I agree, even yesterday when Korchinski seemed to communicate to Slaggert take the guy with the puck but just didn't trust him to do it, even though he did.
- BetweenTheDots

I think part of that was Slaggert was still a good step behind and Korchinski thought he was getting beat to the inside.

LR about that play

“There was communication, but then there was miscommunication,” Richardson said after the game. “I guess (Korchinski) thought (Slaggert) wasn’t going to get there, so we double up. We both go to (Faber). We have to have clear communication and we put that on the D to call that early. If (Korchinski) thinks a guy’s got good speed and he can get there, then the D stays in the middle and our forward will push to the outside. But if you don’t, you have to call him off. The D is skating backward (so) you see everything because you’re facing forward. The backchecker doesn’t really see the next guy coming, so you have to be his eyes. I think (Korchinski) said the right thing at the beginning and maybe decided that (Slaggert) wasn’t going to get there and he went to help. He wanted to help, which causes more harm.”
- LAHawk

That's some good stuff, it's why i appreciate LR. The good news those 2 will have years to get the communication down.

Murphy back?

4-4-3-1-2
- Rota's Rooter

Sounds like it.

Murphy back?

4-4-3-1-2
- Rota's Rooter

I think if he isn't he must be close, he was on ice skating in the last week I believe.

That's some good stuff, it's why i appreciate LR. The good news those 2 will have years to get the communication down.
- BetweenTheDots

Not sure you should appreciate Richardson, he’s ruining Bedard and he doesn’t use his timeouts.

4-4-4-3-3

So long as it’s not Chicago I don’t really care. This guy is as talented as they come but it’s more and more apparent he’s a sideshow Bob. He starts poop on the ice and then hides behind the refs and linesmen, all the while yapping at his opponents. He can’t or won’t back check, he’s got little interest in defensive coverage. And while he seems to be a favourite of his teammates he’s already had a salary dispute with the team. The Hawks don’t need the nonsense regardless of the talent.
- paulr

Be interesting to know what Pat Verbeek really thinks of Zegras on and off the ice.

One of the things he has already decided is that going forward Zegras is going to be a winger, not a center.

4-4-4-3-3
- paulr

2-2-4-3-1

Be interesting to know what Pat Verbeek really thinks of Zegras on and off the ice.

One of the things he has already decided is that going forward Zegras is going to be a winger, not a center.
- RickJ

There are a ton of Zegras rumours, I’m guessing he’s on the block. If true, that tells us what Verbeek thinks.

On the subject of Verbeek, he’s been known to go against the grain. He chose Carlson when the prevailing opinion was Fantilli being the second choice after Bedard. I’m wondering if Anaheim were to win the draft lottery would he pick the consensus, Celebrini or would he go after someone else? And I’m thinking Zayne Parekh, who may have the highest ceiling in the draft.

Lets Go Hawks. I expect a good effort today after yesterday's big win!
- SaskHawkFan

This loss is your fault.

via GIPHY

Have they released the date of the draft lottery yet?
- captainserious

It is usually readily announced and is a highly promoted event when the the first series begin?

I am sure they haven' decoded yet.

Be interesting to know what Pat Verbeek really thinks of Zegras on and off the ice.
- RickJ

It seems that at this juncture trading Zegras would be based on teams in need savagely over-pating.

It might serve the Ducks better to let him hang around next year and get a few better showings and drive up the price.

I just look at the Dach trade and think different type player, more offense, less defensive significance, but probably much better market that the Kirby trade.

Right now there will be no bargain basement sale of him.

They showed the graphic during the game yesterday, but over the last ~ one month, Seth Jones leads all Dmen in goals. In that 15 game span

15GP
7G
5A
+7
1OTG
3GWG

I know he has had a season where his production was down a bit but I think maybe some chemistry has been building between some of offensive players on the team as this season draws on. Guys like Jones their production often follows the team overall and where he has lagged behind his typical at this point is assists.

It seems that at this juncture trading Zegras would be based on teams in need savagely over-pating.

It might serve the Ducks better to let him hang around next year and get a few better showings and drive up the price.

I just look at the Dach trade and think different type player, more offense, less defensive significance, but probably much better market that the Kirby trade.

Right now there will be no bargain basement sale of him.
- wiz1901

Problem is it can go both ways, he has a penchant for bad penalties, he has little to no interest in checking and his numbers may not improve. If any or all of those factors enter his play the coach may not use him and he’ll get less playing time and show everyone what a difficult player he is. Of course he could put up a ton of points, play a reasonable two way game, not take stupid penalties and stop his on and off ice shenanigans, in which case the Ducks will probably want to keep him. So far I’d bet on the former, in which case the return in any trade may not be great.

It is usually readily announced and is a highly promoted event when the the first series begin?

I am sure they haven' decoded yet.
- wiz1901

Still fluid, but sounds like plan is for 2024 #NHLDraft Lottery to be held on May 6 or May 7.

#NHL is still working through playoff scheduling and finding appropriate TV window.

Here are the latest Draft Lottery odds:

Per Frank Seravalli

Problem is it can go both ways, he has a penchant for bad penalties, he has little to no interest in checking and his numbers may not improve. If any or all of those factors enter his play the coach may not use him and he’ll get less playing time and show everyone what a difficult player he is. Of course he could put up a ton of points, play a reasonable two way game, not take stupid penalties and stop his on and off ice shenanigans, in which case the Ducks will probably want to keep him. So far I’d bet on the former, in which case the return in any trade may not be great.
- paulr

This is exactly the type of player your Maple Leafs need to bring them the Stanley Cup glory they so richly deserve.

This is exactly the type of player your Maple Leafs need to bring them the Stanley Cup glory they so richly deserve.
- RickJ

Apparently Domi, Bertuzzi and Edmonson will get them there. Hopefully Matthews, Marner and Bystander get an Orville Tessier playoff heart transplant before the playoffs begin.

Apparently Domi, Bertuzzi and Edmonson will get them there. Hopefully Matthews, Marner and Bystander get an Orville Tessier playoff heart transplant before the playoffs begin.
- paulr

So far, Nylander has been the only one to show up for the playoffs for the Leafs.

Apparently Domi, Bertuzzi and Edmonson will get them there. Hopefully Matthews, Marner and Bystander get an Orville Tessier playoff heart transplant before the playoffs begin.
- paulr

I hear the Toronto media are making a late push to get Ryan Reaves a Hart Trophy nomination.

Watched that Dallas - Colorado game last night. Stars look awful good to me.

So far, Nylander has been the only one to show up for the playoffs for the Leafs.
- LAHawk

Nylander definitely puts up his points in the playoffs but all three of them avoid any of the tough areas on the ice. I’m thinking Matthews may be ready to start playing a bigger game, he’s getting more involved this season. We'll see, especially if the Leafs get Florida in the first round.

This team will be so much more competent when it’s not forced to play Zaitsev, Tinordi, Megna, and the Johnsons. Need to create competition for playing time, sign some actual NHL players and bring up some of the Rockford players of this year like Allan, del Mastro, Dach. At what point does Luke get replaced by a ‘we’re ready to start winning’ coach?

This team will be so much more competent when it’s not forced to play Zaitsev, Tinordi, Megna, and the Johnsons. Need to create competition for playing time, sign some actual NHL players and bring up some of the Rockford players of this year like Allan, del Mastro, Dach. At what point does Luke get replaced by a ‘we’re ready to start winning’ coach?
- ObeseOprah

I tend to agree that the team will be better once they get better players.

Just busting chops, Oprah.

This team will be so much more competent when it’s not forced to play Zaitsev, Tinordi, Megna, and the Johnsons. Need to create competition for playing time, sign some actual NHL players and bring up some of the Rockford players of this year like Allan, del Mastro, Dach. At what point does Luke get replaced by a ‘we’re ready to start winning’ coach?
- ObeseOprah

Maybe if he proves he can't win with an even remotely competent roster. His first year he had a broken Kane, a part time and broken Toews, Domi, AA and Raddysh. Their highest point producer had 49 pts. The D group was worse than this year and Mrazek was still fighting through injuries.

This year they've played a largely AHL roster due to either regression or injuries. By far their best producer is an 18 year old undersized kid.

LR was given an old lemon rind and some dirty water and asked to make a four course meal. If KD is to be taken at his word, he will give LR every opportunity to benefit from the toiling they are doing now.

Maybe if he proves he can't win with an even remotely competent roster. His first year he had a broken Kane, a part time and broken Toews, Domi, AA and Raddysh. Their highest point producer had 49 pts. The D group was worse than this year and Mrazek was still fighting through injuries.

This year they've played a largely AHL roster due to either regression or injuries. By far their best producer is an 18 year old undersized kid.

LR was given an old lemon rind and some dirty water and asked to make a four course meal. If KD is to be taken at his word, he will give LR every opportunity to benefit from the toiling they are doing now.
- Chunk

I’m not knocking LR. I agree that he’s done better than expected. That said, as a GM I would always be on the lookout for a better coach. I would like to keep Kevin Deen, as I think he’s been a secret weapon in developing great Dmen for Boston for years. LR has pushed the team hard, but I do wish we’d see more tenacity and push back when things get chippy. As for Xs and Os, I have no clue so no comment there.
If a Brindamour, Sullivan, or other good coach becomes available I’d hope they consider it.

This team will be so much more competent when it’s not forced to play Zaitsev, Tinordi, Megna, and the Johnsons. Need to create competition for playing time, sign some actual NHL players and bring up some of the Rockford players of this year like Allan, del Mastro, Dach. At what point does Luke get replaced by a ‘we’re ready to start winning’ coach?
- ObeseOprah

Maybe pump the breaks a bit on Dach. Like his brother, he has missed a bunch of games with various injuries. He has been OK when he has played, but im not sure he has earned time over a few of the others. Dachs size would make him a bit more desirable that the crew of 5'10" guys (or smaller) the Hawks have in Seney, Gust, Pitlick, Guttman.

Hawks already roster enough "try hard" guys between Blackwell, R. Johnson, Entwhistle, Raddysh, Slaggert. If you are bringing up Dach hes needs to bring something the others don't/can't