Month: November 2022

Sorry, oral surgery is a bitch !

Not that long ago a trip to Detroit to play the Red Wings was pretty much a certain 2 points for the visiting team.  Not anymore.  Off to a great start with 11 wins in their first 19, including their last 4 in a row, the Wings a no longer a sure thing. 

They proved it right off the bat when they cleared their zone quickly after an Austin Mathews giveaway to bury a goalmouth scramble goal by reigning Rookie of the Year winner Mo Seider at 15:15.   Mathews got revenge quickly thereafter burying a typical top shelf wrister to tie things up with his 16^th  that resulted off nice head man from Hollowell (his first point as a Leaf) and a nice drop from Bunting.  Just :51 seconds later William Nylander scooped in his 150^th as a Leaf on the power play from John Tavares (his 300^th point as a Leaf) and Rasmus Sandin. Two shots on goal for Toronto netted them a 2-1 lead.  Detroit did not go away but a continuously steady Murray stood tall with some key saves to stop 11 of the 12 shots sent his way.

Mitchell Marner has scored at least 1 point in 22 of the Leafs 23 games to date, 16 of them in consecutive games.  Make that 17 as he opened the scoring in the second with a strong shot less than 2 minutes in with help from Giordano and Cale Jarnkrok.  He now sits just 1 point behind the franchise record holders Daryl Sittler and Eddie Olychyk.  Sandin got his first goal of the season from Kerfoot and Mathews to make 4 to 1.  Goaltender Villie Husso was pulled after that one having allowed 4 goals on just 11 shots.

Adam Erne tipped in a Seider point shot with under 8 minutes left in the game, but that was as close as they would get.  Give the Red Wings full marks on this one.  Although the Leafs ended up winning the game 4-2, they were hard pressed to get the W in the end.  They were outshot 45-25 and if not for some superior play from Murray (now 5-1-1) this could have ended up at least a tie/overtime.  The last 2 minutes alone were leg burning desperation for Toronto.  Another solid win for the Leafs as they improved their road record to 7-3-2.

HOPPER NOTES:  Toronto has used 11 defencemen so far this season which is tied for most in the NHL…another good showing of Leaf fans at Little Ceasar’s Arena…guys I’d like to have on my team, Lucas Raymond…loved the Detroit 3^rd jerseys…Toronto has 4 players with over 25 points so far this season – tops in the league…Detroit has remained a playoff contender in the Atlantic Division while the Sabres, Senators and Montreal have all done their usual disappearing act  – CHEERS !

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been on a bit of rebound lately, winning 5 of their last 5, outscoring opponents 20 to 9.  A lot of that has come from Sidney Crosby (11 points), and an improved save percentage of .944.  They are strong down the middle with Crosby, Malkin, Carter and Teddy Blueger.

Both teams are coming off Friday matinees (Pitt 4-1 over Philly and Tranna beat Minnesota 4-3), so we saw back-ups Eric Kalgren and De Casey Smith for tonight’s match.

The pre-game HNIC tribute to #21 was second to none.  Captain Daryl, ALS victim Mark Kirton and a less than full capacity Jim McKenny shared some beautiful memories of their team-mate.  It didn’t come up on the segment but my very favorite line by McKenny was always “Tiger is the only guy I know who could eat wallpaper right off the wall”.

Similar to yesterday’s matinee, Mitchell Marner let it be known that he was coming after the Eddie Olychuk/Daryl Sittler team record of 18 consecutive games with a point when he opened the scoring at the :40 second mark with a beauty of a deke around de Smith.  Mathews got off the snide with a nice, lead feed to gift Mitchy with his 16^th in a row.  The game went on with a 6:38 non pee break – chances at both ends.  I must report that the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking like contenders (again!) and were full measure (15-5 SOG/25-13 attempts) for taking the intermission lead.

The Leafs dodged a bullet early in the second as a scramble resulted in the puck being whistled dead.  Pontus Holmberg scored his second from Marner at 10:05 off a harmless forecheck.  You could tell the Penguin players were agitated as the sticks started swinging and the nastiness started to rise.  That really didn’t matter as Nylander popped his 12^th from Mathews and Bunting to take a 3 zip lead in to the third.

Pittsburgh was not going to quit.  Coming off a 5 game run, they were not going to cave.  Rackell (9^th) from Guentzell and Crosby started the ball rolling @ 8:22.  Michael Bunting earned his pay for the quarter with a spectacular play off the boards to feed his main man Austin Mattews who scored his 200^th even strength goal. 4-1 Leafians.

HOPPER NOTES:  Simmonds out, Malgen in – I’m OK with that…Austin seems to be going back to Mitchell’s mode from a couple of years ago – pass first, shoot later – STOP THAT !…now that TJ Brodie is out, is there a player you feel more comfortable sending out there than David Kampf ?…Pierre Engvall lovers – let us hear ye !…your Toronto Maple Leafs are now 9-1-3 in November ! …much respect for Giordano/Holl, Lilegren/Sandin and Mete/Hollowell – who knew ?!? …is there any doubt that Marner is not the best player on the Toronto squad ? 5^th road win in a row for Tranna…I really want to wish those hosting family gatherings tomorrow to save me a leg….CHEERS and Comments please !

It’s Turkey hangover day in Minnesota for a 2 pm start between the Wild and the Toronto Maple Leafs.  Minnesota is at a very average 9-8-2, currently out of the playoff picture in the Central Division. This despite only one loss in their 11 games.  Marc-Andre Fleury will get the start after coming off some injury time.

Classy gesture by the WILD organization by asking for a moment’s silence to commemorate Borje Salming.  Toronto had a number of roster changes for today’s game including the insertion of Wayne Simmonds, the benching of Nick Robertson, the promotion of Calle Jarnkrok to the John Taveres and Mitchell Marner line and the demotion of Alex Kerfoot to the 4^th.  Matt Murray got his 4^th start (3-0-1).

In case anyone was worried about Marner having his 14 point scoring streak stopped, he put that to rest in the 4^th minute banging one in up high from Tavares and Liligren. Karillk Kaprisov tied the game at the 8 minute mark after some sloppy Leaf clearing but then Zach Ashton-Reese put Toronto back in front just :42 seconds later.

It didn’t take long for the Minnesotans (LOVE Danny Gallivan) to get started in the second as Matt Boldy converted a perfect cross ice pass from Jordan Greenway to tie things up less than 2:30 in.  Leafs Nation had a unified gasp as Rasmus Sandin did the splits trying to create an opportunity deep in the WILD zone.  He limped off.  That put everyone in mind of just how shallow this Leaf defence corps is.  You have the “tiny” pairing of Mette/Holowell, the two young Swedes and then your top pair of Giordano and Holl and that’s it.  Jordy Benn is out for a week and our top Marlies prospect Philip Krol is also hurt.  Jarnkrok was able to bury a wide open rebound to put the Leafs back in front thanks to playmaking by Tavares and Giordano.

A solid and pretty even game for both clubs this aft.  William Nylander blew in the eventual game winner going top shelf off a nice Bunting feed.  Back and forth the clubs went.  Coach Evans pulled Fluery at the 4:26 mark.  This lead to Zuccarello scoring off a rebound to make it 4-3.  Back in went Fluery only to be pulled again at the two minute mark.  A WILD and furious onslaught by Minnesota went for naught.  4-3 Leafs.  Another brave win.

HOPPER NOTES:  I would love to get my hands on one of those Salming salute patches the Leafs wore tonight – a great tribute…another great outing for Matt Murray tonight (now 4-0-1) – I would caution him to be careful about the net coming off its moorings though…Kerfoot has not scored in 16 games…Jarnkrok didn’t look out of place in his spot…Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends and RIP # 21…

The New Jersey Devil looked to become one of the top teams in terms of winning streaks (currently sitting at 13) when they met the Toronto Maple Leafs in Jersey tonight.  The team is playing with confidence.  They are in the Top 3 in GAA, GF and PP efficiency.  What’s not to love ?

Toronto on the other hand has been dealt blow after blow in the injured defenceman category.  The latest was their top dog, Morgan Reilly (out until the new year).  Kyle Dubas brought in a band aid today getting Connor Timmins, a former Team Canada Jr performer from Arizona.  The D pairs were Hollowell/Jordy Benn – Sandin/Lilegren and Giordano/Holl !

Matt Murray was back in goal for the Leafs tonight and incurred a crease violation that saved his team an early goal.  John Tavares kept his winning ways, potting a nice high slot goal from his new pal Mitchell Marner.  That was Marner’s 14^th consecutive point.  Pontus Holmberg received a lovely gift while still in the Devil’s zone, going 5 hole for his first NHL/Leaf goal.  2 zip Leafs.

Toronto was fortunate to have their second goal against waived off as Murray was again messed with within his protected zone.  The penalty filled game (nothing serious) ensued in which neither team could convert.  Again, I have got to say I’m liking this Matt Murray guy. Can the Leafs stand another defense injury ? – Jordy Benn went out late leaving Keefe with Lilergren/Sandin and Holl/Giordano.    Leafs were outshot 16-4 in period 2.

I never thought I would say that I loved Jordy Benn coming back off the injury matt.  The Devils continually hammered the Leafs along the boards, in front of the net and in the corners.  To no avail.  Matt Murray stood tall again.  New Jersey (who had been called back on 3 goals to date) finally scored amongst huge pressure to make it 2-1.

HOPPER NOTES: I like putting Nickey Bobby back in – but Engvall and/or Ashton Reese should have come out – not Denis Malgon…Carolyn Cameron always hosts a cheerful “B” team panel on Sportsnet …Leafs are on to the rest of their 4 game road trip…cheers !

The New York Islanders are coming of a hellish season in which they had to start their year on the road for 13 games while their new rink was being finished.  They were under a new coach (Lane Lambert) and had the injury bug just hammer them hard resulting that they missed the playoffs for the first time in this era.  The Isles came in tonight with only 1 win in their last 5 games.

Erik Kalgren got the start in goal tonight, after 3 solid performances from Matt Murray.  Nick Robertson sat out again while Tavares/Marner and Mathews/Nylander were “re-united”.

Not much too say about the first period except that the Leafs owned the first half and the Islanders fought back.  In fact, when Owen Dobson deflected a point shot in off David Kampf’s butt, it was kind of the highlight of the period.

Tranna came back strong throughout the second, including goals from their 1-2 centres.  Captain Johnny continued his strong trend on the power play with his 7^th PPG, helping Marner extend his point streak to 13 games.  Auston Mathews had a real nice tip in from Liligren at the 14 minute mark to put the Leafs out front.  2 comments on that period: Toronto was outhit by the NYI at the 10 minute mark 27-10 and a scrum behind the Leafs net (both teams participated) wasted 90 seconds of my life – a SCURGE on our game !

The most significant part of the third period happened with a seemingly harmless collision between Leafs leading D-man (Mo Reilly) and his opponent at the blue line.  All seemed OK until Morgan was called into the “room”, never to return.  Later, Auston was clipped by a questionable knee on knee as he entered the zone.  Rasmus Sandin (of all people) showed up to defend his superstar as a brave gesture.  NYI did not quit and at the 17 minute mark Josh Bailey tied it up right after TML had an enormous miss at the other end.

Overtime was another pathetic show by your Toronto Maple Leafs.  Bumbling. Stumbling. KAOS !  3-2 NYI !

HOPPER NOTES:  You saw my disdain for the along the boards scrums earlier – the last :34 seconds of an important game was the same – PATHETIC…Mathew Barzel (got him in the pool) is on a roll…guys I’d like on my team: Cal Clutterbuck, Adam Pellech and Anthony Beauvileir…love the guy, but we have got to get Kerfoot going…maybe Keefe should shift him and Bunting back and forth too…cool that Coach Keefe has a replay monitor in the floor behind the bench – always wondered why he was looking down all the time after a goal or controversial play…agree with my pal Glennie that the white shoulder pads on the retro jerseys were cool…(BTW, Leafs Hooper on Hockey videos may return on YouTube if I can only figure out the tech)…that provocateur remains correct on the OT failures…Leafs are limping

thru a 6-1-3 November…so nice to see the GREY CUP in the building…now, back on the road to prove their worth…love the comments –

The Buffalo Sabres, for the billionth time this past decade started off their season with a show of promise from their young, re-building roster.  True to form they began hot out of the box with the likes of Tage Thompson, Alex Touch, Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power showing the way to a possible playoff placement.  Also true to form, they have now lost 7 in a row to fall out of contention early.  Rochester call-up Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen got the start in goal tonight replacing an injured Eric Comrie.

The Toronto Maple Leafs went 1-3 against these pesky Sabres last season and tonight started the first of three at Scotiabank Arena.

DEFENCE – DEFENCE !  We all know what wins championships in any team sport -DEFENCE !  The Leafs have been dealt a bad blow on the Muzzin news coupled with 2-3 week absence of stalwart TJ Brodie.  Kyle Dubas can not just standby and watch his already mediocre defence corps drop any further.  Sure, we’ve all heard the obvious trade bait names like Karlsson, Chychrun and Klingberg.   More realistically, this reporter believes that Dubas should be looking more along the lines of righties like Vlad Gavrkrov from Columbus, Connor Murphy from Chicago or Brendon Dillon from Winnipeg.  All 3 of those teams have needs currently and Toronto has some pieces eg Muzzin’s LITR, Nick Robertson and Justin Holl to send the other way.

 After a rather pedestrian start, the Leafs began to take the momentum and made the Sabres look nervous.  Captain Johnny got his 10^th on a powerplay at the 7 minute mark deflecting a Mitch Marner slapper off a Mo Reilly feed.  That assist helped Mitchell extend his point streak to 12.  With 2:35 left Cale Jarnkrok popped in his 6^th from Pierre Engvall before the Leafs were sent to the box.  During that PK,  David Kampf sent Marner off on a breakaway, with Mark Giordano not far behind.  As Mitch ran out of room, he backhanded a beauty to a wide open Giordano.  Alex Tuch, the only Buffalo pursuer accidently on purpose threw himself in to his own net, just as #55 let his shot go.  Upon review, the goal coal counted, and the Leafs were up 3-0 after one.

I must admit, after the first 5 minutes of period two I was looking for the exit.  The game seemed to be over.  Yet the plucky Sabres seemed quite determined to make this a game and in fact out shot and out chanced the Toronto squad.  When Buffalo got their power play chance at the 12 minute mark, the pressure applied was enormous.  Future All-star Tage Thompson just rag dolled Jarnkrok to the ice and sent a cross ice pass to Alex Touch for his 9^th.  They got another PP in the 8^th minute and if it wasn’t for Matt Murray’s consistent solid play, we could have had a game.  The Buds got a PP of their own and Nylander picked up some goalmouth garbage thanks to some Tavares and Matthews spade work to put Toronto back up by three.

William Nylander got his second of the game and 10^th of the year off another Tavares assist and then Casey Mittlestat scored his 5^th on a late power play to make the final 5-2.

HOPPER NOTES:  The Leafs bottom six forwards have not brought much to the table lately…Kampf and Jarnkrok get a pass, but Ashton-Reese, Holmberg, Engvall and Malgin might need a ride up in the press box…guys I’d like on my team: Dylan Cozens…as most of you who follow me know, I’m a “ghost” coach, always second guessing the line-up….I would LOVE to have a 15 minute session with Coach Keefe to better understand his reasoning…a really good friend of mine pointed out that the Leafs overtime record is currently 1 and 4 – why is that ?  Happy Birthday to my Grandson Finn who turns 14 on Monday – Cheers !

The New Jersey Devils were one of the last NHL teams any pre-season pundit would have predicted to a) lead their division (13-3) after 16 games, b) create a 10 game winning streak and c) have their 2 most recent first round draft picks come out their shell this early.  Nico Hischiser was the number one overall pick back in 2017 and Jack Hughes was number one in 2019.   Nico is now 23 and has had 17 points in 15 games, while Jack came in as an 18 year old and has matured to contribute 18 points.  Add 24 year old Jesper Bratt to the mix with a team leading 24 points and you’ve got a huge upside in the Badlands.

The Toronto Maple Leafs hosted these young Turks tonight at Scotiabank Arena looking for their 3rd win in a row and to maybe take these Devils down a notch or two.  Matt Murray got his second start in a row after his 35 save in Pittsburgh, despite chatter of “load management”. Toronto is 5-1-1- in November after a lukewarm start the season.

The New Jersey Devils are no fluke, no flash in the pan.  Strong, fast, tough and bruising.  The Leafs had their hands full but were no slouches themselves.  Goalies at both ends (11-9 SOG Jersey) stood tall to all comers.  You could see the elite talent from NJD’s first team PP.  However, it was actually the Leafs PP that got things started as Austin Mathews opened the scoring with his 8^th from Michael Bunting and Mitchell Marner (his 11^th point in 11 games).  Just 15 seconds later Jesper Bratt flipped one upstairs to tie things up at the buzzer.

The Devils came out smokin’ to start the second, with a large edge in shots, territorial play and hustle.  This paid off when Nico Hischiser scored a beauty, hi glove off a Jordie Benn miscue.  Jersy continued their dominant play until around the 9 minute mark when the Leafs finally woke up to turn the tide.  Back and forth the 2 contenders went.  Power plays for each team settled nothing.  2-1 Devils after two.

This was a match made for the playoffs.  Toronto had 2 power play opportunities to tie things up – nada.  They played OK, no standouts (other than their goalie) and really no finger pointing was necessary.  And yet on a nothing play with just over 2 minutes remaining Nylander puts in a flutter ball from Matthews and Reilly to tie it up and send it overtime.  During extra time the Devils held complete control when they got the winner to extend their win streak to 11.HOPPER NOTES:  Comically, the hometown Jersey crowd was chanting “Fire Lindy” after a slow start.  After about 5 games in to their current win streak, that same crowd was chanting, “Sorry Lindy”…I haven’t had many comments on Justin Holl lately – probably a good thing….kinda “crushin” on Matt Murray right now – another standout/stand-up performance…a little worried about Sandin though with his recent puck handling mishaps…I’m going to miss Teoscar….hey, why not put Nicky Bobby and Simmons on that fourth line with Kampf for a few games – scoring and toughness…the Devils are this good WITHOUT their star free agent signing Ondre Palette…guys I’d like to have:  Dougie Hamilton…are you telling me that Mo Reilly hasn’t had one goal this season ?!? …SO many teams that are better than the Leafs right now: Carolina, Boston, Colorado, Tampa Bay, Vegas, (incl New Jersey ?)….what’s a Dubas to do ?  Cheers

After a rather uneven start, the Pittsburgh Penguins seem to be back on a steady course.  Their modest 6-6-3 record has been helped by gaining a point in their last 3 games.  That includes defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs during the Hall of Fame game last Friday at Scotiabank Arena.  They were able to stick to their game plan to shutdown the Leafs’ quick transitions.  The Pens looked to repeat that strategy again tonight at PPG Arena. Casey DeSmith (2-3-1/2.67/.916) got another shot in goal.

Toronto had a solid bounce back game vs Vancouver on Saturday night, winning 3-2.  But they had their hands full here because they have lost in Pittsburgh the last five games in a row going back to last year’s 7-1 shellacking.  The Penguins have out scored the Leafs 28-7 over that span.

The Toronto goalie carousel stopped on the return of Matt Murray in goal.  A former Penguin, he had something to prove to both to his former club but also to show he has the stamina.  He has only played 45 games over the past 2 years in Ottawa and this will only be his 3^rd NHL start since last March.  The Leafs have enough to worry about defensively with yesterday’s announcement that Jake Muzzin is gone until at least March (likely for good) and that the steady TJ Brodie is out 2-3-weeks with an oblique injury. 

Like most Toronto sports people, I was interested to see how (in the absence of James Duthie) the OVERDRIVE crew from 1050 CHUM would do with the pre-game show. 10 out of 10 !.  Jeff O’Neill has done plenty of panel work and Jamie “Noodles” McLennan has done colour etc.  It came down to Brian Hayes in the anchor chair – well done.  Hayes had expressed his concern about the radio/TV transition, explaining that radio was something that you just talk until you’re done.  TV, on the other hand, demands that you “hit your marks”.  Unlike radio, you only have so many seconds.  When it’s time to break on TV, you REALLY must hit your mark.  I thought he was just fine !

As for the first period, the Leafs showed great determination throughout.  Matt Murray seemed to glide side to side without any difficulty.  Captain John Tavares got the 400^th goal monkey off his back on nice snipe from Kerfoot and Benn to open the scoring.  That same line put it together as Mitchell Marner buried a beauty from Joanny T and Mo Morgan to shut the crowd up.

WOW, things sure change in a hurry!

Just as soon as the second period opened, it looked like a possible blowout when Michael Bunting put the Leafs uo 3 zip.  Not long after some guy named Rackell makes it 3-1 and then a fanned pass by Sandin gifted Sidney to make it 3-2.  All this, within the first 3 minutes.

Pittsburgh went on a torrid power play with 3 strong attempts, lots of control but a strong showing by Murray to hold the lead.  The Pens would not relent and if not for a couple of goal line saves by Jordy Benn the game would have surely been tied.  Michael Bunting got his second goal of the period to give Tranna the 4-2 lead, despite being outshot 22-20.

The Leafs had a well deserved win tonight, despite being outshot 36-33, despite Matt Murray coming in under tremendous pressure, despite being on the road and with a weakened defensive corps.  They put the Penguins away 5 to 2.

HOPPER NOTES:  Don’t you just hate when the home announcer whispers the Leaf goals and then SCREAMS every detail about the home team’s accomplishments? … a lot of Penguin fans showed up tonight as empty seats…Engvall/Holl –  Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dummer…that Jordy Benn is a grizzled veteran (two goal line saves) – let’s hope he can keep it  up for the next 5-6 weeks…LOVED Jamie McLennan’s shiner…”I once had a girl, or should I say, she once had me”…nice to see Michael Bunting get back on the scoresheet (2 G)…not sure if gambling (odds and the like) belong in the telecast…question for Dubas – where do you find a # 3 defenceman (at least $4mAVV) when you only have $2m to spend….sympathies my brother…Cheers and always enjoy your comments !

What a wonderful tribute to Toronto Maple Leafs legend Borje Salming.  His 16 year career started in 1973-74 and ended with him becoming one of the greatest Leafs ever.  There was another tribute before tonight’s game – I can never get enough of this !

Tonight’s match brought the 4-7-3 Vancouver Canucks to Scotiabank.  Team President Jim Rutherford has been making some noise in the press, taking pot shots at his popular coach Bruce Boudreau.  The Canucks are 6^th of 8 in the lightweight Pacific division and will need success shortly if Brucey is to survive.  Second stringer Spencer Martin got the start in goal, sporting a respectable 3-0-1/3:45 GAA/above >900 save percentage.  The promising # 1 Thatcher Demko has struggled thus far (1-7-2/4.01/.874) and will play the second of the back-to-back vs the Bruins tomorrow.

Erik Kalgren got his second start of the weekend for Toronto.  We are being told that Matt Murray will be ready to start on Tuesday.  Without the most under rated Leaf, TJ Brodie, in the line-up Jordie Benn was got his first start as a Leaf.

In honour of another great Borje opening ceremony, Coach Keefe sent his own gesture, by starting Nylander/Engvall/Jarnkrok/Liligren and Sandin to open the game.  Once the contest got going, it was easy to tell that Marner was back with Tavares and Mathews had Nylander on his right.  Great start – but you could see that the Canuckuckelheads had come to play.  Bo Horvat opened the scoring less than 3 minutes in with a beautiful tip off a Luke Schen point shot.  JT Miller popped in a power play goal (his 8^th) just 10 seconds after Michael Bunting was sent off.  Did I hear some boo birds from way up in the greys ?

The Leaf players shut those bleacher bums up in a hurry to start the second.  They were handed a power play at the :30 second mark and Mathews just hammered his 7^th with a bullet from Marner and Tavares.  During the 7^th minute the Toronto forecheck was so ferocious with 3 or 4 legitimate chances, that finally the near invisible Pierre Engvall popped in an open netter that even you and I couldn’t miss.  New recruit Jordy Benn got his first Leaf goal in his first Leaf game to give Toronto heir first lead thanks to support from Reilly and Nylander.

Great battle between 2 teams that really needed a win.  That third period provided drive from both squads, solid goaltending, and a will to win.  I love Brice Boudreau and wish him well – but this just doesn’t seem to be his kind of team – I hope I’m wrong.  Kalgren was full measure for the win.  A well deserved Tranna win.

HOPPER NOTES:  Am I the only one that is totally amazed that Brock Boesser has not scored an NHL goal ?!? …wouldn’t you have absolutely loved to have been in that box with Salming, Sittler, Tiger ?  No matter the sadness…I can see where Jordie Benn could become a real Leaf favorite (along the lines of Bob the Baun, Glennie etc)…down the line, would   Bo Horvat, Ryan O’Reilly ?….seems those boo birds went home disappointed…guys I’d like on my team Tyler Myers…Sorry about Brucey – we’re about the same age – we were both pretty good looking back in the 70’s, we both went bald and chumped up….I always cheered him on….we were both too short but he had skill and I never did…always love your comments  -CHEERS !