THW Daily - Potential First Time 50-Goal Scorers & Underrated Montreal Canadiens
Also, Auston Matthews' spectacular start, a possible trade between Edmonton and Boston & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have five players who could score 50 goals for the first time, a possible goalie trade between Edmonton & Boston, Erik Karlsson’s usage with Penguins, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff…
Yesterday’s NHL Scores…
Maple Leafs Matthews Spectacular Start Sends Clear Message
October 13, 2023 by The Old Prof
In the thrilling home opener against the Montreal Canadiens, which ended in a 6-5 shootout win for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews made a statement. He looked like a man on a mission – grim-faced, I called it. During the game, he displayed an extraordinary level of skill but also a huge measure of determination.
Matthews not only scored a hat trick in this game but also showcased his exceptional abilities. After last season’s disappointing 40-goal season (if that’s even logical), the team’s first game of the season left fans and hockey analysts believing that he’s completely back.
Top 5 Players Who Could Score 50 Goals for First Time in 2023-24
October 13, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
Scoring 50 goals in a season is an excellent achievement that should not be overlooked. Only the best snipers can hit the 50-goal mark, and several players in the 2023-24 season have the potential to reach this accomplishment for the first time in their careers. Let’s go over five players who have the potential to secure their first 50-goal seasons now.
Canadiens Who Are the Most Underrated for 2023-24
October 13, 2023 by Ryan Szporer
It’s safe to say Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Newhook silenced the doubters, at least temporarily after his two-goal debut performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 11. Nevertheless, they’re out there, fans and analysts alike who argued the Habs maybe gave up to too much to acquire him from the Colorado Avalanche this past offseason.
That having been said, everyone at least acknowledged Newhook’s upside, as a player who got drafted immediately after Cole Caufield. So, Newhook just misses being considered one of the most underrated Canadiens for this coming 2023-24 season. Here are the top three who made the cut:
NHL Exec Says Oilers May Call Bruins on Giant Goalie Trade
October 13, 2023 by Jim Parsons
The Edmonton Oilers found themselves in the spotlight after an embarrassing 8-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on opening night, raising concerns about their goaltending performance. Both Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner let in four goals each, leaving fans and media in a state of concern, especially considering the Oilers’ status as Stanley Cup favorites this season.
If the team has issues on defense and in goal, can Holland afford to let the season slip away in October? And, if established goalies are on the market now, will they be in a couple of months? Yes, this is all panic-related thinking after one game (which is absurd really), but one NHL executive noted, “I can tell you right now, a few more of those from either goalie, and Kenny is on the horn looking for a goalie.”
Top 3 Bruins Trade Candidates for 2023-24 Season
October 13, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
The Boston Bruins began their 2023-24 season with a strong 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. It was a great way to start the campaign, but this new season is just beginning. When looking at the Bruins’ current roster, it is clear that they have a few trade candidates to pay attention to during the year. Let’s discuss their three most notable trade candidates right now.
Penguins Need to Alter Erik Karlsson’s Usage to Win
October 13, 2023 by Mike Cranwell
“Well, that sure can’t happen again.” While these aren’t the words that I would say to my team in the dressing room after an opening night loss that should have been a win, if I were Mike Sullivan, these are definitely the words and the message I’d be sending to my coaching staff this week.
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ head coach, who’s of the most games coached and won of any head coach in Penguins history, could not have been happy with his team’s opening night performance, especially the second half of the game. Having taken a 2-0 lead against what virtually the entire hockey world considers to be one of the worst few teams in the NHL this season, only to see it implode into a 4-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, did not give anyone in the Steel City that warm and fuzzy feeling that this year would be better than the last.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Detroit Red Wings - Red Wings Drop Season Opener But Show Signs of Hope
Winnipeg Jets - Jets Extensions Quash Narrative That Players Don’t Like Winnipeg
NHL News & Rumors - Flames, Flyers, Hurricanes, Oilers, Bruins
From TSN - Report: Senators RFA Pinto leaves Ottawa to return home
From Sportsnet - Bedard excited for highly anticipated Hockey Night in Canada debut in Montreal
From ESPN - Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski expected to miss one to two weeks
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