NFT: NHL Reg Season in less than 1 week: Predictions & Discussion

The crazy outlier to me is Columbus at 90 points. Seriously? I think they are heavy on Florida at 98 points. Sure they've improved, but honestly goaltending was never their big issue to begin with. The Coyotes at 92 points seems pretty damn optimistic as well. As for the Devils, I don't think I've been this excited for the season in a decade. Sure they might not be a playoff team, but with the talent and fresh young face they've added I'm real excited to see them night in night out. The Metro division will be a war. every point will be huge.

I think they will be exciting but probably uneven. Hughes obviously the biggest story but Nico�s continued development is important. Excited to see this Gusev guy as well.

Main concern is Hall�s contract. Time to trade him if they can�t get this finalized. I can live with it if they move him on.

I don't see the Blue Jackets getting 90 points. I also don't think the Devils will be dead last. Hughes will be a godsend to that team and the return of Hall is huge.

The Penguins are the team to look out for. They could give one last push during the Crosby/Malkin era or fall flat on their faces. I could see them going the way of the Blackhawks and having to rebuild. I'm not sure what to think of the Hurricanes. They have a deep defense, but beside Aho, the offense is so-so.

I think is put up or shut up time for the Maple Leafs. How long can they go with all their offensive stars and not do squat in the playoffs?

stuck out to me. Subban, Hughes, Gusev those are significant additions.


But also, they love the Atlantic. the 3 best records in hockey and 5 teams all with more points (or tied) than the top metro team?

FL too high. COL, who I love, would be a real turnaround in 2 seasons.

My Maple Leafs should be better on defense so that will help us during the playoffs. I think your Habs (pj) make the playoffs this year, especially if they can trade Drouin and promote either Poehling or Suzuki....two guys who you would rather root for. Drouin is just not passionate nor as committed; such a waste of talent.

and Suzuki both made the team (Poehling pending concussion clearing), but they're both on it.

And Drouin right now is on a line with Kotkaniemi, I'd love to see them play together.

Drouin's problems are not passion or commitment, he's just doesn't have a high hockey IQ. His whole career until now he was able to get by just being faster than everyone and a good stick handler, but now he can't do that. He needs to and IMO will learn to play hockey, not just be a "skills" guy.

I hate Julien, but I think he's good for Drouin - or he should be.

You don't score 213 pts in the Q as a 17 and 18 year old without passion or commitment.

That said, the Habs could trade him, but mostly because they have a log jam at F.

I don't know if they make the playoffs or not, their D is still very suspect. Probably just like last year from a record standpoint (close, they should contend if healthy)

but then again I'm a Devils fan so I'm obviously hoping it is.

And most of their offense I�ve weapons, and the prediction is a small drop off from last year. The Islanders essentially return the same team from last year, and they have a 20+ point drop off?

I would not at all be surprised if the Islanders drop off some, or even improve some. But this seems like they just decided last year was some anomaly that will correct itself this year.

first of all the highest point total in the metro is 96 points. 5 metro teams had more 96 points last year. Also in there I think the Devils are getting a raw deal. They're much better than the 6th worst team in hockey. The Islanders are going to have a 23 point drop off from last year. What are these predictions based on. Even down to Ottawa and LA. They have the league lowest point totals at 54 and 55. That's 10 points worse than the worst of last year.

For me the metro will be highly contested. I wouldn't be surprised at whoever makes the playoffs out of the metro. I can see every team making the playoffs and every team not making it.

In comment 14601809 Mike from Ohio said:

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And most of their offense I�ve weapons, and the prediction is a small drop off from last year. The Islanders essentially return the same team from last year, and they have a 20+ point drop off? I would not at all be surprised if the Islanders drop off some, or even improve some. But this seems like they just decided last year was some anomaly that will correct itself this year.

Agree on CBJ

the Islanders did lose their Vezina nominated goalie.

Greiss was great too and good goalie metrics is a hallmark of the Trotz system, but maybe that's why.

otherwise I agree on the NYI being wrong too.

In comment 14601798 Chris684 said:

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but then again I'm a Devils fan so I'm obviously hoping it is.

Devs fan here, as well, but I'm not sold on our goaltending yet. I think there's a lot of firepower now, but we may be getting into shootouts.

The only prediction there I agree with is Washington being first. Carolina will be competitive but I don't see them as better than the Islanders or Penguins. Rangers, Devils, and Flyers are all better than Columbus, I don't see how the Islanders go from 100 points to 81. They very well could crack the top 3 in the division again. I'm a homer, but I view the Rangers as a high 80/low 90 point team, Devils too. Flyers are a bit of a wild card, but Carter Hart is an up and coming elite goalie and Vigneault has always produced regular season records.

In the Atlantic, I don't see Montreal as a 96 point team, everything else looks about what I would expect. I think they're pretty on point with the Central too. Coyotes seem high to me in the Pacific.

.

But the numbers Greiss put up we�re not far off. I expect some drop off from Lehner to Varlamov, but not to the tune of 20 points. The system will make him look better than he is, just as it did for Greiss (and to an extent Lehner).

Like many on here I also think they underestimate the Devils. If they stay healthy I don�t see why they would end up being one of the worst teams in the league.

These predictions feel like they were made by a casual hockey fan.

Columbus will stay in the mix with an excellent top 4 on defense and Torts tend to get the most out of his teams when he's got a bunch of grinders that are being counted out. I see them on the wild card bubble. Bobrovsky hadn't been great for them the past two seasons. Panarin is obviously a huge loss. They'll struggle for goals but Seth Jones is on his way to a Norris Trophy very soon

I have read agrees with anything on here for the most part other than TB and BOS being #1/#2 again.

Varlamov had a better track record than Lehner had at this point a year ago, but Lehner was also sober for the first time so we don't know what his career would have been like had that happened earlier.

Trotz's system clearly makes goalies look better than they are so I don't see the huge dropoff that is being predicted. The issue will be can we score enough on offense to keep the pressure off of Barzal. This is why I would have loved Panarin. Not so much to play Barzal's wing but to play with Nelson and Bailey. They could have had Panarin-Nelson-Bailey on one line and Eberle-Barzal-Lee on another. Would keep teams from keying their top defensive line for Barzal.

Rangers with less than 164 points is obviously a joke.

until Korn/Trotz got a hold of him. Lehner wanted to stay, but the Korn/Trotz chose a different goalie at the same gap hit that Lehner ended up getting. At some point, either you trust Trotz/Korn with goalie evaluation/coaching, or you don't.

The Greiss/Varm tandem will be hard pressed (even if they had kept Lehner) to repeat the same save % as last year, but I think they'll still be stellar. The Islanders goals scored should uptick a bit which will make up for the increased goals allowed.

We'll see how it all goes, but looks like a CAR/NYI rematch in the Metro IMO. Pitt looks old. WSH will be in the mix too.

Lehner was so good independent of Trotz/Korn, I'd expect their Chicago projection to be a lot better.

In comment 14601848 Metnut said:

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until Korn/Trotz got a hold of him. Lehner wanted to stay, but the Korn/Trotz chose a different goalie at the same gap hit that Lehner ended up getting. At some point, either you trust Trotz/Korn with goalie evaluation/coaching, or you don't. The Greiss/Varm tandem will be hard pressed (even if they had kept Lehner) to repeat the same save % as last year, but I think they'll still be stellar. The Islanders goals scored should uptick a bit which will make up for the increased goals allowed. We'll see how it all goes, but looks like a CAR/NYI rematch in the Metro IMO. Pitt looks old. WSH will be in the mix too.

My feeling is Lehner asked for more AAV than the Islanders paid for Varlamov, but then the Islanders moved on to Varlamov who is friends with Sorokin and Lehner got stuck being the last goalie standing in a game of musical chairs

In the last five seasons the Islanders have cracked 100 points three times. They've made the playoffs three times. They've won two playoff rounds. in one of the two remaining seasons they had 94 points and missed the playoffs by a single point. They had one actually bad season with 80 points in that mix.

Point being, in each and every one of those four good years, the predictions have been off by at least5-10 points for us. Last year they were off by as much as 25-30 points in some publications. For whatever reason, most publications have gloomy hopes for the Islanders every year, despite the Islanders completely outperforming those expectations (almost) every year for half decade.

So with that, I've stopped caring what these guys think. I think they take the next step and win the division this year, finally. But that's just me.

In comment 14601848 Metnut said:

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until Korn/Trotz got a hold of him. Lehner wanted to stay, but the Korn/Trotz chose a different goalie at the same gap hit that Lehner ended up getting. At some point, either you trust Trotz/Korn with goalie evaluation/coaching, or you don't. The Greiss/Varm tandem will be hard pressed (even if they had kept Lehner) to repeat the same save % as last year, but I think they'll still be stellar. The Islanders goals scored should uptick a bit which will make up for the increased goals allowed. We'll see how it all goes, but looks like a CAR/NYI rematch in the Metro IMO. Pitt looks old. WSH will be in the mix too.

The Trotz system definitely helped, but Lehner was always on everyone's "breakout goalie" candidate list. He isn't some non-prospect Trotz turned into a Vezina candidate.

I think him dealing with his addiction/mental illness issues also helped a lot with his breakout season.

In comment 14601770 Stu11 said:

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The crazy outlier to me is Columbus at 90 points. Seriously? I think they are heavy on Florida at 98 points. Sure they've improved, but honestly goaltending was never their big issue to begin with. The Coyotes at 92 points seems pretty damn optimistic as well. As for the Devils, I don't think I've been this excited for the season in a decade. Sure they might not be a playoff team, but with the talent and fresh young face they've added I'm real excited to see them night in night out. The Metro division will be a war. every point will be huge.

Call me biased but I can't see how the Devils miss the playoffs. It will come down to the goaltenders but they both looked solid this preseason.

The addition of Subban, Hughes, Gusev, and Simmonds is by far the most talent this team has added in a single offseason in their entire history. Taylor Hall is back and only played 33 games last season as well.

Keep an eye on Jesper Boqvist. He has great speed as well. I expect him to win a spot on the 3rd line where his speed will be a nice compliment Zajac and either Coleman or Simmonds.

If Pavel Zacha performs how he finished last season then the Devils depth will be outstanding.

I haven't been this excited entering an NHL season since the early 2000's.

Look like they will struggle to start the season, they are very young, but the future is bright. The Devils will surprise people this year and Hughes looks sensational, the Rangers are stupid putting Kakko on the 2nd line, put him on the top line and let him go. A second line with Howden, Kreider, and Buchnevich would also work, then Kravtsov, Strome, and Namestikov or Andersson on line three, Chytil needs to start in the minors, he is not ready to roll yet this season. Fast, Lemiex, and Nieves or Namestikov on line four, that depends on how they handle Andersson. Line four should not be an option for Andersson.

Then they win the Princes of Wales Cup...then they win the Stanley Cup; Kakko wins the Calder, Zibanejad wins the Conn Smythe, Trouba wins the Norris, Lundqvist wins the Vezina, Panarin wins the Art Ross, Lias wins the Selke, Quinn wins the Jack Adams...


I forgot what else is there

In comment 14601878 Anakim said:

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Then they win the Princes of Wales Cup...then they win the Stanley Cup; Kakko wins the Calder, Zibanejad wins the Conn Smythe, Trouba wins the Norris, Lundqvist wins the Vezina, Panarin wins the Art Ross, Lias wins the Selke, Quinn wins the Jack Adams... I forgot what else is there

Hart? Lady Bing?

Lundqvist has looked great.

In comment 14601795 pjcas18 said:

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and Suzuki both made the team (Poehling pending concussion clearing), but they're both on it. And Drouin right now is on a line with Kotkaniemi, I'd love to see them play together. Drouin's problems are not passion or commitment, he's just doesn't have a high hockey IQ. His whole career until now he was able to get by just being faster than everyone and a good stick handler, but now he can't do that. He needs to and IMO will learn to play hockey, not just be a "skills" guy. I hate Julien, but I think he's good for Drouin - or he should be. You don't score 213 pts in the Q as a 17 and 18 year old without passion or commitment. That said, the Habs could trade him, but mostly because they have a log jam at F. I don't know if they make the playoffs or not, their D is still very suspect. Probably just like last year from a record standpoint (close, they should contend if healthy)

I�m glad to hear Poehling made the team. He really impressed me in that last game of the season with a hat trick and the tiebreaker winner. He just looks so much better than Drouin already.

And you said Suzuki also made the team.....wow, this surprises me to see both. If your lines have already been named, I�d like to hear them. My boys shut your boys out twice this week, but I don�t think that will happen during the season. Good luck this year.

As for your defense, you have a couple of promising kids who looked good in preseason....Fleury and Brooks....so you should be better off come mid season with their progression in the minors. Weber, Perry, and Kulak are good 1,2, and 3 guys. Didn�t you also pick up a defenseman who is pretty decent too during the offseason? His name alludes me for now.... Are you happy with him?

In comment 14601884 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 14601878 Anakim said: Quote: Then they win the Princes of Wales Cup...then they win the Stanley Cup; Kakko wins the Calder, Zibanejad wins the Conn Smythe, Trouba wins the Norris, Lundqvist wins the Vezina, Panarin wins the Art Ross, Lias wins the Selke, Quinn wins the Jack Adams... I forgot what else is there Hart? Lady Bing? Lundqvist has looked great.

Too many fucking trophies

Brook did not.

I like Fleury, Brook looked awful in PS games, but has a lot of potential.

The D they added in the off-season is Ben Chiarot, he's a very solid defensive defenseman. Should help Price. And he's very physical.

...again to rule during the regular season.

A bit worried about the wear and tear on the Bruins from last year's playoff run, esp Bergeron.

And the team really needs to find another winger to compliment the second line.

But they are deep, really deep, defensively and have solid goaltending.

I'm ready for hockey.

Watching Panarin-Zibanejad-Buchnevich in preseason has been the most exciting thing about the Rangers since the 2014 Finals. The PP looks like it's going to be lethal for the first time in a very long time, too.

As far as the Rangers as a team go, it all depends on the defensemen. I feel very good about the offense - the aforementioned top line will be tremendous, Kakko totally looks the part in preseason, Kravtsov looks good as well. Between Fox and Trouba, they'll get much more offense from the D, but how they do in their own end will determine if they make the playoffs or not.

agree re 1st line; my reservation with those guys is that none is especially physical or sturdily built, am wary of their line being pushed around, bullied

I thought Fox looked very comfortable in his own end on Tuesday night (didn't catch Devils' game). Staal was atrocious on Eberle's goal, so we're stuck. Haven't seen much of d'Angelo on the other side.

to have 6 players in their opening day lineup that are 21 or under (on opening day). 9 who are 23 and under.

That's significant youth. I can't remember a team with that much youth.

so there will be bumps, I'd look more for progress than results (at least early in the season), but with a strong goalie you never know. success breeding confidence leading to wins is a real thing in the NHL - just look at the Blues. Last place in the NHL on January 6th to Stanley Cup winners.

I still think the defense will suck. Skjei was bad last year. I like Trouba a lot, and DeAngelo is obviously the best defenseman this world's ever seen, but Fox will struggle. Staal's still Staal.

In comment 14602082 BrettNYG10 said:

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I still think the defense will suck. Skjei was bad last year. I like Trouba a lot, and DeAngelo is obviously the best defenseman this world's ever seen, but Fox will struggle. Staal's still Staal.

Why do you think Fox will struggle?

signs bridge deal. 2 yrs 6.75 AAV.

will struggle in his own zone, but he's a tactician on the PP and in transition.

Also, I read in the PS he was much better in his own zone, but it's always been his weakness (not one that can't be corrected, but it's been noticeable).

Yes, it's one preseason game, but he wasn't always terrible and he's still young and can still really skate. Hope springs eternal.

Sorry, I should've been more clear: I think Fox will struggle just because he's a young dman and that there's a learning curve. Nothing to do with him or his skill-set. I just think the jump from NCAA to the NHL is very hard - especially for dman. I expect growing pains.

In comment 14602105 Greg from LI said:

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Yes, it's one preseason game, but he wasn't always terrible and he's still young and can still really skate. Hope springs eternal.

I'm taking it he got time on the PK then. The Isles PP can make every D man look great

part of Skjei to me (a non Rangers fan) was his offense.

After a 40 point 22 year old season, I had high expectations, but then consistently bad back to back 25 point seasons.

and his defense took a step back, but that part IMO could be "contagious", the offense concerned me.

I'm also higher on the Devils than pj's trash graphic. I think they have better odds than the Rangers to make the playoffs.

Skjei skated with Trouba against the Islanders (I didn't see the Flyers game). Most people have assumed that will be the pairing to start the season, but we'll see.

In comment 14602067 pjcas18 said:

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to have 6 players in their opening day lineup that are 21 or under (on opening day). 9 who are 23 and under. That's significant youth. I can't remember a team with that much youth. so there will be bumps, I'd look more for progress than results (at least early in the season), but with a strong goalie you never know. success breeding confidence leading to wins is a real thing in the NHL - just look at the Blues. Last place in the NHL on January 6th to Stanley Cup winners.

The Devils and Rangers are very similar teams. Both teams playoff chances depend on the defense and goaltenders.

Does Lundqvist have enough left in the tank. Which Scheider will the Devils get? The one that opened the year and played so poorly he was demoted to the AHL or the Schneider that finished the season strong after returning from injury. The Devils have the added benefit of Mackenzie Blackwood who will likely split time with Schneider. Blackwood was excellent last season but he still has to prove he can be consistent.

In comment 14602155 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 14602067 pjcas18 said: Quote: to have 6 players in their opening day lineup that are 21 or under (on opening day). 9 who are 23 and under. That's significant youth. I can't remember a team with that much youth. so there will be bumps, I'd look more for progress than results (at least early in the season), but with a strong goalie you never know. success breeding confidence leading to wins is a real thing in the NHL - just look at the Blues. Last place in the NHL on January 6th to Stanley Cup winners. The Devils and Rangers are very similar teams. Both teams playoff chances depend on the defense and goaltenders. Does Lundqvist have enough left in the tank. Which Scheider will the Devils get? The one that opened the year and played so poorly he was demoted to the AHL or the Schneider that finished the season strong after returning from injury. The Devils have the added benefit of Mackenzie Blackwood who will likely split time with Schneider. Blackwood was excellent last season but he still has to prove he can be consistent.

the Devils should contend this year though IMO.

The Rangers do not have a Taylor Hall, a Hart trophy contender (today at least).

And the Devils D is better. Butcher is probably top pair or top 4 at worst on the Rangers and he's bottom 4 on the Devils.

I disagree more with how USA Today has the Devils. I also think the Rangers will be better than this projection, but they will rely on their youth, where the Devils will less.

Goalie is, as you say, IMO the big question for the Devils.

The Knights will win their division

In comment 14602161 pjcas18 said:

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And the Devils D is better. Butcher is probably top pair or top 4 at worst on the Rangers and he's bottom 4 on the Devils. I disagree more with how USA Today has the Devils. I also think the Rangers will be better than this projection, but they will rely on their youth, where the Devils will less. Goalie is, as you say, IMO the big question for the Devils.

Yep PJ I look for a big bounce back year for Butcher. He was great 2 years ago, took his lumps last year but has been maybe the most impressive Dman in camp this year. I have confidence in the Devs goaltending, I think it will come down to can the D get the puck out of he zone and hold the shot total down.

In comment 14602082 BrettNYG10 said:

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I still think the defense will suck. Skjei was bad last year. I like Trouba a lot, and DeAngelo is obviously the best defenseman this world's ever seen, but Fox will struggle. Staal's still Staal.

Actually I thought Dangelo was good last night, including in his own end. I also think Fox will eventually be a top 4 D.

Nevertheless, I wouldn't be surprised if they don't make the playoffs, unless NY moves somewhere to the west.

In comment 14602435 Jay in Toronto said:

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In comment 14602082 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: I still think the defense will suck. Skjei was bad last year. I like Trouba a lot, and DeAngelo is obviously the best defenseman this world's ever seen, but Fox will struggle. Staal's still Staal. Actually I thought Dangelo was good last night, including in his own end. I also think Fox will eventually be a top 4 D. Nevertheless, I wouldn't be surprised if they don't make the playoffs, unless NY moves somewhere to the west.

I'm a huge D'Angelo fan (seriously). I think he can be a quality top four guy.

I haven't seen more than a few games of Fox. I'm thrilled to see him play. I'm just pessimistic that he'll be great year one.

In comment 14602445 BrettNYG10 said:

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In comment 14602435 Jay in Toronto said: Quote: In comment 14602082 I'm a huge D'Angelo fan (seriously). I think he can be a quality top four guy. I haven't seen more than a few games of Fox. I'm thrilled to see him play. I'm just pessimistic that he'll be great year one.

I dont think you're being pessimistic, more realistic.

Want to do another bet this year?

It all.

But I think that Hughes will be special, and with Hall and the rest of the Devils forwards, they�ll finish ahead of the Rangers .

I have no idea if the Isles will be better or worse this year, it's quite literally impossible to be better than 1st in overall GA like last year, but I'm confident that as long as Trotz is there they will be competitive for a playoff spot. In terms of points they have just as many candidates for positive regression to their norms (Barzal + Eberle especially) as they do for regression. Fingers crossed a few of the young guys can step in and have an impact this year the way Toews did last year (Dobson, Wahlstrom, Koivula, etc).

Holds up. They have the talent to win the division. I am not sure that Washington is going to be that strong. Solid yes. I think that they are on the downside of their run from the past few seasons. Same for the Penguins but I have wrongly said that about the Pens the last couple of seasons.

I doubt that the Habs are going to end up that high. Yes it is possible but they have to have a career season from Drouin and a couple of others and their terrible power play will suddenly have to be come a league top 5 which is highly unlikely. All will end up falling on Price like always.

The Leafs will find a way to choke and screw it up like always.

What is happening with Brendan Smith this year? Is he assigned to the minors? What is the Rangers cap impact for this year if this move was done?

In comment 14602866 Scott in Montreal said:

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Holds up. They have the talent to win the division. I am not sure that Washington is going to be that strong. Solid yes. I think that they are on the downside of their run from the past few seasons. Same for the Penguins but I have wrongly said that about the Pens the last couple of seasons. I doubt that the Habs are going to end up that high. Yes it is possible but they have to have a career season from Drouin and a couple of others and their terrible power play will suddenly have to be come a league top 5 which is highly unlikely. All will end up falling on Price like always. The Leafs will find a way to choke and screw it up like always.

That is the exact same record MTL had last year. Same points, ROW, ties, etc. exact same as last year.

I don't think MTL improved a lot necessarily, but they didn't get worse either - if healthy.

I think they'll be right around 96 pts again, and no idea if that's playoffs or not but plus or minus 3 or 4 pts that's where I think they'll be.

Their PP should be better with Suzuki. I never watched him much before, but man, what a cerebral player. Suzuki is what many people felt Drouin would be, but so far Suzuki hasn't done it in the NHL so we'll see if he even becomes that outside of pre-season.

In comment 14602949 SJGiant said:

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What is happening with Brendan Smith this year? Is he assigned to the minors? What is the Rangers cap impact for this year if this move was done?

He's not assigned to the minors yet as far as I know (though I am not a Rangers fan).

If he's not, his cap hit remains at $4.35M.

If he's sent to the minors the most the Rangers can save is $1.075M. That's the most any team can save on any player regardless of their contract by "burying" their contract.

So if he's buried in the minors, his cap hit would be $3,275,000

the most you can save on any player is the NHL minimum contract plus $375,000 (or $700,000 + $375,000 = $1,075,000)

I'd play Smith on the 4th line. Unless he somehow decides he wants to play hockey like he's flashed before (ancient history), he was just as bad a F as he was at D, only at F he can generally do less damage with a goalie like Hank).

the savings would be minimal.

I�d prefer to keep him as a 7th defenseman and a spare forward.

Per NHL Network

I mean, the last 2 years he was every bit as good and probably better than Tavares was when he was an islander. He slumped in the 20 or 30 games post ASB last year but he's been a PPG player otherwise and carried the Isles through rd 1 last year.

Your boy BRENDEN GALLAGHER should be in that list. He is a pain in the arse and plays hard every game.

My TAVERAS should be in the top 10 (small point though).

put on waivers, just shows you all the "skill" in the world doesn't always translate to the NHL.

I've heard attitude questions too, but won't claim them as true or false, since I have no idea.

fall in the draft?

Ho Sang is an elite puck handler and excels at transitioning the puck with possession. It's apparent to the eye, and backed up by the fancy stats. He doesn't shoot enough, and his possession and playmaking ability never generated the amount of goals one would expect.

His defensive game is leaps and bounds better than it was, especially his hustle on the back check. Ultimately, he loses too many puck battles and makes too many unsafe decisions with the puck. It just won't be tolerated by the cabal of grinder defensive minded coaches that permeate the league.

I think the "drama" concerns are largely overblown. He was immature and outspoken, but seems to have toed the line of he last two years. It's more a story because he doesn't fit the mold of good guy vanilla quotes you see from 95% of players.

The isles really like holmstrom and Wahlstrom, so rw is really crowded now and in the future.

I hope he gets top 6 time somewhere. He's really fun to watch.

today as teams maneuver to get under the cap.

I would not be surprised to see some salary dumps or bottom 6 veteran movement.

announce two year partnership.

No idea what to think of this? Maybe an NHL song by Green Day like Hank Williams for the NFL? They will perform "opening theme" for Wednesday night hockey.

Either way, I like Green Day (a little) and I like hockey, so this can't be bad, right?

Quote:

NHL @NHL � 2m ICYMI: @GreenDay is set to rock Wednesday Night Hockey. 🎸 #WNH

Link - ( New Window )

In comment 14606261 5BowlsSoon said:

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Your boy BRENDEN GALLAGHER should be in that list. He is a pain in the arse and plays hard every game. My TAVERAS should be in the top 10 (small point though).

I love Gallagher, but not sure he's top 50, nor am I sure Tavares should be top 10 but lists are good discussion points.

FYI...Poehling sent to Laval. I think he should have stayed, but Julien is not the coach to start a season with 3 centers under 23 years old. Poehling SIGNIFICANTLY outplayed Kotkaniemi, but I guess it would be worse for KK to be sent down after sticking all last year than Poehling.

I don't expect him to be down long. Like Chytil or Kravtsov.

(a great twitter hockey follow).

.

They started to make strides at the end of last season and adding Lehner gives them better insurance in goal when Crawford gets hurt. They have the offense to be a playoff team, but the question is can they keep pucks out of their net.

a few teams. There is one team in the East with a 70% or > chance at the playoffs (TBL).

There are 3 in the West (LVG, SJS, STL). Heck, Calgary has a better chance at making the playoff than the Bruins.

and then winning the cup, they have teams like LVG, CAL, SJS STL, with better odds to win the cup than the Bruins.

The Bruins lost the cup in game 7 on home ice.

the Canes have better odds of winning the SC than the Bruins (probably b/c of the stupid playoff format where BOS if they come in 2nd in the Atlantic have to probably play Toronto (again).

Anyway, just one graphic, but it's great to debate.

I agree NJD, CHI, and probably NYR are all low, and some teams too high.

Fuck you Fish

In comment 14607819 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I love Gallagher, but not sure he's top 50,

Gallagher would be a top 50 player if he played on a different team in a market that the press did not badger their players every minute of every day. Montreal tends to suck the life out of players. Then they leave and seem to get a second wind.

In comment 14608273 Scott in Montreal said:

Quote:

In comment 14607819 pjcas18 said: Quote: I love Gallagher, but not sure he's top 50, Gallagher would be a top 50 player if he played on a different team in a market that the press did not badger their players every minute of every day. Montreal tends to suck the life out of players. Then they leave and seem to get a second wind.

I don't know about that (second wind)

I'd rather have Weber than Subban - who is on his 2nd team since the trade.

Sergachev is falling out of favor in TB.

Galchenyuk is on his 2nd team since leaving MTL, and Domi is a budding star.

Petry became a solid top pair D.

Pacioretty had one of his worst seasons as a pro. I'd much rather have Tatar, Suzuki and the draft pick.

I can't think of many recent players who have done better when they left MTL and there has been enough of them.

And this doesn't even consider players like Byron, that MTL salvaged off the NHL scrap heap into a solid 2-way 3rd line player and PK demon.

I do agree the media in MTL is overbearing, but no different than NY or BOS for baseball (for example).

In comment 14608301 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Pacioretty had one of his worst seasons as a pro. I'd much rather have Tatar, Suzuki and the draft pick. I do agree the media in MTL is overbearing, but no different than NY or BOS for baseball (for example).

Subban is an over the top kind of guy that can wear thin fast. It has nothing to do with talent or production. Weber has been more or less invisible since he got here. Also hurt or playing hurt quite a bit

Pacioretty did have a lower than usually season but it still was better (not by much) than his last year with the Habs.

You may be right. I just always see how the press here is bitching how the players are doing after they leave. The Journal de Montreal has 8-10 pages of hockey news every single day during the season and more during the playoffs. They cover everything. It is crazy

Another story about the press here. I remember back years ago. I cannot remember which player it was. I think it was a goalie. Something had happened. So one of the French news stations camped out in front of his house and was using an infrared camera to try and follow him around his house waiting to see when he was leaving. So they could get some questions in.

An all time low in Montreal hockey coverage.

what they've done to Carey Price is awful. The criticism is relentless even when he plays with 1 legit D in front of him and an group of forwards not exactly known for being defensively responsible.

and players either love the franchise and would do anything to play there or they simply won't go there, but I don't hear many players who have left the organization bad mouth it.

the press is another story.

And I love Subban, maybe my favorite player as a Hab, but it was not his off ice persona why he was traded, it was his on ice play.

And I disagree on Weber, he had one injury filled season, but otherwise has been a rock; definitely not invisible.

I guarantee if you go back in time knowing what you know now, MTL makes that trade 10 times out of 10, but NSH balks at it.

And I was one of the people who thought Bergevin should be fired for incompetence the day he made the trade.

but you live there (?) and maybe hear more than I can get from social media and news sources, but this is my perception.

Quote:

NHL Public Relations @PR_NHL 113 days after the #StanleyCup was awarded, hockey is back. http://NHL.com/schedule #NHLFaceOff #NHLStats

While this is not surprising seeing as he struggled in camp I think its a big let down. Was really looking forward to seeing him this year. Personally I would have kept him up instead of Mirco Mueller. Even as the 7th Dman I don't think our 3rd pairing is so strong that he couldn't have gotten in there 1 or 2 times a week. Hard to see what he'll gain playing every day at a level he has already mastered.

Quote:

I guarantee if you go back in time knowing what you know now, MTL makes that trade 10 times out of 10, but NSH balks at it.

I don't think this is true. Weber has played 84 out of 164 possible games the last two seasons and is on the books through 2026 at nearly 8 million. Nashville traded Subban because of that cap crunch

I still think really highly of Subban. I think the Devils got a steal as they found a team right up against the cap with a high priced player. Good job by them

In comment 14609070 Stu11 said:

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While this is not surprising seeing as he struggled in camp I think its a big let down. Was really looking forward to seeing him this year. Personally I would have kept him up instead of Mirco Mueller. Even as the 7th Dman I don't think our 3rd pairing is so strong that he couldn't have gotten in there 1 or 2 times a week. Hard to see what he'll gain playing every day at a level he has already mastered.

It's very disappointing. Going into camp I thought there was an excellent chance that he would be on the second pairing. I would also have kept him up for at least a 9 game trial over Mueller. Mueller better improve this season even if he's just a solid bottom pairing defender.

a dick and such a hard player to play against, but this is funny.

Quote:

Josh Yohe @JoshYohe_PGH � 6m Geno Malkin was just asked how he asks Galchenyuk for the puck in Russian: �Give me puck.�

"revoked" Auston Matthews captainship before they ever gave it to him due to incident over the summer.

Instead name Tavares captain.

In comment 14607819 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 14606261 5BowlsSoon said: Quote: Your boy BRENDEN GALLAGHER should be in that list. He is a pain in the arse and plays hard every game. My TAVERAS should be in the top 10 (small point though). I love Gallagher, but not sure he's top 50, nor am I sure Tavares should be top 10 but lists are good discussion points. FYI...Poehling sent to Laval. I think he should have stayed, but Julien is not the coach to start a season with 3 centers under 23 years old. Poehling SIGNIFICANTLY outplayed Kotkaniemi, but I guess it would be worse for KK to be sent down after sticking all last year than Poehling. I don't expect him to be down long. Like Chytil or Kravtsov.

I agree.....Poehling missed a few weeks of practice time and is probably not at 100% coming back from that concussion. Maybe Habs don�t want to play him on line 4....I don�t know. Your 4th line would should be interesting if he is centering Byron and Armia.

scores the first goal of the 2019-2020 season.

Sens up on Leafs 1 - 0. Under 5 left in the first.

Many providers have a free preview of NHL Center Ice for those who may not subscribe to it - the psychopaths who don't already have NHL Center Ice.

are getting so little respect.

I also hope that if the Rangers don't make the playoffs, as long as there is steady development, people lay off. Gotta play the long game here. They have the makings of a long-term foundation.

surprises me too.

On a team with Hall, Subban, former #1 overall (Hischier), current #1 Hughes, KHL leading scorer Gusev, sand paper extraordinaire in Simmonds

solid D (if unspectacular)

I expect playoffs.

but so many people just highlight that "the Devils have a lot of questions" but they never say what they are.

I do agree their bottom 6 is uninspiring, but should be able to hold their own. Goalie is the main question IMO.

defense in leafs sense and neither goalie looks great.

3 - 2 Leafs not quite midway through the 2nd. Leafs already have 25 shots.

shine on opening day.

today is the bigger day though (for most BBI hockey fans).

8 games incuding.

MTL @ CAR (who have suddenly become bitter rivals)
BOS @ DAL
WIN @ NYR - debut of Kakko

In comment 14610110 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

defense in leafs sense and neither goalie looks great. 3 - 2 Leafs not quite midway through the 2nd. Leafs already have 25 shots.

This disturbs me...because I was hoping we would tighten things up in front of our goalie. I hope we play better defense on the road. Maybe we like to treat our home fans to wide open entertaining hockey figuring we will win 5-4 with our superior number one line.

playing awful defense? Never seen that before.

In comment 14610099 Jay in Toronto said:

Quote:

are getting so little respect. I also hope that if the Rangers don't make the playoffs, as long as there is steady development, people lay off. Gotta play the long game here. They have the makings of a long-term foundation.

I�m surprised as well. I was expecting them to be overrated by the mainstream media. My only concern is goaltending but they have two potential solid options there. Their forward depth is among the best in hockey. It�s not just the additions of Hughes, Subban, Gusev, Simmonds, and Boqvist but also the return of Hall who only played 33 games a season ago and is entering a contract year. Two years ago he carried the team on his back to the playoffs.

In comment 14610400 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 14610099 Jay in Toronto said: Quote: are getting so little respect. I also hope that if the Rangers don't make the playoffs, as long as there is steady development, people lay off. Gotta play the long game here. They have the makings of a long-term foundation. I�m surprised as well. I was expecting them to be overrated by the mainstream media. My only concern is goaltending but they have two potential solid options there. Their forward depth is among the best in hockey. It�s not just the additions of Hughes, Subban, Gusev, Simmonds, and Boqvist but also the return of Hall who only played 33 games a season ago and is entering a contract year. Two years ago he carried the team on his back to the playoffs.

well I listen to Sirius NHL radio a lot. All the hosts there are Canadian and I can say this. This is the first time sine I started listening 10 years ago that they talked a ton of Devils pre-season. That having been said most are not picking them as top 8 in the East. I agree Jay I'm not nearly as worried as most around the league are about their goaltending. One of the hosts was saying he recently talked to Roberto Luongo who had the same surgery Schneider had almost 2 years ago and it took him a solid 2 years to get back to top form. He looked much better the 2nd half of last year and at the worlds. The pre-season was very promising for Schneider as he looked like 2016 Schneider.

In comment 14610487 Stu11 said:

Quote:

In comment 14610400 Jay on the Island said: Quote: In comment 14610099 Jay in Toronto said: Quote: are getting so little respect. I also hope that if the Rangers don't make the playoffs, as long as there is steady development, people lay off. Gotta play the long game here. They have the makings of a long-term foundation. I�m surprised as well. I was expecting them to be overrated by the mainstream media. My only concern is goaltending but they have two potential solid options there. Their forward depth is among the best in hockey. It�s not just the additions of Hughes, Subban, Gusev, Simmonds, and Boqvist but also the return of Hall who only played 33 games a season ago and is entering a contract year. Two years ago he carried the team on his back to the playoffs. well I listen to Sirius NHL radio a lot. All the hosts there are Canadian and I can say this. This is the first time sine I started listening 10 years ago that they talked a ton of Devils pre-season. That having been said most are not picking them as top 8 in the East. I agree Jay I'm not nearly as worried as most around the league are about their goaltending. One of the hosts was saying he recently talked to Roberto Luongo who had the same surgery Schneider had almost 2 years ago and it took him a solid 2 years to get back to top form. He looked much better the 2nd half of last year and at the worlds. The pre-season was very promising for Schneider as he looked like 2016 Schneider.

The assumption is that the Devils will split time in net 50/50 with Schneider and Blackwood which is what I was hoping they would do.

Hynes will ride the hot hand obviously but I think this is the best plan. Schneider can use the frequent rests and Blackwood hasn't played a full season as the starter yet so it will also keep him fresh.

stretchered off in Dallas.

Sounded ugly. Didn't see it. Was watching the Habs vs Canes.

What an entertaining game. Back and forth action with solid goalie play, tight checking, and tons of skill.

two fun teams to watch.

incident. Looked bad, but I think we've all seen worse - yu just never know I guess how someone will react especially when head/neck/spine are involved. Reports are uncertain if Polak had any motion when he was stretchered off.

Apparently Bruins resident jackass Jack Edwards allegedly called it "karma" - douche bag if he did say that. actually douche bag either way, but WTF if he did say that.
Link - ( New Window )

the Stars took some lumps though.

Sean Shapiro
@seanshapiro
�
10m
Polak has full use of his extremities and is feeling better at hospital. Dickinson is out for at least a week. Comeau will be out multiple weeks

In comment 14611223 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Was watching the Habs vs Canes. What an entertaining game. Back and forth action with solid goalie play, tight checking, and tons of skill. two fun teams to watch.

Was a great game to watch, although IMHO the game was not as close as the score suggested. Price was amazing once again and kept the Habs in the game. The Canes dominated for two of the three periods. They shut down the Habs speed for most of the game except for a couple of times where they got caught with tired lines.

As for the scoring. Two of the three Habs goals were on lazy mistakes that I think would not have been made if it wasn't the first game of the season. The Canes will not be that undisciplined. The way that they came out for the third after that second period, I am sure that Brindy tore them a new one.

Mrazek looked good and the defence for the most part looked solid. The new guys seem to fit into the system well. Jake Gardiner more than makes up for Faulk.

In comment 14611398 Scott in Montreal said:

Quote:

In comment 14611223 pjcas18 said: Quote: Was watching the Habs vs Canes. What an entertaining game. Back and forth action with solid goalie play, tight checking, and tons of skill. two fun teams to watch. Was a great game to watch, although IMHO the game was not as close as the score suggested. Price was amazing once again and kept the Habs in the game. The Canes dominated for two of the three periods. They shut down the Habs speed for most of the game except for a couple of times where they got caught with tired lines. As for the scoring. Two of the three Habs goals were on lazy mistakes that I think would not have been made if it wasn't the first game of the season. The Canes will not be that undisciplined. The way that they came out for the third after that second period, I am sure that Brindy tore them a new one. Mrazek looked good and the defence for the most part looked solid. The new guys seem to fit into the system well. Jake Gardiner more than makes up for Faulk.

Isn't that the Canes MO though, last year they led the NHL in shots on goal and Corsi by a lot IIRC, but gave up goals on defensive lapses.

Either way, it's also the MO the Canadiens will need, stout Price covering for bad D.

I do think though for much of the 2nd period the habs dominated. The Drouin, Kotkaniemi, and Armia line especially.

I loved the game Fleury had for the Habs (other than the breakaway miss), and Kotkaniemi who is so poised for a 19 year old. KK even did well on the dots.

Weber looked like he was still in pre-season mode.

makes his debut tonight. He's the "other" in the Russian goalie trio along with Sorokin and Shesterkin.

And many say the best of the three.

In comment 14611711 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

makes his debut tonight. He's the "other" in the Russian goalie trio along with Sorokin and Shesterkin. And many say the best of the three.

I think this kid is going to be the next young star goaltender. IMO he will allow Washington to move on from Holtby.

5bowls?

I usually get a patronizing, condescending post after any habs loss to the leas (and many losses in general).

Losing a 3 goal lead at home, giving up 3 SH goals to the rival habs and crickets? lol.

in an active day

DAL @ WAS - for those who haven't seen him, Roope Hintz is a burgeoning star. Fun to watch.

FLA vs CAR - Alexander Barkov - a little ahead of Hintz but already a star and CAR (undefeated) has a fun team to watch.

EDM @ NYI, undefeated EDM and McDavid visit the Isles (who got hammered in the press for lack of attendance, maybe the best player in the league gets fans in the door).

WIN @ PIT - two teams with disappointing starts meet in PIT - where Malkin just got injured - long-term - along with Letang. The end is near for the Pens.

ANA @ DET - two surprise undefeated teams square off in Hockey Town. I don't think either team is that good but Anthony Mantha is off to a ridiculous start.

SJS @ NSH - two teams with cup aspirations, but look sluggish to start. I always forget how old Rinne is, he's close to or same age as Hank.

LAK @ CAL, two teams I like to see play, CAL more than LAK, but LAK have Kopitar - one of my all time favorites and Doughty and Tkachuck rivalry is real - they hate each other.

BOS @ LVG - night wraps up with another battle of unbeatens. The Bruins can't lose enough and badly for me. So, of course they win.

James Neal, 4 goals, puts him close to his SEASON TOTAL from last year.

I know Lucic is not going to outperform that contract he has.

And the low point was the Bruins with 4 goals in the 1st.

MTL @ BUF tonight, Dahlin is the real deal, fun player to watch. Kotkaniemi and Suzuki bringing the youth with the habs.

NJD @ PHI, See if Hughes can respond to last game with some success to take some pressure off.

LAK @ VAN, Drew Doughty in peak form to start the season. VAN has youth of their own to watch with Pettersson, Boeser, and Hughes - among others.

I'll be at the game vs Columbus Saturday night.

In comment 14615192 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

5bowls? I usually get a patronizing, condescending post after any habs loss to the leas (and many losses in general). Losing a 3 goal lead at home, giving up 3 SH goals to the rival habs and crickets? lol.

I�m here pj.

That was a GREAT win for your boys over my boys. Down 4-1 in the third and score 4 goals. Typical leafs, Habs game....fun to watch.

I won�t even make excuses like we played the night before or we had our backup goalie in there.....no, we lost and your boys deserved to win coming from 3 back.

I did walk away from that game shaking my head though....our big three superstars looked anemic in the shootout. Carey didn�t even look challenged. That soured me.

And then we lost to St Louis. No doubt our HC will be hearing the boo birds very soon if we keep losing.

Good luck against Buffalo tonight. Should be another great game. I believe Buffalo had your number last year. Let�s see this year.....

5bowls.

And I've never been a babcock fan even when he won a cup with DET, but the Leafs team is loaded - other than D.

If they get off to a bad start, he should probably be fired.

about 2020 draft.

Top 31 from one scout. Seems close to what I'm reading elsewhere, except Askarov.

if you can read it

at Conte Forum.

Cole Caufield is the real deal, 2 PP goals in the losing effort.

Not a great game for K'Andre Miller or Alex Turcotte (though he made a nice pass on one goal).

Matt Boldy and Spencer Knight (for BC) both looked good.

In comment 14626489 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

at Conte Forum. Cole Caufield is the real deal, 2 PP goals in the losing effort. Not a great game for K'Andre Miller or Alex Turcotte (though he made a nice pass on one goal). Matt Boldy and Spencer Knight (for BC) both looked good.

Nonsense. K'Andre always looks good

In comment 14626495 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 14626489 pjcas18 said: Quote: at Conte Forum. Cole Caufield is the real deal, 2 PP goals in the losing effort. Not a great game for K'Andre Miller or Alex Turcotte (though he made a nice pass on one goal). Matt Boldy and Spencer Knight (for BC) both looked good. Nonsense. K'Andre always looks good

I stand corrected.

In comment 14626489 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

at Conte Forum. Cole Caufield is the real deal, 2 PP goals in the losing effort. Not a great game for K'Andre Miller or Alex Turcotte (though he made a nice pass on one goal). Matt Boldy and Spencer Knight (for BC) both looked good.

I still can�t believe Cole Caulfield dropped into your lap. When do you think Habs May bring him up to play in the NHL?

In comment 14620103 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

5bowls. And I've never been a babcock fan even when he won a cup with DET, but the Leafs team is loaded - other than D. If they get off to a bad start, he should probably be fired.

I agree with you about Babcock....he is walking a fine line here. I don�t have any love for him so I won�t shed a tear if and when he is released. When you have that many super stars, the expectations are much higher. By the way, it was nice to see our 3/4 lines do all the scoring last night v Detroit. The big boys just showed up.

Congrats on beating the champion Blues.

In comment 14626518 5BowlsSoon said:

Quote:

In comment 14626489 pjcas18 said: Quote: at Conte Forum. Cole Caufield is the real deal, 2 PP goals in the losing effort. Not a great game for K'Andre Miller or Alex Turcotte (though he made a nice pass on one goal). Matt Boldy and Spencer Knight (for BC) both looked good. I still can�t believe Cole Caulfield dropped into your lap. When do you think Habs May bring him up to play in the NHL?

I think he'll be in the NHL once the Wisconsin season ends.

for Caufield.

4 goals and an assist in two games (L to BC and a W over Merrimack)

Quote:

Wisconsin Hockey @BadgerMHockey � 2h It's never been done before. First Badger in the modern era (since 1963) with multiple goals in his first two games. @colecaufield

In comment 14626919 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

for Caufield. 4 goals and an assist in two games (L to BC and a W over Merrimack) Quote: Wisconsin Hockey @BadgerMHockey � 2h It's never been done before. First Badger in the modern era (since 1963) with multiple goals in his first two games. @colecaufield

How did he get ignored by 16 teams? Sheesh.....

Oh well, good for your boys. Everyone keeps saying your team lacks stars, so here he is...in a small package, but does that even matter?

For the record, I think if Drouin continues to play like this, you have 3 stars....Gallagher (love him), Domi, and Drouin.

Suzuki, Kotkaniemi, and Colefield coming up....

Leafs v Habs will be fun for the next 10 years......

What's the basis of your review of Miller? (Not a challenge, honest question).

Has the reason for his suspension ever been revealed?

In comment 14627126 Jay in Toronto said:

Quote:

What's the basis of your review of Miller? (Not a challenge, honest question). Has the reason for his suspension ever been revealed?

I watched the game. Seemed to be hesitant to activate, didn't really show off his skating ability, wasn't physical.

All I heard about the suspension is it was not a huge deal, he broke a team rule and Granato suspended him for a meaningless exhibition game.

He had two goals vs Merrimack (on short-handed) so I'm sure it was just an off game vs BC.

on this Columbus Day.

Ducks @ Bruins 1pm
Wild @ Sens 1pm
Panthers @ Devils 1pm
Blues @ Isles 1pm
Stars @ Sabres 3pm
Avs @ Caps 5pm

then the night cap: your unbeaten EDM Oilers @ the B-hawks 8:30 Pm

call up Wahlstrom.

Might watch that game if he's in the lineup tonight.

In comment 14626919 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

for Caufield. 4 goals and an assist in two games (L to BC and a W over Merrimack) Quote: Wisconsin Hockey @BadgerMHockey � 2h It's never been done before. First Badger in the modern era (since 1963) with multiple goals in his first two games. @colecaufield

I still can't believe he fell to Montreal.

In comment 14628068 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

call up Wahlstrom. Might watch that game if he's in the lineup tonight.

It's a day game today.

Shows you how much Josh Ho-Sang shot himself in the foot. If he had reported to BPT and played reasonably well in the first 3-4 AHL games, this would be his call up.

I think both Eberle and Cizikas are out for NYI, so I wonder if Wahlstrom gets a chance with Barzal and Lee today.

I hope they fire Hynes. This team is too talented to play this bad. It's hard to watch right now because they are so sloppy.

After the Oilers game Hynes said "If you look at the way we competed and the way that we played 5-on-5 we played a lot to our identity." That blew my mind because they were a mess nearly that entire game.

My two biggest fears going into the season was the goaltending and coaching. Schneider has looked solid so far but it is clear that Hynes is not the right coach for a team with playoff expectations. They need to make a move early, they can't afford to do what they did with John MacLean.

Pj, in your educated opinion who are the best coaching options for the Devils. I wish they could lure Darryl Sutter out of retirement but that'll never happen.

In comment 14628162 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

I hope they fire Hynes. This team is too talented to play this bad. It's hard to watch right now because they are so sloppy. After the Oilers game Hynes said "If you look at the way we competed and the way that we played 5-on-5 we played a lot to our identity." That blew my mind because they were a mess nearly that entire game. My two biggest fears going into the season was the goaltending and coaching. Schneider has looked solid so far but it is clear that Hynes is not the right coach for a team with playoff expectations. They need to make a move early, they can't afford to do what they did with John MacLean. Pj, in your educated opinion who are the best coaching options for the Devils. I wish they could lure Darryl Sutter out of retirement but that'll never happen.

early indications are the experts knew more than the fans with the Devils. Though obviously a ridiculously SSS.

I just got my level 4 coaching certification and one of the speakers (a college coach I won't name) referenced Hynes many times. He really was not a fan of Hynes, when compared with Mike Sullivan, for example.

anyway, I am not great at predicting coaching success. I never would have thought Bruce Cassidy would have success after his Capitals stint.

but the name I keep hearing people mention as the "next" coach in waiting is Sheldon Keefe. He's the HC of the Leafs AHL team, the Marlies.

the other name is Jay Leach, current Providence Bruins coach.

but reality IMO is if they make a change this early it's probably someone already on the staff or in the Devils system (and I'm not familiar with them) or a veteran HC who can step in easily - someone like Michel Therrien - which would be ironic reuniting him with Subban, since allegedly he is a big reason Subban was traded (Therrien denies).

I don't think they called him up to ride the bench and Kuhnackl sucked the other day (not his fault, he's not a top 6 F).

I expect it will only be a handful of games for Wahlstrom but I really hope he sticks and you're right about him PJ. Anything like Tkachuk's debut last year would be a huge boost, assuming they can continue getting back into the habit of playing defense like they did vs. FL.

In comment 14628193 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 14628162 Jay on the Island said: Quote: I hope they fire Hynes. This team is too talented to play this bad. It's hard to watch right now because they are so sloppy. After the Oilers game Hynes said "If you look at the way we competed and the way that we played 5-on-5 we played a lot to our identity." That blew my mind because they were a mess nearly that entire game. My two biggest fears going into the season was the goaltending and coaching. Schneider has looked solid so far but it is clear that Hynes is not the right coach for a team with playoff expectations. They need to make a move early, they can't afford to do what they did with John MacLean. Pj, in your educated opinion who are the best coaching options for the Devils. I wish they could lure Darryl Sutter out of retirement but that'll never happen. early indications are the experts knew more than the fans with the Devils. Though obviously a ridiculously SSS. I just got my level 4 coaching certification and one of the speakers (a college coach I won't name) referenced Hynes many times. He really was not a fan of Hynes, when compared with Mike Sullivan, for example. anyway, I am not great at predicting coaching success. I never would have thought Bruce Cassidy would have success after his Capitals stint. but the name I keep hearing people mention as the "next" coach in waiting is Sheldon Keefe. He's the HC of the Leafs AHL team, the Marlies. the other name is Jay Leach, current Providence Bruins coach. but reality IMO is if they make a change this early it's probably someone already on the staff or in the Devils system (and I'm not familiar with them) or a veteran HC who can step in easily - someone like Michel Therrien - which would be ironic reuniting him with Subban, since allegedly he is a big reason Subban was traded (Therrien denies).

I am surprised Keefe wasn't hired this offseason unless he had assurances from Toronto's brass that another one and done in the playoffs means Mike Babcock will be fired and that job will be his. He has been successful everywhere he has coached even when Toronto was calling up all of his best players because of injuries with the NHL club.

In comment 14628202 Eric on Li said:

Quote:

I don't think they called him up to ride the bench and Kuhnackl sucked the other day (not his fault, he's not a top 6 F). I expect it will only be a handful of games for Wahlstrom but I really hope he sticks and you're right about him PJ. Anything like Tkachuk's debut last year would be a huge boost, assuming they can continue getting back into the habit of playing defense like they did vs. FL.

I would like to see them call up Otto Koivula especially with Cizikas out. Being forced to play Komarov at C and Kuhnackl or Johnston at W really hurts our already limited offense.

but I actually don't have a huge problem with Komarov right now - he's good defensively, he's been good on the PK, and he's even created a few chances. He's been better this year than last year so far while the rest of the 4th line has been a lot worse. I think a few of those guys may be hitting their expiration dates.

In comment 14628210 Eric on Li said:

Quote:

but I actually don't have a huge problem with Komarov right now - he's good defensively, he's been good on the PK, and he's even created a few chances. He's been better this year than last year so far while the rest of the 4th line has been a lot worse. I think a few of those guys may be hitting their expiration dates.

IMO, it shows how much Cizikas drives that line. He's been either out or hobbled this year and the other two guys can't drive the play without Cizikas out there near 100%.

In comment 14628215 Metnut said:

Quote:

In comment 14628210 Eric on Li said: Quote: but I actually don't have a huge problem with Komarov right now - he's good defensively, he's been good on the PK, and he's even created a few chances. He's been better this year than last year so far while the rest of the 4th line has been a lot worse. I think a few of those guys may be hitting their expiration dates. IMO, it shows how much Cizikas drives that line. He's been either out or hobbled this year and the other two guys can't drive the play without Cizikas out there near 100%.

That could be it. Between the 3 of them I'd take the under on 50 games played together this year and rotating them through to keep them fresh may be the best thing for all of them (Zeke included) so they don't get hurt.

playing like they want to get Hynes fired.

hockey overload on a workday right now.

it's awesome.

Bruins power play is ridiculous. Pasta rips one past Gibson off the Bergeron feed.

now righting the ship.

ended the 1st period better than how it started. and have added two 2nd period goals. Up 4 - 1 5 min in to the second.

with more early/late goal scoring.

Panthers score 16 seconds into the game
Devils score with under a min left in the first

Devils score 32 seconds into the second
Devils score 36 seconds later, 1:08 into the second
Panthers score with 8 seconds left in the second

those goals drive coaches absolutely crazy.

tie it up at 4, 30 seconds into the 3rd. Unreal.

lighting the Ducks on fire.

4 goals today (so far). he took a lot of shit here in Boston during the playoffs, but he's their best player.

pushing, take a 5 - 4 lead on the Devils.

Blowing a 4 - 1 lead would be back in the column of trying to get your coach fired.

But boy are they terrible. Hynes might not make it out of the building with his job this afternoon.

There is no excuse for these horrible performances. They have blown a 4-0 and 4-1 leads in their first 6 games.

game but Wahlstrom looks great and they've rallied to force OT.

In comment 14628635 Metnut said:

Quote:

game but Wahlstrom looks great and they've rallied to force OT.

They score in OT and win. Big comeback in a game vs the Stanley cup Champs that they looked completely dead in with 6 minutes to go.

In comment 14628635 Metnut said:

Quote:

game but Wahlstrom looks great and they've rallied to force OT.

another game with late scoring. I love NHL OT.

Quinnipiac alum, Devon Toews wins it.

In comment 14628640 Metnut said:

Quote:

In comment 14628635 Metnut said: Quote: game but Wahlstrom looks great and they've rallied to force OT. They score in OT and win. Big comeback in a game vs the Stanley cup Champs that they looked completely dead in with 6 minutes to go.

Huge win. Great goal for Toews from Barzal! Really needed this.

Devils and Kings talking trade.

Quick?

I didn't click to see details.

In comment 14628160 Metnut said:

Quote:

In comment 14628068 pjcas18 said: Quote: call up Wahlstrom. Might watch that game if he's in the lineup tonight. It's a day game today. Shows you how much Josh Ho-Sang shot himself in the foot. If he had reported to BPT and played reasonably well in the first 3-4 AHL games, this would be his call up. I think both Eberle and Cizikas are out for NYI, so I wonder if Wahlstrom gets a chance with Barzal and Lee today.

JHS didn�t report because Islanders brass asked him not to. They were trying to work out a trade and didn�t want him to screw up what they were doing in Bridgeport.

just looks like a pro scorer. Depends on how many games he gets until Eberle is healthy, but I'm not sure he'll ever go back down to the AHL.

In comment 14628915 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Devils and Kings talking trade. Quick? I didn't click to see details.

Didn't see this anywhere

In comment 14628996 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 14628915 pjcas18 said: Quote: Devils and Kings talking trade. Quick? I didn't click to see details. Didn't see this anywhere

no idea the accuracy of the site
NJD and LAK discussing blockbuster - ( New Window )

from random fan, but surprisingly this line of thinking I've seen repeated many times, I only cite the latest example that I've seen.

Fans need patience with 18 year olds. Even #1 overall picks.

Quote:

doug @drdougboston Last year Jack Hughes has 100 points in 50 games. This season he has 0 points in five games. The ONLY thing that has changed is that Cole Caulfield (5 points & 4 goals in two games) is no longer on his team. 3:42 PM � Oct 13, 2019�Twitter for iPhone

Maybe they can get a fourth or fifth for him because he's related to an actually good NHLer?

Kakko, on the other hand, is a stud. On pace for a goal a game if you exclude the two games he didn't score.

thing that changed for Hughes is losing Caufield.

Not like making the jump from USNDTP to the NHL, LOL.

Igor Eronko
@IgorEronko
Hearing Vitali Kravtsov considers a return to the KHL. Has a European assignment clause in his contract #NYR
8:35 AM � Oct 16, 2019�TweetDeck

in, some charts...

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 47m Good morning, friends. All team charts are updated: https://public.tableau.com/profile/sean.tierney#!/vizhome/TeamCharts2019-20/Shotrates?publish=yes TOR continues to push their shot rate up, edging just off the chart to the right. WSH is hiding behind BUF and both are managing shot share very well. ANA moving into fun is so very interesting.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 36m PDO breakdown TBL is hiding their dull pace of play behind great shooting and strong goaltending. ARI, BOS, and CHI are getting all the saves but never scoring. FLA is going to trend back up quickly because their shot/xG rates are good but they've had no luck.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 3m Replying to @ChartingHockey Reality vs expectation Good for real: BUF, ARI, NSH, CAR Good with luck: STL, EDM, TBL Bad by bad luck: PHI! FLA, MIN Bad, the end: SJS, NYI, NJD

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 1m "Pace" FunLAK.

and this guy is a great twitter follow for anyone interested in hockey data/analytics. He publishes these charts I think daily.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 2m Replying to @ChartingHockey xG daggers I need NYR to play more, look a little better, then let everyone else enjoy a little more colour. They're ruining the relative colour scale.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 1m Team stats heatmap It can be fun to highlight teams within a division. For example, the Messy Metro.

tonight, 7pm.

No Hischier tonight so will see Hughes with Hall and Palmieri. Also, Hughes likely on PP1.

In comment 14631512 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

tonight, 7pm. No Hischier tonight so will see Hughes with Hall and Palmieri. Also, Hughes likely on PP1.

Blackwood vs Georgiev in the nets.

Stephen Whyno
@SWhyno
Golden Knights� Valentin Zykov suspended 20 games for PEDs.

is unreal. Pastrnak is unstoppable.

Bruins Lightning was a great game In a shootout now.

but Cooper agrees with me.

Fluto Shinzawa
@FlutoShinzawa
�
27s
Jon Cooper: �That�s probably the best power play in the league.�

read on analytics

I thought WOWY was awful the first time I read about it, but i get it.
Link - ( New Window )

.

I do watch the games, it's good to see some stats though that tell me did I really see what I thought I saw.

don't care if we are in last place as long as the 8 or so youngsters who are critical (including not those in NYC) will continue to develop

They signed Nico Hischier to a 7 year extension with an AAV of $7.25 million

Takes him to age 28. Should be a very reasonable deal over the term.

I am wary of signing Hall but I trust Shero.

(Hischier), but there is a lot of negative comments on twitter about it being an overpay based on both production and what the RFA market this past year showed.

I will not pretend to be too knowledgeable about the cap/value players have. To me, locking up young guys (if it doesn't hurt you) makes sense as long as they contribute.

What I will say is you see a lot of people on twitter or other site say Point sign for less than Hischier (for example) and it causes people to gripe, but Point signed for 3 years and in years 4 - 7 will make 12M+ (if he plays like he's been playing), so if Hischier keeps improving years 4 - 7 will be a steal compared with a bridge deal.

For breaking in early. Nico�s numbers are not as good as Point�s, for example, but he�s 20 and has been on an awful team. Point is 23 and is on the best team in the league over the last couple of years. Nico has played well so far and only figures to get better, smart to lock him up long term I think.

as an example.

In comment 14632897 Oscar said:

Quote:

For breaking in early. Nico�s numbers are not as good as Point�s, for example, but he�s 20 and has been on an awful team. Point is 23 and is on the best team in the league over the last couple of years. Nico has played well so far and only figures to get better, smart to lock him up long term I think.

Agreed, the Devils are paying Hischier more over the first 3 years than other young players who have signed but as PJ mentioned they will get a huge increase after their bridge deals expire. They will be making over 10 million then and Hischier's deal will look great in comparison then.

If the Devils were in bad shape with the salary cap then a bridge deal would have been likely but they can afford to pay Hischier more now to save later.

As for Hall, I want to see more from him before he gets an extension. He appears rusty to me and the Devils can't afford to give him a long term deal for over 11 million. At the moment I say trade him at the deadline if they are out of the playoff hunt. Of course that could change if he begins to resemble his old self.

tomorrow night. I thought Hughes looked really good against the Rangers.

In comment 14632989 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

tomorrow night. I thought Hughes looked really good against the Rangers.

He's getting better. I think he was trying to do too much the first few games. You always notice when he is on the ice. I know he only has one point so far but I have no concerns that he will be a bust.

His brother Quinn is an awesome player also. He is all over the place.

Your boys beat the champs (Blues) again. I guess your speed is to much for those lumbering stiffs.

To grab 2 points.

In comment 14633614 5BowlsSoon said:

Quote:

Your boys beat the champs (Blues) again. I guess your speed is to much for those lumbering stiffs.

Well I was glad to see the Leafs beat the B's, wish it was in regulation.

Blues, as we know, could be a slow developing team. They were in last place in January last year before winning the cup.

Price is playing well the past couple games.

thank god.

opens the season in beast mode. I hope the NHL has NHL-ers in the Olympics in 2022 in China. US has a chance to have a competitive team.

Quote:

Tom Gulitti @TomGulittiNHL � 1m John Carlson, who leads NHL with 21 points (5 goals, 16 assists) in 12 games, is the second defenseman in NHL history to lead the League outright in points through the first 23 days in a season � joining Boston�s Bobby Orr in 1969-70 (2-16�18 in 10 GP).

Marc-Andre Fleury is seventh on the all-time goalie win list.

MAF?? Seventh??? Who woulda thunk it?

7 of the 8 east playoff teams would be back.

In comment 14644547 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Marc-Andre Fleury is seventh on the all-time goalie win list. MAF?? Seventh??? Who woulda thunk it?

I think of MAF as the epitome of an accumulator. He had a couple really good seasons, and right now is playing better than at any time in his career, IMO, but for the most part benefited from being on good teams for a long time. And probably the lack of ties.

MAF has never even been top 5 in Vezina until his 2 seasons in Vegas. He's always seemed wildly inconsistent in PIT to me too.

In comment 14644588 Metnut said:

Quote:

7 of the 8 east playoff teams would be back.

It's October. why would the season end today?

The stanley cup winners were in the last place in the conference, 1 point out of last place in the NHL on January 6th.

In comment 14644613 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 14644588 Metnut said: Quote: 7 of the 8 east playoff teams would be back. It's October. why would the season end today? The stanley cup winners were in the last place in the conference, 1 point out of last place in the NHL on January 6th.

Just thought it was interesting that despite all the noise typical in early season standings 10 games or less in, that 7 of the 8 teams from last year are still in playoff position. Of course, the one exception is Buffalo for Tampa.

What the Blues did last year was crazy, but it'll be hard for other teams to do that. More likely is that at least a team or two uses last year's Blues to not be honest with themselves come January once 35-40 games or so are played.

I think he's far better than most.

He's also been around forever and played for great teams. If he were Lundqvist-caliber and in the situation he was in, I think he could have beaten Brodeur's win record.

buying in to Buffalo.

I'd trade for a goalie if I were them.

they started off well last year too before cratering.

too much talent for them to shit the bed.

In comment 14644647 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

buying in to Buffalo. I'd trade for a goalie if I were them. they started off well last year too before cratering. too much talent for them to shit the bed.

They could sure use a goalie, but I need to see them play good hockey for 25-30 games after what happened last year.

Maybe this is the year of Buffalo though? Bills and Sabres both kicking ass so far.

game last night was downright embarrassing.

Yes, there is a gap between the Bruins and Rangers right now, a large one, but the effort was an indictment of the Rangers players and their coaches.

Quinn seems like a good dude, so I'm not suggesting he should be fired, but he should be throwing chairs in the locker room or something. Guys seem too comfortable.

And Ruff? How the F you run those D groups out there is asinine. He should in fact be fired. I'm not sure what purpose he serves.

Good news for the Rangers though is Shesterkin is absolutely crushing the AHL (SSS, but consistent with or better than his KHL numbers which is a good sign)

Congrats...your boys bested my boys AGAIN! That was a big win for your boys after losing two in a row. I know the natives were restless.

Not to make excuses, because your boys deserved to win, but I hope the next time we play it is not the backend of a back to back weekend with Hutchinson in the nets. Just sayin.....

was bad, but man that D is going to be the Achilles heel unless they fix it.

Hard to win a game when you allow two breakaways and multiple odd man rushes.

People will blame the goalie but he'd have needed to be all-world to make those saves. And let's face it, Hutchinson is not all world.

Best thing for the Habs is Drouin starting to play smarter.

In comment 14649970 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

was bad, but man that D is going to be the Achilles heel unless they fix it. Hard to win a game when you allow two breakaways and multiple odd man rushes. People will blame the goalie but he'd have needed to be all-world to make those saves. And let's face it, Hutchinson is not all world. Best thing for the Habs is Drouin starting to play smarter.

We tried to fix it with Ceci and Barrie and Muzzin at trade deadline. Barrie has been the worst of the three. Help from Marlies soon...

I wonder if moving Drouin to your third line has helped him by reducing the pressure and allowing him to go against lesser players. What do you think? By the way, your boys can roll out 4 lines. That Suzuki kid is going to be good. I�m sure you don�t miss MaxPac.

In comment 14650070 5BowlsSoon said:

Quote:

In comment 14649970 pjcas18 said: Quote: was bad, but man that D is going to be the Achilles heel unless they fix it. Hard to win a game when you allow two breakaways and multiple odd man rushes. People will blame the goalie but he'd have needed to be all-world to make those saves. And let's face it, Hutchinson is not all world. Best thing for the Habs is Drouin starting to play smarter. We tried to fix it with Ceci and Barrie and Muzzin at trade deadline. Barrie has been the worst of the three. Help from Marlies soon... I wonder if moving Drouin to your third line has helped him by reducing the pressure and allowing him to go against lesser players. What do you think? By the way, your boys can roll out 4 lines. That Suzuki kid is going to be good. I�m sure you don�t miss MaxPac.

Drouin is on the 2nd line with Domi and Armia.

I do miss Pacioretty, but Tatar, Suzuki (and Mattias Norlinder) are better fits with the state of the Canadiens. I think they might even trade Tatar because he's just redundant at this point, but still good value.

I think that's a trade that worked out for both teams.

but Max is one of the rare NHL players who can play in all situations and is above average in all facets. Hard not to like him.

out at least 5 months with shoulder surgery.

The Blues were struggling and after last year, most people were hesitant to count them out or even really criticize them, but I'm going to say it now, there will be no repeat.

.

In comment 14650312 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

.

a sum that large is really going to put the sharps on notice.

Geno Malkin is involved in a massive cyrpto currency scam.

I can't tell yet if he got scammed, was a scammer or was an unknowing conspirator.

but it sounds big.

an interesting tidbit to come out of the story is that Malkin is now an American citizen.

doesn't mean much probably, but I wonder if it will have any impact on the 2022 Olympics, assuming NHL players participate.

he'll be old, but probably still one of the better players. If he stays out of prison.

from Granato on Caufield (probably somewhat hyperbolic, but nice anyway).

Quote:

Jonathan Bernier ✔ @JBernierJDM I went to Madison to see Cole Caufield plays. @TonyGranato was on fire comparing the kid's shot to Brett Hull's, Steven Stamkos' and Alex Ovechkin's. But he was right. Caufield lauches rockets. You can read my paper (in French) here. https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2019/10/20/sans-cachette-ni-detour �

I think I saw maybe one worse game live and it was the 6-1 loss to the Devils in the playoffs in 06. Absolute travesty of a game. It looked like adults playing against children.

In comment 14651288 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

from Granato on Caufield (probably somewhat hyperbolic, but nice anyway). Quote: Jonathan Bernier ✔ @JBernierJDM I went to Madison to see Cole Caufield plays. @TonyGranato was on fire comparing the kid's shot to Brett Hull's, Steven Stamkos' and Alex Ovechkin's. But he was right. Caufield lauches rockets. You can read my paper (in French) here. https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2019/10/20/sans-cachette-ni-detour �

Well PJ, you have a nice smile on your face, I'm sure :)

Hope you stay a Badger fan after this year.

liked Granato, so while I'm not a Badgers fan, I see him one day leading a USA Hockey WJC team or involved in some other way in USA Hockey, s I'll always be a fan of his.

I like the youth in Wisconsin right now. Holloway is fun to watch too (2020 draft eligible), along with the others, Caufield, Turcotte, Miller, etc.

How insane is it for Holloway not even being drafted yet (sort of like Eichel).

Days.

Wisconsin has this team ethos - - no primaa donna's, developing students and good character that permeates all the sports that I have followed /been part of.

Have you been able to find a hockey feed/stream?

In comment 14651425 Jay in Toronto said:

Quote:

Days. Wisconsin has this team ethos - - no primaa donna's, developing students and good character that permeates all the sports that I have followed /been part of. Have you been able to find a hockey feed/stream?

Usually if you look on twitter, one of the hockey guys will tweet out a stream. But I saw two of the Wisconsin games on TV (BC was on NESN+ and Merrimack was on something local too - I forget what - it could have been a stream actually).

those are the only two I have seen this year for Wisconsin.

and Lindgren called up.

Chytil was playing really well in Hartford.

In comment 14650113 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 14650070 5BowlsSoon said: Quote: In comment 14649970 pjcas18 said: Quote: was bad, but man that D is going to be the Achilles heel unless they fix it. Hard to win a game when you allow two breakaways and multiple odd man rushes. People will blame the goalie but he'd have needed to be all-world to make those saves. And let's face it, Hutchinson is not all world. Best thing for the Habs is Drouin starting to play smarter. We tried to fix it with Ceci and Barrie and Muzzin at trade deadline. Barrie has been the worst of the three. Help from Marlies soon... I wonder if moving Drouin to your third line has helped him by reducing the pressure and allowing him to go against lesser players. What do you think? By the way, your boys can roll out 4 lines. That Suzuki kid is going to be good. I�m sure you don�t miss MaxPac. Drouin is on the 2nd line with Domi and Armia. I do miss Pacioretty, but Tatar, Suzuki (and Mattias Norlinder) are better fits with the state of the Canadiens. I think they might even trade Tatar because he's just redundant at this point, but still good value. I think that's a trade that worked out for both teams. but Max is one of the rare NHL players who can play in all situations and is above average in all facets. Hard not to like him.

Oh, I didn�t get that update from my brother. I heard he was with Armia and Kotkaniemi when the season started. I guess the Habs swapped K for Domi. I hope it works out for your boys. Good luck on the West Coast this week.

show for the Habs lately. Just have to hope for .500.

Watched some of the Sabres last night. They lost in OT, but man, Eichel has developed into the player many felt he would be.

He's not McDavid, so that draft went the way it should have, but he's not a bad draft #2. He is elite offensively and I was very impressed with his defensive awareness.

I am close to buying in to the sabres, and it's pretty damning of Phil Housley if they sustain this.

fan early on in his career. He was talented, without a doubt, but I think Trotz made him think differently about the game (at least from my observations).

But he is becoming a fast favorite now.

And he nails the Leafs here and I love he had the balls to say it.

Quote:

Alex Ovechkin on Leafs: "They are still a young group of guys & I hope they're going to learn, but it's up to them how they want to do it & if they want to play for yourself, or if they want to win a Cup, they have to play differently. It's no doubt."

But he knows......this seems like a coaching problem to me. Is Babcock obsolete?

Babcock, even when he won a cup.

I don't know if he's obsolete, but i do feel like when you have a team that talented and they don't win like they should, the coach takes the fall.

They clearly have the offense, but it seems like every Defenseman regresses defensively playing there. I am not sure if it is coaching, the scheme, or the players. For most players, if you are going to sell out for extra offense, you are going to get burned defensively. As Trotz described AV's scheme, when everything is clicking there is nobody they can't outscore, but if it is more than a little off you can exploit it.

I doubt it, but I hope he stays healthy enough to challenge it.

Quote:

HockeyDB @hockey_db Age 18-29 Wayne Gretzky: 706 goals Age 18-29 Alex Ovechkin: 475 goals Age 30-33 Wayne Gretzky: 82 goals Age 30-33 Alex Ovechkin: 183 goals Will Ovechkin ever pass the great one? #HockeyDB 12:22 PM � Oct 30, 2019�Twitter for iPhone

what do the charts/analytics say?

The first couple charts tell a good story, the others a little deeper.

My main problem with shot share is it doesn't (to the best of my knowledge) weight dangerous shots vs non-dangerous shots (IOW not all shots are equal).

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 32m Happy Halloween, friends! An interesting team here is SJS, who is allowing a below-average rate of shots against (good) but generating well below-average shots for (bad). Teams just like them: EDM, BUF, DAL, maybe DET. Have a look around the site here: https://chartinghockey.ca/daily-team-cha

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 28m Replying to @ChartingHockey PDO breakdown Teams still getting sub-90 save percentages as a team at 5v5: TOR, PHI, LAK, SJS, FLA, NJD. Sv% will regress to the mean for these teams and that'll help improve their results...eventually.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 22m xG rates SJS remains stunning here. DAL remains...un-stunning. CAR remains the best in the NHL. PHI remains the most...fun. I know, I know. Shout-out to break-even teams: COL, CGY, FLA, DET, TOR.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 11m Shot share (coloured by GF%) VAN's xG share doesn't follow this path but it's incredible that they're second-best by shot share so far. BOS, CAR, MTL, and ARI join the Canucks in the top-five, all with the positive goal shares we'd expect them to have.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 3m xG share (coloured by GF%) Interesting re: NYI. They're credited for playing Trotz's system, focused on controlling shot quality (and less concerned with quantity rates). But NYI is losing the quality share battle too, which is a hard way to keep winning without +sh% and +sv%.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey Quality vs quantity Surprising teams in good: VAN, LAK, ARI as far out as they are Surprising teams in bad: SJS

it looks like the Bruins are dominant, without a glaring weakness, when you watch them and the data supports it.

It may take an injury to derail them.

I wasn't even close to this impressed with TBL last year, the Bruins power play is like watching a clinic, sometimes it doesn't seem like they are playing against NHL players.

They can play the physical game, skill game, solid D, roll four lines, and two good goalies.

it's a living hell right now in Boston.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 2m Reality vs expectation I really should comment on other things today, I know. But look at where the Sharks are. -1.6 goals per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play. And an NHL-worst -0.8 expected goal differential per 60, 5v5. They've got the worst results and completely deserve them.

and below is a link to the twitter profile of the author - seems like a good dude.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 8m Replying to @ChartingHockey "Pace" OTT and NYR play high-paced games with lots and lots of shots. But OTT is "fun" (see above) because they generate above-average rates of shots too. LAK is controlling the share of shots in their high-paced games so they're basically nothing like what I thought they'd be.

Link - ( New Window )

advanced stats, at least when it comes to the islanders. xG is good too but generally every game is some version of 2.2 - 1.8 so it's not all that useful.

In the 100 games since the Islanders have been coached by Trotz they've lost the shots attempted battle almost every night, and it's at least a little part strategic because they don't focus on volume they focus on quality. When they play well they generally win the HDCF% and it passes the "eye test".
HDCF% ranks - ( New Window )

In comment 14655954 Eric on Li said:

Quote:

advanced stats, at least when it comes to the islanders. xG is good too but generally every game is some version of 2.2 - 1.8 so it's not all that useful. In the 100 games since the Islanders have been coached by Trotz they've lost the shots attempted battle almost every night, and it's at least a little part strategic because they don't focus on volume they focus on quality. When they play well they generally win the HDCF% and it passes the "eye test". HDCF% ranks - ( New Window )

I agree Eric. Shots vs scoring chances (high danger or not) is definitely a trend that I think makes sense.

I'm generally more old school and traditionally have shunned stats in favor of "the eye test", but once I understood the stats I like seeing them to validate "did I see what I thought I saw" and for the games I don't see, is what I a saw the norm or the exception (IOW do they usually play that way)

As a coach (of youth hockey) I find myself saying to the kids when we run into a hot goalie "keep pushing, and we'll break through" and in my mind I'm think WTF is our PDO. LOL, these are 12 year olds. but it's real. puck luck is a "thing" only you have to hope it doesn't force you into that mode of "just throw pucks at the net" and I feel like sometimes teams do that. it's coaching.

they keep the game really simple, they play hard, they get the best out of the goalies, and they win more than they lose. Very much TBD how far they can go until they add some more offense but it's insane that they went from literally the worst defensive team of the decade in 17-18 to 1 of the best in the league since, with all the same players other than losing their captain in a heartbreaking fashion.

Jacques Plante became the first goalie to wear a mask.

win for the habs. Somewhat hyperbolic since "franchise history" is 82 games plus however many they've played this year at home, but nonetheless nice to see, especially with Tatar contributing to answer Pacioretty.

Quote:

Grant McCagg @grantmccagg � 32m How improbable was the Vegas loss last night? The Knights had lost one game at home in franchise history in which they scored 4+ goals. And it wasn't while holding a two-goal lead with 7 mins left either playing an eastern team in a back-to-back with Fleury in nets.

Power Rankings (per the Athletic - Burnside)

1 Bruins
2 Av's
3 Caps
4 VGK
5 Preds
6 Sabres
7 Canes
8 NYI
9 TBL
10 Oilers
11 Blues
12 Pens
13 Coyotes
14 Leafs
15 Panthers
16 Canucks
17 Flames
18 Habs
19 Ducks
20 Flyers
21 BJs
22 Jets
23 Sharks
24 Stars
25 B-hawks
26 Wild
27 Rangers
28 Kings
29 Devils
30 Sens
31 Red Wings

Biggest surprises to me are:

Negative: the Stars, Devils, Lightning

Positive: Sabres, Isles, Pens (injuries/age) and Caps

at home vs Detroit and home vs. NJ. Already tied the franchise record for points in October with 17.

Hope to keep it going.

won NHL network "best fans" contest.

I believe it was public vote, so those things always come with a grain of salt and I don't really believe CAR has the best fans but they have come a long way in recent years.

definitely a much better fan base now.

In comment 14657353 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

won NHL network "best fans" contest. I believe it was public vote, so those things always come with a grain of salt and I don't really believe CAR has the best fans but they have come a long way in recent years. definitely a much better fan base now.

that best fans thing is a joke...no way we have them...but they turned out for the fan vote.

In comment 14657488 Jints in Carolina said:

Quote:

In comment 14657353 pjcas18 said: Quote: won NHL network "best fans" contest. I believe it was public vote, so those things always come with a grain of salt and I don't really believe CAR has the best fans but they have come a long way in recent years. definitely a much better fan base now. that best fans thing is a joke...no way we have them...but they turned out for the fan vote.

I went to the season opener in Carolina last year (Islanders vs Hurricanes) in Carolina. I have no idea who is the best or the worst, but I can say that the building had a great energy (you guys tied it up with like 40 seconds to go and the place went nuts) and all the fans were super cool to us. Had a really great time.

BBI's own Metnut, also an Islander fan, went to that game. We discussed privately about meeting up. There was a big Islander tailgate set up for it. On the plane to Carolina I had my Islander hat on, and some guy from Jersey spotted me and asked if I was going to the game. I said yes. My girlfriend and I ended up hanging out with him at the tailgate most of the afternoon. He was waiting on his buddy to show up and didn't know anyone else, so he just hung with us.. I was waiting on Metnut to show up. and also didn't know anyone else. When he finally did, we both found out we were waiting on the same person, ha. We both spotted him and almost simultaneously were like "Ah, there's my friend."

In comment 14657492 Mike in Long Beach said:

Quote:

BBI's own Metnut, also an Islander fan, went to that game. We discussed privately about meeting up. There was a big Islander tailgate set up for it. On the plane to Carolina I had my Islander hat on, and some guy from Jersey spotted me and asked if I was going to the game. I said yes. My girlfriend and I ended up hanging out with him at the tailgate most of the afternoon. He was waiting on his buddy to show up and didn't know anyone else, so he just hung with us.. I was waiting on Metnut to show up. and also didn't know anyone else. When he finally did, we both found out we were waiting on the same person, ha. We both spotted him and almost simultaneously were like "Ah, there's my friend."

that is funny.

going to be in NYC next week, trying to decide if I should go to Rangers vs Senators Monday night or watch MNF.

Tough choice. All time great hockey event like seeing Namestnikov's return to MSG vs. seeing Jones' nine touchdown performance that is the beginning of a 12 game winning streak that ends in a title.

Despite taking his first loss in a 4-1 to Laval. Three goals allowed ballooned his numbers all the way up to 1.49 GAA and .942 sv%.

STL might be very interested in dealing from Kreider.

.

How the mighty red wings have fallen.

in Boston, Scott Sabourin collided with Backes. Looked innocuous but you could tell Sabourin wasn't right as he lost his motor functions while standing and fell lifeless to the ice. Not sure if it was his head to Backes shoulder or what. I think he has movement thankfully.

Link below for those interested
Link - ( New Window )

is a thug, but I don't think this was suspendable.

Sherwood poked late at the goalie, IMO that's the price you pay.

Quote:

Wes Gilbertson @WesGilbertson � 7m #Flames forward Milan Lucic handed a two-game suspension for Saturday's sucker-punch on Blue Jackets call-up Kole Sherwood.

the Bruins are just firing on all cylinders right now.

Hope it's a case of peaking early, but they are just flat out dominant right now.

Pens get a bounce to break the ice and now it's 3 - 3

is ridiculous
Link - ( New Window )

on the McDavid goal
Link - ( New Window )

can't stand that fucker.

/Cam Robinson/
@Hockey_Robinson
�
2m
Like the stinkiest of cheeses, Brad Marchand continues to get better with age.

4 more points today brings the 31-year-old up to 27 points in 14 games.

Here�s his 2nd of the night and likely game-winner.

80's numbers


Chris Johnston
@reporterchris
Brad Marchand, points by game this season: 0-1-3-1-2-2-2-1-2-1-5-1-2-5.
9:54 PM � Nov 4, 2019�Twitter for Android

for the Habs tonight beating the Bruins in regulation.

Isles keep rolling

Undefeated since this comment:

Quote:

Tarasenko pjcas18 : 10/28/2019 12:14 pm : link : reply out at least 5 months with shoulder surgery. The Blues were struggling and after last year, most people were hesitant to count them out or even really criticize them, but I'm going to say it now, there will be no repeat.

Went to the NYR/DET game last night. Defense played well other than Trouba IMO. Panarin is really impressive (no shit). Chytil looks great, pushes play and generates scoring chances. Kakko needs better linemates.

In comment 14668049 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Undefeated since this comment: Quote: Tarasenko pjcas18 : 10/28/2019 12:14 pm : link : reply out at least 5 months with shoulder surgery. The Blues were struggling and after last year, most people were hesitant to count them out or even really criticize them, but I'm going to say it now, there will be no repeat. Went to the NYR/DET game last night. Defense played well other than Trouba IMO. Panarin is really impressive (no shit). Chytil looks great, pushes play and generates scoring chances. Kakko needs better linemates.

I didn't say they wouldn't win a game. lol.

I watched the Sens game in between Giants debacle.

Hajek needs more time in AHL IMO.

I like DeAngelo more and more every time I see him. Was never really sold on him, so coming around.

And Fox is going to be a top pair D and considered a steal of a trade for a along time.

He's impressive.

I think he deserves more ice time.

Fox is really impressive. I thought he'd struggle more.

I'm with you on Hajek.

Lindgren looked better than Hajek, so why sit Lindgren? Why sit Lias instead of Howden? And for crying out loud, why is Michael Haley even on the roster, let alone on the ice?

Lias and Lindgren IMO.

I think Howden's often a fucking mess out there.

But Howden is always in the lineup. I'm no hockey coach, but I have no idea what Quinn is seeing there.

coaches see that we as fans do not. Obviously?

It's like in MTL Nick Suzuki is out skating his line mates significantly, such a fast, heady player, but they bury him on the 4th line with grinders.

When I watch Lias Andersson, same thing, he thinks the game so differently from his line mates that it's hindering his play. When he's on a line with Smith and Haley I just don't understand what they expect. Magic offense?

but I think every fan base has gripes with coaches about lineup decisions - especially with young players. So I won't pretend to know all the reasons why coaches decide what they do.

going top shelf. Watch this shot in slow motion. That's insane.
Link - ( New Window )

to the Sabres every year, like clockwork, midnight strikes and they turn back into a pumpkin.

At some point, talent is going to win out, that team is too good to play so shitty.

the hex on the Bruins. They have looked awful the past three games.

No complaints from me.

Sportsnet fired Don Cherry.

I couldn't stand him other than my 12-year old and I turning on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday nights to laugh at his suits.

But he had a message on Saturday to immigrants re: the poppys and Canada's veterans day that was deemed offensive and like others in this climate, who say things that offends some people, he's been canceled.

Hope they can win one here since Crosby won't be able to play -- especially after that disappointment against the Panthers two nights ago. Be a good idea to rest Lundqvist, too.

hex continues. They blew a 4 - 0 lead to FL and lost in the shootout.

Meanwhile, Carey Price looks like Carey Price of a couple years ago. Defense in MTL still a liability, so he gives up goals, but not nearly as many as he should. He's stolen 5 points the past 4 starts he's made.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey Good morning, friends. Everything at http://chartinghockey.ca is updated. Let's look at some teams: https://chartinghockey.ca/daily-charts/daily-team-charts/ Here are some differences... CAR gets 63 shots per 60, 5v5. NJD gets about 48. BOS allows only 49 shots per 60, 5v5. NYR allows 67.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 1h Replying to @ChartingHockey PDO breakdown CBJ and DET get 5v5 goals with 6.5% of their shots. NSH gets goals on just under 11% of shots. That's a big difference. SJS gets saves on 87% of 5v5 shots faced. NYI gets saves on more than 94% of shots faced. Again, kind of a difference.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 56m xG rates OTT generates 2.52 xG per 60 minutes at 5v5. They allow 2.56 xG against. Somehow, this thin roster filled with young players is going really fast and dangerous and essentially breaking even on quality. It's kind of fun.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 51m Shot share (coloured by GF%) The top-end makes sense -- CAR, VAN, BOS, PIT, and MTL have the league's best shot differentials and positive goal shares to match. The back-end is stranger, with OTT, NYI, and ANA doing well despite poor shot differentials. Each deserves attention.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 45m xG share (coloured by goal share) VGK and MIN are teams to watch -- great control of quality chances but poor 5v5 goal results. They're good bets to improve. BUF and STL are the opposite -- good goal differentials but poor quality control. Regression should be expected.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 32m Quantity vs quality TOR is the clearest member of the quantity but not quality group, winning on shot share but losing on quality share. There's a small crew doing the opposite: CBJ, EDM, MIN, and DAL manage quality but lose on quantity.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 22m Reality vs expectation Good for real: VAN, PIT, CAR, MTL, NSH, some others Good but we have questions: COL, BUF, STL Bad and it won't last: VGK, MIN Bad and the 2020 entry draft is on Fri, June 26: SJS, WPG, NYR, DET

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 20m Game Pace If you watch a PHI or FLA game, you won't see lots of shots but the ones you see will excite you! If you watch NSH or CBJ, you'll get the quantity and I hope you enjoy shots from the point and half-wall.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 17m xG daggers I'm surprised by 3 of the 4 division leaders in xG differential.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 12m Team stats heatmap Two of the top three by goal differential (5v5) have below average rates of quality creation...but excellent sh%. It's interesting. The bottom three by goal differential aren't bad at limiting shots against but that's a little tricky b/c NYR is skewing things

Has a long enough track record that you know that his teams will always look bad on paper in terms of shot differential and high SV% for, but that is his system. Raw shot totals don't matter as much as quality of opportunities. The eye test also says they are not winning a large number of games due to fluke bounces even though they have had that this season (St. Louis game comes to mind). That being said, eventually opponents are going to get some bounces and you can't try to win every game 3-2. They are going to need more consistent secondary scoring.

always break the analytics.

Main question you need to ask, is a .932 save percentage sustainable.

They also have the highest PIM differential in the league. By a lot over the league average.

If nothing else shows system (without a Hasek or Roy in net) and discipline - it's those two stats IMO.

With a Trotz team though, I'd always lean toward it being his system vs a stat anomaly.

until it's not.

Kovalchuk.

What a disaster Bobrovsky has been and they have him for what? 6 or 7 more years?

And they just drafted Spencer Knight at #12 (?) overall.

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 1m Goalie charts Have a look here: https://chartinghockey.ca/daily-charts/daily-goalie-charts/ Goalies are hard because the position can be volatile. For example, Greiss, Kuemper, and Koskinen are in the top-five for goals saved above expectation so far this year.

Quote:

Replying to @ChartingHockey Tandem starters and backups. Guess who has been better, Lundqvist or Georgiev. Trick question. They're exactly the same (except Hank's faced much more work).

Quote:

Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 1m Performance vs workload Only Henrik Lundqvist had faced a more challenging workload than Hutchinson before Hutchinson was placed on waivers. Hutchinson didn't perform well either...but he faced a very challenging workload as well.

How old is that guy?

In comment 14678921 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

What a disaster Bobrovsky has been and they have him for what? 6 or 7 more years? And they just drafted Spencer Knight at #12 (?) overall. Quote: Sean Tierney @ChartingHockey � 1m Goalie charts Have a look here: https://chartinghockey.ca/daily-charts/daily-goalie-charts/ Goalies are hard because the position can be volatile. For example, Greiss, Kuemper, and Koskinen are in the top-five for goals saved above expectation so far this year.

I don't understand Florida. If you had Bobrovsky signed that long why do you draft Knight? Only possible explanation is that they hope they can sell him to Seattle in the Expansion Draft knowing that they will need to reach the cap floor. Why risk that and giving up further draft picks? If you wanted Bobrovsky longterm they could have selected Caufield, Krebs, Harley, or Heinola.

the Leafs are a disaster.

I don't think Babcock survives much longer.

In comment 14681195 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

the Leafs are a disaster. I don't think Babcock survives much longer.

Maybe they hire Sheldon Keefe who has long deserved an NHL gig

In comment 14681198 Mike in NY said:

Quote:

In comment 14681195 pjcas18 said: Quote: the Leafs are a disaster. I don't think Babcock survives much longer. Maybe they hire Sheldon Keefe who has long deserved an NHL gig

Yeah, that's the rumor, one of Dubas' first hires I guess.

He's the big name right now.

with 4 goals tonight. He's elevated his game.

oje of the best in the league easily. I hope NHL players play in the Olympics, I'd love to see him with Matthews.

Come back from 3 goal deficit with 13 mins left to keep the point streak alive! 13-0-1 what a ride

In comment 14681264 KDubbs said:

Quote:

Come back from 3 goal deficit with 13 mins left to keep the point streak alive! 13-0-1 what a ride

Barzal's shootout goal was filthy.

Barzel can score now!
Link - ( New Window )

(Jay?) asked about MTL being interested in a NYR goalie.

I'm not sure the habs do anything in net.

Primeau just turned 20 in August. Shesterkin turns 24 in December.

Unless it's Hank, I think MTL rolls with Price, Kinkaid and eventual heir to Price - Cayden Primeau.

Quote:

Grant McCagg @grantmccagg � 16m Among goalies who have appeared in at least seven AHL games this season, Primeau sits second in goals against average with a sterling 1.87 mark, and tied for fifth in save percentage at .934. Among rookie AHL goalies, he is first overall in both categories (7+ games played).

I still don't know how the defense is SO good.

I've never bought into the Babcock hype. He's good, but Qunneville/Laviolette are better to me.

In comment 14681264 KDubbs said:

Quote:

Come back from 3 goal deficit with 13 mins left to keep the point streak alive! 13-0-1 what a ride

Amazing game last night! Sounded like a lot of Isles fans in Philly.

I�m going to start a new Isles chat thread either today or tomorrow when I have time (or energy) to write out some detailed thoughts.

In comment 14681508 Metnut said:

Quote:

In comment 14681264 KDubbs said: Quote: Come back from 3 goal deficit with 13 mins left to keep the point streak alive! 13-0-1 what a ride Amazing game last night! Sounded like a lot of Isles fans in Philly. I�m going to start a new Isles chat thread either today or tomorrow when I have time (or energy) to write out some detailed thoughts.

Perhaps a certain Rangers/Penguins fan can give us a crowd breakdown

how the NHL refs are instructed to handle injuries, but a guy taking a puck to the face seems like distress enough to me to blow the play dead.

video in the link below.



Link - ( New Window )

In comment 14681512 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

how the NHL refs are instructed to handle injuries, but a guy taking a puck to the face seems like distress enough to me to blow the play dead. video in the link below. Link - ( New Window )

Refs were in a difficult position either way. If they blow play dead they have the wrath of Vancouver fans who were attacking with extra man. Considering it was a 2 goal game at that point I understand why they erred on the side they did.

not an easy spot for the refs, but Petersson was motioning over to the bench to come on the ice and help Calvert.

I don't think either team would have complained with a whistle, but it's definitely a judgment call and I believe the guidelines are if the player is in "distress" - just seemed like he was to me.

I saw the replay of the disallowed goal in the Habs Devils game last night. Do you know the rule? He didn�t kick it in.....looked like he may have kneed it in or bodied it in. I wasn�t sure the rule. My brother is still mad....I told him I have my own problems.

In comment 14681804 5BowlsSoon said:

Quote:

I saw the replay of the disallowed goal in the Habs Devils game last night. Do you know the rule? He didn�t kick it in.....looked like he may have kneed it in or bodied it in. I wasn�t sure the rule. My brother is still mad....I told him I have my own problems.

I don't know the rule. Danault definitely moved his hip/thigh and that's what pushed the puck over the goal line. but how that is a "distinct kicking motion" is definitely a gray area to me. The refs missed a lot on that play, especially with Hischier gloving the puck in the crease.

I have seen goals with people upright move their legs to redirect the puck as long as they don't kick it with their skate I always assumed it was ok.

but I won't pretend to know the rule.

I've never seen that called before.

to waivers.

seems like he was a top tier goalie not too long ago.

take a hit, Drouin and Byron to have surgery. Wrist and knee respectively.

Nick Suzuki - time to step up.

Jersperi Kotkaniemi - time to step up.

In comment 14681558 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

not an easy spot for the refs, but Petersson was motioning over to the bench to come on the ice and help Calvert. I don't think either team would have complained with a whistle, but it's definitely a judgment call and I believe the guidelines are if the player is in "distress" - just seemed like he was to me.

That has to be blown dead. Refs make mistakes, but that was bad.

passing Lafreni�re for many.

Anakim called it.

this year top 10 will be STRONG.

Maybe even more.

Looking forward to the WJ tourneys. U18 should be great (though US will not be favored to medal this year).

my daughters team is playing a Lake Placid tourney the day after Thanksgiving.

I've never been. The kids love hockey tournaments because they stay in a hotel, run around like maniacs and have fun (as I did when I was their age), but they have two games on the '80 Olympics Russian game ice and I can't wait.

I've heard great things, but never been.

In comment 14681492 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

(Jay?) asked about MTL being interested in a NYR goalie. I'm not sure the habs do anything in net. Primeau just turned 20 in August. Shesterkin turns 24 in December. Unless it's Hank, I think MTL rolls with Price, Kinkaid and eventual heir to Price - Cayden Primeau. Quote: Grant McCagg @grantmccagg � 16m Among goalies who have appeared in at least seven AHL games this season, Primeau sits second in goals against average with a sterling 1.87 mark, and tied for fifth in save percentage at .934. Among rookie AHL goalies, he is first overall in both categories (7+ games played).

Yeah it was me. I read somewhere (probably >2 days ago, too long to remember) that the Habs are looking for a back-up.

I wonder if we are moving to a 2-goalie system -- which would be interesting come playoff time.

but Lias sent down.

Makes sense to me, since Quinn is mostly going with three lines.

Hopefully he get ice time with decent wingers and pulls a Chytl.

In comment 14682955 Jay in Toronto said:

Quote:

but Lias sent down. Makes sense to me, since Quinn is mostly going with three lines. Hopefully he get ice time with decent wingers and pulls a Chytl.

noted in the Rangers thread. I also read they might move him to wing. I'm not an expert, but I think that would be a bad move. Part of his game is IQ and defense, you are removing a lot of his value (or potential) IMO by making him a wing.

Quote:

LA Kings @LAKings Congrats to the @ArizonaCoyotes on putting up their first-ever banner 👏

last night.

Caps score a goal, line brawl (practically) ensues behind Ducks goal. Garnet Hathaway is taking it to Eric Gubrandson.

Ref separates the players as the melee winds down and is holding them by the jerseys. While the ref was holding them Gubrandson sucker punched Hathaway. In retaliation Hathaway visibly spit at Gubrandson.

Hathaway is taking a lot of shit, but man, Gubrandson was at least as bad. Who sucker punches someone when the ref is holding them. I think Gubrandson is pissed because Hathaway got the better of him.

Hathaway was of course wrong for spitting at a player, but Gubrandson kind of deserved it.

For the Isles! 14-0-1...no words.

In comment 14684204 KDubbs said:

Quote:

For the Isles! 14-0-1...no words.

Amazing.

check out this story linked below.

It is about one of the hockey players paralyzed in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018.

He had some surgerical procedure done in Thailand that was supposed to simulate nerve impulse and in turn influence movement in his legs.

In this link he's seen taking his first steps.


Link - ( New Window )

In comment 14684710 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 14684204 KDubbs said: Quote: For the Isles! 14-0-1...no words. Amazing.

I think it's more amazing the Isles still haven't been able to catch the Capitals with this run

In comment 14684715 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

check out this story linked below. It is about one of the hockey players paralyzed in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018. He had some surgerical procedure done in Thailand that was supposed to simulate nerve impulse and in turn influence movement in his legs. In this link he's seen taking his first steps. Link - ( New Window )

Definitely great news. I wonder how many more people will try the same route now

seems like the Sabres transformation back into a pumpkin has begun. Hopefully MAB doesn't accuse them of tanking.

I'm pretty sure there is nothing intentional going on.

And how far as Leon Drsisaitl come? he was really underappreciated, then questions about "can he drive his own line" (resulted in a 105 point season) to he's one of the best in the game. He's got almost a 2 PPG pace going. And I'd say his 21.6 shooting % is unsustainable, but that's exactly what he shot last year when he netted 50 goals.

the duo of McDavid and Draisaitl may wind up as iconic as Crosby and Malkin.

Just need to turn individual dominance to team wins (easier said than done, though the Oilers are in fact winning right now.

In comment 14684718 JayBinQueens said:

Quote:

In comment 14684715 pjcas18 said: Quote: check out this story linked below. It is about one of the hockey players paralyzed in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018. He had some surgerical procedure done in Thailand that was supposed to simulate nerve impulse and in turn influence movement in his legs. In this link he's seen taking his first steps. Link - ( New Window ) Definitely great news. I wonder how many more people will try the same route now

I'm unclear why he had to go to Thailand. Not sure if it was experimental or not approved by the FDA? Also, I think it was very expensive, but if it works my opinion is it should be available to anyone who has a similar diagnosis and profile.

In comment 14684725 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 14684718 JayBinQueens said: Quote: In comment 14684715 pjcas18 said: Quote: check out this story linked below. It is about one of the hockey players paralyzed in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018. He had some surgerical procedure done in Thailand that was supposed to simulate nerve impulse and in turn influence movement in his legs. In this link he's seen taking his first steps. Link - ( New Window ) Definitely great news. I wonder how many more people will try the same route now I'm unclear why he had to go to Thailand. Not sure if it was experimental or not approved by the FDA? Also, I think it was very expensive, but if it works my opinion is it should be available to anyone who has a similar diagnosis and profile.

Considering the family was in Canada, there might have been a cost issue in the United States even though you would think a Doctor/hospital would want this sort of good press

PP is lethal. So many good Power Play units in the league with BOS, EDM, WAS, TOR when Marner is back, TBL, but VAN PP1 has the most PP goals in the league right now.

And they're a young group (all under 25, except Miller who is 26).

I still think he's got useful skills.

Quote:

Shayne Gostisbehere has been healthy scratched.

Having Pettersson and Hughes is great for all but +/- in my keeper league

check out the back check by JT Miller to stop the OT breakaway for Oshie.

Oshie fumbled with the puck after stealing it, but THIS is a backcheck. Already sent it to the kids I coach. Don't lose the puck in that spot. but if you do. this is how you make up for it.


This is a backcheck - ( New Window )

this was something Babcock did to Mitch Marner.

of the season, JT Miller might be my Selke leader. Not only is he scoring on a good pace, he's playing hard minutes and thriving.

it's amazing seeing both a) what playing with better players does for someone (though this is more vs NYR than his time with TBL) and b) having a coach who recognizes your strength and allows you to play to it.

Quote:

Bailey Broadbent @BaileyBroadcast � 6h J.T. Miller through 24GP: 9G - 14A - 23P More goals and points than any Tampa Bay Lightning player.

In comment 14690407 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

this was something Babcock did to Mitch Marner.

Workplace abuse. Totally unacceptable.

Why did the media sit on this for 2-3 years?

In comment 14690785 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 14690407 pjcas18 said: Quote: this was something Babcock did to Mitch Marner. Workplace abuse. Totally unacceptable. Why did the media sit on this for 2-3 years?

Only answer I've seen came from a TOR beat writer who said he'd heard rumors of things like this, but never got confirmation. Until now.

So, he felt irresponsible running the story or sharing it. I guess I can respect that in this free for all media era. I'd rather people didn't publish unverified anecdotes.

I'm sure there are other stories like that as well. That behavior isn't acceptable.

I'm glad to see Miller do well. Loved him and his style.

throw-in in a trade that netting two guys who outright sucks right now (Howden and Hajek) is that he's not doing this for the fucking Bolts. THAT would have really hurt.

Was totally disappointed with the trade then. Still am.

is probably who got me interested in following hockey prospects.

I watched him at the WJC-U18 USA gold medal team and then he shined the next year at the WJC-U20 gold. Maybe 2012 or 2013.

He was a player you watched who oozed skill, decent size, grit, IQ, one of those players you were sure about.

and then I watched him with the Rangers and saw only glimpses, but usually nothing like what I saw pre-NHL days.

So I learned players don't always make the leap even if they dominate their age group. good learning experience for me.

I like that he seems to be putting it together now.

As soon as I heard Miller was involved I was convinced we snagged Sergachev. What a kick in the nuts that was

still had Sergachev and McDonagh things might be a little different right now.

Instead of Drouin and (LOL) Gomez.

Granted the McDonagh trade was 10 years ago, and he never evolved into the player I hoped he would he'd still be a top pair D on the Habs.

So would Sergachev which may mean Subban was still with the habs and if not, Weber wouldn't be so relied upon to do things he's not suited for but probably subban would still be in MTL.

The Canadiens have not had a solid top 4 on the blue line in forever.

And to be fair McDonagh has under-performed expectations and Subban has 1 point in November. 1 point with 5 days left in the month. and sadly, both would be an upgrade.

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on exercise with Marner. I'm surprised anyone would think this is a good idea and not just the list, but sharing it with the team just seemed like a horrible idea to anyone with a shred of common sense.

regardless, I think it's fair to share this

Quote:

Elliotte Friedman @FriedgeHNIC I reached out to Mike Babcock today about the Mitch Marner story, as reported by @koshtorontosun . Via text, he replied, �I was trying to focus on work ethic with Mitch � focusing on role models � ended up not being a good idea. I apologized at (the) time.� 2:24 PM � Nov 25, 2019�Twitter for iPhone

Bill Peters not coaching tomorrow as the team investigates the allegation that he called Akim Aliu the n-word.

In comment 14691545 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

on exercise with Marner. I'm surprised anyone would think this is a good idea and not just the list, but sharing it with the team just seemed like a horrible idea to anyone with a shred of common sense. regardless, I think it's fair to share this Quote: Elliotte Friedman @FriedgeHNIC I reached out to Mike Babcock today about the Mitch Marner story, as reported by @koshtorontosun . Via text, he replied, �I was trying to focus on work ethic with Mitch � focusing on role models � ended up not being a good idea. I apologized at (the) time.� 2:24 PM � Nov 25, 2019�Twitter for iPhone

That just strikes me as a face-saving attempt from a nutjob boss.

Babcock sucks.

now the history coming out about Peters is alarming.

And needs to be addressed.

but what I don't like is now how people feel like "ok this scum bag Peters is likely to get fired for his abhorrent behavior so I'm going to bring up any person in history who wronged me and they should be fired too"

there are stories coming out of the woodwork about tons of other coaches, GM's, front office people, players, etc.

not condoning behavior, but sometimes going back 10 years and citing a questionable comment someone maybe in a tense situation is not what change should be about IMO.

In comment 14693728 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 14691545 pjcas18 said: Quote: on exercise with Marner. I'm surprised anyone would think this is a good idea and not just the list, but sharing it with the team just seemed like a horrible idea to anyone with a shred of common sense. regardless, I think it's fair to share this Quote: Elliotte Friedman @FriedgeHNIC I reached out to Mike Babcock today about the Mitch Marner story, as reported by @koshtorontosun . Via text, he replied, �I was trying to focus on work ethic with Mitch � focusing on role models � ended up not being a good idea. I apologized at (the) time.� 2:24 PM � Nov 25, 2019�Twitter for iPhone That just strikes me as a face-saving attempt from a nutjob boss. Babcock sucks.

Definitely. I don't know how legit this source is, but evidently Matt Martin got into it with Babcock over this. Makes sense he was gone soon after though


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last night, Price still looking like a guy who has his mind somewhere else.

Pasta on a crazy pace, almost a goal per game, after 24.

Since leading the Rangers 4 - 0 the Canadiens have been outscored 14 - 2.

Price has given up 12 goals in just over 3 periods.

Between Price (8 years at $10.5M) and Weber (8 years at $8.5M) the Habs could be very bad for a very long time.