THW Daily - Maple Leafs’ Keefe Criticizes Domi’s Play & Kings’ Byfield on a Hot Streak
Also, Oilers on verge of big changes, top players underperforming for Habs & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have criticisms of Max Domi from Leafs’ Keefe, a hot streak for Kings young stud Quinton Byfield, why the Oilers are on the verge of big changes, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff…
Yesterday’s NHL Scores…
Oilers on Verge of 2 Big Changes: Have “Turned Page” on Goalie
November 5, 2023 by Jim Parsons
The Edmonton Oilers, once a powerhouse in the NHL, find themselves in dire straits as the 2023-24 season unfolds. Mark Spector of Sportsnet has highlighted the growing concerns within the organization, where whispers of discontent are transforming into loud conversations. So too, questions about job security have become a real thing.
After a disheartening 5-2 loss to the Nashville Predators, the Oilers’ playoff aspirations are starting to look like anything but a given and drastic measures are imperative to change their course. Whether those changes come from within, or management looks to change things up remains to be seen. But, according to Spector, “…everything is on the table.”
Maple Leafs’ Keefe Gets Honest About Max Domi [Video]
November 5, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
The Toronto Maple Leafs have had mixed results at the start of the 2023-24 season, posting a 5-4-2 record. Besides inconsistent play from their defence, a lack of scoring from the club’s bottom six can also be blamed for this. While speaking with reporters on the matter, Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe noted that he is “concerned” about the team’s low production from the bottom six and put a decent amount of focus on Max Domi specifically. Below is the whole clip, and here is a link as well.
The bench boss noted that Domi is a player whom the Maple Leafs “expect more out of” for offence. With that, he specifically addressed Domi’s strong two-point night against the Tampa Bay Lightning as “the kind of contribution” that the team needs from both him and Matthew Knies. Now, Domi’s primary goal is to respond to his coach’s words by getting his production back up.
Bruins’ Sweeney Draft Choices Paying Off in 2023-24
November 5, 2023 by Hannah Garfield
For the past few seasons, the Boston Bruins have been pretty consistently ranked at the bottom of the league when it comes to the strength of their prospect pool. They’ve been ranked last on multiple lists, and it isn’t exactly surprising when looking back at general manager Don Sweeney’s draft history. The infamous 2015 Bruins’ draft class has definitely cast a large shadow over how his drafting ability is discussed, but there have been a number of other misses as well throughout his now eight-season tenure as GM.
But, things seem to be turning around at least a little bit when it comes to the strength of the Bruins’ prospects. They currently have three rookies on the roster: Matthew Poitras, Johnny Beecher, and Mason Lohrei, and all three have been impactful. But, digging a bit deeper, several of Sweeney’s draft selections are playing important roles on the team so far this season.
Senators’ Most Impressive Players After 10 Games
November 5, 2023 by Raphael Caron
With all the noise surrounding the Ottawa Senators in the past few weeks, it’s almost difficult to picture that the team already has 10 games under their belt this season. Similarly to off-ice events, they’ve had their fair share of downs, as their 4-6-0 record to start the campaign would suggest.
But amid the distractions, there have been good performers on the team. In this short piece, we’ll be looking at some players who’ve been bright spots for the team in the first 10 games of the season.
Sunday NHL Notes on Karlsson, Crosby, Byfield and More
November 5, 2023 by Mike Cranwell
It is a great time to be a hockey fan, as the first few weeks of the NHL season have shown…and that’s before Connor McDavid gets going. Some musing and observations from around the league, starting in Pittsburgh.
Top Canadiens Struggling to Meet Expectations to Start 2023-24
November 5, 2023 by Ryan Szporer
Being put on the top line means a a sorely needed fresh start for Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky. After seeing his development arguably stagnate on a line with Alex Newhook and Josh Anderson, Slafkovsky played with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield against the St. Louis Blues on Nov. 4.
Slafkovsky thankfully scored as a result of the preferential deployment after having been held pointless since the season opener. While he had had a few good games in spite of a lack of production, it had become apparent a change was in order for the sake of his confidence, whether it be in the American Hockey league or on the top line. Head coach Martin St. Louis seems to have made the right decision.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Detroit Red Wings - Red Wings Make Bold Statement With Win Over Bruins
St. Louis Blues - Blues Regret Losing Walman, Dunn for Minimal Return
Anaheim Ducks - 3 Ducks Rookies Making an Early Calder Push
NHL News & Rumors - Oilers, Sharks, Blue Jackets, Senators
From TSN - Flames' Mangiapane suspended one-game for cross-check
From Sportsnet - 20 Fantasy Thoughts: How to survive without the irreplaceable Jack Hughes
From ESPN - San Jose Sharks tie NHL record with 11 losses to start season
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