Tag Archives: NHL

RFA Report: Mitch Marner

Dom Lunardo | September 18th, 2019

The crown jewel and hometown boy who grew up a die-hard Maple Leafs fan has signed on the dotted line, officially ending #MarnerWatch. After a rather extended and emotionally draining contract dispute between the Toronto Maple Leafs and talented forward William Nylander, that ended on December 1, 2018, it was quite evident that Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas had no intention of letting the Mitch Marner contract situation drag on this time around. After both sides reached an agreement, much to the joy of Maple Leafs fans, let’s take a closer look at Mitch Marner’s new deal.

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2019/2020 Team Outlook: Washington Capitals

Dom Lunardo | September 16th, 2019

After jubilantly raising Lord Stanley’s illustrious mug for the very first time in franchise history back in June 2018, it was a bitter and rather premature end to the season for the Washington Capitals during the 2018/19 campaign. A fourth straight Metropolitan Division crown was a recipe for yet another hopeful (and successful) postseason in the nation’s capital, but for Alexander Ovechkin and Co., this wasn’t to be this time around. Continue reading →

2019/20 Team Outlook: St. Louis Blues

Dom Lunardo | September 9th, 2019

And you really don’t remember, was it something that he said? Are the voices in your head calling Gloria?” Gloria, a hit song by Laura Branigan, became the staple tune for the St. Louis Blues and their fans during their remarkable run to the 2018/19 Stanley Cup Championship last June. For a team that looked absolutely dead in the water at the start of the calendar year, Head Coach Craig Berube and his wonderful staff, coupled with the trust, belief, and backing from General Manager Doug Armstrong turned a lackluster, underperforming team into one of the best sports stories in recent memory. And let’s not forget the emergence of goaltender Jordan Binnington and the rest of the Blues roster who were each instrumental during their unbelievable stretch run. What can the Blues produce as an encore heading into the new campaign which is set to kick off in just under four weeks time?

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2019/20 Team Outlook: Toronto Maple Leafs

Joel Dorcas | September 3rd, 2019

Leafs Nation, who let’s be honest, are some of the most widespread, loyal, and in their own minds, most knowledgeable fan bases in all of hockey. Fans are already chomping at the bit and are quick to point out who should be playing on what line and with whom. Last season the “Buds” got bounced (yet again) in the first round of the playoffs by their biggest nemesis, the Boston Bruins. Things need to change and management has made some significant moves in order to give highly paid coach Mike Babcock the best tools for a long and prosperous playoff run. Let’s take a look at where the 2019/2020 Toronto Maple Leafs fit in in a very deep and improving Eastern Conference. Continue reading →

2019/20 Team Outlook: Philadelphia Flyers

Dom Lunardo | Sept 1st, 2019

“Getting strong now…won’t be long now”. (Cue the iconic and timeless theme song from the classic Rocky Balboa films). Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Home to the famous Liberty Bell, the “Philly Cheesesteak”, and die-hard sports fans who good or bad, ruthlessly cheer for their Phillies, Eagles, 76ers, and of course, the black and orange, Philadelphia Flyers. Let’s take a closer look and delve into what the upcoming season has in store for one of the most legendary franchises in the National Hockey League. Continue reading →

2019-2020 Season Preview – Chicago Blackhawks

R. Aaron Houde | Aug 26th, 2019

Over the last decade, the Stanley Cup has called Chicago home three times (2009-2010, 2012-2013, and 2014-2015). Following their most recent win, the Chicago Blackhawks exited the playoffs twice in the first round and have failed to make the post-season the last two years. Last season was a step up from the year before in terms of points, but they were last in the league in terms of Goals Against, largely in part to goaltender Corey Crawford being on the Injured Reserve due to a concussion and missing 28 games, and again with a groin injury. But despite that, Chicago maintains a reputation of being a very dangerous team, and here is why. Continue reading →

2019/20 Team Outlook: Pittsburgh Penguins

Dom Lunardo | Aug 26th, 2019

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Known for its Three Sisters Bridges, “Steelerstown”, and the 5-time Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Mario Lemieux, Ron Francis, Jaromir Jagr, and of course Sidney Crosby, are just some of the famous names who have donned the famous uniform in The ‘Burgh. After winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, the die-hard fans in Pittsburgh have rather unpleasantly seen their beloved Penguins endure consecutive postseason appearances end much earlier than expected. Hey, as they say, you can’t win em all. But with 71 and 87 getting into their mid-to-late 30s, the time is now for the Penguins to push and hopefully raise Lord Stanley one more time. Continue reading →