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Post by CentreHice on Apr 24, 2018 9:38:33 GMT -5
We don't have elite talent--even in latency--equivalent to MacKinnon.
Landeskog would also be tops on the Habs, as would Rantanen.
We've got a long way to go, IMO.
Show me the players. -- Red Fisher.
Maybe we'll luck out in the draft. Would sure be a good start.
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Post by blny on Apr 24, 2018 10:19:12 GMT -5
We don't have elite talent--even in latency--equivalent to MacKinnon. Landeskog would also be tops on the Habs, as would Rantanen. We've got a long way to go, IMO. Show me the players. -- Red Fisher. Maybe we'll luck out in the draft. Would sure be a good start. IMO, out of Montreal - regardless of his position - Galchenyuk is closer to Mac than he is right now. Landeskog is a good possession player, but he's not other worldly. He finished 32 points behind Mac this year. Mac was really maligned last year. At no point did his play look as good as it did at its worst this year. Maybe Duchene was a dark cloud, but he's gone from being someone a lot thought could be traded to a potential MVP and virtually untouchable. Obviously they have to land the big UFA fish to address the center ice position. Drafting top 4 will ensure they get someone at least as good as Rantanen. My overall point is that things can and have turn around quickly in the NHL. |
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Post by seventeen on Apr 24, 2018 12:30:34 GMT -5
the Avs have shown that things can change drastically from one year to the next. Mac was the subject of trade debate and appeared stunted. Now he's an mvp candidate (at rw and not center). Their line of him with Landeskog and Rantanen is very fast and dynamic. A successful draft, addressing the glaring need at center, and the removal of Pacioretty (which I think has to happen) will go a long way to reversing fortunes. Firstly, MacKinnon is playing centre and not wing. Landeskog is the left winger and Rantanen the right winger on that line. The Avs have their elite centre. I'm not sure how realistic those MacKinnon trade rumours were. Duchene was always the guy who was going to be moved and Sakic's patience paid off in this case with a decent return. For Duchene, he got Shane Bowers, Sam Girard, Vladislav Kamenen and Ottawa's first rounder in 2018 (or 2019 as chosen by Ottawa). A key point is that all those guys are 18, 19, 21 and either 18 or 17 depending on what year the pick drops into. All those kids are in the same age range. Sakic is not only keeping his costs low as those guys are all cheap at this point, but they'll mature together and be productive during cheap years. Sakic doesn't have any CAP problems. As a side note, it's taken Nikita Zadorov a long time to mature, but it appears he is doing so. He's still only 23. His skating, once an issue, has improved a lot and with his size, he's suddenly a force. That 2013 draft cliff drop off has moved from #15 to $16. Sakic appears to be one of those few superstar players who has managed to transition to management without failing. Makes one wonder if Gretzky wouldn't be a better GM than he was a coach. Different skill sets, but I digress. What concerns me tremendously about Bergevin staying in the job, is that he won't have that longer term vision. He'll be trying to improve the team immediately, so they'll make the playoffs next year. I couldn't care less about the playoffs next year, in my quest to actually win a Cup in 3 or 4 years. But Bergevin won't have that goal in mind, meaning he won't be targeting the right age group, which would cost less but reap more in due course. |
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Post by blny on Apr 24, 2018 12:32:41 GMT -5
the Avs have shown that things can change drastically from one year to the next. Mac was the subject of trade debate and appeared stunted. Now he's an mvp candidate (at rw and not center). Their line of him with Landeskog and Rantanen is very fast and dynamic. A successful draft, addressing the glaring need at center, and the removal of Pacioretty (which I think has to happen) will go a long way to reversing fortunes. Firstly, MacKinnon is playing centre and not wing. Landeskog is the left winger and Rantanen the right winger on that line. The Avs have their elite centre. I'm not sure how realistic those MacKinnon trade rumours were. Duchene was always the guy who was going to be moved and Sakic's patience paid off in this case with a decent return. For Duchene, he got Shane Bowers, Sam Girard, Vladislav Kamenen and Ottawa's first rounder in 2018 (or 2019 as chosen by Ottawa). A key point is that all those guys are 18, 19, 21 and either 18 or 17 depending on what year the pick drops into. All those kids are in the same age range. Sakic is not only keeping his costs low as those guys are all cheap at this point, but they'll mature together and be productive during cheap years. Sakic doesn't have any CAP problems. As a side note, it's taken Nikita Zadorov a long time to mature, but it appears he is doing so. He's still only 23. His skating, once an issue, has improved a lot and with his size, he's suddenly a force. That 2013 draft cliff drop off has moved from #15 to $16. Sakic appears to be one of those few superstar players who has managed to transition to management without failing. Makes one wonder if Gretzky wouldn't be a better GM than he was a coach. Different skill sets, but I digress. What concerns me tremendously about Bergevin staying in the job, is that he won't have that longer term vision. He'll be trying to improve the team immediately, so they'll make the playoffs next year. I couldn't care less about the playoffs next year, in my quest to actually win a Cup in 3 or 4 years. But Bergevin won't have that goal in mind, meaning he won't be targeting the right age group, which would cost less but reap more in due course. I saw a lot of Mac on the right side when I watched the series vs the Preds. Perhaps they alternated who took draws based on the side of the ice. |
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Post by Skilly on Apr 24, 2018 12:35:57 GMT -5
I'll update the front page with everyone's second round picks as they come in ... I will also try to make it into a much more readable format if I have the time
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Post by seventeen on Apr 24, 2018 13:37:47 GMT -5
I saw a lot of Mac on the right side when I watched the series vs the Preds. Perhaps they alternated who took draws based on the side of the ice. It is indeed becoming harder to define where a player is positioned. In fact, when you think about it, wouldn't it be best if every forward knew the responsibilities of each position and could just slot there depending on where they were on the ice at any given time? If the centre is closer to where the winger should be and vice versa, what does it matter if they swap 'positions' temporarily. It would be more efficient. The key, of course is having players who understand the various responsibilities and most don't. It might drive coaches nuts trying to keep track, too. But I like it. |
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Post by Tankdriver on Apr 24, 2018 23:25:50 GMT -5
Crap game on tonight.....since it is 4-4 it is still up for grabs. I say Nashville in 6. SAN JOSE IN 6. PITTSBURGH in 6.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 25, 2018 0:01:32 GMT -5
I guess they wanted to preview the Jets - Pred series by replaying the March 25th game between the two. Had me going for a while until I noticed Saros in goal.
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Post by Tankdriver on Apr 25, 2018 7:19:28 GMT -5
I guess they wanted to preview the Jets - Pred series by replaying the March 25th game between the two. Had me going for a while until I noticed Saros in goal. Yup I got caught....I turned it on after work and I was like crap and just shot out a prediction. In hasn't been the first time the NHL started a series in another round while one was going on in the previous one. |
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Post by CentreHice on Apr 25, 2018 7:45:47 GMT -5
So....
Who has an off-game tonight....Rask or Andersen?
I have a feeling Toronto's going to win it.
All the pressure's on Boston, and the Leafs aren't the "choke" team of 2013.
I don't care either way....just a gut feel.
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Post by Willie Dog on Apr 25, 2018 11:28:05 GMT -5
So.... Who has an off-game tonight....Rask or Andersen? I have a feeling Toronto's going to win it. All the pressure's on Boston, and the Leafs aren't the "choke" team of 2013. I don't care either way....just a gut feel. Can they both lose? |
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Post by CentreHice on Apr 25, 2018 12:42:39 GMT -5
I'd kinda like to see Cassidy lose....although it'd likely be because of Andersen stoning them.
Broke my own rule and listened to Leafs Lunch, AM1050, on my way home today.
Heard one commentator contradict himself. "In the last 4 games, I think the Leafs have been the better team...." then a bit later..."If not for Freddy Andersen, there isn't a Game 7."
IMO, he's correct on the latter...and I'd include a Game 6.
Heard some interesting stats....in Game 7s, Rask is 1-2 ; Andersen is 0-2.
Their save percentages are also woeful. Something .878 and .879.
Gonna be a good one!
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Apr 25, 2018 12:55:40 GMT -5
All the Leafs need to do is shut down the Bruins' top line and they shouldn't have a problem ... what I like seeing is how well Tomas Plekanec plays when he has a #1 centre to play behind ... depending on who's suspended or not, he's played behind Austin Matthews and, later, Nazem Kadri ... must be nice ...
Cheers.
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Post by jkr on Apr 25, 2018 13:20:14 GMT -5
So.... Who has an off-game tonight....Rask or Andersen? I have a feeling Toronto's going to win it. All the pressure's on Boston, and the Leafs aren't the "choke" team of 2013. I don't care either way....just a gut feel. I care a lot & it better be Boston. The hype machine is too much, just look at the coverage after game 6. I've never bought into the pressure argument - that it is all on one team. Lose and your done applies to both teams. |
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Post by CentreHice on Apr 25, 2018 14:43:04 GMT -5
Home-ice, you're supposed to be the better team, Cam Neely will rip your head off....that kind of pressure. I know about the Toronto hype...I just stay away from it. Justin Bieber's a talented guy and he's got lots of fans...but constantly hearing about his concert tour would drive me nuts. That's how I feel about the Leafs... My vitriol is centred on the Habs' brass.  |
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Post by seventeen on Apr 25, 2018 17:35:13 GMT -5
So.... Who has an off-game tonight....Rask or Andersen? I have a feeling Toronto's going to win it. All the pressure's on Boston, and the Leafs aren't the "choke" team of 2013. I don't care either way....just a gut feel. Boston is going to win. Book it. If they don't that would crash my prediction and how could that possibly be?   Besides, neither is getting past Tampa. The Crystal Ball has spoken. |
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Post by CentreHice on Apr 25, 2018 17:48:50 GMT -5
So.... Who has an off-game tonight....Rask or Andersen? I have a feeling Toronto's going to win it. All the pressure's on Boston, and the Leafs aren't the "choke" team of 2013. I don't care either way....just a gut feel. Boston is going to win. Book it. If they don't that would crash my prediction and how could that possibly be? Besides, neither is getting past Tampa. The Crystal Ball has spoken. Crystal Ball? I have the the Ander-Stone...and it says.... Beware the Risk of Rask! |
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Post by jkr on Apr 25, 2018 17:49:11 GMT -5
Home-ice, you're supposed to be the better team, Cam Neely will rip your head off....that kind of pressure. I know about the Toronto hype...I just stay away from it. Would I pay attention to non-stop coverage of a Justin Bieber concert tour? I know he's a talented guy and he's got lots of fans...but it's not my thing. That's how I feel about the Leafs... My vitriol is centred on the Habs' brass. It is a good time to be a sports fan in TO. Leafs, Raptors & Marlies in the p,layoffs. TFC in the North American version of a champions league type of competition. And the Jays are of to a good start. Meanwhile in Montreal the teams are awful with little hope for any a success in the near future for any of them. |
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Post by jkr on Apr 25, 2018 17:50:12 GMT -5
Boston is going to win. Book it. If they don't that would crash my prediction and how could that possibly be? Besides, neither is getting past Tampa. The Crystal Ball has spoken. Crystal Ball? I have the the Ander-Stone...and it says.... Beware the Risk of Rask! I'll have to get the magic 8 ball out. |
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Post by jkr on Apr 25, 2018 18:16:33 GMT -5
Home-ice, you're supposed to be the better team, Cam Neely will rip your head off....that kind of pressure. I know about the Toronto hype...I just stay away from it. Justin Bieber's a talented guy and he's got lots of fans...but constantly hearing about his concert tour would drive me nuts. That's how I feel about the Leafs... My vitriol is centred on the Habs' brass. Leafs have pressure too though they don't say much about it. They haven't won a series since 2004 & after stretching the Caps last year I don't think fans will be happy with a 1st round exit. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 25, 2018 18:50:13 GMT -5
Tough start for the home crowd.
Boston needs to win. It is the only way the HNIC love-in will stop. And it must stop!!
Edit: PP goal ties it.
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Post by CentreHice on Apr 25, 2018 18:51:36 GMT -5
The Leafs' media, perhaps justifiably, always have the "Young Team" card at the ready.
Debrusk just scored to tie it at 1 as I type this....
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 25, 2018 18:56:19 GMT -5
Marleau again. Rask needs to stop something this game.
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Post by CentreHice on Apr 25, 2018 18:56:42 GMT -5
Marleau has TWOkka....
2-1 Leafs.
Rask is not looking overly sharp....
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Apr 25, 2018 18:58:25 GMT -5
Anyone else see that highlight of Tomas Plekanec preventing a goal ... what great playoff story ... would be bittersweet seeing him with a Cup ... I think I'd be happy for him, though ... he fits in nicely with the Leafs ... I'll bet you Mike Babcock will want him back (let Dominic Moore go) ... had Patrick Marleau in my pool for most of this year ... he's got 2 goals tonight ...
Cheers.
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Post by CentreHice on Apr 25, 2018 19:00:43 GMT -5
Andersen not ready for that Heinen goal....2-2.
Might be a shootout....
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 25, 2018 19:00:43 GMT -5
Thank goodness for the Leafs defence. All tied again.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 25, 2018 19:01:50 GMT -5
Anyone else see that highlight of Tomas Plekanec preventing a goal ... what great playoff story ... would be bittersweet seeing him with a Cup ... I think I'd be happy for him, though ... he fits in nicely with the Leafs ... I'll bet you Mike Babcock will want him back (let Dominic Moore go) ... had Patrick Marleau in my pool for most of this year ... he's got 2 goals tonight ... Cheers. Until the playoffs, there was probably not one fan or TO media that would have felt the Plekanec trade was good for the Leafs. Ask them now... |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Apr 25, 2018 19:12:51 GMT -5
Anyone else see that highlight of Tomas Plekanec preventing a goal ... what great playoff story ... would be bittersweet seeing him with a Cup ... I think I'd be happy for him, though ... he fits in nicely with the Leafs ... I'll bet you Mike Babcock will want him back (let Dominic Moore go) ... had Patrick Marleau in my pool for most of this year ... he's got 2 goals tonight ... Cheers. Until the playoffs, there was probably not one fan or TO media that would have felt the Plekanec trade was good for the Leafs. Ask them now... One TO journalist even said, that in his opinion Tomas Plekanec should never wear the Leaf jersey again ... Plekanec may/may not have read that comment, but he scored two goals the next game and he's been crucial to the Leafs success to this point ... I haven't followed up with that guy to see if he's eating crow, but I might take a look for him ... Cheers. |
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Post by CentreHice on Apr 25, 2018 19:14:13 GMT -5
Anyone else see that highlight of Tomas Plekanec preventing a goal ... what great playoff story ... would be bittersweet seeing him with a Cup ... I think I'd be happy for him, though ... he fits in nicely with the Leafs ... I'll bet you Mike Babcock will want him back (let Dominic Moore go) ... had Patrick Marleau in my pool for most of this year ... he's got 2 goals tonight ... Cheers. Until the playoffs, there was probably not one fan or TO media that would have felt the Plekanec trade was good for the Leafs. Ask them now... On a better team, it's a smaller, specialized hole to fill....Tomas can do that. Dealing more from a position of strength. |
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