NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 16, 2024
Recaps of Friday’s games plus the latest on Brendan Gallagher, Jordan Eberle, Gabriel Vilardi and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
GAME RECAPS
NHL.COM: Tyler Toffoli scored his first two goals with the Winnipeg Jets in a 6-0 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Josh Morrissey collected three assists and Laurent Brossoit turned in a 21-save shutout for the 42-19-5 Jets, who hold first place in the Central Division with 89 points. John Gibson stopped 32 shots for the 23-41-3 Ducks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Jets announced that forward Gabriel Vilardi will be sidelined indefinitely with an enlarged spleen. Meanwhile, Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas missed this game with an upper-body injury.
Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar (NHL Images).
The Los Angeles Kings blanked the Chicago Blackhawks 5-0. Anze Kopitar tallied twice and Cam Talbot kicked out 28 shots for the shutout. Chicago goaltender Arvid Soderblom gave up four goals on 10 shots before being replaced by Petr Mrazek. With a record of 34-21-11, the Kings hold third place in the Pacific Division with 79 points. The Blackhawks dropped to 18-44-5.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the game, the Blackhawks recalled winger Lukas Reichel and demoted forward Zach Sanford.
HEADLINES
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher recently admitted that his mother Della is battling a stage-4 brain cancer called Glioblastoma. He admitted that it has affected him on and off the ice. His sister Bree is running in the BMO Marathon in Vancouver on May 5 and is seeking donations for her fundraising campaign for Brain Cancer Awareness Month in May.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link if you’d like to contribute to Bree Gallagher’s campaign.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Seattle Kraken commemorated Jordan Eberle’s 1,000th career game in a pregame ceremony before Thursday’s game against the Washington Capitals.
TSN: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Calle Jarnkrok is listed as week-to-week with an injured hand.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: The New York Islanders activated defenseman Robert Bortuzzo off long-term injury reserve.
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Halifax Mooseheads forward and Blue Jackets prospect Jordan Dumais received a five-game suspension from the Mooseheads related to his recent arrest for DUI in Halifax. Dumais, 19, will miss the remainder of the QMJHL regular season and the opening game of the playoffs.
Torts returns to the bench tonight at his hometown of Boston! Should be an interesting night at the Garden!
We know that players are human but we tend to set it aside saying they are pros get paid a ton of money so suck it up and perform.,
Bree Gallagher came out with this news a few weeks ago, Brendan has kept it inside.
A few weeks ago the Hab supporters felt the 5 game suspension for his elbow on Pelech….though many of us commented on how uncharacteristic it was.
This situation regarding his mother may explain it.
Laurent Brossoit got his second shutout of the season last night.
Brossoit at present rate will start 22 games, leaving Hellebuyck with 60 games played. That will be Hellebuyck lowest total in a 82 game season.
While it is good to have Hellebuyck play less, i think Brossoit games played should of been around 26 or 27 games played.
Brossoit numbers 18gp 1.99gaa .927sv% he has been good.
Hellebuyck is the favorite to win the Vezina this season .921 sv% 2.33gaa 4 shutouts
Winnipeg has always relied on Hellebuyck and too much as when play off times comes Hellebuyck numbers drop and partly because of fatigue. Last season playoffs Hellebuyck looked tired and he finished with 3.44gaa 0.886 sv%
Helleybuyck best playoffs came in the 2021 playoffs when he played 45 games he finished with 8gp 2.23gaa 0.931sv%
You have a proven backup goaltender who is playing well, give Hellebuyck more rest and get ready for a potential long playoff run.
I agree. And I hope either they or the Cauncks go all the way. I think the Jets are very capable and have a great line up.
On the other hand, caper, there have been goalies who thrived on work and maintained a high degree of success – such as Fuhr, Brodeur, Ranford, Kiprusoff jump to mind.
I think Brossoit has come a long way in his play; his performance is more consistent! His gig in Las Vegas probably helped him on his learning curve; sort of wish he was still with the oilers!
Jets/Hurricanes ..SC for me
Canes be tough out but not sold on tenders. Avs or stars in west IMO. Cats or canes in east
Colorado vs Florida/or Rangers in SC!
Avalanche better bring their defensive mindset against Oilers. Can’t afford to get down 3-0 like in Vancouver? These guys can light you up just like the Avalanche can.