Highlights for 2019/20  2018/19 Playoff Highlights

---

Calgary Flames
GM Jr

---

#22 - Calgary Flames (Jr)


For GM Jr this is his NHLP Cup to lose.  The Calgary Flames enter the 2020 Finals with four players and about a 7 point advantage with his remaining players out scoring GM Tyson's about 2 to 1 so far in the playoffs.  For either GM this will be a fourth Cup win, with Jr winning in 2001, '09 and two seasons ago in '18, winning the NHLP's 12th, 19th and 28th Cups.  The Flames have been around since the NHLP first season, having never won an NHLP Championship.  The 24 year veteran will be trying to win his 3rd Cup in the past 12 years.  For Jr he will also have accomplished the feat of winning a third Cup with a different team after winning his first two in Dallas and two years ago in Memphis.  With either GM winning the two GM's will have won 6 of the past 12 NHLP Championships between them.  The Flames made the NHLP playoffs even after suffering a penalty, with GM Joel suffering a penalty when Pittsburgh lost to Montreal, putting the Flames into the NHLP playoffs.   Calgary was CTR underdogs in both the first two rounds, crushing GM Bryce 24-10 in Portland after being a three point underdog and then scoring 7 points in game seven to overcome another CTR three point deficit versus Indianapolis (Matt) 22-20.  GM Jr was then too strong versus Tyson's Blues in the Conference Finals, easily winning 13-2.  The CTR never gave the Flames any love, ranking them 22nd of the 24 NHLP playoff teams.  The Flames had one hope only, the NHL Dallas Stars going to the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, which they have after knocking out Calgary in 6 games, being taken to game 7 overtime versus Colorado and easily pounding Vegas in 5.  Jr has had everything go his way, including staying healthy with half his teams Klingberg and Klingberg which he will need to continue in the Finals.  Radulov and Pavelski round out the four still playing for Calgary.  Pavelski is trying for his second Cup, winning in 2007 with Portland (Chad).  The Flames should easily win, but Klingberg seems the key to the Flames win.  If Klingberg doesn't score GM Tyson would be an 8-7 favorite, where as if Klingberg gets 4+4, Tyson's duo would have to outscore Radulov and Pavelski by at least 8, something that just won't happen.  GM Jr has made himself a heavy favorite and it is well deserved for a life long NHLP GM.

---

#10 - Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson)


GM Tyson has simply dominated like no other GM has since joining the NHLP 11 seasons ago.  The GM started his winning right out of the gate in season one and is a long shot to win his 4th NHLP Championship in just his 11th season as a GM.  Tyson won his first three Cups in 2010, '12 and '17, the 20th, 22nd and 27th NHLP awarded Cups.  Although a 15-8 point underdog this finals, a win would place Tyson just two Cups back of legendary pace-setter GM Andrew who sits atop the leaderboard with his 6 Cups.  The Hitmen won their lone Championship in 2012 when they only scored 41 points the entire playoffs.  This season scoring hasn't been an issue with Hamilton scoring over 30 in each the first two rounds, winning 32-10 (Atlantic City, Bryce) and 31-31 (NY Islanders, Ryan) in a round two scare.  Tyson got his tie-breaking pick right when it counted in round two versus GM Ryan who is one of only a handful of teams ever to lose while scoring over 30 in a round.  The CTR did have the Hitmen winning their Division before losing to Montreal (Marcel) in the Conference Finals, which the CTR did nail the matchup, just not the winner.  The Hitmen won 13-8, advancing to the Championship to face Calgary (Jr) and Chicago (Andrew) who is playerless.  Tyson choose Tampa Bay with a tie-breaker he hopes comes into play, for the team would have overcame the 7 points the CTR sees the team losing by.  For the Hitmen to pull off one of the biggest Championship undergdog wins, as he did with his last Cup when Crosby outscored Johansen, Forsberg and Subban in 2017, the Hitmen will need Gourde and Benn to be sensational.  Letang who won his lone Cup when Tyson won his first in 2010 is trying along with Carlson to win their second Cups.  Carlson won with GM Jr win 2018 with Memphis.  For Letang he can join Yashin (Andrew), Gilmour (Norman) and Toews (Scott) as the only players to win a second Cup with the same GM on a different season.  "You never know if or when you will be able to get back" stated GM Tyson prior to the Finals about enjoying this run.  The GM is aware the task at hand is a big one, something he overcame before, making this win even sweeter if he can pull off a minor miracle for Cup 4.

---

#1 - Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew)


The CTR loved the Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew), selecting them as the team to beat heading into the playoffs.  The Hawks had back to back 30+ point rounds and had all 7 players alive in round two, where things all went bad for the GM who was trying to win his 7th Cup.  The second round Andrew lost 6 players, two each of the Bruins, Avs and Flyers, crippling the team who was still a favorite had Dallas not made the NHL Stanley Cup Finals.  The Hawks cannot win this season, officially being out on their tie-breaking pick of Tampa Bay, which matched GM Tyson's pick.  Should the NHLP Finals end 0-0-0, GM Tyson would win if Tampa Bay wins the Stanley Cup, or GM Jr would win with Dallas.  Andrew builds strong winning teams annually, and although this team fell short, there is no reason for the GM to not be proud with how strongly he battled with yet another team everyone thought might just win it all.  Congrats on making the Finals.

---

Updated After Games Completed (CTR 15-6, 71%):  Final

                   

At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page)
Seed	Team	Score	Score	Team	Seed
Central Conference Finals
0	#1 - Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew)	2***
East Conference Finals
3	#10 - Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson) +8	1*
West Conference Finals
19	#22 - Calgary Flames (Jr) +15	4

* - Predicted to win Division (*Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Official, Can't Score More in Round
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites

Updated After Games Completed (CTR 14-6, 70%):  End of Conference Finals

                   

At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page)
Seed	Team	Score	Score	Team	Seed
Central Conference Finals
4	#17 - Cincinnati Rage (Matt)	0	3	#1 - Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) +5	2***
East Conference Finals
1**	#8 - Montreal Canadiens (Marcel)	8	13	#10 - Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson) +1	1*
West Conference Finals
2	#12 - St Louis Blues (Tyson)	2	13	#22 - Calgary Flames (Jr) +6	4

* - Predicted to win Division (*Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Official, Can't Score More in Round
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites

---

Updated After Games Completed:  CTR 11 - 6 (65%) - End of Round Two

                   

At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page)
Seed	Team	Score	Score	Team	Seed
Central Conference - North Division Finals
2***	#1 - Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) +13	30	17	#3 - New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn)	1
Central Conference - South Division Finals
4	#17 - Cincinnati Rage (Matt) +15	20	4	#15 - Dallas Stars (Jr)	3
East Conference - Atlantic Division Finals
2	#21 - Philadelphia Flyer (Scott)	12	29	#8 - Montreal Canadiens (Marcel) +7	1**
East Conference - East Division Finals
2	#13 - New York Islanders (Ryan)  +4	31	31	#10 - Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson)	1*
West Conference - Pacific Division Finals
4	#22 - Calgary Flames (Jr)	22	20	#9 -  Indianapolis Icemen (Matt) +3	3
West Conference - West Division Finals
2	#12 - St Louis Blues (Tyson)	20	19	#4 - Los Angeles Kings (Andrew) +7	1**

* - Predicted to win Division (*Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Official, Can't Score More in Round
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites

---

Go Indianapolis!!!

Sunday -   Sometimes in the NHLP the most exciting thing happening in your round, isn't even your series.  Montreal (Marcel) are secure to represent the Atlantic Division in the East Conference Finals.  Right now could look like the Habs being a 10-9 favorite over Hamilton (Tyson) next round, if Dallas advances in the NHL.  If Colorado comes back, yes the Canadiens add Rantanen, but that Hamilton matchup turns in the Hitmen favor about 14-8.  So Dallas is still the best hope for Montreal, but then you have the Flames (Jr) who could be trouble in the NHLP Finals.  So GM Marcel might be best to cheer for Indianapolis (Matt) to knock Jr's Flames out this round, while the Flames are beatable, the having the Stars go all the way, likely wins GM Marcel his second Cup.  It isn't exactly Indy or bust, but it will be bust if it's Dallas and Calgary come the Cup Finals, and that goes for everyone. 

---

MacKinnon Could Lead Hamilton to Cup

Sunday -  GM Tyson must be tasting the NHLP Championship.  The Hitmen are up 17-12 heading into Sunday's action and GM Ryan's scoring players are all facing being out on Monday.  The NHL Eastern Conference series have gone better for Hamilton then any NHLP team.  If the Islanders and Bolts win, Hamilton is the only team with one player on each team, and the last Islander standing the rest of the way, while no other team has two Bolts.  Advancing the GM is certain to have Benn who has 6 points this round or MacKinnon who has 7 (in three games).  So even if the Avs go to the Stanley Cup Finals and Chicago (Andrew) brought Landeskog and Landeskog (about 8 to 10 points), MacKinnon and either Bailey or Gourde could be 10 to 12 points.  Of the six players here playing Sunday, three per team, Tyson's three are outscoring Ryan's 14-3 through the first three games of the second round.  So that 5 point lead today will likely move to about 8, then moving Ryan's Islanders into really needing a seven game series from Tampa and Boston, or game over. 

---

Feisty Blues Look to Take Control

Sunday -  With four of GM Andrew's six Kings players facing an elimination game Monday (and maybe a fifth) the end of Game Fours today could open this series up.  Tied at 9-9 GM Tyson has the advantage with Konecny, Smith and Heiskanen versus Voracek and Burakovsky.  This matchup favors Tyson's three players 7 to 1 over the first three games.  All three of the Blues players could also be tied 2-2 in the NHL series, while on Monday Bergeron, Krug, Killorn and Richie are facing elimination for Andrew.  The winner of this series could be facing as many as four players (Calgary, Jr or Indianapolis Matt), or as little as one or even a Walk Over with a Flames win and Avs advancing.  The West Conference is anyone's for the taking but the next two days may determine what NHLP teams are moving on.

---

Blackhawks Matter

Sunday - There has been a lot that has went wrong this round for GM Andrew.  Basically the CTR #1 rated Blackhawks have been decimated with the corresponding NHL series going the wrong way.  Even so, with the Hawks a lock to advance, this team would still be the NHLP favorites in the Finals with Vegas versus either the Islanders or the Bolts, with all other series ending as they are now.  Theodore would give Chicago a Walk Over next round and Theodore could at best play in a one on one NHLP Finals.  Things get a whole lot easier if the Avalanche win today and lets not count out Philadelphia or Boston just yet.  This team should be feared.  They have been beaten down almost as far as they can go, and they are still potential favorites.  As bleak as things are, this is still GM Andrew's Cup to lose.

---

Giroux Needs to be Better

Thursday -  GM Ryan is in this series, but needs Giroux to step up his game if Ryan's Islanders are going to make the comeback.  Down 17-10 with Nelson and Giroux vs Bailey to complete the game 3's, the Islanders can easily narrow this gap.  "This is a wide open NHLP Cup at this point" Muddy Capone said about the importance of this series, "The winner here can match up with Montreal and yet go all the way."  While for GM tyson this could mean an incredible 4th Cup, GM Ryan has undoubtedly been the closest of all non winners.  "I really want that Cup" the GM said, stating the obvious, "I just sometimes feel it isn't meant to be."  Of course Ryan would feel this way being seemingly within a game here and there of changing his fortunes completely.  The NHL Islanders and Bolts winning could make Ryan the favorite next round and holding the best NHLP Bolts built team and also then holding the last Islanders player in the playoffs.  If the Islanders played Vegas in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, at worst Ryan could have Nelson versus one Vegas player.  Cup hopes are on the line here as the second round starts to tighten, and tense up.

---

Kings Take Lead - Can They Hold It?

Thursday -  GM Andrew only calls him Fog Horn because he wants to keep Killorn out of the minds of other GMs so he can have him for his very own.  Last season with GM Shawn's Cup vicotry, Killorn won his second NHLP Cup, his first in 2015 with GM Andrew in Hartford.  Killorn is trying to make it three Cups this season, only the second NHLP player in league history (Yashin) to accomplish this feat.  Killorn was big last night with three points as the Kings took a 9-7 lead over St Louis (Tyson).  The Blues have Smith and Konecny vs Voracek to complete the Game 3's.  This is a very huge series as the winner here may be underdogs next round or even have a walk over if Calgary (Jr) wins in the Pacific and the Avs advance.  "All four GM's here (in the West Conference) can be favorites to go to the Cup next round, crating some real excitement" stated Muddy Capone about the wildness of the crazy Western Conference.  All GM's really need players next round because as things sit everywhere advancing teams could lose a lot of players depending on how the NHL series go, leaving all teams weakened and leaving all a shot at winning the 30th NHLP Championship.

---

Desparar Espacios en Blanco

Thursday - With 10 goals scored in the game, the NHLP seven players in this series could do nothing more than muster 17 shots and not a single point.  "Everyone is holding the stick a little tight in this series, with all that is being said behind the scenes" stated Muddy Capone.  It has gotten so bad that a "Hit List" has been circulating the Internet.  "We've seen a list" Capone states, "GM Matt's name is on the list, but we cannot authenticate at this time where the list originated from."  for Matt he is hoping to survive the series now in more way than one, increasing security around he and his team.  Indianapolis has a chance to take their first lead in the series tonight with Pettersson and Horvat needing just two points to knot everything up squarely at 8-8.  With GM Andrew's Kings now up in the West Division, currently advancing only a player, this series is looming even larger now for Cup aspirations for these two NHLP thugs.

---

Walk-Over Potential for Rage
 
Wednesday - The possibility of the Cincinnati Rage (Matt) walking over the Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) in the Central Conference Finals was closer to an impossibility than a possibility.  For that to happen, Matt would need Vancouver beating Vegas and the Islanders, Dallas and Tampa Bay all advancing.  Well, can you say dream come true!  With a Hawks win (this round) that possibility is alive and well.  For Matt, as long as Vancouver advances his Miller and Miller, he'd be favorites next round as long as either Philadelphia or Boston lose out in the NHL playoffs.  Cincinnati is becoming a huge NHLP Cinderella story which is all down to player matchups next round, as it appears Chicago and Cincinnati are going to do battle for the Central Crown to see who is going to the NHLP Championship, a place Matt has never brought a team.  

---

Ritchie SCORES!!!!

Wednesday - Although both GM's added man games, it was GM Andrew's Kings who won the night.  L.A. added extra games with in the Boston - Tampa Bay series where he is expected to outscore the Blues 14-3 and early on has 4-1.  The entire rest of this series is little one on one battles, Voracek vs Konecny and Burakovsky vs Heiskanen, totaling a 2-0 advantage for GM Tyson early on.  The winner here could face as little as only Pavelski next round for a birth in the NHLP Finals, so this is a huge series for both these GM's.   

---

Guerra de Palabras

Wednesday - The war of words continues in what can only be described as a very ugly and vicious series between GM's Jr and Matt, neither backing down.  It may have started prior to the series when Matt warned Jr that he wouldn't like playing against Pettersson this round.  One GM who asked not to be named said things have gotten so bad between the two, "It is starting to rival the decade long nastiness between that of GM's Chad and Andrew."  GM's in the NHLP have just come to deal with the tension that fills the room between Andrew and Chad, something that the GM's claim is behind them.  Depending on what way you are facing you either see the sunshine or a shadow.  Jr will look to extend the series lead tonight, now only up 8-6 with Indianapolis adding man games from his top players.  "The pressure is on El Chamo" Matt stated after his big night.  The last thing the Flames wanted was extra games from Pettersson and Horvat and a four game sweep by Dallas.  It might not be a pleasant feeling, but it appears Jr will need Colorado to win a few or Calgary might not advance even if their four Stars do.

---

Central Conference - North Division

A Little Adversity? 

Tuesday - GM Andrew is facing adversity for the first time in the NHLP playoffs.  "Things happen fast, from two days ago, this looks a lot different now" stated Muddy Capone.  The winner here is facing a walk over to the Cup Finals, but suddenly Chicago is no long that favorite today.  If Boston and Vegas met in the Stanley Cup Finals, the Hawks could still bring about 13 points, and that would easily be enough still to win it all.  The issue is now if Colorado and Philadelphia go out, next round has to be spot on perfect, as almost any other combination of NHL teams will in the finals will make someone else the favorite.  Chicago is the favorites and not many can deny that, but Andrew still has to complete the job and for the first time this playoffs, it seems a tougher task suddenly.

Central Conference - South Division

GM Matt will be representing the South Division in the Conference Finals, the question is will Cincinnati be walked over or not?  Currently all four players are losing their series.  Colorado losing really isn't costing Matt as meeting Chicago (Andrew) next round with Landeskog and Landeskog isn't going to move Matt's Rage further anyway.  The best Matt can hope for is Vancouver, Dallas and either Tampa Bay or the NY Islanders advance, giving Matt as good of shot at going to the Cup Finals as he has had.

---

  East Conference - Atlantic Division

Habs Feeling Like Winners

Tuesday - Things are rolling right along for GM Marcel's Montreal Canadiens.  "We are constantly looking at the big picture" states Mudd Capone, "Winning this round is nice, of course, but if your surroundings aren't also going your way, you are an out down the road."  With only one thing that truly matters, winning it all, Marcel is doing his job, but for Montreal to win his second Cup, a lot of things will need to go right.  Marcel has the second best Stars built team.  A Stars and Bruins final could win Marcel the Cup, even if Jr's Calgary team is there.  The way the NHL series are going now is just about perfect to set Marcel up for a legitimate shot at his second NHLP championship.   


Eastern Conference - East Division

Bolt Jolt

Tuesday - With Hamilton (Tyson) out to a huge early 9-2 lead, both GM's need Tampa Bay giving them a jolt.  For GM Tyson, scoring just isn't an issue, but looking ahead to a Conference Finals with GM Marcel, the Hitmen won't have enough to win.  If Tampa Bay can come back and beat out Boston, this would make the series with Montreal (Marcel) a toss up.  It would also cripple the Central Conference in the NHLP Finals, no matter who else makes it.  All the Hitmen would need then would be Dallas lose next round and the NHLP Finals could be no better than one on one for three teams if Tampa or the Islanders played Vegas.  For GM Ryan he needs a Tampa Bay win as well, and many more games, a long series where he hopes to get some points from Palat, Sergachev and McAvoy.  In this series Ryan is to outscore Tyson 9-2 and that seems about the only way he can now over come a 7 point deficit.  Ryan could than matchup well against Montreal and go the distances with the Bolts or Islanders in the Stanley Cup Finals.  

---

Kings Need Bruins Points and Long Series

Tuesday - The NHLP Cup is on the line everywhere.  GM Andrew is down 5-2 and his pick of the tie-breaker with Colorado isn't looking solid with the Avs needing to win 4 out of 5 now to take back that pick.  So Andrew's Kings are down 4 points.  They have the player games just with a 6-4 man advantage in the series, but is expected to outscore GM Tyson 15-3 in the Boston - Tampa Bay series. With 11 of those points coming from the Bruins, Andrew can't wait much longer just in case this is a short 4 or 5 game series.  If the Bruins go up 2-0 today and the Kings are gaining, the pressure of going to and winning the Cup on a Bruins run might evaporate.  If Andrew can win, his bruins alone could be enough to complete with Calgary (Jr) next round before the three Bruins could make the Kings the favorites in the NHLP Finals.

---

El Chamo

Tuesday - We now know "The Kid" is really feeling like a potential Champion.  GM Jr is fired up in Calgary and just might be now 6 wins away.  "It's too early" said an obviously excited Jr, not wanting to think too far ahead.  That's what we are for.  Up 8-1 on Indianapolis (Matt) who might be the final hope for all other NHLP GM's to stop this incredible run of GM Jr's.  If the icemen don't do it, Calgary will get stronger and stronger the rest of the way, basically unstoppable if Dallas wins just 6 more games.  If Calgary and Dallas (NHL) win this round it is shaping up to be a battle no matter who the Conference Finals opponent is, St Louis (Tyson) or Los Angeles (Andrew) and even winning that Jr would have nothing left if the Stars didn't make the NHLP Finals.  This Flames team was never on our radar, but as we head towards the playoffs halfway make, El Chamo is feeling like it is Christmas right around the corner and just can't wait to unwrap that one gift he hopes is under the tree.

---

Central Conference - North Division

The goal today for GM Andrew may not be to continue his wicked scoring, but hopefully have Colorado and Philadelphia wins, keeping all 7 players positive colours.  Chicago is up 8-2with Voracek and Giroux yet to play their first game of round two.  With the Hawks 13 point favorites, Chicago is already thinking towards the Cup Finals and a Philadelphia and Boston win this round ensures the team is strong next round and has at least his Flyers or Krug and Krejci in the NHLP Finals.  If the Flyers don't move on and Colorado doesn't come back, suddenly the favorites in the NHLP's 30th season will no longer be Chicago, but until then...

---

  East Conference - Atlantic Division

For GM Marcel he is doing all we predicted he would do in Montreal.  The Habs are up 7-1 and are advancing four players with game one outcomes.  GM Scott gets his shot to finally have his Islanders play their game on Monday and a point per player would make this a 7-4 series.  Scott's Flyer don't appear to be a huge threat, but the GM is hoping for four game sweeps everywhere and a full 7 games from the Islanders and Flyers series.  That may be enough to overcome the CTR deficit placed at 7 points.  Long term Marcel is looking good for the Conference Finals but at this moment a Stanley Cup Finals featuring Colorado versus Boston or Philly will be a gimme Cup for Chicago (Andrew) so Marcel had best cheer accordingly this round even if this turns into a rout.

---

Eastern Conference - East Division

GM Tyson continued his strong scoring and Hamilton has a 6-1 lead over the DDC winners of round one in New York (Ryan).  If you believe in destiny, the Islanders team is now full of it.  With GM Andrew asking about the DDC, only then the next day to be knocked out by it.  We all know the Cleveland (Tyson) 2017 Cup run story.  For Ryan his Bruins ended round one tied at 16 with Boston having the tie-breaker, and set to advance 5 players versus Florida (Marcel) who had one second round player.  The end of the round double checking of the points had never turned a series do to a point change.  Well Crosby had a toe touch, an awarded point, giving Cleveland an extra point, winning 17-16.  The Fury go on and win their second team Cup, the GM's third over an 8 year period.  Now named after GM Ryan, the Discount Double Check took a point for Andrew's Whalers in what was posted as a 17-17 tie with Hartford the breaker.  By the Islanders advancing, they now meet GM Tyson in a series Tyson would have easily won had Andrew's Whalers been the opponents.  With 6 players and the best Bolts team remaining, it is possible GM Ryan goes all the way after thinking himself he was out.  "I got up at 3 AM that morning and just could not believe Andrew got the two points he needed on the last goal with a minute twenty remaining" explained the GM, "It's just not meant for me.  the ups and downs of this league.  I couldn't fucking sleep after that I was so pissed."  The Islanders may be down, but are the favorites and paying close attention to Montreal (Marcel) likely gives the combinations needed if Ryan's fate has finally swung and this is his year.

---

West Conference - Pacific Division

While the NHLP hasn't spoken much about the Calgary Flames (Jr), this team could be 7 more Dallas Stars wins away from the NHLP Championship.  Out to a 5-0 lead in a series that appears anything but a sweep, the Flames won't hurt for points this round.  On paper, the team is a 3 point underdog so we fully expect more from Indianapolis (Matt).  Both GM's have high hopes here, but both are one team horse in this race.  If Jr loses his Stars or Matt his Canucks, the following round will likely be their last.  "If the Stars keep winning, no one is beating Calgary" stated Muddy Capone, "GM Jr know full well it is down to 7 more wins, as making the Finals is all that will be required."  If the series tightens the Flames will be cheering for the Islanders as the breaker, so tonight is an all-around huge night for Calgary.

---

  West Conference - West Division

The St Louis Blues (Tyson) have started quick, up 4-2, but are out manned by two players.  The West Conference was very wild in round one, and so far the West Division with 19 players on the four teams is looking like a wild second round is in store.  With the Kings (Andrew) expected to go to the NHLP Finals and having the best Bruins team if it goes with a matchup possible with the Avalanche, the Kings are very real potential Cup winners.  So far the Blues have GM Andrew's attention with tonight's games completing round one with Voracek for Andrew and Konecny for Tyson being a great matchup in that series.

---

Updated After Games Completed:  CTR 8-3 73% - End of Round One - Official

                   

First Round At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page)
Seed	Team	Score	Score	Team	Seed
Central Conference - North Division
4	#16 - Miami Surf (Charlie)	17	30*	#3 - New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn) +4	1
3	#19 - Buffalo Sabres (Joel)	10*	36	#1 - Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) +4	2***
Central Conference - South Division
4	#17 - Cincinnati Rage (Matt)	27	24*	#2 - San Fran Titan (Scott) +1	1*
3	#15 - Dallas Stars (Jr) +1	20*	12	#6 - Florida Panthers (Marcel)	2
East Conference - Atlantic Division
4	#23 - Barrie Island 1/2 Chance Stumblers (Joel)	11	22*	#8 - Montreal Canadiens (Marcel) +7	1**
3	#20 - Halifax Destroyers (Shawn)	14*	18	#21 - Philadelphia Flyer (Scott) +8	2
East Conference - East Division
4	#24 - Atlantic City Gamblers (Bryce)	10	32*	#10 - Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson) +13	1*
3	#18 - Hartford Whalers (Andrew)	16*	17	#13 - New York Islanders (Ryan)  +2	2
West Conference - Pacific Division
4	#22 - Calgary Flames (Jr)	24	10*	#11 - Portland Winter Hawk (Bryce) +3	1*
3	#9 -  Indianapolis Icemen (Matt)	23*	20	#5 - Seattle Storm (Shawn) Pick	2
West Conference - West Division
4	#15 - Green Bay Knights (Ryan)	19	20*	#4 - Los Angeles Kings (Andrew) +4	1**
3	#7 - Alaska Attack (Marcel) +2	16*	18	#12 - St Louis Blues (Tyson)	2

* - Predicted to win Division (*Beside Scoring - Tiebreaker Guaranteed)
Scoring Underlined - Series Official, Can't Score More in Round
** - Predicted to Go to NHLP Finals
*** - Cup Favorites

----

---

Heiskaen's Four Propels Blues - Gives Knights a Chance

The West Division has brought a lot of excitement and drama to the first round of the NHLP playoffs.  A day after the #12 St Louis lost their series lead to #7 Alaska (Marcel), they took it back for what appears to be good.  GM Marcel could only score with Tarasenko whom is out indefinitely, bringing to an end a crazy series.  GM Tyson who is bringing about 15 points to the next round, will likely be an underdog against either possible opponent.  With as few as two NHL games remaining in round one, the Division Finals opponent is still unknown.  Green Bay (Ryan) was done, so it appeared, down 18-15 with Heiskanen left to play.  The talented defencemen shocked the NHLP, at least for one night, with a four point elimination game, giving the Knights a 19-18 lead with no players left.  For GM Andrew all he will need is a single point from Vorecek tonight, or in game 7 should that series go the distance.  Voecek is coming off a 3 point game and has at least a point in three straight.  The Kings are the only team with three Bruins and will have a great opportunity to win the NHLP Championship if they get that one single needed point. 

---

Cruelty at its Best

GM Ryan could lose out with two teams, both on tie-breakers, when between the teams there are 11 for 11 advancing players.  "If it happens, I am certain I have never seen a more cruel result for a GM in the first round" stated Muddy Capone.  Two teams, all green, both with Cup aspirations, both in battles and seemingly now on the wrong side of the numbers, and tie-breakers.  We already know if Vorecek gets a single point, GM Ryan will be out in the West on the tie-breaking pick.  In the East Division Ryan's NY Islanders are up 17-15 with Giroux left while GM Andrew's Hartford team is secured the tie-breaker, thanks to Ryan picking Washington.  For the Islanders to advance, Giroux must stay one point ahead of Konecny, Perron and Pietrangelo, as a two point gain by the three players over Giroux means the Whalers will knock out the Islanders.  Adding to the potential cruel situation, the winner here gets Hamilton (Tyson) who's four advancing players just scored 23 points in the first round.  With the full six Ryan can advance, he can win that series, but the importance of the tie-breaker seems most likely to rear its ugly head in this East Division first round matchup that could cost Ryan any hope of winning his first ever Cup.

---

Pavelski Saves Icemen

Thanks to a three point night the Indianapolis Icemen (Matt) have a 21-16 series lead, with the tie-breaker versus the Seattle Storm (Shawn).  "GM Matt needed those points badly" said Muddy Capone, "Even now, things could yet tighten up."  The Storm will need to gain 6 points on Horvat, with Couturier, Hughes, van Riemsdyk and Grant.  With three Flyers players, if the Storm can cut this lead to 3 points tonight and force a game 7 for the Flyers, this series is far from over.   

---

"57 Red, 27 Blue, Titan 5"

San Fran football fans remember the call well.  Last game of the regular season, Division title on the line versus Seattle and Jimmy Garoppolo calls the now famous "57 Red, 27 Blue, Titan 5" for the game winning touchdown.  "It is true about the call" said Muddy Capone, "It was a shout out to the Titan players Perron and Pietrangelo."  The play of course was a hail-mary that was caught for the game winning TD.  GM Scott hopes to once more go back to the play call.  "Well that is all we have left" said the GM, "Perron and Pietrangelo gaining two tonight and three more in game seven, both Blues wins, I can envision it happening."  The 5 points the titan need to advance is actually a 5 point gain from those two players over Miller, Miller and Sanford, players who have yet to not score every single game.  "That is in the past now and only the next two games matter now" Scott stated, "The call is a winning call, from maybe one of the greatest quarterbacks the game has ever seen.  I now hope the call can live on in NHLP folklore.  So it is only fitting my entire game speech tonight will be nothing more than quoting the legend...57 Red, 27 Blue, Titan 5."

---

Night of Shocking Comebacks Changes NHLP Playoffs

Just when you thought you had seen it all!  A shocking NHLP night of high scores changed the fortunes of four NHLP series, totally altering the landscape of what is to come next, the rest of the playoffs...

Kings Stun Knights

GM Andrew scored 7 unanswered points, seemingly ending the #15 Green Bay Knights (Ryan) hopes of not only an amazing upset, but potentially a run straight through to the NHLP Cup Finals with his all green team.  The #4 Kings were down and out, losing 15-11 heading into the action Wednesday.  With Marchand on fire and Voracek not doing anything, in potential elimination games, the Kings weren't coming back.  The most the Kings had scored after completed games was three points but Vorecek got that many himself and Bergeron and Burakovsky added a pair each.  Marchand, Coyle, Sergachev and Namestnikov responded with zero and the Kings are up 18-15 with the tie-breaker.  Heiskanen in a possible two player games must outscore Vorecek who could have two of his own, by four points, which isn't gonna happen.  Now the Kings currently have their entire team moving on to face the St Louis Blues (Tyson)...

NO WAIT - Alaska Shocks St Louis

GM Marcel was down 1206 after game three and 14-11 after game fours, heading into Wednesday.  With no Tarasenko playing because of his reconstructed shoulder it appeared the #12 Blues (Tyson) were heading for a matchup with Green Bay (Ryan).  Well not only did the Kings (Andrew) take care of Ryan's in Green Bay, Marcel did the improbable in #7 Alaska.  The Attack now lead 16-15, with Vancouver for the tie-breaker but are now left with only Kovalchuk versus Backstrom, Konecny and Heiskanen for the Blues.  Everything is an ellimination game and Backstrom will not play game 5.  This series can bounce back into the Blues favor but now either winner here will be an underdog with the Kings set to advance.

See-Saw Tips in Islanders Favor

Islanders - Whalers - Islanders - Whalers - Islanders...that is how the series has turned through completed games one to five in this series.  The Islaners led by two, trailed by one, led by one, trailed by three and now have at least a one point lead with Nelson yet to play his game five.  That lead came thanks to a four point gain by Burakovsky and Giroux Wednesday.  The #13 Islanders are advancing all six of their players at the moment but a one point lead won't be safe with Konecny, Perron and Pietrangelo all still alive for Hartford (Andrew).  The Islanders cn't rely on the tie-breaker, as they chose Washington, so Nelson and Giroux must hold the lead if GM Ryan has hopes of winning his first ever NHLP Championship.

---

   The Unstoppable Millers, All the Rage in Cincinnati

It was a night GM Matt won't forget anytime soon, putting up an eight spot, gaining seven points in #17 Cincinnati as the Rage have all but officially taken out #2 San Fran (Scott).  The Rage have never trailed after even games but were down 21-19 without the tie-breaker.  So when the Titan got the first point Wednesday, Matt's Rage were in a huge hole, now needing a four point gain to take the series lead.  Well, it happened.  Dubois, Girard, Donskoi, Sanford gave them a one point lead and MIller and Miller added the last four points with no response from the Titan Perron and Pietrangelo.  With the Vancouver win the team is currently moving on four players versus still a potential Walk-Over if Philly can hold the lead and no one else comes back. 

---

Chicago's Devilish Night

It was ten years ago on April 17th that the biggest single scoring night in NHLP history took place.  GM Jr's 17 on the 17th from his playoff team in New Jersey is a record that stands very tall to this day in a 30 year old league.  That incredible night was a well rounded effort by his entire team.

Kovalchuk - 3
Zetterberg - 3
Elias - 3
Elias - 3
Filppula - 3
Kronwall - 2

Stunningly Jr's team all combined for ZERO points after his game one's were completed, then wham, 17 in game two's, all within hours.  Of the 42 times GM's have had 12+ point nights, that was the only time ever a playoff team hit the mark.  Chicago (Andrew) didn't hit 12 on Wednesday, but for a playoff night we couldn't help but take notice.

Voracek 3
Landeskog 2
Landeskog 2
Giroux 2
Krejci 2
Krug 0

The 11 point night does at least tie the best ever night Andrew's Chicago Blackhawks have had in his 24 seasons as Chicago (along with Andrew's team in Los Angeles) are just two of the 8 teams to never have a dozen or more in a night.  A little shocking tidbit, but both Jr's and Andrew's nights were both against GM Joel's Buffalo team.  For Andrew, his Hawks now have 34 in the first round and if Voracek and Giroux move one, so will his entire 7 players into round two.  Back in 2010 Jr's Devils would score 37 first round points and only advance three players, losing 11-6 to Hartford (Andrew) in round two.  Andrew will hope for a better fate in 2020, but regardless what happens next, we congratulate him for his achievement on a Wednesday night many NHLP GM's will remember for a long time.

---

North Division - As Advertised

#1 Chicago (Andrew) and #3 New Orleans (Shawn) appear headed for a round two matchup.  If all series stay the way they are GM Andrew would be moving on all 7 players, so GM Shawn will need St Louis to either come back or for Andrew to lose some players, namely Boston or Philadelphia.  As is if Shawn loses his two Blues players, Chicago will coast to the conference Finals.

---
South Division - No Stammer, No Scoring

#6 Florida (Marcel) was in a tough first round series with the #15 Dallas Stars (Jr).  GM Jr's team was expected to win a very close battle, but without Stamkos for GM Marcel, the series just wasn't going to be close.  Dallas can still bring some scoring to the Division Finals, but with his two Caps stars down 3-0, the scoring likely won't be enough next round.  NHL teams down 3-0 all time are 4-190, so it isn't looking like Ovechkin and Carlson will move on with Dallas.  The second round opponent is looking more like GM Matt's #17 Cincinnati Rage.  Matt has been unstoppable with Miller, Miller and Dubois scoring 12 points in just 9 player games and have at least 6 more player games between them.  "We are taking a fucking beat down" said GM Scott, "Matt looks me square in the eyes, punches me in the face again, looks to the ref to stop the fight, nothing, shrugs his shoulders and just punches me in the face again."  The #2 Titan are on the ropes and it is ugly.  The Rage really need Vancouver to knock out St Louis and the team could run with the Canucks or the Avs.  It just doesn't seem any team here can eventually topple Chicago (Andrew)

---

 Atlantic Division - Chances of Repeat Looking Slim

GM shawn is only down by just 4 points but his #20 Halifax Destroyers are a one man scoring team.  Four of the teams 6 points are from Kucherov and it just isn't enough.  While the #21 Flyer are getting an unexpected pleasant surprise form their three Islanders, without Aho and Teravainen it seems very unlikely Philadelphia can match up well against #8 Montreal (Marcel) next round.  At the moment things are very much looking like Montreal is the team to beat in the Atlantic.

---
East Division - Then There Were Three

GM Andrews #18 Whalers gave #13 NY Islanders (Ryan) everything they could.  The Whalers are down 11-10 with the NHL Islanders as the pick.  Then Svenchinikov is lost for the round and the upset just doesn't appear possible.  For GM Ryan, one mans loss is another mans gain.  Ryan's Islanders are sitting with all 6 players moving on as is, which would make them favorites versus #10 Hamilton (Tyson) for the rights to represent the Division in the Conference Finals in what right now appears a date with Montreal (Marcel).  We are only midway through round one of the playoffs, but right now the Islanders have potential to run.

---

Pacific Division - Shooting Stars

The #22 Calgary Flames (Jr) are up huge thanks to the teams four Dallas Stars players.  Everything here depends on the Flames moving forward with their Stars players or next round could be a walk over.  GM Matt's #9 Indianapolis Icemen are giving #5 Seattle (Shawn) fits, up 14-10 in their pick'em series.  As is either team would be favorites versus Dallas, so this is a huge series.  The West Conference is truly wide open and the winner here can go all the way.  These next NHL games are huge.  Can GM Shawn come back?  It might be his only hope to repeat as NHLP Champions.

---

West Division - Sleepless Knights

The #15 Green Bay Knights (Ryan) were only a four point underdog, but what an incredible upset this could be for GM Ryan.  The Knights are up 14-8 and seemingly have it well in control.  For GM Andrew his #4 Kings are a solid team, expected to move on the roster into the second round and go right to the Cup Finals.  Losing by 6 points must be extremely disappointing for the six time NHLP Champion.  For Ryan he can still bring 19 points to round two, five players, and be favorites to possibly replace the Kings in the NHLP Championship.  There are so many GM's with Cup dreams at this point, but such a long ways to go.  So far the Knights are doing everything right which must giving GM Ryan some good Knights sleep. 

---

West Conference Open for Taking

With an 8-6 battle and the pick going the way of the #9 Indianapolis Icemen, GM Matt has to be sleeping good at night.  The 12 year NHLP veteran has learned a lot over the years, number one being anything can happen come playoff time.  "I still believe you just have to get in and you have a chance to win" stated Matt.  So far the theory hasn't went the GM's way, never making a trip to the NHLP Finals, but cranking this years GM theme song from Journey, Don't Stop Believing, at least has us bobbing to the beat.  The Icemen are moving on four players currently, plenty enough to handle either winning of the Pacific Division 1 versus 4 seeds where of the 11 players between Portland (Bryce) and Calgary (Jr) currently only one player is moving to the Division Finals.  GM Shawn currently has three more player games with #5 Seattle in the series with Matt and only down two points, the Storm are still ok.  The early outcomes must be extremely disappointing for rookie GM Bryce, predicted to win the Division, but are not only down 5 points early, but also have 5 of 6 players facing 0-2 NHL deficits with players on both Washington and St Louis.  Things are equally as ugly, or exciting depending on prespective, in the West Division.  GM Andrew's #4 Kings were the heavy favorites to be playing Portland for the right to go to the Cup Finals, but are taking it on the chin, down 9-5 to the #15 Green Bay Knights (Ryan).  For Andrew he could still move on his entire 6 players to round two.  Howdver, with just two points from his bottom 5 plyers, who were expected to get 18 points, in a series expected to be about a four point difference, the GM just isn't getting enough scoring.  Heiskanen in three player games for the Knights is outscoring the Kings bottom 5 players 3-2, who have combined for 10 man games.  Suddenly the West Division is looking open for the taking for GM's Ryan, Tyson and Marcel, and maybe even the entire Conference with LA and Portland sucking wind. 

---

GM Tyson Hits 10 + 10

The #12 St Louis Blues (Tyson) are scoring at a wicked pace, now up 10-2 in their West Division first round matchup versus #7 Alaska (Marcel).  The five player team has outscored every team, including the four teams with 7 players after the first three days of the playoffs.  The Blues players are all distance players, but only having five players they weren't expected to match up well in either of the first two rounds.  NHLP teams that lead by 8 points seldom lose.  For GM Tyson points are coming easy, as he also has #10 Hamilton at 10 points, owning the first two teams to reach double digits.  The Hitmen were never in doubt of thrashing the lowly #24 Atlantic City team of GM Bryce, which only managed a three player team after the qualifiers.  For Hamilton they are the favorites to win the East Division and meet Montreal (Marcel) for the Conference title.  Tyson is chasing his 4th NHLP Cup, an insane feat.  GM Andrew won his 4th in just nine seasons while it took GM Scott 21.  Cups aren't easy to win and it takes everything to go right over a long playoffs, but so far the scoring part isn't an issue for Tyson after three days of the playoffs.

---

Top Seeds in Early Holes

GM Andrew's teams in Chicago and Los Angeles are 13 for 13 when it comes to game one winning teams, but the #4 Kings are in early trouble, down 5-2 to GM Ryan in #15 Green Bay.  "Things get tense in a hurry" stated Muddy Capone, "Being down after game twos are completed feels like the round is half over."  For some teams, that just may be the case.  The Knights are only four point underdogs so are fully capable of winning here while the 'all green' Kings are the CTR's favorites to represent the West Conference in the NHLP Finals.  GM Scott admitted he is already in trouble with his #2 San Fran Titan, down 7-4 versus a very tough #17 Cincinnati Rage (Matt).  "Matt through up three crooked numbers and we are already in fear of a short Vegas series" said GM Scott, "We're just praying this tropical storm coming our way doesn't become a hurricane."  For GM Matt, he also has the #5 Seattle Storm (Shawn) feeling the effects of his relentless pressure, up 4-2 early in #9 Indianapolis.  "I have felt good about this playoffs" stated Matt, "We have some of the highest scoring teams this round."  Of the seven NHLP teams expected to reach 25+ first round points, GM Matt (as does Shawn) has two of them.  There isn't any doubt Matt's teams can score, the CTR just isn't in love with his distance potential.  "I love the CTR" Matt said, "But I love even more proving them wrong."  So far, he definitely has our attention after game one.

---

Blackhawks First to Three NHLP Championships

The CTR (Cup Threat Ratings) has GM Andrew winning his 7th NHLP Championship, with the #1 ranked Chicago Blackhawks becoming the first ever NHLP team to a third team Cup.  The Hawks are one of four NHLP teams to survive the qualifiers with a full 7 players.  "There isn't much not to like about what GM Andrew has done in Chicago" said NHLP analyst Muddy Capone.  The team is about as solid as NHLP teams can be.  Seven players all off top seeded teams including Landeskog and Landeskog from Colorado, Vorecek and Giroux from Philadelphia, Krug and Krejci from Boston and Theodore from Vegas.  If the Cup winners from 1999 and 2013 can get by a tough first round matchup with #19 Buffalo (Joel), where the CTR is projecting a close 28-24 Hawks win, it is conceivable the entire 7 players advance to face CTR #3 New Orleans (Shawn) in what could be a 28-25 second round battle featuring 13 players.  If those things happen a Conference Finals matchup with potentially strong CTR #2 San Fran (Scott) could exist, where depending on the NHL teams still in play the Titan could have as many as 6 players still playing.  The CTR takes pride in their predictions, like clockwork nailing 75 to 80% of the winning teams.  The issue with that number, it means in the first round alone 3 teams will move on that the CTR didn't expect and just one blows the perfect bracket, something simply impossible to pull off.  In the NHLP Finals Andrew would meet himself in #4 Los Angeles and GM Marcel's #8 Montreal team who is predicted to come out of the East Conference.  Will it play out this way?  With the CTR's record, it likely won't.  But that won't stop us from saying the Blackhawks are the NHLP 2020 team to beat.

---

 Seven Straight Different GM's?

For the second time in NHLP history, the Cup has gone six straight seasons with a different GM winning.  This current streak started with GM Scott winning in 2014, followed by Cup winning GM's Andrew, Chadwick, Tyson, Jr and Shawn last season in Halifax.  With 11 of the 24 NHLP playoff teams owned by GM's Marcel, Matt, Ryan, Joel, Charlie and Bryce, it is possible the streak can move to an NHLP record 7th straight different winning GM.  The CTR like's GM Marcel's chances with the CTR rated 6th, 7th and 8th place teams in the playoffs.  The CTR already predicted # 8 Montreal to represent the East Conference in the NHLP Finals with his NHL Western Conference loaded team of Rantanen, Tkachuk, Seguin, Radulov and Stastny, with Krejci rounding out the 6 players and the lone Eastern player.  Of the six GM's who can move continue the streak, all would be first time winners with the exception of GM Marcel who dominated in 2008 in Florida.

---

Repeat in Halifax?  GM Shawn?

Last season it wasn't a shock when the CTR #4 rated Halifax Destroyers went on to win the NHLP Championship, the first for both GM Shawn and Halifax. The team was stacked with Schwartrz, Pietrangelo, Bergeron, Krug, Point, Killorn and Subban, not an average player amongst the group.  This season the #20 Destroyers are set to get pounced on in round one, a whopping 8 point underdog and outmanned 7 players to 5.  "The Qualifying round was rough on many GM's" said Muddy Capone, "But GM Shawn is in a position to be the first repeat winner in 26 years."  The last time the NHLP saw a GM win back to back was NHLP Legend (hope GM Jr isn't reading this) GM Norman who won in St Louis in both 1993 and '94.  With the CTR ranked #3 (New Orleans) and #5 (Seattle) Shawn won't be an easy knock out.  For the Wolverines finishing off #16 Miami (Charlie) a 25-21 predicted series, and moving on all 6 players could only mean meeting #1 Chicago (Andrew) with a full 7 second round team.  With four NHLP teams having a full 7 players this season, meeting one in the second round seems unlikely for anyone.  Well, it gets worse when Shawn has one of his own in Seattle where his #5 ranked Storm face the #9 Indianapolis (Matt) team's full 7 players in a projected 26-26 pick'em battle.  If you were paying attention, we already noted Halifax was outgunning 7 players to 5, yes the last full seven players team #21 Philadelphia (Scott) also players a GM Shawn team.  "Shawn has the most difficult first round matchups, but getting through anywhere his teams can be very strong after the first round" said Capone.  GM Shawn has risen to one of the best NHLP GM's and winning back to back would just solidify how good he has become but playing against 20 of a possible 21 players in the first round might make the NHLP repeat an improbable feat in season 30.

---

NHLP Tie-breakers

*Choose from either series listed below your name for your tie-breaker

San Fran (Scott)

Hamilton (Tyson)

Portland (Bryce)

Montreal vs. Philadelphia

Chicago vs. Dallas

New Orleans (Shawn)

Montreal (Marcel)

Los Angeles (Andrew)

Columbus vs. Tampa Bay

Arizona vs. Colorado

Florida (Marcel)

NY Islanders (Ryan)

Seattle (Shawn)

NY Islanders vs. Washington

Calgary vs. Dallas

Chicago (Andrew)

Philadelphia (Scott)

St Louis (Tyson)

Carolina vs. Boston

Vancouver vs. St Louis

---

Playoffs

---

---

GM Marcel Top-Notch

The 30th NHLP Trading Deadline went off without a hitch thanks to an awesome job again by GM Marcel.  The GM ensured the NHLP teams were updated after every transaction as well as providing an awesome spread.  "We shouldn't take these things for granted" said GM Scott, "But we always get spoiled as a league coming here."  Marcel has hosted a record number of meetings over the past 25 years and always ensures the event is well planned and catered.  In 2020/21 the NHLP Draft will be hosted by GM Charlie with Marcel (from Andrew) having the Winter Meeting and GM Chad hosting the Trading Deadline in March 2021. 

---

Trade Deadline Pecking Order

1 - Marcel 994
2 - Tyson 969
3 - Matt 966
4 - Andrew 962
5 - Jr 943 (375 Goals)
6 - Shawn 943 (333 Goals)
7 - Ryan 938
8 - Bryce 937
9 - Joel 928
10 - Chad 918
11 - Charlie 909
12 - Scott 877 

---

Minors Freeze After Sunday Games

Sunday is the last day of NHLP hockey prior to the Minors freezing Monday morning.  There is one more Waiver tonight by Chicago (Andrew) while the final Waiver of the season will take place during the freeze by Phoenix (Charlie).  Even though the Coyotes Waiver is Tuesday, they will use the live numbers for their Waiver something that GM Charlie didn't like.  "We may have loved a point gain that night, it was the plan all along, but there is no such thing for non playoff players" the GM added about his plans for the Waiver.  The NHLP Trading Deadline is a week away, officially now starting at 10 AM next Saturday at the Four Seasons in Montreal.

---

Major Points Deal by Montreal

If you know and understand the NHLP, this deal came as no surprise.  GM Marcel always has the first place teams come March and GM Jr is notorious for late season blockbusters.  Marcel's Montreal team gave 40 points and still have major work to do, but it is a start, adding Seguin and Radulov for big guns Connor and Teravainen.  For the Flames the deal moves them from 60 points out of fourth, to a now manageable 20 points, heading into the final 10 days before the NHLP Trading Deadline.  "It isn't the biggest point deal of all time" said Muddy Capone, "But we only see 40 point deals every decade or so."  It is unlikely this year we see another one this big in terms of points, although GM Marcel could do it again in Alaska, up about 70 points on 5th.  "Points are useless, unless in use" is the famous NHLP saying and GM's with points to spare should give all it takes to ensure they have 7 player playoff teams.  "If you aren't playing to win, you aren't playing" said Capone about the big deal, "We fully expect some more aggressive moves as teams set their final playoff rosters for the 30th ever Cup run."

---

Flyer First in 15 Seasons

The last time the Philadelphia Flyer had a 12 point night the team won their only ever NHLP Cup in 2006.  "It is hard to forget that team, that year, and the trade" said GM Scott looking back.  The team was stacked at the end with Lang, Recchi, Weight, Schneider, Briere and Briere.  The trade, not the move acquiring Briere twice, who ended with 19 playoff points each, but the deal with GM Ryan, the biggest point move in NHLP history, moving 56 points, one of the leagues leading scorers, a Waiver and draft picks.  Staal had a career best 100 points that season and 28 more in the playoffs, but it was the deal for Recchi and Weight who both had 16 each that Scott  remembers the most.  If the 2019/20 Flyer are to repeat this kind of success, they won't be giving 56 points to do so.  This teams success will likely lay ahead in what happens with Pageau and Pageau, who added four points each last night, 8 of the teams dozen.  Williams added two while singles went to Aho and Connor.  Teravainen did not point while Little is out for the season and awaiting an injury pick any day.  For Scott this is his second 12 point night in a week, with the San Fran Titan hitting the mark on the 13th.  Philadelphia now joins a list of 9 teams, including all three of Scott's to have hit the 12+ mark two or more times each.

---

Scottie Wins Daytona 500 Best Crash Pool

By a vote of 4-0 Scottie beat Andrew for the Championship.  The vote came down to two rookie owners, winning Scottie the fourth Championship and making rookies winners in back to back races.  In the four years, two winners were decided by votes of others not directly involved in the final two.  Shawn won last year in a vote over Scott, while Scott won the first two races.  The pool which has expanded each season goes to vote when a winner is in doubt.  Those not involved all take the time to watch the crashes and cast a vote for who they felt won.  For the number 00 car of Scottie, all said it took the "Most severe damage" between the 77 car of Andrew's and the 00.  While the 00 car's damage was only to the front end, it was severe enough to instantly end the cars day.  For the 77 car, it took less severe damage, but more around the entire car, but was still able to drive to pit row on its own.  "My vote would have went for the 77 car" said Scott, "Had it not moved, but doing a 360 and continuing on after the crash, for me that was the determining factor."  With each winner, precedence is being set.  "We are working on a more detailed list, check boxes, of what it takes to win" said Jr, "So collectively we can more easily determine the winners."  When you have a crash, as Newman did to end the race, you instanly know you have the winner, but part of the beauty about the Best Crash Pool is when there doesn't appear a clear winner, those who clearly didn't win get to cast a vote on who they believe the title should belong too.  "It was great to see Andrew involved in this race" said Scott, ""We are crossing barriers we never thought we'd cross." 

---

Daytona 500 Best Crash Pool

For the second time in four years the Daytona 500 Best Crash Pool has came down to a vote from its drivers.  Two rookie drivers finished one-two with the 00 car of Scottie and the 77 car of Andrew in the running for the fourth title.  The 00 car crashed out to the race starting at the 1:46 mark of all the crash of the day show here.  Using the same link starting at 7:19 we can see the damage sustained in overtime to Andrew's 77 car.  "We have two of the four votes" said Muddy Capone, "So a winner should be declared today.  Although may of the drivers took significant damage in different crashes, it was the final second of the race that will live forever with an historic crash by the 6 car of Ryan Newman, a driver no one had in the race.  Many across NASCAR are convinced a driver in a crash like this may not have survived 20 years ago, prior to all the continued safety features they have on the cars.  As is many in NASCAR waited for updates as on Newman, as did the rest of the world, as the crash was just so horrific.  "The Daytona 500 always has its share of great crashes, it is inevitable" said GM Scott, "Crashes are and always will be part of the sport and we are happy Newman suffered non-life threatening injuries."

---

Daytona 500 Best Crash Pool

The NHLP's Best Crash Pool is back for season four with a record field of cars.  "The pool has grown beyond our expectations" stated Muddy Capone.  Capone's team "Crash Best Dummies" has a new driver, as do many in the field.  "This is the only pool Muddy ever participates in" said two-time winner GM Scott, "And it scares the shit out of me he is lined up beside us to start."  Several of the teams have yet to release their drivers, including GM Shawn who is the defending Champion after winning in his rookie season last year.  Here is a list of all cars and drivers.&  GM Jr of Crash Johnson Racing, CJR, has named his starting two drivers.  "We wish Crash Johnson Racing a clean race" stated Capone, "But it sure would be nice to take him out."  Although not officially the final pool of the season, with the addition of the NCAA Final Four last season, this is the pinnacle of them all.  "Outside of winning the NHLP Championship, nothing compares to the exhilaration of winning this race" stated Scott, echoling the sediments felt by almost every racing team.  The pool is open to new entries and hopes to have another NHLP GM add his name to this classic NHLP Pool.  "I'd go out of my way to take Andrew out if he ever grows the balls" added Jr, "And don't get me started on Charlie."  Deadline for entering is Sunday at noon. 

---

Starting Field for the 4th Daytona 500 Best Crash Pool
(Purse 200 Points)


GM Jr (Crash Johnson Racing, CJR) - #47 Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Chevrolet (PP #1)


Muddy Capone (Crash Best Dummies Racing) - #43 Bubba Wallace, Chevrolet (PP 11th)


GM Scott (Sum of Oz Fears Racing) - #41 Cole Custer, Ford (PP 12th)


GM Scott (Sum of Oz Fears Racing) - #21 Matt DiBenedetto, Ford (PP 16th)


GM Andrew - #77 Ross Chastain, Chevrolet (PP 20th)


GM Andrew - #38 John Hunter Nemechek, Ford (PP #23rd)


GM Jr (Crash Johnson Racing, CJR) - #34 Michael McDowell, Ford (PP 26th)


GM Matt - #16 Justin Haley, Chevrolet (PP 33rd)


Scottie - #00 Quin Houff, Chevrolet (PP 35th)


GM Shawn - #51 Joey Gase, Chevrolet (PP #37)

GM Matt - #62 Brendan Gaughan, Chevrolet (PP 39th)

---

 GM Scott's "Half-Dozen" Dozen

For the second time this season a team reached a dozen points in a night, giving GM Scott his league leading 6th all time 12+ night.  The San Fran Titan got 4 from Stone who led the night while Pacioretty added 3, Marchessault 2, Pietrangelo 2, and Perron one.  Kreider played without a point and Tarasenko is hurt.  The night was the 6th ever 12+ point night for the 30 year veteran GM.  "Once every fives" said Scott, "It still remains a hard feat after all these years."  For the Titan it was their third such night, but first in a decade, tying GM Tyson's Hamilton Hitmen who were the first ever team to reach the feat three times.  Eight NHLP teams, including three teams in all 30 seasons, have never had a 12 point night.

---

GM Jr Goes All in on Nashville

GM Jr now has over half the Nashville players in the NHLP.  The GM added Forsberg and Josi on a Machine team already with Johansen.  "We'll see how it works out for me" Jr stated sarcastically, already with a team loaded up on Dallas Stars players.  Nashville can get in.  With their games at hand, a hot streak places them in.  Will it happen?  "With less than 30 games to go for some teams, the countdown is on" said Muddy Capone, "Every game now, each point, is magnified."  Nashville grabbed two points versus Washington last night, can they follow it up tonight with two more against the Devils, then Sunday versus a team they may need to catch, Vegas?  Winning them both may just make Nashville players assets again.  

---

Costly Injuries Causing Mayhem

There has been no shortage of huge NHLP injuries this season, most recently Hamilton, Rielly and Guentzel.  GM's have been doing their best to react, but some of these players you just cannot replace.  For GM Jr in Dallas the Hamilton blow was a costly one, in the standings as well as giving up a Waiver and 2nd and 4th round picks.  Making matters worse is Hamilton is a full 5 point penalty on Saturday, something the GM missed in his race to get the Waiver.  "He wasn't coming back, so we had to move him regardless" said Jr, "I rarely miss the details but I definitely did tonight."  With Carlson and Ovechkin the Stars have a real shot at another NHLP Cup, their teams third if it happens, so moving quickly on this injury is understandable.  "It is the time of season when these injuries are magnified" stated Muddy Capone, "You aren't finding a 0.85 Point Per Game replacement playoff player in the Minors and eight week injuries mean possibly missing the first round of the playoffs, rendering players useless if that's the case."  Who will be the next big name to go down?  If you are an NHLP GM, you just pray it isn't your star player. 

---

Winter Meeting Time Moved to 10 AM

The NHLP Minors was frozen and pecking order sent to all GM's ahead of the 30th NHLP Winter Meeting.  We would like to get started as close to 10 AM as possible.  GM Ryan is hosting the meeting.

---

Drafts Him First Overall - Gets Him Back With Waiver Included

GM Shawn's good fortunes continue.  Shawn who drafted Kucherov first overall in this years draft, traded Kucherov to GM Matt for Pastrnak just five weeks ago, only to reacquire Kucherov today, along with the Indianapolis Waiver next season.  "First overall picks, extra Waivers, NHLP Cup, GM Shawn is living the good life" stated Muddy Capone.  For Matt he appears to have now given up Pastrnak, Kucherov and a 2020/21 Waiver for Kuznetsov.  In other NHLP News GM Bryce traded the Saturday Waiver from Portland to Barrie Island (Joel) who have stated they are trying to trade Gourde, off the hot Tampa Bay Lightning, who are set to pass Toronto for second position in the NHL's Atlantic Division 

---

 Quebec Aggressiveness Moves Team Out of Basement

GM Matt decided he could help two GM's with a minor injury problem, sending both Guentzel's to the Minors for GM's Andrew and Scott.  After it was said and done the Nordiques moved off the East Division floor, gaining 16 points and into second in the Division.  "The team can score and has a playoff vibe" said Matt, "We also took the highest scoring guy out of the Minors and some others."  The GM stated he wanted those players but being in a last place position heading into the Winter Meeting he'd not be able to compete for them.  "That is why these Waivers before the meeting are so important, you don't have to get into bidding wars" added Matt.  Quebec added Konecny, Dadonov, Theodore, Theodore, Werenski and Haula.  The Portland Winter Hawks have the Waiver on Saturday, the final Waiver prior to Monday mornings NHLP player point freeze. 

---

GM Bryce Makes First Trade

GM Bryce made his first ever player move, hooking up with GM Andrew.  Bryce traded Pettersson and Vesey, adding what he hopes is two playoff players in Kreider and Thomas.  With Kreider an UFA there is a strong chance he does move as other teams look for pieces to help win a Stanley Cup.  Pettersson is potentially a big piece to give away, but with McDavid the GM knew it would be hard for both Edmonton and Vancouver to make the NHL playoffs.  The team still has 50 points to work with, so can do anything, if it can find teams willing to take points.  What happens to McDavid/Edmonton, staying, being traded, making or missing the NHL playoffs, will ultimately determine if Portland is any kind of threat in 2020. 

---

 Career Month For Andrew in Chicago

After only seeing two 88+ months in a full decade, the NHLP has seen three so far in the 2019/20 season.  Although four teams reached 80+, which is a nice month, GM Andrew dipped into the 90's, ending with a career best 94 for the month of December.  Huberdeau led the team with a 22 while Zibanajad 17, Guentzel 16, and Kreider 12 had double digit points.  Three players ended with 9, Landeskog, Yandle and Thomas.  Teams don't stay together long and with the January 2nd Waiver, at least three players will be gone from the roster.  The NHLP record for points in a month was set in December 2011 by GM Jr in Dallas when his Stars, led by the 22 points of Henrik Sedin, had a 102 point month.

---

 Reigning Champs Retool

GM Shawn thinks the new-look Halifax Destroyers are getting closer to the team he will make a run for back-to-back Cups with.  "We added some solid players" said Shawn after Hamilton, Schmaltz, Smith and Ekholm were introduced to their new teammates.  The team already has Kuznetsov and Benn to build around with potential distance player McAvoy.  The GM has been in three of the last five NHLP Finals and had potential to win three straight had game sevens gone his favor.  The Destroyers are trying to be the first team to defend the NHLP Championship in 25 years, since GM Norman repeated with the St Louis Blues in '93 and '94.  The NY Rangers (Charlie) now have the final Waiver on Saturday, prior to the NHLP Christmas Freeze, which has no Waivers between December 23rd and New Years Eve.

---

Kings sKore in 2 for 1

The Los Angeles Kings (Andrew) know a deal when they see one.  The GM jumped on Cincinnati's (Matt) offer and came away with two assets, Keller and Krug.  The team now has Keller, Krug, Kessel and Kessel, even though they had to sacrifice Kane in the deal.  The Rage gained 9 points in the standings, but lost two assets which GM Andrew knows were worth every point.  "GM's like Andrew are building these winning teams a brick at a time, while many others are waiting to just order a truckload of bricks all at once" said Muddy Capone, "Believe it or not, we have seen a shortage of bricks from time to time over the years."  Andrew is banking on Krug and Keller to easily be worth much more than 9 points in a couple months, and with the Bruins and Coyotes looking so strong, it is another clear win for the GM.  In other NHLP news the NY Rangers (Charlie) added Steen for Ryan with the Monday Injury Pick and Montreal (Marcel) is willing to move the Waiver Tuesday with at least a Waiver in return. 

---

Pace Slows in 2019/20

GM Andrew made his league high 15th Transaction with his Waiver in Chicago, adding Kreider and Thomas.  This brings the total Transactions this season to 48, compared to 66 this time last year when three GM's, Matt, Scott and Andrew all had 25 already.  "You just won't see a year like last year" said Muddy Capone, "Three GM's who love to trade all had four teams each to play with, not the case this season."  The NHLP had 80 Transactions by New Years, 32 more than we have now.  Some GM's are saying the NHL Standings, being so close has them holding off making moves.  That approach hardly ever works for when things become clearer for one, it has for all.  There still seems a lot of perceived value in teams out of the playoffs like Tampa Bay, Toronto and Nashville, but many teams are 5 to 7 games from the halfway mark of the season and for GM's who don't take a stance soon, may be stuck with needing a Waiver or writing names on the board at a meeting, when players lose their trade value and must be dropped to the Minors. 

---

   Sabres Drop Four

After a couple deals GM Joel completed a busy week, ending with back to back Waivers.  The Buffalo Sabres dropped four players, adding Hamilton, Ehlers and Reinhart among the pick ups.  Hamilton has been eating it up, on a point a game pace for the Hurricanes.  "There were many options" said Joel, "We crunched a lot of numbers and are happy with the new look."  The Sabres are in second in the North Division but with 24 points to work with and a high scoring team, Joel has set his Sabres up to be buyers later in the season, or as early as tomorrow, when assets start to become available within the league.  GM Shawn can make an injury pick for Drouin and GM Jr has the next Waiver in Calgary where we expect a few moves, or many, if he doesn't just move the Waiver.  There are just four Waivers before the NHLP holiday freeze which starts December 23rd.

---

Barrie Island Adds Two Bolts

GM Joel likes the spot the Tampa Bay Lightning are in the NHL standings, three points behind the Sabres and four games at hand.  With almost every team in the league (25 of 31) averaging over a point per game played it makes sense the Bolts will get four to five points minimum from those games at hand, moving them into a playoff spot.  "Assets will be valuable as the season winds along if you have them" said Muddy Capone, "The Winter Meeting is a month away, grab them while you can."  The 1/2 Chance Stumblers added Killorn, Gourde and Victor Olofsson of the Buffalo Sabres.  Olofsson has 26 points in 31 games and 11 in his last 10.  The 24 year old had 4 points in his first 6 NHL career games last season and Joel has watched him closely since, even having him rated at the Barrie Island, only now to bring him into the NHLP for his first taste.  Joel is up again with the Tuesday Waiver, this time in Buffalo.

---

Tarasenko Joins Titan

GM Scott felt the time was right.  San Fran hooked up in a trade with Quebec, sending a Waiver and Shaw for the rights to Hornqvist and adding Tarasenko today, by the 6 PM injury Pick deadline.  The Titan made the announcement early as no team in the NHLP could get a player from the Minors Thursday with 10 points.  Scott admitted it was a huge risk to hold Tarasenko for 54 regular season games if the player does not come back early.  "We feel we are giving away about 27 points" said the GM.  The Titan could have brought in a 0.5 PPG player in that 7th position on the roster, "But in the end, come seasons end, there is no players in the Minors right now that would be as attractive seventh player on the roster should he be healthy enough to play."  Tarasenko will likely be well enough by the NHLP Trading Deadline for the Titan to figure out how to proceed at that point.  "We are on a very thin line now and can't afford injuries from others the rest of the way" said the GM who is known for his risk taking.  With a healthy Tarasenko the Titan could have the best built Blues team in the NHLP or may have risk their entire season on this Transaction should things go bad from here on out. 

---

Castoffs Get Second Chance With Blues

"Many GM's give up on guys too quickly" said GM Tyson, "I like to let the season unfold, but not this time."  The GM often trades his early Waivers in favor of later ones, but he saw something special about his new group of players that other GM's did not.  All four players the Blues added with their Waiver, none were in the NHLP currently and all had been drafted and dropped with the first Waivers of the season.  Brought back up, and now still in the Minors once each were Konecny, Heiskanen, Coyle and Kerfoot.  With Konecny the Blues add a point a game player on a playoff team, previously dropped by GM Chad in Toronto, along with Guentzel in the same drop, to add Reinhart, someone the Blues included in their drop this time.  GM Scott dropped Coyle, Shawn dropped Heiskanen and Joel dropped Kerfoot.  "We see good players deing dropped all the time" said Tyson, "We just sit and wait our turn and I am really happy with this new seven."  The Blues are looking nothing like a team of castoffs, as we now approach the seasons halfway mark, with teams now crossing over the 30 game plateau.

---

Alaska Trades - Adds Kadri

GM Marcel pick up some draft picks in a couple deals, one invoving trading Granlund, the other moving out Kadri.  Alaska then added Kadri, Kapanen and Compher in a three for three.  The St Louis blues (Tyson) have the Saturday Waiver, the second half of the busy back to back nights.  GM Tyson has said he'd entertain moving the Waiver but is firstly looking for another in return.  Player Tracking has been updated with the Friday Waiver.

---

Miami Scouting Department Goes Off-Grid

Seldom does GM Charlie be the first GM to bring a new player into the NHLP, but he did it twice in one Waiver on Thursday.  The Miami Surf added newbies Mikheyev and Barbeshev, but new to the NHLP but won't be in the Minors once for long.  The Surf also added Letang and Donskoi, both GM favorites for Charlie.  The Surf were active, hoping to get more done but making two deals pre-waiver.  GM Marcel now has the Friday Waiver, the only one of the season in what will be back to back Waivers as St Louis (Tyson) has one Saturday.

---

GM Andrew's Teams Scoring

Just ten days ago GM Shawn had a 26 point night, an occurance not expected to be matched this season.  Now GM Andrew ties a career best for three teams of players (3-7) players with a 25.  Andrew didn't hit ten anywhere, but the 9-9-7 is the 5th best ever in the 10 years the NHLP has ran with 3-7.  This was not of course Andrew's biggest night as a GM.  The GM had a 32 with four teams of seven players (4-7 or 1.14 PPG per player) with the all-time record held by GM Scott with a 34 (4-6 or 1.42 PPG per player).  GM Scott's 1.42 PPG per player, with 3 teams of 7 equates to having a 30 point night between your teams, a feat not reached in 10 years with GM Chad holding the current high of 28.  For Chad his 28 point night did set NHLP standards for points per team on a night of 9.33, a number having never been duplicated with any number of teams in one night.

---

Kucherov - Pastrnak Is a Blockbuster Deal

Indianapolis (Matt) was considered to have a steal getting Pastrnak at 14th overall this past draft.  "I would have taken Kucherov first overall, we all would have, so I can't pass on this opportunity, not for these big names" said GM Matt who did score a huge bundle in the blockbuster deal Saturday.  The Icemen took the chance veteran GM's often do, grabbing the player when his value is at an all time low.  With three of the first four players chosen in the draft all from Tampa Bay, Kucherov, Stamkos and Point, it was clear NHLP GM's were high on the Bolts despite their disastrous exit from last years playoffs.  So although Pastrnak has been sensational, GM Matt looked at the big picture, adding Kucherov, Johansen and Johnson, while only parting with Pastrnak, with Fabbri and Frolik about to be dropped to the Minors anyhow.  GM Shawn did well for himself, willing to move out a huge package, knowing the Waiver would allow him to retool, which he did.  This is the type of deal that it all depends on who you believe in.  The Bolts have played a league low number of games, having 5 and 6 games at hand over some teams.  A point a game in games at hand, puts them into a playoff spot, and winning the three on Boston they have, puts them only 5 points behind the Bruins for the Division lead, with still almost 60 to go.  It might be argued Nashville and Johansen are in worst shape, being out, and 2-6-2 oveer their last ten isn't the record of a top team closing in on December.  Who won this deal?  You just can't say right now for it all hinges on the Bolts and Preds play from here on out. 

---

Islanders Drop 5 - Add 14 More Points

GM Ryan had nothing but good things to say about the new look NY Islanders.  The Gm built around Giroux and Panarin's scoring adding Burakovsky, Nelson, Beauvillier, Palat and Perry.  "We have a lot more scoring and playoff players who will all be assets as the season unfolds" said the GM.  The pick up added 12 in a prior trade and 14 more in the Waiver itself, moving the Islanders from last to second in the Division, showing everyone what one Waiver can do to change the fortunes of a team.  Down was once-Elite player Subban who has seemingly just lost his touch and playing on the lowly Devils to boot.  Ryan stated it was time to bring up some younger kids, including the Islanders 28th overall pick in 2015.  Beauvillier scored 18 goals last season and is currently on an NHLP best fourth straight multipoint games.  He now has 16 points in 20 games with the unbeatable Islanders, a team that Ryan scored big from, on a night the Islanders had a Waiver, won the NHLP CHP and extended their franchise best points streak to 16.  Great night for the Islanders teams, all of them.
  
----

Islanders Tear Things Down - Big Waiver Expected

GM Bryce stepped up to the plate with a 13 point offer, adding playoff players Schenn and DeBrusk in Portland.  The Islanders (Ryan) added the points for Larkin and Mantha and the team is looking at still another deal before going big to the Minors.  The team has all kinds of fire power but only Giroux is on an NHL playoff team as of this morning.  We expect at least a 5 player drop.

---

Heather Wins Cup Holder Pool

Going 8-3 on the Island, the same record the Blues (Matt) used the year before to win the largest paying Side of the NHLP season.  Some teams never had a chance to play one game, yet the NY Islanders came up as openents to the Current Cup Holder on four different occassions.  The teams journey only began this season as a pick up from the Expansion List by Brendan, who lost the team to Heather on October 11th.  On October 19th the Islanders were already the opponents for the third time just three weeks into the season and at this time Heather's Islanders just starting their long winning streak.  Amazingly the team would lose hold of the Cup on November 7th, yet a crazy quirk in the schedule seen the Cup Holders in Pittsburgh play the Islanders three times in two weeks.  This gave Heather the chance not many get and this time she won it all.  "I followed every game, I am pumped" said Heather who looks forward to defending her Cup next season.  "The only thing left for me now this season" added Heather, "Is deciding how I am going to spend my winnings."  Oh Monica.  We are sure you will find a way, that of course, involves us knowing you won the 2019/20 Cup Holder Pool! 

---

Wolverines Add Blues Player Schwartz

Using the Waiver was an easy decision when GM Shawn could add another St Louis Blues player, one close to his heart.  The New Orleans Wolverines dropped Morrissey and Dumba, adding Schwartz and Leddy, two current playoff players.  The Islanders have been hot and Leddy a backbone for the team who set a franchise record for consecutive games with a point last night, now at 15 games and counting.  Schwartz is a sentimental favorite of Shawn's, with the player on the Cup of the reigning Champions in Halifax.  

---

333 Trigger Pull - From Tree Stand

We can only imagine the places where deals have been confirmed from over the years.  Quite frankly, we may not want to even know all the details.  With GM Joel perched in his tree stand on Barrie Island, the GM was able to pull the trigger on a deal involving Elite player Burns.  The Sabres moved out Burns and Bertuzzi, giving 12 points to the Calgary Flames (Jr), who also know a thing or two about tree stands (and guns).  "I can only imagine how much GM Jr would love to fire the S333" said Muddy Capone, referring to the Transaction number and also to the world's only double barrel revolver, which fires two .22 magnum rounds simultaneously, 8 rounds in four pulls within seconds. "I'd feel safer if he didn't have that gun" added Capone, known to piss off a few GM's from time to time over the years.  The Flames moved out Schenn and Lee, creeping closer to 4th in the Pacific Division, now about a dozen points out. No official word on if any other triggers were pulled later in the evening.

---

CHP Could End in Back to Back Madness

Once Charlie's Leafs could not get it done Saturday night, the CHP was headed to a wild finish.  With the Islanders (Heather) sitting 0-1 in the Finals she now matches up with Matt's Penguins, in back to back games.  If Heather wins the first game, she can win the CHP with the sweep.  If she loses the first game (or the second), Matt takes over her Islanders team.  So Matt can win the first game and then own both the Pens and Islanders when they face in the rematch.  If that happens, the Islanders would revert to 0-0 in the Finals for the second game.  If Matt (Islanders) wins that second game, he would be a win away, against San Jose (Henry) for back to back CHP Championships, winning with a team that Brendan started the season with, before taking it from Heather.  If you don't understand any of this, it is ok.  If you have a team in, you will be cheering for Pittsburgh to at least win the second of the back to back to keep the CHP alive, giving everyone in still a chance to win it all in 2019/20.

---

Memphis Adds Oshie

GM Jr played it cool, keeping his high scoring Svechnikov, and adding playoff players Oshie and Cirelli.  "I think Tampa Bay will be in the playoffs" the GM said, "It all depends who you like."  Oshie is a solid addition with the Capitals battling for the President's Trophy in the NHL.  Dropped were Nugent-Hopkins and Schultz, both currently playoff players.  This was Jr's third transaction of the year, his first since the Draft when he made two huge deals, one here in Memphis to start the season.  The Machine are currently 15 points up on 5th in the East Division.

---

Makar Leads Wolverines to Dozen

GM Shawn had his 5th 12+ point night, the second all-time in New Orleans.  The first 12+ of the year, the 42nd all time, was lead by a four point night by rookie sensation and Calder Trophy leader Makar.  Malkin, W. Karlsson and Morrissey added two each whole singles went to Marchessault and Dumba.  O'Reilly played but did not point in what had the potential to be an even more impressive night. 

---

GM Shawn Scores 26

It has been five NHLP seasons since anyone did better than 26 in a night between their three teams.  The monster night by GM Shawn was highlighted by a 12 point night in New Orleans with an 8 and 6 on his other teams for the 26.  It was Shawn who last had a better night, in 2014 when he had a second best ever night for three teams with 7 players, hitting a 27, one shy of GM Chad's record 28.  Shawn had 19 of his 21 players playing, with two sitting out with injuries.  The mark of 30, essentially three teams averaging ten points each on a night, has not been hit in the 10 years the NHLP has ran with three teams of 7 players, but in that time, Shawn's night was the third best over that span.

---

Race Now On - Tarasenko is in Minors

GM Charlie was put in a no win situation in Miami with Tarasenko.  His options were to hold onto his Elite player for the next 50+ games and not get a single point, or grab the best he could get from the Minors and hope that asset ends up worth more in the end.  With an Elite Player as Tarasenko in the Minors, with each passing Waiver you might expect to hear his name.  "Certain teams can easily carry him as their seventh scorer" said Muddy Capone, "Teams that can't make him a seventh scorer on their roster may have scoring issues down the stretch."  There is little doubt a team with Tarasenko will have an asset, as long as he is projected to play in round one of the playoffs.  If he plays round one, he may be worth more than any player at the NHLP Trading Deadline, if St Louis is a solid playoff team, with such a tradable number to make any deal work.  If he isn't projected to play round one, he might be worthless as good teams may not want to risk a zero point first round player with no guarantee St Louis makes round two when he then returns.  Any NHLP team carrying Tarasenko all the way will need to score enough to have a cushion to get them from the Trading Deadline and into the NHLP Playoffs, another consideration that a GM will have to factor in.  The Surf added Tyler Johnson as a replacement, hoping Tampa Bay players continue to grow in value, seemingly a logical bet.  Will Johnson in the end be worth more than Tarasenko?  Maybe, maybe not, but it wasn't a good situation Charlie had to make a choice from, as one games hesitation, means Johnson has above 10 points and it is now another player next up on the list, possibly without as much upside.  Charlie received more bad injury news this week as Crosby, in Phoenix, is now out 6 weeks, not long enough to drop, but long enough to hurt the Coyotes scoring over the next 20 games.  

---

 Gives a Little - Gains a Lot

GM Scott said he always prided himself on squeezing every little thing out of each player during a Waiver but admits he just can't compete with GM Andrew's new game.  "The guy squeezes orange juice out of lemons" said Scott after seeing Andrew latest Transactions.  The Hartford GM acquired the Waiver for another Waiver and picks then added six different picks in what amounted to traded Hoffman, Buchnevich and Shaw for one point.  "It is fun" said Andrew, "If you work hard enough, every player you drop has value to someone."  The Whalers ended up adding Perron, Pietrangelo, Shattenkirk, Shattenkirk and Eberle who join Tavares and Rielly.  This was the third straight Waiver a GM brought up identical players with Hyman and Rust being brought up twice before the duo Shattenkirks.  The site is updated with GM Jr having the next Waiver next Saturday.

---

GM Bryce Makes First Ever Transaction

The reactions around the NHLP were positive with GM Bryce's first ever Transaction.  The GM moved out the Waiver instead of taking a leap of faith and giving the Waivers a try, stating "I didn't see much of interest in the Minors."  Instead of using the Waiver, Atlantic City moved back, adding picks which included a couple in the first round and a Waiver from Hartford (Andrew).  "It is a learning curve" said Muddy Capone, "GM Bryce is taking a lot in."  Unlike other pools the youngster may have been in, the NHLP moves fast, live, and on the fly.  An injury at midnight, with a player out for the season, may need to be acted upon by the noon Waiver deadline the next morning, or a teams season can be severely damaged.  "Everything, every night, is impacting the league in some way" said Capone, "Just the life of being an NHLP GM."

---

Vancouver Acquires Waiver - More Moves Coming?

After trading Kessel and van Reimsdyk, GM Joel is looking to move out a few more pieces.  "Someone can scoop up a player like Makar with this Waiver, and it doesn't have to be me" said the GM after picking up the Waiver in a move with Los Angeles (Andrew).  Joel will likely move anyone on the roster if it can help improve the Canucks before the noon deadline on Friday.  The GM said he would pick up Makar and then trade him within the league for the right piece, or just maybe keep him if no one steps up.  The Minors are loaded, as is always the case early in the season, and GM's can find additional pieces everywhere if they look hard enough. 

---

Islanders Two Wins From Cup Holder Champions

Who would have figured the New York Islanders would have won six straight games to put Heather's team in the CHP Finals.  Wins this week over Pittsburgh and Florida will give her the Champions.  "This is crazy" said Heather, "STREAK!".  Yes, she sent the picture of her jumping up and down and everything.  "Monica is just a true competitor" said Scott.  If Heather can't get it done, she will have a loss in the Finals, meaning if any team plays her for the rest of the season, they would claim her Islanders and the top spot with just one win.  That is how Heather got the Islanders, by beating Brendan, taking the team from him before her hot run.  It is so hard to get a game for the Cup, losing it now means there may not be another chance to play for it again.  For now, the Islanders are just two more wins away from the CHP Championship and ending the pool this year.

---

Revamped Oil Team "Improvement"

GM Scott called it an "Improvement".  The Edmonton Oil GM swapped out all 7 players when it was said and done, adding a West Coast flavor to the team.  "I love late night hockey games and love my new Canucks players" said Scott.  Moved out where big name players like Point, Teravainen and Connor while the new look team includes Pettersson, Boeser, Horvatt, Guentzel, Zuccarello, Hyman and Hyman.  The GM stated that just a week ago the team was dismal, last overall in the NHLP in scoring and points per game, falling so fast the team was nearing 20 points out of a playoff spot.  "Every player was slow out of the gate, a bad thing when you have the second Waiver" said Scott, adding that, "Topping it off were the Jets and Bolts, teams I was a big time believer in, and now may be a big time loser for unloading those players, but I lost confidence they were who I thought they were."  The Oil now have the best built Canucks team in the league, a team the GM has a lot of love for.  "The NHL changes so quickly, and playoff teams are non playoff teams, and non playoff teams are suddenly seeing their years of drafting great young kids who are coming into age, taking them to the next level.  Has it happened in Vancouver already?  I don't know, but I wasn't gonna take the wait and lets see approach on this team this year" he said. 

---

Habs Cash In

GM Marcel feels both teams did good in their NHLP 8 player swap on Monday.  "I really like how we improved and Edmonton got the points they were after" said Marcel of the deal.  The Habs traded there 4,5,6 and 7th round picks for Edmonton's (Scott) 2,3,4 and 5th picks.  The Habs added Teravainen, Connor, JVR and Krejci, sending 8 points to the Oil for Neal, E. Kane, Dubois and Athanasiou.  "On the surface this is about as worse of deal as ever gets made" said the 30 year veteran GM Scott.  "It is painful watching that group walk out the door for the group sliding in, but thank goodness they won't be Oil for more than 24 hours" added the GM.  The 8 points were the target number the Oil needed, or that group would have all stayed except JVR.  Once the Oil hit that 8 point number Scott said the Oil would be improved from the drop to the Minors where he admitted Boeser, Horvat, Guentzel, Buchnevich, Hyman and Hyman are projected to be the new teammates of Point.  The Oil GM said the team scored one additional point last night which could change out Buchnevich or Hyman or even both if a deal can be struck today.  "We never do anything without a lot of planning and nothing we are doing is guesswork" said Scott, "It's a long term game and if you can convince people you don't know what you are doing, you've achieved your goal by having convinced them they do.  We gave Montreal a huge package only because Marcel stepped up huge.  However, with the statistical analysis program we base our moves on, we absolutely love our new team, based on this years NHL team's strength formula at the quarter mark of the season."

---

Leafs Like Hurricanes

GM Chad moved on from high scoring players on Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, dropping Konency and Guentzel and added high scoring Carolina Hurricane players Svenchinikov and Niederreiter.  In the four player drop with the first Waiver of the season Toronto also added R. Smith and Reinhart.  "I really like the mix we have" said Chad.  The Leafs do look like they are full of assets, something that may be important in the high scoring South Division where they are 8 points out of a playoff spot and likely to fall further before teams ahead have to unload their non-playoff players.  Prior to the Waiver the Leafs added Weber for Zibanajad and some solid picks from Chicago (Andrew).  Edmonton (Scott) has the Tuesday Waiver while GM's Andrew in LA and Bryce in Atlantic City pick Thursday and Saturday.

---

Leafs Kick Off Waiver Season

Trading time is here!  Traditionally the NHLP Waiver season kicks off a continuous flow of trades every Waiver through to the end of the Waivers in early March.  Toronto (Chad) is up first and has been working hard to either line up a big trade or move the Waiver, for another Waiver he has stated.  Zibanajad is a minus 5 if dropped, so may be a body that moves within the league, helping GM Chad's drop number and giving another team a very high scoring player.  Chad has mentioned Hedman, who is still out at least another week.  With a name like that in the mix, you know it is Waiver Time! 

---

Rookie GM has Memorable First Month

GM Bryce started his term as an NHLP better than anyone ever has, ending a wicked month of October with an incredible 88 points.  The all-time biggest month in league history was 102 by Dallas (Jr) almost a decade ago.  What makes this even more special is it was only 27 days long in terms of hockey nights.  Portland just played 89 games all month, averaging 0.99 PPG, opening up a 38 point lead over 5th place in the Pacific.  McDavid led the way with 23 points, five ahead of the 18 by Pettersson.  Three players had 11 point months, Oshie, Larkin and Schmaltz, one less than the 12 of Mantha.  Vesey added just 2 points, showing the month could have been much better still.  This quick start will be a great opportunity for the new GM to use those points as the league winds along to bring in assets to make the Winter Hawks a powerhouse in the NHLP in his first season.  Congrats Bryce.  Awesome start to what we hope is a long NHLP career.

---

Stars Fast Start

It wasn't the 102 that GM Jr had in Dallas in December of 2011, but an 82 point month is a great way to start the season.  Carlsson and Ovechkin combined for half the total with 23 and 18 respectively.  Monahan had 11, Johnsson, Burakovsky and Getzlaf 9 each the young Rookie Steel chipped in 3.  The Stars are in first place in the South Division, 18 points clear of 5th place.

---

Irreplaceable

If you have been a GM in the NHLP any amount of time, you have suffered crushing injuries that undoubtedly will change your entire season.  With the news Tarasenko is out 5 months, about 60 games worth of hockey, the Miami Surf's season just changed for GM Charlie.  "Tarasenko is irreplaceable" said Muddy Capone of the injury, "And the best St Louis built team in the league is no more."  With the duo of Tarasenko and O'Reilly, the Surf had aspirations of going back to the Cup Finals again this season on another Blues run to the Cup.  For GM Charlie it is about acting quick now.  With his injury pick on the 13th and a Waiver two weeks after that, the Surf must now change directions.  As for Tarasenko, as was the case with him last year being picked from the Minors, he will be a game changer for some GM who grabs him from the Minors before everyone else in the new year.  "He'll have 10 point come January and some team able to hold him until the playoffs can jump on an incredible seventh man and elite first round scorer" added Capone, "Of course if he is on track to be back in round one of the playoffs and the Blues make the playoffs without him."  How things unfold from here, who knows, but we do know the Surf can't go without their Elite player for the next 60 games and still be within striking distance of a playoff spot, meaning this is the seasons first crippling injury.

---

Vancouver Adds JVR

With five points in two games prior to his picking date, GM Joel decided now was a good time to move out the injured Tuch for some points.  Making the first injury pick of the season the Canucks added points and a player that is near the top of the league in shots on goal.  Los Angeles (Andrew) is itching to make some moves and Wednesday by 6 PM he will have his first crack at the Minors, able to drop Byfuglien for a player up to 5 points.  GM Chad starts off the Waiver season on Saturday with a pick in Toronto with a Minors that will never be more loaded.  Traditionally not a lot of action occurs in the NHLP until that first Waiver which sets off weekly trades associated with the Waiver picks.  We are heating up, don't let the opportunities go by to improve your teams when they arise.

---

Injuries Updated

GM Shawn can make the first injury pick of the season for Malkin who is expected out to mid-December, picking a replacement for up to 5 points.  "Usually Elite players are never dropped" said Muddy Capone, "But GM Shawn will certainly weigh his options."  If Malkin is gone until mid-December he will miss 20 more games after New Orleans can pick for him, meaning a replacement would likely have 15 or so points when Malkin comes back.  New Orleans has a Waiver on November 21st and could those points in the Waiver, maybe even reused to the minors, even then going after Malkin, if he lasted in the Minors after being dropped.  Malkin undoubtedly will be worth a fortune in a trade with his low number, but that is only if Pittsburgh is looking like a playoff team, which at the moment they certainly are in his absence.  These are easy, or sometimes tough decisions, that can make or break a season for a GM with an Elite player injured long term. 

---

What SIDE You On?

The NHLP Sides are updated.  If there are any missing (and their surely are), please remind us so we can update.  The Cup finals prediction is being sent in and that will be updated shortly.  

---

Draft Master Updated

GM can now start trading their draft picks for the 2022/23 season which are now updated ont he Draft Pick Master page.

---

Draft and Transactions Updated

The 2019/20 draft that took place on Barrie Island is now online.  You can find it under the History link on the left hand menu and clicnking the appropriate draft.  the Transactions made the the draft are also now updated in Transactions

---

"It's Not Season Ending"

GM Shawn received some bad news in New Orleans as both Malkin and Morrissey were injured this weekend, with Malkin out 'longer-term'.  The Wolverines were off to a hot start in the North Division with 13 points in 14 man-games out of the gate, but now have to weather missing their only elite player.  "It's not a season ending injury" was the word out of Pittsburgh, but it is going to be a while before he returns.  As long as the Pens stay in a playoff spot, missing a month or more won't hurt his value any, as he will be worth a ton in a move with his scoring capability.  If the Pens falter, this is the type of early injury that can ruin a team, something GM Shawn will monitor with each update.

---

Player Tracking Updated

The 2019-20 Draft has been input into this years Player Tracking page.  Each GM is asked to count their own teams and should have 7 players on each of their three teams, or we missed something.

---

Matt Starts Cup Holder Versus Washington

The third season of the Cup Holder Pool (CHP) is set to launch Wednesday, October 2nd as Matt starts off defending his Championship with his St Louis Blues.  Everythign went right for Matt last season on his way to a 380 point win, the largest win of all NHLP sides.  If everyone is back, Jr and Scottie are needed to pick expansions teams from the 6 available teams, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, New Jersey, NY Rangers or Vancouver.  Of course if any new people join, they too select a team from this group all on a first come first serve basis.  It is hard to get a game for the Cup and if the Blues win their opening game they are set to play Dallas, who Jr, Scottie or anyone new can start with. 

---

Bryce Takes Over as 40th NHLP GM

After an extensive search for a new GM the league has officially announced GM Bryce will take over the franchises in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Portland.  Bryce now becomes the 40th GM in league history, the first since GM Mark in 2012-13.  The NHLP is entering its 30th season and the GM's throughout the league know what Bryce will face in his first year.  "It is really difficult early on" stated Muddy Capone, who has seen many GM's come and go over the years, "Many new GM's have difficulty in the early years until they start to understand the player values and how they relate to the many facets of the league."  All GM's hope Bryce is a huge asset for the league which functions best with 12 GM's.  Bryce will take over NHLP teams who have combined for three NHLP Championships, including Las Vegas who won Cups in 1995 and 1998 under GM Leo and Portland who won the 2007 Cup, GM Chad's second.  GM Vinnie left Bryce with a difficult spot to start, drafting 8th, 33rd and 35th overall.  "Bryce is going to be tested early" said GM Scott, "I wish him all the best and hope he has the success this league seemingly has never had from that twelfth position."  Welcome to the best hockey pool in the world. Good Luck!

---

---

---