X75 Productions

Tag: NHL

  • Capitals News – Brooks Orpik Named to Player Development Department

    Capitals News – Brooks Orpik Named to Player Development Department

    Today the Washington Capitals named recently retired defenseman Brooks Orpik to the teams Player Development Department.

     

     

    Per the Capitals release, Orpik will assist and work with the organization’s defensive prospects, primarily with the Hershey Bears of the AHL, in his new role. Per the release Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan had the following to say about the Orpik hiring:

     

    “As a member of our team, Brooks was a tremendous leader and a great role model for our young players. We are excited to be able to bring him back in this new role. We feel he will be a great resource for our hockey staff and our prospects.”

     

    We here at TXHT like this move by the Capitals organization as Orpik was a key piece to the Capitals restructure in culture for the organization, and will be able to share that with the Capitals young prospects as they continue to develop and prepare to make the jump to the NHL. Orpik’s championship pedigree and high level leadership qualities will also assist him in working with the prospects.

     

    We here at TXHT would like to congratulate Brooks Orpik on his new role with the Washington Capitals.

     

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  • 2019-20 NHL Previews – Columbus Blue Jackets

    2019-20 NHL Previews – Columbus Blue Jackets

    2018-19 Record: 47-31-4  98pts. – – 5th Place in Metropolitan (Wild Card)

    Playoffs: Lost in Second Round to Boston

     

    2019-20 Jersey Guide:

    CLB HomeCLB RoadCLB Alt

     

    Key Additions: F – Gustav Nyquist

     

    Key Departures: F – Ryan Dzingel, F – Mark Letestu, G – Jean-Francois Berube, G – Sergei Bobrovsky, F – Artemi Panarin, F – Matt Duchene, G – Keith Kinkaid, D – Adam McQuaid

     

    2019-20 Preview:

    After trading away their future in draft picks to acquire forwards Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel, goalie Keith Kinkaid, and defenseman Adam McQuaid to make a huge playoff push. While they did the unthinkable and swept the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round for their first ever playoff series victory in franchise history, they would fall to the Boston Bruins in the second round and then the departures would begin.

     

    The Blue Jackets lost Duchene to Nashville, Dzingel to Carolina, Kinkaid to Montreal, forward Artemi Panarin to the New York Rangers, goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to Florida, and McQuaid the Blue Jackets did not pursue to re-sign for next season. What was their response? They signed forward Gustav Nyquist. That’s it.

     

    General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen believes they have a strong team, and don’t have any huge holes on their team. On offense they have Pierre-Luc Dubois and Cam Atkinson who definitely top six forwards, and Boone Jeener and Josh Anderson as quality bottom six forwards, but both Nick Foligno and Brandon Dubinsky are getting older and slipping down in the lineup. On defense it’s all Zach Werenski and Seth Jones. Ryan Murray is at best a third pairing defenseman on a good team, as is David Savard. Lastly, and an important question. Is Joonas Korpisalo ready to be the number one goalie for teh Columbus Blue Jackets?

     

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  • 2019-20 NHL Previews – Colorado Avalanche

    2019-20 NHL Previews – Colorado Avalanche

    2018-19 Record: 38-30-14  90pts. – – 5th Place in Central (Wild Card)

    Playoffs: Lost in Second Round to San Jose

     

    2019-20 Jersey Guide:

    COL HomeCOL RoadCOL Alt

     

    Key Additions: F – Joonas Donskoi, F – Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, D – Calle Rosen, F – Jayson Megna, F – Nazem Kadri, F – Andre Burakovsky, D – Kevin Connauton

     

    Key Departures: F – Sven Andrighetto, D – Patrik Nemeth, D – Tyson Barrie, F – Alexander Kerfoot, G – Semyon Varlamov, F – Carl Soderberg

     

    2019-20 Preview:

    Despite making the playoffs for a second straight season, the Colorado Avalanche did some retooling to their lineup which saw them move on from goaltender Semyon Varlamov, forwards Carl Soderberg and Alexander Kerfoot, and defenseman Tyson Barrie and Patrik Nemeth, and acquire forwards Nazem Kadri, Andre Burakovsky, Joonas Donskoi, and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare.

     

    With the addition of Kadri, the Avalanche get a center that will be able to take some of the burden off of number one center Nathan MacKinnon, but he will also give them a bit more of an edge as he plays the agitator very well. Also with Burakovsky and Donskoi the Avalanche will look to them to add some offense to help spread out the scoring amongst the lineup.

     

    The Avalanche, however, will need help defensively as both defenders Erik Johnson (shoulder surgery) and Ian Cole (hip surgeries) could very likely not be ready to play come the start of the season, with Cole slated for a return in December most likely, and will need not only the newly acquired Kevin Connauton and Calle Rosen to step up, but may also need to pick up one more defensemen to help boost them especially if Johnson is not ready to go come the start of the season.

     

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  • 2019-20 NHL Previews – Chicago Blackhawks

    2019-20 NHL Previews – Chicago Blackhawks

    2018-19 Record: 36-34-12  84pts. – – 6th Place in Central

    Playoffs: Missed

     

    2019-20 Jersey Guide:

    CHI HomeCHI RoadCHI Alt

     

    Key Additions: F – Alexander Nylander, G – Robin Lehner, F – Ryan Carpenter, F – Andrew Shaw, D – Calvin de Haan, F – John Quenneville, D – Olli Maatta, F – Zack Smith

     

    Key Departures: D – Henri Jokiharju, F – Marcus Kruger, F – Andreas Martinsen, G – Anton Forsberg, D – Gustav Forsling, F – John Hayden, F – Dominik Kahun, F – Artem Anisimov, G – Cam Ward, F – Chris Kunitz

     

    2019-20 Preview:

    Going into the 2019 Offseason General Manager Stan Bowman needed to make some changes to a Chicago Blackhawks team that missed the playoffs and have been on the decline even before that. As part of the tinkering to the Blackhawks lineup it starts in between the pipes as the Blackhawks signed 2019 Masterton Trophy and William M. Jennings Trophy winner Robin Lehner to a one year deal.

     

    Bowman also did some tinkering to the defense as well by trading for Olli Maatta from the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Calvin de Haan from the Carolina Hurricanes with the hopes that they will be able to help the Blackhawks cut down on the goals against which was the second most behind the Ottawa Senators last season. The Blackhawks also re-acquired forward Andrew Shaw from the Montreal Canadiens to give them a net presence on offense. The Blackhawks also signed free agent forward Ryan Carpenter from Vegas, and traded for forward Alexander Nylander from Buffalo to help bolster their offense.

     

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  • 2019-20 NHL Previews – Carolina Hurricanes

    2019-20 NHL Previews – Carolina Hurricanes

    2018-19 Record: 46-29-7  99pts. – – 4th Place in Metropolitan (Wild Card)

    Playoffs: Lost in Eastern Conference Finals to Boston

     

    2019-20 Jersey Guide:

    CAR HomeCAR RoadCAR AltHAR Special

     

    Key Additions: F – Ryan Dzingel, F – Brian Gibbons, G – James Reimer, F – Erik Haula, G – Anton Forsberg, D – Gustav Forsling, D – Jake Gardiner (signed 9/6/19)

     

    Key Departures: F – Micheal Ferland, G – Curtis McElhinney, F – Greg McKegg, G – Scott Darling, D – Calvin de Haan

     

    2019-20 Preview:

    After being one of the best stories of the 2018-19 season, the Carolina Hurricanes reinvigorated their franchise, along with some excellent “Bunch of Jerks” marketing thanks to Don Cherry, the Hurricanes stormed their way to the Eastern Conference Finals where they would eventually fall to the Boston Bruins.

     

    For the Hurricanes they did some minor tinkering to their lineup. The re-signed forward Sebastian Aho and goalie Petr Mrazek, and then traded for goalie James Reimer, and forward Erik Haula. Then the signing of forward Ryan Dzingel helped solidify their offense in the top six.

     

    The Hurricanes will look to duplicate their success this past season in the 2019-20 season, and they have the ingredients to do so. It’s up to them to continue to grow and evolve their game, and keep skating in the right direction.

     

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  • 2019-20 NHL Previews – Calgary Flames

    2019-20 NHL Previews – Calgary Flames

    2018-19 Record: 50-25-7  107pts – – 1st Place in Pacific

    Playoffs: Lost in First Round to Colorado

     

    2019-20 Jersey Guide:

    CAL HomeCAL RoadCAL AltCAL 2

     

    Key Additions: G – Cam Talbot, F – Byron Froese, F – Milan Lucic

     

    Key Departures: G – Mike Smith, F – Garnet Hathaway, F – Tyler Graovac, D – Oscar Fantenberg, F – Curtis Lazar, D – Dalton Prout, F – James Neal, D – Michael Stone

     

    2019-20 Preview:

    For a team that had their best regular season since the won the Stanley Cup in 1989, the Calgary Flames only made two key additions after losing seven players from their roster this offseason, but their two key additions had a horrible 2018-19 season.

     

    Cam Talbot is coming to Calgary to replace the departing Mike Smith after going 11-17-3 with a 3.40 GAA and an .892 Save % in 35 games last season. Talbot will be paired with young goaltender David Rittich, who stepped up his game last season, as they will split the duties together, but Talbot will need to bounce back to his 2016-17 form when he won 42 games with the Edmonton Oilers if he expects to be the number one guy in Calgary.

     

    Also one of the biggest moves for the Flames was trading forward James Neal, who had signed a multi year deal with the Flames last summer, to the Oilers for forward Milan Lucic who had been struggling in Edmonton since signing his seven year contract there a few seasons ago. This was actually a good trade for both sides. IT was evident that things were not working out for Neal in Calgary, and Lucic needed a fresh start somewhere else. Only time will tell though as to how both players will respond to their new surroundings.

     

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  • 2019-20 NHL Previews – Buffalo Sabres

    2019-20 NHL Previews – Buffalo Sabres

    2018-19 Record: 33-39-10  76pts – – 6th Place in Atlantic

    Playoffs: Missed

     

    2019-20 Jersey Guide:

    BUF HomeBUF RoadBUF 50

     

    Key Additions: D – Henri Jokiharju, F – Marcus Johansson, F – Curtis Lazar, F – Jean-Sebastian Dea, F – Jimmy Vesey, G – Andrew Hammond, D – Colin Miller, Coach – Ralph Krueger

     

    Key Departures: F – Alexander Nylander, D – Matt Tennyson, G – Scott Wedgewood, Coach – Phil Housley, F – Jason Pominville

     

    2019-20 Preview:

    After two failed seasons under head coach Phil Housley, the Buffalo Sabres decided to fire Housley and hire Ralph Krueger as there new coach. Krueger, who was a leading candidate two years ago, takes the reigns to a Buffalo team that has been revamped once again. General Manager Jason Botterill has utilized this offseason to give star forward and captain Jack Eichel players to surround himself with.

     

    After locking up forward Jeff Skinner to an extension, Botterill went out and acquired defensemen Henri Jokiharju and Colin Miller in separate trades, and brought in forward Jimmy Vesey via trade, and forward Marcus Johansson via free agency. With Miller, Vesey, and Johansson the Sabres gained valuable playoff experience, especially with Miller and Johansson who both played in the 2018 and 2019 Stanley Cup Finals respectively.

     

    Also the Sabres will be looking to Vesey and Johansson to contribute to the team’s scoring as last season Eichel, Skinner, and Sam Reinhart combined for 90 of the 221 goals scored last season. This could be the season the Sabres can take that next step. They had a good start last season, but then collapsed in the second half of the season. If the Sabres start strong, and remain consistent, then they can be a playoff contender.

     

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  • 2019-20 NHL Previews – Boston Bruins

    2019-20 NHL Previews – Boston Bruins

    2018-19 Record: 49-24-9  107pts – – 2nd Place in Atlantic

    Playoffs: Lost in Stanley Cup Finals to St. Louis

     

    2019-20 Jersey Guide:

    BOS HomeBOS Road

     

    Key Additions: F – Brett Ritchie, F – Par Lindholm, F – Brendan Gaunce

     

    Key Departures: F – Marcus Johansson, F – Noel Acciari

     

    2019-20 Preview:

    After coming one win away from another Stanley Cup Championship in this decade, the Boston Bruins did some minor tinkering to their lineup as they let forwards Marcus Johansson and Noel Acciari walk in free agency, and then in return signed forwards Brett Ritchie and Par Lindholm.

     

    With these moves the Bruins decided to stand pat with their roster as they are pleased with the core that they have. both defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo have resigned, and Zdeno Chara will be returning for another season.

     

    The Bruins will be a strong team agin in 2019-20, and if they can stay healthy will be in for another strong playoff push.

     

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  • Breaking News: Justin Williams Taking Time Off – Not Expected to Start the Season

    Breaking News: Justin Williams Taking Time Off – Not Expected to Start the Season

    In shocking news today Carolina Hurricanes captain announced that he will not be joining the team for the start of the 2019-20 season and will be taking a break from hockey instead.

     

    This news comes at a time when all teams are starting to gear up for Training Camp to prepare for the upcaming season. In a statement releaed by the Hurricanes, Williams had the following to say:

    “This is the first time in my life that I’ve felt unsure of my aspirations with regards to hockey. For as long as I can remember, my whole off-season until this point has been hockey and doing what was necessary to prepare for the upcoming season. Because of my current indecision, and without the type of mental and physical commitment that I’m accustomed to having, I’ve decided to step away from the game.

    “It’s important to me that the focus of attention is on the current, very talented group the Carolina Hurricanes have assembled, as they prepare to build on the momentum and growth we established last season.”

     

    Williams, who is 37 years old, has played in 1244 career NHL games with the Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, and Washington Capitals. Williams is also a three time Stanley Cup Champion with Carolina (2006) and with Los Angeles (2012 and 2014), and won the Conn Smythe in 2014. Williams also recorded 312 goals, 474 assists for 786 points in his NHL career.

     

    Of the decision, Hurricanes President and General Manager had the following to say:

    “We appreciate Justin’s honesty and openness throughout this process, and respect his decision.He’s been an important part of our team, but we did prepare our roster with the understanding that he might step away. We are confident in the group we’ve assembled.”

     

    Only time will tell in regards to what Williams will ultimately decide to do, but whatever he chooses to do he knows it will be right in his heart.

  • 2019-20 NHL Previews – Arizona Coyotes

    2019-20 NHL Previews – Arizona Coyotes

    2018-19 Record: 39-35-8  86pts – – 4th Place in Pacific Division

    Playoffs: Missed

     

    2019-20 Jersey Guide:

    ARI HomeARI RoadARI Alt

     

    Key Additions: F – Phil Kessel, F – Beau Bennett, F – Carl Soderberg, D – Aaron Ness

     

    Key Departures: F – Alex Galchenyuk, F – Richard Panik, F – Nick Cousins, G – Calvin Pickard, D – Kevin Connauton

     

    2019-20 Preview:

    Going into the 2019-20 NHL season the Arizona Coyotes have positioned themselves into a better position, specifically offensively. With the offseason aquistions of forwards Carl Soderberg and Phil Kessel. Despite trading away forward Alex Galchenyuk, and losing Richard Panik and Nick Cousins to free agency the Coyotes still came out better when the got both Soderberg and Kessel.

     

    To put this in perspective, last season the Coyotes scored 209 goals which was third fewest in the NHL. In his past 11 seasons Kessel has scored at least 20, with six of those seasons scoring more than 30 goals. The 2011-12 season when Radim Vrbata scored 35 goals was the last time a Coyotes player hit the 30  goal mark. So the addition of Kessel is huge for the Coyotes. Plus the reuniting of Kessel with head coach Rick Tocchet will be a huge key as well as it was noted that the two had a very strong relationship in Pittsburgh the two seasons they won the Stanley Cup.

     

    Arizona made some good solid moves this offseason, and if things go their way and they can stay healthy, have a good shot of making the playoffs this season.

     

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