from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

Save percentages around the NHL have been frightful. The Devils’ tandem’s .873 save percentage ranks next to last in the league, ahead of only Carolina’s all but unbelievably bad .866. Edmonton fired its coach with the third-worst save percentage in the NHL (.874), and Minnesota fired its coach with the fourth-worst (.879).

The league’s collective .903 save percentage, down from .012 over eight seasons, is at its second lowest since 1995-96. The .901 save percentage in 2005-06 was a direct result of the adoption of the new-age rules following the canceled season that produced an explosion of power plays and power-play goals.

The question now is whether there has been a deterioration of goaltending skill in this age of scientific technique or whether the exponential increase in offensive skill is overwhelming defensive structure?

Teams practice less often every season. Hence, there is less time to teach defense and play away with the puck. Kids rarely serve apprenticeships through which they are tutored on the finer details. There’s a lot of shinny out there.

more on the above plus topics on Corey Perry, Winnipeg attendance and this...

When Max Domi sucker-punched somebody much bigger than he and subsequently was pounded by said Sam Bennett for his trouble before mocking the Florida winger’s shaved head, it was a reminder that he couldn’t spell class if you spotted him the “a-s-s.”

Apple, tree, etc.