Not big enough. Not strong enough on the bottom pairing defensively. Team struggles with deep offensive teams with speed. That's 7 games vs. Toronto, Tampa and the Islanders where they have been asswhipped. Their faceoff percentage for the seasons sucks. While it was OK last night, they lost the key ones which led to a lot of pressure in their zone. Question is, what does Sather do about it? Hayes is starting to become a liability out there IMO. Teams needs a stronger option at center on the third line.
Hayes has started to hit a wall the past few games. You see it a lot with guys who come straight from college and don't spend a year in the AHL first to get acclimated to the longer season. For the first time I'm starting to think they may chase a guy like Vermette rather than Stewart, and it might not be a bad idea.
They need another top 9 forward. This is not complicated IMO. I have been saying it all year. To be a legit SC threat they need to add another player upfront. At this point it looks like it needs to be more of a C due to our pathetic faceoff #'s, but either way it is a must add if we want to be in the mix to win the cup. A 3rd line of Hags/Hayes/Fast will NOT cut it through 4 rounds of playoffs. A vet must be added to that mix to replace Fast. It has been clear to me since very early on. With that said, bigger picture we are fine. We lost a game. We weren't going to win 46 straight to end the season. As I said last night I am much more concerned about Stepan and the next 3 VERY tough road games than 1 L last night. Boston is playing great right now. CBJ is always tough at home. And Pitt is Pitt. 1 L can turn into 4 straight or 3 of 4 very easily. Need to refocus after last night. The 2nd period was one of the worst periods we have played all season no doubt. As for Stepan, if he is hurt for any length of time that is a huge blow. We cannot afford that loss upfront.
It's one game. However, always felt this team was flawed. I'll throw this out there. Trading Hagelin. Hagelin, J. Moore, and Kristo for Dwight King Shore 3rd rounder Shore is an interesting prospect. Right handed shot who is over a PPG in the AHL. Kings are slow and need speed. Rangers are small and need size. Teams are actually good trading partners. This then frees up salary if they want to go after a defenseman to plug in on the bottom pairing. I think Hagelin would be a better fit on a team with some bigger players to win the battles in the corners for him.
Hagelin and J. Moore in deals makes so much sense. Hagelin will probably want 3 million next year and I can't see Sather wanting to pay him. They have a very similar player in Duclair speed wise but who has a ton more offensive ability. They have another speed forward in Buchnevich who is not far away. On defense they have another speed defenseman with size in Skjei to Moore but who is a lot better. It makes sense to shop these two players. They can save probably 2 million. That they can use to pay Zucc.
He made a bad play last night but I love Miller's game. He can hit like a truck at times and he's got a mean streak. I loved him knocking Okposo on his ass last night. Hopefully, AV won't be a moron and bench him at the first mistake like he always does. While throwing ideas out for Hagelin. Perhaps bringing Anisimov back with a pick? I think Anisimov would fill more of a need on this team than Hagelin now. Hayes has to accept the fact he can't play center until he is better on draws.
I have been saying Hayes is not our ideal 3rd line center the whole season. They need to bring in someone and move him to RW
How bout the 2 for 1 ufa special..Boedker and Vermette for Moore Hagelin prospect? Both would really help. Not sure if cap wise its even but cant be far off.
Very interesting. Both of those players are UFA's. I would like them to sign Vermette immediately after acquiring him. Then you won't have to worry about faceoff's for a while with one of your centers.
I think it will take a lot more to get Boedker and Vermette than Hagelin Moore and a prospect.....But what do I know Vermette is the hottest name available as he is not only exactly what this team needs he is what a lot of teams need. Boedker is good also
