Garret Sparks made an historic debut with the Leafs, plus updates on Carey Price, Derek Stepan, Ryan Suter and more in your NHL morning coffee headlines.
Check out the notable video highlights of last night’s NHL game, including Maple Leafs goalie Garret Sparks earning a shutout in his NHL debut, the Rangers squeezing by the Hurricanes and the Islanders downing the Avalanche.
Notable NHL Headlines.
Garret Sparks becomes the first goalie in Maple Leafs history to record a shutout in his NHL debut.
SPORTSNET: Garret Sparks was overcome by emotion after learning he was the first goalie in Toronto Maple Leafs history to earn a shutout in his NHL debut.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’re so used to NHL players being so stoic during interviews. The reaction from Sparks, who had a long road from the ECHL to playing in the big league, after learning what he’d accomplished was a refreshing genuine moment of emotion. No one knows what the future holds for Sparks, but on this night, he achieved his dream of playing in the NHL while setting a franchise record in the process. Well done.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Montreal Canadiens learned they will be without goalie Carey Price (right knee) for at least six weeks. The Canadiens have sent Dustin Tokarski to the minors on a conditioning stint and called up Zach Fucale.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fortunately for Price and the Habs, no surgery is required. GM Marc Bergevin said Price re-aggravated his prior injury but said the netminder wasn’t rushed back into action.
NEW YORK POST: The Rangers will be without center Derek Stepan (broken ribs) for between four-to-six weeks. They’re also awaiting word on defenseman Kevin Klein, who suffered a strained abdominal muscle during the Rangers 4-3 win over the Hurricanes on Monday.
TWINCITIES.COM: A recent slump has the Minnesota Wild on edge, which boiled over as defenseman Ryan Suter openly questioned coach Mike Yeo’s decision to pair him with fellow left-handed shot Jonas Brodin.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s become a regular occurrence for the Wild, get off to a good start and then stumble through November. Last season, the issue was goaltending, though Yeo also came under some fire. The current problem is their defensive play. If the slump continues, the Wild coach could come under increasing criticism.
TSN: Former NHL players and CTV’s W5 have filed a court petition to unseal secret league e-mails regarding its reaction to concussion injuries.
IN GOAL MAGAZINE: An in-depth examination of the butterfly style of goaltending.
Uh oh Bernier….
Nice to see a guy like Spark come in and excel like that. Shades of the Hamburgler perhaps.
Yet what is up with Edmonton’s game. I am normally all for putting the puck on the net whenever you have a chance but Edmonton just races up the ice. Sometimes they make some great plays and beat out a D man but their game plan is to race up the ice and put a shot on the net then hope others get their for the rebound.
It is a simple game style to defend against. Most goalies will handle that pretty well as it is an easy play to read. Just control your rebounds and you have a good chance to excel. Spark did that and got the shutout.
Edmonton’s forwards need to start pulling up a bit when they reach the offensive zone. Wait for help to arrive. Set up some screens in front of the net and possible tip plays. They just rush over the blueline with maybe one guy slightly behind them and the rest of the team waiting to catch up. Launch the puck at the net then rush in only to come to a stand still looking down at the tender as he covers up the puck.
Getting out of their own end is what got me…wow are they brutal with the first pass. They recover a puck and its like they are lost. In thewest where teams play a heavier game and more of a cycle style no wonder they are where they are. Not sure if 5he were in tje east if their results wouldnt be a little better because as you mention the do have some speed but still I think it maybe time to tear some of that core away and build a little more functional unit.
I agree with you there. Guess there are problems at the defensive and offensive game. That prolly why they let in so many goals and produce so few.
Shticky you gotta be so happy with your Leafs. I will come out and say it. I didn’t think they’d be nearly as competitive as they are. I thought Leaf land for most opponents would be an easy night. But the Leafs don’t roll over. If Kadri ever starts putting in some pucks with all those shots this team may surprise. How about that Leo. Far from a playoff team but Babcock brought in a foundation to build on. As Edmonton has shown us year after year. The foundation matters. You can’t put up walls and a ceiling with out taking in the time to put up the sturdy foundation.
Ya happy with it but not surprised, the guys they brought in or back have all been god possession players thru out their career if not big goal scorers. Winnk Boyes Mathias Parenteau Komarov who didnt really go anywhere but is healthy….much tougher lineup to play against…what has kinda suprised me is how well so e of the younger D has responded Ma47micin Harringyon Rielly and Gardiner all seem to have really limited their mistakes this year….not to say they dont mske any but the are not as many glaring errors…they are coming along nicely over just a quarter season.
*good