We have 12 games before Christmas. This week the Hawks, Preds, Caps and then the Penguins on Dec 8. If we want to take ourselves seriously, if we want to have a chance at winning our division, we have to take 3 of 4 of those games, with Washington being the obvious difficult game, the rest being 'easy' wins. The following week it's the same type of sched., with the Devils being the one 'hard' team, and the Ducks, Red Wings and Sabres being the easier games. Our last 4 before the break has us up against the Stars, the Red Wings, Sabres and we finish with Jets on Dec 24. I'd be satisfied with 8:12 (.666%), but am hoping for 9 W's with the extra coming against one of the Stars, Caps, Jets or Devils.
Of course, that's just comparing teams by stats, and as
@Mr_Fun points out, we lost to the Hawks twice last year. If we are different, we cannot lose to them tomorrow. It's just bad business.
This upcoming month is, imo, going to be very important in determining Tre's view towards trades, starting with Fraser Minten. Is the kid going to be able to weather this type of schedule, 12 in 24 days? So far, I think he's done well at 3C, and he's done so with lesser players than who he might be lined up with when the team is healthy. The question, of course, is whether he can bring it every other night? We'll see. Saturday against Washington might be Reaves' last game as a Leaf. I see him dressing because of one Mr. Tom Wilson. Should Wilson get frisky, does Reaves offer any type of pushback? If not, what's his purpose? I see none, and would argue that waivers is his destination. With McMann out, I would urge Robertson be given LW with Tavares and Marner...if only to see if he's worth more in a trade than what people say his value currently is. I also wonder about Hakanpaa and his knee(s)? Is there anything there, his size is certainly attractive, as are his PK stats, but can he play?
Tomorrow:
Knies Matthews Willy Styles
Robertson Tavares Marner
Holmberg Minten Lorentz
Grebs Dewar A Nylander
D as per usual (unless Hakanpaa ?)
Pick a goalie, I like 'em both.