Michael Stuart: Pinto Shines in Loss, Bernard-Docker Struggles in Victory

Pinto telling the camera man to f off after the game was real classy.

I thought it was a great opening game and there is no doubt Pinto played with an edge and looked strong on almost every shift.

Sens combined probability (on today's standings) of getting Lafreniere is 16% (second to Detroit at 18.5%).

....not a peep from the panel about how they ripped PD at the draft for "reaching" to take Pinto when they did.

when you make a shyt call...own it Bob.

Pinto telling the camera man to f off after the game was real classy.
- mplackitt

I did not see that. Obviously a strong positive in terms of his compete level.

I watched too much NBA Christmas day and was totally disgusted by all the players hugging and kissing each other after each game.

....not a peep from the panel about how they ripped PD at the draft for "reaching" to take Pinto when they did.

when you make a shyt call...own it Bob.
- Octavarium

I usually read up on past and the coming draft before the world juniors just to refresh my thinking on some of the players to follow. Funny how universal the criticism of Dorion was over the Pinto selection.

Interesting how loud the crickets sounded yesterday in the post game.

From yesterday’s blog


So legit question......if Ottawa ends up with 2 top 10 or even top 5 picks that aren’t #1, would you move them both for a shot at Lafreniere?

Unless their picks are 2 and 3, my answer is yes.

From yesterday’s blog


So legit question......if Ottawa ends up with 2 top 10 or even top 5 picks that aren’t #1, would you move them both for a shot at Lafreniere?

Unless their picks are 2 and 3, my answer is yes.
- sensarmy_11

The question is a real brain teaser. Lots of hockey people might do that deal. But, ownership and the financial decision makers would likely veto any deal involving Lafreniere.

So, for example, if you reverse the question and Ottawa won lottery: would you trade the rights to Lafreniere to the Rangers for the 6th and 8th pick overall?

The question is a real brain teaser. Lots of hockey people might do that deal. But, ownership and the financial decision makers would likely veto any deal involving Lafreniere.

So, for example, if you reverse the question and Ottawa won lottery: would you trade the rights to Lafreniere to the Rangers for the 6th and 8th pick overall?
- spatso

I wouldn’t, but Ottawa has a pretty full prospect pool. A team like Detroit, who’s pretty thin in prospects, might take 2 great players over one elite.

....not a peep from the panel about how they ripped PD at the draft for "reaching" to take Pinto when they did.

when you make a shyt call...own it Bob.
- Octavarium

Pinto was barely mentioned in previews of the USA WJC roster, yet exceeded all expectations against a world-class opponent. Bernard-Docker and Thomson were also criticized as 'reach' late 1st round picks, yet JBD has a prominent role on Team Canada's blue line, and Thomson is the captain of Team Finland. Dorion even took criticism from the majority of posters here for picking Tkachuk at #4, but at the end of the day he drafts for character and projectable NHL skills... not just on junior stats or 'consensus' scouting opinion. Given his relative success, he deserves more credit than he receives.

....not a peep from the panel about how they ripped PD at the draft for "reaching" to take Pinto when they did.

when you make a shyt call...own it Bob.
- Octavarium

I mean, I don't think one game tells us much about whether the Sens were right or wrong there. If the panel felt it was a reach then, I doubt this changes things.

From yesterday’s blog


So legit question......if Ottawa ends up with 2 top 10 or even top 5 picks that aren’t #1, would you move them both for a shot at Lafreniere?

Unless their picks are 2 and 3, my answer is yes.
- sensarmy_11

This is a really interesting read along these lines: https://myslu.stlawu.edu/...s/Schuckers_NHL_Draft.pdf

The data is out of date on it, but the concept is really neat. He updated the chart for more recent years (2003-2008) here: http://statsportsconsulti...ueChart2016_Schuckers.pdf

Good read. One loose interpretation of the data is that late first round and early second round picks may not be nearly as valuable (in regard to later picks) as generally thought.

Incredible how steep the fall off is for the top 1 through 20 picks.

Perhaps the lesson for the Sens (say if they are drafting 4 and 8), take the top Dman in the 4 slot (Drysdale?) and best forward still remaining at 8 (example Rossi?).

If the Sens win the lottery, they should immediately announce that they are prepared to consider trading the right to draft Lafreniere. They should consult with every team on possible trade options. They should consult with Montreal six times. And on draft day they should draft Lafreniere.

Another 3pts performance for Shane Pinto, who now has 3G-3A for the tournament. It's also impressive that 5 of his 6 points have come when Team USA were either tied or behind in the game. He's also a RH shot, which makes him a potential natural RW option down the road, which is a thin position in the current prospect system.