Toronto is going to be fun to watch for years to come. They still need to solidify their defense and goaltending but they do have Kapanen down in the minors... Not sure what Florida is doing with their squad but Barkov showed some smooth hands on an OT winner tonight
They really are great. The Metropolitan Division is crazy good. The Caps are the Defending President's Trophy Winners, playing pretty good with 45 points so far, yet are trailing Columbus by 9 points and are currently 4th in the Metro! Haha crazy season so far. I think the Blue Jackets can keep it up too. They are for real.
I think the best part of that teams success, is to hear John Tortorella adjusted his approach to his younger players and he no longer punishes them for making mistakes or makes them healthy scratches. They in turn don't play scared and conservative, he also eliminated morning skates so they can have more energy during games. I'm so impressed with him and the effect it has had on the team, good for them.
This Columbus turnaround has been fun to watch, but the playoffs are an entirely different animal than the regular season. I am however anxious to see the renewed rivalry between Pittsburgh and Columbus. That should be a great one
I'd love to see an interaction between Torts and Brooksie after the Rangers and Jackets play next week My Oilers are above .500 heading into January. Amazing what trading a "superstar" like Taylor Hall for a "boring" d-man like Adam Larsson can do. Larsson and Kris Russell have immediately changed the complexion of our d-core.
The Penguins play their first game of 2017 on Sunday, January 8. Good luck explaining that scheduling.
Thanks, I thought both teams represented very well. NHL has a bright future with the young players that will be there in a couple of years.
The Washington Capitals are on FIRE. 8 straight wins, including dominating performances against the Blue Jackets, Canadiens, Penguins and Blackhawks. As per usual though, Caps are peaking a few months too early. Haha. Hope it lasts!
My Carolina Hurricanes are really fun bunch this year and are extremely young which bodes well for the future. Too bad they are in the stacked Metro, but they can definitely sneak into the last WC spot. They are 13-1-1 in their last 15 games at home and have the leagues best PK.
Loveee Carolina. Love Aho. Love Pesce and Slavin. Faulk yes. And they have a ton of prospects who are big and skilled. Look out for them in the years to come. Do they trade for Duchene?
SJ/Colorado 1-1 entering the third Then Patrick Marleau scored four goals. None empty netters. First player since Super Mario to score four times in the third period (1997, when Marleau was drafted). First time in Marleau's 19 year career that he scored 4 times in a game.