The Tom Brady's of the NHL

With Tom Brady and the Patriots rallying from a 28-3 score in the second half to win Super Bowl LI 34-28 in Overtime, it got us thinking "If you needed one guy to lead you to victory when trailing, who would that guy be?" This is probably due the fact that the both of us grew up in NYC in the 1990's and are Rangers fans, but we both agreed Mark Messier would be that guy if we could pick from anyone all-time. Having a goalie that is capable of slamming the door shut with a lead was something we also pondered, and we both agreed it would be Martin Brodeur (NYC area influence strikes again) when you could pick anyone from any era. But when it came time to pick guys from the current stock of NHL'ers, our answers varied.

ADAM'S PICKS:

(Photo Credit: Associated Press)

-Guy to rally you from behind: Jonathan Toews
-Goalie to slam the door shut: Jonathan Quick

JC's PICKS:

-Guy to rally you from behind: Sidney Crosby
-Goalie to slam the door shut: Carey Price

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 20

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 20

This victory over Chicago in the 2017 Winter Classic at Busch Stadium  was likely the last fond memory Ken Hitchcock had in St. Louis. 

(Photo Credit: NHL.com/)

 On the latest edition of Pucking Thoughts Radio, Adam & JC talk about the Blues decision to fire Ken Hitchcock. They'll also dive in to the Islanders recent succesful run (and their arena issues), plus some Winnipeg Jets and plenty more in Short Shifts.  It's all a part of Edition 20 of PTR!

PUCK 'EM PICKS - WEDNESDAY 2/1/17

It's the first day of February for our Puck 'Em segment, and the guys didn't close out January on a high note. Both guys went 3-4 on the 14 game slate, so Adam retained home ice (although JC gained a game on him in the upset picks). Only 3 games on the slate tonight, so Adam didn't have to pick, but he decided to roll the dice on Braden Holtby as the Caps take on the Bruins at home. Both teams are on a back-to-back with Washington losing to the Islanders in Brooklyn, and Boston beating Tampa Bay. JC took Los Angeles at home against the lowly Avalanche. Both of those teams are also on the back end of a B2B, as Colorado lost to Anaheim and the Kings beat the Coyotes. Minnesota @ Calgary went unpicked. 

JC (195-141): Los Angeles (2nd)

Adam (194-142): Washington (1st)


EDITION 20 OF PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO WILL BE POSTED TOMORROW! WE'LL TALK ABOUT THE BLUES RELIEVING KEN HITCHCOCK OF HIS COACHING DUTIES AND GIVING THE KEYS TO MIKE YEO, THE NEW YORK ISLANDERS, AND PLENTY MORE!

(Photo Credit: Chris Lee - St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

PUCK 'EM PICKS - Tuesday 1/31

It's the last day of January, but the first day of NHL regular season action since Thursday night. It's a monster 14 game slate (only Vancouver and Calgary are off), so there's a big chance for someone to gain some serious ground in the standings. Adam had home ice, but deferred to JC for tonight's picks:

JC (192-137): Anaheim (1st), Washington (4th), Ottawa (6th), Boston (8th), Edmonton (10th), New Jersey (12th), Philadelphia (13th) / Winnipeg upset

ADAM (191-138):  Montreal (2nd), Los Angeles (3rd), Pittsburgh (5th), Toronto-upset (7th), NY Rangers (9th), Chicago (11th), St. Louis (14th)

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 19 / PUCK 'EM PICKS FOR THURSDAY 1/26

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 19


(Photo Credit: http://hockeygrrls.blogspot.com/)

 On the latest edition of Pucking Thoughts Radio, Adam & JC hand out their 'Awards at the All Star Break'. They'll give their finalists and picks for the Hart, Vezina, Adams, Norris, Selke, Rocket Richard, Jennings, Art Ross, Calder & Presidents trophies. They also have a reminder for Jim Benning and the Vancouver Canucks. It's all a part of Edition 19 of PTR!

Due to the All-Star break, tonight will be the last night of picking games (sadly) until Tuesday 1/31. Adam maintained home ice with a 1-1 night (thank you Sven Baertschi!), but deferred to JC with 13 games on the Tuesday docket. The only game that went unpicked was Buffalo @ Dallas.

ADAM (189-134): Washington (2nd), Minnesota (3rd), Montreal (5th), Pittsburgh (7th), Toronto (9th), Columbus (12th)

JC (191-132): Chicago (1st), Tampa Bay (4th), San Jose (6th), Ottawa (8th), Los Angeles (10th), Vancouver (11th)

PUCK 'EM PICKS FOR TUESDAY 1/24

JC took back home ice with a 3-0 night on Monday (he owes Tobias Reider a beer for preventing Adam from going 3-0 and keeping home ice). It's a ten game slate tonight, and JC deferred first pick to Adam. 

JC (188-129): Chicago (2nd), Pittsburgh (3rd), Washington (5th), San Jose (7th), Los Angeles (10th)

ADAM (185-129): Montreal (1st), Nashville (4th), Boston (6th), Columbus (8th), Minnesota (9th)

**PTR Edition 19 will be up on Thursday 1/26. We'll be revealing our "Awards At The All Star Break", where we pick our finalists and winners for the Hart, Vezina, Norris, Rocket Richard, Art Ross, Jennings, Adams, Selke and Calder trophies.**

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 18 (1/16/16)

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 18

(Photo Credit:  NHLTradeRumors.me)

 On the latest edition of Pucking Thoughts Radio, Adam & JC talk about the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes surge up the Metropolitan Division standings. They'll also talk about the Minnesota Wild's dominance of late, Shane Doan's future in Arizona before the trade deadline, plus plenty more in Short Shifts. It's all a part of edition 18 of PTR! 

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 17 (1/11/17)

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 17

(Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire - USA Today Sports)

 On the latest edition of Pucking Thoughts Radio, Adam & JC talk about the All Star Game rosters for the game coming up in Los Angeles in a couple of weeks. They'll also talk about the Vancouver Canucks, the struggling Tampa Bay Lightning, third jerseys and plenty more in Short Shifts. It's all a part of edition 17 of PTR! 

*Also - if you don't see our daily Puck 'Em picks on the main page, always look on the left since we'll post them there sometimes

Adam & JC's 2017 All Star Roster/Line Predictions

PUCKING THOUGHTS ALL-STAR ROSTER PREDICTIONS

Here are the rules:

-The captains (Sidney Crosby, Carey Price, PK Subban & Connor McDavid must be included – duh)

-Each squad must have six forwards, three defensemen, and two goalies

-Each NHL team must be represented, but no more than three representatives from a particular team (barring injury replacements)

ADAM’S ALL STAR ROSTER PREDICTIONS

Metropolitan Division Lines:

-Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh), Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh), Ryan McDonagh (NY Rangers)

-John Tavares (NY Islanders), Alexander Ovechkin (Washington), John Carlson (Washington)

-Claude Giroux (Philadelphia), Taylor Hall (New Jersey), Zach Werenski (Columbus)

-Goalies: Sergei Bobrovskiy (Columbus), Cam Ward (Carolina)

Atlantic Division Lines:

-Auston Matthews (Toronto), Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay), Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay)

-Jack Eichel (Buffalo), Brad Marchand (Boston), Erik Karlsson (Ottawa)

-Henrik Zetterberg (Detroit), Jaromir Jagr (Florida), Shea Weber (Montreal)

-Goalies:  Carey Price (Montreal), Tuukka Rask (Boston)

Central Division Lines:

-Tyler Seguin (Dallas), Patrick Kane (Chicago), PK Subban (Nashville)

-Mark Schiefele (Winnipeg), Vladimir Tarasenko (St. Louis), Ryan Suter (Minnesota)

-Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado), Artemi Panarin (Chicago), Duncan Keith (Chicago)

-Goalies: Devan Dubnyk (Minnesota), Pekka Rinne (Nashville)

Pacific Division Lines:

-Connor McDavid (Edmonton), Joe Pavelski (San Jose), Brent Burns (San Jose)

-Ryan Kesler (Anaheim), Jeff Carter (Los Angeles), Drew Doughty (Los Angeles)

-Bo Horvat (Vancouver), Johnny Gaudreau (Calgary), Oliver Ekman-Larsson (Arizona)

-Goalies:  Cam Talbot (Edmonton), Martin Jones (San Jose)

Joe Pavelski & Brent Burns are locks to make the All Star Game again

(Photo Credit John Hefti - USA Today Sports)

JON’S ALL STAR ROSTER/LINE PREDICTIONS

Metropolitan Division Lines:

-Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh), Claude Giroux (Philadelphia), Justin Schultz (Pittsburgh)

-John Tavares (NY Islanders), Alexander Ovechkin (Washington), Ryan McDonagh (NY Rangers)

-Jeff Skinner (Carolina), Taylor Hall (New Jersey), Zach Werenski (Columbus)

-Goalies: Sergei Bobrovskiy (Columbus), Braden Holtby (WAS)

Atlantic Division Lines:

-Auston Matthews (Toronto), Jack Eichel (Buffalo), Erik Karlsson (Ottawa)

-Brad Marchand (Boston), Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay), Shea Weber (Montreal)

-Henrik Zetterberg (Detroit), Jaromir Jagr (Florida), Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay)

-Goalies:  Carey Price (Montreal), Tuukka Rask (Boston)

Central Division Lines:

- Patrick Kane (Chicago), Artemi Panarin (Chicago), PK Subban (Nashville)

-Eric Staal (Minnesota), Vladimir Tarasenko (St. Louis), John Klingberg (Dallas)

-Tyler Seguin (Dallas), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado), Dustin Byfuglien (Winnipeg)

-Goalies: Devan Dubnyk (Minnesota), Jake Allen (St. Louis)

Pacific Division Lines:

-Connor McDavid (Edmonton), Joe Pavelski (San Jose), Brent Burns (San Jose)

-Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim), Johnny Gaudreau (Calgary), Drew Doughty (Los Angeles)

-Bo Horvat (Vancouver), Corey Perry (Anaheim), Mark Giordano (Calgary)

-Goalies:  Cam Talbot (Edmonton), Mike Smith (Arizona)

PUCK 'EM - DAY 66 (1/8/16) & THE DEBUT OF 'SUNDAY SCORERS'

Adam has been in a bit of a slump lately. It looks like he broke out of it in a big way last night, going a perfect 6-0. JC posted a solid 4-2 night, but home ice reverts back to Adam with the clean sweep on Saturday. Adam took Chicago first on this six game Sunday. 

ADAM (153-110): Chicago (1st), Anaheim (4th), Carolina (5th)

JC (156-107): Pittsburgh (2nd), Columbus (3rd), Ottawa (6th)



Starting today, on Sundays JC and Adam will be picking guys who they think will light the lamp that day ('Sunday Scorers' - Adam loves alliteration). The total number of scorers selected will reflect the number of games for that day (today there's six games, so we picked 3 skaters each - on odd-numbered Sunday slates we'll round up or down). The picking format follows the same as the game format, and Adam decided to go first:

ADAM (4-11): Alex Killorn (Tampa Bay), Jeff Skinner (Carolina), Marian Hossa (Chicago)
JC (4-11): Mike Hoffman (Ottawa), Patric Hornqvist (Pittsburgh), Artem Anisimov (Chicago)

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO EDITION 16 & PUCK 'EM - DAY 64 (1/6/17)

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 16


(Photo Credit: Minas Panagiotakas - Getty Images)

 On the latest edition of Pucking Thoughts Radio, Adam & JC talk about the World Junior Championship game between Team USA & Team Canada. They'll also talk about the Blue Jackets sixteen game winning streak that came to an end last night, the Avalanche's presumed trade deadline activity, and much more. It's all inside the latest and first edition of PTR for 2017! 

Both guys had rough nights on Thursday night, Adam's was just a little rougher going 0-3 to JC's 1-2. It's another six game slate for the 64th edition of Puck 'Em, and JC kept first pick on an iffy night of  picking. JC is currently up six games on AB in the standings. 

JC (151-102): Anaheim (1st), Nashville-upset (4th), NY Islanders (5th)

ADAM (146-108): Chicago (2nd), Calgary (3rd), New Jersey (6th)

PUCK 'EM - DAY 62 (1/4/17)

Our Puck 'Em segment is back. Apologies for not posting during the holidays. Adam had home ice during most of that time, but JC earned it back with a 2-1 night last night. Adam improved his upset record (see on the left sidebar) with the Montreal overtime victory over Nashville. 

JC (148-100): Calgary (1st), Vancouver (4th), Philadelphia (5th)

ADAM (144-104): Anaheim (2nd), Florida (3rd), Montreal (6th)

*Also - the next edition of Pucking Thoughts Radio will be on Friday 1/6. 
**We'll also debut "Sunday Scorers" this weekend

PUCK 'EM - DAY 56 (12/27/16)

After a three day hiatus of no NHL action, we've got hockey again, and not a moment too soon. It's a ten game Tuesday evening, and Adam retained home ice after Thursday night's action heading in to the break. 

ADAM (130-95): Chicago (1st), Calgary (4th), NY Rangers (6th), Columbus (8th), San Jose (9th)

JC (134-91): Washington (2nd), Pittsburgh (3rd), Dallas (5th), Minnesota (7th), Detroit (10th)

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas/Chaukah/Holiday weekend!

PT RADIO - EDITION 16 (12/21/16)

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 16

(Photo Credit: TheProspectPark.Blogspot.com)

 On the latest and last edition of Pucking Thoughts Radio for 2016, Adam & JC hand out some Christmas gifts. We pick a team from each division that deserves a bike under the tree on Christmas morning, and which teams are getting a lump of coal. They'll also talk John Tortorella, Jaromir Jagr and thew New Jersey Devils. It's all on the 2016 Finale of PTR!

PUCK 'EM - DAY 52 (12/19/16)

It was an up and down weekend for Adam. As quickly as he got home ice back on Saturday, he lost it on Sunday thanks to a 1-2 Sunday to JC's 3-0. JC's is looking to continue his hot streak, and took the Blues first as they host the Oilers. The Anaheim-Toronto (aka Frederik Andersen's revenge) game was left on the board.

JC (125-81): St. Louis (1st), Calgary (4th)

ADAM (118-88): Philadelphia (2nd), Carolina (3rd)


*The 16th edition of Pucking Thoughts Radio will be posted on Wednesday 12/21!

PUCK 'EM - DAY 49 (12/16/16)

Someone get a fire extinguisher and direct it towards JC. He went 4-0 last night, is on a six game winning streak, and is 17-3 since Saturday 12/10. Adam went 3-1 last night, but still lost a game on JC in the standings, who now sits with a six game cushion. Tonight's slate had a mix of some easier picks with some toughies. JC went first, and Columbus-Calgary was the only game left on the board.

JC (118-77): Pittsburgh (1st), Montreal (4th), Washington (5th)

ADAM (112-83): Tampa Bay (2nd), Buffalo (3rd), Colorado (6th)

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 15 & PUCK 'EM DAY 47 (12/14/16)

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 15


(Photo Credit: Barbara J Perenic - Columbus Dispatch)

 On the latest edition of Pucking Thoughts Radio, Adam & JC talk about the two hottest teams in the Metropolitan Division (Philadelphia & Columbus). They'll also examine the Flames resurgence, the Wild's recent string of success, the Kings & Rangers goalie situations, plus plenty more. It's all on Edition 15 of PTR!

It's been a few days since the last update. Adam enjoyed home ice for a few days with some strong performances and managed to close the gap to one game on JC. That changed last night - JC had a perfect 5-0 night to Adam's 2-3, so JC got home ice back and extended his lead to four games. It's a four game night in the NHL for Puck Em 47, and JC decided to keep first pick:

ADAM (108-81): Philadelphia (2nd), Calgary (3rd)

JC (65-41): Pittsburgh (1st), San Jose (4th)

PUCK 'EM - DAY 43 - 12/9/16

Thursday night wasn't good to either guy with both posting 2-3 evenings. It doesn't get any easier tonight, as both Adam and JC agreed that it's not an easy night to pick. Two teams are on the front end of a back-to-back; five teams on the back end of a back-to-back, with four of them meeting against one another tonight. All of that means lots of backup goalies. JC still holds a one game lead on Adam in the standings. 

ADAM (97-76): St. Louis (1st), Minnesota (4th), Chicago (5th)

JC (98-75): Columbus (2nd), Washington (3rd), Anaheim (6th)

PUCK EM - DAY 42 (12/8/16)

Adam was able to regain home ice with a 2-0 night to JC's 1-1 (he thanks the San Jose Sharks for that, Adam thanks the Ducks for rallying to win). Even with losing home ice, JC retained a one game lead on Adam in the standings. Adam took first pick tonight on this ten game Thursday evening.

ADAM (95-73): Tampa Bay (1st), Los Angeles (2nd), Calgary (6th), Philadelphia (8th), Winnipeg (9th)

JC (96-72): St. Louis (2nd), Boston (3rd), Pittsburgh (5th), Montreal (7th), Nashville (10th)

PUCK EM - DAY 41 (12/7/16)

JC had a perfect 4-0 night on Tuesday and took a two game lead over Adam since he went 2-2 on 12/6. JC retained home ice and declined first pick on this four game slate.  

ADAM (93-73): Anaheim (1st), Minnesota (4th)

JC (95-71): San Jose (2nd), Washington (3rd)

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 14 & PUCK 'EM - DAY 39 - 12/5/16

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 14

(Photo Credit: MuLifeInANutshell.ca  )

On the latest edition of Pucking Thoughts Radio, Adam & JC talk about the Canucks and Trevor Linden's comments that it would be "unfair" to do a full rebuild with the Sedin twins still there. They'll also talk about the struggles of the Colorado Avalanche this season, unveil Part 2 of their Rookie Review, go through the NHL infirmary and plenty more. It's all on the latest edition of PTR!

Adam's hot streak is clearly over after a poor showing this weekend, going 2-7 on Saturday and Sunday. JC's cold streak appears to be coming to an end, going 5-4 in that same stretch and clawing his way back in to a tie with Adam in the standings. It's only a four game night in the NHL, and JC declined first pick to Adam.

ADAM (89-71): Columbus (1st), Boston (4th)

JC (89-71): Pittsburgh (2nd), Washington (3rd)

PUCK 'EM - DAY 37 - 12/3/16

JC snapped his skid with an impressive 5-1 night on Thursday. The problem was Adam also went 5-1, so he retained home ice heading in to another twelve game slate today. Adam's lead over JC remains at three games. Adam declined to go first. 

ADAM (87-64): NY Rangers (2nd), Toronto (3rd), Chicago (5th), Dallas (7th), Washington (9th), Florida (12th)

JC (84-67): Pittsburgh (1st), Columbus (4th), Nashville (6th), St. Louis (8th), Boston (10th), Anaheim (11th)

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 13 - FRIDAY 12/2/16

PUCKING THOUGHTS RADIO - EDITION 13

(Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports)

On the latest edition of Pucking Thoughts Radio, Adam & JC get in to the questionable goaltending situations of the Flames, Stars, Red Wings and Islanders. They'll also have the first part of their Rookie Review (Part 2 will be on Monday 12/5). ESPN's Pierre LeBrun wrote an excellent article on the idea of the NHL developing a 3-2-1 point system and they'll dive in to that as well. An update from the injury ward and Lindy Ruff's future, plus more all on the first December edition of PTR!

PUCK 'EM DAY 36 - 12/1/16

The first day of December Puck 'Em has arrived. December is usually the time the pretenders and contenders start to separate themselves a bit. Adam still has home ice and decided to take Washington first on a twelve game night in the National Hockey League. No upset or goal scorer picks for tonight's slate. 

ADAM (82-63): Washington (1st), Anaheim (4th), Pittsburgh (6th), Columbus (8th), Edmonton (10th), Florida (11th)

JC (79-66): Boston (2nd), Chicago (3rd), Los Angeles (5th), NY Rangers (7th), St. Louis (9th), Philadelphia (12th)