THW Daily - Oilers' Slow Start & NHL's All-Canadian Lineup
Also, why action must be taken with neck guard mandate, Leafs' Nylander driving price up & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have why the Oilers should not panic yet, selections for an NHL All-Canadian lineup, action must be taken for a neck guard mandate, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff…
Yesterday’s NHL Scores…
Bruins: First Impressions of New Additions for 2023-24
October 29, 2023 by Hannah Garfield
The Boston Bruins entered the 2023-24 season with a number of new faces on the roster, from the new rookies to free agency signings. Through the first eight games of the season, many of them have been impactful for both good and not so great reasons. After the historic 2022-23 regular season and its disappointing end, many were curious and maybe a bit apprehensive for the next season to begin, especially with the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Without any “major” signings, there were concerns with how they would be able to replace the two superstars.
So far though, the Bruins have played well, and the new faces have played instrumental parts in their 7-0-1 start. They have, of course, also contributed to some of the challenges the team has faced so far. But overall, many of them have made a positive first impression at the beginning of their tenure as a Bruin.
Red Wings: the Pros & Cons of Signing Patrick Kane
October 28, 2023 by Devin Little
Back in September, rumors began swirling that winger Patrick Kane would be interested in joining the Detroit Red Wings to reunite with Alex DeBrincat. Naturally, that was before the season started, and much has changed since then. Since the season started, the Red Wings have sprung out of the gate as an early bandwagon.
They have won five of their first six games, and have outscored their opponents 30-15 in the process. DeBrincat leads the NHL in goals (9), and linemate Dylan Larkin is second in the league in points (15). It’s easy to get carried away with a start like this, but the sheer excitement this team has inspired early on is undeniable. So when Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff recently mentioned that the Red Wings are one of three teams on Kane’s radar as he nears a return to action, the news hit a little differently than it did a month ago.
Action Must Be Taken Regarding a Neck Guard Mandate
October 29, 2023 by Scott Clarke
Former Pittsburgh Penguin Adam Johnson tragically died on the morning of Oct. 29 following a horrific incident where his neck was slashed by an errant skate while playing for Elite Ice Hockey League’s Nottingham Panthers in England.
Johnson’s death comes nearly two years after 16-year-old Teddy Balkind died from a similar incident playing for his local high school in Connecticut. Neither was wearing neck guards. In the wake of devastating events like these, action must be taken. The time is now to mandate neck guards among all levels of hockey, including the NHL.
Oilers’ Slow Start: Not Time to Panic Just Yet
October 28, 2023 by Alex Chauvancy
Many pundits predicted the Edmonton Oilers as Pacific Division winners and potential Stanley Cup contenders in the Western Conference for the 2023-24 season. I wrote myself that they’d be one of four possible contenders in the West, along with the Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche.
The latter three have lived up to the potential Stanley Cup contender label, but that hasn’t been the case for the Oilers. After their 3-0 loss to the New York Rangers, they fell to 1-5-1 on the season, and their hopes of catching the Golden Knights for the division are already getting slim. Is there cause for concern in Edmonton? Absolutely, but it’s not time to panic yet. The Oilers are doing some things well, specifically at five-on-five, and there could be better luck in the near future.
NHL’s All-Canadian Lineup
October 29, 2023 by Justin Giampietro
It’s really no secret that nearly all of the best talent in NHL history belongs to the country of Canada. Over the years, it alone arguably has more talent in hockey than all of the other nations combined. If a lineup were to be constructed with the accolades and primes of individual players in consideration, what would it look like?
Trade Likely As Early Nylander Success Drives Up His Price
October 28, 2023 by Jim Parsons
‘William Nylander was great again for the Toronto Maple Leafs.’ It’s a statement that has been said a number of times already this season and while that’s incredibly positive for the Maple Leafs in terms of their playoff aspirations, it’s also problematic financially. In fact, one insider said, “If you’re keeping William Nylander and you’re paying him north of $10 million. Who’s going? Is it Marner? Who is it? Somebody’s got to go because four and a half isn’t gonna cover all of the big money guys.”
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
New York Rangers - Rangers Need More From Struggling Blake Wheeler
Philadelphia Flyers - Flyers Prospects Report: Michkov, Gauthier, Foerster & More
Montreal Canadiens - Canadiens Need Barron to Seize Day on Defense
NHL News & Rumors - Oilers, Senators, Golden Knights, Penguins
From TSN - Sabres' Clifton suspended two games for hit on Devils' Hischier
From Sportsnet - NHL to rule on Senators' role in aborted Evgenii Dadonov trade
From ESPN - Joe Thornton makes it official, retires after long NHL career
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