Welcome to the DFO Rundown with Jason Gregor and Mike Rupp!
The Buffalo Sabres have a four-game winning streak, a new GM, and now sit five points out of a playoff spot with a game in hand. Rupper thinks a playoff push would be detrimental in Buffalo, while Gregor believes they have some good pieces and are better than their record suggests. Do they go the San Jose route and rebuild, or the Nashville route and re-tool with veterans? Can Jarmo Kekäläinen change the culture in Buffalo and get the Sabres back into the playoffs soon?
Sitting third in points behind Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon, has Macklin Celebrini punched his ticket to Team Canada? He currently has San Jose in a playoff spot, and the guys believe he would be the Hart Trophy winner if the Sharks make the postseason this year. Can the second-year forward beat out the likes of McDavid and MacKinnon for the award?
John Klingberg is enjoying a career resurgence with the Sharks this season. His mobility looks closer to his prime years, and his offensive game is starting to shine alongside San Jose’s young core. A physical and mental reset has allowed Klingberg to flash the star form he once showed in Dallas.
Connor McDavid’s hot streak is in full steam ahead. The Oilers captain has 14 points in his last five games, and any rumblings that McDavid had fallen off have quickly faded. Once again, he’s proving he’s arguably the best player in the world.
Rupper recounts his time in Pittsburgh, where Sidney Crosby was constantly striving to improve—even after winning the Stanley Cup. Taking more faceoffs, improving defensively, shooting more, and doing anything possible to become a more complete, big-moment player.
Nathan MacKinnon continues his shooting barrage as he leads the league in shots on goal. McDavid has seen an uptick in shooting during his hot streak, and Celebrini is climbing the list as well. The guys examine some of the league’s top volume shooters and a few surprise leaders in shooting percentage, including one of the biggest up-and-comers in the scoring race, Morgan Geekie.
Edmonton’s offense is starting to roll as they head into the Christmas break, with no more road games against Eastern Conference teams remaining. With Tristan Jarry injured, is there renewed concern in the Oilers’ crease, and what will they do if he’s out long-term?
Pat joins the show for Fill in the Blank:
- The percent chance Alex Tuch stays in Buffalo is ___
- The Minnesota Wild are missing ___ to truly become a top contender
- The team to win the regular season in the East will be ___
Olympic roster predictions are in from Rupper and Gregor, starting with Rupp’s Team USA selections. Cole Caufield is out, while Brock Nelson makes the roster up front. Despite his season in Anaheim, Cutter Gauthier was never in consideration for Rupp. There are no changes on defense, and while Seth Jones was strongly considered, Rupp couldn’t find a spot for him.
With Connor Bedard injured, Gregor slots Brandon Hagel in as his replacement. Would Bo Horvat be on the roster if he weren’t injured? Evan Bouchard’s improved defensive play earns him a spot, while Thomas Harley drops off as he continues to struggle after returning from injury in Dallas. Jordan Binnington remains on Gregor’s roster based on merit and his Four Nations performance—but could his poor NHL play push him off the team by February?
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