|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Behind the Mask - December 14, 2019Behind The MaskWith Kelly HrudeyIt appears I have some spare time on my hands so I thought I could
split duties between Hockey Night in Canada and the RSHL. It has
been quite awhile since my last appearance but someone from the RSHL had
contacted my agent and asked if I wouldn't mind doing a segment commenting
on a few games a week. I gladly jumped at the opportunity as I had found
my time in the RSHL was very rewarding and enjoyable. So with that being
said, let's get started.
It looks like the Panthers have cooled off a little going 5-4-1 in
their last ten games but still sit third overall in league standings. A
solid and well balanced lineup should see them get on track soon enough.
Quebec meanwhile seems to have hit their stride behind some stellar
goaltending from Carey Price. Add to that the play of Sean Monahan and
it's no wonder the Nordiques are on cruise control. They'll have their
hands full with John Tavares and the rest of the Panthers but I see the
Nords prevailing in this one.
The Stanley Cup champions visit best team in the RSHL currently in the
Vancouver Canucks. Having a bit of a Cup hangover, the Habs have come on
of late in winning 4 straight games and climbing to .500 hockey. It's too
bad for them that they have the daunting task of facing the Canucks
especially without the goalie that helped them earn their championship
last season. The Canucks from top to bottom is formidable to say the
least. If to make things even tougher they just picked up Rasmus
Ristolainen from Boston to bolster an already impressive blueline. I've a
feeling Montreal's winning ways come to an abrupt halt.
Not to be outdone, the Buffalo Sabres have thrown their hat into
contention for the RSHL holy grail. The Sabres are 4th overall in league
standings and are also 9 points ahead of their division rival. GM Letasy
has said out loud they're all in and it shows. Johnny Gaudreau and Elias
Lindholm are a formidable one two punch in the middle and with Brent Burns
and and recently acquired Dustin Byfuglien patrolling the blueline, it's
no wonder they are to be reckoned with. The Bruins on the other hand have
gone 3-5-2 in their last ten games but are still in the mix fighting for
one of the bottom spots for playoff contention. Not powerful but still not
to be taken lightly with William Karlsson and David Krejci leading the
way. These teams have played one game earlier in the season and fought to
a 5-5 draw. While I like the fight in Boston the Sabres simply have too
much on this day.
 This is my game of the week. It features two of the hottest teams in
the league. They currently sit 5th and 6th respectively overall and I'm
really looking forward to attending this one as a guest of my
almamata.
The Isles are led by Austin Matthews's 13 goals and Ryan Johansen's 28
points. With 3 wins in a row it brings their record to 7-2-1 in their last
ten. They also boast an impressive 9-3-1 home record so winning here is a
chore to be sure. The Oilers are just two points behind the Islanders and
have won five straight games. The Oilers have had good success on the road
led by Nikita Kucherov, Connor McDavid and Elias Patterson. The fire power
on display in this game is incredible but to counter that you'll need
great goaltending and defense. Robin Lehner for the Oilers and Thomas
Greiss for the Islanders is a tantalizing matchup! I'm predicting overtime
in this one and I believe home ice is the only edge.
Well that's it for now. Feel free to give your input or add comments on
the games. I'll be back next week with a special Christmas edition of
Games of the Week. Bye for now and enjoy the games.
K.H.
12/14/2019
Your Call
| Now closed
Well done 12/14/2019 6:08:04 PM PT Bang on 12/15/2019 2:11:12 PM PT Not bad at all. Tomorrow's game should be good 12/15/2019 6:10:01 PM PT |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
