NHL (2020-2021) v. Draft, sign, & trade.

[SchecterShredder]

Also, with McDavid chasing 100pts they won't cut his season short just because Calgary and Vancouver are dumpster fires

[jingle.boy]

I think they'll end up moving the Canadian team to the US for round 3. I just can't imagine our Feds allowing a pro sports team to fly in and out while covid is running rampant up here, and especially in Alberta and Ontario.

Well, that's still a month away.  A lot can change in a month.

Another issue is whether US teams/organizations would want to come into Canada as a measure of (un)safety.  Frankly the bigger risk is already *in* Canada, not bringing something in from the US.

[jingle.boy]

Also, with McDavid chasing 100pts they won't cut his season short just because Calgary and Vancouver are dumpster fires

Fair... so they don't scrap the Edm game.  And jingle.daughter made a good point - the playoffs could start even with the final 3 Van/Cgy games still to play.

[King Postwhore]

Yeah Chad.  I agree on the B's.  They are firing on all cylinders right now. Rask seems healthy and playing well and the rookie Swayman has been excellent.  Hall has played well with Krejci.  Their weakness is last 2 lines.  Not as strong as it has been in the past.

[SchecterShredder]

I think they'll end up moving the Canadian team to the US for round 3. I just can't imagine our Feds allowing a pro sports team to fly in and out while covid is running rampant up here, and especially in Alberta and Ontario.

Well, that's still a month away.  A lot can change in a month.

Another issue is whether US teams/organizations would want to come into Canada as a measure of (un)safety.  Frankly the bigger risk is already *in* Canada, not bringing something in from the US.

Oh I'm well aware that the bigger issue with covid is on our side of the border right now. I live in fucking 'berta. The only place on the planet with more covid than us is India.

[KevShmev]

I am setting the Over/Under on how many playoff games the Blues will win at 1.5.

And I'd probably take the Under.

They might squeeze out one win against Vegas in the first round, but that's it.  Yeah, yeah, "just get into the playoffs and anything can happen," but I've seen enough out of this team to know that they are going to be a quick out later this month.

Time to watch 2019 clips again on YT, I guess...

[jingle.boy]

While a few things could technically change, I think the playoff seedings are all but set.  I don't see the Avs catching the Knights (or the Wild catching the Avs for that matter); same with Isles/Bruins.  If anything, the Jets could drop below Montreal, which would be very disappointing.  I'm always fearful of a team on a slump, and Helly is the kind of goalie that can steal a game or two over the course of a series.

Predictions in a few days.

[jingle.boy]

Does anyone have a definitive source as to how the Conference finals will go?  I found one site that illustrated a bracket showing the North and East winners will face each other, and the West/Central in the other final.  Is that for sure, or is the league re-ranking?

Also, Leafs players are getting their first vaccine shots today.  Hopefully they're all right by Wednesday.  Not that these two games mean anything.  I'm kinda hoping they give Anderson both starts, so that he can get back into NHL level gameplay.  I got a feeling he's going to be the backup to Campbell out of the gate.  No reason NOT to give Jack the starting role.

[gmillerdrake]

I am setting the Over/Under on how many playoff games the Blues will win at 1.5.

And I'd probably take the Under.

They might squeeze out one win against Vegas in the first round, but that's it.  Yeah, yeah, "just get into the playoffs and anything can happen," but I've seen enough out of this team to know that they are going to be a quick out later this month.

Time to watch 2019 clips again on YT, I guess...

Im not as pessimistic. I think that the Championship experience the Blues have will of not produce an ‘upset’ it will take Vegas to 7 games.

The games that Vegas has beat us in the past few years....outside of one this season when we were in a funk.....have all been close games.

I think it’ll be a hard fought series and that the Blues have every chance to win it.

[TAC]

Does anyone have a definitive source as to how the Conference finals will go?  I found one site that illustrated a bracket showing the North and East winners will face each other, and the West/Central in the other final.  Is that for sure, or is the league re-ranking?

The league is ranking the final 4 teams by regular season point totals.

https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/nhl-nhlpa-season-start-agreement/c-319846262

[jingle.boy]

Does anyone have a definitive source as to how the Conference finals will go?  I found one site that illustrated a bracket showing the North and East winners will face each other, and the West/Central in the other final.  Is that for sure, or is the league re-ranking?

The league is ranking the final 4 teams by regular season point totals.

https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/nhl-nhlpa-season-start-agreement/c-319846262

There ya go!  I think that's the right way, since there are no "conferences", only divisions with this year's alignment.

[jingle.boy]

That didn’t take long. Both Tocchet and Torts are not getting renewed.

[TAC]

That didn’t take long. Both Tocchet and Torts are not getting renewed.

I didn't think there was anyway Torts was coming back. That team had way too much drama and never played well enough.

How/why did they let Josh Anderson go?

[gmillerdrake]

That didn’t take long. Both Tocchet and Torts are not getting renewed.

Probably just switch teams. I could see Torts taking over Arizona

[jingle.boy]

That didn’t take long. Both Tocchet and Torts are not getting renewed.

Probably just switch teams. I could see Torts taking over Arizona

Agree on the latter.  I don't see Tocchet landing anywhere - he just doesn't strike me as an NHL-caliber coach (yet).  As for Anderson, I think he needed a change of scene.  Jarmo got the losing end on both his 'big' deals.  Domi has been a big disappointment, and Anderson is the #2 goal-scorer in Mtl.  Laine (other than a handful of excellent plays) has been a steaming turd.  For a 'pure' goal scorer, he didn't score that much - 1 goals, and a brutal -29 with the Jackets.  The latter is worst on the team - by a large margin (ironically, over Domi  )

[Anguyen92]

Apparently, when it came to Laine, Torts had a different idea of how he wants to utilized Laine than how Laine was utilized effectively with the Jets.  I think a lot of people knew that when this trade happened, Torts and Laine was not going to be on the same page with a lot of stuff.

[jingle.boy]

There's been a bit of a disconnect between myself and the organization. It's been tough at times. Right now, for me, the most important thing now is to try to get healthy, figure out a way to be available to play hockey next year, wherever that might be.

-- Jack Eichel

So, where's he gonna land next year?  Who needs that kind of player, and has the right assets/cap space to give up?  Disregarding the latter for the moment (cuz I have no idea the machinations that would need to be involved), San Jose sure as shit needs some offense.  He could be a missing link that REALLY puts the Rangers over the top.  Isles could use a marquee name.  So could Ottawa, and they've got a ton of young talent (NHL and minors) that could be offered up if Buffalo wants to rebuild.

[Anguyen92]

The Kings have the prospects/picks/expandable roster players/cap space to get Eichel.  I wouldn't want them to do it though.  Although, if they can sucker punch Buffalo into retaining some cap space, and the Kings give up whatever minor pieces and still end up keeping Byfield/Vilardi, it may be tempting.

Eichel is probably going to the Rangers if he gets traded.  They do not look like they are horribly locked into some bad contracts long-term (unlike the Sharks) and have the assets needed to get it done.

[TAC]

Taylor Hall (2 goals tonight) scored a sick goal in OT. Highlight reel!

[King Postwhore]

Taylor Hall (2 goals tonight) scored a sick goal in OT. Highlight reel!

It certainly was.  Unreal goal.

[jingle.boy]

Taylor Hall (2 goals tonight) scored a sick goal in OT. Highlight reel!

It certainly was.  Unreal goal.

Yeah, that one was filthy.

[TAC]

Interesting and opposite approaches by the B's and Caps in tonight's season finale. They're meeting each other in the 1st round of the playoffs.
Tonight the B's are sitting everyone,. They're basically the Providence Bruins and the Caps, other than Oshie, appear to be playing all of their regulars.

[KevShmev]

Interesting and opposite approaches by the B's and Caps in tonight's season finale. They're meeting each other in the 1st round of the playoffs.
Tonight the B's are sitting everyone,. They're basically the Providence Bruins and the Caps, other than Oshie, appear to be playing all of their regulars.

Nothing like having to face Chara in the 1st round, eh?

[pg1067]

Here's your future trivia question answer:

[Anguyen92]

Well, looking at the scoreboards today.  Yeesshhhh, the Kings and Sharks got both slaughtered by the Avs and Golden Knights.  Both games ended 6-0.  I think both Sharks and Kings are done for the season, mentally.  Well, the Sharks are officially done.  The Kings still have to go through one more game against the Avs.  I think no matter what, based on standings by slim margins, the Kings have reclaimed the best team in California title (which has horrifyingly depreciated in value over the last few years).  Just let me have this one. 

There were some ok moments in that season, which included a 6 game winning streak and Kopitar making it to 1000 points in the NHL, but yeah...., not much gelling as a team.  There was a lot of shuffling in the bottom nine lines when it was mainly Iafallo-Kopitar-Brown for the most part of the season as a constant first line.  Hopefully, some solid moves can be made in the offseason and hopefully, the team can have some solid lines that can stick well, and hopefully, some of those promising AHL forward prospects can do well enough at training camp to crack a roster spot.

[TheCountOfNYC]

Can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m rooting for LA tonight. I quite like Vegas and it would be cool to see a team win the President’s Trophy in its fourth season. Keep setting the bar higher for expansion teams.

[gmillerdrake]

Can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m rooting for LA tonight. I quite like Vegas and it would be cool to see a team win the President’s Trophy in its fourth season. Keep setting the bar higher for expansion teams.

Nah. Vegas’ coach Pete Debore is a massive cry baby who whines about everything. I’d hate to see him get such an honor. It’ll be fitting for him to tie for the lead then lose out by a tie break.

As a Blues fan....I don’t care which team they play because they’ve been playing great the last few weeks and it’ll be a fun series to ‘upset’ someone.

[TheCountOfNYC]

Can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m rooting for LA tonight. I quite like Vegas and it would be cool to see a team win the President’s Trophy in its fourth season. Keep setting the bar higher for expansion teams.

Nah. Vegas’ coach Pete Debore is a massive cry baby who whines about everything. I’d hate to see him get such an honor. It’ll be fitting for him to tie for the lead then lose out by a tie break.

As a Blues fan....I don’t care which team they play because they’ve been playing great the last few weeks and it’ll be a fun series to ‘upset’ someone.

All I’m gonna say is be careful what you wish for, although odds are the road to the SCF for the Blues goes through both Vegas and Denver.

[gmillerdrake]

Can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m rooting for LA tonight. I quite like Vegas and it would be cool to see a team win the President’s Trophy in its fourth season. Keep setting the bar higher for expansion teams.

Nah. Vegas’ coach Pete Debore is a massive cry baby who whines about everything. I’d hate to see him get such an honor. It’ll be fitting for him to tie for the lead then lose out by a tie break.

As a Blues fan....I don’t care which team they play because they’ve been playing great the last few weeks and it’ll be a fun series to ‘upset’ someone.

All I’m gonna say is be careful what you wish for, although odds are the road to the SCF for the Blues goes through both Vegas and Denver.

Well of course. The AVs and Vegas are really good teams. But then again, take a look at all the first round match ups and literally any one of the teams could win them. Especially in this format of the top 4 teams playing....there are no guarantees or 'easy' teams. These are all going to be hard fought series across the board. People said that the covid tournament last year was the 'toughest' cup to win.....I'd wager this one is WAY more tough given the format and the skill of the teams that are in it. That covid tournament was what it was.....a league scratching it's way anyway it could to get a product out....but I don't think it was the 'toughest' cup to win.

I'll take my chances with whomever the Blues play. They've played both teams well this season with most of the games being one goal losses. I like the experience of the Blues in the playoff situation . Of course then it comes down to who's goalie is going to make the saves they shouldn't AND make all the saves they should. So, it'll be interesting for sure.

[gmillerdrake]

Just reading that the AVs are resting a lot of players tonight. I’d rather play Minnesota than the Blues as well. Curious to see their effort tonight.

[Anguyen92]

^^ Oh swell, that probably means they will only win 3-2 instead of 6-0 against the Kings today.

[KevShmev]

Yep, the Avs will likely tank tonight to ensure playing the Wild in the first round.

Gary, you are far more optimistic about the Blues chances than I am. Let's hope I am wrong and you are correct.

[gmillerdrake]

Yep, the Avs will likely tank tonight to ensure playing the Wild in the first round.

Gary, you are far more optimistic about the Blues chances than I am. Let's hope I am wrong and you are correct.

I just like the way certain players have been playing heading into the playoffs. It was a brutal season given all the injuries we had but they have managed to right the ship and are playing a team game right now. With the Championship experience they have and the right guys playing well....all I know is I wouldn’t be excited about drawing them the first round. It’s not going to be an easy series to win against them.

Vegas and Colorado have really good teams. But you still have to execute when it counts. If they do then they’ll be tough to beat. But if their butts pucker and they start feeling the pressure then we will see what their made of. The majority of the Blues squad has proven they can handle the pressure of the Cup run. I think that’s just as valuable as anything else.

[jingle.boy]

I really don't have faith in any of the 4th-seeded teams.  Other than the Isles, they are all (on a points basis) a case of the 'cream of the crap' of their division.  On the other hand, all of the 2-3 matchups look very close (assuming the Jets can get their heads out of their collective asses).

I'd hate to be a Calgary or Vancouver fan or player.  Four absolutely lame-duck games in the next week.  I can't see anyone putting out a full/intense effort - no one's gonna want to get hurt or injured.

Vegas and Colorado have really good teams. But you still have to execute when it counts. If they do then they’ll be tough to beat. But if their butts pucker and they start feeling the pressure then we will see what their made of. The majority of the Blues squad has proven they can handle the pressure of the Cup run. I think that’s just as valuable as anything else.

Not every great team is like the '14 or '15 Blues. 

[jingle.boy]

Kinda pissed at the NHL for not starting the North series' until next Wed/Thu, and then forcing a back-to-back for both between games 3 and 4.  Why the fuck don't they just start them sooner, since the Van/Cgy games have NO IMPACT OR BEARING on the playoffs.  I can only think it has to do with TV revenue.