Latest on Patrick Kane, Logan Couture, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Bernier and more in your NHL morning coffee headlines.
NBC SPORTS: Patrick Kane extended his points streak to 26 games as his Chicago Blackhawks blanked the Vancouver Canucks 4-0. Kane now has the longest point streak among active NHL players.
NHL.COM: Semyon Varlamov made 43 saves backstopping the Colorado Avalanche to a 3-1 win over the St. Louis Blues, while Marek Zidlicky scored twice as the New York Islanders shut out the New Jersey Devils 4-0.
Kings defenseman Drew Doughty looks like a Norris contender.
SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS: The Sharks will be without center Logan Couture “for at least the next five games as he recovers from surgery to repair a bleeding artery in his right thigh.”
LOS ANGELES TIMES: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty is making a case as this season’s potential winner of the Norris Trophy.
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes the slumping Rangers are facing a midseason crisis, lacking structure, identity and confidence.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s also not the first time in recent years the Rangers have struggled through a bad slump in the first half of the season, only to rally back with a solid second half. Let’s give them a few more weeks before suggesting they’re a “disaster in the making”. What do you think, Rangers fans? Is the sky falling on this season or is this merely a minor setback?
THE VANCOUVER SUN: The Canucks have loaned forward Jake Virtanen to Canada’s roster for the upcoming World Junior Hockey championships.
TORONTO STAR: The Maple Leafs have recalled goaltender Jonathan Bernier from their AHL affiliate, where he posted three consecutive shutouts.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bernier will reportedly be the starter on Tuesday night against Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
TSN.CA: Speaking of the Leafs, they’re reportedly going to unveil a new logo and new uniforms for next season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I don’t believe the Original Six franchises should mess with their logos or uniforms. I’d like to hear what Leafs fans think about this.
OTTAWA CITIZEN: Senators goalie Andrew Hammond (concussion) returns to the lineup today.
Typical Larry brooks crap. When your top center and one of your best dmen are injured it’s going to happen.
Just a rough patch
I agree with you Lyle. Don’t mess with tradition if you are one of those teams. Even if the Lighting might look more like the Leafs these days…
I would like to see the Bruins bring back the brown and gold.
Speaking of brown the Wild should use brown instead of red. They look like a bunch of elves. While that might look all festive in December, it looks rediculous the rest of the time.