on youtube of Crosby hand delivering season tickets to I think just random pens season ticket holders this summer.
It looked like he was in some trailer park in Appalachia but he walks up to the door, shakes the peoples hands, goes in and hangs out with the people sits on a ratty couch and talks hockey and just seemed like he was fulfilling his life's purpose making people happy.
I don't see him pushing for a trade anywhere, no matter how bad it gets. He might be the type to accept a trade if its best for the team, but I just don't think he'd push for it (just my guess with obviously zero insight).
And the thing is I feel like this year is the deepest and most talented Pens team in years. If it falls apart this year I don't see it getting better soon until the "re-up" of the big three runs out.
Also a side note, it's not secret, but also not super well publicized how philanthropic Crosby is. I won't pretend to actually know any athletes personally but my sense is Crosby is one of the most unassuming and giving athletes on the planet. Some of the sled hockey stuff he's done is downright tear-jerking.
I would prefer to see him remain with Pittsburgh for the remainder of his career. For some reason it bothers me when an all-time great changes teams late in their career. It still annoys me that Marty Brodeur went to the Blues for half a season to finish his career.
Yeah Syd kind of has that LeBron type air about him
Where it's amazing that at his age he can still drive play the way he does. He was by far the best player on the ice the other night vs Montreal. I've heard the same type stuff PJ how he quietly does all these philanthropic things without any fanfare.
so far this season. Not sure what the hell is going on, but I had them as a playoff team this year and taking that next step.
Their downfall might benefit my Rangers, because I think Ottawa ships out Tarasenko (currently on a 1 year deal) and could find a partnership again between the two. Wishful thinking.
Also, sounds like James Hagens (2025 draft eligible) did not make the team after all.
Every single US player was either drafted or draft eligible (Sam Hillenbrandt - G - not sure we even see him play and Zeev Buium - D - could be a fun player to watch)
The bulk of the US players were drafted in the top 3 rounds, most in round 1 to be exact).
USA and Canada should be heavy favorites- Canada going for the three-peat but you never know how the team will gel in these tournaments.
this year. Something is just missing there. As an aside Torts should be a strong Jack Addams candidate. The Flyers aren't going away any time soon. He's got them playing a strong disciplined system and there's more talent there than I thought and that can be enough to get you in the playoffs especially when you're getting strong goaltending. Not gonna get on Jack at all. He's won the Devils a ton of games the past few years but last night may have been his worst game as a pro. He flat out lost them that game. 2 egregious giveaways leading to goals including the winner in OT. If Lou still ran the team he'd probably fire Ruff eventhough the record isn't the type that gets a guy fired. Hockey is very much a system sport and the Devils simply have no system to rely on this year. They are not driving puck possession the way they did last year. the stretch pass or even outlet pass has disappeared. Even when they have a dominant period like the 1st Sunday vs Anaheim and the 3rd period last night they can't seem to manage a goal. Something's off. Its hard to put a finger on. Were Severson and Graves that valuable as puck movers? Timo has been flat out awful since he came to the Devils. Apparently his injury that kept him out for 2 or 3 weeks has been lingering and it affects his skating Ruff admitted yesterday. They just simply can't drive play the way they did last year. Too often it seems like they are just hanging on with no apparent system being played. Frankly the only reason they are over .500 is because they've had an extremely soft schedule and before last night they were great in 3 on 3 OT. I fear like Florida last year this morose is gonna last all season. Florida got it together in March and pulled a parlor trick in the post season. Don't know if that's a strategy to rely on though.
talent usually wins out in the end in the NHL and they have one of the best rosters in hockey.
I'd feel better if they made a goalie transaction, but I think they'll be there in the end.
I also think Torts has done an incredible job so far, but Tocchet is the Jack Adams for me. They went from near mutiny to +44 goal differential in 33 game and AS level performances from rumored malcontents like Miller, Boeser, and getting a career year from Hughes. Not to mention Demko playing like the Vezina leader.
and Fitzgerald has to acquire a goaltender. Once again Ruff is not the guy to lead this team. The goaltending has been a mess especially since Schmid has not been close to what he was last year. Do they attempt to play Nico Daws in net first or do they go out and acquire another goalie?
and Fitzgerald has to acquire a goaltender. Once again Ruff is not the guy to lead this team. The goaltending has been a mess especially since Schmid has not been close to what he was last year. Do they attempt to play Nico Daws in net first or do they go out and acquire another goalie?
Thing is the goaltending hasn't hurt them the past 2 losses. Vanacek was great against Boston last week in the OT win and very good last night. He had no chance whatsoever on the goals. The past 2 games their best line has been the 4th line and that's death for this team. I think they might give Dawes a shot first but eventually they'll probably end up going outside the organization before the deadline most likely Gibson as there is no way Philly or Nashville deal their goalies in a playoff push.
Thing is the goaltending hasn't hurt them the past 2 losses. Vanacek was great against Boston last week in the OT win and very good last night. He had no chance whatsoever on the goals. The past 2 games their best line has been the 4th line and that's death for this team. I think they might give Dawes a shot first but eventually they'll probably end up going outside the organization before the deadline most likely Gibson as there is no way Philly or Nashville deal their goalies in a playoff push.
It's true that Vanecek has been better the past two games but he goes on far too many cold streaks for this team. Also when it comes to the playoffs he is as bad as any goaltender I have ever witnessed. If they are going to acquire Gibson, I am warming up to it now, then Vanecek has to be part of the deal.
RE: RE: RE: The Devils need to make a change at HC
Thing is the goaltending hasn't hurt them the past 2 losses. Vanacek was great against Boston last week in the OT win and very good last night. He had no chance whatsoever on the goals. The past 2 games their best line has been the 4th line and that's death for this team. I think they might give Dawes a shot first but eventually they'll probably end up going outside the organization before the deadline most likely Gibson as there is no way Philly or Nashville deal their goalies in a playoff push.
It's true that Vanecek has been better the past two games but he goes on far too many cold streaks for this team. Also when it comes to the playoffs he is as bad as any goaltender I have ever witnessed. If they are going to acquire Gibson, I am warming up to it now, then Vanecek has to be part of the deal.
Yeah I'm sure Vanacek goes in any deal for another goalie. I'm getting a bit concerned with Timo at this point. They signed him to that mega deal and he simply has not been a good fit here since he arrived. They've moved him all around with different linemates and he can't seem to click. He and Mercer have been the biggest disappointments this year so far. To get to there we were at last year those 2 need to pick it up big time bevcuase the other top 4- Jack, Bratt, Nico and Tofolli have more than held their end of the bargain. Interesting interview over the weekend on the Saturday broadcast it was dad's road trip weekend and Erica had Toffoli's dad on and he was emphatic that Toffoli loves it in Jersey and really wants to stay. Who wouldn't love playing with Jack? lol.
still have a lot of games in hand on almost every NHL team.
they've been disappointing, but not quite as bad all things considered (schedule).
EDM too - they have played less games than most west conference teams and are right back in the playoff hunt.
pj - my man lol! Non Mets comment. While Laviolette certainly hasn't disappointed, I really like Kris Knoblauch. Do you think he is a big reason for the turn around? I think Knoblauch had a history with McDavid prior to his hiring.
still have a lot of games in hand on almost every NHL team.
they've been disappointing, but not quite as bad all things considered (schedule).
EDM too - they have played less games than most west conference teams and are right back in the playoff hunt.
pj - my man lol! Non Mets comment. While Laviolette certainly hasn't disappointed, I really like Kris Knoblauch. Do you think he is a big reason for the turn around? I think Knoblauch had a history with McDavid prior to his hiring.
Could be. Coaching matters in the NHL, but also McDavid was hurt and probably came back to soon for the heritage classic or whatever it was called.
They close out 2023 with four game in the division - Carolina, Washington and Pittsburgh twice. If they can play up to their capability and TCB (ie, no 3rd period collapses) they can establish themselves in good position for January.
This is a good team that, somehow, gets in its own way. I saw some recent Devils posts above calling for a head coaching change. We had the same thing going on in November as the Isles repeatedly were their own worst enemy. All their problems have been mental. They didn't pull the trigger on canning Lambert, maybe that was the right move, but we won't know for sure until April.
For those saying defenseman injuries (Pelech & Pulock) are to blame and they;ll get better after they return, the Isles were chocking away games with those guys in the lineup. They've actually been better of late with Mike Reilly (a defenseman who can skate with the puck!) and Robert Bortuzzo.
Anyway, there's long way to go. The NHL season is a marathon and we're not halfway yet. I'm pumped for the second half though.
They close out 2023 with four game in the division - Carolina, Washington and Pittsburgh twice. If they can play up to their capability and TCB (ie, no 3rd period collapses) they can establish themselves in good position for January.
This is a good team that, somehow, gets in its own way. I saw some recent Devils posts above calling for a head coaching change. We had the same thing going on in November as the Isles repeatedly were their own worst enemy. All their problems have been mental. They didn't pull the trigger on canning Lambert, maybe that was the right move, but we won't know for sure until April.
For those saying defenseman injuries (Pelech & Pulock) are to blame and they;ll get better after they return, the Isles were chocking away games with those guys in the lineup. They've actually been better of late with Mike Reilly (a defenseman who can skate with the puck!) and Robert Bortuzzo.
Anyway, there's long way to go. The NHL season is a marathon and we're not halfway yet. I'm pumped for the second half though.
LGI!
I think there was a lot of sleepwalking and resting on their laurels. With guys like Reilly and Bortuzo, there's an extra effort and grit we weren't seeing. Hopefully when the injured guys come back it rubs off.
Pulock pelech
Dobson Romanov
Mayfield Reilly
7th bortuzo or ago
last night at the world juniors in a prelim game 6-5 in OT in an absolute thriller.
not sure I can recall more talent on the ice at one of these tourneys in recent memory.
Lane Hutson (MTL) with the OTGW (linked below).
these tourneys never go as planned and everyone always underestimates the discipline and talent of the Fins and Swedes, but I will be disappointed if these two teams don't meet in the finals.
WAS? I feel like most of this is expected, maybe not the VAN dominance but the talent was never questioned.
Pierre LeBrun
@PierreVLeBrun
Top 10 NHL teams based on points % at holiday break:
Rangers, .734
(tie) Canucks/Kings, .700
(tie) Bruins/Stars, .688
Jets, .672
Knights, .671
Avs, .647
Leafs, .645
Caps, .629
He has been sharp in his first 3 games back down in the AHL. They have a back to back Friday/Saturday so he'll probably get his first action of the season. I think they give him some stats as a last ditch intra-organization answer before they intensify efforts to trade for a goalie.
once again MTL near the top of the league in man games lost (MGL) - and the total excludes Price. the LTI Retired column are excluded from the man games lost calculation. MGL+ includes the LTI/retired players and can be misleading in some cases like ARI because they buy the LTI to reach the floor or in some cases like TBL so they can exceed the cap. So the MGL column is the true indicator of injuries.
I feel snake bit between the Habs, Giants and Mets. I'm a Celtics fan, but not a strong basketball fan,
Barkov looks like he's taken the Selke mantle from Bergeron and Hart too if he plays like this all the time and Lafreniere is some puck luck away from a hat trick.
Barkov looks like he's taken the Selke mantle from Bergeron and Hart too if he plays like this all the time and Lafreniere is some puck luck away from a hat trick.
goalies on both sides keeping this a game.
I'm at the game, sitting in front and to the right of Luongo, lol. There is no defense.
Barkov looks like he's taken the Selke mantle from Bergeron and Hart too if he plays like this all the time and Lafreniere is some puck luck away from a hat trick.
goalies on both sides keeping this a game.
I'm at the game, sitting in front and to the right of Luongo, lol. There is no defense.
It was a really fun game, but the Panthers arena sucks at showing replays. Some of the calls looked weak but I didn't have great angles.
This would be an awesome ECF.
I thought there were weak calls, but it seemed equally weak both ways - like players falling with a stick near them and a trip called but I think it was consistent and neither team benefited from it.
I think they got the Lafreniere call right. By calling it a major it allowed them to review it and I think it was a minor penalty or no penalty - but in the NHL they cannot lower it to no penalty (unlike at the WJC where they just added a rule they can make it no penalty). I don't think there was intent, but he had his elbow out and extended and it hit Barkov's head. So I thought the minor was fair.
Not sure anything else was really that controversial.
headed into a back to back with Boston tonight. Nico Daws made his first start of the season and he played great. One of the best performances of the season by a Devils goaltender. He stopped Tkachuk and Norris on breakaways.
Brendan Smith scored his first goal as a Devil after a season and a half. Unfortunately the only reason he scored was he was coming out of the penalty box. He was also responsible for both Senator goals as he had a bad turnover that directly lead to the first goal and the second Senators goal bounced off of his into the net. The Devils have to find an upgrade here.
It was a really fun game, but the Panthers arena sucks at showing replays. Some of the calls looked weak but I didn't have great angles.
This would be an awesome ECF.
I thought there were weak calls, but it seemed equally weak both ways - like players falling with a stick near them and a trip called but I think it was consistent and neither team benefited from it.
I think they got the Lafreniere call right. By calling it a major it allowed them to review it and I think it was a minor penalty or no penalty - but in the NHL they cannot lower it to no penalty (unlike at the WJC where they just added a rule they can make it no penalty). I don't think there was intent, but he had his elbow out and extended and it hit Barkov's head. So I thought the minor was fair.
Not sure anything else was really that controversial.
I guess you can't change a major to no penalty but you can do it with a double minor. They did it in a Devs game a few weeks back. They originally called a double minor for a high stick but reviewed it and erased the penalty when they realized it was his own teammate's stick that clipped him.
As an aside, both Jack and Luke got 3 points each last night. First time 2 brothers got 3 in the same game since the Sedins.
headed into a back to back with Boston tonight. Nico Daws made his first start of the season and he played great. One of the best performances of the season by a Devils goaltender. He stopped Tkachuk and Norris on breakaways.
Brendan Smith scored his first goal as a Devil after a season and a half. Unfortunately the only reason he scored was he was coming out of the penalty box. He was also responsible for both Senator goals as he had a bad turnover that directly lead to the first goal and the second Senators goal bounced off of his into the net. The Devils have to find an upgrade here.
Yeah I think is a real popular player in the room and that's saving him because Colin Miller has clearly out played him. I thing Fitz eventually trades for a physical Dman. From what the insiders are reporting teams smell desperation on the goalie market and are asking for the world. Though you can't trust him, Vanacek definitely played better his past 4 or 5 games and I think they give him and Dawes a run in the crease for at least a bit as a tandem before they look outside the organization. They are in playoff position all be it tenuously, so it's not like they're desperately digging themselves out of a hole thankfully. Quietly Luke has really hit his stride offensively. He will challenge for the Norris in the future. He and Nemec could very well form a top pairing sooner rather than later.
is playing and the length of his contract if I were NJD I'd call FLA about Spencer Knight.
He had some off-ice issues, he's working on coming back (with the Charlotte Checkers now), and I think he could be great if he can get his head on right. Plus he only has 2 more years on his contract. One weird thing is Knight and Bobrovsky contracts expire the same time. Of course Knight then becomes an RFA, but still weird IMO they expose themselves that way.
His upside is more than any of the current Devils goalies IMO, just not sure he's "win now" like they need.
John Gibson would be my next choice and ANA has the cap room to eat all the cap if NJD can't bring in a 3rd team to broker it. Gibson has three more years after this one at 6.4M which is fair IMO, but might be tough for NJD to take on with their current roster.
it probably means no Toffoli next year and possibly trade Siegenthaler if they can.
I would do something though about goalie if I was NJD.
Yeah I think is a real popular player in the room and that's saving him because Colin Miller has clearly out played him. I thing Fitz eventually trades for a physical Dman. From what the insiders are reporting teams smell desperation on the goalie market and are asking for the world. Though you can't trust him, Vanacek definitely played better his past 4 or 5 games and I think they give him and Dawes a run in the crease for at least a bit as a tandem before they look outside the organization. They are in playoff position all be it tenuously, so it's not like they're desperately digging themselves out of a hole thankfully. Quietly Luke has really hit his stride offensively. He will challenge for the Norris in the future. He and Nemec could very well form a top pairing sooner rather than later.
The Devils are being wise in giving Daws a chance to solidify the position rather than trade for Gibson. If Daws struggles then they will turn their attention to the trade market.
Luke is as advertised offensively. It's pretty amazing how quickly he took the PP1 D spot from Hamilton before he was injured. He just needs to improve defensively. I doubt he will ever be a great defensive defenseman but all they need is him to be league average or better and he will be a star.
Nemec is going to be a more well rounded player IMO but he won't provide the offense that Luke will but that is still ok as you said they will likely form the top pairing in the future. Perhaps as early as next season.
I really hope Lindy doesn't pull the same rock that night
He's pulled multiple times this season and ride Daws again tonight in Boston. The guy has only played 4 games this season since coming back from the injury. Let him savor last night for a few days and go with Vanacek tonight. Also Holtz inexplicably basically benches to the 4th line again last night after a solid Columbus game. Was that guy just can't get a real chance here.
RE: I really hope Lindy doesn't pull the same rock that night
He's pulled multiple times this season and ride Daws again tonight in Boston. The guy has only played 4 games this season since coming back from the injury. Let him savor last night for a few days and go with Vanacek tonight. Also Holtz inexplicably basically benches to the 4th line again last night after a solid Columbus game. Was that guy just can't get a real chance here.
I hate to be a broken record but Ruff HAS to go. Holtz should not be on the fourth line. It's incredible that Smith makes mistakes every game and yet he rarely loses his spot in the lineup while a talented young player gets demoted for little reason. I don't give a shit about Smith's value in the locker room. He can still provide that as an inactive 7th defenseman like he was signed to be.
I'd upgrade goalie before the trade market heats up. Right now Devils have their pick of goalies.
several teams I can think of may want to shore that position up and several options available.
Kaapo Kahkonen has been quietly good and is a UFA after the season.
Gibson is a starter who you can win a title with IMO
Markstrom has been good.
I mentioned Knight who probably isn't "available" but could be had
I would even say Connor Ingram, but suddenly the Coyotes find themselves in the playoff picture (largely because of Ingram).
I would prefer they do it now also but the only names on that list I would want are Knight and Gibson. I would not want to trade high for Ingram. If Vejmelka is cheap I wouldn't mind rolling the dice for him. A Vanecek for Vejmelka swaps seems fair to me.
It somehow runs simulations based on how the change would have went if the goaltending was neutral I think. Watched the game, they Devils played a terrific 47 minutes, fell apart the last 13 minutes or so of the 2nd period and gave up 4 goals. Probably at least 2 have to be stopped. Oh well. It is what it is. Hopefully Daws can get hot.
goal I have ever seen in my life in an NHL game in MTL vs TBL.
Montembeault makes the save and holds it a beat. Lightning anticipate the whistle but it never happens, Monty dishes to Kovacevik who skates up and scores from his own end into an empty net because Tampa goalie had skated over to the bench in anticipation of the play stoppage.
cup chances headed in to 2024. Not sure I share the CAR love. NYR have the highest odds to make the playoffs, but CAR the highest odds to win the cup. What do they think CAR has over NYR?
Also their model seems to like the West. 3 Western conference teams in the top 4.
Quote:
MoneyPuck.com
@MoneyPuckdotcom
Cup chances going into 2024 https://moneypuck.com/predictions.htm
It looked like he was in some trailer park in Appalachia but he walks up to the door, shakes the peoples hands, goes in and hangs out with the people sits on a ratty couch and talks hockey and just seemed like he was fulfilling his life's purpose making people happy.
I don't see him pushing for a trade anywhere, no matter how bad it gets. He might be the type to accept a trade if its best for the team, but I just don't think he'd push for it (just my guess with obviously zero insight).
And the thing is I feel like this year is the deepest and most talented Pens team in years. If it falls apart this year I don't see it getting better soon until the "re-up" of the big three runs out.
Also a side note, it's not secret, but also not super well publicized how philanthropic Crosby is. I won't pretend to actually know any athletes personally but my sense is Crosby is one of the most unassuming and giving athletes on the planet. Some of the sled hockey stuff he's done is downright tear-jerking.
Their downfall might benefit my Rangers, because I think Ottawa ships out Tarasenko (currently on a 1 year deal) and could find a partnership again between the two. Wishful thinking.
A few A's too:
Gauthier
Brindley
Hutson
Chesley
Also, sounds like James Hagens (2025 draft eligible) did not make the team after all.
Every single US player was either drafted or draft eligible (Sam Hillenbrandt - G - not sure we even see him play and Zeev Buium - D - could be a fun player to watch)
The bulk of the US players were drafted in the top 3 rounds, most in round 1 to be exact).
USA and Canada should be heavy favorites- Canada going for the three-peat but you never know how the team will gel in these tournaments.
talent usually wins out in the end in the NHL and they have one of the best rosters in hockey.
I'd feel better if they made a goalie transaction, but I think they'll be there in the end.
I also think Torts has done an incredible job so far, but Tocchet is the Jack Adams for me. They went from near mutiny to +44 goal differential in 33 game and AS level performances from rumored malcontents like Miller, Boeser, and getting a career year from Hughes. Not to mention Demko playing like the Vezina leader.
Thing is the goaltending hasn't hurt them the past 2 losses. Vanacek was great against Boston last week in the OT win and very good last night. He had no chance whatsoever on the goals. The past 2 games their best line has been the 4th line and that's death for this team. I think they might give Dawes a shot first but eventually they'll probably end up going outside the organization before the deadline most likely Gibson as there is no way Philly or Nashville deal their goalies in a playoff push.
Thing is the goaltending hasn't hurt them the past 2 losses. Vanacek was great against Boston last week in the OT win and very good last night. He had no chance whatsoever on the goals. The past 2 games their best line has been the 4th line and that's death for this team. I think they might give Dawes a shot first but eventually they'll probably end up going outside the organization before the deadline most likely Gibson as there is no way Philly or Nashville deal their goalies in a playoff push.
It's true that Vanecek has been better the past two games but he goes on far too many cold streaks for this team. Also when it comes to the playoffs he is as bad as any goaltender I have ever witnessed. If they are going to acquire Gibson, I am warming up to it now, then Vanecek has to be part of the deal.
Quote:
Thing is the goaltending hasn't hurt them the past 2 losses. Vanacek was great against Boston last week in the OT win and very good last night. He had no chance whatsoever on the goals. The past 2 games their best line has been the 4th line and that's death for this team. I think they might give Dawes a shot first but eventually they'll probably end up going outside the organization before the deadline most likely Gibson as there is no way Philly or Nashville deal their goalies in a playoff push.
It's true that Vanecek has been better the past two games but he goes on far too many cold streaks for this team. Also when it comes to the playoffs he is as bad as any goaltender I have ever witnessed. If they are going to acquire Gibson, I am warming up to it now, then Vanecek has to be part of the deal.
Yeah I'm sure Vanacek goes in any deal for another goalie. I'm getting a bit concerned with Timo at this point. They signed him to that mega deal and he simply has not been a good fit here since he arrived. They've moved him all around with different linemates and he can't seem to click. He and Mercer have been the biggest disappointments this year so far. To get to there we were at last year those 2 need to pick it up big time bevcuase the other top 4- Jack, Bratt, Nico and Tofolli have more than held their end of the bargain. Interesting interview over the weekend on the Saturday broadcast it was dad's road trip weekend and Erica had Toffoli's dad on and he was emphatic that Toffoli loves it in Jersey and really wants to stay. Who wouldn't love playing with Jack? lol.
they've been disappointing, but not quite as bad all things considered (schedule).
EDM too - they have played less games than most west conference teams and are right back in the playoff hunt.
they've been disappointing, but not quite as bad all things considered (schedule).
EDM too - they have played less games than most west conference teams and are right back in the playoff hunt.
pj - my man lol! Non Mets comment. While Laviolette certainly hasn't disappointed, I really like Kris Knoblauch. Do you think he is a big reason for the turn around? I think Knoblauch had a history with McDavid prior to his hiring.
Quote:
still have a lot of games in hand on almost every NHL team.
they've been disappointing, but not quite as bad all things considered (schedule).
EDM too - they have played less games than most west conference teams and are right back in the playoff hunt.
pj - my man lol! Non Mets comment. While Laviolette certainly hasn't disappointed, I really like Kris Knoblauch. Do you think he is a big reason for the turn around? I think Knoblauch had a history with McDavid prior to his hiring.
Could be. Coaching matters in the NHL, but also McDavid was hurt and probably came back to soon for the heritage classic or whatever it was called.
Lines don't matter too much, but the "BC line" is the USA's 3rd line and Celebrini is on Canada's 4th line.
Explains why players like Cole Eiserman and James Hagens didn't make USA. Surprised the B's loaned Poitras.
And Mcgroarty (USA captain) isn't even in the lineup.
This is a good team that, somehow, gets in its own way. I saw some recent Devils posts above calling for a head coaching change. We had the same thing going on in November as the Isles repeatedly were their own worst enemy. All their problems have been mental. They didn't pull the trigger on canning Lambert, maybe that was the right move, but we won't know for sure until April.
For those saying defenseman injuries (Pelech & Pulock) are to blame and they;ll get better after they return, the Isles were chocking away games with those guys in the lineup. They've actually been better of late with Mike Reilly (a defenseman who can skate with the puck!) and Robert Bortuzzo.
Anyway, there's long way to go. The NHL season is a marathon and we're not halfway yet. I'm pumped for the second half though.
LGI!
Meanwhile, I heard both Sebastian Ahos scores tonight in the same game
This is a good team that, somehow, gets in its own way. I saw some recent Devils posts above calling for a head coaching change. We had the same thing going on in November as the Isles repeatedly were their own worst enemy. All their problems have been mental. They didn't pull the trigger on canning Lambert, maybe that was the right move, but we won't know for sure until April.
For those saying defenseman injuries (Pelech & Pulock) are to blame and they;ll get better after they return, the Isles were chocking away games with those guys in the lineup. They've actually been better of late with Mike Reilly (a defenseman who can skate with the puck!) and Robert Bortuzzo.
Anyway, there's long way to go. The NHL season is a marathon and we're not halfway yet. I'm pumped for the second half though.
LGI!
I think there was a lot of sleepwalking and resting on their laurels. With guys like Reilly and Bortuzo, there's an extra effort and grit we weren't seeing. Hopefully when the injured guys come back it rubs off.
Pulock pelech
Dobson Romanov
Mayfield Reilly
7th bortuzo or ago
That's not a bad backend.
not sure I can recall more talent on the ice at one of these tourneys in recent memory.
Lane Hutson (MTL) with the OTGW (linked below).
these tourneys never go as planned and everyone always underestimates the discipline and talent of the Fins and Swedes, but I will be disappointed if these two teams don't meet in the finals.
link - ( New Window )
Pierre LeBrun
@PierreVLeBrun
Top 10 NHL teams based on points % at holiday break:
Rangers, .734
(tie) Canucks/Kings, .700
(tie) Bruins/Stars, .688
Jets, .672
Knights, .671
Avs, .647
Leafs, .645
Caps, .629
Am I the only one who had no clue Max was on the Caps?
Man, talk about a career robbed by injuries.
I feel snake bit between the Habs, Giants and Mets. I'm a Celtics fan, but not a strong basketball fan,
@NHLInjuryViz
"All inclusive" MGL table through 28 December, i.e. counting anyone under contract on LTIR, SOIR etc.
link - ( New Window )
and that's a lot compared to last year when they were historically healthy.
Barkov looks like he's taken the Selke mantle from Bergeron and Hart too if he plays like this all the time and Lafreniere is some puck luck away from a hat trick.
goalies on both sides keeping this a game.
Barkov looks like he's taken the Selke mantle from Bergeron and Hart too if he plays like this all the time and Lafreniere is some puck luck away from a hat trick.
goalies on both sides keeping this a game.
I'm at the game, sitting in front and to the right of Luongo, lol. There is no defense.
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Panthers game is f-ing awesome hockey.
Barkov looks like he's taken the Selke mantle from Bergeron and Hart too if he plays like this all the time and Lafreniere is some puck luck away from a hat trick.
goalies on both sides keeping this a game.
I'm at the game, sitting in front and to the right of Luongo, lol. There is no defense.
What a fun game to go to.
This would be an awesome ECF.
This would be an awesome ECF.
I thought there were weak calls, but it seemed equally weak both ways - like players falling with a stick near them and a trip called but I think it was consistent and neither team benefited from it.
I think they got the Lafreniere call right. By calling it a major it allowed them to review it and I think it was a minor penalty or no penalty - but in the NHL they cannot lower it to no penalty (unlike at the WJC where they just added a rule they can make it no penalty). I don't think there was intent, but he had his elbow out and extended and it hit Barkov's head. So I thought the minor was fair.
Not sure anything else was really that controversial.
Brendan Smith scored his first goal as a Devil after a season and a half. Unfortunately the only reason he scored was he was coming out of the penalty box. He was also responsible for both Senator goals as he had a bad turnover that directly lead to the first goal and the second Senators goal bounced off of his into the net. The Devils have to find an upgrade here.
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It was a really fun game, but the Panthers arena sucks at showing replays. Some of the calls looked weak but I didn't have great angles.
This would be an awesome ECF.
I thought there were weak calls, but it seemed equally weak both ways - like players falling with a stick near them and a trip called but I think it was consistent and neither team benefited from it.
I think they got the Lafreniere call right. By calling it a major it allowed them to review it and I think it was a minor penalty or no penalty - but in the NHL they cannot lower it to no penalty (unlike at the WJC where they just added a rule they can make it no penalty). I don't think there was intent, but he had his elbow out and extended and it hit Barkov's head. So I thought the minor was fair.
Not sure anything else was really that controversial.
I guess you can't change a major to no penalty but you can do it with a double minor. They did it in a Devs game a few weeks back. They originally called a double minor for a high stick but reviewed it and erased the penalty when they realized it was his own teammate's stick that clipped him.
As an aside, both Jack and Luke got 3 points each last night. First time 2 brothers got 3 in the same game since the Sedins.
Brendan Smith scored his first goal as a Devil after a season and a half. Unfortunately the only reason he scored was he was coming out of the penalty box. He was also responsible for both Senator goals as he had a bad turnover that directly lead to the first goal and the second Senators goal bounced off of his into the net. The Devils have to find an upgrade here.
Yeah I think is a real popular player in the room and that's saving him because Colin Miller has clearly out played him. I thing Fitz eventually trades for a physical Dman. From what the insiders are reporting teams smell desperation on the goalie market and are asking for the world. Though you can't trust him, Vanacek definitely played better his past 4 or 5 games and I think they give him and Dawes a run in the crease for at least a bit as a tandem before they look outside the organization. They are in playoff position all be it tenuously, so it's not like they're desperately digging themselves out of a hole thankfully. Quietly Luke has really hit his stride offensively. He will challenge for the Norris in the future. He and Nemec could very well form a top pairing sooner rather than later.
He had some off-ice issues, he's working on coming back (with the Charlotte Checkers now), and I think he could be great if he can get his head on right. Plus he only has 2 more years on his contract. One weird thing is Knight and Bobrovsky contracts expire the same time. Of course Knight then becomes an RFA, but still weird IMO they expose themselves that way.
His upside is more than any of the current Devils goalies IMO, just not sure he's "win now" like they need.
John Gibson would be my next choice and ANA has the cap room to eat all the cap if NJD can't bring in a 3rd team to broker it. Gibson has three more years after this one at 6.4M which is fair IMO, but might be tough for NJD to take on with their current roster.
it probably means no Toffoli next year and possibly trade Siegenthaler if they can.
I would do something though about goalie if I was NJD.
Yeah I think is a real popular player in the room and that's saving him because Colin Miller has clearly out played him. I thing Fitz eventually trades for a physical Dman. From what the insiders are reporting teams smell desperation on the goalie market and are asking for the world. Though you can't trust him, Vanacek definitely played better his past 4 or 5 games and I think they give him and Dawes a run in the crease for at least a bit as a tandem before they look outside the organization. They are in playoff position all be it tenuously, so it's not like they're desperately digging themselves out of a hole thankfully. Quietly Luke has really hit his stride offensively. He will challenge for the Norris in the future. He and Nemec could very well form a top pairing sooner rather than later.
The Devils are being wise in giving Daws a chance to solidify the position rather than trade for Gibson. If Daws struggles then they will turn their attention to the trade market.
Luke is as advertised offensively. It's pretty amazing how quickly he took the PP1 D spot from Hamilton before he was injured. He just needs to improve defensively. I doubt he will ever be a great defensive defenseman but all they need is him to be league average or better and he will be a star.
Nemec is going to be a more well rounded player IMO but he won't provide the offense that Luke will but that is still ok as you said they will likely form the top pairing in the future. Perhaps as early as next season.
I hate to be a broken record but Ruff HAS to go. Holtz should not be on the fourth line. It's incredible that Smith makes mistakes every game and yet he rarely loses his spot in the lineup while a talented young player gets demoted for little reason. I don't give a shit about Smith's value in the locker room. He can still provide that as an inactive 7th defenseman like he was signed to be.
several teams I can think of may want to shore that position up and several options available.
Kaapo Kahkonen has been quietly good and is a UFA after the season.
Gibson is a starter who you can win a title with IMO
Markstrom has been good.
I mentioned Knight who probably isn't "available" but could be had
I would even say Connor Ingram, but suddenly the Coyotes find themselves in the playoff picture (largely because of Ingram).
several teams I can think of may want to shore that position up and several options available.
Kaapo Kahkonen has been quietly good and is a UFA after the season.
Gibson is a starter who you can win a title with IMO
Markstrom has been good.
I mentioned Knight who probably isn't "available" but could be had
I would even say Connor Ingram, but suddenly the Coyotes find themselves in the playoff picture (largely because of Ingram).
I would prefer they do it now also but the only names on that list I would want are Knight and Gibson. I would not want to trade high for Ingram. If Vejmelka is cheap I wouldn't mind rolling the dice for him. A Vanecek for Vejmelka swaps seems fair to me.
@daniel_amoia
Vitek Vanecek stopped -2.36 goals saved above expected in this contest.
That brings him to -11.0 on the season. Only Ilya Samsonov (-13.3) is worse.
#NJDevils
Montembeault makes the save and holds it a beat. Lightning anticipate the whistle but it never happens, Monty dishes to Kovacevik who skates up and scores from his own end into an empty net because Tampa goalie had skated over to the bench in anticipation of the play stoppage.
reviewed it and no one blew a whistle, good goal.
Biggest surprise to me is Saros.
@MoneyPuckdotcom
Worst goalies going into 2024 https://moneypuck.com/goalies.htm
Also their model seems to like the West. 3 Western conference teams in the top 4.
@MoneyPuckdotcom
Cup chances going into 2024 https://moneypuck.com/predictions.htm
3-2-1-0.
also they have one innovative rule, if a team scores short handed the player in the box gets sprung. I like it, double whammy to the PP team.
What's the Carolina love?
Why do teams with lower overall % to make playoffs actually have higher chances to advance in deeper rounds?