Facing Off: Debating Hockey's Hottest Topics

[NYRangers3061]

Biggest snubs from the World Cup of Hockey teams so far

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off with Colton Davies is all about the Canucks — from their trade-deadline inactivity to their future. We debate re-signing Dan Hamhuis, trading the Sedins, the goaltending and coaching situations, whether a full rebuild is needed, whether Jonathan Drouin is worth targeting, whether Hunter Shinkaruk will come back to haunt them, and whether Vancouver can win with a roster full of former Medicine Hat Tigers. Oh yeah, and who's this Nikita Tryamkin kid? http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-how-about-those-canucks/

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off with Dan Mount debates whether the NHL needs an "Oilers Rule" to prevent teams from stockpiling first overall draft picks and whether the Red Wings will miss the playoffs for the first time in 25 years. We also predict which teams will claim the final playoff berths in both conferences and which teams will win the division titles (besides Washington). We discuss which injuries will be the hardest to overcome once the playoffs start (Malkin/Halak) and which rookie gooned it up the most last week (Nurse/Virtanen). Lastly, Dan gives us the latest on Predators prospect Jimmy Vesey. http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-no-more-no-1s-for-oilers/

 

[Larry Fisher]

In this week's edition of Facing Off with Félix Sicard, we revisit some of our pre-season predictions for Canadian teams and where it all went wrong. We debate whether Montreal would have made the playoffs had Carey Price stayed healthy and whether they will make next season if he returns to form, plus what the future holds for Edmonton and Toronto, whether the Oilers and/or Leafs could make a playoff push next season. We also discuss which Canadian team would be the best fit for Auston Matthews and whether he'll turn that franchise into an immediate playoff contender. We give our latest thoughts on potential expansion to Las Vegas and/or Quebec City, while also debating the upside of Devante Smith-Pelly. http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-o-canada-no-playoffs-for-thee/

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off with Andrew Forbes debates where Jimmy Vesey will sign and whether there will be tampering involved, what Steven Stamkos' blood clot means to Tampa Bay's playoff hopes and chances of re-signing him, where Nail Yakupov will be traded and what he'll turn into as a player (bust/star), which recent prospect signings to take note of, whether the draft's top three prospects are set in stone and who should go fourth, and which playoff bandwagon we're planning to jump on! http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-stamkos-matthews-and-vesey-destined-to-be-leafs/

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off is loaded with predictions — from awards to playoffs. We debate the Hart, Calder, Norris and Jack Adams before turning our attention to the post-season by picking the first-round winners, Stanley Cup finalists, the champ and even the Conn Smythe. Lastly, we look at whether the Blue Jackets will be a playoff team next season: http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-handing-out-hardware-predicting-playoffs/

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off with Sebastian Hedley-Noble talks playoffs — most intriguing/exciting/surprising series so far — and potential sweeps for the Capitals, Stars, Sharks and Predators. We also debate whether we would have fired a trio of coaches, whether we'd rather coach the Canadiens or Senators, whether we'd rather draft Matthews or sign Stamkos, and whether McDavid is ready to captain the Oilers: http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-any-sweeps-in-store-for-first-round/

 

[JuniorNelson]

Round 2 of Facing Off sees us weigh in on everything from where Cody Franson will end up to whether Vancouver should trade the Sedins: http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-fisher-bensch-on-franson-the-sedins-more/

Blasphemy! Deal two of the finest human beings in the sport just because they are too slow? It is to laugh! Trevor Linden and Jim Benning receive excellent advice from incisive owner Aquilini. He will tell them when to move any assets. I suggest you bring your debates elsewhere and leave august personages alone!

Good day!

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off with Daniel Mount recaps the first round and looks ahead to the second round of the NHL playoffs. Of course, we debate who wins Game 7 between the Blues and Blackhawks and whether the Predators can force a Game 7 against the Ducks. We also react to the five-game wins by the Sharks, Penguins and Lightning, and discuss what the future holds for Detroit. Oh, and I think out loud on potential Conn Smythe candidates: http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-setting-up-a-stellar-second-round/

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off with Félix Sicard is full of good stuff, from the draft lottery to the playoffs. We share our second-round picks and first-round results, discuss Conn Smythe frontrunners as of today and what changes could be coming for the teams making early exits. We debate the draft lottery, both the results and the new system, and look at what it would take for the Coyotes to land their local boy (Auston Matthews) from the Leafs: http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-leafs-win-overshadowing-playoffs/

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off with Andrew Forbes is absolutely loaded — full of Leafs fans' dreams and lots of coaching chatter from hirings to firings. Could the Leafs potentially be the NHL's version of Leicester? Could they take Laine over Matthews or, heaven forbid, trade the pick? Could they land the likes of Stamkos, Subban, Vesey and a new goalie? Could the NHL develop some sort of relegation system in the future? All that and much, much more: http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-can-leafs-become-nhls-leicester/

 

[tony d]

How about talking about ways to improve the playoff format? That seems to be getting a lot of play. Under 1 vs. 8 we would have seen Penguins/Lightning in Rd. 1, this year it could be the East final.

 

[Larry Fisher]

Thanks for the topic suggestion Tony, I've added it to the list for next week. If you have topics you want us to tackle, please pass them along!

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off with Sebastian Hedley-Noble debates the conference finals with our third-round predictions, whether the West's run of Stanley Cups is coming to an end, and whether playoff seeding is still a problem (division rivalries or 1-vs-8)? We also weighed in on the Dallas Stars' goaltending situation and what they should do about their defence going forward: http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-difficult-decisions-ahead-for-dallas/

 

[Howboutthempanthers]

Yes there is a problem with playoff seedings. The Panthers win the division and they play the Isle in the first round. The Lightning come in second in the division and they play the Red Wings in the first round.
They should have left the format the way it was before.

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off features plenty of debate over a couple non-playoff teams, the Canucks and Hurricanes. Who should Vancouver pick at fifth overall in next month's NHL Draft? How about Carolina at 13th and 21st? Or should the Hurricanes package those picks to move into the top five? What do we think of the draft lottery system and how the order should be determined? Should Carolina entertain trading Justin Faulk to Edmonton for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins? Does that make sense, is it fair, would either team have to add an asset to get the deal done? Who returns to the playoffs first, Canucks or Hurricanes? And on a scale of 1 to 10, we rate our interest level in the conference finals and Stanley Cup playoffs in general — are we on the bandwagon of any remaining teams? http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-debating-drafts-futures-for-canucks-hurricanes/

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off with Dan Mount is loaded with Stanley Cup and World Cup debates. We give our Sharks-Penguins and Conn Smythe predictions, discuss which players have impressed us most in the playoffs, whether Steven Stamkos should have been playing Game 7 and whether that will be his final game with Tampa Bay. We also weigh in on World Cup snubs and surprises, plus the trade that sent Erik Gudbranson to Vancouver. Lastly, we look back at Nashville's playoff run and what the future holds for the Predators, including what Filip Forsberg's next contract could be. Enjoy: http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-world-cup-snubs-and-stanley-cup-predictions/

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off is another hard-hitting edition debating everything from Stanley Cup winners to potential trades, future captains to coaching candidates. Who would we rather see win their first Cup, Thornton or Kessel? Could any of Fleury, Bishop, Nash or Subban get traded at the draft or in the offseason? Could the Oilers land Subban without giving up Hall? Kopitar or Doughty as Kings captain? Who should the Ducks hire as head coach? And is the concept of left-right defence pairings overblown? http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-trade-talks-heating-up-amid-cup-final/

 

[Larry Fisher]

Delayed a day, this week's Facing Off with Andrew Forbes is full of NHL draft debates. Risers and fallers from the recent combine, who will pick Matthew Tkachuk, could Jakob Chychrun and Alex Nylander fall out of the top 10, could a goaltender get picked in the first round or top 20, and who has the makings of a better future first line — Toronto with Matthews or Winnipeg with Laine? http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-recapping-combine-and-gearing-up-for-draft/

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off with Sebastian Hedley-Noble tees up what is sure to be a busy, wild week in the NHL with expansion, trades and the entry draft. What excites us most about the Las Vegas Black Knights? Which recent coaching hire is going to make the biggest impact on his new team? The Avs say Tyson Barrie isn't available, but are they bluffing? We debate, debunk and start some trade rumours, including whether Marc-Andre Fleury will be moved this offseason and where he could end up? Last but not least, we look ahead to the draft and who Sebastian's Avs should be targeting for picks 10 and 40, then Sebastian and special guest Dennis Schellenberg give their thoughts on my recent mock draft (surprises, sleepers, etc.). Enjoy! http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-bring-on-the-black-knights-and-potential-draft-trades/

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off recaps the NHL draft weekend, debating the winners and losers, the most surprising picks, the potential steals, and which teams fared the best when combining drafting and trading. We also predict the landing spots for the top-10 free agents come Friday: http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-recapping-draft-weekend-previewing-free-agency/

 

[Larry Fisher]

Fun week for Facing Off with Dan Mount, debating blockbuster trades and the initial free-agent frenzy. Who won the Shea Weber-P.K. Subban swap or will it be a win-win trade? How about the Taylor Hall-Adam Larsson deal, did the Oilers overpay and what could be their next move (Tyson Barrie)? Who were the winners and losers from the first weekend of free agency? Which signings will go down as the best, worst, most underrated, overrated, surprising, etc.? http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-breaking-down-blockbusters-free-agent-frenzy/

 

[Larry Fisher]

Slower week league-wide, so this edition of Facing Off takes a closer look at the Anaheim Ducks' offseason moves to date and what the future holds for that franchise: http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-ducks-doomed-or-destined-for-redemption/

 

[Larry Fisher]

This week's Facing Off with Andrew Forbes features lots of Las Vegas, Leafs and leftover free agents. Putting ourselves in George McPhee's shoes, we debate the kind of team and identity to build for Las Vegas, while also looking ahead to the expansion draft and which teams will face the toughest decisions in terms of who to protect/expose. We predict the landing spots for the second wave of free agents (top 10 F, 10 D, 5 G). We debate realistic expectations for Auston Matthews in his rookie season, as well as the most intriguing sleeper prospects in the Leafs' system. We also predict the Atlantic Division standings (whether the Leafs will finish last again), and update our odds on where Jimmy Vesey will end up signing: http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-giving-las-vegas-a-name-identity-and-potential-players/

 

[Larry Fisher]

In this week's Facing Off with Sebastian Hedley-Noble, we debate what's going to happen with Tyson Barrie and what's a fair contract/settlement for him? We weigh in on the Brassard-Zibanejad trade, whether there was a winner or win-win? Are the Senators a playoff team on paper with Brassard? Are the Rangers trending toward a rebuild with Zibanejad? And, lastly, we discuss analytics in hockey, whether we like them and whether we use them: http://thehockeywriters.com/facing-off-avalanche-barrie-bound-for-arbitration/