NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 21, 2021
Connor McDavid extends his season-opening points streak, the league-leading Panthers home-winning streak continues, the Islanders debut in their new arena, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.
GAME RECAPS
NHL.COM: Connor McDavid’s season-opening points streak reached 17 games with a goal and an assist as his Edmonton Oilers downed the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2, snapping the latter’s four-game winning streak. Leon Draisaitl (35 points) also had a goal and an assist to maintain his three-point lead over McDavid atop the scoring race. Alex DeBrincat netted both Blackhawks goals.
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).
The Florida Panthers remain undefeated at home (10-0-0) by holding off the Minnesota Wild 5-4. Frank Vatrano scored two goals and collected an assist while Sergei Bobrovsky made 35 saves. Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek each had a goal and an assist for the Wild.
Calgary Flames winger Andrew Mangiapane tallied twice in a 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders, spoiled the latter’s first game at UBS Arena. Jacob Markstrom made 34 saves and Noah Hanifin had three assists for the Flames. Brock Nelson scored both goals for the COVID-depleted Islanders, who placed Adam Pelech, Andy Greene and Anthony Beauvillier in the protocol before the game, joining Anders Lee, Ross Johnston and Josh Bailey.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite the loss, it was great to see the Islanders finally play in their new arena. This was a long-time dream come true for the team and their fans following years of delays due to local political machinations amid concerns about a possible relocation of the franchise.
Martin Necas goal with 34 seconds remaining in regulation gave the Carolina Hurricanes their fourth straight win with a closely contested 5-4 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Sebastian Aho and Derek Stepan each had a goal and an assist while Frederik Andersen made 39 saves. Adrian Kempe scored two goals for the Kings. With 28 points, the Hurricanes sit one back of the league-leading Panthers.
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored twice and chipped in an assist to blank the San Jose Sharks 4-0. Ilya Samsonov made 22 saves for his second straight shutout while Conor Sheary also potted two goals. Sharks winger Kevin Lebanc missed this contest as he was serving a one-game suspension for slew-footing St. Louis Blues center Tyler Bozak.
Four unanswered third-period goals powered the New Jersey Devils to a 5-3 upset of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Yegor Sharangovich scored twice and set up another as the Devils ended a three-game losing skid.
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry turned aside 26 shots for his second straight shutout to down the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0. Jake Guentzel and Jeff Carter scored the only goals in the first period as they snapped the Leafs’ five-game win streak.
The Montreal Canadiens rode a 5-0 lead to a 6-3 win over the Nashville Predators. Ryan Poehling scored two goals with 37 seconds in the second period while Tyler Toffoli had a goal and two assists. Matt Duchene collected the hat trick for the Predators.
Boston Bruins defenseman Derek Forbort had the first two-goal game of his NHL career as his club dropped the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2. David Pastrnak and Craig Smith each had a goal and an assist for the Bruins as they collected their third straight victory. Derick Brassard scored both goals for the Flyers.
Third-period goals by Reilly Smith and Mattias Janmark lifted the Vegas Golden Knights over the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2. Laurent Brossoit picked up the win with a 27-save effort. Blue Jackets forward Max Domi rejoined the lineup after being activated off their COVID protocol list.
Two shorthanded goals by Roope Hintz helped the Dallas Stars defeat the St. Louis Blues 4-1. Stars captain Jamie Benn had a goal and an assist.
The Arizona Coyotes picked up their third win of the season (3-13-2) as they nipped the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 on an overtime goal by Clayton Keller, handing the Wings their fourth straight loss.
IN OTHER NEWS…
THE JOURNAL NEWS: The New York Rangers had a bit of a scare when center Mika Zibanejad missed practice on Saturday after being placed in COVID protocol. However, it was subsequently determined to be a false positive and he’s slated to play in today’s game against the Buffalo Sabres. Zibanejad contracted the coronavirus last January, missing a portion of last season’s training camp.
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks returned center Mason McTavish to his OHL team in Peterborough for the remainder of the season. Selected third-overall by the Ducks in the 2021 NHL Draft, he scored two goals and added an assist in his nine games with the Ducks.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported Fenway Sports Group had explored the possibility of a merger with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment before pursuing their plans to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins. Those discussions didn’t get far as MLSE was not ready for that kind of move yet.
Got to win those games, when you get unexpected help; two goals by Derek Forbort gives him 4 on the season. His career high is two.
He may not score again this season, good the Bruins didn’t waste them.
Good Sunday Morning everyone.
Due to observance of the Sabbath, I was unable to participate in yesterday’s debate as to a possible return of the NHL to Quebec City. I’d like to weigh in now.
While Bettman is giving the Premier a courtesy conversation, the league returning to Quebec City is simply not in the cards right now. For one overriding reason: language. The NHL prefers for obvious reasons to have its business conducted in English. Certainly, where warranted, teams can have announcements at the arena in French as well. Montreal’s been doing it for decades obviously. So has Ottawa, which has a substantial French speaking population. Unfortunately the last time QC had a team, controversy developed.
QC is not like Montreal. While Montreal has a large percentage of residents who speak English primarily, as well as a significant number whose primary language is neither English nor French, in QC, over 90% of the population is French speaking. Back in the 1980’s, when the separatist government was in power, a couple of the local legislators started demanding that PA announcements at the Colisee be in French only. John Ziegler, then the league president, followed his usual pattern of backing down from a challenge and allowed it with the provision that simultaneous translation be permitted in the press boxes, team suites and the benches. But it was not a good look for the league.
The current provincial government is not outright separatist, but they are quite nationalistic and with no hesitation to play the language card. You can expect the issue to be loudly raised once again. I can’t blame Bettman for not wanting to re-visit that circus.
Have to agree, Howard. Short-term gain (i.e., moving the Coyotes to Quebec City to gain some immediate increase in revenue) is simply not worth what is certain to be long-term pain. And Montreal does not “need” the rivalry. They already have that in spades with Toronto, Boston and, to a lesser degree, Ottawa). It’s not like having a team in Quebec City is going to suddenly raise attendance in an arena that is almost always sold out – or close to it.
Alex Ovechkin, 14 g 15a in 18 games so far. This guy is not slowing down. Will beat Gretzky’s goal scoring record for sure.
Hi George & Howard
Noted and do understand the hurdles re a team back in QC
I realize that many here just see me as the business owner (that does acquisitions; mergers; and divestments) Ogre that is only looking at the long term gain to the NHL… guilty
I cede that you are very likely to be right re probability of a return to QC for the NHL.
No matter what, the move from the greater Phoenix area is absolutely needed. My preference of course; as stated, would be to QC… beautiful city BTW.
Setting that aside…. Houston, San Diego, KC, Baltimore, Portland , etc etc…. All a better locations…. Better for NHL by a longshot
Chrisms had a very valid point re current Greater Phoenix Area youths who are hockey fans and/or in youth hockey. Yes taking a team away from them is unfair. If I were a dad bringing up children in that area, and had them in hockey, and they were Yotes fans…. Yes very disappointing
Two others pointed out that Houston is much more an NBA town and hockey decisions secondary. They also pointed out that Fertita (rockets owner) also owns (thus controls) the Toyota centre…. Excellent and valid points. He has however expressed interest several in owning an NHL franchise (per TSN & ESPN) …. So relo by current owners is out…. Sell and relo…. Perfect solution. Sell and pay relo fees of $300 M (fair)…. And league gains… BIG
The short and long term goals for NHL… (1) increase Revs ; (2) grow the game ; (3) maximize profits; (4) make owners happy; (5) make NHL fans (as a whole) happy
Keeping Yotes in the Phoenix area; fails and fails miserably at 1, 3, 4, 5 and will only very very very marginally appease #2
A relo to ANY of the above cities (including QC) …. Massively successful at all of 1,2,3,4 and 5
Re BCLeafFan from yesterday “Could I just say the NHL would be better off with fewer teams rather than more?”…. Economically he is absolutely correct…. Most eco models have max revenues (short term…. Next 10 years) with 2-4 less teams and possible relos of 1 or 2 teams to more profitable locales. But that hinders long term (10 + years…. Growth etc). The hybrid max model (short and long term) keeps coming back to a relo of 1-3 teams. The key one is in Phoenix
In summary…. Yes it is sad for the fans (young and old) in Phoenix; but the big picture , overall outlook , what’s necessary and what is best for the NHL, NHL owners; and overwhelming majority of NHL fans…. Is to move the franchise…. Best scenario… sell and relo with about $300 M paid in relo fees
Per Badenhausen 3 weeks ago …. Yotes value is $410 M…. and losing money every day (he had Leafs at $2B , Rangers at $1.9 B, Habs at $1.6 M…. Yotes last at $410 M)
Fertita could offer $425 M (a bonus to current owners) , pay $300 M in relo; $40 M in any necessary (if needed) retrofits to the Toyotacentre …. and still immediately gain in value
31 owners share $300 M, AND share massive increases in HRR (Houston over Arz)
This Ogre says move the team… gedderdone
Halifax is a beautiful city too. So are Saskatoon and Regina. And London. And Kitchener-Waterloo. I’d rather see a team in any of them than in Quebec City.
Didn’t get my preferred outcome last night…. OT win by Pens (I always want an OT game when Leafs play Pens and hope for the V to go to the team lower in the standings as of game time… Pens this time
Sound game by Pens…B2B shutouts by Jarry…. All good
Leafs did not have a their best game. Soupy kept it to 2…. stole at least 2 more
Fingers crossed for a Leaf win at the newest NHL arena today; and for a Pens V in the Peg tomorrow
Bruins stink need better players