NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 15, 2022

by | Jan 15, 2022 | News, NHL | 15 comments

The Panthers and Wild romp to lopsided wins, the Avalanche tie a franchise record plus the latest suspensions, COVID updates, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Sam Bennett and Jonathan Huberdeau each had four-point performances as the Florida Panthers crushed the Dallas Stars 7-1. Bennett tallied a hat trick while Huberdeau collected three assists. Anthony Duclair scored and set up two others as the Panthers (55 points) reclaimed first place in the overall standings.

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Score indicates the Stars have one of the worst road records (4-11-1) in the league, with just one regulation win away from Dallas. Head coach Rick Bowness wasn’t pleased with his club’s performance. “We have some guys who are very comfortable playing at home and very uncomfortable playing on the road,” he said.

The Minnesota Wild tallied four third-period goals (including two within four seconds early in the period) to down the Anaheim Ducks 7-3. Mats Zuccarello scored twice and picked up an assist while Kirill Kaprizov had two helpers. With 46 points, the Wild holds the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference. The Ducks (45 points) remain in second place in the Pacific Division but have just three wins in their last 10 contests.

A shootout goal by Nazem Kadri lifted the Colorado Avalanche over the Arizona Coyotes 4-3. The Avs tied a franchise record by picking up their 13th straight home victory as they overcame 2-0 and 3-2 deficits. With 49 points, they’re one point back of the Western Conference-leading Nashville Predators. Coyotes goaltender Ivan Prosvetov made 44 saves.

HEADLINES

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Islanders forward Ross Johnston received a three-game suspension from the NHL department of player safety for an illegal hit to the head of New Jersey Devils forward A.J. Greer on Thursday.

TSN: Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Calvin de Haan was fined $2,500.00 for a dangerous trip (slew foot) on Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield on Thursday.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators forward Connor Brown is listed as week-to-week with a suspected broken jaw.

SPORTSNET: St. Louis Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich and Toronto Maple Leafs Justin Holl, Ondrej Kase and Nick Ritchie were placed on the NHL’s COVID protocol list.

TSN: Former Arizona Coyotes star Shane Doan is taking over as the general manager of Canada’s Men’s Olympic Hockey team and former NHL coach Claude Julien takes over as head coach.

NBC SPORTS: Aisha Visram is believed to be the first woman to work on the bench during an NHL game as she filled in for the Los Angeles Kings’ sidelined athletic trainer during their 6-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. Visram is the head trainer of the Kings’ AHL affiliate in Ontario, California.







15 Comments

  1. If I were Don Sweeney, my first order of business on July 1st would be to sign Kadri. He plays a great style of hockey. He’d make a great Bruin.

    • Yes, he would, but that might not happen given they’ve got over $68 million invested in 13 players next season and Patrice Bergeron and perhaps Tuukka Rask to re-sign. Kadri could reach 100 points this season, pushing his likely asking price over $8 million per season.

      • All true. Way to take the wind outta my sails, Lyle.
        Where do you think he’ll end up?

      • Good question. Maybe the Blue Jackets? They need depth at center and have the cap space. Ditto for the Red Wings. If he’s looking for big bucks, those clubs could afford him if they want.

      • I think it is an idea worth exploring SOP, and like Lyle said, the B’s have cap flexibility!

      • If by cap flexibility you mean the ability to conjure extra cap space out of thin air, then yes, I suppose they have plenty…;)

      • As much as the Wings could use more offense, I don’t see Kaddish fitting into their long term plan. He’s too old by 3 or 4 years. He’ll be a declining asset when they’re ready to contend.

        I hope Yzerman sees it the same way!!

    • Will be interesting to see if Kadri stays with the Avs or takes more cash. he is 31 and signing him to a 6×8 would probably be the starting point

      The Avs do have to some work to do to fill roster next off season… so resigning Kadri might be impossible

      • In years where Kadri has played close to a full season his best was 61 points. Credit for a good season this year, but come on: at 31 he is now having what will be his new normal productivity for the next several years? Anyone who signs him for $8 million/yr should have their head read.

      • Never underestimate the ability of NHL general managers to overpay for a player coming off a career-high performance.

    • Kadri is another gutter rat like Marchand so you’re right, he’d make a great Bruin …

  2. Panthers rolling on…. Wow

    Anthony Duclair….. + 6 in one game….. when was the last time ANY player was +6 in a single game ?

    The weird thing is that there were many big “+” games for Panthers last night; but their big + player this year…..Ekblad (was was 3rd overall in NHL in +\- before last night) was a zero last night…. and Duclair , this morning now sits at 3rd in the NHL (Ekblad now 4th)

    This team is very good….. Zito…. Take a bow 👏👏👏👏

  3. Kadri is having a great year but also has a great supporting cast I think Kadri can play just not sure he can keep those numbers going forward.

  4. Sam Bennett now has 14g this is his 2nd highest season total, his career high is 18 in the 2015-2016 season.

    If there was ever an example of change of scenery he is it.

    • Yep, it just wasn’t working for him in Calgary but moving to the Panthers brought out the best in him.