Around the League - PLAYOFFS!?
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ULF_55
Moderator
They aren't even 31-32 year old stars anymore ...
They're like Washington, who had Ovechkin out late in the game when the Devils pulled their goalie because he's a defensive shutdown winger you put out there to hold the lead.
He's out there to score empty net goals. Washington has abandoned winning and any normal hockey objectives for the next few years. They just care about forcing their senior citizen into the record books at any cost.
uncleben
Global Moderator
12 free agent signings (which is tied for 3rd most this off-season, with COL, DET, TBL)
5 players brought in by trades
2 players brought in by waivers
That's, full organization, not just main roster, but that's still a lot of turnover – but there was no way ownership was ever going to let him do anything other than bring in new blood to give Crosby, Malkin, and Letang one more push.
Curious at what point do the Pens potentially blow it up. Does Crosby and Malkin become available? Or are they all going down with the ship?
Evilhomer
Registered User
- Oct 10, 2019
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I don't think there is any doubt that both of those guys will retire with Pittsburgh (particularly Crosby). I get why Dubas took the job, because who wouldn't take a promotion, but he won't win anything during his time there.
supermann_98
Registered User
- May 8, 2002
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I'm getting a kick at the Oilers (and Jets kinda) sucking to start the season.
What's with Winnipeg averaging around 11,000 fans per night? That's pretty damn sad for such a "hockey-crazed" market. Fairweather fans I guess and the novelty has worn off. If they were a tanking team they'd likely barely average 10k.
What's with Winnipeg averaging around 11,000 fans per night? That's pretty damn sad for such a "hockey-crazed" market. Fairweather fans I guess and the novelty has worn off. If they were a tanking team they'd likely barely average 10k.
SprDaVE
Moderator
- Sep 20, 2008
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Zero chance this year and I think they'll improve as the season goes along. Whether they make it or not, I dunno. Guentzel as a pending UFA is interesting.
BertCorbeau
F*ck cancer - RIP Fugu and Buffaloed
Pens will try to compete as long as Crosby wants to. I imagine he has the loudest voice on the matter TBH.
He brought ownership 3 cups in his era, so there has to be a level of respect for Sid’s wishes.
He brought ownership 3 cups in his era, so there has to be a level of respect for Sid’s wishes.
Peasy
Registered User
Penguins lacked depth scoring, goaltending, and overall team defence. So what does he do? He acquires Erik Karlsson for a 10m cap hit. Please tell me which ones of those issues Karlsson is going to help fix? The dude just can't help himself. He really lacks proper vision to build a well rounded team that can compete in the playoffs.
SprDaVE
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supermann_98
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- May 8, 2002
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Could say that really about any team if they lost their best player and an MVP candidate.
If we lost Matthews we’d be in trouble, Edmonton is stinking up the joint with McDavid.
Having Hughes and Bratt in my pool is paying big dividends
supermann_98
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- May 8, 2002
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He’s only 5’11 and 175 lbs tho so he can’t be that good
Peasy
Registered User
I dont think he helps the bottom 6 forward group really score more goals no. If you think that 10m is best served there thats fine, thats your opinion. But im expecting another playoff miss for Dubas and his pens.
SprDaVE
Moderator
- Sep 20, 2008
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There's plenty to criticize there but Karlsson is a world class offensive player and 100% makes a team better offensively, primary or secondary.
Peasy
Registered User
Okay, but their issue wasnt just straight up scoring. It was specifically depth scoring, team defence, and goaltending. I think 10m and assets could have been used more wisely to make a more well rounded team. He basically just doubled down on the pens of last year and threw Karlsson into the mix. Again, I fail to see how Karlsson addresses any of these issues (sure they might score some more on the pp, or a bit more 5 on 5 but Karlsson bleeds chances and goals against his entire career).
Their team is still trash at D, have no depth scoring (look at how many goals their bottom 6 has) and their goaltender from last year who is extremely inconsistent, injury prone, and sucks in the playoffs.
It just really looks like to me he didnt learn much when he was here, and hes set the Penguins up with similar issues that have plagued the Leafs for years.
I said it at the time -- I get why Pittsburgh made the move to try and squeeze one more Cup with their core trio, but it was a bad trade by them that not only will not get the a Cup, but also expended valuable assets that could/should have been used to start putting the pieces in place for the future.
Karlsson was best suited to go to a team like the Leafs or Oilers. Young, extremely talented core players, who could be on the cusp of a Cup run. Even then, I think a lot of Leaf fans would not have been happy spending so much cap space and assets on another roving defenceman like Karlsson.
Stephen
Moderator
- Feb 28, 2002
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My guess at how this storyline unfolds will be if the Penguins continue to struggle things will go sour they’ll fire Mike Sullivan. Followed by a partial sell off over 1.5 years. Crosby will be a lifer but I could see Malkin, Letang and Guentzel and all the other random useful players dumped…
I am not opposed to what Washington is doing. Ovie brought them a cup and he still leads them in points this year.
They can try and rebuild while helping him chase the record
ACC1224
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- Aug 19, 2002
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rumman
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- Sep 10, 2008
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Wouldn’t Geno, Letang, and Guentzel have NTC’s or does this only happen with the Leafs?
ACC1224
Super Elite, Passing ALL Tests since 2002
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Of course they would, difference being not all Players wish to stay around for a rebuild. It's harder to get players to waive on a contender.
Peasy
Registered User
supermann_98
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I wouldn't say it was a "bad" trade as they gave up basically nothing, but it was a bad contract to take on in their current situation.
rumman
Registered User
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Maybe a NTC should have a clause where it can’t be waived, perhaps that would make it less appealing to the player? Personally I think they handcuff the team’s abilities to conduct business and should be removed from the collective agreement………..
View attachment 758105
I think theres an issue with NTC in the NHL when someone like Ryan Graves can get one
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