Re: The NHL Thread
 

had no idea this was a baseball thread.

ghost rules, Panera drools.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Pretty much what I think. Although Boston's schedule isn't so easy with the Blues and Hawks and then the Canes and Devils can be pains in the ass to play against. Wings hopes, although other games are needed too, will come down the Philly and Boston games.

Although looking at Philly's schedule isn't so easy either but they are playing damn well. But against the Caps, 2 against the Pens, Isles could be fighting for a spot and then a big game against the Wings. Could be an interesting last week.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Man, I missed a lot the past few days.

I think so too, unfortunately. The Avs really screwed themselves by losing some winnable games, most recently against Philly. Their 3rd periods have been dismal this season (case in point: they were up 4-1 against Nashville last night going into the 3rd, and ended up winning 4-3). They've got a tough schedule, but that wouldn't be much of a problem if they'd just played some complete games down the stretch. Minnesota had a great run last week, and it's looking like the final spot is theirs for the taking. And right now, they deserve it more.

Also, I still like Larkin for Calder. Gostisbehere ascending to a very close second. Panarin and Domi tied for 3rd.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I know we talked about this today but don't feel like backreading to see if this was posted yet:

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/jim...arvard-hockey/

If it was, my apologies and I'll just say it's for the afternoon crowd.

Edit: I know it's old, but gives perspective.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

So where do we think this kid ends up. Obviously all 29 (30 I guess if Vegas gets a team but he ain't waiting a year to play) will be in on him. People keep saying TO or Boston. Between those two, I'd probably lean to the Leafs if I were him cause they are ready to build for the future and Babcock is there. With so much cap space TO can do almost anything, Boston...not so much. BUT there would be the worry in the back of mine that TO could end up like Edmonton and then him being Justin Schultz.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Yeah, I think the Avs are cooked too. That said I would have assumed a few months ago that both Anaheim and Phillie were not in the picture either. Tonight will be a big night for both Colorado and Minnesota - if the Avs can pull off an upset and beat the Blues and the Wild can beat the Hawks there will be only a point separating them in the standings for that second WC slot behind the Preds.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

No idea how the leafs are not faring better or drawing better players into the fold. They certainly have the money for it so what on earth are they doing up there? They are the only NHL team on the forbes list of world’s the 50 most valuable sports teams - yes, the whole world. Sort of pathetic and it has to be driving fans nuts.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/f...-sports-teams/

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Dreger: "I'm not going to say there was zero interest, but I know there was limited interest in Nail Yakupov" at the trade deadline. #Oilers

Good job, Oilers...good job.

Cause they built their team like crap. They should have shed salary and tried to build through the draft, like they are doing now, but I think ownership was pushing Burke to go make the big deal, like getting Kessel. When you have no one to play with him, it kinds hurts. But in saying that, Boston didn't do so well in keeping what they got for him but hey, at least they have a Cup and a Finals appearance to show for it.

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Yeah, had the Red Sox not won in 2004, the White Sox winning the Series would have been a much bigger deal.

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Those saying players other than Panarin for the Calder...why do you say that? Any reasons besides his age?

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I've already mentioned my reasons a couple of times, but mostly it's not a knock on Panarin, and it's definitely not his age. I just like Larkin's game better, pure and simple. It's a completely personal preference that I'm sure the voting committee will not agree with.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I think he should but I do think playing on the Hawks with Kane will make some vote for someone else. Not saying it's right but I wouldn't be surprised if writers think that way. It'll be him or Ghost. Would love Larkin but his play dipped for a few weeks there, which is to be expected of a 19 year old in the NHL for his first season, so those would be my final 3.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Catching up on the day a little bit...

My only issue is this "verbal agreement" that Poile claims he had. That's not exactly a great look. But there was no obligation in Vesey's part either. Still, bad press for a kid who's played 0 nhl minutes isn't ideal.

Very interesting read

Pretty sure it's spelled "Keath"

I've gotta say, there's a pretty good point here. I can't think of another rookie who's been the absolute game changer that Ghost has been for Philly

Thanks. Bobalew's a great dude. Wasn't actually the first time we've met. I like that guy

This team makes it so easy to be made fun of. As I was leaving Verizon last night a dude at a merch booth offered me one. I almost laughed at him.

It's hard to write off the Wings since they are the Wings, but they certainly aren't making it easy on themselves. Out West I agree, it's likely gonna be the Wild. Sorry Matty :(

I mean, is anyone surprised about this?

Re: The NHL Thread
 

It's clearly Panarin's Calder. But there's no arguing the Ghost affect. Chicago would've been good without Panarin. Ghost changed Philly's whole look.

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I'm not sure this is a really fair way to look at it, as the Calder is meant for how a rookie played in his rookie year, but the way I like to look at it is: "If I were given the choice of picking Larkin, Panarin, and Gostisbehere to be the first, foundational piece of a team I was building from the ground up, who would I pick?" I would pick Larkin. I'll get leadership, hard work, and 3 zone excellence.

Of course, if McDavid were included in my options, you might get a different answer. :lol

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Absolutely. It needs to be made clear that just because some of us differ on who we'd give the actual Calder to, that doesn't diminish AT ALL the excellence of this year's rookie class and how good some of these guys are. Kudos to all of them, and they'll (hopefully) go on to have excellent careers whether they win a worthless trophy in their rookie season or not.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I mean, it's so hard to pick between the three. I think Panarin, Larkin, and McDavid are all going to be beyond relevant in the NHL for the next decade. I could see them all being All-Stars multiple times.

I think you grossly underestimate how much Chicago was relying on the Panarin-Kane combo the first half of the season. The Toews-Hossa line has not been the same this year, and I honestly believe that without Panarin, the Hawks would be on outside the playoff picture this year. They'd be fighting with the Avs right now. Truly believe that.

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I'm not sure I'm willing to go that far

But again I do think Panarin will and should win. In a tremendous rookie class he's clearly had the best and most consistent season

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McDavid is gonna be a beast. So many guys get talked up when they are about to get drafted and I always think "yeah ok, we'll see." But he sure seems like he'll live up to the billing.

Larkin is your text Toews. A fantastic two way player. I wish Jurco and Pulkkinen would find their spots on the team then along with Mantha and then Mrazek. Not a bad group to have coming along.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

No question. My dad was asking me the other day why more and more NHL veterans were having trouble finding jobs in today's NHL, and I used this year's rookie class as an example. I mean - McDavid, Eichel, Gostisbehere, Gibson, Domi, Larkin...

And that's just the potential Calder winners. You've also got a good crop of rookies who won't win the Calder, but have earned solid spots on NHL rosters. Guys like Duclair, Reinhart, Ehlers, Parayko, Janmark, Hanifin, Slavin, Donskoi, etc.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

the speed of the NHL has been a seismic change to the game. Teams have quickly found out that speed and skill have overtaken more of the traditional skill sets required for NHL players. It's not just enforcers and fighters that are out of jobs--they now include players who aren't defensively minded, don't have the speed, or were more of a banging checker.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Yeah, guys need to have skills, but one of the biggest factors is they need to be able to keep up with today's game. It's the reason Blake Comeau and Jack Skille still have jobs in the NHL. Comeau's not the best scorer, not the best hitter, not the ideal size, but man... the guy can SKATE. That, combined with a good work ethic, is what coaches and GMs are really looking for.

That speed and work ethic have then led to opportunities to get better in other facets of the game. Comeau, for example, proved to the coaches that he works hard and can keep up with stars like Duchene and MacKinnon. Thus, Patrick's has given him second line minutes, where he's been a decent producer who doesn't look out of place, especially the latter half of the season. But it all starts with skating and work ethic.

Skille was on a PTO in training camp, but showed he was willing to work harder than anyone else and could keep up. That lead to him getting a contract and possibly saving his NHL career in the future. He now plays on one of the better 4th lines in the NHL and is a penalty killer. Not an all-star, but has a job - whereas other guys who might be better pure scorers or checkers were passed up and are now in the minors.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

True but what fools they have running that organization, hell 10 of us in here could do a better job. Nice comparison to Boston as well.

Probably the most fair and rational answer I have heard yet.

So true, for a long stretch it seemed like the only time the Toews line was effective was during a PP or during OT.

Sorry, couldn't resist showing you that link when I saw it.

Agreed, he is a guy who you can build a team around if he stays healthy and they can lock him up long term

Not sure either but yeah, that line kept the Hawks afloat for months. If you subtract Panarin from that line I doubt Kane would be closing in on 40 goals and 100 points.

I agree but maybe they will give us all a laugh and give the trophy to the oh so amazing Jonathan Drouin! He's the best player in the league, just ask him! :lol

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Apparently Crawford has a head injury....could be an issue with the playoffs about to start.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I guess Cal forgot about last year when the Caps laid an egg in game one and still won the series anyway

But he kind of makes a good point, I guess

http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks...als-right-now/

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Yikes, hope he is okay. but not okay enough to beat the Kings if the opportunity arises.


JK....kinda

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What do you expect him to say...."Yeah, we are the Islanders and will probably lose first round because we don't win playoff series....wait...what is that you say...we could still miss the playoffs...thankgod...I would hate that pressure."

He managed to lower the expectations of the Islanders while putting a little more on the Caps (not that they didn't already know the pressure of winning the presidents trophy).

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I was just pointing out how he called out the Caps when he didn't have to, and then used an example that directly contradicts what happened in last year's first round

That's all

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Same here but we aren't coming down. Poor planning as we made our first visit to Charlottesville last year and heading north for our new venue this year.

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Saw that, based on one unsubstantiated report though. Hopefully he will be back sooner rather than later and get in a groove. Darling looking pretty sharp in relief though. In other Hawks news, no Anisimov again tonight - I like his netfront presence but truthfully I like Teavo on that line a bit better even if it depletes another line - Q is good at juggling guys from line to line so Anisimov is not as big a concern for me as Crawford.