So, here's a thought I had while watching the Colorado game.

Sam Morin has been a disappointment, largely through no fault of his own. The guy obviously wants to play, his body just won't let him. He's only played a handful of NHL games and has seriously fallen down he depth chart (although most of the top-end young D have already made the step). He's tried to do everything asked of him, he just can't stay healthy.

Then there's Valeri Nuchushsshchechckin or however you spell his crazy Russian name (fight me). He had a very nice rookie season, dealt with an injury, and bolted to the KHL. He returned went a whole season, 57 games, without a goal. That's really hard to do. Like, REALLY hard. This year, he's been very so-so on a good Colorado team. He's got all of the physical tools to be a star, but his head doesn't seem to be in the right place.

So, the question I ask is: Despite the success of lack thereof, which player would you take right now? The Crazy Russian obviously is healthier and has had more output, but right now, I'd rather have the wild card in Morin despite his health issues.
- jmatchett383

I would almost always take the guy who wants it more. That sure seems like Morin. I don't think either will have a long NHL career. But I could be wrong.

I would hesitate to call Panarin a difference maker. You stated the evidence. It's exactly why I didn't want the Flyers to pursue Panarin in free agency. If you put Wayne Gretzky in his prime on the current Detroit Red Wings team, how much does he elevate the team? Does that team become a playoff team? You still need the pieces around the player to form the base of a good team.

You put Drasaitl or McDavid on the Flyers, they become a contender.
- MJL

I would easily call Panarin a difference maker

I get your point in that you have to draft and develop difference makers. I agree. But I think the depth of the team as well as goaltending are more important than having a difference maker. Look at the isles last year, or the canes. Hockey isnt basketball. Good depth throughout the lineup is more important than 2 superstars and garbage

It was surprised when noticing Farabee is leading this team in PIM

It was surprised when noticing Farabee is leading this team in PIM
- Bayareaflyer

I think hes leading them in fights and then had that game where he got kicked out which is 15 PIM right there

I think hes leading them in fights and then had that game where he got kicked out which is 15 PIM right there
- bulet13

The entire team is somewhat disciplined under Vigneault

I would easily call Panarin a difference maker

I get your point in that you have to draft and develop difference makers. I agree. But I think the depth of the team as well as goaltending are more important than having a difference maker. Look at the isles last year, or the canes. Hockey isnt basketball. Good depth throughout the lineup is more important than 2 superstars and garbage
- bulet13

I agree, to an extent. If your goalie can play out of his mind, you can win. You look at both LA Cups, and realize that Kopitar, who was a very good player but not a 90-point player, was their leading scorer and Doughty, who put up 36 and 37 points in both Cup years, was their top defenseman. Both of them are very good players, but they're not McDavid or Crosby types. But they had good depth and got insane goaltending in the playoffs from Quick and, boom, 2 Cups. Even last year, I don't think St. Louis had anyone who is on that level.

But I think that's the exception more than the norm. Most teams that have won the Cup since the lockout have had 1+ HOFers (Pronger, Lidstrom, Chara, Crosby, Malkin, Kane, Ovechkin, etc.).

I would easily call Panarin a difference maker

I get your point in that you have to draft and develop difference makers. I agree. But I think the depth of the team as well as goaltending are more important than having a difference maker. Look at the isles last year, or the canes. Hockey isnt basketball. Good depth throughout the lineup is more important than 2 superstars and garbage
- bulet13

A goaltender can be a true difference maker. A hot goalie can carry a team through a playoff season. Hart has the potential to be a true difference maker.
Are you telling me that if the Canes or the Isles were able to add what I consider a true difference maker, that wouldn't substantially up their chances at winning the Cup?
I would completely agree that depth is better than 2 stars and garbage but add that star to a team with good depth and see what happens.

But I think that's the exception more than the norm. Most teams that have won the Cup since the lockout have had 1+ HOFers (Pronger, Lidstrom, Chara, Crosby, Malkin, Kane, Ovechkin, etc.).
- jmatchett383

Difference makers!

I think hes leading them in fights and then had that game where he got kicked out which is 15 PIM right there
- bulet13

I'm happy, in a way, that he wasn't afraid to drop the gloves, but I don't want him leading the team in fights. That's why we have Chris Stewart.

Difference makers!

- MJL

Right. Like I said, with exception, most Cup teams have at least one player like that.

A goaltender can be a true difference maker. A hot goalie can carry a team through a playoff season. Hart has the potential to be a true difference maker.
Are you telling me that if the Canes or the Isles were able to add what I consider a true difference maker, that wouldn't substantially up their chances at winning the Cup?
I would completely agree that depth is better than 2 stars and garbage but add that star to a team with good depth and see what happens.
- MJL

If the Canes get a legit goalie they will be scary. The Isles are more like the Blues. They are a some of the parts type of team.

The entire team is somewhat disciplined under Vigneault
- Bayareaflyer

He’s got Voracek playing some defense most times. As much defense as a Jake can do

He’s got Voracek playing some defense most times. As much defense as a Jake can do
- Just5

How much back could a Voracek check if a Voracek could backcheck?

ROR was a difference maker for the Blues last year. The difference between winning the Cup and not winning it.

So, here's a thought I had while watching the Colorado game.

Sam Morin has been a disappointment, largely through no fault of his own. The guy obviously wants to play, his body just won't let him. He's only played a handful of NHL games and has seriously fallen down he depth chart (although most of the top-end young D have already made the step). He's tried to do everything asked of him, he just can't stay healthy.

Then there's Valeri Nuchushsshchechckin or however you spell his crazy Russian name (fight me). He had a very nice rookie season, dealt with an injury, and bolted to the KHL. He returned went a whole season, 57 games, without a goal. That's really hard to do. Like, REALLY hard. This year, he's been very so-so on a good Colorado team. He's got all of the physical tools to be a star, but his head doesn't seem to be in the right place.

So, the question I ask is: Despite the success of lack thereof, which player would you take right now? The Crazy Russian obviously is healthier and has had more output, but right now, I'd rather have the wild card in Morin despite his health issues.
- jmatchett383

No question it's Morin for me, and it comes down to character.

Even if Nichuskin turns into a 15-20 goal/year player, we've got plenty of those. Regardless if Sam were to unfortunately be unable to play in the NHL again, I still take the risk for Morin coming back as a solid character with potential instead of Nichuskin who seems unmotivated at best.

I for one do not feel the least bit bad for the Red Wings sucktitude.

Hayes is a beast.

So, here's a thought I had while watching the Colorado game.

Sam Morin has been a disappointment, largely through no fault of his own. The guy obviously wants to play, his body just won't let him. He's only played a handful of NHL games and has seriously fallen down he depth chart (although most of the top-end young D have already made the step). He's tried to do everything asked of him, he just can't stay healthy.

Then there's Valeri Nuchushsshchechckin or however you spell his crazy Russian name (fight me). He had a very nice rookie season, dealt with an injury, and bolted to the KHL. He returned went a whole season, 57 games, without a goal. That's really hard to do. Like, REALLY hard. This year, he's been very so-so on a good Colorado team. He's got all of the physical tools to be a star, but his head doesn't seem to be in the right place.

So, the question I ask is: Despite the success of lack thereof, which player would you take right now? The Crazy Russian obviously is healthier and has had more output, but right now, I'd rather have the wild card in Morin despite his health issues.
- jmatchett383

Nichushkin, for all his faults, is still an NHL player.

There were doubts about Sammy before the injuries. Now... sadly his career is effectively over.

Did anyone notice Coots break the 4th wall and look directly into the camera when he was being interviewed by Taryn before the game last night? It was when she asked him about elevating everyone who plays on his line. He smirked and looked right into the camera.

Did anyone notice Coots break the 4th wall and look directly into the camera when he was being interviewed by Taryn before the game last night? It was when she asked him about elevating everyone who plays on his line. He smirked and looked right into the camera.



- hockeylover

Deadcoots

Hayes is a beast.
- bmoreflyer

Very happy with his game of late as well as the team overall. Av a teams have really put it together second half historically I read, and hope this is the case.

Props to moose. Wonder if the leafs see the value in a solid backup now?

Did anyone notice Coots break the 4th wall and look directly into the camera when he was being interviewed by Taryn before the game last night? It was when she asked him about elevating everyone who plays on his line. He smirked and looked right into the camera.



- hockeylover

Excuse my ignorance 4th wall?

Very happy with his game of late as well as the team overall. Av a teams have really put it together second half historically I read, and hope this is the case.

Props to moose. Wonder if the leafs see the value in a solid backup now?
- Hextall271

I wonder what's going to happen with him this year. He's shown that he can (when healthy) still play at a high level, yet preferably on a lower workload. It's clear that Hart is the future and the present, but like you said, a quality backup is important.

At 34, this is likely Elliott's last chance at a multi-year contract as a UFA. What would you be wiling to offer him to stay on as a backup (30-35 games) assuming his play continues as is?

Excuse my ignorance 4th wall?
- Hextall271

I THINK that is what they call it when an actor or actress looks directly into the camera, breaking the 4th wall.

Excuse my ignorance 4th wall?
- Hextall271

A person on TV (usually in a movie or show) that knows there is an audicence watching them and acknowledges the audience. Like when Zach on Saved by the Bell would call for a "timeout."