NHL Rumor Mill – May 15, 2024

by | May 15, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 15, 2024

The latest on the Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl and the Kings’ Cam Talbot plus an update on the Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WOULD LEON DRAISAITL BE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE SHARKS?

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng cited ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski discussing Leon Draisaitl’s future during a recent appearance on The Jeff Marek Show.

Marek and Wyshynski were chatting about possible roster upheavals for teams that failed to advance to this year’s Conference Finals. They mentioned speculation claiming the Edmonton Oilers superstar might be interested in signing with the San Jose Sharks because team owner Hasso Plattner is German.

Wyshynski also listed other factors about the Sharks that might entice Draisaitl. “Emerging market, great young players. They will obviously compensate him.”

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. The Oilers can sign him to a contract extension on July 1, 2024.

There’s nothing wrong with pondering Draisaitl’s future. His plans could depend on the Oilers’ performance this postseason. That’s why we’re starting to hear his name mentioned in the rumor mill while his team is in the midst of playoff competition.

Draisaitl signing with San Jose because their owner is a countryman is akin to rumors claiming every Quebec-born NHL star wants to play for the Montreal Canadiens. Recent speculation also had Draisaitl wanting to join the Boston Bruins if the Oilers fail to progress in their quest for the Stanley Cup.

The Bruins likely can’t afford to acquire Draisaitl via trade or to sign him next summer. While the Sharks have the cash, they’re years away from being a playoff contender. That could take them out of the Draisaitl sweepstakes next summer if he hits the open market.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski looked at three potential trade options for the Penguins to add young, affordable talent to their roster.

The first is Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nicholas Robertson. He’s struggled over the past four seasons to crack the Leafs roster on a full-time basis. The 22-year-old was drafted by Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas when he was the Leafs GM.

Los Angeles Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev is another option. The 22-year-old’s production went cold during the second half of this season. Kings GM Rob Blake was critical of Kaliyev’s performance, prompting speculation he could be traded this summer.

Max Jones of the Anaheim Ducks could provide depth to the Penguins’ checking lines. The 6’3”, 216-pounder can skate and doesn’t mind using his size.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kingerski examines the strengths and weaknesses of those three players. They’re slated to become restricted free agents this summer, with Robertson and Kaliyev lacking arbitration rights coming off their entry-level contracts.

Kaliyev seems the most likely of the three to become available given Blake’s comments about his play. The asking price could be a second-round pick, something the Penguins have two of in this year’s draft.

Kingerski also recently listed four Penguins besides Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang who won’t be traded this summer.

Erik Karlsson will stay put unless he asks to be traded. There were rumors the Penguins asked Bryan Rust to waive his no-movement clause before the trade deadline but both sides denied it.

Goaltender Tristan Jarry’s late-season struggles make it unlikely that another team will come calling with an irresistible trade offer. Michael Bunting was a solid addition after coming over from the Carolina Hurricanes in the Jake Guentzel trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kingerski also doesn’t see Dubas shopping 25-year-old forward Drew O’Connor unless the return is a headline grabber.

WHERE COULD CAM TALBOT LAND THIS SUMMER?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Spencer Lazary looked at three destinations this summer for Cam Talbot. The 36-year-old Los Angeles Kings goaltender is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Talbot might fit with the Washington Capitals if they end up trading Darcy Kuemper. He would fill the backup role for Charlie Lindgren.

The Penguins could also be an option. They’ll need a backup with Alex Nedeljkovic heading to free agency on July 1.

Lazary also suggested the Kings given Talbot’s willingness to re-sign with them. He’d be a reliable backup for whoever they bring in this summer as their new starter.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It appears the Capitals hope Kuemper will spend the offseason working on improving his game for next season. The Penguins will likely promote promising Joel Blomqvist to share the goalie duties with Jarry. Talbot might have a better chance of sticking with the Kings as an affordable and familiar backup.










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 14, 2024

by | May 14, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 14, 2024

The Hurricanes force Game 6 with the Rangers, the Stars push the Avalanche to the brink of elimination, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes erupted for four unanswered third-period goals to defeat the New York Rangers 4-1 in Game 5 of their best-of-seven second-round series. Jordan Staal, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Jordan Martinook and Martin Necas found the back of the net as the Hurricanes avoided elimination for the second straight game. Jacob Trouba opened the scoring for the Rangers in the second period. This series returns to Carolina for Game 6 on Thursday, May 16 at 7 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A series that seemed all but done after Game 3 has become more intriguing and entertaining.

The Rangers looked sluggish in this contest while the Hurricanes were again determined to avoid the end of their season. They didn’t fall apart after Trouba’s shorthanded goal gave the Blueshirts the early lead. Staal’s tying goal following his impressive drive to the net seemed to suck the life out of the Rangers.

Heading back to Carolina, the Rangers remain in control with a 3-2 series lead. However, if the Hurricanes take Game 6, it’ll force a seventh and deciding game back in New York with all the pressure on the Blueshirts.

Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston (NHL Images).

The Dallas Stars are poised to advance to the Western Conference Finals following a dominating 5-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 of their second-round series. Wyatt Johnston scored twice and collected an assist while Miro Heiskanen had a goal and two assists for the Stars, who’ve taken a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. Casey Mittelstadt replied for the Avalanche. The series returns to Dallas for Game 5 on Wednesday, May 15 at 8 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars stormed from the gate in this game, outshooting Colorado 16-2 in the first period. They had a 3-0 lead midway through the second before the Avalanche finally got on the board.

Johnston continues to thrive in this postseason. The 21-year-old sophomore forward set a franchise record by scoring his 10th career playoff goal, the most of any Stars player before the age of 21, eclipsing Mike Modano’s previous record of nine. He added another to make it 11 goals. Johnston turns 21 today.

Stars forward Roope Hintz left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury after blocking a shot by Avs defenseman Scott Walker. There was no immediate update on his condition.

Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews was sidelined by illness. Meanwhile, winger Jonathan Drouin returned for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury during their regular-season finale.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin’s postseason is over after entering Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reports the 29-year-old winger failed a drug test.

Nichushkin entered the program in January and returned to the Avalanche in March. He will now be suspended without pay for a minimum of six months and can apply for reinstatement in November.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche learned about Nichushkin on Monday morning. His teammates attempted to put a brave face on the situation but his absence affected their performance against the Stars in Game 4. Nichushkin’s nine goals in this postseason ties him with Edmonton’s Zach Hyman for the goal-scoring lead.

This is a major setback for the Avalanche and the second straight postseason that Nichushkin has required time away from the team to deal with personal matters. However, the important thing right now is he receives the treatment and support he needs to regain control of his health and his life.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Carson Soucy received a one-game suspension and blueliner Nikita Zadorov was fined $5,000.00 by the NHL department of player safety for cross-checking Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid at the end of Game 3 on Sunday.

NHL.COM: The Oilers aren’t revealing their starting goaltender for Game 4 against the Canucks on Tuesday. Stuart Skinner started the previous three games but was replaced by Calvin Pickard following the second period of Game 3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner has struggled against the Canucks with a .793 save percentage in those three games. Pickard could get the nod for Game 4.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Bruins general manager Don Sweeney believes the league and on-ice officials should go before the media to answer questions about controversial calls. His comments come after his club was on the wrong end of a couple of calls in their second-round series against the Florida Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney has a point but don’t hold your breath expecting the NHL to follow his advice. Commissioner Gary Bettman believes his league has “the best officials in the world.” Try not to let your eyes roll too far back into your head after reading that. 

IN OTHER NEWS…

DAILY FACEOFF: The Fontainebleau Las Vegas will host the 2024 NHL Awards on June 27.

NJ HOCKEY NOW: New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier suffered a facial laceration playing for Switzerland against Czechia on Monday in the 2024 IIHF World Championships. He received stitches and returned to action as the Swiss won the game 2-1.

CITY NEWS: cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have interviewed former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube for their vacant head-coaching position. They’re also expected to speak with former Los Angeles Kings bench boss Todd McLellan this week. They’ve also been interviewed by the New Jersey Devils.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: The Sabres promoted Seth Appert as an assistant coach. He was the head coach of their AHL affiliate in Rochester.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 13, 2024

by | May 13, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 13, 2024

The Panthers push the Bruins to the brink of elimination, the Canucks regain the lead in their series with the Oilers, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Florida Panthers overcame a 2-0 deficit to nip the Boston Bruins 3-2 to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven second-round series. The Panthers got a controversial game-tying goal from Sam Bennett after he cross-checked Bruins center Charlie Coyle into goalie Jeremy Swayman. The Bruins challenged for goaltender interference but the goal was upheld. Nearly four minutes later, Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov scored the winning goal. David Pastrnak and Brandon Carlo scored for the Bruins.

The series returns to Florida for Game 5 on Tuesday, May 14 at 7 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett was already Public Enemy No. 1 among the Bruins and their fans for his questionable hit on Brad Marchand in Game 3 that sidelined the Boston captain from this contest. There was no immediate explanation from the league as to why Bennett’s goal was allowed to stand.

Boston’s lack of offense in this series has put them on the verge of elimination. Since the Bruins’ 5-1 victory in Game 1, the Panthers have limited them to two goals or less over the past three games. If they don’t address this by Game 5, they’ll be emptying their lockers by Thursday.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Two-goal performances by Brock Boeser and Elias Lindholm and a 42-save effort by Arturs Silovs gave the Vancouver Canucks a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of their second-round series. Boeser also collected an assist to finish the night with three points. Mattias Ekholm, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard replied for the Oilers. Game 4 is on Tuesday at 9:30 PM EDT with the Canucks holding a 2-1 lead in the series.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers outshot the Canucks 36-7 during the second and third periods but Silovs’ strong goaltender enabled his club to hold off the Oilers. Lindholm’s goal late in the second made the difference after Draisaitl cut the lead to 3-2 earlier in the frame.

Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner gave up four goals on 15 shots and was replaced by Calvin Pickard for the third period. That’s raised criticism over Skinner’s performance in this series and questions about whether Pickard will get the start in Game 4.

Canucks defensemen Nikita Zadorov and Carson Soucy could face supplemental discipline for cross-checking Oilers captain Connor McDavid at the end of the game. Zadorov hit McDavid from behind while Soucy nailed the Oilers star in the face. Soucy got a two-minute minor with no time left on the clock. McDavid appeared to be unhurt following the incident.

Oilers forward Adam Henrique missed Game 3 with a nagging ankle injury. He missed Game 1 but returned to action in the following game.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

NEW YORK POST: The Carolina Hurricanes have yet to decide if Frederik Andersen or Pyotr Kochetkov will get the start for Game 5 of their second-round series against the New York Rangers on Monday. Andersen played in three of the last four games but gave up a soft goal to tie Game 4 before Brady Skjei scored to give the Canes a 3-2 victory. The Rangers hold a 3-1 lead in this series and can wrap it up tonight.

The Rangers, meanwhile, are hopeful that center Filip Chytil will play in Game 5 after being sidelined from the previous game by an illness. Chytil skated in Game 3 in his first game since suffering a suspected concussion in November.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nicklas Backstrom denied false reports out of Sweden claiming the Washington Capitals center was not really injured but instead refused to play because of a “big schism” with head coach Spencer Carberry.

Backstrom, 36, appeared in eight games this season before taking an indefinite leave of absence related to his hip resurfacing procedure in June 2022.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Backstrom’s hip condition is well-documented. If healthy, he is contractually bound to play. Refusal to do so would violate the terms of his deal. The Capitals wouldn’t grant him a leave of absence because of a supposed dispute with the coach.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The International Ice Hockey Federation announced sanctions on Flyers goaltender Ivan Fedotov, his former KHL team CSKA Moscow, and the Russian Ice Hockey Federation for their roles in disregarding the contract he originally signed with the Flyers last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This won’t affect Fedotov’s new contract with the Flyers after CSKA released him from their deal earlier this year. He will be banned from playing in IIHF-sanctioned events for three years.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 11, 2024

by | May 11, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 11, 2024

The Oilers tie their series with the Canucks, the Panthers take a 2-1 series lead over the Bruins, the latest on the Leafs, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Evan Bouchard gave the Edmonton Oilers a 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, tying their best-of-seven second-round series at a game apiece. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each had a goal and three assists for the Oilers. Elias Pettersson tallied his first goal of the playoffs while Nikita Zadorov and J.T. Miller each had two points for the Canucks. The series moves to Edmonton for the next two games with Game 3 on Sunday, May 12 at 9:30 pm EDT.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid and Draisaitl were the difference, answering criticism that they didn’t step up during the Oilers’ loss in the previous game. Draisaitl was a game-day decision after being listed as day-to-day after dealing with “cramping and equipment issues in Game 1.

Canucks starting goaltender Thatcher Demko has been sidelined since winning the opening game of their first-round series with the Nashville Predators. However, reports suggest he could be ready to return to action if this series reaches Game 6 or 7.

The Florida Panthers scored six goals for the second straight game to defeat the Boston Bruins 6-2 in Game 3 of their second-round series. Evan Rodrigues scored twice and Matthew Tkachuk collected three assists for the Panthers as they took a 2-1 series lead. Jake DeBrusk had a goal and an assist while Jeremy Swayman stopped 27 shots for the Bruins. Game 4 is on Sunday at 6:30 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins are in deep trouble. They were dominated for the second straight game, outshot 33-17 and allowing four power-play goals. Team captain Brad Marchand left this game after the second period with an upper-body injury and received little production from their other top-six forwards. Swayman did his best but couldn’t stem the onslaught.

Panthers center Sam Bennett returned to action after being sidelined by an injury during Game 2 of their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke returned from a finger injury suffered during Game 2 of their series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes remain confident despite facing elimination entering Game 4 of their series with the New York Rangers. They’re attempting to become the fifth team in playoff history to win a series after overcoming a 3-0 deficit. The Canes are vowing to address the mistakes that have put them into their current predicament, including a punchless power play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes are putting up a brave front but some observers consider it empty talk. They’ve put themselves into a hole that history suggests is too deep to escape. Game 4 is Saturday at 7 pm EDT.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog appears no closer to returning to action a year after undergoing cartilage transplant surgery on his right knee. The timeline for his potential return was 12 to 16 months.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Landeskog’s last game was the Avalanche’s Cup clincher in 2022. He’s been traveling with the team and skating in morning practices in warm-up clothes. It remains unlikely he’ll return to the lineup in this postseason.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO STAR: Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley, Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan, and general manager Brad Treliving met with the Toronto press yesterday for their season-ending media session.

Pelley said the team’s goal remains winning the Stanley Cup while Shanahan and Treliving took responsibility for another early playoff exit. After years of patience with their roster core. they all indicated that changes could be afoot.

“Everything is on the table,” said Shanahan. “We will discuss everything.”

“We have really good players, but it hasn’t worked,” said Treliving. “We have to analyze why it hasn’t worked.”

Shanahan indicated a new head coach will have a say in those decisions. Treliving said they will conduct a thorough search for a new bench boss. Speculation suggests former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube is the front-runner.

Treliving also provided details on the injuries suffered by several Leafs players in the first round. Auston Matthews battled an illness and suffered a head injury in Game 4 that didn’t clear until the day of Game 7. Migraines sidelined William Nylander from the first three games. Bobby McMann sprained a knee in the last game of the regular season while forward Connor Dewar was scheduled for shoulder surgery on Friday.

TORONTO SUN: The Leafs granted permission to the New Jersey Devils to speak with former head coach Sheldon Keefe, who was fired by the Leafs on Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve cited the main highlights of this press conference. Whether any of those issues are suitably addressed before the start of next season remains to be seen.

Asking Mitch Marner and John Tavares to waive their no-movement clauses could be what they’re referring to when they said everything was on the table. Both are eligible to become unrestricted free agents next July. Tavares previously indicated he intends to fulfill the final season of his contract with the Leafs while Marner remains hopeful of signing a contract extension.

The Leafs could hire someone other than Berube as their next coach but he appears to be the favorite for the job. His NHL experience and the Stanley Cup on his resume are strong enticements.

It was rumored Keefe might end up joining former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas with the Pittsburgh Penguins if bench boss Mike Sullivan resigned or was fired by Dubas. Another theory had Sullivan planning to leave Pittsburgh for New Jersey to fill their vacant head-coaching job. Both rumors seem unlikely with the Leafs permitting the Devils to speak with Keefe.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 9, 2024

by | May 9, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 9, 2024

The Panthers tie their series with the Bruins, the Canucks rally to take Game 1 against the Oilers, the Ted Lindsay Award finalists are announced, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Florida Panthers thumped the Boston Bruins 6-1 in Game 2 of their best-of-seven second-round series. Aleksander Barkov had two goals and two assists, Sam Reinhart collected four helpers and Brandon Montour picked up three points as the Panthers even the series at a game apiece. Charlie Coyle replied for the Bruins and Jeremy Swayman was pulled in the third period after giving up four goals on 23 shots. The series moves to Boston for the next two games with Game 3 on Friday, May 10, at 7 pm EDT.

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a dominating performance by the Panthers. They outshot the Bruins 33-15, forcing them into making costly defensive mistakes.

The intensity between the Bruins and Panthers boiled over in the third period with the two clubs combining for 136 minutes in penalties. There was also a scrap between Bruins winger David Pastrnak and Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk.

Some observers wonder if the Bruins will start Linus Ullmark in Game 3 after pulling Swayman from this contest. I think they’ll return with Swayman given his solid overall performance in this postseason. He shouldn’t be punished for his teammate’s sloppy defense.

Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland scored the winning goal to cap a four-goal rally in a 5-4 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round series. Zach Hyman scored twice as the Oilers surged to a 4-1 lead in the second period. However, Elias Lindholm, J.T. Miller and Nikita Zadorov scored to set the stage for Garland’s game-winner. Game 2 is on Friday starting at 10 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers had 14 shots on goal when they took a 4-1 lead. They only had four more over the rest of the game as Vancouver outshot them 24-18. The Canucks maintained their poise despite being dominated early in this game. Lindholm’s goal late in the second period cut the Oilers’ lead to 4-2, providing the spark for the Canucks third-period surge.

It was a big game for Canucks forward Dakota Joshua as he had a goal and two assists. This is the fifth straight win for the Canucks over the Oilers as they also swept the regular-season series 4-0.

Oilers forward Adam Henrique missed this game with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. He was replaced in the lineup by Connor Brown.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon and Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews are the finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award as this season’s outstanding player as voted by NHLPA members.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the three finalists. Kucherov won the Lindsay in 2018-19 while Matthews took home the award in 2021-22. This is MacKinnon’s first time as a finalist for this award.

TSN: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce (lower-body injury) has yet to resume skating and is listed as indefinitely out of the lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pesce’s absence is one reason the Hurricanes are down 2-0 in their second-round series against the Rangers. They miss his presence on their blueline.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot underwent successful surgery for a nagging wrist injury. The recovery period is two months and he’s expected to be ready for training camp in September.

The Senators decided to retain their first-round pick (seventh overall) in this year’s draft. The club will instead forfeit their first-rounder in 2025 or 2026. That’s punishment for former GM Pierre Dorion gave the Vegas Golden Knights the wrong information about Evgenii Dadonov’s 10-team no-trade list after trading the winger to Vegas in July 2021.

TSN: Utah’s NHL team will debut its name, logo and team colors in 2025-26. They will have jerseys with the name “Utah” on them for next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re currently being called the Utah franchise. Why not make that their team name going forward? Just kidding, of course. The new ownership intends to take its time coming up with the right name, logo and colors. That’s understandable given how quickly the franchise relocation from Arizona took place.