Mitchell Marner, Canadian Charmer, Vegas First Line Wins Should Garner - NHL 2025-26

[MartyFunkhouser]

Rough game last night. That was an expected regression to the mean for Spencer Knight. That one game his expected goals saved above average went from first in the league down to 6th in the league.

[MartyFunkhouser]

I'm starting to think that the Mammoth can and will make the playoffs.

I'm also really excited about the Blackhawks again. They are showing life. Bedard looks like he is making a step. Nazar is going to be a bargain. Levshunov keeps on improving (although I kind of wish we went with Demidov seeing his play).

Lots of really great production from prospects. Kantserov may be the real deal, and hopefully he will be here next season.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...nesota-duluth/

Roman Kantserov | forward | second round, 2023 | 21 | Metallurg (KHL)

Kantserov has been the story among the Blackhawks’ prospects so far this season. He leads the KHL with 14 goals and is tied for eighth with 22 points. He’s averaging a point a game, something an under-23 player hasn’t done in the KHL since Kirill Kaprizov. Kantserov’s 32.6 shooting percentage probably isn’t sustainable, but he continues to prove he has the making of a top-six player for the Blackhawks. He is producing for himself and others. All eight of his assists have been primary ones. The confidence is there, and he’s been shown a lot of trust at Metallurg, too. He’s playing center on the top line and averaging 17:23 of ice time. In case you were wondering, all indications are still that he’s expected to sign with the Blackhawks after this season.

[MartyFunkhouser]

The standings in the East are wild right now.

HIghest point total = 19
Lowest point total = 13

The cutoff for the wildcard right now is 15 points. 6 teams have 14 points. There is just no separation in the East right now at 12 games in on the season.

[MartyFunkhouser]

At the start of the season, I had given up on Bedard becoming a play driving center. Even a few games in, I was questioning it. Now, I think he is on track. Time to keep him at center and not move him to the wing.

[MartyFunkhouser]

Eff Farabee and his cheap shot taking out Nazar.

[MartyFunkhouser]

Bedard and Cellibrini tied for the points lead.

[MartyFunkhouser]

Bedard takes the points lead after. 5-1 win in Detroit. Efff the Red Wings.

[MartyFunkhouser]

Bedard, Celebrini, and Leo Carlsson all have been playing amazing hockey at 20 years old and younger. It is pretty fun seeing those 3 players in the top 3 in scoring right now.

I still don't think the Blackhawks make the playoffs, but it is getting hard to see them as a bottom 5 team anymore. With a league high PDO, there is going to be some regression on that team. Same goes for San Jose, who also has a really high PDO right now. Ducks I'm unsure on as well, as they also have a really high PDO.

It is fun this year seeing some new players and new teams emerge though.

[Flystripper]

The Blackhawks being fun again is balm to my soul. I just got tickets to Kings hawks in LA on December 6. Can't wait.

[MartyFunkhouser]

The Blackhawks being fun again is balm to my soul. I just got tickets to Kings hawks in LA on December 6. Can't wait.

Yeah, I'm with you on that. It is nice to have something to be excited about in hockey other than who are the top 5 prospects in the next draft.

I'm still not convinced this is a good team, but it is a fun team to watch. They also compete nearly every single night. They have come a long way since the Winter Classic embarrassment against the Blues. That was definitely the low point. Looking forward to the high point when Bedard lifts the cup for the first time.

Also, Duncan Keith's speech at the Hall of Fame was great.
https://www.nhl.com/video/duncan-kei...-6384929487112

Keith is underrated. Top 5 defenseman of all time.

[Flystripper]

Also, Duncan Keith's speech at the Hall of Fame was great.
https://www.nhl.com/video/duncan-kei...-6384929487112

Keith is underrated. Top 5 defenseman of all time.

a tear jerker. He has always been my favorite Blackhawk. He is absolutely top 5 but he's my number 1. I would take peak Keith over anyone.

[MartyFunkhouser]

a tear jerker. He has always been my favorite Blackhawk. He is absolutely top 5 but he's my number 1. I would take peak Keith over anyone.

I'll take him controlling the neutral zone and making a stretch pass over anyone. The 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs was his masterpiece. It may be one of the greatest runs in the playoffs of all time.

[MartyFunkhouser]

If the playoffs were to start today. The Western Conference playoffs would be:

Avs-Mammoth
Stars-Jets
Ducks-Blackhawks
Kings-Kraken

Of the teams currently in position for a playoff spot, I'd absolutely bet on the Avs, Stars, and Jets making the playoffs. The teams out of position right now that will definitely make the playoffs are the Oilers and Knights. I expect the Mammoth to make the playoffs. So, I think there really are 2 spots up for grabs. Things aren't looking great right now for the Wild or the Blues, so I think those spots are up for grabs.

[MartyFunkhouser]

Spencer Knight is the best goaltender in the NHL.

[MartyFunkhouser]

Rough game. Knight played out of his mind. Devils dominated the game and deserved the win. No Nazar. No Burakovsky. No Dickinson. Surprised the game was close.