NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 30, 2020

by | May 30, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 30, 2020

​The latest return-to-play news, Evander Kane calls for white athletes to speak out against police brutality, and updates on Dylan Larkin, Cam Talbot & more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): An interview by Joe Smith and Sean Shapiro with over two dozen NHL players from around the world reveals most don’t have a plan yet to return to their respective clubs during the league Phase 2 of its return-to-play format.

With nearly 15 percent of NHL players outside the United States during the pandemic, most have to work through visa issues, flight plans, and the quarantine program in their respective teams’ cities.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the “nuts and bolts of actual travel” has been left to the team and its players. Player agent Dan Milstein said the league is working with the U.S. Government on extending the players’ visas beyond their June 30 expiration to the end of the playoff tournament. The league reached out to the teams in March regarding player and coach work visa and green card status.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Phase 2 small-group workouts at team facilities are voluntary. Most players living outside the US could prefer training at available facilities in their hometowns until their travel issues are sorted out. Phase 3, which involves a three-week training-camp period for the 24 teams participating in the tournament, is expected to begin sometime in July.

Jesse Granger reports sources are saying MGM Resorts International submitted a detailed proposal to the NHL highlighting its ability to host the postseason in Las Vegas.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vegas is considered the front-runner to become one of the two host cities for the playoff tournament. It has the training, accommodation, transportation, and entertainment facilities to host the players and perhaps even their families during the tournament period. The local desert climate, however, could be an issue. Maintaining the ice in the arenas will be a challenge, especially in the early going when three games per day could be played.

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: San Jose Sharks winger Evander Kane called upon prominent white athletes to speak out against police brutality against African-Americans.

San Jose Sharks winger Evander Kane (Photo via NHL Images).

 “It’s time for guys like (Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback) Tom Brady and (Pittsburgh Penguins center) Sidney Crosby and those types of figures to speak up about what is right, and clearly in this case, what is unbelievably wrong. Because that’s the only way we’re gonna actually create that unified anger to create that necessary change, especially when you talk about systematic racism.”

Kane praised his teammates for being supportive of his views. Sharks owner Hasso Plattner shared his support in a statement on Friday. Kane believes hockey’s culture, which frowns upon outspokenness, prevents his fellow players from speaking their minds and standing up for what’s right.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some athletes by nature aren’t comfortable with taking a public stance on social issues. In recent years, the NHL launched its “Hockey Is For Everyone” campaign “to provide a safe, positive and inclusive environment for players and families regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, disability, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.” However, that’s not the same as taking a public stance regarding those issues. It’ll be interesting to see how many NHL stars heed Kane’s call. 

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman intends to name a captain for his team. Dylan Larkin is considered the prime candidate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As he should be. He’s been the de facto captain for the past two seasons.

SPORTSNET: The University of Alabama-Huntsville’s hockey program was saved after supporters raised over $535K, aided in part by Calgary Flames goalie (and UAH alumni) Cam Talbot.

VANCOUVER SUN: The Vancouver Canucks have parted ways with scouting director Judd Brackett over a contract dispute. Brackett reportedly sought more autonomy over the scouting department. During his tenure from August 2015 to his departure, the Canucks drafted foundation players Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes.

ARIZONA SPORTS: If play resumes this season, the Coyotes intend to return in their vintage Kachina jerseys.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes extended their lease at PNC Arena to July 2029.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That should silence those occasional (and baseless) rumors suggesting the Hurricanes could be relocated to a “real hockey market”.

THE TENNESSEAN: Renovations to Bridgestone Arena, home of the Nashville Predators, have been delayed.

 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 12, 2020

by | Apr 12, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 12, 2020

The hockey world mourns the passing of Colby Cave, plus the latest on Dylan Larkin, Kevan Miller and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers forward Colby Cave passed away at age 25, four days following surgery to remove a colloid cyst that was causing pressure on his brain.

Colby Cave. 1994-2020. (Photo via NHL Images)

His passing sparked an outpouring of support and condolences throughout the hockey world. The Oilers and Cave’s former club, the Boston Bruins, offered their commiserations, as did the NHL, the AHL. and his junior club, the Swift Current Broncos. Wayne Gretzky,  Erik Karlsson, and Torey Krug were among those who took to Twitter offering sympathy and support to Cave’s family.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was heartbreaking news. My sincere condolences to Cave’s family, friends, and family. By all accounts, he was an upstanding young man with a strong work ethic. It’s so sad when a young life is ended before it has truly begun.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: The Lightning’s chances to atone for the dissatisfying end to their otherwise dominant 2018-19 campaign could be slipping away if this season is canceled because of the coronavirus.

Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh said it would be a huge disappointment. “For what our team has done this year, and how we’ve set ourselves up, the additions that we’ve made, where we were at that point in the season with just a handful of games left and trying to gear up for a long playoff run and a successful playoff run, you just hope and you pray that there’s some scenario out there where we can somehow finish.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s easy to say they’ll get another shot next season, but the Lightning might not be the same club by then. Limited salary-cap space means they’ll have to shed a player or two (Alex Killorn, perhaps?) in order to re-sign Anthony Cirelli and Mikhail Sergachev. Unrestricted free agents like Patrick Maroon and Kevin Shattenkirk probably won’t be back. Those moves could adversely affect their overall chemistry and depth.

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Red Wings center Dylan Larkin and his family donated 50,000 vinyl powder-free and nitrile gloves to the Detroit Medical Center and St Joseph Mercy Medical Group.

BOSTON GLOBE: Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller encountered some setbacks during his rehab of his twice-broken kneecap. An unrestricted free agent at the end of his season, his future with the Bruins is in doubt.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks forward Nikolay Goldobin has signed a two-year contract with CSKA Moscow of the KHL. He explained the Canucks didn’t want to re-sign him but hopes to return to the NHL in two-years time.










For NHL Players, Trade Deadline A Harrowing Experience

by | Feb 15, 2020

For NHL Players, Trade Deadline A Harrowing Experience

 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 1, 2020

by | Jan 1, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 1, 2020

Another milestone for Marc-Andre Fleury, hat-trick performances by James Neal, Zach Werenski, and Kyle Connor, Jake Guentzel sidelined for months, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NHL.COM: Marc-Andre Fleury picked up his 455th career victory as the Vegas Golden Knights downed the Anaheim Ducks 5-2. He moves into sole possession of sixth place on the all-time wins list. Jonathan Marchessault scored twice for the Golden Knights, who move atop the Pacific Division standings with 50 points.

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury moves into sixth place on the NHL’s all-time wins list (Photo via NHL Images).

A hat trick by James Neal and a four-point effort by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins helped the Edmonton Oilers hold off the New York Rangers 7-5. The Oilers ran up a 6-0 lead before the Rangers made it interesting with four third-period goals. Rangers winger Artemi Panarin picked up four points. The Oilers (46 points) hold a one-point lead over the Flames for the final Western Conference wild-card berth.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski tallied his first career hat trick and Elvis Merzlikins picked up his first career NHL victory in a 4-1 victory over the Florida Panthers, spoiling former Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky’s return to Columbus. Earlier in the day, the Jackets announced goalie Joonas Korpisalo will be sidelined four-to-six weeks following surgery on his right knee.

Kyle Connor’s second career hat trick carried the Winnipeg Jets to a 7-4 win over the slumping Colorado Avalanche. Mark Scheifele collected four points while Blake Wheeler, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Jack Roslovic each had three-point performances. Nathan MacKinnon tallied twice for the Avs, who’s lost five of their last six games. Jets center Mathieu Perreault returned to the lineup following a six-game absence with a concussion.

Alex Killorn scored two goals as the Tampa Bay Lightning overcame a 4-1 deficit to defeat the Buffalo Sabres 6-4. Killorn and Tyler Johnson each finished with three points, as did the Sabres’ Conor Sheary. With 46 points, the Lightning move into third place in the Atlantic Division.

Patrick Kane scored twice and set up two others as the Chicago Blackhawks doused the Calgary Flames 5-3. Blackhawks goalie Robin Lehner had a 41-save performance.

The St. Louis Blues’ eight-game win streak ended in a 3-1 loss to the Arizona Coyotes. Antti Raanta made 38 stops while Phil Kessel netted the game-winner. Earlier in the day, the Coyotes placed defenseman Aaron Ness on waivers.

The New Jersey Devils overcame a 2-0 deficit to upset the Boston Bruins 3-2 on a shootout goal by Damon Severson. Bruins goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 42 saves in a losing cause, but the Bruins did pick up a point to extend their streak to eight games.

New York Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov kicked out 38 shots (18 in the third period) as his club edged the Washington Capitals 4-3. Casey Cizikas scored twice for the Isles while Evgeny Kuznetsov tallied two goals for the Capitals.

The Toronto Maple Leafs picked up their seventh win in their last eight contests by beating the Minnesota Wild 4-1. Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander each had a goal and an assist. Earlier in the day, the Leafs re-signed defenseman Justin Holl to a three-year contract extension worth an annual average value of $2 million.

The Montreal Canadiens dropped their third straight game, falling 3-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes. They also lost winger Brendan Gallagher to a possible concussion after being accidentally kneed in the head by teammate Ben Chiarot. Hurricanes forwards Erik Haula and Teuvo Teravainen each had two points.The Habs have fallen to 12th overall in the Eastern Conference.

The Detroit Red Wings snapped a six-game losing skid by blanking the San Jose Sharks 2-0. Jonathan Bernier made 34 saves for the shutout while Tyler Bertuzzi and Filip Hronek were the goal scorers.

A four-goal first period powered the Los Angeles Kings over the Philadelphia Flyers 5-3. Jonathan Quick made 32 saves while Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe each collected two points.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel will be sidelined four-to-six months following surgery on his right shoulder after Monday’s game against the Ottawa Senators. Penguins center Evgeni Malkin was fined $5,000.00 and Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau $2,500.00 for their late-game scrum.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guentzel’s absence is a big blow to the injury-ravaged Penguins. With 20 goals and 43 points in 39 games, he had been selected to participate in the 2020 All-Star Game later this month in St. Louis. His lengthy absence could provide an opportunity for struggling Penguins winger Alex Galchenyuk, who was the subject of frequent trade speculation in recent weeks.










NHL Teams Constantly Seek To Conjure Up Chemistry

by | Oct 12, 2019

NHL Teams Constantly Seek To Conjure Up Chemistry

 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 4, 2019

by | Oct 4, 2019

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 4, 2019

Game recaps, injury updates, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba collected three points (a goal and two assists) against his former team as the Rangers downed the Winnipeg Jets 6-4. Teammate Mika Zibanejad had a four-point performance for the Rangers.  Nikolaj Ehlers had three assists and Blake Wheeler potted two goals for the Jets.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba enjoyed a three-point performance against his former club in a 6-4 victory over the Winnipeg Jets (Photo via NHL Images).

The Tampa Bay Lightning spoiled the Florida Panthers debut of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and coach Joel Quenneville with a 5-2 victory. The Bolts tallied three unanswered third-period goals. Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov – the reigning league scoring leader and MVP – tallied a goal and an assist.

Mikko Rantanen and Joonas Donskoi scored twice as the Colorado Avalanche beat the Calgary Flames 5-3. Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan had two points each for the Flames. Earlier in the day, the Flames announced general manager Brad Treliving signed a contract extension.

The Nashville Predators netted four unanswered third-period goals to defeat the Minnesota Wild 5-2. Matt Duchene collected three assists in his Predators debut while teammates Ryan Ellis and Filip Forsberg each had two points.

A 28-save performance by Tuukka Rask carried the Boston Bruins to a 2-1 win over the Dallas Stars. Brett Ritchie and Danton Heinen scored for the Bruins. Boston center David Krejci missed the game due to a lower-body injury. Stars forwards Blake Comeau and Jason Dickinson and defenseman Roman Polak left the game with various injuries. Comeau (lower body) is expected to be sidelined for weeks and Dickinson (upper body) for a week. Polak was stretchered from the game and a further update on his condition is expected today.

Connor Sheary scored twice against his former club to lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 3-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was the Sabres’ first regulation win against the Penguins in over six years.

Dougie Hamilton’s shootout goal gave the Carolina Hurricanes a 4-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Earlier in the day, the Canadiens placed defenseman Gustav Olofsson on waivers.

John Gibson kicked out 28 shots as the Anaheim Ducks edged the Arizona Coyotes 2-1. Winger Phil Kessel had an assist in his Coyotes’ debut.

IN OTHER NEWS…

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers defenseman Adam Larsson suffered a broken bone in his foot or ankle during the club’s season-opener against Vancouver on Wednesday. He’s been placed on long-term injury reserve. The club called up Evan Bouchard from their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larsson’s absence creates a big hole in the Oilers’ defense corps. However, it also provides an opportunity for young Bouchard to prove himself at the NHL level.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schmidt suffered the injury following a knee-on-knee collision with San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture on Wednesday.

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Good news for the Red Wings as first-line center Dylan Larkin expects to be good to go for his club’s season-opener on Saturday against Nashville. Larkin was shaken up earlier in the week when he crashed into the boards during practice.

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson missed his club’s season-opener on Wednesday as his wife was giving birth to a daughter.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Karlssons lost a child to miscarriage last year. My congratulations on the birth of their healthy baby girl.