Not bad for what just about everyone assumed would be a rebuilding year.We got a game where Saros kept the team in it in spite of giving up short handed rushes. Nice to see a game where our starter doesn't give up 3+ .... it's the exception rather than the rule over the past few weeks.
For a slew foot there is a requirement of knocking / kicking a player's legs out from under him. On the replay it looked like that aspect may have been lacking after the hold hold and pull ... I didn't see contact with Novak's right leg during the take down. The King's leg looked to come up between Novak's legs from behind.
The team is on pace for about 92-93 points ... at the 45 games played point the team has a four point lead over the Kraken and Flames for WC2. The Kings must go 0-3-0 for the Preds to hold a single point lead for WC1 normalized at 45 games played.
Not bad for what just about everyone assumed would be a rebuilding year.
Considering we flipped some assets for picks, did a pretty big gut job to the core, and changed coaches/systems this a pretty successful season so far in my opinion.Eerily similar pace to last season where the team finished with 92 points.
I'd say holding serve is somewhat of a success, but I can also see the side of frustration. The pain of moving out proven scorers like Nino and Duchene create opportunity, but that opportunity isn't always taken at the first go. I don't see many significant changes to this roster coming aside from internal promotions, so I really am hopeful we see some guys start to move into the consistency category. We won't see big leaps if we continue to be a 1 line team.Considering we flipped some assets for picks, did a pretty big gut job to the core, and changed coaches/systems this a pretty successful season so far in my opinion.
This is a good point. We've not had a goaltending year like this in a long time. I honestly can't even recall the last time we were giving up the number of goals like we have this last stretch.The fact we've done it with average to below average goaltending to this point is encouraging. If Saros can turn it around in the second half we shouldn't have any problem making the playoffs.
The buying out of duchene is still an interesting thing to me. Unless the rumors that ROR just doesn't like Duchene or Duchene being a bad locker room presence are true, it doesnt make sense. I dont mind moving out nino got a 2nd for an asset we got for free in free agency. Moved Granlunds contract somehow. Got a great return for jeannot, good return for ekholm. Offloaded half of joeys contract and reloaded in free agency. With some fits and spurts in team defense and goaltending, we are more or less in the exact same spot we were but with a better crop for the future and a younger core. I think we still have some big issues in that middle 6 area. Sissons shouldnt have to be your 2CI'd say holding serve is somewhat of a success, but I can also see the side of frustration. The pain of moving out proven scorers like Nino and Duchene create opportunity, but that opportunity isn't always taken at the first go. I don't see many significant changes to this roster coming aside from internal promotions, so I really am hopeful we see some guys start to move into the consistency category. We won't see big leaps if we continue to be a 1 line team.
This is a good point. We've not had a goaltending year like this in a long time. I honestly can't even recall the last time we were giving up the number of goals like we have this last stretch.
Glass falling off a cliff really hurt us there. He seemed to be coming on as a 2 or 3C with his play in the second half last year but I don't think anyone is too high on him bouncing back at this point.The buying out of duchene is still an interesting thing to me. Unless the rumors that ROR just doesn't like Duchene or Duchene being a bad locker room presence are true, it doesnt make sense. I dont mind moving out nino got a 2nd for an asset we got for free in free agency. Moved Granlunds contract somehow. Got a great return for jeannot, good return for ekholm. Offloaded half of joeys contract and reloaded in free agency. With some fits and spurts in team defense and goaltending, we are more or less in the exact same spot we were but with a better crop for the future and a younger core. I think we still have some big issues in that middle 6 area. Sissons shouldnt have to be your 2C
The only part of the Duchene vs O'Reilly issue that doesn't make sense is I thought they had eliminated the rule that let teams talk to free agents before July 1. Duchene was bought out before that so where did the info from ROR come from.The buying out of duchene is still an interesting thing to me. Unless the rumors that ROR just doesn't like Duchene or Duchene being a bad locker room presence are true, it doesnt make sense. I dont mind moving out nino got a 2nd for an asset we got for free in free agency. Moved Granlunds contract somehow. Got a great return for jeannot, good return for ekholm. Offloaded half of joeys contract and reloaded in free agency. With some fits and spurts in team defense and goaltending, we are more or less in the exact same spot we were but with a better crop for the future and a younger core. I think we still have some big issues in that middle 6 area. Sissons shouldnt have to be your 2C
They can't talk to the player, as far as I know that doesn't include people around said player. Every league has those rules, and yet guys get signed every year two seconds after the deadline hits.The only part of the Duchene vs O'Reilly issue that doesn't make sense is I thought they had eliminated the rule that let teams talk to free agents before July 1. Duchene was bought out before that so where did the info from ROR come from.
Yeh was really hoping he would surpass Novak and Novak become more expendable or atleast more of a wing.Glass falling off a cliff really hurt us there. He seemed to be coming on as a 2 or 3C with his play in the second half last year but I don't think anyone is too high on him bouncing back at this point.
Considering we flipped some assets for picks, did a pretty big gut job to the core, and changed coaches/systems this a pretty successful season so far in my opinion.
Please don't ever use those two words together again.Man Juice - I hope this is your turn around game baby