Latest Stanley Cup Final news, expansion updates, coaching hires & more in this morning’s NHL headlines.
Penguins winger Phil Kessel is thriving in the heat of NHL playoff action.
THE GLOBE & MAIL: James Mirtle explains why Phil Kessel is performing so well in the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kessel’s performance is so notable that he’s among the contenders for the 2016 Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
TRIBLIVE.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins center Matt Cullen is one win away from a Stanley Cup championship and possible retirement.
THE MERCURY NEWS: The San Jose Sharks face a near impossible task of overcoming a 3-1 series deficit in the Stanley Cup Final. Only one team, the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, have accomplished that feat.
Sharks coach Peter DeBoer isn’t ruling out the possibility of left wing Tomas Hertl (lower-body injury, day-to-day) returning in this series.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word if Hertl will play in Game 5 tomorrow, but don’t be surprised if he isn’t in the lineup.
YAHOO SPORTS: Sources claim the NHL’s executive committee has recommended expansion for Las Vegas. It doesn’t appear as though Quebec City will receive approval.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A formal announcement is expected by June 22, the same day as the NHL Awards, which are being held in Las Vegas. No coincidence with that timing.
NEW YORK POST: A source indicates “teams only would be compelled to protect players with no-move clauses (and contracts) that extend through at least the 2017-18 season.” Players whose no-movement clauses (or contracts) expire at the end of 2016-17 won’t be protected from an expansion draft. That includes players such as the New York Rangers’ Dan Girardi, Tampa Bay Lightning’s Ben Bishop and Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That seems fair. It’s also indicates that the expansion draft will take place sometime in June 2017.
TODAY’S SLAPSHOT: Chris Nichols provides a list of critical NHL dates for the remainder of 2016.
THE DENVER POST: The Colorado Avalanche and former general manager Greg Sherman have parted ways.
TAMPA BAY TIMES: The Tampa Bay Lightning hired former Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards as an assistant coach, replacing Steve Thomas.
TWINCITIES.COM: The Minnesota Wild hired NHL Hall of Fame defenseman and former New Jersey Devils assistant coach Scott Stevens as one of new head coach Bruce Boudreau’s assistants.
THE NEWS & OBSERVER/THE TENNESSEAN/NJ.COM/WINNIPEG SUN: The Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets released their preseason schedules.
The most impressive thing about the Pens right now is they really don’t have a clear cut favourite for the Conn Smythe. Kessel has been very, very good and has the best boxcar stats, so he’s probably in the lead right now.
Crosby’s been playing some of his very best hockey despite not scoring as much as you would expect. Despite playing with an undrafted AHLer and a guy who might as well use a shovel instead of a hockey stick, Sid’s line is still burying the other team’s top players, opening up room for the HBK line. His discipline in these playoffs has been huge, and it trickles down through the whole team, something we haven’t seen as much in the past.
My Conn Smyth winner is Matt Murray although history doesn’t bode well for his possible selection. Only 3 goalies have won it in the previous 10 years & 2 of the 3, Thomas in 2011 & Quick 2012 had SV%’s over .940 & GA under 2.00. Ward won it in 2006 with a lower SV% .920 & GA 2.14 than Murray’s current .925 & 2.09.
I’m not trying to diminish Kessel’s contribution but for me Murray has been a bigger factor in Pittsburgh making it to where they are.
Yeah, I got Murray ahead of Kessel too. Really became clear when Fleury got the crease (even though our beloved John Shannon thought Fleury should keep the crease). The #1 star of those three players in the series clincher might get the Conn Smythe.
Murray has been very good, and he’s been such a great story. But He’s also facing by far the fewest shots per game. Not his fault really, but for a goalie to win the Smythe, he needs steal a lot of games for his team, and Murray hasn’t really had to.
Also, not to diminish Murray’s accomplishments, but I think the Pens are still in SCF with a healthy Fleury in net.
Yeah for sure! But Sid is going to get 3 points Thursday and steal the Conn Smythe.
You’re right, Crosby has gotten away from shenanigans and is focused on being the greedy little puck hound he used to be. It’s awesome to see.
If a coach could win the Conn Smythe trophy, speculation on the winner would be over.
Penguins have all been so disciplined. The Sharks have had some borderline embellishment penalties while the Pens play through it. And I am not a Pens fan!
Patric Hornqvist is taking a beating and not complaining.
I love how he gets smoked in front of the net or in the corners, then gets up and smiles at whoever is in his face before going to lineup for the next faceoff. That is awesome!
I have been thinking the same thing on Cullen – they win and he likely retires. Is a real shame too because he has had a fantastic season and you can tell his leadership and work ethic have been a huge bonus. I would love to see him back for even one more campaign and a try for a repeat.
I cant give Murray the nod for Con Smythe over Kessel. He’s been good, but the team in front of him has been far better. I cant think of more than 1 game that he’s flat out stolen for a win. Don’t get me wrong, he’s played great, but I think with a lesser team in front of him you would see more Game 3 results than you’d like.