After roaring out of the gates the Loons have watched themselves slide right out of the playoffs. Heading into December the Loons were holding strong in the top 4 but our lack of fire power has finally caught up with us and the collapse has been quick and painful. The Loons have been amongst the worst in 5 on 5 play this year and will have to be addressed in the off season. Only 5 Loons are plus rating - seriously 5: Pitlick +8, Nosek +4, Blackwell +4, Zegras +3 and Garland +1. Our captain checking in at a -27 is alarming and will have to change if this team is ever going to contend.
The rapid decline does have a few bright spots in terms of our finances. Czepiel was able to work the phones (email and app) and was able to shed a few contracts and has put the Loons in a position to actually make some money this year. Though it will be doubtful that money will be used in UFA bidding, the Loons have committed to building from within and that is unlikely to change with Zegras, Boldy, Oettinger and possibly Beniers ready to take a prominent role at the top of the lineup next year.
The rumors out of Capeside are that we could be looking to bring in a top line RW. The development of Wahlstrom and Garland has not been where we hoped and both are looking to be middle six guys not a top liner like we had hoped. Capeside has made no secret that the POR 1-22 that we own is available in a deal for a upcoming scoring RW. Bringing in a veteran RW does not make a lot of sense for us in the later stages of our rebuild. We are hopefully to have long term success with this young group and are not looking to move valuable assets for a quick band-aid fix.
As of today the Loons are still holding out hope to sneak into the playoffs. We are only 3 points out of the 8 seed but have a killer schedule to wrap up the year. Looking back maybe we should of held on the that Capeside first after all.
For a quick look at out top 10 prospects:
10. Jay O'brien has been tearing it up at BU as of late and could be ready for the AHL after the college season ends. God knows the Flyers could use some new blood.
9. Sasha Pastujov has seen his production slow as of late in the OHL but 45 (22/23) points in 38 games is still a successful season. Sasha needs to keep working on his foot speed and skating in order for this to translate at the next level.
8. Jordan Harris has continues to play like the top defenseman in Hockey East. Still praying that Jordan remembers his roots and chooses free agency over the Habs next month.
7. Jack Rathbone has been dominant in the AHL as of late and needs to be on Vancouver soon.
6. Sean Farrell continues to show that his lack of height is not going to hold him back. Sean is over a point per game at Harvard this year and has 6 pts in 3 games against mainly men in Beijing.
5. Drew Commesso was the youngest American goalie in history to start an Olympic game for the red white and blue the other night and showed he belonged with a 24 save shutout. Drew is also having a successful year for the Terriers with a 2.48 gaa and .915 % which has been the biggest reason for BU's midseason turnaround.
4. Chaz Lucius continues to have a successful freshman season for the Gophers (19 pts / 24 games) while he adjusts to the NCAA.
3. Jacob Perreault continues to refine his defensive game in the AHL and has seen some NHL action for the Ducks this year. Can't wait to watch Jacob blast home one timers for Zegras next year.
2. Matt Boldy has shined since being brought up to the Wild. It's no coincidence that the Wild took off once Boldy entered the lineup. The combination of responsible defensive play and 10 pts in 12 games has the Loons excited for Boldy to someday take over top line duties
1. Matty Beniers barely holds off Boldy for one more blog. Beniers has taken on more of an offensive role in Michigan this year with 36 pts in 28 games, but has shown that he has not lost his shutdown defensive play in Beijing as he has been the TOI leader amongst USA forwards each of the first 3 games against mainly older competition in the Olympics. Matty will likely join the Kraken next month and the Loons next year.
No comments:
Post a Comment