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Home , Anton Slepyshev, Blaine Stoughton, Chuck Lefley, Clint Benedict, Cuppers, Dallas Eakins

-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 3/31/2020 Panthers 1181927 Ducks coach Dallas Eakins reconnects with his family 1181956 Panthers’ Barkov on NHL’s return: ‘When everything is during coronavirus outbreak fine, we’ll get back’ 1181928 Q&A: Ducks coach Dallas Eakins is using Monopoly and 1181957 Panthers sign defenseman John Ludvig to three-year, burpees to stay competitive entry-level deal 1181958 Safety first, but Sasha Barkov says the Panthers deserve to play if NHL returns 1181929 Bruins’ David Pastrnak gets us up to date on his activities 1181930 Bruins Zdeno Chara has handled shutdown with class and dignity 1181959 Kings sign prospect Tyler Madden to entry-level contract 1181931 Zdeno Chara takes playful at Tuukka Rask 1181960 Todd McLellan wishes he could see how re-energized 1181932 Zdeno Chara admits 'it's hard to look at' the NHL stoppage Kings would have continued based on Bruins chances 1181961 Whicker: Before the interruption, Kings were earning a 1181933 Bruins' Zdeno Chara spills the tea on Tuukka Rask's pardon 'awful' farting issue 1181962 After injury, Jack Jablonski making career moves with LA 1181934 As Zdeno Chara reflects on a halted season, he reveals a Kings smelly Bruins secret 1181963 ‘People are taking care of each other’ — Todd McLellan 1181935 Rewatching the Classics: Lightning-Bruins, 2011 Eastern adjusts to a new normal Conference final, Game 7 1181964 “ATTACK-ORIENTED PLAYER WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF 1181936 Rob Murray reveals what it’s like to shut down a team COMPETE” AND MORE NOTES ON MADDEN abruptly at midseason 1181965 TYLER MADDEN SIGNS THREE-YEAR ENTRY-LEVEL CONTRACT 1181937 hopeful, cautious when asked about Sabres resuming season 1181966 Whirlwind week for Neal Broten took him from 1981 NCAA 1181938 Buffalo Sabres' star Jack Eichel: 'There is so much more final with Gophers to NHL debut at stake than hockey games' 1181939 In the midst of uncertainty, Jack Eichel is embracing things he knows 1181967 ‘Just want to talk throw-up and diarrhea?’: My 6 favorite random Predators games 1181940 COVID-19: Flames announce temporary layoffs, wage reductions for full-time staff 1181968 Former NJ Devils' goalie Eddie Lack announces retirement Blackhawks 1181969 An oral history of how the Devils’ AHL team pulled off the 1181941 Former Blackhawk Daniel Carcillo has a question for unthinkable Netflix's ‘Tiger King’ star 1181942 ‘My heart’s in Chicago’: answers your questions and more 1181970 wishes Long Islanders, ex-Islanders teammates well during COVID-19 pandemic 1181971 Untold stories from the Islanders beat: Learning my trade 1181943 Flames GM Brad Treliving was almost hired by the deadline lesson Avalanche 1181972 Kaapo Kakko’s stubbornness is blocking potential 1181944 How the NHL’s suspension could impact Stars’ available Rangers greatness salary cap next season 1181973 What we learned in 2019-20: NY Rangers have options 1181945 ‘It’s like Groundhog Day’: Stars’ Ben Bishop adjusts to life thanks to right-handed 'D' depth during quarantine 1181974 That was then: 'The greatest band of athletes ever 1181946 Detroit Red Wings' doing fine during NHL assembled' break; yes, he's seen 'Tiger King' 1181975 SNAPSHOTS: Zdeno Chara says 'hockey is secondary' 1181947 Red Wings' Dylan Larkin gets 'creative' working out at with the NHL schedule on pause home while self-quarantining 1181976 GARRIOCH: Back in St. Louis, Brady Tkachuk says 1181948 Closure of Michigan mecca leaves players, teammates with COVID-19 are doing well employees heartbroken 1181977 Brady Tkachuk talks COVID-19, Tik Tok and why he won’t 1181949 Tory Dello’s chaotic, brief and unforgettable first stint with quarantine with Colin White Griffins 1181950 Red Wings’ Dylan Larkin talks Tiger King, D-Boss video, uncertain times 1181951 Pat Caputo - 10 greatest Red Wings of all-time 1181952 What do Detroit’s sportscasters do in a world without ? 1181953 Oilers only want Anton Slepyshev back at right price 1181954 Edmonton Oiler Leon Draisaitl hit hard on all fronts by COVID-19 1181955 How Oilers star Leon Draisaitl is passing the time with NHL season on hold Flyers 1181978 Flyers GM says players are working out at 1182009 Odds posted on possible NHL, NBA playoff series home; hopeful NHL season will resume 1182010 Max Pacioretty named Golden Knights’ MVP in 1181979 Flyers' Fletcher as murky on future as anyone Review-Journal poll 1181980 Amid coronavirus outbreak, Chuck Fletcher, Flyers push 1182011 Golden Knights’ Defining Moments: Pacioretty’s last- forward in 'different times' second 1181981 Did you miss playing Jenga? Scott Hartnell sure 1182012 Five pressing questions the Golden Knights need didn't answered this offseason 1181982 NHL odds: If Flyers and Penguins played in 2020 playoffs, who would win? 1181983 How the Flyers are conducting business remotely with 1182013 No Capitals players have exhibited coronavirus symptoms; season paused team is preparing for all scenarios 1181984 Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher stays busy during hockey’s new 1182014 Nationals' spring training facility closes to become virus normal testing site 1182015 Capitals' T.J. Oshie brings new meaning to the term 'tarps off' 1181985 won’t renew coach’s contract 1182016 How to watch Capitals vs. Wild NHL 20 simulation and 1181986 Penguins moments part of fan-voted tournament as best Caps rally behind Ovechkin hat trick of NHL season 1182017 Capitals GM: No players have exhibited coronavirus 1181987 Pausing the Penguins: What to make of what could be a symptoms lost season for ? 1182018 With NHL season paused, a ranking of Capitals' best wins 1181988 Ron Cook: Can future sports moments be as memorable of 2019-20: No. 10 without raucous crowds? 1182019 The humanizing effect of the coronavirus on NHL players 1181989 Sex, drugs, a dead playboy and a former Penguins winger charged with murder Websites 1182025 The Athletic / Down Goes Brown: Attempting to answer a simple question about jersey numbers 1181990 San Jose Sharks agree to terms with former Arizona State 1182026 The Athletic / ‘They call me The Hockey Jedi’: Meet Zac defenseman Bell, hockey’s latest internet star 1181991 NHL rumors: Brinson Pasichnuk, Sharks nearing contract 1182027 The Athletic / ‘I want you to doubt me’: Zayde Wisdom’s agreement against-all-odds journey to the 1181992 How Sharks' wild comeback win vs. Predators epitomized 1182028 The Athletic / Chaos rankings of the 2020 conditional draft 2018-19 season picks that need to be resolved 1181993 Sharks' Brent Burns says 'teachers are legends' in 1182029 .ca / NHL's Top 16 RFAs of 2020: Latest coronavirus pandemic rumours, reports 1181994 Sharks’ Evander explains his favorite way to score 1182030 Sportsnet.ca / Five players who left an NHL goal and succeded elsewhere 1181995 Marc-Edouard Vlasic, isolating in Tahoe, reflects on 1182031 Sportsnet.ca / Ranking the nine drafts Sharks' season under GM Kevin Cheveldayoff 1182032 Sportsnet.ca / Oilers' Draisaitl misses game, but focused St Louis Blues on big picture with NHL paused 1181996 LeBrun: Blues’ Doug Armstrong on uncertain times, being 1182033 Sportsnet.ca / Future of Flames goaltending full of ready and Cup defense uncertainty 1182034 Sportsnet.ca / Tavares thinking of New York friends ‘right in the fire’ of COVID-19 crisis 1181997 It’s been 19 days without hockey. Where is the NHL 1182035 Sportsnet.ca / Eichel on COVID-19 pandemic: 'We really season now? don't know what tomorrow holds' 1181998 Can hockey be a summer sport? Only if Lightning fans are 1182036 Sportsnet.ca / Tier List: Can anyone upset lucky Jets' Hellebuyck? 1181999 Lightning’s Victor Hedman keeps busy with ‘stolen’ 1182037 TSN.CA / Tavares misses competing, but is enjoying time workout gear and puppies with family 1182000 ‘Homeland,’ puppies and pop: How Victor Hedman is 1182038 TSN.CA / Masters: Quinton Byfield confident of cracking handing his self-quarantine NHL next season 1182002 Rewatching the Classics: Lightning-Bruins, 2011 Eastern Conference final, Game 7 Winnipeg Jets 1182020 NHL should pull the plug Maple Leafs 1182021 The 3 wildest behind-the-scenes stories from Elite 1182003 Hockey may find opportunities in a post-pandemic world Prospects’ 20 years online 1182004 The absence of hockey only makes the NHL conference call grow fonder 1182005 Leafs' Tavares enjoying time with son during pandemic, mindful of those 'on the front line' 1182006 With the NHL on pause, Tavares doesn't miss getting rocked by Chara 1182007 Netflix, ’90s rock and diaper duty: How John Tavares is spending his days 1182008 Monday Morning Leafs Report: The intriguing post-pause Leafs, captain shooting Vancouver Canucks 1182022 Ben Kuzma: Timing everything as Nikita Tryamkin’s agent seeks Canucks deal 1182023 Willes' Musings: Mike Gillis is deserving of a second chance as an NHL executive 1182024 How our 10 bold (and not so bold) Canucks predictions have held up World Leagues News 1182039 New Zealand's Radio Sport goes off air as coronavirus bites 1182040 NCAA Division 1 Athletes Get Another Shot At Spring Sports 1182041 Coronavirus in sports: Wimbledon Championships will be canceled, says German Federation vice-president 1182042 Estimating When Sports Could Resume Play After The Coronavirus Pandemic 1182043 USA Rugby files for bankruptcy as coronavirus takes toll on game 1182044 North American Sports Will Return, but Will the Fans? 1182045 Sports stoppage due to the coronavirus is affecting officials’ income 1182046 The 5 worst proposed ideas to bring back sports during the coronavirus pandemic 1182047 Australia may cancel autumn tour to Europe because of coronavirus 1182048 In the Quarantine Age, an indoor sport seizes center stage SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1181927 Anaheim Ducks The Ducks were 29-33-9, sixth in the Pacific Division when play was halted earlier this month, heading for another early vacation. When the NHL resumes play is anyone’s guess. It’s also uncertain when or if the Ducks coach Dallas Eakins reconnects with his family during coronavirus Ducks might complete their final 11 regular-season games. outbreak Eakins would like to coach again this season, but only if it makes sense for all concerned.

By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | Orange County Register PUBLISHED: March “There might be 15 different scenarios,” he said of the resumption of the 30, 2020 at 4:59 p.m. | UPDATED: March 30, 2020 at 6:31 p.m. season, “but we want it to be fair for everybody and uphold the integrity of the game. Let it be fair. If it’s fair for everybody, and not just for us or the team up the road (the Kings), then I don’t care if it’s one game or no games.” Days are the same, but very, very different for Dallas Eakins in the age of the coronavirus pandemic. He’s up early in the morning, as usual, DUCKS SIGN PAIR organizing his day and getting his instructions from his boss. He drinks a cup of coffee and spends quality time with his daughters as they prepare The Ducks signed center Jack Badini to a two-year entry-level contract for school. and defenseman Hunter Drew to a three-season entry-level deal. Badini, 22, played for three seasons at Harvard. Drew, 21, split this season Instead of heading to or Great Park Ice, his usual routine, between San Diego and the Tulsa (Oklahoma) Oilers of the ECHL. he takes a detour. Orange County Register: LOADED: 03.31.2020 He doesn’t go anywhere.

Eakins, the Ducks’ coach, remains at home with his wife, Ingrid, and their daughters, Emerson, and Cameron. He might connect with a player or two via text message or an old-fashioned phone call, but he hasn’t conducted a practice or coached a game since the NHL suspended play March 12.

It’s been a wrenching transition in most regards.

“I just crave the rink,” he said via a phone call Monday from the backyard of his Orange County home.

Which is to say he misses it.

“It’s simple to me,” he said of returning to the rink and to practices and to games. “We should all be hoping to come back and play because it means the world has come back to a good place. When we get this virus under control and kill it, then our lives come back.”

But – and there is a but to the halt in play and the stay-at-home order for all Californians – he has reconnected with his family in ways that usually don’t happen at this time of the year. If there’s a silver lining to the disruption to his professional life, it’s that his home life has been re- established.

“I’ve been in and out of my pantry more the last two weeks than I have all year,” he said.

If the girls need help with their schoolwork, he and his wife are there to help. Classes are conducted via Zoom, suddenly an essential internet video conference app. Afternoons are filled with bike rides on nearly empty streets or hikes on a golf course devoid of golfers.

Dinners are a group effort.

“We had a family meeting on how disciplined we needed to be,” Eakins said. “There are a lot of kids on our street and we had to be mindful of social distancing. But we have to do two things every day that are physical, not just for our bodies but for our minds, too. We let the girls lead.”

Hockey is always on Eakins’ mind, although at least one recent conversation with one of his players took a decidedly unexpected turn. In fact, it was Eakins’ limited knowledge of poultry that was demanded by a curious , the Ducks’ longtime captain.

Getzlaf said last week on a Zoom call with reporters that his wife, , purchased six chickens online so the family would always have eggs during these uncertain times of grocery store shortages. Getzlaf was then ordered to construct a coop to house the chickens in the family’s backyard.

“I caught him on the day before he was going to start building his chicken coop,” Eakins said. “He found out we had chickens in Poway and right away I got pelted by questions, but the chickens were my wife’s and our girls’ thing.”

Eakins lived in Poway while coaching the Ducks’ AHL team, the , for the past four seasons. General Manager Bob Murray hired Eakins last June to replace Randy Carlyle, who had been fired in February, with the Ducks en route to their first playoff miss since 2011- 12. 1181928 Anaheim Ducks sounds like that just gave you some element of purpose in what had become an instant void in your life.

That’s what it is. It’s amazing. This time that we’re all in right now, it’s Q&A: Ducks coach Dallas Eakins is using Monopoly and burpees to stay obviously difficult. The but on it is, I think once we all get through this, competitive we’re going to look back on this time in our life and go, “Man, that was unbelievable that we were able to spend that amount of time with our families.” Nonstop. In the house. Attached at the hip. But going to the By Eric Stephens Mar 30, 2020 office — the league had just said we’re taking a pause here. For me, when you seek comfort or seek something that is normal, I go to two

places. I either come home to my family or I go to the rink. I’ve talked to Silver linings can be found just about anywhere if you look hard enough. Murph (Ducks general manager Bob Murray) almost every day. Him and I have talked so many times. Because him and I both love being at the There are only 24 hours in a day and spending time as a father and rink. If it’s a recovery day, we’re at the rink. It’s just where we go. And it husband can be challenging for the of a professional sports just feels so foreign not to be at the rink. team. In that demanding profession, it is natural to wonder if you are spending enough time with your loved ones. Now imagine finding that Looking back, it’s almost subconscious. You’re not sure what’s going on. balance when you’re the father of two pre-teen girls. But that’s kind of like your safety blanket. It’s your real comfort of being there. That’s certainly something I miss every day. That’s a thing for us. I Dallas Eakins has all those roles. But instead of continuing to coach the cherish the amount of time I’ve been gifted here to buckle in and help my Anaheim Ducks in his first season, Eakins is spending the majority of his kids learn with school. Really, really see how they’re learning and time in his Coto de Caza home with his wife, Ingrid Kavelaars, and their thinking about problems. That part’s been wonderful. I just really detest daughters, Emerson and Cameron. He has more time on his hands than what’s going on in the world with this virus. It’s extremely hard to watch. he ever imagined. His daily routine instantly changed when the NHL shut itself down on March 12, as pro sports and much of the world stopped You mentioned that you and Bob have been talking throughout this activity to address the coronavirus pandemic. stoppage. What are a few of the things that you’ve been covering in your conversations? Now Eakins is tasked with filling his days. One thing has stood the of time to fill many idle hours. You could name 10 things off the top of your head right now and they’d all be checkmarks. Him and I speak often, as it is during the season. And Monopoly. there’s a real relationship there. We’ve spoken to everything about individual players. The daily direction from the league. Where are players “It’s a constant battle between myself and my 11-year-old daughter at? Where are they going? Running ideas on if we were to reconvene, (Emerson),” Eakins told The Athletic. “She’s competitive and she’s tight what does that look like? We just talked about our families. Like I said, with her money. It’s gone back and forth a few times. But she’s always up we talk almost on a daily basis (usually) later in the afternoon. And some for a good game. And they last forever. I think the one game we had took days, we don’t even talk hockey. It’s like, “Hey, how’s your dog doing?” about four days. I think it’s more habit-based for him and I to talk to each other. But these “We’d sit down and play as a family. Then we’d take a break from it, managers, (they’re) worried about our players. What’s coming next? come back to it. But it’s great fun. The other part of it is the 8-year-old There’s the thought process from the coach. I’ll tell you what, Murph and (Cameron), she doesn’t want to play. She just wants to be the banker. those managers, they’ve got a ton on their plates. And Bob’s super- And it works so well. Because you have to try to figure out time and organized. He’s just kind of keeping me up to date on everything that’s money. She’s got to do the change. As much as you’re sitting there going on. playing a game, I’m just looking at her going, ‘Oh dear, you’re getting an education right now too.’ It works well in that regard.” The team made it public a little bit ago that no players had shown symptoms of COVID-19. Has that changed at all that you know of? Have Is someone already heading down a possible career path? Time will tell. any players start to show any symptoms or are dealing with the virus? But the beloved Parker Brothers board game is also tapping into another element of the Eakins family that often gets fulfilled in other areas. Uh, no. Not that I’m aware of. And I think our league has — I’m really proud of our leadership in our game, right from the top to our individual “The other thing that’s amazing is (Emerson), she’s a competitive manager, to take the step of taking a pause here. We don’t want to put swimmer,” he said. “And obviously I do what I do. Your competitive juices anybody in jeopardy. And then I think the league has been extremely are just flowing. And it’s amazing when we’re going along with the transparent. You see with some other teams saying, “We’ve got a guy season like that and then it suddenly stops. This isn’t a recovery day that’s got symptoms or he’s tested positive. Here’s what’s going on. during the season. You’re bunkered down. But your competitive juices, Here’s an update on him.” But from within our group — and I’m updated they need to be looked after. on a daily basis on a number of things — none so far. And let’s keep our “That’s one of the ways we’re trying to fill the compete and kind of keep fingers crossed that none get it. that mindset going.” When hearing about the Ottawa player that tested positive, I admittedly Dallas Eakins is finding ways to remain competitive inside his home. had some initial concern and question as to whether any Ducks were (Courtesy of Dallas Eakins) affected, given that the teams played before the shutdown and that Staples Center or the L.A. area might have been a hotspot, given the On Monday, Eakins talked with The Athletic in a half-hour phone Senators played there and some Brooklyn Nets also caught the virus. conversation about the ways he and his family are adjusting to a new Thankfully, the focus on individuals who caught the virus has been de- normal, plus how he’s stayed in contact with members of the Ducks emphasized. But did you have some immediate concern over your during this unprecedented quiet period. players or staff?

One thing I was particularly curious about was that first weekend without Absolutely. And it’s interesting, right? In the end, you see what’s being games. You were supposed to play afternoon games on a Saturday in said a lot lately. We’re all in this together. We’re all in this together. And L.A. and Sunday at home. We knew there was an unprecedented that means we’re all concerned about each other. It’s the same in the situation going on, but the normal thing would have been to prepare for game. A team comes through and they play us and they play L.A. One of those contests and coach them. What did you do instead? them comes up with it. Not only do we think about our own guys but you think about the other team. You think about the teams that they played. Geez, I can’t even remember now. I do know I went to our practice facility It’s no different than when there’s a huge hit on the ice. And our guy and kind of got what I thought I would need. Kind of got some things off delivered the hit and the guy’s laying there. There’s immediate concern my desk. If my memory serves me right, I was more in the mindset of, right across the bench, too, for the guy. Hey, that was a great hit by our what’s really happening here? What’s going on? At that time, it was are guy but then you turn to the immediate concern about that young man we just getting shut down for a couple of days or what’s going on. that’s laying there. Obviously, there was very little going on there but it was more to grab some stuff and get semi-organized if I did have to stay at home. As a league and as coaches and managers and players, you’re always going to be concerned about your own but you’re also going to be That’s interesting. Everything obviously changed from ordinarily working concerned about everybody that comes into a rink that is part of our with your staff to prepare your players for those games. But it almost game. You’ve got guys like yourself in the media. The person that runs all these guys are getting good at cooking and finding ways to do body the Zamboni. The people that run the cleaning (of the arena). Everyone weight workouts. has a hand somehow into our game, to the production of it to the lead-up to it to the finish of it. We’re concerned about everybody. How hopeful are you that the season will resume at some ? Should it? How often have you been staying in contact with players? What means have you used to do that? Take the game out of it. I think we should all be very hopeful that if our country and our world is extremely disciplined — and it’s going to take We’ve had a couple calls, texts. Murph’s done a hell of a job of discipline to stay away from people and not do unnecessary things. It organizing how we want to move forward here. We’ve had lots of takes discipline to wash your hands. It takes discipline to do all these organizational staff meetings. Getting a real clear direction and we’re things. If we can do that and get this under control, that’s got to bear very organized and mobilized on moving forward. I’ve spoken to most of hope. And if that happens, then that does allow us hope for all of our our leadership guys. I just started on the weekend going through calling lives to what they were before. And that includes playing hockey games. not only the players on our team but most of the guys right throughout our organization. I wish we could play 12 months a year. We love the game. From our organization, I’ve heard it so many times, there should just be two things I go back to it — It’s not normal to not be at the rink for us. It’s not normal if and when we come back. Number one, it should be fair for everyone, for me not to be interacting with our players and the players not whatever is decided. And number two, the integrity of our game has to be interacting with me or our coaches. I do really think that it’s important as upheld. Those are the two things. You can kick a whole lot of different an organization that we keep in with all of us. Not just me and the scenarios around in the dirt. Talk about it and debate it and do all those players but our assistant coaches, our training staff. We’ve all got to keep things. But for us — and that’s from the players I’ve talked to and I’ve up our interacting. It’s basically been constant but it’s been really ramped talked to Murph — those are the things that keep coming up. I think up here over the last few days. I’m just making a much bigger effort in everybody should be hopeful that we play again. If our league comes just talking to our guys. Started the process of myself (talking) to a bigger back to playing, that means there’s a whole lot of great things going on in group. the world. So I think we should be hopeful. The only thought is, let it be fair and do not let our integrity of our game be compromised. The big thing right now with communication is Zoom video chats. Have you used any of that technology? Would that include playing the Stanley Cup playoffs in its entirety and in the same format? I use it every day, man. Pretty great. My girls’ school was extremely organized. They have three or four Zoom sessions a day. That’s the first Hey, I don’t know what the right answer would be. You’d have to let me place I saw it. And then I used it as well with some staff stuff. I actually look at 10 or 12 (scenarios). But the one thing I do trust is, I think we had a bunch of buddies of mine, guys that I grew up with, we had a little have great, great leadership in our league. I think we’ve got some real visit the other night. It’s quite effective. And you get to be face to face. smart people at the (players’ association) as well. Between both those The first time I used it, I’m like, “What’s the difference?” You just talk on leaderships and the direction of our manager and president and all those the phone. But there is a difference. Even though it’s just on a screen, to people, they’ll find the right solution. see and look at somebody. Their laugh is different. Their body language that you’re so conscious of. It really shows up. As you noted, discipline is a key word when dealing with this crisis. How are you and your family practicing the current recommended guidelines A few of your players — Cam Fowler, John Gibson, Hampus Lindholm, attached to handling concern over the coronavirus at home? How are Gudbranson — were out because of injuries at the time of the you dealing with daily tasks or errands? Things like obtaining groceries. shutdown. How is their recovery now that some time has passed? Yeah, we’re doing our best. It’s just something we’ve tried to do as a All progressing really, really great. Got no worries about any of them. I do family. Take any category. You need discipline to get things done. So know getting the proper treatment had to have changed, just with the guidelines like being out in front of our home, trying to get some fresh air guidelines. You’ve got guys that absolutely need treatment and we’ve and kicking a soccer ball around. Our girls know if other kids come by, had to be very, very careful on the amount of interaction and how we’re we’re going to give them the “please stay back.” Or if they persist, we’re going to do that. Again, I’m really proud of our organization, the way going to go back in the house. I’ve never seen so much hand-washing. Murph’s handled that. All those guys and their injuries – they’re doing Doorknob washing off. All of that stuff going on. great. We’re basically just in our home almost all day. We’re fortunate enough Can any of them go into your facility at all, or no? What is allowed and to live on a golf course. Obviously, there’s a lot of space out there. So we not allowed? will venture over on the other side of the pond here and take a little walk along the golf course. Do something like that and stay fresh. But we’ve I know from a workout standpoint, that place is locked down basically. I basically not come near anyone. We’ve found some ways to get food will say this. I actually don’t know if they’re getting treatment there or delivered. There’s some local farms that have got a great, great setup for elsewhere. That’s the one thing I don’t know. I just do know they’ve you. You call it in. You pull up and you text them. Hey, I’m ready for my progressed very well. But that place is locked down. I’m talking to guys order. You have your trunk open. They put them in your trunk and you who are home and saying, “What are you doing for workouts?” They’re turn and drive away. I think the local businesses have been real creative saying, “I’m doing pushups and I’m doing sit-ups.” Or “I’m doing sprints on that. on the road outside my house.” That’s what they’re limited to. And that’s the right thing to do, too. We want you to stay away from everyone as We’re doing our best with it. If we had a medical professional look at (us), much as we can. Our facilities are locked right down. I’m sure they could see some holes somewhere. But we’re just trying to be disciplined and do our best. Our girls know. We explained to them Last thing on your players. I know a number of players live locally within what was going on. We want to just live our lives but whoever we come Orange County. How many have stayed around the area or traveled to across, we could have the virus and we could give it to them. We never, where their offseason home is? ever want to put anybody else in harm. That’s kind of the way we’ve I’d have to run through the whole list. Off the top of my head, I think we’re explained it to the girls. They’ve been real diligent and I’ve been real about half and half. Some guys, when the door was open and the proud of them so far. borders weren’t shut and all that kind of stuff and the league said it was Dallas Eakins is finding ways to get outdoors with his family. (Courtesy of OK to go, got on their way. A lot of guys just stayed put. I think there’s Dallas Eakins) such an uncertainty with what is the right thing to do. How safe is it? All those things. I think we’re probably split down the middle of our NHL As one who is serious about biking, how have you worked around the guys between who’s here and who’s gone. COVID-19 guidelines in terms of going or not going on your preferred paths or routes? And the reality is whether they’re here or gone, it’s the same story from each guy. It’s amazing. What are you up to? I’m doing pushups and The times that I do go, there’s like no one out there. The other thing is burpees (squat thrusts) in my house. I’m running out in front of my house. I’ve changed where I do ride. I love trails. I’m not out on the trails just It’s amazing how similar the story is to everyone. Because that is so because the trails are tight, and it would be impossible to pass somebody uncommon. When you call a guy — let’s say this was two months from six feet away. I’ve been sticking more to the roads. And the other thing, now or three months from now and it’s the middle of summer — they’re too, is that six-foot distancing. If I’m on the road and I’m bombing on my saying they golfed or did this and that. A whole laundry list of things. Now bike, (if there are) people over by me or even on the sidewalk, I’ll just go right over in the middle of the road. I’m trying to give everybody as maximum distance as I can.

We’ve got a machine over here at the house. It’s called a SkiErg. And that thing can kill you. We’ve got the burpees going on here. It’s been more in-house working out. But every once in a while, I’ll ride if I know it’s a real dead time for people being out walking, or I’ll pick a route where I know I won’t see anybody. I might see the odd car but I know I’m not going to see anybody walking.

By the way, you’re planning to conduct a burpee contest? How do you see that going?

Just challenging our players. It’s fitness but there’s two kinds of physical fitness, right? There’s physical fitness and then there’s mental fitness. The thing I worry about is, I’ve got to do something. I’ll struggle (if I don’t do stuff) — whether if you’re on a little bit or you feel a little depressed. So for me, I start thinking about our players. I start thinking about our players’ families. And then it starts growing. I think of our fans. I think of my extended family and friends who don’t live around here.

I know there’s a million of them going on the internet. Burpees, for me, are the greatest thing ever and the worst thing ever. They’re the worst thing ever because they’re hard. You don’t look forward to doing them. But they’re the greatest thing ever because you don’t need any space to basically do them. You don’t need any weights. And when you’ve done them, man, you feel good about yourself. We’ve got something that’s going to be coming out for the players, for our fans, that I think will be fun to follow.

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Bruins’ David Pastrnak gets us up to date on his activities

Pastrnak said he has been taking care of his puppy and playing Fortnite, among other things.

By Matt Porter Globe Staff,Updated March 30, 2020, 9:39 p.m.

David Pastrnak's favorite pasta? Carbonara, he said.

In a lighthearted social media Q&A on the NHL Instagram account, David Pastrnak, leading the NHL in goals (48) at the time of the pause, said he has been keeping busy. Among his activities: taking care of his 6-week- old Aussiedoodle puppy, Eko, who made an appearance in the videos.

"This little hairy fluffy guy,” he said, as the black and white pup licked his chin. "Can’t even see his eyes. He’s just like a little rabbit.”

David Pastrnak had 48 goals when the NHL suspended play earlier this month.

Answering 10 fan questions, Pastrnak revealed he has been playing Fortnite, watching TV shows (his latest binge: Lucifer, The Sinner and Tiger King), listening to his favorite music (DJ ) and cooking.

"A lot of time on my hands,” he said. "Trying to keep it healthy with some rice and vegetables. Not spending so much energy these days.”

Because no piece of information is too trivial in these times, we also learned about Pasta's favorite type of pasta.

"Definitely carbonara,” he said. "Has to be with spaghetti. That’s my favorite pasta to eat. I think it makes it so much easier than some penne or anything.

Boston Globe LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181930 Boston Bruins We have to be patient, safe and disciplined. There’s no other way to do it, just to do it together.”

Zdeno Chara turned 43 earlier this month. Bruins captain Zdeno Chara has handled shutdown with class and dignity While re-posting Chara’s words, Boston’s Mayor, Marty Walsh, tweeted that the Bruin is "one of the best role models we’ve ever had in the By Matt Porter Globe Staff,Updated March 30, 2020, 7:50 p.m. @CityofBoston and is a true inspiration to us all.”

There was room for levity on the video call. Chara added some earthy humor, ribbing one of his longtime pals for stinking up the joint. Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara is staying in shape at his Sarasota, Fla., vacation home. "Tuukka Rask,” he said, when Dellapina asked the players which teammate they would least like to spend time with during a quarantine. When the NHL paused March 12, the Bruins had made their home atop "The way he farts ... the smell is awful.” the league standings. They were gearing up for a long playoff run. Zdeno Chara hoped to end his 22nd NHL season with a second Stanley Cup. Amid chuckles from the other players, Chara explained that the Finnish netminder "likes his chicken wings, and after the chicken wings ... you Like the rest of us, he’s now waiting for life to go back to normal. He is know, I sit behind him on the bus. Gotta tell you, I’ve got to control myself not moping about the opportunity that could be lost. sometimes.”

"One of those situations you can’t really control,” Chara said Monday, It sounds like Tuukka Rask and Zdeno Chara would make interesting which would have been the start of the final week of the regular season. quarantine partners. "I think that right now we all have to look after each other and our families. I know it’s kind of a cliche answer in these days, but I think that A few hours later in a lighthearted social media Q&A on the NHL hockey is secondary. Instagram account, David Pastrnak came to his netminder’s defense.

"If you have to look at it that way, it is kind of hard to pause the league at "I would definitely want to be quarantined with Tuukka,” he said. "First of that kind of stage where we were at, with few games remaining and so all, he loves chicken wings. So do I. He has a sauna at home so we close to the playoffs, and the team playing well with confidence. We were could sweat it out every single day after workout. And his farts are pretty obviously at a good place. bad, but I think I could overcome it. I would definitely not skate through his crease any more than once at a practice.” "But,” he said with a sigh, "who knows. We can’t always wish for the perfect situations. Hopefully we will play again and we’ll see when that’s Pastrnak, leading the NHL in goals (48) at the time of the pause, has going to be.” been keeping busy. Among his activities: taking care of his 6-week-old Aussiedoodle puppy, Eko, who made an appearance in the videos. Chara was speaking on a video conference call for reporters, arranged by the NHL and NHLPA, along with fellow Atlantic Division players John "This little hairy fluffy guy,” he said, as the black and white pup licked his Tavares (Toronto), Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa) and Dylan Larkin (Detroit). chin. "Can’t even see his eyes. He’s just like a little rabbit.” He was sitting at his vacation home near Sarasota, Fla. He and his family Answering 10 fan questions, Pastrnak revealed he has been playing decamped there March 17, a day after the NHL gave players the go- Fortnite, watching TV shows (his latest binge: Lucifer, The Sinner and ahead to leave their club’s home cities. Tiger King), listening to his favorite music (DJ Marshmello) and cooking.

With the season on hold, Zdeno Chara is doing his best to stay in "A lot of time on my hands,” he said. "Trying to keep it healthy with some condition. rice and vegetables. Not spending so much energy these days.”

Though he isn’t training for the playoffs, which were supposed to begin a Because no piece of information is too trivial in these times, we also week fromWednesday, Chara is keeping his heart rate elevated. He and learned about Pasta's favorite type of pasta. his family — wife Tatiana, 10-year-old daughter Elliz and 4-year-old twins Ben and Zack — drove some 1,700 miles south so they could get outside "Definitely carbonara,” he said. "Has to be with spaghetti. That’s my more often, with fewer interactions, in their gated community. Chara, who favorite pasta to eat. I think it makes it so much easier than some penne turned 43 March 18, has been making use of the dumbbells, stationary or anything. bike and pool he has there. His peers have been doing likewise. Boston Globe LOADED: 03.31.2020 "My whole plan was to just come on here and pick Zdeno’s brain on what he’s been doing,” joked Tavares, the Maple Leafs captain, from his home in Toronto. "His longevity, what he’s done fitness-wise, around the league just knowing how legendary it is.”

Though moderator John Dellapina tried to stir the pot, players were largely complimentary ("too many polite hockey players,” Dellapina cracked), particularly when the topic was the league’s elder statesman.

Tkachuk, ex-of Boston University, said he can’t stand Chara’s cross- checks in the front of the net. Larkin, a regular in the NHL’s fastest skater competition, said he can’t get around him.

"[Detroit assistant coach] Doug Houda, who had Big Z in Boston for a while, says 'just skate by him,’ but you can’t,” Larkin said. "His stick’s so long and he’s got great feet. You know he’s going to get a piece of you somehow.

"One of those guys you’ll tell your kids you got to play against.”

"There might be no worse situation than being stuck along the boards and being angled off by the big man,” Tavares said. "You’ve got to hope everything stays in place.”

Earlier Monday, Chara shared a message with fans on social media, which he repeated on the Zoom call.

"These are strange times,” he said. "Most of us are away from things we love to do … to work, to play and to entertain people. Hopefully, we get through this together. A huge thank you has to go to the medical professionals, volunteers and people delivering food. It just takes time. 1181931 Boston Bruins

Zdeno Chara takes playful shot at Tuukka Rask

Bruins’ captain smells what goalie is cooking — too much

By STEVE CONROY | Boston Herald PUBLISHED: March 30, 2020 at 4:09 p.m. | UPDATED: March 30, 2020 at 4:10 p.m.

For his 14 season in Boston, Zdeno Chara has usually abided by the what-happens-in-the dressing room-stays-in-the-dressing room credo.

But in an NHL-run webinar with fellow Atlantic Division stars held on Monday as the league tries to get its players some exposure during the indefinite suspension of play because of the coronavirus outbreak, Chara decided to spill some Bruins’ family beans.

Asked by league moderator John Dellapina which teammate would they most like to be quarantined with and which one would they least liked to be quarantined with, Chara immediately broke into a smile as his fellow panel members — Toronto’s John Tavares, Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk and Detroit’s Dylan Larkin — took their turns.

When it was Chara’s turn, he said that he really enjoyed having conversations with Kevan Miller and Charlie Coyle. But the guy he’d least like to be quarantined with?

“I’d say Tuukka Rask. The way he farts … just, the smell is awful,” cracked Chara. “He likes his chicken wings. And after the chicken wings, I sit behind him on the bus. I’ve got to tell you, I can’t control myself sometimes.”

That was arguably the most interesting nugget to seep out of the 40- minute Zoom group video chat. Chara did say that he drove with family to his offseason home in Florida to give his three children a little more open space as well as allow him to access the exercise equipment he has there with weights, bike and a pool. He also said that the Bruins’ training staff has sent each player suggested workout regimens.

Chara said he made a quick decision to head south on March 17 and it took about 24 hours. That was the extent of his celebration for his 43rd birthday, which was on the March 18. He wasn’t exactly looking for cake and ice cream.

“You reach a certain age, you try to hide it,” said Chara with a smile.

Chara is looking at the possibility of a lost season if the curve of this outbreak does not flatten soon. The trends aren’t promising. Virginians were ordered to stay at home until June 10 and there have been rumblings that the Wimbledon tennis tournament that starts in late June and runs till early July could be canceled in the coming days.

Every other hockey player is dealing with the same uncertainty, but it would be particularly tough for the Bruins, who were leading the league by a wide margin and would be one of the favorites for the Stanley Cup.

“It is one of those situations that you can’t really control. Right now we have to all look after each other and our families,” said Chara, who also lost the 2004-05 season to a lockout when his Ottawa Senators were one of the top teams in the league. “I think that hockey’s secondary. But if you had to look at it that way, it is hard to pause the league at the stage where we were, a few games remaining and so close to playoffs, the team playing well and with confidence and we were playing at a good pace. But who knows? I think we can’t all always wish for perfect situations. These situations happen every once in a while. Hopefully we’ll play again and we’ll see when that’s going to be.”

Chara signed off with a plea for patience.

“These are strange times. There are some challenges we’re all facing right now,” he said. “Most of us are away from the things we loved to do. We want to work, to play, to entertain people. So hopefully we get through this together. A huge thank you has to go to our medical professionals, those people who are volunteering. … It takes time, so we have to be patient and stay safe and disciplined. There’s no other way to do it, so let’s do it together.”

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Zdeno Chara admits 'it's hard to look at' the NHL stoppage based on Bruins chances

By Joe Haggerty March 30, 2020 10:09 PM

As the oldest player in the NHL, Bruins captain Zdeno Chara doesn't really know when his last chance to win another Stanley Cup will come.

It might have been last season when the 43-year-old Chara led the B’s to within a Game 7 of winning a Stanley Cup against the St. Louis Blues only to brutally come up just short. Then again, it looked like Chara and the Bruins had another solid chance this year while leading the entire NHL with 100 points with roughly a month left to go in the regular season.

Get the latest news and analysis on all of your teams from NBC Sports Boston by downloading the My Teams App.

Then, things were put on pause due to a coronavirus outbreak that has brought the entire world to a standstill.

For aging players like Chara, 34-year-old , 33-year-old David Krejci and 33-year-old Tuukka Rask, this season might be their last, best chance to win another Stanley Cup before the championship window perhaps begins to close on the Black and Gold.

Chara was asked how much that was on his mind as he sits in his Florida home with his wife and children while waiting out the coronavirus outbreak with no real knowledge as to when, or if, hockey will be back around the NHL this season.

Clearly his mind is on the seriousness of the situation, as the priority is on getting people through the next few weeks when the outbreak could be at its most intense in the US. But Chara also said the unknown of it all with this season is more than a little disconcerting.

Haggerty: Rask, Cheevers among best Bruins goalies of all time

“It is obviously one of those situations that you can’t really control. Right now we all have to look after each other and look after our families,” said Chara, on a Zoom webinar conference call with reporters organized by the NHL on Monday afternoon. “I know it’s kind of a cliché answer in these days, but hockey is really secondary. If you have to look at it that way then, yeah, it’s kind of hard to look at the pause on the league at the stage where we were at.

“With only a few games until the playoffs and so close to the playoffs with the team playing well and with confidence, we were obviously in a good place. But who knows? We can’t always wish for the perfect situation. These types of situations do happen once in a while. Hopefully we play again and we’ll see when that’s going to be.”

With places like California, New York City and Florida getting hit hardest by the coronavirus right now, even a conference call with hockey players was about thanking medical personnel, first responders and other people stepping into the breach right now.

“These are strange times. There are challenges we’re all facing right now. Most of us are away from the things we love to do. The things we don’t have to work, to play and to entertain people. Hopefully we get through this. A huge, big thank you has to go to the medical professionals, the people that are volunteering and the people that are delivering food,” said Chara. “It just takes time. We have to stay patient, and safe, and disciplined. There is no other way to do it, but to do it together.”

The words are inspiring for the longest-running captain in the NHL and one of the best leaders of his generation in all of pro sports. Hopefully, Chara and the Bruins get that chance to see good they can be in the playoffs over the next four months with an NHL that’s going to do everything they can to make sure there is a postseason conclusion to a 2019-20 regular season that had been almost entirely played out.

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Bruins' Zdeno Chara spills the tea on Tuukka Rask's 'awful' farting issue

By Joe Haggerty March 30, 2020 5:05 PM

Zdeno Chara was probably not the Vegas favorite to give the funniest and most entertaining answer of an Atlantic Division Zoom conference call with NHL reporters, but that’s exactly what happened on Monday afternoon.

Chara, Dylan Larkin, John Tavares and Brady Tkachuk answered questions online for 30-plus minutes and the Bruins captain saved his best material when asked which teammate he’d least like to be quarantined with.

His choice was Bruins Tuukka Rask and the reasons behind it were pungently amazing.

Get the latest news and analysis on all of your teams from NBC Sports Boston by downloading the My Teams App.

Apparently, Rask has an issue in the fart department and it’s chronic enough that his longtime Bruins teammate would not want to be anywhere near him for the stinky aftermath of his beloved chicken wings.

“I have to say Tuukka Rask. The way he farts? The smell is awful,” said Chara. “He likes his chicken wings. And after the chicken wings I’ve had to sit behind him on the bus. I’ve got to tell you. I’ve got to control myself sometimes.”

How this farting issue remained a well-kept secret within the Bruins locker room over the years is nothing short of amazing.

Rask has been a regular at Buff’s Pub in Newton over the years while living in the suburban city, so none of this should be surprising information when it comes to Boston’s No. 1 goaltender.

Haggerty: Rask rising on B's list of all-time best goalies

On the other end of the , Chara singled out Charlie Coyle and Kevan Miller as teammates he enjoys spending time with and guys he wouldn’t mind being quarantined with if he had his choice.

On a more serious note, Chara, who mentioned during the call that he drove to Florida a couple of weeks ago with his family to live in their gated community property, mentioned several times that hockey is secondary right now while the entire world is going through the “strange times” of a global coronavirus outbreak, and thanked the medical personnel, first responders and food delivery people who continue to do their duty under very dangerous, trying conditions.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181934 Boston Bruins who knows? I think we can always wish for perfection situations. But these kinds of situations, as we see, do happen once in a while. Hopefully we will play again, and we’ll see when that’s going to be.”

As Zdeno Chara reflects on a halted season, he reveals a smelly Bruins Chara is, however, closer to walking away than Tavares (29 years old), secret Dylan Larkin (23) and Brady Tkachuk (20). He has other interests, from real estate to financial planning to the three children he and his wife are raising with American and Slovakian influence in mind. By Fluto Shinzawa Mar 30, 2020 “I really look up to these guys,” Chara said of Tavares, Larkin and Tkachuk, opponents that usually draw his matchup attention. “I always raise my game because I know if I don’t, they’re going to excel. Hats off More than two weeks have passed since Zdeno Chara has shared space to these guys. They are the future of this league. There will be many, with Tuukka Rask. In one way, Chara would not mind the quarantine to many highlights you’re going to see from them.” continue. The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 “The way he farts,” Chara, during a Monday video call hosted by the NHL, disclosed of Rask when asked which teammate he’d least like to spend time with in isolation. “Just… the smell is awful. He likes his chicken wings. After the chicken wings… I sit behind him on the bus. I’ve got to tell you, I’ve got to control myself sometimes.”

(Author’s note: I can confirm, albeit secondhand without the sensory assault. I remember, clear as day, being in the room sometime in 2010- 11 at the Thrashers’ practice rink in Duluth, Ga., when Rask ripped up the bathroom. hurried the other way with a horrified look on his face. “Tuukka!” Horton practically screamed. Michael Ryder was laughing as he acknowledged defeat. “Uncle,” Ryder said.)

Chara’s jest, which drew laughs from Dylan Larkin, John Tavares and Brady Tkachuk, his fellow speakers on the call, stood in contrast to the seriousness with which he stared at his screen. It is difficult to read body language over a Zoom call. But Chara, who does not take any of his business lightly, looked more sober than usual as he pondered life away from the teammates and opponents that previously populated his days and nights.

Chara, lower right, with Dylan Larkin, John Tavares and Brady Tkachuk (clockwise from lower left) on a conference call Monday.

“Strange times,” Chara said. “There are some challenges all of us are facing right now. Many of us, most of us, are away from the things we love to do and things we don’t have. For us, it’s going to work, to play, to entertain people. Hopefully we get through this together. A huge, big thank you has to go to the people who are medical professionals, people volunteering, delivering food. It just takes time. We have to be patient and safe. There’s no other way to do it. Just do it together.”

Chara has made the North End his in-season home since arriving in Boston in 2006. Technically, the 2019-20 season is still active, albeit suspended. But Chara and his family have left their North End home behind.

On March 17, Chara, wife Tatiana, daughter Elliz and twin sons Ben and Zack drove from Boston to one of their offseason homes in Florida. The location allows Chara to train outside and the family to enjoy warmer weather. They live in a gated community. Chara has access to a stationary bike and dumbbells to approximate his usual routine in the gym and on the ice.

The length of the southerly commute — nearly 24 hours, by Chara’s count — stretched one day into the next, which happened to be the captain’s birthday. If there was a stranger way Chara has spent his birthday, he cannot recall one. At his age, birthdays are not as important as they once were.

“When you reach a certain age,” the 43-year-old said, “you try to hide it.”

Every time Chara blows out his candles brings him closer to the day he drives away from the NHL for good. Chara was not asked how the NHL hiatus has influenced his thinking about retirement. It may be minimal. Chara is not the type to say goodbye in the wake of a pandemic. He is also the captain of a 100-point team — one formerly contending for the 2020 Stanley Cup, and perhaps a team that could still chase a championship in 2020-21.

“It’s one of those situations you can’t really control,” Chara said of how the suspension halted the advance of a steamrolling club. “Right now, all we have to do is look after each other and after our families. I know it’s a cliche answer these days, but hockey is secondary. If you have to look at it that way, it’s kind of hard to pause the league at the kind of stage where we were, with a few games remaining, so close to the playoffs. The team played well and with confidence. We were on a good pace. But 1181935 Boston Bruins McDonald: No doubt this was one of the best games I’ve seen live. The only other game that rivals it for me was the 1985 Championship between Providence College and Boston College. The Rewatching the Classics: Lightning-Bruins, 2011 Eastern Conference Friars beat the Eagles 2-1 in double overtime at the Providence Civic final, Game 7 Center. Chris Terreri made 65 saves for the Friars. I was 11 years old and had great seats in the lower bowl. I took pictures with my camera that I still have to this day. I always said I would never witness another game that exciting in my life. Scott Burnside, Joe McDonald and Joe Smith Mar 30, 2020 Well, fast-forward to May 27, 2011, at TD Garden. Wow, what an

incredible game between the Bruins and the Lightning. A perfect play Pierre McGuire was already awake in his New Canaan, Conn., home a resulted in the only goal. Despite a relentless physical battle from both little after dawn Saturday morning when he got an email from an old teams, there were zero penalties. The action was nonstop, and both friend. teams left everything on the ice. And there were only 57 whistles the entire game. McGuire, the longtime analyst for NBCSN, said the note came around 6:30 a.m. from Ken Martin, the winningest high school hockey coach in Smith: Same here, Joe. One of my all-time favorite games to cover. I’ve Massachusetts. Martin figured McGuire was going “crazy” with the NHL seen games with more drama, like Game 162 between the Rays- having shut down, so he sent him a YouTube clip of a classic game he Yankees in 2011, but this Lightning-Bruins matchup set the standard for had just rewatched. Game 7s I’ve covered since. I was impressed by the action, as you’d think a game like that would be tight-checking and filled with whistles, but Game 7 of the 2011 Eastern Conference final between the Lightning and the first stoppage didn’t come until four minutes into the first period! Bruins. There were so many great saves and impressive individual performances. Veteran goalie Dwayne Roloson, like he did a lot during “I’ve got a gift for you,” Martin wrote. “This is one of the all-time greats. that improbable run, put the Lightning on his back. It was fun to look back Watch it. It may be one of the best games I’ve ever seen.” and see the first long runs for franchise cornerstones McGuire wrote back that he hadn’t just watched it. He lived it, covering and Victor Hedman, who was 20 years old and logged nearly 24 minutes. the showdown from between the benches for Versus. McGuire laughed There weren’t as many scrums and bad blood as in the teams’ most about the irony, getting a note about the game the day he was speaking recent meeting in March at TD Garden, but the end-to-end action made with The Athletic to relive it for fans. up for that. And, you’re right, it took an amazing play for the Bruins to score the game’s only goal. “It’s probably one of the best — if not the best — Game 7s ever played in an Eastern Conference final,” McGuire said. “It could go down in history McGuire: What I remember the most was how great a start it was. The as one of the best Game 7s ever played. I loved it. It was amazing, tempo and the pace from the start were massive. You saw great amazing hockey.” goaltending from Tim Thomas, and Dwayne Roloson was outstanding. The shot disparity was pretty substantial: I think Boston only gave up 24 Pick your adjective — terrific, outstanding, spectacular — and they’d all shots and Tampa Bay gave up 38. Roloson was gigantic. describe that showdown at TD Garden on May 27, 2011. The sold-out crowd was on its feet for good portions, and those of us who were there That hit on Marty (St. Louis) from (Boston defenseman Dennis) didn’t want to see it end. There were — believe it or not — zero penalties Seidenberg really set the tone for the game (on the broadcast, McGuire called in the game but plenty of end-to-end action. It took a superb play described it as Seidenberg “freight-train-ing St. Louis”). The energy in the by the Bruins in the third period for Nathan Horton to score the only goal building was off the charts. of the game, and Boston went on to win the Stanley Cup over the Burnside: First of all, thanks for inviting me to hang out with you guys and Vancouver Canucks. It had been a storybook run for the Lightning under chat about one of the all-time classic games I’ve had the good fortune to first-year coach Guy Boucher and first-year GM , with cover. I loved this entire series for a bunch of reasons, including the fact Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman in their first postseasons alongside that two guys were playing who were almost as old as I was: Mark veterans Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. Recchi, who was closing out his Hall of Fame career for the Bruins, and With The Athletic re-watching classic games during the league’s hiatus, I Bolts netminder Dwayne Roloson, whose epic performance in this game thought this would be a great one to start with. My colleagues Joe cannot be understated even though he came up one save short. McDonald and Scott Burnside, who were both covering the game for OK, they weren’t that old, but I do recall asking Roloson, then 41, about ESPN, were nice enough to collaborate with me in a roundtable his age during a scrum one day in Tampa, and he blew me off. Then he discussion. McGuire added some of his thoughts, too. We all rewatched came and found me in the press room to joke about how funny it was that the game last week (separately, of course) and enjoyed a fun back-and- everyone thought he was pissed off at me. I remember at one point there forth debate. Our Shayna Goldman helped dig up some clips from the was much geographic discussion that if Tampa won, the final between broadcast, too, so you can relive some of the big hits and key moments Tampa and Vancouver would be the two farthest geographic points on yourself. the NHL map meeting in the final. Tim Thomas had other thoughts, REWATCHING SOME CLASSIC #NHL GAMES, AND though, as did Nathan Horton. And Rich Peverley, and… COLLABORATING WITH @JOEYMACHOCKEY + OK, let’s get at it. I only wish the three of us could be hunkered down @OVERTIMESCOTTB ON ONE OF BEST WE’VE EVER SEEN. doing this at The Fours across the street from TD Garden as we might #TBLIGHTNING #NHLBRUINS GAME 7 OF ECF IN 2011. AS THEY have in the spring of ’11 or at The Hub in Tampa to give it some real SAID ON BROADCAST, “MY GOODNESS, ISN’T THIS GOOD.” RE- authenticity. Maybe next time. LIVE IT WITH US ON @THEATHLETIC IN COMING DAYS PIC..COM/QJ4TFTVNMU Smith: Next time, it’ll be at one of our favorite spots, Sail Pavilion. You never know, if this current season actually resumes, we could see a — JOE SMITH (@JOESMITHTB) MARCH 25, 2020 Lightning-Bruins Game 7 in Round 2! Another epic battle with Zdeno You know you’re watching an instant classic when even Mike Emrick is at Chara, Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand against Stamkos and a loss for words. Hedman, the only two Lightning players remaining from that 2011 team.

The legendary NHL broadcaster has called most of the league’s Burnside: If that’s the case, I’m buying. memorable playoff games over the last few decades. His voice has been Smith: Now that we’re posting this story, we’ll hold you to beers at Sail! the soothing soundtrack for many iconic moments. But as Emrick, 73, was trying to sum up that Game 7 during the broadcast, he seemed Burnside: That would be glorious. I really do think we’re going to have stumped. summer hockey. I see no way that Pierre (LeBrun) lets me near a Tampa/Boston series. I figure I’ll be back in St. Louis at Hair of the Dog. “I have nothing really intelligent to say right now,” Emrick said early in the third period, “other than to say, ‘It’s been terrific.’” McDonald: Either way, libations on me!

If you want to watch for yourself, here’s the full broadcast. Who was at his peak? Opening thoughts McDonald: Since this was a one-goal game with zero penalties in Game and how he would evolve not just into one of the game’s best 7 of the Eastern Conference final, it’s tough to select only one player defensemen but a world-class leader and spokesman for the game. because everyone played well. But, going back and watching it again, it’s evident that Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg was at the top of his Smith: You’re right on Hedman, Scotty. I remember talking to him on how game. He was a beast the entire Cup run, but especially in this game. He much of an eye-opening experience that first playoff run was. Hedman logged 27:57 of ice time, blocked eight shots and had only one turnover. said it took a couple hundred games for him to find his groove in the He was solid defensively and chipped in offensively, too. Seidenberg and league. And I couldn’t help but think while watching this game about how partner Chara completely shut down Vinny Lecavalier’s line. much fellow Swede Mattias Ohlund, a teammate in Tampa Bay, played a big role in his early development. Some veteran D-men on that team — Smith: The seemingly ageless Chara was definitely a difference-maker in Eric Brewer, Brett Clark, etc. — helped him along. Now Hedman is a this one. You could see the makings of the Bergeron-Marchand perennial Norris contender. connection, too, with Bergeron a beast on the forecheck (and in the faceoff circle). McGuire: This game did a lot for Tim Thomas. It did a lot for Chara, too — nine years later, he’s still going strong, it’s amazing. It did a lot for For the Lightning, while Roloson was at the end of his career, he played Stamkos, did a lot for Victor Hedman. I think anyone who played in that some of his best hockey after getting traded to Tampa Bay around New game deserves a lot of credit. Nate Thompson, it helped him a ton — he Year’s. was outstanding. And he’s still playing.

The fact that Hedman played more minutes than any other Lightning What was the best moment? player in their win in Game 6 then played nearly 24 in Game 7 showed how the second-year pro was coming into his own. A few years later, McDonald: There are too many in this game to pick only one. Besides the during the Lightning’s 2015 run to the Cup final, Hedman would have game-winning goal, which was a perfectly executed play by the Bruins to been my Conn Smythe pick had his team hoisted the Cup instead of finally beat Tampa’s 1-3-1 defensive structure, Seidenberg’s open-ice Chicago. body check on St. Louis in the opening minutes of the game set the tone for Boston. Burnside: It seems to me that Patrice Bergeron has always been at his peak. Even when he was a kid. So even as good as he was, I’m not But, my choice would be seeing Steven Stamkos return to the game after going that route. taking a Johnny Boychuk slap shot off the face.

But how about David Krejci? He finished this playoff year with 23 points Smith: Same for me. I’ll never forget the hush in the building when the in 25 games to lead all players in the postseason. And is there any doubt deflected shot from the point went off Stamkos’ visor and into his nose. that this is as good as it gets for the snakebitten Nathan Horton, who How Stamkos quickly hit the ice as if he’d been shot, tossing his gloves would be knocked out of the final against Vancouver and never quite be before skating off while trying to stop the blood gushing from his nose. the same after? And I was amazed that Stamkos returned just five minutes later (in game action) wearing that protective cage to cover his stitched-up nose. He Marty St. Louis, playing mostly with a young Steven Stamkos and his pal ended up playing around 19 minutes, though his line with St. Louis and Steve Downie, was superlative leading the Bolts with 20 points in the Downie was kept at bay. team’s 18 playoff games. McGuire: That was frightening. I was right on the shooting line. I saw But if you’re talking peak, this game represents one of the great right away that Stamkos was in trouble. I knew he was bleeding profusely goaltending duels in recent memory in a winner-take-all situation. from the nose. Had he not had a shield on, that would have been Thomas wasn’t as busy, facing just 24 shots, but was so good, especially amazingly dangerous. It showed the toughness of Stamkos to come back through the first half of the first period when Tampa had some terrific and play again after that. It showed his leadership. The guy had basically looks. And even though Roloson guided Edmonton to a Cup final in ’06, just started his career, and he knew right away he had to come back. it’s hard to imagine his 37-save performance on this night wasn’t among the finest of his career. Burnside: Just one moment? Come on. That’s not fair. The game started with almost four minutes of nonstop action. That’s the kind of night it was. Whose career did this change the most? Huge moment you forgot all about McDonald: Bruins goalie Tim Thomas produced a historic run en route to the Stanley Cup, but his 24-save performance against the Lightning in McDonald: I’ve always been a huge fan of Nathan Thompson. I covered Game 7 supercharged his motivational level to face the Canucks in the his first professional game with the P-Bruins and I’m not surprised he has final. No matter the outcome of the Cup final that season, Thomas enjoyed longevity in the NHL. Until I rewatched the game, I totally forgot silenced all the doubters he faced his entire career. He became a legend about his hit on Nathan Horton along the wall near the Tampa bench in in Boston when he led the Bruins to a championship, hoisted the Cup the first period. Horton missed time during that game and forced coach over his head and skated away with the Conn Smythe. Given his overall Claude Julien to shuffle his lines. Fortunately for the Bruins, Horton body of work from college, international play and professionally in North returned and eventually scored the game-winning goal. America, an argument could be made that he should be in the Hockey Smith: Thompson was terrific in this game, that hit on Horton included. I Hall of Fame. remember how teammates jokingly called him “Nate Boucher,” Smith: On the Bruins side, I agree on Thomas, who would go on to add considering how much of a perfect fit he was for coach Guy Boucher’s some special hardware to his resume. This run certainly also gave a style. They called him “Textbook” too. boost to Lightning first-year coach Guy Boucher, elevating expectations But an under-the-radar moment I forgot all about was Tomas Kaberle’s for the start of general manager Steve Yzerman’s reign. Boucher became great defensive play to thwart a Stamkos chance off the rush with three a hot name in coaching circles, with some even wondering if he’d minutes left in the second period. It was still 0-0, and Tampa Bay put eventually coach the Canadiens. It turned out these playoffs were the together two of its better up-close looks in back-to-back sequences. But a high point in Tampa for Boucher, who was fired in 2013 and replaced by Downie centering pass to a streaking Thompson went off Thompson’s current coach , who was actually in TD Garden for that Game leg. And then, moments later, another Downie feed was deflected away 7 (as a “black ace”) for the coaching staff as AHL Norfolk head coach. by Kaberle before Stamkos could pounce on it in front. Had Tampa Bay You wonder how things might have turned out had the Lightning won this taken a 1-0 lead there, who knows how this game ends? Game 7 and potentially beaten the Canucks for the Cup. McGuire: The amazing part about it was I remember Tampa kept trying Burnside: I don’t know if this is even the right answer, but I was struck in to pull its goalie and Eddie (Olczyk) and I talked about how the Bruins watching this game how incredibly young Victor Hedman is. In just his wouldn’t let Tampa into its own zone — they created a picket fence. second year after being taken with the No. 2 pick in 2009, there was There was an offsides with 30 seconds to go, and they still couldn’t get already some quiet grumbling that the Bolts had misfired because Roloson out of the net. That was a big problem. I’m not sure Tampa had Hedman wasn’t lighting it up offensively. He had six assists in this playoff a legitimate scoring chance in probably the last 7-8 minutes of the game. year and wouldn’t play another postseason game until 2014 when the It was the best checking game the Bruins put forward in that series. Lightning were bounced in the first round. I thought he was fine in this game, and in hindsight, it was fun to watch him in this first real moment of Burnside: Again, just one? You guys are tough. OK, how about Roloson expectation and pressure in his career and understand what was to come stoning Milan Lucic on a breakaway with just under five minutes to go in the first period? You forget given how his career arc has gone just what a force Lucic was and why he was so pivotal to the Bruins’ winning their game’s only goal for the Bruins. The Lightning’s 1-3-1 defensive structure first Cup since 1972. had been a key part of their run to the conference final. But it was Ference’s pass in the neutral zone up the left side to Krejci that really What from this game wouldn’t happen today? opened things up on the play. Horton, the trailer, darted to the open McDonald: Because it was a perfectly played game from both teams, I’m space in the middle and tapped in the perfect feed for the eventual not sure there’s one glaring incident that wouldn’t happen in today’s winner. game. Burnside: Damn, there were so many. I should have used Dennis Oh, I know. A Game 7 will never be broadcast on the Versus network Seidenberg in the “peak” part of this, but we’ll put him in “unsung” again. because he deserves some high praise. Playing mostly with Chara, Seidenberg was involved at both ends of the ice all night. Physical. Smith: You won’t find many games, even Game 7s, where no penalties Smart. People forget Seidenberg was part of a big deadline deal the year were called. So that might be a rarity, especially after the teams before but got hurt before the playoffs. He more than made up for it in combined for nine power plays in Game 6. Another thing I wonder is that this game and throughout this spring run for the Bruins. if this game had been today, would Stamkos have been pulled longer from the game as a precaution? Peverley, a key deadline pickup from Atlanta — remember them? — was all over the ice. And you forget another pickup by much-maligned Boston And, Joey Mac, Game 7s won’t be televised on Versus again, but you’ll GM Peter Chiarelli: Tomas Kaberle and his steadying influence on this probably hear those same three voices in Emrick, McGuire and Olczyk. night.

Burnside: I’m not sure it would be any different today, but it was For Tampa, I’m not sure if it counts as “unsung,” but I was shocked at interesting that the eventual scoring hero, Horton, would miss time in the how good Vincent Lecavalier and Simon Gagne were. Both were nearing first period after being rocked by Nate Thompson. Would spotters have the end of their careers. This game would mark the final playoff game in allowed him back in the second period as was the case? And Steven a Lightning jersey for Lecavalier. He would go on to play 12 more playoff Stamkos, too — would he have come back as he did in this game? games: seven with Philadelphia and five with the Los Angeles Kings. Maybe. Maybe not. Gagne would play only four more playoff games after this one. His last playoff victory came in Game 6 of this conference final series. I would McGuire: That’s a good question. It’s hard to play that game because I argue that these two had the best chances for the Lightning from the don’t know what the spotter would have seen, what the trainers would midpoint of the game on. have told him. You definitely would have thought there would have been some different potential situations there. Smith: You’re on point with Lecavalier and Gagne, Scotty. It was no surprise that Chara and Seidenberg were shadowing that line all game Most glaring missed long. There was one point in the third when Boucher did a quick shift with McDonald: The on-ice officials were excellent in this game. Referees Dan Lecavalier-Gagne that they created some of the team’s last great looks. O’Halloran and Stephen Walkom, along with linesmen Steve Miller and That’s one major benefit of having home ice for Game 7 — you can Pierre Racicot all had their fingers on the pulse of the game and let it play dictate the matchups. out. Plus, there was nothing really dirty or chippy in this game. The Who from this game makes the Hall of Fame? players knew what was at stake and just played the game the way it should’ve been played in that situation. McDonald: While Mark Recchi is already in the Hall, Chara and Bergeron will no doubt be enshrined when the time comes. David Krejci should Smith: There weren’t a lot of dirty plays or moments in this one where we also be a strong candidate along with Thomas. Even though he served thought things were getting out of hand. There were a few plays where as a backup, Tuukka Rask should also be in the Hall one day for his you could have considered calling interference, like when Hedman career accomplishments. An argument could also be made for Brad impeded Tyler Seguin in the neutral zone (and McGuire noted that it Marchand. would have been called had it been a regular-season game). There was actually one play where Dominic Moore appeared headed to the box for Smith: Marty St. Louis is already in the Hall of Fame. I’m not sure Vinny tying up Lucic in a backcheck that knocked the net off the magnets, but Lecavalier will make it, though he’s got a borderline case with nearly the referees ended up keeping it five-on-five (much to the chagrin of an 1,000 points, a Rocket Richard Trophy and a Stanley Cup. There’s a irate Julien). As Emrick put it, the refs were showing that “17,000 people chance that Stamkos and Hedman could make it down the line as they’ve aren’t there to watch the referees.” got many years left in them and, they hope, a Cup or two.

Burnside: Honestly, I expected to be wowed by the number of calls that Burnside: Chara is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, for sure. Bergeron, weren’t made. I wasn’t. In fact, at one point McGuire praised the work likewise, has Hall of Fame writ large on his career. Brad Marchand? done by the refereeing duo of O’Halloran and Walkom, who continues to Maybe. I’ll book a spot for Victor Hedman as well, although something be a force in the league as the head of officiating. I agree. O’Halloran, the tells me we’ll be waiting a Nick Lidstrom amount of time for that pride of Essex, , was working his eighth Game 7; Walkom was ceremony. working his sixth. And while I know the lack of power plays likely hurt Tampa more than it hurt Boston given the Lightning’s dynamic power McGuire: I’m on the Hall of Fame selection committee, so I can’t discuss play productivity in this series, I made note of the calls that might have any names, but let me look at the roster and go through. On Tampa, St. been made, and Tampa probably got away with more than Boston. Louis is in there. I see one, two or three more possibly getting in. On Boston? I see potentially four more with Recchi already in. It’s pretty McGuire: I thought the refs let it go. The players knew how important the impressive when you think about it, all the talent in that game. stakes were, and the refs trusted the players. There may have been some ticky-tack calls they could have made in the neutral zone, but it The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 didn’t affect the outcome.

Unsung hero

McDonald: The Bruins’ Rich Peverley was outstanding in this game. He played up and down the lineup when needed and made contributions in every situation. He made an outstanding defensive play, gained control of the puck, broke it out of the Boston end, drew two defenders toward him and then made a nifty pass to Lucic, who broke in alone on Roloson. Lucic attempted to go five-hole, but the goalie made the stop with 4:50 remaining in the first period. Peverley registered three shots and was relentless all over the ice. If the Bruins don’t acquire Peverley and Chris Kelly at the deadline, there’s no way the Bruins win the Cup.

Smith: For the Lightning, Nate Thompson was outstanding, and it seemed like Adam Hall took every defensive-zone draw. Eric Brewer, the former Blues captain, played the most minutes for Tampa Bay. But I have to give a lot of credit to Andrew Ference for how he helped set up the 1181936 Boston Bruins Murray coached veterans like 31-year-old Adam Pleskach, who played college hockey at Springfield’s American International College. Tulsa’s roster also included 22-year-olds such as Jack Kopacka and Deven Rob Murray reveals what it’s like to shut down a team abruptly at Sideroff, both drafted by Anaheim. Murray is thinking about his entire midseason spectrum of players, ones he didn’t send off in the usual manner.

“I was really getting the sense that guys were really jelling,” Murray said. “There were a couple nights where I said, ‘Hey guys, you’ve got to get By Fluto Shinzawa Mar 30, 2020 out together, have fun and you’ve got to become a team here.’ That being said, that’s where I felt bad after. Did I say enough? Did guys even

know I cared? I’m with these guys day and night. It’s always a shock at Rob Murray is from the future. the end. I don’t care what season it is. Coaches say all the time, ‘This team will never be the same.’ Even with the Boston Bruins, there’ll be a ’s former boss in Providence is the head coach of the new face there next season. Somebody you played with will have gone ECHL’s . On March 14, while practically shooing them out of somewhere else. It will never be the same team again. I didn’t have the Tulsa to the security of their offseason homes, Murray informed his chance to convey that to the guys. I’m sure it’s the same everywhere. I’m players the ECHL had canceled the season. not unique.”

The league barred Murray from holding traditional exit meetings because Murray’s post-cancellation responsibilities included cleaning out player of health concerns. No farewell hugs and handshakes. No real sense of housing in Tulsa prior to April 1 to avoid paying a full month of rent. The closure. organization determined that one player who originally planned on offseason surgery would defer it as a non-essential procedure. It may be that NHL coaches like Cassidy will have to follow Murray’s example. Murray cautions it is not a pleasant experience. Besides that, Murray has spent his days like everyone else — worrying. As of last Friday, Oklahoma had reported seven deaths because of “I felt really bad,” Murray said of the mandated rapid dismissal. “After I COVID-19. got back to my place, I felt, ‘I need to throw out a group text to the guys.’ Did I say enough? Did I convey how appreciative I was of the effort they “I’m scared of this,” Murray said. “I can admit it. This has got me rattled. gave me and how they all stuck with it?” Maybe I want too much information. I’m reading every article, good or bad, everything that comes across the screen. It’s a big hit to everybody. On the morning of March 12, Murray learned the NHL had suspended its But it really hits home because people are dying.” season. The ECHL was still open for business. Murray proceeded with his team’s practice, followed by video, in preparation for Tulsa’s game in Upon completion of his remaining duties, Murray and his oldest daughter, Kansas City the next day. who is with him in Tulsa, plan to reunite with the rest of his family — wife Carolyn and four younger children — in the metropolitan Washington He need not have bothered. Later that day, the ECHL followed suit by area. It is approximately a 19-hour drive. He does not intend to include suspending its season. an overnight stay and the accompanying risk of infection. Murray had a feeling it would not end there. “I’m getting in the car and stopping for gas,” Murray said. “I’ve made it the On the morning of March 14, the Oilers held exit physicals in anticipation last couple summers straight a couple times. I’ll pull off and take a nap if I of what was coming. Later that day, the league confirmed Murray’s have to. It will not be a road trip.” worries by closing the book on the entire season. The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 Two weeks later, Murray is one of the few left in the Oilers’ office following some organizational layoffs. Logistical chores are on his desk, such as finalizing Tulsa’s protected list of players for next season.

Murray, 52, has deep ties to New England. The feisty forward made his mark in Springfield, where he logged 501 AHL games. Murray passed through Boston while with Washington, Winnipeg and Phoenix, the teams for which he totaled 107 NHL appearances.

Upon retirement, Murray was an assistant to Scott Gordon in Providence for five seasons. He took command of the Providence bench from 2008 to 2011, where his charges included Tuukka Rask and Brad Marchand.

In that way, Murray is familiar with the safety nets usually available to players dwelling in hockey’s higher levels. It is not so in the ECHL.

Murray, who coached the ECHL’s Alaska Aces for six seasons, has closed on deals by offering players $685 per week one season after they earned $600. They are happy for an $85-per-week raise.

Tulsa had eight regular-season games remaining on its schedule. It included a March 14 Saturday night home game on Alzheimer’s Night, for which the Oilers expected 15,000 fans at the BOK Center.

The Oilers, No. 4 in the Mountain Division, were on pace to face the top- ranked Allen Americans in the playoffs. Tulsa beat Allen in their last meeting, 4-2, on March 7, which turned out to be the Oilers’ final game. It was possible, in Murray’s opinion, for Tulsa to upset Allen in the first round, continue a playoff run and stretch pay for players into late spring.

Now, some players are returning to hometowns already wracked by the pandemic’s economic fallout. Jobs are not easy to find.

“These guys, on average, are making $700 a week,” Murray said. “They’re not pocketing that much to sustain themselves. They don’t make much money. The majority of them, they’ve got to get home and get a job. I know some guys do landscaping in the summer. Those types of jobs are grunt work, for the most part. They’re not going back and joining Merrill Lynch at a desk. It’s tough on them. I feel for them. When it’s all said and done, they probably missed out on two weeks of pay.” 1181937 Buffalo Sabres league's 31 teams were awaiting word on next steps, though the Sabres weren't expecting to play their scheduled game in Montreal that night.

Eichel explained the situation became "a lot more real" that weekend Jack Eichel hopeful, cautious when asked about Sabres resuming when the NHL and Sabres provided guidelines to players, including a season mandatory period of self-quarantine. The league has since had four players test positive for Covid-19: two from the Ottawa Senators and two from the Colorado Avalanche. By Lance Lysowski Published Mon, Mar 30, 2020|Updated Mon, Mar 30, 2020 It's uncertain when team facilities can reopen to players, many of whom returned to their permanent residences overseas. Travel restrictions, including border closures, remain in place around the globe and the coronavirus has spread rapidly in North America over the past two Unprecedented social distancing measures used to combat the weeks. coronavirus have kept Jack Eichel inside his Buffalo home since the Sabres' season was suspended March 12. If hockey's return does not include finishing the regular season, many NHL players, Eichel included, face the possibility of not competing in a Eichel's workouts are limited to his personal gym and instructions are game for seven to eight months. The IIHF World Championship, which delivered by his various trainers on video conference calls. The 23-year- typically features NHL players on nonplayoff teams, has been canceled. old captain has spent his down time listening to his collection of vinyl records, reading informative books or magazines and, like the rest of us, While other superstars have provided their own return-to-play scenarios sitting on the couch watching television. – New Jersey's P.K. Subban envisioned a 31-team tournament to determine the Stanley Cup champion – Eichel was not eager to offer his "Just trying to stay busy is the biggest thing," Eichel said during a thoughts on the topic. conference call Monday. “I think it’s tough to say what the rest of the season might look like It's unclear how long Eichel's new routine will last. The National Hockey because, to be honest with you, I can’t imagine the NHL really knows League's initial return-to-play plan was altered after the Centers for much right now about what the future holds for us just because of the fact Disease Control and Prevention recommended against gatherings of that I really don’t think the world knows what’s going to happen," Eichel more than 50 people. The longer the pause lasts, the less likely the said. "I think with just that, you know, obviously we don’t want to have Sabres will be able to play their final 13 games. that much time off. ... I really just don’t know how to go about predicting Eichel, like Sabres coach , is holding out hope that he and what’s going to happen over the next few weeks because it’s so his teammates can achieve some closure. However, even the hockey- unknown.” obsessed Eichel had trouble speculating on how the league could The unknown affects the Sabres differently than other teams. Buffalo's resume its season. For once, Eichel is having trouble focusing on the 30-31-8 record had it on track to miss the playoffs for a ninth consecutive sport in which he's become a superstar. season, despite the Sabres receiving a career-high 36 goals from Eichel. “Yeah, I mean, I think you can always run through a million different It's possible they won't be able to finish a first season under Krueger and possibilities and scenarios in your head," Eichel said. "You always want pending free agents might be impacted financially. to try and have yourself included in the mix, in the playoffs. ... But I think Eichel is maintaining hope he'll return to the ice soon. There are more at this moment, everyone’s just sort of, I think their minds are off of lessons to be learned for a team that played its way out of the playoff hockey and just kind of trying to figure out how to control this pandemic picture in the weeks leading up to the season being suspended. The the best we can and just figure out a way to be safe and stay healthy Sabres wanted to show they can excel when intensity increased in March through the situation. In my mind, obviously I love hockey and it means games. so much to me, but I think right now it’s kind of been put on the back burner. A lot of my thoughts go toward my family and health and the But Eichel sat in his home on the second-to-last day in March, talking people I care about and all the people that are dealing with this. There’s about the double-platinum Marvin Gaye record hanging on his wall and so much more at stake right now than hockey games so it’s really tough how much he enjoyed George Mumford's book, "The Mindful Athlete." to say." The effectiveness of the measures that halted the Sabres' season will Eichel was forced to talk hockey Monday when he was one of eight determine when Eichel's life, and the life of others around the globe, will Atlantic Division players to address the media in a video conference call. return to normal. He expressed well wishes to his fans in Buffalo and his hometown, Boston, while providing a glimpse into his life that, in some ways, has "I don’t think you ever want to have your season end abruptly as it did," been turned upside down. said Eichel. "When you look at our group in a team setting, I think we’ve taken a lot of strides this year. ... I think we definitely looked at these last Eichel spoke about the importance of everyone doing their part in 13 games as an opportunity to continue to build our culture and build our combating the spread of the pandemic, which has overwhelmed health team identity and to build towards the future. ... It’s never easy to have care systems and halted sports across the globe. He also revealed that the season just kind of stop and have that unknown like it did. There’s a his mother, Anne, who works in ambulatory surgery at Boston Medical lot of hope that we’ll see some closure, but you really never know." Center, is home while his father, Bob, recovers from shoulder surgery. Buffalo News LOADED: 03.31.2020 "Obviously, you wouldn't want her going in," Eichel said. "It's such a high risk and credit to all the medical professionals that have been on the front lines and really taking this thing head-on. When you have a loved one in that situation, you just want them to be as safe as possible, so I will say I'm happy that my mom is at home right now and doing her part in self- quarantining."

Eichel has resisted the urge to make the six-and-a-half hour drive to visit his family in Boston. Text messages have served as his line of communication with teammates, coaches, team trainers and General Manager Jason Botterill.

The Sabres haven't been together since March 12, when their plane arrived in Buffalo following an unusual series of events in Montreal. Eichel was at a team dinner the previous night when news broke that the NBA was suspending its season after Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for the coronavirus.

Buffalo's coaching staff, including Krueger, arrived at Bell Centre the following morning, only to be told to return to their hotel. Each of the 1181938 Buffalo Sabres and a lot of my thoughts go to my family, my health, the people I care about and all the people that are dealing with this. There is so much more at stake than hockey games.’’

Buffalo Sabres' star Jack Eichel: 'There is so much more at stake than Eichel (36–42–78 points), who was easily on pace to break his career- hockey games' best 82 points set last year when the season was paused, is riding out the virus at his Buffalo home. His mother, Anne, is an ambulatory surgical nurse in Boston who is staying home to care for Eichel’s father, Leo Roth, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 8:21 p.m. ET Bob, who had recent shoulder surgery. March 30, 2020 | Updated 9:18 p.m. ET March 30, 2020 Jack said he’s resisting the urge to jump in his car and make the 6½-hour drive home.

Jack Eichel was enjoying the best season of his young NHL career. “Obviously, I’d love to see my family in Boston but I think the smart thing was to stay here and not try and spread anything, not saying I have And even though the Buffalo Sabres were a long shot to qualify for the anything, but just trying to be safer than sorry,’’ he said. “There is so playoffs, they had welcomed the return of sniper Victor Olofsson and much unknown about this so I’m just quarantining in my house.’’ goaltender Linus Ullmark from long injury layoffs, portending a positive finish over the final 13 games of the season. With his girlfriend and a personal chef doing the cooking, there’s been “no takeout for me,’’ Eichel said. After a 3-2 victory over Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on March 9 at KeyBank Center that snapped a six-game losing streak, a Former Amerks star Linus Ullmark had returned from a long injury layoff game where Eichel scored his career-best 36th goal, Olofsson got No. 20 and won his last game 3-2 in shootout over Washington. and Ullmark stopped six of seven shooters in a shootout, the rest of the season represented “a chance to continue to build our culture and team He has kept his body fit by working out in a small home gym and identity and build toward the future,’’ said Eichel, the Sabres’ captain. teleconferencing with trainers. He’s kept his mind fit with plenty of reading when not watching TV and playing video games. He enjoys Sabres captain Jack Eichel has a career-best 36 goals. He said there are personal improvement books and just finished George Mumford’s The bigger things than hockey now. Mindful Athlete and has cracked open Can’t Hurt Me by Navy Seal David Goggins. And then came the coronavirus. “I don’t think you want to ever see your season end as abruptly as it did,’’ Shutting down not only every high school, NCAA and professional sports Eichel said. “When you look at our group and team, I think we’ve taken a league, but altering the normal function of society on a global scale. lot of strides this year. The NHL is such a competitive league, the parity The Sabres were scheduled to face the Canadiens in Montreal on March between the best teams, the middle and bottom, they can flip over 12 when the ice was pulled from under their skates. It was during the quickly. There’s a lot of hope we’ll see some closure, but you just really flight back to Buffalo and the coming few days when Eichel said the never know.’’ magnitude of the situation hit him and his teammates like a check from Instead, he spent part of Monday talking about the double-platinum behind. Marvin Gaye album he has framed (one of 50 in the world, he said) and “I think we realized how much we didn’t know about the situation, that talking about Tom Brady no longer being the quarterback of his was my ‘come to’ moment about how serious the situation is and the hometown New England Patriots, a development that improves the effect it would have on the entire world,’’ Eichel said during a conference chances of the Buffalo Bills winning the AFC East Division. call with western New York media on Monday. What does he think about Brady becoming a member of the Tampa Bay When the NHL suspended play, its goal was to resume the season “as Buccaneers? soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so that we will be able to complete “Pretty crazy to not imagine him as a Patriot, but hey, go Bills, go Bucs,’’ the season and award the Stanley Cup." Eichel said. That's looking less and less likely. Four NHL players have tested positive Democrat and Chronicle LOADED: 03.31.2020 for COVID-19 and arenas remain closed. In light of national and global death tolls rising, President Donald Trump extended social distancing guidelines through April 30.

Sabres general manager Jason Botterill and coach Ralph Krueger have been in regular contact with players, Eichel said, but he has no indication on what’s coming next.

Jack Eichel is still hopeful that the final 13 games of the season can be resumed so the team can continue building the culture coach Ralph Krueger wants. But he's bracing for news the rest of the season will be canceled.

“I mean, I think it’s tough to say what the rest of the season might look like,’’ he said. “To be honest, I can’t imagine the NHL really knows much right now about what the future holds for us because of the fact I don’t think the world knows about what’s going to happen.’’

The Sabres are 30-31-8, good for 68 points.

That’s tied for 13th out of 16 teams in the Eastern Conference, 13 points behind Carolina and Ottawa for the final wild-card spots. Playoff scenarios using current standings have been proposed — a 24-team playoff still excludes Buffalo, which has missed the postseason eight consecutive years.

In speaking to players around the league, and speaking from his heart, Eichel said hockey isn’t really at the forefront of people’s minds.

“If you get an opportunity (to be in the playoffs), you’d want to make the most of it, but at this moment, I think our minds are off hockey and we’re just trying to figure out how to control this pandemic the best we can, figure out a way to stay safe and healthy,’’ Eichel said. “I love hockey and it means so much to me, but right now it’s been put on the back burner 1181939 Buffalo Sabres After all, it was less than three weeks ago that Eichel was in Montreal preparing for a game against the Canadiens. The 2019-20 season was scheduled to end this Saturday against the Flyers. Now it may restart in In the midst of uncertainty, Jack Eichel is embracing things he knows May, June or July – or in October as the 2020-21 season.

“You could always run through a million different possibilities and scenarios in your head,” Eichel said. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t By John Vogl Mar 30, 2020 want to be a part of the continued games. I think it’s tough to imagine this season going without finishing, but it’s also tough to imagine just a

playoffs after a long break like this. I think the season always ramps up to As Jack Eichel got ready for his Zoom videoconference, he had more get to playoff level. than 2,500 square feet of background Images available. He could have “I really don’t know how to go about predicting what’s going to happen in shown off his gym, patio, fireplace or the kitchen where his girlfriend and the next few weeks because it’s so unknown.” chef are keeping him fed. With that in mind, Eichel is embracing things he knows. He’s working out The Sabres captain chose to display Marvin Gaye. There ain’t nothing in his home gym, using a playbook provided by the Sabres’ strength staff like the real thing, baby. and connecting with his pilates instructor through video calls. He’s Eichel is hunkered down in Buffalo during the NHL’s pause and adhering keeping his mind sharp, reading George Mumford’s “The Mindful Athlete: to medical advisories as seriously as anyone. He knows the only sure Secrets to Pure Performance,” David Goggins’ “Can’t Hurt Me: Master thing is the uncertainty of COVID-19, so he keeps his brain occupied with Your Mind and Defy the Odds” and Jon Krakauer’s “Into Thin Air: A motivational books, mindless TV and moving music. The Stone Temple Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster.” Pilots are echoing though the hallways along with the Rolling Stones and During moments of levity, he’s heeding the wacky roar of the “Tiger King” Fleetwood Mac. and soaking up the drama-filled surf of “The O.C.” And, of course, there’s the soulful sound of Gaye. An ultra-rare double- “There’s not a whole lot on your agenda,” he said, “so you’re just trying to platinum display featuring shiny discs of “What’s Going On” and “The stay busy and keep your mind in a good, healthy place.” Very Best of Marvin Gaye” spoke to Eichel’s Zoom audience, suggesting there ain’t no mountain high enough to keep humanity down. He said Sabres players are staying in touch, whether it’s single guys who’ve gone back to Europe or family men keeping their kids safe at “It’s important to remember we’re all in this together,” Eichel said. “The home. There are regular talks with general manager Jason Botterill and end is unknown, but at some point, things are going to get better.” coach Ralph Krueger. Not even the world’s greatest doctors can pinpoint when that will be, so “Everyone is just trying to go about their business and do the right things the 23-year-old Eichel sure wasn’t going to try. But he carried the as much as they can,” Eichel said. mindset of Dr. Anthony Fauci as he looked toward the future. Someday, the business will include workouts at the rink and games in “It’s important to just do the right things every day and really take this arenas. No one knows when that day will be, but Eichel is steadfast in his serious because there are some serious consequences to not doing the belief it will come quicker if everyone takes care of themselves and each right things and taking the right precautions every day,” Eichel said. “I other. think at this moment everyone’s minds are off of hockey and just kind of trying to figure out how to control this pandemic the best we can and just “I love hockey and it means so much to me, but I think right now it’s kind figure out a way to be safe and stay healthy through this situation. of been put on the back burner,” he said. “A lot of my thoughts go toward my family and health and the people I care about and all the people who “There’s so much more at stake right now than hockey games.” are dealing with this.” As the son of a nurse, Eichel knows what’s going on at the front lines of The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 the fight with coronavirus. His mom, Anne, has kept him abreast of the happenings at Boston Medical Center. He’s thankful her news is hearsay.

“The hospital’s in a lot of distress right now and it’s a tough position, but right prior to the outbreak and everything that hit the , my dad actually had a shoulder replacement surgery, so my mom took a month of paid leave off just to take care of my dad,” the center said. “So, she’s actually been at home for the last few weeks, which somehow is really lucky. Obviously, wouldn’t want her going in. It’s such a high risk, so credit to all the medical professionals that have been on the front lines and really taking this thing head-on.

“But when you have a loved one in that situation, you just want them to be as safe as possible. I will say that I’m happy that my mom’s at home right now and doing her part in self-quarantining.”

Eichel wishes he could see her and his dad, Bob, who is his rock even during the best of times. But there are more important things right now.

“I’d love to go see my family in Boston,” Eichel said. “The smart, methodical decision was just to stay here, not try and spread anything to them. Not saying I have anything but just trying to be safer than sorry.”

Since he’s a hockey player and his two talks Monday were arranged by the NHL and the Sabres, there were, of course, questions about hockey. Will the season resume? If it does, will 25th-place Buffalo even be part of it?

Eichel deked around them as if they were a flat-footed defenseman.

“We really don’t know what tomorrow holds, never mind a month from now,” he said. “So, it’s tough to predict the hockey aspect of life. Obviously, I think it would be tough to say that the league knows what we’re going to do because I don’t really think the world knows what’s going to happen in a few weeks.” 1181940 Calgary Flames

COVID-19: Flames announce temporary layoffs, wage reductions for full- time staff

Wes Gilbertson

With the COVID-19 pandemic pausing play, Calgary Sports & Corporation — the company that owns the NHL’s Flames, the CFL’s Stampeders and two other local teams — has laid off approximately half of its full-time workforce for a 60-day period.

That move, announced Monday, will impact about 150 employees.

The remaining staff will face wage rollbacks of 10 to 25 per cent, with the most significant salary reductions for those executive management personnel at the top of the pay scale.

“We are working extremely hard to limit the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has on our employees,” said John Bean, the president and CEO of CSEC, in Monday’s statement. “The implementation of this cost reduction plan will provide predictability of income to our staff while minimizing the negative impact on their financial health and that of the business.

“We want to stress the temporary nature of these layoffs. The remaining staff, on reduced compensation, have been retained to navigate this crisis and help us prepare for eventual recovery and the return to work of their colleagues. We are so grateful for the dedication, work ethic, understanding and patience of all our employees throughout this difficult situation.”

A hat-trick of CSEC teams — the Flames, the ’s Hitmen and the defending National League champion Roughnecks — were in the midst of their respective seasons when the action was halted due to the COVID-19 outbreak. (The WHL has since cancelled the remainder of the campaign, including playoffs, while the NHL and NLL remain on pause.)

The Stampeders were slated to begin training camp in mid-May, but the CFL announced a postponement Monday.

It’s uncertain when the Saddledome or McMahon Stadium will next play host to a game or any sort of event. Staff for all four teams have been working from home since March 14.

According to Monday’s announcement, CSEC has received consent from Service for a supplemental unemployment benefit plan, enabling the company to provide an EI top-up payment to all those affected by the temporary layoffs.

CSEC will also continue to provide and pay for health and dental benefits during the 60-day period, which starts April 13.

The Edmonton Oilers’ parent company made a similar move Monday, temporarily reducing their full-time staff by 139 and implementing salary rollbacks for the rest.

“Like so many other businesses in the sports, entertainment and hospitality industry, we are implementing these measures in the face of an unprecedented challenge and rapidly evolving landscape,” said Tom Anselmi, president of business operations for Oilers Entertainment Group. “These actions are difficult but necessary to respond to the reality of an effective shutdown of our business. In spite of this, we remain committed to doing all that we can for our employees.

“We are protecting the livelihood of our employees as best we can and are committed to getting them back to work as soon as possible.”

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181941

Former Blackhawk Daniel Carcillo has a question for Netflix's ‘Tiger King’ star

By Kelly Twardziak March 30, 2020 4:51 PM

Retired Blackhawks’ winger Daniel Carcillo has apparently spent his quarantine the same way the rest of us have, binging Netflix's iconic docuseries "Tiger King." One of the principal subjects of the series is Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist and nemesis of Joe Exotic, also known as Tiger King.

While Carole’s life mission to rescue large cats is admirable, the documentary doesn't paint her as innocently as she’d like. Episode Three, titled "The Secret," discusses the disappearance of Carole’s second husband, Don, in the 90s, leaving many viewers to believe that Carole murdered her husband and fed his body (which has never been found) to her tigers.

Carole actively rebukes these accusations, but it hasn’t stopped people from speculating. Including Daniel Carcillo, who Tweeted at Carole’s rescue organization to ask where Don’s body is.

Where’s the body Carole?

— Daniel Carcillo (@CarBombBoom13) March 30, 2020

I mean... we all want to know.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181942 Chicago Blackhawks past players that may not have their jerseys retired in the rafters, but just to show the appreciation of what they did and for the fans, I think it’s something great that the Hawks do. John (McDonough), Rocky (Wirtz), ‘My heart’s in Chicago’: Dave Bolland answers your Stanley Cup Jay (Blunk) and Stan (Bowman) — you don’t see other teams do questions and more anything like that to recognize some of their players in that kind of role. I’m happy and glad that they did that for me and for other players. It’s a great thing they do.

By Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus Mar 30, 2020 Which of the playoff series you played in was the toughest/most difficult, and why? — Chuck F.

Nashville in 2010. I think they gave us the most run for the money there. Quarantine is nothing new for Dave Bolland. Sitting around the house It was pretty tight and it was pretty tough playing against them. They had with nothing to do has been Bolland’s natural state for a while now. a great team. They had and a couple other guys, so “Hell, I’ve been doing this the last three years on injured reserve,” he said whenever I lined up on the PK against Weber, I knew there could be a with a laugh. few shots coming my way that I had to take. It was kind of scary. They had a great team. Detroit and Boston (in 2013), too, but I always thought But now that he’s officially retired, Bolland is eager to get back to work. if we didn’t win that Game 5 in 2010, it would have been tough to go back He’s also eager to get back to Chicago, his adopted home. Fortunately in their building and win two games. That was a huge defining moment in for him, there’s a sure-fire way to do both. all of the Stanley Cup runs.

“Just waiting for my work visa,” he said. “I think this (coronavirus) thing What are you up to these days now that your contract is up? Are you put a little hiccup into it, but hopefully I’ll be on that soon, and hopefully I’ll officially retired? What’s the next step for you look like? — Steve L. be working with the Hawks. We’re not sure (in what capacity) yet, we’re just seeing what’s around what position’s available. I’ll take anything, I’m officially retired now. This is my first year of retirement. Before this, I really. The last three or four years, I’ve been just hanging out at home was in Boca Raton. I was still getting paid, so I was doing a lot of golf and and doing a little bit of traveling, hanging out with my daughter a lot. I’m a lot of relaxing. Hopefully now I can move back to Chicago and start ready to get back to work and do something.” working with the Hawks. I’ve done a few things with them and it’s been a blast, and it’s great to come back and see the fans and see people that I In the meantime, Bolland is doing what most of us have been doing — know. I just love the city of Chicago and I miss it a lot. You always wish hanging around the house, watching old games on TV, and needling you could stay with a team for your whole career, but the league’s a people on Twitter. He also took the time to answer questions from The business, and guys want to get paid and there isn’t enough money on the Athletic subscribers. Here they are: payroll, and that’s the way it goes. My heart’s in Chicago and I miss it.

You were an integral part of numerous playoff OT game winning goals Hey Dave! I used to hold your No. 36 up during home warmups every (2009 vs. Vancouver, 2010 vs. Nashville, 2013 vs. Detroit and of course time we went to games. You never failed to toss a puck over the boards 2013 vs. Boston). In addition, you almost singlehandedly altered the (though sometimes Emery or Carcillo helped). I wanted to take this outcome of the 2011 series vs. Vancouver. It’s fair to say you’re on the opportunity to thank you for being a hero to me and so many other kids medal stand of greatest playoff performers in Blackhawks history. Do you during this time. With that out of the way: I’d like to know who from the agree? What do you think made you so effective in the playoffs? — 2010 team isn’t talked about much but deserves some more credit? Gregory B. I’d probably say Antti Niemi. We had Cristobal Huet come in, and he was I don’t know if I see myself that way, but I do think in the playoffs I always supposed to be the No. 1 goalie that year. It’s just the way the cards liked to rise to the occasion. I always had an extra gear in the playoffs, rolled and the way everybody was playing. Antti stepped up and played a and just coming from London and winning a here, and big role. He stood on his head and took a lot of shots and he played great then in Vancouver winning the (World Juniors) gold medal and eventually for us. He helped us huge in that 2010 Cup. getting to NHL, I knew you had to be a big contributor in the playoffs to win a Stanley Cup. I kind of thrived and took the position of that third-line Thanks for everything, Dave, you’ll always be a Chicago legend. What’s checking role to help my team and do whatever I could to win a Stanley the best chirp you’ve been on the receiving end of? Any favorites you’ve Cup. dished out? — Tim A.

What’s the best advice you received on adapting your game from scorer When I was playing, back then, there were some pretty mean chirps to defending against top lines? — Jeremy A. going on. I don’t think I can throw a few of those out. I think I might have to pass on that one, because it’s a little touchy. But it was mostly just a It wasn’t really advice. It was just more stepping into the game, stepping lot of swearing and a lot of fuck-yous. into the NHL. There are some guys — your Patrick Kanes, your Sidney Crosbys, your top-notch guys — that step in and produce right away. I Can you comment on how good (Martin) Havlat was when he was on kind of stepped in and it was kind of a different role for me. I knew I could your line? — Peter G. have waited and could have been that scorer (if I had) stuck a few more Havlat was great. I loved Havlat. That first year I got up, it was me and years in the minors and tried to become a big scorer. But I wanted to be him and (Andrew) Ladd on a line and we clicked great together. We had in the NHL quick and contribute as much as I could. Those first few a great line. I think we still had a good chance in that 2008-09 season years, I knew I wasn’t gonna be the first-liner. Maybe a second-liner, and when we played Detroit (in the Western Conference final). We were right I’d always get my PP time, but I knew if I wanted to play a lot, that third- there. We were knocking on the doorstep to go to the Stanley Cup Final. line role was the one. Q, when he came in, sat me down and gave me Detroit had a better team and a lot of good guys, but Marty Havlat was that role. He said it would be my way to stick in the NHL and be a key great. Tremendous scorer, big and strong, could take it down low, could player, and he was right. play the body and use his body to protect the puck, kind of like a (Marian) How much more do you think you could have done if not for the injuries Hossa. But he was great for me, and a great lineman for me and Laddy. that derailed your career? — Gregory B. What is your go-to meal before or after a game? Which restaurant in I was hoping to have a long career. To be done at 30 years old, 31, it’s Chicago is your favorite? — Kevin F. not something that I prepared for. But on the flip side, I won two Stanley The go-to meal would be chicken, some rice, some peas, some broccoli. Cups, and played in Chicago, and won a Memorial Cup and won a World I’d always have a Cherry Coke for some reason, I’m not sure why. Juniors gold medal, so I accomplished a few things. So I can’t be Always had a cup of Cherry Coke before a game. Probably just because disappointed in myself. But I was hoping to play a few more years and I knew I was going to be burning those calories later. We’d always put then hopefully come back and hopefully retire in a Hawks jersey. That’s some red sauce on top of everything. A lot of guys used to love ranch, something that I was hoping to do. But that didn’t happen, so I’m just glad though. We used to have a big tub of ranch and guys would be all over it. I came back for my last skate, and had my last kind of shift in a Hawks We’d have ranch on our chicken, everything. uniform at the United Center in front of Chicago fans. My favorite restaurant in Chicago is Prosecco. Mark (Sparacino), the It was kind of nerve-wracking getting back on the ice again (for the One owner, was always great to us. We’d go there after games and he’d keep More Shift). It was a little different. Just how the Hawks do that for their it open for us. So we’d be able to hang out get a nice dinner late after a game. On some nights, if we didn’t want to go out, he’d bring the food to Who is a bigger bitch: Joe Thornton or (insert Sedin twin)? — Conor H. our houses. Oh, Jesus. I’ll stay away from that one. Seriously, how good were you in junior hockey? — John W. The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 Yeah, things were pretty good in junior hockey. My first year, I was just getting into it, just coming from minor hockey, still learning to play defense and not just offense. I gradually got better and better. My second year I had (67) points, the next year I had (85), and the year after I had 130. We were pretty good there. , , we had a few guys there that were good players that went on to play in the NHL. We clicked. Most power plays, we stayed out for the whole two minutes until we scored. We played a lot of minutes. I logged a lot of time. It was great.

Whose skin did you love to get under the most while playing? My guess is the entire Canucks team. Would love to get your Top 5. Also, your hit on (Gustav) Nyquist in Game 7 to get Seabs that goal was legendary. — Christopher W.

I think it was always fun getting the Sedin twins. It was always great getting under their skin and getting them going. Joe Thornton was another one. He had a big blade on his stick that was heavy; I think he was still using a wood blade. He almost broke my wrist one game. It’s on video, you can see it. He hit it so hard my whole wrist just went numb and I thought I was done for the whole playoffs. So he’s another guy.

Why did you take both gloves off immediately after scoring cup winning goal? Classic Chicago moment in time for sure! — Howard S.

When you scored THAT goal, why’d you throw your gloves? — Matt P.

Let’s settle this once and for all. Were you already thinking about being in overtime when you scored the cup clinching goal in 2013? Is that why you threw your gloves off? — Steve R.

Bolly, give me some insight or little known tidbits about the 2013 GWG in Game 6 in Boston, besides you scoring and losing your stick and gloves to the yard sale. — Mike D.

I get this one all the time. But for the record, it was (Johnny) Boychuck that was in front after I scored. After I put the puck in the net, I followed through, Boychuck came over with his stick and his arms and he chopped down and had a hold of my one hand and my gloves and he wouldn’t let go. I was trying to pull away. I was so excited to just pull away and celebrate with (Michael Frolik) and (Marcus Kruger), and my hand got caught. It just stuck and I just pulled my hands away and when I pulled my hands away, my glove came off. And my stick — I just said screw it, I’m gonna go celebrate. That’s kind of how it went down. Everybody asks, “Oh did you think it was overtime?” No, I didn’t think it was overtime. If I thought it was overtime, I still would’ve done it, but I knew there was still 56 seconds left in the game. I just wanted to get away and celebrate.

When you scored THAT #17seconds goal, did you think Frolik was going to flatten you when he leapt into your arms? — John N.

I knew they were coming quick. I didn’t think he was gonna flatten me, though. I was ready. I was braced for it.

Thanks for your integral part in bringing the Cups to Chicago. In watching the 2010 playoff games now (on NBCSN Chicago), I was reminded again what a great goalie Niemi was. What was he like in the room? Did he even talk? He just seemed to quietly do his job. — Judy M.

He was quiet. He just did his job. He never talked much. But after we won the Stanley Cup and he a had few beers, he was suddenly a chatterbox. But yeah, he was quiet, he was always quiet in the room. He’d come to the rink and he’d do his job and do what he was told. He was great. And he was a big part of that 2010 Stanley Cup team. Looking back on some of those games there were a few times we left him hanging there and he stood strong and made some extra saves. Antti was a great guy.

Considering the NHL season is on hold, what was your experience in 2013 when the season was shorted? And do you have any advice for the players while the season is in limbo? — Patrick M.

Stay fit, stay ready. Right now, you never know. I thought it would be cool if the season does come back to have just a one-game elimination playoff, or best-of-three. It’d be cool to just throw all the teams back in and have a one-game elimination to the end. I know I’d be glued to the TV watching it. 1181943 Colorado Avalanche

Flames GM Brad Treliving was almost hired by the Avalanche

By Aarif Deen - March 30, 2020

Some of the most fascinating stories in the NHL are those that almost happen.

In 2017 the Avalanche had just finished the worst season the NHL had seen in nearly two decades, recording 22 wins and 48 points. With questions surrounding general manager Joe Sakic’s job, the Avs reportedly sought permission from the to talk to then assistant GM Kyle Dubas. The permission was granted but rescinded shortly thereafter, and Dubas was promoted to GM in Toronto 12 months later.

But that’s not the only current GM in the NHL to almost land the Avs’ job. Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving interviewed for that same position 11 years earlier.

In a recent interview with Sportsnet’s Hockey Central, Treliving told hosts Jeff Marek and Brian Burke that Colorado’s former GM Pierre Lacroix interviewed him in 2006 to succeed him.

“I was living in Phoenix and running the Central Hockey League at the time,” Treliving told Sportsnet. “Pierre contacted me. He was stepping down as the manager of the Colorado Avalanche and I went through the process with him and his owner.”

Lacroix ended up promoting his assistant, Francois Giguere. Treliving was hired in Phoenix as an assistant GM. He did not receive his first GM position in the NHL until 2014 when Burke hired him in Calgary.

“Francois ended up getting that job and it was coming out of the first lockout. It was 2006,” Treliving said. “They called me and said, ‘Going into the CBA discussions, Francois was here as the assistant GM and was really knowledgeable about the CBA so we’re going with him.’”

He added: “They made that decision. But Pierre was really good. There had been a management change in Phoenix. He called me a couple of days later and said he’s going to put a call in to (Coyotes GM) Don Maloney, who I didn’t know. I’d never met Don. He said he would tell him that I went through the process with Colorado and that Don is going to need an assistant. He was really gracious for doing that. Don called a couple of days later and I ended up getting hired to be the assistant manager for Don.”

Treliving spent eight years as the assistant in Phoenix before moving on to Calgary. He’s led the Flames to three playoff appearances, winning one round, in five seasons. Calgary currently holds the third spot in the Pacific Division.

In 2018-19 Calgary led the Western Conference, winning 50 games and recording 107 points. The Flames met the Avalanche, who had squeaked in as the second wild card, in the playoffs. Colorado dropped Game 1 before winning four straight to upset Calgary in five.

Treliving was extended six months later, moments before Calgary’s season opener at the Pepsi Center in October. He’s made numerous big trades, including the acquisitions of defenseman Noah Hanifin and forward Lindholm from Carolina in 2018.

There’s no saying where the Avalanche could’ve gone with Treliving at the helm. In Giguere’s three seasons as GM, Colorado qualified for the playoffs once. Colorado fired Giguere at the conclusion of the 2008-09 season, the first of four times the Avalanche finished at the bottom of the Western Conference over the next nine seasons. milehighsports.com LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181944 Dallas Stars Perry has played in 57 games this season, with five goals and 16 assists.

Probable bonues $250,000

How the NHL’s suspension could impact Stars’ available salary cap next Stars make playoffs & Perry plays 50 games $250,000 season Unless the Stars’ pre-suspension collapse continues to drop them out of Decision-makers across the league aren’t sure how to approach the the playoffs, or unless the NHL decides to cancel the postseason, Perry coming months from a money perspective. will achieve this bonus having already played in 57 games this season.

Currently, the Stars are the third seed in the Central Division and four points up on both Nashville and Vancouver. So while the team’s form By Matthew DeFranks was worrisome before the hiatus, Dallas should be in the postseason. The NHL, meanwhile, has said repeatedly that it wants to award the Stanley Cup this season, meaning a playoff format of some type is likely The most popular three words in NHL circles are: “I don’t know.” at some point.

Of course, the NHL is not unique in this aspect given the unprecedented Other bonues $250,000 circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdowns around world. But it doesn’t change the fact that hockey Stars win three rounds & Perry plays 50% of playoff games operations decision-makers across the league aren’t sure how to $100,000 approach the end of this season and the beginning of next season. Stars win Stanley Cup & Perry plays 50% of playoff games For the Stars, that means uncertainty surrounding performance bonuses $150,000 and how it would affect their salary cap next season. If the Stars win the Stanley Cup, the team will happily pay the $150,000 Why is this important? Since the Stars are using long-term injured bonus. That’s not an issue. reserve (that’s where Martin Hanzal’s $4.75 million cap hit is) to open up Where it gets hairy in this scenario is if the playoff format is changed to cap space this season, any performance bonuses paid out to players will include more teams in the postseason. That would mean more rounds. carry over to next year. For example, since the Stars used LTIR last The bonus in Perry’s contract was written to mean advancing to the season, $932,500 in performance bonuses carried over to this year. Stanley Cup Final after winning three rounds, but it is possible that the That number will be much higher next season. Stars could win three rounds of playoffs, not make the Final and still owe Perry a $100,000 bonus. The Stars have $5.6 million in potential performance bonuses payable to Corey Perry, Andrej Sekera, Miro Heiskanen and Denis Gurianov. Only Let’s say the playoffs are expanded to 24 teams (to include Chicago and four other teams have more potential bonuses, and only two (Chicago Montreal, you know?): 12 from each conference with the top four in each and Buffalo) are using LTIR, which would cause a carryover next season. conference receiving byes. The Stars are currently in fourth place in the West by points percentage, but one Dallas loss and one Edmonton win Dallas is highly unlikely to reach the full $5.6 million in potential bonuses, would shift the Stars down to fifth. If the standings are dictated by points but it is currently on the books for a little more than $2.5 million, with solely, the Stars would be behind the Oilers and in fifth place. more possibly on the way (we’ll get to that later). Because of the drop in hockey-related revenue due to the coronavirus suspension, the salary If the top eight teams in the entire league receive byes, the Stars cap may stay stagnant at $81.5 million. wouldn’t get one, ranking 10th in both points and point percentage.

If the salary cap stays at that figure, the Stars would have $19.464 million These scenarios may not actually happen. But in the world of the in cap space this offseason. That seems like a lot, but the Stars have to unknown, different situations should be considered and this is one where re-sign restricted free agents Radek Faksa, Roope Hintz and Denis the Stars could win three rounds of playoffs without getting to the Final. Gurianov, in addition to either bringing Anton Khudobin back or finding Andrej Sekera another backup goaltender. For a round number, let’s assume that those four players cost a total of $12 million. Achieved bonuses $200,000

Forwards Mattias Janmark and Corey Perry are unrestricted free agents, 40 games played $100,000 meaning the Stars will be in the market for a depth forward (if they don’t believe Jason Robertson or Ty Dellandrea are ready to jump to the NHL). 50 games played $100,000 Defensemen Roman Polak and Sekera are unrestricted free agents, Sekera has played in 57 games this season, with two goals and six meaning the Stars will be in the market for a depth defenseman (if they assists. don’t believe Thomas Harley is ready to jump to the NHL), as well. Probable bonuses $200,000 The caliber of forward and defenseman the Stars are able to add in free agency will depend on the cap space available to them, meaning every 60 games played $100,000 performance bonus matters, even when they ordinarily wouldn’t impact a Stars make playoffs & Sekera plays 50 games $100,000 team’s salary cap situation. If the season-long statistics are prorated, Sekera would be on pace to With the season paused for the time being, it appears the league has two finish an 82-game season with 67.7 games played. So he would hit the options to determine how bonuses are paid out. Either they keep the 60-game mark. As explained earlier with Perry, as long as the league numbers as they are, or they prorate stats to reflect an 82-game season. doesn’t cancel the playoffs, Sekera would also hit his postseason bonus. Even if the NHL resumes a regular season after its hiatus, it’s unlikely they play the regular season to an 82-game completion, so prorating Other bonues $100,000 seems an option in that scenario, as well. 70 games played $100,000 Here are the Stars’ bonus breakdowns by player: The only way Sekera would hit 70 games is if the NHL plays the Corey Perry remainder of the regular season. The Stars have 13 games left in the regular season, and if Sekera plays them all, he would hit 70 games Achieved bonuses $1.25 million exactly. Given the unlikelihood that the league plays the rest of the 10 games played $250,000 regular season and Sekera’s platoon with Roman Polak on the blue line, the Stars should be safe from this bonus. 20 games played $250,000 Miro Heiskanen 30 games played $250,000 Achieved bonuses $850,000 40 games played $250,000 Top four among Stars defenseman in ice time $212,500 50 games played $250,000 25 assists $212,500

0.49 points per game $212,500

Top three among Stars defenseman in plus-minus $212,500

Heiskanen is eligible for Schedule A bonuses as part of his entry-level contract, but can only qualify for four categories totaling $850,000. He easily has done that.

Heiskanen leads the Stars’ defensemen in ice time at 23:46 per game. He already has 27 assists. His 35 points in 68 games (0.51 points per game) surpasses the 0.49 points per game needed. Heiskanen also leads the Stars with a plus-14 rating.

And for good measure, if totals are prorated, Heiskanen would hit a 40- point season, the needed mark for defensemen to receive a Schedule A bonus.

Other bonuses: Heiskanen is also eligible for Schedule B bonuses, but is unlikely to hit them.

He would earn them for finishing in the top five in Norris voting, top three in Lady Byng voting, on a season-end NHL All-Star team, or winning the Conn Smythe. Heiskanen does not rank in the top 10 among defensemen in goals, assists, points, ice time or points per game, which would also qualify him for year-end bonuses.

Denis Gurianov

Achieved bonuses $212,500

20 goals $212,500

When Gurianov scored his 20th goal in St. Louis on Feb. 29, he became the first Stars rookie since to hit 20 goals. He also secured $212,500 as part of Schedule A bonuses. At the NHL’s pause, Gurianov leads the team in goals scored.

Other bonuses (worth $425,000): Gurianov isn’t likely to hit the counting bonuses even when prorated for a full 82-game season (top six among Stars forwards in ice time, 35 assists, 60 points or 0.73 points per game). But there are two bonuses he could grab or closely miss.

-- Top three among Stars forwards in plus-minus, $212,500

Gurianov is currently fourth among Stars forwards in plus-minus, but actually entered the last game (March 10 against the Rangers) in third. But he was minus-1 and Joe Pavelski was plus-1. And just like that, Gurianov potentially lost out on $212,500.

-- End of season NHL All-Rookie Team, $212,500

There are three spots for forwards on the All-Rookie team and Gurianov has an outside chance to be one of them. Chicago’s Dominik Kubalik and Buffalo’s Victor Olofsson seem to be locks on the team. So Gurianov (20 goals and 9 assists) would be up against Carolina’s Martin Necas (16 goals and 20 assists) and Montreal’s Nick Suzuki (13 goals and 28 assists). It’s up to the PHWA voters.

In total, the Stars are probably looking at around $3 million in performance bonuses (for context, ’s cap hit is $3.25 million) that will carry over to next year’s cap and limit what the team can do in free agency.

STARS

Stars’ Best of the Season: Alexander Radulov turns season around with hat trick vs. Wild

BY MATTHEW DEFRANKS

Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill talks to media as the team cleaned out their lockers at Dr Pepper Arena Friday, May 13, 2016 in Frisco, Texas.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181945 Dallas Stars — you are able to have two different lives, if that makes sense — it feels like home.”

Bishop said there was a high bar set for what “home” would feel like after ‘It’s like Groundhog Day’: Stars’ Ben Bishop adjusts to life during spending five years with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He became a full-time quarantine starter in the city and also met Andrea, whose family still lives in the Tampa Bay area. During the 2016-17 season, Tampa’s front office decided that Andrei Vasilevskiy would be their goalie of the future, By Sean Shapiro Mar 30, 2020 trading Bishop at the deadline to the Los Angeles Kings. After a spring cameo in California, the Stars acquired Bishop’s rights in May 2017 and

then signed the goalie shortly thereafter. It was the culmination of long- Ben Bishop begins every morning by working out. held interest on Dallas’ end: Stars general manager Jim Nill had tried to trade for Bishop at the NHL draft in 2016 but couldn’t hammer out a final He typically hops on his Peloton bike and then does some dynamic deal with then-Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman. stretching or explosion drills with exercise bands he has at the house. Then it’s time to watch his toddler son, Benjamin, and there are typically “Going into free agency is different for a goalie; it’s not like 31 teams two walks around the neighborhood during the day. By the early need a goalie. A forward that goes to free agency, you can have afternoon — sometimes around nap time for Benjamin — he and his everyone look at you, so that summer the market wasn’t that big,” Bishop wife, Andrea, are planning what they’ll make for dinner. said. “There were only a handful of teams that were in the goalie free- agent market, and speaking with LA, they kind of asked what my “It’s like Groundhog Day, right?” Bishop said with a laugh. “Back on a thoughts were — where I was leaning going into free agency. And I normal schedule, which is nice. But a little weird.” wanted to come to Dallas because they had shown some interest the year before when my name was getting swirled about being traded (in This is quarantine life for the Bishop family. The garage is spotless, the 2016). So when LA asked, I told them, ‘If you can trade me to Dallas, deck has been power washed and old medicine cabinets have been make it happen.'” cleaned out. They found an expired Aleve bottle from 2016; “I guess you could say it’s never been so fresh in the house.” Bishop said the chance to win with the Stars was a prime factor, but the city and the family element were driving forces for his desire to get traded Bishop said he’s actually lost some weight during quarantine. He’s been and sign in May instead of having to wait for July 1 to fully test the eating on a healthy schedule and is getting more structured sleep. There market. He’d heard good things from other players about Dallas and had aren’t any late-night meals after games or pre-game feasts without any some prior experience in the area. He played one season in the NAHL games to play. with the Texas Tornado and spent his senior year of high school at Frisco Ben leaves the house from time to time to go to the grocery store by High School before going of playing college hockey at The University of himself since Andrea is pregnant with their second son (due June 14). Maine. But aside from those occasional ventures, the couple is on full-time “Two buddies that were in my wedding lived in Dallas still,” Bishop said. toddler duty. “So we had relationships outside of hockey even before we ever moved “Some people are binge-watching, right? Us — uh. yeah right, buddy,” to the city. It made the move and the idea that much easier; those are Bishop said. “We get two hours in the afternoon, and all you want do is some of your best friends, too. So it was pretty easy to sign on the dotted sit down. Dinner time and then he goes down, and you just want to go, line with the Stars.” ‘Oof’ and lay down.” That off-ice comfort level has contributed to on-ice success for Bishop, Bishop has thought about getting some yard work done and potentially who was a Vezina Trophy finalist during the 2018-19 season and could gardening. But each time he’s taken a trip to the grocery store, he drives be a finalist for the 2019-20 season if the awards are ever presented. past a Lowe’s. He’s found it’s not the best place to observe social In simpler times, before a global pandemic gripped the planet, Bishop distancing. had been enjoying a season when he starting to introduce Benjamin to “The parking lot is completely full,” Bishop said, adding that his wife and the sport. The first time Benjamin skated was on the ice in the Cotton son haven’t left the house in two weeks. “I was gonna go in there right Bowl on New Year’s Eve before the Winter Classic. Before everything now, but I’m not gonna do it because it looks so crowded. Even when shut down — including local rinks — father and son had skated together you go to the grocery store, you come home and you feel guilty. You are a handful of times. It certainly doesn’t hurt being a pro goalie and having extra cautious when you are in there, and you bring the Clorox wipes, but a Bauer rep track down a pair of toddler-sized skates. wondering and feeling guilty on the way home. You don’t want to touch HAVE TO LOVE THE ENCOURAGEMENT TONIGHT! GOOD THING anything.” HE DOESN’T KNOW WHO WON OR LOST TONIGHT #1FAN Like most of the rest of the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop PIC.TWITTER.COM/7QMJPYAY69 is adjusting to a new normal. The last time the Stars were together as a group was at practice on March 12, one day prior to the NHL suspending — BEN BISHOP (@BENBISHOP30) FEBRUARY 28, 2020 the 2019-20 season. Since then, communication has been limited to the “He understands a little bit more and understands what hockey is, and it’s occasional phone call or group chat. fun to watch him,” Bishop said. “Whenever there is a hockey game on “Everybody is quarantined themselves, so there really isn’t anything TV, he just says, ‘Da-da,’ even though I’m sitting next to him. So it’s fun going on to talk about,” Bishop said. “You try and mix in some of the that he’s starting to understand it and what it is that I do. Obviously, you lighthearted chat we have during the season into text.” get to the stages of your life where you are are getting older, and you appreciate being able to share it with your son. In a perfect world, I could Soon after the suspension of the season, Stars players were given play for another 10 years, and they can watch me play and grow up permission to self-isolate wherever they wish. Some Europeans returned around the game with me.” to their native country — Miro Heiskanen is in Finland, and Denis Gurianov is in Russia — while others went to summer homes. Joe For now, like the rest of the world, Bishop wonders whether there will be Pavelski, for instance, is on a lake in Wisconsin. any more games this season for anyone to watch. Bishop is quick to point out he has no idea when or if the season will resume. He has no Bishop is among a group that decided to stay in Dallas. Considering his expertise in global disease, but he wants to be optimistic that hockey will wife’s pregnancy, it didn’t make much sense to go elsewhere. Even resume and that the Stanley Cup will be won at some point this summer. during a traditional offseason, Bishop has begun to treat Dallas like a true home, spending more and more time in Texas and less in his hometown For now, though, the goaltender said it’s easy to not worry about it too of St. Louis. It’s exactly what he hoped would happen when he signed a much with full-time dad duty. Tbe lull has given him even greater respect six-year contract with the Stars that runs through 2023. for the work Andrea does throughout the season; one of their biggest thoughts right now is figuring out a name for their second son. “It definitely feels like home already. It kind of did right away,” Bishop Benjamin’s full name is Benjamin Manning Bishop IV, and there have said. “We bought the house here and got to know people outside of been family photos taken with four generations of Ben Bishops in the hockey and developed more relationships around town. Whenever you same photo. are able to do that and separate the hockey life and the non-hockey life “The second one here, it’s a lot harder to actually think of a name. The first one was a given since I always wanted to carry on the name lineage,” Bishop said. “It’s been a lot more of a challenge this second time to think of a name. But we’ll figure it out.”

He’s got plenty of time to think about it.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181946 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin doing fine during NHL break; yes, he's seen 'Tiger King'

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press Published 3:32 p.m. ET March 30, 2020 | Updated 9:22 p.m. ET March 30, 2020

Dylan Larkin revealed which Detroit Red Wings teammate he’d like to be quarantined with — and who would be his last choice.

Larkin was part of a roughly 40-minute video chat Monday that was hosted by the NHL as part of its novel content while the 2019-20 season is on pause because of the coronavirus pandemic. Questions were handled by a league spokesman and did not include scenarios about finishing the season.

Larkin was at his home in metro Detroit when he joined Boston’s Zdeno Chara, Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk and Toronto’s John Tavares.

Players discussed how they stay in shape, because they don’t have access to their respective arenas or gyms. The answers were, predictably, about doing stuff outdoors.

“Me and my girlfriend, we just got a puppy,” Larkin said. “So, I’m doing that. I’m just trying to develop a routine, gather more information and stay safe. I’ve just been home and hanging out, that’s about it.”

[ Wings player built $3.9M Bloomfield Twp. home that feels like seaside retreat ]

The Wings had 11 games left when the season was postponed March 12. Larkin called it “a bit of a positive to let the body heal during this time. For myself, I haven’t had a time like this just hanging at home and taking care of my body and resting.”

While the Wings are guaranteed to finish in last place and the Senators were 30th at the time the season was suspended, Boston and Toronto are both in the playoff picture. Chara was the only one asked about the stoppage.

“It is obviously a situation you can’t really control,” he said. “Right now we all have to look out for each other and for our families. I know it’s kind of a cliche answer but I think these days, hockey is secondary.

“But it is hard to pause the league at the stage where we were. We were so close to the playoffs.”

Chara was the source of the most hilarious part of the episode, when he was asked about which teammate would be his first choice as a quarantine partner, and who he would avoid. Charlie Coyle got a thumbs- up.

“Least, I have to say Tuukka Rask,” Chara said. “The way he farts, it’s just so smelly. He likes his chicken wings and after the chicken wings, I sit behind him on the bus and — I have to control myself.”

Larkin’s pick for a quarantine partner was Robby Fabbri.

“I heard, I haven’t seen it, but he brags about his cooking,” Larkin said. “So that would be pretty clutch right now. He’s a true professional, too, in taking care of his body, so he’d be able to show me a couple things.”

On the flip side, Tyler Bertuzzi is a good linemate, but not housemate.

“He’s kind of a slob,” Larkin said. “He’d make a mess and I’d be picking up after him.”

The players touched on “Tiger King,” the Netflix documentary about big cat conservationists. Larkin looked incredulous when he heard what Tkachuk had to say about it.

“You think it’s cool, Brady?” Larkin said. “It’s interesting. I’m not a big fan of big captivity and some of the behind-the-scenes stuff. I’m glad it’s not my place to be as vocal about it as some people are on the show. It’s just interesting, that’s all I’m going to say. I wouldn’t say cool.”

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181947 Detroit Red Wings As far as television binging, social media’s runaway favorite in recent weeks was also the favorite of Tuesday’s teleconference.

"Tiger King" is a runaway hit, with Larkin included in the club. Red Wings' Dylan Larkin gets 'creative' working out at home while self- “Interesting, that’s all I’m going to say,” Larkin smiled. “The characters in quarantining the show…”

Each of the four players was given time to send a brief message to their Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News Published 5:07 p.m. ET March 30, 2020 | team's fans, and Larkin was sincere saying "I just think we're all in this Updated 7:55 p.m. ET March 30, 2020 together.

"It's tough times, but it's a great time to spend with loved ones and in a safe way and looking out after your family is most important. We'll come Dylan Larkin is attempting to get through another day, just like anyone out of this and hopefully come back to normal." else in quarantine. Larkin expressed thanks for the people "that are on the front line. Larkin was part of an NHL video teleconference Monday along with division rivals Zdeno Chara (Boston), John Tavares (Toronto) and Brady "In the hospitals, and nurses and doctors and emergency responders, Tkachuk (Ottawa), as the NHL attempts to open the lines of they're on the front lines and they're the real heroes in this, for everything communication to its players. they're doing for us right now."

Larkin is spending time at his house with his girlfriend, and their new The NHL is hopeful of resuming its regular season and having a full puppy. playoff schedule, likely going into deep in the summer — if an opportunity to do so exists. Red Wings' Dylan Larkin Detroit News LOADED: 03.31.2020 “I’m just trying to develop a routine, gather more information and stay in shape, most importantly,” Larkin said. “I’ve just been at home and hanging out and that’s about it.”

Players were asked how they’ve spent their time, what television shows they’ve been binging on, and how they are staying in shape.

Issues such as if the regular season will be resumed or if the playoffs will take place were not addressed during the teleconference, which was moderated. Journalists submitted questions but few were answered.

Chara was asked about how frustrating the finish was for a Bruins team that lost Game 7 of the last season, and had the NHL’s best record this season upon the pause.

“It’s obviously one of those situations that you can’t really control,” Chara said. “We all kind of have to look after each other, and hockey is secondary.

“If you look at it that way (hockey), it’s hard, the stage where we were at. Few games remaining, so close to the playoffs, and the team was playing well and so close to the playoffs and with playing with confidence. We were always in a good pace.”

Without access to teams’ workout facilities, players have had to find ways to get quality workouts at home.

Larkin has had to get “creative” to maintain his conditioning.

“I have a stationary bike and I’m using that as much as I can and dumbbells,” Larkin said. “Our trainer has sent us workouts and doing that, and waiting to see what happens.

“For myself, I haven’t had a time like this, just hanging at home and taking care of my body and resting. So that’s been one little positive.”

When talking about the other players on the call, Tkachuk, 20, praised Larkin, 23, — three years older than Tkachuk — for his influence on the U.S. National Development Program.

“He’s a motivator for all of us (19)99s in the U.S. program,” Tkachuk said. “To see his success the first couple of years in Detroit has been pretty cool. He’s definitely a huge part of USA Hockey and what’s he’s done and all of us look up to him.”

Among the off the wall, fun questions asked of him, Larkin said if he had to pick a teammate he’d like to be quarantined with and one he wouldn’t want to be — it would be Robby Fabbri to quarantined with, and Tyler Bertuzzi not.

“(Fabbri) brags about his cooking,” Larkin said. “That would be pretty clutch right now. He’s a true professional, too, in taking care of his body. So, he might be able to show me a couple of things.”

And as far as Bertuzzi?

“Kind of a slob,” Larkin said. “His locker stall, he has things everywhere. He’d make a mess and I’d be picking up after him.

“Although we would have a good time.” 1181948 Detroit Red Wings “A few people have said to me, roller hockey will never be the same in Detroit without the fieldhouse,” Koleski said. “You lost a leader in the industry, you know? After Detroit, I would say California is probably the only place that’s thriving with roller hockey right now.” Closure of Michigan roller hockey mecca leaves players, employees heartbroken Tyler Spezia

And yet, the number of games played, or the tournaments that will need a new venue, seem minimal in counting the overall impact of its closing. Nolan Bianchi, The Detroit News Published 5:06 a.m. ET March 30, 2020 The fieldhouse was like a second home to countless families over the years.

“I grew up there … I was a ‘rink rat,’ as you call it. I knew everybody, I Shelby Township — On the exterior, Joe Dumars Fieldhouse is not, by watched a lot of games, I knew all the refs, I knew all the people in the any means, a good-looking building. arcade,” Spezia said. “It was like a kid’s playground in there for me.” Frankly, the interior won't win any design awards, either. And it smells There are hundreds that could relay a sentiment identical to Spezia’s. terrible. Not all of them went on to play pro hockey, but this place, while fielding None of that mattered to most anybody who stepped inside the landmark some very competitive roller hockey contests, was always more about of North American roller hockey, though, and after 25 years, the sudden the lighter sides of the game. shutting of its doors leaves many yearning for that blended stench of hot “People meet lifelong best friends through that place. Every person that’s air, sweaty hockey pads and fresh popcorn just one more time. going to stand up in my wedding some day, I’ve met at the fieldhouse,” Players surround the crease during a Little Caesars Roller Hockey said Tyler True, another Dumars staple who spent “seven days a week” Association house-league game. playing and officiating games for much of his teens and early 20s.

“It was a heartbreaking feeling,” said forward and “The coaches, the mentors, the trainers, the pro athletes, I think that Clinton Township native Tyler Spezia, who played roller hockey at the looking up to them is a huge thing,” True said. “It was a huge thing for Shelby Township sports and entertainment facility for 14 years. me. My dad passed away at a young age, and Matt Koleski filled that spot in my life.” “Joe Dumars is where I learned to play hockey. It’s where I took my first strides as a hockey player. It’s where I scored my first goal.” On any given Saturday, you’d be hard pressed to come through the front door and walk 30 feet to Rink A without having to dodge a stinky 9-year- The fieldhouse is another victim in the nationwide effort to slow the old in roller skates. There’s not a table in the restaurant that wasn’t spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. After Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s bumped into during a game of high-speed tag on wheels. mandated shutdown of all entertainment facilities, bars and restaurants went into effect last week, rumors began to spread on social media that Complaining to the boss was never much help. the fieldhouse might be closing its doors for good. “Those will be my best memories, watching kids just tool around the That turned out to be the case, as employees have been told that the lobby, 100 miles per hour, running into parents and stuff like that,” fieldhouse will not reopen. Koleski said. “It’s fun to see those friendships, those relationships. … That’s what I’m going to miss the most, is just seeing the friendly faces.” This was posted on the fieldhouse’s Facebook page last week: “Because it is hard for us to say whether we will be able to open again after this Young roller hockey players participate in a skills clinic put on by Joe mandated and extended closure, we wanted to take this opportunity to Dumars Fieldhouse. say thank you to each and every one of you for your continuous support After returning to the area and joining the fieldhouse as a referee in 2000, over all of these years.” Koleski, along with manager Joe Hawkins, founders of the roller hockey That was a delicate way of stating the inevitable, a harsh reality of a operation, Kevin and Ken Houle, and countless others, helped the financial situation that was never great to begin with, even before fieldhouse grow into a juggernaut within the industry. complications caused by the novel coronavirus arose. They were intent on letting the kids be kids. Koleski often opened up the Matt Koleski (second from right) and other Joe Dumars Fieldhouse rinks for free when there weren’t games being played, and did whatever employees at the outdoor bar patio. he could to make sure that there was always a team for someone to play on, no matter the circumstances. “Nobody was getting rich there, as people are starting to understand,” said Matt Koleski, who runs the fieldhouse’s Little Caesars Roller Hockey “I think that’s what I’m proud of, is that we were able to, no matter how League. many teams there were, how successful things were at that given time, that everyone was comfortable that walked through those doors,” Koleski Meanwhile, the Detroit location of the Joe Dumars fieldhouse has been said. converted to a drive-thru testing site for people possibly infected with coronavirus. Detroit News LOADED: 03.31.2020

In addition to two inline hockey rinks, the Shelby Township fieldhouse was home to 13 courts, six indoor courts and three outdoor volleyball sand courts. There was a full bar and restaurant, a mini alley and a bayou-themed arcade center complete with whirlyball, high-ropes courses, arcade games, putt-putt, fowling and a rock-climbing wall. In other words, it was a lot to lose.

But when the stay-home order is lifted, people will still have places to play basketball. There are other arcades to visit. A volleyball game can be started up pretty much anywhere. And eventually, folks will be able to eat at restaurants again.

The hockey, though? There will be no replacing what Joe Dumars Fieldhouse meant to that community. At its peak, it was somewhat of a mecca of roller hockey, fielding an estimated 13,000 teams through its doors between leagues and the tournaments during its lifespan.

Detroit Red Wings forwards Dylan Larkin and Sam Gagner were just a couple of the future NHL players to play on the sport-court tiles of Rinks A and B. 1181949 Detroit Red Wings Meantime, Dello pushed on toward Grand Rapids. He arrived about 3 p.m. after a quick stop at Jimmy John's. He checked into an apartment and dropped off his gear that was jammed in the trunk.

Tory Dello’s chaotic, brief and unforgettable first stint with Griffins By 4 p.m. he was taking a physical, signing forms, meeting as many players as he could and checking out a couple videos with Simon and staff. Meantime, the equipment managers found the letters to make a "Dello" on a number 20. By Peter J. Wallner At 7:10 p.m., before a crowd just shy of 5,400, the puck dropped and

Dello took to the ice minutes later for his first pro game. He was paired On a Sunday night in early March, Notre Dame lost at Minnesota in the with Charle-Edouard D'Astous - coincidentally, his new apartment-mate hockey quarterfinals that marked the end of Tory who was playing in just his third pro game. Dello was filled with nerves at Dello’s college career and the beginning of a sequence of events he’ll what was happening and determination to keep it simple. never forget. "I really didn't have time to be nervous," he said with a laugh. "I got The defenseman joined his teammates on the bus back to South Bend, thrown in there. I go on the ice my first shift, get a puck and it bounces hopped in his car for a quick visit home to Crystal Lake and his attention over my stick and I went, 'oh, no.' But I made a good recovery, got more turned to what was next. Dello had agreed to an amateur contract tryout comfortable and kept it simple from there." with Toledo in the ECHL with the plan to play next season with the Grand The next two hours and 21 minutes were a blur for Dello as the Griffins Rapids Griffins in the AHL. defeated the Wild, 4-1 in a thriller decided in the final minute before a pair He left for Toledo on a Tuesday but by the next night, amid the emerging of empty-net goals. Dello survived. No big mistakes in about 15 minutes cloud of the coronavirus scare, his career went light speed into a chaotic, of ice time. brief and unforgettable 24 hours. Even now, with Dello back home and Tory Dello practicing social isolating, the head-spinning event is hard to believe. Three days after his final college game and just hours after going through "It was certainly pretty crazy," Dello said. pre-game skate with Toledo, Tory Dello makes his AHL debut with "That young man will have a great story to tell when he gets older," said Griffins. (Mark Newman | Grand Rapids Griffins) Griffins coach Ben Simon. "After his first shift he settled in really, really nicely," Simon said. "All Dello was excited about joining Toledo. The 23-year-old had just finished things considered with what he went through, he did well. You could tell a 154-game collegiate career and was the Irish's alternate captain this he was a smart guy. He didn't put himself into binds and kept it simple. season. He moved into an apartment on Tuesday, March 10, and the And, as a young defenseman, that's a good thing." next day participated in a morning skate ahead of the Walleye's game It was the last game the Griffins played. The next day, March 12, the that night. He left to grab something to eat when he got a call from league suspended the season amid the coronavirus. Walleye coach Dan Watson. Now, back in Crystal Lake, he's is like every other player - bored and "He told me I had to come back and pick up my gear because they waiting. needed me in Grand Rapids," Dello said. "I've been thinking about that game quite a bit. I was happy with the way I Simon called next, a few minutes later, around 11:30 a.m. played under the circumstances," Dello said. "I feel fortunate that, before "He told to make sure I got something to eat because, like, you're all this virus stuff happened, I was able to get at least one game of playing," Dello said. experience."

Gulp. The Griffins announced March 23 he had been signed to a one-year contract for 2020-21. So, he hopped in his car, set his GPS and headed out. “Obviously, I would have liked to have seen more of him; to see what In Grand Rapids, the Griffins' coaches arrived to work that morning to he’s about after a few games,” Simon said. “But from the people I talk to major issues with a game looming that night. Defenseman Dennis and trust, he can be a really good defenseman. He left here making a Cholowski was sick and was out. That dropped the Griffins to six good impression.” available defensemen. Simon then walked by the training room and blueliner Alec McCrea had his shirt off with splotches all over his back Michigan Live LOADED: 03.31.2020 and stomach. He was having an allergic reaction to something he ate and was experiencing slight trouble breathing. That put him on the shelf, too.

The loss of two defensemen in one morning was a big oh-oh.

"We didn't really know what we were going to do other than we needed to find a defenseman," Simon said.

The staff considered forward Dominik Shine, who had some experience at defense. Simon and his assistants scanned the Toledo roster, but found few options as injuries had also hit the Walleye.

"What about Dello?"

Simon recalled Watson had mentioned Dello's name, but there were concerns. Did they really want to send a rookie fresh off campus into the teeth of a playoff push against second-place Iowa, a team the Griffins were chasing?

Simon, who played at Notre Dame from 1996-2000, was intrigued the more he spoke with assistants, the brass in Detroit and finally with Notre Dame assistant coach Andy Slaggert, Simon's former coach. Slaggert assured him: Dello won't let you down.

"He gave him a solid recommendation," Simon said. "Tell him what you need out of him, lay it out and he won't let you down." 1181950 Detroit Red Wings Tkachuk said Larkin was an inspiration to other players who followed him at the U.S. National Team Development Program, formerly in Ann Arbor and now in Plymouth.

Red Wings’ Dylan Larkin talks Tiger King, D-Boss video, uncertain times “He was motivator for all of us (born in 1999) in the U.S. program and his success the first couple years in Detroit, it was pretty cool to see,” Tkachuk said. “He was definitely a huge part of USA Hockey and what he’s done, all of us look up to him.” By Ansar Khan Tavares cited Larkin’s speed, which enabled him to set the fastest skater

record in the All-Star skills competition as a rookie in 2016. Dylan Larkin is riding an exercise bike and working out with dumbbells to “Especially coming off any kind of break, it’s not going to be a whole lot of stay in shape while spending time with his new puppy and watching Tiger fun chasing Dylan Larkin around the ice, obviously one of the elite King on Netflix to stay entertained during this most unusual time in the skaters in our game,” Tavares said. “When you have to chase a guy like NHL, and world history. him and try to be above him and slow him down, it’s not an easy thing to The Detroit Red Wings center was among four Atlantic Division players do. You definitely want to be feeling good on nights like that.” who participated in a Zoom video chat hosted by the league Monday, 18 Michigan Live LOADED: 03.31.2020 days after the season was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I just think we’re all in this together,” Larkin said. “It’s uncertain times, but it’s a great time to spend with loved ones, obviously in a safe way and looking out after your family is most important. We’re going to come out of this and hopefully come back to normal.

“It’s about people that are on the front lines of this in the hospitals -- the nurses, doctors, emergency responders. They’re the real heroes in this, so I appreciate everything they’re doing for us right now.”

Larkin said he is trying to develop a routine while maintaining social distancing, gathering more information and most importantly, staying safe.

It’s anybody’s guess when or if the season will resume. If it does, will the regular season be completed (the Red Wings have 11 games remaining) or will they start with some sort of playoff (the Red Wings, buried in the NHL’s cellar, were eliminated from postseason contention)?

Players must be prepared for any scenario, and they don’t necessarily have home gyms since they have everything they need at the arena.

“Had to get creative,” Larkin said. “I have just a stationary bike and using that as much as I can, and dumbbells. The staff from Detroit sent us workouts and kind of following that, waiting to see what happens. It’s been a bit of a positive to let the body heal and for myself, I haven’t had a time like this, just hanging at home and taking care of my body and resting. That’s been one little positive.”

Larkin also is caught up in the Tiger King craze.

“It’s just interesting, the characters in the show,” he said. “I’m not a big fan of big cat captivity and some of the behind-the-scenes stuff, but I’m glad it’s not my place to be as vocal about it as some people were on the show. It’s just interesting, that’s all I’m going to say. I wouldn’t say cool for the people.”

What music is helping him get through this?

“I’m a huge country fan so Dierks Bentley, he’s my guy,” Larkin said.

Larkin hinted at the possibility of making another D-Boss video, as he did in a friend’s basement as a youth. It later went viral on YouTube.

“It might come. I don’t know,” he said. “I got a little shooting area in the garage, the Dungeon 2.0, so I might have to get out there and make a video. Fans might like it. We’ll see. Depends on the day, I guess.”

Also on a lighter side, players were asked which teammate they’d prefer to be quarantined with and who they wouldn’t want to be stuck with?

“I would probably want to be with Robby Fabbri,” Larkin said. “I haven’t seen it, but he always brags about his cooking so I think that would come in pretty clutch right now. He’s a true professional as well, always taking care of his body so I think he’d be able to show me a couple things.

“The least is tough … maybe (Tyler) Bertuzzi, he’s kind of a slob. His stall, he’s always got things everywhere, so he would make a mess and I’d be picking up after him, although we would have a good time.”

Big Boston defenseman Zdeno Chara, Toronto star center John Tavares and young, abrasive Ottawa winger Brady Tkachuk also participated.

They were asked of their impression of each other. 1181951 Detroit Red Wings assists and top 60 in goals. He played on three Stanley Cup winners. He was the Red Wings’ captain for 12 years.

Macomb Daily LOADED: 03.31.2020 Pat Caputo - 10 greatest Red Wings of all-time

By Pat Caputo Twitter Mar 30, 2020

The Red Wings have featured so many great players, it’s difficult to narrow it to 10. But here we go with the help of fans on social media:

1. Gordie Howe - A goal, an assist, a fight says it all. The Gordie Howe Hat Trick is engrained in hockey lore. His statistics were phenomenal. He garnered more than 800 goals and 1,000 assists. He is still the NHL's all- time leader in games played, even though there were just 70-game seasons most of his career. At 41, Howe was the first-team NHL all star right wing. Mr. Hockey was just that. Being as nice off the ice as he was menacing on it only added to Howe’s legend.

2. Steve Yzerman - The leadership qualities Yzerman displayed as the Red Wings’ captain were exceptional. It could be with a glance, or perhaps a few well-chosen words, but mostly it was by example. What’s sometimes lost is just how high he ranks among NHL statistical producers. On career lists, Yzerman is 10th all-time in goals (692) and seventh in points (1,752).

3. Nicklas Lidstrom - The season before Lidstrom joined the Red Wings, they missed the playoffs. The Red Wings didn’t miss the postseason at all during his 20-year NHL career. He was the only one to play on all four of the Red Wings’ Stanley Cup champions during his era. He was a Red Wings' best plus-450 in his career and won the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman seven times despite not getting his first until age 30. Only Bobby Orr won it more. He simply controlled games as if he were operating a joystick. Brilliant.

4. - Like the first three on this list could have gone any way, same with numbers three through six. Fedorov played in the shadow of Yzerman and wasn’t always a fan favorite. He won a Hart Trophy as NHL MVP with a genuinely special season early in his career, yet his real value was as a two-way forward. Great skater. There was literally no weakness in his game on either end of the ice.

5. - His nickname, Terrible Ted, is meant as a great compliment. There was literally nothing Lindsay wouldn’t do in order to win. And he was only 5-8, too, but unrelentingly tough. He was highly- skilled, too, leading the league in points one season, and finishing in the Top 10 seven other times. Eight times he was the first-team all-star left winger.

6. Terry Sawchuk - Although he had a long career with several different teams, Sawchuk was at his best during his early 20s while leading the Red Wings to multiple Stanley Cup championships. Especially notable was Sawchuk allowing just five goals in eight playoff games, including four shutouts, as the Red Wings swept to the 1952 Stanley Cup championship. He is eighth all-time in career victories with 445, the vast majority coming during three different stints with the Red Wings.

7. Pavel Datsyuk - Statistics alone didn’t present the true value of Datsyuk. It was his off-the-chart skill. Arguably the best stick handler and defensive forward of his era. As recently as 2014, in a poll of his peers conducted by The Hockey News, Datsyuk was rated as the second-best NHL player. Only Lidstrom and Fedorov have had a better plus-minus (250) among Red Wings’ players.

8. Red Kelly - Kelly was a first-team all-star five times during the Red Wings' exceptional run during the 1950s, routinely scoring 15-to-19 goals during an era when it was otherwise unheard of for a defenseman. He was a heady player with a good combination of size and skating ability for his era. It was much deserved when the Red Wings retired his number (4) not long before his passing in 2019.

9. - Like Datsyuk and Fedorov, Zetterberg was a two- way force. Still, he scored at nearly a point-per-game clip during a 15- year career with the Red Wings. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP when the Red Wings captured their most recent Stanley Cup title in 2008.

10. Alex Delvecchio - Steady. Consistent. Leader. The trademarks Delvecchio displayed should be understood. He played 24 seasons and ranks 16th all-time in games played, all for Detroit. He is in the top 30 in 1181952 Detroit Red Wings go on in life. To me, they give some really great messages, and I’m going to miss that terribly.”

For now, bigger worries are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Like so What do Detroit’s sportscasters do in a world without sports? many other FSD employees, Shepard gets paid by the game. He has not collected a check for his primary job since September. He has maintained some income by calling high school state championships, helping on college basketball calls and now doing some fill-in work on By Max Bultman, James L. Edwards III and Cody Stavenhagen Mar 30, local sports talk shows. But it has been difficult, and he knows it’s 2020 tougher for his teammates who make the broadcasts run. (Sinclair, which owns FSD and other regional networks, has offered freelancers $2,500 advances.) broadcasters are synonymous with summer, and normalcy, and calm. Their voices fill the airwaves and our homes on lazy Sunday “I think about the guys in the truck, the guys on the field, the A1s, the afternoons, peaceful Tuesday nights. They can become soothing, A2s, the camera guys, the tape guys in the truck,” Shepard said. “They’re comforting, when the stresses of life boil over. It works the other way, all freelancers, and they’re all excellent at what they do. They are among too. The patterns, sounds and thrills of the games he calls have the same the best in the country — and trust me when I tell you this, we’ve been in effect for Matt Shepard, the Fox Sports Detroit play-by-play voice of the every market — Detroit TV professionals are as good as any in the Tigers. nation. I think about those guys and ladies as well because it’s hard to replace that. How do you make that up? You cannot make that up.” “I miss baseball,” Shepard said over the phone last week. “I miss sports. I think it shows you how important sports is in our country and our lifestyle. Shepard has been in touch with his analysts. He thinks Kirk Gibson is It gives you normalcy. It provides you normalcy, you know? And it gives staying active as ever during this time of quarantine — , us an escape.” running, waking at 5 a.m. and attacking the day. Jack Morris, too, is home in Minnesota, spending time with his son, taking up do-it-yourself That is what makes all of this strange. There are no sports right now as a projects around the house. result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The voices and faces we have come to know are like the rest of us right now. They are sports broadcasters Shepard is already dreaming of the day he can be with those guys again. without sports. When he can put on that headset, give a warm welcome back to viewers, call a baseball game and return to the things that make life great. Shepard spent February through September of last year working a dream job in a game defined by its routines. There’s a game every night. “For me, it might be as emotional as it was when I first found out I got the Players arrive at the ballpark at the same time. Shepard and other media job,” Shepard said. “I think that very first day, I can’t wait to go back, walk members venture down to the clubhouse 3 1/2 hours before every game. into the television truck, hug every person there, tell them how much we’ve missed them, tell them how much we respect them, and I can’t Now that it is all taken away, Shepard is home, doing his best to retain wait to go on the air and tell Tigers fans we’re back, thanks for being with some of that structure. He rises in the morning like a regular work day. us, and we can’t wait to talk to you every single day about baseball.” He reads various Detroit media outlets and does his own research on the Tigers. He goes over old notes and makes new ones. Even though his Shepard was preparing for Year 2 as the TV play-by-play voice of the gym is closed, he tries to find a way to work out. In the afternoons, he Tigers. (Courtesy of Fox Sports Detroit) does household chores — raking leaves, tending to the garden, anything It’s shortly after dawn last Monday, and Johnny Kane looks that can make this very abnormal time feel a little more normal. He even unrecognizable. started a series on Twitter, where he calls “play-by-play” for families playing sports and board games at home. His slick-backed hair is covered by a baseball cap. The perfectly tailored suits he’s normally seen in have been exchanged for sweats and a In the evenings, the blessing of this terrible situation: He spends time hoodie he got from JCPenney some years back. with family. His wife and two of his three children are at home. His son is a senior lacrosse player at Albion. He had a goal entering this season to “Honestly, I’ve been wearing the same outfit pretty much every day,” crack the school’s top-five all-time scoring list. Like Shepard’s baseball Kane said. season, his son’s year has also been cut short. Best known for his FSD sideline work covering the Pistons and Tigers, Shepard also tries to check in with his mother, who is 91 years old. Her Kane is holding a paint roller these days instead of a microphone. He’s living facility closed to visitors as a result of this epidemic, so he tries to trying to put a dent in a project that has been 1 1/2 years in the making. make the most of phone calls even when the situation isn’t ideal. “I bought this place in September of 2018,” said Kane, who’s single, from Try as he might, he knows nothing has been the same since March 12, his home in Royal Oak. “You try to get a couple of days so you can get it when Shepard watched the Tigers play the Braves. FSD was not on the ready. It was move-in ready, but I wanted to make it more my speed. air that day, but his flight did not leave spring training until late, so he That meant repairing everything. I had all of the hardwood floor refined, stuck around Lakeland, Fla., already hearing whispers that this could be but I didn’t really have furniture, so I had to buy all new furniture. It’s been the last baseball anyone would see for a long time. He didn’t want to a labor of love, and it takes a long time to get all the rooms done — light believe it. fixtures, doors, painting, etc.”

It was tough, because he felt energized entering his second year on the Kane, for the foreseeable future, has all the time in the world to make his job. Last season, Shepard was still getting a feel — for the rhythm of the house his home. With sports suspended due to COVID-19, he’s currently broadcast, for the players, for the team. The whole thing was a whirlwind. without responsibilities.

“Last year proved to me how much I loved the sport, how much I love Even minimal downtime is rare in Kane’s profession. He’s on the road working with our FSD baseball team and how much I love the Tigers,” with the Pistons or Tigers for 11 months of the year. Shepard said. “It reinforced everything I thought. I know how people felt: ‘Forty-seven wins, oh my god, what are you talking about? How do you “I do the majority of the road trips with the Tigers, majority with the handle it?’ You know how you handle it? We get the chance to do Pistons,” he said. “When it’s all year like that, it’s safe to say that you’re something we absolutely love.” in transit or in another city. It’s pretty rare to get a stretch of days at home without having work responsibilities. Entering Year 2, Shepard felt confident. Knew he belongs in the booth. He thought the FSD team did its best broadcasts in August and “This whole thing is unique and tough to adjust to.” September. He felt a groove in spring training. He came to relish the Kane had been on the road with the Pistons just before the NBA days going through the clubhouse, debating baseball with fellow media suspended its season and had interviewed Christian Wood, who tested members, saying hi and talking to players like pitcher Matthew Boyd positive for the coronavirus. He also travels on the team plane. Kane has about baseball, and family, and faith, and life. not displayed any COVID-19 symptoms, and though his recommended “You get a chance to talk about these guys and learn,” Shepard said. “It’s quarantine was lifted on March 25, he still plans to abide by Michigan’s not just about the sport they’re playing. It’s about a lot of other things that shelter-in-place order. On a personal level, his time away from home during that trip was “And any time there’s anything wrong,” Keating says, “he blames Don somewhat of a blessing in disguise. Kane had a handshake agreement Kelly’s kids, because Don Kelly rented the house from him a few for a “costly” kitchen renovation. While he was gone, the project manager summers after Nate had moved away. wanted to stop by and get final dimensions. Kane, though, forgot to leave behind a spare key. “The ghost of Don Kelly lives in this house as well,” he jokes.

Two days later, the NBA season was suspended. That meant that Kane, One person not in the house right now, though, is Keating’s wife, Linda, who’s a freelancer, would have no further income until the NBA or MLB who had already been on the other side of the state to take care of her resumed play. Thus, no kitchen reno. aging parents, with Keating heading out that way as often as he can. It’s certainly a unique position to be in during this moment in time. “He was understanding,” Kane said of the project manager. “The project would have been green-lighted and I woulda been trying to figure out “We laugh about it mostly, because it’s more important for her to be there how to pay for it. helping than to be here with me with my goofy hours and goofy schedule,” he says. “If she was here, she’d be worried about not being “It’s tough for everyone, I’ll say that. We’re not different, being freelance there.” employees. When there aren’t any games, there’s no work. It’s the nature of our business. As of today, everyone is trying to do the whole schedule. So, he’s been doing some reading — old Rick Reilly columns have been It’s just on pause. Nothing has been canceled. We’re hoping that there’s a favorite — and channel-flipping like everyone else, just without his wife a way to make it all work and games resume.” there with him through all of this.

Until then, he will continue building Castle de Kane from sunup to And, even with no sports ongoing, the work hasn’t totally stopped for him. sundown. Kane said he’s gotten more accomplished in the last two He’s still been writing audio tracks for some upcoming features FSD will weeks than he did his first two months in the house. run, and, on a recent day, recorded his audio voiceovers.

What’s next on his to-do list, you ask? He’s also still talking plenty to Chris Osgood, the Red Wings goalie- turned-analyst with whom he’s been engaged in quite the back-and-forth “For the first four or five months, I slept on an air mattress in the this season. Recently, their gag war saw Keating get Osgood’s mug basement,” Kane said with a wide smile. “After that, I focused on getting plastered on the Comerica Park Jumbotron and the guest room done. That’s where I’ve been staying as of late. Since the jewel skin. That happened just weeks ago, even if, right now, it feels like quarantine, I’ve been working on the upstairs master bedroom. I hope to a lifetime. be in there sometime in April.” So much of a sportscaster’s life is built around the sports calendar. In Normally, we would all be hearing John Keating’s voice nearly every day normal times, even if Keating has a couple days off in a week, at least right now — right after FSD’s signature musical hook, welcoming us into one of those days is likely to be spent prepping for an upcoming event. “Red Wings” or “Tigers Live.” He’s got a calendar on his desk with all the dates for the games that would otherwise be happening. April was supposed to be packed. By now, a generation of sports fans in Detroit have grown up with Keating leading them into games. But this time of year — the transition “But now, the weird circumstances are you wake up in the morning and from hockey into baseball season — has always been among the most it’s Groundhog Day,” he says. fun. Especially in the days when the Red Wings’ and Pistons’ seasons showed no signs of slowing down. And for now, there’s no end in sight. It’s not just that there are no sports; there are no energetic arenas, no seeing the familiar faces of the stadium Those memories only heighten how quiet it is right now. workers, and no day-to-day, elbow-to-elbow interactions with co-workers.

“It’s bizarre,” Keating said by phone last week. “But I’m also old enough “I’ve had that thought: When is the next time that you can be elbow to to have some perspective on this, to realize that this is serious stuff. This elbow with someone and not be thinking about it?” he said. “Whether it’s is much more important than where I am or what I do (while sports aren’t at a bar stool or standing in line or something like that, how long it’s going happening), and now you worry about my kids, and the kids that you will to be before you can dismiss that thought, with just being around people have some day, and how we all come out of this.” and enjoying the fact that you’re being social in a people-oriented society.” That’s the wise side of Keating talking. With some prodding though, you can also get him going on the memories this time of year usually brings. The city, and country, are right there with him, not knowing. And when it’s He thinks back to an April about two decades ago — 1999, he thinks — all over, and Fox Sports Detroit is back up and running live games again, when he was in New York doing the pregame show for Tigers-Yankees Keating’s face will likely be the first we all see, welcoming us back to at Yankee Stadium, then had to hurry to catch a flight out of LaGuardia to something that, hopefully, resembles normal. St. Louis to cover Red Wings-Blues that same night. The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 He was leaving Yankee Stadium with his bags, but he couldn’t find a cab in the Bronx. A guy on the street asked if he was looking for a car, to which Keating naturally said, “Yeah.” He was tight on time to make his flight. The man told him to come with him, and — blindly — Keating did, which eventually led him down an alley.

Dicey a proposition as that sounds in hindsight, the man “couldn’t have been nicer,” got Keating to his flight on time, and on to a Red Wings game that — assuming our dates are correct — ended in a 1-1 tie. Sergei Fedorov scored for Detroit, assisted by Nicklas Lidstrom and Brendan Shanahan. A different time, all around.

Now, Keating’s seen it all. In the basement of his home, he has some of the memories from that life in sports to keep him company: a Nuggets jersey from when he worked in Denver; photos with Gordie Howe, Jeff Daniels and one with J.K. Simmons on the FSD set; and a Tigers jersey with his name on it. That’s from when he covered the team’s fantasy camp, and the jersey bears the number six — an honor approved, and autographed, by the great Al Kaline.

The bow on all of that is the house itself, which happens to be the one former Tiger Nate Robertson used to live in. Keating and his wife moved into it when his kids had grown up and they were ready to downsize, and now, when he and Robertson see each other and talk about it, Robertson jokes Keating stole the house from him. 1181953 Edmonton Oilers the . The Oilers have two months to sign them or they’re free.

Berglund has a higher ceiling, somebody who could be a right-shot Oilers only want Anton Slepyshev back at right price defenceman in Bakersfield if Evan Bouchard moves up to the Oilers. Niemelainanen looked at a dead-end had a good season in Finland, although he has negligible offensive ability. The Oilers organizational depth is young defensemen, but Holland said; “I don’t know if you ever Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal have enough prospects.”

Both players could decide to stay in Europe but the Oilers could also sign The Edmonton Oilers want to start over with winger Anton Slepyshev them and leave them there. after he went home two years ago, but right now it’s From Russia With “We lose their rights June 1 if we don’t sign them. They’ve gotten better, Like, with the team fully aware he can be a bottom six NHL forward but they’ve improved. They do play regular in Sweden and Finland,” said they’re not coming at him on bended knee with an open cheque book. Holland. True, they only have his NHL rights for one more year and then he’s an “We feel Berglund can play in the American League now if he wants to unrestricted free-agent, so Slepyshev’s agent Dan Milstein, who also come over. I know Niemelainen from junior in Saginaw when I was with represents Slepyshev’s teammate and Minnesota Wild’s top prospect the Red Wings. He’s six-foot-six, takes up a lot of space, he’s a good Kirill Kaprizov, has some leverage here in terms of negotiations, but skater. There is room on a team for defencemen who defend and kill Oilers general manager Ken Holland won’t bend much to bring him back penalties.” from Moscow. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.31.2020 As much as Slepyshev had a breakout season with CSKA in the KHL, with 45 points in 54 games, it’s unlikely Holland would pay him what winger Josh Archibald just got, $1.5 million a season.

Not with Archibald scoring 12 goals last year in Arizona and at 12 this season when the NHL stopped their season, not when Slepyshev’s NHL high is six goals. We’re probably talking somewhere between $1 million and $1.5 for one season.

Again, they know he would help because he’s only 26 in May and he’s 220 pounds. He can work the boards, he was a net-front presence on the power play in Russia, and he can move up with better players. But, it’s all about the money, and the Oilers might not have a lot to spend with next year’s salary cap if it stays where it was last year at $81.5 million.

“I met with Sleppy just before Christmas, watched him play in a tournament and I do have interest in bringing him over,” said Holland. “He had a good season in Russia, what did he have, a 20-game point- streak? I haven’t talked to his agent in two or three weeks but now that the KHL season is shut down, I’ll see what they’re thinking.

“My position is there’s a great opportunity here, come on over, it’s the best league in the world, and if he can re-establish himself and score 15 or 20 goals and then be an unrestricted free-agent in the summer of 2021, it’s a good place to be. Obviously, I’m not negotiating against the KHL, I’m in no position to do that.”

Slepyshev feels he’s a seven to No. 12 NHL forward, maybe feeling he’s more a third-liner than a fourth. And he may be right. Holland likes his work ethic, how he competes. His foot-speed is good, but it’s not his best attribute. Holland feels he’s an NHLer, but at what price? He may feel Slepyshev is more in Jujhar Khaira’s $1.2 million range, maybe a little higher.

But, Archibald’s $1.5 million is probably a non-starter. Archibald is on the NHL’s second-best penalty-kill, sent out with linemate Riley Sheahan on the first unit, never mind his 12 goals.

Slepyshev was third in scoring at CSKA, behind Kaprizov and Linden Vey. He can stay in the KHL for one more year and walk (UFA) if he feels like it, but Holland has a hunch he wants to give the Oilers another try. He was unhappy with his playing time under former coach Todd McLellan, although he was also inconsistent when he did play, and couldn’t get any traction.

If he decides to stay in Russia for another year and then goes UFA, so be it.

“If anybody wants to give him $2.5 million to $3 million, we’re not in the game anyways,” he said.

And he’s not trading his rights for a pittance. He has no interest in somebody throwing him a seventh-round draft pick bone.

JURY IS STILL OUT ON DRAFT PICKS

Holland affirmed the team is deciding on whether to sign 2016 third- round defencemen Markus Niemelainen (63rd overall), who was with Assat Pori in Finland last season and Filip Berglund (91st), who played with Philip Broberg in Skelleftea last year but has moved to Linkoping in 1181954 Edmonton Oilers He’s tried watching some of the old hockey broadcasts, designed to help people through their NHL withdrawals, but he finds they have the opposite effect on him.

Edmonton Oiler Leon Draisaitl hit hard on all fronts by COVID-19 “I’ve watched a few sitting on the couch,” he said. “I watched Game 5 against San Jose a couple of years ago and to be honest it’s little bit of a tease. You start to miss it even more.

Robert Tychkowski “Sometimes it’s better watching Friends than hockey.”

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.31.2020 If there is a poster boy for the impact COVID-19 is having on players, it might be Leon Draisaitl.

He is feeling the brunt of it this crisis on all sides, perhaps more than any other player in the league.

His home country is the fifth hardest hit on the planet, behind only the US, China, Italy and Spain. His family, like the rest of Germany, is in total lockdown in a nation that’s ground to a halt.

And even though hockey is pretty low on the depth chart of things to be worried about right now, he is taking the worst of it on that front, too.

When the NHL shutdown hit, he was roaring down the backstretch of the best campaign of his life, chasing down the triple crown of Hart, and Ted Lindsay trophies while leading his Edmonton Oilers to the playoffs for just the second time in 14 years.

Normally it’s good to be Leon Draisaitl, but it’s been a tough month.

“Obviously we don’t know yet what’s going to happen in all the professional leagues,” said the Oilers centre, speaking on a video conference call with reporters Monday. “If we don’t get to play the playoffs it’s obviously frustrating, but I think the health of people at this time is more important. I think they’ve made the right decision so far.”

While Canada watches its number of confirmed cases rise every day, it’s been a gradual, upward trend rather than the dramatic spikes they’re having in Europe, where social distancing measures came too late to slow the attack.

Canada has just over 7,000 confirmed cases and 67 deaths, while Germany, with just over double the population, has 64,000 cases and 560 deaths.

“It’s obviously concerning,” said the 24-year-old. “My family is doing what they’re supposed to, they’re staying in. So far everyone is healthy. I hope that it stays that way back home. They’re doing what they’re supposed to do.”

Draisaitl admits he gave some thought to being with his family during this crisis, or bringing them here, but decided it was best for everyone to hole up where they are and wait this thing out.

“It definitely crossed my mind, but I don’t think it makes much sense for me to go there right now, especially since it’s worse over there than it is over here. I think I’m in a good place here right now, so I made the decision to stay.”

It’s where Draisaitl, and every other hockey fan in Edmonton, wait to see if he and the Oilers will get a chance to finish what they started.

“Just stay positive, stick with it,” he told fans. “Just like we are. We all want to get back to playing as soon as possible. Right now, there are more important things in the world going on and we have to accept that.”

With no real end to the global pandemic in site, it’s really tough to predict when, or if, the NHL will start up again. It’s the IF part that’s hard to accept right now. But even the insiders admit everything is up in the air and nobody knows where or when any of it is going to land.

“It’s tough for me to say. Obviously we get updates and that kind of stuff, but there is not really much for us to know. I think we all hope we’re going to get back to playing as soon as possible, but you never know what’s going to happen. That’s not up to us.

“It’s not an ideal situation for any of the players, but once a decision is made there will be some clarity. If it is hopefully going back to playing, then it will be very exciting. Everyone will be fired up to play again.”

So he will continue to work out the best he can, build puzzles and play with the dog while waiting, like the rest of us, to see how this real life disaster movie ends. 1181955 Edmonton Oilers Draisaitl was asked to pick the teammate he’d be most willing to be quarantined with and chose the rambunctious Zack Kassian.

“He doesn’t need much to make you laugh out of nothing,” Draisaitl said. How Oilers star Leon Draisaitl is passing the time with NHL season on The answer couldn’t have been more different to the one McDavid gave hold on a leaguewide call last Friday. McDavid chose Kassian as the Oiler he’d least like to be stuck with.

By Daniel Nugent-Bowman Mar 30, 2020 “He just has too much energy,” McDavid said. “He’s go, go, go constantly. That’s not what you’re looking for when you have to be trapped in a house all day. I love Kass, but that’s too much energy for a two-week quarantine.” Leon Draisaitl was in the finishing stages of a career season, leading the NHL in scoring with 110 points and garnering serious MVP consideration The three players were linemates for most of the 2019 calendar year. for pushing the Oilers toward a postseason return. Staying put That superb campaign was halted when the league suspended play March 12 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Draisaitl opted not to return to his home in Germany when the league gave an all-clear for players to self-isolate outside of their NHL cities. But don’t expect a pity party from Draisaitl. As far as he’s concerned, Why? there’s a lot more to be worried about right now. “It definitely crossed my mind, but I don’t think it makes much sense for “We all want to play. We all want to get back to playing as soon as me to go there right now – especially since it’s probably worse over there possible,” he said. “But right now, there’s more important things in the than it is here,” Draisaitl said. “I thought about it, but I think I’m in a good world going on. We have to accept that. Hopefully, we can get back to place here.” playing soon and bring this into the playoffs.” According to data from Johns Hopkins University, Germany has the fifth- Draisaitl made the comments during a short video conference call with most confirmed cases of COVID-19 among countries worldwide with Edmonton reporters Monday afternoon. more than 66,000 as of Monday afternoon. Canada is 15th with just over 7,300. There have been 661 cases and three deaths in Alberta. He fidgeted with a couple small objects for the first couple minutes, joking they were “stress balls.” Otherwise, the NHL’s top point-getter seemed “My family (back home) is doing what they’re supposed to do. They’re relaxed given the circumstances. staying in,” Draisaitl said. “So far, everyone is healthy. I hope that it stays that way.” Being stuck at his Edmonton home without reprieves at the rink has been a massive adjustment. His only hockey-related activity has been The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 stickhandling around his dog in the basement, he said.

At least he has a home gym and noted he’s been varying his workouts there. He’s also been doing sets of stairs and running outside to keep fit for whenever the season resumes.

“We hope we’ll get back to playing as soon as possible,” Draisaitl said. “You never know what’s gonna happen.”

Draisaitl said he’s been doing lots of puzzles and watching his share of TV shows. A big “Friends” fan, “This Is Us” has become a favourite.

“I’ve got a lot of time to watch movies and shows right now,” he said. “I feel like I’ve watched pretty much everything.”

He’s also watched old Oilers games that have been rebroadcast since the league went on hiatus. Most notably: Game 5 of the 2017 first round against the Sharks.

“It’s a little bit of a tease, I have to say,” Draisaitl said. “You start to miss it even more. Sometimes it’s better watching ‘Friends’ than hockey.”

Sitting around and being confined hasn’t been ideal, but the coronavirus health crisis has put things in perspective. Hockey is secondary right now.

“It teaches us a little lesson,” Draisaitl said. “You think about how many things you touch; how many germs are being spread all over.

“It’s tough that people pass away. It sucks that that has to be a part of it. At the same time, it’s good for us that we can see what the world can do if we’re not treating it the right way. It’s a tough time. On one hand, it might be good for us.”

While Draisaitl has had plenty of time to think about the game, he said he has no preference about whether regular season games should be played or if the league should move right to the playoffs – if the 2019-20 season can be salvaged.

“Whatever format they’ll come up with I’ll be happy with that,” he said.

“If we don’t get to play the playoffs, obviously it’s frustrating,” he added. “The health of people at this time is more important.”

Quick hitters

What to make of Kassian

Draisaitl and Oilers captain Connor McDavid are usually in sync. Not so on this topic. 1181956 president of hockey operations and general manager said in a release. “He is a talented defenseman who possesses great compete, physicality and character. We are excited for John’s continued development and look forward to his future in the Panthers organization.” Panthers’ Barkov on NHL’s return: ‘When everything is fine, we’ll get hockey back’ Herald LOADED: 03.31.2020

BY JORDAN MCPHERSON MARCH 30, 2020 03:26 PM

Aleksander Barkov has spent the past few weeks like most in South Florida.

The Florida Panthers’ captain and 24-year-old center is staying at his Boca Raton home (his mom is there, too), playing video games (primarily Call of Duty) and waiting for the coronavirus pandemic to slow down enough to continue his normal life.

Barkov doesn’t know when hockey will resume — the National Hockey League paused its season on March 12 and has since targeted a mid- May return — but he is looking forward to the day he can get back on the ice with his teammates.

“Not the best situation right now with all this happening in the world,” Barkov said on a 30-minute video conference call that also included Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel, Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman and defenseman Shea Weber. “The main thing is to get everybody as healthy as possible in the world. Then, when everything is fine, we’ll get hockey back.”

And should the season resume, Barkov and the Panthers would assuredly want at least some sort of abbreviated finish to the regular season so that they could have a chance to close an up-and-down season with a Stanley Cup Playoff berth.

The Panthers’ last game was a 2-1 road win over the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues. They went into the unexpected break on a two-game winning streak and three points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for third place in the Atlantic Division and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference’s battle for two wild-card spots.

“It’s going to be tough to go straight to the playoffs,” said Barkov, who has 62 points on the season (20 goals, 42 assists). “The intensity of the playoffs is high. I would love to play as many games as possible before the playoffs get here. The best-case scenario, I would do a tournament or something, but thank God I don’t have to decide anything. I’m just here to wait for what the league is going to do with the season and just try to stay healthy.”

But don’t think the break means Barkov isn’t still getting his workouts in. He just has to get creative with perfecting his shot.

On March 20, Barkov posted a video on Instagram of him shooting a roll of toilet paper into a net with a shooter tutor.

View this post on Instagram

I guess I had to come up with some sort of challenge too. Do you think you can do the same? More importantly stay safe guys and wash your hands We will get through this soon!

A post shared by (@barkovsasha) on MAR 20, 2020 AT 4:09PM PDT

“I guess I had to come up with some sort of challenge too,” Barkov wrote. “Do you think you can do the same? More importantly stay safe guys and wash your hands. We will get through this soon!”

When asked who he imagined being in net when he took the video, Barkov replied with the Canadiens’ Carey Price.

PANTHERS SIGN DEFENSEMAN

The Panthers on Monday signed defenseman John Ludvig on a three- year, entry-level contract.

Ludvig, Florida’s third-round pick in 2019, appeared in 60 games with the of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and had 62 points on the season (17 goals, 45 assists). He ranked third among all WHL defensemen in points and assists, while ranking fourth in goals.

“John had an outstanding season for Portland in the Western Hockey League and was among the league’s top defensemen,” Panthers 1181957 Florida Panthers

Panthers sign defenseman John Ludvig to three-year, entry-level deal

By BRETT SHWEKY SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL |MAR 30, 2020 | 1:58 PM

The Florida Panthers and defenseman John Ludvig agree to a three- year, entry-level contract.

The Florida Panthers agreed to terms with 19-year old defenseman John Ludvig on a three-year, entry-level contract.

Ludvig, who appeared in 60 games for the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey Leauge (WHL), produced 62 points (17-45-62) for his squad this season, as he helped them achieve a club-best 45-11-3 record.

He finished the season ranked third among defensemen in the WHL in points and assists, while also being ranked fourth in goals scored.

“John [Ludvig] had an outstanding season for Portland in the Western Hockey League and was among the league’s top defensemen,” Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said in a press release. "He is a talented defenseman who possesses great compete, physicality and character. We are excited for John’s continued development and look forward to his future in the Panthers organization.”

The 6-foot-1, 201-pound Czech Republic native was selected by the Panthers in the third round (No. 69 overall) of the 2019 draft before going on to play in his third season in the WHL.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181958 Florida Panthers Safety, he said, is of the utmost importance. If the NHL was to resume this season in the coming weeks or months, a

number of players have said games should be played before the playoffs. Safety first, but Sasha Barkov says the Panthers deserve to play if NHL There could also be a play-in tournament to determine the final spots. On returns the NHL video chat, Barkov said he would be OK with that.

The Panthers were supposed to kick off their season-ending three-game homestand Monday against the Rangers. Their final game of the season By George Richards Mar 30, 2020 would have come Saturday against the Capitals.

“The best-case scenario is probably the tournament,” he said. “Thank God I don’t have to decide anything. I’m just here, waiting to see what the SUNRISE, Fla. — It had been nearly three weeks since Florida Panthers league does with the season and trying to stay healthy.” captain Sasha Barkov has met the media. HEAD TO THE NET AND LET ALEKSANDER BARKOV The last time he did it was March 10 at a skating rink in north Dallas two (@BARKOVSASHA95) DO THE REST. days before the Panthers-Stars game was postponed. PIC.TWITTER.COM/N3QCYC7U6B Following the Panthers’ afternoon workout that day, Barkov came out of — NHL (@NHL) JANUARY 13, 2020 the locker room to meet with four members of Florida’s traveling media team: A reporter from The Athletic, radio voice Doug Plagens, Fox Sports Either way, Barkov says the Panthers — a team that is 2-0-1 in its past Florida reporter Katie Gaus and team videographer Dave Courtney. three games — should play again if the NHL does resume at some point.

All four were behind a barrier — a retractable belt one would find in a “I don’t think it would be right if we’re left out,” Barkov told The Athletic. bank lobby — which prevented players and coaches from getting too close. A Panthers backdrop was attached to the wall. “We are close to a playoff spot and have 13 games left. We just started playing as well as we did before the All-Star break, the bye week. We Barkov laughed when he saw the odd setup of four people behind a tiny were feeling pretty good, playing with confidence. fence with microphones stretched out to get a touch closer in trying to record over the typical din of a hockey rink. “Obviously this thing sucks and health is first. I think the league made the right decision, the world has been making the right decisions. We need to Before speaking, Barkov smiled and pulled his shirt over his nose and keep people inside, stay away from each other right now. That’s a good mouth. thing for everyone. We’ll take a little break and we can be back sooner than later.” “You guys stay back there,’’ he said with a laugh. Panthers staying in touch On Monday, Barkov was part of the NHL’s first coordinated media tour since the league put its season on pause March 12. Barkov, like many of his teammates, remains local. He did his video chat sitting in front of his patio with his basketball hoop in view. Chatting via video conference with three other Atlantic Division players (Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman, Montreal’s Shea Weber and Buffalo’s Jack He says he and his teammates have not seen each other since returning Eichel), Barkov said he was staying inside his Boca Raton home as from Dallas on March 12 but remain in constant contact through a group much as he can and “would love to play as many games as possible” if text chain dominated by team comedians Keith Yandle and Mark Pysyk. the NHL reopens for business. “Every day someone comes up with something funny in the group chat,” After the video chat, Barkov spoke to The Athletic and went into some Barkov said. “We’re all staying in touch, know what we need to do if we detail into what may have been his team’s final road trip. get to finish this season somehow.

Shutting things down “The texts are a lot of inside jokes, things we talk about in the locker room. It is a reminder of those days. We have a pretty fun group. We Barkov said he and his teammates were closely following news that always have a good time together. It has continued in the group chat. some teams — the in particular — were being Mark is really good at finding those pictures we laugh at and Yans finds ordered to play games in an empty arena. Barkov said he figured that stuff, too. We have other guys who are pretty funny as well.” was the next step. Barkov is an avid tennis player but with courts shut down, he says he has Instead, the night before the Panthers’ game in Dallas, the NBA called off put his racket away. He said he gets through his day playing video a game in Oklahoma City when Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested games (Call of Duty) and staying active, either by going for a run around positive for the coronavirus and, minutes later, the league announced its his neighborhood, swimming or working out in his home gym. season was being stopped. Although he doesn’t have a pair of inline skates here, Barkov said he is Barkov, the Panthers and just about everyone else figured the NHL was planning on ordering a pair so he can get that sensation back. He has not next. been on the ice since that Tuesday in Dallas and said this is the first time “When the news started to come out that some NHL arenas would be in his life he can recall going this long without hitting the ice. closed and that teams in Europe were playing without fans that was the Even in the summer, he says, ice is available and he takes advantage of first thing that came to mind,” Barkov said. that. Right now, skating is not an option. “We just thought we would keep playing without fans in the building. Barkov also has a shooting station in his garage — which he uses to Things happened so fast. When the NBA shut down and we heard the shoot pucks as well as the occasional roll of toilet paper. NHL was holding meetings, we started thinking our season would be next. It happened the next morning. Every day there is some news, some VIEW THIS POST ON INSTAGRAM changes. We’re just waiting for the big news.” I GUESS I HAD TO COME UP WITH SOME SORT OF CHALLENGE The Panthers went to Dallas following one of their biggest victories of the TOO. DO YOU THINK YOU CAN DO THE SAME? MORE year, a 2-1 win in St. Louis on March 9. IMPORTANTLY STAY SAFE GUYS AND WASH YOUR HANDS WE At that practice the following day, Florida was a point out of the playoffs WILL GET THROUGH THIS SOON! only later that night, Toronto beat Tampa Bay to extend its lead on the A POST SHARED BY ALEKSANDER BARKOV (@BARKOVSASHA) ON Panthers in the Atlantic Division to three. MAR 20, 2020 AT 4:09PM PDT And that’s where things were frozen. Florida is three points back of the “I have a really good training program,” Barkov said. “Playing tennis is Maple Leafs as well as Carolina and Columbus for a wild-card spot. something I have always done, but now I have to stay away from it. At The Panthers obviously want to play eventually, but Barkov says the NHL least I have a gym here, can shoot in the garage. I don’t remember not did the right thing in shutting things down for the time being. putting the skates on for this long. Maybe a week or two, but not three. “It feels weird, but knowing what is going on in the world, it makes me feel good that I am staying inside and not trying to do too much. I’m not going to the rink without permission.”

Time to get healthy

The Panthers were riding a six-game winning streak into their first game following a 10-day break before losing 4-0 in Montreal on Feb. 1.

Barkov injured his left knee during the game, but test results came back negative and he only missed a handful of games.

“I am a lot better,” Barkov said. “I just want to get back to playing.”

Barkov had eight goals with 23 points in the 23 games before getting hurt. He had four goals and eight points in the 16 afterward.

He would not blame the knee on his decreased production after his return.

“I have had some good games and I have had some bad games,” said Barkov, who did not record a point in his final six games before the stoppage.

“It is tough to say it affected me all the time. You can’t say it did when I had a good game, so I won’t say it did when I had a bad one. I am feeling a lot better now.”

Staying at home

On Monday’s chat, Barkov shared that his mother Olga was staying with him in South Florida and laughed when asked if he had learned how to cook.

Barkov later said his father, Aleksander, could not get to the U.S. because the travel ban that was put in place earlier this month came before his KHL season had ended.

Lately, Barkov said, he has seen fewer and fewer people out on the streets when he goes for his runs.

“We have spring break here in Florida, so we have a lot of people here,” Barkov said. “The last couple of days, when running or walking, I haven’t seen too many people around. That is a good sign. Everyone is taking this thing seriously and I really appreciate that. We’re all just trying to stay healthy and stay away from each other as much as possible.

“I can’t wait to get back on the ice at BB&T Center and continue this season or whatever is going to come first.”

Most of the Panthers have stayed in South Florida, although players such as Jonathan Huberdeau and Erik Haula have returned to their offseason residences.

Barkov said he is pretty happy in Florida under the circumstances.

“We have everything you could need right here,” he said. “And it’s nice being out on the patio. It is just unreal outside as long as you aren’t going anywhere. The main thing is getting the most people healthy right now. Then we can worry about playing hockey again.”

The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181959 Los Angeles Kings

Kings sign prospect Tyler Madden to entry-level contract

By JACK HARRIS MARCH 30, 20204:41 PM

The Kings have signed forward prospect Tyler Madden to a three-year entry-level contract, the team announced Monday.

A former third-round draft pick acquired by the Kings before this season’s trade deadline, Madden turns pro after two seasons at Northeastern University in which he tallied 65 points (31 goals, 34 assists) in 63 games.

The son of former NHL forward and assistant coach , the 20-year-old is the second Kings prospect to sign an entry-level contract in recent weeks, joining former first-round pick in making the jump up from the college level.

Born in Florida, Madden attended the same Connecticut prep school, Avon Old Farms, as Kings goalie Jonathan Quick before playing two seasons of junior hockey in the United States Hockey League, where he collected 34 points in 50 games. The right-handed shooter also represented Team USA in the 2019 World Junior Championships.

After being picked 68th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2018, the 5- foot-11, 155-pound forward was dealt to the Kings as part of the trade in February. His acquisition bolstered a Kings pipeline that was already considered one of the best in the NHL, and his signing will make him one of several young forwards competing for a roster spot in training camp next season.

“Our guys have followed Tyler Madden from his draft-eligible year on to the two years at Northeastern,” Kings general manager Rob Blake said at the time of the trade, a deal in which the Kings also received journeyman forward , a second-round pick and a conditional fourth-round pick. “[He profiles] along the lines that we’ve been stating here; [he has] the [will to] compete and character. He has some high-end vision and skill.”

LA Times: LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181960 Los Angeles Kings

Todd McLellan wishes he could see how re-energized Kings would have continued

By JACK HARRIS MARCH 30, 20203:47 PM

When the NHL season was suspended on March 12, the Kings were entering one of coach Todd McLellan’s most anticipated stretches.

The team had won seven games in a row as its remade, post-trade- deadline roster reeled its best hockey of the season.

“Players were doing things the right way, we were coming together as a team, we were structurally much more efficient and less error-prone than in the past,” McLellan said, “which is everything that we could ask from a relatively new group.”

Even with only 12 games to go and no real chance to mount a playoff push, McLellan was eager to see what came next.

“It would have been interesting to see if we would have maintained it,” McLellan said, “or if we would have begun to stray from structure, stray from the commitment to doing things right. Often with success, that begins to happen, especially with a young team. So it would have been a great teaching and learning opportunity for us to go through.”

The COVID-19 pandemic robbed the Kings of that test, and could cost the NHL the rest of the regular season, if not more.

For a rebuilding club such as the Kings, it means potentially 12 fewer opportunities to gauge their growth in McLellan’s first year.

“We’ve had enough share of failure throughout the year, and they handled it quite well,” McLellan said, speaking to reporters during a Monday afternoon conference call. “But how are we going to handle success? How are we going to behave in practice? How are we going to approach games down the stretch? I think that reveals a lot about your team, and we’re probably not going to get that opportunity.”

In the short-term, the coronavirus outbreak is costing the Kings little compared to other NHL clubs. In the most serious cases, the Ottawa Senators and Colorado Avalanche have had players test positive for COVID-19 since the season stoppage. From a pure competition standpoint, clubs stuck on the wrong side of the playoff bubble might miss a chance to climb back into the postseason picture.

For the Kings, it will be consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance for the first time in more than a decade.

“If [the season] does go away, we’re looking at a very extended summer,” McLellan said, noting how a delayed postseason likely would delay the start of next season’s training camp. “That would create a scenario where we’re done from mid-March to call it, [a potential] October 15 training camp. That is a huge period of time where we’re not involved hockey- wise.”

In the interim, the team’s coaching staff has tried to continue important player conversations. Along with general manager Rob Blake and team president , McLellan has organized weekly player conference calls to keep developmental dialogue going. But even in those chats, topics have revolved as much about the health crisis and uncertain schedule as they did hockey.

“We continue to have hope we’ll get up-and-running again as a team,” said McLellan, who has remained at his home in the South Bay instead of returning to his usual summer spot in Canada. “I think the coaches are going to be proactive on that. As soon as things happen, we’re the first ones that have to get prepared.

“I’ve been going through a lot of old games from this past season. Trying to sort things out so I can find good individual clips for each of the players but also [team] clips that we might use if we come back and start.”

McLellan stopped and added an unwanted qualifier: “Or if we don’t, it will be used in training camp in the fall.”

LA Times: LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181961 Los Angeles Kings “Dustin has been much more productive since he recovered from pneumonia,” McLellan said. “Kopi was playing some of his best hockey. Drew, on the back end, was wondering earlier in the season about positioning and where he’d be. He’s such a dominant guy now, he Whicker: Before the interruption, Kings were earning a pardon controls the whole tempo with his puck-moving skills. When your leaders play like that, everyone else has no choice but to follow. It’s what we Coach Todd McLellan fears his team will face an unnatural amount of needed. time off during coronavirus shutdown “From the beginning they were the first guys we made contact with. We

had to make sure they were prepared to go with the peaks and the By MARK WHICKER | Daily News PUBLISHED: March 30, 2020 at 3:41 valleys, too. Each of them indicated he was prepared for that. They’ve p.m. | UPDATED: March 30, 2020 at 4:08 p.m. been patient and cooperative.”

Kopitar laughed when someone asked him about quarantines, and which Kings would be most, and least, ideal to share isolation. The Kings haven’t lost since Feb. 23. So much for NHL parity. “Doughty, both ways,” he said. “That’s self-explanatory for me. There is They carried a seven-game winning streak into the quarantine. They beat something new every second. You’re either crying, laughing or shaking the likes of Pittsburgh, Colorado, Vegas (4-1 on the road) and Toronto. your head, wondering how that came out of his mouth.” They gave up nine goals in those seven wins, and if you’re loading all the credit on the Kings’ goalies, note that they alternated Jonathan Quick and Someday he’ll hear those gems in person. Until then, the Kings keep Cal Petersen throughout. living without losing. With each unblemished day, maybe they’ll forget how. That was two weeks of winning, with 12 games remaining, to put an exclamation point on what appeared to be a dreary six-month sentence Orange County Register: LOADED: 03.31.2020 of a season.

Now those 12 games still remain. Coach Todd McLellan and his family are playing cards and board games, and they’re cooking together, and they’re walking around the South Bay. He also talks with the coaches and the personnel department and the players as well, but there’s nothing more ethereal than a dormant plan. Like all of us, he struggles with hands that are full of time.

“I turn on the computer but I’m not sure where to go,” McLellan said Monday. “Am I in season-ending mode, creating some sort of review video? Or am I planning a mini-training camp?

“I’ll write something on paper and then the next day I’ll flip the page and write the exact opposite. We had a lot of failure during the season and I thought we handled it well. Now we need to see how we can handle success.”

Anze Kopitar is getting through it with body weights and core training, the stationary bike, maybe some runs on the beach.

“I’m trying to get through and stay active,” he said. “You just stay loose and keep moving. We’re in touch with each other. The group texts are going all day, every day.”

Now McLellan is fearful that this unbeaten streak will stretch beyond usefulness. If there are playoffs, and if the 82-game season is finished, the earliest conclusion would be somewhere in late July. Then, to accommodate the playoff contestants, training camp would be delayed deeper than usual into the fall.

“We could go from mid-March to mid-October or later without hockey activities,” McLellan said. “That would not benefit us at all.”

That’s a long time to wonder if the two-week streak revealed translatable truths about the Kings, or if this was just a garbage-time accident.

“From the feedback I got around the league, people were noticing the identity they were developing,” said , the Kings’ TV analyst.

“They were playing that 1-3-1 and it was frustrating other teams. They had found something they could fall back on.”

A sense of settlement arrived with the trade deadline. Alex Iafallo was not just the junior member of the top line anymore. Adrian Kempe was visible on the ice, if not the scoresheet. Matt Roy continued to rise on defense, playing at least 20 minutes in six of the past nine games.

But the play of the Stanley Cuppers, the ones who might not be Kings when the key finally gets turned, is also significant. Kopitar, Brown and Drew Doughty, in particular, were not looking for the exits.

“It was communicated to them that they were expected to be mentors through this process,” Fox said, “the way they had mentors when they were coming up. They were told they were an important part of this. And they have responded.”

Brown and Kopitar each had six points in those final six games. Kopitar had 62 points overall, two more than last season. He was plus-six on a team that was 29-35-6. 1181962 Los Angeles Kings “He’s very ambitious and has big goals, which is amazing and very inspirational for us; it challenges all of us,” Cheeseman said. “For him to have the ambitions that he does, it’s a good motivator for the entire organization.” After injury, Jack Jablonski making career moves with LA Kings Jablonski attended USC through the Swim with Mike scholarship fund, founded by former Trojans swimmer Mike Nyeholt, a three-time All- American who was later paralyzed in a motorcycle accident. By ANDREW KNOLL | PUBLISHED: March 30, 2020 at 1:59 p.m. | UPDATED: March 30, 2020 at 3:17 p.m. By the time he arrived in Los Angeles, Jablonski had already embarked on his own philanthropic endeavor, the Bel13ve In Miracles Foundation.

He shared the number 13 with his hockey hero, Detroit center Pavel In a season in which the Kings didn’t acquire many big names, their Datsyuk, and established the foundation to advance medical technology biggest addition may well have been away from the ice when they signed and care for those living with paralysis. Jack Jablonski to their media staff. Datsyuk, , Bobby Orr and countless other players A former 50-goal scorer at the Bantam level, today he provides reached out to Jablonski after he sustained his injuries. Jablonski said leadership, inspiration and an insatiable thirst for hockey knowledge from that outpouring of support shined a light on the communal nature of the his motorized wheelchair. sport and the good fortune he had following his life-altering accident. Others, he knew, were not so lucky. Jablonski, 24, was once a promising high-school player whose coaches believed he could be a Division I forward. In 2011, his life was changed “After the first year of being fortunate enough to have financial, physical, literally in an instant when a check into the boards left him facing mental and emotional support, my family and I decided it was time to give quadriplegia due to two broken vertebrae and a severed spinal cord. That back,” Jablonski said. same season, his team won the Minnesota state championship as he ‘He’s like my son’ watched from a box and the student section chanted his nickname, “Jabby,” while holding up his number 13. Today, Jablonski is working from home, as his injuries have placed him at high risk for illness and complications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Jablonski persevered to regain movement in his arms and The launch of his new podcast, which will be broader in scope than “All hands. He reactivated muscles in his core and lower-body. He moved to the Kings’s Men,” has been placed in limbo along with the rest of Southern California and graduated from USC. Most recently, he became professional sports. a full-time employee of the Kings after being an intern for four of his years in college. Yet he remains upbeat, gregarious and bright-eyed about the future. Facing an uncertain state after his injury, he avoided despair and defied , a former all-star center who played 20 NHL seasons grim prognoses that indicated that he would quite possibly lose all control including one with the Kings, competed against some of the toughest of his extremities. players in hockey history. Players like Rod Brind’Amour, whose teammate Ron Francis said just watching Brind’Amour train made him Roenick visited him in the hospital soon after his injury, cutting short a break out in a sweat, and Gary Roberts, who overcame spinal fusion vacation and creating a detour to Minnesota. surgery, returned to the ice and became an authority on strength and conditioning. “I was expecting it to be somber, to be very sad and be a very dark and tense room,” Roenick said. “It was just the opposite. I walked into a lot of Roenick has fostered a bond with Jablonski and said what Jablonski has love. I walked into a lot of inspiration. I walked into smiles. I walked into done in his recovery has long surpassed any toughness he and his peers support.” displayed at the rink. Roenick said Jablonski’s journey through college, far from home and his “Beyond, no question. It just proves that it doesn’t matter the situation support system, and into the Kings organization did not surprise him in that you’re in, you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. Just the least bit. He knew immediately Jablonski was capable of because he can’t play hockey doesn’t mean he can’t be associated with achievement beyond the reach of even most injury-free people. hockey,” Roenick said. “Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he seemed almost eager for the That association has led to ascension, as Jablonski has become an challenge. That blew me away,” Roenick said. integral part of the “All the King’s Men” podcast, an insider on hockey operations with the Kings and now a full-time content coordinator whose Jablonski and Roenick became fast and close friends, as well as partners role with the franchise is fluid and diverse. His goal is to become in philanthropy. Roenick accompanied Jablonski in 2013 at center ice an NHL executive, the likes of which he has shadowed and interviewed before a Wild game, when Jablonski led a global stick tap in honor of within the Kings and Minnesota Wild organizations. those facing paralysis. Jablonski defied odds by merely being able to control his stick, and in turn he shared the moment with all those facing a “A lot of it is kind of moving pieces, but some of the things I am excited to similar plight. do are opening up my own podcast and being able to talk about hockey freely,” Jablonski said. “When it comes to the future, I think there’d be “I’ve been able to support him, to help him raise money, to sit with him nothing better than being part of the decision-making that leads to a and literally feed him, be his ear, be his voice. For that, I’m the lucky one. successful team. By that I mean eventually trying to get into the hockey He inspires me. He’s like my son,” Roenick said. operations world.” Jablonski’s injury changed the way Roenick viewed the game and how ‘It challenges all of us’ he analyzed it on television. He said he spots careless or malicious plays and calls them out like never before. Jablonski came into the Kings fold thanks in part to a connection with AEG Sports CEO Kelly Cheeseman. The two attended and played “I know the ramifications of something that could happen because I’ve hockey at Benilde-St. Margaret’s prep school, but connected in California lived it firsthand with Jack,” Roenick said. when Jablonski was a freshman at USC. They’ve also shared in small but significant triumphs, like Roenick’s Jablonski made numerous connections in the hockey world soon after his chipping a golf ball into Jablonski’s hand and when Jablonski sent injury, but he was determined to advance on merit like any other intern Roenick a video of him hitting a tennis ball for the first time since the would. injury.

“He really made a good impression with all of us across the board in the “He’s pretty unbelievable to take lessons from. He’s not afraid of the organization and opened himself up an opportunity after graduation,” what-ifs. It’s about going and finding out,” Roenick said. “That’s the way Cheeseman said. “We’re excited that he’s able to come on board with us you want to live life, period, not even life with a disability, just life.” and become a part of the family.” Jablonski has his sights set on bigger goals, including success with the Cheeseman said the challenges Jablonski faces and the alacrity with Kings and climbing the ranks into management. Beyond all that, he still which he confronts them have fostered positivity and persistence in those strives to stand, walk and even skate again. around him. He has maintained a rigorous routine of physical therapy and exercise to strengthen his body, awaken his muscles and stay in the best possible shape to best utilize any potential technological advancements.

“At the end of the day, the number one thing is to get back on my feet. However long it will take, I’m all for it,” Jablonski said. “I’m here for the long haul and I’m willing to whatever end to get back on my feet and live as normal of a life as possible.”

Orange County Register: LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181963 Los Angeles Kings playoffs by one point, and you compare them to teams that are at 31. There’s a big discrepancy between 17 and 31.

“(Seventeen) is less likely to need the first pick, overall. For me, it’s ‘People are taking care of each other’ — Todd McLellan adjusts to a new counterintuitive to do it that way. It makes no sense. But I’m only one normal voter.”

On an ideal scenario for the remainder of the season, provided play resumes: By Lisa Dillman Mar 30, 2020 “You said ‘provided,’ and I think that’s the most important thing right now, is that we take care of everybody and make sure that not only the Kings family is healthy, but our neighborhoods, our cities, communities. Part of Life in a socially distancing town… that health is going to be mental health. Kings coach Todd McLellan and his wife, Debbie, have been going on “I know that my family and I, not necessarily cooped up in the house, but daily neighborhood walks and often are accompanied by family members we’re around each other a lot more than we normally are. It’s rewarding in their once-bustling Manhattan Beach community, part of the dramatic because we get to be around each other, but it’s not always easy. One changes in response to the rapid spread of COVID-19. thing that sport and particularly the Kings and I’m sure the rest of the The Strand, the famed beach walking path, is closed, and so are NHL will offer people is once we get up and running again — there will be beaches in Los Angeles County. Recently, one surfer who flouted the a nice reward. closure in Manhattan Beach was fined $1,000, the Los Angeles Times “There’s been numerous times I’ve sat down and turned the TV on and reported. wanted to watch a hockey game or a baseball game. So, I think we will “The communities that are here in the South Bay have been very vigilant provide a sense of mental relief for a lot of individuals that are looking for in following the guidelines,” McLellan said Monday. “I see families around something. When we start up again, I think our players are going to want me that are talking over fences, or still communicating but from a to participate in any way, shape or form. That’s how they’re wired.” distance. People are taking care of each other. On trying to craft a regular routine during the pause: “I saw a lady in my neighborhood handing out toilet paper the other day “What’s different right now from a season-ending situation or scenario and making sure everybody had some. I know there’s some elderly when you’re at home is, you really don’t know where to turn hockey-wise. people in our neighborhood that are getting help with groceries. But I’m an early riser. I continue to get up early in the morning, get Obviously, the beaches are closed. The Strand is closed. That’s a tough through all the news and coffee and the usual stuff that most people do, pill for the locals to swallow because I think it would have been a great and then I’ll go turn on my computer and I’ll do a little bit of hockey work, opportunity for us to get some real good exercise, both mentally and but I’m not sure where to go with it. physically.” “Am I in season-ending mode, where I’ve got to create some type of (Locally, the Kings are assisting, individually and as an organization, review video and sort out year-end meetings with players? Or am I including a promotion along with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which planning for a mini-training camp should we get back to playing? … is in need of blood donors.) There’s a lot of variables that are unknown. I’ll write something on a McLellan spoke for nearly an hour on a conference call Monday morning, piece of paper, and the next day I’ll flip the page over and I’ll write the the first time he had been heard from by local reporters since the Kings exact opposite.” defeated the Ottawa Senators on March 11 in the final major-league On the Kings’ seven-game winning streak before the pause: professional contest in North America before sports were put on pause. The Kings and Senators found out shortly before their game that Utah “If there was a segment during the year where we really wanted to keep Jazz center Rudy Gobert had tested positive for the coronavirus. playing, it was this one. Obviously everybody was in good spirits. They Afterward, McLellan said the night felt strange and a little bit unemotional, were looking forward to the next game. It just felt we were more and no one disagreed. confident. It felt like we were faster. We could score more and better at preventing. That confidence word that winning teams have, and we were Nineteen days later, there has been plenty to digest. Two Ottawa players beginning to get a little bit of that in our game. have tested positive for the virus, as has the team’s radio analyst, Gord Wilson. The Colorado Avalanche played the Kings at Staples Center on “The ability to evaluate the group during successful stages of any March 9 and two members of the Avalanche also tested positive. extended period was one that existed at that point. I know we were all looking forward to it. Where would we go with this team? How would they Anyone who had been around players or staff from either of those teams respond to success? Because we didn’t get many opportunities to just before the pause felt understandably nervous. evaluate that based on wins and losses throughout the year.” “You track their games,” McLellan said. “You know they were in our The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 building. You begin to retrace your steps personally. You begin to retrace your steps as a team and you try and anticipate whether you were in any type of contact. Or in any type of danger. It’s virtually impossible to narrow it down.

“We have strictly followed the guidelines that have been put out to us by our doctors. … I have not heard of anybody in our group, thank goodness, that has been even showing any types of symptoms. Again, our trainers do such a good job of keeping our environment safe and clean.”

McLellan’s call covered a myriad of topics, including the new normal for his family and the organization, broader strokes of development this past season, a murky future filled with unanswerable questions and his feeling that sports will be a big part of the “healing process” when games eventually resume.

On the proposal, reported by The Athletic, that lottery teams play in a mini-tournament for the No.1 overall pick (the Kings have the league’s fourth-worst record):

“I’m not a fan of it, one bit. I don’t think that the draft and the draft lottery was ever put in to reward a winner of a tournament. When you take the teams that don’t make the playoffs, (the 17th team) might miss the 1181964 Los Angeles Kings improvement, but he’s still not the quickest to go along with a small frame. I do like how Madden competes, though. He can PK and plays in the hard areas, even as a slighter guy.

“ATTACK-ORIENTED PLAYER WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF COMPETE” — More on the trade the night it took place: AND MORE NOTES ON MADDEN LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 03.31.2020

JON ROSEN MARCH 30, 2020

Several additional notes on Tyler Madden, who signed a three-year, entry-level contract:

— This is a big get and an important have for the LA Kings. I’m unaware of anyone who sensed any doubt he’d commit, but to have him signed and awaiting assignment in the fall of 2020 expands their bursting-at-the- seams prospect pool with a young, fast and skilled weapon who has experience at both center and wing.

Madden signs after putting up 65 points in 63 GP in NCAA. His game has grown exponentially in last two years. Still can afford to get stronger as most prospects can. His skill set was game-changing at the collegiate level and Northeastern really struggled after he got hurt. https://t.co/oBofSkmZa2

— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) March 30, 2020

— Something I’ve heard from both NHL and AHL pro scouts and amateur scouts is that Rob Blake has encouraged his staff to really keep up their reports on players who’ve already been drafted during the phase of the organizational “re-fresh” in which they’d be exchanging assets for draft picks and prospects. Madden was someone pinpointed as one of the top- ten drafted players in college hockey and became a focus for the Kings in their discussions with Vancouver.

— There’s a history with Madden that goes back some time. Madden only played 50 USHL games, totaling 15 goals and 34 points as a late- birthday 18-year-old in 2017-18 with Central Illinois and Tri-City. But Tony Gasparini and Teddy Belisle, the Kings’ United States-based amateur scouts, were both very high on his time in the USHL and had spent considerable amount of time watching him well before he was draft-eligible. Their viewings of him at Northeastern – again, at the direction to continue to keep thorough tabs on players who’d already been drafted – seemed to align with what Brooks Bertsch, the team’s college pro scout, had been seeing and sharing on Rinknet, their online database. Whether from them, Mark Yannetti or those from Vancouver, over the past month and a half I’d heard excellent reports of a player with such apparent skill and attack that he became an “easy guy to scout.”

— Some additional notes on that versatile skill-set: 5’11 center/wing with strong instincts for the game … very elusive skater, quick to hit holes with or without pucks … Attack-oriented player with a high level of compete … plays without conditions … really dynamic skater and offensively skilled with fast-twitch hands and feet … darts in and out of plays really well … threat on the rush … slighter in frame but but plays bigger … versatile and capable of playing in the team’s top-six.

— Good news: Even though Los Angeles’ extraordinarily deep pool is still short the type of player and individual skill provided by a first or second overall pick, they are importantly well stocked down the middle. They’re looking to position their younger players around Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, and younger players with stakes in the battle for center hierarchy in future years will include the likes of Madden, Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Turcotte, Blake Lizotte, Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Akil Thomas, Rasmus Kupari and perhaps those like Adrian Kempe, Mikey Eyssimont and Michael Amadio. Kupari is among those most likely to shift to wing; I’d also have eyes on Akil Thomas and Jaret Anderson-Dolan there, too. But, as it was shared during a recent conversation on Madden, “it’s always easier to switch to wing than wing to center.” All whom I’ve spoken with about Madden made a point of noting he could slot either at either position.

— Corey Pronman of The Athletic ranked Madden 40th in his mid-season prospect rankings ($):

Madden is a top player in college hockey this season, as a leading shot generator and point producer. Madden makes unique plays with the puck. He is so skilled and he often leaves defenders confused 1-on-1. Madden is also a very good passer, making creative feeds and finding holes in the defensive coverage. His skating has shown some mild 1181965 Los Angeles Kings means getting the puck back fast, that means getting it up the ice fast, that means making plays and executing with speed. There are so many things that go into competing with pace. It’s not just ‘skating fast.’

TYLER MADDEN SIGNS THREE-YEAR ENTRY-LEVEL CONTRACT One of the things we were doing best when we were winning is there wasn’t a team in the NHL that got the puck back faster after they lost it than we did, and he has some of those attributes. He plays at Northeastern. The job they’ve done at Northeastern – Northeastern was JON ROSEN MARCH 30, 2020 a team with no culture for a long, long time. A long time. And it wasn’t entirely their fault. It’s the ‘little brother’ of the Harvards and BCs and BUs, but they’ve carved out an identity in the last six-to-eight years. More to come. Via LA Kings PR: They’ve built a culture there that’s impressive. Again, he’s a kid that I think competes and he can help affect our culture and he’s learning from The LA Kings have signed forward Tyler Madden to a three-year entry- a place that has an established culture. It’s unique and it’s fun to see. It’s level contract, according to Vice President and General Manager Rob really cool – he’s coming from a school that didn’t have culture or a Blake. history of it that has it now, so hopefully he can help, because we’re Madden recently completed his sophomore season at Northeastern going to be doing the same thing.” University (NCAA), posting a team-leading 37 points (19-18=37) in 27 LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 03.31.2020 games with the Huskies. His 1.37 points per game ranked fifth in the country while his 19 goals tied for 11th overall.

The Deerfield Beach, Fla. native registered 65 points (31-34=65) in 63 career games, which was the most points on the Huskies during that span. His two seasons with the program saw Madden contribute to a Hockey East Championship (2019) and back-to-back titles (2019, 2010) while also earning several individual accolades, including being a two-time nominee (2019, 2020) for the Hobey Baker Award, a Hockey East First-Team All-Star (2020) and Hockey East All-Rookie Team (2019) member.

Madden, whose father, John, is a three-time Stanley Cup winner, was acquired by the Kings in a trade that sent Tyler Toffoli to the Vancouver Canucks on Feb. 17, 2020. He was originally selected by the Canucks in the third-round (68th overall) in the 2018 NHL Draft.

Internationally, Madden skated for the United States at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship, helping the U.S. to a silver medal finish.

Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Yannetti on Madden, from February:

He’s an excellent skater. Multiple gears, change of pace. He’s really smart. He’s a smaller guy, but he’s really good at finding open ice. He’s good on the rush, he shows flashes of a dynamic skill element. Real confident with the puck, really good offensive game. He plays to his strengths really well. He can really skate, he’s really smart, and he’s done nothing but improve since the day he was drafted – or even before he was drafted. He was a guy who really wasn’t on any big radar when his draft year started, and then from right about December-January on, he just started going higher, higher and higher, and all he’s done is get better and better and better. He’s a Hobey Baker finalist, he’s one of the four leading scorers in colleges. Really good skill, his skating is his strength, Really good agility. Good east-west game, acceleration. What he does is he really uses his change-of-pace, change-of-direction in concert with his skills. There’s a lot of guys that can skate fast and they don’t handle the puck at the same speed, and there are a lot of guys that handle the puck really quickly but don’t skate fast with it. He doesn’t slow down with it, and even with his size, he has the ability to make plays in traffic. Good hands in tight, shifty. Again, he needs to get a little bit bigger and a little bit stronger. He’s never going to be a big-body, big-frame guy, but he competes like he has a frame, you know what I mean? I think when Rob had said one of three things he wanted to build with was culture, I think he’s one of those secondary culture guys and he might have a chance to develop into a primary culture guy. Even at a young age, he’ll help affect the culture.”

— And, because we can never have too much Yank, here’s his explanation of how Madden aligns with an organizational philosophy that favors competitiveness:

“Rob was there at the middle-of-the-end of our mini-dynasty or whatever you want to call that, that four-year period. That team that won three Game 7s on the road, it’s never going to happen again and it shouldn’t have happened. It just doesn’t happen. People use the word ‘compete,’ and 50% of the people don’t know what that means, and then the other 50% all have different definitions. As soon as you say ‘compete,’ everyone thinks, ‘oh, hard player, gets in, battles, hits everybody, fights.’ There’s so many ways. This kid, first and foremost, competes with pace, and people talk about the ‘new NHL,’ I don’t think the NHL is as ‘new’ as everyone thinks it is. I think the way people compete has evolved. You see teams compete through space now, like Tampa Bay. Like, Madden competes in the traditional sense, but he competes with pace. That 1181966 Minnesota Wild

Whirlwind week for Neal Broten took him from 1981 NCAA final with Gophers to NHL debut

By Kent Youngblood MARCH 30, 2020 — 11:17PM

For Neal Broten, it was just another chapter of a charmed hockey life.

In the spring of 1979, Broten, a freshman from Roseau, had scored the winning goal — a diving, highlight-reel affair — that gave the Gophers a 4-3 victory over North Dakota in the NCAA championship game in Duluth.

A year later, he was on the Team USA squad that won gold at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.

Returning to school, Broten led the Gophers to the 1981 title game. They lost to Wisconsin in the championship, but Broten won the inaugural Hobey Baker Award.

Two days after the loss to Wisconsin on March 28, North Stars General Manager Lou Nanne signed Broten to an NHL contract. The next day, on March 31, Broten took the ice for his first pro game, against St. Louis, at Met Center.

“We felt he was ready,” said Nanne, who traded a player to Edmonton for a second-round pick in the 1979 draft, which he used to take Broten, securing his rights. “We were going to sign him and put him right into the lineup.”

It came with three games left in the regular season.

A good move. In that first game, a 6-3 victory over the Blues, with the Stars leading 5-0, Broten scored his first NHL goal. He scored again — again against St. Louis — in his second game.

That was just an appetizer. The North Stars qualified for the playoffs, then marched through them. They swept Boston in the first round, then beat Buffalo four games to one, then Calgary 4-2 to reach the finals, where they fell to the Islanders in five in the Stanley Cup Final. Broten played in all 19 games, totaling nine points.

Broten returned the next season and had 38 goals and 60 assists for 98 points, the start of a five-season stretch in which he averaged 85 points per season. He won a Stanley Cup with New Jersey in 1995, scoring the game-winning goal in Game 4 in a sweep of Detroit, becoming the first American to score a cup-clinching goal. He finished his 17-year NHL career with 923 points in 1,099 games.

“I thought he’d be good, but I never thought he’d be that good,” Nanne said recently. “In my estimation he should be a candidate for the Hall of Fame. But they haven’t put him in, and I’m somewhat disappointed in that.”

Relatively small at 5-9, Broten had great balance, Nanne said.

“You rarely saw him knocked off the puck or knocked down,” he said. “And he had elongated time. The game was in slow motion for him. He had great vision, could make plays at the last second.”

And it all started in a whirlwind in March 1981 when, in a few days, Broten went from a Gopher to a North Star.

Star Tribune LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181967 Nashville Predators Predators general manager David Poile was unsure if he was going to be able to field a complete team the next night against the defending Stanley Cup champions. He called in reinforcements from the , including Juuse Saros, who started his second NHL game, and ‘Just want to talk throw-up and diarrhea?’: My 6 favorite random Freddy Gaudreau, who made his debut. (Chris Mason was summoned to Predators games Bridgestone Arena in case he needed to sign a contract and serve as the Predators’ backup, but Marek Mazanec felt well enough to dress.)

Somehow, the depleted Predators were able to soundly defeat the By Adam Vingan Mar 30, 2020 Penguins in what has become known as the “Chicken Soup” game. This was the Predators’ lineup that night:

One consequence of being confined to your home is that it gives you Also, this game is responsible for the funniest soundbite during my time plenty of time with your thoughts. in Nashville. It came from , of all people.

Some of them are productive. (What are the five biggest “what-ifs” about “Nobody wants to talk hockey?” he asked that morning. “Just want to talk the Predators that could go unanswered if the season does not resume?) throw-up and diarrhea?” Others, not so much. (Should I rewatch the first season of “Love Is Blind” 2017-18: Predators 6, Jets 5 — Feb. 27, 2018 now that Netflix has renewed it for two more seasons?) One day after the trade deadline, the Predators and Jets clashed in what Anyway, the downtime brought on by the coronavirus pandemic got me I consider to be the most entertaining regular-season game I have seen thinking about my favorite Predators games since I began reporting on in five years. them in March 2015. I decided to challenge myself by excluding the obvious choices, which meant avoiding the triple-overtime playoff win The teams combined for seven goals in the second period. Paul Stastny, against the San Jose Sharks in 2016 and the entire run to the 2017 in his Jets debut, gave his new team a 5-3 lead with 10 minutes Stanley Cup final, for example. remaining in regulation, but the Predators stormed back to tie the score. In the final minute, deadline acquisition Ryan Hartman tapped in the These are the six games I came up with, one for each season I have winning goal on Josi’s fifth assist of the evening. been on the beat: I also remember this game as the only time in three-plus seasons as the 2014-15: Chicago Blackhawks 3, Predators 2 (3OT) — April 21, 2015 beat reporter for The Tennessean that I lost my running copy because of Because I moved to Nashville near the end of the 2014-15 season, I had a computer error. I had to rewrite the entire story in less than 10 minutes only 17 games to choose from — 11 during the regular season and six in before deadline, then sprint across MTS Centre to get to the Predators’ the playoffs. dressing room in time for interviews. Fortunately, Hartman was kind enough to answer my out-of-breath questions after already holding court I settled on the Predators’ Game 4 loss to the Blackhawks in the first with less sweaty reporters. round, which ended at 1:16 a.m. on Brent Seabrook’s blast from the point. At the time, it was the longest game in franchise history. In appreciation, I created this GIF:

The ice-time totals were insane. Duncan Keith played 46 minutes, 19 2018-19: Predators 3, Dallas Stars 2 — April 15, 2019 seconds. played 45 minutes, 6 seconds. (Kevin Fiala, then My reason for including Game 3 of the Predators’ first-round series loss an 18-year-old rookie, played 11 minutes, 5 seconds.) to the Dallas Stars last season can be boiled down to one play. What I remember most was the surreal scene inside the Predators’ It was the third period, and the Stars had just tied the score after trailing dressing room. When reporters entered, every player was still at his stall 2-0. The crowd at American Airlines Center was at a fever pitch. A go- in full gear. Most wore blank expressions. For many of them, it was the ahead goal from the Stars felt inevitable, and they appeared to have it most devastating loss of their careers to that point. But it was also an when the puck ended up on Jamie Benn’s stick in the inner slot. experience that helped them grow as a group. That is when Rinne did this: 2015-16: Predators 7, Winnipeg Jets 0 — Nov. 14, 2015 The crowd’s reaction is what sticks with me. In the span of a few Over the years, the Predators and Jets have faced each other in far more seconds, it went from elation to deflation with a hint of disbelief mixed in meaningful games than this one. If not for Mark Scheifele, this early- as well. (I audibly gasped in the press box.) season ass-kicking would have been forgotten, but then he decided to shoot the puck into the Predators’ net after a stoppage in play during a 5- Rinne stealing Game 3 on the road was one of the most impressive 0 game in the third period. performances I have seen from him.

That led to one of my favorite moments on the beat. It, or a word that 2019-20: Predators 5, Blackhawks 2 — Jan. 9, 2020 rhymes with “it,” hit the fan as Scheifele ignited a brawl. Even Pekka Rinne got in on it, though he basically just noogied Andrew Copp. There have not been — or were not — too many feel-good moments for the Predators this season, but you could not help but be happy for Rinne “They had six guys on the ice,” Rinne said then. “I’m not known for my as he threw his arms in the air in celebration of a dream realized. physical presence, but I just wanted to go out there and see if somebody’s one-on-two or something just to help out.” In the dressing room after the game, Rinne could not contain his smile as he discussed his goal with reporters. There was barely enough room on The lasting image, though, was of six Predators players — Mike Fisher, his face for it. The Predators’ win against the Blackhawks was significant James Neal, Colin Wilson, Miikka Salomaki, Mattias Ekholm and a for a few reasons; it was their first under coach . But Rinne’s goateed Ryan Ellis — crammed into the penalty box. (Ellis looks so goal was clearly the most memorable part. strange without a beard.) In five years on the job, I have been fortunate to witness several of the 2016-17: Predators 5, Pittsburgh Penguins 1 — Oct. 22, 2016 Predators’ historic moments, and seeing Rinne score is among my favorites. You might recall what happened the night before this game. The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 Several Predators players fell ill from a questionable pregame meal at their Detroit hotel. As Ryan Johansen described it, “Right before warmups, I started puking in the stalls (at ). Then I went out for warmups, just trying to do everything I could to stay in the game, played the first period and I just couldn’t move. And then I got in after the first period and I started puking uncontrollably.”

Lovely. 1181968 New Jersey Devils

Former NJ Devils' goalie Eddie Lack announces retirement

Abbey Mastracco, NHL Writer Published 5:48 p.m. ET March 30, 2020 | Updated 5:51 p.m. ET March 30, 2020

Eddie Lack stepped away from hockey last summer, unsure of the status of his career. The 32-year-old veteran goalie pivoted to a new role in coaching, working with Arizona State as a goaltending coach as well as selling real estate in the Scottsdale area, but he wasn’t quite ready to call it a career.

Monday afternoon the former New Jersey Devils and ’ goalie finally made a decision, announcing his retirement with a video on Twitter.

Lack began his career in Vancouver playing behind Roberto Luongo, tasked with replacing Cory Schneider after the current Devils’ netminder was traded on draft day in 2013. Lack then went to the and then to New Jersey one day before New Years Even in 2017 in a trade with the Calgary Flames in exchange for Dalton Prout. He became an instant fan-favorite despite the fact that he was playing in the , but his outgoing social media presence and affinity for tacos had the Devils’ faithful rooting for him.

He was also favorite in the locker room and the Swede from Norrtalje was featured prominently on NHL Network’s “Behind the Glass: Training camp with the New Jersey Devils” the next fall, with his parents making an appearance during the team’s trip to Sweden for the Global Series.

He played in four NHL games during the 2017-18 season and was re- signed in the summer of 2018 as organizational depth. The Devils needed an NHL backup to start the 2018-19 season behind Keith Kinkaid. Schneider was still rehabbing from offseason hip surgery and Lack had played well in Binghamton the season prior.

NJ Devils: Here are five questions facing them with the NHL season suspended

But Lack also suffered from his own hip issues, which proved to be the downfall of his career. He had the same surgery as Schneider early in 2013 and made a full recovery but his hips plagued him through his days in Raleigh. He was shut down by the Devils almost a year after arriving in New Jersey, Dec. 31, 2018, to have surgery to repair his labrum.

Lack's career may have ended quietly but his loud personality and his taco tattoo will be remembered by the Devils' faithful.

I don't wanna Taco bout it!! pic.twitter.com/SlYD8EiTQu

— Eddie Lack (@eddielack) August 23, 2015

Bergen Record LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181969 New Jersey Devils Binghamton lost nine of its first 12 games, and 19 of 26, to start the 2019-20 season. After signing another veteran defenseman, Joe Morrow, to a two-way contract in early October, the organization placed him on unconditional waivers on Dec. 14 to terminate his contract. He signed An oral history of how the Devils’ AHL team pulled off the unthinkable with a KHL team two days later. Multiple sources said it was an acrimonious ending.

Ben Street, forward and captain: At the beginning of the season, we By Corey Masisak Mar 30, 2020 weren’t getting the results we wanted. I think for the guys that had been around, there was a little bit of an “Oh, here we go again.” But I think there was enough new guys to be like, “Look, it’s not gonna be like this If anyone goes looking for the lowest point of the Devils organization’s the whole season.” There were glimpses of time where we were playing 2019-20 season, Dec. 13 at first blush is a strong candidate. well, but we were just kind of finding ways to lose games. And there were very fixable things that were going on that just, we needed to get out of The NHL club lost its seventh straight game, and fifth since firing coach our game and then everything would be OK. John Hynes. Not only was interim boss Alain Nasreddine winless in five tries, the Devils scratched 2018 Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall from the Cory Schneider, goaltender: We had a talk at the end of that eight-game lineup in Colorado because a trade for one of the most talented players losing streak. When I got there, it was a bit of a disaster. It was all of us in franchise history was near. — we weren’t sure what we were doing defensively, offensively we couldn’t get much going, the goaltending. It was everything. Down a level, the Binghamton Devils lost their eighth straight game that day and dropped to 7-15-4 for the season. Both clubs were mired near Street: I wish I had a good answer for you (about Morrow). He’s a good the bottom of the standings. Hope for a turnaround felt further away than player. He’s had success. And it just, I don’t know if it wasn’t a fit or what. it had in years, since before had arrived in 2015 and It was even something that we’d get chatting about on the bus and kickstarted a full-scale rebuilding project. someone would be like, “Man, how come that didn’t work out?” He’s a good guy and has a good work ethic. It was just kind of a bizarre thing. It Nasreddine got his first NHL win the next day in Arizona. While the Devils didn’t work out. did trade Hall and several other key veterans at the deadline, New Jersey went 19-12-7 after that loss to the Avalanche and before the league Schneider: Guys didn’t really talk about him much after he was gone, to stopped play because of a global pandemic. be honest.

That pales in comparison to what happened in Binghamton. The B-Devils The players-only meeting stopped the losing streak with two wins and two losses before the holiday break. After the brief hiatus, they became the hottest team in the The seeds of the turnaround were being planted by the time the B-Devils American Hockey League. lost that eighth straight game.

They won eight straight games. Then they swept a division leader, Schneider: I talked, Ben Street, a couple of the veteran defensemen. It Hershey, in its building. Then they swept a “three-in-three,” which is three wasn’t a long talk, maybe 10-15 minutes. I think we ended up losing that games in three days. Then they swept another three-in-three. night, but it was the last one (in the eight-game skid).

By the time the AHL stopped the season, Binghamton had won 27 of 36 Street: One of the main themes of it was Cory came to us and kind of games since Dec. 13, and 25 of 32 since the holiday break. The B-Devils had a 40,000-foot view of what was going on. It’s different when you’re in had moved from the bottom of the standings into a playoff spot. Behind the net and you’re looking out from the crease and seeing what’s coming strong leadership, collective buy-in and a vision, the team pulled off a in front of you. And then he’s been around so long that his perspective turnaround that took the entire league by surprise. was really valuable, and not to mention how much respect everyone has for him. So that meeting, he kind of took the reins and then a few of us The offseason spoke after him.

Binghamton finished 2018-19, Mark Dennehy’s first season as head Schneider: It was like a trickle-down effect and it was bleeding into coach, in last place in the North Division with a 28-41-7 record. Then- everything. We had a talk and said, “Hey look, we’re losing in Jersey and assistant general manager Tom Fitzgerald, who was in charge of the we’re losing here. You don’t have long careers and get contracts and get AHL club, cleaned house of the veterans on the roster. The Devils had opportunities by losing.” It was important for them to understand that yes, nine players on standard two-way NHL contracts who spent more than this is a developmental league, but you’ve got to start winning and getting half the season with Binghamton. Eight of them are no longer with the that culture and getting that feeling because that’s how you get called up organization, and Brian Strait moved into a scouting role because of and how you progress your career. post-concussion symptoms. The Devils added veteran forward Ben Street and defensemen Dakota Mermis and Matt Tennyson on two-way Matt Tennyson, defenseman: It’s one of those things when you’re at one NHL contracts, as well as forward Chris Conner and defensemen Julian of those points in the season and its like, “Holy shit, we need to get it Melchiori and Michael Paliotta on AHL deals. together.” Everybody wants to win and everyone’s passionate about the game, so losing is never easy. You want to do something, anything to get Tom Fitzgerald, interim GM: I believed in Mark as a coach. I believed everyone on the right track. that, no different than a rookie player, you figure out the league, you understand it and then you adapt and conquer. If you look at what we Street: I think it was reassuring for some of the younger guys to hear went through last year, with all the injuries we had, the amount of guys from (Schneider) that, you know what, this group is good enough, that who played so many games up top (with New Jersey), the reality is, for a there is enough talent and character in this room. We just needed to lot of the season last year, our American League team was in East Coast believe that and the results would follow. mode because I was looking for PTOs and trying to sign guys. We just Schneider: Shortly after that, we just found our groove. Those guys didn’t have enough depth. So you learn from that. As a manager, you deserve a lot of credit. The coaching staff simplified a few things and say, “OK, we need to go in a different direction. We need to focus more enabled the players. They trusted the guys to go out and maybe do on personnel, depth, quality with the older guys.” things they hadn’t let them do before, and guys responded. Mark Dennehy, coach: Can’t speak enough to (the new veterans). We The system change talked at the end of last season about the culture and what needed to change. Even moving forward, I know Fitzy has talked a lot about the Right around the same time as the players-only meeting, the coaching importance of drafting and developing. Well, the culture we want needs staff scrapped the defensive zone and neutral zone systems. It took a to be part of Binghamton. One of the reasons he brought me in was to few games for the players to get comfortable to the new style of play, but help with the culture. I thought Coach Hynes did a really good job the results soon followed. culturally in New Jersey, but it hadn’t just really taken hold in Binghamton for one way or another. Fitzy made it a priority to go after quality guys. Schneider: I think guys were a little lost. It’s one thing to not score, but They had as big of an impact on our locker room as they did on the ice. even defensively guys felt like, “I don’t know what I’m doing defensively right now. I’ve never felt this bad about my game defensively.” A bad start Fitzgerald: One of Mark’s strengths, and one of his, I don’t want to call it New Jersey traded Hall to Arizona on Dec. 17 for Kevin Bahl, Nick a weakness … but it is his loyalty. He was so loyal to the New Jersey Merkley, Nate Schnarr and two conditional draft picks, one of which could Devils. He was so loyal to the system that New Jersey was playing to end up being the No. 10 selection in the 2020 draft. While Bahl stayed in make sure that when guys are called up, they were prepared for that first the OHL, Merkley and Schnarr reported to Binghamton. practice and they were prepared for that first game. I really admired that. At the end of the day, I think we were giving up more scoring chances, I Dennehy: The start of the run happened to coincide with the Taylor Hall think we were giving up more high-quality scoring chances. I don’t think trade and we were really able to benefit with adding Nick Merkley and we were generating much off the rush and I don’t think we were stifling Nate Schnarr. teams coming through the neutral zone. Fitzgerald: I think what was going on down there was complacency with Dennehy: It wasn’t working as currently constituted. It’s not the system’s players. I think players knew, “Well, what are they gonna do? Sign a PTO fault, per se. There are a lot of teams at the NHL level that use the again from Adirondack to come on up and play? I’m better than that.” All system and use it well. It had more to do with our own personnel. of a sudden, we created depth with that trade. You now had an abundance of pretty good forwards. And I think the urgency around the Schneider: We’re trying to play the system we started with here (in New team rose because, “If I don’t play well, I’m not going to play.” And I think Jersey). And any time you start a new defensive zone system, as you that competitiveness in the roster helped guide the situation with saw with us, we struggled with it for a little bit and obviously down there, everybody scratching and clawing to stay in the lineup. as well. I think it just took guys a little time to grasp it, and by that point we were kind of just in (a tailspin). Binghamton began the season with rookies Gilles Senn and Evan Cormier in net, and each of them had sub-.900 save percentages by Street: Initially we were playing more of a zone where, if a guy is in your early December. Schneider arrived and allowed 18 goals in his first four area, you try and play him and then the center kind of works all the way games, but 19 in his next 10. Senn won 13 of 15 starts after the players- around. I think the main point of it was New Jersey wanted to keep two only meeting. Louis Domingue arrived after a trade and posted a .912 defensemen at the front of the net. And that type of system allowed for save percentage in seven games. Zane McIntyre showed up at the that a lot more. For us, we seemed to be in our zone for way too long. deadline after a trade for Domingue and went full Dominik Hasek, Guys were getting tired trying to just chase everyone around. yielding three goals in four starts.

Fitzgerald: So, Mark and I sat down and had a conversation. And I just Fitzgerald: Binghamton was having the same issues New Jersey was said, “Mark, I admire the fact that you want to play the same system as having. We weren’t getting any goaltending. We had a lot of young guys. New Jersey. But the reality is you don’t have the same players. We need to think about something different, because this isn’t working.” And I don’t Street: We started to play better. We gave up way less chances, and care personally as the manager of the team — and I was actually along with that, our goaltending started to get hot. Good goaltending can coaching (with New Jersey) at the time — I don’t care about somebody make any system look good. coming up and being so prepared for the NHL. I’d rather them gain Schneider: Once we stopped giving up so many odd-man rushes, so confidence in a system in a way where we can win hockey games, or many great chances, the game kind of simplified. We were able to hang give yourself the chance to get good goaltending, good defensive around in games and we had a bunch of comeback wins. We were able structure. to mitigate the damage and give ourselves a chance.

Schneider: They made the assignments easier. They made it more Dennehy: Specifically with Gilles, that’s as much growth out of a young predictable, less switching and having to hand guys off. I think guys goaltender over an eight-month period as I’ve ever seen. I’m not a goalie picked it up a lot quicker and knew their job and knew their assignment, guru, but I’ve been doing this a long time. He really came a long way in a and when there were breakdowns, they were less damaging. I think the short amount of time. guys bought into it pretty quickly and got the hang of it really quickly. Like the 24-year-old Senn in net, Binghamton’s young forwards showed Fitzgerald: Mark came to me with a different system. He said, “I used this they were coming of age. system in college. I actually used it against your sons (at Boston College). We almost upset them (in the Hockey East playoffs).” He Dakota Mermis, defenseman: I think just the group as a whole maturing showed me what he wanted to do and I said, “Mark, if less means more, (helped). I think there was a little bit of a hangover from last season and I’m in.” they kind of struggled. It was a young team and there was a lot of young forwards. I think it just took that extra half year, and then you see after Street: So the D-zone we ended up going to is kind of like man-on-man, Christmas, guys really coming into their own and guys just really but it’s more actually just about pressure and trying to contain plays into producing from every role all throughout the lineup. I think that was the the corner. And then have guys positioned better for exiting the zone biggest change. once those battles were won. We tried to outnumber in the corner, and then have the exits from the weak side of the ice. You would have Street: A lot of the younger guys maybe weren’t certain about their roles someone trap down from above and trap from below and then try and because there were so many new players, but they started settling into snuff it out. The other thing was in the neutral zone, we were playing a 1- their roles and really started contributing. Right up to when we got 1-3. And we ended up switching that to a 1-2-2, which a lot of guys are paused, we were getting scoring up and down the lineup. We were pretty just more familiar with. I think that gave us a little bit more comfort and a deep, and it’s tough to play against a team like that. little less thinking kind of all over the ice. Fitzgerald: Without handing guys jobs, I think what Mark did a great job Dennehy: It was really defining the players’ roles more specifically and with was building a culture of, “You’re gonna get an opportunity and you taking out some of the ambiguity. When a guy came back into our zone, need to grab hold of it. If you don’t, next man in line is up.” he knew exactly where he needed to be. And with that came a higher Schneider: I think a lot of credit goes to like the core of young guys there. level of accountability to each other. Because now, if a guy isn’t in the They’ve given more responsibility to guys like Mikey (McLeod) before he right place, it’s not just him. Everyone knows he’s not in the right place. came up and (Nate) Bastian, and even guys like (Yegor) Sharangovich That type of accountability is very motivational. and (Mikhail) Maltsev. Street: It was a little unorthodox. At that point we were like, “It can’t get Dennehy: I think Sharangovich had like 56 percent of his points for the much worse,” but after the first few games we were like, “Wow, maybe it season in the last (15) games. With Marian (Studenic), it’s having an can.” But then the results started to happen. It’s a credit to the character impact when you’re not scoring goals. What are you doing when you’re of the group. None of us had really ever played this unorthodox system, not on the scoresheet? His skating is a huge asset. Whether it’s getting but everyone was just like, “Let’s see if this works.” And they gave an on loose pucks or tracking back, we should notice him every game honest effort to be as detailed as we could, and it worked out really well because of his skating. It was kind of coming to an understanding about for our group. We started to give up less, and the confidence just grew that. I give the players a lot of credit. They worked really hard for this. from there. Even after the Devils called up up Mermis, McLeod, Schneider and Joey Dennehy: You learn pretty quickly at the pro level that if your veterans Anderson, Binghamton kept rolling. Fitzgerald also sent Jesper Boqvist don’t appreciate and adopt what you’re trying to do, then you’re dead in down to the AHL and added Janne Kuokkanen in a trade from Carolina. the water. There needed to be a certain level of buy-in from them. Boqvist scored eight goals in 19 games, while Kuokkanen had six points Forging an identity in four games before getting recalled just before the shutdown. Street: Yeah, it was obviously a lot of fun because there was so much winning going on. And that makes everything better. I think as a group, we were really starting to get into a groove. I think that’s what made it so difficult to play against us. Janne was technically on our second or third line, but he has the most points on our team (in the AHL this season). I think he’s gonna be a really good NHL player. And teams were trying to roll out the third line against a guy like that. And he’s playing with other good players, too. It was really starting to set up nicely for us.

Schneider: It seems like every game, somebody different was stepping up. It wasn’t like we were just relying too heavily on one guy or one line.

Dennehy: Last year and the first month or so of this year was enough of a reminder that you can’t take it for granted. We weren’t taking the foot off the pedal at all. We enjoyed the wins, because if you’re not enjoying the wins you need to get out of the business, but we also put them in the rearview mirror pretty quickly and got back to work.

Street: We felt at that point, like, wow, this is a really good group. And then there were guys who were up in Jersey, who had been papered down that we’d be eligible to get when New Jersey’s season was over. So in the room, we’re kind of looking at our lineup and then looking at, “OK, who’s gonna fit in here or who is going to play there? Wow, this is a really deep roster. And there’s gonna be some guys that aren’t in the lineup.” Whereas early in the year, it was kind of like, “Geez, we’re not real deep. This is pretty shallow.” So it was a huge turnaround.

Dennehy: I know that winning breeds winning. Success isn’t complicated. It’s just really hard. … Players win hockey games. We had a great leadership group and a good young core. I’ve very, very thankful of how they led our team this year.

Dreaming of the Playoffs

If the AHL resumes play and goes straight to the playoffs, the B-Devils would face Belleville, the current North Division leaders, in the first round. New Jersey’s AHL affiliate hasn’t qualified for the playoffs since 2017 and has won just one playoff series since 2010.

Street: I think it would be a lot of fun to see just what the hell happens if you throw everyone back in it. I think the mindset right now is to stay ready. But it’s difficult to do that, and we don’t really want to have something reckless where they’re just gonna have a playoff and you risk guys getting hurt or you risk more people getting sick. In our wildest dreams, it would be really fun to get everyone together, get the season back rolling, and then see where this thing was gonna go and where it might play out.

Fitzgerald: I would say there would be teams that would not want to play us in a playoff series after what we’ve done, how far we’ve come and how consistently we’ve done it. That says a lot about our coaching staff. It says a lot about how they pulled this together. It says a lot about how our players grew in a short time and the adjustment from the start of the year.

Dennehy: We felt like a team that not only could make the playoffs, but do some damage. A lot of teams get players back though. From my understanding, the playoffs are literally a brand new season because the teams can take on a different complexion based on what the parent club is doing. We hadn’t seen Belleville much since the start of the year. I think we played them twice since the second weekend of the season. They would not have seen very much of us. They’d really be seeing a team they had not yet played.

Fitzgerald: The best feeling you can have is like, I can sit here and say, “If the season continues, I want to see Maltsev in a game or two (in the NHL), I want to see (Marian) Studenic in a game or two.” We feel like we’ve got some underlying players that can contribute at the NHL. Moving forward, we feel these kids will continue on this path with more confidence. They’re confident that they can contribute and can move into that bucket of players who have the opportunity to get some NHL games and take advantage of that. That’s how organizations grow in my opinion, and that’s what we are trying to create here. I’m not going to go out and sign all these guys at the NHL level because, “Hey, we can get this guy to be a bottom-six guy.” Underneath the hood, we’ve got some good players. We just have to give these guys an opportunity to showcase what they can do.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181970 New York Islanders

John Tavares wishes Long Islanders, ex-Islanders teammates well during COVID-19 pandemic

By Andrew Gross

John Tavares, his wife, Aryne, and their 6-month-old son, Jace, are practicing safe social distancing together at their Toronto home with the NHL season on pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the well-being of his former Islanders teammates and staff members and the Long Island community he departed are never far from Tavares’ thoughts with New York being a coronavirus hotspot.

“I know a few people that are really kind of right in the fire of it and seeing how it’s spreading and really making the impact that it is in New York,” Tavares said Monday on an NHL-sponsored video conference call that also included the Bruins’ Zdeno Chara, the Red Wings’ Dylan Larkin and the Senators’ Brady Tkachuk.

“I really hope everyone there is staying safe and following all of the health recommendations,” Tavares added. “Whether it’s former teammates, staff and people that I know very well, the fans down there. I know a lot of areas have been affected so I wish all the best to them and hope it can get better.”

Tavares said when the NHL first began postponing games on March 12, he found himself “just trying to grasp what’s going on, what’s kind of hit us.”

Since that initial wave of shock, Tavares said he’s been trying to develop a daily routine and maintain a fitness level.

“You know, create some normalcy,” said Tavares, later adding, “kind of slowly build yourself back up as, hopefully, some positivity comes around the corner.”

The one positive Tavares is taking from the league’s forced suspension of play is the added time at home with his newborn son.

“When we’re traveling all through the year and through the season, you’re in and out so quickly,” Tavares said. “You don’t really get to experience that consistency until the offseason. So just having that time to be around them on a daily basis and being able to help out. Spending time with them has been fantastic.”

Still, Tavares echoed every other player who’s participated in this series of NHL media availabilities in saying he misses being around his teammates. Also, he’s watching a “ton of TV.”

But the unwanted downtime has allowed Tavares to develop a new skill.

“I personally enjoy trying to cook a little bit,” he said. “It’s kind of a little nicer out so I try to use the barbecue in the back. Try to use my time that way.”

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181971 New York Islanders it was out there in the hockey world and hey, what are you gonna do? Get ’em next time.

(That is not what I thought, but there were too many expletives in my Untold stories from the Islanders beat: Learning my trade deadline lesson actual thoughts to address here.)

So, a quick tweet to remedy that and I had my phone on for the next 10- 15 minutes, until we were about to taxi and take off. No way I’m going to By Arthur Staple Mar 30, 2020 miss anything before we get above 10,000 feet, right?

Right?

The first time it happened was entirely my fault. Once I connected to the WiFi, I found another text from the team rep:

Every time after that… Well, what can you do? “You got this one, didn’t you?”

In my decade on the Islanders beat, I’ve seen and heard a lot. Every No, I thought. No I did not. I did not get the text that the Isles had sent week during this hockey hiatus, we’re going to bring you some of the Chad Johnson to the Sabres for Michal Neuvirth, the second of the stories from my time around this team to keep everyone entertained, Islanders’ two trades on deadline day in 2014-15. remind me of some of the crazier moments I’ve had and offer a peek behind the curtain at what life is like covering a pro team. Once I finally arrived in Dallas and got to my hotel (also the team hotel), I was summoned to Snow’s suite along with the team website writer. Snow Let’s start off with all the times I’ve been on a plane when something had workout gear on, a chew in his mouth and a glass of wine the size of important has happened. Islander fans know well that there have been a a small swimming pool on the table in front of him. few instances when I’ve been in the air — or worse, in the air and below 10,000 feet so there’s no WiFi — and the Islanders have either made a “Where the fuck have you been all day?” trade or hired a new coach. So that’s how Stape’s On A Plane was born. Word even filtered back to the front office on one of those occasions. The next couple of trade deadlines were quiet. There was another TEXTED ABOUT THE DEAL. HIS RESPONSE: "GET deadline-day flight to Dallas two seasons later that was uneventful, but at ON ANOTHER FLIGHT SO I CAN DO SOME WORK." least I’d scheduled that one for later in the day.

— ARTHUR STAPLE (@STAPEATHLETIC) JUNE 22, 2017 Then came the 2017 draft in Chicago. The Isles were rumored to be in on a number of trades as that weekend approached, so a late morning flight So, you may be asking yourself these many years later, how is it that a the Thursday before the draft began seemed safe. Who makes a big seemingly functioning, veteran beat reporter kept booking flights at trade before everyone gets settled in the draft city? exactly the wrong times? Had the WiFi on all the way, nice and quiet. Lost the WiFi as we Glad you asked. approached O’Hare, landed, turned on my phone … and saw I’d missed out on Jordan Eberle for Ryan Strome. As we started out above, the first time was entirely my fault. When the schedule came out for the 2014-15 season, I did what I often did then as That prompted the above exchange with Snow, who definitely enjoyed the lone traveling Islanders beat writer: I ran over it with my wife and the fact that I kept being unavailable when his trades were going through. made flight and hotel reservations through about January. Once December rolled around, I booked the rest of the season, the most Now by this point, I accepted that there wasn’t much to be done. And involved trip being a four-game swing that started in Dallas the first week once the Lou Lamoriello era began the next offseason, it didn’t matter of March. when I flew; if there was news, it was going to happen whenever he completed it. Now, a smart reporter would have made sure to check which day the trade deadline fell that particular season, one in which the Islanders As it happened, Lamoriello’s first order of business was hiring a coach in turned a corner and became a top-10 team in the NHL for a couple of June of 2018. And the draft that month was, naturally, in Dallas; years. I have had my dumb moments, but one of the dumbest was whenever I travel there from home, I always think of that 2015 deadline. booking a flight from LaGuardia to Dallas that left around 1 p.m. — two Again, there were rumors that Lamoriello was closing in on hours before the official trade deadline in ’14-15, which means the as his new coach before I stepped on the plane. So, when it broke via busiest two hours for deals. Twitter after my WiFi had again turned off as we descended, it didn’t faze As the day drew nearer, I was a little panicked but not overly so. I’d me too much. purchase the in-flight WiFi, get connected once we got going and be able The spell on trades had clearly been broken leading up to last month’s to receive and send texts as well as tweet out whatever news was deadline. I was safely in my room in Arizona when the Andy Greene deal coming. Garth Snow liked that ’14-15 team a lot and didn’t have grand went down, then on my couch when the J-G Pageau trade was plans to alter much, so ahead of time I knew any trades would be depth completed. additions. After all these years, I’ve learned my lesson about flying around the trade Even so, I hated being second to report Islander moves during my first deadline. At least until the next move I miss. few years on the beat. I had good relationships with people in the organization, I was the only writer on the road all season and I felt it was The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 my job to be first, even ahead of the national Canadian crew that does a dauntingly good job of breaking trades. So I was definitely anxious to get on board and get going.

As anyone who flies in or out of LGA regularly knows, “get going” isn’t exactly how it works. When the pilot announced we were about No. 17 for takeoff, I was cool with it — kept my phone on, kept checking Twitter and was available for a text. But as I hunched over my phone in the aisle, a flight attendant caught me sending a quick text and asked, firmly, if I could shut it down. I obliged.

As soon as she was out of sight, I turned my phone back on to a text from an Isles team rep:

“Did you get that?”

No, I thought. No I did not. I did not get the text that said the Islanders were getting Tyler Kennedy for a conditional seventh-round pick, but now 1181972 New York Rangers You may not think plus-minus matters. Let me tell you, minus-24 playing for a team that was plus-seven at full strength, it matters. Kakko’s GF percentage of 28.57 was the worst in the NHL among the 215 forwards with at least 750 minutes at five-on-five. The three next worst were all Kaapo Kakko’s stubbornness is blocking potential Rangers greatness Red Wings.

Listen, Kakko wants to be great. No, he expects to be great. He spent the year beating himself up because he could not attain that standard. It was By Larry BrooksMarch 30, 2020 | 7:27PM painful for everyone. But there is time for Kakko to grow and there may be a top-six opening for him to grab if Jesper Fast departs.

Part 9 in a series analyzing the New York Rangers Kakko has the tools. Everyone in the hockey world was not wrong about him last year. He is talented and driven. All apples are fruit, but that does not mean that all fruit are apples. I learned that many, many years ago taking a Logic course. Happily I am And stubborn. able to apply that education here when I tell you that all great hockey New York Post LOADED: 03.31.2020 players have a stubborn streak, but that does not mean that all players with a stubborn streak are great.

Introducing, Kaapo Kakko.

So much of the conversation about the 2019 second-overall pick in the draft focused on his spot in the lineup, his linemates, his minutes and whether he should have been shoehorned into a top-six role, ready or not. There was also much talk about the difficulties confronting a teenager from Finland attempting to make the transition not only to the NHL, but to a foreign country with a foreign language.

No doubt these external factors proved meaningful through Kakko’s rookie season, but No. 24’s obstinance became a self-made obstacle that he was unable to overcome on a consistent basis. Kakko dominated in Finland by holding onto the puck as long as possible. He would take the puck to the net, he would circle the net, he would beat a couple of men on one side, dangle a bit, then beat the same two guys again en route to a highlight-reel goal.

He was very much an individualistic — as opposed to, selfish — player, able to go one-on-one with results that were overwhelmingly positive. That was a function of the league and of the big ice, though Kakko did dominate on the small ice of the 2018-19 World Juniors in Buffalo, albeit against teenagers. The NHL is not a league of teenagers.

The more Kakko tried to play it his way, the more his tendency to double down. He would hold onto the puck too long in slowing it down. He’d make his patented move to the net, beat one man, maybe even a second, but then would lose the puck to a third opponent, or maybe the initial defender who had circled back. Kakko believed he could make the league bend to him. One day, maybe. Last year, not.

When Kakko played with pace and moved the puck quickly, he was a much more effective offensive player. Indeed, the rookie seemed to get it late in the season in becoming a more dynamic and diversified player. There is no shame in adapting.

The Rangers have had 15 Finnish-born players throughout their history, but Kakko was the lone Finn on the squad this season. I was always surprised the team didn’t add another one to the roster in order to aid Kakko’s transition to his new life. But no.

By the way, Kakko ranks fifth in both goals and points on the all-time list of Finnish-born Rangers with 10 goals and 23 points. Reijo Ruotsalainen tops the chart with 99 goals and 316 points with Mikko Leinonen (31-77- 108), Esa Tikkanen (25-42-67) and Raimo Helminen (12-24-36) next in line. Next year: the Helminen Watch.

Mike Bossy was not a Finn and did not play for the Rangers. But he was as stubborn a rookie as I have covered. He could afford to be. He scored 53 goals.

Kakko did pick it up the two or so weeks leading into the March 12 coronavirus-induced shutdown. He had more jump in his step and played more of a give-and-go, dart-to-open-spaces game. He was more effective. And gave some thought to moving Kakko into a top-six role in the absence of the injured Chris Kreider.

But there was no improvement at the other end of the ice, where Kakko’s struggles were measurably worse. Not sure if a lack of awareness or of attention was the primary issue, but the winger was on for 40 goals- against at five-on-five, second most to Pavel Buchnevich’s 44 among New York forwards. Problem is that Buchnevich played 170 more minutes than Kakko. Beyond that, Buchnevich was on for 54 Rangers goals, a plus-10 while Kakko was on for 16 goals for and was a minus- 24. 1181973 New York Rangers of Skjei's performance. Trouba's other partners were rookie Libor Hájek, who was ultimately demoted to Hartford, and Brendan Smith, who spent most of the season as a forward.

What we learned in 2019-20: NY Rangers have options thanks to right- With a year in New York under his belt — and eventually a better partner handed 'D' depth — there are reasons to believe Trouba can be a long-term piece of the puzzle. He only turned 26 last month and brings elements that Fox doesn't, especially in terms of size and physicality. He led the Rangers in blocked shots (128) and hits (173) by fairly wide margins. Vincent Z. Mercogliano, NHL Writer Published 6:00 a.m. ET March 30, 2020 | Updated 11:03 a.m. ET March 30, 2020 "We will never judge him by points," Quinn said of Trouba earlier this season.

With Trouba signed for six more years and Fox on his entry-level contract With the NHL season on pause due to the coronavirus, we'll be for another two, it's safe to assume they'll both be on the blue line when producing a series of stories about the 2019-20 New York Rangers. First the 2020-21 season begins. we'll look at what we learned, then examine questions that remain unanswered. DeAngelo is the biggest question mark going into the offseason — not because of his play, but because of his contract status. As a restricted At this time last year, the New York Rangers were devoid of any sure free agent, he'll be due for a monster raise over the $925,000 he earned things when it came to right-handed defensemen. his season. And with Lundkvist — who boasts a similar skill set — on the That's what made the offseason trade to acquire Jacob Trouba feel like a way, the Rangers will have to decide how much they're willing to pay. necessity. And while there have been mixed reviews on whether Trouba To sign a long-term contract, DeAngelo would command at least $5 is worth the price tag of a top-pair defenseman, the depth behind him has million per season. It would be a similar average annual value for a developed at an accelerated rate. shorter-term bridge deal. The Rangers could push that figure lower by That starts with rookie Adam Fox, who established himself as arguably going to arbitration for a one-year deal, but that could be contentious. the best defenseman on the team in less than one full season. In fact, it's For those reasons, a trade wouldn't be shocking. It also stands to reason not really that arguable. that the Rangers may try one of their right-handed defensemen on the Then there's Tony DeAngelo, who finished 2018-19 on an upswing and left side, where the depth is much more questionable. (More on that next took it to a new level this season. The 24-year-old had a breakout week.) offensively, quarterbacking a potent top power-play unit while posting 53 There are a variety of options, and that's because their right-handed points (15 goals and 38 assists) in 68 games played. That tied him for defensemen developed into an area of strength in 2019-20. fourth among all NHL defensemen in points, erasing previous concerns about inconsistency. Bergen Record LOADED: 03.31.2020

And the pipeline offers even more hope for the future, led by 2018 first- round pick Nils Lundkvist. He broke the SHL record for points by a defenseman under the age of 20 with 31 (11 goals and 20 assists) in 45 games for Luleå this season, which has some experts rating him as the Rangers' best prospect.

With the acquisition of Trouba, the emergence of Fox and DeAngelo, and Lundkvist likely to sign his entry-level contract this offseason, the Rangers were able to use another talented right-handed defenseman, 20-year-old Joey Keane, to acquire forward Julien Gauthier from the Carolina Hurricanes. Prior to the trade, Keane had posted 30 points (eight goals and 22 assists) in 49 games with the and was selected as an AHL all-star.

Keane, becoming expendable, spoke to the quick evolution the Rangers have undergone on the right side of their defense. And no player deserves as much credit for changing the outlook as Fox.

The 21-year-old made the jump straight from college to the NHL look easy, particularly with his puck-moving ability and sense for making the right play. Fox posted 42 points (eight goals and 34 assists), which ranked second to DeAngelo among New York defensemen and 15th in the league.

But Fox's offensive reputation preceded him. The all-around game he displayed is what pushed him into Calder Trophy consideration. He's not the most physical defenseman at 5-foot-11, 181 pounds, but his stick skills and decision-making help him overcome that. Fox led the team with 57 takeaways and ranked second behind with 2.7 Wins Above Replacement, according to Evolving Hockey.

"He has that offensive flair and offensive dynamic to his game," Rangers coach David Quinn said about Fox earlier this month. "But as we have talked about, his defensive play has been very good all year."

By almost all statistical measures, Fox outperformed Trouba, who was locked up to a seven-year, $56 million contract last summer.

When the NHL season was paused on March 12, Trouba sat with 27 points (seven goals and 20 assists), which fell significantly short of his 50-point total in 2018-19 with Winnipeg. And his defensive zone play never quite lived up to what you'd want from a No. 1 defenseman — at least not on a consistent basis.

But in his defense — no pun intended — Trouba was never given a top- pair level partner. The closest thing was Brady Skjei, who ended up getting traded to Carolina. That should tell you what the Rangers thought 1181974 Ottawa Senators

That was then: 'The greatest band of athletes ever assembled'

Bruce Deachman

Publishing date:21 hours ago

Today, we begin a regular weekly look-back at some offbeat or interesting stories that have appeared in the Citizen over its 175-year history – starting with an NHL Stanley Cup record set by Ottawa Senator Frank “King” Clancy that still stands:

This week marks the 97th anniversary of an extraordinarily scarce event in Ottawa’s history: a Stanley Cup championship by the Ottawa Senators, following their 1-0 shutout victory over the Edmonton Eskimos in Game 2 of the 1923 finals, “displaying for one more time courage and resourcefulness almost unbelievable.”

The Senators, wrote Citizen sports editor Ed Barker, who had travelled with the team to Vancouver where the semi-finals and finals were held, “will go down in (the) history of sport as one of the greatest, if not actually the greatest, band of athletes ever assembled.”

The only goal of the game came via one of Harry Broadbent’s “bullet-like” shots halfway through the first period, after which, Barker wrote, the one- goal lead “was guarded as faithfully as the Royal Mint on Sussex street.”

Meanwhile, a record that still stands was set during that game. When Ottawa goalie Clint Benedict was given a penalty late in the third period for “chopping at the puck too close to Joe Simpson’s feet,” Frank “King” Clancy, at 20 the youngest player on the Senators, took over goaltending duties for two minutes (goalies, at the time, were required to serve their own penalties), making Clancy the only player to play all six positions in a Stanley Cup final.

Four years later, in 1927, the Senators won another Stanley Cup, their last – so far.

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181975 Ottawa Senators us are away from things we love to do, to work, to play and to entertain people. Hopefully, we get through this together. A huge thank you has to go to the medical professionals, volunteers and people delivering food. It just takes time. We have to be patient, safe and disciplined. There’s no SNAPSHOTS: Zdeno Chara says 'hockey is secondary' with the NHL other way to do it so we just have to do it together.” … While Calgary schedule on pause Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk and sister Tayrn have done a couple of Tik-Tok videos, Brady hasn’t been involved. “That’s their thing,” said

Tkachuk … Larkin is in Detroit waiting to see what happen. “I’m at home Bruce Garrioch with my girlfriend. We just got a puppy and I’m just trying to get into a routine, stay safe and stay home, more importantly, and hanging out but Published:March 30, 2020 that’s about it” Larkin said.

Updated:March 30, 2020 7:48 PM EDT THE LAST WORDS

There was a quite a moment when moderator John Dellapina of the NHL asked each player about the teammate who they’d want to be This was supposed to be the final week of the NHL season and teams quarantined with the most and who they wouldn’t? “I have to say Tuukka should have been gearing up for the playoffs to get under way next Rask,” said Chara. “The way he farts, the smell is just awful. He likes his Wednesday. chicken wings, and after the chicken wings, I sit behind him on the bus Instead, like the rest of the sports world, the NHL and its players are on I’ve got to tell you I’ve got to control myself sometimes.” While everybody hold with no idea what may happen next or whether they’ll even be able was having a good laugh, Dellapina changed the subject and said: “Well to resume the season or playoffs because of the outbreak of the novel that went in a direction we weren’t expecting.” Later in the day, Bruins’ coronavirus. winger David Pastrnak said on social media he wouldn’t mind being quarantined with Rask because they both “like chicken wings. His farts When the NHL decided to pause its schedule because of the COVID-19 are pretty bad and I definitely wouldn’t skate through his crease more virus, the Boston Bruins were well on their way to winning the Presidents’ than once in practice,” said Pastrnak. Trophy with 12 games left on the schedule and a trip to the Stanley Cup final for the second straight spring certainly looked like a strong Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.31.2020 possibility.

If all had gone as planned, the regular season would have wrapped up Saturday night while the draft lottery was scheduled for April 9 at the NHL Network studios in Secaucus, N.J.

Now, everybody is waiting to see what happens next and if the spread can be slowed to make it safe to return to work.

Captain Zdeno Chara noted on a conference call organized by the league and the players association Monday that hockey shouldn’t be first, and foremost, on anybody’s mind at the moment.

“Right now it’s one of those situations that you can’t really control,” said Chara, who was accompanied by Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk, John Tavares of the Maple Leafs and Detroit’s Dylan Larkin. “Right now, we all have to look after each other and look after our families. I know it’s kind of cliche answer but I think in these days hockey is secondary if you look at it that way.”

Chara added that he hopes the Bruins will get back to playing this season and if they do the challenge will be the same for everybody involved.

“Yeah it’s kind of hard to pause the league at the stage where we were, close to the playoffs and with only a few games remaining,” Chara said. “Our team played well and with confidence and we were going at a good pace but who knows? I think we can’t always wish for the perfect situations. These situations, as we see, do happen once in a while. Hopefully we’ll play again and we’ll see when that’s going to be.”

OFF THE GLASS

One aspect of the game Tkachuk doesn’t mind getting a break from is having to face off against Chara and the Bruins. “First, playing against Big Zee and the crosschecks in front of the net, those are something I definitely don’t miss,” Tkachuk said. “We have pretty good battles in front of the net so when he lays the lumber on me with the shoulder it definitely doesn’t feel as good. I’ve grown up watching him and I’ve met him a couple of times at a couple of all-star games when we were younger and he was always super-nice to us and that was great to see.” The Senators were scheduled to face the Bruins last Thursday night at the TD Garden … Speaking in a conference call with reporters in Los Angeles Monday, coach Todd McLellan indicated the Kings haven’t had any staff or players test positive for COVID-19. The Senators and Avalanche have both had two players test positive and both teams were in the Los Angeles before the NHL decided to take a break in the schedule.

AROUND THE BOARDS

Chara and his family decided to drive to Florida when players were given the go-ahead to leave their NHL cities by the league on March 16. Asked if he had a message for Bruins’ fans, Chara said he understands it’s not easy for anybody right now. “These are strange times,” he said. “Most of 1181976 Ottawa Senators Tkachuk, who has 21 goals and 44 points in 71 games this season, is the second in the league in hits with 303 this season. His physical play is a trademark to the success he’s had in his first two years in the league.

GARRIOCH: Back in St. Louis, Brady Tkachuk says teammates with “Brady got me pretty good early, I think in the first game of the year this COVID-19 are doing well year, right around the bench. That didn’t make my ribs feel too great,” said Tavares.

“So thanks for that,” Tavares added while Tkachuk wore a smile. Bruce Garrioch Before the call ended, each player was given the opportunity to send a Published:March 30, 2020 message to their fan base and Tkachuk’s was simple: He’s hopeful he’ll be back in Ottawa and back on the ice soon while he had nothing but Updated:March 30, 2020 3:59 PM EDT praise for the front line workers in this crisis.

“For myself, and for everybody on the team, we miss being in Ottawa and Brady Tkachuk is back at his family’s home in St. Louis during the pause just miss being a part of the community,” Tkachuk said. “All the fans miss in the NHL schedule, working hard to stay in shape and hopeful to be the game. (The message) is just for everybody to stay safe and follow all back at the Canadian Tire Centre to finish the season. those guidelines for social distancing, stay six feet away and wash your hands a lot. I think everybody knows that. While the novel coronavirus has hit close to home for the Ottawa Senators winger with two of his teammates testing positive for COVID- “You just want (people) to be safe and for those first responders and 19, Tkachuk told a video conference call organized by the league and the doctors and nurses who are battling this virus, they’ve sacrificed so players association Monday afternoon he’s been in touch with both much. We all think of them and everybody affected. We all pray for players and they’re recovering. them.”

“Those guys are doing well,” said Tkachuk. “We’re a tight group so we’re Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.31.2020 always in contact with one another but I think all of us are just concerned about them and everybody impacted by it.”

When the league told players they could return to their respective homes on March 16, Tkachuk decided it was best for him to return his parents in St. Louis during the pause. Not only is he spending time with father Keith and mother Chantal, brother Matthew, a forward with the Calgary Flames, and sister Taryn, an accomplished player, are also back home.

Tkachuk, who was accompanied by Boston captain Zdeno Chara, Toronto captain John Tavares and Detroit’s Dylan Larkin on the 40- minute call, has cherished this time with family and has tried to make the most of it since the schedule was suspended March 12.

“It’s a pretty crazy thing going on in this whole world and just being able to spend time with family and hang out … you don’t get this kind of opportunity to hang out with your family and be together for this time.,” said Tkachuk. “It’s been good but I think we’re all just concerned for everybody who has been impacted.”

However, having Matthew and Taryn around has helped to keep the competitive juices flowing while trying to stay in shape for the return of the season and they were all home for Keith’s 48th birthday party Saturday which was a quiet celebration by going for a family “walk with some cake.”

“Matthew has been here so I’ve been keeping busy with him and my younger sister,” Tkachuk said. “We’ve got the peloton downstairs that we’ve been going on and we’ve just been trying to keep active with basketball and stuff like that. It gets fiery. It’s been good.

“It’s stuff that we’re not used too but we’re trying to make the most of it in this situation and we’re just trying to stay active as much as we can.”

The call with the players wasn’t all serious.

The players had some fun with the questions from moderator John Dellapina of the NHL and at one point Tkachuk was asked which Ottawa teammate he’d like to be quarantined with and which one he wouldn’t. He picked blueliner Thomas Chabot as the player he wouldn’t mind being living with for a couple of weeks and predictably used it as an opportunity to take a shot at centre Colin White.

“There’s a couple of guys I’d want to be in quarantine with, one guy in particular is Chabot, he was my roommate this year,” Tkachuk said. “I know him pretty well and I’ve been over to his house for a couple of dinners and he makes some good meals.

“The one guy I wouldn’t, it’s probably Colin White, I’d probably just have steak and mashed potatoes for two weeks straight. He’s a great guy to hang out with but I don’t think I could handle having steak and mashes potatoes for two weeks.”

The players also had the opportunity to talk about what drives them nuts about each other when they’re opponents and Tavares noted the competitive nature that Tkachuk plays with in the Battle of Ontario. 1181977 Ottawa Senators your family as much during the year and be together for this time, so it’s been good. But I think we are all just concerned for everybody.”

The Tkachuk family has been practicing social distancing and isolation, Brady Tkachuk talks COVID-19, Tik Tok and why he won’t quarantine which means on Saturday for their dad Keith’s 48th birthday they went for with Colin White “a family walk,” had cake and watched the Netflix series “Tiger King.”

“Definitely wasn’t feeling the frame there,” he laughed about indulging on cake. “But, no, we had a good time.” By Hailey Salvian Mar 30, 2020 One part of Tkachuk family time that Brady wants nothing to do with over the isolation period is his siblings’ Tik Tok videos.

Even in such uncertain times you can count on Brady Tkachuk to be Last week, Taryn posted a video of her and Matthew dancing to a viral Brady Tkachuk. routine, with the caption “day 6 forcing him to do tik toks.” The video has over 30,000 views. On a Monday afternoon NHL video conference call, Tkachuk spoke for around 30 minutes along with three Atlantic Division opponents — Dylan “I refuse to join,” Brady said. “I’m not coordinated enough to do some of Larkin of the Red Wings, John Tavares of the Maple Leafs and Zdeno those dances, so I don’t want to embarrass myself.” Chara of the Bruins. The Atlantic Division call on Monday, at times, paled in comparison to the Each player was asked, by NHL vice-president of communications John Pacific Division call, which featured Ryan Getzlaf taking reporters on a Dellapina, what they don’t miss about playing against each other. virtual tour of the chicken coop he is building.

“(Brady), you do everything, you fight and your physicality, I don’t miss As The Athletic’s Lisa Dillman wrote, there was an easy familiarity that,” Larkin said. “You have no friends out there.” between the four veterans on that call, which led to great byplay and good-natured chirping at time. “Brady got me pretty good early, I think the first game of the year this year, right around the bench and didn’t make my ribs feel too good for a On Monday, Dellapina prodded the players to take shots at each other, couple weeks,” Tavares added. “So … thanks for that one.” but for the most part the participants were typically polite.

As he listened, Tkachuk flashed his signature grin. Senators fans know At one point, the players were asked who they would most — and least the one. Typically seen on the bench or in the penalty box after messing — like to quarantine with on their respective teams. with one of his opponents. Kind of like this: Cue the complimentary remarks about teammates. Nobody could PIC.TWITTER.COM/JVI7TLPR5B decide who to throw under the bus.

— JASKARAN (@JASKARANCANUCKS) MARCH 30, 2020 Tavares: “Good question. … I can’t think of anyone off the top of my head….” When it was Tkachuk’s turn to answer the question he had some fun at the veteran Chara’s expense. Larkin: “Least is tough. … I don’t know.”

“Playing against Big Z, the cross checks in front of the net, those are Then it was Tkachuk’s turn. definitely something I definitely don’t miss,” he said. “We had some pretty good battles in front of the net and when he lays the lumber on you, the “The one guy I wouldn’t is Colin White,” he said right away. “It would shoulder definitely doesn’t feel as good.” probably just be steak and mashed potatoes for two weeks straight.

This was the third day the NHL has made a handful of players available “He’s a great guy to hang out with, but I don’t think I could handle having to reporters via a video conference call. Monday featured the Atlantic steak and mashed potatoes for two weeks.” Division, broken into two groups. With the NHL on pause amid the For reference, he said he’d want to quarantine with Thomas Chabot COVID-19 pandemic and with two teammates who have tested positive because they have roomed together before, and Chabot has cooked him for the virus, Tkachuk said he’s been thinking of everybody affected some “good meals.” during this stressful time. Brady being Brady. “Those guys are doing well,” he said of his unnamed teammates diagnosed with the virus. “We’re a tight group, we’re always in contact It wasn’t all jokes, though. with one another. But I think all of us are just concerned about all of them and everybody impacted by (this virus).” The call ended with each of the players being asked to send a message to their fans. The Senators’ forward has been spending his days at home in St. Louis with his family, including his Calgary Flame brother Matthew and sister “For myself and everybody on our team, we miss being in Ottawa, we Taryn who has committed to playing NCAA Division I field hockey at miss being a part of the community,” he said. “(For our fans the University of Virginia. message) is just to stay safe and follow all the professional guidelines of social distancing, stay six feet away and wash your hands a lot. Tkachuk said the siblings have been keeping busy using their Peloton bike and playing basketball. “I think just be safe and for all those first responders and doctors and nurses who are battling this virus … they all sacrifice so much and we all Back in November, their mother Chantal told The Athletic that Matthew think of them and everybody affected.” and Brady were “always, always, always” competing hard as kids in things roller hockey and … basketball. That’s Brady Tkachuk for you: funny, sarcastic, family oriented. And a natural leader. Even in tough times. “It was almost a joke in our family,” she said at the time. “You know, they’d go out and play roller hockey and we’d be like, ‘OK how many The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 minutes until they come in and somebody is complaining or fighting?’ And sure enough, somebody would come in complaining, and then they’d be back out five minutes later playing again. They just always were each other’s playmates and just competed all the time.”

They are probably past that now right?

“It gets fiery,” Tkachuk said on the call with a grin.

When they aren’t competing, the family is enjoying the extra time together, he said.

“It’s a pretty crazy thing going on in the world,” he said. “Just being able to spend time with family and hang out. … You don’t get to hang out with 1181978 his golf swing for a while,” Fletcher said. “Right now, he’s going through notes and trying to stay safe.”

If the season resumes, Fletcher said there’s no playoff format that he Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher says players are working out at home; hopeful prefers. He said he was fine with whatever format the league decides to NHL season will resume use. “There’s a lot of different ideas out there, a lot of creative solutions,” he said.

Fletcher said it was important to crown a Stanley Cup champion this by Sam Carchidi, year. “If we’re able to come back and play, that means the world’s in a much better spot than it is right now,” he said. “I think that would be a

tremendous sign. Obviously a lot of work was put in and we got a Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher, in a wide-ranging conference majority of the regular season [played], and I think we’re all competitors call with reporters Monday, gave an update on his injured players, and we all want to play. Again, if we’re playing, that means the situation sounded hopeful the NHL season would resume, and said two recently has changed dramatically and we’re all in much better spots.” signed collegiate wingers would battle for roster spots during the 2020-21 Fletcher said injured players James van Riemsdyk, Phil Myers, and Nate training camp. Thompson are all recovering well. If the season resumed in May, all This season was suspended March 12 because of the coronavirus would be back. outbreak. Asked if the lost revenue from this season would affect next season’s Flyers broadcasters have different ways of handling the hockey void, just salary cap, Fletcher said: “I think our industry is no different from any don’t ask to do ‘that’ other industry. There’s going to be challenges for everybody as we move forward here. There will be a host of issues that the league and the union No one associated with the organization has been infected by the virus, will have to sit down and come to conclusions on. Until we have more Fletcher said, adding that “everyone is doing the best they can to self- concrete answers, it’s just hard to speculate on the types of things we isolate and be home with their families." need to be worried about.”

Before he answered questions, Fletcher, on behalf of the organization, After a mediocre start, the Flyers (41-21-7) were the league’s hottest thanked “all the people working on the front lines in this pandemic — the team when the season was suspended, winning nine of their last 10. doctors, nurses, hospital workers, our first responders, and everyone They are 19-6-1 since Jan. 8, tied with Boston for the most points in the working hard to keep all our essential services operating for the benefit of NHL in that span. “I think it took us time to get everybody on the same all of us.” page and playing our best hockey,” said Fletcher, mindful the Flyers had to get accustomed to a new head coach, two new assistants, and Fletcher said he wanted to mention that before talking about “a small newcomers like Kevin Hayes, Matt Niskanen, and Justin Braun, among piece of the world which I work in, which is .” others. “I believe that was predictable when you’ve made the number of Among the hockey-related developments, Fletcher said: changes we made the last offseason. I think as the season progressed and we all got on the same page from a systems standpoint, and our Most players have returned to their offseason homes and are working out culture grew and the expectations increased, we’ve become a pretty there, “and they’re all hopeful that at some point and time we’ll be able to good hockey team. I like the buy-in. Everyone is accepting of their role. ... get to a better place in this world and we’ll be able to play hockey.” whether it’s or Joel Farabee.”

Fletcher said left winger Oskar Lindblom, who is battling a rare bone Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.31.2020 cancer, has remained in the area for treatments and was “doing well.”

Center Nolan Patrick, who has missed the season because of a migraine disorder, has been “trending in the right direction,” but he wasn’t sure if he could return if the season resumed.

Brent Flahr, the assistant general manager who heads the Flyers’ scouting department, and his staff are watching lots of video and getting their draft list together. The June 26-27 draft has been postponed, and a new date has not been determined.

Assistant GM Barry Hanrahan has been working on cap-related issues and contracts. The Flyers have not had any contract discussions with players who will become restricted or unrestricted free agents in the summer. Fletcher said that the Flyers were “building files” for summer negotiations, and that the league has not yet decided if the July 1 free- agency period will be moved.

Wingers Wade Allison and Tanner Laczynski, each of whom signed entry-level contracts last week, will compete for jobs with the Flyers at training camp. “These are players who will be 23 years old next season and have both put in a lot of time on the collegiate level,” Fletcher said. “They both have size and strength ... I expect they’ll challenge for spots right away. Whether they can make it, time will tell. They’re players who are very close to being able to step in and play.”

Wade Allison shooting during the Flyers' development camp in Voorhees last June.

Wade Allison shooting during the Flyers' development camp in Voorhees last June.

Echoing what Flahr said last week, Fletcher said defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk was undecided about whether to return to the University of Wisconsin. He said highly regarded prospects Bobby Brink (Denver), Cam York (Michigan), and Noah Cates (Minnesota-Duluth) will return to their respective colleges and that was “the best route for all three of those kids.”

Fletcher said he checks in once a week with coach , who apparently has returned to his home in Florida. “He had been working on 1181979 Philadelphia Flyers at a much better spot than it is right now. I think that would be a tremendous sign."

NOTES >> Fletcher said Nolan Patrick has returned home and is "feeling Flyers' Fletcher as murky on future as anyone well in terms of where he has been over the past few months" with his migraine issues. "That's hard to say what exactly it will mean when we do come back to play," Fletcher added. ... Allison (Western Michigan, 2nd round in 2016) and Lyczynski (Ohio State, sixth round in 2016), both 22, By Rob Parent 8 hrs ago have a wealth of college experience and plenty of size. Said Fletcher: "I expect that they’ll challenge for spots right away."

As part of an NHL initiative to have at least some players and executives Delaware County Times LOADED: 03.31.2020 available to talk about everyone's sense of nothingness, Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher raised his hand on a Monday media conference call to weigh in on the important issues of the hockey day.

Naturally then, he had few answers to various predict-the-future questions, such as if there's going to be a remainder of the season, when a re-start might occur, and how his players might do to remain at least in a semblance of playing shape.

It was encouraging, however, that he managed to fill up his preferred 15 minute slot. He even wished everybody well in doing so.

"We’re in different times right now and want to certainly mention that our entire organization, and certainly my family and I, we want to thank all the people working on the front lines of this pandemic," Fletcher said. "The doctors, nurses, hospital workers, our first responders and everyone working hard to keep our essential services operating for the benefit of all of us."

As far as all of his players, Fletcher said, "most of them have returned to their off-season homes. A lot of them have the ability to work out there. I don’t think anybody is skating, obviously, at this point. I think guys are doing the best they can to stay in shape and they are all hopeful that in time we get to a better place in this world, where we’ll be able to come back and play hockey."

If (and OK, maybe when) that happens under a 2020 timeline, Fletcher espoused the theory that nothing more than a two-week mini-training camp could suffice for the best players in the world to be ticket-money- worthy.

"Guys take care of themselves," said Fletcher, not mentioning how tough that is to do now with workout facilities closed. "We have had other instances where we have had work stoppages and we’ve had shorter training camps to get ready for the season. Players have been able to manage it. These guys are tremendous athletes and they take care of themselves.

"Certainly two weeks, in my opinion, would be sufficient to get guys up to speed."

With wins in nine of their last 10 games the Flyers were certainly up to speed when it came to tracking a high seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Kind of a shame if they couldn't come back and try to capitalize on that.

"I think all of us are concerned about everyone’s health and well-being and trying to take all the precautions we can," Fletcher said. "Everybody (has) tried to heed the advice of the NHL and self-isolate and do what we can to keep ourselves and our families safe. Be smart members of the community and try to stay out of everyone’s way."

Fletcher had regular conferencing with assistant GMs Brent Flahr and Barry Hanrahan, who in recent days helped get two Flyers college draft picks of recent years, Tanner Laczynski and Wade Allison, signed to pro entry deals. Flahr and the team scouts are also busy preparing reports – albeit with less research info than in any other year – for whenever an NHL Draft will be held.

As far as a season resumption, however, Fletcher said he's "fine with anything that they put forward.

"To me, the more hockey the better," Fletcher said. "Whatever it ends up being, it ends up being. There’s a lot of ideas out there. A lot of creative solutions. It’s a good way to pass the time right now, but until things change and we have more information, it’s going to be hard to know what will happen.

"I just think there’s no sense in making any decisions until you have to make them. If we’re able to come back and play, that means the world is 1181980 Philadelphia Flyers get through this time and stage of where we’re all at, we want to help out any way we can."

On the hockey operations and upper management side, communication Amid coronavirus outbreak, Chuck Fletcher, Flyers push forward in remains vital. 'different times' Fletcher is in daily contact with assistant general managers Brent Flahr and Barry Hanrahan. With 2019-20 at a standstill, the Flyers continue to strategize for this summer's NHL draft and offseason in preparation for By Jordan Hall March 30, 2020 8:10 PM 2020-21.

The Flyers have seven picks in the draft and 10 players slated to hit free agency — Brian Elliott (unrestricted), Justin Braun (unrestricted), Tyler INSIDE THE TURNAROUND Pitlick (unrestricted), Derek Grant (unrestricted), Nate Thompson An inside look at how Flyers have built 2019-20 turnaround (unrestricted), Robert Hagg (restricted), Philippe Myers (restricted), Nicolas Aube-Kubel (restricted), Nolan Patrick (restricted) and Oskar With perspective from the players and head coach, let's take an inside Lindblom (restricted). look at how the Flyers have built their 2019-20 turnaround. By Jordan Hall Fletcher said the Flyers have not started negotiations with the team's UFAs or RFAs, as it's still early and much can change prior to the It was Monday morning, a day after the Flyers were originally scheduled offseason. for a huge showdown against the Penguins in Game 79 of their 2019-20 season. "Certainly, whether we start the negotiations or just prepare for them," Fletcher said, "typically this time of the year is when you’re building your The matchup at the Wells Fargo Center likely would have held files for the summer negotiations and this year isn’t any different. considerable playoff implications and a rowdy atmosphere. “I speak to Brent and Barry every day, we have a group text that we keep Chuck Fletcher was talking about neither as he began a conference call. pretty active in terms of different things that each of us may be doing.

"I want to acknowledge the obvious that we’re in different times right "Brent is working, first and foremost, with our scouting staff, our amateur now," the Flyers' general manager said. scouts and they’re working hard on getting their lists ready for the draft, watching video, reviewing reports, having discussions on players — Indeed. doing things they would typically do at this time of the year with the The Wells Fargo Center was quiet Sunday afternoon. Over 20 days and obvious exception that we’re not able to watch games live right now. counting, the Flyers have not played a game. With the NHL out of “Barry is working on contracts and cap-related issues going forward. commission since March 12 because of the coronavirus outbreak, the We’ve been able to sign a couple of our unsigned draft choices Tanner Flyers' 2019-20 fate is completely up in the air. Laczynski and Wade Allison recently. Barry has been on the forefront of When Fletcher said "different times," he meant much more than the those conversations.” simplicity of games being played, won and lost. As for head coach Alain Vigneault, you can bet he's staying busy. I just want to certainly mention that our entire organization, and certainly “He had been working on his golf swing for a while," Fletcher said. "But my family and I, we thank all the people working on the front lines of this right now, I think he’s like the rest of us, going through notes and trying to pandemic — the doctors, nurses, hospital workers, our first responders stay safe. and everyone working hard to keep all of our essential services operating for the benefit of all of us. I just wanted to mention that before we started "I speak to A.V. every week, just once a week. I’ve reached out to quite a talking about the small piece of the world that I work in which is ice few of the coaching staff and scouting staff and support staff, try to stay hockey. in regular contact with them whether it’s by a phone call or a text or an email. As the coronavirus outbreak has had a global impact, the Flyers are like many organizations — they must prepare to move forward as best they "We’re all trying to stay in touch and do what we can, but for obvious can in ways that are allowable. reasons, a lot of our business has been shut down right now. Most of the things we can focus on are matters going forward, whether that’s the In regards to the current roster and preparing for the NHL's potential draft or signing some of our players and planning some things in the resumption, the players are tasked with staying ready on their own time. future.” These are professional athletes and the Flyers trust them. Fletcher and the Flyers, of course, would love to finish off their 2019-20 “With respect to our players, we haven’t given them any sort of specific work. If they get a chance to, it would be doubly special. direction," Fletcher said. "Most of them have returned to their offseason homes. A lot of them have the ability to work out there. I don’t think “When you have time, use it," Fletcher said of the NHL's current spot. "To anybody is skating obviously at this point, but I think guys are doing the me, there’s no sense in making any decisions until you have to make best they can to say in shape and they’re all hopeful at some point in them. If we’re able to come back and play, that means that the world is in time, we’ll get to a better place in this world and we’ll be able to come a much better spot than what it is right now, and I think that would be a back and play hockey." tremendous sign."

When the Flyers returned to Philadelphia on March 13 following the Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.31.2020 postponement of their game the day prior against the Lightning in Tampa Bay, Florida, the focus was on the health and safety of everyone. During the stoppage, Fletcher has communicated with many players, including the Flyers' NHLPA representative James van Riemsdyk and team captain Claude Giroux.

“I think all of us are concerned about everyone’s health and wellbeing and trying to take all the precautions we can," Fletcher said. "I’m not aware of anybody that we had to take any particular precautions with other than once we got back from Tampa Bay, everybody has tried to heed the advice of the NHL, self isolate and do what we can to keep ourselves and our families safe and be smart members of the community and try to stay out of everyone’s way. Everyone is doing the best they can to self isolate and be home with their families.

"At this point, to me the biggest thing is just making sure everybody is safe and their families are safe. If there is anything they need from us to 1181981 Philadelphia Flyers

Did you miss Gritty playing Jenga? Scott Hartnell sure didn't

By Brooke Destra March 30, 2020 4:30 PM

Gritty has certainly kept himself busy during quarantine and continues to find ways to keep the fun alive.

On the agenda for today was a classic game of Jenga … but he played by himself. The Flyers went live on Instagram and their in-host arena Andrea Helfrich joined the party to feed questions and block suggestions for the mascot — who was clearly in the zone and couldn’t pause to read comments.

It drew in a lot of attention. Some from other mascots around the NHL and mostly Flyers fans — but a familiar face even needed to check in on his friend.

*Scott Hartnell enters the chat*

The beloved former-Flyer joined in on the fun and to see how his friend was doing.

Honestly, kudos to Gritty for building such a solid tower. Jenga isn’t easy with regular hands, I can’t imagine how difficult it must be with paws.

Eventually, the tower did fall — but apparently the mascot will be back on Instagram tomorrow with a new activity. I hope he’s coloring or cooking, personally, but any Gritty content is content I can’t wait to see.

15 minutes later...

Stay tuned for a new activity on Tuesday.

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NHL odds: If Flyers and Penguins played in 2020 playoffs, who would win?

By Brooke Destra March 30, 2020 1:15 PM

Another day without hockey gives many an opportunity to think about the hypotheticals, the what-ifs and more importantly, the playoffs.

Jeff Sherman from the Westgate SuperBook tweeted out the odds for the first round of the postseason if the league was to return and go straight into the playoffs:

IF the NHL returns and goes right to regular playoff format, here is what @SuperBookUSA would have 1st Round series prices

CBJ +300

Bos -400

Tor +200

TB -250

Car +160

Wsh -190

Pit -110

Phi -110

Nsh +150

StL -180

Dal +135

Col -155

Wpg +180

VGK -220

Cgy Even

Edm -120

— Jeff Sherman (@golfodds) March 29, 2020

According to the standings, the Flyers would be facing the Penguins in the first round and have the most even series, as both teams come in at (-110), indicating there is no favorite.

Before the NHL season came to a stop, the two teams faced each other only three out of the four scheduled meetings — the Flyers going 1-1-1 — and the games couldn’t have been any more different.

The first meeting is one that the Flyers would want to forget, getting blown out in a 7-1 loss. Since that meeting on Oct. 29, the Flyers have had one of the best records in the NHL.

Even though both teams on paper seem to have similar chances in this series, based off of where both teams left off, the Flyers have the clear advantage, winning nine of their last 10 games and were just a point out of first place. Whereas the Penguins were coming off of one of their worst stretches in 2019-20, winning just three of their last 10 games.

It’s always an electric time when the two teams face off against one another in the playoffs. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long before it becomes a reality.

There’s even the possibility that the regular season could resume at a later date, but all of this is simply up in the air for the time being. Fingers crossed that when things do eventually pick up, regular season or the playoffs, the Flyers will keep the heat that they had when things came to a halt.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181983 Philadelphia Flyers If there is a silver lining, it’s that Nolan Patrick (migraine disorder), Nate Thompson (sprained left knee), Phil Myers (fractured knee cap) and van Riemsdyk all have time to heal. In regard to Patrick, Fletcher said, “That’s hard to say exactly what it will mean when we do come back to play.” How the Flyers are conducting business remotely with season paused If they come back to play this season.

Surely there’s a small circle among NHL executives who have a date in Dave Isaac mind where they’ll have to have a decision one way or the other about playing a season. If the Stanley Cup isn’t awarded this season it would Published 1:24 p.m. ET March 30, 2020 | Updated 1:34 p.m. ET March be the first time (outside of a lockout) since 1919, when the Spanish Flu 30, 2020 stopped the final series short.

“When you have time, use it,” Fletcher said. “I just think there’s no sense It’s near the beginning of an unexpected offseason, one that doesn’t in making any decisions until you have to make them. If we’re able to have a known term, one that blindsided most of the world, let alone the come back and play, that means that the world is in a much better place corner in which sports operates. than it is right now and that would be a tremendous sign. Obviously I hope that we have the ability to finish up this year. A lot of work was put Most of the Flyers have gone back to their offseason residences while in and we got through the majority of the regular season. We’re all COVID-19 wrecks havoc on everything. The Flyers were among the competitors. We all want to play. Again, if we’re playing it means that this lucky. None of them had symptoms that required “any particular situation has changed dramatically and we’re in a much better spot. precautions,” general manager Chuck Fletcher said, other than the general recommendation to stay home. “I guess I just want to acknowledge now that we’re in different times right now. I want to certainly mention that I think our entire organization and Fletcher is trying to keep in touch with as many people as he can. He is certainly my family and I, we thank all the people working on the front on a text message chain with assistant GMs Barry Hanrahan, the lines of this pandemic: the doctors, nurses, hospital workers, our first resident contract and salary cap expert, and Brent Flahr, who runs the responders and everyone working hard to keep all of our essential amateur scouting side of things. services operating for the benefit of all of us.”

“We stay in touch every day and try to coordinate with the things that we Courier-Post LOADED: 03.31.2020 do,” Fletcher said on a conference call with reporters Monday. “Personally, I’m trying to reach out to a lot of our support staff and our scouts as well as people like Bob Clarke and Paul Holmgren, Bill Barber, Dave Scott and just continue to keep the lines of communication open, speak to people on a regular basis and just try to do what we can to stay busy.”

Fletcher is in weekly communication with head coach Alain Vigneault and is staying at his Florida home. He has also texted team captain Claude Giroux a few times but is more in communication with James van Riemsdyk, the team’s representative with the NHL Players’ Association.

Last weekend, van Riemsdyk drove 17 hours from Philadelphia to his home in Minnesota to hunker down for a while. His broken right index finger, Fletcher said, has been healing nicely as he coordinates the players and disseminates the information he gets.

“Certainly I’ve got to make sure guys know what’s going on and that kind of stuff,” van Riemsdyk said last week. “At a time like this you almost welcome that busyness because there’s not a ton going on at home when you’re hanging out and stuff like that so it’s a welcomed thing to be a part of.”

No one knows when the “pause” in the NHL’s season will stop, or if they’ll even resume this season at all. That makes it hard to conduct business.

The NHL already delayed the pre-draft combine and the draft itself, which was set to take place in Montreal in June. Now it may be done remotely…just like everything else these days.

“Brent is working first and foremost with our scouting staff, our amateur staff,” Fletcher said. “They’re working on getting their list ready for the draft, watching video, reviewing reports, having discussions on players and doing things they would typically to do at this time of year with the obvious exception that we’re not able to watch games live right now.”

Hanrahan has kept busy signing Western Michigan’s Wade Allison and Ohio State’s Tanner Laczynski, a pair of 2016 Flyers draft picks. Again, done remotely without the customary handshake as the ink is drying on the contract. The same might happen soon for defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk who is in the process of deciding whether to return to the University of Wisconsin for his senior season or not.

Then there’s the guys already in the NHL.

“With respect to our players, we haven’t given them any sort of specific direction,” Fletcher said.

“A lot of them have the ability to work out (at their offseason homes). I don’t think anybody is skating, obviously, to this point, but everybody is doing the best they can to stay in shape and they’re all hopeful that at some point in time we’ll come to a better place in this world and we’ll be able to come back and play hockey.” 1181984 Philadelphia Flyers impossible for the NHL to accurately project full-season revenue when it doesn’t know if the season will resume or if the playoffs will be held.

As a result, Fletcher acknowledged he’s refrained from starting Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher stays busy during hockey’s new normal negotiations with the Flyers’ many pending unrestricted free agents such as Justin Braun, Brian Elliott and Tyler Pitlick, along with trade deadline acquisitions Derek Grant and Nate Thompson.

By Charlie O'Connor Mar 30, 2020 “We haven’t started any negotiations, no, with any of our RFAs or UFAs at this point,” Fletcher said. “And part of it (is) there’s obviously a lot of

uncertainty as to what the cap number might be, and when things will Arenas are closed. Team facilities are locked up. And due to the wide- start up.” scale response to the coronavirus in North America, it remains unknown If those conversations do begin in the near future, however, expect the when NHL teams will return to the ice, or even if a satisfying resolution to restricted free agents to be prioritized. the season is possible. “I think we’re certainly willing to have conversations with some of those But during a Monday morning conference call with local media, Chuck players, younger players that we’ll need to sign under any circumstance,” Fletcher made clear that just because the sport of hockey is in a public Fletcher said, “so I think if we can get ahead of some of those situations, state of suspended animation, it doesn’t mean his duties as general we’ll look at it.” manager of the Philadelphia Flyers have halted as well. He’s still busy — the nature of Fletcher’s busyness has simply adjusted to account for the That approach makes sense; the organization has long planned for RFAs new normal. like Philippe Myers, Nolan Patrick, Oskar Lindblom, Robert Hägg and even Nicolas Aubé-Kubel to play roles in the Flyers’ future, while “For obvious reasons, a lot of our business has been shut down right decisions still need to be made about whether veterans like Braun and now, and most of the things we can focus on are matters going forward,” Pitlick have a place on the team beyond 2019-20. Fletcher said. “We’ll try to use some of this time to our advantage, and certainly Group chats and one-on-one phone calls have replaced in-person whether we start the (RFA) negotiations, or just prepare for them, meetings, as the organization adheres to the social distancing mandates typically this time of year is when you’re building your files for the implemented across the continent. But Fletcher’s overarching duties summer negotiations, and this year isn’t any different,” Fletcher said. haven’t changed much. He’s still trying to facilitate communication throughout the organization, and he’s still working to give the Flyers the A GM’s duties go beyond contract negotiations and player transactions, best chance of long-term on-ice success — even as the “on-ice” part of course, and that’s especially true during an unforeseen, disconcerting remains on hold. event like the COVID-19 pandemic. Communication becomes even more important in making an organization still feel like a unified whole, as “I speak to (assistant general managers) Brent (Flahr) and Barry players and coaches have dispersed to be with their families. Injured (Hanrahan) every day,” Fletcher said. “We have a group text that we players still need to be treated, vital information needs to be keep pretty active in terms of different things that each of us may be disseminated and key people need to be kept in the loop. doing.” That’s been a top priority for Fletcher. For Flahr, that means a heavy focus on preparing for the NHL Draft, which was officially postponed last week but will take place at some point “Personally, I am trying to reach out to a lot of our support staff and this summer after its originally scheduled June 26-27 dates. Fletcher said scouts as well as people like Bob Clarke, Paul Holmgren, Bill Barber and Flahr and the scouting staff are readying for the draft in the usual ways Dave Scott to keep the lines of communication going, to speak to people — watching game tape, comparing reports and slowly constructing lists on a regular basis,” he said. “Just to do what we can to stay busy.” of preferred options. James van Riemsdyk, the Flyers’ NHLPA representative, has been a While Flahr’s team works behind closed doors, the fruits of Hanrahan’s regular contact, as Fletcher has worked to ensure the players receive labor have been a bit more public. Last week, the Flyers signed news from the league and the players’ union. Trainer Jim McCrossin has prospects Tanner Laczynski and Wade Allison to two-year, entry-level communicated with van Riemsdyk during the veteran’s recovery from a contracts, conversations that Hanrahan — in his role as the club’s salary broken finger, in addition to checking in on Myers (fractured patella, was cap and contract expert — took the lead in driving. originally scheduled to return before the end of the regular season) and Thompson (already cleared from a knee sprain). “I expect that they’ll challenge for spots (on the Flyers) right away,” Fletcher said of the 22-year-old forwards, who will turn pro whenever the Then there’s head coach Alain Vigneault, whom Fletcher has spoken 2020-21 season begins. “Whether they can make it, time will tell. They’re with at least once a week. Vigneault has apparently had little trouble players that are very close (physically) to being able to step in and play keeping himself occupied during his time away from the team. (in the NHL).” “He had been working on his golf swing for a while,” Fletcher cracked. Over the past few weeks, the Flyers also gained clarity on the plans of “Right now, I think he’s like the rest of us, going through notes and trying other collegiate prospects in the pipeline. Defenseman Cam York to stay safe.” (Michigan) and forwards Bobby Brink (Denver) and Noah Cates (Minnesota-Duluth) will return to college in 2020-21, decisions that Safety remains the most important part of at least the next few weeks for Fletcher called “the best route for all three.” Wisconsin defenseman all members of the organization. While contracts, scouting and college Wyatt Kalynuk, however, is still undecided about whether to sign a decisions are all necessary aspects of running a franchise, Fletcher contract with the Flyers this summer or return to school for his senior began the call by acknowledging that his work pales in comparison to the season. threat of the virus and the efforts of health care professionals and other essential workers. First-round pick Cam York will return to Michigan for the 2020-21 season (Courtesy of Kate Frese) “I want to acknowledge the obvious — that we’re in different times right now, and want to certainly mention that our entire organization, and “I think Wyatt Kalynuk and his family are looking at all his options and certainly my family and I, we want to thank all the people working on the deciding what they want to do and what Wyatt wants to do moving front lines of this pandemic: the doctors, nurses, hospital workers, our forward,” Fletcher said. “There’s really no urgency right now, with the first responders and everyone working hard to keep our essential pause in the NHL season and the NCAA schedule being canceled. I think services operating for the benefit of all of us. I certainly want to mention he’s taking the time that he has to think through what he wants to do, that before we start talking about the small piece of the world that I work which is his right.” in, which is ice hockey.”

Draft prep might be moving full speed ahead, as are decisions regarding The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 the futures of key prospects. But other plans have largely been tabled due to the uncertainty. The salary cap ceiling for the 2020-21 season remains unknown since league revenue determines the cap, and it’s 1181985 Pittsburgh Penguins

Wheeling Nailers won’t renew coach’s contract

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Monday, March 30, 2020 7:13 p.m.

The Wheeling Nailers have decided to part ways with coach Mike Bavis.

The Penguins’ ECHL affiliate announced Monday it will not renew the contract of Bavis, who coached the team for the past two seasons. The Nailers went 55-61-15 under Bavis. They missed the playoffs last season and were in last place in the six-team Central Division when this season was canceled by the coronavirus outbreak.

“We would like to thank Mike for the work he did for our organization, and we wish him the best as he moves forward,” Nailers governor Don Rigby said in a press release. “We remain committed to putting a winning team on the ice, and believe it is in the best interest of the team to move in a different direction for the 2020-21 season.”

The Nailers hired Bavis on short notice in the summer of 2018 after the team’s first choice for a new head coach, Mark Dennehy, was hired away by the AHL’s Binghamton Devils before ever coaching a game in Wheeling.

After hiring Bavis, the Penguins had Boston University products coaching all three teams in the organization. Now, Mike Sullivan is the last Terrier left standing. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s Clark Donatelli was replaced by Mike Vellucci after last season and Bavis was let go Monday.

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Penguins moments part of fan-voted tournament as best of NHL season

CHRIS ADAMSKI | Monday, March 30, 2020 10:40 a.m.

The combination of a new sort of March Madness and the current trend of re-living past sporting events has resulted in an online “tournament” of the best games of the NHL season.

The league’s social media platforms are encouraging fans to vote on 64 “moments” from its 2019-20 games — a season that is in pause during the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

Two Penguins moments are among those that can be voted on: their wild 8-6 Nov. 27 victory against the Vancouver Canucks and Sidney Crosby reaching 800 career assists in fewer games than all but five players in league history.

Crosby’s second assist of a 7-3 victory March 4 — the Penguins’ most recent home win and perhaps their final win at PPG Paints Arena of the season — came on a Jason Zucker goal. It gave Crosby’s 800 assists in 980 games.

The Thanksgiving Eve win was one of the wildest in recent Penguins history. They scored six times in the third period, including the game’s final five goals after falling behind 6-3 after a pair of Vancouver goals 35 seconds apart early in the period.

Voting begins Monday on Twitter and Instagram.

Tribune Review LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181987 Pittsburgh Penguins of the players he had in mind. Given his age and his injury this season, the rest may prove helpful.

LONG-TERM OUTLOOK: After this season, Crosby will have five years Pausing the Penguins: What to make of what could be a lost season for left on his contract, which pays him $8.7 million annually. He’s not going Sidney Crosby? anywhere. But with Crosby turning 33 in August, it’s fair to wonder if this so-so season by his standard was just bad luck or the start of inevitable decline. He is human — we think.

MATT VENSEL Post Gazette LOADED: 03.31.2020 MAR 30, 2020 1:47 PM

The NHL has “paused” its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s unclear if it will resume. With one eye still on the future, the Post- Gazette is looking back at what each Penguins player did in 2019-20, starting with the captain, No. 87, and counting down by jersey number.

Sidney Crosby ranked third on the Penguins in points and was 12th among all NHL players in points per game when the league suspended play March 12.

Not bad for a guy who missed 28 games due to a sports hernia injury and might not have been at 100% during any of the 41 games in which he suited up.

Crosby reportedly suffered his injury during training camp and decided to try to play through it. He had 17 points in 17 games to help carry the Penguins through a tough early-season stretch when they lost several important players to injury. He aggravated the injury Nov. 9 and underwent surgery a few days later.

Penguins center Sidney Crosby goes through drills during afternoon practice Thursday, Jan. 30, 2019, at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, Pa.

The Penguins were one of the hottest teams in hockey when Crosby returned to the lineup on Jan. 14. He had seven goals and 23 points in 13 games before the season took a nosedive with a six-game losing streak that started Feb. 20.

During a winless three-game trip to California, he shouldered the blame, telling reporters that he “put it on himself” and said he needed to “step up.”

The Penguins, of course, had more pressing issues than their scuffling superstar. But it was true that Crosby was not as impactful this season as he was in 2018-19, when he finished second in MVP voting and fourth for the Selke Trophy.

His 53.0% shot share was his lowest since 2013-14. And the Penguins generated just 50.6% of the high-danger scoring chances with Crosby on the ice at 5-on-5. That was his lowest rate since his second season, per Natural Stat Trick.

There were a few contributing factors. Jake Guentzel was out following shoulder surgery and Crosby was trying to get on the same page as his new wingman, Jason Zucker. Crosby was too often on the ice with Jack Johnson due to injuries on the blue line. And he was likely dealing with lingering effects of his injury.

Add it all up, and the 32-year-old center was good but not quite himself.

And now with the NHL on pause, it could be a lost season for Crosby, who will only get so many more chances to hoist the Stanley Cup for a fourth time.

Penguins GM Jim Rutherford talks to the media at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex Monday, Feb. 25, 2019 in Cranberry.

DEFINING MOMENT: There was little doubt that Crosby would have a monster game when he returned from his three-month absence. He had a season-high four points in a 7-3 win over Minnesota on Jan. 14. The last came when he banked the puck off the back of the net then made a slick setup to Dominik Simon.

STAT THAT STANDS OUT: Crosby had a minus-8 rating when the season was put on hold. The last time he was in the red in plus-minus was his rookie year.

IF THE SEASON RESUMES: General manager Jim Rutherford said last week he thinks the Penguins will benefit from the time off if the NHL is able to award the Stanley Cup this season. Crosby was presumably one 1181988 Pittsburgh Penguins A deserted road in front of the Colosseum monument in Rome on March 25, 2020.

Then, there were the on-field celebrations after two of the greatest Ron Cook: Can future sports moments be as memorable without raucous moments in sports history. There was the unbridled joy at Forbes Field crowds? after Bill Mazeroski’s home run took down the mighty Yankees in Game 7 of the 1960 and the happy mayhem at Three Rivers Stadium after Franco Harris’ Immaculate Reception beat the Raiders in the 1972 playoffs. RON COOK How lucky have we been? MAR 30, 2020 11:00 AM I’m still going to be greedy and gripe about the one celebration that we

didn’t get to enjoy. Thousands of fans — it seemed like millions, actually The Florida Derby ran as scheduled Saturday at Gulfstream Park. Tiz the — gathered outside PPG Paints Arena during Game 5 of the Penguins- Law won by 4 ¼ lengths to become a Derby favorite. More Sharks Cup final series in 2016, ready to party all night. The Penguins noteworthy was the fact the race was held with no fans in the had a chance to become the first Pittsburgh team to clinch a grandstands or in the infield. championship in the city since Maz’s 1960 Pirates but were beaten, 4-2. It was eerie walking outside the building an hour after the game and Talk about strange. finding the streets empty. What a night that would have been.

Perhaps we had better get used to it. You know what, though?

The NHL, NBA and MLB have talked about playing in empty arenas and The parade through downtown after the Penguins’ 3-1 win in Game 6 stadiums, should the hostage situation with the COVID-19 pandemic eased that disappointment. ease. Post Gazette LOADED: 03.31.2020 The Pirates' Willie Stargell blasts a home run as Baltimore Orioles catcher Rick Dempsey watches during the final game of the World Series in Baltimore, Oct. 17 1979.

I started to think about some of the wonderful pandemonium in the stands at Pittsburgh games. Imagining no fans at those games almost makes me want to cry.

The best sporting event I’ve attended was the Pirates-Reds wild card playoff game at PNC Park in 2013. If you close your eyes and let your imagination roam, you still probably can hear the “Cue-to! Cue-to!” chants that reverberated through the North Shore that night. You still probably can see Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto dropping the ball — literally — and serving up a home run to Russell Martin on the next pitch. Bedlam ensued. The Pirates went on to win, 6-2.

I’ve never believed the crowd can intimidate a professional athlete. I don’t think it happened with Cueto. But I do believe the fans can inspire their team’s players. So it was with Martin. “I don’t even remember running around the bases,” he said of his home run. “I think I just floated.”

The only Pittsburgh baseball games that came close to that magical night happened on the final weekend of the 1978 season. The Pirates needed to sweep a four-game series from the Phillies to win the National League East and looked as if they might do it when they won a Friday night double-header by scoring the winning run in each game in the bottom of the ninth inning. That the Pirates lost, 10-8, the next day when pitcher Randy Lerch — of all players — hit two home runs didn’t lessen the thrill of that Friday night.

The Penguins and their fans have provided their share of terrific moments at Civic Arena and PPG Paints Arena. I think of the boisterous “19-40! 19-40!” chants directed at the Patrick Division-winning Rangers during the 1992 playoffs, reminding the Rangers of their most-recent Stanley Cup win. I think of the eruption late in Game 1 of the 1992 Cup final against the Blackhawks when Jaromir Jagr tied the game with 4:55 left and Mario Lemieux won it with :13 remaining.

More recently, there was the overtime win on Nick Bonino’s goal that eliminated the Capitals in six games in the 2016 playoffs and Chris Kunitz’s goal in double-overtime that sent home the Senators in seven games in 2017. I’m not a fan of any team, but I was exhausted after watching those games. I can only imagine how the fans and players felt. I remember suggesting to Ian Cole after that clinching win against the Capitals that it felt as if should have been in the building to present the Cup to Sidney Crosby. “It feels like we’ve been playing the Capitals for like a month,” he agreed. “But we’re only halfway there.”

The Steelers won each of their six championships at a neutral site, but they won a lot of big home games to get to the Super Bowl. The crowd I remember best was at the AFC championship game against the Ravens after the 2008 season. That was the game when Troy Polamalu intercepted a Joe Flacco pass and criss-crossed the field to return it 40 yards for the clinching touchdown. You will see Polamalu’s brilliance on that play dozens of times before he is inducted this summer into the Pro Hall of Fame. 1181989 Pittsburgh Penguins the two men argued as the scared woman ran back toward the main road, again according to her testimony.

De Lena told prosecutors Spencer drove back down the dirt road by Sex, drugs, a dead playboy and a former Penguins winger charged with himself and picked her up. murder “Where’s Dalfo?” she told prosecutors she asked Spencer.

“He’s back there. He’s not going to cause us trouble anymore,” she said By Ed Bouchette Mar 30, 2020 he replied.

A truck driver found Dalfo the next morning with two gunshot wounds to his head. No sooner had Florida authorities arrested a popular former Pittsburgh Penguins winger, charged him with first-degree murder and tossed him in Lynne Baldwin, an assistant state attorney prosecuting the case, jail, the titillating story flashed through the sports world. welcomed me into her office and was not bashful providing information on the case. I followed her around the courthouse that day as she went It was a gripping tale: sex, cocaine, a dead playboy and a murder from case to case, talking to me in between courtroom visits. While mystery that took authorities five years before they charged the ex- waiting for her to finish one case, a defense attorney who was not hockey player. If that wasn’t enough, the accused player’s dad had been involved with Spencer approached me and warned me not to try to talk to killed in a hail of gunfire years earlier in his violent, failed attempt to him. It might hurt his case, he said. Spencer’s court-appointed defense coerce a TV station to air his son’s game and interview on Hockey Night lawyers never returned my calls. in Canada. I asked Baldwin how I might interview Spencer, if that was even possible. It had all the ingredients for a good book and movie. In fact, the story Go to the jail and sign in, she told me. Once there I approached a group became the subject for both. of women gathered outside. They were wives and girlfriends of the incarcerated. I asked how to go about visiting a prisoner. Just sign up, Brian “Spinner” Spencer, one of the more popular Penguins of the 1970s, one said, and if they don’t call your name to leave, it means the prisoner was a who battled for pucks in the corners. Now, in March 1987, agreed to meet with you. he sat in the Palm Beach County Detention Center facing the possible electric chair when I pulled up a chair across from him. We each picked My name wasn’t called to leave. I was among the visitors ushered into an up the telephone on the other side of a bullet-proof window and began to area where, just as you’ve seen on TV, the prisoners were separated by talk. a window, with a phone on either side to talk. I sat down and as Spencer approached, he gave me a look like, who the hell are you? I introduced It would be the only jailhouse interview Spencer would grant before he myself and told him I was writing a story about him. He said he would talk went to trial, accused of murdering a playboy restaurant owner, the son to me, but could not talk about the case, saying only, “The things they’re of a prominent Florida land developer. Spencer’s live-in girlfriend, who digging up, certainly I had nothing to do with.” happened to be a call girl, told him that she had gotten into an argument with the restaurant owner, a client, regarding payment for her services. Still, it was a fascinating interview. Hours after Spencer was seen arguing with the man down a dark, dirt road, the guy turned up dead. He publicly thanked his fans and begged me to get the message to them to write to him in jail, as more than 600 already had. Twice divorced, he My trip to West Palm Beach that spring brought a plea by defense blamed much of his troubles and exit from hockey on women. As he did attorneys to stay away from Spencer and a prosecutor who promised to this, he gently banged the glass that separated us with a huge hand that subpoena me if I did talk to him. It prompted me to hightail it out of had landed on many an ice opponent. He railed against “Marriage, and Florida once I did. But I also managed to stop by to say hello to second- the ability women have to tear you down.” year Atlanta Braves manager Chuck Tanner and his coaching staff that included Willie Stargell while they were in spring training at West Palm He talked about his connection with his fans and how much he enjoyed Beach. I also chatted with a visitor that day, Donora, Pa., native Ken visiting kids in hospitals during his playing days. Griffey Sr., who told me his son might get drafted in the first round that “A 12-year-old kid in Buffalo died in my arms,’’ Spencer told me. “I was June. Bosses love two stories for the price of one. crying. Here I was able to lead a life in the NHL and here’s a 12-year-old Spinner Spencer, 37, had been retired for seven years after playing his boy who never got a chance. No divorce court could take that away.” final NHL season with the Penguins in 1978-79, finishing up a year later Spencer said he was optimistic about beating the murder rap. in the AHL. He moved to Florida and found himself in some serious hot water. “Now we’re at the repairing stage,” he said. “I have a lot of priorities now to sort through and get on with my life. I’m very optimistic. … I never went His early NHL career had begun under the most bizarre and tragic of into any game feeling I had a chance to lose.” circumstances. Spencer, in his first full NHL season, told his father that his Toronto Maple Leafs would be televised nationally in Canada in a I thanked him, closed my notebook, left the jail, packed up, left for the December 12, 1970 game against Chicago and he would be interviewed airport and flew home to Pittsburgh earlier than planned. My story between periods. But the local station two hours from his father’s home in appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on April 1, 1987. I was never British Columbia decided to televise a Vancouver Canucks-Oakland subpoenaed by Florida authorities. That October, Spencer was tried and Seals game instead. found not guilty on all charges and set free. He would have just over seven more months to live. Spencer’s father, who had invited family and friends to his home to watch his son that night, drove two hours to the TV station in a fit of rage. Once Spencer and a friend had just purchased cocaine on June 3, 1988. They there, he pulled a gun to force the station off the air. The Royal Canadian stopped to grab some cigarettes when the friend told police a robber shot Mounted Police arrived and killed Roy Spencer in a shootout. Spinner Spinner dead through the heart while he sat in the passenger side of his Spencer was told of his father’s death later that night and played the next truck. The culprit then ran off. day at Buffalo. Larry Willie Johnson was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder. When we met, 17 years later, Roy Spencer’s son was charged with His motivation for killing Spencer remained unclear. A botched robbery shooting another man twice in the head, leaving him to die in a ditch. The was suspected. murder of Michael James Dalfo, 29, took place in the early morning hours of Feb. 4, 1982. Five years later, prosecutors decided to give Spinner’s The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 prostitute girlfriend — described by one as Marilyn Monroe-like — full immunity to testify against him in a case that had gone cold.

After Diane de Lena, the call girl, and Dalfo argued over her services, she left and told Spencer that Dalfo frightened her. The two hopped in a car and went looking for Dalfo. They found him outside of his posh condo and forced him into their car, according to the woman’s testimony, and the trio drove to a remote area down a dirt road. The three got out and 1181990 San Jose Sharks

San Jose Sharks agree to terms with former Arizona State defenseman

By CURTIS PASHELKA | PUBLISHED: March 30, 2020 at 5:51 p.m. | UPDATED: March 30, 2020 at 10:41 p.m.

SAN JOSE — Former Arizona State defenseman Brinson Pasichnuk has agreed to terms on an entry level contract with the San Jose Sharks, the school announced Monday night.

As many as 20 NHL teams were reportedly interested in Pasichnuk, who had 37 points — third most among all NCAA Division I defensemen — in 36 games this past season with the Sun Devils.

Earlier this month, TSN reported that Pasichnuk, 22, had narrowed his decision down to two teams. Monday, The Athletic first reported that he and the Sharks were close to a deal.

The deal has not yet been signed, but if the NHL can resume the 2019- 2020 regular season, it would allow Pasichnuk the chance to play a game with the Sharks and burn a year off what would be a two-year entry-level contract.

If the NHL cannot resume play on this season, Pasichnuk’s would-be contract would not start until the 2020-2021 season. The NHL paused its season March 12 and there has been no indication on when the league might be able to resume play.

“I do know where I’m signing, but I want to keep it on the down-low until it’s official,” Pasichnuk recently told TheHockeyNews.com. “I’m just waiting to see what (the NHL) is doing.”

Pasichnuk, a native of Bonnyville, Alberta, finished his college career with 39 goals and 68 assists 136 games.

“Forever Grateful that God brought me to ASU and gave me the best four years of my life,” Pasichnuk tweeted Monday.

Pasichnuk, a left-shot defenseman, went undrafted as an 18-year old but attended development camps with the Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild and the from 2016-2018 before he and brother Steenn came to the Sharks’ development camp last season.

At 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, he’s been compared to Torey Krug of the Boston Bruins and Adam Fox of the New York Rangers — smallish defenseman who make an impact with their skating and decision making.

The Sharks have three left shot defenseman signed for at least the next two seasons in Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Radim Simek and Mario Ferraro. But the Sharks used four left shot defensemen for most of the season, meaning that wouldn’t necessarily preclude Pasichnuk from being with the Sharks for the 2020-2021 season.

Other left shot defenseman in the Sharks’ system signed for next season include Trevor Carrick, Nikolai Knyzhov and Artemi Kniazev, who was drafted 48th overall in 2019.

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NHL rumors: Brinson Pasichnuk, Sharks nearing contract agreement

By Marcus White March 30, 2020 5:39 PM

The Sharks reportedly are close to adding some promising defensive depth to their organization.

San Jose is nearing agreement on a contract with Arizona State defenseman Brinson Pasichnuk, The Athletic's Kevin Kurz first reported and The Hockey News' Ken Campbell and Bay Area News Group's Curtis Pashelka later confirmed.

The Sharks are closing in on a deal for 22-year-old left shot defenseman Brinson Pasichnuk out of Arizona State, according to a source. He posted 11 goals and 37 points in 36 games last season. Was highly sought after, from what I understand.

Pasichnuk, 22, scored 107 points (39 goals, 68 assists) in 136 games over four seasons with the Sun Devils. The 6-foot, 180-pound defenseman ranked third among blueliners with 37 points this season, tying for second in goals (11) behind only Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalist David Farrance of Boston University.

Campbell reported Monday that Pasichnuk narrowed down his 20 suitors to the Sharks and Arizona Coyotes. He told The Hockey News that he knows where he is signing, but is "just waiting to see what (the NHL is doing)" for the remainder of the season during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Sharks got a glimpse at Pasichnuk last summer when he skated in the team's development camp, along with his brother, Steen. The NHL's Central Scouting Bureau ranked the younger Pasichnuk 115th out of all draft-eligible skaters in 2016, but the defenseman was not drafted.

A standout collegiate career got him on to NHL scouts' radar, and Pasichnuk conceivably could be in line for playing time this season -- assuming the Sharks play if the season resumes -- or next. Nikolai Knyzhov and Jacob Middleton have played on San Jose's third defense pairing since Brenden Dillon was traded to the Washington Capitals last month, and Pasichnuk -- a left-shooting defenseman like those three -- could then slot in behind Radim Simek and Mario Ferraro.

Ferraro, 21, and top prospect Ryan Merkley, 19, are the Sharks' most promising young defensemen. Pasichnuk's time at Arizona State indicates he'll warrant consideration, too.

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How Sharks' wild comeback win vs. Predators epitomized 2018-19 season

By Marcus White March 30, 2020 4:14 PM

Progamming note: Watch the re-air of the Sharks' comeback win over the Nashville Predators from Oct. 23, 2018 tonight at 8 PT on NBC Sports California.

They didn't know it at the time, but a win over the Nashville Predators on Oct. 23, 2018 ultimately laid bare the Sharks' strengths -- and weaknesses -- that would define their 2018-19 season.

The Sharks beat the Predators 5-4 that night in Nashville, overcoming a two-goal deficit with just under eight minutes remaining in the third period with a three-goal barrage in five minutes and 28 seconds. San Jose’s offense could keep up with just about any team last season, and lackluster goaltending largely necessitated said firepower.

Martin Jones stopped just 25 of the 29 shots he faced, even though the Sharks outshot the Predators in all situations (32-29) and held slight edges in 5-on-5 shot attempts, shots and scoring chances, according to Natural Stat Trick. Nashville created more high-danger chances (8-6) and expected goals (1.46-1.38) than San Jose at full strength.

Only the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning scored more goals (319) than the Sharks (289) last season, which was the most prolific in franchise history. Yet the Sharks finished with just a plus-31 goal differential, as Jones and backup goaltender Aaron Dell posted career-worst save percentages while the Sharks allowed the NHL’s 11th- most goals (258).

The Sharks ranked no worse than 12th in suppressing high-danger chances, scoring chances and expected goals at full strength, yet San Jose allowed 111 5-on-5 high-danger goals in the NHL. Only the Ottawa Senators -- defenseman Erik Karlsson’s former team -- and the Edmonton Oilers allowed more, and those teams finished an average of 22.5 points outside of the postseason.

But the Sharks had enough offensive talent to overcome their goaltending woes, finishing two wins shy of a trip to the Stanley Cup Final. San Jose was too depleted to hang with the St. Louis Blues by the end of the Western Conference final, but a healthy Sharks team would’ve had a great chance to advance. The 2018-19 Sharks were an elite puck- possession team, capable of scoring in myriad ways.

That was evident in the aforementioned comeback win over the Predators. The Sharks scored twice on the power play, twice at even strength and once short-handed. Brenden Dillon got the comeback started with an end-to-end rush on the penalty kill, then-captain Joe Pavelski finished off a 3-on-2 fewer than 30 seconds later and a pair of Norris Trophy winners -- Karlsson and Brent Burns -- combined to seal the victory.

The Sharks couldn’t have known their ninth game of 2018-19 would prove so instructive, but the win over the Predators set the tone for what was to come.

For better and worse.

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Sharks' Brent Burns says 'teachers are legends' in coronavirus pandemic

By Dalton Johnson March 30, 2020 2:27 PM

If there weren't already enough reasons to show teachers are massively underpaid, parents around the world are getting a glimpse firsthand right now. With schools closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, families are being forced to revert to home schooling.

To put it lightly, this is a much harder job than too many make it out to be. Sharks star Brent Burns agrees.

"I hope everybody's staying safe," Burns said in a message to fans through NBC Sports California's Daily Shark videos. "We've been doing the same here. We've kind of just been away from everything. Trying to figure out this home schooling thing.

"Teachers, you guys are legends."

Burns and his wife, Susan, have two kids. They first had a daughter, Peyton, and then a son, Jagger.

The 35-year-old nicknamed "Wookie" says he has done more cleaning during the shelter in place rules than in years. More than anything he hopes for the safety of Sharks fans and everyone else all over the world.

"Stay safe, guys," Burns said. "Enjoy some family time. I know I haven't cleaned and organized as much in the last 15, 20 years as I have in the last couple days. Just organizing, cleaning, and doing some training and enjoying some family time.

"Hope you guys are doing OK."

The NHL suspended its season indefinitely on March 12 due to the virus. Along with putting the season on hold, the 2020 NHL Draft, combine and awards all have been postponed.

The moral of the story is, thank your teachers and pay the teachers. Now imagine teaching an entire classroom.

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Sharks’ Evander Kane explains his favorite way to score an NHL goal

By Alex Didion March 30, 2020 12:43 PM

No two goals in the NHL are exactly identical.

With the creativity of players and formations throughout the hockey world, just about every finish comes in a unique way.

For Sharks winger Evander Kane, he prefers when they come on a fast break.

“My favorite way to score a goal is probably on a two-on-one,” Kane told NBC Sports California’s Brodie Brazil. “Coming down the left side and just snapping one up high, and beating the goalie clean.

“It’s kind of like a mini-breakaway, and it’s mano a mano, and there’s nothing more satisfying than beating a goalie clean.”

That does sound familiar.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it remains unclear if the Sharks will wrap up the final 12 games of the 2019-20 season, but at least Kane has given us plenty of highlights to watch while we wait.

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Marc-Edouard Vlasic, isolating in Tahoe, reflects on Sharks' season

By Brodie Brazil March 30, 2020 7:00 AM

Of all the places to possibly isolate themselves, the Vlasic family chose wisely.

“We were going to take vacation time in Tahoe at the end of the year, and thought, might as well do it now,” Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic told NBC Sports California on Friday.

Marc-Edouard, his wife Martine and their three dogs were quick to head towards the Sierras as soon as they got word from the Sharks that players were free to leave San Jose.

“There is quite a bit of snow,” Vlasic said. “[This] week is supposed to be very warm. When we first arrived there was a huge snowstorm, with road closures. So you get a little of everything, which is nice.”

The sights and sounds of Tahoe are the perfect place to put a rough hockey season in the past.

“Whatever it was, as a team we just couldn’t get going,” Vlasic said. “When you fall behind like we did, it’s hard to catch up. Yeah, in the second month of the season we went 11-3, but we couldn’t keep it going.”

Frustrating, yes. But not worth dwelling over for very long for Vlasic. In fact, maybe the Sharks' struggles of 70 games this past season will spark something next time around.

“I’ll look back on the season of 14-15 [missed the playoffs], and then the next year 15-16, we go all the way to the Stanley Cup Final,” Vlasic said. “If you look at that, and build off that experience. The guys came in the following year with something to prove.”

Until then, Vlasic, like most human adults on Earth will try to weather the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“I realized communities were panicking when I went to the grocery store,” Vlasic said. “People were just ripping stuff off the shelf that, in two weeks would be there anyways.”

Interpreting the situation, and his own instincts like so many other NHL players, Vlasic has decided to forego physical training until there’s any clarity of hockey resuming.

“Yes, I shut down the body,” Vlasic said. “I have no gym here. No bike. I go outside and walk the dogs, do some body weight stuff, but nothing like I would if I was in San Jose at the rink.”

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181996 St Louis Blues system rules was in place which would make keeping their core together much more difficult. Even before the puck had dropped to start the new season, their No. 1 goalie was gone.

LeBrun: Blues’ Doug Armstrong on uncertain times, being ready and Cup “To come out of that lockout, they wipe out the entire season, they don’t defense toll the contracts, so now Nikolai Khabibulin is an unrestricted free agent (signing in Chicago in the summer of 2005), Danny Boyle is a restricted free agent, and worst of all, Vinny Lecavalier, by virtue of the new rules is now one year away from unrestricted free agency at the unprecedented By Pierre LeBrun Mar 30, 2020 age of 28. I mean, hey, thanks a lot.’’

Needless to say, not being able to defend that Cup title still eats away at There’s hockey, and then there’s real life. Feaster.

And so before my interview with Doug Armstrong began, the GM of the “I would have loved to have taken another run at it with that group, reigning Stanley Cup champions wanted to make sure we put things in particularly with Khabibulin still with us,” Feaster said. “Bad on me, I the right scope before moving on to our discussion about hockey. never solved the goaltender issue when Khabi left for free agency.’’

“First and foremost, I want to thank all the first responders and doctors Feaster’s comment makes me think of the Blues’ Alex Pietrangelo, who and health care professionals throughout North America for all the work will be a UFA after this season. If the next NHL game played is not until they’re doing,” Armstrong said over the phone. the 2020-21 season next fall, the Blues captain potentially may have played his last game in a St. Louis uniform, depending on how contract “All the rest is secondary to what’s really important right now.’’ talks go after the season.

Ain’t that the truth. Just like the ’04 Lightning, the Blues may not have the luxury of defending their title with all of their best players. But as we slide back behind the curtain of our hockey world, one which has been on standstill since March 12, I’ve been thinking a lot about the But because of what’s at play in real life, above hockey, Armstrong is St. Louis Blues lately. keeping an even keel about whether his team will get to play this season or not. About whether or not they’ll get a chance to defend their NHL championship. “I would say that that hasn’t consumed me, just because the reality of this is such a small part of what’s really going on,” the Blues GM said. “I think Only two teams since 1992 have been able to win back-to-back Cups, it’s different when you’re in a work stoppage between the NHL and the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and ’98 and the Pittsburgh Penguins most NHLPA, that was self-inflicted by both sides; this is, there’s no right or recently in 2016 and ’17. wrong here (if there’s no season). We rely on the experts to tell us when That’s it. Just twice in 27 years. it’s safe to play again. That’s way different than trying to divvy up an amount of money.’’ It’s an accomplishment that sets teams apart. And what this Blues team has shown this season, until this COVID-19 hell came crashing down on Feaster feels it might actually be harder on the Blues if there’s no chance us, is that they were a legitimate threat to do it again. to defend their title this year compared to Tampa Bay in ‘05.

And despite the pause, the Blues continue to plan as if they’ll get that “I think in some ways it’s tougher for them because we didn’t get a chance at some point this year, until they’re told otherwise. chance to even play, the season never started at all, whereas with the Blues, they’re humming along and proving this season that last year in “You need to plan that you’re going to play again,” Armstrong said. “And the second half was no fluke, that they are one of the best teams in the we are planning that we’re going to play again. We’re very fortunate that National Hockey League and they’re a legitimate contender to go back- we have a mature group, and the majority of our team is coming back to-back with a Cup,” Feaster said. that was here last year at this time. They did a really good job of putting themselves in a good spot throughout the regular season.’’ “I’d have to think that that’s really, really difficult to get your heard around, `Geez, we demonstrated what a good team we were, but now we didn’t First place in the West, the Blues’ .662 points percentage is second only have a chance to finish it out.’’’ to Boston in the NHL. No question the Blues want that chance, but like any other NHL club, They were ready for another run. they understand that a return to play is contingent on it being safe for And Armstrong feels his players will be ready again if the season everyone. resumes. “Obviously, you want to make sure that you’re coming back in an “With the knowledge of what we did last year, and that we have a mature environment that the players are comfortable in, just as the coaches and team, we’re not worried about whether they’re preparing or what they’re the trainers,” Armstrong said. “But you’re not playing every game at doing off the ice, eating correctly and doing whatever workouts they need home, you’re going to have to go on the road, so you have to be to be doing; I know they are because they’ve shown that year in and year comfortable.’’ out,” Armstrong said. “We feel excited that if we get the opportunity again As Armstrong said, some of his players have young families. that we’ll be in a very good spot to put our very best foot forward.’’ “So they want to make sure that everything is fine,” he said. “With that I sincerely hope they get the chance. Because to this day, I feel for the being said, if we do get the go-ahead, I think we’re in a really good spot.’’ 2004 Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. They never got that chance. The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020

“It was such an incredibly frustrating thing,” Jay Feaster said, the GM of that championship Lightning team.

Feaster, the vice-president of community hockey development for the Lightning, still gets charged up thinking about how that Tampa Bay team got short-changed.

“To achieve that, and achieve it in this market place and all the residuals that we envisioned following from that and then to not only lose the entire season and not be able to defend, but to have a new collective bargaining agreement come in place that really just changed the landscape entirely,’’ Feaster said over the phone a few days ago.

By the time the reigning Cup champion Lightning raised their banner for the 2005-06 season, a brand new salary cap system with all kinds of new 1181997 Tampa Bay Lightning

It’s been 19 days without hockey. Where is the NHL season now?

DIANA C. NEARHOS

Like everyone else, the league has many more questions than answers.

Day 19 without hockey. The NHL pressed pause on its season March 12 and the only thing we really know is that this is not a short hiatus.

The league has held conference calls among the governors and among the general managers. The players association has frequent discussions with players. NHL Players Association executive director Donald Fehr told The Athletic that he’s on the phone 10 to 12 hours a day.

With coronavirus cases increasing daily in the United States, there is no timetable for when precautions like physical distancing can be lifted. Four NHL players are known to have tested positive for COVID-19 (two on the Senators and two on the Avalanche), and that it’s not yet safe to bring teams together.

The league pushed the players’ self-quarantine (a term the NHL uses, though the players appear to be following something closer to physical distancing guidelines than a strict quarantine) to April 4. But that date will change again.

“That’s a meaningless date really at this point in time,” deputy commissioner Bill Daly told a handful of reporters. “As we get closer to this date, we’re going to have to make decisions as to what to do then. But we’re biting this off in chunks.”

What the NHL has done is officially postpone its June events: the prospect combine, the draft and its award show.

The draft will be held, but it won’t be in its original format on June 26 and 27. It could be a virtual draft or maybe a scaled-down version of the same event. The best-case scenario is that the draft in its usual form is held in Montreal later this year, but that seems like a long shot.

Plans for the draft are very much like plans to finish the season right now: entirely theoretical.

Players have been told to work out on their own and stay in shape. But as representatives from each team have participated in broadcasted controlled interviews, many have admitted it’s hard to feel motivated.

They will need time to get ready for game play, especially on the ice and full contact. Some players have home gyms, but very few have home rinks.

The season won’t be able to resume as soon as it’s safe to gather again. Presumably, the longer players stay off the ice, the longer they will need to get back on it.

As of a week ago, it looked like the Stanley Cup Playoffs needed to either be completed before the Olympics started July 24 or start after the Games finished on Aug. 9. NBC has broadcast rights to both events and wouldn’t want them to overlap.

That’s no longer an issue, as the Olympics have been postponed at least a year. The Stanley Cup Playoffs don’t operate on nearly the scale of the Olympics, so they could conceivably go on even though sport’s largest event has been moved. That is, depending on what happens with the pandemic.

When hockey does come back, whether it’s this season or next, things will probably look different.

Fans may not feel safe in large crowds. Many people are taking a financial hit amid mass unemployment. Luxuries like attending a hockey game may be even harder.

The NHL season, like most of life during this pandemic, is wait and see.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 03.31.2020 1181998 Tampa Bay Lightning “You’re going to get a lot of different answers if you ask different guys, but it would be tough to jump straight into the playoffs,’’ Hedman said. “There’s no question about it, this is uncharted waters for everyone. So without knowing when it’s going to re-start, we’re hoping to get a few Can hockey be a summer sport? Only if Lightning fans are lucky games in before the playoffs start.

“It’s tough to see where this is going to end, you just have to pray and hope that guys are staying in shape. And like I said earlier, hockey is John Romano really secondary right now. It’s about health.’’

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 03.31.2020 TAMPA — The pause button was pushed on the NHL season on March 12.

Nearly three weeks later, hockey officials are not yet ready to push the panic button.

Even with President Trump announcing Sunday that social distancing guidelines would be in place until April 30, the NHL still seems confident — or at least it is planning contingencies — for the crowning of a Stanley Cup champion in 2020.

Is that wishful thinking? Perhaps, since the spread of coronavirus is difficult to predict, especially when you’re factoring in the well-being of 31 teams that are spread across two countries, 17 states and five provinces.

Still, there is a considerable amount of money at stake. And if players can slowly begin to work back into shape in controlled settings, the timetable starts to look a little more plausible.

So how would this work? Here are some of the factors at play:

• The league has quietly begun contacting teams to reserve arena dates into late August. The playoffs were originally scheduled to begin around April 8 with the final game somewhere around June 10. That means the NHL could conceivably begin the postseason around the first of July and play four full rounds by August 31.

• With the Olympics officially off the 2020 calendar, there is a huge hole in NBC’s prime time television lineup in July and August. NBC also just happens to be the NHL’s television partner.

• The idea of playing a handful of regular-season games — and maybe even the early rounds of the playoffs — without fans in the arena is something the NHL appears willing to entertain if individual states or cities are still enforcing stay-at-home edicts.

Naturally, none of this is guaranteed. If, two weeks from now, it appears coronavirus cases are still on a steep, upward trajectory, the odds of seeing hockey this summer will be considerably lessened.

But the working theory right now is that if teams can get back on the ice sometime in May, there is a path forward. A two-week training camp followed by 2-3 weeks of regular season games would allow the postseason to start by late June or early July.

If necessary, the early rounds of the playoffs could also be changed from a best-of-7 format to a best-of-5.

Under this scenario, next season would likely be pushed back a month to give players time to recuperate before returning to work. The 2020-21 regular season could be tightened to eliminate the All-Star Game and some off-days to ensure an 82-game schedule.

So what’s the takeaway from all of this?

Just the notion that all of this is on the table and being discussed is an indication of how serious league officials are about having a postseason. And considering Tampa Bay’s string of near-misses in recent years, along with a 43-21-6 record this season, any hope for a postseason is worth contemplating.

While former MVPs Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby suggested during a conference call last week that they would be fine with skipping the end of this regular season and going right into the playoffs, that does not appear to be the working plan. Most teams have already played 69-71 games, which means it would take roughly three weeks to complete an 82-game season.

A possible compromise could be a 75- or 76-game schedule. Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, who was on an NHL-sponsored conference call Monday afternoon, said he was in favor of at least an abbreviated finish to the regular season. 1181999 Tampa Bay Lightning “I just want everyone to stay safe, stay at home as much as you can,” Hedman signed off of the call. “We’ll see you hopefully sooner rather than later.”

Lightning’s Victor Hedman keeps busy with ‘stolen’ workout gear and Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 03.31.2020 puppies

DIANA C. NEARHOS

Victor Hedman set himself up for success. When the NHL season was put on pause, the Lightning defenseman grabbed what he needed to stay in shape before leaving the building.

“I have a little workout studio in my house and I stole some stuff from the team gym before we left, so I’m all set,” Hedman said on an NHL media webcast Monday.

Hedman’s having a little fun with words here. The team told players they could take things they needed, but Hedman’s version sounds better, so we’ll stick with that one.

RELATED: It's been 19 days without hockey. Where is the NHL season now?

Like most of the Lightning players, Hedman stayed in Tampa while there’s no hockey. The 29-year-old, who is immensely proud of only having played for one Swedish and one NHL team in his career, called this his second home.

He reiterated multiple times that there are much more important things than hockey on the line as the world faces a global pandemic. Nearly every question he answered included that reference.

“Hockey is secondary right now; it’s about health and limiting the amount of people dying from this terrible virus,” he answered when asked his preference for resuming the season.

Stay safe. Stay home.

Hedman said it’d be tough to jump right into the playoffs after such a long layoff. He’d like to see some regular-season games to ease that transition.

Florida center Aleksander Barkov is glad he doesn’t have to make the decision, but he’d like to see some kind of tournament. Ideas have been thrown around that would feature teams on the bubble or everyone mathematically in the race. The Panthers were three points out of the playoffs with a game in hand, so perhaps that’s not surprising.

Montreal defenseman Shea Weber admitted a tournament would be the best bet for the Canadiens, who were a long shot to make the postseason, but said it wouldn’t be fair to the teams at the top of the league. (The Lightning were second in the Eastern Conference when the season paused.)

As on previous versions of this webcast, with questions from NHL Public Relations, everyone was asked what they did not miss about playing the other participants.

Hedman doesn’t miss having to worry about ending up on the wrong end of a highlight-reel play. No one misses going up against Weber’s rocket of a shot, one of the hardest in the league.

“I get out of the way and let the goalie see the puck, and you can blame him if he lets it in,” Hedman joked. “You try to get out of the way, maybe box a guy out and let (Andrei Vasilevskiy) or Curtis (McElhinney) see the puck.”

Everyone was asked what TV shows they’re binging. Barkov, however, isn’t really into TV; he’s been playing video games. Hedman immediately suggested he must be playing Fortnite, but Barkov said he’s playing the new Call of Duty game. Hedman’s face displayed heavy skepticism.

Hedman has been watching The Outsider, a show on HBO based on Stephen King’s novel by the same title.

Mostly, though, the now three-dog household has been keeping Hedman and his wife, Sanna Grundberg, busy. They have a French bulldog named Harry and are fostering two puppies from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. 1182000 Tampa Bay Lightning or TSN having a highlight-reel (play) against you. (Weber) on the PK loading up that big boom from the back end. It was fun the last time we played against them: He had a pretty big tilt against (Lightning defenseman Mikhail) Sergachev. You could see that look in his eyes, it’s ‘Homeland,’ puppies and pop: How Victor Hedman is handing his self- something I don’t miss either. quarantine “It was good to get a break from the guys. Hopefully, we’re back on the ice soon.”

By Joe Smith Mar 30, 2020 That, of course, is the big unknown: when we’ll see anyone back on the ice. As Eichel put it, it’s hard to predict: “I don’t think the world knows

what’s going to happen,” he said. Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman used some of his time during the The players on the call were all in different scenarios playoff-wise, with COVID-19 self-quarantine to expand his family. Eichel’s Sabres and Weber’s Canadiens out of it and Barkov’s Panthers Hedman and his wife, Sanna, already had a pet in French bulldog Harry, making a push. whom you can see on custom-designed shirts and hats the Swede For the Lightning, who were just a few weeks away from the beginning of helped design a few months ago. But the couple recently fostered two what they hoped would be a long postseason run as they hoped for puppies from the Humane Society Tampa Bay — Scout and Portia. redemption following last year’s first-round collapse, they’re now looking The whole litter went to Lightning players, with Braydon Coburn and at potentially another lost season for their experienced core. And a Barclay Goodrow also fostering. significant cap crunch staring them in the face this summer.

“So it’s the two of us and three puppies,” Hedman said Monday. “That’s But that seemed far from Hedman’s mind. For now, at least. And he took what is keeping us busy right now.” the diplomatic approach when offering his opinion on how the league should resume — if it does this season. Hedman was supposed to be preparing for the final week of the NHL regular season and ramping up for the playoffs. Instead, Hedman was on “It’s tough to look that far ahead,” Hedman said. “We want to play and a video conference with several other Atlantic Division stars including play as many games as we can. How many games were left in the Buffalo’s Jack Eichel, Shea Weber of Montreal and Florida’s Sasha regular season — 10 or 12 when it was suspended? You’ll get a lot of Barkov. The four players tackled a number of topics, from their creative different answers if you ask different guys. It would be tough to jump workout regimens to the TV shows they are binge-watching. straight into playoffs, no question about it. This is uncharted water for everyone. Without knowing when it’ll restart, you probably want to get a Hedman said he has a small workout studio in his Davis Islands home few games in before playoffs start. and “stole” some equipment from the Lightning facility to help him get by. While the Norris Trophy winner is itching to get back on the ice, he “But the point is we really don’t know. The social distancing got extended echoed the other players’ sentiments about putting the pandemic in until April 30, so another 30 days. It’s tough to see where this is going to perspective. end. You’ve got to pray and hope that guys are staying safe. Hockey is really secondary right now. It’s about health. People are dying from this “These times are unprecedented, and we don’t really know what’s going terrible virus.” to happen,” Hedman said. “(Teammates) stay in touch every day, pretty much everyone our team. The younger guys with our team have done a Hedman said his thoughts have been back home where his family is still great job of staying home, they understand how dangerous this is, and in living, in the north Sweden town of Ornskoldsvik. Hedman said there going through this, everyone needs to pull in the same direction. have been a few COVID-19 cases there. “They’ve been kind of lucky so Obviously it’s frustrating sometimes, but they know this is way bigger far,” he said. than hockey right now. And we’ve got to do everything we can to help out At the end of the call, Hedman offered a message in Swedish to people and make sure this comes to an end sooner than later.” there and in English for Lightning fans. There were some lighter moments on the call, particularly as the players “Thank you for patience,” Hedman said. “We are looking forward to described how they’ve passed the time during the quarantine. getting back on the ice as soon as possible in front of our amazing fans Asked what one album would get him through the day, Hedman said, “I’m that have supported me for over 10 years now. This is a second home for not a big music guy. I put on today’s top hits on Spotify and just play it.” me, and you made me feel very blessed that I’ve been part of this Eichel has been listening to a lot of Stone Temple Pilots and the Rolling organization for such a long time. I want everyone to stay safe and stay Stones, with Weber preferring country. home as much as possible and, hopefully, we’ll see you sooner rather than later.” Hedman is watching “The Outsider,” a series based on a Stephen King novel. He watched two episodes of “Homeland” on Sunday and called it The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 his favorite TV show of all time. Both Eichel and Weber have been watching “Tiger King,” while Barkov has stuck mostly to video games.

“‘Fortnite?'” Hedman asked.

“‘Call of Duty,'” Barkov said.

There weren’t as many viral moments on this call as on several others that have been done over the last week, including Bruins captain Zdeno Chara complaining about goaltender Tuukka Rask’s farts. The players did, however, light up and smile when discussing what they don’t miss about facing the other three on the ice.

“Victor is one of the best two-way defensemen in the league,” Weber said. “This year, especially, he’s hurting us a lot. Definitely don’t miss that.”

“Heddy is so big and hard to play against,” Eichel said. “He’s strong, but he skates so well.”

Hedman joked that if Weber set up for a slap shot, he’d get out of the way and let Tampa Bay goalies Andrei Vasilevskiy or Curtis McElhinney handle it. “You can blame (them) if it goes in,” he said.

“A lot of the guys we see on a regular basis, (Barkov) and (Eichel) are super-skilled guys that can make you look stupid at any time,” Hedman said. “I don’t really miss having to worry about them being on Sportsnet 1182001 Tampa Bay Lightning system rules was in place which would make keeping their core together much more difficult. Even before the puck had dropped to start the new season, their No. 1 goalie was gone.

LeBrun: Blues’ Doug Armstrong on uncertain times, being ready and Cup “To come out of that lockout, they wipe out the entire season, they don’t defense toll the contracts, so now Nikolai Khabibulin is an unrestricted free agent (signing in Chicago in the summer of 2005), Danny Boyle is a restricted free agent, and worst of all, Vinny Lecavalier, by virtue of the new rules is now one year away from unrestricted free agency at the unprecedented By Pierre LeBrun Mar 30, 2020 age of 28. I mean, hey, thanks a lot.’’

Needless to say, not being able to defend that Cup title still eats away at There’s hockey, and then there’s real life. Feaster.

And so before my interview with Doug Armstrong began, the GM of the “I would have loved to have taken another run at it with that group, reigning Stanley Cup champions wanted to make sure we put things in particularly with Khabibulin still with us,” Feaster said. “Bad on me, I the right scope before moving on to our discussion about hockey. never solved the goaltender issue when Khabi left for free agency.’’

“First and foremost, I want to thank all the first responders and doctors Feaster’s comment makes me think of the Blues’ Alex Pietrangelo, who and health care professionals throughout North America for all the work will be a UFA after this season. If the next NHL game played is not until they’re doing,” Armstrong said over the phone. the 2020-21 season next fall, the Blues captain potentially may have played his last game in a St. Louis uniform, depending on how contract “All the rest is secondary to what’s really important right now.’’ talks go after the season.

Ain’t that the truth. Just like the ’04 Lightning, the Blues may not have the luxury of defending their title with all of their best players. But as we slide back behind the curtain of our hockey world, one which has been on standstill since March 12, I’ve been thinking a lot about the But because of what’s at play in real life, above hockey, Armstrong is St. Louis Blues lately. keeping an even keel about whether his team will get to play this season or not. About whether or not they’ll get a chance to defend their NHL championship. “I would say that that hasn’t consumed me, just because the reality of this is such a small part of what’s really going on,” the Blues GM said. “I think Only two teams since 1992 have been able to win back-to-back Cups, it’s different when you’re in a work stoppage between the NHL and the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and ’98 and the Pittsburgh Penguins most NHLPA, that was self-inflicted by both sides; this is, there’s no right or recently in 2016 and ’17. wrong here (if there’s no season). We rely on the experts to tell us when That’s it. Just twice in 27 years. it’s safe to play again. That’s way different than trying to divvy up an amount of money.’’ It’s an accomplishment that sets teams apart. And what this Blues team has shown this season, until this COVID-19 hell came crashing down on Feaster feels it might actually be harder on the Blues if there’s no chance us, is that they were a legitimate threat to do it again. to defend their title this year compared to Tampa Bay in ‘05.

And despite the pause, the Blues continue to plan as if they’ll get that “I think in some ways it’s tougher for them because we didn’t get a chance at some point this year, until they’re told otherwise. chance to even play, the season never started at all, whereas with the Blues, they’re humming along and proving this season that last year in “You need to plan that you’re going to play again,” Armstrong said. “And the second half was no fluke, that they are one of the best teams in the we are planning that we’re going to play again. We’re very fortunate that National Hockey League and they’re a legitimate contender to go back- we have a mature group, and the majority of our team is coming back to-back with a Cup,” Feaster said. that was here last year at this time. They did a really good job of putting themselves in a good spot throughout the regular season.’’ “I’d have to think that that’s really, really difficult to get your heard around, `Geez, we demonstrated what a good team we were, but now we didn’t First place in the West, the Blues’ .662 points percentage is second only have a chance to finish it out.’’’ to Boston in the NHL. No question the Blues want that chance, but like any other NHL club, They were ready for another run. they understand that a return to play is contingent on it being safe for And Armstrong feels his players will be ready again if the season everyone. resumes. “Obviously, you want to make sure that you’re coming back in an “With the knowledge of what we did last year, and that we have a mature environment that the players are comfortable in, just as the coaches and team, we’re not worried about whether they’re preparing or what they’re the trainers,” Armstrong said. “But you’re not playing every game at doing off the ice, eating correctly and doing whatever workouts they need home, you’re going to have to go on the road, so you have to be to be doing; I know they are because they’ve shown that year in and year comfortable.’’ out,” Armstrong said. “We feel excited that if we get the opportunity again As Armstrong said, some of his players have young families. that we’ll be in a very good spot to put our very best foot forward.’’ “So they want to make sure that everything is fine,” he said. “With that I sincerely hope they get the chance. Because to this day, I feel for the being said, if we do get the go-ahead, I think we’re in a really good spot.’’ 2004 Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. They never got that chance. The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020

“It was such an incredibly frustrating thing,” Jay Feaster said, the GM of that championship Lightning team.

Feaster, the vice-president of community hockey development for the Lightning, still gets charged up thinking about how that Tampa Bay team got short-changed.

“To achieve that, and achieve it in this market place and all the residuals that we envisioned following from that and then to not only lose the entire season and not be able to defend, but to have a new collective bargaining agreement come in place that really just changed the landscape entirely,’’ Feaster said over the phone a few days ago.

By the time the reigning Cup champion Lightning raised their banner for the 2005-06 season, a brand new salary cap system with all kinds of new 1182002 Tampa Bay Lightning Well, fast-forward to May 27, 2011, at TD Garden. Wow, what an incredible game between the Bruins and the Lightning. A perfect play resulted in the only goal. Despite a relentless physical battle from both teams, there were zero penalties. The action was nonstop, and both Rewatching the Classics: Lightning-Bruins, 2011 Eastern Conference teams left everything on the ice. And there were only 57 whistles the final, Game 7 entire game.

Smith: Same here, Joe. One of my all-time favorite games to cover. I’ve seen games with more drama, like Game 162 between the Rays- Scott Burnside, Joe McDonald and Joe Smith Mar 30, 2020 Yankees in 2011, but this Lightning-Bruins matchup set the standard for Game 7s I’ve covered since. I was impressed by the action, as you’d think a game like that would be tight-checking and filled with whistles, but Pierre McGuire was already awake in his New Canaan, Conn., home a the first stoppage didn’t come until four minutes into the first period! little after dawn Saturday morning when he got an email from an old There were so many great saves and impressive individual friend. performances. Veteran goalie Dwayne Roloson, like he did a lot during that improbable run, put the Lightning on his back. It was fun to look back McGuire, the longtime analyst for NBCSN, said the note came around and see the first long runs for franchise cornerstones Steven Stamkos 6:30 a.m. from Ken Martin, the winningest high school hockey coach in and Victor Hedman, who was 20 years old and logged nearly 24 minutes. Massachusetts. Martin figured McGuire was going “crazy” with the NHL There weren’t as many scrums and bad blood as in the teams’ most having shut down, so he sent him a YouTube clip of a classic game he recent meeting in March at TD Garden, but the end-to-end action made had just rewatched. up for that. And, you’re right, it took an amazing play for the Bruins to Game 7 of the 2011 Eastern Conference final between the Lightning and score the game’s only goal. Bruins. McGuire: What I remember the most was how great a start it was. The “I’ve got a gift for you,” Martin wrote. “This is one of the all-time greats. tempo and the pace from the start were massive. You saw great Watch it. It may be one of the best games I’ve ever seen.” goaltending from Tim Thomas, and Dwayne Roloson was outstanding. The shot disparity was pretty substantial: I think Boston only gave up 24 McGuire wrote back that he hadn’t just watched it. He lived it, covering shots and Tampa Bay gave up 38. Roloson was gigantic. the showdown from between the benches for Versus. McGuire laughed about the irony, getting a note about the game the day he was speaking That hit on Marty (St. Louis) from (Boston defenseman Dennis) with The Athletic to relive it for fans. Seidenberg really set the tone for the game (on the broadcast, McGuire described it as Seidenberg “freight-train-ing St. Louis”). The energy in the “It’s probably one of the best — if not the best — Game 7s ever played in building was off the charts. an Eastern Conference final,” McGuire said. “It could go down in history as one of the best Game 7s ever played. I loved it. It was amazing, Burnside: First of all, thanks for inviting me to hang out with you guys and amazing hockey.” chat about one of the all-time classic games I’ve had the good fortune to cover. I loved this entire series for a bunch of reasons, including the fact Pick your adjective — terrific, outstanding, spectacular — and they’d all that two guys were playing who were almost as old as I was: Mark describe that showdown at TD Garden on May 27, 2011. The sold-out Recchi, who was closing out his Hall of Fame career for the Bruins, and crowd was on its feet for good portions, and those of us who were there Bolts netminder Dwayne Roloson, whose epic performance in this game didn’t want to see it end. There were — believe it or not — zero penalties cannot be understated even though he came up one save short. called in the game but plenty of end-to-end action. It took a superb play by the Bruins in the third period for Nathan Horton to score the only goal OK, they weren’t that old, but I do recall asking Roloson, then 41, about of the game, and Boston went on to win the Stanley Cup over the his age during a scrum one day in Tampa, and he blew me off. Then he Vancouver Canucks. It had been a storybook run for the Lightning under came and found me in the press room to joke about how funny it was that first-year coach Guy Boucher and first-year GM Steve Yzerman, with everyone thought he was pissed off at me. I remember at one point there Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman in their first postseasons alongside was much geographic discussion that if Tampa won, the final between veterans Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. Tampa and Vancouver would be the two farthest geographic points on the NHL map meeting in the final. Tim Thomas had other thoughts, With The Athletic re-watching classic games during the league’s hiatus, I though, as did Nathan Horton. And Rich Peverley, and… thought this would be a great one to start with. My colleagues Joe McDonald and Scott Burnside, who were both covering the game for OK, let’s get at it. I only wish the three of us could be hunkered down ESPN, were nice enough to collaborate with me in a roundtable doing this at The Fours across the street from TD Garden as we might discussion. McGuire added some of his thoughts, too. We all rewatched have in the spring of ’11 or at The Hub in Tampa to give it some real the game last week (separately, of course) and enjoyed a fun back-and- authenticity. Maybe next time. forth debate. Our Shayna Goldman helped dig up some clips from the Smith: Next time, it’ll be at one of our favorite spots, Sail Pavilion. You broadcast, too, so you can relive some of the big hits and key moments never know, if this current season actually resumes, we could see a yourself. Lightning-Bruins Game 7 in Round 2! Another epic battle with Zdeno You know you’re watching an instant classic when even Mike Emrick is at Chara, Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand against Stamkos and a loss for words. Hedman, the only two Lightning players remaining from that 2011 team.

The legendary NHL broadcaster has called most of the league’s Burnside: If that’s the case, I’m buying. memorable playoff games over the last few decades. His voice has been Smith: Now that we’re posting this story, we’ll hold you to beers at Sail! the soothing soundtrack for many iconic moments. But as Emrick, 73, was trying to sum up that Game 7 during the broadcast, he seemed Burnside: That would be glorious. I really do think we’re going to have stumped. summer hockey. I see no way that Pierre (LeBrun) lets me near a Tampa/Boston series. I figure I’ll be back in St. Louis at Hair of the Dog. “I have nothing really intelligent to say right now,” Emrick said early in the third period, “other than to say, ‘It’s been terrific.’” McDonald: Either way, libations on me!

If you want to watch for yourself, here’s the full broadcast. Who was at his peak?

Opening thoughts McDonald: Since this was a one-goal game with zero penalties in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final, it’s tough to select only one player McDonald: No doubt this was one of the best games I’ve seen live. The because everyone played well. But, going back and watching it again, it’s only other game that rivals it for me was the 1985 Hockey East evident that Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg was at the top of his Championship between Providence College and Boston College. The game. He was a beast the entire Cup run, but especially in this game. He Friars beat the Eagles 2-1 in double overtime at the Providence Civic logged 27:57 of ice time, blocked eight shots and had only one turnover. Center. Chris Terreri made 65 saves for the Friars. I was 11 years old He was solid defensively and chipped in offensively, too. Seidenberg and and had great seats in the lower bowl. I took pictures with my camera partner Chara completely shut down Vinny Lecavalier’s line. that I still have to this day. I always said I would never witness another game that exciting in my life. Smith: The seemingly ageless Chara was definitely a difference-maker in Eric Brewer, Brett Clark, etc. — helped him along. Now Hedman is a this one. You could see the makings of the Bergeron-Marchand perennial Norris contender. connection, too, with Bergeron a beast on the forecheck (and in the faceoff circle). McGuire: This game did a lot for Tim Thomas. It did a lot for Chara, too — nine years later, he’s still going strong, it’s amazing. It did a lot for For the Lightning, while Roloson was at the end of his career, he played Stamkos, did a lot for Victor Hedman. I think anyone who played in that some of his best hockey after getting traded to Tampa Bay around New game deserves a lot of credit. Nate Thompson, it helped him a ton — he Year’s. was outstanding. And he’s still playing.

The fact that Hedman played more minutes than any other Lightning What was the best moment? player in their win in Game 6 then played nearly 24 in Game 7 showed how the second-year pro was coming into his own. A few years later, McDonald: There are too many in this game to pick only one. Besides the during the Lightning’s 2015 run to the Cup final, Hedman would have game-winning goal, which was a perfectly executed play by the Bruins to been my Conn Smythe pick had his team hoisted the Cup instead of finally beat Tampa’s 1-3-1 defensive structure, Seidenberg’s open-ice Chicago. body check on St. Louis in the opening minutes of the game set the tone for Boston. Burnside: It seems to me that Patrice Bergeron has always been at his peak. Even when he was a kid. So even as good as he was, I’m not But, my choice would be seeing Steven Stamkos return to the game after going that route. taking a Johnny Boychuk slap shot off the face.

But how about David Krejci? He finished this playoff year with 23 points Smith: Same for me. I’ll never forget the hush in the building when the in 25 games to lead all players in the postseason. And is there any doubt deflected shot from the point went off Stamkos’ visor and into his nose. that this is as good as it gets for the snakebitten Nathan Horton, who How Stamkos quickly hit the ice as if he’d been shot, tossing his gloves would be knocked out of the final against Vancouver and never quite be before skating off while trying to stop the blood gushing from his nose. the same after? And I was amazed that Stamkos returned just five minutes later (in game action) wearing that protective cage to cover his stitched-up nose. He Marty St. Louis, playing mostly with a young Steven Stamkos and his pal ended up playing around 19 minutes, though his line with St. Louis and Steve Downie, was superlative leading the Bolts with 20 points in the Downie was kept at bay. team’s 18 playoff games. McGuire: That was frightening. I was right on the shooting line. I saw But if you’re talking peak, this game represents one of the great right away that Stamkos was in trouble. I knew he was bleeding profusely goaltending duels in recent memory in a winner-take-all situation. from the nose. Had he not had a shield on, that would have been Thomas wasn’t as busy, facing just 24 shots, but was so good, especially amazingly dangerous. It showed the toughness of Stamkos to come back through the first half of the first period when Tampa had some terrific and play again after that. It showed his leadership. The guy had basically looks. And even though Roloson guided Edmonton to a Cup final in ’06, just started his career, and he knew right away he had to come back. it’s hard to imagine his 37-save performance on this night wasn’t among the finest of his career. Burnside: Just one moment? Come on. That’s not fair. The game started with almost four minutes of nonstop action. That’s the kind of night it was. Whose career did this change the most? Huge moment you forgot all about McDonald: Bruins goalie Tim Thomas produced a historic run en route to the Stanley Cup, but his 24-save performance against the Lightning in McDonald: I’ve always been a huge fan of Nathan Thompson. I covered Game 7 supercharged his motivational level to face the Canucks in the his first professional game with the P-Bruins and I’m not surprised he has final. No matter the outcome of the Cup final that season, Thomas enjoyed longevity in the NHL. Until I rewatched the game, I totally forgot silenced all the doubters he faced his entire career. He became a legend about his hit on Nathan Horton along the wall near the Tampa bench in in Boston when he led the Bruins to a championship, hoisted the Cup the first period. Horton missed time during that game and forced coach over his head and skated away with the Conn Smythe. Given his overall Claude Julien to shuffle his lines. Fortunately for the Bruins, Horton body of work from college, international play and professionally in North returned and eventually scored the game-winning goal. America, an argument could be made that he should be in the Hockey Smith: Thompson was terrific in this game, that hit on Horton included. I Hall of Fame. remember how teammates jokingly called him “Nate Boucher,” Smith: On the Bruins side, I agree on Thomas, who would go on to add considering how much of a perfect fit he was for coach Guy Boucher’s some special hardware to his resume. This run certainly also gave a style. They called him “Textbook” too. boost to Lightning first-year coach Guy Boucher, elevating expectations But an under-the-radar moment I forgot all about was Tomas Kaberle’s for the start of general manager Steve Yzerman’s reign. Boucher became great defensive play to thwart a Stamkos chance off the rush with three a hot name in coaching circles, with some even wondering if he’d minutes left in the second period. It was still 0-0, and Tampa Bay put eventually coach the Canadiens. It turned out these playoffs were the together two of its better up-close looks in back-to-back sequences. But a high point in Tampa for Boucher, who was fired in 2013 and replaced by Downie centering pass to a streaking Thompson went off Thompson’s current coach Jon Cooper, who was actually in TD Garden for that Game leg. And then, moments later, another Downie feed was deflected away 7 (as a “black ace”) for the coaching staff as AHL Norfolk head coach. by Kaberle before Stamkos could pounce on it in front. Had Tampa Bay You wonder how things might have turned out had the Lightning won this taken a 1-0 lead there, who knows how this game ends? Game 7 and potentially beaten the Canucks for the Cup. McGuire: The amazing part about it was I remember Tampa kept trying Burnside: I don’t know if this is even the right answer, but I was struck in to pull its goalie and Eddie (Olczyk) and I talked about how the Bruins watching this game how incredibly young Victor Hedman is. In just his wouldn’t let Tampa into its own zone — they created a picket fence. second year after being taken with the No. 2 pick in 2009, there was There was an offsides with 30 seconds to go, and they still couldn’t get already some quiet grumbling that the Bolts had misfired because Roloson out of the net. That was a big problem. I’m not sure Tampa had Hedman wasn’t lighting it up offensively. He had six assists in this playoff a legitimate scoring chance in probably the last 7-8 minutes of the game. year and wouldn’t play another postseason game until 2014 when the It was the best checking game the Bruins put forward in that series. Lightning were bounced in the first round. I thought he was fine in this game, and in hindsight, it was fun to watch him in this first real moment of Burnside: Again, just one? You guys are tough. OK, how about Roloson expectation and pressure in his career and understand what was to come stoning Milan Lucic on a breakaway with just under five minutes to go in and how he would evolve not just into one of the game’s best the first period? You forget given how his career arc has gone just what a defensemen but a world-class leader and spokesman for the game. force Lucic was and why he was so pivotal to the Bruins’ winning their first Cup since 1972. Smith: You’re right on Hedman, Scotty. I remember talking to him on how much of an eye-opening experience that first playoff run was. Hedman What from this game wouldn’t happen today? said it took a couple hundred games for him to find his groove in the McDonald: Because it was a perfectly played game from both teams, I’m league. And I couldn’t help but think while watching this game about how not sure there’s one glaring incident that wouldn’t happen in today’s much fellow Swede Mattias Ohlund, a teammate in Tampa Bay, played a game. big role in his early development. Some veteran D-men on that team — Oh, I know. A Game 7 will never be broadcast on the Versus network Burnside: Damn, there were so many. I should have used Dennis again. Seidenberg in the “peak” part of this, but we’ll put him in “unsung” because he deserves some high praise. Playing mostly with Chara, Smith: You won’t find many games, even Game 7s, where no penalties Seidenberg was involved at both ends of the ice all night. Physical. were called. So that might be a rarity, especially after the teams Smart. People forget Seidenberg was part of a big deadline deal the year combined for nine power plays in Game 6. Another thing I wonder is that before but got hurt before the playoffs. He more than made up for it in if this game had been today, would Stamkos have been pulled longer this game and throughout this spring run for the Bruins. from the game as a precaution? Peverley, a key deadline pickup from Atlanta — remember them? — was And, Joey Mac, Game 7s won’t be televised on Versus again, but you’ll all over the ice. And you forget another pickup by much-maligned Boston probably hear those same three voices in Emrick, McGuire and Olczyk. GM Peter Chiarelli: Tomas Kaberle and his steadying influence on this Burnside: I’m not sure it would be any different today, but it was night. interesting that the eventual scoring hero, Horton, would miss time in the For Tampa, I’m not sure if it counts as “unsung,” but I was shocked at first period after being rocked by Nate Thompson. Would spotters have how good Vincent Lecavalier and Simon Gagne were. Both were nearing allowed him back in the second period as was the case? And Steven the end of their careers. This game would mark the final playoff game in Stamkos, too — would he have come back as he did in this game? a Lightning jersey for Lecavalier. He would go on to play 12 more playoff Maybe. Maybe not. games: seven with Philadelphia and five with the Los Angeles Kings. McGuire: That’s a good question. It’s hard to play that game because I Gagne would play only four more playoff games after this one. His last don’t know what the spotter would have seen, what the trainers would playoff victory came in Game 6 of this conference final series. I would have told him. You definitely would have thought there would have been argue that these two had the best chances for the Lightning from the some different potential situations there. midpoint of the game on.

Most glaring missed penalty Smith: You’re on point with Lecavalier and Gagne, Scotty. It was no surprise that Chara and Seidenberg were shadowing that line all game McDonald: The on-ice officials were excellent in this game. Referees Dan long. There was one point in the third when Boucher did a quick shift with O’Halloran and Stephen Walkom, along with linesmen Steve Miller and Lecavalier-Gagne that they created some of the team’s last great looks. Pierre Racicot all had their fingers on the pulse of the game and let it play That’s one major benefit of having home ice for Game 7 — you can out. Plus, there was nothing really dirty or chippy in this game. The dictate the matchups. players knew what was at stake and just played the game the way it should’ve been played in that situation. Who from this game makes the Hall of Fame?

Smith: There weren’t a lot of dirty plays or moments in this one where we McDonald: While Mark Recchi is already in the Hall, Chara and Bergeron thought things were getting out of hand. There were a few plays where will no doubt be enshrined when the time comes. David Krejci should you could have considered calling interference, like when Hedman also be a strong candidate along with Thomas. Even though he served impeded Tyler Seguin in the neutral zone (and McGuire noted that it as a backup, Tuukka Rask should also be in the Hall one day for his would have been called had it been a regular-season game). There was career accomplishments. An argument could also be made for Brad actually one play where Dominic Moore appeared headed to the box for Marchand. tying up Lucic in a backcheck that knocked the net off the magnets, but Smith: Marty St. Louis is already in the Hall of Fame. I’m not sure Vinny the referees ended up keeping it five-on-five (much to the chagrin of an Lecavalier will make it, though he’s got a borderline case with nearly irate Julien). As Emrick put it, the refs were showing that “17,000 people 1,000 points, a Rocket Richard Trophy and a Stanley Cup. There’s a aren’t there to watch the referees.” chance that Stamkos and Hedman could make it down the line as they’ve Burnside: Honestly, I expected to be wowed by the number of calls that got many years left in them and, they hope, a Cup or two. weren’t made. I wasn’t. In fact, at one point McGuire praised the work Burnside: Chara is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, for sure. Bergeron, done by the refereeing duo of O’Halloran and Walkom, who continues to likewise, has Hall of Fame writ large on his career. Brad Marchand? be a force in the league as the head of officiating. I agree. O’Halloran, the Maybe. I’ll book a spot for Victor Hedman as well, although something pride of Essex, Ontario, was working his eighth Game 7; Walkom was tells me we’ll be waiting a Nick Lidstrom amount of time for that working his sixth. And while I know the lack of power plays likely hurt ceremony. Tampa more than it hurt Boston given the Lightning’s dynamic power play productivity in this series, I made note of the calls that might have McGuire: I’m on the Hall of Fame selection committee, so I can’t discuss been made, and Tampa probably got away with more than Boston. any names, but let me look at the roster and go through. On Tampa, St. Louis is in there. I see one, two or three more possibly getting in. On McGuire: I thought the refs let it go. The players knew how important the Boston? I see potentially four more with Recchi already in. It’s pretty stakes were, and the refs trusted the players. There may have been impressive when you think about it, all the talent in that game. some ticky-tack calls they could have made in the neutral zone, but it didn’t affect the outcome. The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020

Unsung hero

McDonald: The Bruins’ Rich Peverley was outstanding in this game. He played up and down the lineup when needed and made contributions in every situation. He made an outstanding defensive play, gained control of the puck, broke it out of the Boston end, drew two defenders toward him and then made a nifty pass to Lucic, who broke in alone on Roloson. Lucic attempted to go five-hole, but the goalie made the stop with 4:50 remaining in the first period. Peverley registered three shots and was relentless all over the ice. If the Bruins don’t acquire Peverley and Chris Kelly at the deadline, there’s no way the Bruins win the Cup.

Smith: For the Lightning, Nate Thompson was outstanding, and it seemed like Adam Hall took every defensive-zone draw. Eric Brewer, the former Blues captain, played the most minutes for Tampa Bay. But I have to give a lot of credit to Andrew Ference for how he helped set up the game’s only goal for the Bruins. The Lightning’s 1-3-1 defensive structure had been a key part of their run to the conference final. But it was Ference’s pass in the neutral zone up the left side to Krejci that really opened things up on the play. Horton, the trailer, darted to the open space in the middle and tapped in the perfect feed for the eventual winner. 1182003 Toronto Maple Leafs at home, bored. This is a dream time for the Leafs to have 4 million viewers instead of 2 million.”

During the hiatus, the NHL’s communications team is encouraging fans Hockey may find opportunities in a post-pandemic world to binge-watch old games on league-controlled platforms and engage with players on social media. Those strategies aim to keep fans connected while play is suspended and weren’t available during the previous significant stoppage, the lockout that cost the 2004-2005 MORGAN CAMPBELL season. PUBLISHED MARCH 30, 2020 Kaplan points out that fans came back after the lockout, and this time UPDATED MARCH 27, 2020 they may not stray as far.

“The lockout wasn’t going to last forever,” says Kaplan, who also runs the sports business consultancy Cosmos Sports. “But it felt like it right in the The Capital One Arena, home of the Washington Capitals. sits empty on middle of it.” March 12, 2020. O’Reilly stresses that an NHL rebound depends on the length and Cary Kaplan entered mid-March thinking the Brampton Beast would breadth of the pandemic and its economic ripple effects. If the worldwide finish the winter strong. The club ranked third in the ECHL’s North health crisis triggers an economic recession, hockey won’t be the only division after 62 regular-season games. industry hobbled.

Kaplan, the team’s president and general manager, thought a “This is much bigger than hockey,” he says. “This is where concern over postseason run could lend momentum to the crucial summer selling a recession really hits us all.” season, when clubs such as his make money on season tickets and sponsorships. Otherwise, the pause in play could create opportunities. By Mar. 26, equipment manufacturer Bauer had seized its chance to help, for Then, on Mar. 11, NBA player Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19, example, producing protective visors for doctors and nurses. becoming one of the highest-profile patients in the worldwide pandemic. His diagnosis prompted the NBA to suspend its season, and soon other An employee of hockey-equipment manufacturer models the protective outfits – from heavyweights such as to minor visors it is developing for front-line health-care workers. leagues including the ECHL – followed. The hiatus will also spur teams and leagues to optimize their health and Suddenly Kaplan, whose team was averaging 2,452 spectators per safety habits. Kaplan says the post-pandemic Brampton Beast will make game, had to suspend his medium-term strategy to boost attendance and a renewed commitment to cleanliness everywhere, from the team bus to focus on mitigating long-term damage then ramping up business after a its home arena, the CAA Centre. Kaplan likens future countermoves to prolonged pause. the now-ubiquitous netting that protects spectators from projectiles leaving the rink. Kaplan isn’t alone. From beer leagues to the NHL, the hockey industry is trying to prepare for what happens after COVID-19, even though nobody “These things certainly can make organizations better,” he says. “You knows what even happens next. don’t see people complaining about the netting behind the goal.”

Much depends on just how long social-distancing orders force leagues to O’Reilly thinks the time off will prompt NHL teams to merge better suspend play, but Kaplan is confident that both his team and the NHL will business practices with the benevolent goal of stopping the spread of rebound. infectious diseases at public gatherings. It could result in teams perfecting touch-free digital technology in arenas or downsizing offices “Optimism is important,” he says. “Hockey endured through the Spanish while employees work remotely. flu and two World Wars. Things happen. Hockey stops, and it comes back.” Or, he says, teams may intentionally limit crowd size while finding more ways to distribute live content digitally. Players in the pro-hockey business are hesitant to speculate about the industry’s post-pandemic future. The Maple Leafs declined to comment “Maybe we’re going to see 5,000-seat arenas, fewer people there and for this article, as did the NHL. more people consuming in other ways,” he says. “We’ve been forecasting these things for years. Maybe this will speed up the process.” Their silence is understandable. By late March, infection rates in the United States hadn’t leveled off, with the number of new cases doubling Globe And Mail LOADED: 03.31.2020 every three days in New York state.

By then, the league had already announced it was cutting office employees’ salaries by 25 per cent, a temporary measure meant to prevent layoffs and a sign of the situation’s gravity. On Mar. 25, the league also confirmed it would postpone its annual entry draft, scheduled for June 25 and 26.

In public statements, however, Commissioner Gary Bettman has expressed confidence that the NHL will finish the 2020-2021 season and playoffs – eventually.

“[The proposed postseason] has to have integrity,” Bettman said Mar. 19 on the ESPN talk show Get Up. “It has to be respectful of the over-100- year history of the Stanley Cup. That’s something we’re focused on.”

The suspended season comes midway through the NHL’s 12-year, $5.2- billion broadcast deal with Rogers Communications, a contract that broke records but the value of which depends on games actually happening.

Sports-business professor Norm O’Reilly says a cancelled season would cost the NHL and its partners a fortune, but adds that the league could actually benefit if it can return to arenas and airwaves by late spring, especially with events such as the French Open and 2020 Summer Olympics postponed.

“This would be an incredible opportunity if there was content [to broadcast],” says O’Reilly, director of the University of Guelph’s International Institute for Sports Business and Leadership. “Everybody is 1182004 Toronto Maple Leafs As for answering the second part of the query — Tavares seemed dumbfounded by the task.

“The least? Um. Good question. Um. Can’t think of anyone right off the The absence of hockey only makes the NHL conference call grow fonder top of my head,” Tavares said. “But, yeah, you might have to come back to me on that one.”

Suffice it to say the questioner did not come back to Tavares on that one. By Dave Feschuk The other players on the call, to their credit, at least found it within their scope to identify a teammate who might somehow recover from a gentle Mon., March 30, 2020 bit of public ribbing.

Detroit’s Dylan Larkin said he’d least like to be quarantined with In pre-pandemic days, any time a complaint was registered in the teammate Tyler Bertuzzi because Bertuzzi is a “slob” who’d make a big direction of the NHL’s divisional playoff format, the league offered a go-to mess. Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk said he’d rather not be bunkered with counter-argument. teammate Colin White, because White’s insistence on the same meal every day — steak and mashed potatoes, allegedly — wouldn’t suit him. Sure, there are issues of fairness that make the format, to some eyes, in need of a drastic overhaul. Among its many crimes against logic, it often And Chara offered what amounted to a showstopper when he identified puts two of the better teams in the league on a second-round collision longtime Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask as his least appealing course, which clearly devalues the regular-season achievements of such quarantine co-resident. squads. “The way he farts. I don’t know if I could (handle it). Just the smell is But the league has stuck with it since 2013-14, in part, because, for all its awful,” Chara said, speaking of Rask. “He likes his chicken wings. And flaws, the bracket-style system has shown some facility for building after chicken wings, I sit behind him on the bus. I’ve got to tell you, like, animosity and creating rivalries. Three separate seven-game series I’ve got to control myself sometimes.” between the Maple Leafs and Bruins in the past seven post-seasons At one point Tavares assured conference participants that he and his would be presumably a case in point. teammates do, indeed, share the occasional good-natured barb. “We Divisions, in other words, are supposed to be bubbling cauldrons of can’t leave each other too long without giving it to one another,” he said. genuine hate — or, at the very least, handy frameworks for manufactured But as for giving even good-natured grief to a teammate with the rest of dislike. At least, so seemed to be the hope of Monday’s league-organized the world watching – um, not so much. video conference featuring four players from four Atlantic Division teams, Maybe the moment wasn’t right for levity. Tavares spoke of having among them Maple Leafs captain John Tavares and Bruins defenceman friends from his days in New York who are now living “right in the fire” of Zdeno Chara. the coronavirus. More than once during the call, the NHL-appointed moderator “I hope everybody’s staying safe,” he said. encouraged the NHLers — Detroit’s Dylan Larkin and Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk rounded out the foursome — to feel free to make reference to And Tavares, too, acknowledged a heartening upside to being away from one of the attending divisional counterparts with something approaching the game he loves. He’s spending more time with his wife and six-month- an unkind word. Spice up the afternoon with a little dose of trash talk. old son at their GTA home. Entertain the isolated masses with a taste of an authentic NHL chirp. “When we’re travelling through the year, through the season, you’re in At one point, each of the players was asked to identify something about and out so quickly, you don’t really get to experience that consistency the on-ice habits of each of the call’s participants that drives him crazy. until the off-season,” Tavares said. “So just having that time to kind of be around him on a daily basis and to be able to help out and spend time “Don’t be kind,” the moderator helpfully suggested with him has been fantastic.” It was an honourable attempt. Alas, what followed was a 40-minute It was a great answer filled with worldly perspective. But it wasn’t exactly exercise in mutual admiration. Outside of Tavares making a joking what the NHL was hoping for. As the moderator lamented as the call reference to absorbing a Tkachuk cheap shot to the ribs earlier this wore on, this after it became clear verbal fireworks would be in short season — “Thanks for that one,” the Leafs captain said — the players supply: “Too many polite hockey players.” mostly offered unequivocal tributes to the greatness of their co- participants. Tavares complimented Larkin’s speed and Chara’s Toronto Star LOADED: 03.31.2020 physicality on a day he received nothing but respectful praise in return.

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“There might be no worse situation than being stuck along the boards and angled off by the big man and you know you’ve got to embrace one of those bodychecks,” Tavares said of the six-foot-nine Chara. “And you’re just hoping that everything stays in place.”

So much for hot-blooded hatred. Maybe the only thing more difficult than forecasting when the world might return to normalcy is finding the holy- grail press-conference question that might actually get one NHL player to speak vaguely ill — or even jokingly so — about another NHL player.

“That’s enough complimenting each other. Let’s get into it a little bit,” the moderator insisted.

Not long after, the players were asked which of their teammates they’d most like to be quarantined with, and which they’d least like to spend isolated time with.

“Probably Mitchy (Marner) or Justin Holl,” Tavares said, answering the first part of the question. “The type of energy they bring around the locker room. How much fun they have every day. And just their ability to turn any environment into something anyone would enjoy. They just bring that enthusiasm not only to the rink but just kind of when we’re travelling, doing whatever we’re doing, all the dead time we have as players. Definitely two guys that are a lot of fun to be around.” 1182005 Toronto Maple Leafs Who among teammates is Tavares glad he is not in quarantine with? “Good question … can’t think of anyone right off the top of my head,”

Tavares said. Leafs' Tavares enjoying time with son during pandemic, mindful of those Among the way the Leafs are keeping in touch with each other is via 'on the front line' group chat.

“We can’t leave each other too long without giving it to one another,” Terry Koshan Tavares said. “You miss being around the guys.”

Published:March 30, 2020 Unlike many, Tavares hasn’t been glued to Netflix to watch the documentary Tiger King, though his wife has been watching it and the Updated:March 30, 2020 5:58 PM EDT small bits Tavares has seen are “pretty mind-boggling.”

If Tavares could have one album to listen to during the time at home?

Cooking, barbecuing, working out. “I like a lot of 90s stuff, so whether it would be Dave Matthews Band or Goo Goo Dolls or U2, something like that,” Tavares said. Maple Leafs captain John Tavares has been trying to keep himself occupied at his Toronto home with the National Hockey League season Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.31.2020 on pause in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, but there’s one part of his life that takes precedence.

“I’m just really enjoying spending time with my son,” Tavares said on Monday during a video conference call organized by the NHL. “When you’re travelling through the season, you’re in and out so quickly, you don’t get to experience that consistency.

“Just having that time to be around on a daily basis and be able to help out and spend time with them has been fantastic.”

Tavares and his wife, Aryne, became parents last September with the birth of their son Jace.

During the call — which included fellow Atlantic Division players Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins, Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings and Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators — Tavares made it clear he’s not taking the time off from the game for granted.

“With the uncertainty, it’s a good time to disconnect and relax and slowly build yourself back up, as hopefully some positivity comes around the corner,” Tavares said. “The first couple of days I just tried to get an understanding of where things are at and what has hit us. Since then, (you) try to develop some type of structure to create some normalcy.”

No one has a true idea of when we’re going to see professional athletes back on the job, never mind those in the NHL, but that wasn’t at the forefront for the players on the call.

For Tavares, it was about recognizing those he knows in New York from his days as an Islander, as well as Leafs fans.

That the Leafs were inching their way toward clinching a playoff berth when the NHL went on pause doesn’t matter a heck of a lot now.

“I know a few people who are right in the fire of it, and seeing how it’s spreading and really making the impact that it is in New York, I really hope everyone there is staying safe and following the health recommendations,” Tavares said. “Whether it’s former teammates, staff and people I know very well, the fans down there, people I interacted with there, I wish all the best to them and hope it can get better.

“In Toronto, we certainly miss playing in front of our fans and going to Scotiabank Arena and competing to play in the playoffs and the opportunity that we had in front of us.

“It’s a really special thing to be a Maple Leaf, and we never take that for granted and miss it. People have been really good in my area understanding (to follow the advice of local authorities and health professionals), we’re all here supporting each other, helping each other to do the best we can to get this back to normal as quickly as possible and (to) help everyone on the front line who are making a lot of sacrifices to keep everyone safe.”

There was some levity during the call. Chara got a laugh when he said that Tuukka Rask would be the teammate he would least want to be quarantined with because of Rask’s flatulence issues.

If he had to pick a teammate to be in quarantine with, Tavares said it would be Mitch Marner or Justin Holl.

“The type of energy they bring around the locker room, how much fun they have every day is something anyone would enjoy,” Tavares said. “Two guys who are a lot of fun to be around.” 1182006 Toronto Maple Leafs

With the NHL on pause, Tavares doesn't miss getting rocked by Chara

Terry Koshan

Published:March 30, 2020

Updated:March 30, 2020 5:11 PM EDT

John Tavares tipped his cap to Zdeno Chara on Monday.

Yes, Tavares, the Maple Leafs’ captain, misses playing the game. No, Tavares doesn’t miss tangling with Chara, the 6-foot-9 captain of the Boston Bruins.

“There might be no worse situation (during a game) than being stuck along the boards and being angled off by the big man,” Tavares said. “You have to embrace one of those body checks and you’re just hoping everything stays in place. I’ve blocked a couple of his clappers, which I thought shattered a few bones but luckily escaped. (We’ve had) a lot of good battles over the years, the playoffs last year as well. His longevity and the intensity he plays with, you have to be ready to play.

“My whole plan was to come on (the conference call) and pick Zdeno’s brain on what he has been doing (to stay fit at the age of 43).”

Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings had this to say about Tavares: “It seems like you can never break him. His intensity and his drive, he never gives up. He is definitely the rock of a team that has a lot of skill, He plays the right way and leads in that department for that team.”

Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182007 Toronto Maple Leafs “Honestly, I look forward to changing his diapers,” Tavares said in December. “It’s amazing, that face he gives you when you give him that sense of relief. Knowing that he’s mine, and that we’re developing that bond, there’s nothing more important than that and there’s no bigger Netflix, ’90s rock and diaper duty: How John Tavares is spending his responsibility.” days More time at home also means listening to a little more of his preferred brand of ’90s rock. Asked for his desert island records that would keep him company, Tavares listed The Dave Matthews Band, The Goo Goo By Joshua Kloke Mar 30, 2020 Dolls and U2.

It’s all part of enjoying the comforts of home more often than he would About 20 minutes into a video conference call Monday with Maple Leafs throughout a season. forward John Tavares, Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk, Detroit While he often chooses restaurants for team dinners on the road, his new Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin and Boston Bruins defenceman Zdeno routine involves more cooking. He’s been grilling on his backyard Chara, the conversation drifted toward Tiger King. The wild Netflix series barbecue now that the weather is starting to turn for the better. has become a pop culture phenomenon and Tkachuk and Larkin chimed in with their thoughts. As happy as he seems in isolation, Tavares said he’s continually checking in with teammates. “Seeing the people behind it, it’s kind of cool,” Tkachuk said. “You can’t leave each other too long without giving it to one another, so “You think it’s cool, Brady?” Larkin asked, adding that he’d also watched you certainly miss being around the guys,” Tavares said. the show but wasn’t a fan of animals being in captivity. He didn’t hesitate to name the teammates he’d prefer to be quarantined Tavares, however, has gone a different route with his Netflix interests. with: two teammates who both had the reins as the Leafs dressing room He’s dug into Babies, the documentary series that examines the science DJ and might be able to liven up Tavares’ musical tastes: Mitch Marner of how infants develop. and Justin Holl. “Probably pretty typical,” Tavares said, adding that it’s been interesting “The type of energy they bring around the locker room, how much fun for him to compare what he sees in the show to his experience with his they have every day and their ability to be in every environment, it’s six-and-a-half-month-old son Jace. something that anyone would enjoy,” Tavares said. The show he’s currently enjoying is indeed typical, and emblematic of As much as he’s enjoying his time at home, Tavares hopes the Leafs can how the Leafs captain has happily settled into domestic life with Jace and soon return to “competing to play in the playoffs.” his wife Aryne with the NHL season paused since March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But he echoed a sentiment made by Chara that right now, hockey is “secondary.” Some NHL players have left the cities they play in. Tkachuk is in St. Louis and Chara took his family to Florida. But Tavares, who last year “It’s a real special thing to be a Maple Leaf, and we never take that for told the NHLPA that his favourite recent purchase was his home in granted and certainly miss it. But more importantly, for everyone to stay Toronto’s High Park neighbourhood, has remained in the city. safe and healthy and continue to follow all the recommendations from the experts,” Tavares said. Like many other parents, Tavares now has an opportunity to spend more time with his young family. The more time Tavares has spent with his family, the more that makes sense to him. And it’s an opportunity he’s welcomed. “I think overall, at least from what I’ve seen, people have been really “Just having that time to be around them on a daily basis and be able to good in my area,” Tavares said of local efforts to combat the spread of help out and spend time with them has been fantastic,” Tavares said. the coronavirus. “Understanding that we’re all here to support each other, When Jace was born, Tavares’ mother-in-law was staying with him and help each other and do the best we can get this back to normal as Aryne to help out. Training camp began the day after Jace was born. quickly as possible.” After a few days at home, Tavares returned to the Leafs. The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 “When we’re travelling all through the year and through the season, you’re in and out so quickly, you don’t really get to experience that consistency until the offseason,” Tavares said.

Earlier this season, Tavares expressed his desire to spend more time with Jace.

“I’m racing home from the rink just to see him and catch up with him,” Tavares said. “I felt even more special to be doing what I do every single day because I’ve got someone to truly share it with. It means that much more to me.”

There was a sense of optimism displayed from Tavares throughout the 30-minute video conference call with reporters. It was the first media appearance by a Leafs player since the season was paused.

In that time, Tavares has tried to create routine and structure.

“Just trying to make the best of it,” he said.

In December, he noted how Jace was sleeping well. With a look of relief, he confirmed this was still the case.

“He’s sleeping good at night so I think that’s most important (thing), allowing us to rest and get our sleep, especially since we have the time for it,” Tavares said.

There is indeed far more time around the house than anticipated for Tavares. And that means far more time for the tasks of parenthood he sometimes misses. 1182008 Toronto Maple Leafs Standing in for Andersen, Michael Hutchinson largely cost the Leafs the Florida game. Not long after he unraveled again at Madison Square Garden two nights later, Jack Campbell was acquired hastily from the Kings. Lost in the goalie brouhaha, Ceci had a high ankle sprain and Monday Morning Leafs Report: The intriguing post-pause Leafs, captain missed a month. shooting The same night of Andersen’s return the following week against Dallas, with Rielly, Ceci and Mikheyev sidelined, Johnsson collided with Kasperi Kapanen and injured a knee. The Leafs later disclosed that instead of By Jonas Siegel Mar 30, 2020 removing the meniscus in Johnsson’s right knee, which would’ve kept him out eight weeks, they would have it repaired, which meant a six- month, season-ending timeline. Regardless of whether the NHL season resumes, the Maple Leafs will have gone the entirety of it without a fully healthy lineup. Just a few weeks after, during a crucial game at Tampa Bay, Victor Hedman’s shot shattered a knuckle on Muzzin’s right hand. Back to Andreas Johnsson’s season-ending knee surgery ensures that. injured reserve.

But if the league does get back on track at some point, the Leafs will Rielly returned right on schedule in the final game before the season was return healthier than they’ve been all year. The post-pause Leafs are halted against the Lightning, joining Ceci, who made it back a few days intriguing for that reason alone. earlier.

It’s easy to forget we’ve yet to see the fully realized version of what Kyle End scene. Dubas, Brendan Shanahan and the Toronto front office envisioned when they reconstructed the team last summer, trading away Nazem Kadri, So, what now if the season returns? Nikita Zaitsev and Patrick Marleau while bringing in Tyson Barrie, Cody Well, Muzzin and Mikheyev will be ready to play, which means, for the Ceci, Alex Kerfoot and Jason Spezza, among others. first time all season, the Leafs will have every option available to them on Injuries just didn’t relent. defence and only Johnsson missing up front.

Let’s start on opening night, with the Leafs missing , still could design a lineup that looks something like: recovering from a torn ACL, and Travis Dermott, who was rebuilding William Nylander strength and mobility in his left shoulder following offseason surgery. Dermott made his season debut on Oct. 29, but by that point, John Tavares had already joined Hyman on the shelf. A broken right index Zach Hyman finger kept the Leafs captain out for nearly three weeks. Three games after Tavares returned, Mitch Marner went down awkwardly in Ilya Mikheyev Philadelphia. “Right away, I felt something funny,” Marner said a few John Tavares days later, “and to be honest, at that time, I was ready to look back and see my ankle kind of twisted the wrong way.” Mitch Marner

It turned out to be a high ankle sprain that was supposed to keep him out Kyle Clifford four weeks. (He raced back in three and change.) Alex Kerfoot While Marner sat out his second game (of 11 missed), Hyman returned. The next game, however, Trevor Moore took a thunderous hit from the Kasperi Kapanen Bruins’ Chris Wagner and missed the next 15 games with a shoulder Pierre Engvall injury. Already sidelined in Boston that evening was Kerfoot, who had surgery to repair “facial dental fractures” after a hit from the Kings’ Jeff Frederik Gauthier Carter earlier in the month. Jason Spezza On Dec. 4, the same evening Marner made his surprise return against Colorado, Johnsson stepped in front of a point shot by Ryan Graves and Defence broke his right ankle. That knocked him out for more than a month. Morgan Rielly

Before Moore was finally supposed to return on Dec. 21, he got bumped Cody Ceci the wrong way at practice. He played once and missed another 12 games with a concussion. Jake Muzzin

A double whammy in the first game after the Christmas break cost the Justin Holl Leafs not only another forward in Ilya Mikheyev, his right wrist cut disconcertingly by the skate of Jesper Bratt, but also their most important Travis Dermott defensive defenceman, Jake Muzzin. He blocked a shot by P.K. Subban Tyson Barrie and broke his right foot. Goalies Muzzin was a week-to-week sort of thing, the Leafs said, while Mikheyev’s status was to be updated in three months. Frederik Andersen

Like a spring rain pounding the pavement, injuries kept hammering the Jack Campbell Leafs. That's probably the best version of what the Leafs can put together on Johnsson returned in Florida on Jan. 12, and while the loss the Leafs defence. suffered that night was bad, more damaging was Morgan Rielly’s broken For one thing, it likely leaves the tough stuff to Muzzin and Justin Holl foot. The Leafs’ No. 1 defenceman, bothered by a nagging lower-body and slides Rielly and Ceci into more suitable duties defending the second injury all season but starting to feel better by that point, greeted reporters and third lines. Maybe most importantly, it spares Barrie from grueling on crutches at Scotiabank Arena a couple of days later. He was pegged defensive assignments and leaves him open and available for extra shifts to miss at least eight weeks. in the fun zone, where he can better put his skills — chucking pucks and Muzzin made his much-needed return in the first game after the All-Star jump-starting the offence — to use. break, but shortly thereafter, in the second game in February, with the Slide Dermott back down to the third pair and potentially, the Leafs are Leafs playing close to perfect at home against the Panthers, Frederik deeper on the back end. Rising up onto the top pair with Rielly and Andersen disappeared from the net after the first period. Andersen never Muzzin out, the 23-year-old stumbled a bit early before playing as well, said what caused his injury — he’d been bumped by Frank Vatrano and and as under control, as he ever has for the Leafs. Mark Pysyk — but whatever it was kept him out four games. Questions remain, obviously, about whether a defence like that — more How did the 22-year-old know he was ready for an early return — finesse than brawn — can kick it in the postseason. especially after reading up on Barkley and his struggles coming back?

How does Holl, for instance, hold up checking Nikita Kucherov or Brad Oddly enough, Marner said he clued in while climbing up and down the Marchand in his first playoffs? What about Ceci, who was once an stairs of his condo building with his dogs. "Taking them for walks and Eastern Conference finalist on the Senators' second pair, but tends to get feeling pretty normal on the walks," he said. "All that movement, I guess." overwhelmed in frenetic moments? Marner said he'd never had a lower-body injury as serious as the high Do the Leafs get a fully optimal Rielly — finally? ankle sprain before. Or maybe any injury of that severity, period. "When I was 8 or 9, I think I broke my arm, but that was it," Marner said. The pause means any rust Rielly, Muzzin and especially Mikheyev may have had will now be shared widely across the league. Captain shooting

Assuming he can get back to his pre-injury form, meanwhile, Mikheyev's My obsession with heat maps continues. return finally plugs the last forward opening in the top six. Kerfoot proved the best fit there, but moving him onto a line with Tavares and William One player I'd been wondering about was Tavares, who went from Nylander meant there was a gaping hole in the third centre spot. Return scoring a career-best and league-leading 33 five-on-five goals last year Kerfoot there and put Kapanen and Pierre Engvall on his wings and the in his first season with the Leafs — 47 goals total — to only 13 five-on- Leafs have a unit that could at least threaten with speed. five goals through 63 games this season.

Can the Leafs squeeze any juice from those third and fourth lines? A In terms of efficiency, Tavares went from scoring 1.6 (!) goals per 60 territorial advantage at least? During 76 minutes together, Kerfoot, minutes at five-on-five last season to 0.8, half that, this year. Kapanen and Engvall won 58 percent of the scoring chances, with an A cliff dive in shooting luck is part of the story: Tavares shot almost 17 expected-goals mark inching up on 60 percent. That's encouraging, percent at five-on-five last season but was down around 9 percent this though whether it translates to the playoffs remains to be seen. year, which would be a career low. But another number that sticks out is More troubling: the threesome of Spezza, Kyle Clifford and Frederik the high-danger shot attempts, which dipped from almost six per 60 to Gauthier got destroyed in limited minutes, with the Leafs hanging right right around four. And that's where the heat maps (accounting for all around 40 percent possession. (Perhaps, as mentioned, Keefe opts for situations, but still) offer extra illumination. Clifford with Kerfoot and Kapanen, or tries Spezza there instead.) First, last season, with the shots followed by goals:

No lineup is perfect, obviously, but those top two lines are as dangerous That's a whole lot of fire around the blue paint. Now, consider this and well-rounded as any the Leafs have had in this era (and maybe season: ever). They match up with just about any team. That's a lot less shooting in the juiciest areas for the Leafs captain — and Recall that in last year's playoffs, the Leafs had the young and then- less scoring, presumably, as a result. struggling twosome of Johnsson and Kapanen joining Matthews, and a not-quite-right Nylander lining up at centre (Kadri was suspended most of What's behind that? the series), with Marleau and Connor Brown at his side. Only the top line Well, linemates, for one thing. of Marner, Tavares and Hyman could be deemed reliable. Tavares has taken about the same number of shot attempts playing with Keefe could always reconnect Marner and Matthews and return Nylander Nylander as he has with Marner (last season and this one), but the high- to Tavares' side. Either way, the Leafs, really for the first time since they quality looks fall off: from 5.5 per 60 with Marner to below four with gave Tavares seven years and $77 million, stand to have two fully Nylander. operational lines up top — the 1A-1B dynamic they've dreamed of but haven't gotten for a variety of reasons, from injuries to the contract That makes some sense given how often Nylander has attacked the net dispute that nearly cost Nylander last season. this season.

We haven't seen what that looks like in the playoffs under a Keefe- And though he has seven goals there, Tavares, 29, is no longer a focal designed offence, either. Or, for that matter, how full health (or close to it) point of the Leafs' No. 1 power play, built these days around the one- stands to juice the Leafs' special teams units — including on the penalty timer of Matthews. kill with Hyman, Mikheyev, Muzzin and Ceci joining some combination of Marner, Holl, Kapanen and either Engvall or Kerfoot. Check these numbers out:

Maybe the biggest wild card of all will be Andersen, but now, unlike in the Tavares on the PP 2018 and 2019 postseasons, the Leafs have some apparent security in S/60 Campbell. 10.0 Oddly enough, if hockey returns, we may just see the best possible version of the Leafs. Or the healthiest at least. 20.0

Intriguing indeed! iCF/60

High ankle sprain 18.9

Because the Leafs were in the throes of drama in early December — 30.7 coming off a loss in Philadelphia during which the Flyers ran up the score late (prompting Andersen to plead for the next night's start at home iSCF/60 against the Avalanche) — Marner's hurried return from a high ankle 15.4 sprain sort of flew under the radar. It's an injury that can be difficult to work back from. In fact, on the NFL front, it largely ruined the second 26.5 season of New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley. iHDCF/60 Reportedly pegged to miss six to eight weeks, Barkley returned instead after only four. He wasn't the same for a long while. It wasn't until his 7.2 eighth game back that he rushed for 100 yards again. 18.6

"I've read all the stuff that he said about it, like, he's 100 percent As Tavares has become less important with the man advantage, (physically) but he doesn't feel like it," Marner said, reflecting on Barkley's Matthews and Nylander have assumed greater prominence in his place. challenge not long after his own return to the lineup. And until the weeks before the shutdown, the Leafs' power play had Marner didn't experience any lag in his return, putting up 22 points in 14 worked just fine — better than fine, actually. No need for a ton of games, nearly 1.6 per game, in the first month of his return — even with tweaking there. the Jets' Mark Scheifele for second best in that stretch. But perhaps when it comes to designing the lineup otherwise, Keefe should return Marner to Tavares' side, with hopes of punching up his threat level around the net.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020

1182009 Vegas Golden Knights

Odds posted on possible NHL, NBA playoff series

By Todd Dewey

March 30, 2020 - 5:16 PM

Had the NHL not suspended its season because of coronavirus concerns, the Golden Knights would have been gearing up for the playoffs, as their final regular-season game was scheduled for Saturday.

It’s unclear if the NHL and NBA will return to action this year. But if they return and go directly to their regular playoff format, Westgate sportsbook vice president of risk Jeff Sherman posted on Twitter what the sportsbook would have for first-round series prices.

“We figured people would want to talk about that more than Belarusian soccer,” he said.

Based on current NHL point totals and playoff scenarios at ESPN.com, the Knights would face the Jets in the first round. The Westgate made Vegas a -220 series favorite over Winnipeg (+180).

“We made these numbers based on teams having home court (or ice) and having fans,” Sherman said. “They’re probably going to come back to some type of abbreviated playoff schedule with no fans on a neutral court. But nobody knows.

“The NBA hasn’t ruled out the possibility of canceling the season altogether.”

The Knights (39-24-8) beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 in overtime March 9 in their last game before the sports world stopped. Pacific Division- leading Vegas is 11-2-0 in its last 13 games and would be the heaviest series favorite in the Western Conference.

On a positive note, the stoppage would give injured players time to heal.

“For the Knights, was injured and Max Pacioretty and Alex Tuch had been out,” Sherman said. “But everyone would have the ability to come back at full strength.”

The other playoff matchups in the West would be Flames-Oilers (-120), Stars-Avalanche (-155) and Predators-Blues (-180).

The East would feature Blue Jackets-Bruins (-400), Maple Leafs- Lightning (-250), Hurricanes-Capitals (-190) and Penguins-Flyers (-110).

NBA

If the NBA resumes its season, the Philadelphia 76ers would arguably benefit the most from the return to full strength of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. The Sixers and Boston Celtics would meet in a first-round series projected as a pick’em.

The Bucks would be overwhelming -20,000 favorites over the Magic (+4,000), meaning a bettor would have to wager $20,000 to win $100 on Milwaukee.

The other East matchups would be the Nets-Raptors (-700) and Pacers- Heat (-220).

The Lakers would be -15,000 favorites over the Grizzlies (+2,500). The rest of the West would match Mavericks-Clippers (-800), Rockets- Nuggets (-125) and Thunder-Jazz (-160).

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182010 Vegas Golden Knights Lehner had less time to make an impact after he was traded Feb. 24. He is 3-0 with a 1.67 goals-against average and .940 save percentage.

Most disappointing Max Pacioretty named Golden Knights’ MVP in Review-Journal poll Winner: RW Alex Tuch (5)

Others receiving votes: C Cody Eakin (2), D Deryk Engelland (1), LW By Ben Gotz Brandon Pirri (1)

March 30, 2020 - 8:55 am Tuch’s age-23 season hasn’t gone as planned.

The speedy forward was the Knights’ leading scorer at last season’s trade deadline, but struggled when Stone’s arrival forced him to the third The Golden Knights were 87 percent through their season when the line. And every time he seemed to gather momentum, injuries derailed coronavirus pandemic brought the NHL to a stop. him further.

The race had been run except for a sprint to the finish. Tuch has 17 points in 42 games. His usual center, Eakin, was traded Feb. 21 after scoring 10 points in 41 games. While it’s uncertain when the season will resume, it already has been a crazy journey full of twists, turns and memorable moments for the Best all-around player Knights. To qualify, a skater must have shown offensive and defensive prowess With that in mind, the Review-Journal decided to hand out season and been a regular on the power play and penalty kill. awards, as selected by a nine-person panel: Winner: Stone (6) Team MVP Others receiving votes: RW Reilly Smith (2), C Paul Stastny (1) Winner: LW Max Pacioretty (5 votes) Stone does just about everything well. Others receiving votes: RW Mark Stone (3), D Shea Theodore (1) He’s the Knights’ second-leading scorer. He leads their forwards in ice Pacioretty, the Knights’ leader in points (66) and goals (34), edged his time on the power play and penalty kill. Last season, he was the first linemate for the award. wing to be named a Selke Trophy (best defensive forward) finalist since 2007. There’s no question he earned this award. Pacioretty earned it by following a down year with one of his best. He scored 40 points in his first season with the Knights, but is one shy of his Smith, the team’s third-leading scorer with 54 points, also is an all-around career high this season. He also played in his first All-Star Game. talent the Knights couldn’t thrive without.

Stone, second on the team with 63 points, and Theodore, who leads its Best defenseman defensemen with 46, were deserving candidates, too. Winner: Theodore (7) Most improved Others receiving votes: Brayden McNabb (1), Nate Schmidt (1) Winner: Theodore (5) Theodore’s impressive season might have moved him atop the blue Others receiving votes: LW William Carrier (3), D Nick Holden (1) line’s pecking order.

Theodore already has set career highs in goals (13), assists (33) and His offensive impact is undeniable, and he leads the team in power-play points while increasing his average ice time from 20:06 to 22:14. And he time per game. He’s also just 24 and under contract through the 2024-25 did it after undergoing treatment for testicular cancer last summer. season.

Only four NHL defensemen have scored more points than Theodore McNabb and Schmidt also deserve a shoutout because they handle the since Jan. 1. He deserves this award after making the leap to true toughest defensive assignments. stardom. REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 03.31.2020 Carrier placed second after more than doubling his career high in points to 19.

Rookie of the year

Winner: C/RW Cody Glass (3)

Others receiving votes: D Nic Hague (2), C/RW Nicolas Roy (2), D Zach Whitecloud (2)

The tight voting reflects just how many rookies have contributed for the Knights, a promising sign for the team.

Glass, the team’s first-ever draft pick, leads the rookies in games (39) and points (12). Six of those points have been on the power play, where he has proven to be an immediate weapon.

Hague leads the rookies in assists with 10, and Roy and Whitecloud have been lineup fixtures.

Best newcomer

Winner: LW/C Chandler Stephenson (6)

Others receiving votes: G Robin Lehner (3)

Stephenson has turned a lot of heads with the Knights.

The December trade acquisition from the Washington Capitals has scored 22 points in 41 games. He has exceeded his career highs in goals, assists and points despite playing the equivalent of half a season. His impact has gone beyond scoring, as he has helped on both special teams units. 1182011 Vegas Golden Knights It was a strong win for the Golden Knights, allowing them to avoid blowing a two-goal lead in the last game before Thanksgiving, but it wasn’t the moment that transformed them into a contender.

Golden Knights’ Defining Moments: Pacioretty’s last-second goal It did, however, serve as an exclamation point on the best season of Pacioretty’s career. In his first season as a Golden Knight, many felt Pacioretty didn’t live up to the hype of his arrival. He had 22 goals and 40 points, but lagging defense resulted in a Goals Above Replacement By Justin Emerson number of minus-4.6, the only time in his career he’s been in the Monday, March 30, 2020 | 2 a.m. negatives.

His goal in Nashville was two months into the season, but he never slowed down. Before the season was paused, Pacioretty had 32 goals The shopping was done, the turkey was brining and the final checklists and 34 assists in 71 games. That ties a career high in assists and put were being made before Thanksgiving dinner. him one point and seven goals away from hitting another pair of all-time highs. It was Nov. 27, the night before Thanksgiving, and the Golden Knights were playing the Nashville Predators on the road. Vegas fell behind in He’s played the best defense of his career too, boosting that GAR the third period and pulled goalie Malcolm Subban in hopes of an unlikely number to 16.9, the best in his 12 years in the NHL. comeback. Ask a Golden Knights fan about “Pacioretty’s last-second goal” and they That’s just what the Golden Knights got when Max Pacioretty tied the know what you’re talking about. It wasn’t the Golden Knights’ signature game with 0.3 seconds left before winning 4-3 in overtime. win of the year, but it turned into Pacioretty’s signature moment as a Golden Knight. That makes the goal quite important after all — just not in Over the next couple weeks, the Las Vegas Sun will look back at pivotal the way we thought. moments throughout the season. The series will cover everything from the obvious turning points to more obscure ones that went by without LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 03.31.2020 much fanfare at the time but turned out to be important.

Pacrioetty’s last-second goal is today’s starting point.

Where the Golden Knights were

The Golden Knights had yet to find their footing on the season. They had lost their last three games and eight of their last 10 going into the first Nashville trip of the season. Entering the night, they were 11-11-4, tied for fifth in the Pacific Division and nine points out of first.

The Golden Knights took a 2-0 lead over the Predators in the second period, but it didn’t last long. Vegas gave up a goal 39 seconds later and then another game-tying goal before the end of the period.

The Predators then scored a go-ahead goal early in the third period, and the Golden Knights trailed 3-2 setting up an offensive draw with an empty net and 21.9 seconds on the clock. Moneypuck.com gave the Golden Knights a 0.9 percent chance of winning.

What happened

The Golden Knights delivered a major victory in their history, and one of the more improbable comebacks of the entire NHL season.

Vegas lost the draw and went the length of the ice in 12 seconds. Behind the Nashville net, Reilly Smith kicked the puck out to Mark Stone, who found Pacioretty to bury the game-tying goal with 0.3 seconds remaining. It was the latest game-tying goal in Vegas history, a record that figures to stand for a long time.

Paul Stastny and Nate Schmidt took care of the rest, as latter fed the former for a game-winner at 1:52 of the extra period.

How it was received

I thought it was going to be the turning point of the season, and I wasn’t the only one. The game story refers to the win as a “miracle” that would set the Golden Knight on the right course.

That’s not totally off. Watch a highlight reel of any successful season in any sport and there’s almost always a signature moment of a team pulling out an improbable win. Pacioretty said after the game that he hoped the victory was something the group could build from.

The Golden Knights were far better than their record indicated, and all signs pointed towards the Predators’ win being a launching pad for the team to go on a roll.

How much it mattered looking back

In the end, it was far less impactful than many prophesied. Vegas did win its next three games, but then lost three of four after that. From the Nashville game through the Christmas break, the Golden Knights went 8- 3-3.

That’s not bad, but eight wins in 14 games isn’t exactly a springboard to season-long success at the highest level. 1182012 Vegas Golden Knights backup goalie. I think Fleury has shown enough this season to prove this team can still win a Cup with him in net. He was 6-2-0 with two shutouts and a .911 save percentage down the stretch. As for a backup, there will be plenty of cheaper options in free agency, plus there’s a chance Oscar Five pressing questions the Golden Knights need answered this Dansk or Garrett Sparks could step up to start next season. offseason Seattle’s expansion draft is coming up in the summer of 2021, and once again teams will only be allowed to protect one goalie. That means the goalie market could be quite fruitful during next season’s trade deadline, By Jesse Granger Mar 30, 2020 and Vegas could take advantage.

2. Do they keep the core together? What if the 2019-20 season is over? The Golden Knights were one of the most cap-strapped teams in the The NHL is currently doing everything in its power to finish this season — NHL this season, consistently hovering dollars below the salary cap whatever that may look like — and award the Stanley Cup. But what if ceiling,and constantly sending players to the AHL during off days. the COVID-19 outbreak prevents that from happening? The league will The bad news is the salary cap likely won’t be raised much, if at all, next eventually reach a point where attention shifts to beginning the 2020-21 season. The good news is the Golden Knights already have their core season on time, after managing its way through offseason dates like the pieces locked up for the 2020-21 season and beyond. draft and free agency. Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, William Karlsson, Reilly Smith, Jonathan If that were to happen, what does it mean for the Golden Knights? Marchessault, Paul Stastny, Alex Tuch and William Carrier are all locked It would mean a wasted opportunity for a team that looked like it could be up at forward. Shea Theodore, Nate Schmidt, Brayden McNabb, Alec primed for a deep postseason run. Vegas is built to win now. It’s a Martinez, Nick Holden and Zach Whitecloud are set to return on the blue talented lineup of veteran players that was at least partially constructed line, and Fleury will be back in net. through trades, sending a handful of draft picks and highly-touted It means that if the Golden Knights choose to do so, they can return prospects out in order to increase the odds of winning now. Vegas essentially the same team next season, with only a few minor changes to pressed itself tight to the salary cap ceiling and went all-in at the trade depth players. That may be a good idea considering they finished atop deadline because it saw a realistic path to a Stanley Cup — through a the Pacific Division and were analytically one of the better teams in the weakened Pacific Division. Now that could be gone. league, especially after the All-Star break. More importantly, what would it mean moving forward? In an attempt to However, the 15 players listed above take up $72,125,000 in cap space, answer I borrowed this idea from my colleague, Darren Hayes. leaving only $9,375,000 to fill out the remaining eight roster spots Here are the five pressing questions the Golden Knights need to answer (assuming the cap stays at $81.5 million). Also consider that restricted this offseason. free agents like Chandler Stephenson and Nic Roy could be due for raíses, and it leaves even less money to spend. 1. What to do with Robin Lehner? What does this all mean? When the Golden Knights traded for Robin Lehner, just minutes before the trade deadline, it sent shockwaves through the organization. Both If Vegas determines it wants to add more than a minimum-level player general manager Kelly McCrimmon and president of hockey operations this offseason, one of those core pieces would likely have to be moved to George McPhee have been against trading for rental players, but they make room. What the front office decides will be largely dependent on finally took the plunge for Lehner. how confident they are in other players’ ability to fill in.

It could’ve been because they didn’t trust Malcolm Subban as the backup If Vegas trades a top-six winger, it would need to be confident Tuch is goalie and needed insurance in case something happened to Marc- ready to be a bonafide top-six player. If it moves on from Stastny’s $6.5 Andre Fleury. It also could’ve been because they weren’t sure if Fleury million contract, it would require Stephenson or Cody Glass to step into a himself would snap out of his slump and didn’t want goaltending to be major center role. their demise in the playoffs. Which brings us to our next question: If the season continues, coach Peter DeBoer will face the tough decision 3. Is Cody Glass ready? of who to start in net for Game 1 of the playoffs. But the front office faces an even bigger question this summer, as Lehner hits unrestricted free McCrimmon said multiple times last offseason that he believed Glass agency and Fleury still has two years remaining on his contract at $7 squeezed two years of development into one. That’s because in 2018-19, million per season. Glass completed his final year of junior hockey with the Portland Winterhawks, represented Team Canada as the top-line center at the Does the front office view Lehner as just a rental or could he possibly be World Junior Championship and then led the in playoff the future in net? The best part about sports is these things usually points to help them reach the AHL’s Calder Cup final. answer themselves as the games play out. If Lehner outplays Fleury in the postseason, it presents an option to sign Lehner to a long-term Glass made Vegas’ opening night roster out of camp and played the first contract and perhaps move Fleury. That would be the most shocking four games of the regular season between Pacioretty and Stone. Early in move in franchise history and this team just fired to hire the season he made some dazzling plays in the offensive zone, including the coach of its hated rival just a few months ago. multiple no-look passes to set up easy backdoor goals.

But if there isn’t a postseason, the Golden Knights would have to make However, Glass was eventually moved to a third-line winger role where that franchise-altering decision based on three measly regular-season he wasn’t nearly as effective. He struggled to drive offense and as a games by Lehner. result was on the ice for fewer goals per 60 minutes than every Vegas forward except Cody Eakin. The most likely answer is Lehner walks in free agency, and the Golden Knights gave up Malcolm Subban, prospect Slava Demin, and a 2020 Things got worse when Glass suffered a concussion on Dec. 8 that kept second-round pick for three games with Lehner. You can’t really fault the him out of the lineup for three weeks. Five games after returning he move, because no one could’ve seen the season being canceled due to suffered a nasty bone bruise on his right knee against St. Louis, knocking a global pandemic. It’s unfortunate, but if you thought Vegas was anti- him out for nearly six weeks. After two games back, he re-injured the rental before, just wait until this scenario plays out. knee during a conditioning stint in the AHL, which required season- ending surgery. It would take a gargantuan effort from Lehner, and a poor playoff showing from Fleury, for the organization to choose Lehner this The team expects him to be healthy for training camp, but after three offseason, but it was certainly a possibility. If the season is canceled, consecutive injuries and less-than-stellar play prior to them, the question we’ll never know how it all would’ve unfolded. remains if Glass is ready to be a major contributor at the NHL level. The organization’s answer to that question could steer it toward keeping If Lehner does indeed leave through free agency, it would leave Vegas with Fleury — who turns 36 in November — and no obvious plan for a Stastny for one more run at the Cup, or deciding to move on and let There’s always a chance Vegas brings Engelland back for a veteran Glass take the reigns. minimum contract filled with incentives, but the more likely option is he doesn’t return. If the remainder of the 2019-20 season is canceled, it may One thing is certain — Glass is much more comfortable at center, where be the end of the line for one of the most influential players in Las Vegas he’s played his entire career, than he is on the wing. He has shown hockey history. flashes of brilliance, and if he’s paired with offensive weapons the results can be good. That was evident early this season with no NHL experience The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 under his belt. But he has yet to show he can drive offense himself and elevate the play of those around him.

Glass is still only 20 (turns 21 on Wednesday), so there’s plenty of time for him to develop into an unquestioned top-six center the Golden Knights hope he one day becomes. But where the organization feels he is right now, could have a ripple effect on other offseason moves.

4. Who is the real Alex Tuch?

This season was a disaster for one of the Golden Knights’ brightest young players from start to finish.

Tuch missed nearly the first month of the season with an injury sustained in the preseason. It’s the third-straight season Tuch has missed the season opener, which he admitted was frustrating.

But Tuch’s frustrations only snowballed from there. He struggled to find offense, with only one goal and one assist in his first 10 games. That continued throughout the season as Tuch was regularly banged up and registered a mere 17 points in 42 games.

Just when Tuch appeared to be finally turning the corner — scoring a go- ahead goal against the Blues on Feb. 13 — he crashed into the end boards and was placed on the long term injured reserve. He was scheduled to return on March 9, but suffered a setback in his recovery and didn’t suit up for another game before the NHL stoppage.

He’s only one year removed from his breakout season where he finished fourth on the team with 52 points. In 2018-19, Tuch was unstoppable at times. He used his monstrous frame and surprising speed to dangle around opponents as he entered the zone, turned the corner and headed to the net. But in 2019-20, that all but disappeared. Even in the rare stretches when Tuch was healthy, he looked hesitant on the ice and wasn’t finding the passing lanes he seemed to navigate so effortlessly a year before.

That could be due to fear of yet another injury. The Golden Knights are certainly hoping he can put this injury-plagued season behind him and return to his high level of play. One year into his seven-year extension, Tuch’s $4.75 million AAV appeared to be a steal of a contract for Vegas. If he can return to his 50-point form, he’ll be a major asset moving forward. Tuch possesses all of the physical tools to be a dominant offensive player.

5. Has Deryk Engelland played his last NHL game?

When Engelland signed a one-year deal with the Golden Knights last summer he said, “I think I still have a few good years left, and no matter what it is, I’m just taking it a year at a time, and seeing how the body holds up after this year and go from there.”

He played well for stretches this season, but there were also times when the 37-year-old was a liability for the Golden Knights. He was clearly trusted by Gallant, and when Vegas made a coaching change Engelland fell out of favor. Under Gallant, Engelland played 44-of-49 games. After DeBoer took over Engelland made only five appearances in the final 22 games.

With the recent contract extensions for Holden and Whitecloud, the Golden Knights have six NHL defenders under contract for the 2020-21 season. They also have a host of young blueliners fighting for a roster spot in Nic Hague, Jimmy Schuldt, Dylan Coghlan and eventually second-round pick Kaedan Korczak.

That could leave Engelland, and fellow unrestricted free agent Jon Merrill, on the outside looking in.

Unlike Merrill, it’s unlikely Engelland would sign elsewhere as a free agent. He’s lived in Las Vegas for more than 15 years and has set major roots in this city with his Vegas Born Heroes Foundation.

“This is going to be home for a long time, and you’re hoping to be able to transfer over to something with the team,” Engelland said last July. “I haven’t gotten that far. I think we’ll wait until the career is done and I hang them up to try to figure out what I’ll do.” 1182013 Washington Capitals to-day on where we’re at and where we’re headed, so I try to stay in that mind-set. We try and take care of our guys; you try and take care of your family at home and kind of move on from that.”

No Capitals players have exhibited coronavirus symptoms; team is There is also a concern about the quality of play if the games resume. preparing for all scenarios While the NHL has discussed needing some sort of training camp period before games are played to get the players reacclimated, there is still a sense that the ramp-up period could take some time.

Samantha Pell “I think it might be scrambly at first, but it’ll be accelerated because of the seriousness and what’s at stake if you’re playing for a championship or March 30, 2020 at 1:51 PM EDT you jump right into the playoffs,” MacLellan said. “I think it’ll be hard, but players will adapt to it.”

Monday marked 18 days since the NHL season went on pause, the On the business side of things, MacLellan said the Capitals have talked sports world came to a screeching halt and the lights turned off at Capital about all of the scenarios for how the salary cap will be affected, how the One Arena because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. For the scouting combine and draft will work now that they have been postponed, Washington Capitals, that meant players were forced to break routines, contracts for next season and more. There are currently no answers to stop their everyday life and transition into a new, temporary normal in those questions, but the team is trying to stay as prepared as possible. self-quarantine. The Capitals have big contracts such as goaltender Braden Holtby’s set to expire at the end of June, •and MacLellan said the league has started As players try to stay physically and mentally prepared for the resumption to think ahead if the season is extended. of the season, if in fact it does resume, the organization has also been doing its part to help. The Capitals have been in communication with their “The league brought up in the last call that [expiring contracts] would be players and staff nearly every day during this hiatus, making sure extended through August if that was the case,” MacLellan said. “If that’s everyone is staying healthy. the route we were going down, the contracts I guess would have to be improved by the NHLPA still, too, but they would go to the end of August, Capitals strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish has been sending if that was the date they chose.” weekly programs for players to aid them in their training. As of Monday, no Capitals players have exhibited any symptoms related to the For now, the Capitals, like the rest of the league and much of the rest of coronavirus, according to General Manager Brian MacLellan, who spoke the world, remain in waiting mode. with reporters Monday on a conference call that covered a wide range of “All we can do is try and prepare for different scenarios that we see topics about the state of the team and the league. coming,” MacLellan said, “and do the best we can do.” In addition to making sure its players and staff are staying safe, Washington Post LOADED: 03.31.2020 MacLellan said the organization has been trying to stay prepared for anything that might come down the line if the league “gets a chance to continue to play — whether it’s in June, July or August.”

The league has offered no timetable for the resumption of play. The period of self-quarantine for NHL players and team staff is set to end April 6, but President Trump announced Sunday that he extended social distancing guidelines through the end of April.

“It’s amazing how your life just comes to a halt and all the things you do day-to-day doesn’t matter anymore and all of a sudden there’s a big picture, there’s a reality going on, and all the little things you’re concerned about on a daily basis don’t really matter much,” said MacLellan, who is at home in Minnesota to be closer to his two daughters and grandchildren. “It’s a change in lifestyle, and it’s a change in probably priorities.”

The Capitals initially wanted players to stick close to Washington after the season was paused, but nine have left the area to go home and 14 have stayed.

Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson, T.J. Oshie, Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Tom Wilson, and Nic Dowd are among those who have remained near the District. Others, such as Ilya Samsonov, Jakub Vrana, Ilya Kovalchuk, Brenden Dillon and Brendan Leipsic, have left the area to be closer to their families either in different parts of North America or overseas.

As for how the rest of the regular season and/or playoffs could work if the season does resume, ­MacLellan said he hasn’t thought too much about it, though he has been on conference calls with the league regularly to discuss an array of topics. His initial thought is that he would like to see the Stanley Cup awarded this season.

MacLellan said a lot of options have been considered, but the biggest and most obvious deciding factor will be how long it takes until it is safe to play again. The Capitals had 13 regular season games remaining when play was halted, and they held a one-point lead on the Philadelphia Flyers atop the . Ideally, MacLellan would prefer if teams were able to play a few games before the playoffs “to benefit the quality of play and the players’ health,” but he would be fine with jumping straight into the postseason.

Ovechkin said Thursday he would want to go right into the playoffs if the season continues.

“Like everybody else in the organization, probably in society, I look at it as day-to-day,” MacLellan said. “It seems like the situation changes day- 1182014 Washington Capitals

Nationals' spring training facility closes to become virus testing site

By Adam Zielonka - The Washington Times - Monday, March 30, 2020

The Washington Nationals have closed their spring training facility in West Palm Beach, Florida, to the players and staff remaining in town as Palm Beach County converts it into a coronavirus testing site.

General manager Mike Rizzo told reporters Monday that a “handful” of players were still using the facility to rehab injuries after Major League Baseball suspended the beginning of its season earlier this month.

Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered all non-essential businesses in Palm Beach County to be closed, and the Nationals’ and Houston Astros’ facility, FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches, was determined to be non-essential. Rizzo said that as part of the team’s contract with the facility, the county has the right to use a portion of the facility for emergency purposes.

“The location that’s being utilized is far removed from all human contact that would be with players, but we thought that in an abundance of safety and precaution, we decided to just lock down the facility even for the players that were in rehabilitation mode,” Rizzo said.

Additionally, for “several” minor-league players for whom it was deemed unsafe to return to their home countries, the Nationals continue to put them up in a hotel in West Palm Beach.

But the Nationals and the NHL’s Washington Capitals do not have any players who have shown symptoms of COVID-19, according to their respective general managers.

“We’ve had no symptoms, no sickness complaints and we’re pretty much daily checking in with players to see if they’re exhibiting any,” Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said on a conference call.

For the Capitals, nine players have left the Washington region to return to their offseason homes while the other 14 have remained in the area, MacLellan said.

With the immediate future uncertain, athletes from both sports are doing what they can to stay in shape during the hiatus.

“Oftentimes the lucky ones have facilities at their homes that they can work out diligently,” Rizzo said. “Some don’t. Some players are capable of getting their throwing program in easier than others. But believe me, we’re finding ways and players are finding ways to keep themselves and be ready to ramp up when the need arises.”

And when will that be? Rizzo wouldn’t weigh in on the current proposals floating about, which include playing into the winter at warm-weather or domed neutral sites and finishing the World Series around Christmas.

“As the commissioner said, we’re gonna need to get creative,” Rizzo said. “But beyond that, we’re just speculating on all these things and I don’t think it’s the right thing to do for us as individual teams. These are industry-wide concepts.”

In hockey, meanwhile, the NHL was just weeks away from concluding its regular season. MacLellan said he would consider it fair to wrap up the regular season with every team having played the same number of games, including a balance of home and away if possible. He said a postseason stretching into August is definitely on the table.

“There’s no set answer to it because I don’t know how much time we’re going to have,” he said. “Depending on that time frame and if that’s even legitimate at the time, you would have to set your schedule there. So could you shorten a series? Could you shorten the end of the schedule? I think all those options are on the table, and I think it’s just how the virus plays out and how we handle it and how much time we would have to get a season in, if we could get a season in at the end.”

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Capitals' T.J. Oshie brings new meaning to the term 'tarps off'

By Ryan Wormeli March 30, 2020 8:53 PM

Athletes in every sport develop their own lingo. Every action, piece of equipment, and player has at least one nickname, and every athlete who plays each sport is fluent in its particular language.

That is as true in hockey as it is in every other sport, a fact Capitals star T.J. Oshie highlighted in a recent video released by the NHL.

Oshie explains where the term “tarps off” comes from in the video. It is not, as guessed by a fan on the street, a reference to how teams treat their ice. In fact, it has nothing to do with actual tarps at all.

According to Oshie, “tarps off” is the hockey version of taking one’s shirt off.

It makes sense that Oshie, of all people, would understand this term. He has become quite famous for being quick to remove his own shirt on a number of occasions.

During the 2018 Stanley Cup parade, he quite famously drank beer through his jersey during the rally. He also was happy to encourage the Washington Nationals going “tarps off” during their zamboni ride around the rink after their own world championship.

Of course, he’s also notorious for it in his own house. By Oshie’s own admission, his wife has told him on several occasions that he is too old to go “tarps off” anymore.

But if you’re ever lucky enough to be a guest at the same wedding as T.J. Oshie, it sounds like chances are still good you’ll get to see “tarps off” in action.

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How to watch Capitals vs. Wild NHL 20 simulation and Caps rally behind Ovechkin hat trick

By Ryan Wormeli March 30, 2020 7:59 PM

As the NHL season continues to be on hiatus due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, NBC Sports Washington is still airing Capitals hockey throughout the previously scheduled season.

So, if you were originally planning to watch the Capitals Thursday night against the visiting Wild, you still can.

The Caps will host the Wild in an NHL 20 simulation on NBC Sports Washington.

In a partnership with Monumental Sports Network, NBC Sports Washington will be airing all Wizards and Capitals games in simulated NBA 2K20 and NHL 20 games, taking place on the dates and times according to each team's regular season schedule with commentary from NBCSW's experts surrounding the coverage.

Games are condensed to take place in one hour.

Make sure you stick around afterward to watch a replay of the Capitals' February 4 matchup with the Los Angeles Kings, when Washington had to rally late behind another Alex Ovechkin hat trick.

Here's how to watch both games on Thursday, April 2.

Broadcast Schedule

7:00 PM: NHL 20 Simulation: Minnesota Wild at Washington Capitals

8:00 PM: NHL Classics: Los Angeles Kings at Washington Capitals from February 4, 2020: Capitals rally late thanks to Alex Ovechkin hat trick

10:30 PM: NHL 20 Simulation: Minnesota Wild at Washington Capitals (replay)

As we all continue to cope with this growing virus, be sure to tune in to a few more hours of Capitals hockey.

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Capitals GM: No players have exhibited coronavirus symptoms

By J.J. Regan March 30, 2020 12:15 PM

March 12 was the day the league went dark. The NHL officially paused its season on that day as COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, spread throughout the country. Since that time, two players from the Ottawa Senators and two from the Colorado Avalanche have tested positive. So far, however, it appears that the Capitals have remained healthy.

"We've had no symptoms, no sickness complaints and we're pretty much daily checking in with players to see if they're exhibiting any," Caps general manager Brian MacLellan said Monday on a conference call.

The NHL paused its season just one day after the NBA. The NBA's decision was prompted by the positive test result of Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert. The Jazz played the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 4. The Capitals played the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 5, meaning players could have potentially been exposed to the virus in the visiting locker room which they used less than 24 hours after the Jazz departed.

Thus far, however, no player has exhibited any symptoms, per MacLellan. He also said that he remains in constant contact with the team's head athletic trainer Jason Serbus to monitor the health of the players.

"We're in constant communication with each other," MacLellan said. "I talk to Jason Serbus pretty much every day or every second day to check on players, if they're healthy, if they have any symptoms or complaints or any questions."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182018 Washington Capitals him “Judge Judy” and the moniker stuck. Before the game against Pittsburgh, Dowd received a signed autograph picture from the real Judge Judy Sheindlin. Maybe it will become Dowd’s lucky charm.

With NHL season paused, a ranking of Capitals' best wins of 2019-20: Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.31.2020 No. 10

By Mark Zaner March 30, 2020 11:21 AM

While we wait for the NHL to hopefully resume its season, NBC Sports Washington is looking back at the 20 best wins of the Capitals' season so far. Mark Zaner, producer for Caps Faceoff Live and Caps Overtime Live, has watched every game. His rankings continue with No. 10, a 5-2 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 7 that featured a satisfying blowout and a three-point game from…Judge Judy?

You can re-watch the game tonight on NBC Sports Washington at 8pm.

WHAT HAPPENED

The Capitals showed up to play in the first period and turned a rivalry game into a rout. The Caps fourth line started the scoring less than two minutes into the game. Richard Panik won a chase for a loose puck in the corner and found Garnet Hathaway behind the net. Hathaway fed a wide-open Nic Dowd for the opening tally.

Right before intermission, Washington struck twice. First it was Jakub Vrana to Nick Backstrom for his 12th of the season. Then it was the fourth line again. Nick Jensen set up Panik near the crease to make it 3- 0.

Pittsburgh started the third period with a man-advantage. Four Pens attackers got too close to the goal line. started a 2-on-1 rush by chipping the puck to himself off the board. Hagelin and Dowd played give-and-go before Dowd grabbed his second goal of the contest and his third short-handed goal of the season.

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin each scored to make things interesting late, but T.J. Oshie put the game away for good with 6:48 remaining. Dowd had a three-point night for Washington while Braden Holtby made 26 saves in a 5-2 win.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

The Backstrom goal was a total team effort that involved all 200 feet of the rink. It started with Backstrom in the defensive end, poking the puck away from Malkin in the corner. Michal Kempny corralled it and started the breakout to Oshie. Oshie slipped a cross-ice pass to Vrana. During the transition, Backstrom flew down the middle of the ice ahead of the Pittsburgh defense. Vrana hit him with a perfect tape-to-tape pass for the score.

WHY IT WAS SIGNIFICANT

The Capitals were fresh off two losses to the Flyers and Rangers. The Flyers came in to D.C. and handed the Caps a lopsided 5-2 loss. Washington then went on the road and allowed Mika Zibanejad to score five goals in an overtime loss. Those two losses, combined with the Flyers winning eight straight games, allowed Philly to tie Washington on top of the Metro Division. The Caps absolutely had to have this game to stop their slide.

Let’s go back to the game summary for a minute. Look at the names that populate it. Dowd, Panik, Jensen, Hagelin. As I noted in entry No. 11, when the Caps third and fourth lines contribute, they usually win. Washington is 5-1 when Dowd scores. They are 6-1 when Panik scores. This is how you win playoff series. This is how you go deep in the playoffs. Secondary scoring makes this team tough to beat.

By the middle of February, Ilya Samsonov had become the de-facto starter. Less than three weeks later, Holtby had his role as the No. 1 goaltender back. He did it by having several games like the one against Pittsburgh. Despite being down early, the Penguins had several opportunities in the second and third period to chip into the lead. Holtby didn’t let them score until late in the game. He even came up with a big stop on a penalty shot right before second intermission.

We know that hockey players love nicknames. But how in the world did Dowd end up being called “Judge Judy”? It came up in a locker room dispute over a friendly game of sewer ball. Alex Ovechkin was upset with the way that Dowd was officiating the game. Ovechkin derogatorily called 1182019 Washington Capitals want to give as much support you can to anyone you can because we're all kind of, this quarantine thing, we're all in it together and whether it's staying in touch or facetiming or doing whatever, I think it really goes a long way because this is something no one's really dealt with before and The humanizing effect of the coronavirus on NHL players we all just got to figure it out together."

Now the NHL players face the same uncertainty as everyone in that there is no set timetable for when they can get back to work. By J.J. Regan March 30, 2020 6:00 AM The information around the coronavirus seems to change day by day,

sometimes even hour by hour. Because of that, it is nearly impossible to NHL players can often seem larger than life. They are celebrities in peak predict when life could return to normal. For NHL players, that means not physical condition who get paid millions of dollars to play in arenas full of knowing if and when the season could resume and what it may look like tens of thousands of screaming fans in games that are broadcast on when it does. television often nationally. And yet, none of that matters in a time like That uncertainty that comes with the season -- and in some respect, life - this. With the coronavirus spreading throughout the world, all sports just - being on hold is a frustrating reality. don't seem to matter. At this moment, the real superstars are the doctors and nurses on the frontlines battling against the virus while the hockey "I think in the grand scheme of things all of us want to get back to work players we view as superstars remain at home, suddenly rendered whether you're a hockey player or you're anybody, we all want just remarkably ordinary in the face of a global pandemic. normality and to go back to what we know," Dillon said.

"It was just kind of weird to see the world kind of stop," New Jersey He added, "I think everybody had something to play for and I think when Devils defenseman P.K. Subban said. something like this happens, you're just first and foremost wanting everybody to be healthy and safe, but you are trying to manage how do I Certainly, professional athletes are not hurting financially the way so stay in shape? How do I eat right? How do I continue to be a hockey many people are in the midst of this crisis, but it is striking to see players player in your right mind when a lot of things are closed down or for who are idolized for their physical abilities suddenly trying to pass the health issues you know you shouldn't be in a certain spot? There's a lot time with Netflix and ordering takeout, all the while wondering what the of what-ifs right now I think for a lot of us. For players, we're trying to eat future holds for their jobs. as healthy as we can, trying to be as healthy as we can and stay in All the skills and traits that make hockey players idolized in normal life shape and again just kind of taking it week by week." don't matter to the coronavirus. A player is not immune because they "It's hard," Foligno said. "It's a mental game right now. But we know it's have a great slap shot or a mean glove hand. Alex Ovechkin cannot one- for the right reasons. So I think you hold onto that and seeing what's time the virus away, nor can Sidney Crosby with a backhand or Andrei going on around the world, it's kind of kept everything into perspective for Vasilevskiy with an improbable save. All those players now find us." themselves in the same situation as ordinary people after the league paused the season on March 12: stuck at home, trying to enjoy some That perspective is that as much as we love hockey and we love sports, time with the family and trying to stay busy. the health and safety of everyone is more important. Everything else is secondary to that, even history. "Lots of stuff to do at house," Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin said. "Play with the little one, we're expecting another one in a "It'll be nice to score again 50 goals or reach those milestones, but right couple of months, I'm trying to do some more workout as well, but it's now our mind is on just trying to be safe," Ovechkin said. "It's a scary getting boring, obviously. First week was kind of good thing. We're situation. It's a scary moment for people all around, not only us. You think relaxing, we chilling and right now it's kind of getting boring right now." about those little things, but as soon as you start thinking worldwide and what's going on in the world, it's scary. So my mind right now, it's not "That first week, you're just excited to be around the family," Columbus about 50 goals or catching the Great One or somebody else, my mind Blue Jackets forward Nick Foligno said. "We don't really get this time. right now is about doing the best what I can do or what my family can do Let's be honest, we don't really get at the end of March when you're to be safe and to get over it." gearing up for a playoff race, you're not really gearing up to be with the family. Your mind starts to stay with the team a little bit more. So I've We all know Ovechkin as a superstar, all-time great player. But right now, enjoyed the past little while with my family and my kids. They definitely he's not that. Right now he's a husband and a father of one with another don't really understand why I'm home so much, but it's been nice. But it's on the way. That's true of all hockey players. Without the ice, without the getting to a point now where you just start to now feel like things aren't games, they are just people, just like the rest of us trying to figure out right." how to keep themselves and their families safe. We are all navigating a unique world no one has experienced before and the staggering In addition to spending time with the family, players are also finding other implications have left them thinking more about those things in life that creative ways to fill their downtime. New York Islanders forward Anders are more important than hockey. Lee bought a Peleton and goes jogging with his two dogs. Subban and Foligno both are watching "Tiger King" on Netflix and many players are "Do what you can in your own neighborhood for the people around you learning how to use Zoom for the first time to video conference with the and the families and everyone that's come down with the virus or is media. having a tough time," Lee said. "Use this time to hop on a phone call with someone you haven't talked to in a while or something like that. We'll all Caps defenseman Brenden Dillon, who only recently checked out of the stick together and come out of this." Arlington hotel he had been staying since getting traded from the San Jose Sharks, explored all the various takeout options of the Washington, "The most important thing right now is take care of your family, take care D.C. area. of yourself," Ovechkin said. "Try to help if somebody needs the help. Because right now we are together and we have to fight through it "Not doing too much in the way of outside," Dillon said in an interview together." with NBC Sports Bay Area's Brodie Brazil. "I've been walking around and grabbing some to go. If you ever need good pick up options in Arlington, Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.31.2020 Va. or the D.C. area for food, I'm your guy."

There are, of course, greater concerns than just passing the time and that is what led to the NHL pausing the season in the first place.

The spread of the coronavirus puts everyone at risk. Even if professional athletes are considered low risk because of their physical fitness, that does not mean they cannot develop complications or that they could not spread it to their friends and family.

"It's extremely serious," Lee said. "You have friends and family in the area or whatnot and you hear stories about them coming down with it or someone at school so it's extremely prevalent around here and you just 1182020 Winnipeg Jets "While it's rapidly accelerating, the risk in the general population is probably increasing rather than decreasing, so until we see where the peak is going to be and how high that peak is going to be, it's very difficult to give a definitive timeline," Dr. Willem Meeuwisse, the NHL's NHL should pull the plug chief medical officer, told reporters in a conference call late last week.

Most hockey leagues around the world, including the ECHL, USHL and CHL, have already made the decision to abruptly end their seasons By: Mike McIntyre | Posted: 03/30/2020 7:00 PM without proceeding to playoffs or crowning a champion. A difficult choice, no doubt. But the right one.

Cancel the NHL season. Even the International Olympic Committee, which stands to lose more sporting money than anyone, finally saw the writing on the wall last week As much as it pains me to say, commissioner Gary Bettman and the and announced the 2020 Summer Games would be pushed back a full board of governors need to do the right thing and officially pull the plug. year. Not next month. Not next week. Immediately. Delaying the inevitable just seems more tone deaf with each passing day. The NHL must follow suit. Forget this nonsense about potential hockey in July, August and September, when people will still be assessing the If league braintrust have any doubts, might I suggest they take an eye- damage and picking up the pieces of their ever-changing lives. Shut it all opening peek in their own backyard. down immediately and start thinking about what next year might look like, including all the challenges that losing the rest of this season is going to Did you see the scene in New York's Central Park Sunday, just a few be bring. kilometres away from NHL headquarters? Construction is underway on a makeshift field hospital, with dozens of white tents popping up to treat the It's not going to be pretty, with a massive loss of revenue that is going to expected influx of seriously and critically ill patients that overwhelmed cut deep on all fronts. The salary cap, which had been primed for a big hospitals won't be able to. increase, is certainly heading in the other direction. Crowds, once they are allowed to return, are likely going to be a lot smaller. What a terrifying thought that is. Forget this nonsense about potential hockey in July, August and There have already been nearly 800 deaths in the city — and more than September, when people will still be assessing the damage and picking 1,000 in the state — which is the epicentre of the pandemic and has up the pieces of their ever–changing lives. been described as a war zone. Morgues are filled beyond capacity. And this is still just the tip of the iceberg. The body count is going to rise However, I'd suggest you save your sympathy for those who are really sharply in the coming days and weeks. In the United States alone, where going to need it, like all the small-business owners and laid-off workers 24 of the NHL's 31 clubs are based, there are dire predictions of more unsure how they're going to keep feeding their families in these than four million infections and as many as 200,000 total deaths by the unprecedented times. By comparison, the billionaire sports owners and time we eventually "flatten the curve." millionaire athletes should come out of this relatively unscathed.

Imagine thinking that you'll be able to open up Madison Square Garden, Look, I'd love nothing more than to be sharing stories with you about the the world's most famous arena, for a hockey game anytime soon. Or any exciting final week of the regular-season, where the Winnipeg Jets were venue in North America, for that matter. They're more likely going to be set to embark on a critical three-game road trip starting Tuesday night in needed as emergency medical centres in the coming months. Calgary and then continuing in Colorado and Arizona, which likely would have determined if they made the playoffs for a third straight spring. That Meanwhile, hundreds of players remain in limbo, confined to their homes would have been a lot of fun. all over the world and struggling to find a way to stay in game shape despite not knowing if, and when, the games might actually resume.That But reality is much different. And dragging this charade out any further, would include four players, two with Colorado and two with Ottawa, who clinging to the increasingly false hope that the world is somehow going to have tested positive for coronavirus. magically return to a pre-COVID-19 state and we'll be able to drop the puck anytime soon, is not doing anyone any good. Several athletes and agents I've spoken to over the past week have told me they want, and need, some closure as quickly as possible. It's time to We need to focus on what's really important right now, which is following give it to them. public-health guidelines and doing everything possible to get through this global crisis together. Thousands of people employed by the various teams are also in limbo, unsure if postponed shifts are going to get made up at some point. In And so I say again, louder for those in the back: cancel the NHL season. some cases, that means they aren't even able to tap into much-needed compensation packages various deep-pocketed owners have proposed Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 03.31.2020 that kick in only if the rest of the schedule is wiped out. I suspect the majority of these hard-working folks count on those cheques. They deserve better.

Hundreds of players remain in limbo, confined to their homes all over the world and struggling to find a way to stay in game shape despite not knowing if, and when, the games might actually resume.

And what about all the loyal fans who are sitting on unused tickets right now, unable to get refunds because the remaining three weeks of the regular-season, along with the playoffs, remain in a state of TBA. I suspect many of these people are hurting financially right now. And yet organizations continue to sit on their money, while also adding insult to injury by sending out 2020-21 ticket renewal notices. Yeah, good luck with that.

Various levels of governments, even big banks, have come up with plans to help citizens and customers out. It's time for the NHL to do the same, or risk —deservedly — losing these people forever. Newsflash: They're already surviving without you right now, so you might want to try to find a way to prevent them from forgetting about you entirely. They also deserve better.

The most optimistic suggest a midsummer return, likely to empty venues, is the best-case scenario. And even that is starting to seem remote. Truth is, nobody really knows just how long this might play out. 1182021 Winnipeg Jets Well, that’s exactly what one father tried to do last season. “One player’s dad tried to not only boost his statistics but also tried to

significantly boost his page views,” Sibner said. “Because page views are The 3 wildest behind-the-scenes stories from Elite Prospects’ 20 years a public statistic that you can see on any profile. He was trying to online generate a huge number of clicks on his son’s profile and tried to do it in all kinds of ways but, of course, we wouldn’t let him do that without references.”

By Murat Ates Mar 30, 2020 The overzealous hockey dad was undeterred.

No references? No problem. Overzealous hockey dad could make references. Elite Prospects tracks Nikolaj Ehlers’ stats as far back as 2007-08, when he was just 11 and already too fast for defencemen to stop. The dad’s ploy didn’t stop with setting up a fake hockey website for his son’s team, either. He also set up an Instagram account for his son, It shows Ehlers’ progress through Switzerland’s top youth leagues where which Sibner recalled as having more than 20,000 followers — most of he dominated players sometimes two or even three years older than him. them bought. It’s the hockey parent equivalent of buying 100,000 copies In 2013-14, Ehlers’ draft year, it shows that his gamble to leave of your kid’s album to make sure it goes platinum. Switzerland for Halifax of the QMJHL was a stunning success. At just 17, Ehlers finished fourth in league scoring with 104 points in 63 games. What’s the old saying about faceoffs? If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying? With the 2014 draft approaching, it seemed as though Ehlers was doing everything right. Peter Sibner, President of Everysport Media Group, The son in this case still plays youth hockey and has been kept thought he and his staff at Elite Prospects had also done everything right anonymous out of respect for his privacy. as they tracked Ehlers’ progress. What happens when sensational statistics make it onto an Elite Then they got a Facebook message from Ehlers’ mom. Prospects profile?

“I’m sorry to bother you,” Tina Ehlers wrote. “But you have Nikolaj listed Look no further than 5-foot-4, 289-pound half-Australian, half-Lebanese being born on February 13. Could you please change that? He’s born on forward Mustapha Lemieux. February 14th. And since you’ve got it wrong, everyone else got it wrong. And now NHL.com has it wrong, too.” Lemieux’s stat line is incredible. It reads as a throwback to the 1980s: Lemieux scores at a point per game while notching several hundred In Sibner’s near decade of working at Elite Prospects, he had seen penalty minutes every season. At 5-foot-4, the Test Hockey League countless messages from hockey parents. Not all of them were as sweet veteran’s accomplishments are simply unbelievable. as Tina Ehlers’ message had been. And whereas they will only update a player’s stats based on official game sheets or website data, Sibner That is, you shouldn’t believe them. trusted Tina Ehlers as an authority when it came to which day her son As should clearly be evident from his profile, Mustapha Lemieux does not was born. exist. “We said, ‘Yes Tina, we’ll make sure this happens instantly,'” Sibner I’d hesitate to think that anyone fluent in English would look at Lemieux’s recalled. quotes (“He did improve his game during the 17/18 campaign, but I have Elite Prospects made the change and other sites followed suit. That a feeling he has manipulated his numbers at EP”), his stats (69 points, June, Ehlers was selected ninth overall by the Winnipeg Jets. Since then, 699 PIM) or the name of his team (The Testville Pink Panthers) and Ehlers has 115 goals and 257 points in 369 NHL games. conclude that Lemieux is a real person.

It would be tempting to say that the rest is history … But Elite Prospects If you weren’t fluent in the English language, you might think you’d found never stopped getting messages from hockey parents. an absolute steal in an unheralded and underscouted part of the world.

And, while they’re usually as kind and helpful as Tina Ehlers was, That’s why, in 2019, Lemieux received an actual contract offer from an sometimes they’re downright mischievous. actual professional team.

To fully understand the devious nature of one father’s scheme, one must Elite Prospects founder Johan Nilsson created Lemieux’s profile before understand the way Elite Prospects gathers its stats. the 2010 NHL Draft to test a new “live draft” feature.

An NHL player’s numbers are easy to come by. The league’s official He wanted each player’s profile to update automatically upon being website updates nightly and is obviously a trusted source. But how does drafted — for example, he wanted Taylor Hall’s profile to update to EP know that Mark Stone put up 54 points in 29 games for the Winnipeg include the Edmonton Oilers as soon as they selected him first overall. Hawks in Division 2 AAA Bantam or that a 13-year-old David Pastrnak Nilsson couldn’t wait until Hall was actually selected to make sure the scored 28 goals for HC Havirov in the Czech U16 league? feature was functional — hence the “birth” of Mustapha Lemieux.

Collecting that kind of information takes a network of approximately 100 Nilsson filled Lemieux’s profile with funny (and sometimes obscene) volunteer fact-checkers who gather game sheets and other quotes, fake stats and a completely fake back story. The intention was to documentation from leagues at all levels across the world. delete the page as soon as he confirmed the new draft ticker worked as intended. Players can request to have their stats updated with new heights, weights and point totals. But everything must be sourced: if you want to But then Lemieux caught the attention of people in the hockey world. claim a growth spurt or a points surge, it must be backed up with MOST CLICKED PLAYER PRONUNCIATIONS AT EP: references. 1) PATRIK LAINE “Our No. 1 rule is that we always want an official source,” Sibner said. “We want a link to a team page or any other kind of profile that can 2) CONNOR MCDAVID suggest that that you’re not overdoing it. For statistics, we always ask for a point of reference so you can’t just call us and say you had 25 goals in 3) MUSTAPHA LEMIEUX 16 assists in six games. We need some type of verification.” 4) FREDERIK ANDERSEN

Stone’s 54 points for the Winnipeg Hawks and Pastrnak’s 28 goals in 5) JESSE PULJUJÄRVI Czech U16 play can be verified by official sources. — ELITEPROSPECTS (@ELITEPROSPECTS) DECEMBER 15, 2016 But imagine you are an overzealous hockey parent. Let’s say your kid’s a little undersized and quite frankly didn’t put together a very impressive “We realized that people kinda liked him,” Nilsson said. “So we kept him bantam season. Should have eaten their vegetables or committed harder and the legend grew.” to the rigorous after-school exercise circuit you’ve been forcing them to do. Let’s say you want to rewrite history. To understand how a real professional hockey team could end up offering Lemieux a legitimate contract, consider how hockey staffs use Elite Prospects as a site.

Sibner said it’s normal for teams in China to search the Elite Prospects database for players listed as free agents in their region. Lemieux is listed as born in Australia, meaning that he would count as Asian for the purposes of China’s limit on “foreign” players. For a team looking to unearth talent by any means necessary, signing 5-foot-4 superstar Mustapha Lemieux would be a major coup.

If only he were a real human being.

But as Lemieux’s legend has grown, Elite Prospects is all the more keen to protect his history.

“We hope to keep him,” Nilsson said, “even if he signs in China.”

Sometimes the messages Elite Prospects gets are as funny as Lemieux’s contract offer but also involve real human beings.

Consider Ben Zargaj, an American college goaltender who just wanted to retire on his own terms.

Back in February, Zargaj was underwhelmed with his .817 save percentage and 4.28 goals-against average while playing Division II hockey for Norwich University. The fourth-year goaltender was tired of the grind and the crummy stats that made up his own profile.

So he reached out to Elite Prospects with the following e-mail:

Elite Prospects was charmed by the mediocre goaltender’s elite e-mail.

“It was one of the most hilarious e-mails we have ever gotten,” Sibner said.

Elite Prospects tweeted out a photo of Zargaj’s message and reached out to him for a profile photo — his profile was without one. Then, the story went viral.

It was featured on and the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, and all of a sudden a profile which had 200 page views throughout his entire hockey career got more than 30,000 unique visits in a little over a week. Sibner said that 20,000 or 25,000 views in a week are “Sidney Crosby scores the winning goal for Team Canada” numbers. Zargaj eclipsed that and looked destined to keep it up.

Then he became a backup once again.

“He looked like a winner,” Sibner said, “Until David Ayers came along and beat him by a hundred thousand clicks. That’s unprecedented in Elite Prospects history.”

Zargaj might have been outduelled (yet again, by his estimation) but Elite Prospects did grant him his retirement wish. His profile now reads, “Mediocre career, but loves the boys and the boys love him.”

The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182022 Vancouver Canucks That was a contentious issue in 2016-17 when a 21-year-old Tryamkin sat the first 10 games. But he had a contract clause that allowed him to return home if demoted.

Ben Kuzma: Timing everything as Nikita Tryamkin’s agent seeks “Do you see how much interest there is in him every day in Vancouver?” Canucks deal said Diamond. “I don’t think people would have interest if we were talking about a player for the , and I don’t mean that disrespectfully at all.”

BEN KUZMA If anything, Diamond is buoyed by at the coaching helm and assistant Nolan Baumgartner working with defencemen. When Published:March 30, 2020 Tyramkin and his young wife left, the club had missed the playoffs under Updated:March 30, 2020 4:54 PM PDT head coach with assistant Doug Lidster guiding the blue line. And while the Canucks called the exit a “family decision,” there was more to it than just that.

'Hit her on the chin': U.K. boxer Billy Joe Saunders loses licence over “It’s a world of difference,” said Diamond. “The coach (Green) is video on ... demanding but fair and is doing a good job and can work with young players, and same with the defensive coach (Baumgartner). It’s night and ‘It will be an easy transition,’ says the big Russian’s agent Todd day from where it was at that time. Diamond. ‘And having been there before, he kind of knows what to expect’ “The organization was chasing its tail and now I think with the players they’ve drafted, it’s a completely different roster built on talent and speed Polarizing. Perplexing. Popular. and a modern NHL game. Nikita Tryamkin was all that in accumulating just 11 points in 79 games “We all know he (Tryamkin) is not , but he does have a during a short and eventful sojourn over two seasons (2015-16 and a full skill set for a man his size. He can handle the puck and he’s pretty 2016-17 campaign) with the Vancouver Canucks. On- and off-ice mobile.” adaptation often played out like a movie mish-mash — disconnects between script, actor and director — but there was the prospect of a Tryamkin piled up 27 minor penalties in 66 games in 2016-17 — tied for revised version producing plaudits. second among rookies — and finished fourth in penalty minutes because he was asked to be more aggressive and made multiple mistakes. And now, the rewrite for a return has started. However, he was also tied for seventh in rookie hits (145) and tied for The coronavirus pandemic not only cancelled the remainder of Russia’s 11th in blocked shots (87). Kontinental Hockey League playoffs, Tryamkin’s three-year commitment Signing Tryamkin would require addressing unrestricted free agents to Yekaterinburg Automobilist has concluded — even though his contract Chris Tanev and Oscar Fantenberg, what to do with one season doesn’t expire until April 30. remaining on Jordie Benn’s depth deal and whether restricted free agent And because the Canucks retained negotiation rights with their third- Troy Stecher has future value. round pick in the 2014 NHL draft, communication between general Brogan Rafferty was third in AHL defencemen scoring with 45 points (7- manager Jim Benning and agent Todd Diamond has become more 38) in 57 games with the Comets, but his pivoting in retreat and play regular. without the puck aren’t NHL ready. There is Tryamkin’s improving game, expiring contracts and prospects Olli Juolevi’s hip soreness sent him to the sidelines the last five games either on the cusp of promotion or requiring more minor-league while still trying to find his groove. He managed 25 points (2-23) in 45 seasoning. The timing could be right for the return of the 6-foot-8, 254- games for the Comets, but also raised injury-prone concerns after pound Tryamkin because there has been dialogue. previous back and knee surgeries. That would only heighten interest in “His game and his style are more suited for the NHL than the KHL,” Tryamkin, who can play both sides. Diamond said Monday in a telephone interview from Florida. “I believe it “Things are obviously stuck because of the uncertainty of the near future will be an easy transition. And having been there before, he kind of and what affect it’s going to have on the numbers,” summed up Diamond. knows what to expect. He knows what’s going to be demanded of the “We have to see what the cap is going to look like and if we can march coaching and training staff and he’s committed. this thing forward, or if we can’t.” “He never lost hope. He’s got a lot of pride and always wanted to come Vancouver Province: LOADED: 03.31.2020 back. And this is probably the right time because you want this unit (roster) to grow together.”

Nikita Tryamkin fends off Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl during Tryamkin’s final home game with the Canucks in the 2016-17 season. ‘He’s got a lot of pride and always wanted to come back,’ says Tryamkin’s agent Todd Diamond. Gerry Kahrmann / PNG files

Tryamkin had 11 points (2-9) and a plus-10 rating in 58 games in this KHL season. He was solid for an offensively challenged club eliminated in five games of a first-round playoff series. In one outing, Tryamkin had a team-leading 21:31 of ice time, two hits and one shot. In another, he had six shots, three blocked shots and two hits in 24:23.

“The first year there he had more points (25) than the second or third and I look at it as a positive,” said Diamond. “The team made big changes at forward and he was not as aggressive rushing the puck because the team was lacking offence. He changed to fit the style of team. That’s growth.

“He just understands himself better now.”

Reacclimating to the North American game and culture might be easier than hammering out a new deal. Diamond doesn’t expect his client to be presented with a two-way contract, in case the Canucks believe the defenceman would need development time in Utica with the AHL Comets. 1182023 Vancouver Canucks President Donald Trump will use certain words in his daily press briefings.

For example, the website set the number at 24.5 for the amount of times Willes' Musings: Mike Gillis is deserving of a second chance as an NHL Trump will use the terms fantastic, incredible, amazing or tremendous. executive Bets can also be made on individual words. Fantastic was the highest number at 8.5.

The site tracks Trump’s words by video. Who says living in self-isolation ED WILLES is boring.

Published:March 30, 2020 • Wrote a piece on former Canuck goalie Curt Ridley over the weekend which led to a half-hour conversation with the great Orland Kurtenbach. Updated:March 30, 2020 10:01 AM PDT Kurtenbach, who coached Ridley with the Canucks and in Tulsa, wasn’t

much help with the goalie. But he was gold in other areas. Told this one Can’t compete with self-isolation amusements like cute pet videos or lists about a game in Chicago Stadium from the 1963-64 season when he of your favourite wrestlers, but we’ll still offer the Monday morning was playing for the Bruins. musings and meditations on the world of sports. Bobby Hull, it seems, let loose with a slapper which appeared to catch • Larry Brooks, the influential and well-connected hockey columnist at the Bruins goalie Eddie Johnston on the shoulder and deflect into the upper New York Post, reported on Sunday that former Vancouver Canucks GM tier. Mike Gillis has interviewed twice for a senior hockey position with the After the game, Kurtenbach asked Johnson where the puck had hit him. New Jersey Devils. “On the mask,” the goalie said, taking off the flimsy piece of fibreglass It’s unclear if Gillis interviewed for a president/hockey overlord job or for that passed for protection in those days and pointing out the mark the the GM’s post currently held by interim hire Tom Fitzgerald. But league puck had left. sources say he impressed the Devils’ Josh Harris-David Blitzer No wonder goalies from that era tended to be a little squirrelly. Johnston, ownership group in the meetings, which were held before the NHL’s Mar. by the way, played every minute of all 70 Bruins regular-season games 12 postponement. that year. This development, of course, is fascinating to the Canucks’ congregation • Know there are bigger concerns in our world today but still feel for the because in the franchise’s 50-year history, there hasn’t been a more city of Kelowna and the Rockets organization over the cancellation of the polarizing figure than Gillis. Memorial Cup. The junior championship is tailor-made for places like Distant and aloof, he seemed to be operating under the presumption he Kelowna: big enough to offer an appropriate stage but not so big it gets was not only the smartest person in the room, he was the smartest in the lost to other events. next room, too. But if that persona rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, Covered the 2004 Cup in Kelowna and the city did a first-rate job. This Gillis always had the scoreboard on his side. one would have been better. The CHL is unclear about where the In his six years with the Canucks, he oversaw the most successful period rotation will land next but it should be Kelowna, sooner rather than later. in franchise history. True, he inherited all of the big pieces from previous • And finally, wrote a column in Sunday’s sheet about the importance of regimes. But Gillis assembled those pieces to their best purpose, building sports in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic which included the a team that won the Presidents’ Trophy in back-to-back seasons and thoughts of Dr. Rick Gruneau, the retired SFU sociology professor who’s came within one game of winning the Stanley Cup. written extensively about sports and society. He was also able to sell the Sedins, Ryan Kesler and others on the idea Couldn’t fit this one in but, in light of recent events, it seems relevant. of playing substantially below their market value. You don’t think that takes skill as an executive? “People in professional sports always worry in times like these that people will realize how much they don’t need big-time sporting It’s been six years since Gillis was gassed after, as Brooks rightly notes, entertainment,” Gruneau wrote. “The way audiences have always Canucks ownership forced on him as the head coach. streamed back after lockouts and boycotts suggests this worry is Not sure if his image has been completely rehabilitated over that time but misplaced.” Gillis always registered as a progressive, innovative thinker and the Devils job, in theory, would play to his strengths. As it happens, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said, while a number of scenarios are still in play, “We think if we’re required to we might have They’re in a down cycle now but, in and Jack Hughes, they to play in August.” have two premium building blocks, and Fitzgerald further stocked the cupboard by acquiring multiple draft picks and prospects at the trade If that’s the case, it might be the ultimate test of the fans’ tolerance. The deadline for veterans Blake Coleman, Andy Greene, Sami Vatanen and league will be asking their audience to return after who knows how many Wayne Simmonds. weeks of self-isolation with the scare of the virus still present. Who’ll want to gather in large numbers at that point? Who’ll want to travel? And who’ll One of those picks is the Canucks’ first-rounder from the J.T. Miller trade want to do it at the height of summer? with Tampa, which was passed on to the Devils with Nolan Foote for Coleman. That pick is lottery protected. If the Canucks miss the playoffs It all sounds preposterous but that won’t stop the NHL. The fans have this year, it slides to 2021. always returned. They’ll count on them returning again.

Uh, you may be aware there is some uncertainty over playoff positions at Vancouver Province: LOADED: 03.31.2020 the end of the regular season, so we’ll just throw this out there. It would be the most Canuck thing of all time if that pick ends up in the 2021 lottery with Gillis holding it.

But we digress. You’d like to see Gillis in Jersey for any number of reasons, not the least of which is he deserves another shot based on his track record.

And who knows? Maybe he really is the smartest person in the room.

• The shutdown of professional sports leagues in North America has impacted any number of sectors, but one corner of the gambling industry isn’t giving up.

According to old friend David Neal at the Miami Herald, SportsBettingDime.com posts an over-under on the amount of times U.S. 1182024 Vancouver Canucks Result: Yessir No. 2: A better, more consistent Elias Pettersson results in similar

production How our 10 bold (and not so bold) Canucks predictions have held up When we wrote out this prediction, the Pettersson hype locally was at a fever pitch, following the dynamic, alpha-dog performance that the Canucks’ young star centre put in at training camp and throughout the By Thomas Drance Mar 30, 2020 preseason. Predicting Pettersson’s year over year scoring to be relatively flat was my way of managing expectations to some extent, while also

noting that – considering the otherworldly percentages Pettersson used On Friday, during a sign-of-the-times media Zoom call with four other to score 66 points in 71 games in his first season – to sustain the level of Pacific division captains, Vancouver Canucks’ expressed a production Pettersson managed as a rookie, he’d need to improve his strong preference for concluding the 2019-20 regular season, if possible. ability to control games pretty significantly. It was a take that might seem optimistic to the point of being fanciful, but This is another bold prediction that we nailed. Pettersson will likely finish which the other captains seemed to share, to a man, with Edmonton the 2019-20 season with the same number of points in his sophomore Oilers superstar Connor McDavid rather artfully opining that “a fair campaign as he managed as a rookie: 66, albeit in two fewer games. season is a full season.” Even without a scoring bump, Pettersson’s improvement in his second And yet, as we all come together to be apart, and safeguard one another year was significant and meaningful. His ability as a play driver hit through social distancing, it seems highly unlikely that the NHL will be another gear in his second season, buoyed in part by having more able to play a full 82-game season in 2019-20. talented linemates and the stellar chemistry he found with Miller, in That means that the 10 bold (and not so bold) predictions that we particular. He also upped his shot rate significantly on the power play, dropped for the VIPs on opening day of the 2019-20 season won’t be managing over four additional shots per hour and nearly 10 additional tested over a full run of games. shot attempts per hour from his spot on the right circle. Pettersson’s shot – whether he was scoring, or whether he was a closely-watched Which does little to change the fact that at an outlet like The Athletic deterrent, forcing penalty killers to lean high in-zone – was a vital part of Vancouver, we serve the VIPs, and whether the season plays out in full Vancouver’s team-level power-play success. or not, we know that above all else: the VIPs demand accountability. With that in mind, I’ve come to the mat to go over my preseason Canucks And finally, part of the prediction was designed to underline our predictions and submit myself for judgment. expectation that Pettersson would be better able to maintain his scoring rates and all-around effectiveness down the stretch than he had been as Let’s revisit what we thought would happen, unpack what we got right, a first-year player. We didn’t get to see that play out, but Pettersson was make light of what we got hopelessly wrong and assign a “result” and an scoring more and playing better in March than he had as a rookie the “Emoji grade” to each of our bold, early October Canucks predictions. previous spring and had 16 points in the final 20 regular-season games of the 2019-20 campaign. No. 1: The Canucks score at least 55 power-play goals Unlike in ‘The Alien’s” first NHL season, there were just no signs that he Writing on opening day, I suggested at length that a full season of Quinn was going to tail off. And considering the big step Pettersson took as a Hughes, the continued development of Brock Boeser and Elias two-way player at the age of 21, once hockey resumes for the 2020-21 Pettersson and the additions to J.T. Miller and Micheal Ferland would season on the other side of this virus, I suspect I’ll be predicting a jump in result in a big additional haul of power-play goals for the Canucks during Pettersson’s production. the 2019-20 campaign. I suggested Vancouver would score “at least 55” power-play goals and finish in the top third of the league by power-play Result: Take me to your leader percentage. No. 3: Quinn Hughes will log more ice time than any Canucks skater from I nailed it, even if Ferland wasn’t quite the factor I’d anticipated. If Game 50 onward anything, I wasn’t quite prepared for just how potent the Canucks power play would be. The spirit of this prediction was based on just watching Hughes, as an athlete, in preseason action. I hadn’t seen his final five games live toward I expected a sizable step forward. I didn’t quite anticipate the quantum the end of 2018-19, but his compact build and his effortless style jumped leap in power-play proficiency that Vancouver actually managed. off of the ice to me immediately – even before the games counted.

In making this prediction, I was taking a lot of what I’d seen during the Hughes was one of a small handful of players who appeared in back-to- preseason into account. But what really stuck in my head was a back preseason games in the final week before the season started. He conversation I had in late September with a veteran NHL assistant coach played big minutes in both games and just seemed tireless doing it. who specializes in running the PK. I mentioned to him that it looked like the Canucks were preparing to open the season with Hughes, Boeser I remember watching those games, speaking to him after both of them and Pettersson as their three high players in a 1-3-1 formation. and thinking that he reminded me a bit of a Brian Campbell or a Roberto Carlos (the famous Brazilian left back) type athlete, both in terms of his His reply was simple, “Wow,” came the straightforward response from the compact body type and elusive style. He just seemed, physically other line. speaking, built to go all day.

Wow is right. Hughes ended up third among all NHL defenders, behind And so I predicted that Hughes would smash through the rookie wall and only Torey Krug and John Carlson, in power-play points from the back see his ice time tick up throughout the season, to the point where he’d end. All of Hughes, Pettersson and Miller finished in the top-20 in the lead all Canucks skaters in ice time in the back half of the campaign. NHL in power-play scoring. Bo Horvat had 12 power-play goals, tied with the likes of Auston Matthews and Nathan MacKinnon for seventh in the I intended for there to be a 32-game sample in which to judge this NHL. prediction, rather than just 19 games. If we measure from Game 50 onward – as originally prescribed – Hughes led all Canucks skaters in ice Ultimately the Canucks scored their 55th power-play goal of the season time in the last 19 games before the COVID-19 suspension, as I on March 1. They had 57 power-play goals when the season was predicted he would. Even if we go back 32 games, we still get the same suspended and would’ve smashed through 60 and likely ended up in the result. mid-60s or even pushed for 70, depending on how their final 13 games had played out. Hughes actually became Vancouver’s No. 1 defender from about late November on. Thus started an era that should last for a decade or more, Vancouver’s power play now has the look of a unit that, particularly as and seems destined to conclude with Hughes being widely considered as their young core continues to learn and build chemistry with one another, the greatest defensemen in the history of the Canucks franchise. could be sustainably elite for many years to come. Result: Nailed it On the other side of the pandemic, it’s going to be fun to watch. Selfishly, it’ll also be a lot of fun to cover and analyze. No. 4: Brock Boeser will be a 40-goal scorer After a hot start on our bold predictions recap, we’re going to be in for If you’d told me the day I made my original predictions that, instead of some pain the rest of the way. skating with Miller riding shotgun, Horvat would spend over 300 minutes at 5-on-5 with Loui Eriksson and 200 more with Jake Virtanen, I would’ve That pain begins with the prediction that Boeser would be a 40-goal been more circumspect. scorer. Even so, and just because I can’t help myself, having a stat that reads - This prediction was off the mark. Limited to 57 games as a result of a rib 15 for a player like Horvat – who not only battled insane matchups on a cartilage fracture, Boeser scored just 16 goals, producing goals at a 23- nightly basis with limited quality on his right wing but who was also only goals over 82-games pace in his third full NHL season. outscored by nine goals at 5-on-5 – because of shorthanded and empty- Some of that was percentage-based. Boeser converted on just 9.5 net goals against is insanely stupid. It’s an affront to common sense and percent of his shots, well below his career 12.9 percent clip. accuracy.

I know there are fans in Vancouver who are convinced that Boeser has The league should strongly consider redefining plus-minus to be pure 5- lost some zip on his shot as a result of previous wrist surgeries, but I tend on-5 on-ice goal differential. Mixing up game states in a stat that purports to think that a dip that dramatic is largely the product of bad finishing to measure two-way ability is an absurdity. luck. If Boeser had simply converted on shots at his career rate, he’d Result: Nope have scored at a 32-goal over 82-game rate. No. 6 Jake Virtanen won’t be with the Canucks by the trade deadline And to be fair, that’s really what I was looking at. This prediction was always a bit of a stretch, which I made clear in my original article: I was wrong again with this one (you may by now sense a theme).

“Though he’s never hit 30 goals in a season, if Boeser stays healthy and Virtanen ends the season with the Canucks and played well for a two converts shots at his career rate, he’ll get to 35 goals and change. With month stretch from the start of December through to the end of January. an improved power play and better puck-moving defencemen feeding Pettersson and Boeser on the break, I’m going to predict he pushes for When I originally made the prediction, Virtanen was starting the season 40.” in a fourth-line role. And with two defensive-minded centremen in Vancouver’s bottom-six – Brandon Sutter and Jay Beagle – both of Now we’ve already gone over that Boeser didn’t stay healthy. Nor did he whom are also right-handed shooters as Virtanen is as well, I was convert shots at his career rate. skeptical that an offence-first winger with Virtanen’s two-way limitations would find a full-time fit in Vancouver’s bottom-six over the balance of the Additionally, and of more import for how we should consider Boeser season. going forward, he seemed to be marginalized a bit on the power play as the year went along, to the point where I strongly suspect he’d have been I think a few things changed and altered that equation. Firstly, the rise of locked in on Vancouver’s surprisingly potent second power-play unit Adam Gaudette created a more attacking bottom-six line that Virtanen fit down the stretch. I’d also expect him to be penciled into that sort of a role very nicely on. Secondly, Virtanen started to play a lot better in early should Vancouver find a way to re-sign Tyler Toffoli this summer. December. Finally, he developed into a pretty nice power-play threat on the second unit down the stretch. As Miller has taken on a larger role initiating moves for Vancouver’s power play, as Hughes has become the central signal-caller from the Question marks remain about Virtanen’s overall two-way abilities. And back end and as Pettersson has become a more willing shooter with the his offensive production sagged down the stretch. It wasn’t much noted in man advantage, Boeser’s shot rate on the power play caved in the Vancouver market, but before the suspension of play, Virtanen only significantly. After two years of posting a super-elite shot rate with the had one goal at 5-on-5 since Feb. 1 and that was the final goal in a 9-3 man advantage, Boeser managed power-play shots at a rate of 14.6 per win over the Boston Bruins. hour, down from 17 per hour the year prior and down from over 19 per hour in his rookie season. His shot attempt rate fell from mid-30s territory An arbitration-eligible restricted free agent, it’ll be interesting to see how in his first two years, to under 25 shot attempts per hour this past season. the Canucks proceed with Virtanen, but it seems likely that he’ll be back again next season. That sort of free fall in volume is pronounced and it’s the sort of thing that will cause me to be much more conservative in analyzing Boeser’s All of which just underscores how wrong I was in this case. ceiling as a goal scorer going forward. If Boeser isn’t going to be a Result: Like when someone shotguns a beer but doesn’t finish the whole primary power-play triggerman for the Canucks, then he’s going to can require some fortunate bounces to be a 40-goal scorer over the life of his three-year bridge deal. No. 7: Jacob Markstrom won’t be quite as good

If Boeser is more durable going forward than he has been to this point in We’re now entering Krusty Burglar territory. Stop! Stop! I’m dead already. his career, I still suspect that he’ll hit 30 goals consistently throughout his I looked at Jacob Markstrom’s sparkling second-half performance in prime. To hit 40 sustainably though, he’ll need to get back to being a 2018-19 and I bought that he’d probably improved enough that he’d hit a high-volume power-play shooter. new level of sustainable performance. Markstrom performed like a top 10 And considering the enhanced depth of talent among Vancouver’s goaltender in hockey in 2018-19 and while I thought he’d still be very forward ranks, that could take some doing. good this upcoming season, I expected that his new, higher sustainable level of performance would equate to average or slightly above average Result: A swing and a miss goaltending from a workhorse-level starter.

No. 5: Bo Horvat will finally be a plus player In other words, I expected something like a .914 save percentage. Still a Plus-minus is the bane of my existence as a statistically inclined person valuable piece, but maybe not a top-10 goaltender in the sport. covering hockey. I was wrong.

I should’ve known, as such, that basing a prediction on plus-minus In a contract year, Markstrom put in an MVP-level performance. Forget wouldn’t work out well for me. Indeed, that has come to pass. top 10, he was on the fringes of the top 5. Markstrom was so good, he While I thought this was the first season that Horvat would be a plus was the subject of Vezina chatter in mainstream, national hockey circles. player, instead he’ll likely finish the campaign at a -15. And that chatter was warranted. Markstrom’s dominance papered over the club’s defensive flaws ably and he was one of the most valuable In fairness to me, and I’m trying to be good to myself particularly in these starters in the league when his raw numbers were adjusted for the trying times, I based this prediction on the idea that Horvat would play defensive environment he played behind. much of the season with Miller on his wing: Markstrom was simply a beast for the Canucks all year long. “With the best regular linemate he’s had in Miller and with a two-way game that made significant progress last year, Horvat will finish in the Result: Off the Mark black by plus-minus for the first time in his NHL career.” No. 8: Canucks get 30 goals out of their fourth line Instead, the Canucks played just two games with Miller on the second line and then a small handful more in late November. So, yeah, this was way off. Actually as off as some of the other predictions look in retrospect, this one looks the worst.

Of course, you can’t just make safe predictions and call it a “bold” predictions column. You’ve got to take some chances. This was my biggest hail mary toss, and let’s just say, the band isn’t exactly coming on to the field.

Without dividing things up into game state, players that started the game on the Canucks’ fourth line and then scored in that game provided the Canucks with 18 goals in 69 games this season – Beagle (2), Sutter (3), Tyler Motte (4), Zack MacEwen (2), Tyler Graovac (2), Tim Schaller (5). So even with favourable accounting, that’s a 21 goal in 82-game pace, or still well off the mark of my prediction.

Result: Yeah … no

No. 9: Sven Baertschi will be back

On opening day of the NHL season, I predicted that Baertschi wouldn’t just be back with the Canucks for a game or two this season (which he was), but that he’d manage to carve out a regular spot in the top-nine and help the team down the stretch.

He didn’t.

Baertschi cleared waivers twice this season and the club was unable to find a trade that would’ve permitted him to restart his NHL career somewhere else. Presumably, they’ll keep trying once the public health crisis has passed and NHL rosters are unfrozen, particularly as there’s minimal cap benefit to buying out his contract.

The Baertschi era was at an end at the start of the year. I just didn’t realize it yet.

Result: Ouch

No. 10 The Canucks will improve significantly but still miss the playoffs

This looked like a clear miss when we revisited these predictions back in January, but the Canucks sputtered a bit in late February, winning only two of their final 10 games before the COVID-19 suspension. As the league ended play for the foreseeable future, the Canucks were in the playoffs by point percentage and out of it by actual standings points.

As such, it’s probably not right to score this one either way. It’s a pretty classic push.

When I originally made the prediction, I thought Vancouver would’ve been good for 88 or 90 points. I tend to think that’s about where they were trending to finish and they needed to win at least seven of their last 13 games to exceed my predicted expectations. Perhaps they would’ve done it, but we’ll probably never know now.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182025 Websites before higher vanity numbers were a thing. So no, we won’t find our answer in the 60+ club after all. No worries, though – we’ll just have to open up the search to the 50-goal club. And as it turns out, that’s a very big club indeed. Dropping our cutoff down to 50 goals opens the The Athletic / Down Goes Brown: Attempting to answer a simple question floodgates enough to allow 157 new seasons onto our list, so surely we’ll about jersey numbers find our answer here.

The good news is that our list now includes dozens of names that we haven’t seen yet. The bad news is that a glance at some of the guys who By Sean McIndoe Mar 30, 2020 had seasons in the high 50s tells us that we’re going to immediately run into the same two problems as before. , Tim Kerr and Michel Goulet? Traditional numbers that are too low. Pierre Turgeon or Every now and then, a reader will reach out to me with a question. Sergei Fedorov? Too high. Sometimes, I already know the answer. Often, I have no idea where I’d even start. But the best kind of questions are the ones that make me And then, the first sense of doubt creeps in: Wait, what kind of star think: “Huh, I’m not sure, but I bet it would be fun to find out.” forward wears a number in the 50s?

I got one of those a little while ago from a reader named Bryce. It was There sure aren’t many. Typically, if they hand you a number in the 50s nice and simple. Bryce wanted to know which NHL player had scored the in training camp, it’s because they don’t expect you to stick around long. most goals in a single season in which their total matched their jersey If you do, you get yourself a real number as soon as possible. What kind number. of self-respecting sniper is going to wear No. 58?

That’s kind of a cool question. And it’s one that shouldn’t be all that hard Not many. But that’s OK because we only need one. And the 50-goal tier to figure out. I couldn’t come up with an answer off the top of my head, is where we start to see some names where I wasn’t sure what number but I knew how to find one: just crack open a list of the highest single- they wore. ? ? Blaine Stoughton? Rick season goal totals and work backward. Kehoe? Nope across the board. John Ogrodnick, or ? Negative. I held out some hope for No. 55 since the So that’s what I did. It will be fun, right? double-digit thing was in vogue after Gretzky, Lemieux and Lindros. But no such luck, as guys like Keith Primeau, Jason Blake and Eric Daze fall Let’s begin, the way all great journeys do, at the beginning. In this case, well short, and Mark Scheifele has yet to come close. that meant a list of every NHL player to ever score 60 goals or more in a did wear No. 52, but only for one season in 2000-01 when his 50-goal season. It’s not a long list, but it’s probably longer than you might think. days were well behind him. Same with Dany Heatley wearing No. 51 for There have been 39 seasons of 60+ goals in NHL history. Could we find the Ducks. our answer in that list? I wasn’t sure, but it was the right place to start. I had a brief flutter of optimism when I remembered Jonathan Five of those 39 seasons belong to Wayne Gretzky, and we can Cheechoo’s 56-goal season. Did Cheechoo wear No. 56? It seems like obviously eliminate him; he wore No. 99 for his entire NHL career, and he the sort of number he might wear, right? He’d never been an elite goal- never got that many goals in a season. He came reasonably close, scorer before that wild 2005-06 season, so maybe he was still wearing a topping out at 92 in 1981-82, which still stands as the all-time record and scrub’s number when he broke through. Alas, he was not. He wore No. probably always will. But we’re not looking for close here, so Wayne’s not 14 that year. Not even close. our man. By the time I got into the low 50s – Rick Martin? Blaine Stoughton? Ray He does have an impact, though, because his iconic No. 99 encouraged Freaking Sheppard? – desperation was beginning to set in. I felt like I a generation of stars that followed to wear distinctive high numbers of may have made a terrible mistake. their own. That was a new thing, and it should make our search easier. Lowering our standards to 45 goals adds another 123 players to our list Here’s where we run into our first problem: A lot of history’s greatest of candidates, which now sits at 319 names. If numbers were assigned at offensive talents have worn high numbers, but they were too high. random, we would expect to find at least three matches now, just based Gretzky’s the only player to ever crack the 90-goal plateau, which wipes on sheer chance. out the chances of plenty of today’s 90-wearing stars, like Connor McDavid and Steven Stamkos. Eric Lindros and Patrick Kane have Does that help? No. Not one damned bit, thanks for asking. posted big goal-scoring years, but neither got anywhere close to the 88 they wore. ’s 76 goals in 1992-93 is tied for the fifth- With apologies to Brian Savage, no good forward is out there racking up most ever, but he had a long way to go since he was wearing No. 89. big numbers wearing No. 49. Danny Briere never got close to 48 goals. Sidney Crosby’s great, but he hasn’t come anywhere near 87. Alexander Radulov will have to crack 30 goals before we worry about him hitting 47. David Krejci with 46 goals? Sure, if you combine his two best did, scoring 86 in 1990-91 and hitting the rarified 70-goal mark seasons. on two other occasions. But he did that while wearing No. 16, which leads to our second problem: Star forwards who don’t wear really high We’re getting far enough down the list to run into some more names that numbers usually wear relatively low ones. It’s a tradition thing. So right are at least worth investigating, like Bill Goldsworthy, Simon Gagne, off the bat, we know we can rule out low-numbered stars like Rocket Geoff Sanderson and Blair MacDonald, but nobody checks out. And for Richard and Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull (all No. 9), Alexander the most part, our list is still cluttered with traditionalists with their boring Ovechkin and Cam Neely (No. 8), and Pavel Bure (No. 10). low numbers. Yes, hello , Mats Sundin, Frank Mahovlich , Teemu Selanne, Steve Yzerman, Luc Robitaille or Jari and Denis Savard, you’re not helping us at all here. Neither are you with Kurri? Sorry. All wore good, solid, traditional numbers that are way too your fancy look-at-me high numbers, John Tavares, David Pastrnak and low for what we’re looking for. Evgeni Malkin. Brendan Shanahan managed to fall into both groups at the same time, wearing four different numbers in the teens and one in the There is one player who wore a number in the 70s and had a 70-goal nineties but refusing to help out the team by wearing No. 46 in 1996-97 season. But that’s , and he scored 76 in 1970-71 while like a good boy would. wearing No. 7; he didn’t switch to No. 77 until he was traded to the Rangers, so he’s one goal and five years away from being our answer. We even start seeing some defensemen show up on the list, as Paul Coffey and Bobby Orr arrive on the scene. Do you remember your dad After dropping down into the 60s, optimism kicks in because there are regaling you with stories about “numbah forty-six, Bobby Orr?” Yeah, two legendary scorers who both wore numbers in this range – Mario neither do I. This is futile. I regret every life decision I’ve ever made that Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr, with both showing up on the list of 60-goal led to this. scorers. But Jagr topped out at 62 goals in 1995-96, missing his iconic No. 68 by a half-dozen. And while Lemieux had two seasons of 69 goals, If we drop our criteria down to 40 goals, how many more names will we one of 70, and one of 85, he never landed on exactly 66. He goes down add? Do I even want to know? I’m not sure I want to know. in history as the highest jersey number to be exceeded by his goal total, Three hundred and three more names. That’s how many. but our search for an exact match carries on. We are now working with 622 seasons of 40 goals or more, and as The only other candidates left on our initial list are Lanny McDonald, Wendel is my witness, if we don’t find our answer here I’m going to go Dennis Maruk, Steve Shutt and Reggie Leach, and they all came along dig a deep hole in my backyard and just lay face-down in it until the rains offering it up to the returning veteran as any honorable man would, come. Boynton kept it for himself.

At this point, I’m starting to see names I don’t even recognize. I think it’s This means that while Glen Murray did indeed wear No. 44 for the at least possible that hockey-reference is messing with me. Bill Flett? Bruins, he was wearing No. 27 the season he scored 44 goals. Chuck Lefley? Lowell MacDonald? Are these even real people? Am I a real person? Are you? You know… I don’t… I don’t even know, man.

But amid the despair, a ray of hope emerges. It comes in the form of a I hate Bryce, the reader who sent this question in. I hate Nick Boynton. I number: 44. hate Todd Bertuzzi. I hate Phil Esposito and Dave Andreychuk. I hate the NHL. I hate you. I hate myself. That’s a goal scorer’s number! Granted, not a great one. Not counting Guy Lafleur’s one year as a Ranger, no Hall-of-Fame forward has ever I checked all 622 of those 40-goal seasons, and I couldn’t find a match. worn No. 44. But that’s OK because we’re 600 names deep in this stupid Not one. So I kept going because I didn’t know what else to do. thing, and we just need 44 goals. We don’t need a Hall-of-Famer. We Henrik Zetterberg wore No. 40 and went into the penultimate game of the need a Hall-of-Good-Enough guy. And No. 44 is pretty much the No. 99 2005-06 season with 39 goals. The Red Wings scored twice late in that of Hall-of-Good-Enough guys. game to steal the win, and Zetterberg had the primary assist on both. He For example, Todd Bertuzzi. Would you like to hear a story about Todd did not score. Then he sat out the season finale, finishing one goal shy of Bertuzzi? I have a story about Todd Bertuzzi. Back in 2002-03, he had a 40. breakout year with the Vancouver Canucks. Late in the season, on Vincent Lecavalier is another player who wore No. 40, and he did have a March 23, 2003, he scored a powerplay goal against the Capitals to open 40-goal season. But he didn’t do both at the same time. The scoring the scoring. Not a big deal, you might think, except for one important came with the Lightning, where he wore No. 4. He didn’t wear No. 40 detail: It was Todd Bertuzzi’s 44th goal of the season. And yes, he was until he went to the Flyers. wearing No. 44 that year. Pavol Demitra wore No. 38 for eight seasons in St. Louis, where he had Do you know how he celebrated? By scoring his 45th goal of the season seasons of 35 goals, and also 36, and also 37, but never 38. Tony later in that game. Granato scored 39 goals with the Kings, for whom he wore No. 21, but Bertuzzi didn’t finish that season with 44 goals. Neither did another No. not with the Rangers, for whom he wore No. 39. Chris Drury wore No. 37 44, Rob Brown, who had 49 in 1988-89. Stephane Richer hit 50 goals with both the Avalanche and the Flames, but not with the Sabres when twice wearing the number, but never 44 on the nose. But there have he scored 37 goals. Vladimir Ruzicka wore No. 38 for Boston and had 38 been 39 different seasons in NHL history in which a player scored exactly goals going into the season finale in 1991-92, then scored the Bruins’ 44 goals. One of them will be our guy. One of them has to be. final goal of the year to finish with 39.

Or not. The hockey gods are apparently mocking me now because the By the time you get to the end of the list of 36-goal seasons, you’ve seen list of 44-goal scorers turns out to be clogged with famous names. Patrick 970 names. By the time you get to 35, you’re at 1,089. I still couldn’t find Kane. . Bobby Hull. Jari Kurri. Jaromir. Sidney. Mario. Gordie. a match. Was there one somewhere in there and I’d missed it? Maybe. None of them wore No. 44. None of them ever would have. The thought has absolutely occurred to me, more than once, often in the middle of the night. And I will tell you, with as much honesty as I can A few guys offer up some hope. Mark Hunter? ? Charlie muster, that if that’s the case then I absolutely do not want you to tell me Simmer? Barry Pederson? Tony Amonte? Those guys at least sound like about it. I really don’t. No. 44-type players, right? Sure they do. But they’re not. What I do know is that when you scroll through that many names, they all Then comes a disturbing discovery, with the appearance of Phantom Joe start to blend together. The same players start showing up over and over. Malone, who had 44 goals in just 20 games in the NHL’s very first And it was somewhere around this point that I began to wonder if the season over a century ago. He’s our first pre- name, and question even had an answer. Maybe we’d stumbled onto some bizarre here’s the thing about those days: Players had numbers, but the records but immutable law of the hockey universe. Maybe I’d done something of who wore what are notoriously bad. Malone is generally listed as terrible to Bryce in a past life and this was his way of taking revenge. wearing No. 7, and wearing a high number like 44 would have been Maybe I was destined to click all the way through the list of every season unusual. But could it have happened, and nobody bothered to make a that has ever been in the history of the NHL, sorted from most goals to note of it in any record book? We can’t rule it out. And that means we’ve least, finding nothing at all until I made it down to the zeros and John reached the point where our answer to the seemingly simple question of Davidson and showed up on my doorstep to tell me I’d “Who had the most goals while matching their jersey number?” might wasted my life. literally be “It is impossible to know for sure.” I didn’t know anymore. I just wanted it to be over. This would have been a good place to stop. Gentle reader, I did not stop. It’s Auston Matthews. No, I kept going. And I was rewarded because tucked away on our list of 44-goal scorers was a name that triggered something deep within my last Of course it is. The best player on the current edition of my favorite team, remaining brain cell. from a recent season I watched with my own eyes. Hidden in plain sight. Well played, hockey gods. Glen Murray. Matthews wears No. 34. In 2017-18, he missed 20 games with injuries He scored 44 goals for Boston in 2002-03. before returning late in March and went into the season finale sitting at 33 goals. He scored in the first period that night, and despite a handful of Glen Murray wore No. 44 for the Bruins. solid chances the rest of the way, that was it. Hockey Night in Canada I know this. I don’t know how, but I know it. I don’t know the color of my had the call: “A celebration for number 34, who scores number 34.” wife’s eyes or my own parents’ birthdays. But I damn well know that Glen Of the 1,201 NHL seasons in which a player has scored 34 goals or Murray wore No. 44 for the Bruins. I can picture it. more, Matthews is the only one to match his number.

Or can I? Is this all a hallucination? Did I have an aneurysm back at John Why? Why did the hockey gods allow that to happen, finally, on the last Ogrodnick and the rest of this has just been the fading neural oscillations night of the NHL’s 100th season? Was it supposed to? Was it a glitch? Is of my flat-lining final moments? Glen Murray did wear No. 44 for the something terrible going to happen to Matthews and the Maple Leafs Bruins, right? Please tell me he did. now?

With trembling hands, I turned to Google. And there it was, just like I’d I don’t know. I don’t want to know. I don’t think I’m capable of knowing pictured it. One of the most beautiful damn things I’ve ever seen. anything anymore. I’ve processed the names and jersey numbers of Glen Murray did wear the number 44 for the Bruins. 1,201 NHL players and my broken brain does not have room for anything else. Specifically, he wore it from 1991 until 1995, when he was traded to the Penguins and later the Kings before returning to Boston six years later. Nobody ever send me a question ever again. Nick Boynton had taken over the No. 44 in the meantime. And instead of The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182026 Websites These daily videos being sent Bell’s way from all over the world are coming from boys and girls who suddenly have a lot of extra time on their hands as we all attempt to flatten the curve of the new coronavirus.

The Athletic / ‘They call me The Hockey Jedi’: Meet Zac Bell, hockey’s So, each day, Bell’s Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook latest internet star inboxes are inundated from children and teens living in Siberia, Japan, Sweden, Finland, France, Germany, the U.S. and Canada.

“It’s very humbling,” said Bell, whose hockey-playing career has been By Michael Russo Mar 30, 2020 severely debilitated throughout his own teenage years because of multiple head injuries that he has trouble talking about without getting

emotional. “I mean, this is the reason I’m doing this. I started off just as a It was early Saturday afternoon, and Zac Bell had already been sitting in way to escape and channel my own energies into my videos. And people front of his computer in Muskoka, Ontario, for hours. have picked it up and I’m seeing people doing it in their own ways now.

Bell, a magician with the hockey stick, spent all day Friday filming his “I get messages every day from people just saying, ‘Thank you so much mesmerizing trickery, then posting it to his vast social media platforms, for posting your videos. … I love going outside and doing them myself so his callused hands were all cut up and blistered from the day before. now. … It just lets me escape my own reality.’ I’m seeing every day how much the videos are helping people, and it’s amazing. It’s honestly … I “My hands are way too sore to film today, so I’m inside reacting to have no words for it. It just reassures me that what I’m doing is having a people’s videos they’ve been sending me,” Bell, 19, a suffering Detroit positive impact on the youth. So many kids are around their house and Red Wings diehard who has played junior hockey the past few years in outside doing hockey tricks right now instead of worrying about the upstate New York, said as he perused his direct messages. “I’ve got over pandemic.” 500 videos in my DMs I have to react to today, and I plan on reacting to every single one.” Less than two weeks ago, Bell had 109,000 Instagram followers. As of this writing, he surpassed 136,000. With young hockey players worldwide looking for fun stuff to do with schools closed, hockey rinks padlocked and their youth teams on hiatus Bell’s latest video of him scoring off a dazzling shootout move at Nathan because of the COVID-19 pandemic, children are studying Bell’s tricks, Phillips Square in Toronto had 8,000 views and 2,200 likes in two hours. then heading out to their driveways to record themselves emulating and That’s light. trying to master his abilities. They then send Bell the videos yearning for him to essentially grade them like a teacher. His videos usually range from 30,000 to 60,000 views …

After all, the way Bell spins a hockey stick has been compared to “Star And if you skim through the comments, you can even find NHLers, like Wars” villain Darth Maul wielding a lightsaber. “They Call me The Hockey the Wild’s Carson Soucy, “liking” and “sharing” the videos with friends. Jedi” boasts his Instagram profile. “Those moves are crazy hard and super skilled,” said Soucy, one of the “Reacting” from Bell on social media could be a simple “like,” or a NHL’s top rookie defensemen this season. “I don’t know how long it takes comment underneath a video, or even recording himself reacting live to a for him to practice those, but I don’t think I would ever be able to pull video to offer praise and advice to make a kid’s day. them off.”

Often, Bell will share some of the videos he receives on his own Another player who “likes” a lot of Bell’s videos is AHL leading scorer Instagram stories. , the Iowa Wild’s super-skilled winger.

One of Bell’s most popular tricks came March 5 at his local outdoor rink “His moves are awesome and super entertaining … especially during this in Bracebridge, Ontario. Carolina Hurricanes young star Andrei quarantine,” Anas said, laughing. Svechnikov scored not one, but two lacrosse-style goals this season, so Bell decided to take Svechnikov’s move to the next level and add his own The above video was named the Buffalo Wild Wings’ top play of the crazy twist. week on their social media channels with well-known Instagram comedian Bob Menery dubbing in some play-by-play of Bell sinking the That video, which he shot on his iPhone and posted to his Instagram shot. account, @alwayshockey, in real-time and slow motion, has been viewed on his page alone 303,000 times. There’s no telling the number of actual Bell’s TikTok channel, @always.hockey, has more than 171,000 views it has received because any platform or person can share a video. followers and has generated nearly 5 million likes. Lately, he has posted For instance, Canadian TV network Sportsnet shared Bell’s video asking, TikTok videos of his real-time reactions to children and teenagers sharing “Is this @andrei_svechnikov37’s next move?” with him their reenactments of his tricks.

Bell’s Svechnikov post was viewed on the network’s Instagram account Bell’s YouTube channel, Always Hockey, which he plans to expand and more than 100,000 times and on its Twitter account another 36,000 become more active on this summer, has nearly 29,000 subscribers, and times. his 80 videos have been viewed millions of times.

“Svechnikov sent me a message the other day and said he just wanted to Back in 2014, when Bell was a young teenager, he sent renowned stick reach out and say he liked what I was doing and just keep going,” Bell specialist Pavel Barber, who has 581,000 followers on his @heybarber said. “It was awesome. I was like, ‘Wow, someone who’s actually using Instagram account, a video of himself from when he was 8 years old. those moves at the NHL level thought it was awesome.’” Bell was at a skills competition in Ottawa and during a shootout, Bell Bell has gotten a number of encouraging messages from current NHLers scooped up the puck and executed what he calls the “Michigan 360.” He like Columbus’ Cam Atkinson and former NHLers like Rob Schremp. whizzed the puck top corner. Barber posted the video and shared it, a video that caught Canadian TV Network TSN’s attention. They also Wild color analyst Ryan Carter, who played more than 500 NHL games, broadcast it out. only follows 267 accounts on Instagram. Bell was and still is a huge fan of Barber. In fact, they recently skated One of them is @alwayshockey, and Carter’s always entertained. together in that charity shootout challenge at the picturesque Nathan Phillips Square. “All those moves he makes are difficult, yet he makes them look easy,” Carter said. Bell began as a teenager following Barber, who held a contest for kids to show off their skills at home. Bell entered and wound up winning at 14 Bell is blown away and humbled by his rise to fame as the NHL and other years old. media outlets continue to share his videos of stick and puck sorcery during the recent #HockeyAtHome social-media craze, one that includes “Pavel sent me this whole prize pack, and it was like, ‘I’m going to start NHLers letting fans into their homes to see what they’re doing to keep doing these cool tricks and post them on Instagram,’” Bell said. “And then hockey part of their lives during this weird age of sometimes lonely, it birthed into something I wasn’t expecting. Next thing I knew, I mastered monotonous self-isolation. thousands of tricks and had 10,000 followers in my first year and I had hundreds of different kids also starting up their own accounts, doing But the time off from hockey and his return home to live with his parents, these hockey moves and stuff. Stacy and Clayton, has been a blessing in disguise, he says.

“It created a movement. A couple of years down the road, I ended up at His mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in January and the injury has 100,000 followers in 2017 and the hockey trick community was booming. allowed him to be there to support her during this difficult time. Every kid was on Instagram doing tricks in their driveway and it was pretty competitive. It was pretty cutthroat actually. It was awesome to see Bell also decided to dust off his GoPro and iPhone and begin recording though. The whole community was involved. himself doing tricks again. He’s a one-man show. Not only is he doing the tricks, he’s his own cameraman and editor, too. “But then, it almost died out. All these kids got older and the whole community just died out. And, then I took a break, too. I experienced a lot “Last summer’s head injuries, I felt lost. I didn’t really know what to do. I of online hate for my stuff. It was just something new that the hockey was stuck,” Bell said. “I had this brain injury, and suddenly, I can’t go to community wasn’t ready for.” school, I can’t play hockey, I can’t do anything. It was so hard. But what it did do was make me realize that all I love to do is play hockey. That’s Bell said while kids loved what he was doing, a lot of hardheaded hockey what I was born to do. fans and adults attacked him on social media. He was being told he was wasting his time because it’s not like these moves could be pulled off in a “So, I thought, ‘We’re going to start the videos again.’ I decided to put all game. Sports leagues and other big media outlets refused to share his my energy back into these videos. At a minimum, it was a way to still be videos, Bell says. able to contribute to the game somehow. I guess that’s my calling. Just motivate the next generation of kids to love and enjoy hockey. I just can’t “It was like hockey tricks were outlawed,” Bell said. stress enough to anyone out there … just love what you’re doing and have fun doing it and you’ve just got to not pay attention to what anybody Schremp, the former star and Edmonton Oilers first- else says. Because at the end of the day, you can do whatever you want round pick who played 114 NHL games, recently ended his playing to do.” career in Europe. In a week, he’s set to launch an online coaching platform for girls and boys called 44visionhockey.com. What’s crazy, he says, the experience that led to his quitting social media has taken a complete about-face since. Maybe it has to do with the He’s a big fan of Bell’s videos and can only imagine what Bell went pandemic because so many hockey-loving kids are looking for cool stuff through just a few years ago. to do at home. Maybe it’s because everyone from the NHL’s social media “It’s just looked upon a certain way, and that in my experience is sort of team to The Athletic is looking for neat things to display and stories to the hockey culture,” Schremp, 33, said from his home in Naples, Fla. write, but Bell’s fandom has erupted the past several weeks. “Hockey, the old-schoolers, it’s a stick-to-the-same-routine kind of thing. “The videos allowed me to keep playing hockey through this injury and What I think gets lost a lot, in my opinion, is the fact it’s an entertainment put all my emotions into the videos,” Bell said. “So, I revamped it and business. When you get to the NHL level or the pro level, people are adjusted the hockey tricks a bit to this new Zorro style. I actually pulled paying tickets to go watch and be entertained. the first Zorro off back in 2015 because I was fooling around with my “Some things (Bell) is doing is even higher level of what I did. He’s taken stick and it worked. I said to myself, ‘I should try this on the ice.’ it to the max. It’s pretty cool, and I’m entertained by it. I really am. I watch That’s more trending in our game today. We’re seeing people in the NHL his videos all the time. I think it’s cool, I think it’s different. It’s just start doing these moves, like Svechnikov, and (Auston) Matthews in different, right? And that bothers people.” warmups. You can see the way the game’s changing.”

Bell was so dejected by the mean things said to him online, he quit all Zorro is where you scoop up the puck to the point it looks like it’s stuck to social media for nearly two years and concentrated on playing AAA your blade with glue. You do so by rolling your wrists over and cradling hockey, then junior hockey so he could pursue his dream of playing the puck in a sweeping motion. college hockey. Bell is constantly thinking of new tricks to try.

Bell was playing in his hometown of Orillia, Ontario, when he decided to “I just throw my stick in the air and just think about what would look cool move 90 minutes south to Toronto to play prep hockey at Blyth Academy. on the camera and how fast I could spin it while the puck’s in the air. Just He played on an Under-16 and Under-18 team there, then moved back getting wild with it,” Bell said. “And now my process has changed. I’ll be home to play his final year of minor hockey for the AAA North Central inside and I’ll just be sitting in bed and then I’ll just have an idea for a Predators. video and I’ll have to go outside and do it.

Zac Bell “I’m telling you, the hockey trick community is starting a comeback. I’m Bell, playing with the North Central Predators. (Courtesy Zac Bell) seeing kids creating accounts every single day now. And I credit all this to the NHL and what they did with the #HockeyAtHome during this But Bell struggled throughout his teenage years with concussions. He still quarantine. It has really brought the trick community back from the grave decided that he so wanted to play college hockey, he’d go play in the because everybody’s at home not doing anything. You got NHL guys out North American Tier-3 Hockey League in Binghamton, N.Y. here juggling the puck on Instagram. So it’s everybody, right?”

His first year there, in 2018-19, Bell scored 31 goals and 79 points in 35 Bell believes as more and more kids master these type of trickery skills games. and develop them in the next few years, we’ll see more and more players attempt similar moves during games, like Svechnikov and Filip Forsberg “But last summer, I took two head injuries training, and then, the first actually did with their lacrosse-style goals this season. game of the season, I decided to play … and it’s tough to explain here. I hate talking about it,” Bell said, his voice shaking. “It’s just touchy. It’s “It’s going to be ridiculous in the next 20 years what these kids can do,” been a struggle the last nine months for me personally trying to recover Bell said. “It’s definitely the way the game’s going now. I believe from these head injuries. everyone’s more receptive of it and supportive of it now.”

“I was out all last summer because of the first head injury and didn’t Schremp and Bell connect periodically on social media. really have anywhere to go. But I really wanted to play and thought I’d go back to the NA3 and just absolutely light it up this year. That was the “He was telling me about how he used to get yelled at by coaches for plan, anyway. Me and my buddy were going to both go back, we figured even doing anything like that in warmups even,” Bell said. “So that’s just we’d have our line back together, be the older guys, and have a really how frowned upon it was back in his day. So I’m hoping that coaches will good season to get colleges to look at us. be more understanding in this era where this stuff is making its way into the game. “And then first game of the season, I still wasn’t fully healed for my head injury. I thought it was a good idea to play, which was not the right “You have every 10-year-old, 12-year-old, 14-year-old right now in their decision. And I actually had four goals in the first period of that game. So, driveway doing these tricks and these moves. So there’s no doubt it’s I was pretty targeted after that and I wasn’t even anywhere near the puck going to be implemented into the game. Hitting is slowly being pushed and a kid skated right up to me and just elbowed me across the face. out of the game, more skilled players are coming in, the speed of the game has improved, everyone’s smaller, the training is much more “I woke up on the ice … and my life changed since that moment, for vigorous. So, the game’s transitioning right now and all these new sure.” generation of kids doing these moves, that’s going to be the future of the NHL.”

Carter, 36, who loves watching Bell’s tricks, still says it’s hard to imagine many of the tricks could be used “in a situation other than a shootout.” Anas, 26, who made a name for himself in college at Quinnipiac scoring off silky-smooth moves, also said he wasn’t sure “if most of (Bell’s) moves will ever make it into a game, unfortunately.”

But Schremp says despite the fact he feels many coaches are narrow- minded when it comes to creativity in hockey, he feels it’s getting closer and closer to more occurrences in the NHL.

“What (Bell’s) doing is not hot-doggish,” Schremp said. “It works on hand- eye coordination. It works on rolling your wrists and opening up. If you look deeper into it, it’s not just a bunch of hot-dog stuff. It’s actually not that easy to do. This is not just showmanship. Trying new things with the puck and just exploring, once you get a level of confidence with the stuff like he’s doing, like I used to do, it just makes the simpler things a lot easier.

“It really does make stick-handling simple because if you can start doing things like he’s doing, that is like top-level stuff, the simplistic stuff becomes way easier. You can execute the simple things a lot easier.”

Bell’s not just a hockey Jedi.

This past week, Bell dropped a single called, Panarin, on Spotify.

It has already gotten more than 2,000 streams.

“Quarantine’s got people doing some crazy things,” Bell said, laughing. “So I was just sitting here one night and I was like, ‘I’m just going to write a song about hockey and somehow merge it with what I’m doing.’”

He has big aspirations for his future. Bell — ambidextrous to the point he shoots and stick-handles with both left- and right-handed sticks — plans to hold summer camps to teach kids his unorthodox methods “that I know no coaches out there teach.” He also wants to continue to refine his YouTube channel so kids can see his lessons for free. That is important to Bell because his parents didn’t have a lot of money growing up.

“My dad could never afford the sport growing up, but he played and I get my hands from him,” Bell said. “Our sport is an extremely expensive sport to play. It’s very hard to get kids involved because parents don’t want to upfront a bunch of money for a sport that their kid might not pick up. It’s much easier to go to the store and buy a basketball or soccer ball than go buy sticks and pucks and a net and shooting board and skates and all the other stuff that comes with it.”

Bell has quickly grown in stature, and his only objective is to use it for good and make an impact on the kids who idolize what he’s doing on social media.

“I let online haters get to me and took years off social media and I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t take that time off. It was needed,” Bell said. “But it taught me a valuable lesson: Whatever you’re doing, no matter what it is, you just got to love what you’re doing. Be passionate and strive toward your goals because the only person who can hold you back is yourself regardless of what anybody says.

“… I hope I can inspire some kids and make their day better and get them outside practicing their skills instead of going to their TV or computer.”

The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182027 Websites For a long time, he tried to blend in. “I’ve always grown up with a lot of white friends around me, white kids

around me, and I’ve learned to kind of act like that,” Wisdom said. The Athletic / ‘I want you to doubt me’: Zayde Wisdom’s against-all-odds It wasn’t until he was introduced to trainer Derrell Levy in minor peewee, journey to the draft minor hockey coach Jason Payne (who now coaches the ECHL’s ), and later NHLer Wayne Simmonds (Wisdom became a staple at Simmonds’ annual Road Hockey Warriors charity ball By Scott Wheeler Mar 30, 2020 hockey tournament for underprivileged children), that Wisdom began to see people at the rink who looked like him.

Levy is a former junior and college hockey player who started In-Tech Zayde Wisdom’s earliest memory is of one of the many times his High Performance Training. In the gym and on the ice, Levy works with grandmother, who he calls Kitty, picked him up from school. He can’t several clients who are visible minorities, including Los Angeles Kings remember exactly how old he was. He was young. Maybe kindergarten. prospect Akil Thomas, as well as brothers Givanni and Gemel Smith, But he remembers the rest like it was yesterday. who’ve both bounced between the AHL and the NHL. He remembers Kitty handing him his after-school lunch. He remembers Mairri admits that it has taken her years to come to terms with hockey’s turning his nose up at it and demanding McDonald’s. He remembers her place in their lives. Though she recognizes that without the support of answer, one he’d heard before: “No, we don’t have money for that.” other parents that Wisdom never would have been able to stick with the And he remembers the two things that came next: a drive to the food sport, she struggles with moral dilemmas about hockey’s accessibility for bank and a return to a home without electricity. families like hers.

At the time, he understood the food bank as the place he sometimes “The same people that kind of hold the sport itself down are the same went to pick up meals for the week. But he never really understood why people who helped us financially to enable him to get to where he is,” she the lights would go out. His mom, Mairri, would tell him that people were said. “It’s a sport that requires a lot of money. There’s a lot of kind, working on the power lines. generous people out there. Zayde always served a purpose, don’t get it wrong, but there are people that helped along the way.” “Oh, it went down in the whole neighbourhood,” she would lie. Even with that help, she had to ask Zaccarya to make sacrifices for Roughly a decade later, he knows that wasn’t true. He knows they were Wisdom’s pursuit. It was “impossible” for Mairri to afford both boys in late on their payments. And he recognizes that Mairri and Kitty were AAA, so Zaccarya grew up playing AA. protecting him, that they didn’t want him to feel left behind. And she couldn’t have done any of it without Levy. It was Levy who Today, he uses that experience, just one in a lifetime’s worth of them, as convinced agents Eustace King and Matt Federico — whose O2K fuel for his pursuit of a brighter future. It’s a pursuit that has carried him, Management Group doesn’t normally do business in Toronto due to the against all odds, to the brink of the NHL draft — and a better life for him mega agencies that monopolize the area — to go watch him play at a and his family. tournament in Port Huron, Ont.

Wisdom was born in Weston, a small, diverse neighbourhood in In the years since, Levy’s role in Wisdom’s life has evolved from trainer, northwest Toronto, to multiracial parents. His dad, Anies, is a Jamaican to mentor, to brother. immigrant and long-haul truck driver. Mairri never met her own father, and was raised by Kitty, who belongs to the Metis Nation. “He’s been there. He understands the struggle. Not just in a black way, in a financial way. In order to give back he has had to give all of himself,” Mairri, like her mom before her, also raised Wisdom and his younger Mairri said of Levy, who started his training business out of his car. brother Zaccarya as a single mother. After moving to the city at 16 and later meeting Anies, the two separated when the boys were young. “That gentleman deserves the best in life. He really does. I’m 47 and that Among Wisdom’s other early memories, he admits, is the day his dad man has taught me how to be a better person. The connection is deep, walked out. really deep. He has made my son a better human being, a better athlete, a better brother, a better person all around.” Before that, though, he fell in love with hockey, almost by chance. Though Anies and Mairri had never laced up skates themselves, Wisdom Wisdom credits Levy for teaching him how to act like himself, instead of would throw fits from their laps as a toddler whenever they would change like everyone else. the channel from the hockey game. “(Levy) probably had it worse. If he’s been through that then I can get Early on, instead of enrolling him in hockey, Mairri had Wisdom in skates through it too,” Wisdom said. “I can call Derrell any time of the day or at local outdoor rinks. Eventually, through an after-school program, he night and he would pick up for me. If I need advice about anything, he’s was able to get on the ice indoors. When it was clear he wanted to one phone call away. He was my first trainer and he’s going to be my last pursue it further, Mairri worked three or four jobs so that Wisdom could trainer. He has been there all my life and I’m going to be there for him.” play house league hockey. While she worked, Kitty did everything else, In Wisdom, Levy sees a kid who has always had a chip on his shoulder shuttling Wisdom to and from the rink in a beat-up car with bald tires but has learned to use it in the right ways. while he ate his meals in the back seat. “It’s not always pleasant. I push him hard. But it’s all love,” Levy said. When coaches realized he was one of the best players on the ice, they “He’s very protective of his mom and his brother. He has always been a encouraged Wisdom to try out for the local select team. In the years that father figure for most of the years. But he’s got a lot internally that he followed, as winter hockey also became spring, summer and fall hockey, bottles up.” and then eventually AAA, Mairri relied on the generosity of other parents to afford it all. There were times when Wisdom would feel like everyone was out to get him and Levy would be the one to reign him in. Today, Wisdom tells “It was all on me,” Mairri said. “Their dad wasn’t around for the first part things to Levy that he feels he can’t tell to anyone else. of it really. My mom was taking them everywhere and I just worked and paid bills and worked.” “Being of ethnic background, being a minority, he has dealt with some things early in his career. Being in an environment here where there’s a In a sport dominated by the wealthy, Wisdom quickly learned that he was bunch of hockey players that have gone on to play high-level hockey, different. While he was sharing a bed with his brother and his mom, or being able to see what these guys go through and how to conduct while Mairri couldn’t afford to go to the grocery store, his teammates yourself and harness things the right way — not just from me but his showed up to the rink with new clothes and equipment. peers — makes him feel safe and feel at home and be who he wants to “I knew I couldn’t afford it so it’s not like I went home and cried to my be,” Levy said. “It’s one place where he can let down his guard.” mom about it,” Wisdom said. “I would just say ‘I’m going to get there one When Wisdom once had a problem with a coach and his ice time, Levy day and I’m going to help my mom get what she wants when she’s older would ask him what he was doing with the shifts that he was getting? and make money off of the sport that I love to play.'” “I always speak of life lessons. If he can’t deal with it now, he might as “When Shane went to Kingston, I talked to Zayde and I was like ‘This is well pack it in. Think about yourself and what you want and how you’re perfect, this is it, man,'” Federico said. “He was going to have every going to change your life,” Levy said. person in the hockey world coming through that building in the next few years. It was like ‘if you’re ever going to do it, this is it.’ For all the talk in “Instead of thinking big picture all the time, let’s take each small picture the hockey world about how accepting it has become, Zayde’s old and go from there. He’s got to take it day by day and step by step and school. He’s playing to feed his family in the future. That’s what his make those small goals and go for them one at a time. He has had mentality is. He carries that with him.” success doing that so it motivates him to keep staying on that path.” By the time NHL Central Scouting released its midseason ranking, There have been some bumps in the road, though. People in Wisdom’s Wisdom ranked 90th among North American skaters. And as the points inner circle tell stories of nights spent in the car after it ran out of gas on started racking up, so did interest from NHL clubs. the way to a tournament. Keily and Foster weren’t surprised. They knew that his production in his In his OHL draft year as a 15-year-old on the minor midget Toronto Jr. rookie season had more to do with their teardown than his play. Canadiens, Wisdom was 5-foot-9 and 225 pounds. Despite finishing second on one of the country’s top AAA teams in scoring, concerns Whenever someone questions the 59 points in 62 games that followed about his weight contributed to a fall to the Kingston Frontenacs in the for Wisdom this season, his coach and general manager fight for him. fourth round. When NHL teams ask whether his success was a product of playing with Wright, and later star import Martin Chromiak, they insist the opposite. “People didn’t really know what to do with him. And so much of it was just Foster calls Wisdom his most consistent player. And the rest of the OHL baby fat. But then you see his weight and it’s like ‘Holy shit,’” Federico seemed to agree. When the league released its year-end coaches poll, said. Wisdom ranked third in the Eastern Conference’s most improved player “I’m not saying it’s their fault at all because they don’t know which way it voting. was going to go. If they’re looking at him as a first- or second-round draft Keily argues the Wisdom-Wright partnership was a mutually beneficial pick and he’s going to be 250 pounds, if it goes the wrong way, he’s not one. going to be able to play. We knew how driven he was and his commitment and it wasn’t like he was eating pizza and candy all the time. It was Wisdom who, when Wright took a high stick in Erie or a hit from It’s an easy bias for people to say ‘He’s big and it’s not going to work.’” behind against Mississauga, grabbed players who were four inches taller than him to defend his teammate. And it was Wisdom who got the puck It took a push from Levy to help Wisdom turn the corner. to Wright so that he could make all of those plays.

“He had a lot of built-up anger and felt like everybody was against him. It “It’s an interesting dynamic. I think they mesh really well together. shocked him when he was picked and I would be like ‘what gives you the Zayde’s lucky to play with Shane but I think Shane’s game took off when right to think like that?’ and I think he felt like I was picking on him. He he started playing with Zayde too,” Foster said. “And the way he sticks up would push the sled and he would have tears in his eyes and I would say for his teammates is second to none. Everyone knows he’s got your ‘Keep pushing, take it out on the weights’ and he found that stress relief back. Regardless of his size, he’s got a lot of jam and he’s going to make and I was like ‘Are you good now? Are we OK now?’ and he would be sure whoever he plays against is going to have a tough night. He’s the like ‘I’m good, let’s get it,'” Levy said. straw that stirs our drink. Everybody else follows suit.”

“That’s all part of it, is mentally adapting and compartmentalizing what’s According to Foster and Keily, you’d never know where Wisdom came going on … to focus on what he really wants to do, which is to be a pro from. hockey player. Always come back to that.” “I know it wasn’t the easiest childhood. But he never shows it, he never In the summer after the OHL draft and before his rookie season, Levy talks about it, he never complains about it,” Foster said. “It must be helped Wisdom lose 15 pounds. motivation for him. It just shows the character that’s in the kid when you “It sucked. It was hard going into the OHL draft and dropping and having get to know him and where he came from.” to grind my way back up. But I always told myself, ‘Sleep on it. Sleep on Wisdom believes that character has everything to do with where he came me. I want you to doubt me,’” said Wisdom. “I’ve been doubted my whole from, though. life and it didn’t stop me then, so why would I let it stop me now?” “I grew up seeing a lot of bad stuff. Just seeing everyone around me The Frontenacs selected Wisdom in part because of his size. After having to fight for what they have, seeing that growing up and my mom contending the year before, they were entering a rebuild without their and my grandma having to do that, and even random strangers on the second- and third-round picks, so he was their second choice in the draft. street having to do that, it just stuck with me,” Wisdom said. “When I go They picked him because they knew, physically, that he could step right on the ice, I have to fight for it. I have to earn everything I have. I’ve been in against bigger competition. Darren Keily, now the team’s general doing it my whole life.” manager, who’d watched him closely, was surprised that he was still around in the fourth round. As Wisdom’s life began to change directions on the ice, it slowly turned a corner away from it, too. “He could fly around the ice. That was the key for us, was this is a young man who was engaged physically, he’s not afraid to go to the dirty areas In recent years, Anies has re-entered Wisdom and Zaccarya’s life in a big and he could skate so well for a stocky player,” Keily said. way.

Though the Frontenacs didn’t know what to expect from Wisdom in his “Me and my dad have a really close relationship right now,” Wisdom said. first training camp, he sold head coach Kurtis Foster from the very “Growing up he wasn’t there that much because my parents were going beginning. While the production didn’t follow, Wisdom became the player through it but now he comes to most of my games and he’ll come see me Foster turned to whenever he needed a hole plugged in the lineup. in Kingston and I can call him anytime and he’ll come pick me up. Growing up it was tough but now we’re on good terms and even him and “We need a guy to play on the penalty kill? Let’s give Wis a chance. We my mom are on good terms.” need a guy in front of the net on the power play? Let’s give Wis a chance,” Foster said. Family means everything to Wisdom. He calls Kitty, who still lives with them, a “massive, massive help.” At the end of his first season in the OHL, though, as Wisdom prepared for his NHL draft year, he’d posted just 10 points in 60 games and wasn’t “I don’t give her enough credit and I should,” he said. on anyone’s radar. Levy is included in that family, too. Wisdom and Mairri have agreed that When the 2019-20 season began, Wisdom wasn’t one of 374 names on whether he makes it in hockey or not, they will someday help another NHL Central Scouting’s players to watch list. child go through programs with Levy.

But after losing another seven pounds in the summer, and after a training “(Zayde’s) circle is tight. It’s very tight, it’s small and it’s loyal. Neither of camp push from Frontenacs staff when he wasn’t at his best, everything (Zayde and Zaccarya) will forget where they came from,” Mairri said. began to change. The Frontenacs decided to pair him with exceptional “Regardless of all of the struggle, what people gave us has outweighed status rookie sensation Shane Wright and he never looked back. what people tried to take. But the struggle was real. It was really real. We did without a lot, a whole lot, in order to get Zayde to where he is.

Wisdom tries to be for Zaccarya what Levy has been to him. “Anything you have a problem with, you come to me,” Wisdom often tells his little brother.

“We’ve fought and battled a lot but we always knew that we were the only ones who were for sure going to be there for each other so we would never turn our backs on each other. And our mom and grandmother were always there too to help guide us and teach us along the way,” Wisdom said. “We’re probably the closest you can get as a family. The closest ever.”

“I feel like I’ve always known he had this in him,” Derrell Levy said. (Jessica Silveira Photography)

These days, Wisdom and Mairri say they have a lot to be thankful for.

“It’s not always going to be this difficult,” Mairri said. “It’s starting to get better.”

Mairri believes things couldn’t have turned out any better for Wisdom than they did with the Frontenacs.

Life in Weston is starting to take a turn, too.

“It’s a great little community,” Mairri said. “When Zayde was younger it was a tough, scary spot but we’ve always lived here and it’s starting to look up.”

Though their circumstances have improved, Mairri is still working four different part-time jobs for merchandising companies. When Christmas, Easter and Valentine’s Day come around, she has to work seven days a week.

The last two years have been filled with a lot of late-night drives between Weston and Kingston.

“Emotionally, they still need support. Zayde still needs family,” she said.

Wisdom is spending his offseason training privately with Levy and preparing for the draft. Wisdom and Wright are also in constant communication about what they can do to be better for next year and he says they have big plans to be the best line in the OHL.

Everyone else is just happy that he’s happy.

“I feel like I’ve always known he had this in him,” Levy said. “I always tell a story about teaching people how to starve. If you don’t eat for a week and you put a piece of meat in the middle of the room, what will you do to have that piece, to have another day on this earth? He’s got that eye of the tiger, that fight, and once I saw that I was like ‘OK, he can take this pretty far.’ We just like to feed the wolf, as we say.”

Asked to describe her son, Mairri took a deep breath before answering.

“He is a success,” she said.

If race or wealth or anything else ever stood in his way, she says it never stopped him. And she doesn’t see any reason why it ever will.

The next barrier he plans on knocking down is the draft, which he says means something different to him than to all of the other kids.

“It would mean a future to me. I look it as a need, not a want. I need to get drafted. That’s what I need to do. This isn’t an option for me. It needs to happen because I need to be able to help my mom out and get through this with my family. It’s one word to sum it up. Need,” Wisdom said.

“I’m going to make it one day and I’m going to make sure our power never gets shut off again.”

The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182028 Websites 5 2010

0 The Athletic / Chaos rankings of the 2020 conditional draft picks that need to be resolved 0

Suddenly, the 2020 draft was full of conditional picks. It is the most we’ve seen in a single draft since at least 2010, with 16 of them having a By Arpon Basu Mar 30, 2020 condition attached and only one – the conditional second-round pick the Carolina Hurricanes will receive from the New York Rangers in the Adam Fox trade – having already been resolved because Fox played in 30 Trades are fun, right? No one can argue otherwise. games this season for the Rangers.

One of the more fun aspects of trades are the inclusion of conditional But the real departure here is that so many of the conditional picks are draft picks, especially when general managers get creative. But even significant. There are six first-round picks in 2020 that have a condition though we see many of them, they are relatively rare, especially in terms attached, though in reality it will ultimately be five that are impacted (the of first-round picks. Hurricanes can choose to send the Rangers either their first-round pick or the Maple Leafs' top-10 protected first-round pick as part of the Brady In the last 10 drafts, from 2010 to 2019, there have been 10 first-round Skjei trade, so only one of those two picks are actually affected by the picks transferred due to some sort of trade condition either being met or condition). not met. Only two of those first-round picks were in the top-20. Curiously, both of them were traded by the St. Louis Blues; the 11th overall pick in Still, five conditional first-round picks in a single draft is the same number 2011 in the Kevin Shattenkirk trade with the Colorado Avalanche and the we had in the four previous drafts combined. Also, 10 picks in the first 14th pick in 2018 in the Brayden Schenn deal with the Philadelphia three rounds have a condition attached to it in 2020, or the same number Flyers. we saw in the last two drafts combined.

Otherwise, we have had late first-round picks moving with conditions, And now, with the NHL season on hold indefinitely, we have no idea how and even that was rare. those conditions will be resolved. There are so many questions the NHL will need to answer on how it will resume play in the weeks or months to Then this year, things got weird. In more ways than one. come, if they do at all, but this is one that has no simple solution. And it Conditional draft picks since 2010 doesn’t only impact the 2020 draft, either.

2020 There are currently conditions attached to 17 picks in the 2021 draft based on what happens by the end of the 2019-20 season, whether 5 that’s a certain team winning the Stanley Cup or a certain player taking part in a certain number of games with his new team. There are even two 10 picks in the 2022 draft that would be impacted by how this season plays 2019 out.

1 It is, to put it simply, an utter mess with no obvious solution. The following is a top-5 of the messiest conditional pick situations. 5 1. The Taylor Hall trade 2018 On Dec. 16, the Arizona Coyotes shipped a package of picks and 1 prospects to the New Jersey Devils (get used to hearing about them) to 5 acquire Hall in an attempt to win what looked to be a wide-open Pacific Division. The Devils got Arizona’s first-round pick in 2020, but it is top-3 2017 protected which, at the time, seemed to be a moot point. The Coyotes were tied for first in the division with a 19-12-4 record and had allowed 1 the second-fewest goals in the Western Conference. They only appeared 4 to need a jolt of offence, which is what Hall would provide. The draft lottery appeared to be out of the question. 2016 Hall held up his end of the bargain for the most part with 27 points in 35 2 games in a Coyotes uniform, but his team has gone 14-17-4 since the trade and was four points out of a playoff spot when the season was 9 paused. Based on their points percentage at the time of the shutdown, 2015 the Coyotes would have an 11.4 percent chance of picking in the top-3 if the draft lottery were held today. Not great odds, but it’s not nothing, 0 either. Just last year the Chicago Blackhawks, with an 8.2 percent chance of landing a top-3 pick, won the third overall selection in the 2 lottery. If the Coyotes pick in the top-3 this year, the Devils automatically 2014 receive their first-round pick in 2021 with no protection.

1 This situation is very similar to the trade of Jean-Gabriel Pageau from the Ottawa Senators to the New York Islanders at the trade deadline. The 7 Senators received a 2020 top-3 protected first-round pick, a 2020 second-round pick and a conditional third-round pick in 2022, one that 2013 only transfers if the Islanders win the Stanley Cup this year. On the day 3 the trade was made, Feb. 24, the Islanders were holding the top wild card position in the east, one point out of third place in the Metropolitan 8 Division. The Islanders have lost each of their seven games since the 2012 trade and hit the pause one point out of the second wild card.

0 But we’re not finished with the Hall trade yet. Not even close. The trade also included a 2021 pick that has three different scenarios attached to it. 3 If the Coyotes would have made the 2020 playoffs – which was still plausible at the time the schedule was suspended – and if Hall decided 2011 to re-sign in Arizona in the offseason, the Devils would receive their 2021 1 first-round pick in addition to this year’s first-round pick. If only one of those two things happened, the Devils would receive a 2021 second- The Devils already came out pretty well in their Feb. 24 trade that sent round pick. If neither of those things happened, it’s a 2021 third-rounder. injured defenceman Sami Vatanen to the Hurricanes, getting prospect Janne Kuokkanen and depth defenceman Fredrik Claesson. But they How do you fairly resolve this situation for the Coyotes and Devils if the have a lot of incentive to see Vatanen get healthy during this break in the regular season is not completed? You can’t, plain and simple. action. If he plays five games with the Hurricanes, a 2020 fourth-round 2. The James Neal-Milan Lucic trade pick gets added to the bounty for the Devils. If Vatanen plays 12 regular- season games or in 70 percent of Carolina’s playoff games, that Got to admit, this one is so chaotic it is downright fun. Though whoever becomes a 2020 third-round pick. will be responsible for resolving it would probably beg to differ. From Carolina’s perspective, you have to imagine general manager Don So, the trade, as a reminder, was billed as the ultimate swapping of bad Waddell didn’t anticipate this long break coming when he negotiated contracts (or redemption stories, depending on your point of view). Neal these conditions. But on the other hand, maybe the unexpected break in was a bust with the Calgary Flames after arriving as an unrestricted free the schedule will mean that Dougie Hamilton will be ready to return once agent in 2018-19. Lucic was a bust with the Edmonton Oilers after his the schedule resumes. Waddell said at the end of January that UFA arrival in 2016-17. Neal probably had a better shot of finding his Hamilton’s range for his return would be sometime around now. The long game after one down year, but also had four years left on his contract, end of that range had him healthy by mid-April. If that’s the case, Waddell compared to three for Lucic. won’t be complaining about the break allowing Vatanen to get healthy enough to fill those conditions. Either way, it was a massive trade between two bitter rivals. Except the trade included the Flames receiving a 2020 third-round draft pick if both On top of that, the Devils received a 2021 conditional fifth-round pick these conditions were met: 1) Neal scores at least 21 goals AND 2) from the Buffalo Sabres for Wayne Simmonds that would switch to a Lucic’s final goal total isn't within 10 of Neal’s by season’s end. fourth-round pick if Simmonds plays 10 regular-season games and the Sabres make the playoffs. When the season was suspended, Neal had 19 goals with the Oilers having 11 games remaining. Lucic had eight goals with the Flames In case you’ve lost count, that makes five picks the Devils are waiting on having 12 games remaining. Watching this unfold would have been based on how this season plays out. fascinating, though no one would have really cared because both the Oilers and Flames were fighting to make the playoffs, with both in good Honourable mention position to do so. The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired goaltender Jack Campbell and But if the NHL were to institute some sort of arbitration process to settle forward Kyle Clifford from the Los Angeles Kings on Feb. 5, one day after these things, I would be compelled to attend this one in person. Michael Hutchinson allowed five goals for a second start in a row, both losses. The price was forward Trevor Moore, a 2020 third-round pick but Only adding to the action on this pick, the Blackhawks are supposed to also a conditional second-round pick in 2021. receive whichever of these picks is higher in the third round – assuming the Oilers pick is actually transferred – as compensation for defenceman The conditions are interesting as it is tied to two scenarios that involve Erik Gustafsson, who was traded to Calgary at the deadline this year. both players the Maple Leafs acquired in the deal. That pick would be transferred to the Kings if Clifford re-signs with Toronto in the offseason, 3. The J.T. Miller trade to the Canucks which could happen regardless of what happens with the season. But the second scenario is that the Maple Leafs reach the playoffs and Campbell At the NHL draft last year, the Vancouver Canucks were getting wins six regular-season games for them. Right now, Campbell is at three profoundly ripped for including a conditional first-round draft pick in the wins and Frederik Andersen was back and healthy by the time the package they sent to the Tampa Bay Lightning in return for Miller. The schedule was suspended. condition is only a deferment, really. No matter what happens, the Canucks are losing a first-round pick here. But if the NHL decides to play all the remaining regular-season games once activities resume, it would have to be under an insanely But the condition on the pick is tied to whether the Canucks make the compressed schedule. Which could mean Campbell would see more playoffs this season or not. If they do, they lose their first-round pick in action than he normally would as a backup. The Maple Leafs have 12 this year’s very deep draft. If they don’t, it defers to 2021. Pretty straight games left on their schedule, what if the NHL was forced to squeeze four forward stuff. back-to-backs in there? Except the Lightning then went ahead and traded that conditional first- They would be celebrating in El Segundo, that’s what. round pick to, you guessed it, the Devils on Feb. 16 in a package with top prospect Nolan Foote for Blake Coleman. So that potentially makes it The Athletic LOADED: 03.31.2020 three first-round picks in two different drafts that hang in the balance of this season for the Devils.

4. Cup or bust for Sharks

Certain proposals for the resumption of play and a one-time change in the playoff system have perhaps given some teams that had no hope of making the playoffs a newfound reason to believe. The San Jose Sharks are not one of those teams. No matter what the NHL does when or if it returns, the Sharks will not be playing in the playoffs.

But that doesn’t mean they won’t have a rooting interest. In fact, the Sharks have to hope some sort of playoffs can be salvaged this season because they have two horses in the race. If the Washington Capitals win the Stanley Cup in 2020, the Sharks would receive an extra third-round pick in this year’s draft as part of the Brenden Dillon trade. If the Pittsburgh Penguins win the Cup, the Sharks get the Penguins second- round pick in the 2021 draft as part of the Patrick Marleau trade.

In either case, even if the Capitals or Penguins don’t win, that doesn’t mean the Sharks lose. Both the Capitals and Penguins would still send them a third-round pick in next year’s draft if they don’t win the Cup.

5. Two more for the Devils

Cementing their role as the team assured of missing the playoffs with the most to gain from a full regular season, the Devils have two more conditional picks in play here. 1182029 Websites Arbitration rights: No Bargaining chips: Logs significant ice time (18:28), mostly against tough

opponents. Ranks top-five among all NHL forwards in penalty-killing time Sportsnet.ca / NHL's Top 16 RFAs of 2020: Latest rumours, reports (2:49 per game). Earning some Selke Trophy buzz for his two-way game. Points per game and plus/minus has increased every season. Was on pace for 50 points.

Luke Fox | March 30, 2020, 11:30 AM The latest: Cirelli had a front-row seat to RFA negotiations last summer, watching his good buddy, Brayden Point, wait until late September to put

pen to paper. While Cirelli doesn’t have Point’s offensive numbers, he’s The restricted free agent dominated hockey conversation in the summer improved each year in the league and has become integral to the Bolts’ of 2019, as a loaded class of emerging stars took greater slices of their future. respective teams’ salary pie, pushed negotiations into training camp, and GM Julien BriseBois declared in September that the 2020 off-season will signed an array of short-, long- and mid-term extensions that expanded be Tampa’s most difficult cap-wise — and that was before a rising ceiling the boundaries of contractual possibilities for talented looked unlikely. That Cirelli is one of multiple Lightning RFAs in need of a twenthysomethings. raise has led to speculation that an older forward under contract, like (Hey, we even saw our first signed offer sheet in more than six years.) Alex Killorn or Tyler Johnson, may need to be traded.

While several key members of the 2020 RFA class — Thomas Chabot, 3. Anthony Deangelo Nico Hischier, Clayton Keller, Alex DeBrincat, and Darnell Nurse — took Age on July 1: 24 the secure route and re-upped well in advance of July 1, there are plenty of sure-fire and breakout stars still eyeing big raises heading into 2020- Position: Defence 21. 2019-20 salary cap hit: $925,000 Those expectations may need to be tempered with a likely flattened salary cap, and it will be fascinating to see how negotiations play out Arbitration rights: Yes under a new economic landscape. (More bridge deals, perhaps?) Bargaining chips: Breakout season in which he’s put up the fourth-most Here is an early preview of the top 16 impending RFAs of 2020 and the goals (15) and points (53) among all NHL D-men. Right shot. Has latest reports surrounding their future. severely chopped down his penalties taken. Excellent passer and skater with fantastic vision. Already took a one-year, prove-it deal last summer 1. Mathew Barzal — and knocked it out of the park.

Age on July 1: 23 The latest: The Rangers are one of the rare squads loaded with young, talented, right-shot defencemen. DeAngleo is joined by Jacob Trouba, Position: Centre 26, and rookie Adam Fox, 22, in that category. 2019-20 salary cap hit: $863,333 With New York shaping into a team that’s ready to run back into playoff Arbitration rights: No contention in 2020-21, GM Jeff Gorton is facing raises (or trades) at every position, with intriguing RFAs coming up at forward (Strome, Bargaining chips: Franchise player. More points (60) and points per Brendan Lemieux) and in net (Alexandar Georgiev) as well. game (0.88) than any other impending RFA, despite playing a system that accentuates defence. Skates more than 20 minutes a night. Three Gorton’s deadline deal of Brady Skjei to Carolina has cleared the cap consecutive 60-point seasons and three seasons as the Isles’ top scorer. and roster space necessary to re-up with DeAngelo, who’s earned the Racked up 85 points in rookie season. Pivots faster than a politician. right to take this one to arbitration. Term will be tricky here.

The latest: On March 21, GM Lou Lamoriello sent a message to any GM The last line is my favorite! https://t.co/ZfhcCxdIq9 thinking of floating an offer sheet Barzal’s way. Lamoriello was asked by — Tony DeAngelo (@TonyDee07) March 26, 2020 a fan if he’d match any competitive contract offer for his top centreman. 4. Pierre-Luc Dubois “It is our intention to not allow it to get to that point, but should that happen, the answer is yes,” Lamoriello replied. Age on July 1: 22

The slick skater raised eyebrows in September when he told Arthur Position: Centre Staple of The Athletic that he’d be interested in seeing an offer sheet signed by a member of 2019’s loaded RFA class. 2019-20 salary cap hit: $894,166

“I wouldn’t mind seeing someone shake up the league a little bit. That Arbitration rights: No would be fun. Maybe see an offer sheet tossed around,” Barzal mused. Bargaining chips: Tracking his third straight 20-goal season. Leads all During the season, Barzal and the Islanders were in no great rush to Blue Jackets in assists (31) and points (49). Cap space is not an issue in settle his next deal, which should be a juicy one. Columbus.

“We want to make the playoffs, take a run at the Stanley Cup, and after The latest: Generally, if you’re lucky enough to draft and develop a 22- that we’ll figure it out,” Barzal said during all-star weekend in January. year-old No. 1 centreman, you pay the man when his contract comes due. Lamoriello will face a tricky off-season. He’d love to bring in an elite winger to finish off Barzal’s passes, and he must also extend RFAs Ryan Dubois exploded for a 61-point campaign skating mostly alongside the Pulock and Devon Toews on the back end. all-world Artemi Panarin, but even in the Bread Man’s absence, the big- bodied Quebecker has driven offence for an organization that needs all it 1 minute of Masterful punch turn examples from Barzal. Full clip on can get. my Instagram. Doing a series on the skills that make him such a dangerous player. This is his greatest asset amongst the many elite skills “Luc is a beast, and he plays like a beast. There’s not a lot of guys who he posesses. pic.twitter.com/Tr6hhciubx can play in the league against him,” captain Nick Foligno said.

— Pavel Barber (@HeyBarber) March 29, 2020 Columbus has a slew of other RFAs coming up as well. Negotiations with the injured Josh Anderson should be especially interesting, while both 2. Anthony Cirelli goalies, Joonas Korpisalo and Elvis Merzlikins, have earned a pay bump.

Age on July 1: 22 5.

Position: Centre Age: 24

2019-20 salary cap hit: $728,333 Position: Right wing 2019-20 salary cap hit: $3.65 million “But there have also been a lot of them where I’ve played really well. All I want is to continue to get better and be a guy who’s consistently trusted Arbitration rights: Yes to play against top guys every night.”

Bargaining chips: Three straight 20-goal, 50-point seasons. Second- 8. Mikhail Sergachev overall pick. World junior and world championships gold medallist. Sabres in no position to let young offensive talent walk. Plays more than Age on July 1: 22 20 minutes a night. Besties with Jack Eichel. Position: Defence The latest: Reinhart delivered on his two-year bridge deal and had a shot at back-to-back 60-point campaigns until the pause. And amidst another 2019-20 salary cap hit: $894,166 disappointing season in Western New York, Reinhart displayed flashes of Arbitration rights: No leadership. Bargaining chips: Top-10 draft pick. Logs more than 20 minutes nightly. “It’s all coming down to the players at this point,” Reinhart told reporters Putting up a career-best stat line of 10 goals, 34 points and plus-15. A in February. “The systems and the game plans that are set out for us top-four defenceman by 21 who hasn’t neared his ceiling. Fantastic give us an opportunity to have success. I think it goes back to what I’m skater with superior vision and instincts. trying to preach here. Guys need to demand more out of themselves, and a lot of guys need to step the hell up.” The latest: The impending raise for Sergachev — a must-keep — is big reason why the cap-tight Lightning may have to cut into its core in order Frustration is mounting in Buffalo – to the point we can’t be certain GM to financially satisfy its young stars. Jason Botterill will be the one inking Reinhart’s next deal. There is potential for roster upheaval, as the Sabres have 15 roster players Tampa has been patient with its horse on the back end, and when the headed toward restricted or unrestricted free agency. injury bug took down veterans for spells of this season, he rose to the occasion. Fearless, the kid even dropped the gloves with Shea Weber in We’d expect Reinhart to get the biggest chunk of the pie, but decisions March. must be made on Victor Olofsson, Dominik Kahun, Brandon Montour, Linus Ullmark and others. Who’s essential to the core? Pressure will be on BriseBois to lock him up before his stock rises even higher. 6. Matt Murray 9. Ryan Pulock Age on July 1: 26 Age: 25 Position: Goaltender Position: Defence 2019-20 salary cap hit: $3.75 million 2019-20 salary cap hit: $2 million Arbitration rights: Yes Arbitration rights: Yes Bargaining chips: Two Stanley Cup rings. World championships silver medallist. NHL All-Rookie Team, 2017. Career 117-53-19 record. 48 Bargaining chips: Overachieved through bridge deal. Excellent two-way playoff games by age 25. game. Right shot. Slapshot makes you think better of getting in his lane. Was on pace to set career highs in goals (10) and points (35). The latest: Despite backstopping Pittsburgh to consecutive championships, Murray has not been given the monstrous, long-term The latest: Deserving of more attention outside the Island than he deal associated with winning franchise goalies. Further, he’s seen his No. receives, Pulock could be looking for an extension in the ballpark of 1 status in town threatened by fellow RFA Tristan Jarry. Charlie McAvoy or Zach Werenski’s. A $5 million AAV would be the upper end, for sure, but anything below $4.5 million will feel like a Murray’s save percentage took a dive in 2019-20 (.899, easily a career bargain. His 22:24 average time on ice is more than any other pending worst) yet he still battled to his fourth straight 20-win season. This despite RFA. playing just 38 games. Lamoriello is on record saying he intends to re-sign Pulock. No brainer. Because Jarry’s extension should come easier (he doesn’t have arbitration rights) and because cap-strapped Pittsburgh also has an NHL- Ryan Pulock FULL SEND! #IceSurfing pic.twitter.com/UwRDOfMu7a calibre goalie under contract, AHLer Casey DeSmith, there has been — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 12, 2020 speculation Murray could be the odd man out. 10. MacKenzie Blackwood 7. Max Domi Age on July 1: 23 Age on July 1: 25 Position: Goaltender Position: Centre / Left wing 2019-20 salary cap hit: $697,500 2019-20 salary cap hit: $3.15 million Arbitration rights: No Arbitration rights: Yes Bargaining chips: Winning record on a bad team (32-24-8). One of the Bargaining chips: Established career highs in goals (28), assists (44), NHL’s hottest goalies since Christmas. Silver medallist at 2019 world points (72) and plus/minus (+20) in 2018-19. Reliable source of offence championships. Calder Trophy candidate. on a roster that needs it. World junior gold medallist. Embraces the spotlight. Montreal has plenty of cap space. The latest: The Devils would be wise to rebuild from the net out, and few young goalies are as exciting as Blackwood, whose excellence has The latest: With Domi crushing the first season of his bridge deal, the helped ease the discomfort of Cory Schneider’s decline. Canadiens and the player’s camp did start preliminary extension discussions in the summer of 2019. No team has more salary cap space than New Jersey, so even with other RFAs coming up (most notably Jesper Bratt) fitting in Blackwood’s raise But talks quieted amidst Domi’s drop in productivity (44 points in 2019- won’t be an issue. Young goalies rarely get a long-term deal straight out 20) — which aligns with a drop in shooting percentage. Surely, recent of their entry-level deals, however. numbers have lessened his leverage slightly. We’d expect a bridge contract for this potential long-term franchise Domi is now eligible for arbitration, and with just one other key RFA starter. That’s the route taken in recent summers by Jordan Binnington, (Victor Mete) to please, Montreal has the means to compensate him , Andrei Vasilevskiy and the like. nicely. The player could push for an AAV in the $7-million range, while Marc Bergevin will probably try to get that figure closer to $6 million. 11. Tyler Bertuzzi

“There have been some games where I’ve looked at myself and know I Age on July 1: 25 can do better,” Domi told Sportsnet’s Eric Engels in February. Position: Left wing campaign caught many by surprise and tops all impending RFAs. Should appear on many 2020 Calder ballots. 2019-20 salary cap hit: $1.4 million The latest: Kubalik — a seventh-round gem — made a seamless Arbitration rights: Yes transition from the Swiss league to the North American game this Bargaining chips: Made first All-Star Game appearance. Back-to-back season, exploding for 30 goals and 46 points. 21-goal, 47-point seasons. Skates nearly 20 minutes a night. On Feb. 28, The Athletic’s Scott Powers reported that discussion on Organization has invested seven years developing him into a first-line Kubalik’s next contract had begun with GM Stan Bowman. Despite a threat. grand total of 68 NHL games played, Kubalik does hold arbitration rights, The latest: One of the few bright spots on a sad-sack Red Wings, which will make for an interesting case. Bertuzzi has over-delivered on 2018’s two-year, $2.8-million bridge pact We’d expect Chicago to push for a short-term extension. Kubalik is firing and deserves a nice pay bump. at a 19.1 shooting percentage, and that rate is virtually unsustainable. As Of the seven(!) pending RFA forwards GM Steve Yzerman must make they integrate more youth into their lineup, the Blackhawks also have to decisions on, Bertuzzi is the most essential. Yzerman began clearing work out the futures of Dylan Strome, Slater Koekkoek, Drake Caggiula space by trading away another pending RFA, Andreas Athanasiou, at the and Matthew Highmore deadline to Edmonton. 15. Tristan Jarry

12. Jake DeBrusk Age on July 1: 25

Age on July 1: 23 Position: Goaltender

Position: Left wing 2019-20 salary cap hit: $675,000

2019-20 salary cap hit: $863,333 Arbitration rights: Yes

Arbitration rights: No Bargaining chips: One of the greatest bargains in hockey. Posted career Bargaining chips: Was on track for his second-consecutive 20-goal highs in wins (20), GAA (2.43) and save percentage (.921). Made first seasons and three straight 40-point seasons. Playoff performer. First- All-Star Game appearance in January. round pick. Plays with an edge befitting of Bruins’ identity. The latest: Jarry outperformed fellow RFA Murray this season in a 1A/1B The latest: DeBrusk got off to a slow start in his platform year and could rotation and has made a compelling case that he should be the finish will a career-low 35 points. The Bruins opted for bridge deals last Penguins’ undisputed starter in 2020-21. summer with RFAs Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo, and it makes a Jim Rutherford, as always, will be up against the cap as he tries to keep ton of sense for both sides to take that route again here. the Crosby-Malkin championship window open for as long as possible. “It’s one of those where you ask questions on the business side of it. The GM had been blessed with one of the cheapest goalie tandems in Things change and different stuff happens with talks, but at the same 2019-20 (Murray and Jarry combined for a $4.425 million cap hit), but time I mostly just try to stay out of it,” DeBrusk told NBC Sports about his both are due significant raises. Meanwhile, AHLer Casey DeSmith is contract year. “I guess when that time comes, though, I’ll be more aware ready and eager for another NHL look, and he’s getting $1.25 million per of what to expect.” season through 2020-21 regardless of where he plays.

As a second-line player, DeBrusk’s future will take a back seat to the Serious trade potential in Pittsburgh this off-season. Bruins’s most significant decision: At what price do they want to keep 16. UFA defenceman Torey Krug in the fold? Age on July 1: 25 13. Ryan Strome Position: Left wing / Right wing Age on July 1: 26 2019-20 salary cap hit: $3.3 million Position: Centre / Right wing Arbitration rights: Yes 2019-20 salary cap hit: $3.1 million Bargaining chips: Put up the same points per game (0.88) as Barzal. Arbitration rights: Yes Plays nearly 19 minutes a night. Managed 38 points in 2019-20 despite Bargaining chips: Crushed career highs in goals (18) and points (59) and being hampered with injuries. Consecutive 24-goal, 48-point efforts in was about to register his first 20-goal, 60-goal season. Logs nearly 20 2017-18 and 2018-19. minutes a night. Plus-21 on a non-playoff team. Top-five pick. Found The latest: When healthy, Mantha is a beastly winger and dependable quick chemistry alongside Artemi Panarin (but who doesn’t?). contributor to Detroit’s top six. The drawback here is an injury history that The latest: Strome is a perplexing case. The most senior guy on this list, has prevented Mantha from playing more than 70 games in all but one of he had mustered just one goal and one assist in 18 games with his five pro years. Edmonton in 2018-19 but has absolutely taken off since being traded “It will be complicated, I think,” Mantha told The Detroit News of his back to New York City, proving more than capable of a top-six role. upcoming negotiation with Yzerman. “But it’s not in my power. My power If you’re the Rangers, how much term do you give a forward whose is to play hockey. My agent and Stevie are going to talk. Maybe they’ve numbers have fluctuated so wildly over the course of a career that’s started. I don’t even know. toured through three franchises. “It’s hard to base right now. I played 40 games this year. I missed so “It’s definitely special to be a Ranger right now, and I’m really happy with many games, so it’s hard to go for the extension before the end of the where I’m at,” Strome told Sportsnet’s Gene Principe during the pause. year. We’ll see in the off-season.

14. Dominik Kubalik “Hopefully it goes quick and I’ll be here for a long time.”

Age on July 1: 24 More notable RFAs on deck: Anthony Duclair, Andre Burakovsky, Connor Brown, Josh Anderson, Victor Olofsson, Roope Hintz, Kevin Position: Left wing Labanc, Jesper Bratt, Dylan Strome, Chris Tierney, Jake Virtanen, Adam Gaudette, Jared McCann, Robby Fabbri, Andrew Mangiapane, Denis 2019-20 salary cap hit: $925,000 Gurianov, Valeri Nichushkin, Andreas Athanasiou, Ryan Graves, Ilya Arbitration rights: Yes Mikheyev, Vince Dunn, Ethan Bear, Devon Toews, Brandon Montour, Joonas Korpisalo, Linus Ullmark, Alexandar Georgiev, Elvis Merzlikins, Bargaining chips: Plenty of big-game international experience starring at Nolan Patrick, Erik Cernak, Travis Dermott, Victor Mete the senior level with Czech men’s team. 2018 Olympian. 30-goal rookie Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182030 Websites manager Brian Burke gladly would have driven him to the airport had the forward ever actually played in Vancouver. Instead, Burke dramatically overpaid for Rucinsky the day after Todd Bertuzzi attacked Steve Moore and was suspended for the balance of the season. Sportsnet.ca / Five Vancouver Canucks players who left and succeded elsewhere 3. Igor Larionov

Canucks tenure: 1989-92

Iain MacIntyre March 30, 2020, 7:21 PM Claimed by the San Jose Sharks on waivers on Oct. 4, 1992.

We’re not sure whether the Canucks in 1992 more grossly underestimated Igor Larionov’s principles or ability, but the first led to his VANCOUVER – As bad as the Vancouver Canucks have been at times unnecessary exit from Vancouver and the latter haunted the team for during their five decades in the National Hockey League, they haven’t let more than a decade. many great players get away from the West Coast. The complexity of Pavel Bure’s arrival through the 1989 draft was They’ve done significantly better in trades, on average, than they have at matched by Larionov’s departure the summer after helping the Russian the draft. Coach Alain Vigneault, who oversaw the Canucks’ most Rocket win the Calder Trophy in 1992. An 11th-round lottery-ticket pick of successful era, once challenged reporters to name one player who left the Canucks in 1985, Larionov came to Vancouver in 1989 after the team Vancouver and did better somewhere else. negotiated his release from Central Red Army, an essential communist Soviet Union’s company team, by agreeing to pay Russian hockey Matt Cooke? officials an amount equal to Larionov’s NHL salary. But there have been a few. Here are five all-time players who were Believing those officials to be corrupt, and adamant that he would do drafted or signed by the Canucks, then got away. nothing that further enriched them, Larionov said before his initial three- Note: We’re ranking on the basis of net loss – not only what the player year contract ended that he would not re-sign with the Canucks until they did after he left the Canucks, but how Vancouver fared with the players, if found a way out of their royalty agreement with the Russians. Larionov any, they chose instead. Michael Peca, for instance, turned into a Selke said he would play in Europe before he’d let the Canucks funnel more Trophy winner and team captain after his trade from Vancouver in 1995. money to Moscow. Playing in Europe would also break the royalty But in return for Peca, the Canucks got 10 years of Alex Mogilny and agreement, and allow the centre to return to the NHL in the spring of Brendan Morrison. 1993.

5. Willie Mitchell When Larionov signed a one-year deal that summer with Swiss club Lugano, Canucks general manager waived his NHL rights and Canucks tenure: 2006-10 one of the greatest European players of his generation was claimed by San Jose. Signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Kings on Aug. 25, 2010. True to his word – again – Larionov returned to the NHL from Switzerland Cooke and Zack Kassian were also candidates for this list, but both had and played only another 11 years, most of them for the Detroit Red asterisks on their exits, so we’re going with Willie Mitchell because his Wings, with whom he averaged 51 points per season and won three avoidable departure came at a critical moment in Canucks’ history – the Stanley Cups. Larionov was elected to the in 2008. year before Vancouver would win the Presidents’ Trophy but lose in the Stanley Cup Final to the Boston Bruins when the team’s defence was 2. weakened by injuries and suspension. Canucks tenure: 1979-80 Mitchell was an excellent, robust shutdown defenceman during four years in Vancouver, but his final game was Jan. 16, 2010 when a high hit Traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs along with for Dave by Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin ended his season due to a concussion. (Tiger) Williams and Jerry Butler, Feb. 18, 1980. Mitchell was still not fully healed as free agency approached on July 1 A fifth-overall draft pick in 1979, Rick Vaive played only 47 games for the and, unable to see his defenceman work out, general manager Mike Canucks as a 20-year-old rookie – amassing 13 goals and 21 points and Gillis made a blockbuster trade at the draft to replace him, surrendering 111 penalty minutes – before GM Jake Milford deemed him expendable future 30-goal scorer Michael Grabner and a first-round pick to get Keith in the blockbuster trade for Tiger Williams. Ballard from the Florida Panthers. Williams was a good player in Vancouver, scoring 35 goals in 1980-81 Ballard never became more than a depth player under Vigneault, and the and helping the Canucks make the Stanley Cup Final the following Canucks eventually bought out his six-year, $25.2-million contract. season. But he spent only four-plus seasons on the West Coast. Mitchell, who wanted to stay with the Canucks, settled for a two-year, $7- million offer from Los Angeles and went on to win two Stanley Cups with Vaive, a power forward who could score and had a mean streak (think the Kings. Cam Neely Lite), became a star in Toronto. He scored 299 goals in 534 games over seven-and-a-half seasons and in 1981-82, after the Leafs Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey named him captain, the winger became the first player in the storied world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what franchise’s history to score 50 goals. It was the first of three straight 50- they think about it. goal seasons for Vaive. For context, consider the Canucks did not have a 4. R.J. Umberger 50-goal scorer until Bure exploded for 60 in 1992-93.

Canucks tenure: Traded as an unsigned draft pick to the New York As if Vaive’s production didn’t make the Canucks look bad enough, Rangers, along with Martin Grenier, in exchange for Martin Rucinsky, Derlago, Vancouver’s fourth-overall draft selection in 1978, produced 334 March 9, 2004. points in 378 games over five-plus seasons for the Leafs. In exchange for Williams, who was a good role player and secondary scorer, the Canucks A first-round, 16th-overall pick of the Canucks in 2001 NHL Draft, R.J. surrendered two-thirds of a first line. Umberger never became a star in the NHL. The Rangers, in fact, thought so little of him that three months after trading for his rights, they let the 1.Cam Neely 22-year-old sign with the Philadelphia Flyers as a free agent. But Canucks tenure: 1983-86 Umberger turned himself into a good NHL player, an alternate captain who had five 20-goal seasons and logged 779 games in a career Traded to the Boston Bruins with a first-round draft pick (Glen Wesley) shortened by injuries. for Barry Pederson on June 6, 1986.

Rucinsky played only 20 games for the Canucks as a trade-deadline When a franchise has been in the NHL for 50 years and still hasn’t won a rental in 2004, then bolted back to the Rangers as an unrestricted free Stanley Cup, fatalistic fans tend to cling to epic examples of the agent. His impact on the Canucks: two goals, three assists. organization’s futility. In this way, even Millennials and Generation Z’ers can tell you how badly the Canucks screwed up by trading Cam Neely, Exasperated by Umberger’s unwillingness to yield in negotiations on an entry-level contract after leaving Ohio State University, Canucks general the same way earlier generations can tell you how unlucky they were when a roulette wheel gave them Dale Tallon instead of Gilbert Perreault.

In 1986, general manager Jack Gordon was determined to acquire a first- line centre and agreed to give the Bruins Neely and his first-round pick in exchange for Pederson, who had produced 315 points over three seasons in Boston before shoulder surgery to remove a benign tumour in 1984 weakened the joint.

The Canucks hoped they were getting the 100-point Pederson in the trade, but the playmaking centre’s points over three full seasons in Vancouver were: 76, 71, 41. It wouldn’t have been a disaster had Neely, a hometown boy from Maple Ridge, B.C. who was drafted ninth overall by the Canucks in 1983, not developed in Boston into one of the great power forwards of his era.

In 10 seasons for the Bruins, before injuries ended his career, Neely scored 50 goals three times and became a leader iconic enough that voters put him in the Hall of Fame after he finished with 395 goals in 726 NHL games.

Making the trade even worse for the Canucks – much worse – the draft pick they gave Boston became a third-overall pick when Vancouver had a 66-point season in 1986-87, which allowed the Bruins to select two-way defenceman Glen Wesley, who logged only 1,457 NHL games and played in the NHL until he was 39.

No wonder the Canucks posted 10 straight losing seasons in the 1980s.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182031 Websites The Jets entered what turned out to be the draft of the decade with two first-round picks thanks to the deal that sent Evander Kane to the Buffalo Sabres in February of that season. With its own selection, Winnipeg nabbed 17th overall. In that spot, that’s not a home run — Sportsnet.ca / Ranking the nine Winnipeg Jets drafts under GM Kevin it’s grand slam. Connor has scored at least 30 goals in each of the past Cheveldayoff two seasons and was on pace to lead the team with 44 over 82 contests when this year was interrupted.

Jack Roslovic has yet to realize his full potential, but the 25th pick from Ryan Dixon | March 30, 2020, 1:26 PM 2015 was making strides this year and may yet add to the Jets’ already impressive arsenal of forwards — or become a valuable trade chip for a club looking to upgrade on the back end. Comb through the Winnipeg Jets’ draft record and one thing becomes apparent quickly: This team knows how to turn first-round picks into Of the five players taken after Roslovic in the first round that June, only players. New York Islander Anthony Beauvillier has shown more at the NHL level.

Kevin Cheveldayoff has overseen nine drafts in his tenure as Winnipeg Winnipeg also did its best work beyond the first round in 2015. Three GM, beginning with the 2011 event that saw Mark Scheifele become the other players from that draft logged games for the Jets this year, first selection of the Jets 2.0 era. That shrewd pick was definitely a including Jansen Harkins (47th overall), Mason Appleton (168th) and harbinger of things to come in terms of identifying first-round talent. And offence-minded defenceman Sami Niku, who may yet be a real steal at it’s not like the team has been dining out at the very top of the draft table. 198th overall in the seventh round. Aside from some lottery luck that returned Patrik Laine second overall in 4. 2013 2016, Winnipeg hasn’t made another top-five pick and its top-10 selections are Scheifele (seventh in 2011), Jacob Trouba (ninth in 2012) It was lucky No. 13 to be sure for Winnipeg when the team took and Nikolaj Ehlers (ninth in 2014). defenceman Josh Morrissey in that spot at the ’13 draft. Morrissey is the kind of cerebral player whose value and potential is understood by those In all, Cheveldayoff has called 10 names in the first round and the only on his team two years before the rest of us catch on. Come at me with two who haven’t worked out to some degree so far — Kristian Vesalainen Darnell Nurse and Ryan Pulock talk if you must, but there’s a good and Logan Stanley — still have time to prove their worth. chance Seth Jones will be the lone defenceman from this draft who From Day 1, Cheveldayoff preached a ground-up approach when it came winds up with a better career than Morrissey. The latter is just beginning to constructing this team. Selecting and developing young talent was to unlock his offensive potential. always going to be paramount. With that in mind, let’s rank the nine Andrew Copp, a fourth-rounder from 2013, has played 356 games for the drafts on Cheveldayoff’s watch. Jets and keeps nosing his offensive output a tiny bit forward each Sign up for NHL newsletters season. Also, fifth-rounder Tucker Poolman established himself as a full- time NHLer on the back end this year. Get the best of our NHL coverage and exclusives delivered directly to your inbox! 5. 2016

1. 2012 Taking Patrik Laine second overall was an important development for the franchise, but it wasn’t any kind of draft wizardry given we knew the team This might be a controversial pick given what the runner-up year drafting first that year was taking Auston Matthews and the next club up delivered, but hear me out. Winnipeg selected Trouba ninth overall at this was getting Laine. That said, for much of the year Laine’s countryman, draft and used the 130th overall pick to nab Connor Hellebuyck. That’s a Jesse Puljujarvi, was viewed as a prospect with just as bright of a future. right-shooting, top-four defenceman and a franchise stopper from one By the time the draft rolled around, though, there wasn’t much doubt weekend. about who would be the first Finn taken.

Trouba was actually one of eight blue-liners taken in the top 10 that year. The real coup — in the first year the NHL moved to a system where a (The only non-defencemen were winger Nail Yakupov at No. 1 and lottery is held for the top three picks — was moving up to the second spot centre Alex Galchenyuk at No. 3.) Pittsburgh whiffed with Derrick Pouliot despite having just the sixth-worst record that season. right before Trouba at No. 8 and Tampa missed at 10, taking Slater Koekkoek. The only defencemen from that draft who you’d definitely take The Jets held a second first-rounder in 2016 thanks to the deal that sent ahead of Trouba now were taken ahead of Trouba then, that being former captain Andrew Ladd to the Chicago Blackhawks at the trade Morgan Reilly (fifth) and Hampus Lindholm (sixth). deadline. They actually moved up from Chicago’s pick at No. 22 in a swap with Philadelphia to take Logan Stanley 18th overall. Laine is the Goalies, more than any other position, are a draft crapshoot. The only Jets pick from that draft to see NHL action thus far, though the scouting staff sure got it right when they plucked Hellebuyck — the hulking Stanley was always seen as a project and sixth-rounder Mikhail Vezina runner-up in 2018 and a contender for the award again this Berdin could be a backup goalie soon. season — from the North American Hockey League’s Odessa Jackalopes. 6. 2019

2. 2011 We may be jumping the gun here, but Ville Heinola looks like a marvellous get at 20th overall. Remember, Winnipeg traded its own 2019 Scheifele was not only the first pick of the new Jets, he remains the most first-rounder at the preceding deadline to get Kevin Hayes; the Jets were important. Finding a beastly, point-per-game pivot with an out-of-this- only able to select Heinola once they got a first back in the deal that sent world work ethic is a win if you hold the first overall selection, let alone Trouba to the New York Rangers. Given the way Neal Pionk — also part the seventh. Scheifele was a late-bloomer as a teenager, too, so the Jets of the package the Jets got from the Blueshirts — performed this season, were rolling the dice a bit on a guy who played Jr. B the season before moving Trouba could wind up being a net gain for Winnipeg. his draft-eligible year, which was spent taking huge strides with the OHL’s Barrie Colts. Heinola actually made the club out of training camp this past September — how often do you hear of an 18-year-old blue-liner who was not a top- The other find in that draft was third-rounder Adam Lowry, who’s become three pick cracking an NHL roster four months after being drafted? — a dependable third-line centre with an imposing frame. Had the Jets hit before eventually returning home to Finland. He figures to be a full-timer on anyone else in this draft, it would top this list. However, the five other starting next year. picks Winnipeg made that year played a combined one NHL game. (The answer to that obscure bit of trivia, before you ask, is goalie Jason 7. 2014 Kasdorf.) Unfortunately, the inability to find impact players outside the Nik Ehlers ninth overall and not much else. The Danish burner was once first round — especially when it comes to skating positions — has been a again on pace for nearly 30 goals this year as he continues to be a bit of a theme for Winnipeg. dependable producer for this club. Nelson Nogier (fourth round) and C.J. 3. 2015 Suess (fifth) are still with the Moose, but it’s hard to see them doing a whole lot for the big club at this point. 8. 2017

It’s no secret the Jets have been frustrated by Kristian Vesalainen’s stalled development. Taken 24th overall, the six-foot-four winger had a great draft-plus-one year in Finland. Since coming to North America two years ago, though, Vesalainen has yet to make it work.

The real steal here could be second-rounder Dylan Samberg. The big defenceman won NCAA titles with Minnesota-Duluth in each of the past two years and was chasing a third straight championship as a junior this season. While Samberg could opt to return for a fourth college season with the Bulldogs and become a UFA one year from now, he told the Winnipeg Sun in February he’s focused on the Jets. Given Winnipeg said good-bye to Trouba, Tyler Myers, Dustin Byfuglien and Ben Chiarot in the past nine months, Samberg would seem to have already found a perfect situation to prove himself.

9. 2018

The Jets sacrificed their first-rounder that year to bring in Paul Stastny, who helped the squad reach the Western Conference final. A fair deal, all things considered.

Winnipeg’s first selection in ’18 came at 60th overall. The team took Swedish centre David Gustafsson and, in 22 games earlier this season, he showed the potential to be a reliable bottom-of-the-lineup centre.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182032 Websites “I’ve been watching a lot of ‘This is Us,’” Draisaitl revealed. “Gosh, I’ve got a lot of time to watch movies and shows right now. I feel like watched pretty much everything.”

Sportsnet.ca / Oilers' Draisaitl misses game, but focused on big picture And while Connor McDavid had singled out teammate Zack Kassian last with NHL paused week as the one guy he would not want to be quarantined with, we heard Draisaitl say quite the opposite Monday.

“He doesn’t need much to make you laugh out of nothing.” Mark Spector March 30, 2020, 5:53 PM Draisaitl had thought about going home to his parents in Cologne, but “I don’t think it makes much sense for me to go there right now,” he decided. “Especially since it’s probably worse over there than it is here. EDMONTON — “Sometimes,” Leon Draisaitl surmises, “it’s better I’m in a good place right now.” watching Friends, than hockey.” Maybe it’s the serious German outlook, or perhaps the fact he has been Now, you could ask if Draisaitl had been tied to a chair and forced to away from home since he was a teenager, but Draisaitl has always come watch New Jersey Devils — The Jacque Lemaire Years, or if he caught a across as a thinker. And he’s been thinking about this new coronavirus, replay of one of those ’80s playoff games that drudged into the second or while doing puzzles and whiling away his time like the rest of us. third overtime. “It teaches us a little lesson,” he began. “You think about how many But the truth is … Well, two things: things you touch, how many germs are being spread all over. It’s tough One, it turns out that Friends, an American sitcom that began airing in that people pass away, that that has to be a part of it. At the same time, it 1994 — a year before Draisaitl was born in Germany — is one of his all- is good for us that we see what the world can do if we’re not treating it time favourite shows. the right way.

And two, watching old Oilers games — as Draisaitl did when he sat down “Right now, it’s a tough time. But on one hand, it might be good for us.” for Edmonton’s Game 5 against the San Jose Sharks back in the 2006 Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.31.2020 playoffs — only reminds him of what he’s missing this spring, as we all isolate indoors in the wake of COVID-19.

“It’s a little bit of a tease, I have to say,” Draisaitl said of the NHL Classics that are airing on Sportsnet. “You start to miss it even more.”

There is much to miss for Draisaitl — the consensus Hart Trophy winner and likely Art Ross winner as the NHL’s leading scorer — given the league’s pause. Not to mention the excellent chance he and his Oilers teammates had at making a playoff run, with the first Battle of Alberta in nearly 30 years a growing possibility for Round 1, as Edmonton sits in second place and Calgary third in the Pacific.

He is as frustrated as the rest of us, but Draisaitl is also aware enough to know that there are plenty of people with a lot bigger problems than a healthy 24-year-old who has risen to become one of the stars of today’s game — and is paid commensurate to that stature.

“It goes for everyone playing the game. If we don’t get to play the playoffs, it’s frustrating,” he said. “But the health of people at this time is more important. They’ve made the right decisions so far.”

To the fans, Draisaitl says he feels your pain.

“Stay positive. Stick with it — just like we are,” he said. “We all want to get back to playing as soon as possible, but right now there is one important thing in the world going on, and we have to accept that. Hopefully, we can get back to playing soon, and bring this thing into the playoffs.”

Draisaitl is staying in shape with a variety of methods. “Try to do something different every day. Try to stay fit. Go for runs. Do stairs. All kinds of different stuff.”

But honing his hockey skills, with every rink in Edmonton closed and the outdoor rinks unattended, hasn’t been easy. That’s where his Cavapoo named Bowie comes in.

“I try to dangle around my dog once in a while. I have a stick in the basement,” Draisaitl smiled. “But other than that there is not much opportunity for me to work on my skills.”

So this is where we are in the sports world: Leagues are hoping not to be forgotten in the waning hope that they may return to complete their seasons. Meanwhile, sportswriters are sitting at home in dire need of content.

So teams such as the Oilers are putting together video chats like the one that included Draisaitl sitting at home Monday, fidgeting with what he jokingly described as “stress balls,” a pair of golf ball-sized balls he fumbled with throughout Monday’s “Zoom conference.”

What did we learn other than the gem about his dog’s hockey skills and his affinity for Friends? 1182033 Websites “First year over here and not speaking the language, he’s going to have his ups and downs. But he just found a way to win.”

After a blazing start that had many in the organization worried it was too Sportsnet.ca / Future of Flames goaltending full of uncertainty good to be true, Zagidulin experienced plenty of character-building turbulence en route to a 16-7-4 record. He did so despite an .898 save percentage and 3.07 GAA.

Eric Francis | March 30, 2020, 5:00 PM The 24-year-old restricted free agent (with arbitration rights) should easily be able to come to terms with the Flames on a contract next season, with

an eye on following the trail blazed by Rittich before him. It wasn’t all that long ago the Calgary Flames boasted some of the most The only other goalie the Flames had under contract this year was Nick impressive goaltending prospects in the game. Schneider, a 22-year-old restricted free agent whose role, if kept, would Just a handful of years back, their third-round pick, Jon Gillies, had used be to return to Kansas City where he struggled this year. That said, in 12 his 6-foot-6, 220-pound frame to backstop the Providence Friars to the games of call-up duty in the AHL over the previous two seasons his play 2015 national championship at which he was named MVP. was exemplary.

One year later the Flames grabbed Tyler Parsons in the second round The new shining star amongst Flames goalie prospects is 18-year-old after he paced the London Knights to the 2016 Memorial Cup crown and Dustin Wolf, who was the fourth-last pick of the 2019 Draft. was named the tourney’s top netminder. All he did that year was lead the Western Hockey League with a .936 That Christmas Parsons was instrumental in helping the U.S. win gold at save percentage in his first year as a starter with the Everett Silvertips, the world juniors. where he went 41-15-4 with a 1.69 GAA.

With resumes like that in the fold, few would have predicted the man The knock? who’d emerge from the group as the Flames top netminder was David His size. Rittich, a free agent signed out of the Czech Extraliga in 2016 who couldn’t speak English. Yet, the hockey world continues to watch the six-foot, 165-pound Californian with awe, as he followed it up this season with another stellar All these years later, Rittich is the only goalie the Flames have under showing. contract for next season. “Exciting, but a few years away,” Sigalet said of Wolf, who went 34-10-2 Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey this year with a 1.88 GAA and .935 save percentage. world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what they think about it. “He’s stealing games for them on his own. He’s impressive, smart and just wants to be better. He has to go back for one more year, which is too While Rittich and Cam Talbot combined to be one of the biggest bad. I’d like to see him in Stockton.” strengths of the Flames this season, the depth charts have changed radically. So much of how and where the Flames goalie prospects will slot next year will depend on whether the Flames re-sign Talbot. Gillies, who would have been the only real option for the Flames had the big boys succumbed to injury, is about to walk into unrestricted free Alongside Rittich, the 32-year-old netminder got his career and mojo agency after yet another uninspiring season with the AHL’s Stockton back in order, perhaps opening doors for him to explore options as an Heat. unrestricted free agent.

There will be no attempt to re-sign him. Otherwise, few debate he’d be a perfect fit to return to the Flames where he was trending to be the team’s playoff starter, thanks to his surge in For the third year as a pro, Parsons battled injury all season, playing just play and Rittich’s third annual second-half struggles. 25 games with Kansas City in the East Coast League. “I think those two worked together pretty well,” said Sigalet. Not exactly the trajectory he or the organization had in mind after his stellar junior run. “Obviously Ritter’s play fell off a bit down the stretch, but I don’t think that’s totally on him. I know people are hard on him, but we played more “He’s got all the ability in the world, but obviously his health has been an of a run and gun, loose game in front of him at times and that affected his issue,” said Flames goalie coach, Jordan Sigalet. numbers. He’s still learning and young in the league, and we talk about “It’s been a while since he’s put together a full, healthy season, and once controlling his emotions and dealing with the highs and lows. Watching he does that I think he’ll have a shot.” Cam be so even-keeled was good for him – he was such a pro all year.

One of the theories on why Parsons is oft-injured revolves around his “Cam started playing more and more, and getting better and better, and athletic style, which involves forever contorting his body through a series the confidence he lost in Edmonton and Philadelphia he started getting of stretches, splits and lunges to make saves. On a weak team in back.” Kansas, he was under siege quite often, leading to an 11-9-2 record that Will it be status quo, or will the Flames use some of their cap space to included a .911 save percentage and 3.03 GAA. chase a significant free agent like Robin Lehner or Jacob Markstrom? Because he had only played 22 games the previous season, he was the That’s a column for another day. odd man out this year, stuck in Kansas while Gillies and Artyom Zagidulin split time in Stockton. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.31.2020 Parsons is just 22, and will undoubtedly re-sign with the Flames as a restricted free agent.

There is still plenty of potential and runway there.

Senior Writer Ryan Dixon and NHL Editor Rory Boylen always give it 110%, but never rely on clichés when it comes to podcasting. Instead, they use a mix of facts, fun and a varied group of hockey voices to cover Canada’s most beloved game.

With Gillies gone, you can bet Parsons will start the year in the AHL alongside the man they call Zags.

“His numbers were not incredible but he’s a winner – they love him down there,” said Sigalet of the 24-year-old Zagidulin, who the Flames signed as a free agent out of Russia last summer. 1182034 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Tavares thinking of New York friends ‘right in the fire’ of COVID-19 crisis

Luke Fox | March 30, 2020, 3:39 PM

In his 11th year as an NHLer, John Tavares grasps the importance of each spring that passes without a deep playoff run. You only get so many chances.

Yet even as the COVID-19 pandemic puts another shot at realizing his Stanley Cup dreams in jeopardy, Tavares has taken a Zen approach to the indefinite pause on league action and life as we used to know it.

The Toronto Maple Leafs captain has savoured the unexpected extra time he’s had to help his wife Aryne care for their six-month-old baby, Jace, reading books on parenthood and opting for Nexflix’s new Babies docuseries over Tiger King — a “mindboggling” show Aryne has been streaming.

“Enjoying time with my son. Having that time with him has been fantastic,” Tavares said Monday, on an NHL-run Zoom conference Monday alongside Brady Tkachuk, Dylan Larkin and Zdeno Chara. (Tavares joked that the only reason he joined the call was to steal training tips from Chara.)

Tavares has poured time into his passion for cooking, and weather in his High Park neighbourhood on the west side of Toronto has been warm enough to fire up the barbecue.

Yes, he’s been keeping fit with the training equipment he keeps at his house — a few dumbbells and kettle bells, some resistance bands, and a bicycle — but with a return to action more likely months than weeks in the future, there will be plenty time to ramp back up into game shape.

“I think with the uncertainty, it’s a good time to kind of disconnect and relax as well,” Tavares, 29, explained. “We are fortunate with in the world we do live in, in terms of the social aspect and technology and the ability to stay in touch and communicate with loved ones.”

This week, Tavares’s thoughts are with New York, his home for nine years. A Navy hospital ship with 1,000 beds arrived Monday in New York City as the number of deaths in the state from the outbreak has climbed above 1,200.

Tavares made a point to send well wishes to Islanders fans, staff and former teammates who are quarantined in a much more dangerous city.

“I know a few people that are really right in the fire of it and seeing kind of how it’s spreading and really making the impact that it is in New York,” Tavares said.

“I really hope everyone there is staying safe and following all the health recommendations, doing everything they can to stay healthy and to slow the spread and help all the people that are on the front line doing everything they can to keep everyone safe and taking a lot of risk themselves.”

It should go without saying that squeezing in more hockey playoffs falls a distant second to a world on alert. Tavares will be 30 when 2020-21 kicks off, and at the time of the pause, his Leafs were on a collision course for what could be an enticing Round 1 series versus the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“In Toronto, we certainly miss playing in front of our fans and going to Scotiabank Arena and competing to play in the playoffs and the opportunity that we had in front of us,” Tavares said.

“It’s a real special thing to be a Maple Leaf — and we never take that for granted and certainly miss it — but more importantly for everyone to stay safe and healthy and continue to follow all the recommendations from the experts and from the local authorities.

“From what I’ve seen, people have been really good in my area understanding that. We’re all here to support each other, help each other and do the best we can to get this back to normal as quickly as possible.”

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182035 Websites Hedman was also the first to suggest “it would be tough to jump straight into playoffs,” if (and hopefully when) the 2019-20 NHL season resumes.

And after Barkov echoed those thoughts, Weber said, “I think anyone Sportsnet.ca / Eichel on COVID-19 pandemic: 'We really don't know what that’s going to be involved in the playoffs needs some sort of build-up or tomorrow holds' some sort of training camp to get them ready, because this is going to be quite an extended period of time off.”

Eichel, who agreed with those sentiments, was the only one to Eric Engels | March 30, 2020, 5:25 PM acknowledge the reality all hockey fans and people associated with the game are currently grappling with.

“We really don’t know what tomorrow holds, never mind a month from You could hear the relief in Jack Eichel’s voice, and you could see it on now,” he said. “So it’s tough to predict the hockey aspect of life. …It his face as he discussed how content he was that his mother, a Boston- would be tough to say the league knows what we’re going to do, because area nurse, was on paid leave from duty at the hospital in order to take I don’t really think the world knows what’s going to happen in a few care of his father who had a shoulder replacement surgery just prior to weeks.” the COVID-19 pandemic hitting North America and affecting all our lives in such a profound and unprecedented way. And so, just like the rest of us, the players are keeping themselves busy in quarantine for the time being. “The hospital (Boston Medical Center) is in a lot of distress right now, and it’s a tough position,” the 23-year-old captain of the Buffalo Sabres said The players sent best wishes to fans in their respective cities, with Monday. “She’s actually been at home for the last few weeks, which Barkov adding a message in Finnish for fans back home and Hedman somehow is really lucky. Wouldn’t want her going in. It’s such a high doing the same in Swedish. risk.” Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey “Credit to all the medical professionals that have been on the front lines world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what and have been really taking this thing head-on,” Eichel added. “But when they think about it. you have a loved one in that situation, you just want them to be as safe as possible.” Weber’s message started and ended in a foreign language, as well.

You could see Montreal Canadiens captain Shea Weber, Tampa Bay “Just wanted to say, ‘Merci!’ And thank you guys for all your support and Lightning alternate captain Victor Hedman and Florida Panthers alternate sticking with us through these tough times,” he said. “It’s not easy for captain Aleksander Barkov all nodding in agreement. anyone, and it’s not easy for us, yourselves.

All four Atlantic Division rivals, who are usually at odds with each other, “(To) the people in Nashville—tough times for you, (with) the tornados were largely in agreement throughout the 34-minute Zoom Media right before this. And hopefully, you guys stay strong with this virus conference that was moderated by the NHL and coordinated and coming next. I know you will, and I know it’s a good city and you guys are scheduled with the help of the NHLPA. For instance, when they were strong together.” asked about what they don’t miss about playing against each other, To fans in Montreal, Weber added, “We’re looking forward to getting Barkov and Eichel talked about facing Weber’s slapshot, with Hedman (back in front) of you guys at the Bell Centre. Merci beaucoup et restez adding, “I get out of the way, let the goalie see the puck and you can prudent (stay safe).” blame him if he lets it in.” Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.31.2020 Hedman said he and his wife are still in Tampa Bay and that they’re spending their days with their three dogs. He also said he’s staying in shape thanks to some equipment he stole from the Lightning’s training facilities, and that he’s enjoying watching Stephen King’s The Outsiders and keeping up to date with Showtime’s “Homeland.”

Eichel’s still in Buffalo and grateful to his girlfriend for cooking meals and “taking care of the house.” He bemoaned the weather not quite being what Barkov and Hedman get to enjoy in Florida, but added he still gets to go outside here and there when he’s not busy playing Madden NFL 20, watching reruns of “The OC,” or listening to his Stone Temple Pilots, Rolling Stones, Marvin Gaye and Fleetwood Mac albums.

Barkov, who has his mother living with him in Boca Raton, said he hasn’t turned on his TV to do anything but play Call of Duty with friends and teammates.

Life’s been a bit different for the 34-year-old Weber.

“I’m here in Montreal with my family,” he said. “I’ve got three kids, so needless to say I’ve been pretty busy. Busy with them—a little schoolwork, and then trying to keep them from killing each other during the day and trying to plan activities and whatnot. Definitely busy in a different way.”

Would anyone be shocked to learn that Weber, famously nicknamed “Man Mountain” by former Team Canada coach Mike Babcock, is “big into (Netflix’s) Vikings?”

The Sicamous B.C., native also said he’s five episodes into Netflix’s Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.

All four players had varying opinions on a potential 31-team tournament to win the 2020 Stanley Cup. Barkov said a tournament of some kind could be “a best-case scenario,” while Weber said, “Obviously that guarantees us a spot in the playoffs, but I don’t think that’s fair to teams in there first.”

He then reiterated that the main concern right now goes well beyond hockey and the Cup. 1182036 Websites Kuemper doesn’t draw a lot of attention by playing in Arizona, but the Coyotes netminder was having an all-star level campaign before he suffered a serious lower-body injury just before Christmas. That injury kept him out of the lineup for two months and while he did return before Sportsnet.ca / Vezina Trophy Tier List: Can anyone upset Jets' the season was suspended, he’s still only appeared in 29 games. Hellebuyck? However, what he’s done in those games has been impressive. Kuemper ranks third with a .928 save percentage and is tied with Khudobin with a

2.22 goals-against average, to go along with 16 wins and two shutouts. Josh Beneteau 15 March 30, 2020, 10:48 AM Merzlikins, a 25-year-old rookie from Latvia, was limited in games because he started the season as a backup. But when starter Joonas Korpisalo was forced to miss 24 games with a knee injury, Merzlikins You could argue that every goalie is the MVP of their team based on how seized the net in Columbus. In 31 starts this season, Merzlikins has much they can impact the result of a game. A great goalie can cover up posted a 13-9-8 record with a .923 save percentage and 2.35 goals- his team’s weaknesses while a bad goalie can sink an otherwise great against average, both fourth-best in the league. He’s also collected five team. shutouts, including twice collecting two shutouts in consecutive starts. While the sample size might not be enough for Vezina voters, Merzlikins Every year a group of goalies set themselves apart as the elite in their could still be a candidate for rookie of the year. field and this season, more than in other years, there are some fresh faces in the mix. The Long Shots

The NHL awards show in Las Vegas has been cancelled and there’s Carter Hart, Tristan Jarry, Jacob Markstrom been no announcement about when the hardware will be handed out while the world continues to deal with the COVID-19 virus. Still, here is While this final group of goalies were very important to their teams, they where the race for the Vezina Trophy stood before the season was likely weren’t good enough when compared to their peers to get Vezina suspended. votes this year.

The Favourites The Flyers were one of the biggest surprises of the season and the play of Hart, still only 21, was a big reason why. Since Feb. 1, the Flyers went Connor Hellebuyck, Tuukka Rask, Andrei Vasilevskiy 14-4-0, tied with the Bruins for best in the league, and putting them in a race with Washington for top in the Metro. Hart stated 11 of those games, The cream of the crop. All three of these goalies are deserving of the posting a 9-2-0 record with a .934 save percentage and 1.93 goals- Vezina and some could even warrant Hart Trophy consideration too. against average. A slow first half to the season will keep Hart out of the Hellebuyck has been a rock for the Jets all season long. With massive Vezina conversation this year but his career is just getting started and the turnover on the blue line and backup Laurent Brossoit putting up future is very bright. “(Hart) in his first full year in the NHL has been really disappointing numbers, Hellebuyck is easily the most important reason solid and gives us confidence,” teammate Scott Laughton told Friedman for why the Jets are in a playoff spot. His 56 starts and 31 wins are both recently. second in the NHL and his six shutouts lead the way. And he’s doing it all Jarry won the backup job in Pittsburgh out of training camp and by despite facing more high danger shots than any other goalie, per Natural January was playing in the NHL All-Star game. The 24-year-old in his Stat Trick. first full season helped keep the Penguins afloat early when Matt Murray Rask, who won this award in 2014, has put together another fantastic was struggling, collecting 13 wins in 16 starts and posting a league- season for the Bruins, the only team to reach 100 points so far this leading .938 save percentage in the 2019 half of the season. His second season. He continues to share the net with Jaroslav Halak as a tactic to half didn’t go as well and Murray began to earn more starts, but the keep fresh for the playoffs, but Rask has been nearly unbeatable in his Penguins will enter the playoffs with a strong two-goalie tandem. 41 starts. The 33-year-old has a 26-8-6 record this season, a league- Markstrom, 30, chose a good time to have a career year with his contract leading .929 save percentage (among goalies with at least 30 starts) and set to expire in the off-season. In his third season as the primary starter his 2.12 goals-against average is far and away the best in the league. in Vancouver, Markstrom posted a career-high .918 save percentage and Rask also leads the league with a tiny 1.89 expected goals against rate, was on pace to set a new career-high in wins. However, his last game per Natural Stat Trick. came on Feb. 22 after he suffered a lower-body injury that needed Vasilevskiy, the reigning champion, made a strong push to repeat in the surgery. The Canucks posted a 3-5-0 record after the injury and fell out second half after a slow start. When the calendar flipped to 2020, he had of a playoff spot by the time the league shutdown, further proving how a 17-9-2 record and ranked 40th with a .906 save percentage. However, valuable Markstrom is to his team. in 2020 he upped his save percentage to .917 and collected 18 wins in Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.31.2020 24 games, including a stretch where he earned his team at least a point in 21 straight games. After a season where everything went right, the Lightning have needed to lean on Vasilevskiy more this time around and he’s carried them to the second-best record in the Eastern Conference.

Had A Shot

Pavel Francouz, Anton Khudobin, Darcy Kuemper, Elvis Merzlikins

All four goalies in this group have had great seasons but might not have played in enough games to get the votes needed for the Vezina.

Francouz, a 29-year-old in his first full season in the NHL, has stood on his head all year, especially when Colorado Avalanche starter Philipp Grubauer has been injured. In 31 starts, Francouz has a 21-7-4 record and he is among the league leaders with a .923 save percentage and 2.43 goals-against average. While he is too old to be considered a rookie, the Avalanche needed Francouz to help fill the void Semyon Varlamov left and he’s done more than succeed in that role in his first full NHL season.

Khudobin is actually Ben Bishop‘s backup but the two share the net and he’s been stellar in his limited ice time. His 30 games might not be enough for some voters but among goalies who’ve made at least that many appearances, he ranks first in save percentage (.930) and second in goals-against average (2.22). “Khudobin’s been unbelievable this year,” Bishop told Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently. “It’s a lot of fun playing with him.” 1182037 Websites He also revealed how Senators winger Tkachuk got him with a hit in Toronto’s first game of the year against Ottawa that “didn't make my ribs feel too great for a couple weeks, so thanks for that one.”

TSN.CA / Tavares misses competing, but is enjoying time with family But a few bruises pale in comparison to the havoc COVID-19 is raging around the world, including in New York State, where Tavares lived for nine years as a member of the New York Islanders. Setting concerns about hockey aside, Tavares expressed again the importance of slowing Kristen Shilton the spread, so that sooner than later, life can go back to normal.

“I know a few people that are right in the fire of it and seeing how it's When Maple Leafs’ captain John Tavares joined a conference call with making the impact that it is in New York,” said Tavares. “I really hope fellow Atlantic Division players Brady Tkachuk, Dylan Larkin and Zdeno everyone there is staying safe and following all the health Chara on Monday, he had more in mind than just swapping life updates recommendations, doing everything they can to stay healthy and help all nearly three weeks after the NHL’s 2019-20 regular season was placed the people that are on the front line. I wish all the best for them and hope on pause. it can get better.”

“My whole plan was just to come on here and pick Zdeno's brain on what TSN.CA LOADED: 03.31.2020 he's been doing,” joked Tavares of the 43-year-old Bruins’ captain. “His longevity, what he's done fitness-wise around the league, just knowing how legendary it is. I've got a few dumbbells, kettlebells, a few [resistance] bands, and a [stationary] bike [at home], just trying to do the best I can.”

It’s no surprise the famously intense Tavares would be trolling for tips on how to stay ahead of the curve while isolating with his family and waiting out this unprecedented period of uncertainty.

The league had to abruptly halt its regular season back on March 12 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving fans and players alike wondering when and how hockey would resume. Could the league eventually pick up its regular season in the spring or summer, or would the NHL jump directly into playoffs ahead of crowning a Stanley Cup champion?

When the pause happened, Toronto was in a playoff spot, holding onto third place in the Atlantic Division and preparing to fight the Florida Panthers down the stretch to keep it that way. While Tavares misses being in the thick of battle, he knows answers to various burning questions about this season have to come in good time.

“We certainly miss playing in front of our fans and competing to play in the playoffs and [grabbing] the opportunity that we had in front of us,” Tavares said. “But more important is for everyone to stay safe and healthy and continue to follow all the recommendations from the experts…and understanding that we're all here to support each other, help each other and do the best we can to get this back to normal.”

For Tavares, that’s included staying in close communication with his teammates via frequent electronic check-ins. The 29-year-old admitted there has been some trash talk between teammates because the guys, “can’t leave it too long without giving it to one another,” but he demurred when asked which of those Leafs he’d least enjoy being quarantined with.

However, picking who he would like to be stuck in isolation with was pretty easy for Tavares.

“Probably Mitch [Marner] or Justin Holl,” he said. “The type of energy they bring, how much fun they have every day. They just bring that enthusiasm.”

In reality, Tavares is holed up with his wife and son, Jace, who was born during the Leafs’ training camp last September. The unexpected break and adherence to social distancing has afforded Tavares even more time with their new addition, and Jace has obliged by being the perfect quarantine companion while dad delves further into some hobbies.

“He's sleeping good at night, allowing us to rest, get our sleep, especially since we have the time for it now,” Tavares said. “On Netflix, [we watched] that Babies show, and it’s just interesting to compare it to what's going on with our little guy. But I haven't watched a ton of TV. I personally enjoy trying to cook a little bit and [this has] given me some time to do that. It's a good time to disconnect, relax and slowly build yourself back up as hopefully some positivity comes around the corner.”

If the NHL can start back up and continue its season, Tavares is aware there will be an adjustment period, and noted, “coming off any kind of break, it's not going to be a whole lot of fun chasing Dylan Larkin around the ice.” 1182038 Websites minute of play, PK, all that, and power play. I try to be a go-to guy in every situation."

Where did you improve the most this season? TSN.CA / Masters: Quinton Byfield confident of cracking NHL next "Probably my skating and 200-foot game. Last off-season I worked on my season skating a lot. I kind of skated with a hunchback, so I'm working on keeping my chest up more and using my long legs for better strides •– more powerful, effective strides. And then my two-way game, just playing Mark Masters all 200 feet of the ice, all three zones. [Sudbury head coach] Cory Stillman definitely helped me with that a lot, [associate coach] Darryl

Moxam and (assistant coach) Zack Stortini, new to the scene, they all Quinton Byfield planned on getting a new bow tie. definitely helped me out by showing me clips of good things or bad things I can work on and improve on." "At the end of the season I was going to grab a nice suit, nice bow tie, something special for the draft," the centre said. With your skating, is the hunchback gone?

But the end of the season came a lot sooner than Byfield or anyone else "I wouldn't say it's officially gone, but we're getting there, for sure. I was in major junior hockey expected. With the world still coming to grips with working with [power skating expert] Tara McKay in the summer and we the COVID-19 pandemic, the cancelled its did a couple sessions every week and then Gary Roberts helped me with playoffs last week, meaning the Memorial Cup will not be awarded for the that too, you know, just doing workouts, fixing my posture, getting first time ever. stronger down low and working on the power and explosiveness."

The NHL also postponed the entry draft, scheduled for June 26-27 at the What will be your focus this off-season? Bell Centre in Montreal, where Byfield was expected to be among the "I'm going to be focused on getting bigger and stronger. If I really want to first players picked. It's unclear when and how the draft will be held. That make that next step to the NHL next year, I need to get a little more means the moment Byfield has anticipated his entire hockey life may play muscle to me and a little more weight. If I'm playing against men next out differently than he dreamed. year, that would definitely be a big step and definitely want to improve "It'd definitely be a little disappointing," he said. "You always think about upon that. And my eating habits as well, [smile] they're not the greatest, that as a kid, going up to the stage after getting your name called, going so need to improve on that." to shake the commissioner's hand and all the people up there who What do you have to change when it comes to your diet? drafted you, so it'd be disappointing. But just being drafted, no matter where it is, is something special and something you've worked toward "Cutting out all the good stuff, I guess [chuckle], all the chocolate and your whole life. It's a little disappointing, but still all exciting for me." sugars like that. It's okay to have that once in a while, but I think every so often I have too much, so definitely have to cut down that and just eat And the 17-year-old can still wear a bow tie whenever the day arrives. more things that are better for my body that will help me gain muscle, "I think I have over 30," he said. "I just kind of liked being different and keep my energy and all that." everyone wears ties, so I just started getting into bow ties. It started when What does an average day look like for you right now? I was young, probably minor atom around when I first got to York-Simcoe Express. I have a lot, but my go-to one is still the black one, because it "I'll wake up around 10:30, 11 and then go down and grab a quick bite to goes with everything. I don't know, I just like that one and it was my first eat and then go on a morning run around my neighbourhood and then one too, just a solid look." get back and do a little workout downstairs in my basement. Then eat lunch, and just chill around in my room, I guess. I'll play PS4 a bit, listen — TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) December 31, 2019 to music, all that good stuff and play games with my family, watch movies Byfield doesn't just stand out with his fashion sense. At 6-foot-4 and 215 with them too." pounds, the Newmarket, Ont., native has a rare blend of size, skill and What are you guys watching these days? speed. It's a tantalizing package that allowed him to produce 32 goals and 82 points in 45 games this season, while "I actually missed the one last night, only caught a bit of it, it was also cracking Team Canada's roster at the World Juniors. Parasite. They were watching that one, so I'll probably catch up and watch that tonight." TSN spoke with Byfield via FaceTime from his family home and got his take on possible NHL landing spots like Ottawa, Detroit and Los Angeles. What do your workouts look like?

Byfield, who finished third in TSN Director of Scouting ’s "My aunt gave me a punching bag. Then some family friends gave me latest draft rankings, also outlined his plan to improve his skating and some weights to use, so I have those and a yoga mat down there. I made diet during the off-season with the help of former NHLer Gary Roberts. a ladder; I taped a ladder to the ground. Then Gary Roberts [High Plus, Byfield explained why his favourite current NHL player is a Performance Training], they sent me some workouts I could be doing, defenceman. gave me a little plan to work out with, so I've been following along with that." The following is an edited transcript of the interview. What was your favourite moment of the season? How confident are you that you can make the jump to the NHL next season? How optimistic? "The one I'm going to remember is definitely the World Junior gold medal, for sure. That was super special for me, just to be there so young. "I'm very optimistic and confident that I can definitely make the step next Not many 17-year-olds will have a gold medal and it was an honour just year. I was blessed with a big body, big frame, which definitely helps me to be there with all those great players. And with the Sudbury Wolves, out a lot and then a good skating ability, so I think I can definitely keep up there's been a couple [moments], a couple close games, nice rivalries we with them and hopefully make a mark next year. had. As the season ended, we got a good rivalry going with Barrie. We With no playoffs there's no chance to make a final on-ice impression on had a game with a playoff intensity, and I scored the OT winner there and scouts and the hockey world about your draft status. So, we'll give you a the game-tying goal, so that was definitely a big moment in the season chance to make a closing statement. If a team picks you, what kind of for me. It was a lot of fun to play in that game and makes you miss player are they getting? playoffs even more."

"Definitely disappointing not having playoffs. I think we had a really good What were your favourite teams growing up? shot this year. We finished first in our division, second in the conference, "It used to be Pittsburgh when I was little and that's why I chose No. 55, so we would've had home-ice advantage and all that. But, for teams because of Sergei Gonchar. Then I started watching Tampa Bay and that may draft me, I'm a big two-way centre with a big offensive upside. I Marty St. Louis, who was my favourite player of all-time probably, and hate losing puck battles. I'm very competitive in the corners, take my started liking them when they weren't in their peak, so I'm not a defensive zone very seriously. The coach trusts me in D-zone, last bandwagon guy [smiles] I've liked them or a long time." You liked Gonchar? How did that happen?

"I used to be a defenceman when I was little, from four to seven or eight. I used to play defence and Gonchar was my guy."

And St. Louis, why did you like him?

"I liked St. Louis, because he was never the biggest guy by any means. He was probably always the smallest guy on the ice, but he was always the first into battles. He seemed like a good leader, a good guy off the ice. His connection with [Steven] Stamkos was something to watch as well. He was just an all-around guy, skill, a grinder too, and you mix in everything, it was just a lot of fun to watch him play."

In the Hockey Canada media guide at the World Juniors you had Maple Leafs winger William Nylander listed as your favourite current player, is that still the case?

"No, it's not anymore. But he definitely was. I watched him in the World Juniors when he played in Toronto and liked watching him play, so he was my favourite for a bit. He's an exceptional skater and the poise he had with the puck; he can just hold onto it forever. It feels like he can get by anybody with his speed and his skill and he's just very creative with the goals he scores and everything."

Who's your favourite player now?

"I like watching the young, rookie D. I'd say probably Cale Makar. I'm all over the map [smile], I know, but I just like watching him. You haven't seen a player like that for a while, just his skating and what he can do. He's the quarterback back there for Colorado and that team is just exceptionally gifted with all the skill they have and then he's just back there running it all. His skating is just incredible."

Which current NHL player is most like you?

"I'm not sure. I definitely hear a lot of comparisons to Evgeni Malkin and that's an honour. He's going to be a Hall of Famer one day, and those comparisons are something I'm thankful for and grateful for. I'm not sure really who compares to my game, but if I had to say I guess I'm definitely closest to Malkin. He plays a 200-foot game, great offensively, he's a big, strong centre as well."

I'm sure you've been thinking about who might draft you, so let me know what you think about some of these landing spots. You're from the Toronto area, but what do you think about being an Ottawa Senator?

"I'd be happy to go to Ottawa, for sure. Any team that drafts me I'll be happy to go to. That'd be close to home, which is great. I could get my family out there quite a bit and all my friends could make the trip as well so Ottawa would be a good landing spot for sure."

How about joining your World Junior teammate Joe Veleno in Detroit?

"That'd be a lot of fun. That's another spot close to home as well and I met a couple of those prospects, Veleno and (Jared) McIsaac is on the come up as well, so that'd be a lot of fun to play with them in the future."

It's not close to home, but how would you feel about the Hollywood lifestyle: Los Angeles or Anaheim?

"Oh, I'd definitely blend in there, for sure. I'd definitely be a Hollywood guy [smile]. I'm suited to that lifestyle. I like the winter so I'd miss that a bit, but just chilling on a beach all day would not be bad at all. These are all definitely good landing spots."

TSN.CA LOADED: 03.31.2020

1182039 World Leagues News

New Zealand's Radio Sport goes off air as coronavirus bites

Monday, March 30, 2020 11:45 p.m. CDT by Thomson Reuters

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand's Radio Sport has ceased broadcasting indefinitely because of the coronavirus shutdown, bringing to an end nearly a quarter of a century of commentary, interviews and sport-related chat.

Long the home of national and international , , and tennis match commentary in the sports-mad nation, Radio Sport programming was cut off on Monday afternoon.

"With the cancellation and suspension of virtually all local, national and international events and competitions, NZME has been forced to look closely at the level of sports coverage, including live events across all platforms," New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) said in statement.

"NZME has been working hard to avoid this but the reality of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis is that these decisions have to be made."

New Zealand has declared a state of emergency to try and control the coronavirus, which has so far infected more than 640 people and resulted in one death in the country.

Sport New Zealand chief executive Peter Miskimmin said the loss of the station was "sad" and would have an impact on the sporting environment in the country.

"It championed all of sports from elite through to the grassroots," the twice Olympian told stuff.co.nz.

"Sport is a really important ingredient in connecting people together. It's social connection for the fans.

"It provides entertainment and something to think about outside of your own world and life, and all of those things are limited until we know what the reality post-Covid-19 will be."

NZME, which operates newspapers, radio networks and websites in New Zealand, warned earlier this month that the coronavirus outbreak would hurt its performance. Its shares halved in value during March.

WHBL LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182040 World Leagues News

NCAA Division 1 Athletes Get Another Shot At Spring Sports

March 30, 202010:09 PM ET

TOM GOLDMAN

Athletes who play NCAA spring sports whose seasons were truncated by the coronavirus outbreak will be eligible for another season. This photo shows Purdue Fort Wayne's Rachel Everson playing in March.

When the NCAA shut down college sports earlier this month because of the coronavirus outbreak, the most dramatic cancellation was March Madness – the wildly popular men's and women's D1 basketball tournaments. But thousands of athletes in less prominent spring sports — baseball, lacrosse and golf to name a few — had their seasons end too.

Now, they'll get another chance.

Monday, the NCAA's Division 1 Council voted to let schools offer spring sport athletes an extra year of eligibility so they can play an extra season. Obviously the impact is greatest on graduating seniors, but in fact, the decision applies to all athletes whose spring seasons were interrupted by the outbreak. They'll all have the opportunity to have their lost season restored.

Winter sports were not included in the decision because much of their regular seasons were finished. Meaning all those basketball players will forever wonder, who would've won March Madness in 2020?

The Council earlier had said it supported eligibility relief for spring athletes. But it had to work out many of the details before making an official announcement. Some of the details include:

Financial aid rules were adjusted to allow teams to carry more athletes on scholarship, expanding the limit to include those who return.

Schools won't have to offer the same level of scholarship to returning senior athletes, as they had this season. But, schools can draw on the NCAA's Student Assistance Fund to help pay for athletes who take advantage of this extra eligibility.

An athlete can come back for another season and transfer to another school. But any scholarship they'd get at the new school would count against that team's limit.

Some details still have to be ironed out. For instance, if a senior graduates this year and wants to come back for another years of sports, what are the academic requirements?

That's one of the issues on Katie Hoeg's mind. She was a star senior attacker on the University of North Carolina's No. 1-ranked women's lacrosse team this season. Hoeg is scheduled to graduate in May and wonders if coming back to play would require her to take on another major or graduate classes.

"I'm very grateful to be at a school [like] UNC," she says, "where their education is something I would still love to pursue." Hoeg says she's also waiting to see what happens with her full scholarship, which she had for her senior season.

As of right now, Hoeg says, "my heart is definitely sold [on] coming back. I'm glad the NCAA made this decision [and] I believe it's a step in the right direction."

NPR LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182041 World Leagues News

Coronavirus in sports: Wimbledon Championships will be canceled, says German Tennis Federation vice-president (report)

Posted Mar 30, 2020

By Gage Nutter

This year’s Wimbledon Championships will be canceled due to concerns regarding the spread of coronavirus, according to the German Tennis Federation. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) will hold a meeting on Wednesday to make a final decision.

The Championships are currently set to take place from June 29 to July 12, but Dirk Hordorff, vice-president of the German Tennis Federation, told Germany its fate has already been decided.

“This is necessary in the current situation," Hordorff said. "It is completely unrealistic to imagine that, with the travel restrictions that we currently have, an international tennis tournament where hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world would travel [can happen]. That is unthinkable.”

The AELTC confirmed last week that postponement and cancelation were being considered amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Wimbledon Championships would join a long list of other athletic events and sports leagues that have been put on hold due to the virus.

The International Olympic Committee recently announced new dates for the 2020 Olympics due to the spread of COVID-19. Locally, organizers of the Boston Marathon rescheduled the annual race from April 20 to September 14 earlier this month. masslive.com LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182042 World Leagues News Golf Majors: With The Masters and PGA Championship already postponed and the

U.S. Open set to follow suit, there is not much clarity as to where and Estimating When Sports Could Resume Play After The Coronavirus when these tournaments will be played or if The Open Championship Pandemic (The British Open) will be played at all. The Masters has practical concerns as Augusta, Georgia gets way too hot in the summer months to play championship golf and there are rumors that Augusta National is shooting for the Fall, specifically mid-October. The U.S. Open, which is Daniel Marcus scheduled to take place in June at Winged Foot in Westchester County, effectively “ground zero” for coronavirus cases in New York is almost certainly going to be moved to another time if not another locale. It would Perhaps this is a little overly “glass half-full” considering the world we make some sense if the British Open was the first one out the shoot with now live in but as bleak as things may appear to look right now, there will the U.S. Open and PGA Championships settling into a place and time inevitably be a day when life resumes and sports return. Though that day once that first rescheduled major falls into place. may seem far away right now, when it happens, the sports viewing public will be in for several of the greatest months of live sports viewing that the Horse Racing Triple Crown: world has ever seen. Leagues and events that would never ordinarily The Kentucky Derby was the first and most important domino to fall, as overlap will be happening in rapid succession: baseball, the NBA they made the decision to reschedule from their early May date to Sept 5, playoffs, the NHL playoffs, horse racing’s Triple Crown, tennis’ three the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend. As for the other two legs of the summer grand-slams, all of golf’s majors, and everything in between vaunted “Triple Crown,” The Maryland Jockey Club and the New York happening within weeks if not days of each other. Racing Association, are each working to find dates for the Preakness In the interest and spirit of hope, let’s take a look at what that might look Stakes and Belmont Stakes, respectively. In a perfect world, they would like: be able to replicate the normal cadence of the Kentucky Derby representing the first leg of the Triple Crown and the Preakness and MLB: Belmont to take place over the following two and three weeks, respectively. According to various reports, as Major League Baseball and the MLBPA are hopeful that they will resume spring training at some point in late May The Takeaway: and begin to play games as early as June. This news comes on the heels of the two sides reaching an agreement as to salaries and service time in Though it seems like a distant hope, sports will return, fans will slowly but what will inevitably be a shortened season. surely come back to the ballpark and life will resume - we’re not sure when but it’s closer than it seems. Best Case Scenario: early June start forbes.com LOADED: 03.31.2020 Today In: SportsMoney

NHL:

The NHL remains steadfast in its commitment to resume the season at some point and in the wake of the decision to postpone the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the “powers that be” see an opportunity now that there is a void in live sports programming during that time to finish out the season and then finish out the playoffs in the Fall. The league remains resolute in its determination to play a full 82-game season in 2020-21 but it’s anyone’s guess as to when that will eventually start.

Best Case Scenario: July

NBA:

The NBA unwittingly provided the inflection point for the coronavirus pandemic, signaling to those Americans who took the dangers of the virus lightly as Utah Jazz Center, Rudy Goebert testing positive on March 11 set off a rapid sequence of events that resulted in all major professional sports and the NCAA basketball tournament being postponed or cancelled. Adam Silver was the first commissioner to opt for what some may have considered the “nuclear option” by indefinitely postponing the season. Since then, a number of high-profile players including Kevin Durant and Marcus Smart have tested positive for COVID-19. While Silver and Co. are keeping their collective cards close to the chest on this one, but the rumored goal is be able to finish The Finals by Labor Day Weekend, which would require a July 1st re-start date at the latest.

Best Case Scenario: July

Tennis Majors:

The French Open, which is normally begins play in late May around Memorial Day weekend an culminates in early June, already pushed back the tournament to September 20, which would put it right after the U.S. Open, which is usually the final major of the year. As for the other majors, we will know the fate of Wimbledon this week but given its June 29 start date, it could be scheduled at just the right time when things will begin to get back to normal. However, given that they have until the end of August before worrying about butting up against the U.S. Open, they might consider pushing the start date back several weeks in hopes of playing the tournament. The U.S. Open on the other hand, got thrust into an interesting position by the French Tennis Federation’s decision to move the French Open as the USTA has said that it is now considering pushing back its start date to October. 1182043 World Leagues News

USA Rugby files for bankruptcy as coronavirus takes toll on game

PA Media

Mon 30 Mar 2020 17.17 EDTLast modified on Mon 30 Mar 2020 18.33 EDT

The board of USA Rugby has voted to file for chapter 11 bankruptcy as a result of “insurmountable financial constraints” in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. The governing body suspended sanctioned competition and rugby activities indefinitely on 20 March due to the global pandemic.

USA Rugby will undergo a restructuring process with input from World Rugby, while the country’s men’s and women’s senior national teams will continue to compete as normal when rugby returns. The governing body described the decision as the best way to “deliver a foundation for future stability”.

USA Rugby’s chair, Barbara O’Brien, said in a statement: “This is the most challenging period this organisation has faced and all resolves were never taken lightly in coming to this determination. “While the current climate is of course much larger than rugby, we remain focused with stakeholders and supporters in the continued effort toward a balanced rugby community where the game can truly grow.”

Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the US, and both the women’s and men’s teams had qualified for this summer’s Olympics in Tokyo. The Games have now been postponed until 2021 because of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Guardian News LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182044 World Leagues News A lot depends on the type of economic setback that lies ahead. If it's V-shaped, where stalled economic activity bounces back quickly

after the immediate crisis passes, leagues and fans may be able to return North American Sports Will Return, but Will the Fans? to normal relatively quickly.

But if it's a longer, U-shaped recession, the economic pain could carry on for years and have a more lasting impact, Matheson said. By Reuters It could especially hurt the backers of new, multi-billion NFL stadiums like March 30, 2020 the ones set to open in Los Angles and Las Vegas next season.

"Everyone is hoping that we will be able to pick things back up right where we left off," he said. LOS ANGELES — When North American sports leagues return to action after the coronavirus crisis, questions are sure to linger over whether the "I don't know that any economist has a good answer for that right now." fans will be willing, or have the resources, to pack stadiums as they once did, sports analysts have said. BEST SEAT

The pandemic caught the sports world by surprise but after the NBA Live sports were already facing competition from the rapidly improving suspended its season on March 11, leagues around the world followed home viewing experience and the coronavirus pandemic could hasten suit, culminating in the unprecedented postponement of the 2020 the move from the coliseum to the couch, Matheson said. for a year. "Sports face a long-term problem in that people's living rooms have How fans respond when the gates reopen -- and it's anyone's guess how simply gotten to be too good a place to watch sports," he said. long that will be -- depends on how this unique crisis is perceived, "In a world where you can buy a 65-inch TV with ultra high definition for experts said. the price of one family outing to an NFL game, that's a problem." After the leagues halted play following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the To be sure, the most popular leagues and franchises make the majority United States, sports fans, many fueled by a new sense of patriotism, of their money licensing their games to broadcasters, not by selling surged back into the stands. tickets. The 1948 Olympics in London were pared down but still a success as For example the NCAA's annual March Madness college basketball fans celebrated the first Games in 12 years following the end of World tournament, another event that was canceled due to the coronavirus, War II. rakes in nearly a billion dollars from its telecast and less than $100 But the coronavirus is a different kind of crisis, one where the patriotic million from ticket sales. thing to do right now is stay home and fans may not be so eager to sit "I think we'll continue this trend of moving away from the live venues and next to strangers again so quickly. towards the home theater," Matheson said. One problem is the very nature of live sports can contribute to the "Sports has a long-term problem that could be accelerated by this." pandemic. For instance, a Champions League soccer match in Milan in February between Atalanta and Valencia likely helped fuel the spread of Dorfman said the residual reluctance of some fans to gather in large the virus in hard-hit Italy. crowds will lead leagues, teams and networks to make the home viewing experience better than ever. "In the past we've celebrated sports as a great return to normal," said Victor Matheson, a specialist in sports economics at the College of the "I expect we'll see better cameras, more viewing choices, more players Holy Cross in Massachusetts. and managers mic'd up, more streaming opportunities, more social media access," he said. "I think it will be a much more muted atmosphere (this time) because you're going to be looking at that person in the seat next to you," he said. "Fans will need to feel closer to the players, action and live experience, even as they might prefer to stay more isolated." "That will be problematic until we get an all clear. (Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Ken Ferris) "That first game back, I think will be a little bit nervous." LOADED: 03.31.2020 On the other hand, the pent-up passion of fans to cheer on their favorite teams could win out, said Bob Dorfman, a sports marketing pundit with Baker Street Advertising in San Francisco.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder and, assuming the world returns to some semblance of normalcy, I expect fans to have a greater appreciation of sports than ever before," he said.

"Attending live events will take on extra significance, the enthusiasm and fervor in stadiums and areas will be more intense, the passion for favorite teams and players heightened."

CASH-STRAPPED

Another issue teams will have to grapple with is the changed economic landscape.

A record 3.3 million Americans filed for unemployment last week and the amount of discretionary income the public has to spend on live sports, already an expensive excursion, will be greatly diminished.

Dorfman expects teams to be sensitive to their patrons' needs.

"I think leagues and franchise owners will show greater appreciation for their fans, with more affordable tickets, lower-priced concessions, free or discounted parking, more free giveaways and special promotions," he said.

"Fan Appreciation Day will become Fan Appreciation Season. The economic repercussions of this pandemic could last quite a while, and fans with less disposable income mustn't be ignored." 1182045 World Leagues News

Sports stoppage due to the coronavirus is affecting officials’ income

By ERIC SONDHEIMER

MARCH 30, 20201:24 PM

Besides coaches, players, fans and parents being affected by the suspension of pro, college, high school and youth sports seasons, some officials are facing a severe loss in income.

High school baseball and softball umpires could have been working close to 20 games this spring. That’s a loss of $1,600 in the Southern Section and $1,700 in the City Section for baseball umpires receiving up to $87 a game. Softball officials are losing out on more than $1,500.

Officials are also losing out on working youth leagues and adult leagues during weekends. While most use officiating to supplement their incomes from a main job, it’s all part of the sports economy that has come to a halt because of the coronavirus pandemic.

With many schools closed until early May and uncertain whether the high school sports season will resume, officials are in a holding pattern.

“People are kind of in shock,” said Kirk West, an assigner of officials in the San Fernando Valley.

If the season were to resume in May, there would be a scramble to get enough officials for various sports playing multiple games in a week. That would be a good problem to have.

Los Angeles Times LOADED: 03.31.2020 1182046 World Leagues News Obviously, this twisted, sports-themed version of herd immunity is overlooking the fact that young, athletic people are not impervious to the worst of the virus. A significant percentage of young people — between 14 and 20 percent — requires hospitalization. The 5 worst proposed ideas to bring back sports during the coronavirus pandemic Just an awful, awful idea.

3. NBA charity game

Andrew Joseph The NBA was the first American sports league to suspend its season entirely, which sparked the similar reaction across U.S. sports and the March 30, 2020 2:29 PM NCAA. But a week after the league’s suspension, commissioner Adam Silver floated the idea of hosting a charity game with medically cleared —

either COVID-19 negative or recovered — players. It’s not a great sign that the sports world has only been shut down for a Via : few weeks, and it already feels like months. “Just because people are stuck at home and they need a diversion and The wait for sports to return is going to continue for much longer — that they need to be entertained,” Silver said. “…To the extent we were the is undeniable at this point. first to shut our league down. To what extent can we be a first mover to And leagues across the globe will face an arguably tougher challenge in restart our economy.” deciding when and how to bring back sports. With no available vaccine Enough has unfolded over the subsequent two weeks to put that idea on for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, leagues will hold. There are too many risks when it comes to travel and actually run the risk of sparking a coronavirus resurgence by holding events in playing this game to make it anything more than an early idea. packed stadiums. No league or team wants to be the one to cause another Match Zero. 2. NFL playing in isolation

But on the other hand, sports are a distraction. And people often to turn The NFL season isn’t due to start until September, so it does have the to sports and entertainment as a means to temporarily escape from a benefit of time to figure out possible contingency plans. But at this troubling situation. That train of thought has led people to think of ways to juncture, it’s impossible to say when or even if the NFL will be played. bring sports back now — or as soon as possible — even as the pandemic is still in the early stages. One idea that absolutely shouldn’t happen is this option floated by ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio: Let’s be honest, though: None of these ideas should ever come to fruition. They’re all awful and reckless, especially these five proposed “Theoretically, it’s possible that the NFL will build in the middle of ways to end the sports stoppage. nowhere a corona-free campus where all players, coaches, trainers, doctors, broadcasters, officials, etc. would spend the entire season 5. The BIG3’s reality show, preseason tournament sequestered from the rest of the world, with games played on a series of fields from which the games would be televised, with no one else At least as of now, this idea seems like it will happen. The BIG3, the 3- present. (I haven’t heard that this is a possibility, but it’s one that the on-3 league heading into its fourth season, is looking to hold a preseason league definitely should be considering.)” tournament after initially holding the participants in a reality-show-style quarantine. The league plans to test all the players and officials for Unless this campus is stocked with four months worth of food, water and COVID-19, and they will only be allowed to participate if they test essentials, there’s absolutely no way the league can guarantee that it is negative. “corona-free.” You’d also be asking for something that would require round-the-clock construction during a pandemic for a one-off Via USA TODAY Sports: entertainment project. A facility needed to host all of these teams would The 3-on-3 basketball league partnered with media production company be massive — like, on an Olympic-village scale. Endemal, which has produced the highly-rated reality show “Big Brother,” Optically, there couldn’t be a worse look for the NFL than this idea. to create a quarantined reality show and a three-week preseason tournament starting the first week of May. Big3 also plans to open its You’d be investing millions in a vanity project in northern Nebraska while fourth season of its 12-team league on June 20 in Memphis. hospitals are desperately short on supplies. There’s just no way this gets considered on a serious level. “We can’t control what happens with the virus. Nobody can control it,” Big3 co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz told USA TODAY Sports. “If that has to be 1. Premier League season resumes in isolation pushed back a week or two, that’s possible. But we feel pretty good about being able to be up and running in May.” In a similar manner to Florio’s solution to the NFL, The Independent reported on Sunday that the Premier League was looking into resuming As intriguing as it sounds to watch Seven-Time All-Star Joe Johnson in its season in the midlands and London during June and July … with quarantine for two weeks before he plays 3-on-3, there’s just no reason government backing. for it. No matter how they frame the precautions, it’s impossible to guarantee the safety of the players, officials and staff members — all for They would hold this in World Cup-style camps and keep the players a preseason tournament. The risk isn’t worth the reward here at all. isolated from their families.

4. Red Bull’s F1 team was urged to infect themselves Via The Independent:

The consensus among the medical community is that those who are In order to complete the plan, clubs and their staffs would be confined to infected with COVID-19 and recover will not catch the coronavirus a separate hotels away from their families, just like in an international second time — at least temporarily. So, Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s head tournament – albeit with full testing and quarantine conditions. The aim is of driver development, suggested that his team’s drivers intentionally get to reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19 as even one case could derail infected with the coronavirus, so they can return to competition as soon the whole plan. as possible. For the reasons that the NFL idea won’t happen, it would be just as Via The Guardian: reckless to go forward with this idea. Like the report said, it would only take one case of coronavirus to derail the idea. And we’ve already seen “We have four Formula One drivers and eight or 10 juniors,” he said. Premier League players test positive for the coronavirus. “The idea was to organise a camp where we could bridge this mentally and physically somewhat dead time and that would be the ideal time for There are ways to limit the risks of contracting the virus, but there is no the infection to come. realistic way to guarantee it. You’d be looking at a money-grab during a pandemic — it’s that simple. “These are all strong young men in really good health. That way they would be prepared whenever the action starts. And you can be ready for USA TODAY LOADED: 03.31.2020 what will probably be a very tough championship once it starts.” 1182047 World Leagues News The WRU held talks on Monday about the financial position of its four regions with the Pro14 season suspended indefinitely. It will follow the Premiership in negotiating pay cuts with an announcement likely by the end of the week. Australia may cancel autumn tour to Europe because of coronavirus “There is no way of knowing what damage this crisis will have on our game,” said the Rugby Australia chairman, Paul McLean. “It has forced us to make extremely difficult decisions and there will be even harder Paul Rees ones to come.” Mon 30 Mar 2020 08.57 EDTLast modified on Mon 30 Mar 2020 16.58 Guardian News LOADED: 03.31.2020 EDT

England’s Tom Curry and Australia’s Rory Arnold.

Australia have warned that tours to Europe in November may be sacrificed if the shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic extends, a move that would have a significant impact on the four home unions who either have or are about to agree wage cuts to combat a sharp fall in revenue.

Raelene Castle, the chief executive of Rugby Australia, said after the governing body’s virtual annual meeting on Monday that the Test schedules for this year and next may need to be reorganised and the tour matches they were due to host against Ireland and Fiji were “highly unlikely” to go ahead.

Rugby Australia announced a provisional loss of £5m before a final audit and is holding talks with the players’ association this week about pay cuts. Castle has agreed to a 50% reduction in her salary with other executives taking home 30% less. RA’s finances took a hit from the legal battle with the former Wallaby full-back Israel Folau, who was sacked last year after posting homophobic comments on social media and settled out of court after appealing.

“What happens in July will ultimately be a decision that is made in consultation with World Rugby but, as each day goes by, the Tests are looking less and less likely to go ahead,” Castle said. “It may be that the end-of-season tour to Europe [Australia are due to play Ireland, France and England] is called off so we can reschedule the end of Super Rugby and play the Rugby Championship, something we might need to consider doing.

“There is a high probability the calendar will not look as it does at the moment this year or next. There is a lot of uncertainty over the cost of flights and how far players want to travel. We have contracts in place around delivering four Super Rugby teams and that is the we are working to but it would be crazy not to be thinking about other scenarios that might roll out.”

World Rugby is working on alternative plans for the Test calendar should some or all of the tours in the northern hemisphere summer be called off. One is for a form of revenue sharing from the autumn internationals should the southern hemisphere unions have to cancel their matches.

The income from November Tests is vital for all the home unions but even more so this year. A hole in the calendar would provide the room to complete the 2020 Six Nations – with four matches outstanding – as well as domestic tournaments if the season were to resume by August but rejigging would have to be done next year to make up for any shortfall.

“We are in the midst of a global event and we are in constant contact with all of the major rugby nations in the world,” said the Welsh Rugby Union chairman, Gareth Davies. “Each of us has explained where we stand and what the financial implications of our situation are. We have discussed where we could be with the Six Nations and talked about the autumn and what happens with summer tours.

“We can work various contingency scenarios but we can’t currently answer the question of when we may resume. A good outcome would be the pandemic subsides by May or June and this season could be completed in the summer but what we must do in the meantime is plan for every contingency.”

Wales are due to play a Test in Japan at the end of June before travelling to New Zealand for two matches against the All Blacks. They have said they are prepared to fly out if the invitation remains but the policy of the government in New Zealand is that all visitors have to go into a two-week quarantine on arrival.

Australia will announce pay cuts for players this week after talks on Tuesday with the players’ association chief executive, Justin Harrison. 1182048 World Leagues News the younger brother of Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations. While Andrew’s team sat idle on opening day last week, wondering if Major League Baseball would have a 2020 season, Ryan’s franchise, one of the 10 in the LCS, stayed busy. In the Quarantine Age, an indoor sport seizes center stage Esports — broadly defined as professional competition using video games — had several major events on the calendar canceled, but most entities have been able to continue competition knowing an amplified By JORGE CASTILLO audience is available. Evidence of the opportunity is found on Twitch, the MARCH 29, 20205:20 PM go-to streaming platform for casual and professional gaming.

With the cancellation of traditional sports, a lot of people who would have never given esports a chance are going to start at least looking. Four men appeared on my television at 2 p.m. in neat rectangles. The backgrounds varied. Barren white walls in one, a few frames in another. People are streaming and watching streams more than ever since the A window, some furniture. They all had headsets. One wore a burgundy outbreak began taking hold, according to and TwitchTracker.com and suit and tie. The others went more casual in the confines of their homes. SullyGnome.com, which monitor Twitch audiences. The platform has set all-time highs this month in peak daily active users (22.7 million), average The gathering resembled the Zoom video chats we have staged with concurrent viewers (1.6 million), and number of streamers (65,000). coworkers and friends since the coronavirus outbreak shut down pretty much everything. But this setting was different than our virtual happy “In esports, the show can go on,” esports lawyer Bryce Blum said. “We hours and mundane meetings. can transition back to our roots.”

It was the broadcast for the League of Legends Championship Series The increase has not, however, been as uniform for conventional esports (LCS). League of Legends, a multiple-player online battle arena game events. A few esports have seen instant growth in viewers, such as developed by Riot Games and released in 2009, is the most popular Rocket League and the ESL Pro League, a 24-team Counter-Strike: esports title in the world with up to eight million gamers logging on daily Global Offensive competition that recently enjoyed its most-watched to play on their computers. The LCS, which was created in 2012, is the broadcast day in history. Conversely, League of Legends has game’s highest level of competition in North America. experienced a year-over-year jump of around 20,000 viewers on Twitch this month, but has seen a dip since the LCS opened its spring season to It is also one of the few remaining live entertainment options afloat during great fervor in late January. the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry is nascent but not new with consumers around the world. Thousands were concurrently watching the stream, presented by a large Money has flooded into the space over the last decade to fuel a booming mainstream advertiser, State Farm, on Twitch and YouTube. It was back enterprise that has eclipsed $1 billion globally. And plenty of that capital online after a one-week hiatus, pushing forward when much of society has been supplied by leaders in traditional sports. had skidded to a halt. The matches, regularly held in West Los Angeles in front of a few hundred fans, were staged remotely. In 2016, Dodgers co-owner Peter Guber and Ted Leonsis, owner of the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals, led a group “We feel like we’re weathering the storm pretty well,” LCS commissioner that bought controlling interest in Team Liquid, recognized as the most Chris Greeley said, “but obviously, as it is for everyone, it’s still a storm.” successful esports organization in history. Dan Gilbert, owner of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, invested in an organization and the Golden I’m a casual gamer. Stick and ball sports were my preference growing State Warriors founded one in 2017. up, though in recent years my time has been limited to playing shooters online with friends. It’s a social activity, and one of the few available since A member of Team OOB in action during the League of Legends World COVID-19 arrived. After downloading the game on my laptop, I tried Finals at the Girl Gamer Esports Festival in Dubai in February. following along with the ad hoc broadcast, curious and confused. I didn’t know the rules or the point of the game but, holed up in my apartment, I A fan watches the final match of the 2018 League of Legends World welcomed the live competition. The pickings have never been slimmer on Championship in South Korea. a Saturday afternoon. The infusion accelerated the industry’s expansion. Live competitions with This should be one of the most exciting periods on the sports calendar. massive audiences became common. Events filled Staples Center and The NCAA Tournament going mad, the start of baseball season, battles Madison Square Garden. Millions of dollars have been awarded to for playoff seeding in the NBA, the Masters right around the next players in different games, and several players boast career earnings of magnolia bush, even the XFL for a football fix if mock NFL drafts didn’t more than $1 million. suffice. In recent weeks, traditional sports entities with esports partnerships have But those events were postponed for the foreseeable future, if not turned to the virtual world after their schedules were abruptly detonated. canceled completely, leaving playing video games — and watching Leonsis’ Monumental Sports and Entertainment Group recently began others play them — as two of the limited choices left to sate our social airing one-hour simulations of previously scheduled Wizards and entertainment thirst. As stadiums and arenas go silent, there is a and Capitals games on NBC Sports Washington. Formula 1 ran a race growing din in a corner of the landscape that until now has largely been with professional drivers and gamers that aired on Twitch. On Friday, drowned out by more traditional, mainstream sports. MLB held a tournament with four major leaguers on MLB: The Show 20 and steamed it on different platforms. It’s coming from the more than 150 million Americans who identify as gamers, and not just the influencers who have become wealthy stars: NASCAR aired a virtual version of the Dixie Vodka 150 at Homestead- Ninja, PewDiePie, PrestonPlayz, Markiplier. It’s NBA stars challenging Miami Speedway on FOX two Sundays ago with the participants using each to other to Call of Duty; teens playing Fortnite at 3 a.m. on indefinite racing simulators remotely. The real-life NASCAR racers who leave from school; 9-to-5 workers at home sneaking in FIFA games participated were not rookies to the platform — racers have used virtual between Zoom meetings. It’s me. simulators as practice tools for the real thing for years. The results were proof. Esports were built for the quarantine culture because, to some degree, isolation always has been a part of its DNA. And with hundreds of Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner, edged out retired driver millions now shut in for the time being, an already robust community Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the win in a $40,000 iRacing rig at his house, senses an opportunity. barefoot with his daughter cheering behind him. NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon was one of three people on the call for the 35-car race from “It is an absolutely terrible thing that’s happening around the world,” a studio in Charlotte. The inaugural event drew more than 900,000 Ryan Friedman said. “Obviously, it’s a huge net negative, but with the viewers, making it the highest-rated esports television program in history. cancellation of traditional sports, a lot of people who would have never given esports a chance are going to start at least looking into it and that’s “NASCAR’s transition [to esports] has been the most intriguing.” a good opportunity for esports to draw in a bunch of new viewers.” On Sunday, Timmy Hill, a 27-year-old pro driver who has never won a Friedman is the chief of staff of Dignitas, an organization with teams in NASCAR Cup Series race, won the second virtual race at Texas Motor various esports acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016. He is also Speedway. NASCAR chief digital officer Tim Clark said the plan is to continue staging virtual versions of its races, following the usual schedule, until its season resumes. As it stands, the on-track season is suspended until May 9.

For its part, the League of Legends Championship Series confronted the coronavirus outbreak like traditional sports leagues, realizing quickly that continuing as usual was irresponsible.

A day after announcing plans to proceed without a studio audience, media and non-essential personnel, the league on March 13 postponed that weekend’s competition entirely. Four days later, the league announced it was going remote for the foreseeable future.

Greeley, the commissioner, said the decision was not easy. In-person events not only make for better entertainment, but better competition. Playing remotely could lead to slower connections, which impacts gameplay. And players are less supervised, opening opportunities for cheating. The league spent the next week devising a plan to limit network issues and rule-breaking.

On Wednesday, LCS announced the rest of the season, including the finals, which originally were scheduled to be held in a 12,000-seat stadium at the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility in Frisco, Texas, April 18- 19, would take place online.

“We can play from home,” said Steve Arhancet, co-owner and CEO of Team Liquid, the reigning LCS champions. “That makes us a much more resilient entertainment industry when it comes to competitive sports.”

The 10-team LCS returned from its one-week postponement with five matches. The battles comprised Week 8 of the competition’s spring split. A team named Cloud 9 won both of its matches, improving its league- best record in the march toward a $200,000 prize pool to supplement player salaries that average more than $300,000.

The four neat rectangles were back on my television after the final match on March 22. The host, in the top left, thanked everyone who made the event possible. He implored the audience for feedback to improve. They were poised to return the next weekend. After another week without sports, I was too.

Los Angeles Times LOADED: 03.31.2020