French Collection

Avs had twice as many shots and play was in the Blues end most of the game. Binnington had a lousy season but has found his game. Husso is probably going to sit for this series.

Nick Paul played his junior hockey here in North Bay. Good kid. He has an awkward skating style but he gets there. He is a big body who can play C or W. He scored the game winner for Canada at the World Championship last year, on the team with Power. He wore an A in Ottawa. He reminds me of Gaustad. He has earned a larger role with Tampa now that Point is hurt.

Manitoba boy, not surprised.

Make it loud in there tonight folks!

I’m Canadian but I don’t root for Canadian teams at all costs during the playoffs. My favourite Canadian team is Winnipeg, but they are not in the mix. Colorado is my go to among all remaining teams. I liked Sakic/Forsberg back in the day and my favourite forward to watch in the NHL is MacKinnon. Calgary is my next choice, love Sutter’s quotes. I wouldn’t be too upset seeing Reinhart lift the Cup. The only guy I like on the Rangers is Goodrow (played junior here) and he is out. Tampa 3 in a row would be an accomplishment for the ages in this era. I don’t mind Aho, Jarvis and Svechnikov but I still have a grudge against these guys for their previous Cup. McJesus deserves a Cup at some point but I don’t like the rest of the team. Blues got their Cup already, let’s move on.

Tampa-Montreal last year and Tampa-Dallas the year before, teams with big tough Dmen. Tampa’s smallest Dman was McDonagh 6’ 1” 215. I don’t believe it is as important for forwards but I think you need a good mix. Basic skill is the first ingredient to draft but for playoff survival size is a factor to exact a toll on the other team and to take the punishment.

I haven’t watched Sweden play yet, is Asplund playing wing or centre?

Nylander would go play in Europe, Sutter would ask him to mess his hair, block shots, go in the corners. Play to his actual size of 6’ 201 not like he was 5’7” 165.

Cozens with 2 assists so far vs Slovakia. He is playing well on a line with PL Dubois and Nick Roy. Nemec playing on the PP for Slovakia, he’s got some confidence for a young Dman. Slafkovsky has not looked like he did at the Olympics, better lineups at this Tournament.

May Day?

My take on him is “he who has the most money wins”. Why else would he carry a purse?

Leafs don’t want to have him leave for nothing, they may have to trade him in 24-25.

I used to think he would go to Arizona 100%. Their arena scenario makes that tougher now. If he were to sign a long term deal there that would accelerate the arena process and more money would flow to AZ to make things happen. In my opinion he is all about the money. He passes on NCAA and CHL in his draft year to go to Switzerland and make $400K. Good for him but unconventional for a N.Am. kid. He got McJesus like money from the Leafs without having proven much, but made the deal get him to UFA fairly early. Imagine the crying in Toronto if he goes to UFA and they can’t match because of their cap issues.

Bergeron gave his teammates a special hug yesterday and there are some who say he may retire. That could put a playoff spot in the East in play for next year.

Headman was a rock on D last night. Sabres D may get there soon.

JJ was clutch tonight. Quinn needs to take it up a notch next game.

I will sleep well tonight, knowing Leafs nation is sobbing uncontrollably.

I thought I heard them say that was Oshie’s goal song.

My eye test says that Hughes is more of a riverboat gambler and currently gets more points than Dahlin. However, he is kind of wimpy defensively. He reminds me of Housley. The physicality that Dahlin has added (hits, boxing out, shielding the puck and not taking any s**t) is a huge element of a Dman’s game that I want to see. Hughes may win a Norris in the near future by out scoring Makar, Fox, Josi and Hedman but I’ll take Dahlin’s game since the all star game, every day.

Great hand eye coordination by Mantha and Oshie.

This was Bob’s teaser list. He polled 8 scouts instead of his usual 10. He should be putting his full list out soon.

Me either, I thought Wild in 6 or 7. The cap will affect their ability to add anything next year. Maybe it is their turn to have half a team on LTIR. LAK tie it up in the 3rd, this is a series I thought was a gimme for the Oilers. Playoffs…

Mintyukov, Korchinski and maybe Casey could get into the 7-14 slots. There could be a surprise forward available at 16. I wouldn’t be opposed to Lambert if he is still there. A key factor would be his interview because he has all of the skills. If drafted I would bring him over to North America and play CHL to get him some confidence by dominating his peers. Maybe he has enough skill to play in the AHL.

I hear you, I was a contact hitter, singles and doubles, place the ball in the gaps. I had some power but hated the walk to the dugout after striking out.

That was an exciting game. I am super stoked for Tampa to beat the Leafs for another first round loss. Tampa looks a lot shakier than in previous years to me. Guys like Hedman and Sergachev are making a lot of errors leading to turnovers and odd man rushes. Vasilevskiy looks human too. Game 7, the Leafs facing another elimination after a series lead. Drama.