Wednesday’s Dump & Chase: Sleeper

Hockey News & Rants

Colorado Avalanche 3, Nashville Predators 2: Avs’ top line overpowers Preds | On the Forecheck
It was a quiet night at Bridgestone, if there is such a thing.

Predators have confidence in Juuse Saros despite recent struggles | The Tennessean
Early season woes don't really mean much. Look at Fiala. He's struggled early this season as well, and no one on the team is batting an eyelash (even if the rest of the world is freaking out). Saros will be fine, he's young, and he's got the best mentor he could ask for.

NHL - Debating Philadelphia Flyers' next hire as general manager - Bill Zito, Chris Pronger, Chuck Fletcher | ESPN
Gritty was just brought in as a distraction to keep people from paying attention to all of the Flyers' problems wasn't he?

The Sabres Are The Hottest And Most Stressful Team In The NHL | Deadspin
Phil Housley must be doing a number on a team where first round draft pick's dreams have gone to die for years.

The real question is will it last?

An Interview with Kimmo Timonen: on making the NHL from Europe, and much more | Broad Street Hockey
Is it humanly possible to not like Kimmo Timonen?

NHL - Takeaways, concerns, bold predictions for all 31 teams at quarter-season mark | ESPN
"Bold prediction: Kevin Fiala shakes off his season-long slump to become the secondary scoring hero the Predators need to win yet another Presidents' Trophy."

They can keep the Presidents' Trophy, been there, done that, it's time to move on to the Cup.

And while I think Fiala will find his groove I don't expect him to ever be the breakout star we hoped for. I think that ship has sailed.

Canucks, Maple Leafs among NHL teams that forgo naming captains to alleviate pressure, build unity | The Washington Post
I don't blame a lot of rebuilding teams for doing this. Putting that kind of responsibility on a kid who you've already put the weight of the franchise on because he's supposed to be the next Wayne Gretzky just seems unrealistic and overwhelming.

It makes sense for teams to take on a leadership group rather than just captain. It seems to be working for Nashville. It would be hard to follow Shea Weber and Mike Fisher in Nashville, even for Roman Josi. While he wears the “C” I think the leadership group fits the team better than just having one guy try to do it all.

Liberté, Egalité, Gritté: how an NHL mascot became an antifa hero | The Guardian
I still need someone to explain to me why I love this orange and derpy yeti so much.

Weber to make season debut for Canadiens against Hurricanes | NHL
Welcome back, Shea!

Dear Montreal - please stop hurting him.

Sincerely - Nashville.

Kane returns to Buffalo, hopes to end Sabres winning streak with Sharks | NHL
Spoiler Alert: He didn’t.

I liked San Jose better when when Evander Kane didn’t play there.

Trotz receives Stanley Cup ring from Capitals | NHL
Trotzy is living his best life! Honestly give me a better coaching exit than winning a Stanley Cup, resigning, and getting hired to coach another team four days later. Movie/primetime TV gold!

NHL on NBCSN: Fleury’s shutouts earning donuts for Golden Knights fans | Yahoo Sports
That’s cute, but I think Nashville has the market cornered on giving away free food.

I liked Marc-Andre Fleury better when people didn’t act like he invented goaltending.

At least they have good taste in donuts though!

Krispy Kreme > Dunkin’ Donuts. Don’t @ me.