NFT: NHL - at the halfway point

starts tomorrow.

BC vs BU tomorrow 8pm (I think this is their 3rd meeting and BC swept the first two I believe).

Harvard vs Northeastern in the opener

decision. Other players who commit infractions or get suspended or have other issues don't come with cap relief (at least I don't think they do).

Darren Dreger
@DarrenDreger
The Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils and Calgary Flames have been informed they will receive cap relief for the players on Leave charged in the 2018 World Junior criminal proceedings.

In comment 16389546 pjcas18 said:

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decision. Other players who commit infractions or get suspended or have other issues don't come with cap relief (at least I don't think they do). Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger The Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils and Calgary Flames have been informed they will receive cap relief for the players on Leave charged in the 2018 World Junior criminal proceedings.

I agree. Cap relief really isn't warranted for the rest of the season. I do think if this goes into next season I think the hit should go away. Also an interesting note. Everyone else was charged with 1 count. McLeod was hit with 2.

In comment 16389657 Stu11 said:

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I agree. Cap relief really isn't warranted for the rest of the season. I do think if this goes into next season I think the hit should go away. Also an interesting note. Everyone else was charged with 1 count. McLeod was hit with 2.

I am pretty disgusted with the handling of this situation. The Devils re-signed McLeod with this hanging over his head plus they also signed Cal Foote who was also involved. Did they just take both players words when they offered the contracts? Did NJ check into any of these allegations against either player? The Fitzgerald extension looks more confusing after this news broke today.

McLeod received additional charges because he allegedly was aiding in other players to join in.

Andy Strickland
@andystrickland
Expect the #NHL to make an announcement related to the Arizona Coyotes situation sometime soon after the Super Bowl. The league has been pressuring the team for answers on a daily basis for some time. The league buying the team from the #Yotes current owners is in play.

Stephen Whyno
@SWhyno
#NHLBruins announce Matthew Poitras is out for the remainder of the season after undergoing right shoulder surgery.

James Dolan reportedly won't let the Rangers trade their first-round pick because the NHL Draft will be at the Sphere

Link - ( New Window )

In comment 16392346 DanMetroMan said:

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James Dolan reportedly won't let the Rangers trade their first-round pick because the NHL Draft will be at the Sphere Link - ( New Window )

we talked about that in the Rangers thread. it's not even going to be a great pick.

being shopped (or they're listening on him).

Oilers mentioned as favorites.

He changes the landscape IMO, he proved his worth when Crosby was out, he's a legit top 6 forward.

may be a bit late. They are 5 points out of a playoff spot and really need to get on a run. I'm not sure they have it in them. Hard to believe Fitz has sat around for months and did absolutely nothing when this roster was crying for help.

In comment 16393129 Stu11 said:

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may be a bit late. They are 5 points out of a playoff spot and really need to get on a run. I'm not sure they have it in them. Hard to believe Fitz has sat around for months and did absolutely nothing when this roster was crying for help.

Yeah Fitzgerald has had a rough season. His decision to stick with Ruff is by far the worst but his inability to replace Vanecek is concerning.

Vanacek out there!!!

In comment 16392346 DanMetroMan said:

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James Dolan reportedly won't let the Rangers trade their first-round pick because the NHL Draft will be at the Sphere Link - ( New Window )

Well, you know he can't stop fucking up both the Knicks and the Rangers at the same time. The Knicks are going swimmingly so it's time for him to screw things up for the Rangers

if he's truly available. he is a rental, and other than being a natural LW (he can play RW though and has) he's probably the player who moves their top 6 the most.

Pens probably want more to trade him in division, but it will depend what his market is. Without the 1st round pick it's a non-starter though IMO.

In comment 16393308 Stu11 said:

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Vanacek out there!!!

I'm getting to the point where I am going to stop watching the games unless Ruff and Vanecek are gone.

In comment 16394263 Jay on the Island said:

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In comment 16393308 Stu11 said: Quote: Vanacek out there!!! I'm getting to the point where I am going to stop watching the games unless Ruff and Vanecek are gone.

Jay by the middle of last night's game I was really demoralized. I love the team too much to stop watching, but I just stopped expecting much at this point. We're not gonna get on the 5 or 6 game roll that we need because when your goaltending is mediocre to lousy they might play well for a game or 2 but then you know the 4 or 5 goal clunker is coming. Chalk up another goaltending loss last night. Play was pretty even, but Markstrom simply outplayed Vanacek. It's as simple as that. Fitz is in the midst of sitting around and wasting a year of this core's career.

check (Lafreniere on Sergachev) will be squarely in the rules committee's (or whatever it's called) targets this off-season.

When I got my level 4 coaching cert about 5 or 6 years ago they mentioned USA hockey was looking to outlaw it from youth to college and that hasn't happened, but I think it will now that a high visibility injury occurred. They also mentioned they were looking to remove "non-necessary" physical play and the whole room of 200+ coaches let out a collective WTF?

Technically the reverse check has always been against the letter of the rule. You cannot initiate contact with someone who doesn't have the puck, but it has become a "self defense" or protective measure like play and just accepted (and perfected) by some.

I hate that they are trying to remove it, to me if you can get hit while chasing the puck or in possession of the puck you should be able to use your body to protect yourself from that collision.

No idea how they can legislate this out and still keep things inline with the core philosophies of hockey and not create a massive ref show every game.

Will be interesting.

That would be horrible if they do that.

suspension should be announced tomorrow - he has opted for an in person hearing.

I love (/s) hearing Leafs fans try and explain how that cross check to the face after an ENG was not so severe by going screen by screen in slo-mo like its the Kennedy assassination.

that deserves a good two weeks IMO.

was every bit as dirt as Dale Hunter and any other dirty play can think of. Yeah Grieg deserved something, but drop the gloves like a man, don't cross check someone in the face when they're not expecting it.

Reilly should receive at least 10 games IMO.

(athletic) working through his team by team prospect rankings. Started backwards at 32 with the NYI, then OTT, BOS, TBL, TOR, PIT, COL, EDM, FLA, LVG, NJD, DAL, WAS

Has gotten NYR (#19)

My summary is he likes the top 5, but the NYR just don't have prospect depth.

and he loves Perreault, likes Othmann a lot, and then my view is he just likes the other guys. Berard, Skyora, Cuylle then a drop off

behind the athletic paywall....

link - ( New Window )

starting to build out there infrastructures for the Olympics.

Guerin named US GM (again - I believe he was before they yanked NHL players from the 2022 Olympics).

I wonder who the coach will be. I'd pick Mike Sullivan. Sullivan was an assistant on the '06 Olympic team. The talent on that US team compared to this one is night and day. Neither the US or Canada medaled in the 2006 Olympics, which the US not medaling isn't news, but Canada was. US lost in the QF's to Finland who lost the gold to Sweden. The Czech's beat Russia for the bronze.

By Canada standards that Olympic team was subpar too. I mean they had Sakic (36 years old), MSL, Iginla , Pronger - who I think are all HOFers Thornton, Heatley and others, but no McDavid, Crosby, MacKinnon, Gretzky, Lemieux, Yzerman, etc. level talent. Their talent was in net with Brodeur and Luongo.

Weird Olympics. I guess.

Fortunate win for us as it looked like BU was on a perpetual power play for long stretches of the game

In comment 16397466 BH28 said:

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Fortunate win for us as it looked like BU was on a perpetual power play for long stretches of the game

Congrats. fun game. Including an unfortunate own goal that I have been guilty of myself (albeit in less important circumstances) all too often.

In comment 16397538 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 16397466 BH28 said: Quote: Fortunate win for us as it looked like BU was on a perpetual power play for long stretches of the game Congrats. fun game. Including an unfortunate own goal that I have been guilty of myself (albeit in less important circumstances) all too often.

That own goal made me think how good the guys in the NHL are, like it never even crosses my mind that getting a stick on a crosser could become an own goal.

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (GWG) is an all time hockey name.

I wonder why it died.

James Nichols
@JamesNicholsNHL
According to a report, Jacob Markstrom was asked to waive his no-move clause by the #Flames and approved a trade to the #NJDevils before the deal died.

from Elliotte:

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....That checks out. Yesterday, Elliotte Friedman reported that although the deal died, the Devils and Flames were in agreement on a package that worked for both teams. The Devils were reportedly ready to at least make Swedish sniper Alexander Holtz as part of the transaction. However, Friedman also reported that he believed the issue between the two teams was Calgary retaining salary on Markstrom’s $6 million cap hit. Now, Seravalli believes the Devils will need to look elsewhere for help in goal....

In comment 16397852 pjcas18 said:

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I wonder why it died. James Nichols @JamesNicholsNHL According to a report, Jacob Markstrom was asked to waive his no-move clause by the #Flames and approved a trade to the #NJDevils before the deal died.

According to Elliot Friedman the sticking point was salary retention. Calgary ownership is dead set against it. If that's the case awful job by the Devils. They have Dougie Hamilton's 9mill on ltir fur this season so it's not a cap issue and he has 1 year after this so if you have them take Vanacek back its only a net plus 3 mill or so on the cap next year.

In comment 16397868 Stu11 said:

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In comment 16397852 pjcas18 said: Quote: I wonder why it died. James Nichols @JamesNicholsNHL According to a report, Jacob Markstrom was asked to waive his no-move clause by the #Flames and approved a trade to the #NJDevils before the deal died. According to Elliot Friedman the sticking point was salary retention. Calgary ownership is dead set against it. If that's the case awful job by the Devils. They have Dougie Hamilton's 9mill on ltir fur this season so it's not a cap issue and he has 1 year after this so if you have them take Vanacek back its only a net plus 3 mill or so on the cap next year.

I wonder if it is truly dead or there is some gamesmanship going on here. Although if you are the devils you can't really wait another 3 weeks to see if Calgary blinks, might be out of it by then.

In comment 16397989 BH28 said:

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In comment 16397868 Stu11 said: Quote: In comment 16397852 pjcas18 said: Quote: I wonder why it died. James Nichols @JamesNicholsNHL According to a report, Jacob Markstrom was asked to waive his no-move clause by the #Flames and approved a trade to the #NJDevils before the deal died. According to Elliot Friedman the sticking point was salary retention. Calgary ownership is dead set against it. If that's the case awful job by the Devils. They have Dougie Hamilton's 9mill on ltir fur this season so it's not a cap issue and he has 1 year after this so if you have them take Vanacek back its only a net plus 3 mill or so on the cap next year. I wonder if it is truly dead or there is some gamesmanship going on here. Although if you are the devils you can't really wait another 3 weeks to see if Calgary blinks, might be out of it by then.

The time to trade for a goalie was probably 3 weeks ago. It may be even too late already.

I think.

NHL Player Safety
@NHLPlayerSafety
Toronto’s Morgan Rielly has been suspended for five games for cross-checking Ottawa’s Ridly Greig.

Connor McDavid 6 assists vs Detroit

In comment 16398557 Route 9 said:

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Connor McDavid 6 assists vs Detroit

After missing time early this season I thought he would never lead the league in point.

He's 13 off the crazy pace Kucherov is on.

Crosby said before the season he think McDavid could have a 200 point season, and if he didn't get hurt it was very possible.

he's short of a 2 ppg pace, but not by much and the first two weeks he came back was too soon (he wanted to play in the Heritage classic).

I wonder the odds today for McDavid to lead the league in points. Being 13 behind you have to believe you would get decent odds and I think I'd put some money on that.

in VAN on a try out.

would be awesome to see hium win another cup.

But McDavid is head and shoulders above peak Crosby. That's how good he is. Only player to approach Gretzky and Lemieux since those guys retired.

In comment 16398648 Greg from LI said:

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But McDavid is head and shoulders above peak Crosby. That's how good he is. Only player to approach Gretzky and Lemieux since those guys retired.

Absolutely agree. McDavid does stuff on the ice no one else can do. I hope he stays healthy and eventually wins a title, he will be among the all-time greats. I think Ovie will eventually limp past Gretzky next year or the year after, but McDavid could be a threat if he stays healthy.

In comment 16398114 Stu11 said:

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The time to trade for a goalie was probably 3 weeks ago. It may be even too late already.

I agree 100%. If they aren't going to fire Lindy Ruff they should not make any major trades. Even if they land Markstrom and Hanifin from Calgary they will lose in the first round of the playoffs anyway. Hanifin will leave in free agency and Holtz will go on to become a 30+ goal scorer for the Flames.

and overpays for a guy on the downside and/or a rental.

It would be great if one of the two youngsters just called up could stick.

I would start rotating Wheeler out (with Vesey?) or someone Drury can get without giving up much. I wouldn't move Kakko; that L3 looks like it may be developing. It's possibe that Wheeler's experience could be helpful in the playoffs.

I've been hoping they can dump Goodrow. Ottawa has been looking for vet leadership, and he could certainly provide that. That could open up $$ for RW help.

Penguins lose again

In comment 16398657 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 16398648 Greg from LI said: Quote: But McDavid is head and shoulders above peak Crosby. That's how good he is. Only player to approach Gretzky and Lemieux since those guys retired. Absolutely agree. McDavid does stuff on the ice no one else can do. I hope he stays healthy and eventually wins a title, he will be among the all-time greats. I think Ovie will eventually limp past Gretzky next year or the year after, but McDavid could be a threat if he stays healthy.

I don't watch Edmonton very often except for highlights here and there. What does your eye see that makes him so good?

has the combination of

1. Speed (he just has speeds that are faster than everyone else - he literally is the fastest skater in the league - that's not hyperbole)

2. Elite skating/edge work - this is important - I know you know hockey, but this is like fluidity in a db or precise route running in a WR or escapability in a QB, burst from an edge - for a hockey player it gets you separation (and more) - think of it for a player with the puck as buying you time and space

3. Skill - besides the speed and skating he can stick handle in a phone booth and use defenders in ways most other players can't or don't

4. Shot - he has an elite shot (and it's probably his least impressive aspect of his game)

5. Size - unlike most people with his skill and skating ability he is not a finesse player he is 6' 1" 200 lbs and doesn't play a soft game

6. IQ - in spite of 1-5 being an ultra rare combination #6 may be what sets him apart the most, I have seen plays he makes where he (to use the cliche) "sees the whole ice" better than anyone since Gretzky and he sets up plays in his mind seconds in advance anticipating what others will do (his opponents and teammates) and making jaw dropping highlight reel plays. I see him play sometimes and I feel like his teammates just can't keep up with him at times or they don't have the skill to maximize his talent as a teammate. the only other current player I have watched and felt this way about is Nathan MacKinnon, but with McDavid depending who he's on the ice with it is sometimes even more apparent. He has Draisaitl who is awesome, like MacKinnon has Rantanen, but most of their linemates can't stay with them and it does impact their games a little IMO.

if there is a weakness in McDavid it's that he hasn't won a title and that one will dog him until he does.

"he can stick handle in a phone booth"

Great analogy or metaphor (whatever one) ⌚

He's lightning fast, and he can do everything at top speed. He doesn't seem to slow down when he's stickhandling, passing, shooting, whatever. It's amazing to watch.

Devils are still working on Martkstrom.

I have watched every start Jake Allen has made the past 3 years (or however long he's been a Hab, what's the point? He does have another year under contract, but is he an upgrade? )

from LeBrun in the Athletic today:

Quote:

...Markstrom, Saros and the quirky goalie market Despite a failed attempt recently at reeling in Jacob Markstrom from Calgary, I’m told the New Jersey Devils will continue to try to find a way to make a deal work with the Flames before March 8. That doesn’t mean they’ll be able to get it done, of course. My understanding is that there was disagreement in trade talks between the teams over Calgary retaining salary on Markstrom’s contract, which runs for another two and a half years at $6 million per. And tied to that, I think there was disagreement on what the cost, asset-wise, should be just for salary retention if Calgary did agree to it, in addition to the other parts of a proposed trade. But New Jersey hasn’t closed the door on Markstrom. The Devils will keep trying. And in the meantime, they have also kicked tires on the likes of Juuse Saros, John Gibson and Jake Allen, among other goalies....

In comment 16400405 pjcas18 said:

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Devils are still working on Martkstrom. I have watched every start Jake Allen has made the past 3 years (or however long he's been a Hab, what's the point? He does have another year under contract, but is he an upgrade? ) from LeBrun in the Athletic today: Quote: ...Markstrom, Saros and the quirky goalie market Despite a failed attempt recently at reeling in Jacob Markstrom from Calgary, I’m told the New Jersey Devils will continue to try to find a way to make a deal work with the Flames before March 8. That doesn’t mean they’ll be able to get it done, of course. My understanding is that there was disagreement in trade talks between the teams over Calgary retaining salary on Markstrom’s contract, which runs for another two and a half years at $6 million per. And tied to that, I think there was disagreement on what the cost, asset-wise, should be just for salary retention if Calgary did agree to it, in addition to the other parts of a proposed trade. But New Jersey hasn’t closed the door on Markstrom. The Devils will keep trying. And in the meantime, they have also kicked tires on the likes of Juuse Saros, John Gibson and Jake Allen, among other goalies....

Yeah I think Markstrom is the one they've zeroed in on. I didn't realize he had 2 more years after this left on his contract though. Thats a pretty big gulp for a 34 year old at 6 mill per. I agree on Allen, he's no big upgrade at all. Gibson I've really soured on. ton of $ left and he's constantly getting injured this year. He hasn't finished his last 2 starts. I'd almost look at him as a negative assett at this point. Meanwhile Daws has been great the past 3 games, especially last night. I'm almost ready to just go with him and see how it goes and reassess in the summer.

In comment 16399567 Greg from LI said:

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He's lightning fast, and he can do everything at top speed. He doesn't seem to slow down when he's stickhandling, passing, shooting, whatever. It's amazing to watch.

It also seems to only take him a stride or two to get to that top speed

injury changes everything for PIT.

I thought they might trade him now that they are pretty much out of it (for now), but now that he's injured it obviously complicates things.

He's only out 4 weeks so I guess he could still be traded, but his value obviously changes.

Not sure who else PIT moves. Eller? they are old and bad and have bad prospects.

what a disaster.

In comment 16400868 pjcas18 said:

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injury changes everything for PIT. I thought they might trade him now that they are pretty much out of it (for now), but now that he's injured it obviously complicates things. He's only out 4 weeks so I guess he could still be traded, but his value obviously changes. Not sure who else PIT moves. Eller? they are old and bad and have bad prospects. what a disaster.

First of, let me say HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I have waited quite a while for the Penguins to be garbage again, and I would like to savor it.

Secondly....Ryan Graves isn't a star or anything, but a solid back pairing guy who could have value for a contender looking to shore up the defense. Not much else though....maybe someone rolls the dice on Rakell?

is arguably their most valuable asset. He does have a M-NTC and he's under contract for an affordable 5 more years after this season at 4.5M per.

For that reason I think they keep him.

If they trade him they're relying on 37 year old Letang and 34 year old Karlsson as their top pair.

with 37 year old Crosby and 38 year old Malkin their top two C's.

Weird to say but they almost have to be buyers, and hope to turn things around. I don't even think they can tear this down between the ages, salaries and clauses.