NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 12, 2021
Brady Tkachuk reaches a milestone, Ben Bishop’s career is over, more details emerge regarding Olympic quarantine rules, and much more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.
GAME RECAPS
NHL.COM: Brady Tkachuk tallied his first career NHL hat trick while Anton Forsberg made 25 saves for his first career NHL shutout as the Ottawa Senators upset the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-0. Drake Batherson had three assists and Thomas Chabot collected two helpers.
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).
Sebastian Aho scored two goals and collected an assist to lead the Carolina Hurricanes over the Edmonton Oilers 3-1. Aho has netted multiple points in five straight games. The Hurricanes have won four straight while the Oilers’ losing skid has reached five straight. The Oilers played without defenseman Kris Russell (upper body), who was placed on injured reserve on Friday.
The New York Islanders finally picked up their first home win at UBS Arena by doubling up the New Jersey Devils 4-2. Zach Parise scored his first of the season while Mathew Barzal, Oliver Wahlstrom and Jean-Gabriel Pageau each had two points. Devils center Nico Hischier and defenseman Ryan Graves missed the game after being placed in COVID protocol yesterday.
Boston Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark kicked out 40 shots in a 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames, handing the latter their fourth straight defeat. Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand each had two points. The Flames also honored winger Milan Lucic for his 1,000th career NHL game. He reached that milestone in April but the Flames wanted to honor him during a game against the Bruins, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 2011.
A late goal by David Kampf gave the Toronto Maple Leafs a 5-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, who had overcome a 4-1 deficit. William Nylander had a goal and two assists while Auston Matthews and John Tavares each had a goal and an assist. Leafs goalie Petr Mrazek made 31 saves in his first game since being sidelined by a groin injury in October.
James van Riemsdyk scored two goals as the Philadelphia Flyers dropped the Arizona Coyotes 5-3, winning two straight games for the first time since October. Travis Konecny picked up two assists. Arizona defenseman Jakub Chychrun and forward Ryan Dzingel missed this game as both are day-to-day with injuries. The Coyotes have lost five straight.
T.J. Oshie’s shootout goal lifted the Washington Capitals over the Buffalo Sabres 3-2, extending the latter’s losing skid to seven games. Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary returned from injury and scored the tying goal to force overtime and the shootout.
The Pittsburgh Penguins got a 33-save shutout from Casey DeSmith to blank the Anaheim Ducks 1-0. Brock McGinn tallied the only goal. Ducks goalie John Gibson left the game following the second period with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.
An overtime goal by Jake Bean gave the Columbus Blue Jackets a 5-4 victory over the Seattle Kraken, who scored three unanswered third-period goals to force the extra frame. Max Domi had two goals and an assist for the Jackets. The Kraken were without Yanni Gourde and Riley Sheahan after they and assistant coach Jay Leach were placed in COVID protocol.
The Minnesota Wild’s eight-game winning streak came to an end as they fell 2-1 to the Los Angeles Kings. Brendan Lemieux snapped a 1-1 tie during the third period in his first game since serving a five-game suspension for biting the Senators’ Brady Tkachuk. Kings defenseman Alexander Edler left the game early in the first period with an injured left leg following a hit by Wild forward Brandon Duhaime. Kings coach Todd McLellan said Edler could be out “long term”.
Erik Karlsson scored what proved to be the game-winner as the San Jose Sharks held off the Dallas Stars 2-1. Sharks center Tomas Hertl scored in his fourth straight game while James Reimer made 34 saves for the win in his 400th career NHL contest. San Jose forward Kevin Labanc left the game following his first shift after being hit by the Stars’ Jani Hakanpaa.
The St. Louis Blues got a goal and an assist from Pavel Buchnevich to beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-1, spoiling netminder Jake Allen’s return to St. Louis for the first time since he was traded to Montreal in 2020. Former Canadiens goalie Charlie Lindgren picked up the win with 22 stops. Before the game, the Canadiens announced Tyler Toffoli would be sidelined eight weeks following surgery on an injured hand while Jake Evans is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.
HEADLINES
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars general manager Jim Nill said Ben Bishop’s playing days are over after the 35-year-old goaltender spent over 14 times attempting to rehabiliate a degenerative knee injury. The news comes after Bishop allowed eight goals on 34 shots during a game on Thursday while with the club’s AHL affiliate on a conditioning stint. He was recalled by the Stars yesterday and placed on long-term injury reserve. He will speak with the media on Tuesday.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a sad ending for a terrific, albeit injury-hampered career. The 6’7”, 210-pound Bishop was among the league’s elite goaltenders when healthy, winning 222 of 397 starts with a career goals-against average of 2.32, a .921 save percentage and 33 shutouts. “Big Ben” was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2014 and 2016 with the Tampa Bay Lightning and in 2019 with the Stars. He was also a Second Team All-Star in 2016 and 2019.
WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets are still awaiting word on the condition of captain Blake Wheeler after he left Friday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks with a possible knee injury. Jets coach Paul Maurice suspects Wheeler could be sidelined for a while.
SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Canucks, they placed defenseman Travis Hamonic (lower body) on injured reserve on Friday.
TSN: Chris Johnston reported the International Olympic Committee confirmed any confirmed positive COVID-19 test at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics must produce two subsequent negative tests 24 hours apart. Otherwise, the quarantine period could last from three to five weeks according to Chinese law.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would be troublesome for NHL players participating in the Games if they should contract COVID while in China. Johnston indicated there will be a call between the IOC, the International Ice Hockey Federation, NHL and the NHL Players Association medical personnel soon to review these matters.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said he’d leave it up to the players to decide before the Jan. 10 opt-out deadline if they’ll still participate. The possibility of spending up to five weeks in China under quarantine could give participants a reason to reconsider taking part in the Games.
My take is that you really have to try hard to get a zero stat line across the board in a game, it is what DeBrusk managed to do last night , way to put your skills on display
with just under 12 mins in pt
Cheer up Joe, B’s have points in 5 straight.
Ullmark is finding his game. 2 goals against or less in 5 straight, winning 4.
B’s are limiting high danger chances (they only gave up 1 in loss to VCR), while on a tough road trip. Getting outshot against CGY and EDM, but good scoring chances were basically even. Good road wins against 2 good teams.
IMO they are figuring out how they need to play to be successful. Playing a gritty, defend the house type of game.
That’s how they are built, that’s how they are now playing.
DeBrusk? Hope he comes around, if he doesn’t, whatever. Then get to work without him.
Go B’s. Stay healthy.
That’s like the basketball coach’s sarcastic comment to a player – “Great game, buddy, you had as many rebounds as a dead man.”
Oof!
Debrusk definitely doesn’t do much on the 4th line. He drew a penalty against Monahan in the closing frame, but other than that, he hardly even got involved in the game.
If I was showcasing someone for a potential trade, I’d be more inclined to place him where he’s sure to shine a little brighter.
Wonder if Rick is still on the ledge, or perhaps he’s having a well deserved Sunday morning sleep in time?
This will be the ultimate defining moment in Sweeney’s miserable trading life. When he trades Debrusk he had better get equal value. Journeymen like pug Appleton is not equal value. Jake could hook up with another team and be a twenty plus scorer. His speed and potential is something most clubs look for. If Sweeney blows this it will mean his demise in beantown. He’s blown enough deals already.
If DeBrusk is all that then keep him Rick?
Fact is he hasn’t been for a while and isn’t engaged physically in the battle.
Can’t see us getting a 20 goal scorer in return for a guy that hasn’t for while, unless he starts producing. And he won’t get the chance on the top 6 until he earns it. He has potted a few, so not out of the question.
Hopefully he does, and takes advantage of it. If he wants out, make yourself valuable and you will get your wish.
Bruins fans…. Things are trending up. To me it looks reasonably strong that they’ll make the playoffs
I don’t see them necessarily getting top 3 in Atl; but I also envision Wings trending (and ending up ) closer to 500
So it would be Bruins, Jackets, Pens battling for 2 WC spots …. Pretty fair odds
It’s the first round match up…. v Panthers , Bolts, Rangers, Canes or Caps that they’ll likely be looking at
Re Big Ben career over… sad to see the big man has to retire
I didn’t read that he got injured in that game. If so, he then finished his last game played and went on LTIR retirement … will get similar scrutiny to what Weber is going through
Re games yesterday
Great win for Sens and Tre for the Captain
Leafs very very lucky to come out with V… take it and run
Pens… had a few lucky bounces but good win, and very please with another shutout for DeSmith. I’d be lying if I said I saw the last two results for him coming; very glad to be wrong on that 👍👍👍
Said it before will say it again Debrusk plays scared won’t get his nose dirty a perimeter player. Bruins need to be healthy when entering playoffs with that much experience and that top line anything can happen in a 7 game series.
Ugly game by TML defensively but 2 pts to Mrazek on behalf of his team. Justin Holl, don’t know what ails you but you’re not starting the game anywhere near on time and your play is tentative at best right now. How about asking for help here with your game.
To Caper (your from the Peg right) and anybody else from Bomberland…. Good luck today
As an Argo fan of 5 decades…. You know it is technically illegal for any Argo fan to EVER cheer for the TiCats
35-0 Bombers, please and thanks
Well Pengy, if this Rider fan can cheer for the Bombers, Argo fan can cheer for the Cats.
With ya, go Bombers.
Hi Ray
You’re a much better man than I… I just can’t EVER cheer for TiCats
Was hoping for a Rider-Argo GC… last Sunday hurt big time
Pengy, I’m from Cape Breton; but live in the Peg.
I know that’s what you meant.
Once a Caper always a Caper.
Most definitely will be watching and cheering on the Boys in Blue!!!
What’s a caper?
Hi Caper…. Yes meant where you reside now (and for at least a couple of years)…. Knew you were from the East Coast (Cape Breton)
Hi Chrisms
He’s from Cape Breton … nickname of those from there….”Capers”
Hard a then. Interesting
Wonder why Jarry doesn’t seem to get any love for a team Canada spot? Nobody ever brings up his name. As far as Price goes I just can’t see it this time. He’d have to be back like tomorrow and get some quality starts in to earn a spot now imo. I’d go with Fleury, Bing and Jarry and not necessarily in that order.
Hi Isotopes
Not sure about the rules but Hockey Canada gave its Big list (50 players) to IHHF and IOC a few weeks before Jarry turned the jets on and started going lights out
I’m not sure if Team Canada can now pick from outside that list
Lyle, or anybody here…. Do you know?
Not sure Pengy, but why can’t they do whatever they want?
Don’t know when final list has to be submitted. I like Jarry too, back stopped the Oil Kings to a Memorial Cup.
I think that the league and the NHLPA have no choice at this point but to forget the Olympics. The risk of a superstar being lost to his team for over a month is just too great. The players’ primary obligation is to their teams and their fans.
@Howard: Ya I think the NHLPA will eventually pass on the Olympics over the quarantine period and the Chinese isolation mandate plus other considerations. Just ask the 2 Micheal’s on their thoughts on this very issue
Howard hear what your saying; not sure they’ll pass, as alot of players want to play in the Olympics and probably feel if they take the proper measures they’ll be safe.
Carolina has been playing well even without Pesce and Delangelo in the line up. Ian Coe and Brendan Smith are holding their own with the increased minutes, but it’s a good thing Andersen is behind them.
well, the Bruins have won two in a row on the road, all is well, start planning the parade … that is until they lose again …
5 out of 6 pts in Western Canada; 3 games in 4 nights.
Gave up 40 shots against Nashville, Edmonton and Calgary, won all 3
I would argue the goalie stole all 3 games.
While Boston is keeping alot of shots to the outside there has been some quality chances.
Time of possession was not in Boston favor.
2 out of the last 3 games Hall got dropped to the 4th line for some shifts.
Marchand took 2 penalties last night and neither was an actual penalty.
The Bruins for the first time this season wake up in the morning holding a playoff spot.
Ullmark was really good in his last two games.
If Rask signs, maybe the Oilers would be interested in Ullmark?
I know he has a nmc but he may waive. Gotta ask.
Ray Bark watcha think? Who potentially good go back?
Wow Caper, tough question.
Do you even trade him? That was a pretty major surgery Rask had, should we assume he is back to full go mode yet?
I’m pretty conservative when making decisions at work, so maybe I take that mindset to this. Wait and see, but ya maybe do it if he looks sharp in some games.
My guess is the Oil don’t take away high quality from their roster, so it would be a good prospect (they have some D that are close, not a Broberg but a Samarukov?) with maybe a salaried player coming back to make $ work like a Kassian who plays good only half the time, but a valuable guy when he is going. Can skate, has some skill and can snap like a twig when required.
I really don’t know the answer to that one, have to ponder it a bit.
With Ray on the risk factor.
Rask medical condition; how long can he play?
If he fails then you only have Swayman and I don’t think he can carry the load.
If I were Boston, I’d play it safe with Rask. See how his first few games go and think about the TDL to see if there is a 2nd line center available for Debrusk and a 1st. Is that too much?….not at the moment.