French Collection

Another take of mine on face off percentages is that a guy like ROR is 55% vs all centres, including all of the other top guys. Our guys are 40 something percent vs the entire league. The odds are even worse when going up against a top guy, he would probably win 60%+ vs our below average guys.

Sorry I messed up my earlier response. Yeah the Finnish fans were devastated . They got so hammered in the beer gardens after that one. That was a crazy game. Austri’s best showing so far.

Epic collapse. Binnington only had 20 shots. The D was porous as well. The Austria fans partied outside afterwards, beating drums and singing songs. Some of them followed me on the subway, drums and all. They kept on singing. Wearing a Canada jersey got me some funny looks from locals too. Their eyes were saying ‘so much for this hockey power’. The most fun was in the fan zone, outside, between games. Huge beer garden and every country was represented. Poles, Ukrainians, Finns, Swedes, Norwegians and Czechs wanted to pose with us. I was approached by a Finnish fan who wanted to trade jerseys. He had a nice white one but I declined because my Iginla is signed by Jarome. Next time I will bring one I am willing to trade and get a cool international keepsake. Pretty sure I walked by a bunch of wives and girlfriends at the airport today. There were some Hockey Canada officials there with about 8 beautiful girls. On my way home now. I would love to do this again, maybe Scandinavia.

He was good at his job and he seemed to love it. RIP Darren.

When our best guy is not even 50% the odds are even worse.

Heading to the rink. Finland vs Austria then Canada vs Norway. The beer in Czechia was really hyped up and it is excellent.

Vancouver has moved him around the line up, some stints into the top 6 and PP. I think he could definitely help. He hasn’t played much C at the NHL level but he has won more than 50% of his draws. He’s a winger but could take some draws if he was used properly.

It was shocking to all of the fans, including the Austrians. They were celebrating outside with drums and songs. They kept it going on the subway. I was bummed that Canada played that poorly and that Binnington couldn’t stop a beach ball but it was a cool atmosphere.

KO is not to blame but he didn’t help. All of his career has been spent on losing teams. He doesn’t know what a winning organization feels like until now. Nice guy but not a winner. If he wins a Cup it is by the luck of parachuting onto a championship roster. This is KA’s last chance, I hope.

I like Novikov and Johnson but Komarov is a RHD and may have a higher offensive ceiling than those two.

If KA can find a good 3C then Lindy could put Skinner on that line to achieve the balance I am talking about. Greenway could round out that line and provide corner work and a net front presence while Skinner buzzes around. Benson moves up in my scenario, unless KA adds a winger like Joshua, who would push Benson down to 3rd line and Greenway to the 4th line.

I forgot about this game, I just put it on and will check in during Avs-Stars breaks.

A team who had Cup dreams and are done may be interested. Pittsburgh or Washington come to mind. Washington will probably let Ovie pursue Gretzky but undergo a rebuild at the same time. Crosby still has game but he needs to realize the others are almost done. There are probably a few teams that will do rebuild on the fly. LA is another team. I’m not sure what players will be made available. I also think some teams would want other pieces added to #11 like a prospect who is almost ready. #11 on its own probably doesn’t get a solid 2-3C like Cirelli but might be enough to get Laughton.

I have been a part of this 13 year drought but I accept no responsibility.

Pylons!

That’s why they fall in spring.

He might be the best skater ever. Someone might come around and have better speed, edge work etc… but he can do so much at top speed. The old argument about best of an era will always be there but like all sports today’s athletes are better. Higher, faster, stronger. I like to think about dropping, Orr, Lemieux, Howe and Gretzky in today’s game having access to training, equipment, technology, nutrition, medical and psychological support that McDavid has.

You’re right that these guys need to generate more. I think Skinner’s new range is 24-30 goals. Quinn and Peterka may make a move to the top of this lineup, diminishing Skinner’s ice time and points. Finding a 2-3C could mean the most balanced top 9 in a long time. There is room to improve on Okposo, Girgs and Jost as 4th liners.

Second highest scoring Dman on the team. QMJHL Dman of the year this season, so he is a key piece if they win.

I like Avalanche. Kraken is OK.

Komarov won a Memorial Cup last May.

Interesting thought. You hear players say all of the time they would trade personal awards for a Cup. You won’t find any person who would trade McJesus for Eichel yet Jack has something Connor may never get. The Cup is worth a lot of votes as well when the time comes to determine who joins the HHOF. McDavid is still generational.

Leaving tomorrow for Prague. Bringing my signed Iginla 2002 Salt Lake jersey and a goat head hat to show support for Cozens, Power and Byram. Bucket list item would be to bump into Hasek.

I get this. Make the playoffs even if you need to move a young asset and keep building on the success of being a playoff team. Make the playoffs.

Figured you would come to his defence. I don’t think I have taken any shots at his skills. He’s a very good player on a good team. I might pile on when people comment about his Huh! interview and the stuff about the loudest he’s ever heard, blah blah blah. He wasn’t my favourite Sabre when he was here because of the Masshole vibes. Anyway, I was mainly taking a shot at the term generational which almost every top draft pick seems to get tagged with.