gcom007

I’m starting to resign myself to not getting the highest of draft picks. f*** the Pens. Let’s get a win and add some salt to Cindy’s tears.

And I am Justin’s raging bile duct.

In a weird way, I’m starting to hope for Byram. Maybe I’m resigning myself to the inevitable, but as frustrating as it’s been getting wins solely when considering how it affects our chance of getting the highest draft choices, the reality is a lot of our young guys are really starting to look good on offense. We could really use some more strong prospects on defense however. Not sure if he could go next year, but you never know. If we fall out of top 3, I don’t think Byram is a bad pickup at all. I wouldn’t be disappointed.

I forgot how much he was making. Yeeeesh... He ain’t getting bought out though.

I’m not overly concerned. You know, decorum?

I’m not going to go on for days about it, but count me among those frustrated. After watching a team play mediocre hockey at best far more often than not the last few years, we finally looked to be in a good position to land a major impact player with this lousy season, only to go out on a winning streak against teams that are checking out or cruising. Sure, on some level it’s always nice to win, and obviously we want to see our young guys getting better, but part of this struggle is about getting back to the point where we have a chance of landing a serious draft pick. That’s not going to get easier next year. We’ll be a better team next year any way you shake it, but we’ll probably still miss the playoffs. So we miss the playoffs again next year and maybe get what, the 12th pick? Not going to make a huge impact most likely. This year was a rare window for us, and we’ve done a great deal to blow our chances of taking advantage of that with all the winning. It’s hard not to be disappointed about late-season meaningless wins that likely will hurt our chances of being a great team in the future; I don’t think that’s a crazy sentiment. Not to mention, we look like a better free agent destination with a Hughes or Kakko in the mix, and given where we’re at now and past history, we need all the help we can get on that front. If we still end up with a great pick, fine, all the fussing was for nothing, but in the meantime, every extra win the Wings pick up stings a little bit. Sometimes in a season like this, I think it becomes management’s job to find a way to lose. It sucks, but it is what it is, and I have no doubt that other teams do it too.

Loving this game. Larkin getting 30. Howard playing the timely sieve. We could lose this thing in regulation yet! You got one life, tank on!

This is why I really didn’t like the idea of having the new guys in the lineup. We don’t need any new energy right now adding motivation. Just finish the damn season in 2nd to last place as that’s the best case scenario right now and buckle up for the fall.

This is despicable tanksmanship.

I don’t like having these college guys come in right now. We don’t need any extra energy or anyone out there trying to prove something. This tank is off the rails.

On a random note, living down in NC now, you hear about the Canes a bit. Mrazek’s become fairly popular with casual fans. Seems to be pulling together a strong finish to the season. Good to see him having success. We’ll see if it lasts...

Yep, it’s time once again to get the tank back on track. Too much to lose by winning. Save your pride for next year.

Let’s get this tank back up and running, boys. None of this going to overtime let alone winning stuff.

I used to see Ted around Detroit Skating Club all the time growing up playing. He always proved that he was more than a great player, but a great human more so. He was always so gracious and friendly with everyone; he loved the game and he loved the fans. Sad day for the hockey world.

So Ottawa and the King’s saw how strong our tank is and decided to bulk up their tanks too. 6-1 Canes over King’s and and 7-2 Caps over Sens. There’s just no winning tonight.

This is the worst game I’ve seen in a hot minute.

Oh yeah. That user name sure...aged well.

Alright guys, you don’t have to tank this hard. There’s a respectable way to lose...

I think Blashill’s decision making and overall coaching of an NHL team has improved somewhat this year, as evidenced by what you said. And not Quenneville nor anyone else is going to come in here and really do that much better with this team of players. It was a rough start, and I’m not sure he was the best fit for a transitioning team, but no one can deny that he was dealt a rough hand of players. But in turn the players were dealt a rough hand with a rookie coach cutting his teeth in a league that’s never been more competitive. I’m not surprised they’re thinking of extending him. I’m not wildly upset either at this point. If we can sign an impact player or two in UFA (longshot as it may be...) and land an impact guy in the draft this year and Blashill struggles the next couple years, he’ll obviously be gone. I’m okay waiting for that. Or perhaps he’ll find success. I’m more and more open-minded to the idea.

Looking at when I joined this board (and I lurked before that) makes me feel old. Weird how this place has followed me through college and first, second, third and so-on jobs, moves, etc. It’s my constant...lol

I give zero s***s about missing out on a 5th round pick for Vanek. Could’ve been something. Almost certainly nothing. I’m not much of a fan of Holland’s NTC practices at all, but this one is about as inconsequential as it gets.

I feel like Howard has hit the wall the last couple years before the trade deadline, tanking his value. Turns out the numbers back that up at least from a save percentage standpoint. 2018 month before deadline: .886 2018 prior month: .927 2019 month before deadline: .842 2019 prior month: .901 Jimmy Howard is not a good team tank player; and he’s scared to leave.

Ended up doing a 7-Day Trial of ESPN+. Thanks though!

So no free way to stream TSN Tradecenter this year, eh?

Eh........better than nothing but not great. And it’s sad that I half-expected nothing.