NFT: NHL Thread - One Quarter Through the Season

With what they've had to deal with in net.

Detroit has played some good hockey too.

Barzal back to being a ppg player and the Isles have actually been scoring a bunch now that Trotz is gone

holds just two teams in each conference fall out of the playoffs and two different ones get in.

I do think DET has been playing well and I love their young nucleus, but I think they are one, no clue who the other one is.

In the West I doubt STL hangs on, and I think EDM makes it. Also not sure on the other one.

....NHL record which Bruins of course can continue to build on.

Big change with Bruins: defense pushing it and jumping into plays and Montgomery a player's coach (different than Julien or Cassidy).

Will be interesting to see if it lasts but the Bruins do appear pretty deep.

Is New Jersey, expected a good team, but not this good. Podcaster/one-time Montreal radio host Tony Marinaro says Devils rumored to covet Josh Anderson.
2nd biggest surprise is the Habs killing the “tank hard for Bedard” vibe. (So far)

In comment 15922425 kevken60 said:

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Is New Jersey, expected a good team, but not this good. Podcaster/one-time Montreal radio host Tony Marinaro says Devils rumored to covet Josh Anderson. 2nd biggest surprise is the Habs killing the “tank hard for Bedard” vibe. (So far)

The Devils are definitely the biggest surprise. I thought it they stayed healthy, especially Blackwood and Vanecek, then they might compete for the 8th seed but were probably a year away.

can really intentionally tank even a new coach/GM can't really pull it off.

I'd love Bedard on the Habs though. In fact any of the top 3 would be awesome.

has to be New Jersey. Thought they would get better gradually, but they've gone from the bottom to the top of the Metro.

Not a big surprise, but I thought the Rangers would be better than they are. You have to think that their #2 and #1 draft choices start playing like it. Not even close. And, Lafrienere seems to have regressed from his 19 goal season. He's on pace for 8 goals. That won't cut it.

In comment 15922425 kevken60 said:

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Podcaster/one-time Montreal radio host Tony Marinaro says Devils rumored to covet Josh Anderson.

Anderson's contract will prevent the Devils from acquiring him. They can't afford to add a $5.5 million dollar cap hit for the rest of this season and the next four years. They are reportedly in talks with Bratt's agent about an extension plus Graves is a FA at season's end. They need to keep cap space open for the eventual extensions for Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, Yegor Sharangovich, and Fabian Zetterlund.

In comment 15922444 pjcas18 said:

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can really intentionally tank even a new coach/GM can't really pull it off. I'd love Bedard on the Habs though. In fact any of the top 3 would be awesome.

Agreed. But a number of fans believe it’s a “thing”.
In football too.

Akira Schmid with another good game increasing his record to 4-0 with a .953 save %.

Just by how dominant they've been so far. The Bruins have been so good for so long, but with the coaching change and Marchand and McAvoy out to start the season I don't think anyone thought they'd be this good. Seattle has been a huge surprise too so far especially because Shane Wright can't even crack the lineup. On the negative side, Florida has taken a big step back as well as Calgary. I think after the off season we thought both would be better than this.

In comment 15922612 Jay on the Island said:

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Akira Schmid with another good game increasing his record to 4-0 with a .953 save %.

Yeah definitely what you said the other day Jay, Schmid could make things really difficult for Blackwood if he keeps playing like this. They probably send him down because he's still so young, but he looks so much more mature and confident than last season. with him.and Dawes they have some nice young talent in the goalie pipeline. Frankly old man Anderson was superb for Buffalo tonight, the Devs easily should have had 3 more goals. Man the 4th line- Wood, Bastain and McLeod have been great. A testament to that is they had very similar ice time to Jack & Bratt tonight. They deserve it. Almost every shift they reak havoc out there.

After December. They have had a very soft schedule to start the year and December they have to play a bunch of division and conference games. Not saying they’re bad but I think they aren’t in 1st come January 1.

gets "revenge" in his return to CHI. I put revenge in quotes because I did not think there was any bad blood, just a trade/change of scenery kind of thing.

but Dach is showing every bit the #3 overall pick in his draft class in MTL and I guess has a chip.

Habs give up GT goal with a few min left in regulation, scoreless to the shootout and he puts away the win in the shootout and lets the crowd know about it. lol. I love players showing emotion (most of the time).

In comment 15922721 pjcas18 said:

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gets "revenge" in his return to CHI. I put revenge in quotes because I did not think there was any bad blood, just a trade/change of scenery kind of thing. but Dach is showing every bit the #3 overall pick in his draft class in MTL and I guess has a chip. Habs give up GT goal with a few min left in regulation, scoreless to the shootout and he puts away the win in the shootout and lets the crowd know about it. lol. I love players showing emotion (most of the time).

I was thinking he might score a goal or two against his former team, but he only had one SOG the entire game. I guess someone on Chicago was told to make sure that doesn’t happen (score a goal or two).

The Bruins and Islanders both dump really good coaches from veteran teams and both really step it up from last year. You rarely see good teams in other sports dump an established coach and bring in someone inexperienced with largely the same team and have this kind of improvement.

I guess there is definitively something to this “just needed a new voice in the room” thing.

someone I never would have thought of with Jack Adams near his name at least not in the past 15 years, but my many accounts he's the favorite (a lot of hockey to play obviously).

And I was so impressed with the Devils system - the layers that team employed were suffocating. Least space the Habs have had all year.

rounding in to form, Sorokin on fire

definitely did not expect Ullmark on this list, with Swayman back that is a nice tandem.

Lose in regulation 4-3.

As fun as last year was this team is as painful as it gets. Time to start making changes.

giving up a 3 goal 3rd period lead. I wonder if Igor has ever done that before.

Need to shake things up like I said in the other thread. Players too comfortable. Some times a day in the press box helps to gain perspective.

and to not even get a point! I couldn't catch the third and in my brain had 2 pts penciled in. AWFUL loss

Jack Hughes with the hat trick in what was his best game of the season. Vanecek played great against his former team with 38 saves.

Not a typical Devs effort in that they got out shot and got territorially dominated at times but cashed in their chances. I know they weren't playing great teams the last 2 nights, but I love the bounce back after finally losing the win streak. I get the post that they've had a relatively soft schedule so far but I don't care who your playing, 18-2-0 is what it is, it's a quarter of the season no matter who you're playing. Of course they'll come back to earth, but banking the points is so huge in hockey. With the loser point now it's much harder to make up ground than in other sports. As PJ pointed out teams in their position overwhelmingly make the playoffs in the NHL.

In comment 15923444 Stu11 said:

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Not a typical Devs effort in that they got out shot and got territorially dominated at times but cashed in their chances. I know they weren't playing great teams the last 2 nights, but I love the bounce back after finally losing the win streak. I get the post that they've had a relatively soft schedule so far but I don't care who your playing, 18-2-0 is what it is, it's a quarter of the season no matter who you're playing. Of course they'll come back to earth, but banking the points is so huge in hockey. With the loser point now it's much harder to make up ground than in other sports. As PJ pointed out teams in their position overwhelmingly make the playoffs in the NHL.

I didn't respond to that post as it is somewhat accurate but
let's not pretend that the Devils have beaten up on Chicago and Arizona.

The Devils have beaten the Avalance, Islanders, Caps, Oilers 2x, Calgary 2x, and Toronto. Now a couple of those teams are off to slow starts but many expect(ed) them to be playoff teams.

The analytics also show that the Devils are incredibly balanced. I don't know if they will finish in first place but this is a playoff team unless injuries strike to their key players.

In comment 15923448 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 15923444 Stu11 said: Quote: Not a typical Devs effort in that they got out shot and got territorially dominated at times but cashed in their chances. I know they weren't playing great teams the last 2 nights, but I love the bounce back after finally losing the win streak. I get the post that they've had a relatively soft schedule so far but I don't care who your playing, 18-2-0 is what it is, it's a quarter of the season no matter who you're playing. Of course they'll come back to earth, but banking the points is so huge in hockey. With the loser point now it's much harder to make up ground than in other sports. As PJ pointed out teams in their position overwhelmingly make the playoffs in the NHL. I didn't respond to that post as it is somewhat accurate but let's not pretend that the Devils have beaten up on Chicago and Arizona. The Devils have beaten the Avalance, Islanders, Caps, Oilers 2x, Calgary 2x, and Toronto. Now a couple of those teams are off to slow starts but many expect(ed) them to be playoff teams. The analytics also show that the Devils are incredibly balanced. I don't know if they will finish in first place but this is a playoff team unless injuries strike to their key players.

I picked the Devils last year to be better than the Rangers, evidently I was a year off, as of now. Are you guys (Devs fans) nervous about the young guys hitting a wall in a few weeks? Or are you just happy for the ride and what happens in a few weeks is the future's problem

In comment 15923466 JayBinQueens said:

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In comment 15923448 Jay on the Island said: Quote: In comment 15923444 Stu11 said: Quote: Not a typical Devs effort in that they got out shot and got territorially dominated at times but cashed in their chances. I know they weren't playing great teams the last 2 nights, but I love the bounce back after finally losing the win streak. I get the post that they've had a relatively soft schedule so far but I don't care who your playing, 18-2-0 is what it is, it's a quarter of the season no matter who you're playing. Of course they'll come back to earth, but banking the points is so huge in hockey. With the loser point now it's much harder to make up ground than in other sports. As PJ pointed out teams in their position overwhelmingly make the playoffs in the NHL. I didn't respond to that post as it is somewhat accurate but let's not pretend that the Devils have beaten up on Chicago and Arizona. The Devils have beaten the Avalance, Islanders, Caps, Oilers 2x, Calgary 2x, and Toronto. Now a couple of those teams are off to slow starts but many expect(ed) them to be playoff teams. The analytics also show that the Devils are incredibly balanced. I don't know if they will finish in first place but this is a playoff team unless injuries strike to their key players. I picked the Devils last year to be better than the Rangers, evidently I was a year off, as of now. Are you guys (Devs fans) nervous about the young guys hitting a wall in a few weeks? Or are you just happy for the ride and what happens in a few weeks is the future's problem

Also - your speed did the Isles in when you beat us. We didn't have the horses to keep up

In comment 15923466 JayBinQueens said:

Quote:

I picked the Devils last year to be better than the Rangers, evidently I was a year off, as of now. Are you guys (Devs fans) nervous about the young guys hitting a wall in a few weeks? Or are you just happy for the ride and what happens in a few weeks is the future's problem

I'm not nervous about them hitting a wall. This is Hughes 4th season, Nico's 6th, Bratt's 5th, etc. The Devils now have a nice combination of youth and veterans such as Dougie Hamilton, Siegenthaler, Palat, Tatar, Haula, Severson, and Graves.

Even though the goaltending has been much better than expected it will take more time for me to buy in that they can be the answer.

In comment 15923468 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 15923466 JayBinQueens said: Quote: I picked the Devils last year to be better than the Rangers, evidently I was a year off, as of now. Are you guys (Devs fans) nervous about the young guys hitting a wall in a few weeks? Or are you just happy for the ride and what happens in a few weeks is the future's problem I'm not nervous about them hitting a wall. This is Hughes 4th season, Nico's 6th, Bratt's 5th, etc. The Devils now have a nice combination of youth and veterans such as Dougie Hamilton, Siegenthaler, Palat, Tatar, Haula, Severson, and Graves. Even though the goaltending has been much better than expected it will take more time for me to buy in that they can be the answer.

Whatever it is - even if they collapse in the 2nd half (they prob won't) at least you're having fun now.

I use the Mets as an example - had a great time during the regular season. They didn't win in the playoffs, but I still had a better season than I've had in years.

as tv analyst right as the Devils completed their 4 game sweep of the Rangers in 2006. The Rangers had just made the playoffs for the first time in a long time. They had great regular season but collapsed at the end, lost 1st place then got swept by the Devs. He said it was a very important season because the team re-connected with their fan base. It's what you described as a Mets fan. I think when a team struggles for most of a decade like The Devs have the fans start getting frustrated and fade away a bit. I think the most important thing right now is the atmosphere of excitement has returned around the team and the building for home games. I never condone fans throwing things on the ice in anger at all and I would never do it. However part of me kind of was intrigued by what happened the other night vs Toronto. It showed passion and atmosphere. Win or lose the rest of the way the Devs have become must watch tv again. I look insanely forward to every game. I think they make the playoffs, now playoff hockey it a whole different animal. The Devs could very well struggle with the intensity and physicality of the playoffs but I'm gonna enjoy the ride of whatever this season brings.

in PHI vs NYI.

I am so tired of players having to answer for clean hits. Romanov hit Hayes to trigger it. Clean hit and it's not like he hit Johnny Gaudreau or Jack Hughes, Hayes is a big dude who maybe isn't as physical as I feel he should be but he will use his body.

TDA tried to "mug" Oliver Wahlstrom during the melee and Wahlstrom took him to school, good to see since it was a punk move by TDA, he came in throwing punches to an unsuspecting Wahlstrom.

I support fighting in the league, but not the kind where after laying a totally clean hit you are forced to defend yourself. I'd like to see them get that BS out of the game.

and I didn't watch live so I might have missed something.

Looks like a Stars player high sticks an Avs player - pretty clearly. the ref says the play was blown dead due to injury but because there is no injury there is no penalty.

I have really never heard that before is there something I am missing?

Here is a clip on twitter
link - ( New Window )

In comment 15923584 pjcas18 said:

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in PHI vs NYI. I am so tired of players having to answer for clean hits. Romanov hit Hayes to trigger it. Clean hit and it's not like he hit Johnny Gaudreau or Jack Hughes, Hayes is a big dude who maybe isn't as physical as I feel he should be but he will use his body. TDA tried to "mug" Oliver Wahlstrom during the melee and Wahlstrom took him to school, good to see since it was a punk move by TDA, he came in throwing punches to an unsuspecting Wahlstrom. I support fighting in the league, but not the kind where after laying a totally clean hit you are forced to defend yourself. I'd like to see them get that BS out of the game.

Also dk how Deslauriens didn't get an instigator at the end. These teams play again on Tuesday, so should be a fun one!

is as tough as they come too, maybe a tiny notch below Reaves, Xhekaj (wifi) fought him - same thing as Romanov - Clean hit by Wi-fi and Deslauriers needs to justify his salary.


link - ( New Window )

If you look at the highlights, or the condensed games they put out, you will never see a hit or a fight.

I understand wanting sideshow bullshit out of the game. I understand preventative measures for concussions. Pretending there is no physicality is a joke.

Let players settle problems on the ice. It's a natural pressure release valve. Martin and Ristolainen were squared off willing combatants, and the linesman wouldn't let them go. Ditto Anders Lee and Sanheim, refs jumped in. This led to 10 minutes of cheap shots and chippy play.

In comment 15923584 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

TDA tried to "mug" Oliver Wahlstrom during the melee and Wahlstrom took him to school, good to see since it was a punk move by TDA, he came in throwing punches to an unsuspecting Wahlstrom.

Tony D Is such a piece of shit. Gloves off and chucking before Wahlstrom even turned his head. I'm so glad Wahlly wrecked him. Even if he never becomes a top line sniper, wahlstrom has been reborn hard and embraced being physical. He'll be a useful top 6 wing at worst who can pop double digit PP goals with that shot even with his skating limitations and occasional floating.

In comment 15923847 Diversify yo bonds said:

Quote:

In comment 15923584 pjcas18 said: Quote: TDA tried to "mug" Oliver Wahlstrom during the melee and Wahlstrom took him to school, good to see since it was a punk move by TDA, he came in throwing punches to an unsuspecting Wahlstrom. Tony D Is such a piece of shit. Gloves off and chucking before Wahlstrom even turned his head. I'm so glad Wahlly wrecked him. Even if he never becomes a top line sniper, wahlstrom has been reborn hard and embraced being physical. He'll be a useful top 6 wing at worst who can pop double digit PP goals with that shot even with his skating limitations and occasional floating.

I think that's a better role for Wahlstrom anyway, he could always score, but with his size and physicality he should fit on any line and he's such a smart player if you can get him to buy into the system/his role.

In comment 15923494 Stu11 said:

Quote:

as tv analyst right as the Devils completed their 4 game sweep of the Rangers in 2006. The Rangers had just made the playoffs for the first time in a long time. They had great regular season but collapsed at the end, lost 1st place then got swept by the Devs. He said it was a very important season because the team re-connected with their fan base. It's what you described as a Mets fan. I think when a team struggles for most of a decade like The Devs have the fans start getting frustrated and fade away a bit. I think the most important thing right now is the atmosphere of excitement has returned around the team and the building for home games. I never condone fans throwing things on the ice in anger at all and I would never do it. However part of me kind of was intrigued by what happened the other night vs Toronto. It showed passion and atmosphere. Win or lose the rest of the way the Devs have become must watch tv again. I look insanely forward to every game. I think they make the playoffs, now playoff hockey it a whole different animal. The Devs could very well struggle with the intensity and physicality of the playoffs but I'm gonna enjoy the ride of whatever this season brings.

I am genuinely concerned about the playoffs when it comes to the physicality and goaltending. Goaltending is so important in the playoffs and while Vanecek has been very good so far we still don't know how he will perform in the postseason.

While I wasn't a fan of the Palat signing because of the term and AAV I liked it for his leadership and playoff experience.

(the Canadian actor) is spearheading investment groups to buy the Senators. From what I read he appears to be the front-runner.

I don't know his net worth but it sounds like it would be like Jeter and the Marlins (though Jeter played pro baseball).

In comment 15924462 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

(the Canadian actor) is spearheading investment groups to buy the Senators. From what I read he appears to be the front-runner. I don't know his net worth but it sounds like it would be like Jeter and the Marlins (though Jeter played pro baseball).

His net worth is an estimated $150 million.

especially for an original 6 team

StatsCentre
@StatsCentre
·
Nov 23
With an assist vs CBJ tonight, Kirby Dach gives the @CanadiensMTL
3 different players younger than 24 with 17+ points so far in 2022-23 (Others: Nick Suzuki- 23, Cole Caufield- 20). It's the 1st time in franchise history that it's happened in the team's first 20 games of a season

I'll comment here to not rub salt in the wound in the other thread. Obviously happy with the W especially after that rocky start. Didn't love the 3rd period, I thought it was one of the weakest periods they've played in awhile. They took too many bad penalties and I thought we had some great looks but were too nonchalant and didn't get enough quality rubber on a shaky Shesterkin once it was 4-2. Vanacek made the big save when we needed it and it was great to hold on and bank another 2 points.
On a personal note this great run has come at a time when I really needed it. I just put my Mom in hospice tonight. After months spent in hospitals, rehab even assisted living for a few days these Devils games have really given me 3 hours to put my mind on something else. In the middle of it all a few weeks back I had to have emergency surgery to get my gallbladder out! At age 54 It was the first time I've spent the night in a hospital as a patient. It really is true sports can give us a break from the real world for a few hours.

.

prayers for your mom, and agree on sports being a needed distraction some times.

Jason Robertson really has reached a different level in Dallas. What a great goal last night. Blocked a shit at his own faceoff dot and took it the whole way down and finished with a perfect snipe low far side.
Link - ( New Window )

I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. I’m glad that the Devils have provided a small distraction during this difficult time.

In comment 15926064 Stu11 said:

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Jason Robertson really has reached a different level in Dallas. What a great goal last night. Blocked a shit at his own faceoff dot and took it the whole way down and finished with a perfect snipe low far side. Link - ( New Window )

absolutely, I said before, and I don't think I was exaggerating, I can absolutely see Robertson when it's all said and done, winding up the best player from a loaded draft class.

He'd be being hyped in a level just below Connor Mac and Syd

They simply don't change their game. Down 2, up 2 no difference. It will lead to some blown leads in the 3rd, but it also puts you in better position to not panic and recover once you've blown the lead.

extend Roope Hintz 8 years. 8 x $8.45M

Another underrated player for the Stars due to playing in obscurity (for hockey at least).

game in LA, Kraken win on the PP in OT, 9 - 8.

Matt Beniers is legit (if there was any doubt), though the Kraken are surprisingly good.

Ovi passes Gretzky for most road goals in history.