Darth seems to be busy so I'll take this one. Yes, in RFD.
- HawkintheD

Wouldnt that be sweet having that much depth

Yeah, do we chalk his incredble performances as an anomaly, because what just happened affects their future, maybe.
From Spectorshockey rumors:
Demko’s performance against the Golden Knights could give GM Jim Benning something to think about in his negotiations with Markstrom’s representatives. Does he invest in a lucrative long-term deal for Markstrom or bet the future on Demko? Once that’s sorted out, Benning will have to find sufficient cap space to re-sign or replace pending UFAs Tyler Toffoli and Chris Tanev."
- wiz1901

My son asked me who I liked in this series and of course I said Vegas. But I said Vancouver was coming hard and was going to be real good in a couple of years. And that's before I saw this Demko kid in action. The only a-hole is Rousell so they are not as hate-able as they were a decade ago. I like their team a lot and think your post is spot on.

My son asked me who I liked in this series and of course I said Vegas. But I said Vancouver was coming hard and was going to be real good in a couple of years. And that's before I saw this Demko kid in action. The only a-hole is Rousell so they are not as hate-able as they were a decade ago. I like their team a lot and think your post is spot on.
- 6628

Careful on Demko - the hockey world is littered with goalies who come in and play lights out for a bit - then the slider flattens out, can’t get anything over the plate, starts every hitter 2-0, blows save after save.

Latest example perhaps - Jordan Binnington.

Careful on Demko - the hockey world is littered with goalies who come in and play lights out for a bit - then the slider flattens out, can’t get anything over the plate, blows save after save.

Latest example perhaps - Jordan Binnington.
- StLBravesFan

Yes, I agree, they eventually have video of tendencies, weaknesses, but I cannot agree with the concept that you can pay less for mediocre goaltending b/c look at David Ayres accomplishment.

The huge difference between all the pro goalie in any pro leagues now are so very different from the one is the original six, the doubled 12, and the years after.... who were terrific reflex reacting athletics some with goals sticks that were simply high end.

NOW: all the goalies are some much better prepared physically, positionally, athletically and have been schooled at playing there....they all are really good.

The very fact that we have seen successful outstanding performances coming from what are. not deemed NHL starters says a lot about how darn good they are and how dare good the hockey players in front of them are.
This is truly a golden age of the game in terms of speed and skill all over.

Man Barzal should just wear a goalie mask

Man Barzal should just wear a goalie mask
- BetweenTheDots

Flyers challenge again to come back
You think they can. Stat's say Avalanche outplayed Dallas. Stat's often favored NYI this series. Hart could be huge. Giroux has not been scoring but Hayes helped create a second offensive Flyers line. Laughton a hero again or does a Trotz team move to Conference final. What is your prediction

4th line of the Isles vs 4th line of Vegas would be fun to watch.

4th line of the Isles vs 4th line of Vegas would be fun to watch.
- LAHawk

Is Stamkos returning? That Tampa third line has been good. I realize Tampa has the choke label. Vasilevski has been good. The NYI might be the popular flavor to choose but Tampa does have some veterans and third line acquisitions whom have made them deeper and better than last year's squad. They have been through disappointing ouster so Tampa should be a better prepared team. Are you going with NYI vs Vegas in the final? You think NYI goaltending will be ok?

Is Stamkos returning? That Tampa third line has been good. I realize Tampa has the choke label. Vasilevski has been good. The NYI might be the popular flavor to choose but Tampa does have some veterans and third line acquisitions whom have made them deeper and better than last year's squad. They have been through disappointing ouster so Tampa should be a better prepared team. Are you going with NYI vs Vegas in the final? You think NYI goaltending will be ok?
- jhawk59

No just saying it would be fun to watch. If I thought it definitely would be NYI and Vegas, I would of said will be. Just enjoying watching hockey.

Flyers challenge again to come back
You think they can. Stat's say Avalanche outplayed Dallas. Stat's often favored NYI this series. Hart could be huge. Giroux has not been scoring but Hayes helped create a second offensive Flyers line. Laughton a hero again or does a Trotz team move to Conference final. What is your prediction
- jhawk59

Islanders just challenging everything

I think Strome's "slowness" problem is more about stamina than speed. Early in shifts he does OK, it's when he's out there too long that his legs get heavy and he slows down to the point it limits him, especially in defensive coverage. I doubt he will ever be much faster than he is right now when he's "fresh" but if he can (1) keep his shifts short, and (2) work on improving his stamina, his offensive skills will be a net plus versus his defensive deficiencies.

I think Strome's "slowness" problem is more about stamina than speed. Early in shifts he does OK, it's when he's out there too long that his legs get heavy and he slows down to the point it limits him, especially in defensive coverage. I doubt he will ever be much faster than he is right now when he's "fresh" but if he can (1) keep his shifts short, and (2) work on improving his stamina, his offensive skills will be a net plus versus his defensive deficiencies.
- EbonyRaptor

If you are on to something here........you can bet both Strome and the coaches already know this. They will have to work to allow for greater success

Looks like the league is finally getting the parity it tried to create. 4 different SC winners in 4 years.

Careful on Demko - the hockey world is littered with goalies who come in and play lights out for a bit - then the slider flattens out, can’t get anything over the plate, starts every hitter 2-0, blows save after save.

Latest example perhaps - Jordan Binnington.
- StLBravesFan

I hear ya, valid point. But I remember it's been a while since he's been drafted. I remembered his name being different, never heard Thatcher as a first name before, so he's not some kid straight out of college. He's had some seasoning. I assumed Markstrom would be their future but if the numbers fall right the Nucks could have a very good tandem going forward.

I hear ya, valid point. But I remember it's been a while since he's been drafted. I remembered his name being different, never heard Thatcher as a first name before, so he's not some kid straight out of college. He's had some seasoning. I assumed Markstrom would be their future but if the numbers fall right the Nucks could have a very good tandem going forward.
- 6628

If Markstrom asks for too much money and term, the Canucks will let him walk. They have much higher priority players to sign going forward in the next couple of years. A 30 year old goalie looking for term isn't one of them.

And one of the things Jim Benning did was 'protect' Demko by not rushing him to play in the NHL too soon behind what he knew was a very bad team. If it wasn't for Markstrom during that period, the Canucks were Detroit Red Wing West.

If I was a Canuck fan I would be very excited about the future. But I said the same thing about the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto and Carolina. None of them have won squat yet. Now everybody is excited about the Canucks and Rangers. We'll see, NHL is a hard league to win in.

If Markstrom asks for too much money and term, the Canucks will let him walk. They have much higher priority players to sign going forward in the next couple of years. A 30 year old goalie looking for term isn't one of them.

And one of the things Jim Benning did was 'protect' Demko by not rushing him to play in the NHL too soon behind what he knew was a very bad team. If it wasn't for Markstrom during that period, the Canucks were Detroit Red Wing West.

If I was a Canuck fan I would be very excited about the future. But I said the same thing about the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto and Carolina. None of them have won squat yet. Now everybody is excited about the Canucks and Rangers. We'll see, NHL is a hard league to win in.
- RickJ

Each of those teams had to at least maintain and necessarily upgrade their blueline corps. Instead this position has become an even larger concern. Toronto used one trade chip recently but really has not improved much on defense. Carolina changed up their blue line crew and it is still arguably not good enough, but not bad either. Now Carolina is a team that really needs an upgrade in net. Hello Markstrom. Renumeration. A dman of course!

If Markstrom asks for too much money and term, the Canucks will let him walk. They have much higher priority players to sign going forward in the next couple of years. A 30 year old goalie looking for term isn't one of them.

And one of the things Jim Benning did was 'protect' Demko by not rushing him to play in the NHL too soon behind what he knew was a very bad team. If it wasn't for Markstrom during that period, the Canucks were Detroit Red Wing West.

If I was a Canuck fan I would be very excited about the future. But I said the same thing about the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto and Carolina. None of them have won squat yet. Now everybody is excited about the Canucks and Rangers. We'll see, NHL is a hard league to win in.
- RickJ

And during that time, all the knives were out for Benning. Now he is a genius. Amazing what patience can bring.

If Markstrom asks for too much money and term, the Canucks will let him walk. They have much higher priority players to sign going forward in the next couple of years. A 30 year old goalie looking for term isn't one of them.

And one of the things Jim Benning did was 'protect' Demko by not rushing him to play in the NHL too soon behind what he knew was a very bad team. If it wasn't for Markstrom during that period, the Canucks were Detroit Red Wing West.

If I was a Canuck fan I would be very excited about the future. But I said the same thing about the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto and Carolina. None of them have won squat yet. Now everybody is excited about the Canucks and Rangers. We'll see, NHL is a hard league to win in.
- RickJ

Agree, nice post.

And during that time, all the knives were out for Benning. Now he is a genius. Amazing what patience can bring.
- LAHawk

Benning is a genius for a week, now the tough decisions are coming because the hockey world has taken notice of his team.

Does he decide Thatcher Demko is another Ken Dryden coming out of college in 1971 or is he really just another Scott Darling who pitched lights out coming out of the bullpen for a couple of games but can't be turned into a top of the rotation goaltender?
If he bets on Demko and lets Markstrom walk and the kid fails, the Canucks might miss the playoffs. If he signs Markstrom, what does he do about Tanev, Toffoli, Motte, Virtanen and Fantenberg who need contracts.

The Canucks made a real splash for the TV audience so it will be interesting to see what Benning's assessment of his own team is. I think he won't have missed the fact his team hardly touched the puck in the last 3 games but won 2 of them.

Wonder if Stan Bowman has anything he can help Benning with? Like a defenceman maybe.

The Oilers have until the start of the 3rd round of playoffs to decide if they’re sending a 2020 or 2021 draft pick to the Flames as part of the Lucic/Neal trade. This decision has implications for the Hawks. In the Gustafson deal, the Hawks get the lower of the Edmonton or Calgary 2020 draft picks from the Flames. If the Hawks get the Oilers pick it would be #76, the Flames pick would be #81.

My guess - the Oilers give up their 2021 3rd round pick and the Hawks get the Flames #81.

The Oilers have until the start of the 3rd round of playoffs to decide if they’re sending a 2020 or 2021 draft pick to the Flames as part of the Lucic/Neal trade. This decision has implications for the Hawks. In the Gustafson deal, the Hawks get the lower of the Edmonton or Calgary 2020 draft picks from the Flames. If the Hawks get the Oilers pick it would be #76, the Flames pick would be #81.

My guess - the Oilers give up their 2021 3rd round pick and the Hawks get the Flames #81.
- DarthKane

Seems to me - any discussion of 76 vs. 81 is not very worthwhile.

Certainly, higher is better. And I know there have been good examples of 3rd round picks becoming useful players.

But if there is someone there at 76 that the Hawks are looking at, chances are good the he’ll still be there at 81.

The Oilers have until the start of the 3rd round of playoffs to decide if they’re sending a 2020 or 2021 draft pick to the Flames as part of the Lucic/Neal trade. This decision has implications for the Hawks. In the Gustafson deal, the Hawks get the lower of the Edmonton or Calgary 2020 draft picks from the Flames. If the Hawks get the Oilers pick it would be #76, the Flames pick would be #81.

My guess - the Oilers give up their 2021 3rd round pick and the Hawks get the Flames #81.
- DarthKane

yeah I have the hawks getting that slot 81...ACTUALLY now slot #80 with the Arizona forfeited pick at 49....
17 46
78 80
109 140 and 171

BUT....Here's why Darth thinking that they wait until next year may be an incorrect one because:
If they wait THIS 2020 Draft at this juncture has them selecting in the first round at #14, but not again until the 5th 137 6th 168 7th 199, and out of the range where you get a chance as in the third who may help you and has less missing to the canvass...

That means if the transfer it NOW in2020 they would still have a first and fourth in 2021 and a first and a third in 2020...

just saying

and you know what, and my current 3rd round mock board is as much of a reach as trying to know what the hawks Edmonton or Calgary has as there's....but in my mind the picks between slot 75 and 80 is an area where I have a plethora of defenseman projects so if it REALLY is heavy with dee there those five slots are only crucial IF there is ONE standout sitting there the hawks like.

Anyway, the difference is not as negligible as jumping up to 17 from 10.

Welcome aboard Theo!

So the playoffs are once again highlighting that if you have a sound defensive system that players are committed to (coaching has a lot to do with this), have the ability to wear down/grind the other team over the course of a game/series and have 4 good lines, then you're a cup contender.

Both Vegas and NY Islanders have these things. I saw it written that in their 3 closeout series games, NYI has outscored their opponents 13-1, while surrending only 62 total shots on game (basically only 20 shots allowed in each must-win game)

Much has been written and talked about (on broadcasts) about the Vegas 3rd periods, how by that time, other teams are worn down/worn out by them, due to the constant pressure from all the lines. Vegas has outscored other teams to a ridiculous measure in their 3rd periods.


So now who are the superstars on those 2 teams? I don't know if you can say either has one, although both have 2-3 'stars' or close to it.

If you don't have the 201x Hawks teams, with prob 3 superstars and another 2-4 stars, then another way to get the Holy Grail is to have 3 superb lines, with the 4th line at least average compared to the rest of the league.

It's possible we might see Vegas and NYI in the finals, highlighting this very point even further.
{That said, I really want differing styles in the finals, Vegas vs. TB would be more fun, but Dal/NYI okay.}

Welcome aboard Theo!

So the playoffs are once again highlighting that if you have a sound defensive system that players are committed to (coaching has a lot to do with this), have the ability to wear down/grind the other team over the course of a game/series and have 4 good lines, then you're a cup contender.

Both Vegas and NY Islanders have these things. I saw it written that in their 3 closeout series games, NYI has outscored their opponents 13-1, while surrending only 62 total shots on game (basically only 20 shots allowed in each must-win game)

Much has been written and talked about (on broadcasts) about the Vegas 3rd periods, how by that time, other teams are worn down/worn out by them, due to the constant pressure from all the lines. Vegas has outscored other teams to a ridiculous measure in their 3rd periods.


So now who are the superstars on those 2 teams? I don't know if you can say either has one, although both have 2-3 'stars' or close to it.

If you don't have the 201x Hawks teams, with prob 3 superstars and another 2-4 stars, then another way to get the Holy Grail is to have 3 superb lines, with the 4th line at least average compared to the rest of the league.

It's possible we might see Vegas and NYI in the finals, highlighting this very point even further.
{That said, I really want differing styles in the finals, Vegas vs. TB would be more fun, but Dal/NYI okay.}
- DontKnowNutin

Yes that Islanders game 7 was domination after the first 7 minutes.

I think Strome's "slowness" problem is more about stamina than speed. Early in shifts he does OK, it's when he's out there too long that his legs get heavy and he slows down to the point it limits him, especially in defensive coverage. I doubt he will ever be much faster than he is right now when he's "fresh" but if he can (1) keep his shifts short, and (2) work on improving his stamina, his offensive skills will be a net plus versus his defensive deficiencies.
- EbonyRaptor

No. Its a slowness problem. Made even worse by the lack of short area quickness. He is just too slow for today's NHL and will always be a liability on the defensive end.

He will be a minus player his whole career. In any metric you want to use to measure. He has value at 2M to center a bum-slaying line. Any more than that and his value drops quickly.