NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 24, 2022

by | May 24, 2022 | News, NHL | 44 comments

The Lightning swept the Panthers, the Avalanche take a commanding lead in their series with the Blues, and much more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Tampa Bay Lightning rode a 49-save shutout by Andrei Vasilevskiy to blank the Florida Panthers 2-0 in Game 4 to sweep their second-round series. Pat Maroon and Ondrej Palat scored in the third period for the Lightning, who had two second-period goals overturned on challenges by Panthers head coach Andrew Brunette. The Lightning will face the winner of the Carolina Hurricanes – New York Rangers series in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a well-deserved sweep by Tampa Bay as they did a magnificent job squeezing the life out of Florida’s league-leading offense, holding them to just three goals in four games. Vasilevskiy was outstanding in this series while the Lightning’s defensive game (especially their shot-blocking) neutralized the Panthers’ scorers.

For the Panthers, this was a disappointing finish to a regular season that saw them take home the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time in franchise history. They also won their first playoff series in 26 years by eliminating the Washington Capitals in the opening round. Those are accomplishments to build on going forward. They must improve their defensive game and bring some more grit into their lineup.

This game may have been the last for Joe Thornton as an NHL player. The 42-year-old Panthers center appeared in just 34 games during this season and made his 2022 postseason debut in Game 4.

Prior to Game 4, Brunette disputed an uncorroborated report claiming several of his players were out partying in a Tampa Bay strip club following their Game 3 loss on Sunday. “Check your sources. That was not the case last night,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Lightning winger Brandon Hagel was fined $3,750.00 for boarding Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen in Game 3.

A hat trick by Nazem Kadri powered the Colorado Avalanche to a 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues in Game 4 of their second-round series. David Perron tallied twice for the Blues. With a commanding 3-1 series lead, the Avalanche can close things out on Wednesday in Game 5 back in Colorado.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Overshadowing this contest were reports that the St. Louis police were investigating racist threats aimed at Kadri stemming from his collision with Jordan Binnington in Game 3 that sidelined the Blues goaltender for the remainder of the series. Kadri indicated he’s been dealing with such vitriol throughout his career and used it as motivation for this game. “For those that hate, that was for them,” he said.

Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog said he’d like the Blues to help defuse the public anger toward Kadri, calling the collision with Binnington accidental.

Kadri wasn’t happy with Blues coach Craig Berube for his remarks following Game 3 suggesting the Avalanche center deliberately intended to injure Binnington. “I guess he’s never heard of bulletin board material,” said Kadri. Berube also drew criticism from fans and pundits on social media for declining to comment about the racist threats aimed at Kadri prior to Game 4.

HEADLINES

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen spent 20 minutes practicing with his teammates yesterday. He’s been sidelined since April 16 with a lower-body injury. Thanks to the play of backup Antti Raanta, the Hurricanes can afford to allow Andersen as much time as necessary to make a full recovery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word yet as to whether Andersen will return to action in this series.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers forward Ryan Reaves intends to “go run some people and get in their faces” in Game 4 after Hurricanes forward Max Domi whacked Blueshirts defenseman Ryan Lindgren late in Game 3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers coach Gerard Gallant indirectly referenced Reaves following Game 3 when he said his club had a guy who could handle the Hurricanes if that’s how they wanted to play. We’ll find out tonight what impact Reaves might have in Game 4.

CALGARY SUN: Flames winger Milan Lucic said he wasn’t trying to run Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith when the two collided in Game 3 of their series. Lucic received a major and a match penalty for charging but said he was trying to stop when the incident occurred. He added if he actually was charging Smith, “we both wouldn’t be playing tomorrow.” Game 4 is tonight in Edmonton with the Oilers leading the Flames two games to one.

TSN: Speaking of the Flames, they’re moving their AHL affiliate from Stockton to Calgary starting next season.

PHNX SPORTS: Craig Morgan reports the Tempe City Council will discuss the Arizona Coyotes proposed arena deal on June 2.

CBS SPORTS: Winnipeg Jets winger Kristian Vesalainen has signed a one-year contract with Swedish club Malmo.







44 Comments

  1. Cats swept by Bolts

    I didn’t see the sweep coming

    That said… Bolts as at now have a pretty fair shot of returning to the SCF; and a reasonable chance at a 3-peat

    Just throwing this out there….. are they approaching Dynasty status???

    As at now they are certainly not Habs of late 80’s; Isles of early 89’s; Oil of late 80’s…. But….

    Are still in the running for a 3-peat
    Are now at 6 of the last 8 Conference Finals(CFs)
    Have been to SCF 3 of previous 7 years
    Have won 10 straight series
    Are currently B2B Champs

    If they do win the cup…
    In 6 of 8 CFs
    In 4 of 8 SCFs
    Won 12 straight series
    Won SC B2B2B…..

    Can they then carry the banner as a Dynasty?

    When I saw the news that “Sandin re-ups for $750 K”….. I immediately thought that Gio (with his super home discount) was somehow rubbing off.

    Alas I found out that it was not Rasmus but his older brother Linus (re-upped with Phi) for $750 K

    • “ Isles of early 89’s” sb “ Isles of early 80’s”

    • I’m not sure what a team needs to accomplish to get dynasty stats. When you google it some sites don’t count either the Red Wings of the late ’90s to early 2000s or the Black Hawkes who won 3 Stanley Cups from 2010 to 2015. Others do count the Red Wings but not the Blackhawks. One site even added the 1974-75 Flyers, 2000 to 03 Devils, 2012-14 LA Kings, and the 1996 – 2000 Avalanche.
      IMO if the Lightening do win a third straight they should definitely be in the conversation for a dynasty.

    • Id say 3 in a row or 4 in 5 qualifies as a dynasty team.

      • Hi Canadian King

        5 in 7 (Oil)

        I agree 3 in a row does qualify

        I do think the argument can be made if Bolts get to SCF again but lose in 6 or 7 in close games to Avs…. As that would mean….

        Won 11 series in a row; and close to 12
        In SCF 4 of last 8 years
        B2B winners who came very close to a 3 peat
        6 f 8 years in Conference finals

        All above done in Cap era

        Some have said Chi …. 3 cups in 6 seasons …. Can be argued as a dynasty….. With that in mind…. The above at least warrants consideration as dynasty

        Just my thoughts

  2. Panthers even with that puck possession and shot totals could not get thru Tampa’s resilience.
    ECF I cant see them losing now.

    • The only team that can stop the Bolts now is the Avs.

      • Well the Canes won’t be the favorite, but they are a really good team that plays a style that should keep goals against low, which in theory, should keep the Canes in most games.

        Just not sure how much they can generate and get past Vas.

        Wouldn’t bet the farm, but they have a shot IMO.

        Have to get there first though.

  3. Re “ Tempe City Council will discuss the Arizona Coyotes proposed arena deal on June 2.”

    I would like to see that statement replace “Tempe City” with “Houston” and delete “Arizona” from the text

    • It would be nice to hear them say “thanks, but no thanks”. Once they fail to sell out a 5,000 seat arena I’m not sure there’s any lower to go.

      If I was an owner sharing revenue with this team for how long now? I would be livid.

  4. Bolts can be the 1st dynasty of the cap era if they can pull off the 3 peat

    • Agree MB4

  5. Have said many times here ….PB don’t sign back with B’s they will be in big trouble without no 1st or 2nd line center . If he does sign back that will leave them without much $$$$ to improve their 5 on 5 lineup with the 4 lines …. D needs to be improved and size, quickness and toughness needs to be added on the roster,this has the looks of a disaster of a offseason little $$$$ and little assets to trade …. Plus they let Cassidy go it would be a mistake

    • The only option they have is if they trade roster players under contract.That means Debrusk,Carlo,Smith,Foligno,Reilly,Greczlyk,Forbort,Clifton,Marchand.Problem is that you are not sure who has a NMC or NTC in their contract due to the incompetence of Sweeney and Neeley.

      • Check out CapFriendly, all the details of who has NMC or NTC are there.

    • For Joe only, the three lambs need not respond.
      Joe even if Bergy signs that could be Sweeney’s big splash for the spring & summer. He always got some smoke screen to distract from the job at hand, for ex Bergy and Pasta,if Bergy doesn’t sign then Donny Boy will most likely take a few victory laps around the td gardens front office if Pasty signs.
      I don’t get it If I screw up at work, I will get a reprimand and if it happens again I might not be so lucky why do these two goofs still have Jobs? Why?!? I don’t get it? Even if Bergy signs and I don’t he’s gonna and they sign Pasty which they will. They still have to to show that they are willing to go out and get the help this team needs? I do not trust Sweeney to do it Sweeney’s always the jilted bridesmaid at the wedding alter he never gets it right,

  6. Bruins are fine if Bergeron resigns with them they still would have the best two way player and leader in the game. They have a solid D Corp with Hampus ,Carlo and Charlie becoming elite status and remember the kid Mason Lohrei. Up front Bad Brad and Pasta are studs Coyle and Jake are good but now is the time to add Lysell Steen and Studnicka to the mix. Swayman will only get better and if can move Ullmark that would free up some cash.

    • If you march out the same lineup including 37 you are going to get the same results.This group is not physically built for the playoffs.They need to make a change with their core.That means Debrusk and Carlo for starters.

      • If debrusk and Carlo get us a true 2ctr. I would do it

      • Binnington is his own worst enemy, swinging his stick at Kadri and generally being a chump. Even if he was in, we would win! The Blues are so focused on revenge that is why they’re trailing in the series? Hopefully, we show them the door tomorrow. GO AVS!!!!

    • Obe

      Your take is on mark I still think bruins move one or maybe 2 of Griz. Rielly. Forbert
      Also move or buyout. Foligno
      Trade debrusk and maybe others if they can get a 2nd line ctr by doing so

      • A guy like Trocheck is an option as a UFA, depending if the Canes decide to keep him as they have their own decisions to make. Only 28, plays in a good system and would fit how Cassidy likes to play.

        Giroux is also out their more short term. Kadri will cost a fortune. Sweeney will talk to all of them if they test the market, depends what they want to do and where they want to live, as well as the $ and term.

        Lindholm makes our D core solid, and either Grz or Reilly expendable. Keep Forbort for the PK and tough assignments. Let Lohrei and Lysell get pro reps in Providence. Zboril will get his chance as 6/7 D man, 2nd PP unit.

        Quality C’s don’t get traded for wingers IMO. They don’t get traded often at all. If you move a Hall or DebRusk for picks/assets and shop the UFA market, might be the only option.

        If Bergy retires, options are limited to UFA to non existent until the TDL. IMO

  7. MAKES YOU WONDER HOW FAR THE LEAFS COULD OF ACTUALLY ADVANCED!

    The Giordano signing well before his actual worth , hopefully is a new beginning, put the team first scenario !

    I can see Kerfoot, Holl, possibly Muzzin being moved , not sure beyond that, unless they buy out Tavares contract which is unlikely

    The hype is Nylander, but he was their best player in the playoffs for 2 years in a row..

    I am going to be like Jeff O’neil, put my hands over my face, “say – I don’t know , in ‘confusion.”

      • Hi KevJam

        With Lalji…. Not even close…. Best player on planet is McD

        Again… Hart is “Most valuable to his team”

        AM (value to Leafs) << Shesterkin (to Rangers)
        AM (value to Leafs) < Jossi (to Predz)

        PHWA members have publicly stated (including Freidman on HNIC) that they have in the past voted incorrectly (by definition) for the Hart (instead voting for league most outstanding player)

        Note …. Last year 11 (of 100 voters) worked for one of SN/TSN/ Rogers/ Bell Media (owners of Leafs) or covered the Leafs (Star, Globe and Mail)

        Note …. Toronto is the Mecca of hockey in the media world

        Shesterkin absolutely by definition; should walk away with Hart

        If many PHWA erroneously vote for Hart as “NHL most outstanding” vs proper “most valuable to his team”…. Then McD should get it as he is the world’s best player

        So…. If AM wins the Hart…. The gig is certainly up

        IMHO properly voted…. Hart top 3 in order should be

        1) Shesterkin
        2) Jossi
        3) Johnny Hockey

        Lindsay (League best player voted on BY players)… top 3 in order should be

        1) Connor McDavid
        2) #97 on Oil
        3) Edmonton’s top line Centre
        4)McD
        5) An NHL Centreman born 13/1/97 in Richmond Hill , Ontario
        6) Oiler’s Captain
        7) The ‘21-‘22 Art Ross Trophy winner
        8) Current NHL playoff point Leader
        9) The 2012 Jack Ferguson Award winner
        10) 1st OA pick in 2015 NHL entry draft

        If players don’t think any of those 10 deserve the Lyndsay… give it to the winner of the Art Ross (in ‘17, ‘18, ‘20, and ‘21); who also won Hart (in ‘17 and ‘21); and also won Art Ross (in ‘17; ‘18; and ‘21)

      • If you go back on what started all that, you would read that Fahrah said that the Oilers are McDavid and a bunch of nobodies and that the Oilers wouldn’t make the playoffs without McDavid.
        https://twitter.com/FarhanLaljiTSN/status/1528620522128322560
        Yeah, he called a Hart and Art trophy winner a “nobody”. He also called a three-time Stanley Cup winner and a Conn Smythe winner a “nobody”

      • I should also add that I also believe Shesterkin should be this year’s Hart winner. I have posted that many times here.

      • Pengy, not trying to pester you on this, but can you please explain how the best player on the planet isn’t also the most valuable to his team?

        How can he not be?

        I also don’t buy the argument that this team or that team wouldn’t make the playoffs without this or that player. That isn’t the criteria either.

        If so, the MVP award would be limited to only teams that just make the playoffs, which makes no sense to me, and it obviously isn’t intended to be limited to that. IMO the Rags make it without him too, but fact is none of us know who would replace him.

        Saying that McDavid is the best player on the planet, but not the most valuable to his team is like saying $75 is more valuable than $100.

        To me it is simple – would the Rangers trade Shesterkin to the Oil for McDavid?

        Yes they would. Would the Oil make that trade? No they wouldn’t.

      • Hi Ray

        Sorry for my post if it infers in any way that I am saying McD is Not best in the world

        and I never said McD is not the most valuable to his team

        He is.

        He IS the best player on the planet

        My contention is not with the Lindsay …. McD will win that

        It is with the Hart ….. “most valuable to HIS team”, and it represents THIS regular season year and not playoffs or past regular seasons; and IS relative to each player’s own team (not league)

        To me

        McD of course Hart candidate from Oil
        AM Hart Candidate from Leafs
        Jossi Hart candidate from Predz
        Shesterkin Hart Candidate from Rangers
        Johnny Hockey Hart candidate from Flames
        Etc.

        No IFs ands or Buts…. McD, by a landslide, is the best hockey player of those…. He IS best in the world. Period. Stop.

        However…. Hart is NOT (by definition) for the best player in the league; or most valuable player IN the league; or most valuable player TO the league, or Leagues Most Outstanding player

        Hart is SUPPOSED to be awarded (by definition) to the player “Most valuable to HIS team”

        Every team is different; so value of a player …. To HIS team , is different

        My contention is that

        Shesterkin’s value relative to the Rangers (and Rangers ONLY) is greater than any OTHER player’s (including McD’s) relative value to THEIR team

        No one questions that McD, although playing a different position; is not a far superior player than Shesterkin. McD is quite literally the best in the world…. I keep saying that

        My contention is also that I believe Jossi’s relative value to Predz, is greater than McD’s relative value to Oil

        The bigger point is that AM does not deserve the Hart in 21-22 …. It can be argued that he is the League’s 2nd best player; but his relative value to Leafs; IMHO

        is less than

        Shesterkin’s relative value to Rangers

        Jossi’s relative value to Predz

        Toronto media keep trying to acclaim AM for Hart…. By definition…I don’t believe he is top 3; and if knuckleheads voting (PHWA) do so erroneously and vote instead Hart as “leagues best player” (which some PHWA members including Freidman and Poulin have admitted to doing so in the past)….. Then their “erroneous” casted votes MUST go to McD

        So why are they (Toronto media) acclaiming AM for Hart…

        Disproportionate (vastly disproportionate) # of voting PHWA members either work for same owners as Leafs; cover the Leafs; or hail from T.O. And/or live in T.O.

        Again…. If AM gets the Hart….. something is wrong in the State of Denmark (or whatever that saying is)

      • Pengy, I didn’t think you said he wasn’t the best player in the league, nor that he isn’t the most valuable to the Oilers.

        Hopefully my post did not infer that.

        I understand that the Hart is most valuable to his team, no need for caps.

        I will try to state my thoughts more clearly.

        My one and only question/argument is:

        How can the best player in the world not be the most valuable to his team, or more valuable to his team than any other player is to their team?

        Confining it to teams that folks say would miss the playoffs without them, is not a valid argument IMO. Other than we actually have no idea if that is accurate, it is because what does that have to do with how valuable the player is?

        All that means is some folks think the rest of the team isn’t as good. So what, and how is that a basis for a personal award? The player can’t control how good the rest of the team is. IMO it isn’t a criteria.

        McDavid is the better player than either of the other finalists, and would have more value to their teams if he played for them too.

        All 3 finalists had great years.

        Hence he is most valuable to his team, and any other team he could have played for. He should get the Hart.

        Winning the Lindsay should not preclude him from winning the Hart either. It is the players trophy for the best player. He should get both, just like the same player has won both 7 of the last 10 years.

        Methinks you and I simply disagree on this one Pengy. All good.

      • Hi Ray

        We agree to disagree on this

        I comprehend what you are saying re “ How can the best player in the world not be the most valuable to his team, or more valuable to his team than any other player is to their team?”

        But that is where we differ in opinion

        I truly do believe that Shesterkin’s relative value to Rangers is greater than McD’s relative value to Oil

        This is subjective in ranking/rating ; and where our opinions differ… all good… ‘tis what this site is all about

        To me it is very valid to look at all teams and what their Hart candidate has relatively done for them

        Re “ Confining it to teams that folks say would miss the playoffs without them, is not a valid argument IMO. Other than we actually have no idea if that is accurate, it is because what does that have to do with how valuable the player is?”

        I’m certainly not advocating for only looking at teams that were bubble and may or may not make the playoffs

        Looking at every team, and every team’s Hart candidate relative to their team; I truly believe Shesterkin had a greater impact (relative to Rangers); than Jossi did to Predz and than McD had relative impact to Oil

        I’m in no way comparing player to player; just relative value to relative value …

        comparing Shesterkin’s relative value to Rangers ; to Jossi’s relative value to Predz; to McD’s relative value to Oil , etc etc

        Where each team started, or where they were expected to finish; compared to where they did finish; and how much impact each team’s Hart candidate influenced that outcome IS relative and one could argue, most important, IMVHO, to deciding on who is “most valuable to his team”

        Another way to look at it …..

        If McD had been on Avs…. He’d still be best in the world…. Avs we’re expected to win the Prez trophy… with McD they would have; instead of finishing second

        Compare that to, say, put Shesterkin on Wings…. and they go from expectations of finishing with a potential lottery pick to being in the playoffs

        In ‘69/‘70…. When the Hart definition was different and was then “League’s most valuable player” ….. It rightfully went to the world’s best player (at the time; and IMVHO at least for a few more years, best player all-time) …. Orr

        Had the definition been that of today’s …. Most valuable to his team…. I would argue Tony O with his 38 wins; 15 shutouts; carried Hawks on his back to first place (note tied Bruins with 99 points, but got 1st with 45 W to 40 W for Bruins)… and Tony O’s value to Hawks was greater than Orr’s value to Bruins

        Note…. And I’m saying this with Orr being my favourite player of all time

        Note…that’s regular season 69/70 , not playoffs, and again only with a definition (that did not exist then) of most valuable to his team

        The main point to my whole post was really that Toronto media is already applauding AM’s Hart victory…. And this Leaf fan; who thinks AM was a godsend to Leafs; does not believe AM deserves the Hart over Shesterkin

        The definition needs to change ….. sort of back to “Leagues most Valuable” but more definitively using the definition of “leagues most outstanding player”

        The CFL changed it’s awards from using “valuable” to now using “outstanding”…. Kudos to them for that…. Just need contract finalization so things can return 🤬💩

        We agree to disagree on this…. All good… it’s why I love Lyle’s site

    • Hi Ken

      Be “like” 0’Dog in that “manner” only…. One of the most confused panelists (hockey analysts [I use that term very loosely with him] ) anywhere, anytime

      Agree…..Some Cap gymnastics and/or trades still need to happen

      Per Cap-Freindly… and removing Kalgren , Abruzzese, Robertson (back down to Marlies) ; and not re-signing Blackwell….Leaves $9.4 M in Cap space….With 8 positions to fill…. with possibly some (?) of the following free agents currently on roster …

      Soupy (UFA) …. Current $1.7 M
      Mikeheyev (UFA)…. Current $1.7 M
      Lyubushkin (UFA)….. Current $1.4 M
      **Spezz (UFA) …..Current $0.8 M

      Kase (RFA) … Current $1.3 M
      Engvall (RFA) … Current $1.3 M
      Sandin (RFA) …..Current $0.9 M
      Liljegren (RFA) …..Current $0.9 M

      *Above figures rounded to 1 decimal place
      **Only player for sure that will not ask for a raise (if they want him back)

      Total Cap hit THIS year for 8 above….$9.65 M (note $9.4 M in space) with 7 going to get a raise; AND Leafs needing to improve current roster to get a shot at playing in ECF let alone the SCF…. A trade, or 2, or 3 need to happen

      I keep coming back to…. 1/2 Cap on 4 Fwds not a recipe to get to cup

      JT has full control and is buyout proof (would save only $600 K in each of 1st 3 years; then 3 years of $300 K dead cap)

      AM not going this summer…. Unless some team pays twice the return Adam’s got for Handsome Jack…. So…. AM staying

      MM at nigh $11 M…. Suitors available….???? Hard to come up with any logical

      Now …. WW… $7 M…..Pt per game in reg season and playoffs this year; 34 Gs this year…. 2 more years at $7 M Cap; after SB paid only $8.5 M still owed (cash AAV of $4.25 M)…. His return should be very good…. potential for an upgrade on D AND net increase (in trade) of Cap….

      Also Holl must be moved

      • LOL so Pengy to sum up… you have no idea other than repeat something that’s already been said?

        There is a lot the Leafs can do and unfortunately most we won’t know about. Many fans like yourself can’t evaluate players or teams correctly so things are a bit “I didn’t see that happening” because of this. But besides that, you attempts of making sense of things is humorous tho.

    • Leafs advance to gm 7 of 1st rd. That’s it. History does not lie. Salt in the wound Wgg he at happens next year when happens again. You gave to change the team after so much choking any other team would have already

      • MB4, the Leafs did change the team. Compare the rosters for the last two years and you’ll see.
        Most Leaf fans would agree that the team choked against Montreal, not this year.

      • Hmm here I thought MB4 new a bit about hockey…guess I was wrong.

  8. As an Oilers fan, I believe Lucic when he says he didn’t mean to run Smith. If he did, that hit would have been a lot more violent. You can clearly see he slowed down before contact. However, he didn’t avoid contact and because of that, I think the refs handled it perfectly. Anything less than 5 minutes and a game would have escalated the situation further.

  9. Am I the only one concern with the amount of time it took to review the first disallowed goal by TB?

    I heard them say it was like 12 minutes? I know it’s important to get the call right and it’s an elimination game.

    The delay was so long players were hopping off the bench skating around to keep loose.

    The Jordan Binnington situation is unfortunate, I disagree with IP, i don’t think Kadri was trying to injure Binnington.

    If Binnington was still in nets I think St.Louis is leading this series.

    Good on Kadri for putting everything (threats) out of his mind and having his best playoff game (3g 1a)

    Florida has no 1st round pick for 3yrs and no 2nd round pick for two of the three years and also gave up Owen Tippet.

    If they can resign Chiarot and .Giroux that would lessen the pain.

    Mark Giordano gave Toronto an extreme home town discount good for him and Toronto. I wonder how the PA feels about it?

    • I am unsure if Kadri attempted to injure Binnington, but I am convinced he intended to create contact. Looking at the replays, it seemed to me that, at the last second, Kadri body blocked the D’man and took himself down at the same time to slide them both into the net.

      • Lago

        Fully agree with your analysis. I do not think a fine/suspension would have been justified, but I really was surprised that no penalty was called.

        Prince

    • Agree on the disallowed goal. Beyond ridiculous. And people were lobbying here a week ago for more challenges?

      Yeah, can’t wait until we see 5 hour games. That will be amazing!

  10. @KevJam

    U have the best player on the planet, maybe he is from another planet!

    The Evander Kane addition was also HUGE, kudos for Holland!

    Smith needs to be consistent,,,,

    • True on all three accounts. However, I don’t know where the Flames can say that they were beaten by only 1 player. McDavid was 6th in ice time in game 3 with 20 minutes. In the other 60 minutes of the game with McDavid off the ice, the Flames still didn’t do much.
      In the previous playoffs, the Oilers were criticized for not having enough depth and would lose games because the depth players were allowing a lot more goals against than for. This year it was reported that this is the strongest supporting staff that McDavid has had, and the addition of Kane was a big part of that. With Kane in the top 6 that has allowed RNH to centre the third line.

  11. Hey guys- Long time reader but I don’t comment often. Just wanted to say after Lyle’s reporting I come here to read the respectful discourse and insightful points of view. This is one of the healthiest corners of the Internet!