yeah and Holtz' goals have been absolute snipes too. McLeod has actually developed into a really nice player. He's shown some offensive prowess lately and he's near the top of the league in the faceoff dot this year. Lazar has also been a pleasant surprise this year. I agree on Stillman I was just reading that about him too once you mentioned him. Definately they should give him a shot.
I didn't care if McLeod re-signed or walked in free agency but you are right he has been a pleasant surprise so far. He is having his best season so far and I hope he can keep it up.
"I'm glad the kid (Luke Hughes) isn't hurt. A really good player, young man in this league. But that's a problem in our league right now. Our players in this league do not put enough emphasis on making sure you're protecting yourself from hits like that. Making sure you absorb hits like that. We've kind of tried to turn this league into a no-hit league. Now people aren't ready to be hit. I think it's a lost art in how you take hits. I do think looking at the clip, I think (Hughes) thinks it's icing. A mistake was made. We've got good refs, we've got good linesmen. A mistake was made last night and what bothers me is we had to suffer for that mistake, losing a player. But I believe the league, it's a no-go. There is nothing wring with the play. It shouldn't even have been a penalty. It screams to the athletes in our game, be prepared to be hit, because big hits are allowed. Nowadays I'm not so sure because everyone puts their arms up when there's a big hit. It makes me sick what goes on in the league here on big hits. That's part of the game."
"I'm not trying to run down the league, I just think we've taken away the policing of the game from the players, with all the new rules we've taken away the policing of the game. It should belong to the players. It comes into how the game - it's a fast game, which is fantastic. The skill in the game is fantastic. I think some of the rule changes we've made have improved the game. But I just don't think we should take the foundation of the National Hockey League out. Hits are allowed. Back in the day, and I'm not trying to go way back, but you've got to learn how to take a hit. That's a big play in winning games is taking a hit to make a play, and being braced to take these hits. And if you do have a big hit you shouldn't have to fight someone two seconds later because it's a big hit. That's what I don't get. Not blaming anybody, I just don't like where that part of the game is going. That's a foundation of the National Hockey League. It's a man's game. We've got it convoluted a little bit."
Some will scoff at this as macho neanderthal opinion, a relic of the past. I think he's right and it's observable in the nfl as well. A second order consequence of the concussion prevention. Too many players are putting themselves in dangerous positions.
We all want to avoid concussions, but avoiding all contact in youth sports is counter productive. Physicality needs to be taught and trained for, early on, and there are safe ways to do so.
that one IMO is more on the linesman than on Hughes but I do think a rule change you will see and it's not necessarily this play, is a removal of the "reverse check". for one, it's against the rules. it is never called but you can't hit a player who doesn't have the puck or just had the puck in a bang bang play. You can't hit someone so they can't get to the puck before you which is basically a reverse check.
In my level 4 training two years ago they said it's already being called up through high school as a penalty and I think the college, AHL, NHL will outlaw it too.
But to Torts' point -that play was a: on the linesman not blowing the whistle quick enough and b: Hughes not ready to take a hit and you can say a influenced b but what drives me crazy about this version of the NHL is players having to "answer for" clean hits. Sure it was a devastating hit by Hathaway, but it was clean or dirty in any way he had control over.
And agree that especially for him I thought it was pretty spot on, measured and well thought out. I've said it all season the Devils especially the Hughes brothers and Nico simply do not protect themselves well enough. That was an odd play. Both linesman fell asleep.
For me it's more the expectation of safety, "the rules will protect me
Guys skating through the slot with their head down. Not shoulder checking when you retrieve a puck. Trying to avoid a hit and putting yourself in an even more vulnerable position.
You see it every game, and it results from a lack of preparation. You shouldn't be learning this stuff at the pro level.
Guys skating through the slot with their head down. Not shoulder checking when you retrieve a puck. Trying to avoid a hit and putting yourself in an even more vulnerable position.
You see it every game, and it results from a lack of preparation. You shouldn't be learning this stuff at the pro level.
good observation. I bet it's because they keep pushing hitting to later and later in player development. Ever see how an international U18/U20 game is called?
RE: RE: For me it's more the expectation of safety,
I bet it's because they keep pushing hitting to later and later in player development.
100%
I can't speak to youth hockey, but youth football in some places is setting kids up for injury. They avoid contact through the formative years. Reach their teens and it was slow motion form tackling drills, a few reps per practice of thump and wrap. Live games come and kids are getting destroyed with no concept of how to take hits and protect yourself going to the ground. There's so many tips and tricks to it that can only be gained by experience. The well intentioned sheltering actually leads to concussions.
The D hasn't been great but the advanced stats really have not been kind to the Devs goalies. Every breakdown is ending up in the back of the net. With Dougie at least done till around playoff time if not the season it will be interesting to see if they can pull a Tampa Bay and effectively use his 9 mill. On the bright side Nemec looked very solid. Now somebody explain this to me like I'm a 2 year old: how is it you play Smith for 2 months and keep Nemec in the minors then play him the most minutes among Dmen in his NHL debut???
The D hasn't been great but the advanced stats really have not been kind to the Devs goalies. Every breakdown is ending up in the back of the net. With Dougie at least done till around playoff time if not the season it will be interesting to see if they can pull a Tampa Bay and effectively use his 9 mill. On the bright side Nemec looked very solid. Now somebody explain this to me like I'm a 2 year old: how is it you play Smith for 2 months and keep Nemec in the minors then play him the most minutes among Dmen in his NHL debut???
I have another question. You are playing the worst team in the NHL after a game the night before. Your starting goaltending Schmid faces 47 shots and then for some reason decide to play him the next day rather than the fresh Vanecek. IIRC Ruff did not play a goalie back to back once last season but he decides to do it against the worst team in the NHL. Why?
Oh and there were several shifts where Luke Hughes was paired up with Nemec. Reports were that the Devils didn't promote Nemec earlier in the season because they didn't want so much inexperience on thier blue line yet decide to play two rookie Dmen together.
Time to finally make a change behind the bench. Dean Evason is available right now, make the move before he is hired by another team.
The D hasn't been great but the advanced stats really have not been kind to the Devs goalies. Every breakdown is ending up in the back of the net. With Dougie at least done till around playoff time if not the season it will be interesting to see if they can pull a Tampa Bay and effectively use his 9 mill. On the bright side Nemec looked very solid. Now somebody explain this to me like I'm a 2 year old: how is it you play Smith for 2 months and keep Nemec in the minors then play him the most minutes among Dmen in his NHL debut???
I have another question. You are playing the worst team in the NHL after a game the night before. Your starting goaltending Schmid faces 47 shots and then for some reason decide to play him the next day rather than the fresh Vanecek. IIRC Ruff did not play a goalie back to back once last season but he decides to do it against the worst team in the NHL. Why?
Oh and there were several shifts where Luke Hughes was paired up with Nemec. Reports were that the Devils didn't promote Nemec earlier in the season because they didn't want so much inexperience on thier blue line yet decide to play two rookie Dmen together.
Time to finally make a change behind the bench. Dean Evason is available right now, make the move before he is hired by another team.
As I watched a bunch of random line changes throughout the game instead of building cohesion with what works, I've come to that conclusion as well. Ruff has hit his ceiling with what he can do with this team.
I love Christmas, not just for Buddy the Elf or Ralphie and Scut Farkus or the wet bandits, but because it's World Juniors time.
This year in Gothenburg, Sweden, December 26 - January 5.
No Russia again.
Group A:
Canada, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Latvia
Group B:
USA, Czechia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Norway
Groups are determined based on last year's place
Canada (1), Czechia (2), USA (3), Sweden (4), Finland (5), Slovakia (6), Switzerland (7), Germany (8), Latvia (9), Austria (10) - I guess Austria got relegated.
from, NHL.com
2024 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
Dec. 26
Slovakia vs. Czechia, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET
Finland vs. Canada, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET
United States vs. Norway, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
Sweden vs. Latvia, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 27
Slovakia vs. Switzerland, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET
Finland vs. Germany, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET
Norway vs. Czechia, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
Latvia vs. Canada, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 28
Switzerland vs. United States, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
Germany vs. Sweden, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 29
Norway vs. Slovakia, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET
Latvia vs. Finland, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET
Czechia vs. United States, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
Canada vs. Sweden, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 30
Switzerland vs. Norway, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
Germany vs. Latvia, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 31
United States vs. Slovakia, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET
Pierre LeBrun
@PierreVLeBrun
The NHL updated governors today on the latest revenue projections for the season and as expected, the league told owners the salary cap for next season is projected to be around $87.7 million
8:18 PM · Dec 4, 2023
·
272.6K
Views
First time all 3 brothers play in the same NHL game. Hughes Mom seems funny l. They did an interview on NHL network yesterday about it Link - ( New Window )
but Bratt bails them out with a goal in the final minute. The D is not great but the goaltending just hasn't been good enough. Some how some way Fitz has to do something to fix it. Jack & Luke scored. 3 points for Jack. Quinn with a few assists. Overall fun game.
but Bratt bails them out with a goal in the final minute. The D is not great but the goaltending just hasn't been good enough. Some how some way Fitz has to do something to fix it. Jack & Luke scored. 3 points for Jack. Quinn with a few assists. Overall fun game.
It's ridiculous when every game they have a 2-3 goal lead in the 3rd period you just know they are going to blow it. Fitzgerald has to make a movie in net. I don't care if they try to get lucky with an Adin Hill type of acquisition but they can't continue with Vanecek. Vanecek has been the worst goaltender in the league this season.
but Bratt bails them out with a goal in the final minute. The D is not great but the goaltending just hasn't been good enough. Some how some way Fitz has to do something to fix it. Jack & Luke scored. 3 points for Jack. Quinn with a few assists. Overall fun game.
It's ridiculous when every game they have a 2-3 goal lead in the 3rd period you just know they are going to blow it. Fitzgerald has to make a movie in net. I don't care if they try to get lucky with an Adin Hill type of acquisition but they can't continue with Vanecek. Vanecek has been the worst goaltender in the league this season.
I think John Gibson very well could be the guy. After a surprising start, Anaheim has hit the skids big time. I can't think he's in their long term plans.
RE: RE: RE: Wild one. Devs blow a 5-2 3rd period lead
I think John Gibson very well could be the guy. After a surprising start, Anaheim has hit the skids big time. I can't think he's in their long term plans.
That contract is a tough pill to swallow. If Anaheim was willing to eat $2 million each year for the remainder of that contract then that makes it reasonable to acquire him but he is coming off four subpar seasons.
First two calls I would make are to Nashville and Philadelphia. I'd ask if Askarov is available and if not then turn to Philly and Carter Hart.
Depending on what their long term plan is in net. However I don't see them as sellers as the 5-8 spots out west are wide open and they are in the thick of it. It's getting more and more clear that the Rangers and Canes broke Vanacek in the playoffs last year. His advanced stats are among the bottom of the league. Not that Schmid has been a lot better, but I think he needs to be given the crease for awhile. Vanacek needs a new start somewhere else.
If you're going to put an AHL goalie on the Devils keep Schmid. I do think Askarov will be awesome, but the Devils window is open now.
Saros is the bold move you can win with.
And NSH is not a contender IMO.
Nashville reportedly turned down a big offer from a team last year for Saros at the deadline. They said that he was not available. There was speculation that it was the Devils who made the offer. If they have decided to make Saros available as he is a FA at the end of next season then he moves to the top of the list. I suggested Askarov because I was operating under the assumption that Saros is still not available. If they are going to extend Saros long term then they might as well make Askarov available if they can receive more help elsewhere on the roster or multiple draft picks.
matters? or maybe players need to be focused, who knows.
Kane to make his Red Wings debut tonight.
should see rosters leaking soon for WJC. some names already have (more on the not being invited to try out) No Bedard obviously, no Cooley, no Shane Wright, etc.
That Detroit-SJ game was one I've never seen before. It was scoreless with 11 minutes to go in the 2nd, then there were 8 goals in the next 11 minutes. The first 4 by Det., the next for by SJ(the teams combined for 6 goals in 3 minutes). They traded goals in the 3rd with SJ scoring late to tie it and then winning in OT. A horrific loss for Det. Carolina is really struggling. Lost for the 2nd straight night in regulation in Alberta. Had a 2-0 lead in the 3rd and gave up 3 to the Flames. For the first time all season the Devs won a game where they scored 3 goals or less. For the first time all year they had a goalie (Schmid) steal one as they were badly outshot by Seattle. Nemec got his first career goal for the winner.
the Kings. MTL if you can believe it really dominated play for the first 2 periods, but were losing 2-0 and the Kings had no panic. Such a solid steady team.
when I was talking about the Rangers possibly struggling vs teams who can play with pace, but also have skill - like NJD and OTT - MTL is a good example of a team who plays with pace but does not have the same skill level (or D).
losing Dach and Newhook doesn't help but they can't put the puck in the net.
Yeah and the Kings haven't lost a road game yet right?
They're a wagon. Big and physical and skilled to boot. The top 4 in the west- Van, LV, LA and Colorado are really tough.
Ovi got points #1500 last night. Watched a chunk of that game last night. He looks cooked. You'd think he'll stick around to get the goals record but it might take 2 more seasons after this. It might get ugly with Washington trying to rebuild and pacify him at the same time.
#Isles Transaction: The New York Islanders have acquired Robert Bortuzzo from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for the team’s 7th round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft.
#Isles Transaction: The New York Islanders have acquired Robert Bortuzzo from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for the team’s 7th round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft.
The last definition of a 'just need a body" trade. Yet you have isles fans on social media saying it was a bad trade.
as expected no Cooley and others of his stature, but the surprise to me is no Cole Eiserman and that in and of itself wouldn't be so surprising, he's 2024 draft eligible, but it's that James Hagens is expected to make it and be on the top line - he is 2025 draft eligible - oozes skill, but Eiserman can wire it. I guess they feel they have enough goal scoring with the BC line all coming back.
*just projected*
Projected Depth Chart For Camp (not a lineup)
Forwards
Cutter Gauthier – James Hagens – Jimmy Snuggerud
Gabe Perreault – Will Smith – Ryan Leonard
Rutger McGroarty – Frank Nazar – Gavin Brindley
Oliver Moore – Danny Nelson – Gavin Hayes
Isaac Howard - William Whitelaw - Carey Terrance
Quinn Finley
Defense
Lane Hutson – Ryan Chesley
Zeev Buium – Seamus Casey
Drew Fortescue – Sam Rinzel
Jake Livanavage – Eric Pohlkamp
Patrick Geary – Aram Minnetian
Goalies
Trey Augustine OR Jacob Fowler
Sam Hillebrandt
Interesting this year that the US roster transitions away from a prett
Star studded group like L Hughes, Cooley, Owen Power Bobby Brink etc... that dominated the team the past few years. There are still some holdovers like Snuggerud left but it will be interesting to follow this group and get to know them. Interested to see how Devils prospect Seamus Casey stacks up if he's a top pairing guy.
Also an interesting goalie tidbit from the Devils organization last night Nico Dawes made his return to game action for Utica after June hip surgery. Evidently he was impressive as the first star in a 4-1 win. He could be a guy to keep an eye on the 2nd half off the season as a call up if both Schmid and Vanacek continue to struggle. Dawes played a lot 2 seasons ago when the Devils went through like 7 goalies. He actually was probably the most impressive of the group. Major hip surgery for a goalie is no joke,but he's still young and if he can keep his form they just might give him a try if there is no external upgrade available.
yeah and Holtz' goals have been absolute snipes too. McLeod has actually developed into a really nice player. He's shown some offensive prowess lately and he's near the top of the league in the faceoff dot this year. Lazar has also been a pleasant surprise this year. I agree on Stillman I was just reading that about him too once you mentioned him. Definately they should give him a shot.
I didn't care if McLeod re-signed or walked in free agency but you are right he has been a pleasant surprise so far. He is having his best season so far and I hope he can keep it up.
Ouch. That's pretty much a season ender no?
Quote:
Dougie Hamilton has a torn pec.
Ouch. That's pretty much a season ender no?
No word yet but I would be surprised if he comes back this season. Nemec will likely remain with the team permanently.
"I'm not trying to run down the league, I just think we've taken away the policing of the game from the players, with all the new rules we've taken away the policing of the game. It should belong to the players. It comes into how the game - it's a fast game, which is fantastic. The skill in the game is fantastic. I think some of the rule changes we've made have improved the game. But I just don't think we should take the foundation of the National Hockey League out. Hits are allowed. Back in the day, and I'm not trying to go way back, but you've got to learn how to take a hit. That's a big play in winning games is taking a hit to make a play, and being braced to take these hits. And if you do have a big hit you shouldn't have to fight someone two seconds later because it's a big hit. That's what I don't get. Not blaming anybody, I just don't like where that part of the game is going. That's a foundation of the National Hockey League. It's a man's game. We've got it convoluted a little bit."
Some will scoff at this as macho neanderthal opinion, a relic of the past. I think he's right and it's observable in the nfl as well. A second order consequence of the concussion prevention. Too many players are putting themselves in dangerous positions.
We all want to avoid concussions, but avoiding all contact in youth sports is counter productive. Physicality needs to be taught and trained for, early on, and there are safe ways to do so.
that one IMO is more on the linesman than on Hughes but I do think a rule change you will see and it's not necessarily this play, is a removal of the "reverse check". for one, it's against the rules. it is never called but you can't hit a player who doesn't have the puck or just had the puck in a bang bang play. You can't hit someone so they can't get to the puck before you which is basically a reverse check.
In my level 4 training two years ago they said it's already being called up through high school as a penalty and I think the college, AHL, NHL will outlaw it too.
But to Torts' point -that play was a: on the linesman not blowing the whistle quick enough and b: Hughes not ready to take a hit and you can say a influenced b but what drives me crazy about this version of the NHL is players having to "answer for" clean hits. Sure it was a devastating hit by Hathaway, but it was clean or dirty in any way he had control over.
You see it every game, and it results from a lack of preparation. You shouldn't be learning this stuff at the pro level.
You see it every game, and it results from a lack of preparation. You shouldn't be learning this stuff at the pro level.
good observation. I bet it's because they keep pushing hitting to later and later in player development. Ever see how an international U18/U20 game is called?
100%
I can't speak to youth hockey, but youth football in some places is setting kids up for injury. They avoid contact through the formative years. Reach their teens and it was slow motion form tackling drills, a few reps per practice of thump and wrap. Live games come and kids are getting destroyed with no concept of how to take hits and protect yourself going to the ground. There's so many tips and tricks to it that can only be gained by experience. The well intentioned sheltering actually leads to concussions.
Outshooting the sharks 2:1 and down 5-3. Sharks haven't scored more than 2 on the road until tonight.
@NHLInjuryViz
Most injured teams currently (last game played) by total AAV of missing players. Usual exceptions.
talk about snakebit. I'm starting to think between the Giants, Mets and Habs maybe it's me.
Dach out for the year, Newhook 3 months, Savard, Xhekaj, Guhle missed time, and mamny more.
I have another question. You are playing the worst team in the NHL after a game the night before. Your starting goaltending Schmid faces 47 shots and then for some reason decide to play him the next day rather than the fresh Vanecek. IIRC Ruff did not play a goalie back to back once last season but he decides to do it against the worst team in the NHL. Why?
Oh and there were several shifts where Luke Hughes was paired up with Nemec. Reports were that the Devils didn't promote Nemec earlier in the season because they didn't want so much inexperience on thier blue line yet decide to play two rookie Dmen together.
Time to finally make a change behind the bench. Dean Evason is available right now, make the move before he is hired by another team.
Quote:
The D hasn't been great but the advanced stats really have not been kind to the Devs goalies. Every breakdown is ending up in the back of the net. With Dougie at least done till around playoff time if not the season it will be interesting to see if they can pull a Tampa Bay and effectively use his 9 mill. On the bright side Nemec looked very solid. Now somebody explain this to me like I'm a 2 year old: how is it you play Smith for 2 months and keep Nemec in the minors then play him the most minutes among Dmen in his NHL debut???
I have another question. You are playing the worst team in the NHL after a game the night before. Your starting goaltending Schmid faces 47 shots and then for some reason decide to play him the next day rather than the fresh Vanecek. IIRC Ruff did not play a goalie back to back once last season but he decides to do it against the worst team in the NHL. Why?
Oh and there were several shifts where Luke Hughes was paired up with Nemec. Reports were that the Devils didn't promote Nemec earlier in the season because they didn't want so much inexperience on thier blue line yet decide to play two rookie Dmen together.
Time to finally make a change behind the bench. Dean Evason is available right now, make the move before he is hired by another team.
As I watched a bunch of random line changes throughout the game instead of building cohesion with what works, I've come to that conclusion as well. Ruff has hit his ceiling with what he can do with this team.
If they could hold on to 3rd period leads there would be a much different conversation around this team
They skated circles around Tampa Bay.
This year in Gothenburg, Sweden, December 26 - January 5.
No Russia again.
Group A:
Canada, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Latvia
Group B:
USA, Czechia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Norway
Groups are determined based on last year's place
Canada (1), Czechia (2), USA (3), Sweden (4), Finland (5), Slovakia (6), Switzerland (7), Germany (8), Latvia (9), Austria (10) - I guess Austria got relegated.
from, NHL.com
2024 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
Dec. 26
Slovakia vs. Czechia, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET
Finland vs. Canada, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET
United States vs. Norway, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
Sweden vs. Latvia, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 27
Slovakia vs. Switzerland, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET
Finland vs. Germany, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET
Norway vs. Czechia, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
Latvia vs. Canada, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 28
Switzerland vs. United States, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
Germany vs. Sweden, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 29
Norway vs. Slovakia, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET
Latvia vs. Finland, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET
Czechia vs. United States, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
Canada vs. Sweden, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 30
Switzerland vs. Norway, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
Germany vs. Latvia, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 31
United States vs. Slovakia, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET
Sweden vs. Finland, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET
Czechia vs. Switzerland, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
Canada vs. Germany, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET
Jan. 2
Quarterfinal 1, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET
Quarterfinal 2, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET
Quarterfinal 3, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
Quarterfinal 4, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET
Jan. 4 (Scandinavium)
Relegation Game, 5 a.m. ET
Semifinal 1, 9 a.m. ET
Semifinal 2, 1:30 p.m. ET
Jan. 5 (Scandinavium)
Third-place game, 9 a.m. ET
Championship game, 1:30 p.m. ET
@PierreVLeBrun
The NHL updated governors today on the latest revenue projections for the season and as expected, the league told owners the salary cap for next season is projected to be around $87.7 million
8:18 PM · Dec 4, 2023
·
272.6K
Views
Link - ( New Window )
It's ridiculous when every game they have a 2-3 goal lead in the 3rd period you just know they are going to blow it. Fitzgerald has to make a movie in net. I don't care if they try to get lucky with an Adin Hill type of acquisition but they can't continue with Vanecek. Vanecek has been the worst goaltender in the league this season.
Quote:
but Bratt bails them out with a goal in the final minute. The D is not great but the goaltending just hasn't been good enough. Some how some way Fitz has to do something to fix it. Jack & Luke scored. 3 points for Jack. Quinn with a few assists. Overall fun game.
It's ridiculous when every game they have a 2-3 goal lead in the 3rd period you just know they are going to blow it. Fitzgerald has to make a movie in net. I don't care if they try to get lucky with an Adin Hill type of acquisition but they can't continue with Vanecek. Vanecek has been the worst goaltender in the league this season.
I think John Gibson very well could be the guy. After a surprising start, Anaheim has hit the skids big time. I can't think he's in their long term plans.
I think John Gibson very well could be the guy. After a surprising start, Anaheim has hit the skids big time. I can't think he's in their long term plans.
That contract is a tough pill to swallow. If Anaheim was willing to eat $2 million each year for the remainder of that contract then that makes it reasonable to acquire him but he is coming off four subpar seasons.
First two calls I would make are to Nashville and Philadelphia. I'd ask if Askarov is available and if not then turn to Philly and Carter Hart.
If you're going to put an AHL goalie on the Devils keep Schmid. I do think Askarov will be awesome, but the Devils window is open now.
Saros is the bold move you can win with.
And NSH is not a contender IMO.
If you're going to put an AHL goalie on the Devils keep Schmid. I do think Askarov will be awesome, but the Devils window is open now.
Saros is the bold move you can win with.
And NSH is not a contender IMO.
Nashville reportedly turned down a big offer from a team last year for Saros at the deadline. They said that he was not available. There was speculation that it was the Devils who made the offer. If they have decided to make Saros available as he is a FA at the end of next season then he moves to the top of the list. I suggested Askarov because I was operating under the assumption that Saros is still not available. If they are going to extend Saros long term then they might as well make Askarov available if they can receive more help elsewhere on the roster or multiple draft picks.
Kane to make his Red Wings debut tonight.
should see rosters leaking soon for WJC. some names already have (more on the not being invited to try out) No Bedard obviously, no Cooley, no Shane Wright, etc.
when I was talking about the Rangers possibly struggling vs teams who can play with pace, but also have skill - like NJD and OTT - MTL is a good example of a team who plays with pace but does not have the same skill level (or D).
losing Dach and Newhook doesn't help but they can't put the puck in the net.
Ovi got points #1500 last night. Watched a chunk of that game last night. He looks cooked. You'd think he'll stick around to get the goals record but it might take 2 more seasons after this. It might get ugly with Washington trying to rebuild and pacify him at the same time.
Charlie Lindgren (ex Hab) has really established himself (finally) and faces brother Ryan today when the Caps and Rangers.
The last definition of a 'just need a body" trade. Yet you have isles fans on social media saying it was a bad trade.
Side note, how are the Kings so good?
*just projected*
Projected Depth Chart For Camp (not a lineup)
Forwards
Cutter Gauthier – James Hagens – Jimmy Snuggerud
Gabe Perreault – Will Smith – Ryan Leonard
Rutger McGroarty – Frank Nazar – Gavin Brindley
Oliver Moore – Danny Nelson – Gavin Hayes
Isaac Howard - William Whitelaw - Carey Terrance
Quinn Finley
Defense
Lane Hutson – Ryan Chesley
Zeev Buium – Seamus Casey
Drew Fortescue – Sam Rinzel
Jake Livanavage – Eric Pohlkamp
Patrick Geary – Aram Minnetian
Goalies
Trey Augustine OR Jacob Fowler
Sam Hillebrandt
Also an interesting goalie tidbit from the Devils organization last night Nico Dawes made his return to game action for Utica after June hip surgery. Evidently he was impressive as the first star in a 4-1 win. He could be a guy to keep an eye on the 2nd half off the season as a call up if both Schmid and Vanacek continue to struggle. Dawes played a lot 2 seasons ago when the Devils went through like 7 goalies. He actually was probably the most impressive of the group. Major hip surgery for a goalie is no joke,but he's still young and if he can keep his form they just might give him a try if there is no external upgrade available.
Canada looking for the three-peat.
He had a goal waived off for offside but he's so f-ing creative and hard to stop he looks great so far.
He had a goal waived off for offside but he's so f-ing creative and hard to stop he looks great so far.
It's cool. I'm way more happy seeing Johnny Brodzinski and the corpse of Blake Wheeler on the right side...
He has a nice steal and rang the post late in his debut the other night vs SJ.