Not very good news on the Penguins injury front
Pouliot, Ehrhoff still out tonight.
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_Trib) April 18, 2015
Yesterday I spoke about how the Penguins would have to change their approach if they did not get two of their better puck moving defensemen back in the lineup. We will have to see if the Penguins make the appropriate changes.
One of the criticisms of Dan Bylsma's tenure was his reluctance to make adjustements. One of the reasons the Penguins went with Mike Johnston was because he does a better job on that front. Tonight is a great opportunity for Coach Johnston to showcase his ability to change up his gameplan.
The status quo from Game 1 is not going to work. Expecting Marc-Andre Fleury to continue to play at a .944 clip is not realistic or fair to him.
If the Penguins can steal Game 2 we will probably have an interesting seres, if not, well...
****
The Connor McDavid lottery is tonight and it will send ripples throughout NHL landscape based on where he lands.
Will a struggling team like Buffalo, Arizona, Toronto, Colorado or Edmonton get him and immediately propel their rebuild?
Will a middle of the road team like Carolina, Philadelphia, Columbus, save themselves from a total rebuild by being super fortunate in the lottery?
Will a perennial power like Los Angeles, Boston, or San Jose snake him away?
Or will exciting rosters like Dallas or Florida get even more supercharged with the gift of McDavid?
Fact is depending on where Mr. McDavid lands could have serious repercussions to the Penguins and their ability for future Stanley Cups. Having McDavid out West is going to be very beneficial to the Penguins. Here is what McDavid would do for each of the Eastern Conference teams.
Boston should be in a world of hurt because of the ridiculously awful Seguin trade but landing McDavid shoots them right back to being a Conference heavyweight. It would be frustrating to see a franchise willingly move Joe Thornton and Tyler Seguin be gifted yet another amazing center.
Philadelphia, well this one is obvious, no Penguins fan wants to see that.
Buffalo is on the fast track to being really good really soon (probably still the case with Eichel anyways). I believe the Sabres could make the playoffs as soon as next year. Not with their status quo lineup but I am anticipating the Sabres Tim Murray being one the most active and fascinating executives this offseason.
Columbus had terrible injury luck this past year. They have the potential to go all San Antonio Spurs on the league (David Robinson injured, won lottery for Tim Duncan, rest is history).
Carolina with the Staal brothers on one line and McDavid anchoring the other are suddenly way better.
Florida is already on the uptick. I salivate at a McDavid/Jagr combo.
Toronto seems to be shifting away from the old school mindset that has plagued them and are embracing some more progressive ideas. McDavid is the perfect for a quick track rebuild.
Then there is New Jersey. This is the worst option of the bunch. Who wants to see this kid in New Jersey? An older blah roster of no substance. I'd rather see McDavid in Philadelphia than New Jersey.
I personally would like to see McDavid in Buffalo. I live in Western New York and I selfishly want this generational talent in my backyard. That and the city of Buffalo deserves nice sports things. We have paid our dues.
Here are my power rankings for where I want to see McDavid (in order of most like to least like)
Buffalo, Florida, Columbus, Dallas, San Jose, Toronto, Los Angeles, Colorado, Arizona, Carolina, Edmonton, Philadelphia, Boston, and last and certainly least New Jersey.
Congratulations to the fanbase who lands this megastar. Speaking from experience it is a fun ride.
Thanks for reading!
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