NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 5, 2022

by | May 5, 2022 | News, NHL | 56 comments

The Hurricanes take a 2-0 series lead over the Bruins, the Lightning, Oilers and Wild tie their opening-round series, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes became the first team in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs to open a 2-0 lead in the opening-round best-of-seven series with a 5-2 victory over the Boston Bruins. Pyotr Kochetkov made 30 saves in relief of an injured Antti Raanta for the win in his first-ever NHL playoff game. Sebastian Aho and Nino Niederreiter each scored twice for the Hurricanes. Patrice Bergeron scored both goals for the Bruins, who also lost defenseman Hampus Lindholm following a thunderous hit from Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov in the second period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raanta was sidelined in the first period following a collision with Bruins winger David Pastrnak. His status, and that of Lindholm, remains uncertain as there was no update on their respective conditions following this game.

Dominated by the Hurricanes for lengthy stretches in the first two games, the Bruins have been forced to play catch-up thus far in this series. I expect Jeremy Swayman to replace Linus Ullmark in goal for the Bruins as the series shifts to Boston for the next two games.

The Canes, meanwhile, will be hoping Raanta or sidelined starter Frederik Andersen will be ready for at least backup duty in Game 3. Third-stringer Kochetkov played well in Game 2 but they’re running out of healthy netminders with NHL experience.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (NHL Images).

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman had a goal and three assists as his club held off the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3, tying their first-round series at a game apiece. Nikita Kucherov had a goal and two assists for the Lightning. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner each had two points for the Leafs while teammate Michael Bunting scored in his return to the lineup after being sidelined by injury on April 23. The series moves to Tampa Bay for the next two games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning rebounded well from their lopsided loss in Game 1. They made the Leafs pay for their undisciplined play in this contest, going three for seven on the power play.

Speaking of bounce-back performances, the Edmonton Oilers blanked the Los Angeles Kings 6-0 to tie their opening-round series 1-1. Mike Smith picked up the shutout with a 30-save effort while Evander Kane scored twice and collected an assist. Games 3 and 4 of this series will be played in Los Angeles.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers blew this one open with three goals in the second period, outshooting the Kings 19-9 in that frame. They remain lethal with the man advantage in this series, going two for four on the power play for the second straight contest.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov had a hat trick and teammate Joel Eriksson Ek tallied twice in a 6-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues, tying their series at one apiece. Marc-Andre Fleury kicked out 32 shots for the win. Vladimir Tarasenko had a goal and an assist for the Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov continues setting franchise records for the Wild. He became the first player in team history to record a postseason hat trick.

St. Louis defenseman Robert Bortuzzo left the game after being struck in the head by a puck in the first period. Blues rearguards Marco Scandella and Nick Leddy missed Game 2 with injuries while sidelined Scott Perunovich won’t be ready for Game 3.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf, Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri, New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban and Vegas Golden Knights winger Max Pacioretty are among this season’s 32 players nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The award is presented annually to the player “who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to the community.”

NBC SPORTS WASHINGTON: Capitals winger Tom Wilson (lower-body injury) is a game-time decision for Game 2 of his club’s series with the Florida Panthers on Thursday.

TRIBLIVE.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins announced goaltender Casey DeSmith (undisclosed injury) and winger Rickard Rakell (upper body) are listed as day-to-day. Each remains under evaluation. The Penguins recalled netminder Alex D’Orio from their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With Penguins starter Tristan Jarry still rehabbing an injured right foot, Louis Domingue will get the call for tonight’s game if DeSmith isn’t cleared to play.

TSN: Don’t expect any change to the current NHL playoff format. League commissioner Gary Bettman yesterday dismissed the notion of expanding the format, claiming the current one creates greater competition and more meaningful games during the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The league’s expansion to 32 franchises has some pundits calling for an expansion from the current 16-team setup to 20 or 22 with a “play-in” round. The only way I see Bettman changing his mind is if it can be proven that expanding the format will bring about a significant increase in revenue. Any change to the current format will have to come from a majority of the NHL board of governors.

NORTHJERSEY.COM: The New Jersey Devils parted ways with assistant coaches Mark Recchi and Alain Nasreddine. No word on the future of head coach Lindy Ruff, who has a year remaining on his contract.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Former NHL player Mike Ribeiro has been charged with sexual assault stemming from two incidents last June in East Texas. He was arrested on April 28 and released the same day on a $200,000 bond.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Frans Nielsen intends to retire after he plays for Denmark in the upcoming 2021 World Championships. The 38-year-old center spent 15 seasons with the New York Islanders and Detroit Red Wings and was bought out of the final year of his contract with the Wings last summer. He spent this season with Eisbaren Berlin, helping them win the German DEL championship.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nielsen was considered a solid two-way center during his playing prime. He finished with 167 goals and 306 points for 473 points in 925 NHL contests. Best wishes to Nielsen in his future endeavors.







56 Comments

  1. Canes play a solid brand of hockey. Rod the Bod has done a bang up job in Raleigh.

  2. What killed the Leafs last night was the pk – shots on goal were even at 34 apiece and, 5 on 5, they stayed with TB for the most part, and even had them scrambling in their own end with only the play of Vasilevsky saving the day. But, oh, that pk!

    As for Carolina, I agree with ShoreOrrPark – that is NOT a team that will beat itself with poor effort in any aspect of their game.

    • Rod is a great coach. He has the entire roster playing no quit hockey. They keep coming and are relentless.

      Not sure Rangers or Pens can keep pace

  3. Re “ The league’s expansion to 32 franchises has some pundits calling for an expansion from the current 16-team setup to 20 or 22 with a “play-in” round. The only way I see Bettman changing his mind is if it can be proven that expanding the format will bring about a significant increase in revenue.”

    Early 80’s… only 24% (5/21) miss playoffs; now 1/2 do

    Re “ only way I see Bettman changing his mind”… he seems to NEVER change his mind…. Regardless of the implications to everyone…. Cite…His stubbornness re Yotes in a 5,000 seat barn for a MINIMUM of 4 years… costing massive millions (v the logical relo) , which affects all 31 franchises; all in the NHLPA (longer in escrow payments) ; and a huge increase in fan-base (Houston)

    More playoff games = more HRR…. Plain and simple

    Is this going to be another dictatorial Gary decision that is contrary to everyone’s wishes???

    • Pengy, you’re overlooking the reason behind Bettman’s stubbornness regarding the Coyotes. The Phoenix area is among the largest markets in the country. Successfully tapping into that vein will generate considerably more HRR. The only reason he’s blessing the Coyotes playing at the ASU arena is that they’re attempting to build an NHL venue in Tempe, much close to downtown Phoenix than Gila River Arena. In other words, short-term financial pain for long-term gain.

      If there was any significant HRR improvement that would come about from a play-in schedule, Bettman and the BoG would’ve blessed it years ago. It’s all about the money for them every time. That’s why you’ve seen them open up the sport to legalized gambling and their recent moves to more lucrative broadcasting and streaming services. That’s why he fights hammer and tongs with the NHLPA at CBA negotiation time.

      Don’t mistake me for a Bettman defender. He’s done lots of things that don’t sit well with me. But I’ve learned over the years covering the man that he is a very shrewd negotiator whose primary goal is finding ways to improve the league’s coffers and keeping the team owners happy.

      • Hi Lyle

        We agree to disagree on this. That’s the beauty of your site…. Excellent avenue for debate

        The City of Phoenix is huge in Pop…. But as an NHL market… just not viable….

        I’ve said it before… size of actual populace … market… is COMPLETELY irrelevant if the “market” you are after, is NOT, nor will not, overall be interested in the product you are trying to sell… in this case…. NHL hockey

        If straight size (populace) of market was all that was needed… the NHL would have tapped in to North America’s largest city…. But everyone knows Hockey just won’t fly there

        Bettman was shown the numbers from the start…. He ignored them

        The projections for growth have declined over time even from the poor forecasts at time of the original relo

        Bettman made his stance, doubled down, triple downed, quadrupled …… etc…. We’ll you get my picture

        Staying in Arizona is absolutely the farthest thing from maximizing revs and expanding the game now, 5 years from now, and for the long haul

        “maximizing revs and expanding the game now, 5 years from now, and for the long haul”…. IS Gary’s mandate… plain and simple….. and staying in Arizona vs a relo…. is absolutely contrary to that

        Yes… no one here will ever say that Pengy is not biased v Bettman …. Guilty as charged

        Set that aside… staying in Arz in a 5,000 seat barn for a MINIMUM of 4 years; and with all projections at best (after 5 years) of a max of 5% fan increase of current Arz fans…… vs ….

        relo to say Houston (where Meruili (sp?) gains a profit from sale and stops haemorrhaging losses; AND 31 owners get huge $’s in relo fees; AND HRR massively soars; AND a big “contributor” to shared HRR replaces a substantial historical “withdrawler” AND escrow payments by players end earlier; and massive increase in overall fans (Houston) ; etc etc etc etc

        The decision is easy ….. but there is only one person making that decision…. and that decision is going the completely illogical route

        Re play-ins… there IS significant revenue possible from this

        The rev rates per game certainly not as high as Div finals, Conf finals, or SCF…. But not far off per game revs of first round…. More revs…. Increased fan engagement; growth…. All logical

        Re “ shrewd negotiator whose primary goal is finding ways to improve the league’s coffers and keeping the team owners happy.”

        Shrewd negotiator…. Absolutely

        “ whose goal is finding ways to improve the league’s coffers and keeping the team owners happy”…. this IS his mandate… no ifs, ands, or buts…. But his stance on Arz… staying vs relo…. is completely contrary to that…. It fails in improving leagues coffers…. Fails miserably. And re: “keeping team owners happy”…. That statement is true only for one owner… and that’s debatable …. If he was able to keep team and relo…..massive increase to his value; if he sold …. Profit, and no more perpetual losses

        We agree to disagree on this one Lyle…. But as I opened this response post…..this is all the beauty of your site here… great avenue for debate… 👍👍👍

      • Pengy, I have to agree with Lyle’s stance re Bettman – despite some horrible management screw-ups and repeat disappointing seasons, the fan interest hasn’t been that bad, as this excellent article attests

        https://www.fiveforhowling.com/2021/6/10/22521951/the-arizona-coyotes-fan-attendance-over-the-years

        Personally, I have never “admired” him for any particular reason and I suspect that attitude is shared pretty much by the vast majority among the fan base – but if I was a team owner, he’d be the one I want looking after MY interests (where owners are concerned it’s always about “ME”).

        Before he became the first “Commissioner” in 1993, the league had “Presidents” and, in my lifetime as a fan anyway, all things considered, including the advancement of the game, he stands head and shoulders above the likes of John Ziegler (1977-1992) and the pompous Clarence Campbell (1946-1977).

        Is he without flaws? Hell no. To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, when it comes to pro sports “you can please all of the fans some of the time and some of the fans all of the time … but never all of the fans all of the time.” It’s interesting to note that, all things considered, he is ranked 2nd among the 4 major pro sports league by this assessment

        https://www.audacy.com/sports/ranking-the-4-major-sports-commissioners-who-is-the-worst#/questions

      • Hi George

        Good points

        My stance re Bettman has always been (re the Yotes issue), is that he puts his ego first at the expense of all else

        This is not re what he has done in the past for other issues re the league… not at all

        Successes in the past should never give a free ride to a monumental financial blunder for the here and now; near future; and long term of the NHL

        This is re go or stay in Arz

        Go….. benefits… ALL 32 owners; all players; whole NHL; dramatically increases HRR; ends escrow earlier; increases (huge increase BTW) number of NHL fans…. The list goes on and on and on and on

        The logical; prudent …. and heck it is in his mandate… right… move…. Is to get the team out of Arz

        Obviously the most profitable (short term and long term) is a relo to get another GTA franchise…but we all know that is not happening

        Houston ticks off all boxes, with a lesser revenue stream (now and long term) than a second GTA franchise

        Houston (or ANY ) relo (of Yotes) is being completely blocked by Bettman

        There is no chance if Bettman retires soon (note ….he won’t) that a new Commissioner would not make the Yotes relo a first order of business

      • I don’t think it is his ego Pengy, and IMO it isn’t just Bettman.
        Bettman isn’t subsidizing the Arizona deal in the small arena, the owners are. It is their $ not his. It will be their call not his.

        They are on board as well.

        Is this good money after bad? I dunno, we’ll see in a few years I guess.

      • Exactly Ray – in the end, whether they ride it out in Arizona or move elsewhere, it will be the owners who call the shots and if they decide to stop fishing and cut bait, it won’t matter what Bettman’s personal thoughts are – or feeding his ego if that’s indeed the case (which I doubt) – they’ll be re-located.

      • Hi Ray

        Sorry if my post inferred NHL is subsidizing the “arena” (I use that term very loosely” renovations

        They are certainly not doing so “directly”

        Indirectly… since Yotes draw massively from the overall HRR …. You could argue they are getting financial support from the NHL … for those renovations

        Yotes already minuscule HRR will plummet in the next 5 years; and all independent forecasts (IF they ever get a new arena) have revenues rebounding just marginally above pre-Covid numbers, and likely not even in step with COLA adjustments

        To put into perspective…. At $82.5 M Cap…. reflective of nigh ~ $5.3 B in HRR …. $5.3B …. Means average HRR per team ~ $165M….. teams like Rangers, Leafs, Bruins, Habs …. Waaaaaay above that average

        Yotes….. with the barn….. 4 years (probably 5) averaging $60-$65 M

        Relo say 2nd team in T.O……

        (1) 31 owners will share a minimum of $600 M in relo fees
        (2) HRR contributions from “new” T.O. team expected to approach that of Leafs
        (3) Oddly enough, with a 2nd team in T.O. , Leafs forecasted revenues will increase slightly , just due to the built in natural “in house” rivalry

        The above 3 added up, is > $1B More than keeping Yotes in the barn for 4 or 5 years; and long term AFTER they finally build the new arena…. HRR annual from Yotes still less than 1/2 that of new GTA relocated franchise

        Move instead to Houston…. Relo in the $300 M – $400 M range; annual HRR contributions greater than NHL average; long term HRR annual still at least $50 M per year greater than Arz HRR in new arena

        Meurili (sp?) is a businessman, and has the dough…. Not a chance he’d turn down an investment of $300 M – $400 M in relo fees , to turn from a perpetual money loser to a very profitable entity …. The $300 M to $400 M would in real terms be paid off in a short few years…. More importantly…. $300 M plus the relo…. The asset value of the franchise will jump immediately by that

        It’s a no brainer

      • And just let me add … if I were a player, and taking my family’s daily life situation into consideration, I would damn site prefer Arizona as a place to call home than Houston, Texas! For a whole variety of unrelated reasons.

      • I don’t think it needs to be an either or situation Pengy with regards to the team being either in Zona or in Houston (or wherever).
        If they can get $600M in Seattle for an expansion team, they can in the GTA or any other major city that thinks they want a team.

        Why not do both down the road?

        IMO Zona, in theory, should be a better place than Houston for hockey due to more snow birds and they have had a team for a long time already.

        Maybe Bettman is right, other factors have contributed to the failure. Bad ownership and bad arena location. I don’t know, but what I do know is the current owner doesn’t pay his bills which is never promising.

        Agree George Phoenix would be my choice as a place to live over Houston. I like the area.

    • Advanced stats have shown that luck has a bigger impact on hockey than any other major sport. I for one am fine with the way the NHL playoffs format is. How many times have we seen an 8 seed make it to the Stanley Cup final? I really don’t want to see a 10 seed do the same thing. Especially if they had to win a gimmicky “play-in round” to do it.
      Do you think that the sub .500 Columbus Blue Jackets (who only had 26 regulation wins) deserve to make it into the playoffs?

      • Hi KevJam

        I see your point

        I for one, would love to see an Uber dark-horse 16th or 18th … maybe 20th place team…. Go on a full run and win the SC

        The one thing I would for sure like to see gone (if 16 only stays)…. top 3 each Div gets in…. Always leaves the possibility for a weak Div to have its 3rd place team get in; over a 5th place same conference team that was in a very tight and strong Div, that lost out of 5th (in that Div) by a tie-breaker, goal-post or missed call

        If staying at 16 (which I disagree with)…

        Top 2 each Div guaranteed; next best 6 , in

        Div winners ranked 1 and 2 in each conference…. other 6 (including 2nd placed in each Div); ranked (by points an tie-breakers) ….3rd through 8th

        1st v 8th, 2nd v 7th , etc, regardless of Div

        Re-seed by season standings rank after each round…. Yes I realize each round must finish to re-seed … so might have sweep teams idle longer…. Logistics of re-seed need to be worked on

        With the NHL so tight at bubble …. Perhaps…

        After ranking as above…. Top 6 each conference… bye

        Then in each conference 7th v 10th; 8th v 9th…. Best 2 of 3

        Not a play-in per-se…. Gives topped ranked teams 5 days off from end of season…. Bubble teams have to go right at it

        Too long…. ????….Make it a B2B 2 game first round of 7th v 10th; 8th v 9th…. if the loser of game 1, wins in regulation in game 2…. sudden death after game 2 to determine series winner; a tie as at end of reg in game 2…. winner of game 1 takes series…. 7th and 8th teams get to decide if they want 1st game or 2nd game at home….. just a way out there thought

  4. Hasn’t been a garbage game in any series as of yet. Is there anything better than playoff hockey?
    I would go as far as to say, puppy breath is as close as it gets.

    • Awww, Puppies!
      Actually SOP, getting another dog in a week, not a pup but 6 months old.
      One of the kid’s and fam are fostering rescues and we were down a couple weeks ago and my wife fell in love with the girl.

      Bob’s getting a buddy.

      • That’s awesome, Ray! We rescued a Newfoundland pup just before Christmas. She’s just the sweetest thing. She has no idea how big she is though. Dog’s are wonderful companions. Best of luck to you folks with the new addition to the Bark family!

      • No argument from me on the loving nature of Newfoundlands (or St. Bernards). The only drawback is their relatively short life-span of about 7 years. Same with my personal choice if I were to get another dog – the Irish Wolfhound.

      • Ya, that’s the issue with big dogs, they dies sooner.
        That’s the problem – Everybody’s dog dies.

        The one we’re getting is a mutt, mid sized, hard to tell what she all has in her. Will get a DNA test done so have an idea what to expect. Was found starving in Sask in the winter. Got her back to health, the kid’s fam socialized her and did basic training.

  5. Canes went 2-9 on the pp both goals were on 5 on 3 which the Canes had 3!!!

    Every scrum when there was a penalty called it went against Boston. One scrum 3 minors called Bruins already on the PK and two of the three minors went against Boston.

    The worst thing Pastrnak did was touch the goalie. He played scared after that incident. Puck on the boards he thought he was going to get hit, moved out of the way and Slavin takes the puck and Canes scored.

    Foligno has zero useful attributes, can’t skate, doesn’t hit or block shots.

    Canes out hit, out hustle and play with alot more passion.

    Ullmark should’ve sat last night but will definitely sit tomorrow. I would replace both Foligno and Frederick in game 3, with Wagner and Blidh.

    Lastly as i said last year and i’ll say again Matt Grzelcyk is not built for playoff hockey. If your going to play him at least try him on the PP.

    Mike Reilly will draw back in for Lindholm and yes it was a clean hit. Boston is easily pushed around.

    Getting Bergeron away from Stall will be a benefit in game 3.

    • Thank you someone else sees the flaw in Grzelcyk. He can’t clear the traffic, L still would have left him for the Kraken and kept Lauzon. Lauzon could develop you knew what you had with Grzelcyk.

      The hit was boarderline could be ruled either way, I would have been happier if they at least called the major and reviewed it like Pasta’s hit.

      Hurricane’s look motivated the Bruins just tired.

      • Well the Kraken loved Lauzon so much they traded him to Nashville for a 2nd rd pick and it’s not like he was a pending UFA or a cap move.

        Almost every player has flaws, Grz no different. Caper highlights it every playoff as that is where his lack of size shows up, and I agree with both of you on that. He can skate, he can pass and is a gamer but gets knocked around.

        The Canes are bigger, faster, younger, hungrier and are getting better goaltending. Along with some helpful calls that could have gone differently.

        B’s are in tough, they’re not as good as the Canes.

        Having said that Go B’s!

      • Ray, you state Seattle got a second round draft pick for Lauzon; don’t you agree that is good value?

        Does that mean Grizz would get a 1st round pick?

      • I think the 2nd is about right Caper.
        What I am saying is it is a statement about how good a player Lauzon is, which is meh. 6-7 d-man.

        A mid 2nd round pick will likely not produce an NHL regular.
        He is 25, RFA, making just above league minimum, so not about age, cap or FA status. So the best Seattle could get for him was a less than 50% chance at an NHL player.

        Yes Grz is worth more IMO

      • Ray there seem to be a different value that you put on 2nd round draft picks, as oppose to what GM around the league put on 2nd round draft picks.

        I’m not putting Lauzon ahead of Grizz, but do you want a quality regular season dman, or a playoff dman.

        Grizz makes just under $3m more then Lauzon, them dollars could be better spent.

        If Grizz can bring back a 1st round draft pick please make that trade.

        Lauzon, was behind Olekisiak, Dunn, Soucy and Hayden. It was a good trade by Seattle and a player that Nashville was willing to give up a 2nd round pick.

      • Caper, I don’t think Lauzon is a better playoff player than Grz. Definitely bring a different skill set. Would the B’s be better off with a bigger less mobile group behind Lindholm and Mac? That is a take worth considering, and having Lindholm now does change the equation on the back end.

        I’m not convinced Lauzon is the answer either, unless it is as a depth guy only. If they move Grz for that type of player, but better, like a Soucy, than count me in. or some help up front.

    • Caper, I was thinking the same thing during the game last night. In game 3 Boston will get better match ups for the perfection line and the other lines just need to play solid defense.

  6. Well… the real Bolts showed up last night.

    5-3 was really 5-1….. Bolts up 5-1 on a long shift, most of game done….. Already counting on the V…. Did a lazy dump icing…. Still tired and lazy…. Did zero on the ensuing face-off…. result Marner goal…. 5-2

    Then later still already counting the V AND on the PP…. rather than playing strategically to “maybe” get the “bonus” 6-2 goal, but with “D” and “Win-first” focus…..Bolts instead played loosie Goosie (shout out to Grapes) and gave up a shortie…. Latter part of 3rd then had some Leaf excitement

    We need Leafs and Bolts of game 1 to show up tomorrow night

    Also saw the Oil v Kings game…. little scare early for Oil when a shot leaked through Smith , only to be shuttered away by Nurse before it crossed the line…. After that….total Oil domination

    McD/Kane/JP line flying; Smith played excellent after that first faux pas

    Tonight re Pens… very likely Domingue…. Who I (unlike some others) do have confidence in

    That said…. Blueshirts likely to come out all on fire…. and you better believe Shesterkin is absolutely determined to Shestshut the door

    Pens must press press press, and somehow try to get the first, and hopefully, second, goals tonight.

    Sully…. Please bring in Friedman or PO-J or is Beaulieu ready? Pens have a chance to do the unexpected…. Go up 2-0…. Why gamble with CR? If you absolutely insist he stays (💩🤬) … 10 mins max… absolutely none on PK, zero D-Zone starts…🤞🙏🤞🙏

    • That was one of the most physical games I have seen the Oilers play in a long time. And it was all led by the captain. As per Natural Stat Trick McDavid was tied for third on the team in hits with 4. Of course, Kassian led the team with 6 hits and Archibald showed that he wants to stay on the roster with 5 hits. You also have to love Yamamoto, who had his second strong playoff game and is the smallest guy on the ice, was tied with McDavid with 4 hits.

      • Gotta lov Yamo, relentless and fearless.

        Oil looked good, like real good.

        Smith bounced back after a tough game 1, which was a concern, so good for him. The entire city of Edmonton was relieved.

        Played like a confident group.

      • I watched the first period of the Bruins and Canes game last night. The Bruins looked pretty good, getting some good scoring chances, and IMO were out playing the Canes. Then the Canes go down and score.
        The only reason the Bruins are down in the series is because of goaltending.

      • The B’s have outplayed the Canes in the first 15 minutes of each game, then give one up, then seem rattled or on their heels and give up another one a couple minutes later.

        Canes then pressure all over the ice and defend the house. B’s take some chances. See ya later. Canes have been composed and the B’s not so much.

        Yes the Canes have had better goaltending.

        B’s still have a shot if Swayman can find his game again and stand on his head. Win the next 2 and a new series. Never know, but would bet the farm on it.

      • @Ray Bark
        The Bruins have been good for most of both 1st periods and after that it has not been close.
        Their 3rd and 4th lines are 2nd lines on some teams…..

    • The Bolts are riding either a statistical anomoly or a streak that says a lot about their character; 15 straight playoff losses have been followed by wins. Cooper says he doesn’t even bring it up any more; it’s part of the leadership culture to persist & adjust, and perhaps has been since game 6 & 7 of the 2004 finals. I’ve always thought Crosby was the most complete player of his era for on-ice performance plus leadership; but the Lightning set of key players and coach with more than a decade together get the same job done collectively (not a knock on Stamkos). You can make a case for others, of course and I would never not want a Bergeron or his ilk on my team. But for the decade, the best results, by a small margin, belong to the Lightning, and they appear to have a punchers chance to three-peat. Syd, to my mind, has had to perform his magic with slightly less talented teams than Yzerman/Biresbros have assempled in Tampa. That said, The Leafs are very talented, and can easily win the series if they’ll stop beating themselves and ignore the pressure. Can they?

  7. I am really liking how the officiating has been in the playoffs so far this season. We are still seeing some rally physical hockey, but what was a penalty in the regular season is still a penalty so far in the playoffs. Has the officiating been perfect? No. But you can never expect perfection when humans are involved. lol

    • True that KevJam.
      The games I have watched have been great hockey.
      Only problem I have with it is my Bruins have lost 2 straight and I am not getting enough sleep.
      Each series is every 2nd night as well, so no back 2 backs or 3 day breaks. Good job on that NHL.

      Seeing some goals as well.

      Curious to see how FLA responds tonight.

  8. Where’s my post I didn’t say anything derogatory
    Come on my posts take forever to get on here a lot of em don’t make it all

    • All posts from today under the screen name “Rick W Murray” are accounted for and published.

  9. Just two games into a rugged 1st round series and the Blues are “out of defensemen”!! No Leddy, no Bortuzzo, no Scandella, no Perunovich….NO good options!

    • Can the Pens “gift” you Chad Ruhweedel ?

      • P,

        No Thanks regarding CR.

        I’m no longer worried. The Blues have called up “The Great Santini” from the AHL!? I hear he’s a real “magician” with the puck!?

  10. Ray……. the playoff series of the past are just that of the past, this was the absolute worst matchup for the Bruins this playoff series,they can’t handle the Canes inside their own D zone,the Bruins D was very overrated going by their stats,Sweeney did a terrible job last offseason knowing #46 wasnt coming back,and a D with a McAvoy and to me a overrated Carlo as your top 2 did nothing to build a solid playoff D just brought in depth players at the wings and D…..I never waivered from this Ullmark’s stats will never change what they were in Buff they will be in Bos, they wer probably better off keeping Vadar and spending the 5 mill on another depth player. This is going to be a terrible offseason for the Bruins with no $$$$$$ to spend and no players to trade away unless they want to trade one of the top 3 wingers they have or their 2 top prospects …. Wish me LUCK I have the Canes at 11-1 to win the SC…….

    • Joe, I agree with most of what you said regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the B’s lineup.

      The key thing you, Rick and and I disagree on is that it is all Sweeney’s fault.

      He should have got a top pair D, he should have got a 2C. Not trying to be a dick, but I think that is living in fantasy land.

      1 – which #2D? They got one and paid a lot for him.
      2 – Which2C ? Miller, will get outbid, didn’t have the cap for both anyway.

      So teams just give up championship quality C’s and D’s for less because the Bruins want one?

      Do the B’s have the assets left to acquire one after trying to win a cup for the last decade plus?

      Can Sweeney stop Krecji, Chara, Bergeron, Marchand & Rask from aging?

      B’s are nearing, or already at the end of their contender window due to the championship core aging. Happens to all teams eventually in the cap world.

      You can make a reasonable argument for accepting it now vs later and start over. The B’s have apparently decided to keep giving it a go for a bit. We’ll see if it works, but call me skeptical. IMO the best they can hope for in the next few years is not quite good enough. Perhaps not even that.

      I’m OK with it, just reality in today’s NHL. We’ll see how it goes. Sweeney has done a good job playing the cards he has. He can’t magically change 2 pair into a royal flush. He added the players he could get with the assets he had to acquire them.

      • He should have got a top pair D, he should have got a 2C. Not trying to be a dick, but I think that is living in fantasy land.

        never said he had to get a top pair D,what I did say since last November was that they needed a couple of DMen who can actually play D in their own zone….I don’t know the Krecji story but hearing tidbits about him wanting to play with Pasta and never really getting a chance to makes me think there was ill will there I could be wrong but its my thought ……..

        as far as Sweeney look at his draft picks,trades & FA signings the last 7-8 years & tell me what you see..

      • Most of his trades have been good Joe. Hall, Coyle, Lindholm were all trades that stayed. Nash got hurt so that didn’t work out well. UFA’s pretty good too. Hall again, Haula, Nosek, Forbort all do what they are paid to do. Foligno a big miss. Drafted pretty good too once staff and built his own scout team (see 2015 debacle).
        McAvoy, Lohrei, Lysell, Swayman, Lindgren come to mind. Again about a B-, but not like he is picking early and traded some to get player for the now.

        Sweeney gets a passing grade IMO. I just think it is the way it is and will be as long as we have a cap.

  11. Playoff series never won after one game. Lol

    Look. The sky is falling

    ………………….

    how about 2 games

    • Ray Lohrei, Lysell, Sway …. Let’s see what they truly are before we call them good …..all the trades Sweeney made you picked 3 players out ? I’ll give him a C-……

  12. Bruins will have 10.4 mill coming off the books but 6.8 mill of that belongs to PB and thats it……everyone else is signed thru next year at least…..

  13. Joe, according to CapFriendly – and including all those “coming off the books” – Boston is committed to 20 next season at a cap cost of $78,179,167 – leaving them $4,320,833 to sign 3

    The 20 are: these 11 Fs: Pastrnak, Marchand, Hall, Coyle, Foligno, DeBrusk, Smith, Haula, Nosek, Wagner, Frederic – these 7 D: McAvoy. Carlo, Grelcyk, Forbort, Reilly. Lindholm, Clifton – and these 2 G: Ullmark, Swayman

    None among these UFAs are likely to be re-signed: D-men Zboril & Brown and Fs Blidh and Frodon

    Another UFA – Lazar – could possible be re-signed at around $1 mil (slight increase over his $800,000), leaving $3,320,833 to sign 2.

    But, if not, some of that $4,320,833 would be covered by elevations within their system on ELC deals – Fs with promise: Lysell?, McLaughlin? Steen?, Studnicka? Fogarty: Hughes? and/or D Ahcan and Lewington?

    Whatever the case, if Bergeron is to come back into the fold, someone (or two?) from within the players committed to will need to be moved and for assets that won’t heavily impact the cap. So who goes for only prospects/picks so they can re-up Bergeron (who won’t come for a whole lot less than the bargain $6,875,000 deal that is expiring)?

    DeBrusk frees up $4 mil while Reilly frees up $3 mil and that combination, couple with system elevations, could do it.

  14. Bruins too old too slow, too late Sweeney , lumpy upstairs and Cassidy gone. Get a goalie someone who can stop pucks and someone who can score

    • RWM….knowing the way Neely played the game you would think he would be attracted to players that played like him it seems like just the opposite, teams bait the Bruins playmakers all the time

  15. yes George there’s a lot of work to do and not much to do it with…..you can be a regular season team or be a regular/playoff season team and there’s a huge difference….

    • Yeah Joe, for sure. And in case you were wondering why I didn’t mention Foligno and his $3.8 mil deal (one more year to go) as trade fodder to bring in extra cap space, that’s simply because I don’t see ONE team having any interest whatsoever. Smith, on the other hand, and his $3.1 mil cap hit (also 1 year to go) might be seen as a decent option as a 3rd/4th line C looking for depth at that position. He had decent stats in 74 gp with 16g 20a 36 pts and was a +2.

    • Joe I am not kidding around when I say The canes could have Jon Casey in net and they would still beat the bruins. Time to clean house and with the exception of Mac everybody’s got to go stock up on number one picks. The Bruins could be bottom dwellers for at least three or four years. If the bruins play their card right they’ll at least three no. 1 pick. Speed, Grit, and size.