2023 NHL Playoffs Around the League

[Doshell Propivo]

Just realized that there were only two upsets in the first round. Vegas, despite being a WC team, had another very strong (100 point) regular season. Florida was the best regular season team last year. While both of their series wins are legitimate upsets, these aren't some Johnny-come-lately teams.

 

[danteipp]

Hopefully a problem that only gets worse. Going to be 32 next season. Hope he keeps up his playoff woes.

For all the luck the rangers have had over the last few years (Fox forcing his way to them, winning the 1st and 2nd overall picks) they sure find a way to suck. Lafrienere and Kakko are so bad you love to see it.

Their player development must be among the worst in the NHL, and it is especially glaring since they can always attract quality vets to play with their prospects, so the younger players should have support and/or don't need to be rushed. Unlike what the Isles typically did in the past with players like Bailey, Nino, etc.

They absolutely rushed the poop-soft twins in Krappo and Karpsoft.

Despite supposedly being NHL-ready, Kakko still probably could have used another season overseas or in the AHL, at least for a bit. I also don't know if they had anyone like Uncle Leo around to help an 18-year old in NYC, adjust to NHL life, etc.

Krapstov was clearly NOT ready physically or emotionally, and should have spent another year in the KHL and then in the AHL as well. So many of his goals in the KHL, he was either wide open (which rarely happens in the NHL) or came in spots where he is simply not strong enough to compete in the NHL. He has no shoulders and the guy's neck is probably thrice as thick as his pipe-cleaner arms combined.

 

[The Real JT]

Hopefully a problem that only gets worse. Going to be 32 next season. Hope he keeps up his playoff woes.

For all the luck the rangers have had over the last few years (Fox forcing his way to them, winning the 1st and 2nd overall picks) they sure find a way to suck. Lafrienere and Kakko are so bad you love to see it.

I think Kakko can have a decent career as a middle six forward but he’ll never be the impact player you’d hope for in a #2 OA pick. Laf is a bust.

Previously I was hoping someone might offer sheet these guys but now I’d rather not see it to avoid the Rags acquiring better assets than those 2 underachievers.

 

[WangMustGo]

I think Kakko can have a decent career as a middle six forward but he’ll never be the impact player you’d hope for in a #2 OA pick. Laf is a bust.

Previously I was hoping someone might offer sheet these guys but now I’d rather not see it to avoid the Rags acquiring better assets than those 2 underachievers.

I agree on Kakko. At times he looks good, but lacks finishing ability to be a top end guy.

I would actually love to see Laf get offersheeted to a 4 million dollar offer where the rags only get a 2nd round pick back. Than hopefully he becomes a stud.

 

[The Real JT]

I agree on Kakko. At times he looks good, but lacks finishing ability to be a top end guy.

I would actually love to see Laf get offersheeted to a 4 million dollar offer where the rags only get a 2nd round pick back. Than hopefully he becomes a stud.

That’s not a bad outcome I agree.

Even better would be the Rags not accepting that he’s a bust. They then go ahead and sign him to an overvalued contract that impacts their cap flexibility all the while he continues to underperform.

Either way Laf sucks.

 

[Mr Misunderstood]

f*** the hurricanes

Nah, f*** Jersey.

I want no one in the Metro area to have joy if we aren't.

 

[MJF]

He got called out by his GM last year for not being good enough in the playoffs and responded with 2 secondary assists in 7 games. He’s a big problem for them right now.

You'd better check the HFIsles Big Problem Matrix before you make that accusation.

Nuance.

 

[13th Floor]

Also add in the context that most #1OAs have to deal with an absolute crap team and a ton of pressure, plus tougher matchups. But Laff got added to a playoff team littered with all-stars that also brings in hall of fame talent to provide better linemates and easier matchups, and he still sucks balls. Like, Hudson Fasching was clearly better in the playoffs. Oof.

As much as the Kakko and Laf picks blew up in their face, nothing will be funnier than the Rangers..... in 2023.... continuing to bring in big-name, over-the-hill, former-superstars to try and get them over the hump. I just want to be in those meeting rooms. "Hey guys, you know how we have had no success doing this for over two decades, well I swear it'll work this year."

 

[MJF]

Nah, f*** Jersey.

I want no one in the Metro area to have joy if we aren't.

Finally, a sane person.

 

[Quickdraw2828]

And he has disappeared for long stretches more frequently the last two years. Panarin looks like a player who is very comfortable and more about just living in NYC, as opposed to playing in NYC and looking to win.

He would have had a cup if he played on Islanders. Its very hard to lure eastern europeans/russians who are married to model types away from Manhattan.

Might be easier today now that manhattan has turned into Escape from New York.

 

[PK Cronin]

I dont blame Gallant for this one, that team took the foot off the pedal just as bad as the Islanders. However this is the Rangers and Suter and Laviolette are available now. So who knows.

One thing I will say about NYR is that I admire how they went all in for the cup. They traded prospects for Tank and Kane. They had a window and went with it. I respect them for that. However I am so glad they lost. Now I need the Leafs to lose and give me a Kracken / Devils Stanley Cup.

I don't think he made any adjustments, again. He has a history of just continually doing the same thing even if it isn't working. This is the best on paper roster the Rags have had recently and he couldn't get them out of the first round.

 

[Quickdraw2828]

Nah, f*** Jersey.

I want no one in the Metro area to have joy if we aren't.

Something about Aho's (not ours) rodent face and Barbara Bush eyes makes him very punchable.

 

[BMOK33]

Laviolette seems like a bad hire for NYR. He is best for a team that is younger. He's had a track record of pissing off veteran players and he also is most effective for 1-2 years like Gallant and less so after.

 

[PK Cronin]

Laviolette seems like a bad hire for NYR. He is best for a team that is younger. He's had a track record of pissing off veteran players and he also is most effective for 1-2 years like Gallant and less so after.

Sounds like a perfect hire!

 

[Dutch Frost]

Laviolette seems like a bad hire for NYR. He is best for a team that is younger. He's had a track record of pissing off veteran players and he also is most effective for 1-2 years like Gallant and less so after.

If this was European Soccer, there would be a guy tracking Lavy's flight to JFK right now.

 

[Chardo]

Laviolette has won 5 playoff games the last 5 years, and has now been fired by 5 franchises.

 

[The Real JT]

If this was European Soccer, there would be a guy tracking Lavy's flight to JFK right now.

I’d venture a guess and say the only place he’s going today is to the local Cheesecake Factory.

 

[NC 1972]

Tank and Kane UFAs?

Well that didn't work for the Rangers did it? And they'll be a year older let someone else pay them, we are cash strapped.

 

[SRBisles]

Tank and Kane UFAs?

Hell no to Kane. He looks done. Tank maybe if the price is right, but neither are great anymore.

 

[NC 1972]

Drury probably cans his arse tomorrow. Office getting cleared out right now maybe and key card deactivated.

Dose he get to keep his MSG coffee mug?

It’s quite impressive actually.

Bailey had the same stat line.

 

[Big L]

Hell no to Kane. He looks done. Tank maybe if the price is right, but neither are great anymore.

Oh hell no is right. I wasn’t suggesting the isles sign them, just a LOL RAGS for spending assets on them for nothing in return.

 

[Doshell Propivo]

Laviolette has won 5 playoff games the last 5 years, and has now been fired by 5 franchises.

Quenneville has won 3 playoff games in the last 6 years and has been fired by 3 franchises.

 

[Big L]

Quenneville has won 3 playoff games in the last 6 years and has been fired by 3 franchises.

Should have hired Maurice when they had a chance.

 

[Doshell Propivo]

Should have hired Maurice when they had a chance.

Remember when Maurice ripped into his team on the bench with like 6 games left in the regular season? I think it was against Pittsburgh and they were down by two goals I think. They were like 4 points out of the last WC and it looked BLEAK. A loss would've pretty much ended their season. They responded by winning the game and then going on an incredible run that they are still on.

 

[NC 1972]

Laviolette seems like a bad hire for NYR. He is best for a team that is younger. He's had a track record of pissing off veteran players and he also is most effective for 1-2 years like Gallant and less so after.

I've said this in the past hard ass coaches have a limited shelf life , especially if they implement a strict defensive system. Players buy in, i.e. BT players sacrifice their body and stats and then if the brass ring proves elusive after 2-3 years you have a discontent group. Don Maloney eluded to this in his press conference when he dispatched Sutter. Usually your hard ass is followed by a players coach . And the NHL is a coach carousel rinse and repeat, lose your job you get a gig on TV until there's another opening .