NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 26, 2021

by | Feb 26, 2021

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 26, 2021

​Recaps of Thursday’s action, Jeff Skinner’s status with the Sabres concerns his agent, updates on Auston Matthews and Henrik Lundqvist, some notable injury news and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The New York Islanders tallied five unanswered third-period goals to upset the Boston Bruins 7-2. Semyon Varlamov made 34 saves while teammates Mathew Barzal, Anders Lee and Adam Pelech each had a goal and an assist for the Islanders. The Bruins have dropped three of their last four games.

Three straight third-period goals lifted the Washington Capitals over the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2. Nicklas Backstrom, T.J. Oshie and Lars Eller each had a goal and an assist. Tom Wilson tallied the game-winner and also received a two-minute minor penalty for injuring Penguins forward Mark Jankowski with a late hit in the first period. Earlier in the day, the Penguins placed winger Jason Zucker (lower body) on injured reserve.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wilson has a history of questionable hits but it doesn’t appear as though he’ll receive supplemental discipline for this one.

The Tampa Bay Lightning scored twice in the third period in a 3-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Yanni Gourde netted the game-winner as the Lightning won their third straight over the Hurricanes, moving into second place in the Discover Central Division with 27 points.

A three-goal third-period rallied the Florida Panthers over the Dallas Stars 3-2. Sergei Bobrovsky made 37 saves while Aleksander Barkov, Anton Stralman and Frank Vatrano tallied for the Panthers, who sit atop the Discover Central Division with 28 points. Stars forward Roope Hintz missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury.

Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane is playing his way into the Hart Memorial Trophy conversation (NHL Images).

Patrick Kane tallied his 399th career goal and Malcolm Subban made 26 saves for his first shutout with the Chicago Blackhawks in a 2-0 blanking of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Carl Soderberg also scored for the Hawks, who sit third in the Central with 26 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks keep finding ways to win thanks in part to Kane’s production and leadership. He’s moved into a tie with Toronto’s Auston Matthews (31 points) for third place in the NHL scoring race and continues to be considered among the early favorites for the Hart Memorial Trophy.

The Ottawa Senators are on their first three-game win streak of the season after upsetting the Calgary Flames 6-1. Matt Murray made 29 saves, Colin White scored twice and Drake Batherson scored for the fourth straight game.

Earlier in the day, the Senators placed center Derek Stepan on injured reserve among reports he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday. They also placed little-used forward Filip Chlapik on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying out his contract. Meanwhile, the Flames placed goaltender Jacob Markstrom (upper body) on injured reserve.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators’ improvement throughout February is due in part to giving more ice time to their younger players. They still have more rebuilding to do but they’ve served notice in recent weeks that they’re no longer an easy two points. The Flames, meanwhile, have dropped five of their last six.

An overtime goal by Pavel Zacha lifted the New Jersey Devils over the Buffalo Sabres 4-3. The Sabres made winger Jeff Skinner a healthy scratch for the third straight game, prompting his agent to contact general manager Kevyn Adams to express his concern over his client’s status. Sabres captain Jack Eichel was a late scratch with a lower-body injury while goalie Linus Ullmark left the game following the first period with an undisclosed injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner’s poor production this season is cause for concern for the Sabres but critics question if he’s being properly utilized by head coach Ralph Krueger. It’s yet another issue for a team whose playoff hopes are fading while raising questions about Eichel’s future in Buffalo.

Sam Gagner tallied his third career hat trick as the Detroit Red Wings downed the Nashville Predators 5-2. Jonathan Bernier made 37 saves for the win.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The mounting losses for the Predators continue to stoke speculation they’ll become sellers at the Apr.12 trade deadline. I’ll have more in today’s Rumor section.

Blake Wheeler had a goal and two assists while Kyle Connor scored twice as the Winnipeg Jets overcame 2-0 and 3-1 deficits to beat the Montreal Canadiens 6-3. The Habs dropped their fourth straight, spoiling the debut of interim head coach Dominique Ducharme. Canadiens winger Josh Anderson left the game in the first period after an apparent slew foot by Jets defenseman Dylan DeMelo. He’ll undergo more tests but Ducharme said his injury isn’t considered to be too serious.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducharme declared a clean slate for his players before this game. What he got was a strong start undone by more shaky goaltending from Carey Price, sloppy defensive play and a collapse of confidence as the game rolled along. The Habs (22 points) still hold a playoff spot in the Scotia North Division only because the Flames and Vancouver Canucks are playing worse than they are. Speaking of the Canucks…

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith turned in a 32-save shutout in a 3-0 victory over the Canucks. Alex Chiasson, Jesse Puljujarvi and Connor McDavid were the goal scorers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks have only two victories in 13 games this month.

HEADLINES

TSN: Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said center Auston Matthews has been dealing with a wrist injury for most of this season. Matthews appeared to aggravate the injury during Wednesday’s 2-1 win over the Flames but Keefe feels it hasn’t gotten worse.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews was scoring at a goal-per-game pace prior to Wednesday. He has a shot at becoming the first player since Brett Hull in 1991-92 to score 50 goals in 50 games.

NEW YORK POST: Henrik Lundqvist returned to the ice earlier this week after undergoing open-heart surgery seven weeks ago. However, the 39-year-old goaltender said it will be months before he can reach a decision on whether he’ll continue his playing career.

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Saturday’s game between the San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues will continue as scheduled after the Sharks announced no new positive COVID-19 tests. Thursday’s game between the two clubs was postponed after Sharks forward Tomas Hertl tested positive. He’s expected to miss some time as he remains on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list.

TSN: The number of players on the league’s protocol list shrunk to seven players with three of those being members of the Philadelphia Flyers.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets are preparing to increase the number of fans attending their home games after Ohio governor Mike DeWine announced indoor sports and entertainment events in the state to 25 percent capacity. The Jackets currently have a plan approved by the state that allows 10 percent capacity.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins will soon welcome fans back to TD Garden as the state of Massachusetts will allow 12 percent capacity starting on March 22.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 27, 2020

by | Sep 27, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 27, 2020

The Stars stave off elimination in a Game 5 doubt OT win, the Rangers trade Marc Staal to the Red Wings, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NHL.COM: Corey Perry scored twice, including the winner in double overtime, as the Dallas Stars edged the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final. Joe Pavelski scored the game-tying goal in the third period, becoming the highest-scoring American-born player in NHL playoff history with 61 career postseason goals. Tyler Seguin assisted on all three Stars goals while Anton Khudobin made 39 saves for the win.

Dallas Stars winger Corey Perry (NHL Images)

Ondrej Palat and Mikhail Sergachev scored for Tampa Bay, who hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series with Game 6 set for Monday night. Lightning captain Steven Stamkos was listed unfit to play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dallas’ oldest players (the 36-year-old Pavelski, 35-year-old Perry and 34-year-old Khudobin) were the heroes for the Stars, who were outshot 41-33 and outplayed for long stretches in this game. It appeared the Lightning had this one in the bag when Sergachev made it 3-2 early in the third. For the second straight game, Pavelski forced overtime with the game-tying goal. He also leads the Stars with 13 goals.

NEW YORK POST/THE DETROIT NEWS: The New York Rangers traded defenseman Marc Staal and a second-round pick in the 2021 draft to the Detroit Red Wings for future considerations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a significant move for the Rangers, freeing up $5.7 million in salary-cap space for next season, giving them over $20 million in cap room. The Post points out the Rangers have the room now to re-sign RFAs Ryan Strome, Tony DeAngelo, Alexandar Georgiev and Brendan Lemieux.

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said this deal plugs a huge hole on their defense while also adding a future asset with that second-round pick. Staal, who’s entering the final season of his contract, agreed to this trade as he carries a no-movement clause. This could be a short-term move by the Wings to buy time until their younger blueliners are more NHL-ready.

The Red Wings also re-signed forward Sam Gagner to a one-year contract. Cap Friendly indicates it’s worth $850K.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports of “murmurs” suggesting the NHL might seek to enforce the force majeure clause (paragraph 17) of the standard player contract to prorate the players’ pay should next season be shorter than expected.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The league’s intention is to return with a full 82-game schedule next season. We’ll have to wait and see what transpires. The players have agreed under the new CBA to defer 10 percent of their salaries for next season.

 










NHL Rumor Mill – April 23, 2020

by | Apr 23, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – April 23, 2020

Recent speculation on the Oilers, Flames, and Red Wings in today’s NHL rumor mill.

OILERS

SPORTSNET: In a recent mailbag segment, Mark Spector was asked if the Edmonton Oilers might bring back Taylor Hall if they can shed some salary. He felt there’s zero chance of the 28-year-old winger returning to Edmonton, pointing out the Oilers already carry several players with expensive contracts. “I think it’s a dream Oilers fans should wake up from. Hall’s not coming back,” wrote Spector.

(NOT MARK) SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with “Cousin Mark”. Hall returning to the Oilers is a pipe dream. Stop pining about what could’ve been and look forward.

Jesse Puljujarvi’s future remains an off-season question for the Edmonton Oilers (Photo via NHL Images).

Asked out the most likely scenario for Jesse Puljujarvi, Spector said the Oilers prefer he returns and plays for them. If he doesn’t, they could let him spend another season in Finland (where he’ll make less money), or trade him at the draft for perhaps two second-round picks, or a second and a prospect (the Oilers lack a second-rounder in this year’s draft). Spector thinks Puljujarvi should return to the Oilers on a one-year deal and prove he can still play.

(STILL NOT MARK) SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see how the Oilers handle this situation. Puljujarvi’s done well in Finland (53 points in 56 games), but that’s not much of an indicator whether he can be an effective NHL player.

Asked if Sam Gagner might sign with the Oilers as an unrestricted free agent, Spector believes he will. He’d be an affordable signing, his home is in Edmonton, and Oilers general manager Ken Holland could see Gagner as a future member of the front office.

(THE OTHER ) SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gagner is completing a three-year deal worth an annual average value of $3.15 million. He’s not getting that much ever again, but he could be a decent fourth-line pickup for the Oilers (or somebody else) on a one-year, $900K contract.

FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis recently opened up the mailbag to address questions from Calgary Flames fans. Asked if the Flames might shake up their core, Francis doesn’t believe they will. Acknowledging the production of stars like Johnny Gaudreau is down this season, he feels the early end to this season ensures Gaudreau will return next season. He thinks players like Gaudreau and Monahan shouldn’t be shopped until they’ve had a shot at redemption.

(THE BETTER-LOOKING) SPECTOR’S NOTE: I didn’t put any stock into the trade rumors involving Gaudreau and Sean Monahan this season. Yes, their production was down this season, but they’re only a year removed from their respective career-high point totals. They’re still in the mid-twenties and very much in their playing prime. Unless they asked to be moved, they’re not going anywhere.

Francis thinks the Flames will kick tires on Taylor Hall if he tests the UFA market but believes they’ll use their cap space to plug holes in their defense corps than overspending on Hall. He also doesn’t see both T.J. Brodie and Travis Hamonic returning next season but Brodie could stay.

Francis also sees the Flames attempting to re-sign UFA goalie Cam Talbot or taking a stab at Vancouver’s Jacob Markstrom or Vegas’ Robin Lehner. He doesn’t think they’ll try to buy out Milan Lucic’s contract, pointing out he fills an effective physical role, as well as his popularity with his teammates and among Calgary fans.

Asked if interim coach Geoff Ward will remain as their bench boss after this season, Francis believes he will, citing GM Brad Treliving saying he’s seen enough to make his decision. Following a shaky start, the Flames turned things around under Ward, who has a year remaining on his contract.

RED WINGS

THE DETROIT NEWS: Ted Kulfan recently weighed in with his thoughts on what Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman will do with his 12 restricted free agents.

Tyler Bertuzzi will likely get a long-term deal. Anthony Mantha’s situation could be more complicated. He could sign a one-year deal to post up big numbers before his UFA eligibility in two years, or the Wings could ink him to a four- or five-year deal believing he’ll keep progressing.

Kulfan believes Robby Fabbri has shown enough this season to be part of the Wings’ short-term future. He expects Adam Erne to be re-signed but feels he must take a bigger step forward.

He wouldn’t be surprised if the Wings cut ties with Madison Bowey and Brendan Perlini.










NHL After 20: Edmonton Oilers

by | Nov 15, 2019

NHL After 20: Edmonton Oilers

 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 17, 2019

by | Feb 17, 2019

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 17, 2019

Game recaps, Canucks trade Sam Gagner back to the Oilers, injury updates and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines. 

NHL.COM: The Philadelphia Flyers blew a four-goal lead but Travis Konecny’s overtime goal (his second goal of the games) gave them a 6-5 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Nolan Patrick had a three-point effort for the Flyers while Wings forward Anthony Mantha scored twice, including the game-tying goal. With 61 points, the Flyers are seven points out of a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. 

The Calgary Flames held off the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 to snap a four-game losing skid. Derek Ryan collected three assists for the Flames while Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby each had three-point performances for the Penguins. With the loss, the Pens (67 points) fall one point out of the final wild-card spot in the East. 

Vladimir Tarasenko scored the game-winner as the St. Louis Blues won their ninth straight by blanking the Colorado Avalanche 3-0 (Photo via NHL Images)

Jake Allen’s 32-save shutout carried the St. Louis Blues to their ninth straight victory as they defeated the Colorado Avalanche 3-0. Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko tallied a goal and set up another to extend his points streak to 11 games. The Blues (65 points) sit third in the Central Division. 

Arizona Coyotes goalie Darcy Kuemper kicked out 22 shots to blank the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0. Alex Galchenyuk and Josh Archibald were the goal scorers. The win moved the Coyotes (57 points) three points out of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. 

Ryan Dzingel’s overtime goal gave the Ottawa Senators a 4-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Tyler Myers scored twice for the Jets while defenseman Dustin Byfuglien missed the game with an unspecified injury. 

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy had a 20-save shutout and Nikita Kucherov scored the winner in a 3-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Kucherov (94 points) extended his lead in the scoring race to seven over Chicago’s Patrick Kane. 

The New York Islanders (76 points) widened their lead in the Metropolitan Division to five points by beating the Edmonton Oilers 5-2. Robin Lehner made 34 saves for the Islanders, who’ve now matched last season’s wins total (35). The Oilers also reacquired center Sam Gagner by shipping Ryan Spooner to the Vancouver Canucks and placed defenseman Matt Benning (upper body) on injured reserve. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both teams are swapping players they had little use for. Gagner returns to the team where he began his NHL career and had his best seasons. He’s spent the bulk of 2018-19 buried in the minors and is signed through next season with a $3.25 million annual average value. Spooner ($3.1 million) was skating in the minors for the Oilers, who hope Gagner can step into a regular roster spot on the right wing and provide a boost to their power play. 

Petr Mrazek’s 33-save shutout carried the Carolina Hurricanes (68 points) to a 3-0 victory over the Dallas Stars and over the Penguins into the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. The Stars (63 points) have now dropped four of their last five games and hold the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference. 

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Artemi Panarin reached his 300th career point by scoring twice and setting up another in a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Ryan Murray collected three assists for the Jackets while Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane (2 points) extended his points streak to 17 games. The loss keeps the Blackhawks three points out of a wild-card spot. 

Max Pacioretty scored twice as the Vegas Golden Knights downed the Nashville Predators 5-1, handing the latter their fourth loss in their last five contests. 

Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, and Timo Meier each had a goal and an assist as the San Jose Sharks edged the Vancouver Canucks 3-2. Erik Karlsson returned to action for the Sharks and picked up an assist. The Canucks (59 points) remain one back of the Minnesota Wild for the last wild-card berth in the West. With Jake Virtanen going on injured reserve, the Canucks will give Ryan Spooner an opportunity. 

Charlie McAvoy netted the game-winner as the Boston Bruins doubled up the Los Angeles Kings 4-2. The Bruins (76 points) move one point up on the Maple Leafs for second in the Atlantic Division. 










NHL Rumor Mill – December 6, 2018

by | Dec 6, 2018

NHL Rumor Mill – December 6, 2018

Latest on Phil Kessel and Wayne Simmonds plus an update on the Blackhawks in your NHL rumor mill.

PENGUINS “TESTED THE MARKET” ON KESSEL

SPORTSNET: In his latest “31 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman cited “multiple sources” claiming the Pittsburgh Penguins “tested the market” on winger Phil Kessel. He adds the Penguins “appear to have decided to hold off on anything involving him for the time being, but that doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t be revisited.” He points out the Penguins were last in the Eastern Conference three weeks ago but have since risen to within range of a playoff berth.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Phil Kessel is once again popping up in the NHL trade-rumor mill. (Photo via NHL Images)

Friedman also noted Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford’s already made two notable trades (Carl Hagelin to Los Angeles for Tanner Pearson and Daniel Sprong to Anaheim for Marcus Pettersson) and is eyeing more. However, the Penguins don’t have much to trade without significantly altering their roster. Kessel still has a partial no-trade clause in his contract and Toronto still pays $1.8 million of his $8-million salary.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Joe Starkey reports a number of reporters he respects “have put forth the idea that Rutherford has at least been open to a Kessel deal.” Nevertheless, he believes the Penguins would be nuts to trade Kessel. He points to the winger’s offensive consistency, including a 92-point performance last season and having the same number of points this season (29) as Sidney Crosby.

Unless Kessel wants out, Starkey believes trading him would be a bad move. “If the idea is that Kessel is the one tradable piece that could net a big return, what’s your point? Would the return be better than Phil Kessel? Surely, we’re not looking at a rebuild just yet.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whether the Penguins are winning Stanley Cups with Kessel or struggling in the standings despite his offensive contributions, there’s always a report or two each year suggesting they’re looking at trading him. Given the Penguins’ current struggles, there could be more creditability to the Kessel speculation this season.

Still, unless Rutherford is giving up on this season and tearing down his roster, it’s doubtful he’ll find a return for Kessel that’ll provide the Penguins with immediate improvement. If that move ever takes place, I’m guessing it’s an offseason deal that signals the Penguins are in rebuild mode. 

LATEST SIMMONDS SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman wonders if the Philadelphia Flyers’ recent management change might affect Wayne Simmonds’ future. The winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Friedman said former Flyers GM Ron Hextall was fond of Simmonds but was “unwilling to commit term to the 30-year-old.”  There were also differing opinions on whether Hextall was shopping Simmonds. “Now we’ll find out what Chuck Fletcher thinks.”

NBC SPORTS: John Boruk notes Fletcher recently said he believes culture “is very important in any organization to be successful.” If so, that might work in Simmonds’ favor. Boruk believes the winger’s future will be “thoroughly discussed” to either reward him with a new contract or trade him for a return that could make the Flyers ” a more well-rounded team defensively.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I believe Fletcher intends to take some time to fully evaluate his roster before deciding what his first roster moves will be. Simmonds’ performance between now and next February will determine if he has a future in Philadelphia. If Fletcher believes Simmonds is too expensive to retain, he’ll be shopped before the Feb. 25, 2019 trade deadline. 

BLACKHAWKS SHOPPING AROUND? 

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman was at the Arizona Coyotes/Los Angeles Kings game on Tuesday. Capologist Kyle Davidson made a rare road-trip appearance, plus the Hawks had “two scouts at Los Angeles/Vancouver last Tuesday, three at Dallas/Calgary on Wednesday and two more the following night for Los Angeles/Edmonton.”  Friedman also notes the Blackhawks were interested in Sam Gagner in 2017 and might be thinking about him again. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks scouting the Dallas/Calgary game could be because they’re playing the Stars on Dec. 20 and the Flames on Jan. 7. However, they don’t face Edmonton until February and Vancouver, Arizona, and Los Angeles until March. So, maybe they are taking a close look at the Kings for a possible trade.

As for Gagner,  The Province’s Patrick Johnston notes he was recently recalled from the AHL for a stint but was recently returned to the Toronto Marlies. Canucks GM Jim Benning declined to comment about the recent speculation linking the Blackhawks to Gagner. He did say he told Gagner he’d keep looking for an NHL club interested in acquiring him. We’ll find out soon enough if the Blackhawks have revisited their interest in Gagner.