Game recaps, plus updates on Alexei Emelin, Eddie Lack, Andrew Hammond, Nikita Nikitin and the Jets goaltending.
Game recaps.
Calgary Flames rookie Johnny Gaudreau celebrates his second goal against the Anaheim Ducks.
CALGARY SUN: The Flames overcame a 2-0 deficit to down the Anaheim Ducks 6-3. Rookie Johnny Gaudreau scored twice for the Flames, reaching 50 points on the season. He’s only three points behind Nashville’s Filip Forsberg in the rookie scoring race.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Remember when some folks suggested “Johnny Hockey” was too small to compete in the NHL? Don’t hear very much of that nowadays. While I still believe Florida’s Aaron Ekblad will win the Calder Trophy as this season’s rookie of the year, Gaudreau definitely belongs among the finalists. And the Flames are making a believer out of me regarding their playoff hopes. Like many observers, I thought captain Mark Giordano[s season-ending bicep surgery was a death blow to their postseason dreams, but the Flames simply refuse to quit. Whatever happens over the rest of this season, they’ve certainly given their fans their money’s worth.
THE GLOBE AND MAIL: Overshadowing the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 victory over the equally hapless Buffalo Sabres was the news Nazem Kadri would be scratched an extra two games over incidents stemming from his immaturity.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sheriff Shanahan returns and Kadri pays the price. Sounds like the Leafs center suffers from the same problem Tyler Seguin did during his tenure with the Boston Bruins. To paraphrase the title of a late-70s disco hit, “He apparently loves the nightlife.” I’ll have more on the speculation over Kadri’s future with the Leafs in my Rumors section.
Notable headlines.
LA PRESSE: Sidelined Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin (right shoulder injury) might return this week.
THE PROVINCE: Can the Vancouver Canucks afford to give goalie Eddie Lack a chance to rest down the stretch?
WINNIPEG SUN: A recent spate of poor goaltending could scuttle the Jets’ playoff hopes.
OTTAWA SUN: The Senators should ride Andrew “Hamburgler” Hammond until he’s no longer capable of providing the goaltending they need to challenge for a playoff spot this season.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Struggling Oilers defenseman Nikita Nikitin has draw criticism this season over his conditioning and performance.
The funny thing is even with the comparison of Kadri to Seguin, and seeing how well that trade worked out for Boston, watch how many in the peanut gallery will suggest that trading Kadri is a great idea and is what the Leafs should do….Carter and Richards out of Philly, Seguin. young guys who make lots of money can sometimes take a little longer to “grow up”. If the Leafs are smart he isnt going anywhere, yet.
How about those Flames/Canucks/Jets? Some fans out here are enjoying hockey these days. Do you not think, Lyle, that Bob Hartley deserves mention as Coach of the Year material? Man, his guys play hard and never give up.
Hartley certainly merits being among the finalists for the Adams Trophy this season.