Some of the operational jobs in the front office have always seemed to be more of an alumni club than a well-planned rounding out of the hockey ops staff. Ken Morrow, Trent Klatt, Eric Cairns all have "director" jobs and have for quite some time. Bridgeport actually looks like they could be relatively solid this year though, so that will be interesting to watch.

Anyway, not turning this into a whine-fest on opening night. This will be an interesting season for sure. I have relatively high-hopes for the new 1st line, Duclair's speed should open up lots of space for 13/14. I'm excited to see what Tsyplakov can do also.
- eichiefs9

Really does seems like alumni club hires.

I hope this could be a nice season with Duclair and Tsyplakov helping the offense. Defense will need to be better for sure. I just want Lou to be willing to make moves for the future if things are not looking good. If this team is struggling to just make the wildcare, Nelson and Palms need to be moved.

Really does seems like alumni club hires.

I hope this could be a nice season with Duclair and Tsyplakov helping the offense. Defense will need to be better for sure. I just want Lou to be willing to make moves for the future if things are not looking good. If this team is struggling to just make the wildcare, Nelson and Palms need to be moved.
- ses111

If Mayfield can stay healthy they will be better from that alone. As a unit, their success is going to hinge on whether or not Pelech/Pulock can get back some of their magic from a few years ago. They don't have to be as good, but they need to be better than last year for sure.

If Mayfield can stay healthy they will be better from that alone. As a unit, their success is going to hinge on whether or not Pelech/Pulock can get back some of their magic from a few years ago. They don't have to be as good, but they need to be better than last year for sure.
- eichiefs9

Weird to say, but the shootouts were also an issue last year. Too many pts left on the table. I read that Romanov had been good on the shootouts in practice. Duclair and possibly Tysplakov should add to that as well.

If Mayfield can stay healthy they will be better from that alone. As a unit, their success is going to hinge on whether or not Pelech/Pulock can get back some of their magic from a few years ago. They don't have to be as good, but they need to be better than last year for sure.
- eichiefs9

Pelech and Pulock will tell the story on the defense along with Sorokin being healthy and back to form.

Weird to say, but the shootouts were also an issue last year. Too many pts left on the table. I read that Romanov had been good on the shootouts in practice. Duclair and possibly Tysplakov should add to that as well.
- kindlyrick

Ruslan was really good at least with Bridge. He should have gotten a look sooner.

Weird to say, but the shootouts were also an issue last year. Too many pts left on the table. I read that Romanov had been good on the shootouts in practice. Duclair and possibly Tysplakov should add to that as well.
- kindlyrick

They couldn't close out a god damn game to save their lives last year. They managed to salvage a ton of loser points, which was good I guess, but they had 16 OT or SO losses, which was four more than any other team in the division. The Rangers and Canes had 4 and 7, respectively, for reference. It felt like half the games where they were leading in the third were blown.

I guess, if we're being fair, a few teams passed on him before he got to Florida and put it all together. So not total blame on the Isles, but still a tough one to let slip through your fingers. But it wasn't a scenario like the Caps trading Filip Forsberg for a pile of crap the same year they drafted him
- eichiefs9

Jared Spurgeon says hi. 👋

Jared Spurgeon says hi. 👋
- Cptmjl

Cannot forget Jared.

They couldn't close out a god damn game to save their lives last year. They managed to salvage a ton of loser points, which was good I guess, but they had 16 OT or SO losses, which was four more than any other team in the division. The Rangers and Canes had 4 and 7, respectively, for reference. It felt like half the games where they were leading in the third were blown.
- eichiefs9

Yeah there was a period of time under Trotz where the isles would be up a goal late in the third and you knew they’d shut it down for the dub. I hope we see more of that under Roy. The 3rd period blown leads can’t happen.

Cannot forget Jared.
- ses111

Can’t pick them all…

Jared Spurgeon says hi. 👋
- Cptmjl

Yeah they declined to even tender him a contract when he was a prospect. Just let him walk away for free. Thanks Garth

Yeah they declined to even tender him a contract when he was a prospect. Just let him walk away for free. Thanks Garth
- eichiefs9

Happens

Duclair!

Damn, Isles actually got a goaltender interference call their way!!

Damn, Isles actually got a goaltender interference call their way!!
- streaks

I thought it was coming back.

That's what we need from JGP!

They had some good looks early in the pp but then got tired and became methodical. A couple of shots from the point would be nice

Dobson went braindead

Tsyp!! He’s been very noticeable all night.

They can't make it easy. I hope Roy sends a message tomorrow.

Abysmal performance by Dobson down the line

They can't make it easy. I hope Roy sends a message tomorrow.
- JimmyP

Roy can only do so much with this roster.

Abysmal performance by Dobson down the line
- keaner17

Dobson needs a lot of work on defense.

Tsyp!! He’s been very noticeable all night.
- streaks

Tsyp was definitely one of the bright spots in last night's game.

Need to tighten up the defense.