tom webster

So Darcy Reiger asked someone who had yet to suit up for an NHL game who should he pick? Did he poll the entire AHL roster and Zagrapan won?

I agree with all but I clearly remember hockey people questioning the move.

The funny thing is I don’t remember that being the universal sentiment at the time. A lot of “hockey people” questioned the smarts of dealing a number one defenseman for a number two, or 1A center.

Except that Boston pretty much put Neely and a Mike O’Connell in charge with little to no experience and Buffalo hired their last two GM’s from successful organizations. There is no tried and true methods. Experienced guys fail, rookies succeed and vice versa. Adams might be a bust of he might be Joe Sakic, no one knows.

And I’ll always have a soft spot for #4

I know you know the Dom trade was a little more complicated.

The biggest problem with people that never get it is that they think they are working as hard as they can. I generally hate comparisons between sports and everyday business but we’ve all seen them. The people that think they are doing everything they can but end up falling short and end up blaming everyone but themselves.

My grandfather once told me, find what you do best and make it your life’s work. For everything else, search out the best and use them. For prospect rankings, I’ll defer to you and let you do the work. I do however, reserve the right to let you know when you are wrong since you go to great lengths to tell us when you are right.?

I have a question for you with regard to Rossi. The few scouting reports refer to just average skating which is normally a concern for smaller players not to mention my longing for a great skating team. I really want this team to play like Vegas or the Avalanche. Big reason I don’t want Dylan Strome or Josh Anderson. Any thoughts?

That’s kind of my list but I would flip Fla and Minn,

My analogy had more to do with Marino piling up the stats while the Bills owned them and appeared in four Super Bowls to Marino’s one.

My hope is that Matthews/ Eichel turns into Marino /Kelly taken to one FINAL step.

You were not alone. There are quite a few twitter posts being deleted.

Normally but Joel Q will handpick the guy and I’d be very surprised if they blow stuff up.

Actually this is bad, one of the really bad GM’s going away. That team has talent and now they may have a plan to add correct pieces.

It amazes what is considered publishable articles in today’s world. It’s almost incoherent, jumping back and forth, taking a few shots at the Pegulas, throws in a line about rookies being sent home, returns to start talking again about other investors. Its like journal entries that can’t be tied together.

I’m never sure with anyone or anything any more. Either way, there should definitely be “A Holzinger Factor.”

That came into play during their ten year “drought” of winning between 2005/2015.

I was only kidding. However, you know Holzinger would have been an analytics darling for at least a couple of years before people figured it out.

So if I understand expected goals, Brian Holzinger and Gary MacAdam should be in the hall of fame based on this stat alone.

It seems more and more people putting Gabriel’s on the overrated sign of the ledger. I still like their wings but customer service sucks and it’s not a surprise because owner is a jerk.

Agreed. I’d like to see the graphs because I’m not sure that is true. I know I perform better when emitting a more pleasant odor.

I think hot garbage tends to smell a lot worse.

No, they actually drafted horribly except for one sixth round pick that turned everything around. That coupled with Belichek’s coaching genius and ability to not get too loyal to any players other then TB and a select few. Finally, being in a division that virtually guaranteed you a first round bye was the icing on the cake. A confluence of luck, sociopathic loyalty and brilliant coaching strategy.

And that’s what we will find out but do not know. I’m really not trying to be difficult. I think this is all fascinating. I’ve said before, I’m a numbers guy, almost became an actuary, have debated re-immersing my sixty year old brain back into the study almost entirely in order to have an intelligent conversation with you and two friends/acquaintances whom I also respect. However, I am also a results guy and right now the study is incomplete. I’m still yet to be convinced that your system versus luck can withstand the cost /benefit test and I’m truly trying to be open minded about what to expect.