Roster/Rumors/Speculation/Trade Talk - 2023-24: Hotel California

[WangMustGo]

No real wrong choice for us in goal against the Caps....toss up.

I think you have to go with Sorokin. Another playoff type atmosphere, get our best player out there. Start Varly against the Ducks on the 2nd half of a back to back.

 

[MJF]

I think you have to go with Sorokin. Another playoff type atmosphere, get our best player out there. Start Varly against the Ducks on the 2nd half of a back to back.

Ordinarily I wouldn't want Varlamov sitting for 5 games. He has a tendency to get rusty when he doesn't play, but he also shakes it off kinda quickly. But with one more game against a team chasing us before we go to California I want Sorokin to get this start on Saturday. Then I could see Varly getting starts in Los Angeles and San Jose, and then in Columbus on the 24th.

 

[Tahoeblue]

The pieces are coming together, regardless of what happens the rest of the way.

Horvat has helped immensely and they will have him all of next season. Along with Barzal and Lee on the first line, the Isles finally have a topline that opponents will have to account for.

Palms on the second line is where he should be, and i have a feeling it will take pressure off of him and allow him to operate under the radar - health permitting.

I still like Wahlstrom and, assuming he can overcome his injury, he should make for a solid RW3, with the potential for more. He can grow at his own pace.

Not to be discounted, the Isles have seemingly found some cheap, bottom-six forward depth in Fasching, Holmstrom and Durandeau. You can plug any of them in and not have them hurt you.

Finally, I have high hopes for Dufour, in time, and anything you get out of Ish is a bonus. I am still not sure if his game and lack of size will translate to the NHL, but they don't have to count on him.

I couldn't like this post enough. Totally agree especially about Wally and enjoying this run this team is on.

 

[leeroggy]

Since I've been away from here due to my 'unreleasable penalty', I wonder if the "Lou's lost his touch" meme has gone away?

 

[NC 1972]

Sooooooo.. still savoring the win tonight vs the Pens but already thinking of Saturday.. hoping to have JGP back.

Question, do we take the slight risk and start Varly on Saturday or do we just ride Sorokin? I know we may all want to just ride Sorokin but thinking since we have two good goalies, we may not want to wear out Sorokin (he has already played in 48 games this year, started 46) and also may want to keep Varly active with one start a week. I kind of hope it will be Varly on Saturday.


Next week we have 3 games, would expect Sorokin Tues vs Kngs, Varly on 2nd night of b2b Wed vs Ducks then Sorokin Saturday vs San Jose. Varly one game a week.

Grant Fuhr holds the single season record with 79 games played followed by Marty Brodeur at 78 four times and a host of others at 77.

 

[BrockLobster]

Since I've been away from here due to my 'unreleasable penalty', I wonder if the "Lou's lost his touch" meme has gone away?

What did you do exactly?

 

[PK Cronin]

What did you do exactly?

Just a heads up, people cannot talk about warnings on the board, it needs to be a PM or it'll be deleted and whoever is posting will likely get more warnings.

 

[Mike C]

Grant Fuhr holds the single season record with 79 games played followed by Marty Brodeur at 78 four times and a host of others at 77.

Those backups had to feel like thrives those years!

I think you have to go with Sorokin. Another playoff type atmosphere, get our best player out there. Start Varly against the Ducks on the 2nd half of a back to back.

Totally agree!

 

[Mike C]

I couldn't like this post enough. Totally agree especially about Wally and enjoying this run this team is on.

Ditto!

The pieces are coming together, regardless of what happens the rest of the way.

Horvat has helped immensely and they will have him all of next season. Along with Barzal and Lee on the first line, the Isles finally have a topline that opponents will have to account for.

Palms on the second line is where he should be, and i have a feeling it will take pressure off of him and allow him to operate under the radar - health permitting.

I still like Wahlstrom and, assuming he can overcome his injury, he should make for a solid RW3, with the potential for more. He can grow at his own pace.

Not to be discounted, the Isles have seemingly found some cheap, bottom-six forward depth in Fasching, Holmstrom and Durandeau. You can plug any of them in and not have them hurt you.

Finally, I have high hopes for Dufour, in time, and anything you get out of Ish is a bonus. I am still not sure if his game and lack of size will translate to the NHL, but they don't have to count on him.

The pieces are coming together, regardless of what happens the rest of the way.

Horvat has helped immensely and they will have him all of next season. Along with Barzal and Lee on the first line, the Isles finally have a topline that opponents will have to account for.

Palms on the second line is where he should be, and i have a feeling it will take pressure off of him and allow him to operate under the radar - health permitting.

I still like Wahlstrom and, assuming he can overcome his injury, he should make for a solid RW3, with the potential for more. He can grow at his own pace.

Not to be discounted, the Isles have seemingly found some cheap, bottom-six forward depth in Fasching, Holmstrom and Durandeau. You can plug any of them in and not have them hurt you.

Finally, I have high hopes for Dufour, in time, and anything you get out of Ish is a bonus. I am still not sure if his game and lack of size will translate to the NHL, but they don't have to count on him.

GREAT post!

How have you been?. Haven't seen a lot of you lately.

 

[leeroggy]

What did you do exactly?

Well, they said I used bad language . . .

There's no truth to the rumor that I was the Shaman in the Capitol . . .

 

[danteipp]

Ditto!




GREAT post!

How have you been?. Haven't seen a lot of you lately.

I am doing well, thanks Mike. Hope all is well with you and the family too?

Unfortunately, right now work is insanely busy. Essentially my day starts at 6:45 am and ends around 11:00-11:30 pm.

If I am lucky, I catch an hour of an Isles game live, while eating dinner. I should be able to catch the entire game tomorrow, and then the West Coast games are right in my late-night wheelhouse. So I have that going for me!

But it should hopefully slow up as we get closer to the Summer. Either that or I will quit, lol.

 

[Mike C]

I am doing well, thanks Mike. Hope all is well with you and the family too?

Unfortunately, right now work is insanely busy. Essentially my day starts at 6:45 am and ends around 11:00-11:30 pm.

If I am lucky, I catch an hour of an Isles game live, while eating dinner. I should be able to catch the entire game tomorrow, and then the West Coast games are right in my late-night wheelhouse. So I have that going for me!

But it should hopefully slow up as we get closer to the Summer. Either that or I will quit, lol.

Glad to hear it. I usually watch late night. I'm a slave to my boy's karate schedule. I did break down and get ESPN plus. Gotta call Dish and see how I can integrate it onto the living room TV and the Hopper

Luckily I was able to retire at 61 almost 3 years ago. Don't miss those long days!!


Nice to see the boys playing relevant hockey again.


Hit me up if you want to catch up some more!

 

[19 in a row]

Would have thought that JGP would have beat Clutter back. Not crazy about moving Baily to center but still an upgrade over Koivula and happy they are keeping Fasching with CC/MM. When JGP comes back he can just slot in on that 4 line and can move out one of the other 3 or Holmstrom to get us back to full strength down the middle.

Let's see how long Clutter lasts, I can't see him being an every day guy anymore with all of his wear and tear, so if anything there could be a rotation.

 

[leeroggy]

Would have thought that JGP would have beat Clutter back. Not crazy about moving Baily to center but still an upgrade over Koivula and happy they are keeping Fasching with CC/MM. When JGP comes back he can just slot in on that 4 line and can move out one of the other 3 or Holmstrom to get us back to full strength down the middle.

Let's see how long Clutter lasts, I can't see him being an every day guy anymore with all of his wear and tear, so if anything there could be a rotation.

Glad that they are keeping Fasching with MM and CC, it would be dumb to change that up now.

 

[danteipp]

Would have thought that JGP would have beat Clutter back. Not crazy about moving Baily to center but still an upgrade over Koivula and happy they are keeping Fasching with CC/MM. When JGP comes back he can just slot in on that 4 line and can move out one of the other 3 or Holmstrom to get us back to full strength down the middle.

Let's see how long Clutter lasts, I can't see him being an every day guy anymore with all of his wear and tear, so if anything there could be a rotation.

I like those forward lines.

Big opportunity for Holmstrom, playing alongside Lee and Horvat. All he has to do is play smart, resposible hockey and keep his feet moving. He should be able to bank some quality opportunities, with his passing and ability to cut through traffic.

Happy they are keeping Martin-Cizikas-Fasching together too. Got to stick with then while they are playing well.

That fourth line has some years on it, in Bailey and Clutter, and some unfamiliarity with the system, in Engvall, but they all bring a little something to the line.

Clutter will hit, Bailey should be an upgrade over Koivula, and Engvall should help possession with his size and speed. It should gopefully be serviceable until JGP returns, then they can shuffle some players around.

Let's hope they can get it done again today and keep the pressure on other teams around them in the standings.

I am happy with how the forward retool has gone this season. The Isles essentially needed three new pieces upfront.

They got the star they needed in Horvat, who also takes leadership pressure off Lee (he seems to be filling the void left after losing Boychuk).

Fasching is the sparkplug they needed and Holmstrom was playing well before his injury, struggled upon returning, but seems to be finding his way again.

Let's go!

 

[Skip To My Lou]

Anyone think Holmstrom should be sent back down? I don't think he's bad, and he does a lot of little things right, but the production isn't there yet. I think he should be back down in Bridgeport to get some offensive confidence back.

 

[The Real JT]

I like those forward lines.

Big opportunity for Holmstrom, playing alongside Lee and Horvat. All he has to do is play smart, resposible hockey and keep his feet moving. He should be able to bank some quality opportunities, with his passing and ability to cut through traffic.

Happy they are keeping Martin-Cizikas-Fasching together too. Got to stick with then while they are playing well.

That fourth line has some years on it, in Bailey and Clutter, and some unfamiliarity with the system, in Engvall, but they all bring a little something to the line.

Clutter will hit, Bailey should be an upgrade over Koivula, and Engvall should help possession with his size and speed. It should gopefully be serviceable until JGP returns, then they can shuffle some players around.

Let's hope they can get it done again today and keep the pressure on other teams around them in the standings.

I am happy with how the forward retool has gone this season. The Isles essentially needed three new pieces upfront.

They got the star they needed in Horvat, who also takes leadership pressure off Lee (he seems to be filling the void left after losing Boychuk).

Fasching is the sparkplug they needed and Holmstrom was playing well before his injury, struggled upon returning, but seems to be finding his way again.

Let's go!

I was strongly against resigning Clutter mainly for the obvious injury risk. Assuming he’s healthy, he’s a great asset for a playoff run.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, a Clutter-Bailey-Engvall line is awful. Clutter needs another foil to play off of whether that’s Martin, Cizikas or both. Pairing him with those other two wallflowers won’t go well.

 

[leeroggy]

Anyone think Holmstrom should be sent back down? I don't think he's bad, and he does a lot of little things right, but the production isn't there yet. I think he should be back down in Bridgeport to get some offensive confidence back.

No, he doesn't need to be at a 20-goal pace. He's a very steady player that fits the mold and the goals will come. It has NOTHING to do with his confidence level. When Barzal and Pageau are back he'd be a perfect third liner.

Lee - Horvat - Barzal
Parise - Nelson - Palmieri
Holmstrom - Pageau - Clutter/Bailey
MM - CC - Fasching

That's optimal going into the playoffs

Next year you slot Wally into the third line RW and you trade Bailey for a pick over the summer. Arizona will have PLENTY of cap room next year and will need someone like him for a year.

BTW, has anyone noticed and wondered about the way the NHL is allowing Arizona to spend so little money with that 5,000 arena contract they are stuck with for now? All the contract dumps of little money and high cap? it's almost comical how the league is looking the other way as teams utilize Arizona's cap space. I couldn't see discussions about that while I was in HF Jail.

 

[danteipp]

I was strongly against resigning Clutter mainly for the obvious injury risk. Assuming he’s healthy, he’s a great asset for a playoff run.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, a Clutter-Bailey-Engvall line is awful. Clutter needs another foil to play off of whether that’s Martin, Cizikas or both. Pairing him with those other two wallflowers won’t go well.

It is the best of a limited situation, due to the injuries.

Better having Bailey out there than Koivula at center. Koivula is just too slow and Bailey (should) know where he needs to be. Just clog the passing lanes and make smart clears. That is all he needs to do. Wouldn't hurt to win a face off or two either.

Got to give Engvall a chance, although I have been underwhelmed outside of his first game. But he should be able to carry the puck and help that line with possession. Again, keep it simple and just give the other three lines a needed break the first two periods.

If Engvall continues to disappoint, and JGP needs more time, I would happily go back to Durandeau. But I assume the Isles would rather have him logging more minutes in Bridgeport, hence the move for Engvall as a band-aid.

 

[danteipp]

No, he doesn't need to be at a 20-goal pace. He's a very steady player that fits the mold and the goals will come. It has NOTHING to do with his confidence level. When Barzal and Pageau are back he'd be a perfect third liner.

Lee - Horvat - Barzal
Parise - Nelson - Palmieri
Holmstrom - Pageau - Clutter/Bailey
MM - CC - Fasching

That's optimal going into the playoffs

Next year you slot Wally into the third line RW and you trade Bailey for a pick over the summer. Arizona will have PLENTY of cap room next year and will need someone like him for a year.

BTW, has anyone noticed and wondered about the way the NHL is allowing Arizona to spend so little money with that 5,000 arena contract they are stuck with for now? All the contract dumps of little money and high cap? it's almost comical how the league is looking the other way as teams utilize Arizona's cap space. I couldn't see discussions about that while I was in HF Jail.

Gary's Arizona experiment needs to end. Terrible ownership and overall situation. Both the Coyotes and NFL Cardinals, who also have horrible ownership, are just nightmares and anchors on both leagues.

I saw some talk of adding two more NHL teams via expansion. What a disaster that would be, and the easy solution is just move Arizona to another location that can support them. Just don't pick Atlanta (again).

 

[19 in a row]

No good news yet on Barzal. Hope we see JGP on Tuesday, or Wednesday latest so at least he sit traveling. Koivula, meh. Hope he is in the pressbox when healthy (he is day to day)

 

[MJF]

Gary's Arizona experiment needs to end. Terrible ownership and overall situation. Both the Coyotes and NFL Cardinals, who also have horrible ownership, are just nightmares and anchors on both leagues.

I saw some talk of adding two more NHL teams via expansion. What a disaster that would be, and the easy solution is just move Arizona to another location that can support them. Just don't pick Atlanta (again).

Moving the Coyotes doesn't result in expansion fees for the owners. $$$$$$

 

[Chardo]

You probably won't see Barzal before the last week of the season.

 

[SI]

No, he doesn't need to be at a 20-goal pace. He's a very steady player that fits the mold and the goals will come. It has NOTHING to do with his confidence level. When Barzal and Pageau are back he'd be a perfect third liner.

Lee - Horvat - Barzal
Parise - Nelson - Palmieri
Holmstrom - Pageau - Clutter/Bailey
MM - CC - Fasching

That's optimal going into the playoffs

Next year you slot Wally into the third line RW and you trade Bailey for a pick over the summer. Arizona will have PLENTY of cap room next year and will need someone like him for a year.

BTW, has anyone noticed and wondered about the way the NHL is allowing Arizona to spend so little money with that 5,000 arena contract they are stuck with for now? All the contract dumps of little money and high cap? it's almost comical how the league is looking the other way as teams utilize Arizona's cap space. I couldn't see discussions about that while I was in HF Jail.

Agree on Holmstrom- he wasn’t all that productive in the AHL. He seems more like a smart 3rd liner who kills penalties effective with his skill, reach, and skating ability.

I like your lines - if Cal has anything left in the Tank, then I would start him over Bailey on the RW. You also don’t have Engvall in there, so once he is familiar enough with the system he may push Holmstrom out of the lineup. There is also the options of having Bailey in that LW 3 spot, so Lane has options.
If the C’s stay healthy.

 

[SI]

Gary's Arizona experiment needs to end. Terrible ownership and overall situation. Both the Coyotes and NFL Cardinals, who also have horrible ownership, are just nightmares and anchors on both leagues.

I saw some talk of adding two more NHL teams via expansion. What a disaster that would be, and the easy solution is just move Arizona to another location that can support them. Just don't pick Atlanta (again).

There is a vote later this year for final approval on a new arena. Once that happens, AZ will be set. Hopefully, they will flourish - otherwise there are no more excuses for this market.

I doubt the league expands to 34 - they finally have balance. There must be back room anger from owners and especially the NHLPA about AZ being an anchor. They should make AZ sell every piece of their jersey for revenue purposes.