TurdBurglar

Zito has said they aren't letting Bennett or Ekblad see free agency. Could be GM posturing, but if not, I don't expect Bennett to be available July 1st.

There's a few. One notable UFA is Ekblad. The fact he hasn't signed an extension with Florida yet is surprising. Most likely they will lock him up before July 1st, but it's something to keep an eye on. According to Zito, they don't have any plan to have Ekblad or Bennett see the open market, but it's worth watching.

The last couple of years he pretty much was in player development. Now he can focus more on others and far less on himself. I think it's a great move for him.

They really do suck. It sounds as if Petterrson is as good as gone this off-season, which is reminiscent of the Crawford/Luongo situation a couple of years ago. Trade one to make the other happy, and trade the other one anyway because they're still unhappy. I also read Hughes may of let the Canucks know that if the team doesn't turn this around before the end of his contract, in 2 years, he'll be looking to go play with his brothers.

Nelson is a good player, but at 33, I think he's too old for the stage the team is in. By the time they are ready for his skillset, he'll be on the wrong side of 35. Bennett is more of the age we should be looking for. From a value perspective, Anderson a prime candidate for a good return in a trade. He had a good year and an impactful playoff series. Not sure that he should be traded because of the role he fills currently. I'm not sold Newhook should stay or go. He's 24 but he can also slot back and forth on the 2nd and 3rd lines. He doesn't necessarily excel at anything, but doesn't have any glaring weaknesses. If he's satisfied with being primarily a 3rd liner for now, he's a great fit. He does have the potential to play himself into the 2nd line. I'm of the opinion that if Matheson can get us a younger (under 29) 2C, or aspiring C (Savoie from Edmonton just as an example) ready to break in the NHL or a top-4 RD, he's going to be attractive for some team out there. I'd be all for trading him. I'm not sure trading Struble is the best idea. He's not going to fetch much of a return, so it's just gutting depth on D.

With 2 retention spots open after this season, this off-season would be a great time to retain 50% on Laine, and potentially Matheson too, to fill the 2C and get a top-4 RD. I'm almost ready to be done with Dach. I love the potential he has, but he's quickly turning into Laine without the massive offensive upside. He's never played a full season and has had 3 season ending injuries in his 6 year career. I'll admit, I was worried about goaltending going forward, but Dobes is proving to be a very dependable goalie. Going to create some good problems with the crease being crowded.

Just from that hit from Guhle on Protas, there's not much being called tonight.

It's a playoff game, the refs are going to be hard pressed if they don't to try to even the calls up by the end of the game. The Capitals are in trouble if they do even it up.

There's a target on Anderson's and Wilson's back. Wilson is trying to play as clean as he can because of it. Spoke too soon.

Slaf needs to tap into that strength for the playoffs. He needs to be a physical force, at least in the playoffs, since he will never light up the scoresheet like a typical 1st overall is expected to.

Demidov to Slafkovsky. The future is bright.

Guhle got a penalty for interference in the first because the puck was around Duhaime when he pushed him. Duhaime just did the exact same to Matheson, no call. If they are going to call soft, call it consistent. That was a weak call on Armia. I just don't understand.

Caps looked more dangerous that period, a few great chances missed the net. Montreal didn't quite look as dangerous.

Bad penalty by Xhekaj. They are clearly calling interference tonight.

So a little push with Duhaine around the puck is a penalty, but getting a stack slashed out of you hands in the middle of the ice with 2 refs in plain view isn't.