THW Daily - Avalanche Shut Out in Consecutive Games & Devils' Goaltending Remains Problematic
Also, Bruins' call-up candidates to replace injured Grzelcyk, Lightning are scouting Canadiens already & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have more on the Avalanche’s struggle to score in their last two games, why Devils’ goaltending is an issue, Bruins’ call-up candidates to replace injured Grzelcyk, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff…
Yesterday’s NHL Scores…
Red Wings’ Playoff Hopes in Limbo with Chaotic Atlantic Division
October 31, 2023 by Logan Horn
Through the first weeks of the 2023-24 season, the Atlantic Division has lived up to the hype, with seven of the division’s eight teams sitting at or above a .500 points percentage. The Atlantic also contains the best defensive team early on, with the Boston Bruins allowing just 14 goals against in nine games, and the best offensive team, with the Detroit Red Wings scoring an outstanding 40 goals in 10 games.
Detroit has had an excellent start, making them one of the best stories across the league in October, however they are still just fourth in the division by points percentage (.650). We expected the Atlantic Division to be the league’s toughest this year, but so far it has also been the most chaotic (though the Pacific is a close second with the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers both having very rough starts).
3 Positive Takeaways From Colorado’s Shutout Losses
October 31, 2023 by Kerry Collins
After starting the season with six straight victories, the Colorado Avalanche haven’t scored a goal in their last two games. The team hasn’t been shut out in back-to-back games since December of 2016. That was Jared Bednar’s first season as head coach, and he was virtually an emergency signing after Patrick Roy left the team in the lurch. Even though the offense has struggled, there have still been some good signs for Colorado moving forward.
Bruins Have 3 Call-Up Candidates to Replace Injured Matt Grzelcyk
October 31, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
Although the Boston Bruins got a big comeback win against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 30, it came with a big price. Matt Grzelcyk left the contest early after suffering an upper-body injury. Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery told reporters following the game that the Massachusetts native is expected to miss the next couple of weeks because of it. Due to this, the Bruins are likely to call up a defenseman. Let’s discuss three of their top options now.
4 Oilers That Deserve a Call-up If Connor Brown is Waived
October 31, 2023 by Rob Couch
The Edmonton Oilers are eight games into the 2023-24 season and Connor Brown has played in every game. While he is under contract for one year at a very good price — $775,000 average annual value (AAV) — that came with something extra. In order to give the Oilers the best chance to win right now and get Brown at the lowest cap hit possible, a games-played bonus was added to his contract. If he plays 10 games this season, the Oilers will owe him $3.25 million next year, some of which will count against the cap.
If the Oilers stay $430,000 below the cap this season, it will cost around $2.84 million in an overage charge against the cap next season for the Oilers. While it could be seen as a problem for the summer, this team is in a great spot to compete for a Stanley Cup this season and next before owing some big names some big contracts.
Devils’ Goaltending is Still an Issue
October 31, 2023 by Neil Villapiano
It’s only eight games into the season, but the questions surrounding the New Jersey Devils and their goaltending are as visible as ever. Despite being 5-2-1 and in second place in the Metropolitan Division, the two men between the pipes have both had their fair share of poor play. There have been moments where both netminders have let in what look to be some “soft” goals. New Jersey’s offense has certainly backed up and at times bailed out the two, but clearly the team will need better performances from both if they want to make a deep push into next June.
Many will question general manager Tom Fitzgerald’s choice to stick with the tandem that ultimately was a big reason why their season ended in the second round of the playoffs last year. Some rumored big names like Winnipeg Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck have been locked up long-term. Can the Devils still find the right solution for the most important position on the team? Let’s evaluate both and see what the Devils could and should do to improve the position.
Lightning GM Already Scouting Canadiens: Who Could Be Traded?
October 31, 2023 by Rob Couch
While the Montreal Canadiens have gotten off to an impressive start, they have only played eight games, and their division is proving that it will be competitive this season. The Canadiens are 5-2-1 and have gotten great goaltending from Jake Allen and impressive starts from a few of their players.
Despite the hot start to the season for the Canadiens, we will see scouts and general managers coming to their games and checking out players who might potentially fit on those teams by the trade deadline. One general manager, in particular, has already been interested in the Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois. We are going to take a closer look at the interest BriseBois would have in that game and who would fit into the Lightning lineup this season or in the offseason.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Ottawa Senators - NHL’s Communication Problem Displayed With Pinto’s Suspension
Toronto Maple Leafs - Maple Leafs Nylander: Uncovering His Unseen Drive
Minnesota Wild - Wild Check-In: Hartman, Foligno Step Up But Penalty Kill Struggles
NHL News & Rumors - Bruins, Flames, Maple Leafs, Senators
From TSN - Insider Trading: NHL strongly recommending use of neck guards
From Sportsnet - Four of the spookiest starts to the NHL season
From ESPN - Bruins' Charlie McAvoy gets 4-game ban for illegal hit to head
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