NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 3, 2024
The Maple Leafs force Game 7 with the Bruins in their opening-round series. Get the details plus the latest playoff news and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
GAME RECAP
NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Boston Bruins 2-1 in Game 6 of their best-of-seven opening-round series. William Nylander scored both goals and Joseph Woll made 22 saves for the Leafs, who overcame a 3-1 series deficit to force a seventh and deciding game in Boston on Saturday. Morgan Geekie scored for the Bruins with one second remaining in the third period and teammate Jeremy Swayman stopped 24 shots. The start time for Game 7 is 8 pm EDT.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given up for dead after their listless loss in Game 4, the Leafs have flipped the script in this series. The pressure is now on the Bruins, who return home facing the prospect of blowing a 3-1 series lead and being eliminated from the opening round for the second straight year.
Like their win in Game 5, the Leafs played a solid defensive game to contain the Bruins’ offense. Woll has been solid between the pipes. His teammates are drawing strength and confidence from his steady performance.
Leafs star Auston Matthews remained sidelined by an illness for the second straight game but has returned to skating with his teammate in practice. Nylander, meanwhile, stepped up in this game to fill the void.
After the game, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery called out his club’s leading scorer David Pastrnak. “’Pasta’ needs to step up”, he said. “He needs to be a dominant player like he used to. He’s doing it in flurries, but not consistently.” Pastrnak has two goals and two assists in this series but was held scoreless in the last two games.
Don’t expect a goaltending change for the Bruins in Game 7. Swayman wasn’t to blame for his club’s two losses, giving up only two goals in Game 5 with a .939 save percentage and two in Game 6 (.923). That’s especially true in the first period of both games with the Leafs outshooting the Bruins 11-2 in the fifth game and 12-1 in the sixth.
PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK
NHL.COM: The second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs starts Sunday with Game 1 between the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: We could learn the start times for other second-round series depending on the outcome of Friday night’s games. The Vancouver Canucks hold a 3-2 series lead as they face the Predators in Nashville while the Dallas Stars are up 3-2 over the Golden Knights as the two clubs face off in Las Vegas.
TSN’s Darren Dreger took to social media on Thursday reporting the Carolina Hurricanes aren’t interested in allowing head coach Rod Brind’Amour to test the open market this summer. He indicated the two sides have recently come together and it “looks encouraging an extension will get done.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brind’Amour’s contract situation drew considerable buzz earlier this week following reports claiming he was uncertain about his future in Carolina after the club pulled their offer from the table.
Brind’Amour responded saying he wanted to stay in Carolina. Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon and general manager Don Waddell maintained their confidence that an agreement would be reached soon.
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars are using the Golden Knights’ physical play against them by making them pay on the power play. Two undisciplined penalties by the Golden Knights in the last two games led to the Stars cashing in with the man advantage.
VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights need a more disciplined game from top defenseman Alex Pietrangelo if they hope to stave off elimination in Friday’s game against the Stars. He was called out by head coach Bruce Cassidy after his penalty against Dallas winger Tyler Seguin in Game 5 led to the Stars’ game-winning goal.
THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller brought some levity to his teammates by wearing teammate Arturs Silovs’ flashy pink and paisley dress shirt during practice on Thursday. Silovs took Miller’s prank in strike. “It looks good on him,” he laughed.
THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators defenseman Luke Schenn hopes to return to the lineup for Game 6 after an illness sidelined him in Game 5.
NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman Adam Fox missed practice on Thursday for the second straight day for a maintenance day. That’s raised concern about the condition of his right knee following a collision with the Washington Capitals’ Nick Jensen on Sunday.
FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Goaltender Spencer Knight is back with the Panthers after spending the regular season with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. Knight left the Panthers in February 2023 after being admitted into the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program seeking treatment for OCD.
IN OTHER NEWS…
NHL.COM: Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen, Arizona Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram, and Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington are this year’s finalists for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the three finalists for being recognized for their perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey this season.
TSN: Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis denied a report by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan claiming he received an ultimatum from several players demanding the replacement of Dave Hakstol as head coach. Hakstol was fired on Tuesday after three seasons behind the Kraken bench.
“Zero players issued any ultimatums of any kind regarding the coach – that I can assure you,” said Francis. Kraken winger Jordan Eberle also denied the report.
DAILY FACEOFF: The Hurricanes signed a three-year affiliate agreement with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.
THE ATHLETIC: Former NHL player Cody Hodgson has retired for the second time. His original retirement was in 2017 after a condition known as malignant hypothermia ended his six-year NHL career.
The 34-year-old center staged a comeback this season, earning an AHL contract with the Milwaukee Admirals. In 13 games, he had six goals and eight points but soon found the symptoms of his condition had returned.
Hodgson said he was at peace with his decision to retire again. His comeback effort brought him a sense of closure that he could still perform at a professional level. “I answered the question that I could play again. Maybe someone else would look at it objectively and conclude something different, but I thought I could keep up with the kids,” he said.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Hodgson in his future endeavours.
Yesterday I posted “I think tonight is THE must-win game for the Bruins because, if they have to go home for a 7th game the collars will be much tighter for the Bruins than the Leafs. And if Woll stymies them tonight he’ll definitely be in their minds as well in game 7.”
Well, Woll did just that and now, adding to that, is the Bruins know, to a man, that this series is tied after the Leafs played the first two games without their second-best goal and points producer (Nylander – 40g 98 pts) and the last two without their best goal scorer/points leader (Matthews – 69g 107 pts).
Some will say the Bruins need to come out in game 7 with a rush and get the first goal to get the crowd into the game and put some doubt in the minds of the Leafs. From where I see it, that’s the worst way to approach game 7 because, should they do that, and the Leafs withstand the opening blitz, the grips on the Bruins sticks will only get tighter as the game wears on. What they need to do is simply play their normal game, paying attention to their checks and try to keep the Leafs D bottled up in their own end, and take advantage of any breaks.
Going to be interesting to see how they approach it … regardless, it should be a great game to watch.
Yeah but who would have thought the Leafs would come together and play a great defensive game, especially in the first period of the last 2 games??? Only 2 SOG in game 5 and only 1!!!! in game 6!!!!!!!!!!
Defense wins Cup games!
A tighter defense is usually the approach when a rookie goalie is thrust into the pressure cooker … now that they know the formula works that won’t change, so it’s up to the Bruins to find a way to pierce he tighter defense. If they don’t they’ll have all summer to analyze what went wrong and make the appropriate changes.
One thing for sure, Pastrnak has to shed the cloak of invisibleness.
TML picked up Joel Edmundson at the end of the year, playing 9 games.
This guy, when healthy, is a solid D-man, a leader, a SC winner and was part of Habs 4 Clydesdales in their run to the SCF a couple of years ago.
Sometimes that’s what it takes to get a team over the hump.
He’s been rock solid … and the one who also impressed with his steady, careful play back there is Lilegren.
Your points is well taken but it comes down to character on the Bruins or lack there of from the core group. Who, besides Marchand is stepping up. This started in 2019 with many of these same guys doing a total no show in game 7 against the blues.
This year has seen far too many of this bad first periods which falls on the coach. If they blow a 3-1 lead for the second season in a row, I think if your Sweeney in the off season you have to re evaluate your coach and the core group.
Hampus Lindholm, has been a huge disappointment, ready to trade him for a bag of pucks. I´m sick Charlie Coyle passing to no one. Zacha and Pasternauk can be found on milk cartons. McAvoy too much indecision. The good news is I think we found our playoff goalie and some of our younger players are getting good experience. Shout out to Carlo I think he is better in the playoffs than the regular season.
You’re right when you point out the valuable experience being gained by some of the Bruins prospects … I’ve been impressed by the steady play of big (6′ 5″ 211 lbs) D Lohrei and 6′ 1″ 200 lbs D Wotherspoon.
Coyle and Zacha 4 assists in 6 games! Need to show up for Bruins to win!
Not a fan of a coach calling out his player(s) could Pastrnak play better… yes. Is he the reason Boston decided to make both games a 2 period game for themselves.. No. Did the coach have them ready to play? 1 shot on net in the first period.
A non call on a clear cross-check to Lohrie is a penalty that should never be let go. They say they don’t want the refs to impact the game… When you decide not to call the rule book, you are deciding the game.
McAvoy didn’t have to ice the puck, he had room to skate it out and make a play.
Boston can’t ice the puck, because they can’t win a faceoff. 37% on the dot last night. Kills anything you have going, got momentum in the ozone, get a whistle lose the draw, all the momentum gone.
Last year Boston won 2 of 3 on the road and loss 3 of 4 at home. We know how this is trending.
These last two games they played not to lose, game seven they need to play to win.
Hopefully Matthews is back in the lineup.
You should review the cross check. The Boston player was holding theb leafs players stick. That’s a penalty that should have been called first. I might also add Boston holds a lot of stocks and falls every time they get touched. Embarrassing to say the least.
WTH, absolutely correct. Video clip is on X (Paul Bissonnette), an angle that I didn’t see on the Sportsnet broadcast. Holmberg gives Lohrei two shoves in an attempt to free his own stick. First push was far from the boards. When that didn’t work, Holmberg became a little more forceful.
Experienced referees called a good game. Essentially one penalty each plus the automatic 4 minute high sticking call for drawing blood. With their abysmal power play, Leafs prefer a game with very few penalties.
What the heck. Yes Toronto are angels. I don’t care if he was holding his d*ck, that’s a cross-check and a 5 minute major.
So if you want a 2 minute for the hold; it’s still a 5 minute major for cross-check or Boarding whatever you want to call it.
Toronto has more PP then the bruins in every game except game one. In the last two games Toronto 6 pp Boston 2.
PP update Toronto 1-20 Boston 6-15 Boston 1 pp per game the last two games, Toronto 3 per game. But according to leaf fans the bruins are getting all the breaks.
Says the guy who incorrectly posted how Leafs fans were crying over missed ref calls. Not a good look there bro.
This series would have been over if the Leafs weren’t 1 for 20! on the PP. At least they remembered how to kill off PKs. Keefe needs to seriously switch up that PP line up…that current iteration had 20 chances in 6 games. That’s more than enough proof it ain’t working.
4th game seven between both teams, a NHL record as well as if the Bruins lose this game 7, they will be the only professional major league team in NA sports to lose back to back series after being a head 3 games to 1.
I don’t think the result of game seven matters because the winner won’t be getting past the cats next round…or at least that’s what most will be expecting.
Wrong Moore, far from incorrect, but then again it’s you.
1. Nylander continues to impress in the playoffs
2. Hats off to Domi as well filling a major void , with Matthews out of the lineup .
Also outstanding in the faceoff circle !
3. Joseph Woll has a very bright future with the Leafs
Leaf & Bruins Game,
Nylander & Reiley Powers the Leafs Again to a win a tight game, 2 more goals from willie.
Nothing Again from Mich Marner….Looks like Playoffs are not MM thing😳…
Boston Again Lack Fire power up front in there Top 6… after Pasta & Brad Marchant not much help
did not like they way the coach called out pasta, boston’s coach needs to look at the the whole forward group
Both Goaltender Played Great Again, its very tight
young Woll looks like the real deal
Saturdays Game should be a real Barn Burner👌
What I find amusing is the absence in this site of comments by Leafs fans like Pengy (ok – 8787, whatever), Ron Moore, Ken … as if they’re exercising some superstitious “don’t upset the apple cart” voodoo.
Oops, there’s Ken above – popped in as I was typing.
I don’t know about Toronto fans, but I won’t say 💩 about a Ranger series during. Up 3-0, 3-1, down 3-0, 2-0.
I’ll still discuss anything else, but not that series!
That’s just bad mojo!
LOL. Way back when I was playing football I used to chuckle at all the superstitions that began in the dressing room and on into the game itself.
George, Pengy wasn’t a real fan…he used that so he can post as a fan with crap no true fan would.
As for lack of Leafs fans posting, two things. First, nothing is done, the Leafs still haven’t done anything of substance. Beating the Bruins is only one small step that they should have been over by now. You predicted 6 games which would have been spot on if the Leafs didn’t play a typical Leafy crappy playoff must win game in game 4.
Second, Leafs fans don’t care to engage in the same old crap and have people who like to s#it on them and the team on a daily basis. We know there are flaws on this team like with every team…for an example, why isn’t anyone talking about another good team that doesn’t have it like the Jets? There’s a lot of smoke in the peg right now.
Like I said before this series started, either way, win or lose, the Bruins will greatly help the Leafs whether they beat the Leafs or not. Me personally am on the fence for them to win or lose. It will be nice to have the Bruins eliminated as that will bring joy to multiple fan bases and if the Leafs lose, Keefe plus players and possible execs will be shown the door. And for the record, Boston is still a very good team who is shutting down the 2nd best scoring team by holding them to 2 goals or less so far this series…and 1-20 on the PK.
Shutting them down, Ron, helped a whole lot by the fact they didn’t have their 2nd best scoring F for the first two games, and the best goal scorer in the frikken league for the past two.
As for the Jets, I think if you look back you’ll see I did my share of dumping on that collection of season over-achievers whose t rue character was exposed by the Avalanche.
George and Ron
Can’t speak to whether or not Pengy was/is (where id he ?) a Leafs fan
I’m not. Never have been. Never will be.
The enormously biased attention the Media gives to Leafs just irks me.
was hoping for a Bruins sweep (and I’ve got no Bruins in my pool; mostly Rangers)
@8787 Pengy was never a Leafs fan and if you don`t want to be mistaken for Pengy anymore, try changing the way to write your comments. You comment almost word for word the same the same jibberish as Pengy and the fact Pengy disappeared and you suddenly appear
Hi Yogi
Again can’t comment on whether or not Pengy is (was?) a “true die-hard” Leaf fan. If memory serves, Pengy at least posted as one.
I hate the Leafs
My thoughts on Pens do somewhat align with what he (I’m just guessing Pengy’s a guy; could be she??) has posted in the past
I don’t however hate Ruhweedel the way Pengy does (did?)
I’m also fairly sure Pengy is Canadian (or at least says so)
I’m born and raised here; only been to Canada a few times
If you’ve never been in here until recently, how do you know Pengy hated Ruhweedel? In fact, he hadn’t remarked on that aspect for several weeks before disappearing. And please don’t say you were reading but not commenting.
And if you live in the U.S. how do you know about the media bias towards the Leafs?
Cut out that old tired Web dual-identty crap.
I am no fan of the Leafs, as many know, but the Bruins do not deserve to win this series with play like that. ONE shot in the first?
Insane. They either have to pepper the goalie AND keep crashing the zone, or just give up and go home.
Swayman was the only reason it was even a close game.
Many, many Leafs fans remember all too well Game 7’s in Boston. On their behalf, may I say,
” Show us you’re different, boys.”
Right. They haven’t yet won one winner-takes-all game in the Mathews-Marner era!
In Boston’s previous 2 game seven victories over the Leafs, the Leafs both lost game six games in OT and eventually (predictively) folded and never showed up.
The one in 2018 the Leafs won both games 5 and 6. They also lead going into the third period in that game 7 only to not be able to hold off the favored and experienced Bruins and succumbed once again.
So this year seems a lot closer to the 2018 failed series as again the Leafs coming into game 7 off strong wins in games 5 and 6. Will it be a repeat of 2018 for the Leafs or 2023 for the Bruins? That’s the game tomorrow. Lots on the line should make it an epic game…it better be!
I don’t think either team will get passed the Panthers, so I’m simply hoping for the game of the century. Of course I want the Bruins to win in triple overtime, but I wouldn’t cry if the Leafs took it in regulation.
They’re past due with this core, and they added valuable playoff performers. This just might be the time.
Different era – totally different cast of characters BCLeafFan. Aside from one player from either team – Brad Marchand – in that 2013 series still on either roster today, the only similarity to today are the team names and colours.
Re Brind’Amour…. Pens would definitely welcome him as head coach
Big changes needed; and Rierdon an absolute must to exit.
Sullivan is well liked and had a great run for a few years; but he’s not getting the job done and often makes poor personnel decisions
His contract extension is just money; recouped easily just by making playoffs (just guaranteeing two playoff home games)
Bruins v Leafs last night….. boring
2-1…. Realistically was 1-0. A seeing eye bounce off a teammate gets by Swayman; and an all for nothing goal with 0.1 second left.
It really comes down to a breakaway goal by an excellent player on an excellent goalie…. Did Swayman lose the game…. Absolutely not.
Bruins had more rush snd transition chances and high danger chances.
Leafs were up 10-1 (shots ON goal) at one point; but were behind in shots AT goal
Bruins certainly had the upper hand in shots ON goal for last two periods
An “effectively” 1-0 game to me is boring to watch
Pasta…. Yes certainly did not seem to be on his game (and really hasn’t for the series); injured perhaps??? Hate to think coach called him out if in fact he is playing through a significant injury!
Biased reffing??? A conspiracy nut might conclude that
Leafs certainly lucked out…. 4 min PP for high sticking that wouldn’t have happened at all if the hooking call 15 seconds earlier would have been made. It should have been made. No goal in that 4 min Pp…. but instead of killing 4 mins; Bruins would have been on PP
Cross check into boards…. How do they miss that?
Biased reffing…. I’m certainly not saying that. Not at all.
But 2 missed calls that would have been 2 PP opportunities; and 4 min PK (that would not have been called as play would have stooped before ghat had hook been called)… that’s a notable disadvantage (Bruins) and advantage (Leafs) in a 1 goal game
Cheering for Bruins tomorrow.
5-2 Bruins (including an empty net dagger)
Nice summary, reminds me of 2011 when Boston rode the non-calls all the way to the Cup.
Will whoever scores the empty-netter slap-shot it in as emphasis?
Nice!
Wow 8787 you comment above is sure Pengy sounding…from the disconnected thoughts and points.
Take your comment about the refs…you said that before as Pengy regarding a similar example of missed calls.
Look I don’t care other than your rooting for the Bs to win. I ignore most of what you say anyway Pengy.
Certainly don’t mind being thought of as sounding like Pengy or anybody else on here if it’s a compliment . LOL
Let’s go Bruins
George,
They’ll skate it in backwards and put it in through their legs one handed just for emphasis
Heavy sigh to Ron McLean