NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 25, 2024

by | May 25, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 25, 2024

The Rangers tie the Eastern Conference Final at a game apiece, Don Waddell steps down as Hurricanes GM, the Blackhawks and Islanders swap 2024 first-round picks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAP

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Barclay Goodrow gave the New York Rangers a 2-1 victory over the Florida Panthers, tying the Eastern Conference Final at a game apiece. Vincent Trocheck opened the scoring and finished with two points and Igor Shesterkin stopped 26 shots for the win. Carter Verhaeghe scored for the Panthers and Sergei Bobrovsky turned aside 28 shots. The series shifts to Florida for the next two games with Game 3 on Sunday, May 26 at 3 pm EDT.

New York Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A better effort from the Rangers following their flat performance in Game 1. They were more engaged and physical with improved puck movement. The Panthers expected this, making for a well-balanced game that should be a harbinger of what’s to come in this series.

Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey left the game in the second period following a hard hit to the shoulder by Panthers forward Ryan Lomberg. There was no post-game update other than he suffered an upper-body injury.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers and Dallas Stars face big decisions about two sidelined players heading into Game 2 of the Western Conference Final on Saturday.

Oilers center Adam Henrique is close to returning from a lower-body injury. Stars center Roope Hintz has resumed skating after missing the last three games with an upper-body injury.

HEADLINES

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Don Waddell stepped down on Friday as president and general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes after six seasons. Assistant GM Eric Tulsky takes over from Waddell on an interim basis while a search is underway for a full-time replacement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This announcement followed reports that Waddell was permitted to speak with other teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Hurricanes are considered to be at a crossroads with nine players slated to become unrestricted free agents and six others due to become restricted free agents. This will be an interesting offseason in Carolina.

NHL.COM: The Chicago Blackhawks and New York Islanders swapped draft picks on Friday. The Blackhawks receive a 2024 first-round pick (18th overall) and a 2024 second-rounder (50th overall) while the Islanders get a 2024 first-rounder (20th overall) and two 2024 second-round picks (#54 and #61).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This deal raised questions among fans of both clubs on social media.

The Athletic’s Arthur Staple and Scott Powers believe the Blackhawks saw the value of moving up two spots in the first round and four in the second.

As for the Islanders, they could package that extra second-rounder with a player they’d like to move to escape a burdensome contract like Jean-Gabriel Pageau or Anders Lee. It could also be used as draft capital to acquire a top-six forward.

WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets promoted Scott Arniel to replace the retired Rick Bowness as their new head coach. He spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach. 

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks have brought back Manny Malhotra as head coach of their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford. Malhotra played three seasons with the Canucks during his 16-season playing career. He was also part of their coaching staff from 2016 until joining the Toronto Maple Leafs as an assistant coach in 2020.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 16, 2024

by | May 16, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 16, 2024

The Avalanche force Game 6 with the Stars, updates on the other second-round series, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAP

NHL.COM: The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Dallas Stars 5-3 in Game 5 of their best-of-seven second-round series. Cale Makar scored twice (including the game-winning goal) and Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen had a goal and an assist for the Avalanche. Joe Pavelski scored his first of this postseason and added an assist for the Stars, who hold a 3-2 lead in the series. Game 6 is in Denver on Friday, May 17 at 10 pm EDT.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong bounce-back effort by the Avalanche following their disastrous performance in Game 4. Makar and MacKinnon rose to the occasion, providing the leadership and clutch play expected of them. The Avs got a boost on the blueline with defenseman Devon Toews returning to action after an illness sidelined him in Game 4.

The Stars have the best road record (4-1) in this postseason but they’ve struggled at home, winning three of seven contests in Dallas. They also missed center Roope Hintz, who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury suffered in Game 4.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson seems to have few answers to address his lack of production in this postseason. Head coach Rick Tocchet admits his wingers haven’t helped but felt Pettersson can drive the play more. Pettersson insists it’s not for lack of effort but acknowledges only he can control what he does on the ice.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson can play harder but he’s not being helped with low-scoring forwards like Ilya Mikheyev and Sam Lafferty as his wingers.

SPORTSNET: Tocchet had some good news about Thatcher Demko. The Canucks starting goalie has been sidelined by a lower-body injury since suiting up in Game 1 of their first-round series with the Nashville Predators. Tocchet said Demko has “improved immensely the last 72 hours”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks have relied on third-stringer Arturs Silovs, who backstopped the Canucks over the Predators in the first round and has been solid in their current series with the Edmonton Oilers. No word if Demko will return to action in this series but there’s speculation he might get the nod for Game 6.

Speaking of goaltenders, Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch is keeping mum as to whether Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard gets the start for Game 5 tonight. Pickard replaced the struggling Skinner in Game 3 and got the start (and the win) in Game 4.

NHL.COM: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce has returned to practice with his teammates. He’s been sidelined with a lower-body injury since Game 2 of their first-round series with the New York Islanders. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour didn’t rule out Pesce’s return if the blueliner felt he was good to go. The Hurricanes are down 3-2 in their series with the New York Rangers with the two clubs facing off tonight in Game 6.

NEW YORK POST: After losing their last two games to the Hurricanes, the Rangers could shake up their defense corps for Game 6. During practice on Wednesday, K’Andre Miller was reunited with Jacob Trouba while Braden Schneider was back with Erik Gustafsson.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: Utah goaltender Connor Ingram is this season’s winner of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. He nearly retired due to obsessive-compulsive disorder and lingering depression before seeking help through the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in 2021. Ingram had a career-best performance this season, sporting a 23-21-6 record with a 2.91 goals-against average, a .907 save percentage and six shutouts.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Three Penguins recently underwent surgery. Kris Letang had an operation on May 10 to repair a fractured left finger and will require eight weeks of recovery. Blueliner John Ludvig is sidelined for four to six months following surgery in April on a damaged extensor tendon in his left wrist. Winger Matt Nieto will be out for six-to-seven months following surgery on the MCL in his left knee.

THE TENNESSEAN: Former Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne will be inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame on July 20. He spent the entirety of his 15-season NHL career with the Predators, winning 30-plus games eight times. Rinne was a four-time finalist for the Vezina Trophy, winning it in 2018.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks are reportedly considering Jeff Blashill as their next head coach. He coached the Detroit Red Wings from 2015 to 2022 and spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Los Angeles Kings signed backup goaltender David Rittich to a one-year, $1 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings are expected to go shopping for a starting goaltender in this summer’s trade market. They reportedly attempted to acquire Boston Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark before the March trade deadline but it’s believed he used his no-trade clause to spike the deal.

CBS NEWS: A Native American woman who worked for the Chicago Blackhawks is suing the club and its charity for breach of oral contract, fraud and sexual harassment. Nina Sanders said she was brought in to build relationships between the team and the Native American community but was later pushed out.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 15, 2024

by | May 15, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 15, 2024

The Bruins stay alive against the Panthers, the Oilers tied their series with the Canucks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Boston Bruins avoided elimination by nipping the Florida Panthers 2-1 in Game 5 of their best-of-seven second-round series. Jeremy Swayman made 28 saves, Charlie McAvoy had a goal and an assist and Morgan Geekie scored for the Bruins. Sam Reinhart replied for the Panthers, who hold a 3-2 series lead. Game 6 will be in Boston on Friday, May 17.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swayman was superb while McAvoy played his best game of this series for the Bruins. Their penalty killers also stepped up, successfully nullifying four Panthers power-play opportunities. The Bruins played without captain Brad Marchand, who missed his second straight game with an upper-body injury.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice wasn’t pleased with his club’s listless start to this game. He laid into his players with an expletive-laden “pep talk” on the bench during the first TV timeout in the second period. The Panthers improved after that, with Reinhart scoring 11 seconds later.

The Bruins unsuccessfully challenged a crucial goal by the Panthers in Game 4. This time, it was the Panthers as their challenge of McAvoy’s goal didn’t go their way.

A late goal by Evan Bouchard lifted the Edmonton Oilers to a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, tying their second-round series at two games apiece. Bouchard and Leon Draisaitl each had a goal and an assist while Calvin Pickard made 19 saves to win his first NHL playoff start. Conor Garland and Dakota Joshua scored for the Canucks as they overcame a 2-0 deficit in the third period before Bouchard’s game-winner for the Oilers. The series returns to Vancouver for Game 5 on Thursday, May 16 at 10 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet wasn’t happy with the performance of center Elias Pettersson. “He needs to get going,” Tocchet said. “I don’t know what else to say.” Pettersson has four points in 10 games during this postseason.

The Canucks coach didn’t stop there, claiming there were “five or six” other players who must step up their play. “You can’t win if you have five, six, or seven passengers. It’s playoff hockey. One of those guys can be the hero for us next game, but they’ve got to step up.”

Tocchet didn’t indicate who those other players were but it wasn’t top players like Quinn Hughes, J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser. Those three have consistently played well in this series.

Oilers forward Adam Henrique missed his second straight game with an undisclosed injury.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

NEW YORK POST: Rangers winger Artemi Panarin’s recent scoring slump has contributed to his club’s two losses to the Carolina Hurricanes in their second-round series. He had two game-winning goals and four assists in the first three games but was held pointless in the following two games. Panarin was held to two shots while being on the ice for four five-on-five goals against.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers hold a 3-2 lead over the Hurricanes in this series with Game 6 on Thursday. It could go the Blueshirts’ way if Panarin regains his scoring touch.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Depth scoring was a key factor in the Hurricanes’ victories over the Rangers. They’ve had 15 players with at least one goal in this postseason.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon shouldered the blame for his club’s loss to the Dallas Stars in Game 4 of their second-round series. “Yeah, we stunk early. I was bad. I got to be better, especially early,” he said following an optional skate on Tuesday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars hold a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Avalanche and can wrap it up with a win on Wednesday in Dallas.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars forward Roope Hintz underwent tests for an upper-body injury suffered during Game 4. Defenseman Chris Tanev also left that game following a hit by Avalanche forward Ross Colton. Stars coach Pete DeBoer said Tanev looked fine yesterday.

IN OTHER NEWS…

SPORTSNET: An overtime goal by John Tavares gave Canada a face-saving 7-6 win over Austria in the 2024 IIHF World Championships. Austria overcame a 6-1 third-period deficit to force the extra frame.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The number of countries considered easy pickings for Canada in international competition has steadily shrunk over the past two decades. Austria nearly burned them for letting up after taking what seemed to be a commanding lead into the third period.

WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets interviewed former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube regarding their vacant head coaching position. They’ve also expressed interest in Sheldon Keefe after he was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs last week. Meanwhile, Jets assistant coach Scott Arniel has also expressed interest in the job.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks announced they will not renew the contracts of assistant coaches Newell Brown and Craig Johnson.

Meanwhile, Ducks assistant general manager Rob DiMaio has left the Ducks for personal reasons. He was also the GM of their AHL affiliate in San Diego. Mike Stapleton takes over as Ducks assistant GM while Rick Paterson takes over the San Diego job.

TORONTO SUN: Scotiabank Arena in Toronto is undergoing a $350 million upgrade during the summer. It’s not expected to affect the Maple Leafs or the NBA’s Raptors’ schedules for next season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 10, 2024

by | May 10, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 10, 2024

The Rangers push the Hurricanes to the brink of elimination while the Stars tie their series with the Avalanche. Check out the details in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The New York Rangers are on the verge of sweeping the Carolina Hurricanes following their 3-2 victory in Game 3 of their best-of-seven second-round series. Artemi Panarin scored in overtime while Igor Shesterkin kicked out 45 shots as the Rangers took a commanding 3-0 series lead, leaving them with a 7-0 record in this postseason thus far. Andrei Svechnikov had a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes, who will try to stave off elimination in Game 4 on Saturday, May 11 at 7 pm EDT.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes are getting scoring chances but Shesterkin has been outstanding in goal for the Rangers. His 7-0 record in this postseason matches the Rangers’ postseason record set by Mike Richter in 1994.

Meanwhile, Blueshirts scorers Panarin, Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere have risen to the occasion in this series.

Filip Chytil’s return to the lineup gave the Rangers an emotional lift. He’d been sidelined since Nov. 2 with a suspected concussion.

This game was a must-win for the Hurricanes. They find themselves in a deep hole that only four teams have climbed out of in Stanley Cup playoff history. They replaced Frederik Andersen in goal for this contest with Pyotr Kochetkov, who made 25 saves and couldn’t be faulted for this loss.

A powerless power play is a big reason the Hurricanes find themselves in this situation. They’ve gone 0-for-15 with the man advantage in this series. If they don’t rectify this problem, Saturday’s game will be their last of this season.

The Dallas Stars held off the Colorado Avalanche 5-3 in Game 2 of their second-round series. Roope Hintz had a goal and three assists and Miro Heiskanen tallied twice as the Stars evened the series at a game apiece. The Avalanche made it interesting, rallying with three goals to cut the Stars’ lead to 4-3 before Esa Lindell put the game out of reach with an empty netter. The series moves to Denver for the next two contests with Game 3 on Saturday at 10 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hintz was due for a big game after managing just one point in eight postseason games. He certainly delivered in Game 2.

The Stars’ special teams went two-for-five on the power play and successfully killed off three penalties. They also got a lift with the return of Mason Marchment, who had an assist in his first game since being sidelined with an undisclosed injury suffered in Game 2 of their first-round series with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Given the Avs credit for not giving up after falling behind 4-0. However, their top offensive players (Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar) were held scoreless in this contest.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Edmonton Oilers could face Game 2 against the Vancouver Canucks without Leon Draisaitl and Adam Henrique. Draisaitl is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed ailment while Henrique is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. An update on their statuses is expected before tonight’s game.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 18, 2023

by | Oct 18, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 18, 2023

Recaps of Tuesday’s games include Leon Draisaitl setting an Oilers record, the Avalanche tying a league record, plus the Canucks and Penguins making a trade. Details on these and other stories in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman each had four points as the Edmonton Oilers picked up their first win of the season with a 6-1 drubbing of the Nashville Predators. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had three points, Connor McDavid, Warren Foegele and Evan Bouchard each had two points while Jack Campbell kicked out 42 shots for the win. Tommy Novak netted the Predators’s only goal.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl’s two goals came on the powerplay, giving him the franchise record for career tallies on the man advantage with 128. Meanwhile, the Predators held a video tribute to Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm as he returned to Nashville for the first time since being traded to Edmonton last season.

The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1. Mikko Rantanen and Valeri Nichushkin were among the goal scorers for the Avalanche while Alexandar Georgiev got the win with a 37-save performance. Kailer Yamamoto replied for the Kraken, who are winless (0-3-1) in their first four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche tied the league record for consecutive regular-season road wins (14) stretching back to last season.

Vegas Golden Knights forward Jonathan Marchessault scored in the shootout to lift his club to a 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars. William Karlsson and Kaeden Korczak each had a goal and an assist while Adin Hill got the win by stopping 24 shots. Craig Smith and Joe Pavelski replied for the Stars while Jake Oettinger made 32 saves.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights are red-hot to start the season with a league-leading four straight wins. Stars center Roope Hintz made his season debut after being sidelined by an upper-body injury.

The Minnesota Wild scored three power-play goals and tallied twice shorthanded to thump the Montreal Canadiens 5-2. Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello each had three points, Joel Eriksson Ek scored twice and Marc-Andre Fleury made 27 saves for the Wild. Tanner Pearson and Alex Newhook replied for the Canadiens, who lost defenseman Kaiden Guhle to an upper-body injury in the second period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the game, the Canadiens announced that center Kirby Dach (knee injury) is done for the season. Meanwhile, the 38-year-old Fleury soaked up the atmosphere as he played what was likely his final game in Montreal as he faces potential retirement at the end of this season. Speaking of the Wild, defenseman Alex Goligoski missed this game with a lower-body injury.

Former Winnipeg Jets center Pierre-Luc Dubois scored his first goal of the season with the Los Angeles Kings in a 5-1 victory over his former club. Phillip Danault and Trevor Moore each had three points for the Kings. Mark Scheifele replied for the Jets, who lost forward (and former King) Gabriel Vilardi to a lower-body injury in the first period following a hit by Blake Lizotte.

The Buffalo Sabres blew a 2-0 lead but nipped the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on an overtime goal by Dylan Cozens. Zemgus Girgensons and Jeff Skinner also scored while Devon Levi stopped 21 shots for the Sabres as they picked up their first win of the season. Brandon Hagel tallied both Lightning goals as Jonas Johansson made 28 saves.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning captain Steven Stamkos missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury. Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson left this game in the third period with an upper-body injury while winger Victor Olofsson was a healthy scratch.

Four unanswered third-period goals lifted the Carolina Hurricanes to a 6-3 win over the San Jose Sharks. Seth Jarvis tallied twice for the Hurricanes while Tomas Hertl collected two assists for the Sharks as they remain winless (0-2-1) in their first three games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho missed this contest with an upper-body injury. Goaltender Frederik Andersen was pulled early in the first period for precautionary reasons when he appeared dazed after being struck in the mask by a shot. He was replaced by Antti Raanta.

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart turned in a 25-save performance to shut out the Vancouver Canucks 2-0. Flyers center Sean Couturier scored his first goal for the first time since missing all of last season due to back surgery. Thatcher Demko turned aside 40 shots for the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Canucks traded minor leaguers Jack Rathbone and Karel Plasek to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Mark Friedman and forward Ty Glover. The addition of Friedman brings more size and experience to the Canucks blueline. The Canucks also placed defenseman Guillaume Brisebois on long-term injury reserve.

The New York Islanders blanked the Arizona Coyotes 1-0. Mathew Barzal tallied the game’s only goal while Ilya Sorokin made 14 saves for the shutout. Karel Vejmelka kicked out 33 shots for the Coyotes.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils placed goaltender Keith Kinkaid on waivers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 13, 2023

by | Oct 13, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 13, 2023

Recaps of Thursday’s games featured two-goal performances by the Rangers’ Chris Kreider and the Devils’ Jack Hughes plus the Bruins reveal their All-Centennial Team. Details on these and other stories in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider scored a power play and a shorthanded goal in a 5-1 season-opening victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Mika Zibanejad collected three assists while Igor Shesterkin made 23 saves for his 100th career victory to give Peter Laviolette his first win as Rangers head coach. JJ Peterka scored for the Sabres.

New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

The New Jersey Devils opened the season with a two-goal performance by Jack Hughes to hold off the Detroit Red Wings 4-3. Jonas Siegenthaler collected three assists while Vitek Vanecek stopped 32 shots for the win. Alex DeBrincat scored his first goal for the Red Wings while Ville Husso made 23 saves.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny tallied twice, Scott Laughton had two assists and Carter Hart kicked out 31 shots in a 4-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Patrik Laine scored for the Jackets while rookie Adam Fantilli picked up an assist for his first career NHL point.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers center Sean Couturier had an assist and winger Cam Atkinson scored as both players played their first games after being sidelined by injuries for the entirety of last season. Meanwhile, Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski left the game in the second period with a quadriceps contusion following a hit by Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway.

The Minnesota Wild got a 41-save shutout from Filip Gustavsson to blank the Florida Panthers 2-0. Wild rookie (and Minnesota native) Brock Faber scored his first career NHL goal while Joel Eriksson Ek scored and assisted on Faber’s goal. Sergei Bobrovsky made 19 saves for the Panthers.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros stopped 23 shots for his 21st career shutout in a 3-0 win over the Seattle Kraken. Colton Sissons, Gustav Nyquist and Juuso Parssinen scored for the Predators, giving head coach Andrew Brunette his first win behind their bench. Philipp Grubauer made 32 saves for the Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken played without forward Brandon Tanev as he remains sidelined with an upper-body injury. Predators defenseman Luke Schenn was a late scratch from this game with a lower-body injury.

Shootout goals by Jason Robertson and Matt Duchene lifted the Dallas Stars over the St. Louis Blues 2-1. Jamie Benn opened the scoring while Jake Oettinger stopped 23 shots for the Stars. Tyler Tucker replied for the Blues, who got a 33-save effort from Jordan Binnington.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars played without top-line forward Roope Hintz as he continues to nurse an upper-body injury.

Second-period goals by Nic Hague and Nicolas Roy carried the Vegas Golden Knights to a 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks. Logan Thompson made 22 saves for the Golden Knights. Filip Zadina replied for the Sharks.

HEADLINES

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins announced their All-Centennial Team yesterday.

Forwards: Patrice Bergeron, Johnny Bucyk, Wayne Cashman, Bill Cowley, Phil Esposito, David Krejci, Brad Marchand, Rick Middleton, Cam Neely, Terry O’Reilly, David Pastrnak, and Milt Schmidt.

Defense: Ray Bourque, Zdeno Chara, Dit Clapper, Bobby Orr, Brad Park and Eddie Shore.

Goaltenders: Frankie Brimsek and Gerry Cheevers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fans will likely quibble over the same of the names on this list, making for what should be a fun debate. Overall, however, it’s comprised of players who played major roles for the Bruins in their biggest moments over their 100-year history.

Oh, and if they haven’t already chosen the biggest moment in Bruins history, it’s unquestionably Orr’s Stanley Cup winner in 1970. That is the most iconic goal ever scored in the NHL.

TSN: The Los Angeles Kings placed winger Viktor Arvidsson (lower-body injury) on long-term injury reserve. Meanwhile, Kings center Phillip Danault was fined $5,000.00 for slashing Colorado Avalanche forward Ross Colton on Wednesday.

DAILY FACEOFF: *WARNING: GROSSNESS AHEAD!*

Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet revealed the reason why goaltender Thatcher Demko left the game during Wednesday’s 8-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers. Demko was battling the flu and was pulled during the third period after he “puked in his mask,” according to Tocchet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My apologies to those of you who may have been eating when you read this bit, but I did warn you!

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov pointed to the Flyers and their style of play for the decline in his performance during his final three seasons with the club. Provorov was traded to the Jackets in June.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see if there’s any reaction from the Flyers about Provorov’s comments, especially from head coach John Tortorella. Time will tell if his move to the Jackets will improve his game.

Mind you, Provorov does have a point about the Flyers’ style of play. Part of that was due to their coaching changes since 2021, firing Alain Vigneault and going with Mike Yeo on an interim basis before hiring Tortorella in 2022.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Anaheim Ducks rookie Leo Carlsson will miss the club’s season opener on Saturday with a lower-body injury. However, he’s expected to rejoin the lineup at some point next week.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: The Lightning recalled forward Alex Barre-Boulet, which is seen as an indication that winger Tyler Motte will remain sidelined with an injured hand.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ottawa Senators free agent Alex Formenton has signed with Swiss club HC Ambri-Piotta until the end of the calendar year. The club also released a statement referencing an ongoing investigation into sexual assault allegations made toward some unnamed members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team. Formenton was part of that club but hasn’t commented on the investigation nor has he been accused or charged.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Formenton’s contract also contains an out-clause allowing him to return to the NHL.