NFT: NHL Thread - the stretch run

with Buffalo, Ottawa & Washington losing.

Isles have a huge game tonight with the Sabres. Win and they can't get leapfrogged with the other teams' games remaining

for playoffs:

Atlantic: no change in top 3 (teams, not necessarily seeding)
Metro: no change in top 3

East WC:
NYI and OTT. I really think FLA but MTL has their 1st, so I'm hoping they don't make it

Central:DAL, MIN, COL - WIN bumped
Pacific: LVG, LAK, EDM - SEA bumped

West WC:
WIN and SEA

and to spend these 3 days learning to be selfish and shoot the damn puck or it will be an early spring. or as Bill Chadwick said "time to get out the golf clubs".

Igor needs to peak right before the playoffs and the Rangers need to start scoring more goals.

the dude is fucking amazing.

weeks. Really starting to control some games. If they can sneak into the playoffs and get Barzal and Pageau back, they are going to be a team that can give anyone trouble.

Still little room for error for NYI. Big games vs Buffalo and @Pit next two. If Isles can come away with 4 points, they'd be better than even money to make the playoffs with a legitimate shot at the #7 seed too.

In comment 16054120 Victor in CT said:

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and to spend these 3 days learning to be selfish and shoot the damn puck or it will be an early spring. or as Bill Chadwick said "time to get out the golf clubs".

Yep, that's crucial. We badly needed this break as the boys were exhausted. I hope we come out swinging with newfound energy in Montreal. I have a feeling we'll come out slow (what else is new?), but once we get our legs going, we'll be fine. I predict Kane will get his first goal as a Ranger.

Timo Meier scores in his first game....Mercer scored a goal 8 games in a row.....their away record is tops in the league.....watch out!

When does McDavid ask for a trade?

Who wins the Cup?

but what does ATG mean? McDavid is the fastest combo of stick handler/skater I think I have seen. You shouldn't be able to skate that fast when stick handling the puck, amazing what he can do out there.

In comment 16054289 Carson53 said:

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but what does ATG mean? McDavid is the fastest combo of stick handler/skater I think I have seen. You shouldn't be able to skate that fast when stick handling the puck, amazing what he can do out there.

All time great

In comment 16054290 Jints in Carolina said:

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In comment 16054289 Carson53 said: Quote: but what does ATG mean? McDavid is the fastest combo of stick handler/skater I think I have seen. You shouldn't be able to skate that fast when stick handling the puck, amazing what he can do out there. All time great

.

Got it, thanks Jints.

.

In comment 16054236 BrettNYG10 said:

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When does McDavid ask for a trade? Who wins the Cup?

If there is an early exit or playoff miss this year I wouldn't be surprised to see McDavid request a trade.

And I think the only team who might even remotely make sense would be whoever gets the top pick this year. Bedard plus a lot more for McDavid.

No idea who wins the cup.

Bruins are obviously running a lap around the league so they are the favorite, but I love Dallas if Oettinger plays well - he is very inconsistent.

They have such a unique combination of size, skill, and have a very complete team - when they get consistent goalie play.

CAR is dominant at times
NJD is so deep and play the most aggressive forecheck in the east
NYR are a lot like Dallas.
I never respect Vegas, but results are what they are

so if I ranked them it would be something like:
BOS
DAL
CAR
NYR
NJD

In comment 16054370 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 16054236 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: When does McDavid ask for a trade? Who wins the Cup? If there is an early exit or playoff miss this year I wouldn't be surprised to see McDavid request a trade. And I think the only team who might even remotely make sense would be whoever gets the top pick this year. Bedard plus a lot more for McDavid. No idea who wins the cup. Bruins are obviously running a lap around the league so they are the favorite, but I love Dallas if Oettinger plays well - he is very inconsistent. They have such a unique combination of size, skill, and have a very complete team - when they get consistent goalie play. CAR is dominant at times NJD is so deep and play the most aggressive forecheck in the east NYR are a lot like Dallas. I never respect Vegas, but results are what they are so if I ranked them it would be something like: BOS DAL CAR NYR NJD

Dallas and the Rangers above the Devils?

Is that because the Devils lost to the Rang.....oh nevermind
Is it because of the Rangers better record against the same teams...oh nevermind

so tell me.....why?

We're talking Minnesota up as a sleeper yesterday. They're results have been ordinary but they've settled into this defensive style recently that might give teams fits come playoff time. The whole league wants to skate and create as many scoring chances as they can. In a tight bunched together west, the Wild just might just be a changeup that throws teams off and frustrate them.

it's just my opinion.

I have the Rangers over the Devils because the Devils goalies have one combined playoff win and a GAA of 4.25 in the playoffs with a .855 save percentage (albeit in a SSS but that's also the point).

And even though Igor right now isn't playing like he did in 2022, he has that gear and ability to steal a game. I'm not sure if Vanecek or Schmid or Blackwood can. Until they do.

I firmly believe elite goalie play is almost essential to winning in the post season and not every goalie has a playoff gear.

ducking

As much as I love the Devs and as great as the season has been so far I totally get NHL people being skeptical of their playoff chances. They've been in NHL Siberia for the better part of a decade. The playoffs are a whole different intensity level that most of the Devils don't have extensive experience with. That's where the pick ups of Timo, Palat and Haula(as much as I've criticized him) will come in handy. We'll see. Either way I think this season is the start of a hopefully large window of contention for this team. It's funny last year I felt the Devs were following the Carolina model, but now with the Timo pick up and if Luke Hughes and Nemec are as good as advertised then they are much closer to the Colorado model.

In comment 16054528 gtt350 said:

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ducking

No real reason, like I said I never feel like they should win, but they do.

If I had to pinpoint a reason - other than Eichel - lack of stars and also unproven goalies. Traditionally the Stanley Cup winner has stars on it.

COL: MacKinnon, Makar, and more
TBL: Stamkos, Kucherov
WAS: Ovi, etc.
PIT: Crosby, Malkin
CHI: Toews, Kane

I guess you can say the Kings weren't star laden, but Kopitar is a star and so was Quick. Maybe Doughty on the blue line.

Anyway, again, just my opinion.

Rangers/Devils is a coin flip, I can see taking either team.

In comment 16054607 BrettNYG10 said:

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Rangers/Devils is a coin flip, I can see taking either team.

agreed

In comment 16054565 pjcas18 said:

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Maybe Doughty on the blue line.

lol. Norris winners with 4 nominations are stars. Doughty was a stud.

I agree with the overall point. Cup winners are driven by elite talents. I'd have to find the exact % but something like 85% of cup winners have one or more top 3 draft picks.

In comment 16054607 BrettNYG10 said:

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Rangers/Devils is a coin flip, I can see taking either team.

I'm getting strong 2012 flyers/pens vibes from this match up.

add Eichel and Logan Thompson (all star) to the mix.
They win because they have balanced lines when healthy, a rarity these days for any club

538 has an NHL predictions section - not sure if this is new.

Bruins 47% chance of making the SCF, 35% to win the Cup. That seems insanely high to me. Same with the Avs ranking.
538 - ( New Window )

In comment 16056860 BrettNYG10 said:

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538 has an NHL predictions section - not sure if this is new. Bruins 47% chance of making the SCF, 35% to win the Cup. That seems insanely high to me. Same with the Avs ranking. 538 - ( New Window )

Dom Lotsofconsonants at the athletic has them @ 33%. His models are useful for long range predictions but always wrong with the individual player and short series predictions. I can't tell you who will win the Cup but I'm quite confident it won't be the Bruins.

Those are just way too high IMO. I have a hard time giving any team in the conference finals or SCF more than a 60% chance of winning that series. That alone (60%*60% gets you to 36%). And you obviously have some probability of losing the other two rounds.

on moneypuck, but EDM? They're a WC team as of today.

tough loss in regulation for the Devs as they were up with 5 minutes to go. Timo Meier had a rough 3rd period. Give away at the blueline ledt to a shorthander by Marner and then took a careless highstick penalty right after the Leafs tied it that lead to Mathews' PP winner with about 2 minutes left. He did have a couple of great chances where Samsonov absolutely stoned him in the 1st. Samsonov stood on his head in the 1st for some spectacular saves to keep it 0-0 after one. The 3 Leafs-Devs games this year have been great hockey. both teams love to skate and create. It would be fun if they met up in the playoffs.

In comment 16057177 pjcas18 said:

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on moneypuck, but EDM? They're a WC team as of today.

That's interesting. Not sure how Carolina has the highest chance of winning the cup.

In comment 16057196 Stu11 said:

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tough loss in regulation for the Devs as they were up with 5 minutes to go. Timo Meier had a rough 3rd period. Give away at the blueline ledt to a shorthander by Marner and then took a careless highstick penalty right after the Leafs tied it that lead to Mathews' PP winner with about 2 minutes left. He did have a couple of great chances where Samsonov absolutely stoned him in the 1st. Samsonov stood on his head in the 1st for some spectacular saves to keep it 0-0 after one. The 3 Leafs-Devs games this year have been great hockey. both teams love to skate and create. It would be fun if they met up in the playoffs.

I am very concerned about Vanecek right now. He has had 4 rough games in a row now. He has to get right soon if the Devils are to have any chance in the playoffs. Honestly I would prefer to see Schmid more down the stretch. It's not a large sample size but Schmid has been the best goaltender this season for the Devils. Hopefully Vanecek just needs more rest to turn things around.

In comment 16057177 pjcas18 said:

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on moneypuck, but EDM? They're a WC team as of today.

Rangers odds are way too low. Penguins are way too high.

Amongst other issues lol

In comment 16057216 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 16057196 Stu11 said: Quote: tough loss in regulation for the Devs as they were up with 5 minutes to go. Timo Meier had a rough 3rd period. Give away at the blueline ledt to a shorthander by Marner and then took a careless highstick penalty right after the Leafs tied it that lead to Mathews' PP winner with about 2 minutes left. He did have a couple of great chances where Samsonov absolutely stoned him in the 1st. Samsonov stood on his head in the 1st for some spectacular saves to keep it 0-0 after one. The 3 Leafs-Devs games this year have been great hockey. both teams love to skate and create. It would be fun if they met up in the playoffs. I am very concerned about Vanecek right now. He has had 4 rough games in a row now. He has to get right soon if the Devils are to have any chance in the playoffs. Honestly I would prefer to see Schmid more down the stretch. It's not a large sample size but Schmid has been the best goaltender this season for the Devils. Hopefully Vanecek just needs more rest to turn things around.

I was a little concerned going into last night. However I though he played well especially in the 2nd period when Toronto really brought it. He didn't have much of a shot on the goals. The Devils coverage and backchecking on the weakside last night was atrocious. On the first goal Tatar was covering the empty area up the slot while leaving Jarnkrok wide open at the far post. On the 3rd goal late Bunting was once again left wide open at the far post for an easy open netter. On the PP winner Mathews was left wide open 10 feet up the slot. That's curtains. The one thing I will say is that Samsonov was left out to dry multiple times as well especially on that sequence in the first where he stoned Jack and then Timo from opposite sides of the net within seconds of each other so he outplayed Vanacek. Also Bratt got stoned on a breakaway in the 3rd. Its uncanny how this team absolutely cannot score on breakaways for all the top end skill they have.

In comment 16057177 pjcas18 said:

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on moneypuck, but EDM? They're a WC team as of today.

How exactly does anyone come up with Carolina having much better chances than Boston???

Buffalo won’t.

Ottawa is an interesting one….they might pass Islanders.

Oh, Pitt won’t make it in either.

In comment 16057309 5BowlsSoon said:

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Buffalo won’t. Ottawa is an interesting one….they might pass Islanders. Oh, Pitt won’t make it in either.

Agree with this, however hoping FLA does not make it.

In comment 16057506 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 16057309 5BowlsSoon said: Quote: Buffalo won’t. Ottawa is an interesting one….they might pass Islanders. Oh, Pitt won’t make it in either. Agree with this, however hoping FLA does not make it.

Are you hoping Florida doesn’t make it because you have Florida’s 1st round unprotected draft choice this year? Or do you just dislike Florida like I do?

In comment 16057528 5BowlsSoon said:

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In comment 16057506 pjcas18 said: Quote: In comment 16057309 5BowlsSoon said: Quote: Buffalo won’t. Ottawa is an interesting one….they might pass Islanders. Oh, Pitt won’t make it in either. Agree with this, however hoping FLA does not make it. Are you hoping Florida doesn’t make it because you have Florida’s 1st round unprotected draft choice this year? Or do you just dislike Florida like I do?

I like Barkov and Tkachuk but otherwise not a fan of FLA, my feeling though really is because the Habs have their unprotected 1st from the Ben Chiarot trade.

In comment 16057303 Greg from LI said:

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In comment 16057177 pjcas18 said: Quote: on moneypuck, but EDM? They're a WC team as of today. How exactly does anyone come up with Carolina having much better chances than Boston???

.

As a Bruins fan I can tell you, that the Hurricanes have been the Bruins kryptonite in the playoffs. Maybe that's why.

can clinch a playoff spot tonight with a W and some help.

So, it's not likely they win and all three other games work out too, but I knew they were on a historic pace, but I didn't realize just how historic.

This would be the fastest any team has ever clinched a playoff spot in NHL history.

I think Florida is the only team with any potential of giving Boston a tough first round.

Everyone else gets abused.

In comment 16058390 BrettNYG10 said:

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I think Florida is the only team with any potential of giving Boston a tough first round. Everyone else gets abused.

What is their weakness? Ulmark not being playoff tested and age of some of their forwards are the only things I can think of and both can be easily overcome.

I don't think their depth is THAT strong, actually (vs. the Lightning of a couple years ago, not against other NHL teams). I think they are a pretty top-heavy team.

To be clear, I think they beat Florida in five. But Florida has the potential goaltending and star power to do something. I don't think anyone else has any sort of shot, lol.

In comment 16058399 BrettNYG10 said:

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I don't think their depth is THAT strong, actually (vs. the Lightning of a couple years ago, not against other NHL teams). I think they are a pretty top-heavy team. To be clear, I think they beat Florida in five. But Florida has the potential goaltending and star power to do something. I don't think anyone else has any sort of shot, lol.

Taylor Hall is on their 3rd line (before going on LTIR). He is a former #1 overall pick and Hart winner who is still just 31 years old. Charlie Coyle was on their 3rd or 4th line. Tyler Bertuzzi is on their 3rd line.

Matt Grzelcyk is on their 3rd D pair.

I don't know I've seen a team with more depth in the past few years.

I was not sold on their D, because I felt like it was McAvoy, Grzelcyk, and Carlo with some question marks, but Lindholm has greatly exceeded my expectations, Orlov adds the veteran I felt like the Rangers should add and Connor Clifton can't even get in the lineup.

The Bruins are a machine right now, - maybe some of this is convincing myself so I don't have to deal with the personal angst if they, my most hated sports rival, win a cup, but objectively I feel like this is all true.

making changes:

Olivia Reiner
@ReinerOlivia
·
30m
From me and ⁦@giana_jade
⁩: Chuck Fletcher is out as Flyers GM and president of hockey ops. Danny Brière has been named interim GM. The Flyers plan to permanently fill two separate roles of GM and president of hockey ops. ⁦@PhillyInquirer
⁩

Kaprizov for 3 - 4 weeks (rest of the regular season basically).

Huge loss for them and hockey fans, he's a fun player to watch.

Bad timing too- they could have used his LTIR cap hit to add more at the deadline.

tourneys in full swing. Quinnipiac guaranteed a spot regardless of what happens but in their first quarterfinal (it's best of 3 in ECAC) they outshot Yale 30 - 5.

5 is the fewest shots on goal ever in a D1 college hockey game.

Frozen Four is about as hard to win as the Stanley Cup (maybe even harder since it's single elimination), but Quinnipiac has a shot this year.

In comment 16060076 pjcas18 said:

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tourneys in full swing. Quinnipiac guaranteed a spot regardless of what happens but in their first quarterfinal (it's best of 3 in ECAC) they outshot Yale 30 - 5. 5 is the fewest shots on goal ever in a D1 college hockey game. Frozen Four is about as hard to win as the Stanley Cup (maybe even harder since it's single elimination), but Quinnipiac has a shot this year.

B1G semis are tonight too. Ohio St-Michigan at 6:30 and Mich St-Minnesota at 9 both on big ten network. I may tune in to see Luke and Seamus Casey.

In comment 16060119 Stu11 said:

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In comment 16060076 pjcas18 said: Quote: tourneys in full swing. Quinnipiac guaranteed a spot regardless of what happens but in their first quarterfinal (it's best of 3 in ECAC) they outshot Yale 30 - 5. 5 is the fewest shots on goal ever in a D1 college hockey game. Frozen Four is about as hard to win as the Stanley Cup (maybe even harder since it's single elimination), but Quinnipiac has a shot this year. B1G semis are tonight too. Ohio St-Michigan at 6:30 and Mich St-Minnesota at 9 both on big ten network. I may tune in to see Luke and Seamus Casey.

That is a great double-header, so many good NHL prospects in those two games.

.

Micah Blake McCurdy
@IneffectiveMath
·
3h
Boston will qualify for the playoffs today if any 3 of the following 4 things happen:

1 Boston gets as many points today as Buffalo does
2 They get as many points today as Florida does
3 They get two more points than Ottawa does
4 They get two more points than the Islanders do

Washington Capitals
@Capitals
·
4m
THREE-V-R

The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk to a three-year contract extension. van Riemsdyk's contract will carry an average annual value of $3 million.

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GMs discuss fights after clean hits, other topics on Day 1 of meetings Video review mechanisms for high-sticking, mandatory protective equipment on table for further action

Such a pet peeve of mine where players give a clean hit and get punked and need to drop the gloves. Xhekaj, Trouba, McAvoy, Romanov, just to name a few, a lot of players doing what they've been taught to do since youth hockey need to deal with bitches.

It should be an instigator penalty

link - ( New Window )

Svechnikov's knee injury may be a torn ACL. That would be a huge blow.
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 16062816 Stu11 said:

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Svechnikov's knee injury may be a torn ACL. That would be a huge blow. Link - ( New Window )

would be a big blow to the Canes, sucks to see it happen this late, but not going to shed a tear for them. biggest douche bag franchise in the league.

Dallas the more I think they could be the team to beat in the West. Them over LVG.

COL looks like they are rounding in to form at the right time and MIN does too, but they are without Kaprizov the next few weeks.

EDM on the cusp of taking over PAC3 from Seattle.

If you're EDM would you rather play LAK or LVG?

What's weird are some reverse splits for H and A. LVG is better on the road, as is EDM. So in a series where Vegas has home ice, based on trends it could work against them.

Just looking at the West a little more closely.

I think the East has at least three teams better than anyone in the West, but we all know how that goes - they beat each other up through 3 rounds of the playoffs then the West team can win in the SCF.

In comment 16063146 pjcas18 said:

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EDM on the cusp of taking over PAC3 from Seattle. If you're EDM would you rather play LAK or LVG?

Obviously you'd rather play the Kings, Vegas has more brand name talent. People are sleeping on the Kings though. They're deep, the youth are ascending and the old goats can still play. Goaltending isn't elite but you figure one of Korpisalo or Copley will be playing well enough to win.

In comment 16063224 Diversify yo bonds said:

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In comment 16063146 pjcas18 said: Quote: EDM on the cusp of taking over PAC3 from Seattle. If you're EDM would you rather play LAK or LVG? Obviously you'd rather play the Kings, Vegas has more brand name talent. People are sleeping on the Kings though. They're deep, the youth are ascending and the old goats can still play. Goaltending isn't elite but you figure one of Korpisalo or Copley will be playing well enough to win.

I agree on LA. Vegas is no slouch, but I'm telling you you don't want to play LA in the playoffs. Their skaters remind me a lot of the Kings cup teams. Big, physical and skilled. Obviously like you said the goaltending is not elite but they have been good. The NHL playoffs never disappoint, and this year they will great. Outside of Boston, you have a lot of really good teams but no real dominant one. The series should be intense. Interestingly enough it's not making for the best races right now, because there is definitely a line between the haves and have nots. There is a pretty good chance that the 16 teams in position right now are your playoff teams. Nashville has a shot in the west with games in hand, but I don't think they beat out Winnipeg. In the East Florida could catch the Islanders but I don't see Detroit, Washington or Ottawa catching them.

center depth. Kopitar/Danault are a great 1/2 punch.

Agree Stu, when I opened this thread last week I said the same thing, most of the playoff teams are set just some seed jockeying with 1 or 2 races.

Maybe not what the league wants from a playoff chase, but the playoff matchups stand to be incredible right now.

broke his finger in his return to MTL last night.
After 2 goals and an assist.

Out 4-6 weeks.

Seems like a lot for a broken finger. For a hockey player.

big loss. Lehkonen was on PP1 I think and PK1.

In comment 16063401 pjcas18 said:

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center depth. Kopitar/Danault are a great 1/2 punch.

Interstate that they have been playing Byfield on the 1st line with Kopitar and Kempe. He could easily give them a 3rd/4th line beast of a C as well

is the guy I think they like for the future at C (and for the present on faceoffs) dude is really good for a 22 year old. So many Fins are such smart, fundamentally sound, players.

But I agree Byfield is going to be awesome in a couple years.

Svechnikov is done for the season

They have the Rangers game on Disney Channel in full animation. It's the actual game. It's really funky. Kind of cool. I'm all for growing the game by making it cooler for the little kids. Amazing what they can do with technology.

draft lottery in almost a decade will take place on May 8th.

CBJ, SJS and CHI are the front runners.

Bedard is really the crown jewel and he's called the best prospect since Crosby, but the top 3 in this draft are all the best prospect since Crosby (assuming you get that Crosby was a better prospect than McDavid, even though McDavid is a better player).

in a long time finishing dead last is worth it.

Last place now has a 26% chance of landing the top pick.

Up from 18% in prior years (since the lottery)

dates.

In comment 16064971 pjcas18 said:

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in a long time finishing dead last is worth it. Last place now has a 26% chance of landing the top pick. Up from 18% in prior years (since the lottery)

Crazy thing is Anaheim suddenly has gotten red hot after being absolutely awful all year. They may cost themselves Bedard because of it.

In comment 16065107 Stu11 said:

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In comment 16064971 pjcas18 said: Quote: in a long time finishing dead last is worth it. Last place now has a 26% chance of landing the top pick. Up from 18% in prior years (since the lottery) Crazy thing is Anaheim suddenly has gotten red hot after being absolutely awful all year. They may cost themselves Bedard because of it.

they still have the fewest RW in all of hockey at 12. lol. 12.

And more awful than not they're an easy 2 points. Say what you want about SJ and especially the Habs they bring it every night. It's almost never an easy 2 points.

top 10 finalists announced.

I think Matthew Knies wins it, but who knows. I like that two Habs are nominated (Hutson and Farrell).

Perets should win the Richter award or whatever the college Vezina is called.

him, but Cooley could easily end up being the most impactful player from that draft. I give Arizona a lot of credit for taking him over Wright. They were open to taking a C there and took him instead.

In comment 16065376 Stu11 said:

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him, but Cooley could easily end up being the most impactful player from that draft. I give Arizona a lot of credit for taking him over Wright. They were open to taking a C there and took him instead.

Absolutely agree - Cooley can become the best player from that draft and it would surprise no one.

The 2022 draft, while lacking a McDavid, IMO will be proven as very deep in talent, even if not the same high end talent people like for the top of the draft.

a little bit of a project, but kid can play.

Will see a lot of this between now and the draft - will even see FA's signed - a few interesting college FA's out there, plus teams get desperate as draft rights expire.

Elite Prospects
@eliteprospects
·
2h
Jayden Struble has signed with the #GoHabsGo , so you should definitely check out @DavidSt_Louis
’s Film Room to learn more about the defenceman 👀🔥

so far has 10 goals in the first 15 minutes.

7 - 3 Panthers, 4 min left in the 1st.

It's not even fun to watch, it basically looks like beer league.

that tied a record for most goals allowed in a period in NHL history. The NHL is an old league. this is amazing.

In comment 16065193 Stu11 said:

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And more awful than not they're an easy 2 points. Say what you want about SJ and especially the Habs they bring it every night. It's almost never an easy 2 points.

Except tonight…..

in the NHL that surprises almost no one who followed him through juniors, etc. but I was surprised he signed an extension in ARI. I guess winning isn't always #1 priority on players lists of priorities. And as a fan I should consider that more.

Sportsnet Stats
@SNstats
·
15h
Clayton Keller's 30 points since the All-Star break rank 2nd in the #NHL, trailing only Connor McDavid (37).

Keller's 22 even-strength points since the All-Star break rank 1st in the NHL.

and Colgate in OT in ECAC Semis game 1.

BU and Providence in OT in Hockey East Semis game 1.

both scores 1 - 1.

the other semis are:

Harvard and Cornell (ECAC)

UMass Lowell and Merrimack (Hockey East)

outlasted Quinnipiac in double OT and Harvard beat Cornell.

If Harvard wins, no big deal for the Frozen Four because Harvard probably would have gotten an at-large big anyway (they are ranked #6 in the country), but if Colgate does someone gets bumped.

Should be Quinnipiac - they, and Rand Pecknold, are proving to be a regular season team. They haven't won the conference tournament in ages (but won the regular season 3 years in a row (at least) and have lost two national championships. twice get knocked out of the Frozen Four in their first game as a 1 seed. Playing an easy ECAC schedule comes back to bite. Also though with Pecknold, he's coached some USA U18/WJC teams that have been favored, but come up short. Until he wins a big game his teams can't win a big game.


In Hockey East - BU plays Merrimack. I'll watch that just to see Lane Hutson.

there is 3 players here from the opening day roster (Suzuki, Anderson and Hoffman) and 4 from the NHL roster (Drouin opened the season on LTIR)

This isn't even a great AHL team besides Suzuki and Anderson and the 3 D.


Harvey-Pinard Suzuki Ylonen
Gurianov Tierney Anderson
Pitlick Belzile Hoffman
Drouin Richard Pezzetta

3 of 6 D on NHL roster
Matheson Savard
Edmundson Baron
Kovacevic Wideman

east wc is a 3 horse race and money puck has it 77% pitt, 58% fl, 57% isles.

bob and jarry have struggled lately so hopefully that continues. today is a great day for meier and kane to get their first hat tricks with their new teams.

In comment 16069422 pjcas18 said:

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there is 3 players here from the opening day roster (Suzuki, Anderson and Hoffman) and 4 from the NHL roster (Drouin opened the season on LTIR) This isn't even a great AHL team besides Suzuki and Anderson and the 3 D. Harvey-Pinard Suzuki Ylonen Gurianov Tierney Anderson Pitlick Belzile Hoffman Drouin Richard Pezzetta 3 of 6 D on NHL roster Matheson Savard Edmundson Baron Kovacevic Wideman

good year for it at least. anaheim may be within reach and that's a +10% on the chances at bedard. the big prize would be catching chicago to get to 11.5% overall (+25%).

In comment 16069427 Eric on Li said:

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east wc is a 3 horse race and money puck has it 77% pitt, 58% fl, 57% isles. bob and jarry have struggled lately so hopefully that continues. today is a great day for meier and kane to get their first hat tricks with their new teams.

Anyone but FLA is my hope. MTL owns FLA's 1st round pick, unprotected.

In comment 16069435 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16069427 Eric on Li said: Quote: east wc is a 3 horse race and money puck has it 77% pitt, 58% fl, 57% isles. bob and jarry have struggled lately so hopefully that continues. today is a great day for meier and kane to get their first hat tricks with their new teams. Anyone but FLA is my hope. MTL owns FLA's 1st round pick, unprotected.

im not sure if im being a homer, but bob's numbers are trending in the wrong direction so im hoping he's wearing down having to play as much as he is now. jarry hasnt been great but pitt has a pretty good lead and nyi have a small lead + sorokin. they need to get barzal back though. the initial offensive sugar high without him has worn off.

In comment 16069418 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

outlasted Quinnipiac in double OT and Harvard beat Cornell. If Harvard wins, no big deal for the Frozen Four because Harvard probably would have gotten an at-large big anyway (they are ranked #6 in the country), but if Colgate does someone gets bumped. Should be Quinnipiac - they, and Rand Pecknold, are proving to be a regular season team. They haven't won the conference tournament in ages (but won the regular season 3 years in a row (at least) and have lost two national championships. twice get knocked out of the Frozen Four in their first game as a 1 seed. Playing an easy ECAC schedule comes back to bite. Also though with Pecknold, he's coached some USA U18/WJC teams that have been favored, but come up short. Until he wins a big game his teams can't win a big game. In Hockey East - BU plays Merrimack. I'll watch that just to see Lane Hutson.

Michigan plays Minnesota for the B1G championship 8pm tonight on BTN.

and Minnesota play there is a ton of talent on the ice.

already drafted players plus some draft eligible

had two goals, including the GW in OT to give BU the Hockey East title. I don't want to like this kid because of his size, but what he's doing is truly incredible.

Colgate upset Harvard

Michigan beat Minnesota

Minnesota #1 seed
Quinnipiac #2
Michigan #3
Denver #4

Brackets linked...
link - ( New Window )

for the sole reason that I want Luke Hughes to be available ASAP.

In comment 16070310 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

for the sole reason that I want Luke Hughes to be available ASAP.

They were still going to make the frozen four even if they lost to MIN.

Devs needed that win in Tampa after the 2 rough earlier ones vs them this week and that complete 3rd period meltdown vs Florida last night.

left in the season.

Most teams have between 11 and 14 games left.

Not much unexpected has changed - BOS clinched. Current standings:

EAST
Atlantic:
BOS 111 points 13 games left
TOR 93 points 13 games left
TBL 90 points 11 games left

Metro:
CAR 98 points 14 games left
NJD 97 points 12 games left
NYR 92 points 12 games left

Wild card:
NYI 80 points 11 games left
PIT 78 points 13 games left
FLA 77 points 13 games left

WAS, BUF, OTT in the hunt

WEST
Central
DAL 89 points 12 games left
MIN 88 points 12 games left
COL 86 points 14 games left

Pacific
LVG 92 points 12 games left
LAK 90 points 12 games left
EDM 86 points 12 games left

Wild card
SEA 83 points 13 games left
WIN 81 points 11 games left
CAL 77 points 12 games left

NSH "in the hunt" with 76 points and 14 games left, but after seeing them play last night and with the lineup they put out there I don't expect that to last.

In the Bedard race

it's really a 4-way race between:
CBJ
SJS
CHI
ANA

MTL and PHI are both a longshot at this point

In comment 16070544 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

NSH "in the hunt" with 76 points and 14 games left, but after seeing them play last night and with the lineup they put out there I don't expect that to last. In the Bedard race it's really a 4-way race between: CBJ SJS CHI ANA MTL and PHI are both a longshot at this point

Any of the other teams in the mix I can live with but I really hope Bedard doesn't go to hockey Siberia in Columbus.

is a bad destination since Gaudreau is there.

I like their youth core too with
Kent Johnson
Cole Sillinger
Kirill Marchenko
Bemstrom
Jiricek
Mateychuk

anyway, I hope he doesn't go there only because I want him in MTL, and if he doesn't end up in MTL I only hope he doesn't wind up in TOR or BOS (or other Atlantic team) which seems impossible at this point.

now FLA took over WC spot from PIT. I don't think they'll look back.

In other news....Fanatics becoming the Amazon of the sports world.

Greg Wyshynski
@wyshynski
·
1h
Fanatics will replace Adidas as the NHL's outfitter of on-ice uniforms and authentic jerseys, beginning with the 2024-25 season on a 10-year deal.

This marks the 1st time @Fanatics
branding will be directly on an official player uniform for a pro sports property. @NHL

like one more season of no or just a small cap increase.

*if* revenues surpass expectations (by 100M) and the NHLPA can repay escrow this year and the cap could increase $4.5M next year. if not, just a $1M increase - unless they come to agreement to raise the cap "artificially" which basically means the NHLPA pays more in escrow.

NHLPA is the worst.

for FLA last night to PHI.

Any team can lose to any team in the NHL but that one surprised me.

players voted Sidney Crosby the "most complete" player for the 4th year in a row. Almost a 3rd of the players voted Crosby #1 in this category. Patrice Bergeron was 2nd with 18%.

respect.

more player polls in the link

link - ( New Window )

with his 60th last night, OT GW (his 2nd of the game).

outside chance he hits 70 with 10 games left (he's not on a gpg pace, but not far off it either).

Crosby with his 30th ties Lemieux for most 30 goal seasons in pens history. Mario obviously in another league from Sid in goal scoring prowess, but it speaks to consistency.

out Ovi? Set an NHL record for most 40 goal seasons and for comparison with his contemporaries....Ovi has more 40 goal seasons (13) than Crosby has 30 goal seasons (11)

1st round today and tomorrow.

BU vs Western Michigan on now. 3 - 1 BU so far

Cornell knocks off #4 seed Denver and moves on to face BU.

St. Cloud State moves on

Minnesota absolutely dominated Canisius to close out day 1 games.

Minnesota
Cornell
BU
St. Cloud State all advance to the elite eight.

Minn may be the only team who can match the talent of Michigan.

Cooley, Knies, Faber, Snuggerud, etc.

Today:

Ohio State vs Harvard (2pm)
Merrimack vs Quinnipiac (5:30pm)
Michigan Tech vs Penn State (5pm)
Colgate vs Michigan (8:30pm)

In comment 16074294 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Minnesota absolutely dominated Canisius to close out day 1 games. Minnesota Cornell BU St. Cloud State all advance to the elite eight. Minn may be the only team who can match the talent of Michigan. Cooley, Knies, Faber, Snuggerud, etc. Today: Ohio State vs Harvard (2pm) Merrimack vs Quinnipiac (5:30pm) Michigan Tech vs Penn State (5pm) Colgate vs Michigan (8:30pm)

Go Colgate! (I just want Luke Hughes to lose so he can joint the Devils:-)

than basketball obviously but Colgate beating Michigan may not be as big an upset as FDU beating Purdue, but it would be an upset of epic proportions.

Harvard, surprisingly to some, has the most NHL draft picks of any NCAA team, but Michigan has the most talent

and has a number of teams left standing at the end. Every year that conference gets shit on and it tends to overperform.

In comment 16074347 Metnut said:

Quote:

and has a number of teams left standing at the end. Every year that conference gets shit on and it tends to overperform.

the knock is always they don't play a difficult schedule. I mean, Quinnipiac was 30 - 4 - 3 on the season.

but they do have a bunch of good teams in the conference and is always underrated.

getting smoked by Ohio State - not helping the ECAC argument - losing 8 - 0 with a half the 3rd period left.

Hopefully Sean Farrell signs an ELC with the habs in the near future, but it's why I hate drafting Harvard commits - they often complete their education.

In Buffalo. I know clinching a playoff spot in hockey is no biggie and it's been pretty much a foregone conclusion for awhile for them but it still will be a nice satisfying moment when they do it. Like for Giants fans It's been a rough decade outside of 2018.

In comment 16074843 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

getting smoked by Ohio State - not helping the ECAC argument - losing 8 - 0 with a half the 3rd period left. Hopefully Sean Farrell signs an ELC with the habs in the near future, but it's why I hate drafting Harvard commits - they often complete their education.

lol bad timing for my post

In comment 16074334 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

than basketball obviously but Colgate beating Michigan may not be as big an upset as FDU beating Purdue, but it would be an upset of epic proportions. Harvard, surprisingly to some, has the most NHL draft picks of any NCAA team, but Michigan has the most talent

Colgate has been a thorn in the side of a few good teams this year, including all three of the other ECAC entrants. It would not shock me if they pulled an upset (or if they get crushed).

Any way, Go Big Red! They played a brilliant game to knock of the defending champs yesterday.

dominated Merrimack, 4 - 0, moves on to face Ohio State (4pm Sunday) in the Bridgeport regional final.

In comment 16074954 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

dominated Merrimack, 4 - 0, moves on to face Ohio State (4pm Sunday) in the Bridgeport regional final.

5 - 0 - there was an ENG I forgot about.

All blowouts so far today.

Ohio State 8 - 1 over Harvard
Penn State 8 - 0 over Michigan Tech

Big 10 dominant so far with 3 teams in the elite 8 and can get a 4th if Michigan wins. If Colgate wins would give the ECAC 3 teams in the elite 8.

Hockey East with BU
NCHC with St. Cloud State

Michigan up 8-0 on Colgate in the 2nd. Luke Hughes with 5 points (1g 4a) so far. His future team will have to wait a night for the playoffs as the Devs play very loose early in a 5-4 loss to the Sabres.

In comment 16074989 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Michigan up 8-0 on Colgate in the 2nd. Luke Hughes with 5 points (1g 4a) so far. His future team will have to wait a night for the playoffs as the Devs play very loose early in a 5-4 loss to the Sabres.

ECAC still has 2nd most teams in the elite 8, after big 10, but this round went as I expected.

Bruins brawl at puck drop. Old school.

someone results in a Bruins power play.

was a great period in Boston, I really can't stand listening to Jack Edwards, but otherwise, such good hockey.

it's so clear a team like TBL plays down to their competition, kind of on cruise control it seems - like their loss to MTL - just have to hope they don't go to "turn it on" and find it's not there if you know what I mean. when that happens, IMO, you're team is descending. TBL may be at the pinnacle of that right now - when teams like WAS and PIT are on the way down.

1st team heading to Tampa, 2 - 1 over Cornell.

but each member of the Kid Line has a goal vs. the Panthers

Let's see if they can get right down the stretch, in a bit of rough patch the last five games.

the Pens to take advantage now of the FLA loss.

2 pts for the Pens would be good.

In comment 16075376 BH28 said:

Quote:

Let's see if they can get right down the stretch, in a bit of rough patch the last five games.

Goaltending is a concern and I have no idea why they are playing Blackwood. He looks bad again tonight.

In comment 16075403 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 16075376 BH28 said: Quote: Let's see if they can get right down the stretch, in a bit of rough patch the last five games. Goaltending is a concern and I have no idea why they are playing Blackwood. He looks bad again tonight.

I wish Blackwood would never play another meaningful game for this franchise again. Goaltending will be ok Jay. You have egregious breakdowns vs the elite skill guys Buffalo has like they did last night I don't care who's in net you're gonna struggle. Seriously even if Vanacek or Schmid get hurt I'd rather they call up Dawes from the American league over Blackwood. A huge positive is Jack the past 2 nights. He's been flying around again like the Jack we know and love.

Devils fans.

A lot to be excited about, good young core, solid nucleus and a lot to look forward to.

As mentioned I this thread (or was it a different one) goalie is my main question on the Devils.

beat St. Cloud State in a great game in the 2nd game yesterday, the Manchester, NH final.

So, Quinnipiac and Ohio State in Bridgeport (4pm)
and Penn State and Michigan in Allentown (6:30pm)

the 4 teams playing today won their sweet sixteen games by a combined 32 - 2.

If Ohio State wins, there will be 3 Big 10 teams in the frozen four.

I don't care about conferences too much, just interesting.


Some other frozen four fun facts
This is both Minnesota and BU's 23rd Frozen Four and both have 5 titles.

Michigan has the most appearances (26) and titles (9 - tied with Denver).

This would be Quinnipiac and Ohio States 3rd frozen four, neither have won the title, but Quinnipiac has appeared in the title game twice, Ohio State is 0 - 2 in frozen four appearances.

Just to get Luke Hughes up to Devils quicker.

Absolutely infuriating. How is it that you can play like he has and keep getting sent down when that sieve Blackwood actually gets healthy enough for a week to get in there and give up 4 goals a game? Vanacek is not a solid enough #1 to play most every game down the stretch and the playoffs. The Devils are gonna need a 2nd goalie and Schmid has earned it. It's absolutely infuriating.

In comment 16075636 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Absolutely infuriating. How is it that you can play like he has and keep getting sent down when that sieve Blackwood actually gets healthy enough for a week to get in there and give up 4 goals a game? Vanacek is not a solid enough #1 to play most every game down the stretch and the playoffs. The Devils are gonna need a 2nd goalie and Schmid has earned it. It's absolutely infuriating.

I hate to keep repeating myself but this is just another reason why Ruff has to go. He continues to ride with Blackwood despite the fact that Schmid has been the best goaltender this season for the Devils.

Not just that but he is so quick to bench a young player for a bad game but now that Wood is healthy again he immediately put him back in the lineup over Foote who was playing well. How did Wood respond? He had 17 penalty minutes and turned the puck over in their own zone late in the 3rd when the Devils were up by 1. He constantly commits turnovers, takes stupid penalties, and now he isn't scoring. Please explain to me why this guy continues to play?

In comment 16075517 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Devils fans. A lot to be excited about, good young core, solid nucleus and a lot to look forward to. As mentioned I this thread (or was it a different one) goalie is my main question on the Devils.

Thanks PJ, I agree with you about the goaltending. I like Vanecek and Schmid but I genuinely question if they are good enough to get this team to the stanley cup finals.

and this season is put out of its misery for habs (and other) fans, and onto the NHL 2nd season for the other half of the league.

This the past couple weeks shifted a few things, but as expected not much changed beyond some seeding.

every team has between 8 and 11 games left.

This is how the races stand:

(x) clinched playoffs, (y) clinched division
EAST
Atlantic:
BOS (y) 117 pts (10 games left)
TOR 95 pts (10 games left)
TBL 90 pts (8 games left)

Metro:
CAR (x) 102 pts (11 games left)
NJD (x) 100 pts (9 games left)
NYR 96 pts (9 games left)

Wild card:
NYI 83 pts (8 games left)
PIT 82 pts (9 games left)
FLA 79 pts (9 games left)

In the hunt (on life support):
BUF 76 pts (10 games left)
WAS 76 pts (8 games left)
OTT 75 pts (9 games left)

WEST
Central:
MIN 93 pts (9 games left)
DAL 92 pts (9 games left)
COL 90 pts (11 games left)

Pacific:
LVG 98 pts (9 games left)
LAK 94 pts (10 games left)
EDM 91 pts (9 games left)

Wild card:
SEA 88 pts (10 games left)
WIN 85 pts (8 games left)

In the hunt:
CAL 81 pts (8 games left)
NSH 80 pts (11 games left)

If Calgary misses the playoffs, 15 OT losses will be why - 7 more than the closest team they're chasing.

The Bedard sweepstakes bottom 6 is just about locked but CBK and SJS in a battle:

SJS 53 pts (9 games left) 14 RW 18 ROW
CBJ 53 pts (10 games left) 15 RW 22 ROW
CHI 54 pts (10 games left) 16 RW 22 ROW
ANA 56 pts (9 games left) 13 RW 20 ROW

MTL and ARI fighting for 5th

could mathematically catch BOS but would need basically to win all remaining games in regulation and BOS would need to lose all remaining games in regulation.

BOS will win the Presidents Cup

and both teams already allowed more goals than they did the last game.

2 - 1 Quinnipiac, heading to the PP, 5:16 left in the 1st

Quinnipiac punches their ticket to Tampa. 4 - 1 (ENG) over Ohio State

Will play the winner of Michigan vs Penn State on now.

1st period in Allentown for Michigan vs Penn State

scoreless after 1, both teams had 14 shots on net, a bunch of posts and missed nets too.

signs with Calgary (from Harvard).

Hopefully Farrell follows him to the NHL.

Calgary Flames
@NHLFlames
·
1m
Welcome to the #CofRed, @MattCoronato
🔥

somehow I missed it:

Quote:

Montreal Canadiens sign Sean Farrell to entry-level contract The NCAA star will start his professional career.

seeing a great one.

1 - 0 Penn State after 2. Weak penalty on Michigan, led to a Penn State PPG. so many shots, goalies playing great.

goalie is really good.

wins it in OT.

Michigan and Minnesota will be big favorites.

draft pick Mackie Samoskevich (from Newtown, CT) with a sick wrister to win it for Michigan.

ironically, his sister plays for Quinnipiac (per wikipedia)

win, the only team who can catch BOS for President's Trophy is CAR and CAR would need 17 out of their final 20 possible points and BOS would need to get 0 out of their final 18 possible points.

I believe BOS can clinch President's Trophy Tuesday.

Let's hope it's the cursed version.

myth.

Fluto Shinzawa
@FlutoShinzawa
·
2m
Matthew Coronato (CGY), Sean Farrell (MTL), and Henry Thrun (SJ) have signed entry-level deals. Alex Laferriere (LA) could follow.

Examining the Harvard-to-NHL pipeline.

I just hope it doesn't cost Kirby Dach. I like his game.


Marc Dumont
@MarcPDumont
·
3h
According to Elliotte Friedman, #Habs and Jets have discussed a potential Pierre-Luc Dubois trade.

"We know Dubois is going to end up there, 95 percent."

But in this case, there's no need to rush. Patience is in order for the Canadiens.

with playoff implications:

FLA @OTT
NJD @NYI

It's so hard to make up ground in the NHL

PIT has just a 3pt lead on FLA.

If PIT goes 5 - 4 down the stretch

then 6 - 3 from FLA still doesn't catch them.

they would need 6 - 2 - 1 and then would be tied

If PIT goes 6 - 3
FLA needs 7 - 1 - 1 to tie them

Need to win the winnable games, and tonight for FLA is winnable. OTT is tough, and not eliminated in their own right, but FLA should win - it's a winnable game for them - and with their talent they should win.

game if I had to guess

for FLA vs OTT

in MIN, Matthew Boldy is on fire.

very good goalie, defensively solid, have been playing well since they got Horvat at the trade deadline. Getting that 1st wildcard is very important to them so they avoid Boston. They could give Carolina a very tough time in a series

A Rangers win over CBJ means they're only 2 points back of NJ and they still play each other once

to be a first-round matchup. Highly unlikely that the Devils catch Carolina and even more unlikely the Rangers win the Metro

I've been watching a lot of hockey highlights lately and took notice that there are a lot of away fans at games. Is this a new trend or something? Holy shit. It seems like every other game is a take over by the away team.

I went to that Rangers Flyers game on 3/1 and it was packed with Ranger fans (after they got Kane) lol that stupid ass Flyers mascot was booed so loudly. I joined in.

In comment 16076694 Route 9 said:

Quote:

I've been watching a lot of hockey highlights lately and took notice that there are a lot of away fans at games. Is this a new trend or something? Holy shit. It seems like every other game is a take over by the away team. I went to that Rangers Flyers game on 3/1 and it was packed with Ranger fans (after they got Kane) lol that stupid ass Flyers mascot was booed so loudly. I joined in.

for some teams yes, especially eliminated teams where it's now easier for visiting fans to get tickets.

But Rangers fans always travel well and are one of the most popular teams nationally.

win and FLA loss here is how the East WC race looks:

NYI 85 points 7 games left
PIT 82 points 9 games left
FLA 79 points 8 games left

it would require a borderline miracle for FLA to catch NYI, but to catch PIT here is what they need.

if PIT goes 5 - 4 the rest of the way
FLA would need to go 6 - 1 - 1 just to tie

Of course PIT could fall apart and go 0 - 9, but just throwing out a decent but not great final 9 from PIT.

Remaining opponents:
PIT: Home (5) NSH,BOS,PHI,MIN,CHI, Away (4) DET,NJD,DET,CBJ
FLA: Home (4) BUF,OTT,CAR,TOR Away (4) TOR,MTL,CBJ,WAS

FLA has their work cut out for them

In comment 16076654 dpinzow said:

Quote:

to be a first-round matchup. Highly unlikely that the Devils catch Carolina and even more unlikely the Rangers win the Metro

This is not just a thing in this area. Listening to NHL radio most of the hosts have been looking forward to this being a match-up for months.

In comment 16076747 Stu11 said:

Quote:

In comment 16076654 dpinzow said: Quote: to be a first-round matchup. Highly unlikely that the Devils catch Carolina and even more unlikely the Rangers win the Metro This is not just a thing in this area. Listening to NHL radio most of the hosts have been looking forward to this being a match-up for months.

Yeah, it's basically been set since December, lol

In comment 16076752 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16076747 Stu11 said: Quote: In comment 16076654 dpinzow said: Quote: to be a first-round matchup. Highly unlikely that the Devils catch Carolina and even more unlikely the Rangers win the Metro This is not just a thing in this area. Listening to NHL radio most of the hosts have been looking forward to this being a match-up for months. Yeah, it's basically been set since December, lol

Yeah that's the strange thing with the current format. In the East its not rare for the 1st rd matchups to be set for months beforehand like Tor-TB this year and Tor-Boston for years when Tampa was dominating the division.

wins that NYR have, and only have one less regulation win than NJD has (yes, there's games in hand for both those teams over NYI). It just goes to show how much 3v3 and shootouts can end up affecting the standings.

In comment 16076888 Metnut said:

Quote:

wins that NYR have, and only have one less regulation win than NJD has (yes, there's games in hand for both those teams over NYI). It just goes to show how much 3v3 and shootouts can end up affecting the standings.

OT hurts the NYI more than shootouts.

OT/SO
NYR: 10-10/4-2
NJD: 12-8/2-4
NYI: 5-9/0-5

The shootout losses hurt, but the OT losses hurt more.

The Flames have 15 OT/SO losses - it's the difference between playoffs or not.

In comment 16077029 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16076888 Metnut said: Quote: wins that NYR have, and only have one less regulation win than NJD has (yes, there's games in hand for both those teams over NYI). It just goes to show how much 3v3 and shootouts can end up affecting the standings. OT hurts the NYI more than shootouts. OT/SO NYR: 10-10/4-2 NJD: 12-8/2-4 NYI: 5-9/0-5 The shootout losses hurt, but the OT losses hurt more. The Flames have 15 OT/SO losses - it's the difference between playoffs or not.

for the Flames that's also the cost of Gaudreau/Tkachuk vs Huberdeau/Weegar

tonight (with playoff ramifications)

PIT @DET

that's really it.

EDM and LVG in a battle of playoff teams
and
TBL vs CAR also a battle of playoff teams - with some possible seeding changes

BOS vs NSH in a chance for BOS to clinch Presidents Trophy I believe.

And President's trophy can be a curse but the winning team gets 350k (I believe) for winning it - to be split among players and personnel - so not a big payout, but I have read in the past many players forgo this payout giving more to the extended staff.

Not sure if BOS will do that.

let the Panthers off the hook, losing to DET last night.

Could have been a dagger.

games:

Big game:

FLA @TOR

Other games:
NYI @WAS -WAS on life support

MIN @COL -a ton of skill in this game

That's it for today...

in EDM showing it's not just McDavid and Draisaitl, and that is a false narrative.

Nugent-Hopkins is very likely to put up a 100 point season. he is 6th in the league right now with 96 points (off his 5 point game yesterday).

EDM has 3 of the top 6 point producers and even with a slow finish by RNH will have 3 of the top 10.

And likely will wind up with 4 players over 80 points.

The Bruins will probably end up with 1 player over 80 points and may set the modern record for wins and points.

Spittin' Chiclets
@spittinchiclets
·
3m
4 Year $4.4375M AAV extension for Chytil✍️

came up small, as usual, if i didn't know better I'd say it was intentional to try and screw the Habs, but TOR has a mentally weak history going back quite a while now.

Gave up the tying goal in the final minute and lost in OT to FLA.

NYI beat WAS basically ensuring WC2 is a battle between just PIT and FLA.

Today, FLA visits MTL, and MTL has a chance to help themselves out, though undermanned, I still expect them to try.

PIT in action too, against NSH who is fresh off a W over BOS and NSH suddenly still alive for WC2 in the West. Never know if it's good or bad when a team "sells" at the deadline and then makes the playoffs. Yeah, it's nice to get in, but if you didn't sell could you have won in the playoffs? Did you panic and let your team and fans down or did you just over-perform if there is such a thing down the stretch?

No other games with real playoff implications tonight except SEA hosting ANA - and SEA is one of the teams NSH is battling for WC2

about the Devils yoy change. It's funny NYR fans used to complain incessantly about Lindy Ruff's defensive system, lol. I could never understand what they thought Ruff implemented to cause Dan Girardi to be so slow or Marc Staal to turn the puck over.

I'm not a big fan of Ruff as a coach, but this should show at least the NYR defensive woes under Ruff were not on the "defense coach" - which I still don't really know what that role does except maybe define the pairs and line changes.

Quote:

Meghan Chayka @MeghanChayka · 15h Had to take a peak at the @NJDevils year over year.

In comment 16078177 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

about the Devils yoy change. It's funny NYR fans used to complain incessantly about Lindy Ruff's defensive system, lol. I could never understand what they thought Ruff implemented to cause Dan Girardi to be so slow or Marc Staal to turn the puck over. I'm not a big fan of Ruff as a coach, but this should show at least the NYR defensive woes under Ruff were not on the "defense coach" - which I still don't really know what that role does except maybe define the pairs and line changes. Quote: Meghan Chayka @MeghanChayka · 15h Had to take a peak at the @NJDevils year over year.

Great post PJ thanks. Yeah Jay and I have made our feelings clear on Ruff, however he needs to get credit for this season. When the team loses the coach gets the blame so when they win he needs to get credit. The advance stats totally prove what Jay and I said last year all season. If the Devils can just get league average goaltending they could win. The GT was basically league worst last year. Well this year its basically league avg by expected save % and vauala. Now I don't think Jay and I thought we'd be this good, but it shows how important GT is.
Also an interesting point on tanking and lottery position. The year the Devils won Jack in the lottery in game 82 they beat Florida in OT on a Zajac goal and we were all pulling our hair out because we passed a team in the standings by winning that game (I believe it was LA but I may be wrong). Well it turns out that won the lottery for us because that position came up in the ball machine. Now I know its a bit different now because they have increased the odds for the worst team winning the lottery, but its just something to keep in mind when you start wringing your hands over winning a game here late.

I'm not a fan of Ruff as an NHL coach - epitome of a retread. Never know though, at some point talent wins and the Devils have enough talent to win (depending on goalie as we all agree)

but I doubt he hurt the Rangers defense. I believe it's the head coach who defines "the system" and it's not like the NFL with an OC and DC, it's one system that includes the forwards and D acting in conjunction.

teams have unique PP's and PK's and set plays off faceoffs, but I don't think the D coach says "D - do this" and the forward coach has the forwards do something else.

In hockey. I think a good defensive asst coach like a Scott Stevens or Larry Robinson can assist in positioning and improve the overall level of play of your team D, but he won't make or break it. I agree the one area where asst coaches make a difference is special teams because your talking about a more narrowly defined set of skills that dictate success in those areas.

too much on this (others feel free) since it's probably a combustible topic, but the NHL is canceling pride nights due to players refusing to wear the shirts.

The funniest comment I heard about this came from Eric Staal (? one of the Staals) who refused to wear a shirt this year, but has in the past and when asked by someone about the change in heart he claimed the prior time he thought it was "skittles night" he was not aware it was pride night.

In comment 16078173 pjcas18 said:

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came up small, as usual, if i didn't know better I'd say it was intentional to try and screw the Habs, but TOR has a mentally weak history going back quite a while now. Gave up the tying goal in the final minute and lost in OT to FLA. NYI beat WAS basically ensuring WC2 is a battle between just PIT and FLA. Today, FLA visits MTL, and MTL has a chance to help themselves out, though undermanned, I still expect them to try. PIT in action too, against NSH who is fresh off a W over BOS and NSH suddenly still alive for WC2 in the West. Never know if it's good or bad when a team "sells" at the deadline and then makes the playoffs. Yeah, it's nice to get in, but if you didn't sell could you have won in the playoffs? Did you panic and let your team and fans down or did you just over-perform if there is such a thing down the stretch? No other games with real playoff implications tonight except SEA hosting ANA - and SEA is one of the teams NSH is battling for WC2

Hey PJ, I didn’t see the game last night but my brother tells me Giordano’s penalty with 2 minutes left in the game was not his fault and almost saved the game for the Leafs. I was shaking my head over that comment because Fl scored a PP goal after pulling the goalie combined with the man advantage…it was 6 skaters vs. 4 skaters….Florida pressure for over a minute finally broke through.

Is my brother right? Was it a good penalty and would Fl have scored if Giordano didn’t hook the Fl guy? If you didn’t see the game, never mind…..

In comment 16078639 5BowlsSoon said:

Quote:

In comment 16078173 pjcas18 said: Quote: came up small, as usual, if i didn't know better I'd say it was intentional to try and screw the Habs, but TOR has a mentally weak history going back quite a while now. Gave up the tying goal in the final minute and lost in OT to FLA. NYI beat WAS basically ensuring WC2 is a battle between just PIT and FLA. Today, FLA visits MTL, and MTL has a chance to help themselves out, though undermanned, I still expect them to try. PIT in action too, against NSH who is fresh off a W over BOS and NSH suddenly still alive for WC2 in the West. Never know if it's good or bad when a team "sells" at the deadline and then makes the playoffs. Yeah, it's nice to get in, but if you didn't sell could you have won in the playoffs? Did you panic and let your team and fans down or did you just over-perform if there is such a thing down the stretch? No other games with real playoff implications tonight except SEA hosting ANA - and SEA is one of the teams NSH is battling for WC2 Hey PJ, I didn’t see the game last night but my brother tells me Giordano’s penalty with 2 minutes left in the game was not his fault and almost saved the game for the Leafs. I was shaking my head over that comment because Fl scored a PP goal after pulling the goalie combined with the man advantage…it was 6 skaters vs. 4 skaters….Florida pressure for over a minute finally broke through. Is my brother right? Was it a good penalty and would Fl have scored if Giordano didn’t hook the Fl guy? If you didn’t see the game, never mind…..

I was watching the game, but not closely. I honestly could not say if the call was bad or not, if you find your brother to be fair about things and generally not a homer (assuming he's a Leafs fan) I'd trust him on it.

In comment 16078652 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16078639 5BowlsSoon said: Quote: In comment 16078173 pjcas18 said: Quote: came up small, as usual, if i didn't know better I'd say it was intentional to try and screw the Habs, but TOR has a mentally weak history going back quite a while now. Gave up the tying goal in the final minute and lost in OT to FLA. NYI beat WAS basically ensuring WC2 is a battle between just PIT and FLA. Today, FLA visits MTL, and MTL has a chance to help themselves out, though undermanned, I still expect them to try. PIT in action too, against NSH who is fresh off a W over BOS and NSH suddenly still alive for WC2 in the West. Never know if it's good or bad when a team "sells" at the deadline and then makes the playoffs. Yeah, it's nice to get in, but if you didn't sell could you have won in the playoffs? Did you panic and let your team and fans down or did you just over-perform if there is such a thing down the stretch? No other games with real playoff implications tonight except SEA hosting ANA - and SEA is one of the teams NSH is battling for WC2 Hey PJ, I didn’t see the game last night but my brother tells me Giordano’s penalty with 2 minutes left in the game was not his fault and almost saved the game for the Leafs. I was shaking my head over that comment because Fl scored a PP goal after pulling the goalie combined with the man advantage…it was 6 skaters vs. 4 skaters….Florida pressure for over a minute finally broke through. Is my brother right? Was it a good penalty and would Fl have scored if Giordano didn’t hook the Fl guy? If you didn’t see the game, never mind….. I was watching the game, but not closely. I honestly could not say if the call was bad or not, if you find your brother to be fair about things and generally not a homer (assuming he's a Leafs fan) I'd trust him on it.

Trusting my older brother is not always an easy thing….I’m just can’t understand why he would not provide details as to why I should feel good about a guy getting a penalty with 2+ minutes left that would give FL a 2 man advantage when they pull the goalie. All he would say is “his penalty saved us a goal”…..when I asked him to be more specific, he wouldn’t. He wasn’t saying it was a bad call by the ref….he was saying Giordano saved a goal by hooking that FL player.

My brother loves Gio so much, I don’t think it’s possible for him to be unbiased, so I was merely looking to hear an “objective” perspective. The discussion started when i found fault with his man for getting a penalty with a little over 2 minutes remaining. He took,issue with that remark.

No big deal….just two brothers doing what brothers do…not agree….

Cooley and Knies the Hobey Baker finalists.

Fantilli - (2023 draft eligible), projected to go just after Bedard, plays for Michigan next weekend in the Frozen Four

Cooley (2022 #3 ARI) plays for Minnesota next weekend in the Frozen Four

Knies (2021 #57 TOR) plays for Minnesota next weekend in the Frozen Four

I do think it will wind up Minnesota (vs BU) vs Michigan (vs Quinnipiac) in the finals and this has got to be a record if that happens (I hope it doesn't) for the three Hobey Baker finalists to be on the ice together for the National Title.

tonight.

FLA and PIT both won last night

Panthers have 6 left Pens have 7 and a 1 point lead.

this will come down to the wire.

Season ends April 14th, but neither PIT or FLA play the final day, they both end the day before.

It may come down to Thursday the 13th

CAR @FLA (with CAR likely having nothing to play for)
PIT @CBJ (with CBJ obviously having nothing to play for except maybe last place)

Toews returning to CHI lineup Saturday.

Didn't expect that. Good to see he has sorted out his COVID issues. He will reportedly decide on his future after the season.

(?) if I am using that word right, Saturday of the season.

And it's a big one. If there is an obvious day FLA will over take PIT it is today.

PIT vs BOS
FLA @ CBJ

Just 1 pt separate the two teams. PIT has a game in hand but the harder schedule (and the worse team)

Other games of note (and also notable only 1 team in the West has clinched a playoff spot LVG)

EDM, on fire since I started this thread, can clinch today.

CAL and WIN turned into a real WC battle. I guess that CAL and FLA personnel swap wound up about neutral all things considered since both teams are in similar situation fighting for the final WC spot). Neither one is active today, but both play tomorrow.

I thought this meant….the episode BEFORE the finale.

In comment 16079771 5BowlsSoon said:

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I thought this meant….the episode BEFORE the finale.

Yeah me too, so I thought that I meant I could use the word to indicate this is the second to last Saturday of the season.

if not, that's what this is, lol.

Quote:

NHL.com @NHLdotcom · 12s Mathew Barzal will skate this weekend for the first time since sustaining a lower-body injury.

If he is in any kind of hockey shape this changes things. that #2 seed is not that desirable IMO if NYI are locked in as the #7 in the first place, but with a healthy Barzal it gets worse.

for the final two weeks:

Currently at 144 points, could become the first player with 150 points since Lemieux in 1995-1996 and become just the 6th player to eclipse the elusive 150 point mark (Gretzky (9 times), Lemieux (4 times) and Espo, Yzerman and Nicholls once each)

* and holy shit at Gretzky doing it 9 times.

If he hits 65 goals (4 more) it would be the highest season goal total since Ovi's 65 in 2007-2008

He needs to win in the post-season to cement his legacy.

takes care of business with a 6 - 1 crushing of the Blues.

NSH now 3 pts behind WIN with a game in hand.

Tough to leapfrog them and CAL is in between but as a deadline "seller" it's a lot to be positive about as a fan

loses their game in hand today as they lost to BOS 4-3. after tying it up 3 times a clearing attempt with 2 min left hit the ref and wound up on Pasta's stick for the go ahead with 2 min left. Pens couldn't tie it back up.

Pasta had a hat trick, 56 goals for him now on the season and if McDavid weren't in the league Pasta would be in the running for a lot of awards that he won't get now. I bet people said that a lot in the Gretzky era.

In comment 16079946 pjcas18 said:

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loses their game in hand today as they lost to BOS 4-3. after tying it up 3 times a clearing attempt with 2 min left hit the ref and wound up on Pasta's stick for the go ahead with 2 min left. Pens couldn't tie it back up. Pasta had a hat trick, 56 goals for him now on the season and if McDavid weren't in the league Pasta would be in the running for a lot of awards that he won't get now. I bet people said that a lot in the Gretzky era.

I was thinking about this the other day. I felt bad for Jack Hughes because if McDavid stays healthy Hughes will never win an MVP award.

In comment 16079969 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 16079946 pjcas18 said: Quote: loses their game in hand today as they lost to BOS 4-3. after tying it up 3 times a clearing attempt with 2 min left hit the ref and wound up on Pasta's stick for the go ahead with 2 min left. Pens couldn't tie it back up. Pasta had a hat trick, 56 goals for him now on the season and if McDavid weren't in the league Pasta would be in the running for a lot of awards that he won't get now. I bet people said that a lot in the Gretzky era. I was thinking about this the other day. I felt bad for Jack Hughes because if McDavid stays healthy Hughes will never win an MVP award.

Good news for Hughes is he's 5 years younger than McDavid so if Hughes elevates a little and stays consistent maybe the torch gets passed. Pastrnak and McDavid are the same age.

Hughes might get snubbed by McDavid and then Bedard (obviously some projection on Bedard and actually, lol, this whole post has a lot of projection) - but if that happens Hughes has a case for worst timing for a career.

has leapfrogged PIT in the WC race.

PIT re-gained their GIH and use it today vs PHI, do or die, PIT loses that game it could be the coup de grace.

NYI vs CAR in what could be a 1st round playoff matchup on the schedule today

NJD can catch CAR, closing that gap to 1 point (CAR has a GIH)

BOS can get their 60th win today, they are just a juggernaut who hopefully has peaked in the regular season.

NHL record for most wins in a seasons is 62 (1995 DET, and 2018 TBL), BOS need to win 4 of their final 6 to set the record.

And has become an absolute force on the ice the past 10 days or so. It's interesting with positioning in the Metro. I'm not as hung up on where the Devs finish, I just want to finish strong and let the chips fall where they may. 1st place is nice because you get home ice the first 2 rds if you win the 1st Rd. As far as 1st Rd matchups go it looks like a good chance its the metro area for the Devs no matter what whether it's the Rangers or Isles. Pittsburgh or Florida could finish ahead of the Isles. The Isles appear to matchup better against the Devs, but that's the regular season and things change in the playoffs. The Rangers like to skate with the Devs, whereas the Isles play a little more defensive. This past Monday I was surprised by the Isles willingness to stretch the ice and play the transition game. Oh well back to what I said, I just want the Devs to play well these last 6 games and whomever we play in the 1st Rd we play. No matter who it will be a really tough fight.

Calgary is playing Anaheim and is only 2 pts back with the same amount of games played(Winnipeg easily has the tie breaker). Nashville lurks 3 back with a game in hand. Winnipeg really needs this one. I expect them to come out desperate.

Might be more than what Boston was hoping for.

In comment 16080164 5BowlsSoon said:

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Might be more than what Boston was hoping for.

Yeah I agree not that Boston is terrified of anyone especially in the 1st Rd, but Florida does present the toughest matchup talent wise that they'd be looking at.

knows the Pens have a fork sticking in their back, I'm surprised they were buyers at the deadline, but I guess when you extend Crosby, Malkin and Letang you have to be to an extent.

If they were being honest I'd say every playoff team is hoping FLA doesn't get in.

gave BOS a battle, tying it up with 20 seconds left and dodging an Orlov bullet in OT, but B's win in a shootout.

One win closer, though this highlights a false historical comparison since there was no shootout prior to 2005.

Either way that team is a machine. they rest players, they have a couple on LTIR, doesn't matter.

before but I don't remember ever seeing it.

Shot from the slot over the net off the glass rebounds back toward play and off the goalies back and in the net.
link - ( New Window )

on, leapfrog back over FLA by a point, both with 5 games left.

I would not be confident if I were a Pens fan right now.

Are no longer a lock to make the playoffs. This is getting better and more interesting every passing day.

since while seeding may change, no WC team is likely to move out of the WC

EAST
NYI 87pts 78 games played (vs TBL, vs PHI, @WAS, vs MTL 4/12 finish)

PIT 86pts 77 games played (@NJD, vs MIN, @DET, vs CHI, @CBJ 4/13 finish)

FLA 85pts 77 games played (vs BUF, vs OTT, @WAS, vs TOR, vs CAR 4/13 finish)

WEST
SEA 90pts 75 games played (vs ARI, @VAN, vs ARI, vs CHI, @ARI, @LVG, vs LVG 4/13 finish)

WIN 89pts 77 games played (vs CAL, vs NSH, vs SJS, @ MIN, @ COL 4/13 finish)

CAL 87pts 77 games played (vs CHI, @WIN, @VAN, vs NSH, vs SJS 4/12 finish)

NSH 84pts 75 games played (@DAL, vs LVG, vs CAR, @WIN, @CAL, vs MIN, vs COL 4/14 finish)

PIT has the toughest over the next two games - FL has a tough final two but my guess those teams are resting guys then.

but BUF and OTT are not laying down, just having them at home is helpful.

Both PIT and FLA will need to earn it IMO.

Yes, it'll be a fun final few games. Buffalo is a tough team.

I think Paul Maurice sucks, by the way.

another epitome of an NHL retread with no brilliant track record of success.

25 years coaching, 1 SC finals, 2 1st place finishes.

I think he's won like 2 or 3 playoff series other than the EC champs year with CAR.

yet he keeps getting jobs.

But it's super tight. Also I wouldn't completely count out Buffalo. At 81 points they've only played 75 games and they're on a roll suddenly. They've been very streaky all year. Huge game at Florida for them tomorrow. It's a must win because next week they play the Canes, Rangers, Devs 3 in a row which is brutal. Will bringing Levi up give them a sudden boost in net?

today.

East
PIT @NJD
BUF @FLA

PIT holds a point lead on FLA and 4 pt lead on BUF (who has 2 games in hand on both)

West
CHI @CAL
LVS @NSH

WIN has a 2pt lead on CAL for WC2 and a 5 pt lead on NSH (NSH has 1 game in hand)

COL can clinch tonight and if they do then the only playoff spots not clinched yet are the WCs. Still some jockeying for position

getting smoked by NJD and FLA just took the lead over BUF in the 3rd.

if this stands, FLA leap frogs PIT and the Pens will be on life support.

they are not a good team.

In comment 16082048 pjcas18 said:

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getting smoked by NJD and FLA just took the lead over BUF in the 3rd. if this stands, FLA leap frogs PIT and the Pens will be on life support. they are not a good team.

Pittsburgh brought absolutely nothing tonight. Florida looks real tough right now. Journeyman jag goalie Alex Lyon has had the 4 game run of his life and no way does Boston want to see them. They leapfrogged Pitt and are now tied with the Isles for WC1 spot. Dawson Mercer with a hatrick now has 27 goals. If he gets 30 that would make 5 30 goal scorers for the Devs- Jack, Bratt,Timo, Nico being the other 4. That's fire power.

letang has been playing almost 30 mpg for a few weeks now. i dont know if they have enough beyond those top handful of guys to scare anyone in the playoffs but their last 4 games are all winnable.

isles got smoked by tampa and then lost a tough one on the b2b vs carolina but they need to get locked back in. they have to win the tampa game with them on the back end of a road b2b. barzal skating again but not sure when he'll be back on the ice, but they need him esp on pp.

panthers have the toughest 4 games left but obviously on the winning streak.

i think nyi/fl are the 2 best teams but wouldn't be surprised with any outcome.

EAST
I think the Atlantic is all but locked:
Atlantic
1. BOS 125pts (5 games left)
2. TOR 102pts (5 games left)
3. TBL 96pts (5 games left)

TBL can catch TOR, but that just flips home ice and it's unlikely they catch them.

Metro
1. CAR 109pts (5 games left)
2. NJD 106pts (4 games left)
3. NYR 101pts (5 games left)

All 6 teams have clinched playoff spots, Bruins clinched President's Trophy

WC:
1. FLA 87pts (4 games left)
2. NYI 87pts (4 games left)
3. PIT 86pts (4 games left)

BUF and OTT on life support 6pts back of FLA/NYI though BUF does have 6 games left

WEST:
Central is f-ing wild, all three times locked up at 98pts (COL more games left)

1. COL 98pts (6 games left)
2. DAL 98pts (5 games left)
3. MIN 98pts (5 games left)

I think when I started this thread a month ago COL was fighting for a WC spot 7 points behind DAL.

Pacific
1. LVG 104pts (4 games left)
2. EDM 101pts (4 games left)
3. LAK 100pts (4 games left)

All 6 teams have clinched playoff spots, seeding still TBD

WC:
1. SEA 94pts (5 games left)
2. WIN 89pts (5 games left)
3. CAL 87pts (4 games left)
4. NSH 86pts (5 games left)

Should be great battles down the stretch for seeding and WC's.

One thing FLA now has going against them is the races have tightened and CAR now may need to win to keep the 2 seed, though not sure anyone wants to play FLA or NYI. The East is insane, 8 - 10 good teams, no cupcakes for the 1/2 seeds.

Beat either Bruins or Carolina in round 1….dislike them both.

hard to believe MacKinnon reached 100 points.

He missed the first couple weeks with injury.

And Draisaitl doesn't get talked about enough. He's not a Kurri to Gretzky, he's more like a Messier.

Matthew Tkachuk to the list of players who would be considered for Hart trophy if McDavid was not in the league.

I have to look it up but he has a shot at 100 points and 100 PIMs. Not sure that's been done. Probably, but not sure.

Still a throwback player even if he's not the first.

Ok, I looked it up, and if I read it right the last time it's been done was 1991-1992 Kevin Stevens. 123 points and a whopping 254 PIMs.

Messier did it a few times.

Fleury, Coffey, Clarke Ciccarelli, Orr, Barber and a few others.

He needs 8 PIMs the rest of the way to do it.

CAL @WIN (just two pts separate them in WC2 standings - WIN has a game in hand) Should be like a playoff game

EDD @ANA, EDM can still be a WC so they can't take ANA lightly

TBL @NYR should be a walk through

In comment 16082319 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Matthew Tkachuk to the list of players who would be considered for Hart trophy if McDavid was not in the league. I have to look it up but he has a shot at 100 points and 100 PIMs. Not sure that's been done. Probably, but not sure. Still a throwback player even if he's not the first. Ok, I looked it up, and if I read it right the last time it's been done was 1991-1992 Kevin Stevens. 123 points and a whopping 254 PIMs. Messier did it a few times. Fleury, Coffey, Clarke Ciccarelli, Orr, Barber and a few others. He needs 8 PIMs the rest of the way to do it.

That trade is a fascinating one that we could hash over for years. Obviously in the long run it's a solid deal for Florida as Tkatchuk is elite and so young. However in the short term they are definitely worse than last year as Huberdeau was a 100 PT guy and Weegar is a top pairing dman. Going forward who knows what Huberdeau will be as he has been absolutely awful this year.

set back in 2000 (111). They are also 2 wins away from the franchise high of 51 back in 2008.

And they probably won't even win the division which is crazy.

games (there were only 3).

I doubt the NYR or NJD will catch CAR so basically they're playing for home ice.

NYR 3pts back with 4 to play.

In the West CAL tied up WIN with 89pts for WC2, WIN has a game in hand and owns the tiebreaker I believe (it's RW then ROW).

NSH still pulling a new kids 3pts back with two games in hand on both CAL and WIN.

It's basically 2 spots for 3 teams in each conference.

Todays consequential games:

MIN @PIT It's basically do or die for PIT.
OTT @FLA
TBL @NYI
CAR @NSH

Three way tie at the bottom (56 pts) for CBJ, ANA and CHI - ANA has played 1 more game. SJS 4 pts back and I doubt can catch them for "top 3" and MTL in a "battle" for 5th with ARI. Both have 4 games left, MTL has 66pts, ARI has 67.

Coming in last I think just gives that team a 25.5% shot at top pick. Which are the best odds obviously, but no way guarantees it.

resumes tonight in Tampa.

Minnesota vs BU (5pm)
Michigan vs Quinnipiac (8:30)

Both games on ESPN2.

Minnesota and Michigan should be heavily favored IMO.

I like watching Lane Hutson (MTL) from BU. They claim he grew two inches and is now 5' 9" (says 5' 10" on the BU wensite), I'm skeptical, but that changes a lot IMO. I felt like at 5' 7" it's just too small to be an NHL D. Even if he had off the charts IQ and great hands/moves, but those two inches matter IMO.

BU also has Luke Tuch ((Alex's brother, also a habs prospect) and more, but nothing like MINN or MICH

Minnesota is loaded with Knies, Cooley, Faber, Chesley, Snuggerud, Pitlick, the Mittelstadt twins, etc.

Michigan is loaded too.

Hughes, Fantilli, McGroarty, Brindley, Samoskevich, Casey, Duke, Nazar

these are basically all-star teams (much more so than Quinnipiac or BU)

In comment 16082319 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Matthew Tkachuk to the list of players who would be considered for Hart trophy if McDavid was not in the league. I have to look it up but he has a shot at 100 points and 100 PIMs. Not sure that's been done. Probably, but not sure. Still a throwback player even if he's not the first. Ok, I looked it up, and if I read it right the last time it's been done was 1991-1992 Kevin Stevens. 123 points and a whopping 254 PIMs. Messier did it a few times. Fleury, Coffey, Clarke Ciccarelli, Orr, Barber and a few others. He needs 8 PIMs the rest of the way to do it.

Rick Tocchet had 109 points and 252 PIMs in 1993. Shanahan is the only other guy I could find with 100 pts/200 PIMs (102 and 211).

Lindros did it once, 116 points and 163 PIMs. Forsberg came close once (three points short), so did Bernie Nicholls (four PIMs short). Gilmour did it a couple of times, as did Dave Taylor. Jeremy Roenick once. Gordie Howe scored 100 multiple times and racked up over 100 PIMs multiple times, but never in the same season.

It's not quite as uncommon as I would have assumed, although virtually all of them came in a span of about 20 seasons from 1975 to 1995.

doesn't get enough credit these days IMO because of his off-field issues, but he was a real "old time hockey" guy.

And may be the most famous player I played against (in squirts or pee wees I forget - so U10 or U12 - where talent doesn't always stay with you - what i mean is the best kids at 10 or 12 often wash out).

He is a year ahead of me in sports and he played for Ridgefield, CT for a few years.

He played defense. He was the best player I'd ever seen. it was fun to watch (lol).

I missed Leetch, Janney, and a couple more New England guys by a year or two.

I had on Game 6 from 2010 of the SCF playing on my TV the other night. Jeremy Roenick crying over the Blackhawks winning the cup lol

In comment 16083242 Route 9 said:

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I had on Game 6 from 2010 of the SCF playing on my TV the other night. Jeremy Roenick crying over the Blackhawks winning the cup lol

I loved that. Shows how much it means to some of these players. I think it was both tears of joy and tears of frustration showing how much pressure these players put on themselves. When he was talking about the kid who was crying when Roenick's team lost and now he can celebrate (or whatever he said) that's deep stuff and it's real and I loved it.

In comment 16083251 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16083242 Route 9 said: Quote: I had on Game 6 from 2010 of the SCF playing on my TV the other night. Jeremy Roenick crying over the Blackhawks winning the cup lol I loved that. Shows how much it means to some of these players. I think it was both tears of joy and tears of frustration showing how much pressure these players put on themselves. When he was talking about the kid who was crying when Roenick's team lost and now he can celebrate (or whatever he said) that's deep stuff and it's real and I loved it.

It really means so much to hockey players. Not so much for "their legacy" or how it will change their perception on ESPN first take the next day. It truly means so much to them. It's the holy grail. When the Devils won their 1st one in '95 Mike Peluso was openly sobbing on the bench like a baby while the last few minutes of the game was going on. I've never seen anything like it.

Cringe

Now I got the 2009 playoffs on the screen. Penguins vs Red Wings game 6.


Hope the Penguins do not make the playoffs this year. They can the Capitals are cry together.

They can go cry with the Capitals LOL

In comment 16083316 Route 9 said:

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Now I got the 2009 playoffs on the screen. Penguins vs Red Wings game 6. Hope the Penguins do not make the playoffs this year. They can the Capitals are cry together.

I was a year late with my Caps and Pens predictions - I had them both missing the playoffs last year too. I think they are both going to be in rebuild mode.

No clue why PIT thought it made sense to extend Crosby, Malkin and Letang.

WAS will have to hang on to Ovi until he breaks Gretzky's record, so they have less baggage, but not a ton of talent other than a handful of players.

In comment 16083307 Route 9 said:

Quote:

Cringe

I don't find honest emotion to be cringe, maybe looking back he would have wished that moment was private. But unless you think he was faking for the cameras or to get "clicks" why is that cringe? it's human emotion. Not typical of a broadcaster on a national crew.

I found the Nagano Olympics a Roenick cringe moment. This, I found to be raw human emotion and no issue from me.

all over BU to start - the first half of the first period was a barrage, BU goalie keeps the gophers off the board and as you would expect a BU goal off a shot/rebound.

MIN picking up their barrage now, but down 1 - 0

PP goals by MIN - the second one pretty slick.

MIN 2 - 1, under 4 in the 1st.

You've got to keep up a certain level of professionalism, no? I'm not saying he made it about himself or anything, but it did look a tad silly on my end. Not really my thing.

In comment 16083407 Route 9 said:

Quote:

You've got to keep up a certain level of professionalism, no? I'm not saying he made it about himself or anything, but it did look a tad silly on my end. Not really my thing.

Of course, like I said, I think in hindsight he wishes it was private or he was more composed, but I just think it was emotions. and I have no issue with it. It wasn't homerism, spite, vindictiveness, or other stuff you sometimes get from a former player or fan/broadcaster, it was just raw emotion.

But if people do find it cringe or unprofessional, that's their right.

and maybe Pittsburgh is doing that old Red Wings thing? Keeping around the old timers for 20 years?

had a goal called back for goalie interference (weak IMO) and BU with a PP goal, we're tied halfway through.

BU pushing back, now leads in shots, but MIN still has better chances - a couple posts, a couple missed empty nets and they let BU hang around.

Luke Mittlestadt put MIN up by 2 with 8 left.

MIN pulling away, BU needs a miracle.

(who cares at this point) Savard out for the season with groin surgery.

MTL set a record for most man games lost in one season.

Players lost for the season or significant time
Carey Price (missed all 82)
Paul Byron (missed all 82)
Sean Monahan (missed 57 games)
Brendan Gallagher (missed 49 games)
Juraj Slafkovsky (missed 44 games)
Joel Armia (missed 43 games)
Mike Matheson (missed 40 games)
Cole Caufield (missed 38 games)
Kaiden Guhle (missed 38 games)
Arber Xhekaj (missed 31 games)
Jonathan Drouin (missed 28 games)
Joel Edmundsomn (missed 25 games)
Kirby Dach (missed 25 games)
David Savard (missed 20 games)
Christian Dvorak (missed 18 games)
Jordan Harris (missed 18 games)
Josh Anderson (missed 15 games)

None of those guys were backups/replacements - they all made the team out of camp - many of the backups were injured too.

this is NY Giants like. I wonder if its the ice surface. (/sarcasm)

Only 3 players on the opening day roster played over 65 games (80% of the season). Nick Suzuki, Josh Anderson, Jonathan Kovacevik (3rd pair D)

that's it.

For reference, the Rangers were one of the healthiest teams and they had 13 players play over 75 games.

on the board first.

1 - 0 over Michigan

90 seconds when Seamus Casey got behind the D to tie it up

used their veteran presence to own the puck, got a breakaway to take the lead 2 - 1.

Seamus Casey Michigan's best player.

Quinnipiac playing like they do - defense first.

Michigan just tied it up on a great pass from Luke Hughes to Fantilli.

The game is free on espn.com to those interested.

tied up heading to the 3rd.

teams "held serve" in the WC race.

PIT, NYI, FLA all won, BUF even won in a SO.

3 games left and 1 point separates three teams

like another Quinnipiac goal off the back of the Michigan goalie.

3 - 2 Quinnipiac

both those off the goalie goals were intentional.

I wonder if they saw him creeping out to the edge of the blue paint and noticed the space there.

Rangers tie it just to blow it in OT

is a FA after the end of the tournament. He has already spoken to several teams according to the announcers. He is impressive and I hope that the Devils attempt to sign him to add to the goalie pipeline.

up 2, looked like a softie. 7 min left.

will be a Devil tomorrow.

In comment 16083517 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

is a FA after the end of the tournament. He has already spoken to several teams according to the announcers. He is impressive and I hope that the Devils attempt to sign him to add to the goalie pipeline.

So many people feel the need to qualify his stats with "he plays an ECAC schedule" and "Quinnipiac plays a defensive system" - so I don't know how good he is from a next level standpoint, but he's been great at Quinnipiac other than last year vs Michigan - that soft first goal set the tone.

could be a huge blow to the Avs

pulls off the upset - they're going to the title game.

Just basically iced it with an ENG

If the devils can beat Boston on Saturday, Carolina becomes even in games on Monday. If they are still within a point after Monday, they have a shot at the Metro, IMO.

In comment 16083536 BH28 said:

Quote:

If the devils can beat Boston on Saturday, Carolina becomes even in games on Monday. If they are still within a point after Monday, they have a shot at the Metro, IMO.

As a hockey fan, you'd have to want the Devils to win the division, right?

If Isles keep WC1 it becomes a local battle and then you have Carolina vs NYR which is a phenomenal series. If Rangers win, the 2nd round also becomes an all NY/NJ affair

coming up (Captain obvious?) the final weekend of the season. Regular season ends a week from today.

Here is how things stand:

EAST
Atlantic (wrapped up - no more movement)
BOS: 127 pts clinched president's trophy/ 1 Seed
TOR: 103 pts clinched home ice vs TBL
TBL: 96 pts clinched Atlantic 3 seed

Metro (the three teams are locked, but seeding is not)
CAR: 109pts 4 games left
NJD: 108pts 3 games left
NYR: 104pts 3 games left

Wild Card
FLA: 89pts 3 games left
NYI: 89pts 3 games left
PIT: 88pts 3 games left
BUF: on life support 83 pts 5 games left

WEST
Central (teams are locked, seeds are not)
COL: 100pts 5 games left
DAL: 100pts 4 games left
MIN: 98pts 4 games left

Pacific
LVG: 106pts 3 games left
EDM: 103pts 3 games left
LAK: 100pts 3 games left

Wild card:
SEA: 96pts 4 games left (could still sneak into pacific 3 seed)
WIN: 89pts 4 games left
CAL: 89pts 3 games left
NSH: 88pts 4 games left

the WC battles will be fun to watch

Big games Sat (no games today and just a couple mostly inconsequential games Sunday unless Boston ties the wins record on Sunday - then good for them):
SAT
CAR @BUF
PIT @DET
NSH @WIN
FLA @WAS
PHI @NYI
NJD @BOS (NJD for division, BOS for wins/pts record)
CAL @VAN
CHI @SEA
COL @LAK

Checking for official confirmation that Luke Hughes has signed with the Devils.

In comment 16083710 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

Checking for official confirmation that Luke Hughes has signed with the Devils.

I was wondering what he would do. He (Hughes), Fantilli, McGroarty, Brindley, Duke, Casey, Nazar, etc.

would they try and go back after a disappointing end to the season and try and win a title or go pro. Knies and Faber went back to win a title and they're a game away from doing it.

In comment 16083710 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

Checking for official confirmation that Luke Hughes has signed with the Devils.

Haha same here Jay. I know Columbus put nothing in the neighborhood of an NHL product on the ice last night but good to see Jack flying again. He's at 95 points now. He'll get Elias' 96 point Devils record, but I'd love to see him go off the last 3 games, get 5 points and amazingly only be the first Devil to get to 100. with a 4 point lead on the Rangers its looking real good for 2nd. I do think they have a legit shot at 1st if Carolina loses in Buffalo tomorrow afternoon. It will take beating Boston though. After that we finish with Buffalo home and away Washington. Carolina without Svesh has struggled to score. I think the Rangers would 100x rather see them in the 1st rd over the Devs.

Tuesday they lose at home in regulation to the AHL Blackhawks, then waltz into Winnipeg the next night and take out the Jets 3-1. They have lost a bunch of games this year in mind numbing fashion. Whomever grabs WC2 them, the Jets or even Nashville will be no picnic for the 1 seed Vegas or Edmonton. Nasville and Winnipeg have elite goaltending, and Calgary has all kinds of talent. the juicy part about the 3 team race is the Nashville has a game left against both Winnipeg and Calgary. The WC races in both conferences are really good.

In comment 16083770 Stu11 said:

Quote:

In comment 16083710 Jay on the Island said: Quote: Checking for official confirmation that Luke Hughes has signed with the Devils. Haha same here Jay. I know Columbus put nothing in the neighborhood of an NHL product on the ice last night but good to see Jack flying again. He's at 95 points now. He'll get Elias' 96 point Devils record, but I'd love to see him go off the last 3 games, get 5 points and amazingly only be the first Devil to get to 100. with a 4 point lead on the Rangers its looking real good for 2nd. I do think they have a legit shot at 1st if Carolina loses in Buffalo tomorrow afternoon. It will take beating Boston though. After that we finish with Buffalo home and away Washington. Carolina without Svesh has struggled to score. I think the Rangers would 100x rather see them in the 1st rd over the Devs.

Luke is coming up tomorrow per NJ.com

probably the equivalent to moving day in a golf tournament.

Here are the notable games

CAR @BUF
PIT @DET

ANA @ ARI (last place implications)
NSH @WIN
FLA @WAS
PHI @NYI
NJD @BOS
CAL @VAN
COL @LAK


Plus not to mention the NCAA Frozen Four National Championship between Quinnipiac and Minnesota 8pm on ESPN2 and streaming on the ESPN app

3rd round of the masters

and a full slate of NBA and MLB games, other than October when all sports (including NFL) are in action and MLB playoffs are going on, this is the best time of the sports year.

for hockey fans, we're less than 2 weeks away from the start of the WJC U18 in Switzerland (I think?) where fans get a first glimpse of the upcoming prospects and some who will be drafted this June.

I think the Tkachuk's are the current best hockey brothers, but the Hughes can pass them if Luke is the goods.

Quote:

x - New Jersey Devils @NJDevils Good morning.

participate in Olympics again the Hughes and Tkachuk's could be a brother line for USA.

I have no idea how the Devils will incorporate Luke Hughes into the lineup but hopefully this ends any chance of Brendan Smith playing in the playoffs.

I hope that they seriously consider benching Wood and going with a 11-7 lineup with Luke Hughes as the 7th. Use him in offensive situations and on the power play.

First time in NHL history 32 teams play on the same day. Kaprizov return for Minnesota. NHL.com did a story where all 16 games have either playoff or seeding implications or personal performance record type importance. Over 12 hours of non stop hockey starts at 12:30 with Carolina-Buffalo. Triple header on ABC- Pittsburgh-Det, then Vegas-Dallas with NJ-Boston the nightcap.

this. I guess there was no day last year or yet this year.

TSN
@TSN_Sports
·
1m
For the first time in NHL history all 32 teams will be playing on the same day!

Is these few games burn a year of his ELC. However it's really exciting to see him here finally.

In comment 16084249 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Is these few games burn a year of his ELC. However it's really exciting to see him here finally.

If he is as good as expected then I think the Devils will lock him up early anyway just as they did Jack.

In comment 16084249 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Is these few games burn a year of his ELC. However it's really exciting to see him here finally.

Pretty standard for players his age. His ELC can't slide so if he can help this year/playoffs you add him. The playoff experience alone is worth it.

Think of McAvoy as a good comp for Hughes - in contract/age terms, the Bruins lost a year of his ELC for 6 playoff games - and it was the right decision.

In comment 16084249 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Is these few games burn a year of his ELC. However it's really exciting to see him here finally.

Wouldn't he need to play 9 games for it to burn the year? ;)

In comment 16084259 JayBinQueens said:

Quote:

In comment 16084249 Stu11 said: Quote: Is these few games burn a year of his ELC. However it's really exciting to see him here finally. Wouldn't he need to play 9 games for it to burn the year? ;)

No as PJ mentioned he's at the age where you can't slide a year any more. The 9 game thing is only for 18and 19 year olds (19 year olds depending on the month)

In comment 16084262 Stu11 said:

Quote:

In comment 16084259 JayBinQueens said: Quote: In comment 16084249 Stu11 said: Quote: Is these few games burn a year of his ELC. However it's really exciting to see him here finally. Wouldn't he need to play 9 games for it to burn the year? ;) No as PJ mentioned he's at the age where you can't slide a year any more. The 9 game thing is only for 18and 19 year olds (19 year olds depending on the month)

yep, it's as of age of September 15th, and Luke turns 20 before then, so it cannot slide.

I wonder if he's going to play tonight.

In comment 16084277 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

I wonder if he's going to play tonight.

I hope he does, really little downside to getting him as many reps as possible before playoffs, IMO

looks so happy at practice today.

Luke Hughes will not play tonight.

In comment 16084262 Stu11 said:

Quote:

In comment 16084259 JayBinQueens said: Quote: In comment 16084249 Stu11 said: Quote: Is these few games burn a year of his ELC. However it's really exciting to see him here finally. Wouldn't he need to play 9 games for it to burn the year? ;) No as PJ mentioned he's at the age where you can't slide a year any more. The 9 game thing is only for 18and 19 year olds (19 year olds depending on the month)

Ah interesting.

Either way I think you have to find him ice time

Taylor Hall back for BOS

Kaprizov back for MIN

Adam Fantilli wins Hobey Baker - so no shot for Knies or Cooley to win the Hobey Baker and National title same year. A few have done it, I think the player who did and became the biggest star was Kariya with Maine. And he played with one of my high school teammates (who also went pro following the National title game, though he was far less famous, but such a good player and even better person).

So if the Devs beat Boston tonight they move into first though Carolina still would have a game in hand. Pitt cruising 5-1 in the 3rd vs Detroit.

Penguins vs Red Wings. Good. Because I have clams on this one lol

Damn it though I want to see Pittsburgh and Washington miss the playoffs the same year. End of an era.

In comment 16084374 Route 9 said:

Quote:

Penguins vs Red Wings. Good. Because I have clams on this one lol Damn it though I want to see Pittsburgh and Washington miss the playoffs the same year. End of an era.

FLA and NYI have a cakewalk (today at least).

So the #1 just plays the #4 WC and #2 and #3 play each other on each side?

In comment 16084372 Stu11 said:

Quote:

So if the Devs beat Boston tonight they move into first though Carolina still would have a game in hand. Pitt cruising 5-1 in the 3rd vs Detroit.

I would love to see the Devils win the division and play Pittsburgh in the first round.

In comment 16084379 Route 9 said:

Quote:

So the #1 just plays the #4 WC and #2 and #3 play each other on each side?

Yeah.

#1 seed (Bruins) plays #8 seed (WC2), #2 seed (whoever wins the Metro) plays #7 seed (WC1)

then 2nd and 3rd in each division play each other.

draft goes it's viewed as a down year when you take a D #1 overall.

and gun to my head if I had BUF's #1 pick in 2018 I *may* take Tkachuk or Svechnikov at #1 but man Dahlin has really turned into a star.

I mean if Bobby Orr is the guy at 1 it's not a let down, but it usually means there is no Crosby, McDavid, Matthews, Bedard, etc but no regerts if I'm BUF right now with Dahlin. He's legit and a win as a draft pick IMO.

And my way of thinking about it could be a little off too.

Oh yeah forgot the Wings have the record for the most wins in a season, 1996. A year they did not win the SC. When hockey was great.

Very entertaining game as usual for Buffalo. Right before Mittlestadt tied it for Buffalo, Dahlin saved a sure goal coming out of nowhere to block a shot on a wide open net. He had 3 more points today including a ppg for 72 now on the season. Man what a year he's had. Took a few years, but what a race it's gonna be between Dahlin/Fox/Makar for the Norris year in year out.

Dahlin a great example why Rangers fans should shut the fuck up about Kakko/Laf. :)

Does Karlsson take Norris this year?

In comment 16084419 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Dahlin a great example why Rangers fans should shut the fuck up about Kakko/Laf. :) Does Karlsson take Norris this year?

I think so....in a landslide.

100 pts from blue line (with two more points), and the gap is so far to Hamilton (and others).

He would be the first 100 point defenseman in 30+ years (since Leetch had 102 in 1991-1992 if I searched correctly). Josi had 96 points last year but lost to Makar - who had 86. Closest to Karlsson is Hamilton with 73.

and an assist (so far) McDavid hit the 150 point mark.

the NHL Center Ice package is worth it just to get to see McDavid.

I know Edmonton is not exactly hockey's version of [insert city from any sport where no one gets to see the players play], but for his sake and for hockey's sake I hope he forces a trade out of Edmonton.

In comment 16084428 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 16084419 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Dahlin a great example why Rangers fans should shut the fuck up about Kakko/Laf. :) Does Karlsson take Norris this year? I think so....in a landslide. 100 pts from blue line (with two more points), and the gap is so far to Hamilton (and others). He would be the first 100 point defenseman in 30+ years (since Leetch had 102 in 1991-1992 if I searched correctly). Josi had 96 points last year but lost to Makar - who had 86. Closest to Karlsson is Hamilton with 73.

They need to separate the awards for defensemen already. One for top offensive and one for best defensive.

Karlsson having a great season offensively but the few games I've seen him, he's made some really bad defensive plays

Josi case last year. Makar was better defensively, enough to overcome the 10 point gap he had behind Josi.

I think this year though Karlsson is so far beyond anyone else offensively he gets it no matter how bad his D.

Just my 2c.

Scott Wheeler
@scottcwheeler
·
6h
Between the World Juniors and the WHL regular season and playoffs, Connor Bedard has scored 90 goals in 69 games this season.

That’s goals.

puck drop now....

Biggest regular season game for us in 5 years and the idiot start friggen Blackwood. So of course it's 2-0 already. Un-fuckingbelievable

Why the hell wouldn't you throw Blackwood in vs Columbus and their AHL lineup?

leapfrogs MTL by a point with the OT win vs ANA (if MTL doesn't come back from 3 down vs TOR.

With two games left each.

In comment 16084522 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Biggest regular season game for us in 5 years and the idiot start friggen Blackwood. So of course it's 2-0 already. Un-fuckingbelievable

Dude I said the same thing to my cousin. Vanecek had yesterday off and they don’t play until Tuesday why the hell would he play Blackwood with first place on the line against the best team in the NHL???

And at least they got out of the 1st period with their heads attached at 2-1. The Bruins are flying with 22 shots. This is a great dress rehearsal for the playoffs for the Devils. The Bruins are playing at a different level right now and the young Devils have to up their game if they wanna compete.

so far in Tampa.

Minnesota all the talent, Quinnipiac hanging tough though.

2 - 1 Minnesota after 2.

deals NSH a blow in their h2h WC battle.

WIN wins 2 - 0.

up 3 pts with 3 games to play (and CAL in the mix)

Tanner Jeannot injured in TBL, that massive trade (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th round picks) may be wasted (for this year at least). Jeannot hasn't been dominant, but TOR catches a break.

NYI look to be on cruise control vs PHI, up 3 with under 10 left.

FLA locked in a battle - 2 - 2 tied @ WAS. Losing that could be a disaster.

pulls it out, they control their destiny with two games left.

In comment 16084551 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

pulls it out, they control their destiny with two games left.

Florida with a tough finish though: home vs Toronto and Carolina. That Carolina game could be real interesting with the division coming down so tight.

but how many times, if ever, have the 3 local hockey teams and both local bball teams made the playoffs in the same year?

In comment 16084558 KDubbs said:

Quote:

but how many times, if ever, have the 3 local hockey teams and both local bball teams made the playoffs in the same year?

1994 is the only year.

ties it up with the net empty.

35 second left.

face off in Quinnipiac end

time in the NCAA national title

In comment 16084560 Diversify yo bonds said:

Quote:

In comment 16084558 KDubbs said: Quote: but how many times, if ever, have the 3 local hockey teams and both local bball teams made the playoffs in the same year? 1994 is the only year.

Thank you. Forgot the Nets in 94.

What a win

a game. holy shit.

Quinnipiac is a national champion.

great week for CT college sports.

If Carolina wins on Monday, they'll be up 3 points with 2 games to go for each team.

Devils still have a chance to break their single season wins and points records with wins in their last two games.

Looking more like Devils-Rangers round 1.

college hockey games I have ever seen.

Quinnipiac was an underdog, but not a massive one, they were #1 or #2 all year.

A lot of people discounted it because they play in the ECAC.

but beating Michigan and Minnesota to win it made it a little sweeter

In comment 16084570 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

a game. holy shit. Quinnipiac is a national champion. great week for CT college sports.

I'm happy for you, Devon Toews, and the Quinnipiac coeds from the late 90s that were very welcoming to me.

Anything is possible once the playoffs start, but man it's hard to see anyone beating this Bruins team 4 out of 7. They're like a bunch of cyborgs skating around on the ice. They're perfect. You can't get the puck, they're never out of position. The Devs were down a goal the whole 3rd period and couldn't muster a thing. Barely possessed the puck in the Bruins zone all night. I think the best way to compete with them is fire as much rubber as you can towards the net. Forget the side to side crap because they're never out of position.

In comment 16084575 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Anything is possible once the playoffs start, but man it's hard to see anyone beating this Bruins team 4 out of 7. They're like a bunch of cyborgs skating around on the ice. They're perfect. You can't get the puck, they're never out of position. The Devs were down a goal the whole 3rd period and couldn't muster a thing. Barely possessed the puck in the Bruins zone all night. I think the best way to compete with them is fire as much rubber as you can towards the net. Forget the side to side crap because they're never out of position.

Yeah they are really good. Only chance to beat them is puck luck and a goalie standing on his head, IMO.

In comment 16084574 Diversify yo bonds said:

Quote:

In comment 16084570 pjcas18 said: Quote: a game. holy shit. Quinnipiac is a national champion. great week for CT college sports. I'm happy for you, Devon Toews, and the Quinnipiac coeds from the late 90s that were very welcoming to me.

Toews and Connor Clifton are the first two people I thought of.

Other than my teammates/friends who were there during the division 3/beer league days

I was pulling for QU, my sister went there.

My GOD. Start the playoffs already. We're not even a week away from the beginning.

Yesterday wasn’t all that bad for your boys (Habs)…..I know you lost to my boys but coupled with Arizona’s win you move back into 5th place. The Bedard hope is still alive, right?

days of the season

today's games:

BOS @PHI, BOS can set all time wins record
COL @ ANA, COL can take advantage of their game in hand and push to a central lead

no real changes from yesterday

many seeds still up for grabs, but only spots open are the WCs (2 EAST, 1 WEST), SEA can knock LAK out of PAC top 3, but otherwise no other top 3's in jeopardy of becoming a WC.

NYI, FLA and PIT all won, so
FLA in WC1 92pts 36/40 (RW/ROW)
NYI in WC2 92pts 35/40 (RW/ROW)
PIT 91pts 31/39 (RW/ROW)

all have 2 games left, those three fighting for two spots

BUF on life support 6 back with 5 games left

SEA (clinched a playoff spot) won, Jets won, Flames lost in a SO, so the West WC looks like:

SEA 98pts 3 left (LAK - current PAC3, has 100pts with 2 left)

WIN 91pts 3 left
CAL 90pts 2 left
NSH 88pts 3 left

those three teams basically fighting for one spot

In comment 16084640 5BowlsSoon said:

Quote:

Yesterday wasn’t all that bad for your boys (Habs)…..I know you lost to my boys but coupled with Arizona’s win you move back into 5th place. The Bedard hope is still alive, right?

lol, yeah, that's a pipe dream.

the Quinnipiac win over Minnesota had my full attention.

So hard to believe from the time I was there to now that Quinnipiac could win a Division 1 National Championship (in any sport).

In comment 16084575 Stu11 said:

Quote:

Anything is possible once the playoffs start, but man it's hard to see anyone beating this Bruins team 4 out of 7. They're like a bunch of cyborgs skating around on the ice. They're perfect. You can't get the puck, they're never out of position. The Devs were down a goal the whole 3rd period and couldn't muster a thing. Barely possessed the puck in the Bruins zone all night. I think the best way to compete with them is fire as much rubber as you can towards the net. Forget the side to side crap because they're never out of position.

Yea the second goal he gave up was another terrible soft goal but he settle down after that and had a great game. This is what Blackwood is now unfortunately. He has one good game and then follows it up with 2-3 weak ones.

impactful playoff adds IMO

Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
·
9m
Hearing wheels are in motion for Matthew Knies to officially join TOR.

So funny watching the Flyers arena getting taken over by away fans. Should do the same with Eagles games.

In comment 16084918 Route 9 said:

Quote:

So funny watching the Flyers arena getting taken over by away fans. Should do the same with Eagles games.

well in this case the Bruins could set the all-time single season wins record*.

with an asterisk since shootout wins count as wins and they did not for Detroit.

just set the record with 63 regular season wins.

the team is a machine, no weaknesses.

the only negative I can highlight is they have so much pressure now to win the cup, the season will be a failure if they don't.

Yeah but how great would it be for a sea of blue at the Linc with Hurts or some other QB pointing to his helmet that he couldn't hear after a delay of game? Lol. Yeah right.

...but we all know the best team rarely wins.

It's the team playing the best at that particular time, plus there is 'puck luck' and hot goalies standing on their heads.

The only thing I can see derailing the Bruins is that which I wrote above, or the grind of a seven game series where the opposing teams starts to identify weaknesses that can be exposed - that you would not see in a regular season/single game matchup.

And as PJ said, there will be pressure on them, esp if they get down in a series.

Hope they get swept in the first round

Pasta got his 60th.

First time since the mid-90's two 60-goal players in the NHL and that time they were on the same team (Jagr and Lemieux).

MacKinnon is on fire.

Jonathan Toews likely to retire. likely future hall-of-famer IMO.


Down to 5 games (though Friday may be inconsequential) today's meaningful games:

SJS @WIN
BUF @NYR
CAR @OTT
NYI @WAS
TOR @FLA
NSH @CAL
SEA @ARI
VAN @LAK

Every team has 2 or 3 games left except BUF who has 4. a BUF loss eliminates them.

to TOR official.

I wonder if Cooley signs.

A lot of people say Logan Cooley will be the best player from the 2022 draft.

beats TOR tonight and NYI lose the Panthers can clinch

Amanda Stein
@amandacstein
·
1h
Luke Hughes will play one of the two final #NJDevils games, per Lindy Ruff

In comment 16085329 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Amanda Stein @amandacstein · 1h Luke Hughes will play one of the two final #NJDevils games, per Lindy Ruff

He doesn't want to block the dominant Brendan Smith from playing.

In comment 16085382 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 16085329 pjcas18 said: Quote: Amanda Stein @amandacstein · 1h Luke Hughes will play one of the two final #NJDevils games, per Lindy Ruff He doesn't want to block the dominant Brendan Smith from playing.

Was Luke in camp with the Devils?

In comment 16085392 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 16085382 Jay on the Island said: Quote: In comment 16085329 pjcas18 said: Quote: Amanda Stein @amandacstein · 1h Luke Hughes will play one of the two final #NJDevils games, per Lindy Ruff He doesn't want to block the dominant Brendan Smith from playing. Was Luke in camp with the Devils?

No he wasn't.

In comment 16085411 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 16085392 pjcas18 said: Quote: In comment 16085382 Jay on the Island said: Quote: In comment 16085329 pjcas18 said: Quote: Amanda Stein @amandacstein · 1h Luke Hughes will play one of the two final #NJDevils games, per Lindy Ruff He doesn't want to block the dominant Brendan Smith from playing. Was Luke in camp with the Devils? No he wasn't.

then I could see wanting him to get a few skates in before throwing him in a game, even a meaningless game.

getting screwed way worse than Rangers fans thought they did after the deadline with the emergency call up roster exemption.

I haven't read any "the league hates the Maple Leafs" comments yet but I'm sure they're out there.

I do think the policy has been applied with some inconsistency and by leaving things up to "discretion" they open themselves up for the blowback and criticism.

In comment 16085414 pjcas18 said:

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then I could see wanting him to get a few skates in before throwing him in a game, even a meaningless game.

He's been skating with the team for the past three days. I know that doesn't sound like a lot but it's enough to get him up to speed enough where he can play. Luke said that he's been following the Devils all year and Jack has been keeping him up to date with the system. The Devils would benefit from going with an 11-7 lineup with Luke Hughes replacing Miles Wood in the lineup. Wood has been playing about 8 minutes a night and has done nothing but hurt the team. It would be exciting to see the Devils with a PP unit of Luke Hughes, Hamilton, Jack Hughes, Nico, and Meier.

loss tonight would clinch the Devils home ice in the first round.

Maybe then they play Luke in both games if that happens.

Do we have Maple Leaf fans on here?

In comment 16085447 Route 9 said:

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Do we have Maple Leaf fans on here?

5 bowls

Faber to the Wild.

Those Minnesota kids have to be heartbroken, returning to school to win a title and losing in OT to a team with 2 drafted players. no tears shed.

for the U18s - or maybe add it to a playoff thread.

U18's April 20-30th.

USA in Group A with Finland, Latvia Norway and Switzerland.

Just no equilibrium in this tournament without Russia.

USA won silver last year, despite out shooting Sweden 100 to 10 (/sarcasm) in the gold medal game

dont even show up

with two goals gets to 100 points.

secures Norris IMO.

In comment 16085471 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 16085447 Route 9 said: Quote: Do we have Maple Leaf fans on here? 5 bowls

Hand raising up…..present!

Tough battle with Florida…..1-1…..Knoes is playing for Lafferty

Pussy Rangers cannot even beat the fucking Sabres!! Unbelievable

They absolutely have to beat Devils tomorrow though.

My Leafs could have helped their cause with a win in regulation…but Isles lost so not a bad Buffalo night.

they need either a Penguins or Panthers loss. Still very possible, but if PIT and FLA both win out the Isles go fishing

In comment 16085592 Route 9 said:

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Pussy Rangers cannot even beat the fucking Sabres!! Unbelievable

Game didn't mean much. This Devon Levi kid is really fucking good.

K'Andre fucked up all night. Meanwhile, Brett was right. Kane looks god awful. I mean horrendously slow and awful. Let's hope Showtime shows up in the Playoffs.

In comment 16085592 Route 9 said:

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Pussy Rangers cannot even beat the fucking Sabres!! Unbelievable

Rangers aren't catching Carolina and home ice in a series vs the Devils doesn't matter (lots of Rangers fans will be in Newark)

In comment 16085600 dpinzow said:

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In comment 16085592 Route 9 said: Quote: Pussy Rangers cannot even beat the fucking Sabres!! Unbelievable Rangers aren't catching Carolina and home ice in a series vs the Devils doesn't matter (lots of Rangers fans will be in Newark)

Bingo. And Carolina games are home games anyway. Sorry JIC

in any of the major North American sports. I think home teams win only 54% of the time in the Stanley Cup playoffs or something like that. It's certainly way less important than home field in the NFL or home court in the NBA.

In the NHL all you have to do is get in and if you have a goalie who starts standing on his head you can make a run

Just getting into playoff mode. You can have your "lecture mode" ... What's all this?

In comment 16085606 Route 9 said:

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Just getting into playoff mode. You can have your "lecture mode" ... What's all this?

Getting into the Stanley Cup playoffs and getting hot >>>> home ice advantage

because they have a goalie in Sorokin who can stand on his head at times and steal games for them. He's not Igor but he's still good enough to do that

I don't care about home ice lol I'm just mad about losing to the Sabres.

in the West IMO have obvious flaws.

a bunch of teams can still win the 1 seed (Vegas is in the drivers seat right now), but I believe Dallas is the most complete team in the West. Also, EDM caught fire at the right time, but same thing IMO will plague them as last year.

I think EDM set the record last year in the playoffs for most games scoring 5 goals and losing. Maybe even this regular season too.

somehow the pens will lose 2morrow and then the canadiens will have 2 busloads of fans at UBS weds and beat the isles.

tatsCentre
@StatsCentre
·
1h
Defencemen to have a 100+ point season in NHL history:
@SanJoseSharks
Erik Karlsson (2022-23 via 2 goals so far tonight against the Jets)
Brian Leetch (1991-92)
Al MacInnis (1990-91)
Paul Coffey (4 times: 1983-86, 1988-89)
Denis Potvin (1978-79)
Bobby Orr (6 times from 1969-75)

I remember that. Leetch had like 80 assists that year.

Played tough, down to their last cards. Will do the unthinkable and watch them v. the Devils tomorrow.

In comment 16085627 KDubbs said:

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somehow the pens will lose 2morrow and then the canadiens will have 2 busloads of fans at UBS weds and beat the isles.

Have you seen the Habs roster? It is 3/4 an AHL team. I felt so bad for St Louis when my boys (Leafs) destroyed them this past Saturday. I don’t see how they could beat the Isles at home unless Isles players play fearfully and Habs goalie is playing like Carey Price.

are all over the place now in the Metro.

CAR, NJD, and NYR all within 2 points of each other. NYR playing the best of the three - they have one game left and need to win it and have CAR lose their last two, and NJD only get one point in their last two to have a shot at the 2 seed.

Now no one wants the two seed because it looks like you could be playing FLA. What a prize for the Bruins if someone FLA winds up WC2. A 7 game series vs Tkachuk and Barkov as the prize for President's Trophy?

Ouch.

Atlantic locked in.

Wild card still wide open. NYI and FLA failed to pull away. Pens (and even the Sabres) on life support.

West seeding is still in the air.

Today's meaningful games:

BUF @NJD (Luke Hughes debut?, not to mention playoff seeding implications)

DET @CAR
CHI @PIT
WIN @MIN
EDM @COL
SEA @LVG

In comment 16085688 pjcas18 said:

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are all over the place now in the Metro. CAR, NJD, and NYR all within 2 points of each other. NYR playing the best of the three - they have one game left and need to win it and have CAR lose their last two, and NJD only get one point in their last two to have a shot at the 2 seed. Now no one wants the two seed because it looks like you could be playing FLA. What a prize for the Bruins if someone FLA winds up WC2. A 7 game series vs Tkachuk and Barkov as the prize for President's Trophy? Ouch. Atlantic locked in. Wild card still wide open. NYI and FLA failed to pull away. Pens (and even the Sabres) on life support. West seeding is still in the air. Today's meaningful games: BUF @NJD (Luke Hughes debut?, not to mention playoff seeding implications) DET @CAR CHI @PIT WIN @MIN EDM @COL SEA @LVG

why are pens on life support? they just need to beat the 2 worst teams in the NHL to beat the isles.

In comment 16085681 5BowlsSoon said:

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In comment 16085627 KDubbs said: Quote: somehow the pens will lose 2morrow and then the canadiens will have 2 busloads of fans at UBS weds and beat the isles. Have you seen the Habs roster? It is 3/4 an AHL team. I felt so bad for St Louis when my boys (Leafs) destroyed them this past Saturday. I don’t see how they could beat the Isles at home unless Isles players play fearfully and Habs goalie is playing like Carey Price.

Just being an isles fan. I expect the worst. They crapped the bed last night against the caps with no Ovi or Oshie. And I just have nightmares of past Habs games at the Coliseum where they had like 2-3 busloads of fans there and they got to celebrate many a victory

back to BU (reportedly). Good, maybe he'll grow another inch.

In comment 16085701 KDubbs said:

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In comment 16085681 5BowlsSoon said: Quote: In comment 16085627 KDubbs said: Quote: somehow the pens will lose 2morrow and then the canadiens will have 2 busloads of fans at UBS weds and beat the isles. Have you seen the Habs roster? It is 3/4 an AHL team. I felt so bad for St Louis when my boys (Leafs) destroyed them this past Saturday. I don’t see how they could beat the Isles at home unless Isles players play fearfully and Habs goalie is playing like Carey Price. Just being an isles fan. I expect the worst. They crapped the bed last night against the caps with no Ovi or Oshie. And I just have nightmares of past Habs games at the Coliseum where they had like 2-3 busloads of fans there and they got to celebrate many a victory

I think you can relax a bit today…it won’t happen…..but if it does happen, do you really want to see your boys in the playoffs playing the Bruins? Let the Bruins beat up the Penguins or Panthers instead.

In comment 16085721 5BowlsSoon said:

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In comment 16085701 KDubbs said: Quote: In comment 16085681 5BowlsSoon said: Quote: In comment 16085627 KDubbs said: Quote: somehow the pens will lose 2morrow and then the canadiens will have 2 busloads of fans at UBS weds and beat the isles. Have you seen the Habs roster? It is 3/4 an AHL team. I felt so bad for St Louis when my boys (Leafs) destroyed them this past Saturday. I don’t see how they could beat the Isles at home unless Isles players play fearfully and Habs goalie is playing like Carey Price. Just being an isles fan. I expect the worst. They crapped the bed last night against the caps with no Ovi or Oshie. And I just have nightmares of past Habs games at the Coliseum where they had like 2-3 busloads of fans there and they got to celebrate many a victory I think you can relax a bit today…it won’t happen…..but if it does happen, do you really want to see your boys in the playoffs playing the Bruins? Let the Bruins beat up the Penguins or Panthers instead.

Would it be likely that Bruins steamroll their first round opponent? Of course. Getting Sorokin into the playoffs though is dangerous and anything can happen

it's Bruins Panthers or Islanders 1st round. No Penguins.

I know the "no one wants to play them" phrase is cliched but I really think no one wants either FLA or NYI.

Now that's not to say the other playoff teams someone wants to face, it's just a testament to how loaded the East is.

You expect to be rewarded for the 1 or 2 seed with a hugely favorable matchup and that will not be the case this year in the East. Unless PIT gets in and then I think they get swept or lose in 5, they are gassed, old and top heavy.

But I'm really pulling for the Devs to win the division. The nice thing about playing Florida as opposed to the Rangers is that we would have a real home ice advantage crowd wise plus it's not like it's impossible to go into Florida and win a big game. On top of that winning the division means we could possibly play Pittsburgh. I think it would mean a lot to a young team to take the division. Have to coach my son's baseball game tonight but definitely gonna record it especially if Luke suits up as it will be very interesting to see how he fits into the NHL game right off the bat.

In comment 16085721 5BowlsSoon said:

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In comment 16085701 KDubbs said: Quote: In comment 16085681 5BowlsSoon said: Quote: In comment 16085627 KDubbs said: Quote: somehow the pens will lose 2morrow and then the canadiens will have 2 busloads of fans at UBS weds and beat the isles. Have you seen the Habs roster? It is 3/4 an AHL team. I felt so bad for St Louis when my boys (Leafs) destroyed them this past Saturday. I don’t see how they could beat the Isles at home unless Isles players play fearfully and Habs goalie is playing like Carey Price. Just being an isles fan. I expect the worst. They crapped the bed last night against the caps with no Ovi or Oshie. And I just have nightmares of past Habs games at the Coliseum where they had like 2-3 busloads of fans there and they got to celebrate many a victory I think you can relax a bit today…it won’t happen…..but if it does happen, do you really want to see your boys in the playoffs playing the Bruins? Let the Bruins beat up the Penguins or Panthers instead.

If Barzal was able to play and Sorokin on top of his game, I'd like at least the opportunity to see what happens. I love a lot of these isles players and its coming time where they are gonna be gone so I'd like at least a shot for them

they really miss Svesh and they won a lot of circus trick type games this year where they tied or won it with like less than 10 seconds left an then won OT/shootout to steal 2 points.

Haven't seen a regular season hockey game frustrate me this much in my memory. Just brutal.

Panthers scare me if I'm a division winner. I don't think they'd beat Boston but I do think they'd give them a tough series.

I think they can beat the Metro division winner, though.

.

In comment 16085976 Stu11 said:

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.

I’m definitely recording this one. I wonder if they are going to bench Bahl or go with an 11-7 lineup. I’d prefer 11-7 with Wood sitting because Bahl has really improved this season and deserves to play.

- every picture I see with him and Luke, Jack has a big smile on his face.

In comment 16086068 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 16085976 Stu11 said: Quote: . I’m definitely recording this one. I wonder if they are going to bench Bahl or go with an 11-7 lineup. I’d prefer 11-7 with Wood sitting because Bahl has really improved this season and deserves to play.

I agree about Bahl. He is really showing he is a legit NHL regular. I feel that Foote can be the same if given the opportunity. Man both ends of the Taylor Hall trade really paid off for us. First we stole him for Larsen and he gave us our only playoff trip in 10 years with a Hart winning performance, then we traded him for Bahl and what turns out to be Dawson Mercer.

In comment 16086087 Stu11 said:

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I agree about Bahl. He is really showing he is a legit NHL regular. I feel that Foote can be the same if given the opportunity. Man both ends of the Taylor Hall trade really paid off for us. First we stole him for Larsen and he gave us our only playoff trip in 10 years with a Hart winning performance, then we traded him for Bahl and what turns out to be Dawson Mercer.

From what I read the plan is for Foote to become a regular next season replacing Wood on the roster. I pray that’s the case because I don’t want Wood back even for the league minimum. The Devils need to open up spots for Foote, Holtz, and Clarke.

That's how far he's fallen off the radar these past few months.

Kane on PP1 is clearly not working. Tarasenko looked much better on PP1 than Kane did. Put Kane on PP2 with Trouba, Trocheck and the kids.

Claude Giroux (35 years old) and Joe Pavelski (38) each recently recorded their 1,000th NHL point which is an awesome achievement.

Sidney Crosby (35 years old) recently recorded his 1500th, which is even more awesome.

for some perspective, Wayne Gretzky was 23 years old when he recorded his 1,000th point and he was 26 years old when he recorded his 1,500th point.

And that does not include the 220 points Wayne scored in the WHA before EDM joined the NHL.

Just ordered a Wayne Gretzky Rangers jersey on NHL.com. They had some 60% off special so I thought why not? Wear it for the playoff games if they play NJ.

.

chicago had lost 11 of their last 12 all by more than 1 goal. unreal.

and go canes. would love a chance to win 2morrow and then avoid the bruins

Gotta come out flying at home tomorrow.

Do they care about missing Boston? Or after a long hard come from behind run to make the playoffs do they rest people and take it easy?

Anyone have any idea when the schedule for the playoffs comes out?

In comment 16086348 Route 9 said:

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Anyone have any idea when the schedule for the playoffs comes out?

got to be this week, but probably need to wait and see who has home ice in each series.

In comment 16086361 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 16086348 Route 9 said: Quote: Anyone have any idea when the schedule for the playoffs comes out? got to be this week, but probably need to wait and see who has home ice in each series.

Yeah probably tomorrow night or later Friday during the day we'll get the schedule.

locked up all the playoff spots.

still some seeding to be determined in the final 3 days, but here is what we know for both conferences:

EAST
Atlantic (all locked up)
BOS #1 overall seed
TOR ATL #2, home ice vs TBL
TBL ATL #2,

Metro
NYR #3, road team vs Metro #2

CAR 111pts with 1 left, NJD 110pts with 1 left. NJD owns tiebreakers with CAR, so if they wind up tied in pts NJD wins the division.

Wild card
FLA 92pts 1 left. clinched playoff spot, could still be WC1 or WC2

NYI 91pts 1 left (vs MTL tonight). NYI need just to get to OT to clinch the final WC because they own the tiebreakers with PIT - MTL team has 3 NHL players on it, so it should be easy for NYI, but nothing in hockey is easy.

PIT 90pts 1 left, does not control their destiny

West - basically all the seedings are up for grabs - close races in both divisions except we know WIN is WC2 and MIN is Central #3. I don't think anything else is definite yet because SEA and LAK could flip flop on WC1 and Pacific #3 and then the rest of the teams are within striking distance of each other with 1 or 2 left to play.

Only consequential game(s) tonight:
MTL @NYI


DAL @STL but that's really just possible seeding since DAL can still catch COL.

should be Atlantic #3

I honestly (as a NYR fan) don't know who I'd prefer to play R1.

I hate playing against the CAR style of play, but NJD are a wagon.

Gun to my head maybe I prefer to eliminate travel entirely and have maybe a 50/50 crowd or 60/40 advantage at Prudential?

Feels like it's an absolute dog-fight either way.

How are those games in Newark? Do they fill up the place on a regular basis?

I went to one last year where the Devils won like 7-3 or something against the Rangers. Didn't seem like there were that many Rangers fans compared to the Meadowlands days.

I hope they have a better attendance showing than they did when they were by Giants Stadium. I went to some Devils games deep into the playoffs in 2003 and it was a sad showing lol

I went to the game the Rangers beat the Devils in 1997 where Adam Graves scored the game winning goal. I'd say the place was 75% Rangers fans lol

is going to be a grind, like running a gauntlet.

Say you are the Rangers for example. You (may) need to knock off Carolina in the 1st round. then they play the Devils/Panthers winner (possibly) then the Bruins (if they hold serve).

of course we know there will be upsets, but the East is going to be a battle this year.

Not to say the West won't be, but they don't have the goalies IMO, so it will be a more free-wheeling style, last year EDM set the all-time NHL record for the most playoff losses in a single playoff when you score 5 or more goals.

I think this year could be similar.

DAL (and finally I'll admit LVG) have very complete teams though. DAL is the only one I think has a goalie who can elevate enough to steal games.

I don't think I've seen a tougher road on one side have you?

It's going to be like surviving a war zone.

I hope it's Rangers vs Kraken in the SCF and the Rangers win the whole thing in Seattle. I know people out there.

In comment 16086383 Route 9 said:

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I don't think I've seen a tougher road on one side have you? It's going to be like surviving a war zone.

No, off the top of my head I don't remember a tougher conference.

I can see all 8 teams from the East (assuming NYI not PIT for the other WC spot) win the cup.

Maybe the Maple Leafs would be my 8 seed if I ranked them due to being mentally weak and not winning a playoff series in decades.

but even by that standard, TOR is a great team who will probably lose to TBL, but if they do it's also a commentary on how good TBL is vs how weak TOR is.

Looks like it's going to be the Islanders

lets go ilya lets make a run!

In comment 16086379 Route 9 said:

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I hope they have a better attendance showing than they did when they were by Giants Stadium. I went to some Devils games deep into the playoffs in 2003 and it was a sad showing lol

Stop that's just not true. I went to a bunch of playoff games in 2000,2001 and 2003 and the building was packed and rocking every time. Of course there are way more Rangers fans in the area no shit. The Devils have built a nice fan base up though, and when the Devs are competitive the building rocks. I went to a bunch of games in '18 too.

Stop what? I went to two games that series against Tampa Bay in 2003. Games 1 and 5. I was there and the upper deck was pretty much empty for game 1. They did have a better showing for game 5 ... which isn't saying much.

I went to a ton of Nets games during those days as well and they had trouble filling up that arena. Let's not rewrite history, shall we?

Was just wondering if the Devils had a better attendance showing than they did across the street from Giants Stadium. I've only been to the new arena once.

Good God. Thought tonight was the last night of the regular season but NOPE. Two games on Friday night.

START THE FUCKING PLAYOFFS. RIGHT NOW AT 730 IN THE MORNING!

I haven't cared about the regular season since the Rangers lost to the Devils a couple of weeks ago. Start the playoffs.

immediately. Thanky.

I was looking at the NHL Draft Lottery Odds - I hope Bedard goes to MTL or Detroit. Maybe Anaheim or San Jose. Screw everyone else.

In comment 16087471 BrettNYG10 said:

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I was looking at the NHL Draft Lottery Odds - I hope Bedard goes to MTL or Detroit. Maybe Anaheim or San Jose. Screw everyone else.

I would like to see Anaheim or San Jose get him as their franchises could use it.

I like when Original 6 teams are strong. Go Habs.

Most any other team I'm co with. Montreal would be cool.

And Palat according to Amanda Stein so they're not exactly going all out for 1st place.

In comment 16087553 Stu11 said:

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And Palat according to Amanda Stein so they're not exactly going all out for 1st place.

I don't get this one. Why sit Graves and Marino but play Hamilton?

What an incredible first goal by Luke Hughes. The game winner in OT and Jack assisted on the goal giving him 99 points to end the season.

What a regular season for the devils:
Most wins in franchise history
Most points in franchise history
Jack Hughes breaks franchise point record
Hamilton breaks franchise record for points by defensemen, ties record for goals

Hughes falls one point short of 100.

On to the rangers!

Carolina wins the division 6-4 over Florida a wild 3rd period it was 2-0 Carolina after 2, so 8 total goals in the 3rd. Jay and I will beat this drum till Lindy snaps out of it and stops playing Blackwood. The guy is cooked. Got us down 4-1 early 2nd, Schmid comes in shuts them out the rest of the way including some spectacular saves in OT. Schmid needs to be the backup in the playoffs.

In comment 16087674 BH28 said:

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What a regular season for the devils: Most wins in franchise history Most points in franchise history Jack Hughes breaks franchise point record Hamilton breaks franchise record for points by defensemen, ties record for goals Hughes falls one point short of 100. On to the rangers!

Hamilton broke the goals in a single season by a defenseman also with 22 passing Scott Stevens previous record of 18 but Hamilton did not break the points record by a defenseman as Stevens had 78 the same year he set the goal record.

In comment 16087677 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 16087674 BH28 said: Quote: What a regular season for the devils: Most wins in franchise history Most points in franchise history Jack Hughes breaks franchise point record Hamilton breaks franchise record for points by defensemen, ties record for goals Hughes falls one point short of 100. On to the rangers! Hamilton broke the goals in a single season by a defenseman also with 22 passing Scott Stevens previous record of 18 but Hamilton did not break the points record by a defenseman as Stevens had 78 the same year he set the goal record.

Ah, screwed that one up. Too many records😂

In comment 16087675 Stu11 said:

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Carolina wins the division 6-4 over Florida a wild 3rd period it was 2-0 Carolina after 2, so 8 total goals in the 3rd. Jay and I will beat this drum till Lindy snaps out of it and stops playing Blackwood. The guy is cooked. Got us down 4-1 early 2nd, Schmid comes in shuts them out the rest of the way including some spectacular saves in OT. Schmid needs to be the backup in the playoffs.

Schmid was fantastic especially in OT. He had four huge saves in OT. That better be Blackwoods last game as a Devil.

In comment 16087679 BH28 said:

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Ah, screwed that one up. Too many records😂

It has been a great season so far.

So Devils Rangers?

Pjcas18 you do the honors and starting that thread. NHL playoffs are the fucking best. Suck it other sports?

ESPN has Rangers at Devils 4/18 and 4/20

Barzal is back for Game 1. lets hope that unlocks horvat

In comment 16088057 KDubbs said:

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Barzal is back for Game 1. lets hope that unlocks horvat

I could easily see the Isles upsetting them. Carolina did not look great the last month of the season. if Barzal is healthy and he gets Horvat going that is huge. Sorokin gives them a big advantage in net.

Tyler Brennan to an ELC. Great news for Devils fans as this all but confirms that Blackwood will not be back next season. Daws and Brennan will be in Utica with Vanecek and Schmid in Jersey.

In comment 16089541 Jay on the Island said:

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Tyler Brennan to an ELC. Great news for Devils fans as this all but confirms that Blackwood will not be back next season. Daws and Brennan will be in Utica with Vanecek and Schmid in Jersey.

Hallelujah!

Bergeron and Ullmark are game time decisions.

Their beats and fans are in full panic and it's hilarious.