NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 1, 2024

by | Oct 1, 2024

Recapping Monday’s preseason action, the Canadiens awaiting word on Laine and Reinbacher, the Bruins indicate who their starting goalie will be in their season-opener, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We are experiencing technical difficulties today affecting the site’s layout and comments section. We hope to have these issues rectified today and appreciate your patience as we deal with this matter. 

GAME RECAPS (PRESEASON EDITION)

NHL.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-1 in split-squad action for the Wings. Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic left the game in the first period with a lower-body injury and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday. Joel Blomqvist stopped 20 of 21 shots for the Penguins.

An overtime goal by Konsta Helenius gave the Buffalo Sabres a 4-3 victory over the Red Wings in split-squad action.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jeremy Brodeur made 29 saves in a 3-1 victory over the New York Rangers. Brodeur is the son of Hall-of-Fame netminder Martin Brodeur.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Rangers announced that forward Jimmy Vesey is expected to be sidelined for several weeks with a lower-body injury suffered during practice on Sunday.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid collected two assists as his club nipped the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 in a shootout.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers released winger Mike Hoffman from his professional tryout offer (PTO) earlier in the day. He had a goal and four points in four preseason contests. Meanwhile, the Canucks released forward Sammy Blais from his PTO contract.

The New York Islanders beat the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 as Kyle Palmieri scored the tiebreaker with 51 seconds remaining in the third period.

Pierre-Luc Dubois scored his first preseason goal with the Washington Capitals in a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Dubois and Tom Wilson each had a goal and an assist and Logan Thompson turned aside 24 shots for the Capitals.

The Tampa Bay Lightning got a 26-save performance by goalie Jonas Johansson to beat the Florida Panthers 3-1.

An overtime goal by Nazem Kadri lifted the Calgary Flames to a 4-3 win over the Seattle Kraken. Tyson Barrie had two assists and Dan Vladar kicked out 30 shots for the Flames.

Los Angeles Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper turned in a 23-save shutout to blank the Anaheim Ducks 4-0. Tanner Jeannot and Akil Thomas each had a goal and an assist.

HEADLINES

TSN: The Montreal Canadiens were still awaiting word on Monday of the severity of the lower-body injuries Patrik Laine and David Reinbacher suffered during Saturday’s preseason game against Toronto.

Laine was injured following a knee-on-knee collision with Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare. Reinbacher left the same game in the opening seconds following a check from Leafs forward Marshall Rifai.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine watched practice on crutches from the Canadiens’ bench yesterday. The Montreal Gazette’s Stu Cowan reports hearing Laine could be sidelined for four-to-six months. There was no confirmation from the team. An update could be made on Tuesday.

DAILY FACEOFF: Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery said Joonas Korpisalo will be the club’s starter for their season-opener on Oct. 8. The news comes amid the ongoing contract standoff between Bruins management and goalie Jeremy Swayman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swayman’s stalled negotiations got spicy yesterday when Bruins president Cam Neely seemed to reveal how much the club offered the 25-year-old netminder. I’ll have more details in today’s Rumor update.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The NHL will honor Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau with helmet stickers displaying their uniform numbers worn by all NHL players starting with games on Friday and Saturday in Czechia during the league’s Global Series.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning captain Victor Hedman and his wife, Sanna, have pledged to donate $150, 000 to charities helping those affected by Hurricane Helene in the Tampa community.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators released forward Nikolay Kulemin from his PTO contract.

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 30, 2024

by | Sep 30, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 30, 2024

Recapping Sunday’s preseason action, Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj was fined, an update on Oilers goalie Calvin Pickard, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SUNDAY’S PRESEASON RESULTS

NHL.COM: Evgeni Malkin had a hat trick and an assist and Sidney Crosby tallied twice to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Ottawa Senators 5-2 in the Kraft Hockeyville game on Sunday in Sudbury, Ontario. Nick Cousins and Tim Stutzle replied for the Senators.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins forward Blake Lizotte was struck in the face by an errant puck while sitting on the bench during the first shift. He missed the remainder of the game. No update was provided regarding his condition.

The Utah Hockey Club rolled to a 6-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Dylan Guenther scored two goals and picked up an assist while Clayton Keller scored and set up two others. Justus Annunen made 32 saves for the Avalanche.

Dallas Stars rookie forward Logan Stankoven netted two goals as his club doubled up the Minnesota Wild 4-2. Jesper Wallstedt stopped 25 shots for the Wild.

IN OTHER NEWS…

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The NHL department of player safety fined Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj $3,385.42 for unsportsmanlike conduct on Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare on Saturday. Xhekaj pummeled Pare in retaliation for the latter’s knee-on-knee hit on Canadiens winger Patrik Laine.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard suffered a sore neck from a goal-mouth collision that forced him to leave Saturday’s game against the Seattle Kraken. However, the injury isn’t serious and he’s expected to return to the ice in a few days.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey left practice on Sunday with a lower-body injury.

NHL.COM: Tom Gulitti reports Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said forward Sonny Milano’s preseason performance was “just OK”. He’s given the 28-year-old veteran the benefit of the doubt but expects him to ramp up his effort for the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some veterans don’t put forth a full effort in training camp and preseason because they’re already assured of a roster spot but they step it up when the regular season begins. That could explain Milano’s effort thus far He is skating on the Capitals’ third line alongside Hendrix Lapierre and Aliaksei Protas.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Top prospect Fabian Lysell was a surprise roster cut by the Bruins yesterday. The 21-year-old was a candidate for the right wing spot on their second line. He had a slow start to training camp but improved as the preseason rolled on.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 29, 2024

by | Sep 29, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 29, 2024

Recapping Saturday’s preseason action, Patrik Laine suffers a knee injury, Jonathan Marchessault and Sean Monahan made impressive debuts with their new teams, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SATURDAY’S NHL PRESEASON GAMES

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens was overshadowed by what appears to be a serious knee injury suffered by Canadiens winger Patrik Laine following a knee-on-knee hit by Leafs forward Cedric Pare early in the first period. Nick Robertson scored both goals for the Leafs while Kirby Dach replied for the Canadiens.

Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine had to be helped off the ice and reportedly left the arena on crutches wearing a knee brace following the game. There was no update on his condition but it’s obvious that the injury is serious.

Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj retaliated against Pare by pummelling the Leafs forward, earning 17 minutes in penalties including a game misconduct.

Laine wasn’t the only Hab to depart with a leg injury. Rookie defenseman David Reinbacher left in the game’s opening seconds after falling awkwardly on his left leg following a check by Leafs forward Marshall Rifai. There was no update regarding his injury after the game as he’ll be re-evaluated on Sunday.

Philadelphia Flyers rookie winger Matvei Michkov scored twice, including the winner in overtime, to defeat the Boston Bruins 3-2. Joonas Korpisalo made 37 saves for the Bruins.

The Edmonton Oilers nipped the Seattle Kraken 5-4 with Raphael Lavoie scoring the game-winner late in the third period. Mattias Ekholm scored a goal and collected two assists for the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Edmonton goaltender Calvin Pickard left this game following a first-period goal-mouth collision with teammate Noah Philp. Following the game, Oilers coach Kris Knoblach said he’d know more about Pickard’s status on Sunday.

Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault had a goal and two assists in a 6-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Juuse Saros made 23 saves for the shutout. This was Marchessault’s first game with the Predators since joining them on July 1 as a free agent.

The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Buffalo Sabres 6-3 with Sean Monahan scoring two goals. Elvis Merzlikins got the win with a 28-save performance. This was Monahan’s debut with the Blue Jackets, having signed a five-year deal with them in July.

St. Louis Blues winger Dylan Holloway’s second goal of the game was an overtime winner in a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, who had a 2-0 lead at one point in this contest.

The Calgary Flames doubled up the Vancouver Canucks 4-2. Ryan Lomberg and Brayden Pachal each had a goal and an assist for the Flames.

Florida Panthers forward Jesper Boqvist was the overtime hero in a 5-4 comeback victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. The Panthers scored the final four goals of this game after the Hurricanes went up 4-1 early in the second period.

The Los Angeles Kings downed the Anaheim Ducks 3-2. Alex Laferriere scored twice and Anze Kopitar had a goal and an assist for the Kings. Lukas Dostal turned aside 30 shots for the Ducks.

IN OTHER NEWS…

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings game scheduled for Saturday was postponed and rescheduled for Monday in Detroit. Mechanical issues prevented their plan from flying to Detroit on Saturday afternoon.

YARDBARKER: Former NHL center Evgeny Kuznetsov suffered an undisclosed injury during a recent game. It’s expected he’ll be sidelined for at least two months.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning owner Jeff Vinik announced the Lightning Foundation will donate $2 million toward relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene in Florida.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 28, 2024

by | Sep 28, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 28, 2024

Recapping Friday’s preseason action, Drew Doughty sidelined for months, plus the latest on Darnell Nurse, Robin Lehner, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL PRESEASON RECAP

NHL.COM: Buffalo Sabres forward and Munich native JJ Peterka scored in his homecoming game in a 5-0 victory over EHC Red Bull Munchen 5-0 in the 2024 NHL Global Series in Germany. Tage Thompson had a goal and an assist while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi combined for a 12-save shutout.

Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (NHL Images).

Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek netted two goals and collected three assists as his club downed the Winnipeg Jets 8-5. Kirill Kaprizov also scored twice for the Wild. Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck gave up eight goals on 29 shots through two periods.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets announced before this game that defenseman Logan Stanley underwent knee surgery to repair a meniscus issue. He’s expected to be sidelined for four weeks.

The Dallas Stars doubled up the Colorado Avalanche 4-2. Matt Duchene scored two goals and picked up an assist and Tyler Seguin tallied a goal and chipped in two assists.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli collected a hat trick and Mathieu Olivier scored twice in an 8-5 win over the Washington Capitals. Alex Ovechkin scored one of the Capitals goals.

The Carolina Hurricanes thumped the Florida Panthers 8-2. Seth Jarvis tallied twice and Sean Walker picked up three points for the Hurricanes.

Detroit Red Wings goaltenders Alex Lyon and Cam Talbot combined for a 22-save shutout in a 2-0 blanking of the Chicago Blackhawks. Christian Fischer and Vladimir Tarasenko were the goal scorers.

The New York Islanders defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-1. Semyon Varlamov stopped 16 of 17 shots through two periods for the Isles.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils scratched Jack Hughes from the lineup to give him an extra day of rest before their departure to Czechia to face the Buffalo Sabres in the 2024 Global Series. Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said Hughes suffered a minor charley horse in his previous game.

Seattle Kraken goalie Joey Daccord turned aside 19 shots in a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Brandon Montour scored his first preseason goal for the Kraken.

The Vegas Golden Knights beat the Utah Hockey Club 5-2. Jack Eichel led the Golden Knights with a goal and two assists.

The Tampa Bay Lightning postponed Friday’s game against the Nashville Predators at Amelie Arena after Hurricane Helene’s effect on the bay area.

HEADLINES

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty requires surgery to repair his broken left ankle and will miss most of this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Doughty’s absence leaves a gaping hole on the Kings’ blueline that will be difficult to fill. They could promote Brendt Clarke or Jordan Spence to replace him but those young rearguards lack the experience and leadership he brings to the defense corps. I’ll have more about this in today’s Rumors.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers hope for a bounce-back performance from Darnell Nurse after he struggled through 2023-24 and the 2024 playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong rebound effort by Nurse would go a long way toward improving the Oilers’ hopes for a Stanley Cup run next spring.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs forwards Auston Matthews and William Nylander practiced on Friday and showed no ill effects from their recent upper-body injuries. Meanwhile, John Tavares is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks forwards William Eklund (upper body) and Mikael Granlund (lower body) and defenseman Matt Benning (lower body) missed practice on Friday. They’re listed as day-to-day.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Goaltender Alexei Kolosov finally took to the ice at Flyers training camp on Friday. It remains to be seen if he’ll get into any of their four remaining preseason games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kolosov is expected to see action this season with the Flyers’ AHL affiliate in Lehigh Valley or he could be loaned back to KHL club Dinamo Minsk. I’ll have more about this in today’s Rumors update.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL: Golden Knights netminder Robin Lehner had his assets frozen by a federal bankruptcy judge on Friday. Lawyers from one of his creditors allege Lehner engaged in frivolous spending and made improper fund transfers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lehner has been sidelined since 2022 following hip and shoulder surgeries. He’s not expected to play this season and will be placed on long-term injury reserve. This season is the last of his five-year contract.

WINNIPEG SUN: Bryan Little will sign a one-day contract to officially retire with the Jets on Oct. 20.

Drafted 12th overall in the 2006 NHL Draft by the Atlanta Thrashers, Little spent his entire NHL career with the franchise, moving with them to Winnipeg when the team relocated in 2011. The 36-year-old center’s career was cut short by a perforated eardrum early in the 2019-20 season.

Little scored 217 goals and had 304 assists for 521 points in 843 career regular-season games from 2007-08 to 2019-20. He also had 12 points in 27 playoff contests.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 27, 2024

by | Sep 27, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 27, 2024

Recapping Thursday’s preseason action, Sabres name their new captain, an update on Drew Doughty’s injury, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

2024-25 NHL PRESEASON RECAP – SEPTEMBER 26

NHL.COM: Philadelphia Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov scored his first preseason goal and collected an assist as his club blanked the New York Islanders 2-0. Samuel Ersson turned in a 37-save shutout for the Flyers.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).

The Toronto Maple Leafs nipped the Montreal Canadiens 2-1 with Nick Robertson tallying the winning goal. Leafs forward William Nylander left the game for precautionary reasons after suffering an upper-body injury in the first period.

New York Rangers forwards Chris Kreider and Brennan Othman each had a goal and an assist in a 5-2 victory over the Boston Bruins.

An overtime goal by Noah Ostlund lifted the Buffalo Sabres over the Ottawa Senators 3-2. Goaltender Linus Ullmark made his preseason debut with the Senators, turning aside 28 shots before being replaced in the second period by Dustin Tokarski.

The San Jose Sharks beat the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 on an overtime goal by Luca Cagnoni. Klim Kostin had a goal and an assist for the Sharks while Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson tallied for the Ducks.

HEADLINES

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: The Sabres announced defenseman Rasmus Dahlin as their new team captain. Alex Tuch, Dylan Cozens, Mattias Samuelsson, and Tage Thompson were named alternate captains.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dahlin, 24, steadily developed into a leader with the Sabres on and off the ice over the past several seasons. He was the obvious choice for team captain.

THE ATHLETIC: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty suffered a serious leg injury during Wednesday’s preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Early reports indicate an X-ray after the game showed an ankle fracture. Further imaging, including a CT scan, will be done to rule out any further damage.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This will be a big blow to the Kings’ defense corps. Doughty’s been a constant, reliable presence on their blueline for years. He will be difficult to replace if he’s out for a significant period.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson will be sidelined for three to six weeks following an emergency appendectomy on Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lukas Dostal will take over the starter’s job while Gibson is sidelined.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Golden Knights center William Karlsson has been sidelined since Sunday for injury-related maintenance.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The NHL Players’ Association has filed a grievance against the Philadelphia Flyers on behalf of Ryan Johansen. They’re contesting the Flyers terminating Johansen’s contract citing a “material breach” regarding his progress in treating an injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report suggests this could end in a settlement between the team, the player and the NHLPA. Stay tuned.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Speaking of the Flyers, their standoff with goaltender Alexei Kolosov is reportedly over. His agent indicates his client will report to training camp and could get in some preseason games. He could play with their AHL affiliate and a loan back to the KHL is possible.

SPORTSNET: The Winnipeg Jets revealed defenseman Ville Heinola underwent surgery to remove a pin in his ankle, which he had surgically repaired last fall. The timeline for his return is uncertain but could be at least four weeks.

Defenseman Logan Stanley is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed ailment. Blueliner Dylan Samberg skipped Thursday’s practice for a maintenance day.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The San Jose Sharks signed goaltender Aaron Dell to a one-year, AHL contract.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 26, 2024

by | Sep 26, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 26, 2024

Recapping Wednesday’s preseason action, injury updates, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL PRESEASON GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: An injury to Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty overshadowed his club’s 3-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Doughty injured his left leg during the first period and had to be helped off the ice. Head coach Jim Hiller said the blueliner will be further evaluated when the Kings return to Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (NHL Images).

Jake DeBrusk scored two goals in his preseason debut with the Vancouver Canucks as his club rallied to nip the Calgary Flames 4-3.

The Tampa Bay Lightning overcame a 7-5 deficit for an 8-7 win over the Florida Panthers. Conor Geekie tallied twice (including the game-winner) and picked up an assist and Darren Raddysh scored two goals and added two assists for the Lightning. Jesper Boqvist had a goal and two assists for the Panthers.

Three goals in the final 5:32 of the second period carried the Washington Capitals over the New Jersey Devils 5-3. Dylan Strome and Brandon Duhaime each netted two goals for the Capitals.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson had a goal and an assist and Elvis Merzlikins and Zach Sawchenko combined for a 31-save shutout to blank the St. Louis Blues 3-0.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was also the Blue Jackets’ first preseason home game. The club remembered Johnny Gaudreau with an emotional pregame tribute video and 13 seconds of silence in honor of his Blue Jackets’ uniform number. A suspected drunk driver killed Johnny and his brother Matthew on Aug. 29.

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk scored a goal and collected three assists in a 6-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

The Dallas Stars downed the Minnesota Wild 5-2. Jamie Benn and Miro Heiskanen each scored for the Stars.

Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond scored the go-ahead goal in a 4-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Connor Bedard collected an assist for the Blackhawks in his preseason debut.

HEADLINES

TSN: New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren is expected to miss “several weeks” with an upper-body injury, putting his status for their Oct. 9 season opener in question.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators forward Claude Giroux awoke Wednesday morning to find his vehicle stolen from his home overnight. He and his wife tracked it via GPS but were told they could only report the theft to Ottawa police at 10 am. The Girouxs don’t expect the vehicle to be recovered.

SPORTSNET: Utah Hockey Club forward Nick Bjugstad is listed as week-to-week with an upper-body injury and is expected to miss the start of the regular season.

TSN: A desire for his son to play in North America led to Nikolay Kulemin’s professional tryout offer with the Ottawa Senators. The 38-year-old winger last played in the NHL in 2017-18 with the New York Islanders and spent the past six seasons in the KHL.