Holloway Bet Paying Off for Blues

The St. Louis Blues have seen a significant turnaround this season, largely due to the addition of Dylan Holloway. After missing the playoffs for two straight seasons, the Blues needed a change. General Manager Doug Armstrong made a strategic move by offering Holloway and Philip Broberg, both from the Edmonton Oilers, through offer sheets. The Oilers chose not to match, allowing the Blues to add a balanced roster and a fresh perspective.

Holloway has been a standout performer, currently on pace for 29 goals and 69 points. His versatility and physicality have been invaluable, contributing to the team’s recent surge up the standings. With a nine-game point streak and 15 points over that stretch, Holloway has been instrumental in the Blues’ eight-game winning streak. The team now has a strong chance to secure a playoff spot and make some noise in the postseason.

This success has sparked discussions about the potential increase in offer sheets this summer. With the cap going up, teams might be more inclined to use this strategy if they don’t get what they want in free agency. The key is targeting teams in tight cap situations and looking for young, promising talent.

Some talented young players who could be perfect for offer sheets include Matthew Knies, Marco Rossi, Mavrik Bourque, and Mackie Samoskevich. While it’s unlikely we’ll see a handful of offer sheets this summer, the success of the Blues’ strategy could encourage more teams to take a chance.

Can Makar Get to 30 Goals?

Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche is on the verge of an impressive milestone: becoming only the 18th defenceman in NHL history to score 30 goals in a season. With 27 goals so far, Makar is just three away from this rare achievement. The last defenceman to reach 30 goals was Mike Green in the 2008-09 season.

Makar’s talent and the Avalanche’s strong offensive lineup make this feat very doable. Nathan MacKinnon is having another stellar season, and the team’s top-10 power play and sixth-ranked goal scoring further support Makar’s quest. If Makar achieves this milestone, it will cement his legacy as one of the greatest talents in NHL history. He already has a Cup, Calder, Norris, and Conn Smythe Trophy to his credit.

Other elite defencemen like Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski have also had impressive seasons, but Makar’s unique set of circumstances and talent make his 30-goal season a special achievement.

Caps in Great Shape with Protas Brothers

The Washington Capitals have found a gem in Aliaksei Protas, a third-round pick who has become a key contributor this season. Protas has scored 29 goals and 64 points, making him a mainstay on Washington’s top line with Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome.

The Capitals’ success is also bolstered by Ilya Protas, Aliaksei’s brother, who has been stellar for the Windsor Spitfires with 50 goals and 124 points. Both brothers’ size and skill make them formidable opponents.

The Capitals have also benefited from contributions from Jakob Chychrun, Matt Roy, Logan Thompson, Charlie Lindgren, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Connor McMichael, and Ryan Leonard. This well-rounded team is poised to be a force for the foreseeable future.

Allen Making a Case to Be Devils Playoff Starter

Jake Allen has been outplaying Jacob Markstrom for the New Jersey Devils, raising questions about who should start in the playoffs. Markstrom, who was acquired last summer, has struggled recently with a .900 save percentage. Allen, on the other hand, has a .943 save percentage in March and is fifth in the NHL for goals saved above expected.

The Devils’ injuries to key players like Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton have made goals harder to come by, forcing the team to rely more on their goaltending. Allen’s strong performance in the post-season, with a .924 save percentage in 29 career playoff games, makes him a strong candidate to start Game 1 against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Markstrom still has a chance to regain his form and secure the starting job with a strong finish to the season. The Devils have a tough three-game stretch coming up, which could be crucial for Markstrom’s playoff chances.

FAQ Section

What is the significance of Cale Makar’s 30-goal quest?

Cale Makar’s quest to score 30 goals as a defenceman is significant because it is a rare achievement in NHL history, accomplished only 17 times by eight players. If Makar achieves this milestone, it will further cement his legacy as one of the greatest talents in the game.

Why is Jake Allen a strong candidate to start for the Devils in the playoffs?

Jake Allen’s strong performance in the post-season, with a .924 save percentage in 29 career playoff games, makes him a strong candidate to start for the Devils in the playoffs. His recent form, with a .943 save percentage in March, also supports his case.

What makes the Protas brothers a key asset for the Capitals?

The Protas brothers, Aliaksei and Ilya, are key assets for the Capitals due to their size, skill, and impressive statistics. Aliaksei has scored 29 goals and 64 points this season, while Ilya has 50 goals and 124 points for the Windsor Spitfires. Their contributions have been crucial to the Capitals’ success.

Did You Know?

The last defenceman to score 30 goals in a season was Mike Green in the 2008-09 season. Before that, it hadn’t been done since 1992-93.

Pro Tips

Keep an eye on the upcoming three-game stretch for the Devils. Markstrom’s performance could be crucial in determining who starts in the playoffs.

Reader Questions

Who do you think will start in the playoffs for the Devils: Jake Allen or Jacob Markstrom? Share your thoughts in the comments below!