Like Panarin did
- BetweenTheDots

There was nothing to lose with Panarin since he was undrafted.

I’m hoping the Rangers take Byram and Kakko drops into our lap.
- walleyeb1

I have a feeling this is what happens.

I am not afforded the luxury of your Ministry of Hockey Blogging job as mandated by the Peoples Republic of Canada. Some of us have to make an honest living. So forgive my absents.

Maybe if I started charging you rent for that space I occupy in your head I could sit and blog all day long.

What am I wrong about? Really, I am as wrong as you and most of the hockey universe who expected this team to win the cup.

Tampa has been disappointing. Ironically, I do recall you picking them as well, but who keeps track of what everyone writes?

Injuries on the blue line, especially Hedman were the teams greatest risk, and clearly that is a problem. But yes, it is much deeper than that. Team went into a tailspin after a bad third period in game 1, where entitlement slapped them in the face.

I know you will rant and rave, like a broken record, on how just nobody understands hockey like you etc...we get it...its probably just part of your job Minister. But as I also pointed out, you could easily see Colorado, Dallas and Stl win the first round along with Vegas, which is not so much a surprise.

Tampa clearly has been let down by its leadership starting with Hedmans half ass play in game 1 and Kucherov selfish actions in game 2.

They finally began playing again in the third period of game 3. If they get that rolling, they have a chance. Contrary to your played out narratives, during the course of the season, Tampa played and won any way the opponent wanted. There was a stretch in Feb and Mar, where they gave up nothing defensively.

While it is a tough hill to climb, they are capable of getting on a roll. Whether that happens remains to be seen.

But hey, thanks again for bringing me up on the board. It is that leadership we need around here come playoff time. And great call on the Bruins sweeping the Leafs...
- TrueGrit

Lol, talk about rent free, judging by the rambling post it seems I struck a nerve.

Panarin also was older. Wanted to come to the NHL. There are some indications Podkolzin doesn't even want to play in NA.

Every person is different. Can't apply what happened with one player to another. The risk is too great at 3. Plus, its not like he is the clear cut 3rd best player in the draft.
- Elbows15

You're right but at the same time he might be the best forward in this draft, be a shame to pass on him because you didn't do your due diligence and listened to rumors and innuendos to make a decision on a player

Like Panarin did
- BetweenTheDots

Panarin was 23. Podkolzin turns 18 in June. Huge difference between a 23 year old and an 18 year old in maturity - physically, mentally and emotionally. Think back how much those 5 years mattered in your own life.

Panarin was 23. Podkolzin turns 18 in June. Huge difference between a 23 year old and an 18 year old in maturity - physically, mentally and emotionally. Think back how much those 5 years mattered in your own life.
- EbonyRaptor

But he'd be 20 by the time he'd come to NA, all im saying is what if the Hawks do their research and believe this is the best player in the draft and he says when my contract is up i will come to NA

You're right but at the same time he might be the best forward in this draft, be a shame to pass on him because you didn't do your due diligence and listened to rumors and innuendos to make a decision on a player
- BetweenTheDots

Oh. I fully expect the Hawks to do their due diligence. Meh. I honestly think there is a group of 5-6 players they could take at 3 and it would be a good choice.

You're right but at the same time he might be the best forward in this draft, be a shame to pass on him because you didn't do your due diligence and listened to rumors and innuendos to make a decision on a player
- BetweenTheDots

Is he a McDavid-type franchise player? Not if Hughes is “better” - and no one is putting HIM in the McDavid class.

So, then - is he that much better (if at all) than Cozens, or Turcotte, or Dach?

They’ll do their due diligence, evaluate Pod’s plans (among other traits) and make the decision. And if it’s Cozens - and Pod turns out to be somewhat better going forward - as long long as the chosen one (or the one chosen) turns out to be as advertised - it will be good.

You're right but at the same time he might be the best forward in this draft, be a shame to pass on him because you didn't do your due diligence and listened to rumors and innuendos to make a decision on a player
- BetweenTheDots

Unless the Hawks are 100% certain he'll come over you don't touch him and even then you have to factor in the KHL can entice him over if he's disgruntled, even in the middle of his NHL contract. Regardless of talent he's a risky pick. Are the Hawks in a position to take a risk?

There was nothing to lose with Panarin since he was undrafted.
- walleyeb1

True but I'm just pointing out it took Panarin no time to adjust to the NHL game.

You're right but at the same time he might be the best forward in this draft, be a shame to pass on him because you didn't do your due diligence and listened to rumors and innuendos to make a decision on a player
- BetweenTheDots

You and I and the rest of the armchair GMs on this message board deal in romor and innuendo because that's all we have, but Stan and Mark Kelly will do their due diligence, I'm pretty sure.

But even if they have Podkolzin sign an oath in blood, I'm not convinced he is hands down the best player available - he might be but I'm not convinced there's a huge difference between him and the other top players and the other top players play areas of need more than winger.

Entwistle just scored to put Guelph up 6-3 with 4 minutes left. London was up 3 games to none and was up 3-1 half way through the 2nd period tonight. YIKES!


And, it's over. Guelph climbs out of a 0-3 hole and wins Game-7 by the score of 6-3. Entwistle with 2 goals - Boqvist with no points.

Is he a McDavid-type franchise player? Not if Hughes is “better” - and no one is putting HIM in the McDavid class.

So, then - is he that much better (if at all) than Cozens, or Turcotte, or Dach?

They’ll do their due diligence, evaluate Pod’s plans (among other traits) and make the decision. And if it’s Cozens - and Pod turns out to be somewhat better going forward - as long long as the chosen one (or the one chosen) turns out to be as advertised - it will be good.
- StLBravesFan

I believe Hossa was drafted 13th, best player in that draft, just because others say Hughes and Kakko are better doesn't make it so. Im just playing devil's advocate but having that 3rd pick and if the Hawks believe the Russian is the best player in this draft, they have a really really tough decision to make.

Hell all these experts in the NFL thought Trubisky, Mahomes and Watson were worthless. Mahomes might be the next generational franchise QB in the NFL, Trubisky and Watson aren't slouches either, just saying

But he'd be 20 by the time he'd come to NA, all im saying is what if the Hawks do their research and believe this is the best player in the draft and he says when my contract is up i will come to NA
- BetweenTheDots

Contracts in Russia are meaningful? A satchel full of rubles will make any contract or treaty or written agreement disappear within minutes. Unfortunately the same things happen when verbal agreements are made with Russians. Buyer beware.

Panarin was 23. Podkolzin turns 18 in June. Huge difference between a 23 year old and an 18 year old in maturity - physically, mentally and emotionally. Think back how much those 5 years mattered in your own life.
- EbonyRaptor

I’d really rather not!

Entwistle just scored to put Guelph up 6-3 with 4 minutes left. London was up 3 games to none and was up 3-1 half way through the 2nd period tonight. YIKES!
- EbonyRaptor

Watched the whole series. Great comeback!

The reason is because Guelph has Lalonde on the team.

Watched the whole series. Great comeback!

The reason is because Guelph has Lalonde on the team.
- paulr

Entwistle could turn out being a huge steal in the Hossa trade. Kid is definitely trending in the right direction and it sure appears to have that something that can't be measured. Moxie.

Watched the whole series. Great comeback!

The reason is because Guelph has Lalonde on the team.
- paulr

Any relation to Shawn?

Any relation to Shawn?
- EbonyRaptor

I hope not. Ogi will be trading him relentlessly.

Cue the fat lady.

Lil Arty with the EN dagger.

Speaking of a Russians

I did not see this coming

Entwistle could turn out being a huge steal in the Hossa trade. Kid is definitely trending in the right direction and it sure appears to have that something that can't be measured. Moxie.
- Elbows15

Suzuki, Entwhistle and Ratcliffe were unstoppable.

The only team in the playoffs with no former SC winning players on it, amazing stat