I think Jimmy Hayes could be the x factor
We're going to need depth scoring from our bottom 6 and the Zacha line has picked a good time to get hot. Tampa will probably try and get the Stamkos line out against them as much as possible so they have to be ready to play smartI believe the Zacha line will be incredible important. And I’m not really awed by their defense, except for the bid Swede. This series will come down to keeping up with Tamps offensively, staying out of the box and goaltending.
i think hayes is totally grateful he got a contract to begin with, and he was primarily brought in as a locker room guy. i mean, the guy's career was basically over with, and then ray threw him free money. objectively, it'd pretty cool - get paid millions to eat and travel with the team, and have a chance at getting your name on the cupI think Jimmy Hayes could be the x factor
I hope Zacha channels his inner Elias this series. He and his line could be our X-factor.We're going to need depth scoring from our bottom 6 and the Zacha line has picked a good time to get hot. Tampa will probably try and get the Stamkos line out against them as much as possible so they have to be ready to play smart
i'm excited to see the trav and the texans can do to kucherovI hope Zacha channels his inner Elias this series. He and his line could be our X-factor.
100% Agree. This is the only time of year that the .010 that separates nearly every goalie in the league matters.The biggest factor is the goaltending. If Keith stays hot and Vasilevskiy keeps struggling, we can do it. Our great PK against their great PP will be huge too.
I’m also intrigued as to the impact, if any at all, that Johansson may have on this series.i'm excited to see the trav and the texans can do to kucherov
the deeper kinkaid can get us in the playoffs (if at all), the more in jeopardy schneiders tenure with us is. i hope he's not pulling a hammond hamburglar on us this year, though100% Agree. This is the only time of year that the .010 that separates nearly every goalie in the league matters.
But even so, timely saves will always rule out. Scoring first is huge, taking a lead into the 3rd is even bigger.
I think this goalie can be grinded down. I think guys like Wood, Coleman, Zacha, Maroon, Zajac and Palmieri...can cause a lot of havoc in Vasilevsky's crease...hell, even Nico has shown a willingness to go hard to the net. Vasilevsky should be bumped, jabbed at and forced to battle for pucks in the blue paint. I think he will crack after a 65 game regular season.
I think it will come down to KK standing on his head.
Or if he can keep up the same level of play, I think we will be in good shape.
Vasi has been going downhill but playoffs are a new season
I don't know...We aren't supposed to win this series. A 54 win juggernaut playing a team that hasn't made the playoffs in 5 years and has this years 1st overall pick as their top line center?the deeper kinkaid can get us in the playoffs (if at all), the more in jeopardy schneiders tenure with us is. i hope he's not pulling a hammond hamburglar on us this year, though
Same....work till 6Aww man, gonna miss game 2 because it's an afternoon game, that's so ****ty.
Norris
Detroit, Toronto Chicago Minnesota, St Louis.
And the Smythe Edmonton,Calgary, Winnipeg, Vancouver, LA
The best part was 4 got in the playoffs for each Division with 5 teams...
The Patrick was the only Division with 6 teams.
When I used to tell people I liked hockey they would joke endlessly about every team making the playoffs. And I never got the joke because I always thought that was great.
Edit:. That's also why I take Roy's playoffs totals with a grain of salt. A division with Boston, Montreal, Quebec, Hartford and Buffalo meant Montreal or Boston was going to the conference finals every year.
I dont think they're up yet, but the Devils will be huge underdogs.
I'd guess it will be something like Devils +145.
DD want to take a guess?