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Everything posted by IBatch
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That’s a “ dumb “ Nuck statement. A rebuilding team coach has a bad winning percentage to start his career imagine that. Green still doesn’t have an average NHL defense to work with - it’s close, but not there yet ... his first year was absolute trash. Team gets better and his winning percentage goes up go figure. You don’t fire a coach for overachieving.
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Yep. He sure is. Crazy that out of that great Finnish junior team only Laine has managed to stick from that draft. Bet OJ regrets his cocky remarks about the gym now, saying you can’t teach smarts and showing disdain for the gym, if he took it more seriously maybe his body wouldn’t have failed him as much. Sure he’s a pro now as far as that is concerned and hope he’s working his butt off in the gym to gain the strength and durability he will need going forward. Watching him live he was decent. But Brisbois was obviously miles ahead as far as defense or the other side of the puck goes. People need to temper their expectations. He’s already considered one of the biggest busts the past 20 drafts on most lists.
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Absolutely.... the only thing is had MT played his rookie year with us every draft after that would have been different...maybe no EP and probably no Hughes for sure... will take it as a lucky for us moment. OJ still might make the league and play 500-700 games for us which would make it one of the more accidentally on purpose or luck or whatever moments in our draft history. I’d agree with your comment though - if we had MT and the same other guys it would be set with our forward group for sure. OJ didn’t awe this year in the AHL, not even close, but he wasn’t terrible either. At this point I don’t have any expectations other then a depth player...top four is likely not going to happen at his age - but a bottom pairing injury call-up seems realistic. If he does get it together and manage to win a spot and move up the lineup even better for us. An Edler replacement is a big ask...if he manages that we are very well set up for the future.
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As long as U2 is kept in past where it belongs.
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NHL's "Super 16" goaltender list has Markstrom at 13
IBatch replied to cuporbust's topic in Canucks Talk
How many goals would Bobby Hull have scored if he chose to remain in the NHL? Or Howe for that matter too...it’s interesting to know that if you combine all regular season goals, WHA and NHL and playoff goals too, Howe scored (read this but never bothered adding up) I think only a few (might actually be one) goals less then Wayne Gretzky did (playoffs included). When the NHL took them to court and lost, part of the restitution was that they’d have to play a few games ... WHA won one more game - that more then anything speaks to the legitimacy of the league .... and really the NHL owes them a lot, it forced them to expand to compete - added four franchises (eventually) and changed the draft to allow players in earlier extending the players earning power by two years. Time has taken away some of this, but those things still affect the league ... imagine if they didn’t fold and EDM and WNP battled each other for the AVCO cup Instead and the Oilers dynasty and Wayne Gretzky wasn’t part of NHL history? No sunbelt USA expansion too.. edit: Hull scored 913 goals in 1474 NHL/WHA games combined. He was also calculated to skate 30 miles an hour, faster then any NHLer has ever been clocked. But athletes are faster then ever right? Ha ha. Sure the average joe is as goons are gone but every generation had its speedsters. Larkins time is a farce as he was allowed to start behind the clock and timed after he passed the blue line...and they allow them to skate closer to the middle making a smaller lap....Bure is the fastest ever, even McDavid doesn’t look like he was shot out of a cannon and he’s the best at it right now. Digressing a bit but sometimes I feel that the you-tube generation won’t ever understand just how great hockey was in the 80’s and earlier too. Not just in the NHL too, the WHA and the Red Army/international tournaments too. Edit: There is a huge difference in talent between a 6, then 12 then 16, then 21 team league. It gets watered down even with hockey growth world-wide. A soon to be 32 league team .... wonder who would make the cut now in a 6-12 team league ... each team would be like an all-star team. -
Think you’ve missed the point...but since drafting is the topic... Factually he’s an above average drafter compared to other teams - moved up four spots ADP (average draft position) the past five years based on the quality of 21 and unders on the team and in the pool - from 7th average drafting spot up to the third best group. Could be a lot worse (EDM stunk for years because outside their first rounders nothing else at all to talk about, at least it didn’t help their cause)....but nothing like TB for example who’s drafting close to 30 and ranked in the top ten. That’s way above average exceptional drafting, Boston has done great too. However it does place him firmly in the top third just by moving up four spots, and heck won’t see me complaining...the best teams usually start with the best 22-23 and under groups and I’ll take top three anyday. Time will truly tell how good we’ve done..
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How dare he! But what about the picks? Ha ha. JB has proven that he’s at worst an average NHL GM.
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NHL's "Super 16" goaltender list has Markstrom at 13
IBatch replied to cuporbust's topic in Canucks Talk
It’s really nice to have another fan on this site to talk about hockey that doesn’t seem like ancient history to the bulk of fans that are on this site. 189lbs see’s things in a similar light but might be a little younger - but gets crap too often for saying it like it is. Tochett was a very special player. When Berube won as a coach I was so happy for him too. He had the toughest job in the NHL and did a commendable job at it - one of the fastest punchers ever and rarely lost a fight (do people even know that ?). Dale Hunter and Tochett will probably never be recognized for what they did as far as the HHOF - but as a fan I’d be stoked to see recognition. Maybe I’d be crazy to suggest this - but also think that Probert deserves inclusion posthumously given how well he did his job for that many years. For anyone who didn’t pay attention go and find out who went to his funeral - and who were the pal bearers. It’s the HHOF - and he had just as much FAME as most stars of his era and is unanimously considered the best fighter all-time. Plus he could actually play the game... off-topic a little bit since the HHOF is a current topic...wonder how many fans on this site have even set foot there...really it’s not that big - but a day is not long enough to do it justice. -
NHL's "Super 16" goaltender list has Markstrom at 13
IBatch replied to cuporbust's topic in Canucks Talk
Jagr forever will have a place in my heart for getting their bench back into the game and giving leaf land the most gigantic finger I’ve witnessed since Wayne Gretzky put LA on his back and dismantled them in 93. -
NHL's "Super 16" goaltender list has Markstrom at 13
IBatch replied to cuporbust's topic in Canucks Talk
Yuck and yes. The prime Borque Bruin era was always something to cheer for ... think that Ranford spoiled their best chance.... The Orr era was too good not to win more then two ... especially given that they had to play and expansion team...kind of silly. The “Giraffe” spoiled a cup too (Dryden)....he was truly one of the best ever by position. Losing a to Boston wasn’t as bad as losing in 94. That was devastating after game six where we dominated them. Game 7 was as even as any game seven has ever been in the modern era (since expansion) the best game seven since I was born. Felt we could score one more goal even at the last face off in their zone with a few seconds on the clock. Crushing. Don’t hate Boston, never will, I RESPECT them. Edit: also I’m not yelling when I say respect... not groovy with the internet lingo. No dis-respect meant to your post one bit. I’m 100% agreeing with you that playing and losing to Boston sullied them somewhat... -
NHL's "Super 16" goaltender list has Markstrom at 13
IBatch replied to cuporbust's topic in Canucks Talk
You bet - what I was trying to say was Pierre Turgeon was no Joe Junaeu in that he had more then one spectacular season...pretty consistent throughout his career ... Kerr almost is in Bure/Lindros territory as in his career was cut short ... just too short - was a huge power forward and great player ... -
NHL's "Super 16" goaltender list has Markstrom at 13
IBatch replied to cuporbust's topic in Canucks Talk
Yeah it’s a strange Barasso is still snubbed - a decade ago they were still saying he wasn’t getting in (yet) because he was prickly and didn’t make friends well. And where’s Turgeon? Yes he never got a first or second all-star vote playing behind WG, Lemieux, Yzerman, Messier, Hawerchuk early then Lindros, Forsberg, Sakic etc...but was close a couple times and how many of these guys managed a 58 goal 132 season...well how many all-time. No Joe Juneau either wasn’t his only 100 point effort and was almost a PGP during the dead puck era later in his career. No cups I guess ... his plus 139 shows he was pretty good on the other side of the puck too, especially considering he played more then half his career or on some not so good teams. Recchi, has cups and longevity going but was a plus zero.... I’m not sure why he’s not in yet ... If Sundin gets in the bar is set fine for Pierre to get in as well. PT has a better PGP - close enough in points. I guess Sundin does have a gold medal ... And for older goalies...Glenn Halls career sp has also been calculated, .921 .... that’s close to Hasek territory and as good as any modern day elite. He was a pioneer with the butterfly - so maybe that’s part of it... -
NHL's "Super 16" goaltender list has Markstrom at 13
IBatch replied to cuporbust's topic in Canucks Talk
Like Cujo but with the bling. For me he gets in because of what he did with Vegas more then anything else. He proved he could do it without a great support system in place. He’s been their MVP the past three years without exception. His stats are not elite but he does have the penchant for shutting the door and making Hasek like saves. Shutouts help that too. Osgood is a little like Broduer in that he played behind great teams ... that said they had no business getting back to the final without him ... he was their MVP and it was his best playoff performance by far (and the cup the year before he was a worthy Conn Smythe candidate too - yes he should be in because of that - three cups two as a starter) ... he was Detroit’s favourite for the Conn Smythe has they managed two in a row for sure. Barrasso and Mogilny are similar in that they had one great season and aside from that were just very good. Still stars but not really elite. Cups matter and think they both will get in. Vernon is a different pickle. Never a top goalie during the regular season, close but again not elite - but his playoff performances might get him in eventually. I’d be ok with all these guys getting the call - especially given recently the bar seems to be set a little lower. The thing that bugs me the most about today’s goalies is how they pad their stats with OT and SO wins. Luongo’s W/L column would take a huge hit / Lundqvists almost 90 less...wow. MAF and Lundqvists stats wouldn’t look much different then Vernons right now - and Luongos would drop to not much more then Osgoods... Edit: Also as far as goalies go another thing bugs me. They used to be tiny guys wearing leather pads much smaller then today’s equipment that could gain as much as 20lbs over a game in water weight. Fans think goalies are “so much better” then they used to be. The butterfly was the great equalizer as 9 out of 10 shots went in along the ice ... drop down every time and you get a .900 sp. a Thing is some goalies like Parent and Dryden ... experts have gone back and calculated the shots and goals and arrived at career sp that are better then Luongo’s, Belfours, Broduers and Roys....AND they did it primarily standing up - placing rebounds exactly where they wanted it to go along the way. Esposito too although he did drop down a lot for his era. Foolish thinking IMO. Vernon at 5’6” (that’s his actual height) was an incredible athlete. One of the best glove hands ever. Yeah he should be in. Did it for multiple teams too. And beat up Roy ha ha ha. -
Boston has been to the finals three times and won once...mostly on goaltending and great penalty killing in 2011. Yes we’ve had some big teams, we were the bigger tougher team in 94 and lost. The late 90’s were arguably our toughest teams ever and we sucked for the most part. LA won on Quicks back more then anything else. Especially their first cup. Wouldn’t call them particularly big sIze wise. I love me a big rough and tough team but can only think of three cups that had a lot to do with size and toughness. PHI back to back (and take away Robinson and the Habs weren’t that big. The Bruins and PHI teams were tougher and rougher but couldn’t beat them) - and ANA lone cup against OTT. You hit the nail on the head with CHI and PIT - aside from PIT first Crosby cup those teams had barely any toughness or size .... CHI their first one had some, the next two pure skill based. EDM wasn’t a big team... they were average for that time period but definitely had toughness couldn’t survive without some. Myers made our team average go up...add Tryamkin and don’t think many teams would be bigger then us if any - does that mean he’s the missing ingredient to playoff success? Id safely argue that the more skilled team usually wins the cup ... when it comes down to attrition depth is important too. Goaltending would be included in the skill department and is way more important than anything else. Roy proved that, as did Ranford (.936 sp EDMs last cup, one they said would never happen) as did Parent as did Quick and Thomas more recently. Again not saying I don’t want size as I do - but not size just for the sake of size. Rather have a Williams, or Asham, or Domi, or Keane, or Walker way before a 6’4” pussycat like Pyatt wouldn’t you?
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That’s about it. Lowe is better then he’s getting credit for on this forum (so far), he was a shut down defender, tough as nails and the defensive conscience on all five cup winners of the most exciting dynasty in NHL history..adding a cup too (won’t talk about that). You can bet EDM fans thought he should have been in the HHOF a long time ago. Six cups means something. It’s why Wilson kept getting snubbed (zero cups) agree he’s long overdue ... Not sure I agree with the decision and if this just lowered the bar for a guy like Adam Foote who’s a decent comparable. But I can definitely see the reasoning is debatable. His point totals are Lowe-ish ha ha ... but it’s not always about that (didn’t check but pretty sure his 431 points puts him firmly in the top 100 all-time list too, close to where Jovo is anyways)...For a decade he was considered one of the best defensive defenseman in the league - top 3 at least (Langway kept him from the top the most), and garnered Norris consideration four times, and votes for first and second berth All-star 10 times ... don’t believe Ohlund ever did that. Or Edler. Not fair comparisons...Ohlund was better then Edler IMO too BTW - again not always about the points. Can’t see aside from the LTIR whining why anyone wouldn’t think Hossa is deserving...yes even over Mogilny. His two-way game was Crosby level. Something Mogilny wasn’t known for. And he put up a ton of points while doing it, three cups etc, finals on two other teams (and a key member on both those teams too). He’s a winner. Not sure what Mogilny you guys watched, he was like Kovalev while here - amazing some nights - non-existant others. Glad he went on and won a Cup with NJ, without it he wouldn’t be getting the call over players like Nichols and Turgeon who waited long enough too. Or Theo Fluery. Or maybe Roenick. If anything I will agree that the bar does seem to be slowly creeping down. COL fans must be stoked - some of them have been calling for Foote in the HHOF (that’s a level lower...six cups again means something and Lowe was definitely a core member of five of those cups wins, maybe all six but I’m not going to consider that). That’s going too far, I for one can live with Lowe in the HHOF, and understand what he did during the 80’s and early 90’s which put him there. Other players in similar roles in dynasties from earlier decades made it playing a similar role. There is a reason why for years Vlasic regularly was viewed as a top 25-35 player in any position - making top 50 for a decade or so....over goalies, centres and other defenders and some prolific wingers. If we had to find a comparable for today’s game I suppose he’d do.
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NHL's "Super 16" goaltender list has Markstrom at 13
IBatch replied to cuporbust's topic in Canucks Talk
That’s a tad unfair for MAF, considering he played a lot of games one of the two back to backs when Murray was down and played better then Murray in that playoff - then was jettisoned to Vegas where he took his team all the way to game 6 of the final - easily their best player. He’s often among the league leader in SO’s .... and has pretty much cemented his name in the HHOF. -
(proposal) My Vancouver offseason
IBatch replied to Nicklas Bo Hunter's topic in Proposals and Armchair GM'ing
Interesting OP. Would suck to lose Demko for a second but it’s a realistic view - just not sure we’d be in a great position to make a Demko trade before the ED - at least not with some stellar play first (and then we’d want to keep him ha ha). LE isn’t going to Seattle for a second. A first maybe. I’d consider that a good trade as if he’s still around and wants to finish his contract that’s a better trade then the Marleau one for one year of play - because we wouldn’t lose Demko. Trading Sutter is a cap dump. We’d have to add a second and or a prospect and maybe get a lesser pick back 4-5th rounder. So that’s never going to happen. Think we need to put LE in the AHL, especially if we sign TT somehow. If we need cap space then Pearson is the more realistic trade. His stock is high and a deal similar to the one we did with TT but lesser is a possibility. A second and a prospect or maybe just a second. That, plus not keeping Leivo, burying LE should be plenty enough to re-sign Markstrom, JV and McEwen. If not Pearson then maybe Roussel. We have enough depth in the AHL to make some adds next year - other then this our best move is to do just enough to keep as much of the team together- and let the cap shed naturally which it’s definitely going to do. We probably can’t afford Pearson long term anyways. -
Actually liked the RE3 remake more ... and RE2 original at the time was the bomb so lots of nostalgia connected to that ... RE3 was also great at the time (got stuck 2/3 through and quit thinking it was the final battle end of game and couldn’t beat the Nemesis)...a year or so later a guy on a job site had a RE3 t-shirt and we got talking about - found out it wasn’t the end battle, that night tried again and defeated him first try ha ha ... my only issue with the re-makes is they are too short...nothing like the originals in that aspect. RE4 of course is a top five all-time game any genres...still play that once a year or so (the Wi version is the best as you have to use the controller a gun although the digitally re-masters one for the ps4 is balls too).. Have fun - these are great games...if they did RE4 again and didn’t cut it short it would become the greatest game ever ...
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That’s some dedication- kudos to you for spending the time to research the first team we are up against. MIN isn’t far off us “on paper”, they have a lot more experience and some very good young players too. I agree we are definitely deeper (then most other teams too), and I’m glad that ties go to us, think they will be close games and this could end up a deciding factor. It’s fun to debate and talk about ... hopefully hockey will come back. The US is a bit of a mess still dealing with Covid, the players would be wise to get out of dodge and join the tournament.
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Yep. The “man” - or employers are the only reason anyone have a job in the first place. We live in a country that anyone who’s willing to work hard enough they can build a nest egg and start a business. It’s those types (the ones who are willing to put 60-80 hours a week in to establish themselves) that provide the 35 hour “full-time” work week for everyone else. If your not fond of your job or employer spend the time to learn the skills to get a different one. And there are 1000’s of good corporations to work for too. The only one stopping anyone from this in Canada at least, is in the one in the mirror looking right back at you. Sure times are hard. Not the first time - but I’m sure the first time for many. Hopefully we as a species will come out of it stronger and more prepared for the next times. Grew up hearing about the Great Depression. Snacks in our house consisted of dried old bread - mostly crusts hard a rocks that were eaten with worchestire sauce - because nothing was wasted and thats one of the things my grandparents ate during those times and passed on. Couldn’t pass it on to my kids though - now it would probably constitute as “abusive”. Then they had to go fight a war for five years. Made them tough. Even during this pandemic there is still a lot of excess as far as food goes, maybe that will change but for now at least it’s available and it’s affordable. And at least the government is forking our billions to keep the wolves at bay for a lot of folks. Don’t re-call any stories of that during the Great Depression ... times have changed. Hopefully this will give some lazy folks a kick in the ass. But I’m sure a lot of them will just use this as an excuse to blame someone or something else. Natural selection also works in the job market...baby bombers and next up generation x can’t work forever, the next generations need to step up its their turn now and soon.
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Locally farmers have been complaining for months that the usual migrant workers haven’t been allowed to come into Canada and work the crops...when we have probably 50-100k people in there 18-23 year old age bracket sitting at home getting fed by mommy collecting CERB cheque’s...perfectly able bodies. It’s ridiculous really. Sad thing is they won’t do the work because it’s too “hard”. Or too “hot” or too “buggy” which is why farmers rely on migrant workers in the first place. It’s scary to think what might happen if we were ever invaded. Country would rely on 40-70 year olds to deal with it. Maybe a little extreme ... but not too far off the mark either. Used to be at 16-18 you went on your way to get on with life ... wonder what the average age kids leave the home now is?
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Reg S, PO's, Draft.. Dump It All For 2020
IBatch replied to Nuxfanabroad's topic in General Hockey Discussion
All that is mute given Linsman made it possible for all 18 year olds to get a chance to play in the NHL if they were good enough (which he most definitely was too)...and a judge agreed with him. If they can get drafted and sent to war at 18, and can vote are legal adults etc, they have a right to play too. Most 18 year olds get drafted and sent to a development league. I do agree it’s a lot easier for clubs waiting a year or two and drafting 19-20 year olds. A lot less misses and more hits. Also for this year anyways definitely see merit in them postponing the draft given conditional picks IF the return to play is scuttled. -
Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews tests positive for COVID-19
IBatch replied to Slegr's topic in General Hockey Discussion
Ugh. Looks like 11 players all asymptomatic with the exception of couple having low grade fevers - have tested positive so far out of over 200 players getting regular testing so far. 3 from TB and they’ve shut down training facilities to clean. This could definitely throw a wrench in things. I suppose it’s possible some already had it unknowingly...but given it’s a contact sport - especially if Marchand is playing and players don’t get splash shields ha ha ... argh. Not good news for the league and the fans. -
Vegas named NHL hub city when play resumes
IBatch replied to Cromeslab's topic in General Hockey Discussion
Zero interest to stay indoors. During a pandemic. Ok get into your car / go buy some gas, go sit in a park or loading beach, touch some things etc ha ha. Wow. Why are you on this site spending time talking about hockey if you have zero interest in watching any hockey? See you in November or whenever the next regular season starts up! Ok a bit mean but wow. If your so worried about how much they make then maybe go look in the mirror...did your mommy buy you a house or did you earn every cent yourself? I’m guessing the former. Do...the arithmetic. The risk barely registers. Leaving you house has more risk then they will have in their “ bubbles” and daily pre AND post game testing. Have you got a haircut? Bought any food the past 4 months? It’s a JOB - that they’ve been paid in full for ahead of time ... what makes it more important then any other “non-essential” business? Personally, from where I’m sitting / the entertainment value and the mental health strain on the Canadian citizens as a whole - I’d say this definitely qualifies as a “essential service “ and higher up then a few of the ones actually listed. Not everyone can afford to sit on their ass collecting CERB cheque’s and waiting this out. What makes pro hockey players do special that they shouldn’t have to go back to work too? Just a stupid post on a hockey site, I’m sorry. -
This has nothing to do with what I was taking about but thanks for spending the time to clear up nothing I’m not already aware of. They are elite athletes that enjoy all the privileges of that lifestyle. They haven’t made anything close to the sacrifices regular folks have made (they’ve been paid for a full season in advance and haven’t had to deliver on that ... must be nice). Also your wrong about only been paid during the regular season. The league has always put some money aside which split evenly by players that actually play in the playoffs and divided up each round. Recently it’s been around a 4 million dollar pool. I doubt they need to pay them this year - because again about 200 games less in revenue that they’ve been paid for ... but wouldn’t be surprised if they do anyways. Whatever salary issues come up the league is obviously more then willing to get this rolling and it can be dealt with when the time is right. Like next season. At least some revenue will come out of it right? I’m sure the players are very aware of that too. Better to make some money then constant negative. A grade two student could figure that out learning arithmetic. Im glad you feel so much about these guys...I do too but let’s be realistic. Given the protocols in place and constant testing these guys have a way smaller chance of getting it then the average essential worker (grocery store staff, meat packers etc not even talking about front line staff)...why be so anal about their relatively tiny small sacrifices? They’ve been home - a lot of them have pretty swank pads / with all the toys and pools and whatever while a lot of regular folks have been stuffed into one or two bedroom apartments. I can empathize too, and personally feel that the players owe it to us fans to play. Millionaires ... all of them. Not sure what the point is your trying to make. My point was that a lot of them showed up right away, and a lot more are trickling in. Not hard to see that if it came down to a vote the NHLPA is already in. In Canada at least ALL government regulations have been cleared, the municipal (hub cities) mentioned all want them there, BC and Alberta have agreed to it - and our Prime Minister announced on Tuesday the federal government approves and its a green light. Travel is a non-issue (which was one of the big hurdles). Same with no mandatory isolation (another big hurdle). Sure a few - not a lot - but a few players might abstain because of family issues. Big deal. If that’s the hill you want to die on then go ahead. I’m sure most essential and non-essential workers would be over the moon to get 10% of the treatment these guys are going to get. Difference is if they said no thanks then 100 people would be lining up to take their job. Sure Brisbois or even OJ would be stoked to get some games in instead of Benn (again NOT a big deal). The league has worked hard on making this work - and it should too. Edit: As far as the “opt-out” pitch. Ha ha. Read some more articles of what some marquee and average players have been doing during this epidemic. I hope Laine opts out. Then he can get shamed and trashed because he’s spent most of his time golfing in Finland. A lot of players have left their homes and delivered food or made hospital visits too (good on them too!) It would make the majority of them complete hypocrites... I can tell you with complete conviction that if this happened 20 years ago not one person would opt out. Even if they were having a baby. Times have changed and the generation of players in now (well not Chara ha ha) needs to grow up and grab a pair, not be scared and maybe do the math. ONE person gets Covid and it throws a wrench into everything. You can bet the NHL will do absolutely everything they can to avoid that. It’s not like they are being asked to go fight a war. Just play some hockey - do their jobs like everyone else is.