NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 3, 2022
The Panthers stage a four-goal third-period comeback, Kirill Kaprizov sets a Wild franchise record, Keith Yandle’s Ironman streak comes to an end and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.
NHL.COM: Down 6-2 to the New Jersey Devils entering the third period, the Florida Panthers scored four unanswered goals and emerged with a 7-6 victory on Gustav Forsling’s overtime goal. Forsling and Aleksander Barkov each scored twice. Spencer Knight got the win as he replaced goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky in the third period. Yegor Sharangovich tallied a hat trick for the Devils. The Panthers became the second team to reach 100 points this season and hold a two-point lead over the Carolina Hurricanes for first place in the Eastern Conference.
Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).
Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov had a goal and an assist in his club’s 3-1 win over the Hurricanes to set a new franchise single-season record of 85 points (and counting). Marc-Andre Fleury kicked out 37 shots as the Wild have a three-point lead over the St. Louis Blues for second place in the Central Division with 89 points.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild rookie Matt Boldy missed this game as he’s listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He has 27 points in 35 games this season.
The Colorado Avalanche are on the verge of becoming the first team to clinch a playoff berth after downing the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. Devon Toews snapped a 2-2 tie in the third period as the Avalanche hold a four-point lead over the Panthers for first overall in the league standings with 104 points. Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon each had two points while Darcy Kuemper stopped 38 shots. Jake Guentzel had two assists for the Penguins (92 points), who sit one point back of the second-place New York Rangers in the Metropolitan Division.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Avalanche center Nazem Kadri missed this game with an upper-body injury and could be sidelined for some time. He’s expected to be back for the playoffs which begin on May 2.
Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said the club is optimistic over the status of winger Jason Zucker as they await further updates on his condition. Zucker’s been sidelined since Thursday after suffering an apparent leg injury against the Wild.
Tyler Seguin collected three assists and Joe Pavelski had a goal and an assist as the Dallas Stars held off the San Jose Sharks 5-4 to regain the second wild-card berth in the Western Conference with 81 points. Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson also each had two-point performances for the Stars. Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro returned to the lineup after being sidelined for five weeks by a broken leg.
Los Angeles Kings forwards Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe each had a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets. With the win, the Kings (86 points) moved within three points of the first-place Calgary Flames in the Pacific Division. Connor Hellebuyck made 35 saves for the Jets (76 points), who slip five points behind the Stars in the race for the final Western wild-card berth.
Speaking of the Flames, they dropped a 6-4 decision to the St. Louis Blues. Justin Faulk had a goal and two assists while teammates Brayden Schenn, Robert Thomas and Brandon Saad each had two points for the Blues (86 points), who sit three points back of the second-place Wild in the Central Division. Johnny Gaudreau scored his 32nd goal of the season for the Flames, who announced before the game that center Sean Monahan will undergo season-ending surgery on his left hip. Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington also missed this game as he’s day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s the same procedure Monahan had done on his right hip last year. His performance seemed to suffer in the aftermath of that first surgery, making him the topic of trade speculation. He has a year remaining on his contract with an annual average value of $6.375 million.
Auston Matthews tallied his league-leading 51st goal of the season, Morgan Rielly a goal and two assists while Mitch Marner and Michael Bunting each collected two assists in a 6-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell made 29 saves as he returned to action after missing 10 games with a rib injury. The Leafs are tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning with 93 points but hold second place in the Atlantic Division with 44 wins.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers defenseman Keith Yandle was a healthy scratch, bringing his NHL-record consecutive game streak to an end at 989. Flyers coach Mike Yeo faced criticism for benching Yandle given the club is eliminated from the playoffs and the blueliner only needed 11 more games to extend his record to 1,000 games.
Yeo explained it was part of the club’s decision to evaluate younger players for next season. Yandle took the decision in stride, saying management had spoken to him about the club’s plans over the final weeks of the regular season.
The Lightning, meanwhile, fell to the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 on a shootout goal by Nick Suzuki. Jake Allen made 37 saves for the Canadiens as they got the win in Martin St. Louis’ first game as head coach against his former club in Tampa Bay. Nikita Kucherov had a goal and two assists for the Lightning.
Boston Bruins center Erik Haula scored twice in a 5-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Brad Marchand had a goal and two assists for the Bruins (91 points) as they opened a seven-point lead over the Washington Capitals for the first wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference.
In other news, the NHL department of player safety suspended Arizona Coyotes forward Nick Ritchie for one game for slashing Anaheim Ducks defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.
Thought it was cheesy the flyers sat Yandle last night to end the iron man streak as they are out. The classy thing would have been to let it ride to hit the 1000 gm mark Based on Hayes comments the room did not like the call Have a celebration. And flush the year
Exactly. They’re sitting 4th from the bottom and riding out the season probably hoping they finish in a good position to get a higher % crack at the # 1 pick. So, dress the guy and let him sit on the bench for the game – maybe take one 30-second shift – and get him to 1,000.
Clueless decision.
They would have done better by benching Yeo.
So you are saying the Flyers owe some sort of loyalty to Yandle over evaluating and developing young players?
It’s pro sports, guys. And Yandle isn’t Giroux.
Aww come on Lj – you really think “evaluating” an ELC who might be lucky to get 8 minutes ice time for one lousy game, and who will very likely never see the record book, is going to make a difference by helping a member of your team achieve a rare milestone? Apparently some Flyers thought he should be dressed.
Actually, I do, George. You and I have seen plenty of players we like moved traded or released where sentiment played no part in the decision.
One example only, from many: Lafleur was traded because of a dispute over playing time with then coach Lemaire.
Compare that to Yandle, who has played one season in Philly. What do they owe him?
And while it might not factor into the decision, Yandle is -39 this season. Auditioning anyone over Yandle would be a sound roster decision.
You’re partially right regarding Lafleur, LJ. He did ask for a trade because of his dispute with Lemaire but GM Serge Savard refused, forcing the winger into a four-year retirement.
Lj, I have to admit your point about that -39 is telling – never really looked at Philly’s stats but now I see that’s over 3 times the -12 and -11 of Provorov and Ristolainen. Makes you wonder how many other times he went out there when he wasn’t anywhere near 100% and was taken advantage of by faster opposition.
Right, thanks Lyle.
Yep. Perhaps injuries are part of the stat, which I confess surprised me.
It would appear that the latest setback for Monahan writes finis for any chance of dealing him in the off-season.
Probably stops the buyout option as well unless he heals fast enough
For sure. Successive surgeries on both hips doesn’t bode well, though, combined with his declining goal production (22 in his rookie season followed by 5 years of 31, 27, 27, 31 and 34 – then the last 3 of 22, 10 (in 50 gp) and 8 (65 gp).
And he only turns 28 in October.
Don’t look for Fabian to jump in the Boston Bruins lineup anytime soon the guy isn’t just on a scoring slump he’s on a Ecological Drought. Hasn’t scored in 7 games in the whl. Right now Lysell would be lucky to make the 4th line in Maine this year.
He sucks 53 point in 46 games
A Bum. Hmmmm
One of these days, you’ll find yourself you’re going to be disappointed Go away. I was talking about goals.
Lol
Check out the link
https://vancouvergiants.com/stats/team_players/275/223
Self explanatory if you follow hockey
Watch out … he’s a martial arts expert!
Final 1ST 2ND 3RD TOT PP S
SPO
0 2 3 5 1/6 45
VAN
2 0 0 2 0/4 37
SPO:
C. Bertholet (06:45 2nd)
, T. Cheveldayoff (17:48 2nd)
, N. McCarry (04:03 3rd)
, T. Cheveldayoff (17:05 3rd)
, G. Sward (19:40 3rd)
VAN:
J. Lipinski (10:33 1st)
, J. Lipinski (12:34 1st)
PLAY BY PLAYGAME SUMMARY
Mar 27
Final 1ST 2ND 3RD TOT PP S
PG
1 1 3 5 1/3 28
VAN
1 2 1 4 0/2 34
PG:
H. Thornton (08:54 1st)
, C. Bowie (11:48 2nd)
, K. Ziemmer (04:13 3rd)
, E. Samson (09:20 3rd)
, C. Brown (13:49 3rd)
VAN:
T. Thorpe (14:04 1st)
, P. Mount (13:20 2nd)
, P. Mount (18:12 2nd)
, P. Mount (18:22 3rd)
PLAY BY PLAYGAME SUMMARY
Mar 26
Final 1ST 2ND 3RD TOT PP S
VAN
2 0 0 2 0/3 33
SEA
0 3 3 6 0/4 47
VAN:
T. Cadieux (12:53 1st)
, T. Thorpe (19:30 1st)
SEA:
L. Svejkovsky (00:54 2nd)
, S. Knazko (08:10 2nd)
, C. Dunn (09:04 2nd)
, L. Svejkovsky (01:05 3rd)
, J. Davidson (08:58 3rd)
, L. Svejkovsky (12:40 3rd)
PLAY BY PLAYGAME SUMMARYSEA
3 1 1 5 3/4 29
VAN
1 1 0 2 1/7 24
SEA:
L. Svejkovsky (04:48 1st)
, R. Schaefer (05:24 1st)
, L. Svejkovsky (08:57 1st)
, E. Mittelsteadt (15:21 2nd)
, J. Davidson (19:09 3rd)
VAN:
D. Palmieri (13:35 1st)
, E. Semeniuk (11:41 2nd)
PLAY BY PLAYGAME SUMMARY
Final 1ST 2ND 3RD TOT PP S
VAN
0 0 2 2 2/9 31
EVT
2 2 1 5 3/5 39
VAN:
C. Horning (01:23 3rd)
, Z. Ostapchuk (08:39 3rd)
EVT:
N. Huuhtanen (02:22 1st)
, N. Huuhtanen (16:39 1st)
, H. Campbell (16:56 2nd)
, J. Berezowski (19:19 2nd)
, J. Wright (01:55 3rd)
PLAY BY PLAYGAME SUMMARY
Final 1ST 2ND 3RD TOT PP S
EVT
0 1 2 3 1/5 35
VAN
0 2 3 5 1/4 28
EVT:
J. Berezowski (03:20 2nd)
, J. Berezowski (09:30 3rd)
, A. Swetlikoff (12:46 3rd)
VAN:
N. Camazzola (06:32 2nd)
, A. Hall (14:18 2nd)
, E. Toth (03:19 3rd)
, A. Hall (05:50 3rd)
, P. Mount (19:32 3rd)
PLAY BY PLAYGAME SUMMARY
Final OT 1ST 2ND 3RD OT TOT PP S
TC
1 0 0 1 2 0/1 22
VAN
1 0 0 0 1 1/5 36
TC:
S. Huo (07:27 1st)
, P. Moravec (01:37 OT)
VAN:
A. Cotton (09:26 1st)
PLAY BY PLAYGAME SUMMARY
Arguing with you is like trying to blow out a light bulb, since you’re so high on the stats these no. above are right from the whl site itself. Lysell hasn’t scored since March 12th. I doubt very much whether I’ll respond to you again. I simply don’t like you. why don’t you go out and walk your pet snake.
Geez Mr.bruin4 – he don’t like you – he don’t like me – whatever are we gonna do?
Amazing how he can feel free to toss out remarks like “the Senators are so bad even their hockey cards are blank” but when someone remarks back about a Major Junior player who, overall, is not having a bad season but so happens to be in a slump (damn, those are rare) he gets his back up.
What he also doesn’t mention is that Lysell, with 53 pts in 46gp leads the second-highest points producer on the Vancouver Giants (Thorpe) by 10 points and after him it drops considerable. The team, with just 50 pts, sits over 50 back of the league leaders and over sit in 17th place in a 22-team league so it stands to reason that opposing teams are going to be paying more attention to the 2 likely to do the most harm, thereby making it easier to secure 2 points.
George
Dumb people(RWM). Never like smart people. The guy is the kind of guy who complains about everything so people won’t see he knows zip about hockey Just read all his posts. 99.9% negative.
Exciting win by the Panthers yesterday, but this game, plus their game against the Habs last week when they blew a big lead but then won the game, shows why they’re not winning the Cup. Dynamic offense – one of the best we’ve seen in years – but soft defense and spotty goaltending. I see them as a candidate for a first round upset. Their game just doesn’t go far in the playoffs. Come playoff time, they won’t be playing the Habs or the Devils.
Obe Matthew’s 51st goal, also into a wide open net. Hart was looking for his jock strap that popped off after Mariners magic trick. Two over paid and over rated players right there.
Funny only Ritchie gets suspended in that Ducks-Yotes game.
I think we all can agree that this mentality has no place in professional sports….
Tyson Nash: “That’s the problem with these young players. You want to embarrass guys?
You want to skill it up? You better be prepared to get punched in the mouth.”
Hey the NHL isn’t a beer league. I get that mentality and seen it at beer league games but to say that on air during a professional game is really, really sad.
To punch out the lights on a guy who didn’t drop his gloves, isn’t a fighter, get pummeled like that is nothing short of bad optics for the league and it’s inability to protect star players, you know, the guys we want to see play hockey, not punch faces…there’s a sport or two for that, this is hockey, a game of speed and skill with physically, not one of those other sports of mindless face punching.
Beagle should get his one way or another…jay beagle no honor in that man.
Ron
It was really bad. But take solace that only their relatives were listening to that game
Nice to see him score on a goalie no wonder his teammates can’t stand him he plays the whole power play never changes. Coach always has him out no matter the score when goalie pulled or a power play let’s see what happens in playoffs before you crown him Gretzky.
Ron, why do you take the bait?