NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 22, 2022

by | Jun 22, 2022 | News, NHL | 31 comments

Leafs center Auston Matthews wins the Hart Trophy and Lindsay Award as the NHL hands out the remainder of its annual awards. Check out the list of winners and more in today’s morning coffee headlines.

MATTHEWS, SHESTERKIN, MAKAR HONORED AT NHL AWARDS

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews is the 2021-22 winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. He was also awarded the Ted Lindsay Award as league MVP as voted by the NHL Players Association membership.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews also won the Maurice Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goalscorer for the second straight year, becoming the first player to reach the 60-goal plateau in a decade. He’s the third player in Leafs’ history to win the Hart and the first to do so since Teeder Kennedy in 1955. He is also the first Leaf to win the Lindsay Award.

Matthews garnered praise from Leafs’ greats such as Mats Sundin, Darryl Sittler, Borje Salming, Lanny McDonald and Wendel Clark. He’s now the most decorated player in franchise history, having also won the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year in 2016-17.

The New York Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin was the winner of the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender for 2021-22. He led the league with a 2.07 goals against average and a .935 save percentage and was third in shutouts with five and sixth in wins with 36.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise here. Shesterkin was clearly this season’s dominant netminder. He’s the sixth Ranger to win the Vezina and the first to do so since Henrik Lundqvist in 2012.

Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche took home the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league’s top defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Makar is the first defenseman in Avalanche history to win the Norris. It was a close vote as he narrowly beat out Nashville Predators’ captain Roman Josi.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider won the Calder Trophy. He’s the sixth player in franchise history to take home this honor and the first since Roger Crozier in 1965.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A well-deserved honor for Seider. He led all rookies with 43 assists, 21 power-play points and 23:02 in time on ice per game. He’s already established himself as a core player with the rebuilding Red Wings and should continue playing a significant role in their future.

Matthews, Makar and Shesterkin were also named to the 2021-22 First All-Star Team along with Josi, Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner and Calgary Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau.

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, Calgary Flames winger Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers winger Jonathan Huberdeau, Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy, and Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom were named to the Second All-Star Team.

Seider was also named to the 2021-22 NHL All-Rookie team along with Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, Predators defenseman Alexandre Carrier, Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras, Detroit Red Wings winger Lucas Raymond and Toronto Maple Leafs winger Michael Bunting.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE DENVER POST: Nathan MacKinnon’s inability to score in the first three games of the Stanley Cup Final is raising some concern among Colorado Avalanche followers. However, MacKinnon isn’t troubled by that lack of production, having trust in himself that the goals will come. “No time for doubt,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No one was worried about MacKinnon’s goal-scoring drought when Colorado was riding a 2-0 series lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Bolts are putting more focus on shutting him down because he’s the Avs’ biggest scoring threat. However, that also creates time and space for his teammates to garner more scoring chances.

MacKinnon’s limited offense isn’t an issue as long as the Avalanche are winning. It will become a greater concern if the Lightning rally back to tie the series or take over the lead.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche center Nazem Kadri continues to make progress in his recovery from a thumb injury as he joined his teammates in an optional skate on Tuesday. Meanwhile, winger Andre Burakovsky remains in Denver receiving treatment for a suspected hand injury.

SPORTSNET: Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper expects Nikita Kucherov and Corey Perry will be in the lineup for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. Both forwards were banged up during the Lightning’s 6-2 victory in Game 3. Cooper also indicated center Brayden Point (lower body) remains day-to-day and is doubtful for Game 4.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars officially announced Peter DeBoer has taken over as their new head coach.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers officially announced head coach Jay Woodcroft has signed a three-year deal.

TSN: Former NHL coach Dan Bylsma has been named the first-ever bench boss of the Coachella Valley Firebirds. They are the AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken and will make their debut in 2022-23.

TORONTO STAR: Denis P. Gorman has a detailed account of former NHL agitator Sean Avery’s recent trial in New York in which he was found guilty last Thursday of one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief.

The charge stemmed from an incident in Greenwich Village in 2019 regarding a collision involving the scooter he was driving and a minivan.

Avery called proceedings a “kangaroo court” and a “complete waste of resources”. However, he praised the judge for making the “right decision” by sentencing him to time served and ordering him to stay away from the minivan’s driver and his family for five years.







31 Comments

  1. Lyle, not surprising that this article by Garrioch in today’s Ottawa Sun didn’t even rate a mention:

    “Dream of a downtown arena could be a step closer to reality for the Ottawa Senators Thursday”

    To me, the old standard “I’ve Heard That Song Before” jumped immediately to mind.

    Without a shadow of a doubt (and this comes from 35 years worth of experience in the Federal government) NOTHING can be more frustrating than having to get a decision out of a panel of bureaucrats.

    • I saw it, George, but you’re right, we’ve heard that song before and it’s been duly noted here. Until there’s some real news on progress toward a new arena, I’m not going to waste my time.

  2. Would mind seeing the Bruins moving Ullmark (5 million per ) if he’s willing bring in a vet goalie to help Sway along and fill in games when needed, buy out Foligno & Nosek play the kids on the NHL level and see exactly what you have …this would put 8-9 mil in their pocket … look into moving Carlo & DeBrusk for a center ..

    • Interesting, Joe. Now, what are your thoughts about McAvoy being named to the Second All-Star Team and Swayman getting named to the All-Rookie Team? It bodes well for the Bruins’ future, doesn’t it?

      • said 3 years ago McAvoy was going to be a good one probably in the near future a top 3 NHL Dman…Sway is also a keeper who just needs a Vet goalie to help him along …two good pieces to build around but the Bruins need to be smart doing it and personally I don’t think Sweeney can get the job done, B’s are entering a time where it’s in with the new out with the old and a band aide approach is not going to work

    • Joe

      Yes. It would be nice to move Ullmark out for the cap space. But I think that does not happen until next year when Swayman is due a new contract You can trade Nosek no need to buy out. I think bruins prefer to keep. Carlo but can see maybe Reilly or Griz with Debrusk

    • Lyle in Joe defense his comment is linked to today round table.

      Swayman was voted to the all rookie team and he is suggesting to make Swayman the number 1 goalie, move out Ullmark, bring in a cheaper veteran to backup Swayman and use the cap space.

  3. They’re gonna have to try and figure something out, I don’t want Sweeney & Neely making those decisions, those guys are like a disaster waiting to happen. It’s like letting letting Squiggy and Lenny loose in the situation room. Av’s win tonight. Awards could have gone either way. Totally agree with Makar wow you can pick low and get an amazing player it happened in minny it happened in Colorado , listening Sweeney? Matthews had a fabulous year but Connor could have won it. Selke. That’s the best two way forward in the leagues trophy they might have to rename it the Bergeron award. Vezna got to go with Igor they got the right guy. Why hasn’t t Sweeney been signed. Maybe Jacobs is having second thoughts stay tuned.

    • So, Rick, no thoughts about McAvoy being named to the second all-star team? No comments on Swayman named to the all-rookie team?

    • Colorado picked Macar 4th overall. That isn’t really all that low. lol
      Although I remember Sakic making that pick. It was an off-the-board pick. Ever since letting Roy go Sakic has been doing a great job building that team.

  4. They should list the voters name with their ballot results. too many homers. The winners are all deserving but some of the players receiving votes is……. did anyone think Morgan Reilly deserved a 3rd or 4th place vote as they best dman in the NHL?
    Auston being 3rd in the Selke because he backchecks now is bizarro. Cirelli did not receive a vote

    • Ds. The answer to your questions is no and he’ll no respectively 👀. Homer points for sure and way too much national coverage

    • ds, which is one reason why I have never given a second thought to individual awards. Anywhere, including the movies and TV … EXCEPT the annual Nobel awards and those given out by various levels of government for individual acts of heroism. Now, they MEAN something.

    • I’m on board with you on the whole Reilly thing but Matthews was top 10 in most measured defensive categories for forwards. Sure there is bias given his offensive output paired with sounds defense but that is about the extent of it, his overall on ice play as opposed to ‘homer’ votes

      • Taz. How can you even be considered for best defensive forward when your own coach won’t put you on the pk??? AM is great player. But not a selke player. Probably never will be

    • It is hilarious that people would actually complain that Toronto got a ‘3rd or 4th’ place vote for an award. Yeah, the media pays too much attention to Toronto. LMAO. Any other ‘3rd or 4th’ place votes you are this upset about?

  5. For once i agree with the all the winners. I don’t believe the writers should have a vote.

    As i told the story of Gary Lawless several times on here.

    To many regional voters who don’t watch out of market hockey and then cast a vote, simply by looking at a stat line.

    The NHL should have a board of ex- NHL players, coaches , gm casting the votes. After watching games, film etc.

    Kind of like the writer in Chicago who said There are other players beside Bergeron who play defensive hockey, to defend himself for not voting for Bergeron.

    • Just to keep on the Gary Lawless side of things. When the big debate between Winnipeg and Toronto of who was better “Matthews vs Laine”

      Lawless chimed in with a article stating “he believe the Matthews was the better player today, but Laine would have the better career.”

      Now neither career is near over but I don’t think there is a debate anymore of who is A. the better player and B. who is having the better career.

      I’m still a huge Laine fan and suggest he could be a Rocket Richard winner, but he needs to stay healthy, have the consistent drive, and use his body more to garner the space.

    • Hi Caper

      Fully agree re writers doing the voting

      I don’t however agree re AM and Hart (most valuable to HIS team, not “League MVP”)…. Shesterkin had more value to Rangers than AM to Leafs IMHO

  6. Maurice new head coach of panthers. Never saw that coming

    • Hi MB4

      With you on that…. Shocked. Certainly a great coach… but I also never saw that coming

      • Pengy

        Totally agree

  7. Congrats to all the winners…. I still say Shesterkin got burned re Hart….. more valuable to Rangers than AM to Leafs

    Makar over Jossi…. was not only a tight ballot… but Jossi had my first place votes

    Re :“Avery called proceedings a “kangaroo court” and a “complete waste of resources”.

    It could be said of Avery…. Complete waste of a …..

    What a knob

  8. Great and well deserving night for Matthews. Nice of him to be recognized and award best by his peers and the ones paid to write about him and it wasn’t even close!
    Out of the almost 200 ballets cast, Matthews got almost 170 in just 1st place votes and 2nd place votes combined.
    Congrats to Matthews one of the best we’ll see in our lifetime.

  9. I lost four dollars to my kid on the Hart and the Norris.

    Somehow three Hart voters didn’t have McDavid in their top ten players in the league. LMAO…and that’s what’s wrong with writers voting.

  10. A hart winner in Toronto! Say thank you gary all you Toronto fans!

    • Gary gets a vote? Or do you just not like it?

      • Gary is directly/indirectly responsible for Matthews picking up skates and a stick. If not for expansion in AZ, Toronto wouldn’t have a Hart and Lindsay winner.

        I can’t wait for his contract to expire, so the Bruins can have a shot at signing him. The kids a horse.

    • should we also thank the players who voted him league MVP for the Lindsay? Seems like the players agree with the writers but it’s a great conspiracy theory. Pushing conspiracies has never had any real world consequences after all…

      • Not an easy feat to pit 60 goals in best league in world. = mvp

  11. Have to agree there Mrbruin4 … and he was the only Leaf to appear among the Top 25 game-winning goal scorers

    https://www.statmuse.com/nhl/ask?q=most+game+winning+goals+2021-2022

    Interesting, in that his name pops up often as needing to be dealt, is that DeBrusk made the list (along with Pastrnak). Also interesting is that Colorado doesn’t have one among the Top 25