French Collection

Last year I thought that Ovi was going to break Gretzky’s record, no problem. He could have done it with a good season this year and next(40 + 33). He is off to a slow start, on pace for 20 goals. I think he will pick it up but every slump extends the timeline. He is 38 and has kept his scoring touch up until now but Father Time beats everyone. 67 goals behind, 68 to pass Wayne. I see a ***** in the armour and a possibility he falls short. Can he play 2 more seasons at a productive level? If his legs give out does he pack it in so close?

I know, it started out well and then they just start breaking down.

Tampa crushed by Dallas 8-1.

The Matt Ellis of insiders.

I agree it’s not easy to trade in season until the deadline. There are some guys available that could help. They probably don’t have huge impacts but every little bit helps. Hanifin pushes Joki and Mule down the depth chart, gets rid of Bryson and sends RyJo back to Rochester. Tanev doesn’t have offensive potential like Hanifin but he has way more in the tank than EJ. It’s too late now but a big push might have got Varlamov to sign with Buffalo in the summer or a sweet package may have landed Saros. KA didn’t want to block Levi/UPL.

Don’t hear him complaining, AHL+ skills, 2x NHL minimum to sit pretty in the press box.

3 first rounders +, that’s an NHL star package. Comparable to the Eichel deal.

My wife and son met him at a hotel last winter. He seemed to be sour about having a chat and taking a picture with minor hockey players.

No one is doing that in the OHL this year. Quentin Musty D+1 first rounder, 28 points in 15 games, is almost as hot. Shane Wright wasn’t putting up Savoie comparable numbers in the OHL last year after his return. It was his D+1 year as well.

I know many are aware of how the Amerks prospects are performing ytd and of Savoie’s explosive return to the WHL. Here’s how a few others are doing. Mats Lindgren D Red Deer Rebels WHL 18 points in 22 games Ethan Miedema LW Kingston Frontenacs OHL 17 points in 25 games Viljami Marjala F TPS Liiga 17 points in 27 games Vsevolod Komarov D Quebec Remparts QMJHL 16 points in 21 games Norwin Panocha D Chicoutimi Sagueneens QMJHL 10 points in 26 games Scott Ratzlaff G Seattle Thunderbirds 3.07 GAA .898 SV%. He had a rough start but seems to be returning to form. Full list https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/53/buffalo-sabres/in-the-system

On one of our trips to the east coast we stopped unannounced to a farm in Windsor, NS. It was Howard Dill’s, who was famous for growing some of the largest pumpkins in the world. Our reason for stopping was because his property had Long Pond, the supposed birthplace of hockey, according to the Puck Stops Here. A really nice man, gave us a tour of the pond, showed us some of his hockey card collection and gave us some pumpkin seeds. Great day.

Did you grow your own this year? We had a good crop.

I can attest to the value of a pre shot routine in golf. It provides comfort and brings the up coming shot into focus instead of thinking about coulda, shoulda, woulda.

Tough matchup but this team has been following up losses with wins so that is what I am going with. Comrie doesn’t fill me with confidence but then none of the goalies do. Cozens turns the corner and pots one tonight. Benson continues his upward trajectory. Dahlin crushes Kotkaniemi and gets 2 helpers. Skinner revenge game, none of his passes cause turnovers.

True. I’m also getting tired of KA saying he’s not doing his job if he is not “in the conversation” on every available player. There are different levels of “in the conversation”. He is in love with his prospects and protects TP’s cap space in order to pay them. I don’t know which vets are available but identifying someone that you need and then offering a solid package can pry a lot of “untouchables” loose. The eye test gang and a strong analytics team should be able to find a few role players around the league. Inside the TSN production staff’s pants.

He is making it impossible for Team Canada to ignore him for the WJHC. He wasn’t even invited to camp last year and that has probably put a truck sized chip on his shoulder. The international challenge and having him compete with his peers will be great to watch. The exceptional 16 and 17 year olds make appearances but this is mainly a 19 year old tournament.

8x$5M extension.

That is the reason old time PBP guys learned how to be descriptive and draw in the audience. My father in law listened to Foster Hewitt on the radio and had his Beehive hockey photos on the kitchen table to follow the play. We are never going back to those days but broadcasters should keep in mind that some people are on the radio, listening on the internet or visually challenged.

Personally it was shooting my best ever round of golf, 5 under 67, to lead the men’s open championship after the first round at my home course. Finished 4th, a personal best. My first NHL game was a great memory, the buildup was a 4 hour car ride followed by a 12 hour train ride to Toronto. First time in a subway, Maple Leaf Gardens and my uncle gave me a drink at the hotel.

Not a bad position if there was only 1 Blues player on the ice.

They outplayed the Blues. Too many defensive breakdowns and no key saves. The only positive takeaway I have is they didn’t quit and played well for 50 minutes. I am frustrated but if they keep playing like that and get a bit better defense and average goaltending they get above .500. On to the next one.

It’s crazy how smart he is with the puck and without it. It seems like he makes the right play almost every time.

Well, let’s just score 8 and win this.

WTF!

Greasy one for Krebsie.