NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 8, 2022
The Avalanche take a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Predators while the Capitals, Penguins and Stars go up 2-1 in their respective first-round series. Check out the details plus the latest news in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.
GAME RECAPS
NHL.COM: The Colorado Avalanche are on the verge of sweeping the Nashville Predators following a 7-3 victory in Game 3 of their best-of-seven opening-round series. Their win, however, was overshadowed by an eye injury suffered by goaltender Darcy Kuemper as he left the game late in the first period when the blade of Predators center Ryan Johansen accidentally poked through the protective cage of his mask.
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper (NHL Images).
Pavel Francouz replaced Kuemper and made 18 saves for the win. Gabriel Landeskog had two goals and set up two others while Cale Makar had three assists.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thankfully, it appears Kuemper’s injury wasn’t as serious as feared as Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said the netminder could potentially return for Game 4 on Monday in Nashville. He also absolved Johansen, calling the episode an accident.
Penalties proved costly for the Predators in this contest as the Avalanche went four-for-seven on the power play. Up three games to none, they can wrap up this series in Game 4.
Alex Ovechkin scored and collected an assist while goalie Ilya Samsonov made 29 saves for his first playoff win to defeat the Florida Panthers 6-1 and take a 2-1 lead in their first-round series. Nicklas Backstrom, John Carlson, Anthony Mantha and Marcus Johansson each collected two points. Jonathan Huberdeau scored for the Panthers. Game 4 is Monday night in Washington.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the game, Samsonov admitted feeling emotional as Washington fans chanted his name. He also commended his teammates’ solid defensive play in this contest, which has been a significant factor in both Capitals’ wins in this series.
The Pittsburgh Penguins blew a 4-1 lead but recovered to down the New York Rangers 7-4 to take a two-game to one lead in their series. Three unanswered third-period goals by Danton Heinen, Jake Guentzel and Jeff Carter put the game away for Pittsburgh. Carter and Evan Rodrigues each tallied twice while Penguins third-string goaltender Louis Domingue stopped 32 shots. Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin was pulled after giving up four goals on 15 shots.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That game was certainly a wild ride for fans of both clubs. The power play made the difference for the Penguins, going two for three with the man advantage. The two clubs clash again in Game 4 on Monday in Pittsburgh.
Dallas Stars forward Joe Pavelski scored two goals, including the game-winner to lead his club over the Calgary Flames 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round series. Jake Oettinger kicked out 39 shots for the win while Miro Heiskanen chipped in two assists. Flames forward Elias Lindholm netted his team-leading second goal of the series.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the second straight game Pavelski tallied the winning goal. At 37, he continues to defy Father Time while playing a key role as a top-line forward for the Stars. Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau had a great chance to tie the game 3-3 late in the third but Oettinger stopped his breakaway scoring chance.
HEADLINES
NHL.COM: Jordan Binnington could see his first start of this postseason as his St. Louis Blues face off against the Minnesota Wild this evening in Game 4 of their first-round series. Ville Husso was between the pipes for the Blues in the previous three games.
Blues defenseman Scott Perunovich could also make his debut in this series after being sidelined since January by a wrist injury. He would replace Torey Krug, who left Game 3 with an injured leg and is expected to miss some time.
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes could shake things up for Game 4 today against the Boston Bruins. Derek Stepan could replace a sidelined Jordan Martinook while Max Domi or Martin Necas could take a seat in favor of Steven Lorentz.
SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Former Sharks forward Patrick Marleau will make an announcement on Tuesday regarding the future of his hockey career. The 42-year-old hasn’t played since the 2020-21 season and is the all-time NHL leader in games played with 1,779. He spent 21 of his 23 NHL seasons with the Sharks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If I were a betting man I’d say Marleau will be officially announcing his retirement. If so, it’ll be interesting to find out if he intends in staying in the game in some capacity, perhaps in a front-office role with the Sharks.
THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks parted ways with five of their amateur scouts on Friday. Former NHL players Pat Conacher and Ted Hampson.
NJ.COM: Former NHL forward Jay Pandolfo was named the new head coach at Boston University. He played for BU in 1995, helping them win the national title before going on to a 15-year NHL career, including 13 seasons with the New Jersey Devils.
SPORTSNET: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said on Friday that Russian prospects will remain eligible for selection in the 2022 NHL Draft. It remains to be seen if Russia will be invited to participate in a potential World Cup of Hockey before the 2026 Winter Olympics. The NHL suspended business ties with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February.
C’mon, Rick! Work your magic!
Nope, contrary to what some might think the bruins are my team and at this point in time I’m not going to utter a word about it except to say Swayman has to play even better in this afternoons game. Love those Newfie dogs you’ve got yourself a great companion.
In 3 games the high-scoring Flames have all of 3 goals – against a WC team that is the only one in the playoffs – east and west – with a seasonal minus in goals for/against (-8).
Tkachuk and Gaudreau have 0 goals and 2 assists each while Toffoli and Mangiapane are both zeroes. Gaudreau and Toffoli are both -2, while Tkachuk and Mangiapane are both – 1. On D, Andersson is a glaring -4.
What the heck is going on?
I ask though same questions about the Flames as well George. Those player you mentioned are chosen in my draft and probably sure many others picked them too. The OTT has been great but still, the Flames are chocking in the point accumulation field,…same as Florida as you mentioned yesterday. Who’d a thunk it? I mean both teams have the potential to be off’d out whereas most assumed that these two clubs would come out winning. (still more games to go but..) the hill gets steeper.
GO LEAFS GO…that is all/
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Now… who here had Shesterkin letting in 4 in the first period but with no decision, AND Rangers coming back to tie it 4-4, only to lose 7-4; AND both Carter and E-Rod netting a pair….I would say the only people that had that had that scenario , also had Rich Strike to win (actually saw the race…. WTF…. Passing 9 just in the stretch to win!)
Great to see depth scoring from Pens 👍👍👍
Caps v Cats…. Holy crap… what a poorly reffed game (cite Weegar “holding the stick” …. Absolutely NOT… Penalty that lead to PPG; and next two Caps goals…. should have had Caps penalties pre goal… so should have been PK and not getting a goal. And once again…. Refs won’t call penalties on Ovi????
Looking like Stars might be gone in 4
The series is far from over, but boy, Florida, yikes. All the draft picks given up to make the cup run.
Need game 4
I have confidence that after that reffing debacle , that the game should be called much more fairly…. Cats should win next 2
I wouldn’t be too sure of that Pengy – the tendency to dismiss Washington as “yesterday’s news” may be a bit premature – that is still a potent veteran-laden team who finished with 100 points – a .610 % pace – despite big chunks of missed games by some key players (Mantha (45), Oshie (38). Backstrom (35), Hagelin (29). Dowd (18).
It’s also interesting to note that their 245 goals against is almost identical to that of Florida (246) and 8 less than the Leafs.
I understand the bee up the butt about Ovechkin and the referees and the intense dislike of Wilson … but to dismiss them based on that would be folly. Against ANY team.
Err, aren’t the Stars up 2-1? Predators for sure.
Brain fart…. My mind was on Predz…. My finger typed Stars….. or something like that….time for my Tim’s
Not commenting about the b’s today but, I have watched other games I believe Pittsburg’s gonna take the rangers, and something about the Flames eyes and their general expression, I guess the word or words I’m searching for here is they have look of defeat. The stars are going to bounce them out the post season.
Forbort had a very good game 3 I guess my question is why can’t he play like that every game it’s what he gets paid to do
Joe I think Forbort’s. sacrificing his body and playing better cause even he knows bruins management hasn’t been happy with his reg season play and this might be his last year with club if they don’t do well in the post season, watch they’ll be cleaning house and he along with never score Foligno will be the 1st two to go. Man I can’t stand Foligno.
As if the Avs weren’t ridiculously talented, they have an easier path to the Cup final than anyone in the East. Whichever eastern team slogs its way to the final will be battle-hardened but battle-weary.
Mark, I’m not so sure about that? Dallas, Calgary, Minnesota, St. Louis are very tough teams to play against. Edmonton, too but Smith as usual is not so reliable in goal. Any of those fore mentioned teams are no day at the beach! GO AVS!!!!!
Keep your eyes on the Wild Mark, they are big, fast, and have MAF. I still think the Avs will make the finals but it’s not gonna be a walk in the park to get there
The bruins are screwed Charlie Mac is out. without Chuck it’ll be like sending in a boatload sloths to battle a den full of hungry Timberwolves. over and out baby, this one is done.
There ya go ShoreOrrPark
Ha! Thats the stuff I was counting on!
And Holy Crap – it worked. This reverse psychology glass-half-empty, my team is doomed stuff is working, 5-2. Wow.
Imagine if, in the 1st round, the Panthers, Hurricanes, defending cup champions TB, Calgary – are all eliminated.
Didn’t age well, Rick. Got the calls today.