NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 7, 2017
NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 7, 2017
Game recaps, injury and waiver updates and more in your NHL morning coffee headlines.
NHL.COM: Alex Ovechkin scored a goal and set up three others to lead the Washington Capitals to a 6-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (one goal, two assists) ended a 21-game goalless drought while teammate Tom Wilson scored twice, handing the Blackhawks their fifth consecutive loss.
Wayne Simmonds had a goal and an assist as the Philadelphia Flyers collected their second straight win by doubling up the Edmonton Oilers 4-2. Flyers captain Claude Giroux picked up two assists. Meanwhile, Philadelphia defenseman Brandon Manning (right hand, wrist injury) will miss three-to-four weeks while goalie Michal Neuvirth will be sidelined one-two weeks with a lower-body injury.
Ryan Miller made 29 saves for his 40th career shutout and teammate Adam Henrique scored twice as the Anaheim Ducks blanked the Ottawa Senators 3-0. The Sens have only one victory in their last 10 games.
William Nylander’s shootout goal gave the Toronto Maple Leafs a 2-1 victory over the slumping Calgary Flames. Frederik Andersen made a season-high 47 saves for the Leafs, handing the Flames their third straight defeat. The Flames were playing without Jaromir Jagr (day-to-day)
SUN-SENTINEL.COM: Florida Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo will be sidelined for several weeks with a suspected groin injury. He could be out for up to eight weeks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers need backup James Reimer to be at his best if they harbor any hope of climbing back into the playoff race during Luongo’s absence.
THE MERCURY NEWS: San Jose Sharks defenseman Paul Martin could return to action tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes. He’s been sidelined since Oct. 8.
THE PROVINCE: Retired Vancouver Canucks forward Derek Dorsett said he was perhaps one hit away from suffering a catastrophic spinal injury. He underwent neck fusion surgery earlier this year and recently brought his playing career to an end after experiencing two neck bulges above and below the fusion. “If they got worse, they could have started pushing into my spinal cord,” he said. “It could have been bad. It could have been catastrophic.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dorsett said he has to avoid contact and must continue rehab but he’s looking forward to living a healthy life. If he still wants a career in hockey, I’m sure there are options available in coaching, scouting or management. Here’s hoping he finds something to his liking.
TSN: The Pittsburgh Penguins placed center Greg McKegg on waivers.
SPORTSNET: The New York Rangers signed goaltender Marek Mazanec to a one-year, two-way contract after he cleared waivers yesterday and assigned him to their AHL affiliate in Hartford.
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes opened this season hoping to get offense from their defensemen. However, only three blueliners – Noah Hanifin, Justin Faulk and Jaccob Slavin – have goals this season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If this trend continues, Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis could be pressured into parting with one of his notable blueliners for a scoring forward.
NEW YORK POST: Former NHL pest Sean Avery was slapped with a restraining order over a dispute with his mother-in-law.