Around the League '18-'19

[GoldenBearHockey]

Oh, please. Vegas stopped “catching teams off guard” in January. There is nothing substantative at all to that argument.

Neal and Perron are gone, yes, and neither were that critical to the team’s success, especially Perron, and especially in the postseason. Neal will be missed as a depth veteran winger, but Stastny is a great addition down the middle.

The only player likely to go through a major regression statistically is William Karlsson. Marchessault, Tuch, Smith, Schmidt, Theodore, etc. are the real deal, and will only continue to get better. They also have Glass and Suzuki in the wings, two prospects better than anyone in the Kings pipeline not named Vilardi.

EK would obviously be a huge add, as he would solidify their blueline and slot Schmidt down into their #2 spot. But GMGM is clearly hesitant on repeating his Forsberg trade mistake by sending a top ranked prospect like Glass/Suzuki to Ottawa. It is what it is.

The Knights are still very well coached and disciplined. They’re young, they added a good center, and they still have world class goaltending. “Mark my words,” they will be right in the thick of things well into the spring. You don’t get to the Cup Finals on pure pixie dust, and to suggest as much reeks of salt.

So you think Perron's basically PPG wasn't critical? Sorry....what?

If you think the only player last year to go through a regression is gonna be Karlsson, well...wow...god bless you.... Marchessault, wouldn't have had the season he had, without Karlsson having the season he did, those two are linked...

They will absolutely not be as good as they were this past year....but you keep on with that pixie dust....

 

[Herby]

 

[KingsHockey24]

Handzus and Kopitar could be related.

 

[KINGS17]

Brown and Kopitar, they aren't linked though. Neither of them will regress, I'm sure.

 

[kingsfan28]

Even NBC is getting into the clickbait arena:

 

[kingsfan28]

Kopitar's only career fight.

Sedin was tapping out S.O.S along the boards trying to get up.

 

[SettlementRichie10]

So you think Perron's basically PPG wasn't critical? Sorry....what?

If you think the only player last year to go through a regression is gonna be Karlsson, well...wow...god bless you.... Marchessault, wouldn't have had the season he had, without Karlsson having the season he did, those two are linked...

They will absolutely not be as good as they were this past year....but you keep on with that pixie dust....

Perron is a low impact plug and play winger who hasn’t been missed on any team he’s ever left. The Knights surely didn’t miss his critical PPG when they were sweeping the Kings. Nor did they miss Perron when he was healthy scratched in the Winnipeg series.

And Marchessault actually scored MORE goals in 16/17 without Karlsson. So you clearly have no clue what you’re talking about there.

You’re the definition of a Kings homer. Always out of your way to detract from other teams but incapable of criticizing your own.

Of course the Knights will regress next season. The only progression they can make is going from Cup Finalists to Cup Champions, and that’s likely not going to happen. So let’s just put it this way: the chance of the Knights replicating their success is about dead equal to the Kings getting out of the first round.

 

[kingsfan28]

Almost anyone TB would want to trade to open up cap space has a NTC/NMC. How many will willingly leave Tampa as they get Karlsson? All those vets looking for their first Cup on a contender. All the money they save on taxes.

Not many at all. Even the young guys who Stevie Y gave out those NTC probably won't agree.

 

[Reclamation Project]

So many on that roster - Burrows, Bieksa, Lapierre, etc. Dirtbag low intelligence players.

 

[kingsfan28]

Followed by this :

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Perron is a low impact plug and play winger who hasn’t been missed on any team he’s ever left. The Knights surely didn’t miss his critical PPG when they were sweeping the Kings. Nor did they miss Perron when he was healthy scratched in the Winnipeg series.

And Marchessault actually scored MORE goals in 16/17 without Karlsson. So you clearly have no clue what you’re talking about there.

You’re the definition of a Kings homer. Always out of your way to detract from other teams but incapable of criticizing your own.

Of course the Knights will regress next season. The only progression they can make is going from Cup Finalists to Cup Champions, and that’s likely not going to happen. So let’s just put it this way: the chance of the Knights replicating their success is about dead equal to the Kings getting out of the first round.

Again, Perron did nothing to help the Knights make it to the playoffs, oh wait, to you, its only the LAST game that mattered...got it...

As far as Marchessault, yes, he scored THREE more goals playing without Karlsson...oh wait...he also had 27 LESS assists....unless you think assists happen in a vacuum, that you can actually get an assist without a goal being scored....if you think Karlsson didn't have anything to do with Marchessault going from 51 points, to 75 points....well then....like I said...god bless you...

But your right, I'm the one that has no clue what I'm talking about...Three goals..holy mother of god...the insanity

 

[SettlementRichie10]

Again, Perron did nothing to help the Knights make it to the playoffs, oh wait, to you, its only the LAST game that mattered...got it...

As far as Marchessault, yes, he scored THREE more goals playing without Karlsson...oh wait...he also had 27 LESS assists....unless you think assists happen in a vacuum, that you can actually get an assist without a goal being scored....if you think Karlsson didn't have anything to do with Marchessault going from 51 points, to 75 points....well then....like I said...god bless you...

But your right, I'm the one that has no clue what I'm talking about...Three goals..holy mother of god...the insanity

And now you’re moving the goalposts. Keep up those condescending ad hominems, though.

I never discounted Perron’s points in the regular season. I said he wouldn’t be terribly missed, which is evidenced by his diminished role in the playoffs. The Knights also added a good player in Stastny at a much more valued position (center), so it’s not as if they’ve done nothing to replace the raw production of both Neal and Perron.

You also said Marchessault’s production was inextricably tied to Karlsson, when that’s clearly not true. Marchessault was a very productive player on a much worse Panthers team. What’s so difficult to understand here? You obviously weren’t familiar with Marchessault’s reputation or breakout year in 16/17.

Karlsson, as I originally said, is the major candidate for regression, as his stat line in 17/18 is unlike any scouting report or previous statistical history throughout his career. Marchessault, however, has proven he can be a productive player without much help.

Do you really not see the flaw in your logic here? Are you determined to argue in bad faith? Marchessault was a 30 goal scorer in Florida, and yet you claim he’s due for a major regression in Vegas. You have absolutely nothing substantial to support a looming Marchessault regression other than, “hur dur pixie dust god bless you.”

 

[Reclamation Project]

Marchessault will pot 30 next season.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

Marchessault will pot 30 next season.

Considering it is legal in Nevada, this is probably correct.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

And now you’re moving the goalposts. Keep up those condescending ad hominems, though.

I never discounted Perron’s points in the regular season. I said he wouldn’t be terribly missed, which is evidenced by his diminished role in the playoffs. The Knights also added a good player in Stastny at a much more valued position (center), so it’s not as if they’ve done nothing to replace the raw production of both Neal and Perron.

You also said Marchessault’s production was inextricably tied to Karlsson, when that’s clearly not true. Marchessault was a very productive player on a much worse Panthers team. What’s so difficult to understand here? You obviously weren’t familiar with Marchessault’s reputation or breakout year in 16/17.

Karlsson, as I originally said, is the major candidate for regression, as his stat line in 17/18 is unlike any scouting report or previous statistical history throughout his career. Marchessault, however, has proven he can be a productive player without much help.

Do you really not see the flaw in your logic here? Are you determined to argue in bad faith? Marchessault was a 30 goal scorer in Florida, and yet you claim he’s due for a major regression in Vegas. You have absolutely nothing substantial to support a looming Marchessault regression other than, “hur dur pixie dust god bless you.”

Karlsson is absolutely a candidate to regress, I think everyone would be shocked if he did, and if he did, Marchessault, will go back to being a 40-50 point player, you know what you call that....regressing....

As far as Marchessault being a productive player without much help, you do realize he played with Trocheck and Reilly Smith in Florida right? He wasn't playing with Bjugstad and Thornton....so unless you want to argue that Karlsson is a much better player than Trocheck, which, you probably don't want to do...

Again you and GOALS....Yes, he was a 30 goal scorer in FL, playing with Trocheck...yay, congrats, he scored 3 less, but he assisted on 27 more playing with Karlsson, again unless you think that you can get an assist without having a goal scored...I mean, cmon seriously, are you going to argue that he was MORE productive in FL because he scored 3 goals more, really? THAT's your argument?

And I didn't move any goal posts, as far as Perron goes, you say health scratch, everyone else in the hockey world says injury. Though I do love his diminished role, as he averaged 17:33 of ice time in regular season and only 16:33 in the playoffs...I mean...really really diminished that role there....

Anyways, you continue to figure out how a player can get assists without a goal being scored, because basically that's your argument, Marchessault was more productive in FL than in Vegas because he scored 3 more goals lol,

Amazing....

 

[SettlementRichie10]

Karlsson is absolutely a candidate to regress, I think everyone would be shocked if he did, and if he did, Marchessault, will go back to being a 40-50 point player, you know what you call that....regressing....

As far as Marchessault being a productive player without much help, you do realize he played with Trocheck and Reilly Smith in Florida right? He wasn't playing with Bjugstad and Thornton....so unless you want to argue that Karlsson is a much better player than Trocheck, which, you probably don't want to do...

Again you and GOALS....Yes, he was a 30 goal scorer in FL, playing with Trocheck...yay, congrats, he scored 3 less, but he assisted on 27 more playing with Karlsson, again unless you think that you can get an assist without having a goal scored...I mean, cmon seriously, are you going to argue that he was MORE productive in FL because he scored 3 goals more, really? THAT's your argument?

And I didn't move any goal posts, as far as Perron goes, you say health scratch, everyone else in the hockey world says injury. Though I do love his diminished role, as he averaged 17:33 of ice time in regular season and only 16:33 in the playoffs...I mean...really really diminished that role there....

Anyways, you continue to figure out how a player can get assists without a goal being scored, because basically that's your argument, Marchessault was more productive in FL than in Vegas because he scored 3 more goals lol,

Amazing....

You can try to obfuscate this all you want. Doesn’t change the fact that your original claim was way off base.

You originally said Marchessault and Karlsson are “linked.” I provided evidence to the contrary, citing Marchessault’s productive season with Florida in 16/17. Karlsson is not glued to Marchessault. If Karlsson indeed regresses (which I’ve never disputed as a possibility), Marchessault will likely be put with Stastny.

Again, your overall point - that Marchessault is due for a regression because Karlsson is due for a regression - is simply not based in reality. Marchessault has been a productive winger across two teams and two centers.

As far as Perron goes, we’re just going to have to agree to disagree here. You clearly think he’s an impact player, and I just don’t see that. You’re entitled to your high opinion of David Perron.

Edit: I also never said Marchessault was “more productive” in Florida. I pointed out that he scored more goals in Florida without Karlsson, which is a mathematical fact. Enough with the strawmans.

 

[deeshamrock]

Vegas is going to finish absolute last in the standings this upcoming season. Mark my words. Their inaugural season was just a flash in the pan, but certain players clicking together at the right time and having career years. Now without Perron and Neal, and others regressing to their normal numbers, I just don't see them repeating the magical run. Also, they caught a lot of teams off guard during the first few months of the season. Now everyone will be gunning for them, so they won't get the same cushion of points they had early in the year.[/QUOTE]

Disagree .

Vegas - Based on their coach, system and goalie (if he stays healthy) will finish at the top of the division. Gallant is a good coach, players love playing for him and he incorporated a very effective system. None of that will change. They might not win the division again, but they will finish, It think, close to it. Don't see anything , esp with the leadership Gallant has, being a flash in the pan. They were effective for over 100 games.

Teams will be gunning for them because they were a Cup finalist, not because they are in their 2nd year. Everyteam played them at least twice, and didn't change their methods. They didn't have a cushion of points early in the year, they had it for the whole year. They ere consistent, effective thru all 4 lines.

Regress- Stastny is a good center/forward, better than Perron and will do just fine. Their top line won't forgot how to score. IF anything, they might have young guns who make the team and add to that. And they may add a piece yet...
I don't get how many hockey fans feel need to pee in the Knights cheerios. They are good team, fun to watch and I enjoyed every game.

 

[deeshamrock]

Colin Miller inks a new deal, solid signing.

 

[Reclamation Project]

He was great for Vegas last year.

 

[SettlementRichie10]

Miller plays pretty protected minutes, but he has a bomb RH shot and a lot of room to continue developing. Solid signing.

Can you imagine the Kings with both Connor and Miller right now?

 

[AlphaBravo]

Oh, please. Vegas stopped “catching teams off guard” in January. There is nothing substantative at all to that argument.

Neal and Perron are gone, yes, and neither were that critical to the team’s success, especially Perron, and especially in the postseason. Neal will be missed as a depth veteran winger, but Stastny is a great addition down the middle.

The only player likely to go through a major regression statistically is William Karlsson. Marchessault, Tuch, Smith, Schmidt, Theodore, etc. are the real deal, and will only continue to get better. They also have Glass and Suzuki in the wings, two prospects better than anyone in the Kings pipeline not named Vilardi.

EK would obviously be a huge add, as he would solidify their blueline and slot Schmidt down into their #2 spot. But GMGM is clearly hesitant on repeating his Forsberg trade mistake by sending a top ranked prospect like Glass/Suzuki to Ottawa. It is what it is.

The Knights are still very well coached and disciplined. They’re young, they added a good center, and they still have world class goaltending. “Mark my words,” they will be right in the thick of things well into the spring. You don’t get to the Cup Finals on pure pixie dust, and to suggest as much reeks of salt.

They stockpiled points early on in the year by catching other teams by surprise. They won't get those easy points anymore because everyone is going to take them seriously. On its face, they don't have a competitive roster on paper. Last year was a magical run because everyone was clicking together, chemistry was meshing, and many players were having career years. When a team is successful under those circumstances, you cannot swap out players from the roster and expect the team to be the same. Also, unique outlier circumstances like that cannot be repeated year-to-year; just look at Ottawa and their magical run and sudden plummet last season.

Lastly, and more importantly, Washington cracked the Vegas code, and other teams will know how to beat the team. Last season, teams were still trying to figure out what the best approach was to counteract them; now they know.

 

[Statto]

They stockpiled points early on in the year by catching other teams by surprise. They won't get those easy points anymore because everyone is going to take them seriously. On its face, they don't have a competitive roster on paper. Last year was a magical run because everyone was clicking together, chemistry was meshing, and many players were having career years. When a team is successful under those circumstances, you cannot swap out players from the roster and expect the team to be the same. Also, unique outlier circumstances like that cannot be repeated year-to-year; just look at Ottawa and their magical run and sudden plummet last season.

Lastly, and more importantly, Washington cracked the Vegas code, and other teams will know how to beat the team. Last season, teams were still trying to figure out what the best approach was to counteract them; now they know.

I think the chemistry part of things was huge for Vegas, as was what would have been a siege mentality from day one. Losing a couple of those key guys and having expectation on them this year will have a big impact. Stastny is without a doubt an upgrade in terms of on ice talent but if that’s enough to counter the other factors is far from a given. A bad start could see a lot of guys coming back down to earth, big time. I actually think signing EK would have really upset the balance of the side and it would have been counter productive, they aren’t ready to make that type of FA splash.

FWIW I don’t think they will finish bottom of the pile by any means but I do think they miss out on the playoffs this time around.

 

[SettlementRichie10]

They stockpiled points early on in the year by catching other teams by surprise. They won't get those easy points anymore because everyone is going to take them seriously. On its face, they don't have a competitive roster on paper. Last year was a magical run because everyone was clicking together, chemistry was meshing, and many players were having career years. When a team is successful under those circumstances, you cannot swap out players from the roster and expect the team to be the same. Also, unique outlier circumstances like that cannot be repeated year-to-year; just look at Ottawa and their magical run and sudden plummet last season.

Lastly, and more importantly, Washington cracked the Vegas code, and other teams will know how to beat the team. Last season, teams were still trying to figure out what the best approach was to counteract them; now they know.

Here’s the Knights record by month:

October: 8-3-0
November: 7-5-1
December: 11-1-1
January: 7-3-2
February: 8-5-1
March: 9-5-2
April: 1-2-0

That’s a very consistent record over the course of the season. It’s not like they just got hot only in December and played .500 hockey for the rest of the year.

There’s something to be said about the Capitals picking apart Vegas’s D with east west plays, and I pointed out as much during the playoffs. But it’s not like every team in the league has skill to execute that. I really doubt Trotz was the first coach to attempt an east west offensive strategy to expose Vegas’s lack of blueline mobility. The Capitals were simply the first to be successful at it.

Again, it’s didficult to argue against the “Vegas will regress” claim, because anything short of a Cup win is a regression. Vegas has a lot of good young players, and more coming up through the ranks. They’re very well coached and disciplined. They still have stellar goaltending. None of that is changing.

No, you can’t duplicate the “magic” of an inaugural run. But to say they’ll finish dead last or even out of playoff contention is not an objective evaluation of the team.

People were saying Vegas didn’t have a “good team on paper” from the beginning. The reality is they don’t have a sexy team on paper, with big name stars. They won games with solid depth depth and system adherence. Again, none of that is changing.

 

[Reclamation Project]

My favorite narrative is by the people who said last August Vegas will finish 31st. Then come the handshake line against Winnipeg they were howling it was rigged all along for Vegas. Make up your mind dumbasses.

I won’t be surprised one bit if Vegas finishes ahead of the Kings in the standings and they play together in the first round.

 

[Minor Boarding]

Colin Miller inks a new deal, solid signing.

That Lucic trade hurt us bad.

I hated it at the time it was made, and it's looking more awful now..
That trade should be enough for everyone to agree Lombardi had to be fired.