NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 28, 2023

by | Dec 28, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 28, 2023

A record-setting performance by the Penguins’ Kris Letang, the Coyotes stage a four-goal comeback win over the Avalanche, Connor Bedard snipes an overtime winner for the Blackhawks, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: Kris Letang enjoyed a record-setting performance as his Pittsburgh Penguins crushed the New York Islanders 7-0. Five of Letang’s six assists came in the second period, which is a record for the most points in one period by an NHL defenseman. Evgeni Malkin and Jake Guentzel each scored two goals while Marcus Pettersson collected four assists for the 16-13-4 Penguins (36 points), who sit three points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. The Islanders (16-9-9) sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 40 points.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Letang also became the seventh defenseman in league history to record six assists in a game, joining such luminaries as Bobby Orr, Paul Coffey, Pat Stapleton and Gary Suter. Malkin also surpassed Sergei Fedorov for the second-most goals scored by a Russian NHL player with 484.

The Arizona Coyotes overcame a 4-0 deficit to defeat the Colorado Avalanche 5-4 on an overtime goal by Jack McBain. Sean Durzi had a goal and three assists for the Coyotes (18-14-2) as they hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 38 points. Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen each had a goal and an assist for the Avalanche (21-11-3) as they sit in first place in the Central Division with 45 points. MacKinnon’s point streak sits at 19 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a dozen times this season: don’t sleep on the Coyotes. They’ll bite you if you do. This is a club loaded with blossoming talent that has made steady improvement under head coach Andre Tourigny. One of those good young players is defenseman JJ Moser, who remains sidelined with an upper-body injury but is expected to return to action soon.

Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard became the third-youngest player in NHL history to score a regular-season overtime goal in a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. The 18-year-old Bedard also scored in regulation while goaltender Petr Mrazek stopped 37 shots for the 11-22-1 Blackhawks. Morgan Barron replied for the 20-9-4 Jets, who sit one point behind the Avalanche in the Central standings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You know, I think this Bedard kid’s gonna have a long and productive career (insert winky face emoji here).

The Carolina Hurricanes downed the Nashville Predators 5-2. Center Sebastian Aho had a goal and three assists to surpass the 500-point career milestone while Pyotr Kochetkov made 35 saves as the Hurricanes improved to 18-13-4 and hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 40 points. Ryan O’Reilly had a goal and an assist for the 19-16-0 Predators as they hold the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 38 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Aho is the fourth player in Hurricanes history to reach the 500-point plateau, joining Ron Francis (1,175), Eric Staal (775) and Kevin Dineen (544).

New York Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller had two goals and an assist in a 5-1 victory over the Washington Capitals. Mika Zibanejad collected two assists in his 800th career NHL game as the Rangers (24-8-1) moved past the idle Vancouver Canucks into first place in the overall standings with 49 points. Anthony Mantha scored for the 17-10-5 Capitals as they cling to the final Eastern wild-card spot with 39 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers captain Jacob Trouba left this game in the second period with an upper-body injury. An update on his status is expected on Thursday.

An overtime goal by Timo Meier lifted the New Jersey Devils over the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3. Dawson Mercer had a goal and two assists while Luke Hughes tied the game late in the third period for the Devils (18-13-2) with a spectacular end-to-end rush. Elvis Merzlikins stopped 31 shots for the 11-18-7 Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils (38 points) are now one point out of an Eastern wild-card spot. They did so without forward Curtis Lazar as he’s listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski left the game with a lower-body injury following a collision with Devils winger Ondrej Palat.

The Florida Panthers nipped the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 3-2. Sam Reinhart scored twice while Aleksander Barkov collected three assists for the 20-12-2 Panthers as they sit in second place in the Atlantic Division with 42 points. Nikita Kucherov and Michael Eyssimont scored for the Lightning (17-14-5) as they sit behind the Capitals in the Eastern standings with the latter holding four games in hand.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kucherov remains the league’s leading scorer with 58 points but the Avs’ Nathan MacKinnon has cut his lead to two points.

Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson tallied twice as his club overcame a 2-0 deficit in a 4-2 upset of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Joonas Korpisalo kicked out 34 shots while Brady Tkachuk picked up his 300th career NHL point for the 13-17-0 Senators. William Nylander picked up an assist to extend his points streak to 12 games as the Leafs (17-9-6) sit third in the Atlantic Division with 40 points.

The Boston Bruins snapped a four-game losing skid with a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Charlie Coyle netted two goals for the 20-7-6 Bruins as they sit second in the Eastern Conference with 46 points. Erik Johnson scored for the 14-18-4 Sabres, who were playing without Tage Thompson as he was absent from the club for personal reasons.

A four-goal third period carried the Minnesota Wild over the Detroit Red Wings 6-3. Marcus Johansson scored twice and collected an assist for the Wild (16-13-4) as they picked up their fourth straight win and sit two points out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot with 36 points. Alex DeBrincat had a goal and an assist for the slumping Red Wings (16-15-4) as they sit three points out of an Eastern wild-card spot with 36 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Patrick Kane has been among the few bright spots for the Wings during their current slide. He scored in this game to extend his points streak to five games and now has 11 points in as many games, showing no ill effects thus far from his offseason hip resurfacing procedure.

St. Louis Blues goalie Joel Hofer made a career-high 39 saves in a 2-1 win over the Dallas Stars. Jake Neighbours and Marco Scandella scored for the 18-15-1 Blues (37 points) as they’ve won three straight to move within a point of a Western Conference wild-card spot. Jason Robertson replied for the 20-9-4 Stars as they slipped to third place in the Central Division with 44 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars and Jets have identical records but the Jets have more regulation wins with 18.

The Seattle Kraken nipped the Calgary Flames 2-1. Goalie Chris Driedger stopped 37 shots in his first NHL game since May 1, 2022, while Alex Wennberg and Kailer Yamamoto scored for the 13-14-9 Kraken as they extended their points streak to seven games. Nazem Kadri replied for the 14-16-5 Flames.

A four-goal first period gave the Anaheim Ducks a 5-2 upset win over the Vegas Golden Knights. John Gibson made 30 saves while Brett Leason scored twice for the 13-21-0 Ducks while Mark Stone and Alec Martinez replied for the 21-10-5 Golden Knights, who sit second in the Pacific Division with 47 points.

The Los Angeles Kings beat the San Jose Sharks 5-1. Adrian Kempe scored twice for the Kings (20-7-4) as they sit third in the Pacific Division with 44 points. Fabian Zetterlund scored his 10th over the season for the 9-23-3 Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood missed this game with an illness while teammate Jacob MacDonald (lower body) was placed on injured reserve. Meanwhile, Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov returned to action after missing five games with a lower-body injury.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 18, 2023

by | Dec 18, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 18, 2023

The annual holiday roster freeze is from Dec. 20-27. Check out the latest on the Penguins and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE PENGUINS CONSIDER MOVING CROSBY, MALKIN OR LETANG?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski weighed in on how recent comments by Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas sparked speculation about whether he’d consider rebuilding if his struggling club didn’t improve soon.

Kingerski doesn’t dismiss the possibility of Dubas peddling Erik Karlsson, who agreed to be traded to Pittsburgh this summer because he wanted to win. He can also see pending free-agent winger Jake Guentzel getting shopped by the March trade deadline. Rickard Rakell, Reilly Smith, Lars Eller, Noel Acciari or Ryan Graves could be trade bait if Dubas decides it’s time for a change.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

However, Kingerski doesn’t see Dubas attempting to move long-time core stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin or Kris Letang. He believes the Penguins are getting the best out of those three while the rest of the roster is struggling. The only one he thinks might accept a trade is Malkin, as he was ready to move on as a free agent in 2022 because it felt like the previous management didn’t want him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The only way I see Crosby, Malkin or Letang getting traded right now is if they ask for it. Maybe one of them might want out in a couple of years. Perhaps Crosby will move on when his contract expires in 2025. However, if they insist on finishing their careers in Pittsburgh, their no-movement clauses will ensure that they stay put.

COULD THE OILERS MAKE ANOTHER BIG SPLASH AT THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell believes the Edmonton Oilers could pull off another big splash at the March 8 trade deadline comparable to their acquisition of Mattias Ekholm before last season’s deadline.

Mitchell suggests the Oilers could do it without having to include Jack Campbell in the deal. They could package a first-round pick, a promising player such as Philip Broberg or Dylan Holloway, and a player such as Warren Foegele or Brett Kulak.

Trade targets could include a defenseman such as the Calgary Flames Chris Tanev or the Philadelphia Flyers blueliner Sean Walker, or a goaltender like the Detroit Red Wings’ James Reimer, the Flames’ Daniel Vladar or the Nashville Predator’s Juuse Saros, though Mitchell acknowledged he’d be “an extreme long shot.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the Oilers rolling the dice again at the trade deadline if they’re in playoff contention by March 8. They’re in “win-now” mode and could be willing to sacrifice a first-rounder, especially if it’s for a player they could retain beyond this season. Broberg, Holloway, Foegele and Kulak have surfaced in the rumor mill at various times in recent months.

Mitchell’s colleague Daniel Nugent-Bowman believes the Oilers need another goaltender to relieve Stuart Skinner and push him for the starter’s job. They also need improvement among their top-four defense, depth at center and among their middle-six forwards.

As for Mitchell’s suggested targets, trades between the Flames and Oilers are rare but they do happen, with the most notable recent example being Milan Lucic getting swapped for James Neal in 2019. Nevertheless, I see Walker or Reimer seem to be more likely targets than Tanev or Vladar.

Saros isn’t going anywhere. Earlier this season, Predators GM Barry Trotz indicated he wants to open contract extension talks next summer. With his club having battled back into playoff contention thanks in part to Saros, Trotz has no reason to trade his starting goaltender.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 14, 2023

by | Dec 14, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 14, 2023

Are more changes in store for the Blues following their coaching change? What’s the latest Penguins speculation? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD MORE CHANGES BE IN STORE FOR THE BLUES

NHL NETWORK (via KUKLA’S KORNER): Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman looked at other possible moves for the St. Louis Blues following their coaching change.

He noted that general manager Doug Armstrong indicated in his press conference that there was no guarantee that interim head coach Drew Bannister would be in that role for the remainder of the season. Bannister was head coach of their AHL affiliate in Springfield before Berube’s firing.

St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong (NHL.com).

Friedman thinks Armstrong has “specific people he wants to talk to” regarding his club’s head-coaching position. He wondered if one of them could be former Edmonton Oilers bench boss Jay Woodcroft.

Asked if other personnel changes could be in store, he noted that Armstrong isn’t afraid to make bold moves. He pointed out the Blues had a deal in place last summer with the Philadelphia Flyers that would’ve sent defenseman Torey Krug to the Flyers for blueliner Travis Sanheim but Krug invoked his no-trade clause to spike the deal. He also observed that Armstrong tried to trade struggling winger Jakub Vrana before putting him on waivers.

Friedman doesn’t think Armstrong is trying to trade players such as Robert Thomas or Colton Parayko. However, he wouldn’t be surprised if the Blues GM could make some roster changes if things don’t improve soon.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford noted Armstrong said making roster changes was difficult to achieve during his press conference on Wednesday. The Blues GM said he’s spoken to teams and seen what’s out there. Nevertheless, he stressed that nobody in their current group should feel safe right now. “I mean player-wise, management-wise.”

If the Blues fail to improve, Armstrong said he’s not against buying players out who carry long-term contracts with no-trade clauses, though he feels that’s not his first course of action. He’s also not against demoting players to the Blues’ AHL farm team if he feels they’re not pulling their weight. He said that nothing can be off the table for management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues are just one point out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot. Big changes to the roster probably won’t happen as long as they remain competitive for a playoff berth. If they collapse and tumble down the standings, perhaps more significant moves will be in store.

Those Blues carrying long-term contracts with no-trade clauses include forwards Brayden Schenn and Brandon Saad, defensemen such as Krug, Parayko, Justin Faulk and Nick Leddy, and goaltender Jordan Binnington. Any attempt to move one or more of those players likely won’t happen until next summer at the earliest assuming any of them would waive their no-trade clauses.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun noted Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas’ remarks on Monday about deciding on the club’s future by the All-Star break in February. He believes Dubas wants to give his current roster time to overcome their current woes in the standings and prove to him what they have.

Dubas is on a seven-year contract. LeBrun believes that gives him time to implement a long-term vision while hoping to avoid a roster teardown for as long as possible. He also suggested that Sidney Crosby’s contract (which runs through 2024-25) could be the most important target date for Dubas’ plans.

Given the contracts of Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang, it won’t be easy to stage a roster teardown. However, LeBrun points out that Dubas’ acquisition of Karlsson last summer shows where there’s a will there’s a way.

LeBrun doubts those players would block a trade to a contender if Dubas goes into teardown mode. The question then becomes how much salary would the Penguins have to retain to move them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The acquisition of Karlsson (and that of Reilly Smith) was to provide a short-term boost to the Penguins roster to give their core of Crosby, Malkin, Letang and Jake Guentzel one more opportunity to stage a run for the Stanley Cup before their contracts expire or age catches up with them.

If Crosby wants to stay in Pittsburgh it’ll be interesting to see how long he’ll want to stick around, especially if the Penguins are heading into a rebuild or if it appears to be on the horizon.

Dubas is just trying to put it off for as long as possible until most of those players are finished with their contracts or in the final year of their deals. By that point, the rebuild can begin in earnest.

A roster rebuild is inevitable. It could come much sooner than Dubas or the Penguins’ veteran core expected it to occur.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2023

by | Aug 23, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2023

The Lightning sign Brandon Hagel to an eight-year contract extension, the Coyotes extend coach Andre Tourigny’s contract, a columnist joins Kris Letang for a workout, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Tampa Bay Lightning yesterday announced the signing of Brandon Hagel on an eight-year, $52 million contract extension. The 24-year-old winger is currently on the final season of his three-year, $4.5 million deal.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hagel’s getting a significant annual pay raise from $1.5 million to $6.5 million when his new contract kicks in for 2024-25. However, the 24-year-old winger earned it by quickly becoming a key part of the Lightning roster following his acquisition from the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2021-22 season.

Hagel reached career highs last season with 30 goals and 34 assists for 64 points. He’s now in his playing prime and should remain an important part of their core forwards over the life of his new contract.

GOPHNX.COM’s Craig Morgan reports the Arizona Coyotes have reached an agreement on a contract extension with head coach Andre Tourigny. Terms were not announced. It’s also believed his assistant coaches will also receive extensions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tourigny is entering his third season on his current deal with the Coyotes. The club showed improvement last season with 70 points, up from 57 from the previous year.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Columnist Matt Vensel recently took part in an offseason workout in Montreal with Penguins defenseman Kris Letang and his personal trainer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vensel’s brief foray as Letang’s workout partner is a fascinating look at the hard work that the 36-year-old blueliner puts himself through in preparation for the upcoming NHL season.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: The Red Wings signed center Joe Veleno to a one-year, $825K contract.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche signed center Peter Holland to a professional tryout offer.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Flyers signed 2023 first-round pick Oliver Bonk to an entry-level contract. The 18-year-old defenseman was chosen 22nd overall.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Edmonton Oilers have hired Rick Pracey as their Director of Amateur Scouting, parting ways with Tyler Wright.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: cited TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reporting the NHL has cleared defenseman Logan Mailloux to play with the Canadiens. Mailloux, 20, played his final season of junior hockey in 2022-23 with the OHL’s London Knights.

Three years ago while playing in Sweden, Mailloux was charged under Swedish law with defamation and offensive photography when he shared explicit, non-consensual photos with his teammates.

Mailloux was fined for the offenses and was suspended by the OHL for all but 12 games of the 2021-22 season. He also had to receive permission from league Commissioner Gary Bettman to play in the NHL following his junior career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As per the report, Mailloux has expressed remorse for his actions and has taken part in a series of educational events involving the Montreal Canadiens Foundation. He could start the season with the Canadiens AHL affiliate in Laval.

Mailloux appears to have earned the opportunity for a second chance. It’s up to him to make the most of it.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2023

by | Jun 27, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2023

Connor McDavid tops the list of winners at the 2023 NHL Awards, the First and Second All-Star Teams and All-Rookie Teams are announced, the Bruins trade Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno to the Blackhawks and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

2023 NHL AWARDS, ALL-STAR AND ALL-ROOKIE TEAMS

NHL.COM: Connor McDavid was the big winner at the 2023 NHL Awards. The Edmonton Oilers captain took home the Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player to his team and the Ted Lindsay Award as the league’s most outstanding player as voted by fellow members of the NHL Players Association.

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

McDavid had already won the Art Ross Trophy as this season’s leading scorer and the Maurice Richard Trophy as the top goal scorer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid is just the third player to win the Lindsay Award four times, joining Wayne Gretzky (five times) and Mario Lemieux (four times). He also joins Washington’s Alex Ovechkin (2007-08) as the only two players to win the Hart, Lindsay, Ross and Richard trophies in the same season.

The Boston Bruins had three trophy winners. Captain Patrice Bergeron won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the top defensive forward for the second straight season and a record sixth time. Linus Ullmark won the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender and Jim Montgomery was the winner of the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year.

Erik Karlsson of the San Jose Sharks won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the top defenseman. It’s the third time he’s been honored with this award.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson joins Paul Coffey as the only two blueliners to go eight-plus years between Norris Trophy wins. Frequently mentioned in trade rumors, this could further boost his stock in the trade market. He led the Sharks and all defensemen with 101 points, becoming the first blueliner since Brian Leetch in 1991-92 to reach the 100-point plateau.

Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers took home the Calder Memorial Trophy as the rookie of the year. He’s the first player in the club’s two-year history to win an NHL award. He led all rookies this season with 57 points in 80 games.

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as the league’s most gentlemanly player. It’s the second time he’s been honored with this award.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks denigrate this award but I think it’s worthwhile to honor players such as Kopitar who play with a high level of skill while taking few penalties. They should be singled out for their disciplined play in a physical sport like hockey.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was the winner of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy honoring his perseverance and dedication to the game. He endure a stroke (the second of his career) and the death of his father yet finished the season with 41 points in 64 games.

Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his charity work.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Backlund’s future with the Flames remains uncertain after he was noncommital in April about signing a contract extension. He told reporters that he’s since spoken with new Flames general manager Craig Conroy as well as his agent but said the situation is out of his hands. “We’ll see what happens,” he said.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos took home the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award.

McDavid, Karlsson and Ullmark also joined Dallas Stars left winger Jason Robertson, Boston Bruins right winger David Pastrnak and New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox as this season’s First All-Star Team.

McDavid’s teammate Leon Draisaitl, Rangers left winger Artemi Panarin, Florida Panthers right wing Matthew Tkachuk, Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm and Colorado Avalanche blueliner Cale Makar and New York Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin are this season’s Second All-Star Team.

Beniers joins Stars forward Wyatt Johnston and Arizona Coyotes winger Mattias Macelli, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power and Ottawa Senators blueliner Jake Sanderson and Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner as the NHL’s 2022-23 All-Rookie Team.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW/NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Prior to the NHL Awards, the Bruins traded left wing Taylor Hall and the rights to forward Nick Foligno to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defensemen Alec Regula and Ian Mitchell.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a salary dump by the cap-strapped Bruins, shipping out Hall’s $6 million average annual value through 2024-25 to the rebuilding Blackhawks. Reports indicate the Hawks were not on Hall’s 16-team no-trade list.

The move gives the Bruins over $10 million in cap room for 2023-24. That’s prompted speculation they’ll use some of it to re-sign winger Tyler Bertuzzi, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Adding Hall should provide the Blackhawks with an experienced linemate and mentor for Connor Bedard, who is expected to be their selection with the first-overall pick during the opening round of this year’s draft on Wednesday. Hall was chosen first overall by the Oilers in the 2010 draft. His cap hit also helps them reach the salary-cap minimum ($61.7 million) for 2023-24.

Foligno is slated to become a UFA on July 1. This move gives the Blackhawks a few days before that date to negotiate a potential contract with him.

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: The Flyers attempt to trade defenseman Tony DeAngelo back to the Carolina Hurricanes has been held up because of a rule in the collective bargaining agreement regarding trades and salary retention.

The rule states that a team cannot reacquire a player whom they have retained salary from for a minimum of one year after the date of the transaction. The Hurricanes traded DeAngelo to the Flyers on July 8, 2022, meaning they’ll have to wait until July 8 of this year before the trade will be finalized.

The league is to meet with both clubs about this issue during the upcoming draft before reaching a decision.

TSN: Former St. Louis Blues forward Alex Steen has rejoined the club in their hockey operations department working with the club’s prospects. He spent 12 of his 15 NHL seasons with the Blues.

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: The Predators announced they’ve hired former goaltender Pekka Rinne as their European development coach and scout.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Anaheim Ducks goalie coach Sudarshan “Sudsie” Maharaj has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He has been undergoing treatment and is scheduled for surgery. He anticipates returning to his role with the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Maharaj for a quick and full recovery.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 3, 2023

by | Apr 3, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 3, 2023

The Bruins reach the 60-win milestone, the Kings clinch a playoff berth, the Rangers reach 100 points for the second straight season and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Boston Bruins became the fourth team in NHL history to win 60 games in a season with a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues on a shootout goal by Charlie Coyle. Linus Ullmark made 35 saves for the Bruins as they sit first overall (60-12-5) with 125 points. Jordan Kyrou scored two goals and Tory Krug another as the Blues (35-35-7) overcame a 3-0 deficit but the loss officially eliminated them from playoff contention.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins join the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens, the 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings and the 2018-19 Tampa Bay Lightning as the only clubs to reach the 60-point plateau. With five games remaining in their schedule, they could break the record of 62 wins held by the Wings and Lightning.

Los Angeles Kings forward Alex Iafallo scored twice in a 4-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks to clinch a playoff berth. Anze Kopitar collected two assists for the 45-22-10 Kings as they vaulted over the Edmonton Oilers into second place in the Pacific Division with 100 points. Brock Boeser replied for the 34-35-7 Canucks.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

The New York Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals 5-2 to earn consecutive 100-point seasons for the third time in franchise history. Artemi Panarin collected three assists for the 45-21-11 Rangers (101 points) as they sit third in the Metropolitan Division. The Capitals fell to 34-34-9 and have dropped seven of their last eight games. They also played without Trevor van Riemsdyk and T.J. Oshie as both were sidelined by upper-body injuries.

Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers scored two goals in a 6-1 trouncing of the New Jersey Devils. Connor Hellebuyck made 31 saves for the 43-31-3 Jets (89 points) as they remain two points ahead of the Calgary Flames for the final Western Conference wild-card berth. Nico Hischier replied for the 48-21-8 Devils as they remain three points behind the Metro Division-leading Carolina Hurricanes with 104 points.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, they got goals from Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Jordan Martinook to nip the New York Islanders 2-1. Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored for the Islanders while teammate Ilya Sorokin stopped 33 shots. The Hurricanes (49-18-9) have 107 points on the season while the 39-30-9 Islanders (87 points) cling to the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang skated in his 1,000th career NHL game as he and his teammates doubled up the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2. Rickard Rakell scored twice while Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin collected two assists each as the 38-29-10 Penguins (86 points) moved one point ahead of the Florida Panther into the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth. The Flyers fell to 29-34-13.

The Calgary Flames kept pace with the Jets by overcoming 2-0 and 4-3 deficits for a 5-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks on third-period goals by Milan Lucic and Michael Stone. Dan Vlader got the win with 11 saves after replacing Jacob Markstrom to start the second period. The 36-26-15 Flames are two back of the Jets with 87 points. The Ducks sank to 23-44-10 on the season.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin tallied a hat trick to upset the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2. Alex Nedeljkovic kicked out 43 shots for the 34-33-9 Red Wings. John Tavares and Calle Jarnkrok replied for the Leafs, who also lost goalie Matt Murray to injury following an accidental collision with Wings forward Lucas Raymond in the first period. The Leafs (45-21-10) hold second place in the Atlantic Division with 100 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs also rested winger Mitch Marner and defensemen Mark Giordano and Jake McCabe from this game as they prepare for the upcoming playoffs. They will be facing the Tampa Bay Lightning in the opening round.

An overtime goal by Kirill Marchenko lifted the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 4-3 upset of the Ottawa Senators. Marchenko and Johnny Gaudreau each finished with two points for the 24-44-8 Blue Jackets. Dylan Gambrell, Mark Kastelic and Alex DeBrincat replied for the 37-34-6 Senators, who sit six points behind the Penguins for the final Eastern wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators, Penguins and Panthers each have five games remaining in their respective schedules. The Sens must run the table while hoping the Penguins and Panthers stall out in their remaining contests.