THN.com/podcast. From THN On The 'E': Mandolese's Epic NHL Debut, Senators Prospects and More John Tavares and Ryan O'Reilly [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk2NDE4Mjk4NTQyMzAyNzA2/usatsi_20098687.jpg] John Tavares and Ryan O'Reilly A couple of days ago, THN’s Twitter feed gave an intriguing challenge – build the ultimate NHL team using one team per category. So, with that in mind, here are this writer’s picks for each category, with a brief explanation for every choice – and please note, we’re picking from the rosters of each team, without regard for their current health situation. FORWARDS: TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS You can make a good argument that the best group of forwards belongs to the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils, but when it comes to high-end talent, nobody has more quality depth than the Leafs. The trade-deadline acquisitions of former Blues forwards Ryan O’Reilly (currently injured) and Noel Acciari, as well as former Blackhawks forward Sam Lafferty, pushed Toronto ahead of the rest of the pack. With superstars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, captain John Tavares, and sniper William Nylander, the Buds have an embarrassment of riches up front. Their complementary forwards – including Calle Jarnkrok, Michael Bunting, David Kampf and Alex Kerfoot – can play up or down the lineup, depending on the team’s injury issues. Leafs GM Kyle Dubas has assembled an elite collection of forwards, and they’ll rely on them to power them through the playoffs. DEFENSE: BOSTON BRUINS The Bruins are far and away the NHL’s top team thus far this year, and their defense is the driving force. Boston allows an average of only 2.08 goals against per game – the next-best is Carolina, at almost a half-goal more per game (2.52) – and their blueline is stingy when it comes to giving up quality scoring chances to the opposition. The Bruins’ defense corps was already deep before GM Don Sweeney added Dmitry Orlov from Washington ahead of the trade deadline. Now, they can roll out defense pairings that are capable of contributing on offense. Their top three D-men, Orlov, Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, have combined to generate a whopping 78 assists and 93 points for Boston – and they are be extremely responsible in their own end. No other team has the caliber of experience, skill and balance that Boston does on ‘D,’ which is why they’re the odds-on favorite to win the Stanley Cup. Andrei Vasilevskiy [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk2NDE4MzYyNDMwMDcxOTU4/usatsi_20033894.jpg] Andrei Vasilevskiy GOALIES: TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING Boston’s Linus Ullmark has been the gold standard for netminders this season, going 32-4-1 in 39 appearances, and backup Jeremy Swayman is an impressive 16-4-4. However, for our money, it’s impossible to pick anyone’s goaltenders over Lightning superstar goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, who has proven himself ready and able to steal crucial games, as well as playoff series. Vasilevskiy is a workhorse – he’s 29-16-3 in 48 appearances – and he’s got a stellar 2.67 goals-against average and .916 save percentage. Those individual numbers look better when you take into account the Bolts’ defense corps is no longer the very best in the game. Backup goalie Brian Elliott hasn’t had the best season, but Vasilevskiy knows what it takes to win when it counts, and his level-headedness and phenomenal instincts are ultimately what make him our choice here. PROSPECT POOL: MINNESOTA WILD We really like the Anaheim Ducks’ group of up-and-coming players, and the same goes for the Devils. However, Minnesota’s stockpile of prospects is generally regarded as the deepest in the league – forwards Danila Yurov, Liam Ohgren and Marco Rossi, NCAA defenseman Brock Faber, and Swedish goalie Jesper Wallstedt all have the potential to be impact players – and the cap-strapped Wild are going to need a ton of their young players to provide high-value performances on cheap contracts. Gritty. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk2NDE4Mzg0OTc4NTE5MTkw/usatsi_19851513.jpg] Gritty. MASCOT: GRITTY (PHILADELPHIA FLYERS) Since Gritty was introduced as the Flyers’ mascot four-and-a-half years ago, he has established himself as a cultural touchstone for Philadelphia and the NHL in general. He’s appeared on TV shows, pro wrestling events, and he’s been satirized on the legendary NBC comedy show, Saturday Night Live. It doesn’t get better than that for NHL mascots, and the general misery surrounding the on-ice product in Philly is made a little bit easier to tolerate because Gritty is so much fun.
