Every team (except OTT and EDM) has reached our passed the 41 game halfway point, so thought let's take some stock in how things look vs what we expected and look at 1st half performances.
First the playoff standings (GD = goal differential):
East
Atlantic:
BOS 43GP 61PTs +30 GD
FLA 43 GP 57PTs +25 GD
TOR 41 GP 50PTs +14 GD
Metro:
NYR 42 GP 56PTs +17 GD
PHI 44 GP 54PTs +10 GD
CAR 43 GP 53PTs +16 GD
East Wild Card
DET 43 GP 49PTs +11 GD
TBL 44 GP 49PTs -3 GD
PIT 42 GP 48PTs +16 GD
NYI 43 GP 48PTs -18GD
NJD 41 GP 47PTs -2GD
WAS 41 GP 46PTs -26GD
West
Central
WIN 42 GP 60PTs +42GD
COL 44 GP 59PTs +26GD
DAL 42 GP 55PTs +26GD
Pacific
VAN 44 GP 62PTs +54GD
LVG 44 GP 55PTs +20GD
LAK 40 GP 50PTs +30GD
West Wild Card
NSH 44 GP 49PTs +1GD
EDM 39 GP 47PTs +21GD
SEA 43 GP 47PTs -3GD
CAL 43 GP 45PTs -1GD
ARI 41 GP 44PTs +3GD
STL 42 GP 44PTs -15GD
not much really that unexpected. but from a standings standpoint I say this:
VAN (positive)
PHI (positive)
ARI (positive)
DET (positive)
MIN (WTF?)
OTT (has a bunch of games in hand on everyone, but I expected more)
BUF (let's me down every year)
Awards:
Calder: Bedard, but being out 4-6 weeks it's in jeopardy. Luke Hughes, Brock Faber, Rossi, Adam Fantilli, and more nipping at his heels
Vezina: Demko or Hellebuyck
Selke: Barkov or Danault
Hart: MacKinnon or Panarin
Norris: Quinn Hughes (has a case for Hart too), Makar not far behind though
Jack Adams: Tocchet or Torts
should be a fun second half
I guess you could call them a disappointment after their dominant start. It's like them and EDM swapped roles.
After the last two games I feel like they are on the brink of collapse.
After the last two games I feel like they are on the brink of collapse.
I feel like they've been on the brink of collapse most of the season. I truly can't find one legitimate reason why the coach is still employed by the team.
After the last two games I feel like they are on the brink of collapse.
This is what happens when you have a veteran team and lock everyone up long term - you get complacency like we saw last night.
This team is locked in to being mediocre for the next several years. This isn't 1992 anymore. It's time to start an honest rebuild without Lou. We don't need anymore 30 somethings who "play the right way."
Dobson, Barzal and Sorokin are the nucleus of this club and its future. Horvat, Nelson, and Pelech are good pieces. Everyone else is completely fungible in a rebuild (which will be hard with the contracts Lou handed out).
Then again, if they don't add a goaltender it might not matter.
I did not expect losing Bergeron, Krejci, Clifton, Bertuzzi, etc. would go so smoothly.
Montgomery is either a really good coach or Swayman/Ullmark cover up a lot.
McAvoy, always a favorite of mine (and a Giants fan) will never get Norris credit but there are really not many btter complete defenseman in the league.
Then again, if they don't add a goaltender it might not matter.
Encouraging sign is the play of Daws. He has looked very solid. Hate to say this is a throwaway year but the injuries are near insurmountable right now.
To their credit they have played well given the circumstances. Stealing 2 points against Florida was great.
Next week is monumental and could really wreck the season. Dallas - Vegas - Carolina - Tampa is a tough stretch.
Don't make any rash moves imo. Aside from adding a depth defenseman, ride it out. Also not sure why Lindy hates Holtz but the constant benching of him is tiresome.
if Daws is the answer in net great, if not they need to get one, but they just need to get their full lineup back and once they get in the playoffs they can do damage.
they are a "win now" team.
I did not expect losing Bergeron, Krejci, Clifton, Bertuzzi, etc. would go so smoothly.
Montgomery is either a really good coach or Swayman/Ullmark cover up a lot.
McAvoy, always a favorite of mine (and a Giants fan) will never get Norris credit but there are really not many btter complete defenseman in the league.
Guys like Coyle, Frédéric, and Geekie are having career years. JVR and Shattenkirk are also playing much better than expected.
As a Bruins fan myself, I like Swayman more than Ullmark.
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BOS is a surprise.
I did not expect losing Bergeron, Krejci, Clifton, Bertuzzi, etc. would go so smoothly.
Montgomery is either a really good coach or Swayman/Ullmark cover up a lot.
McAvoy, always a favorite of mine (and a Giants fan) will never get Norris credit but there are really not many btter complete defenseman in the league.
Guys like Coyle, Frédéric, and Geekie are having career years. JVR and Shattenkirk are also playing much better than expected.
As a Bruins fan myself, I like Swayman more than Ullmark.
They are just so godamn well coached and positionally sound. They are never out of position. Ever. Also obviously they have excellent goaltending. Outside of Pasta they don't have that type of top end talent that scares you at all but he is great though. Marchant is definitely showing his age a bit. They kind of remind me of the 90's early 2000's Devils teams. Strong positionally especially on the back end and in net and the fwds play their roles great. I wouldn't be shocked to see them take a run at a top 6 fwd at the deadline. Kane would have been a good fit there.
I do expect the Red Wings fade from contention and move Kane, but not if he's not healthy. He's looked fantastic so far this year.
As PJ mentioned, it feels they just need to get healthy, but can you sit on your hands waiting for the team to get healthy? Or do you need to make a move for a defensman or at goalie?
They have about two months to evaluate Daws and decide if it's time to make a move.
The Metro is tight, seven teams within 10 points, 4 within 2 points. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if they miss the playoffs outright or are able to pull it all together second half of the year.
While it was better in December and so far in January. The team needs a real veteran #1 in order to take the next step. Their unwillingness or inability to pull the trigger to get the goalie is a major hindrance. Especially with Rod's system that leaves the goalies exposed a fair amount of the time.
The scoring is going well for now but there will be some dry times and that makes a shutdown goalie who can steal some games even more important. Especially during the playoffs.
I think Brendan Gallagher could be shopped and maybe Josh Anderson too (currently injured) and Joel Armia, but I think they are trying to clear space for the younger guys.
Jayden Struble has been such a surprise Arber Xhekaj is stuck in Laval while rehabbing. But Xhekaj is a top 4 D in MTL. They also have Mailloux who looks good. Just a young D corps. I could see them shop Kovacevic too.
I expect the trade market to pick up in the next two weeks.,
even though there are still 6+ weeks until the deadline.
if Daws is the answer in net great, if not they need to get one, but they just need to get their full lineup back and once they get in the playoffs they can do damage.
they are a "win now" team.
Yes, get in would be great but their window is JUST opening.
Hughes is 22.
Their best two blueliners are 20 and 19.
Majority of the team is 26 and below.
If they ever land a good goalie and make an add to bolster defense they have a chance to be good for a long time.
I too, am encouraged by the play of Daws. He is playing really well and considering all of the injuries this season, the devs have weather the storm.
Really hoping we can get some guys back sooner than later.
I think Brendan Gallagher could be shopped and maybe Josh Anderson too (currently injured) and Joel Armia, but I think they are trying to clear space for the younger guys.
Jayden Struble has been such a surprise Arber Xhekaj is stuck in Laval while rehabbing. But Xhekaj is a top 4 D in MTL. They also have Mailloux who looks good. Just a young D corps. I could see them shop Kovacevic too.
I expect the trade market to pick up in the next two weeks.,
even though there are still 6+ weeks until the deadline.
The reports here also have Jake Allen and or Cayden Primeau also being shopped around.
At one point in late October when Andersen went on IR there was talk about Jake Allen to the Canes for a pick and Tony DeAngelo
if Daws is the answer in net great, if not they need to get one, but they just need to get their full lineup back and once they get in the playoffs they can do damage.
they are a "win now" team.
They are a fairly young team too, but they do need goal tending. Vanecek absolutely sucks. Broduer spoiled Devil fans!
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the Devils are a team that just needs to be healthy in the playoffs. Make it obviously, but be healthy.
if Daws is the answer in net great, if not they need to get one, but they just need to get their full lineup back and once they get in the playoffs they can do damage.
they are a "win now" team.
Yes, get in would be great but their window is JUST opening.
Hughes is 22.
Their best two blueliners are 20 and 19.
Majority of the team is 26 and below.
If they ever land a good goalie and make an add to bolster defense they have a chance to be good for a long time.
I too, am encouraged by the play of Daws. He is playing really well and considering all of the injuries this season, the devs have weather the storm.
Really hoping we can get some guys back sooner than later.
They arrived a year early and it kicked up expectations this year but you're right which is why I don't want them to trade someone like Seamus Casey for a goalie this year. Aside from depth just let the season play out at this point. The nucleus is still incredibly young. Frustrating you may miss the playoffs but the injuries have been brutal.
I gotta push back on this. Hamilton tore his pec and he made the PP go. Big loss. Meier has missed significant time and has been injured when playing. Hughes hasn't been the same player since he got hurt earlier in the year and now he's out for weeks. Nico was banged up earlier this year. Palat is hurt, Siegenthaler has a broken foot and is out for an extended period of time.
The injuries have been significant. They're just trying to survive at this point.
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While they aren't the most injured team, injuries have played a factor, they've lost their top defensive pairing.
I gotta push back on this. Hamilton tore his pec and he made the PP go. Big loss. Meier has missed significant time and has been injured when playing. Hughes hasn't been the same player since he got hurt earlier in the year and now he's out for weeks. Nico was banged up earlier this year. Palat is hurt, Siegenthaler has a broken foot and is out for an extended period of time.
The injuries have been significant. They're just trying to survive at this point.
It's tough becasue from an actual man-games lost to injury, the devils aren't in the top 10 if I recall. But the injuries have been to the top line talent. The devils are more young then thin (depth wise), and people haven't been able to step up, IMO which makes the inuries have a larger impact. That's why I think it's a tricky situtation of trying to get healthy vs making moves.
I think Brendan Gallagher could be shopped and maybe Josh Anderson too (currently injured) and Joel Armia, but I think they are trying to clear space for the younger guys.
Jayden Struble has been such a surprise Arber Xhekaj is stuck in Laval while rehabbing. But Xhekaj is a top 4 D in MTL. They also have Mailloux who looks good. Just a young D corps. I could see them shop Kovacevic too.
I expect the trade market to pick up in the next two weeks.,
even though there are still 6+ weeks until the deadline.
If Habs unloaded Anderson, Savard, and Monahan, your whole team would practically be smurfs. Some Habs Digest dude on YouTube even says Habs are receiving calls for Xhekaj. If your smart people think small wins, they are dumb and disillusioned and apparently don’t watch playoff hockey.
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all but made it clear that Sean Monahan and David Savard will be moved.
I think Brendan Gallagher could be shopped and maybe Josh Anderson too (currently injured) and Joel Armia, but I think they are trying to clear space for the younger guys.
Jayden Struble has been such a surprise Arber Xhekaj is stuck in Laval while rehabbing. But Xhekaj is a top 4 D in MTL. They also have Mailloux who looks good. Just a young D corps. I could see them shop Kovacevic too.
I expect the trade market to pick up in the next two weeks.,
even though there are still 6+ weeks until the deadline.
If Habs unloaded Anderson, Savard, and Monahan, your whole team would practically be smurfs. Some Habs Digest dude on YouTube even says Habs are receiving calls for Xhekaj. If your smart people think small wins, they are dumb and disillusioned and apparently don’t watch playoff hockey.
They should get calls for Xhekaj is if he's in Laval.
But Slafkovsky is the opposite of a smurf. He's a monster.
and they get Dach back hopefully next year and he's big too (6'4).
the rest of the forwards are mostly average except Caufield and Gally.
Their D is not small at all Guhle, Barron, Mattheson, Struble, all 6'2 or taller. If Lane Hutson ever makes the team it would be like Caufield on D.
Monahan is just not a long-term fit on the team they won't be a contender in his prime.
Anderson, not as good a player as Monahan, I'd need to be convinced to trade because he has term. I'd love to unload Gallagher, I'm afraid the one time heart and soul of the team will be bought out in the next couple years if they don't move him.
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UPDATE: Jack Eichel had successful lower-body surgery and will be out week-to-week. #VegasBorn
he's there because they have to play Savard.
Matheson is their #1 D and Guhle is a future #1 D.
Harris, Barron and Struble all project to top 4 D potential and all are 23 or under.
Kovacevic is probably being shopped.
They told Arber basically "clean up some D-zone stuff and you're back up in our top 4" but IMO they're show casing Savard and maybe even Kovacevic.
Shit, I wouldn't even be shocked if they trade Matheson.
Matheson is the best skating D I've seen in a Habs uniform since Larry Robinson, he's like Phil Housley back there but he reminds me of Jonathan Drouin, but as a D. So much skill, so little IQ.
One or two of Savard, Kovacevic or Matheson should be traded.
Devils need Jack Hughes back.
Devils need Jack Hughes back.
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Slafkovsky had a history (still does it sometimes) of blind cross ice passes. D-zone, o-zone anywhere and they were crucial sometimes. But he didn't bench Slafkovsky or send him to Laval, he moved him up to play with linemates who can keep up with him in Suzuki and Caufield. MSL recognized Slafkovsky wasn't simply being careless (which he was) but he was also being creative and for that you need linemates who can match you. Since then Slafkovsky looks like a different player.
kind of like how Lafreniere does in NY playing with Panarin and Trocheck.
Also it highlights why coaches like Ruff may not be great for young players who aren't "finished products" (the Hughes brothers are obviously unique). They don't coach. not the way a Sully or Lavy or it seems MSL does.
time for Ruff to go before he ruins Holtz.
time for Ruff to go before he ruins Holtz.
As you know I've been on this all season with the injuries. Why the hell are they playing these garbage career AHL'ers instea of bringing up a Stillman who even combines a little sandpaper with his skill? Obviously we both want Clarke up here as well. Max friggen Willman. Mind boggling.
As you know I've been on this all season with the injuries. Why the hell are they playing these garbage career AHL'ers instea of bringing up a Stillman who even combines a little sandpaper with his skill? Obviously we both want Clarke up here as well. Max friggen Willman. Mind boggling.
I'm worried about Nolan Foote. When he returns he I have a bad feeling that Ruff will not use him and continue to play the AHL'ers over him and attempt to send him down to Utica. If that happens he will surely be claimed off waivers.
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Ottawa Senators expected to ask Vladimir Tarasenko to waive NTC, listening on Jakob Chychrun
Ottawa also said they are willing to part way with some youth for established players. Obviously this doesn't mean Stutzle but maybe Norris, Pinto (if he's tradeable while suspended), or prospects.
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Ottawa Senators expected to ask Vladimir Tarasenko to waive NTC, listening on Jakob Chychrun
Ottawa also said they are willing to part way with some youth for established players. Obviously this doesn't mean Stutzle but maybe Norris, Pinto (if he's tradeable while suspended), or prospects.
Chabot another guy being "shopped" and I don't think OTT wants to trade him per se, but his M-NTC kicks in 7/1 so if they will ever do it this is the time.
At this point I would just release Holtz. We need to make room for another career AHL'er. Maybe they can bring back the great Mason Geersten to replace Holtz. Holtz scored his 11th even strength goal of the season tonight which leads the Devils. Keep in mind that he was playing on a line with Max Willman.
If this was a one time instance I might be able to understand it better but Ruff did the same thing with Sharangovich who is now breaking out with Calgary after being given a chance and he has outperformed Toffoli.
I am just so tired of watching Ruff's weak system. If the Devils are to turn this around they need new leadership.
Couture has a hefty price tag for a sub PPG 34-year old player, but he's got a good two-way game (even though he's not great on the dots) and a solid veteran presence could be moved at the deadline if a team can swing the 3 more years at $8M per on his deal (or SJS eats some of it). The latter is more likely IMO. I always liked Couture but I'm not paying $8M per for his 35 - 37 year old seasons.
This team can't do anything without Jack, that shouldn't be the case.
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They honored Sergei Brylin before the game only to lose 6-2 at home to the Stars. I really like Tom Fitzgerald but if he doesn't fire Ruff tomorrow then he should be on the hot seat.
This team can't do anything without Jack, that shouldn't be the case.
Ruff's system just doesn't work and he either refuses to make adjustments or is incapable of doing so.
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In comment 16372619 Jay on the Island said:
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They honored Sergei Brylin before the game only to lose 6-2 at home to the Stars. I really like Tom Fitzgerald but if he doesn't fire Ruff tomorrow then he should be on the hot seat.
This team can't do anything without Jack, that shouldn't be the case.
Ruff's system just doesn't work and he either refuses to make adjustments or is incapable of doing so.
Yeah they've had too many games lately like tonight, Monday in Boston where they don't put any pressure at all on the puck or threaten the other team at all. No Jack hurts, but the system has been broken much of the season.
Kane and Perry is some sandpaper as the Oilers are on a 13-game win streak erasing their poor start.
Bedard #1 as a bubble generational player, Hughes as an elite NHL'er, Luke Hughes at 7 in tier 3, Laf 19, Perreault at 45, Kakko 64, Schneider 85, Othmann 94, Cuylle 118.
Slafkovsky at 20 seems a little low.
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I wouldn't take Lafreniere over him if they were in the same draft and I'm a Lafreniere fan.
That's just me.
I think he will become a better player than half the players ranked ahead of him.
And there were times last year I felt like the Habs made a horrible mistake and should have taken Cooley and Slafkovsky had almost no standout skill. Now they all standout.