventually they'll probably end up going outside the organization before the deadline most likely Gibson as there is no way Philly or Nashville deal their goalies in a playoff push.

In comment 16329900 Stu11 said:

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Thing is the goaltending hasn't hurt them the past 2 losses. Vanacek was great against Boston last week in the OT win and very good last night. He had no chance whatsoever on the goals. The past 2 games their best line has been the 4th line and that's death for this team. I think they might give Dawes a shot first but eventually they'll probably end up going outside the organization before the deadline most likely Gibson as there is no way Philly or Nashville deal their goalies in a playoff push.

It's true that Vanecek has been better the past two games but he goes on far too many cold streaks for this team. Also when it comes to the playoffs he is as bad as any goaltender I have ever witnessed. If they are going to acquire Gibson, I am warming up to it now, then Vanecek has to be part of the deal.

In comment 16329902 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 16329900 Stu11 said: Quote: Thing is the goaltending hasn't hurt them the past 2 losses. Vanacek was great against Boston last week in the OT win and very good last night. He had no chance whatsoever on the goals. The past 2 games their best line has been the 4th line and that's death for this team. I think they might give Dawes a shot first but eventually they'll probably end up going outside the organization before the deadline most likely Gibson as there is no way Philly or Nashville deal their goalies in a playoff push. It's true that Vanecek has been better the past two games but he goes on far too many cold streaks for this team. Also when it comes to the playoffs he is as bad as any goaltender I have ever witnessed. If they are going to acquire Gibson, I am warming up to it now, then Vanecek has to be part of the deal.

Yeah I'm sure Vanacek goes in any deal for another goalie. I'm getting a bit concerned with Timo at this point. They signed him to that mega deal and he simply has not been a good fit here since he arrived. They've moved him all around with different linemates and he can't seem to click. He and Mercer have been the biggest disappointments this year so far. To get to there we were at last year those 2 need to pick it up big time bevcuase the other top 4- Jack, Bratt, Nico and Tofolli have more than held their end of the bargain. Interesting interview over the weekend on the Saturday broadcast it was dad's road trip weekend and Erica had Toffoli's dad on and he was emphatic that Toffoli loves it in Jersey and really wants to stay. Who wouldn't love playing with Jack? lol.

still have a lot of games in hand on almost every NHL team.

they've been disappointing, but not quite as bad all things considered (schedule).

EDM too - they have played less games than most west conference teams and are right back in the playoff hunt.

In comment 16330692 pjcas18 said:

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still have a lot of games in hand on almost every NHL team. they've been disappointing, but not quite as bad all things considered (schedule). EDM too - they have played less games than most west conference teams and are right back in the playoff hunt.

pj - my man lol! Non Mets comment. While Laviolette certainly hasn't disappointed, I really like Kris Knoblauch. Do you think he is a big reason for the turn around? I think Knoblauch had a history with McDavid prior to his hiring.

In comment 16330695 Drewcon40 said:

Quote:

In comment 16330692 pjcas18 said: Quote: still have a lot of games in hand on almost every NHL team. they've been disappointing, but not quite as bad all things considered (schedule). EDM too - they have played less games than most west conference teams and are right back in the playoff hunt. pj - my man lol! Non Mets comment. While Laviolette certainly hasn't disappointed, I really like Kris Knoblauch. Do you think he is a big reason for the turn around? I think Knoblauch had a history with McDavid prior to his hiring.

Could be. Coaching matters in the NHL, but also McDavid was hurt and probably came back to soon for the heritage classic or whatever it was called.

on how much talent USA and Canada have in this tournament.

Lines don't matter too much, but the "BC line" is the USA's 3rd line and Celebrini is on Canada's 4th line.

Explains why players like Cole Eiserman and James Hagens didn't make USA. Surprised the B's loaned Poitras.

And Mcgroarty (USA captain) isn't even in the lineup.

They close out 2023 with four game in the division - Carolina, Washington and Pittsburgh twice. If they can play up to their capability and TCB (ie, no 3rd period collapses) they can establish themselves in good position for January.

This is a good team that, somehow, gets in its own way. I saw some recent Devils posts above calling for a head coaching change. We had the same thing going on in November as the Isles repeatedly were their own worst enemy. All their problems have been mental. They didn't pull the trigger on canning Lambert, maybe that was the right move, but we won't know for sure until April.

For those saying defenseman injuries (Pelech & Pulock) are to blame and they;ll get better after they return, the Isles were chocking away games with those guys in the lineup. They've actually been better of late with Mike Reilly (a defenseman who can skate with the puck!) and Robert Bortuzzo.

Anyway, there's long way to go. The NHL season is a marathon and we're not halfway yet. I'm pumped for the second half though.

LGI!

Let’s go!!!!


Meanwhile, I heard both Sebastian Ahos scores tonight in the same game

In comment 16332280 truebluelarry said:

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They close out 2023 with four game in the division - Carolina, Washington and Pittsburgh twice. If they can play up to their capability and TCB (ie, no 3rd period collapses) they can establish themselves in good position for January. This is a good team that, somehow, gets in its own way. I saw some recent Devils posts above calling for a head coaching change. We had the same thing going on in November as the Isles repeatedly were their own worst enemy. All their problems have been mental. They didn't pull the trigger on canning Lambert, maybe that was the right move, but we won't know for sure until April. For those saying defenseman injuries (Pelech & Pulock) are to blame and they;ll get better after they return, the Isles were chocking away games with those guys in the lineup. They've actually been better of late with Mike Reilly (a defenseman who can skate with the puck!) and Robert Bortuzzo. Anyway, there's long way to go. The NHL season is a marathon and we're not halfway yet. I'm pumped for the second half though. LGI!

I think there was a lot of sleepwalking and resting on their laurels. With guys like Reilly and Bortuzo, there's an extra effort and grit we weren't seeing. Hopefully when the injured guys come back it rubs off.

Pulock pelech
Dobson Romanov
Mayfield Reilly
7th bortuzo or ago

That's not a bad backend.

last night at the world juniors in a prelim game 6-5 in OT in an absolute thriller.

not sure I can recall more talent on the ice at one of these tourneys in recent memory.

Lane Hutson (MTL) with the OTGW (linked below).

these tourneys never go as planned and everyone always underestimates the discipline and talent of the Fins and Swedes, but I will be disappointed if these two teams don't meet in the finals.



link - ( New Window )

WAS? I feel like most of this is expected, maybe not the VAN dominance but the talent was never questioned.

Pierre LeBrun
@PierreVLeBrun
Top 10 NHL teams based on points % at holiday break:
Rangers, .734
(tie) Canucks/Kings, .700
(tie) Bruins/Stars, .688
Jets, .672
Knights, .671
Avs, .647
Leafs, .645
Caps, .629

He has been sharp in his first 3 games back down in the AHL. They have a back to back Friday/Saturday so he'll probably get his first action of the season. I think they give him some stats as a last ditch intra-organization answer before they intensify efforts to trade for a goalie.

.

could make his season debut with the Caps on Friday.

Am I the only one who had no clue Max was on the Caps?

Man, talk about a career robbed by injuries.

once again MTL near the top of the league in man games lost (MGL) - and the total excludes Price. the LTI Retired column are excluded from the man games lost calculation. MGL+ includes the LTI/retired players and can be misleading in some cases like ARI because they buy the LTI to reach the floor or in some cases like TBL so they can exceed the cap. So the MGL column is the true indicator of injuries.

I feel snake bit between the Habs, Giants and Mets. I'm a Celtics fan, but not a strong basketball fan,

link to the twitter post for proper credit/travel/follow opportunity

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NHLInjuryViz @NHLInjuryViz "All inclusive" MGL table through 28 December, i.e. counting anyone under contract on LTIR, SOIR etc.

link - ( New Window )

surprising to see them so low with Chytil and Kaako missing so much time.

In comment 16338731 Rob in Rockaway said:

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surprising to see them so low with Chytil and Kaako missing so much time.

and that's a lot compared to last year when they were historically healthy.

Panthers game is f-ing awesome hockey.

Barkov looks like he's taken the Selke mantle from Bergeron and Hart too if he plays like this all the time and Lafreniere is some puck luck away from a hat trick.

goalies on both sides keeping this a game.

In comment 16338794 pjcas18 said:

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Panthers game is f-ing awesome hockey. Barkov looks like he's taken the Selke mantle from Bergeron and Hart too if he plays like this all the time and Lafreniere is some puck luck away from a hat trick. goalies on both sides keeping this a game.

I'm at the game, sitting in front and to the right of Luongo, lol. There is no defense.

In comment 16338808 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 16338794 pjcas18 said: Quote: Panthers game is f-ing awesome hockey. Barkov looks like he's taken the Selke mantle from Bergeron and Hart too if he plays like this all the time and Lafreniere is some puck luck away from a hat trick. goalies on both sides keeping this a game. I'm at the game, sitting in front and to the right of Luongo, lol. There is no defense.

What a fun game to go to.

It was a really fun game, but the Panthers arena sucks at showing replays. Some of the calls looked weak but I didn't have great angles.

This would be an awesome ECF.

In comment 16338870 BrettNYG10 said:

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It was a really fun game, but the Panthers arena sucks at showing replays. Some of the calls looked weak but I didn't have great angles. This would be an awesome ECF.

I thought there were weak calls, but it seemed equally weak both ways - like players falling with a stick near them and a trip called but I think it was consistent and neither team benefited from it.

I think they got the Lafreniere call right. By calling it a major it allowed them to review it and I think it was a minor penalty or no penalty - but in the NHL they cannot lower it to no penalty (unlike at the WJC where they just added a rule they can make it no penalty). I don't think there was intent, but he had his elbow out and extended and it hit Barkov's head. So I thought the minor was fair.

Not sure anything else was really that controversial.

headed into a back to back with Boston tonight. Nico Daws made his first start of the season and he played great. One of the best performances of the season by a Devils goaltender. He stopped Tkachuk and Norris on breakaways.

Brendan Smith scored his first goal as a Devil after a season and a half. Unfortunately the only reason he scored was he was coming out of the penalty box. He was also responsible for both Senator goals as he had a bad turnover that directly lead to the first goal and the second Senators goal bounced off of his into the net. The Devils have to find an upgrade here.

In comment 16338967 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16338870 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: It was a really fun game, but the Panthers arena sucks at showing replays. Some of the calls looked weak but I didn't have great angles. This would be an awesome ECF. I thought there were weak calls, but it seemed equally weak both ways - like players falling with a stick near them and a trip called but I think it was consistent and neither team benefited from it. I think they got the Lafreniere call right. By calling it a major it allowed them to review it and I think it was a minor penalty or no penalty - but in the NHL they cannot lower it to no penalty (unlike at the WJC where they just added a rule they can make it no penalty). I don't think there was intent, but he had his elbow out and extended and it hit Barkov's head. So I thought the minor was fair. Not sure anything else was really that controversial.

I guess you can't change a major to no penalty but you can do it with a double minor. They did it in a Devs game a few weeks back. They originally called a double minor for a high stick but reviewed it and erased the penalty when they realized it was his own teammate's stick that clipped him.
As an aside, both Jack and Luke got 3 points each last night. First time 2 brothers got 3 in the same game since the Sedins.

In comment 16338985 Jay on the Island said:

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headed into a back to back with Boston tonight. Nico Daws made his first start of the season and he played great. One of the best performances of the season by a Devils goaltender. He stopped Tkachuk and Norris on breakaways. Brendan Smith scored his first goal as a Devil after a season and a half. Unfortunately the only reason he scored was he was coming out of the penalty box. He was also responsible for both Senator goals as he had a bad turnover that directly lead to the first goal and the second Senators goal bounced off of his into the net. The Devils have to find an upgrade here.

Yeah I think is a real popular player in the room and that's saving him because Colin Miller has clearly out played him. I thing Fitz eventually trades for a physical Dman. From what the insiders are reporting teams smell desperation on the goalie market and are asking for the world. Though you can't trust him, Vanacek definitely played better his past 4 or 5 games and I think they give him and Dawes a run in the crease for at least a bit as a tandem before they look outside the organization. They are in playoff position all be it tenuously, so it's not like they're desperately digging themselves out of a hole thankfully. Quietly Luke has really hit his stride offensively. He will challenge for the Norris in the future. He and Nemec could very well form a top pairing sooner rather than later.

is playing and the length of his contract if I were NJD I'd call FLA about Spencer Knight.

He had some off-ice issues, he's working on coming back (with the Charlotte Checkers now), and I think he could be great if he can get his head on right. Plus he only has 2 more years on his contract. One weird thing is Knight and Bobrovsky contracts expire the same time. Of course Knight then becomes an RFA, but still weird IMO they expose themselves that way.

His upside is more than any of the current Devils goalies IMO, just not sure he's "win now" like they need.

John Gibson would be my next choice and ANA has the cap room to eat all the cap if NJD can't bring in a 3rd team to broker it. Gibson has three more years after this one at 6.4M which is fair IMO, but might be tough for NJD to take on with their current roster.

it probably means no Toffoli next year and possibly trade Siegenthaler if they can.

I would do something though about goalie if I was NJD.

In comment 16338995 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Yeah I think is a real popular player in the room and that's saving him because Colin Miller has clearly out played him. I thing Fitz eventually trades for a physical Dman. From what the insiders are reporting teams smell desperation on the goalie market and are asking for the world. Though you can't trust him, Vanacek definitely played better his past 4 or 5 games and I think they give him and Dawes a run in the crease for at least a bit as a tandem before they look outside the organization. They are in playoff position all be it tenuously, so it's not like they're desperately digging themselves out of a hole thankfully. Quietly Luke has really hit his stride offensively. He will challenge for the Norris in the future. He and Nemec could very well form a top pairing sooner rather than later.

The Devils are being wise in giving Daws a chance to solidify the position rather than trade for Gibson. If Daws struggles then they will turn their attention to the trade market.

Luke is as advertised offensively. It's pretty amazing how quickly he took the PP1 D spot from Hamilton before he was injured. He just needs to improve defensively. I doubt he will ever be a great defensive defenseman but all they need is him to be league average or better and he will be a star.

Nemec is going to be a more well rounded player IMO but he won't provide the offense that Luke will but that is still ok as you said they will likely form the top pairing in the future. Perhaps as early as next season.

He's pulled multiple times this season and ride Daws again tonight in Boston. The guy has only played 4 games this season since coming back from the injury. Let him savor last night for a few days and go with Vanacek tonight. Also Holtz inexplicably basically benches to the 4th line again last night after a solid Columbus game. Was that guy just can't get a real chance here.

In comment 16339061 Stu11 said:

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He's pulled multiple times this season and ride Daws again tonight in Boston. The guy has only played 4 games this season since coming back from the injury. Let him savor last night for a few days and go with Vanacek tonight. Also Holtz inexplicably basically benches to the 4th line again last night after a solid Columbus game. Was that guy just can't get a real chance here.

I hate to be a broken record but Ruff HAS to go. Holtz should not be on the fourth line. It's incredible that Smith makes mistakes every game and yet he rarely loses his spot in the lineup while a talented young player gets demoted for little reason. I don't give a shit about Smith's value in the locker room. He can still provide that as an inactive 7th defenseman like he was signed to be.

I'd upgrade goalie before the trade market heats up. Right now Devils have their pick of goalies.

several teams I can think of may want to shore that position up and several options available.

Kaapo Kahkonen has been quietly good and is a UFA after the season.

Gibson is a starter who you can win a title with IMO

Markstrom has been good.

I mentioned Knight who probably isn't "available" but could be had

I would even say Connor Ingram, but suddenly the Coyotes find themselves in the playoff picture (largely because of Ingram).

In comment 16339086 pjcas18 said:

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I'd upgrade goalie before the trade market heats up. Right now Devils have their pick of goalies. several teams I can think of may want to shore that position up and several options available. Kaapo Kahkonen has been quietly good and is a UFA after the season. Gibson is a starter who you can win a title with IMO Markstrom has been good. I mentioned Knight who probably isn't "available" but could be had I would even say Connor Ingram, but suddenly the Coyotes find themselves in the playoff picture (largely because of Ingram).

I would prefer they do it now also but the only names on that list I would want are Knight and Gibson. I would not want to trade high for Ingram. If Vejmelka is cheap I wouldn't mind rolling the dice for him. A Vanecek for Vejmelka swaps seems fair to me.

Daniel Amoia
@daniel_amoia
Vitek Vanecek stopped -2.36 goals saved above expected in this contest.

That brings him to -11.0 on the season. Only Ilya Samsonov (-13.3) is worse.

#NJDevils

of the "deserve to win-o-meter" but my assumption is the goalie is costing the team wins and it's demoralizing.

It somehow runs simulations based on how the change would have went if the goaltending was neutral I think. Watched the game, they Devils played a terrific 47 minutes, fell apart the last 13 minutes or so of the 2nd period and gave up 4 goals. Probably at least 2 have to be stopped. Oh well. It is what it is. Hopefully Daws can get hot.

goal I have ever seen in my life in an NHL game in MTL vs TBL.

Montembeault makes the save and holds it a beat. Lightning anticipate the whistle but it never happens, Monty dishes to Kovacevik who skates up and scores from his own end into an empty net because Tampa goalie had skated over to the bench in anticipation of the play stoppage.

reviewed it and no one blew a whistle, good goal.

worst goalies headed in to 2024:

Biggest surprise to me is Saros.

Quote:

MoneyPuck.com @MoneyPuckdotcom Worst goalies going into 2024 https://moneypuck.com/goalies.htm

cup chances headed in to 2024. Not sure I share the CAR love. NYR have the highest odds to make the playoffs, but CAR the highest odds to win the cup. What do they think CAR has over NYR?

Also their model seems to like the West. 3 Western conference teams in the top 4.

Quote:

MoneyPuck.com @MoneyPuckdotcom Cup chances going into 2024 https://moneypuck.com/predictions.htm

begins play today with an INTL point system the NHL should adopt if they refuse to go to sudden death OT.

3-2-1-0.

also they have one innovative rule, if a team scores short handed the player in the box gets sprung. I like it, double whammy to the PP team.

..some weird stuff there.

What's the Carolina love?

Why do teams with lower overall % to make playoffs actually have higher chances to advance in deeper rounds?

In comment 16339721 Stu11 said:

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It somehow runs simulations based on how the change would have went if the goaltending was neutral I think. Watched the game, they Devils played a terrific 47 minutes, fell apart the last 13 minutes or so of the 2nd period and gave up 4 goals. Probably at least 2 have to be stopped. Oh well. It is what it is. Hopefully Daws can get hot.

Weren't the Devils pretty much outplayed the entire second period, and by a wide margin? Bruins actually had a few high % scoring chances they missed too.

In comment 16342696 BillKo said:

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..some weird stuff there. What's the Carolina love? Why do teams with lower overall % to make playoffs actually have higher chances to advance in deeper rounds?

Only thing I can think is their model feels like the Rangers have overachieved and the Canes have underachieved and in the playoffs that gets sorted out.

I disagree though. I think NYR are more playoff built than CAR. And no one knows what happens at the deadline (for either team) or injuries rest of the way.

Health may matter. NYR still one of the healthier teams in the league - though losing Chytil and Kakko matters, and CAR just got their best player back and he's been dominant.

cleared waivers and can be assigned to the AHL. Have to admit I thought Samsonov would be a Russian threesome with Sheterskin and Sorokin. Samsonov a couple years younger but he had at least as good a pedigree from what I remember. None was as highly regarded as Askarov. Let's see how he turns out.

PuckPedia
@PuckPedia
·
Dec 31, 2023
Waivers today:

Eric Comrie #LetsGoBuffalo, $1.8M - UFA

Ilya Samsonov #LeafsForever, $3.55M -UFA

to make Caps (yes Caps) debut tonight.

The Devils actually called up a real prospect in Graeme Clarke...only to sit him of course in favor of the powerhouse career AHL 4th line of Bastain-Tierney- Smith. Lindy gonna Lindy. Phew I was scared we actually might get a goal out of the 4th line for the first time in about 2 months.

In comment 16345759 Stu11 said:

Quote:

The Devils actually called up a real prospect in Graeme Clarke...only to sit him of course in favor of the powerhouse career AHL 4th line of Bastain-Tierney- Smith. Lindy gonna Lindy. Phew I was scared we actually might get a goal out of the 4th line for the first time in about 2 months.

How dare you suggest the great Brendan Smith sit! It makes absolutely no sense to call up Clarke only to sit him especially to play 7 defensemen.

When the Jack/Bratt line does nothing 5v5 and we still score 6. The Nico-Mercer combo was on fire. After an ice cold start Mercer has really heated up. McLeod with 2 more goals. He really has developed into a valuable piece. Leading the NHL in faceoff % and on pace for 20 goals and around 40 points. Rumors over the weekend had teams asking about him and the Devils maybe dealing him for defensive help which makes no sense to me. He's one of the Devs best defensive fwds. Holtz with another strong game as well. If we deal a young fwd. for goaltending/defensive help it should be Holtz because he's never gonna get a real shot here.

Dvorak for the season with a torn pec. this is ridiculous now. Dach, Newhook, and Dvorak all out - the history of injuries for MTL is insane.

In comment 16347013 pjcas18 said:

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Dvorak for the season with a torn pec. this is ridiculous now. Dach, Newhook, and Dvorak all out - the history of injuries for MTL is insane.

I feel bad for you. Montreal has suffered a ridiculous number of injuries over the past two seasons. Between them and the Giants you must feel snake bitten. At least Montreal is rebuilding so losing players just helps their chances of landing a top 3 pick.