NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 26, 2022
The Blues defeat the Avalanche to stave off elimination, the latest news on the Flames-Oilers and Hurricanes-Rangers series, updates on the Panthers, Tom Wilson undergoes knee surgery & more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.
NHL.COM: Tyler Bozak’s overtime goal lifted the St. Louis Blues over the Colorado Avalanche 5-4 in Game 5 of their second-round series. The Blues overcame 3-1 and 4-3 deficits, setting the stage for Bozak’s OT heroics. Robert Thomas scored twice, Nick Leddy collected three assists and Vladimir Tarasenko had a goal and an assist for the Blues. Nathan MacKinnon tallied a hat trick for the Avalanche, who hold a 3-2 lead in this series as it returns to St. Louis for Game 6 on Thursday.
St. Louis Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche seemed to have this game in the bag, holding a 2-0 first-period lead and 3-1 after the second. However, they let it slip through their fingers in the third by playing to protect the lead, enabling the Blues to tie the game. MacKinnon’s breathtaking end-to-end goal late in the third restored the Avs’ lead but the Blues pulled goalie Ville Husso and tied it again with less than a minute remaining in the period.
Before the game, Blues head coach Craig Berube spoke out against the racist threats aimed at Avalanche center Nazem Kadri. Claiming he’s not on social media, Berube said he was aware that a threat had been made against Kadri but didn’t know about the “racist stuff.” The threats led to heightened security by St. Louis police around the Blues arena (Enterprise Center) and the Avalanche’s hotel before and during Game 4.
DAILY HIVE: Edmonton Oilers winger Evander Kane didn’t join his teammates in Calgary yesterday as he took time away to be with girlfriend Mara Teigen for the birth of their child. He’s expected to rejoin his teammates today and be in the lineup for tonight’s Game 5 against the Flames. The Oilers hold a 3-1 series lead.
CALGARY SUN: Speaking of the Flames, three Calgary businessmen have engaged with the club in hope of reviving and mediating arena talks between the club’s ownership and the city.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames are in need of a new arena to replace the nearly 40-year-old Saddledome. After talks with the city fell through, ownership indicated they will not relocate the Flames but will continue to operate out of their current arena. Nevertheless, everyone understands that’s not a viable long-term solution. Time will tell if these efforts to restart those negotiations will be successful.
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour called out his struggling scorers to step up their performances. Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, Teuvo Teravainen, Vincent Trocheck and Martin Necas have been outplayed by the Rangers. Brind’Amour praised rookie winger Seth Jarvis for his effort during their two losses against the Rangers but felt the 20-year-old can’t be their best player.
NEW YORK POST: The Rangers’ power play was a key factor in the club’s two wins to tie their series with the Carolina Hurricanes at two games apiece.
THE SCORE: Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov endorsed interim coach Andrew Brunette. “He did an unbelievable job,” said Barkov, stressing how much the players respected Brunette and enjoyed playing for him this season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers enjoyed their best regular season in franchise history under Brunette, taking the Presidents’ Trophy for finishing atop the overall standings and winning their first postseason series since 1996. Still, there remains uncertainty over whether he’ll return on a full-time basis or be replaced by a more experienced head coach.
FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Joe Thornton said he hasn’t put any thought yet toward his future following the Panthers’ second-round playoff elimination. The 42-year-old forward intends to take the offseason to consider his options.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thornton was sidelined for 20 games by injury and used sparingly by the Panthers, appearing in just 34 regular-season games and one playoff contest. He’s an unrestricted free agent this summer but I think his NHL playing days are over.
Claude Giroux can see himself returning with the Panthers next season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers acquired Giroux from the Philadelphia Flyers before the trade deadline. A pending free agent, he was a terrific fit with his new club. However, they might not have the cap space to bring him back unless he accepts a significant pay cut from his current $8.275 million cap hit.
WASHINGTON HOCKEY NOW: Capitals winger Tom Wilson underwent successful surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. His recovery timeline is six-to-eight months.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The earliest he could return to action is late November.
SPORTSNET: Former NHL star Jaromir Jagr was unharmed when his vehicle and a tram collided in Prague. He took responsibility for the accident, saying his view was partially obscured by traffic before crossing into the tram’s path.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Happy to hear Jagr wasn’t hurt in the accident. The photo he shared on Instagram showed his vehicle suffered significant damage.
TSN: Darren Dreger reports a new contract for Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis is expected to be announced in the near future.
Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said the knee injury suffered by Tim Stuetzle during the World Championships is the same ailment he dealt with during the regular season. He’ll require a two-week recovery period.
THE PROVINCE: The agent for Alex Chiasson denied a report his client might sign with HC Lugano in Switzerland. The Vancouver Canucks winger is eligible for unrestricted free agent status this summer. However, his agent said Chiasson wants to stay with the Canucks.
TRIBLIVE.COM: After four seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, defenseman Juuso Riikola has signed with IK Oskarshamm of the Swedish Hockey League.
The Avalanche blew that game last night, just unbelievable that they let an opportunity like that slip through their fingers. The Blues just outworked them and weren’t going to just roll over. It’s amazing how the Avalanche have not learned this lesson yet? As far as I am concerned, they have let the Blues back in the series!!! It’s going to be interesting which Avalanche team will show up Friday because the Blues are really going to bring it. The Avalanche will have to bring it and then some if they don’t want a game 7. GO AVS!!!!!!
Agreed 100% Tommy. Championship teams don’t let games like this slip away. Maybe the Avs join the Leafs in lacking killer instinct. With each passing day, the likelihood of a Tampa 3-peat grows.
Iowa Prince
Last night was your night!!
Mac K had a fantastic game with an absolutely spectacular end-to-end goal that appeared to be the series winner….
Then Thomas and Bozak ripped that joy out of the Avs fans
The game was exciting; and Uber Kudos to Blues for the comeback and never giving up
Before the series started , I never would have thought of game 7…. But that possibility is looming
Oil need to take note of what transpired last night. They have upper hand in the series but Flames are a good team and well coached. Expect Flames at blast furnace energy
Glad to hear Jagr unhurt
Jumbo Joe… time to retire
Giroux back with Panthers? Big time “home town” discount needed; AND space…. Will need to move Horny
Wilson out until at least late Nov…. I certainly don’t wish injuries or lengthy time off for operation recovery on anybody…. That said… non Capitals players are safer, at least until late Nov
If Dreger is correct….Good on ya MSL… we’ll deserving of perm
coach position
Re Riikola signing in the SHL…. Good for him. Sully treated him horrifically …. He had a strong depth/7th D showing in 18/19 and 19/20 and in 20/21 and this year He’d come in and play a strong game; then be sat , then sent down to WBS for eons because Sully wanted the weaker and more costly (play-wise) Ruhweedel to play. I’ve said it many times… this has to be a personal issue with Sully/Riikola. Did Riikola make an inappropriate remark and/or pass at Mrs. Sully?
Pengy, in re: to “Giroux back with Panthers? Big time “home town” discount needed; AND space…. Will need to move Horny”. This is spot on and it still may not be enough. I suspect Cookie (Acciari) is gone also and Marchment has likely priced himself out of Florida as well.
Hi Matt
You are probably right… the dead cap next year is tough
Would love Marchment on Leafs or Pens!!
The major sports headline for the bruins the one that everybody is waiting for isn’t Bergy, it’s that useless pug in the front office td gardens finally……..wait for it…… finally signs another ne’re do well Sweeney to another long term deal. What a bleeping nightmare. The bruins are gonna get worse before they get better. This franchise, stick a fork in em they’re done.
I think you meant this post to be in yesterday’s Rumor Mill update about the Bruins, Rick. There wasn’t anything in today’s headlines about the Bruins.
Peng (and all)
Speechless……
Breathless…..
Sleepless…..
GAME 6!!!!!
IP
Even when MacKinnon scored that unbelievable goal i said it’s not over yet.
Makar, twice not taking anyone in front of the net. Robert Thomas right there!!
I was hollering on Bednar to call on time out! Get the team to go back on the attack , don’t just sit there watching wave after wave of Blues.
C,
The MacKinnon goal was incredible! Leddy doesn’t get “undressed” like that very often! I’ve watched the replay so often—if I were Kyrou I’d be ashamed to step into the dressing room! He has top end speed, and used little of it as MacKinnon raced past. Kyrou should have engaged even before center ice OR at the very least got “burned” trying–such a lack of commitment. BUT I like a happy-ever-after (at least for another couple days)
P
Dear Sleepless, Breathless, and Speechless in Iowa,
Blues win game 6…. And there will be one hell of a game 7
First order of Biz…. Win game 6….. score, score more, score again…. All while shutting down the Avs expected push/onslaught
I love game 7’s…. Pulling for Blues game 7
I’m positive that Bolts are hoping for a Canes/Rangers game 7
I.P. What a game ! Early on, all Avs….kudos to Husso for keeping it even 3 – 0. After Terasenko’s, goal, Blues grind their way back in it. I thought McK’s goal would be a backbreaker…what an effort. But hats off to the blues for tying it up again and then the W in OT. I enjoyed every minute of this one !
lago
Thanks! Bozak was sure an unlikely hero. He had only played 8 minutes in the game. I didn’t expect him on the ice, let alone game winning goal. He’s a real great “locker room presence” and team favorite.
Berube sometimes seems to have a “6th sense” when it comes to lint combos and in-game adjustments!
IP
Blues fan here! Unbelievable game last night!! I thought it was over after McKinnon’s 3rd goal, but the Blues showed a lot of heart in not just giving up. Hoping that same determination carries over into Game 6, but Avs will be motivated.
Speaking of the Flames trying to get a new arena…saw a posting on the AHL’s website that the Flames will relocate their top farm team (currently in Stockton, CA) to Calgary for next season. Where would that team play? Is there another arena in Calgary? Forgive me if I’m just behind the times here, but…is the old Corral still standing????
Just wondering!! 🙂
SCBD, I haven’t looked in person, but my understanding is the demolished it 6-12 months ago.
No longer up to code. Played some beer league games in there, tall boards which was a little weird.
Max Bell can seat 2000 or so (Where the Macs Tourney is).
Not very many for a pro team, but not sure what they drew in Stockton.
Maybe they just share the Saddledome? NHL seems to be able to share with the NBA in some cases.
I’m wondering about where the Heat will play as well. I think it will be hard to schedule the Flames, Hitmen, Heat, and the Roughnecks out of the Saddledome. Not impossible, but it will be difficult. Also, how will it affect the quality of the ice in that old building?
Forgot about the Hitmen and Roughnecks.
Ya, seems like to much to ask after you bring it up.
Saddledome doesn’t work for all.
No idea WTF they do then KevJam.
That Nate K goal was something special. I thought it was over, but in true Blues fashion they kept on grinding.
It was interesting that Torp was moved up in Kyrou’s spot in the top 9 in the 3rd period last night.
Comments have been reenabled. My apologies for the downtime.