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The NHL offseason is in full swing, and this year goaltending was an issue to be addressed for many GM’s. There was no shortage of moves, panic or otherwise, and a few that left people scratching their head more than when we asked who the new guy coaching Detroit is. Either way some teams made some improvements, some took a gamble, and some just needed somebody to play. With that said, here’s a look at some of the major moves between the pipes. Matt Murray The Sens and Leafs made one of the biggest moves of the offseason, as the Sens sent Matt Murray andRead More →

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With the NHL Trade Deadline fast approaching, and TV executives praying for anything of substance to fill air time, we take a look at the 32 teams and what they’re likely to do come deadline day.  Anaheim Ducks Embed from Getty Images Sell – They’ve accrued plenty of up and coming young talent, but are in need of several more pieces to return to their former perennial contender status. They got the ball rolling dealing Josh Manson to Colorado, and have more trade targets on the roster (Lindholm, Rakel), so expect new GM Pat Verbeek to put his stamp on his new squad quickly. DoesRead More →

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Brodie’s Thoughts With the NHL season nearing its midpoint, where better to celebrate than heading to Vegas for the annual All Star game. What’s become a sort of perfunctory affair has been improved with the introduction of 3 on 3, but, especially this season with its erratic, Covid ravaged schedule, it’s lacking a certain fanfare. Or at least that was the case until recent comments from Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon who floated the idea, not that players avoid the world famous buffets, but that there need not be a representative for every team, as it’s not a participation game (it is…) which, in a certainRead More →

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It’s the holiday season and we here at the 4th Line are in a giving mood. We figured we’d share this generosity with the NHL teams and bring a little joy in these turbulent times. As we’re still negotiating a 4th Line merch deal, let’s see what else Santa Gritty has under the tree in the Metro Division: Carolina Hurricanes Cap Relief: Like a lot of teams with COVID issues the Canes have been hit, losing many of their top players, and could use some help from the league. They’re a strong contender, provided Freddy Andersen doesn’t get haunted by the ghosts of playoffs past,Read More →

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With the new NHL season a week away, exhibition games are in full swing, teams are setting their rosters and those outstanding RFA’s have signed with their organisations to get back before the puck drops. Well, most of them…News broke Monday night that Brady Tkachuk’s camp and the Senators are still at a stalemate, meaning the much maligned, problem plagued O-Train isn’t the only thing derailed in the nation’s capital these days. Embed from Getty Images The usual insiders are reporting that several issues are holding up the process: First that Tkachuk would prefer a bridge deal (akin to Elias Pettersson in Vancouver) presumably bankingRead More →

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With NHL training camps getting under way, and the Habs and Canes once again providing more offseason content than the rest of the league combined, we can finally circle back to one of our intrepid editor’s favourite subjects: Offer Sheets. Nearly as rare as a Leafs post season run (and usually as successful) this is a weapon under the CBA that players and GM’s alike can take advantage of, yet so many are reluctant. Why? Well, as we’ve seen with Montreal and Carolina, you risk putting out an offer that’s easily matched than instantly looking foolish, (not to mention the compensation) and subsequently putting theRead More →

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Brodie’s Thoughts In the illustrious words of Homer Simpson “That was fast…” With the soccer world up in arms over the proposed Super League, comprised of six power house British Premier League clubs and a number of vaunted European squads, the guys recently discussed its incredibly tumultuous, and rapid demise. It did however yield some positives: the intriguing question of should North American sports adopt the relegation format of European leagues? It’s an entertaining prospect to think of, though ultimately about as pragmatic as wearing running shoes to play in the NHL. As the old adage goes, “The answer to all your questions is money.”Read More →

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There’s an old adage: If you didn’t laugh, you’d cry…and that may well be the essence of Sens Sickos. Faced with a lengthy rebuild, and a season in which their point percentage would make an impressive batting average, the Sens fan base has turned their pain into humour and embraced the madness. Encapsulating everything that is the tumultuous nature of rooting for this team, it’s become an online sensation (no pun intended…). Started by Brochenski on Twitter (Check him out, one of Sens Twitter’s finest) the movement gained steam this season to the point where the team, players and coaches alike have embraced it, evenRead More →

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In Canada few things encapsulate the holiday season like family, friends, a good meal, and the World Juniors. Arguably the preeminent annual hockey tournament; fans tune in to get a look at the NHL’s stars of tomorrow and of course project and hyperbolize every little thing they do in hopes their team has drafted the next big thing. It’s been dominated by the typical powers, Canada and Russia boast the most tournament wins, with the US, Sweden & Finland consistently in the mix. While this should be no surprise, and the highly contested nature of the tournament has made it must watch TV, it’s theRead More →

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The North division is a dream that many Canadian hockey fans have been wanting for years. Well now they get it: all Canadian, all the time. With the Christmas holidays wrapping up and a brand new NHL season approaching faster than Santa’s sleigh, let’s review what the teams of the ‘North’ division had asked for from St. Nick, hoping something good under their hockey stick tree. Calgary Flames  On the Christmas List: Quality goaltending The C of Red were very productive during this off-season. Geoff Ward has been appointed full-time head coach after filling in amidst the Bill Peters scandal last season. Two big acquisitionsRead More →