Harbingers

Ya just saying it’s the earliest we can clinch. Also Rod did not sounds happy about the prospect of going into the playoffs without either starting goalie, but sounded hopeful on Raanta. I’m liking this Kochetkov kid but to be fair he’s only seen 26-27(I think that’s the right math?) shots from mediocre offenses. The Rangers are going to be a different story. I can’t wait to see him next year though either way. Give him an off-season and camp to learn the system and language. Oh boy. For now I think they need to run drills with him putting Slavin and Staal or our tallest forward in from of him and getting him used to the net front of the NHL or even just a massive screen. You can tell on at least two of the goalies he didn’t see the puck at all cause he has a tender to look inside for the pass first and he’s gotten caught on the outside both times.

Currently on a W4 streak. If we can bunker down on Tuesday, that’s the division. It looks like in all likelihood we’ll be playing Boston if we win Tuesday. Hopefully the Caps can knockout the panthers early but that would be a double edged sword.

Kochetkov has got to work on his vision and glove hand. He’s not used to the NHL net front.

Raanta was actually playing good too.

Why did the refs not whistle that, wtf.

Fug me.

I just wish Mike would keep calling him

I was unconvinced at first(not that he’s bad, I just think he needs a camp to fully integrate and get comfortable) but depending on the points and if Freddie will miss any playoffs I’d say start Kochetkov vs the rangers next week. He’s gonna need it if he’s gonna be our alternate in the playoffs.

0-0

So let’s talk Pittsburgh.

Then we are slow as fug and take a too many men.

He’s really hugging that pole though. He’s got some jitters.

Kochetkov is big.

Yep, svech is the translator.

Svech is a very good young player who we have signed for a long time. He’s shown progress and the ability to learn in all phases of his game. If someone was being reasonable point to a weak spot it’d be Necas but he’s just having a slump year and will go through the same progression as Svech. This team is not a 50 goal player team. It’s system is not design for that. You could take a 50 goal player and put them on our team and they drop down to Aho numbers. Simple facts are being overlooked in this conversation.

You can see his growth too. He isn’t taking nearly as many “stupid” penalties as he was last season and for the first stretch of this one.

Aho immediately went up to our new goalie after the storm surge. That was interesting.

I love Fasty, Aho and him are definitely in a tight race for most unselfish player.

If this was Washington or the Rangers I’m sure they would have said the puck was traveling away from the net and Jarvis reached over the goalie(which obviously is not interference).

And the refs surprise me. Love PK slapping Jarvis though that was hawt.

Jarvis was clean but I feel like they are gonna no goal this cause the puck was bouncing away.

This isn’t just half speed though. Yes it’s a contributing factor. But we have some unquestionable holes that aren’t being filled.

Our strong suit this year(or last) has never been the first period. That said, i want to see the rook, I want to see if he’s up to the hype levels or if the he’s still a season away. I want to see if he can inject some energy into this team or if Staal is the only source we have left. I’m sorry Raanta(and Rod) but screw your confidence, we are in DC mode right now.

Don’t get too excited. It’s Raanta again tonight. Also Jeff Daniel’s took a puck to the face during practice off the cross bar nearly to the blue line. Had to get it stitched, don’t know if he’ll be behind the bench tonight.

At least that points to him playing soon.