The Hockey Writers Daily - July 31, 2023
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In today’s edition we have obstacles in the way of the Canadiens and the playoffs, the Blues and their Achilles’ heel, the Hurricanes defensive pairings for 2023-24, picking the Jets’ goal songs, and much more.
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Canadiens Face 5 Obstacles in Way of 2024 Playoffs
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, the Montreal Canadiens are in a better position to compete for a playoff spot in 2024. In fact, they’re probably in their best position to reach the playoffs, dating back to 2021, right after they reached the Stanley Cup Final, which says something.
Granted, considering they ended up finishing last in the entire league that season, it’s maybe only that the rebuild, which unofficially started that season, is progressing nicely. However, it also doesn’t mean general manager Kent Hughes’ rebuild is over, nor does it mean the Canadiens will end up making the playoffs in the end.
Maple Leafs Need Playmaker Like Nylander Moving Forward
It was just under a month ago when I wrote that the Toronto Maple Leafs’ new general manager Brad Treliving wouldn’t be afraid to pull the plug on the William Nylander situation and move the member of the team’s core four. While I stand by that, I want to make it clear off the hop that I don’t think it’s the right move.
That opinion was justified even more recently when it surfaced just how dominant of a playmaker Nylander has been — especially last season. Now, that doesn’t excuse some of the liabilities in his game, but it should justify why the Maple Leafs and Treliving need to make a solid push to lock him up with a good deal that can benefit both the team and the player.
Blues Goaltending Might Be Overlooked Achilles’ Heel
Over the offseason, much has been made about the St. Louis Blues’ defense. So far, apart from a few depth re-signings, nothing has been done on that front. But with all the focus pointing toward what general manager Doug Armstrong is doing on the blueline, there has been a relative lack of focus on goaltending.
Over the past two seasons, netminders have made the biggest difference for the team. When Jordan Binnington and, arguably most notably, Ville Husso were at the top of their game, the team thrived. When Binnington or Thomas Greiss struggled, the team sunk. Now, entering a season with Binnington and rookie Joel Hofer as the one-two combo, it’s fair to ask: will the goaltending situation be the Blues’ overlooked Achilles’ heel this season?
Hurricanes Projected Defense Pairings for the 2023-24 Season
Free agency is over, so rosters are beginning to take shape. The additions that have been made have filled the necessary holes and helped round out the lineup. For the Carolina Hurricanes, that remains true, as general manager (GM) Don Waddell was busy this summer. He made it his mission to add to this core group and brought in new faces in all areas of the ice. One area in particular that saw extra additions is the defense corps. It is one of the deepest positions on the roster, so let’s look at the potential pairings as the season draws near.
Red Wings Defensive Prospects to Watch in 2023-24
Over the past two decades, the Detroit Red Wings have had a top-end defenseman to hold down the back end. Whether it be Nick Lidstrom from 1991-2012 or the present day with the up-and-coming Moritz Seider, they have had that lockdown defenseman. Over the past few drafts, the Wings have added prospects to the organization that they hope can eventually play “Robin” to Seider’s “Batman” role.
Picking the Jets Goal Songs for the 2023-24 Season
Prior to the 2022-23 season, the Winnipeg Jets added both flair AND flare to their in-game experience. “Flair”, in a Jennifer Aniston “Chotchkie’s Bar & Grill” way, and “flare” in that they added some heat to the Jets’ gameday milieu in the form of the goal song. The basic principle is that if a Jet scores a goal, True North Entertainment plays their personalized goal song in celebration.
The results were varied, but spectacular. Nate Schmidt’s selection of Mambo No. 5 by Lou Bega was esoterically inspired, whereas Mark Scheifele’s The Greatest Showman from the Hugh Jackman musical was as bizarre as you’d imagine from an urban city dweller with goats.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Buffalo Sabres - Finding Success with Recent Second-Round Picks
THW Archives - Hockey Royalty: The NHL’s Greatest Families
NHL News & Rumors - Oilers, Maple Leafs, Penguins
From TSN - NHL, Flyers submit Fedotov's contract should be tolled
From Sportsnet - Flames sign 2023 first-round pick Samuel Honzek to three-year, entry-level deal
From the NHL - Golden Knights aim to repeat with majority of Cup roster intact
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I would like to see articles about other team in the league. To many articles about the Leafs !