GDT: Game 39: Hurricanes (16-17-5) vs. Predators (18-13-7) | 1/2/2016 | 7:00 EST

[Sens1Canes2]

Nah, I think you underestimate how chaotic 3v3 is. On TV or in the stands, it's easy to say "they should have done that", but it's 2 forwards and 1 D playing in a situation that is not something they have been used to their entire hockey life. It's chaos and you just hope to control the puck and get more chances than your opponents.

First thing I did was to rewind it and see who lost the Nashville guy, and it was Rask. He kind of inexplicably moved really close to Faulk and Ekholm had a ton of room coming into Lack.

But it's 3 on 3 and pretty chaotic. Bad play, but nothing to get mad about.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

I know we aren't going to make the playoffs, but I almost wonder if it would actually be good for once to have one of our patented 9th place finishes.

Except this year, there looks like a light at the end of the tunnel with the young D, how Rask and PDG have developed, and how the team is playing under Peters, etc.. If they can't make the playoffs, getting a top 5 pick this year would be huge IMO.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

First thing I did was to rewind it and see who lost the Nashville guy, and it was Rask. He kind of inexplicably moved really close to Faulk and Ekholm had a ton of room coming into Lack.

But it's 3 on 3 and pretty chaotic. Bad play, but nothing to get mad about.

Yep, It looked to me like the guy came off the bench and that Rask wasn't aware of him so was out of position.

 

[AD Skinner]

I don't think there's ever a bad time to add a top 5 pick

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

I don't think there's ever a bad time to add a top 5 pick

Sure there is. I'm guessing the Capitals, Stars or LA Kings would think this year is a terrible time to add a top 5 pick. In fact, I'd say most teams in the playoffs or on the cusp would think it would be disappointing if they ended up with a top 5 pick.

But that's not my point. If a team is already deep and and talented and on the cusp of getting over the hump, it's many times more important to keep the momentum going, learn how to win and improve their record and get a later 1st round pick than a top 5. Edmonton for instance would be much better served to put together a strong 2nd half and compete for a playoff spot and show some progress than getting another top 5 pick.

Part of me feels that way with the Canes right now (ie..they need to learn how to win and show progress), but also part of me feels that this draft could be one that sets this team up for a long time. D is already set for years so if they can get a true impact forward with their first pick and some good players with their other 1st, 2nd and 3rds, it would do wonders long term.

 

[AD Skinner]

I'm sure the stars or kings would be pumped to add one of the best players of their age group- they just wouldn't want to do the losing that that would take. Adding really good players is a good thing, in a vacuum.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

I'm sure the stars or kings would be pumped to add one of the best players of their age group- they just wouldn't want to do the losing that that would take. Adding really good players is a good thing, in a vacuum.

"In a vacuum" is just plain unrealistic so not worth discussing.

 

[Navin R Slavin]

This again?

Finishing bottom 5 would be a huge step backward. Not even worth discussing.

Also: our current franchise player was a second round pick.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

This again?

Finishing bottom 5 would be a huge step backward. Not even worth discussing.

Also: our current franchise player was a second round pick.

I want the team to win every game and let the chips fall where they may, but it's still worth discussing. I don't think the two (taking steps forward and picking in the top 5) are necessarily mutually exclusive.

If the team still plays this way but are still out of it come deadline and then they trade E. Staal, Versteeg, Liles, etc..and because of that, don't win as many games, but we continue to see development from our young players and improved play like we have, I'm ok with them getting a top 5 pick. Also, with the lottery the way it is, they have 3 chances at a top 5 pick even if they finish better. Of course I'd prefer they make the playoffs and haven't given up on that, I just don't think it will happen.