NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 1, 2020

by | Jun 1, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 1, 2020

The league and several teams release statements against racism, Henrik Lundqvist talks about his future, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NHL.COM: The league released a statement sharing the sentiment expressed by their teams and players calling for racial justice and speaking out against “racism, hatred, bigotry and violence.”

 

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs released a statement on Twitter yesterday speaking out against racism. Leafs star Auston Matthews, whose mother is from Mexico, shared his thoughts on Twitter.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (Photo via NHL Images).

“As a Latino American it is impossible for me to understand and fathom what others endure,” Matthews said. “My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have lost loved ones and who have endured pain and suffering due to hateful racist attitudes and beliefs. The world must unite not divide. We need to stand together in support of justice, love and peace for all. We need change.”

THE SCORE: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Mathieu Joseph hopes the protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis will lead to positive societal changes.

“It is not enough to be non-racist and events unfolding today have proven that. But violent protests are not the answers or a good way to be anti-racist … we need to focus on the solution. On making a change in the way we educate children.”

DKPITTSBURGHSPORTS.COM: Thirteen teams joined the league released statements yesterday addressing the nationwide protests and discussions over racial inequality sparked by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. They include the Leafs, Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, Vegas Golden Knights, Washington Capitals, and Seattle’s NHL expansion franchise.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: San Jose Sharks winger Evander Kane called upon white athletes last week to take a stand against racial injustice. It looks like his message was heard by the league and individual players, particularly given the protests unfolding across America. Over the weekend, Sharks captain Logan Couture and Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler also spoke out.

I daresay we’ll see more teams and players add their voices to a growing chorus of condemnation against racism, bigotry, and violence in society. Perhaps this also signals a significant step toward addressing those issues within the sport at every level.

NEW YORK POST: Henrik Lundqvist told a Swedish newspaper he believes he can still play a few more years in the NHL. The long-time Rangers starting goalie fell into a third-stringer role this season behind Igor Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev.

Lundqvist, 38, said he understood the situation but intends to fight for his place in the Rangers’ net. He will become an unrestricted free agent next summer and there’s speculation the Rangers could buy out his contract. Lundqvist said he’s not thinking about that, focusing instead on his training.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lundqvist will have an opportunity to win back the starter’s job when his Rangers take part in the 24-team playoff tournament set for this summer. A strong performance should put to rest any talk of a contract buyout, perhaps instead sparking talk of Georgiev hitting the trade block.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Terry Jones examines the economic benefits to the city of Edmonton if it’s selected as a host city for the playoff tournament, particularly in the Ice District section around Rogers Place.

TVA SPORTS: A Pittsburgh Penguins conditional first-round draft pick will be affected by the Penguins’ qualifying-series matchup against the Montreal Canadiens. The Penguins included a conditional first in the package they sent to the Minnesota Wild to acquire winger Jason Zucker in February. The Penguins could decide to hold onto their 2020 pick if they’re eliminated by the Canadiens, as it would be part of the eight placeholder picks in the 2020 draft lottery.










These NHL Milestones Were Lost To COVID-19 Stoppage

by | Mar 21, 2020

These NHL Milestones Were Lost To COVID-19 Stoppage

 










NHL Unfinished Business: The 2019-20 Scoring Race

by | Mar 17, 2020

NHL Unfinished Business: The 2019-20 Scoring Race

 










NHL Rumor Mill – March 11, 2020

by | Mar 11, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – March 11, 2020

Were the Coyotes planning to sign Auston Matthews to an offer sheet last summer? Should the Canadiens target Corey Crawford or Anthony Mantha this summer? Check out the details in today’s NHL rumor mill.

FRIEDMAN BELIEVES COYOTES INTENDED TO SIGN MATTHEWS TO AN OFFER SHEET

ARIZONA SPORTS: Matt Layman cites Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman telling the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast his belief that the Arizona Coyotes intended to sign Auston Matthews from the Toronto Maple Leafs to an offer sheet last summer. Friedman claimed Leafs management believed the Coyotes would’ve offer-sheeted Matthews to a maximum seven-year deal if he hadn’t re-signed by July 1. Matthews agreed to a five-year, $58.170-million contract with the Leafs last February.

Were the Arizona Coyotes planning to sign Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews to an offer sheet last summer? (Photo via NHL Images)

“And I’ve looked at it, and people around the league have told me they believe that to be the case,” said Friedman. “Nobody has said to me that’s false. I think the Leafs believed it, I think the Coyotes were going to do it and I think the league knew it. So the attitude is moving.” 

Matthews was raised in Arizona and developed his love of hockey following the Coyotes. Layman noted getting Matthews wasn’t meant to be for the Coyotes, “at least for now”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews isn’t going anywhere in the short term. However, Friedman’s remarks could plant a seed of doubt over his long-term future in Toronto that becomes a nagging issue over the final two years of his current contract. 

Matthews also lacks no-trade protection until the final season of his deal. Matthews makes his off-season home in Arizona, which could spark speculation that he’d welcome a trade there if things go sour with the Leafs.

COULD THE CANADIENS PURSUE CRAWFORD OR MANTHA?

TVA SPORTS: Felix Seguin suggests Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford could make an excellent backup for the Montreal Canadiens if he hits the open market this summer. While Crawford’s best seasons are behind him, he can still deliver excellent performances. A Montreal native, Crawford has always played well against the hometown Canadiens. He would also be reunited with goalie coach Stephane Waite.

Seguin acknowledged several issues must be addressed, such as whether Crawford wants to stay in Chicago, if he’s willing to accept a backup role, and the term and dollars he’d want on his next contract. Nevertheless, his skills and experience would make him a fine backup for Carey Price, while allowing time for the development of promising Cayden Primeau.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With over $63 million invested in 16 players, the Canadiens could have over $21 million available if the cap rises to $84 million in 2020-21. That would allow sufficient space to re-sign Max Domi and Victor Mete while leaving enough to sign a UFA like Crawford. However, I think the Blackhawks will make re-signing him a priority, especially after parting ways with Robin Lehner at the trade deadline. Crawford could also be unwilling to play second fiddle to anyone.

TVA SPORTS: wondered if Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin would consider signing Detroit Red Wings forward Anthony Mantha to an offer sheet this summer. A Longueuil native, Mantha will become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. Bergevin signed Sebastian Aho last summer to an offer sheet, which was quickly matched by the Carolina Hurricanes. In a recent interview, he didn’t rule out going the offer-sheet route again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 6’5″, 235-pound Mantha possesses terrific offensive skils and skates well for a big player. Unfortunately, he’s been frequently sidelined by injuries throughout his NHL career. Bergevin could find better offer-sheet targets, such as the New York Islanders’ Mathew Barzal or Columbus’ Pierre-Luc Dubois.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 4, 2020

by | Mar 4, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 4, 2020

Sidney Crosby reaches an assist milestone, Kyle Connor and Kevin Fiala extend their goal streaks and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM:The Boston Bruins widened their lead atop the overall standings by edging the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1. Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk scored for the Bruins (96 points), who sit nine points over the Lightning for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Third-period goals by Brayden Schenn and Jaden Schwartz lifted the St. Louis Blues to their eighth straight win by downing the New York Rangers 3-1. The Blues (90 points) hold a three-point lead over the Colorado Avalanche for first place in the Western Conference. With 74 points, the Rangers remain four points out of an Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby collected his 800th career assist in a 7-3 win over the Ottawa Senators (Photo via NHL Images).

Bryan Rust’s hat trick powered the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Ottawa Senators 7-3 to snap a six-game losing skid. Evgeni Malkin collected four assists while Sidney Crosby (one goal, two assists) picked up his 800th career assist. The Penguins (82 points) sit one behind the Philadelphia Flyers for second place in the Metropolitan Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby became just the sixth player in NHL history to reach 800 assists in less than 1,000 games.

Vegas Golden Knights netminder Robin Lehner made 27 saves in a 3-0 shutout of the New Jersey Devils. Max Pacioretty and William Karlsson each had a goal and an assist. The Golden Knights (82 points) have won nine of their last 10 contests and sit atop the Pacific Division.

Alex Chiasson’s overtime goal gave the Edmonton Oilers a 2-1 win over the Dallas Stars. Oilers goalie Mikko Koskinen kicked out 42 shots as Edmonton (80 points) remains two back of the Golden Knights, while the Stars (82 points) remain in third place in the Central Division. Oilers winger James Neal returned to the lineup for the first time since being sidelined by a foot injury on Jan. 29.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor scored twice and set up another to lead his club over the fading Buffalo Sabres 3-1. Connor’s goal streak has reached four games as the Jets (74 points) moved into the second wild-card berth in the Western Conference. The Sabres have dropped four straight.

Kevin Fiala extended his goal streak to five games as the Minnesota Wild dumped the Nashville Predators 3-1. Wild goalie Alex Stalock made 37 saves as the Wild (73 points) moved one point ahead of the Predators to sit one point out of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. The Preds have dropped three straight games.

A three-goal third period carried the San Jose Sharks to a 5-2 upset of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Evander Kane scored twice for the Sharks. With 78 points, the Leafs sit in third place in the Atlantic Division. Leafs center Auston Matthews tallied his 46th goal to move into second place among this season’s goal-scoring leaders.

The Montreal Canadiens rolled to a 6-2 victory over the slumping New York Islanders, who’ve won just two of their last 10 games. Isles defenseman Johnny Boychuk left the game in the third period after being inadvertently struck in the face by the skate blade of Canadiens winger Artturi Lehkonen. Boychuk suffered a facial cut but his eyesight was unaffected. Canadiens winger Tomas Tatar left the game early in the first with an upper-body injury. The Isles (78 points) cling to the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Canadiens (71 points) sit seven points behind them.

A four-goal second period lifted the Chicago Blackhawks to a 6-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, Dylan Strome tallied two goals and collected an assist.

HEADLINES

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets forward Oliver Bjorkstrand will be sidelined eight-to-ten weeks following surgery to repair an ankle sprain and a hairline fracture.

THE SCORE: Carolina Hurricanes goalies Petr Mrazek (concussion) and James Reimer (lower-body injury) are expected to miss at least another week. The Hurricanes are winless since Mrazek and Reimer were sidelined.

VANCOUVER SUN: Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers and Quinn Hughes are questionable for tonight’s game against the Arizona Coyotes.

SPORTSNET: Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin said head coach Claude Julien will return behind the bench next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens fans are calling for Bergevin and Julien to be fired as the club is on the verge of missing the playoffs for the third straight year. Neither guy is going anywhere, but this off-season and the Canadiens’ performance in 2021-22 will determine if they still have their jobs a year from now.

The Nashville Predators have opened the doors of their arena to people affected by the tornado that ripped through the city early Tuesday morning. At least 19 people were killed and 40 buildings were destroyed.










Three NHL Stars In A Tight Race For The 2020 Richard Trophy

by | Feb 18, 2020

Three NHL Stars In A Tight Race For The 2020 Richard Trophy