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The Bolts
Yesterday at Raw Charge, Geo took a look back at the 2005 draft for the Tampa Bay Lightning. It was a draft with a whole lot of star power, but the Bolts were picking last so they missed out on a lot of it. [Raw Charge]
There are some great players to pick from in here. Up front, James Neal and Paul Stastny. Justin Abdelkader is also here, but he pales in comparison to Neal and Stastny. Neal is a better goal scorer, but Stastny as put up more points over his career. There’s also Ondrej Pavelec in goal who sits at 398 games played in the NHL. Despite his longevity and becoming a full time starter at the age of 22 in 2009-10, he hasn’t exactly been a star goaltender, though he has a Gold and Bronze medal at the World Championships and an AHL championship under his belt.
A daily reminder that the Player Grades are still available for your votes! To the Masthead, Alan has made a spreadsheet for us to place our grades well, so don’t forget to add your ever-valuable input! [Raw Charge]
Just like last year, we’re opening the process to all the readers to join in with the writers in grading the players. We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey using the typical A-F grading scale for thirteen forwards, eight defenders, and two goalies. The more people who respond the better so we encourage everyone to get involved.
The Prospects
Two days ago, the Syracuse Crunch won game three of their series against the Cleveland Monsters. [Raw Charge]
The Syracuse Crunch have not done anything the traditional way this season. Their North Division title came on the next to last day of the season with six rookies in the line-up. Throughout the season, they looked like world beaters one night and a beer-league team the next. They took too many penalties and had too many turnovers. Yet, they somehow won more than they lost. On Tuesday night, they used their off-kilter style to keep from getting swept as they held on to defeat the Cleveland Monsters 2-1 in Game 3 of their five game series.
Today, they have a chance to bring the series back home to Syracuse for a chance at the reverse sweep.
“We had a little bit more confidence yesterday and we were making better plays.”
— y - Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) April 24, 2019
Dominik Masin on the team finding their game in Game 3. #SYRvsCLE pic.twitter.com/N83G15gdzS
During the day leading up to the big game, feel free to have a look at where Cal Foote came from! Don’t say his leg.
Mountains, pro sports and Red Rocks Amphitheater. What more could you want?
— y - Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) April 24, 2019
Learn more about where Cal Foote grew up with Crunch Hometowns presented by Go Butterfly Travel. pic.twitter.com/Ov06TcaKO4
The Orlando Solar Bears are already in the second round and have game one against the Florida Everblades set for Friday evening.
"We look at our whole team — we need all 10 forwards, all six 'D' and both goalies to produce every night. Everybody's gotta be pulling on the same rope."
— Orlando Solar Bears (@OrlandoHockey) April 24, 2019
Coach Berehowsky fields questions from the media at practice this morning. Game 1 at Florida is this Friday. pic.twitter.com/diY0He661T
Sammy Walker? We know one of those!
Five Big Ten rookies recorded 20 or more points in 2018-19 and the #Gophers were the only program with two of them.
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 24, 2019
B1G Freshman of the Year Sammy Walker led all league rookies with 26 points while Blake McLaughlin finished fifth with 20 points. #PrideOnIce #BMWLine pic.twitter.com/agIQmy6aLy
The Game
The Toronto Marlies beat the Rochester Americans in a sweep, sending them to the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. They’ll play the Crunch or the Monsters starting sometime next week. For a recap of the game, check out PensionPlanPuppets.com around 8am or 9am where my game recap will be.
#Marlies sweep the Rochester Americans in 3 games. Now they wait until the Syracuse Crunch and Cleveland Monsters figure out their series. Monsters up 2-1 currently.
— Hardev Lad (@HardevLad) April 25, 2019
The Carolina Hurricanes did the thing. They really did the thing. They beat the Washington Capitals in seven games, needing double overtime and Justin Williams primary assist magic to get it done. They actually did it. Wait, why am I surprised after the playoffs we’ve seen this spring? This whole courtroom is out of order! [Canes Country]
That run will continue, after a heart-stopping 4-3 double-overtime win at Capital One Arena on Wednesday night, eliminating the Capitals and sending the Hurricanes through to the second round, where they will face the New York Islanders in the second round beginning Friday. All four division champions in the 2018-19 season were eliminated in the first round, and it was the Hurricanes - the Carolina Hurricanes! - administering the knockout blow.
Bend the knee https://t.co/0Iq7Mtvz7B
— Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) April 25, 2019
Mike McKenna has a podcast and he had Greg Millen on for the show!
My interview with the man that inspired me to be a goaltender. Thanks again for sharing your story and wisdom, @gregmillen! #6DMM is available on all major podcast apps and providers. Feedback encouraged! https://t.co/mTQUTTCs4u
— Mike McKenna (@MikeMcKenna56) April 24, 2019
Roberto Luongo is the best. Full stop.
“Daddy this ride is scary”
— Strombone (@strombone1) April 24, 2019
“Don’t be scared honey I’ll protect you! You gotta be brave like daddy” pic.twitter.com/WnFSvVN7P2
Highlight of the Night: What else but the 2OT winner.
The goal heard round the world! pic.twitter.com/dRun0WgIhz
— Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) April 25, 2019