Middleton looked like a complete fool on the tying goal
Absolutely inexcusable approach there. Then he is fucking slow to the puck in OT and chases the puck carrier around the net, when he's already lost the race and is clearly going to be lost completely. Just awful.Middleton looked like a complete fool on the tying goal
There is a fucking zero point zero zero percent chance we will be trading Ek. That would be a fireable offense and completely asinine thought to even think about suggesting it.While this may not be a tear down to the studs situation, more than a new coat of paint is needed.
Explore replacing good players with availability issues (Ek, Brodin), leaders that haven’t created a “room” conducive to winning in the playoffs (Spurgeon, Foligno) and most importantly veterans that were sloppy this postseason (Middleton, Bogosian).
I’m not saying they all need to go but there are changes needed to important parts of this team.
I knew writing that would get this response and I don’t want to trade him either. Hes generally on my no trade list with a handful of other guys. He’s a beast and drives the team’s identity when available. He has an incredibly team friendly contract. However, his lack of availability in the playoffs is becoming a pattern.There is a fucking zero point zero zero percent chance we will be trading Ek. That would be a fireable offense and completely asinine thought to even think about suggesting it.
Tell me you know nothing about hockey without telling me you know nothing about hockey.
There is a fucking zero point zero zero percent chance we will be trading Ek. That would be a fireable offense and completely asinine thought to even think about suggesting it.
This. Ek is a very good middle 6 center who wins draws and kills penalties, which is invaluable. He and Hartman are just fine as a middle 6 pair. They’re just being put in a role that is above what their skill set is (neither really adds anything unique on a PP imo; anyone can stand net front if they’re willing to take the punishment and it may keep Ek healthier to not be doing that).Can't be trading away effective Centermen when those are a highly sought-after commodity. That would not be a good move, not at all, especially when you're shorthanded at the position to begin with.
What if the return is Auston Matthews (or a similar player)?This. Ek is a very good middle 6 center who wins draws and kills penalties, which is invaluable. He and Hartman are just fine as a middle 6 pair. They’re just being put in a role that is above what their skill set is (neither really adds anything unique on a PP imo; anyone can stand net front if they’re willing to take the punishment and it may keep Ek healthier to not be doing that).
Man did this team miss him in this series. I’m a huge Double E fan as he brings so much more to this team than most casual fans realize. No way in hell they trade himThere is a fucking zero point zero zero percent chance we will be trading Ek. That would be a fireable offense and completely asinine thought to even think about suggesting it.
Tell me you know nothing about hockey without telling me you know nothing about hockey.
see my post on the 26-27 thread, but yes I'd move him if it's for a 2 way true 1C like Matthews and I'd do that in a heartbeat (and I say that loving Ek's game).What if the return is Auston Matthews (or a similar player)?
Look, I don’t want to trade him either for all of the reasons mentioned above BUT his playoff injury history raises concerns. At some point, does Mr. September become derogatory?
Hartman and Yurov are probably a pretty good middle pair too.
I’m simply stating that given the playoff history of this core, very few players should be off limits if they can be used to make the team better/different. As much as we all love Ek, there are better centers in the NHL.
It is interesting that I named 6 guys and Ek is the only one to really ruffled any feathers.
I don’t think it was a disappointing season at all. They just happen to be in the Central Division where the Avs have ruled for awhile now. Once they got Hughes the entertainment value rose significantly. Hell I had them losing to Dallas in the first round. I’ll be a bit surprised if Colorado doesn’t hoist the Cup in June unless Makars injury keeps him out of the lineupAnother stellar game from 97. No shots on goal and passed up a shot on a two on one.
Also Middleton and Spergun playing 20 minutes a piece is malpractice.
Hughes really disappeared too tonight.
Very disappointing season given the expectations and moves made at the deadline.
feels like it's them or Carolina. Think winner of Buffalo/Montreal will be too beat up after that series.I don’t think it was a disappointing season at all. They just happen to be in the Central Division where the Avs have ruled for awhile now. Once they got Hughes the entertainment value rose significantly. Hell I had them losing to Dallas in the first round. I’ll be a bit surprised if Colorado doesn’t hoist the Cup in June unless Makars injury keeps him out of the lineup
Agreed, on the first paragraph.see my post on the 26-27 thread, but yes I'd move him if it's for a 2 way true 1C like Matthews and I'd do that in a heartbeat (and I say that loving Ek's game).
The reason he's ruffling the feathers is that he's the only good player on that list who isn't on the decline. Not to mention his contract is very favorable for what he offers.