Updates on the Canadiens-Lightning and Ducks-Flames series, plus the latest on Andrew Ladd, Andrew Hammond and more.
Calgary Flames rookie Johnny Gaudreau hasn’t had much to celebrate against the Anaheim Ducks.
LOS ANGELES TIMES/CALGARY HERALD: While Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry has been the dominant scorer thus far in the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs, Calgary Flames rookie Johnny Gaudreau has been shut down thus far by the Ducks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Perry has 13 points in only six games, with multiple points in four of them whilst being shut out in only one. Gaudreau, meanwhile, is getting a harsh lesson in playoff hockey so far in this series against the Ducks. He’ll have to find a way to elevate his game if the Flames are to overcome their 2-0 series deficit.
THE TAMPA TRIBUNE/MONTREAL GAZETTE: As Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos regains his scoring touch, the Montreal Canadiens are still struggling to find theirs. Canadiens forward Brandon Prust will escape suspension for his disparaging public remarks about referee Brad Watson. At worst, he could receive a fine.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It won’t be enough for the Canadiens to win Game Three of this series. They must win both upcoming games in Tampa Bay to tie the series. Falling behind three games to one against the Bolts will be almost as bad as a 3-0 deficit. To do that, the Canadiens must play a more disciplined game and rediscover their offense, which has dried up in recent week. The Lightning were coping with Stamkos’ recent lack of production, but they’re definitely a better team when he’s scoring.
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Jets captain Andrew Ladd is among the finalists for the Mark Messier Leadership award, joining Chicago’s Jonathan Toews and Anaheim’s Ryan Getzlaf.
OTTAWA SUN: The Senators have started contract negotiations with pending UFA and season-saving goaltender Andrew Hammond.
THE PROVINCE: Results of a recent poll by Vancouver fans on the Canucks. Among the highlights: Radim Vrbata and Bo Horvat finished first and second as the Canucks best player this season, Jake Virtanen is expected to be the next prospect to crack the Canucks’ lineup, while Kevin Bieksa was voted the most disappointing player.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson examines the anatomy of Connor McDavid, who’s expected to be selected by the Oilers with the first-overall pick in the 2015 draft.
Virtanen is certainly the best Canucks prospect currently based on his selection 6th overall but he won’t be rushed. He seemed to regress this season in the WHL & I see the Canucks making a concerted effort to develop their prospects in the minors before rushing them to the NHL. Although several others may potentially be more NHL ready & by that I mean a cup of coffee & a sheltered limited role as injuries dictate. McCann, Cassels, Gaunce, Jensen, Shinkaruk.
With 10 forwards signed next season 9 to 1 way deals, Horvat being the 10th & RFA’s Vey, Kenins,& Baertschi showing their ready for more responsibility at the NHL level & McMillian also being a nice cheap spare to sit as the 13th forward potentially, there isn’t any room baring injury or trade. Even 1 of these 14 would need to be sent down assuming the Canucks follow the normal NHL model of protecting 13 forwards, 8 Dman & 2 goalies as their opening night 23 man roster. That’s 14 forwards not counting UFA’s Richardson & Matthias.
I assume Benning will do something as there doesn’t even appear to be room for Kassian on this team moving forward.
Funny how two sunbelt teams who have no business having a hockey team in a non traditional non-hockey market are close to possibly sweep two traditional Canadian big hockey market teams… I don’t think either will get pass this round but still funny.
I cant help but think being able to walk to the rink and no one really even knowing your name has something to do with it. Go to work, go home…wash rinse repeat… no (atleast a whole lot less) background noise. Relaxed and refreshed far more over the course of the long season.
I’m surprised McDavid will put up with that. Is Matheson a doctor?