SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 2/22/2020 Anaheim Ducks Calgary Flames 1177555 Ducks trade Ondrej Kase to Boston for David Backes, a 1177590 Flames blow lead to fall to Bruins at Saddledome first-round pick 1177591 Flames' Lindholm on comparisons to Bergeron: 'I think it's 1177556 Ducks blanked by Avalanche in their third consecutive too much for me' defeat 1177592 Osborne-Paradis hits the ice at Lake Louise on road to 1177557 Ducks trade Ondrej Kase to Bruins for David Backes plus World Cup form draft pick and prospect 1177593 GameDay: Flames vs. Bruins — Looking for another win 1177558 Ducks get a first-rounder, prospect and David Backes from at home Boston for Ondrej Kase 1177594 Flames shrug off deadline gossip: ‘Everything’s just a 1177559 Pronman’s trade deadline prospect WATCH: What the rumour until it happens’ Ducks can expect from Axel Andersson Carolina Hurricanes Arizona Coyotes 1177595 New face stops Canes, who suffer season-sweep at 1177560 With 18 games remaining, Arizona Coyotes need to regain hands of Rangers energy to overcome recent struggles 1177596 Canes defenseman Haydn Fleury no longer in transit, now 1177561 Coyotes fall to Blues despite Antti Raanta’s 45-save a regular on the back end performance 1177562 No suspension for Stars’ Jamie Benn after hit on Oliver Chicago Blackhawks Ekman-Larsson 1177597 Alex DeBrincat scores both Blackhawks goals in a 2-1 1177563 Neutral Zone: Coyotes’ playoff hopes fading in revitalized overtime win over the Predators Western Conference 1177598 After another long trip next week, the Blackhawks play most of their March games at home. The only problem: Th Boston Bruins 1177599 Blackhawks edge Predators after late Erik Gustafsson 1177564 Burned early, Bruins catch Flames for fifth straight win, scratch scrambles defense and other observations 1177600 DeBrincat scores both Blackhawks goals in OT victory 1177565 A look inside the numbers for new Bruin Ondrej Kase over Predators 1177566 What Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said about 1177601 Blackhawks' Boqvist learning under pressure the trade for Ondrej Kase 1177602 5 Takeaways: Blackhawks best Preds in goalie battle 1177567 Bruins trade for speedy winger Ondrej Kase, send David 1177603 With NHL trade deadline looming, Blackhawks hold out Backes, first-round pick to Ducks Erik Gustafsson from lineup 1177569 Bruins come back after wild first period against Flames 1177604 The NHL Trade Deadline is weighing on Blackhawks 1177570 Bruins trade for Ondrej Kase a good one, but expectations players' minds are high 1177605 Black History Month: Blackhawks’ Jamal Mayers has a 1177571 Bruins notebook: Kase trade doesn’t put an end to internal to make hockey more inclusive competition 1177606 Powers: Re-signing or trading Robin Lehner will help 1177572 Bruins pregame notes: Staying hot against the Flames indicate Blackhawks’ direction 1177573 Bruins trade David Backes to Anaheim for Ondrej Kase 1177574 Bruins-Flames Talking Points: Patrice Bergeron, Brad Colorado Avalanche Marchand spark B's after sluggish start 1177607 Avs goalie Pavel Francouz signs extension, might get 1177575 David Pastrnak explains what Ondrej Kase can bring to consecutive-night starts in Southern California Bruins after trade 1177608 What could it take for the Avalanche to get and then try to 1177576 David Backes gives his first reaction to trade from Bruins keep Chris Kreider? to Ducks 1177609 Pavel Francouz shuts out the Ducks hours after signing a 1177577 Ondrej Kase trade is very good for the Bruins, but is it two-year extension good enough? 1177578 Why Bruins have Blues' Justin Faulk to thank for Ondrej Columbus Blue Jackets Kase trade 1177610 Blue Jackets lose Oliver Bjorkstrand for eight to 10 weeks 1177579 Bruins trade David Backes, prospect, draft pick for Ducks' Ondrej Kase Dallas Stars 1177580 Don Sweeney is ‘in it to win it.’ So another trade could be 1177612 Stars have worn their Winter Classic uniforms for the last coming for Bruins time this year, but they aren’t ruling them out for 1177581 Who says no? Evaluating your Bruins trade proposals as 1177613 Test failed: Stars’ ‘embarrassing’ loss vs. the Blues was the deadline draws near supposed to be a showcase of their Western Conferenc 1177582 No extension, no sweat: Torey Krug stays cool before the 1177614 Stars 20/20: Dallas falls flat in another big game against trade deadline the Blues 1177583 ‘Real good pickup’: In Ondrej Kase, Bruins add RW with 1177615 How Stu Barnes went from Stars assistant to one of ‘skill and scoring touch’ Seattle hockey’s first scouts 1177584 There's lots of lessons for Sabres to take from Penguins' season 1177585 Taylor Leier's new contract provides Sabres organization with forward depth 1177586 On Deadline Day, Sabres fans can only hope for a (pleasant) surprise 1177587 Bogosian placed on contract termination waivers, ending Buffalo career 1177588 Sabres prospect Will Borgen enjoys being 'hard guy to play against' 1177589 How the Sabres’ standoff with Zach Bogosian finally came to an end Detroit Red Wings 1177616 Detroit Red Wings' elimination from playoffs stings harder 1177654 How are Devils going to handle AHL call-ups for this year. Here's why remainder of season? 1177617 Game recap: Detroit Red Wings fall to New York 1177655 Why history could be made at Devils-Capitals game on Islanders, 4-1 Saturday 1177618 Steve Yzerman makes minor move; more coming for 1177656 NJ Devils' Kyle Palmieri addresses trade rumors: 'It’s just Detroit Red Wings as trade deadline looms? a lot of noise' 1177619 Red Wings sunk by Islanders, officially eliminated from 1177657 How NJ Devils' Jesper Bratt responded to healthy scratch playoffs in 2-1 win over Sharks 1177620 Cody Goloubef's addition gives Red Wings wiggle room to 1177658 Bourne: Tom Fitzgerald said the NHL is a ‘man’s league.’ move defensemen at trade deadline But what does it mean? 1177621 Red Wings claim defenseman Cody Goloubef off waivers 1177622 Red Wings officially eliminated from playoffs with loss to Islanders 1177659 Islanders four-game skid ends 1177624 How to watch Detroit Red Wings vs. New York Islanders: 1177660 Islanders great has No. 27 raised to the TV channel, start time, stream, Feb. 21, 2020 rafters 1177625 Mantha scores Wings lone goal in 4-1 loss to Islanders 1177661 Islanders storm past Red Wings to snap four-game skid 1177662 Lou Lamoriello tends to make smaller deals at deadline Edmonton Oilers 1177663 Jordan Eberle's hat trick enables Islanders to end skid 1177626 Edmonton Oilers rookies help save season with win over Red Wings 1177627 Edmonton product Jared Spurgeon nets hat-trick to beat 1177664 Former Islander John Tonelli has his No. 27 retired at hometown Oilers Coliseum 1177628 JONES: So long to Oilers' flying circus of playing down to 1177665 Injured Islanders winger Cal Clutterbuck sent to Bridgeport weaker opponents? for conditioning 1177629 Edmonton Oilers Game Day: More big minutes for 1177666 Andrew Ladd, Otto Koivula in Isles' lineup as injuries force remaining big three expected against Minnesota changes Florida Panthers New York Rangers 1177630 Huberdeau gets four points, but Panthers get none in L.A. 1177667 Rangers complete four-game season series sweep of loss Hurricanes 1177631 Trade deadline Q&A: Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon 1177668 Red-hot Rangers rip Hurricanes as Igor Shesterkin shines doesn’t expect a blockbuster again 1177632 Make America Late Again: Panthers’ trip to Las Vegas 1177669 Rangers move within five points of playoff spot by beating delayed by Hurricanes 1177670 Rangers' goalie Henrik Lundqvist a healthy scratch for first Los Angeles Kings time in career 1177633 Kings host two of NHL’s best in Nathan MacKinnon, Leon 1177671 Rangers believed all along; now they’re providing reasons Draisaitl this weekend for others to believe 1177634 ‘It was definitely cool’: Gabriel Vilardi scores in debut after long road back NHL 1177635 FINAL – COLORADO 2, ONTARIO 1 (OT) 1177672 Ryan confronts addiction, preps for return to Ottawa lineup 1177636 WAKING UP WITH THE KINGS: FEBRUARY 21 1177673 Bruins land Kase by trading Backes, 1st-round pick to 1177637 PREVIEW – ONTARIO VS. COLORADO, 2/21 Ducks Minnesota Wild Ottawa Senators 1177638 Minnesota hosts St. Louis after Spurgeon's 3-goal game 1177674 GAME DAY: at Ottawa Senators 1177639 Wild sweeps road trip with dads along for the ride 1177675 SNAPSHOTS: The Senators are trying to keep Jean- 1177640 Wild-Edmonton game recap Gabriel Pageau in an Ottawa uniform 1177641 Spurgeon's hat trick leads Wild past Oilers 5-3 1177676 GARRIOCH: Rookie Josh Norris ready to make his NHL 1177642 Jared Spurgeon's hometown hat trick gives Wild 5-3 win debut against the Canadiens over Edmonton 1177677 The next goal Bobby Ryan scores will mean a lot because 1177643 Wild's Mats Zuccarello picks up his play and his of what he's going through confidence 1177678 GARRIOCH: Bobby Ryan opens up about his battles with 1177644 Wild won't face Connor McDavid in road trip finale vs. alcohol and his determination to resume playing Oilers 1177679 LeBrun: The Kase price, Ottawa’s Pageau options and the 1177645 Jared Spurgeon’s hat trick lifts Wild over Edmonton Jets’ underrated moves 1177680 20 Questions with Elliotte Friedman: On ‘lazy mouth,’ Montreal Canadiens being late and deadline day 1177646 Slumping won't talk about his future with 1177681 ‘Enough is enough’: Bobby Ryan opens up about his the Canadiens recovery from alcohol abuse 1177647 Hickey on hockey: Canadiens add VIP seating as fan interest wanes Philadelphia Flyers 1177648 What the Puck: Don't expect Canadiens GM to pull trigger 1177682 Flyers rookie Joel Farabee has grown since regrettable on big trades check against Winnipeg 1177649 Everybody loves Karl Alzner, and with good reason, too 1177683 Hayes' OT goal powers Flyers past Blue Jackets 4-3 1177650 Ilya Kovalchuk’s not scoring ahead of the deadline, and 1177684 Then and now: Reactions to Kevin Hayes as a Flyer the Canadiens don’t care 1177685 It's almost playoff time and Matt Niskanen has lessons to 1177651 What Melnick Thinks: Artturi Lehkonen epitomizes the teach Flyers Canadiens’ inconsistency 1177686 10 things: Flyers strengthen case for relevancy with 1177652 They shoot, they don’t score: NHLers who just can’t find dramatic win over Columbus the back of the net Nashville Predators 1177653 DeBrincat scores twice, rallies Blackhawks past Predators in overtime Pittsburgh Penguins Vegas Golden Knights 1177687 Minor league report: Casey DeSmith, Penguins beat 1177722 Golden Knights recall Nevada native Gage Quinney, Zach Bears, 2-1 Whitecloud 1177688 Jim Rutherford wants to add another forward to the 1177723 Cody Eakin will always have place in Golden Knights Penguins history 1177689 Despite wins, Penguins preach need to develop ‘sound 1177724 Gerard Gallant to serve as TSN trade deadline contributor defensive game’ 1177725 Chandler Stephenson talks trade, Humboldt, dogs and 1177690 Penguins recognize improvement needed as 1 of NHL’s more worst faceoff teams 1177726 Celebration aside, Alec Martinez has strong Golden 1177691 Penguins’ Mike Sullivan unconcerned with Jared Knights debut McCann’s scoring slump 1177727 A shift-by-shift breakdown of Alec Martinez’s fantastic 1177692 Penguins’ Dominik Kahun sits out practice day after Golden Knights debut blocking shot, is ‘day to day’ 1177693 Size, grit have helped Anthony Angello succeed with Penguins 1177728 No one is more amazed by Alex Ovechkin than his peers 1177694 Penguins hope Jared McCann can put scoring slump out 1177729 Alex Ovechkin's son, Sergei, makes an appearance during of his mind Capitals practice 1177695 Evgeni Malkin on Penguins’ defense: ‘We are a little bit 1177730 Longtime Capitals fans got married at Capitals vs. regressive’ Canadiens game 1177696 Marshall: Searching for the key behind Bryan Rust’s 1177731 Capitals at Devils: Ovechkin sits just one away career year 1177732 Now one goal from 700, close calls from when Ovechkin 1177697 Jim Rutherford outlines his trade deadline plan to The was stuck on 698 loom large Athletic 1177733 Caps GM Brian MacLellan doesn't think the Capitals are playing the right way San Jose Sharks 1177734 Inside Brenden Dillon’s first 52 hours as a Capitals player 1177698 Thornton has trade deadline choice to make: Loyalty to Sharks or chance at ? Websites 1177699 How to watch 2020 NHL Trade Deadline Show for Sharks 1177750 The Athletic / ‘Enough is enough’: Bobby Ryan opens up live online about his recovery from alcohol abuse 1177700 NHL trade deadline: What Sharks fans need to know 1177751 The Athletic / Duhatschek Notebook: Playing matchmaker before dealing ends with 5 plausible trade scenarios 1177701 Inside Brenden Dillon’s first 52 hours as a Capitals player 1177752 The Athletic / NHL Trade Grades: Ondrej Kase creates mismatches but is a ‘bit of an enigma’ St Louis Blues 1177753 The Athletic / Bourne: Tom Fitzgerald said the NHL is a 1177702 Blues dominate Stars in battle for Central lead ‘man’s league.’ But what does it mean? 1177703 Blues notebook: Petro's illness, Bozak's injury forces late 1177754 The Athletic / 20 Questions with Elliotte Friedman: On lineup shuffling ‘lazy mouth,’ being late and deadline day 1177704 Updated: Petro, Bozak scratched for Dallas; Allen in goal 1177755 The Athletic / They shoot, they don’t score: NHLers who 1177705 Aggressive Blues dominate Coyotes but need a 'lucky just can’t find the back of the net bounce' to win 1177756 The Athletic / Former players say Chicago area hockey 1177706 BenFred: Blues needed Binnington to lock in — it appears coach sexually abused them he has done just that 1177757 The Athletic / DGB Grab Bag: Saving the trade deadline 1177707 Blues put Scandella in a prime spot on defense and celebrating a historic anniversary 1177708 O'Reilly's goal give Blues a 1-0 win over Arizona 1177758 Sportsnet.ca / Oilers need to tighten defensive game if 1177709 Preview: Blues at Dallas going to find playoff success 1177759 Sportsnet.ca / Senators’ Brannstrom, Abramov reflect on 2019 trade deadline blockbusters 1177710 The end of the Lightning’s many streaks 1177760 Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens Trade Tiers: Will Bergevin 1177711 Lightning lowering concession prices at Amalie Arena embrace Montreal's seller status? 1177712 Why the Lightning are skeptical of deadline rentals 1177761 Sportsnet.ca / Flames get lesson from elite Bruins on how 1177713 Examining Lightning players’ values relative to contract as to control games cap crunch looms 1177762 Sportsnet.ca / Oilers finally reaping rewards of homegrown players Toronto Maple Leafs 1177763 Sportsnet.ca / 2020 NHL Trade Deadline Primer: 1177714 A moving experience – NHL players explain the pain of Winnipeg Jets being traded 1177764 Sportsnet.ca / 2020 NHL Trade Deadline primer: Calgary 1177715 The Maple Leafs still need a defenceman — at least they Flames have a lot to offer 1177765 TSN.CA / Bobby Ryan opens up about alcohol addiction 1177716 Maple Leafs believe tough times now will lead to smooth and the road to recovery sailing into the playoffs 1177766 TSN.CA / The numbers show an NHL coaching change 1177717 Game Day: Hurricanes at Maple Leafs usually works 1177718 Deadline special: Trades that re-shaped the Leafs 1177719 Leafs down to one game before deadline 1177720 Mirtle: Should the Maple Leafs trade Tyson Barrie? Examining some scenarios 1177721 Maple Leafs Klokebook 2.0: Trade deadline memories, Game Ball cellys, more 1177745 Patrick Johnston: Stresses of NHL trade deadline day can be nerve-racking, 'weird' or 'cool' 1177746 Canucks' Troy Stecher philosophical on trade deadline buzz 1177747 Ed Willes: GM will calculate roster configurations as Canucks confront cap crunch 1177748 Canucks at 50: The death of Luc Bourdon 1177749 Making sense of the Troy Stecher rumours and why Tyson Barrie would be an awkward fit Winnipeg Jets 1177735 Flyers' Patrick back on ice, in high spirits 1177736 Jets admire Eakin's moxie, veteran presence 1177737 DeMelo's value to Jets goes well beyond unimpressive offensive numbers 1177738 Jets prospect Samberg chasing history first, Jets dream next 1177739 GAME DAY: Winnipeg Jets at Philadelphia Flyers 1177740 Jets land Eakin in deal with Golden Knights 1177741 LeBrun: The Kase price, Ottawa’s Pageau options and the Jets’ underrated moves 1177742 In trading for Cody Eakin, the Jets have added depth down the middle. Is Kevin Cheveldayoff done dealing? 1177743 A hardcore shift by shift breakdown of Dylan DeMelo’s Jets debut 1177744 Dylan DeMelo provides ‘coach’s porn’ in Jets debut SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1177555 Anaheim Ducks

Ducks trade Ondrej Kase to Boston for David Backes, a first-round pick

By JACK HARRIS

FEB. 21, 2020 7:02 PM

Three days before the NHL’s trade deadline, the Ducks dealt forward Ondrej Kase to the Boston Bruins on Friday in exchange for forward David Backes, prospect Axel Andersson and a first-round draft pick in 2020.

Kase, a 24-year-old winger with a team-friendly contract (his deal doesn’t expire until the end of next season and is worth only $2.6 million in annual average value) had 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) on a Ducks team that started the season on a short hot streak but has faded ever since under first-year coach Dallas Eakins.

The Ducks are second-to-last in the Western Conference with 55 points after a 1-0 loss Friday to the Colorado Avalanche, 13 points back of a playoff spot with 21 games remaining. Boston is leading the NHL with 90 points and will add Kase to one of the league’s most productive offensive rosters.

In return, the Ducks received future assets in the draft pick (though it will likely come late in the first round given Boston’s position in the standings) and Andersson, a 20-year-old Swedish prospect playing his first season in North America this year with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s , where he has 22 points in 41 games. The 6- foot, 185-pound defenseman was drafted in the second round in 2018.

The Ducks also agreed to take Backes, a 35-year-old forward who has scored only three points (one goal, two assists) in 16 games during a season derailed by injuries and lack of production. The 14-year veteran cleared waivers in January but did not play any games with the Bruins’ minor-league team while the club tried to find an alternative option for the future of his career, a stretch Backes described as “purgatory.”

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“I’m coming at this with my full heart,” Backes said during a conference call Friday. “Ready to conquer and give everything I’ve got to the next situation. … I’m grateful to have another opportunity.”

Originally a second-round pick of the St. Louis Blues, Backes has more than 500 career points but also has another season remaining on a contract worth $6 million in annual average value. Boston reportedly agreed to retain 25% of his salary.

“We’ve said over and over again we have the cap space,” said Ducks general manager Bob Murray, whose team is still more than $3 million below the maximum, according to CapFriendly. “We might as well use it while we have it. We’re using it here. We’re coming out better in the cash situation this year in this deal than we were yesterday.”

Unlike their Southland counterparts, the Kings, who have been extremely active this month in turning over their roster and turning the page on a past generation of players, the Ducks had previously been quiet leading up to the trade deadline. They’ve already infused a stream of young talent into their NHL roster, but have yet to see it pay off.

After finishing third-to-last in the Western Conference with 80 points last season, the Ducks are on pace for even fewer points and a lower finish in the standings this year, almost certain to miss the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2000-01 and 2001-02.

“We have to maneuver things,” Murray said. “It’s not like Ondrej is old. We had a few guys too many like that. I thought we were a little small. It was an opportunity to maybe change that a little bit. As we’re going, there are going to be changes and a progression as players come along. Things can change, and this was an opportunity.”

LA Times: LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177556 Anaheim Ducks doctors). He’s out of the question for the weekend. I know that. I don’t know how much longer.”

MILESTONE GAME Ducks blanked by Avalanche in their third consecutive defeat Lindholm played in his 500th game in the NHL, all with the Ducks, who drafted him in the first round (sixth overall) in 2012. Lindholm, 26, played 44 games in the AHL in 2012-13 and then made the jump to the NHL By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | PUBLISHED: February 21, 2020 at 9:54 p.m. | with the Ducks the following season. UPDATED: February 21, 2020 at 11:20 p.m. Orange County Register: LOADED: 02.22.2020

ANAHEIM — Their goaltending was outstanding from beginning to end. Their defense was sound save for one hiccup. They won plenty of battles along the boards and in front of the nets. They hardly looked like a defeated team after falling behind by a goal late in the second period.

The Ducks simply couldn’t score and they couldn’t beat the Colorado Avalanche on Friday at Honda Center, absorbing a 1-0 defeat. Their third consecutive loss was unlike their previous two, far more competitive than the others, but in the end, the result was the same.

Avalanche goalie Pavel Francouz made 26 saves for his first NHL shutout, turning away the league’s second-worst offensive team again and again. J.T. Compher scored the only goal of the game, beating John Gibson on a one-timed shot after a Ducks turnover in the second period.

Gibson made 28 saves, but couldn’t stop Compher’s laser from the left faceoff circle, off a pass from teammate Martin Kaut at 16:38 of the middle period. Ducks coach Dallas Eakins declined to fault defenseman Hampus Lindholm for an errant breakout pass that Kaut intercepted at the blue line.

Lindholm had a team-leading five shots in a team-high 22:53 of ice time.

“I see what our defenseman saw,” Eakins said, referring to Lindholm. “Their guy (Kaut) came out of his blind spot. It was a real honest mistake. That’s the only one I can remember from the night. It’s a bit of an outlier. Overall, I thought our ‘D’ moved the puck pretty well.”

The first period was evenly-played, the Avalanche assumed control in the second and then the Ducks pushed back hard in the third. The Ducks couldn’t fire the puck behind Francouz, who started his third consecutive game after Philipp Grubauer suffered a lower-body injury Feb. 15.

Ducks defenseman Michael Del Zotto certainly could have used a little better luck on his close-range bid in the first period and then on another chance in the third. One shot struck the crossbar and ricocheted out of harm’s way and the other glanced off the nob of Francouz’s stick.

“Off the crossbar, off the post in the last game, off his nob in the third period tonight,” Del Zotto said. “I’ve been getting some pretty good looks. I’ve been getting more ice time as of late, playing on the power play some. When that happens, you feel more comfortable with the puck.

“I’m getting good looks. It’s just a matter of one or two going in and getting on a hot streak.”

The Ducks’ frustration was evident by game’s end.

“That’s the way it goes, 6-5 or 1-0, it’s the same thing, really,” center Adam Henrique said. “I thought we played hard, battled hard, stuck to the game plan. They were getting pressure. We did a good job defensively. They’re shifty. They’re fast. They create a lot. We were fairly poised.

“The other side of it is, we’ve got to find a way to get one. That’s the bottom line.”

FOWLER SIDELINED

Defenseman Cam Fowler sat out for the second consecutive game because of an unspecified lower-body injury and there was no timetable for his return to the lineup. Fowler had played in each of the Ducks’ first 59 games before he was sidelined for Wednesday’s game against Florida.

The Ducks were down to only six healthy defensemen for the second game in a row. Erik Gudbranson continues to be sidelined by an unspecified upper-body injury that kept him out of the lineup for a sixth consecutive game (not including the postponed game against St. Louis on Feb. 11).

“I do not know the timeline,” Eakins said when asked after the game for an update on Fowler’s status. “I do know he’s been examined (by team 1177557 Anaheim Ducks interest to have him play with their AHL team in Providence, Rhode Island.

Backes said he planned to skate with the Ducks on Sunday and possibly Ducks trade Ondrej Kase to Bruins for David Backes plus draft pick and play within a week. prospect “I was praying, actually praying, I could re-assert myself in the NHL,” Backes said of leaving Boston for a chance to play in Anaheim. “It’s lit a fire in me to be back in the league. It’s a place where they want me to be By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | PUBLISHED: February 21, 2020 at 10:08 a.m. | a player and a leader in the locker room.” UPDATED: February 21, 2020 at 11:36 p.m. Coach Dallas Eakins wasn’t certain when Backes might make his Ducks debut. Eakins was sure after speaking to Backes after the trade was completed that Backes could fill several important roles. The first order of ANAHEIM — The Ducks’ rebuilding project continued Friday. business was getting Backes back into hockey shape again, though. General Manager Bob Murray got what he wanted and needed from a “Obviously, he’s going to take a big leadership role in our room,” Eakins swap with the Boston Bruins, three days ahead of Monday’s NHL trade said. “He’s been in the league a long time. He’s been in that role and that deadline. He added another coveted first-round draft pick, plus a top just doesn’t go away. I think he’s going to bring that ‘hate to lose’ prospect and a veteran who was no longer in the Bruins’ plans. (attitude) and a wee bit of snarl that we also value here. Murray sent oft-injured right wing Ondrej Kase to the Bruins to complete “After speaking to him, he is extremely hungry to get back to playing, to the deal. maybe prove some people wrong. He’s excited by it. He understands In addition to the draft pick, the Ducks also received defenseman Axel what we’re trying to do here. I think he’s going to have a real positive Andersson, a 20-year-old Swede playing in the Quebec Major Junior effect on not only our young guys but we’ve got other guys who need to Hockey League, and David Backes, a 35-year-old forward who played be better. We’re hopeful he’s going to help us along the way.” only 16 games this season with the Bruins. Orange County Register: LOADED: 02.22.2020 Boston will retain 25 percent of Backes’ salary, which means the Ducks will be on the hook for only about $200,000 for the rest of this season and roughly $3 million in 2020-21, the final season of a five-year, $30- million contract he signed with the Bruins on July 1, 2016.

“Where this organization is at, any time you can add a first-round pick, it’s important,” Murray said. “This took a long time to come together. Boston was around for a long time, as were two other teams. Us taking David was a factor in that, which was something we didn’t mind doing right now. We’ve said over and over again, we’ve got the cap space, so we might as well use it.”

Murray spoke with reporters for only a few minutes before heading back to his Honda Center office, presumably to field calls from his counterparts around the league about other possible trades. It was anticipated that he would be active in deal-making before Monday’s deadline.

It remained to be determined whether he could continue to swap players from the Ducks’ current roster in order to stockpile draft picks and prospects for the future, part of laying the foundation for the organization’s first rebuilding effort after many seasons of success.

“It’s a tough deal to make,” Murray said of sending Kase to Boston. “Ondrej had been injured (with a head injury suffered in a Feb. 7 game at Toronto). It was just a tough deal. We talked it over and over and over and over and it finally came together over the last couple of nights.”

There are several other candidates off the Ducks’ current roster who could be moved before Monday’s deadline, including veterans such as defenseman Michael Del Zotto, center Derek Grant, defenseman Josh Manson and left wing Nick Ritchie.

“It’s not like Ondrej is old,” Murray said of the 24-year-old Czech. “It’s just that we had a few too many guys like that (playing the same style). I thought we were a little small. It was an opportunity to change that a little bit. As we’re going, there are going to be changes in the progression here.”

The first-round pick the Ducks acquired isn’t going to be a high one since the Bruins were atop the NHL’s overall standings going into Friday’s schedule of games and they were expected to make a deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs starting in April.

Murray said he had scouted Andersson for several seasons and had him on a list of players he coveted in any possible deal with the Bruins. In fact, Boston general manager Don Sweeney initially didn’t wish to give up the right-handed shooting defenseman.

Andersson has two goals and 20 assists in 41 games this season with the Moncton (New Brunswick) Wildcats of the QMJHL. He and Benoit- Olivier Groulx, a center who is among the Ducks’ top prospects still playing junior-level hockey, are teammates with Moncton.

The Ducks took Backes as a deal-sweetener since he hadn’t played since Jan. 9 and wasn’t in Boston’s plans. The Bruins placed him on waivers on Jan. 17, but then they decided it was not in his or the team’s 1177558 Anaheim Ducks road trip earlier this month to what the Ducks said was flu-like symptoms. The club proclaimed that a big hit he received from Toronto’s Jake Muzzin wasn’t a factor in him sitting out the following contest in Buffalo. He had not returned to the lineup since. Ducks get a first-rounder, prospect and David Backes from Boston for Ondrej Kase And there is the favorable economics that the Ducks had with Kase. They signed the winger to a team-friendly bridge extension in the summer of 2018. Covering three seasons, Kase was still under contract for another year at $2.6 million in salary cap value and actual money. By Eric Stephens Feb 21, 2020 But in trading him away, the Ducks are no longer opting to wait and see if

he could reach his full potential. It almost happened in September. It has really gone down in February. The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 Angered by the leak that was made public of their behind-the-scenes doings, Ducks general manager Bob Murray had put Ondrej Kase in a trade that would have netted the club veteran Justin Faulk as they sought to strengthen their top four on defense. But the longtime Carolina blue- liner pulled the plug on that, stiff-arming them and a lucrative contract extension offer before choosing to waive his no-trade clause for the same with St. Louis.

Now a trade with Kase involved has come to fruition.

On Friday, the Ducks sent their talented right wing to Boston for a package that includes the Bruins’ 2020 first-round pick, defenseman prospect Axel Andersson and veteran forward David Backes. It is the first significant move that Murray has made ahead of the upcoming NHL trade deadline.

With its position down in the Western Conference standings and behind several teams for the second wild-card spot, Anaheim was thought to be a clear seller at the deadline. The trade of a 24-year-old skilled scorer for a package is a sign that they used one of their players with some real trade value to acquire quality future assets.

“I kind of knew it’s coming,” Kase told The Athletic outside Honda Center on Friday of the deal.

When asked if he felt good or bad about the trade he said, “Kind of both.”

When asked about playing for the Bruins he said, “Great team.”

Murray had sent signals that he was willing to use his salary cap space to absorb a bloated contract and gain some additional assets in return. According to Cap Friendly, the 35-year-old Backes has a $6 million cap hit for this season and next. His base salary was just $1 million as Boston already paid out a $3 million signing bonus on July 1. He’ll earn $4 million in total salary for 2020-21. The Bruins will pick up 25 percent of Backes’ salary

Backes was waived by the Bruins earlier this season and has played 16 games. The Ducks said he will report to the team and play for them.

The key parts of the deal are Boston’s first-rounder and Andersson, a 20- year-old right-shooting defender who was a second-round pick of the Bruins in 2018. Andersson has spent this season with the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats, where he has posted two goals and 20 assists in 41 games. Anaheim had just five picks for the 2020 draft but now adds a first-rounder to what could possibly be a top-five pick in June.

The trade may also indicate that there was still some concern over Kase’s susceptibility to injury. The winger has a concussion history. That and other injuries are why he has missed blocks of time over his four seasons with them. But he is on pace to dress in 70 for the first time.

This trade contains some risk for Murray and the Ducks if Kase ever maximizes his scoring potential. Kase has had a down season with just seven goals and 16 assists in 49 games. But the energetic Czech winger has undeniable offensive ability. His best season was 2017-18 where he had 20 goals and 38 points. And the feeling is those numbers could rise if he stayed healthy for a full season and were on a team that could maximize his skill set.

There has been some speculation that Kase wasn’t a fit with first-year coach Dallas Eakins. Like his predecessor Randy Carlyle, Eakins hasn’t put Kase in a top-six role full time. But the winger is getting the most ice time (16:47 on average) that he’s had in his four seasons. However, his usage on the power play (1.47 TOI) is down from last season (2.12 TOI).

Rarely employed on the top line, Kase has most recently developed chemistry with youngsters Max Jones and Sam Steel on a line that on a number of nights has been the Ducks’ most impactful given their group’s skating and tenacious forechecking. Kase did miss the final game of a 1177559 Anaheim Ducks defensive play has just been OK. He hasn’t been a killer for Hartford, but I liked his compete and defensive play in junior so I think that aspect will come along with time. I think he’s an NHL defenseman. Probably more of a third pair defenseman right now, but I see the upside Pronman’s trade deadline prospect WATCH: What the Ducks can expect to be more. from Axel Andersson Commentary on CAR-NYR trading Gauthier for Keane: Based on my evaluations of the players exchanged, I like Gauthier a little more as a player. Carolina was going to have to make a decision on him soon, By Corey Pronman Feb 21, 2020 though, because if he hit waivers next fall, my understanding from discussions with NHL scouts is that he was the type of player who would have been claimed. Based on those circumstances, getting a As the NHL trade deadline approaches, a lot of prospects could be on defenseman like Keane, who is on the first year of an entry-level deal, the move over the next two weeks. This piece will be regularly updated preserves some value in the system for Carolina; while the Rangers, who until the deadline with my thoughts on the prospects involved in trades. don’t have as deep an NHL roster, take a big swing on a highly talented player. Axel Andersson, D, Anaheim (traded from Boston on Feb. 21) Tyler Madden, C, Los Angeles (traded from Canucks on Feb. 17) Andersson may not have eye-popping numbers this season, but I would argue he’s looked better than his numbers suggest. He’s on a deep Madden was No. 40 on my midseason prospect ranking, which would Moncton team and has often been on PP2 this season. He’s an above- make him Los Angeles’ No. 5 ranked prospect right now, albeit in a very average skater, he’s got good skill and his two-way hockey IQ is very deep pool at the top. Madden is a player with elite skill. His 1-on-1 ability good. He can make plays and kill rushes. He’s not a dazzler offensively, is among the very best drafted prospects outside the NHL. And he is a with the odd nice seam pass or exit being the extent of his flash. He has very smart two-way center. He makes a lot of high-end plays and is a an NHL toolkit, it’s why he was a second-round pick, but given he’s never solid defensive center because of how smart he is and his quality on-ice really been a true top player in recent years in league or international work ethic. He does everything for Northeastern, a top 10 team, regularly play; he’s more of a bubble NHL prospect for me at the moment. He was logging massive minutes this season. He has all the hockey abilities, but injured not too long ago but reports are it’s not a serious injury. he’s a slight player with average feet. Even with his physical limitations, I think he will become a good NHL player once he eventually fills out with Max Veronneau, RW, Toronto (traded from Ottawa on Feb. 19) the potential to be a No. 2 center in the NHL. Madden was injured in a Veronneau was a big college free agent target last spring. I wasn’t that recent game, but it’s not believed to be a serious long-term injury. enamored with him coming out of college, but I do still have time for the Nolan Foote, LW, New Jersey (traded from Lightning on Feb. 16) player. I think he has a chance to make it because he’s a great skater, and has skill and hockey sense. There are times he looks bland Foote was No. 48 on my ranking of NHL prospects at the midseason, offensively, and scouts note that in the AHL he struggled with the making him New Jersey’s No. 2 prospect right now slightly behind physicality of the pro game. I think it’s possible he turns it around, but his defenseman Ty Smith. Foote is a player that’s generally impressed me first pro season had a lot of struggles and he’s 24 years old. this season and reports from NHL scouts have been positive. He’s a 6- foot-3 forward with very good hockey sense and a cannon of a shot. He’s Aaron Luchuk, C, Ottawa (traded from Toronto on Feb. 19) not just a perimeter player though, but someone who competes well and Luchuk has always impressed me with his great skill and vision. It’s why can use his big frame to drive the net. His skating isn’t the best, but I he’s been so good offensively at the ECHL level this season. Scouts think he’ll be able to handle the NHL speed, and I like his skating more think he struggles with the higher pace of the AHL, though, due to his than a year ago. He hasn’t been overly productive in the WHL, which is a size and just fine skating. It’s hard to see him as more than just depth at concern, but he was very good with Canada’s U20 team in the summer this point. and winter when he had better players to play with, as Kelowna is near the bottom in the WHL in goals. I think he projects as a second-line Mason Marchment, LW, Florida (traded from Toronto on Feb. 19) winger who will be a goal scorer in the NHL for the Devils. Foote was This trade – Marchment to the Panthers in return for Denis Malgin to the injured with what’s been listed as a lower-body injury but local reports out Maple Leafs – somewhat puzzled me. I do have some time for of Kelowna indicate he could return soon. Marchment. He is a 6-foot-4 forward with pretty good stick skills and David Quenneville, D, New Jersey (traded from Islanders on Feb. 16) some offensive ability in him. He’s great in front of the net on the power play, plays physical and overall uses his big frame to his advantage. His Quenneville was a good junior defenseman but has been just OK as a issue has always been his skating, which is still a weakness, being pro. He has very good offensive hockey sense and a hard shot, but he’s below-average and arguably well below-average. He’ll be 25 in June and 5-foot-8 and a just fine skater. That has led him to not being that strong doesn’t have a rich history of success at the AHL level over several defensively. His offense has been decent but not that significant. He’s a seasons. For those reasons, it’s hard for me to see him as a legitimate depth piece right now. top-12 forward in an NHL lineup, as he is more of a quad-A type player. Calen Addison, D, Minnesota (traded from Penguins on Feb. 10) While Malgin is an imperfect player in his own right due to his size and lack of elite speed, he has been an NHL player the past few years, and Addison has been a top defenseman in the WHL for the last few seasons has high-end skill and IQ. He did request a trade from Florida, though. and was the PP1 quarterback for Canada at the World Juniors. He is a player with a lot of offensive talent, particularly due to his great skating Julien Gauthier, RW, N.Y. Rangers (traded from Carolina on Feb. 18) and playmaking abilities which are both among the very best for Gauthier was the No. 56 prospect on my midseason ranking so he defensemen in junior. He’s not the biggest defenseman at 5-foot-10 and becomes the Rangers’ No. 3 ranked prospect. He’s a bit of a divisive as a pro his defensive play projects to be ok at best, but he should be prospect when you talk to scouts because he has a tremendous toolkit able to play at the NHL level due to his mobility. He’s a divisive prospect but also is an inconsistent player. I highlighted him as a player who may among scouts due to that and it’s why he got to the middle of the second be moved because of Carolina’s roster crunch and his impending waiver round in the 2018 draft. I think he can be a top-four defenseman in the status. I like the player because I think a player with his size, great NHL which is why he was ranked No. 52 in my midseason prospect skating and skill who can score will find a way to become an NHL player. ranking and he becomes one of the Wild’s top prospects in my eyes. I know some scouts who question his hockey sense, but I think it will be Kevin Bahl, D, New Jersey (traded from Coyotes on Dec. 16) good enough. I think he could be a middle-six NHL winger with the upside to be a second-line winger. What you’re getting in Bahl is a tough minutes defenseman. He is a projected No. 4 or 5 defenseman in the NHL for me. I know some scouts Joey Keane, D, Carolina (traded by N.Y. Rangers on Feb. 18) don’t like him due to a lack of offensive upside, and some think he’s a Keane didn’t make my midseason prospect ranking, but he was a close no doubt upper half of the lineup guy due to his elite physical tools. But I cut toward the end of the process. He’s been an AHL all-star as a rookie fall somewhere in the middle. I think he plays 19 minutes a night killing pro for Hartford. He’s shown excellent puck-moving skill at the pro level. penalties and being used in tough defensive situations to effectiveness. His offensive IQ is very high, and he has the ability to play with pace. Nick Merkley, RW, New Jersey (traded from Coyotes on Dec. 16) He’s a good skater and will be able to handle the NHL speed. His Merkley’s not the biggest or quickest. I’ve never minded his compete level. I wouldn’t call him an exceptional all-around player, but he competes well enough. I think he can be an NHL player due to his great skill and playmaking. I’m not sold he’ll be better than a bottom-six type in the league, but I think he will play games for the Devils. He is in the last year of his entry-level contract, though.

Nate Schnarr, C, New Jersey (traded from Coyotes on Dec. 16)

This season the adjustment to the pro pace has been a struggle for Schnarr. His offensive pop hasn’t been as noticeable, and he has been a forward toward the lower half of Tucson’s depth chart who kills penalties. I think he has a chance to play, but he’s more of a mid-tier prospect than a guy I’m slotting onto the Devils roster in a year or two.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177560 Arizona Coyotes p.m. Still, will he do something to address the shortcomings of an offense that ranks 26th out of 31 teams in goals per game? Moreover, will Chayka begin feeling some heat on signing Clayton Keller (on pace to equal his 47-point campaign from a year ago) to an eight-year extension With 18 games remaining, Arizona Coyotes need to regain energy to that kicks in next season? overcome recent struggles Will the eventual return of Kuemper make that much of an impact on a team that has received elite goaltending from Antti Raanta, who owns a .949 save percentage in February yet sports a mediocre 4-3-1 record Richard Morin, The Republic | azcentral.comPublished 4:35 p.m. MT over that stretch? Feb. 21, 2020 The answers will come eventually. The only question will be whether the

Coyotes want to hear them. Connor McDavid, perhaps hockey’s most talented player, said it “felt as if Arizona Republic LOADED: 02.22.2020 there were seven guys out there” after the Coyotes shut out the Edmonton Oilers’ high-flying offense in a 3-0 win on Feb. 4 at Gila River Arena.

Juxtapose that high praise with comments made after the Coyotes allowed 46 shots and managed a season-low 14 of their own in a 1-0 road loss to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. Speaking to reporters after the game, Blues goaltender Jordan Binnginton said he “didn’t even realize it was a real game” and that he was “just kind of chillin’ back there” in his crease.

The extreme differences in these post-game reactions — less than three weeks apart — help illustrate the kind of season the Coyotes are having. It has been one plagued by inconsistencies, key injuries, a lack of execution, and extremely unfriendly scheduling that has the Coyotes returning home from playing in Eastern or Central time zones with only one day of rest six times this season, most in the NHL.

And now, after getting swept on a two-game road trip through Dallas and St. Louis, the Coyotes find themselves on the outside of the Western Conference playoff picture with six weeks and 18 games remaining in the season.

“We have individuals who could play better,” Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet said on Friday. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say that the scheduling has hurt our team. We’re lacking some energy. Eleven games in 19 days, and even before that … These are tough miles. We had a hard-fought game in Dallas. Washington, we had to fly back from that Canada trip and we played them and the Islanders well.

“But we’ve hit a wall. It is what it is. I mean, it’s not an excuse; it’s just reality. Could some guys have given more and played better? Of course. But (the schedule) is definitely a factor.”

To make matters worse, the Coyotes have played more games than any team in the league. Teams vying with the Coyotes in the chase for a playoff spot have anywhere from one to five games in hand, meaning those teams have more opportunities left to gain points in the standings.

It wasn’t long ago, however, when the Coyotes occupied first place in the Pacific Division, doing so as recently as Jan. 15. Since that date, the Coyotes are 4-8-3 and their 11 points over that stretch are better than just three other NHL teams. Since Darcy Kuemper’s injury on Dec. 19, the Coyotes are just 10-14-4.

Even the Coyotes’ once-impressive road success has burnt out. After starting the season with a 14-6-3 record away from Glendale, the Coyotes are just 1-9-1 in their past 11 road games.

It’s been a slow, steady fall in the standings for the Coyotes, who return home to face the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. After that, the Coyotes receive some much-needed practice time before games against the Florida Panthers and Buffalo Sabres in Glendale to close out February.

“Number one for me is I’ve got to regain their energy,” Tocchet said of his approach during this homestand. “It’ll be real positive and trying to inspire some people, trying to inspire the team and hopefully you get some help from leadership. … Practice is a big part of our team and we haven’t had many this month. We’re a team that has to work on certain things, and offensively we’re having a tough time scoring goals.”

There is much on the line for the Coyotes in the coming weeks. Will a team that added Phil Kessel and Taylor Hall this year really miss the playoffs after leading the division in mid-January? If so, what does that mean for Hall’s prospects of signing long-term in Arizona?

John Chayka, Coyotes president of hockey operations and general manager, isn’t a big fan of the NHL trade deadline, which is Monday at 1 1177561 Arizona Coyotes

Coyotes fall to Blues despite Antti Raanta’s 45-save performance

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

FEBRUARY 20, 2020 AT 9:23 PM

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Ryan O’Reilly scored and Jordan Binnington made 14 saves to lead the St. Louis Blues to a 1-0 win over the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night.

Binnington recorded his second consecutive shutout and the eighth of his career. He had allowed at least three goals in eight straight starts prior to his shutout performances.

Antti Raanta stopped 45 of the Blues’ season-high 46 shots on goal and fell to 13-14-13.

O’Reilly scored on the Blues’ 43rd shot, a backhander with eight minutes remaining in the third period that caromed off the goal post, hit Raanta in the back and bounced into the goal. The goal was O’Reilly’s 11th of the season and just his third at home.

St. Louis outshot Arizona 28-12 through the first two periods, including 19-4 in the second.

David Perron appeared to have scored his team-leading 24th goal of the season on a slap shot from the left faceoff circle 9:52 into the second period. However, Arizona coach Rick Tocchet successfully challenged that Jaden Schwartz entered the zone offside, negating the goal.

Arizona was unable to convert on a 53-second, two-man advantage 9:38 into the first period, when Oskar Sundqvist was called for slashing with Justin Faulk already in the penalty box.

NOTES:

The Coyotes were shut out for the fifth time this season and allowed at least 40 shots on goal for the fourth time on the 2019-20 campaign.

UP NEXT:

Arizona hosts Tampa Bay on Saturday in the opener of a three-game homestand.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177562 Arizona Coyotes

No suspension for Stars’ Jamie Benn after hit on Oliver Ekman-Larsson

BY TOM KUEBEL

FEBRUARY 20, 2020 AT 12:41 PM

Jamie Benn’s hit that sent Arizona Coyotes captain Oliver Ekman- Larsson to the locker room in Wednesday’s 3-2 loss will not be punished further, according to The Athletic’s Sean Shapiro.

The Dallas Stars forward served a five-minute major and a game misconduct for the hit.

The two players have had history with Benn on the receiving end of a couple open-ice hits from the Coyotes in the past.

According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety viewed the play as a “puck chase” apposed to a boarding “where one player was tracking another” causing the league to refrain from supplemental discipline.

Ekman-Larsson returned to the game and finished -1, 20:18 of ice time and three shots. Benn finished with one shot, 6:29 of ice time and 15 PIMs.

Dallas is tied for first-place in the Western Conference with the St. Louis Blues while the Coyotes are tied for a wild card spot with the Calgary Flames, one point ahead of the Winnipeg Jets.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177563 Arizona Coyotes Current conference standing: First in Pacific Division Remaining games: 20

*Elite teams: 2 Neutral Zone: Coyotes’ playoff hopes fading in revitalized Western Conference Current playoff teams: 11

Home games: 9

By Craig Morgan Feb 21, 2020 Road games: 11

Edmonton

I received a direct message from a despondent, longtime fan after the Current conference standing: Second in Pacific Division Coyotes lost, 1-0, to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. He was looking for a ray of hope; a don’t-worry, the-Coyotes-will-make-the-playoffs piece. Remaining games: 22

It’s a tall order. The Coyotes are 1-9-1 in their past 11 road games, they *Elite teams: 4 are 5-10-4 since a win at Florida on Jan. 7, and they are out of playoff Current playoff teams: 12 position with six weeks left in the regular season. They have played more games than any team in the league, giving every team in the Western Home games: 12 Conference race at least two games in hand, and as many as five. Every team in that race has earned more points than the Coyotes over the past Road games: 10 10 games and, oh, the Tampa Bay Lightning, the NHL’s hottest team, Vancouver comes to town on Saturday to face road-weary Arizona, which is returning from one of the two eastern time zones with one day in Current conference standing: Third in Pacific Division between its last road game and its first home game for a league-high sixth time this season. Remaining games: 22

Hope is in short supply. *Elite teams: 5

If the Coyotes miss the postseason for a franchise-record eighth straight Current playoff teams: 12 season — the second-longest streak in the NHL behind the Buffalo Home games: 11 Sabres, who are heading toward a ninth straight season — there will be plenty of hard but fair questions to ask. Road games: 11

How did a team that is bumping up against the cap still miss the Winnipeg postseason? Current conference standing: First wild card What to do about the veterans who have term left on their contracts but Remaining games: 20 have either not produced enough results (Phil Kessel, Derek Stepan, Jordan Oesterle, Michael Grabner), or are getting to an age where their *Elite teams: 5 importance in the team’s future looks cloudy (Alex Goligoski, Niklas Hjalmarsson). Current playoff teams: 13

What to do about a leadership group that is failing at a critical point in the Home games: 8 season? Road games: 12 What to do about a couple of young, core pieces (Clayton Keller, Nick Calgary Schmaltz) whom general manager John Chayka signed to long-term deals, only to watch their production fall off a cliff when the team needed Current conference standing: Second wild card them most? Remaining games: 21 What are the chances that playoff-starved Taylor Hall, who produced four of the Coyotes’ pathetic 14 shots on goal in St. Louis on Thursday, wants *Elite teams: 4 to re-sign with a team that collapsed shortly after his arrival? Current playoff teams: 11

And finally, how to feel about a coach who is heading into the final Home games: 12 season of his four-year contract with no playoff berths on his résumé? Road games: 9 There are 18 games remaining in the Coyotes’ regular season. It will take an epic run to reach the postseason with so much working against them Nashville — other than a favorable schedule for the final six weeks that includes nine games against teams in the race with them. Current conference standing: 10th

Here is a look at the grim picture in the Western Conference playoff race. Remaining games: 23 We have excluded the top three teams in the Central Division from this *Elite teams: 4 analysis because they are largely irrelevant in the Coyotes’ playoff chase. Current playoff teams: 13

Sizing up the west Home games: 12

Arizona Road games: 11

Current conference standing: 9th Minnesota

Remaining games: 18 Current conference standing: 11th

*Elite teams: 3 Remaining games: 23

Current playoff teams: 11 *Elite teams: 5

Home games: 11 Current playoff teams: 11

Road games: 7 Home games: 10

Vegas Road games: 13 * We confined the elite teams category to the seven teams widely scary the consequences are, for the players, and for the future of this considered to be legitimate Stanley Cup contenders: Boston, Tampa game. Bay, Pittsburgh, Washington, St. Louis, Dallas and Colorado. It’s subjective, and you could make an argument for other teams such as Benn and Ekman-Larsson have a history, and it should not be ignored Vegas and Toronto, but those teams have not played like contenders to that Ekman-Larsson delivered a highly questionable hit on Benn when date. these teams met at Gila River Arena back on Dec. 29, a hit at which a source said NHL Player Safety took a good, long look. But this type of Head meet wall ruling is exactly why the so-called hockey men and analysts butt heads. This is where the you-never-played-the-game, you-don’t-understand When reviewing Jamie Benn’s boarding penalty on Oliver Ekman- argument surfaces, to which the analysts reply, we understand the Larsson in Dallas on Wednesday, you could see the result coming from a objective data all too well. So should you. mile away. No, I’m not talking about the hit. I’m talking about the lack of supplemental discipline meted out by NHL Player Safety, the department I like the idea of having a player among the voices on NHL Player Safety. whose name sometimes feels like an oxymoron. It’s an important perspective. I do not want NHL Player Safety being dominated by former players’ opinions. That creates a problem with As soon as Ekman-Larsson returned to the ice for the third period, I objectivity, especially when you are talking about docking someone’s figured there would be no supplemental discipline. The department that pay. The greater cost, again, is to players’ long-term health. It has to be patrols safety apparently feels that if no significant injury is sustained, the paramount in every decision the department makes. Don’t qualify these action that created its possibility is somehow less concerning. Heck, they plays. Don’t rationalize these plays. Don’t blame the victims. Take these may not have meted out punishment anyway, given the interpretation hits out of the game. Period. Do it for the well-being of the players and that the Dallas Morning News beat writer Matthew DeFranks and The the game. Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun unearthed. Unfortunately, this opinion will produce the same effect as many have SOURCE: THERE WILL BE NO SUPPLEMENTAL DISCIPLINE (NO before it. I might as well ram my own head into a wall. The only thing that FINE OR SUSPENSION) FOR JAMIE BENN AFTER HIS HIT ON will serve as a wake-up call for the NHL is when the head-trauma data OLIVER EKMAN-LARSSON. EKMAN-LARSSON PUT HIMSELF OFF becomes irrefutable and both legally and financially problematic. It is BALANCE TO PLAY THE PUCK AND LOST A PHYSICAL BATTLE hard to educate the unwilling. WITH BENN. Injury updates — MATTHEW DEFRANKS (@MDEFRANKS) FEBRUARY 20, 2020 Coyotes GM John Chayka said the team received good news this week PLAYER SAFETY VIEWED IT AS A 50-50 PUCK CHASE, NOT A on Darcy Kuemper’s injury setback, which occurred in Montreal mere TYPICAL BOARDING SUSPENSION WHERE ONE PLAYER WAS hours before he was scheduled to return to the lineup. The injury was TRACKING ANOTHER. THEY FELT IT WAS DEFINITELY WORTH THE related to the lower-body injury that has sidelined him since Dec. 19. BOARDING MAJOR WHICH BENN GOT IN-GAME, BUT FELT IT DIDN'T RISE TO THE LEVEL OF SUPPLEMENTAL DISCIPLINE. “We got some good news in the sense that we thought it was not a HTTPS://T.CO/0I0YP5IMKU setback to square one and it wasn’t, but obviously he is not ready to play,” Chayka said. “He’s back in that limbo of getting up to speed, — PIERRE LEBRUN (@PIERREVLEBRUN) FEBRUARY 20, 2020 getting his timing back and getting ready. We don’t think that will take too If you want a more complete explanation of the NHL’s stance on contact long but we don’t have a timeline.” along the boards, here is the league’s educational video. That doesn’t Chayka said defenseman Jason Demers (oblique muscle) skated for the mean you have to agree with the explanation or the logic behind it. first time on Sunday, calling it a legitimate skate in which he did well. The I get that players have a responsibility not to put themselves in vulnerable Coyotes placed Demers on long-term injured reserve. Chayka said the positions. I get that there are a lot of 50-50 pucks that result in collisions, soonest he could return is against the Buffalo Sabres at Gila River Arena and I get that hockey is a dangerous game played at high speeds with on Feb. 29. only fractions of seconds available to make decisions, but Ekman- Defenseman Jakob Chychrun missed Thursday’s game against the Larsson was playing the puck in this instance. Benn was not. The onus Blues with a lower-body injury. He is considered day to day. should not be on the victim in this case. Nor do I think it should be on him if he turns his back to protect the puck (which really didn’t happen in this Loose pucks case, but is still argued by the league). Players are taught to protect the puck. Would the league rather they simply give up on that pursuit — one NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said there is no update to the league’s their coaches harp on — to take a hit face to face? investigation of the Coyotes. The NHL is investigating whether the Coyotes violated league rules by fitness-testing draft-eligible players The onus should be on the offender in these situations, even in a split before the 2019 scouting combine. second. Benn’s hit between Ekman-Larsson’s numbers was reckless and dangerous, particularly because it occurred right along the boards where Barrett Hayton made his first appearance in the lineup since his a significant head or neck injury could have occurred. Despite the memorable World Junior Championship experience with Canada. Hayton league’s creative interpretation, it also looked like clear intent by Benn. centered the third line between Carl Söderberg and Phil Kessel, logging Does it matter that Ekman-Larsson did not suffer such an injury? It does 10:47 of ice time with two shots on goal against St. Louis on Thursday. for his long-term health, but it should not matter to a department charged Chayka said late Thursday that all was quiet on the trade-deadline front. with keeping players safe, at least not in handing out a minimum Given this team’s recent struggles and Chayka’s aversion to the additional punishment. deadline’s inflated market prices, it is hard to envision the Coyotes doing If a guy misses significant time, maybe that suspension should be anything significant ahead of the 1 p.m. MST cutoff. That said, it might be lengthened. As a colleague noted, Corey Perry is currently helping these prudent to see what the market looks like for one or two of their veterans. same Dallas Stars make the playoffs while Nashville defenseman Ryan The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 Ellis, the guy he elbowed in the head early in the Winter Classic, has not played since that game as the Predators try to climb back into playoff position. Perry got a five-game suspension. Ellis has missed 20, and counting. Does that seem fair?

I will harp on this until I die, but with all the data we are producing on the long-term impact of head injuries, these are the exact sorts of hits that must be taken out of the game entirely, and if you’re a repeat offender, your punishment should increase exponentially, not incrementally. When in doubt, players must be coached to pull up. Every time. Even in a split second. I realize that it is difficult, but the cost of such hits is too high. The benefit feels like little more than a quick testosterone shot to satisfy base desires. And if NHL Player Safety, a department populated by former players, truly cares about the well-being of its fellow players, it should dive headlong into that aforementioned data and see just how 1177564 Boston Bruins ■ Bergeron is one goal shy of his sixth 30-goal season. It would be his third straight and fifth in the last seven seasons (all after turning 28).

■ Grzelcyk took an elbowing penalty at 6:33 after dropping Reider in Burned early, Bruins catch Flames for fifth straight win, and other open ice, but the Bruins snuffed out the power play. observations ■ With just 47:40 left in the game, Charlie Coyle tied it on the breakaway. Anders Bjork blocked a shot in the defensive zone, Karson Kuhlman threw a stretch feed past Calgary coverage, and Coyle finished By Matt Porter Globe Staff,February 21, 2020, 11:28 p.m. upstairs. Good work from Kuhlman, hoping to stick around in the Ondrej Kase era, and great stuff from Coyle, who has been a force since the All-

Star bye break. CALGARY — The Bruins kept their run going with a wild win Friday night ■ Both goalies returned to the ice for the middle period. Brad Marchand at Scotiabank Saddledome, going punch-for-punch with the Flames and opened the scoring 52 seconds in, tipping a Brandon Carlo shot past putting on the clamps for a 4-3 win. Cam Talbot. It was the 24th for Marchand, who went the previous seven The visitors overcame a pair of two-goal deficits, at 2-0 and 3-1, to land games without one. their fifth win in a row and 10th out of 11. ■ The caffeine wore off after that. The second period featured 10 shots Boston’s best were dominant. Patrice Bergeron (two goals), Brad on goal (five a side), one goal, but we did see Lauzon’s first career fight. Marchand and surging Charlie Coyle provided the goals. ■ Milan Lucic, who entered with a 6-11—17 line in 59 games, went to The NHL-leading Bruins (39-11-12), the first team to reach 90 points, dinner with a host of old Bruins pals Thursday night. He never played were expected to take a short flight to Vancouver afterward, hoping to with Kuhlman or Grzelcyk, whom he buried with bodychecks. sweep their Western Canada trip. ■ Lauzon wanted to send a response to Lucic, who dropped Coyle on The Bruins and Flames, seemingly uninterested in playing defense, his way off the ice in the second period. Lauzon gave his jersey a tug. On combined for six goals in the first 12:20 of the game. the next faceoff, at 10:17, Lauzon and Tkachuk engaged in an angry scrap. “It was hectic, for sure,” Bruins right wing Karson Kuhlman said. ■ The Bruins had to make a big kill 5:55 into the third period, when Calgary scored three times on their first four shots in the first 3:23 of the Bergeron hooked Derek Ryan. The Bruins, who have killed 29 of their game, but Boston’s run of three straight goals had the visitors up, 4-3, in past 30 penalties against the Flames (over nine games), stuffed them the first minute of the second period. again. Lauzon was in pain after blocking a shot with his foot, but he returned to play. “We just had to get out of that period,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Then we started over.” Boston Globe LOADED: 02.22.2020 But the goalies did their part, and the Bruins shut out the Flames over the final 54 minutes. Jaroslav Halak, who made 18 saves, stopped Johnny Gaudreau on a breakaway with about eight minutes left.

Uncredited on the scoresheet: The lively end boards at Scotiabank Saddledome, which could be credited with three assists. Cassidy pointed to it as a reason for Calgary’s opening flurry, the puck bouncing all over and creating Mikael Backlund’s goal 20 seconds in.

But the Bruins scored twice off direct rebounds, Bergeron potting the Bruins’ first two strikes off caroms behind the net.

“It was weird to try and assess how they got their goals tonight,” Calgary interim coach Geoff Ward said. “After the first 10 minutes, we thought, ‘This thing’s going to get out of control.’ They were able to get themselves back on track quickly, and when they got the lead, you see how tight they played.”

Some other observations:

■ The Bruins gave up their first goal 20 seconds in, allowing a Mikael Backlund putback from the slot. Off the opening faceoff, Torey Krug couldn’t clear a harmless dump in. Pinching defenseman Rasmus Andersson got free in Krug’s area and had an open-net look off a rebound. After Andersson put it off the outside of the cage, it bounced to Backlund.

■ Backlund made it 2-0 off a turnover at the Bruins’ blue line. Tobias Reider’s 2-on-1 saucer pass went over Zdeno Chara’s stick. Backlund zipped a one-timer past Halak at 2:34.

■ Patrice Bergeron to the rescue. Only 44 seconds after Backlund’s second, Bergeron cleaned up a David Pastrnak rebound with a backhander in the slot. He cruised by Calgary star Matthew Tkachuk, who was watching the puck. Three goals on the game’s first seven shots.

■ Calgary’s 3-1 goal was a mess for Boston. Matt Grzelcyk attacked Elias Lindholm’s zone entry out high, leaving room for Johnny Gaudreau to walk into the zone and take a short pass from Lindholm. Grzelcyk’s partner, Jeremy Lauzon, lost his stick, and was lost in coverage. David Krejci, the only man who could stop Gaudreau, didn’t come close. Gaudreau poked it by Halak.

■ But after Calgary iced the puck three times in a row, Bergeron got his second — and 29th of the season — off a Pastrnak shot that caromed off the end boards. That made it five goals in the first 6:12. 1177565 Boston Bruins “He’s so versatile,” Krug said. “You plug him into different parts of the lineup and he’ll give it his all. I think he’s still going to have a role on this team, I think, with the way he thinks the game, he’s responsible defensively and really fast.” A look inside the numbers for new Bruin Ondrej Kase Kuhlman lined up on the third line Friday, with Danton Heinen taking the No. 2 RW spot.

By Matt Porter Globe Staff,February 21, 2020, 7:39 p.m. Miller progressing

General manager Don Sweeney said defenseman Kevan Miller (knee) “continues to progress and increase the volume of his skating . . . We CALGARY — Though Ondrej Kase’s scoring totals aren’t star-level — his don’t have a timeline.” Miller’s most recent game was last April 4 . . . career high is 20 goals — some of the numbers are promising. Anton Blidh replaced Joakim Nordstrom on the fourth line. Cassidy Among them: wanted a bit of Blidh’s energy on the front end of a back to back (Vancouver on Saturday). Blidh was a healthy scratch the previous five ■ According to Natural Stat Trick, there have been 308 NHL forwards games . . . Jaroslav Halak, who started one of the Bruins’ previous six who have logged 500 or more minutes at 5 on 5 this season (Kase: 647). games, had allowed one goal in his previous three starts (.959 save We’ll call these “regulars.” percentage) . . . Entering Friday, the Bruins had allowed the fewest goals in the league (2.29 per game), with the second-best power play (25 Among regulars, Kase ranks 30th in Corsi For percentage, and fourth percent) and third-ranked penalty kill (84.1) . . . Kase’s younger brother is among Bruins behind David Pastrnak (27th), Brad Marchand (11th) and Flyers prospect David Kase, a 2015 fifth-round pick who plays for the Patrice Bergeron (10th). His team gets 54.66 percent of the shot AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Their father, Robert, played in the Czech attempts when he is on the ice. He helps his team attack. Republic and Germany from 1997-2009, and later coached both (and ■ He has seven scoring attempts off the rush, which ranks 65th overall Bruins prospect Jakub Lauko) on the Pirati Chomutov junior team. and third on Boston behind Jake DeBrusk (19th) and Pastrnak (56th). Boston Globe LOADED: 02.22.2020 ■ He will draw penalties. He has forced 13 at 5 on 5, ranking 38th and slotting behind Marchand (first) and Pastrnak (15th).

■ In high-danger shot attempts — getting to the scoring areas and firing — he ranks 146th. That’s in the range of other Bruins’ trade targets such as Kyle Palmieri (137th) and Blake Coleman (139th) and potential linemates DeBrusk (158th) and David Krejci (170th). Chris Kreider ranks 72nd.

■ The Ducks used him in an offense-heavy role. He lined up for offensive zone faceoffs 70 percent of the time. Only 20 regular forwards have a higher percentage, not including Pastrnak and Krejci (both 67 percent). Bruins forward Chris Wagner gets the fewest offensive-zone starts (21.7) of any regular right wing.

Kase has had trouble finishing this season, however.

■ Kase and Krejci both have five goals and 14 assists at even strength. Nine of Kase’s assists have been primary helpers, meaning he sets up goals. Kase shoots much more than Krejci, though, and his shooting percentage has plummeted this season.

At 5 on 5, he has scored on 4.46 percent of 112 shots, which ranks 19th- worst among regulars. By that metric, he becomes the most snake-bit Bruins forward, surpassing Wagner (4.92 percent).

Among Ducks, Kase had the third-highest expected goals rating — a measure of a player’s shot quality — but ranked lowest among regular forwards in shooting percentage. That speaks to a glut of chances he hasn’t finished.

He shot about 13 percent at 5 on 5 the last two years, when he potted 27 even-strength goals in 96 games.

■ Do not expect him to land bodychecks. Likely in part to his concussion history, he does not play a physical game, credited with eight hits at 5 on 5. Only four players in the league have thrown fewer. DeBrusk (24 hits) has thrown the fewest among current Bruins.

The Bruins were hoping to add a fast, physical, right-shot winger. Kase checks two of those boxes. If he can finish more chances while playing in a more potent lineup, he will make the Bruins look smart.

Kuhlman plays on

With Kase potentially replacing him on Krejci’s line, Karson Kuhlman soldiered on Friday.

Kuhlman, a hard-working, straight-line rookie with a good shot, won the No. 2 right wing job late last season and stuck around through training camp.

But a broken leg in late October cost him three months, and he had to play catch-up once returning in January. In 21 games, he has a 1-4—5 line. He has been reliable, but not the dynamic player the Bruins want in their top six.

Defenseman Torey Krug wasn’t ready to remove him from the equation. 1177566 Boston Bruins ▪ The Bruins had to give up a first-round pick for Kase. Sweeney said he spoke to the staff about it:

“It cushions the blow from our pro staff and all the work that [our pro staff] What Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said about the trade for did to identify Ondrej as a player that would be a good fit for our hockey Ondrej Kase club. It does not cushion the blow for our amateur staff – I sent a note to each and every one of them to make sure that they understood that in no way, shape, or form is that indicative of the hard work that they’ve done. They put us in a position to try and acquire these players because of the By Katie McInerney Globe Staff,Updated February 21, 2020, 5:22 p.m. work they’ve done. Again, the draft and development part is the lifeline of every organization and we’re not going to be any different in that regard. You can’t continue to trade higher picks to have less opportunity to find With Monday’s NHL trade deadline fast approaching, the Bruins made a the players that can impact your hockey club. You just can’t continue to deal to send David Backes to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for do it. Albeit, your team when they’re playing well, they want to win, they forward Ondrej Kase (the Bruins also dealt a first-round pick and want to continue to have people that can add. And hopefully we’ve done defenseman Axel Andersson to complete the package). that for them in this case. That’s what the ultimate goal is.”

Here’s what Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said about the trade ▪ He responded to a question on roster moves and cap management: on Friday afternoon: "Well on both fronts, we do not need to make a roster move. Ondrej is ▪ He thanked Backes and his family: currently on [injured reserve], so we don’t have to make a roster move. We typically do; in past history, we typically do make a couple of moves "I’d like to start by thanking David Backes and wishing Kelly and their in and around to give us some flexibility. Either to keep players playing family the very best. David will soon be able to resume playing in that are eligible, non-waiver players. So, we may look at that if we end up Anaheim. Tremendous person and leader, contributed with the under the rules of burning or if we do recall those players. But we’ll look development of all our players. Also want to wish Axel Andersson a at that, we don’t need to do on either front, from a cap perspective or a healthy and successful career in Anaheim." roster management perspective. But that doesn’t mean we won’t just for ▪ He offered a scouting report on the team’s newest addition: the benefit of the hockey club overall or the benefit of our players.

“The Boston Bruins are really excited to be adding Ondrej Kase to our ▪ He offered his thoughts on this year’s trade market: current team. Ondrej is a young, solid player, been a significant producer “I think we all face the same dynamic; supply and demand, what your while 5-on-5, has shown versatility to be able to adapt his game and needs are. Once two teams have made a trade, that’s history. Again, the complement different lines; shot volume has increased over his years. seller is in control in those situations and then who’s aggressive to meet For us, I think it addresses a need.” the demands of what the seller’s asking for. In this case, we found the ▪ And he elaborated on Kase’s health: ability to make a deal and we appreciate Bob Murray and Anaheim’s efforts to find a deal. It’s not easy. As far as the next trade, that’s "The obvious question that people are going to ask is Ondrej’s health, between the two teams that make it, honestly. Obviously, our past history and he’s been back on the ice. He will join the team back here in Boston and current precedent that sort of set the parameters, but it always and not in Vancouver or Calgary. comes down to the supply and demand of the two teams involved."

“... It’s a quick turnaround for him to go and do that, he was on the ice at Boston Globe LOADED: 02.22.2020 practice yesterday. But he’ll have today off, he’ll travel. We’ll get him in, he’ll be on ice with us fully on Monday. And then we’ll make an evaluation as to how comfortable he is in getting back to playing. The injuries are what they are; he’s had shoulder surgery; he’s had a concussion in the past. So, we’re just going to make sure he feels good and ready to go.”

▪ He said he wasn’t sure if the Bruins would make any more moves:

“I don’t know what will be or can be done. We’ll continue to make calls and look at different opportunities that may exist. For us, I’d like to pay attention to Ondrej and the potential he brings to our hockey club. As I said before, we did see his scoring abilities, his versatility, his own game, ability to probably play either with [David] Krejci or [Charlie] Coyle on that right side, he’s a right shot. Adds to the speed and offensive ability to our hockey club. For us, we’ve addressed what we think we need and also doesn’t take away from any of the players we have on our current roster and the players that have been pushing from down below from a depth perspective to continue to have our club hopefully staying healthy throughout our last twenty games and into the playoffs.”

▪ Kase’s contract isn’t up until 2021. Did that influence the Bruins’ decision?

“Well, we’ve made trades where we’ve brought in players that are classified as rentals because their contracts are expiring, and in most of those cases we have looked at whether or not those players will fit and what our needs are, and that’s the primary focus for trying the next few trades and bringing in players that we think complement our current group. This is no different than that case. But we are excited, he’s a 24- year old player that has a lot of offensive upsides and talent overall. But we think with the speed of the game and the speed that he plays at, his shooting ability, that he can continue to grow and integrate into our group and add another dimension to our hockey club. I believe, for me, I was looking at players that hopefully would fall into that category, that would continue to grow, complement our group. Because we’re in it to win, there’s no question we’re in it to win like everybody else. But we don’t know where those opportunities lie and moving forward, we’d like a player that you can move forward with.” 1177567 Boston Bruins hardening the unfamiliar “J” at the end of his first name: “Dredge, Reds, Reggie, Kashi, Chaser . . . ”

In Boston, he’ll be expected to cash his share of feeds from Krejci, who Bruins trade for speedy winger Ondrej Kase, send David Backes, first- has had rookie Karson Kuhlman (1-4—5 in 21 games) on the right side of round pick to Ducks late.

“He’s a good player,” Krejci said. “The last couple years he’s shown he can score in this league. He has great skills and good speed. He needs By Matt Porter Globe Staff,February 21, 2020, 1:23 p.m. to learn the system quickly and get on the same page. Everything’s going to be new to him, not just whatever line he’s on.”

Second-line left wing Jake DeBrusk didn’t know much about Kase — CALGARY — The Anaheim Ducks’ annual visit to Boston used to be an “I’ve been told he has speed and skill” — but was eager to add more occasion for David Pastrnak and Ondrej Kase to break bread. octane to the offense before another Stanley Cup playoff run. “We’d go out to dinner every time,” Pastrnak said of his former Czech “We’re first in the league right now,” he said. “It says the team has national teammate. “He’s a similar guy like me. He wants to have fun and confidence in us to make another push and change the outcome of last play hockey.” year.” The Bruins hope they’ll soon toast to a championship. Kase, who has two goals in 13 career playoff games (2017, ’18) was a The Bruins solved their most pressing need Friday, adding Kase, an seventh-round pick (205th overall) of Anaheim in 2014. He was taken six offense-minded right wing, and sending a 2020 first-round pick, three- rounds after the Bruins scored Pastrnak at No. 25. Kase is from Kadan, quarters of David Backes’s salary and a prospect, defenseman Axel Czechia, a northwest city near the German border. Andersson, to Anaheim. He has played four of his five career games against the Bruins at TD Kase’s combination of age (24), speed, skill and cost ($2.6 million this Garden (1-1—2). He was a bright spot in Anaheim’s 4-2 loss in October, year and next) convinced general manager Don Sweeney to surrender nearly scoring on a breakaway in a matinee remembered for Pastrnak’s his first-rounder, which he did in 2018 for Rick Nash, and Andersson, a four-goal game. 2018 second-round pick playing for Moncton of the Quebec Junior “High-end skill,” defenseman Torey Krug said of Kase. “Fast player. I League. think he’ll complement our lineup. Like every other Czech guy, he’s got “We’re excited,” said Sweeney. “He has a lot of offensive upside and some creativity. You’ve got to be careful defending him. I think we got a talent overall. But we think with the speed of the game and the speed good one.” that he plays at, his shooting ability, that he can continue to grow and The Bruins also parted ways with Backes, who signed a five-year, $30 integrate into our group and add another dimension to our hockey club. million deal in 2016 and delivered 39 goals and 94 points in 217 games, “I was looking at players that hopefully would fall into that category — though just one goal and two assists in 16 games this season. The team that would continue to grow, complement our group. Because we’re in it will carry $1.5 million on their cap through 2021. to win. There’s no question we’re in it to win.” Getting out Backes’s deal gives the Bruins some $4.5 million extra to The Bruins were in the mix for Tyler Toffoli (traded to the Canucks), spend before Monday’s trade deadline, or save for offseason Blake Coleman (Lightning), the Rangers’ Chris Kreider, the Devils’ Kyle negotiations with Krug (unrestricted free agent), DeBrusk (restricted free Palmieri, and the Blue Jackets’ Josh Anderson. Sweeney said he will agent), and Matt Grzelcyk (RFA). continue to look for improvements to the club. It appears, for now, David Sweeney, Cassidy and several players expressed their sadness over Krejci has found a right winger. seeing Backes leave the organization. “We don’t see him often, but he’s skilled, likes to shoot the puck and can “He’s grinded so hard in this league,” Wagner said. “Hopefully he gets a play up or down the lineup,” coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Easiest thing is chance in Anaheim.” to say we’ll try him with Krejci, and we probably will, and go from there.” Backes, 35, was waived Jan. 17 and per mutual agreement with the When healthy and on his game, Kase (6 feet, 182 pounds) has been a Bruins, did not report to AHL Providence. He last played on Jan. 9. finisher and playmaker in Anaheim’s top six and a stabilizing force when Sweeney said Backes, who had in his contract a choice of eight teams to skating with less experienced linemates. Health has been his major which he would accept a trade, agreed to add Anaheim to that list. concern. “He sounds very eager,” Ducks GM Bob Murray told reporters. “He’s He set career highs with 20 goals and 66 games two years ago, but been a leader all his life . . . He wants to show everybody that he still can subsequent shoulder surgery and a concussion limited him to 30 games play.” last season (11-9—20). He has played in 49 this season (7-16—23). Boston Globe LOADED: 02.22.2020 Kase has not played since Feb. 7 after taking a heavy hit from Toronto’s Jake Muzzin. Kase returned to practice Thursday, but he will not play Friday against the Flames or Saturday against the Canucks. He is expected to join the club for its Monday practice in Brighton. He could make his Bruins debut Tuesday at TD Garden against Calgary.

“We’re just going to make sure he feels good and ready to go,” Sweeney said. “We’ll just make sure he’s 100 hundred percent. That’s the benefit of having our current team where they are right now.”

. . .

The Bruins, healthy and in first place overall (88 points), were strapping up for their morning skate at Scotiabank Saddledome when they learned of the deal.

“He’s a great kid,” said Chris Wagner, his Ducks teammate for parts of three AHL and NHL seasons. “He’s funny. We called him the Energizer Bunny because on the ice, his motor’s incredible. He competes really hard. And off the ice, he’s a happy-go-lucky kid. Everybody loved him in Anaheim.”

According to NHL broadcasters’ pronunciation guide, his name is pronounced “AWN-dray kah-SHEH.” Wagner said the North Americans in the Ducks locker room called him a variety of nicknames, some 1177568 Boston Bruins hardening the unfamiliar “J” at the end of his first name: “Dredge, Reds, Reggie, Kashi, Chaser . . . ”

In Boston, he’ll be expected to cash his share of feeds from Krejci, who Bruins trade for speedy winger Ondrej Kase, send David Backes, first- has had rookie Karson Kuhlman (1-4—5 in 21 games) on the right side of round pick to Ducks late.

“He’s a good player,” Krejci said. “The last couple years he’s shown he can score in this league. He has great skills and good speed. He needs By Matt Porter Globe Staff,February 21, 2020, 1:23 p.m. to learn the system quickly and get on the same page. Everything’s going to be new to him, not just whatever line he’s on.”

Second-line left wing Jake DeBrusk didn’t know much about Kase — CALGARY — The Anaheim Ducks’ annual visit to Boston used to be an “I’ve been told he has speed and skill” — but was eager to add more occasion for David Pastrnak and Ondrej Kase to break bread. octane to the offense before another Stanley Cup playoff run. “We’d go out to dinner every time,” Pastrnak said of his former Czech “We’re first in the league right now,” he said. “It says the team has national teammate. “He’s a similar guy like me. He wants to have fun and confidence in us to make another push and change the outcome of last play hockey.” year.” The Bruins hope they’ll soon toast to a championship. Kase, who has two goals in 13 career playoff games (2017, ’18) was a The Bruins solved their most pressing need Friday, adding Kase, an seventh-round pick (205th overall) of Anaheim in 2014. He was taken six offense-minded right wing, and sending a 2020 first-round pick, three- rounds after the Bruins scored Pastrnak at No. 25. Kase is from Kadan, quarters of David Backes’s salary and a prospect, defenseman Axel Czechia, a northwest city near the German border. Andersson, to Anaheim. He has played four of his five career games against the Bruins at TD Kase’s combination of age (24), speed, skill and cost ($2.6 million this Garden (1-1—2). He was a bright spot in Anaheim’s 4-2 loss in October, year and next) convinced general manager Don Sweeney to surrender nearly scoring on a breakaway in a matinee remembered for Pastrnak’s his first-rounder, which he did in 2018 for Rick Nash, and Andersson, a four-goal game. 2018 second-round pick playing for Moncton of the Quebec Junior “High-end skill,” defenseman Torey Krug said of Kase. “Fast player. I League. think he’ll complement our lineup. Like every other Czech guy, he’s got “We’re excited,” said Sweeney. “He has a lot of offensive upside and some creativity. You’ve got to be careful defending him. I think we got a talent overall. But we think with the speed of the game and the speed good one.” that he plays at, his shooting ability, that he can continue to grow and The Bruins also parted ways with Backes, who signed a five-year, $30 integrate into our group and add another dimension to our hockey club. million deal in 2016 and delivered 39 goals and 94 points in 217 games, “I was looking at players that hopefully would fall into that category — though just one goal and two assists in 16 games this season. The team that would continue to grow, complement our group. Because we’re in it will carry $1.5 million on their cap through 2021. to win. There’s no question we’re in it to win.” Getting out Backes’s deal gives the Bruins some $4.5 million extra to The Bruins were in the mix for Tyler Toffoli (traded to the Canucks), spend before Monday’s trade deadline, or save for offseason Blake Coleman (Lightning), the Rangers’ Chris Kreider, the Devils’ Kyle negotiations with Krug (unrestricted free agent), DeBrusk (restricted free Palmieri, and the Blue Jackets’ Josh Anderson. Sweeney said he will agent), and Matt Grzelcyk (RFA). continue to look for improvements to the club. It appears, for now, David Sweeney, Cassidy and several players expressed their sadness over Krejci has found a right winger. seeing Backes leave the organization. “We don’t see him often, but he’s skilled, likes to shoot the puck and can “He’s grinded so hard in this league,” Wagner said. “Hopefully he gets a play up or down the lineup,” coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Easiest thing is chance in Anaheim.” to say we’ll try him with Krejci, and we probably will, and go from there.” Backes, 35, was waived Jan. 17 and per mutual agreement with the When healthy and on his game, Kase (6 feet, 182 pounds) has been a Bruins, did not report to AHL Providence. He last played on Jan. 9. finisher and playmaker in Anaheim’s top six and a stabilizing force when Sweeney said Backes, who had in his contract a choice of eight teams to skating with less experienced linemates. Health has been his major which he would accept a trade, agreed to add Anaheim to that list. concern. “He sounds very eager,” Ducks GM Bob Murray told reporters. “He’s He set career highs with 20 goals and 66 games two years ago, but been a leader all his life . . . He wants to show everybody that he still can subsequent shoulder surgery and a concussion limited him to 30 games play.” last season (11-9—20). He has played in 49 this season (7-16—23). Boston Globe LOADED: 02.22.2020 Kase has not played since Feb. 7 after taking a heavy hit from Toronto’s Jake Muzzin. Kase returned to practice Thursday, but he will not play Friday against the Flames or Saturday against the Canucks. He is expected to join the club for its Monday practice in Brighton. He could make his Bruins debut Tuesday at TD Garden against Calgary.

“We’re just going to make sure he feels good and ready to go,” Sweeney said. “We’ll just make sure he’s 100 hundred percent. That’s the benefit of having our current team where they are right now.”

The Bruins, healthy and in first place overall (88 points), were strapping up for their morning skate at Scotiabank Saddledome when they learned of the deal.

“He’s a great kid,” said Chris Wagner, his Ducks teammate for parts of three AHL and NHL seasons. “He’s funny. We called him the Energizer Bunny because on the ice, his motor’s incredible. He competes really hard. And off the ice, he’s a happy-go-lucky kid. Everybody loved him in Anaheim.”

According to NHL broadcasters’ pronunciation guide, his name is pronounced “AWN-dray kah-SHEH.” Wagner said the North Americans in the Ducks locker room called him a variety of nicknames, some 1177569 Boston Bruins Halak settled into the game after his rocky start, making key stops on the penalty kill and stoning Gaudreau late in the third. He finished with 18 saves.

Bruins come back after wild first period against Flames The Bruins conclude their road trip in Vancouver on Saturday night.

Boston Herald LOADED: 02.22.2020

By MARISA INGEMI | PUBLISHED: February 21, 2020 at 11:27 p.m. | UPDATED: February 22, 2020 at 12:30 a.m.

CALGARY — If you like chaos, this was the game for you.

The Flames jumped ahead by two less than three minutes into the game but that was far from all the scoring, as the Bruins stormed back in a crazy opening frame to take a 4-3 win in Calgary on the third game of their road trip.

“The message was halfway through the first, we have to go into the second with only three against,” said Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy. “Can’t get away from us, have to see if we can chip away, and we kind of did before the period was even over. That’s where we had to be better and get back to our style of defending well.”

The Bruins didn’t take a lead until early in the second period and held on against the Flames’ attack to win their fifth in a row and 11 out of their past 12 contests.

“Definitely not the start that you want,” said Patrice Bergeron, who scored twice. “I thought we showed some great resilience sticking with it and staying with the program and bounced back after those early goals. Then we settled down and played more sound hockey and didn’t give up as many followup chances.”

It wasn’t a smooth path to victory; after the Flames jumped ahead, the Bruins’ offense had a surge of its own before the scoring stalled deep into the contest.

“That’s our team, we know how to win,” said Cassidy. “We know how to play the right way, we’ll use everybody. Most nights it works out. Early this year, some of those got away. But I think our team is now at the point this time of year, and we always knew how to play that way and just got away from it.”

Just 20 seconds in Mikael Granlund put the Flames on the board with a shot from the slot. Two minutes later, he he sniped a shot past Jaroslav Halak on a broken Bruins defensive effort.

Bergeron, who has goals in six of his last seven games, sliced into the Flames lead with a goal 24 seconds after Backlund’s second. For his 28th goal of the season, Bergeron chipped a rebound off a David Pastrnak shot past Cam Talbot.

The Flames kept up the quick pace and regained their two-goal lead less than half a minute later. Boston College alum Johnny Gaudreau tried to make a pass down low that deflected off a stickless Jeremy Lauzon and past Halak for a 3-1 Flames lead.

Bergeron, though, wasn’t done.

The B’s center needed less than three minutes to bring them back within one goal, as he tapped in a loose puck off the lively end boards right off an offensive zone faceoff.

With 12:20 gone in the frame, Charlie Coyle tied it. Anders Bjork blocked a shot at the defending blueline and passed to Karson Kuhlman, who found Coyle in the neutral zone and sent him off to the races, and he beat Talbot up high for the 3-3 score.

That pace didn’t stop early in the second.

Brandon Carlo rifled a shot from the boards 52 seconds into the frame and Brad Marchand tipped it in front of Talbot for the B’s first lead of the night, 4-3. It was his first goal in seven games.

The Flames got their second power play of the game 5:55 into the third, while the Bruins still hadn’t had a chance on the man advantage. The Bruins killed the third period penalty to keep their one-goal lead, thanks in large part to rookie defenseman Jeremy Lauzon, who also brawled with Calgary’s Matthew Tkachuk earlier in the game.

“The penalty kill got a little, there’s pucks going to the net, good for (the Flames),” said Cassidy. “You never know how they’re going to rattle around.” 1177570 Boston Bruins Now Backes will get a chance to play again, the rebuilding Ducks get a first round pick and a decent prospect in Anderson (who was buried on the depth chart in Boston) and the B’s get a player who can help them now and in the future. The deal was the potential to make everyone Bruins trade for Ondrej Kase a good one, but expectations are high happy.

But considering the understandable Cup-or-bust mindset of B’s fans, it’s going to take nothing less than 16 playoff wins to make them happy. By STEVE CONROY | PUBLISHED: February 21, 2020 at 5:08 p.m. | UPDATED: February 21, 2020 at 5:17 p.m. Boston Herald LOADED: 02.22.2020

To really ascertain just how good a trade Bruins’ GM Don Sweeney made on Friday, we will have to wait to see if his team’s season ends in April, May or June. For this team, only June will do.

But it is hard not to think that Sweeney made his team better for now and the future with his deal that sent David Backes, 75% of his $6 million cap hit for the rest of this season and next, a first round draft pick and prospect defenseman Axel Anderson to the Anaheim Ducks for 24-year- old middle-six right wing Ondrej Kase, who has one more year left at a reasonable price of $2.6 million and will then remain under B’s control as a restricted free agent.

But just how much better are the B’s in the here and now? Well, there’s the rub.

Many Bruins fans had their hearts set on Chris Kreider or Kyle Palmieri, proven 20-plus goal scorers who the B’s could have inserted on the second line, no questions asked. Kase has a few more “ifs” attached to him. There’s the question of if he can stay healthy. A shoulder injury ended his 2018-19 season and he’s got a concussion history. He’s currently on injured reserve, missing the past five games with flu-like symptoms. He’s skating but won’t play for the B’s until after Monday’s trade deadline. When that is specifically has not yet been determined.

Then there’s also the question of if Kase can return to the form had two years ago, when he looked like an emerging star with the Ducks, scoring 20 goals in 66 games in his second full NHL season. He’s got just seven goals in 49 this year.

But the hope — a fairly reasonable one at that — is that his production will increase now that he’s on a deeper, better team. Kase is also something of darling of the fancy stat crowd. Sweeney made a point of mentioning his 5-on-5 play, which is an area that needs to improve for the power-play reliant B’s. While tops in the league at defending 5-on-5, they’re just 14th in scoring 5-on-5 goals.

On his conference call on Friday, Sweeney didn’t make any commitments on where he was going to fit better, with his Czech countryman or Charlie Coyle. To be honest, it’s hard to distinguish which player is the second line center and which is the third.

Sweeney, meanwhile, was non-committal about making another move. Another one would certainly be nice, maybe even needed. But without a first rounder or a fourth rounder (gone in the Marcus Johansson deal last year), it’s hard to imagine the B’s still being in the ballpark for a Kreider or Palmieri. Yet Sweeney is both hard-working and creative, as this deal shows, and he’ll no doubt be pushing the limits of his cellphone usage until 3 p.m. on Monday.

The best part of the deal could be the disposal of most of Backes’ contract, which could allow Sweeney to add another piece this year and gives him more flexibility to sign some of his free agents this summer, a list headed up by Torey Krug.

With regard to Backes, the five-year $30 million signing of the former Blues captain can be pilloried, and yes, we all knew that it was going to be difficult for the rugged forward to live up to the money, especially late in the deal.

But as much as some like to trash Backes, he undoubtedly left a positive imprint on the Bruins. When he was signed, the B’s had barely missed the playoffs for a second year in a row and it looked like the group of younger players was never going to catch up to the older group that had won a Stanley Cup in 2011. Moving on from Claude Julien and installing Bruce Cassidy certainly helped to put everyone under the same tent, but Backes was also a unifying force and strong mentor to young players like Sean Kuraly and Brandon Carlo. And it’s hard to imagine any young Bruin being short of appreciation for pulling on an NHL sweater after watching this once-elite player doing whatever he could to carve out a role at the bottom of the lineup just to keep his sweater. 1177571 Boston Bruins

Bruins notebook: Kase trade doesn’t put an end to internal competition

By MARISA INGEMI | PUBLISHED: February 21, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. | UPDATED: February 21, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

CALGARY — The Bruins went out and got their right winger.

The roster is going to change; Ondrej Kase is going to play on the right side of either David Krejci or Charlie Coyle, which inevitably bumps someone like Karson Kuhlman, Anders Bjork or even Danton Heinen.

Internal competition has been the theme of the past month-plus for the Bruins, and even though they added externally, that doesn’t change.

Kase is going to play once he’s healthy — he hasn’t played since Feb. 9 and is on injured reserve — and that bumps at least one regular, and that’s if they don’t make any other moves,

The rosters expand, so the trio of young wingers are safe in that regard, but likely only two will play.

“Our players can feel comfortable about that part of it,” said Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy. “At the end of the day, who knows? Monday’s the deadline, I don’t know what (Bruins general manager) Don (Sweeney) will do going forward.”

They’ve all shown flashes; Heinen is further along in his NHL career, but even he’s been a healthy scratch a couple of times. Bjork has surged to become a reliable option in his third NHL stint. Kuhlman was hurt most of the season and has played well, but isn’t a top six forward scoring talent.

“With (Kase)’s speed, his scoring ability, his versatility within his own game and his ability to probably play with either Krejci or Coyle on their right side, he adds speed and offensive ability to our hockey club,” said Sweeney. “We’ve addressed what we think we needed.”

Kuhlman has just a goal and four assists in 21 games but also plays the penalty kill and has elite speed, while Bjork has nine goals and 18 points in 53 games.

“As for the players in the room, just try to address their play on a day-to- day basis,” said Cassidy. “How they stay in the lineup, if they’re taken out why they’re taken out, create some competition. Obviously this deal creates competition, it’s a guy who’s going to go in your lineup, someone has to come out. I think players realize that and they’re going to do what they have to do to stay in the lineup, it’s a good lineup to be in. They did a good job of that even before this trade.”

Miller update

Sweeney said there’s no timeline on defenseman Kevan Miller, still recovering from a lower body injury and setback dating back to last season.

“He continues to progress and increase his volume of skating.”

Miller fractured his kneecap at the end of last season before re-fracturing it and wasn’t ready at the start of 2019-20. He started skating with the team in late October but suffered a setback and hasn’t practiced with the group since.

Blidh back in

Anton Blidh was back in the lineup in Calgary for the first time since Feb. 8 against the Coyotes.

He went in on the left side of Sean Kuraly on the fourth line in place of Joakim Nordstrom. Heinen moved up to the second line, flipping with Kuhlman, who played to the right of Coyle.

Jaroslav Halak started in net and Tuukka Rask will start between the pipes Saturday in Vancouver.

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Bruins pregame notes: Staying hot against the Flames

By MARISA INGEMI | February 21, 2020 at 2:54 p.m.

CALGARY — The big Bruins news of the day has nothing to do with the game tonight.

The Bruins shipped David Backes, a prospect and their first round pick to the Ducks ahead of their game with the Flames. That all doesn’t affect what will happen on the ice in Calgary though.

Instead, the players in action tonight will be focused on trying to win their 11th game in their last 12 tries as they fend off the surging Lightning.

The Bruins are coming off of a win in Edmonton two nights ago where they almost blew it against the upstart Oilers only for David Pastrnak to pot his 43rd goal of the season in overtime and escape with a win.

The Flames have had an up and down season, firing coach Bill Peters, having inconsistencies in net and no one has really taken off scoring- wise. They’re in the playoff race, entering Friday night two points behind Vancouver in the Pacific and in a wild card slot.

One thing the Bruins have done a good job of is finding success no matter what their opponent is dealing with, so wherever the Flames are at doesn’t matter a whole lot. They’ve allowed an opponent to score three goals just once since January 19 — their loss in Detroit — and defense and goaltending has carried them to this point.

Against a hit or miss Flames squad, that does work in the Bruins favor as they hit the midway point of their Western Canada portion of the road trip.

Game notes

The big Bruins news of the day will have no impact on tonight in Calgary, with Ondrej Kase not joining the team until he’s off the injured reserve.

There were a couple of minor changes at morning skate, with Danton Heinen sliding up to the second line right wing spot next to David Krejci and Karson Kuhlman moving to the right of Charlie Coyle on the third line.

Anton Blidh will go back in on the left side of the fourth line and Joakim Nordstrom is out.

Jaroslav Halak starts in net.

About the Flames

The Flames (31-24-6) have won four of their last six games and are coming off of a victory against the Ducks on Monday.

Calgary has allowed the 10th fewest goals in the NHL but only scored the 20 most, so the offense is where they’ve had the most struggles. Their penalty kill is also the ninth best in the league. They’ve faced 1,994 shots, the seventh most in the NHL.

Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau each have 50 points to lead the team while Elisa Lindholm leads the team with 27 goals.

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Bruins trade David Backes to Anaheim for Ondrej Kase

By MARISA INGEMI | PUBLISHED: February 21, 2020 at 12:57 p.m. | UPDATED: February 21, 2020 at 4:57 p.m.

CALGARY — The David Backes era in Boston has reached its end.

On Friday, the Bruins traded Backes, prospect Axel Andersson and their 2020 first-round draft pick to the Anaheim Ducks for right wing Ondrej Kase. The Bruins will also retain 25% of Backes’ salary.

“(Kase is) a young, talented player that’s a significant producer while five- on-five, has shown versatility to adapt his game on different lines and his shot volume has increased over the years,” said Bruins general manager Don Sweeney. “It addresses a need.”

The 24-year-old Kase plays on the right wing — a position at which the Bruins have been trying to improve. He has appeared in 49 games with the Ducks this season, recording seven goals and 16 assists for 23 points. The 6-foot, 190-pound forward has skated in 198 career NHL games, totaling 43 goals and 53 assists for 96 points, all with Anaheim. He was originally taken in the seventh round (205th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Kase could slot in to play on the second line at right wing alongside David Krejci, or they could give him a role to the right of Charlie Coyle on the third line.

It sounds like they’ll see what they have with him in the top six first.

“Easiest thing is to say we’ll try him with Krejci, and we probably will, and go from there,” Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said Friday in Calgary.

Backes, 35, has appeared in 16 games with Boston this season, registering one goal and two assists for three points. He has skated in 944 career NHL games, totaling 245 goals and 309 assists for 554 points.

“I want to thank David and wish Kelly and their family the very best,” said Sweeney. “He was a tremendous person and leader. He made an impact on our team and the development of our players”

The Bruins waived Backes in January and mutually agreed he would not report to AHL Providence. Reports emerged Friday morning he was likely going to be sent to a Western Conference club.

Andersson, 20, has skated in 41 games with the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL this season, recording two goals and 20 assists for 22 points. He was originally selected by Boston in the second round (57th overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Kase is on injured reserve and hasn’t played since Feb. 9, and he won’t join the Bruins until they return to Boston.

The Bruins might not be done yet, but if they are, it’s a move that propels them forward.

“I don’t know what will be or can be done,” Sweeney said. “We’ll continue to make calls and look at different opportunities. … For us, we’ve addressed what we think (is a) need and it also doesn’t take away from any of the players we have.”

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Bruins-Flames Talking Points: Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand spark B's after sluggish start

By Joe Haggerty February 22, 2020 12:37 AM

GOLD STAR: Patrice Bergeron helped the Bruins get back almost by himself after they fell behind by a 2-0 score to the Calgary Flames. Bergeron scored a pair of goals in the first six minutes of the game to withstand the three-goal barrage from the Flames, and now has goals in five consecutive games and seven in his last seven games during a red- hot offensive period.

Bergeron finished with two goals, the plus-1 rating, three shots on net and three takeaways in 15:59 of ice time. He won 13-of-19 face-offs in a dominant showing in pretty much every facet of the game. In other words, it was just another great effort from No. 37 in another win for the Bruins.

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BLACK EYE: No shots, no hits and no anything from Sean Monahan in 19:31 of ice time for the Flames in a nothing performance from one of Calgary’s best players. It was Monahan that failed to tie up Bergeron on his second goal of the night after a David Pastrnak shot bounced off the end boards with a carom right to Bergeron in front.

Really, it was a team-wide no-show for the Flames after scoring the first three goals in the opening seven minutes of the first period. After that they managed just a handful of shots in the second period before a better third, but they never got another goal past Jaroslav Halak after Brad Marchand's go-ahead goal.

TURNING POINT: The Bruins clearly weren’t ready to go at the start of the game as they allowed a goal 20 seconds into the game and then fell behind by two goals less than three minutes into the first period. Perhaps Halak could have made a better attempt to stop the shot on Calgary’s second goal, but it was still a scorched one-timer on an odd-man rush. The goals allowed were much more about lax defense by the Bruins even if Halak allowed three goals on six shots faced in the first period.

After that, though, the B’s defense tightened up and went into shutdown mode after allowing one more goal in the first period. Once they got through that rough opening few minutes, the Flames offense was held down and the soft Calgary defense was exposed by the Bruins en route to the one-goal win for the Black and Gold.

HONORABLE MENTION: Brad Marchand ended up with the game- winner when he scored the lone goal in the second period after redirecting a Brandon Carlo point shot. Marchand did a nice job of stepping into traffic to redirect the outside shot, but it was also a byproduct of Calgary failing to lift his stick once he got ideal position in front of the net.

Marchand finished with a goal, two points and a plus-1 rating in 18:36 of ice time, had five shots on net and had a hit and a takeaway in a very active game for the entire Perfection Line. Give Marchand and Bergeron credit for refusing to allow the Bruins to lose even after they dropped behind by a couple of goals just minutes into a wild, crazy game out in Calgary.

BY THE NUMBERS: 7 – the number of teams to win a game in NHL history after allowing three goals in the first four minutes of the game. The B’s became that seventh team when they pulled out the 4-3 win in Calgary.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “I’m a physical player, so those games are comfortable. I’m just trying to help the team win. It was really physical. It was a good game to be a part of for sure.” –Jeremy Lauzon on the night where he got in his first NHL fight with Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk.

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David Pastrnak explains what Ondrej Kase can bring to Bruins after trade

By Nick Goss February 21, 2020 5:02 PM

Ondrej Kase is the newest member of the Boston Bruins after the Anaheim Ducks traded him to the defending Eastern Conference champions Friday, and he already has experience playing alongside some of his new teammates.

Kase and Bruins forward David Pastrnak are both from the Czech Republic, and they played together in international tournaments early in their careers.

"Yeah, I know him. We grew up playing in the national teams together," Pastrnak told reporters in Calgary before Friday night's game against the Flames. "He's a great kid, exciting for him to join us. I think he's a great player, so it's definitely going to be fun to have another Czech (on the team)."

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What can Kase bring the Bruins?

"Obviously, some scoring," Pastrnak said. "He's an offensive player, really smart. He works hard and battles hard -- something that you always need."

The Bruins acquired Kase in exchange for David Backes, prospect Axel Andersson and a 2020 first-round pick. Not only does Kase give the Bruins much-needed scoring depth, getting rid of Backes' contract -- which has another year remaining and a $6 million salary cap hit -- gives the team more financial flexibility to make another move before Monday's NHL trade deadline. The additional cap space also could help the Bruins re-sign some of their free agents this summer, most notably top-four defenseman Torey Krug.

Kase has tallied 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) in 49 games for the Ducks this season. He also played with Bruins forward Chris Wagner when both of them were in Anaheim.

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David Backes gives his first reaction to trade from Bruins to Ducks

By Nick Goss February 21, 2020 3:50 PM

David Backes' career with the Boston Bruins didn't go as planned, but he now has a chance for a fresh start with the Anaheim Ducks.

The Bruins traded Backes, along with a 2020 first-round pick and prospect Axel Andersson to the Ducks on Friday for forward Ondrej Kase.

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Backes reacted to the trade for the first time in a conference call Friday afternoon. The 35-year-old forward noted he was hoping for another opportunity to extend his pro career, and that he had to waive his no- trade clause for the deal to go through.

Backes said he did have to waive his no-trade clause to go to Anaheim.

Here's Ducks general manager Bob Murray's comments on the Backes portion of this trade.

Backes was waived by the Bruins last month and assigned to the AHL's Providence Bruins, although Boston announced he wasn't going to play for the P-Bruins. He tallied just 23 points in 86 games since the start of last season, failing to carve out a consistent role in the B's lineup.

His contract also was an issue for the Bruins. The deal still has another year remaining with a $6 million salary-cap hit. By trading Backes and retaining 25 percent of his salary, in addition to acquiring Kase and his $2.6 million cap hit, the Bruins have created about $2 million in cap space. This room gives the Bruins more flexibility to make other deals before Monday's NHL trade deadline and/or re-sign important free agents such as defenseman Torey Krug.

The Ducks enter Friday with the second-worst record in the Western Conference and won't be playing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, so Backes should get plenty of chances the final two months of the regular season to prove he's still an NHL-caliber player.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177577 Boston Bruins It all makes one wonder whether there’s another shoe to drop with other tradeable assets on the NHL roster such as Anders Bjork, Danton Heinen and John Moore, among others. Sweeney wasn’t ruling anything out while speaking with the media on a Friday afternoon conference call, but Ondrej Kase trade is very good for the Bruins, but is it good enough? it’s clear he also wanted to put all the attention on the acquisition of Kase.

“I don’t know what will be, or can be, done before the deadline. We’ll By Joe Haggerty February 21, 2020 4:00 PM continue to make calls on opportunities that may exist,” said Sweeney.

Still, the fact that the Bruins have already used their first-rounder in the The Bruins wanted a young right winger at the trade deadline who could Kase deal likely leaves them without ample ammunition to remain in the be a top-six solution for years to come and they wanted to rid themselves sweepstakes for bigger-name wingers Chris Kreider and Kyle Palmieri. of the David Backes contract for much-needed salary cap flexibility as If this is all that the Bruins do ahead of the deadline, then they are most well. definitely better after adding Kase and subtracting Backes from the Don Sweeney accomplished both of those goals with the Friday trade equation. But it doesn’t feel like they’ve done enough to make them the with the Anaheim Ducks that shipped Backes, their 2020 first-round pick favorites in future playoff series against Tampa Bay or Washington this and defenseman prospect Axel Andersson in exchange for right winger spring. Ondrej Kase, 24. That’s really what it’s all about for a Bruins team in a Cup window that’s LIVE stream the Celtics all season and get the latest news and analysis closing pretty rapidly. on all of your teams from NBC Sports Boston by downloading the My Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 Teams App.

Kase is a middle-six winger already with a 20-goal season under his belt and his ability to generate 5-on-5 offense is an absolute area of need for a team that’s been far too reliant on special teams offense in recent years.

“He’s a young, talented player that’s a significant producer while 5-on-5, has shown the versatility to adapt his game on different lines and his shot volume his increased over the years,” said GM Don Sweeney. “It addresses a need. He’ll join the team back in Boston and we’ll move forward from there.

“With his speed, his scoring ability, his versatility within his own game and his ability to probably play with either [David] Krejci or [Charlie] Coyle on their right side, he adds speed and offensive ability to our hockey club. We’ve addressed what we think we needed.”

Fancy-stat types will love them some of the advanced statistics surrounding Kase’s game that show the Czech winger to be a versatile player capable of generating offense wherever he plays. It's to his credit that the youngster has looked comfortable playing on each of Anaheim’s top three lines in his Ducks career.

Even better, Kase is under Bruins control for next season at a $2.6 million cap hit and following that will be a restricted free agent still under Boston’s control.

The combination of trading Backes (and eating 25 percent of his contract) and bringing in Kase nets about $2 million in cap space for the Bruins over the next two seasons and that’s one of the biggest features of the trade.

Theoretically, the extra space gives Boston the additional cap space to A) make another deal prior to the Monday deadline and B) potentially sign defenseman Torey Krug to a long-term contract beyond this season.

The biggest asset the Bruins sacrificed was their first-round pick in this summer’s draft, of course. Still, it appears that selection is going to be at the bottom of the first round based on Boston’s position at the top of the standings and the expectations for the team headed into the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The truth is that sacrificing a first-rounder is the cost of doing business to extricate themselves from the awful Backes contract, and to bring in a talented, young forward years away from free agency.

Still, the Bruins clearly winning this trade doesn’t come without risk or criticism.

In four seasons with the Ducks, the 5-foot-11, 186-pound Kase has never been healthy enough to play in more than 66 games in a regular season. He’s been out since Feb. 7 with a concussion and will be on injured reserve when he meets up with the Bruins in Boston at the start of next week.

Given that he’s never scored more than 20 goals or 38 points in a season and is on pace for 10 goals and 33 points this season, Kase feels more like a good third-line acquisition rather than the top-six goal-scorer that this team really needs to put them over the top. 1177578 Boston Bruins

Why Bruins have Blues' Justin Faulk to thank for Ondrej Kase trade

By Darren Hartwell February 21, 2020 2:15 PM

If the Anaheim Ducks had gotten their way, Ondrej Kase wouldn't be a member of the Boston Bruins right now.

The Bruins sent veteran forward David Backes, prospect Axel Andersson and a 2020 first-round draft pick to the Ducks on Friday in return for Kase, a 24-year-old winger with 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) on the season.

As The Athletic's Eric Stephens pointed out Friday, however, Anaheim tried to trade Kase to another Eastern Conference club back in September.

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In fact, the cellar-dwelling Ducks had a deal in place with the Hurricanes that would have sent Kase to Carolina in return for defenseman Justin Faulk.

But the deal fell through -- because Anaheim was on Faulk's no-trade list. Days later, the 'Canes dealt Faulk to the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues, who promptly signed him to a seven-year extension.

As Elliott Teaford of the Orange County Register wrote at the time, Faulk would have waived his no-trade clause to join the Ducks (which would have sent Kase to Carolina) but couldn't agree to terms with Anaheim.

Haggerty's NHL Power Rankings: B's, Lightning ahead of the pack

"It’s believed the Ducks had offered Faulk a six-year extension with an average annual value of $6.5 million, but that he wanted seven years and an AAV of $7 million in order to waive his no-trade clause and come to Anaheim," Teaford wrote.

Thanks to that small difference, Kase stayed in Anaheim, and is now headed to Boston as a potential solid contributor for a Stanley Cup contender.

The NHL world works in mysterious ways.

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Bruins trade David Backes, prospect, draft pick for Ducks' Ondrej Kase

By Nick Goss February 21, 2020 12:46 PM

The Boston Bruins have made their first move ahead of Monday's NHL trade deadline, and it's a good one.

The Bruins are sending veteran forward David Backes, prospect Axel Andersson and a 2020 first-round draft pick to the Anaheim Ducks for forward Ondrej Kase, the B's announced Friday.

Trading away Backes' burdensome contract, which had another year remaining with a $6 million salary-cap hit, is a huge win for the Bruins. Boston is retaining 25 percent of Backes' salary, but this still clears a good chunk of money off the Bruins' payroll.

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Kase gives the Bruins additional scoring depth, and it's possible he could play right wing next to David Krejci on the second line. He's tallied 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) in 49 games for the Ducks this season. Kase is fast and skilled -- the only concern is if he can stay healthy. He's never played more than 66 games in a season.

The 24-year-old forward also has a team-friendly $2.6 million salary-cap hit and is signed through the 2020-21 season, so he's not a rental. Kase will be a restricted free agent when his contract expires.

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Don Sweeney is ‘in it to win it.’ So another trade could be coming for Bruins

By Joe McDonald Feb 21, 2020

More often than not this season, especially leading up to the NHL trade deadline, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney has proclaimed: “We’re in it to win it.”

That’s not an absurd statement given the fact that the Bruins have become perennial Stanley Cup contenders. It’s not like he’s going to say the organization will settle for a postseason berth and whatever happens, happens.

This team has the ability to win another Stanley Cup either this season or next before the curtain falls on its veteran core. That’s one reason Sweeney addressed a need for a proven five-on-five goal scorer and acquired Ondrej Kase from the Anaheim Ducks on Friday in exchange for forward David Backes, defenseman Axel Andersson and this year’s first- round draft pick.

Kase will play the right side with David Krejci on the second line or with Charlie Coyle on the third line.

Sweeney’s mantra of “in it to win it” doesn’t end with the Kase acquisition. Boston’s GM and his staff still have work to do before Monday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline. There are still options on the table.

When asked what else he would like to accomplish before the deadline, Sweeney was a bit coy during a conference call Friday.

“I don’t know what will be, or can be done,” he said. “We’ll continue to make calls and look at different opportunities.”

Sweeney added that he wanted to keep the focus on Kase’s acquisition and how the 24-year-old forward could impact the team. To win it in 2020, the Bruins could still use some size and depth on the blue line.

Brenden Dillon was a target before the Sharks sent the 6-foot-4, 225- pound defenseman to the Capitals. That’s an area the Bruins may still look to improve based on their experience reaching Game 7 of the final last spring before losing to the St. Louis Blues.

Offensively, with Kase in the mix and Boston now without a first-round pick to dangle, the Rangers’ Chris Kreider and the Devils’ Kyle Palmieri become unlikely targets for the Bruins. Believe it or not, Kreider’s decision to re-sign with the Rangers or accept a trade to Boston or elsewhere could depend on whether New York beats the Hurricanes on Friday night in Carolina.

If the Rangers win, then they will be only four points out of the second wild-card spot in the East. If Kreider decides to stay, it could serve as a rallying point for the Rangers the remainder of the season.

It’s possible the Blackhawks’ Brandon Saad or the Sharks’ Joe Thornton remain targets for Boston. In fact, Bruins scouts attended the Sharks game against the Devils on Thursday night in New Jersey.

If Sweeney believes “in it to win it” is achievable — and no doubt it is for the Bruins — Kase’s acquisition isn’t the final move. Whether Sweeney is able to add more before the deadline remains to be seen, but you can be sure he’s more than willing to go all in and do what’s necessary to achieve the ultimate goal.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177581 Boston Bruins interesting where he lands, but my money’s on him re-signing with the Rangers.

Who says no? When you say Victor Hedman, my ears perk up. He’s one Who says no? Evaluating your Bruins trade proposals as the deadline of my favorite players in the NHL, on and off the ice. He’s a tremendous draws near person and he’s in the Norris discussion once again this season. However, no GM would trade to a contender, especially in the division. When we asked for your proposals we said anything goes, and this one definitely falls into its own category. By Joe McDonald Feb 21, 2020 Who says no? If I ask Don Sweeney about this one, I might lose all

credibility. Forsberg is a terrific player, and I would certainly take him on It’s that time of year. Trade talk is everywhere, and everyone is waiting my team any day, but that’s a massive asking price for him. I like how for the next big deal to get done. One of the most fun parts of trade you’re thinking outside the box, though, Belmo. season is speculating on what’s possible, and we can all admit to getting Chicago receives: David Backes, John Moore, Kevan Miller, Danton a little caught up in it. That said, some trade scenarios are a little more Heinen, Jack Studnicka, Urho Vaakanainen, and a first-round pick in realistic than others. To have a little fun with it, we decided to see what 2020. Boston Receives: Patrick Kane at half retained salary — you all thought might be possible and break down those proposals @Bruinsrule33 accordingly. Who says no? Is that whiskey or vodka in that energy drink, So we put out the call for your ideas for Bruins trades, and you Bruinsrule33? Are you sure you’re a Bruins fan? Maybe if it’s the 19- responded with some, ahem, interesting proposals for the Bruins and year-old version of Kane I would consider it. general manager Don Sweeney before the Feb. 24 3 p.m. ET deadline. Who says no? I’ll chip in some money for the Peloton and I’ll get Cam’s This business is never an exact science. Well, I suppose it is for the lone address, Pozzolane. I think every Bruins fan, including Sweeney, would team that hoists the Stanley Cup in June, but even then it takes a ton of do this. I like the way you think. luck to win a championship because of the parity across the league. GMs swing and miss on trade acquisitions time and again. Some GMs win, Who says no? I believe not many people would say no to this deal while others aren’t so lucky. So, let’s see how your proposals rank in this straight-up. I like Heinen’s game, and he’s a great person off the ice. Last edition of Who Says No? season, that third line of Marcus Johansson, Charlie Coyle and Heinen basically won the series against the Blue Jackets. For some reason, Boston sends Jakub Zboril, Danton Heinen and a conditional second- many fans don’t appreciate Heinen’s game as much as they should. round pick to Chicago for Brandon Saad. To make space, send David Moving forward in Boston, he has to be able to provide at least 20 goals, Backes, Axel Anderson and a third-rounder with $2 million retained to but he hasn’t achieved that yet. Anaheim for Ondrej Kase — @Puckhead83 Who says no? Everyone in Boston would hunt you down and give you a Who says no? Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman. Any deal for Saad would massive wedgie, Chris. How dare you trade Bergeron for McDavid? It’s have to include a first-round pick. I like the way you’re thinking, an interesting big-picture concept. After all, when the Oilers traded Puckhead83. For all the talk about the Bruins attempting to acquire Chris Wayne Gretzky to the Kings, Edmonton received three first-round picks Kreider from the Rangers, if I’m a GM I’d prefer Saad based on his as part of that package, so there is a precedent set for a world-class experience as a two-time Stanley Cup winner. Chicago could take on player to be traded. That said, McDavid isn’t going anywhere. Backes, but the Bruins would likely retain some of his salary, as you mentioned in a potential deal with Anaheim. Also, a starting point for 1) Kyle Palmieri from the Devils for Kuhlman or Heinen, 1st, Curtis Hall or Saad would be Bruins prospect Jack Studnicka, who is untouchable as Axel Andersson 2) Anaheim’s Rickard Rakell for 1st, young player on far as I’m concerned. roster, prospect not Beecher or Studnicka 3) Arizona’s Taylor Hall for 1, 3, Heinen, Vaakanainen, Frederic (this is the comp the Coyotes gave up Boston sends Urho Vaakanainen, Zach Senyshyn, David Backes and a for Hall) — @Tdkaplan first-round pick in 2021 to the Rangers for Chris Kreider (contingent on him signing long-term deal) — @McLovin4u2 Who says no? Let’s start with Taylor Hall. I don’t think he would fit in Boston on or off the ice, TDKaplan. Plus, I wouldn’t give up that much for Who says no? I wouldn’t say no to this, McLovin4u2. The “long-term him. Rickard Rakell is solid and would fit on the Bruins. I would do a first- deal” could be the issue because the Bruins have a long list of players to rounder and a prospect for him. sign, beginning with Torey Krug. Plus, I believe Rangers GM Jeff Gorton is doing all he can to re-sign Kreider. He’s been arguably the team’s best The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 player of late because he’s playing for a big payday or for a chance to be moved to a Stanley Cup contender.

If Patrice Bergeron got traded the same year as Mookie Betts, I might not be able to recover from it — @lawfirm_4

Who says no? Imagine Bergeron in a Habs sweater? The hockey world would implode if that ever happened. No worries, Lawfirm4, No. 37 will retire a Bruin and his number, along with Zdeno Chara’s No. 33, will soon hang from the rafters at TD Garden. The only scenario where I can see Bergeron playing for another team before his career is over is if Quebec ever gets a team back. He grew up a Nordiques fan, and maybe he would consider playing at least one season for his hometown team if that ever comes to fruition.

Who says no? This one has me thinking, BrewsterBruins. I can see the Rangers taking Bjork and Backes (Bruins retain some salary). Yes, it would have to be a first-round pick, but it would have to be an A-level prospect in this scenario. Trent Frederic is a player who jumps out at me as someone who could have a lot of success playing for David Quinn in New York. Rangers fans would enjoy watching Frederic.

Kreider for Kevan Miller, Heinen and John Moore — @slopop3

Who says no? Jeff Gorton, David Quinn and every Rangers fan across the globe. You’d have a better chance of putting on a mask and robbing a bank, Slopop3. Please don’t attempt that, but I’m sure you understand where I’m coming from. It would take a first-rounder, a player on the current roster and a top prospect to acquire Kreider’s services. It’ll be 1177582 Boston Bruins The latter is three years younger. Grzelcyk’s next deal will be cheaper than Krug’s because of the delta in production (16 points to 40).

It may be, however, that Grzelcyk could provide a tolerable percentage of No extension, no sweat: Torey Krug stays cool before the trade deadline power-play points if given top-unit opportunity. Same goes for McAvoy. As for even-strength play, Grzelcyk, Moore, Jeremy Lauzon and Urho Vaakanainen are four left-shot defensemen under team control who will have their hands raised for more shifts. By Fluto Shinzawa Feb 21, 2020 Krug has signed three extensions following his entry-level deal: one year

at $1.4 million, one year at $3.4 million, four years at $21 million. He is CALGARY — Under normal circumstances, the combination of Torey just over four months away from reaching the open market for the first Krug’s career achievements, a contract that expires after this season and time. the July 1 unrestricted status that awaits him would place the Bruins “It does creep on you,” Krug said of unrestricted free agency. “For a while defenseman atop this year’s trade market. now, ever since I’ve been in the league, it’s been all about the Boston Krug’s career has been anything but normal. Bruins, trying to solidify a spot, becoming a part of this core and hopefully be a part of the core for a long time to come. I’ve played over 500 games It would take an extraordinary proposal for the Bruins to do anything with in this league. I’ve done everything this organization’s asked of me in the undrafted defenseman besides keep him on their No. 2 pairing and terms of changing my lifestyle, committing myself to playing two-way and No. 1 power-play unit. In particular, Krug’s status as one of the league’s just being part of this leadership group. So yeah, it creeps up on you. premier power-play flamethrowers makes him a hands-off commodity, You just hope that in the end, this is where I am.” unless general manager Don Sweeney wants to face a mutiny from Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk, to The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 say nothing of coach Bruce Cassidy.

Safe to say, then, that Krug has not lost sleep over whether he’ll change addresses before Monday’s NHL trade deadline.

“I would hope that it’s pretty evident from anyone who understands the situation that I play a big part on this team,” Krug said. “In order for us to have a chance to win the Stanley Cup, I hope I’m part of it. I haven’t thought about it too much or worried about it. Just trying to do my job.”

Krug, as usual, is an outlier. Players of his profile on Cup-contending teams usually do not approach the deadline without an extension in place. Krug, who signed as a free agent following his junior year at Michigan State, has known no other organization besides the Bruins, nor does he care to.

“If I had a situation where I could sign tomorrow, I’d sign tomorrow,” Krug said. “I wish it was done. But I’m not worried about it. I don’t think it’s affecting my play at all. It is what it is.”

Krug, however, is battling factors that, to this point, have kept his pen off paper: age, cap space, the expansion draft and competition.

Krug turns 29 on April 12. It’s a tricky age for defensemen who look to their legs to power their game. Skating does not come as naturally for Krug as it does for teammates such as John Moore or Matt Grzelcyk.

Age did not discourage Minnesota or Nashville from extending Jared Spurgeon (30) or Roman Josi (29). Spurgeon scored a seven-year, $53.025 million extension, according to CapFriendly. Josi re-upped for eight years and $72.472 million.

Yet Spurgeon (22:29 average time on ice) and Josi (25:51), both free- flowing skaters, are more all-situations defensemen than Krug (20:29).

Still, there is something to be said for points. Krug has 40, including 23 on the power play, second-most after Washington’s John Carlson (24). While Josi (57 all-situations points) is the only defenseman within reach of Carlson (70), Spurgeon has 25 points, including 11 on the power play. Lewis Gross, Krug’s agent, could make an argument, then, that his client should be somewhere in Spurgeon’s ballpark.

A big-ticket extension, however, would alter the Bruins’ salary structure. To this point, they have held firm to the $7.25 million ceiling set by David Krejci’s team-high average annual value. Subsequent deals for Marchand, Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy and Charlie Coyle have come in under that threshold.

The Bruins also have other players to re-sign. Grzelcyk, DeBrusk, Anders Bjork and Karson Kuhlman will be restricted at year’s end. Bridge deals will likely satisfy Bjork and Kuhlman. That may not be so for Grzelcyk and DeBrusk. Jaroslav Halak and Zdeno Chara, meanwhile, will be unrestricted.

By this time next year, Sweeney will be less than four months out from the expansion draft. If they choose the 7-3-1 format for Seattle like they did with Vegas, Sweeney will only be able to protect three defensemen. McAvoy and Brandon Carlo are locks. If the Bruins re-sign Krug, Grzelcyk could be gone. 1177583 Boston Bruins The Ducks, however, have a 54.66 Corsi For rating this season with Kase on the ice. His lowest career rate was 52.54 CF% as a rookie in 2016-17, indicating he contributes to even-strength puck control.

‘Real good pickup’: In Ondrej Kase, Bruins add RW with ‘skill and scoring Kase is a high-volume shooter, signaled by his 18.35 shot attempts per touch’ 60 minutes. This would make him second on the Bruins, trailing only Pastrnak (18.9 iCF/60).

“He’s a 24-year-old player that has a lot of offensive upside and talent By Fluto Shinzawa Feb 21, 2020 overall,” Sweeney said. “We think with the speed of the game and the speed he plays at, his shooting ability, he can continue to grow and

integrate into our group and add another dimension to our hockey club.” CALGARY — The Bruins fulfilled their most significant need on Friday by The Bruins also addressed perhaps their second-most significant issue: acquiring right wing Ondrej Kase from Anaheim. finding a taker for David Backes. The 35-year-old has one more season Kase checks off numerous boxes. He is a right shot. He can motor. Kase remaining on his contract at $6 million annually. The Bruins declared is 24 years old. In 2017-18, he scored 20 goals and had 18 assists in 66 Backes out of their mix for good by waiving him on Jan. 17. games. Kase is under contract through 2021 at $2.6 million annually, Both Sweeney and Cassidy were prompt to praise Backes for his after which he will remain under team control. contributions as a leader. In sum, however, signing Backes to a five-year, “We used to call him the Energizer Bunny,” said ex-Duck Chris Wagner, $30 million contract was the biggest blown forecast of Sweeney’s time as who spent parts of three NHL and AHL seasons with Kase. “Not only GM. The withering of Backes’ game, compounded by concussions and because he has a pretty high motor on the ice, but still overall, a good kid diverticulitis, left the Bruins handcuffed in terms of roster flexibility and in the locker room. Really energetic. But he does have a lot of skill and cap management. scoring touch too.” Even though the Bruins are retaining 25 percent of Backes’ salary ($1.5 Kase has not played since Feb. 7 against Toronto, when he was million of dead money in 2020-21), clearing the bulk of the veteran’s cap flattened by Jake Muzzin. Kase practiced on Thursday for the first time hit was a priority. Grzelcyk, Jake DeBrusk and Anders Bjork will all be since taking the hit. He officially joins the Bruins on injured reserve. restricted free agents this summer. Torey Krug, Jaroslav Halak and Zdeno Chara are approaching unrestricted status. Trimming $4.5 million Kase will not play for the Bruins Friday in Calgary or Saturday in from their 2020-21 books gives the Bruins more of a chance to re-sign Vancouver. He will travel to Boston and join the team for practice on Krug. Monday. It is unknown when Kase will play his first game as a Bruin. Whenever that is, Kase would likely make his debut on the No. 2 line “I wish him well in Anaheim,” Cassidy said of Backes. “He was part of alongside David Krejci. Kase could play the bumper on the No. 2 power- three teams that made the playoffs. He was part of that. We made a play unit, where he’d join Krejci and Charlie Coyle while Matt Grzelcyk decision this year that we wanted to change our personnel and the and Charlie McAvoy work the point. makeup of it. That part’s always tough.”

“No promises,” Bruce Cassidy said, citing his ability to use Kase on any The Bruins paid a cost for taking care of those two details. Anaheim now of the top three lines. “But the simplest thing is we’ll start him with Krech owns the Bruins’ 2020 first-round pick. It marks the second time in the and see how it works out.” last three years the Bruins have given up their first-rounder. They did it in 2018 as part of the Nash blockbuster. Kase, a native of Kadan, Czech Republic, should be a good fit next to his fellow Czech. The No. 2 center has always liked having speed on his It was the cost, however, of business for getting a 24-year-old and right wing. This time, Krejci might even have right-side company for a washing their hands of Backes. Toronto had to do something similar last year-plus given the term remaining on both of their deals. Starting in summer by giving Carolina a first-rounder for taking Patrick Marleau off 2016, the Bruins acquired Lee Stempniak, Drew Stafford, Rick Nash and their hands. Marcus Johansson, all of whom were on expiring contracts at the time. One of the differences this time, however, is that Kase not only has one “Everything’s going to be new to him,” Krejci said. “Not just whatever line year remaining on his deal, but that he will be restricted upon the he’s going to be on, but new city, new team, new system. We’ve just got contract’s conclusion. Kase will be a Bruin for a lot longer than Nash was to get comfortable. It’s up to us and the guys to make him feel that way.” in 2018, when the unrestricted free agent-to-be had to call it quits after a concussion. Karson Kuhlman has been a steady stand-in, but Kase has more of an NHL pedigree on his resume. Kase is having a down season (seven “You can’t continue to trade higher pickers to have less opportunity to goals and 16 assists in 49 games), but the Bruins are betting he will find the players that can impact your hockey club,” Sweeney said. “You rebound by playing with more skill and being surrounded by greater just can’t continue to do it. But when your team is playing well, they want depth. to win, they want to continue to have people that can add. Hopefully we’ve done that for them in this case.” “Fast,” said one NHL head coach. “Plays hard. Strong on the puck. Injury history, but it’s because he plays hard. Real good pickup.” The Bruins did not have to part with a roster player to acquire Kase. For now, Bjork and Danton Heinen, perhaps the two varsity candidates most As a junior, Kase played with David Pastrnak for Czech Republic. at risk of being moved, remain on the roster. They are important third-line Anaheim selected Kase in the seventh round in 2014, six rounds after the wings who will now be pushed even more with Kuhlman, in all likelihood, Bruins swiped Pastrnak with the No. 25 pick. being thrown into the bottom-six mix. No team pushing for a Stanley Cup wants to say goodbye to NHL contributors. “Great kid,” Pastrnak said. “Excited for him to join us. I think he’s a great player. Definitely going to be fun to play with him. He’s an offensive Axel Andersson, the right-shot defenseman the Bruins included in the player. Really smart. Works hard and battles hard.” deal, was staring at a right-side logjam. The 19-year-old is behind McAvoy, Brandon Carlo and Connor Clifton. He is a smooth skater and In Anaheim, Kase played next to Ryan Getzlaf, Adam Henrique and Sam skilled with the puck, but several years away from being an NHL Steel. With Getzlaf, Kase would use his speed to be first on the puck, defenseman. distribute it to his skilled center and put himself in a shooting position for a return pass. Alongside Henrique, according to general manager Don The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 Sweeney, Kase would usually be the disher. With Steel, Kase served as the responsible wingman.

Kase is averaging 16:47 of ice time per game. At 5-on-5, Kase’s shooting percentage has plummeted to 4.46 percent, according to Natural Stat Trick. In comparison, he drained 17 of his 126 shots (13.49 percent) in 2017-18. 1177584 Buffalo Sabres Skinner, Linus Ullmark and Vladimir Sobotka have been a major detriment to their season.

The Sabres have also rarely found the kind of all-around performance There's lots of lessons for Sabres to take from Penguins' season they authored in Game 1, when they got a strong effort at both ends of the ice and airtight goaltending from Carter Hutton.

"It was quite astounding out of training camp the habits we showed, the By Mike Harrington energy we had and the speed with which we played," Krueger said of the opener, which he said he reviewed Thursday. "That keeps popping up. At Published Fri, Feb 21, 2020|Updated Fri, Feb 21, 2020 least we have that picture in our heads."

"That's probably the poster right there for our style and exactly how we More than four months and 60 games ago, the Buffalo Sabres dominated want to play," Eichel said. "Obviously we haven't done it every night this the Pittsburgh Penguins and were deserving of full marks in a 3-1 win year, but we did it on opening night against a really good hockey club." that opened their season. The Sabres have found that kind of game from time to time, especially on A whole lot has happened since then as the teams reconvene 1 p.m. the road in places like Edmonton, Dallas and New York. Just not nearly Saturday in PPG Paints Arena. enough.

The Sabres have battled injuries all season and their maddening "Pittsburgh is a group that's got that nailed and it's quite remarkable how inconsistency has left them too far out of the playoff hunt to avoid being they find that consistency every season," Krueger said. "Even through sellers yet again at Monday's NHL trade deadline. The Penguins remain injuries, the machine keeps rolling. Even through transfers in the the Penguins, hunting yet another Stanley Cup even in the face of a summertime, the machine keeps rolling and we can take a lot from that. colossal injury battle that would have almost assuredly crushed the "We just need to keep working on the execution behind it. That first game hopes of most teams. truly going back and looking at it was quite an amazing performance "They certainly have a core of experienced players where anybody coming out of training camp. It continues to be one of the benchmarks of coming up filling those holes, it seems like it's nonnegotiable to play the the season." right way in Pittsburgh," Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said after practice Buffalo News LOADED: 02.22.2020 Friday in KeyBank Center.

The Penguins' current injury list includes center Nick Bjugstad (40 games), defenseman Brian Dumoulin (32), winger Jake Guentzel (20), defenseman John Marino (6) and forward Zach Aston-Reese (2).

It's been an epidemic all season. Captain Sidney Crosby missed 28 games over two months after core muscle surgery. Other key absences and the games they've missed are: defensemen Justin Schultz (23) and Kris Letang (8) and forwards Patric Hornqvist (16) and Evgeni Malkin (13).

Even after Thursday's 4-0 loss in Toronto, the Penguins have gone 23-7- 2 in their last 32 games to wipe out a 13-point deficit and tie Washington for first place in the Metropolitan Division. Pittsburgh was fifth in the division through 27 games (14-9-4).

"They slipped off their game for a bit last night for a period, but we have so much respect for what they do and the consistency they bring," Krueger said. "That's what you're working on here, a consistent culture where the players in the end are the biggest part of the check system and the coaches are guiding."

Sabres winger Conor Sheary scored two goals in that October matchup and knows exactly what makes those Penguins tick from his days as a Cup winner with them in 2016 and 2017.

"It's sticking within your system. When you lose a guy like Sid (Crosby) in their lineup or if Jack Eichel goes down in our lineup, it's time for other guys to step up," Sheary said. "You get more opportunity and you have to take advantage of that. If you stay within the system, that's when the team is at its best and it's not an individual game. They've done a really good job of that this year and they're in a good spot in the standings because of it."

Crosby has 23 points (7-16) in 14 games since returning from his injury, third in the NHL in that span behind Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl and Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov. He had a four-point night in his first game back.

"We have great character and leadership in our room and these guys never look for excuses," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. "They find ways to win games. When someone goes down, it provides an opportunity for someone else to step up. A lot of it is your own attitude and perception and I give these guys a lot of credit. The expectation is that we have enough to win.”

"It's a next-guy-up sort of mentality," Eichel said. "They've always been really good at that. They've had key guys go down at different times and they always seem to find a way to get through it."

Injuries, of course, have been a key problem for the Sabres all season and prolonged absences of Victor Olofsson, Rasmus Dahlin, Jeff 1177585 Buffalo Sabres

Taylor Leier's new contract provides Sabres organization with forward depth

By Bill Hoppe

Published Fri, Feb 21, 2020

The Sabres signed Amerks winger Taylor Leier to a one-year, two-way contract worth $700,000.

Amerks General Manager Randy Sexton said Leier, who inked a one- year AHL deal after tearing his labrum last May, would have received an NHL contract last offseason if he had remained healthy.

Shortly after his season debut Dec. 11, Leier, 26, scored five goals over a four-game stretch. Then a frightening injury – teammate Kevin Porter’s shot hit him in the neck, causing him to be stretchered off the ice – sidelined Leier for 12 games.

“I’ve had a chip on my shoulder since the surgery happened and then my neck injury,” Leier said. “I think I’ve become stronger because of it. You learn a lot about yourself when there’s adversity in front of you.

“It hasn’t been the easiest year. Just without a training camp, no exhibition games. But at the same time, I obviously knew I wasn’t going to start in Buffalo.

“I had one job to do, and it was come play for the Amerks, which I was very grateful for and the contract they gave me.”

Leier, who played 55 games with the Philadelphia Flyers earlier in his career, said he tried not to think about earning an NHL contract.

“I just tried to feel like my old self, which I have, and things just kind of took care of itself,” he said.

Leier, of course, boosts the Sabres’ forward depth in Rochester.

“We don’t have a ton of guys here on NHL contracts, particularly up front, so we wanted to make sure we have some depth just in case things go a different way come trade deadline,” Sexton said.

Leier has scored seven goals and nine points in 18 games this season.

Buffalo News LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177586 Buffalo Sabres Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Ilya Kovalchuk: What will the Senators and Canadiens, respectively, do with this pair? Both could be dealt or both could be re-signed. The Sabres would love to see Pageau out of the Atlantic Division after he torched them for five goals this season. Ottawa On Deadline Day, Sabres fans can only hope for a (pleasant) surprise has scary potential with two lottery picks coming, their own and San Jose's in the Erik Karlsson deal.

Columbus: The Blue Jackets are a disaster due to injuries, and 21-goal By Mike Harrington scorer Oliver Bjorkstrand is the latest to join the list, leaving Nationwide Published Fri, Feb 21, 2020|Updated Fri, Feb 21, 2020 Arena on crutches after Thursday's overtime loss to Philadelphia and being ruled out Friday for 8-10 weeks to a severe ankle injury. The Jackets lost defense stud Seth Jones for the rest of the regular season last week due to ankle surgery. They enter the weekend leading the wild- One easy mindset to have about the Sabres for Deadline Day: Temper card race and two points out of third in the Metro and will have to make a your expectations. Expect little and be pleasantly surprised if something couple of moves to stay in the race. significant happens. The Scandy Man can There's only a small chance the Sabres are going to emerge as a better team come Monday afternoon. The much more likely scenario is they're Old friend Marco Scandella's debut Thursday night for St. Louis in a 1-0 actually worse, given the potential of trades involving pending win over Arizona: 19:24, plus-1, three hits, one blocked shot. Played 2:51 unrestricted free agents such as Jimmy Vesey, Conor Sheary, Johan on the penalty-killing unit. Scandella has been given a huge role, in Jay Larsson or Zemgus Girgensons that will likely yield only draft picks in Bouwmeester's spot alongside Colton Parayko. return. "He’s just got to be aggressive and play his game," Blues coach Craig Good luck to General Manager Jason Botterill trying to sell that kind of Berube said before the win. "We want him to be a good defender, use his day Monday, when he dumps UFAs and calls up the likes of Taylor Leier shot, but the system stuff will take time like it always does. He can still be from Rochester to fill the roster over the final 20 games. You have to hold a good player by having an aggressive mindset, move the puck quick, out hope that Botterill can make the kind of move he did at last year's get up in the play and use his shot. That’s what he does.” deadline, when defenseman Brandon Montour was acquired from Anaheim with a year left on his contract. Scandella was thankful for the 20 games he played for Montreal, his hometown team, but he was obviously thrilled to get traded to a No one ever really knows what's going to happen on these days. If you defending Stanley Cup champion looking to repeat. had tape recordings of most GMs' conversations, the bet here is it would be a surprise what names get talked about. But the salary cap is one "I feel like I lived the dream,” he said of his time in Montreal. “Even impediment, and hockey GMs by nature are a conservative lot, not prone though it was a small stint. It was just two months. ... Got the opportunity to some of the wild impulse moves we see sometimes in the NBA. to play there, play in front of my family and my friends. Scored at the Bell Centre against the Leafs. So some big moments there. Botterill's trade chart is hard to digest. The Montour trade was a good idea, even if it cost the Sabres one of their first-round picks. I'll take an "Playing in the playoffs is everything in hockey. So just to be a part of this experienced young defenseman over futures any day of the week. team, this franchise, I feel like I’m really lucky.”

Cliff Pu for Jeff Skinner and Alex Nylander for Henri Jokiharju are hard to No Miracle on TV argue as well, with Skinner's current issues not being his trade cost but Saturday is the 40th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice at the Lake Placid the exorbitant free agent deal the Sabres signed him to last summer. Olympics — and one of the great "oops" moments in Buffalo television The Ryan O'Reilly trade, of course, is a well-documented disaster, and history. it's what Botterill has to avoid if he's entertaining talks involving Rasmus Folks too young to remember will be surprised to learn that the iconic Ristolainen. A deal for your most physical, minutes-munching USA-Russia game was not televised live in the United States because it defenseman simply must return a quality top-six forward, especially given was a 5 p.m. start and the International Federation declined that Ristolainen still has two more years left on a deal with a reasonable to move to the game to prime time to accommodate ABC. The show went cap hit of $5.4 million. It's far easier to work that kind of deal at the draft on at 5 — but folks in Buffalo and other border cities got the chance to and over the summer than now. watch it live on CTV. Still, it's not hard to wonder if the O'Reilly deal has dropped Botterill into a The 4-3 victory was over by the time the puck dropped on ABC shortly paralysis-by-analysis mentality, where he's gun-shy of making another after 8. During the second intermission — with Team USA trailing, 3-2 — major misstep that would seal his fate with this organization. a commercial break featured Irv Weinstein's nightly update previewing Here are some other topics key topics this corner will watch as the 3 p.m. Channel 7's Eyewitness News at 11. Intoned Irv looking at the night's top Monday deadline approaches: stories: "Celebrating a big hockey victory."

Vincent Trocheck: Buyer beware. And that includes the Sabres. The Whoops. Channel 7 got plenty of complaint calls that night because that's Florida center had 31 goals and 75 points two seasons ago. Last year, how many people found out the score before Al Michaels screamed, "Do he was at just 10-24-34 in 55 games. This season, he enters the you believe in miracles? YES!" weekend at 10-25-35 in 54 games. Are you giving up a solid defenseman Amazing how we all lived before the Internet. like Ristolainen or Montour for that? Mom Knows Best for Rangers Chicago goalies: Two-time Stanley Cup champion Corey Crawford and old friend Robin Lehner are both UFAs after the season. Crawford, 35, One of the funniest team-produced videos you'll see came prior to the has a $6 million cap hit and Lehner, 28, has a $5 million hit. Lehner Rangers' win Wednesday in Chicago. It was the team's moms trip and would like stay on a long-term deal, but it's unclear what path the Hawks the cameras were inside the locker room as Ryan Strome's mother, will go. Crawford has a no-trade clause while Lehner could be on the Trish, was given the chance by coach David Quinn to announce the move. starting lineup to the team.

San Jose's Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, Chicago's Duncan Keith: Some pearls from her chat: Three longtime veterans and franchise icons, respectively. Their teams are going nowhere this year, so will they give the OK to go somewhere "Centering my first boy ... (Artemi) Panarin, move him the puck. Move. else to chase a Cup? Him. The. Puck."

Chris Kreider: The Rangers winger is on a $4.625 million cap hit heading "Adam Fox: Happy birthday. Get a birthday goal tonight." into UFA status. He has 20-plus goals for the fifth time in six seasons and "(Ryan) Lindgren: You just got your stitches out. Don't let your mom see would look awfully good in either Boston or St. Louis, where the Blues you hurt that again." dearly miss Vladimir Tarasenko. "(Igor) Shesterkin: I just love saying 'Shesterkin'" Ryan Strome took the opening faceoff against younger brother, Dylan, and scored a goal in New York's 6-3 win. Tweeted Ryan Strome after the game: "What a moment tonight. I only aged 5 ... maybe 10 years as she read the lineup card" followed by a laughing emoji and a hand-to- forehead emoji."

Around the boards

• The Canucks did an incredible ceremony to retire the jersey numbers of the Sedins last week, and it's shame the Sabres didn't have an option to similarly put a number in the KeyBank Center rafters in their 50th anniversary season.

Really the only remote possibility for that honor would be longtime defenseman Mike Ramsey and his last year here was 1992. If the team was going to retire Ramsey's No. 5, it would have long ago done so. The Sabres don't have a slam-dunk candidate like Vancouver did with the Sedins.

• Rounding up the recent announcements about the league's upcoming events: This year's draft will be in Montreal on June 26-27. The 2021 Winter Classic will be at Target Field in Minneapolis with the Wild hosting an undetermined opponent (the bet here is St. Louis), and the 2021 Stadium Series will be Feb. 20 in Raleigh, with the Hurricanes' foe for the game at North Carolina State to be announced.

The 2021 All-Star Game will be Jan. 30 at Florida's BB&T Center and the 2021 draft site has not been announced, though there's lots of chatter the league would like to do it in Seattle and pair it with the expansion draft if the city's reconstruction of Key Arena allows that to happen.

• The NHL had to do some shuffling to accommodate the rescheduling of the St. Louis-Anaheim game that was halted Feb. 11 because of Bouwmeester's collapse. It will now be played March 11, and the Blues' home game vs. Florida that was slated for March 10 was pushed back a day to March 9.

The Blues-Ducks game was stopped at 7:50 of the first period with the score tied at 1-1. The league announced it will be started over and all 60 minutes played, but that the two goals will count and the game will begin with the 1-1 score rather than 0-0.

• Memo to NBC and NBCSN: The Detroit Red Wings are terrible, maybe one of the worst teams of the salary cap era. How in the world do they keep showing up on your telecasts? It's like the days of watching the tank year Sabres on NBCSN 11 times. Just plain goofy scheduling.

Buffalo News LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177587 Buffalo Sabres

Bogosian placed on contract termination waivers, ending Buffalo career

By Mike Harrington

Published Fri, Feb 21, 2020|Updated Fri, Feb 21, 2020

Zach Bogosian's days in the Buffalo Sabres' organization are officially over.

Just more than five years after he was acquired from the Winnipeg Jets along with winger Evander Kane, the Sabres announced Friday they have placed the veteran defenseman on unconditional waivers with the intention of terminating his contract.

Once Bogosian clears, the Sabres will officially be off the hook for the remaining $3.9 million of his salary cap hit. He was costing the team $5.124 million until he was sent to Rochester last week, which initially reduced the number. The Sabres suspended him for failing to report to the AHL and Friday's move now locks in the cap hit at zero.

It also gives Bogosian a chance to immediately become an unrestricted free agent. He must sign a deal by Monday afternoon's 3 p.m. NHL trade deadline to be eligible to play in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Bogosian has one goal and four assists in 19 games this season after missing Buffalo’s first 22 games while recovering from hip surgery.

The Sabres have been trying to work out a trade for Bogosian since he requested one in December. There have been no takers, even though it's widely known the team was willing to retain salary in any move and TSN reported Friday that General Manager Jason Botterill had indicated to teams the Sabres would retain the maximum 50 percent of Bogosian's cap hit to get a deal done.

Bogosian pocketed around $28 million during his injury-plagued stint with the Sabres. He played 243 games, scoring 13 goals and adding 54 assists while compiling a minus-49 rating.

Full lineup at practice

The Sabres had a full lineup for practice Friday in KeyBank Center as Jack Eichel and Kyle Okposo returned after taking maintenance days on Thursday and winger Michael Frolik also rejoined the team after missing most of the last week, including two games, due to the flu. All three are expected to play in Saturday's matinee against Pittsburgh.

"Definitely with what he had, he was distanced from the team," coach Ralph Krueger said of Frolik, who was bedridden for a few days. "Today he was actually welcomed back into the team meeting because even yesterday he still practiced on his own to be sure. There was a separation there to keep that illness locked up in one person which I think is really important that you don't let it spread in the team. That's how we deal with it. Once the doctors give the green light, he's back in. He looks fresh and strong today so we're happy to have him back."

Frolik skated Friday on a line with Jeff Skinner and Curtis Lazar. Eichel returned to his normal spot between Victor Olofsson and Sam Reinhart while Okposo slotted back in with Zemgus Girgensons and Johan Larsson.

Buffalo News LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177588 Buffalo Sabres Notes: Bryson scored his first AHL goal Wednesday in his 52nd appearance. “It took a long time to get there,” he said. … Taylor said Amerks defenseman Casey Nelson is week-to-week with an upper-body injury. Nelson has missed the last five games. … Goaltender Michael Sabres prospect Will Borgen enjoys being 'hard guy to play against' Houser has been reassigned to the Cyclones (ECHL). ... The Amerks host the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Friday and the Cleveland

Monsters on Saturday. By Bill Hoppe Buffalo News LOADED: 02.22.2020 Published Fri, Feb 21, 2020|Updated Fri, Feb 21, 2020

ROCHESTER – When an opportunity materializes to join the rush and showcase his offensive skills, Buffalo Sabres defense prospect Will Borgen tries to pounce on it.

“The majority of the time I just like to play safe, play my role,” Borgen said. “But if I see an opportunity, I’m going, yeah.”

On Wednesday, Borgen spotted a chance in the Americans’ 3-2 overtime loss to the Belleville Senators, zoomed to the net and nearly scored his first goal this season.

Amerks coach Chris Taylor said Borgen, 23, possesses the talent to generate more offense.

“He’s not here just to play defense,” Taylor said after the Amerks blew a late two-goal lead in Blue Cross Arena. “If there’s opportunities to jump in plays, we want everybody to be included in the offense. He’s the type of player that he skates well, he’s got a good shot. We need to see more of it.”

Still, Borgen, who believes he can reach another level offensively, doesn’t want to veer too far out of his comfort zone.

“My job is defense — that’s my position — so that’s what I take priority in first,” said Borgen, who has compiled eight assists in 52 game this season.

The 6-foot-3, 198-pound Borgen takes pride in stymieing the opposition.

“Will embraces the physical ... hard guy to play against,” Amerks General Manager Randy Sexton said. “He wants that role, he’s embraced it, we’ve encouraged him to do it. I mean, that in his mind is his identity.”

One scout who has watched Borgen regularly throughout his pro career called him a “big, strong, physical, stay-at-home defenseman.”

He "is a good skater and is hard to play against but does not bring a lot of offense or creativity from the back end,” the scout said. “He will keep other teams’ players honest and on their toes.”

Considering Borgen rarely displays much flash, other Sabres defense prospects and even an Amerks veteran often overshadow him.

Lawrence Pilut, who has been shuttling between Buffalo and Rochester, quickly developed into one of the ’s top offensive defensemen following his arrival from Sweden in 2018. The diminutive Jacob Bryson has quietly established himself as one of the Sabres’ best prospects as an AHL rookie.

Zach Redmond, a 10-year pro, has followed up a dynamic career season in which he was named the league’s top defenseman by recording 30 points in his first 50 games.

The Sabres recalled Borgen, who played his first four NHL games late last season, in October but did not dress him for any game.

Since then, the Sabres have summoned Pilut and defenseman John Gilmour ahead of Borgen.

“We have a lot good defensemen, we have a lot of depth in this organization, which is really good,” Borgen said. “It just brings everyone’s game up a level in practice and in games, so, yeah, you’re always fighting for a spot. …

“If somebody else gets called up, you got to be just happy for them.”

Former Sabres General Manager Tim Murray drafted Borgen in the fourth round in 2015, 92nd overall. Organizationally, defense is their deepest position.

The Sabres could use Borgen as an asset to help them find more forward depth before Monday’s deadline. 1177589 Buffalo Sabres Will he get a job? It’s possible, if not probable. Contending teams always need extra

defense depth – does 2006 ring a bell? – so someone may be interested How the Sabres’ standoff with Zach Bogosian finally came to an end in signing Bogosian to the league minimum of $700,000 (or more). That yearly figure would be prorated for the remainder of the season.

The sides have to move quick. Only players who are signed by Monday’s By John Vogl Feb 21, 2020 3 p.m. trade deadline are eligible to play in the postseason.

Why didn’t Bogosian report to Rochester?

Let’s start from scratch. For the same reasons he requested a trade after getting scratched: pride and, to be frank, an overvaluation of his skills. That’s where it all started anyway. When the Sabres sat Bogosian for the initial time in December, he said it Buffalo scratched Zach Bogosian on Dec. 12. The insulted defenseman was the first healthy scratch of his 12-year career. It stung. Though immediately requested a trade. Buffalo was carrying eight defensemen and had recently scratched Colin Two months, one demotion and zero suitors later, Buffalo has Miller and alternate captain Jake McCabe, Bogosian felt he was above a unexpected cap space because a player quit – again. sit-down, especially during a contract year.

The untenable marriage between Bogosian and the Sabres ended in Coach Ralph Krueger disagreed. He said the defenseman’s performance divorce Friday. The Sabres placed the defenseman on unconditional had slipped while playing 10 straight games following offseason surgery, waivers, allowing them to terminate the remaining four months of his which sidelined Bogosian until late November. Though the coach contract. That will make Bogosian an unrestricted free agent and clears subsequently said he would dress the players who wanted to be in the team of one of its worst deals. Buffalo, Bogosian skated in eight of the next 16 games, putting up one goal and one assist while averaging 14:23 a night – lowest among What does it mean and where do they go next? Let’s take a look. Buffalo’s nine defensemen.

Why did they agree to terminate the contract? Once the Sabres returned from the All-Star break Jan. 28, Bogosian was the odd man out. Though the split brewed for more than 10 weeks, it ultimately finished in one. Bogosian joined the NHL right after getting drafted third overall by Atlanta in 2008. He has just five minor-league games on his résumé – and those After scratching Bogosian in eight of nine games following the All-Star were for a conditioning stint during his rookie season – so he had no break, the Sabres waived the defenseman last Friday. No team claimed desire to ride a bus at age 29 after believing he’d proved himself as an him, so the Sabres assigned him to Rochester on Saturday. He declined NHL player. to join the Amerks on Sunday or Monday, so Buffalo suspended him for failure to report. Did the Sabres have to terminate his contract?

Since Bogosian breached his contract, the Sabres were able to terminate No. The suspension for failing to report erased his cap hit, and they could it. The defenseman was aware the termination was coming if he didn’t have let him sit at home without a paycheck. By doing so, the Sabres head to Rochester, so it’s a mutual contract termination since he chose would have sent a message that it’s not OK to demand trades after one to stay away. scratch and it’s not OK to decline minor-league assignments. By essentially agreeing to Bogosian’s desire to be let out of his deal, the How does the money work? Sabres have given an exit strategy to future disgruntled players. Bogosian forfeited the rest of his $6 million salary, an estimated $1.68 On the flip side, Bogosian had one more card to play. He could have million. The seven-year, $36 million contract he signed in 2013 was set to eventually reported to the Amerks. His cap hit would have returned and expire this summer. the organization would have an angry player sitting in the same dressing Bogosian’s $5.14 million cap hit is erased from the Sabres’ books. room as its prospects. By terminating the deal, the situation comes to an Buffalo has been over the cap for most of the season and was getting end and the Sabres don’t look spiteful. relief from long-term injured reserve (LTIR). Bogosian’s departure brings Is it concerning that players keep quitting the Sabres and requesting needed space. trades? The Sabres’ cap hit stands at $80.75 million, ending their use of LTIR The short answer is yes. Players around the league talk to each other, so and bringing them under the $81.5 million cap. They still want to shed the occasional chat is sure to include how many people want out of salary to account for the year-end bonuses of Rasmus Dahlin, Henri Buffalo. Jokiharju, Victor Olofsson and other players on their entry-level deals, otherwise those bonuses will come off next season’s salary cap. But each situation has been different. Bogosian’s trade request and departure started with pride. Evan Rodrigues’ trade request was a But Buffalo has flexibility for the first time since the early days of the business decision, as he explained to The Athletic. Last season, Patrik season, and it comes right before Monday’s trade deadline. Berglund forfeited $12 million and returned to Sweden because of Why is Bogosian unemployed? depression. Nathan Beaulieu requested a trade because of a lack of playing time. The 29-year-old hit the trifecta of an expensive contract, subpar play and lack of dependability. So while it’s concerning that these incidents keep occurring, there’s no substantial link to each case. The one with Bogosian has finally come to The Sabres wanted to trade Bogosian. Teams didn’t want to give up an an end. asset to acquire the defenseman and his cap hit – even though Buffalo had the ability to retain 50 percent of his salary – so trades failed to The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 materialize. Even when Bogosian was available for free through waivers, no one bit. Cap space is at a premium throughout the NHL, and $5.14 million is tough to absorb.

That’s especially true for a player with a history of injuries and zero playoff experience. As the book closes on Bogosian in Buffalo, he played in 243 games and didn’t play in 170. That’s more than 41 percent of Buffalo’s games that he watched from the injured list or press box, a total that certainly scared potential suitors.

In Bogosian’s 243 games with the Sabres, he had 13 goals, 54 assists, 10 fights, a minus-49 rating and a minus-464 Corsi. 1177590 Calgary Flames “Their depth, they’ve got four lines that can wear you down and their ‘D’ move the puck very well,” Tkachuk said. “They defend very, very well. You saw that in the third.

Flames blow lead to fall to Bruins at Saddledome “They’re a team that’s definitely a top-tier team in this league and I think have got some guys with a lot of experience, a lot of playoff experience and know how to play in those tight games.”

Kristen Anderson, Postmedia The Flames will have another crack at the Bruins on Tuesday at TD Garden. Published:February 21, 2020 “They didn’t give us much but, on the flip side, we didn’t give them much Updated:February 21, 2020 10:56 PM MST either,” said Flames forward Milan Lucic. “Yeah we had a bit of a push in the third to try and get ourselves back in it. A good powerplay and all that kind of stuff . . . what things you could learn from a team like that, they’re This type of hockey, at this time of the year, is what it’s all about. responsible, they don’t give much, they make you earn everything. That’s what makes them such a good team. We play them again on (Tuesday) Rising to the occasion. Welcoming the challenge against a potential so we’ll know what to expect.” contender with the trade deadline approaching. Going toe-to-toe with one of the ’s heavyweights. Seeing how your team ANOTHER STEP FOR GIO stacks up. Mark Giordano took another stride forward in his recovery process. And, in interim head coach Geoff Ward’s mind, Friday’s 4-3 loss to the Boston Bruins at Scotiabank Saddledome was a massive learning Literally. experience for the Calgary Flames. The Flames captain skated again on Friday, this time with his teammates After his club opened the clash in startling fashion — with three goals in during the morning skate which was his third skate since suffering a the first three minutes and 23 seconds, a new franchise record, hamstring injury on Nov. 4. The previous two days, Giordano had gone shattering their previous one (3:29) which was set on Jan. 27, 1986, for a solo twirl on Scotiabank Saddledome ice. against the L.A. Kings — the momentum quickly shifted and it became “Part of the plan, for sure,” Ward said of his presence in the morning apparent that the Bruins are the real deal. skate. “He’s skated the last three days so understanding that he’s not That they are simply too skilled, too deep, too experienced and too smart playing (Friday), he needs to get out on the ice and get some work in. So not to completely soil themselves after falling behind early. he was out there (Friday).”

Mikael Backlund’s back-to-back beauties gave the Flames a 2-0 lead just Giordano has missed the last eight games and is scheduled to 2:34 into the game while Johnny Gaudreau made it 3-1, responding just accompany the team on their upcoming five-game road trip. 25 seconds after Patrice Bergeron put the visitors on the board. HURRY HARD Bergeron jumped on a fortuitous bounce off the Flames’ backboards and It’s become a trend for NHL teams to test their granite skills when they did it again at the 6:12 mark to bring the team within one. Charlie Coyle come to Calgary, renting out local curling rinks to engage in a little team scored on a breakaway to knot the score 3-3. bonding. Then, the Bruins really got to work. The Bruins did exactly that with Thursday’s day off at the Calgary Curling “That’s how simple the game is,” Ward said. “But that’s what good teams Club. are able to do. Just talking to some (Bruins personnel) on the way down “It was my first time curling,” said Boston forward David Pastrnak. “I was here (to the media room), they said, ‘We thought this might get out of a little nervous, but it was fun. It was something I wouldn’t think I would control after 10 minutes.’ But they were able to get themselves back on try, but it was fun.” track pretty quickly. Once they got even and got the lead, you saw how tight they played.” He won’t, however, be switching sports any time soon.

At one point, the Flames led 6-2 in shots. They also had out-shot the “I was a little below-average,” the 23-year-old Havirov, Czech Republic Bruins 10-2 at one point in the third period. native. “I made a couple points for the Czech team. We made it all the way to the finals, which is very surprising to all of us.” It didn’t matter though. However, his dressing room stall-mate, David Krejci, has a future. Brad Marchand, who was being tied up by Rasmus Andersson, opened the second period 52 seconds in with a gorgeous tip off Brandon Carlo’s “I think he should just stop playing hockey and go pro curling because he shot. That put Boston ahead 4-3. was carrying the team the whole day,” he said with a grin.

And despite being the better team for the majority of the last 20 minutes, NOTES the Flames had no answers. Flames C Mark Jankowski played in his 200th NHL game . . . G Cam “The other thing I really notice about them and with good teams is guys Talbot started his 297th game . . . C Derek Ryan was activated off IR don’t over-shift,” said Ward who was a Bruins staffer during the 2011 after being sidelined with an illness which kept him out of the previous Stanley Cup victory. “You look at Bergeron’s minutes at the end of the two games . . . Forward Tobias Rieder was leveled by Boston’s Matt night and he’s around 15 minutes. Those guys, they play. They play, and Grzelcyk at centre ice during the first period on Friday. But after getting they’re off after 40 seconds. What happens now is if you end up over- checked out by the Flames medical staff, Rieder was back on the ice shifting with them and they get a match in their favour because they’re within minutes. Grzelcyk was slapped with an elbowing penalty for the hit able to roll four lines ahead of you and to keep changing in front of you. . . . with their 4-1 loss at New York Islanders, the Detroit Red Wings are mathematically eliminated from the 2020 NHL playoffs. The Flames pay “That’s what wins at this time of the year. Managing shift length is huge. a visit to Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena on Sunday. They did it very, very well (Friday) and as a result, they’re able to keep the pace of their game up real high.” Calgary Sun: LOADED: 02.22.2020 KEEPING THEIR COOL

Even when Matthew Tkachuk attempted to rev up his team’s engines, the opponents didn’t let things get out of hand.

After a brief exchange between Andrew Mangiapane and Jeremy Lauzon during an offensive zone face-off, Tkachuk and Mangiapane switched sides which said everything you needed to know. Tkachuk and Lauzon dropped the gloves for a spirited bout, yet it did little for getting the Flames past the Bruins waves of pressure. 1177591 Calgary Flames out of Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, his linemates last winter when all three were stuffing the scoresheet at a career clip.

“First of all, we’re not trying to put any undue expectations on him,” Ward Flames' Lindholm on comparisons to Bergeron: 'I think it's too much for stressed when asked about the Lindholm-Bergeron comparisons. “We’ll me' put him into situations where he’s going to have success, and obviously he’s a big part of everything we do. And I think we just allow him the room to grow into it.

Wes Gilbertson “We don’t talk to him at all about playing like Patrice Bergeron does. We just want him to play the way that he plays and we’re constantly Published:February 21, 2020 reinforcing that with him and just trying to help him expand his role in Updated:February 21, 2020 5:35 PM MST areas where we feel he can get better and reinforcing the areas where he’s really good. So for him, it’s just a natural process.”

Perhaps even, if he continues to develop into one of the NHL’s top 200- Now established as a go-to guy in the National Hockey League, Elias footers, a coach will someday compliment a breakout sort by saying that Lindholm understands that comparisons come with the territory. he sees some similarities to Lindholm.

The Calgary Flames’ forward is taking this latest Hey-He-Kinda-Reminds- “I still see myself as just a normal guy in the NHL,” Lindholm insisted Me-Of in stride. prior to Friday’s date with the Bergeron-led Bruins. “To be compared with a guy like that, it gives you confidence and gives you a little boost. For As an up-and-comer, however, Lindholm admits there was one starry myself, I still have a long way to go to reach what he’s done in his career. shout-out that was as much a source of stress as a boost to his self- But it’s fun to be compared like that, for sure.” belief or a reason to feel flattered. Calgary Sun: LOADED: 02.22.2020 “Growing up, in my draft year and a little before, I was compared a bit to Peter Forsberg, and I think that was a real long ways to go,” said Lindholm of the Swedish legend who he’d idolized as a kid. “It’s always fun to be compared like that, but at that point, it was probably putting more pressure than confidence to my side. Right now, I don’t put pressure on myself for being compared to (Patrice) Bergeron. It’s more confidence.

“Back then, it was a long ways to the NHL for me and to be compared to a Hall-of-Famer, in my opinion, that was tough.”

Bergeron will eventually have his own plaque in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

For now, he remains a first-line focal point for the Boston Bruins, who paid their annual visit Friday to the Saddledome.

It’s been almost two months now since Flames interim bench boss Geoff Ward — formerly an assistant coach in Beantown — complimented Lindholm with a comparison to Bergeron, but that was understandably a hot topic again with the NHL’s top team lacing ’em up at the other end of the hallway.

“To be compared with him, I think it’s too much for me,” Lindholm protested after Friday’s optional morning skate.

That’s not a lack of faith in his own abilities, simply a show of respect for a guy who has long been a measuring-stick for the NHL’s top two-way forwards.

Bergeron, 34, is already a four-time Selke Trophy winner and is considered a frontrunner to claim that honour for a fifth time.

With Brad Marchand on his left and David Pastrnak picking corners from the right wing, he’s the pivot on what some call ‘The Perfection Line.’

“He doesn’t have just one thing. I mean, if you could name one bad thing with him, that’s impressive,” Lindholm said of Bergeron. “He’s good in the circle. He’s good defensively. He’s scoring a lot of goals right now and has a lot of points. I can’t come up with one thing he’s bad at. To look at a player like that, it’s cool to see. And I guess Boston is kind of pumped to see how he works every day.”

The Flames have reason to be pumped, too.

Lindholm has arguably been their most consistent performer during a topsy-turvy 2019-20 campaign, and he should still be on an upward trajectory.

Heading into Friday’s battle with the Bruins, the 25-year-old was leading his squad with 27 goals — already equalling his career-high — and was third with 48 points. (For comparison’s sake, Bergeron arrived with the same number of tallies and three more assists.)

Back when Ward first mentioned that Lindholm reminds him an awful lot of You-Know-Who, he was operating as the centre on Calgary’s top trio.

He’s since been shifted back to right wing, not because he wasn’t holding his own when matched up against opposing studs — he was — but rather because he seems like the best bet to squeeze more production 1177592 Calgary Flames “That part is easy.” Enough time has passed now that Osborne-Paradis is well on the road to

recovery. Osborne-Paradis hits the ice at Lake Louise on road to World Cup form Last summer, he was road-biking and downhill mountain biking to work on his reaction timing at Panorama, where he skis and trains in the winter and he and his family live year-round. Kristen Anderson, Postmedia His recovery hasn’t all gone smoothly, however. Published:February 21, 2020 Osborne-Paradis broke nine of those screws in the gym one day, doing Updated:February 21, 2020 5:17 PM MST non-weighted squats (“All of a sudden, I hit the floor and was like, ‘Oh. My. God. I’m in pain.’”).

And, most recently at the end of December when Dr. Steve French went Manny Osborne-Paradis isn’t competitive. in to remove one of the screws so Osborne-Paradis could ski again, they The 35-year-old Vancouver native is saying this before the start of the discovered his meniscus wasn’t attaching properly to his newly two-day 2nd Annual Lululemon Outdoor Classic pond hockey constructed knee. tournament, as a collection of high profile attendees from various athletic So, after that surgery, he was off his feet. Again. backgrounds descended on the idyllic setting at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. But things have improved now to the point where he is finally in ski boots for the first time since the accident. He is referring to playing hockey, of course, which he does at least once a week — on Friday nights with the Badgers — in Invermere, where he, “I’ve been skiing with my daughter on the palm-a-lift,” said Osborne- his expectant wife Lana, and three-year-old daughter Sloane call home. Paradis. “But I haven’t gone up the chair yet. That would be the next He didn’t grow up playing the sport, but he power skates as part of his battle. I’m capable of doing it right now. But would it be risky? Yes.” training regime. For the most part, he would rather pass the puck than score just as long as everyone was having a good time. He’ll be in Calgary on March 2 and 3 for dryland testing to see if his knee will hold up for, what he calls, “zero G’d” skiing — as in, having a casual That’s hockey. day with friends on the mountain. That’s his next goal. Then, they can build strength and he’ll likely start doing some gymnastic-type workouts. Competitive, though, is the guy that was standing at the top of Lake Louise Ski Resort’s men’s downhill course on Nov. 21, 2018, preparing to “People laugh when I say this but skiing is quite an easy sport,” he said. take on the world during the 2018-19 World Cup season. “Especially when you’ve grown up doing it. Downhill is not that hard. It’s hard to be one of the best in the world, but to do it isn’t that hard. You Seconds later, Osborne-Paradis, one of Canada’s most well-decorated need to train countless, countless hours to be able to stay calm and skiers and an 11-time World Cup medallist, was crumpled in a heap collected at high speeds. That’s the skill that you need and that’s a hard halfway down his first training run of the day. He’d taken a turn, hit a skill to acquire. And that’s a skill you can lose easily.” patch of snow and launched into the safety nets. He equates it to driving a car on a highway. The crash shattered his tibia and fibula. Swiftly, Osborne-Paradis was air-lifted to a Calgary hospital. When you hit 120 kilometres-per-hour, it seems fast. But after a few minutes, it doesn’t seem so fast anymore. Fifteen months later, he is snapping the puck around with teammate and Lululemon Ambassador Steph Labbe from the Canadian women’s soccer Skiers, he said, have to hit high speeds — over and over again — for it to team. He’s going one-on-one with Canadian women’s hockey team become normalized. And once that threshold is reached, technique member Rebecca Johnston. comes into play and confidence is instilled.

And while he’s still not 100 per cent, Osborne-Paradis could go toe-to-toe “Skiing with an attitude of wanting to go faster is actually the safest way against the Albeauties (with On the Bench personalities Olly and Jacob), you can ski,” said Osborne-Paradis. “And it’s the hardest place to get into Cherry Pickers featuring former NHL-er Andrew Ference, or the eventual your brain, mentally, for sure. That’s definitely going to be the uphill grind. champion “Vancouver” team led by Keith Seabrook. Going out and re-learning how to ski, I mean, I know how to ski. But it’s getting the time and the amount of runs in and the high-speed skiing and “There are definitely not as many G-forces in hockey,” Osborne-Paradis putting yourself in precarious situations that you can rely on your skill and said with a chuckle. “I’m still not cleared to ski, but I can play hockey. I not be worried.” remember when I blew my knee in 2012 and (former Flames forward) Brendan Morrison blew out his knee within the same week or two. He Austrian Hermann Maier nearly lost his leg in a serious motorcycle was back playing and I wasn’t even on snow yet and I was so bummed. accident in 2001 and shocked the skiing world when he won the Super-G Like, how did his knee not take as long as mine? And then I was playing in Kitzbuhel in 2003. and like, ‘Oh I get it.’ I’m not playing at 100 per cent of what I could. But it is a great gradual return to sport. Swiss skier Didier Cuche didn’t even have a podium until he broke his leg and went onto be a five-time winner of Kitzbuhel. “Like any sport, you can’t be risk-averse. You need to be an athlete, first and foremost.” What about Jan Hudec, who, at the time of his retirement in the spring of 2018, had tallied eight surgeries on his right knee alone and won Olympic His tibial fracture measured a five out of six on the Schatzker Scale of bronze at Sochi in 2014? severity and, no surprise there, couldn’t be saved. Instead, it was replaced with a cadaver’s hip bone. In the span of under two weeks, he “There’s no doubt in my mind, I’m capable,” Osborne-Paradis said. “The underwent two major surgeries and seven minor ones to repair his bones reward is there. You look at Jan . . . and all the sacrifices he made. And thanks to plates, bone cement, and 13 screws. he won a medal. We were roommates and, man, we celebrated hard. It was like I had won a medal, I was so happy for him. “The crash itself wasn’t that nasty but the injury was really bad,” he said. “It’s been challenging, for sure. Oh man. But you have to deal with it. I’ve “As we get older and as you overcome injuries, you’re not going to be the definitely done some somatic experiences with a psychologist. I’ve best every day. But you still have all the experience, and you’re a good worked with my sports psych on how we’re going to approach coming skier . . . tactically, I have to approach skiing differently now.” back.” Competitive? Maybe not on skates. Osborne-Paradis is left-leg dominant which, he explained, is more On skis though? difficult to recover from. Osborne-Paradis, the fourth-best skier in Canada’s history and the first “There’s a lot more shock that goes into your body,” he added. “So, Canadian to win a Super G and World Cup, has a nine-month plan until calming the nervous system down. I’ve done lots of mental work there, he’s back at the top of Lake Louise this November. just trying to be as ready as possible mentally when I go back on snow . . . and understanding the reasoning for coming back. Then, he’ll see about Beijing 2022. “That’s what I’m looking forward to,” Osborne-Paradis said. “I mean, I need to go and assess this next season to see if I can stand on the podium. Because if I can’t stand on the podium, I’m not wasting my team’s time, my sponsors, and my time anymore. That’s the goal. I’m not building up towards the podium anymore. I want to get there. And I want to be there . . . it’s there. That’s what keeps me going. I’ve been there. If I can ski and know I’m capable of standing on the top of the podium or on the podium, I’ll continue . . . at the end of the day, I’ve had a great career. Fourth best in the history of Canada, first guy to win a Super G in Canada and World Cup, I don’t think you’re ever going to leave the sport satisfied.

“If somebody had a shot at going to the Olympics in two years and potentially getting a medal, I’m not sure who wouldn’t take it.”

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177593 Calgary Flames Milan Lucic – Sam Bennett – Dillon Dube Zac Rinaldo – Mark Jankowski – Tobias Rieder

Defence GameDay: Flames vs. Bruins — Looking for another win at home TJ Brodie – Michael Stone

Noah Hanifin – Rasmus Andersson Daniel Austin Oliver Kylington – Brandon Davidson Published:February 21, 2020 Goaltenders Updated:February 21, 2020 5:00 AM MST David Rittich

Cam Talbot FRIDAY BRUINS LINEUP Boston Bruins (38-11-12) at Calgary Flames (31-24-6) Forwards 7 p.m. Scotiabank Saddledome, TV: Sportsnet One; Radio: Sportsnet 960 The Fan AM Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – David Pastrnak

THE BIG MATCHUP Jake DeBrusk – David Krejci – Karson Kuhlman

Flames G David Rittich vs. Bruins RW David Pastrnak Anders Bjork – Charlie Coyle – Danton Heinen

Pastrnak is second in league scoring and has five goals in his last four Joakim Nordstrom – Sean Kuraly – Chris Wagner games, including the overtime winner on Wednesday night in Edmonton against the Oilers. Rittich, meanwhile, has been struggling when the Defence Flames are playing at home, allowing 16 goals in his last four Zdeno Chara – Charlie McAvoy appearances at the Saddledome. The Flames will need him to be a lot sharper on Friday night. Torey Krug – Brandon Carlo

FIVE STORYLINES Matt Grzelcyk – Jeremy Lauzon

1. STAY AT CENTRE? Goaltenders

In his last two games at centre, Sam Bennett has scored three goals. Tuukka Rask That’s notable, considering he’s only got eight on the year. Will the Flames consider keeping him in the middle even when Derek Ryan Jaroslav Halak returns? That seems unlikely, but Bennett’s strong play at centre means INJURIES the Flames should be able to play it safe with Ryan if he needs an extra day to recover from the illness that’s kept him out of the lineup the last Bruins – Kevan Miller (upper body) two games. Flames — C Derek Ryan (sick), D Travis Hamonic (upper body), D Mark 2. STRUGGLING AT HOME Giordano (lower body), D Juuso Valimaki (knee)

The Flames stopped the bleeding a little bit by beating the Anaheim SPECIAL TEAMS Ducks in their last outing at the Saddledome, but they’d previously dropped five straight at home. Some of those losses were ugly, too, and Power play (prior to Thursday’s action) there’s got to be some desperation in the Flames locker-room as they Bruins: 25.0% (51-of-204, 2nd) seek to re-establish some sort of home-ice advantage. They’ve got a long five-day road trip out east starting almost as soon as Friday night’s Flames: 20.3% (36-of-177, 15th) game is over, so the time to build some momentum at the ‘Dome is now. Calgary Sun: LOADED: 02.22.2020 3. FILLING THE NET

If there’s one area where the Flames are definitely not struggling right now, it’s finding the back of the net. In fact, over their last six games they’ve scored 31 goals, and while there have been one or two disappointing results in there, it’s hard to argue with scoring over five goals a game.

4. DEADLINE DISTRACTIONS

It’s that time of the year where every second conversation is going to be about the trade deadline, and both the Bruins and Flames have plenty of rumours swirling around them. Flames head coach Geoff Ward wants his players ignoring all the media chatter, but it’s quite possible this group could look different once the March 24 deadline is through. The Bruins, meanwhile, are a surefire contender and are expected to make a move or two.

5. RECENT HISTORY

They haven’t met yet this year, but the Bruins have generally had the Flames’ number in recent years. The Bostonians have won four of the teams’ last head-to-head meetings, including a 6-4 victory the last time they played, in early January of 2019.

FLAMES LINEUP

Forwards

Johnny Gaudreau – Sean Monahan – Elias Lindholm

Andrew Mangiapane – Mikael Backlund – Matthew Tkachuk 1177594 Calgary Flames “I didn’t think it was going to blow up or anything like that.” But blow up it does. Although the prank ends up extinguished nearly as

quickly. Flames shrug off deadline gossip: ‘Everything’s just a rumour until it “Because, 15 or 20 minutes later, I got some calls from Treliving,” said happens’ Wideman. “Our media guy was like, ‘What’s going on there? I just got a million calls from media asking if Wideman just got traded.'”

By Scott Cruickshank Feb 21, 2020 Even if the transaction had seemed highly unlikely, given Wideman’s $5.25-million cap hit and no-move clause — and Mark Giordano’s recent biceps injury — the Calgary reporters bought the veteran’s one-man act.

It’s often as simple as connecting dots. Noticing that Team A, in a playoff Hartley’s role in the punking of the press? None. “He wasn’t involved at position, needs a depth centre. Seeing that Team B, the conference’s all. He didn’t even know.” boot-scraper, has a spare pivot. Wideman is asked if he’d inadvertently managed to fool a few of his Voila. A trade could happen. Probably won’t. But could. chums in the process. After all, 24 hours earlier, they had seen the exact same sequence result in a teammate’s farewell. Scuttlebutt sometimes carries a little more heft. A whisper from a person in the know — or, at least, a person who knows a person who knows a “I don’t think so, because they were all shooting pucks and stretching in person in the know. Yeah, I’m hearing Team C is shopping So-and-So. the neutral zone. No one was even paying attention,” said Wideman. Find another dot. Connect. Boom. “The only people that saw it were the media guys, because they were just watching everything like a hawk at that point — it was only a few Then there is the mud-at-the-wall gang. Keep flinging patties until one hours until the deadline.” sticks. Occasionally, it does. Wideman denies that he’d had score-settling in mind when he jumped at Rumours. the opportunity to light a fire under a bunch of reporters. After all, they’re They’re impossible to avoid. And, at this time of year, with the NHL trade part of the hype machine that unsettles players’ lives in the lead-up to the deadline nearing, every crumb qualifies as a clue. Like the other day’s deadline. mysterious modifications to Johnny Gaudreau’s verified account on “No, I was just messing around,” said Wideman, now an assistant coach Twitter. Apparently, “Calgary Flames” had been removed from his with the OHL Kitchener Rangers. “It’s a big media thing and I get it. @johngaudreau03 bio — folks noticed, eyebrows raised. Soon after, the Everyone wants to know what’s happening and it’s fun to talk about. The identity of his current employers was restored. Curious times. deadline’s always exciting … but it’s not exciting for the players that have But rarely does a player himself provide the giddy-up for the gossip to move their families and stuff. That sucks. I know, because I’ve been machine, which is what made the afternoon of March 2, 2015, so traded a few times at the deadline. intriguing. “Everybody wants their team to get better and make some kind of big The events taking place looked for all the world like a rumour unfolding in trade. So I get why it is the way it is. Even when I was playing, I was real time. always watching every trade, (refreshing) the screen, seeing what’s happening, what the rumours were.” Setting the stage: The day before, while practising at the University of Pennsylvania’s cramped arena, the Flames had been braced for a trade. Which is a viewing habit that puts Wideman in the minority — although Well-prepared for the moment, coach Bob Hartley — phone tucked into Zac Rinaldo happens to live there, too. The winger admits that he loves his track pants, ringer cranked to maximum volume — received a call combing social-media channels in search of tidbits. from general manager Brad Treliving, who announced that Curtis “If I’m going through (Twitter) and I see something about the Calgary Glencross was bound for Washington. Hartley informed the left-winger, Flames and what they’re going to do at the trade deadline, I’ll be who immediately headed to the dressing room. interested,” said Rinaldo. “I think it’s exciting. I want to win and I’m Then the next day … always excited about what my team is going to be doing to help our situation. Skating again at UPenn, the Flames, with the deadline hours away, are trying to focus on their upcoming game against the Flyers. Lo and “To me, it’s a very, very exciting time of year.” behold, Hartley’s phone blares near the end of practice. After a brief But during those online scrolling sprees, what if his own name pops up? conversation, the skipper hangs up, beckons Dennis Wideman. What’s the reaction then? “Then I looked up,” Wideman said the other day. “I saw (TSN’s) Jermain “It’s exciting,” replied Rinaldo. “Just to be mentioned … that other teams Franklin and a bunch of other (Calgary media members). They looked potentially want you and you’re relevant in the league. That’s a feather in like they were a bit, ‘Oh oh, what’s going on? Bob just got off the phone.'” someone’s cap — other teams want you. You’re an asset to teams that Hartley, however, is merely seeking Wideman’s opinion on a certain want to be better or teams that want to build a future. aspect of the Flyers. No matter. Hook already set, onlookers on full alert, “I’ve been dealt in the summertime. I was getting a coffee one time and their Spidey senses tingling, Wideman sees a grand opportunity to rile up they called and said, ‘You’re traded (to Boston).’ And I was excited. Not the herd of travelling reporters. Way too rich to pass up. that I didn’t like the organization — I was in Philly and I love Philly — but So, wearing a deadpan expression, he skates over to the bench, where that’s just excitement. It’s adrenaline.” Sean Kelso, the team’s director of communications and media relations, Sam Bennett, too, knows he’s been attached to hearsay over the years. is standing. Unlike Rinaldo’s, his response is subdued. “Everything’s just a rumour “It just kind of happened,” Wideman recalled. “I was getting off the ice until it happens,” said Bennett. “Honestly, it doesn’t even affect me at all. anyway. I said, ‘Hey, give me your phone for a second.’ All I did was hold I don’t even think about it.” it to my ear for maybe a minute or so. That tends to be the modus operandi of most of the gents at Flames “Then I just left the ice.” headquarters — at least that’s what they insist. They don’t trade in In a flash, from that chilly little rink in West Philadelphia, the breaking whispers. development is relayed, via clumsy fingers on smouldering smart “Most of the time nothing really happens,” said Matthew Tkachuk. phones, to a hockey world dying for trade action. Any kind of trade “There’s rumours about guys around the league and nothing really action. happens. Guys have been in the rumour mill for a while and haven’t been “I thought I was just messing with the guys there,” said Wideman, moved.” laughing. “There was nothing planned or anything. I just took advantage But avoiding it completely? That’s impossible as deadline noise works its of the situation. It just all fell into place. way to a crescendo. Insiders are speculating. Fans are hoping. Players are cringing.

“Obviously, you’re going to hear it,” said Andrew Mangiapane, “whether it’s about you or your teammates or random guys in the league. They’re rumours, right? Could be something. Could be nothing.

“It’s almost hard to block it out. Guys know guys around the league … so if you have a buddy on another team and you hear his name, you’re going to (reach out), ‘Oh, you’re going to be traded.’ It’s pretty hard. Lots of guys listen (but) take it with a grain of salt.”

While playing junior in OHL Kingston, Bennett was like everyone else — happily soaking up every bit of gossip about NHL wheeling and dealing.

“You believe more of what you hear when you’re a fan than when you’re actually part of it,” said Bennett. “It’s a lot easier to believe what So-and- so has to say. But when you’re actually in it? You know who is actually important and matters.

“Look at how many times you hear about a trade or something that could happen — odds are it doesn’t happen.”

Dillon Dube, to make his point, brings up the Flames’ 2018 draft- weekend acquisition of Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin.

“What were the rumours? None,” said Dube. “I think it’s usually the other way around. When people talk about trades and what teams are going to get, usually something comes out of nowhere. The only ones that know are the GMs.

“That’s the thing — there’s a million rumours out there and only one guy who knows if it’s true or not.”

Reflecting on his Kelowna junior days, Dube notes that the NHL landscape is unique when it comes to guesswork. “The only time the WHL media says something is when the trade actually happens,” he said. “There’s nobody making a living off of making (up) trades.”

Leave it to Tkachuk to put it into perspective, to temper expectations.

As voracious a hockey follower as there is, he rattles off Treliving’s handiwork leading up to recent deadlines — trading for Michael Stone, claiming Chris Stewart off waivers, trading for Oscar Fantenberg.

“So there’s been two deals in three years — and we didn’t know about the Stoney or the Fantenberg ones until they happened — so most of the time nothing (rumoured) happens anyway,” said Tkachuk. “I’m sure all the fans want to see more stuff — everyone loves the rumours, right? — but until it happens, you don’t read too much into it.”

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177595 Carolina Hurricanes After Fast gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead, things turned chippy. Svechnikov, on the forecheck, got in a couple of big hits but the Rangers’ Jacob Trouba retaliated by getting in Svechnikov’s face and then throwing a punch. New face stops Canes, who suffer season-sweep at hands of Rangers Both Trouba and Svechnikov were penalized for roughing, leaving Canes fans in the sellout crowd booing. The boos were louder later in the second when Trouba hit Canes center Erik Haula along the back boards BY CHIP ALEXANDER with an elbow to the head that left Haula woozy — Trouba not drawing a FEBRUARY 21, 2020 09:34 PM penalty on the play.

Forward Julien Gauthier, traded to the Rangers by the Canes this week, was in the New York lineup for a second straight game but played just The Carolina Hurricanes have lost to the New York Rangers again but eight shifts. this time it had nothing to do with goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. It was the second straight victory for the Rangers on their “Moms Trip.” In fact, Lundqvist was a healthy scratch Friday for the Rangers, a Linda Staal, who was with the Canes and cheering son Jordan in spectator. Nashville, was in a Rangers sweater Friday cheering for son Marc Staal, a veteran defenseman. The Rangers, surging in the Eastern Conference, have a new star in net — rookie goalie Igor Shesterkin — and showed him off against the News Observer LOADED: 02.22.2020 Canes in a 5-2 victory at PNC Arena.

The Rangers (32-24-4), winning their seventh straight road game, pulled within four points of a playoff wild-card position. The Canes (34-22-4), impressive in a 4-1 road win Tuesday over the Nashville Predators, fell out of the second wild-card spot and lost all four games to the Rangers this season

“They were good. They were desperate more than we were,” Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “We needed to have more desperation early in the game and kind of set the tone and we never did.’.

Lundqvist has long bedeviled the Hurricanes, as have the Rangers, who now have won 31 of the past 37 games between the two Metropolitan Division teams. But Lundqvist, 37, has stepped aside to make way for Shesterkin, 24, who has won eight of his first nine NHL starts and quickly is becoming the talk of the league.

Canes forward Brock McGinn, in his 300th career game, did beat Shesterkin in the second period. Carrying the puck into the slot, McGinn caught the Russian leaning to his right and beat him with a shot to the far side.

Canes center Sebastian Aho scored his 35th of the season in the third period on a power play, Aho extending his point streak to 11 games and Andrei Svechnikov to nine games with an assist on the Aho goal.

“We wanted to build off that Nashville game,” McGinn said. “We came out strong and played a full 60 minutes there. Tonight, unfortunately, I don’t think we played that full 60 minutes and it cost us.”

This was the Rangers night, again. Mika Zibanejad scored on a breakaway in the first period — the Rangers led 1-0 after — one-- and had two assists, and Artemi Panarin scored on a power play early in the third for a 4-1 lead. Ryan Strome’s late empty netter finished off the New York scoring.

But New York also scored twice in the second when pucks went off the skates of Canes defensemen in front of goalie Petr Mrazek. Jesper Fast had a pass intended for Panarin hit the skate of Brett Pesce, and Brady Skjei had a pass hit Jake Gardiner’s skate.

“We know when our game is going we continue to push and work and we’re going to get some good bounces,” Canes captain Jordan Staal said. “Tonight, we have to be more desperate and it wasn’t there and that’s frustrating this time of year.”

The Rangers were active and tough in the defensive zone. New York blocked 17 Carolina shots in the opening period and Shesterkin, calm in net, stopped the 11 shots that got to the net. Zibanejad blocked a shot by Staal from the point, grabbing the puck and speedind down ice to beat Mrazek on the breakaway for his 27th.

Shesterkin, who had 27 saves, made his most spectacular save with six minutes left in the first. The Canes’ Nino Niederreiter redirected a puck in the low slot but Shesterkin showed off his quick reflexes as he gloved the puck.

“He’s a good goalie and made some big saves early that would have helped us kind of get into the game a little more,” Staal said. “It would have been a different game, I think, at the start. I still don’t think we tested them enough.” 1177596 Carolina Hurricanes Fleury, 23, had 87 games of regular-season experience before this year — playing 67 in 2017-18 — and had not scored on 103 shots. That also has changed this season: his first NHL goal came Oct. 18 at Anaheim and he has added two more, although the Canes are relying more on his Canes defenseman Haydn Fleury no longer in transit, now a regular on size (6-3, 208 pounds) and physicality than his offense. the back end “I’ve just been trying to do my thing — get shots through, skate, be physical when I can, and I think it has gone well so far,” Fleury said. “Confidence is the big thing, and feeling more comfortable. Playing with BY CHIP ALEXANDER Eddy (Edmundson), he’s a real steady presence back there and allowed FEBRUARY 21, 2020 01:36 PM me to play my game. The minutes have gone up, which allows me to get in the game a little bit more and allows me to play with confidence.

“Even when (van Riemsdyk) and I were going in and out (of the lineup), I Haydn Fleury knows every inch of the highway from Raleigh to Charlotte. felt more comfortable with my game than I had in the past, that I was doing more offensively. In the last eight, nine games the offense has “Made that trip 12 times,” the Carolina Hurricanes defenseman said this came and I’ve had a lot of chances on the offensive side and I’m really week. happy with that. And on the defensive side it’s a work in a progress and One-way or round trip, Fleury was asked. just trying to be more physical and eliminate stuff around my net.”

“Twelve round trips,” he said, smiling. “I should have sent the Canes a bill The Canes may be content to stick with their six defensemen and not for my new tires.” make a move before Monday’s NHL trade deadline, and Brind’Amour has no complaints about the D-man group minus Hamilton, who possibly Fleury was caught up in a flurry of recalls from the Charlotte Checkers, could return in late-March or April. the Canes’ American Hockey League affiliate, the past two seasons. He’d load up his BMW X5, turn on a podcast and hit the road, whether to “No one guy is going to able to replace what he brings to us, what Raleigh for NHL games or then back to Charlotte to jump into the Dougie does,” Brind’Amour said. “It was going to be by committee and I Checkers lineup. think all of them, that whole D corps, has held up nicely considering what we lost.” “It did seem quicker coming to Raleigh,” he joked of the trip. Fleury left Tuesday’s game against the Nashville Predators with an Those back-and-forth days are over for the Canes’ former first-round apparent injury after taking a hit from Austin Watson. That was a scare, draft pick. He signed a one-year NHL contract for $850,000 last July, all but Fleury was back at practice Thursday. but assuring he would be in Raleigh for the duration of the 2019-20 season. A lot is expected of first-round picks and it has been no different for Fleury. The Canes made him the seventh overall selection of the 2014 And Fleury has been needed — again. NHL Draft — ahead of such players as forwards David Pastrnak of the When defenseman Calvin de Haan was injured late in the 2018-19 Boston Bruins and Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets, to name two — season, Fleury went into the Canes lineup. De Haan returned during the and he watched as the Canes picked defenseman Noah Hanifin in the Stanley Cup playoffs, but then defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk first round in 2015 and immediately placed him in the NHL lineup at 18. dislocated a shoulder in the second round of the playoffs against the New Hanifin had his rough patches his first three NHL seasons and was York Islanders. traded to Calgary in the 2018 deal that brought Hamilton to Carolina. Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour again asked Fleury if he was ready. Next Another former first-round pick, defenseman Jake Bean played his first man up, all that. Fleury stepped in for van Riemsdyk in the hockey two games with the Canes last season but continues to develop with the cauldron that was the playoffs. After the Canes were eliminated by the AHL Checkers in his second professional season. Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference finals, he was back in Charlotte Fleury’s younger brother, Cale, was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in for the Checkers’ playoff run to a Calder Cup championship. 2017 and the defenseman made his NHL debut this season — in the Van Riemsdyk wasn’t ready for full contact as the 2019-20 season opener, against the Canes. Cale Fleury, 21, was sent down to the Laval began, meaning Fleury again was in the Canes lineup. After van Rocket of the AHL on Jan. 31 after playing 41 games for the Habs, and Riemsdyk missed the first eight games, he and Fleury then alternated at Haydn said he has tried to counsel him on staying patient, positive. times as the Canes’ sixth D-man — one playing, one a healthy scratch — “You can’t hide as a D-man,” Haydn Fleury said. “I think sometimes you after van Riemsdyk’s return. can come in as a young forward and they can hide you a bit. As a D-man But that defensive arrangement changed, completely, in mid-January. So you can get caught out there against some pretty good players. did the role for each player. “I do think it takes time. The confidence takes a little bit to come. I think Dougie Hamilton’s broken left fibula, in the Jan. 16 road game at once you start to figure out the league and what you can and can’t get Columbus, made regulars of both van Riemsdyk and Fleury. Van away with, it becomes easier after that.” Riemsdyk eventually was placed in the top defensive pairing with Jaccob Fleury believes he’s figuring it out. He still has the same BMW but his in- Slavin, replacing Hamilton, while Fleury joined Joel Edmundson in the season mileage isn’t nearly as high. third D pairing. News Observer LOADED: 02.22.2020 Often playing 13 or 14 minutes a game earlier in the season, van Riemsdyk had 20 or more minutes of ice time in five of the past eight games leading up to Friday’s matchup against the New York Rangers at PNC Arena. Van Riemsdyk once had that kind of defensive workload playing for the Chicago Blackhawks — he averaged almost 20 minutes a game in 2015-16 — but not since coming to the Canes.

“I’ve done it before and it’s something where you can draw on your experience,” van Riemsdyk said Thursday. “It’s not completely foreign to me and then I have a partner like Jaccob who is pretty easy on you. He’s so smart and he seems to make every play.

“Obviously the matchups are a little different. But every night is a challenge. Against the third- or fourth-line guys, they bring a different element and make it tough to play against. Maybe the top line guys have more skill and you have to defend them a little different, but whether they’re super skilled or more of a forechecking type of player, you want to take away their time and space and be up on them. It’s all the same.” 1177597 Chicago Blackhawks

Alex DeBrincat scores both Blackhawks goals in a 2-1 overtime win over the Predators

By PHIL THOMPSON

FEB 21, 2020 | 10:35 PM

The Blackhawks rallied in the third period and overtime with two goals by Alex DeBrincat to beat the Predators 2-1 on Friday night at the United Center and sustain a pulse on their long-shot playoff hopes.

And they did it through — of all things — a DeBrincat power-play goal.

Patrick Kane rifled a pass to DeBrincat, which he deflected to Predators goalie Pekka Rinne’s glove side in the third period. Duncan Keith also was in on the assist, which gave him his 600th career point.

The Hawks have had little success figuring out how to fix the league’s worst power play. It had been particularly frustrating for DeBrincat, who entered the game with only one power-play goal and two goals overall so far this month.

DeBrincat wore a big smile as he pumped his fist in celebration.

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The Hawks almost closed out the game in regulation, but Rinne blocked shots by Jonathan Toews and Drake Caggiula in the final seconds.

But in the three-on-three overtime, DeBrincat got free on a breakaway and slapped in the winner.

“So nice to see that puck go in for Brinksy,” coach Jeremy Colliton said. "Our team, we’ve had a bunch of games lately that we’ve played hard and didn’t get rewarded, so it helps to move this thing forward when you get a win and ultimately, we’re looking for consistency from the group.

“Part of asking for that consistency, they need some results and that helps.”

Corey Crawford stopped 42 of 43 shots for the Hawks.

“It’s a great feeling," Keith said of the win. "Obviously just to have that feeling, we were down most of the game. We stuck with it, we stayed patient, had some big penalty kills. … Huge win, nice to win like that at home, too.”

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177598 Chicago Blackhawks Some of the teams on the upcoming schedule also are vying for a wild- card spot, including the Predators, and the Hawks haven’t always matched the increased intensity that comes with the playoff race.

After another long trip next week, the Blackhawks play most of their Next week’s trip amounts to a do-over of the 1-4 trip through western March games at home. The only problem: They’re below .500 there. Canada.

“We just need to go on a run here, get a win streak going,” DeBrincat said before Friday’s game. “Start with tonight and beat a team that we’re By PHIL THOMPSON competing with for a wild-card spot.”

FEB 21, 2020 | 2:25 PM Chicago Tribune LOADED: 02.22.2020

Duncan Keith ruminated on the Blackhawks’ recent struggles, then said something that exemplifies the feeling in the locker room that all is not lost: “Nobody’s said we haven’t made playoffs yet.”

The Hawks occupy last place in the Central Division, but they remain within sight of a Western Conference wild-card spot, eight points behind the Flames entering Friday’s games.

“We’ve got to create our own optimism by how we play,” coach Jeremy Colliton said after the morning skate Friday. “The feeling in the group is not as good because the performance wasn’t good last game. So you look at the standings and no one feels good about it.

“The way you can bring good feelings back is to play really good tonight for 60 minutes.”

The Hawks begin their last extended road trip Sunday in Dallas — continuing against the Blues, Lightning and Panthers — before playing 11 of 15 games in March at the United Center.

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That would be comforting if not for their 12-13-4 home record entering Friday night’s game against the Predators, who had won seven of their last 11, five of the wins coming on the road.

The Hawks are 14-13-4 away from the United Center and have the league’s fourth-best penalty kill on the road (82.4%) — better than their marks at home (80.7%, 17th) and overall (81.6%, 12th).

The power play, however, ranks last in the league (13.8%) despite it being a point of emphasis.

Colliton and players have talked about being more prepared and focused, particularly in the first period. But it’s the second period that has let them down, getting outscored 65-46.

Still, the Hawks believe if they focus on improving in the first period, it will carry over into the second and third.

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It’s one of the problems they talked through Thursday when they took a day off the ice to conduct meetings.

“On a day like yesterday, we want to be very precise as far as the message we want to send, and I think we did that,” Colliton said. “And now it’s about bringing energy and translating that sharpness into how we play. And that will be the focus.

“It was a good morning, there was energy, and now we have to start the game on time.”

Alex DeBrincat said it helped to take what amounted to a mental health day.

“It was nice to get a day of rest, think about the game, go over some stuff we didn’t do as normal and isn’t up to par,” he said.

The Hawks have lost seven of their last eight games, two in overtime. They started the calendar year with three losses in four games before going on a five-game winning streak.

“We’ve faced adversity at different points in the season,” DeBrincat said. “This is another one of those times where we really need to get back together and play the kind of style we know we can win with. That’s what we’re focused on right now.” 1177599 Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 02.22.2020

Blackhawks edge Predators after late Erik Gustafsson scratch scrambles defense

By Ben Pope Feb 21, 2020, 10:55pm CST

Erik Gustafsson was a late healthy scratch for the Blackhawks on Friday, forcing coach Jeremy Colliton to scramble all of the defensive pairs at the last minute.

But the new pairs mostly held their own, and the Hawks beat the Predators 2-1 in overtime to earn just their second win in nine games.

“Guys were working hard, [trying to] just forget about the standings,” said Corey Crawford, who made 42 saves behind the makeshift defense. “If we’re doing that, if we’re working hard and playing the right way, I think that’s all you can ask for. Most nights you’ll probably get what you want.”

It was a heartwarming night at the United Center — one that was a long time coming. Alex DeBrincat tied the game in the third period, ending a long power play drought, and then won it with an overtime breakaway. Duncan Keith assisted on both goals, his 600th and 601st career points.

But despite the win, the Hawks’ playoff hopes remain slim at best, and the focus continues to rest on Monday’s trade deadline.

Gustafsson was participating in and joking around as usual during the Hawks’ pregame soccer competition less than an hour before warmups. By the time of actual warmups, the pending free agent was not on the ice with the rest of the team.

Colliton said the decision was made by the Hawks’ hockey operations department shortly before warmups, and Gustafsson’s agent said he was told it was because “calls are being made.” The scratch forced Nick Seeler into the lineup in his stead.

“[We had to] make a quick decision as far as what we’re going to do, and you never know how it’s going to work out,” Colliton said. “But I thought Seeler did well. A lot of guys played extra minutes, and hard minutes, with all the penalties in particular. We did a real good job of handling it.”

Seeler filled Gustafsson’s normal spot next to Connor Murphy, while Slater Koekkoek bumped up alongside Keith and Adam Boqvist dropped down to the third pair next to Olli Maatta.

Koekkoek and Boqvist both actually struggled: the former took three minor penalties, the latter was benched for the last 15 minutes of the game. It’s especially concerning for Boqvist, who has smashed into a rookie wall over the past few weeks.

“He’s a 19-year-old kid who’s going to continue to get better,” Colliton said. “Going through these types of situations is going to make him better in the end.”

Knights trade could affect Hawks

The Golden Knights and Jets’ small trade Friday could end up affecting a potential Gustafsson trade for the Hawks.

Vegas sent overpaid fourth-line forward Cody Eakin to Winnipeg for a conditional fourth-round draft pick, clearing Eakin’s $3.85 million cap hit for the remainder of the season.

Although the trade seems relatively insignificant on paper, it gives the cash-strapped Knights the cap space now to make another trade addition. And coincidentally — or not — the Knights have been the team most connected to Gustafsson in recent days.

Big fan turnout

The nostalgic (and boozy) persuasions of the United Center’s Margaritaville Night theme Friday proved enough to overcome the subpar on-ice product the Hawks have put forth recently.

The attendance of 21,878 for the Hawks-Predators game set a season high, topping the crowd of 21,822 for the Black Friday matinee against the Avalanche in November, and upped the season average to 21,436 through 30 home games. 1177600 Chicago Blackhawks Slap shot: Injured forward Zack Smith (left hand) took part in morning skate and

may be able to play at Dallas on Sunday. DeBrincat scores both Blackhawks goals in OT victory over Predators Daily Herald Times LOADED: 02.22.2020

John Dietz

Updated2/21/2020 10:18 PM

Pekka Rinne has often been a thorn in the Blackhawks' side.

And Friday night at the United Center was no different as Nashville's veteran goalie thwarted the first 28 shots he saw in nearly 49 minutes.

It took an Alex DeBrincat tip of a Patrick Kane blast to finally solve Rinne with 10:55 remaining. That tied things up at 1-1, and the Hawks nearly won it late in regulation, but Rinne stopped a Jonathan Toews shot with 21 seconds left, then steered Drake Caggiula's rebound attempt just wide of the post with 18.8 seconds remaining.

No matter.

DeBrincat ended up scoring his second goal of the game -- and 16th of the season -- on a breakaway to give the Hawk a 2-1 victory with 57.8 seconds remaining in overtime.

The victory lifted the Hawks to 27-26-8 on the season and moved them to within 6 points of a wild-card spot.

It was just the Hawks' second victory in the last nine games.

"We've faced adversity at different points in the season," DeBrincat said beforehand. "This is just another one of those times where we need to really get back together and play the style of game we know we can play ... and win with."

The Hawks outshot Nashville 8-0 in the first five minutes, getting 7 of those attempts on a failed power play. Brandon Saad was awarded a penalty shot at 9:14 of the first period after Filip Forsberg hooked him on a breakaway. Saad's attempted to beat Pekka Rinne through the five- hole, but was unsuccessful.

One highlight for the Hawks was when they killed off a 73-second two- man advantage late in the second period after Slater Koekkoek (interference) and Duncan Keith (holding) were sent to the box.

Major milestone:

Near the end of his eight-minute Q&A with reporters Thursday, Duncan Keith was asked to reflect on the fact that he joined a select group of seven Blackhawks defensemen who have racked up 500 career assists. No. 500 for Keith came on a Dominik Kubalik goal early in the second period of the Hawks' 6-3 loss to the Rangers on Wednesday.

"I don't think that points have ever been my main focus, especially when I entered the league and coming along," said Keith, who has a pair of 55- assist campaigns. "Always wanted to be a good two-way defenseman and compete and help my team win.

"So that's kind of always been the way I feel and how I want to be ... as a player."

One player Keith always looked up to was Brian Leetch, who played mostly for the New York Rangers and piled up 247 goals and 781 assists from 1987-2006.

"It was a different league back then, but always watched the way they played and tried to take things from their game into mine," Keith said of players like Leetch.

Keith notched his 600th career point during the Hawks' game against Nashville on Friday when he assisted on Patrick Kane's third-period goal.

Trade winds blowing:

Erik Gustafsson was an unexpected healthy scratch during the Hawks' game against Nashville at the United Center on Friday. Gustafsson, whose contract expires after this season, is perhaps the most likely Hawk to be traded by Monday's 2 p.m. deadline.

Hawks goalie Robin Lehner also uncharacteristically turned down interview requests after Friday's morning skate. 1177601 Chicago Blackhawks As for chores? DeBrincat said he just expects the basement to stay relatively clean.

The two have become fast friends, which is no surprise considering Blackhawks' Boqvist learning under pressure Boqvist's laid-back personality.

"He's pretty quiet, but once he gets out of his shell he likes to joke around," DeBrincat said. "He's always happy and has always got a smile John Dietz on his face. Puts you in a better mood when he's giggling and laughing at everything. It's been good having him there." Updated2/21/2020 11:17 PM Said Boqvist: "It's perfect."

Boqvist, who made 54 appearances for the OHL's London Knights last Sitting high above the action as a healthy scratch in Winnipeg last week, season, admitted the NHL season has worn on him at times. Blackhawks defenseman Adam Boqvist couldn't believe how slow everyone looked. It's not just the 82 games. It's that he's facing the best players in the world each shift. It was almost like guys were skating in quicksand as they moved from zone to zone. "That's a challenge for a young player -- that could be part of (his recent struggles)," Colliton said. "It's our job to help him through it. Any adversity Boqvist, three-fourths of the way into his rookie season, obviously knows that he goes through -- as long as he doesn't let it overcome him -- it's that's not the case and that players are often zipping around at an going to make him better. frenzied, breakneck pace. "That's how we got to look at it; that's how he's got to look at it." But this experience had a profound effect on the 19-year-old -- a light bulb moment, if you will -- as he realized there's often more time than you Daily Herald Times LOADED: 02.22.2020 think to make decisions with the puck.

"You can see it from up top and learn a little bit," Boqvist said. "Sometimes you feel like you're under pressure but you're not. ... I'm young, I'm going to learn. It's a good process for me.

"I've been struggling a little bit lately. I just (need) to battle through this (and) hopefully finish the last 20 games good."

It's been an interesting campaign for Boqvist, selected eighth overall by the Hawks in 2018. He began the season in the AHL with Rockford, was called up for about two weeks early on, went back to Rockford and was recalled Dec. 9

Since returning, Boqvist has played in 28 of 31 games, scored 3 goals, dished out 4 assists and is averaging 17 minutes of ice time.

He's had impressive moments -- one of the biggest coming on a second- period goal at Edmonton last week that had Patrick Kane exclaiming, "What a shot!"

But, as happens to many young defensemen, he's also been exposed.

A perfect example came during the Rangers' 6-3 victory at the United Center Wednesday when veteran forward Chris Kreider exploded into the offensive zone and charged to the net before a retreating Boqvist knew what hit him. Kreider's 24th goal of the season made it 4-2 midway through the third period.

Boqvist admitted paying too much attention to Mika Zibanejad, who was in the middle of the 3-on-2.

"So I opened up room for Kreider," Boqvist said before the Hawks' 2-1 overtime win over Nashville Friday. "Next time probably going to be more aware and out there on Kreider. (Then) I can be there right away so he doesn't get that time to pick up that speed."

Said coach Jeremy Colliton: "It's a hard league and there's really good players. They're going to challenge you, especially as we get into the end of the season here where the level goes up every game. ...

"But that's ultimately going to make him better, the adversity he's going through."

This trial by fire has become more commonplace as teams rush prospects into the NHL without a season or two to hone their craft in the minors. For this reason it's important the confidence level stays high for players like Boqvist, Kirby Dach and Alex Nylander.

Boqvist is more fortunate than many young blue-liners in that his defense partner for much of the season has been 35-year-old Duncan Keith. And -- just like Dach and Nylander -- he's not living alone in a hotel room, having accepted an offer to stay with Alex DeBrincat.

"He's enjoyed living with me," said DeBrincat, who then added with a laugh: "I hope."

Boqvist's living quarters are in the basement, though he spends plenty of time watching hockey with DeBrincat on a couch upstairs. 1177602 Chicago Blackhawks

5 Takeaways: Blackhawks best Preds in goalie battle

By Scott King February 21, 2020 6:54 PM

Alex DeBrincat scored two goals and Corey Crawford made 42 saves to help the Blackhawks beat the Nashville Predators 2-1 in overtime on Friday.

Where's Gus?

Blackhawks defenseman Erik Gustafsson was a healthy scratch for Friday's game against the Predators with the NHL trade deadline expiring at 2 PM central on Monday.

TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported Gustafsson was held out for precautionary reasons.

Last season Gustafsson had a career-high 17 goals and 60 points. He has 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) in 59 games this season, and has a plus-8 rating during 5-on-5 play.

Jesse Granger of the Athletic had reported earlier that the Vegas Golden Knights were interested in the 27-year-old D man.

Keith 600

Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith recorded his 600th NHL point after he picked up the secondary assist on Alex DeBrincat's third-period goal that tied it 1-1, then sent DeBrincat the lone helper in overtime to help win it for the Hawks.

Keith currently has 99 goals and 502 assists with Chicago.

Goalie duel

Corey Crawford and Pekka Rinne engaged in an epic goalie battle at the United Center on Friday. Through regulation, Crawford made spectacular save after spectacular save. The first goal of the game came at 14:56 of the second period when Mattias Ekholm scored.

Rinne was fantastic as well, not getting scored on until almost midway through the third period. In the first period, the Preds goalie stopped Brandon Saad on a breakaway and Saad's penalty shot after he was hooked on the play.

The Blackhawks and Alex DeBrincat would get the best of Rinne and the Preds. DeBrincat scored his second goal of the game 4:02 into overtime to win it for the Hawks. Crawford saved 42 of 43 shots through OT and Rinne stopped 36 of 38.

Improved power play

The Hawks' power play got off to a good start on Friday. On their first power play of the game (Matt Duchene slashing against Alex Nylander), Chicago spent a lot of time in the Preds' zone and recorded 10 shot attempts, including seven on net.

Then, at 9:05 of the third period on their fourth man advantage of the game after Filip Forsberg tripped Kirby Dach, Alex DeBrincat scored a power-play goal by deflecting a Patrick Kane shot past Rinne.

Chicago was 1-for-4 on the power play for the game.

Too many penalties

Not only did the Hawks take too many penalties - five - which greatly diminished their 5-on-5 time, but they had repeat offenders in the box.

Keith was tagged with two infractions (holding and hooking in the second period) and Slater Koekkoek recorded three penalties (tripping in the first, interference in the second and tripping in the third).

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177603 Chicago Blackhawks

With NHL trade deadline looming, Blackhawks hold out Erik Gustafsson from lineup

By Charlie Roumeliotis February 21, 2020 7:25 PM

With three days left until the NHL trade deadline, the Blackhawks held out defenseman Erik Gustafsson from Friday's game against the Nashville Predators. TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported it's for precautionary reasons.

Head coach Jeremy Colliton said after the game that the hockey operations department made the late call to scratch Gustafsson and the coaching staff "acted accordingly." Nick Seeler drew into the lineup for Gustafsson, and Slater Koekkoek was moved to the top pairing.

"Obviously, make a quick decision as far as what we’re going to do and you never know how it’s going to work out," Colliton said following a 2-1 overtime win for the Blackhawks' first home victory since Jan. 19. "But I thought Seeler did well. A lot of guys played extra minutes and hard minutes with all the penalties in particular. Thought we did a real good job of handling it. Our group did a good job of responding to that type of thing. Obviously Gus is a very popular guy in the room, but I thought we handled it well."

Gustafsson is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and there have been no extension talks between the Blackhawks and Gustafsson's representatives, so it's not surprising the team is exploring the market for the 27-year-old blue liner with the Blackhawks six points out of the final wildcard spot in the Western Conference going into the weekend.

And even though the Blackhawks responded nicely with a win over the Predators, Gustafsson's absence was felt inside the locker room.

"It sucks, but it’s part of the business," said Alex DeBrincat, who scored two goals, including the overtime winner. "We have to go out there and do our job and they have to do theirs. For us, we just need to go out there and play our game and not really worry about it."

Gustafsson is coming off a season in which he recorded a career-high 17 goals and 60 points. He has 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) in 59 games this season, and has a plus-8 rating during 5-on-5 play.

Gustafsson carries a $1.2 million cap hit, which makes him an attractive piece to teams who are up in a financial crunch. He's a perfect third- pairing defenseman on a good team and can be a difference-maker for a playoff contender that's looking for a power play quarterback.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177604 Chicago Blackhawks

The NHL Trade Deadline is weighing on Blackhawks players' minds

By Charlie Roumeliotis February 21, 2020 9:00 AM

If you're a playoff contender, the NHL trade deadline is an exciting time of year. Players are excited to see which new faces will be added to the group for the stretch run and a Stanley Cup push.

If you're on the outside looking in, it can be a tough time. Nobody feels safe and it’s difficult to escape the noise, whether it's coming from social media, newspapers, blogs, on the radio or television. And if you don’t hear it, your families do.

Erik Gustafsson, who's set to become an unrestricted free agent, is the most likely Blackhawk who could be wearing a different sweater next week. He’s doing everything in his power to block out any rumors involving his name ahead of Monday’s trade deadline.

"I kind of try not to look at the phone or hear anything on the TV or radio or anything, but it's hard," Gustafsson said. "It's on here every time too. But just like I said before, if this happens, it's happening. It's something I can't control. I want to stay in Chicago. I like it here."

Corey Crawford and Robin Lehner have been two bright spots for the Blackhawks this season, but both of them are without a contract next season. Lehner, who has an .895 save percentage in four starts this month, admitted it's been challenging to just focus on hockey as the trade deadline nears and his future in Chicago remains uncertain.

"I mean, it's part of the game," Lehner said. "But yeah, for sure it is."

Sometimes we forget athletes are human, too. You can tell it’s weighing on the players’ minds, and the more the losses pile up, the louder the noise gets.

A lot of teams are dealing with it across the league, but it doesn't make it any easier.

"Of course there’s uncertainty and that’s for players and their families," head coach Jeremy Colliton said. "The group we have here, you like the people you’re around every day. But that’s part of the business."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177605 Chicago Blackhawks guarantee they don't just ask PK. They are asking the captain, they're asking other players, and then they only show PK’s response. But they have the other ones, too.”

Black History Month: Blackhawks’ Jamal Mayers has a goal to make But this wasn’t Mayers’ first time dealing with hockey having to change its hockey more inclusive ways when dealing with social justice issues.

As a member of the Maple Leafs, Mayers remembers when then-team president and general manager Brian Burke’s son, Brendan, announced By Evan F. Moore February 21, 2020 6:06 AM there’s an article coming out saying that he’s gay.

He says Burke came into the locker room and told the team they needed to amend their thinking and be mindful of the words they use on and off Former Chicago Blackhawks star Jamal Mayers spends his post-hockey the ice. career creating safe spaces for Chicago kids from non-traditional hockey areas. Also, Mayers says white players need to step up when it comes to allyship. Mayers, who played in 915 games over 14 seasons with the Blackhawks, Blues, Maple Leafs, Sharks, and Flames, creates those spaces because “We have to also make sure that we bring white people into the process of his brother, Allan, whose selfless act allowed Jamal to play hockey. as well because it can't just be black people,” Mayers said. “It can't just be me saying it; it's got to be everybody. Everybody's got to be [a]part of “The reality was, we could only afford the registration for one of us; I think that.” at that time it was $500 bucks,” Mayers said. “I think he recognized how much I missed it [hockey] and his career, at that point, he kind of figured During Black History Month, Mayers not only thinks of his own out where he was and he enjoyed it. achievements and success of other black hockey players from previous generations, but he’s also thought about Ray Emery, one of his former “But he thought it's probably time for me to continue to play. He gave up teammates with the Blackhawks who tragically drowned while swimming the sport after that, and that way I could play the next year. I credit him in Lake Ontario in 2018. for that sacrifice.” He calls Emery the “ultimate competitor.” Mayers, who won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2013, talks about that and so much more in his new children’s book, “Hockey is for The next step for growing the game in Mayers’ estimation is to go where Me,” which is loosely based on his upbringing. the people are and engage them.

Excited to announce the release of my 1st of many Children’s Book: “Hockey's a great sport. And I think that there needs to be more targeted efforts, whether it's talking to community leaders within the black Hockey IS For Me! community,” Mayers said. “It’s going to take intentional effort, that type of “The challenges that come up within the book are real. And I don't intentional effort to get families and people to really think, alright, you're sugarcoat it,” Mayers said. “... So far, it's been well received. I think that, serious about wanting us to be a part of this. Let’s give it a try.” as I said, you have to see it before you can become it.” Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 Mayers, who also works as a studio analyst on NBC Sports Chicago, continues to pay it forward as a community liaison with the Blackhawks, the team he finished his career with.

He introduces hockey to kids from divested communities through the team’s Get Out And Learn (G.O.A.L.) program and other initiatives where kids get to try the sport, many of them for the first time.

“I think at the end of the day, it doesn't matter where you come from, what your financial means are, no parent is going to put their kid into something where they're not going to feel welcome,” Mayers said. “To me, the next big challenge is to get non-traditional kids to enjoy the game.”

That challenge Mayers speaks of meets at the intersection of racism and bullying.

Hockey recently had its reckoning with bullying and racism with former Blackhawks draft pick Akim Aliu and his former coach Bill Peters when he told the world about his harassment.

A revelation some call hockey’s “#MeToo” movement.

“This young man didn't feel like he had anywhere to go or talk to and he had to internalize this for that long,” Mayers said. “That's the part that really bothered me. Because I wish that he felt knew that he could reach out to someone who's played before him as someone to talk to to figure out and navigate through the rest of his career…”

He also didn’t like how Aliu’s bullying was covered in the press.

Over time, Mayers noticed a trend of how some members of hockey media, which is overwhelmingly white, cover racial incidents in the sport. He says white and black players are often interviewed, but the soundbites and TV coverage only show quotes from black players.

For instance, the Devils’ PK Subban and Wayne Simmonds, along with Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington who was quoted saying, “Never, in this organization (have I ever experienced anything racially-driven). I've been treated fairly. I've been treated [respectfully].”

“I've lived in the locker room; I know what it's like, they would have asked everybody,” Mayers said. “Think about it. If I'm PK [Subban], and I'm in that room; that just happened. They're asking everybody about it. I 1177606 Chicago Blackhawks “Hockey Show” on Feb. 8. “We have to know where we’re going. I think we have to do our best to get back to great. But we have to do it in the right way. There has to be a process to it. We’re in a bit of transition right now. Where we are right now is not unexpected.” Powers: Re-signing or trading Robin Lehner will help indicate Blackhawks’ direction Where the Blackhawks were then was getting closer to a playoff spot, but there was still a lot of uncertainty about where they’d end up. The Blackhawks have since fallen in the standings and probably need a minor miracle to push for the postseason. They were eight points out of the final By Scott Powers Feb 21, 2020 wild-card spot before Friday’s games.

Few would blame the Blackhawks if they sought to rebuild. They’re likely Artemi Panarin jerseys were scattered throughout the United Center headed towards a third consecutive season of missing the playoffs, and concourse earlier this week. there is no guarantee that changes next season based on the team’s cap space and who is returning. Some would argue a rebuild is probably what There were a handful of New York Rangers No. 10s and many more the Blackhawks should have done a few years ago. Blackhawks No. 72s. Panarin has now played more NHL seasons without the Blackhawks than with them, but he’s still fondly remembered But the Blackhawks also have to weigh the legacies and the futures of in Chicago. Many pine for the days of the Panarin-Patrick Kane duo. their core, especially Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. If the front office wants to win another Stanley Cup with those Although it’s unknown whether Panarin would still be with the players in the near future, they should probably re-sign Lehner. You just Blackhawks — he signed a two-year deal before being dealt to the don’t get many cracks at goalies as consistently good as Lehner. Over Columbus Blue Jackets prior to the 2017-18 season and has since the last five seasons, only Ben Bishop has a higher save percentage signed a new contract with the Rangers — it’s a trade that still stings for than Lehner (minimum 200 games). Lehner has proven himself year after many. As good as Brandon Saad has been this season, the Blackhawks year, and he’s still just 28 years old. still traded away one of the game’s premier talents in his prime. The Blackhawks have witnessed firsthand this year what Lehner is The question now is whether Robin Lehner will join Panarin in that capable of. He’s won the Blackhawks a lot of games and kept them in category. Could Lehner depart the Blackhawks while proving himself to many more. He’s done it too while facing more shots per game than any be one of the game’s elite goaltenders? other goalie in the league. He’s been among the league’s top goalies for most of the season. The Blackhawks and Lehner, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, have spoken about a new contract recently, Lehner has also been embraced by his Blackhawks teammates. He can according to multiple sources. Those discussions haven’t gone too far. be a dominating personality, but that hasn’t appeared to be an issue at Lehner would like a long-term deal, but the Blackhawks haven’t been any time within the Blackhawks’ room. Most of the players seem to really willing to meet him there yet. The financial component hasn’t been like Lehner on and off the ice. His return to the team beyond this season addressed too much, as that doesn’t sound like what’s holding back the would likely be welcomed by many. deal. It’s unknown whether that’s what Stan Bowman and the front office want, Negotiations haven’t been shut down and there is still hope from both though. Are they looking to keep the Blackhawks competitive in the short sides, but the clock is ticking with the trade deadline approaching on term or are they beginning to take a longer view? The goal is obviously Monday. The Blackhawks would prefer to work out a new deal with the Stanley Cup, but when are they looking to achieve that? Lehner or have the option to trade him at the deadline. As of Friday, sources believed either could still happen. Whatever the Blackhawks decide with Lehner will tell us a lot about the organization’s direction. If this is a long-term project, maybe trading “One opinion is the Blackhawks are well aware of what it will take to sign Lehner is what’s best. If they’re looking to win now, re-signing Lehner is a him and I believe it is the term they are struggling with,” a league source no-brainer. said. “That said, I believe they will see what assets they can get and will pull the trigger if they believe it meets the threshold of value. The prices The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 have been high this year, and the sellers have high hopes for a return. Will certainly be interesting as pieces start to fall.”

The always-talkative Lehner has gone quiet. He declined to be interviewed after the Blackhawks’ morning skate on Friday. He also had to be requested by the media to speak after Wednesday’s game. Normally, he’s waiting at his dressing-room stall for the media after games.

Lehner was asked Wednesday if it was difficult to block out the noise, and he said, “I mean, it’s part of the game, but yeah, no, for sure it is, yeah.”

There is likely something to be read into Lehner’s lack of communication lately. He has to be frustrated by negotiations. He was hopeful his next contract with the Blackhawks would go a lot smoother than his last one with the New York Islanders.

When Lehner signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Blackhawks last summer, the assumption was that if he played as well with them as he did with Islanders that he and the Blackhawks would find common ground to work out a long-term deal. That seemed to make sense for both parties for many reasons. As we’ve written, a new contract in the 4- 6-year range with a $6-8 million cap hit is probably what Lehner deserves based on his performance this season and in recent years.

Whether the Blackhawks can make that work will probably depend on their desired direction for the future. It’s sounding more and more like the Blackhawks are preparing for some sort of rebuild. There’s been more emphasis recently from management on seeking to win another Stanley Cup rather than just getting into the playoffs.

“I think going forward it’s pretty important that we have to know who we are,” Blackhawks president John McDonough said on ESPN-1000’s 1177607 Colorado Avalanche

Avs goalie Pavel Francouz signs extension, might get consecutive-night starts in Southern California

By MIKE CHAMBERS | PUBLISHED: February 21, 2020 at 4:10 p.m. | UPDATED: February 21, 2020 at 4:23 p.m.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — For good reason, goalie Pavel Francouz was among the first Avalanche players off the ice at Honda Center late Friday morning. After signing a two-year, $4 million contract extension Friday, he’s expecting a big weekend workload — as Friday night’s starter against the Ducks and likely also in net Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings.

Francouz, who began the season as Philipp Grubauer’s backup, is now the main man with Grubauer out indefinitely with a lower-body injury. Francouz will be backed up by Hunter Miska, 24, who has played in just one career NHL game.

Francouz has a .923 save percentage and 2.44 goals-against average, both ranking among the top-10 for goalies who have played 20 ore more games. He will make his first career appearance at Honda Center, and Avs coach Jared Bednar has faith in the 29-year-old who is in his first full season in the NHL.

“He’s been really good for us,” Bednar said of Francouz after the morning skate. “He was patient, working hard in practice, biding his time. And then when he’s got the opportunity to go in, he’s made the most of it. He’s come in in different situations for us. In relief, he’s played good. In his starts, he’s played good.”

The better Francouz plays this weekend, the less the Avs will look for a playoff-veteran goalie to acquire before Monday’s NHL trade deadline. Colorado general manager Joe Sakic said Wednesday he is looking to trade for a goalie, but that might only be Francouz’s backup until Grubauer returns.

Footnotes. The Avs move forward without three key injured forwards in Mikko Rantanen (upper-body), Nazem Kadri (leg) and Matt Calvert (lower-body), who each are out for “weeks.” … Forward Sheldon Dries, who was called up from the AHL’s Colorado Eagles on Thursday, will play on a line with center Tyson Jost and Vladislav Kamenev. Dries swapped positions with T.J. Tynan, who was returned to the Eagles on Thursday. The AHL affiliate also is playing in Southern California, with the Eagles at the Ontario Reign on Friday at the Bakersfield Condors on Saturday.

Denver Post: LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177608 Colorado Avalanche with the Rangers. As for Kreider? He is in the final season of a four-year pact carrying a $4.625 million AAV while averaging 0.61 points over the 518 games he played in New York.

What could it take for the Avalanche to get and then try to keep Chris Any team adding Kreider — if he does leave New York — receives a 6- Kreider? foot-3, 216-pound winger who can use his size to wear down opponents. He’s a five-time 20-goal scorer who can log top-six minutes while becoming an instant option on a first-team power play. Kreider is projected to surpass the 30-goal barrier for the first time in his career, By Ryan S. Clark Feb 21, 2020 which makes him even more enticing to any potential suitors while reinforcing why the Rangers want to keep him.

Calculated. Measured. Prudent. Those are all words one could use in Trading for Kreider gives the Avalanche even more size on the wing and describing how Joe Sakic has operated over the last few years when it another option they can use to fill in for injured players Nazem Kadri and comes to exploring any potential move that will affect the Colorado Mikko Rantanen on the first power-play unit. Perhaps one of the most Avalanche going forward. enticing aspects of what Kreider provides is he could add another dimension to how the Avs score goals. Kreider would immediately give For it will be the approach Sakic and his front-office staff will apply them another scoring threat who can use his frame to control the net leading up to Monday, when the trade deadline arrives, should they seek front with 79 percent of his goals this season coming from the low slot or to strike a deal with the New York Rangers to land coveted forward Chris net front, according to IcyData. Kreider. Finding a trade that works for both parties is clearly the first and major “It all depends upon what packages are out there, and to be honest with hurdle. you, I’d prefer a hockey trade rather than going into the rental market,” Sakic said Wednesday when discussing his trade philosophy. “But we’ll Signing Kreider to a deal that works for him and one that fits the be open to the rental market as well. It’s just going to come down to Avalanche’s cap situation in the coming years is what could create a few what’s the cost going to be. Then we’ll decide if it’s worth it for us. We’re issues starting with what might happen this summer. Andre Burakovsky, not here just looking short term. I’m here to look after the big picture.” Ryan Graves, Tyson Jost, Vladislav Kamenev, Valeri Nichushkin and Nikita Zadorov form the six-player restricted free-agent class. Sakic has executed 32 trades as the Avalanche’s general manager. Burakovsky, Graves and Nichushkin are having career campaigns, which There have been the one-for-one swaps that have been pedestrian, and will likely result in them receiving a salary increase. The belief is he has had the eye-catching transactions, with the most notable being Burakovsky, who has 20 goals this season, could stand to earn between the three-team Matt Duchene trade. Lately, the Avalanche have been a $4 million and $5 million annually should he hit the 25-goal mark. Graves bit more aggressive compared to when Sakic was starting out with a is earning $735,000 this season while Nichushkin makes $850,000. roster that needed to be retooled. Jost is coming off the last year of his entry-level contract while Kamenev He has since built the Avalanche into the rare combination of being a and Zadorov were on one-year deals. The Avalanche signed goaltender Stanley Cup contender that simultaneously has one of the strongest farm Pavel Francouz to a two-year pact Friday worth $2 million annually, systems. which means their upcoming UFAs will be Mark Barberio, Matt Nieto and Colin Wilson. Moving on from Barberio, Nieto and Wilson would save $6 Kreider is the most-sought player in the trade market at a time when million. There is also the $4.25 million they get back between retaining sellers are commanding high prices. Sakic and the Avalanche have the Tyson Barrie’s salary along with the Brooks Orpik buyout. capital to make a deal work. They have $28.6 million in projected deadline salary cap space as of Friday, according to CapFriendly. Plus, But the money from the Barrie and Orpik deals have essentially been as previously mentioned, they have the prospect base needed to reinvested in the seven-year contract Samuel Girard signed last summer, facilitate a deal. which starts next season.

But, it’s like Sakic said earlier in the week, there are certain things he and The Avalanche already have $60.02 million in salary committed toward the Avalanche are not willing to part with. Namely? Prospects such as next season to leave them with $21.4 million if the salary cap remains at Vancouver Giants defenseman Bowen Byram, Boston College forward $81.5 million, per CapFriendly. Alex Newhook and Colorado Eagles defenseman Conor Timmins. Those names have all been thrown around during speculation season because Getting Kreider, who turns 29 in April, under contract in the neighborhood of their promise, which is why Sakic would be reluctant to part with any of of what could potentially exceed $5.5 million annually over what would be them. five or six years would significantly impact the Avalanche’s cap situation in the offseasons to come when choices need to be made. Exactly what could be on the table? It is possible a next-tier prospect could be discussed. The Rangers have gained an intimate knowledge of Look at the decisions facing Sakic this summer beyond his RFA and UFA the Avalanche’s farm system because they have been one of three classes. The Avalanche, in the event they let Barberio walk, would retain teams — along with the Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils — six of their seven defensemen. Sakic could use Calle Rosen, who makes that have constantly scouted the Eagles this season whenever they have less money, to serve as the seventh defenseman considering the played at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colo. Avalanche have him under contract for one more season.

Sakic entertained questions about parting with the 2020 first-round pick. But what about Timmins? He made the team out of training camp before He said would rather hold onto it but would not rule anything out. being sent to the Eagles to receive a full year of AHL development to make up for the 18 months he missed recovering from a concussion. The The Athletic’s Rick Carpiniello reported the Rangers’ front office is still plan for Timmins was to use this season to further his progress before trying to sign Kreider, who is an unrestricted free agent, to a new contract challenging for a top-six place next season. But what will that look like if before the deadline. But if a deal cannot get done, then the belief is he the Avalanche have seven defensemen — Ian Cole, Girard, Graves, Erik will get moved so the Rangers can get something in return as opposed to Johnson, Cale Makar, Timmins and Zadorov — battling for six spots in nothing should he remain and leave in free agency. the lineup on a nightly basis?

If that is what happens, it raises questions regarding what Rangers GM Even the forwards come with questions. Letting Nieto and Wilson leave Jeff Gorton would seek in a trade. Gorton could attempt to broker a could presumably open up spots for prospects Shane Bowers and Martin similar trade package to what he received last year when he traded Kevin Kaut, who have spent this season with the Eagles. Kaut was promoted to Hayes to the Winnipeg Jets. The Rangers swapped Hayes in exchange the Avalanche earlier in the week to make his NHL debut while Bowers for Brendan Lemieux, a 2019 first-round pick and a conditional 2019 still has time this season to do the same. Is it possible Sakic feels they fourth-round pick. Hayes was also going to become a UFA. He did not are ready to become full-time contributors? The same could also be return to the Jets and ultimately chose to sign with the Philadelphia asked of Logan O’Connor, among others, when it comes to operating in a Flyers on a seven-year contract with an annual average value (AAV) of bottom-six role. $7.14 million. Those are the potential dilemmas at the forefront. But Sakic and his staff Hayes, who was on a one-year deal worth $5.175 million last season, are also looking well beyond what could happen in the offseason. averaged 0.60 points per game over his five seasons and 361 games Calvert, Cole, Philipp Grubauer and Gabriel Landeskog all become UFAs in summer 2021 while Makar is expected to be in line for a hefty payday once his entry-level contract ends that year. Summer 2022 has Francouz and Kadri as the two Avalanche players who will be UFAs by that time.

And then comes summer 2023. That is when Johnson’s contract, carrying a $6 million AAV, comes off the books. J.T. Compher and Joonas Donskoi will become UFAs along with — yeah, you guessed it — one Nathan Raymond MacKinnon.

Those are the calculated, measured and prudent-thinking decisions facing Sakic and his staff when it comes to trading for Kreider, if he does indeed become available.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177609 Colorado Avalanche

Pavel Francouz shuts out the Ducks hours after signing a two-year extension

By Aarif Deen - February 21, 2020

The Avalanche rewarded their backup goalie Pavel Francouz with a two- year contract extension and the goaltender responded with his first career NHL shutout.

Colorado (35-18-7) center J.T. Compher scored the only goal late in the second period, helping the Avs blank the Anaheim Ducks 1-0.

Francouz, 29, signed a two-year extension worth a reported $4 million before the match on Friday. In his first full year in the NHL, Francouz has been one of the NHL’s best goaltenders in terms of save percentage. Francouz ranks fourth in the league with a .926 save percentage. He is 15-5-3 on the season and 4-0-1 in his last five starts.

After a scoreless first period and a slow start to the second, Colorado finally found the back of the net with 3:22 remaining in the second. Martin Kaut, the Avalanche’s 2018 first-round draft pick, intercepted the puck from the Ducks defender in the offensive zone and fed Compher for the one-timer.

Kaut’s first career point came in his second game with the Avs. He had one shot in 10:33.

Takeaways

Colorado’s defense has tightened up. After holding the New York Islanders to one goal on Wednesday, the Avs followed that performance with a shutout. Francouz has surrendered one goal on 54 shots.

The Avalanche continue to push for first place. The St. Louis Blues dominated the Dallas Stars 5-1 on Friday, meaning Colorado has passed the Stars for second place in the Central Division. The Avs have a game in hand over Dallas. Colorado remains three points behind the Blues for first place but has two games in hand.

Colorado will probably play Francouz on consecutive nights. Without starter Philipp Grubauer, the Avs are expected to start Francouz on Saturday in Los Angeles. Francouz has never played on consecutive nights in the NHL. milehighsports.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177610 Columbus Blue Jackets Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 02.22.2020

Blue Jackets lose Oliver Bjorkstrand for eight to 10 weeks

Brian Hedger

Feb 21, 2020 at 12:23 PM

They are now, officially, a zombie team.

The Blue Jackets are barely plodding ahead with 20 games left, reeling with an 0-3-4 record in their past seven games and stumbling into a game Saturday night at the Nashville Predators with a rake stuck in the back of their head collectively and figuratively speaking.

They’ve been beaten to a pulp by a ceaseless glut of maladies bludgeoned and bloodied and yet here are the Jackets, somehow in the hunt for a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

How many gut-punch injuries can one NHL team endure and still qualify for the postseason?

We may be about to find out.

The Jackets still hold the first wild card in the Eastern Conference, but the top two teams behind them hold multiple games in hand. And they lost another pillar in a stinging 4-3 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday at .

Already missing eight regulars including four-time All-Star Seth Jones for the rest of the regular season another uppercut landed Friday with the news that Oliver Bjorkstrand, the Jackets’ leading goal-scorer, will also miss the rest of the regular season with a similar injury.

Like Jones, Bjorkstrand is expected to miss eight to 10 weeks with an ankle sprain and fracture that may require surgery similar to what Jones had.

It feels like a knockout blow from the outside, when combined with injuries to Jones, Cam Atkinson, Josh Anderson, Ryan Murray, Alexander Wennberg and others, but that’s not what gurgles inside the zombie.

"In some ways, with all the injuries and the question marks on this team, I think it’s a little bit of a motivation for this group," said captain Nick Foligno, who had a goal and an assist against the Flyers before being struck in the face by a deflected slap shot. "People still count us out, even with the way we’ve played (the past two months), so, yeah, I know … we’re going through a little bit of a tough time, but we’re right in the thick of it."

Even after a puck broke off a piece of his plastic visor and gashed the bridge of his nose, Foligno quickly returned but bled so profusely from the nose that he needed to be wiped off after every shift by Mike Vogt, the Jackets’ head athletic trainer.

"We’re in a wild-card spot," Foligno said Friday, after adding levity to practice by wearing a goalie mask during a power-play drill. "We’re right there. So I don’t know what the doom and gloom is. Yeah, it sucks to lose those guys, obviously, but we’re a really confident group and have a belief. And we’ve talked about that."

Next man up, as they say. The beat goes on. The zombie keeps wobbling, although propped up by a continual influx of players from the Cleveland Monsters.

Yet another one was needed Friday, as 22-year-old rookie forward Calvin Thurkauf was recalled on an emergency basis for his first NHL taste. He’ll be asked to contribute the way his seven former Monsters teammates have.

"Obviously, we know the significance of the players on our team that are out," said defenseman Zach Werenski, who now leads all healthy Blue Jackets with 18 goals. "Bjorky is a huge piece. Seth’s a huge piece. Cam is a huge piece. There’s no denying that, but I think when you come to the rink, it’s just about getting better.

"And (Saturday) night, when we get there in Nashville, it’s just going to be trying to win a hockey game. It doesn’t matter who we have in this room. We’re a confident group." 1177611 Columbus Blue Jackets Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 02.22.2020

Blue Jackets lose Oliver Bjorkstrand for eight to 10 weeks

Brian Hedger

Feb 21, 2020 at 12:23 PM

They are now, officially, a zombie team.

The Blue Jackets are barely plodding ahead with 20 games left, reeling with an 0-3-4 record in their past seven games and stumbling into a game Saturday night at the Nashville Predators with a rake stuck in the back of their head collectively and figuratively speaking.

They’ve been beaten to a pulp by a ceaseless glut of maladies bludgeoned and bloodied and yet here are the Jackets, somehow in the hunt for a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

How many gut-punch injuries can one NHL team endure and still qualify for the postseason?

We may be about to find out.

The Jackets still hold the first wild card in the Eastern Conference, but the top two teams behind them hold multiple games in hand. And they lost another pillar in a stinging 4-3 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday at Nationwide Arena.

Already missing eight regulars including four-time All-Star Seth Jones for the rest of the regular season another uppercut landed Friday with the news that Oliver Bjorkstrand, the Jackets’ leading goal-scorer, will also miss the rest of the regular season with a similar injury.

Like Jones, Bjorkstrand is expected to miss eight to 10 weeks with an ankle sprain and fracture that may require surgery similar to what Jones had.

It feels like a knockout blow from the outside, when combined with injuries to Jones, Cam Atkinson, Josh Anderson, Ryan Murray, Alexander Wennberg and others, but that’s not what gurgles inside the zombie.

"In some ways, with all the injuries and the question marks on this team, I think it’s a little bit of a motivation for this group," said captain Nick Foligno, who had a goal and an assist against the Flyers before being struck in the face by a deflected slap shot. "People still count us out, even with the way we’ve played (the past two months), so, yeah, I know … we’re going through a little bit of a tough time, but we’re right in the thick of it."

Even after a puck broke off a piece of his plastic visor and gashed the bridge of his nose, Foligno quickly returned but bled so profusely from the nose that he needed to be wiped off after every shift by Mike Vogt, the Jackets’ head athletic trainer.

"We’re in a wild-card spot," Foligno said Friday, after adding levity to practice by wearing a goalie mask during a power-play drill. "We’re right there. So I don’t know what the doom and gloom is. Yeah, it sucks to lose those guys, obviously, but we’re a really confident group and have a belief. And we’ve talked about that."

Next man up, as they say. The beat goes on. The zombie keeps wobbling, although propped up by a continual influx of players from the Cleveland Monsters.

Yet another one was needed Friday, as 22-year-old rookie forward Calvin Thurkauf was recalled on an emergency basis for his first NHL taste. He’ll be asked to contribute the way his seven former Monsters teammates have.

"Obviously, we know the significance of the players on our team that are out," said defenseman Zach Werenski, who now leads all healthy Blue Jackets with 18 goals. "Bjorky is a huge piece. Seth’s a huge piece. Cam is a huge piece. There’s no denying that, but I think when you come to the rink, it’s just about getting better.

"And (Saturday) night, when we get there in Nashville, it’s just going to be trying to win a hockey game. It doesn’t matter who we have in this room. We’re a confident group." 1177612 Dallas Stars different than they did during the playoffs last year. The Stars have Jamie Oleksiak and Stephen Johns healthy. The Blues traded for Justin Faulk and Scandella, and lost Jay Bouwmeester to a cardiac issue.

Stars have worn their Winter Classic uniforms for the last time this year, Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo missed Friday’s game due to an illness. but they aren’t ruling them out for the future -- Stars forward Justin Dowling (lower-body) remains on injured reserve but skated with the rest of the team during morning skate on Friday. Bowness said Dowling was “not ready to play yet, but he’s getting there.” By Matthew DeFranks5:30 AM on Feb 22, 2020 -- Defenseman Jamie Oleksiak scored the Stars’ only goal on Friday night, marking the first time in his career he scored goals in back-to-back games. He also scored the game-winning goal Wednesday against Friday night was the final time this season the Stars wore their Winter Arizona. Classic uniforms. But was it the last time ever the team would wear the uniforms? Likely, yes. Dallas Morning News LOADED: 02.22.2020 Stars President Brad Alberts said the jerseys would not be the team’s third jersey next season, but he did not rule out the team wearing the victory green homage to the Dallas Texans again in the future.

The uniforms were initially designed for January’s Winter Classic against Nashville, when the Cotton Bowl held the second-largest crowd in league history. The Stars also wore the uniforms Jan. 29 vs. Toronto.

The first 10,000 fans at Friday’s game received a Jamie Benn bobblehead doll dressed in the Winter Classic uniform, prompting a reporter to ask Bowness if he’s ever had a bobblehead doll of himself.

“I don’t think too many players sitting at the end of the bench or in the press box get too many bobbleheads,” said Bowness, who played 173 NHL games. “But I had the best seat in the house.”

No power: The Stars power play went scoreless in four chances on Friday night, and didn’t even register a shot on goal until their third power play of the game. For the first time since Feb. 1, the Stars power play did not score a goal in a game that they had a power play opportunity. (On Sunday in Ottawa, the Stars did not draw a penalty.)

“When your team is struggling, your power play can get you some sort of life, but it didn’t tonight,” Benn said. “It was pretty much like our team game, pretty flat and we’ll leave it at that.”

The power play deteriorated so much that in the third period, Bowness iced his penalty killers for a power play. Andrew Cogliano was at the net- front with Stephen Johns and Blake Comeau in the circles, Jason Dickinson in the slot and Esa Lindell at the point.

That shift produced two shots on goal.

“That was the best power play we had,” Bowness said. “Why? They went to work. Power plays aren’t always about cute plays and Xs and Os. It’s about the commitment to work. Those guys that played, Dicky and Cogs, went out and they just worked hard. They had some great looks. Power play has been really good for this team. The power play is usually a reflection of your 5 on 5 play. Our 5 on 5 play was bad and so was the power play.”

‘Right call’: Benn was in the lineup Friday night against St. Louis thanks to the Department of Player Safety’s decision not to suspend him for his hit Wednesday night on Arizona defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

“That was the right call by the league not to suspend him for that,” Bowness said. “Listen, you get two big guys going for a puck, if one guy turns his back at the last second, there’s not much you’re going to do to avoid that collision. There’s no way you’re going to stop.”

Benn has never been suspended in his NHL career.

You again? Marco Scandella accomplished a dubious feat on Friday night: playing against the Stars for the third time this season with his third different team.

Scandella faced Dallas with Buffalo back on Oct. 14, then was traded to Montreal for a fourth-round pick. He faced the Stars last week in Montreal as a Canadien (committing a key turnover that jumpstarted the Dallas comeback), before the Blues traded a second-round pick for him Tuesday.

“He’s not going to change how they look, just adds depth to what they’ve got and he plays the same way they play,” Bowness said. “They made a really good trade there, he’s a good pickup for them. He just blends right in with what they’ve got: big, mobile defensemen.”

As the Stars and Blues battle for first place in the conference (and then again potentially in the playoffs), each team’s defensive corps will look 1177613 Dallas Stars Dallas Morning News LOADED: 02.22.2020

Test failed: Stars’ ‘embarrassing’ loss vs. the Blues was supposed to be a showcase of their Western Conference dominance

By Matthew DeFranks5:17 AM on Feb 22, 2020

Consider it a failed test or a missed opportunity, a chance blown or a wake-up call. For the Stars, a 5-1 loss Friday night to St. Louis was everything they did not want it to be.

It was a loss that snapped their six-game point streak and embarrassed them on their home ice at American Airlines Center. It robbed them of a chance to claim first place in the Western Conference and put them four points behind St. Louis. It resulted in Ben Bishop’s night being over less than five minutes into the second period. It clinched the season series for the Blues, a potential playoff opponent for these Stars.

“They came in here and played a solid team game, just simple,” Stars captain Jamie Benn said. “Kicked our butts in our own rink, so pretty embarrassing.”

Interim coach Rick Bowness said: “I would say I did a lousy job preparing them. They did a lousy job of preparing themselves. I would say that that team we played knows how to win, the commitment it takes to win, how to play to win and have a long way to go to figure it out.”

The Stars entered Friday night’s game two points behind St. Louis for first place in the Western Conference with a chance to tie the Blues atop the West with a win. Dallas trailed St. Louis by 11 points on Jan. 13 and by as many as 12 points this season.

Friday night’s showdown was supposed to be a showcase for the Stars as to why they were the class of the Western Conference, why they had surpassed the defending Stanley Cup champions and why they would win the final 22-game sprint up the standings. In front of a sold-out home crowd, it never materialized.

Twice the Stars went more than 10 minutes without a shot on goal (10:39 in the first period, 10:07 in the second). The power play’s 0-for-4 night does little to truly encapsulate its poor performance. The Stars (19) had more than double the giveaways St. Louis (9) did.

“Obviously, we’re building some sort of rivalry against this team, and they’re coming in on a back-to-back and [we] couldn’t answer,” Stars defenseman John Klingberg said. “It’s a little bit disappointing, but at the same time, use it as a wake-up call and let’s move on. We know we’re not going to win every game, but the effort’s got to be there every game. I don’t think that’s the problem, but today, we were just out of sync.”

Bishop was pulled for the fourth time this season after he allowed four goals on 13 shots. Jaden Schwartz’s goal with 15:15 left in the second period gave the Blues a 4-0 lead and knocked Bishop out of the game. Anton Khudobin replaced Bishop in net and later allowed a goal to Colton Parayko.

Alexander Steen, David Perron and Jordan Kyrou also scored for the Blues against Bishop, with Steen and Perron’s goals coming off rebounds around the net and Kyrou’s coming on the rush after a turnover at the offensive blue line.

In Bishop’s 23 games against the Blues (including the playoffs), it was just the fourth time he allowed at least four goals.

“They’re the best for a reason, and you saw it tonight,” Benn said. “I don’t really think they do anything special. They work hard, and they know how to play as a team and they showed it tonight. … It shows us we’ve got work to do. We’re not the best. They’re the best. We’ve got a ways to go here.”

One game is not cause for panic, not with this team that has been the league’s best across the last four months. But to advance in the playoffs and become the Stanley Cup contenders that the Stars believe they are, they’ll probably have to beat a St. Louis team that has outscored them 13-7 in four games this season. The Stars won’t beat them playing like they did Friday night.

“We’re a lot better team than we showed tonight,” Bowness said. “We know that.” 1177614 Dallas Stars Alexander Steen scored 5:48 into the game at the end of a lengthy scrum in which Ben Bishop made a save and then Jamie Oleksiak had previously stopped a shot toward the empty net.

Stars 20/20: Dallas falls flat in another big game against the Blues St. Louis doubled the lead with 2:32 remaining when David Perron pounced on a loose rebound for his 24th goal and 57th point.

Neither goal was pretty, and both were preventable. By Sean Shapiro Feb 21, 2020 8. St. Louis continued the onslaught in the second period.

Stephen Johns turned the puck over on an adventure into the offensive DALLAS — The Dallas Stars lost to the St. Louis Blues 5-1 on Friday. zone, and Oleksiak was caught out of position on a long shift by that turnover. It resulted in Jordan Kyrou going the length of the ice, walking 1. This was billed and sold as a big-time game. Oleksiak and firing a wrist shot past Bishop. The top two teams in the Western Conference. The Cup champions Bishop’s night was over less than three minutes later when Jaden versus the team that took them to Game 7 last season. This was a game Schwartz scored his 20th goal. that would be a tone-setter for a back-and-forth battle between the Stars and the Blues over the final 20 games as they jockey for that top seed in 9. Colton Parayko added a fifth goal in the third period for the Blues. April. He has seven goals this season. Four have come against the Stars. And the Stars didn’t even care to show up. 10. If you are looking for a positive, Oleksiak scored for the second St. Louis was better, for sure, but so much of this loss for Dallas was self- consecutive game. inflicted. His goal with 3:33 remaining ended the St. Louis shutout bid and an As the teams left the ice, there was a chorus raining down. I’m not sure if attempt to piece together three consecutive clean sheets. it was “Bluuuuues” or boos. 11. Another positive? The Stars were perfect on the only penalty kill. 2. Stars interim coach Rick Bowness took the blame. Part of it, anyway. That’s all I’ve got on the plus side. “I would say I did a lousy job in preparing them. They did a lousy job preparing themselves,” Bowness said. “I would say that team we played 12. The Stars rolled with this lineup: knows how to win. The commitment it takes to win. How to play to win. Roope Hintz – Tyler Seguin – Corey Perry And we have a long way to go figure it out.” Jamie Benn – Jason Dickinson – Denis Gurianov How would Bowness change the preparation? Andrew Cogliano – Radek Faksa – Blake Comeau “Well, we didn’t see this coming,” Bowness said. “So, have to take some time to think that one out.” Mattias Janmark – Joe Pavelski – Alexander Radulov

3. The Stars won’t admit this, but the Blues are living in their heads. Esa Lindell – John Klingberg

While the franchises have had some find back-and-forth battles in the Miro Heiskanen – Stephen Johns past, the Stars and their core, in particular, have faltered in the largest games. Jamie Oleksiak – Roman Polak

We could go back to a Game 7 in 2016 and a Game 7 in 2019. This St. Louis countered like this: wasn’t a playoff game with seasons on the line, but it was built up to feel Jaden Schwartz – Ryan O’Reilly – Brayden Schenn like one, and the Stars shrunk while the Blues powered through. Zach Sanford – Robert Thomas – David Perron The Stars have legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations, and they are a good team. But if they are going to be a team that can win it all, they’ll need to Alexander Steen – Oskar Sundqvist – Jordan Kyrou exorcise the hold St. Louis has on them in the most important moments. Mackenzie MacEachern – Ivan Barbashev – Sammy Blais That, or they’ll have to hope someone else takes care of the Blues for them in the playoffs. Marco Scandella – Colton Parayko

4. The Stars had a stretch of 10 minutes and 40 seconds without a shot Carl Gunnarsson – Justin Faulk in the first period. Vince Dunn – Robert Bortuzzo

In the second period, they had a stretch of 10:07 without a shot. 13. Justin Dowling took part in the morning skate but is still on injured 5. Dallas was 0-for-4 on the power play and looked like they’d blown a reserve with a lower-body injury and therefore is not classified as healthy fuse. scratch yet.

The Stars had four shots with the man advantage and struggled to break Bowness said Dowling was close to being able to return but isn’t there out of their own zone. The only power-play shift of any threat featured the yet. I wonder if he would have been activated had the Stars needed him penalty killers — Andrew Cogliano, Jason Dickinson, Blake Comeau, Friday because of injury. Stephen Johns and Esa Lindell — getting a short run as a message to 14. St. Louis traded for Marco Scandella earlier this week after Jay the rest of the bench. Bouwmeester’s scary cardiac event in Anaheim, which has sidelined him 6. The heat map from Natural Stat Trick tells a pretty good visual story: for the foreseeable future.

7. Making matters worse, the Blues were playing the second game of a This is Scandella’s third team of the season, after Buffalo and Montreal, back-to-back and missing three key players. The Stars should have and he’s now played against Dallas with each. Scandella struggled last jumped all over them early like St. Louis had done to the Arizona week with Montreal, coughing up a bad turnover for a Dallas goal, but he Coyotes 24 hours earlier. looked solid with St. Louis and was plus-3.

Instead, the visitors pieced together the ideal road start and Dallas 15. The Stars wore their Winter Classic jerseys for the third and final time looked tired, even though the Stars had a full day off Thursday and were this season. playing for just the second time in five days. While Dallas won the main attraction in these jerseys, overall the jersey And the goals that were scored by St. Louis came on shifts when Dallas will finish the 2019-20 season with a losing record, after Dallas wore the was simply outworked and worn down. threads in a loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs last month. There are no plans to keep the jersey in the rotation as an alternate, but it has been indicated that some elements — the primary logo, perhaps — could be used.

There are some logistics that would have to be worked out, but I really liked this idea from Twitter user Jennifer Webb.

16. The first 10,000 fans were given Jamie Benn bobbleheads in Winter Classic garb.

The bobblehead also looked a lot like Stars video coach Kelly Forbes. This was first pointed out by Defending Big D editor Taylor Baird and corroborated by Forbes’ wife, Julie Dobbs.

With this intel, I polled the Stars players on whether the bobblehead was Forbes or Benn.

Bishop said it looked like Forbes but needed a little bit more grey in the beard. Klingberg agreed, and so did Lindell. Oleksiak said it was a Benn bobblehead, but he remarked that if you told someone Benn and Forbes were brothers, you would be believed.

Heiskanen was in the Forbes camp, while Faksa and Johns said it was a mix of both. Dickinson at first glance said it was a Benn bobblehead, but he changed his mind and suggested it looked like Forbes.

This idea caught on in the locker room. After the morning skate, Faksa was spray-painting his stick outside the locker room when Forbes walked by. Faksa told him he thought his bobblehead was nice. Assistant video coach Matt Rodell took the bobblehead back to the coaches’ room to get a picture of the bobblehead in Forbes’ office.

17. Benn was also a fixture in the Stars’ last promotion when he scored a hat trick on the night the Stars gave out military-branded Stars hats. Many of those hats were immediately returned to the ice in tribute to his accomplishment.

Those hats are headed to the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth soon. After they were collected, the Stars Foundation got the hats dry-cleaned, even though most were gently used and clean from the promotion.

18. There was some question whether Benn would even be able to play Friday after he was ejected two nights earlier for boarding Arizona Coyotes captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

The NHL Department of Player Safety determined no further discipline was required since it wasn’t a typical boarding play, where one player is tracking the other from behind. Ekman-Larsson, the department ruled, lost a battle on the boards. NHL Player Safety, according to The Athletic’s Pierre Lebrun, felt that the in-game penalty was sufficient.

19. On an AHL note, the Texas Stars got Joel Kiviranta and Jason Robertson back Friday after NHL stints for both.

They provided a nice boost for an AHL team battling for playoff positioning, and both scored in a 4-3 win against the Iowa Wild. Kiviranta had the winning goal with 52 seconds remaining.

20. During the introductions, Bishop was announced as “from the University of Maine” instead of being announced as “from St. Louis,” his hometown.

That’s the only time all evening the Stars had an upper hand on the city in Missouri.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177615 Dallas Stars his contract expired after the 2018-19 season, former Stars head coach Jim Montgomery decided not to bring him back into the fold, hiring John Stevens instead.

How Stu Barnes went from Stars assistant to one of Seattle hockey’s first When that decision was made, Barnes reached out to Francis about scouts potentially working for Seattle.

“I played with Ronny for a few years in Pittsburgh and had a good relationship with him,” Barnes said. “When they talked about the team By Sean Shapiro Feb 20, 2020 going to Seattle, that was always exciting for me. I’ve got family back in the area, and I’m still an owner of a junior franchise back there (the Tri-

City Americans), so I’ve got a lot of connections to the state. So I figured DALLAS — Scouts from four NHL teams watched closely as the Dallas I’d give Ronny a call and we had a good discussion, and everything Stars beat the Arizona Coyotes 3-2 on Wednesday night. seemed to fit.”

For one of those scouts, this was an obvious assignment: His team, the This is just another twist in an intriguing post-playing hockey career for St. Louis Blues, visits Dallas on Friday. The others — from the Detroit Barnes, who played 1,136 NHL games over 16 seasons for five teams. Red Wings and New York Rangers — could be called into meetings In addition to his stints as an NHL assistant coach and a current WHL about particular players from this game before Monday’s NHL trade owner, he’s also worked as a broadcaster for the Stars as a studio deadline. analyst. Then there was Stu Barnes. “It’s been a lot of fun,” Barnes said. “Hopefully I can stay in the game for The former Dallas assistant coach has watched each Stars home game a long, long time.” this season and makes frequent trips to watch AHL games in Cedar Park That seems likely for the 49-year-old, although the specific role isn’t set as a scout for the NHL’s 32nd franchise in Seattle. in stone. It’s not absurd to think that whomever the first head coach for Barnes isn’t filing reports on trade targets or worrying about how the Seattle is would look at Barnes as a potential addition to his staff as an Stars or Coyotes will match up with his team. This is a long-game gig as assistant. Seattle starts to build intel for the 2021 NHL expansion draft. For the time being, Barnes is more than happy scouting. “We are looking long-term, really long-term,” Barnes said. “We are a year “We’ll see where it goes. Obviously this is a role that would change next and a half away from any drafting or anything like that. So right now, for year with way more travel,” Barnes said. “But I’ve had an open mind and all of us who are scouting for the team, we are just trying to get as much I like to work hard, so whatever I do I try to apply that.” information as we can on as many players as possible.” No matter what happens in the future, Barnes is going to enjoy a quieter This year has been the soft launch for Seattle’s scouting department, trade deadline that most scouts. The rest of his counterparts in Dallas which consists of Cammi Granato, John Goodwin, Dave Hunter, Ulf each had flights to catch on Thursday. Barnes, on the other hand, slept in Samuelsson and Barnes. Barnes hasn’t taken any flights for the job aside his own bed and was able to watch other games on TV on Thursday. from a meeting with Seattle general manager Ron Francis, and this season his scouting assignment has been rather simple: Watch and “For now, we are just kind of watching and waiting,” Barnes said. “Soon observe with a two-year mindset. The brain trust got together last month enough, we’ll be busy with everyone else.” to compare notes. The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 “It was really good to get to see things in the city and how things are coming along, and then just to get to know everyone (the other scouts) better and really learn things from them,” Barnes said. “There are some really smart hockey minds in that group; it’s hard not to learn from people like that if you are paying attention.”

Seattle has a guide in how to tackle expansion after the Vegas Golden Knights entered the league and reached the Stanley Cup Final in their first season. This expansion draft is going to have similar rules, but Seattle is envisioning that other teams will also have wised up after Vegas not only came away with a good team but also a bevy of other assets through trades.

The one thing Seattle can certainly take from Vegas is how much the expansion draft and potential targets are going to evolve. A player who intrigues them this season might go in a completely different direction next season, while positional scarcity could also create more value for the organization.

“It is an evolving process,” Barnes said. “I think that’s the most important thing to keep in mind with our information right now. We are trying to be aware and knowledgeable on as wide of a base as possible. With a year and a half, a million things can happen between now and then. I think once it gets to that time of moving on things, then things are going to happen so quickly. So you need to have that institutional knowledge to prep you for the crunch time.”

Barnes said the future of Seattle’s scouting department will include more specific tasks and targets, especially next season as the organization starts to run through its own mock drafts and recognize players that could be exposed for selection.

“You have to be aware of where the player is and where he will be in the future,” Barnes said. “We’ve got people scattered around the country, and we cover each of our areas and we compare notes. I see all players against Dallas, so it’s good to talk with others about how a player looks against another team or scheme.”

Barnes knows the Stars well. He was an assistant coach the prior two seasons in Dallas and would have liked to continue in that role, but when 1177616 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings' elimination from playoffs stings harder this year. Here's why

Helene St. James, Detroit Free PressPublished 12:12 a.m. ET Feb. 22, 2020

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — As much as the Detroit Red Wings knew it was coming, their mathematical elimination from the playoffs stung.

Their ticket to the 2020 NHL draft lottery was punched when they lost 4-1 Friday at Nassau Coliseum to the New York Islanders, a defeat made worse by a flat first period. But it is the bigger picture that pains, as the Wings (15-44-4) will be done at end of the regular season for a fourth straight spring.

“It’s been tough,” alternate captain Frans Nielsen said. “We are all here because we like competing, we like to win.

“This has just been a long year. I think we’re trying to have fun and stick together and try to come to work every day and work hard. Trying to keep our head high. That’s all we can do right now. But it hasn’t been fun every day.”

The 25-season streak of making the playoffs ended in 2017, but the Wings weren’t eliminated that spring until March 28. Last year, they were eliminated March 12.

This year they didn’t even make it to March. They didn’t even make it to the trade deadline, which is Monday.

“It sucks to be in a spot where you’re eliminated this early,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “But that part of it sucked for a while. We knew we’ve been out for too long. There’s no other word to describe it except that it sucks.

“What stings to me, though, is that we didn’t have enough guys showing up in the first period. The elimination from the playoffs is what it is. My focus for a long time here, really since the beginning of the year, is to make sure that we’re pushing to be better, that there is a better future.

“Part of having a better future is understanding what it takes every single night. We have to better to start the game.”

It was a rough night for the Wings’ top young players, as Dylan Larkin, , Tyler Bertuzzi and Andreas Athanasiou all were minus- 2. The Wings were credited with just two shots on net in the first period, and didn’t score until a two-skater advantage with 2:35 to play.

The Wings don’t have the talent to match up most games, and can’t afford to give an inch in work ethic.

“It’s sink or swim and we’ve obviously sank too many nights,” Blashill said. “But we have to keep finding ways to learn how to swim.”

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177617 Detroit Red Wings

Game recap: Detroit Red Wings fall to New York Islanders, 4-1

Kirkland Crawford, Detroit Free PressPublished 6:07 p.m. ET Feb. 21, 2020 | Updated 10:47 p.m. ET Feb. 21, 2020

Detroit Red Wings (15-43-4, 34 points) vs. New York Islanders (33-20-6, 72 points)

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, New York.

TV: Fox Sports Detroit.

Radio: WXYT-FM (97.1; other radio affiliates).

Game notes: The Wings, who snapped a four-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Canadiens on Tuesday, hope to help spoil the Islanders' playoff hopes tonight on Long Island. New York is one point out of the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177618 Detroit Red Wings

Steve Yzerman makes minor move; more coming for Detroit Red Wings as trade deadline looms?

Helene St. James, Detroit Free PressPublished 1:02 p.m. ET Feb. 21, 2020 | Updated 6:14 p.m. ET Feb. 21, 2020

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman has made another low-key move, one that may signal more change by Monday’s NHL trade deadline.

The Wings claimed defenseman Cody Goloubef off waivers Friday, and the expectation is he will join the team in Detroit in the coming days.

"It helps our depth on defense," coach Jeff Blashill said Friday evening. "He's a good, solid player. It's a no-risk move."

Goloubef fits the trend set by Yzerman since being appointed GM in April: Former high-round pick (37th overall, 2008, Columbus Blue Jackets), has experience at NHL level (158 games) and on a no-risk contract (unrestricted at the end of the season).

Goloubef, 30, has played 24 games with the Ottawa Senators this season, tallying two points. He’s 6-feet-1, 190 pounds and shoots right. Goloubef is a depth guy whose role could expand if Yzerman unloads pending UFA veteran defensemen Mike Green and/or Trevor Daley, neither of whom fits into the Wings’ future. The return for either wouldn’t be much – maybe a conditional fourth-round pick for Green, lower for Daley – but Yzerman is on the hunt for draft picks as he seeks to stoke the rebuild.

The Wings have cycled through 13 defensemen this season, partly due to injuries. They lost Danny DeKeyser to a back injury in October after just eight games, and Green, Daley, Filip Hronek and Patrik Nemeth are among others who have spent time in the sick bay.

Goloubef spent part of four seasons with the Blue Jackets and also has played for the Colorado Avalanche. In 24 games with the Senators this season, he has a goal and an assist.

Yzerman has shown a penchant for adding players discarded by other teams – he’s added Brendan Perlini, who wasn’t fitting in in Chicago; Robby Fabbri, who wasn’t in the picture in St. Louis, and Alex Biega, who was out of the rotation in Vancouver. Perlini is a former first-round pick (12th overall, 2014), as is Fabbri (21st overall, 2014).

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177619 Detroit Red Wings Goaltender Jonathan Bernier made 36 saves and kept the Wings close, despite Islanders outshooting the Wings 40-22, but there wasn't nearly enough offensive push.

Red Wings sunk by Islanders, officially eliminated from playoffs Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov only had to make 21 saves, including a grand total of two in the first period.

“We didn’t come out the way we wanted, for sure,” Bernier said. Ted Kulfan, The Detroit NewsPublished 11:01 p.m. ET Feb. 21, 2020 | Updated 12:42 a.m. ET Feb. 22, 2020 Similar to Tuesday against Montreal, the Wings’ work ethic wasn’t nearly good enough. But unlike that game, in which the Wings’ rallied and earned a victory, Friday’s result was much different.

Uniondale, N.Y. — This has pretty much been known since in the “It’s an everyday league and you have to come out and be at your very opening weeks of the regulars season, but Friday it became official. best,” Blashill said. “Us especially, we have to outwork teams and out- compete them to have any opportunity to win. In the first (period), we The Red Wings aren’t going to make the playoffs — for a fourth didn’t do that at all.” consecutive season. Detroit News LOADED: 02.22.2020 They were officially eliminated — yes, on Feb. 21, a few days before the trade deadline even — with a 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders.

The Red Wings fell to 15-44-4 on the season. The maximum they can get this season would be 72 points — which eight teams in the East have already surpassed.

So, it'll be another spring home for the Red Wings.

“It sucks to be in this spot, where you’re eliminated this early,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “There’s no other word to describe it other than it sucks, and that’s a fact.”

But what bothered Blashill, even more, was a slow start by the Wings, including getting outshot 13-2 in the first period.

“What stings to me is we didn’t have enough guys showing up in the first period, that’s what stings for me,” Blashill said. “The elimination from the playoffs is what it is. What my focus for a long time (has been), since the beginning of the year, is to make sure we’re pushing to be better, that there’s a better future.

“Part of that is having an understanding of what it takes to every single night, and we have to be better than we were to start the game.”

One of the facts about this difficult season is this group still has a lot of learning to do at the NHL level.

The retirements of Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall in recent years have left this roster learning on the fly.

“You ripped the Band-Aid off (with those veterans retiring) and by that, I mean those guys, on a night like tonight, a Zetterberg would have carried the team and would have masked somebody not being quite as ready,” Blashill said. “It’s hard to be a real good player in this league, you have to show up like crazy every night, you’re not going to out-skill people ever, so when you lose Pav, and Z and Kroner, now it’s sink or swim and we’ve probably sank too many nights.

“But we have to keep finding ways to learn how to swim on a nightly basis.”

Of the four consecutive playoff misses, this has already been the most difficult season, with the Wings headed to the NHL’s worst record.

And possibly, one of the worst records in the salary cap era (since 2006).

“It’s been tough,” forward Frans Nielsen said. “We’re all here because we like competing. We like to win. It’s just been a long year, but we are trying and doing a good job and trying to have fun and stick together. We come to work every day and work hard and trying to keep our head high.

“That’s all we can right now, (but) it hasn’t been fun every day.”

Anthony Mantha's power-play goal, his 13th goal, at 17 minutes, 25 seconds of the third period cut the lead to 2-1 — moments after an apparent Tyler Bertuzzi goal was waved off because the referee blew the play dead by losing sight of the puck.

But a Dylan Larkin tripping penalty off the draw put the Wings shorthanded, and Jordan Eberle capped a three-goal night with 36 seconds remaining, Eberle's 13th goal.

Leo Komarov added an empty-net goal.

“I cost us the game there, bad play by me,” said Larkin of his penalty. “To get my stick in there, no need for that really when the puck is there. It doesn’t affect the play, doesn’t stop a goal. Needless penalty by me.” 1177620 Detroit Red Wings against the Canadiens — but hasn't scored a goal in the last seven games, and has one goal in the last 12 games.

Good acquisition Cody Goloubef's addition gives Red Wings wiggle room to move Blashill felt the Islanders made a good trade acquiring defenseman Andy defensemen at trade deadline Greene (Trenton) from New Jersey.

Blashill, who coached Greene collegiately at Miami of Ohio, feels Greene Ted Kulfan, The Detroit NewsPublished 7:46 p.m. ET Feb. 21, 2020 | is one of the underrated players in the league. Updated 9:03 p.m. ET Feb. 21, 2020 “He’s great, a real smart player with tons of poise with the puck and under pressure,” Blashill said. “He doesn’t feel pressure, so as things get chaotic, he’s real calm. He’s going to help them a lot. Uniondale, N.Y. — In case the Red Wings are active leading to Monday’s NHL trade deadline, they’ve gotten themselves some insurance. “He’s a great leader, competitor and person.”

Specifically, on defense, where they have available assets. Detroit News LOADED: 02.22.2020

The Wings claimed defenseman Cody Goloubef off waivers Friday from the Ottawa Senators, creating some depth at a position that might need it.

Goloubef, 30, played in 23 games for the Senators this season, with two points (one goal), while averaging about 15 minutes of ice time.

“It’s a no-risk move, and we’ll take it day by day,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “He’s been a good, solid pro, and those types of guys are important to the organization, good solid players.”

Blashill has known Goloubef since Oakville, Ontario native was a minor midget player for the Toronto Marlies.

“With a whole bunch of good players,” Blashill said. “He’s a good, solid player, and again, it adds to our depth. Right now it helps our depth on defense and we’ll see how everything shakes out on the weekend. We have some guys who are questionable injury-wise who I think will be OK, but we just don’t know.

“So, we want to make sure we have that kind of depth.”

Goloubef (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) is a defensive defenseman who has played 158 games in the NHL for Columbus, Colorado and Ottawa, with 25 points (three goals).

With the possibility of defensemen Mike Green and Trevor Daley being dealt before Monday’s trade deadline, and Filip Hronek unavailable through at least this weekend after being hit in the side of his head Sunday in Pittsburgh, the Wings could be searching for depth.

The market for experienced defensemen is always brisk leading to the deadline, and Green's experience and offensive savvy could make him enticing to a contender in need of depth (New York Islanders, Edmonton, Washington, Vegas).

Alex Biega was also hit with a puck in practice earlier this week but is available to play.

Goloubef is on a one-year contract set to expire after this season, earning $800,000, and he’ll be an unrestricted free agent.

Goloubef will arrive in Detroit on Saturday, Blashill said.

Staying true

Forward Tyler Bertuzzi has been playing more of a Bertuzzi-type game the past couple weeks, which Blashill has praised.

It’s when Bertuzzi gets away from the gritty style, that his overall effectiveness decreases.

“What makes him special on any team, not a bad team, on any team, good team or playoff team, is hard skill,” Blashill said. “That’s what can separate him and make him special.

“If he is just kind of ‘cute-skill’, he’s not skilled enough to do it on good teams, so regardless sometimes, you can lose your way on a team that’s not good enough and we’ve really tried to stay focused. He’s making sure, and he wants this, to be the type of player that when this team is way better, he’s a big impact on it.

“And he’s played excellent the last number of games. He’s been hard, and he’s won puck battles.”

Bertuzzi leads the Wings with 18 goals, and his 40 points rank second behind Dylan Larkin (42). Bertuzzi has assists in his last two games — including feeding Andreas Athanasiou on the game-winner Tuesday 1177621 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings claim defenseman Cody Goloubef off waivers

Ted Kulfan, The Detroit NewsPublished 1:06 p.m. ET Feb. 21, 2020 | Updated 1:21 p.m. ET Feb. 21, 2020

Uniondale, N.Y. – The Red Wings claimed defenseman Cody Goloubef off waivers Friday from the Ottawa Senators.

Goloubef, 30, played in 23 games for the Senators this season, with two points (one goal), while averaging about 15 minutes of ice time.

Goloubef (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) is a defensive defenseman who has played 158 games in the NHL for Columbus, Colorado and Ottawa, with 25 points (three goals).

With the possibility of defensemen Mike Green and Trevor Daley being dealt before Monday’s trade deadline, and Filip Hronek unavailable through at least this weekend after being hit in the side of his head Sunday in Pittsburgh, the Wings could be searching for depth.

Goloubef is on a one-year contract set to expire after this season, earning $800,000, and he’ll be an unrestricted free agent.

Detroit News LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177622 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings officially eliminated from playoffs with loss to Islanders

Today 11:18 PM

By The Associated Press

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Jordan Eberle had a hat trick and the New York Islanders beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 on Friday night to snap a four- game skid.

It was the third three-goal game of Eberle's career and his first since April 9, 2017, when he was with the Edmonton Oilers.

Leo Komarov added a late empty-netter for the Islanders. Semyon Varlamov stopped 21 shots.

Anthony Mantha scored for Detroit, which became the first team this season to be eliminated from playoff contention.

New York had scored only two goals in its previous four games, but Eberle got hot against the Red Wings, who have yielded more goals than any team in the league.

He got his first 5:45 into the game. The sequence began with a give-and- go behind the net between Matthew Barzal and Anders Lee, who skated to the circle and found an uncovered Ryan Pulock at the point. Eberle redirected Pulock's slap shot past Jonathan Bernier, who made 36 saves.

New York outshot Detroit 13-2 in the first period and finished the game with a 39-22 advantage in shots.

That meant Varlamov had a relatively easy night. His toughest save was a diving paddle stop on a 3-on-1 in the third period. Mantua's power-play goal with 2:35 left in the game ended the shutout bid.

Varlamov was aided by his defense, specifically Devon Toews, whose backcheck eliminated a breakaway chance from Dylan Larkin midway through the second period.

Minutes later, Eberle scored his second goal, a snap shot from the left circle.

He completed the hat trick on a power play with 36.3 seconds left in the game. Eberle has 13 goals this season.

NOTES: Before the game, the Islanders retired John Tonelli’s No. 27. Tonelli was an Islander from 1978-86 and assisted on Bobby Nystrom’s Stanley Cup-winning goal 7:11 into overtime of Game 6 against the Flyers in 1980, which began New York’s run of four consecutive championships. Among those at the ceremony were teammates Nystrom, Denis Potvin, Billy Smith, and Bryan Trottier; NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly; Islanders co-owners Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky; and Tonelli’s wife Lauren, sons Jordan and Zach, and mother Joy. ... New York called up LW Otto Koivula and LW Andrew Ladd from AHL Bridgeport. ... Detroit scratched Ds Cody Goloubef and Jonathan Ericsson and LW Justin Abdelkader, while the Islanders scratched D Noah Dobson, C Derick Brassard and LW Ross Johnston.

UP NEXT

Red Wings: Host Calgary on Sunday.

Islanders: Host San Jose on Sunday.

Michigan Live LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177623 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings claim defenseman Cody Goloubef off waivers

Updated Feb 21, 2020; Posted Feb 21, 2020

By Ansar Khan

The Detroit Red Wings claimed defenseman Cody Goloubef off waivers Friday from the Ottawa Senators.

Goloubef, 30, appeared in 24 games for the Senators (one goal, one assist, minus-2, eight penalty minutes). The right-shooting defender was drafted 37th overall by Columbus in 2008 and has played in 158 NHL games over parts of eight seasons (three goals, 22 assists, minus-6, 76 penalty minutes).

The Red Wings reassigned Brian Lashoff to the Grand Rapids Griffins, so Goloubef apparently will remain on the NHL roster for now. Goloubef is in the final year of his contract ($800,000 cap hit, two-way) and will be an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Goloubef provides some depth in the event the Red Wings deal a defenseman by Monday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline (Mike Green is the leading candidate).

The Red Wings visit the New York Islanders tonight (8 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit) in a game that begins an hour later than usual due to the jersey retirement ceremony for John Tonelli.

Goloubef played three seasons at Wisconsin, where he was a teammate of former Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith for one year.

Michigan Live LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177624 Detroit Red Wings

How to watch Detroit Red Wings vs. New York Islanders: TV channel, start time, stream, Feb. 21, 2020

Updated Feb 21, 2020; Posted Feb 21, 2020

By Lauren Williams

So the Detroit Red Wings are riding the wave of sweeping the Montreal Canadiens. Now they head to Long Island to take on the New York Islanders for the third time this season. The Islanders lead the series 1-2 and blew out the Red Wings the last time the two teams met.

The Islanders host the Red Wings and look to snap a four-game losing streak after falling to the Colorado Avalanche.

The Red Wings (15-43-4 ) and the Islanders (33-19-6) face off at 8 p.m. at Nassau Coliseum on Friday, Feb, 21.

WATCH

Broadcast: Fox Sports Detroit

Live Stream: FOX Sports Go | Hulu | YouTube TV | fubo (free trial)

LISTEN

Red Wings Affiliates: Detroit (WXYT-97.1 FM/ 1270 AM); Ann Arbor (WTKA-1050 AM); Grand Rapids (WTKG-1230 AM); Kalamazoo (WQLR- 1660 AM); Saginaw (WSGW-790 AM)

Live Stream: TuneIn Radio

Michigan Live LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177625 Detroit Red Wings

Mantha scores Wings lone goal in 4-1 loss to Islanders

By DENIS P. GORMAN Associated Press 5 hrs ago

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Jordan Eberle had a hat trick and the New York Islanders beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 on Friday night to snap a four- game skid.

It was the third three-goal game of Eberle's career and his first since April 9, 2017, when he was with the Edmonton Oilers.

Leo Komarov added a late empty-netter for the Islanders. Semyon Varlamov stopped 21 shots.

Anthony Mantha scored for Detroit, which became the first team this season to be eliminated from playoff contention.

New York had scored only two goals in its previous four games, but Eberle got hot against the Red Wings, who have yielded more goals than any team in the league.

He got his first 5:45 into the game. The sequence began with a give-and- go behind the net between Matthew Barzal and Anders Lee, who skated to the circle and found an uncovered Ryan Pulock at the point. Eberle redirected Pulock's slap shot past Jonathan Bernier, who made 36 saves.

New York outshot Detroit 13-2 in the first period and finished the game with a 39-22 advantage in shots.

That meant Varlamov had a relatively easy night. His toughest save was a diving paddle stop on a 3-on-1 in the third period. Mantua's power-play goal with 2:35 left in the game ended the shutout bid.

Varlamov was aided by his defense, specifically Devon Toews, whose backcheck eliminated a breakaway chance from Dylan Larkin midway through the second period.

Minutes later, Eberle scored his second goal, a snap shot from the left circle.

He completed the hat trick on a power play with 36.3 seconds left in the game. Eberle has 13 goals this season.

NOTES: Before the game, the Islanders retired John Tonelli’s No. 27. Tonelli was an Islander from 1978-86 and assisted on Bobby Nystrom’s Stanley Cup-winning goal 7:11 into overtime of Game 6 against the Flyers in 1980, which began New York’s run of four consecutive championships. Among those at the ceremony were teammates Nystrom, Denis Potvin, Billy Smith, and Bryan Trottier; NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly; Islanders co-owners Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky; and Tonelli's wife Lauren, sons Jordan and Zach, and mother Joy. ... New York called up LW Otto Koivula and LW Andrew Ladd from AHL Bridgeport. ... Detroit scratched Ds Cody Goloubef and Jonathan Ericsson and LW Justin Abdelkader, while the Islanders scratched D Noah Dobson, C Derick Brassard and LW Ross Johnston.

UP NEXT

Red Wings: Host Calgary on Sunday.

Islanders: Host San Jose on Sunday.

Macomb Daily LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177626 Edmonton Oilers “It’s an awesome feeling,” said Yamamoto. “All of us coming up from Bakersfield together, it’s awesome.”

BOUCHARD READY Edmonton Oilers rookies help save season The next rookie who could be leaving his stamp on the team one day is Evan Bouchard, who is at the ready, just waiting for a green light to show what he can do. Robert Tychkowski “I’m excited to be here, trying to take it all in while I can,” said the 10th Published:February 21, 2020 overall pick from 2018, who has no idea when or if he’ll play on this call up. “I’m really here just trying to learn as much as I can and if I do get a Updated:February 21, 2020 10:45 PM MST chance to play, make sure that I work hard.”

Bouchard says it’s no surprise that defencemen from Bakersfield have The Edmonton Oilers have a lot of things going right for them this been making an impact in Edmonton given the instruction they’re getting season, from depth to goaltending to coaching to two of the best players down there. in the world. “The coaching staff and everyone really do a great job of developing their But it’s no stretch to suggest that if it weren’t for their rookies stepping in players, especially on the back end with Dave Manson. He’s played, he and filling crucial voids, they wouldn’t be anywhere near where they are knows what it takes to get to the next level, so having him in your corner right now. is a big plus.”

When top pairing defenceman Adam Larsson went down in the first Like the rest of them, Bouchard feels he’s made great strides in the last game of the season, it could have been a devastating blow. But Ethan year and is a much better player now than he was just five months ago. Bear stepped in and the Oilers went on a 6-1 run to set the stage for the The 20-year-old can’t wait to be the next Bakersfield success story. season. “I think that’s what everyone wants, to be able to stay at this level. It’s all When they stalled (5-11-1) in mid December because being a one-line about the work you put in on and off the ice. As long as you do that you team was finally catching up with them, the Oilers brought up Kailer will be all right.” Yamamoto and totally changed their look. They’ve gone 12-4-3 since. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 02.22.2020 When Oscar Klefbom and Kris Russell left them shorthanded again, in came Caleb Jones and William Lagesson.

“It’s huge,” Leon Drasiatil said of the impact these rookies are making. “We’ve had some younger guys coming in and Tipps (Dave Tippett) and the whole coaching staff have done a great job of giving those kids confidence and letting them play. They’ve been nothing but great, every single one of them. They play great hockey and help us compete every night.”

That the Oilers have been able to navigate all their injuries and suspensions (six regulars were out again Friday against Minnesota) without having to make a mid-season trade tells you all you need to know about what the rookies are bringing to the table.

“You never really know what people can do until given an opportunity,” said general manager Ken Holland. “When we got beat 5-1 by Calgary (Dec. 29) we sat in the room for two hours trying to decide how we could get back on track. We made a decision to call up Yamamoto and over two months we’ve got this record.

“The young players have been good. Against Boston, Jones played 18 minutes in the top four. Lagesson played five minutes on the penalty kill against one of the top power play teams in the league. We’ve got better depth than maybe a lot of people thought.”

For the youngsters who’ve stepped in and helped make this thing work, it’s feels great knowing that they are playing an important part in what the Oilers have become.

“As an organization you need guys like that, who come from the farm system, make their way up, and contribute,” said Bear. “An organization needs players to grow in the farm system, to be patient and let guys develop. Now we’re playing well. That’s the beauty of it.

“It also shows hard work and dedication from the young guys as well, guys who are willing to pay the price and do whatever it takes to help the team win.”

Coming up together as a group also helps the rookies forge a bond that will last for years. They’ve all played in the American League, so they have an appreciation for how tough it is down there, and how good it is up here, which provides a valuable perspective on life and hockey.

“We’ve all been down there in Bako, we know what it’s like,” said Bear. “It’s a harder lifestyle, it’s harder hockey. We’ve all been through it and we know what it takes to get here. We can share that.”

To go from struggling to keep up to putting up 18 points in 19 games on what has become the first line now that Connor McDavid is out, feel pretty nice. 1177627 Edmonton Oilers afterwards to work on some things. He’s going on the three-game trip to Los Angeles, Anaheim and Vegas. He’s 50-50 to play vs Kings on Sunday, and 75-25 to play in Anaheim on Tuesday.

Edmonton product Jared Spurgeon nets hat-trick to beat hometown “He’ll practice with us before we go to LA Saturday and if he feels no ill- Oilers effects, we’ll see where he’s at. Still day to day,” said Oilers coach Tippett.

CHEERLEADING ROLE Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal Defenceman Evan Bouchard was recalled from Bakersfield but he was in Published:February 21, 2020 the press box for the second game while William Lagesson played. He’s here as a seventh D with Kris Russell (concussion) out for 11 straight. Updated:February 21, 2020 10:29 PM MST “Evan is here more for security now because he’s our only extra player

(D or forward) in case somebody got sick,” said Tippett. “Good to have Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin, who played 211 games for him around our group.” the Edmonton Oilers, wearing No. 9 at Rexall Place before they retired DIDN’T YOU USED TO BE? Glenn Anderson’s jersey, got a tour of the spiffy dressing room digs at Rogers Place Thursday. Ex-Wild coach Bruce Boudreau, fired last week, will be working on Sportsnet’s Trade Deadline package Monday. “First time for me in this rink, really beautiful place,” said Guerin, getting the Welcome Wagon treatment from Oilers counterpart Ken Holland. “I don’t want people to forget about me,” he told the Minneapolis Tribune.

What looked infinitely better to Guerin was his club’s 5-3 win though as Boudreau has coached 984 NHL games in Washington, Anaheim and the Wild got three from local product Jared Spurgeon — his first-ever hat- Minnesota and as he joked, he’s all hockey, all the time. And Sportsnet is trick — including the winner in the third when his harmless backhand paying him; there’s no free lunch. glanced off the stick of Adam Larsson and somersaulted past Oilers goalie Mikko Koskinen. “I’m not a big home-project guy. What am I going to do now? Fix the water faucets?” Spurgeon, whose career high in points is also three, finished it off with an empty-netter after coming out of the penalty box. This ’n that: Vegas third-line centre Cody Eakin was not offered to the Oilers if you’re wondering. Same division; instead he went to Winnipeg … “How long’s it been since I had a hat-trick? Probably midget,” said Wild centre Luke Kunin never came out for the second period and was Spurgeon. “To do it here in a place where I had so many memories … we gone with an upper-body injury … Archibald wore a bubble shield the last had season tickets with my grandpa and I would watch Oiler games with two periods after getting elbowed in the face by Soucy in the opening my brother and cousins. It’s special. My sister, brother-in-law and niece period … Winger Joakim Nygard has had the pin removed from his were all at the game with mom and dad.” broken hand, the first step on the road back after he blocked a shot Jan. 29 against Calgary. He’s missed 11 in a row, and might return in time for Irma-born defenceman Carson Soucy, who didn’t finish the game the road trip to Philly, Washington and Ottawa March 15-18. because of an upper-body issue, and Kevin Fiala, who has seven goals in the last nine games, had the others on Koskinen as the Wild swept the Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 02.22.2020 season series with 3-0 and 6-5 wins earlier this season.

The Oilers had no offensive juice apart from the No. 1 line of Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Kailer Yamamoto who combined for seven points and all three goals.

Nugent-Hopkins had two goals off room-service passes from Yamamoto and a helper; Draisaitl scored and got an assist for his 30th multiple-point game. The line has 84 points over the last 20 games but they got no help in this one.

“Leon’s line was really good and our penalty-killing (now 21 straight) did a decent job again but we couldn’t sustain enough offence,” said Oilers coach Dave Tippett, who was looking for some juice from somebody else as the game wore on but didn’t get it. “You’re hoping somebody comes alive or the other lines don’t get scored on and one line did.”

The normally reliable Riley Sheahan and Josh Archibald were both minus-3. So were Tyler Benson and Jujhar Khaira who took turns on that checking line.

Tippett didn’t think they made Alex Stalock work hard enough.

“We had as many shots blocked as we had shots that got to the net (26 each), which shows their desperation and us not getting the job done with our shots getting through,” said Tippett. His forwards only had 14 shots; eight by the other nine forwards outside the No. 1 line.

“We gave up too many preventable goals,” said Draisaitl. “We have to find a way to win a game like, pretty simple. It’s not like they did anything special; it’s us not being focused and us not bearing down.”

Tippett didn’t argue.

“You give up four that’s too many. Margin for error is pretty slim then, means you have to score five,” he said. “The fourth one is a nothing play but it goes off Larsson’s stick,”

WORKING OVERTIME

Connor McDavid didn’t play against the Wild, missing his sixth straight game with his quad injury, but he skated before practice Friday morning with Zack Kassian and at an optional with about 15 guys, then stayed out 1177628 Edmonton Oilers “To tell you the truth, I look at it like every team is tough and that every team is hard to beat,” said Tippett of the apparent dichotomy involved in beating the top teams and stumbling against the others. “There’s not a team in this league that you can’t lose to on any given day. JONES: So long to Oilers' flying circus of playing down to weaker opponents? “Now, that being said, when you play the top teams there is a focus going into those games. Players look at top teams and are thinking, ‘We have to play well or we’re going to get embarrassed tonight.’”

Terry Jones With 22 games to go, Tippett said he hopes there’s a new mindset that’s been developing inside the group. Published:February 21, 2020 “We want to be competitive. We want to be one of those top teams. Updated:February 21, 2020 3:00 AM MST We’re working our way to that level. We haven’t got to that level yet if you look at the standings. But we want to get to that level.”

As the late Terry Jones from Monty Python would say: “And now, for General manager Ken Holland has four days to go until the NHL trade something completely different.” deadline and has to make the judgments about what kind of hockey team he has moving to the end of the season. Edmonton no longer has to be concerned with somehow having to compete in games with top teams like Boston, Tampa and others ahead And he likes the 2020 team much better than the 2019 team he had for of them in the NHL overall standings, while at the same time playing with the front end of the schedule. a deck minus aces such as Connor McDavid and Oscar Klefbom. “It looks like we’re a different hockey team in February than we were. I Now, they face the frightening prospect of playing against the teams in think we’re a little bit deeper,” he said. “We’re 12-4-3 and the teams their rear-view mirror — the ‘purt-near-but-not-plum’ playoff teams, the we’ve been playing in the last 19 games are the best teams in the sisters of the poor, bottom feeders and totally up the track teams. league. Before that, we were on our way to playing our way out of the race. But the team we have today, as we tried to build some depth with Now, they run unto a stretch against teams below them in the standings. those guys like Kailer Yamamoto, William Lagesson and Caleb Jones in the minors, well, those guys have now come up and they’re more ready There are many things to marvel at with this group right now as they for the challenges in the NHL. somehow, some way, have managed to survive and even thrive playing without about $30 million worth of talent in the lineup, and do it against “We were buying time for some good things to happen and certainly teams battling to finish first overall, win the President’s trophy and ensure some good things have happened with some of our young players.” beginning a Stanley Cup playoff series at home. So … so long to the Oilers team that has insisted on playing down to the The Oilers have managed to beat every single team ahead of them in the opposition, and hello to the playoffs? NHL overall standings other than Tampa Bay, with a chance to complete the achievement against the Lightning at home on March 20. That’s basically what’s involved here.

Their record against Boston, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Washington, St. Louis, Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 02.22.2020 Dallas, Colorado, Philadelphia, Carolina, the N.Y. Islanders and Columbus is a combined 11-4-2. That, to me, is a simply staggering statistic.

Edmonton is only one of two teams to win in Boston so far this season. The Oilers won both ends of their series with Carolina and is 1-0 so far against Washington, Philadelphia, the Islanders and Columbus. It’s the other teams Edmonton can’t seem to contend with.

The Oilers have managed to lose, either in regulation or beyond, a total of 20 times to the teams behind them in the standings, including draft- lottery contenders in Los Angeles, Ottawa and Detroit. That hardly ranks with Montreal losing all four games against the last-place Red Wings, but still.

Exhibit A might be the Minnesota Wild, the next team up Friday at Rogers Place. The Oilers have lost both previous meetings — 3-0 and 6- 5 — against these guys.

The Wild are clinging to life by their fingernails, eight-points behind Edmonton in the standings.

The Oilers then head on the road to play Anaheim and Los Angeles on either side of Monday’s trade deadline. Ending the three-game trip in Las Vegas, the Oilers then travel to Edmonton to play Winnipeg and play three more on the road, including games in Nashville and Chicago against Predators and Blackhawks teams also hanging onto playoff hopes that are disappearing daily.

When the media left Oilers head coach Dave Tippett Wednesday evening, he’d been trying to explain how his team had essentially looked like a group of deer in headlights in managing but two shots on goal in the first period against Boston. Scared of the big bad Bruins? Frightened of playing the top team in the league with so many starters in the press box?

“If it is, we shouldn’t be. We are a good team, too. We just won two games in a row. Why can’t we keep winning? It’s a mindset. You have to go out and play.”

Storylines change overnight when teams are going down the stretch, even if the stretch is longer than the one at Century Mile. And Tippett was back in the same room Thursday morning focusing forward. 1177629 Edmonton Oilers SPECIAL TEAMS Oilers: PP 1st (29.1%), PK 2nd (84.8%)

Wild: PP 9th (21.7%), PK 28th (75.1%) Edmonton Oilers Game Day: More big minutes for remaining big three expected against Minnesota SICK BAY

Oilers: Connor McDavid, Oscar Klefbom, James Neal, Joakim Nygard, Kris Russell, Zack Kassian. Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal Wild: Ryan McDonagh, Nikita Kucherov, Anthony Cirelli, Jan Ruuta. Published:February 21, 2020 GAME DAY LINES Updated:February 21, 2020 3:00 AM MST OILERS (PROJECTED)

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins-Leon Draisaitl-Kailer Yamamoto Five Keys to the Game Tyler Benson-Riley Sheahan-Josh Archibald 1. RETURN OF MCDAVID? Sam Gagner-Gaetan Haas-Alex Chiasson The Oilers captain has missed five games with his quad injury but skated with the team Thursday and appeared to be moving just fine, considering Jujhar Khaira-Colby Cave-Patrick Russell Connor McDavid at 75 per cent is better than pretty much any other NHLer. But he will talk things over with the medical staff to see if he gets Darnell Nurse-Ethan Bear the green light Friday. It’s no better than 50-50 because they don’t want Caleb Jones-Adam Larsson to rush him back and could wait until sometime on their three-game road trip through L.A., Anaheim and Las Vegas. The Oilers are 3-1-1 without William Lagesson-Matt Benning McDavid. Mikko Koskinen 2. EXHAUSTING WORKLOAD Mike Smith ,In the overtime loss to Boston, Leon Draisaitl played close to half the game as did his linemate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and, because BRUINS (PROJECTED) defenceman Darnell Nurse was on the power play and got penalty-kill Zach Parise-Eric Staal-Kevin Fiala work, he was two seconds shy of 30 minutes in a game that lasted 61 minutes. Draisaitl was 29:22 and Nugent-Hopkins 28:05. That’s huge Alex Galchenyuk-Luke Kunin-Mats Zuccarello amounts of ice-time for forwards, while Draisaitl took 32 draws in a game with 55 face-offs, going 22-10. Marcus Foligno-Joel Eriksson Ek-Jordan Greenway

3. MIKKO KOSK-IN-NET Ryan Donato-Mikko Koivu-Ryan Hartman

Mike Smith, who had some back issues afterward, which appear minor, Defence was terrific in the overtime loss to Boston. His puck-stopping, but mostly Ryan Suter-Jared Spurgeon his puck-moving, negated the normally dangerous Bruins’ forecheck. His ability to stop shoot-ins and either clear the puck up the glass or make Jonas Brodin-Matt Dumba nice outlet passes to his defence was a boon. But Mikko Koskinen will Carson Soucy-Brad Hunt get the start against the Wild. He was excellent in the 4-1 victory over Florida last Saturday with 33 saves, beaten only by Jonathan Goal: Huberdeau’s shot under the crossbar. Devan Dubnyk 4. DADS IN THE HOUSE Alex Stalock Teams tend to play well when their fathers or mothers are on road trips, and Minnesota started their dads’ trip with a 4-3 shootout win in Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 02.22.2020 Vancouver on Wednesday. The dads will be in a private box at Rogers Place on Friday night, wearing their Wild jerseys. Alex Galchenyuk’s dad was cheering loudest in Vancouver with the ex-Penguins’ winger tying the game late and getting the decisive shootout goal against the Canucks.

5. ABOUT THAT FIALA …

There was some gnashing of teeth last trade deadline when former Wild general manager Paul Fenton dealt the popular Mikael Granlund to Nashville for the younger, faster Swiss-born Kevin Fiala, Fiala never reached his full potential with the Predators and only had one point in the Wild’s first eight games this season, counted as a healthy scratch several times. But Fiala has outscored Granlund 39-28 this season, with seven points in the last six games. He’s got 15 goals and only Zach Parise (21) has more on the team.

Big Matchup

DAVE TIPPETT VS. DEAN EVASON

You don’t usually get coaches squaring off, but Tippett and Evason, who just took over from the fired Bruce Boudreau, are fast friends. They were teammates for five years with the old Hartford Whalers in the 1980s. Evason was the offensive centre and Tippett a defensive ace left-winger. The Whalers were a hot-house for NHL coaches-to-be because defenceman Joel Quenneville and winger Kevin Dineen were on that team too. So was Ron Francis, the GM in Carolina and now Seattle. This is Evason’s first kick at the can as a head coach, with just two games under his belt, while Tippett has coached 1,174 games. 1177630 Florida Panthers

Huberdeau gets four points, but Panthers get none in L.A. loss

By JOE REEDY

ASSOCIATED PRESS |FEB 21, 2020 | 1:34 AM

Gabriel Vilardi had a goal and an assist in his NHL debut and the Los Angeles Kings began a five-game homestand with a 5-4 victory over the Florida Panthers on Thursday night.

Vilardi, who was the No. 11 pick in the 2017 draft, scored the fastest rookie debut goal in Kings history when he fired a wrist shot past Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky 86 seconds into the game.

The rookie center scored 10 seconds after he came on during a line change, He took a short feed from Kurtis MacDermid just inside the blue line before firing it on net.

Vilardi then assisted on Martin Frk's goal with 1:18 remaining in the second period to put the Kings up 4-3 after two periods.

The Panthers tied it on Mike Hoffman's power play goal, his 23rd, 36 seconds into the third before Los Angeles' Ben Hutton delivered the game winner with 7:15 remaining when he got a rebound off his missed shot and chipped it past Bobrovsky for his fourth of the season.

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Drew Doughty added a goal and an assist while Anze Kopitar had two assists to extend his points streak to four games. Jonathan Quick stopped 25 shots for Los Angeles, which snapped a three-game losing streak to Florida.

Panthers center Aleksander Barkov scored a pair of goals and Jonathan Huberdeau had a goal and three assists to extend his points streak to five games (three goals, five assists). It is the forward's fourth four-point game this season.

A morning update with the latest news and analysis on South Florida sports, including info about the Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, Panthers and much more.

Aaron Ekblad had two assists and Bobrovsky made 35 saves.

Both of Barkov's goals came in the first period. He tied it at 1 at 7:03 of the first with a wrist shot from the slot and then gave the Panthers the lead 100 seconds later with a wrist shot that Quick was unable to glove. Barkov has 20 goals this season, including six over his last 12 games.

Doughty evened it at 2 with 4:17 remaining in the first with a slap shot from just outside right faceoff circle while on the power play for his seventh. It is Los Angeles' second goal with the man advantage this month.

Huberdeau got his 22nd goal and third point of the night with a wrist shot on the power play 3:19 into the second. The Kings, though, regained the lead on goals by Trevor Moore and Frk. Moore's third goal of the season came at 10:18 when he redirected Doughty's shot in front of the net.

UP NEXT

Panthers: Continue their five-game trip on Saturday against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177631 Florida Panthers There has been so much speculation as to what you will do at the deadline. Do you see a scenario where the Panthers are involved in a blockbuster deal?

Trade deadline Q&A: Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon doesn’t expect a I don’t see that happening right now, based on the information we’ve blockbuster accumulated over the last couple of weeks. I don’t see a blockbuster happening. It’s so hard to do with cap situations, with different competitive situations, the short-term and long-term contracts. It is hard to do. We’re in a position where we are a cap team and you have to deal By George Richards Feb 21, 2020 it; it has to be a sideways move at worst, so that makes it tough to make one of those big, blockbuster deals.

LOS ANGELES — The Florida Panthers made a couple of minor deals in Right now, how would you grade the offseason moves you made this the week leading up to the NHL trade deadline, the most significant of summer? which was sending forward Denis Malgin to the Toronto Maple Leafs. They have worked out well. (Noel) Acciari is having a good year, (Brett) With just a few days left before the deadline hits Monday at 3 p.m., Connolly, (Sergei Bobrovsky) is starting to round into shape and play the general manager Dale Tallon spoke with The Athletic about where his way we thought he would. (Anton) Stralman has been very steady on the team sits as it tries to make a run at the playoffs. back end playing with our young guys, playing with their multiple partners, he’s just a steadying influence. We are happy with those guys With the Panthers up against the salary cap, Tallon said making a we brought in. They have all done really well. “blockbuster” deal will be hard to do. So you’re not in the “blame everything on Bobrovsky” camp. Florida is thought to be shopping for some defensive help, with coach Joel Quenneville also saying on a local radio station recently that the It’s a team thing, you know? Our team defense has got to be better. We Panthers could also use a forward or two — as well as goaltending. have to support our goalies better. We win as a team, lose as a team.

So, that about covers it, right? Any contact with the agents for Mike Hoffman or Evgenii Dadonov?

How busy is it for you and your staff this time of year? I spoke with Mike’s agent a couple of weeks ago and they are going to come down to discuss what the future looks like. That’s about it. Well, it is a hectic couple of weeks. We’re on the phone constantly. And there were some deals made early, so now it just stretches further back Your first draft with the Panthers was here in Los Angeles 10 years ago. than normal. I really don’t like deadlines. It’s kind of like, get your work Still have the same enthusiasm for this job as you did then? done and see where you’re at and see how the team is doing. Nothing’s changed. I’m just grayer and chubbier. I have new knees. But It’s easy when you have committed early to selling, when the team isn’t no, I have not lost an ounce of enthusiasm for the game. I love it. You competitive then you can go right after it and start selling and live and die with each game. I’m going to love these final 20-something accumulating prospects and picks. Now that we’re in it, we have to be games because it will be exciting to see how we deal, how we cope with careful how we tip the scales here. Do we tip things toward the future or it. It is a matter of maturity and gaining experience, believing in yourself. stay the course? Those are tough decisions to make, so as a group we You have to move forward to become a championship team. will go with the consensus and see what’s best for not only the present Are you excited about the future of this organization? but for the future as well. Definitely. We have got some really good prospects. There are some What exactly are you looking for at the deadline? good, young players learning what it takes to win. We have a great Anything that makes us better, but we are not mortgaging our future. coaching staff, have a great scouting staff and have unbelievable support We’re not giving up the (Owen) Tippetts, the (Grigori) Denisenkos, the from Vinnie Viola. He is really committed to this. He has bought in and (John Ludvigs); we’re not going to use the great kids who we have in the really wants to win. We’re having a lot of fun. system just for a Band-Aid. How much more enjoyable is this time of year with the team not out of We’re not giving up a top core guy unless it’s somebody who comes in, the playoff race? knocks our socks off and we feel the move is an improvement on that After Monday, let’s enjoy the process. We’re going to watch and see how particular player. we cope with the pressure of every game now being a playoff game. We We have all scenarios covered. We’ve got a great staff here (that) is have to find a way to be prepared, we have to make sure that we’re working really well together, and that comes right down from the top. The committed on and off the ice every day for the rest of the year. communication with (owner) Vinnie (Viola) has been going great, and How important is it for the Panthers to make it this season? we’ll just keep working every day to see what happens. Every year, it is important. Listen, it is hard to make the playoffs because For a guy who makes a bunch of deals, one would think you love the 16 teams out of 31 get in. The games are so tough to win. To get in is a wheeling and dealing. But the other day, you told me you hate this time real difficult thing to do, but once you start doing it consistently, you start of year. building up some steam like a snowball going down a mountain. That’s It’s no fun. You are dealing with people’s lives, and I am always what we want to do here: build up some momentum and make the committed to the player. They know I care about them. I am friendly with playoffs, win a round, make some hay and learn what it takes to win, them but we’re not friends; they all understand this is a business and we learn that commitment. It’s not an easy thing to do. always have to move forward. When we make a move, it is strictly a How do you think Joel Quenneville has handled this team in Year 1? business decision in what’s best for the Florida Panthers at all times. It has been up and down and I am sure he’s been frustrated some nights How disappointing was your team’s start after the All-Star break when it in the way we play. We’re a high-risk team. I don’t think he likes high-risk won just two of the first nine games? teams. But we’re getting better, you know. We’re starting to buy in and I It’s not fun. I mean, we were so good before the break. We were on a think we have started to see some changes in the attitude about playing roll, won six straight. Then we got the days off, opened to a difficult the right way. That’s what he preaches. I love how he coaches. I love the schedule and losing Barkov really affected us. We lost our timing and we energy and passion he brings to the game and how he still makes it fun lost some of our confidence. Every team goes in these little cycles — for them as well. downward and upward. The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 You just have to deal with it, take those losses and move forward and treat them as lessons. There are wins and there are lessons. We have to accept that and have to follow the process, be prepared for whatever comes. Right now, we’re in a position we haven’t been in a long time. We have (21) games. Let’s go, let’s have some fun. This is a time where it’s supposed to be fun and enjoyable. Let’s go enjoy the process. 1177632 Florida Panthers Following the game, those four high-tailed it to a nearby parking lot, hopped into their rented Nissan and began the four-plus-hour drive east. The quartet was expected to make it to their hotel in Vegas by 3 a.m.

Make America Late Again: Panthers’ trip to Las Vegas delayed by “We would be up for a couple of hours anyway,” Goldstein said. “We go Donald Trump get something to eat, relax, unwind from the game. So, after a couple of hours, we’re halfway there. Once we’re there, get a good night’s sleep and not worry about the afternoon bus to LAX and all that.

By George Richards Feb 21, 2020 “We’re used to getting into a place around 2, 3 in the morning. It will be nice to bond a little bit with my broadcast folks, too. It is going to be fun

hanging out for a while on the road.” LOS ANGELES — The Panthers have had some travel delays over the Friday is an off day for the Panthers, only instead of spending the entirety years, but they never expected to deal with one on this West Coast trip. of it in Vegas, it is now a travel day with a late-afternoon arrival. Almost all of the team’s travel problems in the past have been because of Saturday, Florida plays the Golden Knights. weather. Cold weather. Snow, sleet, etc. It is a busy weekend even by Vegas standards. Not only is there a Yet following Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings, the hockey game at T-Mobile Arena, but there is the heavyweight bout Panthers were in no rush to leave Staples Center because there was no between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, not to mention a NASCAR bus waiting to take them to LAX for the short flight to fabulous Las race and, yeah, Trump’s reelection rally at the convention center. Vegas. There’s also the Democratic caucus giving the weekend a very political Instead of flying out of Los Angeles following their disappointing 5-4 loss feel. to the Kings, the Panthers stuck around another night — not because While a number of players had plans in Nevada that had to be broken, all McCarran International Airport was closed due to heavy snow or anything is not lost. Instead of four nights in Las Vegas as originally scheduled, of the sort. No, they were delayed because of a presidential visit. they still get three. With President Donald Trump (and Air Force One) in Las Vegas, the Perhaps the president did the Panthers a favor. airport would not allow the Panthers’ charter flight to land there until Friday afternoon. So, the team will wait to get to where they need to be. “Hey, it is one less night in Vegas, so that may not be that bad a thing,” Tallon said with a grin. “This one, this is a first,” general manager Dale Tallon said before Thursday’s game. Stumbling toward Vegas

What happens when a team does not fly when they are scheduled to? The Panthers had hoped to head to Vegas on a high note with three consecutive wins, but the Kings spoiled that as they scored with 7:15 left The biggest problem is finding a place to stay. In pro and college sports, in the third period to take the final lead of the night. team travel managers book hotel stays months in advance with specific dates and times for check out. Florida appeared to have turned a corner after a 2-6-1 rough patch, but there was a lot not to like Thursday night. When the Panthers found out they needed to stay in Los Angeles an extra night, dozens of rooms had to be rebooked with only a day’s notice. Even though the Kings were depleted by injuries and trades, they outshot Fortunately for the team, their hotel in downtown L.A. had enough vacant Florida 40-29 and dominated the Panthers in the faceoff circle by winning rooms to accommodate a second night. 41 of 65 draws.

While players were disappointed to be losing out on a free night in Vegas The Panthers held the lead at 2-1 and 3-2, but Los Angeles came back without practice the following morning, at least they had a nice hotel to each time. Florida tied the score at 4 on a Mike Hoffman goal in the stay at in Los Angeles. opening minute of the third, but the Panthers could not find the back of the net again. “Not getting rooms would have been disastrous,” Tallon said. “Staying an extra night at the place we’re at is like making lemonade out of lemons.” “This is unacceptable. This game should have been ours, and it would have been if we had played better,” said captain Sasha Barkov, who Aside from rooms, other accommodations had to be made including scored Florida’s first two goals of the night. where to stash all of the team’s stuff. “We had chances all night, but we cannot let them score five goals. It is Teddy Richards, Florida’s head equipment manager, had his crew pack hard to win if you let the other guys score five. This is tough right now. up the team’s wet equipment as usual Thursday night. The equipment We should have competed better and won this one. But we did not.” bags were stacked up on carts in the hallway — only instead of heading to a truck, they were bound for a spot down the hall. With the loss, the Panthers fell two points back of Toronto in the race for third place in the Atlantic Division. Florida’s postseason hopes are not The host Kings allowed the Panthers to unpack their stuff and let it dry in done, not with 21 games left, but this was one of those matchups teams their room overnight. fighting for the playoffs just have to win. In the morning, the equipment team will return to the arena and pack the “We are upset. It was a 0-0 game in the third, and we need to find a way stuff up all over again. to get every single point,” Ekblad said. “We have to find a way to close a The Panthers also had to reschedule their charter airplane and make game like this out, get it to overtime at the very minimum.” sure one would be available to leave at the new time. Batter up There was, according to Tallon, a consideration of charter buses and a Vincent Trocheck learned at a young age to never take his eye off the drive across the desert, but that was nixed pretty quickly. ball. A former catcher, Trocheck said he played baseball growing up in Players, Aaron Ekblad said, decided it would be best to chill in Los Pittsburgh until hockey took over when he was a teenager. Angeles a little longer, get a good night of sleep and travel the following His baseball skills were on full display Wednesday when he batted down day. a puck as it caromed off the glass and put it into the back of the net for A few folks who did not want to wait for the plane were the team’s Florida’s second goal in a 4-1 win over the Ducks. broadcast crew. Trocheck said when he saw the puck go high and start coming his way, Instead of hanging around Los Angeles all day, Doug Plagens rented an his only concern was taking a shot in the back. SUV, loaded it up with luggage and hit the road with Steve Goldstein, “I just was hoping I didn’t get killed from behind because the puck Randy Moller and Jessica Blaylock. seemed to be up in the air for seven seconds,” he said. “I was trying to wait it out just so it wasn’t a high stick. I was pretty positive I waited long enough and felt like I was pretty parallel with my stick when I hit it. I am just glad I didn’t get crushed.”

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177633 Los Angeles Kings

Kings host two of NHL’s best in Nathan MacKinnon, Leon Draisaitl this weekend

By ANDREW KNOLL |PUBLISHED: February 21, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. | UPDATED: February 21, 2020 at 8:31 a.m.

While the Kings have been sellers leading up to the NHL trade deadline, hockey fans should be buyers at Staples Center this weekend as the Kings welcome arguably the two best players in the league this season.

They’ll face the Colorado Avalanche and center Nathan MacKinnon on Saturday and then square off with left wing Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday. The Avs will also have in tow this season’s top rookie, defenseman Cale Makar.

“We’re spoiled because we get to watch MacKinnon play every game, watch the way he skates and the way we can create offense from his speed, explosiveness and power. We’ve got the same thing with Cale Makar, just as a defenseman,” Colorado coach Jared Bednar said.

Ray Ferraro, Guy Carbonneau and a host of other prominent former players have been heaping praise on the temeritous tandem of center Connor McDavid and Draisaitl. The two had been trading places in the top two among scorers until McDavid sustained a lower-body injury earlier this month. MacKinnon’s 84 points tie him for second in the NHL behind Draisaitl, who seems destined for the Art Ross Trophy given his 11-point lead in the scoring race.

The Kings, who have been trading away veterans all month as part of their rebuild, are coming off a 5-4 win over the Florida Panthers on Thursday. While they might not have names like Draisaitl, MacKinnon or Sidney Crosby (whom the Kings will face with Pittsburgh on Wednesday) to boast about, their victory offered a glimpse of things to come.

Center Gabriel Vilardi played his first NHL game. The 2017 first-round selection was one of the top talents in his draft class, but back issues have slowed his ascent to the pros. Among other successful outings for recent additions, Vilardi scored his first goal just 10 seconds into his first shift and also earned his first assist on a go-ahead goal on Thursday.

“(The players) know his story and know his struggle to get back healthy … everyone was excited for him,” Kings coach Todd McLellan said. “To have him score in 10 seconds was remarkable and it affected the bench. The enthusiasm was contagious.”

Next, the Kings face two of the top teams in the West, against whom they have had some success this season. They have lost two of three games to Edmonton, but they are ahead in the aggregate score 11-9 by way of a decisive 5-1 win at home and two one-goal heartbreakers in Edmonton. The Kings have won their only meeting with Colorado thus far, earning a 3-1 victory outdoors in the Feb. 15 Stadium Series matchup in Colorado Springs.

—– COLORADO AT KINGS —–

When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Staples Center

TV/Radio: Fox Sports West, iHeartRadio

—– EDMONTON AT KINGS —–

When: Sunday, 7 p.m.

Where: Staples Center

TV/Radio: Fox Sports West, iHeartRadio

Orange County Register: LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177634 Los Angeles Kings Vilardi’s parents were on hand for his first game, as was his older brother Frankie, who played junior hockey in the OHL and later for Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

‘It was definitely cool’: Gabriel Vilardi scores in debut after long road back McLellan said he looked over at Vilardi during the anthem.

“He kinda just smiled — and I wondered to myself, ‘What are you thinking?'” McLellan said. “A lot of us were lucky enough to play at least By Lisa Dillman Feb 21, 2020 one game in the league — and I reminisced to my situation. Jeff Carter was talking about his first game when I walked in. So … great for him.

“Now, get ready for the second one. That’s how fast it happens. LOS ANGELES — It took a long time for Gabriel Vilardi to get to the NHL Tomorrow’s going to come. We’re going to work on things in practice. but no time at all to make an impact. He’s going to go put his head on the pillow and then he’s going to have to From the moment his skates hit the ice and the puck went past get up and do it all over again. That’s where you really become a good goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, Vilardi had a welcome-to-the-NHL moment player — when you can reproduce your efforts night after night.” he will never forget on Thursday night. Less than 10 seconds into his first Vilardi’s presence — and goal — helped energize the bench. shift in the NHL, Vilardi scored on his first shot. “They were all up on their feet,” McLellan said. “First of all, they were all He had waited more than two-and-a-half years to make his NHL debut, excited that he got called up (from AHL Ontario). They know his story. so maybe the hockey gods were busy at work at Staples Center, helping They know his struggle to get back healthy and the work he put in. To make things right. He scored once, added an assist and won 13 of 16 have him play tonight, everybody was excited. To have him score, eight draws in the Kings’ 5-4 victory against the Florida Panthers. to 10 seconds in, was remarkable — and it affected the bench. The “I wasn’t expecting that. I don’t think anybody expected to score on the enthusiasm was contagious. A good spark, and great for the kid. I’m so first shift,” Vilardi said. “It was definitely cool.” happy for him.”

Kings head coach Todd McLellan said he didn’t actually see much of 3. ‘Brain of the line’ Vilardi’s first 10 seconds. Late in the second period, Vilardi turned into the facilitator, setting up “It was in the middle of a change early in the game and I was trying to linemate Martin Frk with a dazzling no-look pass to give the Kings a 4-3 figure out what (the Panthers’) rotation was going to be,” McLellan said. “I lead. It was Frk’s fifth goal in eight games this season. was looking at their bench. Before you know it, it was on his tape and in Their obvious chemistry took hold with the Reign in the AHL. the net and everybody was happy.” “He was my center for something like 25 games.” Frk said. “When you This was the Kings’ first game at home since right wing Tyler Toffoli was get to know a player like that, it makes it easier for me. He is the brain of traded to the Vancouver Canucks on Monday and the first game since the line because he’s the center. I’m just trying to be shooter there. I’m defenseman Alec Martinez was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights on just going to find open spot. I know what he is going to do behind the net. Wednesday. Incidentally, Martinez recorded his first goal for Vegas in its I just had to put it in and I was lucky enough I scored.” win against Tampa Bay at about the same time Vilardi scored for the Kings. Apparently, the hockey gods also have a mischievous sense of Vilardi provided some insight into their partnership. time and place. “I don’t think there’s ever instant chemistry,” he said. “Took some time. Here are 10 notes and observations on a day and night full of hellos and For me, chemistry is not just on the ice. It’s off the ice, too, getting to goodbyes. know people.”

1. The long road Vilardi said Frk has become one of his close friends.

Vilardi’s professional career had been full of starts and stops because of “I talk to him a lot,” Vilardi said. “After a couple of games, you get to know troublesome back issues, but he has been able to handle every who you are playing with, and I know where he is most of the time on the challenge since coming back to Southern California this past fall after a ice and he knows where I am.” long and winding rehabilitation regime in Ottawa. Said Frk: “It was a great game for him. You cannot ask for anything At the morning skate on Thursday, Vilardi was the first player to hit the better, first shot. I was really happy for him. Well-deserved. He was ice in El Segundo. The smile never seemed to leave his face in the playing really well in Ontario. So it’s nice to see guys coming up and dressing room during his chat with the media. producing.”

I asked him if he ever thought this day would come. 4. The scouting report

“It was pretty crazy where I was a year ago,” said Vilardi, who was Asked what he thought Vilardi’s NHL upside might be, McLellan replied: drafted 11th overall by the Kings in 2017. “Even the beginning of the “I can’t answer that really. It wouldn’t be fair for me to either undersell or summer, I was still rehabbing and trying my best. I wasn’t feeling good oversell him right now. He’s obviously a talented young man. He’s had last year and (it’s) just a credit to me, the work I put in. that in his tool kit for a long time or he wouldn’t have been picked where he was.” “My family, the work they put in, being there for me. It’s not just tough physically. It’s tough, mentally. “I think many in the hockey world had written him off,” the coach added. “There’s some that didn’t — most importantly, himself. And then the “Actually, it’s more tough mentally, and the trainers, the people that support people around him, secondly and then the organization third. All helped me back home. Scott Livingston … those guys that put in a lot of three were important in his recovery.” work with me. Behind-the-scenes type stuff.” Vilardi’s goal and assist were getting all the postgame attention, and Vilardi spent the summer and part of the fall living with his agent Andy rightly so. But what he was able to do in the faceoff circle should not be Scott and Scott’s young family in Ottawa. By late August, Scott was overlooked. optimistic and told The Athletic that he thought Vilardi was going to make a full recovery. “He’s playing against really smart players,” Frk said. “Some guys are really good in the faceoffs. After a couple of games, he will figure out how “People have no idea. I mean, I was 17 when I first hurt my back,” Vilardi to do even better. Maybe (after) some faceoffs he was like, ‘I just lost it,’ said. “I missed a lot of time when I was 18, but I ended up playing. I missed my 19-year-old year. That sucks. That’s tough. “When you get more experience you get better. Overall, he did amazing.”

“I don’t want to talk in third person, but I’m still a kid. … It’s tough for Vilardi has a no-nonsense approach to that aspect of the position. anyone.” “I’m a centerman. I’ve got to win draws,” he said. It’s part of my job. If I 2. The debut can be over 50 percent, I’m happy. I want to be at least 55 kind of thing.” McLellan said the thing that impressed him most about Vilardi’s debut “Not to the point where you’ve got to pull somebody aside and give them was “his calmness.” a great big hug,” McLellan said on Thursday morning. “(But) you know deep down what they’re thinking and how they feel. Marty didn’t show up Said McLellan: “I think he was nervous. I don’t know if he’d tell you he at the rink the other day. He hadn’t been traded yet. You don’t think that was nervous. But he played like a calm player. To go 80 or 90 percent in plays on their minds. It does. the faceoff circle to begin with — that’s one of the most competitive areas of the game — he handled himself well there. He worked his way into “We’ve still got three or four more days left (before Monday’s trade positions on the ice that he needed to get to calmly. deadline). The bond that that group creates that you win championships, not one but two, is so strong that when they walk out the door it’s not “Sometimes, when a player starts his career, he’s just flying all over the easy.” place, without any purpose. Gabe had purpose in all of his shifts. His IQ. His sense of time and space — and arriving into that time and space — 8. Tryout time? was really good tonight, and we think that will continue on.” This will be a crucial final quarter of the season for a group of Kings 5. Schaller’s night players.

McLellan made a point of praising the other newcomer, Tim Schaller, You can almost call it a tryout. Or at least an excellent opportunity to who gave a good account of himself playing his first game in a Kings make an impression as the Kings move through the stages of their uniform. Schaller, who came to the Kings from Vancouver in the Toffoli rebuild. trade, played on the fourth line with center Michael Amadio and Trevor Lewis and logged 9:24 of ice time. “The execution of the plan is beginning now,” McLellan said Thursday morning. “The next level of player and that would be Amadio, Wagner, In the past fortnight or so, four regulars have been traded away: (Blake) Lizotte, (Trevor) Moore, (Nikolai) Prokhorkin, those are the guys goaltender Jack Campbell and Kyle Clifford to the Toronto Maple Leafs, now. You’ve got 22 games to figure out where you fit in and what you can Toffoli and Martinez. Their departures have opened up lineup spots for get done and accomplished here. others to get their looks. “The prospects that everybody talks about are still a little ways away. “We’re at that phase now where the next layer has to step up and They’re percolating somewhere and hopefully improving. So we’re three contribute,” McLellan said. “The players that have come up from Ontario or four stages into the rebuild. Right now that next level, or layer, of have shown to this point that they’re ready to go and they understand the players really has to step up and perform and shine.” structure, that they’re competitive like we thought they’d be, and they’re excited to be here. 9. Possible chips

“They give us a little spark, a little jolt of enthusiasm, which we need at Jeff Carter did not play against Florida because of a lower-body injury this time of year. For as much as they help us out, we’re excited as well. sustained against Winnipeg. He is considered day-to-day. McLellan It’s a good mix right now. Something our team dearly needs.” wanted to make it abundantly clear that Carter was not being held out for precautionary reasons related to a trade. 6. Hello, goodbye In other words, it was not a case of #AssetProtection. Not long after the Kings landed in Winnipeg on Monday, Toffoli was traded. One day later, Martinez was held out of the Jets game for It remains to be seen if there is enough interest in the Kings’ pending precautionary reasons (asset protection) and flew home with the Kings, unrestricted free agents — such as, say, defensemen Derek Forbort or knowing he would be moving on. Ben Hutton — to craft a deal.

“He’s a brother for life, for sure,” Lewis said. “We grew up in the 10. The final word organization together. We came up from the minors together. Along with The trade deadline is Monday at noon PT. With that in mind, there was Cliffy (Kyle Clifford), he was one of my first roommates up here, too. one obvious question for captain Anze Kopitar.

“It’s tough. It’s tough to see him go. I’m happy for him and happy he’s in a Are you going to be relieved when Monday passes? good spot. He’s got (Brayden) McNabb there to show him the ropes, too.” “Yeah, you want Monday to come as quick as it comes,” Kopitar said. The long flight home gave them the chance to say goodbye. “It’s a hard time, hard time for everybody, not just for the guys getting “He came up to the card table and we talked for an hour, hour and a dealt. I’m sure it’s hard for people left behind, people that are calling half,” Lewis said. “He’s usually on the first bus going over to the game shots. It’s not easy.” and he wasn’t on it. I’m sure you see all the Twitter updates, too. The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 “I texted him then and he said, ‘Yeah something is probably going down.’ So they were holding him out. He didn’t know where or what. I think he had a good idea but was still unknown. That was a tough waiting game.”

Lewis didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to Toffoli in person.

“I texted him as soon as I heard the news, and he was already in the cab going to the plane,” Lewis said. “I went to dinner with (former King) Nick Shore actually, and I saw the TSN update on my phone. I texted Ty right away and asked if I could see him. He said he was already in the cab going to the airport. It’s a quick turnaround.”

7. Emotional toll

Not only was Martinez a mentor to the young defense corps, but he also had a meaningful presence in the dressing room.

“It’s kind of sad because everybody loves Marty,” forward Austin Wagner said. “He’s been around and with the young guys and everything he’s always been really good. Same with Ty.

“They both have helped everybody here. It’s sad because you’re not going to hear Marty coming in the room and joke around and being that sarcastic Marty kind of thing. He always made everybody smile. In tough times, you need that. We’re all gonna miss him.”

Managing the emotional component is a significant part of McLellan’s job right now. 1177635 Los Angeles Kings played hard and I thought Matty Villalta was really good in net and if you look at it, it’s a big piece of the middle of the ice without Gabe, he’s a big playmaker and he’s a big guy on the power play.

FINAL – COLORADO 2, ONTARIO 1 (OT) On Anderson-Dolan’s play, and filling more minutes

It was an opportunity to get JAD more ice time. We don’t play tomorrow, we play again Sunday, he is a high energy guy, he loves the workload, ZACH DOOLEYFEBRUARY 21, 2020 so it was just a change to get him a little bit more ice. [Reporter: How do you evaluate where Anderson-Dolan’s game is at, now three quarters

through his rookie season?] My expectations, and other people’s via Ontario Reign expectations probably were that he was going to be way up in the scoring and in the league leaders in points, which I never thought that, and he The Ontario Reign battled, battled and battled some more, and at the end was what I expected. He’s a guy who came in and it wasn’t easy, he of the day came away with a hard-fought point against Colorado on home struggled, but because he’s worked hard and because he’s put the time ice, from a 2-1 overtime defeat on Friday evening. in, he’s a pretty versatile guy, we use him in all situations. This guy is become as complete a player as you can ask for, and he’s still got a long After the Reign were held scoreless for the first 56 minutes of regulation, way to go growth wise. I feel comfortable putting JAD in any situation, defenseman Paul LaDue scored a late goal on the power play with four any matchup, any opposing centerman. minutes remaining to tie the game at one and force an extra session. It was the Eagles, however, who capitalized 16 seconds into overtime to LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 02.22.2020 earn the extra point, and move four points clear of Ontario for third place in the Pacific Division standings.

Ontario got a standout performance from goaltender Matthew Villalta, who made 28 saves on 30 shots, including several key saves in the first 40 minutes to keep his team in the game. Villalta made an especially athletic glove save in the middle frame, with the score still tied 0-0, that is featured below.

Overall, the Reign have now collected a point in 12 of their last 13 games (10-1-2), as they continue to claw towards a playoff berth. Ontario is back in action on home ice on Sunday afternoon, for a 3 PM puck drop at Toyota Arena.

Post-Game Quotes

Jaret Anderson-Dolan

Matt Luff on the team’s third-period success, and grinding to get a point

I think it’s big, but it shows us that you can’t take 40 minutes to just take it off. Our third period was pretty good there, but our first two, I mean, if it was a boxing match they took both of them. At the end of the day, they probably deserved to win that game, but that’s an OT thing and as a veteran guy, I’ve got to make sure I shut that down and have a better gap on that guy, because that’s just a mistake that can’t happen, especially when it’s crunch time like this for those two points.

On what was lacking in the first 40 minutes tonight

I think just execution. You look at passes, I don’t we had over maybe 40% completed on the tape, and I think that’s what it came down to. It’s the little things in the game that get your offense going. If you’re not breaking it out clean, you’re going to have to take a step there and they gain a stride back. I think in the third, we started making tape-to-tape passes and really cleaned up our game. I think if we play even 40 minutes like that, it’s probably a different story.

Mike Stothers on the team’s play in the third period, to come back and earn a point

It’s a hard game, Colorado’s a great team. They skate well, they came in fresh, last time we played them they played the night before so they might’ve been a little bit tired. I thought it was a good game, an excellent hockey game, like you would expect around playoff time. I was proud of the guys that we got a point. I think I said to them after the first period, if I was a boxing judge, I would have gave [Colorado] that round, if you know what I mean. We had 40 minutes to make a difference and I thought we did. I thought we competed, we found a way with four minutes left to tie the game and then it goes into overtime and it’s anybody’s guess. We got a valuable point, considering San Diego won, Tucson and Stockton had to get three points, but anyways, we needed that point and we got it, so that’s good.

On if he felt there was an extra level of desperation in the third period, after killing off 2 penalties

I would have liked to have seen us get a few more power plays. Jaddy gets high sticked in the face, lip’s bleeding all over the place, and they claimed they didn’t see it. That’s a four-minute power play, that’s a big difference, that’s a big miss. That being said, you’ve got to earn your power plays, I guess, we didn’t get as many as they got, but we did a good job of killing. Again, I’ve really got no complaints, I thought the guys 1177636 Los Angeles Kings While there has been an exodus of players, the banners remain intact, the memories may collect some dust but hardly fade and as hard as it may be for some to see the Kings legend in a Golden Knights jersey, the bonds between players who accomplished what those like Martinez did WAKING UP WITH THE KINGS: FEBRUARY 21 remain intact forever. Both Toffoli and Martinez traveled with the team to Winnipeg. A group that included both veterans went out to dinner

Monday night, and just as food was served, Rob Blake’s name popped JON ROSENFEBRUARY 21, 2020 up on Toffoli’s phone. Tyler knew what it was about and he was waiting for that moment, but that didn’t make it any less abrupt. The news was processed so quickly that when Martinez wanted to reach out to Toffoli, he was already at the airport, ticketed for Vancouver. We were largely The Florida Panthers and LA Kings owned the 10th and 11th picks at the expecting an L.A.-Vegas trade but learned of the Martinez news one day NHL Draft. After Detroit had selected Michael Rasmussen ninth overall, later from a mid-afternoon Bob McKenzie tweet. Because cap space Los Angeles knew they’d be selecting one of two OHL players: played into the equation, the exchange couldn’t be consummated until Mississauga’s Owen Tippett or Windsor’s Gabriel Vilardi. Dale Tallon Wednesday, and Martinez flew home with us to Los Angeles. Alec came strode to the stage, waited for a standing ovation at Chicago’s United to the back of the plane and before hanging out with the media for 10 Center to die down before yelling out, “Right back at ya!” and then minutes gave Daryl Evans an enormous bear hug. (It was joked that it announced Tippett’s name. Tippett is a prime NHL prospect on the verge would serve multiple parties well if he were to *not* throw his back out of a recall to a deep offensive group and scored a goal as a teenager for that night.) But Alec thanked all of us, and we returned the appreciation – Florida two seasons ago. Vilardi, too, has an NHL goal. A really nice with gusto – for his intelligent candor and what he managed to assist, too. accomplish in Los Angeles. I recalled a few times that he referenced the For one needed night at the beginning of a stretch in which they’ll play 14 13 years he’d been a part of the organization – Anze Kopitar and of 15 at home – a scheduling imbalance that Todd McLellan had strong Jonathan Quick have been with the organization for 15 years, Trevor opinions about – the Kings summoned up some juju they’ll need to Lewis for 14 and Drew Doughty for 12 – so it was important they’d all sustain over a long weekend and beyond. It was storybook, it was poetic, found time to congregate one last time as teammates. “I’m at the card it was an important moment for a young man whose career was in table, but he came up and we chatted for a long time,” Doughty said jeopardy and whose health requires some pretty regular attention. “He’s before Thursday’s game. “He was obviously a little sad leaving the LA got a pretty crazy routine before practice,” Drew Doughty told me before Kings organization. He put a lot of blood, sweat & tears into it, but at the the game. Obviously, he went through some problems, injury-wise, so same time, we continued to tell him, ‘What a great opportunity you now he has to go through all these things to get ready for the game. You have.’” Those moments will be remembered live and in technicolor and see some great professionalism from him there.” The reward was so for a long, long time by a lot of people in an otherwise nondescript worth the pain and sweat and, for a long time, inertia, to get to this point, season. And then the plane landed, and they got into their cars, and it and across hockey there were endless platitudes and well-wishes was off into the early morning darkness. expressed towards someone who over an exhausting process had to LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 02.22.2020 rewire himself and the way he practiced and prepared for games so that he might experience the type of pure, unadulterated joy we saw both last night and the night in Chicago his name was called.

(This is not the time to note that Sergei Bobrovsky, who entered with an .899 save percentage, is 31, and carries a $10-million cap hit through 2026, allowed the softest goal we’ve seen this season on the first shot of the game, but, gosh, we’ve got to do it anyway. Meanwhile, Toffoli, who had a 6.35% 5×5 shooting percentage since 2017, punches a hole in his hat. Also, can we agree that we’ve understood that Aleksander Barkov is an outstanding player for years – that wristshot on the second goal, hoo boy – and that Jonathan Huberdeau is much more “underrated?” Every time I watch Florida, I’m aware of how great Barkov is, but it’s always Huberdeau and Evgenii Dadonov whose playmaking and puck protection subtleties that get me almost every time.)

Importantly, it’s gut check time for a number of young-to-young-ish Kings whose names were mentioned by McLellan during some extended media availability. “The decision was made, the plan was plotted, the execution of the plan is beginning now,” McLellan said. “I think the next level of player – and that would be Amadio, Wagner, Lizotte, Moore, Prokhorkin – those are the guys now. You’ve got 22 games to figure where you fit in and what you can get done and accomplish here.” Michael Amadio (turns 24 in May), Austin Wagner (23 in June), Blake Lizotte (recently turned 22), Trevor Moore (turns 25 in a month) and Nikolai Prokhorkin (26) have 22 games to show what role they will play in this rebuild and how they might entrench themselves on future rosters. This was essentially the thrust of this season, one in which the cavalry – Vilardi, Alex Turcotte, Samuel Fagemo, Rasmus Kupari, Arthur Kaliyev and now Tyler Madden among them – hasn’t yet arrived. Before it does, it still needs to be seen what Rob Blake can take from this season and whether there are those who may be written in ink or pencil next year. One-game samples don’t mean much, but Austin Wagner’s struggles in the defensive end continued as his backhanded, up-the-middle pass was picked off and turned into Barkov’s first goal. Trevor Moore scored on an astute deflection but wasn’t otherwise fond of his game, telling me afterwards that while he’s been happy with his his overall game, Thursday “wasn’t one of [his] best performances.” He’s got two goals in six games and became only the second Californian to score for the LA Kings at Staples Center some 13 years after Noah Clarke did so off Dustin Brown and Jaroslav Modry assists in a win over Edmonton.

Adam Pantozzi/NHLI

And, let us end by touching on Alec Martinez, the latest King to become a necessary casualty of roster turnover and an ongoing infusion of youth. 1177637 Los Angeles Kings LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 02.22.2020

PREVIEW – ONTARIO VS. COLORADO, 2/21

ZACH DOOLEYFEBRUARY 21, 2020

via Ontario Reign

WHO: Ontario Reign (26-19-4-1) vs. Colorado Eagles (27-16-3-1)

WHAT: AHL REGULAR-SEASON GAME

WHEN: Friday, February 21, 2020 – 7:00 PM

WHERE: Toyota Arena – Ontario, CA

TONIGHT’S MATCHUP: The Ontario Reign and Colorado Eagles are back in action this evening, in a rematch of last Sunday’s game at Toyota Arena. Ontario won the first meeting, by a 6-3 final on home ice.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The Ontario Reign skated this morning at Toyota Arena, with goaltender Matthew Villalta off the ice first. Villalta started five consecutive games for Ontario, and went 4-1-0, before Kevin Poulin took the net on Sunday. Daniel Brickley was the lone skater on late, which leaves the Reign with 19 skaters for 18 spots, with the final decision made closer to puck drop.

PLAYOFF PICTURE: With Sunday’s victory, Ontario moved to within three points of the Eagles for the third seed in the division, though Colorado holds two games in hand. The Reign currently hold the final playoff position in the division, leading the San Diego Gulls by two points. Ontario and Colorado will meet four more times down the stretch, with each team home twice, while the Reign and Gulls will play three more times.

COLD AS EYSS: Ontario forward Mikey Eyssimont led the Reign on Sunday as he posted an AHL career-high four points (1-3-4) and a +4 rating in his team’s win over the Eagles, with his tally serving as the game-winning goal. Eyssimont is currently Ontario’s active leader in both goals (12) and points (28) this season, with the second-year forward nearly doubling his points-per-game pace (.57 vs .32) from his rookie season.

HIGH FIVE: Reign forward Carl Grundstrom put together another multi- point effort, as he extended his scoring streak to five games with a goal and an assist on Sunday against Colorado. Grundstrom, who has multiple points in three of his last four games, has compiled nine points (3-6-9) over his current streak. Grundstrom is one of three Ontario skaters with double-digit goals this season, and is tied for third on the team with 25 points.

POULINSANITY: Goaltender Kevin Poulin made his Ontario Reign debut on Sunday, and earned the victory, as he made 31 saves on 34 shots. Poulin’s win was his first this season in the AHL, after he went 0-1-2 in three games with Grand Rapids, despite a .915 save percentage and a 2.22 goals against average. All-time, Poulin has appeared in 322 professional games, including now 189 in the AHL.

FIRST-GOAL FURY: Ontario and Colorado are at opposite ends of the spectrum in wins this season when scoring the first goal, with Colorado leading the league in both first goals scored (32) and wins when scoring first (24), while Ontario has the fewest first goals scored in the league (17). The Eagles scored first on Sunday, with the Reign coming back to win for their 12th win of the season when conceding the first goal.

V1LARD1: Forward Gabriel Vilardi made his NHL debut with authority last night at STAPLES Center. Vilardi scored his first career NHL goal on his first career NHL shot, and finished with two points (1-1-2) on the evening. Vilardi, who was named as the game’s first star, also assisted on fellow Reign alum Martin Frk’s goal. Vilardi had 25 points (9-16-25) from 32 games with Ontario prior to his recall.

SCOUTING THE EAGLES: Including a pair of tallies on Sunday against Ontario, defenseman Jacob MacDonald is the AHL’s highest scoring defenseman both during the month of February, with five goals, and on the season, with a league-high 14 goals. MacDonald, who is four goals clear of the next closest defenseman this season, ranks second on the Eagles in total scoring this season with 37 points, and is the only Colorado player to appear in all 48 games to date. 1177638 Minnesota Wild

Minnesota hosts St. Louis after Spurgeon's 3-goal game

By The Associated Press FEBRUARY 22, 2020 — 2:10AM

St. Louis Blues (35-17-10, first in the Central Division) vs. Minnesota Wild (29-24-7, sixth in the Central Division)

St. Paul, Minnesota; Sunday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota hosts the St. Louis Blues after Jared Spurgeon scored three goals in the Wild's 5-3 victory against the Oilers.

The Wild are 19-15-3 in Western Conference games. Minnesota has given up 44 power-play goals, killing 75.4% of opponent chances.

The Blues are 11-7-2 against Central Division opponents. St. Louis has given up 36 power-play goals, killing 80.2% of opponent chances.

In their last meeting on Nov. 2, St. Louis won 4-3.

TOP PERFORMERS: Zach Parise leads the Wild with 21 goals and has recorded 37 points. Ryan Suter has collected six assists over the last 10 games for Minnesota.

David Perron leads the Blues with 57 points, scoring 24 goals and registering 33 assists. Colton Parayko has totaled five goals and five assists over the last 10 games for St. Louis.

LAST 10 GAMES: Blues: 4-4-2, averaging three goals, 5.5 assists, 4.1 penalties and nine penalty minutes while giving up 2.5 goals per game with a .907 save percentage.

Wild: 6-3-1, averaging 2.8 goals, 4.9 assists, 3.9 penalties and 8.9 penalty minutes while giving up 2.5 goals per game with a .914 save percentage.

INJURIES: Wild: Carson Soucy: day to day (upper body), Luke Kunin: day to day (upper body).

Blues: Tyler Bozak: day to day (lower body).

Star Tribune LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177639 Minnesota Wild

Wild sweeps road trip with dads along for the ride

By Sarah McLellan FEBRUARY 22, 2020 — 12:04AM

EDMONTON – After an even-louder-than-usual postgame cheer, Wild jerseys spilled out of the team’s quarters at Rogers Place.

But it wasn’t players getting ready to pack up and head home.

It was their dads, mentors and other guests wearing their jerseys exiting after the celebration for a 5-3 win over the Oilers on Friday – an outcome that improved the entourage to 2-0 during a two-game trip through Western Canada.

“It gives you goosebumps,” interim coach Dean Evason said. “Just as you’re talking and saying it, it gives me goosebumps. To look around the room after and to see all the jerseys, the huge smiles on dads and mentors, yeah, it’s special for sure. Very special.”

Not everyone’s dad made the trip; defenseman Jared Spurgeon’s father Barry didn’t go to Vancouver, instead meeting up with his son in his hometown of Edmonton. But once his dad was in attendance, Spurgeon shined – recording his first career hat trick to lead the Wild to a comeback victory.

“He stayed here,” Spurgeon said. “He had some work to do. I was able to go home last night, have some dinner with everyone. It’s pretty special.”

Asked if the team will petition to keep the group around as it continues its playoff push, goalie Alex Stalock said, “I don’t know if they can hang in there, honestly. I think my dad needs about a month off.”

The Wild’s rally coincided with better defending.

After the Leon Draisaitl line toyed with the team through the first two periods, recording all three of Edmonton’s goals – “Draisaitl’s line was just eating us up,” Evason said – the Wild tightened up in the third – improved play that helped it generate offense. In the end, the Wild registered a season-high 26 blocked shots.

“I think in the first two periods we had a lot of odd-man rushes against, and we had to block them,” Spurgeon said. “So, I think in the third we cleaned that up.”

The Wild wasn’t at full strength by the end of the game, with center Luke Kunin and defenseman Carson Soucy leaving the game with upper-body injuries.

Without Kunin, Evason juggled the forward lines up front by tapping into the team’s center depth since a few wingers have experience playing up the middle.

“It’s so nice,” Evason said of the versatility. “You can bump guys up and down. [Ryan Hartman] played a little bit of center, and [Alex Galchenyuk] played a little bit of center. We had a real scramble fest going there in the third, but the guys were committed and didn’t matter who we called up. They just played and played the right way. So, it’s very encouraging.”

Even playing shorthanded, the evening was a strong one for the Wild defense. Not only did it slow down the Oilers as the game progressed, but the blue line totaled six points.

“We’re playing well, and that’s how we win,” said Ryan Suter, who had two assists. “We’ve got to chip in and contribute from the back end.”

Star Tribune LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177640 Minnesota Wild

Wild-Edmonton game recap

FEBRUARY 22, 2020 — 12:03AM

SARAH McLELLAN

GAME RECAP

STAR TRIBUNE’S THREE STARS

1. Jared Spurgeon, Wild: The defenseman recorded his first career hat trick.

2. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Oilers: The winger had two goals and an assist.

3. Kevin Fiala, Wild: Scored his seventh goal in nine games.

BY THE NUMBERS

10 Multi-point games this season for defenseman Ryan Suter, a team high, after his two-assist effort.

17 First-period shots by the Wild, the most in a road period this season.

26 Blocked shots by the Wild, a season high.

Star Tribune LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177641 Minnesota Wild

Spurgeon's hat trick leads Wild past Oilers 5-3

Associated Press FEBRUARY 21, 2020 — 11:35PM

EDMONTON, Alberta — Jared Spurgeon scored three goals as the Minnesota Wild continued their attempt to get back into a playoff position with a 5-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night.

Kevin Fiala and Carson Soucy also scored for the Wild, who have won two straight.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a pair of goals and an assist and Leon Draisaitl also scored for the Oilers, who have lost two in a row.

Spurgeon gave Minnesota its first lead at 4-3 midway through the third period when his backhand tipped in off defender Adam Larsson's stick. Spurgeon earned the natural hat trick late in the game, scoring his 10th goal into an empty net.

His first goal came with 9:05 remaining in the second period and made it 3-3. Spurgeon wired a slap shot off the post and in.

"We know that no games are going to be easy this time of year," Wild veteran Ryan Suter said. "They got up early, so we didn't have a choice. We stuck with it and (goalie Alex Stalock) played solid and we scored goals and we won."

It took 50 seconds for the Oilers to strike first. Kailer Yamamoto dug the puck off the sideboards and found Nugent-Hopkins, who sent a low wrist shot past Stalock.

The Wild responded 8 1/2 minutes into the opening period as Fiala picked up a rebound off a face-off and made a nice move to power a backhand shot past Oilers goaltender Mikko Koskinen for his seventh goal in his last nine games.

Edmonton regained the lead with just under seven minutes left in the first on a 3-on-2. Yamamoto dropped the puck back to a trailing Nugent- Hopkins, and he picked the top corner for his second of the game and 17th of the season.

Minnesota tied it back up 5:48 into the second period as Soucy buried a high shot through traffic for his seventh.

"We have to find a way to win a game like that," Draisaitl said. "It's not like they did anything crazy. They played a solid game, but we just shot ourselves in the foot by giving up preventable goals. That's pretty much the story of the game."

The Oilers got a gift goal to go ahead 3-2 when a blind backhand centering attempt by Draisaitl hit the back of the skate of defender Jordan Greenway and caromed into the Wild net.

"I think the guys were very committed," Wild interim coach Dean Evason said. "Draisaitl's line was just eating us up. I mean eating us up. We really committed to playing better defense.

"We were getting opportunities so we were able to reinforce that between periods, that we're getting our chances, guys, but let's tighten up in all areas."

NOTES: Oilers captain Connor McDavid practiced on Friday and looks like he will return from a quad injury Sunday after missing the last six games. Edmonton was also without Joakim Nygard (hand), Kris Russell (concussion), James Neal (foot) and Oscar Klefbom (shoulder). Zack Kassian missed the game due to a suspension.

UP NEXT

Wild: Home against St. Louis on Sunday night.

Oilers: At Los Angeles on Sunday night.

Star Tribune LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177642 Minnesota Wild After that, Spurgeon took over — the standout during a much tighter effort by the Wild in the third that included two penalty kills against the NHL’s top power play. The Wild also went 0-for-2 and ended up blocking a season-high 26 shots. Jared Spurgeon's hometown hat trick gives Wild 5-3 win over Edmonton “We started to hold onto the puck more and get more chances,” Spurgeon said.

By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune FEBRUARY 22, 2020 — 12:34AM What made the push in the third even more impressive is the Wild did most of it shorthanded.

Luke Kunin didn’t play after the first period, and Soucy left in the third. EDMONTON, ALBERTA – The locals had plenty to celebrate Friday Both suffered upper-body injuries. night. “All year we’ve said it doesn’t matter who’s playing,” Suter said. “We just But it wasn’t the Oilers. have to go out and compete. When we work hard and stay with it, we Edmonton native Jared Spurgeon scored his first career hat trick, a usually get the result we want.” natural one that featured the tying goal, the game-winner and an Star Tribune LOADED: 02.22.2020 insurance marker, to settle a back-and-forth battle with the Oilers in the Wild’s favor 5-3 in front of 17,055 at Rogers Place — a result that gave the Wild a two-game sweep through Western Canada and moved the team within three points of the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

VideoVideo (01:19): Interim coach Dean Evason recaps the 5-3 win over the Oilers on Friday.

“My grandma’s at home watching with my aunt and uncle,” Spurgeon said. “But my sister, niece and brother-in-law are here with my mom and dad. It was awesome. Even to get the win, too, to keep climbing in the standings was even better.”

Defenseman Carson Soucy, who grew up outside of Edmonton, also had a goal, contributing to a six-point night for the Wild blue line that helped the team gain ground in its playoff chase after it started the trip Wednesday in Vancouver seven points shy of a berth.

“Soucy’s shot, and obviously Spurge is Spurge,” interim coach Dean Evason said. “He’s just an amazing player.”

Players’ dads, mentors and other guests were along for the road trip, but Spurgeon’s dad didn’t make it out to Vancouver for the first game. But after dinner at home Thursday night, he put on quite a show for his family.

With the Wild trailing 3-2, Spurgeon tied the score on a wind-up from inside the right faceoff circle that eluded goalie Mikko Koskinen 10 minutes, 55 seconds into the second period.

At 10:07 of the third, his shot clipped Oilers defenseman Adam Larsson’s stick and slipped between Koskinen and the near post. Ryan Suter’s assist on Spurgeon’s goal was his second of the contest.

And then with 1:38 to go, Spurgeon completed the natural hat trick into an empty net — the first three-goal game of his career after three times scoring twice in a game. He now has 11 points in his past 14 appearances.

“The first one we had a good long shift in the O-zone, and it just popped out to me,” Spurgeon said. “The second one I just threw on net, and it went in.”

Spurgeon is only the second Wild defenseman to record a hat trick, following Suter in January 2014.

Still without Connor McDavid, as the captain continues to recover from a quad injury, Edmonton opened the scoring on the game’s first shot from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins only 50 seconds in.

The Wild answered at 8:25 when winger Kevin Fiala picked up a Koskinen rebound and flung it into the net for his seventh goal and 12th point over his past nine games.

Before the first period ended, the Oilers retook the lead on Nugent- Hopkins’ second goal of the night at 13:04, but Soucy tied it on a wrist shot that handcuffed Koskinen at 5:48 of the second.

“It got loud when Souc scored,” said Stalock, who posted 23 saves compared with 34 for Koskinen. “Boy, you could tell he had some fans here.”

Again, though, the Oilers responded.

This time, Leon Draisaitl’s backhand from the corner deflected off Jordan Greenway’s skate and flew past Stalock at 8:01. 1177643 Minnesota Wild “Victor before the break was playing extremely well,” Evason said. “I think it was one game when he came back and didn’t really have the same jump that he had. We’ve challenged him to play the game with pace, at a high pace. His skill level is extremely high, but if he plays with pace, good Wild's Mats Zuccarello picks up his play and his confidence things will happen for him.”

Star Tribune LOADED: 02.22.2020 By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune FEBRUARY 22, 2020 — 12:26AM

EDMONTON, ALBERTA – Before the Wild embarked on a two-game road trip through Western Canada this week, winger Mats Zuccarello’s objective was to boost his confidence after a recent dip in his play, try to enjoy hockey and stop overanalyzing what was happening.

“I’m telling you right now it’s no fun to feel that way and feel like you’re not up to your best,” he said Sunday. “There’s nothing you can do but work hard and show up.”

After he assisted on a pair of goals in the 4-3 shootout victory Wednesday at Vancouver, including linemate Alex Galchenyuk’s tying goal that sent the game to overtime, it certainly looked like Zuccarello accomplished that mission.

“Felt good,” he said. “Obviously every time you win and you’re trying to play your best, you felt better. It’s only one game. Gotta keep it consistently. I think that’s been an issue this year, playing good and then for some reason you slough off a little bit. You want to play good every game.”

Zuccarello’s two-assist effort gave him his first points in seven games, a dry spell that went along with a demotion from the top line to the second — a performance that could start a spiral in the other direction.

“At some point, you’re done beating yourself down,” Zuccarello said. “You kind of know I’m better than this and just stop thinking about everything. Just enjoy. You get to a point it can’t get worse. If your mind’s not good, it’s not fun. Relax. I think that’s important.”

Blue-line prospect

While the Wild was wrapping up its road trip in Edmonton, prospect Calen Addison was also in action in Alberta — continuing his junior season in the with Lethbridge.

The Wild acquired Addison, Galchenyuk and a first-round draft pick in the Jason Zucker trade with Pittsburgh on Feb.10. Through 43 games, he had 10 goals and 47 points; four of those goals came on the power play.

“He’s going to turn pro next year, and we’ll see where he goes and take it step by step,” General Manager Bill Guerin said. “He’s a guy we want to make sure we go through the right process. … He’s extremely important to us. He’s very good on the power play, kind of like that quarterback- type guy. You could call him one of these modern-day defensemen where he’s not 6-4, but he moves the puck and has great hockey sense.

“And he competes real hard. Just knowing him from my time in Pittsburgh, he’s a good kid and he wants to be a good player.”

Love from the locals

Mike Soucy expected close to 300 people to make the hour-and-a-half drive from Irma, Alberta, to Rogers Place Friday for his son Carson’s first NHL game in Edmonton.

“We got so much support from the community, and that’s what small towns are about,” Mike Soucy said.

Etc.

The Wild made three lineup changes vs. the Oilers. Center Victor Rask replaced winger Ryan Donato on the fourth line. Greg Pateryn subbed in for Brad Hunt on the third defensive pairing, and backup Alex Stalock got the start in net.

With the tweaks, every player got in at least one game on the dads/mentors trip, which interim coach Dean Evason explained was part of the motivation behind the moves. But he also said Pateryn has played well.

As for Rask, this was his first appearance since Feb. 1; he was a healthy scratch for the previous eight games. 1177644 Minnesota Wild

Wild won't face Connor McDavid in road trip finale vs. Oilers

By Sarah McLellan FEBRUARY 21, 2020 — 1:35PM

EDMONTON – The Wild won’t face Oilers captain Connor McDavid Friday, as the center isn’t ready to return from a quad injury that’s sidelined him the past five games.

But the final matchup on this two-game road trip will still be quite a test.

“They’re [without] McDavid, but that means everyone else has to step up a little bit and I think teams are good at that,” defenseman Carson Soucy said. “Teams with depth and better teams are good at stepping up when their top guys are out.”

That’s certainly been the case for the Oilers, who are 3-1-1 while McDavid’s been out. Edmonton is coming off a 2-1 overtime loss to the Bruins on Wednesday.

As for the Wild, it pocketed a 4-3 shootout win that same night in Vancouver. But interim coach Dean Evason still noticed areas where the Wild could improve.

“We didn’t get as many pucks to the net as we would have liked as far as shooting the puck,” Evason said. “We got in on our forecheck. We created some turnovers but once we got the puck, we didn’t shoot it. We tried to be a little too cute.

“Defensively, we’ve got to do a better job getting out of our zone.”

Despite winning in its last game, the Wild will make a few lineup changes ahead of taking on the Oilers.

Backup Alex Stalock will be in net, center Victor Rask will take winger Ryan Donato’s spot on the fourth line and Greg Pateryn will sub in for Brad Hunt on the third defensive pairing. These moves mean that every player will have suited up at least once during the dads/mentors’ trip.

Projected lineup:

Zach Parise-Eric Staal-Kevin Fiala

Alex Galchenyuk-Luke Kunin-Mats Zuccarello

Marcus Foligno-Joel Eriksson Ek-Jordan Greenway

Victor Rask-Mikko Koivu-Ryan Hartman

Ryan Suter-Jared Spurgeon

Jonas Brodin-Matt Dumba

Carson Soucy-Greg Pateryn

Alex Stalock

Key numbers:

14-3: Record for the Wild in its last 17 games in Edmonton.

6: Goals for winger Kevin Fiala in his past eight games.

26: Career points for center Eric Staal in 23 contests vs. the Oilers.

5: Points this season for Staal in two matchups against Edmonton.

3: Goals or more by the Wild in 14 of its last road outings.

About the Oilers:

A win by Vegas Thursday night dropped Edmonton to second in the Pacific Division with 71 points. The Oilers are one behind the Golden Knights and one ahead of the Canucks. Center Leon Draisaitl leads the NHL in scoring with 95 points through 60 games. He has points in five of his last six games, recording five goals and seven assists in that span. He also leads the NHL with 29 multi-point games.

Star Tribune LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177645 Minnesota Wild

Jared Spurgeon’s hat trick lifts Wild over Edmonton

By JASON HILLS | Special to the Pioneer PressPUBLISHED: February 21, 2020 at 10:52 p.m. | UPDATED: February 21, 2020 at 11:46 p.m.

EDMONTON — Jared Spurgeon’s father Barry has likely seen his son score many goals during his minor league hockey days in his hometown of Edmonton.

But on Friday night, Barry got to see his son record his first career hat- trick in a 5-3 come-from-behind victory for the Minnesota Wild over Edmonton at Rogers Place to wrap up their two-game road trip with two wins on their annual father’s trip.

Spurgeon scored the game-tying, game-winner and the empty-netter in the victory that helped keep the Wild in the playoff chase as they improved to 29-24-7 and are just three points back of the final wildcard spot.

“It’s been a long time. Probably midget was the last time I scored a hat- trick,” said Spurgeon.

“To do it here in a place where I had so many memories. We had season tickets with my grandpa, and I’d watch games with my brother and cousins. It’s special.

“My sister, brother-in-law and niece were here with my mom and dad, and my grandma was back at home watching with my aunt and uncle. It was awesome to get the win too, to keep climbing in the standings, is important.”

The Wild had another defenseman with Edmonton roots make an impact. Carson Soucy, who hails from the small village of Irma, Alberta, scored, while Kevin Fiala rounded out the scoring for Minnesota as the Wild showed resilience coming back three times in the victory.

Alex Stalock made 23 saves and overcame a shaky start to earn his 15th win of the season. The Oilers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead as Nugent- Hopkins beat Stalock on the game’s first shot, just 50 seconds in.

Fiala tied it midway through the opening frame after he pounced on a rebound in the slot and beat Mikko Koskinen with a backhand. But Nugent-Hopkins tallied his second of the period to give Edmonton a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes.

Soucy’s wrist shot through traffic would tie it at 2-2 at the 5:48 mark of the second period, but Stalock would be on the wrong end of a bad bounce as Draisaitl’s entering pass would deflect off Greenway’s skate to give Edmonton a 3-2 lead not even three minutes later.

But the Wild didn’t back down from the Oilers all night long, and Spurgeon’s blast from the slot would tie the game 2:54 later.

“We were pretty resilient tonight and we wouldn’t go away.It was a good effort by us,” said Wild forward Zach Parise.

“We kept tying the game. We had a pretty fortunate go-ahead goal, and then we locked it down after that, and Al made some pretty important saves to keep it tied and give us a chance to win.”

The Oilers’ top line of Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins and Kailer Yamamoto wreaked havoc on Minnesota, but despite losing forward Luke Kunin and Soucy to upper-body injuries, the Wild stepped up with a big defensive effort, recording 26 blocked shots to help slow down the potent Oilers attack.

“I think the guys were very committed. Draisaitl’s line was just eating us up. I mean eating us up. We really committed to playing better defense. We were getting opportunities, so we were able to re-enforce that between periods, that we’re getting our chances guys but let’s tighten up in all areas. The neutral zone was real good,” said Wild coach Dean Evason. “Blocked shots were great.”

Pioneer Press LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177646 Montreal Canadiens

Slumping Ilya Kovalchuk won't talk about his future with the Canadiens

PAT HICKEY, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: February 21, 2020

OTTAWA — Ilya Kovalchuk is slated to be in the lineup when the Canadiens play the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday (7 p.m., City, SNE, TVA Sports, TSN 690 Radio), but the big question is whether he’ll face the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday at the Bell Centre.

Kovalchuk, who joined the Canadiens as a free agent last month, is high on the list of available rentals leading up to Monday’s NHL trade deadline, but Montreal coach Claude Julien said he hopes Kovalchuk is around for a while.

“I’d love to have him for the rest of the year and then we’ll see what the future holds,” Julien said Friday after about a dozen players, including the 36-year-old Kovalchuk, participated in an optional workout.

Kovalchuk has made it clear he loves being in Montreal, but refused to speculate on whether there’s an extension in the future.

When told there were reports Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin and Kovalchuk’s agent, J.P. Barry, were talking about a new deal, Kovalchuk said: “I’m not J.P., I’m not Marc. You have to ask them. I’ve said multiple times I love everything here. It’s a great place to be.”

Kovalchuk said he’s concentrating on doing whatever he can to help the Canadiens win. After he picked up 12 points (six goals and sis assists) in his first 15 games, he has gone six games without a point.

“I have to produce more and if I’m not, I have to do other things, like block a shot,” Kovalchuk said.

While the Canadiens have emphasized youth, Julien noted the positive impact from 30-somethings like Kovalchuk, Nate Thompson and captain Shea Weber.

The important thing is to have good veterans. which we have,” Julien said. “If you have guys that lead by example. when you look at Thompson, you look at Kovy, you look at Webby, they’re all good examples. … They come in, they do the work. You see Kovy on the ice today for an optional. Why? Because he loves it.

“I didn’t know much about him,” Julien said. “When he was in Atlanta as a young kid, he had lots of energy. I remember he excelled in the offensive part of the game. I think like a lot players as they get older, their focus changes so that it’s a little more about the team. Mark Recchi was that guy when he came to us in Boston. I think Kovy has done some of the same things where it’s all about the team. He gets excited about anybody scoring and it’s not like: ‘I didn’t score tonight and I’m gonna pout.’ If he wins, he’s happy.”

Kovalchuk isn’t the only player going through a bit of a slump. Artturi Lehkonen’s lack of production resulted in a seat in the press box Thursday in Washington.

And Jonathan Drouin hasn’t picked up a point in the six games since he returned from wrist surgery.

“At the end of the day, you see he’s not where he was before the injury.” Julien said of Drouin. “He has a couple of injuries and that’s why he’s not out there today with the guys. He’s good enough to play but he’s a little hampered. He’s been out for three months and it’s tough enough to come back to 100 per cent and now he’s a little hampered and probably a little hesitant and that what he has to try to overcome.”

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177647 Montreal Canadiens But you can watch Montreal’s university teams in playoff action as they vie for spots in next month’s U Sports national championships.

On the men’s side, Concordia upset McGill in the first round of the OUA Hickey on hockey: Canadiens add VIP seating as fan interest wanes East and Lachute native Carl Neill scored at 15:18 of the third period to give Concordia a 4-3 win over Carleton in the opening game of their best- of-three semifinal. Game 2 goes Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Ed Meagher Arena on the Loyola campus. PAT HICKEY, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: February 21, 2020 The Concordia women have been ranked No. 1 in Canada for the entire

season, but they lost 2-1 in overtime to the Montréal Carabins in the first OTTAWA — Some random thoughts while trying to figure out how the game of their best-of-three RSEQ semifinal. Game 2 is Saturday at 2 Canadiens can beat the Washington Capitals, who are tied for the p.m. at the CEPSUM; game 3, if necessary, will be Sunday at Ed Metropolitan Division lead, twice on the road and get swept in four games Meagher Arena at 3 p.m. by the Detroit Red Wings, the team with the worst record in the NHL. McGill beat Ottawa 3-1 in the first game of their semifinal. Game 2 is Pricey reno at Bell Centre: The timing seemed a bit strange but, as the Saturday in Ottawa with Game 3, if necessary, Sunday at 2 p.m. at Canadiens were suffering through a five-game losing streak last week, McConnell Arena. season-ticket holders were presented with an opportunity to spend even Montreal Gazette LOADED: 02.22.2020 more money.

The team announced plans to downsize the Bell Centre to create a new VIP section. Several hundred seats in the Desjardins section and some luxury boxes will be removed and replaced with the premium area, which will include a buffet, a bar and plush seating.

The cost?

A mere $19,000 a seat and fans have to buy a minimum of four seats.

It’s perfect for a corporation that wants to entertain really important clients or for a lottery winner.

The offer comes at a time when interest in going to Canadiens games has experienced a significant decline.

It doesn’t take a sharp-eyed observer to know the Canadiens have had some problems at the box office this season. After more than two decades of sold-out games, only 18 of the 33 home games this season have been sellouts and there has been a noticeable number of no-shows at most of the sold-out games.

There have been tickets available at the box office on game days and the team has been advertising special promotions for families, minor hockey teams and university students. Resale sites, such as StubHub, regularly offer tickets as less than face value.

There have been several reasons for the decline. Many fans complain ticket prices are too high and the Canadiens haven’t delivered value on the ice. The Canadiens missed the playoffs last season, but the consensus was the team was exciting to watch. That hasn’t been the case this season with a team that has lost more games than it has won at the Bell Centre, which is as hard to explain as being swept by the Red Wings.

Never enough defencemen: General manager Marc Bergevin has often said you can’t have too many defencemen, but the departure of Marco Scandella to St. Louis and injuries to Victor Mete (foot) and Xavier Ouellet (concussion) had the Canadiens scrambling to find a sixth defenceman for the Senators game in Ottawa on Saturday night.

Head coach Claude Julien said the team will call up a player from Laval after the Rocket’s Friday game against the Manitoba Moose. The smart money says rookie Cale Fleury gets the call.

Ouellet was injured during his first shift Thursday in Washington and that meant the Canadiens finished the game with five defencemen. The result was that Brett Kulak played a career-high 27:21. Kulak has topped 20 minutes only four times in his previous 46 games this season.

Women front and centre: The best female hockey players in the world will be in Quebec this weekend for the BFL Pro Challenge. Marie-Philip Poulin, Hilary Knight, Mélodie Daoust and Rebecca Johnston are among the Olympic medallists who will compete in two games. The first is scheduled for the CEPSUM at the Université de Montréal on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Fans are invited to skate with the pros after the game. The second game will played Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at the Jane and Eric Molson arena on the campus of Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke. That game will be followed by an autograph session.

Want to see playoff hockey? The Canadiens’ playoff chances have been reduced to 0.8 per cent and the Rocket is facing an uphill slog in the American Hockey League playoff hunt. 1177648 Montreal Canadiens In fact, a smart trade that would help the team is one that’s currently a hot rumour: Shipping Drouin to Colorado to play alongside his old pal Nathan MacKinnon in return for a prospect. But Bergevin won’t do that because of the P.R. optics of trading the player who was supposed to be What the Puck: Don't expect Canadiens GM to pull trigger on big trades our francophone star.

And he should trade Tomas Tatar if he can get a first-round pick and the equivalent of Nolan Foote, which is comparable to the return New Jersey BRENDAN KELLY, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: February 21, 2020 Devils received in return for Blake Coleman, who is not as hot an asset as Tuna. That’s the rational thing to do, but I guarantee you Bergevin won’t do it. By the end of the day Monday, we will have a pretty good idea if Marc Bergevin actually has a plan. Rational planning would also have seen the Canadiens land a reliable backup goalie last summer so Carey Price wouldn’t have to start every My fearless prediction is the Canadiens general manager won’t do much game down the stretch. But this management group doesn’t do rational significant before the National Hockey League trade deadline at 3 p.m. planning. Monday and that will be further proof — if you really need it — that eight years into his tenure running the Habs, he simply has no master plan. Montreal Gazette LOADED: 02.22.2020

On Monday, I outlined what I think that strategy should be: Bergevin should be unloading older assets, if the price is right. This is not a contrarian opinion. It’s one shared by many other hockey scribes.

They will miss the playoffs this year, for the third consecutive season and for the fourth time in five years. If nothing radical happens to the roster before next season, there is every indication that they will not be in the playoffs next year, either. And even if they snuck into the post-season in the next year or so, they’d be smoked in all likelihood in the first round. Of course anything is possible, but this team will not be contending for much of anything for a year or two.

In other words, it’s all about the future not the present, so Bergevin should manage accordingly. But that hasn’t been happening and, sadly, I believe that will be confirmed once again in the next few days. Bergevin is improvising, as usual.

This week, Bergevin traded N.D.G. hero Marco Scandella to the St. Louis Blues in return for a second-round pick and a conditional fourth-rounder in 2021. That was a good trade for Montreal, given that Berg only gave up a fourth-round pick to snare former Canadien Sergio Momesso’s nephew from Buffalo. This week’s Scandella deal suggests that Bergevin has given up on making the playoffs this season and is loading up on picks for the future. This almost sounds like a plan.

Then TSN’s Darren Dreger, who is rarely wrong, tweeted to say Habs management is in discussions with Ilya Kovalchuk’s camp to sign a contract extension worth around US$3.5 million, with bonuses potentially taking it up to US$5 million per season.

Talked about what a Kovalchuk extension in Montreal might look like. 1 year…likely base salary of $3.5 that can climb to $5 mil with bonuses. Very Jagr-like. Parameters being discussed. Trade still a strong option, but extension talks ongoing.— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 21, 2020

That doesn’t sound like a plan. That sounds more like what we’ve lived with for eight years — it’s Bergevin making it up as he goes along. It makes no sense to sign Kovalchuk, certainly not for anything more than minimum wage.

Since scoring in OT against the Maple Leafs, Kovalchuk has gone six straight games without registering a point. Even if he was doing better, the GM’s focus should be on the next wave not the old wave.

They say it’s all about building through the draft and youth, yet head coach Claude Julien loves journeymen players like Nick Cousins, Jordan Weal and Nate Thompson, and has happily scolded the kids on a regular basis without ever mentioning a word about the veterans.

With the exception of Nick Suzuki, the kids have all been kicked off the big team and are playing for the . The case of Jesperi Kotkaniemi is the perfect example of the divide between the public discourse about building around youth and the reality of using the veterans to try to make the playoffs.

KK was sent down to Laval a year and a half into his NHL career not to help his development but because Bergevin and Julien at that point thought Cousins, Weal, Dale Weise and Thompson were better bets to get them into the playoffs than Kotkaniemi.

Yet they’re not going to make the playoffs and every decision has to be part of a strategy. A trade should only be made if it brings the team somewhere. Trading Mikhail Sergachev for Jonathan Drouin didn’t help the team because Drouin hasn’t helped the team, period. 1177649 Montreal Canadiens professional. And it’s not just that he’s been nice with the young guys, he’s been very good on the ice. He blocks shots, he protects the crease, he practices hard, and he’s a competitor. It’s been two years in a row that he’s been committed to the team, doing everything he can. In the AHL, Everybody loves Karl Alzner, and with good reason, too you need good veterans, not a lot of veterans. It’s better to have fewer that get it, than more that are independent contractors.”

Just to put a fine point on how beloved Alzner is in the Rocket locker By Marc Dumont 4h ago room, and the respect he commands from the younger players, the team plans on getting together to watch him play in the NHL on Saturday, though it’ll hopefully do so after avoiding injuries in its 3 p.m. game When Karl Alzner took the ice prior to the Laval Rocket’s matchup against the Toronto Marlies, who it’s chasing in the standings. Ryan against the Manitoba Moose, he was flanked by dozens of members of Culkin will play, as will Nathanael Halbert, a co-captain with McGill various youth hockey teams from the Laval region, the majority of them University men’s hockey team, who signed a professional tryout directly staring in awe as they positioned themselves to get as close as possible out of of the Canadian university league (U Sports), but once they’re to the player who spent almost 700 games in the NHL. inserted into the lineup, there’s literally no margin for more injuries, in the NHL and AHL, as the organization only has 12 healthy defencemen at But standing tall among younger players hoping to one day make their the moment. Jake Evans even suggested, jokingly of course, that way to the NHL is nothing new for Alzner. He’s done it for two seasons in Charles Hudon could play on the point because of his big shot. the Rocket locker room. If captain Xavier Ouellet has been the foundation of the defence, Alzner has served as the roof, keeping his young “If Alex Burrows, Daniel Jacob or myself have to lace ’em up, that’s fine,” defensive partners safe in stormy weather. said Bouchard, smiling from ear to ear.

Just ask Josh Brook, who has played alongside Alzner for the majority of The message is clear: The players aren’t worried about the potential the season. He is usually a reserved individual, but Brook’s eyes light up defenceman shortage. They’re just happy to see the person who gave so whenever you bring up Alzner. much to them finally get a win, no matter how short-lived it might be.

“Oh, everything,” said Brook with a beaming smile when asked what The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 Alzner has done for him. “Everything in my game. Playing with him all the time, always talking to him, learning on and off the ice. He’s the biggest pro, the most professional guy I have ever met. He’s a great person, too. I can’t say enough about Alzy, he’s been awesome. He’s all for the team, he knows what to do every night. How he is day in and day out is great, too, he’s always there to talk to, he’s always there to help.”

One of the recurring themes that have plagued the Rocket this season has been the ire from veterans who either have no interest in playing in the AHL or are frustrated when their minutes are reduced after poor performances. That certainly does not apply to Alzner, who has epitomized class and professionalism since his arrival in Laval.

“He obviously doesn’t want to be in the AHL,” Jake Evans said. “But he’s had such an amazing attitude. He’s a guy that all the young players, and even the older ones, can look up to. He’s an amazing guy and has been a great leader for this team.”

Just this week the Rocket sent a pair of disgruntled players, Phil Varone and Riley Barber, to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Alzner had much more reason to complain than the departed players, but that’s not his modus operandi, as evidenced by one of his favourite quotes: “Attitude is the difference between ordeal and adventure.”

“That’s not the type of guy he is,” Brook said. “He’s such a calm person and a great person, I can’t say enough about him. Although playing without him is going to be tough. He’s played awesome, too. He doesn’t make any mistakes out there. He’s good in all aspects of the game.”

Alzner was called up to the Montreal Canadiens after the Rocket game Friday and he will face the Senators in Ottawa on Saturday, his first NHL game in more than a year.

And though the call-up is clearly great news for a player who is universally loved among his teammates, it will certainly leave a void in the Rocket’s lineup. Alzner is one of their best defencemen, playing big minutes in key situations.

For a perfect example of his value, you have to look no further than his play on the penalty kill in the Rocket’s 4-1 win over the Manitoba Moose on Friday night. With a little, and I mean very little, help from his friends, Alzner killed roughly 30 seconds of a penalty when the Rocket were holding on to a delicate 2-1 lead late in the second period. The play was recognized by the fans who gave Alzner a rousing series of cheers as he left the ice.

But Bouchard isn’t worried about his roster, at least not for now. Neither is the rest of the team.

When Bouchard announced to the team that Alzner finally received the call from the Canadiens, the locker room exploded in yet another chorus of cheers. It’s not just that Alzner deserves the call-up because of his ridiculously positive attitude, he also deserves it based on his play.

“Last year I said he was a 12/10. This year he’s been a 14/10,” Bouchard said. “The way he’s battled through adversity has been nothing but 1177650 Montreal Canadiens which we have, when you look at the (Nate) Thompsons of this world, a guy like Kovy that’s come in, you look at Webby, or even guys like (Brendan) Gallagher that have been around for a while. I can name a bunch of them. They’re all good examples, (Tomas) Tatar, even if they’re Ilya Kovalchuk’s not scoring ahead of the deadline, and the Canadiens not all old players, they’re showing good examples for the young guys. don’t care “But the older guys on the team, you know the three that I mentioned there (Thompson, Kovalchuk and Weber), you can’t ask for a better example from those guys. They come in, they do the extra work, they By Arpon Basu Feb 21, 2020 work hard.”

But what, exactly, does that mean? Teaching or leading by example is an OTTAWA — The burgeoning love affair between Ilya Kovalchuk and easy thing to say, and it is said often about some of the great leaders the Canadiens fans has cooled ever since hitting its peak two weeks ago game has ever seen, but what is the tangible benefit of it? when he scored in overtime to sink the Toronto Maple Leafs and give the Nick Suzuki is the player who has been on the ice with Kovalchuk the Canadiens their fifth win in six games. most at five-on-five this season. But what’s more important is the time the That magical night, with Kovalchuk pointing to his family sitting in a Bell two of them have spent together on the bench. Centre luxury box with the enthusiasm of a child, seems like ages ago. “Yeah, when we were playing together we were talking a lot, just what The Canadiens lost their next five games, snapping the streak with he’s seeing, what he thinks we can expose the other team on,” Suzuki another overtime win in Washington on Thursday, and Kovalchuk has not said. “I can’t recall an exact thing he said, but just throughout the game, so much as registered a single point since scoring that overtime winner picking up little details from the other team we can try to exploit. … It’s against the Leafs. kind of just watching him in practice, some of his breakaways, just The timing couldn’t really be much worse for Canadiens general manager placement of shots he seems to score on a ton, and he’s really good at Marc Bergevin, who continues to weigh the benefits of signing Kovalchuk having a deceptive shot. You don’t really know where he’s shooting too to a one-year contract extension or flipping him before Monday’s 3 p.m. many times. ET trade deadline. “But yeah, his preparation before games, after games, it’s just spending The one thing Bergevin absolutely must avoid is neither of those things time seeing what he’s doing.” happening, and though there appears to be an open dialogue between While the production has dried up, this is a part of Kovalchuk that has Bergevin and Kovalchuk’s agent, J.P. Barry, Kovalchuk is not about to remained consistent since that game against Toronto two weeks ago. His get into any public discussion about his contract status. influence on his teammates is still substantial. “I’m not J.P. or Marc,” Kovalchuk said Friday. “I just want to play, and But Julien was quick to defend Kovalchuk even on the ice. we’ll see what happens. But like I’ve said multiple times already, I love everything here and it’s a great place to be.” “We know he hasn’t scored in a little while, but his work ethic, like yesterday on numerous occasions, his backchecking, he’s very involved Those words, of course, are somewhat meaningless right now, at this in other aspects of the game where I think people doubted his intentions time of year and with this kind of a hard deadline to get a contract done. when it comes to playing away from the puck,” he said. “I would say If it’s such a great place to be, Kovalchuk would sign and it would all be since he’s been here, he’s shown some nice qualities in that sense.” over. If he doesn’t want to sign, Bergevin is free to move him and cash in the stack of chips he found lying around in the casino. Kovalchuk’s ability to create scoring chances hasn’t waned. In fact, it’s trending upward as of late. He was credited by Natural Stat Trick with “I’m just preparing myself for tomorrow night,” Kovalchuk said. “That’s all seven individual high-danger scoring chances over his first 15 games I can take care of. The rest is the future, so we’ll see.” with the Canadiens, the 15th game being the one against the Maple There is, however, more to the equation than Kovalchuk’s words. There Leafs. Over his past four games alone, he’s been credited with six. are also his actions. In terms of how the Canadiens generate high-danger chances with The Canadiens arrived in Kanata from Washington very early Friday Kovalchuk on the ice, they had 41 in his first 15 games and they’ve had morning and called a 1 p.m. practice at Canadian Tire Centre. Few 15 in his past five. players skated, and those who were there had good reason to be, The chances are there, and Kovalchuk knows it. But he still took particularly Artturi Lehkonen, scratched for the first time in his NHL responsibility for his lack of production. career one night earlier. He spent at least 20 minutes talking to assistant coach Kirk Muller. “I have to produce more,” he said. “I think I have quality chances every game, but the puck didn’t bounce my way. It happens. It’s a long season, But Kovalchuk was there, too, practicing one-timers, zipping passes so myself, I just have to work even harder and help my team to win other around to teammates, working on his game. No points in six games ways. You know, blocked shot or do something. But obviously, you’re bothers him. He wanted to do something about it. right, I’ve got to start producing, for sure.” “You see Kovy on the ice today for an optional. Why? Because he loves When offered up a convenient excuse that his ice time has dropped the game. He wants to be out there,” coach Claude Julien said. “That’s significantly since the team got healthy, Kovalchuk rejected that as well. the kind of thing you like to see on a hockey club. That’s really helping our young guys see what it takes to be here and see what it takes to “I’m pretty sure if I start scoring and get points, then I will get more become successful down the road.” minutes,” he said with a smile. “That’s how it works.”

The Canadiens, and Bergevin in particular, put a lot of stock in the notion So, Kovalchuk knows how it works, which means he also knows how this of having veterans around to show the young players the way. It is time of year works and how his ongoing contract talks with the important to them. It is why Carey Price and Shea Weber remain the Canadiens work. Ultimately, what it is sure to come down to is something pillars of Bergevin’s plan, because he doesn’t want to turn a team over to Julien identified as an admirable quality in Kovalchuk. a bunch of kids to fend for themselves not just in games but also in their lives as professional athletes. “I think a lot of players as they get older, their focus changes. It really is about team. They’ve accomplished a lot,” Julien said. “Mark Recchi was That is important to the Canadiens and, therefore, Kovalchuk is someone that guy that came to us in Boston, he was such a great addition. I think they see as potentially important. Yes, it is probably reasonable to Kovy right now has done the same thing for us, where it’s all about team. believe he could score 20 goals next season, maybe even more, and that He gets excited about anybody scoring. It’s not about, ‘Well, I didn’t score alone makes it worth signing him for a year if he is interested in doing so. tonight so I’m going to pout.’ Not at all. If we win, he’s happy. If certain But it is the other side of him, the side neither Bergevin nor Julien knew guys score, it doesn’t matter who, he’s just as happy. all that much about before he was signed out of sheer desperation at the beginning of January, that interests the Canadiens the most now. “I think he’s got a great approach, an approach where at this stage of his career, all he wants to do is win.” “I think the important thing in all that is having good veterans,” Julien said. “That’s not a big secret. When you have guys that lead by example, That, more than anything else, will dictate how this whole thing goes. How badly does Kovalchuk want to win? Bad enough to miss the playoffs this season to take a shot at it next year on a team that is very far from being a Stanley Cup contender? Or do fit and playing in a rabid hockey market and the security of having a contract for next year and all the other things Kovalchuk has enjoyed about Montreal take precedence over winning, which he has repeatedly identified as the one thing he has left to accomplish?

These are questions only Kovalchuk knows the answers to, questions he is not willing to answer publicly right now.

He will answer them with his actions between now and 3 p.m. Monday, when he decides whether he is willing to pick up a pen and sign a piece of paper, or not.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177651 Montreal Canadiens you’ll find on YouTube is the one with Jonathan. The Habs were lucky to have him around during the Dryden era. Happy birthday Pierre.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 What Melnick Thinks: Artturi Lehkonen epitomizes the Canadiens’ inconsistency

By Mitch Melnick Feb 21, 2020

I think maybe Claude Julien should have made Artturi Lehkonen a healthy scratch before Thursday night in Washington.

Judging by his legion of fans, including many members of the media, you’d think Julien just sat out Guy Lafleur. Oh, the horror of it all.

Two eight-game losing streaks and a five-game losing streak, but heaven forbid they sit out, just once, Artturi Lehkonen.

Let’s try this again.

Artturi Lehkonen is a smart, proud, hard-working forward who has trouble scoring goals. That’s who he is, even though general manager Marc Bergevin over-evaluated him following his rookie season (“We think he has the talent and smarts to be a top line winger.”)

Just the thought that perhaps Lehkonen was about to be traded sent his fans into a social media tizzy, as if it’s totally inconceivable the Canadiens would consider moving him prior to Monday’s trade deadline.

Artturi Lehkonen. The untouchable.

Oh, he’ll score a few more goals between now and the end of the season, and his super fans will have their “Aha!” moment while overlooking the constant offensive blackouts. If you’re not keeping track, it’s no goals in his last nine games (with just one assist); two goals and one assist in his last 17 games.

He gets plenty of ice time and needs to be able to convert more plays into more goals more often. That’s all.

In fact, when you really think about it, Lehkonen is the player who most resembles the team he plays for. If there’s anything that’s consistent about Lehkonen’s game, it’s his maddening bouts of inconsistency. Is he mostly responsible and dependable? No doubt. But in each of his four NHL seasons, his offensive game breaks down more often than the green line on the Montreal metro system.

The Canadiens can play two of their best games of the season in Washington, D.C. and twice beat the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues, yet lose all four games to one of the worst teams in recent NHL history in Detroit and look just as bad against the 27th place New Jersey Devils.

The 2019-20 Montreal Canadiens are Artturi Lehkonen. There could be worse epitaphs to a season.

I also think:

– Paul Byron on Thursday looked like the real Paul Byron again. He hasn’t skated that well since last season.

– Alex Ovechkin is not the greatest goal scorer in NHL history. Is it impossible to just wait until he is to proclaim him as such? I love watching the guy (who doesn’t?). He’s a tank on skates with a release like nobody else, but I saw Mike Bossy’s entire career. A career that was shortened because of the abuse he took while hanging out in the slot where he scored so many of his 573 goals. Bossy scored no less than 50 goals in each of his first nine seasons – including five 60-goal seasons – before being forced out of the game at age 30. He added another 85 goals in 129 playoff games. Just because it happened before Al Gore invented the internet doesn’t make it less relevant.

– Former Hab Pierre Bouchard celebrated his 72nd birthday Thursday. It’s a shame more fans don’t know that he was among the best fighters of his era (1970-78 with Montreal before finishing up in Washington). Getting his nose broken and bloodied by Stan Jonathan of the Bruins in the 1978 playoffs is all that many hockey fans know of Pierre’s career. It was also his last game as a member of the Canadiens. But as somebody who also saw his entire career, I can tell you that it was the only fight I saw Bouchard lose. Very few fighters wanted to go near him. Among his victims was Dave Schultz in Philadelphia. But the only Bouchard scrap 1177652 Montreal Canadiens attempts resulted in a Flames rush the other way. The two would-be scorers, Armia and Kulak then got crossed up defending the rush and Calgary defenseman Oliver Kylington scored, though the Habs would come back to win in overtime. They shoot, they don’t score: NHLers who just can’t find the back of the net It’s just been that kind of year for Kulak: very little has gone right. Although his underlying on-ice metrics are as good as they were in his breakthrough 2018-19 performance (57 percent Corsi, 56 percent expected goal share) the Canadiens have been outscored 32-26 with him By Jonathan Willis Feb 21, 2020 on the ice. His scoring has also fallen from six goals and 17 points in 57 games to no goals and just six assists this year.

There have been 5,613 goals scored in the NHL this season. The He’s an interesting buy-low candidate for contending teams in some league’s players have shot the puck at the net 106,246 and succeeded in respects. After an up-and-down year, the Habs might be nervous about putting it on goal 58,951 times. On average, it takes 19 attempts or 10.5 the two and a half seasons left on his $1.85-million AAV contract. Clubs actual shots, to create a single goal. don’t usually make those sorts of gambles at the deadline, but the snake- bitten 26-year-old is one of the rare examples where it wouldn’t take The rates vary for individuals, and of course by position. Over the last much for his season to turn around sharply. three years, the average forward has scored on 11.3 percent of his shots and 6.5 percent of his attempts. Defensemen have a tougher time getting 3. David Savard, Blue Jackets – 159 shot attempts, 2.45 expected goals shots through, and the ones that make it to the net are less dangerous. The final defenseman on this list is a far more established scorer than Their success rates are 4.8 percent on shots and 2.3 percent on DeMelo or Kulak. Savard hit double digits in goals in 2014-15, his best attempts. offensive season, back when he was manning the point on the man Because of that positional discrepancy, it’s not enough to just count shots advantage. Although his power-play role is long behind him—it when trying to find the worst (or, arguably, unluckiest) scorers in the NHL disappeared after Zach Werenski joined the team, having already been this year. After adjusting for position, we’ve narrowed the field down to reduced by the trade for Seth Jones—he’s still a competent scorer, the following five goalless players. While there’s still time for anyone on having averaged six goals per season over the last three years. this list to crack their personal goose egg on the scoresheet this season, His personal scoring drought is one of several problem spots in Savard’s don’t expect them to magically start lighting the lamp on a regular basis. offensive game this year. He’s shooting the puck less, at the lowest rate 5. Dylan DeMelo, Jets – 123 shot attempts, 1.93 expected goals in five seasons, and his primary assist rate has collapsed to its lowest level since 2014. The Jackets’ team shots-for and goals-for rates have DeMelo’s shot map follows the standard pattern for defensemen: lots of also cratered when he’s on the ice. shooting from the points, but not much from the middle of the ice, barely anything from even the fringes of the scoring chance area and none at all That being said, there’s a lot more to Savard than offense. He and from the territory right in front of the net where goals are most plentiful. regular partner Vladislav Gavrikov have been the Jackets’ go-to options for defensive zone starts, and despite lousy team shot attempt numbers Even among defensemen, though, he’s non-threatening as a shooter. If when he’s on the ice, Columbus is actually in the black by total shot and he fails to score a goal this year, it won’t even be the first time. In 2017- expected goal share (both 51 percent). That’s combined with a gorgeous 18 he went goalless on 140 attempts, though he did manage to collect 20 on-ice save percentage, which has kept goals-against down and points, some of which were assists which began with a point shot. compensated the offensive struggles.

He’s had some golden opportunities, though. This example against the As for his personal scoring, it’s easy to see why Savard’s totals are off Canadiens almost paid off for him: rather than blast it from the point into this year. Just compare his shot map for this season with what he did in opposition shinpads, he took advantage of his speed and skated it almost 2018-19, a year in which he scored eight goals. It’s so different I felt into scoring position before firing: compelled to check three times to make sure it was the same player:

The initial shot was less threatening than the rebound, which bounced Put another way, this season Savard’s highest expected goal number in right back to DeMelo as he charged the net, but came out so quickly that any individual game is 0.23. Last year he had seven games where he it was past him before he had a chance to get his stick down for the shot: topped that.

It’s a recurring theme for DeMelo: even when he does get room to move Some of his best chances have come from weird places. Shot location down from the point, he’s rarely able to attack the middle on his initial has been an issue this year, but he still seems capable of firing the puck. shot. He’s still generating some scoring (his 10 points lead these goalless In this game against Winnipeg, for example, he took advantage of the players) and he’s still valuable in other areas but goals are not puck switching sides of the ice quickly to fire at a repositioning Laurent particularly part of the equation. Brossoit; he ended up hammering the puck off the side of the post:

4. Brett Kulak, Canadiens – 155 shot attempts, 2.46 expected goals Still, there’s little question of Savard putting together the kind of goal- scoring season he had last year if he can’t get to the same areas of the A quick look at Kulak’s shot map shows the standard defensive pattern ice. we saw in DeMelo’s case: lots of shots from the point, the least dangerous shooting location in hockey. There’s still an old-school analyst 2. Justin Abdelkader, Red Wings – 69 shot attempts, 3.38 expected or two around who will gripe about defending teams not covering the goals points properly, generally after a statistically unlikely goal, but most teams are happy enough to see an opposition possession end with a In his prime, Abdelkader owned the area at the top of the crease. At no shot from the hinterland. point in his career has he ever been regarded as an especially talented offensive player by NHL standards, but he willed himself to 19- and 23- What Kulak does better is moving lower with the puck, generally shooting goal seasons by scoring from point-blank range. from a tough angle but occasionally getting himself into a more dangerous scoring position. He’s a confident rusher, and not afraid to He isn’t able to do that these days. Even last season, when he scored carry the puck when he thinks he has room, either exiting his own zone just six goals, his lowest number since his rookie year, many of his shots or on the attack. came from the top edge of the crease, with much of the remainder coming from the outer scoring chance region. This year, there are a lot of He’s had some good chances this year, perhaps none better than an perimeter tries, the kinds of shots hockey watchers quickly learn to opportunity in the third period of a 2-2 December game against his old associate with older wingers no longer able to gain the slot with the puck. club, Calgary. Seconds after teammate Joel Armia’s breakaway attempt was deflected just enough by goalie David Rittich to catch the post rather The maddening thing about those shots from the corner is that they’re than go into the net, Kulak attacked the center of the ice and was basically giveaways. NHL analysts will tell you that putting the puck on rewarded with a perfect pass, setting up this look at Rittich: net is never a bad play and while that’s true in the sense that’s it’s seldom the worst possible play, it’s sometimes close. Sadly for Kulak, he put the puck high and wide, becoming just one more example of a non-scorer finding himself in an unexpectedly great position and not knowing what to do. As so often happens, the failed scoring Take for example this shift against Montreal, one in which Darren Helm made a lovely entry to setup a good drive on net, with the result being a rebound that comes to Abdelkader with time and space:

Abdelkader is in a relatively good position and has a lot of options. He has a teammate at the left point and could easily bank the puck off the boards to retain possession. He could charge the net 1-on-1. He could carry the puck down low and pass it along the boards, initiating the cycle, or try centering it to a teammate in the slot.

Instead, he skates it into the corner and tosses a low muffin at the net:

It’s a low, weak shot from a terrible angle, and Price has no difficulty redirecting it behind the net. Abdelkader seems to have little inclination to pursue; he’s six feet back of Jesperi Kotkaniemi by the time the young Canadiens forward picks up the rebound. It’s listed as a shot but it might as well be called a turnover.

He does still get to the net on occasion, usually in circumstances where Detroit can keep the puck alive in the attacking end, something which hasn’t been especially common for the struggling Red Wings. He’s been at least somewhat unfortunate, as the expected goal numbers suggest, to still be stuck at zero.

Abdelkader would probably be a better on a stronger team, one more capable of establishing possession in the offensive zone and giving him time to establish himself in front of the net. That being said, it’s hard to imagine any such team finding a place for him, especially when shots like that actively undercut his line’s ability to keep the puck in the offensive zone. Even if one were inclined to try, age and contract would scare it off: Abdelkader turns 33 next week and still has the remainder of this season and three more left on his $4.25-million AAV contract with the Red Wings.

1. Patrick Russell, Oilers – 85 shot attempts, 6.03 expected goals

For most of the players on this list, the shot map tells the story of a shooter firing from the point, from the outside, from anywhere except the places from which it is possible to regularly beat an NHL goalie. Russell is the exception to this rule. There are a handful of attempts from distance or bad angles, but mostly he’s doing what any coach would advise a hard-working energy winger to do: he’s going to the net.

He just isn’t being rewarded.

Some of this is clearly shooting talent. By NHL standards, Russell’s resume is modest. He’s a rookie in the majors, had 18 goals in 51 games in his best minor-league season and once scored 20 times in college. He’s a career 9.5 percent shooter in the AHL. Russell is in the majors because he wins puck battles, kills penalties and holds defensive position; the hope was always that he could score enough to get by, but so far he hasn’t.

Yet he’s also been terribly unfortunate.

He’s hit not one, but three goalposts. He certainly doesn’t look like a non- entity as he fires it off the iron from range. There was this hard shot against the Stars:

And then more impressively this one against the Red Wings where Mike Green was very capably used to screen the shot:

The other was a real beauty. Russell’s diligent forecheck against the Sharks helped regain possession after an Oilers faceoff loss; he went to the front of the net and had the puck centered to him only to ring it off the iron:

It’s the kind of thing that keeps happening to Russell. He’s not nearly as weak of a shooter from range as we might expect from the NHL’s most snakebitten player. Positionally he goes to where he’s supposed to go, with many a tip and jam play failing to beat the goalie. Eventually one assumes he’ll score one or more just because he’s in the right place all the time.

That being said, clearly there’s an element of shooting talent involved. This puck, which admittedly was on edge after bouncing off the post to Russell, somehow didn’t end up in the back of the net:

Russell’s never going to be a big scorer in the NHL, but he’s been incredibly unfortunate to still be stuck at zero goals. Guys who get into scoring position as regularly as he has this year eventually score. It’s what sets him apart from the other four skaters on this list.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177653 Nashville Predators Blackhawks: At Dallas on Sunday to open a four-game trip. Tennessean LOADED: 02.22.2020

DeBrincat scores twice, rallies Blackhawks past Predators in overtime

Matt Carlson, The Associated PressPublished 6:00 a.m. CT Feb. 21, 2020 | Updated 10:44 p.m. CT Feb. 21, 2020

CHICAGO (AP) — Alex DeBrincat scored in the third period and overtime to rally the Chicago Blackhawks past the Nashville Predators 2-1 on Friday night.

DeBrincat skated in alone from center ice, then snapped off a shot with 57.8 seconds left in the extra period that beat Pekka Rinne high on the glove side for his 16th goal.

DeBrincat tied the game at 1-1 with a power-play goal midway through the third period. His goal came on a deflection and snapped Chicago's 0- for-21 drought with the man advantage.

Mattias Ekholm scored in the second period for Nashville.

Corey Crawford finished with 42 saves in an up-tempo goaltenders’ duel between Central Division rivals. Rinne blocked 36 shots, including Brandon Saad’s first-period penalty shot.

Fading Chicago won for the second time in nine games (2-5-2). Nashville closed within two points of the second Western Conference wild-card spot.

Duncan Keith earned his 600th career assist on DeBrincat’s first goal.

Nashville defenseman Ryan Ellis returned after missing 20 games with a concussion. Ellis had been sidelined since the Stars' Corey Perry elbowed him in the head on New Year’s Day at the NHL’s Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Perry got a five-game suspension for the hit.

The Blackhawks canceled their practice on Thursday to “reset” following a crushing 6-3 home loss to the New York Rangers on Wednesday night when they allowed five goals in the third period.

Chicago responded by taking the first eight shots of the game against Nashville, but ended up outshooting the Predators just 12-10 in a scoreless first period.

Rinne stopped Saad on a penalty shot midway through the first, making a left pad save. Saad was awarded the chance after he was hooked from behind by Filip Forsberg on a short-handed breakaway.

The Predators outshot Chicago 20-9 in the second period.

After Crawford denied Nashville several times from close range, Ekholm finally connected with 5:04 left in the period on Nashville’s 26th shot — and the 45th overall in the game.

Trailing in late on a rush, Ekholm took Rocco Grimaldi’s pass from the right circle, fired from the slot and beat Crawford with a fluttering shot on the stick side that slipped just inside the left post.

Crawford stayed sharp as Chicago killed a 73-second, 5-on-3 Nashville power play in the late in the period.

Rinne made sensational diving saves on Patrick Kane and DeBrincat during an extended Chicago power play early in the third that included a 31-second 5-on-3 advantage.

DeBrincat tied it on a midair deflection of Kane’s shot at 9:05 of the third. Kane’s drive from the left side bounced in off DeBrincat’s glove.

Drake Caggiula narrowly missed on a goalmouth deflection with 18 seconds left.

NOTES: Saad is 0 for 3 on penalty shots for his career. ... Nashville F Nick Bonino sat out with an illness. ... Blackhawks D Erik Gustafsson was a healthy scratch for the second time this season, stirring rumors ahead of Monday’s NHL trade deadline. ... Chicago C Zack Smith missed his fourth game with a left hand injury. ... Injured Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen attended. He’s a friend of Rinne, a fellow Finn.

UP NEXT:

Predators: Host Columbus on Saturday. 1177654 New Jersey Devils

How are Devils going to handle AHL call-ups for remainder of season?

Updated Feb 21, 2020; Posted Feb 21, 2020

By Chris Ryan

The Devils are facing a predicament.

The NHL trade deadline will pass on Monday, and if the team continues to move players in deals, like they did last weekend, spots will open in the NHL lineup.

Those vacancies will be filled with AHL call-ups, giving prospects a crack at showing how they can handle to leap to the NHL.

But how much do the New Jersey Devils want to impact the Binghamton Devils?

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The NHL playoff race is virtually over for the Devils, but the AHL squad’s surge up the standings has the team just one point out of a playoff spot. That will force the Devils to determine what’s more important for some players’ development: time in the NHL or fighting in a playoff spot in the minors.

“For me, we have to fill holes right now. We’ve got a lot of injuries, and if you ask guys that are getting caught up — yes, things are going well in Bingo, and obviously we want Bingo to do well and make the playoffs and we’re going to try to help them for sure," Devils interim coach Alain Nasreddine said. "At the same time, if you ask guys that are getting called up, pretty sure they’re happy to be up here and have a chance to show what they can do.”

Translation: As always, the NHL roster will always be the priority, regardless of records in the NHL and AHL.

The Devils already have Joey Anderson, Nick Merkley, Colton White and Dakota Mermis recalled to the NHL roster fill spots opened by injuries and trades. Cory Schneider, who has helped anchor Binghamton’s resurgence alongside GIlles Senn, is expected to spend the rest of the season in the NHL after being recalled on Thursday.

And if more moves are made ahead of Monday’s trade deadline, it could open the door for players such as Michael McLeod, Nathan Bastian and Brett Seney to join the NHL team.

The final six weeks of a lost NHL season can serve as a stepping stone for certain players. Blake Coleman, for example, played 23 NHL games at the end of the 2016-17 campaign, even with Binghamton en route to the playoffs. He made the NHL roster out of training camp the following season and became one of the Devils’ key pieces for three seasons.

If Binghamton does make the playoffs, the Devils will load up that roster with as many AHL-eligible players as possible after the NHL season is over, and getting those games in April would be important for prospects

“We don’t want to do it to the detriment of Binghamton, and we’re trying to help them in that last push to make the playoffs," Nasreddine said. "But ultimately, the whole organization is to win games at this level and take care of a New Jersey Devils and that’s what those guys are there for.”

Star Ledger LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177655 New Jersey Devils Star Ledger LOADED: 02.22.2020

Why history could be made at Devils-Capitals game on Saturday

Updated Feb 21, 2020; Posted Feb 21, 2020

By Mike Rosenstein

History could be made Saturday when the New Jersey Devils host the Washington Capitals at the Prudential Center in Newark.

Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin will be going for his 700th career goal.

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He scored goal No. 699 on Thursday in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

Ovechkin is looking to become the 8th player in NHL history to score at least 700 goals.

Wayne Gretzky, 894

Gordie Howe, 801

Jaromir Jagr, 766

Brett Hull, 741

Marcel Dionne, 731

Phil Esposito, 717

Mike Gartner, 708

Buy Devils-Capitals tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek

Everyone listed above is in the Hockey Hall of Fame except for Jagr, who is destined to be enshrined once he’s eligible. The former Devils forward last played in the NHL during the 2017-18 season.

Here is the Associated Press’ preview of Saturday’s Devils-Capitals game:

Washington Capitals (37-17-6, second in the Metropolitan Division) vs. New Jersey Devils (23-27-10, eighth in the Metropolitan Division)

Newark, New Jersey; Saturday, 1 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: New Jersey hosts Washington aiming to prolong its three-game home winning streak.

The Devils are 15-17-5 against Eastern Conference opponents. New Jersey averages 9.8 penalty minutes per game, the sixth-most in the league. P.K. Subban leads the team serving 65 total minutes.

The Capitals are 9-10-1 against Metropolitan Division teams. Washington is third in the league shooting 10.8% and averaging 3.5 goals on 32.0 shots per game.

In their last meeting on Jan. 16, Washington won 5-2. Alex Ovechkin totaled three goals for the Capitals.

TOP PERFORMERS: Nikita Gusev leads the Devils with 25 assists and has recorded 35 points this season. Kyle Palmieri has totaled five goals and three assists over the last 10 games for New Jersey.

John Carlson has recorded 70 total points while scoring 15 goals and totaling 55 assists for the Capitals. Ovechkin has collected seven goals and one assist over the last 10 games for Washington.

LAST 10 GAMES: Capitals: 3-6-1, averaging three goals, 4.7 assists, 3.8 penalties and 8.2 penalty minutes while allowing 3.7 goals per game with a .876 save percentage.

Devils: 5-3-2, averaging 2.8 goals, 4.5 assists, 3.1 penalties and 7.1 penalty minutes while giving up 2.5 goals per game with a .933 save percentage.

INJURIES: Devils: Nicholas Merkley: day to day (face), Will Butcher: day to day (undisclosed).

Capitals: None listed. 1177656 New Jersey Devils For now, Palmieri is preparing to try and stop Alexander Ovechkin from scoring goal No. 700 on Saturday afternoon and preparing to host several retired and active-duty military service members Saturday night.

NJ Devils' Kyle Palmieri addresses trade rumors: 'It’s just a lot of noise' The New Jersey-raised forward is a New Jersey Devil until someone tells him otherwise.

“We have last-minute preparations getting set and making sure Abbey Mastracco, Published 5:28 p.m. ET Feb. 21, 2020 | Updated 5:50 everything goes smoothly,” he said. “We’re looking forward to it.” p.m. ET Feb. 21, 2020 Bergen Record LOADED: 02.22.2020

NEWARK — Two seasons ago Adam Henrique hosted his charity’s marquee event, Rico’s Soiree, in Hoboken, then woke up to the news that he was being traded from the New Jersey Devils to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Sami Vatanen.

Vatanen’s former Ducks’ teammate and current Devils teammate Kyle Palmieri is hoping to make it to his charity event on Saturday night.

The second annual Kyle Palmieri Foundation Military Ball is slated for Saturday night at the Venetian in Garfield. He and his wife, Ashlee, have worked tirelessly on the event, which is the signature event for the charity he created to help active duty and retired military service members.

The timing, however, may not be ideal as the Devils’ leading scorer (22 goals) continues to be at the center of the rumors with the Monday’s 3 p.m., ET trade deadline rapidly approaching.

But with playing, practicing and planning for the event this weekend, Palmieri hasn’t had a lot of time to read about any rumors.

“It’s just a lot of noise,” Palmieri said this week at Prudential Center. “It’s not something I can control. There are plenty of Twitter GMs out there but right now, I’m staying focused on the game and the guys in this room. Until someone tells me otherwise, that’s what my focus is on.”

The first time Palmieri was traded it came as a surprise. Under contract with the Ducks, he figured it was safe to take a vacation during draft weekend. He went to Ireland to play golf and was at a location so remote Anaheim’s director of hockey operations had a hard time getting hold of him to inform him he had been traded. He wasn’t following along on social media like the rest of us.

And he still isn’t.

“I look at it, but for the most part I don’t like it,” he said. “I’m not a huge social media person. If it wasn’t for the foundation I probably wouldn’t even have it. If the event wasn’t Saturday, I would have deleted it a while ago.”

This time, Palmieri is aware of his situation. With another year left on his deal with the Devils at $4.65 million, he’s going to command a high price.

The return for Blake Coleman in the trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning was a conditional first-round pick and a top prospect. Palmieri is a year older and his contract isn’t quite as budget-friendly as Coleman’s but his value is similar, so any return would need to be as well.

The Boston Bruins had been after Palmieri for a while. The New Jersey native does have a modified no-trade clause but many believed Boston to be a place he would sign off on, given that he trains in Foxborough with former Devils forward Brian Boyle and his training group in the offseason.

But the Bruins acquired Anaheim winger Ondrej Kase on Friday and Palmieri and Ashlee have been considering moving his training to New Jersey or Long Island, where he also owns a house, so it sounds like Boston is off the board.

Calgary has been mentioned as a potential location for the winger as recently as Friday afternoon. It’s unclear whether the Devils are shopping Palmieri or whether or not interim general manager Tom Fitzgerald is merely just listening to potential suitors.

He never shopped Coleman, he just received an offer that was too good to refuse.

“People call me about certain players. I don’t ask for anything,” interim GM Tom Fitzgerald said last weekend after he sent Andy Greene to the Islanders. “But if someone wants to talk about one of my players that may have a contract then that’s fine. Let me know. But these are my players that I control and I don’t have to do anything with them.” 1177657 New Jersey Devils Jesper Bratt #63 of the New Jersey Devils scores on Martin Jones #31 of the San Jose Sharks at 16:15 of the second period at the Prudential Center on February 20, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey.

How NJ Devils' Jesper Bratt responded to healthy scratch in 2-1 win over "Bratt is so tough to contain down low when he uses that quickness, Sharks agility and determination to stay on the puck," Nasreddine said. "That's what we want, that's what we need. And he's committed away from the puck, he's one of our better players to track that puck and hunt it. He's quick and he's committed. And that's what we need." Abbey Mastracco, Published 5:46 a.m. ET Feb. 21, 2020 Was it enough to keep him in the lineup? It sounds like it. Nasreddine

said he liked the way he responded to that benching Tuesday night in St. NEWARK — The New Jersey Devils and the San Jose Sharks Louis. showcased the trade pieces each team has left for the collection of "For us, with the situation we're in, he's got to take on a big offensive scouts in attendance Thursday night at Prudential Center. Trades and role," Nasreddine said. "And for him, he's not a bigger guy but he's got to injuries have hurt both teams in recent weeks but they still have to play be tough to play against in the sense that he's not easy to contain, not out the string. easily pinned. Those are all the things he can do and he showed that The Devils didn’t let get them down in a 2-1 win over the Sharks. tonight."

Jesper Bratt snapped the Devils’ scoring drought at 16:15 in the first What’s next period, P.K. Subban scored a power play goal and Nikita Gusev assisted Alex Ovechkin will continue his quest for goal No. 700 on Saturday when on both goals. Mackenzie Blackwood made 36 saves for his 30th career the Washington Capitals visit the Prudential Center for a matinee contest win. at 1 p.m. It's a big test for a young group against a hungry team, and it Blackwood became the second goalie in Scouts/Devils history to record a may be the last time this group plays together as the Feb. 24 trade win in five or more consecutive appearances. Sean Burke was the only deadline is rapidly approaching. other goalie to do so, winning seven straight from March 20-April 3, 1988. Bergen Record LOADED: 02.22.2020 "I just felt we got better as the game went on," interim coach Alain Nasreddine said. "(John Hayden) had a lot to do with it, with his fight. That brought some emotion to the game and to our team and Blackwood made some big saves when it was 1-0 to keep it tight. In the end, we found a way."

How they won

The Devils were shut out by the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night in remarkable fashion. New Jersey skaters recorded no high-danger scoring chances and that streak continued right through the first period Thursday night.

After a listless start to the game, Hayden took matters into his own hands -- or maybe his own fists -- and threw down with John Middleton right after Middleton fed Tim Heed for the Sharks' first goal.

"When he fought, I felt there wasn't a lot of energy in the building at that moment in time," Subban said. "But after that, you could feel the buzz and our guys fed off it. We have a young team, so when we get momentum going you can see it within our group."

They ended the period down 1-0 to San Jose but finished it much better than the way they started. Goalie Martin Jones did little to help the offensive struggles, especially when he shut down a 5-on-3 power play in the second period almost singlehandedly.

It looked as though they would never score until late in the second when Pavel Zacha sent a pass up to Bratt. He scored on the breakaway using some fancy moves on Jones.

Subban’s point blast went past Jones and a screening Miles Wood 2:56 into the second and the Devils went ahead for good.

"Jones played well and sometimes the only way to score on a goalie is get in front of his eyes and take those away," Wood said. "If he sees a shot clear out he's going to save it. I thought Jones played well but we did a good job."

Bratt Attack

Bratt is one goal away from tying his career-high mark set in 2017-18, his rookie season. Many fans think he would have far more than 12 goals on the season if he had played more than 50 games this season, but he's been a healthy scratch on four occasions with the team saying they need "more" from the winger.

It's been a controversial point of contention with the fans wanting to know just how much more the third-year winger needs to show. The analytics show he had a strong showing against the Sharks, especially at 5-on-5. That goal he scored was filthy.

When he's good, he's really good. But when he's not, he disappears. The Devils want him to bring the same level of intensity and skill each night. 1177658 New Jersey Devils we commonly see, where old players gets taped to a young core – yet can’t physically do it well themselves anymore.

I think you need players who can speak with their actions, players who Bourne: Tom Fitzgerald said the NHL is a ‘man’s league.’ But what does can bulldoze into physical parts of the rink and win pucks and hustle back it mean? into defensive coverage and physically do the things those players will need to incorporate into their games to develop into the best possible versions of themselves. Those players make sense not just from the “setting an example” standpoint, but also from the actual hockey By Justin Bourne Feb 21, 2020 standpoint – those players put their linemates in positions to get the puck more, to play on offence more and to affect the game more. “Kids” are also more likely to take players like that seriously, and less likely to Over the past few days Tom Fitzgerald has found himself in the media revere what a player’s past than most of us Olds think. All that adds up to because of a couple trades that bolstered the future of the New Jersey a better crack at real development. Devils by trading away a couple of their more reliable present-day players. Ironically, the perfect guy for that sort of thing is Coleman, which Fitzgerald acknowledged in our interview. Sometimes the return is just Blake Coleman is a physical, well-rounded forward who contributes too good to say no. But in the end, I feel like Fitzgerald’s comments offence and grit on the cheap, meaning he was a sought-after commodity aren’t just making a point about what the Devils need now with Coleman and thereby a chip worth cashing in. Andy Greene offered stability to an gone, but are rather a push of the perception pendulum to swing it back Islanders team teetering on the brink of the playoff picture, and so, also in a direction from which it’s strayed too far. I don’t want to put words in offered value in a return to the Devils. The trades make sense, and by Fitzgerald’s mouth here – though I think he’d agree – so I’ll say it: fans the esteemed evaluation method of my opinion, the Devils did very well and analysts of NHL hockey get so excited about prospects on the way, in both deals. and blinded by the uncommon success stories, that they don’t realize how hard it is for “kids” to have success in the NHL today. With that, though, the Devils traded what you would undeniably label a couple of “men.” By age the two Devils shipped out are 28 and 37, We often hear about how amazing teams like the Bruins and Penguins respectively, but also in terms of just physical growth, they are by are at finding players, plugging them in and seeing them have success. definition “men,” and not kids. By virtue of experience, too, you’d say that It’s impossible for me to see that happen with some consistency, and not they’re men and not kids. Coleman’s NHL resume isn’t long, but his pro think that it’s a product of a good young player getting put in a great hockey one is, and Greene’s speaks for itself. position to succeed – surrounded by what Fitzgerald would surely deem plenty of “men” – then get confident thanks to their surroundings, and Fitzgerald joined Hockey Central on Monday, on which he made one continue to have success, and to reward their team in kind. I believe that point a few times: that in the NHL today you have to have men, not just good, experienced players provide more value to a team than the kids, and that he has no intention of hanging his still developing “kids” out output they produce alone. to dry by sending them over the boards without a few men at their sides. If you too believe that, it can be hard to sing along with the not- Here’s how he phrased it to Pierre LeBrun and The Athletic: uncommon song sung by the fans of bad teams – that being “Let the kids I listened to one of your media scrums on Sunday and I thought the most play.” Trade everyone of consequence and hand it over to the kids. Who interesting thing you shared was this general game plan as far as how cares if the team loses while they’re outside their winning window, the the next week plays out and the offseason plays out, surrounding Nico kids can play more, the team can get a higher draft pick, and everyone and Jack and Mackenzie Blackwood with players around their age group. wins. I don’t think that’s a strawman concoction either. While it may be Which makes a lot of sense. It’s the first time that I’ve heard you detail anecdotal, my own Twitter feed bears this out from a number of fan the game plan in that way. Can you expand on that? bases.

Sure. First and foremost, it’s a man’s league. We need men on this team. Lately, I’ve become interested in the value of experience, and how You can’t just have all kids playing. Things can go south quickly because organizations should prioritize finding it for their still-developing players. of the people that they’re playing against, the men on the other team. So, Wednesday on Hockey Central, we spoke with Kevin Cheveldayoff of the you need a good core of men to surround kids. My goal is through Winnipeg Jets, who mentioned how valuable he thought it was for the drafting and developing, and we’ve got some young defensemen that we Jets to get into the playoffs and get swept by the Anaheim Ducks early in really like coming up, but we’re not going to rush them. I’m going to need the careers of his now-core. He mentioned how he believed that learning some bridge players to continue to help pull this team in the right just how hard those games are, and the level of play it takes to win them, direction while my young kids are developing. And when they’re ready to helped Mark Scheifele become what he deemed to be “a beast” in the play, they’re going to be ready. And that cycle will continue on. There’s Jets’ playoff run to the conference final just a couple years ago. an age factor here. I’m not looking to go out and sign 30-year-old plus That’s sort of a bigger picture look at how “men” are created. They need free agents that may have a shelf life for three to four years. I’m looking to play in big games, gain that experience, and be able to grow from to try to add to this team with some of these draft picks I’m trying to there. Using the Bruins and Penguins as examples again, you can’t help accumulate. That’s my goal, it’s easier said than done. But that’ll be my but wonder if having the type of men that could push a team deeper into intention come the offseason is try to add via trade or possibly free the playoffs doesn’t then help more players develop into better players, agency and continue to draft well and have a development plan for all our allowing their organizations to better develop players and to stay on top players. for longer periods of time. (By the way, when I’m referencing the difference between men/boys/kids A useful example when considering “men” and the value of getting below, I’m sure it’s exactly the same with women/girls/kids in hockey. prospects into big games is what the Maple Leafs have done with the We’re just talking specifically about the NHL and player development Marlies since Kyle Dubas took them over. The Leafs and their right now.) organization were downright bad five seasons ago, and fairly light on I think where the conversation about so-called “men” in the NHL and prospects, but as they acquired some hopeful NHLers, they surrounded “kids” gets derailed is when people point to outliers and specific them in the AHL with what you’d essentially deem ringers. They bought a anecdotes. Yes, Elias Pettersson, or (fill in the example of your choice) handful of the most expensive, established (but not expired), veteran has excelled in the NHL as a kid, as have countless other players past “men” the league had to offer, and sprinkled them into a lineup full of and present, obviously. But we remember those instances of youthful NHL-maybe prospects, a sweeping majority of whom have now gone on success because they’re uncommon. There’s also fewer instances of to establish NHL careers. Most seasons the team exceeded the veteran young cores having success right away (a recent example I can’t shake limits, and had to juggle the lineup each night because of it. It’s taken for are the Taylor Hall-led Oilers), and losing can inhibit the development of granted now, but William Nylander’s development into a 30-plus NHL players at a crucial time in their careers. goal scorer was no lock. Kasperi Kapanen benefitted from this plan too, but the bigger rewards were reaped when longer shots came through like I think what’s an important next step, once you’ve identified that you want Andreas Johnsson, Trevor Moore, Brendan Leipsic, Connor Brown, to surround your young talent with “men,” is to properly identify what it Justin Holl, Travis Dermott, and a handful of others. For their efforts, really is you’re looking for. I don’t believe what kids need are the 15-year Colin Greening was compensated nicely, Rich Clune too, as well as the veterans who can tell the kids how it should be done – and this is the fix likes of Vincent LoVerde, Ben Smith, Andrew Campbell and numerous others. In a development league, they surrounded prospects with men, they got them into deep playoff runs (including a Calder Cup victory and five playoff rounds combined the two seasons before that), and developed NHL talent as a result.

As the trade deadline approaches, the value of prospects playing alongside men on a game-to-game basis should be a worthwhile consideration for sellers. For those on the playoff fringes, adding “men” to help their prospects play in bigger games is worth a thought, too. At the end of it all, when you peel back what I’m saying here, is the reality that the type of player Fitzgerald is talking about here is extremely valuable leaguewide, and so it’s quite possible the very idea of handing teams over to the kids in a rebuild isn’t as smart a game plan as many have seemed to believe. The NHL may be a “young man’s” league today, but there’s a good argument to be made that the second word’s still more important than the first.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177659 New York Islanders Islanders: Host San Jose on Sunday. New York Daily News LOADED: 02.22.2020

Islanders four-game skid ends

By DENIS P. GORMAN

ASSOCIATED PRESS |FEB 22, 2020 | 12:30 AM

Jordan Eberle had a hat trick and the Islanders beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 on Friday night to snap a four-game skid.

It was the third three-goal game of Eberle's career and his first since April 9, 2017, when he was with the Edmonton Oilers.

Leo Komarov added a late empty-netter for the Islanders. Semyon Varlamov stopped 21 shots.

Anthony Mantha scored for Detroit, which became the first team this season to be eliminated from playoff contention.

“It sucks to be in a spot where you are eliminated this early,” Detroit's Jeff Blashill said. “It sucks and that's a fact.”

The Isles had scored only two goals in its previous four games, but Eberle got hot against the Red Wings, who have yielded more goals than any team in the league.

He got his first 5:45 into the game. The sequence began with a give-and- go behind the net between Matthew Barzal and Anders Lee, who skated to the circle and found an uncovered Ryan Pulock at the point. Eberle redirected Pulock's slap shot past Jonathan Bernier, who made 36 saves.

“We had a ton of chances,” Eberle said. “You just have to keep going at it and eventually pucks are going to go in.”

The Islanders outshot Detroit 13-2 in the first period and finished the game with a 40-22 advantage in shots.

Jordan Eberle's hat trick helped the Islanders beat the Red Wings.

“Not good enough,” Detroit center Frans Nielsen, a former Islander, said of the Red Wings' first period. “We knew they were going to come out hard. Losing four straight and fighting for their (playoff) lives, we knew they were going to be coming.”

Varlamov had a relatively easy night. His toughest save was a diving paddle stop on a 3-on-1 in the third period. Mantua's power-play goal with 2:35 left in the game ended the shutout bid.

Varlamov was aided by his defense, specifically Devon Toews, whose backcheck eliminated a breakaway chance from Dylan Larkin midway through the second period.

“He closed quick. I thought he defended well,” Islanders’ coach Barry Trotz said of Toews. “He did a real solid job.”

Minutes later, Eberle scored his second goal, a snap shot from the left circle.

He completed the hat trick on a power play with 36.3 seconds left in the game. Eberle has 13 goals this season.

“The biggest thing is just (to) try to keep going to the areas where you think you can score,” Eberle said.

NOTES: Before the game, the Islanders retired John Tonelli’s No. 27. Tonelli was an Islander from 1978-86 and assisted on Bobby Nystrom’s Stanley Cup-winning goal 7:11 into overtime of Game 6 against the Flyers in 1980, which began the Islanders’ run of four consecutive championships. Among those at the ceremony were teammates Nystrom, Denis Potvin, Billy Smith, and Bryan Trottier; NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly; Islanders co-owners Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky; and Tonelli’s wife Lauren, sons Jordan and Zach, and mother Joy. ... The Isles called up LW Otto Koivula and LW Andrew Ladd from AHL Bridgeport. ... Detroit scratched Ds Cody Goloubef and Jonathan Ericsson and LW Justin Abdelkader, while the Islanders scratched D Noah Dobson, C Derick Brassard and LW Ross Johnston.

UP NEXT

Red Wings: Host Calgary on Sunday. 1177660 New York Islanders

Islanders great John Tonelli has No. 27 raised to the rafters

By Mollie WalkerFebruary 22, 2020 | 3:48am

The Islanders retired a jersey for the first time in 19 years Friday night at the Coliseum.

John Tonelli’s No. 27 was raised into the rafters, honoring the former left winger’s seven seasons with the franchise and contribution to its historic four-year Stanley Cup run.

“Ever since I got the call from [general manager Lou Lamoriello], I’ve been in a different mood,” Tonelli said Friday before the Islanders beat the Red Wings 4-1. “All upbeat. Nothing stresses me out, it’s just been a constant excitement and a great feeling.”

The Islanders won 60 of 78 postseason games during those four trips to their Stanley Cup titles, going 12-1 in overtime and proving to be one of the most dominant teams in NHL history. Tonelli played a major role in the team’s prolonged success, coming up clutch in nearly every big moment he was given.

From assisting on Bobby Nystrom’s series-winning overtime goal in Game 6 of the 1980 Stanley Cup finals against the Flyers, to keeping the dynasty alive with a game-tying goal in regulation and the game-winner in overtime against the Penguins in the preliminary round of the 1982 playoffs, Tonelli solidified himself as one of the Islanders greats.

Tonelli deflected the individual spotlight, crediting his teammates for all the success he was able to have.

“It’s an individual honor but I don’t have it without my center icemen Wayne Merrick, , my right winger, and the rest of my teammates,” he said. “I don’t have anything without those guys.”

Tonelli said none of the Islanders’ success from 1979 to 1983 would’ve been possible without then-head coach Al Arbour, who died on Aug. 28, 2015 after suffering from Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Struggling to find the words through tears in his eyes, Tonelli saluted Arbour for his leadership.

“Al for me is — he was an unbelievable leader, mentor,” Tonelli said before pausing to find his words. “I get emotional when I talk about Al because he was that important to me. He just said all the right things and he was good to all of us. He got the best out of every one of us.”

Nevertheless, No. 27 won’t officially be retired considering Islanders captain Anders Lee has worn the number since joining the club in 2013. But Tonelli wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Ever since he put on 27, I’ve been watching him like a hawk,” he said with a smile. “But I am so impressed, I am so honored that he is going to continue to wear our number. I can just tell he’s got character, he’s a great leader and I want him to wear that and hopefully one day we’ll be up there together. I’m cheering big time for that.”

Cal Clutterbuck, who has been sidelined since wrist surgery on Dec. 21, was placed on long-term injury reserve and assigned to AHL Bridgeport on a conditioning assignment.

Coach Barry Trotz said Clutterbuck told Lamoriello that he wouldn’t mind going down to the team’s AHL affiliate to put in some work before he’s able to rejoin the Islanders.

“That says a lot about Clutter’, trying to get prepared to help us out,” Trotz said. “Some guys feel too big that they can’t go down there. He’s preparing to help us and by doing that he’s going to get some game action and come and join us, hopefully, if everything goes well.”

Kieffer Bellows was assigned to Bridgeport, and Otto Koivula and Andrew Ladd were recalled from the Sound Tigers.

New York Post LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177661 New York Islanders “It was a big night, obviously with Tonelli’s jersey being retired,” Eberle said. “[It was] special to be a part of that and it was a good way to win.”

New York Post LOADED: 02.22.2020 Islanders storm past Red Wings to snap four-game skid

By Mollie WalkerFebruary 21, 2020 | 11:15pm | Updated

Jordan Eberle (No. 7) is all smiles after scoring his hat trick goal in the Islanders' 4-1 win over the Red Wings.

Maybe it was the emotion from watching members of the Islanders’ four- time Stanley Cup winning teams gather for the raising of John Tonelli’s No. 27 into the rafters before the game or the fact they were in the midst of their worst losing streak of the season, but the Islanders displayed something extra in their game Friday night.

Sure, they were playing host to the Red Wings, who are now officially eliminated from playoff contention despite having 19 games left on their schedule, but the Islanders came away with a strong 4-1 victory at a sold-out Nassau Coliseum.

Jordan Eberle recorded his first hat trick as an Islander and the third of his career, scoring once in each period to help the Islanders’ snap their season-worst four-game losing skid. They also completed a three-game season sweep of Detroit. The win moved the Islanders to the top Eastern Conference wild-card spot, a point ahead of the Blue Jackets.

The Islanders were coming off a road trip, in which they scored just two goals over a four-game span, sliding just outside of the postseason cutoff line for the first time since mid-October.

“Obviously, the road trip didn’t go how we wanted,” Eberle said in reference to going 0-4 on the road this past week. “We had to come back and you see the standings, we’re in playoff mode and we have to be if we’re going to get in.”

Semyon Varlamov makes a save during the Islanders’ win.Paul J. Bereswill

The Islanders, who rediscovered a sense of urgency, racked up 40 shots on goal, including 20 in the second period, and brought the fire on defense.

In the first period, the Isles held the Red Wings to just two shots and turned defense into offense as Brock Nelson had a shorthanded opportunity on a shot that deflected high into the crowd on the Red Wings’ first power play at 14:02.

After Mathew Barzal carried the puck deep into the Red Wings’ zone, it was kicked back out to Ryan Pulock at the top of the right circle for a one-timer that deflected off of Eberle’s knee and past Detroit goalie Jonathan Bernier at 5:45 of the first to open the scoring.

It wasn’t until more than two minutes into the second period that the Red Wings recorded their third shot on goal. Andy Greene, who was traded from the Devils to the Islanders just three days ago, knocked away a cross-ice feed in front of the crease before Semyon Varlamov batted the puck away.

“To me, that was the game changer right there,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz said, referring to Greene and Varlamov’s defensive play. “The goals haven’t been coming easy, and in the second half of [the second] period I thought we were pretty relentless. We stayed on them and we got lots of chances.”

Eberle, who has registered six of his 10 goals this season against the Red Wings, scored his second goal after taking a cross-ice pass from Barzal and wristing the puck top shelf with 2:58 left in the second to make it 2-0.

Buckling down in the third, the Islanders held Detroit to eight shots on goal. Andrew Ladd, who was making his season debut, was called for tripping at 15:56 of the final period. The Red Wings capitalized off the draw as Anthony Mantha found the back of the net at 17:30 to make it 2- 1.

Larkin was then called for tripping seconds later, allowing Eberle to put the game out of reach with 36.3 seconds left in regulation. Leo Komarov chipped in with an empty netter as time expired. 1177662 New York Islanders The Islanders lost at Colorado, 3-1, this past Wednesday. They are at St. Louis on Thursday. Mayfield has played three games with the Islanders in each of his home cities, but never so close together.

Lou Lamoriello tends to make smaller deals at deadline “This was kind of a weird trip, too,” Mayfield said of the Islanders’ four- game western swing through Nashville, Vegas, Arizona and Colorado. “I had family in Vegas, they always come to Vegas. I had family in Phoenix as well. It was kind of a busy trip seeing everyone. You’re so busy during Updated February 22, 2020 3:01 AM the season, you don’t get to see family as much, so whenever you get a By Andrew Gross chance to see them, it’s a good time.”

Mayfield struggled when pressed to declare whether he considers St. Louis or Denver his true home. Monday marks Lou Lamoriello’s 32nd trade deadline as an NHL general manager. “That’s a tough one,” he said. “I grew up watching St. Louis. That’s probably what I would call home. That’s where I’m from. I lived there until And while the Islanders’ boss has completed 179 trades (according to I was 16. As far as family and friends, I probably have a little bit more in nhltradetracker.com) during his tenure with the Devils, Maple Leafs and Denver now with my parents and my sister living there now. I’m spending Islanders — pulling off his second trade with the Islanders when he summers there. That’s a tough question. I consider both home and acquired defenseman Andy Greene from the Devils this past Sunday — having them so close to each other [on the schedule] is a little interesting. his percentage of blockbuster deadline deals is a small one. But it’s fun to see everyone.”

His most recent deadline-day deal came with the Maple Leafs on March Picked from the pod 1, 2017, when he sent Frankie Corrado to the Penguins for Eric Fehr, Steven Oleksy and a fourth-round pick after acquiring Brian Boyle from Newly acquired defenseman Andy Greene was one of the guests on the Lightning two days earlier for Byron Froese and a second-round pick. Episode 22 of Newsday’s Island Ice podcast. He discussed his trade from the Devils, where he spent the first 13-plus seasons of his NHL In 2018, Lamoriello acquired Tomas Plekanec and Kyle Baun from the career. Canadiens for Kerby Rychel, Rinat Valiev and a second-round pick a day before the Feb. 26 deadline. When Lamoriello served as president and general manager of the Devils, he signed Greene as an undrafted free agent out of Miami (Ohio) in The point is that Lamoriello will just as soon look to bolster his squad with 2006. a depth acquisition as bring in a marquee rental. Greene, who wore No. 6 with the Devils but was assigned No. 4 with the In fact, his most recent big-name deadline deal — not including the Islanders, revealed that defenseman Ryan Pulock offered to give up that Maple Leafs’ nine-player deal with the Senators in which Lamoriello sent number for him. captain Dion Phaneuf to the Senators for a package that included Jared Cowen, Colin Greening and Milan Michalek a little less than three weeks “He offered, he honestly did,” Greene said. “I told him, like I told Lou, Lou before the 2016 deadline — came as a seller. gave me my first number, I didn’t even choose it, he can give me my second number. I’m not coming in here to step on toes or take away In his last season with the Devils, with his team about to miss the playoffs anyone’s number. That’s his number and whatever they gave me, I’m for the third straight season, Lamoriello sent Jaromir Jagr to the Panthers fine with.” for a second- and third-round pick on Feb. 26, 2015. Banner results Of course, just under a month before the 2010 deadline, Lamoriello acquired sniper Ilya Kovalchuk, Anssi Salmela and a second-round pick The Islanders retired John Tonelli’s No. 27 before Friday’s 4-1 win over for three players, including and a first- and second-round the Red Wings at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum on Friday. This coming pick from the . Kovalchuk’s acquisition was an Saturday, Butch Goring’s No. 91 will be raised to the rafters. Here’s how important piece for the Devils, who lost to the Kings in six games in the the Islanders fared after their other jersey retirement ceremonies; 2012 Stanley Cup Final. Denis Potvin No. 5 (Feb. 1, 1992) — Tied Flyers, 5-5 Lamoriello also made significant moves in the Devils’ three Cup-winning Clark Gilles No. 9 (Dec. 7, 1996) — Beat Capitals, 2-0 years of 1995, 2000 and 2003. Bryan Trottier No. 19 (Oct. 20, 2001) — Tied Sharks, 2-2 He acquired Grant Marshall from the Blue Jackets for a conditional pick at the trade deadline on March 11, 2003. Mike Bossy No. 22 (March 3, 1992) — Lost to Canadiens, 4-3

On March 14, 2000, also the trade deadline, he acquired Alexander Bobby Nystrom No. 23 (April 1, 1995) — Lost to Sabres, 5-1 Mogilny from the Canucks for Brendan Morrison and Denis Pederson. Mogilny, who had 76 goals with the Sabres in 1992-93, had four goals Billy Smith No. 31 (Feb. 20, 1993) — Beat Penguins, 4-2 and three assists in 23 playoff games. Two weeks earlier, Lamoriello Al Arbour 1,500 (Nov. 3, 2007) — Beat Penguins, 3-2 acquired defenseman Vladimir Malakhov, a former Islander, from the Canadiens for Josh DeWolf, Sheldon Souray and a second-round pick. Bill Torrey “The Architect” (Jan. 13, 2001) — Beat Penguins, 6-5

Lamoriello acquired U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer Neal Broten from the Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 02.22.2020 Stars for Corey Millen on Feb. 27, 1995, more than a month before the deadline of that lockout-shortened season. He also brought in useful defenseman Shawn Chambers along with Danton Cole for Ben Hankinson and Alexander Semak two weeks later.

The Devils lost to the Avalanche in seven games in the Stanley Cup Final in 2001. Lamoriello’s move that season was to swap backup goalies, getting John Vanbiesbrouck from the Islanders for Chris Terreri on March 12, 2001, a day before the deadline.

Going home — again

Scott Mayfield is going home again for a second straight week.

The defenseman was born and raised in St. Louis. He and his immediate family now live in Denver after he played his two collegiate seasons for the University of Denver from 2011-13. 1177663 New York Islanders Greene thwarted a cross-ice feed from Andreas Athanasiou headed to an open Valtteri Filppula early in the second period.

Toews raced back to tie up Dylan Larkin on a potential breakaway at Jordan Eberle's hat trick enables Islanders to end skid with win over Red 12:13 of the second period. Wings Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 02.22.2020

By Andrew Gross

Updated February 22, 2020 12:38 AM

The Islanders were keenly aware that they started the day out of a playoff position for the first time since mid-October and were coming off an 0-4-0 western road trip in which they totaled two goals.

Facing the NHL-worst Red Wings temporarily resolved those issues.

A 4-1 win on Friday night before a sellout crowd of 13,917 at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum, which included the jersey retirement ceremony of four-time Stanley Cup winner John Tonelli’s No. 27, lifted the Islanders and their revamped lineup back into a playoff spot as they opened a three-game homestand.

“Yeah, it doesn’t lie,” Jordan Eberle said of the standings after scoring his third career hat trick and first with the Islanders. “We have to be in playoff mode or we’re not going to get in. Those are big points tonight.”

Semyon Varlamov made 21 saves and defensemen Andy Greene and Devon Toews made goal-saving plays for the Islanders (34-20-6), who started the day behind both the Blue Jackets and the Hurricanes for the Eastern Conference’s two wild-card spots.

But the win, coupled with the Rangers’ 5-2 win at Carolina, moved the Islanders back into fourth place in the Metropolitan Division, one point behind the Flyers, and into the first wild-card spot.

Did being out of a playoff spot provide a jolt to the Islanders? “Yeah, it does. They’re human,” coach Barry Trotz said. “All I know, from all my years of experience, is you want to be in the position we are with 20-odd games to go because you’re playing meaningful games. If we play well and we get in, that’ll serve us well because we’ve had to go through adversity.”

Jonathan Bernier stopped 36 shots for the Red Wings (15-44-4), who officially were eliminated from playoff contention.

In that light, and with the NHL trade deadline looming on Monday, the Islanders likely should not feel too comfortable.

With Bernier also off for an extra skater, Anthony Mantha’s power-play goal brought the Red Wings within 2-1 at 17:25 of the third period.

The Islanders then put it away when Eberle completed his hat trick with a power-play goal with 36.3 seconds to go and Leo Komarov added an empty-netter with 6.2 seconds left.

“We needed to stop the bleeding,” said Anders Lee, the current No. 27, who had two assists. “We just needed a big win tonight. It didn’t matter how. Didn’t matter what kind of fashion. But it was nice to at least put a couple of extra in.”

“It was a pretty disappointing road trip,” said Varlamov, who made his fourth straight start. “I think today was a fun night. Everybody was pumped before the game. It was a nice ceremony. It was a great atmosphere. The fans were amazing.”

Andrew Ladd and rookie center Otto Koivula were recalled from the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport and were in the lineup. Rookie wing Kieffer Bellows was returned to Bridgeport — though, oddly, he remained at the Coliseum to watch the game from the press box — and center Derick Brassard was listed as day-to-day. He exited Wednesday’s loss at Colorado after being hit in the head by the puck and going through the concussion protocol.

The Islanders held a 13-2 shot advantage in the first period but led only 1-0 on Ryan Pulock’s one-timer from the right point that grazed off Eberle at 5:45.

Eberle’s second goal, a short-side shot from the left circle off Mathew Barzal’s feed, made it 2-0 at 17:02 of the second period. 1177664 New York Islanders

Former Islander John Tonelli has his No. 27 retired at Coliseum

By Brian Heyman

Updated February 22, 2020 12:50 AM

John Tonelli gave his speech full of thank-yous on the circular blue carpet at center ice as five of his Islanders teammates from the glory days sat nearby. The current team watched from the bench, all wearing his white jersey.

And then it was time.

The 62-year-old former left wing stood with his wife, two of his sons and his 89-year-old mom, and they watched his No. 27 rise to the Coliseum rafters.

“Tonight is not about me,” Tonelli had told the crowd before thanking the fans and his teammates.

But he was wrong. Friday night really was about him, his chance to hear the “JT” chants rock the Barn, his turn to receive the ultimate honor from his old team: to have his number retired.

Seven players who helped the Islanders claim four straight Stanley Cups from 1980-83 now have their numbers on white, blue and orange banners. Tonelli joined Denis Potvin (5), (9), Bryan Trottier (19), Mike Bossy (22), Bobby Nystrom (23) and Billy Smith (31).

All but Bossy were out there before the game against Detroit. Bossy sent a video message. Butch Goring (91) will join their club on Feb. 29.

“Never in my wildest dream did I think this would happen,” Tonelli said while reminiscing at the morning skate in East Meadow.

Tonelli contributed 206 goals and 338 assists in 594 regular-season games for the Islanders from 1978-86 and another 28 goals and 55 assists in 113 playoff games with the team

He saved the three-peat in 1982, scoring late in regulation to tie the deciding Game 5 of the opening round against Pittsburgh, then winning it in overtime.

Perhaps his most memorable moment was the OT pass that led straight to the first Cup.

It was May 24, 1980. Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against Philadelphia at the Coliseum. Tonelli to Nystrom for first prize.

“So when we executed that play, I have to tell you how emotionally drained I was and how tired I was,” Tonelli said. “When that puck hit the back of the net and our goal was accomplished, all I wanted to do was go to sleep.”

The Islanders gave Tonelli a framed jersey, a portrait and a golf vacation as his No. 27 retirement gifts. He got choked up when he began talking about the Coliseum. In the morning, he had gotten teary while talking about his late coach, Al Arbour.

“I get emotional when I talk about Al because he was that important to me,” Tonelli said. “He just said all the right things and he was good to all of us, and he got the best out of every one of us.”

So No. 27 has risen. But it also belongs to Anders Lee, the current Islanders captain.

“I am so proud and so honored that you will continue to wear our number,” Tonelli told Lee during the speech before adding that he will “look forward to when we can share it all the way to the top of the rafters.”

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177665 New York Islanders

Injured Islanders winger Cal Clutterbuck sent to Bridgeport for conditioning

By Andrew Gross

Updated February 22, 2020 12:53 AM

Cal Clutterbuck’s return to the NHL will start in the AHL.

The Islanders placed the gritty right wing, sidelined since having his left wrist slashed by Patrice Bergeron’s skate blade in Boston on Dec. 19, on long-term injured reserve on Friday and assigned him to their affiliate in Bridgeport for a conditioning assignment.

It was part of a flurry of roster moves as the Islanders also recalled Andrew Ladd and Otto Koivula from Bridgeport and reassigned Kieffer Bellows to the Sound Tigers.

Bridgeport will host Hershey on Saturday and Hartford on Sunday.

“The hope would be for him to play this week and have good results and, hopefully, join us shortly,” coach Barry Trotz said. “Clutter came to Lou [Lamoriello, the Islanders’ president and general manager] and said, ‘I wouldn’t mind going down.’

“That says a lot about Clutter,” Trotz added. “Some guys feel too big that they can’t go down there. He’s preparing to help us and, by doing that, he’s going to get some game action and join us if everything goes well.”

Isles files

Trotz confirmed that Derick Brassard went through the concussion protocol after being struck in the head by a puck in Wednesday’s 3-1 loss at Colorado . . . Bellows had two goals and one assist in seven games in his first NHL call-up. “Kieffer has done a really good job in his stint,” Trotz said. “It’s a good start. It’s dried up a little bit for him. I think he’s opened our eyes to his development.” . . . Noah Dobson and Ross Johnston were healthy scratches . . . Anders Lee, in cartoon form, is a guest on NHL Network Ice Time on Saturday at 9 a.m., a show geared for younger viewers. Lee, interviewed by Mike Rupp, discusses his career and scoring a goal in his first game.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177666 New York Islanders Anthony Beauvillier-Brock Nelson-Leo Komarov Andrew Ladd-Josh Bailey-Michael Dal Colle

Matt Martin-Otto Koivula-Tom Kuhnhackl Andrew Ladd, Otto Koivula in Isles' lineup as injuries force changes Andy Greene-Ryan Pulock

Devon Toews-Scott Mayfield By Andrew Gross Nick Leddy-Johnny Boychuk Updated February 21, 2020 5:49 PM Semyon Varlamov (17-12-4, 2.55 goals-against average, .918 save

percentage) The Islanders altered their lineup three days in advance of Monday’s Red Wings (15-43-4) NHL trade deadline. Injuries forced these changes rather than any deals to address the team’s scoring struggles. Robby Fabbri-Dylan Larkin-Anthony Mantha

Veteran left wing Andrew Ladd and rookie center Otto Koivula were Tyler Bertuzzi-Valtteri Filppula-Andreas Athanasiou recalled from the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport and are in the lineup for Friday night’s game against the NHL-worst Red Wings at Darren Helm-Frans Nielsen-Luke Glendening NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum. The Islanders, starting the day out of a Adam Erne-Christoffer Ehn-Brendan Perlini playoff position for the first time since October, will retire four-time Stanley Cup champion John Tonelli’s No. 27 before the game. Patrik Nemeth-Alex Biega

Rookie wing Kieffer Bellows was returned to Bridgeport and center Madison Bowey-Mike Green Derick Brassard was listed as day to day. He was hit in the head by a puck in Wednesday’s 3-1 loss at Colorado that concluded an 0-4-0 Trevor Daley-Gustav Lindstrom Western road trip during which the Islanders scored only two goals. Jonathan Bernier (13-17-2, 2.89, .908) Brassard went through concussion protocol and did not return to that game. Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 02.22.2020

“I’ve always had success going around the net and putting pucks in the net,” said Ladd, who has spent all but one game this season with Bridgeport after being limited to 26 games last season as he suffered separate major injuries to each knee. “I’ll just try to do more of the same. We’ve got a lot of talented guys up front. If I can create space for them, get open to get my shot off, that’s just part of my game.”

“He’s scored a lot of goals in this league,” coach Barry Trotz said of Ladd, who had 248 goals and 289 assists in 947 games entering Friday and won the Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006 and the Blackhawks in 2010. “We’re looking at that experience factor jumping in.”

Ladd, 34, has 11 goals and three assists in 34 games for the Sound Tigers. But an upper-body injury has kept him sidelined since Feb. 1, though he has been skating this month.

He was called up to play in a 3-2 loss to the Blue Jackets at the Coliseum on Dec. 23 Ladd logged 9:53 without a point — and was promptly returned to Bridgeport.

That cameo’s brevity did surprise him.

“Yeah, a little bit,” Ladd said. “But that’s out of my control. I thought I came in at that time and played well. I tried to be physical. I tried to bring a little energy and that’s a decision they made. I went back down and I was trying to do the same things, make plays and get that game back.”

Ladd started Friday’s game on the third line, with Josh Bailey filling in for Brassard in the middle.

Koivula centered a fourth line with Matt Martin and Tom Kuhnhackl.

Bailey is the latest to try and fill in for Casey Cizikas, who suffered a left leg laceration in the Islanders’ last win, a 5-3 victory over the visiting Flyers on Feb. 11. Cole Bardreau was recalled from Bridgeport but played just one game — a 5-0 loss at Nashville on Feb. 13 — before being sent back to the AHL. Leo Komarov, much more comfortable on the wing, centered the fourth line the previous three games.

“Trotz has been saying all year it’s a next-man-up mentality,” Anthony Beauvillier said. “We’ve seen 'Ladder' for years in this league. He’s got a lot of experience and he’s a big presence in our dressing room. Everyone is happy to have him back. Otto is a smart player. He makes those little plays and understands the game really well.”

Koivula, 21, had yet to record his first career point in seven games over two playing stints with the Islanders this season entering Friday.

Here are the projected lineups:

Islanders (33-20-6)

Anders Lee-Mathew Barzal-Jordan Eberle 1177667 New York Rangers the past 31 games. ... The sellout crowd of 18,680, the 11th of the season for the Hurricanes, was aided by healthy chunk of transplanted Rangers fans wearing blue.

Rangers complete four-game season series sweep of Hurricanes UP NEXT

Hurricanes: Visit Toronto on Saturday.

ASSOCIATED PRESS |FEB 21, 2020 | 10:45 PM Rangers: Host San Jose on Saturday.

New York Daily News LOADED: 02.22.2020

RALEIGH, N.C. — Mika Zibanejad had a goal and two assists, and the Rangers beat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 on Friday night.

Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome each had a goal and an assist for the Rangers, which won for the eighth time in 11 games. Jesper Fast and Brady Skjei also scored, and Igor Shesterkin made 27 saves in the Rangers’ seventh straight road victory.

“The last two, three weeks we feel like we’ve been playing really well,” Skjei said. “We’re playing with a lot of confidence.”

The Blueshirts swept the four-game season series. The Rangers have won 31 of their past 37 games with the Hurricanes since February 2011.

"For whatever reason, they usually play well against us," Carolina captain Jordan Staal said. "We have to find ways to get points right now and whatever team we're playing against, it's got to be better."

Brock McGinn and Sebastian Aho scored for Carolina, which dropped to 5-4 since the All-Star break. The Hurricanes are fighting for a wild card in the Eastern Conference.

Petr Mrazek stopped 31 shots in his third loss of the season to the Rangers.

Rangers center Mika Zibanejad and Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal skate for the puck during the first period.

Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour was disappointed in his team's lack of urgency at the start.

"They were good," Brind'Amour said. "They were desperate, a little more than we were. That to me is the bigger issue. We needed to have a little more desperation early in the game to kind of set the tone and we never did."

The Rangers typically dominate Carolina with Henrik Lundqvist in net. But the veteran goaltender got the night off so the Rangers could stay with Shesterkin’s hot hand.

The 24-year-old rookie earned his eighth win in nine NHL appearances. He made a spectacular glove save on Nino Niederreiter in the first period.

"He made some big-time saves to keep it 0-0 and then we got the goal," Rangers coach David Quinn said. "I thought after that, we really played well."

The Rangers jumped in front on Zibanejad’s unassisted breakaway goal with 3:19 left in the first.

After McGinn tied it 3:25 into the second, the Rangers got a pair of goals that deflected in off the skate of a Carolina player.

Fast got his ninth goal at 9:48 when he attempted to pass the puck back to Panarin and it bounced off the skate of Brett Pesce past Mrazek.

Skjei made it 3-1 at 3:51 with a pass that hit off Jake Gardinder's skate.

"When we were struggling to score, we couldn't get any of those (bounces)," Strome said. "We had guys going to the net, we had guys playing hard."

Zibanejad set up Panarin with a beautiful behind-the-back pass just 70 seconds into the third for a power-play goal and a 4-1 lead.

Aho, who has scored an NHL-best 10 goals this month, was able to get a power-play goal by Shesterkin 5:12 into the third. But Strome tacked on an empty-netter with 1:48 left.

NOTES: Panarin got his 50th assist of the season. It's his third straight season with at least 50 assists. ... Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba had a hard time staying out of the penalty box. He was called for a pair of interference penalties in the first period and a roughing penalty in the second. ... Aho has at least a point in 11 straight games and 36 points in 1177668 New York Rangers But Strome ended it into the empty net late in the third, and that made this night all about the win. The players came off hooting and hollering, the moms were cheering and all the anxiety that comes with this time of year was pushed to the back burner. Red-hot Rangers rip Hurricanes as Igor Shesterkin shines again Even Frank Abagnale Jr. would have been proud.

New York Post LOADED: 02.22.2020 By Brett CyrgalisFebruary 21, 2020 | 9:51pm | Updated

RALEIGH, N.C. — As Frank Abagnale Jr. so eloquently said in “Catch Me If You Can”: The Yankees don’t win because of the pinstripes. They win because they have Mickey Mantle.

So the Rangers aren’t winning because they’ve found a way to distract themselves from all the noise surrounding the club in the lead-up to Monday’s trade deadline. They’re winning because they have Igor Shesterkin.

The lesson in perception versus reality continued when Shesterkin collected his eighth win in nine career NHL games, backstopping his team to a 5-2 victory over the Hurricanes on Friday night.

It then seemed secondary that Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist watched a game for the first time ever as a healthy scratch, and almost tangential that Chris Kreider remained embroiled in a contract negotiation that will determine if he stays with the team or becomes the most sought- after commodity before Monday’s 3 p.m. deadline.

Instead, the Rangers (32-24-4) have now won six of their past seven and nine of their past 12, gaining ground on the Hurricanes (34-22-4), and also creeping closer in the race for the second wild-card, now five points back of the Blue Jackets. Since Shesterkin came up from AHL Hartford on Jan. 6, the Blueshirts have won 13 of 19, and this postseason pipe dream has turned more into a horizon slowly coming into focus.

“I think we were going in the right direction before he got here, but he’s been on a hot run,” coach David Quinn said after his 24-year-old Russian rookie made 27 saves. “Our guys have a lot of confidence in all of our goalies, but he’s been the guy that keeps winning. When a guy is in there, doing what he’s doing, you team feels a little bit more confident.”

The Rangers are playing with a confidence that is undeniable, their seven-game road winning streak tying the longest in franchise history. As Ryan Strome pointed out, the most recent time they were in this building, Lundqvist needed to stand on his head and throw back the clock in a 45- save gem.

Boy, how things have changed.

“When we played these guys earlier in the year, we really, really got dominated,” Strome said after his team completed a sweep of the four- game season series. “I think it speaks volumes to how far our team has come and how we’re able to handle all different types of teams.”

This two-game road trip, with the players’ moms in tow, started with a 6-3 win over the high-flying (and terribly loose) Blackhawks on Wednesday. But the Hurricanes brought an edge and physicality that the Rangers did their best to match.

“We’re playing on our toes,” Strome said. “We’re learning how to become a team and win games, and how to handle all different types of adversity.”

As the Rangers of the 2010s can attest, the best way to overcome adversity is by terrific goaltending. Lundqvist did it for so long, and now the torch has been passed to Shesterkin. He made two stops on Justin Williams in front and then a slick glove save on a Nino Niederreiter tip, almost single-handedly killing off a first-period penalty to keep it scoreless and start the game on the right foot.

“Those are game-changers,” Quinn said.

The Rangers got a breakaway goal from Mika Zibanejad just over two minutes after the penalty expired to make it 1-0.

Brock McGinn tied the game at 3:25 of the second, but then two good bounces allowed Jesper Fast and Brady Skjei to score in the second for a 3-1 lead. Artemi Panarin scored his 31st of the season on a power play 1:10 into the third, but it was matched by a power-play goal from Sebastian Aho just over four minutes later — breaking a seven-game streak in which the Rangers had not given up a power-play goal. 1177669 New York Rangers

Rangers move within five points of playoff spot by beating Hurricanes

By Colin Stephenson

Updated February 22, 2020 12:43 AM

RALEIGH, N.C. — At Friday’s morning skate, before taking on the Hurricanes in a game the Rangers saw as a playoff game of sorts for them, coach David Quinn was asked if he wished he could fast-forward to Tuesday, the day after the NHL trade deadline. That way, he would have his team set and wouldn’t have to talk about the deadline anymore.

“No,’’ he said. “I want it to be Friday night, about 9:30, having a beer, enjoying a win.’’

Quinn did get to enjoy the win he was looking for as his red-hot team earned a 5-2 victory over Carolina.

“In the three previous games [against the Hurricanes], our goaltending was unbelievable — probably three of the better goaltending performances we’ve had all year,’’ Quinn said. “Tonight, it was a true team effort. I thought our goalie was good when we needed him to be, I thought we did a good job not keeping him too busy. Just from the forwards to the defense corps, we were really good.’’

The goalie in the first three games against the Hurricanes was Henrik Lundqvist, who historically is excellent against them. But on Friday, Quinn went with Igor Shesterkin, who made 27 saves to lift his record to 8-1 since being called up from AHL Hartford on Jan. 6.

“I thought we were going in the right direction before he got here,’’ Quinn said, “but he’s been on a hot run, and our guys have a lot of confidence in all of our goalies, but he’s been the guy that keeps winning.’’

Mika Zibanejad had a goal and two assists and Artemi Panarin had a goal and an assist for the Rangers, who blocked 24 shots as they won for the sixth time in the last seven games and the ninth time in the last 12.

The Rangers are six points behind the Islanders, who hold the Eastern Conference’s first wild card, and five points behind the Blue Jackets, who occupy the second wild-card spot but have played two more games than the Rangers. The Blueshirts are four points behind the Hurricanes and two behind the Panthers.

The Rangers will host the struggling Sharks at the Garden on Saturday night, and Ryan Strome said the Rangers (32-24-4) need to keep it up.

“This was a massive game for us,’’ he said. “I think it’s important we get on the plane here and enjoy this win tonight and be ready to go at the Garden tomorrow. It would be really easy to have a letdown game tomorrow and we’ve got to avoid that. Coming off such high emotions tonight, we’ve got to bring the same effort tomorrow.’’

With the team prioritizing winning games, Quinn dressed the same lineup as he had Wednesday, meaning unrestricted free agents-to-be Chris Kreider and Jesper Fast played rather than being held out for precautionary reasons so close to the deadline.

The Rangers led 1-0, courtesy of Zibanejad’s steal and breakaway goal at 16:41 of the first period, but the Hurricanes tied it on Brock McGinn’s goal at 3:25 of the second. Then the Rangers got a couple of lucky deflections to take a 3-1 lead into the second intermission.

Fast’s shot deflected in off the skate of Carolina defenseman Brett Pesce at 9:48 and Brady Skjei scored from behind the goal line when he threw the puck toward the slot and it bounced in off the skate of Carolina defenseman Jake Gardiner at 16:09.

Panarin’s assist on Fast’s goal was his 50th assist and 80th point of the season and the 400th point of his NHL career. With the Rangers on the power play early in the third period, he recorded his 31st goal to make it 4-1 at 1:10.

Carolina’s Sebastian Aho scored a power-play goal at 5:12, but Strome added an empty-net goal with 1:48 remaining.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177670 New York Rangers

Rangers' goalie Henrik Lundqvist a healthy scratch for first time in career

By Colin Stephenson

Updated February 22, 2020 12:47 AM

RALEIGH, N.C. — For the first time in his Rangers career, Henrik Lundqvist was a healthy scratch on Friday. And it came against the Hurricanes, a team he typically dominates. He has a 33-12-1 record with a 2.00 goals-against average and .934 save percentage against Carolina.

Lundqvist had served as the backup for eight straight games, behind either Igor Shesterkin or Alexandar Georgiev. Lundqvist, who last started Feb. 3, wanted to put in some extra work on the ice at the morning skate and work out off-ice as well. Because of that, he and coach David Quinn agreed that Georgiev should back up Shesterkin, who started his second straight game as the Rangers beat the Hurricanes, 5-2.

“He actually did more work than Georgie [at the morning skate], so he actually came to me and said, ‘Why don’t you have Georgie back up tonight?’ ’’ Quinn said. “So that was strictly Hank’s decision.’’

Blue notes

This is the team’s Moms’ Trip, and Quinn said he’s enjoying it. “If things go well tonight, we might extend this trip,’’ he quipped before the game. “They’re a lot of fun to be around.’’

Filip Chytil left the game in the third period with what Quinn said was an “upper-body injury.’’ He didn’t know if Chytil will be available for Saturday’s game.

Right wing Julien Gauthier, whom the Rangers acquired from Carolina for defenseman Joey Keane on Tuesday, played his second game as a Ranger against the team that picked him in the first round of the 2016 draft. “It’s just another game,’’ he said. “I’m just happy to be a New York Ranger now and that’s what it is.’’

Lundqvist, Greg McKegg and Brendan Smith were the Rangers’ scratches. McKegg, Gauthier and Phillip DiGiuseppe are former Hurricanes. The Rangers completed a four-game sweep of the Hurricanes.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177671 New York Rangers when you’re evaluating your team, you’re trying to size it up: Do we have some of the characteristics you’re going to need to win important hockey games? I think as the year was going on, as a group, we were acquiring those characteristics you’re going to need. Rangers believed all along; now they’re providing reasons for others to believe “I thought we had enough talent. We’re not the most talented team in the league, but in this sport you don’t need to be the most talented team. You need to have enough talent. The emergence of some of our young players, the emergence of some of older/young players like (Pavel) By Rick Carpiniello Feb 21, 2020 Buchnevich, and Strome and (Brady) Skjei, guys like that, and the way this team just kind of started to mold itself and feel good about each other, you could just kind of feel it. You could feel we had a chance.” RALEIGH, N.C. — All season long, the Rangers players and coach have been talking about the playoffs. Playoffs, playoffs, playoffs. Even when Quinn hesitated just for a moment. they couldn’t win more than two in a row other than one three-game “By no stretch of the imagination are we anywhere near where we need stretch in November. to be. There is a lot of work to do. But we’ve put ourselves in a position Playoffs? I thought they were nuts. late in a hockey season where our season is still very, very meaningful.”

Now, after going toe-to-toe in a fast, hard, nasty 5-2 win over Carolina, It is. They have a shot. Now I believe that. the Rangers have won six of their past seven and actually have a I haven’t really written much about the “p” word to this point. realistic shot at a playoff spot. Tell you what, though. This team doesn’t always play well. It has its share Not only that — and this is something — the Rangers have tied a of lapses and goof-ups, still (first two periods in Chicago). But this team franchise record (set in 1935 and matched in 1978) with seven straight plays hard. road wins, the longest road streak in the NHL this season, including sweeps of a three-game trip and this two-game trip in consecutive “Just really proud of our guys,” Quinn said. “A really gutsy effort.” weeks. In the morning, Quinn was asked if he, as a coach, couldn’t wait until Now, nobody knows what this successful lineup will look like come Tuesday, when the deadline will have passed. Monday at 3 p.m. when the trade deadline arrives. The Rangers are very likely to be active. But more on that, including some news on Henrik Quinn quipped, “No, I just want it to be Friday night around 9:30, having a Lundqvist and Chris Kreider, in a bit. beer and enjoying a win.”

“That’s a big-boy win,” said Ryan Strome, who had an assist and put the Following his postgame news conference, Quinn was asked about that. game away with an empty-net goal, and whose mother, Trish, “I’ve already had my beer,” he said, “I might have another one.” announced the lineups to the team both nights on this Moms’ Trip. Deadline update “Sometimes it’s frustrating. You look at the standings and you can get First, the big one. Henrik Lundqvist, probably for the first time in his discouraged a little bit. But I think if you just look at the way we’ve been career, was a healthy scratch. Alexandar Georgiev backed up Igor playing … we’re on our toes, we’re learning how to become a team and Shesterkin (8-1). Twitter exploded, of course. But the official word is that how to win games and how to handle different types of adversity. I mean, Lundqvist, who hasn’t started for nine games in a row and has started killing off penalties at big moments, doing what it takes to win. I think three of the last 20, pushed himself hard in a post-morning skate workout that’s something that our team has kind of figured out, and there’s no because the team hasn’t practiced much. He went to Quinn and magic recipe to it. I think it’s just kind of come together. suggested Georgiev might be better suited to enter the game, if needed, “You look at our last two road trips, things could have easily gone due to that extra work. differently. We swept both of them. I’m really proud of our guys. Just two Nevertheless, there have been some rumblings about Lundqvist gritty road trips and a lot of gutsy efforts and some ice bags and some considering waiving his no-trade clause. I don’t think it’s impossible. But I sore bodies, but we’ll be back (Saturday against San Jose), and the asked a source very high in the organization if he believes Lundqvist will Garden’s going to be rocking.” still be a Ranger on Tuesday, and the answer I got was a definitive “yes.” It should be, but the Rangers need to not let a nonconference, non- On to Kreider, who continues to be the No. 1 player on the market. He division game derail them. and his agent are still negotiating — hence no bubble-wrapping — and I “Well I hope our guys are math majors and they understand where we’re think it has gone from 25-75 to 50-50 that he re-signs. I think Kreider is at and how many games we have (left),” David Quinn said. too important to the coach and to his center, Mika Zibanejad, and to the kids on the roster, but it will come down to agreeing to a deal that, most I actually thought that maybe it wasn’t such a great idea to put so much likely, will have to be less than seven years at $7 million per. The emphasis on this game, for a young team with 22 games now left. What Rangers cannot have a John Tavares situation here, where a free agent happens if they lose it? I was wrong again. By making it “a playoff game” is kept after the deadline and leaves July 1. Sign or trade. Simple as that. and winning it, well, that’s a pretty special game for a team that hasn’t had many the past two-plus seasons. And teams are interested, including St. Louis, Colorado and the Islanders. I think Pittsburgh (Jason Zucker) and Tampa Bay (Blake This team, which believed all season, believes even more now. Coleman) may have dropped out with their acquisitions. Boston was in the mix for sure, but just somehow traded David Backes’ contract to “I think it starts with the coaches, and it starts with some of the older guys Anaheim for Ondrej Kase. I’m not sure if that changes things for the in the room and then it trickles down to some of the young guys buying Bruins. Some reports have Washington in it. in,” Kreider said. “I think it’s very evident in some of the little plays. The coaching staff demands excellence. We understood that right from the Kreider, somehow, has blocked it all out and kept going. get-go. Even when we were winning earlier on in the season, we weren’t winning the right way, and we heard it. And it was a good thing that we “He’s been doing it for a while,” Quinn said. “People handle situations did because our defensive game’s gotten a lot better. And in the differently and I think one of the reasons that Chris has had so much offensive zone, the skill’s going to be there. The stuff that you can success is because he can handle New York and he can handle continue to improve on, continue to work on, a lot of that’s through situations like this. I think it’s a reflection of his mental toughness. I know chemistry and the will to get to the front of the net, the will to get inside.” people get consumed with his physical tools. But the fact that he’s been able to block all this stuff out and just be focused on winning hockey Quinn believed and has clearly and loudly and repetitively stated the games and done everything he can to help this organization night in and playoffs as the goal — even if the organization certainly isn’t making it night out certainly is a testament to his mental capacity and his mental about playoffs or bust. toughness.”

“Just the direction that we were going,” Quinn said. “I always go back to Thoughts that Montreal game (trailing 4-0, the Rangers won 6-5, to start that three- game winning streak Nov. 23), just the feel. One of the things that you do 1. The big victory was not without cost. Filip Chytil suffered an “upper- 16. It was an interesting Moms’ Trip for Linda Staal and Trish Strome. body” injury in the third period and left after two shifts. There won’t be an Mrs. Staal returned from the Hurricanes’ Moms’ Trip to join the Rangers’ update until Saturday evening. trip, wearing the Blueshirt even with her other son on the home team.

2. All the years when the Rangers were good and the Hurricanes stunk, Trish Strome, on Wednesday in Chicago, also had her sons Dylan and the Rangers beat them like a drum. In recent years, when the Canes Ryan go head-to-head while wearing the Rangers jersey. were much better and the Rangers, by design, much worse, the Rangers still beat them like a drum. So this year, it’s another four-game series “If things go well tonight we might extend this (Moms’) trip,” Quinn said sweep by the Rangers (including a complete Lundqvist robbery the last before the game. time they were here). They have won 31 of 37 against Carolina since 17. I wonder if the Hurricanes would draw more of, you know, their own February 2011 — which happens to be the season before a young team fans if the P.A. guy would stop screaming. arrived a year ahead of schedule (2011-12) and began a nice long stretch of competing for a Stanley Cup. 18. Saturday is the 40th anniversary of the Miracle On Ice in Lake Placid. USA captain and Miracle hero Mike Eruzione never played in the NHL 3. Also, Brendan Lemieux didn’t let it go unnoticed that the Rangers post-Olympics but carved out quite a career making motivational prevented the Canes from doing their post-win Storm Surge thing. He speeches. USA coach Herb Brooks, when he was coaching the Rangers, mocked them after the game: used to say, “Eruzione believes in free speech. He just doesn’t give 4. Quinn on the decision to start Shesterkin again: them.”

“We’re 8-0 since the break with him in net, so it really is that simple.” Shayna Goldman’s analysis

5. Shesterkin made two big saves on rebound chances by Justin • The Rangers were the better team below the surface at even strength. Williams, off an Andrei Svechnkov shot, and another on the power play They out-Corsi’d the Hurricanes with 54.3 percent of the shot share and created by a Jacob Trouba penalty. Then a flash of leather on a Nino won the quality battle as well with 61 percent. Niederreiter deflection. • Mika Zibanejad led all skaters in game score (4.76), which blends 6. Late in the first, and shortly after the kill, Zibanejad — who’s been so traditional and advanced statistics, and set a season-high for single- good all season long — blocked a shot by Jordan Staal and broke away, game performance. In all situations, he led all skaters with three points, beating Petr Mrazek with a deke and a backhander up top. 1-0. That’s 11 shot attempts, seven shots on goal, and an individual xG total of 1.05. goals in nine of the last 12 for Zibanejad. A gigantic Rangers contingent His first-period goal had the highest expected-goal value of every in the crowd erupted. unblocked shot attempt taken in the game. Despite missing 13 games with injury, Zibanejad’s on pace for a career-best in goals (39) and points “Our goalie was immense during that penalty kill,” Quinn said. “Those are (86). game-changers (the save and the goal). That being said, I thought our guys felt good about what we were doing up to that.” • At even strength, the Rangers generated a leading 22 shot attempts with Brady Skjei deployed and tilted the ice the most with Pavel 7. Trouba took another penalty, but this time there was less drama for Buchnevich (+7 shot attempt differential). In terms of quality, they created Shesterkin, who made another quick pad save at the buzzer. a team-high 1.06 xG for and tilted the ice the most (+.74 xG differential) with Zibanejad on. While it was in limited time (just over 12 minutes), 8. Jack In The Box: Zibanejad drew a penalty to Jordan Staal, and other New York conceded the least with Julien Gauthier on (two shot attempts than a Kaapo Kakko chance in front, the Rangers didn’t get a sniff on the against, .13 xG against) in his first game against his former organization. power play. Staal came out of the box, tipped Slavin’s pass to McGinn, who caught Trouba backing off and beat Shesterkin with a wrister. 1-1. • With a goal and an assist, Artemi Panarin is up to 31 goals and 81 points in 59 games — one goal and six points shy of his career-best. The 9. Daily Bread: Trouba’s pinch in the middle of the second created a winger is on pace for 111 points. He’s currently fifth in all-situation Carolina turnover, and Artemi Panarin grabbed it and took it to the net … scoring in the league and remains the top five-on-five scorer, with 52 except he chose to pass it to Jesper Fast, whose return pass never got to points. Something that’s helping Panarin reach these heights is his Panarin, but instead went in off the skate of Canes defenseman Brett increased shooting, as he’s shooting at the highest rate of his career in Pesce. 2-1. Panarin’s 50th assist of the season, extending his point all situations and at five-on-five. streak to eight games. • Igor Shesterkin turned aside 27 of the 29 shots that went on net and 10. Svechnikov started throwing bodies around, twice Skjei, then went at prevented 1.01 goals above expected against the 3.01 expected goals it with Trouba, who caught him with a right to the jaw. They each got two against he faced. for roughing. Svechnikov’s career is the one a lot of people point to when looking at the start of Kakko’s, but I don’t think Kakko has that • Among all skaters, the Rangers composed the top nine in game score. component in his game. Behind Zibanejad, Ryan Strome (3.88), Skjei (2.78), Panarin (2.22), and Chris Kreider (1.54) rounded out New York’s top five. 11. When Svechnikov came out of the box, Marc Staal rag-dolled him to the ice, and Svechnikov went to the bench screaming at the referee and The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 banging his stick on the ice. Skjei took a pass from Strome, went around the back of the net and tried a centering. The puck instead hit the skate of Jake Gardiner, the second own-goal by the Canes. 3-1.

12. Trouba, playing with a burr in his saddle, drilled Eric Haula with a high hit behind the net in the final minute of the period. A Williams penalty carried into the third, and the Rangers’ power play connected, Chytil to Zibanejad to Panarin for a one-timer from the left circle, his 31st goal of the season. 4-1. Zibanejad’s assist gave him 22 points in the past 13 games.

13. Ex-Cane Julien Gauthier took a penalty — on a play on which Williams cut Ryan Lindgren’s face (yet again) with the referee 10 feet away — and Sebastian Aho scored a tap-in. Shesterkin actually made a save on Svechnikov’s shot, but it trickled through his pads and into the crease, Aho in behind Staal and Jesper Fast to score. 4-2.

14. Warren Foegele tripped Adam Fox with what looked like a slew foot — Buchnevich retaliated — and put the Rangers back on the power play and Mrazek flat-out robbed Zibanejad’s bid for a fourth point with a lunging glove save off a cross-crease pass from Panarin.

15. Kreider went after Svechnikov during stoppage after another Canes penalty. 1177672 NHL Ryan last played Nov. 16. He has been skating since late December and coach D.J. Smith said he could be back in the Senators’ lineup in about a week.

Ryan confronts addiction, preps for return to Ottawa lineup Ryan said he feels great physically, and is looking forward to getting back in the lineup as a sort of reset for himself — both on and off the ice.

“People have reservations about where I’m at in my career and contract Feb. 21, 2020 at 11:48 pm Updated Feb. 21, 2020 at 11:49 PM and I understand that,” he said. “I’m not saying I’m going to come out of this and play to the $7 million guy that I want to be as much as everybody By The Associated Press else does, but this is a chance for me to reset and prove that I still have some years left in this league and I can play and I can contribute. In a sense, I hope it’s at home because my wife and kids will be here for that OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — After realizing he was coming to a dead end in and they’ve earned this as much as I have.” his battle with an alcohol problem, Bobby Ryan says asking for help has shown him a way forward. Seattle Times LOADED: 02.22.2020

The Ottawa Senators right-winger met with the media Friday for the first time since entering the joint NHL/NHL Players Association assistance program Nov. 20.

Ryan said the alcohol problem is one he’s been battling for a while, and that he attempted to deal with it on his own before realizing he needed more help.

“I was trying the white-knuckle thing and do things the wrong way,” the 32-year-old Ryan said. “I’d have 20 days of nothing and one real bad one and you just can’t get better without (help). There’s such a stigma around asking for help and I was trying to do it. I’ve done that for a long time.

“I guess you could call it a panic attack, but it was more a realization that the route that I was going had no good end in sight and that’s not just professionally, that’s personally. I didn’t want to continue to do that. I had a lot of times where I woke up in the mornings overridden with guilt, shame and saying I would do it and do it for 12 days and then messing up again. It had no good end.”

The prospect of having to share his battle publicly led Ryan to delay looking for help. He finally realized it was a necessity.

“I took two weeks agonizing over the fact that it was going to be a media thing for me and I spent months and years before that trying to avoid that with doing it on my own,” he said. “I got to a point where I said enough’s enough of this. Of the shame and the guilt and not being the person you need to be for your family.

“I’ve dreaded this day for a better part of three months, but if you’re going to stand here and take time to heal yourself, you’re going to have to face the music.”

Ryan spoke previously of his troubled upbringing. His father was charged with attempted murder after assaulting his mother, then skipped bail. The family reconciled and lived on the run until his father was eventually tracked down, arrested and jailed after he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.

Ryan said his past wasn’t a catalyst for his alcohol problem, but it played a part.

“I had a lot of issues surrounding that and I think for a very long time I just kind of put my head down and never dealt with any of it,” he said. “Check the metaphorical boxes from the time I was 15 on and I got hit with waves of it the past little while and didn’t deal with any of those waves right for a long period of time and things just continued to escalate for the last three years.

“My therapy is going to continue. It’s not fun, but it’s something I need to be able to let go and put in my past and I’ve started to do that, but I feel great and at peace with a lot of it and I’m still continuing to let go of some more.”

Montreal Canadiens forward Nate Thompson, a former teammate of Ryan with the Senators, said he reached out to offer whatever support he could. As a recovering addict himself, he understands the courage it takes to deal with an addiction, but also the loneliness that can come from it.

“He should be proud,” Thompson said. “He went out and got help and now he’s being open about it and I think it’s really big of him to do that because it’s going to help somebody else out too. It’s big of him to be able to say I’m going to talk about it with everybody and let everyone know how I’m doing and admit that I needed help. I think that’s the biggest thing is just being brave enough, and to me that shows the most courage is just to be able to admit you need help.” 1177673 NHL From Minnesota, he is a two-time Olympian who finished with 39 goals and 94 points in 217 games with Boston.

Backes is now focused on helping the Ducks, who have spent this Bruins land Kase by trading Backes, 1st-round pick to Ducks season rebuilding for the future.

“I’m coming at this with a full heart and ready to conquer and give everything I’ve got to each situation,” he said. Feb. 21, 2020 at 10:57 am Updated Feb. 21, 2020 at 4:15 PM “I don’t know what the last chapter will be. Hopefully, it’s on my own By JOHN WAWROW terms and a glorious moment in Anaheim,” Backes added. “But it may not be, and I’m ready for that, too. But I’m grateful to have another The Associated Press opportunity.”

Seattle Times LOADED: 02.22.2020 David Backes no longer has to worry whether he’ll get another shot at playing in the NHL.

The 35-year-old forward was freed from what Backes referred to as “purgatory” on Friday, when the Boston Bruins traded him to the Anaheim Ducks. In freeing up most of Backes’ significant salary-cap hit, Boston also gave up a first-round draft pick and defensive prospect Axel Andersson to acquire forward Ondrej Kase.

The deal was completed three days before the NHL’s trade deadline and marked the end of a monthlong stretch of uncertainty for Backes, which began with him declining to report to AHL Providence after being waived by the Bruins.

“It’s been a roller coaster of, ‘Am I just going to be dying a slow death here or is this something where I’m going to get another opportunity,’” Backes said during a conference call. “I was praying, actually praying, to get an opportunity where I could reassert myself and show that I still belong in the NHL.”

Backes hasn’t played since logging 8 1/2 minutes of ice time in Boston’s 5-4 win over Winnipeg on Jan. 9. He’s been off the ice for three weeks as part of an agreement he and Bruins reached to allow Backes to not have to report to the minors.

He expects it will take a week to get back into playing shape, and added: “I’m hoping to expedite that with that new energy I’ve got, the fire that I feel that’s lit throughout my whole being.”

A combination of injuries and being a healthy scratch led to Backes playing in just 16 games this season, scoring one goal and adding two assists. That’s a considerable drop for a player who’s topped 20 goals in six of his previous 13 seasons, the first 10 with St. Louis.

Backes is in the fourth year of a five-year, $30 million deal he signed with Boston in free agency. Boston also agreed to pick up 25% of the contract as part of the trade.

In Kase, the league-leading Bruins added a forward who filled various top- and secondary line roles during his first four seasons in Anaheim.

“Odrej is a young, solid player, been a significant producer while 5-on-5, has shown versatility to be able to adapt his game and complement different lines,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said.

Kase has missed the past five games with flulike symptoms and won’t join the Bruins until they return home after completing a four-game road swing at Calgary on Friday, and Vancouver on Saturday.

The 24-year-old from the Czech Republic has seven goals and 16 assists for 23 points in 49 games with the Ducks this season. Overall, he has 43 goals and 53 assists for 96 points in 198 career games with Anaheim.

He is in the second year of a three-year, $7.8 million contract.

Andersson was selected by Boston in the second round of the 2018 draft and has two goals and 22 points in 41 games with Moncton of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

As for Backes, Sweeney thanked the player and his agent for helping complete the deal. Backes waived his no-trade clause, which had included the Ducks.

Though his stint in Boston ended earlier than expected, Backes bore no ill will toward the Bruins.

“I am grateful for the opportunity that they gave me,” Backes said, noting he appeared in his first Stanley Cup Final last year, when Boston lost to St. Louis in seven games. 1177674 Ottawa Senators FORWARD LINES Brady Tkachuk-Jean-Gabriel Pageau-Anthony Duclair

Nick Paul-Josh Norris-Drake Batherson GAME DAY: Montreal Canadiens at Ottawa Senators Scott Sabourin-Chris Tierney-Connor Brown

Tyler Ennis-Colin White-Jayce Hawryluk Bruce Garrioch DEFENCE PAIRING Published:February 21, 2020 Thomas Chabot-Ron Hainsey Updated:February 21, 2020 7:33 PM EST Mike Reilly-Nikita Zaitsev

Andreas Englund-TBD Ottawa Sun Sports Hockey Ottawa Senators GOALTENDERS Montreal (28-27-8) at Ottawa (21-29-11) Craig Anderson Saturday, 7 p.m., Canadian Tire Centre, Sportsnet, TSN 1200 AM, Unique 94.5 FM Marcus Hogberg

SPECIAL TEAMS CANADIENS LINEUP

OTT: PP 15.1% (28th); PK 77.7% (22nd) FORWARD LINES

MTL: PP 19.5% (19th); PK 79.3% (20th) Tomas Tatar-Phillip Danault-Brendan Gallagher

THE BIG MATCHUP Jonathan Drouin-Nick Suzuki-Joel Armia

Brady Tkachuk vs. Max Domi Paul Byron-Max Domi-Ilya Kovalchuk

There’s nothing like a Saturday night with the Montreal Canadiens in Jordan Weal-Nate Thompson-Nick Cousins town. There’s no question this season that Tkachuk has been one of the club’s most consistent performers because he brings the same every DEFENCE PAIRINGS night. Tkachuk has gotten under the skin of Montreal players earlier this Ben Chiarot-Shea Weber season and he loves these rivalry games as much as anybody. Domi can be a pest to play against and he doesn’t mind this stage either, so that Brett Kulak-Jeff Petry sets the table for a pretty good matchup. Xavier Ouellet-Christian Folin FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME GOALTENDERS 1. Good start, good finish Carey Price The Senators actually had a strong start in the 5-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets Thursday night at home but couldn’t sustain it. The club took its foot Charlie Lindgren off the gas pedal and the Jets took the play to Ottawa in the second SICK BAY period with two goals in a short span. It’s an old saying, but the Senators need to play 60 minutes if they’re going to have any chance at success. OTT: Mark Borowiecki, Anders Nilsson

2. Playoff payoff MTL: Noah Juulsen

The Canadiens have accepted the reality they’re not really in the race for Ottawa Sun LOADED: 02.22.2020 the post-season, but nobody in that dressing room is ready to admit it. The Habs are too far out with not enough racetrack left on the schedule and that’s the reason they’re not going to make the post-season. A victory would allow the Senators to feel like they did their part in knocking Montreal out.

3. Start Craig Anderson

Since D.J. Smith doesn’t announce his starting goalie the day before the game anymore, this is a chance to give him some free advice and start the veteran Anderson. Marcus Hogberg wasn’t very good against the Jets at all and didn’t really give his team an opportunity to win. Anderson loves these games against the rivals and who knows maybe a strong effort will draw trade interest.

4. Let’s see Josh

Called up from the club’s AHL affiliate in Belleville on Friday, it’s going to be exciting to see rookie Josh Norris in the lineup and getting the chance to play a big role. Smith hasn’t been afraid to give the kids a chance in the situations and you get the feeling he’s going to do that here. It should be fun to watch because he’s a great rookie season in the AHL.

5. Enjoy the rivalry

There’s going to be a crowd on hand with the Habs in town and that’s going to make for a good atmosphere to close out this six-game homestand. The Senators weren’t very good against the Jets, but they’ve played well, for the most part, in the first five games here. A strong finish before they hit the road would set the tone for the final 20 games of the season.

SENATORS LINEUP 1177675 Ottawa Senators The Senators tried to slip Goloubef through waivers Friday, but he was picked up by the last-place Detroit Red Wings, who need some help down the stretch.

SNAPSHOTS: The Senators are trying to keep Jean-Gabriel Pageau in “It’s unfortunate for us. We wanted him to play up here and then go down an Ottawa uniform there and help them with the minor-league team to win a championship,” said Smith. “But it’s great for him. He gets another opportunity to stay in the NHL and that’s what it’s all about.

Bruce Garrioch “I talked to him this summer. When he signed here, he was debating about going to Europe and it reminded me of my situation (as a player) Published:February 21, 2020 where I was always going up and down, and I said we’d give him a Updated:February 21, 2020 7:12 PM EST legitimate look. To his credit, he came and he made the team.”

The Senators will have to recall a defenceman to face the Habs because Mark Borowiecki was placed on injured-reserve Friday because of a The door is open for Jean-Gabriel Pageau to remain with the Ottawa high-ankle sprain. Senators. THE LAST WORDS Now, the two sides need to find a way to get a contract in place. Winger Scott Sabourin was forced to pay the price for squirting Winnipeg With the clock ticking toward Monday’s NHL trade deadline, talks centre Mark Scheifele with a water bottle Thursday night. between general manager Pierre Dorion and Pageau’s Toronto-based agents at Newport Sports have intensified. He was fined $1,881.72 after receiving a 10-minute misconduct for the incident near the Ottawa bench with 11 minutes left in the club’s loss to While the Senators are also listening to teams that have shown interest, the Jets. the reality is they’d rather Pageau, who would become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, stay here, and that’s why the organization is Smith said he hadn’t spoken to Sabourin about the incident, but would working hard to keep him in the fold. The belief is Pageau wants to be have a discussion before the club faces the Canadiens. here and now the two sides need to find common ground to get a deal in “I didn’t see it while it happened and the league ruled on what they did, place. and I haven’t talked to him about it,” said Smith. “I’ll talk to him tomorrow. After sitting winger Vladislav Namestnikov, presumably at the request of For him, you get down to the Dollar Store and you can get a water gun a team that’s interested in his services, for Thursday night’s 5-1 loss to for two bucks. It looks like it’s a little more expensive for him to play with the Winnipeg Jets, Pageau was in his spot as the No. 1 centre during the Gatorade water gun. Friday’s skate at the Canadian Tire Centre. The expectation is he’ll play “We’re going to talk to him about it, but I’m sure he’d like to have it back, Saturday night at home against the Montreal Canadiens unless the but you make mistakes and you move on.” situation takes a dramatic turn. For his part, Scheifele called it “a stupid” move. There are no guarantees Pageau will be in Ottawa after the deadline, but both sides are working hard to try to find a solution. He’s not going to be Ottawa Sun LOADED: 02.22.2020 the top pivot down the road, but he’s got a strong role here and can help this team when the Senators are improved with the young prospects they’ll bring in over the course of the next couple of seasons.

If talks break down completely, then Dorion will likely listen more intently to interest from the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers, but at this point we’ll have to wait how this all plays out.

MAKING IMPROVEMENTS

Slowly but surely, Anders Nilsson is inching closer to a return from a concussion he suffered in mid-December.

The veteran goaltender was on the ice Friday for the third straight day with the team, and while there’s no timetable for him to play again, he’s feeling much better. This hasn’t been an easy road.

“We’re still taking it day-by-day, but luckily I’m feeling a lot better and I’m really excited I’ve been able to join the team,” said Nilsson.

He admitted this hasn’t been easy.

“It’s been up and down,” Nilsson said. “It’s my first concussion, but it’s been a process. I’ve had great support from the whole organization and my family. The last month here has been good. I’ve been improving every day, especially the last three days here, and it’s been great to join the team.

“We haven’t set up a timetable yet (for playing), but hopefully it’s not too far away. We’ll see. We’re just going day-by-day. I’m feeling good so we’ll see when that day comes. It’s also a matter of getting my feel back on the ice. It’s been almost two months since I had a full team practice so it’s been good to get into the rhythm again and see different plays and get the timing and all that stuff back.”

The Senators have been cautious with Nilsson and have made sure all the steps are taken at the right time.

OFF TO THE MOTOR CITY

The Senators were hoping to send Cody Goloubef to their AHL affiliate in Belleville to be part of the club’s run to the playoffs in the spring.

He won’t be getting the chance. 1177676 Ottawa Senators “Norris is the same. He’s going to learn what it takes to be an everyday NHLer. That’s part of the development. You come up and down three or four times before you figure this league out, but ultimately we’re in a really good spot with all the players down there. When they come up, GARRIOCH: Rookie Josh Norris ready to make his NHL debut against they get to see how hard it’s here. I’m really happy with where the the Canadiens organization is going and the way things have been handled.”

Smith will be short on details with Norris.

Bruce Garrioch “I like to just let them play,” he said. “It’s their first NHL game, they’re going to be nervous already, just go out there and play. As they play Published:February 21, 2020 more games, they see how hard the league is and it’s not just one night, Updated:February 21, 2020 6:29 PM EST it’s can you do it for 10 nights and 18 days?

“The hardest part of the NHL is the best players bring it every night or 75 out of 82 games. He’s going to figure a lot of things out for himself. He’s Josh Norris was one of the last ones off the ice Friday at the Canadian done everything he can down there and now he’s got to learn to play the Tire Centre. game up here, but he’s going to do that and, in time, he’ll be a really good player for us.” The hard work and the success have paid dividends. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 02.22.2020 The Ottawa Senators had a surprise waiting for them when they got to the rink when the 20-year-old Norris, a centrepiece in the deal that sent defenceman Erik Karlsson to the San Jose Sharks, was recalled from the club’s AHL affiliate in Belleville.

Norris, who has 30 goals and 58 points in 50 games this season with Belleville, was recalled and will make his NHL debut against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday on Hockey Night in Canada.

“I’m just excited. I think it’s what every kid dreams of,” Norris said Friday following the club’s skate at home. “I’ve just been waiting for my chance and I’m just going to try to do the best tomorrow.”

The reality is the way Norris has played forced general manager Pierre Dorion’s hand, and we’re not talking in a bad way. Dorion would tell you himself he couldn’t ignore the success that Norris was having at the AHL level as the top rookie scorer, and he’s essentially been in the top 10 scoring leaders in the league all season.

Is this long-term? Probably not, but Norris is going to get a good taste of what the NHL level is like and then the Senators will send him back so he can have a good playoff run. For now, coach D.J. Smith isn’t going to try to fill Norris’ head full of information. As he prepares to face the Habs, the staff just wants him to focus on what he does best at both ends of the ice.

“It’s exciting. You can see how fast he is. He’s certainly done a great job in the American league, he’s got 30 goals. He’s done everything we’ve asked of him,” said Smith. “He’s gone down there and he’s gone to work, and it’ll be great for the fans and for everyone and our staff to see him play at the NHL level.

“We know it’s a different level.”

Of course, Norris, who saw his season come to an end last year after he suffered a separated shoulder at the world junior championships, was hopeful he was going to get this call. He wasn’t counting on it because he knows the organization doesn’t want to hamper his development.

“You just have to wait for the opportunity,” he said. “I just tried to control how I played down there. I’ve been getting a huge role down there and I’m very appreciative of that. They’ve done a great job with me and I’m just trying to run with it.

“I don’t think I’m surprised (with the success). I’m a confident kid and I think I’ve been put in situations where I can succeed down there. I’m on a great team, we’re in first place and there’s a lot of really great players, so it’s pretty easy to be playing with great players. I’ve been put in a great spot.”

A close friend of Senators winger Brady Tkachuk, he arrived in town Thursday night and stayed with his buddy at his Ottawa home. When Norris texted Tkachuk to let him know, he didn’t seem surprised.

“I think he already knew,” Norris said. “He didn’t seem surprised. He acted excited, but I think he already knew before me.”

Smith likes the idea of having Norris here to see where he stands, and the reality is he’s going to go back to the AHL along with Drake Batherson and goalie Marcus Hogberg at some point to be part of the playoff run with Belleville because they can all use that experience.

“Pierre’s done a really nice job of calling guys up to see where they’re at,” Smith said. “The player needs to know where they have to get to so they can stay in this league. 1177677 Ottawa Senators

The next goal Bobby Ryan scores will mean a lot because of what he's going through

Bruce Garrioch

Published:February 21, 2020

Updated:February 21, 2020 4:24 PM EST

In a perfect world, Bobby Ryan will score his next NHL goal at the Canadian Tire Centre with his wife Danielle and the couple’s two children in the stands.

Meeting with the media Friday for the first time since entering the NHL’s Players Assistance Program because of a battle with alcoholism, Ryan is looking forward to getting back in the lineup and contributing to the Ottawa Senators again.

That first goal will be special.

“It will be kind of like a reset button,” Ryan said. “People have reservations about where I’m at in my career and contract. I understand that. I’m not going to say I’m going to come out of this and play to the $7 million guy that I want be as much as everybody else does but this is a chance for me to reset and prove that I still have some years left in this league and I can play and contribute.

“In a sense, I hope it’s at home because my wife and kids will be there for that and they’ve earned this as much as I have.”

Coach D.J. Smith told reporters that Ryan reached another threshold on his road to a return Friday when he went through the club’s fitness testing. He will play next week, possibly as early as Thursday at home against the Vancouver Canucks, and everybody will be happy to see him back.

“I’m really happy for Bobby,” said Smith. “He’s putting the work in. The guy’s certainly respected for everything he’s done in the NHL and how good a player he is. He’s been really good throughout all of this and I think everyone is excited to get him back in the lineup.

“When you get that fire in your belly again and you’ve got to prove that you belong and you’ve got prove that you can make plays that’s what I see. As good players, even in the back of your mind, you’re always asking yourself if you can still do it. He’s hungry to prove he can still do it. He’s got himself in good enough shape to allow himself the opportunity.

“It’s going to take him a little bit. He hasn’t played in awhile but he wants to prove to everybody he can still do it and good for him.”

Ryan said he’s lost 10 pounds and feels good.

“Incredible,” he said. “Sleep has always been a major issue for me and that had a lot to do with where I was at. I found ways to kind of learn how to sleep. In that sense, it’s played a major part in being able to turn this off for me. You’ve seen me at Sensplex, I’ve put in the work, I’ve had Winchester and Donovan every single day. I’ve skated so many circles in the last two months, I’ve lost count.

“This is the best I’ve felt. I’ve re-done all the fitness testing because that was another hurdle. I scored better, even than in camp, so I feel great. Hopefully, it translates. This is a tough time of year to come back and I’m sure I’ll get in and have an adjustment period for a game.”

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177678 Ottawa Senators it was going to be a media thing for me. I spent months and years before that trying to avoid that by just doing it on my own.

“I got to a point where I said enough is enough of this shame and the GARRIOCH: Bobby Ryan opens up about his battles with alcohol and his guilt and not being the person you need to be for your family. It happens determination to resume playing when it happens. I’ve learned that and I’m starting to accept it a little bit. I’ve dreaded this day for the better part of three months but if you’re going to take time to try to heal yourself you’re going to have to face the music, right?” Bruce Garrioch A father of two, Ryan is pleased he took this step. Published:February 21, 2020 “I just needed to learn how to start,” the Cherry Hill, N.J. native said. “I Updated:February 21, 2020 4:48 PM EST don’t have any of the fear of missing out or the issue of not drinking. The issue for me was stopping. Unfortunately, I just never had a period of my life when there were people around me to help me really stop. It took me Bobby Ryan spoke from the heart Friday about the biggest battle he’s going somewhere to figure that out and giving myself a dry period to faced in his life. start.

Speaking at the Canadian Tire Centre for the first time since entering the “That was very, very beneficial for me. It helped immensely. As tough as NHL’s Players’ Assistance program in November, the 32-year-old winger it is personally to deal with, I’m immensely happy that I did it.” told reporters he’s battling alcoholism and is determined to get his career back on track when he returns to the lineup next week. Other players who have been through this have reached out to Ryan to help him. When that happens, the 12-year veteran and 2015 all-star will be suiting up for the first time since Nov. 16 against the Buffalo Sabres. He had a “Everybody knows some of the guys who’ve been through the program goal and three assists in 14 games before shutting it down, but also a and can be a little more vocal about it and I’ve talked to all of those guys. resume that included four 30-goal seasons with the Anaheim Ducks I’ve played with some of them and really leaned on them,” Ryan said. before being traded to the Senators to start the 2013-14 campaign. “Some guys reached out that I had no clue had already gone through it and they did it quietly and they did it in June and it worked for them. Ryan indicated he’d been dealing with his alcoholism issue for years, and he sought help only when it finally got to the point where he realized he “That kind of support within the NHL I found overwhelming. It was couldn’t do it on his own. incredible how many guys reached out that I had no idea about and had no prior contact.” “I’m doing great,” said Ryan. “I’ve been back in some capacity since December and what the capacity is gets gradually updated. I’m doing Ryan is hoping that by sharing his message, he can help others and you very, very well. It’s been trying at times but everybody has been very have to believe that will be the case because of the details he used to supportive and my recovery has been a process and a learning thing for describe his issue. me, for sure. I’ve come a long way and I’ve just learned to get a little bit “In that sense, there’s a silver lining,” he said. “I’d like to be a role model better each day.” for other reasons, but everything led me to here. I wish it hadn’t taken so Ryan said making this decision wasn’t easy because this is something he long in the last three years to get to where I am, but I would urge would have rather dealt with privately. And though he’d tried to quit anybody … I read so many articles about other players in certain drinking on his own, it wasn’t working. capacities because I had a lot of time on my hands that I drew parallels with a lot of guys. “It’s been tough. It’s gotten a little easier every day as you get a little more integrated, just being around the guys,” he said. “The first month “So, if there’s anybody who hears it, and can recognize something and was very tough, and then you come back and you’re very isolated with find a way to ask for help, then I urge them do it.” what you’re doing and trying to make the baby steps to come back. Ryan said he feels at peace with himself. You’re going through the protocol, but you’re not around the guys. “A lot of what I’ve been through is very public, not just in this regard, but “Thankfully for me, I got the other affairs in order and I was able to come with familiar stuff,” Ryan said. “It’s not a catalyst for it, but it’s a lot of it. I to the rink and get a little bit better and a little bit stronger every day. The think for a very long time, I just kind of put my head down and never dealt guys have been great. Away from the rink, my wife (Danielle) has been with any of it. Things just continued to escalate for the last three years. an absolute rock star, allowing me to do this. She’s taken on more than My therapy is going to continue. It’s not fun, but it’s something I need to she’s probably had to, but she’s been absolutely incredible.” let go and put in my past. Ryan was at the point where his life was out of control and he had to “I’ve started to do that but I feel great and at peace with a lot of it but I’ve make this step if he was going to have any chance at recovery. It wasn’t still got to let go some more of it.” easy, but it was the right thing for him to do. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 02.22.2020 “It’s something I’ve been battling for a while. I’ve tried on my own and I was already getting help for it,” Ryan said. “What I was doing wasn’t enough, I was trying white knuckle things and do things the wrong way and I’d have 20 days of nothing and one really bad one and you just can’t get better without it.

“There’s such a stigma around asking for help, and just trying to do it. I’ve done that for a long time and finally, I guess you could call it a panic attack, but it was more of a realization that the route I was going had no good end in sight. That’s not just professionally, but personally.

“I didn’t want to continue to do that. I had a lot of times when I woke up in the morning just over-ridden with guilt and shame and saying I would do something. I’d do it for 12 days then I’d be messing up again. It wasn’t going to lead … it had no good end.”

Doing this during the season wasn’t the route Ryan wanted to take but, in the end, he had no choice but to leave the team in Detroit to enter the program.

“That’s probably why it took me longer,” he said. “In a perfect world, I would have gone in June and just kind of done it quietly. I realized it happens when it happens and I spent two weeks agonizing over the fact 1177679 Ottawa Senators I still think it’s more likely he’s either signed by Monday or traded, but file away that third option just in case.

If he is traded, I like Philadelphia as a potential fit. The Flyers won’t trade LeBrun: The Kase price, Ottawa’s Pageau options and the Jets’ a first-round pick I don’t think, but are willing to come up with another underrated moves package to try to entice Ottawa.

Good week for the Jets

By Pierre LeBrun Feb 21, 2020 In a market which has seen high prices paid so far, the Winnipeg Jets added a pair of players this week without breaking the bank.

Tuesday they got the underrated Dylan DeMelo for a third-round pick to A first-round pick and a prospect is beyond what I thought the Anaheim plug a hole on defence. Then on Friday they added veteran centre Cody Ducks could get for Ondrej Kase. Eakin for a conditional fourth-round pick (it becomes a third-round pick if the Jets make the playoffs or re-sign the pending UFA). Back on Feb. 3, when I felt Kase to Boston made sense as a potential deal, I had a second-round pick and a prospect as the price to pay. That’s low costs all around in a week in which first- and second-round picks flew out the door. Really good job by Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff Of course, taking on 75 percent of David Backes’ contract is why the pick to assess the market. becomes a first. The Ducks will only be on the hook for about $3 million next season on Backes so it’s well worth it in my mind. Pretty good job by He benefitted when Vegas called after the Alec Martinez acquisition to Ducks GM Bob Murray to weaponize his salary cap space. seek out the Jets’ interest on Eakin, a Winnipeg native. The Golden Knights were in need some short-term salary cap relief, as they have There’s risk on both sides here, though. The speedy Kase could go on to been linked to rental defencemen like New Jersey’s Sami Vatanen for a score 20-25 goals a year for the next 6-7 seasons in Boston and if that’s while now and Friday, TSN’s Frank Seravalli noted their reported interest the case, the Ducks may regret this move depending on what becomes in Maple Leafs blueliner Tyson Barrie. of the first-round pick. But Kase comes with enough health concerns (concussions) that one NHL team told me this week while they liked the My understanding is that when Cheveldayoff brought the Eakin skill set they decided not to call Anaheim because of that alone. opportunity to this coaching staff, Paul Maurice was all in, urging his GM to get it done. I think Bruins GM Don Sweeney gambled wisely here. It’s a low first- round pick and he got out of cap jail on the Backes deal. And I don’t think Given the injuries to Adam Lowry, Bryan Little and Mathieu Perreault, it Sweeney is done, either. He’s probably out of the Chris Kreider situation was imperative to add a piece up front and Eakin should fit in well with after having traded his first-round pick but he can still get in on other the way the Jets play. rentals before Monday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline. Meanwhile, the Jets may not be done. I think they’d like to add another Last year he rented Marcus Johansson and made a hockey deal for blueliner but it’s going to be trickier because I don’t think Winnipeg wants Charlie Coyle. His hockey deal is now done. Even if Sweeney doesn’t to go the rental route again. If they add on defence it will be via a hockey make another trade, the Bruins have got as good a shot as any other deal, more of a June-type transaction but perhaps pulled off before team to win the Cup this year. Monday’s deadline. The Jets have younger players on their roster or on the farm they’d be willing to listen on to get a top-four blueliner. Of course, the Bruins weren’t alone in pursuit of Kase. Two other teams that showed real interest were Calgary and Carolina, according to The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 sources.

That the Hurricanes got in there shouldn’t be a surprise given that Kase is the player they wanted from Anaheim in the failed Justin Faulk trade back in September. The Canes have liked Kase for a long time. My understanding is that they offered a second-round pick and a prospect for Kase. The Canes have two second-round picks in June, the Rangers’ and their own, so it would have been interesting to know which one they offered. A low first-round pick from Boston or the Rangers’ second-round pick (and no Backes contract) plus a prospect? But clearly Anaheim went the Boston route for a reason.

That the Flames inquired makes sense, too. Calgary has been after a top-six, right-shot option. Give Flames GM Brad Treliving credit. He’s trying. He also tried on right winger Tyler Toffoli and blueliner Brenden Dillon, among others so far over the past week. Calgary can use a boost both up front and on the blue line and Treliving is taking his swings.

Pageau third option

Contract talks are finally underway between the Ottawa Senators and Newport Sports for pending UFA centre Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

But it’s not necessarily a slam dunk that the only options for the Senators are signing Pageau or trading him by Monday afternoon.

My understanding is that the Senators front office has also discussed the seldom-used third option, which is to use all the time they have until June 30 to try to sign Pageau if they feel the trade offers aren’t strong enough and if they feel they can eventually resolve the contract impasse.

That’s a risk. There’s no guarantee Pageau won’t walk into free agency July 1 and the Senators get nothing for him.

But it’s also an organization that has a long list of draft picks coming and prospects already in the system. So if teams don’t step up their trade offers before the deadline, the Senators may feel that they’d rather use the time they have through June 30 to sign Pageau than add another second-round pick to the stockpile. 1177680 Ottawa Senators in the lobby. He destroyed me in front of everybody else. Later, Kelly apologized, and I said, “You have nothing to apologize for.”

4. You made $80 with your first paid shift at the station: What did you buy 20 Questions with Elliotte Friedman: On ‘lazy mouth,’ being late and with the windfall? deadline day I probably just threw it into my savings account. I didn’t have a lot of spending money then. (smiles)

By Sean Fitz-Gerald Feb 21, 2020 5. What is the longest amount of time you spend apart from your phone during hockey season?

I spend way too much time on it. My wife will start talking to me and she’ll A few minutes before the appointed hour, Elliotte Friedman sent an go, “You’re not even listening to what I’m saying.” It’s ridiculous. Right apologetic message. He had a rich and admitted history of being late for now, it’s a couple days before the trade deadline, so I’ll be constantly things — for dinner with colleagues, for hosting a live radio show — and distracted by it. Whenever I retire — whenever that is — I’ll be gone. You now he was running late for coffee. will not find me on social media. My goal is that when I retire, I won’t even have a smart phone. I’ll have an old 1990s-style flip phone. Kelly Hrudey, his long-time co-worker at Hockey Night in Canada, has told him that being chronically late indicated a lack of respect for other 6. Give me the highlight of Elliotte Friedman’s hockey career. peoples’ time. Friedman could understand why people felt that way, but he disagreed. I remember my first goal very clearly. I was skating to the front of the net. We had a really good guy on our team named Sean Atkins, who “I just get easily distracted,” he said, after arriving a few minutes past the tragically passed away a couple of years ago. He was a professor at a 10-minute buffer. “My mind works 150 different ways at once, and I’m university in Saskatchewan. It was house-league. Sean was a big guy. always late.” Really boisterous, funny guy, and he took a shot — he had a good shot — and he missed the net. It went behind the net and caromed right out In 1996, Friedman was working at The FAN 590 in Toronto when he was front. I shot it in. It might have actually been the game-winning goal, too late for a fill-in shift as host of a phone-in show. The veteran host who … I remember my first goal very clearly, because it took me a long time stayed behind to control the microphone chided him on-air, in absentia, to score it. and the station issued a one-week suspension as punishment. 7. You have said you quit at peewee: Why? “There are people now who, when I’m late for anything, they just say, ‘Hey Elliotte, we’re going to suspend you for a week,’” Friedman said with I sucked. I didn’t get better. You know what they say about youth, that it’s a smile. wasted on the young? It’s so true. There were so many things that I quit when I was younger. I quit playing piano. I wish I could play piano better He chuckled: “Not one of my finer moments, but not something I’ve done now. I quit at hockey. I wish I did more. I quit at a lot of things when I was a good enough job of correcting, either.” younger, and I really regret it. There are also plenty of examples of the 49-year-old broadcaster being 8. What was the most competitive part of growing up with four siblings? first to things. Friedman moved into television from radio, where he has evolved into one of the marquee NHL news-breakers and analysts at Before we moved into a bigger home, it was who got the bathroom and at Sportsnet. what time. I’ll tell you a funny story. My sisters are pretty attractive. And people would see them and me and they’d be like, “what happened to Friedman, a married father living in Toronto, is also quick to offer you?” guidance to university students and younger colleagues who seek it. There might be a connection between that tendency and his tendency for 9. You have said you have a bad temper: When was the last time you tardiness — after finishing his coffee, he was stopped twice en route to lost it? his next destination, and he chatted with the people who recognized him. (pauses three seconds) Yeah. (pauses three more seconds) If I’m upset In between all of that, Friedman took time out to field 20 Questions from about something I said on the air, it’s usually on the drive home. Really The Athletic, talking about the trade deadline, peewee hockey heroics, lost it? It’s been a while. But I get annoyed. (smiles) and surviving online as a sports media celebrity. 10. You have worked with the NHL, MLB, NBA, CFL and Olympics: 1. Where did the extra “e” in Elliotte come from? Which sport would you still like to try?

(Friedman smiles) I’m not really sure. I could see my parents wanting to That’s a great question. I’m always looking for challenges. One of the be a little bit different. I didn’t know there was an extra ‘e.’ I remember real things I’m proudest of in my career was the first Olympics I did for that I had to apply for a passport in 1986 or ’87 — the first time I travelled CBC. They gave me table tennis, tennis, badminton and weight-lifting. I overseas — and I didn’t have a birth certificate. I only had a birth ended up doing nine sports at those Games. One night, they came to me registration. So we looked at my birth registration, and it had an ‘e’ on the — it was seven at night — and they said, “Elliotte, tomorrow morning’s end. And we were like: “What?” I had to go get the birth certificate. And schedule is really light, and we want you to do the women’s badminton when we gave them the registration form, I said, “I think the registration final by yourself.” And it went pretty well. I like that. form is wrong, because it’s got an ‘e’ on the end of my name, and I don’t spell it with an ‘e.'” And they said, “No, you’ve been spelling your name 11. Who was Mania Kay? wrong for 16 years.” How long do you have? Mania Kay was my maternal grandmother. We 2. What did the Toronto radio executive mean when he said you had a were very close. She was stubborn. I’m very stubborn. I always say your “lazy mouth?” best characteristic is probably your worst characteristic, and that’s the truth for both of us. She was born in Poland — I think she was actually That’s Nelson Millman, who was a hugely important person to my career. born in the city of Auschwitz — and she survived the Warsaw Ghetto. And he told me that, if I got tired or if I didn’t focus, I would slur my words, She got married for the first time in the Warsaw Ghetto. I don’t know all or trip over my tongue. It was a huge problem early in my career. For the details. I don’t think he died in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, but he Nelson and the other people at The FAN, I owe them a lot for sticking definitely died there. She survived. She didn’t like to talk about it a lot. I with me, because at times I wasn’t very clear. know she did some interviews, but with us, she didn’t talk about it a ton.

3. It is February 1996: Why is John Derringer griping about you on air at 12. (quiet nod) The FAN? There were the two or three days over January 1945, when the Russians (smiles) That was my first real controversy. John was right. I was late. I were advancing, and she was forced to walk for three days. And if you have a big problem with lateness. Harry Neale used to call me “Five-to- didn’t make it, they killed you. There were times in the war when she told Seven,” because I was always five-to-seven minutes late. Kelly Hrudey people she didn’t think she could go another day, and people were like, tore a strip off me in front of other people at the Turin Olympics because I “No, you have to.” She met my grandfather at Bergen-Belsen. They got showed up 15 minutes late for dinner, and everybody was waiting for me married after the war. My mother was born in Germany in 1947. They moved to Canada. 13. What parts of her story did she tell you? The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020

Bits and pieces. She never told me everything. She always said, “Never forget where you came from, because other people won’t let you forget it.” I think that’s important, especially with where we’re going now. If I asked, she would tell, but she wouldn’t go into a lot of it. She spoke at events and she was a big public speaker. I went once to see her talk. I went with her to see “Schindler’s List,” and there were things in that movie that I never realized. I asked if those things were true, and she said yes. There’s a scene where the kids hid in the toilets — they are covered in shit — and I asked if that happened. She said yes … I never wanted to be the one to force her to re-live those moments. I knew enough, but I didn’t always press for details.

14. Does that inform, in any way, how you might deal with the worst abuse you receive online today?

I don’t think one has anything to do with the other … You can’t let that affect you. You will paralyze yourself if you let all of those comments get to you. You can’t do it. It’s not healthy. I’ve had things like, “Every time I see you on TV, I wish Hitler had finished the job,” or, “You’re proof that any Jew can get any job, anywhere.” Or, “Get off my TV, you fat fuck.” That stuff does not bother me. It does not bother me in the least. Plus, there’s a way you can mute offensive stuff. So I just did that.

15. Does the temperature online prevent you from discussing certain things?

Yeah. I think it does, and it doesn’t. It’s such a live wire, that you never know. I’ve written or said things before and I’m like, “OK, I’d better brace myself for the reaction.” And nothing happens. And I’ve said, “Aw, nobody’s going to care about this,” and it turns into a bomb. You never know what people are going to grab onto and turn into something. I think you have to be careful with that … I have a 10-second rule. If I do something that’s not work-related — it’s not a trade or anything like that — I look at it for 10 seconds and I say, “Is this still a good idea?” If yes, I’ll hit the tweet button. If not, I won’t do it.

16. What is the most stressful part of working NHL Trade Deadline Day?

Just not getting it wrong. The other day, I was fiddling around with my phone. I screen-grab fake accounts, because I want to see how people do them. So I ‘like’ them, then take a picture, and then I delete the like. I meant to hit like, and I hit retweet on a fake one. That’s stupid. And I was really mad at myself. That’s the kind of thing that you’re worried about: Don’t screw it up.

17. Sportsnet’s deadline team v. TSN: Who wins in a pick-up hockey game?

We added (Kevin) Bieksa and (Ryan) Kesler this year. And we’ve got (Bruce) Boudreau as a coach, so I like our chances. Put it this way: We have a handicap, and that’s me. But I’m a Sportsnet diehard, and they send me out there to do something stupid to (Ray) Ferraro, who loses his temper in the first three minutes. He spears me, he gets ejected. I say, that’s a good trade-off for us and we kill them.

18. Where is the strangest place you have been recognized by a Hockey Night viewer?

We were in Italy two summers ago, swimming in a rooftop pool, and somebody asked me, “Can I take a picture?” And my wife rolled her eyes: “That’s going to go right to your head.”

19. When was the last time you were starstruck?

That’s a great question. The one I remember is when the All-Star Game was in Seattle. I was working for The Score, then. That would have been around 2000, and we were at the celebrity softball game. And I was pulling a total big-time move. I’m like, “I’m too big to interview celebrity softball players.” So someone else had to do the interviews. It’s so embarrassing now. I look back at my attitude toward that, and I’m like, “Who do you think you are?” I’m leaning against the dugout and I’m wearing my credential, and I get this tap on the shoulder. I turn and this woman says, “These fans want to get my autograph, can you help me with this?” It was Vanessa Williams. And I couldn’t even speak.

20. What will you do to celebrate your 50th birthday this fall?

I have five other friends, and we all turn 50 this year. We’re going to Vegas together at the end of August. I know that, on the day — it’s a Sunday this year — I’m good with my wife and son. We’ll do something together. I’m good with that. 1177681 Ottawa Senators Ryan last played for the Senators on Nov. 16 and entered the program a few days later. He began to work out with the team in December — skating with the team’s skill coaches and some of the injured players.

‘Enough is enough’: Bobby Ryan opens up about his recovery from Earlier this month, he returned to full practice with the Senators for the alcohol abuse first time in more than two months.

“The first month was obviously very tough,” Ryan said. “You come back and you’re very isolated with what you’re doing and trying to make baby By Hailey Salvian Feb 21, 2020 steps to come back. You’re going through the protocols and all that, but you’re not around the guys.

“Thankfully for me, you know, I got the other affairs in order and was able Bobby Ryan had been dreading this day for months. to just continue to come to the rink and get a little bit better and a little In an emotional 10 minutes, he opened up to reporters at Canadian Tire stronger every day and the guys have been great. Centre about his struggle with alcohol abuse and his road to recovery. “Away from the rink, my wife’s been an absolute rock star for me, in “I am doing very, very well,” he said. “It’s been trying at times, but allowing me to do this,” he added. “(She has been) taking on more than everybody’s been very supportive and my recovery has been a process she’s probably had to, but it’s been an absolutely incredible.” and a learning thing for me for sure, but I’ve come a long way and just Since returning to the team, Ryan has been put through a number of continuing to get a little bit better with it each day.” fitness tests to see if he’s back at an NHL level. He received a passing Ryan, 32, has been back in Ottawa and skating since December. But grade. Head coach D.J. Smith said Ryan could be back playing next Friday afternoon was the first time he spoke to media since November week. when it was announced Ryan had entered the NHL/NHLPA player “His numbers are significantly better than they were in camp,” Smith said. assistance program. “There’s two reps of a skating test (we have) and he did better in both. Ryan had been dealing with alcohol abuse issues for a long time, and he So he’s ready to go here.” tried to figure things out on his own. He realized that it wasn’t enough. A Smith said he’s happy to see Ryan back and doing well. panic attack was one of the catalysts to enter the program and seek more help. “I think he’s hungry to prove he can still do it,” said Smith. “He’s gotten himself in good enough shape to allow him the opportunity, and it’s “I was trying to white knuckle things and try to do things the wrong way. going to take him a little bit… but he’s got some high-end skill and wants I’d have 20 days of nothing and one real bad one. You just can’t get to prove to people (he can) and good for him.” better without (help),” he said. “I guess you could call it a panic attack, but it was more of a realization that the route that I was going had no “People have reservations about where I’m at in my career and (my) good end in sight. And that’s not just professionally, that’s personally, contract and I understand that,” Ryan said. “I’m not saying I’m going to and I didn’t want to continue to do that. come out of this and play to the $7-million guy that I want to be as much as everybody else does, but this is a chance for me to reset and prove “I had a lot of times where I woke up in the morning just overridden with that I still have some years left in this league and I can play and guilt, shame and saying ‘I would do it’ (get sober), and doing it for 12 contribute. days then messing up again. It had no good ending.” “And I hope (my first game back is) at home because my wife and kids In the recovery program they helped him get sober. will be here for that because they’ve earned this as much as I have.” “It helped immensely,” he said. “As tough as it is personally to deal with The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 I’m immensely happy that I did it.”

The player assistance program provides players with professional help for mental health and substance abuse issues. The identity of players in the program is kept confidential, unless they require a leave of absence from their team. In a perfect world, Ryan said he would have admitted himself quietly in the summer, so it wouldn’t have been announced publicly.

He said he was struggling for many years but “hadn’t learned how to accept” the fact he needed help.

“I spent two weeks agonizing over the fact that it was going to be a media thing for me,” Ryan said. “I spent months and years before that trying to avoid (a media announcement) with doing it on my own. And I got to a point where I just said enough is enough of this. Of the shame and the guilt and not being the person you need to be for your family.

“I’ve dreaded this day for the better part of three months, but to stand here and take time to heal yourself, you’re going to need to face the music, right?”

Ryan’s story has been well documented. In 2016, he lost his mother Melody to cancer and wrote a heartfelt letter in The Players’ Tribune about her. Earlier this season, Ryan was regularly a healthy scratch in the lineup — a first for his 12-year NHL career.

“A lot of what I’ve been through is very public — it’s not a catalyst for (my struggles), but it’s a part of it,” he said. “I had a lot of issues surrounding that and for a very long time I just kind of put my head down and never dealt with any of it. I checked the metaphorical boxes from the time I was 15 on, and I got hit with waves of it in the past little while and I haven’t handled any of those waves right for a long period of time and things just continued to escalate for the last three years.”

On Friday, he said he’s more at peace with his life now than he’s ever been. 1177682 Philadelphia Flyers Ice chips Defenseman Justin Braun was back on the ice with Robert Hagg and will

play Saturday against Winnipeg. He missed Thursday’s game with the Flyers rookie Joel Farabee has grown since regrettable check against flu. ... Winnipeg has won three in a row and six of eight to climb into the Winnipeg lead of the Western Conference’s wild-card race entering Friday.

Matt Niskanen was fined $5,000 for slashing Columbus’ Gustav Nyquist on Thursday night. No penalty was called on the play, but one should by Ed Barkowitz, have been. ... It was a rough night for the Blue Jackets, who were leading the East wild-card race entering Friday but losing soldiers quicker than

Gen. Custer. The team announced Friday that top goal-scorer Oliver The first time the Flyers played the Jets was pretty forgettable for Bjorkstrand will miss eight to 10 weeks with an ankle injury he suffered everybody except Joel Farabee. crashing into the boards at the end of regulation Thursday. Columbus team captain Nick Foligno, who took a puck to the face Thursday, was “A big reason we lost that game to Winnipeg,” he said, “was my penalty.” spotted wearing a goalie mask at Friday’s practice. Hard to blame him given the Blue Jackets have lost more man-games to injuries than It was two months ago when Farabee was given a five-minute major and anyone in hockey. It would be admirable if they held on and reached the a three-game suspension for a late hit on Mathieu Perreault. The Jets postseason. scored twice on the power play and twice more shortly after it ended. Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 02.22.2020 “When it happened, you feel like you’re hurting the team," said Farabee. It was a tough spot for the 19-year-old.

But Farabee said conversations with general manager Chuck Fletcher, coach Alain Vigneault, and some teammates helped him negotiate the uncertainty.

“They weren’t upset with me, I obviously could have been smarter, but they weren’t upset with me," he said. "They supported me.”

That play was in the midst of a stretch when the Flyers couldn’t win on the road and often weren’t competitive. Farabee’s linemates that night were Sean Couturier and Claude Giroux.

Today, he skates with Kevin Hayes and Travis Konecny, and the Flyers are a respectable 5-2-1 in their last eight games away from home. The page has been turned. The visit to Winnipeg was just a bump in the road.

“He’s one of the more talented guys on our team,” Konecny said. “He’s got a lot of skill. Me and Hayesie try to open up the ice a little bit to free up space for him to play his game.”

The Flyers enter their rematch at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center (NBCSP) just five points out of first place with 21 games to go. The next goal is to climb into second place, which would mean home ice in the first round. Pittsburgh and Washington are ahead of them with 80 points.

Konecny (seven points in the last three games) and Hayes (goals in consecutive games) have been denting the scoresheet recently, but Farabee has not. No worries, because his willingness to win battles in the “tough areas” has won the admiration of Vigneault.

“That line the last three, four games has gotten some real good looks” the coach said.

Farabee will turn 20 on Tuesday. He’s still a baby by NHL standards, but he’ll no longer be a teenager. Another page has been turned.

“I think I’m a lot more comfortable now than I was then” he said referring to the first Winnipeg game. “I think then I was pressing a little hard on myself to create offense. But now, I’m feeling comfortable with the role that I’m in, doing what it takes each night.”

One favor, please

Precocious figure skater Isabeau Levito was a guest at Flyers practice Friday. The 12-year-old from Mount Laurel was the junior silver medalist at the U.S. championships last month and has her eye on the 2026 Olympics.

Levito’s favorite player is goaltender Carter Hart, who grew up outside Edmonton. He had one request as she continued her climb up the skating ladder.

“Take it easy on the Canadians,” the goalie pleaded.

The #Flyers welcomed 12-year-old figure skater Isabeau Levito today as she watched practice and met the team. The South Jersey native is a two-time medalist at the U.S. Championships, winning gold at the juvenile level in 2018 and silver at the intermediate level in 2019. pic.twitter.com/rnQceZ2NKs

— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) February 21, 2020 1177683 Philadelphia Flyers Injured Columbus G Joonas Korpisalo has been loaned to the AHL's Cleveland for a rehab assignment.

UP NEXT Hayes' OT goal powers Flyers past Blue Jackets 4-3 Flyers: Host Winnipeg on Saturday.

Blue Jackets: At Nashville on Saturday. By MITCH STACY AP Sports Writer 23 hrs ago Delaware County Times LOADED: 02.22.2020

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Kevin Hayes and the Philadelphia Flyers looked at their home-and-home series with Columbus as a chance to jump-start their playoff push.

They are off and running now.

Hayes scored 3:51 into overtime, and the Flyers beat the slumping Blue Jackets 4-3 on Thursday night for their second straight win against another Metropolitan Division contender.

“It’s going to be a fun run if we play the right way," Hayes said. “I thought we played the right way the last two games. Four points against a division opponent that was above us and now is beneath us. Two or three weeks ago we were battling just to get in the wild card and now we’re battling for home ice.”

The Flyers, who routed the Blue Jackets 5-1 on Tuesday, are in third place in the Metro with 75 points, five behind Pittsburgh and Washington. Columbus has dropped seven in a row, but it has the first wild-card spot, one point ahead of the New York Islanders and Carolina.

Philadelphia trailed 3-1 before Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Claude Giroux scored 1:26 apart in the second period. A scoreless third set up Hayes' 19th goal.

Travis Konecny had a goal and an assist for Philadelphia, which improved to 12-5-2 in its last 19 games dating to Jan. 7. Brian Elliott had 28 saves.

“We had these couple dates circled and now we’ve got to look ahead and circle a couple more, take care of business when we need to and we’ll put ourselves in a good spot,” Elliott said. “We want to keep playing. We don’t want to sit back and watch other teams play. We want to determine our own destiny.”

It's the longest skid for the Blue Jackets since they started the 2015-16 season 0-8-0.

“I thought we hung in there,” Columbus coach John Tortorella said. “We played hard. We found a way to lose it at the end.”

Oliver Bjorkstrand and Nick Foligno each had a goal and an assist for Columbus. Stefan Matteau scored his first goal in more than four years, and Merzlikins had 29 saves.

Bjorkstrand got his team-leading 21st goal 41 seconds into the game. He charged down the right side shadowed by Travis Sanheim and snapped a shot over Elliott from a sharp angle. It wasn’t immediately ruled a goal, but a replay showed it crossed the goal line.

Foligno made it 2-0 at 9:05 of the first when he settled a bouncing puck down in front of the net and netted a nifty shot between his legs.

The Flyers responded 23 seconds later. Sanheim's shot deflected in off the skate of Konecny, who was falling in the blue paint.

Matteau, who signed a two-year, two-way contract Wednesday, got his first NHL goal since Dec. 4, 2015, when he redirected a Boone Jenner shot. That made it 3-1 at 3:39 of the second.

Philadelphia came charging back late in the second period. Aube-Kubel connected with a wrist shot from the slot. Then, with Foligno in penalty box, Giroux beat Merzlikins with a rifle shot from the left circle.

“Sometimes some of the (opponents') best chances are going to be right away, and that’s kind of how it was tonight,” Elliott said. “You just want to stand your ground. We got down 3-1, I thought we did a really good job sticking to the game plan, waiting for our chances and burying them when we got them.”

NOTES: Giroux has four goals and eight assists during his seven-game point streak. ... Foligno, who played in his 900th NHL game, took a hard puck off the side of his head early in the third period but returned after a few minutes. ... The Flyers won the season series over Columbus 3-1. ... 1177684 Philadelphia Flyers

Then and now: Reactions to Kevin Hayes as a Flyer

By Brooke Destra February 21, 2020 2:15 PM

Kevin Hayes. You know him, you love him (at least you should by now).

When the news came out that Hayes officially signed with the Flyers back in June 2019, the majority of fans weren't too happy. From comments of being overpaid, to a joke of a signing, to a waste of cap space, the list goes on.

Well, thanks to the internet, we have receipts for those who felt this way. Have their opinions changed since? Probably.

And now folks, let’s take a look at that waste of cap space, shall we?

Hayes has worked well in Philadelphia so far. He fits the new system, came into semi-familiar territory, having played under Alain Vigneault during their time in New York and is exactly what the Flyers needed in terms of filling the void at center outside of Sean Couturier.

Before the season even started, the contract was instantly justified with the unknown return status of Nolan Patrick. Now, they're heading down the final stretch with still no indication of when a Patrick return could happen ... imagine how different things would look like without the new addition?

In his first season with the Flyers, Hayes leads the team in a handful of spots:

• Overtime goals (2)

• Shorthanded goals (4)

• Game-winning goals (5)

In addition to that, he’s second on the team in goals (19), just behind Travis Konecny (21). He’s also projected to score 26 in the season, which would be a new career high for the center — his previous best being 25. This would also be only the second season to score more than 20 goals.

And what’s a piece on Hayes if his skill on the penalty kill wasn’t mentioned? The Flyers are currently top 10 in the league, where this time last season through 61 games, they were 27th. There’s a new tone when Philly goes on a penalty kill and Hayes is a huge contribution to that.

He’s now become a fan favorite. Everyone wants to see No. 13 succeed in Philadelphia and just about all of the doubt has disappeared, on social media at least.

He’s the player Philadelphia didn’t know it needed until he was here.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177685 Philadelphia Flyers teaching all those lessons will come in smaller groups and perhaps even 1-on-1 discreet chats. And he won’t be the only one initiating them.

Niskanen said those topics tend to come up naturally and don’t need to It's almost playoff time and Matt Niskanen has lessons to teach Flyers be forced on a young roster that’s looking to win its first playoff round since 2012.

There are still things this team needs to figure out as a prerequisite to Dave Isaac, Published 5:09 p.m. ET Feb. 21, 2020 playing playoff hockey, when those chats would become especially relevant.

“I think just from a mental approach, we haven’t shown a killer instinct yet VOORHEES — Matt Niskanen doesn’t like to talk about his Stanley Cup where we start playing good and then we built one or two good wins into ring, much less show it. three, four, five enough,” Niskanen said. “That sure helps if you can rattle So no, the only player on the Flyers’ roster who has one is not flaunting off…not only going into the playoffs. We have to make sure we get in and the jewelry around these days to show his younger teammates what the get a good seed, but that would certainly help to get on a run. Then in a potential payoff is if they can keep playing hockey into June. playoff series, if you can rattle off two, three wins in a row, that’s huge. Your margin for error is a little greater than when it’s win one, lose one, Niskanen, on the team’s top defense pair, is the only one to get to the win one, lose one. Boy, you could cut the tension with a knife then.” promised land but knows that others, like Claude Giroux, James van Riemsdyk and Justin Braun, have been to the final round. Courier-Post LOADED: 02.22.2020

“There’s some common themes with going deep in the playoffs. Whether you won the whole thing, it’s debatable whether that’s really important,” Niskanen said. “There’s some common themes with playoff success and I think our group here knows what it’s gonna take.”

When Niskanen was traded to the Flyers from the Washington Capitals, the team he won with in 2018, he said that it took a while to gather inventory of what exactly it took to win a championship and at that time, he was essentially one year removed. He’s getting closer to two now and this year’s Flyers don’t look much like his Capitals, that could never seem to get over the second-round hump.

Niskanen is used to being in the top spot in the division, which is where Washington still finds itself. The Flyers are five points shy of the Caps, which is a huge improvement over what has become normal for them in recent years — a frantic rush just to sneak in the back door. The excitement of a young roster is reaching new heights.

“We all know in this locker room that it’s gonna be really, really hard for a team to beat us four times in the playoffs,” Nicolas Aube-Kubel said. “We’re all super excited to go to playoffs and just compete our asses off.”

Whoa, there.

Down, boy.

The 23-year-old winger appears to have carved out a full-time role for himself in the NHL and feels ready for what’s to come, but experienced players know it’s a little more complicated than that.

“Leading by example is always the best way to do it and then if things need to be said, they need to be said,” van Riemsdyk noted. “Ultimately we have a good group and guys that do things the right way and put themselves in a position to be successful with that consistency. That approach is what we all have to have, that consistent approach. Just keep using every day to our advantage and using every day to get better and not take anything for granted.”

The Flyers head into Saturday’s matinee against the Winnipeg Jets in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 21 games to go. It’s a good spot for them but a playoff berth is far from cemented in the league’s toughest division, even though Columbus just put another top player (Oliver Bjorkstrand) on injured reserve.

There’s a process to all this that Niskanen knows all too well.

“What’s really important here might be different for that (championship Capitals) team or somebody else,” the veteran defenseman explained. “There’s some common themes. Your best players have to play really well, have to produce. In every series you’re gonna need someone to jump on the scene that you don’t expect and produce. Winning teams pay a price. Blocking shots and taking hits to make plays, that’s the (crappy) part of the job but it needs to be done. Unselfish play, it might not be your style or characteristic as an individual player but it’s the right thing to do for the team at that moment. You need to have a group of guys that are committed to doing that. Attitude goes a long way. You’re gonna need outstanding goalies. You’re gonna need a little luck. There’s a lot of things that go into it if you’re going to consistently win against the best teams for two months.”

Instead of story time in the locker room, where Niskanen would let the light bounce off the 230 round diamonds on his championship ring, 1177686 Philadelphia Flyers above the break-even mark. For the Flyers, this game was a luxury, an opportunity to drive a dagger through a competitor’s playoff hopes. For Columbus, it was as close to a must-win as a team can have in mid- February. 10 things: Flyers strengthen case for relevancy with dramatic win over Columbus Yet they still couldn’t outplay the Flyers.

Yes, they secured a point, which keeps the night from being a total disaster from a playoff perspective. But this wasn’t even a game that By Charlie O'Connor Feb 21, 2020 Columbus “deserved” to win. The Flyers led in shots (33-31), scoring chances (24-19), high-danger scoring chances (11-8), and expected

goals (2.44-2.09), per Natural Stat Trick. In the Blue Jackets’ moment of The Philadelphia Flyers still have much work to do over the next 21 desperation, the Flyers were just plain better. games if they want to secure a place in the NHL postseason. Columbus came out firing in the first, slowed the pace down to a crawl for But if they do earn a spot, wins like the one on Thursday night over the the first 14 minutes of the second period and exploded out of the gate in Columbus Blue Jackets will be a big reason why. the third. But every time, the team that merely wanted to win was able to push back against the team that needed to win. That says something, After falling behind 2-0 in the first period and 3-1 in the second, the especially considering that the Flyers ultimately won all four games of the Flyers fought back, tying the game after 40 minutes and nabbing a 4-3 season series between the two clubs. overtime win on the strength of Kevin Hayes’ heroics. Philadelphia retained its third-place spot in the Metropolitan Division, and successfully Philadelphia may sit only two points ahead of the Blue Jackets with a finished off home-and-home sweeps of two of their closest competition game in hand. But the talent gap — particularly with Columbus so injury- for a divisional playoff spot, the Blue Jackets and the Florida Panthers. ravaged — is far greater.

Travis Konecny, Nicolas Aubé-Kubel and Claude Giroux also scored for 3. Vigneault goes Elliott over Hart, ultimately rewarded the Flyers, who are now 34-20-7. Brian Elliott grabbed the victory in goal, Forty-one seconds into the game, it seemed like Alain Vigneault had stopping 28 of 31 shots, while Elvis Merzlikins made 29 saves in defeat. made one of his first big mistakes as Flyers head coach. 1. In case you needed any more proof, the Flyers are good With Carter Hart coming off a strong performance in goal versus the Blue Let’s rewind the clock two weeks. Jackets on Tuesday, he would have been the chalk pick to start the rematch in Ohio two days later. Yet Vigneault turned to Elliott, the clear The Flyers were licking their wounds from a 5-0 loss to the New Jersey 1B in the two-man goaltender rotation, presumably to both ensure the Devils on home ice. They sat tied for fifth in the Metropolitan Division, out veteran stayed sharp and to give Hart a breather. of the playoffs via tiebreaker to the Carolina Hurricanes. And they faced a make-or-break seven-game stretch — two battles with division leaders, Elliott hadn’t started a game since the Feb. 11 loss to the New York and five games against teams also on the Eastern Conference playoff Islanders. He brought in a 0.898 full-season save percentage. And when bubble. he allowed a short-side, sharp-angle goal to Oliver Bjorkstrand before a minute had passed, it was very easy to second-guess the move. Doubters were back out in full force. “Same old Flyers,” they grumbled Columbus, after all, went right back to primary starter Elvis Merzlikins in after the Devils loss, ignoring the fact that the team had played the rematch. They had no qualms leaning on their “better” goalie. Yet the objectively good hockey for a month leading up to the clunker. Still, the Flyers purposely went with their second choice for a game with major onus was on the Flyers to change the perception. Particularly with home- playoff implications, and it appeared that the bold strategy was going to and-home matchups versus Florida and Columbus, they would have an bite them. opportunity to secure a comfortable place in the standings. Then, as Elliott so often does, he slowly settled in. Now, with double sweeps of the Panthers and Blue Jackets completed, the Flyers shouldn’t have any more doubters. They’re for real. The remainder of the first period wasn’t pretty. Elliott allowed only one more goal, but he didn’t seem to track the puck well, even on many of his Thursday was a game that Philadelphia clubs from the last five or six saves. That all changed in the second period. Suddenly, Good Brian seasons probably would have lost. Columbus was desperate, especially Elliott re-emerged, allowing one tally the rest of the way (on an after losing two nights earlier to this same team. Elliott allowed a weak unstoppable Stefan Matteau deflection). His late-second period stop on early goal. Less-than-stellar netfront work by a just-recalled rookie Pierre-Luc Dubois, in fact, was the save of the night. resulted in a two-goal deficit with just 30 minutes remaining. Oh, and the Blue Jackets are only the stingiest team in terms of goals allowed in the At this point, games like Thursday have to just be considered part of the division, a club whose entire identity is built around tight checking and Brian Elliott experience. It’s usually a roller coaster ride, and more often frustrating opponents. than not, the stats aren’t going to love his work (0.903 save percentage, three goals allowed on 2.43 expected). But on most nights, Elliott still Yet they fought back, and showed exactly how this team is tangibly finds a way to do just enough to help his team secure a win. Maybe Hart different from past clubs. Previous Flyers teams lacked depth, but it was should have started last night’s game. But Elliott didn’t lose it. fourth-liner Aubé-Kubel who cut the lead to one on a solo rush. Their power play struggled for the past season and a half; the top unit came 4. Myers’ athleticism on display late through on Thursday with the game-tying goal just nine seconds into the Some have asked why the Flyers insist on keeping rookie defenseman only Philadelphia PP of the evening off a slickly designed set play. They Philippe Myers on the second pair alongside Travis Sanheim. After all, had no answers at center for years beyond Claude Giroux and, later, Myers — befitting his rookie status — remains prone to glaring errors, Sean Couturier; 2C Kevin Hayes potted the game-winner in overtime. and Philadelphia has a useful, veteran right-handed blueliner in Justin We can talk all day about mentality and the importance of clutch plays. Braun, who showcased solid chemistry with Sanheim over the season’s Those absolutely matter, and are contributing to the Flyers’ recent surge. first half. It would be an easy swap to simply move Myers back down to But more than anything else, this team is for real because it’s just deeper third-pair duties and bump Braun up. and more talented, from top to bottom, than any of the clubs since So why have the Flyers elected to tolerate Myers’ growing pains in the Philadelphia’s last playoff series victory in 2011-12. Perhaps this might heart of a playoff race? With time running down in regulation on be the team that can finally break that long drought. Thursday, Myers answered that question with authority, via his signature, 2. Flyers are just plain better than Columbus, too ridiculous athleticism.

It can’t be overstated just how important this game was to Columbus. On neither of these plays is Myers initially in perfect position. He actually crosses over to Robert Hägg’s side of the ice on the first example of rush As the Flyers’ playoff hopes have soared over the past two weeks, the coverage, and he looks to be slightly behind Oliver Bjorkstrand on the Blue Jackets’ have been in free fall. Entering last night’s game, they had second rush. But Myers’ mobility and strength prevents both Gustav lost six consecutive contests, with their postseason chances dropping all Nyquist and Bjorkstrand from taking advantage of the situation. With the the way down to 42 percent as a result, per HockeyViz.com. A regulation game on the line, Myers provided two textbook examples of how to nullify loss on Tuesday would lower it to 32 percent; a win would put them back a dangerous rush. The kind of athleticism that made those plays possible can’t be taught. tracking both passer and shooter simultaneously on below-the-goal-line And the truly exciting part about Myers is that he’s able to play high- passing plays, it’s been a smashing success. difficulty, lockdown defense without perfect positioning. Even if it never fully clicks for him, Myers will remain a useful defenseman, because at 8. PK saves the day least through the length of his prime, he’ll be able to make plays like the Speaking of former weaknesses-turned-strengths that helped lead to the ones shown above. But if he cleans up the finer points of his game? Look Flyers’ victory, the Philadelphia penalty kill came up huge at the end of out, NHL. the second period and into the early third. Facing a 1:27 minute 5-on-3 5. Aubé-Kubel breaks through the slog with the score knotted up at 3-3, the Flyers could have easily lost the game right then and there. In a particularly high-leverage game, this was The second period was playing out like the ideal Blue Jackets period, probably the highest-leverage moment in regulation. especially after Matteau scored to make it a 3-1. Everything was in slow motion: rushes up ice, cycles, puck races. The Flyers were forced to The penalty kill proved up to the task. Columbus managed just three shot contest every inch of the ice to generate even a mildly dangerous shot. attempts during the two-man advantage, as the Flyers successfully filled The score was 3-1, but considering the pace of play, it felt like 6-1. in lanes and kept the Blue Jackets to the perimeter. Apart from Elliott’s monster stop on Dubois, which came during the first 5-on-4, the That’s when Nicolas Aubé-Kubel stepped in and brought speed back to Philadelphia PK stifled Columbus’ power play. the proceedings. Perhaps it shouldn’t have been a major surprise. Before allowing a PP Aubé-Kubel has been a revelation in Philadelphia. The main concern goal to Bjorkstrand on Tuesday, Philadelphia had successfully killed 15 expressed by skeptics of his play in the AHL was consistency — he straight penalties, and over the course of the full season, have the best would have one great shift, and follow it up with an absolute clunker that shot suppression PK in all of hockey. The days of an easily exploitable included turnovers, with the same pattern emerging for games. That Flyers penalty kill are over. It’s back to being a team strength, and one issue hasn’t carried over to the NHL. If anything, NAK has been one of with the ability to turn a game, as it did on Thursday. Philadelphia’s most consistent bottom-sixers, helping his line to drive play and providing enough offense to inspire hopes that he could 9. Couturier line keeps banging on the door (maybe) top out as more of a middle-sixer at the NHL level rather than The line of Giroux, Couturier and Voracek seems so close to a just the very good fourth-liner he is today. breakthrough.

6. Friedman shows potential in up-and-down game It hasn’t been bad, of course, since being reconstituted back on Feb. 8 In many NHL organizations, Mark Friedman would already be up with the versus the Capitals. They’ve driven play (70-45 shot advantage) and big club full-time. But enviable Flyers blueline depth has kept him with the looked every bit as dangerous as a line with three star-level players Lehigh Valley Phantoms for the bulk of the 2019-20 season, even as he’s should. But it’s yet to post a true breakout game, when the trio explodes excelled in the AHL and patiently waited for his chance. and singlehandedly drives the Flyers to an easy win.

A Justin Braun illness gave him his second crack at the NHL this season That easily could have come on Thursday. The top line was buzzing all on Thursday, and while Friedman didn’t exactly run with the opportunity, night, setting up shop in the offensive zone and peppering Merzlikins with he certainly broke into a comfortable trot at times. shots. They took 21 shot attempts in the Columbus netminder’s general direction, while allowing the Blue Jackets to generate just seven of their First, the bad. Matteau’s second-period goal doesn’t happen if Friedman own. It was territorial domination, but unfortunately for the Flyers, without does a better job of anticipating his move to the front of the Flyers’ net, goal-based rewards. The trio failed to light the lamp, and actually and more successfully boxes him out of deflection position. The Flyers relinquished a goal. were also crushed from a shot and chance differential with Friedman on the ice at 5-on-5 — never a good sign, even in a single-game sample. Nevertheless, Thursday felt like an example of water crashing up against a set of floodgates just ready to give way but somehow stays upright just Still, there were plenty of moments when Friedman’s potential showed. a bit longer than expected. They should fall down soon enough if the He drew the penalty that led to the game-tying goal, and it wasn’t a fluke Giroux-Couturier-Voracek trio keeps pounding away. — he’s been a penalty-drawing monster for years with the Phantoms. Friedman also did beautiful work disrupting a 3-on-1 at the end of the The Flyers celebrate Thursday’s win. (Aaron Doster / USA Today) second period, despite being over 60 seconds into his shift. 10. Schedule starting to open up

When Braun is healthy, Friedman will likely return to Lehigh Valley, or at This game served as the unofficial conclusion to maybe the highest- least leave the Flyers’ lineup. But he deserves to be in the mix moving leverage portion of the Flyers’ schedule yet. The games over the past forward — he’s the eighth defenseman on the depth chart, and if the two weeks weren’t “must win” just because the club is in a tight playoff Flyers make the playoffs, it’s quite possible that, in the war of attrition that race — they qualified as such because Philadelphia was facing off is the postseason, an eighth defenseman will be needed. Friedman looks against the very teams they are battling in the standings. Almost every capable of at least holding his own. game was a “four-point night,” in the sense that a regulation loss would 7. Top power play unit replicates successful wrinkle both see the Flyers lose out on two points and watch a rival gain two.

Shortly after the top power play unit was restructured into its current At least for a few games now, the Flyers have the luxury of playing personnel format — Giroux, Jakub Voracek, Couturier, Konecny and Ivan against “normal” foes. Winnipeg is a flawed Western Conference bubble Provorov — the Flyers hit the Washington Capitals with a new wrinkle. team. San Jose is injury-ravaged and playing out the string of a lost After winning a power play opening draw, Giroux dropped below the goal season. And then there’s a home-and-home against the Rangers, who line to make himself an outlet for a pass, circled the net and found are playing better over the past month but are still no one’s idea of a Couturier on the off-side for a one-timer that easily fooled Braden Holtby. formidable foe.

Look familiar? It should, because the Flyers ran nearly the exact same This is the Flyers’ chance to pile up the points, before the schedule play last night, except in reverse and with Giroux and Couturier’s roles becomes truly challenging again in early March. Their sweeps of Florida swapped. Same result, too. and Columbus over the past two weeks gave them the makings of real breathing room, but a three- or four-win run during this next stretch would In both plays, the faceoff man — Giroux on goal No. 1, Couturier last go a long way toward making the postseason a near-certainty. night — is the one to drop below the red line to function as distributor, while the far-side point man slowly creeps lower in the zone to make The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 himself a one-timer option. It’s becoming a staple of the new-look top unit.

That’s not to say that Giroux is about to take up permanent shop on the right side again, as he did on this particular sequence. This is a set play, one the team has practiced and gone over in video sessions. Had it failed to produce a goal, Giroux likely would have slowly made his way back to the left side, and the unit would have returned to its usual structure. But as an occasional wrinkle that takes advantage of the goalie not properly 1177687 Pittsburgh Penguins

Minor league report: Casey DeSmith, Penguins beat Bears, 2-1

SETH RORABAUGH | Friday, February 21, 2020 11:35 p.m.

Goaltender Casey DeSmith made 35 saves for the Wilkes- Barre/Scranton Penguins in a 2-1 home win against the rival Hershey Bears at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre on Friday.

Defenseman Kevin Czuczman and forward Kevin Roy each scored goals for the Penguins (26-20-3-5) while forward Riley Barber, a Washington, Pa. native, recorded an assist in his Penguins debut.

Highlights:

The Penguins’ next game is on the road against the Hartford Wolf Pack at the XL Center in Hartford, Conn. on Saturday, 7 p.m.

Goaltender Jordan Ruby made 27 saves for the in a 3- 0 loss to the at in Cincinnati.

The Nailers’ (23-22-5-0) next game is on the road against the at in Kalamazoo, Mich on Saturday, 7 p.m.

Tribune Review LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177688 Pittsburgh Penguins “He’s been good,” Rutherford said. “You can see whether it’s practice or the game, he’s adjusting to the pace we play at. He’s doing what we expect him to do and what we expect him to continue to do.”

Jim Rutherford wants to add another forward to the Penguins • The Penguins’ ugly 4-0 road loss his team suffered against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday will not impact what direction Rutherford takes going into the deadline.

SETH RORABAUGH | Friday, February 21, 2020 7:20 p.m. • Following that game, coach Mike Sullivan had harsh words for his team’s entire defensive game in recent weeks and even questioned his

players’ commitment to that aspect of their play. Jim Rutherford is a popular fellow these days. “We have to go back to work,” Sullivan said. “The first thing we have to Not counting annoying reporters, his phone rang, by his count, 30 times do is recognize it. Then you’ve got to pay attention to details.” “at a minimum” Friday as he had discussions with fellow general The general manager wasn’t as terse as the coach, but Rutherford managers and team staffers. agreed with the sentiment. That number will probably go up Saturday and Sunday as well as “If I look at it over the whole year and compare it to a year ago, it’s been Monday before 3 p.m. when the NHL’s trade deadline expires. really, really good,” Rutherford said. “But it’s like anything, when you play After that? a long season, you’re going to be better at some points of the season than others. We were really good in the first half defensively, as a team, “After Monday, it’s not boring,” the Penguins’ general manager said to the as a full five-man unit, or a six-man unit if you want to count the goalie. I Tribune-Review by phone on Friday evening. “It obviously changes. It think it’s fair to say we’ve given up more quality chances over the last goes from me having a lot of communication within the organization and couple of weeks than we did earlier in the year.” around the league to very little. It will just be back to what’s going on in the games, what’s going in Wilkes-Barre, preparing for the draft and all • Before Thursday’s game, Rutherford did swing a minor trade with the those things. But today leading up to three o’clock Monday, it gets a lot Montreal Canadiens, acquiring AHL forwards Riley Barber and Phil more intense and there’s certainly a lot more communication around the Varone in exchange for Joseph Blandisi and Jake Lucchini. league.” Rutherford suggested the trade could benefit his NHL and AHL rosters. Having already claimed one of the jewels of the trade market in forward “I think it’s both,” he said. “It gives us a couple of players that we feel Jason Zucker in a Feb. 10 transaction, Rutherford doesn’t appear to be in make us stronger from a depth point of view in the organization.” the market for anyone who could make or break the team, especially since there is seemingly no one fitting that description available at this Tribune Review LOADED: 02.22.2020 point.

Instead, he’s looking for depth. His focus is primarily on the forward ranks, but he is in something of a wait-and-see approach with his defensive corps.

Rutherford indicated he will get an update on the status of injured defensemen Brian Dumoulin and John Marino on Saturday and will decide if he needs to pursue a blueliner.

Dumoulin has been rehabilitating lacerated tendons in his left ankle from an injury he suffered Nov. 30 and has just recently begun skating. Meanwhile, Marino, a rookie, is convalescing after undergoing surgery to repair broken bones on the left side of his face as a result of being struck by a puck Feb. 6.

An additional forward appears to be what Rutherford will likely be most active in pursuing leading up to the deadline.

Will it be a center or a wing?

“We’re open,” Rutherford said. “Always, when you look at a forward, a two-positional player would be ideal. But that doesn’t always come along like a (Jared) McCann or (Nick) Bjugstad. Those guys can play both the wing and the center. But I would think it would probably be a winger.”

Rutherford addressed a handful of other subjects:

• He does not want to part ways with forward prospects Samuel Poulin or Nathan Legare. Poulin, 18, was the team’s first-round pick in 2019 and has been enjoying an outstanding season with the Sherbrooke Phoenix of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Prior to Friday, Poulin has 74 points (32 goals, 42 assists) in 42 games.

Legare, 19, was the team’s third-round pick in 2019. In 51 games with Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the QMJHL, he has 57 points (27 goals, 30 assists).

“The projections on them are really good,” Rutherford said. “I think Poulin will take a good run at making the team next year. Both of them are developed physically to be close to playing in the NHL. Poulin is having an exceptional year. Legare is having a good year. He can score. When we see those two guys, we’re pretty confident they’ll play in Pittsburgh. And the fact that we don’t have a big pool of prospects, we want to stay away from (potentially trading) them.”

• Rutherford has been pleased with Zucker thus far. Primarily skating on a line with Sidney Crosby, Zucker has appeared in five games and has four points (three goals, one assist) since joining the Penguins. 1177689 Pittsburgh Penguins

Despite wins, Penguins preach need to develop ‘sound defensive game’

CHRIS ADAMSKI | Friday, February 21, 2020 6:56 p.m.

Pettersson said. “We all feel like the first part of the season when we had all the injuries, we kind of played hard and we knew what we had to do to win. And even if we have been winning some games lately, too, we feel like we haven’t played that sound defensive game that we want to.”

Over 18 games since Jan. 5, the Penguins allowed 32 shots on goal per game and were outshot by an average of more than four. The Penguins have fared even worse in shot attempts (including those blocked or missing the net), allowing about 55% and thereby attempting 45% of the shots taken in their past 18 games.

Johnson was correct in that during Tuesday’s win at home against the Maple Leafs, the Penguins allowed almost 57% of the shot attempts and 60% of the shots on goal. Thursday, according to naturalstattrick.com, the Penguins managed just four 5-on-5 “high-danger scoring chances” compared to Toronto’s 16.

Since Jan. 5, the Penguins have accounted for just 42.7% of the 5-on-5 high-danger scoring chances in their 18 games, the second-worst rate in the NHL over that time, per naturalstattrick.com.

“I don’t think it’s just necessarily the defensive zone (is the issue),” Sullivan said. “I think it’s the full rink. Our team’s at its best when we are defending up the ice with our puck pursuit and making it hard for teams to come through the neutral zone with any sort of speed or continuity, and I don’t think we have been as good in that regard.

“Territory for this team is important. Whether we are spending time in the offensive zone and whether we have the puck or we don’t, I think, is an indication we are on top of our game, and I don’t think we have controlled territory as much as we were capable of over the past few weeks.”

Pettersson’s theory that the perceived deficiencies are working in inverse proportion to the team’s health could have some credence. Earlier this week, Sullivan spoke about how the absence of top players sometimes causes a team to play a structured fundamental game.

Though the Penguins are 9-4-1 since Sidney Crosby returned from a two-month recovery from core-muscle surgery, they have been outshot significantly in that time (449-390 on goal, 674-557 in attempts) and allowed far more 5-on-5 high-danger chances (120) than they’ve generated (83). The latter rate (40.89%), per naturalstattrick.com, is second-worst in the NHL in that time.

Still, thanks in large part to strong goaltending, special teams and individual brilliance, the Penguins have stacked wins. Until Thursday. So maybe that game can be a wake-up call.

“We’d like to spend less time (in the defensive zone) and make sure we are not giving up the quality chances that we are,” Crosby said. “That just comes down to execution and work ethic there, and that’s something that we should be able to influence pretty quickly. With the importance of the games and defensive play being so important, that’s something that should get better.”

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Penguins recognize improvement needed as 1 of NHL’s worst faceoff teams

CHRIS ADAMSKI | Friday, February 21, 2020 4:45 p.m.

The Pittsburgh Penguins, by most accounts, are one of the NHL’s best teams. Heading into Friday’s games, they ranked tied for third in the NHL in points and wins, 10th in goals for, fourth in goals allowed, ninth in power-play rate and eighth while on the penalty kill.

There is, though, at least one area in which the Penguins are decidedly not toward the top of the league rankings.

The Penguins’ faceoff win percentage (48.3) sits 28th.

“It’s always an area of importance,” captain Sidney Crosby said of faceoffs, “and I don’t think it’s just something you can flip a switch and all of sudden worry about faceoffs because there are 25 games left. That’s something we have been focused on all season long, making sure we are good in a lot of areas and a lot of details – and that’s one of them.”

Perhaps the most alarming part of the Penguins’ failure in the faceoff circle is that it is trending worse and not better. Losing 28 of 46 of their draws during Thursday’s 4-0 loss at the Toronto Maple Leafs dropped the Penguins’ faceoff rate to 46.3% over their past six games and 47.1% over their past 24 games dating to Dec. 21.

Thursday, getting dominated at the dot had tangible and clear repercussions as three of Toronto’s goals were moments after a win on the draw in the Penguins’ zone.

“Faceoffs are important,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “As I have said on a number of occasions, anything in my mind that happens 50, 60, 70 times a game is important, so we certainly want to be good in that detail of the game.”

Sullivan noted that outside of veterans Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins’ centers are younger and lacking in NHL experience. He said that recently retired center Matt Cullen, who’s now in the Penguins’ development department, has been “spending lots of time” with Teddy Blueger and Sam Lafferty in an effort to improve their skills on draws.

That alone, though, won’t matter much if the Penguins aren’t better immediately after possession is gained — regardless of which team gets it. Razor-thin margins at the NHL level suggest that even the best and worst teams are no better or worse than a 55/45 proposition. That makes what happens in the moments after a faceoff critical.

“If we lose it, we have got to defend hard, and we have got to pay attention to the details of defending,” Sullivan said. “And when we win it, we have to be on the same page so we are able to take advantage of the puck possession we won off the faceoff, regardless of what zone we are in.”

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Penguins’ Mike Sullivan unconcerned with Jared McCann’s scoring slump

CHRIS ADAMSKI | Friday, February 21, 2020 4:05 p.m.

In his first 76 games after being acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins in a trade, Jared McCann had 25 goals.

He has zero, though, in the 13 games since.

McCann hasn’t scored in more than a month since the final of a three- game goal streak Jan. 14 against Minnesota. But even with just four assists and an unsightly minus-9 rating to show for his past five weeks, McCann’s slump isn’t concerning to Penguins coach Mike Sullivan.

“Jared is getting a lot of scoring chances; it’s not like he’s not getting opportunities,” Sullivan said after practice Friday. “You can’t always control if it gets into the net or not. I just think he’s got to keep his game simple, and he’s got to play the right way.

“Sometimes, I think, when goal scorers don’t score for a few games, there’s a tendency to focus on scoring goals, and Jared and I spoke yesterday morning and that was part of the conversation was: take the focus off of scoring, just play the right way, you are going to get chances, keep shooting the puck, the puck will go in the net for you. You’ve just got to trust the process.”

Sullivan downplayed McCann’s bouncing around the lineup for his struggles. Over the past five weeks, McCann has at times played on what is generally considered the first, second and third lines, and at center or either wing.

In his past 13 games, McCann has just two even-strength points and 35 shots on goal (2.7 per game).

“Based on my experience of watching players go through some of the ups and downs when the puck doesn’t go in the net for them is that part of the solution is to take the focus off of it and just play the game the right way and make good decisions and keep your game simple,” Sullivan said. “And when you can put the puck on the net, shoot it. And we believe the puck will go in for them.”

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Penguins’ Dominik Kahun sits out practice day after blocking shot, is ‘day to day’

CHRIS ADAMSKI | Friday, February 21, 2020 3:52 p.m.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Dominik Kahun missed Friday’s practice a day after he left a loss at the Toronto Maple Leafs following blocking a shot.

Coach Mike Sullivan declared Kahun will be “a game-decision” for Saturday afternoon’s home game against the Buffalo Sabres.

“Right now, his status is just day-to-day,” coach Mike Sullivan said after a brisk half-hour practice at PPG Paints Arena. “So we will take each day as it comes. We will see how he is (Saturday).”

Kahun was struck in the left leg by a shot from Maple Leafs forward Denis Malgin with about 6 minutes to play in Thursday’s 4-0 defeat. Kahun was so hobbled, he required some assistance from teammates to leave the ice.

Thursday was Kahun’s second game back after missing a month because of a concussion.

Tribune Review LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177693 Pittsburgh Penguins “I did it for about two weeks and said, ‘This is way too hard,’” he said, chuckling. “I decided to do the business route because [if I didn’t make it as a player] it would keep me in hockey — and so I didn’t have to go back to finish pre-med and go to medical school and finally get to be a Size, grit have helped Anthony Angello succeed with Penguins doctor when I’m 50 or 60.”

Angello scored 36 goals in three seasons at Cornell, piled up 119 penalty minutes and caught the eye of another Penguins prospect who skated for MATT VENSEL Brown. FEB 21, 2020 10:12 PM “Something I’ve always noticed with Ant is he is willing to throw his weight around,” Sam Lafferty said. “Going back to playing against him in college, our defensemen had to know when he was on the ice because As a gangly kid growing up just down the road from Syracuse University, he forechecked so hard and he was physical. ... He knows his game and at the time a college hoops powerhouse under Jim Boeheim, Anthony tries to play to his strengths.” Angello may have appeared to be destined to hit the hardwood for the Orange eventually. Angello turned pro in 2018 and last season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton scored 16 goals in 65 games. He had that many in 20 fewer games when There was only one small problem: He was terrible at basketball. he got his first call to the NHL on Jan. 30. He has since appeared in five games for Pittsburgh. “Awful,” he said with a laugh Friday. “I played in gym class and maybe a year [of organized basketball] when I was real young. I did not pursue it Now 6-5 and 210 pounds, Angello is still learning how to fully harness his after that.” size.

Instead, Angello, now a rookie winger with the Penguins, focused on two “I’ve learned how to use my body this year to hold onto more pucks and, other sports while sprouting in upstate New York — hockey and lacrosse. instead of hitting people just to knock them over and creating a big sound, I’m hitting to go through hands and create turnovers,” he said. Canadiens goalie Carey Price makes save on Penguins center Jared “Using my size and protecting pucks has allowed me to have way more McCann, Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, at the PPG Paints Arena Uptown. success offensively, and in general.” “Actually, my dad says I was better at lacrosse,” Angello said. “I liked Mike Sullivan said after Friday’s practice at PPG Paints Arena that the lacrosse because it was basically hockey on the field. You could just run team feels Angello has showed this month that he can be “an effective guys over.” player in this league,” citing his size, skating ability and willingness to get After his freshman year of high school, he decided he only wanted to run in on the forecheck. guys over on ice. Thus began a long, winding journey from Manlius, N.Y., But to do that, the coach added, Angello must make more strides to Pittsburgh, with stops along the way in Rochester, N.Y., Nebraska and mentally. the Ivy League. “It’s more about just decision-making, awareness, all of those things that In the coming weeks, that road might lead back to Wilkes- players need to adjust to the pace of the game,” he said. “I don’t mean Barre/Scranton. But the 23-year-old, who scored his first career goal in that physically. I mean how quickly players in this league process the Tuesday’s win against the Toronto Maple Leafs, has learned one game. [It’s] the anticipation skills and the awareness away from the puck valuable lesson here these past few weeks. and things of that nature.” “I can play in this league. I can be successful,” Angello said. “Just coming Angello, a healthy scratch for Thursday’s loss in Toronto, could be sent here with the right mindset — playing hard and doing things the right way back to the American Hockey League soon. Reinforcements might arrive and playing to my strengths — will allow me and the team to have before Monday’s NHL trade deadline or next month in the form of Nick success. That builds confidence. Confidence builds success. Then it’s a Bjugstad, another big body. snowball effect from there.” If so, the lanky former laxer says he will take with him to Wilkes- Angello first stepped on the ice at the age of two, two years before his Barre/Scranton the lessons learned during his first stint in the NHL and family moved from Albany to Manlius. His uncle, Jason Hover, played then get back to work. hockey at Air Force Academy. Angello was drawn to the challenge of hockey, in part because it made him different. “If something happens where I do get sent down, I have to continue to play the same way that got me up here and hopefully I’m not down there “I thought it was cool and unique,” he said. “You can’t just wake up and too long,” he said. “I worked extremely hard to get here. It’s a dream say, ‘I’m going to play hockey,’ and throw on the skates and go in the come true and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get here backyard.” [permanently]. ... I know I can do it.” In seventh and eighth grade, when things started to get serious for Post Gazette LOADED: 02.22.2020 Angello, he started skating for a program in Rochester, which is 100 miles west of Manlius. After that, he played high school hockey and Junior B in the Syracuse area.

Penguins mailbag: Which areas could be addressed before the trade deadline?

Angello was always among the tallest kids in his class. He was listed at 6-4 during his two years with the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League.

Where does he get his height from? Angello shrugged. The younger of his two sisters, Ava, is already 6-0 and could play Division I lacrosse in three years. But his parents, David and Pamela, are both around 5-10. He guesses his long limbs come from his mother’s side of the family, given that she has relatives who reach 6-6.

After his senior year of high school, the Penguins drafted Angello in the fifth round in 2014, knowing the pick might take a long time to pay dividends.

He spent one more season in Omaha before heading off to college at Cornell. He was originally a pre-med major. That lasted one semester before he switched to applied economics and management with a concentration in finance. 1177694 Pittsburgh Penguins Sullivan to reunite Marcus Pettersson and Justin Schultz on the team’s second defensive pair.

That pair has struggled in the six games since. The Penguins have had a Penguins hope Jared McCann can put scoring slump out of his mind 45.6% shot share with both on the ice at 5-on-5 and opponents have had 23 high-danger chances compared to just 10 for the Penguins, per NaturalStatTrick.com.

MATT VENSEL Pettersson and Schultz had a rough night Thursday in Toronto, giving up eight high-danger chances. That included a goal by Leafs forward Zach FEB 21, 2020 8:12 PM Hyman, who out-muscled Schultz in front to gain position and whack in a rebound.

During his first 76 games with the Penguins, Jared McCann was one of “I think we’re doing OK in the offensive zone. He’s a great player getting their most prolific scorers. He lit the lamp 25 times, third-most over that pucks through. Both of us got to step it up in the defensive zone,” span. Pettersson said. “We’ve been giving up some chances here lately that are a little bit too good [of] chances. ... That’s something we both feel like The past few weeks, though, the long list of Penguins with more goals we want to do work on.” includes Dominik Simon, rookie Anthony Angello and blue-liner Jack Johnson. Two Swedes flipping out

McCann has now gone 13 games without scoring. The 23-year-old’s last The Penguins practiced for only a half hour Friday at PPG Paints Arena, goal came Jan. 14, Sidney Crosby’s first game back from sports hernia where they will host the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday afternoon. But while surgery. most of their players headed to the locker room for media availability, Pettersson and Patric Hornqvist lingered on the ice to participate in a Since then, he has four assists — only two at even strength — with a promotional challenge. minus-9 rating. He received just 10 minutes, 58 seconds of ice time in Thursday’s 4-0 loss to the Maple Leafs in Toronto, his lowest total in Hornqvist stomped into the locker room afterward, grumbling about more than three months. getting shut out in the mystery competition. Pettersson filled us in on what was missed. Anthony Angello celebrates after scoring against the Maple Leafs, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at PPG Paints Arena. “It was me and Horny, blue line to blue line, just high-flipping pucks into KeyBank [buckets],” he said. “All the money raised will go to charity, so “Jared and I spoke [Thursday morning] and that was part of our it’s good.” conversation, [to] take the focus off scoring,” Mike Sullivan said after Friday’s practice at PPG Paints Arena. “‘Just play the right way. You’re The defenseman guessed that he had flipped four of his 10 attempts into going to get chances. Keep shooting the puck. It will go in the net for you. a bucket that was about a couple of feet wide, adding, “It was kind of You just have to trust the process.’” hard, actually.”

Few, if any, players have been moved around the lineup more often this Post Gazette LOADED: 02.22.2020 season than McCann. With Crosby or Evgeni Malkin (or both) sidelined, he has often been asked to play center. When they’re available, he is typically skating on the left wing. In the past two weeks, he has played with three different centers.

Asked if the constant shuffling is a factor in McCann’s slump, Sullivan said he didn’t think so, pointing out that “Jared’s got a lot of scoring chances.” McCann has 17 shots over his last five games, including two in Thursday’s loss.

“As I say to the players sometimes, you can’t always control whether it goes in the net or not,” the Penguins coach said. “He’s just got to keep his game simple. He’s got to play the game the right way. Sometimes, I think when goal-scorers don’t score for a few games, there’s a tendency to focus on scoring goals.”

Kahun misses practice

Dominik Kahun did not practice Friday, a day after Kahun was hit in the left knee with a hard shot and had to be helped off the ice at Scotiabank Arena.

“Right now, his status is just day to day,” Sullivan said. “So we’ll take each day as it comes. We’ll see how it is [Saturday]. He’ll be a game-time decision.”

Sidney Crosby and Toronto Maple Leafs centre Auston Matthews skate near the boards during the third period Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, in Toronto.

With Kahun sitting out Friday, Angello took his spot on Evgeni Malkin’s line.

Kahun returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing four weeks with a concussion. He was a minus-3 in two games before he went down again in Toronto.

The 24-year-old winger has 10 goals and 27 points in 50 games this season.

Struggling second pair

It has been two weeks since John Marino went down after taking a slap shot to the left cheek. That injury, which required surgery, prompted 1177695 Pittsburgh Penguins To argue against those numbers would prove a fruitless endeavor. The advanced metrics confirm what even novice eyes have seen from the Penguins over the past month.

Evgeni Malkin on Penguins’ defense: ‘We are a little bit regressive’ Malkin’s correct. They’re not playing right.

Sullivan’s correct. They need to recognize it.

By Rob Rossi Feb 21, 2020 The return of either Brian Dumoulin or John Marino — or, dare they dream, both defensemen — would go a long way to re-solidifying a defense corps that has understandably lacked since being without two of their top three players. (Also, the defense is battered; Zach Trotman was TORONTO — At their lunch in Miami last summer, Mike Sullivan and recalled for the game in Toronto just in case he was needed.) Evgeni Malkin came to an understanding of what each needed from the other for the Penguins to again become a Stanley Cup-caliber club. So it The Penguins rank 13th in the rate of shots that are scoring chances wasn’t surprising that, after an ugly 4-0 loss to the Maple Leafs in against during 32 consecutive games Dumoulin has missed with torn Toronto on Thursday night, the Penguins were talked of as being ankle tendons that required surgery. They are averaging 15.88 at five-on- nowhere near that standard — at least lately — by their coach and five in that category compared to 14.31 while playing 21 of their first 24 leading scorer. games with Dumoulin in the lineup.

“They got what they deserved — and so did we,” Sullivan said to close a Their loss in Toronto also marked the sixth game without Marino, a postgame media session that lasted only 70 seconds. standout rookie who is recovering from surgery to repair facial fractures. Though a small sample size, his absence has been apparent in a It was 40 seconds in when Sullivan was asked if he felt the Penguins’ declining percentage of five-on-five shots favoring the Penguins in overall defensive performance had regressed in recent weeks. games. The Penguins are at 50.9 percent for the season, but only 44.1 “Yes,” Sullivan said. percent in Marino’s absence.

Asked to what he attributed that regression, Sullivan said “commitment.” Even these Penguins aren’t deep enough to overcome being without two of their best defensemen. Though, given they are in a fierce first-place Another question was required to coax Sullivan into detailing how battle with the Washington Capitals despite being guaranteed to go the coaches can restore a group of players’ commitment to defense. “We entire regular season having played only two periods — actually, fewer have to go back to work,” Sullivan said before appearing to recognize this than two full periods — with a fully healthy roster, the Penguins probably particular moment for a Penguins team with so much potential was too did begin to believe they were immune side effects that are common with important to leave up to coach-speak or a cliche. Sullivan then said aloud injury rashes. what any good counselor would about a patient struggling with a problem. Thing is, they’re not.

“The first thing is you have to recognize it,” he said. “And then you’ve got Were they, general manager Jim Rutherford would not still be looking to to pay attention to details.” add before the NHL trade deadline. He made a minor-league move Thursday afternoon but told colleague Josh Yohe he is likely to wait until About 15 minutes earlier, Malkin — albeit in a manner lacking Sullivan’s Monday to see if he can add a depth winger — or if he will need to also terseness — had told The Athletic the Penguins are “not playing right.” A address a potential need on defense. transcript of Malkin’s first public interview in weeks: Malkin is confident the Penguins are sound enough as constructed to win Do you look at the way this team has played over the last month and see a championship, and he is not alone. He referred to their performance an overall defensive regression? during Crosby’s absence, talked about players elevating their level (such as winger Bryan Rust) and also cited the Penguins’ chemistry as reasons “Maybe. But it’s a long season. It’s probably, like, 50 games we play to believe this group requires only to refocus and get healthy — or, good. Not 50. Maybe 40. And I hope before playoffs we go back to our rather, healthy-ish — to chase what would be the fourth title of the best game because we can win the Cup if we do. Crosby/Malkin era. “It’s a long season. You can’t play a high level all the time. Some games, “It’s a little bit tough year for us, for sure,” Malkin said. “We have to you not play right. Probably the last month — you’re right, we are a little change lines, like, every game because it’s always somebody different bit regressive. I hope it’s done quickly and we go back to our game hurt.” before playoffs because we need our game in playoffs.” In the past week, the Penguins have lost the services of Zach-Aston Does it fall on you and Sidney Crosby, as team leaders who have won Reese, their winger who measures best in defensive metrics, and the Cup before, to stress to teammates? Dominik Kahun, who on Thursday night couldn’t finish a second game “Yeah, for sure. And coaches talk, too. We try to talk in meetings, in since returning from a concussion absence. locker room about our game. It should be better in D zone. We can’t play Losing players is nothing new. Losing because of loose defense is long in playoffs if you not play hard in D zone. something different. “We have time. It’s, like, (23) games left. It’s a good time to fix our Whether the Penguins’ newfound looseness is a blip on the radar or a mistakes.” return to habits that caused them to be swept from the first round last And there it was: Two men from differing backgrounds, bonded forever postseason, well … by helping bring the Cup to Pittsburgh in the summers of 2016 and 2017, “I hope everyone is back, bad luck is over and we start to play better,” each speaking the same language Thursday night even though one was Malkin said. “No choice, you know? Not if we want to win Cup.” born in Marshfield, Massachusetts, and the other in Magnitogorsk, Russia. The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 Sullivan and Malkin would dearly love to spend a day with the Cup in their respective hometowns. Their collective discouragement regarding what the Penguins have slowly turned into stems from having witnessed what the Penguins had surprisingly become through an injury-plagued first half of this season.

Through Jan. 14, the date of Crosby’s return after missing over two months while recovering from core/sports hernia surgery, the Penguins ranked first, second and third in expected goals-against/60 minutes, scoring chances against/60 minutes and high-danger scoring chances against/60 minutes — all at five-on-five play. From that point through Thursday night, they rate 20th (xGA/60) and 18th (SCA/60 and HDCA/60), as measured by the Natural Stat Trick website. 1177696 Pittsburgh Penguins players focusing on carrying the puck more. Shooting, using passing lanes, picking corners of the net? Sure. These are all things we’ve seen players work on in drills or stay around late at practice to address. You generally don’t get a ton of feel-good stories about players attempting to Marshall: Searching for the key behind Bryan Rust’s career year control the puck more than usual.

Take a look at Rust’s command on this zone entry and the patience he exhibits once he enters the offensive zone with possession. The ability to By Jesse Marshall Feb 20, 2020 let a play develop and command when a move is made as an offensive unit is on display here.

Before this year, Bryan Rust’s career-high for points in a season was the In that clip alone, you can see Rust gain the offensive blue line with 38 he garnered in the 2017-18 season. possession, and as he carries the puck in, he waits a few extra moments for the defense to focus on him, back in on goal and present a passing With 44 games under his belt this season, Rust has put that high lane to Evgeni Malkin. Ultimately, Rust drives the net and scores the watermark in the rear-view mirror by 10 points and counting. In fact, goal. If you think about who is orchestrating action here, it starts and when it comes to every record Rust has established in his four-and-a-half ends with Rust. He controls the zone entry and doesn’t force a pass years of service, you can throw them all in the trash. Rust’s performance cross-ice immediately, he waits for something to naturally develop before is taking on an entirely new look. This simply is not the same player any making his move. of us have seen previously. Also, notice the hip-fake Rust gives on the defenseman as he The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn covered some of Rust’s rise to fame approaches the blue line. You get a great look at it on the reverse angle. back in December. The overall theme of Dom’s analysis rings true today. As soon as the defenseman steps back to pivot, Rust gives a quick bob While he’s cooled from his early-season pace, Rust still is controlling the outside to gain himself an additional five feet of space as he crosses the play at even-strength and contributing to the success of the team in all offensive blue line. He makes the defender delay a moment before three zones. getting over to cover him. It’s a nifty move that creates some extra breathing room. One of the most all-encompassing performance statistics available to the public is Game Score. There are a lot of important statistics in hockey, Being patient with the puck and hanging on to it is all about allowing the and it’s not always easy to know which is the most important. Game game to develop and letting lanes open up. Consider that as you watch Score amalgamates these stats together in an attempt to answer the this next clip. question of “who had the best game?” on any given night. With Game Score, we’re talking about measuring the productivity of a player in an all- This, to me, is what puck patience is all about. If you look at Rust each in-one statistic that looks at single-game performance and provides us time he interacts with the puck in that clip, he’s got his head up and has with a highly contextual result. already made his decisions by the time the puck is at or near his stick. This is just methodical hockey. If we track this over time, we can get a true sense of just how impactful Rust’s season has been to the Penguins. The below visualization comes You can get a real sense of his patience for passing lanes to open with via Sean Tierney of Charting Hockey and shows us the Game Score the overhead view of the goal. Rust hangs on to the puck and waits for performance for the Penguins roster over the course of this year. the cross-ice pass to develop. This is the stuff that jumps off the screen when you compare this year’s video to some of the same scenarios from As we can see from the above chart, Rust’s single-game performance Rust’s scoring slumps earlier in his career. There’s a stark difference in score has consistently been at or near the top of the pile for the majority how he approaches the game. of the season. He’s been a true driver of the Penguins’ success. In the next clip, consider how Rust creates space for his teammates to The question we’re left with is: what in the hell happened? How did Rust operate as he carries the puck across the blue line. go from a player that went 29 games without a goal last season to be on the tear he’s on currently? What’s the secret sauce behind all this If there’s a theme embedded within these clips, it’s Rust coming across success? the blue line with possession, safely distributing the puck and then crashing the front of the net to create some chaos. That’s what you see My first guess was variance, a pretty common answer to hockey in this clip. Rust draws the defenders close to him before dumping the problems. My assumption was that lady luck had just skipped over Rust puck off to Dominik Kahun. He’s backing the defense up by attacking. for large portions of his career and he’s finally seeing the fruits of his unrewarded efforts. Rust has always been a strong player from a process Rust heads right for the middle of the ice at the heart of the opposing perspective, but with the points coming with more frequency this year, teams’ defense. In the overhead view, you again can see the pivotal maybe we could chalk all of this up to the Hockey Gods smiling down on point where Rust makes this pass in a way that affords Kahun the his performance. maximum amount of space to make a play. It puts the defense on the wrong foot from the moment the pass is made. Rust’s patience with this The problem is the data doesn’t back this up at all. There’s nothing in any zone entry secures another goal. of Rust’s results to suggest he’s on some super-elevated run of form that is entirely unsustainable over the long term. The repeatable behaviors So, we have some solid video to back up the assessment that Rust has behind Rusts’ results, the stuff the game is made of like shots and the puck on his stick more, but let’s go to some additional resources to scoring-chances, don’t suggest he’s just getting lucky out there. see if this theory can be bolstered.

The available data didn’t immediately point to anything obvious, so it’s on Corey Sznajder does a phenomenal job manually tracking each team’s to the tape we go. Do Rust’s on-ice behaviors tell us anything about his zone entries and zone exits throughout the course of the year. This is performance? Turns out, that’s just where we can start to peel back the tireless work that you can support via his Patreon page, as we all benefit onion and see some potential drivers behind Rust’s run of form. from his efforts with this data. Corey’s results for the year aren’t up to Supplement the video with some microdata and input from the coaching date with where we are in the season as this tracking takes time, but we staff, I think there might be something tangible behind all of this. can glean some insight into the games he’s tracked so far to see what the results tell us about the puck-carrying theory. Hanging on to the puck more sounds like a generic thing to point to as the driver behind a player’s growth, but I think that’s really the most You could count on one hand the number of players who have a higher critical piece to Rust’s success. As I combed over game tape, that’s the total of entries per 60 minutes at even-strength than Rust does through element that continued to jump out at me time and time again. games tracked this year. The data backs up our theory about puck management. For a frame of reference, I went back and looked at Even as far back as January, puck-handling and time on stick kept being Corey’s data from last year as a comparison. Rust is averaging about 10 the main points I came back to with video analysis. The puck just looked more carries per hour than he did last season and has a higher overall like it was staying on Rust’s stick with a higher level of frequency than I’d carry-in percentage. noticed before. The play was running through Rust, he was the driver behind the offense way more often than he was the passenger. This This isn’t just eye test talk, the results speak to the theory as well. Rust seems simple, but it’s not an easy thing for forwards to pull off on a large- has the puck on his stick more this season and, as a result, a greater scale basis. We don’t hear a lot of stories around the league about command of the game as a whole, especially with regards to getting the puck into the offensive zone. It’s ultimately led to more points and more scoring opportunities in general.

So, what about a third-party assessment from the head coach to gain further insight into whether this idea makes sense? Penguins coach Mike Sullivan offered a unique assessment of Rust’s performance this year.

“I watch him with his poise on the puck, his vision and puck protection,” Sullivan said. “His panic threshold is really high right now.”

Panic threshold, there’s a coaching term for the ages. What Sullivan is hinting at here is an appropriate use of time and space, or more specifically, Rust is holding on to the puck more.

Think of it this way, what’s the first thing a panicked hockey player does with the puck on their stick? They get rid of it. Whether it be blindly banking the puck off of the glass, icing the puck or turning it over right to the stick of an opposing player, having a low panic threshold is a surefire way to doom yourself to the bench or, worse, relegate your team to the defensive zone. The best players in this league make time and space in situations where those commodities don’t currently exist. That’s what we saw Rust do earlier in the video examples.

“He hangs on to pucks,” Sullivan added. “And because of that, it’s really helped his game offensively.”

Well, there we have it. This isn’t just a shot in the dark. Whether you take it from the coach, the data or the video, Rust’s strength this year has been a renewed approach to puck management — one that includes him exhibiting loads of confidence in all three phases of the game and keeping the puck on his stick. Patience is at the crux of this and perhaps that’s something that can be gained with time and experience. Whatever the case may be, Rust has figured it out and it’s benefitting his own game and the team as a whole.

With this newfound affinity for puck-carrying on his resume, Rust’s ceiling might be a little higher than any of us ever imagined. It’s given him control of the game at even-strength and the ability to create chaos down low, and it positions him to continue to find areas of the ice where he can finish quality scoring chances.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177697 Pittsburgh Penguins Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, compiling 73 points in 41 games for Sherbrooke.

Rutherford likes both players. Jim Rutherford outlines his trade deadline plan to The Athletic “Poulin is on a really good team and he’s just having a great season,” Rutherford said. “Just an exceptional year. Legare’s team isn’t as good, so maybe that’s hurting his numbers a bit. But I can tell you that I like By Josh Yohe Feb 20, 2020 both of them a lot and won’t be trading either of them.”

Rutherford is dealing with a seller’s market as asking prices for top-tier players are extremely high. Given his refusal to trade his top two Jim Rutherford isn’t done. prospects — and considering he no longer has a first- or second-round The Penguins general manager is delighted with the job new acquisition pick to deal — it would seem difficult for Rutherford to orchestrate any Jason Zucker has done through four games in Pittsburgh but is aiming to kind of a deal. add at least one player to his roster between now and Monday’s NHL “I still think we can get something done,” he said. “Listen, we aren’t Trade Deadline. looking for a top-six player right now. We already got one in Zucker. So, is a forward or a defenseman on Rutherford’s radar? We’re looking for a bottom-six guy who can give us depth, fit in on different lines, give us some balance. Right now, I’m just waiting until Rutherford spoke with The Athletic late on Wednesday evening from prices go down. That’s what you do during this week. There have been a Toronto and outlined his plan with the deadline only a few days away. He bunch of moves made recently, good players. Fairly high prices. But also confirmed the identity of two players that he refuses to move. there will still be guys available, and we’ve identified a group of guys that we believe could help us.” “Ideally I’m going to make a move, and I think there’s a good chance it will happen,” Rutherford said. Rutherford isn’t sure if asking prices will drop between now and Monday, but he’s hopeful they will. Don’t expect Rutherford to make a move today or Friday, however. He is receiving medical reports Saturday that will shape his decisions. “It’s honestly hard to say how that will unfold,” he said. “It’s hard to say Rutherford doesn’t want to acquire a defenseman via trade but is waiting how many players will still be on the market by then, but I believe that to receive the latest updates on Brian Dumoulin and John Marino. Those some of the guys we are interested in will be. At the same time, you updates will be given to Rutherford on Saturday. never know for sure until the day comes.”

Dumoulin, out since Nov. 30 with torn ankle ligaments, resumed skating Ultimately, he desires to add one more player to his third or fourth line. this week. Marino is out at least a couple of more weeks with broken cheekbones. “That’s fair,” he said. “That’s the goal. I just think we could stand to add a little bit more depth, a little bit more balance, and someone with NHL “As of right now, I think they’re both tracking to be ready for the playoffs,” experience obviously. It’s something we’d certainly like to do. There are a Rutherford said. “That’s what it looks like and that’s what we’re hoping for lot of things to consider with the guy we’d like to bring in. Does he have because they’re both really important players. But I still want to get the experience? How will he fit in with how we play? How will he fit into our latest updates on Saturday, and then I’ll be able to better make some locker room? There are many different factors to consider and the fact of decisions.” the matter is that I already like this team very much.”

Marino, the precocious rookie, has emerged as a top-four defenseman. One name that has emerged in numerous reports is Conor Sheary, the Dumoulin is something more, and Rutherford acknowledged that his former Penguins forward who was traded to Buffalo two years ago. return is important for the Penguins. Rutherford refuses to be quoted on players who play for other teams and refused to confirm or deny the reports. However, he remains fond of the “If, for some reason, either of those guys can’t come back, I’ll have to skilled forward and has mentioned multiple times over the past two think about going out and getting a defenseman,” Rutherford said. “But seasons that Sheary was moved for salary cap reasons, not performance it’s not like I’d be getting a defenseman who would replace Dumoulin. I reasons. couldn’t replace him if I tried. He’s a top-pairing defenseman in this league. That’s a great player. There are only so many guys like him. I’m It’s believed that the Penguins have a large list of forwards on their wish just hoping that we do have him back for the playoffs. Having him and list and that Sheary, who is capable of playing either wing, is one of the Marino back would be a big deal.” many players on that list.

Rutherford bristles at the notion that Dumoulin has had any kind of And what if Rutherford can’t find a match? What if asking prices remain setback. astronomical?

“We announced he would be out for a minimum of eight weeks,” “I’m pretty darn OK with this team as is,” he said. “Getting Zucker was a Rutherford said. “That’s the key. When we put that out, we made it clear big thing for us. He makes us better. I look at it is, anything we can get at that it was a minimum. It wasn’t a hard eight weeks. No one was this point moving forward is going to be a bonus. That’s what it will be. suggesting that. So, yeah. It’s been 10 weeks. If the projection changes But it’s still a bonus that I’d like to have.” with him, if it gets stretched out further than we had hoped, then yeah, we’ll look for a defenseman. But we’re hopeful that isn’t the case.” The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020

Should Dumoulin and Marino return to the lineup, Rutherford feels the blue line is deep enough largely because of how Chad Ruhwedel and Juuso Riikola have performed.

“They’ve both been really good,” he said. “They’ve jumped in and have done a good job for us. Chad was even on the left side for a while, and that’s hard. But now he’s on the right side and playing well. I like them both very much.”

Rutherford likes the two best prospects in the Penguins’ organization, too. And they won’t be part of any trade.

Samuel Poulin and Nathan Legare, both drafted last season, will remain with the Penguins past the trade deadline.

“They,” Rutherford said, “are off-limits.”

Legare put on a show in training camp and was, at 18, one of the Penguins’ best forwards. Poulin is having a monster season in the 1177698 San Jose Sharks Thornton has said before and told this newspaper again Sunday he hasn’t thought about the trade deadline or whether he would accept a deal to a contending team. He hasn’t necessarily dismissed the idea out of hand, either. Thornton has trade deadline choice to make: Loyalty to Sharks or chance at Stanley Cup? But the Sharks are where they are right now: a team that entered Friday with five rookies on their 23-man roster. All of these young players, and perhaps others in the organization, will continue to get shots with the big club over the final seven weeks of the season to see where they are in By CURTIS PASHELKA | PUBLISHED: February 21, 2020 at 10:28 a.m. their development. | UPDATED: February 21, 2020 at 3:51 p.m. Then after April 4, the season will likely be over.

One way or another, it figures to be a tough decision for Thornton, to stay In the summer of 2017, Joe Thornton was presented with several options with the team he loves until the end, or allow a trade to another club. We as he was about to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in know he has a lot of hockey left to play. his NHL career. San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 02.22.2020 Thornton was courted by over half of the teams in the league, which surprised him to some degree. Ultimately, though, Thornton chose to return to the Sharks, signing a one-year, $8 million contract — famously while he was sitting on his lawn mower — to come back to the team he helped make one of the NHL’s best for well over a decade.

“It was nice getting courted by all these teams and I felt bad saying, ‘Hey, I’m going back to San Jose,'” Thornton said at the time. “But that’s where my heart is and that’s where I’m happy.”

Less than three years later, Thornton, now 40, is again at something of a crossroads.

Between now and Monday at noon (PT), Thornton will have to decide — if he hasn’t already — whether he wants to remain with the Sharks for the rest of the regular season or waive the “no move” clause in his contract and allow a trade for a shot at the Stanley Cup, the only thing missing from his 22-year Hall of Fame career. The Sharks play the New York Rangers on Saturday and the New York Islanders on Sunday.

Thornton has certainly earned the right to chart his own path, and no one’s going to change their opinion of the future Hockey Hall of Fame member regardless of what he decides to do.

Still, the idea of Thornton playing for another team for the rest of the season and into the playoffs makes sense for a number of reasons.

First, Thornton would get to play meaningful hockey well into April and perhaps beyond, instead of playing out the string with the Sharks, who entered Friday 12 points out of a playoff spot with 22 games to go.

He’d only be with another team for a few months, and wouldn’t necessarily have to uproot his family to another city. He’d be free to return to San Jose and perhaps re-sign with the Sharks this summer if that’s what he wanted, hopefully, for his sake, after he’s hoisted Lord Stanley.

Thornton would not only lend a respected veteran presence to any team, but also be a valuable contributor. Some of his best hockey this season came after the Sharks’ coaching change, when Bob Boughner placed Thornton on the second line with Tomas Hertl on his wing.

Thornton, who has spent a lot of time as the Sharks’ second line center in recent weeks for various reasons, could easily slide into a third or fourth line center role for any team and play on a second power play unit.

Recent reports suggest he would be a fit for either the Boston Bruins or Colorado Avalanche, teams with deep rosters. The Bruins did make a trade Friday, though, sending forward David Backes, defenseman Axel Andersson and a first round draft pick to the Anaheim Ducks for forward Ondrej Kase.

Surely if Thornton decides he’d like to join a Cup contender this season, general manager Doug Wilson will try to make that happen. We just saw earlier this week how the respected Brenden Dillon was treated, as he was traded to the contending Washington Capitals for two draft picks.

Maybe Wilson can land a second- or a third-round draft pick in return, or perhaps a prospect that can challenge for a roster spot next season. He won’t give him away for free. But the bigger priority for Wilson might be to do right by Thornton, who has given everything he’s got to the organization for close to 15 years.

As of now, Thornton hasn’t given any indication one way or another whether he would waive the no move clause. A Stanley Cup, of course, is the one major item missing from his resume. 1177699 San Jose Sharks

How to watch 2020 NHL Trade Deadline Show for Sharks live online

By NBC Sports Bay Area staff February 21, 2020 10:13 AM

The NHL trade deadline is upon us, and rumors are flying everywhere. The Sharks are well out of the Western Conference playoff picture, and might be looking to sell off some of their best assets ahead of Monday’s deadline at noon PT.

It has been a nightmare season for San Jose, who almost certainly will miss the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2015. Significant injuries to captain Logan Couture, forward Tomas Hertl and defenseman Erik Karlsson, along with teamwide underachievement, plant the Sharks firmly in the “sellers” bucket heading into the deadline.

General manager Doug Wilson already has traded defenseman Brenden Dillon to the Washington Capitals and could be looking to make more moves as the deadline approaches.

“Sharks Pre and Postgame Live” host Brodie Brazil will join NHL experts from the NBC Sports regional networks to analyze the trade deadline on the 2020 NHL Trade Deadline Show, which will stream on the MyTeams app and on NBCSportsBayArea.com. The show will air Monday at 11:30 a.m. PT, and you can join the conversation on Twitter using the hasting #NHLtradeNBC.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177700 San Jose Sharks players have some kind of trade protection (Evander Kane, Brent Burns, Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Martin Jones). Could the Sharks clear a star's salary at the deadline?

NHL trade deadline: What Sharks fans need to know before dealing ends Wilson told reporters Tuesday that the Sharks have "the bones in place" of a playoff team next season, and it's difficult to envision San Jose reaching that goal without most of those contracts -- or equivalent players at different positions with similar salaries -- on the books. The Sharks By Marcus White February 21, 2020 7:00 AM tinkered around the edges of the roster in 2015 when they last missed the playoffs, saving the splash for the summer in trading for Jones.

The Sharks are in a somewhat unfamiliar spot this trade deadline. Don't bet on the Sharks trading a big name -- or a prospect for a big name -- Monday, and save your predictions for NHL draft weekend in late San Jose almost certainly will not make the Stanley Cup playoffs for the June. first time since 2015, making general manager Doug Wilson a seller heading into the Feb. 24 trade deadline. Wilson already has got the ball Who are the contenders to keep an eye on? rolling puck dropped on this process, shipping out defenseman Brenden Any team in the Stanley Cup playoffs is a possibility, but some teams are Dillon to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday for a pair of draft picks. worth monitoring more than others. Below is a non-exhaustive list of The return left a bit to be desired, as my comrade in content Brian Witt contenders who could call Wilson before Monday. argued after the deal, but Dillon's departure formally marked the beginning of Wilson's re-tooling as he looks to get the Sharks back in Colorado Avalanche: The Avs currently have more salary-cap space than playoff contention next season. any team in playoff position (over $25.5 million as of this writing, per Cap Friendly), and top-six forwards Mikko Rantanen and Nazem Kadri Who could be on their way out? Which contenders have salary-cap currently are on injured reserve. NHL executives reportedly believe the space to burn? Here are the answers to the most pressing questions Avalanche could be a fit for Thornton, and he wouldn't add any long-term headed into Monday's deadline. money to Colorado's books. When is the NHL trade deadline? Pittsburgh Penguins: Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford told The Monday, Feb. 24 at noon PT. Athletic that he is "looking for a bottom-six guy who can give us depth, fit in on different lines, give us some balance." That could be Melker How much salary-cap space do the Sharks have? Karlsson, if healthy, though Pittsburgh's lack of 2020 picks and subpar farm system mean Wilson should have better options elsewhere. The fine folks at Cap Friendly project the Sharks will have $6,431,667 in salary-cap space at the deadline. The Sharks have not yet placed Vegas Golden Knights: The Sharks have never traded with their division defenseman Erik Karlsson on long-term injured reserve, according to the rivals, but Peter DeBoer now is behind the Golden Knights' bench. Vegas site, and placing his $11.5 million cap hit on LTIR would give San Jose a is right up against the cap, even with Alex Tuch on LTIR. San Jose would significant amount of room to work with. be able to retain salary on each of its pending free agents, or even take back a matching contract. Could the Knights be a Karlsson fit, given his Who are the pending unrestricted free agents on the roster? history with DeBoer? Forwards Melker Karlsson ($2 million cap hit), Joe Thornton ($2 million), Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes and lackluster goaltending have Patrick Marleau ($700,000), Stefan Noesen ($700,000), defensemen Tim gone together like peanut butter and jelly over the last half-decade, and Heed ($960,000), Radim Simek ($675,000) and goaltender Aaron Dell this year is no different. Carolina is in the bottom third of the league in 5- ($1.9 million) all can become UFAs on July 1. on-5 save percentage while in a fierce fight for the Eastern Conference's Who is most likely to get traded? final wild-card spot. The Canes reportedly are interested in Chicago netminder Robin Lehner, and Dell would be a cheaper fallback option -- if Karlsson seems to be the likeliest candidate. He's a versatile bottom-six the Sharks actually decide to trade him. forward with three seasons of 10-plus goals who spends a lot of time on the penalty kill. The Swedish winger is not going to command a haul, but Nashville Predators: Calling the Predators "contenders" is generous, but he's exactly the kind of player rival GMs with Stanley Cup aspirations Nashville still has a path to the postseason. The Predators, like the give up a mid-round pick for at the deadline. But Karlsson left the Sharks, fired their coach earlier this season in hopes of meeting Prudential Center in a walking boot after the Sharks' loss to the New preseason expectations. Could Preds GM David Poile pull the trigger on Jersey Devils on Thursday, according to The Athletic's Kevin Kurz, and a blockbuster, and possibly for one of the Sharks' aforementioned big the severity of the injury will determine what kind of return -- if any -- San contracts? Nashville seems like as good an option as any to pull off Jose could fetch for the forward. something surprising this deadline.

The Sharks seem to view Simek as part of their future on the blue line, Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 while Noesen has scored just five goals in 24 games with San Jose since the Pittsburgh Penguins waived him earlier this season. Dell, Marleau and Thornton are intriguing trade possibilities, however.

The latter two wouldn't bring back much in a trade, but could the 40-year- olds compel a contender to pull a Ray Bourque and trade for a franchise icon in the twilight of his career? The call will be Marleau and Thornton's, especially in the latter case given the trade protection in his contract.

Dell has seized the reigns as the Sharks' starter in net, and San Jose's handling of him at the deadline will make it clear how the team views him heading into the 2020-21 season. The Sharks won't trade him if they see him as their starter next year, but it could be prudent to maximize the return if they don't. They'll be worse in the short-term, increasing the likelihood the Ottawa Senators draft a top prospect with one of the picks the Sharks traded for Erik Karlsson, but that shouldn't weigh into their decision since that's the risk you run when you don't lottery-protect a pick.

What about the rest of the Sharks' roster?

The Sharks are going to finish a mile out of the playoffs, and they have a lot of big money on the books. They are paying eight players at least $5 million: Two are done for the year (Erik Karlsson, Tomas Hertl), one is working his way back from injury (Logan Couture) and four of the five 1177701 San Jose Sharks “I also just want to make sure the guy feels comfortable, that he can call or text me with anything that might come up,” Tillotson said.

Dillon’s phone, meanwhile, was still blowing up. Friends, family Inside Brenden Dillon’s first 52 hours as a Capitals player members, former teammates.

“I’m hoping no one took it the wrong way,” he explained, “but I wasn’t able to answer all the texts and calls right away.” By Tarik El-Bashir Feb 21, 2020 Indeed, Dillon had a lot to do and not much time to do it.

He rushed home from his final practice with the Sharks and immediately ARLINGTON, Va. – After being told he’d been traded, the first phone call began filling up the biggest suitcase that he owns. Brenden Dillon received was from his agent. The second was from Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan. The third was from Rob “I’m planning on playing until June,” Dillon said with a smile. Tillotson, Washington’s director of team services. “I brought four suits, which is going to get old real quick. Probably 10-12 “It’s just kinda an intro call,” Tillotson told The Athletic. “By that point, I’ve shirts. Four of five sweaters and four of five pairs of jeans. I was trying to looked up to see what our options are to get him in. This one was a little get as much accomplished in as little time as I could.” different because he was coming from the West Coast. In this instance, Wednesday my question for Mac was, ‘Does he need to be here on Wednesday morning? Do we need to push him for practice? Or let him take his time?” 10 a.m.: Tillotson connected with Dillon to make sure everything was on schedule. Tillotson’s job was to handle the most complicated part of the transaction between the Sharks and Capitals: Coordinating all of the moving parts “It was a little crazy walking into the airport,” said Dillon, who was hauling involved in getting Dillon across the country, settled into his new a suitcase and a Sharks hockey bag. “It was early in the morning so it accommodations and in position to perform Thursday night against the wasn’t as crowded as usual. A lot of people were saying to me, ‘Hey, isn’t Canadiens. San Jose that way? Why are you leaving here?’ But a few people understood and thanked me for the years and wished me the best of The following is a timeline of the approximately 52 hours between the luck.” trade being finalized, Tillotson digging in and Dillon stepping onto the ice for his Capitals’ debut (all times are approximate and Eastern): 11:15 a.m.: Dillon boarded his flight to D.C.

Tuesday 4:30 p.m.: Dillon landed at DCA and collected his bags and sticks.

3:25 p.m.: MacLellan called Dillon, who had just been informed of the “It was actually cool when I landed in D.C.,” he said. “At least five or six trade by Sharks GM Doug Wilson. An unrestricted free agent at season’s people walked up and said welcome to the team and that they’re excited end, Dillon suspected he might get moved, so the trade did not come as to have me. That was really cool.” a surprise. 4:45 p.m.: The car service driver texted Tillotson to let him know that “With everything that’s been going on the last couple of weeks, anytime Dillon had arrived and that they were en route to the hotel. you’re talking to the GM for probably the third time in your whole career, you know something’s up,” Dillon said. “I got up there (to Doug’s office) 5:15 p.m.: Dillon arrived at the hotel. and he told me the news. It was almost a sense of relief. And then once “Once he’s there, I give him another call, ‘You need anything?'” Tillotson you realize that you’re coming to Washington, it’s just excitement.” said.

3:30 p.m.: MacLellan called Tillotson to inform him that the trade had 5:20 p.m.: As Dillon walked into the lobby he was greeted by locker room been completed and that he’d already spoken to Dillon. assistant Ray Straccia, who had been awaiting his arrival. Straccia 3:35 p.m.: Tillotson informed key members of the Capitals’ hockey staff, needed Dillon’s hockey bag and sticks so he could lug them to MedStar including head athletic trainer Jason Serbus, strength and conditioning and finish setting up his locker stall for the next morning. coach Mark Nemish and head equipment manager Brock Myles. Dillon kept his old shoulder and elbow pads, shin guards and skates. But Myles and his assistants almost immediately began prepping for Dillon’s he needed new navy blue pants, both red and blue helmets, as well as arrival. Myles reached out to his counterpart in San Jose to get Dillon’s red, white and blue gloves. (Interestingly, the Caps kept his white Sharks preferred sizes for undergarments, shoes, hockey pants and gloves. helmet and just changed the stickers on it.) Everything will get sent back Dillon was assigned the locker stall right next to Tom Wilson’s at MedStar to the Sharks. Capitals Iceplex. After getting settled at the hotel, Dillon took a walk around Ballston. 3:40 p.m.: Tillotson began researching flights from San Jose to Tillotson had recommended True Food Kitchen for dinner. Washington. By the time Dillon reached Wilson Blvd., he already regretted his decision “Mac is always good about letting guys do what they need to get their life to wear shorts and sandals on a chilly night in Arlington. Although he’s together,” Tillotson said. originally from British Columbia, he’d been spoiled by California’s mild weather. He also conceded that he may have been led astray by former Tillotson also set up a car service to shuttle Dillon from Reagan National Capitals and Sharks forward Joel Ward. Airport to his new home, which for now will be an Arlington area hotel. “I talked to Wardo, who lives in San Jose,” Dillon said, explaining his 3:45 p.m.: The Caps announced the trade on social media and issued a choice of attire. “He’s a close buddy of mine. He said, ‘dude, it’s press release via email. unbelievable weather in Washington.’ I guess I didn’t clarify, does that mean cold unbelievable? Or does that mean warm unbelievable? I’ve 4:30 p.m.: Tillotson called Dillon and presented the newest Capital with been in shorts and a t-shirt for six years going to the rink in February and his travel options. March. “It was a red-eye or leave the next morning,” Tillotson said. “He elected “I definitely didn’t wear sandals or shorts today.” to leave the next morning, which I think was the probably right thing. He wasn’t going to practice if he lands at 6 in the morning anyway.” (More on Dillon’s choice of clothes later.)

Said Dillon: “We just figured with the timing and everything, that it was Thursday probably best to get just a little bit of sleep.” 7:50 a.m.: Tillotson was waiting for Dillon in the lobby of the hotel so that 4:59 p.m.: Tillotson texted Dillon a finalized travel itinerary, which he could give the newest Capital the key fob that will grant him access to included a first class ticket from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., and the Caps’ headquarters and locker room areas at . He the name of the driver who’d bring him to the hotel in Arlington. also handed him a company ID and they made the short walk to the practice facility. Dillon likes to be early; on this particular morning, he was the first player at MedStar. “I was definitely buzzing,” Dillon said of his excitement level.

“What a facility that they have here. Unbelievable. I was like a kid in a candy store.”

8 a.m.: Dillon met the coaches, equipment staff and his new teammates as they began to trickle in. Tillotson’s job, for the moment, anyway, was done.

“Once I got him here, gave him the tour and said, ‘Here’s the change room, get changed.’ He’s kind of on his own from there,” Tillotson said. “Once he’s in that team meeting, it’s, ‘OK, you’re a part of the team. You’re in. You’re here.'”

9 a.m.: Dillon found the room where the team meeting is held each game day morning, but he didn’t immediately take a seat.

“In the meeting, everyone kind of has assigned seats,” he said. “So I didn’t want to take anyone’s seat or be in the wrong place at the wrong time. So I was obviously seeing where Ovi was sitting, etc. The big boys have had their seats for a long time.”

10:10 a.m.: He hit the ice for the morning skate and was immediately paired with all-star blueliner John Carlson. Over the course of the 40- minute skate, Dillon had several chats with Carlson and a longish conversation with defensive coach Reid Cashman.

10:55 a.m.: Dillon met with the local media for the first time.

10:57 a.m.: He got ribbed by a new teammate.

During Dillon’s first scrum with local beat reporters, Caps center Nic Dowd jumped in with a question of his own, holding up a skate guard like a microphone.

“Obviously coming from San Jose, being a warmer city, to D.C., where it’s a little bit colder, did you bring your thermal underwear?” Dowd asked Dillon.

Dillon, laughing, responded: “I wore shorts for my walk last night to dinner. I don’t know, I might have to put on some pants today. I’ll make sure I wear a suit and maybe an overcoat (to the arena).”

Dowd fired back: “Yeah, we require suits here in D.C.”

4:30 p.m.: Dillon arrived at Capital One Arena.

4:40 p.m.: He put on his shoulder pads, pulled his home red jersey on for the first time and posed for headshots, photos and video for use on the jumbotron and other promotional items.

5 p.m.: Another round of meetings with coaches and teammates as Dillon attempted to cram in as much information as possible prior to the opening faceoff.

“One thing I must say is they are beyond detailed here,” Dillon said. “Reirds and the whole staff, they do an unbelievable job of getting guys prepared and ready to roll. It’s no surprise why they’ve had so much success here. It was very detailed and I was able to get everything on the same page. We kinda squeezed a two-week training camp into a day.”

6:28 p.m.: Dillon joined his teammates in the tunnel before stepping onto the ice for warmups and promptly began wondering what he’d gotten himself into as Alex Ovechkin, Tom Wilson, T.J. Oshie and Co. went through their interesting pump-up routine.

“I’m going to have something incorporated for me before next game!” Dillon joked.

7:05 p.m.: Applause rippled through the crowd when Dillon’s name was announced in the starting lineup.

7:08 p.m.: The puck was dropped and another chapter in Dillon’s NHL story was underway.

“It,” he said, pausing, “was definitely a whirlwind.”

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177702 St Louis Blues building (on Feb. 8) and beat us, so we wanted to make sure we got off to a good start and gave ourselves a chance to win.”

Coach Craig Berube has mentioned several times lately that the Blues’ Blues dominate Stars in battle for Central lead defensive corps was getting more shots to the net. He likes it that way — especially when there’s traffic in front of the net, which has been a hot- and-cold proposition for the Blues this season.

Jim Thomas 3 hrs ago Well, Parayko shot twice from the point in the opening period Friday and made Berube look like a savant.

His first shot found its way to Kyrou, who did some wheeling and dealing DALLAS — Suddenly, dramatically, the light switch has been turned on behind the Dallas net, then sent a backhand at Bishop, the Chaminade for the St. Louis Blues. And man, is it bright. Prep product. Steen put the rebound by Bishop for his seventh goal of A team that was dead last in the league in defense from late December the season and a 1-0 St. Louis lead just 5:48 into the game. to the middle of February — yielding 3.53 goals per game over that Late in the period, a similar sequence occurred. A Parayko shot from the stretch — suddenly is a lockdown, shutdown, see-you-later, thanks-for- point led to another net-front scramble, and this time it was David Perron coming unit. You know, the kind that was on display last season during who poked it in at the doorstep for a 2-0 lead. the Blues’ 11-game winning streak. “He’s got a great shot, boy,” Berube said of Parayko. “When he’s skating “We were playing not our style of hockey,” goalie Jake Allen said. “We and shooting like that he’s a dangerous player.” weren’t playing very well. Everyone wasn’t. And I think we realized points were catching up to us and we just flipped the switch.” But that’s only half of the equation. The second half is having traffic in front of the net. Yes, they did. A resounding 5-1 victory over surging Dallas made it three victories in a row for the Blues and kept the Stars at bay — at least for “That Thomas line was at the net and so was the (Oskar) Sundqvist line now — in a tight Central Division race. on the first two goals,” Berube said. “That’s all it was. It was downhill. Three guys at the net on both goals. We can do more of that. It showed From Feb. 14-17 of 2019, the Blues posted three consecutive shutouts: tonight: you do it, you score goals.” 4-0 over Arizona on Valentine’s Day, 3-0 over Colorado on Feb. 16 and 4-0 over Minnesota the next day. The goalies in that sequence, in order, The Blues didn’t back down in the second period, adding goals by Kyrou were Jordan Binnington, Allen, and Binnington. (his third of the season) and Schwartz (his 20th). Schwartz’s goal, 4:45 into the period, made it 4-0 and got Bishop pulled from the contest. Well, they nearly did it again, beating New Jersey 3-0 on Tuesday, Parayko made it 5-0 with his seventh goal of the season early in the third Arizona 1-0 on Thursday, and on Friday keeping the Stars off the period. scoreboard until Jamie Oleksiak tallied with 3 minutes 33 seconds remaining. The goalie sequence this time was Binnington, Binnington Was this a statement win for the Blues (35-17-10), who are now four and Allen. The Blues’ scoreless streak ended at 179 minutes 38 seconds points up on Dallas? when Oleksiak scored. “Ah, I mean it’s a big win,” Berube said. “We knew what was on the line. I “The guys in front of me and ‘Binner,’ the last four games have been don’t have to tell them. Guys, they just showed up. They know.” pretty remarkable,” Allen said. “Scoring chances are created, back- checking, tracking, blocked shots. It’s great to see for the group.” They showed up all right.

And the goaltending hasn’t been bad. Just eight days earlier in a 6-5 St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 02.22.2020 overtime loss in Las Vegas, the Blues allowed a staggering 52 shots on goal. In their last three games combined, they allowed 50. That’s quite a turnaround for a team that was 2-7-3 over its previous 13 games before facing New Jersey.

“I don’t think we were overreacting to wins and losses,” said Alexander Steen, who scored the first Blues goal of the night. “We made some mistakes and we weren’t as compact and tight. So we obviously discussed some changes, especially in the aggressiveness that we want to play with. . . . . To get back on it like we have the last three games has been a good sign.”

The Blues did it Friday without two mainstays in their lineup. Captain Alex Pietrangelo was sick, and Tyler Bozak has a lower-body injury. But the Blues almost always seem to have somebody ready to step up.

“It’s all about opportunity in this league,” Allen said. “You’ve got to make the most of your chance if you want to stay in it. I think a lot of young guys are taking that chance. (Jordan) Kyrou, (Sammy) Blais, (Robert) Thomas, (Zach) Sanford, they’ve been playing great the last three or four games.

“Credit goes to them. Opportunity doesn’t arise for everyone in a perfect spot, but you never know when it’s going to come and you’ve got to make the most of it. . . . It’s been great to see.”

The Blues got also a big contribution from one of their more established players. With Pietrangelo sidelined, Colton Paryako came out like a freight train, using his long stride to race up the ice on rushes and sending his 100 mph shot at Dallas goalie Ben Bishop. And he used his extra-long wingspan to knock the puck out of harm’s way on defense.

By night’s end he had a goal and two assists, with the three-point night matching a career-high. (Previously, he had a goal and two assists on Feb. 2, 2017, against Toronto.)

“These are big games,” Parayko said. “These are the fun ones. We kind of knew what was up for stake here. Big game, they came into our 1177703 St Louis Blues Blue notes Besides Bozak and Pietrangelo, the Blues’ other scratch — a healthy

scratch — was forward Jacob de la Rose. It was his sixth consecutive Blues notebook: Petro's illness, Bozak's injury forces late lineup shuffling game as a healthy scratch and the ninth game out of the Blues’ last 10 he sat out.

• A quickie two-game road trip concludes Sunday with another Central Jim Thomas 3 hrs ago Division game at Minnesota.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 02.22.2020 DALLAS — From the department of “it’s always something,” the Blues had a couple of unexpected lineup changes Friday against the Dallas Stars.

Team captain Alex Pietrangelo is sick and was a late scratch. And Tyler Bozak was scratched with a lower-body injury. Both veterans are among the team’s most durable players.

It was the first game missed this season by Pietrangelo, who made his second NHL All-Star Game, and already has matched his goal total from last season (13) and exceeded his 2018-19 assist total, with 34.

Bozak had missed only one game previously this season — when he got sick before the team’s Dec. 18 contest against Edmonton. Coach Craig Berube said the injury occurred in Thursday’s 1-0 home victory over Arizona. Bozak played a season-low 11 minutes 14 seconds against the Coyotes _—more than four minutes below his season average.

But there didn’t seem to be any noticeable moment during the game when an injury occurred. Bozak, in fact, took a faceoff with about two minutes left in the game.

“He’ll be evaluated (Saturday),” Berube said, which isn’t always the best news to hear on injuries.

Bozak does a little bit of everything for the Blues and was enjoying another typically-solid season with 12 goals and 15 assists.

Minus Bozak, Oskar Sundqvist moved up to the third line, flanked by wingers Alexander Steen and Jordan Kyrou. Mackenzie MacEachern returned to the lineup after being a healthy scratch for three games. He joined Sammy Blais and Ivan Barbashev on the fourth line.

Without Pietrangelo on defense, Carl Gunnarsson was paired with Justin Faulk for only the second time all season to start a game. And you must go all the way back to Nov. 12, a 3-2 shootout loss to Arizona, to find the other. Gunnarsson has seen his minutes spike since Jay Bouwmeester had his cardiac episode six games ago in Anaheim.

“He’s done a great job on the penalty kill, and just defending,” Berube said.

The Blues went with an extra player wearing the “A’ for alternate captain with captian Pietrangelo out of the lineup. Jaden Schwartz joined usual alternate captains Steen and Ryan O’Reilly on Friday. Well, O’Reilly is a “usual” alternate captain ever since Vladimir Tarasenko went down with his shoulder injury in Game 10 of the season against Los Angeles.

Mojo back?

OK, Binnington didn’t face a ton of shots in Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over New Jersey and Thursday’s 1-0 triumph over Arizona. The 17 shots on goal by the Devils was a season-low against the Blues. Then, the 14 shots on goal by the Coyotes was a new season-low total.

But Binnington does have a scoreless streak of 121 minutes 8 seconds going and back-to-back shutouts. This marks the second time in his young NHL career that’s he’s posted goose eggs in successive starts.

Last season, he had a 4-0 shutout at Arizona on Valentine’s Day, and a 4-0 shutout three days later in Minnesota. The only difference last season was that in between those games, Jake Allen posted a 3-0 shutout win in Colorado.

So is Binnington getting his mojo back after the first prolonged slump of his career?

“We’ll take it,” he replied. “Team’s playing great and we’ll build off that.”

Binnington’s victory boosted his career NHL record to 50-16-8. Including three games in which he came in off the bench and did not factor into the decision, he has played 77 NHL games. He’s the 10th goaltender in league history to reach 50 wins in 77 games or fewer. 1177704 St Louis Blues “Knowing where Dallas is (in the standings) and having played (Thursday), it’s going to be a grind,” Ryan O’Reilly said. “It’s going to be a lot tougher.”

Updated: Petro, Bozak scratched for Dallas; Allen in goal MOJO BACK?

OK, Binnington didn’t face many shots in Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over New Jersey and Thursday’s 1-0 triumph over Arizona. The 17 shots on goal Jim Thomas 3 hrs ago by the Devils was a season-low against the Blues. Then, the 14 shots on goal by the Coyotes was a new season-low total.

But Binnington does have a scoreless streak of 121 minutes 8 seconds DALLAS _ Two Blues veterans will be out of the Blues' lineup for going on the strength of back-to-back shutouts. This marks the second tonight's Central Division showdown against the Dallas Stars. time in his young NHL career that’s he’s posted goose eggs in Captain Alex Pietrangelo is sick. And forward Tyler Bozak is out with a successive starts. lower-body injury. Bozak suffered the injury Thursday against Arizona Last season, he had a 4-0 shutout at Arizona on Valentine’s Day, and a and will be re-evaluated Saturday according to coach Craig Berube. 4-0 shutout three days later in Minnesota. The only difference last It will be the first game missed this season for Pietrangelo, who's one of season was that in between those games, Jake Allen posted a 3-0 the Blues' most durable players. Bozak has missed only one game shutout win in Colorado. previously this season _ when he got sick before the team's Dec. 18 So it Binnington getting his mojo back after the first prolonged slump of contest against Edmonton. his career? Minus Bozak, Mackenzie MacEachern draws into the lineup after being a “We'll take it,” he replied. “Team's playing great and we'll build off that.” healthy scratch the previous three games. He will join Sammy Blais and Ivan Barbashev on the Blues' fourth line, according to Berube. Binnington’s victory boosted his career NHL record to 50-16-8. Including three games in which he came in off the bench and did not factor in the Oskar Sundqvist moves up from the fourth line to center the third line (in decision, he has played 77 NHL games. He’s the 10th goaltender in Bozak's spot.) league history to reach 50 wins in 77 games or fewer. Without Pietrangelo on defense, Carl Gunnarsson is scheduled to be FOR OPENERS paired with Justin Faulk. Marco Scandello stays with Colton Parayko. And Robert Bortuzzo comes off the bench for a familiar pairing with Vince Marco Scandella didn’t tiptoe into his Blues’ debut. Midway through the Dunn. period, there he was helping his new team navigate through 3 minutes 7 seconds of continuous penalty kill _ including 53 seconds of a 5-on-3 kill. Jake Allen gets the start in goal. He is 9-5-0 lifetime against the Stars, with three shutouts, a 2.17 goals-against average, and a save “That's part of my role,” Scandella said of his early PK work. “Shutdown percentage of .921. He won here 3-1 on the day after Thanksgiving, defenseman first.” stopping 31 of 32 shots. He filled both roles admirably against Arizona. The Blues navigated HIGH STAKES POKER through that early penalty trouble without any damage, and also killed off a second period tripping penalty against Alex Pietrangelo. When Jamie Benn scored in the first period for Dallas against Jordan Binnington, it marked the first time the Blues had trailed in an astounding Scandella also made a seemingly seamless transition with Parayko on 517 minutes 18 seconds of hockey. what frequently is the Blues’ shutdown defensive pairing, replacing Jay Bouwmeester. The Stars scored four times in the second period that night, Colton Parayko got in only the second fight of his career _ against Brett Ritchie. “It was a lot of fun out there,” Scandella said. “I feel like the crowd was And Brayden Schenn was scratched due to an upper-body injury. into it, too. Playing a home game is a lot easier to start off.”

This time around, the Blues take a modest two-game winning streak into When he wasn’t marveling at the skating ability of Parayko, Scandella Friday’s 7:30 p.m. contest, but the stakes are just as high. St. Louis (34- said the pair began the process of building chemistry. 17-10), 78 points, is trying to fend off Dallas (35-19-6), 76 points, and maintain their lead in the Central Division. “He’s really big and he moves really well, too,” Scandella said. “He was talking out there too, so I felt like we read well off each other.” The Stars won the last meeting, 3-2 in overtime, on Feb. 8 at Enterprise Center. But the Blues lead the season series 2-1. The teams meet five BLUES PROJECTED LINEUP times this season, with the last of those five coming Feb. 29 in St. Louis. (The Blues did not have a morning skate Friday.) The Stars have endured a 1-7-1 start and the firing of coach Jim Montgomery on Dec. 10. Forwards

In some ways, Thursday’s 1-0 Blues victory over Arizona was a fitting Schwartz-O’Reilly-Schenn tuneup for tonight’s clash, because like the Coyotes the Stars don’t score much but are stingy defensively. Sanford-Thomas-Perron

Arizona entered Thursday’s game ranked fourth in defense (2.63 goals Steen-Sundqvist-Kyrou allowed per game) but just 24th in scoring (2.70 goals per game) in the MacEachern-Barbashev-Blais NHL. Defensemen Dallas enters tonight’s tussle third in defense (2.52 GAA) and 25th in scoring (2.68). Gunnarsson-Faulk

So this doesn’t figure to be the game where the Blues bust out of their Scandella-Parayko recent scoring dip. In the three previous matchups this season, the winning team has scored three goals. Dunn-Bortuzzo

“I've said this for a while that they're probably, I think, one of the better Goalie teams in the league for sure,” coach Craig Berube said. “They're deep. Allen They can play a lot of different ways, great goaltending, good defense. They're a solid team all around. It's going to be a hard game.” STARS PROJECTED LINEUP

While the Stars were resting at home, the Blues had a tough, tight Forwards contest with Arizona followed by a late-night flight to Dallas. Hintz-Seguin-Perry

Benn-Dickinson-Gurianov Cogliano-Faksa-Comeau

Janmark-Pavelski-Radulov

Defensemen

Lindell-Klingberg

Heiskanen-Johns

Oleksiak-Polak

Goalie

Bishop

BLUE NOTES

• Pietrangelo’s next road goal this season will make him just the fifth Blues defenseman to score 10 or more road goals in one season. And the first since Steve Duchesne in the 1997-98 season.

• O’Reilly’s goal against Arizona ended a seven-game goal drought and was his third game-winner of the season.

• David Perron, Schenn and Jaden Schwartz each have nine power play goals. The Blues haven’t had three players with 10 power goals in one season since 2005-06.

• Perron is two assists shy of 200 in his career.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177705 St Louis Blues “I think New Jersey, we caught them on their heels,” O’Reilly said, “and tonight, we caught them tired. We played the games the right way and that’s something we’ll continue to be consistent with.”

Aggressive Blues dominate Coyotes but need a 'lucky bounce' to win The Blues got a solid debut from defenseman Marco Scandella, acquired in a trade with Montreal on Tuesday. Scandella twice got back on defense to break up some of the few scoring chances Arizona had.

Tom Timmermann 10 hrs ago “That’s what he’s going to be,” Berube said. “He’s going to be a killer for us. He’s going to be a shutdown role guy. He did what we asked him to

do tonight.” Once again, the Blues unleashed the style of play on Thursday that led Binnington stopped Taylor Hall on a breakaway late in the first, and that them to the Stanley Cup last season, an aggressive forecheck and heavy kept the Blues even. The game was even — only on the scoreboard — play on the puck, leading to lots of zone time that eventually wears a for 52 minutes before O’Reilly got his first goal in seven games. He team down. skated down the slot, took a pass from Brayden Schenn and backhanded If the Blues keep doing that, they can go far this season. And if they do it it toward the top corner. Raanta deflected it off the post and then it hit his the way they’re doing it right now, they’ll also wake up at 3 a.m. with shoulder and went in. After seeing the initial save, O’Reilly had moved in nightmares and a cold sweat. for a rebound, only to see the puck go in.

The Blues dominated their game Thursday with Arizona possibly more “It’s kind of weird with all the shots we threw at them that that was the than they have dominated any game this season. They had 46 shots on one that went in,” he said. “Kind of a lucky bounce. It was kind of the goal to Arizona’s 14 — in the final two periods the shots were 37 to 6 — bounce we needed. We did a lot of things well tonight against a tired a dominance that caused goalie Jordan Binnington to have to fight to team and it’s going to be a different story tomorrow, it’s going to be much keep his head in the game. more physical and we gotta start focusing on that.”

“Sometimes I didn’t even realize it was a real game,” he said. “I was kind St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 02.22.2020 of just chillin’ back there.”

And for all that dominance, the Blues won 1-0 on a third-period goal by Ryan O’Reilly that, if you were to rank the Blues’ scoring chances for the evening, probably fell in the bottom half. It was the second shutout in a row for Binnington, who blanked New Jersey 3-0 on Tuesday and now the Blues head off for a high-stakes game Friday with Dallas, one of the teams chasing them in the Central Division.

It was a typical Blues game of the past few days: Full control of large stretches of the game, gobs of great scoring chances, and an exceedingly difficult time putting them in. In their past three games, the Blues have scored just five goals on 124 shots and have managed to win twice, and in those three games, it wouldn’t have been surprising if they had scored 12 goals based on the chances they had. Yet for all that dominance, it would have taken just one bad bounce for them to be chasing the Coyotes.

It could be a case of the Blues facing hot goalies though it hasn’t exactly been the A list; as coach Craig Berube noted postgame, Louis Domingue of New Jersey, who limited the Blues to three goals on 39 shots on Tuesday, was put on waivers on Thursday — or it could be a case of the team not finishing its chances. (Reality check: It’s probably a little of both.) On Thursday, it was Arizona goalie Antti Raanta’s turn to be the star.

“I would have liked to get a couple more goals,” Berube said, “but goalies are hot right now. … You’ve got to keep staying with it. Our guys did a great job of not changing the way they played tonight and that was the key to victory.”

The Blues certainly never stopped shooting in the last two periods, never stopped winning the puck back and starting the whole process over.

They have done that consistently since the first period of the Nashville game here on Saturday and kept it going in the game at Nashville and against New Jersey. Only once in the past 11 periods have they allowed shots in double figures. They are strangling opponents’ offense.

“We’re paying pretty good attention to the details of the game and not so much worried about the outcome,” O’Reilly said. “Kind of investing in the game the right way, the way we talk, the way we track, the little details.”

“We try to talk about that quite a bit,” Berube said. “Just focus on what we’ve got to do in-game and not thinking about the outcome so much because you can get ahead of yourself. Stay in the moment and focus on the process. We’re doing a better job of that lately.”

“Stay with it and just try not to deviate from the game,” said defenseman Colton Parayko, who had seven shots on goal. “I think if you kind of get away from your game, that’s when they start getting opportunities so just keep with it. I thought we played well defensively and Binner made some good saves when he had to.”

But O’Reilly offered a cautionary point about the team’s two wins, which came on the heels of a five-game losing streak. 1177706 St Louis Blues Binnington, bound for his first All-Star Game and relishing the attention that came with it, swapped friendly social media snipes with the superstar in early January. A shootout for charity was planned. There is no definitive proof of a distraction. There is proof of a dip in play during that BenFred: Blues needed Binnington to lock in — it appears he has done time. just that Entering Thursday’s game, 30 goalies had made 10 or more starts since the start of January. Among them, Binnington’s post-January goals- against average of 3.22 ranked 25th. His .887 save percentage ranked 14 hrs ago 28th. Ben Frederickson That’s not rock star stuff.

There’s a reason we haven’t heard much from Binnington lately. He’s Awise man once said, “The hockey player who Instagrams like a rock turned down his microphone a bit. His play is starting to sing again. Go star must remember he needs to play like one." figure.

Actually, wise men avoid Instagram altogether, but you get the point. He stopped 22 of 24 shots in a tough loss to Nashville on Sunday. He stopped all 17 shots in a home shutout of the Devils on Tuesday; the More importantly, Jordan Binnington has to get the point, because this second shutout of his season was his first since late November. On Blues season has reached the moment where the goalie’s play needs to Thursday, against a Coyotes team the Blues had lost to in six of the last get more likes than his social media musings. seven meetings, Binnington notched another shutout with no room to spare. He benefited from tilted ice in the 1-0 win, but he still stopped 14 Nothing, not even becoming pals with Justin Bieber, will build shots, deleted three Arizona power plays and snuffed out a critical first- Binnington’s brand better than resuming his role as the backbone of a period Taylor Hall breakaway. Stanley Cup contender. "You make the timely save like that, that wins you the hockey game," The past three games have been both a reminder of how excellent Berube said. Binnington can be, and how that level of play had been missing. Added teammate Ryan O'Reilly: “He’s hands down one of the best Few things repel one another like goalies and calls for patience. The goalies in the league. You see tonight, when we play well in front of him, combination makes oil and water look like peanut butter and jelly. For how good he looks.” that reason, Blues fans should be commended for (mostly) rebuffing chances to fret about Binnington’s inability to carbon copy his numbers And Binnington? from last season's six-month surge to stardom. “Just a couple of wins," he said, eager to move on. "We have to keep Only the most fidgety of the worrywarts had decided coach Craig Berube building, stay with it. It’s getting to the fun time of the year.” should make a full turn toward backup Jake Allen. But even Binnington’s staunchest advocates, and I’m one of them, had reached the point where This, right now, is the most important stretch of Binnington's encore they agreed it’s time for No. 50 to find his stride. season.

When you don’t break through until you are a 25-year-old rookie, and that The stronger the finish, the faster everyone forgets a few missed notes emergence leads to a championship-starved team lifting the Stanley Cup along the way. for the first time in a team's existence, there is nothing wrong with St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 02.22.2020 savoring the moment a bit — or a lot.

Binnington partied hard after the championship. Who wouldn’t? Heck, who didn’t?

Binnington embraced his newfound fame and challenged a famous singer to a shootout to raise money for charity. Who cares?

Binnington became the hero of All-Star weekend, thanks to his entertaining save streak win and the unforgettable quote that followed.

“Haven’t skated in a couple of days,” he told a national TV audience. “Had a few drinks. I’m happy with the outcome.” Who wasn’t?

But in order for Binnington to be happy with the outcome of his first full season as the Blues’ starter, he’s going to need to start rising to the occasion like he did against that conga line of the league’s top scorers on All-Star skills night, like he has the past three games.

Unless general manager Doug Armstrong is cooking up a trade-deadline surprise, this is, more or less, the Blues team that will try to defend the championship. Dallas and Colorado are back in this thing. The division is suddenly tight, and the Blues have some loose screws.

Veteran Marco Scandella has been added to help a struggling defense. Vladimir Tarasenko is skating toward his return, perhaps sooner than most think. So, a defense that has lost its footing as of late has to sync up with a newcomer in Jay Bouwmeester's absence, and the Blues' forwards need to relocate the net, and then get Tarasenko up to speed.

The best possible accompaniment to these efforts would be Binnington playing solid enough night in and night out to steal a game here and there. He is the lone player on the team who can turn an off night for others into a win. He is the undisputed X-factor. His A-game lifts all.

Last season, Binnington had a 2.15 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage between his takeover of the starting job and the Cup- clinching win in Boston. He entered Thursday’s game with a 2.66 goals against average (17th in the NHL) and a .910 save percentage (28th).

The Bieber curse deserves its own specific mention. 1177707 St Louis Blues

Blues put Scandella in a prime spot on defense

Tom Timmermann 14 hrs ago

The Blues moved Marco Scandella right into their lineup on Thursday night, pairing the veteran defenseman acquired from Montreal on Tuesday with Colton Parayko in the spot formerly occupied by Jay Bouwmeester.

That puts Scandella on the team’s shutdown pairing, going up against the other team’s top scorers, and giving him a big assignment while having to learn the Blues system on the fly at a time when the team will have very limited practices during a hectic piece of their schedule.

“That will take time,” coach Craig Berube said, “but he’s just got to be aggressive and play his game. We want him to be a good defender, use his shot, but the system stuff will take time like it always does, but he can still be a good player by having an aggressive mindset, move the puck quick, get up in the play and use his shot. That’s what he does.”

“Systems wise,” captain Alex Pietrangelo said, “we’ve all played D long enough we can adapt; systems only change so much from team to team. We welcome him with open arms, right? I think there’s some familiarity with some of us off the ice which makes you a little more comfortable on the ice knowing that you’ve played with these guys before.

“It’s good to have experience, right? You’re not going to replace 1,400 games. (Scandella’s) certainly a guy that’s been around for a long time. I don’t know how many games he’s played, but he’s in the playoffs, he’s had experience. He’s familiar with the division, which helps too because he played in Minnesota for so long.”

Scandella is listed at 6-3; Bouwmeester is 6-4, so the Blues are losing a little in the big wingspan that the Parayko-Bouwmeester pairing offered. Scandella said he thinks Parayko is the biggest defensive partner he’s had.

“He’s a big human being,” Scandella said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun out there, two big bodies in the back end.”

Integrating a player into a prominent spot like Bouwmeester’s later in the season is something the Blues haven’t had to do very often lately. Last season at the trade deadline, the team acquired a depth defenseman, Michael Del Zotto, who played in just seven games and was on the third pairing. The two years before that, the Blues were sellers rather than buyers, dealing Paul Stastny in 2018 and Kevin Shattenkirk in 2017.

The last time the Blues got a defenseman at the deadline who saw extensive action was Bouwmeester in 2013. The last time the Blues made a big move at the deadline was in 2014, when they acquired Ryan Miller and Steve Ott from Buffalo for Jaroslav Halak, Chris Stewart, William Carrier and two draft picks.

HALL OF FAMERS

This year’s inductees to the St. Louis Amateur Hockey Hall of Fame were introduced during the game. Going in this year are players Tom Shinabarger, Jamie Husgen, Yan Stastny, Wayne Neis and Joe Lunny and builders Ralph “Bouncer” Taylor and Tony Sansone.

The induction ceremony will be held Aug. 29.

NOTES

Vladimir Tarasenko took part in the morning skate, the third straight day he’s been on the ice with the team. He still hasn’t had any contact in those sessions. … Mackenzie MacEachern, Jacob de la Rose and Robert Bortuzzo were healthy scratches.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177708 St Louis Blues

O'Reilly's goal give Blues a 1-0 win over Arizona

Jim Thomas Feb 20, 2020

On what seemed like the 300th shot of the night for the Blues, Ryan O'Reilly lifted a backhand past a stubborn Antti Raanta. The puck bounced off the near post, off the back of Raanta. . .and into the net.

Finally, on their 43rd shot on goal of the game, the Blues had found the net. It was that kind of hockey, tense, tight, and getting late in the season.

O'Reilly's 11th goal of the season was all the Blues needed in a 1-0 victory over Arizona before another sellout crowd of 18,096 at Enterprise Center.

The Blues (34-17-10) thus stayed two points ahead of Dallas in the Central Division standings, with 78 points. They play at Dallas Friday.

The Blues launched a season-high 48 shots at Raanta. Jordan Binnington faced only 14 shots but registered his second consecutive shutout stopping Taylor Hall on an early breakaway.

The Blues had a David Perron power play called back by a successful offside challenge by Arizona _ it was Perron who was offside about 12 seconds earlier. And they otherwise pummeled the Coyotes with 19 shots on goal (to four for Arizona).

But it remained a scoreless game after two periods Thursday at Enterprise Center in a key contest for the Blues.

In an evenly played opening period, Jordan Binnington was the difference, stopping Arizona's Taylor Hall on a breakaway and then head- butting a possible rebound away as the puck rolled up his mask. That sequence came with 1:22 left in a scoreless first period Thursday at Enterprise Center.

The Blues started strong with an 8-1 edge in shots on goal, but then had to kill off 3 minutes 7 seconds worth of continual power play time by Arizona _ with 53 seconds of 5-on-3 in the middle.

New Blue Marco Scandella was thrown right into the action, seeing early action on that penalty kill _ 1 minute 45 seconds worth.

The Blues got in the PK predicament when Justin Faulk was sent off for holding, followed by Oskar Sundqvist 1:07 later. Carl Gunnarsson did some stellar work on the PK, which resulted in only two shots on goal for the Coyotes.

The Blues' best chances were from Jordan Kyrou in the early minutes and Jaden Scwartz late. But Coyotes goalie Anti Raanta stopped Kyrou and Schwartz's shot missed the net.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177709 St Louis Blues

Preview: Blues at Dallas

Jim Thomas Feb 20, 2020

BLUES VS. STARS

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, American Airlines Center, Dallas

TV, radio: FSM, WXOS (101.1 FM)

About the Stars

At 35-19-6 for 76 points, the Stars are breathing down the Blues’ necks in the Central Division and don’t look like they’re going away any time soon. Starting with a 3-2 overtime win over the visiting Blues on Feb. 8, the Stars are 5-0-1 over their last six games. Roope Hintz scored twice, including the OT game-winner in that game. He and Denis Gurianov both have 17 goals, trailing only Jamie Benn (18) for the team high. It’s Jamie Benn bobblehead night, by the way.

But it’s all about defense when it comes to the Stars. They are third in the league in defense, allowing only 2.52 goals per game. St. Louisan Ben Bishop (2.37 goals-against average) and Anton Khudobin (2.33) form one of the league’s best goaltending tandems.

The Stars rank 10th in the league on the power play (21.7 percent) and are fourth-best in faceoff wins (52.2 percent). The teams meet again on Feb. 29.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177710 Tampa Bay Lightning the zone. In the first period alone, he logged almost five minutes of ice time, put two shots on net and recorded two takeaways. He took a penalty in the second period.

The end of the Lightning’s many streaks Coleman needs some time to settle into the Lightning. He’s had one practice and a game. It’s hard to join a team and immediately pick up the system. But initial impressions look good.

By Diana C. Nearhos He’ll get a second taste of life with the Lightning on Saturday, when they take visit Arizona (8 p.m. Fox Sports Sun).

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 02.22.2020 The streak is over. Make that streaks, plural. The Lightning lost to Vegas on Thursday, ending their run at 11 consecutive wins.

The Lightning’s team point streak ended at 13 with the 5-3 loss. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy lost in regulation for the first time in his last 21 starts.

RELATED: Vegas capitalizes on chances to beat the Lightning 5-3

Brayden Point’s point streak, the longest active one in the league, ended at 11 games when the flu forced him out of the lineup on Thursday.

The home win streak of 11 games and the unofficial runs of Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov are all that remain. Their official point streaks ended when they both sat out with injuries last week. Stamkos has a point in his last 12 games and Kucherov in his last 14. Notes and thoughts from the game:

Turnovers are a killer

This is not news, but a re-emergence of something we haven’t seen in awhile, 11 games to be specific.

Late in the second period, Kucherov turned the puck over just inside the offensive blue line as the defensemen changed. That became a two-on- one and goal for Vegas forward Mark Stone, 61 seconds after the Lightning tied the game.

Then in the opening minute of the third period, Braydon Coburn misplayed the puck off the faceoff at the defensive blue line and Vegas forward Ryan Reeves scored. To make matters worse on that one, Coburn took a holding penalty 30 seconds later and forward Max Pacioretty scored immediately.

There may be signs of life on the power play

The Lightning entered the game on a dismal stretch of 4-of-54 going back to Jan. 2. But Stamkos scored two power-play goals, both on the very familiar one-timer in the left circle. The second came on a nice pass from Kucherov through a very small passing lane.

Scoring twice (first time since doing so against Vancouver on Jan. 7) and scoring on 50 percent of their chances (first since Dec. 23 against Florida) are both encouraging.

That both goals came in the flow of the usual power play is also a good sign. But I’m waiting for two good games. Twice already, I’ve thought a goal was a sign of breaking out of the slump only to see them sink back in.

Too many goals

Cutting down on goals against has been the name of the game for the Lightning this season. They’ve mostly succeeded. But five goals for Vegas was too many.

Coach Jon Cooper is fond of saying two goals give you a good chance to win, three puts the game in the balance and four means you have to outscore them. Sure, the Lightning have the ability to score five goals in a game — they’ve done it 15 times this year. But it’s better when they don’t have to.

They hadn’t given up more than three goals in a game in 22 games this calendar year.

The aforementioned turnovers and a poorly timed penalty definitely exacerbated things. But those weren’t the only three breakdowns in an otherwise great game. The Lightning are better when they are sharper defensively.

The new guy looked good

Blake Coleman buzzed around in his first game with the Lightning.

On his first shift, he took a hit, won a battle along the boards, forechecked hard, plus managed to save the puck from heading out of 1177711 Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning lowering concession prices at Amalie Arena

By Diana C. Nearhos

Published Yesterday

Updated Yesterday

TAMPA — Fans will find a pleasant change when they next arrive at Amalie Arena for a Lightning game. Concession prices are going down.

More than 300 items, which include alcoholic products, will be reduced by an average of about 15 percent. The changes will go into effect when the Lightning return home from their current road trip and host Toronto on Tuesday.

The team cited specific examples of reductions like a large popcorn going down by 26 percent, bottled water (25 percent) and bottled Pepsi (21 percent).

This change in concession prices is part of the team’s pledge to reimagine and improve the dining and drinking experiences throughout the area under the Cur(ate) TPA brand, according to the team’s news release.

“Owner Jeff Vinik routinely challenges our leadership team to ask for guest feedback and, more importantly, that we listen with the intent to make changes,” said Lightning CEO Steve Griggs, also in the release. “We recently completed a thorough review, and we would like our fans to know that we have listened to the survey feedback and conversations with our front-line staff. The fans’ voice does matter, and we are pleased to implement these changes.”

Season-ticket holders will also maintain their standard discounts (25 percent for full-season or 10 percent for half-season) on top of these reductions.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177712 Tampa Bay Lightning The Stars traded a second-rounder and a 2020 third-round pick for forward Mats Zuccarello as the Rangers unloaded. They lost in the second round in seven games to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Blues. Why the Lightning are skeptical of deadline rentals Forward Kevin Hayes, also traded by the Rangers, didn’t provide the Jets with a boost to the Cup, either. Winnipeg gave up a young player and a first-round pick but didn’t get out of the first round, losing in six games to By Diana C. Nearhos St. Louis.

St. Louis’s deadline move for defenseman Michael Del Zotto from the TAMPA — A lot of names fly around as the trade deadline approaches Ducks didn’t make a difference on the Blues’ run to the Cup last season every year. Most of them are rentals, players the Lightning traditionally — he didn’t play in the playoffs — but Washington hit the jackpot on its haven’t gotten involved with. rental the season before.

Rentals — players with expiring contracts — are obvious targets. Teams The Capitals gave up a third-round pick to get defenseman Michal unsure about re-signing them or unwilling to re-sign them can move them Kempny from the Blackhawks. The decidedly unflashy rental proved a for something in return. Teams can trade for them without a long-term key improvement on the blue line on Washington’s route to the Cup. obligation if they don’t work out. The Capitals’ trade for Kempny, who re-signed with Washington in June This season, early talk swirled around Taylor Hall. But the star forward 2018, is the kind that keeps teams investing big at the trade deadline. was traded by the Devils to the Coyotes in December. Among the The Lightning, however, haven’t liked those odds so far. notable names still subject to speculation is Rangers wing Chris Kreider Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 02.22.2020 as people around the league wonder if the Rangers would re-sign him or make him a trading block as part of a rebuild.

Last season, Matt Duchene, Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky were among the big names tossed around. The Blues Jackets ended up going big, getting Duchene from the Senators and essentially renting Panarin and Bobrovsky from themselves.

The Lightning, instead of going for rentals, have gone for players with another year on their contracts, often players they plan to re-sign. This season, for example, general manager Julien BriseBois traded for Blake Coleman from the Devils on Sunday, saying the forward being under contract for next season was part of the appeal.

In 2018, the Lightning traded for forward J.T. Miller, who was in the last year of his contract Rangers, and signed him in the offseason. They ended up in a salary-cap crunch and had to trade him last year, but that wasn’t their original intention. In the Miller trade, the Lightning also got defenseman Ryan McDonagh, who had another season left on his contract, and they extended him for another seven.

“In my time here, we’ve never signed a rental,” coach Jon Cooper said. “The biggest thing we’ve done as a rental was sign a guy in September or August for one year.”

He pointed to forwards Brenden Morrow and Chris Kunitz, who were over 35 when they signed one-year deals and turned out to be “instrumental parts of us going very, very deep in the playoffs,” in 2015 and 2018, respectively.

BriseBois went back and looked at past rental deals and wasn’t impressed with what he found.

“There aren’t too many good deals in there,” he said. “It’s not a great time to be buying. You’re buying at a premium, and it rarely pays off.”

How such a move pays off depends on whom you ask.

It’s looking iffy for Arizona so far. The Coyotes, whom the Lightning play Saturday, have remained on the playoff bubble. And they have only won four of their last 16 games.

Columbus would say last season’s gambit was worth it. The Blue Jackets went all in, knowing they would likely lose their star wing (Panarin) and goalie (Bobrovsky) to free agency when the season was over.

The Blue Jackets traded two prospects and two conditional first-round draft picks for Duchene (when Duchene didn’t sign with them in the offseason, opting for the Predators instead, Columbus team kept its 2020 pick). The Blue Jackets also sent two second-rounders and a player to Ottawa for forward Ryan Dzingel. Then they sent two more picks (a fourth and a seventh) for defenseman Adam McQuaid from the Rangers and a 2022 fifth-round pick for goalie Keith Kinkaid from the Devils.

All those moves, and going into the 2019 draft with only three late-round picks, did not add up to the Stanley Cup for Columbus. They did, however, turn into a first-round sweep of the Cup-favorite Lightning for the Blue Jackets’ first playoff series win. To some in the organization, that was worth the price.

Other teams made significant rental moves last season, too. 1177713 Tampa Bay Lightning raise this summer as an RFA (CapFriendly projects a four-year deal with a cap hit between $4.1 million-$4.5 million).

Brayden Point, who should be getting some Hart Trophy love for being Examining Lightning players’ values relative to contract as cap crunch third in the league in WAR (wins above replacement), is still out- looms performing his new bridge deal. The deal (three years, $6.75 million AAV) took a long time to get done over the summer, but you could see why it was so important for Tampa Bay to stick with the bridge M.O. and reasonable cap hit. The decision to re-sign Nikita Kucherov to an eight- By Joe Smith Feb 21, 2020 year, $76 million deal in July 2018 one year from restricted free agency seems like a genius move now, especially after he won the Hart Trophy with a Russian-record 128-point season last season. That $9.5 million LAS VEGAS — Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois offered AAV will continue to be considered a bargain as the salary cap (and several reasons why he decided to pay a “hefty premium” to acquire relative league contracts) continue to rise. winger Blake Coleman on Sunday. A couple of core players who were, as recently as last season, thought to His competitiveness. be under-performing their contracts have bounced back in a big way. Winger Alex Killorn is having a career season, racking up 23 goals while His character. playing in all situations. All of a sudden, that $4.45 million AAV for the And his contract. next three years seems a lot more palatable, and potentially intriguing for other teams this summer, when Killorn’s no-trade clause becomes As much as Coleman’s “Energizer Bunny” motor and dynamic two-way modified. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Tampa Bay consider moving play were coveted, so was the fact he’ll be under contract for just $1.8 Killorn, much like they did J.T. Miller, due to that flexibility and contract million AAV through next season. That’s much-needed bang for Tampa value. The first-round pick the Lightning received from Vancouver in the Bay’s buck heading into its most challenging summer yet in terms of a Miller deal in June paid dividends in being a chip they used on Sunday to salary-cap crunch. acquire Coleman, who very well could be Killorn’s replacement (while Coleman, 28, was as advertised in Thursday’s debut, noticeable on each carrying a cap hit that’s $2.65 million less). shift with two shots, four hits and three takeaways in a 5-3 loss to the Ondrej Palat, having revamped his summer workouts to get a step faster, Golden Knights. is playing as well as he did during his “Triplets” days in the 2014-15 “There aren’t too many players that bring as much value as he does with season. Though Palat still has a no-trade clause, that $5.3 million AAV the cap hit of $1.8 million,” BriseBois said. “If anything, it helps us for another two seasons isn’t bad considering he’s back to being a top-six maintain true competitiveness next season when I’m probably going to type performer. have to make hard decisions.” In case you’re wondering, here’s how Tampa Bay’s no-trade clauses BriseBois believes building a roster is like putting together a “puzzle,” and shake out, per CapFriendly. a player’s contract is a big part. Tampa Bay has already committed $75 Tyler Johnson: On June 15, 2021, his full no-trade clause turns into a million to just 13 players for next season, with tough negotiations coming modified clause with a 20-team list he can’t be traded to. for pending restricted free agents Mikhail Sergachev and Anthony Cirelli looming. With that in mind, we wanted to ask what is the value of each Alex Killorn: Starting this summer, he submits a list of 16 teams he can player on the Lightning roster as measured by both play and current be traded to. contract? Is the organization getting what it has paid for? And which Ondrej Palat: In 2021-22, he can submit a 20-team trade list he can’t be players would carry the most value if Tampa Bay tries to move them to traded to. clear cap space over the summer? Some of my colleagues at The Athletic, like Alison Lukan, have tried this exercise with their teams, so I Yanni Gourde: On July 1, 2022, he can submit a 22-team trade list he felt this was worth investigating. can’t be traded to.

First, to best evaluate play beyond just goals and assists, we can use Stamkos, who scored two more goals Thursday to give him 29 this game score value added (GSVA), a measure developed by our own Dom season, continues to play at a high level as he recently reached his 30th Luszczyszyn. GSVA is a good way to incorporate traditional stats, birthday. Pat Maroon has given the Lightning exactly what they wanted including points, shots, blocks, penalties and faceoffs, along with more when they signed the Cup-winner to a one-year, $900,000 deal in “advanced” measures such as shot share (how many shots does a team August, with his value as much inside the dressing room as it is on the get when a player is on the ice), and shot quality (as measured by ice. Cedric Paquette, who carries a $1.65 million cap hit for another expected goals). GSVA also accounts for the different asks of each season, could be a candidate to get moved to save some money as position — forward versus defenseman — to properly weigh how each of rookie Mitchell Stephens has emerged and is capable of taking over the these measures is incorporated into a player’s score. fourth-line center spot (Stephens is an RFA this summer, too).

What are “good” game scores? At a high level, here is a look at the The one main outlier up front is Gourde, who recently snapped a 35- starting GSVA values that equate to different roles on the ice. game goal drought. The production (eight goals, 15 assists in 61 games) doesn’t quite measure up to the contract (six years, $31 million), but With GSVA showing the value of play, the next part is looking at the cost. there are under-the-hood numbers in Gourde’s play that show the slump That’ll help with context when evaluating a player, their contract, and why could be more of an anomaly and he could return to the 20- to 25-goal some are more coveted trade pieces (or chips). You want to dump a mark during his deal (which also carries a no-trade); Gourde, after all, player and their burdening cap hit? Well, another team isn’t going to bite, has been playing fourth-line minutes and penalty kill, while Johnson — especially when the salary is too rich. There are also scenarios where who has just 13 goals — has often been on the top-six and second you look for under-the-radar pieces that might be able to outperform their power play. bargain deals (like Kevin Shattenkirk’s bounce-back season). Now, let’s look at the blueline. We’ll also turn to another metric developed by Luszczyszyn: “xWIN” or “expected win.” xWIN allows us to tie expected GSVA values to salary. If This is where the Lightning has really done well. a player is exceeding his xWIN value, that means they are contributing more value than their salary would dictate. The opposite is also true: They bought low on Shattenkirk over the summer, signing the bought-out falling below one’s expected xWIN indicates a performance below Ranger to a one-year, $1.75 million deal. They couldn’t have asked for expectations. So what we want to examine specifically is the differential more from Shattenkirk, who delivered the kind of performance (eight between GSVA (as projected over an 82-game season) and xWIN. goals, 23 assists, plus-23) Rangers fans likely expected. Shattenkirk has been such a fit that it would make sense to try to re-sign him in the Let’s see how the Lightning forwards stack up in this measure: summer, which would require another team-friendly, short-term deal, but one that sounds like he’d be open to. There’s no regular right-shot The key for any contending team in a salary-cap world is to squeeze defenseman under contract for next season (Erik Cernak is an RFA and value out of players on entry-level deals, and Anthony Cirelli is crushing it prospect Cal Foote has yet to play an NHL game), so there are some in the final year of his (at $728,333). But Cirelli, a Selke Award-caliber holes that need to be filled on the cheap. player, has grown into the team’s “engine,” which should make for a huge Sergachev certainly won’t come cheap, not after a breakthrough season where he’s grown into a two-way force. Sergachev, acquired in the Jonathan Drouin blockbuster with Montreal in the summer of 2017, has far exceeded his value on his entry-level deal. But CapFriendly projects his next deal as RFA could be in the six-year, $6 million AAV range (unless Tampa Bay gets him to go the bridge route). The Lightning can push how bridge second contracts have often been followed by lucrative long-term deals.

Victor Hedman, 29, is playing like a Norris Trophy candidate and his $7.875 million AAV the next five years will seem like a steal (especially when the likes of Erik Karlsson are making upwards of $11 million). Cernak has bounced back after some early-season struggles, elevating his game as he got paired with Hedman due to injuries. Jan Rutta has been a pleasant surprise, another strong partner for Hedman, so there could be a chance the Lightning approach him this summer about coming back. Ryan McDonagh, 30, has been banged up quite a bit this season and is still week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Braydon Coburn has provided some nice depth but hasn’t been a regular, and has one year left at $1.7 million AAV with a full no-trade (not the kind of money you probably want to spend on a seventh defenseman next year).

The Lightning will have their hands full this summer squeezing everyone into the cap, especially if it doesn’t jump very much from the $81.5 million it was this past season. They’ll have to create some more “hits,” like the Shattenkirk deal, and get some of their players on entry-level deals (like Cal Foote) to emerge and play a regular role.

And Tampa Bay will have to find a way to find fair but favorable contracts for Cirelli and Sergachev.

“Those are called ‘good problems’ — players that play really well and that you get to keep on your team,” BriseBois said. “Those are good problems, but they need to be managed nonetheless. We’ve said all along this will be a tough summer managing all these contracts. We’re cognizant of that, and we’ll keep that in the decision-making process going forward. But now we’re really focused on getting the most out of this season, having a chance to have a really good season and (hoping) to go on a magical run. We’ll do everything we can for that to happen.”

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177714 Toronto Maple Leafs He is a talented scorer, but it is still to be seen if the Coyotes will reap a reward. Hall’s contract expires following this season – after which he could sign elsewhere. Meanwhile, the team is suddenly sputtering.

A moving experience – NHL players explain the pain of being traded Trades are a tricky business and can make or break a season. There are many factors to consider: the size and length of a contract of the player of interest; if he is about to become a free agent; is it worth bringing him in for a short-term rental; and, how much money a team has at its MARTY KLINKENBERG disposal. PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 21, 2020 The maximum any organization can spend on salaries this season is UPDATED FEBRUARY 21, 2020 US$81.5-million. Creative accounting and juggling are assets wielded by well-heeled teams.

In Toronto, Clifford filled a need the Maple Leafs had for a guy with a On Wednesday, Kyle Clifford practised with the Maple Leafs. His sons, nasty streak, which its roster was lacking. His role seems incongruous Brody, 5, Ryker, 3, and Cooper, 1, joined him. with the fellow who shags pucks with his little boys during practice with his teammates. When he wasn’t taking part in drills, Clifford passed a puck to the boys, each of whom wore matching blue-and-white jerseys with their dad’s But that is the way athletes, including hockey players, are. They can be name across the back. Even in his gear, Cooper is less than knee-high. enigmas.

Two weeks earlier, Clifford was traded to Toronto by the Los Angeles “I want to get them on the ice as best as I can,” Clifford says as he unties Kings, for whom he played eight years. His family travelled from their skates in front of his dressing stall. “They want to be a part of this, California the next day and arrived in time for his first game as a Maple and we have to get them out of the hotel as much as possible. They are Leaf at Scotiabank Arena. Afterward, his wife Paige waited in a hallway not in school yet.” outside the dressing room. Their sons waited with her, clutching pictures they had coloured for him. Brody, the five-year-old, dashes around with his hockey stick as his father talks. Then he returns, eyes wide. “Obviously getting the kids out here the day after the trade was a challenge because it was a quick turnaround,” Clifford says. “My wife did “Daddy,” he whispers, “You are only four [stalls] away from Auston an amazing job. She is a rock star.” Matthews!”

To be traded is one of the most unsettling circumstances in sports. SPEZZA HAS SEEN THE UPHEAVAL OF TRADES

At times, trades upset the athlete involved and anger fans. There is a In 16-plus seasons in the NHL, Jason Spezza has had 62 teammates cascading effect, especially when a player is older and married. traded.

Clifford is 29, and self-aware. “It can be really difficult,” says the Maple Leafs centre, 36. Toronto is his third team. “I’m definitely past the halfway point of my career,” the left winger says. “You only have so many chances to compete for a Stanley Cup. Paige “In terms of the emotional side, it varies depending on where you are in and I want to be here. She is on board with what I want in my life and my your career. Early on, I was happy to see guys moved because I knew it career. would give someone younger a chance. Later, I found it changed our locker room. “When I was traded it caught me off guard. I had invested a lot of time and effort into [the Kings] organization. But I guess if Wayne Gretzky can “So there are different levels of feeling at different times.” be traded, anybody can.” Spezza played for the Ottawa Senators from 2002 to 2014 and for the For the time being, he and his wife and children are living in a hotel room. Dallas Stars, to whom he was traded during the off-season, from 2014 to 2019. Last summer, he signed as a free agent with Toronto to play in his “I knew if I was traded, my wife and boys would be with me and I would hometown. be all right,” Clifford says. “It is a commitment on all of our parts as a family.” Over the years, he has been a witness to trades that involved many high- profile teammates, including Mike Fisher, Sergei Gonchar, Dany Heatley, Monday is trade deadline day in the NHL. For that, it is the busiest day of Martin Havlat, Marian Hossa, Alexei Kovalev and Bryan Smolinski. the season. It is the last time a team can acquire players and still have them be eligible for the playoffs. All deals must be completed by 3 p.m. He remembers feeling troubled when six teammates were dispatched Eastern. from Ottawa in 2011 around the trade deadline. Fisher and Kovalev were among them. Already, a handful of deals have been made. Alec Martinez, possibly the best defenceman available, was shipped on Thursday from Los Angeles “You expect trades to happen, but it is never easy,” Spezza says. “That to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Kings, who are rebuilding, are having year in particular, it made me feel like we had failed as a group and had an open house. Earlier in the week, they sent right winger Tyler Toffoli to let people down.” the Vancouver Canucks. In 2014, even though he asked the Senators to trade him, he still One player, Marco Scandella, has been traded twice in six weeks: first, wrestled with his emotions. from Buffalo to Montreal, then from Montreal to St. Louis. He barely had “You hem and you haw,” Spezza says. “Ottawa was a place where I had an opportunity to unpack before he had another new address. been captain for 12 years. I wondered if I was doing the right thing. I The Maple Leafs dipped their toes in the waters this week. In more of a would never say there wasn’t any angst.” tinker than a significant development, they brought in the unheralded Spezza said the off-season move to Toronto, while welcome, was the forward Denis Malgin from the Florida Panthers. Before that, they most challenging for him and his wife, Jennifer. They have daughters plugged holes by summoning Clifford and goaltender Jack Campbell. ages 4, 6, 8 and 10. The former is a family man and doting dad who earns his keep with “Probably this move was the most complicated,” Spezza says. “I was clenched fists. The latter is a more reliable stand-in for starting goalie coming home, but the girls are school-aged now and they had a life and Frederik Andersen. friends in Dallas.” Over the next few days, possibly dozens of players will change teams. Jason Zucker was traded from Minnesota to Pittsburgh on Feb. 10. The While always talked about, a blockbuster exchange is unlikely. The most 28-year-old had played 456 games for the Wild since making his NHL coveted player on the market, Taylor Hall, was purloined in December by debut in 2012. He is the first and only Nevada-raised player in NHL Arizona from New Jersey. history. “There were rumours going around but I didn’t really know if a trade was coming,” Zucker says. “It was hectic for sure.”

He and his wife, Carly Aplin, a sports TV and radio host, have three children between them. Their oldest is in fourth grade.

“It was bittersweet when I heard,” Zucker says. “I was excited for an opportunity to come to an organization that has a chance to make the playoffs, but Minnesota has been my home for eight years.”

Zucker and his wife woke up their eldest daughter to tell her he had been traded.

“Typically, I bring her to school so I wanted to explain everything,” he says.

He said it was always difficult for to watch teammates leave after they were traded.

Jared McCann, a Penguins centre, is 23 and has been traded twice. A year ago, he and teammate Nick Bjugstad were acquired from Florida a few weeks before the deadline.

“I had no idea at all anything was going to happen,” McCann says.

He had gone to a morning skate in Sunrise, Fla., went home and was napping when Bjugstad called. “Do you want me to get your stuff and bring it from the rink?” Bjugstad asked, startling him. Until then, McCann had not heard the news.

Previously, he was traded from Vancouver to Florida.

“It is difficult,” he said. “A lot of things go through your mind. You wonder, ‘What did I do wrong?’ and ‘Why did they do that to me?’ ”

Globe And Mail LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177715 Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs still need a defenceman — at least they have a lot to offer

By Kevin McGran

Fri., Feb. 21, 2020

Up and down. In and out. Over and around. Any or all of those basically describe the Maple Leafs’ season so far.

Even a 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night, which gives them a jolt of confidence heading into Saturday’s home game against the Carolina Hurricanes, might be no more than an exclamation mark in a season full of question marks.

As in, “These are the Toronto Maple Leafs?!” A great team some nights, no effort on others.

What’s missing? And how do you fill those holes? That’s general manager Kyle Dubas’s job. As far as this season goes, he has until 3 p.m. Monday — the NHL trade deadline — to find outside help.

There’s no question that Dubas is all-in on making the playoffs this year.

“Kyle is pretty transparent with the group,” said forward Zach Hyman. “He’s been awesome. He really believes in our group. That means a lot.”

A Feb. 6 trade with the Los Angeles Kings solved the Leafs’ biggest problem at backup goalie. Jack Campbell arrived in tandem with forward Kyle Clifford, who leads the team in hits with 22 since he got here, adding grit and experience to the fourth line.

Wednesday’s addition of forward Denis Malgin from the Florida Panthers — albeit after a sample size of 15 minutes, 20 seconds against Pittsburgh — seemed to bring balance to the lines, which have been out of sync after long-term injuries to forwards Andreas Johnsson and Ilya Mikheyev.

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The biggest remaining issue? On defence. With Morgan Rielly and Cody Ceci hurt, the Leafs have turned to rookies Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren, as well as everyone’s favourite seventh defenceman, Martin Marincin.

They expect Rielly to return before the playoffs. To get there, however, they might need veteran help — preferably a right-handed shot with playoff experience. A contract that runs beyond this season with a reasonable cap hit would also help.

The targets

Matt Dumba (Wild): shoots right, $6-million cap hit (all dollars U.S.) for three more years.

Jonas Brodin (Wild): shoots left, $4.16-million cap hit for one more year.

Toronto Star LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177716 Toronto Maple Leafs works, a fast and fun game. It requires goaltending, of course, and it requires real, durable, consistent effort. That’s just hockey.

But this week Keefe passed through another crucible, and it showed one Maple Leafs believe tough times now will lead to smooth sailing into the way he’s been suited to the job. He arrived in this job with a pretty fair playoffs amount of pressure: a team expected to contend for a Stanley Cup in 12th place in the East, under the klieg lights of the biggest Canadian market, replacing one of the biggest names in the game.

By Bruce Arthur And Keefe is holding up under the pressure, and this team needs that. Babcock used to talk about how pressure is an opportunity, too, and that Fri., Feb. 21, 2020 the work should produce fun. Keefe believes it, too.

“That’s the biggest thing, is just to enjoy it,” said Keefe. “First of all, Sheldon Keefe had experienced a turbulent 72 hours. After a flatline first enjoy finding your way through difficult times, because otherwise it period in Pittsburgh he decided, as he put it, to fire all his bullets in his defeats you, it gets you down. Like I said, I came to work (Thursday) intermission talk; after the game, he peeled the paint off his Toronto motivated, excited to push our team and get our team excited to play. I Maple Leafs and challenged them. There was a practice in Toronto the tried to encourage our players to be excited about the challenges in the next day despite playing three games in four nights in three cities, and difficult times. then the response game Thursday night against the same Penguins “And now the challenge is to keep it going. So that’s really what it’s team. about, is to enjoy the feeling that you have in your stomach before the They talk about ups and downs in sports, about staying level. Keefe was game starts. And then also enjoy the feeling after, the music’s going, asked, after a near-perfect 4-0 win, whether it was frustrating — well, not everybody’s happy. You know, that’s what this game’s about.” frustrating, but difficult to have a team that needed to be nuked in public He thinks the turbulence will produce a better playoff team at the end of to deliver this kind of performance. this; general manager Kyle Dubas thinks that, too. In a little under two “This season is going to bring different things,” Keefe said. “It’s going to months, we find out if they’re right. require different things from me and require different things from our Toronto Star LOADED: 02.22.2020 players. And I feel like the way the last little bit has gone, I was excited about the opportunity to get to work (Thursday) and put in the work, and respond, and you’re playing against the same team, it has a playoff-like feel to it.”

You could feel him start to ramp up here, to lean into the answer. He got going.

“When you take a beatdown in the first game, a chance to regroup and then make a plan and push your team and challenge your team, motivate your team, that’s the best part of this game. So I was excited about it, and I think our players were too, and it showed up.”

Keefe’s time as the coach of this team has been, overall, incredibly successful. Since he was named head coach on Nov. 20 of last year, the Leafs have the fifth-best record in the league; it is instructive and perhaps inconvenient to note that fellow strivers Philadelphia and Columbus are sixth and seventh in that span, and that the two teams Toronto would be likely to face in the first round of the playoffs, Tampa and Boston, are first and third. Both of them made win-now moves in advance of the trade deadline, by the way, with the Bruins adding winger Ondrej Kase from Anaheim a few days after Tampa added winger Blake Coleman from New Jersey.

But over almost half a season, Toronto’s underlying numbers are good: seventh in score-adjusted puck possession, fourth in share of expected goals and first in total expected goals, which essentially reflects how the Leafs have tried to get to the net and keep opponents from doing the same. The goaltending’s been rotten, though it has also occasionally been pushed further into the mud by some relatively indifferent, or incompetent, play.

Which has been a challenge. You can see the difference between Keefe and previous coach Mike Babcock in almost every way: music during practice, on-ice combination experiments, length of answers to media questions, Justin Holl. The degree to which Keefe has committed to the changes indicates it reaches beyond the realm of personal opinion and into the realm of strategic choice. The Leafs must have been pretty sick of Babs.

Keefe also isn’t as sure of his certainty as Babcock was, and maybe nobody is. Keefe was asked whether anything specific prompted the second Pittsburgh game. He demurred.

“I think there was a lot said, a lot done, all that kind of stuff,” said Keefe. “But part of it too is you just don’t like to be embarrassed. The guys have a lot of pride in themselves, a lot of pride in the jersey, in the organization. So, we could have done nothing and we may have gotten the same type of response. We don’t really know.”

Maybe it was a good week for the coach, and at the least it was a window into how he works. Keefe made the potentially dangerous choice to truly challenge his team, and they rewarded that choice. And more, he tried to remind them to enjoy it. Toronto plays a joyful game when it 1177717 Toronto Maple Leafs Pierre Engvall Alex Kerfoot Kasperi Kapanen Kyle Clifford Jason Spezza Frederik Gauthier

DEFENCE PAIRINGS Game Day: Hurricanes at Maple Leafs Jake Muzzin Justin Holl

Travis Dermott Tyson Barrie Lance Hornby Rasmus Sandin Martin Marincin Published:February 22, 2020 GOALIES Updated:February 22, 2020 12:18 AM EST Frederik Andersen

Jack Campbell CAROLINA HURRICANES at TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS SICK BAY Saturday, 7 p.m., Scotiabank Arena D Morgan Rielly (foot) TV: CBC, Sportsnet Ontario; RADIO: 590 AM D Cody Ceci (ankle) THE BIG MATCHUP LW Andreas Johnsson (knee) C Sebastian Aho vs. LW Kasperi Kapanen RW/LW Ilya Mikheyev (wrist) Aho has been A-OK for the Hurricanes this season. On Friday in Carolina’s loss to the Rangers, Aho extended his points streak to 11 HURRICANES GAME DAY LINES games with a third-period goal. Aho has 17 points in that run, which has sustained Carolina’s playoff hopes. Fellow Finn Kapanen had perhaps LW C RW his best game of the season on Thursday in the 4-0 shutout of Andrei Svechnikov Sebastian Aho Teuvo Teravainen Pittsburgh, an assist away from the Gordie Howe hat trick, one of the few Leafs to drop the gloves the past couple of years. Warren Foegele Jordan Staal Justin Williams

FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME Nino Niederreiter Erik Haula Martin Necas

Let’s get wild Ryan Dzingel Lucas Wallmark Brock McGinn

If the Leafs ultimately don’t wrestle third place in the Atlantic Division DEFENSIVE PAIRINGS away from Florida, they must still stockpile enough points to stay in the hunt for a conference wildcard spot. That’s a crowded field right now in Jaccob Slavin Trevor van Riemsdyk the East and a regulation win could help either team immensely come Jake Gardiner Brett Pesce April. Haydn Fleury Joel Edmundson Leafs can’t let up GOALTENDERS The mantra coming from Toronto’s room after beating the Penguins was not to let up. And with the Canes bound to be a little tuckered out after Petr Mrazek playing the night before, this is a good chance to get the visitors in a hole early. Coach Sheldon Keefe already let every Leafs forward play at least James Reimer 10 minutes to contribute on Thursday and his new lines added to the SICK BAY energy. D Dougie Hamilton (ankle) Christmas in February? RW Jordan Martinook (upper body) The last time these teams met was the fast and loose 8-6 win by Toronto just before Christmas, with 25 combined giveaways, capped by a five- SPECIAL TEAMS goal third period from the Leafs. The Auston Matthews spinning pass to POWER PLAY find Mitch Marner was a goal-of-the-year candidate for Toronto. The teams play once more in late March. Also keep an eye on Canes’ forward Toronto 24.4% (3rd) Andrei Svechnikov, who has five goals and six assists during his nine- game point streak. Carolina 21.6% (12th)

Oldies goalies PENALTY KILLING

Petr Mrazek was in net for Carolina against the Rangers on Friday, which Toronto 76.7% (25th) could see James Reimer against his former team and his successor Carolina 82.8% (7th) Frederik Andersen. Prior to that 24-save shutout of Pittsburgh, Andersen was a hot topic because of a slump, but Keefe has insisted he must play Toronto Sun LOADED: 02.22.2020 more, not less, to get his mojo back. Leafs have the worst goals against of any team currently in a playoff spot.

Denis must menace

For much of this season, those smaller skill players the Leafs added haven’t been able to hold a place in the lineup. The 5-foot-9 Denis Malgin, acquired in a trade with Florida, had a promising second line debut against Pittsburgh and has played the Canes seven times, albeit with just one assist.

LEAFS GAME DAY LINES

LW C RW

Zach Hyman Auston Matthews Mitch Marner

William Nylander John Tavares Denis Malgin 1177718 Toronto Maple Leafs ♦ RW Rick Vaive and C Bill Derlago from Vancouver for LW Tiger Williams and RW Jerry Butler. (Feb. 18, 1980): It’s rare that the same GM oversees two house-cleanings, but 12 years after moving Mahovlich, Imlach was back in charge and intent on busting up the last of Darryl Deadline special: Trades that re-shaped the Leafs Sittler’s 1970s dressing room clique.

Owner Harold Ballard was the real culprit as such trades pushed the team into the Dark Ages. Imlach incurred much wrath when starting his Lance Hornby turf war by dealing Lanny McDonald a few days before this deal. But he Published:February 21, 2020 did become the only Leaf exec to trade for a three-time 50-goal scorer and a future captain in Vaive. Updated:February 21, 2020 11:38 PM EST ♦ C Doug Gilmour, F Kent Manderville, D Jamie Macoun, D Ric Nattress and G Rick Wamsley from Calgary for G Jeff Reese, RW Gary Leeman, F Craig Berube, D Michel Petit and D Alexander Godynyuk (Jan. 2, Game Day: Hurricanes at Maple Leafs 1992): Not only a record deal for its 10-player content, but one that Since the late 1920s when trades increased in a growing NHL, many changed team fortunes overnight. Fletcher rescued Gilmour from deals shape-shifted the Maple Leafs, taking them from pretenders to contract limbo and gave Toronto its current franchise leader in playoff contenders — and sometimes vice-versa. points. No Leaf team has come closer to ending the Cup drought since Gilmour and the supporting cast in the deal, who made back-to-back “If the Lord gave me any talents, it’s the ability to spot a phony at a conference final appearances. thousand yards, and to smell a thoroughbred,” manager Conn Smythe once said of his acquisition acumen. ♦ C Mats Sundin, RW Todd Warriner, D Garth Butcher and a first-round pick (traded to Washington which selected D Nolan Baumgartner) from The club’s first multi-player move came in the summer of 1928, Toronto Quebec for LW Wendel Clark, D Sylvain Lefebvre, RW Landon Wilson sending John Ross Roach, their Cup- winning goalie with the 1922 St. and a first-round pick (D Jeff Kealty) (June 28, 1994): Another large scale Patricks, to New York with winger Butch Keeling for goalie Lorne Chabot Fletcher trade, it outraged many Wendel fans at first, but was meant to and winger Alex Gray. get the Leafs over the hump after two long spring runs came up short. It Chabot, like Roach, would be the go-to in the era when no backups was also a long-term investment in Sundin. A dream depth chart at dressed and help the Leafs to the 1932 title, beating Roach and the centre of Gilmour, Sundin and Wayne Gretzky was once considered. But Rangers. even though Clark was re-acquired — twice — Sundin was soon alone with the Leafs moving in a different direction under GM/coach Pat Quinn. That deal is on the first of 10 crowded pages of transactions in the Leafs Sundin remains the franchise scoring leader, Kealty eventually made the media guide. You can review the records of managers who were as bold NHL as Nashville’s current player personnel director. as Smythe, the shrewd Punch Imlach, ‘Silver Fox’ Cliff Fletcher and Lou Lamoriello (“I fill when empty, empty when full and scratch when it ♦ G Andrew Raycroft from Boston for G Tuukka Rask (June 24, 2006): itches”). And there is plenty of bad bartering by some execs best After letting Bernie Parent get away in the early ’70s, this move would forgotten. also leave many crossbar scars. Feeling secure getting recent Calder Trophy winner Raycroft and with the highly regarded junior Justin Pogge As another NHL trade deadline approaches at 3 p.m., on Monday, we’ve coming up, GM John Ferguson Jr. traded the young Finn, who’d yet to boiled down, in chronological order, 10 significant swaps in Maple Leafs play a regular season NHL game. Rask became the winningest goalie in history: Bruins history, won a Cup and never forgot the team that moved him. He’s still going while Toronto burned through a total of 25 goalies since ♦ Defenceman King Clancy from the Ottawa Senators for Art Smith, Eric this trade was made. Pettinger and $35,000 (Oct. 10, 1930): Smythe had an option on Clancy from Ottawa — if he could put two front-line players in the deal and raise ♦ F Nathan Horton from Columbus for F David Clarkson (Feb. 26, 2015): the then-excessive cash portion. He actually placed ads in the local This represents the new norm of 21st century salary cap induced trades. papers to ask fan opinion on whether he should make the trade (imagine Toronto’s Dave Nonis and the Jackets Jarmo Kekalainen found a way to Kyle Dubas posting a Twitter poll before pulling the trigger) and got a circumvent the cap and rid themselves of troubling contracts. Roundly positive response. Short of money during the Depression and with Maple criticized for giving Clarkson seven years term and $36.75 million US in Leaf Gardens not yet built to generate revenue, Smythe put a long shot the first place, Nonis moved him to Ohio for the injury idled Horton’s $5.3 bet on his own horse, Rare Jewel, and covered the balance of the million AAV, which comes off this books this summer. Needing to clear payment with those winnings. Clancy, the colourful and talented more money to eventually re-sign Mitch Marner last summer, Dubas re- Irishman, became a local hero, a Cup winner in ’32 and four-time NHL acquired Clarkson’s contract from Vegas (he was also too badly injured all-star, staying with the organization until his death in 1986. to play by then) for LTIR relief and give struggling back-up Garret Sparks a new start. ♦ C Ted Kennedy from Montreal for the rights to D Frank Eddolls (Feb. 28, 1943): While away in France during the war, Smythe got word his ♦ RW Kasperi Kapanen, F Nick Spaling, D Scott Harrington and a first- assistant, Frank Selke, and coach Hap Day had traded one of The round pick in 2016 (used to acquire Frederik Andersen) from Pittsburgh Major’s favourite prospects, Eddolls, for the unknown teenager Kennedy. for RW Phil Kessel, F Tyler Biggs, D Tim Erixon and a second-round pick An angry Smythe cabled that the deal should be stopped, but five Cups (RW Kaspar Bjorkqvist). (July 1, 2015): The pre-Lamoriello committee of later, he was calling Kennedy was “the quintessential Leaf”. Teeder the Brendan Shanahan, Dubas and Brandon Pridham set the table for Mike was last Toronto player to win the Hart Trophy, 65 years ago. None of Babcock’s arrival, averting a training camp showdown between the that helped Selke, who let go by Smythe and headed to Montreal to help demanding coach and the talented, but moody Kessel. launch its powerhouse of the 1950s. In little time, the Leafs were able to add Kapanen to their other young ♦ D/F Red Kelly from Detroit for D Marc Reaume (Feb. 10, 1960): Kelly scoring assets and get Andersen, now fifth in wins. was so fed up with ill treatment by Red Wings boss Jack Adams that rather than report to the Rangers after being traded, he went back to his ♦ First-round pick (29th overall, D Rasmus Sandin) and 76th overall (F summer job at a tool shop in Simcoe, Ont., figuring his NHL career was Semyon Der-Arguchintsev) from St. Louis for the 25th pick overall (RW done at age 33. But the Leafs lured him to Toronto — their secret Dominik Bokk) (June 22, 2018): Moving up or back in the draft order is meeting almost blown when Imlach picked a restaurant where the visiting always risk and reward. The Maple Leafs were keen on Sandin’s rapid Canadiens were dining that night — and a revised trade and contract improvement towards 2018 draft day and gambled that he would still be were worked out. Knowing his emerging Leafs would eventually have to available to select if they moved four spots down. That was also how get past centre Jean Beliveau and the Habs’ dynasty, Imlach moved they added another member of their current starting defence three years Kelly from the blueline to the middle to match Beliveau. Four Cups in the earlier, trading down twice and still getting Travis Dermott 34th. Ten coming decade resulted. years earlier, they traded up a few spots to take defenceman Luke Schenn at fifth overall, though he never reached full potential with a non- Eight years later, it unravelled for Imlach when he pushed other ’60s playoff team. It’s one thing to by-pass a draft pick who turns out to be a stars such as Frank Mahovlich too far. Mahovlich headlined a seven- star, worse to have a blue chipper taken by another team with your player trade to Detroit, ushering in a much more difficult era for the team. traded selection. ONES THAT GOT AWAY

Many teams lament such decisions and the Leafs have added some key parts through the years via other teams giving up resources. But with a Stanley Cup drought approaching 53 years, it hurts Toronto to see its lost picks utilized elsewhere. Would the Leafs have taken that particular player had they kept the pick? Who knows, but here’s what became of some that got away:

* G Roberto Luongo – Chosen with the first rounder Toronto gave the Isles in the the 1996 deal centred on getting Wendel Clark back. This was during Fletcher’s ‘draft schmaft’ phase where adding veterans for a Cup run was deemed more important than stocking the cupboard. Luongo won more than 500 regular season and playoff games.

* D Scott Niedermayer – The Leafs gave up a first to Jersey for defenceman Tom Kurvers in 1989, hoping it wouldn’t end up being their Eric Lindros ticket in two years’ time. They had to make more trades the next season to head off that exact scenario. Three-time Cup winner Niedermayer haunted the Leafs in the playoffs with the Devils.

* D Roman Josi – A real sleeper. The Leafs had already let good faceoff man Yanic Perreault get away twice and in trying a third retrieval, could’ve claimed him on waivers earlier in the 06-’07 season. But they eventually traded for him, with Arizona flipping the second rounder to Nashville, which has patiently turned Josi into a Norris Trophy contender.

* LW Mike Cammalleri – The Leafs had two second rounders in ‘01, taking defenceman Karel Pilar and moving the other to L.A. in the Aki Berg trade. Pilar played 90 NHL games, while Cammalleri, a Toronto boy chosen 11 picks later, made it in more than 900, the most of any player in that round, including time with main Leafs rivals Montreal and Jersey.

* C Tyler Seguin/D Dougie Hamilton – Importing a scorer of Phil Kessel’s pedigree came with a price in 2009 and though Boston didn’t keep either of the first rounders, both are still around with Dallas and Carolina, respectively. Seguin’s five 30-goal seasons are only one less than Kessel as of now.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177719 Toronto Maple Leafs Many Leafs credited coach Sheldon Keefe with implementing a few “battle drills” at Wednesday’s practice to get them in the right frame of mind to fend off Pittsburgh. As Keefe put it “Enjoy finding your way through difficult times.” Though the players had Friday off, expect more Leafs down to one game before deadline of those charged-up workouts when the schedule allows … Players were also impressed when Keefe sent out five forwards for the successful 5-

on-3 — Tavares, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and Zach Hyman at Lance Hornby Barrie’s point post, with the goal coming from William Nylander. “I can’t think of (seeing five power-play forwards) off the top of my head, but it’s Published:February 21, 2020 no secret the skill we have up front and the back end,” Tavares said. “We reviewed it (at Thursday morning’s video session) and it allowed us to be Updated:February 21, 2020 7:40 PM EST ready to use it.” Assistant coach Paul McFarland drew up the five-man plan … Pete Babando, who scored the first Game 7 overtime goal in Stanley Cup final history for the Red Wings in 1950, died Wednesday in Will the game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday be an ideal Timmins, Ont., at age 94. Babando scored 8:31 into the second OT time for a Maple Leafs team picture? against the Rangers, the only other such Game 7 win coming four years Because one or two might not be around for the next outing, or maybe later when Detroit’s Tony Leswick eliminated the Habs. A year after some heads will have to photoshopped on old bodies after the NHL trade Babando, his former Timmins juvenile teammate, Bill Barilko, scored the deadline Monday afternoon. Cup-winner in OT for the Leafs, coming in a Game 5 … The ongoing teachers’ labour action around Ontario has impacted attendance at the Toronto’s win over Pittsburgh on Thursday gave the players a feel-good Marlies’ kid-friendly ‘school day’ games. The Marlies considered moment, but the next two and a half days can’t deter general manager changing the start time for their game this Wednesday against Cleveland Kyle Dubas from trying to add a little more depth, especially on the back from 11 a.m. to the evening, but the visitors could not accommodate the end. change … Winger Jeremy Bracco remains away from the farm team, dealing with a personal issue unrelated to anything regarding the trade The flavour du jour is freebie Zach Bogosian, who was in the process of deadline. being bought out by the Buffalo Sabres on Friday after being placed on unconditional waivers. But buyer beware, it’s not the Bogosian who was Toronto Sun LOADED: 02.22.2020 a first-round pick of 2008, rather an injury-cursed soon-to-be 30 year-old, with just 19 games this season, whom the Sabres were trying to farm out.

Bogosian, who had refused to report to Rochester, would cost the Leafs or any team near minimum wage, but he would have to turn his back on $1.68 million US of settlement money and get on a roster by Monday for playoff eligibility.

The bigger fish, such as oft-mentioned blueliner Matt Dumba from the Minnesota Wild, will definitely cost a roster player, in the Leafs’ case possibly Kasperi Kapanen, maybe a Marlie of note. And with a playoff spot so precarious, there will be temptation to be a seller where defenceman Tyson Barrie is concerned, with fading likelihood the Leafs re-sign him by July.

Boston and Tampa Bay, two teams ahead of the Leafs in the Atlantic Division and possible first-round opponents, as well as Florida, its closest rival for third place, continue to be active after Toronto moved earlier in the month to get winger Kyle Clifford and goalie Jack Campbell.

TIP OF THE CAP

Kapanen had Jared McCann’s signature across the bridge of his bloodied nose as a badge of honour after the game Thursday.

“I think he caught me early on,” smiled Kapanen of their fight, a rare one for the Leafs, rarer still for himself. “It’s good. If it wasn’t me (who went after McCann for a hit on Leafs rookie Rasmus Sandin) I’m sure someone else would’ve stepped up.”

The whole evening, with the scrap, four nice goals, 50-50 puck wins and Frederik Andersen’s work in net had people wondering where this version of the Leafs has been hiding all month, particularly at home.

“It’s the way we have to play, keep our foot on the gas,” said Kapanen, who scored on a new line with centre Alex Kerfoot and left winger Pierre Engvall. “(Repeating) is the trick, that’s what every team tries to do throughout the season. We beat (a division leader). That shows the talent we have. We play with emotion, stick with structure, the Maple Leaf way, that’s what happens.”

FACE TO FACE

At a shade under 53%, the Leafs have maintained the league’s third- highest faceoff winning percentage with another great night against the Pens. Two John Tavares draws led directly to goals.

“You just try to be as well-prepared for those scenarios and take advantage when you can,” Tavares said. “We generate a lot just by working hard and fighting for space and that led to open ice and opportunities.”

LOOSE LEAFS 1177720 Toronto Maple Leafs 1. Troy Stecher, Vancouver At first glance, this feels like a lopsided trade.

Barrie is a big name, one of the highest-scoring defencemen in the NHL Mirtle: Should the Maple Leafs trade Tyson Barrie? Examining some the past several years and someone in line for a huge payday in the scenarios offseason.

Stecher, meanwhile, is playing 15 minutes a night and has very little By James Mirtle Feb 21, 2020 offensive game to speak of.

He is almost the complete opposite of what Barrie offers:

Earlier this season, as I travelled a few trips through the NHL’s Western What could be intriguing about a swap of the two players — potentially Conference with the Leafs, you heard from other executives with those with other assets added in — is that Stecher is younger by three years teams who were curious about what was happening with Toronto’s and still under team control as he’ll be a restricted free agent this roster. summer. That means that, even though Barrie might technically have more cachet around the league, they’d be dealing a rental for a player One player those teams frequently asked me about was Tyson Barrie. who could be in their lineup for years to come.

I didn’t make much of it at the time because it felt unlikely the Leafs Stecher is undersized, but he plays an aggressive game and is solid would trade him. They made a huge investment in getting him, by trading defensively. His results in areas like the penalty kill, where he’s played off Nazem Kadri in July to Colorado, and right defence remains an and on in Vancouver, have been strong. organizational weak point. The question is, can he be more than a third-pair D? And what would you Plus, Barrie’s early struggles — which led to some conversations have to pay him on a new contract, given his poor season? between his representatives and the Leafs about the situation — were related mostly to a stylistic clash with former coach Mike Babcock. Ever Still, there’s something appealing about moving Barrie — whose power- since Sheldon Keefe took over on Nov. 20, Barrie has played much play contributions can easily be replaced by Jake Muzzin, Rasmus better, including being elevated to the top power-play unit, where he’s Sandin or Morgan Rielly (when healthy) — for a player who will fill even a piled up points. depth role next season.

That led me to believe the Leafs would live with his ups and downs in the And it’s probably a decent sign for the Leafs that Harman Dayal, our ace defensive zone and keep him around until he becomes an unrestricted Canucks analyst, hates the idea for Vancouver. free agent in the summer. 2. Adam Larsson, Edmonton Then, before Thursday’s game, the Insiders put Barrie’s name back up This one is probably less likely now that Oscar Klefbom is hurt. And on the board, in big letters … Edmonton certainly doesn’t need power-play help, either, given it boasts Most of the teams reportedly interested in Barrie are, in fact, in the West. the top percentage in the NHL. My guess is the list is even longer, although some of those clubs won’t But Barrie would give the Oilers a different element than they have on be willing to give up what Toronto is searching for, which is a their blue line. And it’s not hard to envision him thriving on the ice with replacement on the blue line. superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Based on Bob McKenzie’s reporting and what we know of Toronto’s Larsson, meanwhile, has had an up-and-down season and battled intentions at the deadline, Kyle Dubas is trying to thread the needle in injuries the past, but he clearly offers Toronto a more defensively stable moving out a pending unrestricted free agent in Barrie for something of option: longer-term value. Getting another RD back with more term is one option. A return that involves futures like prospects or picks that can be quickly Larsson is under contract for another season at $4.167 million, so that’s reinvested in another RD may also work. a factor. Once Muzzin’s contract extension kicks in next weekend, it’ll be harder to accommodate that kind of money without subtracting someone But the key to any Barrie trade will be that it doesn’t substantially weaken else — likely a forward — as I project them to be a million or two over the the Leafs roster. (They still have a 78 percent chance of making the cap with Larsson in the fold next season, even with a $3 million increase playoffs, after all.) The Leafs can’t deal him without getting a replacement to the cap. at RD, as there are no other plausible options in-house. So, again, it depends how you feel about him as an option in the Leafs’ What they will aim to do with the trade instead is change the composition top four, as you certainly don’t want to be paying a third-pair D that much of the blue line stylistically — giving them another more defensively on a team with a tight cap situation. capable RD instead of a freelancer like Barrie. This blue line certainly has some nice balance to it, however: Normally, that would be almost impossible to accomplish when you’re moving out a pending UFA at the deadline. But there might be enough of Rielly-Larsson an imbalance — between what other teams think of Barrie and how much value he has to the Leafs — that something could work. Muzzin-Holl

Especially given how many of those teams saw Barrie ring up goals and Sandin-Dermott assists against them during his years with Colorado out west. That’s the (Stan Szeto / USA Today) Barrie they know, not the one who has struggled in Toronto. 3. T.J. Brodie, Calgary Earlier this week, my column argued against the idea of the Leafs selling off assets, but that’s not what it would be. It would be a retool on the fly, It feels like the Leafs have been connected to Brodie for years. the way many struggling teams do midseason when the fit isn’t there for a player on their roster. He was almost the player the Leafs received for Kadri in the summer, except that Kadri was able to block that deal with the Flames using his To date, TSN has mentioned Vancouver’s Troy Stecher and Calgary’s no-trade clause. T.J. Brodie as defencemen who could possibly be moved in a swap for another blueliner. I spent some time this week digging into which of the Apparently, after that failed deal leaked out, Brodie added the Leafs to other various playoff teams are still looking for right-shot D and trying to his no-trade clause, which one would think might limit their ability to find puzzle pieces that might benefit the Leafs. revisit this scenario. Frank Seravalli reported on Friday, however, that a Brodie-for-Barrie swap has been discussed. To me, four names make the most sense, as they’re all on likely playoff teams and all would offer a different element than what Toronto has. (I’ll There are a lot of mixed opinions on Brodie on the interwebs these days, update this piece as required if there are more names to add later this including those of many who believe he’s been propped up by being weekend.) partnered with Mark Giordano roughly half the time over the past several years. Brodie’s underlying numbers are quite strong, especially when it comes to possession data (Corsi), but it can often be hard to separate some of those data points with frequent D partners:

What makes Brodie different from Stecher and Larsson is he, too, is a UFA, so it would be a rare rental-for-rental swap.

What’s appealing about that is that Brodie’s asking price on his next deal is likely to be much less than Barrie’s, so there’s at least the possibility he’ll stay beyond this season in Toronto.

That is assuming he’s changed his mind about that whole no-trade- clause thing. Perhaps it might help that he’s sort of a local, having grown up on a farm in Chatham-Kent, three hours southwest of Toronto.

4. Jake Gardiner, Carolina

Yes, yes, I know. Every time I bring this up, there’s some backlash.

But these are the facts:

(a) According to TSN, Carolina is interested in Barrie, with Dougie Hamilton still out, and

(b) Carolina is also interested in trading Gardiner, as it doesn’t feel the fit has been good.

By the numbers, Gardiner also has produced better results than Barrie at even strength over the past three years:

Gardiner is under contract for three more years at $4.05 million, so there’s that to think about, too. He turns 30 in July and has had to deal with a bad back that severely limited him last season.

There’s also the fact he turned down a lucrative deal with Montreal in free agency because he didn’t want to play in a pressure-cooker market again. But I think that, with the number of close friends Gardiner has on the Leafs, he would make an exception. (His no-trade clause allows him to block only seven teams anyway, and I doubt Toronto is on that list.)

The other thing is that Gardiner is a left shot and can’t play RD. The Leafs are already crowded with lefties, so Rielly or Sandin would have to move over to their off side to make something like this work:

Muzzin-Holl

Gardiner-Rielly

Sandin-Dermott

That would potentially leave them with five left shots in the top six, barring a trade to open a spot for Timothy Liljegren.

Honestly, it is probably a little bit of a fanciful option given that the Leafs appear to be looking for a more defensively minded replacement. But it’s not that out there to connect the dots between two interested parties and wonder “what if?”

This trade would certainly have an undoing effect of sorts, given Barrie was who replaced Gardiner on the roster this year.

My hunch? There’s a good chance Barrie isn’t moved by Monday’s deadline and a lot of what we’re hearing about is tire kicking. These wouldn’t be easy trades to pull off, given they’ll all involve likely playoff teams.

But Dubas is on a path that makes sense, given he’ll lose Barrie for nothing in the offseason anyway. Why not try to get a player who isn’t much (if any) of a downgrade and who helps you into next season?

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177721 Toronto Maple Leafs Yet the trade this past summer that sent Kerfoot and Barrie to the Leafs from the Colorado Avalanche changed his outlook.

“Now that I’ve been traded, maybe it will be different. Obviously, when Maple Leafs Klokebook 2.0: Trade deadline memories, Game Ball cellys, you’re in Toronto, you hear rumours. Maybe it will be different, but more honestly, the past two years it’s just been another day.”

Justin Holl and Andreas Johnsson both are as hands-off as possible on deadline day. Both players have come to understand that if they’re going By Joshua Kloke Feb 21, 2020 to get dealt, there’s no use stressing about it.

“I’m not super into it,” said Holl. “I might get dealt, but who cares? You can’t control it, right?” Welcome to “The Maple Leafs Klokebook,” an every-so-often collection of anecdotes, observations and interviews from the Leafs dressing room Johnsson shrugs when told that his name has been popping up in trade that have nothing to do with what’s happening on the ice, and everything rumours. His reaction was decidedly nonplussed. to do with who these Leafs are off the ice. “Yeah. I’ve seen that. You just hear things,” said Johnsson prior to his Zach Hyman has fond memories of spending NHL trade deadline days in season-ending knee surgery. an unlikely place: his school’s library. Their collective attitude is another reminder that for as much as hockey “All the kids would go there after class,” said Hyman. fans might look forward to deadline day, for most players, it’s just another day at the office. There, crowded around a handful of computers, Hyman and his friends would check in on popular hockey websites and break down the deals. “I don’t really look at anything,” said Johnsson. “Sometimes you look on TV and there are rumours coming up. But I mean, it’s always like, if it “As a kid, as a fan, I loved it,” said Hyman. “You were at school happens it happens. Then you have to think about it. If I’m going to go refreshing (hockey web sites). Grade 7, we started going to the library, or around worrying that it’s going to be me (traded), that’s unnecessary whichever room had the computers, and we’d be refreshing.” stress.” Since then, Hyman said the day has lost its luster. Having games on Minifridge and Spez trade deadline day itself helps take his mind off of the activity, as it did on Feb. 25, 2019 when the Leafs defeated the Buffalo Sabres 5-3 on Dmytro Timashov, 23, has bounced in and out of the team’s lineup this deadline day. season.

“Now, you just see what happens,” said Hyman. “I guess it’s nice that we But he was back in the lineup on Feb.15 against Ottawa and was happy play so you don’t have to think about it. You take your nap and it goes that his transition back into game form was relatively smooth. by.” The credit for that goes to 36-year-old Jason Spezza, who has been a Tyson Barrie is now in his ninth NHL season. Does he do anything out of paternal figure in the Leafs locker room all season. the ordinary on deadline day? “I talked to Spezza a lot when he was in and out,” said Timashov, “Nothing. Absolutely nothing,” he said. referencing the beginning of this season when Spezza bounced in and out of the lineup under Mike Babcock. “He taught me how strong to go on It’s worth noting that Barrie’s name has been a constant source of the bike, what speed, how many minutes I have to do, stuff like that.” discussion in trade rumours this season with the Leafs. But that hasn’t changed his approach. “Whatever he does, I want to do the same thing,” added Timashov, who sits near Spezza in the Leafs locker room. “I’ve been in trade rumours before (on deadline day),” said Barrie. “And nothing ever happens.” Spezza stressed the importance of hitting the stationary bike to keep his cardio in good form so that if a call into the lineup comes, his legs are Barrie said his most notable trade deadline was 2017, when he was a ready. Timashov learned to ride the bike for generally the amount of time member of what he called a “horrible team,” the historically bad 2016-17 that he would skate on the ice. And if he plays but doesn’t log a lot of ice Colorado Avalanche. time, Timashov still returns to the bike after the game to try and match He recalls a nervous Avalanche dressing room leading up to the the number of minutes he’d been averaging throughout the season. deadline. Timashov lapped up every bit of information he could get from Spezza. “Everyone thought they were going to move because we were so bad,” “The most important thing is to get that extra work in on the ice and in the said Barrie. gym.”

The Avalanche would make four trades on deadline day 2017, including It sounds like the student’s message is coming straight from the teacher. shipping Jarome Iginla to the Los Angeles Kings. Their status as bottom “It’s hard when you’re in and out,” said Spezza. “It’s hard to stay feeders didn’t make matters any easier. motivated. It’s hard to believe in yourself. But you have to keep working. “It’s tough. You become family with these guys and you don’t want to see This team has a good work ethic off the ice and you have to just anyone leave,” said Barrie. remember that when you’re not playing, you have to do more. It sucks. It’s not a great situation to be in. But you have to keep yourself ready so And so this season, Barrie wants to make sure that none of his friends on that when you get back into the lineup, you have legs and you’re fresh. the Leafs are traded out. And it doesn’t take you one or two games to get back up to the pace. Sometimes when you’re in and out, one or two games will define if you “We want to put ourselves in a position where we add at the deadline,” get more games.” said Barrie. I’ll have a little more on this when my Leafs player poll comes out, but it’s Alex Kerfoot is just 25 years old and in just his third season in the league. clear the NHL rookie feels comfortable around Spezza. And he’s not But he’s already starting to see the trade deadline day through a different alone: Spezza garnered votes in one humorous category as part of the lens. poll. His sheer love for hockey is infectious. “The first two trade deadlines for me, I didn’t even care about it,” he said. “Every guy on the team loves Spez,” said Timashov. “He’s always joking “I didn’t even comprehend that I could be traded. I guess as you hear around, no matter what’s happening. He loosens everything up. It’s good more stories about guys getting traded, you understand more about how to go to him no matter what it is.” it’s a business and how on edge everyone is. But coming into the league, I wasn’t even thinking about that stuff. I was just thinking about staying Ball is life here. I was thinking, ‘It makes no sense for someone to trade me, I have no value. Why would they even trade me?'” With the Leafs back in the win column comes a type of pressure some might not have considered. Following a dominant win in Ottawa last weekend, defenceman Justin “He said, ‘Hey, if you’re looking for a place to stay, come with me,'” said Holl received the ceremonial game ball. The ball, given to the Leafs by Rielly. “I lived with him for the next two years.” the Toronto Raptors after the 2019 NBA championship, is awarded to the Leafs player of the game off a win by the previous player of the game. “The thing that really didn’t get a lot of attention was that we played a lot alike,” Rielly continued. “At no point in our friendship was there any kind Goaltender Jack Campbell was awarded the game ball by Kyle Clifford of internal competition for spots on the team. We always just wanted to after making 35 saves in a 3-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes on Feb. 11. support one another. That was an example of that. He took me in and A video posted by the Leafs shows Campbell being enticed to show off a basically said he was going to help me.” move, and then struggling to dribble the ball between his legs with his goalie pads still on. The response from the room was not overly Former Toronto defenceman Cody Franson recalls how loose Gardiner enthusiastic. kept things in the Leafs room.

Apparently the Leafs locker room is a tough crowd. “When you have those tough times, it’s guys like Jake that keep things light,” said Franson. “He’ll mess around with guys, joke around with guys. “I used to do a layup but I didn’t get a great response,” said Holl, who had Or say something that takes the tension out of the group. Not everyone been given the game ball twice before. can be the super-serious, take everything with a heavy hand-type guy. It can get pretty dark.” Yikes. It rarely got dark with Gardiner around. So after the win in Ottawa, Holl wanted to keep it simple. He took the ball with two hands and raised it over his right, then left shoulder. A pretty “All I can picture now is his stupid laugh after he makes a joke,” said classic, but still tame celebration. Franson. “It doesn’t matter what he does, it’s impossible not to laugh with him. I had it bad. Him, Bozak and Rielly, those three together were just “It’s got to be natural. I was just reading the crowd, and they didn’t love ridiculous. They’d gang up on you.” it,” said Holl, shaking his head. The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 Seems like the Leafs are feeling the pressure this season even after the wins.

Personalized iPads

The Leafs locker room stalls can be pretty nondescript.

But a new addition this season came in the form iPads placed on the seat of every player’s stall, decorated with their number in the middle of a blue maple leaf.

While video has been available for players to peruse for years, having clips loaded and then available at their stall is an added benefit, according to Travis Dermott.

Following a game, Dermott says he needs to give himself a day to “chill and think about it myself.” But then the next day he will dig into his shifts either before practice or a morning meeting.

“Sometimes there’s specific clips that the coaches want us to watch and they’ll be set up in a dropbox,” said Dermott.

As a member of the Dallas Stars, Spezza used to take his iPad home with him to watch shifts. But this is the first team he’s played on that has the iPads immediately available to players in their stalls.

“Maybe the advantage is just having them readily available for guys. Maybe they get used more,” said Spezza.

Being a hockey nut, Spezza says it’s no surprise that he uses his iPad for very specific reasons.

“I use them for faceoffs,” he explained. “I like to see the other guys that I’m taking draws against. So I get good use out of it. Shifts, too. I watch my own shifts at home so I don’t watch my shifts at the rink. So I think they’re a good tool.”

Walk this way

In the last Klokebook, I shared some parenting tales, so here’s an update on another new parent in the Leafs organization: Marlies goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo. His 13-month old daughter, Fox, is going to start walking on her own any day now.

Kaskisuo is excited for her first steps, but he’s also worried about what comes next.

“So I’m like, ‘Yes, she’s starting to walk!’ And then, ‘Oh crap, now she’s starting to walk,'” said Kaskisuo, laughing. “It’s a whole lot of new problems.”

Kaskisuo said Fox was just 10 days old when she came to her first Marlies game. She’s been a staple ever since.

“She’s right up against the glass, staring at the games,” said Kaskisuo.

On Saturday, Jake Gardiner will be back in town with his Carolina Hurricanes.

Morgan Rielly recalls a kind gesture Gardiner made during his rookie season. 1177722 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights recall Nevada native Gage Quinney, Zach Whitecloud

By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal

February 21, 2020 - 4:47 PM

The Golden Knights recalled forward Gage Quinney and defenseman Zach Whitecloud from the American Hockey League on Friday.

Quinney, a Las Vegas native, would become the first player born in Nevada to appear in an NHL game should he make his debut on Saturday against Florida.

The 24-year-old Quinney appeared in 42 games for the with 14 goals and 32 points.

Whitecloud has played seven games with the Knights and is yet to record a point.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177723 Vegas Golden Knights #Flames , #VegasBorn , #LetsGoCanes. Only way Barrie gets dealt is if TOR finds better fit on D, or gets pieces to flip for that better fit.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 21, 2020 Cody Eakin will always have place in Golden Knights history Changing role

With Alex Tuch (lower body) on injured reserve and Cody Glass By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal sustaining a right knee injury in the minors Thursday, McCrimmon also February 21, 2020 - 2:44 PM could change course and look to add more secondary scoring at forward.

Eakin’s departure also paves the way for Chandler Stephenson to return to center and opens a roster spot for forward Nicolas Roy. Cody Eakin will always have a unique place in Golden Knights history thanks to one play. “Cody was someone that really intrigued the coaches from the moment I brought his name up for the first time,” said Winnipeg general manager The center was involved in the franchise’s most controversial moment to Kevin Cheveldayoff during a conference call. “Cody is the type of guy date during the Western Conference quarterfinals last spring, helping to who oozes character. He’s had tremendous playoff experience over the make him a sympathetic figure last offseason. last couple of years. (He’s a) tremendous character person, brings guys into the fight with how he plays and then the energy and leadership that But with his contract weighing down the payroll ahead of the trade he brings. I’m real excited to add a player like that into our locker room deadline, the Knights flipped Eakin to the Winnipeg Jets on Friday to and on the ice. clear salary cap space. “I’m excited about getting Cody Eakin the hockey player, regardless of In exchange for the underperforming 28-year-old, the Knights received a where he’s from,” Cheveldayoff said. That really factored in more than conditional fourth-round in 2021 that becomes a third-round pick if the anything for us. The fact he’s from Winnipeg is a nice maybe sideline. Jets reach the postseason or re-sign Eakin on or before July 5. The fact he’s the type of player that he is is why we got him.” The Knights were off Friday and general manager Kelly McCrimmon is Eakin missed the first four games of the season and was sidelined for 17 expected to address the move following Saturday’s morning skate. games after taking a hit to the head from Arizona’s Brad Richardson on “He’s one of the original misfits that went to the Stanley Cup Final and Nov. 29. surprised everybody, so he’ll always be warmly regarded here in Vegas,” He assisted on newly acquired Alec Martinez’s goal Thursday against Knights TV studio analyst Darren Eliot said on SiriusXM NHL Network Tampa Bay and has four goals and 10 points in 41 games. radio. “This season, he really has not been much of a factor. Doesn’t mean his skills are diminished, it just has been one of those kinds of Eakin posted 37 goals and 41 assists in 199 games during his career seasons.” with the Knights.

Going home The Knights face Eakin and the Jets on March 6 and 29 in Winnipeg.

Eakin, a native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, posted career highs of 22 goals LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 02.22.2020 and 41 points last season. But he will long be remembered for what occurred April 23, 2019.

With the Knights leading 3-0 midway through the third period of Game 7 and set to clinch their first-round series against the rival Sharks, Eakin was given a five-minute major penalty for cross-checking when San Jose’s Joe Pavelski was injured after a faceoff.

Replays showed Eakin’s stick made contact with Pavelski’s chest and knocked him off balance, causing Pavelski to hit the side of his head on the ice.

The Sharks scored four times during the ensuing power play and went on to a 5-4 overtime victory to advance.

The NHL later apologized to the Knights for the incorrect call and changed its rulebook last summer to require referees to use video review for all major and match penalties.

Eakin is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, and his $3.85 million salary cap hit has been a target for criticism since last summer, when the Knights were unable to afford winger Nikita Gusev and traded him to New Jersey.

With Eakin’s contract off the books, McCrimmon has $6.375 million in projected salary cap space ahead of Monday’s deadline, according to CapFriendly.com. That doesn’t account for Friday’s call-ups of Gage Quinney or Zach Whitecloud.

There was no salary retained in the Cody Eakin trade, so Vegas just freed up cap space that can be put to use in another deal. #SNTrade

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 21, 2020

The Knights could add another piece on the blue line and are reportedly kicking the tires on Toronto defenseman Tyson Barrie, who will be an unrestricted free agent.

Chicago’s Erik Gustafsson also remains a possibility, according to a source. Gustafsson, a pending unrestricted free agent as well, was held out of Friday’s game as a precaution ahead of the deadline.

More Trade Bait talk on @SportsCentre– I believe at least 4 teams have shown interest so far in #Leafs pending UFA Tyson Barrie: #Canucks , 1177724 Vegas Golden Knights LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 02.22.2020

Gerard Gallant to serve as TSN trade deadline contributor

By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal

February 21, 2020 - 1:42 PM

Former Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant will join TSN as a contributor for its trade deadline coverage.

Gallant, who was fired by the club Jan. 15, will appear Monday on the Canadian sports network’s “TradeCentre” show to provide analysis of the moves that take place around the league.

Gallant was a guest Friday on the “Leafs Lunch” radio show on TSN 1050 in Toronto and offered a bit of insight into the impact of the Knights’ deal for Mark Stone prior to the deadline last season.

“When we found out after practice that Mark Stone was joining our group, we were really excited and real happy obviously with the type of player we were going to get,” Gallant said. “But the big thing was it really helps your locker room. Guys on our team were so excited to add another player of that caliber.”

Gallant is not making a full-time move to TV, according to his agent, and continues to weigh his coaching options.

He was spotted this week in Montreal, and there were rumblings the former Canadiens assistant could be a candidate should the free-falling Habs choose to replace coach Claude Julien.

But Gallant squashed those rumors, telling hosts Andi Petrillo and Craig Button he was in the city with his wife for a brief vacation.

“Me and my wife are looking to get our green cards and we had an appointment there,” Gallant said. “There’s good people working in Montreal and coaching in Montreal, and nobody needs that extra stuff going around. … You go to dinner last night in Montreal and everybody’s pointing and saying, ‘What’s he doing here?’ It’s hard, especially when you go to a Canadian market like that. It makes you real uncomfortable for sure.”

Quinney in line to debut

The Knights recalled forward Gage Quinney and defenseman Zach Whitecloud from the American Hockey League on Friday.

Quinney, a Las Vegas native, would become the first player born in Nevada to appear in an NHL game should he make his debut on Saturday against Florida. Pittsburgh’s Jason Zucker was born in Newport Beach, California, and raised in Las Vegas.

Barring another move, the Knights have 12 healthy forwards with Quinney on the roster. The 24-year-old appeared in 42 games for the Chicago Wolves with 14 goals and 32 points.

Whitecloud has played seven games with the Knights and is yet to record a point.

Toe pick

Defenseman Alec Martinez reached 200 career NHL points with his goal and an assist against the Lightning. But his failed celebration appears to be what Martinez will remember most from his debut. everything about this is just graceful pic.twitter.com/rOJkAavzIf

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) February 21, 2020

The former Los Angeles Kings stalwart posted a message on his Instagram account Friday thanking the city and organization for his time there. Martinez ended the post with the hashtag #toepick, an obvious reference to the face plant that followed his goal in the first period.

It’s hard to put into words after an emotional 48 hours how appreciative I am for the city of Los Angeles and the @lakings organization for taking a chance on a 20 year old kid. The love and unwavering support you’ve… https://t.co/mkzRIeWvFx

— Alec Martinez (@amartinez_27) February 21, 2020 1177725 Vegas Golden Knights

Chandler Stephenson talks trade, Humboldt, dogs and more

By Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal

February 21, 2020 - 10:29 am

Time to get to know the old new guy.

Golden Knights forward Chandler Stephenson sat down with the Review- Journal’s Golden Edge podcast Wednesday to discuss his adjustment to Las Vegas, his first hockey experiences and more. He also opened up about the day he brought the Stanley Cup to Humboldt, Saskatchewan, months after a local junior hockey team experienced a horrific bus crash.

The crash happened April 6, 2018 and left 16 dead and 13 injured, most of them players on the Humboldt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

Here’s a few highlights from the conversation. Check out the full interview below or on podcast platforms like Itunes, Stitcher and Spotify.

On playing his former team, the Washington Capitals, on Monday

“That was a special game. It was a weird one for sure. I didn’t know what to expect. Just the whole game was a haze.

“It didn’t really feel like I was playing a game because it was against my old team and a lot of old guys. But it was all good fun seeing them and laughing with them and joking with each other on the ice.”

On the December 2 trade that sent him to the Knights

“We were just grabbing a morning coffee before practice and I got the call. I mean, I got to process it a little bit because I was there for the whole day in San Jose. My flight wasn’t in an hour or anything like that.

“Took a while to process and think of everything that happens and goes on. Just talked to family and let them know. There was a lot of mixed emotions but good emotions. Everybody was very excited.”

On taking the Stanley Cup to Humboldt

“I knew two guys on the team that were survivors. It was just something that I wanted to do. It was quite the day. A lot of emotion, obviously, but it was the first time since the incident that families and billet families had seen each other.

“That was the whole goal behind the day, just get everyone together. More of remembering the lives that were lost. Just trying to do our part as much as we could.”

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177726 Vegas Golden Knights Gold still glimmering

Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury improved to 3-0 in his gold pads this season. He has a .931 save percentage and 1.67 goals-against average Celebration aside, Alec Martinez has strong Golden Knights debut while wearing them the last three games.

“My teammates are playing great too and I think that makes me look By Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal better,” Fleury said. “Obviously, winning is good and it helps you relax.”

February 21, 2020 - 4:26 am LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 02.22.2020

Alec Martinez’s Golden Knights debut was picturesque except for one thing: The celebration.

The defenseman’s big miscue came right after he scored with 1:55 remaining in the first period. He attempted to jump for joy but fell and crashed into the end boards.

Trying to one-up the jazz hands celly. pic.twitter.com/f08tRQf27z

— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) February 21, 2020

“I’ll be honest, I think there’s a sniper in the stands or something,” Martinez said. “I ate it pretty good.”

Other than that, Martinez didn’t do much wrong Thursday. He had a goal and an assist and looked comfortable at T-Mobile Arena, contributing to a 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning a day after he was traded from the Los Angeles Kings.

Knights coach Pete DeBoer said the two-time Stanley Cup winner came “as advertised” and praised Martinez’s poise.

“You can see how smart he is, how composed he is,” DeBoer said. “He made a couple reads in that game where you can tell he’s a veteran presence back there. A young defenseman might have run out of position to chase a situation and he held and recognized and waited.”

There’s been a lot of waiting in Martinez’s life lately. He had to wait to see if he would be traded the past couple months. He had to wait to learn where he was going when the Kings held him out of a game Tuesday for precautionary reasons. And he had to wait for the phone call that would officially let him know his life was about to change.

So it’s no wonder he was patient Thursday. He just tried to soak everything in, from being announced as a starter, to the in-arena atmosphere, to his goal, to the teammates he was suddenly playing with.

He liked basically everything he saw.

“That’s pretty incredible to be able to play with a hockey club of this caliber,” Martinez said. “I kept on saying on the bench ‘This is a fun group to play with.’ Especially those forwards, they got a lot of talent up front.”

The Knights liked what they saw in Martinez too. They saw a player more than capable of contributing at both ends of the ice.

Martinez had two points — only the second time this season he’s had that many in a game — and also recorded a hit, a takeaway and four blocked shots. He played the second-most shorthanded minutes on the team (2:52), behind only defenseman Brayden McNabb (4:04).

It remains to be seen if Martinez is worth the price the Knights paid to acquire him but Thursday was certainly a good start. Outside of the celly, that is, but his teammates were willing to be lenient.

“We’ll work on that,” right wing Ryan Reaves said. “It’s only day one.”

Muffin man

Reaves was shocked and disappointed to learn after the game that Thursday was National Muffin Day.

Reaves, who was infamously labeled “The Muffin Man” by San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane in the first round of the playoffs last year, believes if he had known beforehand he would have performed even better.

#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/vbCX4tS8Da

— Ryan Reaves (@reavo7five) April 18, 2019

He still scored his seventh goal 10 seconds into the third period.

“You should have told me that before,” Reaves said. “I would have scored three. You have to tell me these things.” 1177727 Vegas Golden Knights “We got hemmed in a few times, but we stuck with it and got better as the game went on,” his defensive partner Jon Merrill said. “We were communicating all game, so I think we’ll just get better the more we play A shift-by-shift breakdown of Alec Martinez’s fantastic Golden Knights together.” debut Shift 3 | 15:04 1st period | 0-0

After a faceoff at center ice, the puck works its way back to Martinez at By Jesse Granger Feb 21, 2020 12 his own blue line. He plays pitch and catch with Merrill, until his second pass to Merrill deflects off Cedric Paquette’s skate and back behind Vegas’ net.

When the only low point of your debut is tripping and falling face-first into Merrill sends it around the boards to Cody Eakin, who lofts it all the way the boards during a goal celebration, you know you had a pretty good into Tampa Bay’s zone. Martinez flies up the left boards, beating all night. Lightning players to the puck behind the net. He feeds it to Nic Roy in the high slot, before curling around to the top of the left circle for a one-timer That was the case for the newest member of the Golden Knights, Alec that he rips just wide of the net. Martinez, who put up a goal and an assist in his Vegas debut, one day after being traded from the Los Angeles Kings. He led the Golden “He shoots the puck well, moves the puck well, and he’s a good skater,” Knights in ice time as they bested Tampa Bay 5-3 Thursday night. Mark Stone said of Martinez’s debut. “I don’t think he was at his best tonight, but I’m excited to see because he’s going to keep growing and For the first 11 years of Martinez’s career he wore the same uniform: the growing. Playing against him he’s frustrating to play against, so I’m silver and black crown of the Los Angeles Kings. Thursday, a couple excited that he’s going to just get better.” hours before puck drop, he ventured onto the bench of his new home arena for the first time. He sat and stared into an empty, cavernous T- Shift 7 | 2:03 1st period | 0-1 Mobile Arena and reflected on the previous two days. Martinez hops over the boards just as his Golden Knights teammates are “I was just collecting my thoughts,” he said. “It’s obviously been a pretty setting up possession in the offensive zone. He sees Roy cycle around wild 24 or 48 hours. Emotional, and I’m just trying to calm my mind and the left boards and feed a pass to Eakin at the top of the slot for a one- get ready for the game no different than I would any other game.” timer.

What would follow was about as good of a debut as Martinez and the Martinez reads that Eakin’s shot is coming and darts through the left Golden Knights could’ve hoped for. Here’s a breakdown of his circle to crash the net. performance, shift by shift. “I was just trying to get involved,” Martinez said. “The way I evaluated it Shift 1 | 20:00 1st period | 0-0 at the time in my mind was it was pretty low-risk, and worth a chance to see if a rebound would kick out there.” Martinez skates through the giant knight helmet billowing with smoke and onto the ice at T-Mobile Arena for the first time as a Golden Knight. His He guessed right, as Andrei Vasilevskiy kicks the low shot right to name is announced as part of the starting lineup, prompting a standing Martinez, who one-times the rebound right through the goalie’s pads and ovation from the sold-out crowd. into the net.

The opening play lasts only seven seconds before the Lightning entered “It was kind of rolling off his pads, and I just tried to get it on net,” Vegas’ zone offside. After the puck moves up and down the ice, it comes Martinez said. “Fortunately it went in, I just wish I didn’t toe pick in the to Martinez behind his own net, and he rims it around the boards, but not celebration.” hard enough and right to an attacking forward for the Lightning. “Guys were giving me a hard time, but it was obviously just a toe pick, He recovers well enough, and gets in front of the net to poke it away from and I ate it pretty good,” Martinez said with a laugh. danger, then blocks a slow shot with his skate. He eventually helps get the puck out of the zone after a few scary moments of being hemmed in. On that play Martinez matched his goal total from his first 41 games of the season with the Kings. He also became the eighth Golden Knight to “I felt a little rusty,” Martinez said. “I was thinking about it. I really only score a goal in his debut with the team, joining James Neal, Vadim played one game in a week and that was our outdoor game at Air Force. Shipachyov, Alex Tuch, Brandon Pirri, Cody Glass, Roy and Stephenson. So I felt better as it went along. I would’ve liked to have been a little bit sharper, but it’s a new system and all of that.” “He’s just poised,” Stone said. “He adds an element that we don’t have. He’s a good steady defenseman, and as you can see he can chip in Shift 2 | 18:01 1st period | 0-0 offensively.”

Vegas skates through the neutral zone with Martinez trailing the play, Shift 9 | 17:25 2nd period | 1-1 eventually receiving a pass from Chandler Stephenson at the right point. Martinez has plenty of time and space, so he loads up for a big slap shot, Martinez gets his first taste of special teams play with the Golden Knights and whiffs on the puck. early in the second period when he hops on during the final minute of Tampa Bay’s power play. “It was pretty emotional at the beginning there, feeding off the fans,” Martinez said. “I had to tell myself to settle down a little bit.” He’s immediately challenged by a driving Nikita Kucherov, but Martinez keeps a fantastic gap and angle, and Kucherov ends up pulling up and The Lightning end up taking the puck the length of the ice, establishing passing the puck back to the point. The puck quickly goes back to the possession in Vegas’ zone. Martinez ties up Carter Verhaeghe’s stick in left, where Steven Stamkos rips a one-timer on net, but Fleury turns it front of the net, allowing Marc-Andre Fleury to see the shot from the point away with a blocker save. cleanly, and make an easy blocker save. Not only did Martinez bother Stamkos on that one-timer, but he also Tampa Bay collects the rebound and sends it back to Braydon Coburn at cleared the puck from the zone seconds later, showing why he was so the point, and Martinez gets in front of his shot for his second block of the highly-touted as a penalty killer when Vegas acquired him. game, only minutes in. Shift 10 | 15:59 2nd period | 1-1 “I just think it’s the courage to do that,” coach Peter DeBoer said about Martinez’s shot-blocking ability. “That’s a big part of shot blocking. It’s Martinez and the Golden Knights line up for an offensive zone faceoff having the courage to know that’s part of your job, and going out and following an icing by the Lightning, and after Tampa Bay initially clears getting it down. I don’t think it’s an accident he’s won a couple Stanley the zone, Martinez collects a bouncing puck in the neutral zone, and Cups, because that’s what you have to do that time of year.” cleverly flips it over a defenseman’s stick and right to Stone for an easy zone entry. Martinez is already racking up the blocks, but that’s also a product of playing far too much in his own zone. Through the first 10 minutes of the Martinez feeds William Karlsson for a chance, but Karlsson’s shot misses game that was an issue for the entire team, not just Martinez. the net wide and rims around the boards to start a break for the Lightning the other way. Anthony Cirelli crosses the Vegas blue line with speed, and Martinez another one-timer past Fleury to cut Vegas’ lead to 5-3. It was too little, gives him way too much space. Instead of pressuring Cirelli, Martinez too late for Tampa Bay with only two minutes to play. drifts toward the center of the ice to cover Alex Killorn, who Merrill already had, and it leads to a dangerous opportunity for Cirelli all alone Overall an extremely successful debut for Martinez, who led the Golden with Fleury, but Fleury makes a big save. Knights with 16:55 of even strength ice time. He played 20:10 overall, and also led the team with two points and four blocked shots. Whether it’s a coverage mix up or a miscommunication, it’s not surprising in his first game with a new team. It was one of Martinez’s worst shifts of “I thought he did awesome,” Merrill said. “He’s a veteran defenseman the game, but he still ends it on a positive note. with a lot of poise in his own zone. He’s a great defender and blocks a ton of shots. You have to read the play, and it’s timing when to step into After being stuck in their own zone for more than a minute, Vegas’ the lane. It’s definitely an acquired skill. I think the more you do it, the skaters are exhausted. Martinez again blocks a shot from the point, then more you get a sense of when the shots are going to come. He’s done a immediately corrals the puck and tries an indirect stretch pass off the great job at it his whole career.” boards that nearly sprung Stone on a breakaway, but it was just a foot too far in front of him. Martinez was critical of his own performance, but all things considered, his debut was a success. Vegas won’t be expecting a goal and an assist “I saw that, and I think if maybe we weren’t caught on the tail end of a from him on a nightly basis, but if he can continue this level of defending, shift there,” Martinez said. “I think if we weren’t hemmed in as long, we and puck moving, the Golden Knights will be thrilled. might have been able to get there. I was just happy I was able to get off the ice because I was pretty winded.” “I definitely felt more comfortable as the game went on,” Martinez said. “I think I just, personally, I wasn’t as sharp as I’d like to be, but I think I Even though the pass didn’t connect, it’s a small glimpse of Martinez’s might have to cut myself a little slack. It was a new system.” game perhaps providing more offense than anticipated with a talented group of forwards playing in front of him. The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020

“It’s pretty incredible to be able to play with a hockey club of this caliber,” he said. “I kept saying on the bench that this is a fun group to play with. Especially those forwards. They have a lot of talent upfront, and it’s certainly better in their hands than mine, so I’m just trying to get it up to them.”

Shift 14 | 4:22 2nd period | 2-2

Kucherov dances through the neutral zone, but as he crosses the blue line he’s stick checked by Max Pacioretty, and the puck comes loose. It’s heading for Lightning winger Blake Coleman, but Martinez jumps into the play and deflects it out of the zone.

Martinez’s little chip goes right to Pacioretty, who collects the puck with a full head of steam to create a 2-on-1 break for the Golden Knights. Pacioretty flips the puck over to Stone, who dekes around Vasilevskiy and buries the goal to regain the lead for the Golden Knights.

It was the biggest moment of the game, swinging the momentum back in favor of Vegas after Tampa Bay had just tied the game a minute earlier.

Shift 18 | 14:09 3rd period | 5-2

After scoring two goals in the opening minute of the third period to stretch its lead to three, Vegas needed to neutralize the Lightning for a period to bring Tampa Bay’s 11-game win streak to a halt.

Martinez hustles back into his own zone and covers the front of the net. After a puck battle in the corner, the puck pops free. Martinez looks to go corral it, but smartly pulls back and covers his man in front of the net. If he would’ve continued out, he likely would’ve been beaten to the puck and left his man all alone in front for a grade-A scoring chance.

“A young defenseman may have run out of position to chase a situation, and he kind of held, recognized and waited,” DeBoer said of Martinez. “Then when he needed to be aggressive he was.”

Martinez then goes back to collect a puck and takes a huge hit from behind by Coleman, drawing a boarding penalty.

Shift 20 | 6:40 3rd period | 5-2

Tomas Nosek wins an offensive draw back to Martinez, and as Nosek tries to get position in front of the net he falls to his stomach.

Just as Nosek falls, Martinez lets a wrist shot go from the point that accidentally hits Nosek in the face. It’s been a rough month for Nosek, who just removed the plastic fishbowl mask from his helmet after wearing it for several games following another puck to the face on Feb. 4.

Nosek immediately left the ice, went down the tunnel to the dressing room and did not return to the game.

Shift 21 | 3:27 3rd period | 5-2

Eakin lifted a puck over the glass in his own end for a delay of game penalty, then the Lightning pulled Vasilevskiy for an extra attacker to make it 6-on-4.

After winning a couple board battles to help clear the puck, Martinez and the Golden Knights penalty kill finally gave in, as Stamkos crushed 1177728 Washington Capitals time, before he slid toward the left circle and rolled onto his back. With his stick reaching, he hooked the puck back toward the net and slid it past the goalie.

No one is more amazed by Alex Ovechkin than his peers “That goal that he scored behind his back was pretty cool. I mean, I remember I was pretty young, I was still in Switzerland, and, yeah, everybody saw that goal,” Josi said. “It was pretty special.” Samantha Pell AD February 21, 2020 at 9:37 PM EST Some players have more personal memories of Ovechkin, such as Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche remembering a specific YouTube video of the young Russian star that was made in 2008. When teammates, opponents and coaches start talking about Alex Ovechkin, the stories are endless. They range from personal interactions “I remember growing up, he had the sickest YouTube montage ever,” to unforgettable goals to the Washington Capitals’ captain soaking wet in said MacKinnon, who was 13 when the video came out. “It was like a the Georgetown fountains. ‘Dream On’ soundtrack, and it was eight minutes of him doing crazy stuff. Actually, we were talking about it the other day with all the young guys on Ovechkin’s next goal will be the 700th of his career, and anticipation of the team, who grew up in the era of [Sidney Crosby] and Ovi, that the milestone has given the hockey world reason to look at his career YouTube video came up. That is a big impact on my life for sure.” and recall the moments that endure. Ask people in the game to share their favorite memory of Ovechkin, and the answers don’t disappoint. Capitals defenseman John Carlson recalls when a men’s health magazine published a feature on Ovechkin and the Russian was running Luc Robitaille, an eight-time NHL all-star who scored 668 goals of his up and down the team plane asking for copies. As it turned out, his own, can recall Ovechkin’s first game in Los Angeles. Robitaille was teammates had hidden them all. sitting on the bench and later told a friend that he had never seen a player take over a game in such a way. AD

“Skill, pure strength, everything,” Robitaille said. “That was his rookie “Still gets talked about to this day,” Carlson said with a laugh. year. He must have thrown about five hits against us. I think he had a goal or two, but I don’t even remember if he scored. But he just Some recall not a specific moment but an attribute. Ovechkin’s scoring dominated the game physically, skill-wise and everything. It was so ability from the left circle on the power play — his “office,” as it has come different. … He surprised guys.” to be known — is a singular defining trait.

AD “Nobody that has ever been more dangerous than him in that spot on the power play in the history of our game,” Calgary Flames defenseman Younger players, such as the Vancouver Canucks’ Elias Pettersson, Mark Giordano said. “… It’s been pretty cool to watch his career." remember their first on-ice encounters with Ovechkin after his star status had been well established. Pettersson grew up watching Ovechkin, and it With Ovechkin showing no signs of slowing down, the conversation was a tad surreal to share the same ice as the Russian. quickly turns to his next 100 goals — and maybe even surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894. However, at some point during the game, the ref blew the whistle signaling offside, and Pettersson finally had his first interaction with the “If there is one guy that has a chance, it’s him,” Robitaille said. “It’s still star. hard; it’s going to be really hard. But if there is one guy that can do it, it is him. There is no one else. I don’t believe there will be anyone else who is “I didn’t think it was offsides, so I kind of said something to the ref,” going to come in during the next 20 years and be even near him.” Pettersson explained. “Then Ovechkin told me like, ‘Just be quiet or ...’ And, yeah, I don’t want to say exactly what he said, but it is just like a Washington Post LOADED: 02.22.2020 little quick chirp. It was fun. He is an unbelievable player, an unbelievable shot, so just a fun moment.”

Seasoned players have other memories of Ovechkin, usually ones that end poorly for his opponents. New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider remembered playing in the second round of the playoffs against the Capitals.

AD

“I think it might have been my first shift that I had against him,” Kreider said. “I tried to throw a pass through the middle of the ice, and he stepped up and hammered it off the bar and in. And I sat on the bench and got to watch him for the rest of the night.

“He’s … I don’t think ‘special’ really does it justice. He’s such a weapon; he’s so dangerous when he’s on the ice.”

The Nashville Predators’ Roman Josi also has had his fair taste of reality against Ovechkin. Once, the Predators were beating the Capitals in Nashville, and Ovechkin had been kind of quiet. Then, in the midst of two minutes, he scored “two unbelievable one-timers” and took the game over.

“It is just what he does,” Josi said. “You give him a little too much space, and he’s just going to score. Pretty cool to play against him and pretty hard, too.”

AD

Then there are the standout moments, the ones the players of the past, present and most likely future will remember. The biggest was “The Goal” on Jan. 16, 2006. It was the final goal of the Capitals’ 6-1 victory, with 8:06 remaining during an afternoon game against the Phoenix Coyotes.

A rookie Ovechkin carried the puck over the blue line and cut to the middle against defenseman Paul Mara. The Russian fell as he tried to toe-drag while crossing the slot, maintaining control of the puck the entire 1177729 Washington Capitals

Alex Ovechkin's son, Sergei, makes an appearance during Capitals practice

By Ethan Cadeaux February 21, 2020 5:20 PM

The Capitals had a special guest during their morning skate on Friday.

Alex Ovechkin's son, Sergei, got to pay his father a visit at the Medstar Capitals Iceplex.

Ovechkin carried his one-year-old around the ice and even put him down on the ice to practice his skills. Sergei had a mini stick of his own, almost like he was ready to play if needed.

Here to make your day better with a visit from #OviJr #CapsDads pic.twitter.com/AM9o0yWq28

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 21, 2020

No word yet on whether Sergei plans on declaring for the upcoming NHL draft, but the kid has already got some skills--and not to mention pretty good genes.

If you were having a bad day, this moment between Ovechkin and his son will certainly cheer you up!

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177730 Washington Capitals

Longtime Capitals fans got married at Capitals vs. Canadiens game

By Gabrielle Hernandez February 21, 2020 3:45 PM

Longtime Capitals fans Ryn and Mark got married at the Caps game on Thursday night. They didn’t intend on getting married during the Capitals vs. Canadiens game, but when they realized the day they picked conflicted with the Caps game, they decided to just get married at the game.

“I said ‘oh let’s just do it there!’ We wanted to take our friends to do something fun, that we all love,” Ryn told NHL.com.

The morning before the game, according to NHL.com, the happy couple spent the day doing Caps related activities. They attended Caps morning skate and wore their matching ‘bride’ and ‘groom’ Caps jerseys.

Does it get any more #ALLCAPS than this?!

Congrats to Mark and Ryn, who will be joined by family and friends in the stands at Capital One, as they celebrate their five-year anniversary by officially tying the knot before puck drop. pic.twitter.com/OGgTufqXLJ

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 20, 2020

The wedding party included friends and family and Mark’s brother served as the officiant of the wedding.

Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177731 Washington Capitals been for Washington, the Caps are 11-11-1 since Dec. 23 and are tied with the New York Islanders for the fewest points in the Metropolitan Division during that stretch.

Capitals at Devils: Ovechkin sits just one away During that same stretch, lowly New Jersey has gone 12-8-5. Since Dec. 23, the Devils have arguably been the better team, at least in terms of the standings. If given the choice between the two rosters, obviously By J.J. Regan February 21, 2020 4:00 PM anyone would pick Washington's, but the record of both teams certainly reflects how difficult things have been for the Caps of late.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 The Capitals (37-17-6) enter Saturday's game looking to rebound from a disastrous stretch that has seen them lose three straight and five of their last six. Will they be able to rebound against the New Jersey Devils (23- 27-10)? Catch the game broadcast and all the pre and postgame action on NBC Sports Washington. Pregame coverage begins at 12 p.m. with Caps FaceOff Live followed by Caps Pregame Live at 12:30 p.m. bringing you up to the 1 p.m. puck drop. Stick with NBC Sports Washington after the game broadcast for postgame coverage with Caps Postgame Live and Caps Overtime Live.

Here is what you need to know for Saturday's game.

One away

Alex Ovechkin snapped a season-long five-game goal drought on Thursday with his 699th career goal. He now sits just one away from becoming the eighth player in history to score 700 goals.

Changing things up

With Washington struggling, Todd Reirden made a few changes to the lines at Friday's practice. Evgeny Kuznetsov moves to the top line with Nicklas Backstrom moving down to the second. Brendan Leipsic is back in on the fourth line for Travis Boyd and the defense is shuffled up with Jonas Siegenthaler back on the third pair with Radko Gudas out.

Reirden cautioned that those may not be the lines he ultimately will settle on Saturday, but with no morning skate, Friday's lineup will very likely be what we see against the Devils.

Here are the lines from Friday's practice:

Alex Ovechkin - Evgeny Kuznetsov - Tom Wilson

Jakub Vrana - Nicklas Backstrom - T.J. Oshie

Carl Hagelin - Lars Eller - Richard Panik

Brendan Leipsic - Nic Dowd - Garnet Hathaway

Brenden Dillon - John Carlson

Michal Kempny - Dmitry Orlov

Jonas Siegenthaler - Nick Jensen

Samsonov starts

With a game on Saturday and Sunday, Reirden was likely to split the goalie starts over the weekend and that is what he will do. Ilya Samsonov will start Saturday game while Braden Holtby will play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

This will be Samsonov's first game since getting pulled against the New York Islanders on Feb. 10 for the first time in his NHL career. Overall, it has been a great rookie season for Samsonov with a 16-4-1 record, 2.38 GAA and .917 save percentage. While the loss to the Islanders certainly cannot be laid on Samsonov's shoulders, the team defense was atrocious, it will be interesting to see how he responds to what was statistically his worst NHL game.

When last we met

Saturday's game will be the fourth and final meeting between Washington and New Jersey this season. The Caps have won two out of three, including the last time these two teams met on Jan. 16 at Capital One Arena.

Ovechkin took a stick to the face from Devils defenseman Miles Wood and left bloodied, but returned to the game to score twice in the first period and finished off the hat trick in the third.

Heading in the wrong direction

The Devils are not a good team, but don't make the mistake of thinking they will be a pushover. If you want to know how tough this stretch has 1177732 Washington Capitals

Now one goal from 700, close calls from when Ovechkin was stuck on 698 loom large

By J.J. Regan February 21, 2020 1:48 PM

When Alex Ovechkin scored a hat trick in six minutes against the Los Angeles Kings to pull him to within two goals of 700, it felt like the milestone would soon follow.

Instead, Ovechkin finally scored goal No. 699 on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens snapping a five-game goal drought, his longest of the season. During that stretch, it is easy to think that perhaps the pressure was getting to him.

When you look back at the games and all the near misses, however, you begin to realize that Thursday’s goal could very easily have been No. 700 if not for some spectacular saves and bad luck.

Here are all the near misses Ovechkin suffered from 698 to 699 that slowed Ovechkin's quick march through history.

The butt deflection: On Feb. 10, just two games after his hat trick against the Kings, it looked like Ovechkin had scored No. 699 against the New York Islanders. Ovechkin parked himself in front of goalie Thomas Greiss and defenseman Johnny Boychuk tried to muscle him out from in front of the net. John Carlson fired the puck right as Boychuk engaged Ovechkin which hit the mass of bodies in front and deflected past Greiss. Everyone thought the puck had deflected off Ovechkin's butt and was No. 699, at least initially. The Islanders’ game broadcast called it Ovechkin’s goal and It even looked as if Ovechkin may have thought it was his as he gave an emphatic fist bump in the air. The replay, however, showed that the puck never touched him and deflected off of Boychuk.

The moments between when the goal was scored and when it was announced as Carlson was one full to trepidation. What happened if Ovechkin scored again before the first goal was announced? Would no one know if it was 700? What if he scored 700 and the first one was called back? Luckily none of that happened. The goal belonged to Carlson and Ovechkin remained at 698.

The Boyd-Ovechkin connection: Travis Boyd seems to have some chemistry with Ovechkin. Boyd has 31 career NHL points with eight goals and 23 assists. Two of those eight goals came on assists from Ovechkin and three of Boyd’s assists have been on Ovechkin goals. The two almost connected again in Colorado on Feb. 13. Boyd came hard on a forecheck and collected the puck behind the offensive goal line. He drew two Colorado defenders to him leaving Ovechkin open in front of the net. Normally, an automatic goal for the Great 8, Ovechkin stood poised for the wrist shot, but went forehand to backhand to try to fool Philipp Grubauer. It worked. Grubauer went to the butterfly, but tried a desperate poke check as Ovechkin deked around him and just managed to get a stick to the puck, knocking it over the net.

Raanta robs Ovechkin: By the time Saturday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes rolled around, you could tell Ovechkin was done waiting. With an early power play opportunity, Ovechkin fired a one-timer from the office that Coyotes goalie Antti Raanta was able to stop with the pad. Later on the same power play, Ovechkin crashed the net and battled Raanta for a loose puck that Raanta somehow managed to keep out of the net. Ovechkin finished the night with 16 total shot attempts and eight shots on goal, but no goals as Raanta stood on his head to deny him.

A lucky bounce: Ovechkin fired another four shots on goal Monday against the Vegas Golden Knights, but his best opportunity came off a bizarre bounce that Marc-Andre Fleury lost sight of. Tom Wilson flung the puck toward the net and missed. It bounced off the boards and back out to a waiting Ovechkin. Fleury had come off his post presumably thinking the puck was headed around the other side of the net, but quickly recovered and stuck out his pad just in time as Ovechkin began digging for it. Somehow Ovechkin was not able to push it through Fleury’s big golden pad and his goal drought extended to five games.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177733 Washington Capitals

Caps GM Brian MacLellan doesn't think the Capitals are playing the right way

By J.J. Regan February 21, 2020 6:00 AM

Braden Holtby's eyes immediately raised to the ceiling as he knew Ben Chiarot's one-timer had beaten him. The Montreal Canadiens defenseman scored the overtime winner on Thursday to hand the Capitals a 4-3 loss. Montreal came into Thursday's game with five straight losses including one to the lowly Detroit Red Wings. And yet, it was the Caps, a team with Stanley Cup aspirations, that saw its woes extended for yet another game.

Washington has now lost three games in a row for just the second time all season - and the first time since October. They have lost five of six overall and, since Dec. 23 have gone 11-11-1. Their impressive lead over the Metropolitan Division is now gone as Washington sits tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins with 80 points, but Pittsburgh holds a game in hand.

A Capitals team that does not often suffer through major adversity through the regular season is certainly doing so now. General manager Brian MacLellan knew that even before Thursday's loss.

"I don't think we're playing the right way," MacLellan said Wednesday. "I think there's a little cheat in our game. I think we're playing teams that are very well-structured in the neutral zone and we're not willing to do the right things to counteract that. I think we gotta get more in the mindset of we're willing to play a 1-0 game and we're not there right now. It's a team effort. The forwards contribute to it, defense contributes to it, and we got to get all on the same page here and play a tighter game."

The team acquired defenseman Brenden Dillon in a trade on Tuesday and, though MacLellan was firm that this was a move he would have made anyway, it is fair to wonder just how much the current state of the team forced his hand.

"I think sometimes our defense is getting pinpointed for it where I think team defense should be more the focus of the criticism," MacLellan said. "I think our forwards contribute to the pressure that's put on our D: wall play in our own end, back pressure, lack of a forecheck. I think our team game is off, and that results in poor defensive efforts from basically our team."

With the trade deadline on Monday and the team continuing to struggle in its own zone, will MacLellan's frustration turn into more additions to the roster? Given the team's limited cap space, that seems unlikely. If there are additions to be made, they will likely be depth ones unless MacLellan intends to trade away roster players in a sudden move to shake up the team.

More likely, the solution is going to have to come from within and the onus will fall on both the coaches and the players. Clearly adjustments are needed from the coaches to put the defense in a better position, but the responsibly also falls on the players who are making far too many mistakes on the ice with misreads, poor puck management and no team defense.

"It's frustrating to be where we are at this point," MacLellan said, "But I think it's a work-in-progress and hopefully it's a bit of a wake-up call that we have to (play) that way."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177734 Washington Capitals Dillon’s phone, meanwhile, was still blowing up. Friends, family members, former teammates.

“I’m hoping no one took it the wrong way,” he explained, “but I wasn’t Inside Brenden Dillon’s first 52 hours as a Capitals player able to answer all the texts and calls right away.”

Indeed, Dillon had a lot to do and not much time to do it.

By Tarik El-Bashir Feb 21, 2020 3 He rushed home from his final practice with the Sharks and immediately began filling up the biggest suitcase that he owns.

ARLINGTON, Va. – After being told he’d been traded, the first phone call “I’m planning on playing until June,” Dillon said with a smile. Brenden Dillon received was from his agent. The second was from “I brought four suits, which is going to get old real quick. Probably 10-12 Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan. The third was from Rob shirts. Four of five sweaters and four of five pairs of jeans. I was trying to Tillotson, Washington’s director of team services. get as much accomplished in as little time as I could.”

“It’s just kinda an intro call,” Tillotson told The Athletic. “By that point, I’ve Wednesday looked up to see what our options are to get him in. This one was a little different because he was coming from the West Coast. In this instance, 10 a.m.: Tillotson connected with Dillon to make sure everything was on my question for Mac was, ‘Does he need to be here on Wednesday schedule. morning? Do we need to push him for practice? Or let him take his time?” “It was a little crazy walking into the airport,” said Dillon, who was hauling Tillotson’s job was to handle the most complicated part of the transaction a suitcase and a Sharks hockey bag. “It was early in the morning so it between the Sharks and Capitals: Coordinating all of the moving parts wasn’t as crowded as usual. A lot of people were saying to me, ‘Hey, isn’t involved in getting Dillon across the country, settled into his new San Jose that way? Why are you leaving here?’ But a few people accommodations and in position to perform Thursday night against the understood and thanked me for the years and wished me the best of Canadiens. luck.”

The following is a timeline of the approximately 52 hours between the 11:15 a.m.: Dillon boarded his flight to D.C. trade being finalized, Tillotson digging in and Dillon stepping onto the ice for his Capitals’ debut (all times are approximate and Eastern): 4:30 p.m.: Dillon landed at DCA and collected his bags and sticks.

Tuesday “It was actually cool when I landed in D.C.,” he said. “At least five or six people walked up and said welcome to the team and that they’re excited 3:25 p.m.: MacLellan called Dillon, who had just been informed of the to have me. That was really cool.” trade by Sharks GM Doug Wilson. An unrestricted free agent at season’s end, Dillon suspected he might get moved, so the trade did not come as 4:45 p.m.: The car service driver texted Tillotson to let him know that a surprise. Dillon had arrived and that they were en route to the hotel.

“With everything that’s been going on the last couple of weeks, anytime 5:15 p.m.: Dillon arrived at the hotel. you’re talking to the GM for probably the third time in your whole career, “Once he’s there, I give him another call, ‘You need anything?'” Tillotson you know something’s up,” Dillon said. “I got up there (to Doug’s office) said. and he told me the news. It was almost a sense of relief. And then once you realize that you’re coming to Washington, it’s just excitement.” 5:20 p.m.: As Dillon walked into the lobby he was greeted by locker room assistant Ray Straccia, who had been awaiting his arrival. Straccia 3:30 p.m.: MacLellan called Tillotson to inform him that the trade had needed Dillon’s hockey bag and sticks so he could lug them to MedStar been completed and that he’d already spoken to Dillon. and finish setting up his locker stall for the next morning.

3:35 p.m.: Tillotson informed key members of the Capitals’ hockey staff, Dillon kept his old shoulder and elbow pads, shin guards and skates. But including head athletic trainer Jason Serbus, strength and conditioning he needed new navy blue pants, both red and blue helmets, as well as coach Mark Nemish and head equipment manager Brock Myles. red, white and blue gloves. (Interestingly, the Caps kept his white Sharks Myles and his assistants almost immediately began prepping for Dillon’s helmet and just changed the stickers on it.) Everything will get sent back arrival. Myles reached out to his counterpart in San Jose to get Dillon’s to the Sharks. preferred sizes for undergarments, shoes, hockey pants and gloves. After getting settled at the hotel, Dillon took a walk around Ballston. Dillon was assigned the locker stall right next to Tom Wilson’s at MedStar Tillotson had recommended True Food Kitchen for dinner. Capitals Iceplex. By the time Dillon reached Wilson Blvd., he already regretted his decision 3:40 p.m.: Tillotson began researching flights from San Jose to to wear shorts and sandals on a chilly night in Arlington. Although he’s Washington. originally from British Columbia, he’d been spoiled by California’s mild “Mac is always good about letting guys do what they need to get their life weather. He also conceded that he may have been led astray by former together,” Tillotson said. Capitals and Sharks forward Joel Ward.

Tillotson also set up a car service to shuttle Dillon from Reagan National “I talked to Wardo, who lives in San Jose,” Dillon said, explaining his Airport to his new home, which for now will be an Arlington area hotel. choice of attire. “He’s a close buddy of mine. He said, ‘dude, it’s unbelievable weather in Washington.’ I guess I didn’t clarify, does that 3:45 p.m.: The Caps announced the trade on social media and issued a mean cold unbelievable? Or does that mean warm unbelievable? I’ve press release via email. been in shorts and a t-shirt for six years going to the rink in February and March. 4:30 p.m.: Tillotson called Dillon and presented the newest Capital with his travel options. “I definitely didn’t wear sandals or shorts today.”

“It was a red-eye or leave the next morning,” Tillotson said. “He elected (More on Dillon’s choice of clothes later.) to leave the next morning, which I think was the probably right thing. He wasn’t going to practice if he lands at 6 in the morning anyway.” Thursday

Said Dillon: “We just figured with the timing and everything, that it was 7:50 a.m.: Tillotson was waiting for Dillon in the lobby of the hotel so that probably best to get just a little bit of sleep.” he could give the newest Capital the key fob that will grant him access to the Caps’ headquarters and locker room areas at Capital One Arena. He 4:59 p.m.: Tillotson texted Dillon a finalized travel itinerary, which also handed him a company ID and they made the short walk to the included a first class ticket from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., and practice facility. Dillon likes to be early; on this particular morning, he was the name of the driver who’d bring him to the hotel in Arlington. the first player at MedStar.

“I also just want to make sure the guy feels comfortable, that he can call “I was definitely buzzing,” Dillon said of his excitement level. or text me with anything that might come up,” Tillotson said. “What a facility that they have here. Unbelievable. I was like a kid in a 7:05 p.m.: Applause rippled through the crowd when Dillon’s name was candy store.” announced in the starting lineup.

8 a.m.: Dillon met the coaches, equipment staff and his new teammates 7:08 p.m.: The puck was dropped and another chapter in Dillon’s NHL as they began to trickle in. Tillotson’s job, for the moment, anyway, was story was underway. done. “It,” he said, pausing, “was definitely a whirlwind.” “Once I got him here, gave him the tour and said, ‘Here’s the change room, get changed.’ He’s kind of on his own from there,” Tillotson said. The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 “Once he’s in that team meeting, it’s, ‘OK, you’re a part of the team. You’re in. You’re here.'”

9 a.m.: Dillon found the room where the team meeting is held each game day morning, but he didn’t immediately take a seat.

“In the meeting, everyone kind of has assigned seats,” he said. “So I didn’t want to take anyone’s seat or be in the wrong place at the wrong time. So I was obviously seeing where Ovi was sitting, etc. The big boys have had their seats for a long time.”

10:10 a.m.: He hit the ice for the morning skate and was immediately paired with all-star blueliner John Carlson. Over the course of the 40- minute skate, Dillon had several chats with Carlson and a longish conversation with defensive coach Reid Cashman.

10:55 a.m.: Dillon met with the local media for the first time.

10:57 a.m.: He got ribbed by a new teammate.

BRENDEN DILLON: I WORE SHORTS FOR MY WALK LAST NIGHT TO DINNER.

NIC DOWD: WE REQUIRE SUITS HERE IN DC.

#CAPS #ALLCAPS PIC.TWITTER.COM/CB1EMSOVU0

— TARIK EL-BASHIR (@TARIK_ELBASHIR) FEBRUARY 20, 2020

During Dillon’s first scrum with local beat reporters, Caps center Nic Dowd jumped in with a question of his own, holding up a skate guard like a microphone.

“Obviously coming from San Jose, being a warmer city, to D.C., where it’s a little bit colder, did you bring your thermal underwear?” Dowd asked Dillon.

Dillon, laughing, responded: “I wore shorts for my walk last night to dinner. I don’t know, I might have to put on some pants today. I’ll make sure I wear a suit and maybe an overcoat (to the arena).”

Dowd fired back: “Yeah, we require suits here in D.C.”

4:30 p.m.: Dillon arrived at Capital One Arena.

4:40 p.m.: He put on his shoulder pads, pulled his home red jersey on for the first time and posed for headshots, photos and video for use on the jumbotron and other promotional items.

FIRST LOOK AT THE NEWEST SQUAD MEMBER IN HIS CAPS SWEATER PIC.TWITTER.COM/0JQMGPLLLF

— WASHINGTON CAPITALS (@CAPITALS) FEBRUARY 20, 2020

5 p.m.: Another round of meetings with coaches and teammates as Dillon attempted to cram in as much information as possible prior to the opening faceoff.

“One thing I must say is they are beyond detailed here,” Dillon said. “Reirds and the whole staff, they do an unbelievable job of getting guys prepared and ready to roll. It’s no surprise why they’ve had so much success here. It was very detailed and I was able to get everything on the same page. We kinda squeezed a two-week training camp into a day.”

6:28 p.m.: Dillon joined his teammates in the tunnel before stepping onto the ice for warmups and promptly began wondering what he’d gotten himself into as Alex Ovechkin, Tom Wilson, T.J. Oshie and Co. went through their interesting pump-up routine.

NEW GUY TAKING IT ALL IN. #CAPSHABS PIC.TWITTER.COM/TRKZZ608H0

— WASHINGTON CAPITALS (@CAPITALS) FEBRUARY 20, 2020

“I’m going to have something incorporated for me before next game!” Dillon joked. 1177735 Winnipeg Jets "For the mental side of things, it’s way nicer to be around your teammates. Obviously, it’s been a lot of fun to come back. It’s fun for me to just be around the guys," said Patrick. "It’s tough being alone. Being by Flyers' Patrick back on ice, in high spirits yourself throughout the process and not being around the team.

"It hasn’t been a fast process. It’s not like one day I just wake up and it’s a crazy difference, this whole process. I don’t have a timetable, and when Jason BellBy: Jason Bell I do, you guys will know."

Posted: 02/21/2020 9:28 PM Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 02.22.2020

VOORHEES, N.J. — Nolan Patrick was clearly in a playful mood at the Philadelphia Flyers’ practice Friday afternoon, stick-handling pucks between the skates of stationary teammates and delivering high-fives after witnessing a flashy goal.

At the right times he turned serious, exploding from a standing position near the blue line to participate in an up-tempo rush, feeding cross-ice passes — tape to tape — to Travis Konecny, and listening intently as assistant coach Mike Yeo offered up a nugget of hockey wisdom as the two skated slowly together, shoulder to shoulder, across centre ice.

Forty minutes later, he was seated beside Konecny, his locker-room neighbour and best buddy in Philadelphia, and the pair shared quiet conversation mixed in with uproarious laughter as reporters milled about but steered clear of the stall with the "Patrick" name tag affixed above.

Watching him gave every impression he’s fully immersed in the Flyers culture, every moment of every day. But at this moment in time, he still isn’t.

Patrick, 21, has made considerable progress in his recovery from a migraine disorder that has kept him out of the Philadelphia lineup for training camp, the pre-season and the 2019-20 NHL regular season to date.

The Winnipegger has been skating on a fairly regular basis with the rest of the team in recent weeks, although no timetable has been set on when he can participate in contract drills.

Head coach Alain Vigneault admitted Friday he hasn’t had much interaction with the right-shooting centre since he’s participated in about half-dozen skates skates, adding his focus is on the healthy bodies he has at his disposal.

But he’s doubtful Patrick will compete with the Flyers down the stretch and into the post-season.

"I’m going on the premise he’s not going to be around us," he said. "We’re almost at the end of February, no (training) camp, no games, yet."

The Flyers (34-20-7) have managed to effectively shift pieces around to fill the void. Currently, it’s rookie Connor Bunnaman filling the slot.

But they could certainly use the former Brandon Wheat Kings star, the second-overall pick in the 2017 NHL draft, in their lineup should he receive medical clearance. Any return to hockey would include a conditioning stint with the Leigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League.

"He’s a key player for us, for sure, so we miss him when he’s out, and we’ll be excited for that day when we do get him back," said winger James van Riemsdyk, from the Flyers’ practise facility about 30 minutes from downtown Philadelphia. "No one knows when that will be. With these sorts of things, you just try to support your teammate in any way you can. There’s no outside pressure from the team. We just want to see him get well and feel good."

Patrick’s no stranger to adversity. The son of former NHLer Steve Patrick and nephew of James Patrick, the coach of the WHL’s Winnipeg Ice who enjoyed a 21-year NHL career, has been hampered by injury since his days in the Western Hockey League. Yet, he managed to register 13 goals and 17 assists in 73 games during his rookie year, and then followed up with a 13-goal, 31-point season in 72 games a year ago.

But he’s absent any numbers in the final year of his entry-level deal, and lacks any bargaining power to negotiate a more lucrative deal.

Patrick declined an interview request Friday. But he expressed some positivity when he spoke with Philadelphia-based reporters last Monday — his first interview in more than a month. 1177736 Winnipeg Jets Eakin spent three productive seasons with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League, and was selected by the Washington Capitals in the third round of the 2009 NHL Draft.

Jets admire Eakin's moxie, veteran presence The Jets also announced they have assigned forward Andrei Chibisov to the Manitoba Moose.

Jason BellBy: Jason Bell Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 02.22.2020

PHILADELPHIA – Cody Eakin has been a perpetual thorn in the Winnipeg Jets' side; now, the NHL club is hoping he'll return home and apply that petulance during their run to the postseason and beyond.

The Winnipegger was acquired late Friday in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff sent a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft to Vegas for the feisty 28-year-old, left-shooting forward, who has split the bulk of his nine-year pro career between Dallas and Vegas. Should the Jets qualify for the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs or sign Eakin to a new contract on, or before, July 5, 2020 then the Jets will instead transfer their 2021 third-round pick to the Golden Knights.

Eakin, listed at 6-0, 185 pounds, is expected to be in the lineup Sunday afternoon when the Jets play the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Arena, the third of a four-game eastern road trip.

He has four goals, six assists and 16 penalty minutes in 41 games this season – he was sidelined five weeks with an upper-body injury – but his true value will be measured by the moxie, veteran presence and depth the club believes he can provide.

"Cody was someone that really intrigued the coaches from the moment that I brought his name up the first time. Cody's the type of guy that just oozes character. Obviously, he's had some tremendous playoff experience over the last couple of years," said Cheveldayoff, in a conference call. "He brings guys into the fight with how he plays and with the energy and leadership that he brings. Really excited to add a player like that into our room and on the ice."

It's Cheveldayoff's second deal of the week where no roster players headed out of the Manitoba capital. On Tuesday, the Central Division team picked up defenceman Dylan DeMelo from the Ottawa Senators for a 2020 third-round pick.

Winnipeg (32-25-5) holds down the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference and is pushing to earn a third-straight trip to the NHL playoffs.

The nine-year veteran is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He's on an expiring four-year contract that pays him $3.85 million a year. This was a salary dump by the Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon, who is likely rubbing his hands together in anticipation of some major acquisitions before Monday's trade deadline.

The Golden Knights are 32-22-8 and have a loose grip on top spot in Pacific Division, just a point up on the Edmonton Oilers and two ahead of the Vancouver Canucks. Both Canadian squads had two games in hand, as of Friday afternoon.

Eakin has played centre and the wing during his career, and was a key penalty killer in Vegas (averaging 2:04 per game).

He had a career season in 2018-19, firing 22 goals and supplying 19 assists. He also added two goals in seven games in an opening-round playoff series loss to San Jose, and was the man wrongly accused of high-sticking then-Sharks forward Joe Pavelski. The Sharks were handed a five-minute man advantage and erased a 3-0 deficit with four power- play goals.

Overall, Eakin has 102 goals and 232 points in 578 NHL games, while accumulating eight goals and 19 points in 48 playoff games. But he wasn't pursued for his offensive production.

"He adds an element that helps you get into the playoffs, and is an extremely valuable (player) when you are in the playoffs. It's not about how many goals is he scoring or anything like that, it's how he scores them or how he gets opportunities," said Cheveldayoff. "He went through an injury this year and it took a while to get back from that. But he's a player that on character charts and compete charts is one of the higher ones." 1177737 Winnipeg Jets rates in the NHL, and that occurred on a team with the second-highest overall turnover rate in the league in Ottawa.

Interestingly, the Jets have the third-highest turnover rate in the league DeMelo's value to Jets goes well beyond unimpressive offensive with 17.5 per cent of all attempted plays leading to an opponent gaining numbers the puck, so adding DeMelo should help significantly there.

Most of the time, DeMelo is going to distribute the puck to a superior Andrew BerkshireBy: Andrew Berkshire puck-mover in the defensive zone, but when given a chance, he’s also been relatively adept at hitting long-bomb passes this year, solidly within Posted: 02/21/2020 1:33 PM the top 10 per cent of all defencemen in completed stretch passes, so he can contribute to some quick transitions, as well.

While DeMelo has started his tenure with the Jets paired with a more The eminently quotable Paul Maurice referred to Dylan DeMelo’s first offensively focused player in Nathan Beaulieu, I think his eventual role game as a Winnipeg Jet as pure "coach’s porn." Frankly, I don’t think it will be to skate alongside Josh Morrissey, providing the kind of insulation should be surprising to anyone that Maurice loves the addition of the 26- Jacob Trouba contributed to get the best out of his D partner. year-old defenceman. Shoring up the first pairing for the Jets would go a long way towards You could be forgiven for thinking that DeMelo’s zero goals this season firming up their playoff aspirations. All that for a third-round pick. indicate that he’s been struggling a bit. He really doesn’t bring much offence directly and you shouldn’t expect him to. However when I saw Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 02.22.2020 this trade and how little the Jets gave up to acquire him, I was shocked at the value Kevin Cheveldayoff was able to extract here — especially considering the returns inferior and older defencemen in Marco Scandella and Brendan Dillon were able to bring in to their old teams.

Two seasons ago when DeMelo was acquired by the Senators in the Erik Karlsson trade, he was a player I felt would be an underrated part of the deal, as he was trending up rapidly as a strong defensive presence — and even though I was high on him, I didn’t expect him to be as strong as he has been since then.

Last season DeMelo was the top play driver overall among the Senators’ defensive core, with the caveat that he wasn’t facing the competition level that Thomas Chabot was. That level of performance alone would have been easily worth the third-round pick the Jets gave up in the trade this week to acquire him, but his on-ice impact this year is even better.

While DeMelo has been on the ice, the Senators have controlled shots from the inner slot at a rate more than 18 per cent better than when he’s on the bench. His raw differential in that area of 62.4 per cent of all inner- slot shots being in his team’s favour while he skating is the single top mark of any defenceman in the NHL this season.

That’s a crazy level of control over the flow of play, and though it’s not as strong, that control spreads out into the other areas of the ice as well, with DeMelo having better than a plus-eight per cent impact in shots on goal and better than a plus-six per cent impact in shot attempts. It’s no surprise that a defensive player such as DeMelo could cut down on shots and chances against, but what makes him so valuable is that he doesn’t do so at the cost of giving up offence.

In fact, while DeMelo has been on the ice this season, he has the highest rate of inner-slot shots for of all NHL defencemen. DeMelo isn’t the one directly driving those offensive results, but his defensive dominance allows his team to have the puck far more often and not fear making risky plays to create offence.

His dominance over shot control isn’t his only strength either, as he’s been one of the most impactful defencemen in the league on slot-pass differential, mostly by his defensive prowess once again, and his teammates spending more time in the offensive zone as a result.

One reason why Maurice was so enthusiastic about DeMelo’s performance is because he’s a bit of a throwback player. He’s aggressive in his defending style but he keeps it very simple, as well.

He’s not a hulking force out there on the back end, but he’s in the top five per cent of all defencemen in won puck battles, top 10 per cent in bodychecks that remove possession from opponents, top two per cent in stick checks that remove possession, top one per cent in neutral-zone defensive plays that remove possession and defensive-zone won puck battles, top 10 per cent in defensive-zone pass blocks and top five per cent in recovering defensive-zone rebounds.

Simply put, without the puck he’s an absolute force to be reckoned with in every way that not only stops offensive plays but also changes possession in favour of his team, leading to the offence when he’s on the ice without directly creating it.

With the puck on his stick, DeMelo isn’t an offensive threat at all, but he’s also not without value. He’s not a big shooter or playmaker, but in the defensive zone his simple approach leads to one of the lowest turnover 1177738 Winnipeg Jets “I’m sure he does think about that, it’s human nature,” Sandelin said. “And going into the year, with everything that transpired (in Winnipeg) on the back end, I know they had discussions with Dylan at the end of last Jets prospect Samberg chasing history first, Jets dream next year about considering turning pro then. I’m sure he was like, ‘Oh God, I could be playing there.’ But that’s normal. It may have been a distraction early on for some. But that’s been put on the back burner.”

Scott Billeck A few hundred miles north, Samberg’s future has been talked about in Winnipeg on and off all season.

The ears of a fanbase barely flinch when a college player heads back to Dylan Samberg just wants to be ready. school for his sophomore year. But that all changes when they decide No, he’s not trying to play rope-a-dope with the Winnipeg Jets. By all against turning pro the following summer and elect to return to school for accounts, including his own after speaking to the Winnipeg Sun last their junior season. week, the Hermantown, Minn., native has every intention of playing for If Samberg elected to head back for a fourth year, he could become an the team that drafted him in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft. unrestricted free agent the following summer. “They took a chance on me, they wanted me for a reason and I respect It’s relatively rare that this happens in the NHL, but it has. that,” Samberg said. “I respect the organization, they have a lot of great people, and it’s not that far from home, which is nice. Justin Schultz, Jimmy Vesey, Kevin Hayes, Torey Krug, Tyler Bozak and Danny DeKeyser are all players who have been “draft dodgers.” “I want to eventually get to the Jets.” And if you’ve been following the career of Jets captain Blake Wheeler, Breathe, everyone. you’ll know that he did the same thing back in 2008. Samberg knows full well there’s a very real possibility he’d be playing Wheeler, drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes fifth overall in 2004, played a minutes in the NHL right now given all that has taken place in Winnipeg year in the USHL followed by three years at the University of Minnesota this season. before electing to sign as a free agent with the Boston Bruins. But even with the benefit of hindsight, the 21-year-old was thinking of two Wheeler, who has spoken about that decision, said it came down to a things when he made the decision to head back to college for his junior couple of things, including a regime change in Arizona. The guys who season. drafted him weren’t in charge anymore. The first takes us back to the initial paragraph of this story. Simply, “It was a clean slate,” Wheeler told the Sun back in 2015. “When I was Samberg wants to be ready. A self-proclaimed late-bloomer who shot up drafted in Phoenix, it was different management and pretty much a four inches in height not long ago in high school (and a few more since), different organization from the time I was drafted to the time I went to isn’t interested in whiffing on his first chance as a pro. Boston. They had a new regime and new prospects. I was far down the Just being adequate won’t cut it, either. totem pole and it would have been a tough situation for me to claw my way out of there. “I don’t want to rush anything,” Samberg said. “This year, I wanted to come back (to college) and hone in on some of my skills so I can be “I go to Boston and clearly, they wanted me. I didn’t expect to make the ready for the jump (to pro.)” team, but I got a chance right out of camp. It worked out great.”

The second reason is this: glory. Back then, and certainly now, it’s not lost on players when it comes to the options that they have, providing they stay in college for the required time In its current 16-team format, no NCAA D-I school has ever before becoming a free agent. accomplished the three-peat as men’s national hockey champions. “I had a buddy go through it last summer at Michigan, their captain It’s been that way since 2003 when the tournament expanded from 12 (Joseph Cecconi), who was drafted by Dallas,” Jets forward and former teams to the current number. University of Michigan star Kyle Connor said. “He could have had the opportunity to leave and stayed for his senior year. He had talked to a lot In the history of the championship, one that dates back to 1948 when it of teams, got different opinions and he ended up staying with Dallas. But began with just four teams, only one team, Michigan (1951-1953), has I know first hand that players are very cognizant of it. It happens a lot. captured three consecutive titles. Players are very aware.” If the University of Minnesota-Duluth can reach the Frozen Four this But why? year, they will have a chance to etch their names into the history books as the only team to ever win back-to-back-to-back in the modern era. “Opportunity. Everybody wants to play in the NHL,” Connor said. “Say you’re us and you’re loaded up front on forward and you’re a high-skilled So you can understand why Samberg kept the advances of the Winnipeg forward that wants to play, so maybe you look at a team like a Detroit or Jets at bay last summer and elected to return to college for his junior an Ottawa that could use the help up front. It’s a no-brainer to get a season. chance to prove yourself and they’re telling you that you can play right Banners fly forever, or so the saying goes. away. I think that’s the biggest part of it.”

“It’s the one goal we put on the board at the beginning of the year,” Connor wasn’t interested in taking that route, evidenced by his one and Samberg said. only year at Michigan before signing with the Jets.

Samberg’s Bulldogs are the fourth-ranked team in the country in the But Connor was a first-round puck destined for big things and a big role latest college hockey rankings with an overall 17-9-2 record this season. within the organization that drafted him. Providing that he panned out as expected, and he did, there was no reason to look elsewhere. In the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, they’re in second place with a 12-4-2 record, which trails only the University of North Dakota, But not everyone is taken inside the first 31 picks. ranked first in the country. “Most guys aren’t first-rounders,” said Andrew Copp, who was taken in Samberg has 15 assists on the season. the fourth round of the 2013 draft. “There’s six other rounds in the draft, everyone’s got a different timeline or a different path. (Jimmy) Vesey took “He’s an integral part, a big-minute guy,” said Scott Sandelin, head coach that option. I don’t know if he needed to because, supposedly, Nashville at Duluth. “It’s been interrupted at times because of injuries, but good. was offering him the world. It’s an option that’s definitely available, and if He’s third on the team in assists and he always seems to play his best there’s a team with a cluttered roster, like I said, then you get to go back hockey in the big games, which is how he’s been playing the past few for your fourth year and choose.” weeks.” Copp’s decision brought into it another element, the American Hockey If turning pro is weighing on the mind of Samberg at all, Sandelin said he League. hasn’t noticed it. “My whole thing was I didn’t want to spend any time in the American League,” said the fellow Michigan standout. “If they had told me, ‘Yeah, we’re going to sign a fourth-line centre in free agency and we think you need at least a half a year to a year in the American League, I would have went back to school 100%. I would way rather be in school than in the American League. And I think that’s probably consistent with a lot of guys. Maybe not everybody, but consistent with a lot of them.”

Apart from eight games in his first pro season, Copp has managed to avoid the minors and has carved out a role for himself that’s earned him increased minutes as each of his five pro seasons has progressed.

Copp can’t speak for Samberg, but he doesn’t see opportunity as an issue in Winnipeg for the defenceman.

“But with that said, you kind of never know what that looks like from your perspective or from your agent’s perspective, whatever it is. It’s definitely something you consider,” Copp said. “And it’s hard to project down the road. Let’s say we had our six D from last year. Where are you going to fit? In terms of cluttered rosters. You want to give yourself the best opportunity to play in the NHL right away.”

Tucker Poolman’s opinion differs from the two Wolverines.

Poolman would be the case study for a player who waits until the 11th hour before signing with the team that drafted him, although his wasn’t a leverage move.

Poolman, who won the national championship with UND in 2016, earned his degree in business economics in just three years. Upon graduating, he had 30 days to sign with the Jets before he would become a free agent. He was handed his diploma on May 15, 2017, and signed with the Jets on May 27.

Poolman’s reasons for heading back for a final season were simple: family. He got a chance to play on the same team as his brother Colton.

“You think a little bit, but just talking about myself, in my third year I was just focusing on my team,” Poolman said. “At UND, we had such a good group of guys and it was a lot of fun and I was just immersed in that. Right when it was over, I had to pivot my train of thought and figure out what’s next. You think about it a little bit on your own, but I wasn’t discussing it much during the season.”

Poolman, who had bilateral shoulder surgery after he signed with Winnipeg, said it’s so hard to judge rosters from year to year.

“You definitely want to see what the opportunities are,” he said. “But there’s a fair amount of change. You’re not in the meetings. You don’t always know where you might fit or where they think you might fit. It’s really hard to project sometimes where a player is. It’s like drafting kids at 18.”

For Samberg, the main goal is to make the NHL and stay there.

“But if there’s time spent in the AHL, it is what it is and you just have to take it with a grain of salt, work hard every day and when you get that chance, make the most of it,” he said.

Winnipeg Sun LOADED 02.22.2020 1177739 Winnipeg Jets Gabriel Bourque-Nick Shore-Logan Shaw

Defence

GAME DAY: Winnipeg Jets at Philadelphia Flyers Josh Morrissey-Tucker Poolman

Dmitry Kulikov-Neal Pionk

Scott Billeck Nathan Beaulieu-Dylan DeMeo

Goalies

Game Day: Hurricanes at Maple Leafs Connor Hellebuyck

Winnipeg Jets (32-25-5) at Philadelphia Flyers (34-20-7) Laurent Brossoit

SATURDAY, NOON, WELLS FARGO CENTER Philadelphia Flyers

TV: SPORTSNET, RADIO: TSN 1290 Forwards

THE BIG MATCHUP Claude Giroux-Sean Couturier-Jakub Voracek

Mark Scheifele vs. Sean Couturier Joel Farabee-Kevin Hayes-Travis Konecny

These two will be forever linked, at least in Winnipeg, for the order they James van Riemsdyk-Scott Laughton-Tyler Pitlick went in the 2011 NHL Draft. Scheifele went first, of course, and at the time people figured it was Couturier that was the better player. Couturier Michael Raffl-Connor Bunnaman-Nicolas Aube-Kubel also developed faster, but Scheifele has long since caught up and, in the Defence minds of many, passed his counterpart at centre. Scheifele comes into the game riding a hat trick in a 5-1 rout over the Ottawa Senators on Ivan Provorov-Matt Niskanen Thursday night. Couturier has five goals and eight points in his past Travis Sanheim-Philippe Myers seven games, including a five-game point streak. This is always a good battle of two of the game’s premier middle men. Robert Hagg-Mark Friedman

FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME Goalies

1. Four’s a charm? Carter Hart

The Jets have won three straight games on five occasions this season Brian Elliott but haven’t reached a fourth consecutive victory since March of last season. Winnipeg’s in a dogfight for a wild-card spot in the Western INJURIES Conference. *Puts on Captain Obvious hat: Getting the weekend started Flyers: F Nolan Patrick, D Shayne Gostisbehere with two points and that elusive fourth win in a row would be beneficial to their cause. Jets: D Carl Dahlstrom, D Luca Sbisa, F Mathieu Perreault, F Adam Lowry, F Bryan Little, F Mark Letestu, D Dustin Byfuglien (suspended) 2. 30-goal maestro SPECIAL TEAMS Kyle Connor did it again on Thursday, reaching the 30-goal mark for the third straight season. Connor has been money lately, cashing in five POWER PLAY goals in his past seven games to lead the Jets in scoring. But the 23- year-old isn’t content just yet. As he said on after his 30th was potted on Flyers: 20.5% (15th) Thursday, “On to 40.” Jets: 20.3% (T-16th) 3. Penalties killed PENALTY KILLING The sorest spot on special teams for Jets this year is their PK, which as Flyers: 82.1% (9th) near as makes no difference, has allowed a goal on every four power- play attempts by their opponent’s this season. Lately, however, that door Jets: 76.3% (26th) has been firmly shut. Over the past four games, the Jets are 15-for-16 on the PK (93.8%) and are third in the NHL this month with a success rate of Winnipeg Sun LOADED 02.22.2020 91.3%.

4. Patrik’s point streak

If the Jets are going to push their winning streak to four games, they could use Patrik Laine pushing his personal point streak to the same number. Laine has a goal and four assists during his past three games and sits third on the team in scoring with 58 points.

5. Coach’s porn

The quote from Jets head coach Paul Maurice on Dylan DeMelo’s game had folks laughing across the hockey world. DeMelo’s debut was as advertised. A steady player who won’t blind you with his flashy play but plays nearly perfect. He was given 18:36 of ice time in his Jets debut, including over three minutes shorthanded. Those numbers could increase come Saturday.

GAME DAY LINEUPS

Winnipeg Jets

Forwards

Nikolaj Ehlers-Mark Scheifele-Blake Wheeler

Kyle Connor-Andrew Copp-Patrik Laine

Jansen Harkins-Jack Roslovic-Mason Appleton 1177740 Winnipeg Jets “There’s no question he adds an element that helps you get into the playoffs and is an extremely valuable thing when you are in the playoffs,” Cheveldayoff said. “That’s the type of player that he is. It’s something Jets land Eakin in deal with Golden Knights that really fit from that kind of perspective.

“It’s not about how many goals is he scoring or anything like that, it’s how he scores them or how he gets opportunities. He went through an injury Scott Billeck this year and it took a while to get back from that. But a player that on the character charts and on the compete charts is one of the higher ones.”

As for Monday, Cheveldayoff said it’s a wait-and-see game. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has made his second splash prior to Monday’s trade deadline, acquiring Winnipegger Cody Eakin from the “It’s hard to say,” he said. “As close as Monday is, it’s a far way off yet. Vegas Golden Knights on Friday. We’ll see how some things play out. If there are some hockey deals to look at, we’re open to those and looking at those. Some of those things In return, the Jets are sending a conditional fourth-round draft pick in the might be able to happen, given the flexibility of the cap that we do have. 2021 NHL Draft. That pick would turn into a third if the Jets make the It really all still comes down to fit and we’ll evaluate. If something playoffs this season or they re-sign him on or before July 5, the club becomes interesting based on that fit, we’ll explore it to the extent that we announced. can.” “Cody was someone who really intrigued the coaches from the moment I Winnipeg Sun LOADED 02.22.2020 brought his name up the first time,” Cheveldayoff said. “Cody is the type of guy who just oozes character… tremendous character person, brings guys into the fight.”

The timeline for the trade didn’t begin until after the Jets acquired defenceman Dylan DeMelo form the Ottawa Senators for a 2020 third- round puck on Tuesday.

“I didn’t see this opportunity coming, that’s the first and foremost thing,” Cheveldayoff said. “So, it wasn’t one of those ones where you could read between the lines – obviously Vegas needs to make some moves and there were some cap considerations that do come into play with some of the moves that they made – but it was one we adjusted to, moreso than targeted. Over the course of the last couple of days here, with the conversations that we had, the coaches and myself felt that this was a good direction for this group to go.”

Eakin is a pending unrestricted free agent who has taken a step back in terms of point production this season with just four goals and 10 points in 41 games.

Those numbers compare to the career-high 22 goals and 41 points he put up during the 2018-19 season.

Eakin, who was drafted 85th overall in the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft by the Washington Capitals, has played nine seasons in the NHL with the Capitals, Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights, whom he helped get to the Stanley Cup Final in the latter’s inaugural season. In 2017-18.

The 28-year-old was brought to Vegas during the expansion draft in 2017.

In 578 NHL games, Eakin has 102 goals and 232 points.

Eakin’s cap hit comes in at $3,850,000 this season, although the Jets are only on the hook for a pro-rated portion of that totalling $911,000.

Cheveldayoff said he plans to use the cap space he has if the right deals are out there.

“There’s certainly a benefit if there’s the right person is out there in that regard,” Cheveldayoff said. “We plan to be a cap team this year and certainly plan, moving forward, to be a cap team. I’m not looking to carry a contract just for the sake of carrying a contract. Again, if there’s a way to entice something, sure, you take a look at it. If you’re not a team that’s not planning on being a cap team then it makes it a little bit easier, but for all intents and purposes moving forward here, I’m not looking to save cap space for anything other than getting great players or players that fit.”

With no salary retained, the move also helps the Golden Knights clear cap space for further moves ahead of Monday’s trade deadline.

Where Eakin fits into the Jets lineup is yet to be determined. He is not expected in Philadelphia for Winnipeg’s contest at the Flyers but should be in Buffalo when the Jets face the Sabres in the second half of a back to back on Sunday.

It’s likely that Cheveldayoff and head coach Paul Maurice envision a fourth-line role for Eakin, who can play centre and on the win, as well as help out on the penalty kill. He also has playoff experience, having gone to the dance four times in his career. 1177741 Winnipeg Jets If he is traded, I like Philadelphia as a potential fit. The Flyers won’t trade a first-round pick I don’t think, but are willing to come up with another package to try to entice Ottawa.

LeBrun: The Kase price, Ottawa’s Pageau options and the Jets’ Good week for the Jets underrated moves In a market which has seen high prices paid so far, the Winnipeg Jets added a pair of players this week without breaking the bank.

By Pierre LeBrun Feb 21, 2020 34 Tuesday they got the underrated Dylan DeMelo for a third-round pick to plug a hole on defence. Then on Friday they added veteran centre Cody Eakin for a conditional fourth-round pick (it becomes a third-round pick if A first-round pick and a prospect is beyond what I thought the Anaheim the Jets make the playoffs or re-sign the pending UFA). Ducks could get for Ondrej Kase. That’s low costs all around in a week in which first- and second-round Back on Feb. 3, when I felt Kase to Boston made sense as a potential picks flew out the door. Really good job by Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff deal, I had a second-round pick and a prospect as the price to pay. to assess the market.

Of course, taking on 75 percent of David Backes’ contract is why the pick He benefitted when Vegas called after the Alec Martinez acquisition to becomes a first. The Ducks will only be on the hook for about $3 million seek out the Jets’ interest on Eakin, a Winnipeg native. The Golden next season on Backes so it’s well worth it in my mind. Pretty good job by Knights were in need some short-term salary cap relief, as they have Ducks GM Bob Murray to weaponize his salary cap space. been linked to rental defencemen like New Jersey’s Sami Vatanen for a while now and Friday, TSN’s Frank Seravalli noted their reported interest There’s risk on both sides here, though. The speedy Kase could go on to in Maple Leafs blueliner Tyson Barrie. score 20-25 goals a year for the next 6-7 seasons in Boston and if that’s the case, the Ducks may regret this move depending on what becomes My understanding is that when Cheveldayoff brought the Eakin of the first-round pick. But Kase comes with enough health concerns opportunity to this coaching staff, Paul Maurice was all in, urging his GM (concussions) that one NHL team told me this week while they liked the to get it done. skill set they decided not to call Anaheim because of that alone. Given the injuries to Adam Lowry, Bryan Little and Mathieu Perreault, it I think Bruins GM Don Sweeney gambled wisely here. It’s a low first- was imperative to add a piece up front and Eakin should fit in well with round pick and he got out of cap jail on the Backes deal. And I don’t think the way the Jets play. Sweeney is done, either. He’s probably out of the Chris Kreider situation after having traded his first-round pick but he can still get in on other Meanwhile, the Jets may not be done. I think they’d like to add another rentals before Monday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline. blueliner but it’s going to be trickier because I don’t think Winnipeg wants to go the rental route again. If they add on defence it will be via a hockey Last year he rented Marcus Johansson and made a hockey deal for deal, more of a June-type transaction but perhaps pulled off before Charlie Coyle. His hockey deal is now done. Even if Sweeney doesn’t Monday’s deadline. The Jets have younger players on their roster or on make another trade, the Bruins have got as good a shot as any other the farm they’d be willing to listen on to get a top-four blueliner. team to win the Cup this year. The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 Of course, the Bruins weren’t alone in pursuit of Kase. Two other teams that showed real interest were Calgary and Carolina, according to sources.

That the Hurricanes got in there shouldn’t be a surprise given that Kase is the player they wanted from Anaheim in the failed Justin Faulk trade back in September. The Canes have liked Kase for a long time. My understanding is that they offered a second-round pick and a prospect for Kase. The Canes have two second-round picks in June, the Rangers’ and their own, so it would have been interesting to know which one they offered. A low first-round pick from Boston or the Rangers’ second-round pick (and no Backes contract) plus a prospect? But clearly Anaheim went the Boston route for a reason.

That the Flames inquired makes sense, too. Calgary has been after a top-six, right-shot option. Give Flames GM Brad Treliving credit. He’s trying. He also tried on right winger Tyler Toffoli and blueliner Brenden Dillon, among others so far over the past week. Calgary can use a boost both up front and on the blue line and Treliving is taking his swings.

Pageau third option

Contract talks are finally underway between the Ottawa Senators and Newport Sports for pending UFA centre Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

But it’s not necessarily a slam dunk that the only options for the Senators are signing Pageau or trading him by Monday afternoon.

My understanding is that the Senators front office has also discussed the seldom-used third option, which is to use all the time they have until June 30 to try to sign Pageau if they feel the trade offers aren’t strong enough and if they feel they can eventually resolve the contract impasse.

That’s a risk. There’s no guarantee Pageau won’t walk into free agency July 1 and the Senators get nothing for him.

But it’s also an organization that has a long list of draft picks coming and prospects already in the system. So if teams don’t step up their trade offers before the deadline, the Senators may feel that they’d rather use the time they have through June 30 to sign Pageau than add another second-round pick to the stockpile.

I still think it’s more likely he’s either signed by Monday or traded, but file away that third option just in case. 1177742 Winnipeg Jets can go all over the place … he’s the type of player that everyone is looking for and every team needs.

“He’s good in a lot of different areas. He’s good in the faceoff dot. He’ll In trading for Cody Eakin, the Jets have added depth down the middle. Is sacrifice his body. He’s got excellent speed and he can really shoot the Kevin Cheveldayoff done dealing? puck. That’s his offence. (His shot) is very deceptive.”

Eakin and Lowry can both bounce between centre and left wing and they By Ken Wiebe Feb 21, 2020 17 could feed off one another if used together.

“If they’re on a line together, that’s going to be a really hard line to play against. That’s for sure,” said Lamb. “Lowry, with his size and his PHILADELPHIA — Another day, another depth addition for the Winnipeg physicality and with Cody’s speed and tenacity in one-on-one battles, Jets. that’s a strong third line.”

After hinting at sniffing around to make a deal for a forward following a The Jets haven’t received much offensive production in limited minutes deal for defenceman Dylan DeMelo on Tuesday, Jets general manager from their fourth line this season, so the addition of Eakin and the return Kevin Cheveldayoff pulled the trigger on another move on Friday to health for Lowry and Perreault would help strengthen the forward afternoon, acquiring forward Cody Eakin from the Vegas Golden Knights group. for a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. With the emergence of the Class of 2015 line of Jack Roslovic between Eakin, 28, is a Winnipegger with 578 games of NHL experience (102 Mason Appleton and Jansen Harkins, the gap in ice-time distribution goals, 232 points). He’s been battling through a tough season after between the third and fourth lines could be bridged with the arrival of putting up 22 goals and 41 points in 78 games with the Golden Knights in Eakin, and there will be internal competition from guys like Nick Shore 2018-19. (who can also play centre or wing) to try and stay in the lineup.

Where Eakin slots in initially is unknown, but he figures to move into a The Golden Knights weren’t in a hurry to discard Eakin, even with him set bottom-six role, though he’s not expected to make his Jets debut until to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but they’ve freed up Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres. some valuable cap space (Eakin was in the final season of a deal that carries an average annual value of $3.85 million) to pursue other players “Cody was someone that really intrigued the coaches from the moment before Monday’s deadline. that I brought his name up the first time,” Cheveldayoff said on a conference call on Friday, noting the talks began percolating on Tuesday You can expect the deal to provide Eakin with a range of emotions. after the DeMelo deal was completed. He played some of the best hockey of his career with the Golden Knights “There’s no question he adds an element that helps you get into the and was part of an organization believed to be among the Stanley Cup playoffs and is an extremely valuable thing when you are in the playoffs. contenders this season. That’s the type of player that he is. But given how this season has gone, perhaps a fresh start with a new “It’s not about how many goals is he scoring or anything like that, it’s how organization can invigorate Eakin. he scores them or how he gets opportunities. He went through an injury this year and it took a while to get back from that. But (Eakin is) a player And as someone who is looking for a new contract this summer, Eakin that on the character charts and on the compete charts is one of the will be highly motivated to perform during the stretch run and possibly higher ones.” into the playoffs for a Jets team that’s in a fight for a wild card spot.

The versatile forward can be used at either centre or wing and could be a A third round pick, 85th overall, of the 2009 NHL Draft by the Washington fit to play alongside Adam Lowry and possibly Mathieu Perreault when Capitals, Eakins is joining his fourth organization after suiting up with the those two players return from their respective upper-body injuries. Dallas Stars and Golden Knights, who claimed him in the 2017 NHL expansion draft. The last update on that front was that both Lowry and Perreault remain week-to-week, with Perreault expected to return first. For those wondering about the conditions of the draft pick, should the Jets qualify for the playoffs or if Eakin signs with the Jets before July 4, Eakin dealt with an upper-body injury earlier this season and struggled at the pick would become a third rounder in 2021 instead of a fourth. times with his confidence as his production dipped to four goals and 10 points — a significant dropoff from last season, when he recorded a Cheveldayoff has already made two deals this week — does that mean tough-to-sustain shooting percentage of 18.3 (well above his career the Jets are done shopping, or might there be another move to be made average of 11.4 percent). before Monday’s deadline?

The underlying numbers don’t paint a pretty picture for Eakin’s season That remains a moving target. It all depends on the cost of acquisition. either, but this is another low-risk move for the Jets, who were looking for A blockbuster or a major move to change the mix of the group isn’t players that could bump the likes of Gabriel Bourque or Logan Shaw out expected, but with depth additions both up front and on the back end, of the lineup. Cheveldayoff still has some salary cap room to add a player or two if the To make room on the active roster, forward Andrei Chibisov was returned right fit can be found. to the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League after suiting up “If there is a big fish in the market, maybe you have to keep your line in in his first two NHL games. the water right until the last day or maybe that fish gets away,” Eakin is best served in a checking role, but would provide an element of Cheveldayoff said earlier this week during a conference call. insurance if Jets head coach Paul Maurice is interested in putting Andrew When Cheveldayoff spoke on Friday night, his tone hadn’t really Copp back with Lowry at some point down the road. changed.

Eakin also plays with a physical edge, can be an effective penalty killer “It’s hard to say. As close as Monday is, it’s a far way off yet. We’ll see and brings eight goals and 19 points in 46 games of playoff experience how some things play out,” said Cheveldayoff. “If there are some hockey with him — including a run to the Stanley Cup final with the Golden deals to look at, we’re open to those and looking at those. Some of those Knights in 2018 after they defeated the Jets in the Western Conference things might be able to happen, given the flexibility of the cap that we do final. have. It really all still comes down to fit and we’ll evaluate. If something “They’re getting a guy with a lot of character, that never changes with becomes interesting based on that fit, we’ll explore it (to the extent that Cody,” said Mark Lamb, who coached Eakin in the Western Hockey we can).” League with the Swift Current Broncos and is now the head coach and After making two pre-emptive strikes in the rental market, there isn’t an GM of the Prince George Cougars. “I think about his versatility and his abundance of pressure on Cheveldayoff to make a franchise-altering willingness to win and his willingness to win one-on-one battles and to move, especially with the Jets posting a 7-3-1 record going into play with speed. He’s a guy you can win with. He’s willing to play any role Saturday’s game with the Philadelphia Flyers. and any position. He’s a playoff type of player. When you get into a long playoff run and injuries happen, when you have a player like that who But if there’s some additional depth to be found to bolster either the third or the fourth line, don’t be surprised if Cheveldayoff makes another move that doesn’t involve premium assets or a first-round pick.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177743 Winnipeg Jets The pattern of DeMelo’s cleanliness and Beaulieu’s dump-outs would repeat itself.

2. First 1-on-1, first signs of neutral zone aggression (4:33 – 5:38) A hardcore shift by shift breakdown of Dylan DeMelo’s Jets debut DeMelo started his second shift in the neutral zone during a Jets dump in and was quickly made to defend a 1-on-1 with Anthony Duclair. DeMelo By Murat Ates Feb 21, 2020 12 got caught a step toward the middle of the ice as Duclair cut wide but DeMelo recovered just enough to stop Duclair from turning the corner. Brossoit made the save on the ensuing shot — a strong wrister from out wide. Paul Maurice couldn’t help himself. Throughout the rest of this shift, DeMelo’s aggression throughout the Dylan DeMelo’s Jets debut was so effective, so smooth and so very neutral zone stood out as he used his stick to break up two Senators satisfying contrasted with Winnipeg’s year-long defensive ache that zone entry attempts. Maurice burst with praise. 3. A split shift, a reverse and a Beaulieu dump-out (9:05 – 10:34) “If you didn’t like (DeMelo’s) game then we’re not going to be able to agree on anything,” Maurice told reporters after Winnipeg scored in DeMelo’s next shift was an awkward one. Beaulieu had come on for waves on the way to a 5-1 win over Ottawa. “His stick, so many times Dmitry Kulikov just before the Jets iced it, leading to an extended shift knocked pucks down, his passes were on the tape. That was pure, what with Beaulieu and Neal Pionk. would you call it? Coach’s porn? When you’re watching the hockey video, that’s pretty darn good.” When DeMelo did get onto the ice, most of the shift was spent in transition. He did have just enough time to make a good breakout pass to Well. You could have at least prefaced your answer with a not suitable Logan Shaw, who turned it over, and a series of smart reverses to for work tag, Paul. Beaulieu, who ended a long shift by dumping it softly into Ottawa’s zone. DeMelo finished his shift at 59 seconds; Beaulieu at 1:32. But DeMelo, who started his Jets tenure on the third pairing with his summertime skating partner Nathan Beaulieu, did shine. He played 22 4. Breakouts complete by pass or by carry (12:48 – 13:44) shifts and had a personal clean sheet — DeMelo wasn’t on the ice for a single high danger scoring chance against in 18:36 combined minutes of Nick Paul scored Ottawa’s only goal of the game between DeMelo’s third even strength and shorthanded action. and fourth shifts.

The highlight-reel plays were few but DeMelo was active in knocking DeMelo started his fourth shift in the offensive zone following possession down passes in the neutral zone, pokechecking pucks away from harm in from Mark Scheifele’s line but was made to recover following an Ottawa the defensive zone and maintaining a tight gap in all of his coverage. He steal. The puck went south into Winnipeg’s zone where DeMelo made a was a regular penalty killer and clearly knew his responsibilities when quick, calm breakout pass to Appleton for a clean exit. called upon. Later on in the same shift, DeMelo recovered an Ottawa dump-in for a It was just one game but I was left with the impression that DeMelo is a clean carry-out and moved the puck through the neutral zone cleanly. He clear top-four defenceman on the 2019-20 Jets. dumped the puck into the offensive zone with numbers but Jack Roslovic and company were unable to recover it. The shift ended with a DeMelo Beyond? I should think so, too. dump-out.

In fact, given the number of times he made a clean reverse to Beaulieu 5. A penalty drawn is a tide turned (15:15 – 15:32) who then turned it over or dumped it out, I’d go as far as to say that DeMelo’s talents will be wasted if Winnipeg keeps using him exclusively Let’s be clear: if you’re looking for narrative, Scheifele and his three on the third pairing. power play goals are the clear game story. Most of the first period had been played in Winnipeg’s zone and the Senators were up 1-0 until But it’s too soon to harp on usage. Instead, it’s time to look at the game Scheifele scored his first. that got Maurice so worked up. It’s still convenient as heck for this story that a smart box-out from First period: Seven shifts (4:48 at 5-on-5, 0:42 on the PK) DeMelo led to Chris Tierney’s hooking penalty and Scheifele’s game- tying goal. 1. DeMelo’s debut (1:23 – 2:32) DeMelo has very little to do in this clip until Andrew Copp reverses the DeMelo’s most common linemates on the night are his partner Beaulieu, puck behind the net. At this point, DeMelo gets a step ahead of Tierney, the fourth line, the third line, the second line and the first line — in that holds his body position and forces Tierney to take a penalty or give up order. It’s common for Winnipeg to match its defence pairings to forward the battle. You can see DeMelo get low, turn his back square to Tierney lines where possible and the idea that DeMelo played with Beaulieu and and lean on him to keep his body between Tierney and the puck. mostly behind the third and fourth lines is a tell: his debut was meant to be a soft, sheltered safe space. An added bonus: Ottawa was forced to dump it into Winnipeg’s zone in the first place because DeMelo stepped up with a tight gap in the neutral His first touch as a Jet was a 5-on-5 offensive zone pass to Beaulieu. zone. In the defensive zone, you can see the difference between the two 6. Two straight shifts leading to Mark Scheifele power play goals (16:35 – defencemen’s passing under pressure. 16:57) From holding the blue line to neatly sweeping the puck off Jayce Maurice went right back to Beaulieu/DeMelo after Scheifele scored on Hawryluk’s stick and reversing for Beaulieu, this is a smooth early look the power play. Roslovic won the centre ice draw to DeMelo, whose from DeMelo. When Beaulieu is pressured behind Laurent Brossoit, you second attempt at a clean pass led to a successful zone entry for can almost see the hesitation in DeMelo — is the pass for him? (it’s not) Roslovic, Appleton and Jansen Harkins. — as he lets it go up along the wall to Mason Appleton. Soon after that, Hawryluk high-sticked Appleton and Scheifele scored The rim leaves Appleton in a tough spot. He reverses it back to Beaulieu again. who dumps the puck out under pressure. Not DeMelo related but Ottawa essentially rolled over from this point My biggest takeaway? Look at how much time and space DeMelo gives onward despite dominating most of the first period. Beaulieu with his initial pass. Beaulieu gets closed down, though, so he doesn’t give Appleton that same kind of room, nor does Appleton — now 7. First penalty kill (18:00 – 18:42) under pressure — give it to Beaulieu with space, either. DeMelo’s first shift on the penalty kill was mostly uneventful. Andrew It’s this kind of stuff that leads to the difference between a zone exit with Copp won the faceoff, Beaulieu cleared and then Copp and Nick Shore control or a dump out. conspired to break up a Senators’ zone entry attempt. DeMelo was able to get off the ice without facing any chances at all on a second Jets dump-out 40 seconds in. When the first period was over, DeMelo spoke to TSN’s Dennis Beyak. Stickchecks, neutral zone stops and a long shift before a line change.

“It was definitely a little weird being on that away bench,” DeMelo said. “A 5. Penalty kill redux — a great stick and then a missed stick (10:41 – little weird looking over and playing against my old teammates. At the 11:38) same time, obviously a little nervous for sure, first game, and obviously against the old team adds to that. But I thought I settled in well just like Copp wins the opening PK faceoff against Jean-Gabriel Pageau. our team. I thought maybe we didn’t come off to a great start but we drew Winnipeg clears it into the bench. a couple of penalties and the power plays came up huge.” Copp wins the second faceoff against Brady Tkachuk. Winnipeg safely DeMelo also joked that he didn’t make any accidental passes to his old ices it. teammates so he at least had that going for him. Ottawa tries to break out. DeMelo intercepts their neutral zone pass, A solid start but it was the second period where DeMelo’s play really forcing the Senators back for a second entry attempt. That goes offside. began to sizzle. Just a completely ineffective power play for the Senators to start but then Second period: Seven shifts (5:03 at 5-on-5, 1:04 on the PK) Ottawa won the offside draw, gained the zone and set up in formation. DeMelo was in the right lane for most of the shift but did get beat by one 1. Rush defence (1:51 – 2:52) pass from the point to a man in his zone in front of Brossoit. No harm, no chance, no damage at all. DeMelo had to rush onto the ice in the neutral zone following a Jets dump-in and he made it to the right wall just in time to get beat for a zone 6. Why, we haven’t seen a breakout pass like that since … (12:34 – entry. He stayed with his man, though, and Winnipeg recovered the puck 12:59) and went the other way. DeMelo comes on for a defensive zone faceoff with seven seconds left in Next up for DeMelo on that shift was defending a 2-on-1 turned into a 2- that same Pionk penalty. on-2 thanks to a backchecking Beaulieu. He gapped tightly to Mike Reilly, got a stick on the shot attempt and sent the puck wide. Ottawa Look at this pass. Just look at it! recovered the miss but couldn’t penetrate the Jets defence while DeMelo Blake Wheeler wins a race to the boards, reverses it for DeMelo, and curled to the net front and took care of a threat that never came. pow: a breakout pass we haven’t seen ’round these parts since we were Winnipeg recovered, dumped and DeMelo changed. all young and beautiful. If you watch the clip a couple of times, you can Two things: first, you’ll notice that Winnipeg dumps the puck out a lot. see DeMelo’s head up at five seconds as he looks at Wheeler first and This hurts their possession numbers. Second, you’ll notice that most of then Copp before making the pass as soon as he sees Copp moving. No DeMelo’s shifts start in the neutral zone. This is true of most players on time wasted at all. most shifts and is part of why offensive zone start percentage as Copp has his rush. Ottawa recovers it and sends the puck back conventionally used are a little inaccurate. Most times you see zone start Winnipeg’s way. Guess who ruins the Sens’ best-laid plans up ice? percentage you’re looking at offensive zone starts vs. defensive zone starts to get a quick and dirty look at where a player starts his shifts. Such pokecheck. Such transition. And it’s Tkachuk that DeMelo stickchecks to send Winnipeg back up ice. This may have been DeMelo’s The fact that most shifts begin in the neutral zone is part of why zone best shift of the night. starts only tend to affect possession numbers at the extremes. 7. A couple of harmless misfires (15:05 – 16:06) 2. DeMelo dips, ducks, dives, and dishes. (4:52 – 5:43) DeMelo’s last shift of the second period started with the Jets in This DeMelo shift started after Kyle Connor’s 30th goal of the season — possession behind their own net. Poolman gave it to DeMelo before the third straight year in which Connor has hit that mark. Vibes were going off for Beaulieu to complete the change and DeMelo moved it up good! ice.

Roslovic won the draw, the Jets dumped the puck in and Appleton got There were a couple of hiccups later on during this shift. First, Beaulieu run into the boards for a temporary injury and a stoppage of play. ignored DeMelo for a short range reverse and fired a long range pass DeMelo and Beaulieu stayed on for the neutral zone faceoff with the that got picked off instead. Second, when Winnipeg recovered that, fourth line after Appleton’s injury. A shot wide led to an Ottawa 3-on-2 DeMelo dished to Patrik Laine and then jumped up the ice looking to with backpressure from Shore. Beaulieu read it well, leading to a pass create a rush while Laine circled back in the defensive zone. Laine’s that DeMelo picked off. pass was picked off, forcing DeMelo to scramble back into the play.

Then he made this simply devious pass out of pressure: I like the aggression up ice but it didn’t work out this time. No harm on the turnover as Laine’s giveaway didn’t lead to anything for Ottawa. Are you kidding me? DeMelo has pressure on his back and a second forechecker coming along the wall. The combination of power to fight off Third period: Eight shifts (4:26 at even strength, including a few seconds 6-foot-4, 200-pound Artem Anisimov and precision to feather a one- at 4-on-4, 1:33 on PK) handed pass away from traffic and onto Shore’s stick … I think this is 1. Do not sleep on DeMelo as a PK minute eater down the stretch (0:54 – where Maurice’s superlatives come into play. Just a phenomenal play — 1:42) the kind of little thing that gets the puck out of danger and moving up ice that only shows up on highlight reels when you ask colleague Shayna DeMelo’s first shift of the third period was to start a Jets PK following a Goldman to clip it for you. Kulikov holding penalty. Ottawa controlled the puck off the draw and was able to set up in formation. Once again, it’s clear that DeMelo knows 3. The shot attempt! (7:44 – 8:24) which lane and which zone are his and, fortunately for him, Tyler Ennis Roslovic wins an offensive zone faceoff, leading to an offensive zone misses so badly on a wrist shot that it clears the zone and sends Ottawa shift for the third line. DeMelo takes a pass at the point and shoots wide back. looking for a tip that does not come. High-to-low plays have been a Then this zone entry leading to more great board work: strength for Winnipeg’s third line of late and while DeMelo doesn’t traditionally boast a lot of offence, you might imagine him contributing to I like the aggression from Beaulieu to force the dump-in but it does leave their success if they keep playing big minutes together. DeMelo to fend off two Senators on the recovery. Such is shorthanded life, I suppose — but wait! It’s not a problem for DeMelo at all. He gets to Ottawa recovered the miss, iced the puck and Winnipeg went back to the puck first, keeps it away from Connor Brown and Colin White and Morrissey/Poolman. pins it to the wall until Beaulieu can rejoin the play.

4. The longest breakout attempt (8:39 – 9:51) That Beaulieu’s first move is to push the puck up the wall into a giveaway Morrissey and Poolman’s shift was just 15 seconds before Winnipeg at the point is not on DeMelo. It’s just a case study in contrasts — went right back to Beaulieu/DeMelo. DeMelo can clearly keep his wits about him, even under pressure.

Tierney beat Shaw off the draw and then a clean, boring to non-coaches 2. PK continued (2:22 – 2:58) shift continued for DeMelo. DeMelo gets back onto the ice just in time to close off the PK. Wheeler Just a whole bunch of nothing. The good kind. and Scheifele rush the puck up ice, leading to a turnover but Ottawa goes offside on their way back toward Winnipeg’s zone. Did I mention More than anything, DeMelo said after the game, it was just good to get that Ottawa faded badly after Scheifele’s first two power play goals? his first one out of the way.

The Senators did win the ensuing faceoff and established a little bit of But for the Jets, a team that can desperately use the quiet brand of power play possession time. That time ended with DeMelo blocking a effective play that he brings, his clean execution was such a relief. Tkachuk shot, sending the puck out of play. And that brings us to Winnipeg’s next step.

3. An extended defensive zone shift (4:49 – 5:54) If DeMelo can play like this every night — as calm and cool as This was the most dangerous Senators shift with DeMelo on the ice. advertised, then the Jets have added a smart, top-four defenceman. With Pionk on one pair and DeMelo on the other, you can almost imagine a White won the faceoff from Shore, establishing offensive zone return to an above average defence — especially if Cheveldayoff is able possession. Winnipeg moved into man-to-man coverage and DeMelo to keep adding before the deadline. was no exception, taking his check in the slot. Andreas Englund got into position for a shot but Beaulieu blocked it. Englund shot again but Does that mean Winnipeg will try to extend DeMelo? You’re darn right it Brossoit stopped it and covered up. does. If the fit is good, there’s no way the Jets don’t take a run at extending him this summer. One thing you’ll notice is that, despite all of the good plays he made, DeMelo’s possession numbers were terrible — Winnipeg got just 31.6 The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 percent of shot attempts with him on the ice. This is why you never, ever make sweeping statements about shot attempt numbers based on small samples, folks. (Look for at least 200 minutes if you can.)

DeMelo and Beaulieu stayed on for the defensive zone draw, which Shore lost to Tkachuk. The Jets did recover and clear, forcing a Senators dump-in which DeMelo calmly collected. He passed to Shaw who let it go through him (I’m not sure why.) This led to extended time in Winnipeg’s zone until a Gabriel Bourque shot block led to a last-ditch line change with the puck in Ottawa’s zone.

4. 4-on-4 for a few seconds, 4-on-5 for a few seconds, then 5-on-5 (8:03 – 9:12)

The third period got a little bit crazy with penalties and DeMelo’s fourth shift included a few seconds each of 4-on-4, 4-on-5 and 5-on-5 play.

Winnipeg had possession in the offensive zone to start off this shift following a Copp takeaway but it didn’t turn into anything. Instead, Thomas Chabot rushed up ice and fired a hopeful shot toward Brossoit. DeMelo and Beaulieu killed off the rest of the penalty by passing it between themselves while Ottawa changed lines and then broke out the puck and changed while Winnipeg had offensive zone possession.

5. The shortest shift (10:21 – 10:39)

This quick shift started with the Senators set up behind their net looking for a breakout play. Beaulieu and DeMelo played it well but honestly didn’t need to — a bouncing puck harmlessly slid to Brossoit. The game was well in hand at this point, Brossoit covered and Winnipeg changed lines following a TV timeout.

6. Trap practice (13:18 – 14:18)

Winnipeg spent most of the third period up 4-1, leading to plenty of opportunities to practise sitting back and trapping.

Most of DeMelo’s shift was spent watching Ottawa try to break out, fail and dump it into Winnipeg’s zone only for the Jets to carry it out.

The third time Winnipeg gathered the puck in its own zone after forcing an Ottawa dump, the Jets went on a rush and DeMelo joined it.

I’m not sure if this is a part of DeMelo’s game the Jets can depend on, but up 4-1, I’m glad to see it’s in his toolbox. He gave Winnipeg extra numbers, at speed, and even though nothing came of it I liked the aggression. No penalty on the trip, either.

7. Garbage time (16:05 – 16:35)

I call DeMelo’s last couple of shifts garbage time because the game was so well in hand, the Jets were sitting back and Ottawa hadn’t generated anything for ages.

DeMelo started it by misplaying a pass in the offensive zone, costing the Jets possession, but Ottawa had nothing going for it whatsoever. There were no issues on this shift, despite the mistake and a missed pass that came later.

8. Shutting it down (18:26 – 20:00)

Scheifele scored his third power play goal of the game with 1:24 left in the third period, cementing Winnipeg’s 5-1 win and making DeMelo’s last shift of his first game an even bigger formality than it already was. 1177744 Winnipeg Jets more challenging set of circumstances – even if the intensity of a playoff push is merely heating up.

Never mind the fact he was facing his old team less than 48 hours after Dylan DeMelo provides ‘coach’s porn’ in Jets debut being dealt, DeMelo hadn’t even had his first full practice with the Jets.

To help make DeMelo feel a bit more comfortable in his new By Ken Wiebe Feb 21, 2020 30 surroundings, Maurice paired him with Nathan Beaulieu, since the two players are familiar with one another from past summer skates in London, Ont.

KANATA, Ont. – Almost immediately after the words had been uttered, “You want to fit in as much as possible and going against your old team, Paul Maurice caught himself and openly wished he had used another you don’t want to look silly and you want to stick it to them as much as turn of phrase. possible,” DeMelo said after his media scrum had broken up. “So you have all of those emotions. I didn’t sleep particularly well in my pregame In describing the debut of Dylan DeMelo against the Ottawa Senators on nap. I was a little bit nervous, but it’s good. When you’re nervous, it Thursday, the Winnipeg Jets head coach used the term “coach’s porn,” means that you care. I’m happy this one is out of the way and I’ll get showing an appreciation for his newest defenceman. more comfortable as we go.” This was the epitome of someone making a positive first impression and DeMelo’s defence partner had some prior experience of his own in a upon further inspection, the term “coach’s porn” wasn’t nearly as similar situation, playing his first game with the Buffalo Sabres against salacious as it originally sounded. the team that traded him, the Montreal Canadiens, a few years back. “If you didn’t like that game then we’re not going to be able to agree on “A very simple, meat and potatoes kind of guy,” Beaulieu said when anything,” Maurice said inside the bowels of Canadian Tire Centre after asked for a scouting report before the game. “Just like an all-season tire, his Jets had earned a 5-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators. “His stick, so he does everything really well.” many times knocked pucks down, his passes were on the tape. That was pure, what would you call it? Coach’s porn? When you’re watching the DeMelo finished his debut with three blocked shots in 18:36 of ice time, hockey video, that’s pretty darn good.” including 3:18 of penalty-kill time as the Jets went four-for-four and won the special teams battle 3-0 after getting three goals from Mark Scheifele Before the assembled reporters could even ask Maurice for a further with the man-advantage. explanation, he was already doing his best to work his way out of a slippery situation. Scheifele snapped a 12-game goal-scoring drought and finished with four points as the Jets moved back above the playoff line and into the first “I probably should have used that line somewhere else,” Maurice said. wild-card spot with 20 games left in the regular season. “I’m just saying that coaches love that kind of game. It’s not flashy, but his consistency with his stick, his reads and then his passes. The ones “I’ve seen that a lot in the junior days when he was in Barrie and I was in he needed to snap hard, he did. The ones he could feather, he did. That Mississauga. It was nice to be on the same end of it,” DeMelo said. “He’s was a really complete, quiet game that coaches love. a special player, he really is. He’s got a great feel for the game and he thinks the game at such a high level.” “That would be the way he’s played. That’s his MO. Maybe I’m over- selling it but there’s real value in that, doing it night after night. It’s not During a stoppage in play in the first period, the Senators played a tribute necessarily going to be appreciated as much because the goals and video for DeMelo. assists don’t come along with it. But for winning hockey games, getting a defenceman like that, that can be that kind of player every night, there’s “I was teasing the boys early there that they only showed my stuff with big value.” the media – I did play some hockey here, just a second,” DeMelo said. “It finally came and they showed a couple of goals. No, it was great. Ottawa After acquiring him on Tuesday from the Senators for a third-round pick is a first-class organization and they’ve treated me really well. I‘m very in the 2020 NHL Draft, the Jets are hoping the value is just beginning to thankful for the opportunity that they gave me coming from San Jose. I come to the forefront. was looking for a home, a place to be and a place where I could grow my game and they gave me that.” James Boyd, who coached DeMelo for four seasons in Mississauga of the , knows precisely what Maurice is talking After finding out the news he had been dealt on Tuesday, DeMelo had about in terms of beyond-the-stat-line value. some extra time to process the next steps, since the Jets were playing in Ottawa two days later. “For his entire career, he’s been flying under the radar,” Boyd said, who was the head coach for two years and the assistant for two others during Rather than rush to Winnipeg to meet his new teammates, DeMelo was DeMelo’s tenure. “When you’re talking about defencemen, sometimes able to do some laundry and work his way through his emotions. when you say you didn’t notice him, that means he had a really good game. When you watch him on a night-to-night basis, you really gain an DeMelo spoke openly about how his top choice was to remain with the appreciation of him. Senators, but that since there had been no contract talks in the days and weeks leading up to the deadline, he saw the writing on the wall and had “He’s reliable. You know exactly what you’re going to get. He doesn’t a pretty good idea that he was going to be on the move. take many chances, which is just fine for the role that he plays. He’s a jack of all trades. He can play on the power play, he’s an excellent “It was a combination of things,” DeMelo said. “The Jets were coming penalty killer. He’s got a great stick to break up some plays. The one here, so I didn’t have to fly out there. You digest (the News) a little bit criticism when he was playing junior was his skating – and that’s more because I did want to be here, so you think about why it didn’t work improved.” out. At the same time, the way the negotiations were, it was evident we were pretty far (apart). So that left my memory quickly. DeMelo’s coach in the AHL, Roy Sommer, had a similar experience with him. “But playing against Ottawa in the first game added to it. It’s good to get that first one out of the way.” “He doesn’t do anything great, but he does everything good,” Sommer, now an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks, said in a telephone Senators centre Chris Tierney has been a longtime teammate of DeMelo, interview earlier this week. “He’s in good spots, a thinker. Not overly fast, dating back to the San Jose days and he provided his stamp of approval but makes good decisions. It took him a while to get up to the NHL, but on Thursday morning. once he got there, people realized what they had and that’s why he’s “He’s as steady as they come,” Tierney said. “You know what you’re made a career (for himself). going to get from him every night. He plays good defensively. He breaks “He’s super detailed. Guys like that are hard to find. He’s still not even in the puck out really well. He makes good, little plays, jams guys up at the his prime yet.” line, boxes guys out in front. They got a good defender over there.”

While he didn’t provide much in the way of traditional highlight-reel Senators head coach D.J. Smith knows exactly what will be missing from material, it’s important to remember DeMelo probably isn’t going face a his lineup with the departure of DeMelo. “He’s a no-maintenance player,” Smith said. He’s prepared, he does all the things he has to do and he shows up to play every night.

“He’s a guy that’s been around long enough in this league that he doesn’t go running around out of position, makes a lot of smart plays. He’s having the best game when you don’t even notice him and then all of a sudden you go on the tape and he broke up five or six plays. He can play in all situations.”

Smith didn’t use the word coach’s porn, but he didn’t have to.

What he just described sure sounds like another example of it.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177745 Vancouver Canucks was a little bit of a fresh start, fresh eyes, being somewhere where you’re maybe wanted more.

“It’s an adjustment. But sometimes, you know, you don’t have enough Patrick Johnston: Stresses of NHL trade deadline day can be nerve- time to think about it, you just jump right back in. You’re trying to learn a racking, 'weird' or 'cool' new system and a new group of guys.”

Motte added: “Even if you want to ignore the trade chatter, it’s hard to Patrick Johnston ignore, it always seems to slip through the cracks a little bit and then into the conversation.

“You pay attention to it sometimes when you know your camp or your Jordie Benn called being in the middle of trade deadline buzz "cool," group thinks that there’s something that might be going on, whether it’s a Oscar Fantenberg found it weird and it was just a fresh start for Tyler positive or negative. Sometimes it’s nice just to be educated on what’s Motte going on, which I think helps you adjust and deal with any situation.

Ask players what they think about the NHL trade deadline and chances “But for me at the time, it’s not that I was looking for it; but it is something are good most will say they can’t wait for it all to be over. that ended up obviously working out for me and my career to this point, and hopefully the organization thinks the same.” The stress, they say, is a lot to handle. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 02.22.2020 Jordie Benn is not one of those worried players.

“Obviously you’ve got certain guys, and I mean obviously anybody can get traded, but you’ve got guys that you know are probably not going anywhere, right?

“For myself, I just embrace it. I thought it was kind of cool. Obviously shocking when it first happened, but now that I look back it was just a cool experience,” he said of being traded from the Dallas Stars to the Montreal Canadiens in 2017 at the trade deadline.

“I had never been in a position like that before. And when I got traded I went to Montreal, which is a cool place to go. I know most guys probably don’t want to get traded, but that experience is actually really cool,” Benn insisted.

“You hear rumours, you hear people talking. The unknown of it is kind of cool. And then when you finally get that call it becomes pretty surreal, and then it’s just the experience of it, of how quickly you turn around.

“I got a call at four o’clock and I left my house at 5:30 and I was in a different city at midnight and played the next night in a different jersey. It was pretty surreal.”

Oscar Fantenberg moved at the deadline in 2019, traded by the Los Angeles Kings to the Calgary Flames. The 28-year-old defenceman had signed with the Kings in 2017. He played a season in the Kontinental Hockey League the year before with Sochi, following five years in the .

“Weird,” he said of his experience. While he knew the Kings weren’t doing well and players would likely be on the move, he didn’t think it would be him.

“I was sleeping. I got woken up. Someone knocked on my door. I mean, it’s never fun to see a guy go or when yourself gets traded. But for me, at the time it was a good opportunity to go to a top team going to the playoffs,” Fantenberg said.

“But it was hard, especially since L.A. was my first team. I got the chance there, I broke into the NHL in L.A. It’s a little bit confusing. You don’t really know what’s going to happen. You get all these calls from GMs, from teammates, friends, texts, your phone goes off. It’s kind of weird but at the same time you’re kind of happy, excited to get the opportunity. But it’s still a little bit weird.

“(Deadline day) is a crazy day. The locker room is quiet. It’s weird. It’s part of the business but there’s a hard side of it too, for guys with families and stuff like that.”

Asked about hockey in Sweden, Fantenberg said: “Usually a team just buys you out and then you sign somewhere else.”

Tyler Motte was picked up, along with Jussi Jokinen, by the Canucks at the 2018 deadline for Thomas Vanek. It wasn’t the first time he had been traded, but it was the first time he was involved in a deadline-day transaction.

“It’s challenging in a sense, if you’re the guy moving,” Motte said. “But I think, as a group, you want to welcome anyone who comes in with open arms. Get him acclimated fairly quickly and, obviously, the whole point is to improve the hockey team.

“I was in the American League, in Cleveland there, and I’d bounced up and down a lot between there and Columbus,” he recalled. “For me, it 1177746 Vancouver Canucks TOR finds better fit on D, or gets pieces to flip for that better fit.— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 21, 2020

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 02.22.2020 Canucks' Troy Stecher philosophical on trade deadline buzz

Patrick Johnston

Troy Stecher would like to stay in his hometown, but knows the business may take him elsewhere.

“It is what it is,” Troy Stecher said Friday afternoon of his name surfacing in NHL trade deadline day speculation.

“I have a job to do, to come to the rink every day and put my work boots on. So, had a good practice today with the boys and excited for tomorrow (Saturday night’s game against the visiting Boston Bruins).”

The 25-year-old defenceman is a pending restricted free agent this summer and with the Vancouver Canucks’ looming cap crunch, it seems almost certain he’ll be wearing different colours next fall — if not sooner.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have expressed an interest in the Richmond native, who is a solid skater, an underrated penalty killer and moves the puck well. He has been used as a third-pairing defenceman for much of this season, but has been skating lately as a second-pairing shutdown defenceman alongside Alex Edler.

The Leafs, it’s speculated, would be looking at employing him in a similar role.

Asked if he takes the interest from other teams as a compliment, Stecher choose his words carefully.

“Don’t really try to read into it, so if you want to say it that way then I’ll take it. It’s a business. At the end of the day teams are going to do what they have to do. My responsibility is to come here and try to help (the Canucks) win,” he said.

Nonetheless, Stecher admitted he’d be sad to leave his hometown team. Not many players get a chance to play for the team they grew up watching and cheering for.

“Obviously I’d be upset,” he said. “At the end of the day, you’re still playing in the NHL. As a kid, you don’t dream of playing for a specific team, you want to play in the NHL, win a Stanley Cup.

“I got my foot in the door now and I’m trying to make the most of it, trying to build a career out here, but if it’s somewhere else, that’s where it is.

“You guys (reporters) know literally just as much as I know. I’m in the same spot as you guys.”

How would the Toronto fit work?

If Stecher was dealt to Toronto, it has been suggested that Tyson Barrie would be coming to Vancouver as part of the deal.

Barrie would be a strange fit for the Canucks, given the emergence of Quinn Hughes as the team’s top defenceman. Barrie could be a handy point man on the second power-play unit, albeit Tyler Myers has been solid in that role since joining the unit in December.

So is it possible that Stecher could be flipped for a different player? TSN’s Frank Seravalli has suggested that teams such as the Calgary Flames or Vegas Golden Knights — who have cleared yet more cap space, by the way, sending Cody Eakin to the Jets — have some interest in Barrie as well. That makes one wonder if Stecher would be part of a separate deal.

Why would the Canucks do it?

That is a great question. The one-for-one for Barrie makes sense on the surface. The Canucks need to improve their blue-line and he’s been a top-notch puck mover for the Leafs. But as noted, he wouldn’t get much power-play time in Vancouver. And he’s not an elite defensive player.

So around and around and around we go, just like Stecher.

More Trade Bait talk on @SportsCentre– I believe at least 4 teams have shown interest so far in #Leafs pending UFA Tyson Barrie: #Canucks , #Flames , #VegasBorn , #LetsGoCanes. Only way Barrie gets dealt is if 1177747 Vancouver Canucks Toffoli is also heading to the open market this summer, which raises the question: What’s a number that fits in the Canucks’ world? Miller makes $5.25 million per. That’s probably a good comparable, but does that Ed Willes: GM will calculate roster configurations as Canucks confront secure Toffoli or will someone outbid the Canucks? cap crunch Then there’s Tanev. He’s a Canucks lifer who is having the best season of his 10 years here. If he comes in at, say, $5 million, you’ve used more than $16 million of that available space on Markstrom, Toffoli and Tanev Ed Willes — and there are all those other players to consider.

Can the Canucks afford Virtanen and Stecher, who are in line for raises from $1.25 million and $2.325 million, respectively? The organization During the course of Tuesday’s eventful press conference, Jim Benning should be able to afford two players at that price point, especially two veered from his main talking points and, without much prompting, spoke they’ve developed. But in the Canucks’ world, every penny will count. at length about Zack MacEwen. It’s funny. This season they’ve benefited from a number of players who The Vancouver Canucks, their GM said, like MacEwen’s size, are outperforming their contracts to an absurd degree. With Markstrom belligerence and ability to disrupt on the forecheck. True, he’ll never be a making $3.667 million, there are only five other NHL teams paying less big scorer, but he’s shown steady improvement since signing with the for their goaltending. When Virtanen was skating with Pettersson and NHL organization as an undrafted free agent out of junior. Miller, their first line was making just over $7 million combined, which is And there’s one other thing Benning likes about MacEwen: He’ll work usually the cost of one front-line player. cheaply. That ends this off-season. The bad contracts on the Canucks’ payroll — “We think he’s ready to be an everyday player in the NHL,” Benning said. Loui Eriksson, Brandon Sutter, Sven Baertschi, Antoine Roussel, Jay Beagle — have been roundly derided by the faithful for some time. But Now, if he can just find a couple more like him. none of those deals prevented Benning from signing a player.

As is the case with virtually all NHL teams, the Canucks’ payroll has been Now it seems some difficult choices have to be made, and if you want a source of intense fascination with the fan base this season, but for more cheery news, consider the $3 million in cap recapture the Canucks Benning and newly minted assistant GM Chris Gear, the real fun starts are paying for Roberto Luongo. That penalty might cost them Virtanen or this off-season when they try to cram their roster into the available space. Stecher. As always, thanks for nothing, Gary Bettman.

According to CapFriendly, the website that is generally referred to in It could be, as Benning says, there’s a relatively painless solution to the these matters, the Canucks have some $18 million currently available for Canucks’ cap crunch. They’re certainly aware of it and have ample time the 2020-21 season. to prepare for the challenges. But it also figures they’ll be losing some pretty good hockey players this off-season, players who should be That might sound like a comfortable working margin until you consider Canucks. the players who are up for new deals. Jacob Markstrom, Tyler Toffoli, Chris Tanev, Josh Leivo and Oscar Fantenberg are all headed toward That’s, at least, what the adding machine says. unrestricted free agency. Jake Virtanen, Troy Stecher, Adam Gaudette, Tyler Motte and that man MacEwen are restricted free agents. Of those Vancouver Province: LOADED: 02.22.2020 players, only Gaudette doesn’t have arbitration rights.

There are also the free agents in Utica, N.Y., to consider. And bonuses owed to Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes. That could add up to as high as $28 million, which advanced analytics tells you, is a bigger number than $18 million.

As Dave Nonis, the Canucks’ former GM, used to say, it doesn’t require a genius to figure out the salary cap. You just need an adding machine, and right now the numbers don’t add up for the Canucks.

“I’m not worried about the off-season,” Benning said over the phone Friday. “I’m just trying to make it (through Monday’s trade) deadline. We’re going to have to make some decisions on some guys. But I think we have some guys in the minors who are ready to play. We can make this work.”

If only it were as easy as he makes it sound.

Markstrom, for example, would be at the top of the Canucks’ priority list, but the early intel suggests there’s a gap between the two sides. Seen through a Canucks lens, Markstrom is experiencing a breakout season, his first full campaign where he’s established himself as a top-tier goalie. No one in their right mind would argue his value to the team this year, but this is his 10th pro season and the overall body of work should be considered.

It’s believed the number the Canucks are pitching starts with a five.

In a stunning development, Markstrom’s camp has a different view of his value. According to one industry source, he’s looking for $6.5 million per in a new deal. Under ordinary circumstances, there’s probably a compromise there that can be reached.

But the Canucks aren’t in ordinary circumstances.

Take the case of Toffoli. Benning has been looking for a top-six winger for a couple of years and the former King ticks every conceivable box for the Canucks. He’s a proven 20- to 25-goal scorer. He plays a robust, 200-foot game. In short, he’s a lot like J.T. Miller, and we’ve seen what Miller has done this season. 1177748 Vancouver Canucks Boucher travelled to Manitoba last year and came to Vancouver two years ago to see her son play hockey professionally.

Bourdon was the Canucks’ first-round draft pick in 2005 and played 27 Canucks at 50: The death of Luc Bourdon games last season with Vancouver, scoring twice. He was expected to earn a full-time spot in the NHL this fall.

Postmedia News “He loved to be with his team, he loved to be on the Canucks,” Boucher said. “That was always his dream. He worked so hard to get there … And now it’s gone. I lost him and I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

Revisiting the tragic death of Luc Bourdon. Jason Botchford covered the Vancouver Province: LOADED: 02.22.2020 death of Bourdon.

In this series we have chosen to highlight poignant, significant, memorable but mostly positive on-ice memories from the Vancouver Canucks’ history. Today, we go in a more sombre direction, revisiting the tragic death of Luc Bourdon. Jason Botchford covered the death of Bourdon; here is his story:

Sobbing uncontrollably just hours after losing her son, Luc Bourdon, in a tragic motorcycle accident, Suzanne Boucher said she had tried desperately to stop him from buying a bike.

Her plea worked last year when her fears changed his mind. That’s when Bourdon, the promising Canucks defenceman, first told his mom he dreamed of riding, and was spellbound by the “power and beauty” of motorcycles.

“I was scared when he told me that,” Boucher said through tears from her home in Shippagan, N.B. “I disagreed with it so much. I said, ‘You can’t do it.’ It was too risky, too dangerous. His girlfriend helped me reason with him. But this year was different. This year he wasn’t going to listen.

“He said, ‘Mom, I can die in a plane, I can die in a car, I can die walking out onto the street. I don’t want to live in fear. I want to enjoy life to the fullest. Don’t worry, mom, I’ll be safe. I won’t be crazy.’ ”

The police don’t believe Bourdon, 21, was being “crazy” when his bike, the one he bought just three weeks ago, veered into an oncoming tractor- trailer on a remote stretch of Highway 113 on New Brunswick’s north shore. Bourdon, who was riding what was described as a “racing bike,” died instantly between Lemaque, N.B., and Shippagan. He slammed head-on into the transport truck just after noon Atlantic time (May 29, 2008).

Police believe a strong gust of wind, estimated at more than 70 km/h, knocked Bourdon off-course to the other side of the road.

The accident left a small town in shock, a family in mourning and a mother, who was Bourdon’s “guiding light” throughout his life, screaming for her lost son. “He was my only child,” Boucher wailed. “I don’t know what I’m going to do without him. He was everything to me. I tried to prevent him from doing this. I tried to stop him.”

Boucher, a teller at National Bank for 46 years, invested everything she had in Bourdon. Her time. Her money. Her vacations. Her life. “She was his adviser, his mom, his friend,” Bourdon’s agent, Kent Hughes, said. “She was … the guiding light in his life.”

When Bourdon was young, Boucher said, she never missed a game, not even a practice.

“But he left home when he was 16 and I couldn’t see him as much. That was so hard on me. It was hard to be away from him,” Boucher said. “But every vacation I had — two weeks in the fall, one week after Christmas — I went to go watch him play. It cost me a lot of money but it was worth it. He was worth it. I always knew in my heart he would be a great hockey player. And he was just about to become a great hockey player. It was in him.”

Bourdon started riding his motorbike on the road recently, after getting his licence, after a course.

Bourdon’s dad, Luc Bourdon Sr., took a long walk after hearing the tragic news.

“Oh my God, we can’t believe this happened,” said Bourdon Sr.’s wife, Maryse Godin-Bourdon. “It’s an unreal tragedy. His father is crushed.”

Eve Bourdon is Bourdon’s 16-year-old stepsister. She goes to the same high school that Bourdon went to, Marie Ecole in Shippagan.

“All the students are having a very difficult time,” Godin-Bourdon said. “Luc was a hero.” 1177749 Vancouver Canucks objective measure, he’s been one of the team’s better defensive players, relatively speaking.

Stecher is the only Canuck defenceman to be on the ice for fewer than Making sense of the Troy Stecher rumours and why Tyson Barrie would two goals against per hour at 5-on-5, has conceded the fewest scoring be an awkward fit chances of any defender not named Quinn Hughes and is right behind Hughes and Tanev as far as his expected goals against rate.

By Harman Dayal Feb 21, 2020 45 It bears mentioning that Stecher’s accomplished this against sheltered competition, but even if we’re comparing him to the team’s bottom-pairing defencemen, his defensive profile is miles better than their left side options, Jordie Benn and Oscar Fantenberg. Troy Stecher’s name is the most common that’s buzzing among current Canucks ahead of Monday’s NHL trade deadline. To me, Stecher is a suitable No. 4/5 defenceman, with the left side in far greater need of reinforcements. It also doesn’t help that the general ARE THEY THE SAME PEOPLE WHISPERING STECHER ’S NAME TO perception around the league of Stecher isn’t very high — according to a ME? HTTPS://T.CO/5KYBYN4KIZ league source in November, most teams view him as more of a bottom- — RICK DHALIWAL (@DHALIWALSPORTS) FEBRUARY 19, 2020 pairing guy as opposed to a true No. 4/5. At the time, the source opined that he thought the Canucks would be fortunate to land a third-round pick LISTEN @TSNBOBMCKENZIE: DON'T THINK THE #CANUCKS ARE for him and while the going rate for defencemen is higher right now as we DONE ON THE TRADE FRONT; HEAD A LOT OF STECHER TALK get closer to the deadline, I’d still expect a fairly modest return LAST LITTLE BITHTTPS://T.CO/HIISXNRM71 irrespective of when he’s moved.

— TSN RADIO VANCOUVER (@TSN1040) FEBRUARY 20, 2020 What about Tyson Barrie?

That Stecher’s presumably available on the trade market shouldn’t come Bob McKenzie reported on TSN’s “Insider Trading” that the Toronto as a huge surprise. In fact, it’s something that seemed somewhat Maple Leafs are open to the idea of trading Tyson Barrie and that the inevitable. Canucks are one of the teams that have shown interest.

In November, The Athletic broke down how the 25-year-old’s NHL INSIDER TRADING: IS THERE A REAL POSSIBILITY THE LEAFS resume had him in line for a potential raise in the $3-million range MOVE BARRIE? LEAFS, SENATORS, CANUCKS, JETS, HABS, because of arbitration leverage. With that context in mind, I posited that OILERS…WE HIT THEM ALL IN TODAY’S EDITION OF IT. the Canucks might not feel comfortable qualifying Stecher in the HTTPS://T.CO/4GXDNDXZ66 offseason because of those arbitration rights (similar to Ben Hutton last summer) and could instead look to trade him at some point given the — DARREN DREGER (@DARRENDREGER) FEBRUARY 20, 2020 belief some have that Travis Green doesn’t see him as an important With Toronto reportedly looking for a defenceman coming back, there’s piece of the blue line. been speculation that the Canucks could perhaps try building a package It’s possible for those reasons that Stecher is dealt before Monday’s centred around Stecher for Barrie, who’s a pending UFA. This seems like deadline, but I’m inclined to believe a move is more likely in the a plausible hypothetical for Vancouver since it would see them get a offseason. defender back who can slot in for Stecher. It’s a really interesting thought exercise and the most important question to ask is how much of a While Stecher is hard-pressed to remain a Canuck beyond this year, premium would Vancouver have to add on top of Stecher to potentially there are logistical challenges to moving him now. I’d imagine Vancouver make this work. would be wholly reluctant to make a move that could weaken their roster in the midst of a high-stakes playoff race and jettisoning right-handed Nobody in the public sphere knows the answer to that question outright, depth in Stecher would certainly fall under that category. but from the Canucks’ perspective their response should be ‘Not much.’

Brogan Rafferty is a solid prospect that could fill Stecher’s role next year, Barrie is a very special offensive talent, but much like it’s been with the but he has just two NHL games under his belt and less than a full Leafs, I don’t think he addresses what the blue line needs. The 28-year- season’s worth of experience playing professional hockey. In an alternate old would be a massive upgrade offensively, but even there, his utility scenario where the Canucks were out of the playoff picture, I could see wouldn’t be maximized. Vancouver already has a great quarterback for them shipping Stecher out and simply plugging Rafferty in, but it’s much their first unit power play in Hughes, while Tyler Myers has been fully more of a gamble for a team to roll the dice on a prospect in a tight capable in his own right on the second unit. playoff race where every game feels like a must-win. Just like it is with the Leafs, the Canucks’ defensive play is their biggest You also can’t ignore Chris Tanev’s poor health record. The Canucks concern and this is where red flags emerge with Barrie. He’s been a would be one injury away from an unproven Rafferty skating in their top- liability on many occasions in his own zone by the eye and the numbers four if Stecher is moved. back up his weak defensive profile — Barrie is near the bottom of Leafs defenders in virtually every defensive category (shots, scoring chances For that reason, one would think that a right-handed defenceman and goals against). probably has to be part of the return in any Stecher trade. Either that or the assets that he brings in would need to be flipped in a separate Adjusted shot metrics courtesy Evolving-Hockey transaction to replace the Richmond, B.C. native. Barrie’s definitely a better player than Stecher, but with his offensive This complicates a trade because there aren’t a ton of right-handed impact potentially minimized on a team that already has Hughes plus his blueliners that are on the market right now. It’s easier (although still defensive concerns, I’m not sure he’s a fit for what the Canucks need the difficult) to find back end help in the offseason and with a Stecher trade most help with. likely necessitating a replacement piece, I think such a trade would be If anything, the fit kind of reminds me of why he’s had a tough time in likelier in the summer. Toronto. For most of the season, Barrie played second-fiddle offensively Regardless, what I’d love to know is the philosophy and reasoning to Morgan Rielly and his defensive flaws were exposed on a team that behind Vancouver’s desire to move Stecher before the deadline. Are they struggled defensively. I’m not sure how much better that environment shopping Stecher because they think he’s someone they need an would be in Vancouver and because of that, I think it’d be a bit of an immediate upgrade on or is this about cashing in on an asset that they awkward fit for Barrie with the Canucks. don’t intend on bringing back? Regardless, the development of Barrie talks is something well worth The latter would be understandable even though I think he could be a monitoring because it’s one of the few circumstances where Stecher viable option to consider retaining if Tanev’s asking price on his next could plausibly be moved before the deadline. The latter’s days wearing contract is too high. blue and green are probably numbered, but the challenge with moving him now is that they’re unlikely to get a right-shot defenceman who could Where I’d be concerned about management’s process is if they’re replace his spot in the lineup. shopping Stecher because they believe he’s a chief problem amidst the team’s defensive woes. He’s had a rough week, but by virtually every The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177750 Websites 15 on, and I got hit with waves of it in the past little while and I haven’t handled any of those waves right for a long period of time and things just continued to escalate for the last three years.”

The Athletic / ‘Enough is enough’: Bobby Ryan opens up about his On Friday, he said he’s more at peace with his life now than he’s ever recovery from alcohol abuse been.

Ryan last played for the Senators on Nov. 16 and entered the program a By Hailey Salvian Feb 21, 2020 34 few days later. He began to work out with the team in December — skating with the team’s skill coaches and some of the injured players.

Earlier this month, he returned to full practice with the Senators for the Bobby Ryan had been dreading this day for months. first time in more than two months.

In an emotional 10 minutes, he opened up to reporters at Canadian Tire BOBBY BACK AT PRACTICE THIS MORNING. Centre about his struggle with alcohol abuse and his road to recovery. PIC.TWITTER.COM/AVNK4GFYJC

“I am doing very, very well,” he said. “It’s been trying at times, but — OTTAWA SENATORS (@SENATORS) FEBRUARY 5, 2020 everybody’s been very supportive and my recovery has been a process and a learning thing for me for sure, but I’ve come a long way and just “The first month was obviously very tough,” Ryan said. “You come back continuing to get a little bit better with it each day.” and you’re very isolated with what you’re doing and trying to make baby steps to come back. You’re going through the protocols and all that, but Ryan, 32, has been back in Ottawa and skating since December. But you’re not around the guys. Friday afternoon was the first time he spoke to media since November when it was announced Ryan had entered the NHL/NHLPA player “Thankfully for me, you know, I got the other affairs in order and was able assistance program. to just continue to come to the rink and get a little bit better and a little stronger every day and the guys have been great. "I’M DOING VERY, VERY WELL. IT’S BEEN TRYING AT TIMES BUT EVERYBODY’S BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE.” “Away from the rink, my wife’s been an absolute rock star for me, in allowing me to do this,” he added. “(She has been) taking on more than BOBBY RYAN SPOKE TO THE MEDIA TODAY FOR THE FIRST TIME she’s probably had to, but it’s been an absolutely incredible.” SINCE ENTERING THE NHL/NHLPA PLAYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. PIC.TWITTER.COM/G65FJMZYES Since returning to the team, Ryan has been put through a number of fitness tests to see if he’s back at an NHL level. He received a passing — OTTAWA SENATORS (@SENATORS) FEBRUARY 21, 2020 grade. Head coach D.J. Smith said Ryan could be back playing next week. Ryan had been dealing with alcohol abuse issues for a long time, and he tried to figure things out on his own. He realized that it wasn’t enough. A “His numbers are significantly better than they were in camp,” Smith said. panic attack was one of the catalysts to enter the program and seek “There’s two reps of a skating test (we have) and he did better in both. more help. So he’s ready to go here.”

“I was trying to white knuckle things and try to do things the wrong way. Smith said he’s happy to see Ryan back and doing well. I’d have 20 days of nothing and one real bad one. You just can’t get better without (help),” he said. “I guess you could call it a panic attack, “I think he’s hungry to prove he can still do it,” said Smith. “He’s gotten but it was more of a realization that the route that I was going had no himself in good enough shape to allow him the opportunity, and it’s good end in sight. And that’s not just professionally, that’s personally, going to take him a little bit… but he’s got some high-end skill and wants and I didn’t want to continue to do that. to prove to people (he can) and good for him.”

“I had a lot of times where I woke up in the morning just overridden with “People have reservations about where I’m at in my career and (my) guilt, shame and saying ‘I would do it’ (get sober), and doing it for 12 contract and I understand that,” Ryan said. “I’m not saying I’m going to days then messing up again. It had no good ending.” come out of this and play to the $7-million guy that I want to be as much as everybody else does, but this is a chance for me to reset and prove In the recovery program they helped him get sober. that I still have some years left in this league and I can play and contribute. “It helped immensely,” he said. “As tough as it is personally to deal with I’m immensely happy that I did it.” “And I hope (my first game back is) at home because my wife and kids will be here for that because they’ve earned this as much as I have.” The player assistance program provides players with professional help for mental health and substance abuse issues. The identity of players in The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 the program is kept confidential, unless they require a leave of absence from their team. In a perfect world, Ryan said he would have admitted himself quietly in the summer, so it wouldn’t have been announced publicly.

He said he was struggling for many years but “hadn’t learned how to accept” the fact he needed help.

“I spent two weeks agonizing over the fact that it was going to be a media thing for me,” Ryan said. “I spent months and years before that trying to avoid (a media announcement) with doing it on my own. And I got to a point where I just said enough is enough of this. Of the shame and the guilt and not being the person you need to be for your family.

“I’ve dreaded this day for the better part of three months, but to stand here and take time to heal yourself, you’re going to need to face the music, right?”

Ryan’s story has been well documented. In 2016, he lost his mother Melody to cancer and wrote a heartfelt letter in The Players’ Tribune about her. Earlier this season, Ryan was regularly a healthy scratch in the lineup — a first for his 12-year NHL career.

“A lot of what I’ve been through is very public — it’s not a catalyst for (my struggles), but it’s a part of it,” he said. “I had a lot of issues surrounding that and for a very long time I just kind of put my head down and never dealt with any of it. I checked the metaphorical boxes from the time I was 1177751 Websites moving someone like Jack Johnson – perhaps to the Philadelphia Flyers – for forward help. Lombardi visibly blanched. Or twitched. Or did something that I read as a tell if we’d been playing poker.

The Athletic / Duhatschek Notebook: Playing matchmaker with 5 Sure enough, a few days later, Johnson was traded by the Kings, along plausible trade scenarios with a first-round draft choice, not to Philadelphia, but the Columbus Blue Jackets for Jeff Carter.

By Eric Duhatschek Feb 21, 2020 57 The Carter deal is an example of a trade-deadline transaction that did work out – the Kings won the Stanley Cup later that same season and Carter played a key role. Two years later, Lombardi did it again – adding Marian Gaborik at the 2014 deadline, again from Columbus, in exchange Hypotheticals are all the rage at this time of year, and why not? for Matt Frattin, plus second and third-round picks. Gaborik went on to It’s the countdown to the NHL trade deadline time – Christmas of sorts lead the playoffs in goal-scoring in 2014, with 14 in 26 games – and the for hockey fans. For teams in the midst of disappointing down seasons, Kings won another Cup. the deadline is a chance to load up on futures, providing hope that the Therefore, whenever I get to this point of the season, I try to remind next generation succeeds better than the current one. myself of that. Occasionally, a smart, strategic add at the deadline can For the few teams nicely settled into a playoff spot, the goal may be to help push a team over the top. add that extra difference-making piece (though historically, the push for They rarely make you win. L.A. won those Cups largely because of one additional difference-making piece can often backfire). Jonathan Quick, Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar’s contributions. But the For everyone else hovering on the playoff bubble – which, in an era of deals can – and sometimes do – fill a hole with an important additional parity, constitutes the majority of NHL club – it’s a time of genuine complimentary piece. The St. Louis Blues didn’t make any significant anxiousness and uncertainty. adds ahead of their championship run last season, but the Washington Capitals did benefit from the addition of Michal Kempny the year before. Do you add? Do you subtract? Or do you stay the course and risk the wrath of our man Sean McIndoe? What to do? With the 2020 deadline looming Monday, there doesn’t appear to be a player of Carter’s – or even Gaborik’s – quality that’s available. The Years ago, working for another publication, I would occasionally feed the Rangers’ Chris Kreider can be had but he doesn’t have the same frenzy at this time of year with a column device that I called pedigree that Gaborik or Carter carried when they were dealt. Gaborik nhlfaketrades.com. had been a 41-goal scorer for the Rangers just two years before he was shipped to the Kings. Carter had scored 36 goals the year before in The premise was to conjure up semi-plausible trade scenarios – not Philadelphia – but wasn’t ever a fit in Columbus. L.A. suited him far necessarily ones that would happen, but ones that maybe should happen better. – and then bat around the pros and cons of those conjectured deals. The goal was to find possible matches between teams that would include Even though the big names that traded places at last year’s deadline both a whiff of common sense plus a dose of reality. So, none of those didn’t result in championships for either Vegas (Mark Stone) or Columbus outlandish “we get Sidney Crosby – you get a player nobody really wants (Matt Duchene), those were trading-deadline deals that forced you to sit anyway, packaged with a middling (but probably failing) prospect and up and take notice. If you remember, the Stone deal went right down to some sort of nondescript mid-round draft choice.” the wire – which saved the rating numbers of the Canadian sports networks who annually program a full day’s worth of trade deadline No, for a deal to find a place in our make-believe trading game, the coverage, only to have teams jump the gun, sometimes weeks in match had to at least make you think, “huh, maybe – MAYBE – that could advance, to get their deals completed. work.” Something similar has already occurred during this deadline period. Once – and this is eight years ago now – I was sitting in the office of then Jason Zucker was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins more than a week Los Angeles Kings general manager Dean Lombardi ahead of the trade ago. On Sunday, the Lightning picked up Blake Coleman. On Monday, deadline. In those days, Lombardi occasionally liked to hold court to the Vancouver Canucks grabbed Tyler Toffoli. Tuesday saw a run on discuss any number of topics. If you caught him in the right mood to chat, defensemen. Brendan Dillon to Washington, Marco Scandella to St. these could be long sessions, covering any number of subjects, most of Louis, Dylan DeMelo to Winnipeg. – were all traded; Martinez was left in them unrelated to hockey. limbo for a few more hours so that Vegas could sort out its cap issues Like a lot of GMs at a time when the NHL was just starting to get familiar before he too moved on. (To keep up to date on every deadline deal, with social media, Lombardi was concerned – even bothered a little – by check out our trade deadline tracker.) how trade speculation had become so rampant. It was becoming Friday saw the Boston Bruins and the Anaheim Ducks conjure up an increasingly difficult for organizations to keep tabs on everything that was intriguing deal – Ondrej Kase moving to the Bruins in exchange for a first- being said about its players – and their possible comings and goings. round draft choice, a defensive prospect in Axel Andersson (a 2018 Of course, rumors, speculation and educated guesswork have second-round pick) and for essentially agreeing to take most of David subsequently become such an ingrained part of professional hockey that Backes’ contract off their hands. The Bruins needed a top-six forward teams collectively worry far less about the impact that gossip may have and were in the hunt for the biggest prize, Kreider, but presumably found on its players’ production. the asking price too high.

The genie is out of the bottle. Social media became part of their own Teams have seen glimpses of Kase’s skill set for years, but worry messaging. It used to be you only had to wonder about the veracity of a because he gets injured, relentlessly, year after year. That sends a large story making the rounds on April Fools’ Day. Now, fake Twitter accounts red flag around the NHL, where durability is prized, even if it isn’t talked annually create all these “gotcha!” moments at the trade deadline. Every about too often publicly by GMs. They know injuries happen. Freak year, somebody somewhere gets fooled. injuries happen. But as one ex-GM once told me: The only problem with injury-prone players is they get hurt a lot. At this point, most players have just learned to live with the noise. That guides a lot of current GMs when they are bidding for players at the Alec Martinez, before being traded by the Kings to the Vegas Golden deadline – and is why Boston got Kase for what looks like a reasonable Knights this week, put it about as succinctly as anyone could. “I’m no return. He is a young player on a reasonable contract who, if he can ever dummy,” Martinez told The Athletic’s Lisa Dillman about all the stay healthy, looks like someone who can score goals regularly at the speculation surrounding his future in L.A. “We all know what we signed NHL level. Once upon a time, the Ducks had greater depth on defense up for.” than any team this side of Nashville, but that gradually eroded over time. Adding Andersson to their prospect pool is an attempt to begin shoring Lisa was the other reporter in the room when I was explaining the point of up at that position. my exercise to Lombardi – essentially to create plausible scenarios rather than the pie-in-the-sky stuff that was out there. Using his club as At the NHL level, there are still a few reasonable high-end options an example, I pointed out that on paper, the Kings looked like a team available on the blue line, and then a whole bunch of names that you with a defenseman that it could perhaps spare and an obvious need for don’t hear much about – the likes of Trevor Daley (Detroit) or Derek help up front. Logically, it made a lot of sense for them to consider Forbort and Ben Hutton (Los Angeles) – who could get shipped out for today’s NHL. But the current state of Anderson’s health makes him a low-round draft choices and thus land somewhere before Monday as question mark. A lingering shoulder injury that may not properly heal until temporary fixes, or insurance policies. the summer makes that a likelier offseason transaction. Calgary’s main need now is reinforcements on the blue line, so trying to get that sorted More and more, this week’s busy trade action is becoming the norm, not out is likely the priority in the short term. But if you could allow yourself to the exception. Teams try not to go down to the wire if possible, largely think big-picture thoughts, Anderson – in a Flames’ uniform, going because if you end up losing the bidding war on a player, then there may forward – might be a longer-term solution. Last year, at this time, they not be enough time to hurriedly complete a deal for your Plan B option. had their eyes on Zucker and couldn’t get the deal done under the wire. One thing that rarely changes is how injuries can force a team to Attempts to land Taylor Hall in December didn’t pan out either. recalibrate their needs. Blues’ GM Doug Armstrong came right out and Simmonds was a player they inquired after last year before going to said it after he acquired Marco Scandella from Montreal: He was Nashville instead. As a rental at a reasonable price this year? Maybe. pondering other options until they lost Jay Bouwmeester to a cardiac History suggests it won’t prevent the Flames from stepping up to the episode on the bench in Anaheim the week before – an event that plate and taking another swing between now and Monday. changed his priorities. It’s a similar situation in Calgary, where the Brady Skjei (Rangers) and/or Sami Vatanen (Devils) to the Predators Flames might have listened to offers on their two defensemen on expiring contracts – T.J. Brodie and Travis Hamonic – but aren’t in a position to So much of the focus in New York has been on Kreider’s future and that do so now. Hamonic is hurt and out indefinitely anyway; while Brodie is obscures – a little anyway – their situation on defense, which is actually playing too many important minutes to even think about moving him, not pretty strong. They have enough young players coming through the when the Flames are in the heat of a playoff battle. system that they might be prepared to part with someone off of their NHL roster. Marc Staal would be one possibility to move eventually, but it At some point, the Rangers may well trade Kreider to a contender, and doesn’t sound as if it’s going to happen imminently. At 33, with a year left maybe he will be a difference-maker. after this one at $5.7 million, Staal could probably help a team as a But where? And to whom? Glad you asked. Here are the players I want shutdown defenseman and the Rangers might be happy to get that to see relocated between now and Monday, and the destinations where I contract off their books. It would only make sense to a team that had the would like to see them land: cap space to absorb that deal this year and the belief that he could help them at that number again next year. Those teams, sadly, are in short Andreas Athanasiou (Red Wings) to the Oilers supply. A second option would be Skjei – also expensive salary-wise ($5.25-million per season for four more years after this). But he is 25 and I’m sure you can already anticipate the connections here. Edmonton is currently playing on the top pair with Jacob Trouba. Last year, Winnipeg currently run by Ken Holland, the former Red Wings’ general manager, took a ton of heat over the acquisition of Neal Pionk from the Rangers. It so he knows all about Athanasiou’s strengths (blazing speed, good turned out the Jets’ scouting staff had a better read on things than social hands) and his weaknesses (little awareness that the game is actually media haters did. With Skjei, it’s the same basic internal debate: How played in two ends). But since the Oilers have clearly decided that the good is he? And is he good enough to justify adding for that amount of best path forward in terms of trying to win a championship is to keep money for that amount of term? And if the answer to both questions is Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on separate lines – and Draisaitl yes or maybe, then what would it cost to pry him loose? Skjei showed seems to have found a nice fit with Kailer Yamamoto and Ryan Nugent- early promise of having an offensive side, but he may well be just a Hopkins, now the task is to get someone who can play with McDavid. second power-play unit guy who can do some heavy defensive lifting in Few can skate with McDavid at the NHL level, but Athanasiou would be the years to come. A sneaky good candidate for some team to add, if an exception. Would there be any chemistry between the two? Hard to they can afford it. predict. Many times, something that looks like a match on paper is a disaster in the real world. But what if it did work? What if, under Oilers Derek Grant to a contender, Josh Manson but only in a hockey deal coach Dave Tippett, you could get just enough defensive awareness into (Ducks) Athanasiou’s game – or protect them both with a greater defensive presence on the line? Suddenly, you have a line that’s scary fast at one Until Friday, before the Ducks moved Kase to the Bruins, the Kings had end and not too much of a liability at the other. You’d have to believe the stolen all the thunder among the rebuilding NHL teams in southern Oilers would think long and hard about it. California. Another chip Anaheim could move before the deadline is Derek Grant. Grant and Kase are two completely different players and Chris Kreider (Rangers) to the Avalanche the only quality they share is the Ducks’ belief that they can be replaced with internal solutions. Anaheim is slowly feeding some of its young The best way to get an overpay is to get two or more teams bidding on a forwards into the NHL lineup – Sam Steel, Troy Terry, Max Jones. The specific player. Does Boston’s deal for Kase reduce the field by one? It best of the lot may ultimately be Isac Lundestrom, currently in San Diego. sure seems that way. The Bruins now believe they have the forward that Kase is gone now. Grant is having one of those seasons that bottom-six can flesh out their top six. Colorado is still looking to replace – forwards on expiring contracts can only dream of – 14 goals in 48 games, temporarily – the injured Mikko Rantanen. Even if the injury to Philipp three of them shorthanded. He’s been a steadying presence on the Grubauer is also forcing the Avalanche to explore a goaltending bottom half of the Ducks roster, but he is on an expiring deal and is the insurance policy, Colorado is still the team that I like best to come out of kind of useful warm body that a contender can always use. Then there is the Western Conference. Last offseason, they added two depth pieces – Josh Manson, who falls into a completely separate third category – a Andre Burakovsky and Joonas Donskoi – who’ve been good fits. So too player who only moves in a hockey deal. He too is having a difficult was Nazem Kadri before he got hurt. If the Avalanche could ever get season that’s been undermined by injuries. But he is 28, a right-shot Chris Kreider in trade, without giving up a meaningful piece off the roster, defenseman, with a solid defensive pedigree and leadership skills. To and then get both Rantanen and Kadri back in time for the playoffs, they move Manson, the Ducks will likely require a trading-partner to present a would have arguably the best 1-to-12 collection of forwards in the NHL. I Godfather style overture – make them an offer they can’t refuse. get that defense and goaltending win in the playoffs, but the pace at which Colorado could play – and the size and skill that Kreider could add The Alec Martinez move – would leave me unsurprised if the Avalanche dug in here and met the asking price for the soon-to-be-unrestricted free-agent winger. I can’t help but think Alec Martinez has the chance to be this year’s Michal Kempny, playing for a team that seems to be getting it together at Josh Anderson (Blue Jackets) or Wayne Simmonds (Devils) to the just the right time of what has thus far been an unexpectedly up-and- Flames down season. Martinez contributed a goal and an assist in his Vegas debut on Thursday night, an emphatic victory over a Tampa team that Injury concerns – to the likes of Anderson and New Jersey defenceman had been red hot. Presumably, the Golden Knights can remember how Sami Vatanen – cloud any possible deal that a team might make for them well Martinez played against them in their inaugural playoff year during because you just don’t know. Medical updates can guide you, but until their unexpected run to the Stanley Cup. Vegas swept the opening-round you see a player on the ice, moving the puck and banging bodies, do you series against the Kings, but they were all close, low-scoring games (1-0, really feel secure that you’re getting someone that can help you in the 2-1, 3-2 and 1-0). In Game 2, a difficult overtime loss for the Kings, which here and now? Calgary is considered by some to be too much of a stalwart Drew Doughty missed because of a suspension, Martinez played perimeter team and thus could use a forward that consistently gets inside a whopping 44 minutes and 58 seconds. and works the hard areas of the ice to pry the puck loose. I like to describe Anderson as Tom Wilson light – not quite the package that This was on a Kings’ team that still harbored championship aspirations Wilson is, but then, there probably isn’t anyone quite like Wilson in and Martinez was an integral part of the group – someone who’d proven in playoffs past that he could be a difference-maker. Martinez just does a lot of things that Vegas will really like. Off the ice, he has a big personality – someone not afraid to step up when leadership is called for. On the ice, he can play in every situation – regular strength and both special teams –and, in a pinch, can patrol both the left and right sides of the ice.

Let’s face it. On paper, Vegas’s forwards – when healthy – constitute a deep group and in goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, they have a proven winner in net.

Defense was the perceived weak link, and though Martinez doesn’t move the dial the way a clear No. 1 or 2 would, at this stage of the season, for the acquisition cost, he provides a serious upgrade to anyone on the Golden Knights not named Shea Theodore or Nate Schmidt. Vegas has to go for it now. Notwithstanding that his game needed to get to another level after recovering from a serious November wrist laceration, Martinez has proven that when a moment in time arrives that requires poise and performance, he doesn’t shrink from the challenge. Instead, he embraces it. He should be a big help as the Golden Knights try to separate themselves from the Pacific Division pack. And maybe becomes that quiet X-factor if they go on to the Stanley Cup final again.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177752 Websites And not everyone is convinced that Kase is the undervalued player he’s made out to be at times.

“I think some of these undervalued guys get so much hype now that they The Athletic / NHL Trade Grades: Ondrej Kase creates mismatches but become overvalued,” said another executive, who compared this deal to is a ‘bit of an enigma’ Tampa’s acquisition of Blake Coleman. “I like Kase and Coleman, and they do a lot of good things. I’m not sure they’re as good as they’re ultimately made out to be.” By Craig Custance Feb 21, 2020 81 The first-round pick is likely going to be at the end of the first but that’s a place the Ducks have done a good job mining. Rickard Rakell was No. 30 overall in 2011. Kyle Palmieri was No. 26 overall in 2009. Shea The trade Theodore was No. 26 overall in 2013. Anaheim has a history of drafting Boston Bruins receive forward Ondrej Kase well in that spot.

Anaheim Ducks receive Boston’s 2020 first-round pick, David Backes As for Andersson, he’s a defenseman prospect that amateur scouts (Bruins retain 25 percent of his salary) and defenseman prospect Axel seemed fine with but didn’t love. Two scouts projected him to be a Andersson. bottom pair defenseman at the NHL level.

Boston Bruins: A “We liked him,” said one talent evaluator in thinking back to Andersson’s 2018 draft year. “Skated well. He thought the game pretty good. Thought This trade accomplishes a couple of things for the Bruins. One, it he could get stronger and get better physically and do a better job removes most of the Backes contract off the books. That’s no small battling 1-on-1.” accomplishment in the middle of the season. And Bruins GM Don Sweeney appeared to get bundling value by doing his trade deadline Said another amateur scout of Andersson: “Good skater. Sense and feel shopping and cap space clearing in the same deal. are OK. Moves the puck OK, not sure he will be more than a (fifth or sixth) defenseman.” To give a comparison, the Toronto Maple Leafs had to trade a first-round pick to the Carolina Hurricanes to clear out Patrick Marleau’s $6.25 The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 million cap hit in the summer. The Ducks are taking on $3.425 million in Backes cap space to get the first-rounder in this deal but also had to move Kase to make it happen.

“They undervalued one or both,” suggested an executive on Friday.

That truly depends on what you think of Kase, and to a lesser extent Andersson. Let’s start with Kase. Two things are true here. He’s a bit of an analytics darling and the Ducks, the team that knows him best, have been willing to move him for a while. Before this season, Ian Tulloch highlighted Kase’s even strength scoring rates as a reason he’d be a breakout player. There was also an assumption that Corey Perry’s absence would create a bigger role for Kase. It didn’t necessarily play out that way. His ice time was up slightly this season, but Kase actually saw his power play ice time go down. You’d think a 24-year-old forward with high-end skill on a good contract is exactly the kind of player a rebuilding team would want to keep around. But they clearly didn’t. That raised flags.

“Highly skilled guy. Little bit of an enigma. My question is, why is Anaheim moving him?” texted an NHL coach on Friday. “Having said that, (he) will create depth mismatches, which is what playoffs are all about.”

That’s the beauty of this deal for the Bruins. You now have a winger for the David Krejci line to pair with Patrice Bergeron’s line – hockey’s best. And Sweeney sticks to a strategy that paid off last year in the Charlie Coyle trade by acquiring someone who helps now and in the future. Kase at $2.6 million is a strong value, and he’s still a restricted free agent after that contract expires after next season.

The key for the Bruins to get full value here is for Kase to stay healthy, as multiple sources pointed out on Friday.

“Good support player with some skill. Injury issues are a concern,” texted a Western Conference coach.

Kase, who does have a concussion history, has never played more than 66 games in a season. That’s part of the equation.

“He’s a talented kid in an evolving top nine. Offensive skillset with growth potential and power play value,” texted another executive. “Injuries are a concern. If he stays healthy, he should complement and be productive with a player like Krejci.”

Anaheim Ducks: B

This is a bit challenging to evaluate from the Ducks perspective because you have to suss out the Backes contract and factor in Kase’s value, one that is debated.

An executive felt like Boston paid a lot to get out of the Backes deal, especially since they’re still retaining 25 percent of the salary.

“They had to pay a steep price (in the form of a first-round pick) to get out of their problem,” texted an executive from the East. 1177753 Websites we commonly see, where old players gets taped to a young core – yet can’t physically do it well themselves anymore.

I think you need players who can speak with their actions, players who The Athletic / Bourne: Tom Fitzgerald said the NHL is a ‘man’s league.’ can bulldoze into physical parts of the rink and win pucks and hustle back But what does it mean? into defensive coverage and physically do the things those players will need to incorporate into their games to develop into the best possible versions of themselves. Those players make sense not just from the By Justin Bourne Feb 21, 2020 18 “setting an example” standpoint, but also from the actual hockey standpoint – those players put their linemates in positions to get the puck

more, to play on offence more and to affect the game more. “Kids” are Over the past few days Tom Fitzgerald has found himself in the media also more likely to take players like that seriously, and less likely to because of a couple trades that bolstered the future of the New Jersey revere what a player’s past than most of us Olds think. All that adds up to Devils by trading away a couple of their more reliable present-day a better crack at real development. players. Ironically, the perfect guy for that sort of thing is Coleman, which Blake Coleman is a physical, well-rounded forward who contributes Fitzgerald acknowledged in our interview. Sometimes the return is just offence and grit on the cheap, meaning he was a sought-after commodity too good to say no. But in the end, I feel like Fitzgerald’s comments and thereby a chip worth cashing in. Andy Greene offered stability to an aren’t just making a point about what the Devils need now with Coleman Islanders team teetering on the brink of the playoff picture, and so, also gone, but are rather a push of the perception pendulum to swing it back offered value in a return to the Devils. The trades make sense, and by in a direction from which it’s strayed too far. I don’t want to put words in the esteemed evaluation method of my opinion, the Devils did very well Fitzgerald’s mouth here – though I think he’d agree – so I’ll say it: fans in both deals. and analysts of NHL hockey get so excited about prospects on the way, and blinded by the uncommon success stories, that they don’t realize With that, though, the Devils traded what you would undeniably label a how hard it is for “kids” to have success in the NHL today. couple of “men.” By age the two Devils shipped out are 28 and 37, respectively, but also in terms of just physical growth, they are by We often hear about how amazing teams like the Bruins and Penguins definition “men,” and not kids. By virtue of experience, too, you’d say that are at finding players, plugging them in and seeing them have success. they’re men and not kids. Coleman’s NHL resume isn’t long, but his pro It’s impossible for me to see that happen with some consistency, and not hockey one is, and Greene’s speaks for itself. think that it’s a product of a good young player getting put in a great position to succeed – surrounded by what Fitzgerald would surely deem Fitzgerald joined Hockey Central on Monday, on which he made one plenty of “men” – then get confident thanks to their surroundings, and point a few times: that in the NHL today you have to have men, not just continue to have success, and to reward their team in kind. I believe that kids, and that he has no intention of hanging his still developing “kids” out good, experienced players provide more value to a team than the raw to dry by sending them over the boards without a few men at their sides. output they produce alone.

Here’s how he phrased it to Pierre LeBrun and The Athletic: If you too believe that, it can be hard to sing along with the not- uncommon song sung by the fans of bad teams – that being “Let the kids I listened to one of your media scrums on Sunday and I thought the most play.” Trade everyone of consequence and hand it over to the kids. Who interesting thing you shared was this general game plan as far as how cares if the team loses while they’re outside their winning window, the the next week plays out and the offseason plays out, surrounding Nico kids can play more, the team can get a higher draft pick, and everyone and Jack and Mackenzie Blackwood with players around their age group. wins. I don’t think that’s a strawman concoction either. While it may be Which makes a lot of sense. It’s the first time that I’ve heard you detail anecdotal, my own Twitter feed bears this out from a number of fan the game plan in that way. Can you expand on that? bases. Sure. First and foremost, it’s a man’s league. We need men on this team. Lately, I’ve become interested in the value of experience, and how You can’t just have all kids playing. Things can go south quickly because organizations should prioritize finding it for their still-developing players. of the people that they’re playing against, the men on the other team. So, Wednesday on Hockey Central, we spoke with Kevin Cheveldayoff of the you need a good core of men to surround kids. My goal is through Winnipeg Jets, who mentioned how valuable he thought it was for the drafting and developing, and we’ve got some young defensemen that we Jets to get into the playoffs and get swept by the Anaheim Ducks early in really like coming up, but we’re not going to rush them. I’m going to need the careers of his now-core. He mentioned how he believed that learning some bridge players to continue to help pull this team in the right just how hard those games are, and the level of play it takes to win them, direction while my young kids are developing. And when they’re ready to helped Mark Scheifele become what he deemed to be “a beast” in the play, they’re going to be ready. And that cycle will continue on. There’s Jets’ playoff run to the conference final just a couple years ago. an age factor here. I’m not looking to go out and sign 30-year-old plus free agents that may have a shelf life for three to four years. I’m looking That’s sort of a bigger picture look at how “men” are created. They need to try to add to this team with some of these draft picks I’m trying to to play in big games, gain that experience, and be able to grow from accumulate. That’s my goal, it’s easier said than done. But that’ll be my there. Using the Bruins and Penguins as examples again, you can’t help intention come the offseason is try to add via trade or possibly free but wonder if having the type of men that could push a team deeper into agency and continue to draft well and have a development plan for all our the playoffs doesn’t then help more players develop into better players, players. allowing their organizations to better develop players and to stay on top for longer periods of time. (By the way, when I’m referencing the difference between men/boys/kids below, I’m sure it’s exactly the same with women/girls/kids in hockey. A useful example when considering “men” and the value of getting We’re just talking specifically about the NHL and player development prospects into big games is what the Maple Leafs have done with the right now.) Marlies since Kyle Dubas took them over. The Leafs and their organization were downright bad five seasons ago, and fairly light on I think where the conversation about so-called “men” in the NHL and prospects, but as they acquired some hopeful NHLers, they surrounded “kids” gets derailed is when people point to outliers and specific them in the AHL with what you’d essentially deem ringers. They bought a anecdotes. Yes, Elias Pettersson, or (fill in the example of your choice) handful of the most expensive, established (but not expired), veteran has excelled in the NHL as a kid, as have countless other players past “men” the league had to offer, and sprinkled them into a lineup full of and present, obviously. But we remember those instances of youthful NHL-maybe prospects, a sweeping majority of whom have now gone on success because they’re uncommon. There’s also fewer instances of to establish NHL careers. Most seasons the team exceeded the veteran young cores having success right away (a recent example I can’t shake limits, and had to juggle the lineup each night because of it. It’s taken for are the Taylor Hall-led Oilers), and losing can inhibit the development of granted now, but William Nylander’s development into a 30-plus NHL players at a crucial time in their careers. goal scorer was no lock. Kasperi Kapanen benefitted from this plan too, I think what’s an important next step, once you’ve identified that you want but the bigger rewards were reaped when longer shots came through like to surround your young talent with “men,” is to properly identify what it Andreas Johnsson, Trevor Moore, Brendan Leipsic, Connor Brown, really is you’re looking for. I don’t believe what kids need are the 15-year Justin Holl, Travis Dermott, and a handful of others. For their efforts, veterans who can tell the kids how it should be done – and this is the fix Colin Greening was compensated nicely, Rich Clune too, as well as the likes of Vincent LoVerde, Ben Smith, Andrew Campbell and numerous others. In a development league, they surrounded prospects with men, they got them into deep playoff runs (including a Calder Cup victory and five playoff rounds combined the two seasons before that), and developed NHL talent as a result.

As the trade deadline approaches, the value of prospects playing alongside men on a game-to-game basis should be a worthwhile consideration for sellers. For those on the playoff fringes, adding “men” to help their prospects play in bigger games is worth a thought, too. At the end of it all, when you peel back what I’m saying here, is the reality that the type of player Fitzgerald is talking about here is extremely valuable leaguewide, and so it’s quite possible the very idea of handing teams over to the kids in a rebuild isn’t as smart a game plan as many have seemed to believe. The NHL may be a “young man’s” league today, but there’s a good argument to be made that the second word’s still more important than the first.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177754 Websites 4. You made $80 with your first paid shift at the station: What did you buy with the windfall?

I probably just threw it into my savings account. I didn’t have a lot of The Athletic / 20 Questions with Elliotte Friedman: On ‘lazy mouth,’ being spending money then. (smiles) late and deadline day 5. What is the longest amount of time you spend apart from your phone during hockey season?

By Sean Fitz-Gerald Feb 21, 2020 66 I spend way too much time on it. My wife will start talking to me and she’ll go, “You’re not even listening to what I’m saying.” It’s ridiculous. Right now, it’s a couple days before the trade deadline, so I’ll be constantly A few minutes before the appointed hour, Elliotte Friedman sent an distracted by it. Whenever I retire — whenever that is — I’ll be gone. You apologetic message. He had a rich and admitted history of being late for will not find me on social media. My goal is that when I retire, I won’t things — for dinner with colleagues, for hosting a live radio show — and even have a smart phone. I’ll have an old 1990s-style flip phone. now he was running late for coffee. 6. Give me the highlight of Elliotte Friedman’s hockey career. Kelly Hrudey, his long-time co-worker at Hockey Night in Canada, has told him that being chronically late indicated a lack of respect for other I remember my first goal very clearly. I was skating to the front of the net. peoples’ time. Friedman could understand why people felt that way, but We had a really good guy on our team named Sean Atkins, who he disagreed. tragically passed away a couple of years ago. He was a professor at a university in Saskatchewan. It was house-league. Sean was a big guy. “I just get easily distracted,” he said, after arriving a few minutes past the Really boisterous, funny guy, and he took a shot — he had a good shot 10-minute buffer. “My mind works 150 different ways at once, and I’m — and he missed the net. It went behind the net and caromed right out always late.” front. I shot it in. It might have actually been the game-winning goal, too … I remember my first goal very clearly, because it took me a long time In 1996, Friedman was working at The FAN 590 in Toronto when he was to score it. late for a fill-in shift as host of a phone-in show. The veteran host who stayed behind to control the microphone chided him on-air, in absentia, 7. You have said you quit at peewee: Why? and the station issued a one-week suspension as punishment. I sucked. I didn’t get better. You know what they say about youth, that it’s “There are people now who, when I’m late for anything, they just say, wasted on the young? It’s so true. There were so many things that I quit ‘Hey Elliotte, we’re going to suspend you for a week,’” Friedman said with when I was younger. I quit playing piano. I wish I could play piano better a smile. now. I quit at hockey. I wish I did more. I quit at a lot of things when I was younger, and I really regret it. He chuckled: “Not one of my finer moments, but not something I’ve done a good enough job of correcting, either.” 8. What was the most competitive part of growing up with four siblings?

There are also plenty of examples of the 49-year-old broadcaster being Before we moved into a bigger home, it was who got the bathroom and at first to things. Friedman moved into television from radio, where he has what time. I’ll tell you a funny story. My sisters are pretty attractive. And evolved into one of the marquee NHL news-breakers and analysts at people would see them and me and they’d be like, “what happened to Sportsnet. you?”

Friedman, a married father living in Toronto, is also quick to offer 9. You have said you have a bad temper: When was the last time you guidance to university students and younger colleagues who seek it. lost it? There might be a connection between that tendency and his tendency for tardiness — after finishing his coffee, he was stopped twice en route to (pauses three seconds) Yeah. (pauses three more seconds) If I’m upset his next destination, and he chatted with the people who recognized him. about something I said on the air, it’s usually on the drive home. Really lost it? It’s been a while. But I get annoyed. (smiles) In between all of that, Friedman took time out to field 20 Questions from The Athletic, talking about the trade deadline, peewee hockey heroics, 10. You have worked with the NHL, MLB, NBA, CFL and Olympics: and surviving online as a sports media celebrity. Which sport would you still like to try?

1. Where did the extra “e” in Elliotte come from? That’s a great question. I’m always looking for challenges. One of the real things I’m proudest of in my career was the first Olympics I did for (Friedman smiles) I’m not really sure. I could see my parents wanting to CBC. They gave me table tennis, tennis, badminton and weight-lifting. I be a little bit different. I didn’t know there was an extra ‘e.’ I remember ended up doing nine sports at those Games. One night, they came to me that I had to apply for a passport in 1986 or ’87 — the first time I travelled — it was seven at night — and they said, “Elliotte, tomorrow morning’s overseas — and I didn’t have a birth certificate. I only had a birth schedule is really light, and we want you to do the women’s badminton registration. So we looked at my birth registration, and it had an ‘e’ on the final by yourself.” And it went pretty well. I like that. end. And we were like: “What?” I had to go get the birth certificate. And when we gave them the registration form, I said, “I think the registration 11. Who was Mania Kay? form is wrong, because it’s got an ‘e’ on the end of my name, and I don’t How long do you have? Mania Kay was my maternal grandmother. We spell it with an ‘e.'” And they said, “No, you’ve been spelling your name were very close. She was stubborn. I’m very stubborn. I always say your wrong for 16 years.” best characteristic is probably your worst characteristic, and that’s the 2. What did the Toronto radio executive mean when he said you had a truth for both of us. She was born in Poland — I think she was actually “lazy mouth?” born in the city of Auschwitz — and she survived the Warsaw Ghetto. She got married for the first time in the Warsaw Ghetto. I don’t know all That’s Nelson Millman, who was a hugely important person to my career. the details. I don’t think he died in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, but he And he told me that, if I got tired or if I didn’t focus, I would slur my words, definitely died there. She survived. She didn’t like to talk about it a lot. I or trip over my tongue. It was a huge problem early in my career. For know she did some interviews, but with us, she didn’t talk about it a ton. Nelson and the other people at The FAN, I owe them a lot for sticking with me, because at times I wasn’t very clear. 12. (quiet nod)

3. It is February 1996: Why is John Derringer griping about you on air at There were the two or three days over January 1945, when the Russians The FAN? were advancing, and she was forced to walk for three days. And if you didn’t make it, they killed you. There were times in the war when she told (smiles) That was my first real controversy. John was right. I was late. I people she didn’t think she could go another day, and people were like, have a big problem with lateness. Harry Neale used to call me “Five-to- “No, you have to.” She met my grandfather at Bergen-Belsen. They got Seven,” because I was always five-to-seven minutes late. Kelly Hrudey married after the war. My mother was born in Germany in 1947. They tore a strip off me in front of other people at the Turin Olympics because I moved to Canada. showed up 15 minutes late for dinner, and everybody was waiting for me in the lobby. He destroyed me in front of everybody else. Later, Kelly 13. What parts of her story did she tell you? apologized, and I said, “You have nothing to apologize for.” Bits and pieces. She never told me everything. She always said, “Never forget where you came from, because other people won’t let you forget it.” I think that’s important, especially with where we’re going now. If I asked, she would tell, but she wouldn’t go into a lot of it. She spoke at events and she was a big public speaker. I went once to see her talk. I went with her to see “Schindler’s List,” and there were things in that movie that I never realized. I asked if those things were true, and she said yes. There’s a scene where the kids hid in the toilets — they are covered in shit — and I asked if that happened. She said yes … I never wanted to be the one to force her to re-live those moments. I knew enough, but I didn’t always press for details.

14. Does that inform, in any way, how you might deal with the worst abuse you receive online today?

I don’t think one has anything to do with the other … You can’t let that affect you. You will paralyze yourself if you let all of those comments get to you. You can’t do it. It’s not healthy. I’ve had things like, “Every time I see you on TV, I wish Hitler had finished the job,” or, “You’re proof that any Jew can get any job, anywhere.” Or, “Get off my TV, you fat fuck.” That stuff does not bother me. It does not bother me in the least. Plus, there’s a way you can mute offensive stuff. So I just did that.

15. Does the temperature online prevent you from discussing certain things?

Yeah. I think it does, and it doesn’t. It’s such a live wire, that you never know. I’ve written or said things before and I’m like, “OK, I’d better brace myself for the reaction.” And nothing happens. And I’ve said, “Aw, nobody’s going to care about this,” and it turns into a bomb. You never know what people are going to grab onto and turn into something. I think you have to be careful with that … I have a 10-second rule. If I do something that’s not work-related — it’s not a trade or anything like that — I look at it for 10 seconds and I say, “Is this still a good idea?” If yes, I’ll hit the tweet button. If not, I won’t do it.

16. What is the most stressful part of working NHL Trade Deadline Day?

Just not getting it wrong. The other day, I was fiddling around with my phone. I screen-grab fake accounts, because I want to see how people do them. So I ‘like’ them, then take a picture, and then I delete the like. I meant to hit like, and I hit retweet on a fake one. That’s stupid. And I was really mad at myself. That’s the kind of thing that you’re worried about: Don’t screw it up.

17. Sportsnet’s deadline team v. TSN: Who wins in a pick-up hockey game?

We added (Kevin) Bieksa and (Ryan) Kesler this year. And we’ve got (Bruce) Boudreau as a coach, so I like our chances. Put it this way: We have a handicap, and that’s me. But I’m a Sportsnet diehard, and they send me out there to do something stupid to (Ray) Ferraro, who loses his temper in the first three minutes. He spears me, he gets ejected. I say, that’s a good trade-off for us and we kill them.

18. Where is the strangest place you have been recognized by a Hockey Night viewer?

We were in Italy two summers ago, swimming in a rooftop pool, and somebody asked me, “Can I take a picture?” And my wife rolled her eyes: “That’s going to go right to your head.”

19. When was the last time you were starstruck?

That’s a great question. The one I remember is when the Major League Baseball All-Star Game was in Seattle. I was working for The Score, then. That would have been around 2000, and we were at the celebrity softball game. And I was pulling a total big-time move. I’m like, “I’m too big to interview celebrity softball players.” So someone else had to do the interviews. It’s so embarrassing now. I look back at my attitude toward that, and I’m like, “Who do you think you are?” I’m leaning against the dugout and I’m wearing my credential, and I get this tap on the shoulder. I turn and this woman says, “These fans want to get my autograph, can you help me with this?” It was Vanessa Williams. And I couldn’t even speak.

20. What will you do to celebrate your 50th birthday this fall?

I have five other friends, and we all turn 50 this year. We’re going to Vegas together at the end of August. I know that, on the day — it’s a Sunday this year — I’m good with my wife and son. We’ll do something together. I’m good with that.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177755 Websites attempts resulted in a Flames rush the other way. The two would-be scorers, Armia and Kulak then got crossed up defending the rush and Calgary defenseman Oliver Kylington scored, though the Habs would The Athletic / They shoot, they don’t score: NHLers who just can’t find come back to win in overtime. the back of the net It’s just been that kind of year for Kulak: very little has gone right. Although his underlying on-ice metrics are as good as they were in his breakthrough 2018-19 performance (57 percent Corsi, 56 percent By Jonathan Willis Feb 21, 2020 55 expected goal share) the Canadiens have been outscored 32-26 with him on the ice. His scoring has also fallen from six goals and 17 points in 57

games to no goals and just six assists this year. There have been 5,613 goals scored in the NHL this season. The He’s an interesting buy-low candidate for contending teams in some league’s players have shot the puck at the net 106,246 and succeeded in respects. After an up-and-down year, the Habs might be nervous about putting it on goal 58,951 times. On average, it takes 19 attempts or 10.5 the two and a half seasons left on his $1.85-million AAV contract. Clubs actual shots, to create a single goal. don’t usually make those sorts of gambles at the deadline, but the snake- The rates vary for individuals, and of course by position. Over the last bitten 26-year-old is one of the rare examples where it wouldn’t take three years, the average forward has scored on 11.3 percent of his shots much for his season to turn around sharply. and 6.5 percent of his attempts. Defensemen have a tougher time getting 3. David Savard, Blue Jackets – 159 shot attempts, 2.45 expected goals shots through, and the ones that make it to the net are less dangerous. Their success rates are 4.8 percent on shots and 2.3 percent on The final defenseman on this list is a far more established scorer than attempts. DeMelo or Kulak. Savard hit double digits in goals in 2014-15, his best offensive season, back when he was manning the point on the man Because of that positional discrepancy, it’s not enough to just count shots advantage. Although his power-play role is long behind him—it when trying to find the worst (or, arguably, unluckiest) scorers in the NHL disappeared after Zach Werenski joined the team, having already been this year. After adjusting for position, we’ve narrowed the field down to reduced by the trade for Seth Jones—he’s still a competent scorer, the following five goalless players. While there’s still time for anyone on having averaged six goals per season over the last three years. this list to crack their personal goose egg on the scoresheet this season, don’t expect them to magically start lighting the lamp on a regular basis. His personal scoring drought is one of several problem spots in Savard’s offensive game this year. He’s shooting the puck less, at the lowest rate 5. Dylan DeMelo, Jets – 123 shot attempts, 1.93 expected goals in five seasons, and his primary assist rate has collapsed to its lowest DeMelo’s shot map follows the standard pattern for defensemen: lots of level since 2014. The Jackets’ team shots-for and goals-for rates have shooting from the points, but not much from the middle of the ice, barely also cratered when he’s on the ice. anything from even the fringes of the scoring chance area and none at all That being said, there’s a lot more to Savard than offense. He and from the territory right in front of the net where goals are most plentiful. regular partner Vladislav Gavrikov have been the Jackets’ go-to options Even among defensemen, though, he’s non-threatening as a shooter. If for defensive zone starts, and despite lousy team shot attempt numbers he fails to score a goal this year, it won’t even be the first time. In 2017- when he’s on the ice, Columbus is actually in the black by total shot and 18 he went goalless on 140 attempts, though he did manage to collect 20 expected goal share (both 51 percent). That’s combined with a gorgeous points, some of which were assists which began with a point shot. on-ice save percentage, which has kept goals-against down and compensated the offensive struggles. He’s had some golden opportunities, though. This example against the Canadiens almost paid off for him: rather than blast it from the point into As for his personal scoring, it’s easy to see why Savard’s totals are off opposition shinpads, he took advantage of his speed and skated it almost this year. Just compare his shot map for this season with what he did in into scoring position before firing: 2018-19, a year in which he scored eight goals. It’s so different I felt compelled to check three times to make sure it was the same player: The initial shot was less threatening than the rebound, which bounced right back to DeMelo as he charged the net, but came out so quickly that Put another way, this season Savard’s highest expected goal number in it was past him before he had a chance to get his stick down for the shot: any individual game is 0.23. Last year he had seven games where he topped that. It’s a recurring theme for DeMelo: even when he does get room to move down from the point, he’s rarely able to attack the middle on his initial Some of his best chances have come from weird places. Shot location shot. He’s still generating some scoring (his 10 points lead these goalless has been an issue this year, but he still seems capable of firing the puck. players) and he’s still valuable in other areas but goals are not In this game against Winnipeg, for example, he took advantage of the particularly part of the equation. puck switching sides of the ice quickly to fire at a repositioning Laurent Brossoit; he ended up hammering the puck off the side of the post: 4. Brett Kulak, Canadiens – 155 shot attempts, 2.46 expected goals Still, there’s little question of Savard putting together the kind of goal- A quick look at Kulak’s shot map shows the standard defensive pattern scoring season he had last year if he can’t get to the same areas of the we saw in DeMelo’s case: lots of shots from the point, the least ice. dangerous shooting location in hockey. There’s still an old-school analyst or two around who will gripe about defending teams not covering the 2. Justin Abdelkader, Red Wings – 69 shot attempts, 3.38 expected points properly, generally after a statistically unlikely goal, but most goals teams are happy enough to see an opposition possession end with a In his prime, Abdelkader owned the area at the top of the crease. At no shot from the hinterland. point in his career has he ever been regarded as an especially talented What Kulak does better is moving lower with the puck, generally shooting offensive player by NHL standards, but he willed himself to 19- and 23- from a tough angle but occasionally getting himself into a more goal seasons by scoring from point-blank range. dangerous scoring position. He’s a confident rusher, and not afraid to He isn’t able to do that these days. Even last season, when he scored carry the puck when he thinks he has room, either exiting his own zone just six goals, his lowest number since his rookie year, many of his shots or on the attack. came from the top edge of the crease, with much of the remainder He’s had some good chances this year, perhaps none better than an coming from the outer scoring chance region. This year, there are a lot of opportunity in the third period of a 2-2 December game against his old perimeter tries, the kinds of shots hockey watchers quickly learn to club, Calgary. Seconds after teammate Joel Armia’s breakaway attempt associate with older wingers no longer able to gain the slot with the puck. was deflected just enough by goalie David Rittich to catch the post rather The maddening thing about those shots from the corner is that they’re than go into the net, Kulak attacked the center of the ice and was basically giveaways. NHL analysts will tell you that putting the puck on rewarded with a perfect pass, setting up this look at Rittich: net is never a bad play and while that’s true in the sense that’s it’s Sadly for Kulak, he put the puck high and wide, becoming just one more seldom the worst possible play, it’s sometimes close. example of a non-scorer finding himself in an unexpectedly great position and not knowing what to do. As so often happens, the failed scoring Take for example this shift against Montreal, one in which Darren Helm made a lovely entry to setup a good drive on net, with the result being a rebound that comes to Abdelkader with time and space:

Abdelkader is in a relatively good position and has a lot of options. He has a teammate at the left point and could easily bank the puck off the boards to retain possession. He could charge the net 1-on-1. He could carry the puck down low and pass it along the boards, initiating the cycle, or try centering it to a teammate in the slot.

Instead, he skates it into the corner and tosses a low muffin at the net:

It’s a low, weak shot from a terrible angle, and Price has no difficulty redirecting it behind the net. Abdelkader seems to have little inclination to pursue; he’s six feet back of Jesperi Kotkaniemi by the time the young Canadiens forward picks up the rebound. It’s listed as a shot but it might as well be called a turnover.

He does still get to the net on occasion, usually in circumstances where Detroit can keep the puck alive in the attacking end, something which hasn’t been especially common for the struggling Red Wings. He’s been at least somewhat unfortunate, as the expected goal numbers suggest, to still be stuck at zero.

Abdelkader would probably be a better on a stronger team, one more capable of establishing possession in the offensive zone and giving him time to establish himself in front of the net. That being said, it’s hard to imagine any such team finding a place for him, especially when shots like that actively undercut his line’s ability to keep the puck in the offensive zone. Even if one were inclined to try, age and contract would scare it off: Abdelkader turns 33 next week and still has the remainder of this season and three more left on his $4.25-million AAV contract with the Red Wings.

1. Patrick Russell, Oilers – 85 shot attempts, 6.03 expected goals

For most of the players on this list, the shot map tells the story of a shooter firing from the point, from the outside, from anywhere except the places from which it is possible to regularly beat an NHL goalie. Russell is the exception to this rule. There are a handful of attempts from distance or bad angles, but mostly he’s doing what any coach would advise a hard-working energy winger to do: he’s going to the net.

He just isn’t being rewarded.

Some of this is clearly shooting talent. By NHL standards, Russell’s resume is modest. He’s a rookie in the majors, had 18 goals in 51 games in his best minor-league season and once scored 20 times in college. He’s a career 9.5 percent shooter in the AHL. Russell is in the majors because he wins puck battles, kills penalties and holds defensive position; the hope was always that he could score enough to get by, but so far he hasn’t.

Yet he’s also been terribly unfortunate.

He’s hit not one, but three goalposts. He certainly doesn’t look like a non- entity as he fires it off the iron from range. There was this hard shot against the Stars:

And then more impressively this one against the Red Wings where Mike Green was very capably used to screen the shot:

The other was a real beauty. Russell’s diligent forecheck against the Sharks helped regain possession after an Oilers faceoff loss; he went to the front of the net and had the puck centered to him only to ring it off the iron:

It’s the kind of thing that keeps happening to Russell. He’s not nearly as weak of a shooter from range as we might expect from the NHL’s most snakebitten player. Positionally he goes to where he’s supposed to go, with many a tip and jam play failing to beat the goalie. Eventually one assumes he’ll score one or more just because he’s in the right place all the time.

That being said, clearly there’s an element of shooting talent involved. This puck, which admittedly was on edge after bouncing off the post to Russell, somehow didn’t end up in the back of the net:

Russell’s never going to be a big scorer in the NHL, but he’s been incredibly unfortunate to still be stuck at zero goals. Guys who get into scoring position as regularly as he has this year eventually score. It’s what sets him apart from the other four skaters on this list.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177756 Websites when allegations of wrongdoing surfaced, Adrahtas relocated to another post – a new set of young players put under his charge.

Said Sacks: “Silence is like an incubator for this thing.” The Athletic / Former players say Chicago area hockey coach sexually abused them When he first met Adrahtas, Sacks was going into his sophomore year of high school and playing with the Flossmoor, Illinois-based Mount Carmel High hockey team and also playing up an age group with the Budweiser By Katie Strang 155 Jets, where Adrahtas coached. Adrahtas was the first coach he encountered who wasn’t someone’s dad.

Adrahtas heaped praise on the young pupil during a summertime tryout Content warning: This story contains details about alleged sexual abuse in 1982. Adrahtas also sought out Sacks’ father, someone who could be and sexual trauma. The content may be difficult to read and emotionally stern and disapproving with his son, and told him that Sacks was the best upsetting. player on the ice. The compliment was relayed to Sacks and he was floored. Here was a coach with considerable hockey acumen taking It was September 2018 and the start of the season for the Robert Morris notice of him and possibly opening up a door of opportunity for Sacks to University men’s hockey team was less than two weeks away. Thomas play at a higher level. “Chico” Adrahtas, the team’s coach for the past nine seasons, abruptly grabbed his bags and left the locker room. He did not tell the players “When you’re playing with guys older than you and you’re being told anything before exiting. No one in the school’s athletic administration you’re the best player on the ice, that’s huge,” Sacks said. informed them why he had departed. One of the assistant coaches told players Adrahtas had an emergency. Adrahtas would coach Sacks for the following season as a member of the Franklin Park Jets, a team that practiced out of Northbrook, Illinois. It wouldn’t be until months later that people would learn that Adrahtas, As Adrahtas offered more and more by way of opportunity – introducing who came to Robert Morris after a prolific career as an amateur coach, him to NHL scouts, garnering Sacks notice from OHL teams – Sacks’ resigned his position because a former player of his from the 1980s had trust and admiration for his coach grew. His family felt similarly. Sacks’ notified both the school and the American College Hockey Association of father was a gruff man but Adrahtas won him over by telling him about what he described as 20 months of sexual abuse by Adrahtas dating his son’s promising hockey future. back to his time playing for him as a teenager. Sacks prioritized hockey over everything and didn’t care much about In a 14-paragraph letter, the player wrote that Adrahtas used flattery, gifts school. Once his grades began to dip, his relationship with his parents and the promise of furthering the player’s career to gain his trust, became fraught and his future in hockey appeared more tenuous; without exploited a fractured family relationship to gain legal guardianship of the academic eligibility, he could go only so far. Adrahtas convinced Sacks’ player, and then subjected the player to repeated acts of sexual abuse father that his son’s neighborhood buddies were a bad influence and while the player was tied up, blindfolded and bound by the ankles. proposed that Adrahtas become the legal guardian of his son, ferry him from school to practices, and board him at his residence in Lisle, 20 miles This was not the first time one of Adrahtas’ employers had been informed away. Sacks’ father agreed so his son’s hockey career could continue of alleged abuse. It was not even the first time Robert Morris University undeterred (The Athletic verified the transfer of guardianship via court had been told about alleged sexual misconduct by Adrahtas. And it was documents). not the first time a prominent hockey association had been told he potentially posed a threat to the players under his charge. Adrahtas’ residence, colloquially known as “the hockey house,” was a quaint ranch on Inverness Road in Lisle, Illinois, owned by a Canadian Adrahtas began his coaching career at his former school, the College of expat who was a huge hockey fan and widow. “Mrs. L,” as the players DuPage and, after helping to put Chicago amateur hockey on the map by knew her, worked at a local technology company and offered room and winning a Junior “A” national championship in 1984, cemented his board to a contingent of local high school and college hockey players as reputation as an esteemed up-and-comer within the coaching ranks. He a way to supplement her income. nabbed one of the most coveted jobs in college hockey as an assistant coach for the venerated Minnesota Gophers and, after his abrupt exit Sacks, who grew up in a house with three sisters, was thrilled to live with there, pinballed to major programs around suburban Chicago – including hockey teammates and older players from a nearby college. But once the Chicago Patriots, Franklin Park Jets, Chicago Young Americans, Sacks got settled in the house, he sensed Adrahtas was treating him Team Illinois and the Chicago Mission. Adrahtas, a former college differently. goaltender, also coached in the North American Hockey League with the Danville Wings and ran an acclaimed goaltending camp. “That’s when it shifted,” he said.

For over three decades, Adrahtas landed job after job despite rumblings Adrahtas would ask Sacks, then 16, for shoulder massages and of misconduct and concern about his behavior. The most persistent orchestrate reasons for the pair to spend long periods of time alone with concerned his short time in Minnesota, where he lasted just one season each other. He’d take Sacks to dinner or on drives through town, probing (1984-85). The details surrounding his exit – that multiple Gophers his personal life and ferreting out details about his family, friends, and players became unwitting victims of his abuse – circulated within the romantic desires about new classmates (Sacks transferred to the local insular hockey community for decades. But it wasn’t until that 14- high school in Lisle during his junior year). paragraph letter, sent by former junior hockey player Mike Sacks, that One teammate who lived with Sacks at the house said players were all people within the hockey community, across several different teams, vying for their coach’s time but Adrahtas was oddly territorial with Sacks began to connect the dots. and grew agitated if the teenager spent time with others.

Adrahtas did not leave Robert Morris University for medical reasons. He “So many of his tendencies were controlling,” said Bill Pickrum, who did not leave, as some had heard, because a family member died and roomed with Sacks at the hockey house but was never subjected to left him a large inheritance. He resigned once faced with an investigation Adrahtas’ abuse. “He was very jealous.” by SafeSport, a central clearinghouse that investigates sexual abuse and misconduct within the USOC’s national governing bodies. He is, At the time, Sacks, a burgeoning player still growing into his size, didn’t according to USA Hockey, “ineligible for membership or participation in have a driver’s license or a serious girlfriend. Like most teenage boys, he any USA Hockey program, as well as any organization governed by the thought often about sex and joked about it among teammates in the USOPC or other national governing bodies.” locker room, but he never felt he had someone whom he could confide in … until Adrahtas. As part of its own investigation that spanned three months and drew from over 100 interviews, including accounts from former players, coaches, “I trusted him. He was giving me attention and he was an older person I hockey officials and parents who intersected with Adrahtas, The Athletic could talk to, because my dad wasn’t,” Sacks said. “He just filled that void has uncovered allegations of manipulation and sexual abuse by for my dad and that’s what I liked. I had someone I could talk to about Adrahtas, who, players say, weaponized their dreams and exploited their whatever. And my dad just wasn’t there. And he knew that. He knew we trust in order to take advantage of them sexually. His efforts to groom had a bad relationship.” both players and parents are eerily reminiscent of recent sexual abuse scandals in sports. Similar to the abuse scandal in the Catholic Church, One night, as the two were driving back from his parents’ house (where Sacks still stayed on weekends), Sacks says Adrahtas told him about a woman he knew from college who loved to perform oral sex and did so to emulate a woman if Sacks would anally penetrate him. Sacks says he often on Adrahtas and a former teammate. Adrahtas offered to call the lost his erection, and “Sheila” left the room shortly thereafter. woman to come over to the house that night. Sacks thought about Adrahtas and Adrahtas’ former teammate, a well-known goaltender from Sacks did not confront Adrahtas, but he felt ashamed. the area, and figured if they vouched for the woman there was no reason “Like I have a filth on me that can never be removed,” he said. to object. On a later night when Sacks declined his coach’s overtures, Adrahtas got “It’s almost like you were being accepted into the big guy club,” Sacks upset and Sacks says that Adrahtas announced he was going to call a said. few of his players at the University of Minnesota and see if they were The only caveat, Adrahtas explained to Sacks, was that he had to be tied interested in taking him up on his “Sheila” offer. up at his ankles and wrists and blindfolded. The woman had been In the summer of 1984, another teenage hockey player, Chris Jensen, previously sexually assaulted, Adrahtas explained, and so she wanted to was a budding star under Adrahtas’ tutelage. Tall and rangy, the be able to make a quick and safe exit if she got spooked. That night, defenseman had both skill and size. He was still filling out into his 6-foot- Adrahtas told Sacks he’d go first, instructed Sacks to stand on the porch 2 frame, weighing in at 160, and he resembled a praying mantis on outside and wait for the porch light to be switched on, indicating he was skates. Teammates called him “Sticks.” free to enter the room for his turn. Jensen was 16 years old when he was playing in the Windy City Summer Sacks entered the darkened room, sat on the edge of the bed, and did as League out of his rink in Wilmette when he was approached by the well- he was instructed: He bound his ankles to the footboard, tied his wrists known Adrahtas to play up with some of the college guys on a team that with the sash of a terrycloth robe and placed a pillowcase over his head. summer. Jensen was thrilled. So was his father. Someone entered the room and performed oral sex on him. The person left, and Sacks reconvened with Adrahtas afterward, unsuspecting that “He could not have been more proud I was playing up with college kids,” anything was amiss. Jensen recalled.

Sacks says that became a routine: Adrahtas asking Sacks if he wanted Jensen described himself then as a “dorky, fringe” kid with an affinity for “Sheila” to come over. “It always became, ‘Do you want to do it again? Star Wars. He endeared himself to his older teammates, who treated him We can do that tonight?’ And I’d say ‘OK.’ At this time, I totally trusted like a younger brother. He’d meet them downtown and they’d sneak him this man.” into bars using a back entrance. He’d drink a gallon of coke once inside, just happy to be accepted among his older cohorts. As this was happening, opportunities continued to arise for Sacks. After the Franklin Park Jets won the Junior “A” national championship in St. While Jensen excelled on the ice that summer, he was receiving lavish Clair Shores, Michigan, Sacks was approached to try out for the St. Paul praise from his coach. Adrahtas told him about his potential and Vulcans, a junior team in the USHL, in the Twin Cities area. encouraged him to map out a trajectory for his hockey career. It was under the guise of that advice that Adrahtas first invited Jensen over to Sacks made the team that spring and, though he couldn’t pinpoint why, the “hockey house” in Lisle. he felt relieved he’d be moving away from Adrahtas. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary to Jensen, who was eager to discuss Sacks’ relief was short-lived. A few months later, in June, Adrahtas got a his future. When he arrived, Adrahtas ordered pizza. job with the University of Minnesota as an assistant coach under Brad Buetow and presented Sacks’ parents with the offer to have Sacks live “It was an easy thing to share a meal, and it was easy, informal, social – I with him in his apartment in the Twin Cities; after all, Adrahtas was couldn’t be happier than to be spending time with my coach knowing the already his legal guardian. conversation that was to be had about my future as a hockey player,” Jensen said. After they moved in together, Sacks says Adrahtas told him “the good news.” Sheila, who Adrahtas had said was a nursing student at UIC, had After dinner, the two talked about Adrahtas’ love for Motown music and recently graduated and moved back home to Minnesota. She could still his career as an author (he wrote an unauthorized biography of Diana come over whenever they wanted. Sacks was reticent, but Adrahtas Ross). Adrahtas’ quirkiness put Jensen at ease. would pressure him, whining that Sheila would only come over to service “If anything, the fact that he was idiosyncratic made it more safe because Adrahtas if Sacks would participate, too. I thought he was anything but a (coach with that type of) macho Whenever Adrahtas sensed reluctance from Sacks, he would remind bravado,” Jensen said. Sacks how much he had helped advance his hockey career. Jensen felt Adrahtas understood him, so when Adrahtas turned the Sacks felt trapped. Letters were starting to pour in from NHL scouts and conversation to sex, Jensen didn’t feel uncomfortable. Adrahtas then told college coaches, making him feel as if there was tangible evidence that him about a woman who loved to give blow jobs, but only with the other Adrahtas was guiding him to his NHL dream. But other areas of his life participant blindfolded. Any alarm bells that went off were muted by were eroding. At his new school, he was isolated. He’d eat lunch by Jensen’s affinity for Adrahtas and his belief Adrahtas cared for his well- himself, fall asleep during class and leave early. On the ice, his play being. suffered and he clashed with Vulcans coach Kevin Hartzell. He didn’t Adrahtas told Jensen he’d go down to the basement first and, once follow direction or buy into the team ethos. finished, would help blindfold Jensen so he could have a turn. “I think it was starting to affect me and I didn’t know it. You don’t trust Jensen says that after he took his turn with “Sheila” in the darkened (anyone) and you just don’t know what’s happening to you,” Sacks said. room, he came upstairs and Adrahtas gave him a high-five and there was “I just didn’t care about anything anymore, I just stopped caring. If I was some celebratory notion that they had done that together, a secret they hurting other peoples’ feelings, it didn’t register.” shared. During his incidents with “Sheila,” Sacks began to notice that what she It wasn’t until later that summer when he shared what happened with a was doing to him in Minnesota felt different than it did in Chicago. And it number of friends that he entertained the idea that something untoward even felt different from one encounter to the next. Adrahtas, who was had transpired. He recalled what happened and his friend immediately pulling in a modest coaching salary, was also suddenly flush with cash, blurted out: Bullshit. The coach blew you. Sacks says, and the coach allowed Sacks to use his ATM card at will. He even bought him a car, a used 1980 Honda Civic. Jensen experienced a jolt of embarrassment, shame and fear. Deep down he knew what his friend said made more sense than what his Years later, Sacks would come to believe that Adrahtas was bringing coach had told him. men over to perform oral sex on him and receiving payment in exchange, a charge he would make in his letter that was shared with SafeSport. “(But) I still had yet to learn, because of the house I was raised in, about how to trust your gut and reconcile any discrepancies between what “I think I was prostituted out,” Sacks said. you’re feeling in your gut (and in your mind),” Jensen said. “ I would defer One evening, Adrahtas asked Sacks if he’d go into the bedroom, to authority.” blindfolded, with another player, when “Sheila” came over. This time, the The following year, Jensen’s play suffered, though he never could person who performed oral sex on him asked Sacks in a voice disguised pinpoint why. He remained in touch with Adrahtas, primarily through his father, and when Adrahtas invited Jensen to visit him in Minneapolis over “The University of Minnesota only keeps employment files for 7 years the holidays, Jensen saw it as an opportunity to get his hockey career after an employee leaves. We do not have any information on Chico back on track. Not many Chicago kids were getting opportunities to play Adrahtas.” Division I hockey, and Adrahtas was now affiliated with a major program. Adrahtas took Jensen to visit campus and tour the facilities. While living with Adrahtas in Minnesota, Sacks signed a letter of intent to play for the Gophers the following season. Later that summer, after Afterward, he took Jensen to dinner and pivoted the conversation to a Adrahtas left, Sacks says a member of the athletic department called him familiar place – sex. He offered to call the woman, who, by Adrahtas’ and said that due to his connection to Adrahtas, it would be best for him explanation, had moved back home to the Twin Cities area. to not come. Sacks never played college hockey.

Jensen made up an excuse that he had a girlfriend. Adrahtas backed off. Hockey is an insular world. Of the major four sports, hockey is the most Then Jensen knew. He agonized over why he had fallen for Adrahtas’ provincial – from the two degrees of separation that seems to exist ruse and what that said about him, thinking: was I stupid? Naive? Weak? between so many in the sport, to the clannish ways teams are put together and coaching hires are made. The sport’s circles are drawn “It just disassembled the person I was trying to become.” extremely small.

Players from that 1984-85 Minnesota team remember Adrahtas as a After Adrahtas’ dismissal from Minnesota, stories circulated within the natural foil to head coach Brad Buetow, who was rigid, strict and a Midwestern hockey scene. Someone who knew someone’s buddy disciplinarian. By contrast, Adrahtas was closer in age to the players and passed along some intel. A concerned parent would whisper about it with friendly. He was approachable and cultivated relationships with a few. other parents at regional hockey tournaments. But Adrahtas continued to According to several players from that team, Adrahtas approached get jobs. players, always individually, at their stalls within the locker room, raving He returned to coaching the Franklin Park Jets the season after about a woman named “Sheila” who gave “the best blowjob you’ve ever Minnesota, then coached the Chicago Patriots the following season, and had.” He conveyed one caveat to players: in 1988 landed with the Chicago Young Americans, which was launching “The deal was … you had to be blindfolded and have your hands behind a fledgling junior hockey program of players between the ages of 17 and your back. That to me, right away, right away it creeped me out,” said 19. The owner, prominent local businessman Ira Greenberg, had a Tony Kellin, who was a junior defenseman at Minnesota. “He was kind of hockey-playing son but relied on guidance from hockey lifers in making a a creepy guy. … He always rubbed me wrong. He (asked me) a couple coaching hire. A friend recommended Adrahtas. Greenberg says he had times and I said ‘it ain’t gonna happen.’ No one’s gonna do that to me.” heard the rumors, too, and that he asked Adrahtas about them. Adrahtas told him that the stories were part of an elaborate vendetta against him; During the season, word trickled out that Adrahtas had approached that he was being defamed because he was an “outsider” in Minnesota multiple players with this proposition, and that some players had taken hockey culture. him up on it. It created a simmering unease within the team. One player on that CYA team, Brent Cary (who went on to play in college Craig Mack, a sophomore defenseman, remembers that Adrahtas’ at the University of Denver) was from and he came into behavior and approaches were never discussed openly or explicitly but in contact with Adrahtas at a tough time for the 17-year-old. Cary’s father oblique terms. Guys were trying to find the language to convey to others had recently died from cancer during the middle of his junior year in high what was happening. school.

“When I say delicate, I mean that it really wasn’t open conversation, it Adrahtas met with Cary and his mother and was dogged in pursuing Cary wasn’t front and center in that era where a young man (could feel) very to try out for his team. Cary performed well in tryouts and, before long, open about talking – that’s my categorization,” Mack said. “It was very was the recipient of Adrahtas’ special attention on and off the ice. delicate and emotional – a mental scenario where a lot of us guys could Adrahtas drew up special power plays and face-off sequences to feature overcome anything physically but I don’t know if too many teammates or Cary. As Cary’s confidence grew on the ice, his relationship with anyone I know ever went through something that mentally or emotionally Adrahtas solidified; he came to revere Adrahtas. (difficult).” Adrahtas would take him to a favorite pizza place on North Clark Street, Some of the veterans on the team, upset at what they believed to be then ask him to spend the night. Sometimes, when they were alone at going on, orchestrated a makeshift sting operation. When Adrahtas Adrahtas’ home, the coach would put on a pornographic movie, Cary proposed this scenario again, a handful of players followed him to the says. apartment and watched every entrance or exit to the building to see if “Sheila” or any other individual came or left. No one did. When Adrahtas asked him if he’d want a blow job from a young woman who loved to perform oral sex, Cary passed the first few times. Cary After the season, word of Adrahtas’ alleged actions came to the attention eventually relented, he says, but then Adrahtas told him he’d have to be of Minnesota athletic director Paul Giel. Hartzell, Sacks’ coach on the St. blindfolded. That didn’t sit right with Cary. He declined. Paul Vulcans and a fellow Minnesota alum, says that in late spring he visited Giel and relayed what he had heard from some Minnesota Adrahtas lasted less than a full season with CYA. When Greenberg players. confronted a few of his billeted players about why they spent time hanging out and sometimes sleeping over at Adrahtas’ place, one broke “I remember the look on (Giel’s) face,” Hartzell said. “I remember he down and began to cry. Greenberg questioned the player, but the player looked shocked.” was too upset to reveal details, Greenberg says. Multiple other individuals present at the house that night corroborated Greenberg’s Giel pressed Hartzell for the names of players that had been abused but account. Hartzell had promised to keep their identity secret. Greenberg fired Adrahtas almost immediately. Kellin says he also brought the information to Giel. Adrahtas’ departure from the CYA program raised eyebrows and, though “I told him the story just like I’m telling you,” Kellin said. “Paul Giel ended Adrahtas had convinced one contingent of players and parents he was up firing him. He told me, ‘Chico’s outta here. You’ll never see him axed for not giving Greenberg’s son enough ice time, Greenberg was not again.'” (Giel died in 2002.) shy about sharing why he actually fired Adrahtas. According to multiple Chuck Grillo, a well-connected power broker in the Minnesota hockey sources around Greenberg at the time, he would openly describe community and an NHL scout at the time, says he called Adrahtas and Adrahtas as a “pedophile” to some of the players’ parents and in public told him that if the rumors were true he should leave town. rinks.

“I had no proof, but the guy answered my question by leaving,” Grillo Yet, by the early 1990s, Adrahtas was hired to coach midgets – players said. aged 15-17 – with Team Illinois. Larry Snyder, who ran Team Illinois during part of Adrahtas’ tenure, said he confronted Adrahtas about what According to an article in the Minneapolis Tribune, Adrahtas left the he had heard. Adrahtas was convincing enough that Snyder let his own university for “personal reasons.” son play for him, though he said he kept a watchful eye on the situation.

In response to a records request seeking Adrahtas’ personnel file and “He denied it to me,” Snyder said of the conversation. “He told me it was any disciplinary complaints made against him, the university responded: totally blown out of proportion and that he didn’t do anything.” Although it was never articulated as an official club rule, Adrahtas was Jensen said he was subsequently informed that an AHAI hearing was set told that he was not allowed to be in the locker room with the players for Adrahtas to address the allegations but that Adrahtas had some sort unless they were fully dressed, according to one person with knowledge of breakdown and declined to cooperate with investigators. Jensen was of the conversation. told Adrahtas was suspended from coaching AHAI-sanctioned teams.

There were some local hockey families who spurned Team Illinois AHAI has declined to comment on any disciplinary action taken against because they wouldn’t let their kids play for Adrahtas. Some instructed Adrahtas as a result of the letter, or on account of any previous or their kids to leave the ice if he ever stepped foot on the same sheet. But subsequent notifications of his behavior. Nowhere in the publicly despite that, he was gainfully employed by Team Illinois for a decade. available minutes of the AHAI board of directors meetings in 2010 is During his time there, he led the program to a national championship in there any evidence that Jensen’s letter was discussed. USA Hockey, via 1997 and developed players that would go on to play in both the NCAA a spokesperson, said that it never received any reports of misconduct and NHL. His teams’ success salved any discomfort his presence behind prior to September 2018. the bench brought. Several AHAI officials declined to comment or did not return calls and “People just turned a blind eye because he’s such a good coach,” said emails. At least one deferred to the organization’s lawyer and SafeSport. one prominent player who came through Chicago’s amateur hockey That lawyer did not return multiple calls and emails for comment. ranks. The SafeSport investigator assigned to the case referred questions to a In the summer of 1996, when Adrahtas was coaching at Team Illinois, spokesperson, who declined to divulge specifics of the investigation, one player, who wishes to remain unnamed, says Adrahtas called him citing both privacy and safety concerns. following his sophomore year of high school. Adrahtas, according to the player, said that a mom of one of his teammates wanted to hook up with When approached at a recent USA Hockey event, Jim Smith, a long- him. “She’ll give you the best blow job you’ve ever had in your life,” standing member of AHAI (he was recently recognized with the Founders Adrahtas said, according to the player. Award for 40 years of service to the organization; 1980-2020), said that he was never aware that AHAI was informed about Adrahtas and did not Adrahtas put conditions on the arrangement: It had to be in a darkened know what happened with his Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame candidacy. room. He had to be blindfolded. He had to agree not to touch her. Smith is now the president of USA Hockey. The player, 16 at the time, found that to be suspicious and immediately declined. “I was under the assumption he was trying to get me into the By this time, Adrahtas had taken the head coaching job at Robert Morris room to do something to me,” the player said. “My gut just knew.” University in Chicago. It was a job he had been eyeing but was previously passed over for after two members of the RMU hockey staff The player had attended Cubs and White Sox games with Adrahtas and (then Robert Morris College) went to athletic director Don Haynes and had dinner over at his apartment on multiple occasions. He also warned him about Adrahtas’ reputation. defended him when the rumors about Adrahtas came up among players. But after that phone call, he says he stopped speaking out in support of “We were really concerned about having Chico on board,” said one of the his coach. staffers, who wishes to remain unnamed. “These other organizations he was working with, they all knew the rumors and the stories. That’s up to Following his time with Team Illinois, Adrahtas earned a promotion, them if they want to be employing this guy, but we (didn’t).” landing a head coaching job with the Danville Wings of the North American Hockey League coaching players between 16 and 21 years of According to the coach, Haynes asked Adrahtas about these allegations age. He left the team during his second season. and Adrahtas “exploded.”

Owner Josh Mervis said he had heard the rumors about Adrahtas but felt Haynes declined to hire Adrahtas as head coach, but once Haynes they were possibly the result of a smear campaign against a single, moved over to a new position, director of hockey operations Tom unmarried guy whose life was consumed by hockey. Mervis said he went Wendlandt tabbed Adrahtas for the top job. He did so despite the fact out of his way to do his own due diligence – in one case flying to meet that one of the hockey staff members who warned Haynes about with a former coaching partner of Adrahtas – and consulted with several Adrahtas says he also warned Wendlandt about him. (Haynes died in well-connected hockey people who knew Adrahtas. Everyone vouched 2011. Wendlandt died in 2016.) for him. Robert Morris is a member of the ACHA, which is governed by USA “I had powerful hockey guys say he’s a good coach and that I should hire Hockey. It is unclear whether AHAI officials ever reported to RMU the him,” Mervis said. allegations made against Adrahtas in 2010. AHAI declined to answer whether any attempts to do so were made. Adrahtas, following his time in Danville, resurfaced at another prominent hockey program in the area, the Chicago Mission. Markus Ellis, who In 2012, however, Tony Kellin, the Minnesota player who went to the played at the Mission and later under Adrahtas at Robert Morris athletic director and informed him of Adrahtas’ alleged sexual abuse University, said stories about Adrahtas’ alleged abuse were treated as against some of his teammates, was shocked to find out that Adrahtas common knowledge; players as young as 10 years old had heard them. was still coaching. He googled Robert Morris University men’s hockey, found that the team played out of an ice arena in Bensenville, and Ellis’ father, who has since passed, played with Adrahtas at the College immediately called the Bensenville Police Department. of DuPage. He let his son play for him, but warned him: Be wary of this coach and don’t be alone with him. According to a police report obtained by The Athletic, Kellin outlined to police what had allegedly happened at Minnesota and asked the In 2010, Adrahtas was slated to be inducted into the Illinois Hockey Hall responding officer to notify the university. Kellin said he was available if of Fame. anyone had additional questions.

Chris Jensen heard about it and reached out through a friend to AHAI, Roughly two weeks later, reporting Sgt. Brian Dooley contacted Kurt the regional affiliate of USA Hockey in the state of Illinois that oversees Melcher, RMU’s associate athletic director at the time, and told him of the the nomination process and approves candidates, and notified the call he received. Dooley, now the BPD’s deputy chief, recalls Melcher organization about what Adrahtas had done to him. Jensen was asked to being “receptive” to the information. draft a letter detailing his experience. It was the first time Jensen had told anyone outside his immediate friend group what happened (The Athletic Melcher, who no longer works for the university, said he only has vague spoke to three of Jensen’s friends, who confirmed the details of his memories of being informed of the situation and doesn’t remember disclosure to them). specific information being relayed. He notified a member of the university’s human resources department, Gregory Tall. The letter that Jensen sent to AHAI, dated Feb. 10, 2010, describes his interactions with Adrahtas in the summer of 1984. Jensen wrote that he “I really don’t remember the incident you’re referring to. I know the name believed Adrahtas performed oral sex on him, that he felt it was part of a Chico. I certainly know the name,” Tall said. “In terms of the contact with larger pattern of abuse and that Adrahtas was a threat to adolescents him, I might have spoken to him a couple times in person.” and those under his authority. (This letter was later shared with the Tall, who no longer works for the university, said the way the school SafeSport investigator, according to a source.) responds to complaints about employees varied significantly and could not discuss details of any investigation or due diligence on behalf of the “I prefer to be alone,” Sacks said. university. Others are also trying to sort out their experiences with Adrahtas. “We had certain protocol … even if I did have a recollection of something I can’t say I’d have the liberty to recall details about it,” Tall said. Recently, Cary was driving with his wife (who he had told about Adrahtas’ behavior years earlier) and he thought of Adrahtas’ smell; he almost Some Robert Morris players had heard about Adrahtas’ alleged behavior. vomited. Cary said he feels as if Adrahtas “mentally molested him.” He Many came from the Chicago area and had caught wind of the stories. struggles to reconcile two emotions: Cary said Adrahtas provided him Some members of the women’s hockey team talked about Adrahtas’ with the confidence to pursue hockey at a higher level, but feels he also reputation, too. did an unconscionable thing when Cary was most vulnerable, right after losing his father to cancer. According to several former RMU men’s players, Adrahtas was a skillful strategist but used some unconventional team-building techniques. One “How do you hate one part of him and respect and admire and appreciate example: Players would congregate in his hotel room on the night before and feel grateful for the other part of it?” Cary asked. away games to have team discussions. Before one game of every season, he’d have each player go around and answer: What’s the worst Another former player of Adrahtas, who asked not to be named, also thing that ever happened to you? finds it difficult to separate his feelings of admiration for a coach who helped him so much, and astonishment about his own experience of Players would reveal some of their most intimate secrets. Some would being propositioned back in 1985. He too had formed a close relationship become emotional and break down. Looking back on it, some players with his coach – attending Adrahtas’ goaltending camps as an out-of- wonder whether he was probing for players who would be susceptible to stater and going to Cubs games with him during the summertime – and his advances. he too had been asked if he’d want to have a visit from “Sheila.”

Adrahtas would coach Robert Morris for six seasons after his alleged That experience shattered his fondness for his coach, and distorted the abuse was brought to the attention of local police and then the university. sense of trust he had placed in him while Adrahtas shepherded his Not until September 2018, when Sacks came forward to detail his abuse hockey career. in his letter to the ACHA, did the university act. “I thought the world of this man at one point,” the player said. “He was on Sacks’ letter was funneled to USA Hockey and immediately prompted a a pedestal to me.” SafeSport investigation. That investigation has included interviews with some of Adrahtas’ former players, including several from Minnesota. Jensen says he has no “big feelings” toward Adrahtas anymore. He According to a source with knowledge of the process, that investigation, views his former coach as someone who was costly to his dream of which at one point involved the FBI because Sacks was a minor who was playing professional hockey, but he says he doesn’t need any particular transported across state lines, has been completed and a report has outcome to find peace. He’s proud to be able to stand up for himself now been submitted to the center. Following an official review, the center will in a way that he couldn’t as a teenage boy. issue a decision from the director. Adrahtas will serve a temporary Since sending his letter to ACHA and RMU – the first time he told a suspension until a final decision is rendered. hockey official what happened – and connecting with Jensen through a As for his status with Robert Morris University? mutual hockey friend, Sacks is feeling less isolated. He’s working through what happened in therapy sessions and has reconnected with some of “He resigned from the university in the fall of 2018,” said Ann his old hockey buddies. That extended friend group includes a former Bresingham, RMU’s vice president for human resources. “He had been girlfriend, who was the first person he told about what happened with talking about retiring for some time and when all this came up, he felt this Adrahtas (The Athletic spoke with this former girlfriend and confirmed the was probably the right time to resign and retire.” details of his disclosure to her). Sacks is hopeful that speaking out will help others avoid the same trauma he’s endured. Bresingham, who has been in her position since 2015, said she was limited by what she could disclose but said that, “during the time he was “Somebody said to me one time, and it’s so true, that (predators) have the coach we never had any issues with him. As a coach, he was an the mind of a serial killer,” said Sacks. “But it’s actually worse than a exemplary employee, he had winning seasons, and the hockey teams serial killer because they kill part of who you are and make you live with excelled under his direction. We never had concerns or complaints.” it.”

Today, Adrahtas, now 64, lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, according to Sacks will turn 53 in June. He was one of the first players Adrahtas property records. When reached by phone, Adrahtas said “I’ve never coached and he believes there are more victims out there, struggling. He sexually abused anyone,” in response to multiple messages asking him is angry with Adrahtas, but also with the people he felt were aware of to respond to the allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse against what his coach was doing and did little or nothing. him. Adrahtas said his attorney would be in touch. He is not alone. His attorney, in an email, wrote: “The information that you presented to me was relayed to my client. . . Mr. Adrahtas categorically and Sacks’ former teammate Bill Pickrum said: “I have some really raw, unequivocally denies the allegations that have been presented.” pissed-off feelings on why people who knew what they knew didn’t share it. How many people in power or high-power positions chose to save their Trauma has manifested in different ways for Sacks and Jensen, now fucking career by not telling?” middle-aged men managing the effects of the abuse both said they experienced. The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020

Neither of their hockey careers went as planned. Jensen, drafted in 1987 by the Toronto Maple Leafs, played for two seasons at the University of Wisconsin but, after an underwhelming start to his college career, transferred to the University of New Hampshire. Sacks, once a top prospect with a scholarship set to play at one of the premier universities in the country, quit the sport at 18. He told everyone he was burned out, but that was a lie.

“I was afraid it would come out, what happened,” Sacks said.

Both went through long periods of self-sabotage and rage; both contemplated suicide. Both found it difficult to trust authority figures. There were significant stretches of self-loathing and isolation.

Sacks, who is recently divorced, finds close personal relationships difficult and family interactions sporadic. He is a frequent concert-goer and wonders if this is because the venues offer a way for him to be around others without having to engage. 1177757 Websites The second star: Jack O’Callahan – I don’t know guys, I feel like the Team USA Olympic hero may not have been completely unbiased when it came time to drop the puck between an American and a Russian. The Athletic / DGB Grab Bag: Saving the trade deadline and celebrating #NYRVSCHI PIC.TWITTER.COM/E6ML2HXTTT a historic anniversary

— HERE’S YOUR REPLAY (@HERESYOURREPLAY) FEBRUARY 20, 2020 By Sean McIndoe Feb 21, 2020 56 The first star: Bob Boughner and Barclay Goodrow – Give him credit, he put up with it a lot longer than you would have.

Be It Resolved PIC.TWITTER.COM/5UJW4BNBRD

It’s the week before the trade deadline, which means it’s the week when — BEN MATHEWSON (@BEN_MATHEWSON) FEBRUARY 15, GMs make a lot of their trades. There was a time when deadline day 2020 itself was when all the action happened, but over the years GMs started getting their deals done early. We saw that this week as several trades (Original here.) went down, including four within a few hours on Tuesday. Debating the issues

And that’s all fine. It’s how life goes in the NHL these days. With the This week’s debate: We’re two-thirds of the way into an NHL season playoff races as tight as they are, bringing in reinforcements a week early that’s had no shortage of storylines. Are hockey fans having fun? can make all the difference. And the market can shift quickly, so if you have a chance to get the deal you want at the right price, you take it. At In favor: Yeah, I would say so. This has been an interesting season. I’m least you know you won’t be outbid at the last second by somebody else. enjoying it.

So it makes sense. But it comes at a cost. Specifically, a cost to the fans Opposed: I mean, it’s been OK. I’m not hating it. But it’s been pretty who are looking forward to a day full of trades on Monday. And let’s be typical – a few surprise teams and breakout performances, a ton of honest, you have to feel for the TV guys too. Poor James Duthie is going forced parity, the usual traffic jam of a playoff race. to be left doing eight hours of film breakdown on Derek Grant, and you don’t even know which team that guy plays for. In favor: But those are all good things, right?

It’s a problem. But it’s one we can’t solve. Deals are going to be made Opposed: Well, we could argue about the parity side. But sure, it’s mostly when they’re made, and we can’t do anything about it. good. I’m just not sure this season feels any different from last year, or the year before that. The NHL has just kind of settled into this groove, Unless … and it’s fine. But that’s about it.

Hear me out, because I’m dead serious about this one. Be it resolved In favor: Oh please. Enough with the negativity. This is a great time to be that from now on, for any trade made within a week of the deadline, all a hockey fan. information about the draft picks involved is kept secret. Opposed: It is? Think about it. You obviously have to let the players involved get to their new teams, and that includes prospects in the minors. But draft picks are In favor: Sure. For example, we’re just a few days away from the trade just numbers. We don’t have to worry about their feelings. And the picks deadline. won’t actually be used until June, so there’s no rush. So don’t tell us Opposed: Right, but have you seen the list of names on the block? Not about them. exactly a bunch of superstars. And even then, we keep being told not to Instead, just tell us that Brenden Dillon has been traded for two draft expect too much action. It sounds like it could be kind of quiet. picks and leave it at that until Monday. Let us try to figure out what it In favor: Well, sure, but that’s to be expected. Everyone knows that you should be. Hey, apparently there’s a pick going to L.A. in the Toffoli can’t really make huge trades during the season. trade. Is it a first? Should it be? The Sens must have got at least a second for DeMelo, right? NBA fan: Hey, sorry to interrupt, but our trade deadline just passed and we had a bunch of big trades, several star players traded, and even a It would be all sorts of fun to argue back and forth. And then on Monday, four-way deal. Duthie and friends could unveil the details one at a time over the course of the day, and everyone could freak out. In favor: Dude, not now.

Seriously, I want you to imagine Buffalo fans spending all week vowing NBA fan: It wasn’t as crazy as other years, but it was still pretty wild. that the Habs better not have got a third-round pick for Marco Scandella Opposed: Not helping. when they only gave up a fourth to get him, only to then find out it was actually a second. You’d spend the rest of the day watching reaction In favor: Ignore him. Hockey fans have other stuff going for us. We just videos of Sabres fans putting their heads through their TV screens. It recently had our All-Star Game! would be amazing. Opposed: Which was awful. And yes, there’s a flaw in the plan, in the sense that details would probably leak out ahead of time. I have a plan for that too, and it involves In favor: Well, yeah, if you went into it expecting some sort of high- luring all of the hockey media into a warehouse with promises of free intensity showdown. Everyone knows that players don’t try in all-star food and bonus Marriott points and then locking the doors for a week. But games. for now, let’s just pretend that wouldn’t be a problem. NBA fan: Our All-Star Game was awesome. Guys were going all-out, Come on, NHL, you already spent most of the cap era keeping important fans were losing their minds, it was amazing. information from us. Do it again, but this time with your fans’ best In favor: Seriously, get lost. interests in mind. Trade deadline day can be saved. We just have to make it happen. Opposed: What else you got?

The week’s three stars of comedy In favor: Well, we’re not going to have a lockout next year like everyone thought. That’s good, right? The third star: The Hurricanes and also the Hurricanes – It’s the Spiderman pointing meme, only if one of the Spiderman dudes was an Opposed: So we’ll probably have one in 2022 instead. NHL team and the other was some loser spreading fake trades involving players whose names he can’t spell. In favor: Look, lockouts suck, but they’re a fundamental part of how professional sports has to operate in the modern … OMG PIC.TWITTER.COM/X6IQERMGXB NFL fan: We’re on the verge of a decade of labor peace. — SARA CIV (@SARACIVIAN) FEBRUARY 18, 2020 In favor: Dude. Obscure former player of the week

NFL fan: We haven’t missed a regular season game due to a work We had some fun with the history of Maple Leafs trades this week, and stoppage in 33 years. by “had some fun” I mean we all felt really sad.

In favor: GET OUT. That’s the thing about trades. They’re lots of fun at the time, but they sometimes go badly and lead to regret, if not something worse. The Opposed: Yeah, great time to be a hockey fan. Leafs have plenty of those, sure, but so does every team. Every GM has In favor: Hey, the playoff race is fun, right? lost a trade or two at some point, and we just have to accept that it will happen to the best of them. It’s part of being a hockey fan. Opposed: Sure, as long as you don’t mind a dumb format that everyone hates. But not all trades are bad. And not all of them are good. Some of them are completely forgettable. So today, let’s go with one of those from In favor: Come on, you can’t just go around changing playoff formats. Maple Leafs history. This week’s obscure player is Jason Podollan.

MLB fan: We’re considering changing the playoff format. Podollan was a winger who’d put up decent numbers in the WHL and was picked by the Panthers early in the second round of the 1994 draft, In favor: I can’t do this. going one pick ahead of weird goal expert and fellow Obscure Player MLB fan: We might even do that crazy “teams pick their own opponents” alumni Deron Quint. He won gold with Team Canada at the 1996 world thing that you guys are always talking about but never have the guts to juniors but wouldn’t make his NHL debut until 1996-97, when he cracked actually try. the Panthers lineup in November and scored a goal in his fifth game.

In favor: Wait, aren’t you guys embroiled in like the biggest scandal in That would be the only goal he’d manage in 19 outings, but it apparently your history right now, and everyone hates everyone else and your impressed the Leafs, who traded veteran Kirk Muller to the Panthers at commissioner just called your championship a piece of metal? the deadline in a one-for-one deal for Podollan. (Side note: My memory of this trade is that Muller was a creaky veteran on his last legs, but it MLB fan: Um … I’ll see myself out. turns out he was 30 and would play for six more seasons.) Podollan played 10 games for the Leafs to close the season, recording three Opposed: This has been depressing. assists, but spent all of 1997-98 in the minors. He wasn’t forgotten In favor (rubbing temples): Scoring is up slightly this year. though, as the Toronto media machine hyped him as perhaps the Leafs’ best prospect. NBA fan: Our scoring rates are on pace to be the highest in almost 50 years. Or not. He played four more games for the Leafs in 1998-99, then was traded to Los Angeles at the deadline for Yanic Perreault. He’d see NFL fan: Seven of our 10 highest-scoring seasons ever came in the last seven games with the Kings over the next few seasons, have a stint with decade. the Lightning organization and then end his NHL career with a single game as an Islander in 2001-02. In all, his NHL resume included four Opposed: I want to go home. teams, parts of four seasons, 41 games and six points, but only that one In favor: Wait! There’s still a chance we might see NHL players go the goal from his earliest days in Florida. He’d play a few more pro seasons Olympics. It doesn’t sound likely, but it could happen, and even if it in Europe and Asia before retiring, and these days seems to be offering doesn’t they might figure out the World Cup for someday down the road his services as a life coach. even though they ran out of time this year. Tomorrow is Feb. 22, which makes it the 40th anniversary of one of the NBA fan: Our players go to the Olympics every time. most important moments in the history of hockey. You’ve probably been hearing about it all week, and you’ll no doubt see it everywhere you look MLB fan (poking head back into the room): We’ve got another World tomorrow. And rightly so, because even if you think the moment has Baseball Classic next year, with an expanded field of 20 countries! been overhyped, you can’t deny its importance to the sport even four In favor: I don’t know man … Taylor Hall might be a free agent this year? decades later. He’s not the player he once was, but that could at least be sort of … And so for this week’s clip, there’s really only one place we can go: Back MLB fan: One of our very best players switched teams in a crazy free to Feb. 22, 1980, as a national audience tunes in to witness hockey agency bidding war last year. history.

NBA fan: Hey us too! So yeah, it’s a midseason NHL game between the Flyers and Canucks. I don’t know if there were any other hockey games played that night, but NFL fan: The greatest quarterback ever might hit the market his year. I’m sure they weren’t important.

Opposed: I quit. It takes a full three-quarters of a second before a fight starts, which is longer than usual for an early ’80s NHL clip. This one escalates quickly, In favor: Look, stop this. OK, yes, other sports have good things going for and the benches are already emptying by the 15-second mark. By the them. Fine, good for them. But maybe hockey fans should stop way, I think that’s Tiger Williams sauntering over the boards as the last comparing ourselves to everyone else and just enjoy our own game. Is guy on the ice, and given how many of these brawls he’s seen in his day the NHL perfect? No, but no league ever is. Maybe it wouldn’t kill us to he’s basically the hockey version of this meme. stop looking for things to complain about and focus on what’s important. “It’s a big ugly brawl.” Come on, the Canucks uniforms aren’t that bad. Opposed: Which is … An early recurring character is Flyers goalie Pete Peeters. He’s the last In favor: Which is that hockey is freaking great. And I’m going to keep Flyer off the bench, with an impressive sense of nonchalance about the watching it, and so will you, because warts and all, it’s still the best damn whole thing. The next time we see him, he’s engaged with Gary Bromley sport in the entire world. but still looks completely bored. Then a few seconds after that we see That one guy who always shows up on Twitter: Dur, please like my sport, him slam his opponent onto the ice and land directly on top of him, at dur! which point he presumably falls asleep.

NBA fan: Wow, that guy sucks. Our announcers inform us that this is a nationally televised game, because again, there probably isn’t any other hockey worth watching on MLB fan: Seriously. tonight. Meanwhile, the director makes the interesting choice to focus in on noted stat spoiler Phil Myre waltzing around instead of one of the NFL fan: We don’t have anyone like him. several fights going on, and we can hear people chatting in the In favor: Yeah, you guys win. background of the broadcast. Top quality work all around. Really putting our best foot forward. The final verdict: Seriously though that NBA All-Star Game was awesome, please shame our guys into doing that someday. “Now we’ve got to watch that the spectators don’t get involved.” Early 1980s NHL was something else, kids, I tell you. We get a wide shot that reveals that both linesmen are still trying to get Peeters off Bromley, which is an interesting priority when all hell is breaking loose everywhere else. Glen Hanlon goes after Ken Linseman, which brings in Bobby Clarke, which brings in Gary Lupul, who had a history of bad decisions involving fighting future Hall of Famers.

“This one looks bad Jim, they’re going to have to play the national anthem to stop this one.” Um … what? I think that’s a Slap Shot reference, but let’s just point out that the anthem didn’t actually stop the brawl in that movie, it was more a smash cut ahead in time and yeah OK I’ll shut up and move on.

The two coaches tonight are Pat Quinn, who wants to get on the ice and join the fight, and Harry Neale, who seems to be cracking jokes. Probably ones that involve Edgar Allan Poe references.

“Well you got to feel for the linesmen and the referee out there, they don’t know whether to wind their watch or steal third base.” Again … what? Is this one of those things where you force a bot to watch 1,000 hours of hockey commentary and then it tries its best to make its own?

Things seem to be calming down when Stan Smyl gets into it with a Flyer, and that brings everyone back into it. We get the required tsk- tsk’ing from the announcers, including a funny bit about how fines don’t mean anything to guys making $125,000 a year. Luckily the NHL learned their lesson over the years that fines aren’t a deterrent.

Hanlon has been looking for trouble this whole time, and finally decides to start throwing bombs at Myre. I don’t know what was up with Hanlon in this one, but he once got into it with Ron Caron so you know he’s not the most stable guy. Rule of thumb: anytime you hear the words “The redhead has lost his temper” at an NHL game, something bad is happening.

Linseman winds up paired off with Swedish forward Thomas Gradin, who probably hasn’t been in many fights before. That leads to what I’m pretty sure is the only punch in NHL brawl history that could accurately be described as “completely adorable”.

Everyone is exhausted by this point, and even Redhead Hanlon seems ready for things to end. One more fight starts, this one between Curt Fraser and Jack McIlhargey, causing everyone to make the same “not this again” face I make when my 9-year-old tells me the same joke for the seventh time that morning.

At this point our clip ends, not because the brawl is over but because we’ve run up against YouTube’s old 10-minute limit. But you’re not missing much, as things pretty much died down from here. Remarkably, this didn’t even go down in history as the craziest brawl between these two specific teams, but it was still pretty bad. It’s probably going to be the talk of the hockey world for weeks, and maybe even all of sports. The NHL better hope against hope that something else happens tonight to distract at least a little bit of that attention.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177758 Websites room after and to see all the jerseys and huge smiles on dads and mentors. It’s special for sure. Very special.”

Adam Larsson deflected the game-winner past his own goalie, giving the Sportsnet.ca / Oilers need to tighten defensive game if going to find Wild their first lead of the night halfway through the third period. They’d playoff success earned it though, walking into the Oilers building and beating them fair and square.

Mark Spector | @sportsnetspec February 22, 2020, 12:54 AM The Oilers leave Saturday for a three-game trip through Los Angeles, Anaheim and Las Vegas, all sandwiched around Monday’s trading deadline.

EDMONTON — How do you lose at home to the Minnesota Wild, despite McDavid looks like he’ll be ready to return in L.A., or at worst, Tuesday in leading three times in the game? Anaheim.

You have a scoring line that scores three goals, but you have a checking Here’s a scoop: That will help. line that gives up just as many. Deflect a puck into your own cage in the third period, and voila! Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 02.22.2020

It’s a 5-3 win for Minnesota, which got the rare blueliner hat trick from defenceman Jared Spurgeon.

Oilers head coach Dave Tippet couldn’t complain about Leon Draisaitl’s line, which popped three. But the Riley Sheahan-Josh Archibald-Tyler Benson line? Not only did they not provide any depth scoring, they spent the night fishing the puck out of their own net, all going minus-three.

Home of the Oilers

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What does a coach hope for when he has one scoring line, with Connor McDavid still on the shelf?

“You are hoping something comes alive or that the other lines don’t get scored on,” said Tippett. “One line got scored on — a lot.”

“When you give up four, that’s too many,” continued Tippett, whose team has gone a respectable 3-2-1 sans McDavid, though the totality of all the injuries is beginning to add up. “The margin for error is slim, but when you give up four, you have to score five and that’s too many. Too many goals against.”

It is the reason why nobody has any confidence that the Toronto Maple Leafs can win a playoff round, even if they make the post-season. Or why Calgarians are looking at their Flames with a critical eye these days.

Good teams keep the puck out of their net with consistency, and only five NHL teams allow more goals on a nightly basis than Toronto. Calgary, meanwhile, is the only one of 16 teams currently holding down a playoff position that has a negative goal differential, at minus-11.

Edmonton is no hell at plus-four, but since Jan. 1 they’ve been the 13th stingiest team in the NHL — a direct cause of its 11-5-3 record since then. And with McDavid playing they tend to score enough, so that No. 13 ranking is just fine.

You might win the odd game 6-5, but as long as you’re playing games like that, you’re not going to be preparing for any playoff success.

“We gave up (39) shots tonight? Not good enough,” said Oilers defenceman Matt Benning. “They just kind of took us over down low, and we really didn’t have the pushback. We sustained some pressure, looked good. But there were times when they just took it to us.”

The teams emerged from the dressing room tied 3-3 after 40 minutes, but Minnesota absolutely owned the final period, sweeping the season series 3-0 from the club that calls Wild GM Bill Guerin an alumnus.

Wild defenceman Carson Soucy scored, and over 100 friends and family from nearby Irma, Alta., could be heard cheering at Rogers Place. Then Spurgeon capped a hat trick with an empty netter, sending the Spurgeon clan home happy as well.

“It’s about 15 minutes (to drive for his dad), 25 in rush hour and it’s pretty special,” Spurgeon said. “My grandma was watching (at home) and my sister and my niece are here. It’s pretty awesome.”

It was a crucial, gutsy win for the Wild, closing out their dads trip here in Edmonton in style. They won the first game in front of their dads with a come-from-behind shootout win at Vancouver.

“It gives you goosebumps,” said interim head coach Dean Evason. “Just as you’re talking, saying it, it gives you goosebumps. The look around the 1177759 Websites Abramov — who has 35 points in 42 AHL games, earning him a cup of coffee in Ottawa earlier this season — has a different approach to handling the pressures of being forever linked to a blockbuster deal.

Sportsnet.ca / Senators’ Brannstrom, Abramov reflect on 2019 trade “I don’t know, I just don’t overthink it. (I) just focus on my game, go on the deadline blockbusters ice every day and practice hard, play hard and don’t read a lot of news,” the 2016 third-round pick said with a laugh.

Mike Shulman | @ByMikeShulman February 21, 2020, 2:25 PM The electrifying Russian was happy to be back playing in Canada — especially near the Gatineau area, where he spent two-plus seasons in the QMJHL — but the experience taught him to never get too comfortable. TORONTO — At this time of year, it’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement. “I was traded once in junior, too, but, obviously, it’s a little bit different,” said Abramov. The trades. The steals. The blunders. “And well, it’s probably, that you can be traded anytime, right? You never But it’s also easy to forget the players involved are human, not just know, because I wasn’t expecting it — like it was my first year of a avatars with skill ratings, salaries and potential. contract — but I got traded. And (you) just gotta be prepared for Their lives are uprooted, career trajectories shifted and expectations anything.” changed. Big trades have big-time impacts, ones that leave lasting impressions on That’s exactly what happened to Erik Brannstrom and Vitaly Abramov, those involved. who were acquired by the Ottawa Senators around last year’s trade While things can’t simply go back to the way they were before, it’s deadline as part of the packages for Mark Stone and Matt Duchene, important that young players, such as Brannstrom and Abramov, as well respectively. as the team, keep things in perspective, said Belleville’s coach Troy The Senators unloaded the pair of stars as they continued cleaning Mann. house in the rebuild they started when Erik Karlsson was shipped out of “Well, from an organizational perspective, you got to have patience, town earlier that season, with the trove of prospects and picks they right? Because and I know — just from my experience with Washington received back ostensibly laying the groundwork for a return to contention and Hershey — you’re able to let the Jakub Vranas of the world kind of in Ottawa. percolate in the American Hockey League. Ottawa is in a little bit, Being a slick-skating, dynamic Swede, Brannstrom — the Vegas Golden obviously, different situation in the NHL than the Capitals are right now, Knights’ 15th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft — drew obvious but you still got to be patient with these kids, you can’t rush them too comparisons to the team’s former captain. The five-foot-nine, 181-pound much,” he said. defenceman joined Ottawa’s AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators, for the “Because at the end of the day, as I say to them, ‘You know, when you stretch run and made the big club out of training camp this season. But go to the NHL, you don’t want to come back, right? And if you go up too after putting up just four points in 31 games, with his ice time diminished, early, or you’re not ready, then you’re going to get sent down again.’ And Brannstrom was sent down to the AHL last month. that’s something as an organization we should be very, very careful of is: The 20-year-old admitted that, perhaps, the weight of those expectations at what point are they completely ready to play in the NHL?” spawning from the trade and the stress involved with trying to reach them Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 02.22.2020 were at the root of his “slow start.”

“Maybe, yeah, there was kind of a lot of hype there,” said Brannstrom after Belleville fell to the Toronto Marlies 7-6 in overtime last weekend.

“I mean, Mark Stone is a really good player, so I don’t know. I don’t think many thought I was going to be recalled (his first full year), so I don’t know about that. But I enjoyed being up there and I learned the game up there.”

Brannstrom — who was given a heads-up and was following along on the Internet on deadline day when he found he was being traded — said he was aware of the pressure that comes with being forever linked to a trade of that magnitude, but was excited about joining the Senators nonetheless.

“I was a little bit surprised. I didn’t think they were gonna trade me, but it ended up pretty good. I’m happy to be here,” he said.

Since joining Belleville, which tops the AHL’s North Division, Brannstrom has been on a tear, rattling off 21 points in 25 games.

“… I got down here and got my confidence back, and I think it is going better and better all the time now, so it’s fun to score some goals and get some points again.”

“I’m really excited for the future, I think we’re going to be really good here.”

Just a few days before the Senators landed Brannstrom, Abramov was a little more caught off guard when the Columbus Blue Jackets informed him of his trade to Ottawa.

“I didn’t expect it at all,” the 21-year-old winger, who was on the ice for a morning skate with the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters, recalled.

“I went the same day to Binghamton, I was supposed to play for Belleville that night, but I didn’t make it on time, so just watched the game … and I left all my clothes in Cleveland, I couldn’t (get them) for like two weeks and I just had like a suit basically, and like a couple of gym shirts.” 1177760 Websites approaching the questions of whether this core can do it. A healthy Drouin reaching his full potential likely helps the Canadiens more, but if Bergevin does opt to move him, the return would be hefty.

Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens Trade Tiers: Will Bergevin embrace Montreal's Phillip Danault seller status? He’s having his best goal-scoring season yet, sitting one off his career- high mark with 20 games left to play. He’s also a key part of the penalty Sportsnet Staff | @Sportsnet February 21, 2020, 11:37 AM kill and one of the team’s best faceoff practitioners. If a blockbuster’s on the table, maybe he’s included, else Danault seems too important in too many different areas of the team’s efforts.

With the 2020 NHL Trade Deadline drawing near, Sportsnet is breaking Artturi Lehkonen down what each Canadian club has to work with as they head toward Feb. 24. We’ve sorted each roster into Trade Tiers to hash out who’s The young Finn has been an intriguing weapon so far through his time in safe, who’s available and who’s likely on the move. Montreal, costing only $2.4 million this year and next while providing some depth on the wing and serving as a key part of the team’s penalty- Barring a miraculous home-stretch run, the Montreal Canadiens seem killing efforts. Unless it’s a blockbuster, it seems unlikely he’d move. set to miss the post-season for the third straight season. Joel Armia Sitting eight points out of a wild-card spot with a slim-to-none chance of closing the necessary gap before the end of 2019-20, the Canadiens Ditto for Armia, who’s enjoying a career year in Montreal. The former head towards the Feb. 24 trade deadline looking every bit a seller. Winnipeg Jet (and brief Buffalo Sabre) has 15 goals to his name this year, the third-highest sum on the team. He’s under control for another Whether GM Marc Bergevin opts for significant surgery — though, such year at $2.6 million, adding to his value, both to the Canadiens and as a deals may be more likely to come in the off-season — or minor moves to trade chip. flip expiring deals into futures, Montreal has a number of options given the composition of their roster and salary-cap situation. Jordan Weal

The team already made the first of their deadline moves, trading Yet another affordable ($1.4-million cap hit this year and next) forward defenceman Marco Scandella to St. Louis in exchange for a 2020 option who can be of use to Bergevin or could be flipped if a club’s willing second-round pick and a 2021 conditional fourth-round pick. They also to pay for a depth piece that has some term. Weal’s put up 12 points flipped pending-free-agent AHLers Riley Barber and Phil Varone to through 41 games this season, averaging just 13:25 minutes a night. Pittsburgh for Joseph Blandisi and Jake Lucchini. Ben Chiarot

Given where Montreal’s currently at and the marquee trade chips that The 28-year-old is one of the few Canadiens defenders signed past next could be moved to help them take a step forward, it seems likely the season, with his current deal stretching until 2022. He’s also one of three Canadiens aren’t done just yet. So, let’s take a look at where they stand Canadiens defenders logging over 20 minutes a night (averaging 23:22, and who could potentially move next: specifically). With Montreal looking for an upgrade on defence, moving Not Going Anywhere Chiarot would seem like a step in the wrong direction.

Carey Price Brett Kulak

His numbers haven’t been spectacular this season but Price is still the The same goes for Kulak, who’s carved out a more regular big-league backbone of this team and a necessary part of their cause. He’s in the role since heading to Montreal from Calgary. With 47 games under his mix for the long haul (and signed until 2026). belt this season, he’s tops among all Montreal defencemen in Corsi For percentage, and — like Chiarot — is inked for two more years, clocking Shea Weber in at $1.85 million annually.

Between the Norris-esque start to the year and the near-superhuman Victor Mete effort to stick in the lineup as of late despite a seemingly painful ankle injury, Weber’s been every bit the captain the Canadiens need at this He recently suffered a foot injury that has him out of the lineup at the point in their timeline. moment, though it looks like it won’t be too long an absence. The 21- year-old still seems on track to be an important part of Montreal’s future Brendan Gallagher blue line once he puts it all together at the NHL level. That said, he is a pending RFA, which leaves a deal at least somewhat of a possibility. He’s a 27-year-old 30-goal-scorer who only costs $3.75 million a year, and is on the books for next season as well. The team has no reason to Jeff Petry look to move Gallagher out. Petry sits on the paper-thin line between being a crucially important part Paul Byron of the team and a trade chip that could net a franchise-altering haul in return. The right-hander’s got one more year at $5.5 million on the books, Byron’s one of only two forwards signed on for longer than a year or two, and has been an unequivocal hit since coming to Montreal — he’s with three more seasons at $3.4 million annually. Given what he brings to topped 40 points in each of the past two seasons and is on track for the table when healthy, they benefit more from keeping him in the mix another such finish. But as Sportsnet’s Eric Engels pointed out in his right now. inside look at the Canadiens’ deadline situation, Bergevin shouldn’t be Nick Suzuki mesmerized by what would come his way if he moved Petry, he should look to keep Petry doing what he’s been doing in Montreal for the His potential to be a central part of the club’s future is already clear — at foreseeable future. 20 years old, he’s currently the second-highest scorer on the team. There’s also the fact that bringing Suzuki to Montreal (along with other “There are numerous teams that would give up a sizeable package to key assets) cost the Canadiens Max Pacioretty, meaning they won’t part acquire Petry over the coming days, but unless the Canadiens acquire a with their young star easily. first-round pick plus a player who’s at least five years younger, a right- handed defenceman capable of playing close to half of every game and (Likely) Not Going Anywhere produce between 40-50 points per season, they can’t seriously entertain moving him,” Engels wrote. Jonathan Drouin Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey Three years into his Canadiens tenure and six years into his NHL career, world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what there’s a sense that Drouin still hasn’t reached his full potential. He’s they think about it. shown flashes of brilliance since coming north from the Lightning, and likely sticks with the club for the three remaining years on his contract. Probably Safe, But It’s Possible But Drouin has yet to play a playoff game for the Canadiens, and with the team likely to finish on the outside once again this season, we’re Max Domi Domi’s first season in Montreal was a game-breaking 72-point success. This year’s been less prolific, with the 24-year-old on track for closer to 50 points. He would seem to be a central part of the Canadiens’ plans, but the team does have an important decision to make soon given he’s an RFA after this season. Given the success the two have enjoyed together so far, Domi likely sticks in Montreal, but should the club feel wary of what a potential extension might look like, a trade seems at least plausible. Especially given his potential to bring in a marquee NHL-ready return.

Could Be On The Move

Dale Weise

The veteran bottom-sixer is a pending UFA, and a useful piece, but doesn’t move the needle a significant amount for the Canadiens at this point, with just four points through 16 games at the NHL level this season and seven points through 27 games with AHL Laval. The Canadiens need to stockpile futures at this point, starting with their free-agents-to- be.

Nick Cousins

Also a pending free agent — of the RFA variety, though — Cousins has performed well for his $1-million cap hit. His versatility has made him a useful piece in Montreal, but could also make him a more valuable asset should Bergevin elect to move on and rebuild his depth group.

Nate Thompson

The 35-year-old has fit in well with the Canadiens, but also heads into unrestricted free agency after this season. His faceoff proficiency could entice clubs looking for more stability in their bottom six, though at 35 years old, he won’t be netting too significant a return either way.

Tomas Tatar

In Tatar, Bergevin has possibly his most valuable trade chip. The 29- year-old is enjoying his second straight season of solid production in Montreal, and currently leads the team in scoring with 54 points to his name so far. He’s also signed on for another year after this one, at only $4.8 million. Keeping Tatar in the fold seems the better option right now, given how well he’s fit with the Canadiens’ forward corps, but like Domi, it comes down to how the future contract might play out. If Bergevin and Co. feel they won’t be able to afford the raise Tatar potentially seeks after next season, parting with him now — while he’s still under control for another year — could bring in a game-changing return.

Find the rest of our NHL Trade Tiers lists here: CGY | TOR | EDM | OTT | WPG | VAN

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More Likely To Move

Ilya Kovalchuk

While Tatar may be the Canadiens’ most valuable trade chip, Kovalchuk is their most intriguing. The veteran has salvaged his value in the big leagues with a resurgent run in Montreal, posting 12 points through 20 games since joining the Canadiens. And despite seeming near the brink of extinction at the NHL level not too long ago, Kovalchuk’s now drawing deadline interest from multiple teams, according to Engels: “From what we’ve gathered, there are at least five teams interested in Kovalchuk’s services, whereas there were none who were seriously considering adding him before the Canadiens signed him out of his contract termination with the Los Angeles Kings,” Engels wrote in his deadline primer.

Kovalchuk hits UFA status following the conclusion of this season. If the team feels the fit is right and the 36-year-old can bring a similar impact over a full season in 2020-21, perhaps re-signing him is the smarter option. That said, if they feel a decline coming, moving Kovalchuk for any type of decent return would be a huge win for the front office, given what the perception of the player was just a couple months ago.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 02.22.2020 1177761 Websites Bergeron’s second at the 6:12 mark was followed by Charlie Coyle’s game-tying goal 12 minutes in.

“It was 3-1 with 55 minutes left, so there’s basically the whole game there Sportsnet.ca / Flames get lesson from elite Bruins on how to control – you can’t take it for granted there even though it’s nice to got off to a games good start,” said Tkachuk.

“Then they got three unanswered goals there. They’re a dangerous team, Eric Francis | @EricFrancis February 22, 2020, 1:22 AM but I thought the first five minutes – except for the goal we gave them – we played with a lot of energy in the building, we played smart, we played in their face and didn’t over-respect them.”

CALGARY – The Calgary Flames opened Mike Vernon Bobblehead Sam Bennett’s impressive play as a fill-in for sick centre Derek Ryan the Night by scoring three goals in the first four minutes against the NHL’s previous two games was so well received he was kept on as the third-line best squad. pivot between Milan Lucic and Dillon Dube despite Ryan’s return.

By the end of the first period, the visiting Bruins managed to turn a 3-1 With apologies to game star Backlund, Bennett’s third unit was Calgary’s deficit into a 3-3 pond hockey game. best line.

“I started sweating,” laughed Vernon, now 56, getting flashbacks of Gaudreau was also a star, buzzing endlessly in an effort reminiscent of playing in an era in which his career goals-against average of 2.98 was those he regularly played last season. pretty darn good. The Bruins were simply too good, which sets up an interesting rematch “Old time hockey out there.” Tuesday in Boston, following Monday’s trade deadline.

A mere 52 seconds after Vernon’s intermission comments, a Brad “It’s good for us we were able to play them tight,” said Ward. Marchand redirect changed everything. “There’s small solace in that – this time of year we need victories. But Game over. there’s a lot of things we can use to springboard for this road trip.”

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From there the Flames got a lesson in how championship teams can turn an evening on a dime, completely dictate the style of play and flip a shinny game into a defensive gem.

The Flames went from setting a franchise record for the fastest three goals to open a game (3:23) to being victimized by just the seventh team in NHL history to win a game after allowing a trio in the opening four minutes.

“That’s what good teams are able to do,” said Flames interim coach Geoff Ward, who spent several years coaching a beasty Bruins team that won the Cup in 2011.

“I was talking to some of the (Bruins) walking by and they were saying, ‘We thought this could get out of control after 10 minutes.’ But they were able to get themselves back on track pretty quickly. Once they were able to tie the game and get the lead you saw how tight they played.”

Clogging lanes, taking away the middle of the ice and blocking shots the rest of the way, the Bruins held on for a 4-3 win that handed the Flames their sixth home loss in their last seven.

Maybe it’s best this fragile Flames club is now hitting the road for a five- game swing through Detroit, Boston, Nashville, Tampa and Sunrise.

“We controlled bits of the game but not enough – you can see why they’re one of the best teams,” said Matthew Tkachuk, whose fifth fight of the year came against Jeremy Lauzon midway through the second in an effort to turn the momentum.

“They did a great job protecting the lead in the third. When you have 10 or 11 shots after two periods (11 officially) it’s going to be tough to have the lead at that point.”

All told, the Flames had just 21 shots on goal, thanks largely to 19 shot blocks by the big bad Bruins. On very few occasions Jaroslav Halak had to make big saves.

For those who only tuned in to the first five minutes, it would have been hard to believe how frustrating it would later be for the Flames to generate chances.

After all, Mikael Backlund banged in a rebound just 20 seconds in to put the hosts up, before doubling the lead two minutes later.

Red-hot Patrice Bergeron, and a noticeably game Johnny Gaudreau, traded goals within the next minute to give the Flames their second two- goal lead.

That’s when the lessons began. 1177762 Websites Lagesson is a depth defenceman who isn’t flashy. But every team needs a couple of those, and it’s about time the Oilers developed a few of their own. Now he walks into an Edmonton dressing room where he knows a Sportsnet.ca / Oilers finally reaping rewards of homegrown players few people.

"It makes you more comfortable. You know the guys, and you have a group to communicate with and take care of you. It’s been good," Mark Spector | @sportsnetspec February 21, 2020, 4:01 PM Lagesson said. "The team has been winning, and lots of these guys were in Bakersfield last year. You’re going to get your chance, and you’ve just

got to prove that you’re ready." EDMONTON — Riding along near the top of the Pacific Division all In The Crease — No Connor McDavid in the Oilers lineup Friday night. season long should tell you that the Edmonton Oilers are finally getting it We’d expect him to play Sunday in Los Angeles … Mikko Koskinen gets right as an organization. That success, however, is not the true the start in goal for Edmonton, against Alex Stalock for the Wild … barometer of organizational health. Bouchard is the team’s seventh defenceman, which means he’ll likely This is: Of the 18 skaters expected to suit up for Edmonton Friday night stay around until Russell (concussion) or Klefbom (shoulder) return. against the Minnesota Wild, seven were full-time members of the Oilers’ Russell is skating with the team but his timeline is unknown, Tippett said. American Hockey League farm team within the last calendar year. Klefbom should be another two weeks or so.

Ethan Bear and Kailer Yamamoto have taken on leading roles in Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 02.22.2020 Edmonton this season, two bona fide NHL players who have likely played their last AHL game.

Caleb Jones is somewhere just below that, as his game rises to the point where only contracts or waiver eligibility could work against him staying here for good. Tyler Benson and William Lagesson have shown they can play at this level, and that they just need some time for their games to adjust.

Meanwhile, depth forwards like Colby Cave and Patrick Russell are plug- and-play depth guys who help you win.

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It’s something that has not been seen in Edmonton in seemingly forever, and a true sign of an organization with depth that is both drafting and developing properly — finally.

"It’s cool to look around and see six or seven guys who have been down there at one point, playing together," said Jones after Friday’s morning skate. "When you see one guy go up and have success, it gives the next guy even more belief that he can have success too when he goes up."

An example would be 20-year-old defenceman Evan Bouchard, who is in Edmonton as insurance after injuries to Oscar Klefbom and Kris Russell. Bouchard won’t play Friday night, and may or may not get a look during this stint, depending on the health of the roster.

"In the past they might have needed to rush a guy like him," said Jones. "But you have Bearsy now, a right-shot D who has been in the ‘A’ for a couple of years. He comes in ready to go this year, and now you can push Bouchard back a little, which allows him to get better. He’ll come in some time next year and be fully ready to go. An impact guy right away.

"That’s how a healthy organization works."

Yamamoto has 18 points in 19 NHL games since his call-up and is a plus-11. On a line with Leon Draisaitl, the five-eight, 153-pound Yamamoto is seeing top-pairing defencemen like Zdeno Chara and Ryan Suter these days, and he’s surviving just fine.

"There were instances in the (Boston) game where they were side by side," head coach Dave Tippett said of Yamamoto and Chara, who is six- nine, 250 pounds. "I give Yamo credit — he’s not backing down from anybody. Even Chara. It’s a size mismatch, but I like the way Yamo handled it."

Yamamoto looks across the room at Bear, who walked into Edmonton as a fifth-round draft pick and assumed a top-four role at age 22.

"Just watching him now, this is just the beginning of his career," Yamamoto said of Bear. "He’s an unbelievable hockey player, and he has so much more in his bag, from practice. I can’t wait for him to show it."

There isn’t much left on the farm in Bakersfield with all these call-ups, other than 20-year-old centreman Ryan McLeod, the last man left in a big house all the players rented together.

"He moved into my room," Yamamoto reports. "I think he has three beds to choose from." 1177763 Websites abundance of up-front talent and a relative dearth of skill on the blue line, your wheels start turning and dots get connected.

Draft Picks: Winnipeg already moved a 2020 third to get DeMelo and Sportsnet.ca / 2020 NHL Trade Deadline Primer: Winnipeg Jets now has just four picks in the upcoming draft. Being a competitive team has left this organization a bit prospect poor, so don’t expect Cheveldayoff to part with any selections in the next two drafts easily. Ryan Dixon | @dixononsports February 21, 2020, 1:28 PM Draft Picks

2020: 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th Nothing has come easily for the Winnipeg Jets this season. Four defencemen who played big roles on last year’s squad departed the club 2021: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th in a variety of ways over the summer and that has coloured the entire One bold move Winnipeg could make… campaign. There have been stretches when it felt like that blow was too much to overcome. There’s only one way Winnipeg parts with a desirable, under-contract forward and it’s in exchange for an impact defenceman who is signed for However, every time it seems like the Jets might fall out of playoff at least one year beyond this one. This does get slightly intriguing when contention, the boys find a way to steady the ship. Coach Paul Maurice you consider the likes of Jonas Brodin (2020-21), Josh Manson (2021- has been a stabilizing force, which is why he was recently rewarded with 22) and Matt Dumba (2022-23) all potentially being in play. a contract extension. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck has done everything in his power to keep the Jets competitive and Winnipeg is the only team in Again, I don’t see any of the big boys going anywhere. But Roslovic is a the NHL with five players who’ve scored at least 20 goals. guy who might have more value to another organization that’s trying to till the soil and incorporate as much raw talent as possible for a re-tool. At each of the past two deadlines, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff moved a first- round pick in the hopes a new centre could help his contending team go I don’t think Winnipeg should… all the way. It’s hard to imagine there’s any move available to Cheveldayoff that will turn Winnipeg into a serious championship threat Be too conservative just because they’re on the bubble. On one hand, as this time out, but he rewarded his group by acquiring a centre again — noted, it’s hard to see this being the Jets’ year. On the other, this is the picking up third-liner Cody Eaking for a mid-round pick on Friday. NHL, crazy stuff happens all the time — now more than ever. The Jets made the conference final two years ago, only to lose to a Vegas Golden Senior Writer Ryan Dixon and NHL Editor Rory Boylen always give it Knights team in its first year of existence. Last spring, the Jets lost to 110%, but never rely on clichés when it comes to podcasting. Instead, another lightning-in-a-bottle squad, the Stanley Cup-champion St. Louis they use a mix of facts, fun and a varied group of hockey voices to cover Blues. One thing Winnipeg has in common with those other two teams; a Canada’s most beloved game. great goalie.

Needs: Nobody is suggesting Cheveldayoff would or should burn the future for the next few months. But if this team snags the first wild card and The Jets have required reinforcements on the back end all season, competes in the Pacific Division draw, it will be up against squads it’s raiding the waiver wire for whatever they can find. The acquisition of essentially neck-and-neck with. right-shot defenceman Dylan DeMelo — who can become an unrestricted free agent this summer — from the Ottawa Senators Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 02.22.2020 certainly helps, but you can easily argue Cheveldayoff should continue to kick tires because Winnipeg has basically gone the entire season giving up more high-danger scoring chances than any other team in the league.

Pending free agents:

RFAs

• Jack Roslovic, C, 23, $894,166

• Mason Appleton, RW, 24, $741,667

• Jansen Harkins, LW, 22, $767,500

• Sami Niku, D, 23, $775,000

UFAs

• Dmitry Kulikov, D, 29, $4.3 million

• Nathan Beaulieu, D, 27, $1 million

• Dylan DeMelo, D, 26, $900,000

• Nick Shore, C, 27, $750,000

• Logan Shaw, RW, 27, $700,000

• Anthony Bitetto, D, 29, $700,000

• Gabriel Bourque, C , 29, $700,000

Potential Assets to Move

Jack Roslovic: If there’s one place the Jets are flush, it’s up front. Roslovic is at the end of his entry-level deal and this is his second full season in the league. At this point, his path to a high-usage role seems a bit blocked in Manitoba. You have to wonder if another team out there sees breakout potential for this speedy player who was a first-round pick in 2015.

High-end Forward X: Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler aren’t going anywhere. And if I had to bet, I imagine the same could be said for Patrik Laine, Nik Ehlers and Kyle Connor. It’s just that, when a team has an 1177764 Websites Byron Froese, 28, $700,000

Potential assets to move

Sportsnet.ca / 2020 NHL Trade Deadline primer: Calgary Flames Sam Bennett: Despite his lofty draft status, the former fourth pick overall is a versatile depth player in Calgary who has a history of playing his best, most rambunctious hockey in the post-season. He brings an Eric Francis | @EricFrancis February 21, 2020, 8:21 AM attractive skill-set and upside many teams covet, making him one of the better trade chips the Flames have. He’s played well at centre the last two games, which may have been his best of the season.

Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving insists that while mulling over trade Mark Jankowski: After opening the season going 38 games without a deadline possibilities he “takes his cues from his team.” goal, the 25-year-old pending RFA has scored five times in nine outings, which may attract some interest. With a number of players capable of The wild inconsistency of his current crop makes it hard to read how best playing centre, the six-foot-four, 212-pound penalty-killing maven has to proceed, especially in the midst of the Pacific division’s tightest playoff been a healthy scratch 14 times. Unsure if the team has the appetite to race in decades. qualify him as an RFA this summer at $1.75 million. The team’s wish list has long been topped by a right-handed forward to Jon Gillies: The six-foot-six former NCAA champion has fallen down the round out the top six – either someone who can play on the first line Flames’ depth chart over the years and could easily be moved to a team alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, or as a potent second- looking to bolster its goaltending depth. liner. Draft Picks: The Flames wouldn’t move their first-rounder unless the Home of the Flames return is a significant player with term. Second and third-round picks Stream all 82 Flames games this season with Sportsnet NOW. Get over could easily be in play, as Treliving has never been shy to trade those 500 NHL games, blackout-free, including Hockey Night in Canada, all away. outdoor games, the All-Star Game, 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs and more. Draft Picks The return of Elias Lindholm to the top line, combined with a recent four- 2020: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th (SJ), 5th, 6th, 7th. point game from second-liner Andrew Mangiapane, are all part of an offensive resurgence from the team since last year’s line was recently 2021: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th. reunited. One bold move “the team” could make… So, given the inflated price tags on a depleted market of deadline targets, perhaps Treliving will shift his focus to adding depth to a blue line Land Josh Anderson. currently missing injured Mark Giordano and Travis Hamonic. The big, brash right-winger checks all the boxes the Flames could Last year, Treliving added Oscar Fantenberg at the deadline to be his possibly want, except for being injured at the moment. team’s seventh defenceman, which is the sort of move Flames fans The six-foot-three, 222-pound power forward is still out with a right should expect again by Monday, even though Giordano will likely be back shoulder injury suffered in a fight mid-December. It’s certainly cause for in a week or two and Travis Hamonic isn’t expected to be far off either. concern as it’s still unclear when he’ll be back. The 25-year-old also had RFAs a left shoulder injury in the fall.

Mark Jankowski, 25, $1.675 million That said, if you were to make a trade for the former 27-goal scorer you’d do so with reports from various doctors on his condition. Glenn Gawdin, 22, $775,833 Even if he isn’t ready to return in the next few weeks, the play here is Andrew Mangiapane, 23, $715,000 long-term as he will be a restricted free agent once his $1.85 million deal expires this spring. Oliver Kylington, 22, $730,000 The word is Columbus is concerned about the ability to sign him long- Tyler Parsons, 22, $759,000 term, which is why he’s been linked to various teams via trade, such as Jon Gillies, 26, $750,000 Boston and Calgary.

Artyom Zagidulin, 24, $842,000 Anderson’s price tag in a trade would be hefty like the deal Tampa swung to land Blake Coleman – a first-round pick and a top prospect, at the very Ryan Lomberg, 25, $700,000 least.

Justin Kirkland, 23, $700,000 For a rental, that would be too high, given his injury history.

Rinat Valiev, 24, $700,000 But as a long-term piece, the internal debate would be interesting as the Flames are short on goal-scoring, moxie and right-handed shooters. Andrew Nielsen, 23, 697,500 A trade for Kyle Palmieri (and his $4.65 million cap hit next year) would Nick Schneider, 22, $675,000 be safer, and more likely a possibility, given New Jersey is rebuilding. UFAs I think “the team” should not… TJ Brodie, 29, $4.650 million Spend significantly on a rental player. Travis Hamonic, 29, $3.857 million First of all, this year’s unflattering rental market has already been picked Cam Talbot, 32, $2.75 million away at by various competitors that have set the bar much higher than expected. Austin Czarnik, 27, $1.25 million Outside of New York’s Chris Kreider, there are no significant rental Buddy Robinson, 28, $700,000 players left that the Flames should covet. Kreider’s binge-scoring of late ensures he’ll command a first-round draft pick and top prospect as Zac Rinaldo, 29, $700,000 starting points, if the Rangers choose to move him. Tobias Rieder, 27, $700,000 Secondly, this team hasn’t shown enough consistency or any semblance Michael Stone, 29, $700,000 of an identity that suggests it’s capable of being a Cup contender this spring. Brandon Davidson, 28, $700,000 Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 02.22.2020 Alan Quine, 26, $735,000 1177765 Websites order to avoid jail time, he moved the family to California in an attempt to build a new life.

Two decades later, Ryan admits that he is still carrying baggage from his TSN.CA / Bobby Ryan opens up about alcohol addiction and the road to abnormal upbringing. recovery “A lot of what I’ve been through has been very public,” he said, alluding to his childhood. “I had a lot of issues surrounding that. I know now that Ian Mendes for a very long time, I just kind of put my head down and never really dealt with it. I checked a lot of the metaphorical boxes from the time I was 15 on. And I got hit with waves of it in the past little while and haven’t handled any of those waves right for a long period of time, and things just Bobby Ryan knew this day was coming. continued to escalate for the past three years.” The veteran forward was well aware he would be peppered with Ryan acknowledges that he’s made strides in therapy, but coming to questions about his extended absence from the Ottawa Senators for the terms with his childhood emotions is still a work in progress. past three months. On Friday morning, he decided to open up about the reasons for his departure from the team. “It’s something I need to let go and put in my past. I’m still continuing to let go of some more of it,” he said. He made a point of saying that while “I’ve dreaded this day for the better part of three months. But if you’re the therapy sessions have been difficult, he will continue to go through going to stand here and take time to heal yourself, you’re going to have them in the months ahead. to face the music,” Ryan said to a group of reporters gathered at his locker stall inside Canadian Tire Centre. "I spent two weeks agonizing The death of his mother, Melody, in the summer of 2016 after a battle over the fact it was going to be a media thing for me.” with liver cancer did not help matters for Ryan, who admitted on Friday that his problem has been mounting for the better part of three years. He Until now, the only explanation for Ryan’s leave was a purposely vague did acknowledge that his wife, Danielle, who he called “a rock star” joint press release from the NHL and NHLPA on Nov. 20, stating he throughout this whole ordeal, and their two young children were a would be away from the team while participating in the league’s player catalyst in him seeking help a few months ago. assistance program. “I got to point where I said is enough is enough with the shame and guilt On Friday, Ryan bravely shared that he has been undergoing extensive and not being the person you need to be for your family,” Ryan said. treatment for alcohol abuse. While he admits to being apprehensive about having to share his story Things came to a head during a Senators practice on Nov. 18, when on such a public platform, Ryan said he hopes it helps other people who Ryan abruptly left the team. In an emotional conversation with reporters are battling addictions to consider seeking help. on Friday, Ryan said he had reached a breaking point in his battle with alcohol that day in Detroit. “I guess in that sense there’s a silver lining. I would like to be a role model for other reasons. Everything has led me to here. I wish it hadn’t “I guess you can call it a panic attack, but it was more of a realization that taken so long for me to get here,” Ryan explained. “If there’s anybody the route that I was going had no good end in sight,” Ryan admitted. “And that hears it in some sense and recognize something and find a way to that’s not just professionally — that’s personally." ask for help — hopefully less publicly — then I urge them to do it.” The 32-year-old said he was caught in a vicious cycle, where he was Ryan, who produced just one goal in 16 games this season, said that his trying to handle the situation on his own — but without any long-term return to the lineup is imminent and he anticipates rejoining the team in success. the next two weeks. Looking trim and lean, Ryan says he's lost about 10 “It’s something I’ve been battling for a while,” he said. “I’ve tried on my pounds and has cleared all of the medical and physical testing required own and I was already getting help for it. What I was doing wasn’t to return to the lineup. enough. I was trying to white-knuckle things and trying to do things the When he does make his return, Ryan knows there will be a degree of wrong way.” cynicism in the marketplace for a player who has largely failed to live up Ryan said he was able to stay sober for small stretches, but would to the massive seven-year, $50 million contract he signed in the fall of ultimately relapse into his old, familiar habits. 2014.

“It would be 20 days of nothing and then one real bad day,” he explained. “People have reservations about where I’m at in my career and my contract and I understand that. I’m not saying that I’m going come out of Ryan headed to an in-patient clinic to seek a permanent solution for his this and play to the $7 million dollar guy that I want to be as much as problems. He said it was something he contemplated doing last summer, everyone else does," he said. “But this is a chance for me to reset and but only mustered up the courage to do in November. prove that I can play in this league and that I can contribute.”

“The issue for me was stopping. I just had never had a period in my life Ryan is hopeful that his chance to return is during a home game. While where people were around me to help me really stop,” Ryan said. “It took the club has not given Ryan an indication of a potential return date, me going somewhere to figure that out. And getting a dry period to start Thursday's home game against the Vancouver Canucks could be a out was very beneficial to me.” realistic target. Ryan emphasized that it would be more meaningful for him for his return to take place at Canadian Tire Centre. Ryan called the support of his fellow NHLers “overwhelming,” saying a number of players who have battled a substance abuse issue reached “In a sense, I hope it’s at home because my wife and kids will be here for out to him directly. He said that while some of the players have publicly that,” Ryan said to wrap up his media session, his voice cracking with shared their journeys, he was surprised at the number of fellow NHLers emotion for the first time. “They’ve earned this as much as I have.” who contacted him that went through the program anonymously. TSN.CA LOADED: 02.22.2020 “Some guys reached out and I had no clue they did it,” Ryan said.

At the height of his issues, Ryan said he was constantly battling insomnia. When he would wake up from choppy sleeps, he would often be overridden with feelings of guilt and shame. It was certainly not the recipe for success for an average hockey player, let alone a star commanding a $7 million annual salary.

But Ryan, as many fans know, is not your average NHL player. His atypical path to stardom has been widely documented over the years – starting with a dysfunctional childhood that saw his father change their family name and moving across the country to evade law enforcement. Ryan’s father was accused of domestic assault against his wife and, in 1177766 Websites hand. The penalty kill – a distressing team weakness that has conceded 9.5 goals against (48 total) per 60 minutes this season – hasn’t seen any improvement either.

TSN.CA / The numbers show an NHL coaching change usually works Considering that Nashville (a) had significant expectations; (b) has seen little change in performance; and (c) already made a coaching change, it will be interesting to watch the Predators at the trade deadline and this Travis Yost summer.

More changes might be coming, and that means either the players or the suits are next. When the Maple Leafs fired Mike Babcock in the middle of November, it sent quite the message to the Toronto players who had struggled for the Data via Hockey Reference, Evolving Hockey, Natural Stat Trick first two months of the season: No job is safe, even that of an accomplished coach with shelves full of hardware. TSN.CA LOADED: 02.22.2020

Toronto spent a couple of seasons building a roster they thought would be ready to compete for a Stanley Cup by now, and the sluggish start – among other things – was unacceptable to the front office. But what was so fascinating about Toronto’s decision to hand the keys to a very talented roster off to a first-time head coach in the middle of the season was that it ended up being the first of many firings this season.

Including Babcock, eight coaches have been shown the door this season. The common theme – Jim Montgomery in Dallas and Bill Peters in Calgary are the exceptions – is underperformance relative to expectations. Teams like Toronto, Vegas and Nashville were expected to be competitive this season. San Jose thought they’d be fighting for a playoff spot and ended up as one of the least-impressive teams in the league; ditto New Jersey.

There may have been a multitude of other factors behind the coaching changes, but it’s always interesting to watching how teams react. At the end of the day, front offices are making a bet that a new face behind the bench can help spark an increase in performance.

So, which teams have realized potential gains from a coaching change this season, and which haven’t? Let’s look at each team’s pre/post performance, excluding Minnesota, who fired Bruce Boudreau just last week in favour of Dean Evason. This is what it looks like:

One of the really interesting takeaways here is that just about every team – save San Jose, who has dealt with an incredible run of injuries lately – has improved in the standings since the time of the coaching change.

There is clearly a bias in the data set, as most of these coaches were fired due to underperformance and had they stayed in place, it’s very possible that normal performance regression would have occurred.

That said, it’s noteworthy that some of these jumps have been significant in the standings. Sheldon Keefe in Toronto and Peter DeBoer in Vegas (the latter was fired by San Jose earlier this season) have led their teams to massive jumps in their points-per-82 games pace, and the underlying numbers are up across the board.

The Golden Knights, in particular, are quite noteworthy: DeBoer assumed perhaps the most puck-dominant team, a puck-dominant team that was struggling in its divisional race because of some poor shooting luck and shaky goaltending.

I’m not sure the goaltending situation is resolved quite yet – Malcolm Subban has been underwhelming all season long and Marc-Andre Fleury hasn’t had a season this bad in more than a decade. But the shooting luck did turn around, and when you are spending about 57 per cent of the time generating dangerous offence far away from your own net it’s usually a recipe for success.

In many ways, the Golden Knights feel like the Western Conference version of the Maple Leafs. The goaltending issues in Vegas seem exacerbated by a blueline that is sorely in lack of talent relative to their forward counterparts.

But Keefe and DeBoer have been able to squeeze a lot out of their deep, versatile forward groups – enough to make significant headway in the standings.

On the other side of the coin, I think a lot of eyeballs are going to be on John Hynes and the Nashville Predators down the stretch.

The Predators haven’t seen a real positional change in the standings since firing Peter Laviolette in early January, but they have seen their even-strength play take a considerable step back – they are about five percentage points worse in shot and goal rates, and they are still just 10th in the Western Conference standings with a couple of games in