conundrumed

Just quoted a snippet. This should be accurate, Ruzicka should be a shooter. If he could model his game after Lindholm would be great. Lindy finds soft areas in the slot to whip it from and Rozie should be doing the same. The problem is teammates have to see them. I think this is an issue with Mangiapane. He's pretty good at sneaking into those areas but rarely gets the puck there. I think we have the parts, but I hope our O approach changes. I'd say we run O 5v5 like it's a PP. You want to get set up on a PP. 5v5, get in hard, win a forecheck puck and it always goes back to the point to get set up. But it's 5v5 so now the opponent is set up in their D stance too. So we get lots of O zone time and shots but everyone is positionally ready. There is very little chaos. The other team practices D, so while you're setting up so are they. Because I watch the Wings a lot it's an easy comparison. They thread passes all over from the hashmarks down quickly. That's how they score. They thrive on chaos and defenders out of position with quick puck movement. Back to the D is about the 3rd option. It's Calgary's first option pretty much religiously. I'd like to see that change. It's very easy to see the difference between the 2 teams. Detroit had a handful of 3-4 goal comeback wins last year by throwing caution to the wind and playing high chaos. Calgary goes down by 1 and they don't change, just try not to go down by 2. It's not an entertaining brand. If Detroit isn't a great example, look at NJ, FLA, Buffalo. Even us with Tkachuk and JG 2 years ago. They're scoring by creating chaos. Fwds are always moving, defenders getting crossed up etc. Free our forwards, stop making every O zone possession about x's and o's. Let them have their fun.lol

Fair enough. I think most games everyone was following Steinberg for lines as they were a mystery more often than not. Win, same lines, lose, sky's the limit. I didn't really sense that it was opponent-based, though that's an aspect. I guess we'll see where Coronato's at as well as a top 6 RW. It's not beyond imagining that he can take it. I think we'll see Knies in a top 6 role with TML. If that's the case, Coronato would be close. A little off topic, but the talent pouring out of US colleges now, vs say 5 years ago, has really picked up momentum. The US is really coming on at a huge pace. Meanwhile, I think that you're correct on those lines with Pelletier being some kid.lol I've always championed him since drafting, won't stop now. Such a smart player. He'll be solid. Famous last words.

Comtois was a Q player. As I'm trying to purvey, correctly in my mind, is he wouldn't be in their clique. Not saying I'm right, but for me this has always pointed at the OHL generally and the Knights specifically. She lives in London, it was a player that she liked. Then his buddies. It's clearly a Knights player and the his Blockchaining clique of Hash Rate. Guys like Stamkos, Chychrun, Kyrou, (whom I can speak for) didn't even hang out with their own clique. Think of all of the idiot jocks in high school that never went anywhere with it. Their cliques. This will be similar. If guys like Bouchard and Thomas and Max Jones did the cliquey jock thing, even that would surprise me. But those are the guys closest I would say. Because Formenton looks guilty as sin rn. Nobody's touching him, Swiss League?

Full stop. Dube's social media accounts have always been private, as likely everyone in the NHL is. They've been rumouring this for a week now. Always tomorrow... Here's the list of my suspects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/206/london-knights/2017-2018

Just to add, how many times do you see a bottom 6 player on a "roll" so earns a top 6 spot, only to end the roll he was on, put him back, and the roll is over? Sutter spent an entire season trying to "fix" one line at the expense of others. I think there is a point where your lines are your lines. You have camps and practices. One line dries up, another picks up the slack. When you get to January and you're still adjusting, maybe you're overworking the dough Mr. Baker? But don't get me started. The moment we got Huberdeau my thought was, let's try Huberdeau-Lindholm-Dube. I'm not saying it will be perfect. Just try it. The only combination he NEVER tried. What am I chopped liver?lol Let's reflect. The season begins with Mangiapane-Kadri-Dube looking like a really good line. Nope says the chef, needs more meat. Adds gamey old Lucic in place of Mangiapane. The whole thing goes south and the chef just keeps adding salt until the whole dish is ruined. Damn, I must be hungry. Long and short, give Dube a home. Stop making him the flux player of every line. He's too good a player to constantly change his role. For once, give him a consistent spot. 1st or 2nd line RW and keep him there for %$^# sake. He isn't the problem. Just shuffle him so damn much that you make it look like he is. edit It's Dube, so I might as well address the HC scandal. Too many keyboard warriors "don't like his statement".lol Hockey players are cliquey af. Regionally. It's going to be ALL OHL players, if not just ALL Knights players. WC players would not be in their clique. Not even maybe. They are competing leagues similar to competing teams. They aren't buddies off of the ice. Zero chance Dube's involved. 90% chance this all lands squarely on the London Knights/former Knights. That should be a given. That this got exposed in London is only surprising in that it got exposed due to being a national event. Well, hang around for the non-national events... Should also add Kyrou as a Sarnia player. There is zero chance that he's buddying up with Knights players. Minus value. Zero chance. I'm pretty on the fence about releasing names. Dole out heavy punishment. Publicizing their names is going to completely destroy their future lives. Queue the, "and they deserve it" crowd. Like they'd want the worst choice they ever made thrown out for the whole world to judge them on with little background knowledge.

Detroit is definitely not a small market. The city lists at 250,000 I believe, but GDA is realistically around 3.5mil. I agree the Sens didn't need to do this now, but it's likely a good move to not let it ride for them. Now they can move along. It's not a bad business plan to invest in tomorrow for stability for them. It's certainly the trend for them, Buffalo and NJ. I alluded to Seider as he's the next Dman in line, although ahead of Sanderson. Seider, Raymond, Rasmussen and Johnny Burgers are all up next year. Raises my anxiety. I wouldn't hate seeing some of that business get dealt with sooner. Likely looking at 20% of the payroll with Raymond bouncing back from forgetting how to receive a pass, which he should. Seider is in that Makar territory although zero dmen are Makar. Makar's a bargain at $9. If Yzerman can use that comparable I'd be happy. But I'm fine with Foxes $9.5 for Seider. Still shocked Zegras and Drysdale remain. Friedman is saying Zegras will be a bridge. Smart move. There's more to hockey than Michigans and he's not an 8mil player currently. More surprised at the Drysdale hold-up.

Queue the Seider extension @ $9.5...

Sept. 15-18th, wildfires permitting:( 15th: vs Van 8:30pm 16th: vs Oilers 8:30pm 18th: vs Jets 12:00pm 11am (changed) All times MST edit Roster and sked: https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/flames-open-2023-prospects-training-camp edit 2 Most teams are likely broadcasting from their websites, so here's all tourney skeds: https://insidetherink.com/nhl-prospect-tournaments-begin-this-week-full-schedule/?expand_article=1

Can't keep blaming coaching though. Sutter wasn't his only coach, just another one that he frustrates. He's got great puck skills but if it evaporates in the play, there just isn't a lot else that he offers. He isn't physical, he's not aggressive, he isn't pushing play, his D play can be conservative to a big fault. I'd like him to take 4C. Own his own line. We don't need LWers or him riding coattails to be one.We need C's and he is one. He needs to round that game out. He's a dime a dozen at LW. He's not ahead of Huberdeau, Pelletier, Mangiapane, even Dube at LW for that matter. He needs to be a C. He's a good shot, passer etc, all of the O-zone stuff. He's just gotta take it and stop Blockchaining around away from the puck and realize O play starts with D play. He's too hesitant when things are transpiring. I've watched this movie. I hope that he can stay in the moment because a few seconds behind it in consternation at this level is never going to work. Don't think, just do. Best description of him imho. Proactive vs reactive is a very big thing that he struggles with. Still, I really want Rosey to succeed. All of Sarnia does. I'm a little pissed that he is now considered a LWer. He's a center. All of a sudden last year he's a LW. Blockchain that.

From a hundred things, you list 1?lol Markstrom plays lights out, Huberdeau back with authority, Huska pushing the right buttons. It's a pretty long list of things that could make you wrong. It usually is.lol

Well there is solace in @jjgallow 's batting average being about 0.050. He's not exactly a Gold Glove fielder either. But he's good at keeping the clubhouse mortified, so we like him. It gives everyone else's criticisms the appearance of full support for the franchise.lol

You can hear a pin drop from all NHL teams rn. I think everyone is set on their camp, pretty much. A lot of the talking points are still on the table. Don't even think about turning Hanifin and Nylander trade talk into a drinking game, you'll be drunk until April... edit Oh, and are the Ducks signing RFAs Zegras and Drysdale? What's going on here?

Kane-Larkin-DeBrincat...I'm kinda swooning. Especially how much Hawks fans would hate him.lol A world of depth and a D with all of the pieces that somehow need to fit together. And Hughes is saying he took a loss on Petry because Petry's wanted destination was Detroit. Maybe Petry will come alive playing for dear old dad? MTL still holding DeSmith though not wanting to. Hughes told him he's trading him. That likely affects a Vladar move.

As I said prior, it's on Ruzicka. I was excited that Sutter would get through to him, but alas. Can also look at Pelletier though, wonder why Sutter wouldn't put him back on the 4th line rather than scratch him. 4th line looked great with his tiny stint there. I expect a big year from Pelletier. His history dictates that he loves to jump levels quickly. With Rosie, I remain hopeful but I am over-extended on confidence at this time. Just once I'd like to be right rather than blind faith.lol Is that asking too much?

Hmmm, a vet-laden team doesn't jibe with Phase 2. I can give you that the 1st 15-20 games are AHL-quality, but that's a league consistency. Good time to play pro-line (starting the gambling thing already). There will be goals and points leaders that will barely score the rest of the way. But unless it's due to catastrophic injuries, a veteran team is pretty unlikely to go into Phase 2. But back to gambling, the start of the NHL year "upsets", find an NFL upset, tie or 2 to ride along...i don't support this message. Once I had a big win. My very first bass (Fender Jazz) and amp (Gallien-Kruger, I miss you) and an all-expenses paid weekend in Toronto to prowl the music stores cost me a $5 ticket that paid just over $1,800. I had another $400 on a $2 ticket later. So I was about 2-150 in the W-L column. Hopefully the Flames aren't gambling.

I didn't follow him but knew that he was lighting it up. I would put it more to being motivated after being traded. Hatcher wasn't a great coach, but he wasn't awful either. The motivation thing is still an issue imo opinion after last year. Sutter's a lot of things but he isn't scratching a player that can score without reason. Hopefully Huska knows the buttons to keep him engaged. Maybe Savard?

Ummm, excuse me? Completely unsure how I'd feel about this. I know he's a great player...but I don't want Berggren pushed down the lineup while he's developing into one of their best IQ players.Screwed in the draft for superstars, but this would be a bit early maybe. All depends on price. A year at $5, sure. But he can command more. From a Chicago sports reporter with a pretty good rep.

Ruzicka has great mitts for his size and a really good shot. The brain going into auto-pilot is the problem. When the Sting looked like a huge threat with him, Kyrou, Chychrun and all they got upset by Kitchener in the 2nd round. All of us, and I mean all, were so pissed with Ruzicka. He was completely disengaged the whole series. Just bad everywhere. Like not even breaking a sweat. @JTech780 addressed this a lot with Rosey and I always defended him. But I can't pretend to be angry at Sutter for benching him. I know what that funk looks like. I assumed it would fade but he got longterm benched so it likely hasn't. I really want him to work for us, but it is really on him. He isn't making excuses, so that's a good thing. His inconsistency is a reflection of his lack of engagement. It can be mind-numbing. He needs to lose that and he'll be a good player. He's 13F if he doesn't.

I think I've acknowledged (finally) that the writing was on the wall that Conroy wants to roll the same team back unless he's wowed by a trade to get bigger/younger. I didn't mind the Toffoli trade at all even if Toffoli puts up 30g this year. In the end we got younger and bigger with a player that hasn't peaked and a decent prospect from the 3rd rd with Suniev. I'm sure there is more backstory to trading him than we'll ever hear. Sutter's ex-LA guys are gone is likely the story. Those guys were acquired to appease Sutter I'd imagine. I'm not really sure from NJ's side. Obviously a Tatar upgrade but I'm not positive it's much of an upgrade. Tatar's really good but struggles wit that "when he wants to be" thing. Maybe he wanted a $6per contract or something. Really surprised he's still floating the UFA wire. He can be your best player tonight and your worst tomorrow, More skill from Tatar, more snipe from Toffoli. Hischier makes it all the same, quickly getting right up there with Barkov as my fave centermen. I will gladly move to Switzerland to scout.lol Watching the Czechs become the dominant jr national teams and the Swiss gaining momentum is fun. Things are getting a little heady for Sweden and Finland over there. The Swiss aren't losing 9-0 so much anymore. All eyes on Slovakia watching their neighbours become a factory of Dmen. I enjoy streaming their mini-tournies some bored days. The Brooks Bandits just won the U20 Super Challenge in Sweden. How are they being such a perennial powerhouse? Good news, Brooks wants you. Bad news, it's in Brooks. You'll need oxygen bottles most days because putting a slaughterhouse on the EAST edge of town seemed like such a good idea at the time. Should we add one to the arena design in case it's something in the air?

Rosey seems to be permeating some threads, maybe we should talk about him in one place. He bet on himself with the 2yr deal, this is his year to make hay or be a league minimum guy. I hope that he can push the LW group for minutes. 4C is more likely. Where do we see Ruzicka this year? Is he going to be an important player?

Same. Glad it's not my call.lol I think that I can get behind either decision. Extending at $3per would be ideal, perhaps stays with the front office at the end in a scouting capacity or similar. We don't have enough ex-players hanging around so that would be a nice thing to change. The Wings are pretty heavily-reliant on it and the fans love having accessible ex-players talking about the team/prospects. Only now with Conroy is he trying to graduate players into team roles. I love the idea. We've got Iggy and Savard back. Almost Tanguay. Love the concept that we can hear the thoughts from those 2 rather than the typical recycled staffs trained in hockey diaspora auto-responses. Need people that will tell Frances that he's always been a Sun reporter, in complete negative connotation. It's been a hard summer of everyone treating us like a perennial yard-sale due to last year's misadventure. Time to get past the Calgary Clickbaits and "woe is me" crap that media wants to hang onto.

I'm sure he has 500 page past threads, but let's be current. The dust is settling a bit soo..... I've reclined back into a Backlund supporter after not exactly being his biggest supporter. I wanted him traded last deadline. How is everyone feeling? I feel like we're the media-vulture kids. JG and Tkachuk were last year. It's not a firesale, idiots. We're not replacing Backlund within 2 years, so we maybe should keep him. I get the need to get younger but Backlund has more value staying with us. I think he's too conservative and readable that he's shooting at my bellybutton for a whistle to get the guns out. But it's his discretion, he sees it better. 35 seconds into a shift vs 7. My fave Backlund is the one taking penalties. He is my choice for captain all day when he's playing overtly aggressive. But he only does it during his wife ovulating maybe. How's everyone feeling? We can't really replace what he brings, he's a very smart player. Leaving it all on the ice is my biggest complaint. He seems disengaged when he isn't taking the odd penalty, likely read the reffing as deeply as the opponents. Sad necessity. Solid player, what should we do?

I'm interested to see what Oesterle can provide to the bottom pair. He's the definition of "journeyman" dmen but has never really been a part of as solid a D roster as ours in his career. He isn't big or remotely punishing but we could do a lot worse for a 6-7. The best part of his game is that you rarely notice him. He just plays D pretty well. Won't win or lose games, just makes sure things don't get out of control back there. I'm kind of a fan of the bottom of the roster nuances. That's where the game either stays 0-0 or you're screwed. Why I love the Lewis' of the league a lot more than guys who are supposed to be top 6 but are so weak defensively that they have to rearrange their game to be bottom 6(hello Ritchie brothers, Lucic), effectively removing actual bottom 6 players that live and breathe that role. A word and a number. Stephane Yelle, 2004. One of the most, "leave it all on the ice" displays I've ever seen. Him and Draper are imprinted in my conscience. It's their fault that I love me a solid bottom 6 and bottom pairings. Nobody, but nobody is winning cups without a bonafide bottom 6 and solid 3 pairing.. You can have all of the starpower that you want Toronto and Edmonton. Hat-tricks and -3s, go for it. Live by the PP. Top 6 and pairings win you games, get the coin-filled adoration/heat. The bottom 6 guys live to give them that chance. Depth is the first necessity imo.

Here's the link for context. Money gets earmarked from specific sources for specific things. This $39mil is likely going to infrastructure design and research. Bureaucracy is filled with all sorts of insurances, assurances, re-assurances, auditing the re-assurances, have 74 more meetings, somebody said hello instead of good morning, you get the picture! You can't spend $1bil on something that costs $300mil without massive amounts of inefficiency from the front end. Can't turn a spade without having 50% of the budget gone. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/smith-government-flames-arena-39-million-1.6954672

So far, so good with Schmid. That's quite a team in front of him. Next step is seeing how NHL teams scout him and if there is anything in particular to expose. He's ahead of Levi and Wolf in that regard with some playoffs under his belt, but this year will also be telling for him. He's still new to the league.