NHL’s Intriguing Storylines: Holloway’s Impact, Makar’s Goal Chase, Capitals’ Brotherly Advantage, and Devils’ Goaltending Dilemma
This week in the NHL, several compelling storylines are developing, ranging from unexpected player contributions to playoff implications. key among them are Dylan Holloway‘s transformative impact on the St. Louis Blues, Cale Makar’s pursuit of a 30-goal season, the Washington Capitals’ strategic use of the Protas brothers, and the New Jersey Devils’ evolving goaltending situation.
Holloway’s Bet Pays Off Big for the Blues
After consecutive playoff absences, the St. Louis Blues sought important change last summer. Instead of a complete rebuild, General Manager Doug Armstrong made strategic offer sheets for Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg. While Broberg’s impact was initially hampered by injury, Holloway has thrived, becoming a consistent force for the Blues.
Holloway, previously struggling for ice time with the Edmonton Oilers, is now projected to score 29 goals and accumulate 69 points this season. The 23-year-old’s versatility and physicality, demonstrated by his 157 hits, have been crucial to the Blues’ resurgence. His current nine-game point streak,totaling 15 points,coincides with the Blues winning eight consecutive games,bolstering their playoff aspirations.
can Makar Reach the 30-Goal Milestone?
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Capitals Find Success with Protas Brothers
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Allen Makes Strong Case for Devils’ Playoff Starting Role
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NHL Teams Eye Offer Sheets as Cap Space Increases
With the NHL salary cap expected to rise, teams might potentially be more willing to use offer sheets to acquire young talent this offseason. This comes after the St. Louis blues successfully used offer sheets to acquire two players from the Edmonton Oilers.
Offer Sheets: A Strategic Tool for Cap-Strapped Teams
Offer sheets, while historically rare, present an opportunity for teams to poach restricted free agents from organizations facing salary cap constraints. The blues’ successful acquisition of Holloway and Broberg from the Oilers underscores this strategy’s potential. The Oilers, already committed to contracts with Skinner and Arvidsson, faced a challenging decision to match the offer, ultimately losing the players for draft pick compensation.
potential Offer Sheet targets This Offseason
Several talented young players could be targets for offer sheets this offseason, including Matthew Knies, Marco Rossi, Mavrik Bourque, and Mackie Samoskevich. These players’ contract situations, combined with their respective teams’ cap situations, make them potential candidates for offer sheet negotiations.
Edmonton’s missed Opportunity?
Looking back, some argue that the Oilers made the wrong choice by not matching the offer sheets for Holloway and Broberg. The players they signed instead haven’t performed well, and giving the younger players more responsibility may have set them up better now and in the future.
Cale Makar Chasing a Rare 30-Goal Season
Beyond the offer sheet buzz, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar is on the verge of achieving a rare feat: a 30-goal season. He scored his 27th goal of the season putting him three away from elusive mark of 30 in a season for a defender.
A Historically Uncommon Milestone
Only eight defensemen in NHL history have reached the 30-goal mark in a single season, with Mike Green being the most recent in 2008-09. Before that, it hadn’t been done since 1992-93. It’s extremely rare.
Makar’s Pursuit of Hockey Greatness
Makar, with 21 goals last season and 28 the season they won the cup, is within striking distance of joining this exclusive club. With nine games remaining, his teammates are expected to help him achieve this milestone. The avalanche’s strong offense and power play enhance Makar’s chances of reaching the 30-goal mark.
A Season of Standout Defensemen
This season has showcased impressive performances from several elite defensemen, including Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks and Zach Werenski. Though, a 30-goal season requires a unique combination of talent and circumstances, and Makar appears poised to cement his legacy by achieving this rare accomplishment.
Washington capitals’ Aliaksei Protas: from Third-Round Pick to Key Contributor in Unexpected Surge
The Washington Capitals are defying expectations this season, and a significant reason is the emergence of forward Aliaksei Protas. Selected in the third round of the NHL draft, Protas, now 24, has blossomed into a crucial part of the Capitals’ offensive attack, raising questions about how he slipped so far down the draft board.
Protas’ Breakout Season Fuels Capitals’ Playoff Push
After a modest start to his NHL career, Protas has exploded offensively this year, tallying 29 goals and 64 points. His consistent presence on Washington’s top line, alongside Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome, highlights his value to the team. At 6-foot-6, Protas presents a significant challenge for opposing defenses, creating considerable matchup difficulties with his size and skill.
Brotherly Love: Ilya Protas Follows in Aliaksei’s Footsteps
Adding to the Capitals’ excitement, Aliaksei’s younger brother, Ilya, is also making waves. Another third-round pick, Ilya Protas, boasts an impressive 50 goals and 124 points in just 61 games for the Windsor Spitfires. Standing at 6-foot-5, he possesses similar physical attributes and promises to be another imposing force on the ice.
Capitals’ Rebuild Ahead of schedule
What was projected to be a rebuilding year for the Capitals has turned into a competitive surge, fueled by contributions throughout the lineup. Key acquisitions like Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy have solidified the defense, while the goaltending tandem of Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren has provided stability. The resurgence of Pierre-Luc Dubois, combined with Connor McMichael’s breakout season and the anticipated arrival of Ryan Leonard, further bolsters the team’s prospects. With the protas brothers leading the charge, the Capitals appear poised for sustained success.
New Jersey Devils Face goaltending Questions
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, a potential goalie controversy is brewing. Jake Allen’s recent performance has surpassed that of Jacob Markstrom, whom the Devils acquired at a significant cost to address their goaltending concerns. Markstrom’s save percentage has dipped below .900, and he has struggled to secure quality starts. Allen, conversely, has posted impressive numbers, including a .943 save percentage in March, positioning him among the league’s top goalies in goals saved above expected.
Injuries Mount as Goaltending Becomes Critical for Devils
The Devils’ goaltending situation is further intricate by injuries to key players like Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton. With scoring becoming more difficult, the team must rely on strong goaltending to remain competitive.
Devils’ Goalie Dilemma: Allen or Markstrom for Playoffs?
as the New Jersey Devils face a critical juncture heading into the playoffs, a significant question looms: Who should be the starting goalie? with inconsistent offensive production and only two games with more than three goals in their last 13, the Devils might need stellar goaltending to advance. Coach Sheldon Keefe faces a tough decision between veteran Jacob Markstrom and newcomer Jake Allen, especially in a potential first-round matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Allen’s strong Playoff Resume
Jake Allen appears, at least for the moment, to offer the team its best chance at stealing a game or two. Allen has a .924 save percentage in 29 career playoff games which indicates he is not easily rattled and can handle pressure during critical times.
Markstrom’s Opportunity to Reclaim the Net
Despite Allen’s strong performance, Jacob Markstrom still have time to reassert himself.Upcoming games against the Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Wild represent an opportunity for markstrom to solidify his position. Impressive starts in these crucial contests could restore Keefe’s confidence in Markstrom as the go-to goalie for the playoffs.
Pressure Mounts on Markstrom
Markstrom’s frustration was evident in a recent shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks, where he broke his stick against the post. This display underscored the pressure he is feeling and suggests he is aware that his grip on the starting role is uncertain. This action indicates realization that his claim to the primary position is tenuous.
Considering the provided Q&A content, here are two PAA (Potential actionable Answer) related questions:
NHL’s Intriguing Storylines: Holloway’s Impact, Makar’s Goal Chase, Capitals’ Brotherly Advantage, and Devils’ Goaltending Dilemma – Q&A
Q&A Section
Dylan Holloway and the St. Louis Blues
Q: How did Dylan Holloway end up with the Blues?
A: The Blues acquired Holloway via an offer sheet, a rare move where they signed him away from the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers chose not to match the offer.
Q: What’s the impact of Holloway’s performance on the Blues?
A: Holloway’s versatility, scoring ability, and physicality (over 150 hits) have been crucial to the Blues’ improved form and playoff aspirations. His points streak coincided with the Blues winning streak.
Cale Makar’s 30-Goal Milestone
Q: How close is Cale Makar to reaching 30 goals?
A: The article states he is within striking distance, with 27 goals already scored. He needs 3 more goals in the remaining 9 games to reach the milestone.
Q: How rare is a 30-goal season for a defenseman?
A: It’s historically uncommon. Only eight defensemen have reached this mark in NHL history; the most recent was Mike Green in the 2008-09 season.
Q: What are Makar’s chances of reaching 30 goals this season?
A: With the Avalanche’s strong offense and power play, coupled with his skill, his chances are considered high.
The Protas brothers and the Washington Capitals
Q: Who are the Protas brothers, and what’s their role with the Capitals?
A: Aliaksei Protas, a third-round draft pick, is a key forward contributing offensively.His younger brother, Ilya, is also a third-round pick and is playing in the juniors.
Q: How have the Protas brothers helped the Capitals?
A: Aliaksei Protas has become a crucial offensive contributor, playing on the top line with Ovechkin. His size and skill create matchup problems for opponents. Ilya Protas is also an imposing force on the ice.
New Jersey Devils’ Goaltending Dilemma
Q: what’s the goalie controversy in New Jersey?
A: Jake Allen’s recent performance has surpassed Jacob Markstrom’s,whom the Devils acquired at a high cost. This raises the question of who should start in the playoffs.
Q: What are Jake Allen’s playoff credentials?
A: allen has a .924 save percentage in 29 career playoff games, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Q: What is the situation for Markstrom?
A: Markstrom has the opportunity to reclaim the starting position with strong performances in upcoming games. Though, his recent struggles and frustration are evident.
Q: What is Coach Sheldon Keefe’s decision in the playoffs?
A: Sheldon Keefe has to choose between the veteran Jacob Markstrom and newcomer Jake allen.
Fun Fact: Offer sheets are a strategic gamble.Successful ones, like the Blues’ with Holloway, can substantially alter a team’s trajectory.
Actionable Advice: Keep an eye on Cale Makar’s goal-scoring pace and the Devils’ goaltending situation as the season progresses. These storylines promise exciting developments as the playoffs approach!
