The Ditch part deux

Meanwhile ... does Zemgus Girgensens even get a conversation started about sending Mark Pysyk back to Buffalo?

 

Panthers D and G situation is going to be an interesting watch. Lots of mediocrity to sort through. Pysyk isn't the liability that Matheson was, but he wasn't the standout D-man needed to pair alongside a liability, either. Young'ns Weegar, McCoshen, and Brown all brought value to the table, and should be given a chance to make an impact (especially given that the latter two would be the biggest and most imposing players on a team desperately needing some punch).

Ekblad
Yandle
Matheson
Weegar
Brown
McCoshen
Pysyk

And I think this team could use the addition of at least one legitimate top-4 D, so that would put them at 8 NHL-worthy guys (we can debate how worthy, of course). Pysyk has a bigger contract than McCoshen, Brown, or Weegar. So I could see that being a viable consideration for Florida, if they added another D, and needed the cap space. Pysyk has been good, but they're already tethered to at least the top 3 on that list, unfortunately...

 

I think Gus Girgensens could use a change of scenery. He could also assist the Latvian the Panthers just signed. More importantly, I think he could replace the older McGinn as a cheap power F for years.

Meanwhile, I think Pysyk's cap space might be better utilized in other ways. He was well liked in Buffalo and it would help to have perspective from someone who knows NHL-life outside the Sabres' locker room.

I'd be happy to send Marco Scandella to Miami.

 

McDavid 'dying to play in the playoffs' with Oilers
Center believes new general manager, coach bring needed stability...

Connor McDavid is enthusiastic for the Edmonton Oilers' recent hires of general manager Ken Holland and coach Dave Tippett, and he's hoping it means a return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"Everyone in the League wants to play in the playoffs; I am no different," McDavid told Sportsnet during an event for Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, where he surprised a group of kids at a playground in Toronto on Tuesday. "I'm dying to play in the playoffs. Dying to bring a little success back to Edmonton. I think the fans deserve it, the city deserves it. ... It's been a long stretch of not-good hockey so we have to work hard for it and dying to get back into the playoffs."

 

Happy birthday to the late, great, Bob Probert... RIP

 

Pavel Datsyuk not returning to the NHL after all, re-joins KHL Yekaterinburg
A possible return to the Red Wings had been rumored for Detroit legend Pavel Datsyuk. That dream evaporated Wednesday, with 'The Magic Man' electing to stay in Russia.

 

Last night on CBC in place of the hockey game they had a double feature movie night.
First up was Goalie, the story of Terry Sawchuk. After that they had the story of Gordie Howe.

 

Panthers eye changes to roster, return to playoffs next season, GM says
Tallon discusses improving defense, goaltending, hiring Quenneville, 2019 NHL Draft...

The Florida Panthers have no excuses if they fail to reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs next season.

"Make the playoffs, make the playoffs," general manager Dale Tallon told NHL.com during the recent NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. "That's our first goal and we'll take it from there."

The Panthers have reached the playoffs twice in the past 17 seasons. That's a trend Tallon hopes to help change.

They already made a major splash hiring Joel Quenneville as coach on April 8. Quenneville was behind the bench of the Chicago Blackhawks for three Stanley Cup titles (2010, 2013, 2015) and brings the type of no-nonsense attitude Florida is looking for.

"Our owner (Vincent Viola) has made a commitment, and now it's up to us," Tallon said. "We will look at all the outlets possible to improve."

In a wide-ranging interview with NHL.com, Tallon discussed his relationship with Quenneville and the impact he will have on the team, and how aggressive the Panthers plan to be this summer.



You've been quite outspoken about how active you plan to be this offseason trying to add talent to your roster. Which avenues will you explore to do that? Free agency? The NHL Draft? Via trade?

"All of the above. Whatever we can to get better without jeopardizing our future. The key is how we handle that and what's the right fit moving forward."

What positions and aspects of your team do you need to address this summer?

"Obviously our goals against last year was not very good at 5-on-5. Our power play and penalty killing was very good. We have some good players. It's just a matter of keeping the puck out of our own net. Goaltending and defense have to be better."

Is there any specific position you are looking to address with the No. 13 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft on June 21-22 in Vancouver?

"Yeah, we've got nine picks this year, nine picks the following year. You still have to draft well and develop and mentor. That's the goal right now. Free agency and trades augment after that. We're going to stay where we are, stick with the plan and make sure the present doesn't interfere with the future."



You and Quenneville worked together in Chicago and helped the Blackhawks win a Stanley Cup there in 2010. How has the relationship been between you and Coach Q since the Panthers hired him earlier this spring?

"lt's been great. It's like we haven't missed a beat. It's like we've been together the whole time. I look forward to going to work now more than ever. Such a good guy, so smart, so dedicated, it's going to be a whole different process for us."

Do you think Quenneville is rejuvenated with his change of scenery after so many successful years in Chicago?

"I think so. I feel it. We both feel it together. We both have a lot to accomplish, yet and we look forward to the challenge together."



What does Coach Q bring to the table?

"I think he gives us a presence we haven't had. It gives us credibility to free agents. Players we talk to now know we're right into it for all the right reasons and that Vinny has made a commitment, and that's a great start for us." - (NHL.com)

 

A little fluffy, rainbows and unicorns stuff for dline, lol.

I'll give them credit for being optimistic and having a positive outlook. Q should help too.

 

I appreciate the shout-out, Will. Unfortunately, I've heard the rainbows and unicorns stuff year after year. Then they go and draft a winger, fail to improve the defense, leave the goalie pipeline bone dry...

The difference this year is that they've got Quenneville, and the owners have made a commitment to go all in. If they are indeed willing to spend big money, and give Coach Q what he needs, then the optimism may be rewarded. We'll see. Crucial offseason, here.

 

Canucks to turn back clock during 50th season with Black Skate jerseys
Fans voted for sweaters worn during run to Stanley Cup Final in 1994

 

I called them the Saturn jerseys.

 

I wouldn't have known them as a skate until I read that... Saturn works.

 

maybe my favorite NHL uni of all time

 

What do you call fish with no eyes?

 

Fsh

 

What a crazy night, I just witnessed two assaults and a couple of drunk guys from Ireland trying to convince the owner of a pizza joint to let them make some pizza.
Another drunk spanish guy bothering this vendor for food as he was closing up got slapped in the face.
Then a crazy lady yelling as she's walking down the street bops a panhandler in the head with her umbrella.
I have to start recording this shit and make my own channel.

 

maybe my favorite NHL uni of all time



???...........Matty do you mean the Canuck Jersey from the 90's ???

OMG that Logo was GOD Awful.........look at the Skate.......it's going DOWNHILL.........just like the Canucks......lol