Thorny

It’s a tricky one. Our F unit is very good, we aren’t fooling ourselves when we say we have a real shot at the playoffs, in fact id say mathematically it’s more ours to lose right now than any other 1 team in the WC mix. We’ve seen how much of a benefit culture has been, can’t help but think a playoff berth potentially aids greatly on that front, both players AND fan base. And beyond that, I’m a fan first: the only thing that matters to me is becoming a playoff mainstay once again, playoffs are Dream, for me, I’d love to bring in a F through trade that helps us get there: and as mentioned, finding a piece that can salvage ONE injury is certainly a reasonable expectation. But I did say playoff mainstay. I whole heartedly also agree w/the idea we don’t want to deplete our system to cash out on this one chance. Adams is right to say that. But he did say he’s still open to something, no? I think it probably makes the most sense to take him at his word, why not: I can’t imagine he could possibly think dealing a couple lower level or medium prospects or picks would torpedo the future he’s referring to: we just don’t need them all. Id say it’s more likely we do not see a notable F addition but I think it’s possible

Honestly the F lines look fine still lol. I expect a big game from Cozens with his loaded up line re: the addition of the cagey Mittelstadt and speedy Hinostroza on the forecheck. Krebs line probably sees the least ice time by a bit It’s gonna be really good

These are the lines I had but they switched Cozens and Krebs wingers randomly

I believe you last posted this before the game in Winnipeg

Tuch news sucks, but expected. It’s good to know he’ll be back before season’s end, in their estimation Losing Dahlin today will be even more difficult to overcome. Last time he was out day-to-day he only missed 1 game: I’m hoping that’s the case this time too. Our playoff chase will remain in tact if that’s the case.

McDavid as of today is the greatest talent to ever push a hockey puck forward with a slab of wood, or whatever sticks are made of today. It’s a resounding yes for me. I mean, I enjoy watching hockey and no one does it more beautifully

You were advocating for Cozens, no? Im not playing Hinostroza up top either, but I wouldn’t put it past Quinn to be able to chameleon there for a time

2C is generally a more important position than 1RW. Big part of the advantage of having an elite C is that they can elevate their wings. When you have 3 very good players you get top of the league lines like Skinner/Tage/Tuch but even sans Tuch it should be ok. I wouldn’t want to take our CLEAR second best centre out of his spot when we can maximize what we can get from him on his own line. Load the 2 up together down a goal late.

Thinking about it more I think Quinn should get the first shot on L1. He’s got great hockey sense too so he should have as good a shot as anyone at identifying how to best replace what Tuch was bringing. Not sure who plays with Krebs and Casey. Whoever the call up is I guess. Other 2 lines can stay in tact. Also, we’d undoubtedly truly appreciate the “safety net” feeling having a reliable goalie back there would provide under circumstances like this when you know you’ll be a bit shorthanded up front. Goalie is the one position that at its best can mask over all the other issues Skinner - Thompson - Quinn Peterka - Cozens - Olofsson Girgensons - Jost - Okposo Mittelstadt - Krebs - Hinostroza .. looks fine tbh

Small sample sizes but potentially plenty of options. If there’s ONE guy making the line “go” it’s Thompson, I think if he’s there and at least one of Skinner or Tuch, the line will still be really good if likely not as good.

So rare to see. That’s awesome

What’s it at now from mid December on?

Jensen has a similar rate of production, as a d-man, he’d be a good start

Playmaker first as well which wouldn’t be misplaced in our system/team Is it really that bad? I saw his numbers being skewed to .910 + recently can’t remember the chosen time frame for that though

ETA 2-3 years via Levi airport

It’s a good point. I’m eager to see how Tage responds and the rest of the lineup as well - I still think we have the players to reconfigure to handle the loss of one guy. If we don’t it was always a ticking time bomb

There was factually less parity. It was factually easier to be a dominant team based on the construction and make up of the league during the Habs hey day is it just a COINCIDENCE those dynasties existed and are now a thing of distant legend? We will never see another Habs or Yankees run again, ever. Because it’s impossible: that’s demonstrably an unequal comparison playing field. The Habs just *happened* through luck and genius to be able to put together a run no team will ever come close to again? Just unheard of managerial aptitude? And then the oilers and islanders put together runs of 4 in a row and 4 in 5 years in the next decade just coincidentally? The era favoured and facilitated dominance, there was less parity

You need to look at and make an effort to understand the overall, macro situation. Why do you think we used to see multiple cups in a row dynasties, and now teams can’t even win 2 in a row? It is *inarguable* statistically that it was easier to be a dominant team then, then it is now. The numbers indisputably bear that out - the playing field has levelled. Montreal isn’t lapping the field anymore like the New York Yankees used to because they are investing more than everyone else. It is harder to string consistency and greatness together

You are arguing parity hasn’t increased over time? You would be incorrect factually There is assuredly more competition today than in the 6 team league.

I don’t think the Islanders are throwing in the towel without Barzal. Panthers without Barkov etc etc. This is a big blow depending on how long it lasts but we are still playing with found money re:injuries this year - we’ve been well-off relatively on that front If Tage can carry his line w/o Tuch, he’ll go a long way towards solidifying his case for a Hart nomination Hope it’s just a couple games

Son of a b*tch. Should be ok as long as it’s not LT. Too bad KO isn’t skating like last year or I’d throw him on the top line for now

Thank you

The stat quality control in-arenas is terrible - for such a big league it’s pretty embarrassing /amateur hour. We so often hear about how teams rely on their own stats - I don’t think the stats are always accurate in fact I think they are often not. Studies have shown there’s home bias Dahlin had an assist yesterday that they just randomly decided not to credit. He had one the game before too. Maybe no one cares but on a site where we break down the minutia between players, in a league where “points pay” and we are looking for Dahlin to win a Norris..it’s just kinda dumb. Extra shots for the home team are par for the course whatever

The other half repeated it with him in refrain, though

You guys are all correct the bruins aren’t good Shouldn’t have posted it