just thought I'd start an NHL discussion thread - non-Rangers specific, but people can discuss any team (including the Rangers).
A lot of things to discuss:
1. Eichel activity picking up (LAK, NYR and LVG the rumored landing spots) I read yesterday it's beyond medicals at this point and the teams involved have seen them and are comfortable they have a treatment plan.
2. Two week pause in February for Olympics
3. Rule changes: not much, mainly just stricter enforcement of cross checking. Not sure how it will manifest, but my guess is two places - along the boards and in front of the net where cross checking has become almost an accepted method of play will become a penalty - early in the season expect a lot of those calls
4. Obviously COVID protocols, and cross border. The NHL has a lot of protocols for unvaccinated and fines or suspensions for missing those protocols, I'm not clear on all of them yet, but I do know in Canada if you are not vaccinated you cannot leave the team hotel for anything except team activities. Not sure if that's true in the US too.
Predictions? Expectations?
14 points in his first 13 games.
And he's still 19.
Playing 3rd line minutes (but plenty of PP time), but just 4 of his 14 points came on the power play.
he's had some puck luck, but he's shooting 15.8%, so high but not ridiculously so.
14 points in his first 13 games.
And he's still 19.
Playing 3rd line minutes (but plenty of PP time), but just 4 of his 14 points came on the power play. Here is a kid that doesn't have any weaknesses in his game.
he's had some puck luck, but he's shooting 15.8%, so high but not ridiculously so.
That kid is a stud. I was a fan of his in the draft but I knew that he wouldn't fall to the Devils.
I am not a fan at all but you are right the Devils do miss his speed especially when they were forced to play Gauthier and Studenic in his place.
Now both of those players were sent to the AHL and hopefully Gauthier never plays for the Devils again. I look forward to seeing who they promote. I'm hoping for Jesper Boqvist and Tyce Thompson.
Some good news for the Devils it sounds like Dougie Hamilton will be back for tomorrow's game. I just wish that they could trade Subban and give his roster spot to Colton White who has played better than I expected. Ty Smith played his best game of the season next to White and it's obvious that he isn't a good fit next to Severson. Smith needs to be paired with a defensive defenseman. The Devils have several options there in the AHL.
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He's someone that low key we really miss. I know you're not a huge fan Jay but we really miss his speed and size in front of the net. We don't have someone to fill that roll screening in front. Also we could really use his scoring. We really struggle to score goals. Dougie practiced today and sounds like good chance he's back tomorrow.
I am not a fan at all but you are right the Devils do miss his speed especially when they were forced to play Gauthier and Studenic in his place.
Now both of those players were sent to the AHL and hopefully Gauthier never plays for the Devils again. I look forward to seeing who they promote. I'm hoping for Jesper Boqvist and Tyce Thompson.
Some good news for the Devils it sounds like Dougie Hamilton will be back for tomorrow's game. I just wish that they could trade Subban and give his roster spot to Colton White who has played better than I expected. Ty Smith played his best game of the season next to White and it's obvious that he isn't a good fit next to Severson. Smith needs to be paired with a defensive defenseman. The Devils have several options there in the AHL.
Jay I'd love to see them give Bahl a shot, but you're right White has been solid. Such a noticable difference with the goaltending now. We don't sniff even a point Saturday without Bernier.
He's on pace for what? 75 goals at 36?
If he gets that or close he'll be around 800 going in to his 37 year old season.
He will break 894 before he hits 40.
And not much different gp than Gretzky.
But now that I'm less immature I have to allow that Ovi is a better goal scorer even if he doesn't surpass Gretzky.
The era we're in now with the bigger goalie equipment, different rules, a more global game, and in general a higher talent level, what Ovi is doing is scoring at the most impressive pace ever. IMO.
Of course Gretzky is still the GOAT and as impressive as Gretzky's 894 goals is, his 1963 assists is even more impressive. For comparison sake, Ovi has 600 assists as of today.
I agree about Ovechkin being the best goal scorer. Defense has gotten much better since the 90s as well. Coaching's suffocated a lot of offense out of the game and tightened it up.
Incredible stat I saw on Twitter: Pavel Bure had 59 goals with the Panthers in 2000-2001. The next leading point getter had 37 points.
IMO if the early 80's Oilers team played in Toronto, or any city where money wasn't an issue, I think they would have won 10 Cups maybe more. Messier is arguably a top 10 player of all time and he was the 2nd line center. Paul Coffey is very underrated, talk about an elite skater he made plays like the Miller goal last night every night. There were about a half dozen other all star players on those Gretzky/Messier teams.
Gordie's prime was before my time. The best goal scorer I ever saw before Ovechkin was Mike Bossy.
It's funny what happens when you remove two dead weights in Gauthier and Studenic from the roster and replace them with more talented players in Boqvist and Thompson.
I wanted Seattle to select Johnsson in the expansion draft but I am thrilled that they didn't. I was clearly wrong as he has looked like a completely different player.
Why did Knight start both games?
Thanks.
You're right obviously. Blackwood let a couple of weaker shots in last night but then he stepped up and finished the game strong. Blackwood and Bernier are exactly what the Devils were hoping so far. Also have you seen Utica? They are 7-0 with Nico Daws and Akira Schmid playing outstanding. I am so glad that Wedgewood is gone so these two prospects can split time in the AHL. This experience will hopefully benefit them where one of these two will replace Bernier as the backup after his contract expires.
But Bobrovsky/Knight's start is a good example why it's hard to project when a player will be ready.
Knight has allowed 15 goals his last 3 games. Many he had no chance to save, but he has not looked as good as he did while serving as Bob's backup.
But Bobrovsky/Knight's start is a good example why it's hard to project when a player will be ready.
Knight has allowed 15 goals his last 3 games. Many he had no chance to save, but he has not looked as good as he did while serving as Bob's backup.
Unless Bobrovsky plays like this for several years this contract will be terrible. The move was criticized by most and that was before they took Knight high in the first round. They would have been better off long term had they signed a cheaper stop gap to serve as the starter until Knight was ready.
Interesting on the telecast they mentioned how they asked Jon Cooper if his Lightening don't repeat who was his favorite to won the cup and he said Florida. I can see it. They are as fast and explosive as any team in the league. Also after 3 Devs games in a week on ESPN + exclusively, I can say this- it's brutal. That ice level view they go to sans announcers for like a minute at time generally sucks. It dramatically reduces the view especially because you can't see half the net! The game announcers are comically bad. The studio guys are ok but last night they had 4 of them at once. What's the point of shelling out for a guy like Torts if you're barely gonna let him speak? NBC had a light years better production.
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He's arguably the current favorite for the Vezina.
Interesting on the telecast they mentioned how they asked Jon Cooper if his Lightening don't repeat who was his favorite to won the cup and he said Florida. I can see it. They are as fast and explosive as any team in the league. Also after 3 Devs games in a week on ESPN + exclusively, I can say this- it's brutal. That ice level view they go to sans announcers for like a minute at time generally sucks. It dramatically reduces the view especially because you can't see half the net! The game announcers are comically bad. The studio guys are ok but last night they had 4 of them at once. What's the point of shelling out for a guy like Torts if you're barely gonna let him speak? NBC had a light years better production.
I can easily see the Panthers winning the Stanley cup. In fact they are my surprise pick this year although it’s not really a surprise anymore since they are playing so well.
Washington Capitals
@Capitals
· 38m
Zach Fucale will get the start in net tonight in Detroit, per Head Coach Laviolette.
checked into alcohol rehab.
Been with ANA for 16 years, GM for 13. I believe the longest tenured GM, if not he was definitely one of the most senior.
seems like it was forced based on an anonymous (?) complaint to the NHL tip hotline.
I have no clue what he did nor do I have any opinion of him, barely know who he is beyond GM of the Ducks, but man, you better hope your past is squeaky clean if you are in any type of leadership role.
Washington Capitals
@Capitals
· 38m
Zach Fucale will get the start in net tonight in Detroit, per Head Coach Laviolette.
Fucale with the shutout in his debut.
Good for him and i don't mean that in a pity/condescending way. He seemed like a good dude, under a shit load of pressure.
I guess it depends on why he started, was Vanecek or Samsonov injured? I haven't been paying attention.
As a 3rd goalie maybe not, but as a backup two one of Vanecek or Samsonov if it will be long-term maybe.
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and Team Canada phenom, turned JAG, makes NHL debut tonight. You never know, some goalie develop later and Fucale is 26.
Washington Capitals
@Capitals
· 38m
Zach Fucale will get the start in net tonight in Detroit, per Head Coach Laviolette.
Fucale with the shutout in his debut.
Good for him and i don't mean that in a pity/condescending way. He seemed like a good dude, under a shit load of pressure.
Hey pj…..congrats on Habs win vs a hot Calgary team, and not Detroit.
I didn’t expect much from your boys this year:
Price
Weber
Edmundson
Danault
These 4 were soooooo huge for your boys all year and especially during the playoffs. It will take some time to replace them.
I was glad to see Ryan Poehling finally play in Mtr last night, albeit 8 minutes. I still think he will be a player for your boys.
I misspoke earlier in the thread, it was reported that Carey Price was seeking mental health treatment not substance abuse, that was not that case. Not that it matters.
"Over the last few years I have let myself get to a very dark place and I didn't have the tools to cope with that struggle.
"Last month I made the decision to enter a residential treatment facility for substance use. Things had reached a point that I realized I needed to prioritize my health for both myself and for my family. Asking for help when you need it is what we encourage our kids to do. And it was what I needed to do.
"I am working through years of neglecting my own mental health which will take some time to repair; all I can do is take it day by day. With that comes some uncertainty with when I will return to play.
"I appreciate all of the overwhelming support and well wishes. I please ask that the media and our hockey community continue to respect our privacy at this time. Your support and respect of this so far has been a critical piece to my recovery."
-Carey
@theScoreNHL
·
4m
Komarov leaves Islanders, signs in KHL https://thesco.re/30tPjiv
the last 82 games
Draisaitl: 52G - 68A - 120P
McDavid: 45G - 85A - 130P
the last 82 games
Draisaitl: 52G - 68A - 120P
McDavid: 45G - 85A - 130P
Just absolutely incredible performances from those two. It’s funny looking back at some who criticized Edmonton for giving big money to Draisaitl after they paid McDavid.
Next three Sens games postponed.
I understand the NHL considers game postponements a factor in their Olympic participation opt out.
Hate to say it, but I'd rather watch a fully-staffed Olympics than the NHL regular season.
Chara and Maroon at puck drop.
link - ( New Window )
NHL News
@PuckReportNHL
·
3m
INJURY UPDATE: #NYR forward Sammy Blais is done for the season due to a knee injury, per @NYP_Brooksie
and @renlavoietva
@WSJ
· 56m
The Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team is in talks to be sold to Fenway Sports Group, owner of the Boston Red Sox, people familiar with the matter say https://on.wsj.com/3cl3cSl
@DailyGoalHorn
·
2m
#Isles lose top defenseman amid struggles, Pulock out 4-6 weeks
Flyers lose Ellis 4 - 6 weeks
Barkov week to week