NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 13, 2022
Recaps of Saturday’s action, updates on Nathan MacKinnon, Erik Karlsson and Tomas Hertl, the Canadiens acquire Andrew Hammond, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.
GAME RECAPS
NHL.COM: The red-hot Calgary Flames picked up their sixth straight victory by downing the New York Islanders 5-2. Adam Ruzicka had a goal and an assist while Johnny Gaudreau collected two assists. Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin made 24 saves replacing Semyon Varlamov after the latter was placed in COVID protocol following pre-game warmups. With 58 points, the Flames sit one behind the first-place Vegas Golden Knights in the Pacific Division.
Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler (NHL Images)
Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler scored twice and added three assists as he rallied his club from a 2-0 deficit to a 5-2 win over the Nashville Predators. Mark Scheifele scored and collected two assists for the Jets (48 points) as they sit seven points out of a Western Conference wild-card berth. The Predators (60 points) slid one point behind the Minnesota Wild into third place in the Central Division. Predators defenseman Mark Borowiecki was ejected in the first period for elbowing Jets forward Evgeny Svechnikov in the face, who was forced to leave the game with an injury.
A 51- save performance by Thatcher Demko carried the Vancouver Canucks to a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Brock Boeser and J.T. Miller each had a goal and an assist for the Canucks while the Leafs Auston Matthews tallied his 32nd of the season. Defenseman Travis Hamonic returned to action for the first time since Dec. 8 for the Canucks (50 points), who sit five points out of the final wild-card berth in the Western Conference. The Leafs, meanwhile, remain in third place in the Atlantic Division with 63 points.
The Minnesota Wild held off the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 to extend their home points streak to 12 games. Kevin Fiala tallied a goal and an assist for the Wild while Andrei Svechnikov netted both Hurricanes goals. Wild blueliner Matt Dumba returned from an upper-body injury suffered on Jan. 30. With 61 points, the Wild sit second in the Central Division while the Hurricanes (67 points) hold a one-point lead for first place in the Metropolitan Division.
St. Louis Blues forward Brayden Schenn collected two assists and Oskar Sundqvist had a goal and an assist in a 5-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, who were held to just 16 shots in this contest. The Blues hold the first Western Conference wild-card spot with 59 points.
Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman picked up his first win since Jan. 2 with a 30-save shutout to blank the Ottawa Senators 2-0. The Bruins got first-period goals by Trent Frederic and Curtis Lazar. Matt Murray made 35 saves for the Senators. With 57 points, the Bruins are four behind the Washington Capitals for the first wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. Senators forward Austin Watson faces a hearing today for interference on Bruins defenseman Jack Ahcan when he appeared to catch Ahcan in the head with a high hit.
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin had three assists in a 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Wings goalie Thomas Greiss made 32 saves in his first game since Jan. 9 as his club sits seven points behind the Bruins, who hold the final Eastern wild-card berth.
Patrik Laine’s power-play goal in the dying seconds of regulation gave the Columbus Blue Jackets a 2-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A heartbreaking loss for the Canadiens, whose performance has noticeably improved under new head coach Martin St. Louis. Cole Caufield has definitely benefited from playing for St. Louis, scoring two goals in as many games after managing just one in 30 previous contests this season.
HEADLINES
THE DENVER POST: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon will return to action today against the Dallas Stars after being sidelined since Jan.26 by a broken nose and concussion.
SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Tomas Hertl’s agent has been in contract extension talks with the Sharks, but the 28-year-old center has yet to decide if he’s staying. Hertl is slated to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end and could cost at least $7 million annually to re-sign.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I’ve noted in the rumor mill, much could depend on how much cap space the Sharks have for next season following the outcome of Evander Kane’s grievance over his contract termination. A date for that hearing has yet to be determined.
The Sharks did get some good news as sidelined defenseman Erik Karlsson could return from surgery on his left forearm earlier than anticipated. He was expected to be re-evaluated by mid-March. However, defenseman Jaycob Megna underwent surgery to repair a displaced fracture and is likely out for four-to-six weeks.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Montreal Canadiens traded minor-league forward Brandon Baddock to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for goaltender Andrew Hammond.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This move allows the Canadiens to send struggling young goalie Cayden Primeau back to their AHL affiliate in Laval.
PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins assistant coach Todd Reirden will undergo knee surgery on Monday after suffering a fall shoveling out his driveway during the All-Star weekend. He’s expected to be sidelined for some time.
Reirden shovels his own driveway. Nice.
I posted this late Saturday but I’m reposting today because I’d really like to know how others feel about this. I Will say this also applies to MLB & NFLPA’s.
“Does anyone besides me see the hypocrisy when the NHLPA files an appeal of a suspension? Forget about the Marchand/Jerry incident. I’m just talking in general – it happens all the time. A player gets suspended, the NHLPA appeals but where does that leave the victim. Does he get to appeal the appeal – NO. I understand that the perpetrator and the victim are both dues-paying members but why can’t the association just stand up for the injured party and say they agree with the original punishment. Opinions?”
Harry O. Unions job is to enforce contract. They’re not defending player, but merely arguing the severity of the penalty. “injured party” belongs to same union defending player being suspended, knowing they’re doing exactly what you’d expect them to do for you. These are your reps, and you agreed to let them and the league handle all matters.
Hi Harry
I do understand your point re the overarching hypocrisy of it. I cringe any time Wilson considers an appeal of a suspension (which he is no where near suspended enough )
The system itself is highly problematic and exacerbated exponentially by the lug nut at the helm. Parros is absolutely all over the place with his punishment (and many cases wrongfully given no punishment).
I’m a Penguins and Leafs fan so I should be “throw the book” at Marchand type of guy
There is no ifs ands or buts, his actions were suspension worthy
It was a d%*k move; and he knows it was… suspend him
That said…. He was given 3 games (too much IMO BTW) for a slew foot earlier in the season (when Parros had been handing out repeat fines for multiple slew footing offenders )
Parros’ 3 on the slew foot, deemed this recent action, cumulative behaviour, and twice the value in punishment
I don’t for any stretch believe Marchand is challenging that he was suspended; just the length
Had Parros ruled correctly on the slewfoot… Marchand doesn’t get 6; doesn’t appeal
Ovi charged, full numbers from behind, and tried to put a Sens player (Ithink it was Paul) through the corner boards, through the fans, through the stands, and into the parking lot…. Nothing
Wilson has repeatedly tried to headshot (let’s be frank…. Decapitate) the end of a career … and he repeatedly gets away with it.
Paros IMHO, will be culpable in a possible death if he doesn’t clamp down on lunatics like Wilson. Wilson just keeps pushing the envelope.
So yes Harry, there is hypocrisy in the system… I think the NHLPA should appeal to Bettman to permanently oust Parros…. he is supposed to be leading the department of player SAFETY…. He rules it like the leader of the Department for Player ENDANGERMENT !!
As you’ve mentioned… all players pay the dues; so all have rights, which includes the right to appeal a suspension
Until they change the rules to allow the injured team (on behalf of the player) to appeal a “light” suspension…. Then this disparity will continue
Bring in Kariya to replace Parros…. Then things will change
Pengy, you raise an interesting point. Is there really a rule that prevents the injured party from appealing a “light suspension”. If so, this would seem to be another dereliction of duty by the NHLPA for agreeing to these terms. If I’m a union member injured by another union member I should have the same rights to appeal for a “fair” verdict. Maybe Lyle might have more insight into this.
Hi Harry
I have no idea definitively re “ Is there really a rule that prevents the injured party from appealing a “light suspension”.
Anybody here know??
I don’t recall any challenges like that…. Perhaps there were??? Anybody??
Re rule preventing it….. It’s possible that it’s allowed but no one has actually challenged
My guess (complete guess) is that under the suspension rules…. Once it’s been decided…. No new evidence or issues relating to that incident can increase the suspension…. But suspension can (as we know) be appealed for lower
Again… just a guess
If that’s the case …. As I’ve stated…. Tragedy (cite any suspension , and many many many non suspensions re Wilson)
Appealing here to Gary…. Fire George, hire Paul
If they did not “defend” rat-face’s “right to appeal” they would set themselves up for a big lawsuit. This is what unions do for their members.
Leafs fans have a new name for the ‘Nucks’ goalie…. Damnedko
That was one hell of a performance
So the Bruins won yesterday … is that good or bad, I just don’t know anymore?
And please, just root for the Leafs … there are more than enough clueless Penguin fans as it is.
So you remind us daily.
Yes it’s good that the Bruins won yesterday…
Spector, Caufield also had a goal refused due to offside. The shot was great and there was no goaltender interference. My point is to re-enforce what you said, for others Caufield is looking really good under St. Louis.
March I believe will win his appeal 4 games
Instead of six the suspension was ridiculous. I’ve seen far worse where the player responsible merely got a penalty and in some instances received nothing. Brad is a scapegoat there’s not a doubt in my mind about this. Tom Wilson, Hathaway make Brad look pale by comparison.
I have to agree. Marchand IS an agitator par excellence who knows how to get the opposition off balance but, unlike a slug like Avery, he is also one of the best offensive players in the game.
The naysayers who are quick to dump all over him probably have conniption fits when he’s the one who scores to beat their team of choice, but they’d also be doing cartwheels if he became a member of their team. Anyone who denies this is bordering on hypocrisy.
I deny this adamantly.
Because her Penguins, who happily employed Matt Cooke, Darius Kasparitis and Ulf Samuelsson, are above having Brad Marchand on their team.
Heh. Bang on DoubleMinor. Can you just see him scoring the Cup-winning OT goal and Penguins fans refusing to cheer deliriously? Yea, right.\
With Norris, Batherson, Pinto and White back from IR, Marchand on the Sens would make them a serious contender. Hell, he’d improve ANY team he went to – and significantly.
I don’t deny that most pens fans wouldn’t. Or haven’t. I was one of them for kasperitis and ulf. But cooke opened my eyes. But I would be monumentally disappointed if the pens acquired marchand.
Until he was instrumental in bringing them another cup.
Many Tampa Bay fans likely detested Tom Brady for a variety of reasons when he was winning with the Patriots.
I bet not too many were sitting on their hands grumbling about the Super Bowl he brought to Tampa.
Nope. That’s generally the nature of sports fans. But I don’t wanna see the Wilson’s and marchands on the pens no more. I’ll admit after seeing 5 cups in my life it’s probably easier for me to feel that way.
As far as the cooke on the cup team goes I had to look it up. The most egregious of his behaviors happened in the seasons after though he did get two suspensions that season. I don’t remember them personally. My eyes were opened after the savard hit and the McDonough hit. I was glad he was suspended so long and into the playoffs.
“ A heartbreaking loss for the Canadiens, whose performance has noticeably improved under new head coach Martin St. Louis. Cole Caufield has definitely benefited from playing for St. Louis, scoring two goals in as many games after managing just one in 30 previous contests this season.”
Huh? Was it the 5-2 blowout by Washington or the 2-1 loss to the powerhouse Columbus that is making this team / St. Louis so good?
I guess it’s been a better look that the 5-6-8 goals against per game lately but holy glass full Batman!
Baby steps I guess? “We almost didn’t lose to Columbus? “
I think a win would be a show of improvement, and 2 consecutive wins which Montreal has yet to do this season would be like winning the cup at this point?
This team has won 3 games in their last 25 since 11/26/21.
I think 2 wins in a calendar month may be something to get excited about at this point.
I know St. Louis has a very strong pedigree in coaching. (He’s been coaching 2 consecutive games now) But let’s give him 3 more games and possibly a win before cheering on this miraculous turn around?
Thanks… we needed that.
Everything is relative, Captain. They are still a bad team that needs lots of work. Much is left to be done. But it has to start somewhere. The last several games under Ducharme, there was no fight, no effort. Now, they’ve at least started to play hard. Hopefully that keeps up. It’s a positive sign, but only slightly. Like I said, much more needs to be done.
The loss to the Capitals wasn’t a blowout. They played hard and were the better team. The 5th goal against was an empty netter. Soft goaltending did them in. That’s why picking up Hammond was a good move. It’s not like he’ll lead them to a massive turnaround. He won’t. But it’ll give Primeau the chance to develop his game and regain his confidence in the AHL.
I didn’t watch the game, and it appears they grossly outshot and out hit Washington. But a 5-2 loss is ugly, the empty netter aside.
I agree, you have to start somewhere, but let’s start with a win. Where’s all this pressure that only exists north of the border / invisible line / Canada?
Seems pretty much pressure free when fans start looking at the bright side of losses. This is the type of “pressure “ you’d expect from Pittsburgh Pirate, Jacksonville Jaguars, fans.
“ Hey, we lost 60-3, but that 47 yard field goal was amazing!”
A 2-1 loss to another horrible team shouldn’t really get Fans hearts pumping.
St.Louis is 100% unproven. I’d temper my expectations a little bit.
Do we really believe that St.Louis has had a profound effect on Caufields game, or may his 2 goals in 2 games be a coincidence?
Laffrienere given top 6 minutes over his last 2 games had him score in 2 consecutive games. But I’m not out there calling for his Calder just yet.
Did Caufield and St.Louis develop this new bond on the rejection “must be this tall to ride” line at the local amusement park?
Laffrienere definitely won’t be getting a Calder in his sophomore year, but you get what I mean?
Captain Obvious, your comments on Lafreniere got me curious as to how he might compare to a couple of other generally acknowledged # 1 overall “flops” over their first 101-odd games
Lafreniere – 101gp 22g 12a 34 pts – minus 9;
Yakopov – 111gp 28g 27a 55 pts – minus 37
Daigle – 97gp 21g 33a 54 pts – minus 52
Those glaring plus/minus stats aside (those were pretty bad teams at the time) you have to wonder if NYR fans are beginning to feel like Lafreniere is headed in the same direction as the other two. Would love to hear from NYR fans who watch a lot of their games – are his stats attributed more to how and where he’s being used and who he primarily skates alongside?
In fairness, I don’t think it’s the top line, nor do I think he gets a lot of pp time, unlike both Yakopov and Daigle who were used a LOT at the starts of their careers.
DeBrusk asked to be traded a while back and it looks like trading him alone won’t bring much back if anything more that a draft pick ….. He’s not doing himself and favors with his game day stat line of zeros across the board…..G-0…A-0…SOG-0…Hits-0….PM-0….PT 14:00 mins & this is a stat line that appears often with him
Joe the bruins have a serious problem they have one of the weakest prospect pools in the league that’s result of poor drafting, There some bright spots, Fabian, but I’ll tell you this Lohrei Kid with Ohio State drafted 2nd. a few years back I seen him in a couple games& he’s going to be a very good NHl D he’s as big as Carlo great defensively a whole lot better offensively.. Brett Harrison 3rd round pick is almost scoring every game With Oshawa. But then you look at Providence very weak so is their echl affiliate. So Donny boy is going to have to put on his Sammy Pollack big boy pants and really get creative if he going to do any trading get rid of Foligno along with Forbort while you’re at it