THW Daily - Why Joseph Woll Should Be Maple Leafs Starter & Red Wings' Dominant Top Line
Also, central scouting 2024 preliminary rankings, Canucks' eye for Swedes & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have reasons why Joseph Woll should be the Maple Leafs starter, the latest from Boston, a major decision for the Oilers, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff…
Yesterday’s NHL Scores…
NHL Central Scouting Preliminary 2024 Rankings: First Reactions
October 25, 2023 by Logan Horn
The NHL’s Central Scouting bureau releases multiple draft rankings throughout each season, beginning in the Fall with their “Preliminary Players to Watch List”. Unlike Central Scouting’s rankings that will follow, this one simply groups prospects into a few categories based on where they project to be selected on draft day.
An “A” rating means that the player is likely to go in the first round, a “B” denotes a second/third round candidate, a “C” stands for the fourth/fifth rounds and finally a “W” is for the sixth and seventh rounds. Let’s dive into this list and see what we can learn from it about the 2024 NHL Draft class and the top players to watch over the next seven months or so.
Joseph Woll Is Maple Leafs’ Clear Choice for No. 1 Goaltender
October 25, 2023 by The Old Prof
Over their past two games, the Toronto Maple Leafs came back hard to take home a 4-3 overtime win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Then, on Tuesday night in Washington, they beat a hard-working Capitals team by a score of 4-1. The crucial connection between those games was young goalie Joseph Woll. He was outstanding in both games.
Against the Lightning, a series of defensive breakdowns and Ilya Samsonov’s inability to make key saves led to the Lightning taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the first period. After only four shots on his net, Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe made the decision to pull Samsonov from the game. He had posted a disappointing .250 save percentage (SV%).
Canucks Have an Eye for the Swedes
October 25, 2023 by Sartaaj Bhullar
I wrote an article discussing the biggest draft day steals for the Vancouver Canucks, and while I was researching for that article, I noticed how many great Swedish players the team has been able to acquire. Two of the five players listed in that article were Swedes and have been a big part of the franchise. Four of the top 10 players in franchise scoring history are Swedish players as well as three of the six players to have their jerseys retired by the team.
Red Wings’ 3 Up, 3 Down: DeBrincat, Larkin, Husso, Holl & More
October 25, 2023 by Matthew Zator
Yes, it’s very early in the season, but the Detroit Red Wings are fourth in the entire NHL, just three points behind the top spot held by the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights. They are also only a point back of the Boston Bruins, who lead the Eastern Conference. To add onto that, new face and hometown boy Alex DeBrincat leads the league in goals (nine) and is second in points (13) – one behind captain Dylan Larkin, who is tied with Jack Hughes atop the NHL. All in all, it’s great to be a Red Wings fan right now.
Bruins News & Rumors: Historic Start, Lauko, Mitchell & More
October 25, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
In this latest edition of Boston Bruins News & Rumors, the Bruins made a little history with their 3-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 24. Meanwhile, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery provided an update on Jakub Lauko. For those who missed it, Lauko took a skate square to the face. In other news, Ian Mitchell has been placed on waivers. Let’s discuss all of this and more in today’s (Oct. 25) Bruins News & Rumors column.
Oilers Forced to Consider Drastic Decision on Connor Brown
October 25, 2023 by Jim Parsons
In the early throes of the NHL season, Connor Brown‘s performance, or rather, the lack thereof, has been under the spotlight. Five games in, the Edmonton Oilers forward is yet to notch a single point, raising concerns among fans and likely the coaching staff. While some argue he might be grappling with the aftermath of a severe injury, expectations in the Oilers camp remain high, particularly considering their aspirations to be Stanley Cup contenders.
The Oilers have five games remaining before a big decision needs to be made. A massive signing bonus kicks in on Brown, and while he’s certainly not earned it, the Oilers might be stuck.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Buffalo Sabres - Sabres’ Samuelsson the Glue to Defense
Minnesota Wild - Wild’s Hartman Leads Top Line in Win Over Oilers
Washington Capitals - Capitals Prospects Report: Cristall, Miroshnichenko & Leonard
NHL News & Rumors - Senators, Jets, Canadiens, Oilers
From TSN - Hurricanes D Pesce to miss signficant time
From Sportsnet - NHL's tracking data bringing fans closer to game, but context remains important
From ESPN - Avalanche move to 6-0 with NHL record 15th straight road win
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