NFT: NHL Playoffs are here! Starts tonight

In comment 16128681 Jints in Carolina said:

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Agreed. Also I was happy to see your Canes get smoked too after they beat the Devils lol. Ah the circle of life LOL

Nothing more personal in sports than a Devils/Hurricanes feud lol

for Panger. gets to watch/call Bedard's career.

NHL News
@PuckReportNHL
·
3m
NEWS: #Blackhawks are finalizing a contract with TV analyst Darren Pang to join the Hawks’ broadcast team per @jprutherford
and @ByScottPowers

In comment 16128732 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 16128729 pjcas18 said: Quote: David Pagnotta @TheFourthPeriod · Follow The Flyers are also working in a trade involving goalie Carter Hart. It’s not at the finish line, like the Provorov deal, but Philly is actively on it, as @ADiMarco25 has also reported. Tom Fitzgerald should be going hard for him.

ha ha I thought the same thing Jay

a stat that Carter Hart's struggles are almost entirely correlated to PK.

5v5 his #'s are (allegedly) near elite.

I have not verified it.

Some coaches or pundits say you want and need your goalie to be your best penalty killer if you want your PK to be successful so not pointing a finger at anyone else, but if this is true, and Hart gets moved it could be a steal.

He's 24 years old.

In comment 16129276 pjcas18 said:

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a stat that Carter Hart's struggles are almost entirely correlated to PK. 5v5 his #'s are (allegedly) near elite. I have not verified it. Some coaches or pundits say you want and need your goalie to be your best penalty killer if you want your PK to be successful so not pointing a finger at anyone else, but if this is true, and Hart gets moved it could be a steal. He's 24 years old.

Agreed, Hart is still young and could be a vezina candidate on a good team. I wonder what the asking price is.

of how strong this upcoming draft is (at least at the top).

Pronman (Athletic) ranked the 2022 drafts prospects and 2023 and when asked to put together a combined list this was his results. 5 2023 prospects before any 1 from 2022 which was not a particularly strong draft nor a weak one.

1. Connor Bedard - C (WHL)
2. Adam Fantilli - C (USHL)
3. Matvei Michkov - RW (KHL)
4. Leo Carlsson - C (SHL)
5. Will Smith - C (USHL)
6. Juraj Slafkovsky - LW (Canadiens)
7. Logan Cooley - C (Coyotes)
8. David Jiricek - RD (Blue Jackets)
9. David Reinbacher - RD (Switzerland)
10. Shane Wright - C (Kraken)
11. Cutter Gauthier - C (Flyers)
12. Kevin Korchinski - LD (Blackhawks)
13. Dalibor Dvorsky - C (Sweden)
14. Ryan Leonard - RW (USHL)
15. Simon Nemec - RD (Devils)
16. Gabriel Perreault - LW (USHL)
17. Marco Kasper - C (Red Wings)
18. Zach Benson - LW (WHL)
19. Matthew Savoie - C (Sabres)
20. Pavel Mintyukov - LD (Ducks)

off-season for goalie movement?

Kristy Flannery
@InStilettos_NHL
·
4m
Is the juice worth the squeeze when it comes to the #NJDevils and Connor Hellebuyck? Multiple reports suggest the Jets could trade their Vezina-winning goaltender, and many cite New Jersey as a good fit.

In comment 16129505 pjcas18 said:

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off-season for goalie movement? Kristy Flannery @InStilettos_NHL · 4m Is the juice worth the squeeze when it comes to the #NJDevils and Connor Hellebuyck? Multiple reports suggest the Jets could trade their Vezina-winning goaltender, and many cite New Jersey as a good fit.

FYI I love Kristy but she's a complete Devils homer so I think she's really loosely speculating/wishful thinking. Just like Timo, if Hellybuck becomes available he's such a perfect fit that of course Fitzgerald will be in but there would be other suiters too for sure including very possibly Buffalo.

and Hellebuyck are moved that's two legit starting goalies moving.

the more moved the better your chances are of getting one of them for your team.

Is on top of the skater prospects they have the have Dawes/Schmid as nice pieces to move as goalie prospects.

decent movement of players before or during the draft. For this years loaded draft or future?

NHL Watcher
@NHL_Watcher
·
34m
LeBrun on Insider Trading: “Alex DeBrincat as his camp led by agent Jeff Jackson has submitted the list of preferred destinations, teams his client would be interested in joining”

extend Gavrikov 2-years ($5.875M AAV). Kind of had to, he's not great value as a rental for a 1st round pick.

In comment 16129534 Stu11 said:

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Is on top of the skater prospects they have the have Dawes/Schmid as nice pieces to move as goalie prospects.

I really don't want them to move Schmid but I would give up Daws, Blackwood's rights, and Vanecek if it landed them Hart or Hellebuyck. I know they would have to add more but those 3 are expendable.

One goalie I wouldn't be surprised to see moved either is Saros.

In comment 16129875 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 16129534 Stu11 said: Quote: Is on top of the skater prospects they have the have Dawes/Schmid as nice pieces to move as goalie prospects. I really don't want them to move Schmid but I would give up Daws, Blackwood's rights, and Vanecek if it landed them Hart or Hellebuyck. I know they would have to add more but those 3 are expendable. One goalie I wouldn't be surprised to see moved either is Saros.

It wouldn't be my first choice to move Schmid in the deal, but if we had to to get it done I'd do it for Hellybuck, Hart or Saros if he became available. Don't forget in the middle of all that goalie slop of a season 2 seasons ago Dawes acquitted himself pretty well for a nice stretch. He or Vanacek could be a solid back-up to a franchise guy.

Sub plots: Kolosar (Tkachuk like) hit on Tkachuk knocks him out of game for a period; mindless penalties back to back by FLA leads to a 4 on 3 for VGK and cap scores. Shots SOG both sides hard to come by, GK big, hard nosed, SCF worthy

In comment 16130241 ColHowPepper said:

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Sub plots: Kolosar (Tkachuk like) hit on Tkachuk knocks him out of game for a period; mindless penalties back to back by FLA leads to a 4 on 3 for VGK and cap scores. Shots SOG both sides hard to come by, GK big, hard nosed, SCF worthy

I complained bitterly about the Rangers passing too much while I sit watching FL be completely unable to string together 2 passes. How did this team make the finals?

?

In comment 16130279 pjcas18 said:

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?

Looks that way

is not a penalty

With these penalties

But that was not a penalty. Tkatchuk isn't human at this point. How could you bet against him scoring the OT winner right now?

Nice. We have a series. Thank God.

In comment 16130303 Route 9 said:

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Nice. We have a series. Thank God.

Yep! Did it go off T?

Carter Verhaeghe

Both because he was in small market, weak team, BUF, and then with his back/neck issues missing chunks of seasons, I hadn't seen much of his play at all, had no sense of it other than that, e.g., pj has always been very high on him. But color me very impressed, fwiw. He is such a playmaker and (now) a 200' player. He's got a wicked wrist shot, sees the ice so well--his seeing eye (ha) pass to Marchessault for VGK's second. He'll backcheck all the way in to his own end boards to disrupt play.

Coby Maeir
@CobyMaeir
#CBJ acquire D Damon Severson from #NJDevils in exchange for the No. 80 pick in the 2023 draft in a sign-and-trade. New Jersey signed Severson to an eight-year deal with a $6.25M cap hit before trading him to Columbus.

In comment 16130376 ColHowPepper said:

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Both because he was in small market, weak team, BUF, and then with his back/neck issues missing chunks of seasons, I hadn't seen much of his play at all, had no sense of it other than that, e.g., pj has always been very high on him. But color me very impressed, fwiw. He is such a playmaker and (now) a 200' player. He's got a wicked wrist shot, sees the ice so well--his seeing eye (ha) pass to Marchessault for VGK's second. He'll backcheck all the way in to his own end boards to disrupt play.

Marchessault and Hill getting all the press, but Eichel is the best player on LVG. He looks all the way back from the neck injury. Future selke candidate. Bergeron-esque if he can improve on the dots.

In comment 16130392 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 16130376 ColHowPepper said: Quote: but Eichel is the best player on LVG. He looks all the way back from the neck injury. Future selke candidate. Bergeron-esque if he can improve on the dots.

A big Rangers whiff. Par for the course. Ah well. He probably would've busted here anyway. They all do.

In comment 16130387 Anakim said:

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Coby Maeir @CobyMaeir #CBJ acquire D Damon Severson from #NJDevils in exchange for the No. 80 pick in the 2023 draft in a sign-and-trade. New Jersey signed Severson to an eight-year deal with a $6.25M cap hit before trading him to Columbus.

Wow I knew Severson would get paid, all top 2 pairing UFA Dmen do but man thats a lot of term too. Good job by Fitz getting a 3rd for him. Severson was a good soldier for some lean years here. Solid, underrated 2 way dman. I believe he might be just about the last Lou draft pick if I'm not mistaken. Graves will follow him out the door soon. It's time for Nemec & Luke Hughes to be regulars and to put the $ towards extending Timo and maybe Bratt and adding a mid tier UFA fwd or two with size. If they can't extend Bratt maybe they get in on DeBrincat.

whiffed on Eichel and I don't really blame anyone, he had a serious injury and there was no reliable information from him or the team as to how serious and what the treatment should be.

Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs, a 1st (Noah Ostlund) and 2023 2nd round pick (for Eichel and a 3rd) - and I'd say Vegas pulled off a heist (if Eichel can stay healthy).

Props to Vegas for having the guts to take a shot.

In comment 16130438 Stu11 said:

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Wow I knew Severson would get paid, all top 2 pairing UFA Dmen do but man thats a lot of term too. Good job by Fitz getting a 3rd for him. Severson was a good soldier for some lean years here. Solid, underrated 2 way dman. I believe he might be just about the last Lou draft pick if I'm not mistaken. Graves will follow him out the door soon. It's time for Nemec & Luke Hughes to be regulars and to put the $ towards extending Timo and maybe Bratt and adding a mid tier UFA fwd or two with size. If they can't extend Bratt maybe they get in on DeBrincat.

I was very happy to see this news earlier. I’m glad that they landed a draft pick for Severson but I am shocked that he received 8 years. You are right it’s time for Hughes and Nemec to play regular minutes but I hope that they can sign an inexpensive veteran better than Brendan Smith as a security blanket.

In comment 16130446 pjcas18 said:

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whiffed on Eichel and I don't really blame anyone, he had a serious injury and there was no reliable information from him or the team as to how serious and what the treatment should be. Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs, a 1st (Noah Ostlund) and 2023 2nd round pick (for Eichel and a 3rd) - and I'd say Vegas pulled off a heist (if Eichel can stay healthy). Props to Vegas for having the guts to take a shot.

Everyone but Brett and Vegas*

like Cronin in ANA another 1st time NHL head coach.

Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
·
17h
As mentioned during second intermission tonight, nothing is done until it’s done, but Ryan Huska is the leading contender to be the next head coach of the Calgary Flames

Game 4 tonight. Let's hope the Cats tie it up. We need a competitive finals BAD.

for Bedard at the combine.

that is pretty good.

For some comparisons, Caufield did 16, but he's 5' 7" and I think its easier for smaller. lighter, people to do pull ups. Case in point, Lane Hutson did 18 last year. Jack Hughes (not that one, the 2022 Jack Hughes (he is 6 feet) did 19 and that's the all time most for the combine).

Lol. 0 game time posts. Love it. I think this one is over and the torture is over for Vegas. Those poor fans had to wait 6 long years to see this day. What's the pussy ass Rangers problem?

and just nothing to post about until the end and then I was too tired, lol.

Adin Hill is Conn Smythe right now. they may give it to Eichel or Marchessault, but Hill is the difference.

In comment 16127258 Route 9 said:

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Vegas in 5

Looks like it's gonna happen

In comment 16131244 pjcas18 said:

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and just nothing to post about until the end and then I was too tired, lol. Adin Hill is Conn Smythe right now. they may give it to Eichel or Marchessault, but Hill is the difference.

That Hill save with less than a second left was insane. I wonder if Pietrangelo gets suspended for game 5 for coming out of the penalty box for that melee after the final buzzer. Not sure what rule is there once the buzzer sounds whether he's treated as bench personell or not. Either way I think the off ice official that opened the door(if it was them not him) is gonna hear it from the NHL.

Sorta wild how all the sports leagues avoided Vegas like the plague for so long & now there's 2 pro teams there in the Golden Knight & Raiders with the possible addition of the A's too. Haha. And now Vegas is on the cusp of housing a championship team.

In comment 16131274 Stu11 said:

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In comment 16131244 pjcas18 said: Quote: and just nothing to post about until the end and then I was too tired, lol. Adin Hill is Conn Smythe right now. they may give it to Eichel or Marchessault, but Hill is the difference. That Hill save with less than a second left was insane. I wonder if Pietrangelo gets suspended for game 5 for coming out of the penalty box for that melee after the final buzzer. Not sure what rule is there once the buzzer sounds whether he's treated as bench personell or not. Either way I think the off ice official that opened the door(if it was them not him) is gonna hear it from the NHL.

I can't tell if a star is being born or if this is Jordan Binnington 2.0 (wins a cup and stagnates).

Goalies are developing later. Seems to be a trend, so at 27, if Hill becomes a top tier goalie, could start seeing less investment in young goalies and more in this range. if we aren't already seeing it.

In comment 16131274 Stu11 said:

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That Hill save with less than a second left was insane. I wonder if Pietrangelo gets suspended for game 5 for coming out of the penalty box for that melee after the final buzzer. Not sure what rule is there once the buzzer sounds whether he's treated as bench personell or not. Either way I think the off ice official that opened the door(if it was them not him) is gonna hear it from the NHL.

I'm of two minds about that save. He was face down on the ice as a result of the scrum in the crease, w/o time or ability to quickly regain his feet. So, for sure, a goalie is going to dry to make himself as big as possible under that (and all) circumstance and (upside down) snow angel. Tkachuk could not, maybe didn't think to, elevate the puck. Didn't watch the PG so I may have missed interims slow mo shots from the scrum on.

And about refs swallowing their whistles, Hill has been a revelation since Edmonton series, but man he gets away with a lot of stick swinging at his opponents, last night no exception, multiple.

What a really exciting game.

mock illustrates the depth of the 2023 draft.

For example, the mock pick to the Rangers (by Morreale) Danill But (great name), is massive and he's skilled massive not just all size.

top 10/15 in most drafts (but he's Russian so he's knocked down a little).

Danny Nelson (mocked to Vegas at 32) is a top 15 player in many drafts.


link - ( New Window )

Nothing Hill does impresses him

but I hope the GK's put this season out of its misery.

The only saving grace would be Cassidy winning a cup his first season out of Boston. - one when the Bruins won the President's Trophy and were kicking dirt on Cassidy.

reality is as much as it pains me, Vegas has been dominant these whole playoffs.

5 games vs WIN, 6 games vs EDM, 6 games vs DAL and can close out FLA in 5.

In comment 16131529 Route 9 said:

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Nothing Hill does impresses him

That's not fair, Route 9; you know I've given him plenty props. I do confess harboring one resentment, that he's equal in size to at least 2 Igors, giving him unfair advantage. lulz

I remember my college team going up against Dryden in the late 60s: talk about the Giant 🐙 he appeared surreal in size compared to the 5'7" - 5'8" kids who comprised the better part of rosters back then. Hill is also 6'6" but wider, heavier. Dryden was unique back then in the NHL as well. Now he'd be one of a pack

In comment 16131981 pjcas18 said:

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but I hope the GK's put this season out of its misery. The only saving grace would be Cassidy winning a cup his first season out of Boston. - one when the Bruins won the President's Trophy and were kicking dirt on Cassidy. reality is as much as it pains me, Vegas has been dominant these whole playoffs. 5 games vs WIN, 6 games vs EDM, 6 games vs DAL and can close out FLA in 5.

I'm with you PJ when my team gets a eliminated I'm ready for the off season and the moves. I have no beef with Vegas winning it. They have proved that 1st season was no fluke and at least their fans had to suffer through blowing a game 7 4-0 3rd period lead lol.

I think it ends tonight

but I have a sneaking suspicion the Panthers take this one and then lose back home in game 6.