Here's looking to the games I think will be fun tonight:
Philadelphia at New Jersey
This game sucks. I want both teams to get no points. However, personally, I'd rather the Flyers get the two points without letting New Jersey get any. Keep it a two point game. Both teams are in that zone of not easy to beat.
Los Angeles at Washington
The Kings have been kinda listless since the All-Star break. In moments they look ready for the playoff run, in others they look unable to finish despite good chances. Washington is still playing as the most complete team in the league. Let's see Justin Williams get the game-winner here.
Winnipeg at Carolina
Carolina has to win this game. The Jets are not a great team, but if the Canes don't finish their chances, they can get stung by them. Losses to such teams just make the playoffs that much farther away.
Buffalo at Ottawa
Fun players in this one. Erik Karlsson D for Ottawa is a premier player. Some cut his defensive ability, but I think it is because they are blinded by his offense. Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, Ryan O'Reilly, Rasmus Ristolainen, and Zemgus Girgensons for Buffalo are all up-and-comers.
San Jose at Tampa Bay
The Lightning slip back into their inability to score and lose. Their game starts with scoring and then they clamp it shut with defense. When they play too open, they leave holes. San Jose is positive points in 14 of their last 16 games for 25pts. That is going to get them in the playoffs. They can create goals and now with Joel Ward and a healthy Logan Couture, they are tough. The Lightning need a win here to reaffirm that they can make a Stanley Cup push.
Dallas at St Louis
St. Louis is coming along and they aren't even fully healthy yet. This will be the Blues first real test though. Dallas has found it's scoring touch again without giving too much up defensively. This could be big for them, if so.
Anaheim at Edmonton
The Ducks are playing as good as anyone right now - 11-2-1 in their last 14. This should be an easy win, but none-the-less fun to watch. Connor McDavid has 4 goals and 12 points in the 7 games since his return. But other than Jordan Eberle, none of their other young talent has done much. Anaheim can ALMOST take this game lightly.
Canes have 8 games left (6H 2A) before trade deadline. If they don't come away with 12 pts in those 8 games. E. Stall and Ward need to put their homes up for sale. Can't hold on to players for next year that are not going to improve your team.
ReplyDeleteNow if Canes do pick up 12 pts and find themselves in a playoff spot, I think you have to retain both for the playoffs and cut your losses in the offseason. At worse, you at least get the cap space back. But would still look to move Staal before deadline because I don't think his absence hurts the team too much other than your new #1 center is going to be facing a lot tougher defenses.
I can't disagree with your thoughts on this.
ReplyDeleteI don't think E. Staal is carrying this teach much. It seems to be the solid defense and youngsters. I think trading him could be a win no matter what - I guess no winning team trades a key component though.
Ward's injury...kills his trade value, which by the numbers isn't very high anyway. Although, I think since all-star break or maybe even since the new year, his sv. pct. has gone up a bit. I checked...since Jan 1 he is .931,1.99 and 5-0-4 in 9 games. not bad.
Out of those 8 games, a cup potential Canes have to win four. Four are against good teams in San Jose, Tampa Bay, Boston, and St. Louis. Beating Boston and Tampa Bay would be huge.
E. Staal has 6 points in the 18 games since the New Year. The brother has 18. To your point, he is getting big minutes...
ReplyDeleteAndrew Ladd? Jonathan Drouin and someone/pick?
This is why GMs get paid...
Luke Decock at N&O believes Canes need to trade Staal and Ward now. Can't hold on to them even if make the playoffs. Doesn't believe either will restructure new contract to a salary both sides are happy. i agree, but think you would still need to hold on to Ward for playoffs. But i guess current leg injury could decide a lot.
ReplyDeleteDrouin would be a nice pick up but not skating isn't helping him and he was a playoff darling last year, while being a tick above avg player during reg season. I think he's a bit overvalued. Ladd will prob want Staal money wherever he goes. Does he have 1 year left?
Canes will have to win more than 4 of next 8 to stay relevant.
I lean more toward Decock...er...Luke on this. Get rid of those two while you can get value for them. (Of course, if the injury to Ward is too much...oh well)
ReplyDeleteLadd is UFA after this season - same spot as Staal. Seeing as Maurice probably likes Staal...maybe the Canes can get more than just Ladd :)