News from Around the AHL/NHL/KHL 2023-24

[danteipp]

Now that 15% (approx) of the season done we've learned: The Devils have upset the order of recent years in the Metro (I think the Flyers are going to drop quickly), and the Sabres have become a factor in the Atlantic. Imo at least one of those teams is playoffs-bound, and I could see both making it. Both teams have players (Cozens, to pick one) at the right age to make a jump. Parity is increasing.

It may be early, but it is possible that only one of NYI, WAS, and PIT makes the playoffs.

One good thing about a team like the Devils, i.e., small, fast and a bit top-heavy talentwise, is that as the season wears on, they often wear down. At least the first year or two, until they make adjustments to their preparation, swap out a couple more players, etc. I am interested to see how they adjust to the grind, injuries, etc.

 

[MJF]

Now that 15% (approx) of the season done we've learned: The Devils have upset the order of recent years in the Metro (I think the Flyers are going to drop quickly), and the Sabres have become a factor in the Atlantic. Imo at least one of those teams is playoffs-bound, and I could see both making it. Both teams have players (Cozens, to pick one) at the right age to make a jump. Parity is increasing.

It may be early, but it is possible that only one of NYI, WAS, and PIT makes the playoffs.

If I have to pick a team to not make the playoffs I still feel it will be the Devils. I don’t have much confidence in Blackwood and Vanecek (or their defense after their top pair) being able to get them home. It’s early still, so they have time to convince me otherwise, but as of today they’re my bet to miss out.

 

[saintunspecified]

If I have to pick a team to not make the playoffs I still feel it will be the Devils. I don’t have much confidence in Blackwood and Vanecek (or their defense after their top pair) being able to get them home. It’s early still, so they have time to convince me otherwise, but as of today they’re my bet to miss out.

I see that. But I could also see that team with 6 20+ goal scorers, with a couple of 30 goal scorers among them. Their playstyle reminds me of what we were starting to see in '07-'08, and then in '08-'09 with the Hawks. Just don't know exactly where they are in that transition.

 

[MJF]

I see that. But I could also see that team with 6 20+ goal scorers, with a couple of 30 goal scorers among them. Their playstyle reminds me of what we were starting to see in '07-'08, and then in '08-'09 with the Hawks. Just don't know exactly where they are in that transition.

I don’t know how it all shakes out for them offensively, but I can see Yegor Sharangovich scoring 40 goals this year. That’s something we really don’t have, a goal scorer of his level.

 

[saintunspecified]

I don’t know how it all shakes out for them offensively, but I can see Yegor Sharangovich scoring 40 goals this year. That’s something we really don’t have, a goal scorer of his level.

That dude scares me for sure. He's what I hope we eventually get from Dufour.

 

[Crashsunday]

Also read that Palat is out with a groin injury now. Just had surgery.

 

[MJF]

Also read that Palat is out with a groin injury now. Just had surgery.

Yup, that's a big blow to them. Palat owns us.

 

[CupHolders]

I see that. But I could also see that team with 6 20+ goal scorers, with a couple of 30 goal scorers among them. Their playstyle reminds me of what we were starting to see in '07-'08, and then in '08-'09 with the Hawks. Just don't know exactly where they are in that transition.

Remind me of Lindy Ruff’s Buffalo Sabres featuring Drury and Briere et al.

Also read that Palat is out with a groin injury now. Just had surgery.

I’m hearing the NHL is awarding the LTIR cap space to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

 

[Throttle]

One good thing about a team like the Devils, i.e., small, fast and a bit top-heavy talentwise, is that as the season wears on, they often wear down. At least the first year or two, until they make adjustments to their preparation, swap out a couple more players, etc. I am interested to see how they adjust to the grind, injuries, etc.

Agree here, even with the changing of the game going youth side, this is the first legit NHL season- no COVID, packed B2Bs, odd Olympic cancellation schedule, etc. Teams like Buf, NJ, PHI will fade. If they don’t , then that’s more on PIT, TOR, FL, WAS, etc.

 

[Mike C]

Great article in The Athletic yesterday about Darryl Sittler. Worth the read for us old time NHL followers

 

[Big L]

Penguins wont get very far with their goaltending. Big blown leads in the third last night and tonight

 

[MJF]

I don’t remember the last time anyone said this, but the Sabres ain’t no joke this year.

 

[Zeeker]

I don’t remember the last time anyone said this, but the Sabres ain’t no joke this year.

Probably when they won ten in a row to start the year like 2-3 years ago

 

[leeroggy]

I don’t remember the last time anyone said this, but the Sabres ain’t no joke this year.

Very impressive third period tonight

Lots of scoring depth

Dahlin 12 points in 9 games. Definitely Norris worthy this season

 

[Mike C]

Probably when they won ten in a row to start the year like 2-3 years ago

Or when somebody won a bet on them

 

[BrockLobster]

I don’t know how it all shakes out for them offensively, but I can see Yegor Sharangovich scoring 40 goals this year. That’s something we really don’t have, a goal scorer of his level.

Brock did almost score 40 a year ago

 

[Mike C]

Brock did almost score 40 a year ago

If he only had a winger!

 

[13th Floor]

Also read that Palat is out with a groin injury now. Just had surgery.

I think Palat is a huge piece for them. Lots of young talent, but Palat has a ton of experience and has scored a ton of clutch goals. They're probably gonna falter because of their goalie situation, but that's a big loss.

 

[Mr Misunderstood]

I don’t remember the last time anyone said this, but the Sabres ain’t no joke this year.

Captain Kyle

 

[seafoam]

It's kind of crazy that Okposo has 7 points in 10 games and is Captaining Buffalo to their first respectable start in a long time. Meanwhile The Islanders paid handsomely to get rid of Ladd who is retired on LTIR and Palmieri is chugging along with 4 points!

 

[NC 1972]

It's kind of crazy that Okposo has 7 points in 10 games and is Captaining Buffalo to their first respectable start in a long time. Meanwhile The Islanders paid handsomely to get rid of Ladd who is retired on LTIR and Palmieri is chugging along with 4 points!

And seeing first unit PP time.

 

[MJF]

It's kind of crazy that Okposo has 7 points in 10 games and is Captaining Buffalo to their first respectable start in a long time. Meanwhile The Islanders paid handsomely to get rid of Ladd who is retired on LTIR and Palmieri is chugging along with 4 points!

I’m happy for Okposo. Hopefully he continues to have a renaissance season. It’s a miracle that he’s playing the game at all. I just don’t get the connection you’re trying to make after that.

 

[saintunspecified]

Owen Power's size/skating/skill level combo is also downright scary. That setup to Olofsson was something else.

 

[WangMustGo]

I’m happy for Okposo. Hopefully he continues to have a renaissance season. It’s a miracle that he’s playing the game at all. I just don’t get the connection you’re trying to make after that.

I always liked Okposo. Injuries really derailed his career, happy to see him finding success. Hope he can stay healthy.

 

[MJF]

I always liked Okposo. Injuries really derailed his career, happy to see him finding success. Hope he can stay healthy.

I legitimately worry about every hit he takes. He's a good guy. I don't want to see him permanently incapacitated.

If Okie walked away from the game tomorrow, I wouldn't question it.