Chitchat Chat for hockey fans

[The Silent Z]

Exactly. I agree with that assessment of the Flames.

Yea I’m starting to remember the list and what I said in response to it.

Play styles of Tkachuk and position is another thing as well. Kadri can certainly get under peoples skin and irritate but he’s definitely not a power forward or enforcer type. Lucian will have more value then ever on the enforcer/power forward side of things. (Though I don’t expect he will do much in points but presence wise sure, maybe…?)

 

[Edric Blight]

Play styles of Tkachuk and position is another thing as well. Kadri can certainly get under peoples skin and irritate but he’s definitely not a power forward or enforcer type. Lucian will have more value then ever on the enforcer/power forward side of things. (Though I don’t expect he will do much in points but presence wise sure, maybe…?)

That’s for sure about Kadri lmao.

Also I assume auto correct made Lucic into Lucian? But yea Lucic is gonna be big on the hits like he always has been.

 

[The Silent Z]

Yea it was solid. Fun to speculate this stuff.

Also appreciated the unbiased list, because there’s a whole lotta biased lists out there. Like you’ll see some delusional people thinking the Pens will win the cup next year haha.

Thank you!

Thanks again! I try to stay unbiased as much as possible. Some topics it can be tough but for the most part I try my best. Plus I like to think I’m rather realistic with my teams no which league and sport it might be or level of each league/sport and said teams. I see stuff like that too haha same with a few other older teams… I guess it’s don’t bet against Sid the Kid like THG says about his high ranking for the Pens? Idk for sure. But I’ve definitely seen that too haha

 

[The Silent Z]

That’s for sure about Kadri lmao.

Also I assume auto correct made Lucic into Lucian? But yea Lucic is gonna be big on the hits like he always has been.

Yeah haha. I gave up after fixing the others lmao. A bit lazy on my end but I knew you figure out who I meant.

 

[Edric Blight]

Thank you!

Thanks again! I try to stay unbiased as much as possible. Some topics it can be tough but for the most part I try my best. Plus I like to think I’m rather realistic with my teams no which league and sport it might be or level of each league/sport and said teams. I see stuff like that too haha same with a few other older teams… I guess it’s don’t bet against Sid the Kid like THG says about his high ranking for the Pens? Idk for sure. But I’ve definitely seen that too haha

Yea no doubt Sid the Kid is great, but he can’t carry the whole Pens team. Another first round exit for them, hopefully at the hands of the Islanders.

Yeah haha. I gave up after fixing the others lmao. A bit lazy on my end but I knew you figure out who I meant.

Haha all good lol, these things happen. It was easy to figure out tho since who else but Lucic is that enforcer type for Calgary lmao.

 

[The Silent Z]

Yea no doubt Sid the Kid is great, but he can’t carry the whole Pens team. Another first round exit for them, hopefully at the hands of the Islanders.


Haha all good lol, these things happen. It was easy to figure out tho since who else but Lucic is that enforcer type for Calgary lmao.

Agreed. That roster, the age and reliance on aging big name vets to stay healthy and carry the load is a bit much. Throw cups into it? Yikes. Rust, Guentzel and Kapanen (I think I misspelled his name a bit. Used to have it down) Anyways they can be impressive and pretty good. But I still can’t see it. I also thought Rodrigues was a underrated part of that team when key guys were out. A hustle guy that stepped up when needed. I think he will be missed. But yeah, hopefully that’s so if the Pens make it this year. A nice W for the Isles too.

Yeah lol. He’s the only enforcer type we have left now. Plenty of guys willing to mix it up, but it’s a little different when they’ve got the size and ability of Lucic. Although we’ve got a pretty big defenseman that could be a option for a blue line enforcer type. Zadarov is rather big and likes to hit as well. But don’t think it’s the same as having a Tkachuk paired with those two. Backlund is pretty scrappy but yeah don’t see him and Kadri making up the difference there.

 

[Edric Blight]

Agreed. That roster, the age and reliance on aging big name vets to stay healthy and carry the load is a bit much. Throw cups into it? Yikes. Rust, Guentzel and Kapanen (I think I misspelled his name a bit. Used to have it down) Anyways they can be impressive and pretty good. But I still can’t see it. I also thought Rodrigues was a underrated part of that team when key guys were out. A hustle guy that stepped up when needed. I think he will be missed. But yeah, hopefully that’s so if the Pens make it this year. A nice W for the Isles too.

Yeah lol. He’s the only enforcer type we have left now. Plenty of guys willing to mix it up, but it’s a little different when they’ve got the size and ability of Lucic. Although we’ve got a pretty big defenseman that could be a option for a blue line enforcer type. Zadarov is rather big and likes to hit as well. But don’t think it’s the same as having a Tkachuk paired with those two. Backlund is pretty scrappy but yeah don’t see him and Kadri making up the difference there.

Agreed. Also as for Rodrigues, eh, he was ok.

Yea. Tkachuk was almost as aggressive and physical as Lucic. Now he’s gone. Maybe Zadorov tho, who knows.

 

[Edric Blight]

Heading to bed, I’ll cya later.

 

[The Silent Z]

“Disclaimer- Basing off my prior season standings predictions list”

NHL Predictions for the Stanley Cup 2022/2023 1-32 Rankings:
1. Colorado Avalanche “Yeah…. I hate it. but it’s far too likely they will beast mode their way back to the Cup finals and threaten to repeat as champs. They don’t have Vasy in net, but will likely still get it done against the Bolts or whoever they meet in the Cup finals if all goes according to expectations. Though I won’t mind seeing them fall along with some other teams personally haha. I just likely will not see it happen anytime soon.”
2. Tampa Bay Lightning “It’s the reverse for me from what I’ve said about the Panthers, Leafs and etc. I’d love to see these guys knocked off, but…. Til it’s done I can’t pick against the Bolts as the East rep in the Cup finals. I did it last year with my brackets cause I wanted to see it and saw a slim chance of it happening and well, we saw what was next. So once again, Bolts will likely find a way back into the Cup finals.”
3. New York Rangers “Another tough pick. I don’t really want to place them this high yet like Carolina, I kinda have to admit they’ve got pretty good chances this year. They still gotta prove it and live up to it but they should be good enough to threaten for a ECF spot and maybe more if everything falls into their favor. But I’d love to see a number of other East teams climb higher and knock out the Rangers, Canes and Bolts and give us a nice story to tell and witness. Anyways, a strong roster for the most part and played very strong in the playoffs til they got ran off. So for now they rank as high as 3.”
4. Carolina Hurricanes “I hate putting them this high. I really do. But, some nice moves this off-season and on paper least for this year… Maybe it’s now or never with this roster. They’ve got some pretty good players and added some decent depth pieces on the veteran side as well that could be a boost. Some young guys that are really good and should just keep going forward with their game. Andersen is coming back and Raanta is still there for this season atleast, so can they provide a boost to a solid roster as a tandem? Sure. But also a prove it year for me at the same time. I’ve heard the hype. I’ve seen some rankings. But you still gotta prove it. I’d like to place a number of teams higher then others, higher then Canes as well. But unbiased takes say they rank high for now.”
5. Nashville Predators “Honestly, I’ve been thinking high and going high as well as bold for this Preds team. I went bold with my predictions already for this coming season. I’ll continue that here, as I believe it will be these guys or the Kings meeting the AV’s in the WCF and it should be a good, fun battle imo. A fun ride overall throughout the season for Nashville. Gotta love that fanbase too, right? Awesome stuff but should be a good team. Playoff matchups will play a role though, AV’s early on will be really tough for this Preds team.”
6. Los Angeles Kings “ Played the Oilers very strong last season during the playoffs. Pressed them far. Doughty I hear has a new chip on his shoulder? Ok cool. Add Fiala? Nice. Still have Kopitar? Never a bad thing. Some bright spots on that roster with a pretty decent GM/Coach combo and they’ve done it before with some the same names still there. Only question is the goalie situation… Does Quick turn back the clock and regularly produce the flashes of prime Quick we saw last year and in the playoffs? Tough ask there imo but maybe? Petersen? He’s gotta step up imo but he could do it. Just a matter of actually doing it and winning the job. Overall though, I wouldn’t put it past them to make a WCF run in 22/23.”
7. Toronto Maple Leafs “Don’t get me wrong, until I see it I don’t have them reaching the second round or beyond. But, on paper they have a pretty solid roster though questions in Net have only gotten heavier and more so imo. A downgrade really imo. As Murray & Samsonov come with questions though the latter is still young and could bounce back. But overall a pretty good roster with some younger big name stars and slightly older supporting cast guys that should be decent atleast. Some young guys that haven’t yet but could breakout, maybe? When and if they ever get a chance. So, Just a matter of…. What the hell Toronto? Figure it out or be quiet til it actually happens. Dallas Cowboys and Notre Dame of Hockey? Perhaps haha.”
8. Edmonton Oilers “Nice moves by the team this off-season… I can’t even say otherwise, they look good and they sadly crushed my Flames in the battle of Alberta playoffs edition…. But, I’m thinking you’re out second round with at best a WCF appearance however I’ve a reason why I’ve leaned towards a second round exit and it’s not even bias related.”
9. Calgary Flames “Top 10, okay, but higher? Can’t do it. I watched these Flames with Gaudreau & Tkachuk get destroyed in the second round. Blue line depth this year and the Markstrom/Vladar tandem in Net won’t save us. The forwards have some really good to great players still here…. But I can’t do it. 9 is as high as I can go and honestly I’m kinda questioning it being as high as 9 cause of that playoff performance and the off-season moves, not all losses were effectively solved with the additions and that big money spent is short term effective not long term wise for this particular roster even with a potential cap boom for the league in the coming years. Bold regular season prediction for me with this team, but that’s where it ends. Not even bias could get me to go higher. Sorry Sutter, we won’t be bringing that Cup to Calgary, like you’ve done before with LA.”
10. Vancouver Canucks “I didn’t intend to have them this high yet here we are….. On paper and with Bruce as coach, I think the Canucks could be pretty good. Like really good. Demko if he gets some help from his blue line least a little bit more then last year, combined with the forwards and depth there plus Hughes should have a pretty strong season on that blue line. The numbers for them after Bruce took over were all around far better then before. So, I’ll risk it and place them 10. Though honestly wasn’t expecting this one as I started from 32 and worked up towards 1.”
11. Ottawa Senators “This feels too high. But I don’t trust the Panthers yet, I watched those playoff Panthers…. Yikes is all I’ll say there and I was going back & forth with the Isles here while also trying to even out the Conferences with these rankings as we climb higher on the list. So a slightly or actually very bold take of having Ottawa at 11 and I am a Sens believer this year and went high for the regular season rankings or kinda high but still this tops even that boldness and belief. though I’d like to note it’s easily Isles or Sens for me right now at this spot.”
12. Minnesota Wild “ Oh how I’d love to rank them higher. But, Cap issues. Slight depth concerns on the forward lines and uncertain of what to expect from Fleury being even more relied upon now more then last year. Idk what to expect from Gustafson I’m just thinking he’s a good young goalie to have but… Can he step up? Idk. Is Rossi ready and can he help replace some of the numbers from Fiala? Idk. High upside with him but he also just got drafted like two years ago, so kinda tough to say with his development and etc. Can Boldy take another step forward and help by stepping up even more with his points and play? I think so. But he too is also pretty young last I recall, so can’t really go too far with my expectations. Hartman & Zuccarello continuing their level of play? Z I think so for sure. Hartman? Idk, last year was above expectations imo but welcomed and would be again if he does. Greenwood? He can and should step up with his goal scoring and points. I just don’t know if he will or by how much, but he can and could do it. Overall, plenty to like but alot to question with this cap issue riddled team.”
13. New York Islanders “Kinda tough cause Lou is unpredictable for me. But I think MB will be taking another step this year. Palm & Parise are two vets I’ll bet on to have a solid season and maybe Palm continues his run from late last season, hmm? Maybe. Overall the roster has many names that could and should have strong years and I didn’t even mention the underrated pairing topping that blue line or that guy in Net by the name of Ilya? Ilya Sorokin… yeah that guy. It’s not that far removed from the squad in 20/21 so just a matter of putting it altogether and getting back on track and Lou not losing his mind haha. Ive got them on the same wavelength as the Jets, where I feel and can see both sides of it. Could be higher or could slip lower. Hopefully it’s higher for both squads.”
14. Winnipeg Jets “Almost feels too high. Almost feels too low. The Captiancy strip of Wheeler isn’t the best sign of how things will go. But on paper they should have been way better last year. They should be playoff capable this year and make it even if as a lower seed. Kinda banking on Hellebuyck bouncing back to old form after a kinda tough year and many shots against… Plus I still don’t know who’s backing Connor in Net tbh. Comrie is gone and haven’t seen anything yet. So for now they stay here at 14 in my rankings. Bones hopefully gets this team right and back on track to where they should be more regularly which is playoff bound.”
15. Florida Panthers “Simple…. Prove it! Playoff Panthers were painful to watch last season and I can’t say Tkachuk carries them past second round with his grit and fire he will be bring to Florida. Plus, does Paul Maurice make that big of a difference? I honestly don’t know and depth kinda seems weaker this year compared to last… just me?”
16. Columbus Blue Jackets “Bias would say higher. One of the handful of eastern conference teams I don’t really or ever have had issues with and actually like as well. But while they should be much better, hopefully better and live up to the money spent. I can’t place them higher yet…. I’m honestly not sold on the coach. Depth concerns because they’ve got a lot of good but very young guys on that depth chart this season dating back to last season. Plus extra quality depth never hurts. Tarasov or Korpisalo? Elvis needs a solid and reliable running mate to ease his load a bit atleast. I’d pick the young Tarasov, but got a feeling it’s likely Korpisalo, who’s been having a downward trend. Til proven otherwise and I’d be happy to be proven wrong here, I can’t see or rank them higher.”

———————— (Playoff bound teams ^ based off my earlier season predictions list.)

17. St. Louis Blues “Hard to bet against them for me. I’ve got a friend I’ve know for awhile now who’s from St. Louis and is a big Blues and Cards fan. They usually always play strong and competitive hockey. A tough out more times then not in my experience of watching them play. But Perron, a key support player and glue guy is Detroit bound. Husso? Detroit bound. Scandella is now going to be out for some months and the surgery is hip related I think? Either way another depth loss for St. Louis. I already thought they just miss out on the playoffs this year and that injury news I saw doesn’t help any. So cup chances aren’t quite any better if better at all for me.”
18. Pittsburgh Penguins “I haven’t bought into the hype or belief that good Ol’ Pittsburgh returns to the playoffs and will be a higher Cup odds team. Age. Cap restrictions. Depth questions for me. Over reliance on the health and high level play of longtime veterans and Pens lifers or just about lifers. They will be decent I’m sure, better then the Caps and Bruins and probably VGK as well imo. But outskirts of the playoffs for me and my predictions, there for can’t say my thoughts on their Cup chances are any better.”
19. Buffalo Sabres “ It’s a team I’d like to see make that run. It would be great for the fanbase and franchise obviously. But for now they just need to stay on the current trajectory. They’ve been headlining in the right direction, some solid moves especially going back to that Eichel trade from last season. Just hold steady and keep this pace going and maybe they make that run in the future. Just not yet…. Playoffs? Maybe. Just on the outskirts of it for me and my little predictions.”
20. Dallas Stars “Could be right around the playoffs picture and I think they will be. I just have some questions relating to the key vets on the roster and some minor stuff outside of that. The young stars who’ve been great will definitely be solid again, but a cup run doesn’t seem there in 22/23 for me.”
21. Anaheim Ducks “I’m kinda high on the Ducks this year. Should be fun. Should be better. But definitely too soon for a cup run. I’d love it but I can’t see it. Right direction though imo.”
22. Detroit Red Wings “Solid young team, heading in the right direction and could see them making some noise. But cup odds? Not yet that high. Maybe could go higher but for now I’ll keep them here.”
23. Vegas Golden Knights “You knew this one right? Haha. If you’ve been here before and seen my Vegas takes then you probably saw it coming with Caps & Bruins being where they are in my predictions for cup odds. So let me explain, Cap issues? Every year. Depth? I think it’s dwindling down a bit. Scoring? I wonder now…. A few guys are gone. Other key players that remain have health concerns and return to level of play from past years as a concern, Stone being one. Also, Young LT as your main goalie is asking a lot of him when he just came off a rookie year correct? Or could still be considered a rookie? Aidan hill was a smart pickup but while he’s solid… he’s not saving the day all season long when he plays. Kessel? Fun guy and entertaining, loveable id even say cause he’s pretty much an everyday day dude and does it his way and still wins out, produces and defies all that we know for athletes and physical shape expectations and basic outliers, but idk if he returns to his old usual goal scoring self. Asking alot to expect a bounce back to 20+ goals. Also, Eichel, who does he elevate or what playoff teams as he been on? A solid to pretty good to sometimes elite talent star…. But he’s not the franchise guy imo or the top star on a cup winning team. He’s a solid second or third star on such a team imo at this point based off his career so far.”
24. Washington Capitals “Ovi is honestly great. An elite specialist who’s carried this team for many, many, many years…. But, how long can he keep carrying this roster? Cap restraints, Key injuries to start the year and we’ve seen what the Caps are without Ovi, it’s not pretty. Oshi hasn’t been consistently great in recent memory. An aging roster in their own right, no young prospects to debut and breakout for them yet least not realistically. Less I’ve forgotten a name/candidate…. So, yep guess a bold take here too, hey? Lol.”
25. Boston Bruins “Hot take I’m sure. Prejudice claims likely. But come on man…. Age, injuries, heavy veteran stars reliance and depth concerns especially on the blue line or really… everywhere but goalie imo, new coach…. Cap issues. Pasta can only do so much and same for the aging vet PB, while Those depth concerns will be tested early and often with the multiple key injuries to start the year and be out awhile I believe. So, a major fallback is my apparently bold and hot prediction that is first to be made while making this list, I’m going backwards by the way 32-1.”
26. San Jose Sharks “Who the hell are they?!?! Lmao. This team has me very perplexed and uncertain of what side they are on or if they even know what side they are on or want to be realistically this year. I’ve honestly no idea what to expect here, a true wildcard and unknown for me, stated the same in my season predictions or I thought I did and it remains now. I also don’t know what to expect from Quinn as their new coach so…. Yeah, could be a 35 win team or a Bedard watch team…. I really don’t know yet and I’ve gone back and forth many times with myself about this team as is…”
27. Montreal Canadiens “Should be atleast a fair bit better. Should also be fun to watch. And I think they are trending in the right direction but…. I think they also want Bedard and I’m not sure they can go too far this year in terms of Cup odds.”
28. Philadelphia Flyers “Ok, I’m still of the mind they should be better then expectations however plenty of health concerns and bounce back questions remains plus a notable locker room issue going by reports some said to be from Tortz himself… Plus Couturier once again is having issues with his back, I believe it was? Not a great start and even as high as I am on Tortz and fan of the guy, he’s only able to do so much on his own.”
29. Seattle Kraken “Honestly, I’d kinda love to place them higher but I can’t do it. Bold predictions are fun and one thing to do, but this feels right and fair. Trending in the right direction though imo.”
30. New Jersey Devils “I don’t trust nor like the Ruff-Young Devils pairing. I’ve been pretty consistent with that opinion as well. Also, young team with potential but health concerns with key young players and depth concerns as well. Will be better… I think and if healthy, but cup chances? Yeah, way too earlier for them”
31. Chicago Blackhawks “If they somehow tear down like they have been and still win? They got some effective voodoo and curses going on there.”
32. Arizona Coyotes “Kinda obvious… Sorry Yotes, I really don’t hate you but i can barely name anyone on your roster at this point haha. Well I can, but you get the point of what I’m saying.”

{Alright, my fun little cup rankings/predictions mixed with some bold takes some even shocked me as I went through the list from the bottom-up while basing off earlier predictions. Not sure why I started or kept telling it from my point of view as if I were on TV or writing a column but there you have it. Lol.

I also took a famous and beloved meme from years ago from a famous NFL post game coaches press conference and tweaked it then used my version for the San Jose Sharks take. Rip Dennis Green. and the quote/outburst of his I’m referring to is “They are who we thought they were!” I recall all to well haha and saw live… Tv live anyways. My tweaked version could be taken a bit from that haha.}

 

[The Silent Z]

Agreed. Also as for Rodrigues, eh, he was ok.

Yea. Tkachuk was almost as aggressive and physical as Lucic. Now he’s gone. Maybe Zadorov tho, who knows.

Yeah agreed he was haha, sometimes his antics timing was frustrating at times but Tkachuk could definitely be as aggressive and physical. Maybe Zadarov could help that a bit agreed.

Heading to bed, I’ll cya later.

Alright, see ya later.

 

[The Silent Z]

Sad news for Ryan Ellis… Love or hate the Flyers, it’s unfortunate what it appears to be for Ellis now. Complications of injuries and what all is effected by it could mean his career might be over. At the very least he’s done for this season.

 

[Edric Blight]

Sad news for Ryan Ellis… Love or hate the Flyers, it’s unfortunate what it appears to be for Ellis now. Complications of injuries and what all is effected by it could mean his career might be over. At the very least he’s done for this season.

I heard. Sad stuff for the Flyers.

 

[The Silent Z]

I know it’s not the biggest deal, but with all they’ve gotten right since entering the league and all the potential they had with this particular decision once made…. I feel pretty disappointed with the Seattle “Kraken” ‘s choice for a mascot. I know not all mascots match the theme or name of the team. But come on Seattle! It was right there in front of you with two very obvious choices to pick from. Ah well….. I’ll move on.


Haven’t had the chance to watch any preseason games yet. But have heard some good things from different teams and PTO’s trying out for various squads. Rocco Grimaldi is one of those I’m interested in right now. He’s been playing pretty well for the Ducks so far in preseason. Sonny Milano with Calgary as well being of interest amongst others in the league right now on PTO’s. But both seem to be playing pretty well and could end up winning a roster spot and contract.

 

[The Silent Z]

It’s only pre-season but nice to be able to catch some Hockey. NJD V Boston with the other game being Habs v Maple Leafs. (Least out of the options I’ve seen so far to watch)

 

[Edric Blight]

That’s cool. I haven’t been keeping up with pre season hockey.

 

[The Silent Z]

I haven’t really kept up with it. I haven’t had the schedule for it and opportunities. THG news is about the only reason I know the little news I have for it with his brief news vids and mentions of some games. But tonight yeah it’s kinda nice for a change to watch and keep up with a game.

 

[Edric Blight]

Fair enough.

I don’t think the pre season is worth my time. I’m just waiting for October 13th for the first Isles regular season game.

 

[Edric Blight]

Barzal is staying on LI! Signed an 8 year extension! Huge!

 

[The Silent Z]

Barzal is staying on LI! Signed an 8 year extension! Huge!

I saw the THG vid drop in terms of the headline title. I haven’t watched the actual vid yet but saw the news for that deal being done. Nice! A great keep for the Isles.

 

[Edric Blight]

I saw the THG vid drop in terms of the headline title. I haven’t watched the actual vid yet but saw the news for that deal being done. Nice! A great keep for the Isles.

Yea that was HUGE. He told everyone he loved Long Island and wanted to stay and unlike JT, he didn’t lie and told us fans the truth. He showed it to us by signing here for 8 years. What a great Isles W. We need more W’s lol.

 

[The Silent Z]

Yeah definitely a pretty nice W there.

 

[Edric Blight]

Yeah definitely a pretty nice W there.

Super happy we locked up such an elite guy who just loves playing here, even despite the awful year here last year.

 

[The Silent Z]

It’s game 1 of 82, but still a nice win for the Preds in Prague over the Sharks. Reimer was better I think then the score indicates as his defense in front of him didn’t exacty do too well in helping him out. But overall decent.

I like the players Calgary got locked up, Kadri, Huberdeau and Weegar…. I like. Good to great players that should definitely help the team and Weegar’s contract isn’t too bad. I just don’t get why all these contracts have to be for eight years. What’s wrong with 5? Yeesh. Ah well, I’ll just have to enjoy the present and not think too much for down the road. Flames are heading for the Wild territory with cap issues though and makes me concerned for some of the younger guys who’s contracts will be coming up in the next few years or less. But concerns aside, nice to have Weegar around for awhile beyond this year and glad the new season is officially underway.

 

[Edric Blight]

Saw that first game of the regular season was a success! Big 4-1 win for the Preds against the Sharks.

 

[The Silent Z]

Yeah that was a pretty nice win to start the season for the Preds. Agreed