THW Daily - Who Oilers Should Acquire From Flames & Bruins’ Pavel Zacha Stepping up as Top Center
Also, Hurricanes could have a new star, looking back at Blues' 2023 trade deadline moves & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have a look at who the Oilers should acquire from the rebuilding Flames, how Bruins center Pavel Zacha is stepping up into top role, a new star emerging in Carolina, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff…
Yesterday’s NHL Scores…
Hurricanes’ Jarvis in Star Discussion After Multi-Point Night
November 19, 2023 by Zach Martin
After what many thought of as a letdown game versus the Philadelphia Flyers, the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, Nov. 18 hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins for their first meeting of the season. Pittsburgh came into the game after losing 5-2 to the New Jersey Devils. On the other side, Carolina was looking to bounce back after their 3-1 loss to the aforementioned Flyers. It was a huge game early on in the season for Metropolitan Division foes looking to right the ship. In the end, it was a huge night for the Hurricanes as they defeated the Penguins 4-2 to secure the two points.
Some players for the Hurricanes contributed in a huge way to a complete team game win. Brent Burns, Jaccob Slavin, Teuvo Teravainen, and Sebastian Aho all had multi-point nights along with netminder Antti Raanta’s 26 saves. However, the one who really stood out amongst the rest was the youngest Hurricanes player on the team.
Flames Open for Business: 2 Trade Targets on Oilers’ Radar
November 18, 2023 by Rob Couch
The Calgary Flames are in an odd position. After changes this summer, the expectation is that, on paper, their solid roster would bounce back, fight for a playoff spot, and even be dangerous in the postseason. That has not been the case – none of their problems have been fixed.
General manager Ken Holland and the Oilers have already been looking at available goaltenders, but they don’t have to stop there. The defence needs an upgrade. Of the four Flames I listed, three of them are defensemen. This brings us to who the Oilers should have on their radar, Tanev and Dan Vladar.
Revisiting Blues’ Moves at the 2023 Trade Deadline
November 19, 2023 by Anthony Testaguzza
Last year’s trade deadline was a big one for the St. Louis Blues as they let go of some familiar faces. Some have underperformed, while others have made a name for themselves elsewhere. Let’s dive into some former Blues players from last season and how they are doing since being traded during the deadline period.
Canadiens Face Crossroads in 2023-24 Schedule on Current Losing Streak
November 19, 2023 by Ryan Szporer
The Montreal Canadiens are back to the drawing board. They must be at a loss for what to do now, following four straight, a streak in which they’ve looked fairly hapless. However, this this was in large part expected or at least it should have been, considering the quality of competition. In other words, they’re just not good enough compared to top-tier teams.
To clarify, the Canadiens have proven they can put up a fight against top teams in the NHL, like they did against the Boston Bruin on Nov. 11. However, their impressive 3-2 overtime victory that night immediately preceded their current four-game losing streak, perhaps providing false hope the Habs had arrived in some capacity.
Bruins’ Zacha Stepping Up as Top Center in 2023-24
November 19, 2023 by Hannah Garfield
It’s a bit strange to say about a player who is only 26 and has been in the NHL for less than 10 years, but Pavel Zacha has had a resurgence to his career since his trade to the Boston Bruins from the New Jersey Devils during the 2022 offseason. The sixth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, he did not have a smooth transition to the NHL and struggled to live up to expectations and his potential.
Last season though turned into a breakout performance from him. He was moved out to the wing and got valuable minutes and experience playing with both Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. With the retirement of the two centers this past offseason, Zacha returned to the center spot, taking over for Bergeron on the first line.
McDavid and Draisaitl Woes Linked to Goalie Panic Rumors
November 19, 2023 by Jim Parsons
There’s something off with both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. For McDavid, he doesn’t look like himself, having issues with his puck handling and not scoring in more games than he’s producing points. Meanwhile, Draisaitl looks miserable. His body language is at an all-time low and he’s quickly developing a reputation as a player who loses his cool and seems satisfied making the dangerous play that results in as many turnovers as it does highlight-reel moments.
All the while, the Oilers are relying on these two to get them going so they don’t have to make a panic trade for a goaltender. It’s a real problem and it’s likely to come to a problematic conclusion over the next few days.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Washington Capitals - Capitals Have a Lot to Look Forward to With AHL’s Hershey Bears
Columbus Blue Jackets - Blue Jackets’ Jenner Reflects on Games Record & State of Team
San Jose Sharks - Sharks’ Goalie Prospects Deserve NHL Time This Season
NHL News & Rumors - Oilers, Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Flames, Panthers
From TSN - Blue Jackets' Laine a healthy scratch vs. Flyers on Sunday
From Sportsnet - 20 Fantasy Thoughts: Jets' Connor proving he’s an elite scorer
From ESPN - Aleksander Barkov avoids major knee injury, listed as day-to-day
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