Official NHL Season 2016-2017 Thread

[philou21]

Seems the firings in Florida connect at least in part to a different perspective on analytics, with the linked article saying "The Panthers' ownership and other team officials want the club to rely heavily on advanced statistics, and Gallant and Kelly were not the biggest fans of the analytics craze" http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/flor ... d-gallant/

The team wasn't doing that bad lately I think they were 6-4 in their last 10. Trigger happy GM if you ask me. There might have been differences between them but Gallant did an amazing job last year as the Panthers HC. I'm curious how the year will end for them now.

It wasn't about the results, it was because Gallant and Kelly didn't buy into the philosophy that management (and the owners) have for the team.

I was already aware of that but since the team wasn't doing that bad I still think it's a bit stupid. Especially after Gallant broke several team records last year.

[CJ]

I really like Gallant, and don't get that decision at all. As a Panthers fan, I really dislike Rowe now even more.

[riazorblues86]

Well, i'll really shock 'bout this.. As far as i know, he doing good job with panthers.. But mybe there is a clash of interest both him n rowe that ending him being fired.. Who knows..

[Peter_Doherty]

I was already aware of that but since the team wasn't doing that bad I still think it's a bit stupid. Especially after Gallant broke several team records last year.

He did it with some unsustainable underlying stats though (High PDO, GF% way over xGF% etc), and given the direction of that entire organisation i'm not surprised they fired him. They're all about sustainable strong underlying stats.

[Peter_Doherty]

I really like Gallant, and don't get that decision at all. As a Panthers fan, I really dislike Rowe now even more.

Shouldn't put it on Rowe, it's the entire organisation that has a different view then Gallant, starts at the 'new' owners.

Gallant will land on his feet and i think this will make Panthers a better team long term.

[CJ]

Florida players are taking blame for the sacking. A nice thing to do. They respected the coach and probably thought he didn't deserve it as it sounds.

I thought Capuano would be the first one to go this season. BUT the majority of the Isle players has been VERY inconsistent, so not on him I'd say?!
I don't see anyone else under performing right now, maybe Detroit. More teams are over performing I'd say which is the reason good teams are a bit low.

Dallas is doing bad no surprise for me. rubbish Goalies and bad defence. Just got great offence.

Edmonton "over performing" cuz no one is used to it and that Division is weak this year.

Ottawa is "over performing". No chance that will hold up till the end.

Columbus as well will drop down. Werenski will calm down as a Calder and so will CBJ.

(I'd even give him the Calder at this moment, Auston 2nd, Laine 3rd) and this is coming from a Finn!

[Peter_Doherty]

Capuano should have been fired long ago, he's just bad. Look at what he's doing to poor Tavares, playing him with Clutterbuck.

[A9L3E]

(I'd even give him the Calder at this moment, Auston 2nd, Laine 3rd) and this is coming from a Finn!

The Finnish media would have one believe he is the second Gretzky.

[philou21]

Florida players are taking blame for the sacking. A nice thing to do.

From what I've heard from Marchessault, Gallant was appreciated by the players and they're surprised that he's fired.

Ottawa is "over performing". No chance that will hold up till the end.

I was watching a game last week and when they put the line-up on screen I was really wondering how the hell they were keeping up that pace. I would say Anderson right now is what keeps them in the race but I doubt they/he will maintain the rythm.

[Bam_Margera]

Edmonton "over performing" cuz no one is used to it and that Division is weak this year.

A favorable October-schedule made them look good. But currently they are back to their habits of the past 10 years.

[CJ]

But currently they are back to their habits of the past 10 years.

Everyone else in that divison has a positive "last 10" games also. Which is rare..

[Aladyyn]

NHL officiating is pure garbage. It's like they blow the whistle at random.

[A9L3E]

And NHL is supposed to have the best referees in the world.

I have been thinking if there even is such a thing as a good referee, at least according to the spectators.

[riazorblues86]

Cory Schneider play really below par.. Worst ever in 2 years.. Before his the reason devils had a chance to get a win.. Now he the reason lose the point..

[nino33]

Interesting interview with Panther GM/Head Coach Tom Rowe on Hockey Night in Canada tonight.....Rowe said the owner called him in the second period about Gallant, Rowe essentially stuck up for Gallant and suggested mid-December as a time to make a move if necessary, but the owner disagreed and wanted Gallant fired immediately.....the commentators on HNIC were surprised by Rowe's honesty, and suggested he may be looking for his next job already (they noted the firing of Gallant has been universally condemned in the "hockey world" and Rowe may have made it clear it wasn't his doing in an effort to get a future job)

Florida is clearly the poster boy now for analytics (especially after previously firing their Director of Scouting and most of the Scouts)...it'll be interesting to see the results they obtain in the coming years

[philou21]

Crazy game between Pitts and Ottawa!

Habs lost Galchenyuk for an undetermined period. That suck he was having a very good season so far.

[Aladyyn]

This is the year Ristolainen breaks into Norris talks. Best player on the Sabres this season and the one guy that we can always count on.

[CJ]

Very unfortunate.

[nino33]

This is the year Ristolainen breaks into Norris talks. Best player on the Sabres this season and the one guy that we can always count on.

Just wondering (I don't know the answer myself), has the Norris ever gone to a minus player on a non-playoff team?

[nino33]

Very unfortunate.

Unfortunate yes (without doubt), but looked like a clean hit and Larsen just oblivious to anything but the puck

[ClassicSwarley]

That hit looked brutal but clean. Hope Larsen will be okay.

[philou21]

Very unfortunate.

What upset me the most is the players starting to brawl right beside him. One of his teammates hits his head with his skate trying to act tough and another player almost slice his throat/face jumping into the pack. That's ridiculous.

At least the goalie and another player were bright enough to protect him.

[A9L3E]

What upset me the most is the players starting to brawl right beside him. One of his teammates hits his head with his skate trying to act tough and another player almost slice his throat/face jumping into the pack. That's ridiculous.

At least the goalie and another player were bright enough to protect him.

I noticed the same thing. The guy clearly gets a head injury, and they go kicking his head around.

[CJ]

This is the year Ristolainen breaks into Norris talks. Best player on the Sabres this season and the one guy that we can always count on.

Just wondering (I don't know the answer myself), has the Norris ever gone to a minus player on a non-playoff team?

Haha. Not that I recall. Closest one I can find is 2011/12 Erik Karlsson with +7 and that year for Ottawa a last place on the playoff spot.

[Aladyyn]

I don't think there has ever been a Norris winner that didn't make the playoffs that season