SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 11/12/2019 1160959 Ducks recall Brendan Guhle after minor league confidence 1160988 Jackets’ Foligno suspended 3 games for hit on Avalanche boost forward Bellemare 1160960 How the Ducks’ woeful power play is costing them wins 1160989 Avalanche’s Cale Makar named one of NHL’s of the Week 1160990 Mikko Rantanen back on ice for Avalanche, Nikita Zadorov 1160961 Coyotes lose another late lead, but top Capitals in skating with broken jaw shootout 1160991 Avs’ Cale Makar could be Calder favorite as NHL 1160962 Arizona Coyotes sign General Manager John Chayka to rookie of the year contract extension 1160992 Makar named NHL’s Third Star of the week, but his focus 1160963 Coyotes hang on to win thriller, beat Capitals in shootout remains on helping the Avalanche win 1160964 Arizona Coyotes sign GM John Chayka to contract 1160993 The Walking Dead: Slowly but surely, Avs getting healthier extension 1160965 AZ Media 10.0: Coyotes’ Bob Heethuis proves nice guys Columbus Blue Jackets finish first; Suns booth update and more 1160994 NHL suspends Blue Jackets’ Nick Foligno for three games 1160995 Immigrant kids learn hockey through Blue Jackets’ initiative 1160966 ’s xenophobic rant brings apologies — though 1160996 Blue Jackets' Nick Foligno may be suspended over hit not from him 1160997 Nick Foligno suspended three games; Joonas Korpisalo 1160967 Don Cherry fired by following on-air comments benched; Blue Jackets’ needs saving already directed at immigrants 1160968 With Torey Krug down, Matt Grzelcyk draws power-play duty 1160998 Dallas Stars to retire Hall of Fame defenseman Sergei 1160969 Anders Bjork still getting feet under him in another stint Zubov’s next season with Bruins 1160999 Stars notebook: Dallas adds to points total despite loss to 1160970 Urho Vaakanainen gets his , Miller skates with Bruins Winnipeg; creates opportunities wi 1160971 Haggerty: It was easy to love Don Cherry, but there's no 1161000 Q&A: Sergei Zubov on number retirement, Hall of Fame defending him this time thoughts and quitting smoking 1160972 With Torey Krug down, Urho Vaakanainen called up to fill 1161001 Shap Shots: A legend reconnects with Stars, plus context void on Bruins back end on Benn & Seguin struggles 1160973 Sloppy play catching up to the Bruins in their worst stretch 1161002 Stars 20/20: Winning streak ends as frustration with Benn of the season and Seguin’s lack of production grows 1160974 Torey Krug (upper-body injury) forced to exit Bruins' loss to Flyers 1161003 Detroit Red Wings' Justin Abdelkader (mid-body injury) out 3 weeks; Givani Smith recalled 1160975 Sportsnet fires NHL commentator Don Cherry over 1161004 Detroit Red Wings' defenseman improvises for rare in 'divisive remarks' second straight win 1160976 Sabres Tage Thompson having fun but doesn't 1161005 Red Wings head to West Coast with optimism, confidence want to get too comfortable in AHL 1161006 How to watch, listen and stream Detroit Red Wings at 1160977 Why goaltenders like Sabres' Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are Anaheim Ducks having hip surgeries 1161007 Givani Smith gets another look as Red Wings’ Justin 1160978 '' commentator Don Cherry fired Abdelkader out for weeks for rant over immigrants 1161008 Vaclav Nedomansky’s Hall of Fame journey started with a secret dash to freedom in 1974 1160979 'Hockey Night in Canada' commentator Don Cherry fired Oilers for rant over immigrants 1161009 running hot since good luck moms 1160980 Flames tune up OT skills, take rare opportunity to practise arrived three-on-three 1161010 Kings haven’t climbed out of the deep holes they’ve been 1160981 Aho plays like a million bucks in Canes’ streak-breaker. digging Actually $8 million bucks. 1161011 Are the Kings being too patient in their rebuild or should 1160982 Canes end four-game losing streak, rip Senators 8-2 they trade now? 1161012 NO LONGER “SNEAKING AROUND THE LEAGUE,” NIGHTLY IMPACT SOUGHT FROM ACCOUNTABLE 1160983 Go behind the scenes as Jim Cornelison and the KEMPE Blackhawks take 19 Purple Heart recipients out on the ice 1161013 LEWIS (LOWER-BODY) ON IR; LINE RUSHES AND PP to ma UNITS; PREVIEW OF KEMPE STORY 1160984 Erik Gustafsson rediscovers confidence after poor October led to healthy scratch 1160985 When Blackhawks narrowly avoid blowing big leads, thank the goaltenders 1160986 How a systematic change could serve as turning point for Blackhawks 1160987 How to watch Blackhawks vs. Golden Knights: Time, TV schedule and streaming info Minnesota Wild 1161014 Los Angeles faces Minnesota, looks to break 3-game skid 1161045 Penguins notes: Power play gets practice time, Mike 1161015 Wild-Los Angeles game preview Sullivan OK with Matt Murray workload 1161016 General Manager Bill Guerin evaluates Wild at the 1161046 Penguins unconcerned with spate of recent early deficits six-weeks mark 1161047 Jared McCann slots into injured Sidney Crosby’s role as 1161017 Wild GM Bill Guerin willing to keep team’s window open … Penguins’ 1st-line center for now 1161048 Sidney Crosby will miss at least 1 game, not on trip with 1161018 State of the Wild: Bill Guerin on the plan, the team, Penguins Boudreau, Kaprizov and more 1161049 Penguins' power play looking for someone to create chaos 1161050 Injured Sidney Crosby won't travel with Penguins on Canadiens upcoming road trip 1161019 Canadiens Notebook: still not ready to 1161051 How long will Sidney Crosby be out? The mystery return continues 1161020 Canadiens' record is the same as last season, but are they better? San Jose Sharks 1161021 Stu Cowan: Canadiens' Max Domi meets idol Bobby 1161052 Why Joe Thornton feels he can bounce back from slow Clarke for second time start 1161022 Blue Jackets at Canadiens: Five things you should know 1161023 What the Puck: It was time for Rogers to put Don Cherry St Louis Blues out to pasture 1161053 For Fabbri, frustration but no bitterness over his time with 1161024 A chat with Sean Burke, the least-mentioned big name in Blues the Canadiens’ front office 1161054 Blues notebook: Blown third-period leads still an issue 1161025 Melnick’s weekly GBU: It’s called coaching, and Claude 1161055 Troy Brouwer authored one of the biggest moments in Julien did a lot of it to lead a great week for the Can Blues history, but is bringing him back the right move? Tampa Bay Lightning 1161026 Catfish Corner newsletter: Austin Watson, Mile Low city, 1161056 trip turned out to be just what the Lightning Global Series and more needed 1161027 ‘If I don’t get brought up like that, I’m probably not here’: 1161057 Lightning Slap Shots: A look at ’s Ericsson How country music helped lead to Na Globe Maple Leafs 1161028 Why Devils’ Jack Hughes should be team’s top-line center 1161058 Hutchinson was set up to fail, but the Leafs need better going forward backup goaltending to reach their goal 1161029 3 takeaways from Devils’ successful road trip: Taylor 1161059 The Maple Leafs need more from these players with Mitch Hall’s search for goals; Mackenzie Blackwood No. 1 goali Marner out 1161060 Life without Marner won’t be easy, but the Maple Leafs have been less than the sum of their parts for quite a 1161030 Brock Nelson thriving in 's system for the 1161061 Leafs centre named NHL’s second star Islanders of the week 1161062 Hutchinson placed on waivers as Leafs try to find an answer to backup problems 1161031 Rangers summon Brad Richards to help fix faceoff woes 1161063 With Coach's Corner silenced, a look back at how Don 1161032 Rangers’ Adam Fox-Ryan Lindgren pairing was years in Cherry changed how we watched hockey forever the making 1161064 Maple Leafs place goalie Michael Hutchinson on waivers 1161033 NY Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei calls benching after another loss 'frustrating,' says he'll be better 1161065 Mirtle: With Michael Hutchinson waived, Maple Leafs 1161034 to miss Tuesday's game and beyond (reluctantly) turn to as adversity hits 1161066 Monday Morning Leafs Report: ’s surge helps take (a little) sting from Mitch Marner’s absence 1161035 Hurricanes storm over listless and luckless Senators in ugly romp Canucks 1161036 WARRENSPIECE: Nilsson starts, Borowiecki's respect, 1161082 No place in the game or society for Cherry's divisive Dzingel's frustration, no bitter Cherry flavour comments 1161037 lends his voice to help honour Canadian 1161083 Canucks at 50: Excitement over Vancouver's NHL entry veterans took a big hit on Black Tuesday 1161038 Thomas Chabot reader Q&A: Defending Sidney Crosby, 1161084 Canucks at 50: The draft pick that wasn't rooming with Colin White and hot dogs 1161085 Sportsnet fires Don Cherry over remarks on immigrants, Remembrance Day poppies 1161086 What should the Canucks do with Troy Stecher? 1161039 , emerging Flyers winger, proving to be a fifth-round steal Vegas Golden Knights 1161040 The Flyers have an unfamiliar edge on opponents. Carter 1161067 What’s going on with the Golden Knights? Here’s a break Hart’s brilliant night against the Bruins proves it. down 1161041 Farabee scores in shootout, Flyers beat Bruins 3-2 1161068 Golden Knights reassign Cody Glass, 2 others to AHL 1161042 Future Flyers Report: Egor Zamula continues to make a name for himself, Jay O'Brien dominating the BCHL 1161043 What Travis Konecny pondered this summer has him playing like a star for Flyers 1161044 LeBrun: Q&A with Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher on advice from his HOF dad and what makes Carter Hart special Washington Capitals 1161069 Capitals’ six-game winning streak is snapped despite rally from three-goal deficit 1161070 Richard Panik will return to Capitals lineup after missing 10 games 1161071 Capitals' comeback falls short in shootout loss to Coyotes 1161072 Antti Raanta closes the door on the Caps and their win streak 1161073 Commentator Don Cherry fired after 'divisive remarks' 1161074 With Panik’s return, the Caps strip roster down to the bone and enter Monday’s game with no spare players 1161075 4 things to know for Caps-Coyotes: Richard Panik returns 1161076 Q&A: Caps legend Peter Bondra on being traded, having his number retired and the Hall of Fame Websites 1161087 The Athletic / McIndoe: I grew up on Coach’s Corner. Don Cherry’s fall has been hard to watch 1161088 The Athletic / Basu: Don Cherry was always a problem. Why it took Canada so long to see it 1161089 The Athletic / After latest in long line of controversies, Don Cherry out at Hockey Night in Canada 1161090 The Athletic / LeBrun: Q&A with Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher on advice from his HOF dad and what makes Carter Hart 1161091 The Athletic / DGB weekend power rankings: Early- season surprises slow down, Caps and Blues stay hot and Don C 1161092 The Athletic / Vaclav Nedomansky’s Hall of Fame journey started with a secret dash to freedom in 1974 1161093 The Athletic / It’s time to say goodbye to Don Cherry and his xenophobic ways 1161094 Sportsnet.ca / Sportsnet announces Don Cherry to immediately step down from HNIC 1161095 Sportsnet.ca / Flames quarter mark report: Rittich's emergence a key development 1161096 Sportsnet.ca / Daniel Alfredsson honours hockey player who died in WWI with reading 1161097 Sportsnet.ca / 'Nothing's ever perfect': Canadiens' Price uses gruelling process to win 1161098 Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs couldn't afford to wait for Hutchinson's play to improve 1161099 Sportsnet.ca / Devils equipped to move on without pending UFA Taylor Hall 1161100 Sportsnet.ca / Time for Maple Leafs, Raptors to remember it's all about 1161101 TSN.CA / goaltender remains the NHL’s King of Emojis 1161102 TSN.CA / Connor Hellebuyck keeping the Winnipeg Jets afloat 1161103 USA TODAY / Opinion: Don Cherry's popularity with his fans couldn't save him this time from anti-immigrant rem 1161104 USA TODAY / Hockey Night in Canada analyst Don Cherry fired after making racist comment on air Winnipeg Jets 1161077 Jets weathering turbulence well 1161078 Gameday: Avalanche at Jets 1161079 Jets rallying around turbulent start to season 1161080 JETS GAME DAY: Jets look to remain undefeated against Central foes 1161081 Q&A: Jets’ Jack Roslovic on his unique career arc, his ideal role and trick shots gone wrong SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1160959 Anaheim Ducks

Ducks recall Brendan Guhle after minor league confidence boost

By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | PUBLISHED: November 11, 2019 at 3:01 pm | UPDATED: November 11, 2019 at 3:01 PM

IRVINE - Brendan Guhle’s game wasn’t where the Ducks believed it should be, or needed it to be, after he returned from a layoff because of an injury. He had played three games and it didn’t seem like he was making progress. Physically, he was fine. Mentally, not so much.

So, Ducks general manager Bob Murray re-assigned the 22-year-old defenseman to the of the AHL. It’s a move Murray has made many times, sending a promising young player to the minors to regain his confidence while continuing to hone his skills.

The Ducks did the same with Max Jones recently, and with Troy Terry last season.

Guhle played four games with the Gulls, including Sunday’s victory over the . He had one goal and three assists while playing heavy minutes in all manner of situations for the Gulls, including the power play.

Now he’s back with the Ducks, who summoned him from the Gulls on Monday. They sent defenseman Simon Benoit back to the Gulls after recalling him Saturday and leaving him out of the lineup for Sunday’s clunker of a loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

“I thought it was a real good call to get him down there and get his feet back underneath him after coming off that injury,” Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said. “Leading into his injury, the two games before, he had really taken a massive step (forward).

“Players that age, I think it’s unfair to them to put them right back in the lineup up here. I think that’s a good culture to build within the organization, too, that you’re going to go there (San Diego) and do that (regain your confidence by playing a few games with the Gulls).”

Eakins watched one of the four games Guhle played with San Diego and was impressed. Guhle was limited to seven games while with the Ducks, recording three assists. He was sidelined for six games over a two week stretch last month because of a lower-body injury.

“He played real solid,” Eakins said. “He was used in all situations. The one night I got to watch the whole game I was able to see him and it was the night ‘Jonsey’ was down and (Guhle) scored a big goal off a faceoff. Walked in. There was no screen. There was no nothing. And he just buried it.

“Great for him to be back and we’ll work him into the lineup.”

The Ducks are shorthanded on defense, with their top pairing of Josh Manson and Hampus Lindholm on injured reserve because of lower-body injuries. Manson could be sidelined for up to 10 weeks and Lindholm might be back in the lineup later this week.

Eakins reunited a youthful line of Jones, Terry and center Sam Steel during the Ducks’ 6-2 loss to the Oilers. Eakins said he hoped to find an offensive spark, and Jones delivered a third-period goal, his first of the season. They were together again for Monday’s practice.

“I thought they were our best line (Sunday) night,” Eakins said. “They had lots of energy and it’s really encouraging for them, first. I think that was a real confidence booster. I wish we could have won the game with it, too, because it would have even bigger. Big for our organization, too.

“Now, the challenge is to do it every night. Every night. When they do have a night like that — and they’ve heard this from me before — it’s kind of like they went out and ran a five-minute mile. Like, don’t ever run a six- minute one again. You’ve kind of screwed yourself a little bit.

“Like, that would be the expectation now, that they can really build off that game. Definitely an encouraging night for them.”

Orange County Register: LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160960 Anaheim Ducks Two failed chances and the Oilers keep their lead. One chance for them and they build on it.

“Tonight, I think it was crucial because we got a few consecutively there How the Ducks’ woeful power play is costing them wins in the second,” Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler said. “We weren’t able to really create anything. The crowd gets a little antsy, and then as players you start to maybe force the issue a little bit. By Eric Stephens Nov 11, 2019 “There’s a lot that goes into it. It’s our responsibility as guys on the power play to at the very least create momentum for the team. We let that get away from us a little bit tonight. Then they score one right out of the box ANAHEIM, Calif. — It was Military Appreciation Night at Honda Center too. That’s also something that has happened to us against Minnesota and the Ducks handed out camouflage-themed hats with their logo to the and here. That’s something that we need to clean up. It just takes a little patrons that attended Sunday night’s home game against the Edmonton bit of life out of your team. Oilers. “That’s on us. That’s our responsibility.” Funny how irony loves to play its own game as well. By the time Connor McDavid scored his third goal of the night, those hats were among the The Ducks had two more power plays in the second. By time they were many that were thrown over the glass and onto the ice surface. John on their last one, the frustration had truly settled in as attempted passes Gibson was on one knee outside his goalie crease and leaning on his went to no one and the units were woefully out of sync. Meanwhile, paddle as he watched the hats fall and waited for them to be picked up. Kassian pushed the lead to 4-1 between those advantages with a strong The rest of his Ducks teammates also looked on, just as stoically from move to his backhand after Getzlaf had a point shot blocked and Patrick their bench. Russell sprung him with a quick pass.

Of course, the optics would have been a lot cooler on Anaheim’s end and Even with five advantages Sunday, Anaheim is still among those with the in the eyes of Ducks Nation if it was or Rickard Rakell fewest in the NHL. Maybe it’s for the best. You can’t decline them. But scoring thrice and leading the home squad to a big victory. Irony often more power plays seem to only compound the problem. doesn’t play nice, though. It was McDavid, the Oilers’ superstar and NHL’s best player in the eyes of the numerous, doing a number on the The Ducks are now 4-for-47 for a measly 8.5 percent “success” rate. Ducks as Edmonton tuned them up with a 6-2 rout. Only Ottawa is worse because it has had 11 more opportunities to score. At last check, the Senators are one of the three worst teams in the NHL. The promise of a new season and the rush from a surprising good start They’ve got four power play goals — the same as Anaheim. Seventeen has now fizzled away. The Ducks, who have won three of their last 10 players have as many. games, are starting to show what they may really be. They are a competitive group on most nights, but they simply aren’t one that either It’s a long way from 2007, baby. has the elite talent Edmonton possesses with the two-man wrecking crew “The big thing that stands out is the lack of a true power play of McDavid and Leon Draisaitl or the kind of depth in firepower that, say, quarterback,” a scout said. “Fowler is a great player. But not the dynamic reigning champion St. Louis has. And that is when the type of guy that can fake shots and make quick, accurate passes for one- Ducks are at full strength, which they are not within the all-important timers. His shot isn’t overly hard. That’s my initial thought.” defense corps. No one is expecting the Ducks to have a power play as fearsome as the Sunday was bad. All that the Ducks showed was some skating legs, one in Boston or Washington or Tampa Bay. Or even Edmonton, which which were present after what should have been a restful four-day break has struck 16 times and has two of the league’s most dangerous in between games on this longest of home stretches. But the execution weapons. But just imagine what position they might be in if they were just from the net on out was — well, it reminded me of the quote legendary middle of the pack, which five more would put them in? That itself could USC football coach John McKay was attributed of saying while leading mean a couple of wins they don’t have. the hapless expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mind you, the more they don’t have a hobbled Hampus Lindholm to go [ Listen to Point Breakaway for more Ducks coverage ] along with the currently sidelined Josh Manson, the more the playoffs Asked about his team’s execution after one of their many losses, McKay look like a pure pipe dream. Lindholm was put on injured reserve and will quipped, “I’m in favor of it.” also miss Tuesday’s game against Detroit at the very least as the nagging lower-body injury that put him out for a couple games in late Gibson was not good in goal. Ryan Getzlaf’s impact was more negative October remains a problem. Manson is going to miss the rest of than positive. The kids were OK — in fact, Max Jones shook off the bagel November, and his MCL sprain could keep him out well into December. in his goal column — but the undermanned defense withered. The kill was burned twice. The lack of offensive finish at the net The Ducks can’t survive without their top defensive pairing long term, continues as the Ducks couldn’t bury the rebounds Oilers netminder even if Gibson starts to be the John Gibson again instead of Average Mikko Koskinen routinely spat out. Goalie. But they’ve got to solve this power play problem. Now.

“We got outplayed,” Getzlaf said. “We said they were an opportunistic “Hey, we’re working tirelessly on this,” coach Dallas Eakins said. “The team. They were. We said they were good on the power play. They were. guys have just got to stick with this. We’re finally getting the amount of We got outplayed.” shot attempts that we want and now we just got to start getting them through. It’s easy to say ‘not get frustrated,’ but it’s just that simple. This But the biggest problem for the Ducks is one that seems to be without an is our circumstance. We’re going to continue to work on it and do our endpoint. A chronically inefficient power play is now brutally bad. best to get better.”

Could the result have been different Sunday if the Ducks converted any Eakins would go on to point out how the Nugent-Hopkins strike was a one of their five power plays, four of them coming when they still had a “massive turning point.” On Sunday, he went with separate units of decent look at the game? “Probably,” Rakell said. veterans and kids after trying mixes of both previously. The Ducks have stayed with the four-forward look in their 1-3-1 setups, but Getzlaf was Even with a 2-1 lead forged after the first period, Edmonton kept giving with Fowler, Rakell, Silfverberg and Adam Henrique. The other unit Anaheim chances to square things up again in the second. Zack Kassian consisted of Nick Ritchie as the lone vet with Sam Steel, Troy Terry, Max took a tripping minor and McDavid followed with his second penalty of Comtois and Josh Mahura, who was called back up to fill Lindholm’s the night within the first five minutes. The Ducks put four shots on vacancy. Koskinen with those two power plays. But the four stops he made were routine and there was no consistent pressure that had Koskinen “You throw five vets out there, it puts a little pressure on them to lead the scrambling or the Oilers’ penalty kill running around in their end. way,” Eakins told The Athletic, explaining his personnel deployment. “And that other group, except for Nick Ritchie, they’ve been a power play Getzlaf would be whistled for tripping. Forty seconds later, Ryan Nugent- before. They know each other well. That was the thinking. Hopkins was getting his second of the night with a surgical top-shelf wrister. It was the kind of shot so few Ducks are willing to try or are “You’re around enough. We are trying everything here right now. I think capable to do. He also had the time and space to unleash it. the key now is just to get them to relax. That’s a big boot in the butt for them, the swing there tonight. Get them back in a positive mindset.” Sure, Kevin Shattenkirk — who’s got four goals and 13 points in 15 games for Tampa Bay — would look good running Anaheim’s advantage, but who can blame him staying out east and going to a team that’s far closer to competing for a ring? The Ducks have what they have and it’s on the players to execute and Eakins and assistant coach Mark Morrison to put them in the best positions to execute. They simply don’t have Shea Theodore or Sami Vatanen or even getting shots all the way through to the net.

The power play’s inability to deliver — which has stretched on for years across three different assistants in charge of it — is a topic of exasperation for Fowler, who’s always available to break down the good and the bad. This is one he can’t avoid as much as he’d love to.

“We can sit here and talk about it until we’re blue in the face,” Fowler said. “We’re trying. If we had some more answers, we would be figuring it out. There were some good looks there. We’ve had opportunities. We didn’t capitalize. I think they had two, maybe three. I don’t know. They capitalized on their chances and we didn’t.

“Part of it as a quarterback, I got to be better and find ways to improve it. We’re trying. The more you talk about it, the more frustrating it gets. But we’re definitely trying.”

Fowler isn’t the only one seemingly out of answers.

“It’s at that point right now,” Rakell said. “We don’t really know how to explain it. But it’s clearly not working for us.”

Off to a slow start, Rakell now has goals in consecutive games after scoring to answer Nugent-Hopkins’ goal within the game’s first 90 seconds. None of his five have come on the power play.

The problem Rakell sees doesn’t lie in terrible zone entries. He believes they’ve done fine with that. The issue isn’t necessarily in how they’ve set up shop in the offensive zone when they gain possession of the puck.

“It’s just the final thing of putting the puck inside the net,” Rakell said. “We’re having zone time, but we’re getting pucks blocked or the last pass is not getting through. We try to simplify and we’re not on the same page. It’s really frustrating.”

Another reporter then asked what he meant by the Ducks not being on the same page.

“You try and be a difference maker because you want things to happen,” Rakell answered. “One guy might try something, and other guys are looking for something else. But that’s just the way it goes. We want to score goals and we want to be a successful power play. Clearly, it’s not working.”

As much as the Ducks’ power play has sapped their momentum more often than it has given them, Fowler is dogged and resolute. They’ve got all the video they need to see what isn’t working.

“I don’t think you can point to one thing in particular,” Fowler said. “There’s a lot that goes into a power play. The biggest thing is you have to have that killer instinct and that tenacity. Even though that you have one extra guy on the ice, you can’t play that way. You have to be aggressive.

“We have to hunt down pucks and we have to get pucks to the net. For whatever reason, when you’re lacking a little bit of confidence, you might look for the perfect play instead of simplifying things. But we’ve worked on it so much, we’re trying. We’ve talked about it as a group. It’s not a lack of effort thing. It’s just for whatever reason, the five guys on the ice don’t seem to be working as a five-man unit. And we’re going to keep working at it until we improve it.”

Five years ago, the Ducks led the NHL with a 23.1 percent success rate. They scored 56 power play goals that season. The number has gone down to 47 to 38 to 36 since. As they edge toward completing the first quarter of their schedule, they’ll have a ton of work to do just to get to 36.

It’s a big problem Eakins is facing head-on.

“I’m not going to run from it,” he said.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160961 Arizona Coyotes

Coyotes lose another late lead, but top Capitals in shootout

Richard Morin, Arizona Republic Published 8:03 p.m. MT Nov. 11, 2019 | Updated 9:08 p.m. MT Nov. 11, 2019

The Coyotes got back on the winning track Monday, downing the Washington Capitals in a 4-3 shootout win in the front end of a back-to- back on the road.

The Coyotes (10-6-2) surrendered a lead for the fifth straight game but still managed to capture the two points against the Capitals, who had won 10 of their past 11 games.

Coyotes winger Clayton Keller opened the scoring in the first period when he crashed the net and tipped a puck past Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov. The initial chance was generated by Vinnie Hinostroza, who received a nifty pass from Alex Goligoski to do it.

The Coyotes got their next two goals in the first 45 seconds in the second period. The first came from Christian Fischer, his first of the year, and was only awarded after video replay determined the puck had been gloved by Samsonov but crossed the goal line nonetheless.

Grabner made it 3-0 with his second breakaway of the game before Capitals center Evgeni Kuznetsov got Washington on the board before the second period was out.

Kuznetsov scored again in the third to make it a one-goal game before T.J. Oshie tied the game and sent it to .

About halfway through the extra period, it looked like Oshie scored the winning goal but the play was deemed offside. The Coyotes wound up winning in the shootout thanks to goals by Nick Schmaltz and .

The skinny

The score: Coyotes 4, Capitals 3 (SO).

The streak: W1.

The record: 10-6-2, 22 points.

The 82-game pace: 46-27-9, 101 points.

The standings: 3rd in Pacific.

The player: Antti Raanta.

The moment: Michael Grabner's goal just 45 seconds into the second period.

The number: 45 — The Coyotes' two goals in the first 45 seconds in the second period of Tuesday's game was the first time in franchise history that the Coyotes scored two goals in the first 45 seconds of any period.

View from the press box: I probably wasn't the only one saying, "here we go again" when the Coyotes surrendered a lead for the fifth straight game. Some critical mistakes on defense contributed to those late Capitals goals, but the Coyotes were able to hang on long enough in this one to escape with a much-needed two points.

Song of the night: "High Regard" by The Story So Far.

Arizona Republic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160962 Arizona Coyotes got a lot of good things going for us and this is an opportunity to continue that."

More than anything else, the extension is an opportunity for Chayka to Arizona Coyotes sign General Manager John Chayka to contract see his vision through. Chayka recently signed players such as Ekman- extension Larsson, Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, , Christian Dvorak and others to long-term extensions themselves, so the GM now has been afforded the chance to see how the decisions he's made play Richard Morin, Arizona Republic Published 12:01 p.m. MT Nov. 11, 2019 out. | Updated 6:01 p.m. MT Nov. 11, 2019 Those decisions also include a number of trades, including controversial swaps like the deal that brought Schmaltz to Arizona but sent former No. 3 overall pick to Chicago — or the trades of former first- John Chayka has spent the last few years identifying players worthy of round picks such as Max Domi and Pierre-Olivier Joseph, two players long-term contracts with the Coyotes. included in two separate deals that eventually resulted in the Coyotes Now, Chayka has the certainty that he will see those deals through after landing this offseason. the Coyotes on Monday signed him to a long-term extension to remain as Prior to joining the Coyotes, Chayka co-founded and served as Director the team’s president of hockey operations and general manager. of Hockey Operations at Stathletes Inc. since 2009. Stathletes is a Chayka’s current deal runs through the 2020-21 season, according to a hockey analytics firm that tracks data through an intensive video analysis team source. process and breaks down the game to provide objective insight into player and team performance tendencies. The Coyotes did not disclose the amount of years on the new extension, billing it only as "long-term," but it is believed to span several years Up next beyond his current deal. Coyotes at St. Louis Blues, 6 p.m., Tuesday, FSAZ PLUS: The Coyotes "I love this city and I love the organization and what we have in place,” play the second end of a back-to-back on the road when they take on the Chayka said via a conference call Monday, “and the opportunity to work Blues on Tuesday in St. Louis. ... The Blues, who captured the Stanley with (new owner) Alex (Meruelo), that’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Cup last season, have won seven in a row and have not suffered a loss So far it’s been a great relationship. I think everything starts from the since Oct. 26. ... Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper is expected to get top." the start on Tuesday. ... Coyotes winger Clayton Keller scored his third goal of the season on Monday in Washington, D.C. Added Meruelo in a team-issued statement: "We are extremely pleased to sign John to a long-term contract extension. John is one of the Arizona Republic LOADED: 11.12.2019 brightest and hardest-working general managers in the entire NHL and over the past four seasons, he has done an excellent job of rebuilding our franchise and transforming the Coyotes into a contender. I am fully confident that John is the right person to lead us moving forward and help us bring the Stanley Cup to Arizona."

In order to assess Chayka’s impact on the Coyotes since rising to power in 2016, one needs only to look at the active roster. Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brad Richardson are the only players who were on the Coyotes prior to Chayka’s arrival.

Chayka has also rebuilt the organization’s scouting and player- development departments, as well as the hockey-operations department, which he oversees.

On and off the ice, the Coyotes have taken a leap since Chayka was hired.

The Coyotes were a miserable 24-50-8 in 2014-15, the season before Chayka was first hired as assistant general manager. On the heels of a steady climb up the standings in the following years, the Coyotes are now projected by many to contend for a playoff spot in 2019-20.

"I think the key thing is that we’re on the right track,” Chayka said. “We’ve had a solid process and that’s always the main thing. You’re never satisfied until you reach your goals and we want to win a championship here; it starts with making the playoffs."

Chayka termed his five-year tenure with the Coyotes a "journey," acknowledging that he's learned a great deal of lessons since becoming the youngest GM in NHL and North American major professional sports history when he was promoted as a 26-year-old in 2016.

Coyotes GM John Chayka answers questions from Matt McConnell (R) at Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa in Glendale, Ariz. on June 28, 2019.

"Anytime you look back on things and evaluate them or reflect on them," Chayka said, "the journey is the most exciting and fun part about it. It’s been a lot of fun and I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of great people. I think the infrastructure we have in place, and obviously that starts with Alex now as the majority owner, you don't win unless you have that. From him down to our scouting staff and how we go about doing business there, down to our Tucson staff and all the work everyone does there, it starts in all different areas and filters up and down.

"It's one of those things where we had an underperforming team and wanted to work our way back and continue to earn everything we get. This is only a part of that. We’re certainly not at our peak yet, but we’ve 1160963 Arizona Coyotes Arizona will play in St. Louis on Thursday. Puck drop is at 6 p.m., Arizona time.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 11.12.2019 Coyotes hang on to win thriller, beat Capitals in shootout

BY MATT LAYMAN | NOVEMBER 11, 2019 AT 8:12 PM UPDATED: NOVEMBER 11, 2019 AT 9:07 PM

The Arizona Coyotes needed every turn of good fortune and good karma they could get on Monday to beat the Washington Capitals on the road in the shootout.

It was the fifth consecutive game in which the Coyotes blew a lead in the second period or later. Losing the game would’ve been the fourth loss in a row (the Coyotes won the first game in the streak of blown leads), but Arizona stayed alive and got the W.

Arizona got out to a 3-0 lead early in the second period, but a pair of goals by Washington’s Evgeny Kuznetsov — one in the second and another in the third — plus a late goal by T.J. Oshie with 1:16 to play made it 3-3.

“We’re happy the way we played for the most part, but obviously blowing the leads is tough,” head coach Rick Tocchet said.

Oshie nearly scored again in overtime, but after a long video review, the play was deemed just barely offside. The Coyotes stayed alive.

“You come back from the dead,” Tocchet said of the overturned goal.

A thrilling, sudden-death 3-on-3 OT didn’t amount to any goals, so a shootout was needed to decide the contest. Oshie and Kuznetsov missed their first two shots. Nick Schmaltz and Conor Garland scored on the Coyotes’ first two shootout attempts to seal a win, earning a badly- needed two points.

Antti Raanta got his third win of the season. He stopped 31 of the Capitals’ 34 shots, plus two more in the shootout.

“Raants stood tall, he was good. He made the saves when he needed to,” defenseman Jason Demers said. “It was a good hockey game. It had a playoff feel too it and I think it was a huge win for us.”

The first Coyotes goal was scored by Clayton Keller, his third of the season. A nifty play by Alex Goligoski set up a chance for Vinnie Hinostroza, who found Keller in the crease. That made it 1-0 Arizona in the first period.

Two more goals in the first 0:45 seconds of the second period made it three nothing. The first was by Christian Fischer, who benefited on a bang-bang play in front of the net on a neutral zone takeaway from Brad Richardson.

Then, Michael Grabner got yet another breakaway (he has approximately 1,000 of those this season) and scored. He had two breakaways on the night, converting on one. That made it 3-0.

The first Washington goal by Kuznetsov came when Oliver Ekman- Larsson got caught at the end of his shift and couldn’t win a footrace with the goal-scorer. Kuznetsov got on a breakaway and scored on Raanta.

“The gameplan, you’ve got to stay in front of people,” Tocchet said. “And we didn’t get in front of a couple guys. Kuznetsov, especially. You’ve got to back off and you got to get in front of people, and I think we were kind of flat-footed a couple goals.”

Kuznetsov scored again later on a lost faceoff in the Coyotes’ zone. A shot by Washington from up high bounced off the wall, creating a juicy chance for Kuznetsov — he capitalized.

“It was a scrappy game. We had to overcome some circumstances,” Tocchet said. “That’s a good hockey club over there. They’ve got some skill. Kuznetsov — oh my god, was he good tonight. But 3-0 lead, obviously blowing the 3-0, we’re not happy with. But it’s a gutty win for us.”

Arizona went 0-for-2 on the power play but held the Caps scoreless on their three man advantages.

The Coyotes still need to clean up the details. But against a recent Stanley Cup-winning team, the Coyotes get a much-needed win on the road in the first half of a back-to-back. 1160964 Arizona Coyotes

Arizona Coyotes sign GM John Chayka to contract extension

BY MATT LAYMAN | NOVEMBER 11, 2019 AT 11:35 AM UPDATED: NOVEMBER 11, 2019 AT 9:14 PM

The Arizona Coyotes have signed president of hockey operations and general manager John Chayka to a long-term extension, the team announced Monday.

The news was first reported by The Athletic’s Craig Morgan and confirmed by 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported Chayka had a year and a half left on his existing deal.

“John’s intellect, grit, entrepreneurial spirit and creativity are world class, and I know we have the right person at the helm to bring great days ahead here in Arizona for our Coyotes family,” Coyotes president and CEO Ahron Cohen said in a statement.

Chayka took over as GM of the Coyotes in May of 2016, becoming the successor to Don Maloney. At the time, he was 26 years old and became the youngest GM in North American major sports history.

Since then, he’s gone on to make major overhauls to the roster that now has his fingerprints all over it.

Some of his most notable signings include doling out an eight-year contract extension for defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a deal that was worth a reported $8.25 million per season. Additionally, major extensions to forward Clayton Keller, Jakob Chychrun, Christian Dvorak and Nick Schmaltz dot the timeline of Chayka’s tenure as GM.

As for trades, Chayka has dealt multiple players who were selected in the first-round. Connor Murphy (20th overall, 2011), Dylan Strome (3rd overall, 2015), Brendan Perlini (12th overall, 2014), Max Domi (12th overall, 2013) and Pierre-Olivier Joseph (23rd overall, 2017) are some of the players that have been moved. Of those players, only Joseph was actually selected by the Coyotes while Chayka was GM.

Blockbuster trades include sending Strome and Perlini to Chicago in exchange for Schmaltz; trading three prospects, forward Marcus Kruger and a draft pick to Chicago for Jordan Oesterle, Vinnie Hinostroza, a draft pick and Marian Hossa’s contract; trading Max Domi to Montreal for Alex Galchenyuk and later dealing Galchenyuk and Joseph to Pittsburgh for Phil Kessel, a prospect and a pick.

Perhaps one of the more under-the-radar transactions of Chayka’s tenure was trading forward Jamie McGinn to the for defenseman Jason Demers. Demers now plays on the Coyotes’ top defensive pairing with Ekman-Larsson.

Chayka’s first-round draft pick history is comprised of Keller (2016), Chychrun (2016), Joseph (2017), Barrett Hayton (2018) and Victor Soderstrom (2019). Keller and Chychrun have gotten significant NHL playing time while Hayton made the Coyotes’ roster this year. Joseph and Soderstrom await their NHL debuts.

“We are extremely pleased to sign John to a long-term contract extension,” owner Alex Meruelo said in a statement. “John is one of the brightest and hardest-working general managers in the entire NHL and over the past four seasons, he has done an excellent job of rebuilding our franchise and transforming the Coyotes into a contender. I am fully confident that John is the right person to lead us moving forward and help us bring the Stanley Cup to Arizona.”

Arizona Sports LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160965 Arizona Coyotes wasn’t happy one year when, as he saw it, the players didn’t reciprocate in kind.

“It was our annual Christmas party and the players came together and AZ Media 10.0: Coyotes’ Bob Heethuis proves nice guys finish first; Suns gave Mr. Gordon a gift but it was a gift certificate,” Heethuis said. booth update and more “Apparently he wanted a gift. After a few cocktails were traded, I guess he wasn’t real happy. So the party is over, I’m back home and it’s about two in the morning when all of a sudden my land line rings. By Scott Bordow Nov 11, 2019 “It was Mr. Gordon. He was very serious and very upset. He said, ‘I want you to go in first thing in the morning and I want you to put everyone on waivers.’ I said, ‘What?’ I thought I was dreaming. I said, ‘Even the star Every Coyotes fan knows the voice. They’ve heard it for 15 seasons, a players?’ I started naming off the star players and he said everybody. voice filled with knowledge and enthusiasm, a voice that rises an octave And the last thing he says is, ‘If you don’t do it, you’re fired.’ or two when the Coyotes score a goal. “So I’m a 20-something-year-old kid, not too long in the business and I’m They know the name, too. rattled. I didn’t sleep much the rest of the night. So I go in the next Bob Heethuis. morning and our coach was there, luckily. I told him and he said, ‘Don’t you dare do that. I’ll settle it.’” But the man? They know little about the man. Heethuis spent eight seasons broadcasting Muskegon’s games and That’s by design. Heethuis (pronounced HEAT-house), 58, has no use would have stayed longer — “It was my hometown and I was amidst for the celebrity his work might create. He’s talking to a reporter in the family and friends,” — except the franchise moved to Cleveland, and Coyotes’ radio broadcast booth not because he’s seeking attention but Gordon called him one day and said, “Thank you for your service, but because Rich Nairn, the team’s executive vice president of you’re not coming to Cleveland.” communications and broadcasting, told him he’s worthy of it. Being unemployed and unsure what to do next forced Heethuis out of his Reluctantly committed to making the story about him, Heethuis gets up cocoon, and he was hired by the Phoenix Roadrunners to share from his chair, extends his hand and smiles. For the next 21 minutes he broadcast duties. talks about his journey to the NHL, about being blessed to lose two jobs, about cleaning out storage facilities, being told to fire an entire minor That was blessing No. 1. league team and, finally, like Crash Davis in the movie Bull Durham, Blessing No. 2 occurred five years later, in 1996, when the Coyotes getting the call to “The Show.” moved to the Valley. With an NHL franchise in town, the Roadrunners He is pleasant and courteous and genuinely complimentary of everyone lasted one season before closing the doors. Heethuis, again he mentions, yet after the interview, he twice seeks out the reporter to unemployed, applied for minor-league broadcasting jobs around the make sure nothing he said could be viewed as critical. country, but he also got an offer from the Coyotes’ radio affiliate at the time, KDUS-AM 1060, to do the pre- and postgame shows. As if. It wasn’t exactly what Heethuis wanted — he’s a play-by-play guy at There are nice guys in sports and there are guys who are so nice the heart — but he took the job because it enabled him to be part of an NHL cynic looks for the hidden sins. But it’s no act with Heethuis. Here’s how broadcast. He also filled in for Curt Keilback when the Coyotes’ his broadcast partners describe him: broadcaster couldn’t call a game.

Paul Bissonnette, the radio color analyst for Arizona’s home games: “I don’t know if I was naïve or stupid,” Heethuis said. “But one year “He’s a 10 out of 10. It’s nice to be around someone who’s not bitching became two and two became three and I wound up doing it for seven about silly things but is grateful all the time. He’s the nicest guy in the years.” world.” Then the call came. Fox Sports Arizona color analyst Tyson Nash: “He doesn’t say a bad word about anybody. You’re like, ‘How can one man be this nice?’ but he The Coyotes decided after the 2003-04 season to end their TV and radio is. I respect the heck out of him because he’s never had a bad day. He’s simulcasts. Heethuis applied for the radio play-by-play job and, to his always smiling.” amazement, was hired. There was just one catch. A labor stoppage threatened the 2004-05 season, and Heethuis wouldn’t be paid if the Fox Sports Arizona play-by-play voice Matt McConnell: “He’s the most league went on hiatus. modest guy in the world. I’ve been with him when he’s been asked for an autograph and he’ll say, ‘Well, sure, but why do you want my signature?’” “I went the whole summer in 2004 on pins and needles,” Heethuis said. “As it turns out that season never happened. So after waiting 20 years to Heethuis does have his dark side. Well, his the-sun-is-setting-side. A broadcast NHL play-by-play hockey, I had to wait another year.” Michigan State graduate, he can get a bit surly when his beloved Spartans are playing poorly. He also had to make some money. His wife, who had run a daycare business before opening a storage facility in Phoenix, became a nanny “He’s come over to my house to watch games and we try to watch games for a family in Paradise Valley. Heethuis ran the storage facility and together on the road,” said McConnell, a fellow Michigan State alum. installed a 5K loop line in the back room to do his KDUS updates. “He’s very, very intense. He does not like it when they lose, and he does not like it when they turn the ball over. He definitely shows a different “So twice an hour from noon to 3 p.m. I’d go back and read the update side from the man you see 99 percent of the time. and then come back and wait on customers for storage,” Heethuis said. “Then I’d go out and clean units. I did that the entire ’04-’05 season. “Well be having beers and he’ll be having a couple of hundred Diet Thankfully labor peace came.” Cokes but even in a completely sober state, he’ll get pretty worked up. Jekyll and Hyde is a good way to describe it.” Several pages of notes are laid out in front of Heethuis. The print, done in black marker, is so small either Heethuis has to have 20-15 vision or a Michigan is where it all started for Heethuis. He left Michigan State with a telescope as part of his equipment. degree in communications in December 1983 and the following summer was hired as a broadcaster by his hometown Muskegon Lumberjacks of The notes are part of Heethuis’ meticulous game preparation. He studies the International Hockey League. for more than six hours before every game, the exhaustive and unending research often leaving him burned out by February. On a recent Coyotes But this was the 1980s and minor league hockey and a broadcaster flight home from Calgary, the light above Heethuis’ seat was the only one didn’t just call games. Heethuis also sold advertising, worked in public turned on as he began his prep for the next game. relations and was the team’s liaison to the NHL. “It wasn’t far,” he said, from the movie “Slapshot,” and if you think that’s an exaggerated “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a single broadcaster prepare as much as he description, well, this was when Heethuis was told fire the entire team. does,” McConnell said. “In terms of preparation, I would put him up against anybody in any sport in any market.” Owner Larry Gordon, who treated every franchise employee with two tickets for a trip or cruise should Muskegon make it to the IHL Finals, Part of that meticulousness is born out of necessity. Heethuis calls road news and sports stories and tape the Thistledown race results. As is the games by himself and needs the research to fill in the short gaps case with many newsrooms, the pace was hectic and fast and one between play. It’s a reminder of his minor-league days when he was particular day I failed to tape the race results. I thought this would be the always a solo act. But it’s also a reflection of who Heethuis is and, after end of my job — game over. So I called the track and the security guard 15 years calling NHL games, who he remains, a humble Midwesterner answered the phone. I will never forget his name, Dominic Sirlupo. So I who doesn’t take his career for granted. quickly went into action dictating the race results to the security guard with the hope that he would then dictate the results back to me over the Heethuis has broadcast more than 1,000 games and he still acts as if phone. I would then tell the radio news anchor we had a new “fill in” host every game is his first. for the race results. Dominic was straight out of central casting, the “I’ve never worked with anyone so appreciative of their job and feels so typical guy from the “neighborhood,” needless to say. Dom was right out lucky to have it,” Bissonnette said. “He’s there for a reason. He’s so good of a Damon Runyon short story; he even threw in his comments about at what he does. But he still thinks of himself as the kid who went from the horses. When the news anchor asked me “Who is this guy?” I simply riding buses in the lowest of leagues to now being in the show. said, “He is just filling in today.” Dom saved my job for another day but two weeks before Christmas the station went from “news talk” to just talk, “I think that’s why he’s harder on himself than anyone. If he thinks he so I was laid off right before the holidays! On my way out the door, didn’t call a great game he’ll say to me, ‘I’m sorry.’ He’s so accountable. someone said, “Welcome to radio.” Merry Christmas. He feels he let the team down.” The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 It’s a silly reaction — until, near the end of the interview, when Heethuis is asked about it. His voice catches. He tries to talk and then stops. His eyes fill with tears.

“You always feel like it can be taken away,” he said. “If you look at some of the top players who have been traded or players who have been cut in all sports or broadcasters who were icons with their teams and suddenly were gone, who am I to think I’m bulletproof? There’s always the fear that someone can replace you and do better.”

It’s funny. Broadcasting might be the only thing in Heethuis’ life he’s insecure about. He’s happily a buttoned-up guy, content to drink orange juice or Diet Coke with his meals — “He doesn’t give in to peer pressure. He doesn’t care,” Nash said — and whose favorite activity on the road is to order chicken parmesan at a restaurant and talk hockey.

It’s a simple life that suits a simple man.

“He’s a gentle giant, probably the sweetest man you’ll ever meet not only in this sport but in life,” Nash said. “He epitomizes what good people are all about.”

Shazam! Jon Bloom ready to fill in for Suns legend

For years now, Suns postgame host and Northern Arizona Suns play-by- play broadcaster Jon Bloom has been the fill-in radio voice for the Phoenix Suns, doing games whenever Al McCoy was ailing. That already occurred twice this season, when Bloom did Suns games against Golden State and Memphis because McCoy called in sick.

But starting with Phoenix’s back-to-back games at Minnesota and Denver on Nov. 23-24, Bloom takes on a larger role: calling 25 games as McCoy, in his 48th season, cuts back on his responsibilities.

“I think that’s the most exciting part. It almost feels like I’m more officially a part of the Suns broadcast team,” Bloom said. “In the past, I’ve come in and moonlit, I guess. Spot duty. Cup of coffee. This is a more permanent feeling.”

Bloom said sitting in McCoy’s seat isn’t intimidating. Instead, he called it an “honor.”

“I want to keep the level of broadcasts anywhere in the stratosphere where he’s put it the last 47 years,” Bloom said. “Al is always going to be in his own category with the Phoenix Suns, the NBA and his impact on this community. … If I compare myself that’s ridiculous. That’s like saying Devin Booker should be comparing himself every game to Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant.”

One thing Bloom won’t do: repeat any of McCoy’s famous catchphrases such as “shazam,” “heartbreak hotel,” or “oh, brother.”

“Sometimes on the postgame show I’ll refer to his calls but those are always going to be attributed properly to Al instead of me throwing them out in a broadcast,” Bloom said. “I’m going to do my own thing.”

Jude LaCava’s first job

Stealing an idea from The Athletic media columnist Richard Deitsch, each month we’ll ask a local media member to describe their first journalism/broadcasting job. To start, Channel 10 sportscaster Jude LaCava:

My first job was as a producer/writer/ go for the donuts “go-for” at WERE News Talk Radio in Cleveland, Ohio. My salary was $3.85 an hour. I was assigned to most anything and everything; rewrite the weather, rewrite 1160966 Boston Bruins treatment of a female reporter by stepping out of his cave for a moment to announce that women shouldn’t be allowed in the locker room.

“I remember the first time it happened to me,’’ said Cherry on the Don Cherry’s xenophobic rant brings apologies — though not from him broadcast. “Guys are walking around naked and I hear this woman’s voice. I turn around and she’s asking me about the power play. I say, ‘Let’s go outside.’ She said, ‘I’m not embarrassed.’ I said, ‘I am.’ ” By Chad Finn Globe Staff,Updated November 11, 2019, 6:44 p.m. At least MacLean grimaced at that one.

Cherry, who put his name to and presumably made a decent amount of Don Cherry has long been known primarily for three things: Putting too my money from “Rock’em, Sock’em” NHL fighting videos, called an NHL many men on the ice at the worst possible moment; dressing as though concussion settlement a “money grab” by former players. He also labeled his tailor were permitted to use only material from your grandmother’s a trio of retired enforcers as “pukes” when they spoke out about the garish curtains from 1977; and somehow becoming a broadcasting icon dangers of the job following the drug-and-alcohol related deaths of by spewing one obnoxious take after another on “Hockey Night In former players Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien, and Wade Belak. Canada.” And xenophobia has always been part of his shtick; the next European Time to add another to the list. Cherry, the former Bruins coach who is player he compliments might be the first. now 85 years old, also should be known as one more stunted old fool who uses national pride to attempt to mask xenophobia and racism — It’s now a more blunt and open part of it, and it shifted the focus from and he can’t seem to keep the mask on. Remembrance Day (and Veterans Day) and a time to remember the best of us to one more divisive reminder of the worst of us. On Saturday night’s Sportsnet broadcast, Cherry ranted about the lack of poppies he had seen leading up to Remembrance Day in his hometown At the least, Cherry must apologize, though it’s probably far too late for of Mississauga, , as well as Toronto. him to realize why.

Poppies are traditionally worn on Remembrance Day in Canada, inspired Boston Globe LOADED: 11.12.2019 by the World War 1 poem “In Flanders Fields,” in which the author, John McCrae, writes of the poppies in the field where soldiers died. The idea for the poppies as a symbol of remembrance was conceived by American professor Moina Michael.

Cherry intimated that immigrants, whom he referred to in his worst Archie Bunker voice as “you people,’’ were neglecting to pay proper tribute.

“I live in Mississauga,” Cherry said. “Nobody wears, very few people, wear a poppy. Downtown Toronto, forget it. Downtown Toronto nobody wears a poppy.

“Now you go to the small cities and you know, the rows on rows. You people love — you, that come here, whatever it is — you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey. At least you could pay a couple bucks for a poppy or something like that. These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada. These guys paid the biggest price.”

Ron MacLean, Cherry’s cohost, nodded along without comment during the remarks, then offered a thumbs-up gesture along with Cherry at the end of the segment.

The backlash to Cherry’s commentary was immediate and overwhelming. According to CTV — Canada’s main news network — so many viewers took issue with his comments that the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council could no longer accept formal complaints.

The backlash led to a string of apologies Sunday. The NHL’s was probably the most forthright, saying, “Hockey is at its best when it brings people together. The comments made last night were offensive and contrary to values we believe in.”

Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley issued a brief statement: “We have spoken with Don about the severity of this issue and we sincerely apologize for these divisive remarks.’’

Cherry was not part of Sunday’s broadcast. Instead, it was left to MacLean, the silent bystander during Cherry’s rant, to apologize on the air at the beginning of the broadcast.

“Don Cherry made remarks which were hurtful, discriminatory, which were flat-out wrong,” he said. “We at Sportsnet have apologized. It certainly doesn’t stand for what Sportsnet or [parent company] Rogers represents: We know diversity is the strength of the country.”

MacLean acknowledged that he “sat there’’ during Cherry’s comments. “Last night was a really great lesson to Don and me,” he said. “We were wrong, and I sincerely apologize and I want to thank you for calling Don and me on that last night.”

MacLean seemed genuine and contrite, but what lesson has Cherry actually learned? He has not apologized, and has indicated he would not, telling a Toronto Sun reporter Sunday, “I have had my say.”

Cherry has a long history of having his say with tasteless comments. In 2013, he defended Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith’s rude 1160967 Boston Bruins

Don Cherry fired by Sportsnet following on-air comments directed at immigrants

By Chad Finn Globe Staff,Updated November 11, 2019, 6:39 p.m.

GLOBE STAFF Don Cherry, the former Bruins coach whose garish attire and outlandish commentary made him a hockey broadcasting icon, was fired Monday by Sportsnet in Canada following remarks in which he accused immigrants of not being patriotic.

The news comes two days after the 85-year-old Cherry ranted during his “Coach’s Corner” segment on a “Hockey Night In Canada” broadcast about the lack of poppies he had seen people wearing leading up to Remembrance Day in his hometown of Mississauga, Ontario, as well as Toronto.

“Following further discussions with Don Cherry after Saturday night’s broadcast, it has been decided it is the right time for him to immediately step down,’’ said Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley in a statement.

Cherry intimated that immigrants — referred to in his comments as “you people’’ — were neglecting to pay proper tribute.

“You people love — you, that come here, whatever it is — you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey. At least you could pay a couple bucks for a poppy or something like that,” said Cherry. “These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada. These guys paid the biggest price.”

Poppies traditionally are worn on Remembrance Day in Canada, inspired by the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields,” in which the author, John McCrae, writes of the poppies in the field where soldiers died. The idea for the poppies as a symbol of remembrance was conceived by American professor Moina Michael.

The backlash to Cherry’s commentary was immediate and overwhelming. According to CTV — Canada’s main news network — so many viewers took issue with his comments that the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council could no longer accept formal complaints.

Yabsley issued a brief statement Sunday: “We have spoken with Don about the severity of this issue and we sincerely apologize for these divisive remarks.’’

Cherry was not part of Sunday’s broadcast. Fellow broadcaster Ron MacLean apologized at the top of the show, but Cherry had not made a public statement. He did tell a Toronto Sun reporter Sunday, “I have had my say.”

Cherry coached the Bruins from the 1974-75 to 1978-79 seasons, leading them to back-to-back in 1976-77 and 1977- 78. In Game 7 of the 1979 Eastern Conference finals against the rival Canadiens, the Bruins led with three minutes remaining but were called for too many men on the ice. The Canadiens tied the game on the power play and then won in overtime, going on to win the Cup. Cherry was fired after the season.

Cherry joined CBC’s hockey coverage in the early ’80s, and he has been partnered with MacLean on “Coach’s Corner” since 1986.

Cherry found his way into hot water before. In 2013, he defended Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith’s rude treatment of a female reporter by saying women didn’t belong in the locker room. He once called a concussion settlement a “money grab” by former players. He also labeled a trio of retired enforcers, among them former Bruin Chris Nilan, as “pukes” when they spoke out about the dangers of the job.

Boston Globe LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160968 Boston Bruins “There’s no timetable,” said Miller, who fractured his right kneecap twice, once vertically in April and again horizontally in May, as he was set to return for the Eastern Conference finals. “With the nature of the injury, With Torey Krug down, Matt Grzelcyk draws power-play duty there’s a feeling-out process. You’re checking boxes as you go. We’re still checking boxes.”

Cassidy said Miller could return next week, though the Bruins’ lack of By Matt Porter Globe Staff,November 11, 2019, 4:26 p.m. practice time was slowing him a bit.

“But that’s fine,” Cassidy said. “We’ve got a lot of games. We’re not rushing him.” For the time being, Matt Grzelcyk will be the puck mover on the power play. Friend and foe

Matt Grzelcyk is not Torey Krug, but the Bruins aren’t flipping the keys of Before missing the last two games with an undisclosed injury, Panthers their power-play Cadillac to a nervous 16-year-old driver. fourth-liner Noel Acciari had four goals in 14 games. He was skating 15:30 a night, sixth-most among Florida forwards. He clearly earned Grzelcyk ran the show for the first 11 games of last season while Krug coach Joel Quenneville’s trust. was out with an ankle injury. The Bruins went 9 for 32 (28.1 percent) in that stretch. They finished the season at 25.9 percent, third best in the Acciari is on track to return against the Bruins. Chris Wagner would be league. among the first to know if he’s in, since the longtime pals had Monday dinner plans. Since Krug was ruled out of Tuesday’s game against the Panthers with an upper-body injury, Grzelcyk will get a shot to help keep the NHL’s No. Even though the former Bruin is now a divisional rival, having hooked on 1 power play (29.8 percent) atop the league. in Sunrise on a three-year deal worth $1.667 million a year, Wagner was looking forward to seeing him. “I think play simple,” Grzelcyk said of his role. “Especially early. Just try to get my feet wet with kind of playing back with those guys a little bit, if it “You can still try to kill him the next day,” Wagner said. “I think that’s kind goes that way.” of stupid, if you’re not allowed to talk to your friend. It’s more than hockey. He was on this team and family to a lot of guys.” That means get the puck to David Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron, and Brad Marchand, and if there’s a chance to attack, take it. Count them out

“You just want to play with your head up,” Grzelcyk said. “If they’re David Backes and Brett Ritchie, both out with upper-body injuries, did not going to not respect my shot and kind of flare out to the flanks, I’ve got to practice . . . John Moore skated in a no-contact jersey . . . Old pal Frank get it to the front of the net and let Heino [Danton Heinen] or Bergy kind Vatrano, riding the Panthers’ third line with Denis Malgin and new of converge and get rebounds that way. addition Brian Boyle, has a 5-3—8 line in 17 games . . . Florida’s Aleksander Barkov and linemate Jonathan Huberdeau rank T-7th and T- “Hopefully if we start getting pucks back, then we can create a little chaos 10th, respectively, in NHL scoring. Barkov (5-17—22 in 17 games) for the other team, then plays will open up because they’re world-class produced a career-high 96 points last year (35-61—96) and finished 10th players.” in scoring. He did that in 22:21 of ice time, fourth most among forwards. Krug, who leads the NHL in power-play assists (11) and averages 3:58 He is down to 19:50 this season . . . The Bruins said Brandon Carlo, per game on the man-up, third among defensemen, was felled on a man- Charlie Coyle, Karson Kuhlman, Sean Kuraly, Charlie McAvoy, Moore, advantage in Sunday’s shootout loss to Philadelphia. With 2:02 left in Backes, Krug, Grzelcyk, Miller, and Wagner will each purchase $2,500 regulation, Flyers captain Claude Giroux belted him into the boards while worth of tickets for local military members and their families for Tuesday’s he was already tied up with Matt Niskanen. Krug fell to the ice and was game. slow to get up. He returned for one shift, then didn’t play after that. Boston Globe LOADED: 11.12.2019 “We’ll reevaluate as the week goes on,” said coach Bruce Cassidy, noting that Krug was not ruled out for a Friday-Saturday back-to-back at Toronto and home against Washington.

Jake DeBrusk, he added, is “kind of the same thing” with his lower-body injury.

“We didn’t know at first how long, and it’s stretching out a little,” Cassidy said of DeBrusk, who will miss his third game in a row Tuesday.

To help offset the loss of Krug, the Bruins recalled Urho Vaakanainen from Providence.

Cassidy was debating whether to use the Finnish rookie, who like Krug and Grzelcyk is a left shot, or veteran Steven Kampfer, a righty (and former Panther).

Vaakanainen felt he had stabilized his game after a rocky start.

“I’ve been skating well,” said Vaakanainen, who has two assists in 15 AHL games. “Found the flow in my game. It’s been a good two or three weeks.”

Vaakanainen, the 18th overall pick in 2017, was getting beat to the middle, which Cassidy said could be part of the second-year North American pro’s transition from the wider European rinks.

“We’ll have to button that up if he does end up in the lineup,” Cassidy said. “Moving the puck better, just more engaged in the game. I’ve been told he’s practicing harder, too, becoming a better pro. All good things. His game’s falling into place now.”

Miller gets closer

Back skating for the last month, defenseman Kevan Miller had his first full-contact practice since breaking his kneecap last May.

While that’s a significant step, he reported his date of return as TBA. 1160969 Boston Bruins

Anders Bjork still getting feet under him in another stint with Bruins

Young forward looks to catch on with B’s

By MARISA INGEMI | November 11, 2019 at 5:30 PM

There’s a lot that Anders Bjork wants to be different this time around.

The 23-year-old is in his third NHL attempt after having his first one cut short by injury, then getting sent down to the AHL last season just to suffer the same injury. He played well at the Prospects Challenge and had a strong training camp, but the Bruins wanted him to get some confidence in the minors first.

In his first nine games back this time, he has two goals; they want more production from him long-term, but he’s still finding his footing as an NHL player, and it’s a process.

“I’ve felt alright,” he said. “My consistency has just been OK. I think trying to get better at areas like getting to the net and just trying to be a little more solid shift-to-shift and game-to-game. There’s times I’m going and playing well and other times I’m making mistakes and kind of want to clean those up. I’m not disappointed, but not satisfied.”

Bjork netted just a goal and two assists last season in 20 games before being sent down right before the Winter Classic at his alma mater, Notre Dame.

Of course, that hurt; so did all the other times things just didn’t seem to be coming together.

In his third attempt with the varsity, he’s trying not to get so caught up in that.

“A lot of times in the past I got caught up with being sent down or not scoring and stuff,” he said. “My mindset this year is honestly a lot different. Each day I want to improve and get better. My end goal is be just the best player I can be, and that takes time. Sometimes you’re not always moving forward but a step back or two. But my mindset right now is to regroup from that and keep chipping away as much as I can and be smart about training and how I approach each game.”

Two season-ending shoulder injuries are enough to discourage anyone, and the way Bjork’s played in the past hasn’t helped him avoid injury, something head coach Bruce Cassidy has talked about before.

He said he feels strong and his shoulder feels fine so far this season, and he’s had to learn how to take care of himself to stay healthy as his pro career has gone on. Little things like how to stay healthy physically but also prepare and train right ahead of time to avoid those injuries, or be more prepared when he does get banged up, have been a key.

“I went through some learning curves, especially with my injuries,” said Bjork. “You just look at guys as examples and for help and that’s what I’ve done a lot, ask questions and they’re very eager to help. It’s something you develop.”

Instead of trying to convert him to the right side like they did a couple of times in the past, the Bruins have kept Bjork at his natural position of left wing this season. It’s something small, but it’s helped him stay in a comfort zone so he can focus on the things he still needs to learn and get better at.

“I’ve liked it,” he said. “Just being on my forehand more has been helpful. Still trying to work on ways to utilize that and get pucks to the net.”

For Bjork to succeed at the NHL level it’s going to be as an offensive threat. That’s what he was at Notre Dame, and it’s why the Bruins have given him every shot to be a meaningful part of the lineup.

He, and the Bruins, are hoping a third time’s the charm.

Boston Herald LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160970 Boston Bruins

Urho Vaakanainen gets his shot, Miller skates with Bruins

Miller skates with Bruins

By MARISA INGEMI | PUBLISHED: November 11, 2019 at 4:45 pm | UPDATED: November 11, 2019 at 6:16 PM

The Bruins blue line is going to look a bit different for a little while.

The team recalled Urho Vaakanainen on Monday morning with Torey Krug out for Tuesday’s game against the Panthers with an upper body injury. They aren’t ruling him out for the weekend, but they will re- evaluate him later in the week after the defender left Sunday’s game late in the third period.

“We will re-evaluate as the week goes on,” said Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy. “We’re not taking him out of the equation this weekend. He was here, but again, until I get more I’ve got nothing for you.”

Vaakanainen has been playing well of late in Providence, and earned the first call up of the three young defenders who all saw NHL time last season.

“Defending better,” said Cassidy. “I think early on he was getting stuck wide. I don’t know if that’s a European-sized rink issue or the way they played over there. But that was an issue early on. It showed on the goals against, he was getting beat to the middle. Moving the puck better, just more engaged in the game. Been told he’s practicing hard too, becoming a better pro, all good things. His game is falling into place now as well.”

Those are elements Cassidy wanted to see improvement from in Vaakanainen’s game.

“I see a guy who didn’t practice well last year, is what I saw,” said Cassidy. “To be honest with you. He needed to turn up the urgency at the NHL level. Practices are a half hour to 40 minutes, this is not abnormal for young guys. A lot of them come in and are used to skating for an hour, first 20 minutes they get warmed up, so that’s expected of them to get warmed up and be ready. … That’s where I’ve heard there’s been improvements.”

Miller skates

Kevan Miller skated with the full group in a full-contact jersey for the first time since he was injured in April. It’s been a long recovery back from fracturing his kneecap twice — the second time while rehabbing — and he just got back in full for the first time Monday after having started skating just under a month ago.

“Now we’re getting closer,” said Cassidy. “I would rule him out this week. Next week, let’s see how he gets through the practices. Wednesday’s a scheduled (off day), Thursday’s a scheduled practice. Friday, Saturday (are games)…. He’s not getting enough reps to say automatically next week.”

While Miller felt good to be back with the group, he still wasn’t sure when the right time is yet either.

“There’s no timetable, it’s up to the docs and how things are going,” said Miller. “It’s just because of the nature of the injury, there’s a feeling out process and you’ve got to check the boxes as you go. Slowly checking boxes.”

Other injury notes

The Bruins suddenly have a long list of wounded players. Some of them are coming along more quickly than others, who might be out longer than anticipated. For Jake DeBrusk (lower body), it might be the latter.

“We didn’t know at first how long and right now it’s stretching out a little,” said Cassidy.

David Backes (upper body) is making some progress, now over a week since his injury.

“Feeling better. Nothing new to report there,” said Cassidy. “Until he gets on the ice and gets active, hard to speculate on his return.”

Boston Herald LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160971 Boston Bruins can sometimes be an elusive goal. Hockey is one of the best gateways to reach that goal. Here is why what Cherry said is hurtful.

— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) November 11, 2019 Haggerty: It was easy to love Don Cherry, but there's no defending him this time There was no defending Grapes this time around, and instead, it’s another lesson to everybody that free speech doesn’t mean it’s also consequence-free speech. Cherry can continue to speak his mind and By Joe Haggerty November 11, 2019 8:00 PM perpetuate his antiquated worldview, but he’s no longer going to enjoy the Hockey Night in Canada platform that he clearly took for granted on Saturday night with the clumsy way he offended so many hockey-loving people in the US and Canada. Hockey Night in Canada analyst Don Cherry has been in hot water before with his controversial takes on "Coach’s Corner," but "Grapes" None of it makes Cherry a bad guy as much as it makes him a bit of a took it one step too far this past weekend and is done after nearly 40 relic that probably wasn’t meant to be on a national broadcast anymore. years entertaining hockey fans between periods with his bombastic The shame of it all is twofold. It opens up old wounds for many people analysis. that feel like they simply want to belong and have bought wholeheartedly into the “Hockey is for Everyone” mantra championed by the NHL. It’s really too bad because Grapes found his niche on Hockey Night in Canada as an influential, old school combination of Archie Bunker and And it also leaves a giant void in the iconic Hockey Night in Canada former NHL head coach while entertaining millions in Canada during broadcast with Cherry’s bombastic personality now missing, and nobody national hockey broadcasts. He spoke directly to hockey fans and had in the hockey world that’s going to be able to step into those dapper Don the puck pulpit like nobody else has in the history of the sport. shoes anytime soon. It’s a bad situation all around, but one that almost felt inevitable given Cherry’s attitudes in a world that needs more His colorful wardrobe was as flamboyant as his opinions, and he always understanding, tolerance and togetherness than ever before. straddled the line between sports and real-world issues while never wavering in his vocal, fervent support of the military. It’s just a shame it all had to end on such a sour note for a hockey voice that provided decades of entertainment to puck fans everywhere. Upper-body injury will sideline Torey Krug Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.12.2019 People at NHL rinks in Canada huddled weekly around the press box televisions on Saturday night to see what Cherry and Ron McLean had to say during the first intermission of games, and players themselves waited to hear whether they got attaboys or chastisement from the legendary hockey voice.

Unfortunately for Cherry, the impassioned pleas for supporting the troops for this week’s Remembrance Day became his ultimate undoing. It wasn’t his pleas for everyday to wear symbolic poppies that was the problem, though.

Instead, it was singling out groups that Cherry didn’t see wearing the poppies.

"You people ... that come here, whatever it is. You love our way of life, you love our milk and honey, at least you can pay a couple bucks for a poppy or something like that," Cherry said on Saturday night. "These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada, these guys paid the biggest price.”

Clearly nobody argues with Cherry’s wish that more people show symbolic support for the troops, but it was his reference to “you people…that come here” that’s divisive, offensive and certainly pointed toward immigrants to Canada.

It created a media firestorm over the last few days that prompted a public apology from Cherry’s partner, McLean, on Sunday and pushed many to finally call for Cherry’s removal after a long history of xenophobic references during his Coach’s Corner segments. This time, Cherry’s bosses couldn’t simply let it blow over and it resulted in a change at what’s been a Hockey Night in Canada staple since the early 1980s.

“It has been decided it is the right time for him to immediately step down," said Sportsnet President Bart Yabsley. "During the broadcast, he made divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for.

"Don is synonymous with hockey and has played an integral role in growing the game. We would like to thank Don for his contributions to hockey and sports broadcasting in Canada."

This humble hockey writer always defended Cherry because a.) he was entertaining and colorful with his hockey commentary, and that always makes for the kind of good TV that the NHL needs in its coverage and b.) scolding the 85-year-old Cherry for his views was akin to scolding one of my grandparents that had a hopelessly outdated view of society that was never going to change, or evolve, regardless of the circumstance.

But the comment was a bridge too far that rightly offended a lot of fair- minded people, and elicited some heartfelt reactions from friends and colleagues like The Athletic’s Arpon Basu and Hockey Night in Canada’s David Amber on Twitter.

Ok, I’ve read a lot of the Don Cherry stuff, and there’s one thing people are missing. It is that for many people of colour, feeling fully Canadian 1160972 Boston Bruins

With Torey Krug down, Urho Vaakanainen called up to fill void on Bruins back end

By Joe Haggerty November 11, 2019 5:21 PM

BRIGHTON, Mass. — The Bruins have called up Urho Vaakanainen from Providence on Monday and that, unfortunately, probably means the B’s will be without injured Torey Krug for the time being.

The 20-year-old Vaakanainen skated with Connor Clifton as part of the third defense pairing during Monday’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena after his recall from Providence, and Bruce Cassidy said afterward that it’s a game-time decision between Vaakanainen and Steve Kampfer to fill Torey Krug’s vacant spot.

The best bet is that it will be Vaakanainen, given his ability to play big minutes, play equally at both ends and move the puck with his excellent skating ability.

Vaakanainen was off to a slow start with two assists in 15 games this season for the P-Bruins and wasn’t particularly sharp in training camp this time around for Boston after breaking camp with the team a year ago. Bruce Cassidy also mentioned that the 2017 first-round pick had some work to do with his practice habits, but that’s nothing new as young guys like Charlie McAvoy have also gone through that learning curve when it comes to Cassidy’s fast-paced practice sessions.

“The 12 forwards will be the guys that were out there and we’ve got a decision to make on the back end between [Steve] Kampfer and [Urho] Vaakanainen,” said Cassidy of Vaakanainen, who had both high and low moments while putting up four goals and 14 points in 30 games last season for the P-Bruins. “He’s played better, defended better. I think early on he was getting stuck out wide. I don’t know if that’s a European- sized rink issue or just an issue because of the way they play over there, but it showed in some goals against where he was getting beaten to the middle [of the ice].

“We need to make sure that is buttoned up if he’s in the lineup. He’s been moving the puck better and just more engaged in the game. He’s been practicing hard too and becoming a better pro, so all good things and his game is falling into place as well.”

Here are the projected line combos and D-pairings with both Krug and Jake DeBrusk out for Tuesday night’s game against the Panthers, but not ruled out for Friday night's big game against the Maple Leafs.

FORWARD LINES

Brad Marchand Patrice Bergeron David Pastrnak

Danton Heinen David Krejci Charlie Coyle

Anders Bjork Par Lindholm Zach Senyshyn

Joakim Nordstrom Sean Kuraly Chris Wagner

DEFENSIVE PAIRINGS

Zdeno Chara Charlie McAvoy

Matt Grzelcyk Brandon Carlo

Urho Vaakanainen Connor Clifton

STARTING GOALIE

Tuukka Rask

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160973 Boston Bruins Add it all up and it looks like a Bruins team which got off to a great start to the season has now put it in cruise control over the last week as the schedule starts to get a little bit more challenging.

Sloppy play catching up to the Bruins in their worst stretch of the season “We’ve gotten away from what we do best and it’s cost us a bit,” said Charlie Coyle. “There are times in games when we’re doing the right things, but I think we’re getting away from it whether it’s early on, or at By Joe Haggerty November 11, 2019 11:25 AM some point in the game. When you do that in this league, you’re going to get beat up. So we need to make sure we play the right way. When we

do that, we put ourselves in great position and it’s hard for other teams. BOSTON — There's no more denying that the Bruins' performance is “The work ethic has got to be there. We know the talent we have, but in slipping after a red-hot start to the season. this league you can’t ride solely on that. We need to make sure we bring After three straight games where there was clearly too much looseness it the right way. When we bring the work ethic, then the talent takes over to their game, the Bruins went out and flatlined for the first 30 minutes after that.” against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday night and couldn’t do enough With the first three-game losing streak of the season, there will certainly late to escape a 3-2 shootout loss at TD Garden. be questions about the Stanley Cup Final hangover finally showing its The Bruins were able to pick up a point in the loss and played much face, or if the Bruins are simply going through a market correction after better in the second half of the game, but they can’t escape that they romping through the first month of the season. looked completely uninspired and unready to play in putting just six shots The good news is we’ll know soon if this is a temporary bump or more of on net through the first half of the hockey game. a prolonged swoon, based on their upcoming opponents — the Panthers “We just got back to playing the game that we wanted to. Way too many and Maple Leafs. Both teams are within a handful of points of the first sloppy plays and turning back rather than moving [the puck] forward,” place B’s in the Atlantic Division and are shaping up to be among said Patrice Bergeron of the first two periods. “When you do that Boston's toughest competition for playoff spots. everybody is kind of guessing on the ice and nobody is really on the The heightened intensity level should be enough to snap the Bruins out same page. Then they take it to you. I think that’s what we saw in the first of their temporary three-game funk. If not, then a week from now we’ll all half of the game. know that the B’s are facing a much bigger problem than anybody could “A little bit better [in the second period] and much better in the third. You have imagined after an October where seemingly nothing went wrong for talk about playing for 60 [minutes] and if we did that tonight I would have a Bruins group facing their first adversity of the year. liked our chances. It’s a lot of what we’re doing to ourselves to let teams Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.12.2019 into the game. It’s letting them get momentum and not being able to shut it down with a big shift.”

Part of it is certainly missing the injured Jake DeBrusk, Brett Ritchie and David Backes in the lineup and then watching Torey Krug go down as well in the late moments of the third period.

Talking Points: Pastrnak penalty shot miss proves crucial

The Bruins didn’t have any massive breakdowns aside from an ill- advised Charlie McAvoy pinch down low with the fourth line on the ice that led to the Flyers' first goal, and special teams and goaltending weren’t really big factors.

Instead, it was about a Bruins team that’s now played two bad games in a row against inferior competition in Detroit and Philadelphia, and certainly doesn’t look as sharp now as they did during a torrid month of October.

“Poor. That’s about it. To sum it up, it was poor,” said Bruce Cassidy, when asked about the start to the game where the Bruins were outshot 14-5 and outscored 2-0 on the scoreboard. “They [the Flyers] played the right way. Give them credit for playing a good game and managing the puck. Kept it simple and protected the front of their net when we did get through. They forechecked well, I thought, with good structure, so we had a hard time getting going. Why was it poor? I don’t think we had enough urgency, would be the simple answer. We weren’t breaking pucks out, got stuck below our goal line. We never got an opportunity to sort of put them on their heels, in any way, shape or form.

“So as a result they’re on their toes, they get a lead and we’re chasing the game. As a road team that’s come in, played a little bit lately, they all of a sudden find energy because of that. That’s my explanation of the start. We need to correct it in a hurry, but the good news is we did find our game eventually, and we can build off that.”

It’s been different things in each of the three losses, which speaks perhaps more to a general bit of malaise with the team rather than a specific issue. Against the Habs, Tuukka Rask had his worst game of the season allowing three soft goals, and that’s going to be impossible for almost any team to overcome. Against the Red Wings, the Bruins took a slew of offensive zone penalties while allowing a pair of power play goals and never ramped up their effort level against a bad team in a lifeless arena.

Against the Flyers, it was a Bruins team that looked as if it was missing a few key players to injuries while not getting enough from the guys that were healthy until it was too late. The loss to the Red Wings was the worst of the season, but the defeat at the hands of the Flyers felt avoidable and unnecessary given the situation. 1160974 Boston Bruins

Torey Krug (upper-body injury) forced to exit Bruins' loss to Flyers

By Joe Haggerty November 11, 2019 8:10 AM

BOSTON – The Bruins are already missing a phalanx of forwards due to injuries and now they may be adding another defenseman to the list as well.

Torey Krug (upper body) exited Sunday night’s 3-2 shootout loss to the Flyers late in the third period after Claude Giroux hit him from behind. He never returned to the bench for the overtime and shootout session.

Krug's absence was felt in both the shootout and the 3-on-3 overtime session after he generated six shot attempts in 19:15 of ice time.

On Monday afternoon, Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy ruled Krug out for Tuesday's game against the Panthers. And with Krug still being evaluated, the team is waiting on more information before announcing his status for weekend games against the Maple Leafs and Capitals.

“Upper body. He just left late. I was told, 'Torey’s off the bench, gone.' I didn’t know if he was coming back or not,” said Cassidy of Krug, who has two goals and 13 points along with a minus-4 rating in 17 games this season and has been the main offense provider on the blue line with Charlie McAvoy struggling to start this season.

“[There were] not very many whistles in overtime, so we managed without him. We’ll see how he is [on Monday]. I still have not talked to the trainers.”

Krug joins Brett Ritchie (upper body), David Backes (upper body), Jake DeBrusk (lower body) and Karson Kuhlman (leg) on the injured Bruins list. Boston just got Par Lindholm and Joakim Nordstrom back from injuries in time for Sunday’s loss to Philly.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160975 Buffalo Sabres enjoyed one of the largest audiences in English-language Canadian television.

In 2014, however, the N.H.L. rights for English-language broadcasts in Sportsnet fires NHL commentator Don Cherry over 'divisive remarks' Canada passed from the CBC, a public broadcaster owned by the federal government, to , a cable television and cellphone company and broadcaster, which also owns the Toronto Blue By New York Times Published Mon, Nov 11, 2019|Updated Mon, Nov 11, Jays and is one of two partners in the company behind the Toronto 2019 Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors.

In an unusual arrangement to maintain the tradition of free, over-the-air broadcasts of “Hockey Night in Canada,” the CBC now broadcasts OTTAWA — Don Cherry, the colorfully dressed fixture of “Hockey Night Rogers’s production of the games on Saturday with all the advertising in Canada” broadcasts, was fired on Monday after comments that were revenue flowing to Rogers. Chuck Thompson, a spokesman for the CBC, widely viewed as a racist attack on the patriotism of immigrants. said the CBC had no control over the production, including the decision “Following further discussions with Don Cherry after Saturday night’s to use Cherry, although it also allows Rogers to use its logo in connection broadcast, it has been decided it is the right time for him to immediately with the show, which is streamed on the CBC’s online platforms. step down,” Bart Yabsley, the president of the cable channel Sportsnet, Thompson said the network raised its “serious concerns” about Cherry’s said in a statement. remarks with Rogers on Saturday night.

Cherry, 85, had long hosted the six- to seven-minute “Coach’s Corner” Cherry’s political views are not the only thing that have dogged him in segment on “Hockey Night in Canada.” An unabashed right-wing recent years. Long an advocate of a rough style of hockey — he once conservative with the on-air persona of someone holding forth in a bar, marketed hockey highlight videos as “Don Cherry’s Rock’em Sock’em Cherry has repeatedly provoked calls to take him off the air as he has Hockey” — his analysis has come to be seen by many as dated in an offended wide swaths of Canadian society. age where speed and skill have become more important to the game.

In somewhat rambling remarks Saturday night, Cherry criticized what he Buffalo News LOADED: 11.12.2019 believed to be the insufficient patriotism of Canadians who weren’t wearing small plastic poppies on their lapels. The poppy is a symbol of remembrance of World War I, worn in a number of countries with historic ties to the United Kingdom.

In his remarks, Cherry complained that in downtown Toronto “nobody wears a poppy,” a contrast with “small cities.” Then, apparently addressing nonwhite Canadians, who make up just over half of Toronto’s population, he added that: “you people love — that come here, whatever it is — you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey, at least you can pay a couple bucks for a poppy or something like that. These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada, these guys paid the biggest price.”

Cherry, who is as well known for his flamboyant dress as for his inflammatory opinions, appeared in his segment wearing a Royal Canadian Legion blazer, even though he is not a veteran. In its lapel was a poppy, sold as a fund-raiser by chapters of the veterans’ group.

Before the firing on Monday, the national day of remembrance, Canada’s news media furiously debated whether Cherry had finally gone too far with his latest remarks.

From a country where immigration is encouraged and immigrants are generally welcomed, the reaction to his original comments had been swift. Jagmeet Singh, a Sikh who leads the federal New Democratic Party, posted a photograph of his great-grandfather in uniform from when he served in the British military during both World War I and II.

The former Liberal Party leader and Ontario premier Bob Rae called Cherry’s remarks “ignorant and prejudiced.” Bonnie Crombie, the mayor of Mississauga, Ontario, the Toronto suburb where Cherry lives, posted that “to say that ‘you people’ do not respect our veterans is despicable.” Several people noted that Cherry’s claims about the lack of poppies on display appeared inaccurate.

Before firing him, Sportsnet apologized for Cherry’s comments and called them “offensive.” Ron MacLean, the co-host of “Coach’s Corner,” disowned them on a broadcast on Sunday.

“Don Cherry made remarks that were hurtful, discriminatory, which were flat-out wrong,” MacLean said. “I owe you an apology too. That’s the big thing I want to emphasize. I sat there, I did not catch it, I did not respond.”

The N.H.L. called the comments “offensive and contrary to the values we believe in.”

Cherry has so far been uncharacteristically quiet, suggesting to a columnist at The Toronto Sun before his firing that he wasn’t backing down or apologizing.

“I have had my say,” he told the newspaper.

“Hockey Night in Canada” provided Cherry with a powerful pulpit. Almost from the time it first aired on CBC television in 1952, the show has 1160976 Buffalo Sabres Having a linemate in center who is so committed to the defensive side probably helps.

Thompson and Asplund, 21, enjoy strong chemistry. Asplund’s checking Sabres prospect Tage Thompson having fun but doesn't want to get too helps generate offense for the duo. comfortable in AHL “We’ve gotten a lot of our offense off of creating turnovers in the neutral zone with our forecheck or whoever it may be,” Thompson said. “I think By Bill Hoppe Published Mon, Nov 11, 2019|Updated Mon, Nov 11, 2019 he’s more of a pass-first kind of guy. For me, I just try to get open. He’s got great vision, so he usually finds me.”

Asplund said Thompson “can change the pattern of a game or a shift.” ROCHESTER – With Friday’s game tied at 2 in the third period, winger Tage Thompson grabbed a pass from Scott “He does the unexpected all the time,” he said. Wilson at center ice and zoomed past a helpless defender into the Thompson has also been utilizing his lethal shot more often. Binghamton Devils zone. “Trying not too stickhandle too much, trying to get pucks off quicker is “I had a couple of good chances earlier in the game from shooting and something I’ve been focusing on and not passing up any Grade A, strong felt one was bound to go in if I kept testing him,” the Buffalo Sabres opportunities,” he said. prospect said. Thompson’s shot is so heavy it creates extra space and opportunities. So Thompson skated two long strides inside the blue line and unleashed the puck, beating goalie Gilles Senn. “Teams start cheating to take away that shot, so it opens up things for other players,” Dineen said. “But when he is shooting the puck, it creates The goal, Thompson’s sixth in 13 games this season, showcased a lot of chaos around opposing teams’ nets. There’s rebounds there. arguably his two greatest assets. Those are indefensible sometimes, when you’re creating rebounds and “It was a highlight-reel goal as far as using his speed and his shot,” guys don’t know where they’re going.” interim coach Gord Dineen said following the Amerks’ 4-3 shootout loss. Thompson will likely be going to Buffalo this season. In the meantime, he “You don’t see that kind of shot, maybe a little bit last has embraced another trip to Rochester. year. That was impressive on his part.” “I love it down here,” he said. “You want to play in the NHL, you don’t After Binghamton tied the game, Thompson nearly won it overtime, want to get too comfortable where you’re at, be hungry to get to the next getting the puck past Senn before he recovered and stopped it. level. But at the same time, it’s an unbelievable group of guys. The staff Thompson, 22, has quickly morphed into the Amerks’ top offensive down here is unbelievable. You have fun when you come to the rink.” threat, recording 12 points while pumping 56 shots on goal, the American Burton injury Hockey League's second-highest total. Amerks forward Jarrett Burton was helped off the ice Friday and did not Counting his stint with the Amerks late last season and in the playoffs, return after suffering a lower-body injury. Thompson has compiled 14 goals and 23 points in only 24 outings, making him one of the AHL’s elite scorers. Dineen did not have an update on Burton, although he sensed the injury could be long-term. His stay in the AHL could be short. The Amerks recalled forward Pascal Aquin from the Cincinnati Cyclones In addition to his offensive dominance this season, Thompson has on Monday. evolved, displaying a heavier, more complete style. The team plays three games in four days beginning with a home game “There’s maturity and growth in his game,” Dineen said. Wednesday against Syracuse, followed by a home game Friday against So Dineen has been awarding Thompson opportunities to kill penalties Cleveland and a trip to Utica on Saturday. and play against the opposition’s top lines. Buffalo News LOADED: 11.12.2019 The Sabres, meanwhile, have a five-game winless streak. Other than Sam Reinhart, their right wingers haven’t contributed much offense.

At some point, they might recall Thompson for a spark or simply to reward his hot start. He has played 106 NHL games, including 65 with the Sabres last season.

Thompson often looked overwhelmed in the NHL a year ago, when he compiled only six goals, 11 points and a ghastly minus-22 rating.

Packing on about 10 pounds of muscle over the summer has helped Thompson develop a body that can complement his skills. The Amerks list him at 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds.

“(He’s) hard enough to contain as it is with that reach and ability, and when you put muscle on top of it, you’re definitely going to see results,” Dineen said. “So he’s a real hard guy to play against, hard to contain. When he’s moving his feet, he’s a special player.”

Thompson said he feels faster and stronger.

“The body’s the best it’s felt up to this point in my career,” he said. “I think that goes to show I put in a lot of work in the summer and it’s paid off.”

5,000-calorie diet helps Tage Thompson add weight, strength in attempt to make Sabres

Dineen also said Thompson’s experience – he jumped from UConn to the AHL as a teenager late in 2016-17 – is starting to show.

“He’s learned from his mistakes,” he said. “He’s not repeating them as often.” 1160977 Buffalo Sabres Oftentimes, the more abrupt a goalie's growth spurt, the more active they are, the more likely an impingement. Taller athletes such as Luukkonen and Ullmark, both listed at 6 feet, 4 inches, are more susceptible. Goalies Why goaltenders like Sabres' Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are having hip also have a difficult time avoiding the wear and tear that can lead to the surgeries deformity.

After all, talented youth goaltenders often are asked to play every game for their teams and, in addition to practices and games, they participate in By Lance Lysowski Published Mon, Nov 11, 2019 individual instruction or open skates with high-level players their age.

"If they play too much, which almost every good goalie does, suddenly they start to develop the extra bone and it pushes on the hip," Dr. Robert Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has learned to treasure even the slightest LaPrade, also of Twin Cities Orthopedics, said. "We think it happens distractions since he underwent double-hip surgery in April. during their growth spurts, so it's that peewee up through bantam age There were dinners with Seamus Kotyk, the Sabres' goaltender group and a lot of these high-level guys are the best on their team. The development coach, in Buffalo during the early stages of physical coaches want them to play all the time because it makes them look rehabilitation; spending two summer months in ; joining the better, and, unfortunately, that leads to longer-term problems." Rochester Americans for structured practices last month; a recent visit Larson said the surgery begins with two to three very small incisions and from his girlfriend; and even frantically having to piece together a routine a camera is placed in the hip joint. Small instruments are used to to prepare for his first game in almost seven months. Anything to avoid reshape the head of the femur or modify the rim of the hip. The labrum thinking about his hips. and damaged cartilage also are repaired. "There's always that 'what if' factor," the 20-year-old Sabres' prospect During the procedure, the surgeon moves the patient's hips into a conceded. number of positions – including the butterfly – to see where the head of No distraction was more rewarding than finally facing an opponent Nov. 2 the femur is making contact. Forming the femoral head into a light bulb in Brampton, where he stopped 25 of 28 shots for the Cincinnati shape improves mobility, range of motion and protects the labrum from Cyclones. He expressed joy afterward in CAA Centre, calling his return a future damage. "special moment." Luukkonen and Ullmark had the procedure on both hips, ensuring they Though the result was a 4-1 loss, Luukkonen's first game of the season won't have future issues. However, Eddie Lack took a different route after was a victory for goaltenders across the globe, amateur and professional, experiencing pain while playing for the AHL's in 2012- who have fallen victim to a troubling trend in hockey. The butterfly style 13. popularized by in Montreal is wreaking havoc on young Lack, then 23 years old, decided to have Dr. Marc Philippon, a surgeon goalies' hips, causing an impingement that requires a surgical procedure at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail, Colo., perform surgery on his left and an arduous rehab. hip. Six weeks post-op, Philippon jokingly suggested Lack have the "It puts a lot of stress on your hips because it's such an unnatural procedure on the right hip. position for your body to be in," Sabres goalie , who Lack passed and continued with his rehab. The right hip started to bother underwent double-hip surgery in April 2015, said. "There are going to be him shortly after he returned to the ice, and he played through pain for a lot more goalies that have to do this kind of surgery. It's a bummer that five to six years. Lack, who has 143 games of NHL experience and most we've gotten to this point." recently played for the AHL's Binghamton Devils, finally had surgery on Both goalies suffered from femoroacetabular impingement, a condition in his right hip last December, but the rehab is longer since there were which there is abnormal and wearing contact between the ball and socket complications from the chronic wear-and-tear. of the hip joint. The problem typically begins when goalies in their early Lack didn't want to put added pressure on himself to return from the teens repeatedly drop to their knees to stop the puck. That causes a second surgical procedure in time to play this season, so he ruled out stress reaction and an extra bone forms along the head of the femur – playing and is working as a volunteer goaltender coach at Arizona State which fits into the cup on the side of the pelvis to form the hip joint – and University while maintaining a strict rehab schedule. He plans to attempt creates a square-peg-in-a-round-hole effect. to return to professional hockey at some point. The head of the femur and pelvis start to rub together during movement, "I wish I did the right one right away," Lack admitted. "The first one was which leads to pain, loss of internal rotation, and in many cases, a tear of more panic from a mental standpoint, where I just wanted to get back as the labrum – a band of tissue that rings the hip joint, securing the head of quick as possible and feel good, so I could finally reach the NHL. I the femur. wondered if I was going to play again. ... It's a frustrating rehab." Ullmark, like many goalies, felt pain in his groin when he initially Luukkonen received help from the Sabres' performance performance experienced symptoms as a 21-year-old. He was diagnosed with a staff, including Dr. Michael Adesso, head athletic trainer Rich Stinziano, muscle strain and received conservative treatment. However, the strength and conditioning coaches Dr. Ed Gannon and J.T. Allaire, and symptoms returned during his first game back and an X-ray revealed the Dennis Miller, the team's head of rehab and development. impingement. The early portion of Luukkonen's rehab required him to stay in Buffalo, Conservative treatment is not an option since a surgical procedure is where his workouts were limited to repeating basic movements off ice. needed to remove the extra bone. The process was also difficult for Luukkonen mentally. In addition to the In , Tommy John surgery used to be considered a last-resort angst of wondering whether the procedure would work, he spent many attempt to save a valuable pitcher's career. Now more than half of the hours alone in his room at the LECOM Harborcenter Marriott. Tommy John surgeries performed are on teenagers, some of whom are Luukkonen's agency Titan Sports Management, connected him with not injured and undergo the procedure as a precautionary measure. goalies who shared how they dealt with the long recovery. He was able Hockey has its hip impingement problem with goalies. to return to Finland in June, where he worked off ice with two strength "I didn't think about it then, but when you start talking about goalies who coaches and was cleared to begin basic on-ice workouts in July. are 14 years old having hip impingement, you start to realize it's a big Kotyk, the Sabres' goaltender development coach, spoke to other problem in the hockey community," Ullmark said. "Sadly, it is what it is, coaches and goalies, including Ullmark, for additional perspective. but it's important to not just work on butterfly with younger goalies. It Though there were clear timelines laid out by the medical staff, Kotyk would be better to keep them on their feet for a longer time and kind of asked Ullmark when he felt comfortable performing certain workouts on playing it differently, not dropping down at all times." the ice. Dr. Christopher Larson, a surgeon at Twin Cities Orthopedics in Kotyk also spent four days in Helsinki, Finland, when Luukkonen was Minneapolis, estimated he has performed approximately 200 such cleared to get on skates. The latter wasn't allowed to drop to the ice but surgeries in the past year with his patients ranging in age from 16 to 28, worked on basic movements while standing and faced shots from including goalies in high school, college, the NHLers working at the facility. Luukkonen worked with Kotyk and Miller and . upon returning to Buffalo in August, and finally was cleared to drop down to a butterfly shortly before Labor Day.

"A lot of what you're seeing on the ice is the results of the work done behind the scenes by the medical people and the performance staff and the strength department," Kotyk said. "Everything you do as a goalie, you had to reintroduce to him because you didn't want to put too much stress on his body."

Following Luukkonen's first game, he and Kotyk identified technical areas that need improvement, and Kotyk will decide how they work those into practices in Rochester. Luukkonen will continue to focus on his footwork, and he will perform off-ice workouts to build strength in both hips.

Luukkonen is considered one of the top drafted goaltender prospects in North America after his breakthrough season in 2018-19. In addition to winning gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship, Luukkonen was named the 's Most Valuable Player. He won a league-best 38 regular-season games, including six shutouts, for Sudbury. He started his professional career with Rochester in April and won his debut by making 32 of 34 saves. However, he underwent surgery less than two weeks later.

Many analysts have called him a future franchise goalie, yet the Sabres have no interest in rushing his rehab now that he's close to seven months post-op.

"You saw him play through the injury last year and he obviously had an amazing second half of the year and even went to Rochester and played well in his one game there," Sabres General Manager Jason Botterill said. "Just being a 20-year-old kid, this is something you don't want lingering through his entire career. We thought it was good to get this taken care of now so he could start his pro career on the right note and be healthy."

Though Ullmark suggested one way youth coaches could help goalies avoid hip issues, there does not seem to be an end in sight. The problem has plagued the position for more than a decade and NHL goalies who had the procedure include Semyon Varlamov, Thatcher Demko, Cory Schneider and Roberto Luongo. Sean Burke, who played 820 regular- season games, underwent surgery almost eight years following his retirement.

"That's the [terrible] part of the position, but it is what it is," Lack said.

Buffalo News LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160978 Buffalo Sabres

'Hockey Night in Canada' commentator Don Cherry fired for rant over immigrants

Ryan Miller, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 3:42 p.m. ET Nov. 11, 2019 | Updated 6:28 p.m. ET Nov. 11, 2019

Rochester Amerks Hall of Famer and NHL commentator Don Cherry has been fired by Canadian media company Sportsnet after he went on a rant about immigrants on television.

Cherry, 85, called immigrants “you people” and said immigrants are not honoring the country’s fallen soldiers during the Hockey Night in Canada Coach's Corner segment on Saturday.

Sportsnet President Bart Yabsley said in a statement Monday that after discussions with Cherry “it has been decided it is the right time for him to immediately step down.”

"Sports brings people together — it unites us, not divides us," Yabsley said. "During the broadcast, he made divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for."

Don Cherry’s rant on immigrants:

“You people... love our way of life, love our milk and honey. At least you could pay a couple of bucks for poppies or something like that. These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada.”

Ron MacLean nodded and gave a thumbs up. pic.twitter.com/OXnIwV1n9T

— Rosa Hwang (@journorosa) November 10, 2019

"You people that come here … you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey," Cherry said. ""At least you could pay a couple of bucks for poppies or something like that. These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada.” Cherry said he didn't see immigrants wearing poppies to honor the country’s fallen on Remembrance Day.

Cherry's Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean apologized to viewers in a tweet and called Cherry's comments "hurtful and prejudiced." MacLean, who has been on the show with Cherry for 35 years, said "it was a divisive moment and I am truly upset with myself for allowing it."

Cherry spent 10 seasons in Rochester as a player or coach and won three championships with the Amerks. He was inducted into the American Hockey League Hall of Fame in January. Cherry is also a member of the Amerks Hall of Fame.

Cherry coached the Boston Bruins five seasons and Colorado Rockies for one year. He guided the Bruins two Stanley Cup finals.

Democrat and Chronicle LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160979 Calgary Flames

'Hockey Night in Canada' commentator Don Cherry fired for rant over immigrants

Ryan Miller, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 3:42 p.m. ET Nov. 11, 2019 | Updated 6:28 p.m. ET Nov. 11, 2019

Rochester Amerks Hall of Famer and NHL commentator Don Cherry has been fired by Canadian media company Sportsnet after he went on a rant about immigrants on television.

Cherry, 85, called immigrants “you people” and said immigrants are not honoring the country’s fallen soldiers during the Hockey Night in Canada Coach's Corner segment on Saturday.

Sportsnet President Bart Yabsley said in a statement Monday that after discussions with Cherry “it has been decided it is the right time for him to immediately step down.”

"Sports brings people together — it unites us, not divides us," Yabsley said. "During the broadcast, he made divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for."

Don Cherry’s rant on immigrants:

“You people... love our way of life, love our milk and honey. At least you could pay a couple of bucks for poppies or something like that. These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada.”

Ron MacLean nodded and gave a thumbs up. pic.twitter.com/OXnIwV1n9T

— Rosa Hwang (@journorosa) November 10, 2019

"You people that come here … you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey," Cherry said. ""At least you could pay a couple of bucks for poppies or something like that. These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada.” Cherry said he didn't see immigrants wearing poppies to honor the country’s fallen on Remembrance Day.

Cherry's Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean apologized to viewers in a tweet and called Cherry's comments "hurtful and prejudiced." MacLean, who has been on the show with Cherry for 35 years, said "it was a divisive moment and I am truly upset with myself for allowing it."

Cherry spent 10 seasons in Rochester as a player or coach and won three Calder Cup championships with the Amerks. He was inducted into the American Hockey League Hall of Fame in January. Cherry is also a member of the Amerks Hall of Fame.

Cherry coached the Boston Bruins five seasons and Colorado Rockies for one year. He guided the Bruins two Stanley Cup finals.

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160980 Calgary Flames way. They can learn from that. We can learn from that. You see that around the league, too.”

Monahan broke into the NHL as a rookie in 2013-14 when the overtime Flames tune up OT skills, take rare opportunity to practise three-on-three featured four-on-four action. But two seasons later, the three-on-three format was adopted ahead of the 2015-16 season, and he prefers it that way. Kristen Anderson, Postmedia He also adds that a team’s best laid plans to attack overtime can, sometimes, go out the window.

The Calgary Flames have played enough overtime games to have “I do like the three-on-three better,” Monahan said. “It’s tough to have a enough evidence of how their players in action during the extra frame. gameplan going into three-on-three. There is a lot of room on the ice, and obviously, you have to capitalize on that. Teams are going for a change, They also are blessed with a part of their National Hockey League and you have to get down the ice quick. You don’t want to give away the schedule that allows them ample opportunities to practise instead of the puck. And faceoffs are huge in overtime. game-every-other-day rhythm that happens so often during a season. “You want the puck.” So working on three-on-three situations during Monday’s skate at WinSport Arena seemed timely and, actually, quite relevant for the group. And there is structure. Somewhat.

Their most recent display? Saturday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the defending Which differs from when the format was introduced five seasons ago. Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues. “The three-on-three when it first came into the league was just wide- “I mean … you’ve gotta work on it,” said Flames centre Sean Monahan. open, up-and-down,” Peters said. “So depending on the personnel, “A lot of games are going into OT. It’s a close league, and you want to depending on your team and depending on where you’re at in the get that extra point. So whatever advantage you can get, you work on it standings, I think it’s tightened up a little bit and you have to manage the and get that chemistry going. puck.”

“Obviously, it’s huge.” True enough. But at the end of the day, the gameplan is simple, and there’s plenty of room on the ice for creativity. Seven of the team’s 20 games played have gone past regulation and into the high-flying, turnover-filled, exciting overtime scenarios. Of those “You have to play to win,” Hanifin said. “You don’t want to play too safe. seven games, two have gone to shootouts (they’ve won both, against the It’s such an important part of the game now. Dallas Stars and the Florida Panthers) while they have only won twice (against the Arizona Coyotes and the Nashville Predators) out of the five “It’s giving guys an extra point, so it’s something you want to practise.” games that have ended before the shootout session. GAUDREAU ‘TRYING TO DO TOO MUCH’

When the Blues’ David Perron scored on Saturday, TJ Brodie was off for Johnny Gaudreau and the Flames’ top trio had been gaining traction. holding, leaving Mark Giordano, Travis Hamonic, and netminder David Rittich to try and fend off the visitors on the power play. Prior to Saturday’s game, the 26-year-old left winger scored in two straight games and registered eight assists in the previous 10 games. It prompted Flames video coach Jamie Pringle to create a three-on-three highlight package to show to the group prior to its practice. The video But Gaudreau was held off the scoresheet during his 21:52 of icetime placed an emphasis on goals being scored in the NHL during overtime against the Blues. The worst part of his stat-line Saturday? He committed frames and focused on situations that arise, including turnovers that lead a game-high seven giveaways (adding to his 22 total in 2019-20. To put it to two-on-ones, forwards getting caught defending and the importance of into perspective, Ryan Getzlaf leads the league with 30 giveaways while — to steal a football term — man-on-man coverage. 10 players have 22, making Gaudreau tied for 12th-most in the NHL). The Blues, during the entire game, had seven turnovers — period. The aim of the drill? To give their players a little more confidence and wherewithal during those instances. “Trying to do too much,” said Peters of Gaudreau’s struggles. “Sometimes you have to cut your losses and take what’s there. But he’s “Just little details, defensively,” said Flames Noah Hanifin. trying to make plays. You know he’s going to try and make plays, but he “(Monday), we were just trying to focus on not trying to switch guys three- forced it a couple of times.” on-three and making sure you can stay on the same person. So it’s kind of a man-on-man situation. Don’t give guys too much room when they Through 20 games this season, Gaudreau has five goals and 12 assists have the puck because when you give them too much room, they can and is a minus-1. start switching and creating some changes off the guys. Calgary Sun: LOADED: 11.12.2019 “(Monday), we were focusing on, defensively, making sure you stay tight on your guy and don’t get confused or mixed up with who you’re defending.”

Hanifin is part of the Flames’ rotation of defenceman thrown into the OT fire. The 22-year-old blueliner had a similar role with the Carolina Hurricanes.

On Saturday against the champs, he spent time with and Lindholm and felt they had good possession of the puck in the extra frame.

Hanifin, an offensive-minded blueliner known for his smooth skating, is always game to show his stuff during three-on-three.

“I like it,” he said. “I think it’s good. It’s a lot of fun. I think the fans like it. Any time you’re in overtime, you have a little extra juice because it decides the game. For us, we’re pretty confident who we have on the ice that’s doing it, and we just go out and have fun.”

It’s exciting but doesn’t often get practised — which made Monday’s time on the ice so valuable.

“(Monday), when we scrimmaged three-on-three, all the offence was off turnovers,” said Flames head coach Bill Peters. “Somebody had it offensively, they forced it impatiently, and the other team went the other 1160981 Carolina Hurricanes

Aho plays like a million bucks in Canes’ streak-breaker. Actually $8 million bucks.

BY LUKE DECOCK NOVEMBER 11, 2019 10:35 PM

RALEIGH-So that’s what an $8 million player looks like.

Or an $8.454 million player, to be precise.

The Sebastian Aho the Carolina Hurricanes have been waiting to see since July finally showed up on Monday, and his two goals -- as impressive as they were -- were the least of it. He was a force in both ends against the Ottawa Senators, driving play, breaking up scoring chances that led to Carolina goals at the other end.

His timing was as good as his performance. Did the Hurricanes ever need this from Aho, and did they ever need it right flipping now. There were plenty of contributors on the scoresheet in the 8-2 win -- three points from Joel Edmundson! -- but Aho was at the heart of it.

As he has to be.

The abysmal loss in Ottawa on Saturday was the unquestioned nadir of the Hurricanes’ entire season (so far), running their losing streak to four games with one of their worst overall performances in months. The Hurricanes had been telling themselves through the first three games that they weren’t actually playing that badly. There was no debate after that one.

Aho took that particular loss personally: “For sure, 100 percent,” he said.

That skid was also rooted in the inability of not only Aho to perform at an appropriate level, but several of his high-priced teammates. Jordan Staal continues to labor, off the scoresheet again Monday, with only one point in 13 games. Ryan Dzingel scored his first in eight games. Nino Niederreiter somehow managed to draw iron faced with a completely open net. Erik Haula and Jordan Martinook remain out.

“We need it from everybody, but you’ve got to get it from your top guys for sure,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “He’s obviously that for us.”

With their season threatening to turn quickly and unexpectedly sour -- and another loss to the Senators would have been like a citric acid bath - - Aho delivered the kind of all-around performance that justified the crazy offseason drama that saw the Montreal Canadiens try to poach the restricted free agent with a front-loaded offer sheet.

Even though the Hurricanes didn’t hesitate to match, the offer sheet did make Aho the highest-paid player on the team, and while Aho denied he felt that pressure, it certainly played a role in his lack of production to start the season and the slippage in his game after that, especially in his own end. Brind’Amour kept pushing him on that. Monday it all clicked.

“It was nice to see him get rewarded,” Brind’Amour said, “because he’s definitely been pressing.”

This was everything the Hurricanes could have asked for, and more. Reunited with the metronomically consistent Teuvo Teravainen on a line with Andrei Svechnikov, Aho delivered what the Hurricanes needed when they needed it.

On a night when the Hurricanes scored three goals off fluky -- but certainly welcome given their recent scoring issues -- bounces, Aho scored a pair that were no fluke. He picked Dylan DeMelo’s pocket at the blue line on an Ottawa power play, moments after breaking up a scoring chance, and went the distance to beat Anders Nilsson, finally converting a short-handed breakaway. In the third, he cleverly kept his stick just below crossbar level to whack a fluttering pick out of midair, legally.

It wasn’t the goals, though, that distinguished Aho’s performance. It was everything else.

“I did it right,” Aho said, and at the right time for the Hurricanes.

News Observer LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160982 Carolina Hurricanes all over the ice, set up Hamilton for a shot in the slot to earn a primary assist.

Necas and Fleury both scored after opportune bounces. On Necas’ Canes end four-game losing streak, rip Senators 8-2 power-play score, a Jake Gardiner shot from the top was blocked by the Sens’ Vladislav Namestnikov, the puck bounding to Necas for a shot at an open net.

BY CHIP ALEXANDER NOVEMBER 11, 2019 09:45 PM Fleury. scoring his second of the season, had his shot go off the stick of defenseman Erik Brannstrom and sail past Nilsson for a 4-0 lead. Fleury

had been a healthy scratch the past two games and six of the past RALEIGH-Apparently there’s something about a loss to the Ottawa seven, but was in the lineup Monday replacing Trevor van Riemsdyk in Senators that shakes up and awakens the Carolina Hurricanes. the third defensive pairing.

Two days after a listless defeat to the Sens in Ottawa, the Canes The Sens (6-10-1) made a goaltending change after the Fleury goal, with returned home Monday to PNC Arena and put together an 8-2 victory Craig Anderson replacing Nilsson, but the damage had been done and that checked all the boxes, that ended a four-game losing streak. Canes continued to score.

“That was a pretty solid game all the way, start to finish,” Canes coach “They’re a real good hockey team at home and they played their system Rod Brind’Amour said. “Nice to see the puck go in. The last couple of to a T,” Sens coach D.J. Smith said. weeks here it has been tough sledding finding the back of the net. News Observer LOADED: 11.12.2019 “It was the type of game as a coach you like to see. A little bit less stressful, that’s for sure.”

Sebastian Aho scored shorthanded -- the first of two goals by the determined center -- and Martin Necas had a power-play score. Check off special-teams play.

Defenseman Joel Edmundson had a goal and two assists, his first points with the Canes, and Haydn Fleury and Dougie Hamilton each scored while Brett Pesce had two assists. Check off offensive help from the defense.

A quick start? The Canes (10-7-1) had that, too, as forward Warren Foegele got off a shot from the right circle that nicked the skate of Sens forward Chris Tierney and trickled through goalie Anders Nilsson. After 44 seconds, it was 1-0, Canes.

The Canes’ Ryan Dzingel also scored against his former team as Carolina posted a season-high for goals and had 14 players pick up points., making for a happy locker room after the game.

Canes goalie Petr Mrazek was solid enoughwith 26 saves in picking up his eighth win of the season. Mrazek misplayed the puck behind the net late in the second period, allowing Colin White to score on a wraparound. The Sens’ Brady Tkachuk scored in the third, but after the Canes had taken a 6-1 lead.

“The last game in Ottawa was something we can’t do again,” Aho said. “It was a good bounce-back for us and we did it right all 60 minutes.”

This was a night the Canes played well, earned some good bounces and made the most of them. They also showed some feistiness, Brock McGinn dropping the gloves and going after the Sens’ Bobby Ryan after Ryan blasted the Canes’ Brian Gibbons in a corner with a dangerous hit in the first.

McGinn was injured in the game in Ottawa and did not go through the morning skate Monday but was in the lineup. “He’ll play banged up,” Brind’Amour said. “He’s old-school.”

The Canes played so poorly in a home-ice beating by the Sens last season that Brind’Amour said, “I almost dressed and got out there.” The Canes got the message, rebounded and soon became one of the hottest teams in the NHL.

On Saturday, Brind’Amour again was disgusted after another 4-1 loss to the Sens. Ottawa had a big first period, the Canes didn’t push back or play with much energy and Brind’Amour was left to call the loss unacceptable, saying it was “soul-searching time” for the Canes.

Brind’Amour said after Monday’s skate, which was intense, that he needed his best players to play their best. Aho responded with perhaps his best game of the season, scoring on a breakaway for the shorthanded goal and then knocking a hard carom off the end boards glass into the net early in the third for a 6-1 lead.

Aho, who had a minus-4 rating in Saturday’s game, was plus-4 on Monday, saying, “I felt that (loss) was on me and I really wanted to play a good game tonight.”

Brind’Amour changed up his lines after the game in Ottawa, moving winger Teuvo Teravainen on Aho’s line with Andrei Svechnikov, reuniting the two Finns. Svechnikov had a pair of assists and Teravainen, so solid 1160983 Chicago Blackhawks

Go behind the scenes as Jim Cornelison and the Blackhawks take 19 Purple Heart recipients out on the ice to mark Veterans Day

By BRIAN CASSELLA CHICAGO TRIBUNE |NOV 11, 2019 | 6:06 AM

Purple Heart recipients take the ice with Jim Cornelison for the singing of the national anthem at the United Center on Nov. 10, 2019.

It’s personal for Jim Cornelison when he’s accompanied by military veterans to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” to open Blackhawks games at the United Center.

“Both my parents were World War II vets,” Cornelison said. “I had three uncles who were World War II vets, one was career Air Force. Conversations around the dinner table had to do with that war and what it meant to the country at that time.”

“My mom was an Army nurse, dealing with victims from the concentration camps and trying help to bring them back to health. It’s not just history, it’s family history, so it’s very personal.”

On Sunday, the Blackhawks marked Veterans Day by inviting 19 Purple Heart recipients to join Cornelison on the ice while he sang both the U.S. and Canadian anthems before their 5-4 win over the Maple Leafs. Cornelison spent time greeting each of them before the game and distributed a special coin he made to mark the occasion.

“Being out on the ice with these guys, it’s just so awesome to see their response,” Cornelison said. “Them coming out there, sometimes it’s goosebumps, sometimes it’s smiles and laughter, sometimes it’s tears. I’ve walked off and guys or gals will say, ‘Man, my legs are shaking.’”

“To have them in that place where they can be really recognized and shown appreciation for the sacrifice they’ve made, it’s a very special thing to be part of.”

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160984 Chicago Blackhawks try to help my team every game. With my offensive skills and stuff, I’ve got to prove more.”

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 11.12.2019 Erik Gustafsson rediscovers confidence after poor October led to healthy scratch

Gustafsson has looked more like he did last year, even if he hasn’t been perfect, in the Blackhawks’ last four games.

By Ben Pope Nov 11, 2019, 3:26pm CST

The Blackhawks have found a magic potion to bring out the best in Erik Gustafsson: scratch him.

Even Gustafsson notices it.

“Maybe they’ll have to do that every season now,” he joked. “No, no, no.”

Through the first month of the season, the 27-year-old seemed like a shell of the dynamic offensive defenseman who finished sixth in the league last season in points at his position.

His offense not only hadn’t reappeared, but it also wasn’t being offset by strong play in his defensive zone. Gustafsson lost his spot on the top pair with Duncan Keith and gradually slid down the lineup, playing fewer than 20 minutes in three consecutive games from Oct. 26 to 29. That didn’t happen to him once last year.

Then, on Nov. 1 against the Kings, Colliton tried to send a message by scratching Gustafsson. After one game back in the lineup, Gustafsson has his best four-game stretch of the season.

“Feels like I find myself that player I was last year,” he said Sunday. “Feels like I found my confidence back and feels like I’m firm with the puck right now. Feels like I’m taking charge of the puck wherever it is.”

Remarkably, the exact same thing happened last year. After Colliton shockingly scratched Gustafsson in mid-January, he had one of the most productive, effective stretches of his career.

That phenomenon is unfolding again.

He has regained his spot with Keith, attributing that for part of why his confidence has surged back. He played more than 21 minutes against the Sharks and Canucks and a whopping 25:28 against the Penguins before sliding down to 19:08 against the Maple Leafs — an off game for Gustafsson, as well as the rest of the defense.

The misstep Sunday proves the Swede remains occasionally questionable in his own end, and he probably always will be. His offense remains dry, too. He’ll enter the game Wednesday against the Golden Knights without a point in 11 consecutive games.

His defense, physicality and puck movement are at least improving enough to make up for those weaknesses, though.

“He’s a guy who needs to make plays in order to feel like he’s giving to the team, and I think the last few games he just looks more comfortable,” Colliton said last week.

Colliton and Gustafsson sat down when he was scratched to go over video and talk about “being tougher in front of our net,” as Colliton has done regularly with his rotating cast of surprising healthy scratches (with great results).

Even though Gustafsson has taken that to heart, his long-term future with the Hawks remains in question.

He’s a pending unrestricted free agent next summer and will command a hefty raise from his current $1.2 million cap hit, and the Hawks might not be able to afford it. Adding in the similarities in style between him and future cornerstone , Gustafsson likely will hear his name often in trade rumors.

Still, the Hawks will want Gustafsson at his best, not only to raise his trade value, but to continue propelling their turnaround. And scratching him seems to have done the trick again.

“I thought about my game before, when I got scratched,” he said. “It’s not [enough to] just go out there and be on the ice. I have to be that player to 1160985 Chicago Blackhawks Why do opponents continue to get so many shots on net? And high- quality ones at that?

Well, obviously this team isn't the one that won three titles in six seasons When Blackhawks narrowly avoid blowing big leads, thank the with players like Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, Bryan Bickell, Marcus goaltenders Kruger, , and Michal Rozsival, along with Duncan Keith and Seabrook in their primes.

Instead, it's a team that is still getting used to adding eight to 10 new John Dietz faces into the lineup. And it's one with four veterans in Keith, Seabrook, Jonathan Toews and who are still getting used to Colliton's

defensive system. When the Blackhawks hit the ice after the second-period intermission at For proof, just consider Keith's comments on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast the United Center on Sunday, they had a 4-1 lead over Toronto. in October: "Probably one of the best things about Joel -- for myself and In the dressing room just moments before, Jonathan Toews and Co. for the teams we had -- he allowed us to play the game and not overthink talked about going all out in the first 5-10 minutes of the third period so it," Keith said. "Where I think sometimes the way it is now, it seems like that coach Mike Babcock's team couldn't dream of pulling off an epic every little situation is already played out for you -- laid out for you (and) comeback. how to play it.

But that's not at all what happened as a near nightmare played out in "When to me, in hockey you got to be able to read and react and think front of another sold-out crowd. quickly and be natural out there. That's kind of what I appreciated about Joel the most." Toronto took advantage of an Erik Gustafsson turnover, slicing the lead to 4-2 just 2½ minutes in. After that, the floodgates opened and the Leafs One thing Lehner and Crawford would appreciate is defensemen and ended up bombarding Robin Lehner with a whopping 23 shots in the final forwards deflecting more shots with their sticks or absorbing them with 15.5 minutes. their bodies.

The Hawks survived to post a 5-4 victory -- thanks in large part to It's a subject we broached when Arizona was in town late last year, Brandon Saad's goal with 3:34 remaining -- but Toews knows that teams pointing to the fact that the shot-blocking Coyotes were in the thick of the with serious playoff aspirations don't play this way with 3-goal leads. playoff hunt because of players like Niklas Hjalmarsson, Alex Goligoski and Jordan Oesterle. "We've got to find ways to get a little bit more confident when a team's going to come at us in the third period," the captain said after scoring his The Hawks are averaging 14.4 blocks per game, a modest improvement third goal of the season and assisting on Saad's goal. from the 13.6 they blocked last season. The top five teams are the Islanders (18.4), Senators (16.9), Rangers (15.9), Capitals (15.6) and Toronto finished with 57 shots, marking the ninth time since Jeremy Blue Jackets (15.4). Colliton took over as coach that an opponent has finished with 45 or more. Three of those instances came in the last seven games alone. Seven of the Hawks' next 11 games are against teams that rank in the top half of the league in shots per game, so it will be interesting to see The Hawks are actually 5-2-2 in those nine contests because -- as you how they fare during this stretch. might guess -- opponents were often trailing and pushing for offense. And interesting to see how they fare if and when they are trying to protect But it's not a recipe for long-term success. And Colliton knows it. 2-, 3- and 4-goal leads.

"Ultimately you just want to squeeze the life out of the game," Colliton "That's something that down the road here -- if we want to be not only a said before catching himself and adding: "Actually what you want to do is playoff team but a contender -- we have to thrive in those situations," continue to push, be aggressive, get in the forecheck, play in their end Toews said. and then it's tough for them to create. We'd like to do more of that." Regula signs: Human walls The Blackhawks came to terms with defenseman Alec Regula on a The Hawks are extremely fortunate that Lehner and Corey Crawford are three-year, entry-level deal ($897,500 cap hit). The 6-foot-4 Regula was in net. acquired for Brendan Perlini in October and is a co-captain for the London Knights of the OHL. Their incredible reflexes and experience in reading plays are keeping pucks from going in at ridiculous rates. Shoot 'em up

Imagine if , Cam Ward or Collin Delia were between the The Blackhawks have allowed 45 or more shots on goal xx times this pipes. Nothing against those three, but it would be a bloodbath night in decade. Nine of those games have come during 's tenure and night out. as head coach.

Just consider these three examples from Sunday's second period: Games under Colliton:2019-20Date, opponent Shots Result

• After Alex Nylander failed to corral the puck at center ice, Toronto's Nov. 10, Toronto 57 W, 5-4 Auston Matthews created a pair of Grade-A chances right in front of Lehner. The second stop on a point-blank attempt by D-man Tyson Oct. 29, Nashville 51 L, 3-0 Barrie was truly miraculous. Nov. 2, Los Angeles 49 L, 4-3* • Less than three minutes later, Erik Gustafsson was lucky a rebound 2018-19Jan. 3, Islanders 50 L, 3-2* didn't bounce right to a charging William Nylander, whom Gustafsson left unattended as he double-teamed Matthews along with Duncan Keith. April 6, Nashville 50 L, 5-2

• With about four minutes left, Brent Seabrook was unable to change and Dec. 27, Minnesota 48 W, 5-2 watched helplessly as Alexander Kerfoot accepted a gorgeous 100-foot stretch pass. Inexplicably, Kerfoot attempted a low-percentage pass March 16, Montreal 48 W, 2-0 rather than take a breakaway shot on Lehner. March 13, Toronto 47 W, 5-4 Once William Nylander scored early in the third, the Maple Leafs took Feb. 10, Detroit 45 W, 5-2 advantage of poor defensive coverage and were awarded 3 power-play chances. Games under Joel Quenneville:2018-19Date, opponent Shots Result

Only Lehner's spectacular play kept a gut-wrenching loss from transpiring Oct. 21, Tampa Bay 55 L, 6-3 for the Hawks. Oct. 11, Minnesota 46 L, 4-3* Scheme or personnel? 2017-18Jan. 20, Islanders 46 L, 7-3

Dec. 29, Edmonton 45 W, 4-3*

2016-17April 4, Colorado 51 L, 4-3*

2015-16April 3, Boston 46 W, 6-4

2014-15March 6, Edmonton 47 W, 2-1*

2012-13Feb. 2, Calgary 47 W, 3-2*

2011-12Jan. 5, Philadelphia 46 L, 5-4

* Overtime or shootout game

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160986 Chicago Blackhawks “It's a happy medium,” Colliton said. “It was a big emphasis to keep the puck out of our net and still is. But at the same time, we've got to score more than them in order to win. We're trying to find the right balance and I think ultimately we need to win games to stay in the race, to allow How a systematic change could serve as turning point for Blackhawks ourselves to play important games. That's what we've done in the last week, we've got some points.”

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.12.2019 By Charlie Roumeliotis November 11, 2019 2:00 PM

When Jeremy Colliton took over as head coach on Nov. 6, 2018, he implemented a man-on-man system in the defensive zone that took some time getting used to for the core players who had played zone coverage under Joel Quenneville for 10-plus years.

What Colliton didn’t mess with too much is how the Blackhawks generated offense. He allowed his players to play a run-and-gun-type game and it was high risk, high reward. After all, the Blackhawks were among the league leaders in scoring chances generated off the rush, but they also gave up the most.

Colliton knew that wasn’t a great formula for long-term success, so the Blackhawks became more of a dump-and-chase team this season to eliminate neutral zone turnovers and odd-man rushes against. They also altered the way they transitioned out of their own end.

The problem? The offense dried up significantly.

After a brutal four-game road trip in which they were outshot by 65 and averaged only 26.2 shots per game, Colliton was forced to make a systematic change going into Thursday's game against the and gave his players more freedom to create offense similar to the way they did last season. And it could be the turning point of the 2019-20 season.

“We made a conscious effort to be a bit looser when the puck turned over, so we could create more out of D zone in transition and I think it's helped,” Colliton said following Sunday’s 5-4 victory over the . “There's been a lot more plays available for us. Probably closer to how it looked last year, as far as our ability to make plays out of D-zone and through the neutral zone, and probably fits our top guys — and you can see, they're coming to life. It's good to see. Doesn't mean that the defensive side won't be a continued emphasis, because you've got to keep the puck out of your net to win, and when you get up like we did, would've loved to control the game.”

The results? The Blackhawks have scored 12 goals in their last three games and are 2-0-1 over that span.

“We’re trying to build some momentum here doing a lot of new things and new systems," Dylan Strome said on WGN Radio's postgame show after a 5-1 win over Vancouver. "It takes a little bit of getting used to. We kind of went back to our old system a little bit from last year, so [we felt] a lot more comfortable.”

Not only has the switch jumpstarted the offense, but the Blackhawks have seen improvement in their defensive numbers and it likely stems from the fact they aren’t spending as much time in their own zone.

Before the change on Thursday, the Blackhawks ranked 18th in scoring chances for (24.7), 18th in high-danger chances for (10.0), 30th in scoring chances against (29.2) and 30th in high-danger chances against (13.0) per 60 minutes at 5-on-5, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Since the change, the Blackhawks rank seventh in scoring chances for (28.8), 15th in high-danger chances for (10.9), 22nd in scoring chances against (28.3) and 20th in high-danger chances against (11.8) per 60 minutes at 5-on-5.

It's still not perfect, but we're finally starting to see what the Blackhawks are capable of as a group. They're playing looser and with more confidence, they're attacking and not chasing — they've scored the first two goals in each of the past three games — and they're racking up points because of it.

The fundamental change doesn’t mean the Blackhawks are going to forget about the defense-first mentality they’re trying to establish. But Colliton knows he has to let his offensive players do what they do best and play to their strengths — it's no coincidence that Patrick Kane has caught fire in the last three games.

Now they’re trying to find a common ground where the team’s style of play can lead to sustained success, both on offense and defense. 1160987 Chicago Blackhawks

How to watch Blackhawks vs. Golden Knights: Time, TV schedule and streaming info

By NBC Sports Chicago November 11, 2019 1:00 AM

The Blackhawks are in the spotlight on Wednesday against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Golden Knights are contending in the Pacific Division while the Blackhawks are hoping to make a run before Thanksgiving to solidify their position in the table.

But last Thursday, the Blackhawks knocked off another Pacific Division foe, the Vancouver Canucks.

With everyone tuned in on Wednesday night, the Blackhawks can show the league they're ready to make a run.

Here's how you can watch and stream the game:

Date: Wednesday, November 13

Time: 9:00 p.m. CST

Location: T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, Nevada

TV: NBC Sports

Stream: MyTeams

NBC Sports Chicago Coverage

Blackhawks Pregame: 8:30 p.m. CST

Blackhawks Postgame Live: 11:30 p.m. CST*

* - Immediately following conclusion of the game

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160988 Colorado Avalanche

Jackets’ Foligno suspended 3 games for hit on Avalanche forward Bellemare

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS |PUBLISHED: November 11, 2019 at 4:28 pm | UPDATED: November 11, 2019 at 5:43 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The NHL has suspended Columbus forward Nick Foligno for three games for a hit that leveled Colorado Avalanche forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare.

The Department of Player Safety announced the penalty for the Blue Jackets captain on Monday.

Foligno dropped Bellemare with the open-ice hit with his elbow to Bellemare’s jaw at 17:15 of the second period Saturday. Foligno said he hadn’t intended to hurt Bellemare and “felt sick to my stomach when I saw that I hit him in the head.”

Foligno was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for charging.

He said he traded text messages with Bellemare after the game to make sure he was OK.

The NHL says the suspension will cost Foligno $88,709.67.

Denver Post: LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160989 Colorado Avalanche

Avalanche’s Cale Makar named one of NHL’s three Stars of the Week

By MATT SCHUBERT | PUBLISHED: November 11, 2019 at 12:37 pm | UPDATED: November 11, 2019 at 4:06 PM

Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar was named the NHL’s third Star of the Week after tallying six points in three games.

The rookie notched points in each of Colorado’s three tilts — a stretch that saw the team go 2-1-0 after a brief slide in the standings.

Makar learned of his award before Monday’s practice, before the Avs departed for a five-game road trip beginning Tuesday at Winnipeg.

“It’s an honor. I’m honored,” Makar said with a smile. “But at the end of the day, I really don’t care. We just want to keep rolling here. We had a really good two wins at home and that’s going to be a tough road trip for us. Just as a team, we just got to get going again.”

Makar began the week with an assist in a 4-1 loss to Dallas, then submitted a career-high three points (one goal, two assists) in a 9-4 drubbing of the Nashville Predators on Thursday.

The former UMass star then capped off the week with his first multi-goal game in the NHL, putting two in the back of the net in a 4-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, including the game-winning goal.

Makar now has 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) on the season — his first regular season with the Avs.

Post reporter Mike Chambers contributed to this report.

Denver Post: LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160990 Colorado Avalanche

Mikko Rantanen back on ice for Avalanche, Nikita Zadorov skating with broken jaw

By MIKE CHAMBERS | PUBLISHED: November 11, 2019 at 11:46 am | UPDATED: November 11, 2019 at 4:08 PM

The injury-plagued Avalanche had three key players return to the ice Monday.

Star right winger Mikko Rantanen skated on his own before practice, No. 1 goalie Philipp Grubauer took shots for a significant time and shutdown defenseman Nikita Zadorov was a full practice participant in a protective facial shield.

Grubauer (lower-body injury) was scheduled to travel with the team Monday afternoon when it embarked on a five-game road trip that begins Tuesday at Winnipeg. Center Pierre-Eduoard Bellemare (concussion) also will be on the trip, coach Jared Bednar said.

Rantanen, who has missed eight games over three weeks with an injury to his left leg, and Zadorov (broken jaw) could play at some point on the trip.

“Bellemare is coming on the trip, Grubauer is coming on the trip,” Bednar said after practice. “Everyone else is staying back. It doesn’t mean Zadorov or Mikko or any of those other guys can’t join us later on in the trip.”

The other guys are forwards Gabe Landeskog and Colin Wilson, both out indefinitely with lower-body injuries.

Rantanen, who is making a team-high $12 million this season, was on an offensive tear in his first nine games, producing 12 points (five goals). The Avs were 7-1-1 with Rantanen in the lineup and have gone 3-4-1 without him.

The Avs are 2-0 without Grubauer, as backup Pavel Francouz collected wins in Colorado’s recent homestand, and 1-0 without Zadorov, who took a puck to the face in Thursday’s 9-4 rout over Nashville.

Bellemare went down Saturday after being elbowed in the head by Columbus’ Nick Foligno, who on Monday was suspended for three games by NHL Player Safety.

Later Monday, the Avs recalled forward Logan O’Connor and defenseman Kevin Connauton from the of the American Hockey League.

The Avs’ western Canadian trip includes stops at Edmonton on Thursday, Vancouver on Saturday and Calgary on Nov. 19. The trip concludes Nov. 21 at Minnesota.

Denver Post: LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160991 Colorado Avalanche

Avs’ Cale Makar could be Calder Trophy favorite as NHL rookie of the year

By MIKE CHAMBERS | November 11, 2019 at 6:00 am

Through 17 games of his first NHL regular season, Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar is the early favorite to win the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.

Makar, 21, leads all NHL rookies with 17 points, tied for third among all defensemen. He had five more points than the highest-scoring rookie forward, Buffalo’s Victor Olofsson, entering Sunday’s games.

“It’s obviously very humbling, but I don’t think I’m there yet,” Makar said Saturday after his two goals led the Avs to a 4-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. “All the credit goes to the teammates. Those things don’t happen without good passes.”

Makar, the fourth overall pick of the 2017 draft, is the Avs’ first rookie defenseman to score multiple goals in a game and the first defenseman in club history to do it before his 22nd birthday. He earned the No. 1 star after Saturday’s game, in which he led Colorado with seven shots.

“It’s fun. Anytime you get some adrenaline going down until the end of it is awesome,” Makar said of Saturday’s win, which was sealed with Nazem Kadri‘s goal with 2:06 remaining in regulation. “We were working hard all night. A few mishaps here and there, but we just tighten that up and keep rolling with it.”

Makar, the 2019 Hobey Baker Award winner as college hockey’s best player, is looking to becoming the Avs’ fourth Calder Trophy winner, following forwards Chris Drury (1999), Gabe Landeskog (2012) and Nathan MacKinnon (2014). Drury also won the Hobey Baker Award the season before he joined the Avs.

Footnotes. Colorado swept its two-game homestand and had Sunday off. … Columbus’ Nick Foligno is looking at a suspension for his elbow that knocked the Avs’ Pierre-Edouard Bellemare out of Saturday’s game, NHL Player Safety tweeted Sunday. Bellemare, who might have a concussion, could join Mikko Rantanen, Gabe Landeskog, Colin Wilson, Nikita Zadorov and Philipp Grubauer on the injured list. … The Avs will practice Monday before departing for Winnipeg, where they’ll begin a five-game road trip Tuesday against the Jets. The trip also goes through Edmonton, Vancouver and Calgary before concluding Nov. 21 at Minnesota. … Avs forward Tyson Jost, who assisted on Makar’s second goal Saturday, the game-winner, had two assists to match his career high. … Forward Vladislav Kamenev, a healthy scratch in Colorado’s first 11 games, is on a career-best points streak of three games.

Denver Post: LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160992 Colorado Avalanche

Makar named NHL’s Third Star of the week, but his focus remains on helping the Avalanche win

By Aarif Deen - November 11, 2019

Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar was named the NHL’s Third Star of the week on Monday after scoring three goals and three assists in three games.

Makar, 21, helped the Avalanche win two straight games, scoring the game-winning goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday in Colorado’s last victory.

Makar is the first Avalanche rookie to be named an NHL star of the week since Matt Duchene in 2009. He is also just the third defenseman to receive weekly honors after John-Michael Liles (2010) and Tyson Barrie (2016).

Through 17 games, Makar has recorded 17 points, making him just the fourth rookie defenseman in NHL history to score at a point-per-game pace after 17 games.

“It’s an honor,” Makar said. “But at the end of the day, I don’t really care. We just gotta keep rolling here, it’s gonna be a tough road trip.”

The Avalanche begin their five-game road trip on Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets, where Makar will look to continue his three-game point streak.

“He’s been good, really good in some games,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “To see the numbers he’s put up after maybe not even being his best in all 17 games is incredible.” milehighsports.com LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160993 Colorado Avalanche

The Walking Dead: Slowly but surely, Avs getting healthier

BY EVAN RAWAL NOVEMBER 11, 2019

For the first time in a few weeks, Avs fans finally got a little bit of good news on the injury front on Saturday.

Philipp Grubauer, Mikko Rantanen, and Nikita Zadorov all hit the ice for the first time since their injuries, which is a step in the right direction. While Rantanen simply skated on his own before practice, looking cautious testing out his injured left leg, Grubauer and Zadorov joined the team for practice. Grubauer did not make it through the entirety of practice, while Zadorov was able to make it through all of practice without any issues.

“Zadorov skated today, real good sign there,” Bednar said after practice. “Grubauer went out alone and then wanted to stay for a little bit of the practice, so that’s a positive sign too, although I don’t see him being ready for Winnipeg.”

The big news, of course, is Rantanen skating for the first time since he injured his leg on October 21 against St. Louis. Monday marked three weeks since the injury occurred, so it does appear that the injury may drag into the four to six week range that Bednar did not think it would hit when the injury first happened. Still, getting onto the ice is a good sign.

“He’s working out right now, getting stronger,” Bednar told the media. “That’s his first skate, as far as I know.”

Bednar did announce that Pierre-Edouard Bellemare was officially diagnosed with a concussion and is going through the protocol with the league. While there is no real timetable with an injury like that, Bednar did note that Bellemare is feeling better today and will go on the road trip with the Avalanche, as will Grubauer. Everyone else may join them down the line.

“There’s a chance [Zadorov] could join us on the trip,” Bednar said. “Bellemare is coming on the trip, Grubauer is coming on the trip, everyone is staying back. It doesn’t mean that any of those guys couldn’t join us later on the trip, Shawn (Allard) will be back here working with them.”

Mum is still the word on Captain and veteran winger Colin Wilson, as there are no updates on their injury timetables just yet and neither appear to have hit the ice since the injuries occurred.

Bednar did say that the team is leaning towards calling up both a forward and a defenseman today to take on the road trip. The Avs depth is really getting tested at this point, but with some AHL veterans up, it will be interesting to see if any younger guys get the call.

Cale Makar, who is basically a freak of nature, was named the NHL’s third star of the week after three goals and three assists in the Avs three games last week. He is now up to a point per game and looks every bit the special player he was advertised to be coming out of the NCAA.

With more injuries occurring, there were, once again, new lines. The lines at practice today were: Calvert – MacKinnon – Donskoi, Nichushkin – Kadri – Compher, Nieto – Jost – Burakovsky, Tynan – Kamenev – Megna.

You may be wondering why Valeri Nichushkin, a guy who has not scored a goal in 86 games, is now on the second line. Bednar is happy with the way he’s playing, even if he has been kept off the scoresheet. “I think he’s been pretty consistent, to be honest with you,” Bednar said after practice. “I feel like he has two really good scoring chances a game and hasn’t been able to put it in the back of the net. I just want to see him get one so he gets the monkey off his back. He’s got a great all around game, the only thing he hasn’t done is score.”

Adam Werner showed off his ability in practice, making several big saves and getting some love from his goalie coach Jussi Parkkila. I spoke to him after practice for several minutes, so look for a story on him in the coming days.

BSN DENVER LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160994 Columbus Blue Jackets grew up, in a way, idolizing them. I never watched them play, but they’re still such a big part of French (Canadian) culture."

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 11.12.2019 NHL suspends Blue Jackets’ Nick Foligno for three games

Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch Nov 11, 2019 at 4:11 PM

BROSSARD, — Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno got a chance to explain his side in a hearing Monday with the NHL’s department of player safety, but the league had the final say.

After the hearing, Foligno was suspended three games for an illegal hit against Pierre-Edouard Bellemare in a 4-2 loss Saturday night at the Colorado Avalanche. Foligno was given a major penalty for charging and a game misconduct, but the league’s explanation video for the ruling called it elbowing.

"It is important to note that Foligno is in control of this contact," the video explanation said. "This is an attempted body check and cannot be classified as excusable or accidental contact, where Foligno raises his arm reflexively to brace for sudden contact or to attempt to avoid a collision."

Foligno indicated in his postgame comments that Bellemare recoiled after playing the puck, forcing him to adjust his body to make contact. The league said the "onus" was on Foligno to take a better angle of attack against Bellemare, who was struck in the jaw and then hit the back of his head on the ice.

Bellemare left the game, didn’t return and has a concussion.

"Nick Foligno, the way he plays the game speaks for itself," Blue Jackets coach said after a practice Monday that included Foligno. "He’s certainly not looking to hurt someone. That’s just not in his DNA. He plays hard. He was looking to drive him, drive that player. Things happen in such a quick moment …"

Nick Foligno gets a five-minute charging penalty and a game misconduct for this hit on Pierre-Édouard Bellemare pic.twitter.com/yahgvOf4KO

— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) November 10, 2019

Those words echo what Foligno said after the game.

"There was no intent to hit him like that at all," he said. "I’m trying to line him up at the time, and then he kind of turns back and makes that play. It just happens so fast, and I felt sick to my stomach when I saw that I hit him in the head."

Foligno is expected to comment Tuesday at the , where the Blue Jackets play the Montreal Canadiens to conclude a three-game trip.

Barring an appeal, he will miss that game plus home games against St. Louis on Friday and Montreal next Tuesday.

This is Foligno’s first suspension in 858 games, though he was fined $2,500 for an illegal check to the head in 2010 while playing for the Ottawa Senators. Foligno will forfeit $88,709.67 in missed salary this time, which will be given to the Player’s Emergency Assistance Fund.

Homecoming

Thanks to his father’s side of the family, Pierre-Luc Dubois never had a shortage of Canadiens gear as a child.

"They would buy me Canadiens pajamas and for the pillow cases on my bed," said Dubois, who grew up a little more than an hour from Montreal in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec. "Whatever you can buy, my grandma would buy for me."

Dubois didn’t become a Canadiens fan, going against the grain as a kid, but always loved hearing his grandfather’s stories of legendary Canadiens players.

For that reason, playing in Montreal will always be special.

"It’s my home," said Dubois, who leads the Blue Jackets with six goals and 11 points. "My family and friends are going to be there, and even looking up (at the rafters), you see the Maurice Richards and Jean Beliveaus and guys like that. It’s pretty special for a young Quebecer that 1160995 Columbus Blue Jackets “A lot of these are kids who have never picked up sticks,” said Renza, fan development coordinator for the Blue Jackets. “It’s very elementary — how to hold a stick, passing, shooting and trying to relate to some experience they may have had.” Immigrant kids learn hockey through Blue Jackets’ initiative Although the Blue Jackets have held many clinics across central Ohio during their 20 years of existence, the program’s mission has taken on new life with the recent ETSS partnership, Renza said. It marks the first Allison Ward The Columbus Dispatch time the team has donated full sets of adult and youth street hockey equipment to one of its clinic sites — in this case, enough for 20 adults and 20 kids. It also will host training for ETSS staff. Most of the students at the street hockey clinic held late last month ranged in age from kindergarten to eighth grade and were from Bhutan, “ETSS is ready to run their own street hockey program,” Renza said. Congo, Nepal and Myanmar. The clinics are part of the Blue Jackets’ and “They’ll be self-sufficient, and the Blue Jackets are giving them the nudge National Hockey League’s “Hockey Is for Everyone” initiative, which to create a program where they can play year-round.” seeks to break down barriers to the sport and provide access where it Part of the relationship’s success has come from how engaged the young might not otherwise be available. people are, ETSS executives said. As 6-year-old Cing Kim approached the front of the line, Columbus Blue The volume level, which could be heard outside of the cafeteria at Jackets representative Joe Renza placed a hockey stick in her hand. Columbus Global Academy, demonstrated the participants’ excitement Though still unsure of exactly how to wield the stick, the kindergartner at as the pupils raced to put on jerseys, cheered on classmates during a Valley Forge Elementary School took a whack at the orange street drill and erupted with each score. hockey ball in front of her. “It felt good when I shot it,” said 10-year-old David Sang, a fifth-grader at Gooaaalll! Valley Forge Elementary School. “And I got to meet Stinger.”

The pint-sized scorer flashed a giant grin as she high-fived one of her Kim Cing, 12, a seventh-grader at Woodward Park Middle School, said after-school instructors. she was nervous but had fun. She said she found scoring to be the most difficult part. Want more inspiring news? Head over to Dispatch.com/TheGoodLife and sign up for our happy news newsletter and join The Good Life Facebook “If you don’t do it right, you won’t get it in,” she said. group where you can share your good news. Still, she was able to score a few times during a drill. Cing was the smallest of the 70 or so children gathered at Columbus Those who work daily with the children said they have seen Global Academy on the Northeast Side for a street hockey clinic as part improvements in the kids’ confidence, social skills and overall mental of an ongoing partnership between the Columbus Blue Jackets and health due to the street hockey program. Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS), a local nonprofit that helps immigrants and refugees from any country establish roots and gain self- “It creates a sense of belonging that only sports can bring,” said Jennifer sufficiency in Columbus. Drury, ETSS lead youth program coordinator.

Most of the students at the clinic held late last month ranged in age from No matter what their experiences have been, knowing that someone, kindergarten to eighth grade and were from Bhutan, Congo, Nepal and such as the Blue Jackets, in their newly adopted community cares for Myanmar. them helps with their assimilation, said Lilu Terefe, ETSS youth program manager. The clinics are part of the Blue Jackets’ and National Hockey League’s “Hockey Is for Everyone” initiative, which seeks to break down barriers to “At the end of the day, whether refugee or American, they’re just kids,” the sport and provide access where it might not otherwise be available. Terefe said, “and they want to get away from the pressures of life and just play.” Suhely Hakim, 11, perhaps the tallest student of the group, shared in the excitement of the moment when he buried the ball in the back of the net. Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 11.12.2019 “That’s two in a row!” the Zenith Academy fifth-grader said after one of his turns with the stick.

This isn’t the first time that executives with ETSS have seen this elation at trying the sport, one that is unfamiliar to many of the young people and families the organization serves. This was the fifth session since February that the Blue Jackets have hosted at one of the nonprofit’s nine locations — churches, schools and other venues — in central Ohio.

The NHL team also has provided tickets to these children and their parents to several Blue Jackets games and even held a meet-and-greet with defenseman Seth Jones.

“Our kids have a lot of challenges when they come to this country,” said Amanuel Merdassa, director of youth programs for ETSS. “They’re new. They don’t speak the language. When they move here, it’s almost too complicated for them to comprehend … but this type of interaction helps with that trauma issue.”

Even simple things can seem scary to an immigrant child, from what a classroom looks like here — many of these children attended school outside or in tents — to going to a cafeteria for lunch. And they often are behind in subjects such as reading and math, especially given the language barrier, Merdassa said.

“It’s like falling into the middle of the ocean without any survival skills,” he said, adding that this is an example of ETSS programs trying to fill gaps. “They start isolating themselves. They experience desperation and don’t want to go to school.”

An hour of play, learning a new skill and a visit from Blue Jackets mascot Stinger can work wonders, Merdassa said. Hockey is something that they can share with their American peers. 1160996 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets' Nick Foligno may be suspended over hit

Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch

MONTREAL, Quebec — When the door to the visitors locker room swung open Saturday night, it wasn’t hard to find Nick Foligno inside.

The Blue Jackets captain stood in front of his locker with a flat-brimmed ballcap on his head and a grim look on his face. After watching replays of his illegal hit on Colorado Avalanche center Pierre-Edouard Bellemare late in the second period of the Jackets’ 4-2 loss at the Pepsi Center, Foligno knew there was explaining to do.

“I actually didn’t know I hit him in the head at all,” he said of Bellemare, who left the game and didn’t return. “That’s the reason I was reacting the way I did (on the ice). And then I saw the replay.”

Foligno, who was assessed a major penalty for charging and a game misconduct, learned Sunday that he will also have a hearing by phone Monday with the NHL’s department of player safety. That often leads to a suspension and/or fine, which would be no more than five games since the hearing is by phone.

Fines and a suspension, however, were not foremost on Foligno’s mind after the game.

“My main concern is that he’s all right, and it sounds like he’s feeling all right, not too bad,” said Foligno, who sought out an update on Bellemare before the game ended. “It just sucks. I’ve never been in this situation before in 13 years I’ve played. It’s a hard one for me. Never want to hurt anyone.”

Foligno’s history and widely held respect across the league should help, but it was also a hit that looked bad from every angle — from his skates leaving the ice to his right forearm impacting Bellemare’s jaw, sending the veteran forward backward in a fall that led to his head bouncing off the ice.

In a number of ways, it was exactly the kind of hit the NHL wants to eliminate — where the principal point of contact is the head. Nobody understands that more than Foligno, whose postgame comments were contrite and reflected the serious nature of what happened.

“There was no intent to hit him like that at all,” he said. “I’m trying to line him up at the time, and then he kind of turns back and makes that play."

Foligno is no angel on the ice, willing to drop the gloves and throw big hits, but he has played it clean throughout his career.

“My track record speaks for itself,” he said. “I would never maliciously try to hurt somebody. And it made me sick (to see the replay). I’m still sick to my stomach the way he kind of went down, but I mean, that’s the way this game goes sometimes. It happens so fast. My main concern is that he’s OK, and we’ll go from there.”

Roster moves

Sunday was a travel day for the Blue Jackets, who will practice Monday in Montreal. They did make four roster moves, including rookie goalie Elvis Merzlikins returning from the .

Matiss Kivlenieks, also a Latvian rookie, was reassigned to the Monsters to make room for Merzlikins, who was sent to Cleveland on Wednesday to get playing time while Joonas Korpisalo handled the starting role on the Blue Jackets’ road trip.

Merzlikins wound up with just one start, making his American Hockey League debut Friday with 28 saves on 30 shots in a 2-1 loss to the . Korpisalo had more anger issues following goals allowed against the Avalanche, so it will be interesting to see which goalie starts Tuesday against the Canadiens.

The Jackets also placed defenseman Markus Nutivaara (upper body) on injured reserve, retroactive to Nov. 5, and recalled forward Eric Robinson in a move likely to replenish forward depth if Foligno is suspended.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 11.12.2019 1160997 Columbus Blue Jackets On the other end of the ice, the Blue Jackets aren’t doing Korpisalo any favors.

Pierre-Luc Dubois (6-5-11) continues to improve, Nyquist (3-8-11) has Nick Foligno suspended three games; Joonas Korpisalo benched; Blue been exactly as advertised, and Oliver Bjorkstrand (4-2-6) has been the Jackets’ season needs saving already Jackets’ best forward in a few games.

But there have been few bright spots offensively.

Aaron Portzline Nov 11, 2019 Cam Atkinson, a 40-goal scorer, is on pace to score 14 goals. Nick Foligno has one goal all season and hasn’t scored in 14 games. Josh Anderson hasn’t looked like himself — he might be playing hurt; the club won’t say — and has one goal in 11 games. MONTREAL — As the hockey-loving world began ramping up to the 2019-20 season, the Blue Jackets — from GM Jarmo Kekalainen down The Blue Jackets learned on Monday that Foligno, the team captain, was to the players — expressed bemusement, defiance and even anger as suspended three games by the league for his open-ice hit Saturday on experts and pundits made their predictions. Colorado’s Pierre-Edouard Bellmare. (The suspension will cost Foligno $88,709.67 in salary, which goes to the NHL players’ assistance fund.) The loss of No. 1 goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky would be devastating, most predicted. The departure of point-a-game forward Artemi Panarin Even though Foligno has struggled, the Blue Jackets are a better team and No. 1 center Matt Duchene, among others, would turn the Blue with him in the lineup. So for the next three games, the hill gets even Jackets into a pedestrian club offensively. steeper.

The Blue Jackets fumed at this thinking because, they said, it didn’t take Before the season started, Tortorella mentioned repeatedly how much into account the potential of goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, who had more was expected from Foligno and the other leaders on the team. Seth waited three seasons as Bobrovsky’s backup. It was flawed thinking, they Jones, Atkinson and Boone Jenner make up the Blue Jackets’ leadership said, because it didn’t account for the proud and accomplished veterans group, but others are expected to lead, too, and not with their words. who remained under contract and want to be Blue Jackets. “They’re good people,” Tortorella said. “It’s not so much looking for the But the start of this season, especially these past two weeks, has done words as far as leadership right now. We’re looking for actions on the ice nothing but prove the skeptics right. The Blue Jackets’ goaltending is a as far as leadership. We have to find a way to win games. We can talk all major question mark in more ways than one, and the club’s inability to about it, use all the rhetoric we want … it’s got to be actions on the ice. score goals has been alarming. “We’ve sputtered after our first 10 games. I really like the way we looked, On Sunday, the day after a 4-2 loss to Colorado, the Blue Jackets but we’ve lost ourselves a little bit, there’s no question. And I think summoned Elvis Merzlikins from minor-league Cleveland to make the (changing that) has to come by actions on the ice. start Tuesday against Montreal in Bell Centre. The Blue Jackets were led the past two seasons by Panarin, a carefree This was a change of plans, brought on after Korpisalo had two stick- player who could help carry them through rough patches while the rest of wielding blowups with his goalposts during Saturday’s loss. the players sputtered and hacked.

“Through Korpi’s actions (during) the game, Korpi sits and Elvis plays,” But the Blue Jackets are the furthest thing from carefree now. You can Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella told reporters in Montreal on Monday. almost feel the stress when they’re on the power play, or when they “That’s all I have to say about it.” possess the puck in the attack zone. They are rigid and predictable, not instinctive and creative, and the more they struggle the worse it gets. It’s probably best that way, because Tortorella was not happy the first time Korpisalo blew a gasket — Oct. 25 in a 7-4 loss to Philadelphia — “I thought we got over that a little bit,” Tortorella said recently. “I thought and vowed after talking with his goaltender that “it won’t happen again.” as we got going … we built it here the last few years and last year, going through it like we did. But this year it’s kind of been there where we’ve Now it has. got the big eyes. Korpisalo hasn’t shown his temper in Columbus, but this is nothing new. “Again, it’s what I’ve always said: It’s because they care. Sometimes you He was known for his volcanic on-ice temper as a youngster in Finland, just have to stop thinking and just play. I always feel in this game, if but he has spoken previously as though he’s left that all of that in the you’re thinking, you’re hurting the team. It needs to be instinctive.” past. The Blue Jackets are 30th in the league in scoring (2.35 goals per Clearly, he hasn’t. game), 24th in goals against (3.41) and 28th in goal differential (-1.06 per Most fans seem to like Korpisalo losing his mind in frustration, because game). Their power play (14.3 percent) is 25th. Their penalty kill (76.5 that’s how they feel watching the defensive breakdowns, failed scoring percent) is 25th. chances and the rest from home. It should be no surprise, then, that the Blue Jackets are only barely But the Blue Jackets don’t like it at all. It’s the football equivalent of a holding off New Jersey to avoid the basement in the Metropolitan receiver showing up his quarterback for an off-target pass. It’s a pitcher Division. staring at his shortstop for an error. The Blue Jackets have plenty of time to turn things around, of course. Korpisalo might not have been angry at Gustav Nyquist’s blown coverage The season is barely 20 percent in the books. They’re only six points out that allowed Colorado’s Cale Makar to be wide open for the goal giving of the playoffs heading into Monday’s games. the Avalanche a 2-1 lead on Saturday. But they can’t fall too far behind here. Or the playoffs, and their chance to He might not have been angry at Seth Jones for deflecting the shot of prove the hockey world wrong, will be out of their grasp. Colorado’s Nazem Kadri, sending it fluttering over his glove for the 4-2 The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 goal in the closing minutes.

But that’s how many will perceive Korpisalo’s reaction, inside and outside the Blue Jackets’ dressing room, especially if it continues to happen.

Korpisalo has had some really strong games lately, including a 2-1 loss to Vegas, the 3-2 win in Arizona and, yes, the 4-2 loss in Colorado. It’s why Tortorella and the Blue Jackets sent Merzlikins to the minors and decided to “let Korpi run” on this road trip.

But between his .895 save percentage — good for 40th in the NHL — and his temper tantrums, he’s not exactly stating his case as a bona fide No. 1 goaltender. 1160998 Dallas Stars management suite and attended the team’s practice two days later with Nill. Zubov was available after he was let go by HC Sochi in the KHL in October.

Dallas Stars to retire Hall of Fame defenseman Sergei Zubov’s number “Whatever role that Jim and Sergei work out that’s right for Sergei and for next season the team is great by us,” Lites said. “I think he’s terrific. Sees the game, understands it, relates well to players. With our really significant young Zubov’s No. 56 will be the sixth number raised to the rafters of American defensemen, Sergei is going to be great for , great for Airlines Center. Miro Heiskanen, great for Esa Lindell and hopefully Thomas Harley. He can grow with the team and help us in an area that’s really significant.”

Whatever comes of Zubov’s career in management, his playing career By Matthew DeFranks will be immortalized at American Airlines Center.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 11.12.2019 WINNIPEG, Manitoba — No Dallas Star ever wore No. 56 before Sergei Zubov. Now, no Dallas Star will ever wear No. 56 after Zubov.

On Monday morning, the Stars announced the franchise will retire Zubov’s number next season, making him the sixth number to hang in the rafters at the American Airlines Center. Zubov played the final 12 seasons of his career in Dallas and was a key member of the 1998-99 Stanley Cup championship team.

Zubov finished his career as the franchise’s all-time leader among defensemen in games played, goals, assists, points, plus-minus, power- play goals, game-winning goals, shots on goal and time on ice. He will be the first defenseman in franchise history to have his number retired.

Zubov will also be inducted into the on Nov. 18 in Toronto, one of two former Stars who will be enshrined.

“There was nothing easier than making this decision,” Stars CEO Jim Lites said. “It’s simple enough.”

Zubov joins Neal Broten (No. 7), Bill Goldsworthy (No. 8), Mike Modano (No. 9), Bill Masterton (No. 19) and Jere Lehtinen (No. 26) as the only retired numbers in Stars franchise history. Zubov is the third member of the Cup-winning team to have his number retired, joining Modano (ceremony in March 2014) and Lehtinen (ceremony in November 2017).

Lites said the franchise always intended to retire Zubov’s number, but waited to give him the proper time and circumstances to be recognized.

“And then with Zubie getting inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, it seemed kind of crazy that we hadn’t done it yet,” Lites said. “Once that happened, we said ‘We’ve got to do this right away,’ because Zubie should be honored effectively with our team as well as internationally.”

The Stars are expected to pick a date for the ceremony when next season’s schedule is released in June.

Zubov was not only the best defensemen in franchise history, but also one of the league’s best of all time despite never winning a Norris Trophy. No Russian defenseman has more NHL assists than Zubov. Among all defensemen, Zubov ranked 19th in league history in points and 16th in assists. Of the 15 players in front of him, only one (Gary Suter) is not in the Hall of Fame.

“He was always a really dynamic offensive player, but over the years, he just became this consummate professional, did things the right way, became a great defender, penalty killer,” Lites said. “He wasn’t a heavy player, but he was always in the right spot, never in the wrong spot.”

Zubov was a wizard on the power play, piloting three different teams (Rangers in 1993-94, Penguins in 1995-96 and Stars in 1997-98) that finished the season with the best power play in the league. In those three seasons, Zubov had 98 combined assists on the power play alone.

The Stars acquired Zubov in one of the best trades in franchise history, sending Kevin Hatcher to Pittsburgh at the 1996 draft for Zubov. The trade was one for one. Hatcher played five more seasons in the league for three different teams, while a 26-year-old Zubov began his decade of dominance in Dallas.

“We were worried he didn’t want to come and we had heard that, that he wanted to go back to New York and he was pretty Russian, he enjoyed the Russian community in New York City,” Lites said. “When we acquired him in ’96, I remember Bob Gainey worked really hard to get Sergei comfortable about coming to Dallas. We were a relatively new market at the time.”

Zubov is back with the organization, helping general manager Jim Nill in a consulting role. He watched last week’s win over Colorado in the Stars’ 1160999 Dallas Stars faced Winnipeg 14 times in his career, and has only faced one Central Division team more in his career.

It was Khudobin’s first appearance against the Jets as a Star, and he had Stars notebook: Dallas adds to points total despite loss to Winnipeg; a .894 save percentage and 2.96 goals against average in three career Jason Dickinson creates opportunities with strong forecheck games against Winnipeg.

Dallas has points in eight of the last nine games after a 1-7-1 start. Dallas will also likely split the upcoming back-to-back in Calgary and Vancouver between Bishop and Khudobin in some manner.

Lindell’s letter: Stars defenseman Esa Lindell wore an “A” during By Matthew DeFranks Sunday’s game, with normal alternate captain John Klingberg out for two to four weeks with a lower-body injury. Lindell entered Sunday second on

the team with 23:37 of ice time per game, and leading the league in total MANITOBA, Winnipeg — The Stars are 7-1-1 in last three weeks. shorthanded time on ice (eight minutes more than the second-most). Seriously. During the preseason — when players don’t play every game and letter While Sunday’s 3-2 overtime loss to Winnipeg leaves a sour taste in the rotate — Lindell wore an “A” twice. , Joe Pavelski and Stars’ mouth and a memory of coach Jim Montgomery criticizing Tyler Jason Dickinson did also, but Lindell got the call for the letter on Sunday Seguin and Jamie Benn, the Stars have picked up 15 of the last 18 afternoon. available points. Dallas has points in eight of the last nine games after a What does an “A” mean to the coaching staff? 1-7-1 start. “I think it lets them know, in the eyes of the coaching staff, that they are On Sunday, they fell behind 1-0 on Patrik Laine’s power-play goal in the glue guys that have to feel compelled to show more leadership,” first period before taking a 2-1 lead heading into the third period. Montgomery said. Winnipeg scored in the third to tie it and then 21 seconds into overtime to win the game. Laine strikes again: Laine scored a power play goal on Sunday, continuing his torment of the Stars during his career. Laine now has 16 “Getting the points is always great,” Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin goals in 14 career games against Dallas. said. “I mean, you’re not going to be able to win 82 games. Sometimes, you’re going to lose games like that when we have a one-goal lead. But Last year, the Stars contained Laine, holding him to one goal and one at the same time, we’re going to win the same games when the deficit is assist in four games. Before that, Laine had never gone pointless against one or two or three goals or whatever. Losing, it sucks. It hurts, but at the the Stars and had two hat tricks. Laine’s goal also snapped a streak of 14 same time, you have to keep going.” straight successful penalty kills for the Stars, dating back to Nov. 1 at Colorado. The Stars have an off day Monday before continuing their four-game road trip with a game in Calgary on Wednesday. Dallas Morning News LOADED: 11.12.2019 Dickinson’s forechecking: For the second straight game, Stars forward Jason Dickinson created a goal with a strong forecheck, this time setting up for a second-period goal Sunday in Winnipeg. On Tuesday against Colorado, Dickinson scored himself just 19 seconds into the game.

On both plays, he harassed a defenseman into a turnover, and the puck quickly found its way to the back of the net. On Sunday, he victimized Jets defenseman Neal Pionk. Dickinson described the play in detail.

“Lucky bounce for us to get it out of the zone in the first place,” Dickinson said. “But then all I was thinking was try to stay on the guy, try to take away his options, stop him from cutting back on me. Once I got him at a good angle, I was able to get through his arms, force a turnover. I heard [Joe Pavelski] coming down on the strong side at first. I could see out of the corner of my eye somebody coming in off the bench. I liked my odds better on the weak side.”

“He’s so detailed and responsible defensively that when Dicky’s game goes to another level, it’s when he’s really aggressive mindset offensively: on the forecheck, taking pucks to the net,” Montgomery said before the game.

Goal-scorers get hot and find a groove. Goaltenders find a rhythm. Can you find a groove forechecking?

“I think if you make it a mindset, if you consciously think about it every time you go out there, then you can definitely get into that groove of knowing exactly what you’re going to do in every situation because most of the game is spent forechecking, whether it’s in the neutral zone or the offensive zone,” Dickinson said. “You’re chasing the puck for a lot of that time.”

Khudobin starts: Stars backup goaltender Anton Khudobin started Sunday in Winnipeg instead of the projected starter Ben Bishop. During the of practice, Montgomery said Bishop would be in net against the Jets, but that changed after a conversation with goaltending coach Jeff Reese.

Khudobin said he found out Saturday.

“Reeser talked with the goalies,” Montgomery said. “Then I spoke with Reeser and the goalies and we decided on Dobby.”

Bishop started all four games against the Jets last season, going 3-1-0 with a .921 save percentage and 2.26 goals against average. Bishop has 1161000 Dallas Stars He reminds some people of you. Do you feel like you’d still fit in today’s game?

The name of the game is speed. It’s gotten quicker, and there is no Q&A: Sergei Zubov on number retirement, Hall of Fame thoughts and question it’s gotten way quicker than it used to be 15, 20 years ago. But quitting smoking that’s natural. We are all athletes, we are all human beings and we are getting better at certain things as a species.

Hockey is no different. I think it’s gotten quicker. Quicker decision- By Sean Shapiro Nov 11, 2019 making. Skating. You didn’t get any physical aspect more exciting than it used to be, but you’ve got to pay attention to more offense nowadays.

The good teams, the successful teams, they score more goals. The Dallas Stars announced on Monday morning that Sergei Zubov I have to ask about the smoking. It’s something old teammates will talk would be the sixth player in franchise history to have his number retired about when bringing up your career. and raised to the rafters of the American Airlines Center. I didn’t do it in the locker room. They are lying. Outside the locker room, Zubov found out about the honor back in September. The Stars yes. But not inside the room. It’s a bad habit, honestly, and we really published a video of the call between Zubov and Jim Lites on Twitter as shouldn’t even talk about it to begin with. And actually I did smoke for a part of their announcement, while the public announcement was held long time, but I quit. I quit a year ago. I don’t smoke cigarettes anymore. until November to better coincide with Zubov’s induction into the Hockey That’s the good part of my story now. Hall of Fame next Monday. That’s great to hear. Why did you quit? After that announcement was made, Zubov agreed to do a short Q&A with The Athletic about getting his number retired, his time in Dallas and Honestly, society and trying to fight certain things. And smoking is one of his decision to quit smoking. those things that’s a bad habit, and I would say it shouldn’t be part of life. That’s my point now. This conversation has been edited for clarity. Hard to quit? We saw the video posted by the Stars. What was your reaction when you found out the team would retire No. 56? I did struggle, honestly. I’m proud of myself. Finally, for some reason, I’m wondering why wouldn’t I do something like that a long time ago? It’s one What other reactions could there be? It was emotional and a great honor, of those. and it’s been a long journey and it’s been lots of fun and joy to play for the Dallas Stars for so many years. It’s such a great feeling, and I’m Have you written your Hall of Fame speech yet? proud. I’m so proud of this franchise and being part of it. The time will come, and we have some mandatory stuff we have to Did you ever think this would happen? present the speech, and actually there is a deadline today to turn it in. I’m gonna get it turned in, and I’m pretty sure, just like anybody else, you pay Honestly, at the end of my career back in ’09 in the NHL, there were attention and you want to say certain things and you want to address it to some talks and rumors. You hear the news and rumors and stuff, and I so many people that have been part of your life and hockey life. thought about it for a while but then kind of let it go. It was a big surprise, actually. Such a great feeling. Excited about it?

Similar surprise to the Hall of Fame call? I think so. I’m going to enjoy it.

Yeah, pretty much it’s the same stuff. Something you’re going to The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 remember the rest of your life.

I know it was a bit of an adjustment when you were traded to Dallas from Pittsburgh. How did it become home for you?

We had a couple of good years, and then we turned in into something better, and we were getting better season after season. Then, with the group of guys we had back then, we all felt comfortable, and we became a tight unit.

It’s a feeling of — you feel comfortable with just the guys around you, and I was so fortunate that I found this group and the team. And Dallas is a town where my daughter was born, and we felt at home. It was just a great feeling knowing that you are part of the community and such a nice place as Dallas.

You liked to fly under the radar and avoid media. Has this attention around the Hall of Fame and the media attention been a bit uncomfortable?

I was just doing my thing, and it was a job, and most importantly, it’s a game. Hockey is a game. And when you want to get out there and want to live that kind of life, you want to enjoy it. I tried to enjoy it with my family and myself only, really, and that would never change. That’s who I am.

I’ve tried. I’ve tried to have fun and enjoy it myself. It sounds selfish. But, sorry, that’s who I am.

You spent some time in Dallas recently, and as the gold standard for defensemen in franchise history, what are your thoughts on Miro Heiskanen?

I watched him before (this trip) and even last season when I was coaching in Sochi. You watch some games, and you watch some guys, and it was just part of my job, but his skating and the hockey sense, this young gentleman is just on a different level. Honesty, I just wish he’s going to continue the way he’s playing now and just get better every day. 1161001 Dallas Stars One addition to Jim Montgomery’s process this season was establishing the criteria that the Stars have an average shift at five-on-five of 40 seconds or less.

Shap Shots: A legend reconnects with Stars, plus context on Benn & Through 18 games, the Stars have hit that mark in five games, going 4-0- Seguin struggles 1 when they do. In the 13 games where the average shift is above 40 seconds, the Stars have a 4-8-1 record.

Sunday’s overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets was the first time Dallas By Sean Shapiro Nov 11, 2019 passed in the category and lost the game.

The 40-second shift is something I was curious to watch play out since Montgomery introduced it. I wondered if it was a sustainable and realistic Sergei Zubov walked out of the Dallas locker room, shook his head and goal. laughed as Alexander Radulov and Anton Khudobin, rather loudly, went the other direction and headed toward the parking lot outside. Based on the early returns, it’s a useful tool to judge whether the Stars are outworking an opponent. Games when the Stars beat 40 seconds “Those guys are crazy,” Zubov said to Stars general manager Jim Nill, have typically been those “hard-working” victories that were close in the still shaking his head and laughing. third period. We’ll never learn the exact contents of the conversation. But as Zubov One of the complaints I saw about the 40-second shift in comments and reminisced with two current Stars players from his home country – the on social media, particularly during the 1-7-1 start, was about how exchange was in Russian – it was loud and it was certainly cheerful . limiting players to a 40-second shift was hurting the team. The comments Zubov and Radulov played against each other in the KHL during the often asked the fair question, “Are the players worried about quick shifts 2009-10 season. Zubov was 39 and in the twilight of his career with SKA or winning hockey games?” St. Petersburg while Radulov was a 23-year-old who had left Nashville Over the past two weeks, I asked players what they thought about those and was dominating in his home country with Ufa Salavat Yulaev. claims. I also gained a better understanding of how the process is Zubov later coached Radulov as an assistant with CSKA preached within the locker room. between 2012 and 2014. The process is a big-picture thing. It’s worked into meetings and brought I asked Radulov about Zubov after practice the following day after the up frequently, but it’s not an every-day point from the coaches during a two Russians re-connected. game. The players also don’t feel like they have to play with a stopwatch in their head. “Fuck, I don’t want to talk.” A couple of players said it’s a good guideline to be smart with your shift It’s quick, just about Zubov. length. The other overwhelming response was to point out just how much work actually goes into a 40-second shift. “You know Zubov, he’s right there,” Radulov said, pointing at a picture in the Stars locker room that honors Zubov’s place in franchise history. “I “The way we want to play with a tight-checking game and making sure played against him. He’s a hell of a player. Hall of Famer, he’s (going) our defensive habits are good, you just can’t be stuck out there,” Blake there for a reason. He won two Stanley Cups. Great defenseman with Comeau said. “You get too tired, and you can’t defend. We Watch video, lots of numbers. Great person. There’s nothing really to say. But I’ve and we see it. If you are one of the guys that’s out there and you are known him for a while. trying to extend your shifts, I think the culture in the room, especially as of late, guys know that’s not gonna fly.” “Zubie is Zubie. Hell of a player. He’s one of the best Russian defensemen to ever play the game.” As a team, the Stars are averaging 41.19 seconds for five-on-five shifts through 18 games. Radulov is right. Here is the breakdown of average shift length for each player, using the Zubov’s 1,068 games are third-most among Russian defensemen in NHL data from NaturalStatTrick. history, trailing only Sergei Gonchar and Alexei Zhitnik. His 771 points are second to Gonchar’s 811, but came in 233 fewer NHL games. Some quick observations: Montgomery often talks about Roope Hintz having the quickest shifts. The Finnish forward does have the shortest The NHL started officially tracking individual time on ice during the 1998- average shift among the Stars’ top-six forwards. The only forward with 99 season, when Zubov was 28. In the second half of his career, he quicker shifts currently on the NHL roster is Andrew Cogliano. averaged 26 minutes, 14 seconds per games. When the Stars won the 1999 Stanley Cup, Zubov averaged 30 minutes, 16 seconds per game. In I would have guessed before looking at the numbers that Radulov would the triple-OT cup-clinching game in Buffalo, the defenseman was on the take the longest shifts. But it turns out he’s not that far from the norm at ice for more than 54 minutes. five-on-five. It’s the two-minute shifts on the power play that are more of a concern. He’ll be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame next Monday in Toronto. A lot is going to be made — and already has been discussed — about Zubov was coaching in Sochi in the KHL before getting fired in October. the production of Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn. The Stars have not His suddenly open schedule has given him more time to spend in North received enough from their biggest investments. America around his induction ceremony. I was curious to see how this compared across the league statistically, so When Nill heard about the firing, he reached out to Zubov – whom he I pulled the cap hits for each NHL team’s two highest-paid skaters, then didn’t know terribly well before – about spending some time in Dallas combined the point totals for those two players. watching hockey and exchanging ideas. As of right now, there is no formal role for Zubov with the Stars, but he and Nill had plenty of Benn and Seguin are the seventh-highest paid duo in the NHL, costing conversations while watching Dallas beat the Avalanche last Tuesday. $19.35 million against the cap. They rank 26th in the league with 17 They continued to chat while watching the team practice on Thursday in combined points. Farmers Branch. 10 NHL teams spend at least $18 million in cap space on two skaters. Much like when he played, Zubov doesn’t want the spotlight or media For teams in that spending area, the two most expensive players on attention. He’d prefer things stay under the radar, and that attitude may average have combined for 28.3 points so far this season. The Stars are be one of the reasons he never won a Norris Trophy — and why it took the only team for which the top two have not broken 20 points yet. so long for him to actually get inducted into the Hall of Fame. No matter where you want to place the blame, the investment hasn’t The last thing remaining for Zubov’s NHL legacy is for the Stars to retire been a good one this season. No. 56. It’s something that’s long overdue. Maybe this reunion lays the groundwork for that honor. The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161002 Dallas Stars season and has started to fall into the same area. He disappears and doesn’t provide much of an impact.

We ask what needs to change. The players aren’t going to give great Stars 20/20: Winning streak ends as frustration with Benn and Seguin’s answers, just like Benn’s offering after the Winnipeg loss. The coaches lack of production grows don’t have the answers, clearly, and management is stuck in this spot because they invested big into these players.

4. Despite the sentiment about the expensive, big-name players, the By Sean Shapiro Nov 10, 2019 Stars did extend their point streak to five games and several of the positives continued into the Sunday matinee.

The forecheck was a strength. The defense was rather stout. The Stars The Dallas Stars’ four-game win streak was snapped by a 3-2 overtime offense continued to get contributions from players who didn’t really bring loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday. much to the table last season from the blue line forward. 1. Tyler Seguin won the opening faceoff in overtime. That’s typically a Dallas also remained at .500 in the standings, and in the turtle race of good sign. this Western Conference, that’s not a terrible place to be. The Stars entered the offensive zone with possession. Also a pretty good 5. Mattias Janmark finally shot a puck past an opposing goalie. sign. While Janmark already scored a goal this season, that tally was an own Then Seguin turned the puck over in a corner. Eight seconds later, it goal by the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 5 when the opposing defenseman put wound up in the back of Dallas’ net, courtesy of Mark Scheifele’s stick. the puck past his goalie. Seguin couldn’t catch up on the backcheck and looked skyward as On Sunday he buried an opportunity clean after Jason Dickinson forced a Scheifele sheathed his stick after giving it a celebratory twirl. turnover on the forecheck. It was a sequence that captured a recent and concerning trend for the The play was foreshadowed by Montgomery when he addressed Stars. The big-name players who are paid to produce, particularly Jamie reporters on Sunday morning. Benn and Seguin, aren’t doing so. “He’s so detailed and responsible defensively that when Dicky’s game Stars coach Jim Montgomery wasn’t happy with that fact after the game, goes to another level, it’s when he’s (got a) really aggressive mindset saying he was “very disappointed” with the lack of scoring and hasn’t offensively,” Montgomery said. “On the forecheck, taking pucks to the seen any signs of progress. Montgomery also said he’s tried different net.” things, including reducing ice time and studying one-on-one video with both players. The injury to Roope Hintz has provided a significant opportunity for Dickinson to play center in the top-six the past two games. He’s come up “There’s chances there,” Benn said. “Just got to find a way to put it in the with a pair of points. back of the net.” 6. A little more than five minutes later, Radek Faksa went to work on the “They’ve got to decide they want to be a difference-maker,” Montgomery forecheck and got rewarded. said. “Look who scored for the Jets (their best players) … you need your No. 1 center and No. 1 left-winger to step up and do more.” Faksa beat out three Jets players below the goal line to keep possession alive for Dallas. He went to the front of the net where he deflected a shot 2. You may remember this isn’t the first time Benn and Seguin have been by Lindell past Connor Hellebuyck. called to task publicly. It was Faksa’s third goal in his past two games after a two-goal night Last season there was Jim Lites’ owner-ordered, expletive-filled rant that against the Colorado Avalanche. made major shockwaves in late December. He’s never been a dominant offensive player, but Faksa has been a That’s not going to happen again; the Stars learned from that debacle. streaky one in his career. Dating back to his time in the AHL, he would But the frustration that’s been bubbling underneath with Benn and Seguin have stretches where he’d score in small bunches. is starting to come to the surface again. There’s also been extreme frustration with John Klingberg’s play, but his recent injury put him in a 7. Patrik Laine has feasted on the Stars in his career, and he did it again spot where blame is going to fall back more directly on the original on Sunday. equine feces duo. Laine scored his 16th goal in 14 career games against Dallas when he Whether you can find better signs than Montgomery or not, the following sent a bullet into the upper corner on the power play. things are facts: There aren’t many (or any) humans on the planet stopping this shot. Benn and Seguin account for $19.35 million of the Stars salary cap and will make a combined $26.5 million in total salary this season. EASY, @PATRIKLAINE29.

There are 608 players in the NHL this season with at least one point. WE STILL NEED TO USE THE NET. When it comes to cost per point, Benn ranks 574th at a cost of PIC.TWITTER.COM/WK6MXWWUVQ $1,583,333 per point according to CapFriendly. Seguin ranks a bit better: — NHL (@NHL) NOVEMBER 10, 2019 493rd, $895,455 per point. 8. You can’t really blame Anton Khudobin for the Laine goal, but it was a Benn is on pace to score five goals this season. Seguin is on pace to shakier night than typical for the Stars goalie. score just under 14. The second goal by Andrew Copp came on a poorly spilled rebound right Benn is signed through 2025. Seguin is signed until 2027. to Andrew Copp. It was really a nothing chance that the goalie helped 3. The biggest issue with Benn and Seguin’s performance is the number turn into a goal for the opponent. Khudobin also got caught roaming a bit of full-blown disappearances in games. when handling the puck, and his delay of game penalty in the third period came at a crucial juncture. Joe Pavelski has been an offensive disappointment, but when he doesn’t have his best offensive game he’s found a way to impact the game and Earlier this week Montgomery said Ben Bishop would start against the help in transition. Alexander Radulov’s numbers aren’t where he’d like Jets on Sunday. Turns out he changed his mind on Saturday. them to be and he takes too many penalties, but he still has an impact Stars goalie coach Jeff Reese met with the goalies after practice on physically during off-nights. Saturday. After that meeting, Montgomery and Reese met, and the head For the past couple years Benn has been the player who would coach decided Khudobin would start in Manitoba. disappear and re-appear during the season, and when he wasn’t There wasn’t much more revealed than that. Bishop had played quite engaged in a game he was rather useless. Seguin has followed suit this well in his last start against Colorado. 9. The Stars played their first game without Klingberg after he was more, and he wanted to get more confident addressing the group when injured on Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche on a hit by Nikita needed. Zadorov. There haven’t been many “rah-rah” moments for Lindell as a leader this Klingberg is going to be out at least two weeks, and it could be closer to season. He’s not that kind of communicator. But multiple teammates four, after he saw doctors earlier this week. have said in the past two weeks that they’ve noticed Lindell becoming more of a voice in the locker room. His absence leaves a major void for the Stars. Klingberg is one of their most important lineup pieces when it comes to puck movement, and 15. Something Montgomery said during that leadership conversation without him, a greater offensive burden falls on Miro Heiskanen and Esa stuck with me. I was reminded of what he said about his top players on Lindell. Sunday.

Lindell spent most of the game paired with the recently healthy Andrej “Coaches don’t go in the locker room. That’s where leadership has the Sekera, while Heiskanen was paired with Jamie Oleksiak for the fourth biggest impact.” straight game. 16. With just 18 healthy skaters, the Stars recalled Gavin Bayreuther on Heiskanen moved the puck well in transition and Lindell also had his Friday afternoon as an insurance policy for Sunday’s game. moments. But the Stars aren’t nearly as effective if Klingberg isn’t playing. Bayreuther didn’t play Sunday but did practice with Dallas on Saturday before the team flew to Winnipeg. After that practice, he discussed his 10. Sekera played for the first time after missing four games with overall season thus far with the . soreness from an awkward collision into the boards. “It’s been going well, down below (in Texas). It’s been a little frustrating at He played 21 minutes, 34 seconds and helped alleviate some of the times. We’ve got a young group, and the win column hasn’t been looking minutes required of Heiskanen on the penalty kill. as good as we want,” Bayreuther said. “It’s good to be here, and I hope I can do something with any opportunity.” The Stars’ other injured defenseman, Roman Polak, could play later on this trip. The schedule sets up well for Dallas when it comes to Bayreuther. Texas plays the on Monday in Winnipeg, so it’s likely he gets 11. There was some fear that Lindell could join the battered blue liners sent back to the AHL to get game minutes and could easily be recalled when he went awkwardly into the boards in the first period. for Wednesday’s game against the Calgary Flames if needed.

Lindell didn’t end up missing a shift and finished with the second-most 17. The first period was rather bland, which you could blame on the early minutes played behind Heiskanen. He also had the assist on Faksa’s start time. goal. Neither team showed much energy in the first 15 minutes, and the game 12. The Stars had three days of practice between games last week, and really didn’t pick up much of anything until Benn was sent to the box for the lines on Sunday were the same ones Dallas used against the interference. Colorado Avalanche. 18. Perry played in his 999th NHL game on Sunday. It’s been interesting Denis Gurianov – Tyler Seguin – Alexander Radulov watching his role get defined this season.

Jamie Benn – Jason Dickinson – Joe Pavelski He’s a fourth-liner who can still contribute a little bit on the power play. It Andrew Cogliano – Radek Faksa – Blake Comeau can be a humbling transition, one that some players have handled better than others in the past. Mattias Janmark – Justin Dowling – Corey Perry 19. The Stars have joked that Radulov would be the fill-in goalie if they Esa Lindell – Andrej Sekera ever needed one.

Jamie Oleksiak – Miro Heiskanen PIC.TWITTER.COM/HQNYXMHGHK

Joel Hanley – Taylor Fedun — SEAN SHAPIRO (@SEANSHAPIRO) NOVEMBER 10, 2019

Winnipeg countered like this: 20. Here is how the Stars did when it came to Montgomery’s process.

Kyle Connor – Mark Scheifele – Patrick Laine Average five-on-five shift length of 40 seconds or less: Passed. The average shift was 39.53 seconds. Nikolaj Ehlers – Blake Wheeler – Jack Roslovic Zero undisciplined penalties: Failed. Andrew Copp – Adam Lowry – Matthieu Perreault Three or fewer odd-man rushes: Passed. Joona Luoto – – Logan Shaw Win net-front battle: Passed. Josh Morrissey – Tucker Poolman Win special teams: Failed. Dmitry Kulikov – Neal Pionk The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 Nathan Beaulieu – Luca Sbisa

13. Dallas only had one power play, and it didn’t go very well.

The Stars spent the entire two minutes regrouping and trying to gain zone time. They failed to get off a shot.

It was the first game-time look at the power play without Klingberg. Heiskanen manned the point on the first unit, while Lindell had point responsibilities on the second unit.

14. In addition to the power-play responsibilities, Lindell also was given more of an official leadership role with Klingberg injured and wore the second “A” as the alternate captain.

“I think it lets them know in the eyes of the coaching staff that they are glue guys that have to be compelled to show more leadership,” Montgomery said on Saturday.

Taking more of a leadership role was one of Lindell’s goals coming into this season. He felt with his workload, he had earned a right to speak 1161003 Detroit Red Wings Mantha has 11 goals, five more than the next player. The goal against Vegas not only gave the Wings back-to-back victories, it also salvaged an otherwise forgettable performance.

Detroit Red Wings' Justin Abdelkader (mid-body injury) out 3 weeks; "Every single player knows when they're not at their best and they know Givani Smith recalled when they are," Mantha said. "It's a natural thing. No one knows my game more than I do. I knew I wasn't having the best (game) and the ending at least helped."

Dana Gauruder, Special to Detroit Free Press Published 12:47 p.m. ET Red Wings forward Taro Hirose and the Carolina Hurricanes' Jake Nov. 11, 2019 | Updated 4:24 p.m. ET Nov. 11, 2019 Gardiner vie for the puck during the third period of the Wings' 7-3 loss on Friday, Nov. 2. 2019, in Raleigh, N.C.

Hirose staying with Wings The Detroit Red Wings have lost another fixture in their lineup for an extended period. Taro Hirose has been a healthy scratch the past two games, but there's no discussion about sending him to Grand Rapids. Forward Justin Abdelkader will be out a minimum of three weeks with what coach Jeff Blashill described as a "mid-body injury" on Monday. The former Michigan State standout did not score in the first 17 games, Abdelkader was injured during the Wings' 3-2 victory over Vegas on though he did contribute five assists. He had been playing regularly on Sunday. the power-play unit but the addition of Fabbri reduced the need to keep him active. The Wings are already playing without top defenseman Danny DeKeyser (lower body), Luke Glendening (hand) and Trevor Daley (lower body). "Somebody's going to be 13 and potentially 14 (among the forwards)," Blashill said. "That's just the reality, somebody's sitting out. I don't think Detroit Red Wings left wing Justin Abdelkader skates against the Taro's played poorly. He wasn't able to be as effective offensively as he Anaheim Ducks, Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena. had hoped to start the year. Doesn't mean he can't be later on. Right Abdelkader has yet to score a goal this season. He also missed three now, he's just the odd guy sitting out." games earlier this season with a lower-body issue. He has three assists Detroit Free Press LOADED: 11.12.2019 in 16 games.

The 32-year-old has spent his entire career with the Wings and produced six goals and 13 assists in 71 games last season.

"He obviously had the injury earlier and had to come back and now he's got another injury," Blashill said. "It's tough for him, for sure. I appreciate the sacrifice he makes. It's unfortunate but it's part of the game."

Givani Smith has been recalled from Grand Rapids to take his spot on the fourth line. Smith appeared in three games earlier this season.

Fabbri enjoying new scenery

Robby Fabbri, the Red Wings' most recent trade acquisition, tried to bang a pass off the opposite boards a couple of times on Sunday against the Golden Knights and it didn't go well. But on his third attempt, the puck found Anthony Mantha's stick in the final minute. That gave Mantha a breakaway opportunity and he scored the winning goal.

"It's a play I've always liked to do, banking it off the wall behind the guy with speed, knowing that the defenseman is going to step up," Fabbri said.

That assist gave Fabbri three points in two games since he was traded from St. Louis last week for . Fabbri scored a pair of power-play goals in his Wings debut, a 4-2 victory over Boston on Friday.

He had one goal and no assists in nine games with the Blues this season. He appeared in just 32 games last season after missing all of the 2017-18 season. The 2014 first-round pick's career has been sidetracked by two ACL tears.

"It's refreshing," Fabbri said of his start with Detroit. "It's been tough the last two or three years. I've just kept my head down, kept staying in the right mindset, knowing that if I get an opportunity, I wasn't going to let it slip away. Here it is now and that's just motivating me."

Fabbri, 23, believes he's back to full strength and primed to revive his career.

"I'm about two years out of those injuries," he said. "I've had plenty of time to get past those and get my speed back, get my agility back. It's tough for me not to play competitive, so I never lost that. So I think I'm back to where I want to be."

Mantha, for his part, looked sluggish against the Golden Knights before his winner. Blashill gave him some short shifts and shuffled him to different lines.

"Is it evident when he's not moving his feet? Yes," Blashill said. "He's 6- foot-5. When he moves his feet, he's really fast. When he doesn't move his feet, you can tell. Everybody in the building can tell." 1161004 Detroit Red Wings Bernier made 17 saves on Sunday and might start when the Wings begin a three-game West Coast swing in Anaheim on Tuesday, though Blashill wouldn't tip his hand.

Detroit Red Wings' defenseman improvises for rare goal in second What is obvious is that they'll be feeling a little better about themselves straight win during the flight on Monday.

"These two wins mean a lot in this locker room," Bowey said. "We've been working hard all season and we've had a few ups and downs. Now Dana Gauruder, Special to Detroit Free Press Published 6:00 a.m. ET we see what happens when we play our game." Nov. 11, 2019 Detroit Free Press LOADED: 11.12.2019

A Madison Bowey goal is a rare occurrence. Scoring from his knees?

The last time he did that was somewhere on a pond in Winnipeg, where he grew up.

"Probably when I was 5 or 6 years old," he said. "That doesn't happen too often."

That's exactly the position the Detroit Red Wings defenseman found himself in. Bowey, skating in from the point, got tripped by William Carrier but managed to beat Vegas goalie Malcolm Subban for his first goal of the season.

His goal at 10:57 of the third period tied the score and Anthony Mantha's breakaway winner with 30.9 seconds remaining gave the Wings a 3-2 victory against the Golden Knights on Sunday.

They've now recorded two quality victories in three nights after losing 12 of the previous 13 games.

"We'll just take it anyway we can get it right now," Bowey said.

[ Do what you have to: Darren Helm on the penalty kill ]

His goal was just his second since being traded from Washington in February, and his third overall in 115 career games. He wasn't thinking about scoring as he moved toward the net.

"He admitted he tried to pass that one," Mantha said.

As he headed in, he needed to improvise.

"(Robby) Fabbri was open back door, I think," Bowey said. "Until I got tripped there, I was thinking of passing. As I was getting tripped, I decided to put it on net and it went in."

Fabbri, acquired from St. Louis prior to the Bruins game on Friday, scored two power-play goals in his Wings debut that night. For an encore, he set up the winner. Dylan Larkin dug the puck out in his own zone and forwarded it to Fabbri on the left side. Fabbri banged the puck off the opposite boards and Mantha found himself with a clear path to Subban.

Mantha's shot went top shelf on Subban's stick side.

"I was just going low block," Mantha said. "From that angle there, it's a hard shot for goalies to handle. It's just over and over practicing it."

He salvaged an otherwise unremarkable performance in which coach Jeff Blashill pulled him off the ice quickly on some shifts.

"It wasn't my best game in general," he said. "I did have a couple of short shifts and knew I had to bounce back in that last shift."

The Wings have shown some spunk in the past two games. They overcame a third-period deficit and 18 giveaways — compared to just four by the Golden Knights — while earning their sixth win of the season.

"I don't think we were nearly as sharp as we need to be," Blashill said. "We've played lots of games where we deserved to win and didn't win. Tonight, I don't know if we deserved to lose but we didn't play our best and found a way to win."

At least for the short run, the Wings appear to have a new pecking order in goal: Jonathan Bernier started back-to-back games for the first time this season.

Blashill had essentially alternated Jimmy Howard and Bernier on a game- by-game basis, but Howard is 2-8 and was pulled in two of his past three starts. 1161005 Detroit Red Wings Abdelkader has three points (all assists) in 16 games, with a plus-1 rating.

“He did a good job defensively, he had the injury earlier this season and Red Wings head to West Coast with optimism, confidence had to come back, and now another injury,” Blashill said. “It’s tough for him. I appreciate the sacrifice he makes. It’s unfortunate, but part of the game.”

Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News Published 3:42 p.m. ET Nov. 11, 2019 The Wings brought up Givani Smith to fill Abdelkader’s spot on the fourth line. Smith played in three games earlier this season with the Wings with

no points. Smith had seven points (three goals) in 10 games with the Detroit — A week ago, the Red Wings were a wreck and the prospect of Griffins a long road trip seemed like more bad news. “He fits in that fourth line well,” Blashill said. “He can keep that line’s Now, maybe it’s coming at the right time. element, that line has been good for us. He can add to that abrasiveness and physicality, and forechecking and net presence, things that are That’s what happens when you beat two powerful teams like Boston and important for us. Vegas, and now head to California for a three-game road trip against three teams who are in the same predicament the Wings were win. “It’ll be good to have him up.”

They’re aren’t winning much. Hirose slumping

So, timing might be everything for the Wings. Taro Hirose has been a healthy scratch the last two games, essentially since the arrival of Robby Fabbri in a trade late last week. “Completely agree on that one,” said Anthony Mantha, whose late goal Sunday downed Vegas. “It’s going to be three hard games, every other With only five points (all assists) in 17 games, and a minus-8 rating, night on this trip, but we need to focus on Anaheim (Tuesday). Hirose’s lack of production wasn’t helping his cause.

“Hopefully we can win that first one, and get on a heater for the rest of “With Taro’s size and speed, he has to really learn how to be this trip.” unbelievably crafty,” Blashill said. “It’s hard for him because he’s getting out-muscled (along the walls). He has to find ways to be unbelievably The Wings face Anaheim, Los Angeles (Thursday) and San Jose crafty to make sure he keeps possession of the puck. That’s something (Saturday) — three of the bottom six teams in the Western Conference. that takes time.

What gives the Wings some optimism heading into this trip is the “He’s played fine, but obviously we don’t score enough and our power reawakening of the special teams — which have struggled so badly this play wasn’t good enough. He’s somebody, if he’s anything, he’s going to season — and the play of goaltender Jonathan Bernier. be an offensive player and he wasn’t quite offensive enough.”

Nobody is ready to say the Wings have completely turned around their Red Wings at Ducks power play and penalty kill, but at least there are positives. ► Faceoff: 10 p.m. Tuesday, Honda Center, Anaheim, Calif. They were 3-for-7 in the two victories on the power play, and killed 5-of-6 penalties, tipping the balance in two close games to the Wings’ side. ► TV/radio: Fox Sports Detroit-plus/97.1 FM

Coach Jeff Blashill feels those two areas will figure prominently also on ► Outlook: Anaheim (9-8-1) has lost six of its last nine games, including the West Coast. two consecutive games…The Ducks have also scored two or less goals in eight of their last 10 games…C Ryan Getzlaf (11 points) continues to “Those games (last weekend) can go either way, and in the end, we had be a force, but G John Gibson (2.80 goals-against average, .915 save a couple of big saves at huge moments and we out-specialty teamed percentage) has kept the Ducks close most games. them,” Blashill said. “Five-on-five, we’ve played fairly good hockey, that’s what the underlying stats say. Detroit News LOADED: 11.12.2019

“Two big keys every night is special teams and goaltending and we’ve gotten that the last couple of nights.”

What the last two games have shown, too, is the fact the talent level between the top of the NHL and the bottom isn’t as large as some of these recent Wings’ losses suggest.

The Wings played better all-around games over the weekend, and the results were victories against two teams with deeper rosters.

“I say it all the time, and I don’t think you all always believe me, but the league is like this,” Blashill said. “The difference from the best to a team like us that’s at the bottom is minimal in terms of talent.

“There’s not a huge difference, not like 15 years ago when there was huge differences. So if you go out and play your best hockey, you have a chance to win. We just have to keep working toward building our game.”

The Wings were a team that was rapidly losing confidence while losing 12 of 13 games before defeating Boston.

After two victories, the Wings are feeling better about themselves.

“Confidence becomes a huge factor in this league,” Blashill said. “That’s why you see teams go on big runs one way or another. We just have to keep building confidence.”

Abdelkader out

The Wings will be without forward Justin Abdelkader for about three weeks, Blashill said, with a mid-body injury.

Abdelkader was hurt in Sunday’s victory. He played just under 12 minutes and was credited with three blocked shots. 1161006 Detroit Red Wings

How to watch, listen and stream Detroit Red Wings at Anaheim Ducks

By Lauren Williams

Detroit defenseman Madison Bowey punched a rare goal into the net in the Red Wings win over the Vegas Knights on Sunday, giving the Wings a two-game winning streak.

Now the Red Wings head to Anaheim, Calif. where they’ll take on a Ducks team looking to snap a three-game losing streak.

The Red Wings (6-12-1) and the Ducks (9-8-1) hit the ice at 10 p.m on Nov. 12 at the Honda Center.

WATCH

Broadcast: Fox Sports Detroit Plus

Live Stream: Hulu | YouTube TV | fubo (free trial)

LISTEN

Red Wings Affiliates: Detroit (WXYT-97.1 FM/ 1270 AM); Ann Arbor (WTKA-1050 AM); Grand Rapids (WTKG-1230 AM); Kalamazoo (WQLR- 1660 AM); Saginaw (WSGW-790 AM)

Live Stream: TuneIn Radio

Stream Red Wings games live: fuboTV and Hulu + Live

Michigan Live LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161007 Detroit Red Wings Hirose has no goals and five assists in 17 games. The acquisition of Robby Fabbri, who has two goals (both on the power play) and an assist in two games, bumped Hirose out of the lineup.

Givani Smith gets another look as Red Wings’ Justin Abdelkader out for “At Taro’s size (5-10, 162) and speed he has to really learn to be weeks unbelievably crafty,” Blashill said. “I’m not saying you can’t, but wall battles are really hard for him because he’s getting out-muscled, so he’s got to find ways to be unbelievably crafty to make sure he keeps possession of the puck. That sometimes takes time.” By Ansar Khan Blashill said Hirose is out due to lack of production, not defensive issues.

“If he’s not really productive then he’s probably not bringing tons of other DETROIT – Justin Abdelkader has been part of what Detroit Red Wings elements to the game,” Blashill said. “He’s a very smart player, smart coach Jeff Blashill said has been an effective fourth line, but now he will defensively, so I never had any worries of putting him on the ice against be out for a while. anybody. I think he’s a really good defensive player. When he goes back Blashill said Abdelkader is out a minimum of three weeks, possibly in, I’m hoping he’s more productive.” longer. Abdelkader blocked a shot with his left hand or wrist in Sunday’s Michigan Live LOADED: 11.12.2019 3-2 victory over Vegas.

“I don’t know the exact timeline, it depends on how it heals,” Blashill said. “We’ll just keep giving updates as the healing process goes.”

The Red Wings recalled Givani Smith from the . The Red Wings’ three-game trip to California starts Tuesday in Anaheim (10 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit), and it sounds like Smith will replace Abdelkader on the line with and Darren Helm.

“He fits in that fourth line well,” Blashill said. “The (Dylan) Larkin line and that line have been two of our better lines throughout the season at different times, so he can add to that abrasiveness, physicality, forechecking, net presence, things that are important to us.”

Smith had no points in three games with the Red Wings, averaging 10:32 in ice time, from Oct. 25-29. He has three goals, four assists and a team- high 27 penalty minutes in 10 games for the Griffins. He’s off to a good start after a rough transition to pros last season.

“One, he’s worked hard over the last number of summers,” Blashill said. “My biggest thing would be he simplified his game through the neutral zone from the top of the circle in our end to the blue line; he’s decided to skate when they get pucks in behind and do what he does best, which is forecheck, O-zone grind, net presence.”

Smith, the team’s second selection in the 2016 draft (46th overall), appears to have learned what it takes to be a pro.

“When you’re in junior you’re able to get away with certain things, maybe because you’re bigger or a better athlete or better hockey player than the ones you’re going against,” Blashill said. “Once you get to pro, all the sudden everyone’s pretty close to equal and you got to find ways to be successful and he’s done a good job of simplifying his game. I think playing within himself is something he didn’t do when he first came and part of that is because he didn’t have to in junior. Good for him and good coaching by (Griffins coach) Ben Simon made him aware of it.”

Abdelkader has no goals and three assists in 16 games, but Blashill has liked what he’s seen from him.

“I thought he did a good job,” Blashill said. “He had the injury earlier (missing three games; leading to Smith’s first recall) and had to come back and now he’s got another injury, so it’s tough for him. I appreciate the sacrifice that he makes.”

Luke Glendening, who had surgery on his left wrist and has missed nine games, has been practicing with the team but said he is not close to returning.

Hirose’s tough go

Taro Hirose has been a healthy scratch the past two games, but it doesn’t appear the Red Wings are prepared to send him to Grand Rapids anytime soon.

“Somebody’s got to be 13 and potentially 14 (forward), sitting out,” Blashill said. “I don’t think we’re necessarily sitting here today and saying, ‘We’re going to have Taro out for an extended period of time.’ I don’t think Taro played poorly; he wasn’t able to be as effective offensively as he had hoped at the start of the year. It doesn’t mean he can’t be later on. So right now, he’s just the odd guy sitting out, but we’ll take that day by day and see if he gets in soon.” 1161008 Detroit Red Wings When you mention Nedomansky to Stastny, there is a palpable blend of awe and excitement.

“He was bigger than life,” Stastny said. “Are you kidding me? I loved the Vaclav Nedomansky’s Hall of Fame journey started with a secret dash to guy. He was so dominant.” freedom in 1974 When kids gathered on the streets to play hockey in Bratislava you were either Nedomansky or Stan Mikita, the great Chicago Blackhawks star who was adopted by his uncle and aunt in St. Catharines, Ontario, before Scott Burnside Nov 11, 2019 going on to a Hall of Fame career in Chicago.

Youngsters clamored to wear either Nedomansky’s 14 or Makita’s 21.

They pack lightly, loading three cheap, vinyl suitcases, all different sizes, They were both proud of their heritage, Stastny said, and they were elite into the back of the road-worn dark blue Citroen. hockey players. The perfect combination for young boys looking for idols.

The luggage is filled with jeans and T-shirts. Summer clothes. At the end of each season, as Stastny was showing potential as one of the top young players in Czechoslovakia, some of the junior players were Mom, Dad and their young son dress casually hoping to avoid suspicion given the chance to play a game or two with the senior team in in a nation where suspicion is a way of life and a form of currency. Bratislava. It is a Friday afternoon in the summer of 1974. A natural departure time One year, Stastny played on a line with Nedomansky. for one of the greatest Czechoslovak hockey players, Vaclav Nedomansky, his wife, Vera, and their son Vashi, not yet 4, to be Back in the junior dressing room after those games, Stastny proclaimed heading for a summer vacation. to his teammates that his career was complete.

Before leaving their life in occupied Czechoslovakia, they rehearse their “I was ready to hang my skates on the nail,” Stastny said. “I had just story over and over again. They count on the hiss of the shower in their achieved everything I had ever dreamed of.” spartan Bratislava apartment to muffle their voices, assuming electronic listening devices will hear them if they’re not careful. Stastny finished his career second only to Wayne Gretzky in points produced during the 1980s and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Despite their life of relative ease in the Russian-controlled country, 1998. Nedomansky has to sell hockey memorabilia and a bit of fine Czechoslovak crystal to acquaintances in Germany to raise money for “I’m so happy for him,” Stastny said of Nedomansky’s enshrinement. “I’ve the second-hand car. always revered him.”

The family’s planned vacation to Switzerland is a perk available only to In the months leading up to Nedomansky’s clandestine summer trip to the communist country’s top officials and its most celebrated athletes, Zurich, officials from the fledgling Atlanta Flames, GM Cliff Fletcher and a like the 30-year-old Nedomansky. The passport he has used to travel the young up-and-comer named , quietly visited him at his home world as a member of the national hockey team has been collected by in Bratislava. They took note of the and souvenirs of a hockey officials, but the family has personal passports that allow limited travel. If life already well-lived if not well-documented in North America. they return, they’ll be forced to give those passports back and move to They returned to after Nedomansky’s defection and hoped to their new home in Brno. If they return … sign him to an NHL deal to play in Atlanta. But they were not alone. Shortly after they get in the car and drive away, they approach their first Nedomansky also met with sports and entertainment impresario John F. obstacle, the border of Austria. As they line up behind a couple of other Bassett, new owner of the Toronto Toros of the WHA. cars, they wait and they worry. Did a suspicious neighbor call ahead to border officials? Did young Vashi blurt out details about a move to The was making life uncomfortable for the Canada? NHL at the time, signing established players like Bobby Hull and enticing rising young stars like Mark Napier, Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky. “Any reasonable doubt could be trouble,” Nedomansky knows. The NHL’s agreement with the International Federation that But their fears are unfounded and they’re through the border in minutes. prevented European players from jumping straight into the NHL was also Vienna, only 50 miles from their home in Bratislava, is the first stop on a problem. Nedomansky was 30 years old. He didn’t want to wait to play their “vacation.” at the top level.

Then it’s 300 miles through Innsbruck and another 200 miles to cross “Everything was telling me Toronto,” Nedomansky recalled. over into Switzerland. The Citroen, derisively known as The Duck, And so he and his family joined Bassett on a flight from Zurich to shimmies and sways from side to side as it labors up and down the Montreal and then on to Toronto. winding mountain roads. But they take their time. They’re just a family on vacation. Legendary Toronto sportswriter George Gross was there when the flight landed. There are pictures of Nedomansky; Vera, a top skier in “I was acting logically and smart,” Nedomansky says. “I fooled them all. I Czechoslovakia; and Vashi making their way through the terminal. did what was necessary.” Gross’ stories on the defection in the Toronto Sun would earn him a Since the early 1960s, when the big, graceful center first began playing national sportswriting award in Canada and it was the first glimpse most the equivalent of professional hockey in Czechoslovakia, he had fans got of the great Nedomansky. regularly traveled to North America. And while NHL players and later World Hockey Association players were then forbidden from playing in Vashi recalls being a terror on the flight across the Atlantic and as the the Olympics or world championships, Nedomansky longed to test his family went through customs, he was waving a cap gun. Still, there is a mettle against those players. picture of him happily sipping on a cold drink while sitting on his father’s lap. More, he longed for freedom and for his family to experience it, too. “I remember all of it like yesterday,” Vashi said. His defection helped change the nature of the game at the highest level. Eventually, 20 players fled communist-ruled countries and played in the The smells, the bright lights, the colors of the clothing that people were NHL. Nedomansky was the first. Some 45 years later, on Nov. 18, he will wearing. The McDonald’s golden arches and the enticing smells and be recognized with the game’s highest honor, induction into the Hockey tastes therein. Hall of Fame in Toronto. “And everyone’s smiling,” he said. Nedomansky’s defection was the first fissure in the Iron Curtain. In his homeland, he was revered, a national sporting treasure, a folklore hero. Just like his family.

“He was almost like, I’m Catholic so remember that, almost a God-like Before they left Czechoslovakia, Nedomansky managed to remove a few figure,” Peter Stastny, a Hall of Famer and one of the most prolific precious keepsakes from the family home in Bratislava. It had to be done scorers of his generation, said during a phone call from Bratislava. quietly to avoid arousing suspicion. By the time his father got to the Bratislava apartment after the defection, national team, including Jiri Holik, uncle to future NHL star Bobby Holik, government officials had already locked it down. and Stastny.

What happened to the valuables inside? Apparently, neighbors and “I was listening to every word,” Stastny said. police took what they wanted. “I remember what they had. There was fried chicken in a basket, a “Obviously, it makes you mad, but what can you do?” Nedomansky said. wooden basket. I’d never seen anything like it,” Stastny said. And, oh yes, there were some beers as well, he added with a laugh. That was just the beginning of the effort to erase Nedomansky in his homeland. When the Stastnys, first Peter and Anton and then a year later Marian, engineered their own escapes, Nedomansky treated them as brothers-in- A few years later, when Nedomansky played for the Detroit Red Wings in arms. an exhibition game against the Soviet Wings, the broadcast in Russia referred to him only by his number. Stastny and Nedomansky spoke on the phone regularly once Stastny was in Quebec. He took four slashing penalties in the first period and then scored the game-winning goal. When the Nordiques played in Detroit, Nedomansky hosted dinners at home or at local restaurants. “I slashed the shit out of them,” he happily told his son for a documentary film Vashi is producing about his father called “Big Ned.” “I felt like I was in seventh heaven every time I could talk to him,” Stastny said. While he wasn’t mentioned in that Russian broadcast, his name rang out in Czechoslovakian hockey lore. At the 1968 Olympics, the underdog Even as Stastny’s career took off, his reverence for Nedomansky Czechoslovaks defeated the powerful Russians, 5-4, ending up with a remained. When Stastny was asked to be the GM of Team for silver medal based on the tie-breaking system at the time. Nedomansky the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, he asked Nedomansky to be part of the had five goals and two assists in the seven-game tournament. scouting staff.

That summer, Russia sent half a million troops into Czechoslovakia to “He left a huge, huge, huge impossible-to-fill void,” Stastny said. crush more liberal political reforms that were underway, the start of an occupation that would last two decades. Bobby Holik grew up with the name “Big Ned” ringing in his ears.

That hockey victory was seen as a small triumph over the country’s His father, Jaroslav, and uncle, Jiri, were longtime members of the oppressors and ”5-4″ graffiti began to surface on buildings and other national team and contemporaries and friends of Nedomansky. public places in the months after the Soviet occupation began. Bobby Holik came to North America in 1990, the 10th-overall pick of the The following year, at the world championships in Stockholm, the Hartford Whalers a year earlier. In some ways, he was in the first Czechoslovaks defeated the Russians twice. Nedomansky recalls the generation of European players who could entertain an NHL career Russians tripping, spearing and losing their cool. They were not good without having to escape his homeland to fulfill that dream. One of the losers, he said. top power forwards of his generation, Holik played more than 1,300 NHL games and won two Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils. He also recalled the fans in Sweden cheering on the underdogs to a surprise victory. “I’ve been hearing about Big Ned since I can remember,” Holik said.

“All that together, it was just great stuff,” Nedomansky said. “It’s not hard to mix geopolitics and hockey at that time. What comes next is the inspiration he provided at least to me and I hope to other Czech Ethan Scheiner is a professor of political science and director of the and Slovak players.” international relations major at the University of California, Davis. He is writing a book about the intersection of hockey and politics in Looking out his window at the mountains of Wyoming, Holik likened Czechoslovakia during the Soviet occupation. Nedomansky’s defection to the first settlers who carved a trail through the American West. After the Russian invasion, Czechoslovaks believed that Russian power over their lives extended to sporting events. There was a wide segment “For Big Ned, that was extremely courageous,” he said. of the population that believed the Russians wouldn’t allow the Holik referenced a book about North American explorers William Clark Czechoslovak hockey teams to beat them, Scheiner said. That’s why and Meriwether Lewis, “Undaunted Courage.” those victories on the international stage were such emotional affairs. “I think there could be a book about Big Ned called the same way,” Holik “They were all pinning their hopes on these hockey matches,” Scheiner said. said. “This was a country that felt just utterly impotent.” “It’s something that should be memorized and talked about by the Tennis great Martina Navratilova left Czechoslovakia a year after younger players. People need to be educated about what that society Nedomansky did and cited the victories by the hockey team over the was like. The lies. It’s called whitewashing history.” Russians as a catalyst for her departure. Holik said there should be no misconceptions about life under Soviet Losing the country’s greatest sporting heroes was a huge blow to the occupation. communist government. “That was the life and death of people,” he said. “They were trying to “Nobody had done it before,” Scheiner said. “It really was a stunning break their spirit. … He’s the one that showed us the way. He had to moment. succeed. He couldn’t go back.”

“They all thought about leaving. It’s a genuinely difficult position being the Holik lists off some of the greats of his generation who know first one. He is really, genuinely a hero.” Nedomansky’s story well, including future Hall of Famer Marian Hossa Nedomansky’s defection sent ripples throughout the hockey world at and longtime Devils great Patrik Elias. home. “My friends. They couldn’t do what they did if Big Ned didn’t open the “It’s as though Wayne Gretzky had disappeared and people didn’t know,” door,” Holik said. Stastny said. Once he settled in North America, the Citroen was replaced by a brand People found ways to listen to Voice of America and Radio Free Europe new Thunderbird. Later, Nedomansky’s Volkswagen camper was his and other forbidden Western sources of information. favored mode of transport. Not long after his Toros career started, he bought a home in the Toronto area, and he and Vera had a daughter, “I was grateful to him,” Stastny said. “We were so sad when he left.” Victoria.

The first time he spent real time with Nedomansky, Stastny was still But beyond the unabashed color and bounty of North American life, this playing for the Czechoslovakian national team in North America. It was in had always been about testing his limits as a player. Nedomansky found Hartford and Nedomansky organized a dinner with members of the himself suiting up with players like and Frank Mahovlich, two heroes of the famous 1972 between Canada and Finally, Hull begged off the conversation saying he had to get ready for Russia. the game.

Mahovlich and Nedomansky played together for three full seasons in the Playing with Jean Ratelle and Rod Gilbert, Hull noticed the opposing WHA, first in Toronto and then when the team abruptly moved to centerman looked familiar. Alabama and became the Birmingham Bulls. It was, of course, Nedomansky. In 1976, the two good friends headed south for training camp. Nedomansky remembers getting pulled over by the police during their “He took the puck, went through everybody and scored,” Hull said journey. laughing.

“Frank told them, we have to go, we have practice in Birmingham, Five years later, the two were teammates in Detroit and Hull was playing Alabama,” Nedomansky recalled. “They said, no guys, you’re going to the final season of his distinguished NHL career. jail. You can practice on Monday. But they let us go after that.” Teammates, linemates … and roommates, as it turned out, in a home in Years later, when Vashi played minor pro hockey in Birmingham, Windsor, Ontario, owned by NHLer Pat Boutette. Nedomansky heard a fan screaming for him to get off the ice and let “We were like the Odd Couple,” Hull said. “I was Felix Unger.” some of the young players have a chance. The two drove together to the old Olympia, often in Nedomansky’s “They thought it was me,” Nedomansky said with a hearty laugh. Volkswagen Westfalia camper. Longtime Red Wings trainer Ross ‘Lefty’ Mahovlich, whose parents had emigrated from Croatia, made a point of Wilson would always rib them when they arrived for work. trying to find Czechoslovakian restaurants when they were on the road “He used to give us a hard time. He would say, ‘oh, here are the big stars and the two were frequent dinner companions at home. from Windsor,’” Hull recalled.

“He would introduce you to different foods and he loved to cook,” One day, Nedomansky asked Hull, one of the sharpest wits of the NHL, Mahovlich recalled. to give him something to fire back at Wilson.

In the offseason, the Nedomanskys visited Mahovlich, who was inducted “So I taught him something to say to Lefty,” Hull said. into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981, at his cottage north of Toronto. The next day the routine unfolded as usual with Wilson welcoming the “He was a real gentleman,” Mahovlich said. “The kindest person you’d big stars from Windsor. ever want to meet. He had so much talent.” “And Big Ned says to him, ‘get off my case, tomato face,’” Hull said. “So While Nedomansky’s arrival in North America changed the face of the Lefty was speechless for one of the few times in his life.” NHL game, it wasn’t immediately celebrated. Like so many who entered Nedomansky’s orbit, they remain close. Hull “Our time, they really hated us, many of them. Honest,” said former WHA visits Nedomansky at his new home in California whenever he can. and NHL player Dan Labraaten, a native of Leksand, Sweden. “We took their jobs from some of them.” “He still tells the stories,” Nedomansky said with a laugh.

While many of the first Europeans who came to play in North America “He was fabulous,” Hull said. “He ended up being one of my best friends. absorbed heaps of physical abuse and social isolation, it might have “He was a superstar. He could do everything with the puck. I was just at been worse for Nedomansky. the end of my career so I wasn’t much help to him, but we scored a few “I think when he came, to be such a big star in Europe, he had a little goals.” harder time when he came to the WHA,” Labraaten said. “To be honest, In some ways Nedomansky’s accomplishments have been easy to there were quite a bit of goons there.” overlook for more recent generations of hockey players and fans. He Twelve games into his second season with the Bulls, and with came to North America well into his career and joined a rebel league that Nedomansky wearying of the league’s goon tactics, WHA and NHL would ultimately fold. Players that followed him to North America — the teams swung a historic trade. The Bulls were looking to get tougher and Stastnys, Sergei Fedorov, Igor Larionov, Alexander Mogilny — would shed salary, so they sent Nedomansky and talented forward Tim Sheehy enjoy more on-ice success and become true stars in the NHL in a way to the Detroit Red Wings for Steve Durbano and Dave Hanson. that eluded Nedomansky.

Gilles Leger, GM of the Bulls, showed up for dinner at Nedomansky’s That disconnect would continue even after his selection as a Hall of apartment to break the news. Sheehy was there as well, and at one point Famer. Leger said simply: “I just traded you to Detroit.” When the NHL Network introduced the six-member Class of 2019 they “Tim jumped up and almost beat him up,” Nedomansky said. did so in a segment that ran almost 13 minutes. It mentioned Nedomansky only at the beginning of the segment and didn’t even The joke was that Birmingham had traded 100 goals for about 10,000 include a picture of him. There were no mentions of his accomplishments penalty minutes. or impact on the game, a sharp departure from the other members of the The WHA shut down a little more than a year later and the Hartford class. Whalers, Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers and joined Not that Nedomansky came for stardom. He came to play the game, the NHL. finishing with 421 games played and 278 points.

“Years later, I talked to Gilles Leger at the draft in Pittsburgh and he said After his playing career, he coached in Germany and Austria before ‘Tim, we had to trade you. We got $100,000 for you guys,’” Sheehy joining the Los Angeles Kings as a scout, a position he landed thanks to recalled. longtime friend and teammate Rogie Vachon.

Dennis Hull met Nedomansky for the first time less than 48 hours after The two were neighbors in Detroit for several years and when both Team Canada electrified the world in Game 8 of the 1972 Summit Series moved to California after their playing days ended, they spent a great in Moscow. deal of time together.

Few people remember that the Canadians finished their international “We’ve been very close friends for many, many years,” said Vachon, who odyssey that fall with an exhibition game against the Czechoslovakian was inducted into the Hall of Fame after a long wait back in 2016. “I hired national team in Prague. The legend of that game is that the 23 most him as a scout and it turned out very well. He’s a great person. He’s very sober players were in the Canadian lineup. knowledgeable.”

Hull was walking to the rink in Prague when he was approached by a After Nedomansky was chosen for the 2019 Hall of Fame class, Vachon distinguished-looking local. said, “I called him right away. I told him it was a little bit like me; I had to “This tall, handsome guy started chatting me up and asking about the wait over 30 years before I got in.” NHL and Canada and all of that stuff,” Hull recalled. Bob Owen was a scout for the Kings when Nedomansky joined the team. “He’s a very instinctive person,” Owen said. “You don’t teach him who’s Vegas Golden Knights, where he worked alongside Nedomansky to build good and who’s not good. … That’s why Rogie trusted him so much.” an into a Stanley Cup finalist.

Owen, who still does some scouting for Winnipeg, said he was focused But Conte’s interest in Nedomansky dates back years before he became on helping Nedomansky learn the ins and outs of the job. “… Scheduling, one of the pre-eminent talent evaluators in the business. the paperwork, organizing your thoughts, putting them on paper, putting those thoughts into lists,” he said. “That’s the part that we worked on the When Conte was a senior in high school, he proposed featuring Montreal most.” Canadiens great Jean Beliveau as his topic for a public speaking exercise. Too easy, his teacher insisted. Dig deeper. The two grew close as they traveled and Nedomansky eventually shared his story with Owen. Conte had a part-time job at a winery in the Niagara Falls area and he met a Czechoslovak defector there who kept talking about Vaclav “He went through so much,” Owen said. “I would just look at him in Nedomansky. amazement that I had the privilege to be associated with Ned. That he was “the guy,” Conte said. “How everyone wanted to wear No. “I knew the name obviously and I knew the player, but getting to know 14.” the man was amazing.” And so Conte made his speech about a man he wouldn’t meet until they Owen traveled with Nedomansky in November of 1991 on his first trip were scouting colleagues years later, Conte with the Devils and back to Czechoslovakia since his defection. Nedomansky with the Kings. The two later helped build the Vegas Golden Knights from the ground up. The two met in Frankfurt and stopped in Munich for a game. They drove through Vienna and crossed into Czechoslovakia en route to Hodonin, Conte was a catalyst to Nedomansky’s Hall of Fame campaign. With the his hometown and where his mother lived until her death at age 92. help of Golden Knights analytics staffers, he devised statistical comparables with other European greats like Fetisov, Larionov, Valery “Ned never let me touch the wheel of a car in Europe because I followed Kharlamov, Sergei Makarov and Alexander Yakushev. the rules too much for him,” Owen said. But the morning they were leaving Munich, he asked Owen to drive. “He was god-like in that country and he carried himself like a Jean Beliveau, which is the highest honor I could give anybody,” Conte said. “I knew he was really nervous,” Owen said. “He’s done more for the game than the game’s done for him.” The closer they got to the Czechoslovak border the more nervous Nedomansky became. Owen asked if Nedomansky’s mother knew they Nedomansky hasn’t wasted much time on regret since that flight touched were coming. He said he didn’t want to tell her, that he was fearful issues down in Montreal in the summer of 1974. at the border would scuttle the visit. “I was absolutely, 100 percent sure I’d done the right thing,” he said. Owen tried to assure Nedomansky, by then a Canadian citizen, he had nothing to fear. That’s not to say there haven’t been challenges.

So just before the border, Nedomansky called his mother. Nedomansky and his first wife, Vera, split up in 1983. The divorce came around the same time that Nedomansky lost a lawsuit against his former “I said, guess what? I’m close by. I’ll be at your house in half an hour,” he agent Alan Eagleson, whom he’d sued for breach of contract. The judge said. “And then, all of a sudden, we are in front of the border.” ruled that Nedomansky, who had sued Eagleson for $1.7 million, had to pay the soon-to-be disgraced Eagleson $60,000 in court costs. Owen said stunned border guards immediately recognized Nedomansky. Later, Eagleson, the former head of the players’ union, would be “Nobody there could take their eyes off him,” Owen said. “They couldn’t convicted of fraud and embezzlement and resign from the Hockey Hall of believe what they were seeing.” Fame.

After a few pictures and some handshakes, the two departed for But the decision was a huge blow for Nedomansky, who rarely speaks of Hodonin. When they arrived, word quickly spread: The town’s favorite the matter. son was back. “It broke him,” Vashi said. “People were just stopping in their tracks,” Owen said. Not so much financially, although the costs were significant at that time, As they climbed the stairs to his mother’s second-floor apartment, the but emotionally, his son said. home where Nedomasky grew up and where she lived for 60 years, time and distance melted. For Nedomansky, it was a bitter reminder that injustice happens everywhere. “I was very nervous,” Nedomansky said. “You always dream that someone could come in the room and get you. It was a really nervous He’s been married to his second wife, Marcela Valusek, for 20 years and time. I didn’t realize it was going to be OK.” they have settled in California. That’s where he was, outside a Trader Joe’s grocery store not far from his Palm Springs home, when the Hall of Not much had changed in Nedomansky’s childhood home. The small, Fame call came. musty apartment was dimly lit, the mailboxes still in a state of disrepair. What do you say when history calls? “Not so great memories,” Nedomansky said. Nedomansky said he thought of Pat Quinn and Pat Burns, who were The next day, when the two went to scout a nearby tournament, inducted posthumously. Nedomansky became the show. “This is nicer if you can still be alive,” he said. “We’d go to games and it would just be a madhouse,” Owen said. “People would swarm him everywhere we went.” That’s not just a throwaway line. A decade ago, Nedomansky was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Nedomansky was apologetic, but Owen was in awe. “I almost lost him on too many nights that I don’t care to really look back “I told him, I’ll watch the games, you just take it all in,” Owen said. upon,” Vashi said.

It’s fitting, perhaps, that Nedomansky’s path to the Hall of Fame was in Nedomansky has been cancer-free now for seven years and in the many ways secured by the scouting community. These diligent talent aftermath of confronting his own mortality, he agreed to tell his story and evaluators don’t see the limelight, but they do understand the fabric of decided that his son should be the one to tell it. the game. They believed their friend and colleague deserved the game’s highest honor. If you ever wonder why or even if things happen for a reason, consider this: During Nedomansky’s days in Detroit, where wins were scarce, he David Conte is considered the behind-the-scenes architect of the New won an old-style shoulder-mounted VHS camera and recorder for being Jersey Devils’ three championship squads between 1995 and 2003. He the first star in a game. was also a key figure in the made-for-Hollywood rise of the expansion The camera became young Vashi’s prized possession and the youngster began making short films with friends. It led to a career in feature film editing and although he followed in his father’s footsteps for a time playing minor pro hockey, Vashi’s calling has taken him to Hollywood. He’s worked with top-name producers including Jerry Bruckheimer, a lifelong hockey fan and now part of the ownership group of the expansion team in Seattle.

Vashi hopes to apply the lessons he’s learned watching and working with people like Bruckheimer, a longtime colleague and friend, on his first long-form production.

“His story has never been told,” Vashi said.

“He’s a very humble and gentle man. And he doesn’t share too much. Something to do with coming from a communist country, where the more you talk the more you can get into trouble. But I think he felt not a duty but more so that it was his legacy to share (his story).”

In the past, he has turned down book offers and other requests to do long-form examinations of his life.

“I didn’t like to open myself completely,” Nedomansky said.

But opening up to the young son who shared in the border-crossing journey and dreams of a better life came a little more naturally.

“I can say what I need to say,” Nedomansky said. “That would be a good way to close down the circle.”

The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161009 Edmonton Oilers “I wasn’t getting too frustrated. It’s easy to get frustrated when you go that long, but I tried to just stick with it and trust myself that if I keep putting them on (net) eventually they’re going to go in. It was nice to get the monkey off the back a little bit and just play.” Edmonton Oilers running hot since good luck moms arrived STAYING HOME

Jesse Puljujarvi made it clear when he left for Finland that he would not Robert Tychkowski play for the Oilers again, and now he’s doubled down on his position, saying he won’t be playing for anyone in the NHL this year.

Puljujarvi told Finnish reporters he intends to finish the season with SAN JOSE — The Moms are 2-0. Oulun Karpat, meaning the likelihood of his being traded to another NHL It might be coincidence that the most complete and convincing wins of team before the Dec. 1 deadline is virtually zero, since he wouldn’t be the Edmonton Oilers season coincided with the start of the Moms’ Trip, reporting for duty. but then again, maybe it’s not. Puljujarvi, who couldn’t adjust to the time and space of the NHL game, Since the mothers gathered in Edmonton prior to the two-game road believes a full season in a lesser league will help with his confidence and swing through California, the Oilers rolled over New Jersey 4-0 at home timing. If he decides he’s ready to take another shot at the NHL, a trade and then crushed Anaheim 6-2 on the road. would likely come in the summer.

“There was a bunch of them at the home game on Friday and they were Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 11.12.2019 saying at the dinner that they hoped the luck would continue, and if it did, it might put the fathers on alert that mothers going on trips works,” said head coach Dave Tippett, whose club definitely has a new spring in its step after a six- or seven-game sag.

“You go through different stages like that throughout the year where you’re out of sync a little bit, but the last couple of games we’ve kind of stabilized and we’re moving in the right direction.”

Assist goes to the moms?

Zack Kassian, who had a shorthanded goal and two assists in the win over Anaheim, says knowing his mother is in the crowd always elevates his game to a new level.

“When she comes to games I seem to score almost every time, so I might have to move her in here, get her a job with the team,” he laughed, adding it’s a special time for all of the players.

“I know my mom has waited a long time, nine years for this trip, so she’s going to have the time of her life. That’s good, that’s the way it should be. They’ve all worked so hard to get us through hockey growing up, to bring us to the games. We’re happy to have them and they seem to be our good-luck charm right now.”

James Neal has experienced moms’ trips and dads’ trips before during his time in the league and says there is usually a big difference. The dads tend to hit it pretty hard while moms are, well, moms.

“It’s definitely different when it’s your mom, because your mom is not coming into the room at four in the morning, stumbling around and waking you up,” he laughed.

“They always talk about dads’ trips, so moms sometimes go under the radar a bit, but I’m the oldest of five and I definitely wouldn’t be anywhere without my mom.

“Her taking me to hockey and how she worked to put me and my brothers through hockey. She’s a special lady and I appreciate everything she’s done for me. To be able to have her on the trip with me, get to spend some time with me is great.”

They round out the trip Tuesday in San Jose.

NUGE CATCHES FIRE

It can happen in a hurry, going from ice cold to red hot, especially with a player as talented as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

So it came as no surprise to anyone, really, that he ended his slump with a bang. Two of them, actually. His pair of goals Sunday in Anaheim came on the heels of a two-assist night Friday against New Jersey.

“He’s always been deadly out there,” said Kassian. “If he’s not scoring, he’s playing the right way. He’s a great player. In an 82-game season, there are going to be highs and lows and different people stepping up at different times, but all of us knew that he was going to get on the score sheet eventually and when he did they would come in bunches.”

Nugent-Hopkins is just glad to get his groove back.

“You never KNOW (it’s going to happen), but I’ve kind of been around it, had some good looks, some posts and a couple that got tipped in,” he said. 1161010 Los Angeles Kings

Kings haven’t climbed out of the deep holes they’ve been digging

By ANDREW KNOLL | PUBLISHED: November 11, 2019 at 4:21 pm | UPDATED: November 11, 2019 at 4:21 PM

After a stretch where two goals in 30 seconds put them behind the eight- ball in Ottawa, few figured yet another instance of back-to-back goals this season could go worse for the Kings. The Kings’ response in Montreal two days later? Hold my beer.

They surrendered two goals in a mere 15 seconds early during a game in which they played considerably better for the final 40 minutes Saturday. The Kings (5-11-1) found themselves down 3-0 after the first period and were not able to recover in a 3-2 loss. Defenseman book- ended Montreal’s three tallies with two thunderous slap shots. Blown coverage by a forward once again burned the Kings on their second goal allowed.

“When you go down 0-3 in this league, it’s really hard to come back. We were fortunate just to even be in this game tonight at the end,” center Blake Lizotte told reporters.

Lizotte said play early in games will need to improve, starting with their next game against the Minnesota Wild (6-10-1) at Staples Center Tuesday. The rookie center skated with second-year wing Austin Wagner and another rookie, Carl Grundstrom. They were instrumental in a Kings rally that fell short. Lizotte assisted on center Anze Kopitar’s power-play goal. The line combined to create the Kings’ second marker, which was Lizotte’s first career goal. They were also deployed in the waning moments of the game with Kopitar on the ice as the extra attacker

“They deserved to be out there. I thought they were our most effective line,” Kings coach Todd McLellan told reporters. “It was an easy decision on our behalf.”

The trio, all of whom were born in 1997, might give the Kings something to build on as they put a winless three-game trip behind them. Up next is a stretch of their schedule that is very light on travel.

They play nine of their next 12 games at Staples Center with visits to Arizona, San Jose and Anaheim sprinkled into the mix. They kick off a three-game homestand Tuesday against Minnesota.

Although both Minnesota and the Kings are in last place in their respective divisions, Minnesota walloped the Kings 5-1 in their previous meeting.

The Wild are led by veteran center Eric Staal, who has microwaved his game after a frigid start to the season. He poured in 13 points in a nine- game stretch before he saw his six-game point streak snap against Arizona Saturday.

Former Anaheim Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau has presided over an uncertain transition in Minnesota. Much like the Kings, they find themselves having to creatively re-tool their roster while some the hefty contracts of some veterans limit their flexibility. The Kings have had four head coaches in as many seasons, while the Wild are on their third general manager in three years.

Minnesota at Kings

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Staples Center

TV/Radio: Fox Sports West/iHeartRadio

Orange County Register: LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161011 Los Angeles Kings Though Ilya Kovalchuk has been used in more situations this season and given a chance to score more goals, he’s at a 0.53 points-per-game average — the exact same average as last year when he was healthy- scratched and put on the fourth line by interim coach Willie Desjardins. Are the Kings being too patient in their rebuild or should they trade now? Kovalchuk has a full no-movement clause, and the more he plays, the more it becomes clear that a coach wasn’t his only issue. That’s not to say he wouldn’t fit on another team — he shows flashes of offensive By Josh Cooper Nov 11, 2019 effectiveness sometimes — but he doesn’t seem to be a fit with the Kings and definitely not at his $6.25 million price tag.

Has the Kings’ rebuild plan hit a snag? Jonathan Quick’s numbers have tanked to a 4.27 goals-against average and .866 save percentage, and it seems impossible that he’ll garner It’s hard to tell, but general manager Rob Blake has not made any major much of a return with those numbers and his $5.8 million salary. trades since the end of last offseason, leading to some questions about why he’s being so patient with a group that, again, is at the bottom of the And in regards to Trevor Lewis, a pending unrestricted free agent, the NHL. scout said, “Everyone has a Lewis on their team,” which means he has little-to-no trade value. Plus he’s currently injured. Major names gone from last year’s opening-night roster are Tanner Pearson (traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in November 2018), Jake So where does that leave the Kings with movable players? Back to Muzzin (sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs at last season’s trade deadline) Carter, Toffoli and Martinez. It was around this time of year when the and Dion Phaneuf (bought out in the offseason). These moves indicate Kings traded Pearson to Pittsburgh for to shake up their Blake has been active to some degree. locker room. It didn’t work, and the Kings dealt Hagelin to the Capitals for a third-round pick in the 2019 draft and a sixth-round pick in the 2020 Plus the team’s last couple drafts have been stellar in restocking the draft. Kings’ prospect pipeline. “I would say they (have) tough guys to move. Carter maybe being the But while they have acknowledged they need to make major alterations (best value),” an NHL team executive said. “I think you could move and have done so at points, it feels like the Kings have been slower than Toffoli, but I wouldn’t say he has a lot of value. I’d say probably Carter is expected at changing over the roster since 2018-19 ended. They are 5- their most movable.” 11-1, and the value of players has dropped further from a year ago. It’s also entirely possible that Blake and the Kings didn’t miss an [ Listen to Point Breakaway for more Kings coverage ] opportunity to make the necessary changes to maximize the team’s rebuild. Colorado general manager Joe Sakic was patient for a long time “I think they believe they can sit back and just take the high picks that with Matt Duchene, then got an excellent haul from the Ottawa Senators come their way. These rebuilds take forever if you’re not proactive,” a for the center. Now the Avalanche is one of the best young teams in the general manager said. “I think they’ve (Kings veterans) lost significant NHL and is set up for several years, thanks in part to Sakic’s ability to value.” block out the noise around him (like media stories about trades) and The Kings are likely to part with some of their older assets at some point focus on making the best deal(s) possible as he rebuilt his group. — either by trade or letting their contracts run out, or even by buying (Also, it should be noted that Blake arguably did hire the best coach them out — but have they missed their window on maximizing a return? available last offseason in McLellan. Plus Blake was dealt a difficult hand The answer seems to be yes, but it also depends on whether Blake is when he took the job with lots of aging vets on big deals.) able to work some negotiation magic and if some of the players can find their games again on this floundering team. “I think windows open and close over the course of a season and it’s hard to predict,” another team scout said. “All teams go through times Jeff Carter is the only veteran whose play has gotten better from a year when they are looking to move a player or players. But you need another ago, even if his numbers haven’t improved. But he’s not seen as a guy team that is looking for one of your players, then you need a deal that other GMs desperately need. At least not right now. both teams are happy with and willing to complete. I would not think they “Even Carter won’t garner much asset value,” the GM said. have missed their window. And if they did miss one, there will be another one down the road a bit.” And that’s if Carter will allow a trade. Last season, he was rumored to have threatened retirement if dealt from the Kings. While we’re not privy to the calls Blake fields from other GMs, it does feel like the longer the Kings wait, the greater the chance that they will be “Carter rejected trades last year, wants to finish in L.A.” an NHL team dealing from a position of weakness. At least that’s how it seems from scout said. the outside. At some point this season, we’ll find out if that was indeed Tyler Toffoli is an example of a guy whose value can go either way, and the case or if Blake’s patient approach will pay off. he presents a confusing case for Blake. The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 Toffoli was healthy-scratched by coach Todd McLellan as a wakeup call and since then has picked up three points in five games. He’s a 27-year- old pending unrestricted free agent who scored 31 goals in 2015-16 and 24 in 2017-18. But his game has declined a lot, and people around the NHL have noticed.

The GM saw Toffoli yielding a second-round pick and a second-tier prospect in return. “That’s if they do it soon,” he said. “If they wait until the deadline it will be even less.”

Could Toffoli get better as the season goes on? Maybe, but he also could get worse. And as the Kings continue to falter and the mood in the locker room dips, motivation (understandably) could become an issue.

“Every day you need to be maximizing returns. Waiting never does that,” a former NHL team executive said.

Defenseman Alec Martinez is another player, along with Carter, who has been steady this season. While he’s been a valuable member of the Kings for a number of years and is someone who can help teach their culture to youngsters, he’s also a guy teams would want.

“Someone will take Martinez,” the scout said. 1161012 Los Angeles Kings him – often second line. He’s been on the power play, he’s been on the penalty kill, so he’s not sneaking around the league as you might when you first come in. So that comes into play, but also your own personal identity and what you can bring to the rink. We’re working hard with him NO LONGER “SNEAKING AROUND THE LEAGUE,” NIGHTLY IMPACT in that area, too.” SOUGHT FROM ACCOUNTABLE KEMPE He has appeared in 204 NHL games but took the second rotation at center on a four-person line Monday, which could suggest he’d be scratched Tuesday against Minnesota. Or, it could be some sort of alarm JON ROSEN NOVEMBER 11, 2019 bell, similar to those sounded in the directions of Tyler Toffoli, who was scratched amidst an extended consecutive games played streak, or Ilya Kovalchuk, who dropped down the left side of the lineup on the recent wasn’t mentioned by name after Saturday’s loss. Coaches trip but was still earning healthy minutes. don’t frequently go public with direct criticism of a player, and when they do, there’s usually a purpose behind it. In any event, the message – which has accompanied meetings and direct lines of communication with McLellan – was received clearly by But when Todd McLellan broke down the importance of Montreal’s Kempe. second goal and how such plays had been addressed in pre-game and pre-scouting meetings, he referenced a pivotal moment that went against “I know I’ve got to be better. I know as a team, we know we’ve got to be the team when Kempe lost containment of Nate Thompson in front of the better, too,” he said. “For me, I wasn’t good enough last game, so that’s net, leading to a bang-bang goal off an feed only 15 what happens. I’ve just got to be sharper, and I know the next game I’m seconds after Shea Weber had opened the scoring. McLellan referenced going to be a lot better and try to help my team get a win. I’ve played for the goal again later in the extended scrum, telling reporters he was a while here now and I know where I have to play to be at my best. bothered by the play “because we had addressed it and we’re better than You’ve got to be sharper in your own zone, and that’s going to create that.” more offense for you, too.”

Such seems to be an accurate encapsulation of NHL coaching, This isn’t the direction I was planning on going with Kempe, a terrific especially one whose club is scuffling. You hold meetings, you hold video skater whose secondary metrics (though not his production) improved sessions, you build relationships with players, you put on skates and run significantly year-over-year, a suggestion he’d be someone capable of an drills repeatedly to instill detail and facilitate growth. And then in the fog unforeseen offensive spike amidst the aggressive forecheck and of war, mistakes happen. For every goal scored in the National Hockey reinforced north-south play under his new coach. In the preseason, I League, there also exists a mistake beyond the goalie’s. And for Kempe, collected quotes for a story on how the new systems seemed to be perhaps there’s still a touch more reading and thinking than there is designed to get the most out of his elite skating ability and responsible if simply reacting at this time. developing play without the puck.

“I think sometimes you try to get locked in on the puck a little bit too much At that point, McLellan said that he wanted to gain a better understanding and maybe you lose a guy and maybe I think something else is going to of how Kempe uses his terrific skating – “Are you skating on the outside happen out there and you try to think about that sometimes, and then you and chasing everything, or are you on the inside and using the speed forget about other things,” he said. effectively for yourself and your teammates?” he asked rhetorically in September – but also wanted to see the 23-year-old forward make a Fortunately for McLellan, Kempe, who has one power play goal, four regular impact, night in and night out, for both himself and his points and a minus-10 rating in 17 games is accountable, mature and teammates. In doing so, he complimented Kempe’s “hockey mind” as has tough skin. It’s not only with the media, whom he always has time well as his shot. “I see basically every tool you need in the box to have a for, but also with the coaching staff and executives. He’s not a player real positive impact, and we want him to have more on a nightly basis,” who cuts corners. In fact, he was the first skater on the ice on Monday, he said. and along with Ilya Kovalchuk (and his two sons), part of the final group to leave. That hasn’t happened yet this season. There have been promising flashes, such as the play that earned him an assist on Ben Hutton’s goal That’s not only anecdotal. He’s a rink rat, the son of Mikael Kempe, a in Minnesota when he remained strong on a puck after facing Jared former general manager, coach and developer in Swedish hockey who Spurgeon pressure upon entering the zone. He recorded a team-best not only instilled toughness and responsibility in his game, but also the seven power play shots on goal on that road trip, four alone in the necessary enjoyment. Winnipeg game, and a team-best five individual scoring chances. But this is grasping at some stats to fit a narrative. On the whole, despite Via Curtis Zupke of the LA Times, from February, 2018: secondary individual metrics that put him roughly in the middle the pack “Many people who work for the newspaper in Sweden ask, ‘What have of the 29th ranked power play, the eye test still lagged. On Saturday, he you done?’ I said, what I think I have given them [is] the passion for the was replaced by Blake Lizotte on the top unit, an alignment used again at game. Don’t play to be [well known]. Play because you love the game. practice on Monday. And you if do that, in your heart, it will take you to the highest level you Kempe is a former power play whiz for Sweden’s national junior team can be. You cannot say it. You have to feel it.” and in the AHL, where he totaled 13 power play goals in 104 games with Players aren’t simply responsible players because of a particular chosen Ontario and Manchester. On the core aspects of the success at lower profession within the family. “I don’t think it’s as easy to say that ‘the levels he’d like to carry over, it’s to keep his shooting volume up. He coach’s son this and that,’” McLellan said Monday. “He does take largely has done so on the man advantage, though on the left half wall, accountability for his play. I don’t think he’s been pleased with the results he’s also shooting across his body, which has led to attempts to pick of his individual play, and certainly collectively, nobody’s happy. So, he corners on the short side. takes responsibility, he’s working hard to improve in certain areas. “We’ve always been a shooting power play. That’s what you’ve got to Coaches, we have to hold him accountable for his actions, but we also do,” Kempe said. “I want to shoot as much as possible. I’ve been playing have to find ways to get him out of it and to get him into a situation where my off-side a little bit more. I don’t usually play it, so it’s a little different. he’s got a positive impact on the game nightly – not a streaky-type thing.” But I’m just trying to keep getting pucks to the net.” Juan Ocampo/NHLI Kempe may sit for a game, he may not. It may perk some ears and eyes And so continues the work with the 29th overall pick in 2014 who scored up around the league should that ultimately come to be. But even if calls 16 goals over his first 52 games as a center who helmed an effective may come in, I’ve always been of the impression that the team sees second line as a 21-year-old rookie but did not score over the remaining Kempe as a highly important asset who (as shared yesterday in 33 regular season or playoff games. Even so, his play away from the WUWTK) builds the bridge between the experienced veterans and a puck was much farther along than the typical rookie at that juncture. much younger group that’s yet to reach half of Kempe’s 204 games. There is always a pressing impetus to always improve, but with a player “A lot of times I think young players come into the league and nobody like Kempe – who fills an important position where other options below knows who they are, so they get away with it a little bit early,” McLellan Kopitar include Michael Amadio, a 23-year-old with 95 NHL games said Monday. “Everybody in the league knows who Adrian is now, and played, Blake Lizotte, a 21-year-old with 18, and Nikolai Prokhorkin, a we’re playing him in a situation that he’s got a lot of responsibility put on 26-year-old with 2 – there aren’t a ton of options beyond one that requires patience and emphasizes the importance of getting it right at an important position.

“He‘s a young player when you look at age, he’s a young player when you look at the amount of games played,” McLellan said. “I only know him as I do know for two months, and I can listen to others’ opinions, and I have to now because it’s gone on long enough about the impact he can have on a game. What we’ve been waiting for is to see it. And the longer it goes, the harder it is for everyone. It is a long-term view, but he’s further into his career than Wags or Grundstrom or Lizotte or a lot of these other players. You want to think that he can grasp it and get through it quicker, but even some take longer.”

McLellan has had regular communications with Kempe, but a good portion of those conversations will stay between the coach and the player. Darryl Sutter once memorably said of a 20-year-old Tyler Toffoli that if he lacks consistency, shift-to-shift, “I’m not going to say, ‘you’re a bad boy.’ I’m just not going to play him.” It doesn’t require a regular wagging of the finger, but if a finger needs to be wagged, McLellan will do so with vigor. He tailors his message and the tone accompanying it through “their play, their attitude, their belief system – their effort will dictate where we go.”

“Are we going to make mistakes? Yes. Are those mistakes going to cost us games? Yes, and we’ve seen that a number of times. There’s been a few times this year where effort’s cost us games and naturally I’m going to react – or we, as a staff – are going to react differently to games like that. But it is a game of mistakes. We’re not the only team in the league that makes ‘em. Right now we’re making a few more than we can cover. There’s times to be patient, but there’s also times to growl and to be very direct, and I think we’ve been both. But there is not a magic wand. We’re still going to make mistakes, and we’re going to try and fix them as quickly as possible.”

Adrian Kempe, on any challenges deriving from playing for his fourth NHL coach in four seasons:

We have a similar team from last season going into this season, and obviously it takes some time to learn the new stuff and the way he wants to play. And the system’s been taking a little bit of time as well. You kind of want to get to know them … their different personalities, the guys who coach, and they want to learn how we are as well. It’s from both ways, I guess.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161013 Los Angeles Kings shot videos, so check out @lakinsider on Instagram if you’d like to see the trio getting work in and Vilardi snapping a puck on net.

— Defensive pairs suggested Kurtis MacDermid returning to play LEWIS (LOWER-BODY) ON IR; LINE RUSHES AND PP UNITS; alongside Matt Roy, though we won’t get a better hint at lineup changes PREVIEW OF KEMPE STORY until Tuesday’s morning skate. More to come.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 11.12.2019

JON ROSEN NOVEMBER 11, 2019

INJURIESLINEUP CHANGESROSTER MOVES

Several quick notes on a Monday afternoon in El Segundo, beginning with the forward alignment and power play units:

Iafallo-Kopitar-Brown

Carter-Amadio-Toffoli

Grundstrom-Lizotte-Wagner

Kovalchuk-Prokhorkin/Kempe-Clifford

PP1: Doughty-Lizotte-Iafallo-Kopitar-Brown

PP2: Martinez-Toffoli-Kovalchuk-Amadio-Carter

Notes!

— More to come, but I spoke with Adrian Kempe and Todd McLellan about Kempe’s play earlier today. This next bit is really only an academic matter that probably won’t resonate with fans as much as it does with reporters, but Kempe has always exuded maturity. He’s accountable, he’s firm, he also understands there are challenges that have to be addressed, particularly in the defensive zone. “Obviously, some parts have got to be better,” he said. “I think both for me and the team, we’ve been giving up chances in the D-zone and it’s something you’ve got to be sharper on. Focus a little more on ‘don’t try to think about offense too much.’ I know I’ve been good at it, so you’ve just got to be a little sharper in your mind going out for shifts and being aware of the other team’s players.”

I covered a lot of ground with player and coach – defensive zone coverage, power play, playing for his fourth NHL coach in four years, how coaches tailor their message amidst periods of losing and periods of winning – that will be shared by the end of the business day.

But while Kempe may be experiencing challenges following the puck rather than the player, and even if perhaps there’s an extra beat spent reading rather than reacting, he’s still supported by a strong understanding of himself and ability. Growth is necessary, and he already has an NHL resume that’s out there, but longer-term returns will be favored over any immediacies.

So, even if he sits for a game – Nikolai Prokhorkin took the first rotation alongside Ilya Kovalchuk and Kyle Clifford, though that’s not necessarily a firm indication of a lineup change – the importance of enhancing his longer-term performance applies.

“He does take accountability for his play,” McLellan said. “I don’t think he’s been pleased with the results of his individual play, and certainly collectively, nobody’s happy. So, he takes responsibility, he’s working hard to improve in certain areas. Coaches, we have to hold him accountable for his actions, but we also have to find ways to get him out of it and to get him into a situation where he’s got a positive impact on the game nightly – not a streaky-type thing.”

— Trevor Lewis has been placed on IR with a lower-body injury. He is not expected to return in the near future, with Todd McLellan sharing on Saturday that “it’s probably a little bit longer than what we originally anticipated, so he’ll need some time to recover.” Lewis, who suffered the injury within his first three shifts on Thursday in Ottawa, has one goal and two points in 16 games.

There was no corresponding move, so as of this transaction, the roster stands at 22.

— Carl Grundstrom, on what his line’s push felt like at ice level: “We forechecked hard, we skated a lot and we had good speed on our feet. We didn’t think too much. I think that was the key. Just went for it.”

— Derek Forbort (back) and Gabe Vilardi (back) skated together in full gear with Jarret Stoll this morning. People have an aversion to vertically- 1161014 Minnesota Wild

Los Angeles faces Minnesota, looks to break 3-game skid

By The Associated Press NOVEMBER 12, 2019 — 2:15AM

Minnesota Wild (6-10-1, seventh in the Central Division) vs. Los Angeles Kings (5-11-1, eighth in the Pacific Division)

Los Angeles; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles will try to break its three-game losing streak when the Kings play Minnesota.

The Kings are 5-7-0 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles has allowed 18 power-play goals, stopping 70.5% of opponent chances.

The Wild are 0-6-1 against opponents from the Central Division. Minnesota has given up 10 power-play goals, killing 81.5% of opponent chances.

In their last meeting on Oct. 26, Minnesota won 5-1.

TOP PERFORMERS: Sean Walker leads the Kings with a plus-four in 17 games played this season. Anze Kopitar has totaled five assists over the last 10 games for Los Angeles.

Eric Staal leads the Wild with 14 points, scoring six goals and adding eight assists. Jason Zucker has recorded 9 points over the last 10 games for Minnesota.

LAST 10 GAMES: Wild: 5-4-1, averaging 3.2 goals, 5.6 assists, 3.3 penalties and eight penalty minutes while giving up three goals per game with a .899 save percentage.

Kings: 3-6-1, averaging 2.3 goals, 3.7 assists, 4.2 penalties and 9.2 penalty minutes while giving up 3.4 goals per game with a .890 save percentage.

Kings Injuries: None listed.

Wild Injuries: Marcus Foligno: out (lower body).

Star Tribune LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161015 Minnesota Wild

Wild-Los Angeles game preview

Sarah McLellan NOVEMBER 11, 2019 — 11:12PM

9:30 P.M. AT LOS ANGELES • STAPLES CENTER • FSN, 100.3-FM

Health improving as trip ends

Preview: This is the final test on a four-game road trip; the Wild has gone 2-1 so far. The team is coming off a 4-3 win over the Coyotes on Saturday, its second come-from-behind victory of this road swing. F Luke Kunin, who missed Saturday’s game because of food poisoning, is ready to return, but F Marcus Foligno won’t play. His status is closer to week- to-week after suffering a lower-body injury on Thursday in San Jose.

Players to WATCH: Wild F has five points, including three goals, during a four-game point streak. G Devan Dubnyk made 20 straight saves to close out Saturday’s victory. Kings D Drew Doughty averages a team-high 25 minutes, 3 seconds in ice time.

Numbers: The Wild has scored 13 goals in three games on this road trip. Los Angeles returns home after going 0-2-1 on an Eastern Canada road trip. The Kings average a league-high 35.6 shots per game.

Injury: Wild D Greg Pateryn (core muscle surgery) and Foligno (lower body) are out. Kings Fs Trevor Lewis (lower body) and Gabriel Vilardi (back) and D Derek Forbort (back) are out.

Star Tribune LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161016 Minnesota Wild A dynamic forward tops Guerin’s wish list, but that caliber of impact is typically acquired through the draft — a reality that could be available to the Wild if doesn’t start to climb up the standings and opts to regroup with a high pick. General Manager Bill Guerin evaluates Wild at the six-weeks mark Taking that direction would be a departure from the philosophy that’s Guerin aware of early struggles, but likes the chemistry and resiliency. been on the masthead of this franchise for most of this decade, a year- after-year pursuit of the playoffs with a veteran-laden roster assembled to

win now. By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune NOVEMBER 11, 2019 — 11:12PM But after failing to advance last season and sputtering early in this one, the team could reach that crossroads sooner rather than later.

LOS ANGELES – As the games have piled up this season for the Wild, “It’s my decision to make,” Guerin said. “Players play, coaches coach, so have the mixed signals sent out by the team. and managers manage. We will see where we are. … I’ll have to make some hard decisions, but I hope this team keeps getting better like we While there have been lulls where the group has looked completely adrift have been.” and dysfunctional in both zones that made this start the worst in franchise history, the Wild also has earned reprieves because of timely Star Tribune LOADED: 11.12.2019 scoring, tighter checking and an enough-is-enough brand of resiliency — moxie that has spurred two comeback wins in its last three games.

This progress hasn’t lifted the Wild from its current station near the bottom of the NHL, the consequence of a 6-10-1 record, but first-year General Manager Bill Guerin still is giving the team time to prove itself.

Eventually, though, that window to cement a reputation will close.

And when that happens, if it makes sense for the Wild to struggle in the meantime to be more successful in the future, Guerin is willing to take that approach.

“We have to do what’s right for the organization as a whole, not grasp at straws,” Guerin said Monday while the Wild practiced at the Toyota Sports Performance Center ahead of its four-game road trip finale Tuesday against the Kings. “We don’t want to talk ourselves into something that we don’t really want to do or think we’re something that we’re not.

“We have to be very honest with ourselves and then move accordingly.”

Nearly six weeks through the schedule, Guerin is very much still evaluating the Wild.

He likes the chemistry and camaraderie, describing the roster as a close- knit group — which is contrary to what he heard when he was hired in late August as the fourth GM in team history. The hire came after a rocky, 14-month tenure for predecessor Paul Fenton was cut short in the middle of the offseason.

Guerin also has been encouraged by the work ethic and attitude of the players, and he believes a structured, competitive and unified style is key for the team. When the Wild hasn’t played like that, the ramifications have stung.

“It’s just disappointing because we’ve left a lot of points on the table,” Guerin said. “You look back at a lot of the games, we’ve been in most games. There were a couple stinkers, but everybody’s got those. But for the most part, I feel like we’ve been in most games.

“We need to be more consistent with our effort. … The game starts at 7, and sometimes we show up at 7:45. Part of that is a little more consistency in putting together 60 minutes and things like that. You very rarely have everybody playing their best hockey at the same time, but we’re waiting for certain guys to take flight and get going, and that’ll create some more depth for us.”

Coach Bruce Boudreau and Guerin communicate daily, and their rapport has developed smoothly. But with Boudreau in the final season of a four- year contract, his role is also under the microscope.

“He’s our coach,” Guerin said. “I have a ton of respect for him and what he’s done in his career and what he’s doing right now, and how we’re working together — I really like it. Just like the players, we’ll see where we are. But as of right now, everything is going really, really well with Bruce and I like Bruce.”

Although Guerin said, “It’s very hard to trade your way out of problems,” he has had plenty of talks with other GMs and tweaking the lineup is an option on his radar.

“If there’s an opportunity for me to make the team better, I’ll do it,” Guerin said. “That hasn’t presented itself. I still want to give this group an opportunity. They deserve it. They earned it.” 1161017 Minnesota Wild Much like the current roster, at some point Guerin is also going to have to evaluate coach Bruce Boudreau. His contract expires after this season, and Guerin was rather noncommittal about his plans.

Wild GM Bill Guerin willing to keep team’s window open … for now “I don’t really want to get into that,” Guerin said. “He’s our coach. I have a ton of respect for him, and what he’s done in his career, and what he’s doing right now, and how we’re working together. I really like it. Just like the players, we’ll see where we are. But as of right now, everything is By DANE MIZUTANI | November 11, 2019 at 7:47 PM going really, really well with him.

If anything is clear after talking to Guerin, it’s that he’s going to have EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Wild general manager Bill Guerin spends most difficult decisions to make over the next few months. Even more clear, of his nights watching like a hawk from the press box, trying to get a read though, is that he isn’t afraid to make them. on what he’s dealing with as he tries to build a Stanley Cup contender. “It’s my decision to make,” Guerin said about the future of the team. “You Hired a few months ago to clean up former general manager Paul know, players play, coaches coach, and managers manage. I’ll have to Fenton’s mess, Guerin has lauded how the Twin Cities market has make some hard decisions. But I hope this team keeps getting better like everything necessary to be a perennial powerhouse. we have been.”

As for whether the current roster falls into that part of the equation, more Pioneer Press LOADED: 11.12.2019 specifically who from the current roster falls into that part of the equation, well, that’s the biggest thing Guerin has been figuring out in recent months.

With the Wild sitting 6-10-1 heading into Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings, it sounds like, at the very least, Guerin has figured out this team’s identity.

“We cannot just step out on the ice and run and gun,” Guerin said. “We have to play with our structure. We have to compete extremely hard. We have to play as a team. When we do those things, we get results. When we start thinking that we’re something that we’re not, we get in trouble.”

That said, the reality is the Wild are currently one of the worst teams in the NHL and lack the type of star power of, say, the Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues to make a complete turnaround seem plausible.

“It’s just disappointing because we’ve left a lot of points on the table,” Guerin said. “You look back at it, and we’ve been in most games. There were a couple stinkers. Everybody’s got those. For the most part, though, I feel like we’ve been in most games.”

Maybe that’s the biggest reason Guerin isn’t ready to punt on this season. He likes what he’s seen out of the Wild on their West Coast road trip and believes things are trending in the right direction.

“If there’s an opportunity for me to make the team better, I’ll do it,” Guerin said. “That hasn’t presented itself. I still want to give this group an opportunity. They deserve it.”

Asked if there could come a point at which the window closes, Guerin replied, “Yeah. But we’re not there yet. I have my checkpoints. Where are we at certain dates? What are we doing? Who’s doing what? Those are things that I address at those times.”

That could mean eventually taking a step back this season with an eye toward the future.

Even though that’s something owner Craig Leipold has long been averse to, it sounds as if it’s something he’s finally open to if it comes to that.

“We have talked a number of times,” Guerin said. “We have to do what’s right for the organization as a whole. Not grasp at straws. We don’t want to talk ourselves into something that we don’t really want to do. Or think we’re something that we’re not. We have to be very honest with ourselves and then move accordingly.”

No doubt the biggest want for Guerin at the moment is a game breaker. It’s something the Wild have lacked since the days of Marian Gaborik, and as Guerin noted, it’s nearly impossible to trade for that type of player.

“Historically, it’s through the draft,” Guerin said. “That’s just basically what it is. It’s very hard to trade our way out of problems, especially in the league today, because so many things have to match up and come together to make a deal.”

That doesn’t mean the Wild are going to tank. That’s something Guerin isn’t willing to do. At least not outwardly.

“We are trying to win games,” Guerin said. “We trying to be the best team we can be.” 1161018 Minnesota Wild Formulating a plan, one that may be a rebuild Guerin says he has had plenty of trade talks with his fellow GMs, but

they’re often just general conversations just to gauge the landscape. State of the Wild: Bill Guerin on the plan, the team, Boudreau, Kaprizov While some fans may be getting impatient and crave for Guerin to start and more trading players away and acquiring others, Guerin said his window to fully analyze every aspect of the player personnel is not closed yet.

By Michael Russo Nov 11, 2019 And when those “checkpoints” come, the way he proceeds will depend on where the Wild are in the standings at that point and what he thinks their potential of making things interesting are.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — As that wise philosopher Mel Brooks once said, Every night, he’s evaluating, “How hard do we play? How hard do we with talent, “Either you got it or you ain’t.” compete? If there’s an opportunity for me to make the team better, I’ll do it. That hasn’t presented itself,” Guerin said. Bill Guerin has only been the Wild’s general manager for less than three months and the Wild’s season has only been going for less than six If he eventually reaches one of those “checkpoints” and determines it’s weeks, but Guerin’s no dummy. time to make changes, he will then have to decide whether to pursue established NHLers or go after futures. Guerin is aware that always being He played for a long time, and he’s been on the management side of the in a “win-now” mode is why former GM Chuck Fletcher traded a lot of aisle for eight years. picks and prospects away. The byproduct of that is an aging team that’s Deep down, Guerin must know by now whether the Wild “got it or they also short on blue-chip prospects. ain’t” and which players “got it … or they ain’t.” Make a push, or pull the ripcord? Bill Guerin has a big decision to make. Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Kings, the Wild’s long-talked- (Stan Szeto / USA Today) about (and feared) stretch of 13 games out of 18 on the road to start this “We have to see where we are in the standings and we have to see season wraps up, and it’s not like their life gets easier anytime soon. The who’s playing well and who rises to the top,” Guerin said before Wild return home for a brief two-game homestand starting Thursday, but addressing the question on whether he’d consider trading established they then play seven of their ensuing 10 outside of Minnesota, too. Wild players for picks and prospects in a quasi-rebuild. “That’s definitely Sure, the Wild have played better lately and have rallied for wins in two of a way that you can go. I’m not saying that that’s set in stone. But we three games on this trip, but the reality is they’re 3-9 on the road and are have to look at everything and depending on how the team is playing and tied for the second-fewest points overall in the NHL (13) ahead of only where we are, that will have a lot to do with it.” the Kings. Guerin said if it makes sense, he would be willing to make moves for Guerin must know by now whether the Wild are truly a Cup contender, let futures even if that means taking a couple steps back. He indicated that alone playoff contender. But whatever conclusion he’s come to or will he does have that latitude from Leipold, who has long resisted a rebuild soon come to, he’s still got to devise a plan on how to proceed. because of his desire to always keep the lights on at Xcel Energy Center during the playoffs. Do you make moves in an effort to chase a playoff spot? “We have talked a number of times. We have to do what’s right for the Do you follow the path of your predecessors and trade picks, prospects team,” Guerin said. “We have to do what’s right for the organization as a and players for other players you hope can make an impact? whole. And not grasp at straws. We don’t want to talk ourselves into something that we don’t really want to do. Or think we’re something that Do you trade current roster players for picks and prospects in an attempt we’re not. We have to be very honest with ourselves and then move to reset or, in the favorite word of some fans, rebuild? accordingly.” Do you work to, for lack of a better term, “tank” in an effort to increase When Guerin says “think we’re something that we’re not,” that surely your draft lottery odds? sounds like a man that doesn’t believe the Wild are a true Stanley Cup Or, do you just let this season continue naturally and where things fall, contender and needs a bit of a reshaping. they fall? And if that’s the case, Guerin may have to start further eating into the Monday afternoon, as the Wild practiced on a sheet of ice below him core that began to be broken up last season by former GM Paul Fenton. inside the Kings’ practice facility, Guerin addressed several topics from Asked if that would be hard for the veterans, guys like Mikko Koivu, Zach what he’s learned about his new team six weeks into the season to Bruce Parise, Ryan Suter, Eric Staal, Jared Spurgeon and Devan Dubnyk to Boudreau’s job security to what it would take to acquire a “game breaker” understand, Guerin said, “I never had that conversation with a general to whether bottoming out may be the smartest path for him to take to manager (when I was a player). Hey, look, it’s my decision to make. You whether owner Craig Leipold would even allow him to do so to his know, players play, coaches coach, and managers manage. We will see upcoming trip to Russia to meet with prized prospect Kirill Kaprizov. where we are. That’s just kind of it. … I’ll have to make some hard “I’ve been really, really happy with the fact that this seems to be a very decisions, but I hope this team keeps getting better like we have been.” close-knit bunch of guys, and that’s not what I heard coming in,” Guerin Guerin is well aware the Wild haven’t drafted higher than No. 7 since said during a 20-minute chat with the traveling beat writers. “In getting to taking Benoit Pouliot fourth overall in 2005. He knows it would benefit the know a lot of these guys and seeing them kind of operate in a lot of Wild to get a top, top draft pick and “if that’s the way it goes and that’s different settings … I’ve been really happy with the chemistry and the what happens, then, I mean, shit, yeah (that would help). But we’re trying camaraderie of the team. And their work ethic and their attitude has been to win games. We’re trying to be the best team we can be. But I hear excellent. what you’re saying. We haven’t had that guy for quite a long time.” “This just hasn’t been the start that we were all hoping for, but they Endless search for a game-changer haven’t wavered. And that was one of the things that we asked of them. Whatever happens, because we had some challenging games to start, Speaking of which, as all Wild fans know, the Wild have never possessed whatever happens just stay the course and don’t waver. And they’ve a true superstar and arguably has not had a game-breaker since they done that. drafted and developed Marian Gaborik, who despite only playing 502 games with the organization and being gone since 2008-09 remains the “It’s just disappointing because we’ve left a lot of points on the table. … franchise’s all-time leading goal scorer with 219. For the most part, we’ve been in most games. We just need to be more consistent with our effort. It’s there, but even the other night (in a come- In a Q&A with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun that was published Monday, from-behind 4-3 win at Arizona), the game starts at 7, and sometimes we Fletcher, who now manages the Philadelphia Flyers, said one of his show up at 7:45. You very rarely have everybody playing their best failings during his nine-year Minnesota tenure was finding “that elusive, hockey at the same time, but we’re waiting for certain guys to take flight top-end goal scorer.” and get going and that’ll create some more depth for us.”

Here is Guerin on myriad topics. “I think there’s a lot of teams looking for that, but we probably weren’t guys have great shots, some guys are good on the power play. You have able to find that player in Minnesota; that game-changer,” said Fletcher, to have an element of your game that keeps you here. And if you’re not who noted that the Wild were a “goal short” a lot of years. “When the bringing something to the table every night, you’re going to have a tough game’s 2-2 in the third, who’s going to make that next big play?” time in this league.”

Marian Gaborik As for the Wild’s identity, Guerin said, “We cannot just step out on the ice and run and gun. We have to play with our structure, we have to compete Well, now Guerin’s inherited a team with that continued shortcoming. extremely hard, and we have to play as a team. And when we do, we get The Wild have scored 13 goals in the past three games and there are results. When we start thinking that we’re something that we’re not, we actually eight teams that have averaged fewer goals per game than the get in trouble. When you’re a player, we all want to score. We all want to Wild’s 2.71, but Guerin was asked if this is one of the biggest areas of toe drag and do this and that and saucer pass. But you know what? We need that he must address, whether that be via draft or trade or free- have to play to our identity and for us to have success, we grind games agent acquisition. out, we have to be OK with that.”

“Yeah, it definitely always helps to have that game-breaker,” Guerin said. Wooing Kaprizov “I’ve actually been really happy because we’ve been scoring a lot of On Nov. 30, Guerin will fly to Moscow to meet up with Kaprizov’s agent, goals (lately) and we’ve been doing it by committee, and that’s good, too. Dan Milstein, so they can both sit down with the uber-skilled player, who But yeah, if we’re going to look at the team and analyze it, that would ranks second in the KHL with 13 goals and 24 points. Guerin will be in probably be the biggest want. But it’s not that easy to get.” Russia from Dec. 1-3, have dinner with Kaprizov and will also attend one If Guerin’s going to acquire such a player, it may require a lot of patience of his games. internally and externally with the fans. This will be the third Wild GM Kaprizov meets since signing an extension “Usually, as you can see through the league and historically, it’s through in Russia, but all indications are he will sign with the Wild after his latest the draft,” he said. “It’s very hard to trade your way out of problems, KHL contract expires April 30 and debut for the Wild during the 2020-21 especially in the league today. So many things have to match up and season. come together to make a deal.” “He really wants to come over here next year,” Guerin said. “I have no When it comes to the draft, Guerin noted that it’s not just with their first- concerns about him playing and having success.” round pick that the Wild must hit on. The last time a Wild GM went to visit Kirill Kaprizov, this letter from Craig “We’ve seen it with guys who become stars in the game and they’re third- Leipold came along for the ride, expressing the owner’s desire to see , fourth-, fifth-round picks,” Guerin said. “We want to do our homework Kaprizov in Minnesota soon. and get out there and scout games and get all the information we can on But Guerin also wants to dial down expectations, particularly from the draft-eligible players and hopefully we get lucky and one of them turns Wild’s anxious fan base. Other than online GIFs and dazzling YouTube out to be a star.” videos, Kaprizov, who scored the Golden Goal for the Russians in the Boudreau’s future last Winter Olympics, has been a figment of the imagination of all Wild fans since he was drafted in the fifth round in 2015. Boudreau’s in the final year of the coaching portion of his contract (he has two years tacked on in an advisory role) and Guerin says the two “He’s going to be coming into a new culture, new league,” Guerin said. maintain a “great” relationship. “Everything’s going to be new, and there’s going to be an adjustment period. There are a lot of different pieces to the puzzle that we need, and “Bruce is a wonderful guy. The whole coaching staff is. We all get along,” he’s one of them. But I don’t want it all put on him to where we throw him Guerin said. “We all have our good moments and our bad moments. But out on the ice and everything’s fixed. That’s too much on one person.” everybody is being evaluated all the time. That’s what this business is. We talk on a daily basis. The relationship is very good. But we’re a team He plans to convey that to Kaprizov, too, because he doesn’t want that just needs to keep getting better.” Kaprizov to worry that he needs to immediately step on the NHL ice and be the same exact star he is in the KHL. Guerin was asked point-blank that if he determines that this team isn’t a true contender, does it even make sense to dismiss Boudreau in-season “That’s a lot of pressure to put on a player,” Guerin said. “That’s why you if that could potentially worsen the Wild’s draft lottery odds. In other see some guys at the (trade) deadline, they go to wherever they’re going words, let Boudreau guide the Wild the rest of the season if that means and they struggle. They put so much pressure on themselves and I just cordially parting ways after the season and hiring his own guy then. want him to be able to come in and just have a lot of support.”

“THEY ARE NOT QUITTERS… THIS IS A GROUP THAT IS GOING TO Injury updates FIGHT UNTIL THE END, WHICH IS GREAT.” Guerin said left wing Marcus Foligno, who sustained a lower-body injury  HEAR MORE FROM BRUCE BOUDREAU AFTER TODAY’S late in the first period in San Jose two games ago, is more week-to-week than day-to-day, “which really sucks because he’s having a great year.” PRACTICE IN L.A.#MNWILD PIC.TWITTER.COM/UHZYAYZGPM The GM also said defenseman Greg Pateryn, who underwent abdominal

surgery early in training camp, is expected to be ready to practice with — MINNESOTA WILD (@MNWILD) NOVEMBER 11, 2019 the Wild once they return from this road trip.

“I know what you’re saying. I know what you’re saying. I don’t really want Rookie Carson Soucy, who along with Ryan Donato, Jordan Greenway to get into that,” Guerin said. “He’s our coach. I have a ton of respect for and Luke Kunin pulled out the wallet during Sunday night’s rookie dinner him and what he’s done in his career and what he’s doing right now and (where the youngsters pick up most of the tab at dinner), is the Wild’s how we’re working together, I really like it. Just like the players, we’ll see only defenseman who can be sent to the minors without being placed on where we are. But as of right now, everything is going really, really well waivers. with Bruce and I. I like Bruce.” Because Soucy is playing so well as Brad Hunt’s defense partner, Guerin Asked if Boudreau could theoretically fit beyond this season and be re- said the initial plan once Pateryn returns is to carry eight defensemen. signed, Guerin said, “I won’t say no to anything. Those are hard “There’s a lot there. He’s an everyday player,” Guerin said of Soucy. decisions to make, but I won’t say no to anything.” As for Nick Seeler, who has only played four games because of Soucy’s Other thoughts on the team emergence, Guerin said, “Always feel for guys like that. It’s awful that we Much has been made about the Wild’s lack of speed, but Guerin feels it’s have to do that because he works as hard as everybody. He competes overblown. like crazy and you want everybody to be able to play, so you do feel for a guy like that. But we also have to do what we have to do. His attitude has “We played a quick team the other night (in Arizona). We’re fine,” Guerin been unbelievable, he gets it, he’s a team guy. Guys that do that are just said. “There are guys in this league who have elite speed, but they don’t real good pros.” think the game well. We have guys in this league that don’t have the best speed, but they think the game real well and they get by on that. Some It would seem Pateryn will have to work his way into the lineup with Soucy and Hunt proving to be a solid tandem.

“We’re going to have to see how that goes,” Boudreau said. “I don’t want to make any statements on whether (Pateryn’s) jumping right in or whether he’s going to have to fight his way in. When he’s healthy and we see him at practice, then we’ll know what we have.

“(Hunt and Soucy) have come along really well and Hunt’s got 10 points and they’re both plus players. That’s something this team doesn’t have a lot of.”

The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161019 Montreal Canadiens Reilly – Fleury Folin

Drouin feels right at home on his new line.#GoHabsGo Canadiens Notebook: Jesperi Kotkaniemi still not ready to return pic.twitter.com/KlveQpRwqw— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) Won't play again Tuesday when Blue Jackets visit the Bell Centre, while November 11, 2019 Shea Weber is expected to play after missing practice with a virus. Counting on Carey

The Canadiens will be counting on goalie once again to try STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: November 11, 2019 and carry them to a playoff spot.

Heading into Tuesday’s game, Price has an 8-4-2 record with a 2.71 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. Jesperi Kotkaniemi has yet to fully recover from a groin injury and will miss his sixth straight game when the Columbus Blue Jackets visit the Sportsnet’s Eric Engels asked Julien what he has learned about Price Bell Centre Tuesday night (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN 690 Radio). that he wouldn’t have known in coaching against him, standing on the opposing bench during his time with the Boston Bruins. “Obviously, he’s skating, so it’s a good sign,” coach Claude Julien said after Kotkaniemi took part in Monday’s practice at the Bell Sports “Just before I left here the first time (as Canadiens coach), he had been Complex in Brossard. “He’s still day-to-day. He will not play tomorrow. drafted and he’d been at camp and stuff like that, so I knew a little bit That decision has been made. The injury is going in the right direction, about Carey,” Julien said. “But he’s a totally different person. He was a but it’s one of those injuries — and I mentioned it when it first happened kid coming out of junior. Now, he’s married with kids. The whole evolution — that you have to bring him to an area where it’s not going to happen of an individual, not just on the ice but also off the ice. Family-wise and again. So we’re trying to make sure he’s 100 per cent and all that’s everything else, he’s just much more mature, if you want to put it that based on the treatment he’s getting, the workload he’s getting and how way. He’s a very focused individual, he takes care of himself, makes sure much it can handle and whether it can handle it right.” he’s ready all the time. He’s one of those athletes that really cares about winning, cares about having success and he does whatever he can. In 12 games this season, Kotkaniemi has 2-1-3 totals and is minus-1 while averaging 13:02 of ice time and winning 43.1 per cent of his “You just have to think about last year, how much we rode him at the end faceoffs. of the year and the opportunity he gave us to at least get a chance at making it to the playoffs,” Julien added. “That was a lot of games for him When Kotkaniemi does return from the injured-reserve list, the to play without getting much of a break. But he took such good care of Canadiens will have to make a move to free up a spot on the 23-man himself that he was able to do that. I mean, on the world stage he’s roster. known as probably the best goaltender around, winning the Olympics, World Cups and all that stuff. Right now, he’s got one thing missing (the Entraînement du lundi matin. Stanley Cup) and I think he’s going to do whatever he can to help us Monday morning practice.#GoHabsGo | @vmete98 attain that. He wants one for himself, he wants one for the city and he pic.twitter.com/TvzEudA2qe— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) wants one for the organization. So that’s where I see Carey Price today. November 11, 2019 That’s the guy who won in the American league a championship, who’s won everywhere he’s gone, he’s always been a winner. But not only that, Weber misses practice he’s become an even more mature individual that’s really grown into understanding how he evolves and as he gets older how to continue to Captain Shea Weber is battling a virus and didn’t practice with his take care of himself so he remains a champion.” teammates on Monday.

Julien said the flu bug is always a concern for the Canadiens at this time Pas c̶e̶t̶t̶e̶ ces fois-ci, Nick. 路♂ of the year. Better luck next time, @Cous27.#GoHabsGo “We manage that,” he said. “I’d be extremely surprised if (Weber) didn’t pic.twitter.com/LxB948l0o5— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) play tomorrow, I’m going to be honest with you. We sent him home November 11, 2019 today. He was here this morning and we sent him back home. It’s just Important part of schedule about managing the situations and this is the time of year where I think everybody — and I hope you (media) guys as well — are getting the flu This is an important stretch of the season for the Canadiens. Saturday shots. Especially when we’re around you guys a lot, I’d prefer you did.” night’s 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings at the Bell Centre was the beginning of a part of the schedule when they will play eight of 10 games “So it’s not about our health?” asked Dan Robertson, the play-by-play at home, where they have a 5-3-0 record so far. man for TSN 690 Radio. “You look at it, but that’s probably a little bit too big of a sample,” Brendan “No, it’s not about your health,” Julien said with a smile. “It’s about Gallagher said about the 10-game segment. “I think we usually look at 3- making sure I don’t get your flu.” 4 game segments. Obviously, you want to take advantage of these home En l’honneur des 100e et 101e buts en avantage numérique de Shea games. This is a month where we’re at home quite a bit. But you just kind Weber dans la LNH, revoyez les 21 qu’il a marqués avec of look a little bit more short-term.” jusqu’à présent.  De quoi on riait, les gars? 

In honor of Shea Weber's 100 and 101st career power play goals, take a Let us in on the joke, guys?#GoHabsGo | @phildanault | look at the 21 he's scored so far with the Habs. @TomasTatar90 pic.twitter.com/XRlLLxXAyn— Canadiens Montréal pic.twitter.com/KpatVCWvaJ— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) (@CanadiensMTL) November 11, 2019 November 11, 2019 Fleury earns his spot The lines Rookie has earned a regular spot on the third defence pair Here’s how the lines and defence pairings looked at practice Monday: and will play in his 13th game Tuesday night.

Drouin – Danault – Gallagher While Fleury is still looking for his first NHL point, he has added Byron – Domi – Armia physicality to the blue line and ranks fourth on the team with 39 hits, trailing Jeff Petry (45), Joel Armia (43) and Ben Chiarot (40) despite Tatar – Suzuki/Kotkaniemi – Lehkonen sitting out five games. During the Canadiens’ 4-1 win over the Coyotes in Arizona on Oct. 30, Fleury became the first NHL rookie since Iiro Poehling – Thompson – Cousins/Weal Pakarinen with the Edmonton Oilers in 2016 and the first rookie Mete – Kulak defenceman since with the Coyotes in 2015 to record 10 hits in a single game. Chiarot – Petry “I think when you look at him, he’s been good,” Julien said about Fleury, leads the Rocket in scoring with 6-5-11 totals, followed by who is minus-2 while averaging 14:38 of ice time. “I mean, he’s going to (4-5-9), (5-2-7), (2-4-6) make mistakes like everybody else here and there. But he’s a big body, and (2-3-5). he skates well, he defends well. Very seldom does he get himself in trouble. But is he on the ice for goals against? Yes, like anybody else. Goalie has a 5-2-0 record with a 1.69 goals-against But overall I think we talk about if you’re going to develop some players average and a .943 save percentage. has a 4-3-1 you got to give them a chance to develop and I think he’s shown us record with a 2.58 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage. enough and dug well enough that he deserves to go into the next game Every Saturday night home game this season, 12 artists will produce a and the game after, and so far he’s been able to keep himself in the set of 110 fine art prints inspired by the matchup. lineup. So that’s a credit to him and a credit to his game.” Here's a preview of the fourth print from the series, created by Joe Iurato Hit the ice with the Habs and listen in to @phildanault mic'd up at for Saturday's game against New Jersey.@station16mtl @tricoloresports practice. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/NS7NKPl7Xd— Canadiens #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/Y1wjah8HO7— Canadiens Montréal Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 12, 2019 (@CanadiensMTL) November 11, 2019

Kulak gets back in lineup What’s next?

After being a healthy scratch for six straight games, defenceman Brett The Canadiens have practices scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday and Kulak got back in the lineup for Saturday night’s 3-2 win over the Kings. 10:45 a.m. Thursday in Brossard before flying to Washington to play the Capitals Friday night (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN 690 Radio). The Kulak logged 13:03 of ice time and was minus-1 with two shots and one Canadiens will wrap up the week Saturday night at the Bell Centre hit. against the New Jersey Devils (7 p.m., CITY, SNE, TVA Sports, TSN 690 “I felt good,” he said after Monday’s practice. “Coming back after missing Radio). six games, it’s different. Practice, you’re going hard and you’re skating Next week, the Canadiens will travel to Columbus to play the Blue hard and things like that. But it’s different in games. Each shift is 40 or 45 Jackets on Tuesday night (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN 690 Radio), play the seconds and usually you have two or three physical battles and you’re up Ottawa Senators Wednesday night at the Bell Centre (7:30 p.m., SN, and down the ice two or three times and so the legs feel a different kind RDS, TSN 690 Radio) and then wrap up the week next Saturday night of burn in the first little bit. But as the game went on, I thought things against the New York Rangers at the Bell Centre (7 p.m., CITY, SNE, were good. It’s always disappointing getting scored on near the end of TVA Sports, TSN 690 Radio). the game. But that’s the game, right? Things happen like that. But you can’t dwell on it and just keep moving on.” Montreal Gazette LOADED: 11.12.2019 Was he nervous before the game?

“I was just excited,” Kulak said. “Six games, it feels like you haven’t played in a long time. So I think more than anything I was just really happy and excited to get back in the game and play.”

In nine games this season, Kulak has one assist and is minus-2 while averaging 15:09 of ice time.

Hope everyone in Montreal is tuned in, watching the Alouettes game! So you can watch my Eskimos move on to the east finals — (@BGALLY17) November 10, 2019

Gallagher upsets Alouettes fans

Gallagher upset a lot of Alouettes fans on Sunday when he tweeted: “Hope everyone in Montreal is tuned in, watching the Alouettes game! So you can watch my Eskimos move on to the east finals.”

Gallagher grew up in Edmonton cheering for the Eskimos.

“I was having fun,” Gallagher said with a smile after practice Monday when asked about the tweet. “It was a great game, it was a fantastic game. I actually hope everyone watched it. If you flipped back and forth between the CFL games and the NFL games, I don’t think there was any question the CFL game was more entertaining for me.”

The Eskimos beat the Alouettes 37-29 at Molson Stadium in the Eastern Conference semifinal.

Gallagher is also a big fan of the Cincinnati Bengals, who are the only winless team in the NFL this season at 0-9.

Could the Eskimos beat the Bengals?

“Right now, maybe,” Gallagher said. “It might be close. Sad.”

On a serious note. Hell of a season @MTLAlouettes . Brought a lot of excitement to this city, and it looks like it’s going to continue to get better and better! pic.twitter.com/EY48TyQqIz— Brendan Gallagher (@BGALLY17) November 10, 2019

Rocket on a roll

The Laval Rocket are on a six-game winning streak and were second in the AHL’s North Division through Sunday’s games with a 9-5-1 record, tied with the first-place (8-2-3) in points. Toronto holds two games in hand.

The Rocket have three home games this week at Place Bell against the on Wednesday (7 p.m.), the on Friday (7:30 p.m.) and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday (4 p.m.). 1161020 Montreal Canadiens and I spent a lot of time with him, so it’s a big change for me, personally, but for the most part it’s the same sort of vibe.

“I miss him a lot,” Domi added about Shaw. “It’s tough. But it is what it is. Canadiens' record is the same as last season, but are they better? I’m sure he’s happy in Chicago. I still keep in contact with him a lot and he’s doing well. He misses it here and he’s always cheering us on and "We got to bring our team to the next level," coach Claude Julien says. watching our games, too.” "Last year was a good year — 96 points — but it wasn’t good enough." Montreal Gazette LOADED: 11.12.2019

STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: November 11, 2019

Heading into Tuesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Bell Centre (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN 690 Radio), the Canadiens have a 9-5-3 record.

Interestingly, the Canadiens had the exact same record after 17 games last season when they finished 44-30-8, coming up two points short of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Through Sunday’s games, the Canadiens were sitting in a playoff spot in third place in the Atlantic Division.

So, how is this year’s team different from last year’s?

“Wow! You guys got a lot of time on your hands to think about those questions,” coach Claude Julien said when asked that question after practice Monday in Brossard. “How is it different? I think it’s just more experience. I think we’re still trying to play the same way. We want to play quick, we want to use our speed, that kind of stuff. I think experience is a little bit deeper this year, even though we have some young players that have come in and we continue to kind of bring our team to the next level. We were able do to it with young players also.

“There’s an experience that was acquired last year in playing a certain way that is showing and, at the same time, we’re really trying,” the coach added. “We said that at the beginning of the year. We got to bring our team to the next level. Last year was a good year — 96 points — but it wasn’t good enough. So the big goal right now is to bring it to the next level so that at the end of the year it’s enough to get us in.”

The Canadiens’ biggest improvement so far this season has come on offence and the power play. Through Sunday’s games, the Canadiens ranked fourth in the NHL in offence, scoring an average of 3.53 goals per game, after ranking 13th last season with an average of 3.00. This season, they rank 12th on the power play at 21.4 per cent after ranking 30th last season at 13.2 per cent.

Defensively, the Canadiens have been worse than last season, ranking 20th in the NHL through Sunday’s games, allowing an average of 3.12 goals per game after ranking 13th last season at 2.88. The Canadiens’ penalty-killing now ranks 29th in the NHL at 72.2 per cent after ranking 12th last season at 80.9 per cent.

“We’re happy with the way we’re putting the puck in the net,” said Jonathan Drouin, who leads the Canadiens in scoring with 7-8-15 totals. “From the offensive side of it, I think we’re very excited that we’re up there in the league with goals created and goals scored. Obviously, our defensive side could be better and that’s the thing we really want to focus on these next couple of weeks. We just want to shut down a team when it becomes 2-1 or 3-1 … you want to shut them down and we’ve had trouble doing that a little bit.”

Hit the ice with the Habs and listen in to @phildanault mic'd up at practice. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/NS7NKPl7Xd— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 12, 2019

How does Drouin think this year’s team is different from last year?

“There’s new faces, young guys,” he said. “But it’s very similar to last year for me. It’s the same group, it’s the same mentality. We’re still a little mad about not making the playoffs last year. The new guys seem to be hungry at this point and they seem to enjoy it.

“I’ve said it many times, there’s a lot of good leaders,” Drouin added “Not only one, but a lot of veterans, a lot of leaders that say the right thing. They’re quiet and very calm and it’s good to have them.”

Max Domi said this year’s team is “pretty similar” to last year.

“Obviously, a couple of new faces and losing a guy like Shawzy is obviously different,” Domi said about Andrew Shaw, who was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. “I sat next to Shawzy (in the dressing room) 1161021 Montreal Canadiens them and they all stood out in their own way. Getting to spend a few quality minutes with each of them, spending time to talk to them and kind of help them out and the parents as well … that means a lot to me and is something I take a lot of pride in. Stu Cowan: Canadiens' Max Domi meets idol for second time “There’s obviously a lot that only the kids would be able to relate to (in the book) because they know what it feels like to go low and to go high Gives former Philadelphia Flyers captain a copy of his new book titled No (with blood sugar levels),” Domi added. “What I just tell them is the same Days Off: My Life with Type 1 Diabetes and Journey to the NHL. thing I tell everyone: You got a dream and you can still do it. You take control of your diabetes rather than the diabetes taking control of you.

You do that and you dictate all that and then you set yourself up for STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: November 11, 2019 success. As much as you can do everything everyone else can, you are different. I don’t like using that word, but you do have to do things that your buddies and your friends don’t have to do. You have to be responsible at a young age, you got to understand how your body works. The Canadiens’ road trip to Philadelphia last week was one Max Domi The responsibility at that young of an age and the discipline it takes to be will never forget. healthy is something that actually helps you grow and mature a lot faster Domi’s idol growing up was former Flyers captain and Hall of Famer than everyone else.” Bobby Clarke because they have something in common as Type 1 Last Thursday, Domi and Clarke sat down together with in diabetics. In his new book — No Days Off: My Life with Type 1 Diabetes Philadelphia for an interview on RDS’s Hockey 360 pre-game show, with and Journey to the NHL — Domi writes about how it was Clarke who Domi calling it “a dream come true.” inspired him to make it to the NHL. “It’s pretty humbling when you hear a National Hockey League player say Domi had only met Clarke in person once, when he was 14 and playing that about you,” Clarke said about being Domi’s idol. “Having diabetes at the International Silver Stick Tournament in Whitby, Ont. Clarke also …. on his part he made the NHL because he can play hockey. It doesn’t inspired Domi to write his book, hoping he can now inspire others with have anything to do with the fact that he’s a diabetic. But he’s an NHL Type 1 diabetes. hockey player with diabetes and that’s pretty special, I think.” Domi was hoping once the book was published he would be able to meet It certainly is. Clarke for a second time to present a signed copy to him, and that happened last Thursday in Philadelphia before the Canadiens played the Montreal Gazette LOADED: 11.12.2019 Flyers, losing 3-2 in overtime.

“That was the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced in my life, to be honest,” Domi said after the Canadiens’ morning skate Saturday in Brossard. “I’m pretty pumped about that. Obviously, I met him already, but that was kind of a real introduction, and thanks to the Flyers for setting that up. A moment I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.

“He’s a great guy,” Domi added about Clarke. “A hockey player, just like I am, and obviously we share something else in common. So it was pretty special. I don’t think I’d be sitting here talking to you if it wasn’t for him. So I’m very thankful for what that man’s done for the sport and also guys like me dealing with Type 1 diabetes — and girls.”

On Sunday, Domi held an exclusive book signing event at the Bell Centre. General admission tickets sold for $75 with all profits going to The Max Domi Fund for Type 1 Diabetes at JDRF. Each ticket holder received a photo with Domi and a signed copy of the book.

“It was great, man,” Domi said about the event after practice Monday in Brossard. “A lot of people … close to 500, I think. It was insane.”

Domi said reaction to his book has been “really good.”

“A lot of people were saying they were reading it in a day or two, which is nice,” he added. “Obviously, that means you can’t put it down. It’s a pretty easy read, too.”

Le Centre Bell est plein à craquer pour le lancement du livre «No Days Off» de Max Domi aujourd'hui à @TricoloreSports!

The Bell Centre is packed for @max_domi's "No Days Off" book launch today at Tricolore Sports!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/lDL0FIFzZa— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 10, 2019

Domi said he enjoyed talking Sunday with kids who have Type 1 diabetes, and also with their parents.

“The parents that can relate to (the book), things that my mom went through and my dad went through,” he said. “I know it’s definitely comforting for them. What they’re going through is something they went through as well and they see I’m living my dream playing in the NHL. So it’s a special feeling and yesterday was just an attest to that and it felt pretty cool.”

Quand tu rencontres ton idole 

When you meet your idol  #GoHabsGo I @max_domi pic.twitter.com/6u9E1fKHOY— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 10, 2019

When asked if there was one kid who really caught his attention and stood out at the book signing, Domi said: “No. There were a hundred of 1161022 Montreal Canadiens

Blue Jackets at Canadiens: Five things you should know

A lack of offence has Columbus six points out of a playoff position. The Blue Jackets rank 30th in the NHL with 2.35 goals a game.

PAT HICKEY, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: November 11, 2019

Here are five things you should know about the Canadiens-Blue Jackets game at the Bell Centre on Tuesday (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN 690 Radio).

The matchup: This is the first of three meetings between these teams this season and the Canadiens have home ice for two of those games. Montreal earned five of a possible six points last week and has moved into third place in the Atlantic Division with a 3-2 win over Los Angeles Saturday. The Blue Jackets are coming off a 4-2 loss in Colorado Saturday and they have a 1-3-1 record in November. A lack of offence has Columbus six points out of a playoff position. The Blue Jackets rank 30th in the NHL with 2.35 goals a game.

The goaltenders: How many games will Carey Price play this season? At his present pace, the answer will be closer to 70 than 60, which would be manageable if the Canadiens want him to have anything left for — dare we say it? — the playoffs. This is Montreal’s 18th game and Price will be making his 15th start. It’s safe to say the Blue Jacket miss two-time Vézina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky. Starting goaltender Joonas Korpisalo has a 6-7-1 record with an .895 save percentage. Elvis Merzlikins, who was regarded as the best goaltender outside the NHL when playing in Switzerland, has a 0-1-2 record.

Drouin on top: Jonathan Drouin is finally living up to the expectations the Canadiens had for him when they acquired him from Tampa Bay for defenceman Mikhail Sergachev. After two good but not great seasons, Drouin is off to a hot start with a team-high 15 points, including seven goals. He’s on the top line with Phil Danault and Brendan Gallagher, who also has seven goals. Tomas Tatar has been in head coach Claude Julien’s doghouse of late because he has been taking too many penalties, but he’s second in team scoring with 14 points, including five goals.

Kotkaniemi continues to sit: If practice is any indication, Jesperi Kotkaniemi has recovered from his groin injury, but he’ll miss his sixth consecutive game. Julien said the 19-year-old is day-to-day, but he’s still on the injured-reserve list. This seems to a case of the Canadiens delaying the decision on how they’re going to use their three young forwards. Nick Suzuki and , who started the season in the AHL, are playing well and that takes away some of the urgency in bringing Kotkaniemi back. Flu-like symptoms kept captain Shea Weber out of practice Monday, but Julien expects him to play.

Panarin’s absence felt: Bobrovsky isn’t the only player from last season who is missed. Artemi Panarin, the Blue Jackets’ leading scorer, jumped to the Rangers who gave him US$81 million over seven seasons. Pierre- Luc Dubois, a 21-year-old from Ste-Agathe, has a team-high six goals and he and Gustav Nyquist share the points lead with 11. They are the only Columbus players in double-digits in scoring. has 12 points (one goal) in 13 games against Montreal. Brandon Dubinsky hasn’t played a game this season because of a wrist injury. The Blue Jackets are also missing defencemen Ryan Murray (broken hand) and Markus Nutivaara (upper-body injury).

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161023 Montreal Canadiens In Quebec, this latest embarrassment just reinforced our long-held view that Cherry has no place in our lives and that lack of enthusiasm for the star of Coach’s Corner is one thing that unites anglophone and francophone Quebecers. Most of us prefer to watch our Canadiens What the Puck: It was time for Rogers to put Don Cherry out to pasture games on RDS in part because we don’t enjoy Cherry’s pugilistic view of hockey and life. It also doesn’t help that he makes no secret of the fact Don Cherry's firing after his vile comments Saturday on HNIC attacking that he’s a fan-boy of the Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs, the two immigrants was long overdue. teams Habs fans love to hate the most. And he’s rarely had a kind word to say about the Canadiens on Coach’s Corner during his 30-plus-year run. It’s all part of the disdain Hockey Night in Canada holds for Montreal, BRENDAN KELLY, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: November 11, a bizarre state of affairs for the country’s flagship hockey broadcast. 2019 The other strange subplot here is that Hockey Night in Canada still airs on CBC nationally even though the NHL rights are held by Rogers. CBC has a sub-licensing deal with Rogers that almost no one outside the An apology wasn’t enough. Sportsnet needed to fire Don Cherry. And executive suites of the two companies understands and the bizarre thing that’s exactly what they did, on Remembrance Day appropriately enough. is that our national public broadcaster airs the show, but has no editorial In fact, the latest controversy around arguably the most famous control of what is said on the broadcast. broadcaster in English-speaking Canada underlines that Rogers Media For years, Cherry was an embarrassment to CBC given his frequent and its sports subsidiary, Rogers Sportsnet, should’ve politely nudged xenophobic comments about francophone and European players and his Cherry into retirement when they first got the rights to the pricey National overt support for fighting in hockey. Cherry is, in theory, Rogers’ problem, Hockey League package in 2013. That was the perfect opportunity for but the fact is most ordinary hockey fans see the game on CBC and Rogers to announce that it was ushering in a new era for Hockey Night in assume reasonably enough that it’s a CBC show. Canada and that it would be an era without the old-school rantings of a guy who appeals to the worst elements in Canadian society. How is it that a public broadcaster airs a top-rated show that it has no editorial control over? Very strange. Sportsnet had a chance to politely say goodnight to Cherry when they started the 12-year, $5.2-billion deal, but instead they didn’t take the high Rogers finally did the right thing and told Cherry enough is enough. road. And this is where it got them. Hockey unites Canadians of every imaginable background and that’s more true than ever before. But Cherry — and Hockey Night Canada — On Saturday night’s Coach’s Corner segment on Hockey Night in continue to cover the game like it’s the 1950s. Canada, Cherry went on an angry diatribe based on his belief that immigrants don’t buy poppies to commemorate Remembrance Day. And that’s one of the reasons that hockey maintains such a conservative culture, a culture that’s woefully out of touch with the fan base. “You people love, they come here … you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey. At least you could pay a couple of bucks for poppies Montreal Gazette LOADED: 11.12.2019 or something like that. These guys pay for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada. These guys paid the biggest price,” said Cherry.

Outrageous. And just as outrageous was that Cherry’s sidekick, Ron MacLean, just sat there letting Cherry spew this vile tirade against people who are apparently not “good Canadians.”

MacLean apologized on Sunday on Rogers Home Town Hockey.

I want to sincerely apologize to our viewers and Canadians. During last night's broadcast, Don made comments that were hurtful and prejudiced and I wish I had handled myself differently. It was a divisive moment and I am truly upset with myself for allowing it. (1/2)— Ron MacLean (@RonMacLeanHTH) November 10, 2019

Bart Yabsley, president of Sportsnet, at first apologized and then issued a statement after Cherry was fired.

But the apologies weren’t enough. It was time for Cherry to go quietly into the night. There simply isn’t any place in the Canadian media in 2019 for that kind of talk. So good on Sportsnet for taking a stand.

As of this writing, Cherry had still not apologized, which is telling. I agree with my colleague Stu Cowan — I’m not holding my breath waiting for him to suddenly turn contrite.

He would probably quit before he apologizes. He stands behind what he said.— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) November 11, 2019

The former coach of the Boston Bruins, a guy famous mostly for losing a key playoff game to the Montreal Canadiens, represents everything that is wrong with the hockey media in Canada and the incident just underlined how woefully out of touch that hockey media is with contemporary Canada.

The reaction to Cherry’s odious comments came from all quarters and it was heartening to see how many were understandably outraged by his remarks.

Don, let me introduce you to “#youpeople”

My great grandfather, Hira Singh, who served in WW1 & WW2 under the British.

We honour all who served. #RemembranceSunday pic.twitter.com/pNeBlJMC4R— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) November 10, 2019 1161024 Montreal Canadiens “Why would that organization want you? What are you going to deliver? And you gain an appreciation for the job that guys do, for Berg and for other general managers around,” he said. “There’s a lot of good, smart, hardworking people in this game. It’s very competitive, it’s just as A chat with Sean Burke, the least-mentioned big name in the Canadiens’ competitive when you get out of the game as a player into the next level. front office And I respect that. I’m not owed anything, the game doesn’t owe me anything, but I’d like to continue to challenge myself, and those

interviews show you that you’re being considered, but there’s a lot of By Marc Antoine Godin Nov 11, 2019 work to do to get to those levels. And it doesn’t guarantee you’re ever going to get there.”

So no, Sean Burke isn’t just waiting. He’s honing his resumé and GLENDALE, Ariz. – As the Canadiens scrambled to pick up the shards of focusing on improving his scouting eye, which won’t hurt him should a broken 2015-16 season, assistant general manager Scott Mellanby someone decide to hand him the big chair at some point. expressed a wish to his boss, , to add an extra body to do professional scouting in the Western Conference. The Canadiens have assigned him a roster of Western Conference teams, and he’s expected to have an educated and fully-formed opinion The name Mellanby brought up was Sean Burke, the former NHL goalie on every single one of the players currently toiling in those organizations, who had recently left the Arizona Coyotes organization and planned to such that if a move is being considered the Montreal front office has a spend that year deciding on his next professional challenge. trusted resource to call upon.

Burke had been an assistant GM and the Coyotes’ goalie coach until Burke doesn’t turn up to a game with instructions to monitor a particular John Chayka’s arrival as manager, and was doing some scouting for player. If one of his clubs is in action, he’ll focus on it, generally as both a Hockey Canada in preparation for the 2016 World Cup when the phone whole and its component parts. If both clubs are on his list of teams, he’ll rang. narrow his focus to a handful of players on either side.

“Berg called me, he knew I was available, and I said ‘you know what, I’ve “I find it too much to watch if you get started watching 15 or 20 players in never have really scouted much’,” Burke said in an interview with The one game,” he said. “I don’t feel I can actually do a real detailed report. Athletic. “But I wanted to continue to add to my experience in different So I like to try and do about 10 players a game, and of course if it’s only areas and I thought this is a good way to stay around. I was going to do a one of your teams, that’s much easier to do it that way. But again, you lot of Team Canada stuff as well, so I said, this is a great way to stay want to see guys play a lot, you want to really watch them in different around the NHL and work for a good organization.” situations: on the road, at home, there’s a lot of different variables. But really, to do the job well, I think a lot of it is just the time and the detail To Burke’s way of thinking, a “good organization” is one that, among you put into it.” other things, allows its employees to split their time with Hockey Canada. Since his formal association with the Canadiens started, the former This season, the Canadiens have added another responsibility to Burke’s national team netminder has served as general manager for Team professional plate: goaltending consultant. Sure, the club has more Canada at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, GM for several goalie coaching per square foot than most teams, what with Stéphane international tournaments in Europe, and also as assistant GM at the Waite looking after the big club, Marco Marciano handling the youngsters World Championships – twice, in fact. with the Laval Rocket, and Vincent Riendeau now tasked with scouring the globe for draft-eligible and amateur goalies. “It’s a totally different experience,” he said. “It’s managing, it’s putting teams together, coaching staffs together, and I really enjoy it. But I feel As a consultant, Burke is mindful to not step on anyone else’s toes. The lucky that I’ve had so many different experiences. Because scouting was idea is simply to serve as a fresh set of eyes and to offer his considerable not something that I probably appreciated as much – for sure when you playing experience as a resource to the players and coaches who may play, you don’t appreciate it – but even when you get out of the game, need it. In October, he could be seen on the ice in Laval, locked in and you coach and you do different things, you never really appreciate conversation with Cayden Primeau. He has set himself an informal goal the scouts, and I think that’s been a good experience to learn what it is.” of travelling to Laval at least once a month.

Everyone in hockey knows Sean Burke. He’s an alumnus of the “I don’t go in there to specifically try and do anything with the goalies Canadian Olympic hockey program, and made a splashy entrance to the other than just observe them, try to help what I see, work with the NHL toward the tail end of the 1980s. He never quite lived up to the initial coaching staff a little bit and be around them,” he said. “And I’ve done a hype, but that didn’t prevent the 6-foot-4 netminder from playing in the lot of that in the past. I did a lot of that here when I was in Arizona, going NHL for 19 seasons, spread across nine teams. down to our American League team often and watching it. A lot of times it’s just, when you’re around your team every day, it’s nice to have He’s an affable and highly-respected hockey lifer, an executive with a somebody come in who has a different perspective.” vast network of contacts (a little like his boss, actually). He’s also accumulated a robust body of experience away from the ice since his Burke’s initial impressions of Primeau, the club’s brightest goaltending playing days ended. That a person with his resume is a mere prospect, were unambiguously positive. professional scout in the Canadiens organization is an incredible luxury. “I like the fact that, to me, he sees the game really well,” he said. “All So is Burke essentially in a holding pattern until something better comes these young guys have skill, they’re all well coached now, they all grow along? up with goalie coaches. But there’s an instinct to playing the game too. And that’s what I liked: he just naturally has that . . . technically there’s “Well, I don’t know if I’m waiting,” he said. “I had opportunities, I was things obviously you can always get better at, and he’ll continue to get interviewed in Edmonton for the general manager position, I was stronger. But the thinking of the game, I’ve been impressed that I think he interviewed in Seattle. I’ve had great opportunities; I’m going to do the understands. For a young player he’s got really good instincts.” again this year. And that’s all only possible because I work in an organization where they’re flexible with that. That works well for me Prospects are one thing, Burke also has the wherewithal to help the and hopefully it works well for them, but you can’t get those opportunities Canadiens’ more seasoned and established goalies. In the days when he in every organization. So I really take the scouting seriously because was responsible for the Coyotes’ goaltending he supervised the that’s what my contribution can be. On the other side of it, I get some renaissance of men like Ilya Bryzgalov, Mike Smith and Devan Dubnyk. great experience and I get to do some other things, and it’s led to getting Each was mired in a rough patch, the kind that Burke understood all too interviewed and those kind of things.” well. He saw his younger self in them.

His main takeaway from those interviews has been a better All three also shared a common trait: open-mindedness and a strong understanding of the incredible level of detail involved in preparing for resolve to do whatever was required to get better. That’s why the 52- them; establishing one’s bona fides for that kind of job involves a serious year-old Burke prefers to put all the credit at the feet of his players; he amount of work. It’s one thing to get a call for a top job, having a carefully also says that he’s simply taking the instructions he received from Benoit considered, detailed set of ideas on what you plan to do in it is another Allaire, who decided to make Burke his reclamation project 20 years ago, thing entirely. and paying it all forward. “When I came (to Phoenix in 1999), my game was not very good in those days and I was struggling,” he said. “I came here to work with Benoit Allaire and I was like, ‘okay I get it. I can be a better player’. And that confidence really can carry you a long way. So it helped me. I like to say I took everything I learned coaching from Benoit and just stole it. So he actually turned those guys around without knowing it!”

In the mid-1980s, Burke was seen as perhaps the NHL’s best goaltending prospect, a player who, with Kirk Muller, would allow the New Jersey Devils to shed the ‘Mickey Mouse’ tag once and for all. That’s not quite how things transpired. Burke recognizes that contrary to some of the best players of his generation, who were either innovators or completely aligned with the prevailing goaltending zeitgeist, he didn’t master many of the technical aspects of the job until later in his career. Elements that, had he assimilated them sooner, would have improved his on-ice numbers, if not altered the course of his career entirely.

“When I was young I relied on athleticism, and I was a good athlete,” he said. “But as I moved along, I struggled at times because I was never really consistent with my game. I didn’t have the base to go out there and when I had a tough night, to not have the base to fall back on. And then as I got older – not even that old but especially when I came here – I really understood working with Benoit. I wish I had learned that five or six years earlier when I was also younger and athletic and intense all the time. I could have dialed it back because I had the base. I never got that until 10 or 11 years into my career. I figured, you know what, I’m playing the game way too difficult, and I’m getting older so it’s even harder to play that way. And I look back at old video once in a while and I’m like, what were you doing?

“If I just played more simple in those days I would have been a better goalie. But I think a lot of players always feel like they could have achieved more, that’s just normal, I’m sure.”

With the benefit of that experience, Burke feels ready to take on further responsibilities, and to occupy a larger organizational role. Is it likely to happen with the Canadiens? That would probably require the departure of an assistant GM, like Mellanby. Who knows, perhaps he will be the first to leave.

In the meantime, he’ll do what he’s always done: work, observe, learn. When you consider that a third of all Canadian workers are over-qualified for the job they currently hold, it makes sense that there would be at least one person in the Canadiens’ organization about whom the same is true.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161025 Montreal Canadiens played cricket?” Weber will still get caught flat footed at times (see the play that led to the penalty shot in Philadelphia by Carsen Twarynski) but he looks loose and animated on the ice. He’s clearly enjoying himself again. For the first time since the opening week of the season, Weber Melnick’s weekly GBU: It’s called coaching, and Claude Julien did a lot of played over 25 minutes Saturday. it to lead a great week for the Canadiens · Ben Chiarot: Julien’s decision to pair up his two physically strongest defencemen worked so well against the Bruins he decided to do it again against Los Angeles. Not quite in Weber territory, but Chiarot is also not By Mitch Melnick Nov 11, 2019 alone in struggling to find his way in new surroundings after moving to a new team – in a new conference to boot – for the first time in his career. He has settled in nicely on the left side, managing the puck a lot better It was a good week for Claude Julien to take a bow. And not just because while providing some unexpected offence. Total radio silence right now he hit a coaching milestone. from the crowd that compared him to .

Coming off a tepid loss in Dallas and about to face his former team that · : Two goals and the first star in the most important game of appears to be on a mission to return to the Stanley Cup Final and win it the season against perhaps the best team in the NHL. It’s a week that this time, Julien changed up his defence pairings. After jumping on a also had Mete being compared favorably to Roman Josi. Bruins team that had played the night before by taking a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes, Julien saw Boston slowly get back into the game and then  HTTPS://T.CO/ZBCQ3KLRU1 seemingly take control of it in the first five minutes of the third period. It looked like they had taken a 5-4 lead before video coach Mario Leblanc — MITCH MELNICK (@HUNTERZTHOMPSON) NOVEMBER 7, 2019 got word to the bench that Charlie Coyle’s goal might have been the · Jeff Petry: The Petry-Mete pairing was terrific against Boston while result of a play that began when he carried the puck in over the Montreal Petry logged over 28 minutes of ice time in Philadelphia. Perhaps that led blue line by putting himself offside. to one of his very few off nights Saturday against the Kings.

It was no automatic challenge. And maybe the NHL changes the wording · Carey Price: Bounced back from a skittish night against the Bruins, to better define the term “possession,” but that was the clear turning point which didn’t prove costly, to stealing a point in Philadelphia and looking when, four minutes later, Ben Chiarot took a neat no-look pass from his focused and locked-in against the Kings. The overtime winner in Phily by new partner Shea Weber to somehow beat Tuukka Rask’s glove to give Sean Couturier is a small slice of what we’ve seen since the NHL forced the Habs a 5-4 lead and eventually the win. goalies to go to smaller chest protectors.

How did Julien’s team respond to that emotional, impressive win? Two · Claude Julien and Zdeno Chara: One of those milestone nights when nights later in Philadelphia, they looked even worse than they did in the Hockey Gods are in sync. If you’re among the crowd that felt the Dallas. For much of the first 40 minutes, I thought I was watching a Habs had no business honoring Chara for his 1,500th game because physically weak Montreal team, circa 1973-74 in the Spectrum against he’s Chara and plays for the Bruins, you just might need to visit a dentist the eventual Stanley Cup-champion Broad Street Bullies. A season that to unlock your teeth. so enraged Montreal general manager Sam Pollock that he used his record five first-round draft picks the following June to select such THE BAD ruggedly effective players as Cam Connor (who signed with Phoenix of the WHA), Doug Risebrough, Rick Chartraw and . · Tomas Tatar: Finally benched by Julien after taking two more terribly lazy penalties in Philadelphia. Tatar is on pace for his sixth consecutive Carey Price came to the rescue in Philadelphia, but it was clear that season of 20 or more goals. But he’s also well on his way to establishing Julien would change things up again for the following home game a career high in penalty minutes, which he set last year with 34. The only Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings. Perhaps inspired by the sight of other time in his career that he hit the 30 PIM mark was in his first full Michel Therrien in Philly, Julien pulled the Therrien blender out of storage season with the Red Wings in 2013-14. and the new-look trios helped Montreal jump out to an early 3-0 lead. · Artturi Lehkonen: Lehkonen also took two bad penalties in Philadelphia, In the end, even though they never really appeared to be in trouble, but sticking out your skate in the middle of the ice with Tatar already in Montreal did kind of hang on and have now won five of their last seven the box wasn’t just lazy, it was brain dead. Strange to see from a player games plus an overtime loser point in Philadelphia. Among the teams the who normally plays a smart game. Both rebounded against the Kings, Habs have beaten through 17 games are the defending Cup champs especially Lehkonen. from St. Louis (twice), Toronto (twice), Vegas and Boston. The only real blemish on their record is an early home ice loss to Detroit, a team that · Paul Byron: Finally scored his first goal of the season when he beat a didn’t win again until Friday against the Bruins. shaky-looking Tuukka Rask along the ice but otherwise didn’t show any indication of snapping out of an early season-long funk. It’s not just the Despite not having a single player in the top 50 scorers, a middle of the offensive part of his game that is MIA (just 11 shots on goal in 17 pack power play, a poor record killing penalties, virtually no production games), Byron is losing way too many battles along the boards while also from a few key players (Byron, Lehkonen, Kotkaniemi) and being one of missing numerous opportunities to get the puck out of the Montreal zone. the worst faceoff teams in the NHL, the Habs have a solid record of 9-5- He just seems lost with the puck on his stick right now. A perfect 3. illustration of this issue was the power play goal by James Van Riemsdyk. Byron was in the right spot at the right time but watched the Julien, as usual, has an excellent feel for his team. He’s slowly bringing puck deflect off his skate and missed it with his stick before JVR buried it along a pair of 20-year-old rookies while waiting for a 19-year-old to give the Flyers a 2-0 lead. And we’re still waiting for a typical Byron sophomore to rediscover his health and his game. Meanwhile, his 21- breakaway or two. year old top four defenceman picked an important week for his first ever multi-goal game. · Max Domi: Domi was so consistent last season it was noteworthy that he had back-to-back subpar games against Boston and Philadelphia. If the kids are alright, then perhaps the next time anyone tries to convince What he was doing was the opposite of Byron – keeping the puck on his you that a Stanley Cup-winning coach with over 1,200 regular season stick too long, attempting to stickhandle his way through two or three games behind him somehow doesn’t know how to properly develop defenders to get to the net. He looked much sharper and better Saturday young players, tell them you won’t get fooled again. against the Kings.

THE GOOD · Power Play: Hard as it is to slam a power play that connected twice in a · Shea Weber: Weber is hardly the first thirty-something vet to need a 3-2 win, the Habs could have used another to put the game away when few weeks to hit his stride after the season opens. The game-tying goal Kyle Clifford took a double minor for getting the blade of his stick into he scored in the third period in Philadelphia when he took a pass from Petry’s face. Just like Tuesday night against Boston, when they had a 3-1 Jonathan Drouin that was almost in his skates and in one motion lead but couldn’t take advantage of back-to-back power plays to ice the whipped his shot into the top of the net past Carter Hart was awfully game before Boston could come back and tie it. Weber’s first goal impressive. But that was just the warmup act for his opening goal against L.A., as rare as it looked, was from the top of the faceoff circle. Saturday night against the Kings. It resulted in a post-game question I’ve Or Ovechkin/Stamkos territory (can we now add Pastrnak’s name too?) never heard asked before, courtesy of TSN’s John Lu: “Have you ever where the Habs had Weber practicing in training camp. But after six failed attempts from that spot in game two of the season in Toronto, we haven’t seen that set up and/or execution since.

· Jesperi Kotkaniemi: Halloween was nearly two weeks ago but he’s still playing a ghost.

THE UGLY

· Injuries: Sobering reminder against the Bruins when Ryan Poehling stopped a shot with the side of his face just moments after Petry went down after catching his skate in a rut in the ice, followed later by a visibly angry Brendan Gallagher who smashed his stick in pieces on his way to the x-ray room when he blocked a shot with the front of his left glove. All three players returned after missing very little time. In Petry and Gallagher, the Habs simply don’t have the depth to overcome a lengthy injury to either player. They are, like Carey Price, indispensable.

· Peter MacDougall vs Claude Julien: The delay of game penalty MacDougall dished out to Julien after a botched icing call in Philadelphia led to a heated discussion and delay, when it was clear the on ice officials had no intent to huddle up, was a flashback to Julien’s days in the QMJHL. While the Habs coach was working his 1,201st NHL game, MacDougall, who was just elevated to full-time status prior to the start of the season, recently hit the 50-game mark. That’s not a call to make late in a 2-2 tie when the home team has already had five power plays and a penalty shot. He then muddied the situation even more when he missed a blatant high stick on Jonathan Drouin that went down right in front of him, with just a couple of minutes to play. Julien no doubt was fined for his post-game remarks (“He saw it, but didn’t call it…”) but he had reason to be angry about it. So maybe MacDougall was in over his head. But what about all the other Montreal bench minor penalties this season and earlier in that game?

· Don Cherry and Ron MacLean: I’ve never had a problem with Cherry acknowledging our veterans and police officers. It’s the other oft- repeated shtick that got really old years ago. Like many Montrealers, I have a lot of family and friends in Toronto. I’m there often. In fact, I just visited again. And I saw hundreds of white, Anglo-Saxon looking types who weren’t wearing poppies. You people should be ashamed of yourselves.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161026 Nashville Predators

Catfish Corner newsletter: Austin Watson, Mile Low city, Global Series and more

Paul Skrbina, Nashville Tennessean Published 5:09 p.m. CT Nov. 11, 2019

Another busy week is in the books for the Predators.

And what an up-and-down week it was.

Austin Watson's girlfriend, and mother of their child, Jennifer Guardino, opened up about her relationship with Watson, her struggles with addiction and depression and mental health issues on the "Ida & Julie" podcast, hosted by the wives of and Kyle Turris.

Watson took to Instagram to support Guardino and told me in Denver how proud he was of her.

Here's a look at last week's newsletter, in case you missed it.

As always, if you have a question for the Predators mailbag, send them to [email protected] or tweet them to @PaulSkrbina.

Now, a look back at the week that was.

Mile low

The Mile High city is where the low came for the Predators, who allowed nine goals to the Avalanche during a 9-4 loss. That's the most goals allowed in a game in franchise history. The loss came on the heels of a team bonding trip to Vail, Colo.

Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) and Nashville Predators center Calle Jarnkrok (19) celebrate Jarnkrok's goal during the second period at Bridgestone Arena Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.

No place like home

The NHL announced the Predators will go global, starting next season in the Switzerland hometown of Roman Josi and Yannick Weber as part of the league's Global Series. The announcement came not long after the team revealed the design for its Winter Classic sweaters.

Goals, goals and more goals

Nick Bonino is tied for the team lead in goals with eight. But there's more than meets offensive the eye to the center's game.

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) collides with Nashville Predators left wing (9) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019.

Back together

After beginning the season minus Filip Forsberg, the forward rejoined Ryan Johansen and to bring the "JoFA" line back together again.

Face first

Defenseman Dante Fabbro took a puck to the face and left Saturday's shootout loss to the Sharks during the second period. But he returned, wearing a cage mask, and finished the game.

Note of the week

The Predators' 65 goals were second in the league to the Capitals going into Monday's games.

Quote of the week

"I think to this day the hardest thing for me to get over in regards to that incident is the way that Austin and myself were viewed. You know things from that day will follow him forever and kind of, in a sense, haunt him." -- Guardino on Watson.

Tennessean LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161027 Nashville Predators loving your family, loving your wife, loving your hometown,” he said. “That’s how I grew up in Canada.”

“Music traps you in time,” Vince said. ‘If I don’t get brought up like that, I’m probably not here’: How country It’s also what connected Matt with his wife, Ashley, whom he married in music helped lead Matt Duchene to Nashville July 2017. When they first met in Colorado, Ashley introduced Matt to early recordings of Eric Church, who has since become his favorite artist.

Adam Vingan Nov 11, 2019 Just as his father did with him, Matt is raising his 10-month-old son Beau around music. (On a recent trip to Guitar Center, Ashley bought Beau an egg shaker.)

As the Predators put together their free-agency pitch to Matt Duchene “I’ll play guitar for him quite a bit, and he loves it,” Matt said. “He’s always this summer, they knew they had one distinct advantage over his other trying to walk up or go over to it and grab it and hit the strings. He’s pursuers. A few phone calls later, the presentation was complete. getting to that age now.”

When Duchene received it as soon as the NHL’s free-agent courting VIEW THIS POST ON INSTAGRAM period opened June 23, included was a collection of short cellphone videos from country music stars telling him to come to Nashville. HAD TO SHARE THIS… MAMA CAUGHT THIS MOMENT YESTERDAY, FIRST TIME PLAYING GUITAR FOR BEAU AND HE Dierks Bentley, Dustin Lynch, Lee Brice and Tyler Farr participated, LOVED IT ❤️ asking Duchene to envision partying with the Stanley Cup on Broadway. Thomas Rhett, a friend of Duchene’s, gave his pitch inside the Predators’ A POST SHARED BY MATT DUCHENE (@MATT9DUCHENE) ON APR dressing room at Bridgestone Arena, the team’s saber-toothed cat logo 18, 2019 AT 9:39AM PDT overhead. Beau even has a favorite song. “It was pretty cool, obviously as a guy who’s grown up being a big music fan from day one,” Duchene said. “For a while, he loved ‘Old Town Road,’ so I would play that for him, or I would just do the rap part and do the really deep voice, ‘I’ve got the For years, Duchene’s well-documented love of country, among other horses in the back,’ and he would just die,” Matt said. “It became a really things, was used to link him to the Predators, who, after multiple attempts funny thing. I think one time I sang it to him, and he started to smile and to acquire him, finally did so July 1 when he signed a seven-year, $56 go crazy. Then it just became the thing. When we would go out on the million contract. boat, we’d put that on, and he would just love it. My wife would bounce him on her knee, grab his hat and wave it around like it was a cowboy That’s half true. Duchene didn’t join the Predators just so he could be hat.” closer to the country scene, but if not for his deep-rooted, almost spiritual connection to the music it has produced, his playing career might have There is rarely a moment when the Duchenes aren’t listening to music, taken a different path. whether at the family cottage, at home, in the car, on the boat or before games. “I didn’t come to Nashville because of the country music,” Duchene said. “I came for the hockey. But at the same time, I fell in love with the city of “You almost have a soundtrack for your life that way, you know?” Matt Nashville because of country music and how I was brought up. The city said. and the lifestyle and everything was such a big factor in my life-outside- of-hockey decision. … If I don’t get brought up like that, I’m probably not Thomas Rhett, Matt Duchene and Chris Kimmerer. (Courtesy of Chris here. Kimmerer)

“It’s kind of funny how things come full circle in your life and how Before the Predators’ season opener Oct. 3, Duchene needed a haircut. something when you’re young that means a lot to you can stay with you He messaged Jake Owen, who recommended his stylist. (She also cuts and kind of lead you where you’re supposed to be.” Rhett’s and Roman Josi’s hair.) The interior designer who helped Vince and Matt Duchene jam together in 2010. (Courtesy of Vince decorate Duchene’s home in suburban Nashville also worked on Rhett’s Duchene) new place.

The first of Vince Duchene’s Ford Broncos was candy-apple red with a “I’ve leaned on those guys for several things,” Duchene said. “It’s kind of white hardtop and red interior. When it came time to trade that one in, he funny how you can just lean on that community because I had those went with a forest-green model. relationships with a lot of those guys before. I wouldn’t say we’re hanging out every weekend or anything, but just to fire a text off and say, ‘Hey, I Many of Matt’s earliest and most vivid music-related memories were need this. What do you think?’ It’s nice to have that kind of community created in the passenger seat of his father’s trucks. He would tag along there.” with Vince, a realtor, as he surveyed properties throughout Ontario’s picturesque Haliburton County, about 135 miles north of Toronto. Chris Kimmerer has known Duchene for five years, meeting him when he was with the Colorado Avalanche. The professional drummer, who has As Vince navigated the rough backroads of lake country, the drives were performed in Rhett’s band since 2012, didn’t want to interfere as soundtracked by Ricky Skaggs, Merle Haggard, George Jones, George Duchene weighed his free-agency options this summer, but made Strait and the Bellamy Brothers, as were the 30- to 90-minute rides to himself available to answer any questions Duchene had. and from hockey practices and games. “I know what he loves about life in Haliburton, Ontario,” said Kimmerer, “There has not been a waking moment in that boy’s life after he could who is from the Toronto suburb of . “I know what he missed hear everything going on in my wife’s womb that he didn’t hear country when he was in Denver or in Ottawa, Columbus as well. I think there music going on,” Vince said. were some parts about living here that I felt like I could help kind of connect or clarify for him. You can live in Brentwood, and you can be on A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, Vince was part of a country cover a boat in 20 minutes. You’re just down the street from that type of thing. band called Summerwind, which was a popular act at fairs and other You’ve got a young family that’s growing now, and as you’re ready to put events in cottage country. His wife, Chris, would bring Matt and younger kids in school, you can’t deny Williamson County is a great spot for that sister Jess to the shows, where they danced while their father performed. type of thing. … That side of stuff, I’m a guy who’s been here for 16 “He loved it,” Vince said. “He just absolutely loved it. My daughter’s there. years, so I felt I could connect (with him) on that.” She’s mimicking what he’s doing. Matt wouldn’t have been any older than Because of the demands of the Predators’ schedule, Duchene hasn’t had 4 or 5. From the time he could sit up on the couch, I would play my guitar much time to fully immerse himself in Nashville and the myriad to him, and he would sit there and listen to me for hours.” opportunities it has to offer. It’s that hectic pace of life, though, that The main appeal of country music, according to Matt, is its relatability. provides common ground between Duchene and the musicians he admires. “I think you listen to a lot of the lyrics, and it’s how I grew up, just being outside, hunting, fishing, driving around in a pickup, loving your dog, “There’s a lot of connection and a lot of similarities between the lifestyle outside of Colorado started to kick in with him. I think that might have that artists and athletes or even touring musicians in general and athletes even been part of the lure to get traded. It sort of started back then.” live,” Kimmerer said. “Our work tends to be seasonal. It tends to be demanding. There’s a lot of jumping right back into getting on the road As Matt moved from Colorado, where “he had lost a bit of his game and with the boys on the team, or same with us, jumping on the buses and his love for the game,” according to Vince, to Ottawa and Columbus over rolling down the road for a stretch of shows. Then you come back home, a span of 15 months, he wasn’t thinking about Nashville. But when the and your wife will hand over the kids and say, ‘Hey, they’re all yours.’ opportunity to finally play for the Predators materialized this summer, the You kind of grind from one gear to another a lot of times. pull was too strong.

“I’m expecting that that side of things will probably be a great source of “We as a family tried to keep an open mind with respect to the other support and common ground that artists in the country music community teams that were after him,” Vince said. “Obviously, when you’re looking will connect with Matt over. With Matt being new to town, I think that’s a at contracts of that nature, it’s your business, it’s what you do, and big thing. I would expect that that would continue to be a factor, a bit of a money’s a factor. But instinctively, I knew that he would try everything — support system within the community and seeing the athlete-musician everything — to make it work in Nashville, because he could see himself lines blurred a little bit, because we’re really approaching our lifestyles in fitting into that lifestyle as if he was at home here.” very similar ways.” Now Matt’s here, thriving with the Predators and living in a city that The first collaboration between Duchene and the local music community reminds him of home. will be in the form of a country-themed charitable endeavor, which the It’s music to the Duchenes’ ears. Predators will unveil this weekend. Duchene will sponsor a suite during games at Bridgestone Arena, where he will host the siblings of children “Matt’s played 10 years in the league, and for the first time since he who are battling serious medical conditions. started playing pro, but also, he played two years of junior hockey, so in 12 years, after my first visit to his home, I have never felt so happy and “I think it’s just a mutual admiration,” Duchene said. “It’s not like I’m settled that he’s settled,” Vince said. “He’s finally settled where he can starstruck, looking up to guys like that. It’s nothing like that. It’s just that live the life that he wants.” mutual admiration between musicians and athletes is always there. For me, country music is something that is a huge part of my life, so it’s fun to The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 get to know some of those guys and have support from them and support them on my side as well.”

It’s just a matter of time before Duchene hops onstage somewhere for an impromptu performance, something he has a knack for doing. In December, for instance, he sat in with the James Barker Band at a bar inside Canadian Tire Centre after an Ottawa Senators game against the Predators.

Duchene is modest about his musical ability.

“I got a little bit of (my father’s) talent that way and I guess that ear for music,” he said. “I’ve taught myself a lot of things, and I’ve felt like I’ve gotten better as the years have gone on just from working on it and listening to music. It’s crazy how much better you can get just by listening. You can pick up what key the song’s in, what the chord progression is, all that kind of stuff. I’m starting to get better at that just by listening.”

Kimmerer, however, sees a natural performer.

“He’s actually a really good guitar player and a pretty good singer,” he said. “You can kind of tell when a guy’s got that natural sort of thing, and I think Matt definitely does.”

A few years ago, Duchene, relaxing at his cottage, sent Kimmerer some iPhone recordings of original songs. Kimmerer took them to his studio in Berry Hill, remastering them with his bandmates. (Unfortunately, Kimmerer was unable to locate the tracks.)

“The only missing thing was like, ‘Man, we’ve got to get you to town so you can sing on them, and we’ll be on our way to a little Matt Duchene recording,'” Kimmerer said. “It took until 2019 to get him to town to do it, so hopefully I can get him over there, and we’ll knock them out.”

Matt Duchene participates in the breakaway challenge at the 2016 NHL All-Star Game in Nashville. (Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today)

Everyone remembers the cowboy hat.

Duchene stood at center ice at Bridgestone Arena as he awaited his turn in the breakaway challenge at the NHL All-Star skills competition, gaining the approval of the crowd for his choice in headwear.

To many observers, that weekend in January 2016 was seen as the first public declaration of Duchene’s love for all things Nashville.

“I don’t know really when it started, the interest in Nashville,” Vince Duchene said. “I don’t think it was prevalent in his first, let’s say, six or seven years. The All-Star Game might have been the turning point, because I think that was his first visit there in terms of being there for any kind of length of time. It was for my wife and I, too. … We fell in love with it.

“The whole aspect of what’s there has always been attractive to us since around that 2016 mark. I think that’s when Matt sort of seeing another life 1161028 New Jersey Devils Star Ledger LOADED: 11.12.2019

Why Devils’ Jack Hughes should be team’s top-line center going forward

By Chris Ryan

Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes have established themselves as the Devils’ top two centers through 16 games. There isn’t a ton of debate there.

Hughes has nine points in has last 10 games after going scoreless in the first six of his NHL career, while Hischier’s been in a top-six role for the vast majority of his two-plus NHL seasons. He’s also heating up offensively, getting up to two goals in the past five games to get up to seven points in 13 games this season.

Both players have spent considerable time playing on the Devils’ top line, and they flip-flopped during the team’s past five-game road trip.

Introducing Devils Insider: Sign up for exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers

From what the two — and more importantly, the team as a whole — have shown so far, the Devils are better positioned for success with Hughes on the top line, based on the numbers generated with the Hughes and Hischier on the ice.

And that conclusion is centered around what they have done playing away from top-line wingers Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri, because on the top line, both have been productive.

In Hischier’s 91:30 of 5-on-5 ice time with Hall and Palmieri, the three have a 53.02 corsi-for percentage, with an expected goals-for percentage of 52.49. The three have been on the ice for five goals for and five goals against.

In Hughes’ 65:01 with Hall and Palmieri, the line has a 55.08 corsi-for percentage and a 62.96 expected goals-for percentage. They’ve scored two and allowed two on the ice together.

Buy Jack Hughes gear: Fanatics, NHL.com, Lids, Dick's Sporting Goods

So the top line is effective in either scenario. The big difference comes when Hughes or Hischier are away from Hall and Palmieri.

Hughes has played 90:16 of 5-on-5 without those two on the ice, and his corsi-for percentage is 41.59 and the team’s expected goal percentage is 45.53. In Hischier’s 57:19 without both players, he has a 57.73 corsi-for percentage and a 59.96 expected goals-for percentage.

In much simpler terms, Hischier’s lines are driving possession and generating offense, regardless of his two wingers. Hughes’ lines without Hall and Palmieri haven’t been doing so.

Part of the reason for bumping Hughes down, specifically on the road, was playing the matchups. Hall is always going to draw tough opponents away from home, where opponents get the last change. Hischier, now in his third season, is better equipped to handle those types of opponents over an 18-year-old Hughes.

Sunday’s game against the Canucks provided a scenario where Hughes would be able to tackle any matchup thrown his way, so he was placed back with Hall and Palmieri.

“We felt that would be a good line and we could play them probably against any line (the Canucks) had” Devils coach John Hynes said. “It was nice being able to see them play the way they did tonight.”

And if there’s ever a night going forward where Hughes is struggling against a particularly tough line, the Devils can throw Hischier into that spot if needed, easing some of the burden on the rookie.

But keeping Hughes on the top line and Hischier on the second will give the Devils two very effective lines more often than not.

Hischier grew into that top-line role as an 18-year-old in 2017-18, largely because he was the Devils’ only real option to play there. The Devils can now do that with Hughes, with the added luxury of having a top-line caliber center in Hischier driving another line. 1161029 New Jersey Devils Hall didn’t score a goal during the team’s five-game road trip, though it wasn’t for a lack of trying.

He had 20 shots during the five-game swing, including eight on Sunday. 3 takeaways from Devils’ successful road trip: Taylor Hall’s search for He also had chances on three breakaways, but he was stopped on all goals; Mackenzie Blackwood No. 1 goalie? three. He appeared to net a third-period goal on his final rush on Sunday, but it was called off because the net was knocked out of place before the puck crossed the line.

By Chris Ryan Regardless, the star of the Devils’ offense has just two goals through 16 games, though he does still lead the team with 15 points thanks to his 13

assists. The Devils will return from Western Canada with six points on a five- "Just got to keep working for the goals. I think I’m getting inside a lot game road trip, capped off by Sunday’s 2-1 victory over the Vancouver more,” Hall said. “The chances are close to the paint or close to the slot. Canucks at in Vancouver. Hopefully things start to turn." The 3-2-0 run included wins over the Canucks, Winnipeg Jets and During his time with the Devils, Hall has historically taken time to find his Carolina Hurricanes, along with regulation losses to the Calgary Flames scoring touch. Through 16 games last season, he had five goals, and two and Edmonton Oilers. came in his 16th game. In his 2017-18 MVP season, he also had five As the Devils prepare to play five of their next seven games at home, goals through 16 games. He had six through 16 games in 2016-17. starting when they host the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday, here’s a So he’s always been a player who’s heated up as schedule gets deeper look at three major takeaways from the long road trip. into November and December, and based on what he’s doing right now, Better third periods that could be the case again.

In the Devils’ two losses, they trailed in the third period, and the Flames “Hockey’s weird sometimes. You don’t play well and you get a couple and Oilers controlled the final frames to put those games away. In the goals, and (then) you play pretty well, and nothing really goes your way," three games the Devils won, the third period went their way in each. Hall said. “No choice but to smile and keep going and just enjoy the battle. Two goals after 16 games is obviously, probably, the worst-case They didn’t allow any third-period goals in those three games, and each scenario, but just keep grinding.” win presented a different scenario for the Devils to close the game. They scored twice against the Hurricanes to break at 3-3 tie in the final frame. Star Ledger LOADED: 11.12.2019 They kept the Jets scoreless to get the game to overtime, where they eventually won in a shootout. Against the Canucks, they maintained their 2-1 lead for the closing frame.

Introducing Devils Insider: Sign up for exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers

“It was a resilient effort. We’re in these situations more and more and have handled them better as of late," Devils coach John Hynes said. "Really liked the way we were able to handle that and the find a way to be able to win the game.”

Third-period struggles played a major factor in the Devils’ rough start to the season, so getting multiple games with strong finished should give them plenty of confidence to replicate those outings going forward.

“We had a big penalty kill there in the third period, we had some chances offensively,” forward Taylor Hall said. “I don’t think we were hemmed in our end for the whole third period. I thought we did a good job playing with the lead and playing assertive.”

Mackenzie Blackwood is the clear No. 1 goalie right now

Mackenzie Blackwood started four of the five games on the road trip, where he anchored all three wins and allowed 10 goals over 12 periods.

With Cory Schneider still searching for his first victory, Blackwood has emerged as the Devils’ current go-to goalie. After staking him to a 2-0 lead against the Canucks, he made key stops while racking up 30 saves on Sunday.

“He gave us saves when we needed them. That’s what you need. He looks good," Hynes said. "He’s finding ways to win games. And that’s exactly what you need from a goaltender. When you have breakdowns or the another team has a push, you need to have saves, and he’s been able to make them more often than not.”

That effort also included nine saves in the final period of Sunday’s win, where he held down the fort with the Devils under siege in the closing minutes.

“If you look at the way we handled tonight vs. the way we started the season, if we could have used some of the things we learned form the start of the season earlier, I think our record would look a lot differently," Blackwood said. "Because we’ve blown a lot of leads, and just managing to hang on to this one basically for the majority of the game there, just shows the improvement of our team and the mindset and just how guys are wiling to do the little things for the team.”

Goals will eventually fall for Hall 1161030 New York Islanders

Brock Nelson thriving in Barry Trotz's system for the Islanders

By Andrew Gross

In their first conversation after he became the Islanders’ coach, Barry Trotz laid out his belief in Brock Nelson, certain the previous staff had not maximized his ability.

“The first conversation was I thought he was a better player than just from afar,” Trotz said. “I didn’t see a lot of warts on Nellie when we had him and we got to know him. I thought they were missing out on what he could bring to the group. He knows how important he is to the group and he has embraced the responsibility of being a good player on a pretty decent team.”

The Islanders, who did not practice on Monday, are on an 11-0-1 streak as they conclude a season-high four-game homestand against the Maple Leafs and former Isles captain John Tavares on Wednesday night at NYCB Live’s .

Tavares’ exit via free agency to the Maple Leafs on July 1, 2018, just 10 days after Trotz was hired by the Islanders following his Stanley Cup win with the Capitals, also played a factor in Nelson’s emergence as a top-six forward.

Nelson, 28, who eschewed unrestricted free agency and agreed to a six- year, $36 million deal with the Islanders on May 23, is second on the team in scoring with four goals and seven assists after another typically strong start. October hasn’t been dubbed “Brocktober” the past few seasons for nothing.

“I think it helped quite a bit,” Nelson said of getting a bigger role under Trotz. “The first couple of years, I think I had pretty good years — but maybe the situation with the guys we had, it just wasn’t the biggest of roles. Not to fault anybody. Just maybe I wasn’t moving upward. Some space opened up when Johnny left, and different guys have stepped up.”

Nelson set career highs last season with 28 assists and 53 points as he spent most of the season between and right wing Jordan Eberle. This season, he’s settled in between left wing Anthony Beauvillier and converted center Derick Brassard on the second line.

But Nelson’s value goes beyond that. He’s become Trotz’s most reliable faceoff-taker — he won 17 of 25 (68%) in Saturday’s 2-1 win over the Panthers at — as well as a fixture on the power play and penalty kill. He logged a season-high 24:35 on Saturday.

The key is Trotz using him in the right spots. Nelson is more effective as a two-way center than being relied on solely for his offense.

“I haven’t asked him to do some of the things that were asked of him before,” Trotz said. “I didn’t think that was a part of his game, necessarily. So I just asked him to play to his strengths. He’s a very detailed guy. He’s got skill. He’s got range. You can trust him defensively, so we’re giving him a bigger piece of the pie.”

“You’re not always impacting the game on the scoresheet when you play that style, but I think it’s productive for me,” Nelson added. “Barry has the same vision for where I’m at.”

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161031 New York Rangers

Rangers summon Brad Richards to help fix faceoff woes

By Mollie Walker November 11, 2019 | 11:31pm | Updated

The Rangers brought in reinforcements to correct their faceoff game.

After losing 75.9 percent of their faceoffs in Sunday’s shootout loss to the Panthers, which dropped their faceoff win percentage .476, third-worst in the league, coach David Quinn summoned former Ranger Brad Richards onto the ice for practice Monday.

“We were doing a good job on faceoffs, and [Sunday], we might as well not have even gone into the dot,” Quinn said. “One of those nights. We were 11th in the league at some point, we were kind of really moving forward, and now we’re down to 20-something. That was a beatdown on the dots last night.

“Obviously we worked on it today — we had Brad Richards here today. Centers are doing really good job of working at it.”

Richards, who amassed 4,171 faceoff wins through his 15 seasons in the NHL, did extra work at the dot with the Rangers’ centers after practice. He was hired in 2017, along with Brian Leetch, to serve as a hockey operations adviser.

With first-line center Mika Zibanejad, who is the usual go-to at the circle, out the past six games with an upper-body injury — soon to be seven as Quinn already ruled him out for Tuesday’s game against the Penguins — the Rangers’ competitiveness from the faceoff circle has dipped.

Despite not seeing any game time for over two weeks, Zibanejad is still second on the team in faceoff win percentage (.513). With just 398 faceoff wins so far this season, the Blueshirts have found themselves at the bottom of the league.

“It’s part of the territory, playing against the top players in the league, like [Patrice] Bergeron and [Aleksander] Barkov, and these guys are good faceoff guys,” said Ryan Strome, who has won 49.6 percent of his faceoffs this season. “Brad Richards has a good skill set and a good wealth of knowledge that he can give to us.”

There are no new developments with Zibanejad’s injury that has kept him out of the lineup since Oct. 27, but there also haven’t been any setbacks.

“When he does come back, we want to make sure that it’s full steam ahead,” Quinn said. “I think some injuries are unpredictable and he’s got one that’s a little unpredictable.”

New York Post LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161032 New York Rangers “It’s definitely not easy,” Lindgren said of defending someone of Crosby’s caliber. “You just got to make sure that we’re talking to each other.”

A task made easier between teammates who know each other quite well. Rangers’ Adam Fox-Ryan Lindgren pairing was years in the making New York Post LOADED: 11.12.2019

By Mollie Walker November 11, 2019 | 9:59pm | Updated

There is a lot more behind the Rangers’ defensive pairing of Ryan Lindgren and Adam Fox.

For starters, the 21-year-olds have just 25 games shared between them. Lindgren may have played in five games for the Blueshirts during a brief call-up last season, but the duo is essentially navigating their first NHL season together.

And they have also experienced a few developmental stages together, making their reunion in New York that much more notable.

“I’ve known Foxy a long time,” Lindgren said after practice Monday. “We played together at the U.S. National Development Program in Ann Arbor. We were there for two years together, and we played at World Juniors twice together. [I’m] very familiar with his game — he’s a very easy guy to play with. We’re good friends off the ice. I think that helps too.”

Lindgren and Fox were teenagers when they began playing together in the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, which prepares players under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. national teams.

They also won gold (2017) and bronze (2018) medals together while competing for Team USA in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

Adam Fox (l) and Ryan LindgrenPaul J. Bereswill

Fox recorded four points in seven games, while Lindgren contributed an assist as the U.S. defeated Canada for its fourth title.

So when Lindgren received the call up from AHL Hartford at the end of last month and was paired with Fox, who made the Rangers’ roster out of training camp, the duo’s chemistry was quickly apparent to coach David Quinn.

“[I have] a pretty high level [of confidence in them],” Quinn said of his third-string defensive pair. “Those guys have done a good job.”

Both Lindgren and Fox agreed their familiarity with each other’s playing style has helped them maintain effective communication on the ice. Fox — acquired by the Rangers in April after three strong years at Harvard — said that his ability to read Lindgren’s movements has translated into his high level of comfort playing alongside him.

“Just the way he competes,” Fox said of Lindgren, who notched his first NHL goal in the shootout loss to the Panthers on Sunday. “He gets pucks in the corner, and he’s probably going to come out with it or at least try his hardest to come out with it. I think people underrate his skill a little bit — he’s a pretty good skater and can make some smart plays with it.”

The substantial amount of youth on the Rangers’ back end has been cited at the forefront of the team’s inconsistency issues, yet it hasn’t kept the Blueshirts out of the win column, with wins in four of the past six games. This is also without first-line center Mika Zibanejad, who has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since Oct. 27.

But when the always-competitive Penguins visit Tuesday night, with the likes of Evgeni Malkin, Jake Guentzel and Patric Hornqvist headlining Pittsburgh’s offensive weapons, the young defensemen recognize the challenge at hand.

“They have a lot of skilled players,” Fox said. “Some big guys, too. I think we have to close in on them and not give them any time or space because that’s when they’re pretty dangerous.”

The young Rangers won’t have to worry about Sidney Crosby, who was ruled out for Tuesday’s game on Monday as he continues to be evaluated after leaving the Penguins’ last game with an undisclosed lower-body injury.

Both Lindgren and Fox chuckled at the idea of using Crosby, who has appeared in 935 more games than the two of them combined, as a test for their efficiency as a defensive pairing. 1161033 New York Rangers It's been two weeks since Mika Zibanejad left the ice after taking a vicious hit from Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron. And while the Rangers have been calling it a "day-to-day" injury, it's now becoming week-to-week. NY Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei calls benching 'frustrating,' says he'll be better Quinn confirmed Monday that his No. 1 center will not make the trip to Florida later this week, which means Zibanejad will miss at least three more games — Tuesday at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with Thursday's game in Tampa Bay against the Lightning and Vincent Z. Mercogliano, NHL writer Published 6:30 p.m. ET Nov. 11, Saturday's away game against the Panthers. 2019 | Updated 7:04 p.m. ET Nov. 11, 2019 "He’s getting a little rest," Quinn said. "He’s putting himself in a position

to come back, so when he does come back, we’re not going do what we TARRYTOWN - Roughly 15 months after the New York Rangers just went through where he gets out there and he has to get taken off the invested in defenseman Brady Skjei, signing him to a six-year, $31.5 ice. When he does come back, we want to make sure that it's full steam million contract, the 25-year-old found himself removed from the lineup ahead." — a healthy scratch for Thursday's 4-2 win against the Carolina The Rangers have been vague on the specifics of Zibanejad's injury, Hurricanes. classifying it as "upper body" with Quinn later saying it's "more neck." "Any hockey player, if you’ve got a heartbeat, that's frustrating, for sure," Zibanejad skated in a non-contact jersey last week, but did not appear on Skjei said following Monday's practice at the MSG Training Center. the ice for Monday's practice. Quinn said it's "not a setback," adding that Since his rookie season in 2016-17, the Rangers have viewed Skjei as a he's hopeful Zibanejad will skate again "in the next day or two." building block and important part of their future. Yet, the trajectory of his "I think some injuries are unpredictable," Quinn said. "And he's got one career has plateaued. that is a little bit unpredictable." Skjei fell short of his rookie totals of 39 points, a plus-11 rating and a 50.6 Bergen Record LOADED: 11.12.2019 Corsi For Percentage in the two seasons that followed, and his early 2019-20 performance led to the recent benching.

"At the end of the day, you want to put the guys who are playing well in the lineup," Rangers coach David Quinn said. "This was one of those situations where I thought Brady was the guy who was going to be out. You don’t just bench a guy for having a bad game. Guys have built up a nest and some sweat equity where you give guys an opportunity. ‘All right, you played a bad game, but you’ve had six good ones,’ so you’re going to let a guy play through a bad moment. But there comes a time you've got to say enough's enough and handle it accordingly."

Prior to scratching Skjei from the lineup, Quinn did the same to veteran Marc Staal for three games.

They are being pushed by a crop of younger defensemen — specifically rookies Adam Fox, Libor Hájek and Ryan Lindgren — which has forced Quinn to make difficult decisions.

"Those conversations are never easy," Quinn said. "He’s such a likable guy. We're all human beings, and it makes it a little bit more difficult when it’s someone like Brady and Staalsie."

But while Staal is 32 and on the back end of his career — and now will miss at least two weeks after undergoing surgery for an ankle infection — Skjei is entering his prime. He's under contract for five more seasons (including this one), which makes it critical for the Rangers to get him on track.

Quinn recently said Skjei "loses his confidence because he cares so much."

"I expect a lot from me," Skjei said. "I think as a player, when I'm not playing my best — I wouldn’t say I’m hard on myself — but I know I have another level I can get to. I feel like sometimes when you reach for that too much, you kind of get yourself in trouble that way. So I've just got to stay patient. I thought (Sunday) was a good step in the right direction."

Quinn reinserted Skjei into the lineup for Sunday's 6-5 shootout loss to the Florida Panthers and said he had "a good, solid night." He scored a goal in the second period and had a season-high 23:47 time on ice.

One Brady Skjei goal coming right up 🛎️ #LGRpic.twitter.com/p52sFyBOqH

— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) November 10, 2019

Now the question is: Can he build on it? Or are there more healthy scratches in his future?

"It's definitely disappointing at first, and then you've got to turn around and you've got to motivate yourself to be better," Skjei said. "I think just consistency is probably the biggest thing. I think being a player that — when I'm moving my feet, when I'm skating, that's when I’m at my best. I've got to do that night in and night out."

Mika Zibanejad out for another week 1161034 New York Rangers

Mika Zibanejad to miss Tuesday's game and beyond

By Colin Stephenson

GREENBURGH, N.Y. — It was Picture Day for the Rangers, so practice started a few minutes late. When it did, Mika Zibanejad again was not participating, which means the Blueshirts’ No. 1 center is out for Tuesday’s home game against the Penguins. Coach David Quinn suggested that he’ll be out beyond that, too.

“We’re thinking in the next day or two, there’ll be more progress and he’ll be in a better position,’’ Quinn said. “He obviously won’t make the trip to Florida, but we’re hopeful he will be getting closer to getting back on ice and getting back in the lineup.’’

It’s been more than two weeks since Zibanejad left the Oct. 27 game against the Bruins after taking a high hit from center Patrice Bergeron late in the first period. At the time, the Rangers said Zibanejad was suffering from an upper-body injury and that his status was day-to-day.

After the game, Quinn was asked directly if Zibanejad had suffered a concussion. He said no. Several days later, after a practice, he repeated that there was no concussion and said the problem was more in the neck area.

Zibanejad skated on his own last week and last Wednesday skated with the team, wearing a no-contact jersey. He didn’t make the trip to play the Hurricanes and didn’t take part in the open practice at Lasker Rink in Central Park on Saturday. On Sunday, he missed his sixth straight game when the Rangers lost to the Panthers in a shootout.

Quinn said the Rangers were not being overly optimistic when they originally said his status was day-to-day. “No, I think some injuries are unpredictable,’’ he said. “And he’s got one that is a little bit unpredictable.’’

Zibanejad was the Rangers’ leading scorer when he went out, but they have gone 4-1-1 without him.

“I think guys have elevated their game,’’ Quinn said. “It’s an opportunity for people to step up and take a little bit more ownership of the role that they’re capable of doing. And, obviously, we’ve got some great goaltending throughout that stretch, and we’ve been opportunistic on the power play. That being said, I’m dying for him to come back.’’

Quinn said Zibanejad is “getting a little rest . . . so when he does come back, we’re not going to do what we just went through, where he gets out there, he gets taken off the ice. When he does come back, we want to make sure that it’s full steam ahead.’’

Notes & quotes: The Penguins won’t have their No. 1 center on Tuesday either. Coach Mike Sullivan said Sidney Crosby, who suffered an undisclosed injury Saturday against the Blackhawks, would not make the trip to New York . . . Alexandar Georgiev will start in goal Tuesday, Quinn said . . . Rangers and Knicks owner James Dolan was present for Picture Day and stayed to watch practice.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161035 Ottawa Senators What a difference a day makes. Everything that hit Nilsson or the post or barely missed the net a week ago found mesh on Monday.

Make no mistake. The Hurricanes were without question the better squad Hurricanes storm over listless and luckless Senators in ugly romp and for the most part worked their way into the positions to get their breaks. The Senators barely tested Hurricanes goaltender Petr Mrazek until it was far too late.

Ken Warren But once the bounces were added into the equation, the Senators had, well, positively no chance.

Trying to chase lead led to more mistakes, resulting in a vicious cycle of RALEIGH, N.C. — From stick luck to skate luck to work ethic to seeing puck after puck enter the Senators net. everything in between, it was no contest here Monday. “You try and get scoring and it compounds and it gets a little worse,” said It was all around ugly for the Ottawa Senators. Smith. “You’ve just got to go back to the way we (want to) play and we’ll Yet again, the PNC Arena represented Positively No Chance Arena for do that in practice and we’ll do that in the next game.” the Senators, who were stormed 8-2 by the Carolina Hurricanes in the They couldn’t get out of Raleigh fast enough. Over the past dozen years, back end of the home-and-home series. the Senators are 3-16-0 in this building. And with that, the Senators mild two-game winning streak is definitely in The Senators, who left for Newark and Wednesday’s game against the the rear-view mirror. New Jersey Devils immediately after the game, are also 1-6-1 away from “There will be plenty of stuff to watch and learn from, certainly,” Canadian Tire Centre this season. understated Senators defenceman and alternate captain Ron Hainsey. In the search for positives, White scored his second goal of the season, Hainsey says it’s on the veteran players to not let games like Monday get and his first since Oct. 12, when Mrazek gift-wrapped him a goal late in out of hand, to not let bad breaks turn into bad habits. the second period to break up the shutout bid.

“That’s our responsibility, the older guys, the leaders here, who have Tkachuk also scored from his office in third period, crashing and banging been around. We failed to keep the guys with the program. It was 3-0, his way to a loose puck and battling through a hook for his second goal in not a great spot to be on the road, but we certainly didn’t do a good as many games. enough job keeping ourselves on the program. We get off the program RYAN RETURNS going up the ice and their guys come flying at us. So, that’s on those of us who know better to make sure, that even at 3-0, it’s not time to go Bobby Ryan was back in the lineup Monday after Belleville call-up crazy.” was a late scratch due to a previously undisclosed lower body injury suffered Saturday against the Hurricanes. Ryan had Sebastian Aho scored twice for the Hurricanes, with Warren Foegele, missed the previous two games and four of the previous six as a healthy Martin Necas, Haydn Fleury, Dougie Hamilton and former Senator Ryan scratch. He was noticeable, but not the way you might have expected, Dzingel adding singles. Colin White and Brady Tkachuk replied for the fighting Brock McGinn early in the first period after McGinn took issue Senators. with a Ryan hit on former Senator Brian Gibbons. Senators goaltender Anders Nilsson, who entered the game as the BROWN IMPROVES NHL’s first star of the week, didn’t last through two periods before being replaced by Craig Anderson, who allowed the final three Hurricanes Logan Brown is inching towards returning to the line-up from his upper goals. body injury. The 21-year-old centre, who was born in Raleigh, skated with Ryan, Mikkel Boedker and Cody Goloubef on Monday morning and Hungry to end their four-game losing streak and taking advantage of the is expected to be on the ice for full practice Tuesday afternoon in shaken Senators, the Hurricanes took full advantage of everything they Newark. “We’ll reconvene from there,” said Smith. earned and were given by the hockey gods. COMPARE AND CONTRAST As nasty as the final score was for the Senators, it’s hard to lay all that much of the fault at Nilsson’s feet. Andrei Svechnikov, drafted second overall by the Hurricanes in 2018, two choices ahead of Tkachuk, played in his 100th career game. Svechnikov More on that theme to come. is more flash (hello, lacrosse goal) and Tkachuk is more bash, but the While the Senators deserved what they got in earning a 4-1 victory over statistics are intriguing. In his first 100 games, Svechnikov has 27 goals the Hurricanes Saturday at Canadian Tire Centre, they quickly got off on and 28 assists. Now consider this: After Monday’s contest, Tkachuk has the wrong foot — literally — in the rematch. 27 goals and 28 assists in his first 88 games. It’s going to be fun to watch their respective careers. Let us count the ways: [email protected] – On the first shot of the game, a mere 44 seconds in, a weak Foegele shot deflected off Chris Tierney’s skate and squeaked through Nilsson. Twitter: @Citizenkwarren

– Necas had nothing but net to shoot at after Jake Gardiner’s shot “We’ll be back to work tomorrow and back to work against Jersey.”#Sens deflected off the skate of Vladislav Namestnikov directly to his stick for head coach D.J. Smith speaks to the media after tonight’s game. the power-play goal that made it 2-0. pic.twitter.com/5BCslfYyLn

– Aho scored on a shorthanded breakaway to make it 3-0, only seconds — Ottawa Senators (@Senators) November 12, 2019 after he broke Nick Paul’s stick with a slash. Paul was trying to return to Ottawa Sun LOADED: 11.12.2019 the action with a new stick when Aho sped away to freedom. Typically, a slash resulting in a broken stick results in a penalty call.

– Then came Fleury’s goal, on a shot deflected off the stick of rookie Senators defenceman Erik Brannstrom and into the roof of the net over Nilsson’s shoulder.

At that point, down 4-0 and looking for a spark — or maybe some luck — Senators coach D.J. Smith opted to give Nilsson a rest.

“He has been outstanding for us,” said Smith. “It was nothing to do with him. It was just…four is enough and (the fourth one was) a bad break off a stick and it is what it is.” 1161036 Ottawa Senators they make. I go a weekend away from my family and I want to get home. Some of these men and women are doing six month tours, or more.”

DZINGEL BELLS IN RALEIGH: Senator-turned-Hurricane Ryan Dzingel WARRENSPIECE: Nilsson starts, Borowiecki's respect, Dzingel's enjoyed a few laughs with former teammates Pageau, Bobby Ryan, Chris frustration, no bitter Cherry flavour Tierney and Craig Anderson at dinner in Raleigh Monday. Apparently, Vladislav Namestnikov wasn’t invited. “He cross-checked me in the face and I kind of lost it a little bit,” Dzingel said of his fight with Namestnikov in the Senators 4-1 win over the Hurricanes Saturday at Canadian Tire Ken Warren Centre. “I don’t think he meant to crosscheck me, but it was a little high and I was frustrated.”

RALEIGH, N.C. — Anders Nilsson’s first reaction being named the NHL’s After being traded to Columbus from Ottawa last season, Dzingel tested first star of the week Monday morning? free agency before landing in North Carolina with a two-year, $6.75 million deal. Shock. “There were a couple of teams (interested),” he said. “It was a weird off- “Honestly, I did not see that one coming,” the Senators goaltender said season, a weird free agency. The (salary) cap didn’t go up and things got before starting his third consecutive game Monday night against the tighter, so it was a little nerve-wracking, but found a place I wanted to be Carolina Hurricanes. and I’m really thankful for that.”…There is no love lost in Raleigh at the end of Don Cherry’s broadcasting career. Cherry, of course, set off a It shouldn’t have been all that surprising, though. All Nilsson did last firestorm here last season for criticizing the Hurricanes’ post-game week was go 3-0-0, with a sparking 1.64 goals against average and .950 victory celebrations. In turn, Carolina turned that into a marketing save percentage. In wins over the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings opportunity, with “Bunch of Jerks” T-shirts becoming a big seller. and the Hurricanes on Saturday, he stopped 96 of 101 shots. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 11.12.2019 Toronto’s Auston Matthews and Colorado’s Cale Makar were named second and third stars.

“It’s an honour, especially in a league like this, with so many good hockey players,” said Nilsson, who didn’t have much time to celebrate the first league star award of his career.

IT’S A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT: “You can’t think about it too much,” he said. “It’s something you put in your backpack and look back on at the end of the season maybe, but right now, you have to be in the present moment.”

Winning, Nilsson says, makes everyone shine and the fact the Senators went 3-1 during the week — the lone blemish was a 4-1 defeat to the New York Islanders, with Craig Anderson in goal — makes the netminders’ numbers shine that much brighter.

“It’s a combination of a lot of small things that kind of fell into place,” he said. “It’s a team game and our overall team game has been improving a lot over the last couple of weeks.”

Call it superstition or call it personal history, but Nilsson believes it’s dangerous for any goaltender to start wondering why success suddenly comes.

“I think I speak for every goalie when I say it’s a long season and you’re going to have your ups and downs. Usually when you play your best, you don’t think too much. You just go out there and play. That’s a secret for a goalie: If you think out there, you have no chance to make saves.”

WHAT ABOUT PAGEAU?: If Nilsson hadn’t stood on his head all week, pesky centre Jean-Gabriel Pageau might have won an NHL star himself for turning heads. He scored in all four games the Senators played (five in total), while seeing his plus minus rating vault five points to a league- leading plus 16. “He has been on fire,” said Nilsson.

BOROWIECKI OFFERS PERSPECTIVE: Monday was anything but just another game for Senators defenceman Mark Borowiecki. Playing on November 11 — Remembrance Day in Canada and Veterans Day in the U.S. — allows him to take a step back and think about the world he lives in. Borowiecki is a champion for the Canadian Armed Forces program Soldier On, which supports active soldiers and veterans who have suffered mental and/or physical injuries.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to make some relationships in the military community, especially in (Ottawa), having an opportunity to hear a lot of stories and experiences that make this day feel a little more real,” he said.

At every game at Canadian Tire Centre, Borowiecki provides tickets to a member of the Soldier On program, as well as giving a tour of the dressing room.

WHAT LIFE MIGHT HAVE BEEN: Before Borowiecki received a scholarship to play hockey at Clarkson University, he seriously contemplated attending RMC, possibly embarking on his own military career. “That was a real option for me,” he said. “I’m very fortunate to not go through the hardships those men and women do and the sacrifices 1161037 Ottawa Senators Alfredsson read a letter of condolence sent after McGee, who had been wounded earlier in 1916, returned to the frontlines and was killed by shellfire in the bloody Battle of the Somme in September of 1916.

Daniel Alfredsson lends his voice to help honour Canadian veterans During his time on stage, Alfredsson was as poised and smooth as he was on the ice while representing the Senators.

He even brought a little levity to a sombre occasion when he got a couple By Chris Stevenson Nov 11, 2019 of laughs from the crowd in his introductory remarks about McGee.

“Frank McGee was the cornerstone of hockey’s first dynasty. His Ottawa Silver Sevens team won the Stanley Cup from 1903 to 1906. During that Daniel Alfredsson, a new Canadian wearing a poppy, strode onto the time, he was the unquestioned star of the team, averaging three goals a stage at the Canadian War Museum on Sunday and lent his voice to game and setting a record that will probably never be broken,” he said. incredibly personal, first-hand written accounts from Canadian veterans “He scored 14 goals in one Stanley Cup Final game.” during wartime. That drew chuckles from the crowd. The former Senators captain was an eloquent participant in “Letters In A Time Of War,” a moving and poignant program on the eve of “You might wonder how he manage to enlist in the army in 1915 if he Remembrance Day. In addition to Alfredsson, it featured Canadians from was blind in one eye,” Alfredsson continued. “According to McGee’s different walks of life — media personalities, actors, historians, members nephew, his uncle tricked the army doctor. He was asked to cover one of the military and a student — reading letters written by servicemen and eye then he was asked to switch and and guess which hand?” Alfredsson women from the frontlines of Canada’s battles, from South Africa to had covered his left eye with his left hand, then dropped his hand and Afghanistan. covered the same eye with his right hand.

Alfredsson’s passionate involvement transported a sold-out audience Alfredsson pulled off the subterfuge perfectly which got a big laugh. “I from the comfortable ambience of the Barney Danson Theatre to the rat- wasn’t sure if I was going to do it, but I did rehearse it before, just make filled trenches of World War I and the heaving seas of the North Atlantic sure ‘same eye, same eye, just switch hands,’” he said. in World War II. The two-hour performance also featured performances by the Canterbury Trebles Women’s Ensemble. He read from a condolence letter from Lieut. Col. Albert Jones to the McGee family. Portions of it: Alfredsson once again showed his appreciation for Canada as his new country and Ottawa as his new home. “Oct. 18, 1916.

He doesn’t watch a lot of the Senators or NHL hockey these days — his “I have been intending to write to you ever since Frank left us, but I’ve involvement in hockey is coaching the Ottawa Sting Minor Bantam AA had a great deal to do. This is my only excuse. Frank only came back to team on which his son Loui plays — so he wasn’t aware of Don Cherry’s me two days before we went over on the morning of the 15th of comments on Coach’s Corner on Saturday that new Canadians don’t September … appreciate the sacrifices our veterans have made. “He reported to me and I put him in command of my first line. He knew Alfredsson said becoming a Canadian citizen has made him appreciate what it meant and he laughed as he went into it. He took most of his men our veterans and Canadians’ respect for them more than ever. He through and reached the front trench. I had a message from him there, wanted to honour the tradition by being involved in Sunday’s event. telling me this was his position and that he would gather up more men and push on. “I was part of it when we celebrated it as part of the hockey team, but now going on three years being a Canadian citizen, I think it has a “He was gathering men to prepare for another attack when he was killed. different meaning than it did before, even though I felt I was part of the I need not tell you what it was like under shellfire because you know community in a way, ” he told The Athletic in a quiet room backstage better than I can write. His bravery always inspired the men under him. after the event. “When he was with me first I had learned to rely on him, but in the “When this opportunity came along and you read up on the history and Somme, during his few hours there he was wonderful. If I come home I courage people have shown to make life better for other people, it is will be able to tell you more, but it is harder writing than you can know.” tremendous. I think it’s important to know the history a little bit so these Alfredsson also read some literally gut-wrenching passages from the things don’t happen again.” diaries of Frank Curry, a leading seaman and sonar operator on HMCS One selected to be read was a letter of condolence after “One-Eyed” Kamsack who survived the Battle of the Atlantic. Working on a Corvette Frank McGee, the star of the original Senators at the turn of the century, class ship (the smallest of the war-rated ships at about 190 feet long) his was killed in the Battle of the Somme in the First World War. job was to find the German submarines that were wiping out the convoys bearing supplies to the United Kingdom. Having Alfredsson read it was the idea of co-producer David McGuffin. Alfredsson read: “We know Daniel was a new Canadian, too, and Remembrance Day is such a big part of what being Canadian is and I thought, ‘what a great “Saturday, August 30, 1941. opportunity,’” McGuffin said. “The whole Frank McGee thing just came “What a miserable, awful hopeless life. I cannot imagine a more together. It seemed natural, right? Two legends from the city. It just miserable existence than this,” Curry wrote. “Being caught in a Corvette means a lot that he’s part of the community.” in the Atlantic, an Atlantic so rough it seems impossible that we can “My wife (Bibi) and I have spent most of our adult life in Ottawa,” continue to take this unending pounding and still remain in one piece. Alfredsson said. “We call it home. We still have close ties to Sweden, as “One’s joints ache and ache from the continuous battle of trying to remain well. We’re proud to call Ottawa and Canada home. We’re very fortunate upright.” to call Ottawa and Canada home. This is a very safe and great country to raise a family. For us, that was important and to give our kids “I am as sick a dog and I came to the locker and penned these few words opportunities in one of the best countries in the world.” that I hope someday to read again and still we go on, hour after hour.”

Alfredsson was as much a member of the audience as he was a star of (Curry’s memoir is “War at Sea, a Canadian Seaman On The North the show. Atlantic).

“I loved it,” he said. “It’s really sombre when you hear the exact words of Alfredsson said he was nervous when he took to the stage. people that were there and not just somebody writing a story, ‘I heard this happen.’ These were letters that were written and it becomes very “A little bit,” he said. “It’s hard. I’ve read to my kids, but I haven’t read out personal and emotional. You hear stories, but when you hear what loud. I was fortunate there were a few people before me that were very families go through, a mom has five sons and four are gone after the war. good. I kind of understood, ‘OK, take your time a little bit and don’t just I can only imagine.” read it monotonously.’ I don’t know how I did, but I tried to give a feeling to the letter. It’s remarkable stuff people go through. “Some of the letters, some of the stories are great, people make it through, but a lot of people didn’t. They sacrificed their lives and that changed the future for families forever.”

Alfredsson missed his team’s game on Sunday to participate in “Letters In A Time Of War.”

He is a head coach for the first time and said he’s enjoying the experience.

“I think I’ve been fairly good. I have to check my competitive nature at times. It can kind of get the upper hand, so fortunately I have my brother (Henric) on my side and another good assistant coach,” he said.

“I work them hard, but I also make it fun. My goal is to for them to want to work hard, not because I’m yelling or telling them to. I try to keep it competitive in practice, but at the same time I want to educate them and teach them stuff that I’ve learned. Sometimes you wish you had more ice time to do that, but that the same time they are 13 and they have school and it’s finding that balance.”

Would he describe himself as a players’ coach?

“Yes I would. I am a players coach, but I’m also demanding,” he said. “There are certain fundamentals I don’t give in on. But there are others I give slack.”

What won’t he give in on?

“Hard work,” he said, without hesitating. “I asked them early on: do you want to be a good team? A lot of people want success until they find out what it takes. ‘This is what it takes and if you want to do that, I can help you guys.’ It’s been good. It’s a work in progress. I joke sometimes NHL level and minor hockey, it’s the same issues. You have different players with different skill levels, attitudes, personalities. It’s trying to get everybody to pull in the right direction.”

The Alfredsson family is returning to Sweden for Christmas and then his hockey team is going to join them there for a tournament.

He would like to get back to being involved in an NHL team again, but that might be years away, after his sons (Hugo and Fenix are also playing hockey while William’s sport of choice is soccer) get older.

He said he rarely watches the Senators, catching a period or two.

“Not a ton. It’s hard with our kids involved in hockey. I watched (Jean- Gabriel) Pageau score the overtime winner the other night. I watched part of that game. The Rangers game, I saw the first half. I catch bits and pieces here and there,” he said.

Alfredsson can see a day when he’s back in the NHL, if not here, then somewhere else.

“I love the game. I think at some point I will,” he said. “The timing now might not be perfect with the kids at these ages. I love the game, I love being part of it. Who knows what the future holds?”

The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161038 Ottawa Senators carry the puck. So I think its kind of the way we play in this league, you tend to compare it with the WHL where its a lot more defensive and a lot bigger guys, but I think there’s some very talented offensive players in the QMJHL. And I think if you look at the guys that made it here (to the Thomas Chabot reader Q&A: Defending Sidney Crosby, rooming with NHL), I think that’s what we represent, we represent guys that like to Colin White and hot dogs carry the puck, we like to make plays, and I think that’s a positive thing for the QMJHL.

What game on the schedule are you most looking forward to if it hasn’t By Hailey Salvian Nov 11, 2019 already happened? — Keaton H.

Oh, that’s a good one. I mean, you always kind of get very excited Inside the Ottawa Senators locker room last week Thomas Chabot playing, if we look at it on the road, you like playing in buildings where it’s seemed at ease sitting in his stall in his team-issued shorts and a great atmosphere and fans, whether it’s Montreal, Toronto, Vegas, sweatshirt. Boston, those places are always games that have so much emotion just because of the building you’re playing in. But I think just kind of any There was no major media scrum, no questions about the team’s games honestly. Like we just played the Islanders, and I enjoy them struggles on the power play and not much to talk about on the ice at all. because I’m really good friends with Matt Barzal, Anthony Beauvillier and The young star had agreed to be the first Senators player to answer 10 Derick Brassard. So you kind of like going into a fight against guys that questions from The Athletic Ottawa subscribers, and it was a welcome you know and you want to try and beat them and play a really good game change from the day-to-day grind of the hockey season on both sides. and make sure they don’t get any points and then kind of challenge yourself that way. But, honestly I think most of the games I’m very Chabot covered a lot of ground, from his time in the Quebec Major Junior excited to play in. Hockey League, who he rooms with on the road, and perhaps the biggest debate of all … is a hot dog considered a sandwich? Who did you or do you look up to the most on or off the ice? — Eric A.

Hi Thomas! Who are the three hardest players to defend against in the Honestly, my family is always something I’m always going to look up to. NHL? — Max R. Not necessarily about hockey, it’s just about the way my parents taught me as a kid to always make sure to have fun. You kind of forget about it I’ll probably go obviously (Connor) McDavid just because of the speed sometimes because like you said earlier we’re always so caught up in the and how fast he is. Then I’ll probably go (Sidney) Crosby just because day-to-day here and trying to be as best as you can be. And obviously you literally cannot take the puck away from him because he’s that good, hockey season is so long that you go through some ups, you go through he’s that strong on his skates, he’s never going to fall down. And my last some downs, and you kind of always tend to forget that you’re playing one, I mean, there’s a lot that you could put in there but I think I’ll put hockey since a kid because you love the game, right? I think other than Patrick Kane, anytime he has the puck in the offensive zone wherever it that, professional athletes I really enjoy watching and looking up to is is, any play he makes he usually ends up with a scoring chance for his LeBron James. I’m a big fan of him, obviously, everything he does on the team. So I think he’s a guy you always got to be aware of when you’re on court is out of this world, and very special. But I think just the fact that he the ice against him. gets really involved in the community outside of it, I think it’s it’s a good Hi Chabby, what have you done to say thank you to your parents, for all example for us. the sacrifices they made for you to become an NHL player? — Todd G. Who do you room with on the road? And do you have any good I mean my first goal in the NHL the organization here in Ottawa was kind roommate stories you’re allowed to share? — Christina C. enough to take my stick, the puck, the game sheet and put the picture Right now I room with Brady (Tkachuk). I used to room with Colin when I did the one-timer in the background and all that together with a (White). A good story … I think with Colin last year, Colin is always, not a picture of me with the first goal. I gave that to my parents, but my parents mess, but every time we would get in the room let’s say on a weeklong don’t want to keep it they want me to have it for later on in my house to road trip on the West Coast or something, and his clothes would be all keep it as a souvenir. But, that was one thing I really wanted to give them over the floor everywhere and that’s something that kind of bugs me and obviously it’s not a big thing but at the end of the day the reason why I’m I used to give it to him kind of. Brady’s not as bad. I really get along well here it’s because of them and everything they’ve done for me. They with Brady and its kind of fun actually having a roommate after games, really enjoy watching the games, they watch every game at home so you get back to the hotel we get to talk about everything. So right now I whenever I get a chance to get them tickets and come to the game and don’t have any story with Brady, it’s too early in the year still, but with spend some time with them, I always do for sure. Whitey I think it was always that his clothes were all over. What is the best team building outing or activity that you’ve done so far in What is your offseason like, how much relaxation, recreation, fun do you your career and are there any team building activities you haven’t done get to have and how much is it dedicated to getting ready for the season? that you hope you can do in the future? — Nathan C. — Matthew T. I mean over the years we did so many whether it was with my season I do take some rest after the season, but I think my workouts and my team or with Hockey Canada, we did so many. I think it was last year or skating sessions take most of my day but whenever I get the chance to two years ago here in Ottawa, we did a bunch of stuff that was all about go play, whether it’s tennis, whether it’s golf, whether it’s baseball, trusting your teammates. So you’d be standing on a table and then you’d whatever it might be, I really do enjoy doing that. I think it’s very have to let yourself fall and trust your teammates to catch you and important to just get away a little bit from hockey. We do skate so much everything so that was kind of different and I’ve never done that before during the season, we spend so much time at the rink that during the so it pretty cool to actually do it and I think guys kind of get really intense summer whenever you get the chance to play any other sports or do with it and really want to do it well, so that was probably one of the ones I anything else, I think it’s very important to spend time with your buddies really enjoyed doing. and just kind of getting your mind off it. And what about something you’d like to do? What’s better for pregame meals: chicken parm or Red Lobster? Do you I think any kind of game was always fun, whether it’s go-kart or playing have a favourite pregame meal? — Adam P. mini-putt somewhere. I think those are always fun, the guys get so Oh boy. I’ll go chicken parm for sure (laughs). I’ve actually never been to competitive. We know it’s just for fun and its just a team thing, but Red Lobster but I might actually go at some point (laughs and looks at everybody wants to win, so any kind of activity like that would be a blast. Nick Paul sitting in his stall). Any thoughts on the QMJHL as a defensive pipeline and their Paul interjects: “Hey man, I get a free dinner if you want in!” development process with players such as yourself, Samuel Girard and most recently Noah Dobson as impact defencemen from the league? — 咽 PIC.TWITTER.COM/IADJNARL3B Jaclyn W. — OTTAWA SENATORS (@SENATORS) OCTOBER 28, 2019 I think the way everybody kind of sees the Q is it’s a really good offensive league and I think that tells you a lot when you talk about Sam Girard and (Laughs) But no, my pregame meal is because we play so many games, Noah Dobson, those are guys that can skate really well and they like to at home I usually go with salad and lots of veggies. I usually go chicken, broccoli and penne with rose sauce. And then on the road I usually kind of switch it up with rice or whatever it might be and salmon so I don’t get sick of my pregame meal.

Is a hot dog a sandwich? — James F.

Wow. I don’t think you can consider it a sandwich.

Paul interjects again: “No, you have to think of a hot dog as its own entity. It’s its own thing.”

OK, but what about people who say anything with two pieces of bread is a sandwich?

No. No. That’s not the case. So let’s say you go to a sandwich place, you can’t get a hot dog.

Paul: “You’re smarter than you look man!”

No, but it’s true though. If you go there, you can’t get a hot dog. You’ll get any kind of sandwich, ham, turkey, meatballs, whatever it may be, but you’re never going to get a hot dog there. A hot dog. So no, it’s not a sandwich.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161039 Philadelphia Flyers “He’s been around a long time and we have respect for him,” said Lindblom, who can become a restricted free agent in the summer. “He’s hard [on players], No. 1, and you have to be there every night [and be your best] if you want to play. Otherwise, you’re probably going to be on Oskar Lindblom, emerging Flyers winger, proving to be a fifth-round steal the bench. It’s a nice feeling. You can’t relax. That’s the dangerous part in this sport.”

In other words, you can’t rest on what you’ve done in the past. by Sam Carchidi, “You start relaxing and you’re not going to play as good,” said Lindblom,

who hasn’t had that problem. BOSTON -- With his blond hair, quick smile, and striking looks, Oskar Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 11.12.2019 Lindblom could probably be a model if he wanted.

Put the Flyers’ 6-foot-1, 191-pound left winger on the ice, however, and he makes opponents look ugly because of his ferocious forechecking and his knack for finding a soft spot in the defense and creating a scoring chance.

“He’s a real good skater,” new Flyers coach Alain Vigneault said. “Very coachable. And he plays a real intelligent game, a north-south game. He goes to the tough areas.”

Lindblom, 23, is blossoming into one of the Flyers’ best all-around players, and his maturation began when he scored four goals in his last five games last season.

That, he said, made him much more comfortable heading into 2019-20.

“It bought confidence to this season,” he said. “I felt I could score in this league. I just wanted to work hard in the summer and come back and be the same player I was in the last [part of the season]. That’s the thing I was thinking about, and now I’ve started good and just have to keep going.”

In 17 games this season, Lindblom has eight goals, which is tied for the team lead with 22-year-old linemate Travis Konecny, and 14 points. He didn’t score his eighth goal last season until Game 54 on Feb. 9.

The last time two players 23 or younger led the Flyers in goals through 10 or more games: Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, with six goals each through 10 games in 2007-08, according to the NHL.

The line of Lindblom, Sean Couturier, and Konecny has been the Flyers’ best unit, keying a 10-5-2 start going into Wednesday’s home game against powerful Washington.

Lindblom said he feeds off Couturier’s defensive play and Konecny’s energy.

Couturier “makes everyone calm. When he’s on the ice, you know you’re going to have a good defense,” said Lindblom, who has become adept at protecting the puck from opponents. “It starts from there and then we get good offense from there.”

As for Konecny, the class clown who keeps everybody loose on and off the ice, Lindblom said: “I love that guy. We’re almost the same age and I love to just hang out with him, too. We have good chemistry off the ice and I love playing with him on the ice. He’s a great player.”

Lindblom was a fifth-round steal (138th overall) in the 2014 draft, which had then-general manager Ron Hextall running things for the Flyers. (Hextall and his sidekick, Chris Pryor, took Travis Sanheim in the first round.)

“It’s nice to show even if you get drafted in the late rounds, you can be on this level,” Lindblom said. “… I felt like I was probably going to have a little more time to show I can be an NHL player, so I took that time and worked hard.”

Playing against men much older than him, Lindblom was named the ’s best forward in 2016-17 as he collected 22 goals (second in the league) and 47 points in 52 games.

In his next season, he got acclimated to the smaller North America rinks playing for Scott Gordon and the AHL’s Phantoms. He had 34 points, including 16 goals, in 54 AHL games and also played 23 games and collected six points with the Flyers.

Lindblom, who is close friends with teammate Robert Hagg, a fellow Swede, came on strong toward the end of last season and finished with 17 goals in his first full year with the Flyers.

Now he has Vigneault’s trust and is playing in all situations. Lindblom, a strong two-way player, loves Vigneault’s coaching style. 1161040 Philadelphia Flyers He had an ugly three-game stretch last month, a predictable part of any young goaltender’s maturation as opponents scout him for soft targets, but he has righted himself. In his last three games, he has stopped 81 of 86 shots, and even on a night when the Flyers were excellent for two- The Flyers have an unfamiliar edge on opponents. Carter Hart’s brilliant thirds of regulation play, they still needed their goalie to steal them a night against the Bruins proves it. point. Hart stole them two.

“A lot of times in these [back-to-back] games, you need him early on to let your legs get going,” Vigneault said. “Tonight, it was different. It was in by Mike Sielski the third period when we needed him, and he was huge.”

Understand: Brian Elliott has been healthy so far this season, and he has BOSTON — Afterward, Carter Hart considered the goal that the Boston been excellent, but everyone knows the score here. Elliott is the veteran Bruins — the defending Eastern Conference champions, perhaps the backup, the guy who should play 25-30 games during the regular season best team in the National Hockey League — had nearly scored against so that Hart can be sharp and fresh come the postseason. And if him, and he laughed. circumstances allow the Flyers to carry out that plan, they will make the playoffs — and once they get there, they should have an advantage that This was in the second period Sunday night at TD Garden, when the they haven’t enjoyed in more than a decade. Flyers still had the Bruins under control, before their legs got heavy from their second road game in two nights and before Hart had to make 15 Think about it: When was the last time the Flyers entered a postseason saves in the third period and four more in overtime and a shootout in the series with the better goaltender? Not with a hobbled Elliott in 2018, not Flyers’ 3-2 victory. against the Capitals’ Braden Holtby in 2016 or the Rangers’ in 2014, not with the squirrelly Ilya Bryzgalov in 2012, not with This was the first time that the Bruins tested Hart, a bad Justin Braun Peter Laviolette’s carousel of goalies in 2011, certainly not with their outlet pass turning into a Connor Clifton breakaway. Hart fended off deep defense corps covering for Michael Leighton during that run to the Clifton’s shot with his left pad, then bodies came careening toward the Stanley Cup Final in 2010. net, a whistle blew, and Clifton lifted his hands to celebrate something that hadn’t officially happened. The referees waved their hands no. How far back do you have to go? in 2008? Ron Hextall in Goaltender interference. 1987? The name doesn’t matter much. The fact that the question is worth asking matters more. For the Flyers, the fact that Carter Hart might “It was funny,” Hart said later in the locker room. “They thought it was a answer it could mean everything. goal. I knew it wasn’t. It was just a guy who jammed my pad over the line.” Carter Hart celly after stopping David Pastrnak for the win pic.twitter.com/VQlNW5mqgl #Flyers played very well for two periods against maybe the NHL’s best team. But man, what a difference goaltending can make. — Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) November 11, 2019

— Mike Sielski (@MikeSielski) November 11, 2019 Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 11.12.2019

There was an amiable dismissiveness to Hart’s comments about the whole thing, the sort of reaction you might expect from any 21-year-old kid, even one already on his way to establishing himself as an elite NHL goaltender. A goal? I’m, like, dude, no way.

Hart carries himself as if he ought to make the kind of saves he made Sunday night: stoning David Pastrnak, the NHL’s leading goal-scorer, on a penalty shot, blocking back-to-back one-timers from Patrice Bergeron and Pastrnak on a late Bruins power play. He carries himself as if the Flyers ought to expect him to make those kinds of saves, too.

“Every guy in the room knew how good he played for us tonight,” said rookie forward Joel Farabee, who scored the Flyers’ shootout goal. “It happens every game. You’re going to have shifts where you’re stuck in the D-zone, and you’re kind of running around. When you’re running around and you know you’ve got a great goalie, it just gives you that confidence to just play how you’ve always played — to not panic, I guess. You don’t panic if you know he’s back there.”

It’s a powerful thing in this league, to have a goaltender who can do what Hart did Sunday night, in a game that approximated a playoff contest’s atmosphere and stakes as much any mid-November game can. The Bruins had lost their previous two games, and the Flyers had beaten the Maple Leafs in Toronto — in a shootout — less than 24 hours earlier.

“I’m interested to see how we respond,” Flyers coach Alain Vigneault said a couple of hours before the opening faceoff. “It’s a challenge.”

For two periods, the Flyers responded well to it. They’ve been a better team this season than they’ve been in recent years: deeper, more experienced and talented, better coached. But the third period and the extra sessions Sunday were a reminder of the difference that great goaltending can make, the difference that Hart can make if he continues to play like he has for most of this season.

Flyers goaltender Carter Hart has stopped 81 of the 86 shots he has faced in his last three games.

Flyers goaltender Carter Hart has stopped 81 of the 86 shots he has faced in his last three games.

His statistics aren’t as impressive as his play generally has been: an .893 save percentage, a 2.71 goals-against average. “You’re going to have ups and downs over your career,” he said, “and it’s important that you don’t get too high and you don’t get too low.” 1161041 Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia has not won a road game in regulation against Boston since Oct. 6, 2011. The Flyers had dropped nine of their last 11 at TD Garden, with their only two wins coming in overtime. ... Boston is one of two teams (along with Vancouver) without a regulation home loss this season Farabee scores in shootout, Flyers beat Bruins 3-2 at 7-0-2. ... Bruins captain Zdeno Chara was given a video tribute and ovation during a first-period stoppage in honor of the defenseman's

1,500th NHL game Tuesday in Montreal. Chara waved to the fans as By GETHIN COOLBAUGH Associated Press Nov 11, 2019 Comments players on both benches tapped their sticks in appreciation. ... Boston LW Joakim Nordstrom (infection) and Lindholm (upper body) returned after missing six and five games, respectively. LW Jake DeBrusk (lower body), RW David Backes (lower body) and RW Brett Ritchie (upper body) BOSTON (AP) — Joel Farabee and Carter Hart came through to help the remained out. Philadelphia Flyers pull out another late win. UP NEXT Farabee scored the lone shootout goal and Hart made some timely saves down the stretch to fend off a Boston Bruins comeback in Flyers: Host Washington on Wednesday night. Philadelphia's 3-2 win. Bruins: Host Florida on Tuesday night. The Flyers won their season-high fourth straight game while going beyond regulation for the fifth time in six games, capping a perfect stretch Delaware County Times LOADED: 11.12.2019 of four games in six days.

"We've had a lot of hockey in a short amount of time, and we're extending that time of play by going into extra time," said Hart, who made 26 saves. "But you know what, we're just finding ways to get the job done."

Travis Konecny had a goal and an assist, and Phillipe Myers also scored in regulation for the Flyers.

Farabee, who played at nearby Boston University, beat Jaroslav Halak high glove-side on the Flyers' first shootout attempt. Hart stopped all three tries by the Bruins, poke-checking away David Pastrnak's attempt to seal the win.

"Carter made some good saves at the beginning, but he wasn't really tested," Flyers coach Alain Vigneault said. "In the third (and after) he was. We needed some saves. We got some huge saves, and we were able to get in done in the shootout."

Danton Heinen and Brad Marchand each had a goal and Halak stopped 27 shots for the Bruins, who lost their season-high third straight (0-2-1) after a six-game win streak.

Pastrnak, the NHL's leading scorer with 15 goals and 30 points, was held scoreless for a second straight game.

"We are a great team and we want to show it every night, but at the same time the other team is preparing (for) us and they want to come up big," Pastrnak said. "We (need to) find a way to prove it every night."

Konecny helped give the Flyers a 2-0 lead after one period. Sean Couturier's initial right-circle offering was stopped by Halak, but the puck bounced off Oskar Lindblom's skate near the crease right to a charging Konecny for the goal with 6:10 remaining.

Konecny's cross-ice pass just over four minute later set up Myers' right- circle wrist shot to make it 2-0.

Philadelphia outshot Boston 14-5 in the opening period on the second night of a back-to-back after Saturday's win over the Maple Leafs.

"As a road team that's come in, played a little bit lately, they all of a sudden find energy because of that. That's my explanation of the start," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. "We need to correct it in a hurry, but the good news is we did find our game eventually, and we can build off that."

Boston's Par Lindholm appeared to poke in a rebound after a scramble in front of the Flyers' net early in the second, but play had already been whistled dead. An official review upheld the call on the ice.

Following a scoreless second, Heinen's spinning forehand shot in front of the net cut the Bruins' deficit to 2-1 at 5:59 of the third.

Marchand beat Hart glove-side on a wrister from the left circle to tie it with 7:38 left.

Pastrnak drew a penalty shot after Ivan Provorov's slash with 4:56 left. Hart stymied Pastrnak with a stick save to his left after Pastrnak's slow approach and wrist shot.

NOTES: Bruins D Torey Krug suffered an upper-body injury late in the third period and did not return. . Konecny leads the Flyers with 19 points, and is tied with Oskar Lindblom for the lead in goals with eight. ... 1161042 Philadelphia Flyers • Shifting gears to Western Michigan, Ronnie Attard scored the game- winning goal on Nov. 8. In that game, Wade Allison also tallied an assist. That was Allison's first point since Oct. 12.

Future Flyers Report: Egor Zamula continues to make a name for • Wyatt Wylie had a successful weekend on the road with Everett, himself, Jay O'Brien dominating the BCHL collecting three points (one goal, two assists) in a two-game span. He now leads the WHL in power play assists with 10. Wyatt and the Silvertips won both games and they currently lead the U.S. Division with a 13-4-0-0 record. By Brooke Destra November 11, 2019 5:00 PM • Felix Sandstrom did not dress for either game this weekend for the

Reading Royals. Through six games, he has a .890 save percentage and Another week of hockey has come and gone, so it's time for another 2.80 GAA. check-in on the Flyers’ prospects playing in the AHL, overseas and at the Down at defense junior and college levels. • This past Wednesday, while on a conditioning stint with the Phantoms, • Things were quiet for defenseman Egor Zamula last week, but he made Samuel Morin suffered a torn ACL in his right knee for the second time in sure to turn up the volume heading into the next one. 19 months. He will miss the remainder of the 2019-20 season. Zamula added another two goals, giving him an impressive 17 points on • It's still unknown how long Mark Friedman will be out for the Phantoms the season. He ranks second in points with the Calgary Hitmen and first after he left Saturday's game in the first period. He was injured directly in assists with 11. following a collision against the boards and needed assistance off the It is also worth noting that Zamula is first among defensemen in plus- ice. The Phantoms also recalled defenseman James De Haas from minus with a plus-18. This also puts him as fourth-best in the league. Reading, which could imply Friedman's injury may keep him out for a significant amount of time. This is a pretty impressive and rather rare sight to see a player who went undrafted find so much success. The Flyers have lucked out in recent Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.12.2019 years with finding two undrafted defensemen that have quickly made names for themselves — Zamula being one and Philippe Myers the other. If his upside is as great as it's projected to be, talk about another steal and even more depth at the blue line.

• Jay O'Brien continues to flourish in the BCHL. In three games with the Penticton Vees this past week, O'Brien tallied six points (three goals, three assists).

In addition to that, he also extended his point streak to eight games. He now has 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) through 23 games. Only two other players in the league — Kent Johnson and Michael Colella, who both play for the Trail Smoke Eaters — have more points.

The Vees also announced on Nov. 7 that O'Brien was their first ever player of the month for the month of October.

We had our first Player of the Month awarded at last night's game!

The Vees Player of the Month for the month of October is forward Jay O'Brien!

Congrats, @Jay_OBrien19!#BCHL pic.twitter.com/QXvjNRQ4fu

— Penticton Vees (@PentictonVees) November 7, 2019

Quick hits

• It was another weekend of racking up points for Morgan Frost. He had a two-assist night on Saturday and also scored his fifth goal of the season on Sunday. He now has 12 points in 13 games.

It's also important to note the assist on Frost's goal came from Maksim Sushko. It was Sushko's only point of the weekend, but a beauty at that.

Sushko picked up a fanned pass attempt from Martin Fehervary on a breakout and centered for Morgan Frost on the ensuing odd man rush to put #LVPhantoms back on top of Hershey 2-1 pic.twitter.com/5eeLlvqar8

— Tony Androckitis (@TonyAndrock) November 10, 2019

• Alex Lyon had a solid performance Saturday night when the Phantoms won in overtime against the , only letting in two goals. Through six games played this season, he is 3-1-2 with a 2.10 GAA and .920 save percentage.

• Noah Cates had a pair of goals in as many games this weekend with the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. That gives him four goals thus far in eight games. Funny enough, he and his brother Jackson Cates are tied in first for goals on the team.

HIGHLIGHT: Noah Cates ties things up in the closing seconds of the third. pic.twitter.com/VIKZp6rdyy

— UMD Athletics (@UMDBulldogs) November 9, 2019 1161043 Philadelphia Flyers

What Travis Konecny pondered this summer has him playing like a star for Flyers

By Jordan Hall November 11, 2019 7:00 AM

As Travis Konecny waited out the entire offseason before inking his new contract, signaling his first real payday in the NHL, there was ample time for self-reflection.

“I thought a lot this summer about who I am as a player,” Konecny said last week.

The 22-year-old was coming off back-to-back 24-goal seasons and looked poised for a significant leap in 2019-20, especially after signing a six-year, $33 million deal.

Konecny wasn’t daydreaming about lofty goals or inflated production.

“I really wanted to do what was best for the team and every single night focus on two points,” he said. “Individual stats kind of come with that, when you’re playing an all-around game for the team. I’m not saying I play an all-around game every single night. I try to do my best to help the team. Some nights are better than the others, but I think that’s been my main focus — really trying to give my best effort every night and be able to go home saying that I tried to do my part.”

On Sunday night, Konecny played more than just a mere part. This was a stage for stars, a game at TD Garden against a team with three Stanley Cup Final appearances and a title over the past nine seasons. Names like David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara were featured in the Bruins’ lineup, opposing Claude Giroux, Jakub Voracek, Sean Couturier and the Flyers.

And Konecny was a star.

He has been one this season for the Flyers, who are off to their best start since 2011-12, when the team last eclipsed 100 points and won a playoff series.

In just over a four-minute span Sunday, Konecny seized control of TD Garden with a goal and primary assist, handing the Flyers a surprising 2- 0 lead during the first period. He finished with two points and a plus-2 mark as the Flyers took down the home-dominant Bruins, 3-2, in a shootout (see observations).

Both the mighty Pastrnak and the four-time Selke Trophy award winner Bergeron went scoreless, while Marchand potted a goal.

The Flyers didn’t receive big-time numbers from their household guys as Giroux and Voracek failed to crack the score sheet. James van Riemsdyk and Kevin Hayes also went without a point.

But Konecny has made those types of games OK and winnable for the Flyers, even when facing a Bruins group that was 7-0-1 at home and among the NHL’s top-five teams in points, goals per game and fewest goals allowed per game.

Last season, the Flyers were 10-19-2 when Giroux went scoreless and 10-19-2 when Voracek went scoreless. This season, they already have five wins when Giroux has gone scoreless and seven wins when Voracek has gone scoreless.

Sure, Konecny has put up his fair share of points with a team-leading 19 (eight goals, 11 assists) to push the Flyers to a 10-5-2 record through 17 games.

Most importantly, though, he has stuck to what he thought about this summer — consistently doing what is best for his team every single night.

Right now, that’s playing like a star.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161044 Philadelphia Flyers have done differently? There’s a lot of years there, a lot of games where we were just a goal short. Trying to find that elusive, top-end goal scorer, I think there’s a lot of teams looking for that, but we probably weren’t able to find that player in Minnesota; that game-changer. When the game’s 2- LeBrun: Q&A with Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher on advice from his HOF 2 in the third, who’s going to make that next big play. But we had a lot of dad and what makes Carter Hart special good players, we competed hard, we were well-coached through Bruce Boudreau, Mike Yeo and John Torchetti. So, really, no regrets.

When you get hired as a GM, you are selling yourself during the interview By Pierre LeBrun Nov 11, 2019 process, what would you say was the most important message you wanted to convey to the Flyers during that process last year?

TORONTO — After a few stumbles out of the gates, the Philadelphia I was trying to sell my style, I suppose. One thing I thought we did well in Flyers have found their stride, more importantly playing the brand of Minnesota is that we had a very collaborative approach and style. We hockey GM Chuck Fletcher had envisioned for them this season. had a lot of good people. We had a strong analytics department, really strong management staff, Brent Flahr, Shep Harder, Andrew Brunette Sunday’s 3-2 shootout win at Boston was the Flyers’ fourth impressive and a good scouting staff. You know, we utilized everybody, they all had victories in six days (with the other wins coming against Carolina, a say. We had a very good process in terms of how we went about Montreal, Toronto). making decisions. That was really the focal point of it (what he conveyed in the Flyers interviews). I had known Paul Holmgren for a long time. I At 10-5-2, the Flyers sit third in the Metropolitan Division and look legit spent some time with Paul and Bob Clarke and Dean Lombardi in the under head coach Alain Vigneault, the veteran bench boss a key hire by interview process and I think they knew my track record and they knew Fletcher this past offseason. me. So it was more about how would you manage your staff and how We are coming up on the one-year anniversary of Fletcher taking over in would you go about things. And that’s really where the focus was. Philly, the organization making him the ninth GM in franchise history last You mentioned the analytics people in Minnesota. I hadn’t made the Dec. 3. connection right away when Seattle announced it had hired Alexandra After being fired in Minnesota in the spring of 2018 after nine seasons as Mandrycky (as director, hockey ops). You hired her with the Wild in Wild GM, Fletcher worked in the New Jersey organization in between GM analytics. What’s your view of that field? It’s more important than ever gigs for his old pal Ray Shero. and yet I would say it’s important to marry it with the eye test, to balance both worlds? Fletcher’s father, Hockey Hall of Famer Cliff Fletcher, sees a wonderful fit for his son in Philadelphia. Yeah. I think it’s pretty commonplace now. Every team uses a lot of data now. Like a lot of teams, we use a lot of data for pregame scouting, for “Philadelphia is a great opportunity. It’s a well-heeled franchise,’’ our coaches, for analyzing our players’ performance after the game. We Fletcher, senior advisor with the Maple Leafs, said on Saturday morning look at what numbers tell us versus what we felt we saw. The same thing before his club took on his son’s team. “They have a lot of young players, with scouting, you’re able to evaluate players based on different factors, it’s a great opportunity moving forward. Like every father, I’m happy for quantitatively and then obviously you have your guys in the field who tell him, I’m proud of him. you what they see. So it’s always a marriage of the two approaches. “As long as the Flyers end up below the Leafs in the conference Data serves as a very good cross-check. And if you think you really like a standings.’’ player or really don’t like a player, sometimes the data can get you thinking a different way if it paints a different picture. Our sport’s come a There was a wry smile in that last line from the senior Fletcher. The long way in that regard in the last few years and every team has several Flyers and Leafs have taken three out of four points from each other so people doing the same things now. It’s really changed the way I think far this season, meaning father and son can break bread in peace next coaches prepare for games and the way we draft and the way we make time they get together. trades.

I caught up with Chuck Fletcher this weekend for the latest in my series Speaking of numbers, the underlying numbers for your team of late are of Q&A interviews with NHL GMs this season. Enjoy: pretty positive. A lot of puck possession, pushing the pace, things you want to see (from our numbers guru Dom Luszczyszyn: “Yes, definitely. Chuck, your dad says he’s thrilled you’re back on the saddle as an NHL They’re getting around 52 percent of the shot attempts and expected GM as long as the Flyers finish below the Leafs in the standings (Chuck goals right now. On the PK, no team allows fewer attempts than Philly as laughed). But in all seriousness, what’s the most solid advice he has well.’’). How would you characterize the way your team looks these given you as far as being a GM in this league? days?

The advice he always gave me, and I guess it’s the old cliche, is to treat Yeah, it’s been a significant change from last year. This year, we have people how you’d like them to treat you. That’s the way he lived his dominated puck possession, we have the puck a lot, that’s the way AV career. Watching him over the years, he always had a great staff, people likes to play. We’re playing with more pace, we have better puck support, always wanted to work hard for him because he trusted them, he gave we have a better structure in the neutral zone so we’re able to turn pucks them lots of responsibility. He treated them well. Just watching how he over and counter quickly. We still have a long way to go but so far, I think managed his staff and managed people and how he treated them, that we’re a team that is usually dictating the pace of play and getting our was the great lesson. But both in words and in action, that’s what he share of chances. As our young players continue to mature and showed me and told me over the years. everybody continues to recognize what the coaches are asking of them, I Your dad had a Hall of Fame GM career but he, too, was fired over the think we should only get better. years, just like you. It’s part fo the business for all GMs. Looking back at Carter Hart seems to have steadied himself of late (four straight wins). your time in Minnesota, especially now that a bit more time has passed, Some people make a lot of his early-season stumbles. He’s a 21-year-old what do you take most out of the experience? A lot of success there, but goalie, that’s as tough as it gets as far as learning on the job, maybe right obviously some do’s and don’ts. up there with being a teenage defenseman. But what were your It’s tough because we built a really good team, but we just were never expectations for Carter entering this season? able to push through. Chicago knocked us out three times, we ran into Our expectations as a group are that there would be stretches where he Winnipeg my last year there, St. Louis the year before that. Looking would play really well and there would be stretches where he wouldn’t back, there were moves we made that worked well, moves we made that play as well. He only has about 35 games in the National Hockey didn’t work well. You always try to analyze that. But looking back, I had a League. It’s still a learning process for him. He’s still going to have to fair shot, I had a good run, we made the playoffs six consecutive years make adjustments to the league as the league adjusts to him. Goalie but we ultimately didn’t have the success that any of us aspire to. coaches are pretty smart. They’re studying the video on Carter every day I certainly don’t have any bitterness or anything like that. I had a fair shot and they’re pre-scouting and getting a game plan. But what I like about and a good run. I was as disappointed as (owner) Craig (Leipold) was Carter is how hard he works. He’s a very mature kid for his age. I think that we weren’t able to push through. You always go back and look at the he understands that not every night is going to be perfect. And that you decisions you make, and why did you make them, and what could we have to battle through it and you have to continue to make adjustments. The one thing we saw early on this year, he had a couple of bad starts in a row and yet the next day he’s there, he’s working at it, he’s positive and he gives himself a chance to make those corrections and turn things around.

You made a point after last season saying you were hoping to add a veteran presence on the blue line, you went out and did that (Matt Niskanen, Justin Braun). How would you characterize your blue line group now? I watch Ivan Provorov and he seems so steady back there. When you look at the group, do you like the balance of youth and experience?

You know, we’re still probably a bit young. Rick Wilson always said until a defenseman played 200 games in the league, he’s still finding his way. Based on that, we still have several defensemen that are finding their way. There’s a lot of upside with our group, but we’ve seen that in the early portion this season that we’ve had some inconsistencies. There are always inconsistencies with younger players. But we expect as the season goes on, players like (Travis) Sanheim and (Philippe) Myers, in particular, are going to make big strides and get better. And as they get better, our team will get better. Niskanen and Braun bring a lot of experience. After that, you look at it, Provorov is about 240 games in the league, (Robert) Hagg, Myers and Sanheim are relatively young. Poor Sam Morin just hurt his knee, he’s extremely raw (nine career NHL games). It’s a young group, but a young group with upside.

The reaction from some people after you signed Kevin Hayes (seven years, $50 million) was that it was a lot of money. It was an interesting transaction in that you acquired his rights before he was to become UFA so there’s a time element to whether or not you’re retaining him. What did you see in his game that you felt strongly enough to make that deal?

We sat down at the end of the year, we had several meetings with our coaches and management and scouting staff. The consensus in the room is we wanted to add another centerman to share some of the load with Sean Couturier and Nolan Patrick. When we looked at the market, there were just very few centers available. We didn’t feel (Matt) Duchene would be a candidate for Philadelphia. And Kevin, in our opinion, was the best fit for our group. So we pursued him via trade and once we acquired him we knew we were on the clock. We knew we’d have to pay a price to keep him. But it was the best fit for us in the market place. We felt if we could improve at that position, it would give ourselves the best chance to win this year.

And finally, you mentioned AV earlier, you have a lot of experience behind the bench with former head coaches Michel Therrien and Mike Yeo — the latter you knew very well from your Minnesota days. How would you put into words having that kind of experience on your coaching staff?

They’ve been tremendous to work with. I’ve just been tremendously impressed with how well they listen, how collaborative they are, the three of them have so much experience, they’ve seen every situation, yet none of them are trying to impose their opinion on the group. They all ask questions, they all listen and they all have a great perspective. It’s been a great experience so far for me personally to work with them. But I think they’ve done a great job coming in and working with our team, whether it’s special teams, neutral zone and defensive zone coverage, how we forecheck, it’s been a great process to see how they’ve implemented the systems and worked with the players to get to a point where we’re becoming a pretty good team.

Thanks for your time, Chuck.

You’re welcome, Pierre.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161045 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins notes: Power play gets practice time, Mike Sullivan OK with Matt Murray workload

CHRIS ADAMSKI | Monday, November 11, 2019 4:28 p.m.

Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan was asked his assessment of how the power play looked during Monday’s practice.

“Well… it’s, uhh… I don’t know how to respond to that,” Sullivan said after the session at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry. “We scored some goals. So that’s progress, you know?”

It sure is, even at practice, for this group. Even if the Penguins get a power-play goal during Tuesday’s game at the New York Rangers, it will be – at least – one day short of a full month between such tallies. The Penguins have gone more than 10 games and 25 opportunities without one.

Sullivan said that early in that streak, the unit was doing all the right things; they just simply were not finishing. In recent games, though, the power play has deteriorated.

“It’s only been most recently that the power play has struggled in the sense that there hasn’t been execution,” Sullivan said. “There was a long time there that we felt the power play was doing everything except put the puck in the net, and so as that starts to evolve, if you don’t start to score, I think it’s a natural inclination to start to squeeze your stick and press a little bit, and that’s a whole different challenge, and so these are some of the dynamics that we are trying to work through as a group.

“But I do believe that part of the solution has to be just simplifying everything we do, and it starts with just shooting the puck more and getting more pucks and people to the net.”

With Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang out, the power-play unit at practice Monday was Nick Bjugstad, Evegin Malkin, Jake Guentzel, Alex Galchenyuk and Justin Schultz.

No break for Murray… yet

Matt Muarry has started 14 of the Penguins’ first 17 games, and he’s finished 13 of those. He’s expected to start his seventh consecutive Penguins game Tuesday, and backup Tristan Jarry hasn’t started a game in almost three weeks.

Sullivan said there has not been a change in philosophy regarding his preference to ease the workload on Murray.

“We have numbers in mind that we are trying to hit both short term and in the big picture,” Sullivan said in regard to Murray’s starts, “and there are always going to be circumstances that weight into those decisions. But we are watching the amount of games played and we are looking at our schedule, what’s right in front of us, but also in a longer term as well, so we are trying to manage the workload which we think will give our goalies the best chance to be at their best in the longterm.”

Keep up with the Pittsburgh Penguins all season long.

Tribune Review LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161046 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins unconcerned with spate of recent early deficits

CHRIS ADAMSKI | Monday, November 11, 2019 4:01 p.m.

Three games over six days, three early deficits for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Is falling behind 3-0 in road games last week at the Boston Bruins and New York Islanders, and 2-0 at home Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks, indicative of mere circumstance and bad luck? Or indicative of a bad trend that needs to be addressed?

The Penguins seem to fall in the camp of the former.

“I don’t know that (early-game struggles) is an issue,” coach Mike Sullivan said.

The Penguins regained the lead in all three of last week’s games, although they surrendered it again and lost to Boston.

“If you look at some of the goals, some of them weren’t great; they were bad bounces or things like that,” forward Jared McCann said. “So, some of it you can’t control.”

For the second consecutive game, the Penguins staged a furious comeback on one of the Eastern Conference's top teams.

Only this time, their fourth goal actually won the game.

"You need just to fight every shift."https://t.co/dtugwbDpUd

— Seth Rorabaugh (@SethRorabaugh) November 8, 2019

The Penguins have allowed the opponent to score the first goal in 11 of 17 games and have led at the first intermission just twice all season. The first period is the lone period in which the Penguins have scored fewer goals than their opponents. They have just eight first-period goals; by comparison, the Penguins have 26 second-period goals and 21 third- period tallies.

Sullivan, though, cited small sample size for skewing the data on the Penguins’ perceived slow starts. As proof, he noted that two second periods (against Chicago on Saturday and at Dallas on Oct. 26) have been two of their worst-played periods of the season. So he isn’t ready to make any blanket judgments that his team is at its worst at the start of games.

“I think sometimes those types of numbers will probably even out in the long term, in the big picture,” Sullivan said. “Sometimes it’s just how the game is played. Sometimes it takes a while to wear teams down. Sometimes you run into a hot goalie. There are so many circumstances that surround it, it’s hard to look at any one thing.”

Keep up with the Pittsburgh Penguins all season long.

Tribune Review LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161047 Pittsburgh Penguins

Jared McCann slots into injured Sidney Crosby’s role as Penguins’ 1st- line center

CHRIS ADAMSKI | Monday, November 11, 2019 3:34 p.m.

Jared McCann said “no” not once, not twice, but three times. The Pittsburgh Penguins 23-year-old center wanted no part of viewing his recent promotion to the top line to be translated that he was taking over the role of Sidney Crosby.

“No, no … No,” McCann said after practice Monday at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry. “I don’t look at it like that. He’s a guy you can’t replace. Sorry.”

Crosby might be irreplaceable in the figurative sense, but in the literal world, with Crosby out because of an undisclosed injury, somebody has to center the Penguins’ No. 1 line between Jake Guentzel and, in this instance, Alex Galchenyuk. Might as well be McCann, who last month was central in the efforts to pick up the slack when their other all-world center, Evgeni Malkin, was out because of injury.

“You know he’s a good player” coach Mike Sullivan said of McCann, “and he seems to respond really well when we put him in the middle. He’s played really well there. I think it’s a test of depth, not just on our roster but within the organization as well. And Jared is a player that when he’s been given an opportunity to play a more significant role, he’s responded in a positive way — and so we are going to need him to do that (Tuesday).”

The Penguins play at the New York Rangers on Tuesday. Crosby has been ruled out for that game and is not with the team on their trip east that also includes a game Friday at the New Jersey Devils.

#Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said Sidney Crosby will not play in Tuesday’s game at the New York Rangers because of an undisclosed injury https://t.co/0LxWojLVuv

— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) November 11, 2019

“He’s a good 200-foot player with a really good shot,” Guentzel said of McCann. “A really smart player. He plays fast and he gets in on the forecheck, so he’s definitely a guy I like playing with.”

McCann had been playing some on the right wing with Crosby and Guentzel in recent weeks, so he is no stranger to the No. 1 line. Playing center, though, adds a new dimension.

“I played center for so long, I think it’s not going to be a problem,” said McCann, who was acquired from the Florida Panthers in February. “It’s something I take pride in, being a versatile player, and I feel like if that’s what I team needs, then whatever I can do to help the team, I’ll do.”

Keep up with the Pittsburgh Penguins all season long.

Tribune Review LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161048 Pittsburgh Penguins Tribune Review LOADED: 11.12.2019

Sidney Crosby will miss at least 1 game, not on trip with Penguins

CHRIS ADAMSKI | Monday, November 11, 2019 11:49 a.m.

The season is less than six weeks old, and already the Pittsburgh Penguins have played stretches without more than half their projected forward lineup and multiple games without multiple possible future Hall of Famers.

But the unfortunate injury news Penguins players heard Monday was different. This time, it was regarding their captain.

Sidney Crosby will not play in Tuesday’s game at the New York Rangers because of an undisclosed ailment, and he did not join the team as it left for a five-day trip to the New York City area.

“He will not play against the Rangers (on Tuesday), and when I get further information, I will let you know,” was the extent of the update that coach Mike Sullivan provided from the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex after a practice in which Crosby did not participate.

Crosby did not play over the final 18 minutes, 9 seconds of the third period of the Penguins’ 3-2 shootout win against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday at PPG Paints Arena. The team has not released the nature of his injury, but it will force its captain to miss a game for just the 20th time since the start of the 2013-14 season. Crosby has played in 490 of the Penguins’ past 509 regular-season games.

“I don’t think the guys are deflated by any stretch, (but) obviously he’s a critically important player for us,” Sullivan said. “He’s not an easy guy to replace with everything he does and the way he helps our team and the contribution he makes. No one person is going to pick up that slack. We all are going to have to try to make sure that we pull together as a team. Everybody is going to have to elevate their game. We still believe we have capable people in the lineup. And that’s the way we look at it.”

Crosby leads the Penguins in points with 17 (five goals, 12 assists) in 17 games after he had a team-high 100 points last season. The remainder of his resume needs no recitation: top three, (at age 32) among active NHL players in career goals, assists and points, two Art Ross trophies, two Rocket Richard trophies, three-time Stanley Cup winner, unofficial “face of the franchise.”

“I think we have a lot of good guys who do a good job stepping up,” said Crosby’s usual left wing, Jake Guentzel. “It’s going to be by committee, so we will see what happens, but if (Crosby is out) we have to adjust to it.”

Sullivan did not outright rule out that Crosby could join the Penguins before Friday’s game at the New Jersey Devils., but he did not come across as optimistic he could, either.

Asked if Crosby’s injury could keep him out “longer-term,” Sullivan said, “Well, what’s longer?”

When a reporter suggested “weeks” or “months,” Sullivan said, “I don’t know.”

“I think right now all I know is he’s continuing to be evaluated,” he said, “and then when I have further information I’ll update you.”

After injures plagued the early part of his career, Crosby had become durable since approaching and entering his 30s. Crosby has missed just three games over the past three seasons, all coming almost exactly a year ago because of an upper-body injury. The Penguins went 1-1-1 without him during a three-game road trip.

The only other times Crosby has missed a multiple-game stretch over the past 6 ½ years were in when the mumps kept him out for three games during December 2014 and when he sat out the first six games of the 2016-17 season because of a concussion. The Penguins went 2-0-1 and 3-2-1, respectively, during those absences.

Jared McCann stepped in Crosby’s spot centering the top line between Guentzel and Alex Galchenyuk during practice Monday.

Keep up with the Pittsburgh Penguins all season long. 1161049 Pittsburgh Penguins “We think he’s played well all year,” Sullivan said. “And he brings a certain dimension to our defensive corps. He’s a very good penalty-killer. He’s a good shot blocker. He’s strong in front of our net. He’s strong in the battle areas.” Penguins' power play looking for someone to create chaos Plus, Sullivan said that Johnson, with so much experience and “quiet” leadership, has been beneficial to the rookie Marino and also Juuso Riikola. Riikola, Johnson’s current defensive partner, is in his second MATT VENSEL Pittsburgh Post-Gazette NOV 11, 2019 4:41 PM season here in North America.

“He’s a good leader. I know his teammates have a lot of respect for him,” Saturday, after the Penguins won despite going oh-fer on the power play Sullivan said. “If we pair a younger player with him … he talks to them, for an 11th straight game, Mike Sullivan was asked to pinpoint the reason he encourages them. He’s just a good teammate. It has a positive for their lack of power play goals. There have been a number of factors, influence on our younger players.” including this one: Who needs sleep? “We haven’t had a net presence as consistently the last handful of Brian Dumoulin has been a dad for more than a week now and is loving games.” every minute spent with his new son, Brayden, though he wishes he had Patric Hornqvist, who throughout his career has been among the best in more. the biz, is expected to miss his fourth straight game Tuesday when the “It’s been fun. Everything’s going good so far. He’s been a really good Penguins visit the New York Rangers. He has only two power play baby. So no complaints. The wife’s doing good, too,” he said. “Obviously, points, but the mayhem he creates near the crease was a major reason it’s tough going on the road. I’m going to miss him. But it’s easy to stay in for their success in recent years past. touch these days.” “That’s one thing that he brings to our power play that’s important,” Brayden was born last Sunday and then, after not getting much sleep Sullivan said after they beat the Chicago Blackhawks in a shootout. “You that night, Dumoulin rushed to Boston for a game that Monday. That loss have to make it tough on the goalie. You’ve got to take sight lines away. was tough, but he said that thanks to his wife, Kayla, he has since been You have to limit his ability by being in and around the crease. I just don’t getting enough sleep. think we've gone there enough.” “It hasn’t been too much of a problem. He’s been sleeping really well so Injured Sidney Crosby won't travel with Penguins on upcoming road trip far, so that’s been really good. He’s sleeping five or six hours now,” he In an attempt to make life at least a little more difficult for opposing said. “We’ve been lucky. And my wife’s done a great job with him. She’s goalies, Sullivan has decided to park the biggest guy on the roster in already sleep training him. She’s definitely on it and making a big front of them. difference for me at home.”

Nick Bjugstad, all 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds of him, was in that net-front An empty box role while the Penguins practiced their power play Monday. Joining Entering Monday, only the Winnipeg Jets had been short-handed fewer Bjugstad on the top unit were Evgeni Malkin, Jake Guentzel, Alex times this season than the Penguins, who have had to kill just 40 Galchenyuk and Justin Schultz. penalties in 17 games. “I’m going to let those guys do their thing and obviously support them “We’re skating hard and playing physical instead of just stick-checking,” when they need it,” Bjugstad said. “We’re trying to simplify our power Teddy Blueger said. “I think a lot of penalties these days are hooking, play and get more shots.” tripping, things of that nature. We’re coming back hard to the defensive Bjugstad, who has played the net-front role with previous teams, does zone and doing a good job on the forecheck to stay above their guys and believe there is a benefit to being so darned tall because goalies can’t not getting beat up the ice.” see over his shoulders while still crouching. But, he said, “there’s more to And when they do have a guy in the box, the Penguins have been among it than being big.” the NHL’s best. They have killed 14 penalties in a row and 20 out of the “You’ve got to make sure you plant your feet and if there is a shot you last 21. They survived a 5-on-3 on Saturday to make it six straight games have to be responsive and be able to spin and get the puck,” he said. “I without a power-play goal against. Their PK percentage has spiked to watch a guy like Hornqvist, who is really good at that. He’s not just letting 87.5, third in the league. it hit the net and then it goes the other way. It’s got to be a quick “Goaltending is a big part of it,” Blueger said. “And I think we’re just kind turnaround [to get to a rebound].” of being more aggressive, trying to limit the time and space of the Will he take anything else from his playbook? How about punching a opposition.” goalie? Who: Penguins at New York Rangers “I don’t know,” he said, laughing. “Maybe I should. It seems to work for When, where: 7:30 p.m., him.” Look, listen: AT&T SportsNet, NBC Sports Network, WXDX-FM (105.9), Evgeni Malkin putting some magic back in Penguins lineup PittsburghPenguins.com. The Penguins will take anything at this point. A few times Monday, Noteworthy: The Penguins outscored the Rangers, 12-4, in their two trips Sullivan briefly had the top power play unit go 5-on-0 against Matt to Madison Square Garden last season and went 3-1-0 overall against Murray. their Metropolitan Division rivals. ... John Marino will play for the first time “We scored some goals. So that’s progress,” Sullivan said with a grin. against Adam Fox, his teammate at Harvard. ... Pittsburgh’s 4.14 road goals per game average is the best in the NHL. ... Free-agent addition Credit for Johnson Artemi Panarin leads the Rangers with 18 points. ... Alex Galchenyuk needs one point to reach 300 in his career. ... Kaapo Kakko, the No. 2 Jack Johnson has settled back into a regular role following the late pick in June's draft, has four goals and a minus-11 rating in his first 15 October trade of Erik Gudbranson to the Anaheim Ducks. The veteran games for the Rangers. blue-liner has quietly been solid. He has two assists and a plus-4 rating in 16 games this season. Did you know?: A win would give the Penguins a 4-0 start against their division for the first time since 1994-95, when they were in the Northeast His advanced statistics, which were rude to him in the past, have been Division. good, too. The Penguins have a 51.2 percent shot share with Johnson on at 5-on-5 and have 44 high-danger chances compared to 29 against, per Post Gazette LOADED: 11.12.2019 NaturalStatTrick.com. Sure, playing a handful of games with John Marino helped. But give due credit. 1161050 Pittsburgh Penguins Malkin, meanwhile, practiced with Bryan Rust and Dominik Simon. He has been the team’s most dangerous player since returning to the lineup on Nov. 2. After Malkin had two more points Saturday, Sullivan praised him for buying into the simpler, more responsible way the Penguins Injured Sidney Crosby won't travel with Penguins on upcoming road trip played in his absence.

“He’s such a dynamic player offensively. He has a tendency to want to make plays all the time,” he said. “We’re trying to stay out of his way MATT VENSEL Pittsburgh Post-Gazette NOV 11, 2019 3:13 PM offensively and allow him to act on his instincts. But he’s got to have some diligence about his game. I think that’s the biggest thing that Geno has done since he’s come back.” Sidney Crosby did much of the heavy lifting last month to help keep the Penguins afloat following the injuries to Evgeni Malkin and three other Malkin had missed 11 games. At one point during his time on injured key forwards. reserve, the Penguins were also without Rust, McCann, Galchenyuk and Nick Bjugstad. They are 10-6-1 despite completing just two games with Now his teammates must collectively carry the load for their injured Crosby, Malkin and Letang all healthy and available. They have had their captain. full lineup for only two periods.

The superstar center is expected to miss at least two games after he With due respect to the others, losing Crosby is a different kind of deal. suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday’s 3-2 win against the Chicago But Sullivan said the Penguins aren’t “deflated by any stretch” now that Blackhawks. he will be the latest player to miss time. That sentiment was echoed by Zach Aston-Reese, who said the Penguins, if Crosby misses a significant Coach Mike Sullivan said Monday that Crosby would not play Tuesday in period, can draw confidence from playing winning hockey during their New York or travel with the Penguins when they left Pittsburgh for their injury-riddled October. two-game road trip. Sullivan added that Crosby was still being evaluated by the team’s medical staff and declined to give a projected timetable for “It sucks seeing him go down. He’s been leading the way all year,” he his return. said. “But we have Geno back and when he was out guys came into the lineup and everyone bought in. We played a lot simpler of a game. I don’t The coach scoffed when questioned if Crosby could be out “long term,” think anyone’s too worried. We just have to work that much harder, which asking a reporter what long term meant. “Weeks? Months?” the reporter everyone is willing to do.” replied. Post Gazette LOADED: 11.12.2019 “I don’t know,” he said, then reiterated, “Right now, all I know is he’s continuing to be evaluated and when I have further information I’ll update you.”

Crosby left the ice early in the third period Saturday and did not return to the game, which the Penguins won in a shootout. It is unclear when Crosby suffered his injury, but before leaving the game, Crosby took an awkward tumble near the boards on one play and got hit by a puck in his lower leg on another.

He was not spotted at Monday’s practice at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Letang and Patric Hornqvist did not skate Monday and instead stood and watched part of the hour-long practice. Both are expected to sit out Tuesday, too.

After visiting the Rangers, the Penguins play in New Jersey on Friday.

Crosby had played all 17 games this season despite getting hit in the skate with a hard shot in the preseason finale and taking a puck to his face Oct. 26. He leads the Penguins with 17 points. He was at his best immediately after Malkin went down, putting up eight points during their five-game winning streak.

His production has since tailed off. Crosby had just one goal in the last 10 games, and Saturday was his fourth straight without a point. Still, there is no questioning his importance. At 32, he remains one of the NHL’s most valuable players.

Evgeni Malkin putting some magic back in Penguins lineup

“He’s not an easy guy to replace with everything that he does,” Sullivan said. “No one person is going to pick up that slack. We’re going have to try to make sure that we pull together as a team. Everybody’s got to elevate their game.”

None more so than Malkin, who historically has taken his game to another level with Crosby sidelined, and Jared McCann. The latter took Crosby’s place on a line with Jake Guentzel, with Alex Galchenyuk skating on his other wing.

“A lot of skill. I’m just going to have to keep playing my same game. I’m not going to change anything,” said McCann, who has six points the last four games. “We’re going to create opportunities for ourselves and play well defensively.”

McCann got moved from winger to center while Malkin was injured and, at least initially, provided the Penguins a spark. He must do it again with Crosby out.

“He seems to respond really well when we put him in the middle,” Sullivan said, adding, “When he’s been given an opportunity to play a more significant role, he’s responded in a positive way. We’re going to need him to do that [Tuesday].” 1161051 Pittsburgh Penguins Crosby’s absence has required the Penguins to make some lineup alterations:

• Jared McCann skated at center in between Jake Guentzel and Alex How long will Sidney Crosby be out? The mystery continues Galchenyuk. Here’s how the lines broke down in practice:

Galchenyuk-McCann-Guentzel

By Josh Yohe Nov 11, 2019 17 Dominik Simon-Evgeni Malkin-Rust

Dominik Kahun-Bjugstad-Sam Lafferty

Sidney Crosby will miss at least two games with an undisclosed lower- Zach Aston-Reese-Teddy Blueger-Brandon Tanev body injury. But he could miss even more than that. • The Penguins power play is in a horrendous 0-for-26 funk and now will How much time the Penguins’ captain will miss beyond that is anyone’s be without Crosby, Letang and Patric Hornqvist. The top power play in guess, though Mike Sullivan’s tone wasn’t necessarily comforting Monday’s practice featured Justin Schultz, Malkin, Guentzel, Galchenyuk following practice Monday at the UMPC Lemieux Sports Complex. and Bjugstad.

Crosby left Saturday’s game against the Blackhawks after falling Bjugstad played primarily in front of the net. awkwardly and then absorbing a blocked shot on the same shift. He “They want me to use my big body in front of the net,” Bjugstad said. won’t play Tuesday against the Rangers nor Friday in New Jersey, as Sullivan said Crosby won’t be traveling on the two-game road trip. Bjugstad also noted that Sullivan has been displeased with the Penguins’ recent inability to wreak havoc with goaltenders while on the power play. It seems unlikely he will play Saturday at home against the Maple Leafs, Much of the practice was spent working on the power play. given that the Penguins play the night before in New Jersey, which wouldn’t give Crosby a morning skate or a practice in which to acclimate The mood in the locker room felt a bit somber, but these Penguins have himself with teammates. a long history of at least treading water while impactful players are out of the lineup. Is there a chance Crosby could be out with a long-term injury? This season alone, they’ve survived losses of Malkin, Letang, Hornqvist, “Well,” Sullivan questioned, “what’s long-term?” Rust, Galchenyuk and McCann for various stretches and sport a perfectly It was then asked if Crosby could miss weeks or even months with an respectable 10-6-1 record. injury. Sullivan said he doesn’t anticipate the Penguins enduring any kind of a “I don’t know,” Sullivan responded. “I think, right now, all I know is he’s psychological letdown despite without Crosby. continuing to be evaluated.” “I don’t think guys are deflated by any stretch,” he said. “Obviously he’s a Sullivan offered a similar update on Kris Letang after he was injured in greatly important player for us. He’s not an easy guy to replace with Boston last week. Then, a couple of days later, the head coach everything he does and the way he helps our team. No one person is announced that Letang is out of the lineup on a “week to week” basis. going to pick up that slack. We just have to make sure we pull together as a team. Everyone has to elevate their game.” The information the Penguins delivered on Crosby’s injury is that there really isn’t any information to deliver. But for how long?

“Sid’s continuing to be evaluated right now,” Sullivan said. “I don’t have “Don’t know,” Rust said. “We just have to get the job done and hopefully an update for you. He will not play against the Rangers tomorrow. When he’s not out for too long a period of time.” we have further information, I’ll let you know.” The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 Crosby has avoided a couple major injuries already this season, having sustained a foot injury in the preseason finale and absorbing a puck to the jaw in Dallas. He recently wore a full face shield to protect his jaw. It’s conceivable that Crosby is still dealing with effects of lingering injuries, that a previous injury was triggered or that he’s simply dealing with a new injury and that a proper course of action for healing hasn’t been determined.

One way or the other, the Penguins are without their leader.

“You don’t just replace the best player in the world and everything that he brings to our team,” Nick Bjugstad said. “You just don’t. We just need to come together, play hard, and just rely on the winning culture around here.”

There is little question that the current roster showcases the deepest group of forwards that the Penguins have enjoyed since their 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cup seasons.

They’ll need to rely on it.

“I think it’s one of those things where you need to go by committee to replace him,” Bryan Rust said. “Because, really, nobody is going to replace the things he does and what all he does for our team. So it’s just a matter of everybody needing to step up a bit and do everything a little better.”

Rust is on quite a hot streak since returning to the lineup, and the Penguins in general have proven capable of winning without their stars for small periods of time during the past decade.

Still, this isn’t the kind of challenge the Penguins enjoy.

“Obviously we don’t like being without him,” Rust said. “I don’t think anyone would.” 1161052 San Jose Sharks season goes on, I’ll probably get a little more, but I like the management I’m doing right now.”

Thornton did not play the final six minutes and 16 seconds of Saturday’s Why Joe Thornton feels he can bounce back from slow start game against the Predators. Thornton was finishing a shift with Marleau and Sorensen when Filip Forsberg was called for tripping Sorensen.

On the ensuing power play, defenseman replaced Thornton on By CURTIS PASHELKA | PUBLISHED: November 11, 2019 at 3:01 pm | the Sharks’ second unit. UPDATED: November 11, 2019 at 11:32 PM Thornton remained on the bench throughout the end of the third period and did not take a shift in overtime, although DeBoer said Thornton was getting ready to go on before Evander Kane took a hooking penalty. SAN JOSE — Joe Thornton managed just four assists in his first 15 games this season, but perhaps it wasn’t altogether fair to judge his play The Sharks won the game in the seventh round of the shootout. Martin by the numbers alone. Jones stopped all seven Predators tries in the shootout before Timo Meier beat Juuse Saros to help the Sharks improve to 7-10-1 overall. With injuries and a suspension testing the Sharks’ forward depth throughout October and early November, Thornton at times found himself Thornton’s absence may have been more situational than anything. playing with wingers on the Sharks’ third line that either lacked DeBoer said Thornton was dealing “with a little something, but that’s just experience or a significant history of scoring goals in the NHL. how it went.”

Things are different now, though, and not coincidentally, Thornton feels Thornton had a more lighthearted explanation, saying he, Brent Burns his game is getting back on track. Since the start of last Tuesday’s game and Mike Potenza, the Sharks’ director of strength and conditioning, against the Chicago Blackhawks, Thornton has been on a line with fellow played their kids in a game of shinny on Sunday. franchise icon Patrick Marleau and speedy winger Marcus Sorensen. “So I wanted to make sure I was 100 percent for that game,” Thornton Thornton assisted on Marleau’s even strength goal in the Sharks’ win deadpanned. “Our kids are actually getting really, really good. I knew the over Chicago, and the trio continued to have solid possession numbers in boys had it all covered up (Saturday), so I said, ‘Pete, give me some time victories over Minnesota and Nashville. off so I can be 100 percent for tomorrow.’ I had a great game yesterday, so it worked out well. Two wins in a row.” According to naturalstattrick.com, Thornton’s line has out-chanced opposing lines at even strength 12-6 in the last three games, including a ▪ Injured defenseman Mario Ferraro skated Monday after the Sharks’ 3-1 advantage on Saturday against the Predators, a 2-1 Sharks shootout ended the main part of their practice, but his availability to play against win. the Oilers was unknown. DeBoer said Dalton Prout came out of Sunday’s conditioning game with the Barracuda in good shape and that he could “For me it’s been about finding him linemates that can be an effective be available Tuesday. Prout (concussion) came off injured reserve before line,” Sharks coach Pete DeBoer said. “I’ve liked the look of him and Saturday’s game. Patty and Sorensen the last couple of games. They’re starting to get some chemistry and play the way they’ve capable of playing.” San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 11.12.2019 Thornton also had slow starts in 2017 and 2018, and understandably so since he was coming off major reconstructive knee surgeries both years. Complicating matters last season, when Thornton had just eight points in 17 games through October and November, was a knee infection that caused him to miss nine games.

Then in 53 games from the start of December to the end of March, Thornton, playing mostly with Sorensen and Kevin Labanc, had 39 points.

“I really like our line right now,” Thornton said. “I know we’ve only played (a few) games with each other, but it feels really good and I think we’re going to settle in and keep that line for a while, so I’m excited for that.”

If you have not already, we strongly encourage you to sign up for a digital subscription, which gives you access to all content on the Mercury News and East Bay Times websites. With your support, we can continue bringing these stories — and much more — to your screens. Here’s where to sign up for the season pass: Mercury News, East Bay Times.

The Sharks are fully aware that Thornton, 40, can’t carry the load he once did. Entering Tuesday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers, Thornton, though 18 games, is averaging 14 minutes and 19 seconds of ice time, the lowest amount of his illustrious career.

The Sharks played three games in five nights last week, and will have the same type of schedule the next two weeks as well. Thursday, the Sharks play in Anaheim and come back home to face the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

Last Wednesday, between games against Chicago and Minnesota, DeBoer gave Thornton the day off from skating.

“I’m going to take some days to relax this year, get some massages and things like that and take care of my body for the long haul,” Thornton said. “It feels great. My body’s responding real nicely and it feels good.”

The Sharks play on back-to-back nights four times before the end of December. Before the start of training camp, Thornton left the door open to sitting out the front or back end of those type of situations.

Is that still the case?

“It might be still. I’m looking at the big picture, but I feel good right now,” Thornton said. “I like the load that I’m getting right now. I think as the 1161053 St Louis Blues “I’ll eventually get my stuff shipped here when I can,” Fabbri said. Even though he has a championship ring and his name engraved on the

Stanley Cup, Fabbri said it was tough the way things ended. For Fabbri, frustration but no bitterness over his time with Blues “That group last year, you know being a part of it but still sometimes on the outside looking in,” Fabbri said. “They did great things and you can’t really argue with the coach’s decision of playing the guys that helped By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch 21 hrs ago them get to where they were last year when I was injured or when I was scratched.”

Fabbri played in only 32 regular-season games for the Cup champs, So how much fun was last night? starting the season a month late as he completed the rehab and recovery That was first question for Robby Fabbri when he picked up the phone from his second knee surgery, and then missing most of December with Saturday afternoon from Detroit. a shoulder injury. In the playoffs, he appeared in only 10 of 26 games.

“It was awesome,” Fabbri replied. “A great first night.” “So it was just a tough situation,” Fabbri said. “No hard feelings. It’s just the business of the game.” You could almost see the smile coming through the phone. Just like you could see the joy in his face Friday night when he scored two power play Asked if he got along OK with coach Craig Berube, Fabbri replied: “Chief goals in his debut for his new team — the Detroit Red Wings. was good with me. We were honest with each other. That’s all I ask. No beating around the bush and you know, just say it like it is. It was as if weeks, no, make that a few years’ worth of frustration and disappointment melted away when that first goal whistled past Boston “With everyone I’m a pretty honest guy so I respect when people are like goalie Tuukka Rask. And then, he did it again. that with me. No, there was no problems with us.”

“They both actually looked pretty similar,” Jaden Schwartz said. “In the So it’s on to Detroit, a team with some speed, skill, and according to middle of the ice. Good shots. Obviously we’re really happy for him.” Fabbri, some hunger. He’s only about 3 ½ hours from home in the Toronto area — his parents were in Detroit for the weekend games. Yes, his now-former Blues teammates were watching Friday from Calgary, the night before their overtime win against the Flames. And so long, St. Louis.

“I texted him right after the game,” Vince Dunn said. “Congratulated him. “It’s definitely been a tough few years for me,” Fabbri said. “If you ask Obviously it (stinks) having one of my good buddies leave. But it’s a any player, no one loves sitting out and watching the games. It doesn’t business just like everything else. get any easier when you’re watching.

“I think he wasn’t really finding his game in our lineup. I’m happy for him “I’ve watched a lot of hockey in my last three years. You always want to that another team wants to take a shot at him. It looks like he’s fitting in be out there every time you’re watching. So it definitely gets tough and great.” frustrating.”

It sure does. Fabbri was the game’s No. 1 star for his two-goal Body willing, his days of watching could be over in Detroit. performance Friday, when the Red Wings defeated the Bruins 4-2 at “Overall it was the best for him,” Dunn said. “He was a great locker room Little Caesars Arena. guy, a jokester guy. Everyone loved him. Nothing as dramatic happened Sunday, but Fabbri did have the primary “He was a big piece of this team a couple years ago and unfortunately assist on Anthony Mantha’s game-winning goal with 31 seconds left in injuries kind of pulled him back and he just couldn’t find it again in our Detroit’s 3-2 win over Vegas. Playing on the Red Wings’ second line and lineup. It’s the way it goes sometimes. I just think he’s gonna do great for first power-play unit, Fabbri logged 15 minutes 24 seconds — more ice Detroit.” time than in any of his nine games with the Blues this season. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 11.12.2019 “It’s definitely tough to leave that (Blues) group after everything we’ve been through together,” Fabbri told the Post-Dispatch. “But I gotta start worrying about myself and my career.

“To get this opportunity, it’s refreshing. It’s nice to go somewhere and get some opportunity to prove myself. Get those minutes and those chances to prove that I’m an everyday player and can play in big roles. And that’s kind of the mindset I’ve come into Detroit with.”

Just 48 hours before that Detroit-Boston game, Fabbri was sitting in the press box at Rogers Place in Edmonton, a healthy scratch for the fifth game in a row and eighth time this season for the Blues.

As the game ended, a 5-2 Blues triumph, he was called over to general manager Doug Armstrong’s box. Fabbri had been traded to Detroit (in exchange for forward Jacob de la Rose).

By the time Fabbri got downstairs to the locker room, word of the trade already had spread to the Blues’ players.

“So everyone came up to me, and said what they had to say,” Fabbri said. “I was lucky enough to have a night just to grab a bite with them and just talk a little bit before I headed out.”

Normally, the Blues fly out immediately after a road game to the next destination. But the team stayed overnight in Edmonton this time, so Fabbri was able say his goodbyes over food and beverages. Pretty much the entire team was there.

“You know how close the team is,” Fabbri said. “So everyone was really supportive and excited for me to go somewhere and get an opportunity. They definitely made it a little easier, saying goodbye. . . .”

The next morning, the Blues headed to Calgary. Fabbri flew to Detroit with only the clothes he packed for the Blues’ road trip. 1161054 St Louis Blues Blue notes With out for at least a month with a high-ankle sprain,

Brayden Schenn wore the “A” on his jersey — for alternate captain — Blues notebook: Blown third-period leads still an issue against the Flames.

In his Blues debut, forward Jacob de la Rose skated with the Tyler Bozak line, playing 10:18. As expected, he logged some penalty kill time (1:06). By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch 18 hrs ago He took no shots and delivered two hits.

The Blues are 7-1 since Vladimir Tarasenko suffered his left shoulder injury Oct. 24 against the Los Angeles Kings and are averaging 3.13 Eight of the Blues’ 18 games this season, or 44 percent, have needed goals per game. extra time to decide a winner. After losing their first three contests in overtime or shootout, the Blues have won their next five — with all five Even with their winning ways, the Blues are averaging only 28.3 shots on coming during the current seven-game winning streak. goal per game, which ranks 30th in the NHL.

That made Saturday’s 3-2 OT win in Calgary just another day at the Starting with Tuesday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes, the Blues office. play five of their next six at home.

“That’s what it feels like right now," captain Alex Pietrangelo said. “But St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 11.12.2019 then again, we’ve given up some leads that we don’t want to give up. So I think we can find a way to cut those down.”

One reason the Blues are going to OT so often is their difficulty protecting third-period leads. In five of their eight overtime/shootout games, the Blues have squandered either a two-goal lead (three times) or a one-goal lead (twice) in the third.

Against the Flames, the Blues controlled most of the game, and then lost a 2-0 lead in the final nine minutes.

“We just kinda sat back a little too much,” Ryan O’Reilly said. “We gave them a little momentum and I think they got a good bounce on that second goal. But that happens.”

Against Calgary, St. Louisan Matthew Tkachuk got loose in the slot to score the Flames’ first goal with 9:01 left.

“I think we could defend that first goal (better),” coach Craig Berube said. “We gotta do a better job on that one.”

On the second Calgary goal, scored by Travis Hamonic with 3:56 left in regulation, Colton Paryako had the puck batted away before he could control it deep in the St. Louis end. It bounced in front of the net, where Jordan Binnington tried but couldn’t swat it away.

“Their guy reacted well and shot it on low-glove right away,” David Perron said. “So I think it’s a good reaction by their player more than a breakdown by us. It’s just an unlucky bounce there. If that doesn’t get there, who knows, maybe we just close it like that.”

Meaning a 2-1 regulation win.

“But again, we found a way regardless of the situation to win it,” said Perron, who scored the game-winner in OT.

Binnington watch

Asked what he thought of Binnington’s work against Calgary, Berube kept it simple.

“As good as usual,” he said. “He does his job and gives us a chance to win.”

That’s especially true over the past three weeks. Starting with the Colorado game Oct. 21, Binnington is 7-1, with a 1.98 goals-against average and a save percentage of .933.

Berube hits 50

The victory in Calgary was No. 50 for Berube since taking over for Mike Yeo on Nov. 19 of last season, and he did it in just 81 games. Only one other coach in Blues history has reached 50 wins quicker.

Surprise! It was Yeo. He won his 50th in 80 games, not that it did him much good when things went south a year ago at this time.

Kyrou, Kostin score in San Antonio

Jordan Kyrou scored for the second game in row for San Antonio in Sunday’s American Hockey League contest against the Milwaukee Admirals. He has two goals and two assists in three games since returning from kneecap surgery.

Klim Kostin scored his third goal of the season for the Rampage, who fell to 6-3-4 with a 4-3 shootout loss to the Admirals. 1161055 St Louis Blues promote anyone to the parent club and, in turn, decided more NHL experience was needed.

“The thought process going into that was we’re down to 12 healthy Troy Brouwer authored one of the biggest moments in Blues history, but forwards right now,” Armstrong said. “In our game in Calgary, I think we is bringing him back the right move? had eight players on our roster with less than 200 NHL games. … Also with our depth down in the American Hockey League, we’re really excited with the way (Nathan) Walker is playing, and Kostin and Kyrou. (But) you look at their experience, it’s not there. We don’t want to get into a By Jeremy Rutherford Nov 11, 2019 situation where we have 11 or 12 players without experience.”

Blues’ skaters vs. Calgary Troy Brouwer has scored 196 goals in his NHL career and says his Player (total NHL games) Game 7 series-clincher with the Blues in 2016 is on his shortlist of favorites. Jaden Schwartz (467) Brayden Schenn (605) Robert Thomas (83) The Blues were tied in the third period of the Western Conference quarterfinals against Chicago; Brouwer put them ahead of the rival Zach Sanford (112) Ryan O’Reilly (751) David Perron (797) Blackhawks 3-2 with 11 minutes left, and they held on for the win. Jacob de la Rose (196) Tyler Bozak (684) Sammy Blais (59) “Yeah, it’s one of the ones that stands out, for sure — that Game 7 goal against my old team to put the Blues over the hump into the second MacKenzie MacEachern (40) Ivan Barbashev (181) round,” Brouwer said before rattling off a few others he had with the (162) Blackhawks earlier in his career. “The Winter Classic goal … my first- Colton Parayko (340) Alex Pietrangelo (706) Jay Bouwmeester ever NHL goal … and I scored two goals in Game 1 of the finals. Those (1,202) are my most memorable ones that I’ve had.” Justin Faulk (577) (592) Vince Dunn (171) The Blues eventually fell to San Jose in the conference quarterfinals that year, and Brouwer’s one and only season with the club came to end. The Kyrou doesn’t have much experience (16 NHL games), but he also isn’t free agent signed a four-year, $18 million contract with Calgary, which ready. After missing the early part of the season recovering from the Flames bought out after just two seasons, and he played the 2018-19 kneecap surgery, the second-round pick from 2016 recently joined the season in Florida. Rampage lineup and netted two goals and four points in three games.

When Florida’s season ended, Brouwer tuned in to the playoffs last May “He’s playing good,” Armstrong said. “He’s getting scoring opportunities. and was watching the night the Blues went into the third period of Game He’s chipping off some of the rust that’s been building up over the past 7 of the Western Conference semifinals against Dallas tied 1-1. He was four or five months.” looking at his Twitter feed, upon which his heroics were being requested. But Kyrou needs some more time before he’s 100 percent. Meanwhile, “Yo Troy Brouwer … gonna need you in St. Louis for the third,” the tweet after scoring just one goal in his first 10 games in San Antonio this read. season, Kostin has two in his last three games.

“Let me jump on a quick flight,” Brouwer responded. “Kostin had a goal when I was there and scored again (Sunday) night,” Armstrong said. “He’s got an NHL shot, and he’s progressing. … I think As it turned out, the Blues didn’t need Brouwer’s services, as Pat Maroon the process in the public’s eye is he’s been down there a long time. He’s netted the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win over Dallas in double- just a kid. He’s a year behind where Kyrou is. He would like to get right overtime. The rest is history — literally — as the team went on to win the into the sprint, and we’re trying to slow him down a bit. He looks like he’s Stanley Cup. coming along and someone that certainly is on our radar screen when we But now the reigning champs are in another challenging situation: down need a player.” to 12 healthy forwards and in need of NHL experience. In response, Like a teenager trying to build up credit, the case has been made that general manager Doug Armstrong announced Monday that Brouwer and Kyrou and Kostin can’t gain experience until they’re given a chance to fellow veteran Jamie McGinn would be joining the Blues on professional earn it. But with the Blues being legitimate contenders, Armstrong tryouts. doesn’t seem willing to let them build that credit, or experience, on the fly. Six months later, that “quick flight” to St. Louis finally landed around 7 “We believe in these young guys; it’s just the next injury,” he said. “If a p.m. CT. younger player, one of these guys with less than 200 games, went out “You know what? I actually do (remember that tweet),” Brouwer said, and you put in one of those guys I talked about, it’s a net-zero. It’s a laughing. “I was just watching the game, saw that one, and that made me man’s league, and we want to respect the league and see if there’s smile. It’s a couple of months late, but now I’m here.” veteran players that can help us. If they can’t, if the young guys are better, then they’re better. But I’ve seen teams that have gone totally Brouwer, 34, will participate in Tuesday’s practice — McGinn, 31, was on young, and there’s growing pains. We’ve stated all along that we want to the ice Monday — and the Blues will have 10 days to decide whether try and be competitive with the upper-echelon teams, and most of those they’ll keep one, both or none. Neither can play for the club, which hosts teams are experienced.” Arizona at 7 p.m. Tuesday night, until a standard player contract is signed. And it’s now clear that Fabbri, who played 164 games with the Blues before being traded, wasn’t going to be given that opportunity. He had “They’re competing with themselves, or really with everyone, to see two power-play goals in his Detroit debut and added an assist in his where they fit on an NHL roster,” Armstrong said. “Right now, we have 12 second game with the Red Wings. He requested a trade, and with no healthy guys that are here. We’ll see where they fit in. It’s not competition plans for him to play a bigger role, Armstrong obliged. for one job, or it could be zero jobs. We’ll see how they play.” “He was nervous that if he was not an everyday player, getting a contract What does this say about the Blues, which are second in the NHL in the NHL would be difficult next year, and I understand that,” Armstrong standings with 26 points but looking for ways to compensate for long- said. “I asked him to be patient with us, and I thought he was. We got on term injuries to Vladimir Tarasenko (shoulder surgery) and Alexander this road trip and the team was playing well. He wasn’t a player that was Steen (high ankle sprain)? What about giving a shot to prospects such as going to go into our lineup, and I said to him, ‘I understand where you’re Jordan Kyrou and Klim Kostin? And why not keep Robby Fabbri, who coming from; we’ll try to help you out.’ was dealt to Detroit last week? “He jumps right into a top-six role, he jumps right onto their power play; The answers can be summed up in two recent trips by Armstrong: one to it’s a good situation. Even when (Steen) left our game the other night, if Texas to watch the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, and Robby was still here, it’s not like he was going to get on the power play. another to Western Canada with the Blues. After saying he might make a (Steen) wasn’t on our power play. I’m a big Robby Fabbri fan, and I’m call-up from the San Antonio Rampage, the GM didn’t see enough to wishing him nothing but the best. He’s got some really good hockey ahead of him, and we’ve seen the first couple of games.” Robby Fabbri has two goals and three points in two games with Detroit. “I’m coming to a team that knows how to win a Cup,” McGinn said. “That (Rick Osentoski / USA Today) was one of my top destinations where I wanted to be this year. I’m going to do anything I can to stay.” Enter Brouwer and McGinn. “It’s full circle here, being invited for a tryout back in St. Louis,” Brouwer It’s been three years since Blues fans have seen Brouwer, who left the said. “I wanted to keep playing because I still have that drive and that fire same summer that David Backes departed for Boston. and that love for hockey. When I got the call from Doug — I always keep “Army and I had talks leading up to the free agency,” Brouwer said. “I track of my old teams — I was excited. I thought it was such a great fit for didn’t want to leave, and I know Army would’ve liked to keep me around, me when I was here before. To be able to come back to a place I’m and for a lot of different reasons it didn’t work out. That’s the business familiar with on a tryout, it’s comforting for me.” side of it, which always sucks. Going to Calgary, I thought it was going to The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 be a great fit, but it didn’t quite go the way that I wanted it to. I had surgery on my hand and didn’t quite bounce back. I tried to come back a little too early and wasn’t as effective as I needed to be, and as a result we parted ways earlier than me and probably Calgary wanted to.”

After registering 19 goals and 47 points in 150 games in Calgary, Brouwer was bought out of the final two years and $9 million left on the deal. A free agent again, there was some interest shown by the Blues.

“I had talked to Doug, and we had a couple of conversations,” he said. “He talked to me about the direction that the team was going and what he wanted to accomplish. He wanted me to be a part of it, but there was no cap space at the time.”

Brouwer instead signed a one-year deal for $825,000 with Florida and had 12 goals and 21 points in 75 games.

“I wanted to have a good bounce-back year and make sure that everybody knew I was still a good NHL player, and I thought I did,” he said.

Brouwer didn’t receive any contract offers last summer, so he went to Florida’s training camp on a PTO.

“I went in and had a really good camp,” he said. “They told me that I deserved to be there, but again, there just wasn’t enough space. That one kind of hurt a little bit, knowing that you’re still good enough to play but there’s not a spot for you.”

Still living in Calgary, Brouwer stayed in shape by skating with the ’s Calgary Hitmen.

“Their practices are a lot longer than NHL practices,” Brouwer said, laughing. “They’ve had quite a few injuries in the time that I’ve been skating with them, so it wasn’t me being the 13th forward on the fifth line. I’ve actually been taking full practice reps, and I feel like if they decide to keep me, there’s not going to be a lot of transition time before I’ll be able to step in and start playing again.”

McGinn, a left-shot winger who is 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, has played 11 seasons in the league. He got his PTO with the Blues thanks, in part, to another friend on the roster: Ryan O’Reilly. They played five years together with Colorado and Buffalo and went to the Sabres in the same trade.

“I was that extra piece that no one knew about,” McGinn joked. “I was the main player; he was named later, I think. Just a salary dump.”

In 19 games with Florida last season, McGinn had four goals and seven points. This season, he played two games with the AHL’s but acknowledged the arrangement didn’t work out.

“With Vladi going down and Steen going down, two guys who are irreplaceable, just add a veteran guy and see what he can do,” O’Reilly said. “I personally know what he can do. It’s something we discussed and something that can definitely help our club and give us the depth we need.”

What’s interesting is that McGinn will be competing for a roster spot with the Blues against a friend, Brouwer, with whom he was teammates last season with the Panthers.

“Yeah, and you know what? To go even further, we sat beside each other in the dressing room last year,” Brouwer said. “We’re both staying at the (same) hotel, so we’ll hop in the car and drive to the rink together. It’s a good relationship that me and him have, and hopefully there’ll be a spot for both of us at the end of this.”

McGinn and Brouwer have witnessed the NHL continue to get more green. According to The Athletic’s James Mirtle, the Panthers went from the ninth-oldest team in the league last season (27.8) to the 12th- youngest (27) in 2019-20. But the Blues aren’t ready to put their name on that trend. 1161056 Tampa Bay Lightning

Sweden trip turned out to be just what the Lightning needed

By Diana C. Nearhos

Published Yesterday

STOCKHOLM — Nine days ago, as the Lightning boarded a plan to Stockholm, this seemed like the worst possible timing.

They had lost four of their last six games and weren’t playing great. They had been traveling most of the first month of the season, with a nine-day trip through Canada and five in New York. A home stand seemed in order, not a on another continent.

“In a funny way, this was what our team needed,” Lightning forward Steven Stamkos said. “It was a very fun trip, to say the least. We definitely became tighter as a group this trip and you saw it on the ice with the way we played.”

He followed that up by saying it’ll also be nice to be home. Those three games in New York feel like a month ago at this point, something coach Jon Cooper echoed.

This trip offered the Lightning three things: a break from the routine, practice time and the ultimate bonding experience. The usual school of thought says it’s good to hop right into another game and shake off a bad one. Turns out, the Lightning needed the opposite.

“We were able to do a mental reset,” forward Tyler Johnson said. “That definitely benefited us.”

Likewise, most of group has been together for a few years now, and this season started with enough travel to bond. There’s something different about exploring a new city, though, especially when you have multiple nights without a game.

“Those kinds of bonds are what make the difference come adversity,” team owner Jeff Vinik said. “When you know your teammate has your back, that bond may have been formed at 2 in the morning at some club in Stockholm.”

In addition to clubs, the team wandered Gamla stan, the Old Town, in groups, trying out food from the list defenseman had emailed everyone.

One of the biggest elements Stamkos saw working well in these two consistent wins was that the team coming together as a group, picking each other up and having each other’s back.

Teams practice all season, but they rarely get a chance to string practices together. Early on this season, the Lightning has been practicing hard and long. They went back to the usual length of 45 minutes or so on this trip, with four sessions in five days.

Cooper saw the effect in the two wins. He saw the pieces the team has talked about emerge on the ice together. The trick is not leaving it behind in Sweden.

“It’s not just a one night thing,” he said. “It needs to be next Thursday and then it needs to be next Saturday. That’s what we’re looking for.”

The first step will be catching up on sleep. That started with Sunday’s 11- hour flight, then with the two days off before returning to practice Wednesday.

Stamkos wants to see this team, including himself, carry the same enthusiasm. They wanted to do the right things in the two games against Buffalo and it showed.

“It’s not necessarily the final result, it’s how we play getting there,” Cooper said. “If we continue to play well, points will follow.”

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161057 Tampa Bay Lightning into words after Saturday’s game. The heavy Lightning crowd chanted his name after the team’s second straight win. His team went to his home country, and it won two games. He said it was very special, tremendous, unbelievable, outstanding and very special again. This experience was Lightning Slap Shots: A look at Stockholm’s Ericsson Globe up there with having made the Stanley Cup final for Hedman, maybe even surpassing that given the Lightning didn’t win the Cup in 2015.

Hedman is a Swedish NHL player, both parts of that description holding By Diana C. Nearhos equal importance for him. Playing an NHL game in his home country created in him an undefinable level of pride. Published Yesterday • No one likes when too many challenges and reviews disrupt a game’s flow. But I have mixed feelings about a failed challenge getting a team penalized. Coaches shouldn’t be able to challenge anything and STOCKHOLM — The Ericsson Globe is very round and very red. everything on a whim, but they shouldn’t be afraid to use that tool, either. Hey, sometimes your first impressions are the most basic. Alex Killorn may have interfered with goalie Carter Hutton on Hedman’s second-period goal in Saturday’s 5-3 win. But Buffalo didn’t challenge it Inside the Globen (pronounced GLUE-ben), the world’s largest spherical because its penalty kill was struggling. Coaches should have to be building, the interior is red except for four large pillars in the “corners” of confident to challenge, but there should be a little wiggle room. That the oval stands. So, I stand by those first two thoughts. being said, I don’t know what that would look like.

The shape makes it an interesting venue for special events such as last • We thought the Lightning got bitten badly by the injury bug last week. week’s games between the Lightning and Sabres. Though the injuries piled up quickly, it’s nothing compared to what the MORE LIGHTNING: Fourth line made the difference in both Swedish Avalanche are enduring. Colorado’s entire top line is hurt, plus the games. What's made them effective? starting goalie and a defenseman. Yeesh. It’s hard enough when one great player — Mikko Rantanen, Gabriel Landeskog or Nathan The loges at the top — not quite what we think of as luxury boxes but MacKinnon — goes down. Imagine the Lightning losing Steven Stamkos, very comfortable — might be the highest from which I’ve ever looked Nikita Kucherov and Point all at once. down on a rink. Maybe it’s best that officials constructed the press box out of tables in the second level of stands. Three-on-three

The arena doesn’t have a full-time tenant. The Djurgarden hockey team Tyler Johnson’s Stockholm highlights: 3. Swedish meatballs 2. Vasa plays in the attached Arena. For big games — such as the Museum 1. Walking around Old Town Swedish Hockey League championship, the world championships and Things I ate in Sweden: 3. Kardemummabullar (cardamom bun) 2. NHL games — officials build a rink at the larger Globe. Gravad lax (salt-cured salmon) 1. Roasted reindeer

Unlike at NHL rinks, fans sat back from the glass for the two Lightning- The fourth line’s goals Saturday: 3. Pat Maroon’s rebound 2. Yanni Sabres games instead of right on it. But that didn’t hurt the atmosphere. Gourde’s steal off a faceoff 1. Maroon’s tip Neutral-site games can be odd because there isn’t a home crowd. Neither the Lightning nor Sabres had a fan edge in the first game Friday. Questions for the Lightning The Lightning had a few more followers in the second Saturday. Are the players tuning out Cooper’s message? In some ways, not having a home crowd made the games better. A bad This week’s reader question comes from @boudreau_dr on Twitter. It game by either team didn’t diminish the enthusiasm. came before the two games against the Sabres, but I’d still like to “The fans were incredible,” the Lightning’s Tyler Johnson said. “It was address it. No, I don’t believe they are tuning out Cooper. The players really fun to play. The difference is having both sides of fans. Really, the know the team’s issues. That they haven’t fixed them is mostly a matter crowd was just electric regardless of what happened. Usually there’s of habit building. The Lightning want to shift the way they play, and we more boos.” saw what that looks like in Sweden. A massive overhaul isn’t needed, but even small tweaks take time to create a new habit. We saw this coming There crowds were a mix of Americans, Swedes and other Europeans. together in pieces, and last week we saw what it can look like as a whole. The number of Americans who made the trip surprised me, but those The next step is consistency. who had been at other NHL events outside North American weren’t. Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 11.12.2019 The Globe promotes its history. On the interior structure, there are doodle-style paintings of the major events that have taken place there, such as the 2000 Eurovision Song Contest — an annual international competition that’s big in Europe — and the 1989 world hockey championships.

One of the Globe’s coolest features: Skyview, a gondola ride along the exterior. A small glass gondola that comfortably fits 10 people provides a ride to the top and a panoramic view of the city.

Those who fear heights are mostly okay because of the ride’s slow pace, but the trip down can be unnerving when you can’t see the track you’re on.

Quick hits with Brayden Point

First car: A Jeep Grand Cherokee his parents bought for him when he got his driver’s license. He drove it for five years and was in the NHL when he bought a new car.

Favorite class as a kid: No consistent favorite; it changed by the year according to his teacher. One class that stood out was Home Economics in Grade 11, learning cooking basics.

Bucket-list destination: Greece. His ideal trip would feature the ancient monuments and time on the beach.

So … I had a thought

• I can’t imagine what last week was like for Victor Hedman. The Lightning’s Swedish defenseman had a tough time putting his feelings 1161058 Toronto Maple Leafs the Boston Bruins skilfully weathered a long absence from No. 1 Tuukka Rask because No. 2 Jaro Halak proved an ability to carry the weight. Toronto’s next opponent, the New York Islanders — whom the Leafs visit on Wednesday in Long Island — is the best example of a tandem that’s Hutchinson was set up to fail, but the Leafs need better backup working well, at least so far. Off-season free-agent signing Semyon goaltending to reach their goal Varlamov and fifth-year Islander have split 16 starts down the middle. Playing behind Barry Trotz’s defensively responsible

structure, together they’d compiled the best five-on-five team save By Dave FeschukSports Columnist percentage in the league heading into Monday.

Mon., Nov. 11, 2019 “It’s getting harder and harder for a true No. 1 to play in a 70-games-per- year type of thing,” Trotz told reporters earlier this season.

That fact clearly hasn’t escaped Leafs management, who’ll no doubt be The old hockey saying goes that goaltending is 75 per cent of your team, scouring the global goaltending market to look for a potential hidden unless you don’t have it. Then it’s 100 per cent. gem. Barring a roster-juggling trade, it’ll need to be a cheap one. Backup goaltending is a casualty of the Leafs’ top-heavy salary structure. With 50 To adapt the adage to the current iteration of the Toronto Maple Leafs, per cent of the cap devoted to four players — with Auston Matthews, backup goaltending has been 100 per cent of about 26 per cent of their Mitch Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander accounting for so season. That’s certainly one way to interpret Monday’s waiving of No. 2 much bread — there’s relative crumbs remaining for the second body in goaltender Michael Hutchinson, the latest would-be understudy to the crease. Hutchinson was earning $700,000 (U.S.). Even if the ankle who’s been unceremoniously dismissed of what’s injury to Mitch Marner promises to open up plenty of cap space during proving to be one of the most difficult jobs in the NHL. Marner’s minimum-of-a-month residence on long-term injured reserve, Only five of Toronto’s 19 starts (26 per cent) have been handed off to Toronto needs more than a temporary fix. someone other that Andersen, the undisputed No. 1 netminder who’s Kaskisuo has enjoyed plenty of AHL success with the Marlies, sure. But lately been rounding into his usual form — which, during his four seasons as last season’s failure of the Garret Sparks experiment underlined — in Toronto, has often been worthy of Vezina Trophy conversation. Until this in the wake of Sparks winning AHL goaltender of the year and Monday morning, that other someone — the one who’s handed 26 per hoisting the Calder Cup — minor-league dominance is never a guarantee cent of the starting workload — had been Hutchinson. Alas, after of NHL permanence. In the matter of goaltending, nothing’s 100 per cent Hutchinson was in goal for Sunday night’s 5-4 loss to the Chicago guaranteed – except, in the case of the Leafs, that the failure to find a Blackhawks — after Hutchinson emerged from his fifth start still winless viable backup could be the failure that compromises a season. on the season — the Leafs decided they’d seen enough. Toronto Star LOADED: 11.12.2019 In waiving Hutchinson, they essentially assigned him the blame for the fact that Toronto has yet to win in the second leg of a back-to-back set this season. Marlies goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo appeared to be the prime candidate to be called up as Hutchinson’s replacement. The merciful among us will pray for the 26-year-old Finn. As much as an NHL gig is a coveted thing, certainly there are better situations than working as the second banana of Toronto’s crease.

Now, that’s not to say Hutchinson is a viable NHL goaltender. He’s played nearly as many games in the AHL as he has in the NHL since he first arrived in the big league in 2013-14. Of the 58 goaltenders who’ve played at least 110 games during that span, Hutchinson’s career save percentage of .906 ranks an underwhelming 54th.

But make no mistake: Hutchinson was set up to fail this season in Toronto. All five of his starts came on the second end of back-to-back sets. The first four came against teams that, unlike the Leafs, hadn’t played the night before — a dismal scheduling disadvantage that swung the odds in the opponent’s favour long before the puck was dropped.

As it happened, the Toronto team that came to play in front of Hutchinson looked, more often than not, like a defensive train wreck. On Sunday in Chicago, as in most of his starts, Hutchinson was barraged with grade-A scoring chances as his teammates, in the words of team captain John Tavares, “left him out to dry.”

Tavares’s assessment wasn’t simply an NHLer spouting a cliché to cover for a teammate’s down night. According to numbers available at NaturalStatTrick.com, heading into Monday no NHL goaltender who’d played as much as Hutchinson had faced a steadier diet of high-danger shots. Hutchinson faced 20 on Sunday, up from his season average of 12.2 per 60 minutes. To put that in perspective, so far this season Andersen has only seen 6.2 high-danger shots per 60 minutes. With Hutchinson in net, in other words, Toronto’s defence has been essentially doubly atrocious.

All that said, the job’s the job. Thanks to head coach Mike Babcock’s adherence to only starting his backup in the ugly end of two-games-in- two-nights situations, everybody understands that, whoever occupies the role, it’s an unenviable gig. Then again, one can only assume that if Hutchinson had seized the opportunity and somehow found a way to win a game or three — in a season in which Andersen arrived in camp speaking optimistically about load-managing his playing time to between 50 and 60 starts, with a distinct lean toward 50 — then a faith-instilling backup could carve out a better slate of assignments in the name of preserving Andersen for the playoffs.

That’s the well-documented trend around the league, of course. Certainly other teams have seen the merits of a netminding platoon. Last season 1161059 Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs need more from these players with Mitch Marner out

By Mark ZwolinskiSports Reporter

Mon., Nov. 11, 2019

The Maple Leafs repeat the same refrain every time one of their marquee players goes down with an injury — that they have the depth and skill to cover the loss. That belief will be tested in a big way with Mitch Marner out for at least four weeks with an ankle injury. After starting the season without Travis Dermott and Zach Hyman, then losing John Tavares for seven games with a broken finger, they need someone to step up once again. Here’s a look at the players who could help fill that void:

Kasperi Kapanen

Kapanen is the winger most affected by Marner’s absence at the moment. Coach Mike Babcock shifted him from the third line to take Marner’s place on the top unit with Tavares and Trevor Moore over the weekend. The team’s fastest skater in open ice and one of its most valuable penalty killers, Kapanen had an unsuccessful stint on the top line earlier in the season. In the absence of Zach Hyman — who might return Wednesday against the Islanders after off-season knee surgery — and now Marner, that projected No. 1 line with Tavares has yet to play a single game together this season. There will be more pressure on Kapanen to produce this time, and potentially more room to take advantage of his speed if top forechecker Hyman returns. Tavares, for his part, has four points in four games since returning to the lineup.

Tyson Barrie-Cody Ceci

The Leafs’ key off-season acquisitions on defence have yet to have the desired impact. Now would be the ideal time. Both are solid veterans who contributed on offence in previous stops (Barrie in Colorado, Ceci in Ottawa). Barrie’s struggles have been well documented, and no one feels worse than he does. After 16 points through 19 games a year ago, he has no goals and five assists in his first year as a Leaf. As for Ceci: no points in five November games, a goal and three assists in October. Any uptick from these two would help the Leafs weather the storm until Marner’s return. The defence as a whole has been quiet in five November games. The regular group of Morgan Rielly, Jake Muzzin, Justin Holl, Ceci and Barrie has combined for four points in November. At one point in October, they ranked second overall in the NHL.

Trevor Moore

Moore started with two goals and an assist in the first three games. He was on the third line with Alex Kerfoot and Ilya Mikheyev then, but moved to the top unit when Tavares was hurt on Oct. 16. It underlined the confidence the coaching staff has in Moore, but the winger has been slumping with just one point in his last 13 games. He’ll likely drop back to the third line when Hyman returns, where he may be more comfortable. Overall, the Leafs’ bottom six forwards have combined for just four goals in the last 13 games, after scoring six of the club’s first 24 goals of the season.

The Marlies

The Leafs could place Marner on long-term injured reserve, which would buy them salary cap space to call up a player from the AHL Marlies — where there are plenty of candidates on a team tied for first place in the North Division. Pontus Aberg, who opened eyes in training camp, leads the team in scoring. is also among the scoring leaders and has been on the doorstep for over two seasons. There’s a big body, too, in Egor Korshkov, who also had a solid training camp and leads the team with seven goals through 13 games. Nic Petan, who was waived to clear cap space, is also a strong candidate. Prior to Marner’s injury, Babcock said the team is likely to go with 20 skaters, which may leave no room for a callup. But Marner’s absence will test the depth of the entire organization.

Toronto Star LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161060 Toronto Maple Leafs opposition comfy early leads, overpassing, drop-passing into reverse momentum (albeit a quirk that now looks expunged from their game) and boring as hell to boot.

Life without Marner won’t be easy, but the Maple Leafs have been less How can that be the dimensions of so gifted a squad? It’s hard to fathom. than the sum of their parts for quite a while The tall hockey foreheads have to figure that out, immediately, with the added complication of no Marner. Because his absence can’t be used as a crutch. Not if they expect to remain in the thick of things by Jan. 1. Rosie DiManno Against the Blackhawks on Sunday was a good example of the best and Mon., Nov. 11, 2019 the worst of the Leafs. Trailing 4-1 after the first — atrocious work from the blue-line crew on every one of those goals against and Babcock

going to the forward line blender, Kasperi Kapanen on the right side of Mitch-less in Toronto. John Tavares replaced by Alex Kerfoot — the Leafs turned suddenly into what many had anticipated to start the season: creative and dominant It’s a grim scenario for the Maple Leafs, Marner expected to miss four to and downright maddened on the offensive thrust, conservative caution six weeks — at minimum a dozen games — with what appears be a high thrown to the wind. ankle sprain. More of that, please. This is where the sports clichés rise to the surface: opportunity for somebody else to step up, all oars stroking to the beat, when the going Too much structure, I dare say — not talking about the back end here, gets tough, etc. etc. etc. where defensive coverage has been woeful — had wrung out the glitz from Toronto’s marquee forwards. Babcock is all the time talking about Except the going has been mystifyingly tough for the Leafs as they arrive playing a 200-foot game, playing without the puck, but we’re at the point at the 20-game mark on Wednesday — the furlong that coach Mike where a 100-foot game, playing with the puck, would be welcome. Babcock has repeatedly said would be the point at which he could fairly Playing to their strengths, not their weaknesses. Run-’n’-gun and burying evaluate the team. A team which, admittedly, has been missing key the opposition with goals. And yup, we recall how that approach didn’t components because of injuries, never healthy and at max strength since work under Babcock’s predecessor, Randy Carlyle. But that was a far labouring out of the gate. different team, and they didn’t have Steady Freddie between the pipes.

They weren’t so hot with Marner in the lineup, only once stringing What they do have at this crucial juncture is Nylander hitting his stride together three consecutive wins. Second place in the Eastern alongside Matthews. They were thrilling in Chicago, unleashed in their 22 Conference is somewhat misleading, with Toronto having played more minutes on the ice together, Matthews racking up a career-high four games than any other club except Detroit and the standings bunched. assists on 10 shots (14 attempts) and Nylander popping a pair. For Nylander, it was three multiple-point outings in his last four games after While it may seem that the 22-year-old was off to a sluggish start, none in his first nine games of the season. Five goals and 10 points in his perhaps burdened by the expectations of a six-year, $65.3-million U.S. last 10, shooting 19 per cent. contract extension — which technically makes him the highest paid player in the NHL this season — imagine where the Leafs would be now The emergence of Nylander as all that his talent has promised would go without his four goals and 14 assists. Even struggling, he’s second in a long way toward compensating for Marner’s absence. Opportunity is points amassed. knocking, but of course it’s knocked before and Nylander has wilted. In both weekend losses, however, Nylander hung on to the puck longer, Then pay that imagination forward to mid-December, and where the showed more savvy creating plays in transition instead of skating around Leafs could be when Marner is restored to the roster. aimlessly. It’s been tempting to say the Leafs are still trying to find themselves, an “He’s battling way harder, so he has the puck way more,’’ Babcock identity to hang their hat on, through what’s nearly a quarter of the observed afterwards. “And then you end up with more shots, and then season. But perhaps this is precisely what they are — a team that’s been you score a bit and you get more confidence, and now you’re hitting your scuffling around .500 since December 2018 (35-12-12 as of Dec. 8) with spot (with the shot) because you can take the time you need to hit your occasional bursts of greatness but just as many lapses of mediocrity. spot.” YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN... The Leafs may be reduced to one dominant line now — Matthews, A team that, at the moment, appears overcoached and callowly Nylander and — but it’s a hell of a line: 58 per cent managed, its fate resting largely on the shoulders of No. 1 netminder possession, 58 per cent expected goals, outscoring opponents 14-8 Freddie Andersen. Yes, there were presumptively easy points unclaimed when they’ve been on the ice. Babcock has got to ride that pony hard. from five losses in back-to-back games where Andersen surrendered the They’re young men. They’re not going to break. net to Michael Hutchinson, who Monday was placed on waivers. That How the bench boss reconfigures the rest of his forward personnel predicament is squarely on Kyle Dubas, who rolled the dice on Garret remains to be seen — the Leafs didn’t practise Monday. They’ll venture Sparks last season, losing both Curtis McElhinney — who had a nice back to the slaughterhouse on Long Island on Wednesday. groove going as Andersen’s backup — and Calvin Pickard, both on waivers in October 2018. That will be a statement game, and not just because the raging inmates apparently never tire of crucifying ex-captain Tavares, arriving for the first Now there’s talk of calling up 26-year-old Kasimir Kaskisuo, boasting a time with the Leafs C on his jersey. .928 GAA with the Marlies. Shades of déjà-vu — overestimated goalie projections is how Dubas landed the Leafs in this mess. He also Show us what you’ve got, Leafs, even de-Marnered. It’s way past time. recalibrated the club’s essence by going all-in with to-drool-for skill and talent while rejecting the value of grit and orneriness. That was Unleash the Kraken and get crackin’. theoretical hockey. Certainly team president Brendan Shanahan signed Toronto Star LOADED: 11.12.2019 off on the specs so there’s plenty of skewed vision to go around. The salary cap crunch of too many dollars invested in new contracts for Marner, Auston Matthews and William Nylander also meant Dubas couldn’t more effectively negotiate depth gaps on his roster, although he has made some commendable trades.

And still here we are, with a roster that is less than its juicy parts. They’ve gone from 11th in goals against three seasons ago to 22nd now; the penalty kill has fallen from 11th to 23rd. Marner was on both the first-unit PP and PK.

Of most concern is that, with a few exceptions — most notably in the second half of Sunday’s 5-4 loss in Chicago — the Leafs have looked confused, lacking energy, shy on urgency until they’ve allowed the 1161061 Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs centre Auston Matthews named NHL’s second star of the week

By The Canadian Press

Mon., Nov. 11, 2019

NEW YORK—Ottawa goaltender Anders Nilsson, Toronto centre Auston Matthews and Colorado defenceman Cale Makar are the NHL three stars of the week.

Nilsson stopped 96 of the 101 shots he faced, compiling a 3-0-0 record, 1.64 goals-against average and .950 save percentage for the Senators.

Matthews contributed to nine of his team’s 11 goals last week, leading all players with nine points (two goals, seven assists) in four games.

Makar tied for the NHL lead among defencemen in goals and points last week with three goals and three assists in three games.

Toronto Star LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161062 Toronto Maple Leafs scoring prior to games on Monday, and Nylander recording six points in his past four games.

Matthews, named the NHL’s second star of the week, has put his Hutchinson placed on waivers as Leafs try to find an answer to backup playmaking skills to good use with seven assists in those four games, problems and what’s further encouraging is Nylander’s goal-a-game pace in the past four. In total, Nylander has seven goals in 19 games, equalling the output he had in 54 games last season after signing on Dec. 1.

Terry Koshan “Right now, (Nylander) is battling way harder so he has the puck way more,” Babcock said. “And you end up with more shots and then you Published:November 11, 2019 score a bit and you get more confidence and now you are hitting your Updated:November 11, 2019 11:14 PM EST spot because you take the time you need to hit your spot.”

Indeed. Nylander’s shot is difficult for goalies to stop — when it’s not being fired high or wide. CHICAGO — The backup goaltending carousel with the Maple Leafs continues. “He’s hitting the net,” Matthews said. “That’s always a start. He has a great shot. Really nice release, he can make plays, can pass the puck, After another subpar performance from Michael Hutchinson, the Leafs on but he has a really underrated shot. When he is skating and moving, he Monday placed the netminder on waivers. is really good in transition.”

Hutchinson struggled against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night, LOOSE LEAFS allowing three goals on the Hawks’ first six shots in what eventually became a 5-4 Leafs loss. When the Leafs return to practice on Tuesday at the after a day off on Monday, we should have a clearer idea on the One could win an argument that the Leafs have played poorly in the status of Zach Hyman, who could make his season debut on Wednesday second game of back-to-back sets, going 0-4-1, but it’s also true that in New York against the Islanders after recovering from knee surgery. Hutchinson has not provided the kind of goaltending any team requires “His consistency, the work ethic and detail he plays with and his skill set, from the backup position. what he does extremely well on the forecheck, in and around the net, defensively on the penalty kill, he’s a huge part of our team,” captain In six games, Hutchinson has a .879 save percentage and a 4.44 goals- John Tavares said. “(From) a leadership standpoint too, the presence he against average and has not recorded a win. brings, very calm, he has a headiness to him.” One bonus (if we can call If Hutchinson clears, we expect he would be sent to the Toronto Marlies, it that) with the Marner injury is Hyman can be activated off long-term with Kasimir Kaskisuo being recalled. injured reserve, and Marner placed on it, without further roster implications … Toronto’s 57 shots on goal against Chicago represented Kaskisuo has been excellent for the Marlies, going 6-1-1 with a .928 save its most in a game since Nov. 23, 2009, when it tied the franchise record percentage and a 2.13 goals-against average. with 61 against the Islanders.

The contracts are a wash. Hutchinson, who is an unrestricted free agent Toronto Sun LOADED: 11.12.2019 next season, carries an annual average value of $700,000 US while Kaskisuo’s AAV is $675,000.

After the Leafs lost on Sunday, we asked Leafs coach Mike Babcock where his confidence level stood with Hutchinson.

“I think the big thing to do always after a game instead of me commenting a whole bunch, I always try to watch the game and see where it’s at and go through every situation,” Babcock said. “There was a couple, on the power-play goal (by Jonathan Toews), we left the net, there was another we left the net. I put those on us, not on the goaltender, but we will have a look at it.”

Auston Matthews, meanwhile, said twice after the game that the Leafs “hung (Hutchinson) out to dry.”

Of his own performance, Hutchinson said: “Five goals (against), never great. First period, they made some good plays, they had some high-end chances, some high-end skilled players, first one was a little bit of an unlucky bounce, from there the fifth goal, looking back on that, that one stings a bit. A big save in the third period you would like to come up with knowing how well the guys are pushing. That’s unfortunate that I wasn’t able to make that save to give us a chance to come away with at least a point.”

The Leafs have been unsettled at the backup spot after losing Curtis McElhinney on waivers to Carolina at the start of last season. Garret Sparks was inconsistent and outspoken through 2018-19, eventually being removed from the team before he was traded to Vegas in the off- season.

And now Hutchinson, who apparently will get a chance to find his game with the Marlies.

IN A GROOVE

As Mitch Marner takes at least the next four weeks to recover from a sprained right ankle, an injury suffered against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday and identified in an MRI on Sunday, the Leafs’ top performers have to keep doing what they have been doing.

Matthews and William Nylander have found their stride on what has become the Leafs’ top line, with Matthews recording nine points in his past four games to move into the top six in National Hockey League 1161063 Toronto Maple Leafs “He has a magnetic personality, no question,” said Shannon. “And he was all about branding before the term was even invented.”

GRAPES OF WRATH With Coach's Corner silenced, a look back at how Don Cherry changed Controversial quotes from Don Cherry’s Coach’s Corner: how we watched hockey forever *Called a few retired NHL enforcers “a bunch of pukes” for stating regret

over their style and urging more research into post-career concussions. Lance Hornby *Mocked the hiring of Finnish assistant coach Alpo Suhonen, compared Published:November 11, 2019 his name to a brand of dog food.

Updated:November 11, 2019 10:41 PM EST *Labelled environmentalist David Suzuki “a left-wing kook” on climate change.

*He was down on over-the-top goal celebrations, calling Alex Ovechkin Gameday: Avalanche at Jets “a goof” and warning he’d be head-hunted. He also slammed Sidney Crosby for much the same exuberance. Hard to believe Don Cherry has taken his final bow on that Coach’s Corner opening montage, that his pit bull Blue will bark no more and that * He ripped “Europeans and French (-Canadian) guys” for wearing visors, Grapes himself is silenced from shouting down Ron MacLean and which brought the Canadian Languages Commissioner down on him. groaning at his closing pun. *Attacked the Bloc Quebecois for removing Canadian flags from MPs’ “I don’t know what that piece of music is actually called,” said former desks. Hockey Night in Canada producer John Shannon of the intro clip played 100 times every hockey season. “It’s just become known as the Coach’s * Still harping on Quebec, Cherry criticized skier Jean-Luc Brassard as Corner theme. (Producer) Ron Harrison deserves the credit for putting Canada’s Olympic flag-bearer at the 1998 Olympics. The CBC that while thing together.” ombudsman chastised him for that.

Since the mid-1980s, it heralded an often-raucous five-minute segment * In 2003, Cherry and MacLean strayed into an argument about Canada of straight man MacLean getting Cherry’s spin on top hockey stories and not joining the war in Iraq. Cherry’s pro-U.S. sentiments led to 1,500 Cherry zeroing in on a pet peeve or favourite player. complaints to the CBC.

Cherry often crossed the line of conventional intermission shows and * Last season he dismissed the Carolina Hurricanes as a “bunch of jerks” MacLean usually reeled him back in time. for their Storm Surge victory celebration. It spawned a line of T-shirts for the team. The show was not likely long for the TV world as Cherry approached his 86th birthday and both he and MacLean dodged censors and budget cuts *Though it didn’t happen on Coach’s Corner, Cherry broke into a a few times. But Cherry’s firing on Monday and the end of a theatrical MacLean post-game interview with Leafs playoff hero Doug Gilmour in hockey era was a shocker. Speculation on replacements, such as Brian 1993 and kissed him, sparking a verbal feud with Kings coach Barry Burke, will be rampant in coming weeks, but if Sportsnet stays with a Melrose. similar format, Cherry is one tough act to follow. Toronto Sun LOADED: 11.12.2019 For the better part of four decades, fans didn’t head for the washroom or the fridge when Ron and Don came on. To this day in the Scotiabank Arena press box, an usher turns up the sound on a big TV with NHL media, management, scouts and caretakers all pausing to see whose feathers Cherry was going to ruffle.

His broadcast career started much like predecessor , neither man a TV-trained analyst, but frustrated at trends they saw on the ice going unchallenged by others. After Cherry’s bench success in Boston (the Coach’s Corner clip is of him reacting to the 1979 too-many- men playoff loss in Montreal) and his short stint with the Colorado Rockies, he wanted back in.

While Cherry was surviving on the banquet circuit, then-HNIC producer Ralph Mellanby gave him a chance to do an Eastern game intermission segment to complement Meeker in the West. It wasn’t long before Cherry was stealing the show and Coach’s Corner was unleashed nationally, with MacLean replacing Hodge in 1986. Cherry’s talking points became familiar: Fighting was fine, visors were for sissies and everyone from Kingston was a great guy, especially if they were Bruins or Leafs.

Cherry once said he imagined he was talking straight to a Royal Canadian Legion hall, an audience the proud history buff could relate to.

“At that time, he spoke for the common guy, for what a lot of people thought,” Shannon said. “That was his strength; he’d discuss a player, a team or a coach from the heart. I think Ralph knew that about Don and at a time when Hockey Night didn’t rely solely on the games, he had to make sure we had compelling television. And that meant Don.”

In the early years, Coach’s Corner was shot from a tiny studio right across from the Leafs dressing room. Part of Grapes’ package were his outlandish suits, high collars and fractured English. His business interests also branched out to a chain of sports bars, Rock ’Em, Sock ’Em videos (before NHL fighting waned) and his own talk show on CHCH-TV in Hamilton. He also did radio bits with the CBC’s Brian Williams.

In Shannon’s time at HNIC, he’d have little trouble coaxing Cherry to open the segment with local flavour, such as pretending to pull an octopus out of the Detroit River or appearing as a Shakespearean actor. 1161064 Toronto Maple Leafs Matthews and William Nylander have found their stride on what has become the Leafs’ top line, with Matthews recording nine points in his past four games to move into the top six in National Hockey League scoring prior to games on Monday, and Nylander recording six points in Maple Leafs place goalie Michael Hutchinson on waivers after another his past four games. loss Matthews, named the NHL’s second star of the week, has put his playmaking skills to good use with seven assists in those four games, and what’s further encouraging is Nylander’s goal-a-game pace in the Terry Koshan past four. In total, Nylander has seven goals in 19 games, equalling the Published:November 11, 2019 output he had in 54 games last season after signing on Dec. 1.

Updated:November 11, 2019 1:46 PM EST “Right now, (Nylander) is battling way harder so he has the puck way more,” Babcock said. “And you end up with more shots and then you score a bit and you get more confidence and now you are hitting your spot because you take the time you need to hit your spot.” CHICAGO – The backup goaltending carousel with the Maple Leafs continues. Indeed. Nylander’s shot is difficult for goalies to stop — when it’s not being fired high or wide. After another subpar performance from Michael Hutchinson, the Leafs on Monday placed the netminder on waivers. “He’s hitting the net,” Matthews said. “That’s always a start. He has a great shot. Really nice release, he can make plays, can pass the puck, Hutchinson struggled against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night, but he has a really underrated shot. When he is skating and moving, he allowing three goals on the Hawks’ first six shots in what eventually is really good in transition.” became a 5-4 Leafs loss. LOOSE LEAFS One could win an argument that the Leafs have played poorly in the second game of back-to-back sets, going 0-4-1, but it’s also true that When the Leafs return to practice on Tuesday at the Ford Performance Hutchinson has not provided the kind of goaltending any team requires Centre after a day off on Monday, we should have a clearer idea on the from the backup position. status of Zach Hyman, who could make his season debut on Wednesday in New York against the Islanders after recovering from knee surgery. In six games, Hutchinson has a .879 save percentage and a 4.44 goals- “His consistency, the work ethic and detail he plays with and his skill set, against average and has not recorded a win. what he does extremely well on the forecheck, in and around the net, If Hutchinson clears, we expect he would be sent to the Toronto Marlies, defensively on the penalty kill, he’s a huge part of our team,” captain with Kasimir Kaskisuo being recalled. John Tavares said. “(From) a leadership standpoint too, the presence he brings, very calm, he has a headiness to him.” One bonus (if we can call Kaskisuo has been excellent for the Marlies, going 6-1-1 with a .928 save it that) with the Marner injury is Hyman can be activated off long-term percentage and a 2.13 goals-against average. injured reserve and Marner placed on it, without further roster The contracts are a wash. Hutchinson, who is an unrestricted free agent implications … Toronto’s 57 shots on goal against Chicago represented next season, carries an annual average value of US$700,000 while its most in a game since Nov. 23, 2009, when it tied the franchise record Kaskisuo’s AAV is $675,000. with 61 against the Islanders.

"We have 14 back-to-backs this year, you've got to get going, you've got Toronto Sun LOADED: 11.12.2019 to get points, you've got to get playing well. You have to leave the rink feeling good."

After the Leafs lost on Sunday, we asked coach Mike Babcock where his confidence level stood with Hutchinson.

“I think the big thing to do always after a game instead of me commenting a whole bunch, I always try to watch the game and see where it’s at and go through every situation,” Babcock said. “There was a couple, on the power-play goal (by Jonathan Toews), we left the net, there was another we left the net. I put those on us, not on the goaltender, but we will have a look at it.”

Auston Matthews, meanwhile, said twice after the game that the Leafs “hung (Hutchinson) out to dry.”

Of his own performance, Hutchinson said: “Five goals (against), never great. First period, they made some good plays, they had some high-end chances, some high-end skilled players, first one was a little bit of an unlucky bounce, from there the fifth goal, looking back on that, that one stings a bit. A big save in the third period you would like to come up with knowing how well the guys are pushing. That’s unfortunate that I wasn’t able to make that save to give us a chance to come away with at least a point.”

The Leafs have been unsettled at the backup spot after losing Curtis McElhinney on waivers to Carolina at the start of last season. Garret Sparks was inconsistent and outspoken through 2018-19, eventually being removed from the team before he was traded to Vegas in the off- season.

And now Hutchinson, who apparently will get a chance to find his game with the Marlies.

IN A GROOVE

As Mitch Marner takes at least the next four weeks to recover from a sprained right ankle, an injury suffered against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday and identified in an MRI on Sunday, the Leafs’ top performers have to keep doing what they have been doing. 1161065 Toronto Maple Leafs They don’t need a .920 guy to come out of nowhere. They’ll take .905 at this point.

Kaskisuo could be that. Stranger things have happened in this league at Mirtle: With Michael Hutchinson waived, Maple Leafs (reluctantly) turn to that position. And he’s got a nice, inspirational backstory behind him, too. Kasimir Kaskisuo as adversity hits It really feels like the Leafs are at a crossroads in their season already, at the quarter mark. If the playoffs started today, they’d be on the outside looking in, as at 9-6-4 they have only the 11th-best record in the East. By James Mirtle Nov 11, 2019 Their own division, the Atlantic, has become surprisingly competitive, too, with Montreal, Florida and Buffalo all off to strong starts, joining Boston and Tampa Bay as teams ahead of Toronto in the standings. This is not all Michael Hutchinson’s fault. They’ve got some tough games upcoming, many of them on the road. Not really. The Islanders are next, on Wednesday, followed by a run of Boston, He didn’t play well, but you can argue the Maple Leafs were even worse Pittsburgh (on a back-to-back), Vegas, Arizona and Colorado. in front of him. Minus Mitch Marner, running that gauntlet gets even tougher. On average this season at even strength, Hutchinson has been facing The Leafs are expected to get Zach Hyman back in Long Island, for the shots coming from five feet closer to the goal than Frederik Andersen. first time this season, which is a boost. Until this past weekend, his salary Hutchinson has been tasked with 12 high-danger shots against per 60 coming off of long-term injured reserve was going to create a cap crunch minutes, double Andersen. And the Leafs’ expected goals against per 60 that necessitated waiving and demoting two others, likely out of the has been dramatically higher (2.83) with Hutchinson in goal compared to threesome of Jason Spezza, Nick Shore and Martin Marincin. Andersen (1.98). Marner’s ankle injury, however, is significant enough that he’ll go on LTIR To put that last stat in context: 56 goalies have played 200-plus minutes for a month or more, freeing up plenty of cap space for the Leafs to retain at five-on-five this year, and Hutchinson has faced the third-most difficult (and recall) whomever they want over the next four to six weeks he’s out shot-quality workload in those minutes. Andersen has had the 13th of the lineup. easiest workload, based on expected goals. Had he only suffered a minor ailment, one that would keep him out a Some of that is probably on Hutchinson’s poor rebound control. But not week or two, the Leafs would have been headed on these very important all of it. road trips the next two weeks with a league-minimum 20-man roster.

This isn’t a defence-of-Hutchinson column, though. He just is what he is: That’s how tight Toronto’s financials are, in the wrong scenario. A 29-year-old career NHL-AHL tweener who has a .906 save percentage In this one? The Leafs can bring back Nic Petan, along with Kaskisuo, in 117 games played spread over seven seasons. and rotate through a variety of wingers alongside Hyman and John Part of Hutchinson’s appeal for the Leafs was he was low maintenance Tavares until they find the right fit. They’ll have the full complement of and, more importantly, cheap, at a league-minimum $700,000, which fits three extra roster players to mix and match and rest tired bodies. nicely under their tight cap. But he was also always easily disposable, for It’ll be a good opportunity, this next month, to see what someone like all of those reasons, too. Petan can bring, after he torched the AHL with seven points in three Hutchinson went on waivers on Monday in a move that made news games. It’ll also mean a reprieve for Spezza, Shore and Marincin, who all locally but really shouldn’t have come as a huge surprise. He’s struggled, could have been in the minors this week had Marner not gone down. his team has struggled in the second game of back-to-backs and Kasimir (Petan and Marincin have been offered around the league in recent days, Kaskisuo has been one of the best goalies in the AHL so far this season. with no takers.)

Part of Hutchinson’s value in a situation like this is they can waive him. The audition process coach Mike Babcock talked about extending out of They can send him down and bring him back, at will, and it doesn’t training camp and into the first month of the season is still on. There are particularly matter. jobs open — on every line but Matthews’ — and the power-play and penalty-kill formations are unsettled, too. Kaskisuo will be recalled on Tuesday and will likely get his first NHL start on Saturday in Pittsburgh. Part of the appeal in making the move now, Going with a lineup like this makes some sense as they try to cope with frankly, is that goalies are, well, weird. Marner’s absence:

A year ago, few thought Kaskisuo would last in the AHL, let alone make it Johnsson – Matthews – Nylander one rung higher to start for an NHL team that’s had 100-plus points the Hyman – Tavares – Petan past two seasons. Mikheyev – Kerfoot – Kapanen Then the big Finn went on an inexplicable run in the postseason, leading the Marlies to the third round on the strength of a 9-3 record and .927 Moore – Gauthier – Spezza/Shore save percentage. He went from suspect to prospect and was penciled into the No. 3 spot on the organization’s depth chart entering the year. Rielly – Ceci

The No. 3 is a role that matters, especially on a team like this, in which Muzzin – Barrie the backup could blow up at any time and there’s not enough cap space Dermott – Holl to airlift in another surefire option if things go sideways. Andersen No. 3 goalies play a lot in the NHL. All it might take is one injury, to either a starter or a backup. Or a handful of questionable games, as in this Kaskisuo case. What the Leafs can’t afford is for their early-season funk to stretch into We saw it last year with Jordan Binnington in St. Louis, which turned out midseason. They’ve been having a shockingly hard time generating OK. We’ve seen it in the past in Toronto, most memorably with James quality scoring chances this year, and if not for Matthews’ heroics — he’s Reimer in 2010-11. now quietly on pace for nearly 110 points — they would be in a very difficult spot goal-production-wise. Kasimir Kaskisuo (Dan Hamilton / USA Today) Defensively, meanwhile, it’s been an adventure a lot of nights, with not a It happens. If it happened with Kaskisuo, it’d be more unusual than most lot of clarity gained as to what they really have in newcomers Barrie and scenarios — given his age (26) and accomplishments — but not Ceci. unthinkable. And let’s face it: The Leafs don’t need a saviour anyway. They just need someone to come in and competently start 12 of the next That’s a lot of unanswered questions this far into the season. 63 games the rest of the way. Join the party, Kaskisuo. For however long you can withstand the barrage.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161066 Toronto Maple Leafs Added Matthews on why Nylander seemed to miss so often on dangerous looks, either firing high or wide: “I think he just always tries to go bar-down, and like I said, doesn’t hit the net very often.”

Monday Morning Leafs Report: William Nylander’s surge helps take (a In all likelihood, it’s probably some combination of everything above — of little) sting from Mitch Marner’s absence Nylander playing harder, skating better, making more of his opportunities and getting a little luck.

And it’s encouraging for the Leafs in light of Marner’s month-long By Jonas Siegel Nov 11, 2019 absence, as it gives them, potentially, one big line they can continue to rely on. The Leafs are better equipped than most teams to handle an

injury like this for exactly this reason. It’s the power of well, all that CHICAGO — Mike Babcock was texting with Mitch Marner throughout (costly) star power. It’s how they got by, in part, last year for a stretch the day on Sunday, before the Maple Leafs played the Blackhawks — without Matthews (shoulder) and Nylander (contract dispute): They still and before the diagnosis on Marner’s right ankle had become clear. had Tavares and Marner gunning with Zach Hyman atop the lineup.

“He said it was a little stiff,” Babcock said of Marner just over two hours The question, as always with Nylander, at this young stage of his career, from game time at the United Center. is to what degree it keeps up.

By the end of a thrilling 5-4 Leafs loss — their fifth in as many tries on the The Leafs will miss Marner’s offence — and energy. (Dan Hamilton / second night of a back-to-back this season — the news was out and it USA Today) wasn’t good: Marner would be sidelined a minimum of four weeks with More in question right now is what Babcock does with his lineup with some sort of sprain. Marner sidelined. He hoped to have Hyman back on Wednesday in Long He will miss at least the next 12 games, with the earliest possible return Island, but his most trusted winger was always going back on the left side coming in the second week of December when the Leafs tour through of Tavares. western Canada. It’s a crushing blow for the Leafs, and the latest in a Who plays now on the right without Marner there? string of injuries to key players this season — with Zach Hyman, Travis Dermott, John Tavares and now, Marner, all missing significant time. Babcock tried Kasperi Kapanen to start the game against the Blackhawks, but he was burned early when he started to jump the zone Even a slow-ish start for the 22-year-old has amounted to 18 points in 18 on a failed Jake Muzzin outlet which led to the second Chicago goal. games and 14 assists to lead the team. Alex Kerfoot took his place to start the second, sliding from centre to right “There’s no question, Mitch is a huge part of our team, huge part of our wing. success,” Tavares said of his tag-team partner up front after the first That’s not a tenable solution moving forward though given the inability of game without him. “I’m not expecting anybody to be Mitch, but as a Frederik Gauthier, Nick Shore, or Jason Spezza to play higher in the group, we’ve got a lot of depth, a lot of talent, to do the job we need to lineup at centre. do.” Kapanen probably won’t be the guy moving back up. That was on full display for the last two periods in Chicago when Auston Matthews and William Nylander shredded the Blackhawks. Matthews Babcock seemed to suggest that he had better success lower in the ended up with a career-best four assists and career-best 10 shots (on 14 lineup, away from the glare, in other words, of tougher competition. “I attempts) in almost 22 minutes. More noteworthy was Nylander’s think everyone perceives you play with Tavares or Matty, and then it’s continued emergence running alongside him. He had two more goals, gonna be better and you’re gonna score more. Well, he’s actually proved giving him multi-point outings in three of the last four games; he had that’s not the case,” Babcock said of Kapanen, who spent long, largely none in the first nine games this season. fruitless, stretches with Matthews last season and with Tavares, as a left winger, early this season. He’s got five goals and 10 points in the last 10 games, shooting a crisp 19 percent. Short of a callup from the Marlies (Egor Korshkov? Jeremy Bracco? Pontus Aberg?), that leaves Trevor Moore (aka, the new Connor Brown, “He’s battling way harder,” Babcock observed, “so he has the puck way bouncing his way up and down the lineup) as the likeliest candidate, with more, and then you end up with more shots, and then you score a bit and lines looking something like this: you get more confidence, and now you’re hitting your spot (with your shot) because you can take the time you need to hit your spot.” Andreas Johnsson — Auston Matthews — William Nylander

The Leafs coach called their line “dominant” in just coming up short Zach Hyman — John Tavares — Trevor Moore against Chicago. Ilya Mikheyev — Alex Kerfoot — Kasperi Kapanen Overall this season, the combination of Matthews, Nylander and Andreas Johnsson has been devastating: 58 percent possession, 58 percent — Nick Shore — Frederik Gauthier expected goals. The Leafs have outscored teams 14-8 when they’ve Can Tavares drive a line without Marner? been on the ice. The Leafs captain built up a pretty good reputation for doing just that with If anything helps takes the sting out of Marner missing significant time the Islanders. He just hasn’t needed to as a Leaf. He’ll undoubtedly miss with injury for the first time in his NHL career, it’s that trio and the Marner’s creativity, even if it hasn’t amounted to much this season, by destruction they’ve put together here especially of late. last season’s standard anyway. Nylander always felt like the wild card of the unit, the one who could Beyond that, the Leafs need the line of Kerfoot, Kapanen, and Ilya potentially flip it from good to great. And that’s what’s happened recently. Mikheyev to reach the potential Babcock sees in it, offer some extra The 23-year-old, now on a 30-goal, 65-point pace, thought he was punch from lower in the lineup. skating better of late, and that’s what keyed the emergence. Marner was first unit on both special teams. His centreman had his own ideas. Hyman should slip right away into his vacant spot on the Leafs top “He’s hitting the net,” Matthews said with a light tone after the Chicago penalty-killing unit up front, and Nylander has already moved into his game. “That’s always a start.” territory on PP1. It’s possible the threat of that Nylander shot, opposite Even if it feels that way with the chances he’s now converting on, Matthews, opens up new opportunities for the inconsistent Toronto power Matthews’ theory isn’t exactly true. play. (The two were a forceful combo there as rookies.)

What is true: “He’s got a great shot — a really nice release,” Matthews, In short, the Leafs can get by without Marner — for a bit anyway. They’re who would know better than most, said. “Obviously, he can make plays, set up to weather this storm. (And with Marner headed for LTI, they can he can pass the puck, but he’s got a really underrated shot.” keep Spezza around and carry extra bodies. Capmageddon is over for a little while anyway.) What might be of extra help without Marner? November Freddy. (One thing I didn’t consider enough in a recent piece on Cody Ceci is what effect he’s having in Rielly’s uneven start to the season. Babcock Heading into play on Sunday, nobody in the league (minimum 20 always said Ron Hainsey had a big-time effect in Rielly’s emergence the appearances) has been better in November than Frederik Andersen last couple seasons. Maybe it was bigger than we, or I, thought.) since joining the Leafs in 2016: Penalties part 3 So far, this November, Andersen is 3-0-1 with a .948 save percentage. Who’s drawn the most penalties for the Leafs so far? Jake Muzzin with Michael Hutchinson eight somehow.

After yielding five more goals in Chicago — at least two that were The return of Zach Hyman stoppable — Michael Hutchinson dropped to 0-4-1 on the year. Only three goaltenders with at least five starts own a worse save percentage One fix Hyman should help with right away, or soon enough: procuring than the 29-year-old, who’s sitting with an unsightly .879 mark: Cory some non-Nick Shore faceoffs in the right circle on the penalty kill. Schneider: .852; Jonathan Quick: .866, and Aaron Dell: .878. Playing without Hyman, the Leafs were burned for three goals shortly Hutchinson’s next start is pegged for Saturday night in Pittsburgh. after Marner lost such draws shorthanded: Nov. 5 versus Los Angeles (Alex Iafallo), Oct. 29 versus Washington (John Carlson), and here, Oct. Update: The Leafs have placed Hutchinson on waivers. 10, versus Tampa (Nikita Kucherov):

The Leafs have to at least consider whether 26-year-old Kasimir Hyman won a team-high 69 shorthanded draws last year and lost 72 — Kaskisuo gives them a better opportunity to win that game and the other for a win rate of 48.9 percent. Marner lost 8-of-9 before the injury. back-to-backs that lie ahead. Kaskisuo has a .928 save percentage so far this season with the Marlies. — Stats and research courtesy of Natural Stat Trick, Hockey Reference, and hockeyDB. Hutchinson hasn’t won a start yet this season. (Kamil Krzaczynski / USA Today) The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019

Barrie on the power play

An interesting Tyson Barrie stat: He’s gotten only three shots get through to net on the power play. “I’ve had a couple blocked the last few games, I’ve been a bit frustrated,” Barrie said the other day. “So, there’s certainly things that I need to adjust to a little bit, but then when I do get chances, or get an opportunity to get it through, I’ve got a do a better job, too.”

One of the more prolific scorers on defence in recent seasons, Barrie managed only a pair of goals on the power-play last season, along with 23 assists, but he was top-10 in shot attempts among defencemen. His shot, or the threat of it at least, promised to bolster the Leafs feeble second power-play unit.

It was something he was tinkering with following practice on Friday alongside Nylander and power play overseer Paul McFarland.

Babcock actually thinks the biggest change Barrie is undergoing in his on-ice adjustment to the Leafs is the lack of power-play “puck touches” now that he’s no longer on a No. 1 unit. “If they score you don’t even get to go out,” Babcock said of the top group. “And so you think about that, that’s where you got all your feel. Now, you gotta reinvent yourself a little bit.”

Only John Carlson logged more than Barrie’s 315-plus power-play minutes last season. The 28-year-old was averaging more than four minutes per game for the Avalanche. So far this year: 2:24 a night — a number that could drop even further now that the second unit lost the punch it had in Nylander.

Penalties part 1

This was interesting from Babcock last week:

“We’ve taken so many penalties in the last little while here. Any way you look at it — we went through it a little bit today here — if you take five minors that means the game is 50 minutes long and 20-minute guys play 16.5 minutes if you don’t penalty kill. That’s just the math … You take three (penalties) or under — and that’s when we’ve won over the years — you kill like crazy at three (penalties) and under too because you’ve got energy and you’ve got jam and everyone’s going. If you’re sitting on the bench and you don’t penalty kill and the team takes penalties, there’s no rhythm to your game. It’s affected our game.”

The Leafs are 3-2-3 on those nights when the penalty kill is forced to kill more than three penalties, and 6-4-1 when they take three or less.

Penalties part 2

One very surprising name among the penalty leaders for the Leafs: Morgan Rielly. The 25-year-old took his eighth minor this season in Chicago on Sunday night. He took seven all of last season, and seven the year before that.

Rielly has been called twice for holding, twice for cross-checking, three times for tripping, and once for hooking. 1161067 Vegas Golden Knights Defenseman Brayden McNabb then made an ill-advised gamble in the neutral zone trying to break up a rink-wide pass and allowed Mantha to get behind him for the winner.

What’s going on with the Golden Knights? Here’s a break down “There’s no reason for us to make mistakes,” said Gallant, who added the Red Wings “had three chances before that. We caused the chances ourselves.”

November 11, 2019 - 6:37 PM STAFF The Knights played with fire Thursday by giving the Maple Leafs’ potent power play two opportunities in the third period — and six total — and

were eventually grilled by Auston Matthews’ tying goal at 8:14. If the Golden Knights could pinpoint one reason for all their recent John Tavares then won it for Toronto in overtime after struggles, it might be easier to fix. committed a defensive-zone turnover. Coach Gerard Gallant could use his trusty “get more bodies to the blue In the 4-3 loss to Winnipeg on Nov. 2, the Knights allowed a power-play paint” line and it would all be solved. goal midway through the third period before Mark Scheifele scored the Rather, it’s been a range of issues in the third period leading the Knights tying goal with 6:43 remaining when the linesmen waved off an icing to to lose three straight and drop points in five of their past six games. the Knights’ dismay.

“Teams are ready for us, so we better start being ready, too,” left wing The Knights fell in overtime to Montreal on Oct. 31 in part to two fluky Jonathan Marchessault said. third-period goals in the final 6:27. Tomas Tatar scored when the puck bounced off his body, and Brendan Gallagher notched the tying goal after The Knights finished the road trip with three of a possible eight points, the puck hit his skate and scooted past Fleury. and they had to once again lean on goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury for the lone win in Columbus. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 11.12.2019

If there is a common thread in the losses, it’s the Knights’ propensity for penalties in the third period, which has opened the door to the opposition. In addition to Winnipeg’s and Toronto’s comebacks being aided by power-play goals, Montreal scored one of its late goals two seconds after a Nate Schmidt penalty expired.

But bad bounces, bad calls, bad puck management and bad defending have all contributed to the Knights’ 1-2-3 record in their past six.

“We’ve got to solve that killer mentality where no matter what happens, what’s going on in the game … you still go out there with that same mindset we’re going to worry about our own end and then when we go on the offense we’re jumping in the play and trying to create,” left wing Max Pacioretty said.

The Knights entered Monday fourth in the Pacific Division and play five of their next six at home starting Wednesday against Chicago. Their 9-7-3 record means they’ve lost more games than they’ve won.

Despite going 8-1-1 when leading after two periods, the Knights have been outscored 16-15 in the third period. They have one third-period goal in their past five games.

And their 3-5 record in one-goal games also includes two shootout victories.

A lot of what ails the Knights could be solved with a few more goals.

They rank 19th in the league at 2.84 goals per game, which has contributed to a minus-2 goal differential. Leading scorer Mark Stone has gone four straight games without a point, and linemate Paul Stastny is on a six-game pointless streak.

“I think it comes down to each individual having the confidence that they can change the game any time they go out there, whether we just give up a goal or we just score a goal,” Pacioretty said. “We’ve got to have that same mentality of always attacking and trying to play on the offense.”

The latest example of those third-period woes came Sunday at Detroit when the Knights allowed the league’s last-place team to score twice in the final 9:03 and lost 3-2 on Anthony Mantha’s goal with 30.9 seconds remaining.

The Knights had the better of the play in the first portion of the period, and Paul Stastny nearly made it 3-1 on a power play midway through.

But after Detroit defenseman Madison Bowey flinged a shot while falling to the ice past Malcolm Subban for the tying goal, the Knights played the equivalent of a prevent defense and sat back hoping for overtime.

They kept a winger high in the offensive zone near the blue line on the forecheck and hardly tested Red Wings goaltender Jonathan Bernier.

It appeared the tactic would ensure at least one point, and possibly two in overtime, until Reilly Smith lost a puck battle in the corner in the final 40 seconds and the Knights got caught for the first time with all three forwards below the faceoff dots on the forecheck. 1161068 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights reassign Cody Glass, 2 others to AHL

By David Schoen

November 11, 2019 - 11:45 am

Updated November 11, 2019 - 12:40 PM

Up and down, back and forth. The Golden Knights continue to take advantage of the waiver-exempt status of their young players.

The latest example came Monday, as the Knights reassigned forwards Cody Glass and Nicolas Roy along with defenseman Nic Hague to their American Hockey League affiliate.

The moves are designed to accrue additional space under the salary cap, and the trio are expected to return to the NHL prior to Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Hague and Roy have shuttled back and forth to the Chicago Wolves throughout the first month and a half, though this is the first time Glass has been returned to the minors.

Glass has appeared in all 19 games for the Knights and is a member of the No. 1 power play unit. The former first-round pick is tied for seventh in the league in rookie scoring with seven points (three goals, four assists).

Roy set up Max Pacioretty’s go-ahead goal in the second period Sunday in the 3-2 loss at Detroit and has a goal and an assist in five appearances.

Hague has two assists in 11 games and logged 15:49 of ice time in the loss to the Red Wings.

The Knights were off Monday and the status of forward Alex Tuch is expected to be known at practice Tuesday.

Sparks’ scoreless streak

Chicago Wolves goaltender Garret Sparks set the franchise record for longest shutout streak in a 4-1 loss to Rockford on Sunday.

Over the course of four games, Sparks went 191 minutes, 14 seconds without allowing a goal. That broke the record of 173:57 set by Matt Climie in Jan. 2013.

Sparks turned away 115 consecutive shots during his streak that began during the second period Oct. 23 against Texas.

Sparks, who appeared in one game for the Knights, is 4-3-1 and leads the American Hockey League in goals-against average (1.60) and save percentage (.953).

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161069 Washington Capitals Kuznetsov gave the Capitals some life with his breakaway score at 8:47 of the second period. The goal was preceded by a stellar play on the other end of the ice by defenseman Nick Jensen, who dived to clear the puck from the Capitals’ crease to prevent an Arizona goal. Kuznetsov got Capitals’ six-game winning streak is snapped despite rally from three- loose on that same sequence to cut the Coyotes’ lead to 3-1. goal deficit Kuznetsov’s second goal, early in the third period, came on a backhand from the right side after a shot by defenseman Michal Kempny went wide off the end boards and bounced out to the other side. Samantha Pell The Capitals scrambled to tie the score from there, outshooting the November 11, 2019 at 10:40 PM EST Coyotes 11-6 in the third period. Defenseman Dmitry •Orlov drew a tripping penalty on Derek Stepan 5:33 into the period, and Alex Ovechkin had a high-quality chance on the power play off a backdoor setup from When the Washington Capitals are at their very best, Evgeny Kuznetsov Kuznetsov but couldn’t beat Raanta. is always visible when he is on the ice. From his smooth skating to his cross-ice backhanded passes to his uncanny ability to score from near- With the Capitals’ net empty and an extra attacker on, Oshie broke impossible angles, the 27-year-old Russian forward has a striking ability through on a rebound after Raanta saved an Ovechkin blast, forcing the to impact a game. extra period and salvaging at least one standings point.

He did it again Monday night in Washington’s 4-3 shootout loss to the “The guys believe,” Coach Todd Reirden said. “They believe they’re Arizona Coyotes at Capital One Arena, scoring the Capitals’ first two never out of a game. Things are going to go south for us. . . . You’re not goals and nearly willing them to an improbable come-from-behind victory always going to be at your best. For me, it’s important that you after they fell into an early three-goal deficit. But the Capitals were unable understand that. to complete the comeback, and their six-game winning streak was “You can’t affect what had happened in the past, and let’s move forward.” snapped with their first loss since a shootout defeat Oct. 24 at Edmonton. Notes: Capitals forward Richard Panik, who missed 10 games after he “It’s the perfect time to improve, and we cannot be perfect every time so was placed on long-term injured reserve Oct. 18 with an upper-body sometimes we have to go through these types of games, you know,” injury, returned to action Monday against his previous team. Kuznetsov said. “But I liked the way we responded in the third.” Panik started on Washington’s third line alongside and The Capitals (13-2-4) trailed 3-1 entering the third period before Chandler Stephenson and finished with a plus-1 rating in 10:47. Kuznetsov scored his second goal of the night to trim their deficit to one Stephenson was bumped to that line with Carl Hagelin still day-to-day with 17:37 to play. After several chances throughout the period, T.J. because of an upper-body injury. . . . Oshie finally scored the tying goal with 1:16 left in regulation. Oshie appeared to score again with 2:46 to play in overtime, but he was ruled to The Capitals assigned defenseman Tyler Lewington and center •Travis have been offside following a lengthy review, and the Coyotes (10-6-2) Boyd to Hershey of the American Hockey League. went on score two times in as many shootout attempts against Capitals rookie goalie Ilya Samsonov (32 saves) to win it. Washington Post LOADED: 11.12.2019

“Bit of a buzzkill there; we thought that we did it,” forward Tom Wilson said. “But that is the way it goes sometimes. . . . It shows the character in the room to be able to come back, and pretty proud of the guys to battle to the end.”

The Capitals still managed to extend their streak of earning at least one standings point to 12 games (10-0-2), in large part thanks to the stellar play of Kuznetsov, who has been playing his best hockey over the past two weeks. Kuznetsov has nine points (three goals, six assists) in his past four games and has eight goals and 10 assists this season.

“It’s always fun when he gets in those modes, to have a front-row seat on the bench and watch,” Oshie said.

Despite their late push Monday, the Capitals were ultimately done in by their inability to finish early in the game. They were held scoreless in the first period, the first time they didn’t score in a regulation period since the third period of their previous loss against the Oilers — a run of 18 consecutive periods. They had multiple high-quality scoring chances, peppering Coyotes goaltender Antti Raanta, who made 31 saves and was stellar throughout, but just couldn’t convert them.

“The first five minutes it felt like our line could have had five goals, but that’s what a goalie’s for,” Wilson said. “We have that privilege on any given night to have goalies that will make big saves, and he made a few big ones for his team.”

The Coyotes got on the board first when Clayton Keller scored with 5:45 left in the first period, and the tenor of the game quickly changed in the second period when the Coyotes scored twice in 35 seconds during the first minute after intermission.

The first of those two goals came only 10 seconds in, when Christian Fischer’s tally was upheld after a review. Fischer’s goal was ruled good after replay showed the puck completely crossed the goal line while it was in Samsonov’s glove. Michael Grabner then scored unassisted on a breakaway to give Arizona a commanding 3-0 lead.

“What we’re going to take away is our first two periods. . . . It was way too sloppy,” Oshie said. “Lot of standing around trying to look for plays instead of skating. There was one line that was doing a lot of skating — one guy mostly, and that was Kuzy, and you saw [the] success he had.” 1161070 Washington Capitals

Richard Panik will return to Capitals lineup after missing 10 games

Samantha Pell

November 11, 2019 at 12:03 PM EST

Washington Capitals forward Richard Panik will return to the lineup for Monday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes after missing the past 10 games while on long-term injured reserve.

“Happy to have him back in there, but everyone’s progression is a little different and unfortunately his got sidetracked a little there with the injury so we are happy to have him back in there,” Coach Todd Reirden said. “He’s got the ability to skate, defend against top lines, we can use him on the power play on the penalty kill and just use him in lots of different situations."

Panik, who signed a four-year $11-million deal this offseason, suffered an upper body injury after colliding with defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler on Oct. 16. The injury did not require surgery, and he was placed on long-term injured reserve two days later, which meant he had to miss at least 10 games. Panik said he lost his balance as he was trying to poke the puck and Siegenthaler was doing the same, so neither saw each other as they collided.

Panik said his shoulder hurt right away after the collision, but he decided to finish the shift before getting it examined. He said he had a past issue with his shoulder, but that the collision triggered a different injury. After a successful rehab, he will skate against his former team Monday on the third line with Lars Eller and Chandler Stephenson. Carl Hagelin (upper body) remains day-to-day.

“Yeah I’m really excited,” Panik said. “You know, it’s been a long road, but finally I am 100-percent and just excited to jump on the running train.”

Pank, who has not recorded a point through his first eight games with the Capitals, said he is still getting adjusted to the Capitals’ system.

“I think it is a good opportunity for me to start over,” Panik said

In corresponding moves to make space for Panik’s $2.75 million salary, the team put Tyler Lewington on waivers Sunday and reassigned Travis Boyd to the team’s American Hockey League affiliate in Hershey, Pa. Boyd did not have to go through waivers because he played in just six games and was called up less than 30 days ago. Boyd, who originally got called up when Panik was placed on LTI, tallied four assists while playing on the team’s fourth line.

Sending down both Lewington and Boyd means the Capitals now have just six defensemen on the roster: Siegenthaler, John Carlson, Michal Kempny, Dmitry Orlov, Nick Jensen and Radko Gudas. Reirden said there are risks with such as an arrangement, but the Capitals’ tight salary cap necessitated the moves. Lewington carries a $675,000 salary cap hit, while Boyd has a $800,000 cap hit.

“Sometimes it is the situation you have to deal with, and that is what we have in front of us right now and, you know, time to focus on the team that is in front of me and make sure we have the proper players here and whoever is here, making sure I slot the players properly and, you know, for tonight’s game we’re going with six D,” Reirden said.

Washington Post LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161071 Washington Capitals Samsonov. The play quickly reached Kuznetsov, who split two Coyotes and scored.

His third-period goal had a much higher degree of difficulty. A Kempny Capitals' comeback falls short in shootout loss to Coyotes shot missed and bounced his way, and from Raanta’s left side Kuznetsov batted it in with a backhand shot to the far post.

With 1:16 left in regulation, the Capitals went to 6-on-5 and converted the By Adam Zielonka - The Washington Times - Monday, November 11, tying goal. Alex Ovechkin fired in a long shot, it was saved and Oshie 2019 knocked in the rebound — not Kuznetsov, who was standing next to him and reached for the puck at the same time.

“I don’t know if you could tell my reaction, but right after I put it in I was T.J. Oshie faked out the Capital One Arena crowd twice. kind of regretting that (Kuznetsov) didn’t grab it first,” Oshie said. “But First was his game-tying goal in the dying moments of the third period. you can’t pass those ones up, especially when you’re down a goal … But Fans thought Evgeny Kuznetsov was responsible for tapping it in, which no, I wish it would have bounced a little closer to him so he could have would have been the Russian’s third goal of the game. Hats were tossed got the hat trick.” onto the ice in premature celebration. The Capitals visit Philadelphia Wednesday for a nationally-televised Then came overtime, when Oshie appeared to land the game-winner game, then return home for a matchup with the Montreal Canadiens on after a slick move to beat his defender. Washington Capitals fans Friday. celebrated again. The officials had other ideas, having noticed that Oshie Washington Times LOADED: 11.12.2019 may have entered the zone offsides.

They were right — he did. The goal was wiped.

After all the dramatics, the Arizona Coyotes beat Washington 4-3 in a shootout Monday night, ending the Capitals‘ six-game winning streak.

The Capitals moved to 13-2-4 and still lead the NHL with 30 points. They are 10-0-2 in their last 12 games.

Oshie and Kuznetsov couldn’t convert on their shootout attempts — fitting, as Arizona goalie Antti Raanta outplayed Ilya Samsonov throughout the night. Nick Schmaltz and Conor Garland scored on Samsonov to end the shootout early.

Halfway through overtime, Lars Eller carried the puck into the offensive zone, but stumbled to the ice before he completed the move. Oshie was skating with him at the time and his momentum carried him over the blue line first. The ensuing goal, in which Oshie deked Arizona’s Oliver Ekman-Larsson to create space to shoot, came off the books.

“That was unfortunate, because it was a great move and it’s a goal,” Capitals coach Todd Reirden said. “T.J. is pretty on top of things. So he had a strong feeling it was going to be offside … we still gave ourselves a chance and get to a shootout and continue to grow and get better.”

Some bad turnovers and unlucky bounces combined to put the Capitals in a 3-0 hole early in the second period. Evgeny Kuznetsov scored twice to lead a comeback and Oshie’s tying goal secured Washington one standings point. Samsonov made 32 saves, but picked up the loss after winning his first five career starts.

“I don’t know what happened in the first 40 minutes, but it is the perfect time to improve and we cannot we perfect every time so sometimes we have to go through these types of games, you know?” Kuznetsov said. “But I liked the way we responded in the third.”

Washington actually came out of the gates hot, but Raanta stood in the way of several shot attempts and odd-man rushes in the opening minutes. Eventually, the Coyotes posted their first goal when Samsonov moved to break up a pass in the crease and Clayton Keller poked the puck in.

Things tilted from bad to worse to start the second when Michal Kempny turned the puck over after the opening faceoff. Arizona broke the other way and a pass jumped off Christian Fischer’s skate and toward Samsonov’s net. He appeared to make a pad save — but only after it had cleared the goal line, the officials determined after a review.

The 22-year-old barely had time to recover when Oshie’s neutral-zone pass was intercepted by Michael Grabner, who took a solo breakaway and scored it through Samsonov’s five-hole. Arizona posted two goals in 45 seconds to jump out to a 3-0 lead, the first time the Capitals had trailed by that much in almost a month.

“The first two periods were not at all how we want to play,” Reirden said. “Credit the guys for staying with it and turning it around in the third, but we didn’t have to do that to ourself.”

Kuznetsov got Washington on the board before the end of the frame, but it started with a heroic play by defenseman Nick Jensen on the other end of the ice. Jensen dove to save and clear a puck that had leaked past 1161072 Washington Capitals Conor Garland came up next and scored on his attempt against Samsonov, thus ending the game.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.12.2019 Antti Raanta closes the door on the Caps and their win streak

By J.J. Regan November 11, 2019 9:56 PM

WASHINGTON -- Antti Raanta's heroics were the difference as the Capitals saw their six-game win streak snapped on Monday in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Arizona Coyotes. Raanta made a number of incredible saves in the first period so as not to allow the Caps to take control. Evgeny Kuznetsov helped the team battle back from a 3-0 deficit to force overtime, but they could not complete the comeback and ultimately fell in the shootout.

The loss snaps a six-game win streak for Washington. The point streak lives on, however, and was extended to 12 games. Here is how they lost.

Antti Raanta

This game could have gotten ugly early. The Caps’ offense was flying to start and generated a number of really nice plays, but Raanta was there each time with the great save.

Just over two minutes into the game, Evgeny Kuznetsov fed Jakub Vrana beautifully on the backdoor and it looked like he had nothing but net to shoot on. Raanta stretched out in the splits to get over in time to stop just enough of the puck to keep it out of the net. It squeaked by him, but Jakub Chychrun was there to take it off the goal line. Just a few minutes later, Raanta denied Tom Wilson on a 2-on-1 with the right pad. He denied Vrana again with a great glove save to push the puck wide.

In all, Raanta made 12 saves and Arizona walked away with a 1-0 lead in what was a dominant first period for the Caps. He finished the game with 31 saves on 34 shots and denied both shootout attempts he faced.

A definitive review

Just 10 seconds into the second period, Brad Richardson threw a puck to the front of the net that deflected off the skate of Christian Fischer and into the glove of Ilya Samsonov. It looked like nothing more than a decent save, but the play was reviewed to see if Samsonov's glove was over the goal line. From the initial views, it looked like there was no way to definitively tell if the puck was over the line or not. From an overhead view, however, the camera showed the puck through the webbing of Samsonov's glove and you could see the puck was in fact over the line. So instead of a faceoff off a Samsonov save, Arizona was awarded their second goal of the game.

Grabner's breakaway

Arizona pestered the Caps all night long and made sure that nothing Washington wanted to do came easy.

In the second period as the Caps tried to break the puck up through the neutral zone, T.J. Oshie's pass was intercepted by Michael Grabner and he was off to the races. Grabner has the type of speed that if he has a breakaway, you are not going to catch him. He skated in on Samsonov and wristed the shot through the 5-hole of Samsonov to make it 3-0. It came just 35 seconds after Fischer's goal.

Eller draws Oshie offside

Oshie scored a phenomenal overtime goal to give the Caps the win, completing the 3-0 comeback and everyone lived happily ever after...but then the referees reviewed the goal.

As Oshie and Lars Eller broke into the offensive zone, Eller stumbled with the puck. That drew Oshie off who continued into the zone. The review showed that Oshie had indeed entered the zone before the puck and the goal was taken off the board.

Kuznetsov hits the post in the shootout

Kuznetsov would not be denied all night long. He was the best player on the ice for either team on Monday and scored twice to help the Caps rebound from a 3-0 deficit and force overtime. In the shootout, he took Washington's second shot. He showed some slick moves and had Raanta beat, but he struck the post. Seeing the Caps' best player come up empty-handed on the shootout was a poetic way for them to lose. 1161073 Washington Capitals

Commentator Don Cherry fired after 'divisive remarks'

By Frank Piscani November 11, 2019 3:26 PM

Don Cherry has been fired from Sportsnet after making controversial comments about immigrants on-air Saturday evening.

Cherry, 85, criticized the decreasing amount of Canadians wearing poppies to honor fallen Canadian soldiers on Remembrance Day, singling out Toronto immigrants.

“You people . . . you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey, at least you can pay a couple bucks for a poppy or something like that,” Cherry said on his show, Coach's Corner. “These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada, these guys paid the biggest price.”

Ron MacLean, Cherry's co-host, apologized Sunday on his own show, Hometown Hockey, for Cherry's comments.

“Don Cherry made remarks which were hurtful, discriminatory — which were flat out wrong," MacLean said.

Cherry, the host of Coach's Corner since 1982, has been a prominent hockey personality for decades.

He drew the ire of Caps fans last year when he called Caps center Evgeny Kuznetsov a "jerk" for his bird-walk celebration.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161074 Washington Capitals

With Panik’s return, the Caps strip roster down to the bone and enter Monday’s game with no spare players

By J.J. Regan November 11, 2019 12:01 PM

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Get out the bubble wrap, the Capitals need to keep their lineup healthy or they could be in trouble. Richard Panik will make his return to the lineup on Monday after spending 10 games on LTIR with an upper-body injury. His return will mean the Caps lose the cap benefit that comes with LTIR and will have to fit his $2.75 million cap hit under the ceiling. That has forced the team into tough moves to cut the roster down to make it cap compliant.

Travis Boyd was held off the ice for Monday’s morning skate as the team made sure it had a healthy lineup for Monday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes. Todd Reirden confirmed afterward that Boyd will be sent to Hershey. Because he was on the NHL roster for fewer than 30 days and 10 games, he does not have to go through waivers to be sent back to the AHL.

Tyler Lewington did have to pass through waivers and cleared Monday after being placed on Sunday. He was reassigned to Hershey as well.

While these moves were necessary for the team to get cap compliant, it also leaves the Caps in a bind. With Carl Hagelin still day-to-day with an upper-body injury, Washington now has no healthy spares on the roster.

None.

Zip.

Nada.

The Caps roster has just six defensemen and 12 healthy forwards, excluding Hagelin.

Have you ever gone to work feeling fine and had to leave before the end of the day because you suddenly got sick? If that happens to the Caps, or if someone twists an ankle walking to the rink or suffers some other sort of freak illness or injury, then Washington will be playing the Coyotes down a man on Monday.

This is not ideal, but the cap situation is what it is. For now, the Caps probably can get away with it until the end of the month. Once Hagelin returns it gives the team an extra forward. Of greater concern is the defense, but with the only road cames coming in Philadelphia, Boston and New York, easily drivable from Hershey, so long as there are no unforeseen injuries right before a game it should not hurt the team. On Nov. 30, however, the Caps travel to play the Detroit Red Wings then play three games in California. They have to have a seventh defenseman by that point.

The good news is that Lewington has a low cap hit at just $675,000, lower even than the league minimum. Perhaps the team can bank enough space by the end of the month to fit him back under the cap. If not, then general manager Brian MacLellan will have to get creative yet again and move a piece or two to fit in that seventh defenseman.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161075 Washington Capitals

4 things to know for Caps-Coyotes: Richard Panik returns

By J.J. Regan November 11, 2019 10:04 AM

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Capitals (13-2-3) just keep on winning. After Saturday’s win over the Vegas Golden Knights, the Caps have won six straight and have points in 11 straight. Ten of those 11 games were wins. Both streaks will be on the line Monday as Washington hosts the Arizona Coyotes (9-6-2). You can catch all the action on NBC Sports Washington with Caps FaceOff Live kicking things off at 6 p.m. before Caps Pregame Live begins at 6:30 p.m. to bring you up to the 7 p.m. puck drop. Stick with NBC Sports Washington after the game for Caps Postgame Live, D.C. Sports Live and Caps Overtime Live.

Here are four things to know for Monday’s game.

Panik is back

Richard Panik will be back in the lineup for the first time since Oct. 16. He suffered an upper-body injury in a collision with Jonas Siegenthaler in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs and landed on LTIR. Monday’s game is the first game in which he could be activated. He has been back for several practices so it is no surprise to see him back in.

Here are the lines from the morning skate:

Alex Ovechkin - Nicklas Backstrom - T.J. Oshie

Jakub Vrana - Evgeny Kuznetsov - Tom Wilson

Chandler Stephenson - Lars Eller - Richard Panik

Brendan Leipsic - Nic Dowd - Garnet Hathaway

Michal Kempny - John Carlson

Dmitry Orlov - Radko Gudas

Jonas Siegenthaler - Nick Jensen

Hagelin will miss his second game with an upper-body injury. He remains day-to-day.

Samsonov starts

After a hot start, playing time has been a bit limited for Ilya Samsonov whose last start came on Nov. 3. Braden Holtby has started eight of Washington’s last 10 games. With a busy stretch coming up for Washington, it makes sense to get Samsonov a game now.

This means Samsonov will likely play twice this week with a back-to-back coming up Friday and Saturday.

Strength vs. strength

The Caps boast the top offense in the league coming into Monday’s game scoring 4.06 goals per game. The next closest team to them is Nashville at 3.82. Arizona enters this game tied for 2nd in the NHL in defense allowing just 2.41 goals per game.

A slow start for Arizona’s stars

Defense may be the strength of the Coyotes, but they still have offensive weapons such as Clayton Keller and Phil Kessel. Both players, however, are off to slow starts.

Keller has two goals and eight assists. Kessel, meanwhile, was expected to light things up after being reunited with his former assistant coach in Pittsburgh Rick Tocchet. So far he has only three goals and seven assists and two of his three goals came in one game.

Neither Keller nor Kessel have any points in the Coyotes’ last two games.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161076 Washington Capitals like that?’ At the beginning, you feel sad, emotional, obviously. But after a while, you shake it off. You get a new opportunity; you know you’re going to play hockey. At the end of the day – and now I’ve been in hockey operations – it’s just business. There’s nothing to be upset about. Q&A: Caps legend Peter Bondra on being traded, having his number retired and the Hall of Fame Actually, if I was the GM, or I was in that position, I would trade myself. When you try to rebuild a team, you have to pull the right strings to get the organization back on its feet. It’s just normal business.

By Tarik El-Bashir Nov 11, 2019 The Caps have retired four numbers. To this day, fans ask me when the team is going to retire Peter Bondra’s jersey. What’s your feeling about

that? Before Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, there was Peter Bondra. It’s not a question for me. If it’s going to happen one day, I’m going to be The Slovak sniper played 961 games for Washington, racking up 472 thrilled, I’m going to be happy. But if it doesn’t happen, my life is not goals (second all-time behind Ovechkin) and 825 points (trailing going to change. My life is going to be the same. I will not have any Ovechkin and Backstrom). regrets or be upset about anything. As you know, you look at a couple of guys on the current team (Ovechkin and Backstrom) whose jerseys Bondra’s time as a Capitals player ended in 2004, but two years ago he definitely will be in the rafters. rejoined the organization in an official capacity when he was named Director of Alumni Affairs and Business Development, making him a So I cannot answer it. But if the team decides to do such a thing, I would fixture at Capital One Arena and team events in the community. be happy and it would be a great day in my life.

This week, the 51-year-old spoke to The Athletic on a variety of topics, How about the Hockey Hall of Fame? ranging from his current role with the organization and the trade that You’re putting me on the spot. (Laughter). It’s a tough question that I ended his tenure in D.C., to whether his jersey should be retired and don’t control. Those questions will be fulfilled on their own. If they don’t, Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goal record. trust me, my life won’t be different than it is now. I will be happy and Two years ago, you took a job in the Caps’ front office. What does your appreciative of what I have accomplished. role entail? Looking back, I never planned to play in the National Hockey League. If I It’s actually got me busy, and I’m glad I got involved. I was looking for go back to the first game I ever saw with my eyes, I was in the game. something. My kids are off to college and playing golf is not what I would There was no satellites. So, to me, coming to play in the NHL, and like to do every day. This opportunity has allowed me to be close to the playing 16 years, hey, that wasn’t part of the plan. So if those things team, and be involved with our clients and sponsors. I’m actually learning come, that would be great. about business from the business side, not hockey operations. As you You’re an expert on scoring goals. You also watch Alex Ovechkin do his mentioned, I’m also the director of the alumni association. We try to be thing every night. Can he catch Wayne Gretzky? active in the community. We put on a few events that have done well. At the end of the day, I’m keeping busy and I’m glad I’m involved. I hope so. First of all, he has to stay excited about the game, which he is. He also has to be healthy and his mind has to be set for longevity. If they My hours are a little bit flexible. My work is more during the games or keep the group like they have – with Backstrom and Kuzy (Evgeny prior to games. Like tonight (Saturday), we have a bunch of prospects Kuznetsov) – around him, hey, why not? Everybody is going to watch coming in. It’s business prospects not hockey prospects. (Laughter). My two, three years from now and look to see where is Ovi. Right now, it’s part of the job is to meet-and-greet and let them feel comfortable. It’s not still too early. I hope he stays healthy and he stays excited about the to create the opportunities but be there more like an ambassador, I would game, which he is. And let him shoot the puck. Everybody in the building say, and to represent our organization. – the whole league – knows where he is going to shoot and how he is What do you do on the alumni side of things? going to shoot and, hey, still they cannot stop him. It’s special.

We have our monthly meetings. We try to stay busy. We try to bring more You were traded to Ottawa, and also played in Atlanta and Chicago, but guys into town (for events). Every year we host a couple of events. One you never really left the Annapolis area, right? is Bourbon & Cigar Fundraiser that provides scholarship money for five First of all, my family was a priority. My kids grew up here in the area, student-athletes and (the other is) the Alumni Summer Classic game. It’s near Annapolis. They went to schools in the area. The Ottawa trade, I all going for a good cause. was only there a couple of months. But after the lockout year (2004-05) I What’s your favorite part of the job? signed with Atlanta. I thought it would be good for our family to look for something new. So we actually lived in Atlanta for a whole year. The kids Just coming to the games. I learned the game from downstairs – being changed schools. But we kept the house here. It was a good experience. on the ice. Now I’m learning about the operations behind the scenes. It’s But I promised my kids it was only for one year; they will come back and not as much pressure. To me, I’m winning every night. At the same time, graduate from their Annapolis area school where they went. That was our during the game, I like to watch what’s happening, how we are doing, deal. watch certain players, not just our team but the opposite team. I want to ask you about your sons, who are still playing. David is in the When you decided to return to the organization in a official capacity, how KHL and Nicholas is at Amherst College. How often do you see them did the conversation begin? play?

It was on the table for me to come back to the organization since I retired That’s the good thing about my job. Just a couple of weeks ago, I spent (in 2007). I worked for Team Slovakia. I was involved for Team Europe eight days in Beijing to see David play KHL games (for HC Kunlun Red (at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey). I did little bit of everything. But I Star). He actually scored his first goal there. That was a good feeling to wasn’t back in hockey in an official (capacity). watch him. And Nicholas’ season is coming up. We go there every second or third week for a couple of games, and if they play a little more The Caps, over the last eight years, you would see me around. They south, like in the Hartford area, we’ll drive up there. It all depends on how would always ask, ‘Hey, come here, come help with this, we have an busy I am with (the Caps) but I always find the time. event there.’ Obviously, Ovi and Nicky Backstrom can’t all the time be there. So, sometimes, the alumni, the local guys, we’d jump to get The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 involved. Now the relationship is official.

Did there need to be any mending of fences? If I remember correctly, you weren’t thrilled about the trade to Ottawa in 2004 that ended your long run in Washington.

Obviously I was shocked. I was surprised. But, at the same time, I don’t think I felt any sadness after a couple months. Obviously, after 14 years, in that first moment when I got traded, I felt like ‘Everything’s gone? Just 1161077 Winnipeg Jets Head coach Paul Maurice said it’s not simply a cliche to say his group has persevered despite some early-season adversity.

"The one thing that’s kind of caught is the whole thing of, you know, Jets weathering turbulence well adversity makes you stronger. And I know it’s a line in a book and on Hallmark cards and all those kinds of things. But adversity is an opportunity, and that’s what’s turned out here," Maurice said.

Mike McIntyre 'I think we've proved to ourselves we can come back in any game'

Posted: 11/11/2019 8:14 PM — Jets forward Andrew Copp

"The challenge has been great for us because it’s kind of rallied us all around each other and (trainer) Al Pritchard... getting cancer for the Sami Niku and get in a car accident as they drive to second time. We’ve had a bunch of shocks to our group. It’s brought the rink for the first day of training camp. Dustin Byfuglien fails to report, everybody a little closer together, so we kind of laugh differently then we dropping a bombshell he’s considering retirement, only to later have used to. I think we are a closer group." independent surgery as part of an increasingly messy dispute with the club. Patrik Laine and miss all of the pre-season due to Many of the Jets are wearing "PritchyStrong" apparel in support of their contract disputes. trainer, and there’s no question this is a tight-knit bunch.

The season gets underway, and Josh Morrissey is injured in pre-game And stringing together some wins, as they’ve done lately, is no doubt warm-up by fellow blue-liner Anthony Bitetto. Mark Letestu is diagnosed helping the cause. with a heart condition that may very well end his career. Mason Appleton breaks a bone in his foot while tossing around a pigskin with teammates "That’s what good teams do, they rally around adversity. They step up before practice. Bryan Little suffers a gruesome injury after taking a into some big roles and elevate their game," Scheifele said. slapshot to the head from Nikolaj Ehlers. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 11.12.2019 A beloved team employee is diagnosed with cancer for a second time.

There’s no question the Winnipeg Jets have had a lot on their plates so far this year, on top of a major off-season roster turnover and the influx of several new players, including teenaged rookies such as Ville Heinola and David Gustafsson and journeymen depth like Carl Dahlstrom and Luca Sbisa picked off the waiver wire.

Yet here they are, with a 10-7-1 record that has them sitting in a playoff position with nearly a quarter of the season under their belts. The Jets, on a 4-0-1 run, will try to finish the current homestand in style when they host the Colorado Avalanche tonight at Bell MTS Place.

"I’m telling you, man. I don’t have a good word that isn’t a curse word to use for everything that has happened here this year. It hardens your team. Whether we’re rallying around it, more than anything we’re just staying in the fight and just staying with it together. That creates more teamness and the good juices that you need at the right time of the year than anything can, that points can or scoring 50 goals," captain Blake Wheeler said following Sunday’s 3-2 overtime victory over the Dallas Stars.

The latest triumph followed a similar script: win the special teams battle (a power play, killing off the only penalty they took), some terrific goaltending (26 saves for Connor Hellebuyck), some depth scoring (Andrew Copp’s goal tied the game) and the stars coming out to shine (Laine opened the scoring, and Mark Scheifele potted the winner).

"This whole season, you can grab a handful of plays and it’s a microcosm of our whole year, both for myself and for our whole team. Plays that have typically ended up in the net are either hitting posts or we’re not capitalizing. Oddly enough, it’s been a more positive mindset because we’re still finding ways to win without some of the offensive things that we’re capable of doing," Wheeler said.

"This team is learning early how to stay with a game plan and just grind for 60 minutes. Ultimately, that’s how you have to play to win when playoff time and crunch time comes. Where I’m going with this, I’d rather learn that lesson now and sacrifice some of those points and in the second half of the year, just have that come second nature and we’ll start making those plays that we’re used to making."

The Jets also erased a third-period deficit to win for the fifth time this season, which is an impressive number just 18 games in.

Six of Winnipeg’s 10 wins have also come beyond regulation, with four in overtime and two in a shootout. That means plenty of nail-biters right down to the very end.

"I think we’ve proved to ourselves that we can come back in any game this year. Any game where we’re down a goal or two goals, it doesn’t really matter how much time is left. We have the confidence we can do it. We’ve done it before. I don’t think there’s any real panic in our room when we get down a goal, we know the firepower that we have," Copp said. 1161078 Winnipeg Jets Matt Calvert-Nathan MacKinnon-Joonas Donskoi Tyson Jost-Nazem Kadri-J.T. Compher

Matt Nieto-Vladislav Kamenev-Valeri Nichushkin Gameday: Avalanche at Jets Andre Burakovsky-Logan O’Connor-T.J. Tynan

Defence Scott Billeck Samuel Girard-Erik Johnson Published:November 11, 2019 Ryan Graves-Cale Makar Updated:November 11, 2019 10:23 PM CST Ian Cole-Mark Barberio

Goalies COLORADO AVALANCHE AT WINNIPEG JETS Pavel Francouz Tuesday, 7 p.m., BellMTS Place; TV: TSN3; Radio: TSN 1290 THE BIG MATCHUP WINNIPEG JETS Lowry line vs. Nathan MacKinnon Forwards Winnipeg’s best shutdown trio vs. Colorado’s most potent point producer. It’s a bit of a shame that Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog are Kyle Connor-Mark Scheifele-Patrik Laine both injured and won’t play for the Avs. That’s a juicer matchup, but MacKinnon is still a handful. Adam Lowry’s line with Andrew Copp and Nikolaj Ehlers-Blake Wheeler-Jack Roslovic Mathieu Perreault really began to gel in Sunday’s win. They controlled Andrew Copp-Adam Lowry-Mathieu Perreault 60% of the shot share and held opponents to an expected goal total of just 0.06. They weren’t going to get scored on by anyone Dallas threw Joona Luoto-David Gustafsson-Logan Shaw their way. There’s a good chance they see a lot of MacKinnon five-on- five on Tuesday. A repeat performance would be good against one of the Defence best players in the NHL. Josh Morrissey-Tucker Poolman

5 KEYS TO THE GAME Dmitry Kulikov-Neal Pionk

Power-play prowess Nathan Beaulieu-Luca Sbisa

The idea was to put their best players back into their best positions with Goalies the man-advantage, a seemingly common-sense approach to try and kickstart an ailing power play. Winnipeg’s coaching staff had thrown a Connor Hellebuyck bunch of ideas at the wall with little result. The latest idea, however, looks to have stuck. The team has goals in consecutive games now iwth the Laurent Brossoit man-advantage, including Patrik Laine’s first power-play marker of the Injuries season in a 3-2 overtime win against the Dallas Stars on Sunday. Avalanche: G Philipp Grubauer, F Gabriel Landeskog, F Mikko Keeping it close Rantanen, F Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, F Colin Wilson, D Nikita Zadorov

Half of Winnipeg’s 18 games this season have been decided by a single Jets: F Mason Appleton, F Mark Letestu, F Bryan Little, F Gabriel goal. What’s interesting here is that the Jets appear rather comfortable Bourque, D Dustin Byfuglien (suspended) with that given their 7-1-1 record in those games. The Jets also don’t get too fazed by their opponent scoring first. The Jets are 6-3-1 in those Special Teams games. Oh, and if the game goes to overtime — and there’s a good POWER PLAY chance it will — the Jets are 6-0-1 in those this season. Avalanche: 19.7% (15th) Helle-Wall Winnipeg: 17.2% (21st) Where would Winnipeg be without Connor Hellebuyck this season? The fourth-year starter has been a rock for the club, evidenced by his .933 PENALTY KILLING save percentage, which places him third among NHL goalies. In nine of his past 10 starts, Hellebuycl has posted a .920 save percentage or Avalanche: 82.8% (13th) better, including a .959 across his past three starts. He has allowed two Winnipeg: 73% (28th) goals or fewer in five of his past six starts. Winnipeg Sun LOADED 11.12.2019 Cale (Calder) Makar

The Avs defenceman is leading the pack early in the season for the best rookie honour. Makar was named the third star of the week for his three goals and six points across three games over the past seven days. Makar leads all rookies with 13 assists and 17 points.

Penalty killers

Winnipeg’s penalty kill continues to bat 1.000 on their current four-game homestand. They’ve been shorthanded six times over the three games coming into Tuesday’s contest and they’ve killed off each and every one of them. The Jets have gone 11-for-12 on the PK over their past six games and have shot up to a 73% success rate. It’s still very poor, but considering they were 56.2% through their first nine games, there’s been a marked improvement,.

GAME DAY LINEUPS

COLORADO AVALANCHE

Forwards 1161079 Winnipeg Jets “There has certainly been a lot of frustration, I can’t lie about that,” Wheeler said. “Moreso, it’s been awesome that through that frustration, we’ve had everyone stay in the fight.”

Jets rallying around turbulent start to season An identity has been a work in progress, something that’s not all that surprising. Missing key pieces, losing more along the way and trying to apply Band-Aids from the waiver wire slows that process.

Scott Billeck Still, they’ve evolved.

Published:November 11, 2019 Make no mistake, the Jets are still a flawed team — deeply in some areas. But they’ve found a way to grind, and perhaps more importantly, Updated:November 11, 2019 6:12 PM CST they’ve developed an ability to rally around their adversity.

“It hardens your team,” Wheeler said. “Whether we’re rallying around it, Gameday: Avalanche at Jets more than anything we’re just staying in the fight and just staying with it together. If there’s a good word to describe everything that’s befallen the Winnipeg Jets on and off the ice over the past couple of months, Blake Wheeler “If you learn how to win the hard way, with everyone involved, those are couldn’t locate it. the things you can take with you for a long run.”

Well, that’s not entirely accurate. He could have, he said. But it would It’s too early to label them this year’s St. Louis Blues, but they’ve require him to ditch the confines of the Oxford Dictionary for another, borrowed some of the attributes that made St. Louis what they became. something along the line of, say, the Urban Dictionary. Adversity makes you stronger. “I don’t have a good word that isn’t a curse word to use for everything “And I know it’s a line in a book and it’s on Hallmark cards and all those that has happened here this year,” Wheeler said on Sunday, sweat still kinds of things,” Jets head coach Paul Maurice said. “Adversity is an dripping off his face after Winnipeg’s 10th win, a 3-2 overtime grinder opportunity, and that’s what’s turned out here.” against the Dallas Stars at BellMTS Place. Jack Roslovic and Tucker Poolman standout in that regard. Both were It’s been a tumultuous start to the 2019-20 season for the Jets. asked to take the next step and then forced to with increased ice time. At times, the tire fire has burned bright. At others, the Jets have shown And they did. glimpses of potential. As a whole, what the team has put forth through Neal Pionk has been a bit of a godsend. The Jets also found out that their first 18 games is somewhere in between, and that’s a feat in and of Ville Heinola has the chops to be a future stud. itself given what they’ve endured. “So there’s the advantage of adversity,” Maurice said. Adversity hits every team, every year. Winnipeg isn’t immune, but they’ve taken quite the beating from the end of June on. Added Scheifele: “That’s what good teams do, they rally around adversity. They step up into some big roles and elevate their game. And There were certainties for the Jets heading into the summer. It was quite that’s what we’ve seen from some guys.” likely that they’d bleed the most of the right side of their blue line and that likelihood became a stinging reality over a two-week span in late June There’s a human toll to all of it, too. and early July. There were somber faces in the dressing room when Little took a one- Other certainties bred uncertainty for the club, including the contract timer to the head last week. Earlier that day, several players fielded status of high-profile restricted free agents in Patrik Laine and Kyle questions regarding the Scott Sabourin/David Backes incident in Boston Connor. Those bled, too. All the way through training camp and right up a couple of nights earlier. until the eve of the regular season before they were resolved. Nikolaj Ehlers told reporters that he had never been on the ice when Then there were the hits they didn’t see coming. such a serious incident occurred. A few hours later, it would be a shot originating off his stick that sent Little to hospital for 25-plus stitches, a Training camp hadn’t even started when Sami Niku and Kristian perforated eardrum and vertigo. Vesalainen were stiffened up by a car crash as they headed for their camp physicals. The toll has also seeped behind the scenes.

Dustin Byfuglien didn’t even back the car out of the garage in an attempt You may have noticed the shirts several of the players and Maurice have to make it to camp. From supposedly questioning his playing future to worn during scrums and press conferences this year. seeking surgery away from the team’s purview, the situation has only become more bizarre with each infrequent report. Navy blue and made by Nike, they bear a crest that reads “Pritch Strong.” The injury bus, meanwhile, stormed out of the depot. It had a new promotion, too, offering free fare to any unwilling passengers. “Pritch” is the nickname of the team’s long-time massage therapist, Al Pritchard, who is well-loved by everyone and currently contesting his Begrudgingly, the seats began to fill. second bout with cancer.

Bryan Little is on his second ride with no stops in sight. Nathan Beaulieu “We’ve had a bunch of shocks to our group,” Maurice said. “It’s brought spent more than a month on it. Mark Letestu will surpass that soon. everybody a little closer together, so we kind of laugh differently than we Mason Appleton’s still there. Josh Morrissey, Tucker Poolman and Patrik used to. I think we are a closer group.” Laine took short rides. just swiped his month-long pass. Winnipeg Sun LOADED 11.12.2019 As you might expect, the on-ice product has suffered. At times, the Jets have looked like a disjointed mess. See: San Jose game, where they allowed 53 shots.

At others, they’ve employed this year’s adopted motto.

“Stay in the fight.”

See: San Jose game, where despite those 53 shots, Connor Hellebuyck — the team’s saving grace so many times this season already — stopped 51 and the Jets pulled off what appeared to be impossible with a late game-winner in regulation. 1161080 Winnipeg Jets Tyson Jost-Nazem Kadri-J.T. Compher Matt Nieto-Vladislav Kamenev-Valeri Nichushkin

Andre Burakovsky-Logan O’Connor-T.J. Tynan JETS GAME DAY: Jets look to remain undefeated against Central foes Defence

Samuel Girard-Erik Johnson Scott Billeck Ryan Graves-Cale Makar Published:November 11, 2019 Ian Cole-Mark Barberio Updated:November 11, 2019 6:08 PM CST Goalies

Pavel Francouz Tuesday, 7 p.m., BellMTS Place; TV: TSN3; Radio: TSN 1290 Adam Werner THE BIG MATCHUP WINNIPEG JETS Lowry line vs. Nathan MacKinnon Forwards Winnipeg’s best shutdown trio vs. Colorado’s most potent point producer. It’s a bit of a shame that Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog are Kyle Connor-Mark Scheifele-Patrik Laine both injured and won’t play for the Avs. That’s a juicer matchup, but MacKinnon is still a handful. Adam Lowry’s line with Andrew Copp and Nikolaj Ehlers-Blake Wheeler-Jack Roslovic Mathieu Perreault really began to gel in Sunday’s win. They controlled Andrew Copp-Adam Lowry-Mathieu Perreault 60% of the shot share and held opponents to an expected goal total of just 0.06. They weren’t going to get scored on by anyone Dallas threw Joona Luoto-David Gustafsson-Logan Shaw their way. There’s a good chance they see a lot of MacKinnon five-on- five on Tuesday. A repeat performance would be good against one of the Defence best players in the NHL. Josh Morrissey-Tucker Poolman

5 KEYS TO THE GAME Dmitry Kulikov-Neal Pionk

Power-play prowess Nathan Beaulieu-Luca Sbisa

The idea was to put their best players back into their best positions with Goalies the man-advantage, a seemingly common-sense approach to try and kickstart an ailing power play. Winnipeg’s coaching staff had thrown a Connor Hellebuyck bunch of ideas at the wall with little result. The latest idea, however, looks to have stuck. The team has goals in consecutive games now iwth the Laurent Brossoit man-advantage, including Patrik Laine’s first power-play marker of the Injuries season in a 3-2 overtime win against the Dallas Stars on Sunday. Avalanche: G Philipp Grubauer, F Gabriel Landeskog, F Mikko Keeping it close Rantanen, F Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, F Colin Wilson, D Nikita Zadorov

Half of Winnipeg’s 18 games this season have been decided by a single Jets: F Mason Appleton, F Mark Letestu, F Bryan Little, F Gabriel goal. What’s interesting here is that the Jets appear rather comfortable Bourque, D Dustin Byfuglien (suspended) with that given their 7-1-1 record in those games. The Jets also don’t get too fazed by their opponent scoring first. The Jets are 6-3-1 in those Special Teams games. Oh, and if the game goes to overtime — and there’s a good POWER PLAY chance it will — the Jets are 6-0-1 in those this season. Avalanche: 19.7% (15th) Helle-Wall Winnipeg: 17.2% (21st) Where would Winnipeg be without Connor Hellebuyck this season? The fourth-year starter has been a rock for the club, evidenced by his .933 PENALTY KILLING save percentage, which places him third among NHL goalies. In nine of his past 10 starts, Hellebuycl has posted a .920 save percentage or Avalanche: 82.8% (13th) better, including a .959 across his past three starts. He has allowed two Winnipeg: 73% (28th) goals or fewer in five of his past six starts. Winnipeg Sun LOADED 11.12.2019 Cale (Calder) Makar

The Avs defenceman is leading the pack early in the season for the best rookie honour. Makar was named the third star of the week for his three goals and six points across three games over the past seven days. Makar leads all rookies with 13 assists and 17 points.

Penalty killers

Winnipeg’s penalty kill continues to bat 1.000 on their current four-game homestand. They’ve been shorthanded six times over the three games coming into Tuesday’s contest and they’ve killed off each and every one of them. The Jets have gone 11-for-12 on the PK over their past six games and have shot up to a 73% success rate. It’s still very poor, but considering they were 56.2% through their first nine games, there’s been a marked improvement,.

GAME DAY LINEUPS

COLORADO AVALANCHE

Forwards

Matt Calvert-Nathan MacKinnon-Joonas Donskoi 1161081 Winnipeg Jets I mean, I played with (Nic) Petan and (Mason) Appleton for a while and we were a pretty dominant line but I had that mindset, still, from juniors. I had that mindset of being on the ice and helping the team produce and then you graduate to the NHL level where it doesn’t come as easy. You Q&A: Jets’ Jack Roslovic on his unique career arc, his ideal role and trick might not get the time you want, you might not get the leash you want so shots gone wrong you have to play your game in a different way. I’m still redeveloping ways to efficiently score and help the team win on a nightly basis. That was

something I was so good at in juniors. Not that I’m bad at it now but it’s By Murat Ates Nov 11, 2019 just a lot more difficult. Finding a way to do that is something which takes time and I’m learning that the hard way.

In junior, playing with such dominant players, I’m sure the expectation When Jack Roslovic was a teenager in the United States National Team was that you would put up points every night. College would have been Development program, he shared a line with Auston Matthews and different, though — you referred to it as being a grind team. Do you, as Matthew Tkachuk. As one might expect, the trio dominated USHL part of your journey, ever put too much of it on your back — too much competition, combining for 44 goals and 119 points in 25 games for the pressure on yourself? American under-18 team. Yeah, definitely. Like I said, I’ve always had that expectation. A lot of Roslovic himself posted 11 goals and 27 assists for 38 points — more people could take that as me being a selfish player. But I take that more than one and a half points per game — and was a star in his own right, as me helping the team out and doing what I can do to get points for the finishing second in scoring on a dominant team that featured Matthews, team. Help us climb the standings and worry about home ice advantage Tkachuk, Charlie McAvoy, Jordan Greenway, Clayton Keller and more and not just making the playoffs. current NHL players. So yeah, definitely. That’s your role. That’s your job. Obviously, in college You’d forgive a 17-year-old Roslovic, then, if he thought offensive you’re not getting paid for it. And I think that’s the reason why it’s so stardom in the NHL was a distinct possibility. much more difficult at the NHL level because the other team is getting paid to shut you down as well. You definitely take a little bit of weight on After he turned 18 and enrolled at the University of Miami (Ohio), your back. You look at our top scorers and they take it to heart. Getting to Roslovic tied for the lead in scoring on a team that went 15-18-3 in the that level is something that isn’t always but it’s something that I’m willing NCHC. He followed that up by leading the 2016-17 Manitoba Moose in to do. scoring with 48 points in 65 games at 19. In terms of that constant climb, if you’re playing on the fourth line and Three straight seasons in three different leagues were met with three we’re talking about that, you’re never going to tell me, “Oh man, it sucks straight seasons of offensive stardom for Roslovic. to play six minutes.” He was well on his way to a fourth, playing above a point per game as a I’ll never tell you that it sucks because I think that’s something that you 20-year-old in the AHL when he was called up to the Winnipeg Jets. In guys probably know. You don’t need me to reiterate that for you. the time since then, Roslovic has scored 45 points in 127 NHL games — a respectable rate but nothing near the offensive totals implied by his Or for us to put those words in your mouth either because that’s not the teenaged success. point.

It’s a fascinating arc — from dominating with Matthews and Tkachuk to a Exactly. Yeah. competitive but star-free college team to being buried behind Mark Scheifele, Bryan Little, Patrik Laine, Kyle Connor, Blake Wheeler and Nik All that said, is there a little bit of an extra spark that’s going off for you Ehlers with the Jets. now, with heightened opportunity?

With Little injured, those latter two players have become Roslovic’s latest I don’t think opportunity is exactly the word to use. Obviously, injuries are linemates. His opportunity has increased and he immediately cashed in going on but I think it’s a hole to fill while people are out. I think that, like with this goal against Vancouver on Friday night. I’ve always said, there are so many good players on this team that it doesn’t really matter who you’re playing with. You’re gonna have a good Roslovic spoke with The Athletic at length following Jets practice the line and you’re going to have a line that works hard and you’re going to morning after that goal. have a line that has some point-getters and you’re going to have a line that you know is going to get some offence and some defence in there, At the end of that practice, a group of Jets defencemen were playing too. I’m happy with our line right now and I think we had one good game posts at one end of the rink. Roslovic glided up, gathered up a puck and but you know, I don’t know if one game does a whole season so we’ll see flipped it high into the air. It floated well above head-height, fell and how it goes as we grow. pinged right off the crossbar. He then repeated the act several more times, including a streak of three in a row. If we zoom out and look at the long term, do you let yourself imagine what height you want to hit in your career? The feat astonished me and, before getting into his career arc at large, I wanted to ask Roslovic about the arcing puck. Oh yeah. I’ve always wanted to be a big, big role player on a playoff contending team and a Stanley Cup contending team. That doesn’t How long have you been practising that crossbar lob shot? You went change, being on this team and I know it’s going to take a lot of work a lot three for three there. of years but I’m willing to do — to put the hours in. Oh no. (Laughs) I was trying to land it on top of the net. It’s less Centre? Wing? What’s the dream? impressive. What’s the dream? (laughs) I don’t know. Wherever they put me. I just Shit. Well, you probably have a day to start. I guess that’s it from me. work here. (Laughs) Go ahead. Do you pay attention to aging curve data? Is this anything that’s ever One of the things you’ve said that stuck with me this season is that, when come your way? it all began, you didn’t imagine breaking into the NHL in a checking No. capacity. You were able to play with amazing players in Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk in junior (with the U.S. National Team I think it’s a data-based way of saying what we’ve all seen — that there’s Development program) and put up big numbers with the Moose. Can you a lot of young players coming into the NHL and having big impacts early. walk me through how that affects your expectations a little bit? Do you believe that young players can have a bigger role in the NHL?

You look at your peers. When I was in college, some of them were in the Yeah definitely. I think it’s just the way the game is starting to be played. NHL already. The college I went to, one guy is in the NHL right now full- How early kids are starting, how quickly they’re developing and how time (Sean Kuraly.) We were a grinder team. We had to fight hard every serious they’re getting about the sport. I don’t remember travelling until I night it’s where I learned a lot of that game. Obviously coming from a line was 12 or 13 and now, I know 8-year-olds travelling. I think that kids are of Matthews and Tkachuk, going to that — well, you’ve got to learn. Then coming to the American League was a change too. getting more savvy with their training. I think that they’re more prepared as they come in.

When you look at a guy like Quinn Hughes or Jack Hughes, Eichel, McDavid — all these guys that are coming in young and making (an impact) — I think that has a lot to do with what they did when they were younger and programs that are in place now. Programs like the U.S. program that can breed players who can step into the NHL right away.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161082 Vancouver Canucks “You don’t have to look any further in our game than looking around our arena and seeing how it does bring people together and it’s one of the great things about our sport,” said Canucks coach , a Castlegar native. “I don’t think there’s any room for that and not in sport, No place in the game or society for Cherry's divisive comments but life in general. You don’t like to see comments that will hurt other cultures.

“Today is Remembrance Day and we’re supposed to give thanks for BEN KUZMA what people have done for us and the sacrifices they have given for a lot Published:November 11, 2019 of things that we have today. And as far as Remembrance Day and different cultures and hockey, it’s one of the great things about our sport Updated:November 11, 2019 5:11 PM PST — it’s brings together a lot of cultures.”

Brandon Sutter was born in Huntington, N.Y., but played for the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL, who were coached by his father, Brent. The The polarizing Don Cherry crossed the commentary line and was fired Sutter clan is cut from an old-school cloth with small-town values and Monday. Cherry’s comments cut to the bone. Firing of bombastic Hockey Night in Canada commentator doesn't “It’s one of those things these days where people obviously don’t stand surprise Canucks. for anymore and that’s all I really want to say about it,” said the Canucks’ When Coach’s Corner debuted in 1986, the Hockey Night In Canada centre. “Our sport is something where we have been pressing for the last (HNIC) intermission segment quickly became must-watch TV. few years that it’s for everyone and it (Cherry’s comments) is obviously a bit of a touchy subject. You were never sure where the bombastic Don Cherry would go with his critique of the game, those who played it and those who chose to “This game is for all of our fans, no matter where you’re from or where challenge the former minor-league defenceman and NHL coach. He your roots are. As an organization, we welcome everybody.” entertained. He infuriated. He informed. OVERTIME: The Canucks are mourning the death of Jacob Markstrom’s “You watched all the time, right? It was just part of being Canadian it father that was announced Sunday on Hockey Fights Cancer Day. “I’m seems like,” Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat said Monday. going to try and not get emotional because it’s a touching story,” said Green. “He’s (Jacob’s) gone through a lot and it’s very sad. I can’t Cherry quickly became a polarizing figure with a weekly platform that imagine what he has gone through and he’s been brave through it all. swung like a pendulum. From heartening support of the military and He’s been a hell of a teammate and weathered through this. There’s not those inflicted with or succumbing to health challenges, to taking issue much else you can say when you lose a father. It’s just very touching and with the manner in which the league was run, and even how we should I’m glad he got to go home (to Gavle, Sweden, to see his ailing dad last conduct ourselves in society. month)” … Antoine Roussel, who had knee surgery in April and could All the venom and volatility stopped Monday. play sometime next month, practised Monday in a non-contact jersey. Micheal Ferland skated before practice as part of his post-concussion On Remembrance Day, the 85-year-old Cherry was fired by Rogers protocol. Sportsnet. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 11.12.2019 In his Saturday segment, Cherry referred to immigrants as “you people” in a rant in which he stated that new immigrants aren’t honouring the country’s fallen soldiers. His remarks were divisive and the repercussions were swift because Cherry always seemed to be on thin ice as a HNIC commentator.

However, it was never quite like this:

“You people,” he said. “You love our way of life, you love our milk and honey, at least you can pay a couple of bucks for a poppy or something like that. These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada, these guys paid the biggest price.”

The remarks set off a social-media storm calling for Cherry’s immediate dismissal. And while some argued that maybe something was lost in translation and that he could have chosen his words better, the damage was done. And it was widespread.

“He’s been in the game for a long time but at the same time, hockey is supposed to bring people together and there’s no place for stuff like that,” added Horvat, a London, Ont., native who participated in a Top Prospects Game coached by Cherry. “I think it’s the right decision to be made. It’s upsetting hearing things like that being said.

“Remembrance Day should be about the troops and guys sacrificing their lives and their families and people who fought to make this country so great. It should be about them today and not about this.”

An immigration surge since the 1980s has transformed Vancouver and its surrounding municipalities into an area of great ethnic diversity. In the major metropolitan area, more than half the population speaks a language other than English as their first language.

Vancouver has one of the biggest concentrations of Chinese immigrants in North America and the city also has significant population groups from South Asia (primarily Punjabi), Indo-Canadian, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Cambodian.

In the 2011 Census, the ethnic makeup of Vancouver was European Canadian (46 per cent), Chinese (27.7), South Asian (six) and Filipino (six). 1161083 Vancouver Canucks (Canucks GM Bud) Poile found the entire business “crushing. I couldn’t believe we could be so unlucky, or that those guys could get absolutely everything their own way.”

Canucks at 50: Excitement over Vancouver's NHL entry took a big hit on The prize, of course was Perrault who went on to be an NHL Hall of Black Tuesday Famer.

Watt wrote in advance of the draft of the top prospects after it was clear Perrault was going to the Sabres. STAFF REPORTER “The No. 2 amateur pick is something Poile has refused to discuss. He Published:November 11, 2019 says even his own staff is split over the better of the four top juniors available. It would seem to boil down to a choice between Reg Leach, Updated:November 11, 2019 3:43 PM PST the high scoring right-winger from the Flin Flon Bombers, or Dale Tallon, a large and versatile performer with the , who is said to be one of the few players who could handle Perrault with some success When Vancouver was awarded an NHL team to begin play in 1970, fans in the OHA.” of the Canucks were beyond excited having a top professional team play in their city. The Vancouver Sun also went with the dark theme of bad fortune for the Canucks’ first day of official NHL business. Of course, that over-the-top enthusiasm didn’t last very long. “In the Canucks’ version of history, yesterday will be recorded as Black From the original expansion draft, there was plenty of cynicism about the Tuesday — a day when they lost three separate lotteries to Buffalo. players the Canucks were allowed to pick for their first team and the format of the original “draft lottery.” On June 9, 1970 in Montreal, “At 1 p.m. Vancouver time, president Campbell twirled a gaming wheel to Province hockey writer Tom Watt referred to the day as “Black Tuesday” determine which team would get first choice in each draft. There was and it was the moment the long-storied Canucks luck started on the also a coin toss to decide first choice on players placed on waivers. The wrong foot. Canucks lost all three, once when they were in midst of a mistaken victory celebration.” Not only did expansion partner Buffalo end up with the first overall pick in the expansion draft, they got the top pick in the entry draft. Sighed president Tom Scallen: “Losing is bad enough, but what a way to lose.” “In an unbelievable streak, Punch Imlach, the general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, stepped in and made off with the best hockey talent “Maybe it’s just as well,” chief scout John (Peanuts) O’Flaherty offered available to the NHL expansion teams, Vancouver and Buffalo,” wrote bravely. “Tallon is tougher than Perreault. Stronger defensively, too.” Watt. After losing the expansion draft’s top choice, the amateur draft’s top “The Sabres won the right to draft first in today’s expansion draft and choice and the waiver-wire pecking order, GM Poile wasn’t too cynical to Thursday’s amateur draft, which means they will in all probability take exhibit some humour. Sigurdson summed up the day: “That’s the kind of Gilbert Perreault of the Montreal Junior Canadiens who is described as a day it was for Vancouver, but Poile kept smiling through the whole grisly sure fire super star. The Sabres also won the opportunity to get players mess. ‘It’s just as well Imlach gets used to picking first,’ he said. ‘He may other clubs are trying to waive out of the NHL.” be doing it for a long time.’”

Canucks fans like to revel in their bad luck. Circle the wagons and talk “But I’ll tell you this,” Poile confessed later. “I’m not going to call home about how it’s them against the world. Reading about how fate cruelly tonight. The way things are going my wife is likely tell me the house has toyed with the franchise from the very beginning is so telling, almost five burned down.” decades since Watt described the scenes at the NHL meeting in Vancouver Province: LOADED: 11.12.2019 Montreal.

“First Imlach won a coin toss to decide which team had first waiver rights and later, when his old army buddy Jack Reily of the Pittsburgh Penguins tried to waive goalie Joe Daley through the league, Imlach stepped in and took him for Buffalo, giving the Sabres a goalie with at least recent NHL experience.

“Then Imlach chose the high numbers between eight and 11 for the spin of a wheel of fortune that was to decide the expansion and amateur draft choices. The number for the first spin came up eight and Imlach had first expansion pick.”

There was restrained jubilation in the Buffalo camp. Then the wheel was whipped around again and stopped at what appeared to be a one.

NHL president announced it as a one and there was pandemonium among the Canucks executives as they leaped into the air and hugged each other. They were hardly on their feet again when Campbell was saying, “I miscalled it, the number is 11.”

Then it was time for the Buffalo execs to jump all over each other as a blanket of gloom descended over the Vancouver contingent. What almost everyone in the room failed to recognize was that there was no No. 1 on the board, just numbers from two to 11. The seven wasn’t to be counted, thus giving each team five chances on the wheel.

The group took their moment of devastation with good grace as Tom Scallen, president of the Vancouver club, walked over and congratulated the winners.

Later, however, he said: “I’m sad and I’m mad. We received a setback here today but it makes us more determined than ever to go out and find our own talent. We’ll go to Sweden, Finland, even Russia — but we will get players.” 1161084 Vancouver Canucks “We may not win many games, but we should win a few fights,” inaugural Canucks general manager said after the expansion draft.

Head coach insisted that in selecting Tallon, second-round Canucks at 50: The draft pick that wasn't pick Jim Hargreaves and third-rounder Ed Dyck, the Canucks got three of the top 10 names on their list.

Hargreaves, Robson noted, was notable for being part of a new wave of PATRICK JOHNSTON players.

Published:November 11, 2019 “He had an agent, not a lot of guys had an agent,” Robson recalled. “He came to training camp but he didn’t go on the ice until they signed a Updated:November 11, 2019 2:32 PM PST contract. His agent told him to stay off.”

But Hargreaves — who compared to Bruins’ tough guy The NHL draft in 1970 was a far cry from the high-wattage production it is Ted Green — played just 66 games in the NHL, while Dyck minded the today. net in just 49.

If the buzz you get around modern hockey drafts is perhaps a little off the The draft was still an new concept for hockey and even its structure was charts, you’d rate the 1970 draft at pretty much the other end of the a far cry from how it is today. scale. On the day, there were usually players in attendance, but usually only a It’s only since then that, in Vancouver anyway, we’ve come to know the few dozen, mostly from Quebec, who could make it to the Queen ins and outs of that fateful day so well. For a moment it seemed the Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, which hosted the first decade of drafts. The Vancouver Canucks would pick first in the 1970 NHL amateur draft, first draft open to the public wasn’t until 1980, when the draft was held at which would have given them the chance to add a truly franchise-defining the . player in Gilbert Perreault. The 1970 draft was only the second since the end of the sponsorship The 1970 draft was set for Thursday, June 11. system, where players had their rights signed to NHL teams mostly because of agreements between their junior teams and NHL clubs. Two days before, league president Clarence Campbell convened a spinning of a roulette wheel to determine which team, the Canucks or And there wasn’t a big hubbub at home, either. It wasn’t until later in the their expansion cousins the Buffalo Sabres, would go first in the amateur summer that Tallon was unveiled in Vancouver. draft. “The Canucks had a special reception at the Devonshire Hotel in August He spun the wheel and declared the result in favour of the Canucks. But so the media could interview him,” Robson recalled. the roulette wheel had not stopped on the number 1, a number assigned Vancouver Province: LOADED: 11.12.2019 to Vancouver, rather it had landed on the number 11.

That meant it was the Sabres who would pick first. Punch Imlach’s club picked Perreault, who had lit up junior hockey the year before with the Montreal Junior Canadiens.

The Canucks drafted Dale Tallon — the current general manager of the Florida Panthers — second overall. Tallon had scored plenty for the Toronto Marlboros, while showing versatility in being able to play both on defence and at centre.

He was a good pick, but certainly not on the talent scale of the future hall-of-famer Perreault.

Former Canucks broadcaster Jim Robson laughed over the phone when it was pointed out how well-worn the story is after five decades.

“It really has been told by every angle,” he said.

Might Perreault have helped the Canucks chart a different course in their early years, one that would have see them win just 90 games over their first four seasons?

Robson is skeptical.

“There’s nothing to say that Perreault would have been successful in Vancouver,” he said. The way the Canucks were looking to play hockey was rather different from the Sabres’ approach, he noted.

The Sabres chased after a fast-skating lineup, with Perreault proving to be Buffalo’s sharpest offensive point, leading the team in scoring in his rookie season.

The Canucks on the other hand, chased after toughness in assembling their squad.

Vancouver Canucks vs Detroit Red Wings at the Coliseum on November 17, 1970. Gordie Howe (left) and Canucks’ Dale Tallon #19. Deni Eagland/Vancouver Sun (70-2763) Deni Eagland / Vancouver Sun

The Sabres and Canucks got to build the base of their roster in a 20- round expansion draft, held the day between the roulette wheel spin and the amateur draft.

In the expansion draft, the 18 players selected by Poile in the amateur draft scored just 37 total goals between them in 1969-70. Phil Goyette, the Sabres’ seventh selection in the expansion draft, had scored 29 times for the St. Louis Blues the year before. 1161085 Vancouver Canucks 1974 to 1979 before serving as head coach for one year with the Colorado Rockies.

His notoriety and popularity took off as a commentator for the Canadian Sportsnet fires Don Cherry over remarks on immigrants, Remembrance Broadcasting Company on Hockey Night in Canada. He was especially Day poppies famous for wearing flamboyant suits, supporting the military and speaking so bluntly that it would cause him to become ensnared in controversy.

MARTY KLINKENBERG Opinion: Why did I – and so many hockey fans – defend Don Cherry for so long? PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 11, 2019 In 1998, during CBC’s coverage of the men’s Olympic gold-medal hockey UPDATED NOVEMBER 11, 2019 game in Nagano, Japan, Cherry referred to Quebec nationalists as “a bunch of whiners.” Five years later, as the U.S.-led Iraq War broke out, Cherry lashed out at the Canadian government for not sending troops to Don Cherry has been dismissed from his long-time position on Hockey the region. In recent years, he argued that female reporters should not be Night in Canada as a result of contentious remarks he made last given access to the locker rooms of professional male athletes, criticized Saturday during his Coach’s Corner segment. NFL players for kneeling before games to protest civil-rights violations and ridiculed those who believe in climate change. The opinionated 85-year-old former National Hockey League coach, who has been part of the Hockey Night broadcast team since the Stanley Cup Network bosses stood by him on each of those occasions, but apparently playoffs of 1980, singled out Toronto-area immigrants for not wearing decided they could not this time. The Canadian Broadcasting Standards poppies during a tribute to Canada’s war veterans. Council was so inundated with complaints from viewers on Monday that it posted a message on its website saying it could not accept any more. “You people love … our way of life, you love our milk and honey, at least Even the Royal Canadian Legion bashed him on Twitter. you could pay a couple of bucks for a poppy or something like that,” Cherry said. “These guys pay for your way of life that you enjoy in Cherry’s forced departure is a headache for Rogers, which assumed Canada, these guys paid the biggest price.” control of Hockey Night in Canada from the CBC in 2014. Rogers is paying the NHL $5.2-billion for rights to its games through 2026 in an Around 3 p.m. ET, Rogers Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley issued a agreement that also allows Hockey Night in Canada to be shown every statement via Twitter, announcing the broadcaster had cut its ties with Saturday on Sportsnet and CBC. Cherry. Ron MacLean, his co-host on Coach’s Corner, offered an apology on “Sports brings people together – it unites us, not divides us,” the Sunday night at the beginning of his Rogers Hometown Hockey statement said. “Following further discussions with Don Cherry after broadcast. MacLean acknowledged he should have intervened when Saturday night’s broadcast, it has been decided it is the right time for him Cherry made the remarks. to immediately step down. During the broadcast, he made divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for. “Don Cherry made remarks which were hurtful, discriminatory, which were flat out wrong,” MacLean said. “We know diversity is the strength of “Don is synonymous with hockey and has played an integral role in the country. We see it in the travels with our show, and with Hockey growing the game over the past 40 years. We would like to thank [him] Night in Canada. for his contributions to hockey and sports broadcasting in Canada.” “So, I owe you an apology, too. I sat there, did not catch it, did not The NHL, which on Sunday labelled his comments as “offensive and respond. [It] was a really great lesson to Don and me. We were wrong, contrary to the values we believe in," said Cherry’s ouster from Sportsnet and I sincerely apologize. I wanted to thank you for calling me and Don was well deserved. on that last night." “While we recognize Don Cherry’s four decades of service broadcasting Bo Horvat, the Vancouver Canucks captain, said that he agreed with the NHL games, today’s decision was a justifiable response to his comments decision to fire Cherry. on Saturday night,” the league said in a statement. “The opinions he expressed are in direct conflict with the values of diversity and inclusion “He’s been in the game for a long time but at the same time, hockey is that we embrace as pillars of our sport.” supposed to bring people together and there’s no place for stuff like that,” Horvat told Postmedia on Monday. “I think it’s the right decision. It’s Late Monday, Cherry refused to apologize for what he said, saying he upsetting hearing things like that being said.” could have kept his job as co-host of Coach’s Corner if he’d agreed to become “a tame robot who nobody would recognize.” He added that he Before Cherry’s dismissal on Monday, as people across Canada wasn’t directing his comments to minorities, and that what he said attended ceremonies commemorating Remembrance Day, a debate applies to English, Scottish or Irish immigrants or any newcomer. raged over Cherry’s diatribe.

Opinion: Don Cherry hated any changes to hockey – and his imaginary Many found his rant to be cringeworthy and xenophobic. But some Canada defended Cherry. Still more simply dismissed him as no longer being relevant. In recent years, Canadian NHL teams have hosted swearing-in ceremonies for new citizens. Games are broadcast all over the world #FireDonCherry, #DonCherryIsRight and #BoycottSportsnet all trended through international partners. In Canada, they are telecast in Punjabi on social media. and Spanish. Sportsnet has not said if Cherry will be replaced or if its long-standing Cherry’s comments rankled at least one of Hockey Night In Canada’s format will remain unchanged on Saturday nights. major sponsors. Globe And Mail LOADED: 11.12.2019 Todd Allen, the vice-president of marketing for Labatt Breweries, issued a statement on Monday. Labatt’s Budweiser brand is the name sponsor of Coach’s Corner.

“The comments made Saturday on Coach’s Corner were clearly inappropriate and divisive, and in no way reflect Budweiser’s views,” Allen said in a statement. “As a sponsor of the broadcast, we immediately expressed our concerns and respect the decision which was made by Sportsnet today.”

An attempt to reach Cherry by phone failed. The native of Kingston played hockey as a defenceman in the minor leagues for nearly two decades, but is better known for serving as the head coach of the Boston Bruins. He took them to the playoffs in each of the five seasons from 1161086 Vancouver Canucks The undrafted defenceman broke into the league at 22 and has averaged 19:13 of ice time per game in his career while scoring 0.26 points per game. Ice time and points are the most pivotal factor in determining player salary and so we can build a group of comparables for Stecher What should the Canucks do with Troy Stecher? using defencemen who averaged between 18 and 20 minutes per night and scored between 0.18 and 0.32 points from their age-22 season up

until they signed a contract at 25 or 26. By Harman Dayal Nov 11, 2019 Contract data courtesy PuckPedia.com

With these comparables, we’ve included contract details and because Troy Stecher is no stranger to working his way up the Canucks lineup, the cap has increased over time, the number to look at is the equivalent but his role has never been this limited. Among 192 NHL defencemen annual value (eAAV), which operates under the assumption of an $84- that have suited up in at least six games this season, the 13:45 he’s million ceiling for next year. Stecher has logged the minutes of a low-end averaged per game ranks eighth-lowest in the league. top-four defenceman, due in part to Vancouver’s injuries and lack of blueline depth. The average player on this list commanded roughly $3.5 The Richmond native is being deployed as a sixth defenceman, despite million per year — a notable increase on the $2.325 million cap hit having held his own in tougher minutes year after year, a marginalization Stecher currently carries. that’s been coupled with his name floating in and out of trade rumours. And with Stecher set to become a restricted free agent this summer, it’s A lot of the names on the list make sense for Stecher as comparables, led to questions about his long-term place in Vancouver. but there are also defencemen like Mattias Ekholm and Josh Manson that aren’t realistic comparisons. It’s fairly well known that Stecher isn’t The Athletic conducted due diligence around the league to investigate equivalent in value to behemoth shutdown defencemen of that calibre, the pivotal factors that will shape Stecher’s future with the Canucks, the but the problem is that because Ekholm and Manson skated on loaded league perception and potential trade market for him and why the bluelines, they played similar minutes and logged comparable point totals organization could be forced into making a big decision on him sooner to Stecher. rather than later. It’s one of the primary issues with arbitration. Playing top-four minutes on Stecher is turning 26 in April, which means he’s approaching the point in a weak blueline doesn’t necessarily mean a player is valued as a top-four his career where he’s gaining leverage. Arbitration rights come to his defenceman by front offices. But because they get overplayed they tend power this summer and he’s eligible to become an unrestricted free to look identical statistically in arbitration. agent in 2021. It’s why Ben Hutton, who averaged over 22 minutes last season, was let Arbitration allows either the player or team to file for a third party go for nothing by the Canucks; not only was his $2.8 million qualifying arbitrator to settle the two parties’ contract dispute in late summer. Both offer high, but Hutton would have had a really strong case in arbitration to sides propose a salary for the player in the coming season and argue be paid as a legitimate top-four defenceman if he filed. their cases to the arbitrator in a hearing who then sets the player’s salary for the upcoming year. It wouldn’t surprise me if Stecher commanded a figure in the $3-million per year range if he went through arbitration today. There’s some “The way I’d look at this if I were Stecher’s agent, I would be saying to precedent, as Joel Edmundson was awarded $3.1 million in arbitration myself if this team wants me, then they’re gonna qualify me and if the this summer. To this point, Stecher has averaged more minutes and numbers make sense in arbitration, I’m going to arb because then I’m points than Edmundson, which in arbitration would likely counterbalance one (year) and out (onto the open UFA market),” said one player agent. the fact that the latter achieved what he did on a stronger Blues team. “When I say going to arb, I mean filing — 95 percent of cases where you file you still settle — but that’s the tool I’d be using. I certainly wouldn’t be A figure in the $3-million range for Stecher might not be something the negotiating over the summer.” Canucks have an appetite for. There’s a feeling around the league that Travis Green doesn’t see Stecher as an integral piece of his back end. If We’re only in November so lots can change this season that could alter that sentiment rings true throughout the organization, they wouldn’t be Stecher’s resume and his subsequent arbitration prospects; he might end able to justify that cost internally. the year with a weaker case where filing might not make sense for his camp. Having said that, it’s a new avenue for Stecher’s camp to explore Further complicating matters is that Stecher’s minutes have plummeted and is typically a route that winds up being more advantageous for the this season. There isn’t a lot of precedent for a defenceman averaging player than the club. close to 20 minutes per game through their career tanking down to No. 6 on the depth chart in a platform year in their prime. The uncertainty of the “I think it’s really become more player-friendly than anything else,” a result could make the Canucks’ decision to tender a qualifying offer more league source with arbitration experience said of the process. “You see a difficult than many might imagine. Teams aren’t able to walk away from whole class of players, it’s not universal, but you see a class of players arbitration awards less than $4.4 million and so the cap-strapped that are more expensive in the arbitration market than they are in the Canucks might not want to take the chance of being stuck with Stecher at (unrestricted) free agent market. I think it certainly benefits the player a price that doesn’t work with their salary structure and perception of the more than the team. player. A cap hit north of $3-million would be understandable if the Canucks view Stecher as a legitimate top-four defenceman, but if they “The NHLPA is very, very good at making sure that all players are on the don’t, it’d be a tough price to pay for someone on their bottom pair. same page going into an arbitration season. They will strategically make sure that if there are three comparable players and they want one of the Of course, Stecher’s in a position where if he wants to make it work in contracts in the marketplace first, they’ll do everything in their power to Vancouver he could simply not file for arbitration. For him to relinquish ensure that player goes first in the arbitration hearings so it impacts the that leverage, though, I’d imagine there’d have to be a bigger role other two players positively. They’re very skilled at manipulating the promised. market to their advantage, which is one of the many reasons why it’s so much better off for the players.” Lukewarm trade market

The recent trend in the NHL is that the wide gap in earning potential Stecher’s perception around the league will be one of the factors that between RFAs and UFAs is tightening and the shifting arbitration market affect Vancouver’s options. is a function of the changing NHL economics where young talent is There’s nothing that suggests he’s being actively shopped at this time, getting paid sooner. which makes sense. The playoffs are the goal for the Canucks this A league source stated that in the past an RFA without arbitration rights season and Stecher gives the team right side depth in case of injury. But made roughly 32 percent of what a UFA made and RFAs with arbitration if there isn’t a fit beyond this year, he’s bound to be shopped in the rights made about 60 cents on the UFA dollar. Recently, those marks offseason. have been crushed — everything is coming closer together and RFAs To that end, the general valuation isn’t overly positive. According to a are actually making more than UFAs in some instances. league source, only a few teams see Stecher as a legitimate No. 4/5 Based on the resume he’s built to this point in his career, Stecher is an defenceman. The belief is that while Stecher is serviceable, he doesn’t example of a player who could benefit from the leverage of arbitration. have the skill set to be a top-four defenceman as a diminutive player. It’s expected that Stecher would draw limited interest from contenders and if leverage. Arbitration tends to be a player-friendly process and because so it’d likely be as a bottom pairing defender. The source speculated that Stecher has logged over 19 minutes per night through his career to date, he’s more likely to be targeted by teams like Ottawa that are rebuilding he’s put together a strong statistical resume. It’s hard to say how his case and looking for placeholders in their top four. will change if his minutes plummet this season, but the cost uncertainty (teams can’t walk away from arbitration awards below $4.4 million) could Vancouver’s potential return for Stecher would fall in line accordingly. If make it difficult for the Canucks to justify keeping him if they believe he’s an established player is the return for Stecher, it’s likely to be one who a bottom-pairing defender. Stecher holds some cards here — he can costs more and comes with warts in his game. That isn’t going to happen force Vancouver into making a tough decision by filing for arbitration, with Vancouver’s tight cap situation, though. One of the factors working though if a bigger opportunity is promised, he always has the option to against the Canucks is that because Stecher turns 26 at the conclusion refrain from filing. That opportunity and Stecher’s future hinges heavily on of this season there’s only one year (2020-21 season) before he what the Canucks end up doing with Tanev. becomes UFA eligible. One of the options the Canucks will pursue if they don’t see a fit is a “You’re lucky if a team wants him for a third-round pick, in my opinion,” trade, but general perception around the league isn’t very high. Stecher’s said the source. seen as a serviceable No. 4/5 placeholder on a rebuilding team or as a A chance to change the narrative bottom-pairing option on a contending club. With limited team control left, the Canucks shouldn’t expect to receive much in a trade. Team optics Stecher’s proven in years past that he can reliably handle a bigger role, are really important, however, and if Stecher rises to the occasion on a but it’s always come with the asterisk that he’s done so on a bottom- substantially more competitive Canucks team, it could change the feeder. The optics of a team matter a lot. narrative of him around the league.

If injuries hit the Canucks’ blueline and Stecher replicates his There’s lots of variables and moving parts in this complex situation. performance higher in the lineup, the fact that he’s accomplishing it on a Regardless of what transpires, though, we’re likely looking at a scenario much better team could change the perception of him around the league, where the Canucks will soon have to ask themselves tough questions his arbitration resume and maybe even how the Canucks see him. about just how highly they value Stecher.

Some have expressed concern that Stecher won’t last in Vancouver The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 simply on the basis of size given that the Canucks have Quinn Hughes in their top four, but I’m not sure that’s the primary issue.

There’s a theory that it can be easier for opposing teams to target a blueline that has two undersized defencemen playing the same side because they can strategically target chip and chase play on one side of the ice. It’d be a problem if both were left-handed, but because Hughes and Stecher play opposite sides, the opposition can’t game plan to attack one side of the ice with heavy pressure. People around the league genuinely believe teams can succeed with two undersized defencemen in their top four, they just don’t think Stecher has the dynamic skill set to do it.

In other words, size alone won’t doom Stecher’s long-term future in Vancouver, but he does need to capitalize on any opportunity this year to prove himself as a top-four defenceman.

Impact of Tanev’s UFA status

Opportunity moving forward will be one of the biggest factors in determining whether Stecher sticks in Vancouver. It’s not a problem in the present day (Stecher’s patient and understands that he has to prove himself), but something will eventually have to give on the depth chart. From the team perspective, he’s only worth a raise if he’s playing as more than a sixth defenceman.

Tyler Myers will slot ahead of Stecher on the right side depth chart for the foreseeable future, but Chris Tanev’s future is less certain as he’s set to hit the open market this summer. The early feeling is that the Canucks are still really enamoured with Tanev and a healthy season would go a long way in further validating their position. That said, ironing out a contract that works for both sides is an entirely different challenge and until a deal gets done, there’s always the possibility that he walks in free agency.

In some respects, this kind of mirrors last year’s predicament where Hutton’s future was contingent on what happened with Edler — if the latter walked, the Canucks would have thought long and hard about bringing back Hutton because of a lack of alternatives at left defence. A Tanev departure could create an opportunity, but an extension would make it hard to envision a suitable role for Stecher.

Jordie Benn has experience playing on the right side and at some point, the Canucks will need to make space for Olli Juolevi. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Vancouver’s defence look like this in 2020-21:

Edler-Myers

Hughes-Tanev

Juolevi-Benn

What the Canucks end up doing with Tanev will have a lot of bearing on their subsequent decision with Stecher.

With RFA status that carries arbitration rights this summer and UFA eligibility the year after, Stecher’s camp is in line for more options and 1161087 Websites telling immigrants and people of colour that they don’t belong, that you hoped you’d heard it wrong. You hoped he’d catch himself in the moment, or that Ron MacLean would jump in to help.

The Athletic / McIndoe: I grew up on Coach’s Corner. Don Cherry’s fall On Sunday, you waited for the apology that never came. You weren’t has been hard to watch surprised. You knew it wouldn’t.

As I wrote Monday morning, what Cherry said wasn’t just offensive or anti-PC. It was worse than that. It was the one thing Don Cherry was By Sean McIndoe Nov 12, 2019 never supposed to be: un-Canadian. I wasn’t born in this country, but I’ve been here for almost my entire life, and I was always taught that it

doesn’t matter where you’re from or when you get here. It’s not about I can’t believe they actually did it. how you look or talk or pray or whether you can skate. If you’re Canadian, you’re Canadian. That’s the ideal. It’s one we certainly don’t News broke Monday afternoon that Don Cherry had been fired from always live up to, but it’s the goal. Cherry’s words pulled in the opposite “Hockey Night in Canada,” after Saturday’s comments that singled out direction. immigrants for a lecture on the importance of poppies and patriotism. That’s why this felt different than all the times he had questionable Fired. Not gently nudged out to pasture at the end of a season. Not opinions about fighting or cheap shots or how the game is meant to be allowed to resign at a time and place of his choosing. No mutual parting played. It even felt different than the xenophobia aimed at the Russians of the ways, with friendly well wishes for future endeavors. They actually or Swedes or whoever else had just beat Team Canada. It probably canned him, after 39 years. shouldn’t have felt different from the times he took aim at women or French-Canadians or people with different politics, but it did. This time, Cherry went too far in a way that he hadn’t before, at least not so brazenly. Or maybe he had, and people like me just weren’t listening For many of us – at least those like me who didn’t have to worry about closely enough, to him or to the people he was targeting. But as more being his target – Don Cherry was a Canadian icon. Not just an icon, or a than a few people said in the aftermath of Saturday’s comments, this famous guy on TV, because we had plenty of those, but a Canadian one. time felt different. There’s a reason he was voted the seventh greatest Canadian of all time in a 2004 poll. He was Canadian in a way that you just didn’t see Whether his fans want to admit it or not, Saturday’s poppy rant was anywhere else, at least when you were a kid in the ’80s who didn’t know vintage Cherry. Bigoted and bullying, maybe without even realizing it, or where to look. We’re not a country that’s very good at sticking out our maybe just without caring. Love him or hate him, you can’t say that he chests. You can be proud and you can be patriotic, but you do it politely. changed for the worse. The rest of us did, for the better. Or at least Cherry didn’t. He was Canadian and he thought Canada was the best enough of us did that it finally tilted the scales toward the side that plenty and if you didn’t like it then too bad for you. Thumbs up. Let’s go. of Canadians had been on all along, waiting for the rest of us to catch up. We’ll say that he finally crossed the line, but the truth is the line finally I know when Cherry hooked me in. It was in 1987, in the aftermath of the moved beneath him, far enough that he couldn’t get away with it ugly world junior brawl between Canada and the Soviets. The media anymore. For all the reasons laid out by Sunaya Sapurji, this was finally reaction was exactly what you knew it would be: This was a scandal and the moment where it had to end. a black eye for the nation that we’d have to reflect on and learn from and make amends for. And then Cherry showed up, and he wasn’t having I said as much on Monday. Except I didn’t really. When it came to any of it. Lay off our boys, he told us. The other guys started it, we actually write the words – Don Cherry should be fired – I ducked and finished it, and we didn’t owe an apology for anything. Pretty much dodged. I’ve watched the guy for almost his entire run, and counted everyone else who got to be on television was aghast. A lot of us myself as a fan for most of it, and being a Cherry guy has always meant watching at home cheered out loud. knowing when to avert your eyes. So instead, I wrote that it was going to be a tough call, and I was glad I didn’t have to make it. Watching Cherry debate Michael Farber in the aftermath of that night feels like watching the yin and yang of the Canadian hockey fan’s mind. They made it, and Cherry is gone. At 85 years old and midway through Go back and rewatch it. Farber’s right, about pretty much everything. But what was probably going to be his final season, he finally went too far. he’s right in a way that we’d already heard from a half-dozen other talking There are going to be a ton of people, fans and media alike, who are heads. Cherry’s let-them-fight stance was the only one that sounded like thrilled at the news, because it’s what they’ve wanted for years, maybe what we were saying with our friends. His epic rant at the 1996 World decades. There will be others who never really watched Cherry and don’t Cup about how Canada was still the best hockey nation in the world was understand why he ever mattered, but will weigh in anyways because ignorant and simplistic but damned if it didn’t make you want to find a these days that’s what you have to do. fellow fan and high-five their arm off. It was vintage Cherry.

I don’t fall into either category. I grew up watching Cherry, both on Now we figure out what comes next. There will be plenty of speculation “Coach’s Corner” and through his various other outlets. I owned all the as to who should replace Cherry on “Coach’s Corner,” or whatever they tapes. I listened to the radio segments and watched him interview people decide to call the segment now. They could go with Brian Burke, who at his bar. He was the cornerstone of how I came to view the game. seems like a natural choice. He’d be the closest candidate to what Something would happen – a big game, a fight, a trade – and my first Cherry was, the brash hockey lifer with strong feelings about the right instinct would be “I wonder what Grapes is going to say about this.” And way to play the game. He’d be the easy choice, and maybe the then we’d all crowd around the TV and shush each other when it was smoothest transition for Cherry’s fans, but also the one who’d feel the time to find out. most hollow. Burke’s a smart guy; you wonder if he’d even want the job right now. Sometimes, I’d nod along, or cheer him on. Other times, I’d shake my head, or worse. Occasionally, I’d know it was one of those times to avert You could go in the other direction, and fill the airtime with a new voice my eyes. You get good at it after a while if you let yourself. You might not and a fresh perspective. Perhaps a woman and/or a person of color, even realize you’re doing it. maybe someone younger instead of yet another scowling white male. That would have the potential to make this feel like something bigger As the years went by, the shake-your-head moments came more than Cherry. It might also put that new voice in a nearly impossible frequently. Even the biggest Cherry fan would admit that he’s been position. coasting on shtick for years. The costumes got sillier, the takes more rambling, the mispronunciations more embarrassing. Occasionally he’d Or you could do what I suspect “Hockey Night in Canada” will do, and say something especially dumb, and you’d have to figure out if you could just try to tread water for the time being. Maybe move up the second come up with a reason why he should still have his platform. It got harder intermission trade talk, or have MacLean put together a feature, or do the and harder as the years went by. Plenty of one-time fans stopped sort of Xs and Os highlights that the show rarely seems to have time for. bothering. Know that a big chunk of your audience is angry, take the slings and arrows, and ride it out until you can figure out what comes next. Just rag This weekend, it became impossible. Cherry’s comments about “you the puck and run out the clock. people that come here” were far from his most over-the-top moment. They may not even have been his worst. But they were so dumb, and so That’s what plenty of us were hoping Cherry would do when it became wrong, and so dangerous in a world where more and more people are clear that the end was near. Just get through another season, work on something memorable for that last sign off, and don’t say anything so stupid in the meantime that the scales finally tip. In the end, he couldn’t do it. It was too much to ask, even for those of us who were used to averting our eyes.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161088 Websites Here’s what should be obvious, but apparently isn’t. The outrage over what Cherry said has nothing to do with poppies or

veterans, which is the sad irony here. Instead of shining a light on a The Athletic / Basu: Don Cherry was always a problem. Why it took subject he has spent his entire career championing, a brief ad lib, a Canada so long to see it window into his real thoughts on a completely separate subject has derailed the conversation and diverted the attention of a nation away from those deserving veterans on the day they are supposed to have our undivided attention. The day became as divided as it gets, all because of By Arpon Basu Nov 11, 2019 Cherry.

I can’t speak to the reality of all immigrants. Only my own. My parents I did something I never do Monday morning. Something I have actively moved to Montreal from India in the mid-1960s. My brother and I were avoided over close to 20 years working in the sports media. Something born and raised in Montreal. Over the course of my life, I can honestly that has always represented a line I was not willing to cross. say I have never been a victim of overt racism, which says a lot about Canada. I’m 43. There has been ample opportunity. I expressed an opinion on Don Cherry. But one thing you want as a new Canadian is to feel Canadian, and there It is something I never do because I spend far too much energy trying to have been times over the course of my life – not many, but some – forget he exists, or at least the persona he has played on his nationally where you feel just a little less Canadian than others. This is the beauty broadcast soapbox for the better part of my entire life. See, Don Cherry of hockey in Canada; it provides an open road to feeling Canadian for makes me uncomfortable. The things he says make me uncomfortable. those who don’t have many other roads available to them. The fact so many people in my country like him makes me uncomfortable. But then Cherry would come across my television screen spouting off on French Canadians, Russians, other Europeans, and it was impossible for The reason for the lack of comfort is that Cherry always reminded me of me not to think, ‘Well, if he feels that way about them, I can only imagine a reality I lived with every day. Not in a debilitating way – I am no victim – what he thinks of me.’ but it is a reality all the same that in a hockey landscape as white as a field of pristine snow in the prairies, I stand out. Cherry was a roadblock to feeling Canadian for those who felt a little less Canadian than others. It was his emphasis on the others. On ‘you It is a reality that has never hindered me, not socially, not professionally, people.’ I have no time for that in my life, so I cut Cherry out of it, and I not in any way, at least not to my knowledge. So, the longer you live with was better for it. this reality with no hindrance to your life, the more it fades into the background. Until it reemerges and you’re thinking about it because Now, Cherry has been cut out of the collective lives of all Canadians. I some guy you never watch on television, a guy you never express an can’t help but feel we will be better for it. opinion on, said something on Saturday night. The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 And suddenly, my entire industry is talking about that guy. His image and his words are everywhere. They are unavoidable. And reality hits you in the face again.

The reason I decided to express an opinion on this man I spend most of my time trying to forget is that I felt an important nuance of what he said Saturday night was being lost. And it was being lost because in order to hear it, you need a bit of a trained ear. And frankly, in the Canadian sports media, there is a decided lack of trained ears.

When Ron MacLean began Sunday night’s “Hometown Hockey” broadcast with an apology, one I took as sincere, he said something that sums up the problem. If you watch the segment of “Coach’s Corner” in question (I will not link to it, you can find it yourself at this point), you will note that MacLean did not even flinch when Cherry mentioned the words “you people” in reference to people who are new to Canada.

There are all sorts of reasons why MacLean should not only have flinched, but pounced. How did Cherry know the people he saw walking around downtown Toronto and Mississauga without poppies were immigrants? Were they wearing signs? Or did they look a certain way and he, in his infinite wisdom, assumed that to be the case?

These are questions MacLean might have asked if he had a trained ear. It is not as if MacLean hasn’t pushed back on Cherry in the past when he felt a line was crossed. But he apparently did not see that line being crossed this time, at least not in real time, because he doesn’t have a trained ear.

MacLean thanked the people who called him and Cherry out on it. But the fact he didn’t immediately catch it is a big part of the problem here. This is not meant to single out MacLean, because he is far from alone. Having a trained ear is so rare in our media landscape because people who have had the life experience to receive that training are just as rare. MacLean is not the problem; he is merely a symptom of it.

I’ll be honest, I’m not particularly thrilled to be writing this column. I am not and have never pretended to know how all minorities feel on a given topic, and that is not what I am trying to do here. I am not a spokesman for anyone. But, again, the reality is there are very few trained ears in the Canadian sports media, which might be why Cherry was allowed to continue for so long saying things that were far more unacceptable than what ultimately got him fired.

So here I am, doing something I never do, writing about a guy I’m usually trying to forget. 1161089 Websites Malling asked if Cherry considered himself a “safety valve for people who are stewing,” or if he really was “dangerous.”

“I don’t know whether I’m dangerous — I just say what I think,” Cherry The Athletic / After latest in long line of controversies, Don Cherry out at answered. “You could say it’s bigotry if you want. I don’t think it is. I’m Hockey Night in Canada pro-Canadian, more so than I’m anti-Soviet or anti-Swede.”

Sportsnet did not immediately respond to a request to speak with Yabsley. By Sean Fitz-Gerald Nov 11, 2019 There had been speculation about Cherry’s job security in the summer. Sportsnet had parted ways with a number of high-profile on-air personalities, including long-time radio host Bob McCown, as well as Two days after sparking a nation-wide furor with comments made on NHL analysts Nick Kypreos and Doug MacLean. “Coach’s Corner,” Don Cherry has been removed from his long-held spot on “Hockey Night in Canada,” succumbing to one controversy he could In an interview with The Athletic last month, Yabsley said Cherry would not overcome. “a hundred percent” return to the airwaves this season.

Voices throughout the industry condemned the remarks Cherry made on “Don’s a year-to-year thing,” Yabsley said. “Most likely, Don’s going to tell Saturday night, when he lamented the lack of poppies he had seen in us when he’s not coming back. But every year, it’s a discussion.” Mississauga and Toronto leading up to Remembrance Day, pointing his finger to the camera and emphasizing his target: “You people love — Cherry became a national discussion over the weekend, and it did not you, that come here, whatever it is — you love our way of life, you love end on Monday. People spoke out from across the country. our milk and honey. At least you can pay a couple bucks for a poppy or “There are a lot of immigrants with poppies,” Greg Fergus, the Member of something like that.” Parliament for Hull–Aylmer, told Radio-Canada. “Many immigrants who Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley issued a news release to condemn the have come to this country who have served. [They are] people who have remarks on Sunday. Long-time Cherry co-host Ron MacLean, who sat given, or their relatives have given, to the effort, to making sure that we and nodded along with Cherry the night before, apologized and said he can enjoy the kind of life we have here now in Canada.” “did not catch it, did not respond.” Sportsnet did not announce a replacement, nor did it outline plans to fill Sportsnet responded again on Monday afternoon. the time Cherry usually held.

“After Saturday night’s broadcast, it has been decided it is the right time “Clearly,” Grimson said, “I think he’s put the network in a spot where they for him to immediately step down,” Yabsley said in his latest release. have to do something.” “During the broadcast, he made divisive remarks that do not represent The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 our values or what we stand for.”

Cherry did not immediately return a message left by The Athletic.

“Don is synonymous with hockey and has played an integral role in growing the game over the past 40 years,” Yabsley said in the release. “We would like to thank Don for his contributions to hockey and sports broadcasting in Canada.”

The news rippled quickly across the hockey world.

“I’m a wee bit surprised,” said former NHL enforcer Stu Grimson. “I thought they might have stopped short, of just rapping him on the knuckles with a suspension of some kind.”

Grimson was among a small group of former enforcers Cherry criticized on air in 2011, calling them “pukes” and “turncoats” for allegedly speaking out against fighting. The group — including Grimson, Chris Nilan and Jim Thomson — backed down from the threat of legal action after Cherry apologized.

“I think Don’s effective when Don speaks about hockey, and hockey alone,” Grimson said on Monday. “And this is where he really gets into trouble, when he steps outside the confines of the arena and starts commenting about things that are not squarely hockey issues.”

Cherry was no stranger to trouble.

In 1998, political leaders in Quebec complained to the CBC ombudsman after Cherry called one of the province’s Olympic heroes a “French guy, some skier nobody knows about” on the air. Cherry had also referred to Quebec separatists as “a bunch of whiners.”

Freestyle skier Jean-Luc Brassard had been the Canadian flag-bearer into the Nagano Olympics, having won gold in moguls four years earlier. Cherry was not at risk — at least not publicly — of losing his job.

“As a commentator, he is hired to express his opinions,” CBC vice- president Jim Byrd told The Globe and Mail, “which are invariably strong ones and not necessarily those of the CBC.”

In 1990, the late Eric Malling, then a reporter with The Fifth Estate, challenged Cherry for his political views. Cherry had been shown addressing a room of contractors, lamenting the “$6-million going back to Russia” with NHL players that spring.

“The people that drink the beer agree with me,” Cherry said. “What are they thinking about? They’re ticked off at the foreigners coming over here, earning the dough.” 1161090 Websites have done differently? There’s a lot of years there, a lot of games where we were just a goal short. Trying to find that elusive, top-end goal scorer, I think there’s a lot of teams looking for that, but we probably weren’t able to find that player in Minnesota; that game-changer. When the game’s 2- The Athletic / LeBrun: Q&A with Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher on advice 2 in the third, who’s going to make that next big play. But we had a lot of from his HOF dad and what makes Carter Hart special good players, we competed hard, we were well-coached through Bruce Boudreau, Mike Yeo and John Torchetti. So, really, no regrets.

When you get hired as a GM, you are selling yourself during the interview By Pierre LeBrun Nov 11, 2019 process, what would you say was the most important message you wanted to convey to the Flyers during that process last year?

TORONTO — After a few stumbles out of the gates, the Philadelphia I was trying to sell my style, I suppose. One thing I thought we did well in Flyers have found their stride, more importantly playing the brand of Minnesota is that we had a very collaborative approach and style. We hockey GM Chuck Fletcher had envisioned for them this season. had a lot of good people. We had a strong analytics department, really strong management staff, Brent Flahr, Shep Harder, Andrew Brunette Sunday’s 3-2 shootout win at Boston was the Flyers’ fourth impressive and a good scouting staff. You know, we utilized everybody, they all had victories in six days (with the other wins coming against Carolina, a say. We had a very good process in terms of how we went about Montreal, Toronto). making decisions. That was really the focal point of it (what he conveyed in the Flyers interviews). I had known Paul Holmgren for a long time. I At 10-5-2, the Flyers sit third in the Metropolitan Division and look legit spent some time with Paul and Bob Clarke and Dean Lombardi in the under head coach Alain Vigneault, the veteran bench boss a key hire by interview process and I think they knew my track record and they knew Fletcher this past offseason. me. So it was more about how would you manage your staff and how We are coming up on the one-year anniversary of Fletcher taking over in would you go about things. And that’s really where the focus was. Philly, the organization making him the ninth GM in franchise history last You mentioned the analytics people in Minnesota. I hadn’t made the Dec. 3. connection right away when Seattle announced it had hired Alexandra After being fired in Minnesota in the spring of 2018 after nine seasons as Mandrycky (as director, hockey ops). You hired her with the Wild in Wild GM, Fletcher worked in the New Jersey organization in between GM analytics. What’s your view of that field? It’s more important than ever gigs for his old pal Ray Shero. and yet I would say it’s important to marry it with the eye test, to balance both worlds? Fletcher’s father, Hockey Hall of Famer Cliff Fletcher, sees a wonderful fit for his son in Philadelphia. Yeah. I think it’s pretty commonplace now. Every team uses a lot of data now. Like a lot of teams, we use a lot of data for pregame scouting, for “Philadelphia is a great opportunity. It’s a well-heeled franchise,’’ our coaches, for analyzing our players’ performance after the game. We Fletcher, senior advisor with the Maple Leafs, said on Saturday morning look at what numbers tell us versus what we felt we saw. The same thing before his club took on his son’s team. “They have a lot of young players, with scouting, you’re able to evaluate players based on different factors, it’s a great opportunity moving forward. Like every father, I’m happy for quantitatively and then obviously you have your guys in the field who tell him, I’m proud of him. you what they see. So it’s always a marriage of the two approaches. “As long as the Flyers end up below the Leafs in the conference Data serves as a very good cross-check. And if you think you really like a standings.’’ player or really don’t like a player, sometimes the data can get you thinking a different way if it paints a different picture. Our sport’s come a There was a wry smile in that last line from the senior Fletcher. The long way in that regard in the last few years and every team has several Flyers and Leafs have taken three out of four points from each other so people doing the same things now. It’s really changed the way I think far this season, meaning father and son can break bread in peace next coaches prepare for games and the way we draft and the way we make time they get together. trades.

I caught up with Chuck Fletcher this weekend for the latest in my series Speaking of numbers, the underlying numbers for your team of late are of Q&A interviews with NHL GMs this season. Enjoy: pretty positive. A lot of puck possession, pushing the pace, things you want to see (from our numbers guru Dom Luszczyszyn: “Yes, definitely. Chuck, your dad says he’s thrilled you’re back on the saddle as an NHL They’re getting around 52 percent of the shot attempts and expected GM as long as the Flyers finish below the Leafs in the standings (Chuck goals right now. On the PK, no team allows fewer attempts than Philly as laughed). But in all seriousness, what’s the most solid advice he has well.’’). How would you characterize the way your team looks these given you as far as being a GM in this league? days?

The advice he always gave me, and I guess it’s the old cliche, is to treat Yeah, it’s been a significant change from last year. This year, we have people how you’d like them to treat you. That’s the way he lived his dominated puck possession, we have the puck a lot, that’s the way AV career. Watching him over the years, he always had a great staff, people likes to play. We’re playing with more pace, we have better puck support, always wanted to work hard for him because he trusted them, he gave we have a better structure in the neutral zone so we’re able to turn pucks them lots of responsibility. He treated them well. Just watching how he over and counter quickly. We still have a long way to go but so far, I think managed his staff and managed people and how he treated them, that we’re a team that is usually dictating the pace of play and getting our was the great lesson. But both in words and in action, that’s what he share of chances. As our young players continue to mature and showed me and told me over the years. everybody continues to recognize what the coaches are asking of them, I Your dad had a Hall of Fame GM career but he, too, was fired over the think we should only get better. years, just like you. It’s part fo the business for all GMs. Looking back at Carter Hart seems to have steadied himself of late (four straight wins). your time in Minnesota, especially now that a bit more time has passed, Some people make a lot of his early-season stumbles. He’s a 21-year-old what do you take most out of the experience? A lot of success there, but goalie, that’s as tough as it gets as far as learning on the job, maybe right obviously some do’s and don’ts. up there with being a teenage defenseman. But what were your It’s tough because we built a really good team, but we just were never expectations for Carter entering this season? able to push through. Chicago knocked us out three times, we ran into Our expectations as a group are that there would be stretches where he Winnipeg my last year there, St. Louis the year before that. Looking would play really well and there would be stretches where he wouldn’t back, there were moves we made that worked well, moves we made that play as well. He only has about 35 games in the National Hockey didn’t work well. You always try to analyze that. But looking back, I had a League. It’s still a learning process for him. He’s still going to have to fair shot, I had a good run, we made the playoffs six consecutive years make adjustments to the league as the league adjusts to him. Goalie but we ultimately didn’t have the success that any of us aspire to. coaches are pretty smart. They’re studying the video on Carter every day I certainly don’t have any bitterness or anything like that. I had a fair shot and they’re pre-scouting and getting a game plan. But what I like about and a good run. I was as disappointed as (owner) Craig (Leipold) was Carter is how hard he works. He’s a very mature kid for his age. I think that we weren’t able to push through. You always go back and look at the he understands that not every night is going to be perfect. And that you decisions you make, and why did you make them, and what could we have to battle through it and you have to continue to make adjustments. The one thing we saw early on this year, he had a couple of bad starts in a row and yet the next day he’s there, he’s working at it, he’s positive and he gives himself a chance to make those corrections and turn things around.

You made a point after last season saying you were hoping to add a veteran presence on the blue line, you went out and did that (Matt Niskanen, Justin Braun). How would you characterize your blue line group now? I watch Ivan Provorov and he seems so steady back there. When you look at the group, do you like the balance of youth and experience?

You know, we’re still probably a bit young. Rick Wilson always said until a defenseman played 200 games in the league, he’s still finding his way. Based on that, we still have several defensemen that are finding their way. There’s a lot of upside with our group, but we’ve seen that in the early portion this season that we’ve had some inconsistencies. There are always inconsistencies with younger players. But we expect as the season goes on, players like (Travis) Sanheim and (Philippe) Myers, in particular, are going to make big strides and get better. And as they get better, our team will get better. Niskanen and Braun bring a lot of experience. After that, you look at it, Provorov is about 240 games in the league, (Robert) Hagg, Myers and Sanheim are relatively young. Poor Sam Morin just hurt his knee, he’s extremely raw (nine career NHL games). It’s a young group, but a young group with upside.

The reaction from some people after you signed Kevin Hayes (seven years, $50 million) was that it was a lot of money. It was an interesting transaction in that you acquired his rights before he was to become UFA so there’s a time element to whether or not you’re retaining him. What did you see in his game that you felt strongly enough to make that deal?

We sat down at the end of the year, we had several meetings with our coaches and management and scouting staff. The consensus in the room is we wanted to add another centerman to share some of the load with Sean Couturier and Nolan Patrick. When we looked at the market, there were just very few centers available. We didn’t feel (Matt) Duchene would be a candidate for Philadelphia. And Kevin, in our opinion, was the best fit for our group. So we pursued him via trade and once we acquired him we knew we were on the clock. We knew we’d have to pay a price to keep him. But it was the best fit for us in the market place. We felt if we could improve at that position, it would give ourselves the best chance to win this year.

And finally, you mentioned AV earlier, you have a lot of experience behind the bench with former head coaches Michel Therrien and Mike Yeo — the latter you knew very well from your Minnesota days. How would you put into words having that kind of experience on your coaching staff?

They’ve been tremendous to work with. I’ve just been tremendously impressed with how well they listen, how collaborative they are, the three of them have so much experience, they’ve seen every situation, yet none of them are trying to impose their opinion on the group. They all ask questions, they all listen and they all have a great perspective. It’s been a great experience so far for me personally to work with them. But I think they’ve done a great job coming in and working with our team, whether it’s special teams, neutral zone and defensive zone coverage, how we forecheck, it’s been a great process to see how they’ve implemented the systems and worked with the players to get to a point where we’re becoming a pretty good team.

Thanks for your time, Chuck.

You’re welcome, Pierre.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161091 Websites Time will tell. Next up: John Tavares and the Maple Leafs are in town on Wednesday, which is always fun.

4. Tampa Bay Lightning (8-5-2, -1) – Two wins in Sweden means that for The Athletic / DGB weekend power rankings: Early-season surprises once, the Lightning are making it easier instead of harder for me to keep slow down, Caps and Blues stay hot and Don Cherry thoughts them in the top five. They get a bit of a break and then close out the week with the Rangers and Jets, so there’s some potential for a winning streak heading into a showdown with the Blues in a week. Hey, speaking of whom … By Sean McIndoe Nov 11, 2019 3. St. Louis Blues (12-3-3, +7) – No Vladimir Tarasenko, no problem for

the defending champs. They ran their win streak to seven straight with If there was a theme to the first months of the season, it was “Wow, the Saturday’s 3-2 decision in Calgary. That win came in overtime, as have top of the standings are crazy.” We always expect to see a few surprises five of the seven during the run, so there’s been a dose of good luck over the first few weeks, but this year seemed extreme. The Hurricanes involved here. Still, with pretty much every other contender in the were in first place through two weeks, which made some sort of sense conference struggling to pick up momentum, the Blues are banking the because we all figured they’d be decent. But right behind them, we had points needed to pull away from the pack. That will come in handy later in teams like the Sabres, Oilers and Ducks. Soon enough, the Canucks the season when the luck inevitably starts going the other way. joined the party too. 2. Boston Bruins (11-3-2, +19) – They hit their first speed bump of the Those four teams had missed the postseason by a combined 52 points in season this week, with two regulation losses after having just one all 2018-19. And yet here they were, all sporting the kind of records that said year. The loss to the Habs came with an asterisk, since that game turned they weren’t just playoff teams, but actual contenders. The question was, on an offside review that sure seemed to be wrong. And maybe you could it last? Or maybe more accurately, who could it last for? shrug off the Red Wings game because, like it or not, sometimes contenders have real trouble getting up for teams they know they should Well, not the Sabres. They’ve lost five straight (with the last four coming beat easily. But they still looked flat in last night’s shootout loss to the in regulation), including both games in Sweden against the Lightning. Flyers, so we can probably go ahead and call this a slump. Since only the loss against the Caps was a blowout, we’ll hold off on any cliched “same old Sabres” storylines. But after an 8-1-1 start gave them a 1. Washington Capitals (13-2-3, +18) – Make it six straight wins, nice cushion, Buffalo has already dropped all the way out of a playoff including this weekend’s impressive 5-2 victory over the Golden Knights. spot. They lead the NHL in goals scored, and the goaltending is starting to come around, with Braden Holtby looking sharp on Saturday. Things aren’t much better for the Sabres’ expansion cousins in Vancouver, where four straight losses have derailed an impressive start. All those wins haven’t really let them open up much ground at the top of This week should have been an opportunity to bank points against the Metro, because the Islanders keep winning too; Washington is four opponents like the Hawks and Devils, but a dynamic offense has points up, but New York holds two games in hand. But with the Bruins suddenly gone cold and left the Canucks teetering on the edge of the wobbling ever so slightly, it’s enough to nudge the Caps into the top spot wildcard race. That’s not a terrible place for a young team to be; it’s just for the first time this year. not where things seemed headed even a week ago. *Goals differential without counting shootout decisions like the NHL does Then there are the Oilers and Duck, who hooked up last night. Anaheim for some reason. headed into that one having lost five of eight after a 6-2-0 start, while the Not ranked: Carolina Hurricanes – Man this is a weird team to figure out. Oilers came in having lost six of ten after coming out of the gate 7-1-0. The Oilers rolled in that one, earning a 6-2 win powered by a Connor They’ve only played 17 games, but they’ve already had a winning or McDavid hat trick. It was their second straight impressive win, while the losing streak of at least three games on four separate occasions. Their 5- Ducks have now lost three straight, and scored two or less in eight of ten. 0-0 start landed them in the top five for a few weeks, and it was well- deserved. But ever since, they look like a team that can’t figure out what The Oilers are still in first place in the Pacific, and the other teams it wants to be when it grows up. mentioned are all still in the thick of the playoff race. You’d have to think that if you asked fans of all four teams before the season if they’d be That season-opening win streak was especially impressive because it happy with a first quarter that played out like this, they’d all take it. But it’s saw them beating some legitimate contenders, including the Lightning, a reminder that this is a long season, and sometimes a hot streak to start Capitals and Islanders. But since then, they’ve basically beaten just one the year is still just a hot streak. All four of these teams may be better “good” team, and that was the Flames so maybe I’m stretching the than we thought, but it will take a while to figure it out for sure. definition of good. Other than that, they’ve been a frustratingly inconsistent team that will occasionally earn two points by rolling over a As for the Hurricanes, well, we’ll get to them down below. Let’s move on bottom-feeder like the Kings and Wings but can’t beat anyone else. And to this week’s rankings … this week they even lost to a few of those teams, dropping regulation Road to the Cup decisions to the Rangers, Devils and Senators.

The five teams that look like they’re headed towards a summer of keg The analytics still say they’re a good team, although even those numbers stands and fountain pool parties. have taken a dip. So sure, a few of the warning lights on the dashboard are glowing, but none are flashing. Their goaltending has been just OK, Fair warning: This week’s top five is getting a little East-heavy. That’s not but that’s about what we would have expected given who they have. the end of the world and will sort itself out over the course of the season, Sebastian Aho has started slow, but he always seems to, and Andrei but it’s going to look a little weird. I’m sorry, but after two weeks the Svechnikov has looked amazing. Jake Gardiner has been surprisingly Predators are getting put into timeout because I can’t have anyone on quiet, but that’s been offset by Dougie Hamilton looking unstoppable. the list in a week where this happens: There’s no crisis here, at least not yet. They’ve mostly been fine. But the Capitals and Islanders have been more than fine, so they’re starting to Should that mean the Avalanche take their place? Maybe, but after a pull away with home ice. five-game losing streak, we’ll want to see a bit more before they’re back in the circle of trust. Instead, we’ll welcome a new team to the top five. Maybe that last part doesn’t matter, because we know the Hurricanes either miss the playoffs or go several rounds deep every year, with no in- 5. New York Islanders (12-3-1, +13 true goals differential*) – We said between. And look, sometimes you just play well and lose anyway, which they were close to the top five last week. Since then, the win streak came was the story against the Rangers. But as Sara Civian wrote a week ago, to an end, thanks to a third-period collapse against the Penguins. But this team just always seems to find a way to make things harder than they still got a point in that one and then rebounded nicely on Saturday they should be. against the Panthers, and with the Predators surrendering their spot that leaves the Islanders with a solid case to slip in. Now the question is Playing Ottawa is supposed to help, and while it didn’t on Saturday, they whether they can get any higher, or whether they’ll top out right here just get to try again tonight. The next week also brings the struggling Wild like they did last season. and a suddenly shaky Sabres team that might be road-weary from their Sweden trip. There are points here for the taking. And these days, the Hurricanes look like a team that needs to grab them wherever it can. The bottom five 1. Detroit Red Wings (6-12-1, -30) – The Robby Fabbri era is off to a solid start. A few days after landing in Detroit in exchange for Jacob de The five teams that are headed towards the best lottery odds and lots of La Rose, the former first-round pick debuted with two goals in Friday’s Alexis Lafreniere junior highlight reels. win over the Bruins. The trade wasn’t exactly a blockbuster, but it comes Anyone who’s read me over the years knows that I have a lot of time for with some upside, and that’s where the Wings should be focused right Don Cherry. He was an important part of my formative years as a hockey not. fan, for good or for bad. He’s been a fixture on my Saturday nights for as Friday’s win also snapped an ugly losing streak that was rapidly draining long as I can remember. As a kid, I’d nod along to pretty much everything whatever lingering hope was still clinging to the Red Wings season. he said. As I got older, I found myself disagreeing more and more. But There’s still a long way to go, but after losing four straight games by four that was OK because this was Don Cherry and he was supposed to goals or more, wins over the Bruins and Knights are a reminder that make you mad sometimes. That was part of the show. there may be light at the end of the tunnel. The question is how they get I remember crowding into the concourse at Maple Leaf Gardens to watch there, and how long (and bumpy) we should expect the journey to be. Coach’s Corner on a television mounted on the wall, just the shared Max Bultman took a deep dive on the subject earlier in the week. experience of hundreds of hockey fans crammed shoulder to shoulder Not ranked: Columbus Blue Jackets – We haven’t mentioned the Blue and hanging on every word. I remember one of my first nights in an NHL Jackets much this year, and unfortunately for Columbus fans, it’s press box, watching the same media guys who ripped Cherry every because they’ve been pretty much what everyone expected: Not great. chance they got go into a mild panic when the volume on the TV wasn’t Not awful, mind you. Just not very good. The sort of team that fades out working and we were going to miss hearing what he had to say. I of the playoff race by November, and you just kind of forget about. remember, even as a kid, being annoyed at how so much of the criticism aimed his way seemed predictable, almost like a performance. I That’s not what anyone wants to be, although it wasn’t hard to see remember realizing how weird it was that Cherry often seemed to be the coming for Columbus after last year’s all-in trade deadline led to this only guy on my television who thought Canada was great and said so. summer’s offseason from hell. They’ve won six games, and all six have been by a single goal. As Alison Lukan wrote this week, this is a team So let’s just put it on the table: What Don Cherry said on Saturday night with an exceedingly slim margin for error. And recently, there have been was absolute garbage. There’s no defending it. None. a few too many errors.

Singling out immigrants – and that’s exactly what “you people who come That’s led to a few fingers being pointed at coach John Tortorella, whose here” is meant to do – for a special lecture on the importance of name has shown up on a handful of those “first coach fired” lists. But patriotism and gratitude is ugly and inexcusable. In today’s world, it’s while Tortorella has his faults, he wasn’t the one who decided to gamble dangerous. And maybe the worst part, if you’re an old school Cherry fan: on the short-term last season or to go into this year with two It’s un-Canadian. inexperienced goaltenders. So far, he’s getting about what you’d expect You can try to spin it into a context that looks better – he does some from this roster. That doesn’t mean he’ll be safe, because that’s not how version of the poppy rant every year, he may have only said “you people” it works in the NHL. But it would feel like a scapegoat move. because he calls everyone “you people,” it’s live TV and things can come Things don’t get easier this week, with a visit to Montreal tomorrow and out wrong. Sure. All true enough. But Cherry has been doing this job for then a matchup with the red hot Blues on Friday. They may have to play four decades. He’s responsible for his words. And this time, his words those games without captain Nick Foligno, facing suspension after a high didn’t just tiptoe up to a line, they blew past it. He’s said dumb things in hit on Pierre-Edouard Bellemare. the past, lots of times, but this did feel like another level. And speaking of stars we won’t see for a while, let’s close with a mention I don’t know what comes next. I don’t know if Rogers should just fire him of two key injuries from the weekend: Mitch Marner, who’ll miss at least and be done with it. I don’t know if sending him home for a few weeks is four weeks for the Leafs with an ankle injury, and Sidney Crosby, who left enough. I don’t know if we just accept the inevitable wave of apologies, Friday’s game with an injury to his leg or foot. We don’t know yet whether both PR-crafted and apparently sincere, and then cross our fingers that Crosby will miss time or how much, as the Penguins don’t play again until we can make it through one last season without something worse. tomorrow. Pittsburgh is holding down a playoff spot by only one point in a Honestly, I’m glad I’m not the one who has to make that call. tight Eastern race but should be able to withstand a short absence by But don’t defend him. Even if, like me, you’ve found a way to defend the their captain. The keyword there is short, and we should find out whether guy dozens of times over the years. Not this time. that’s the case later today.

Onto the bottom five … The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019

5. Minnesota Wild (6-10-1, -14) – I will admit that I did not have “Darcy Kuemper’s premature trash talk” on my bingo card of things that could turn around the Wild season, but here we are.

4. New Jersey Devils (5-7-4, -17) – The Devils gave us one of their best games of the season yesterday in Vancouver. But more importantly to the big picture, we have another update on the Taylor Hall saga, and this one isn’t good news for the Devils: Elliotte Friedman reports that it’s now “very unlikely” that an extension gets done during the season. If so, that puts Ray Shero in the tough spot of having to decide whether to trade his superstar now or roll the dice that he can get something done after the season.

3. Los Angeles Kings (5-11-1, -23) – Their Eastern Canadian trip yielded three straight losses, and they’ve now got just one win to show for their last eight. With the Sharks starting to find their feet, the Kings are being left where most of us expected them to be: all alone in the Pacific basement.

They’ll get another last-place team tomorrow when the Wild come to town. With five months to go and frustration already boiling over, that game could be a barometer of just how bad things can get.

2. Ottawa Senators (6-9-1, -5) – They made some history in Saturday’s win, scoring the fastest two goals in franchise history.

It was only the tenth time in NHL history that we’ve seen goals that scored that quickly. 1161092 Websites When you mention Nedomansky to Stastny, there is a palpable blend of awe and excitement.

“He was bigger than life,” Stastny said. “Are you kidding me? I loved the The Athletic / Vaclav Nedomansky’s Hall of Fame journey started with a guy. He was so dominant.” secret dash to freedom in 1974 When kids gathered on the streets to play hockey in Bratislava you were either Nedomansky or Stan Mikita, the great Chicago Blackhawks star who was adopted by his uncle and aunt in St. Catharines, Ontario, before Scott Burnside Nov 11, 2019 going on to a Hall of Fame career in Chicago.

Youngsters clamored to wear either Nedomansky’s 14 or Makita’s 21.

They pack lightly, loading three cheap, vinyl suitcases, all different sizes, They were both proud of their heritage, Stastny said, and they were elite into the back of the road-worn dark blue Citroen. hockey players. The perfect combination for young boys looking for idols.

The luggage is filled with jeans and T-shirts. Summer clothes. At the end of each season, as Stastny was showing potential as one of the top young players in Czechoslovakia, some of the junior players were Mom, Dad and their young son dress casually hoping to avoid suspicion given the chance to play a game or two with the senior team in in a nation where suspicion is a way of life and a form of currency. Bratislava. It is a Friday afternoon in the summer of 1974. A natural departure time One year, Stastny played on a line with Nedomansky. for one of the greatest Czechoslovak hockey players, Vaclav Nedomansky, his wife, Vera, and their son Vashi, not yet 4, to be Back in the junior dressing room after those games, Stastny proclaimed heading for a summer vacation. to his teammates that his career was complete.

Before leaving their life in occupied Czechoslovakia, they rehearse their “I was ready to hang my skates on the nail,” Stastny said. “I had just story over and over again. They count on the hiss of the shower in their achieved everything I had ever dreamed of.” spartan Bratislava apartment to muffle their voices, assuming electronic listening devices will hear them if they’re not careful. Stastny finished his career second only to Wayne Gretzky in points produced during the 1980s and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Despite their life of relative ease in the Russian-controlled country, 1998. Nedomansky has to sell hockey memorabilia and a bit of fine Czechoslovak crystal to acquaintances in Germany to raise money for “I’m so happy for him,” Stastny said of Nedomansky’s enshrinement. “I’ve the second-hand car. always revered him.”

The family’s planned vacation to Switzerland is a perk available only to In the months leading up to Nedomansky’s clandestine summer trip to the communist country’s top officials and its most celebrated athletes, Zurich, officials from the fledgling Atlanta Flames, GM Cliff Fletcher and a like the 30-year-old Nedomansky. The passport he has used to travel the young up-and-comer named David Poile, quietly visited him at his home world as a member of the national hockey team has been collected by in Bratislava. They took note of the trophies and souvenirs of a hockey officials, but the family has personal passports that allow limited travel. If life already well-lived if not well-documented in North America. they return, they’ll be forced to give those passports back and move to They returned to Europe after Nedomansky’s defection and hoped to their new home in Brno. If they return … sign him to an NHL deal to play in Atlanta. But they were not alone. Shortly after they get in the car and drive away, they approach their first Nedomansky also met with sports and entertainment impresario John F. obstacle, the border of Austria. As they line up behind a couple of other Bassett, new owner of the Toronto Toros of the WHA. cars, they wait and they worry. Did a suspicious neighbor call ahead to border officials? Did young Vashi blurt out details about a move to The World Hockey Association was making life uncomfortable for the Canada? NHL at the time, signing established players like Bobby Hull and enticing rising young stars like Mark Napier, Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky. “Any reasonable doubt could be trouble,” Nedomansky knows. The NHL’s agreement with the International Ice Hockey Federation that But their fears are unfounded and they’re through the border in minutes. prevented European players from jumping straight into the NHL was also Vienna, only 50 miles from their home in Bratislava, is the first stop on a problem. Nedomansky was 30 years old. He didn’t want to wait to play their “vacation.” at the top level.

Then it’s 300 miles through Innsbruck and another 200 miles to cross “Everything was telling me Toronto,” Nedomansky recalled. over into Switzerland. The Citroen, derisively known as The Duck, And so he and his family joined Bassett on a flight from Zurich to shimmies and sways from side to side as it labors up and down the Montreal and then on to Toronto. winding mountain roads. But they take their time. They’re just a family on vacation. Legendary Toronto sportswriter George Gross was there when the flight landed. There are pictures of Nedomansky; Vera, a top skier in “I was acting logically and smart,” Nedomansky says. “I fooled them all. I Czechoslovakia; and Vashi making their way through the terminal. did what was necessary.” Gross’ stories on the defection in the Toronto Sun would earn him a Since the early 1960s, when the big, graceful center first began playing national sportswriting award in Canada and it was the first glimpse most the equivalent of professional hockey in Czechoslovakia, he had fans got of the great Nedomansky. regularly traveled to North America. And while NHL players and later World Hockey Association players were then forbidden from playing in Vashi recalls being a terror on the flight across the Atlantic and as the the Olympics or world championships, Nedomansky longed to test his family went through customs, he was waving a cap gun. Still, there is a mettle against those players. picture of him happily sipping on a cold drink while sitting on his father’s lap. More, he longed for freedom and for his family to experience it, too. “I remember all of it like yesterday,” Vashi said. His defection helped change the nature of the game at the highest level. Eventually, 20 players fled communist-ruled countries and played in the The smells, the bright lights, the colors of the clothing that people were NHL. Nedomansky was the first. Some 45 years later, on Nov. 18, he will wearing. The McDonald’s golden arches and the enticing smells and be recognized with the game’s highest honor, induction into the Hockey tastes therein. Hall of Fame in Toronto. “And everyone’s smiling,” he said. Nedomansky’s defection was the first fissure in the Iron Curtain. In his homeland, he was revered, a national sporting treasure, a folklore hero. Just like his family.

“He was almost like, I’m Catholic so remember that, almost a God-like Before they left Czechoslovakia, Nedomansky managed to remove a few figure,” Peter Stastny, a Hall of Famer and one of the most prolific precious keepsakes from the family home in Bratislava. It had to be done scorers of his generation, said during a phone call from Bratislava. quietly to avoid arousing suspicion. By the time his father got to the Bratislava apartment after the defection, The first time he spent real time with Nedomansky, Stastny was still government officials had already locked it down. playing for the Czechoslovakian national team in North America. It was in Hartford and Nedomansky organized a dinner with members of the What happened to the valuables inside? Apparently, neighbors and national team, including Jiri Holik, uncle to future NHL star Bobby Holik, police took what they wanted. and Stastny.

“Obviously, it makes you mad, but what can you do?” Nedomansky said. “I was listening to every word,” Stastny said.

That was just the beginning of the effort to erase Nedomansky in his “I remember what they had. There was fried chicken in a basket, a homeland. wooden basket. I’d never seen anything like it,” Stastny said. And, oh Former teammates were told he died in a car accident in North America. yes, there were some beers as well, he added with a laugh. They were forbidden to speak his name. His accomplishments were When the Stastnys, first Peter and Anton and then a year later Marian, scrubbed from the record books and his image was stricken from team engineered their own escapes, Nedomansky treated them as brothers-in- photos. arms.

A few years later, when Nedomansky played for the Detroit Red Wings in Stastny and Nedomansky spoke on the phone regularly once Stastny an exhibition game against the Soviet Wings, the broadcast in Russia was in Quebec. referred to him only by his number. When the Nordiques played in Detroit, Nedomansky hosted dinners at He took four slashing penalties in the first period and then scored the home or at local restaurants. game-winning goal. “I felt like I was in seventh heaven every time I could talk to him,” Stastny “I slashed the shit out of them,” he happily told his son for a documentary said. film Vashi is producing about his father called “Big Ned.” Even as Stastny’s career took off, his reverence for Nedomansky While he wasn’t mentioned in that Russian broadcast, his name rang out remained. When Stastny was asked to be the GM of Team Slovakia for in Czechoslovakian hockey lore. At the 1968 Olympics, the underdog the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, he asked Nedomansky to be part of the Czechoslovaks defeated the powerful Russians, 5-4, ending up with a scouting staff. silver medal based on the tie-breaking system at the time. Nedomansky had five goals and two assists in the seven-game tournament. “He left a huge, huge, huge impossible-to-fill void,” Stastny said.

That summer, Russia sent half a million troops into Czechoslovakia to Bobby Holik grew up with the name “Big Ned” ringing in his ears. crush more liberal political reforms that were underway, the start of an occupation that would last two decades. His father, Jaroslav, and uncle, Jiri, were longtime members of the national team and contemporaries and friends of Nedomansky. That hockey victory was seen as a small triumph over the country’s oppressors and ”5-4″ graffiti began to surface on buildings and other Bobby Holik came to North America in 1990, the 10th-overall pick of the public places in the months after the Soviet occupation began. Hartford Whalers a year earlier. In some ways, he was in the first generation of European players who could entertain an NHL career The following year, at the world championships in Stockholm, the without having to escape his homeland to fulfill that dream. One of the Czechoslovaks defeated the Russians twice. Nedomansky recalls the top power forwards of his generation, Holik played more than 1,300 NHL Russians tripping, spearing and losing their cool. They were not good games and won two Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils. losers, he said. “I’ve been hearing about Big Ned since I can remember,” Holik said. He also recalled the fans in Sweden cheering on the underdogs to a surprise victory. “It’s not hard to mix geopolitics and hockey at that time. What comes next is the inspiration he provided at least to me and I hope to other Czech “All that together, it was just great stuff,” Nedomansky said. and Slovak players.”

Ethan Scheiner is a professor of political science and director of the Looking out his window at the mountains of Wyoming, Holik likened international relations major at the University of California, Davis. He is Nedomansky’s defection to the first settlers who carved a trail through writing a book about the intersection of hockey and politics in the American West. Czechoslovakia during the Soviet occupation. “For Big Ned, that was extremely courageous,” he said. After the Russian invasion, Czechoslovaks believed that Russian power over their lives extended to sporting events. There was a wide segment Holik referenced a book about North American explorers William Clark of the population that believed the Russians wouldn’t allow the and Meriwether Lewis, “Undaunted Courage.” Czechoslovak hockey teams to beat them, Scheiner said. That’s why “I think there could be a book about Big Ned called the same way,” Holik those victories on the international stage were such emotional affairs. said.

“They were all pinning their hopes on these hockey matches,” Scheiner “It’s something that should be memorized and talked about by the said. “This was a country that felt just utterly impotent.” younger players. People need to be educated about what that society Tennis great Martina Navratilova left Czechoslovakia a year after was like. The lies. It’s called whitewashing history.” Nedomansky did and cited the victories by the hockey team over the Holik said there should be no misconceptions about life under Soviet Russians as a catalyst for her departure. occupation.

Losing the country’s greatest sporting heroes was a huge blow to the “That was the life and death of people,” he said. “They were trying to communist government. break their spirit. … He’s the one that showed us the way. He had to “Nobody had done it before,” Scheiner said. “It really was a stunning succeed. He couldn’t go back.” moment. Holik lists off some of the greats of his generation who know “They all thought about leaving. It’s a genuinely difficult position being the Nedomansky’s story well, including future Hall of Famer Marian Hossa first one. He is really, genuinely a hero.” and longtime Devils great Patrik Elias.

Nedomansky’s defection sent ripples throughout the hockey world at “My friends. They couldn’t do what they did if Big Ned didn’t open the home. door,” Holik said.

“It’s as though Wayne Gretzky had disappeared and people didn’t know,” Once he settled in North America, the Citroen was replaced by a brand Stastny said. new Thunderbird. Later, Nedomansky’s Volkswagen camper was his favored mode of transport. Not long after his Toros career started, he People found ways to listen to Voice of America and Radio Free Europe bought a home in the Toronto area, and he and Vera had a daughter, and other forbidden Western sources of information. Victoria.

“I was grateful to him,” Stastny said. “We were so sad when he left.” But beyond the unabashed color and bounty of North American life, this “This tall, handsome guy started chatting me up and asking about the had always been about testing his limits as a player. Nedomansky found NHL and Canada and all of that stuff,” Hull recalled. himself suiting up with players like Paul Henderson and Frank Mahovlich, two heroes of the famous 1972 Summit Series between Canada and Finally, Hull begged off the conversation saying he had to get ready for Russia. the game.

Mahovlich and Nedomansky played together for three full seasons in the Playing with Jean Ratelle and Rod Gilbert, Hull noticed the opposing WHA, first in Toronto and then when the team abruptly moved to centerman looked familiar. Alabama and became the Birmingham Bulls. It was, of course, Nedomansky.

In 1976, the two good friends headed south for training camp. “He took the puck, went through everybody and scored,” Hull said Nedomansky remembers getting pulled over by the police during their laughing. journey. Five years later, the two were teammates in Detroit and Hull was playing “Frank told them, we have to go, we have practice in Birmingham, the final season of his distinguished NHL career. Alabama,” Nedomansky recalled. “They said, no guys, you’re going to jail. You can practice on Monday. But they let us go after that.” Teammates, linemates … and roommates, as it turned out, in a home in Windsor, Ontario, owned by NHLer Pat Boutette. Years later, when Vashi played minor pro hockey in Birmingham, Nedomansky heard a fan screaming for him to get off the ice and let “We were like the Odd Couple,” Hull said. “I was Felix Unger.” some of the young players have a chance. The two drove together to the old Olympia, often in Nedomansky’s “They thought it was me,” Nedomansky said with a hearty laugh. Volkswagen Westfalia camper. Longtime Red Wings trainer Ross ‘Lefty’ Wilson would always rib them when they arrived for work. Mahovlich, whose parents had emigrated from Croatia, made a point of trying to find Czechoslovakian restaurants when they were on the road “He used to give us a hard time. He would say, ‘oh, here are the big stars and the two were frequent dinner companions at home. from Windsor,’” Hull recalled.

“He would introduce you to different foods and he loved to cook,” One day, Nedomansky asked Hull, one of the sharpest wits of the NHL, Mahovlich recalled. to give him something to fire back at Wilson.

In the offseason, the Nedomanskys visited Mahovlich, who was inducted “So I taught him something to say to Lefty,” Hull said. into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981, at his cottage north of Toronto. The next day the routine unfolded as usual with Wilson welcoming the “He was a real gentleman,” Mahovlich said. “The kindest person you’d big stars from Windsor. ever want to meet. He had so much talent.” “And Big Ned says to him, ‘get off my case, tomato face,’” Hull said. “So While Nedomansky’s arrival in North America changed the face of the Lefty was speechless for one of the few times in his life.” NHL game, it wasn’t immediately celebrated. Like so many who entered Nedomansky’s orbit, they remain close. Hull “Our time, they really hated us, many of them. Honest,” said former WHA visits Nedomansky at his new home in California whenever he can. and NHL player Dan Labraaten, a native of Leksand, Sweden. “We took “He still tells the stories,” Nedomansky said with a laugh. their jobs from some of them.” “He was fabulous,” Hull said. “He ended up being one of my best friends. While many of the first Europeans who came to play in North America absorbed heaps of physical abuse and social isolation, it might have “He was a superstar. He could do everything with the puck. I was just at been worse for Nedomansky. the end of my career so I wasn’t much help to him, but we scored a few goals.” “I think when he came, to be such a big star in Europe, he had a little harder time when he came to the WHA,” Labraaten said. “To be honest, In some ways Nedomansky’s accomplishments have been easy to there were quite a bit of goons there.” overlook for more recent generations of hockey players and fans. He came to North America well into his career and joined a rebel league that Twelve games into his second season with the Bulls, and with would ultimately fold. Players that followed him to North America — the Nedomansky wearying of the league’s goon tactics, WHA and NHL Stastnys, Sergei Fedorov, Igor Larionov, Alexander Mogilny — would teams swung a historic trade. The Bulls were looking to get tougher and enjoy more on-ice success and become true stars in the NHL in a way shed salary, so they sent Nedomansky and talented forward Tim Sheehy that eluded Nedomansky. to the Detroit Red Wings for Steve Durbano and Dave Hanson. That disconnect would continue even after his selection as a Hall of Gilles Leger, GM of the Bulls, showed up for dinner at Nedomansky’s Famer. apartment to break the news. Sheehy was there as well, and at one point Leger said simply: “I just traded you to Detroit.” When the NHL Network introduced the six-member Class of 2019 they did so in a segment that ran almost 13 minutes. It mentioned “Tim jumped up and almost beat him up,” Nedomansky said. Nedomansky only at the beginning of the segment and didn’t even The joke was that Birmingham had traded 100 goals for about 10,000 include a picture of him. There were no mentions of his accomplishments penalty minutes. or impact on the game, a sharp departure from the other members of the class. The WHA shut down a little more than a year later and the Hartford Whalers, Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers and Quebec Nordiques joined Not that Nedomansky came for stardom. He came to play the game, the NHL. finishing with 421 games played and 278 points.

“Years later, I talked to Gilles Leger at the draft in Pittsburgh and he said After his playing career, he coached in Germany and Austria before ‘Tim, we had to trade you. We got $100,000 for you guys,’” Sheehy joining the Los Angeles Kings as a scout, a position he landed thanks to recalled. longtime friend and teammate Rogie Vachon.

Dennis Hull met Nedomansky for the first time less than 48 hours after The two were neighbors in Detroit for several years and when both Team Canada electrified the world in Game 8 of the 1972 Summit Series moved to California after their playing days ended, they spent a great in Moscow. deal of time together.

Few people remember that the Canadians finished their international “We’ve been very close friends for many, many years,” said Vachon, who odyssey that fall with an exhibition game against the Czechoslovakian was inducted into the Hall of Fame after a long wait back in 2016. “I hired national team in Prague. The legend of that game is that the 23 most him as a scout and it turned out very well. He’s a great person. He’s very sober players were in the Canadian lineup. knowledgeable.”

Hull was walking to the rink in Prague when he was approached by a distinguished-looking local. After Nedomansky was chosen for the 2019 Hall of Fame class, Vachon the game. They believed their friend and colleague deserved the game’s said, “I called him right away. I told him it was a little bit like me; I had to highest honor. wait over 30 years before I got in.” David Conte is considered the behind-the-scenes architect of the New Bob Owen was a scout for the Kings when Nedomansky joined the team. Jersey Devils’ three championship squads between 1995 and 2003. He was also a key figure in the made-for-Hollywood rise of the expansion “He’s a very instinctive person,” Owen said. “You don’t teach him who’s Vegas Golden Knights, where he worked alongside Nedomansky to build good and who’s not good. … That’s why Rogie trusted him so much.” an expansion team into a Stanley Cup finalist.

Owen, who still does some scouting for Winnipeg, said he was focused But Conte’s interest in Nedomansky dates back years before he became on helping Nedomansky learn the ins and outs of the job. “… Scheduling, one of the pre-eminent talent evaluators in the business. the paperwork, organizing your thoughts, putting them on paper, putting those thoughts into lists,” he said. “That’s the part that we worked on the When Conte was a senior in high school, he proposed featuring Montreal most.” Canadiens great Jean Beliveau as his topic for a public speaking exercise. Too easy, his teacher insisted. Dig deeper. The two grew close as they traveled and Nedomansky eventually shared his story with Owen. Conte had a part-time job at a winery in the Niagara Falls area and he met a Czechoslovak defector there who kept talking about Vaclav “He went through so much,” Owen said. “I would just look at him in Nedomansky. amazement that I had the privilege to be associated with Ned. That he was “the guy,” Conte said. “How everyone wanted to wear No. “I knew the name obviously and I knew the player, but getting to know 14.” the man was amazing.” And so Conte made his speech about a man he wouldn’t meet until they Owen traveled with Nedomansky in November of 1991 on his first trip were scouting colleagues years later, Conte with the Devils and back to Czechoslovakia since his defection. Nedomansky with the Kings. The two later helped build the Vegas The two met in Frankfurt and stopped in Munich for a game. They drove Golden Knights from the ground up. through Vienna and crossed into Czechoslovakia en route to Hodonin, Conte was a catalyst to Nedomansky’s Hall of Fame campaign. With the his hometown and where his mother lived until her death at age 92. help of Golden Knights analytics staffers, he devised statistical “Ned never let me touch the wheel of a car in Europe because I followed comparables with other European greats like Fetisov, Larionov, Valery the rules too much for him,” Owen said. But the morning they were Kharlamov, Sergei Makarov and Alexander Yakushev. leaving Munich, he asked Owen to drive. “He was god-like in that country and he carried himself like a Jean “I knew he was really nervous,” Owen said. Beliveau, which is the highest honor I could give anybody,” Conte said.

The closer they got to the Czechoslovak border the more nervous “He’s done more for the game than the game’s done for him.” Nedomansky became. Owen asked if Nedomansky’s mother knew they Nedomansky hasn’t wasted much time on regret since that flight touched were coming. He said he didn’t want to tell her, that he was fearful issues down in Montreal in the summer of 1974. at the border would scuttle the visit. “I was absolutely, 100 percent sure I’d done the right thing,” he said. Owen tried to assure Nedomansky, by then a Canadian citizen, he had nothing to fear. That’s not to say there haven’t been challenges.

So just before the border, Nedomansky called his mother. Nedomansky and his first wife, Vera, split up in 1983. The divorce came around the same time that Nedomansky lost a lawsuit against his former “I said, guess what? I’m close by. I’ll be at your house in half an hour,” he agent Alan Eagleson, whom he’d sued for breach of contract. The judge said. “And then, all of a sudden, we are in front of the border.” ruled that Nedomansky, who had sued Eagleson for $1.7 million, had to Owen said stunned border guards immediately recognized Nedomansky. pay the soon-to-be disgraced Eagleson $60,000 in court costs.

“Nobody there could take their eyes off him,” Owen said. “They couldn’t Later, Eagleson, the former head of the players’ union, would be believe what they were seeing.” convicted of fraud and embezzlement and resign from the Hockey Hall of Fame. After a few pictures and some handshakes, the two departed for Hodonin. When they arrived, word quickly spread: The town’s favorite But the decision was a huge blow for Nedomansky, who rarely speaks of son was back. the matter.

“People were just stopping in their tracks,” Owen said. “It broke him,” Vashi said.

As they climbed the stairs to his mother’s second-floor apartment, the Not so much financially, although the costs were significant at that time, home where Nedomasky grew up and where she lived for 60 years, time but emotionally, his son said. and distance melted. For Nedomansky, it was a bitter reminder that injustice happens “I was very nervous,” Nedomansky said. “You always dream that everywhere. someone could come in the room and get you. It was a really nervous He’s been married to his second wife, Marcela Valusek, for 20 years and time. I didn’t realize it was going to be OK.” they have settled in California. That’s where he was, outside a Trader Not much had changed in Nedomansky’s childhood home. The small, Joe’s grocery store not far from his Palm Springs home, when the Hall of musty apartment was dimly lit, the mailboxes still in a state of disrepair. Fame call came.

“Not so great memories,” Nedomansky said. What do you say when history calls?

The next day, when the two went to scout a nearby tournament, Nedomansky said he thought of Pat Quinn and Pat Burns, who were Nedomansky became the show. inducted posthumously.

“We’d go to games and it would just be a madhouse,” Owen said. “This is nicer if you can still be alive,” he said. “People would swarm him everywhere we went.” That’s not just a throwaway line. A decade ago, Nedomansky was Nedomansky was apologetic, but Owen was in awe. diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer.

“I told him, I’ll watch the games, you just take it all in,” Owen said. “I almost lost him on too many nights that I don’t care to really look back upon,” Vashi said. It’s fitting, perhaps, that Nedomansky’s path to the Hall of Fame was in many ways secured by the scouting community. These diligent talent Nedomansky has been cancer-free now for seven years and in the evaluators don’t see the limelight, but they do understand the fabric of aftermath of confronting his own mortality, he agreed to tell his story and decided that his son should be the one to tell it. If you ever wonder why or even if things happen for a reason, consider this: During Nedomansky’s days in Detroit, where wins were scarce, he won an old-style shoulder-mounted VHS camera and recorder for being the first star in a game.

The camera became young Vashi’s prized possession and the youngster began making short films with friends. It led to a career in feature film editing and although he followed in his father’s footsteps for a time playing minor pro hockey, Vashi’s calling has taken him to Hollywood. He’s worked with top-name producers including Jerry Bruckheimer, a lifelong hockey fan and now part of the ownership group of the expansion team in Seattle.

Vashi hopes to apply the lessons he’s learned watching and working with people like Bruckheimer, a longtime colleague and friend, on his first long-form production.

“His story has never been told,” Vashi said.

“He’s a very humble and gentle man. And he doesn’t share too much. Something to do with coming from a communist country, where the more you talk the more you can get into trouble. But I think he felt not a duty but more so that it was his legacy to share (his story).”

In the past, he has turned down book offers and other requests to do long-form examinations of his life.

“I didn’t like to open myself completely,” Nedomansky said.

But opening up to the young son who shared in the border-crossing journey and dreams of a better life came a little more naturally.

“I can say what I need to say,” Nedomansky said. “That would be a good way to close down the circle.”

The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161093 Websites “We have spoken with Don about the severity of this issue and we sincerely apologize for these divisive remarks,” Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley said in a statement.

The Athletic / It’s time to say goodbye to Don Cherry and his xenophobic So, nothing has changed. ways Ron MacLean travels from coast-to-coast to tell our collective stories via “Hometown Hockey,” many of which have involved new Canadians. And yet on Saturday he sat silent next to Cherry, complicit and enabling the By Sunaya Sapurji Nov 11, 2019 rant to continue unchecked. He even gave viewers a weird thumbs-up after the segment.

Maybe it’s a case of Stockholm Syndrome? My grandmother seldom spoke about her brother. It was too painful. MacLean issued an apology on Sunday night. He also apologized for Over the years we put together bits and pieces. He had just become a Cherry. doctor in India and enlisted with the British forces during the Second World War. He was stationed in Burma. “Last night was a really great lesson to Don and me,” MacLean said. “We were wrong, and I sincerely apologize and I want to thank you for calling We think he was killed during a bombing near the Chindwin River. No Don and me on that last night.” one knows for sure because they never found his body. He was 26. That MacLean thinks this latest incident is going to provide a teachable Like many, he volunteered to go to war. At the height of the Second moment for his 85-year-old counterpart is laughable. There was no such World War, it’s estimated that India supported the British war effort with apology from Cherry. 2.5 million soldiers around the world. All of them recruits. As someone who has spent the bulk of her life writing stories about junior This story is shared on Remembrance Day because there are thousands hockey, I’ve witnessed the cult of Don Cherry up close. I covered his of immigrants and children of immigrants who have come to Canada with pitiful Mississauga IceDogs when he was owner and head coach. The similar stories of sacrifice and loss — despite what Don Cherry’s recent team was a disaster. The IceDogs went through seven coaches in four comments might have you think. years, during which they won a total of 27 games. I saw first-hand the Many immigrants — like me — are very grateful to be Canadian, to live fear of retribution — and not just from teenage boys but from grown men here and contribute. My grandmother became a Montreal Canadiens fan in the hockey community — who were afraid to speak out against a man and would watch the French broadcasts despite not knowing the who has sold himself as the voice of a hockey nation. language. As a child, hockey was my gateway to Canada. And watching Imagine how hard it would be to hold him accountable? “Hockey Night In Canada” was a catalyst for my lifelong love of the sport. If there was a time to jettison Cherry’s contract, it might have been last But the truth is, I haven’t watched “Coach’s Corner” in ages. summer when deep cuts at Sportsnet were looming and his name was Given what I do for a living, though, it’s almost impossible to avoid. rumoured as a possible casualty. In October, however, Yabsley told The Cherry trends on Twitter regularly on Saturday nights, and it didn’t take Athletic’s Sean Fitz-Gerald that there was “never any question” Cherry long for the latest clip to make the rounds on social media. This time, he would return. was upset over what he perceived to be fewer people in Toronto and “Don’s a Canadian icon,” Yabsley said. “There’s just no question about it. Mississauga wearing poppies to honour veterans. For anybody to be surprised about the popularity and the impact of Don, And he inferred immigrants — “you people” — were to blame. (they) probably shouldn’t be sitting in my chair.”

“I live in Mississauga,” Cherry said. “Nobody wears, very few people, There is no question Cherry is a Canadian icon. An icon of Canada’s wear a poppy. Downtown Toronto, forget it. Downtown Toronto nobody past. A relic from an old game that no longer exists. We don’t need a TV wears a poppy… arbiter to tell us who the “good Canadians” are — we never did.

“Now you go to the small cities and you know, the rows on rows. You It’s time we turn him off — for good. people love — that come here — you love our way of life. You love our The Athletic LOADED: 11.12.2019 milk and honey. At least you can pay a couple bucks for a poppy or something like that. These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada. These guys paid the biggest price.”

It’s not hard to work out the math. According to Statistics Canada, in 2016, 51.5 percent of Toronto was made up of visible minorities. Toronto’s downtown core and the GTA — which includes Mississauga — are incredibly diverse. Smaller Canadian cities tend not to be.

This isn’t the first time Don Cherry has spewed racism and xenophobia on the air. But it should be the last.

Will this be the end of his Canadian-everyman schtick? Not if we look at his history. Cherry has been espousing offensive views on “Hockey Night In Canada” for decades, and nothing has changed. He’s been an equal opportunity offender to Russians, Europeans and French Canadians. Concussion spotters are “dumb-dumbs.” People who ride bicycles are “pinkos.”

In 2011, he called former enforcers Chris Nilan, Stu Grimson and Jim Thompson “pukes” after they spoke out about the dangers of drugs and alcohol following the deaths of Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien and Wade Belak.

He even attacked the former players involved in the NHL’s concussion settlement, calling it a “money grab.” This coming from a man who profited from selling their pain in his “Rock’Em Sock’Em” videos.

This week, immigrants are the target. Next week? Who knows.

Sportsnet continues to cover for Cherry, issuing mealy-mouthed apologies on his behalf. 1161094 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Sportsnet announces Don Cherry to immediately step down from HNIC

Sportsnet Staff | November 11, 2019, 3:17 PM

Hockey analyst Don Cherry will immediately step down from his role with Hockey Night in Canada, Sportsnet announced on Monday.

The news comes one day after Sportsnet issued an apology for comments Cherry made during Saturday night’s Hockey Night broadcast. During Coach’s Corner, Cherry singled out new immigrants for not wearing poppies to honour Canadian veterans and soldiers ahead of Remembrance Day.

The 85-year-old Cherry has been on Coach’s Corner since 1982 when the program was first started on CBC.

He was a voice every Saturday night for hockey fans across the country, appearing alongside Coach’s Corner host Ron MacLean since 1986. His coverage extended into the Stanley Cup Playoffs as well.

MacLean reacted to Cherry’s comments on Sunday by apologizing to both viewers and Canadians.

Coach’s Corner joined Sportsnet’s NHL coverage after Rogers acquired the NHL television rights in 2014.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161095 Websites Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what they think about it.

Sportsnet.ca / Flames quarter mark report: Rittich's emergence a key TOP SIX FORWARDS GRADE: B development Gaudreau and Monahan have been sub-par, but Elias Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk have been outstanding.

Eric Francis | November 11, 2019, 7:26 PM Lindholm has become the team’s most complete forward, killing penalties, manning the powerplay, taking key faceoffs and scoring 10 goals on the top unit.

One quarter of the way through the hockey season and the Calgary Tkachuk is considered to be the heartbeat of the team, dragging the lads Flames sit second in their division and third in the conference. into the fight on many nights, sparking and finishing emotional comebacks, and leading all scorers with 10 goals and 19 points (13th in It’s a respectable perch for a team that spent the first five weeks of the the league). season surrounded by questions about its work ethic, consistency and confidence. Mikael Backlund’s second unit is a work in progress as Michael Frolik’s spot has been an open audition that currently has Andrew Mangiapane Yet, there they are amongst the league’s best (albeit with a few games in playing alongside Backlund and Tkachuk. hand) despite showing mere glimpses of what got the Flames to the top of the West last regular season. It’s not the feared shutdown line of a year ago, nor is the top trio considered one of the league’s best right now. With a goal differential of just plus-one, the Flames sit 10-7-3, much like they did a year ago when the team used the second-quarter to distance Then again, it’s early. themselves from the pack. BOTTOM SIX FORWARDS GRADE: C Significant line shuffling at both ends of the rink by frustrated coach Bill Peters now has the Flames on a run that has seen them claim nine of 12 Depth was supposed to be the Flames biggest weapon this year, which points since Halloween, which includes three improbable, third-period hasn’t been the case thus far. comebacks. Third-line centre is only starting to find the form that made Is it a sign of what’s to come? Or is this a team that will continue to him the Flames best forward the last quarter of last season. Fourth line complicate their situation by showing up late for games, leading the centre Mark Jankowski has zero points and just nine shots in 18 outings, league in penalties and regularly playing catch-up? and was a recent healthy scratch.

Perhaps a look back at the first 20 games can help better-predict how the Sam Bennett leads all bottom six wingers with three goals and five next 20 will go. points, while Milan Lucic and Michael Frolik have yet to find their footing. Tobias Rieder’s speed and penalty killing have been noticeable, but he The emergence of David Rittich. has just one goal to show for it, as does Frolik.

The Flames’ goaltending represented the biggest question mark heading Overall, the bottom-sixers have had very little impact on a team that into the season, as Rittich had never been a No. 1 netminder in the NHL, could really use their help. and Cam Talbot was a significant reclamation project. Home of the Flames Rittich has been so solid for the Flames the team has abandoned its plans to employ a 50-50 split of the workload…for now. Stream all 82 Flames games this season with Sportsnet NOW. Get over 500 NHL games, blackout-free, including Hockey Night in Canada, all No one could have foreseen the un-drafted 27-year-old would lead the outdoor games, the All-Star Game, 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs and more. league in minutes played, starts, shots and wins, ahead of staples like Marc-Andre Fleury, Frederik Andersen and Carey Price. DEFENCE GRADE: B-

His .914 save percentage and 2.75 goals against average have given the No one expected Mark Giordano to continue the torrid scoring pace he Flames a chance to win in almost every one of his 16 starts to date, set as last year’s Norris Trophy winner. which is all you can ask of a goalie. Still a brilliant leader of one of the league’s better blue lines, his start has Unlike the rest of his team, consistency has been his key. mirrored that of his team’s – okay.

MOST WORRISOME DEVELOPMENT Coach Bill Peters’ recent frustration with the club promoted him to put the blue liners in a blender, landing Giordano with Travis Hamonic, with good The inconsistency of Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. results.

Gaudreau sits 31st in league scoring with 17 points, but has been a Future leaders Noah Hanifin and Rasmus Andersson are a new duo that shadow of the player he was last year that finished with 99 points. has impressed, with Hanifin having his best game as a Flame last Thursday, with three points. His poise and confidence continue to He recently stopped a 12-game scoreless string. Monahan went 13 improve. without a snipe. TJ Brodie is now logging third-pairing minutes, as his play this year has The duo make up two-thirds of the Flames’ top line with Elias Lindholm, warranted. He’s struggled with a continuum of egregious giveaways, which has hasn’t carried the club as it did three-quarters of last season. making it tough to tell if the team will have any options at the trade The flash and dash Gaudreau exhibited so often last year to become a deadline with the pending unrestricted free agent. Hart Trophy candidate has been muted. Michael Stone has been a steady fill-in when called upon and Oliver Monahan is focusing more on his defensive play and faceoffs — with Kylington’s recent demotion to the AHL was punctuated by a hat trick and solid results — but has gone long stretches offensively where he is silent five points in his first outing with Stockton. offensively. GOALIE GRADE: B+ The coach keeps pressing Monahan to find a balance of the two sides of No one in the NHL has shouldered a larger workload than Rittich, which his game, as the team needs him and Gaudreau to be better offensively says all you need to know about how well he has played for the team. moving forward. It’s not necessarily a reflection on the 1-3 record Talbot has posted as More to the point, the team needs them to contribute when it matters the backup, as he’s had horrific assignments on the back-end of back-to- most – the playoffs – as they were the two biggest disappointments last backs against red-hot teams. spring. His .899 save percentage needs to be better though. The duo sits 12th in terms of goals against per game, which is respectable.

There hasn’t been a single game in which the Flames goaltending could be blamed for the loss.

AWARDS

Most Improved player: Noah Hanifin

Best defensive player: Mark Giordano

Most physical player: Milan Lucic

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161096 Websites Speaking to Sportsnet on Remembrance Day in Ottawa, Alfredsson said he was first contacted by organizers of the Letters in a Time of War event this past summer.

Sportsnet.ca / Daniel Alfredsson honours hockey player who died in WWI "I didn’t really know what it was about, but it caught my eye," Alfredsson with reading said, "so I said yes."

Alfredsson said he had his head down for most of the reading and wasn’t cognizant of the crowd reaction, but said the reaction afterwards was Wayne Scanlan November 11, 2019, 1:46 PM "very positive."

Other letters were read by soldiers, journalists and wartime nurses.

One Ottawa hockey legend tipped his cap to another, during a moving "Some of the readers had personal connections to people in the war," ceremony to honour Canadian war veterans. Alfredsson said. "It was really well done."

In front of more than 200 people at the Canadian War Museum on As always on and around Nov. 11, remembering our war veterans is a Sunday, retired Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson read a 1916 letter of reminder of how blessed we are to live in a time of relative peace. condolence from Frank McGee’s commanding officer to his family in Ottawa. "There is no question," Alfredsson says. "You do go into a kind of battle in hockey and contact sports, but this really puts into perspective that it is The legendary ‘One-Eyed’ Frank McGee was a standout player for the really just a game. It’s not life and death. Ottawa Silver Seven at the turn of the century. The Silver Seven owned the Stanley Cup, then a challenge trophy, from 1903-06. In one particular "We live in very fortunate times and it’s important to remind ourselves it game, against Dawson Creek, McGee scored 14 goals. Eight times he hasn’t always been that way. My generation has been but we want to scored five or more goals in a game. make sure (a world war) doesn’t happen again so future generations can have the peaceful times we have." A prolific scorer despite losing the vision in his left eye in 1900 from getting hit with a puck, McGee retired from hockey in 1907, at age 25. Speaking on McGee, Alfredsson said he was awed by his bravery and McGee hailed from a prominent Canadian family. His uncle, Thomas athletic prominence, including in other sports like lacrosse and football. D’Arcy McGee, had been a Father of Confederation. McGee’s father, Alfredsson, whose No. 11 was retired by the Ottawa Senators in John, was clerk of the Privy Council. December of 2016, gets to a lot of arenas these days but the Canadian Frank McGee worked for the Department of Indian Affairs and was keen Tire Centre is not one of them. to join the war effort, despite his visual limitations. He tricked medical With his brother, Henric, Daniel coaches an Ottawa Sting minor hockey examiners into believing he had good vision, as Alfredsson explained to team that includes Alfredsson’s 13-year-old son Louie. Daniel and Bibbi the War Museum audience Alfredsson have four sons. "They needed people (for the war)," Alfredsson said in an interview with In late December, the Alfredsson brothers will be taking their Minor Sportsnet.ca Monday. "I don’t know how strict doctors were at that time." Bantam Sting AA team to Sweden for a year-end tournament. McGee’s nephew, Frank Charles McGee, said his uncle tricked the army "It will be a lot of fun," Alfredsson says. doctor by covering his blind eye to read the chart. Then, when told to cover the other eye, he switched hands, rather than switching eyes. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.12.2019 McGee enlisted in the military in the spring of 1915 and fought in World War 1 with the 43rd Regiment (Duke of Cornwall’s Own Rifles) as a lieutenant in the 21st Infantry Battalion. McGee was wounded by a shell blast and had the option of recuperating his knee injury away from the action, but chose to return to his battalion and died at age 36 on Sept. 16, 1916 in the Battle of the Somme.

Alfredsson read the letter from commanding officer Lt.-Co. Alfred Jones to McGee’s family:

"I have intended writing to you ever since Frank left us, but I have had a great deal to do. This is my only excuse. Frank only came back to me two days before we went over on the morning of the 15th of September. During that day I lost every officer save one. And in the early morning of the 16th, Frank brought up 50 men to hold the line and push on past Courcelette.

"He reported to me and I put him in command of my first line. He knew what it meant, and he laughed as he went into it. He took most of his men through and reached the front trench. I had a message from him there telling me his disposition and that he would gather up more men and push on.

"He had to go up under extraordinary shellfire. He then came back and was gathering men up there for another attack when he was killed.

"I need not tell you what he was like under shellfire because know better than I could write. But his bravery always inspired the men under him.

"When he was with me first, I had learned to rely on him. But in the Somme, during his few hours there, he was wonderful. I can’t tell you more. He was buried where he fell and where so many of my battalion lie. If I come home, I will be able to tell you more. But it’s harder writing than you can know."

As Alfredsson explained to his audience, the remains of McGee were never recovered. 1161097 Websites losses sometimes keep him up longer, though it doesn’t seem to matter whether or not one comes in a game that’s seen him stand on his head (like the 40-save, 3-2 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers last week) or in one that’s seen him play below the standard everyone knows he’s Sportsnet.ca / 'Nothing's ever perfect': Canadiens' Price uses gruelling capable of achieving. process to win “I think it’s just my competitive nature,” he said.

Parking the losses was something Price struggled with in his early years, Eric Engels November 11, 2019, 5:00 PM shortly after the Canadiens chose him fifth overall in the 2005 NHL Draft.

But it’s with time—and with maturity—that he’s been able to put them away by the next day. BROSSARD, Que.— It’s a cliche, but one that proves especially true when applied to the way Carey Price views his own play: The only Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey numbers that matter to him are the ones filed under the win and loss world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what columns. they think about it.

So when asked about the way he’s started this season, the Montreal Canadiens coach Claude Julien has noticed. He was here when Price Canadiens goaltender’s answer was somewhat predictable given his 8-4- was drafted, but was fired just seven months later. Now in his second go- 2 record. around with the Canadiens — a stint that began in February of 2017— Julien has seen the difference on how Price deals with everything. “I think things have gone relatively well so far this season,” Price said after the Canadiens practised on Monday. “I’m trying to continue that “He’s a totally different person,” Julien started Monday. “He was a kid trend.” coming out of junior, and now he’s married with kids. (I’ve noticed) the whole evolution of a person — not just on the ice, but off the ice. Family- He has a .914 save percentage and a 2.71 goals-against average, but if wise and everything else, he’s just much more mature, if you want to put the numbers were dramatically better or worse we suspect he’d still say it that way. He’s a very focused individual where he takes care of himself, the same thing about them as he did on this day. makes sure he’s ready all the time. He’s one of those athletes that really “It’s always a work in progress,” Price started. “Nothing’s ever perfect.” cares about winning, cares about having success, and he does whatever he can. And you just have to think about last year — how much we rode It can be downright boring talking to Price about these things, but the him at the end of the year and the opportunity he gave us to just get a conversation invariably becomes more interesting when you dissect the chance at making it to the playoffs. That was a lot of games for him to process with him. Because the process matters most to him in his pursuit play without getting much of a break (Note: Price played 22 of Montreal’s of winning more games than he loses. last 24 games and suited up in 13 consecutive games before the team was eliminated from post-season contention on the penultimate night of At 32 years old, and with the hindsight 12 seasons of NHL experience the 2018-19 season). But he took such good care of himself that he was has provided, Price, who’s the winningest goaltender in Canadiens able to do that.” history, has found what he calls a “recipe” that allows him to do what he’s most driven to do: to perform consistently — and not just in games, but Price’s teammates marvel at how dedicated he is off the ice. also in workouts, warmups and in practices. It’s become clear to him that success hinges on repetition and routine, and that practice days and Canadiens backup Keith Kinkaid said Price works so much on his body game-days should be treated just the same. and staying loose that he spends most intermissions immersed in a stretching routine. And centre Max Domi said Monday that Price does the It’s why the only thing he does differently in the hours leading up to a workouts the team sets out for him, but also always does his own routine game is he takes some time to tape his sticks. right after.

Price isn’t like some other goaltenders who need to seclude themselves “I’m in the gym every day,” Price said. before hitting the ice and facing off against the next opponent. He likes to be in the mix — chilling in the room with the other players, and keeping “He works so hard, and he just makes it look easy,” Kinkaid added. things light — just like he would be on any other day at the rink. And it’s no secret why Price does it. Prior to that, his days all start the same way. Price wakes up at 7:00 “On the world stage, he’s known as probably the best goaltender around, a.m., he spends some time with his kids and he gets to the team’s south- winning the Olympics, World Cups and all that stuff,” Julien said. “And shore practice facility by 9:00 a.m. right now he’s got one thing missing and I think he’s going to do whatever “We come and skate in the mornings, so I just kind of come in and he can to help us attain that. He wants one (a Stanley Cup) for himself, workout and warm up,” Price said. “I do a short video session with he wants one for this city and he wants one for the organization. So that’s (goaltending coach) Steph (Waite) kind of recapping the game before, where I see Carey Price today, and that’s the guy who won in the and then I warm up and skate. Then I go home and take a quick nap. American League … He’s won everywhere he’s gone. He’s always been a winner, but not only that, he’s become even more mature an individual “Next I come to the rink and tape my sticks and do some stretching. Then that’s really grown into understanding, as he evolves and as he gets we do our team video, and then I do some more warming up and get older, how to continue to really take care of himself so he remains a ready to go on the ice.” champion.”

As he puts it, “It’s nothing out of the ordinary.” Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.12.2019 But it purposely that.

What does Price take out of the video sessions with Waite?

“Just goals against is one thing,” he said. “Things I’m doing well, or some gray areas — situations where I have to make a decision and we just kind of recap those decisions. It’s just nice to get a different perspective on it because things happen quickly out there and you might do somethings subconsciously in the heat of the moment, whether you’re reading something quickly, that you might not have done usually. So it’s nice to get a bird’s eye view of the situation as well.”

The Anahim Lake, B.C., native doesn’t dwell on what he’s seen. He discusses it with Waite, compartmentalizes it and then files it away completely, so he can turn his attention to what comes next.

There are times when that’s harder for him to do. Price said he has trouble sleeping after a game whether he wins or loses. But it’s fair to say 1161098 Websites There’s been a carousel of goalies behind Andersen since he came to Toronto more than three years ago.

Only veteran Curtis McElhinney thrived in the role over parts of two Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs couldn't afford to wait for Hutchinson's play to seasons. He was lost on waivers to Carolina last fall so that the Leafs improve could make room for Garret Sparks, who subsequently struggled and got traded to Vegas in the summer.

Here’s a look at how the Toronto goaltenders have fared behind Chris Johnston | November 11, 2019, 3:54 PM Andersen:

Name Games Save % Record Shutouts

It finally reached the point where it would have been insane for the Curtis McElhinney 32 .925 17-12-1 4 Toronto Maple Leafs to keep doing the same thing while expecting a different result. Garret Sparks 20 .902 8-9-1 1

Either the organization had to change how it deploys the backup Michael Hutchinson 11 .895 2-7-1 1 goaltender in back-to-back situations. Or the Maple Leafs had to change 6 .872 0-3-1 0 the backup. Antoine Bibeau 2 .927 1-1-0 0 That explains why Michael Hutchinson found himself on waivers Monday, just hours after a 5-4 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. The veteran only Calvin Pickard 1 .857 0-0-1 0 received junk-mail assignments this season — going 0-4-1 behind a tired team while closing out back-to-backs for Toronto — but he allowed 23 Hutchinson’s tenure this season most closely resembled Enroth’s short goals in those games and twice squandered multi-goal leads. stint in 2016-17 with one more important difference — he seemed to have the coach is in his corner. Babcock made no secret of the fact he The Leafs were a leaky outfit when Hutchinson played, plain and simple, wanted a change when Enroth struggled, but wasn’t nearly so hard on and will now give farmhand Kasimir Kaskisuo a chance to step into that Hutchinson with his public comments. role with another tough back-to-back set looming later in the week. Even after another five goals against in Chicago, he reserved judgment "We have [14] back-to-backs this year," Leafs coach Mike Babcock said when asked where his confidence was at with the struggling goalie. in Chicago. "You’ve got to get going, you’ve got to get points." "I think the big thing to do always is after a game, instead of me Kaskisuo was enjoying a strong start to his American Hockey League commenting a whole bunch, I always try to watch the game and see season, but this promotion arrives entirely because of circumstance. where it’s at and go through every situation," said Babcock. Hutchinson has struggled in the No. 2 role and the Leafs don’t have the salary cap space available to add money for the remainder of the year by Ultimately, time ran out on Hutchinson. They couldn’t wait any longer for acquiring someone from outside the organization. things to change and decided to see if the next man up is more capable.

This was always going to be their next easiest option, with Kaskisuo Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.12.2019 ($675,000) and Hutchinson ($700,000) basically amounting to a cap neutral transaction.

If this doesn’t work out they’ll have to look for another goaltender in a similar price range, or ship out salary to make room for a more expensive option.

All the team is looking for at this stage is a couple wins on the nights where Frederik Andersen watches from the bench. That basically only occurs during the second half of a back-to-back because Babcock remains steadfast about using Andersen for the first game regardless of opponent, venue or any other circumstance — a strategy that has seen Toronto go 35-8-7 in those situations dating back to 2016-17 compared with 19-28-3 in the second game.

What Hutchinson failed to do in his five starts this season was come up with the one extra save needed to produce a result. He was hung out to dry early in Sunday’s game at the United Center, for example, but saw his teammates mount a feverish rally after going down 4-1 to Chicago.

Then Hutchinson allowed another goal with less than four minutes to play in regulation. They lost by one.

"Obviously, five goals is never great," he said afterwards. "The fifth goal, looking back on that, that one stings a bit. That’s one, a big save in the third period that you’d like to come up with.

"Knowing how well the guys are pushing in the third period, it’s unfortunate that I wasn’t able to make that save to give us a chance to come away with at least a point."

The 29-year-old was a popular teammate who grew up nearby in Barrie, Ont., cheering for the Leafs. Everyone involved wanted this to work. It just didn’t.

Remember that Hutchinson was acquired in a trade last December to be the organization’s No. 3 option and may well have occupied that same spot to start this season if Michal Neuvirth’s training camp tryout had gone better.

Now Kaskisuo gets a turn in the Leafs backup role after a four-year apprenticeship in the AHL and ECHL. He led the Marlies to the conference final last season and has a .928 save percentage and 6-1-1 record so far this year. 1161099 Websites Smythe in the playoffs. He’s presently producing more than a point-per- game, the best clip of his decade-long career. What a franchise-defining acquisition by GM Doug Armstrong.

Sportsnet.ca / Devils equipped to move on without pending UFA Taylor • The Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres both headed to Sweden Hall last week as part of the NHL Global Series, but it’s easy to feel like they’re going in different directions after Tampa Bay swept the two-game set on Friday and Saturday. Can’t you already picture three paragraphs of the stories we’ll read in a month when Tampa has won 13 of 15 (or Ryan Dixon | November 11, 2019, 11:06 AM something like that) and all the players are talking about how a little European bonding helped them move past their middling start? The Sabres, meanwhile, have dropped four in a row and are suddenly looking If Taylor Hall is studying John Tavares’ playbook, does the New York up at four Atlantic Division teams — a number that will rise to five Islanders’ approach mean anything for the New Jersey Devils? assuming Tampa eclipses them soon.

Eighteen months ago, Tavares left the Islanders as an unrestricted free • Picking up Robby Fabbri from the Blues for fourth-liner Jacob de La agent. On Saturday night, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said it was Rose was a no-brainer for Detroit. Still, that doesn’t mean every GM unlikely Hall — the headliner among potential 2020 UFAs — would ink an could be the guy who landed him. Steve Yzerman has a long Hockey in-season extension with the Devils. Basically, you can book the Canada history with St. Louis boss Doug Armstrong, so when Fabbri — a conference room now: Hall will be in there next June as teams come highly skilled scorer cursed with horrible knee injury luck — was made through and make their PowerPoint pitch in advance of July 1. available by Armstrong because the GM had promised the player to find him a fresh start if things didn’t work in Missouri, you have to think While there’s obvious overlap between this situation and what the Yzerman had a leg up on the competition. It took all of two power-play Islanders went through with Tavares, there are also key differences. First one-timers on Friday night during Detroit’s 4-2 win over Boston to see off, the sense around Tavares until the moment we saw him in his Leafs why Fabbri, 23, offers such promise. Another angle on this one: Fabbri jammies was — when it came right down to it — he was probably going formed a deadly duo with Tyler Bertuzzi when both players were to remain with the only NHL team he’d ever played for. members of the OHL’s Guelph Storm. Bertuzzi teed Fabbri up for both FANTASY POOL ALERT! his goals.

Play the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool presented by RAM for your Red and White Power Rankings chance to drive away with a 2020 RAM 1500 Sport or win cash prizes! 1. Edmonton Oilers (12-5-2) – As part of his hat trick on Sunday night It's FREE and easy to play! during a victory in Anaheim, Connor McDavid became the eighth player Right now, it’s hard to imagine Hall — who turns 28 on Thursday and in league history to hit the 400-point barrier before his 23rd birthday. burns to play for a playoff contender — isn’t at least 51 per cent out the 2. Winnipeg Jets (10-7-1) – The Jets scored a pair of wins on the door. weekend and have now claimed four of their past five. Goalie Connor New York was two points out of a playoff spot on the morning of the 2018 Hellebuyck has been fantastic during his past half-dozen outings. NHL trade deadline. The Devils, even after wrapping a Western Canada 3. Montreal Canadiens (9-5-3) – A couple assists for Jonathan Drouin in roadie with a gutsy 2-1 win in Vancouver Sunday night, are looking way Saturday’s win over the Kings and a team-high 22:10 of ice among up at an Eastern Conference post-season slot and while the Blues’ forwards. The 24-year-old continues to thrive in a show-me season. worst-to-Cup run last year is fresh in all our minds, I’m not sure New Jersey is made of the same stuff. 4. Calgary Flames (10-7-3) – Elias Lindholm’s point streak came to an end at nine games during Saturday’s overtime loss to St. Louis. So while the Islanders could justify standing pat on Tavares, the Devils have to hit eject with Hall. 5. Toronto Maple Leafs (9-6-4) – With the Mitch Marner injury, you officially start to wonder if this is just going to be a trying year — or at Landing Hall — the 2018 Hart Trophy winner — for defenceman Adam least regular season — for Toronto. Larsson nearly four years ago was a coup for GM Ray Shero and reflecting back on that fact should remind everyone New Jersey is still in 6. Vancouver Canucks (9-6-3) – The Canucks were No. 1 here last good hands. This team is running the 2017 and ’19 first-overall picks 1-2 Monday, but three-straight losses (in which you manage just four total down the middle in Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes. Including the latter, goals) drop you significantly when the teams are so tightly clustered. New Jersey made 11 total picks at the 2019 draft, where Shero also secured three years of P.K. Subban’s services for a collection of scraps 7. Ottawa Senators (6-9-1) – Saturday’s win over Carolina gave Ottawa because he had the room to absorb the cap hit. Mackenzie Blackwood consecutive W’s for the first time this year. Will a re-building team that was the biggest reason New Jersey beat Vancouver on Sunday and the traded for Vlad Namestnikov to insulate young players keep pending- 22-year-old goalie’s save percentage has been on the rise since UFA Jean-Gabriel Pageau for the same reason or will the red-hot centre everyone on the club had an awful first week of the season. (eight goals in 16 games) go on the trade market?

Add the pieces you’d get for Hall, plus another high pick in 2020 you can In Your Ear either spend yourself or put in play on the trade market, and New Jersey More Taylor Hall talk — get used to it — on the Tape to Tape podcast is equipped to move forward in a post-Hall existence. That may not have last week with co-host Rory Boylen and myself. Also, if you’re a Canucks been the preferred path when this season started, but it’s also not the fan, you need to hear what Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre had to say about end of the world. Quinn Hughes. Of course, the Islanders set a ludicrously high bar when it comes to Looking Ahead turning the page after the departure of a star and their success punctuates the unpredictability of today’s NHL. New Jersey may be left in • We should learn more about Sidney Crosby’s lower-body injury on better shape than most realize. And even though Hall will have no Monday. shortage of suitors, I’m not sure any of them will represent the sure thing. • Tavares and the Leafs visit the Islanders on Wednesday. New year, Other Weekend Takeaways great team: will there be any warm-and-fuzzy yet from the Long Island fans? • The Blues are supposed to be hungover; instead they’re working more than ever. The champs are on a seven-game winning streak after • A couple guys from the spectacular 2003 NHL Draft will play their downing Calgary on Saturday thanks to David Perron’s third OT decider 1,000th games this week. Corey Perry hits the mark on Wednesday in of the young season. Five of St. Louis’s victories on this current run have Calgary and Jeff Carter will get there on Saturday when the Kings host come during the tacked-on three-on-three period. What really stands out, Vegas. though, is how the Ryan O’Reilly trade just keeps on giving. It’s worth remembering that even when the Blues were awful during the first part of Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.12.2019 last year, O’Reilly was producing in his new home. He wound up setting a career high by 13 points in the regular season before going all Conn 1161100 Websites AL Rookie of the Year: Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros NL Rookie of the Year: Peter Alonso, New York Mets

AL Manager of the Year: Aaron Boone, New York Yankees Sportsnet.ca / Time for Maple Leafs, Raptors to remember it's all about playoffs NL Manager of the Year: Craig Counsell, Milwaukee Brewers

AL Cy Young Award: Gerrit Cole, Astros

Jeff Blair | November 11, 2019, 9:57 AM NL Cy Young Award: Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals

AL MVP: Alex Bregman, Astros

What a calamitous weekend. The Toronto Maple Leafs lose Mitch Marner NL MVP: Anthony Rendon, Nationals for a minimum of four weeks with an ankle injury, the Toronto Raptors lose Kyle Lowry for more than two weeks with a fractured left thumb and A reminder: votes are cast before the start of the post-season. Serge Ibaka for an indeterminate period with an ankle injury, and, of QUIBBLES AND BITS course, Toronto FC ran out of road magic in a 3-1 loss to the Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup. • Great scene Sunday night when Raptors head coach Nick Nurse hugged everybody – including a fan – near the bench after his first It’s a pretty decent time for all of us to fall back on an old, faithful, truism successful coaches challenge of the season. The coaches challenge is a that for the Leafs and Raptors, at least, it was never going to be about one-year experiment and I’m with Raptors broadcaster Paul Jones on November. Or, December. Or January. It’s all about the playoffs. For the this: I think there’s a conspiracy to be overly forensic in judging calls that Leafs, this post-season will be the ultimate referendum about head coach are challenged so that, ultimately, the concept will die … Mike Babcock; thinking he might be turfed before then is mostly just good, clean fun but things have to go really – really — pear-shaped for • NBA commissioner Adam Silver wasn’t thinking about fans or even that to happen. With Marner’s absence, the Leafs and their management network broadcasters when he nailed Los Angeles Clippers head coach won’t have a chance to see this entire group together until, maybe, Doc Rivers with a $50,000 fine for mixed messaging about Kawhi Christmas? Leonard’s health as part of the fallout from the load management debate. The fact the league took the extraordinary step of “clarifying” what the It’s going to be easy to come up with reasons – or, for those cynics injury was by releasing the exact nature of Leonard’s injury would raise among you, excuses – to keep things intact, if that’s what you’re pre- my hackles as an NBA Players Association member, but that’s beside disposed to look for. In the meantime, a lot of us wanted to see this point: it was a clear shot across the bow of NBA coaches and something change on the power play, right? Here ya go! File it under “be executives that with formal partnerships emerging with legalized careful what you wish for.” gambling there will be a greater expectation of transparency. Just wait Programming Alert until that real world intrudes on baseball and hockey, too … the quid pro quo for legal gaming revenue will be more detailed and advanced Watch Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, Nov. 11, information about injuries, lineups, etc. on Sportsnet and . Coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT. • There’s no reason for the New Orleans Saints to panic, but it’s at least interesting that they have now played three games this season in which As for the Raptors? My god that was something else Sunday night; a they haven’t scored a touchdown, something they did just two times whole lot of Chris Boucher and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson breaking out all between 2006-2018. over. None of us expect them to run it back. Not really. Not this season. What we – or at least, I – am mostly interested in seeing is how the • Alphonso Davies has been freed. The firing of Bayern Munich manager foundation gets set for the subsequent two seasons after this one. It Niko Kovac and his replacement by Hansi Flick has seen the Edmonton would be great to see Pascal Siakam emerge as a stealth MVP native and national men’s star play regularly as a left back in back to candidate, but in some ways I’d be happier seeing OG Anunoby emerge back games this week: playing 90 minutes in a 2-0 Champions League as the most improved player in the NBA, because that would be the win over Greek side Olympiacos and 90 minutes in Saturday’s 4-0 loudest statement possible that this team is capable of doing the Bundesliga win over arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund. Uli Hoeness, the business again, if not necessarily in 2019-2020. In the meantime, this Bayern president a former German international, said this weekend that forced load management for Lowry and Ibaka is going to tell us a great Davies will be “world class some day.” deal about the likes of Terence Davis, Matt Thomas, Hollis-Jefferson and • With 5 p.m. ET Thursday being the deadline for 10 free-agent players to Norman Powell because head coach Nick Nurse has no choice but to accept or reject the $17.8-millon qualifying offers from their teams, a trust them. They will get their minutes deserved or not and that, too, is all reminder that of the 80 players who previously received qualifying offers to the good because it feeds into the notion that this season is about since the 2012 CBA, only six have accepted and eschewed free agency: sifting and sorting. Whatever happens in the playoffs is just more sifting Matt Wieters, Brett Anderson, Neil Walker, Colby Rasmus, Hyun-Jin Ryu and sorting, multiplied by 10. and Jeremy Hellickson. This year’s class is Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rendon, (As an aside: turns out you don’t need Kawhi to beat LeBron, anyhow …) Jose Abreu, Josh Donaldson, Madison Bumgarner, Jake Odorizzi, Marcell Ozuna, Will Smith, Zack Wheeler and Stephen Strasburg. Look: that a Toronto team – Toronto FC – was in position to win its Indications are that the Blue Jays won’t balk this winter at the loss of a second title in three years is really something. The Reds couldn’t pull it draft pick that comes from pursuing and signing one of the free agents. A off despite an edge in possession because they lacked someone to finish bigger question is whether the three they are said to fancy: Ozuna, off their graft … it was a game where, finally, not having a fully fit Jozy Odorizzi and, to a certain degree, Abreu accept the qualifying offer and Altidore caught up to them. Three trips to the MLS Cup in four years is stay out of free agency. Wheeler has their interest, too; but no way he pretty cool; two titles in three years would have been astounding. There accepts the New York Mets’ offer. is still a sense that TFC is a little shy at the back and needs an insurance policy against injuries to Altidore, who by virtue of his size and playing • I said this last winter and, God love them, the Chicago White Sox tried style is always going to be hurt. But all told? Well, let’s be honest: could to make me look good by making a run at Manny Machado that ultimately be worse, Toronto. Could be worse. failed. So here I go again: no team is as well-positioned to surprise this off-season, both financially, competitively and intellectually, than the FANTASY POOL ALERT! White Sox, whose window will be aided by the fact that the Cleveland Indians no longer run the AL Central and are in fact going to have to Play the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool presented by RAM for your make a tough call within the next 12 months on Francisco Lindor. chance to drive away with a 2020 RAM 1500 Sport or win cash prizes! It's FREE and easy to play! • The Toronto Wolfpack will cite logistics as the reason they are announcing the signing of New Zealand All-Blacks Sonny Bill Williams on AWARDS TIME Thursday at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, since the vast majority of The Baseball Writers Association of America will hand out its awards this Rugby League media are based in the U.K. Williams, who has starred in week. Here how I think they break down … both rugby league and , has agreed to a reported two-year, $10-million deal with the Wolfpack that is by far the richest in rugby league history and is a clear statement of intention ahead of their first season in Super League, the top tier of league rugby. According to England’s The Sun newspaper, the signing has also grabbed the attention of Mal Meninga, the coach of Australia’s national team, who wants the Kangaroos to play Toronto in 2020 as part of their warm-up for a test series in England. Dare we say … it’s a bloody, big deal.

THE ENDGAME

Now that the MLS Cup is finished, focus will shift to Friday’s CONCACAF Nations League matchup between John Herdman’s Canadian men and the U.S., and it’s hard to remember a match between these two where the stakes have been as high for the U.S. The U.S. soccer program is in a mess, most recently failing to advance past the group stage of the under-17 men’s World Cup and run off the pitch at BMO Field in a 2-0 loss to Canada on Oct. 15. U.S starlet Christian Pulisic left the field in tears that night, allegedly suffering from flu-like symptoms but more likely dealing with a bad case of Laryea-gitis – as in Canadian flyer Richie Laryea. Strangely, Pulisic’s season then seemed to have turned a corner, as he became a regular in Frank Lampard’s in-form Chelsea. Pulisic scored Saturday in a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace, but he was also subbed out after sustaining a hip injury. That will make his status a topic of conversation ahead of Friday, when Canada needs only a draw to win the Group and move on to the final of the tournament: a huge step in international rankings that will factor into their qualification chances for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. As we’ve already mentioned, Alphonso Davies is in prime form at Bayern Munich. This will be cracking good stuff …

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.12.2019 1161101 Websites From Howie Morenz as the ‘Mitchell Meteor’ to Larry ‘Big Bird’ Robinson and the ‘Pocket Rocket’ Henri Richard, Kinkaid certainly did not disappoint.

TSN.CA / Montreal Canadiens goaltender Keith Kinkaid remains the Kinkaid said he’s tried to step his game up by adding another weapon to NHL’s King of Emojis his celebratory arsenal in the form of GIFs. After each win, the GIF has some sort of relation to the opponent – whether it’s been a trip to Sin City or a victory over the Blues this year.

Frank Seravalli Even though Kinkaid didn’t appear in a single game for the Columbus Blue Jackets after the trade deadline last year as the third goaltender, he

said his GIFs during the playoffs proved popular in the dressing room. Montreal Canadiens netminder Keith Kinkaid has a language all to “I definitely did some trolling during the playoffs last year,” Kinkaid said. himself on Hockey Twitter. “The guys in Columbus liked it a lot, especially when I made a He types in code, or Kincode, after every Habs win – firing off a tweet customized GIF of us sweeping Tampa on the floor. This is supposed to that typically generates more than a thousand likes in a matter of be fun, so I just have fun with it.” minutes. So, all in good fun, could Kinkaid come up with an emoji for his bosses in Kinkaid’s emoji-filled, celebratory keyboard blasts began in New Jersey, Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin and coach Claude Julien? The chiselled but he carried the tradition to Columbus and then across the border this Bergevin came to mind instantly in emoji form: season to Montreal. “Biceps for days,” Kinkaid said, laughing. The tweets are their own language, appreciated universally in both As for Julien, Kinkaid chuckled and reserved answer: “I think I’ll stay English and French in Montréal and across La Belle Province. away from Claude until maybe I have a real good game.” “I just wanted to have fun with it. Then it kind of took off,” Kinkaid said. TSN.CA LOADED: 11.12.2019 “I’ve gone team to team and I didn’t know I was going to have to keep doing it, but it’s fun to get fans engaged. I think the fans like player interaction.

“It’s something to look forward to after a win.”

For the most part, Kinkaid’s tweets do not require much translation. Scan the scoresheet and it’s relatively easy to pair the player to his designated emoji through his performance.

But there was one hiccup in New Jersey. The emojis, as they appear on Kinkaid’s iPhone, don’t necessarily correspond the exact same way on Twitter.

So Kinkaid thought he was in the clear picking the clown emoji to represent fellow Devils goaltender Cory Schneider, since the clown had red hair.

Kinkaid wasn’t calling Schneider a clown; he was just playing off the clown’s hair colour that matched the ginger-haired goalie.

One problem: “On Twitter and some phones, the clown has blue hair.”

The joke was lost in translation. Kinkaid had to get the all clear before tweeting. He didn’t want to upset his teammate.

“‘Schneids said it was okay with it,’” Kinkaid said, laughing. “That one was pretty funny.”

Kinkaid, 30, is a fervent Yankees fan from Farmingdale, N.Y. on Long Island. He lifted the idea for his postgame tweet from former Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius.

But changing teams three times in the last season, before settling with the Canadiens on a one-year deal worth $1.75 million, has created a certain amount of pressure for the backup - as if filling in for Carey Price wasn’t pressure enough.

As the new guy, Kinkaid needed to come up with an emoji for each of his teammates.

“I had to think about it a lot,” Kinkaid said. “I didn’t really know everyone’s personality and everyone’s nickname. Some of the emojis are okay, some are easy. But it’s fun - even if some of them don’t even make sense.

“The guys think it’s funny. Some guys follow it. They’ll give it a like or a retweet.”

Kinkaid said Canadiens fans seem to get a kick out of the emoji for defenceman Jeff Petry - a petri dish - and the family emoji for forward Nick Cousins.

Kinkaid took the time to decode the ‘Kincode’ for TSN:

But we put Kinkaid to the test. We challenged his knowledge of Habs history him to come up with an emoji for five of the Canadiens’ all-time greats. 1161102 Websites (at 5.2 per cent), Mathieu Perreault, Kyle Connor, Jack Roslovic, and Andrew Copp. The concerning part there – same as it was last season – is that most of those guys are the players the Jets are expecting to drive the proverbial bus and win games. TSN.CA / Connor Hellebuyck keeping the Winnipeg Jets afloat In most cases, shot rates and expected goals tend to be quite similar to one another unless a team has truly mastered the art of counterattacking hockey. But Winnipeg is, again, an emphatic outlier on both ends of the Travis Yost ice so far this season. And although the goal differentials are hanging close to average right now, a huge piece of that has been their goaltender outplaying the opposing netminder most nights. There have been lots of scoring chances in Winnipeg Jets games over the first month of the season, but they’re largely happening at one end of Goalie advantages are huge – the Jets lived the other side of the coin for the ice. years with Ondrej Pavelec and company out there. But eventually this dam will break. Either the defence will have to step up their structural There is a good argument to be made that Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck interior play in the defensive zone, or the offence will have to start – and his 93.0 save percentage in the first month of the year – is the generating more dangerous scoring chances. team’s most valuable player. Despite Winnipeg’s respectable 10-7-1 record to start the year, it certainly feels as though the team’s win-loss If neither happens the Jets remain a team at risk of slipping in the record is a bit on the flattering side. standings.

Put aside the fact that the team has a negative goal differential and TSN.CA LOADED: 11.12.2019 consider some of the other key performance indicators for this team:

- 48.9 Corsi% at even strength

- 47.1 Goal% at even strength

- 41.9 Expected Goal% at even strength

- 5.3 goals per 60 minutes on the power play (21st in NHL)

- 10.1 goals against per 60 minutes on the penalty kill (28th in NHL)

At the surface level, it seems as though Winnipeg is becoming this year’s version of a team that gets marginally outplayed territorially on most nights, but has a goaltending advantage that acts as a bit of a neutralizer.

Of course, the special-teams numbers on top of the shaky even-strength play creates a tough situation for Paul Maurice and the rest of the coaching staff.

The good news is that Winnipeg isn’t being routinely outshot so far this season – the Jets are 42 shot attempts in the red, which amounts to a disadvantage of 2.5 per game. You would like to see more time in the offensive zone and less away from Hellebuyck’s end of the ice, but it’s not as if this type of performance is going to unilaterally sink a team.

But the mantra of “not all shots are created equal” certainly applies to this Winnipeg roster, and it manifests in the data.

Winnipeg’s expected goal numbers – which take into consideration both the volume of shots on the ice and the quality of those shots based on distance, angles, shot types, et al. – are substantially worse. In fact, the delta between Winnipeg’s expected goal rates and shot rates is a massive outlier within the league. No team has a differential even half that of the Jets.

You can see this in the expected shooting rates for Winnipeg on a game- by-game basis. Not only does Hellebuyck tend to see proportionally more shots from the interior and the slot, but Winnipeg’s offence has tremendous difficulty piercing the interior of the opposition’s defence.

Add the big quality disadvantage to a small volume disadvantage, and you see why there are concerns about this team’s immediate future, irrespective of record:

This is why the expected goal rates are so unfavourable, relative to the team’s shot differentials – opponents take shots from close and in tight, and Winnipeg does not. It means that the average opponent shot attempt at even strength has been about one per cent more likely to find the back of the net than a shot attempt by the Jets. That is sizable.

HockeyViz does a fantastic job of creating heat maps that capture the issue well. Consider again the difference between the average Winnipeg shot and the average opponent shot. In Winnipeg’s case, most of the volume is from the perimeter. In their opponent’s case, most of the volume is in and around Hellebuyck’s crease:

At the skater level on the defensive side, the problem isn’t unique to one line or a couple of pairings.

Absent Mason Appleton, Adam Lowry, Patrik Laine and Gabriel Bourque, every Jets skater is seeing higher-than-average quality shots against while on the ice. That group is headlined by five forwards – Nikolaj Ehlers 1161103 Websites immigrants. This part of the population believe that Canadian history began after their ancestors arrived during the European settlement.”

Rivas Sanchez said Cherry isn’t representative of a typical Canadian. USA TODAY / Opinion: Don Cherry's popularity with his fans couldn't “Don Cherry has outspoken manners; he dresses in a flamboyant way; save him this time from anti-immigrant remark his political views are conservative; he is judgmental of people’s looks and ways of life, and very opinionated,” Rivas Sanchez said. “So, he pretty much represents the opposite of what a ‘regular’ Canadian is Kevin Allen about.”

Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons told USA TODAY Sports before Cherry's firing that Cherry was a “miracle of modern media.” Hockey Night in Canada’s Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry has always been must-see TV in the hockey world. Players, reporters, fans and Analyst's latest cringe-worthy remark costs him job everyone else in the hockey world gathered in front of the TV between periods to hear what might come out of Cherry’s mouth. Injury robs Celtics' Hayward of joyous, All-Star start

They could never be sure whether it would be poignant or cringe-worthy. 6 aspiring NFL playoff teams should start worrying

“He’s that old-school guy with a diehard passion for the game and for LSU coach regrets curse-filled speech went public Canada,” said former NHL player Tom Laidlaw. “If he was in the arena, Like what you see? Download the USA TODAY mobile app you wanted to see him. He was a celebrity. And when we were in Canada, we gathered around the TV when he was on because it was a “Everything in the world has changed and Don Cherry (remained) the thrill to say something good about you.” same on Saturday night, hugely popular, mostly beloved, the man a country has gotten used to tuning into every Saturday night. He is The problem was that the same Cherry who could grow emotional telling predictable and occasionally offensive and sometimes racist but definitely a story about a severely injured youth player or about soldiers playing old school, but he brings in viewers and brings in advertising.” road hockey in a war zone could also make comments that sometimes came across as xenophobic. Simmons also called for Cherry to be fired.

His 34-year run on Coach’s Corner ended Monday when he was fired, Arthur said Cherry “has never been bigger than the game but at times it two days after he made a racist remark accusing immigrants of not felt like he was.” observing the Canadian tradition of wearing poppies to honor Canada’s military heroes. “He was part of our national furniture,” Arthur said.

"You people ... love our way of life, love our milk and honey," Cherry It seemed like Cherry was bulletproof until Monday when the decision said. "At least you could pay a couple of bucks for poppies or something was announced that he was being removed. like that. These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada.” Laidlaw said Cherry once said a complimentary remark about him on His network and the NHL both came out with strong statements against Coach’s Corner and Laidlaw’s father told him how proud he was to hear what Cherry had said. that on Hockey Night in Canada.

Cherry was regularly uncomplimentary of how some European players “I didn’t even tell me on the phone. He waited until he saw me next to tell played the game. He also once referred to Winnipeg Jets assistant coach me. That’s how important it was to him,” Laidlaw said. Alpo Suhonen as “some kind of dog food.” Before Cherry was let go, Arthur predicted his dismissal would spark a He liked tough hockey and didn’t appreciate guys who put on visors national conversation. because he didn’t think they respected the game’s tradition. He thought “It will be a cultural war conversation now, not just a hockey visor wearers played with their sticks up. conversation,” Arthur said. “We sailed past that a long time ago.”

“Most of the guys that wear them are Europeans and French guys,” he Said Laidlaw: “He doesn’t sit on the fence. People are going to miss said. that.”

Cherry always said what he thought, regardless of consequences. He USA TODAY LOADED: 11.12.2019 called Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby a “hot dog” because he didn’t like him sliding on his knees to celebrate a goal. He didn’t like Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin’s celebration after he scored his 50th goal.

His conservative politics often mixed into his show, particularly when it came to his support of the Canadian military and his disbelief of climate change. In 2003, he said he was supportive of the invasion of Iraq and heavily criticized Montreal Canadiens fans for booing the American anthem.

Cherry’s supporters have taken note that it seems particularly cruel that Cherry was fired on Canada's Remembrance Day.

It wasn't a mystery why Cherry kept his job in the face of much controversy. In 2004, CBC television held a vote to determine the greatest Canadian ever and Cherry finished seventh, four spots behind Pierre Trudeau and three spots ahead of Wayne Gretzky.

Toronto Star columnist Bruce Arthur called for Cherry to be fired after Saturday’s comment. But he also said Cherry is “as close as we have to a high priestess in hockey in a country that is obsessed with hockey.”

“(Cherry) connects very well with a segment of Canada’s population: the Caucasian middle- or upper-middle-class adult English-speaking male who likes tough sports,” Eloy Rivas Sanchez, a professor of sociology and anthropology at Carleton University, told USA TODAY Sports. “And he connects to them for a reason: This segment of the population is part of a generation of immigrants who do not think of themselves as 1161104 Websites

USA TODAY / Hockey Night in Canada analyst Don Cherry fired after making racist comment on air

Kevin Allen

Canadian hockey commentator Don Cherry, a man known for his flamboyant suits and controversial comments, has been fired after making a racially inflamed remark during Saturday’s broadcast.

“Sports brings people together – it unites us, not divides us,” Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley said in a release. “Following further discussions with Don Cherry after Saturday night’s broadcast, it has been decided that it is the right time for him to immediately step down. During the broadcast, he made divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for.”

Cherry, who coached the Boston Bruins for five seasons in the 1970s, had doing the Coach’s Corner segment with Ron MacLean on Hockey Night in Canada for 35 seasons.

On Saturday’s broadcast, Cherry accused immigrants of not respecting Canada's tradition of wearing poppies to honor military heroes.

"You people ... love our way of life, love our milk and honey," Cherry said. "At least you could pay a couple of bucks for poppies or something like that. These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada.”

Cherry told the Toronto Sun that he was sticking by what he said.

"I know what I said and I meant it. Everybody in Canada should wear a poppy to honor our fallen soldiers."

He added: “I speak the truth and I walk the walk. I have visited the bases of the troops, been to Afghanistan with our brave soldiers at Christmas, been to cemeteries of our fallen around the world and honored our fallen troops on Coach’s Corner.”

He told the Canadian Press that he did not single out minorities or immigrants with his comments.

“I did not say minorities, I did not say immigrants. If you watch ‘Coach’s Corner,’ I did not say that. I said, ‘Everybody.’ And I said, ‘You people,’” he said. “Irish, Scotch, anybody that’s newcomers to Canada, and they should wear a poppy to honor our dead from the past, whether they’re Scotch or Irish or English, or where they come from.”

MacLean apologized on Twitter Sunday night, saying, "It was a divisive moment and I am truly upset with myself for allowing it."

Cherry has a long history of saying things that got him in trouble. In the early years of Coach’s Corner, he was often disrespectful of European players. Even last season, he called the Carolina Hurricanes “a bunch of jerks” because they followed home wins with a choreographed celebration.

But despite the controversy, he remained popular with many Canadians.

Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons was among those calling for Cherry to be fired after his Saturday comment.

"He has always been a polarizing figure, but mostly in a good way,” Simmons told USA TODAY Sports before the firing was announced. “Whenever he crosses the line and his employment is debated - as it is now - he usually wins in the polls, if you want to call it that.”

The NHL said the firing of Cherry was a "justifiable response."

"The opinions he expressed are in direct conflict with the values of diversity and inclusion that we embrace as pillars of our sport," the league said in a statement.

USA TODAY LOADED: 11.12.2019