Jesus Christ. Brevity my man, brevity.

Jesus Christ. Brevity my man, brevity.
- Rinosaur

I read it. Took about 15/20 seconds. Didnt mind it at all.

I read it. Took about 15/20 seconds. Didnt mind it at all.
- MattStrat

It’s just because it’s me. Really doesn’t bother me, man. I admit I didn’t see this from the Habs but here it is. I don’t expect him to say anything differently on the stars or anyone else because I don’t think he actually watches 🤷🏼‍♂️ Double goes for the Wild

Really though I’d like to hear what other people think of those teams. Are they for real? Is it a flash in the pan?

It’s just because it’s me. Really doesn’t bother me, man. I admit I didn’t see this from the Habs but here it is. I don’t expect him to say anything differently on the stars or anyone else because I don’t think he actually watches 🤷🏼‍♂️ Double goes for the Wild

Really though I’d like to hear what other people think of those teams. Are they for real? Is it a flash in the pan?
- WSCTeton17

You used paragraph breaks and that’s what I appreciates about you.

It’s just because it’s me. Really doesn’t bother me, man. I admit I didn’t see this from the Habs but here it is. I don’t expect him to say anything differently on the stars or anyone else because I don’t think he actually watches 🤷🏼‍♂️ Double goes for the Wild

Really though I’d like to hear what other people think of those teams. Are they for real? Is it a flash in the pan?
- WSCTeton17

Yeah, took me all of 23.2 seconds to read, but I'm slow, and it was good content. What I take from it is that based on runs that (even crappy) teams can go on, this chart probably changes dramatically from week to week... maybe over two weeks. But it's been kind of an odd season to start for many teams... and that goes both ways.

The whole Bassard disaster in Pittsburgh and resurrection on the Isles is disconcerting. Did he pout/tank when not in a position he wanted? Are his minutes with NY significantly more than 3rd line minutes with the Pens? Are his line mates better? Really hope to get a good look at him tonight. Pens need Murray to step up. Big division game.

I am hardly an advanced stat guy, while I'll admit to finding a gem hiding in them at times. But what about Toronto, eh? All the muckety much about their GM being totally about advanced stats, and yet the Leafs totally suck. Are they in an extended tough stretch, or was too much emphasis placed on advanced stats, and not enough on other things... like chemistry... that can't be compiled and queried? Injuries is no excuse, as the Pens have shown.
- Cousinskrid

There was a really good article on the Athletic today breaking down how the Leafs are not having their defensemen join the rush, the forwards rarely cover when they actually pinch, and they're taking a large percentage of shots from the points and perimeter without getting much traffic. At least tat article really made it look like a coaching issue that has gotten worse mixing Hackstol with Babcock.

They actually compared it to the Pens under Johnston, so maybe a coaching change does something similar. Babcock was a great coach for a while, but it sure seems like he hasn't progressed with more modern approaches.

Thanks for this.

Where are the Hawks located on this list?
- MattStrat

1% to win the Cup, 45% to make playoffs.

Crosby is out with a knee injury btw.

Crosby is out with a knee injury btw.
- Feds91Stammer

Does Marino still suck?

I saw noticeable effort differences when he was a winger from sid.
- Grizzsh

Yeah, he actually tried. Worst kept secret is he pouted about not being a top 6 player. Moving to wing seems to have done wonders for him though.

Does Marino still suck?
- Tojo.

Does a ducks boner drag weeds?

Does Marino still suck?
- Tojo.

You beat me to it

Does a ducks boner drag weeds?
- Feds91Stammer

I got stoned once and watched some weird youtube video and learned that a ducks penis is shaped like a corkscrew, so technically it would hook the weeds

13-0-1 is decent. Really? ROFL. Have we learned nothing from last spring.

The bottom line is, a 1-0 win is just as good as 7-1. Toronto crushed us in the analytics, yet everyone agreed the Pens dominated that game. As much as people who love the analytics part want this to be a totally offensive game, it is not. It is a game of defense and more often than not the team that wins was the one that played better defense.
- Thunderbolt

There's 2 ways to play defense: try and limit quality chances by playing passively, or attack the other team, get the puck back and wear them out in their own end. I prefer the latter, but both are covered using analytics. You can always look at the defensive metrics instead of just offense/defense percentages.

There was a really good article on the Athletic today breaking down how the Leafs are not having their defensemen join the rush, the forwards rarely cover when they actually pinch, and they're taking a large percentage of shots from the points and perimeter without getting much traffic. At least tat article really made it look like a coaching issue that has gotten worse mixing Hackstol with Babcock.

They actually compared it to the Pens under Johnston, so maybe a coaching change does something similar. Babcock was a great coach for a while, but it sure seems like he hasn't progressed with more modern approaches.
- Tojo.

They are the antithesis of the Isles. Lots of shots, with no high danger chances.

You beat me to it
- burgh4life87

ineffective math just posted opponents have a -31% threat when he's on the ice.

Brassard was crap with Pens, Panthers and Avs...but Trotz's D-first stingy system seems to be helping him...and the goalies...and the PDO...and their place in the standings.

Trotz is the man.
- MattStrat

I would be willing to bet that his groin injury had a lot to do with his play. Those can often take a long time to recover from. The fact that he was crap on two other teams around this time tells me that it wasn't just the Pens or his role on the team. But yes, Trotz is the man (seriously).

Yeah, he actually tried. Worst kept secret is he pouted about not being a top 6 player. Moving to wing seems to have done wonders for him though.
- Tojo.

5 minutes after that loss in the playoffs, he was moaning about his role. Honestly can't remember another hockey player to do that after losing in the playoffs. Dude would have played himself into a really good contract if he'd played balls out like he was known for....even if his production was a little off. F him.

Ek also gets his rumors from spaghetti-o’s so that’s not saying much.
- j.boyd919

It better have the tiny meatballs in it.

It better have the tiny meatballs in it.
- acdc1206

meat*balls

I saw the chart on the last blog but didn’t have time to comment until now. It’s funny how these “garbage teams” that people here don’t seem to watch/track can turn corners and go on runs. Whether it’s sustainable remains to be seen. I think all the teams below are competitive

The Hawks are healthy, 1 point back of a playoff spot with games in hand. Can the solid goaltending keep up? I think so. Murphy is finally back

Those garbage stars are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games. Little Joe is back

People were dumping on Bob and the Panthers early on but they’re 6-3-1 in their last 10

Montreal has been surprising to me. Didn’t think they’d be quite this potent offensively but it’s there

Even the Wild are 4-4-2 despite their poor goaltending. They continue to control play but man Dubnyk has been bad. All 4 of the goals against on Saturday he’s either cheating to one side or he’s just straight up off his angle. They continue to control play

Victor Rask btw had some awesome poise on their third goal on Saturday. He’s only got 3 points in 11 games but he isn’t seeing a ton of TOI, he’s well positive above his teammates. Small sample but pts/60 is currently 1.7

How long before there’s a coaching change in Toronto? I think that’s one of the most frustrating things in the NHL to watch
- WSCTeton17

I'm not real fan of the Hawks and Stars. Lehner is good so I agree they'll get the goaltending. Stars at have spurts and those 2 stud defenseman can tilt play, but too old to sustain is my take on them.

BOB still is struggling, but they have talent and are well-coached so I see them sticking around.

Montreal I think is a bubble team. They lack star power, but they're really deep up front and can exploit some teams that way.

Just read Dubnyk has already given up 13 goals above expected, and he's only started 13 games. They're 4th in the league in xGA so they can win some games as a defensive team, but when your goalie is that leaky it kills everything.

I have to think Bjugstad’s injury is a nasty knee injury.

I have to think Bjugstad’s injury is a nasty knee injury.
- Rinosaur

Hernia, I trust my sources

I have to think Bjugstad’s injury is a nasty knee injury.
- Rinosaur

Nah. Hip injury.