SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 11/23/2019 1162855 Ducks eager for Hampus Lindholm to rejoin defense 1162889 'I have to step up': takes blame for Red 1162856 The Comeback Cats: Panthers rally from 4-0 hole and win Wings' recent struggles — again 1162890 Grand Rapids Griffins fail to capitalize in loss to red-hot Milwaukee 1162891 How to watch, listen and stream Detroit Red Wings at New 1162857 John Beecher making his way in college hockey Jersey Devils 1162858 Torey Krug is a ‘strong probable’ to play Saturday 1162859 The B’s didn’t have their A game. Fortunately, they had Tuukka Rask 1162892 Klefbom is playing like a true No. 1 D in the league 1162860 Charlie Coyle at home on Bruins third 1162893 OILERS SNAPSHOTS: Nygard's speed gives him scoring 1162861 As Matt Grzelcyk hits his stride, Bruins benefit potential but just the one 1162862 Bruins injuries: Torey Krug, could play 1162894 Edmonton Oilers Game Day: Oilers look to bounce back Saturday vs. Wild against Las 1162863 Tuukka Rask's 'save of the year' bails out Bruins against 1162895 Leon Draisaitl takes the blame as the Oilers’ struggles Sabres against lowly foes continue 1162864 Bruce Cassidy on Bruins' win over Sabres: 'We've got a ways to go' 1162896 One unheralded part of the Panthers’ three-game win streak — Bobrovsky ‘closing the door’ late 1162865 Sabres place John Gilmour on waivers 1162897 The Comeback Cats: Panthers rally from 4-0 hole and win 1162866 brings his inspiring story to indigenous — again hockey camps Flames 1162898 Kings aim for 6th consecutive home win against Arizona 1162867 Flames' travel delay extended team heart-to-heart ... and 1162899 Dean Lombardi on Jeff Carter, ‘Top Gun’ and late-night maybe that's a good thing garage chats with 1162868 Flames TJ Brodie to join team on road trip 1162900 TUCSON 4, ONTARIO 1 – VILARDI, SODERGRAN, 1162869 These five charts sum up the Flames dismal season so far STOTHERS 1162870 Flames GM Treliving takes blame for recent losing skid 1162901 FORBORT UPDATE; DOUGHTY, WALKER, LIZOTTE, 1162871 Duhatschek Notebook: Why the Flames shouldn’t trade SHAFIGULLIN NOTES; HOCKEY FIGHTS CANCER, Gaudreau and how defending smaller players is changing MAKE-A-WISH EVENTS 1162872 The case for keeping in Calgary 1162902 PREVIEW – ONTARIO @ TUCSON, 11/22 (because he hasn’t been as bad as it seems) 1162903 WAKING UP WITH THE KINGS: NOVEMBER 22 1162904 LUFF ASSIGNED TO ONT; LEWIS, FRK, BAYLIS Carolina Hurricanes UPDATES 1162873 Huberdeau and Florida take on Carolina 1162874 Hockey Fights Cancer game has special meaning for Minnesota Wild Canes’ Ryan Dzingel, his dad 1162905 Boston hosts Minnesota after Marchand's 2-goal game 1162906 Wild-Boston game preview Chicago Blackhawks 1162907 Wild trip to Boston is return home for Ryan Donato 1162875 Jeremy Colliton defends his decision to use an unusual 1162908 Wild survives frenzied finish to hold off Colorado lineup and give Slater Koekkoek a start against his for 1162909 The Wild’s most agitating player? Oddly enough, it’s stoic 1162876 From a ‘little bit of a hanger over the lip’ to ‘whiskers on Joel Eriksson Ek. the catfish’: Andrew Shaw critiques the Blackhawk 1162877 Andrew Shaw finally finding niche on present-day MontrealCanadiens Blackhawks roster 1162910 Stu Cowan: Canadiens' Max Domi 'not hitting the panic 1162878 Dallas takes home win streak into matchup with Chicago button' on scoring slump 1162879 Hawks upcoming 5-game will reveal if they're playoff 1162911 Hickey on hockey: Caufield paces Badgers; Poulin & Co. contenders back in 1162880 Rozner: Blackhawks' Kane might give Chelios run as USA 1162912 Canadiens Notebook: Max Domi moving from wing back best to 1162913 What the Puck: Canadiens' losing streak exposes team's Colorado Avalanche weak spots 1162881 Avalanche Mikko Rantanen returns to team 1162914 What Melnick Thinks: The Canadiens need to be proactive practice in step forward from injury before this goes sideways 1162882 The Avs share their favorite memories of Tyson Barrie 1162915 The Canadiens appear to be hoarding cap space when they are already swimming in it. The question is why? Columbus Blue Jackets 1162883 Blue Jackets | Speed is no longer only facet of Eric Robinson’s game 1162916 Peter Laviolette: ‘I haven’t felt any’ pressure from above 1162884 Improving Blue Jackets power play gets 'new voice' in as Predators’ slump continues Paul MacLean 1162885 Blue Jackets 5, Red Wings 4: The 3-2-1 breakdown 1162886 Blue Jackets’ first-quarter report card: Good grades for goalies and rookies, but some veterans need help 1162887 What to expect for the Winter Classic: Live animals, musical acts and a re-opened State Fair Midway 1162888 John Klingberg helps keep Brody Nelson’s legacy alive with ‘LEGOs for Little Warriors’ 1162917 Mackenzie Blackwood chased in Devils’ loss to Penguins 1162954 Sharks give health updates on Melker Karlsson, Radim 1162918 What Devils’ Jesper Boqvist needs to show to more Simek permanent lineup fixture 1162955 Takeaways: Aaron Dell shines in win, but he can’t stop 1162919 Devils’ lines, pairings vs. Penguins (11/22/19) | Mackenzie here Blackwood in net; Jesper Boqvist back in 1162920 NJ Devils projected lineup: Jesper Boqvist returns to St Louis Blues action vs. Penguins 1162956 Blues notebook: 'If I feel good, I'd like to continue to play,' 1162921 MacKenzie Blackwood pulled in Devils’ ugly loss to Bouwmeester says Penguins 1162957 Preview: Blues vs. Predators 1162922 Devils first quarter report card: Do they have a winning 1162958 Sanford fighting a head game to try to help Blues surge in them? 1162959 Brouwer still waiting on visa to play for Blues 1162960 Moving to the middle: Blues’ Robert Thomas poised to New York Islanders seize opportunity as center 1162923 Islanders Set Franchise Record With 16-Game Point Streak 1162924 This West Coast trip sets up as nicely as possible for 1162961 Lightning dads’ trip sparks memories of less extravagant Islanders trips 1162925 It may be early in the NHL season, but go ahead enjoy this Islanders points streak 1162926 Hockey players are tough, but do they know what's best 1162962 Sheldon Keefe makes a strong first impression with Maple for their health? Leafs 1162927 Best-of moments from the Islanders’ first 20 games — the 1162963 Sheldon Keefe’s Leafs expect fast results with slower best start in franchise history hockey 1162964 Saturday NHL preview: Toronto Maple Leafs at Colorado Avalanche 1162928 Rangers’ struggles continue with loss to Senators 1162965 Mike Babcock hasn’t changed, and neither has the Leafs’ 1162929 Rangers’ will have to wait to reach this tendency to panic under pressure win milestone 1162966 Barrie, Kadri traded more than just sweaters in Maple 1162930 Rangers frustrated after listless outing in loss to Senators Leafs, Avs swap last summer 1162931 Postgame analysis: NY Rangers continue up-and-down 1162967 Leafs' Jason Spezza envisions greater role under old rival trend in 'abysmal' loss to Senators Sheldon Keefe 1162932 NY Rangers projected lineup: Baby Blueshirts trying to 1162968 WARMINGTON: Teen's unforgettable day with former avoid letdown after big win Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock 1162933 Inconsistent Rangers can't handle surging Senators 1162969 Bourne: Four stories that help explain the way Maple 1162934 Artemi Panarin's 12-game point streak comes to an end Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe operates 1162935 Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist back in goal with chance to 1162970 Closing the book on Mike Babcock’s complicated, full and pass Curtis Joseph on all-time wins list true record as Maple Leafs head coach 1162936 The bad isn’t just bad for the Rangers. It’s unacceptable, as evidenced Friday night 1162986 Canucks Game Day Saturday: Ovechkin aims to leave an Ottawa Senators early impression, and maybe a few bruises 1162937 GARRIOCH GAME REPORT: Flourishing Senators keep 1162987 Ben Kuzma: Former Canucks Leipsic gets career foot on gas in win over Rangers assist from Ovechkin 1162938 Senators having fun ‘riding the wave’ but don’t expect 1162988 ‘Welcome home Beags’: Jay Beagle’s absence still rebuilding plan to change for postseason run noticeable in first trip back to Capitals’ practice rink 1162989 Brogan Rafferty is finally ready for his . Plus, the latest word on Canucks prospects 1162939 Flyers’ Kevin Hayes looks to come out of slump against college teammate Johnny Gaudreau Vegas Golden Knights 1162940 (Morgan) Frost warning: Electricity is in the air when 1162971 Ex-Golden Knight James Neal enjoys resurgence with Flyers rookie is on the ice | Sam Carchidi Oilers 1162941 Johnny Gaudreau trade buzz? Flyers should only think 1162972 Golden Knights’ Jonathan Marchessault looks for about welcoming him for 1 game consistency 1162942 Scott Laughton returns to Flyers, Nolan Patrick placed on 1162973 Golden Knights’ OT struggles continue in loss to San Jose long-term injured reserve Sharks 1162943 Morgan Frost is NHL ready after all, now trying to prove he 1162974 Vegas’ Jonathan Marchessault angry over lack of scoring: can stay ‘I should be willing to break my stick. I need better 1162944 West Deptford teen, two-time cancer survivor, meets his 1162975 In Rebranding Play, Paper Goods and Janitorial Supplies favorite Flyer Company Buys Naming Rights To New Golden Knights Commu 1162945 Empty Thoughts: Penguins 4, Devils 1 1162946 Minor League Report: Andrew Agozzino leads Penguins to 1162976 Fresh faces crowd Capitals’ dressing room as injuries sixth straight win linger 1162947 Penguins take control in 3rd period to handily defeat 1162977 4 things to know for Caps-Canucks: Backstrom, Dowd still Devils at home out 1162948 Penguins’ Mike Sullivan says Alex Galchenyuk needs to 1162978 Alex Ovechkin delivers again - but this time it's pizza find ‘the quiet ice’ 1162979 Capitals Prospect Report: Why the preseason matters 1162949 Devils coach John Hynes still carries respect with 1162980 ‘Welcome home Beags’: Jay Beagle’s absence still Penguins noticeable in first trip back to Capitals’ practice rink 1162950 Tristan Jarry makes case for more ice time in Penguins' victory over Devils 1162951 Penguins focused on getting Alex Galchenyuk more shots 1162952 Rossi: Jake Guentzel’s bizarre breakaway was symbolic of the Penguins’ season 1162953 The Penguins keep finding creative ways to lose games Websites 1162990 .ca / Leafs' Tyson Barrie has new lease on life with Sheldon Keefe at the helm 1162991 Sportsnet.ca / Leafs coaching change thrusts Brendan Shanahan back into spotlight 1162992 Sportsnet.ca / Flames' Treliving points finger at himself with team mired in losing streak 1162993 Sportsnet.ca / Oilers' Klefbom defying common hockey practice as team's No. 1 defenceman 1162994 Sportsnet.ca / Pettersson embracing responsibilities of being Canucks' best player 1162995 Sportsnet.ca / Flames' T.J. Brodie re-joins team, but won't play yet 1162996 Sportsnet.ca / NHL Power Rankings: 6th Annual Hockey Haiku Edition 1162997 Sportsnet.ca / Truth By Numbers: Examining Pageau's stunning November with Senators 1162998 Sportsnet.ca / How minor hockey survived the chaos of the Fort McMurray fires 1162999 Sportsnet.ca / Oilers' McDavid, Draisaitl have rare hiccup in loss to Kings 1163000 TSN.CA / Rejuvenated Barrie: ‘It’s an exciting time to be a Leaf’ 1163001 TSN.CA / The Core 4...Plus Four: Eastern Canadian NHL teams 1163002 TSN.CA / The Core 4...Plus Four: Western Canadian NHL teams 1163003 TSN.CA / 's NHL teams well represented in Core 4 U-24 Top 50 Players list 1163004 TSN.CA / Edmonton Oilers lead the pack in Core 4 U-24 NHL Player Ranking Jets 1162981 Pionk making Trouba deal look good 1162982 Consistent Copp headed for career year with Jets 1162983 At long last, Alabama Jets fan fulfills dream to see team up close 1162984 From MVP candidates to a trio of misadventures: Evaluating Winnipeg’s forwards at the quarter-season mark 1162985 Pritch Strong: The Jets’ massage therapist is staying upbeat as he battles cancer for the second time SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1162855 Anaheim Ducks Orange County Register: LOADED: 11.23.2019

Ducks eager for Hampus Lindholm to rejoin defense

Injured defenseman who has missed the past six games rejoined his teammates at practice Friday

By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | PUBLISHED: November 22, 2019 at 2:32 pm | UPDATED: November 22, 2019 at 3:34 PM

TAMPA, Fla. — It wasn’t difficult to imagine how different the Ducks’ play Thursday against the Florida Panthers might have been had injured defenseman Hampus Lindholm been a part of their lineup instead of watching from an undisclosed location at BB&T Center.

The Ducks squandered a four-goal lead and lost 5-4 in overtime thanks in large part to some unsteady play in their own end of the ice. The Panthers took advantage of every mistake the Ducks made after taking what appeared to be a commanding 4-0 lead late in the second period.

Lindholm rejoined the Ducks, but sat out for a sixth consecutive game, flying cross country to witness their collapse first hand Thursday. Less than 24 hours later, after a chartered flight from the east coast of Florida to the west, he was on the ice with them for their practice Friday at a suburban rink.

It remained to be determined whether he could play Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the final game on the Ducks’ four-game trip, or whether he would delay his return to the lineup until the Ducks play the New York Islanders on Monday at Honda Center.

“It feels pretty good out there,” said Lindholm, who has been sidelined since suffering an unspecified lower-body injury in a Nov. 8 game against the Minnesota Wild. “It’s hard to say right now. I’ll have to see how I feel the rest of the day, if it tightens up and stuff, and go from there.”

The plan has been to err on the side of caution, which was why Lindholm stayed behind to skate on his own while the Ducks departed for their trip to play the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, Panthers and Lightning. The Ducks are 1-1-1 on their trip, 10-10-3 overall, and in need of a boost.

“That’s priority one because there’s no reason to rush back to get in the lineup only to go out quick again,” Lindholm said of taking it slow and steady in his return from his injury. “I plan on staying in the lineup for the rest of the year once I get back.”

There’s no question the Ducks have missed Lindholm and all he brings to their lineup. His absence has been especially critical because they’re also without Josh Manson, his defense partner, because of a sprained knee that could keep him out for up to 10 weeks.

Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said Manson was making good progress in his recovery and rehabilitation from an injury suffered during an awkward collision with Jason Dickinson of the Stars in an Oct. 24 game at Dallas. Eakins said there have been no “hiccups” and “no problems” so far.

Lindholm had a team-leading nine assists in 15 games when he was sidelined. It took until Monday’s loss to the Capitals for left wing Rickard Rakell to catch him for the team lead. Right wing Jakob Silfverberg tied them with his ninth assist in the Ducks’ loss to the Panthers.

“He’s what you want in your life and he’s what you want on your team,” Eakins said of Lindholm. “He’s uncommonly consistent. Like, he is just consistent with his game. He rarely has an off night. You know exactly what you’re going to get from him.

“He can break the puck out. He’s a great defender. He does have a level of offense in him that we’re doing our best to grow and blossom. Not only is he a good hockey player, he’s an amazing athlete. That guy can log heavy minutes, if you need him to do.”

Lindholm’s calm demeanor also would have aided the Ducks as they attempted to preserve their lead Thursday, according to Eakins. The Ducks lost their way after Florida’s Brett Connolly scored two goals late in the second period to jump-start the Panthers’ rally.

“His heart rate doesn’t even go up, and that’s what you see in those really, really good players,” Eakins said. “No matter the score or a critical moment or the last minute or they’ve pulled the goalie, he’s still able to just process it, no panic and be consistent in his play. We need it.” 1162856 Anaheim Ducks In case you wonder or fear Ducks faithful, Panthers have erased a 4-0 deficit. Did it nine days ago in Boston. My boy @GeorgeRichards was on the scene for that comeback. The Comeback Cats: Panthers rally from 4-0 hole and win — again https://theathletic.com/1366352/2019/11/13/down-4-0-no-problem-for- panthers-who-storm-back-in-the-third-and-beat-bruins-in-shootout/ …

Down 4-0? No problem for Panthers, who storm back in the... By George Richards Nov 22, 2019 After a disaster of a second period, Florida regains its confidence and rallies for the biggest comeback win in franchise history.

SUNRISE, Fla. — By the time the Anaheim Ducks made it 4-0 late in the theathletic.com second period, the only cheers the Florida Panthers heard in their home building Thursday were for the kid who belts out the national anthem and 5 some guys who attempted to chug White Claws on the big screen. 9:29 PM - Nov 21, 2019

It was a dead building and the Panthers had given their fans nothing, Twitter Ads info and privacy really, save for $5 beers and a flatfooted performance. See Eric Stephens's other Tweets Suddenly, the barn bounced to life. So, just to be clear, the Panthers do not want to win games like this. Just 14 seconds after the Panthers had gone down by four goals, Brett Seriously, they do not. Connolly scored to put Florida on the board. Seconds later, he scored again. But they seem to be having a whole lot of fun doing so.

The Panthers had a pulse. Again. Falling behind a goal or two seemingly every night can get old, although it has strengthened their resolve. For the second time in just over a week, Florida woke up after trailing 4-0 in the second period of a game. The Panthers came into the night ranked tops in their division for goals scored and second only in the Eastern Conference to the Capitals. They And for the second time in just over a week, the Panthers rallied to pull can score and they know it. off an improbable victory — this one 5-4 in overtime against the Ducks. Now, they would like to give their goalie a little more help and not have to “Things kind of woke up on the first one, but after the second one, the rely on such big comebacks so often. building really came alive,” Connolly said of the still atmosphere his team contributed to and how he jump-started things by scoring twice within the “It’s crazy,” said Aaron Ekblad, who made it 4-3 in the third period on a final 67 seconds of the second period. wicked slap shot, then won it by scoring in OT for the first two-goal game of his career. “Obviously, we got together between the second and third “The game all changed right there. This is a team that has consistently and had some words in here. Really, it’s all belief from every guy. We played the same way by continuing to move forward. We may be a little were sitting on the bench and goals are going in, but no one is freaking discouraged being down, but it doesn’t affect our play. We keep on out. playing. “Everybody is calm, cool and collected. We’re confident we can come “We have guys on this team who can turn losses into wins and that can back in any situation. We don’t want to be in that situation all that often turn losing streaks into winning streaks and keep things rolling. We have but it’s a huge win. We just catch a spark and we run with it.’’ that kind of team right now.” Thursday, the Panthers did not look ready to play as both teams skated Last Tuesday night in Boston, the Panthers pulled off the biggest through a sleepy first period. comeback in the franchise’s 26 years. The Ducks did crack the ice with 2:45 left in the period, but there was Just nine days later, they did it for a second time. The last team to rally nothing to indicate from either side that Anaheim — a team which had from a four-goal deficit twice in the same season were the Wayne surrendered an average of four goals over its past six games — would Gretzky-led Edmonton Oilers back in 1983. sustain a lead on the Panthers.

Those guys were pretty good. Yet Anaheim (which had lost six of seven) not only held onto its lead but These Panthers look pretty good, too. built on it. Midway through the second, the Ducks made it 2-0. Then they got a power play goal to make it 3-0 at 15:50 to bring out the first “It is kind of a cool accomplishment, but obviously, you don’t ever want to smattering of boos. be down four goals,” said Keith Yandle, who tied the score at 4-4 in Boston before the Panthers won that game in a shootout. With 1:21 remaining in the second, Ondrej Kase scored on one of the hardest-working goals this game has seen. “We are not putting ourselves in an ideal situation but there is never a sense that we’re out of it. When you have as much skill as we do, have After losing control of a faceoff to Yandle, Kase knocked down a clearing as many guys who can put the puck in the back of the net as we do, you pass from Yandle while still in the Florida zone. Kase fired at Sergei never feel like you can’t come back. There is no panic here.” Bobrovsky after the quick exchange only to have the shot blocked; Kase quickly corralled his own rebound and scored to make it 4-0. Florida has won three consecutive games for the first time this season. For those who left the game early, sorry. The Panthers head to Carolina for a date with the Hurricanes as winners of seven of the past 10. George Richards

Between the Miami Heat and the Panthers, the winter sports scene is ✔ starting to look up in South Florida. @GeorgeRichards “Hey, we don’t want to fall behind like that,’’ Brian Boyle said. “We should Anaheim Ducks 4, #FlaPanthers 0 with 1:21 left 2nd. Goodnight, Boston? not be down by four goals. But this is a results-based business, right? We have a real belief in ourselves to come back. As a team, coming back 3 like this is a learned skill. We’re making the right plays in the right places.” 8:40 PM - Nov 21, 2019

Eric Stephens Twitter Ads info and privacy

✔ See George Richards's other Tweets

@icemancometh Just moments after Kase scored a goal. which should have sealed Florida’s fate in this one, Frank Vatrano picked off a puck in the neutral zone, fed Connolly in the slot and his slapper made it 4-1. A mere 27 seconds later, Connolly again slid into the high slot, let another slap shot go — and the Panthers really did have life again.

“It was more than improbable,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “We were probably playing our poorest game up to that point. … We had some fortunate breaks to get ourselves even thinking there was a chance at the end of the second. Now it’s a hockey game a little bit.

“The first one made it all of a sudden 4-1, you think you’ve got a sniff. All of a sudden, you get the next one, and you think ‘OK, we’ve had some amazing comebacks.’ I think that got everybody excited after two.”

After rallying from the 4-0 deficit in Boston against one of the best teams in the game, the Panthers felt good about their standing in this one, with 20 minutes left to play and their opponent not exactly lighting things up at the moment.

“We have guys who can score and can turn games like this — which should be a loss — into a win,” Connolly said. “We need to be better defensively, no doubt, but this was a good win.

“Every team, even the best team in the league, has a stinker. It happens. Sometimes you don’t have your legs, you don’t make your plays, the breaks go against you, the building deflates, whatever. We got it back, though. That’s important.”

Said Boyle: “We have stuff we need to work on, for sure. But our ability to keep coming back with different guys each time it seems … this is fun. No matter where we are in a game, we have guys who make plays.

“It is a ton of fun to be part of and play in games like this.”

Toninato’s big moment

With the Panthers struggling to do much of anything, Quenneville changed up some of his lines and moved Dominic Toninato off the fourth line.

With 4:23 left, Toninato was part of the Florida offensive push and refused to give up his station on the right side of the cage when a shot from Ekblad bounced off goalie John Gibson.

Ekblad pulled his own rebound in, but with Gibson down on the ice, sent the puck to Toninato who was standing alone in front of an empty net. He popped it in and the score was tied at 4.

“It was huge,” said Ekblad, who finished with three points. “He was in the right place at the right time.”

It was the second goal in five games for Toninato, who has been recalled from the minors twice — once when Noel Acciari was hurt and again to replace Dryden Hunt.

“It felt awesome. Obviously, we didn’t come out with our best start and we fell behind, but have a special group here and fought back again. It was nice to get that win,” Toninato said.

• Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar is back on the ice and has been put through conditioning skates the past two days.

Weegar, who needed help skating off the ice at Madison Square Garden after being struck in the head by a slap shot on Nov. 10, is expected to join full practice next week.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162857 Boston Bruins Beecher, cast in a support role in his two years at the US National Team Development Program, played behind No. 1 overall pick Jack Hughes (Devils) and No. 5 pick (Kings). Using the Bruins’ center John Beecher making his way in college hockey structure, he played a Kuraly role. As a freshman, he’s playing Bergeron minutes: a steady diet of first-line shine at even strength, power play, and kill. He is the team’s leading scorer, with a 4-4—8 line in 13 games. By Matt Porter Globe Staff, November 22, 2019, 9:09 p.m. “He’s been thrust into that because of his skill and talent,” said coach Mel

Pearson. “You forget he’s 18, especially when he’s 6-3, 210 pounds. GLOBE STAFF DURHAM, N.H. — Johnny Beecher is not Patrice He’s got so much to learn still, about day to day life, and adversity, and Bergeron. socially, how to carry yourself. Everything. It gets fast-forwarded sometimes, but he does a good job. We’ve talked to him quite a bit about He’s not David Krejci or Charlie Coyle or Sean Kuraly. his leadership role, body language on the ice, how he handles people.”

He’s a first-semester college player, which is easy to forget when you’re He’s earning high marks there. Pearson said he has a few letters in his watching a combination of size (6 feet 3 inches, 209 pounds) that office from Michigan fans who have seen Beecher, laid back and wouldn’t look out of place on an NHL roster, and skating ability that could personable, go out of his way to sign autographs and chat. quickly bring him to the areas of NHL ice where pros cash checks. Beecher gets to his spot in a hurry, with force and fluidity. At present, it is But the play’s the thing, and he’s shown well on this unfamiliar stage. his defining quality. It was apparent Friday at New Hampshire on his first He flew around the Olympic-size ice sheet at UNH’s Whittemore Center shift, when he laid a smack on an opposing defenseman who didn’t on Friday, losing steam when he sustained a minor upper body injury expect him to arrive so quickly, and on his second, when he caused a midway through the game. As the main net-front option, he scored a first- turnover behind the UNH net and set up a scoring chance. period goal by tipping a puck out of the air to himself, and using his reach “Big guys that can skate seem to find a way in this league,” said Jamie to tap it home. He added an empty-netter in a 4-1 win. Previous goals Langenbrunner, the Bruins’ director of player development. have come from his heavy shot, including a pretty short-angle snipe against Michigan State, though the Wolverines lost their rivalry series. Beecher, 18, is still finding his way at Michigan, his landing spot after going 30th overall to the Bruins in the draft last June. He is wearing the “He took it really hard,” Pearson said. “He was pissed off after that target that comes with being a first-round selection, and the Bruins, in weekend. He’s very much looking forward to our rematch after case you haven’t heard, have a few veteran centers who may need to be Christmas.” replaced in the coming years. On Friday, Beecher showed some of that fire with some after-the-whistle Beecher is well aware of this. It’s not his concern. shoves in the second period, which earned him and a smaller Wildcat matching minors. “To be completely honest, it’s not something I put a whole lot of thought into,” he said, hours before the Wolverines faced the Wildcats. “Guys are “I think he’s a determined kid,” Langenbrunner said. “The guys who play getting a bit older, and the team could look totally different in a few years. at the Program have a businesslike approach to them. It takes them a I’m focused on school, and playing here, and mastering the level I’m at. little longer to get out of their shell. It’s not the military, but it’s definitely That’s my focus right now.” more structured than high school or junior programs. I think in the next few years we’re going to see more of his personality. These kids don’t One of two sons of Bill, a third-generation owner of Elmira, N.Y.,’s know who they are at 18, right?” Chapel Lumber, and Tasha, an English teacher at Elmira High, Beecher’s family roots in that town go back to the 1800s. He traces his Boston Globe LOADED: 11.23.2019 lineage through Harriet Beecher Stowe, the abolitionist and author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and her brother Thomas Kinnicut Beecher, of whom there is a statue in town.

His hockey development took off when he began taking trips to Syracuse, a two-hour drive, to play in Pee-Wee tournaments. He wound up on a team with Boston University commit Luke Tuch, and now trains with him and his brother, Vegas forward and BC product Alex Tuch. His family adviser is Cam Stewart, who had a brief stint with the Bruins.

Dad built a backyard rink with Chapel supplies, but Johnny and older brother Bryce, a 21-year-old Elmira College student, only had to spend a few hours there in the summer, cleaning and picking up, “to teach him the value of a dollar,” Bill Beecher said. “For Johnny, we treat hockey as his job at this point.”

As for when the paychecks will come, “we don’t put a time frame on it,” Bill Beecher said. “It’ll depend on when Johnny’s ready, and the Bruins are ready. We appreciate today, work to get better, and see what tomorrow brings.”

He has aspirations of being a front-line center for the Bruins, a powerful, mobile, 200-foot forward like ex-Bruin has become for the . When he’s camped in a teammate’s dorm watching the NHL package on Xbox a few nights a week, he’s checking out his hometown Sabres (Jack Eichel is a favorite) and Bergeron, because he is appointment viewing for any wannabe Bruin.

Much of the game, he needs to learn by doing.

“His compete level, that consistency, will also be a really big factor for him,” Langenbrunner said, naming his size and skating as the attributes that will likely make him an NHLer someday. “I think it’s something all young kids struggle with, is how hard they have to work all the time to be effective here. Guys take a long time to figure that out. He’s working toward that.”

Beecher is getting all he can handle at Michigan (4-7-2 overall, last in the Big Ten), which on Friday ended a seven-game losing streak in Durham. 1162858 Boston Bruins “It’s different being away from them and playing against my old teammates. But we’ve done it before, we’ve had a game against them. Yeah, I miss a lot of things I had in Minnesota; it was a great place to Torey Krug is a ‘strong probable’ to play Saturday play.”

Coyle has been centering the Bruins’ third line, and also playing wing on the second line. November 22, 2019, 2:30 p.m. “I’ve done it my whole life pretty much, especially my professional career,” Coyle said of switching positions. “I try to take pride in my versatility, to be the guy that can do that. Torey Krug has been out since getting hurt in a game against the Flyers Nov. 10. “We have a few guys like that. It makes it easier for the coaches to kind of figure things out, and quickly.” The Bruins’ power play could be receiving a boost, as defenseman Torey Krug likely will return for Saturday night’s game against the Minnesota Cautious approach Wild at TD Garden. Defenseman Kevan Miller (knee) “had a little setback,” Cassidy said. “I Coach Bruce Cassidy said Krug was a “strong probable” for the game. don’t think it’s major. I think from day one with Kevan we’re being really cautious at every turn. We don’t want him to go through what he went “It’s trending that way,” Cassidy said. “He’s got to check in with the through last year. We want him to be truly 100 percent ready, checked all medical staff. He participated in every part of practice, so that’s a good the boxes, and if that takes an extra week or two, then he’s basically sign. good as new when he gets out there and off we go.” “Lately we may have jumped the gun a little bit, or assumed guys would Boston Globe LOADED: 11.23.2019 go in that weren’t ready the next day. I’ll put him at ‘strong probable.’ ”

Krug, who has been dealing with an upper-body injury, said, “I felt good today, and see how tomorrow goes. I think it’s up in the air right now.”

Krug has been out for five games since being injured against the Philadelphia Flyers Nov. 10.

Patrice Bergeron (maintenance day) did not practice but is expected to be available Saturday, and Par Lindholm also missed practice but could return for the game.

“I think Bergy would like to practice every day,” Cassidy said. “He’s more open about when the timing of having a maintenance day is. I think before he did not want to be that guy. He’s got a lot of pride, so he wants to get out there, and he wants to work on his game.

“So it’s twofold. He doesn’t want to see the other guys seeing him not practicing and he wants to get better. So we’ve had to kind of encourage him to do that and he’s bought into it. When he wants a day, I trust Bergy pretty much in every area of the game.”

Cassidy said Lindholm sustained an “18-stitch cut” during the first period of the Bruins’ 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres Thursday.

“He would’ve been out there, but I just don’t think he was 100 percent mobile,” said Cassidy. “I hope it settles down tomorrow.”

Forward Brett Ritchie (elbow) “came back much better today,” Cassidy said.

David Backes (upper body) and John Moore (shoulder) worked out pre- practice. Backes has been out since a Nov. 2 collision with Ottawa’s Scott Sabourin, who was knocked unconscious and remains on the injured list. Moore is not expected to return for at least two weeks.

“He’s still got a ways to go,” said Cassidy.

His Wild years

Forward Charlie Coyle will be facing his former team for the second time since being acquired from the Wild in a deal for Ryan Donato last season.

“I was always in trade rumors and stuff, but you learn to kind of block it out, focus,” Coyle said. “And I felt like I was doing my best job of that at that point, and I was like I’m good, I’m not thinking about it. And, obviously, that’s when that happens.

“You never know what’s going to happen. You knew stuff was going to come down and didn’t know if it was going to involve me or not. And when it happens, you just roll with it.

“I’m happy where I’m at. We have a great team, we’ve got a great thing going, so, yeah, I’m definitely happy to be here.”

Coyle played for the Wild from 2012 through last season, and was in the Bruins’ lineup for a 3-0 victory at Minnesota last April 4.

“That’s my first professional team,” Coyle said. “I was there for six-plus years, so you meet a lot of people, not just hockey-wise. You cherish those relationships and you miss a lot of people from there. 1162859 Boston Bruins and David Pastrnak celebrate what proved to be the winning goal by Pastrnak in the third period.

Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak celebrate what proved to be the The B’s didn’t have their A game. Fortunately, they had Tuukka Rask winning goal by Pastrnak in the third period.BARRY CHIN/

To keep the score 3-1, Rask added to his career highlight reel.

By Matt Porter Globe Staff, Updated November 22, 2019, 8:16 a.m. Afterward, “save of the year” echoed from both dressing rooms, with Rodrigues himself conceding the honors. Marchand put it ahead of another incredible stop from this week, Marc-Andre Fleury’s diving glove Tuukka Rask went all out to stop Evan Rodrigues in the third period save against Toronto, by noting that Fleury stopped a backhand that may Thursday at TD Garden, keeping Boston up 3-1 with a save using the have been going wide. Rodrigues’s shot was “a forehand, he ripped it,” palm of his blocker. It made a big difference: The Bruins won, 3-2. Marchand said.

GLOBE STAFF In the first period, the first loud cheer from the TD “And, Tuuks is my boy . . . That’s why he’s making the big bucks.” Garden crowd was sarcastic. It was the best stop Chris Wagner had seen . . . The rest were in earnest, and Tuukka Rask earned the bulk of them. “Since ever?” he said, after a pause. Fighting back from a miserable first period and winning with what coach Bruce Cassidy called “our ‘B’ game,” the Bruins emerged with a 3-2 Cassidy called it “a Dominik Hasek save,” referring to the acrobat in pads decision over the Sabres on Thursday night, holding off a hungry club who once starred for the Sabres. that had two wins in the previous month. Rask said he hadn’t made one like that before. A positionally sound Brad Marchand scored twice, and David Pastrnak became the first player goalie, he isn’t usually scrambling like he was on that sequence. It fired this season to reach 20 goals, for the Atlantic Division-leading Bruins (14- him up to the point he didn’t want to watch the videoboard replay. 3-5). “I didn’t want to look,” he said. “I’m not used to making saves like that. It But Rask stole the two points and the spotlight. was tough to — I was fist-pumping, myself. I’m like, ‘That’s awesome.’ I’ve never made saves like that. It was tougher to shake off than a bad He made 36 saves on 38 shots, and his spectacular denial at 4:51 of the goal, you know? I just tried to regroup and focus on the next shot.” third will be replayed all season long. As good as Rask was, he let in a stinker with 7:02 left. He didn’t track NESN one off the stick of defenseman Brandon Montour, who made it 3-2 by beating him glove side, far side, from outside the left circle. ✔ “Tell me it curved or something,” Rask said. “I just went to make the save @NESN and it went by me. Don’t know what happened. It didn’t end up costing us.”  SAVE OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE  The Bruins, 3-0-3 in their last six, host the Wild on Saturday. They are Embedded video the only team without a regulation loss at home (8-0-4). 503 Part of Thursday’s surge, after the slow start, came from Wagner. The 9:11 PM - Nov 21, 2019 favorite son of Walpole and lifelong Bruins fan gave his approval to the vocalizing after Carlo made the shot count 14-1. Twitter Ads info and privacy “I would expect nothing less,” he said. 101 people are talking about this He responded in his own way to the Bruins’ opening stumbles. Seeing From below the left circle, Buffalo’s Evan Rodrigues, ex- of Boston Sabres winger Curtis Lazar hacking rookie defenseman Urho University, snapped the puck toward an empty net. Rask, who was in a Vaakanainen in front of Rask, he released his frustration by throwing paddle-down position, dropped his stick, dived to his right, and grabbed haymakers with Lazar. Rare in this day and age, but welcomed in this the puck with his blocker-hand palm. town.

Rask was already earning every dollar of his $7 million salary, helping Boston Globe LOADED: 11.23.2019 the Bruins survive the first period tied at 1 despite a 17-4 shots disadvantage. The Bruins were playing so poorly, the TD Garden crowd let out a Bronx cheer when put their first puck on goal at 12:11 of the first.

“Superb,” Cassidy said of Rask. “He was our best player. We needed every save, obviously.”

Buffalo (10-9-3) isn’t a big team — “this isn’t like, the St. Louis Blues of last year’s playoffs,” Cassidy said — but they were much harder on the puck in the opening period. Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, one of the few sizable Sabres (6 feet 4 inches, 220 pounds) got inside Carlo (6-5, 212) to pot a power-play rebound at 5:25. Until the Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Pastrnak line found their forechecking game, the Bruins were headed toward a brutal loss.

“Tonight was definitely our worst start of the year,” Cassidy said. “In pretty much every manner.”

Marchand tipped a Zdeno Chara drive to tie the score at 13:52, on Boston’s second shot of the night, after he and Pastrnak went hard in the Sabres’ zone. Marchand made it 2-1 on the power play, at 14:45 of the second, cleaning up a rebound.

“I have huge respect for him,” said a reflective Pastrnak. “The way he’s become the player he is today, it should be motivation for every young guy. He worked his way from the bottom line to the top line . . . It should be motivation for a lot of young kids.” 1162860 Boston Bruins Brett Ritchie missed the Sabres game with an undisclosed ailment but practiced and should play. Defenseman John Moore (shoulder) is still two weeks away while Kevan Miller (knee) suffered a recent setback

Charlie Coyle at home on Bruins third line Boston Herald LOADED: 11.23.2019

By RICH THOMPSON | November 22, 2019 at 4:15 PM

Boston Bruins center Charlie Coyle came home to a better place.

A hockey product of Weymouth High School and Boston University, Coyle came to the Bruins from Minnesota in a deadline trade for Ryan Donato on Feb. 20, 2019.

Coyle will go up against his former team for the second time when the Atlantic Division-leading Bruins (14-3-5) host the Wild on Saturday night (7) at the TD Garden. The Wild are 9-11-2 and in last place in the Central Division.

“I’m happy where I’m at and this is where I want to be,” said Coyle following an intense, drill-oriented practice on Friday at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton.

“We have a great team and we have a great thing going, so yeah, I am definitely happy to be here.”

Donato was a finisher with great upside while Coyle was an established NHL veteran when Bruins general manager Don Sweeney pulled the trigger.

Coyle, who was a first-round draft pick (28th overall) by the San Jose Sharks in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, played in 479 regular-season games with the Wild and accrued 91 goals and 151 assists. Coyle was not surprised that he was traded but pleasantly surprised he was coming to Boston.

“I was always in trade rumors and stuff and, as you get older, you learn to block it out and focus,” said Coyle. “I felt like I was doing my best job of that and not thinking about it and obviously that’s when it happened.”

Coyle adjusted to playing a variety of roles on multiple lines in the final 22 games last season, when he finished with four goals and seven assists. He enjoyed a more defined role in the postseason with nine goals and seven assists in 24 games.

Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy prefers Coyle in the middle of the third line between left wing Anders Bjork and right wing Danton Heinen.

But Coyle played some wing on the second line when center David Krejci replaced injured Patrice Bergeron on the first line. He has four goals and seven assists in 22 games this season.

“I’ve always moved around and injuries happen in games,” said Coyle. “I try to take pride in my versatility and be that guy that can do that and we have a few different guys who are able to fill roles like that which is great for our team.”

Krug going Wild

Defenseman Torey Krug, who missed the last five games with an upper- body injury, expects to be back on the second unit with Brandon Carlo against the Wild.

Krug is the Bruins best puck-moving defenseman and serves as rainmaker on the first power play unit with Bergeron, Jake DeBrusk, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak.

Krug has played in 17 games with two goals and 11 assists. Matt Grzelcyk did an exceptional job in Krug’s absence on the second unit and first power play.

“I felt good today and we’ll see how tomorrow goes,” said Krug.

Taking a break

After missing two games with a lower-body injury, Bergeron skated 18:16 minutes and notched an assist in the Bruins’ 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night. Bergeron was excused from practice for maintenance purposes but will play against the Wild.

Cassidy added that Par Lindholm suffered a cut that required 18 stitches in the first period against the Sabres and was excused from practice. He will be a game-time decision. 1162861 Boston Bruins

As Matt Grzelcyk hits his stride, Bruins benefit

By MARISA INGEMI | November 22, 2019 at 4:00 PM

Matt Grzelcyk has become one of the Bruins’ most valuable players, and it feels like he’s emerged practically overnight.

If it wasn’t obvious last season, it was evident in his absence during the Stanley Cup Final. His progress last season afforded the Bruins more creativity with their blue line, and what he’s done so far this season has backed that up.

Against the Sabres, in a game where the Bruins were far from their best, his effort to keep the puck in, leading to David Pastrnak’s goal, was the difference that changed the game.

“Was trying to judge how high it was, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to get it,” he said. “They had a guy coming quick so it was just an instinct to throw it there and know Pasta and (Brad Marchand) were going to be at an elbow. They did a good job showing themselves and talking to me.”

That play was a perfect illustration of how Grzelcyk’s game has grown, along with his confidence. He’s leading the power play from the point with Torey Krug injured, and while he did that at times last season, his progress has been all the more impressive.

“I think any time you get a little more time, we’ve been moving the puck well the past few games, it gives you confidence in the rest of your game,” said Grzelcyk.

His development as not only a solid defenseman but as a puck-mover, and someone who can pitch in on offense here and there, has just given the Bruins more confidence in him as his responsibilities multiply.

“I think the Jersey game rolled over into (Thursday against Buffalo),” Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said. “I think he’s a little more comfortable where he knows the plays that are there that what we’re trying to run. He hasn’t had a ton of practice time, either, so I just think from being here, just doing it in the game, he’ll watch Krug. He’s been on that unit a little bit before. Again, he was able to get in all alone, make a few, didn’t hesitate to shoot, one of them led to a goal on one he scored himself. He kept the puck alive, so yeah, he’s taken on a little bit more.”

Early on in the season Grzelcyk talked a lot about getting his offensive game going; it took a little bit, and he scored twice in New Jersey.

They’re not looking for that every night — or really, ever — so it’s just gravy. But since he’s hit his stride, that part of his game has only gotten better as well.

“I was playing well to start the year,” he said. “Wasn’t giving myself opportunities offensively, was more focused on breaking pucks out. I think it just comes with, 20 games into the season, feeling more comfortable in general. You get into a flow in the middle of the year. I think it’s going well right now so just trying to ride it.”

Grzelcyk might have made the keep-in to get Pastrnak the puck no matter what — he said it was the type of play that comes from instinct. But if his confidence wasn’t sky-high right now, perhaps not.

He said he always feels somewhat good about how he plays, but there’s certainly something a little more special right now, at least to observers.

“I always have confidence in my game,” said Grzelcyk. “I always have that play in my bag if it’s just pinching pucks or trying to keep pucks alive offensively and reward our forwards for hard work. It’s something I’ve always worked on.”

Boston Herald LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162862 Boston Bruins

Bruins injuries: Torey Krug, Brett Ritchie could play Saturday vs. Wild

By NBC Sports Boston Staff November 22, 2019 3:02 PM

The Boston Bruins may be getting some reinforcements to their lineup Saturday night against the Minnesota Wild.

Torey Krug hasn't played since Nov. 10 after suffering an upper-body injury against the Philadelphia Flyers, but is probable to play Saturday, according to Bruce Cassidy. Brett Ritchie, who is suffering from an infection issue, also is a possibility against the Wild.

Patrice Bergeron was given a maintenance day and missed practice Friday. Par Lindholm, who required 18 stitches last night after being cut, has not been ruled out for tomorrow's matchup.

Cassidy on B's win over Sabres: 'We've got a ways to go'

#NHLBruins updates per Bruce Cassidy:

Torey Krug is probable for tomorrow.

Patrice Bergeron had a maintenance day.

Par Lindholm got cut last night, required 18 stitches. Not ruled out for tomorrow.

Brett Ritchie was “much better today.” Ongoing issue, but could play tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/6XsPtr0nlz

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 22, 2019

Defensemen John Moore and Kevan Miller are still a couple weeks from being game-ready.

John Moore is now in full contact jersey, but still a couple weeks out from return.

Kevan Miller had a “little setback...don’t think it’s major but we’re being really cautious with him.”#NHLBruins

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 22, 2019

The 14-3-5 Bruins, who have not lost a regulation game on home ice, will host the struggling 9-11-2 Wild Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162863 Boston Bruins “That was a Dominik Hasek save. For you guys, young people out there, he was an old goalie in the league, very acrobatic. That’s what it was. I think everyone does get up and realize that we should have been scored Tuukka Rask's 'save of the year' bails out Bruins against Sabres on, really, I mean, we should have. It does give you a boost. Big plays give you a boost, right? Saves are a part of that, and it sure did for us,” said Cassidy. “[Rask was] superb. He was our best player, we needed every save, obviously. Not much else to say other than we didn’t do a By Joe Haggerty November 22, 2019 11:04 AM very good job right in front of him.

“You can dissect the game, you can go back and look at it and some BOSTON – All proper credit was going to the right places for the Bruins things stick out more than others. But to me, I’m sure that it’ll back it up pulling out a victory against the Buffalo Sabres when they clearly hadn’t that we were not hard enough in front of our net.” been at their best. Don’t expect Rask to all of a sudden turn into some high-flying, acrobatic The Bruins produced an excruciatingly slow start Thursday night and goaltender based on one desperate, last-ditch save that memorably hung for dear life at the end while getting outshot 31-13 in the first and helped the B’s pull out a win. That's just not the kind of goaltender he’s third periods, but it was Tuukka Rask more than anything else that ever been. But be certain to file away this show-stopping save the next played a big factor in the 3-2 win over their divisional rival. time anybody tells you that the B’s No. 1 goaltender never steals any games. Rask was strong throughout with 36 saves, but it was the rare, highlight- reel save he executed in the third period on Evan Rodrigues that made It was grand-theft larceny of a certain goal and, without it, the Bruins everybody stand up and take notice. Marc-Andre Fleury had a similar would have been answering a lot tougher questions afterward. flying save late in a game for the Vegas Golden Knights earlier this week, Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.23.2019 but the talk of the Bruins dressing room following the win was all about Rask’s big stop.

The Bruins were holding a 3-1 lead, but the Sabres mounted a desperate attack in the third period and it appeared they were going to get within a goal little more than halfway through the final 20 minutes. Rodrigues stepped into a loose puck in the face-off circle and got a good forehand bid at a vacant net as Rask attempted to extricate himself from a pileup at the far post.

Cassidy after win: "We've got a ways to go"

Out of desperation, Rask dropped his stick and made a leaping glove save with his blocker at what looked like a sure-fire goal and saved the game for the Bruins after the Sabres eventually did make it a one-goal game a few minutes later.

The Bruins were that close to having another third-period meltdown a week after the embarrassing loss to the Florida Panthers, but instead, they now have wins in three of their past four games along with a lot of compliments for their No. 1 goaltender.

“Save of the year. That’s why he’s making the big bucks. We’ve got him back there to save our butts, so we’re lucky to have him” proclaimed Brad Marchand, who helped power the offense with a pair of goals. “Sometimes has to do that a few times a game. He had to do that the whole first period and a couple more times during the game. But again, that’s what he’s paid for, so he better keep doing it.”

Some were reminded of the Superman saves that Tim Thomas used to make semi-regularly when he was between the pipes for the Black and Gold. It certainly wasn’t vintage Rask because he’s normally an efficient, economical position goaltender that’s always in the right spot to stop the puck rather than scrambling to make a spectacular save. Rask admitted as much after the game while

“I don’t make the highlights too often like that because I always try to be in good position to make the saves,” said Rask, who has come back from a dreadful start to November to improve to a 4-2-1 record with a 2.69 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage this month after back- to-back wins against the Devils and Sabres. “It’s fun to make a save like that, but it’s one of those instinct-type saves. Whenever the goalie makes the highlights like that it’s great, you know? So keep it coming.”

Still, the biggest part of the save wasn’t somehow getting a piece of it with the palm of his blocker, though. It was instead about the timing given the situation in the game. David Pastrnak had scored his 20th of the season early in the third o give the Bruins some breathing room, so a goal allowed at that time could have had dire consequences for Rask and the Bruins.

Instead, Rask throws a gut punch at the Sabres by robbing them of a sure goal and buys a few more minutes for the Bruins to operate with a two-goal cushion.

Given the timeliness of the save and the sprawling nature of the stop from a battling goaltender unwilling to give in, the save actually reminded B’s coach Bruce Cassidy of a goalie a little further back in the way-back machine. 1162864 Boston Bruins

Bruce Cassidy on Bruins' win over Sabres: 'We've got a ways to go'

By Joe Haggerty November 22, 2019 10:37 AM

BOSTON – The Bruins are now a few games removed from their four- game losing streak of a couple of weeks ago and they are still very comfortably in first place in the Atlantic Division with a four-point lead over their closest competitors.

So, one would think they are completely out of that mini-funk after a 3-2 win over a hungry Sabres team in a Thursday night divisional showdown at TD Garden, right? It’s two wins in a row for the Bruins and three wins in the past four games, with the only loss a shootout defeat to the Capitals, so the Bruins are happy with their game right now, correct?

Well, not exactly.

The Bruins were outshot 17-4 in the first period in what Bruce Cassidy called Boston’s “worst start of the year” and needed Herculean performances from Tuukka Rask (36 saves) and Brad Marchand (two goals) to take the two points after the dreadful start. Basically they had a pretty strong second period, but the Bruins were otherwise outshot 31-13 by the Sabres while showing even-strength offensive issues and some really soft play around their own net.

It was in some ways reminiscent of their four-game losing stretch, but the difference was that Rask was back on his “A” game while bailing the Black and Gold.

“We didn’t play our game tonight; we won with our B game. We won with goaltending, timely scoring on special teams and power plays. There’s a lot of areas of our game that were not good enough [against the Sabres], and we got away with it,” said Cassidy. “I thought pretty much all facets of our game were strong [against New Jersey], so sometimes it’s just, ‘hey what’s the opposition bringing’

“But I just thought for us, [there was] no urgency early on where you need to have that every night in this league. I don’t think where we want to be. I don’t think any team is; maybe the Islanders with their streaks, but we’re not. We’re still building our game and able to win in the process is a good thing; it’s a sign of a good team. But we’ve got a ways to go.”

Certainly, there will be plenty of material for the Bruins coaching staff to use as ammunition in video work with the players. The complete underestimating of the Sabres team early on and the soft-shell defense that relied far too much on Rask’s brilliance throughout the game could have been Boston’s undoing.

It didn't happen this time around against a Buffalo team outclassed by Boston’s wattage with star performances from Rask, Marchand and David Pastrnak, but the Bruins might not be so lucky next time around if they don’t get things together. It really doesn’t appear the B’s have their overall game together as they did a month ago in a torrid start. That needs to change if the Bruins are going to hit their full potential.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162865 Buffalo Sabres

Sabres place John Gilmour on waivers

By Mike Harrington Published Fri, Nov 22, 2019|Updated Fri, Nov 22, 2019

The Buffalo Sabres took the first step toward loosening their logjam on defense Friday by placing John Gilmour on waivers in hopes of getting him to Rochester.

Zach Bogosian, who has not played this season after hip surgery, is on the team's Florida road trip and could be ready to play either Sunday in Florida or Monday in Tampa Bay. Bogosian, who has been taken off injured reserve became Buffalo's ninth healthy defenseman at the NHL level.

With General Manager Jason Botterill unable to make a trade of a defenseman for a badly needed forward, the Sabres had no room for Gilmour. A strong skater who has played just three games at defense this season and was used at forward during Tuesday's loss to Minnesota, Gilmour has no points but could be attractive to other teams looking for some skating and offense for their back end.

The Sabres are obviously hoping he can clear waivers and be a big boost to the Rochester lineup, both on defense and the power play.

Gilmour, 26, set a franchise record last year among defensemen for the Hartford Wolf Pack with 20 goals and was second in the AHL to the 21 by Rochester's Zach Redmond. Gilmour had 54 points and was named an AHL all-star for a second consecutive season.

The Sabres are off Friday. They practice Saturday in Fort Lauderdale before meeting the Panthers Sunday at 5.

Buffalo News LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162866 Buffalo Sabres World Championship last May. The latter accomplishment was surreal, given Montour was not viewed as a elite junior prospect in Ontario.

"How many kids can experience the world championships after doing Brandon Montour brings his inspiring story to indigenous hockey camps that? Montour asked. "The idea of being able to do that, having the belief for kids coming into that, not being drafted or whatnot, keep pushing and you’ll never know what can happen. By Lance Lysowski Published Fri, Nov 22, 2019|Updated Fri, Nov 22, 2019 "I got my opportunity and here we are."

About 110 children from the 13 First Nations communities across the Yukon Territory attended the camp in Whitehorse in July. Montour skated Talent was never Brandon Montour's problem. with two of the three groups, spoke to the children about his path to the NHL and reminded them to never get discouraged. He has always had an effortless stride and possessed the skill to play forward during his junior career. Yet Montour, now a 25-year-old Montour viewed his time in Whitehorse as mutually beneficial. The trip defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres, wasn't seen by many scouts and provided him with an opportunity to see the mountainous landscape went undrafted by the Ontario Hockey League in both his years of around Whitehorse — Cozens offered a few travel tips to Montour prior to eligibility. his departure — and views these camps as an opportunity for personal growth. That forced him to play tier-two junior hockey for three years before he went to the United States Hockey League, UMass-Amherst, the National Some children in Whitehorse have to travel hundreds of miles to play Hockey League and, most recently, the IIHF World Championship. hockey competitively, while others' only on-ice obligation is the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament every March. Many don't have the financial His story resonates with children, particularly those of indigenous means to pursue hockey beyond a recreational level. Local sponsors heritage. Montour spent part of his childhood in Ohsweken, a village in donated to offset the cost of attending the camp. the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve near , Ont. "It’s really an eye-opener for the community kids to see someone like Montour wants to use his platform to show children there is hope, no Brandon come to Whitehorse and hangout with them," said Karee matter their socioeconomic background or heritage. He spent almost two Vallevand, who organized the camp for Yukon First Nations Hockey days at an indigenous camp in Whitehorse, Yukon — the small town that Association. "They realize he’s just a regular guy. He’s just like them. produced Sabres first-round draft pick Dylan Cozens — and attended They had so much fun. He was really cool with the kids and this isn't just another in Prince Edward Island, Ont., with former Sabre Cody for indigenous children. It's for everyone in the surrounding communities. McCormick last summer. We want everyone to have access to hockey players like Brandon." "It’s good to give back in general," Montour said. "For my culture that’s Many reserves across Canada deal are isolated and have been ravaged even bigger, and they can see it’s bigger. Whether they’re native or not, I by drug and alcohol abuse. Montour's trip to the First Nations reserve on want to help kids. It’s not just aboriginal kids that need help. Everybody Lennox Island, which is located off the northwest coast of Prince Edward experiences that. I’m glad I could help." Island, showed him what other challenges children in these communities Montour did not have an NHL player to deliver that message to him as a may face. child. His inspiration was his parents, Cam and Tammy. Cam's career as The ice surface on which the children skated was the same size or an iron worker forced him to be away from home a month at a time, and smaller than the Sabres' dressing room inside KeyBank Center, Montour the location of some job sites prevented him from seeing his sons' recalled. Though McCormick spoke glowingly of the reserve's leadership hockey or lacrosse games. He would travel home on weekends when he and dedication to providing extracurricular activities to youth, Lennox was within driving distance. Island is isolated. A visit from current and former NHL players provides a Tammy, meanwhile, would prepare dinner for her three boys in the respite and, in some ways, hope. afternoon, pick them up from school and take them to the rink. Colin, " You go to a lot of rural areas and you see the same thing," said Brandon and Cameron used to practice consecutively before going home McCormick, who is of First Nations heritage and has continued to visit for the night. The sacrifice was not lost on Brandon. Though he also reserves across Canada since his 11-year NHL career ended. "It’s not excelled in lacrosse, hockey was always his first love. His talent allowed always great. The isolation, the abuse, the alcohol and drug abuse that a him to play AAA midget hockey in Brantford, and he later joined the lot of these places face. The youth have to kind of persevere through Junior-B level Greater Ontario Hockey League. that. Brandon doing that sort of thing is amazing to see because of the Montour went undrafted by the OHL during his first season of eligibility platform he’s on and the influence he can have on the youth. It means and attended a tryout with the Guelph Storm. He performed well enough something when they see somebody who is a product of the same place to earn a roster spot but was told he would likely spend the season as an they’re coming from. extra defenseman. That led Montour to Caledonia, a small town east of "Brandon coming from a reserve, Six Nations, and he’s made it. He may Brantford, for another season of Junior-B level hockey. have dealt with some of the struggles that they’re facing. He just never Get the ultimate assist. Check your inbox the day of and day after every made it his identity. He persevered through it. For him to come back and Sabres game for expert analysis, developments from across the NHL talk to the youth in different communities — I know that means a lot to and inside info on the blue and gold. them."

Montour had 103 points over his final two seasons in the GOHL. The The visits remind Montour how fortunate he was to have two parents problem was exposure. Only family and friends sat in the bleachers of working diligently to ensure he and his brothers would have the the small rinks in which he played. opportunity to pursue their dreams. He called his job with the Sabres a "privilege," and expressed gratitude for his parents' sacrifice. "He’s always taken the back way to get where he is, like not playing in major junior," his father said. "He’s never really been on the radar The past nine months have been somewhat of a homecoming. Montour's because of that. He never really went the mainstream route. In that short trade to the Sabres last February allows his parents to make the 70- time, playing on different teams and stuff, more and more people would minute drive down the Queen Elizabeth Expressway to attend games or talk about how he would skate." have a family dinner. His father often has to stay home because of his work commitments the following morning. Montour left home to play in the USHL for Waterloo (Iowa), where he finally had the opportunity to play in front of NHL scouts. He was ranked However, Cam Montour called off work on May 10 to watch Brandon the 92nd-best North American skater in the 2014 draft class by NHL represent Canada for the first time at the world championships. Though Central Scouting, and the Anaheim Ducks selected him in the second Montour and his countrymen suffered a 3-1 loss to eventual champion round that June. Finland, the game reminded both father and son that sacrifice could make anything possible. Montour has since recorded 76 points in 197 regular-season games between Anaheim and Buffalo, appeared in 21 playoff games with the "It makes it all worthwhile," Cam said. former and represented Canada on the international stage at the IIHF Buffalo News LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162867 “There have obviously been other moments in the year where you feel like you have to say things,” Giordano explained. “But I feel like (Thursday), and a lot of guys felt this way too, we had to really sit down Flames' travel delay extended team heart-to-heart ... and maybe that's a and go over it and take some time together. It’s not about hurting good thing anyone’s feelings. I think everyone in here understands that things are said to help to the team win, so it was good to hear guys’ opinions and feelings.”

Wes Gilbertson The meetings continued prior to Friday’s practice, with Treliving pulling aside his leadership sorts before a speech to the full squad.

He wasn’t there to announce a trade or firing, rather to reiterate his belief ST. LOUIS — Just when you thought things couldn’t go any worse … in what he’s already assembled. This is, after all, the same core cast that Sometime during yet another loss, now numbering six in a row, the soared to 50 victories last winter and was supposed to be hardened by a Calgary Flames learned that the charter plane they’d booked for first-round playoff pasting. Thursday’s late-night flight to their next stop had been delayed in another “There’s no saviour coming in — I think that’s the message,” Giordano city. said. “I think we have the guys in here. We’ve been through ups and They’d be spending the night in St. Louis. downs before. This is a tough skid for us, there is no doubt about that, but we’re going to get through it.” It’s been that sort of stretch for this struggling squad, now without a win in upwards of two weeks, without a goal in 11 straight periods away from Echoed centre : “We know what we have in this group and the Saddledome, without a lift — for one night anyway — to Philadelphia, what we’re capable of. And I don’t think that’s left us.” where they’ll try to change their fortunes in Saturday’s matinee against Calgary Sun: LOADED: 11.23.2019 the Flyers (11 a.m. MT, Sportsnet West/Sportsnet 960 The Fan).

“I think it was almost a good thing. Maybe it was a sign when that plane didn’t end up coming,” said Flames alternate . “We had a good night here where we just went back to the hotel, everyone hung out together for a few hours and talked and whatever needed to be said was said.

“We have such a great group. Everyone enjoys each other’s company and we’re all good buddies in there. So when you’re good buddies, you want to do everything you can for them. We’re excited to get back to that (Saturday).”

These Flames were supposed to be a high-flyer in the Western Conference standings, but instead they find themselves grounded.

For the first month of the 2019-20 campaign, they were consistently inconsistent.

Lately, they’ve been far more predictable.

Loss. Loss. Loss. Loss. Loss. Loss.

During this six-game skid, including five straight regulation setbacks, they have allowed 23 goals. They have scored five.

Flames honcho insisted Friday that he deserves the blame — “The manager has been horse-(bleep)” — but there’s plenty to go around.

There are only a hat-trick of skaters — , and Tkachuk — with multiple points during the current swoon.

Johnny Gaudreau is minus-11 over this miserable stretch. His on-again linemates, Monahan (-9) and (-8), aren’t much better.

Mark Jankowski, an offensive non-factor this season, has somehow mustered only one shot on goal across 88 shifts in those half-dozen dates.

“We can’t hope for something to bounce for us. We need to make it happen,” said Flames alternate captain after Friday’s practice in St. Louis, a session originally scheduled for one time-zone over. “I hope everyone looks themselves in the mirror and feels like they can do better, because all of us can be better. As a group, we can be better.

“I just hope that everyone realizes we have to turn this around sooner rather than later. It’s been a while now, and it’s frustrating. It’s tough. It’s another word I won’t say in media. But that’s the reality, so it’s time to do it now.”

It was during the third period of Thursday’s 5-0 blast from the Blues that Giordano decided it was time for a players-only meeting.

So after the final buzzer sounded, after being blanked for a third straight outing in their road whites, the locker-room door was pulled shut for about 10 minutes.

When they found out they wouldn’t be flying to Philly until the next afternoon, the heart-to-hearts continued at the team hotel. 1162868 Calgary Flames

Flames defenceman TJ Brodie to join team on road trip

Wes Gilbertson

ST. LOUIS — The Calgary Flames will reunited with one of their buddies in the City of Brotherly Love.

The Flames announced that defenceman TJ Brodie will join the team for the remainder of this four-game road trip, although he won’t be in the lineup for Saturday’s afternoon clash against the Flyers in Philadelphia.

The 29-year-old Brodie collapsed during a practice last week, leaving the Saddledome in an ambulance that day, but the results of extensive medical testing — including a meeting with neurologists — have been reassuring, apparently ruling out any serious health concern.

“There’s still no return-to-play time given,” stressed Flames general manager Brad Treliving. “The next step in this process, once you’ve completed all of the tests, is to start skating with the team at some point.”

Brodie, who is often paired with captain on Calgary’s top defence duo, has so far missed four games since his scary collapse.

He skated solo Thursday at WinSport’s Markin MacPhail Centre, back on blades for the first time in a week.

“It’s going to be good to see him. It’s going to be real good to see him,” said Flames coach . “I got to see him a couple times at the Dome. He looked good. He feels good. His spirits are good. So that’s a real positive sign.

“And he can help us. He’s a good player, and we miss him. We miss his transition, his ability to move the puck. So when he gets back in, he’s going to help us.”

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162869 Calgary Flames

These five charts sum up the Flames dismal season so far

Darren Francey

It’s been a sorry month for the Flames, now mired in a six-game losing streak.

The Flames last won a game on Nov. 7 — since then they’ve been out- scored 23 to 5 and haven’t held a single lead.

Here are five charts which touch on the team’s shortcomings and show where they rank among the NHL’s other 30 clubs.

CAN’T SCORE …

It’s no secret the Flames are having trouble scoring. After Thursday’s 5-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues, the Flames rank among the lowest-scoring teams in the league, with the fourth-most allowed goals. It’s a far cry from last season, when after 25 games, the Flames were sitting at 14-9-2, with 84 goals for and 73 goals against.

THEY LACK TOUGHNESS

Physically, the Flames have not been a tough team to play against. The team averages 16.9 hits per game, far behind the New York Islanders, who lead the league with 29.3 hits per game. (Not surprisingly, the Islanders have a point in 16 straight games.) Five players — , , Matthew Tkachuk, and Elias Lindholm — account for half the hits (173) on the Flames roster.

PRONE TO TAKING PENALTIES

Although the Flames are not physical, they are prone to taking penalties. Milan Lucic is the most penalized player with 34 minutes, followed by Matthew Tkachuk (28) and Sam Bennett (20). As a team, the Flames have four major penalties this season.

THE POWERPLAY HAS DRIED UP

After 25 games, the Flames powerplay ranks in the bottom 10, with the likes of Ottawa, New Jersey and Los Angeles. James Neal, traded to Edmonton in the off season, has nearly as many goals (nine) as the Flames first unit combined (see below). The Edmonton Oilers have the league’s most deadly powerplay at 31.4%. Last year after 25 games the Flames had 18 powerplay goals. This season they have 13.

MORE MINUS THAN PLUS

Last season, the Flames had a gold-standard plus-minus. (A player is awarded a “plus” each time he is on the ice when his team scores an even-strength or shorthanded goal; a minus is given on opponent goals.) Nearly every regular Flames skater finished in plus territory last season, with the exception of Sam Bennett (-6) and James Neal (-5). In particular Mark Giordano, Mikael Backlund and Elias Lindholm were plus-30 or better. Although there is a lot of hockey to be played, after 25 games the Flames are far behind last year’s pace, no doubt made worse by the team’s scoring drought.

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162870 Calgary Flames Now sitting at 10-12-3, the Flames will be shooting to end their slide in Saturday’s matinee against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center (11 a.m. MT, Sportsnet West/Sportsnet 960 The Fan).

Flames GM Treliving takes blame for recent losing skid We’ll see then whether Thursday’s players-only meeting — or the speech the following day from the general manager — has made a difference.

Wes Gilbertson “I think honesty is the best approach,” Treliving said. “We know we’re not playing well. We don’t need to be told. So let’s dig into it. Let’s face it head-on. Let’s deal with it as a group. Let’s deal with it individually.

ST. LOUIS — There are plenty of solutions — suggestions, anyway — “Let’s be accountable and not just worrying about, ‘Well, that guy over on social media. there has to do a better job.’ There’s no poor me. Let’s grab a hold of it, each individual. When you have each individual being accountable, it’s Fire the coach! amazing how all of a sudden the group becomes accountable. Trade the superstar! “They want to do well. This group wants to do well. Like I said, there are Dismantle the core! lots of things that haven’t gone well. Let’s start with the manager first, and we can go from there.” It’s not happening. Calgary Sun: LOADED: 11.23.2019 Brad Treliving is as frustrated and flabbergasted as anybody by this current six-game losing skid, but the Calgary Flames general manager figures the finger-pointers are focused on the wrong guy.

“It starts with the manager,” Treliving said. “The manager has been horse-(bleep).”

Whoa.

The Flames’ struggles continued Thursday in St. Louis, where they were drummed 5-0 by the defending Stanley Cup champion Blues and then grounded by a late-arriving aircraft.

Treliving met with his leadership sorts Friday morning. He addressed the entire team before they hit the ice for an up-tempo practice at Enterprise Center.

Afterward, he told several Calgary-based reporters not to be expecting drastic changes.

The Toronto Maple Leafs canned their coach earlier this week, but Flames bench boss Bill Peters won’t be following his close friend — he was on Mike Babcock’s staff in Detroit and again at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey — to the unemployment line.

Despite speculation that Treliving is itching to shake up his roster with a trade, don’t expect a blockbuster. Superstar left-winger Johnny Gaudreau has been more a defensive liability than a difference-maker of late, but you don’t panic into parting with an in-his-prime talent who has averaged close to a point-per-game throughout his career, finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting last season and comes with a relatively friendly salary-cap hit.

Certainly, Treliving’s friends will be calling about some of the other key pieces, too.

“When you go through adversity, there are two ways you can go through it,” Treliving said. “I believe in this group. I believe that when you’re going through difficult times, you push and support people, you don’t throw bodies on the tarmac. And that’s what we’re going to do here.

“I don’t stay in-tune to the social-media world but the last couple of days, I’ve been asked about changes. The coaches aren’t going anywhere. Our top players aren’t going anywhere. So while the outside world wants to — and rightly so — count us out, this is when you bunker in and you get into the foxhole and you try to make your team better. And it starts with making this group better. We’re underperforming. We have to get back to the level of performance that we’re capable of.”

Remember, this is the same core group that racked up 50 victories last winter, the second-highest total in Flames’ franchise history, although they certainly haven’t looked the part of could-be contender while being out-scored 23-5 during this six-game stinker.

“We’re the ones that are going to get us out of this,” stressed Treliving, who only tinkered after a first-round playoff flop last spring. “This group here, we’re the ones. Nobody from the outside is going to do it. There are no saviours coming. It’s up to each individual person to do what they’re capable of doing, take stock in themselves, be accountable to themselves, be accountable to the guy next to them . . . And that’s how you go through tough times.” 1162871 Calgary Flames Edmonton isn’t trading either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, under any circumstances. Crosby, Ovechkin, Nathan MacKinnon – the list of players who are not going to be traded isn’t long, but it is select and Duhatschek Notebook: Why the Flames shouldn’t trade Gaudreau and Gaudreau falls into the category. how defending smaller players is changing Once in a while, a team will trade a star player as a prelude to a rebuild, but the Flames aren’t that team. Except for Mark Giordano, their core is young, with lots of tread left on the tires. In other words, they are not By Eric Duhatschek Nov 22, 2019 Ottawa Senators, a team that aggressively shopped its top players on the trade market over a 12-month period, with the very specific goal of a

complete franchise reset. The Senators eventually moved on from Stone, Under what circumstances would an NHL team trade its best player in Matt Duchene, Erik Karlsson and Mike Hoffman, but that was a team on season? a mission to rebuild. It remains to be seen how their strategy pans out.

The question arose this week as the sky was falling in two fiercely A more pertinent example of what can go wrong when you trade away a unhappy Canadian markets – Toronto and Calgary – where the early- top player occurred when the Buffalo Sabres dealt Ryan O’Reilly to St. season results didn’t come close to matching the sky-high expectations Louis. All that did was help the Blues win the Cup. Once upon a time, the that both the Maple Leafs and the Flames had going into the season. traded away Marian Hossa, soon after he finished sixth in the 2007 scoring race. All that did was help the Pittsburgh The primary difference? Penguins get to a Stanley Cup final; and eventually, help the Chicago Blackhawks win more Cups. Hossa may get elected to the Hockey Hall of In Toronto, the focus was almost squarely on coaching – and whether Fame in 2020, in his first year of eligibility. The best player going the Mike Babcock’s style and tactics were the right approaches, given the other way in the trade, , is an exceptional analyst on Leafs’ personnel. On Wednesday, the Maple Leafs answered the hockey and figure skating – but is not going to the Hall of Fame anytime question for us. They didn’t think so either. soon, unless it’s a comedy Hall of Fame. Babcock, the highest-paid coach in NHL history, will now have a new Ryan O'Reilly distinction – the highest-paid unemployed coach in NHL history. If Babcock wants to, he can – for the rest of this year and for three more Way back in the day, the Boston Bruins traded away Joe Thornton after years after that – earn more money NOT to coach in the NHL than he was the third-leading scorer in 2003 for three players who had anyone still working in the game. Prediction: For the foreseeable future, journeymen careers. Thornton too will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. no coach is going to approach the $50-million mark in salary (eight-year term) that the Leafs coughed up to lure Babcock to Toronto. The evidence suggests, overwhelmingly, that trading an accomplished player that’s disappointing you in the moment – for a little of this and a In Calgary, by contrast, the lightning rod was a far more puzzling choice little of that – never ends well. – Johnny Gaudreau, their perennial scoring leader who, by his usual lofty standards, has been mired in a frustrating month-long scoring drought. Many believe that in time, the Philadelphia Flyers may end up with Gaudreau once his contract expires, if he decides to shop the market and Let’s check the numbers. In 25 games, Gaudreau has five goals, 18 wants to play the second half of his career closer to home. But it’s points; a shooting percentage of 7.5 percent and is currently outside the unlikely the Flyers would part with a piece as big as Sean Couturier to top 50 in NHL scoring. Compare that to a year ago over the same time land Gaudreau now – and to even consider such a move for anything frame and Gaudreau has nine goals, 28 points, a 12.8 percent shooting less isn’t prudent asset management. percentage and was tied with, among others, Alex Ovechkin, , Leon Draisaitl and Mark Stone for 17th in league scoring. “The problem with trading your best player is you have to get back – Gaudreau eventually scored 99 points last season, tied for seventh guaranteed – a guy who’s going to produce similar results,” said one overall in the NHL scoring race. former NHL executive. “You can’t gamble in any way shape or form. The risk is so high and the reward – of what you get back – may not be much His playoffs weren’t nearly as successful and now his team is in a better than what you have. You’re always hesitant to do it because it can dreadful stretch, having lost six games in a row, three by shutout and be the kiss of death for a manager or a coach if you’re wrong. And let’s have been outscored 23-5 in that span. Furthermore, they haven’t played be honest: Almost everybody in the sport is really afraid to put with the lead in two full weeks, which has created a Leaf-like level of themselves on the line that way.” hysteria in Calgary. Both Dom Luszczyszyn and Sean Tierney have explored Gaudreau’s On Twitter, #TradeGaudreau became a thing. Some were suggesting scoring decline from an analytics point of view, and have come to a that the Flames need to sit Gaudreau a game to drive the point home couple of reasonable conclusions: That both his shot-rate and his high- about his struggling ways. Others, more dramatically, believe the time danger chances are down and that, in turn, has a direct correlation as to has come to explore trade options for Gaudreau to see what the market why his overall numbers have fallen. may bear. But Gaudreau isn’t the only player of his size (small) and skill set (highly This, of course, would be a massive overreaction to a player that is effective in open ice) that isn’t producing at the same level they were a unquestionably frustrated by perhaps the most challenging period of his year or two ago. Patrick Kane essentially opened the door for players of NHL career. that stature, and soon the likes of Gaudreau, Alex DeBrincat, Cam Atkinson, Clayton Keller, Tyler Johnson and others followed Kane into But here’s the cold-water reality test for anyone who legitimately believes the room. To varying degrees, they all thrived. And yet this year, all seem Gaudreau should be on the move: to be finding the going collectively tougher. In season, there is no possible way of getting value for him, even if you Coaching is all about making adjustments and it looks as if teams have thought trading him at this precise moment in time was a good idea – made some in how they defend against players in this category. They are which it isn’t. You wouldn’t sell a quality stock if it was having a bad getting in their faces a little more, closing off the ice faster, taking away cyclical quarter – just so you could lock in your losses – and you wouldn’t their passing options, forcing them to the perimeter if they can and sell low on a hockey player who is arguably your most valuable asset. wherever possible, putting the body on them. And if you’re not getting Gaudreau has, and should still for the foreseeable future, return great nearly the same time – or space – that would go a long way in explaining value on the Flames’ investment. He is in the fourth year of a six-year why someone like Gaudreau’s high-danger chances are way down. contract he signed back in 2016 for reasonable dollars ($6.75-million per Now Kane is certainly an outlier here, and I’m going to give Mitch Marner year). He is 26 – or right around the median age for NHL players this an incomplete grade because of his injury and to see where the Leafs’ season. And while GMs are becoming far less trustworthy of players coaching change may take his game. But Marner’s numbers were down aged 30 or above, the reality is, Gaudreau is still a prime-time talent too (18 points in 18 games; he had 36 points in his first 26 games a year immersed in a discouraging slump. ago, on the way to a 94 points-in-82-games season). Nominally, there is a belief in the NHL that no player is untouchable My go-to analyst when it comes to coaching theory and evolution is Dave anymore – and while that may be true in theory, it isn’t in practical terms. King, the former NHL, Olympic and international coach. Despite being retired, he watches NHL games every night and is also working on a memoir. I wanted to test my theory – that NHL teams have adjusted the Nine points separate Colorado, third in the West, from Los Angeles, way they defend against the smaller, skilled high hockey IQ players – which is 15th. against what King was seeing. Three of last year’s division champions – Calgary, Tampa and Nashville Here was his take: – would miss the playoffs if they started today.

“For a lot of those little guys, part of their success is, they have a terrific What improvements could be made? sense of always being a second or two ahead of when a turnover actually occurs,” King said. “It means, as soon as they sense it happening, they’re Nashville’s kind of interesting. For me, the GMs meetings also represent on the move. the unofficial opening of the trade talk season, where preliminary conversations about different trade scenarios that were being framed on “Most players don’t have that ability, so they have to wait for the turnover the phone and through text messages can now be advanced in face-of- to actually happen before they turn and attack. By contrast, these guys face conversations. Hypothetically, if you are the Predators, would you we’re talking about anticipate it and see it and can visualize it and consider trading Kyle Turris for Ilya Kovalchuk? And before the collective process it. They have the ability to make that instantaneous decision, and heads explode in Predator Nation, hear me out. go from defending to attacking, and striking quickly into open ice. That’s their asset. They’re using their speed to get to open ice, which is where It wouldn’t be because you necessarily think Kovalchuk’s addition they need to be, to be successful. answers any questions, though he might. But at some point, if you have to move Turris’s contract before the start of next year, when Roman “What I see a lot of teams doing is, they’re saying, ‘when you’re out Josi’s new deal kicks in, to manage your salary-cap, can you get him off against a guy like Gaudreau or someone else like him, let’s make sure to the books by taking on Kovalchuk? make solid plays – and if we’re not sure, let’s not make a risky play. Let’s make sure the puck is going behind him, so he’s got to start from deep in Josi’s new contract provides him with a salary that he’s earned through his own end. Let’s not give them any transition ice or transition moments. his play. But organizationally, from Nashville’s perspective, they now Let’s make sure they never get behind us; that they’re always in front of have to pay him market value instead of counting on him being the best us.’ bargain in the league. Sometimes, when a player gets a raise, the bump in salary is a couple of extra million dollars that you need to find under “What you’re also trying to do is get them frustrated. Bump them, get the salary cap. In Nashville’s case, it’s an extra $5 million. (Josi goes them off their games, slow them down. Because once you slow these from a $4-million cap hit to $9.059 million). guys down, then their size becomes a detriment, not an advantage. That’s a big year-over-year jump. Mikael Granlund and Craig Smith come “I coached against Pavel Bure. He was the first of these guys. With Bure, off the books after this year, so that’s a cumulative $10 million saved. he was already gone. That was his mindset. That’s why he got all those breakaways. He got that open ice in front of him. He got separation But Turris is 30, has four years left at $6 million after this season and because he was always going for it, and he was very good at it and he he’s playing just 13:34 minutes a night. Unless they really think he can didn’t screw it up very much.” shift to wing at this late stage of his career, he’s going to be playing behind Duchene and Ryan Johansen forever. Realistically, no team can For King, coaching always was a bit of a chess match. afford to pay that kind of money over that kind of term for a player in your bottom six. If a smaller player is now facing a larger challenge, what would he do as a coach, to help get them back on track? Enter Kovalchuk. You’d have to convince him that Nashville is a place where you could take a shot at winning – because he has no-move “I would start by getting our video guy to cut plays of when they were protection. The money he earns is comparative nickels and dimes after more effective, to see if they’ve changed their games at all and to see if Dec. 15 (a prorated $700,000), which is Kovalchuk’s base pay (the rest any hesitation has crept in. Maybe they’re not doing what they did before. of the $6.25 million cap hit would be paid out in signing bonuses by then). For them to be effective, there has to be a little cheat in their games. Now to me, cheat is anticipation. It’s not a negative quality. I’m not suggesting And then, next year, of course – you’d have to deal with short-term pain that they flagrantly cheat either. to achieve long-term gain (one more season at $6.25-million cap hit, though the actual dollars are less – $4.25 million and maybe L.A. takes “But are you playing the game you need to play to be successful? And if some of it back). you’re not, I would be telling them: ‘You gotta get back to your game.’ I would also make sure they know: ‘We accept the way you play – and Again, not perfect. understand there’s some risk to it and that it isn’t always going to work out.’ You’re not telling them to get out there, way ahead of the puck, but But sometimes, you have to consider the-lesser-of-two-evils approach to you are assuring them, if you see a turnover happening, do your thing. the trading game – which can sometimes be a) a difficult concept to Trust your instincts. process and b) even harder to rationalize to your fan base, which still tends to focus on the player talent involved in trades and not the pesky “With some players, their instincts just aren’t good enough, so if they start financial complications that play a part in practically every NHL playing that way and cheating, they’re going to be wrong too much. But transaction that occurs nowadays. these guys you’re talking about have great instincts – and they’re right most of the time. The odd time, they’ll make that break into the open ice The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 in advance of the turnover occurring, and they’re going to be wrong – but as a coach, you have to live with that a little bit.”

As they have for some time now, NHL GMs met in Toronto this week following the Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. They gather in the Toronto head offices where they review the rule changes they’ve put into place for the new season, discuss what, if anything, needs to be tweaked or otherwise amended and then blue-sky ideas for longer deliberation at their spring, post-trade deadline get together in Florida.

But it also gets everyone in the room together to discuss where their teams are at and what, if anything, they can do to better themselves.

This has been a wholly upside-down start to the season. Some of the teams that were bad early – Dallas, San Jose, Philadelphia, Los Angeles – are playing better now.

Some of the teams that were good early – Buffalo, Anaheim, Carolina, Nashville – have fallen back. A few squads – St. Louis, Washington and the New York Islanders – relentlessly charge along and the rest of the league is in a win-one/lose-one pattern that has almost every team still in a tight cluster. Seven points separate Carolina, at fifth in the East, from the New York Rangers, who are 14th and hold three games in hand. 1162872 Calgary Flames Gaudreau, in particular, seems guilty of settling for poor quality opportunities. Let’s take a look at his shot map to see if this checks out.

This view shows all of Gaudreau’s shots (including on the power play) so The case for keeping Johnny Gaudreau in Calgary (because he hasn’t far this this year. The colour and shape show the shot type (mostly blue been as bad as it seems) for Gaudreau, showing his reliance on the wrist shot) and the size shows goals (bigger shapes are goals, smaller shapes are shots). Gaudreau’s map shows his strong preference to fire from the left side of the ice this By Sean Tierney Nov 22, 2019 season, which may not be surprising given his position (we’ll come back to this).

There’s some data on the side of the chart that holds some clues for It’s been rough. Gaudreau’s poor offensive showing so far. He’s managed to post 4.77 The Flames have sputtered to start the season, sitting on a 10-11-3 xG so far, which is in line with the 5 goals he has actually scored. This record through 24 games, good for 23 points and the NHL’s 18th best means that Gaudreau hasn’t been personally unlucky, even as the record going into play on Thursday night. Flames as a team have suffered poor shooting luck this season. We can see that Gaudreau’s average shot distance has been 34.45 feet out, When a team with playoff aspirations falls on hard times, fingers start which is just a bit further out than average for a forward (around 32 ft). being pointed. You need look no further than the Toronto Maple Leafs, built to compete now, slumping in the standings, and now beginning Let’s compare Gaudreau’s shot map with his work last year: anew with Sheldon Keefe as head coach after Mike Babcock’s dismissal Three notes jump off the chart. on Wednesday. First, Gaudreau’s individual shot rate is down a little this year. With 88 In Calgary, the most interesting recipient of a finger-point has been 26- shots in 24 games this season, Gaudreau’s managing about 3.67 shots year-old star winger Johnny Gaudreau. With only 5 goals and 18 points per game. In 2018-19, he had 337 shots in 82 games, good for 4.11 to start the year, and shooting a measly 7.8% — well-below last season’s shots per game. The difference might seem small, but the difference 14.7% and his career average of 12.5% — some have called for the amounts to one fewer shot every two games, which adds up over the Flames to explore trade options for Gaudreau before his value drops. course of a full season and limits Gaudreau’s overall scoring Like I said, it’s been rough. opportunities.

Has it really come to this point? Would it be wise to consider the Second, Gaudreau’s shot map from last season shows his willingness to unthinkable, trading Gaudreau and shaking up this roster before the roam around the offensive zone. He posted a cluster of goals on the right season is lost? side of the crease, scored from a slightly greater range of spots towards the left faceoff dots, and was generally willing to get shots to the net from Here, we’ll take a deep dive into Gaudreau’s advanced stats this year to anywhere in the zone. As you can see in his 2019-20 map, Gaudreau see what’s wrong, if Gaudreau can fix it, and what we should expect from has restricted himself largely to the left side of the ice. This isn’t the Flames’ star going forward. necessarily a problem, but it’s a departure from his pattern last year.

Before we dive in, a quick note: This piece was completed just before the Last, and most telling, is Gaudreau’s average shot distance. In 2018-19, start of the Flames’ 5-0 defeat at the hands of the Blues, a loss that is Gaudreau’s average shot distance was 26.77 feet, much closer than likely to lead to further calls for change in Calgary. In this game, average for a forward. This bears out in Gaudreau’s goal scoring plot, Gaudreau added 8 shot attempts for a total of 0.29 expected goals which is largely concentrated right in front of the crease area. So far in (about 0.036 xG per shot), as per evolving-hockey.com. Keep these stats 2019, Gaudreau’s shooting from 34.45 ft out, almost 8 feet farther away in mind as you read — they’ll come up again. than his average shot last year. This is the primary driver behind Gaudreau’s drop from 0.08 xG per shot (about average, NHL-wide) to Okay, let’s get started. 0.05 G per shot (notably below league-average). Good to Gaudreau Ultimately, this is a decision-making-level concern rather than a sign of So far this season, no team has suffered through worse shooting luck poor luck or deteriorating ability. If Gaudreau was encouraged (or than the Calgary Flames. permitted) to roam more in the offensive zone, and if he committed to getting in closer before firing, he would enjoy an increase in his shot As a team, the Flames have shot an NHL-worst 6.35%, notably below the quality. league-average of about 8.3%. Compounding the problem is the team’s low rate of creating quality chances: Beyond his own goal-scoring issues, Gaudreau has managed to maintain a reasonable scoring rate: The Flames’ poor shooting luck has been compounded by an inability to create quality offensive chances. Their team rate of expected goal This view shows each skater’s rate of scoring (points per 60) at even creation (a measure we explored in this piece) has been below league- strength compared with each player’s usage. Gaudreau has been the average as well, compounding the problem of not finishing chances when Flames’ most frequently deployed forward at 5-on-5 and has produced as they do create them. well as Monahan and just a little behind the level of Tkachuk. Though Gaudreau has a history of doing more, this scoring rate isn’t that of a It’s a team-wide problem that Gaudreau hasn’t escaped. player who should be on the trade block while the team waits for their overall shooting luck to regress to average. This chart shows individual shot rates for Flames forwards on the horizontal axis compared with the quality of their average shot on the And one final note on Gaudreau so far: vertical axis. Matthew Tkachuk plots in the “good” section of the chart due to his above-average rate of shots and his well-above-average Goals above replacement (GAR) is hockey’s version of the WAR stat that quality per shot (quality can come from taking shots near the net, has become popular in baseball. You can read more about how it works shooting off the rush, gathering up rebound shots, etc.). here. The basics are that GAR looks at how each skater individually contributes to even-strength offence (EVO), even-strength defence In this view, we can see that Johnny Gaudreau is doing his typical good (EVD), power play offence (PPO), shorthanded defence (SHD), drawing work in creating shot quantity — he’s above NHL average in shot rate penalties (draw) and avoiding taking penalties (take). The stat is a great and fourth on the team behind only Tkachuk, Sam Bennett and Mikael way to take all of the many ways that a player contributes to team Backlund. But Gaudreau has shown an inability to create quality success and sum those contributions up into an easy-to-read view. chances, ranking ahead of only and Michael Frolik in average shot quality. Despite Gaudreau’s somewhat uneven start to the year, he has continued to contribute in other ways. Though his even-strength offence For a player of Gaudreau’s elite abilities, that’s not the company he is a slight negative at the moment (a theme for most Flames as they should keep. struggle through a lull in quality creation and poor shooting), all of Gaudreau’s other indicators are positive. He is providing competent So, the data suggests that the Flames, on the whole, are struggling to even-strength defence, contributing to the power play, avoiding penalties, create shot quality, which is behind their poor rate of goal-scoring. and drawing penalties too. Often, the mark of a great player is that he can find ways to contribute positively even when they are slumping offensively. For Gaudreau, that’s been the case so far.

Summing it all up

When a team struggles, stars often take the heat for the team’s poor performance. Questions about trading Gaudreau are a reflection of the star’s centrality to the team identity — if Gaudreau is struggling, the team is struggling.

But there are easy fixes to bump the Flames’ star back to his usual production levels. Gaudreau’s shots profile shows a player who has settled for longer distance shots this season and, perhaps, not roamed offensively with the same freedom as he roamed last year. With a little more lease in the offensive zone, and a commitment to getting in deep for shots, Gaudreau’s shooting is likely to rebound. In the meantime, his defence, special teams work, and penalty management remain positive.

He’s close. And he’s a keeper too.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162873 Carolina Hurricanes

Huberdeau and Florida take on Carolina

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NOVEMBER 23, 2019 03:21 AM

Florida Panthers (12-5-5, second in the Atlantic Division) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (13-8-1, fourth in the Metropolitan Division)

Raleigh, North Carolina; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Jonathan Huberdeau leads Florida into a matchup with Carolina. He currently ranks seventh in the league with 30 points, scoring 10 goals and totaling 20 assists.

The Hurricanes are 8-6-1 in Eastern Conference games. Carolina is fifth in the NHL recording 9.4 points per game, averaging 3.4 goals and 6.0 assists.

The Panthers are 8-3-3 in conference play. Florida averages 10.1 points per game to lead the NHL, recording 3.7 goals and 6.4 assists per game.

In their last matchup on Oct. 8, Carolina won 6-3. Ryan Dzingel recorded a team-high 2 points for the Hurricanes.

TOP PERFORMERS: Sebastian Aho leads the Hurricanes with 11 goals, adding six assists and totaling 17 points. Andrei Svechnikov has recorded seven assists over the last 10 games for Carolina.

Keith Yandle leads the Panthers with a plus-eight in 22 games played this season. Aleksander Barkov Jr. has scored seven goals over the last 10 games for Florida.

LAST 10 GAMES: Panthers: 7-2-1, averaging 3.9 goals, 6.6 assists, 3.1 penalties and 7.6 penalty minutes while giving up 3.2 goals per game with a .901 save percentage.

Hurricanes: 5-5-0, averaging 3.8 goals, 6.8 assists, 4.2 penalties and 9.8 penalty minutes while giving up 3.3 goals per game with a .884 save percentage.

Hurricanes Injuries: None listed.

Panthers Injuries: Jayce Hawryluk: out (upper body).

News Observer LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162874 Carolina Hurricanes broadens awareness about the disease and raises money in the battle against cancer.

“It touches so many families, so many people,” Rick Dzingel said. Hockey Fights Cancer game has special meaning for Canes’ Ryan The Dzingels, father and son, can laugh a little about Ryan’s old baseball Dzingel, his dad days now. Rick likes to recall that when Ryan was walked three times in that playoff game, he was Wheaton’s first-base coach and told his son, “Hey, Ryan, you’re not that good.” BY CHIP ALEXANDER NOVEMBER 22, 2019 12:10 PM “And both of us were crying at the end,” Rick said. “I knew he was going to hockey and baseball was done. It was a real tear-jerker.”

RALEIGH-Ryan Dzingel mostly remembers his father’s tears. A seventh-round draft pick of the Ottawa Senators, the 204th player taken in 2011., Ryan has become an established NHL player and goal- Dzingel was in his senior year of high school at Wheaton Academy, a scorer, signing a two-year contract with the Canes as a free agent after private Christian school in West Chicago, Ill. Having competed in the last season. U.S. Hockey League, the Carolina Hurricanes forward had returned home after the hockey season to play shortstop for the Warriors. “All these people said he wasn’t going to make it,” Rick Dzingel said. “He proved a lot of people wrong.” To play his last year of baseball. Ryan Dzingel was able to visit with his family this week as the Hurricanes “I had played baseball my whole life,” Dzingel said in an interview. “My were in Chicago to play the Blackhawks. The Dzingels were at the United dad wanted me to play baseball. He was really good, had played in Center as the Canes won 4-2, flying back to Raleigh after the game. college at Louisiana Tech and had a small stint in the minors. He kind of lived through me.” “We’re a close-knit family,” Rick Dzingel said. “I still have tears in my eyes when I have to say goodbye to him.” Rick Dzingel, a longtime Chicago White Sox fan, put a baseball in Ryan’s hands at an early age. He would hit hard grounders at his son, not letting FLORIDA PANTHERS AT CAROLINA HURRICANES up, to sharpen his fielding skills. He taught him how to hit. He helped coach him at Wheaton. Saturday, 7 p.m., PNC Arena

“I always made him do a little bit extra because I always knew he had the Hockey Fights Cancer game: Cancer awareness, research and support talent,” Rick Dzingel said in an interview. “He had the passion and the groups will be on the arena concourse to speak with fans and promote drive and the will to make it.” the work of their respective groups.

But Ryan said one of his father’s best friends, Dan Lopatka, had News Observer LOADED: 11.23.2019 introduced Ryan to another sport, hockey, and he soon had a dual passion. He learned he could skate, fast. He could score. Those fielding skills made for good, soft hands. The hitting drills helped his hand/eye coordination.

By 2010, a decision had to be made, baseball or hockey. So there Dzingel was in the spring, in a high school baseball playoff game against Montini Catholic High. He had hit .590 as a senior, he said, and would be named to an all-state team and wanted to cap off the season with a state title.

“I was intentionally walked three times,” Dzingel said. “We lost by one run.”

Rick Dzingel took it hard. Not the loss. The loss of a dream, maybe, but not a game.

“We both knew that was the end,” Ryan said. “I think he wanted to think it wasn’t but he knew. He was sad about it. I’ll never forget he cried in the outfield and I got walked three times.”

There would be more tears to come, none about baseball.

DZINGEL FAMILY FACES A TOUGH ORDEAL

In January 2013, Ryan Dzingel was on the Ohio State hockey team and on an 11-hour bus drive with the Buckeyes to play at Northern Michigan. His phone buzzed. It was his dad.

Doctors had discovered cancer in Rick Dzingel’s throat and lymph nodes. Chemotherapy treatments would soon begin.

“That was a tough time,” Ryan Dzingel said. “I grew up and got stronger. It was a long battle for him but my Dad is a warrior.”

Ryan, 27, is the second of Rick and Linda’s three children -- older brother Rick is 30 and sister Dana is 22. Ryan returned home to Wheaton from Ohio State as often as he could, wanting to be there with his father, with his family. Wanting to help the man he always called his rock.

After chemotherapy, after 44 radiation treatments, Rick Dzingel was told the cancer was in remission. At 57, he has been cancer-free the past six years.

“It was a rough ordeal,” Rick Dzingel said. “The fight was for the family. But I made it through. God didn’t want me. I think I’ve got too many people to aggravate still.”

On Saturday, the Hurricanes will host the Florida Panthers in their annual Hockey Fights Cancer game at PNC Arena. The league-wide initiative 1162875 Chicago Blackhawks It might have made more sense for Kane to play extra minutes Saturday against the Stars, who are one of the hottest teams in the NHL. After a 1- 7-1 start, they are 12-1-1 in their last 14 games and have allowed just 26 goals in that span. Jeremy Colliton defends his decision to use an unusual lineup and give Slater Koekkoek a start against his former team: ‘It was the right thing to [Most read] Lincoln library director fired for loaning handwritten copy of do’ Gettysburg Address to museum founded by Glenn Beck »

This will be the first of five straight games against Central Division opponents for the Hawks after playing only three this season, presenting By JIMMY GREENFIELD CHICAGO TRIBUNE |NOV 22, 2019 | 4:12 PM an opportunity to move up in the standings. Then again, it’s also a chance to fall back.

“It’s very big,” Colliton said of the upcoming stretch. “It’ll certainly look A typical morning skate for the Blackhawks ends with Jeremy Colliton different in the standings after this week. ... We know it’s important meeting with reporters and revealing his starting goalie and which games, and if we can have a good stretch here, (it will) make us feel a players will be in the lineup for that evening’s game. little bit better about this ... homestand.” That’s not how it worked Thursday. Chicago Tribune LOADED: 11.23.2019 Colliton waited until just before game time to reveal his plans.

Slater Koekkoek was in. Dominik Kubalik was out. And Colliton went with 11 forwards and seven defensemen, which is unusual.

The strategy isn’t new. But it’s far from the norm and raised eyebrows — especially after the Hawks lost to the Lightning 4-2 to cap a 1-2 homestand.

[Most read] After Indiana University slams him as ‘vile and stupid,’ professor Eric Rasmusen fires back and digs in on offensive tweets »

After the game, Jonathan Toews was asked if using 11 forwards after a long stretch of scoring a lot of goals with a traditional 12-man lineup — the Hawks averaged 4.3 goals in their last seven games entering Thursday — felt disjointed.

“I don’t know,” Toews said. “Things were going pretty good (in recent games) with four lines and the lineup that we had, so have to ask the coaches on that one.”

So reporters asked Colliton.

“It’s always an option,” the coach explained Friday after practice. “Probably not the first option, of course. But it’s a thing that teams do in the league, and they have success. It’s not preventing you from having success. To me it’s an issue that shouldn’t be one.”

Colliton said he based his decision on three factors:

It rewarded Koekkoek for being a good teammate by letting him play against the team that drafted him and traded him to the Hawks in January.

It provided him the option of double-shifting Patrick Kane more frequently because there weren’t four full lines. Kane ended up with 27 minutes, 52 seconds of ice time, easily his most of the season, and extended his point streak to 11 games with a third-period assist.

It allowed him to bench rookie forward Dominik Kubalik, who was a healthy scratch for the second time.

It might seem odd that Colliton would make a decision based, even in part, on getting a reserve defenseman into the lineup. But Koekkoek is respected and well-liked in the locker room. The Hawks didn’t lose because Koekkoek skated 11 shifts and was on the ice for 8:14.

“He’s a soldier for us,” Colliton said. “He’s been a great teammate and works hard in practice and he’s been on the outside looking in at times this year. Sometimes it’s just circumstances than have pushed him out — we want to get a young player in or trying to rotate the lineup — and when he’s got the chance to go in, he’s been pretty good. It was the right thing to do.”

Colliton’s decision to give Kane more ice time was a natural, given the forward’s hot streak and the fact he entered the game feeling fresh. In four of the Hawks’ previous five games, Kane hadn’t cracked the 20- minute mark.

“I wouldn’t want to get in the habit of playing him that way, but we went with 11 to try and get him a little more ice because he is playing well and we were chasing the game,” Colliton said. “We have that option, and I thought he was really good. He created a lot, and they didn’t give up much either when he was on the ice. I don’t think he’ll play 27 (minutes Saturday).” 1162876 Chicago Blackhawks Blackhawks player Alex DeBrincat on Nov. 20, 2019. I always say he looks like a catfish — you know, like the little whiskers on

the catfish. So I always go with cat. ... Cat got the catfish. It’s good. It’s a From a ‘little bit of a hanger over the lip’ to ‘whiskers on the catfish’: good style. Looks good on him. Andrew Shaw critiques the Blackhawks’ mustaches On Kirby Dach

Blackhawks player Kirby Dach on Nov. 20, 2019. By JIMMY GREENFIELD CHICAGO TRIBUNE |NOV 22, 2019 | 8:00 AM We’ve got to zoom in like 500% there to see. That’s just a child’s mustache, that’s all that is. Little shading but no thickness. No girth, no thickness, no length, no color. Yeah, it’s weak. The 12-year-old Stromer Blackhawks players Alex DeBrincat, Andrew Shaw and Dylan Strome has a better mustache than the 18-year-old Dacher. He’s got more peach pose for photos on Nov. 20, 2019. fuzz on his cheeks than he does on his upper lip.

And the winner of best mustache on the Blackhawks is ... Andrew Shaw! On himself

So says Shaw. Blackhawks player Andrew Shaw on Nov. 20, 2019.

With the Hawks center and several teammates growing mustaches this They’ve been calling me Wally the Walrus. Looks like I got the walrus month for the “Movember” Mustache Cup Challenge to raise money for mustache going. Yeah, got the big upper lip, so I got a lot of coverage of men’s health as part of the NHL’s “Hockey Fights Cancer” awareness hair. I clearly don’t keep mine cleaned up. It’s in my mouth. It’s bristly. month, the Tribune asked Shaw to judge them. He offered his unfettered Some may say it’s like the push-broom mustache. I like it. I got it from my assessment of each mustache — including his — after a recent practice. old man — he had a mustache for, like, 30 years. Same thing. A little bit of Flanders in there. It’s looking good. Thick, bristly. It’s not soft. Truth is, Shaw’s really is the best. Alex DeBrincat, Ryan Carpenter and Zack Smith are close. Slater Koekkoek, Dylan Strome and Kirby Dach Chicago Tribune LOADED: 11.23.2019 are not.

“I have to take the best one,” he said. "I have to. It’s just thicker. I’ve got the big upper lip for it, (similar to former NHL star) Lanny McDonald. Not that much game but on the way there. So I’ve got to go me No. 1. No. 2A is Cat and 2B is Carpy and Smitty. They’ve got a very similar mustache.

[Most read] After Indiana University slams him as ‘vile and stupid,’ professor Eric Rasmusen fires back and digs in on offensive tweets »

"The weakest is obviously Dacher and then Stromer's and then Slater's bottom three."

Does having declared he has the best mustache mean it will last beyond November?

"Probably not," Shaw said. "My wife will probably ask me to shave it."

Here’s a look at the Hawks and their mustaches — along with Shaw’s no- holds-barred commentary.

On Ryan Carpenter

Blackhawks player Ryan Carpenter on Nov. 20, 2019.

It’s good. It’s got good length. He keeps it tidy too. He keeps it clean. It looks kind of like (Ned) Flanders from "The Simpsons" a little bit. ... I’ve got a bigger upper lip, so I’ve got a lot more hair to play with, I guess. There’s different styles. His is just in between the thin French mustache or the big, push-broom mustache.

On Dylan Strome

Blackhawks player Dylan Strome on Nov. 20, 2019.

Stromer looks like — you know everyone had that one kid that might have hit puberty earlier, in seventh or eighth grade, who had that mustache. That’s what Stromer’s looks like now. He’s got the puberty mustache. It’s thin and ratty for sure.

On Zack Smith

Blackhawks player Zach Smith on Nov. 20, 2019.

That’s a dad mustache, right? That’s a man’s mustache right there. Little bit of a hanger over the lip on both sides. It looks good. Just a little bit of a Fu Manchu, just a little bit of a hang. That looks good. Honestly, I could see him rocking that daily. A little bit like the show “Peaky Blinders.” He’s got a little bit of a “Peaky Blinders” mustache.

On Slater Koekkoek

Blackhawks player Slater Koekkoek on Nov. 20, 2019.

Slater has the blonde stash, so it hides a little bit, but he’s got it coming in there and you know, he obviously he didn’t clean it up when they took the picture but he’s got a nice little (look) going. (Doesn’t remind me) of anyone. That’s just all Slater.

On Alex DeBrincat 1162877 Chicago Blackhawks “I’m going to play the ice that’s given to me,” he said. “Just go out there and compete, battle, make sure we can sustain pucks, help out on faceoffs, forechecking, keeping pucks alive, that sort of thing.”

Andrew Shaw finally finding niche on present-day Blackhawks roster Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 11.23.2019

Shaw didn’t feel right at the start of the season, but now things are falling into place.

By Ben Pope Nov 22, 2019, 6:55am CST

Shaw isn’t an integral a player as he used to be, but he has settled into a notable supporting role nonetheless.

The Blackhawks used to know exactly who Andrew Shaw was and exactly what he would bring every night.

After three years of separation, though, the reunion between the now 28- year-old Shaw and the franchise with which he had won two Stanley Cups wasn’t as seamless as planned. Shaw struggled to find his new role during the first month this season.

“I don’t think I had my hands there, either” Shaw said. “Not like I’m stickhandling or dangling guys, [but] I just mean like handling pucks, winning 50-50s, that kind of stuff. Timing, as well, was off.”

During his time in Montreal, Shaw had changed as a player, adapting to the ever-increasing emphasis on possession and skill over physicality and intimidation in the modern NHL. He now seems to use his persistent, sometimes annoying nature to win the puck back in tight situations more than provoke opponents and only occasionally chip in offensively.

The Hawks initially didn’t seem to know that. Now they do.

“I like his game lately,” coach Jeremy Colliton said Thursday. “Skating better and he’s winning a lot of 50-50s around the net. He was one of the guys I thought had a pretty good game [Tuesday against the Hurricanes]. He’s been good on the power play, winning pucks back. So hopefully he can continue that.”

Shaw estimated it took “seven or eight games” for him to regain his hands, blaming the long offseason — the Canadiens just missed the playoffs with Shaw aboard last spring — and the Hawks’ odd early- season schedule for the slow start.

Looking at the data, it appears his season really began clicking 12 games in, starting with the Hawks’ win in Anaheim on Nov. 3.

Up to that point, Shaw had scored just three points (two of which came in the home opener). In the nine games since then — entering Thursday’s matchup against the Lightning — Shaw has tallied five points.

But the biggest difference has been in terms of Shaw’s power play usage and effectiveness. Before the game against Anaheim, Colliton had deployed Shaw for just 30 percent of the team’s total man-advantage minutes. Since then, Shaw has played 57 percent of those minutes. And the Hawks’ power-play scoring chances with Shaw on the ice have risen from 0.55 to 0.80 chances per minute.

“You win your 50-50 battles, you get those assists,” Shaw said. “You win your 50-50 battles, you’re going to get more responsibility. You’re going to be put out there in certain times of the game, and I think that’s just been happening. I’ve been getting better and better.”

Clearly, Colliton and the coaching staff have figured out how to better use Shaw’s new strengths.

They still haven’t figured out who to put him with, though.

Entering Thursday, Shaw had spent between 10 and 27 percent of his 5- on-5 ice time with 10 different forwards — as in, everyone except Alex Nylander and Zack Smith.

That instability finally seemed to have settled down lately, as Shaw’s line with David Kampf and Dominik Kubalik lasted steadily for three and a half games — a relative eternity. Yet Shaw moved up next to Jonathan Toews and Brandon Saad in the third period Tuesday, then skated Kirby Dach and a rotating cast of wingers Thursday.

Still, Shaw remains thankful he has at least found his individual niche. 1162878 Chicago Blackhawks

Dallas takes home win streak into matchup with Chicago

By Associated Press

Chicago Blackhawks (9-9-4, fifth in the Central Division) vs. Dallas Stars (13-8-2, third in the Central Division)

Dallas; Saturday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Dallas hosts Chicago looking to extend its five-game home winning streak.

The Stars are 4-1-1 against division opponents. Dallas has given up 13 power-play goals, stopping 84.3% of opponent chances.

The Blackhawks are 1-1-1 against the rest of their division. Chicago has given up 14 power-play goals, killing 79.7% of opponent opportunities.

The matchup Saturday is the first meeting this season between the two teams.

TOP PERFORMERS: Tyler Seguin leads the Stars with 19 points, scoring six goals and adding 13 assists. Alexander Radulov has scored five goals over the last 10 games for Dallas.

Patrick Kane leads the Blackhawks with 11 goals and has 29 points. Kirby Dach has four goals and three assists over the last 10 games for Chicago.

LAST 10 GAMES: Blackhawks: 6-3-1, averaging 3.7 goals, 6.6 assists, 3.5 penalties and 8.1 penalty minutes while giving up 2.5 goals per game with a .934 save percentage.

Stars: 9-0-1, averaging 4.1 goals, 6.4 assists, 4.4 penalties and 9.3 penalty minutes while giving up two goals per game with a .937 save percentage.

Stars Injuries: Mattias Janmark: day to day (lower body).

Blackhawks Injuries: None listed.

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162879 Chicago Blackhawks Last season, Kane averaged a career-high 22½ minutes -- playing 23½ or more 29 times -- and his production faltered a bit down the stretch (6G, 12A in the last 21 contests) In the 60 previous games, Kane had 38 goals and 54 assists. Hawks upcoming 5-game will reveal if they're playoff contenders It's a fine line to walk as a coach, and Colliton believes Thursday will be the exception.

John Dietz "We were falling behind (last season) it seems like every night," Colliton said. "And when you're falling behind, he's the one that's going to get you

back in the game so you put those guys back on the ice. "I also think we Believe it or not, the sky is not falling. have quite a bit more depth up front this year, so that helps."

Well, it certainly is if you're a Bears or Bulls fan, but Blackhawks fans Kubalik's reaction: take heart: Your team doesn't figure to be a miserable train wreck during Dominik Kubalik sat out for the second time in eight games as a healthy the next 4½ months. scratch Thursday. The forward said "you're always shocked when you Over the past two weeks, coach Jeremy Colliton's squad proved it can see you're not playing." stick with -- and defeat -- some of the better teams in the NHL. They went Jeremy Colliton still wants the rookie forward to improve his work ethic a respectable 5-2-1 over a just-completed eight-game stretch that I away from the puck and to do a better job winning battles against the deemed critical to the success of the season. boards. Yes, they lost the last two games. Yes, some of the ugly habits started to Kubalik has 5 goals on the season, two of which came in the four games reappear. And yes, fans are howling about Colliton's decision to start after he was scratched against Vancouver on Nov. 7. He also hit a post seven defensemen against Tampa Bay on Thursday. against Toronto on Nov. 10. But the Hawks racked up 11 of a possible 16 standings points in the last "When I missed the first game, I thought the first couple games (back) eight contests and now face a pivotal five-game stretch against Dallas were pretty good," Kubalik said. "We were good as a team too. It's (13-8-2 and 12-1-1 in its last 14), Colorado (13-7-2) and St. Louis (14-4- always easier to get going when the team's going. 5). "Then the Carolina game was tough for everybody and for me too. Made With the Hawks in fifth place in the Central Division and 5 points behind some bad plays. ... All I can do is be positive and work hard." fourth-place Winnipeg, it feels like they need to get 7 or 8 of a possible 10 points against these division foes to show they're a legitimate playoff Daily Herald Times LOADED: 11.23.2019 threat.

"If we can go on a little run and get some wins, it's going to be good for us in the standings and good for our confidence," Alex DeBrincat said after an optional practice Friday in which seven skaters and both goalies took part. "Any time you're in the playoff race, it makes it a lot easier to have that confidence when you're not crawling yourself out of (a hole)."

That's for sure.

Now, let's look at a few other things that came out of Friday:

Playing defense:

Coach Jeremy Colliton stood by his unorthodox decision to start seven defensemen against the Lightning on Thursday.

"It's always an option. Probably not the first option, of course," Colliton said. "But it's a thing that teams do in the league and they have success. It's not preventing you from having success. To me it's kind of an issue that shouldn't be one."

Perhaps.

But since the start of the 2016-17 season, the Hawks went just 1-5-0 in the six games in which they started seven D-men. The lone victory came over Columbus on Feb. 23, 2017. They've tried it twice against New Jersey with disastrous results: A 7-5 loss on Nov. 12, 2017 and an 8-5 setback last January.

Colliton reiterated Friday that he wanted to get Slater Koekkoek back into the lineup, and felt it was right to play him against his former team. A healthy Dominik Kubalik sat out.

"He's a soldier for us," Colliton said. "He's been a great teammate and works hard in practice. He's been on the outside looking in at time this year and sometimes it's just circumstances than have pushed him out.

"We want to get a young player in or trying to rotate the lineup. And when he's got the chance to go in he's been pretty good."

Kane, Kane, Kane:

With just 11 forwards dressed against Tampa Bay, it meant Colliton was able to double shift Patrick Kane throughout much of the game.

Kane ended up playing 27 minutes, 52 seconds and more than half of the second period. He finished with 8 shots on goal -- 7 of which came in the first two periods -- and assisted on Dylan Strome's third-period goal that cut Tampa's lead to 3-2. 1162880 Chicago Blackhawks There are others to remember among the American-born players, like two-way center Mike Modano, who has the most goals (561) and points (1,374) in 1,499 games over 20 years. He also had 58 goals and 146 points in 176 postseason games and was inducted into the Hall of Fame Rozner: Blackhawks' Kane might give Chelios run as USA best in 2014.

There's Leetch, the superb Rangers defenseman who won the Conn Smythe in leading the Rangers to their first Cup in 54 years in 1994 and Barry Rozner was elected to the Hall in 2009. He collected 1,028 points in 1,205 games and is one of eight defensemen all-time with more than 1,000 points. He played for the Americans 11 times in international You only have to know a little bit about hockey to know Chris Chelios is tournaments. the greatest American hockey player of all time. Somewhere in the Top 10 among American men are Pat LaFontaine The case is overwhelming and not in dispute. (1,013 points in 865 games), Joey Mullen (502 goals, 1,063 points) -- he retired as the all-time USA leader in both -- and (513 But if Patrick Kane can stay healthy and continue to produce as he does goals, 1,216 points). (923 points) hit the trifecta with Olympic today, there might someday have to be another conversation, albeit one gold, a Stanley Cup and an NCAA title. many years down the road. Goalies Ryan Miller (381 wins), John Vanbiesbrouck (374), Jonathan As with all historical sports conversations, understanding the difference in Quick (315) and Mike Richter (301, '96 World Cup MVP) will also garner NHL eras is crucial, and the game in which Chelios played was quite support. violent, much different from today's ice ballet when most collisions are an accident. No offense to and his 741 goals, but dual citizenship notwithstanding, he was born in Canada. An extraordinary two-way, puck-moving defenseman -- the most valuable asset there is in hockey -- Chelios played heavy minutes, the power play, Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane has a ways to go before he the penalty kill and was pound for pound -- at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds -- surpasses Chris Chelios as the greatest American hockey player of all the meanest, toughest player of his generation. time.

You didn't just go for a skate in those days, playing for the joy of it and Meanwhile, the 31-year-old Kane is putting together a strong resume with looking for points without being touched. You got hammered when near three Stanley Cups. He has Calder, Hart, Ross and Conn Smythe the puck and Chelios dished out much more than he received. Trophies -- first American to win the Ross and Hart -- and his 967 points are already 95th all-time. If you wanted to approach the net, or protect it, you paid a hefty price. He will reach 1,000 points this year in fewer than 1,000 games and he's Chelios wasn't about numbers, but the numbers say all-time among got a chance to chase down Modano in four or five years for the all-time defensemen he has the 10th-most points (948), 10th-most assists (763) American lead. and most penalty minutes (2,891). That would probably move him up to No. 2, and if he plays long enough He's 34th in playoff points among all scorers (144), and seventh among there will be plenty of votes for him as No. 1, especially here in Chicago. defensemen. He's the NHL's all-time leader in playoff games (266). But Chelios played a different style in a different era and at a different Chelios was captain of the Blackhawks, the alternate to Brian Leetch position, a more important position, and he was as tough and talented a when the Americans upset heavily-favored Team Canada in the 1996 two-way defensemen -- this side of Bobby Orr -- as has ever played the World Cup, 2004 World Cup captain and three times the U.S. captain in game. the Olympics. Fight about it if you like. Chelios would love that. He played in two World Juniors, four Olympics and five World/Canada Cups. Daily Herald Times LOADED: 11.23.2019 He won a Stanley Cup with Montreal at age 24 and two with Detroit at ages 40 and 46.

He was five times a first-team all-star and three times a Norris Trophy winner, named one of the NHL's 100 Greatest Players and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.

He played in the postseason 24 times, an NHL record, missed the playoffs only once in his career (1998 Hawks) and tied with Gordie Howe for the most NHL seasons played (26).

Chris Chelios congratulates Joe Murphy after a goal in a 1996 game.

A Duncan Keith-type freak, he was averaging more than 27 minutes a game when traded from Chicago to Detroit in 1999, and at age 40 in Detroit (2001-02) he averaged more than 25 minutes a game.

That same year when the Wings won the Cup he averaged 26:22 in the playoffs on a knee with no cartilage, leading the playoffs in plus-minus for the second time in his career (Chicago, 1992), while collecting a modest 44 penalty minutes in 23 games.

"I would have played more if they let me," Chelios told me with a laugh a few years ago at a speaking engagement. "But they wouldn't let me."

Chelios is fifth all-time among all skaters in games played (1,651), despite being a constant physical presence with a target on his back every night.

Whatever you needed done at the rink that night, whether it was beat someone up or beat them at either end of the rink, Chelios would do it.

He's one of the best players of all time, from any country, period. 1162881 Colorado Avalanche

Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen returns to team practice in step forward from injury

By KYLE FREDRICKSON | PUBLISHED: November 22, 2019 at 12:45 pm | UPDATED: November 22, 2019 at 5:07 PM

Mikko Rantanen is one step closer to his return from injury with the Avalanche.

The two-time NHL All-Star forward was the first Colorado player on the ice Friday at the team’s practice facility for an optional practice in a red no-contact jersey. Rantanen has not played since suffering a left leg/ankle injury Oct. 21 at the St. Louis Blues. He reached a new milestone in his rehabilitation as the team approaches a two-game home swing at Pepsi Center against the Maple Leafs and Oilers.

“There have been some steps forward and backward, but I think Mikko is making really good progress here,” coach Jared Bednar said on Friday. “This is the first day he’s getting out with the group and jumping into some drills, so that’s a positive sign.”

Rantanen, who signed a six-year, $55-million contract this offseason, was initially designated for return on a week-to-week basis but has now surpassed one month on the mend. He tallied 12 points (five goals and seven assists) over his prior nine games to injury. Bednar did not have a timeline for Rantanen’s return as of late Friday.

“There’s no hiding the fact that we’re missing (Rantanen),” defenseman Mark Barberio said. “He provides so much offense, and not only that, he just brings a lot of energy to the group. He’s such a positive guy in the room. We’re definitely missing him and it’s a good sign to see him out there with the guys.”

Health updates. Forward Tyson Jost (upper body) is doubtful to play against Toronto on Saturday. … Forward Matt Calvert (concussion protocol) hit the ice early Friday before the optional practice and is “making some progress for sure,” Bednar said. … Forward Gabe Landeskog (lower body) is scheduled for a medical evaluation on Monday.

Barrie’s back. The Avalanche will see a familiar face on the opposing bench Saturday in Maple Leafs defenseman Tyson Barrie, who played his first eight NHL seasons in Colorado before being traded to Toronto in July. Barrie has eight points (one goal and seven assists) in 24 games with the Maple Leafs this season.

“For 60 minutes, you’re not friends, but then after that you can go back to being friends,” Barberio said. “I’m sure it will be strange for him, for the first time coming to the Pepsi Center and having to dress in the visitors’ room. It will be strange for everybody involved.”

Denver Post: LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162882 Colorado Avalanche He makes you feel comfortable right away. I would say he’s very similar to (Sidney Crosby) in that type of way where he can bring you in and make you feel a part of the team immediately. I think that bodes very well for a club and as a team. It’s something I continue to try and be better at. The Avs share their favorite memories of Tyson Barrie You see how important it is and you feel how important it is when you’re the new guy. He’s a special guy.

J.T. Compher By Ryan S. Clark Nov 22, 2019 Tyce was a great guy. Especially being a young guy. He treated us very

well and looked out for the young guys on the ice and off the ice. He’s a ST. PAUL, Minn. — Ian Cole will always remember how it felt when he great guy to have in the locker room. A positive mindset and a good first joined the Colorado Avalanche and was embraced in a manner only attitude every day. We definitely miss him around here but it’s how it a few people can achieve. works sometimes. But a great guy. … It was nice having him as a young guy. We had a good leadership group that over the last few years was Tyson Jost will not forget the time spent in Aspen at the X-Games. really good with new guys coming in and he was a big part of that for Nathan MacKinnon also has memories that he might someday share with sure. … He was genuine and is fun to be around. He keeps the locker the world. room light. But he’s also a good competitor and a great teammate and someone that you liked going to battle with. Emily Wade cannot help but laugh at the goofy moments while being in awe of the personal interactions. Die-hard Avalanche fan Taylor Worlton Samuel Girard smiles each time she stares at one of her six sweaters signed by her favorite player of all-time who helped her see hockey as more than just a I mean, he was a model for me. I kinda watched him growing up and game. when I was playing juniors. I remember my agent told me to watch his game and how he plays and when I got traded, I was excited to be with Knowing those anecdotes makes the following clear: Practically anyone him and to have a good conversation with him and to learn a little bit who spent some time around Tyson Barrie typically has a few memories more from him. I think it’ll be fun when he comes back to Denver and it is about him and the impact he made on their lives. Barrie was with the going to be a special evening for sure. … He’s such a good person. It’s Avalanche for eight seasons but left the club in the summer after he and crazy. He was good to me on the ice but off the ice as well. He’s such a Alexander Kerfoot were traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for center good person, a good leader and I really think everyone in the room loves Nazem Kadri and defenseman Calle Rosen. him.

Saturday is expected to be an emotional evening with Barrie returning to Erik Johnson Pepsi Center to face his old team for the first time since the trade. He left Denver as a fan favorite and one of the most respected players in the My first memory? That’s a long time ago. (Avs rookie defenseman Cale dressing room for his on-ice achievements, his personable nature and a Makar chimes in, “Make sure you put that in the story. That he said, willingness to always make time for everyone. ‘That’s a long time ago.’”) I think it was 2012. I think it was the lockout year and I think he got called up and played really well against Chicago. Here’s why. Then, the next night we came home and somebody came back from injury and he was scratched. I just remember, “I can’t believe he got Mark Barberio scratched. He was playing so well. Such a good, young player.” I kinda I would say my first day when I got picked up by the Avs. I had known just remember watching him the night before and thinking, “He’s going to him before. His dad had actually drafted me when I was in Tampa be a good player for a long time.” I remember just being surprised that he because his dad was a part-owner of the Lightning at the time. When I was scratched that next night. He was one of the best offensive D that went to my first rookie camp, Tyson was there but he was there as an Colorado has seen. It was sad to see him go but it was just kind of the underage player. His draft year was the next summer. But I met him way chips were falling. Guys were coming up from the prospect pool and before. You show up to a new team and I had met him but I didn’t really contract stuff was coming up and it was just probably, I think, the best know him. It was just the way he welcomed me. That’s probably my move for the team at the time. It’s tough maybe emotionally than it biggest memory of him. He welcomed me right away like I was a brother probably was. … He just had a really easy-going personality and could or a family member right off the bat. And I was like, “OK. I am probably get along with anybody. He liked to have fun. Didn’t really get flustered going to enjoy my time here with people like this around.” … He kept by anything too bad. Just an easy guy to get along with and we had a things fun. He kept things loose. He’s gotta be probably one of the good relationship. I would see him in the summer a couple times. He funniest guys I’ve played with. Just an amazing sense of humor. But the came and stayed with me in California for a couple days over the course biggest thing is deep down, he’s a really amazing person and he has a of the summer. He was kind of part of a core group of guys that kinda good heart. He would invite guys over for dinners or after the game. If came up together with (Gabriel Landeskog) and (Semyon Varlamov) and you wanted to go over to his place, it was always open. I know we had Nate and (Ryan O’Reilly) and (Matt) Duchene and myself. It was the Christmas events at his house and stuff like that. I just got a family- guys who were together for a while and then over the years different oriented vibe from him and those are really good qualities to have in a transactions happen and that’s kind of the way the game goes. teammate. … He is a huge Pearl Jam guy. He loves Eddie Vedder. He’s Tyson Jost actually got a pretty good voice and he can sing. He was into different types of music but liked rock music, rock alternatives and introduced me I got a couple (stories about) Tyce. First of all, he was absolutely into some good bands. One of them is my favorite bands and that’s Lord outstanding with me. I came in at 18, 19 years old and I was really young Huron. He’s into that type of genre but I think he’s got a wide variety of and in the summer, I hung out with him for a little bit. He kinda took me in music taste. and he was here rehabbing in the summer. It was great. We went to a Metallica concert and he was like, “Hey, come with me,” and that’s where Matt Calvert our friendship started. We went to Aspen together for All-Star break. That Bear’s an impressionable guy. He’s a guy that when he gets dealt, you was my best memory of Tyce for sure. That was a blast. It was supposed feel it in the locker room a bit. He’s a fun-loving guy. Always positive, to be me, him, Compher, Barberio and a couple of other guys that were likes to have a great time. You miss having that around. That’s probably supposed to come with us. Barb got hurt in the last game (before the All- my best memory of him. He was always upbeat and there was never Star break), Comph got sick in the last game before the All-Star break. really a bad day in Tyson Barrie’s world. We had this huge house, like an Airbnb sort of thing, with 12 rooms and everyone had to cancel because they were sick or hurt. I was like, “Tyce, Ian Cole are we still going to go?” We went to Aspen and had this huge 12- I think the world of him both as a player and as a person. Fantastic guy. bedroom house together and had a blast together. He took me under his One of the best guys in the game and also just an unbelievable hockey wing and we went to the X-Games because the X-Games were going on player. We played together for 95 percent of the year and it was a real during that All-Star break up in Aspen. (Colin Wilson) came down for a treat to play with someone like him who was so creative and so dynamic. day and we got really close. How could you not? We were with each It was a partnership that I loved being a part of and a friendship that I still other for three full days. I would say that’s my best memory. He’s such a value even a year later. … I think that as a team, you want guys on your caring guy and he’s funny and he’s always chirping. It’ll be cool to have team that can bring people together. He’s very much that type of person. him back. Nathan MacKinnon Life-long Avalanche supporter and well-known Barrie superfan Taylor Worlton We talk a lot. I have a lot of friends on other teams and it’s a little different when you play with somebody for six years and he was here for I think (on why Barrie is her favorite player) it’s partially because he’s like 10 years. I’m sure it’s more of an adjustment for him. I still have really good at what he does and is an elite offensive defenseman. It familiar faces around me but obviously it sucks not having your good really is also who he is as a person. Really humble. Great personality. buddy around. I definitely miss him a ton. … He was 21, 22 when we What person watches themselves on Pepsi Vision, sings Celine Dion and met. I was 18. We were roommates at a rookie orientation camp in laughs about it? His attitude and a really humble guy. Really appreciate Washington. We just kind of hit it off. He’s such a nice guy. He just likes that in an athlete. He just sticks out for that reason for me. … So I don’t everybody and you see why he’s got so many friends but obviously, it even think I really processed the whole trade for at least a week. I saw was nice that he took me under his wing early. I didn’t know much and Kadri and all I knew was the suspensions and was like “Great. That’s we came up together at the same time and spend six years together. … fun.” I was angry at first and asked why is Kerf going too? This is not OK. My favorite memories? I’m not going to sit here and tell stories to be I remembered I texted my mom “Tyson’s gone” and I just cried. I bawled honest! He’s one of my best buddies. Lot of stories I wouldn’t want to tell like a baby. I didn’t think it was going to happen. You are waiting. in the media. They are between me and him! … (The trade) was tough. It Waiting. Nothing happened and at 5 p.m., (Avs general manager Joe) was just an unfortunate situation. Obviously, it would have been nice to Sakic’s like “Oh, hey, by the way, I traded him.” I understand the hockey keep him. But we got Naz and that was huge for us as well. But, just in side of it and business side. But it still hurt. … For me, I finally had the terms of friendship, I miss him a ton. Same with hockey. If we still had opportunity to meet him (last) January. I think the one thing that kinda him, who knows if we get Naz too some other way? Obviously, it’s good sticks out for me is he asked my name. Then, he gave me a stick in to have a 60-point D-man back there. We had such good chemistry but I February during warmups during the (Winnipeg) Jets game. It was very miss him a ton. … It’s going to be weird. Playing against him is going to quiet. He just gave me a stick. That was a really cool experience. From be very, very strange. Coming down against him, they just got a new there, I’d go to practice to have him sign stuff. I have six Tyson Barrie coach so they’re obviously going to be buzzing. It’s going to be weird for jerseys and he signed every single one of them. I told him I was getting sure. Even in practice, it was weird when I would go against him, let the home, away and alternate jerseys and that I needed him to sign all of alone when he’s playing for Toronto. It’s going to be very, very strange these. I got the away jersey which was the last one. He made fun of me and I’m not really looking forward to it. It’s going to be emotional for sure. for it and was like, “Man, how many of these do you got?” He wrote, “To I’m sure he’ll get a tribute and it’s going to suck. Maybe that’s when it will Taylor, you need another jersey.” It was fun. I kinda got to know him a finally, really sink in that he’s gone is when I’m actually playing against little bit and see the hockey player and the person who makes him great. him. He’s awesome and I am grateful for all the kind memories and experiences. I really miss my favorite player and he will continue to be Avalanche social media and digital marketing manager Emily Wade my favorite player and I don’t care what team he is on. I also have a Tyson was the easiest person to build a relationship with. He’s super Toronto jersey he needs to sign! Tyson Barrie is the player that made me friendly every single day and ever since my first day, he was probably see hockey as more than just a game. one of the first people I talked with in the locker room back when I was Nikita Zadorov super shy. I think he’s super easy to build a relationship with because he’s super genuine. It’s really how he is and it’s easy to portray that on He’s probably like the best communicator I’ve ever seen. He’s so good social media. He was always down to make a fool of himself whenever with all the people. Super nice. Likes talking. Great in the dressing room we asked him to. … Definitely when he was hosting ice-breakers like and just an unbelievable person overall. He’s so good to everyone. when he was asking Gabe and Tyson questions. We filmed this ad for Obviously, we had a great relationship together and I enjoyed playing King Soopers and Pepsi. It was co-King Soopers and Pepsi. Pepsi was with him when I had the chance. … He was open to everybody. Anybody being sold at King Soopers. He was doing an appearance there that day could have come up and talked to him and he would have a conversation and it took him 18 takes and all he had to say was, “Whoa! Pepsi!” or with them on the same level. There was no cockiness or something something and he would never do it to his liking and was just laughing scary. He was open to people and super friendly and he’s a smart guy. the whole time. … We did an open house before the season started a He can talk about anything. couple seasons ago. He was just back in town and did it and was greeting fans. He legitimately greeted every fan and I knew that is what The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 he was going to do but I think it was just so cool to watch. It was a line of people and I think every single person walked away feeling like, “Wow. I kinda know Tyson Barrie now.” That was his sixth season at that point. He was such a veteran and had done so many events and sometimes, they do less events the longer they are here for. He wasn’t that person. He kept doing events but I thought with that, it was that one-on-one connection and he’s so good at that with us in the locker room, fans that he knows, fans that he doesn’t know. I think watching him connect with fans, it’s easy to see why he’s everyone’s favorite because you meet him one time and you’re basically friends. … (On the trade). That was pretty wild. We obviously had a busy day in general with re-signing Colin Wilson. Signing (Joonas) Donskoi and (Pierre-Edouard) Bellemare as well. We had a little lead time on those just to sort out and it was like, “Let’s get this welcome graphic.” I was leaving at 5:15 p.m. and (Avs vice president of media relations) Brendan McNicholas started calling me and I was like, “Oh no. This cannot be good.” I just answered it and he was like, “Where are you?” and I said, “Going back up to my desk.” He was like, “OK, we have a huge trade to announce” and the second he told me it was a huge trade, I just knew it was Tyson Barrie. It was just like, “Oh gosh what do we do?” But it was really easy because the fan sentiment was so universally, “We’ll miss Tyson.” We had to start with being like, “Here’s who we are getting, here’s who Kadri is and getting people on board with Kadri.” The next day was Tuesday and it was the last Tyson Tuesday and we did a lot of posts about him. I think it was right. I really don’t think it was too much. I felt like it put it to rest very nicely for fans the following day. That night was chaos. It was terrible reading how sad and how upset people were. That was a little brutal to be like, “Sorry, your favorite player is gone.” But Tuesday was nice. I thought the video (Avs social video coordinator Joey Post) posted was pretty perfect. I am sure people will love the one on Saturday too. Hopefully, they don’t cry. No, I won’t cry. I already watched it. So, I’m good. 1162883 Columbus Blue Jackets Power play heating up The Blue Jackets allowed another short-handed goal Thursday, their

NHL-leading fifth, but it didn’t overshadow an otherwise shining Blue Jackets | Speed is no longer only facet of Eric Robinson’s game performance.

The Jackets went 2 of 5 on power plays, including a 5-on-3 goal from Cam Atkinson, and have scored a power-play goal in four of their past Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch Nov 22, 2019 at 6:25 PM five games. Going back to Oct. 30, they have scored with a man- advantage in seven of the past 10 games, going 8-for-34 (23.5 percent)

in that stretch. WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The speed has always stood out. “I feel like it’s getting better,” said Wennberg, who plays on the right side When Eric Robinson winds up the engine and releases the clutch, the of the top unit. “Obviously, some games it works and some games it Blue Jackets’ 24-year-old forward can become the most noticeable thing doesn’t. It goes back and forth. I feel like we have to get more consistent, in an arena within a fraction of a second. That’s how powerful his skating but I feel like we’re building something good. We’re getting more shots is, how humbling his jets can be for an unsuspecting defender to face. and more opportunities.”

Just ask Joe Hicketts of the Detroit Red Wings, a defenseman who came Identity found up a slash late and two hooks short against Robinson on the Jackets’ The Red Wings scored four goals, but the Blue Jackets dominated every winning goal in a 5-4 victory Thursday night at Nationwide Arena. other facet of that game. “Oh, my god, did you see him fly?” captain Nick Foligno said afterward, According to NaturalStatTrick, a stat-tracking website, Columbus took unable to stifle a laugh. “The best part was he came right by the bench, more than 60 percent of 5-on-5 shot attempts in all three periods and and it was just like ‘Fffmmp,’ like a Daytona 500.” finished with an overall shot-attempts percentage of 64.3 percent. Robinson was an absolute blur on the play, which followed a face-off win They also had more unblocked shot attempts (63.1 percent), even- in the defensive zone. After roaring into the neutral zone, he scooped the strength shots on goal (52.9 percent), scoring chances (65.9 percent) puck on the left wing — after Zach Werenski looped a perfectly timed and high-danger scoring chances (66.7 percent). pass along the wall — and then it was turbo time. That’s the kind of hockey the Blue Jackets want to play more Robinson blew past Hicketts, bore down on Red Wings goalie Jimmy consistently. Howard at top speed and put the puck between the veteran’s pads for his third goal of the season and his NHL career. Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 11.23.2019 Last year, the fun probably would have ended sooner. The puck might have trickled off his stick, he might have missed the net or maybe he would have shot it right into Howard’s chest protector.

This season, Robinson is a different player. He’s more in control, more comfortable and more confident with the puck — as the Red Wings and have both learned.

“If you’re playing hesitant or nervous or scared, it’s gonna show,” said Robinson, who was recalled Nov. 10 from the Cleveland Monsters to provide depth while Foligno served a three-game suspension. “So I’m just trying to leave that out and keep an assertive mindset. If you have an assertive attitude and that ‘I belong and I’m going to play like I do’ approach, it goes a long way.”

The goal against Detroit was his second in as many games and third in four games since being recalled. After playing the first 14 games of his NHL career without a point, including 13 games last season and his NHL debut in the finale of the 2017-18 regular season, Robinson is making up for lost opportunities.

Along with his goals, he has also made some eye-opening plays and has more of a purpose to his actions on the ice than in previous NHL stints. That might have something to do with not making the Jackets' roster out of training camp — and not being the first forward called up this season — but mostly it’s because of what he’s learned in the , on and off the ice.

“I remember (Josh Anderson) going through it early on,” said coach John Tortorella, who has Robinson and Anderson skating as turbo-powered power forwards on a line centered by Alexander Wennberg. “He has so much speed, he’s trying to get to finishing a check and he’s overanxious and he just doesn’t take the right angle. The small things that you continue to work on, I think the staff in Cleveland has done a terrific job. You can see how much more ready he is.”

Robinson is playing like it, too, plus he has all that speed to burn.

“I have always thought he’s a good player,” Tortorella said. “Speed like that, if you can just give us something small to hang our hat on, you’re going to play. And he’s done that.”

Coaches aren’t the only ones who’ve noticed. Teammates have too, including Anderson.

“You can see his game’s coming,” said Anderson, who nearly scored a goal off Robinson’s pinpoint pass Tuesday against Montreal. “He’s holding on to pucks a little bit more, not just chipping it in every time, and I think he feels like he should be here, too.” 1162884 Columbus Blue Jackets “I think this is a little bit different than last year,” Tortorella said. “(Larsen's) an integral part of this coaching staff, so I respect him, in where he is a team-first guy and he's the one who brought the conversation up, as far as 'I think these guys need a different voice.' And Improving Blue Jackets power play gets 'new voice' in Paul MacLean there's not too many things you do on a power play, but a different voice and just a different look may help, and that's what he brought up.”

Mixed feelings Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch Nov 22, 2019 at 8:59 AM Larsen is popular in the dressing room, so the news of MacLean's arrival

was met with both regret and optimism among players. The Blue Jackets notebook includes veteran coach Paul MacLean hired “I feel Lars did a hell of a job,” said center Alexander Wennberg, who to work with the power play, reaction to the move plus the return of plays on the top power-play unit. “Obviously, he's the coach (for the captain Nick Foligno and head coach John Tortorella's take on the high power play), but our players have to live up to it too. I don't feel like this is stakes nature of his profession. some way to look down (on him). I just feel like if we can get better and The numbers have increased since late October. this can help us, let's do it.”

After a horrendous start, the Blue Jackets are having more success on Werenski, another power-play stalwart, agreed. power plays. Going into a game against the Detroit Red Wings on “It's tough, because our power-play successes and failures haven't been Thursday at Nationwide Arena, they had scored a power-play goal in four because of Lars,” he said. “His job is to put a game plan in place for us to of their past five games and in six of their previous nine. They were 6-for- succeed as players and for us to execute it – and we haven't executed.” 29 during that stretch, a 20.7 percent success rate, and the Jackets generated a key power-play goal in the third period of a 5-2 victory Foligno returns Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens. Following practice Wednesday, Tortorella wasn't ready to say that So, why was Paul MacLane – a 61-year old coach and former player with captain Nick Foligno would play against Detroit after serving a three- extensive NHL experience – hired Thursday to join the Jackets' coaching game suspension for an illegal hit. staff as a full-time assistant whose primary role is to oversee the power play? Thursday morning, Tortorella said Foligno would return to action and center Riley Nash would be scratched to make room – the second time The short answer is change, apparently set into motion by assistant Brad Nash has been a healthy scratch this season. Foligno, who centered Larsen – who is in his fifth season working with the Jackets' power play. Nash's line – with rookie Alexandre Texier and Cam Atkinson on the wings – was eager to play. “When Lars and I were talking, Lars brought it up to me,” head coach John Tortorella said Thursday at the Jackets' morning skate. “Lars says, “It's been a week-and-a half or more since I've played,” he said. 'Maybe it's time for a different voice in that part of it.'” “Especially when you're healthy, it just sucks (sitting out). I've been (skating) and all the things I need to do. I just want to put it into a game That got the wheels moving. Tortorella then consulted with the rest of his and play against somebody besides my teammates. I'm excited about my coaching staff and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen before calling opportunity.” MacLean – who was on the Jackets' bench against the Red Wings after his immigration paperwork was approved. High stakes

“His main focus will be the power play,” Tortorella said. “He will be behind Tortorella wasn't shocked to see the Toronto Maple Leafs part ways with the bench. As we all do, all coaches now, we're always integrated in Mike Babcock on Wednesday, but only because he's been around the everything we do as a coach, so he'll be part of that too, as far as within coaching business a long time. our whole team concept.” “All of the coaches, it's part of the job is being fired, no matter your MacLean, however, will be laser focused on boosting a power play that stature is … and Mike has a very big stature,” Tortorella said. “The has struggled, off and on, since the second half of the 2016-17 season – Olympics he's done, he's a really good coach. Mike Babcock is a good when the Jackets set a franchise record with 108 points and ranked 12th man and a very good coach, but it is part of our job, as far as that stuff on the power play (19.9 percent). that goes along with it. It is what it is.”

“Maybe with Paul coming in, he'll see some things we can work on, see Asked if the leash has gotten shorter for coaches, Tortorella turned the some things from a different perspective,” said defenseman Zach focus inward for his response. Werenski, who has two goals, two assists and four points on power plays this season. “Whenever you get a new voice, it's a new set of eyes that “I'm going to do my job the best way I can,” he said. “I'm not going to do see the game differently. Maybe he can help us in certain situations and my job to keep my job. I've always gone with that philosophy. When they get our power play going – and maybe, 5-on-5, get some guys going decide to fire you, they fire you. And you just get about your business too.” after that. You shouldn't change how you coach because you're worried about getting fired. You just go about your business.” MacLean, who began writing a column for the NHL's website last season, last coached as an assistant with the Anaheim Ducks from 2015-17. He Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 11.23.2019 was the Ottawa Senators' head coach 2011-14, winning the Jack Adams Award in 2013 for the NHL's best job of coaching, and had prior stints as an assistant with the Phoenix Coyotes (1996-97), Ducks (2002-04) and Red Wings (2005-11).

“I know him,” Tortorella said of MacLean. “He has been a successful coach. He's made runs with teams as a head coach, assistant coach. He's a good man. That's first of all. He's a good man.”

More important will be finding out if his expertise helps the Jackets climb the power-play ranks. This is the second straight season Columbus has sought outside help for its power play, after hiring Hall-of-Famer Martin St. Louis as a consultant midway through last season.

St. Louis was not a full assistant, like MacLean, but participated in practices occasionally and made himself available to players and coaches by phone. He opted not to continue this year, devoting his full attention to coaching his sons, but the Jackets wound up adding another power-play guru.

This time, it's more than a consultant. 1162885 Columbus Blue Jackets Three takeaways 1) Welcome to C-bus, Mac

The day started with the Jackets confirming news that broke Wednesday Blue Jackets 5, Red Wings 4: The 3-2-1 breakdown night courtesy of a tweet by Sportsnet’s that veteran NHL coach Paul MacLean would be hired as an assistant coach.

Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch Nov 22, 2019 at 8:06 AM MacLean’s title includes “special teams” in it, but his role will primarily be tied to the power play. He should have plenty of things to go over, too, both good and not-so-good

It was headed in a direction the Blue Jackets knew all too well. The Blue Jackets went 2-for-5 with the man-advantage against Detroit and continued show improvement that began Oct. 30 against Edmonton. Despite dominating the hapless Detroit Red Wings in most facets through Columbus has now scored on power plays in five of the past six games two periods of a 5-4 victory Thursday night at Nationwide Arena, they and seven of the past 10, going 8-for-34 in that stretch for a 23.5 percent trailed 3-2 starting the third. success rate. The Jackets scored the game’s first goal, scored a nice 5-on-3 goal, Now MacLean is giving them a fresh set of eyes and opinions, starting fought off a longer 5-on-3 for the Red Wings and held a 27-17 advantage with his presence on the bench Thursday. in shots through 40 minutes … and yet trailed, again, in a game they should’ve been winning. “He’s been around a long time and you respect what he says and what he has to say about our team,” Atkinson said. “Sometimes it’s nice to They hadn’t turned enough of those shots into goals. They fumbled the bring in a guy like that and kind of give you the outlook of how we should puck away on a power play, which the Jackets have done way too often, be playing and kind of what we’ve gotten away from.” and they watched Detroit’s Luke Glendening turn it into a shorthanded breakaway goal that put the Red Wings ahead 3-2 late in the second. 2) Atkinson ends the drought

And, of course, the Blue Jackets went to the locker room for the second It weighed on him mentally. intermission wearing scorch marks again, after another stroke of bad luck sent Filip Hronek’s pass into the net off Seth Jones’ outstretched skate That much was evident just from the look on Atkinson’s face after tapping for a goal that tied it 2-2 and gave the Red Wings a pulse. home a perfect pass from Seth Jones to cap the Jackets’ 5-on-3 power play in the second period. You could just feel where this was headed and it wasn’t a good place. This was going to be another kick in the tail, another opportunity It had been 10 games since Atkinson had put one in the net, after racking squandered, another “coulda, woulda, shoulda,” that woulda haunted the up a career-high 41 last year. He hadn’t scored since Oct. 24 in 3-on-3 Jackets the rest of the season. overtime against the Carolina Hurricanes, so scoring again was a relief.

Only that’s not how it went down in the third. Jones spotted him, fired a perfect feed and Atkinson just buried it for a 2- 1 lead. “I didn’t think we let that bother us,” said center Boone Jenner, who scored the Jackets’ second of three goals in the third. “We knew we’d put “I was pretty embarrassed at how I’ve been playing recently and I think I a lot of good minutes in, for the most part, in those first two periods. So, took a hard look in the mirror and figured out what makes me successful we just needed to stick with it and maybe raise our level a little bit in the as a player,” Atkinson said. “I think I took strides in that direction tonight, third, and we did that.” just moving my feet and demanding the puck and making it happen – not hoping it’s going to happen.” They did indeed. 3) Young guns Oliver Bjorkstrand made up for a turnover that led to Glendening’s goal by scoring a power-play goal of his own at 7:40, tying it 3-3. Jenner Another game, another impressive night by the Blue Jackets’ youngsters. followed with another one 63 seconds later, sniping a wrist shot past Alexandre Texier scored his third goal of the season in his first taste of Jimmy Howard from the right wing for a 4-3 lead. playing center in the NHL and scored the game’s first goal 5:37 into the And then it was one of the Columbus “kids” – speed demon Eric first period for the Jackets’ sixth straight 1-0 lead. He also won 63 Robinson – delivering the eventual winner off a face-off set play that percent of his face-offs (5-for-8). sprung him down the ice for his third goal in four games (second in a Robinson, meanwhile, overwhelmed the Red Wings’ second defense row). pairing with his speed on the winning goal in the third. The 24-year old The Blue Jackets led 5-3 in a blink and also had their second straight undrafted free agent out of Princeton signed with Columbus in 2017-18 five-goal game, neither with the aid of an empty net. and is now starting produce.

Tuesday, they won 5-2 against the Montreal Canadiens in a game that He didn’t have a single point in 13 games last year, but has three goals in made coach John Tortorella recoil, but this one felt more like a Blue four games now. Jackets victory. They hit a few people, dominated the puck and kept the “Robby’s been good since he’s been back here and I give (Cleveland Red Wings on their heels most of the night – rather than the other way Monsters coach Mike Eaves) and his staff down there a lot of credit as around. far as just developing him,” Tortorella said. “The goal he scored is just There was also some bad luck and a couple defensive lapses, but the total speed.” Blue Jackets (9-8-4) also earned their third straight victory – which was Two questions no small thing for a team looking to be better than a .500 team. 1) How bad are the Red Wings? “I thought we competed harder on pucks, I thought we closed (out),” said coach John Tortorella, who challenged the Jackets to reclaim their They’re pretty bad, even with several bright spots for future years dotting identity as a hard team to face. “We had the game in total control and … their lineup. we almost found a way to lose it at the end of the second period there. But I thought we were much better, as far as just taking time and space, The Red Wings appear destined to have the most lottery balls assigned and making them fight for their ice.” to them for the 2020 NHL Draft and it’s not really that close. They have dropped four straight games (0-2-2) and fell to 7-14-3 overall, keeping It wasn’t perfect, but it was a solid rebound after their Houdini escape Detroit last among 31 NHL teams. against Montreal. Next up is a quick trip to Winnipeg for a game Saturday before returning to Columbus for three more next week against the That’s something to keep in mind when grading this Jackets victory, but it Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins. also could’ve slipped away.

Before they jet off, here is a 3-2-1 rundown of what happened Thursday “We have to (start winning),” Jones said. “(Playing) .500 hockey is not night in Columbus – three takeaways, two questions and one more thing good enough for us. It doesn’t get you anywhere close to the playoffs. to know: So, that’s our goal, to earn a spot to play for the Stanley Cup. We’ve got to do the job in the regular season and … keep stringing together good efforts.”

2) Who’s faster, Josh Anderson or Eric Robinson?

Take your pick. It’s probably a toss-up, but Robinson would give Anderson a stiff challenge if not beat him altogether.

Either way, they’re playing on the same line and it’s a lot of fun to watch, especially when they get revved up. Both have size and strength to go with their turbo boosters, which helps them both overpower and overwhelm defenders.

Robinson’s goal was a great example.

After Alexander Wennberg won a face-off cleanly in the Columbus zone, defenseman Zach Werenski went back to collect the puck as Robinson took off toward the neutral zone.

Werenski zipped the puck along the boards with the intent of hitting Robinson in stride, which is exactly what happened. Red Wings defenseman Joe Hicketts, who isn’t exactly slow, didn’t have a chance.

Robinson zoomed past him with the puck, brushed off the defenseman’s slashes and hooks and beat Howard between the pads.

“The best part was he came right by the bench, so it was just like ‘Fffmmp,’ just like it was the Daytona 500,” Foligno said, smiling. “I’m so happy for him. That kid, I’ve watched him because I really like him. He’s put in a lot of hard work and you can just see that it’s kind of all coming together for him … he’s playing simple and then just waiting for his opportunity to use his speed now to his advantage.”

One more thing to know

If the Jackets could play exclusively on Thursdays, they might have a championship banner hanging from the rafters. They are 3-0-0 on Thursdays this season and 22-4-1 in Thursday games dating back to Mar. 8, 2018.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162886 Columbus Blue Jackets embarrassing start to steady himself. He has looked progressively better in each of his starts, which is really impressive because he’s not used to playing with long breaks between his outings. His job the rest of the way is to play well enough that a “quarterback controversy” takes shape. He Blue Jackets’ first-quarter report card: Good grades for goalies and didn’t come to North America to play in the minors, you know. He also rookies, but some veterans need help didn’t come here to be a backup. Since coughing up seven in his debut, Merzlikins has a .919 save percentage. If he continues at that pace, it’ll

be hard to deny him playing time. By Aaron Portzline Nov 22, 2019 Forwards

This group has been snake-bitten from the start of the season. Blue COLUMBUS, Ohio — If you were told on Oct. 4 that rookies Alexandre Jackets forwards have a woeful 8.7 shooting percentage, a staggering Texier, Emil Bemstrom and Eric Robinson would have more goals among drop of more than three percentage points from last season (11.8 them through the first quarter of the season than veterans Cam Atkinson, percent). Josh Anderson, Nick Foligno and Alexander Wennberg, you might have We’ll chalk some of them up to bad luck, sure. But have the Blue Jackets one of two responses. done enough to generate the kind of goals they knew they’d have to 1. Wow! Can all three of those rookies win the Calder Trophy? score in a post-Panarin and post-Duchene landscape? Probably not.

Or … And again, it’s the veterans who have mostly failed to carry the load here. That’s both the most frustrating aspect of the start of the season and the 2. When’s the NHL Draft lottery? best argument that the Blue Jackets could be better the rest of the way.

This is what’s great about pro sports, right? It wouldn’t be fun if you really Let’s grade them … knew what was going to happen. A | Pierre-Luc Dubois — It’s fair to say Dubois has been the Blue So far this season, some of the Blue Jackets’ biggest question marks Jackets’ only consistent difference-maker at forward. After two seasons have been answered with mostly favorable, or at least acceptable, of playing a supporting role on Panarin’s line, Dubois is making any line results. The much-ballyhooed rookies look like they’re ready to he skates with his line, even finding chemistry of late with Sonny Milano contribute, especially lately. The green , Joonas Korpisalo and Emil Bemstrom. Dubois is on pace for 30+ goals. Good timing, too, and Elvis Merzlikins, have been, with the exception of a few rough as this is a contract year. patches, pretty good. B | Oliver Bjorkstrand — The offensive numbers haven’t popped for And oddly enough, the one aspect of the club the Blue Jackets thought Bjorkstrand this season — (I know one guy who thought he could they could count on — solid production from their cadre of veteran challenge for 30 goals) — but it belies the fact he’s been one of the Blue players — has been the biggest disappointment. Jackets’ best forwards in probably one-quarter of their games. In years past, Tortorella has moved Bjorkstrand around to prod his game into The Blue Jackets have won three in a row, including a 5-4 win over action. Now he’s moving Bjorkstrand around to get other players going. Detroit on Thursday, to climb back over .500 (9-8-4) at the 21-game mark That’s progress. this season. The mood is starting to lift in Nationwide Arena, perhaps. B | Eric Robinson — It’s a small sample size, yes, but Robinson has But a hole has been dug. If the Blue Jackets are to reach last year’s point brought speed and scoring to the lineup following his call-up from AHL total (97), they’ll need 75 points in the next 61 games. They’ll need to go Cleveland earlier this month. The former was predictable. The latter has roughly 37-23-1 to get there. been a pleasant surprise. Robinson’s confidence is growing, as seen by They’ll need their veterans to awaken. the one-timer he scored versus Montreal on Tuesday. And his hands are starting to keep pace with his feet, as evidenced by the memorable Defenseman Seth Jones must start playing like a legitimate Norris game-winning goal he scored Thursday versus Detroit. Trophy candidate. Anderson needs to be a battering ram again. Atkinson must find his mojo and get back to sniping goals. Foligno and Wennberg C+ | Emil Bemstrom — Yes, we’re grading on a curve for the rookies, but have to make an impact on games and provide secondary scoring. Bemstrom’s recent offensive outburst — he just had a five-game point streak snapped — has been greeted with great relief. It’s hilarious if you This is The Athletic’s first-quarter grade card. Let’s just say some parent- really think about it. Bemstrom’s calling card is his world-class one-timer teacher conferences have been requested. … not that anybody in North America would know. He’s had trouble Goaltending getting off that shot, but all three of his goals have been scored on weird bounces and a swat of the puck out of the air. You can feel his The post-Sergei Bobrovsky era has probably been better than most Blue confidence with the puck growing with each game Jackets fans expected. Through 21 games, there are only a couple of games in which a loss could be placed at the feet of the goalie. C+ | Gustav Nyquist — So far, Nyquist has come as advertised, a solid but not spectacular secondary scorer. He’s on pace to push toward 50 “Everybody questioned at the beginning of the year what our goaltending points. Nyquist is a smart, crafty player, but he’s not a get-behind-me- was going to be,” Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella said. “We’re a .500 boys type. Still, if other veterans on this club start to awaken offensively, team, not because of goaltending. We’ve had some pretty good some of his smart plays and slick passes could be rewarded. goaltending.” C+ | Boone Jenner — The goals and points come and go, but Boone But let’s not get too excited here: Blue Jackets goaltenders have a Jenner is always Boone Jenner. Hardest-working guy on the team. Pure combined save percentage of .894, which is 24th in the league and .013 hell along the wall in puck battles. A blunt-force object at net-front. His below the median (.907). work ethic is such that his scoring slumps largely go unnoticed and any bit of offense he provides is seen as gravy. The upper concourse fans Let’s grade them … love this guy, if you know what I mean.

B- | Joonas Korpisalo — Life is different as a No. 1 goaltender, as C | Alexandre Texier — Given the amount of hype the Blue Jackets Korpisalo is finding out this season. The regular playing time is great, and generated regarding Texier, the reality has been a little disappointing. it’s helped Korpisalo cast aside some of the inconsistencies that Texier opened the season on the No. 1 line — in Panarin’s old spot with pockmarked his game during the last few seasons. But there’s pressure Dubois and Atkinson — and his skating and passes were crisp and in the responsibility, too. Korpisalo has drawn the ire of coaches for decisive. But then came a cooling off, a slowing. He missed four games having a few on-ice temper tantrums, but we’ve not dinged his grade on with a knee injury, which didn’t help of course. Tortorella moved him to that account. Caring is cool. His .850 save percentage against power center for the first on Thursday. Maybe carrying the puck more will help plays needs to improve, but the Blue Jackets could do him a favor and awaken his game and make him more dangerous. cut down on the breakaways he’s faced this season. It’s been alarming. C- | Sonny Milano — That between-the-legs, against-the-grain goal C | Elvis Merzlikins — His NHL debut in Pittsburgh would have broken Milano scored against Dallas stands as the Blue Jackets’ highlight goal in lesser men, so full marks to Merzlikins for pushing through an incredibly the first quarter of the season. A major rough patch followed, however, as Milano started taking costly offensive-zone penalties at an alarming rate. C | Ryan Murray — Once again, injuries have cost Murray a large chunk In previous years, he would have played his way back down to AHL of the season, and once again the Blue Jackets have tangible proof of Cleveland, but the Blue Jackets are giving Milano more leash than ever. Murray’s impact on their lineup. They’re 7-4-2 when he dresses, and 2-4- 2 when he doesn’t. The Blue Jackets are trying to give him regular rest D+ | Nick Foligno — Major offensive production has rarely been Foligno’s and not overuse him, but he’s so smooth and forms such a solid second calling card. It’s usually a benefit to all of the other elements he brings … pairing with David Savard that his minutes always drift higher than speed, toughness, forechecking, etc. But the rest of his game, while expected. He’s third among defensemen at 19:47 per game. acceptable, hasn’t been enough to overcome his lack of production (1-6- 7) in 18 games. His recent three-game suspension could be a silver C- | Dean Kukan — The injuries to Murray and Nutivaara have helped lining, a chance to gather his thoughts and breathe. He should be a 15- make Kukan a regular in recent weeks, and he’s had some bright spots. 20 goal scorer, even in a down year. Every few games Kukan will uncork a pass from the defensive zone that gets your attention. He’s mostly positionally sound when defending but D+ | Cam Atkinson — Never thought we’d see Atkinson draw this kind of doesn’t seem to have much offensive confidence. grade, and that “plus” sign is there only because he’s generated more points than you might expect (4-9-13) given his goal-scoring woes. If he C- | Scott Harrington — The Blue Jackets see Harrington as a reliable could grade himself, this might be even worse. He said he was extra defenseman, probably their No. 8. He’s played in only seven games “embarrassed” by his recent play. Atkinson still leads the team with 75 but never seems to form rust. Does he generate much offensively? shots on goal, and he’s been a streaky scorer historically. If it all evens Rarely. But does he draw attention to himself with defensive out in the end, the rest of the season will be a blast for No. 13. breakdowns? Not very often. Every team needs a guy like that.

D+ | Alexander Wennberg — It all looked so promising after the first few D | Markus Nutivaara — This grade has nothing to do with his injury. games of the season. Wennberg was holding on to pucks, making plays Nutivaara was in and out of the lineup before he got hurt because he’s in and looking offensively dangerous … even shooting! But he’s regressed and out with the way he needs to play to be effective. They want him to over the last month. He hasn’t disappeared to the extent he did last push the play with the puck, but too often he goes east-west with the season, but he’s not making an impact on games anymore. Wennberg’s puck instead of north. Until he makes that style of play a habit, he’s going faceoff turnaround is saving him here. He leads Blue Jackets centers to struggle. with a 52.6 percent winning percentage. The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 D+ | Riley Nash — It’s not that the Blue Jackets signed him as a free agent two years ago to be an offensive weapon, but Nash’s lack of contribution has been staggering. In 97 games with the Blue Jackets, he has four goals. Nash said he was feeling more comfortable in this, his second season, but he has 1-5-6 in 19 games and has generated only 13 shots on goal.

D | Josh Anderson — Nobody’s fallen further than Anderson so far this season. He missed six games with an injury after complaining in training camp that a shoulder injury from the playoff series versus Boston still hadn’t fully healed. But Tortorella insisted in Montreal that he’s healthy. Why, then, has Anderson disappeared as an offensive player, when he used to be a catalyst for the attack? He has 1-1-2 in 17 games, going the last 10 games without a single point.

Defensemen

This is supposed to be the strength of the club, but the Blue Jackets would like it to be stronger. That falls mostly on the star player, Seth Jones, who has made uncharacteristic turnovers and has been guilty at times of trying to do too much.

The blue line has also been hit with injuries, with Ryan Murray and Markus Nutivaara missing extended stretches.

Let’s grade them …

B | Zach Werenski — He’ll never defend hard enough or play heavy enough for some people, but it’s hard to argue with the offensive punch Werenski delivers from the back end. As Jones has struggled, Werenski has tried to carry more of the load and offensively he’s delivered. He’s on pace to clear 20 goals, which is rare air for blueliners and would be a franchise first.

B- | David Savard — Much like Jenner among the forwards, Savard is best appreciated over a large swath of games. He’s a gamer, a fierce competitor, a shot-blocker, a check-finisher and a crease-clearer. Those don’t all show up on paper, no matter how fancy the stats. But Savard is a much-appreciated member of this club, even if he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.

B- | Vladislav Gavrikov — The adjustment to smaller rinks and faster forwards has appeared rather seamless for Gavrikov, who looks like a highly competent two-way defenseman. One gets the sense that Gavrikov will start to spread his wings on both ends of the ice as he gets more comfortable. He can lower the boom like Savard. He also doesn’t mind creeping in the back door offensively. A bright future is ahead here.

C | Seth Jones — Let’s be clear: Many, many NHL defensemen would love to have the first quarter that Jones has had. He’s on pace for another 50-point season. But his struggles have been uncharacteristic and prolonged, and they’ve taken place on both ends of the rink. Turnovers in his own end. A half-second delay in his decision-making. He just hasn’t been himself so far this season. 1162887 Dallas Stars Day and will air on NBCSN, Mayer said. There will be two total hours of programming, but it has not been determined in what form: either two 30- minute episodes plus one hour-long episode, or two hour-long episodes.

What to expect for the Winter Classic: Live animals, musical acts and a Shooting will begin Dec. 11 and could premiere the next week. Last year, re-opened State Fair Midway the first episode aired Dec. 19. The series will also be available on demand and on YouTube.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 11.23.2019 By Matthew DeFranks 12:50 PM on Nov 22, 2019

The Winter Classic won’t be played in a barn, but it may look like it.

The NHL will create a ranch-like aesthetic for the Winter Classic between the Stars and Predators at the Cotton Bowl, according to NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer and NHL Vice President of Creative Services Paul Conway.

“Creating this environment here so it’s almost the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic Ranch,” Conway said.

The Winter Classic on Jan. 1 will be the southernmost outdoor game in NHL history, and the first outdoor game for both the Stars and Predators franchises. The game will draw at least 83,000 people, Mayer said, and will be the second-highest attended NHL game in league history.

The NHL will transform the Cotton Bowl’s look with wood-textured trim, and will attempt to bring the State Fair onto the field. Mayer said there will be animals in an area of the field dedicated to the State Fair and a theatrical element that comes to life during pregame, timeouts and intermission.

Mayer referenced the 2018 Winter Classic at Citi Field in New York, when the field was decorated with taxis and the field design “came to life” during breaks in action, including actors playing construction workers and the taxis moving.

“The goal with all these is that you take a shot of our field and you know immediately as a fan in Chicago or a fan in Iowa or a fan in Florida, they’re playing the game in Dallas,” Mayer said. “That’s something that we take a lot of pride in.”

In past locations, the NHL has drawn on specific elements to illustrate where the outdoor game is being played. Last year at , it used shamrocks on the field. In St. Louis in 2017, it used a music theme and put a guitar on the field. In Los Angeles in 2014, the league put a beach volleyball court in left field of Dodger Stadium.

“It’s always exaggerated,” Mayer said. “Like in New York, taxis. That’s exaggerated to the rest of the world. Is New York about taxicabs? No, but that’s a visual cue in our mind that tells you where we are. … It’s our job to balance it a bit, but it’s also our job to honor where we are and let people from not here, but around the world quickly let them know where we are.”

The musical stage will be in the north end zone opposite of the tunnel. Mayer said the game will also have a house band to play during timeouts instead of strictly canned music played over the speakers.

Musical acts: Mayer said the league would announce the musical performers in the coming weeks, but did say the two acts were country artists with ties to Dallas and Nashville. One of them is a Grammy nominee this year and the other previously won awards.

One performance will be before the game close to introductions and the other will be during the first intermission. Mayer said it was possible there was a third performer for the national anthem.

Rapper Post Malone, a Grapevine native, is not one of the artists as scheduling prevented his inclusion.

Opening the Midway: As part of the Truly Hard Seltzer NHL PreGame — the fan fest at Fairgrounds — the league will open the Midway for fans to attend from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It will re-open after the game and close at 8 p.m. Only fans with tickets to the game can attend the fan fest.

The fan fest will have interactive games, live music and a chance to take a picture with the Stanley Cup. Rides like the Texas Star Ferris Wheel, Top o' Texas Tower, Texas Skyway, Pirate Ship and Lone Star Scooters will be free to ride.

Road to the Winter Classic: The television series “The Road to the Winter Classic” will return to chronicle the lead up to the game on New Year’s 1162888 Dallas Stars In addition to collecting LEGOs at the game Thursday, the Stars are also accepting donations through Sunday at area StarsCenters. Donations can also be mailed in for those outside of DFW, and Ty said the family is looking into officially forming a non-profit with the same name so they can John Klingberg helps keep Brody Nelson’s legacy alive with ‘LEGOs for accept monetary donations. Little Warriors’ Emily said it was an easy decision to keep collecting LEGO donations after watching her brother’s fight and what the donations meant whenever the Nelson family went to St. Jude’s for treatment. By Sean Shapiro Nov 22, 2019 “I don’t know what the word I’m looking for is, but to just see that he was

suffering on the inside but still wanted to do something for other people DALLAS — Ty Nelson watched a line of LEGO-carrying fans form on the — to me, that’s something that was really cool,” she said. American Airlines Center concourse on Thursday evening. Emily said she and Brody were close siblings, but they formed a closer Once they got to the table, which was covered in a lavender tablecloth, relationship after he was diagnosed. the LEGOs were donated, and fans walked away with a buy-one, get-one “That’s when I realized, and it put things into perspective, that time Stars ticket voucher plus a sticker from “LEGOs for Little Warriors.” All Ty doesn’t always last long,” Emily said. “And I wanted to cherish all of the could think about were his children: His 10-year-old son, Brody, who time I had with him. That really brought us together more, and I’m happy I passed away in August following a 20-month battle with brain cancer, was able to do that.” and his 13-year-old daughter, Emily, who has helped Brody’s mission to collect LEGOs for other pediatric cancer patients become his legacy. Almost a year to the day after her brother dropped the ceremonial faceoff with Klingberg, Emily did the same on Thursday before the Stars game “He would have loved to see this,” Ty said. “I’m so happy his sister against the Winnipeg Jets. There was a standing ovation for Emily’s continued to do this for him. He’s continued to live on this way.” efforts, which included her father, who was looking on closely. Once Brody came up with the idea for “LEGOs for Little Warriors” last again, both of his children were on his mind. September. He had recently taken part in the St. Jude Children’s “It’s hard to put words to it,” Ty said. “It’s heartwarming that she wants to Research Hospital’s Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer fundraiser in carry on his legacy.” Fort Worth, and after raising $675 himself, he had told his mom, Courtney, that could buy a lot of LEGOs for sick kids at St. Jude, where The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 Brody had undergone treatment.

For his birthday, Brody had asked for donations of LEGOs to give to St. Jude. He practiced what he preached: During his trips back to the hospital in Memphis, Tenn., the Nelson family would often arrive with large plastic tubs of LEGOs to donate.

“He liked LEGOs before he was diagnosed, but once he was in the hospital, he would sit in his room and put LEGOs together. It was something that was really great for him,” Ty said. “He thought about the donations, and I remember we were told the hospital would get a lot of toy donations, but they hardly ever get LEGOs, and he knew the other kids loved them.”

Brody’s LEGO drive was aided by the Dallas Stars last season after he connected with John Klingberg through the defenseman’s “Klinger’s Kids” program. The program brings out children dealing with life-threatening diseases and their families to Stars games. They spend time with the players after morning skate and also receive a mattress from Levitz Mattress.

Klingberg learned about Brody’s efforts, and with the help of the Stars foundation, a LEGO drive was held last season as part of Hockey Fights Cancer. On Nov. 23, 2018, Brody dropped the ceremonial faceoff with Klingberg as part of that season’s Hockey Fights Cancer event.

“That was emotional when I found out he passed away,” Klingberg said. “I really felt like when I met him that I got to know him. That’s when I had my hand injury, so I was able to sit down with him during the morning skate there and just talk through life with him. He was young, but he was very mature, and when I got the news, it hurt. I really felt like we had bonded.”

When Klingberg started “Klinger’s Kids,” one of his main focuses was being there for the whole family, since life-threatening diseases like cancer impact more than just the person battling it. Klingberg understood how families like the Nelsons have their entire lives turned upside down by illness.

“It’s not just the kid; they don’t always know or understand everything,” Klingberg said. “But the family — mom and dad, older siblings — they are dealing with this as well, and it’s not easy,” Klingberg said. “If we can turn this into a thing where the family has a great day, not just the kid — that’s what I want this to be.”

Klingberg said that after Brody passed away he wanted to continue helping the Nelsons with the LEGO drive after Emily had decided she was going to continue her brother’s efforts.

“It’s a great thing by Emily,” Klingberg said. “Hopefully, we can be a success in helping with the drive, because she’s doing a really great thing.” 1162889 Detroit Red Wings The Bertuzzi, Dylan Larkin and Mantha line continues to be a consistent threat on a Wings team that hasn’t had many this season.

“Tyler, for a lot of stretches of the year, has done a really good job,” 'I have to step up': Jimmy Howard takes blame for Red Wings' recent Blashill said. “He’s getting a hell of an opportunity and he’s doing a real struggles good job. I like Tyler a lot. He’s a competitor, a smart player and he’s got good skill.”

Bad power play Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News Published 3:06 p.m. ET Nov. 22, 2019 | Updated 6:16 p.m. ET Nov. 22, 2019 Blashill wasn’t happy with the execution on the power play Thursday, particularly during a 5-on-3 the Wings enjoyed for more than a minute early in the second period.

Newark, N.J. — Jimmy Howard was putting the blame on himself. Leading 2-1, the Wings could have extended the lead and taken control. Instead, the Wings failed to record a shot. The Detroit Red Wings had just lost again Thursday night, this time letting Columbus rally in third period for a 5-4 victory. There were a “I would call it poor decisions,” Blashill said. “Poor decisions with the variety of things that went wrong. puck. It’s a little unfortunate when you shoot the puck like Mo (Mantha) shoots it and you miss the net and it goes out of the zone. That’s But Howard was shouldering the lion’s share of the blame. He believed unfortunate. he failed to make a needed stop when the Blue Jackets were mounting their comeback. “But then we made poor decisions. When you have five versus three (players), making smart decisions becomes a real important thing. We Columbus Blue Jackets forward Eric Robinson scores past Detroit Red didn’t make enough smart decisions.” Wings goalie Jimmy Howard during the third period Thursday night. The Wings (who did score a shorthanded goal, by Luke Glendening) “I have to step up and make some saves for the guys, it’s as simple as failed to score on three power plays — Columbus scored twice — and that,” Howard said. “It’s frustrating. When you score four goals we expect Blashill hinted there could be personnel changes on the power-play unit. to win. You can’t give up five goals. I have to find a way to make more saves for the guys.” Right now, the chemistry does seem out of kilter.

Thursday’s loss was just the latest in a rocky season for Howard. He is 2- “We have to get better as a group and be more on the same page,” 9-1, with a 3.98 goals-against average and .883 save percentage. Bertuzzi said. “We need to score on those (situations) and get ourselves Howard’s last win was Oct. 29 against Edmonton — with the opening back in the game.” night victory against Nashville the only other victory. Ice chips Howard insists he has felt good in net, despite his poor statistics. The Wings assigned forward Givani Smith back to Grand Rapids. Smith, “Funny part is, I’ve felt great,” Howard said. “I’ve felt good every game. 21, has played in five games for the Wings this season, still looking for Felt comfortable in San Jose (last week, an overtime loss), felt his first point. comfortable again (Thursday). I just have to find a way to have pucks hit me.” … The Wings are likely to get defenseman Patrik Nemeth (leg infection) back Saturday in New Jersey. Howard, 35, signed a one-year contract worth $4 million after the trade deadline passed last season. Red Wings at Devils

The belief has been if Howard could maintain the level of goaltending Faceoff: 7 p.m. Saturday, Prudential Center, Newark, N.J. he’s provided the last several seasons, he’d either be dealt at the trade TV/radio: FSD/97.1 deadline for a draft pick – never mind, at this point, thinking about next season. Outlook: The Devils (7-9-4) have struggled coming out of the gate this season, despite numerous additions during the offseason. … But Howard’s struggles are putting a damper on the possibility of any Goaltending has a big drawback (3.55 GAA; only the Wings are worse at potential trades. 3.75). ... Rookie C Jack Hughes, the No. 1 overall pick, has gotten off to Jonathan Bernier took over the quasi-starter for a stretch of four games. a fair start (10 points) while LW Taylor Hall (15 assists, 17 points) leads But Bernier has lost his last two starts, forcing coach to offensively. alternate between Bernier and Howard since. Detroit News LOADED: 11.23.2019 “We’re going to win as a group and lose as a group,” Blashill said. “As a group we have to be better.

“For me, Jimmy is like the rest of our team. He played good in lots of parts of the game (Thursday), and we all have to find a way to be better, and as we get into the third period, win a game.”

This is hardly the first time in Howard’s 11-year career that he’s gone through a slump. The best way to get out of it, Howard has learned, is to get back on the ice quickly and work through it.

Some positive luck would be nice, too.

“It’s just getting a couple bounces here and there, and get the ball rolling,” Howard said. “I just have to stick to it and keep having a positive mind-frame and keep working hard.

“I have to step up and make some saves for the guys.”

Tyler Bertuzzi

Battlin’ Bert

Much is made of Anthony Mantha’s big offensive season, and for good reason with a team-leading 12 goals.

But linemate Tyler Bertuzzi, with his two goals against Columbus, now has 10, right behind Mantha. 1162890 Detroit Red Wings

Grand Rapids Griffins fail to capitalize in loss to red-hot Milwaukee

By Steve Kaminski

GRAND RAPIDS – The Grand Rapids Griffins have made big strides this season when it comes to power play efficiency.

Grand Rapids had only eight games all year last season in which they scored two or more power play goals. However, they already have five this season.

The Griffins sure could have used one Friday night, though. Grand Rapids failed to capitalize on any of its five power play opportunities in a 3-2 loss to Milwaukee at Van Andel Arena.

Grand Rapids led 2-1 after two periods before the Admirals scored a pair of goals in the first 8 minutes, 25 seconds of the third to take the lead. Milwaukee, the hottest team in the American Hockey League, held off the Griffins for their ninth consecutive win.

Moritz Seider

Touted rookie defenseman nabs first goal as steady development continues.

What was particularly frustrating for the Griffins was that they outshot Admirals 36-24, and that included 15-6 in the first period and 11-5 in the third when they were scrambling to tie it up. The Griffins entered the game ranked fourth in the league in power play efficiency.

“They are a good hockey club, but so are we,” Griffins coach Ben Simon said. “We gave them a good run for our money tonight. That being said, I don’t think we played as well as we are capable of.

“Managing the puck wasn’t great. I thought we took too many penalties.”

The Griffins will have another crack at trying to cool off Milwaukee Saturday when they take on the Admirals on the road. Game time is 7 p.m. EDT. Grand Rapids has beaten Milwaukee more than any other team in franchise history, and its next victory over the Admirals will be its 100th.

Milwaukee struck first on Laurent Dauphin’s shorthanded goal at the 7:50 mark of the first period. But Grand Rapids answered with a pair of goals in the second. Jarid Lukosevicius’ unassisted goal two minutes, one second into the period tied it at 1-1. Filip Zadina then gave the Griffins their first lead when he scored on an assist by Troy Loggins and Moritz Seider with 3:29 to go in the second.

The Admirals took advantage of a power play chance early in the third when Alexandre Carrier tied the game on an assist from Daniel Carr and Colin Blackwell. Carr then provided the game winner 8:25 into the third on an assist from Blackwell and Tommy Novak.

“It’s always frustrating for sure,” Seider said. “I think we played solid and the first period was incredibly good. We were all over them. We were a little sloppy in the second and third, and in the end, we had some great chances.”

The loss dropped the Griffins to 9-8-1 while Milwaukee improved to 13-3- 1. Milwaukee leads the season series 2-1.

“Overall, I thought we played not bad,” said the Griffins’ Chris Terry, who entered Friday’s game second in the AHL in scoring. “We would have loved to have capitalized on those power plays in the first period. We generated offensive chances. But I don’t think we played a bad game at all.”

Michigan Live LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162891 Detroit Red Wings

How to watch, listen and stream Detroit Red Wings at New Jersey Devils

By Lauren Williams

The Red Wings (7-14-3) and the New Jersey Devils (7-9-4) hit the ice at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Prudential Center.

The Red Wings lost to Columbus 5-4 on Thursday and have lost four in a row.

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: 11.23.2019 1162892 Edmonton Oilers In a perfect world, maybe he’s a No. 2 defenceman on a real Cup contender. Maybe he’s a second-unit PP guy behind Carlson in Washington but he can really shoot, and he gets the puck to the people who need it in Edmonton, McDavid and Draisaitl, which shows his Klefbom is playing like a true No. 1 D in the league playmaking ability. He’s not a true PK, throw-yourself-into-battle guy like Larsson or Kris Russell. Instead, he plays more like Jay Bouwmeester,

using his feet, and long stick. The evaluators are coming around because Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal he can play in any situation, and play against the other team’s best players.

“He’s a really good player, he closes the gaps, he can kill a cycle. Oscar Klefbom has played more shifts (657) than anybody, five-on-five, There’s lots of smaller defenceman now but Klefbom is bigger and skates plays the point on the league’s most dangerous power play, and is the like a smaller guy. He knocks pucks off people,” said an NHL pro scout. first guy out on the second-ranked penalty-kill with an average shift of 57 “You don’t find too many defencemen who can do all three — five-on- seconds, with only Washington’s defenceman John Carlson staying out five, killing penalties, on the power play.” longer. His coach Dave Tippett is coming in cold as his talent judge, but he’s had But in a 31-team league where there are only between 10 and 15 true his eyes opened. No. 1 defenceman, depending on whether you feel Erik Karsson still has that resume or 20-year-old Miro Heiskanen in Dallas has played enough “It’s understated in how well he does lots of things. He’s not a top top games for that tag yet, where does Klefbom fit? player in the league but when you see him every day your appreciation grows. When you’re an opposing coach, you don’t dissect each player on He certainly drives the bus with the Edmonton Oilers but is he a true No. the other team. When you’re seeing Oscar on the ice as much as he is, 1? he must be doing some good things,” said Tippett.

The list of legit No. 1s starts with Drew Doughty and Victor Hedman, and “The night he played 31 minutes (San Jose), he didn’t look tired at all includes John Carlson, Roman Josi, , Mark Giordano, after the game,” said Larsson. Brent Burns, Seth Jones and . People like Morgan Rielly, Kris Letang, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Heiskanen, Karlsson and rookie Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 11.23.2019 Cale Makar, in time, are debatable for various reasons.

“He’s an extremely smart D man, good in all areas … he has a lot of tools that define his name and his personality,” said his Swedish buddy Adam Larsson. “I feel he’s come into his own this year, some games he’s just dominated and from watching from the press box, you get a different angle on things.”

Is there a defenceman Klefbom’s starting to look like?

“That’s hard to say. He’s not flashy but he still plays PK, first PP. Maybe (Roman) Josi. I was kind of leaning that way. 0r a left-handed (Alex) Pietrangelo. It’s so hard to compare D in this league,” said Larsson.

“Josi and Pietrangelo. Whoa! Those are two good players,” said Klefbom.

“I’m trying to be myself, I guess.”

Through 24 games, of the top seven average shift leaders — Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Alex Ovechkin, Carlson, Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane — Klefbom has played 82:27 short-handed, then 86:35 on the power play. Carlson has played 40:50 SH and 100.07 on the PP. Klefbom’s short-handed minutes are way more than anybody else on defence or forward. Carlson has played 464:39 even-strength minutes, Klefbom 453:25, so that’s pretty close.

He enjoys the special-teams work a lot. While Larsson’s return from his broken leg will possibly eat into some of Klefbom’s average short-handed minutes (3:26), he enjoys the challenge, although you don’t want him diving in front of shots and breaking a thumb like last year.

“You can see how other teams’ power plays work when you’re on the PK. I have an advantage to go against good players on other teams’ power plays so I know how they’re thinking,” he said. “It’s easier to play on the PP when you play PK.”

He’s averaging 25:56 a game, seven times going over 27 minutes, only once under 22.

But he’s not perceived to be a true No. 1, is he?

“Are there 30 real No. 1 guys? No, no,” said Klefbom.

Many scouts don’t consider him in that exclusive neighbourhood.

“For sure it’s a fair question. If you look at Drew Doughty, he’s been playing 27 minutes a night for I dunno how many years and been consistent. A guy like Viktor Hedman plays lots of minutes with a lot of responsibility. They’ve done a good job for so many years,” said Klefbom.

“Obviously I’m really happy with how the team’s playing and how I’m playing right now. Hopefully in five years I can keep it up. Maybe then there’s another discussion. I understand how they (assessors) have a different view with all the top D in the league now. It’s up the media and all the experts out there to compare Giordano or Josi or whatever,” he said. 1162893 Edmonton Oilers Jones has no trouble playing his off side, even though he’s having to make plays on his backhand.

“There’s so many left-handed D when you’re growing up, going back to OILERS SNAPSHOTS: Nygard's speed gives him scoring potential but bantam, midget, and that’s when it starts (playing the right side),” said just the one goal Jones. “For me, I played right side in junior in Portland because we had five lefties, then I’ve done it in the AHL. But in the U.S. (national) program I played left (with Charlie McAvoy in the world junior).”

Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal This ’n that: Tippett liked it when Draisaitl said he had a very poor game in L.A. “Shows he understands the game. I didn’t argue with him,” said

the Oiler coach … Tippett wasn’t tipping his hand on his starting goalie So is Joakim Nygard going to be Todd Marchant on a breakaway — against Vegas, even after Mike Smith was pulled after giving up three great wheels, hands not quite in the same ballpark except for that historic goals in the first period in L.A. “Whoever plays tomorrow isn’t playing in playoff goal on Andy Moog in OT in 1997 — or is there more there from Arizona (Sunday),” said Tippett … Winger Jujhar Khaira took a Dustin the Swedish winger? Brown shot off his left hand in the second period Thursday and while he came back briefly to play, he only had two shifts in the third and just 9:54 Nygard had two clear-cut, in alone chances on goalie Jonathan Quick ice-time. He didn’t practise Friday. “He was a bit sore today but there’s a Thursday and was stopped on both. He knows he’s got to score on good chance he’ll play (against Vegas) … Adam Larsson said he had no those. Especially the one when it was 3-1 for L.A. ill effects after his first game (he played 13:37) since Oct. 2. “My legs were fine. But I only played even-strength, no penalty-killing,” said “I had a lot of breakaways in Sweden, too, and it took a couple of years Larsson … Tippett has thought of inserting Gaetan Haas into his penalty- before I buried them. I have to do it better,” said Nygard, whose wheels killing rotation because of his smarts and skating. He’s still a work in are NHL-calibre but he’s only got one goal in 16 shots. progress as a right-shot face-off guy, though, at 39 percent on 118 “First couple of years (Sweden) I tried a move on the breakaways, then I draws. Really tough for first-year guys on draws, with NHL strength on started shooting and the puck started going in. I’m shooting here, too. So the dot. we’ll see,” he said. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 11.23.2019 He had a terrific chance from 20 feet in the third, too, but defenceman Alec Martinez got his stick blade on it with Quick clearly beaten on the play.

“Kass (Zack Kassian) passed it to me in the slot and I had lots to shoot at but I didn’t get the puck up. It’s coming, though. I had a couple of tough games after my injury (ribs) but I’m getting the chances.”

Tippett definitely needs Nygard’s speed in his top nine. He may not be a second-line winger but maybe third line left-wing. “He was coming but there were those injuries … there’s still another level there,” said Tippett. “The good thing about him? He’s really determined, he’s not here to mess around. He wants to be a good player and that’s positive to see.”

NO SHIFTS ARE TOO LONG

When Mike Babcock was coaching Canadian Olympic teams generally he wanted his players to empty the tank in 40- to 45-second shifts and get off, but it’s different in regular-season NHL play, especially today, especially where big guns often stay out for most or almost all of allotted PP time. Which is why Oilers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are 1-2 in league scoring and average ice-time at 62 and 61 seconds, with Alex Ovechkin at an even minute a shift and fellow Caps’ D John Carlson at 59 seconds. He runs their power play from the point.

“All those guys’ (McDavid, Draisaitl, Oscar Klefbom) minutes get skewed because of our power play. It’s unique. I’ve never seen it where they play two minutes … I’m always thinking, ‘You can’t do that or you’ll be tired.’ But they can stay out there because of the offensive-zone time,” said Tippett.

ALL BETS ARE OFF

If Evander Kane was expecting a quiet reception Thursday when the Sharks were here to play the Golden Knights, the fans can read the papers. They serenaded him with “Pay your markers.” Kane owes $500,000 to the Cosmopolitan Casino in Vegas going back to last April in the playoffs. He was booed roundly when he was the last guy on the ice for warmups. Trash talking from 18,000.

VERSATILITY COUNTS

Defenceman Caleb Jones, playing right side with Klefbom even though he’s a left shot, doesn’t care what job description he has, only that his employment is currently in the NHL. Jones had his first off game in Los Angeles since his call up from Bakersfield, not nearly as decisive with the puck, but wasn’t alone. It’s part of his learning curve, and, again, most lefties play left side.

“His skating is good, he’s been really simple with his play. He’s not making big mistakes. He’s been solid, defending, moving the puck,” said Tippett, who gave Brandon Manning quite a few reps at practice Friday but will go back to Jones for the Golden Knights game. 1162894 Edmonton Oilers going to the Hall of Fame with his three Cup rings with the Penguins along with all those W’s in net.

Special Teams Edmonton Oilers Game Day: Oilers look to bounce back against Las Oilers: PP 22-70, 31.4 per cent, first. PK 71-8, 87.6 per cent, second. Vegas Golden Knights Golden Knights: PP 18-79, 22.8 per cent, ninth. PK 71-82 86.6 per cent,

fourth. Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal Sick Bay

Oilers: Matt Benning Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Nights Golden Knights: None 8 pm. TV: . Radio 630 CHED Game day lines: Oilers (projected) Keys to the game Leon Draisaitl-Connor McDavid-Zack Kassian 1. SECOND-LINE SCORING Jujhar Khaira-Ryan Nugent-Hopkins-James Neal In the 5-1 loss in L.A., the Connor McDavid-Leon Draisaitl-Zack Kassian Joakim Nygard-Riley Sheahan-Josh Archibald axis had a rare rough night (nine shots but only a McDavid goal) and they needed Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, playing through an injury, and his wingers Markus Granlund-Gaetan Haas-Alex Chiasson James Neal and Jujhar Khaira to take over, but they only had three shots against Jonathan Quick. The left-wing slot continues to be a revolving Defence door. RNH has seven even-strength points and Neal six in 24 games. Darnell Nurse- That has to improve, although Nugent-Hopkins is hamstrung because he can’t handle the puck as well as normal. Oscar Klefbom-Caleb Jones

2.OFFENCE FROM DEFENCE Kris Russell-Adam Larsson

Neither team’s scoring from the back end is carrying the day. The Oilers Goal only have five goals from their D even-strength and the Golden Knights just six. Oscar Klefbom leads the Oilers with 17 points (10 on the PP) Mikko Koskinen and Shea Theodore leads Vegas with 10 (five on the PP). Klefbom has Mike Smith one goal on 55 shots, Theodore one in 60 shots. The Golden Knights would be more dangerous but Nate Schmidt has only played 12 games Game day lines: Golden Nights (projected) (eight points). Max Pacioretty-William Karlsson-Rielly Smith OIL SPILLS PODCAST: TAYLOR HALL BACK TO THE OILERS, THE TRADE RUMOUR THAT WON’T DIE Jonathan Marchessault-Cody Eakin-Mark Stone

The rumour has been persistent since early in this NHL season, that Alex Tuch-Paul Stastny-Cody Glass Taylor Hall — former Edmonton Oilers star — would welcome a trade William Carrier-Tomas Nosek-Ryan Reaves away from the New Jersey Devils, who have faltered on the ice thus far. And his rumoured preferred destination? The Oilers. Defence

Host Craig Ellingson talks to hockey beat writer Derek Van Diest about Brayden McNabb-Nate Schmidt the rumours and what a Taylor Hall trade to Edmonton would mean for Nik Hague-Shea Theodore the team. Jon Merrill-Deryk Engelland 3. WHAT’S HAPPENED TO ALEX CHIASSON? Goal The right-winger was last season’s feel-good story with his 22 goals, scoring night after night in the early going, but he has one goal in 20 Marc-Andre Fleury games. After he scored against New Jersey Nov. 8 it looked like he might have his mojo back but he hasn’t scored in the five games he’s played Malcolm Subban since. On the season he has 29 shots and just the goal on Cory Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 11.23.2019 Schneider. He’s had some power-play time along with Neal, but his play is really out of sync.

4 FINDING HIS SWEDISH SCORING TOUCH

Joakim Nygard had three glorious chances to score on Quick in L.A., including two breakaways and a 10-footer that Alec Martinez got his stick on with Quick beaten. He’s got one goal in his medically impaired season, with only 10 games. The goals that came easily back home, when he had 21 with Farjestads, aren’t there in the NHL. He’s got excellent speed but he’s in that learning-on-the-fly mode right now.

5. GET THE GAME TO OT

The Knights have lost four times in the 3-on-3 this season, the latest to San Jose Thursday. They haven’t scored in their past 11 games that have gone to OT, including six this season. They’re 2-0 in shootouts, so keep it to the overtime, not the skills contest. The last time Vegas scored in OT was last Jan. 12 on Theodore’s goal in Chicago.

Big Matchup: McDavid and Draisaitl vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

The Oilers big guns have identical stats right now (16 goals, 44 points) and are seven points clear of Brad Marchand in the scoring race, but Vegas goalie Fleury keeps rolling along. He won his 450th career game the other day, which puts him seventh on the all-time list, four back of Curtis Joseph and Henrik Lundqvist. Fleury, who turns 35 on Nov. 28, is 1162895 Edmonton Oilers Tippett said the play was “poor checking and a goal that should never go in on us.”

With the game out of hand late in the third – and the Kings on a power Leon Draisaitl takes the blame as the Oilers’ struggles against lowly foes play – Draisaitl also allowed Toffoli to get past him and tap in a pass off a continue rush.

He was minus-3 in 21:07 and saw his 13-game point streak come to an end. He had 28 points over that span, but that wasn’t anything for him to By Daniel Nugent-Bowman Nov 22, 2019 be pleased about on Thursday.

“If your supposedly best player – best players – played the way I did, you’re not gonna go very far,” Draisaitl said. LOS ANGELES – Dave Tippett was asked in the morning if this one had all the makings of a trap game. “He’s a guy that wants to be the best player on the ice every night. Credit to him,” McDavid said of Draisaitl’s self-assessment. “If he didn’t think he The Oilers had just gone to San Jose – to their house of horrors – and had his game tonight, then he’s gonna be upset about that and he’ll be crushed the Sharks in what was maybe their most complete effort of the back. A lot of us probably feel like we weren’t at our best.” season, making amends for getting throttled there a week earlier. McDavid scored the lone Edmonton goal, stripping Kings defenceman The night’s opponent was the lowly Kings, tied for last in the NHL coming Ben Hutton and putting a puck by Jonathan Quick 38 second in the in. Matchups against the Golden Knights, Coyotes and Avalanche follow, middle period. The goal extended McDavid’s point streak to nine games. all much more formidable foes. It came with Joakim Nygard and Josh Archibald on his wings. “I hope not anyway,” Tippett said. “We’ve talked about the importance of That was one of the few bright spots. McDavid, Draisaitl and Zack division games, road trip-available points. It shouldn’t matter who you Kassian were on the ice for each of the Kings’ first-period goals. play.” “The first one comes off a line change. We need to do a better job in As much as Tippett didn’t want to think it would be so, it was – and then coverage with that,” McDavid said. “The second one (was) not very good some. and the third one also (was) not very good. We have to limit those The Oilers were the second-best team on the ice within a couple of mistakes that cost us. I think we’ve done a fairly good job up until this minutes of the puck being dropped in a 5-1 loss to the Kings. point. Tonight hurt us.”

Past the quarter mark of the season, the Oilers remain one of the The third period started with McDavid and Draisaitl playing apart. surprisingly pleasant stories in the NHL. They’re 14-7-3 – albeit only 9-7- “They played well. We played really bad – especially our line,” Draisaitl 3 since winning the first five games of the campaign – and sit atop the said. “We weren’t ready off the start. That’s on us.” Pacific Division through 24 games. Not even the most ardent Oilers supporter would have predicted that. Thursday’s result was also a massive letdown because veteran defenceman Adam Larsson was returning to the lineup after missing 22 What’s troubling, however, is the defeat to the Kings continues a poor games with a fractured right fibula suffered the season opener. trend of dropping winnable games to cellar dwellers. Larsson took Matt Benning’s spot on the bottom pair with Kris Russell Of the seven games the Oilers have lost in regulation, five have come to because Benning was placed in concussion protocol. He took a stick in teams who were at the bottom of the standings. It seems like there’s a the face from Sharks winger Evander Kane on Tuesday. lesson there for the Oilers to learn. With Larsson back, the Oilers defence corps has the potential to be the “Some teams have struggled a little more than others, but every game best unit they’ve iced all season. It certainly wasn’t a great showing you go into is a hard game – no matter what,” Tippett said. “It doesn’t against the Kings. As for Larsson, he played only 13:37 and wasn’t on matter where a team is in the standings.” the ice any of the six times the Oilers were shorthanded. The Oilers were sluggish against an average Chicago team in the sixth “It’s gonna take some time to get him up and running,” Tippett said. “It’s game of the season and lost 3-1 on Oct. 14. They perhaps get a bit of a not like he played part of the season and then got hurt. He really hasn’t pass because they’d gone 5-0 to that point and were closing out a four- played anything yet. game road trip. “It’ll take him a few games to get going. He’s in great shape and he went They were caved in during the first period against the Wild and lost 3-0 out and was solid.” on Oct. 22. A week later, the Oilers were listless against the Red Wings, another team on track for a lottery pick, and fell 3-1. The Oilers, collectively, were not.

The San Jose drubbing last week was by a 6-3 score. All those games – Yes, the Kings are playing better. They’ve now won four of their last five including Thursday against Los Angeles – were away from Edmonton. games and five straight on home ice.

McDavid feels the results haven’t been about playing down to their But these are the games playoff teams win. It sure looked like they were opponents but rather more about a team still finding its stride. thinking ahead to playing the Golden Knights on Saturday night – even if Tippett didn’t want to think of it that way. “It seems like we win games and play really well and when we lose it’s not even close,” he said. “We have to find a way to find that consistent “We just didn’t play well enough,” he said. “We can’t make excuses.” play.” The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 The Oilers were never in stride on Thursday.

They were completely out of sorts right on down to their goalie Mike Smith, who was pulled following the first period after allowing three goals on 12 shots.

The first goal was a beautiful wrister from Tyler Toffoli, but the others were of the preventable variety. Smith was far from the only one to blame. Tippett said he wanted to “reset” the team.

Perhaps one of the worst Oilers – at least by his own assessment – was the guy who’s been their best player this season.

Leon Draisaitl allowed Jeff Carter to beat him to a rebound on the third Kings’ goal, which was scored with 2.5 seconds remaining in the first and ultimately ended Smith’s night. 1162896 Florida Panthers “We just haven’t quit on any games,” Connolly said. “It’s obviously a huge positive when a group has that. You’ve got to find ways to win in this league. It’s a tough league. ... This game is weird sometimes. You just have to answer the bell, and we did. It’s a huge win. Just have to keep One unheralded part of the Panthers’ three-game win streak — going.” Bobrovsky ‘closing the door’ late Miami Herald LOADED: 11.23.2019

BY JORDAN MCPHERSON NOVEMBER 22, 2019 12:03 PM

Sergei Bobrovsky was, at least in part, responsible for putting the Florida Panthers in this position.

With about 90 seconds left in the second period against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, four shots had already slipped past him and into the back of the home team’s net at the BB&T Center.

What followed was the Panthers’ second miraculous rally in a 10-day span, coming back from a four-goal deficit to win 5-4 in overtime.

The Panthers’ red-hot offense during the final 22 minutes of the game will rightfully get most of the praise for the change in fate on Thursday night. Brett Connolly scored two goals at the end of the second period, and Aaron Ekblad added two of his own sandwiched between the game-tying shot from fourth-line winger Dominic Toninato.

But give credit to Bobrovsky, too, for what he did in that span. The two- time Vezina Trophy winner, who has gone through his lumps to start the season, clamped down when it mattered most, stopping the final 10 shots that came his way to give his team the opportunity to rally.

“He never gives up,” Ekblad said. “It doesn’t matter what happens in the other two periods, he’s ready to go in the third. He played big for us in all kinds of situations and kept us in the game.”

That can be said for all three games in this win streak — the longest of the season so far for the 12-5-5 Panthers.

After giving up three third-period goals in the Panthers’ 4-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 14, Bobrovsky has held opponents scoreless in the final 20 minutes of regulation in each of the past three games.

A perfect 12 for 12 against the New York Islanders on Saturday to preserve a 4-3 lead.

A perfect 14 for 14 against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday with Florida already well ahead en route to a 5-2 victory.

And a perfect 10 for 10 against the Ducks on Thursday as the Panthers rallied.

“Closing the door, three games at home,” Panthers coach Joel Quenneville said. “That’s a big reason why we won.”

These past three games put Bobrovsky’s season into perspective a bit. Yes, his .886 save percentage is low. Only three goaltenders who have made at least 10 starts this season have lower marks than him on that front.

“I’m not looking for any excuses,” Bobrovsky said after the Jets loss. “Everybody has their challenges and their hurdles. It’s disappointing, but it is what it is. Tomorrow’s a new day. Get back to work.”

He’s gotten back to work, and while there is still an uphill climb to get his overall body of work this season back to a respectable level, there has been progress.

And when he gets locked in — and the defense in front of him is humming — he looks like the top-end goaltender the Panthers signed to a seven-year, $70 million contract this offseason.

His late-game heroics this week have shown that.

“We’ve still got to find ways to help Bob out,” Connolly said. “He’s making big, big saves. It’s hard. There are back doors that are impossible to save and there’s obviously tough goals to give up, but he’s battling and making big saves in the third. We’ve just got to find ways to get better defensively. If we can fix that, we’re going to be tough to beat.”

The Panthers are already proving to be a handful even when Bobrovsky isn’t at his best. Florida has won five of its last six games and seven of its last 10. The Panthers have 29 points through 22 games — only the 1996-97 team had more (33) at this point in the season. 1162897 Florida Panthers — ERIC STEPHENS (@ICEMANCOMETH) NOVEMBER 22, 2019 So, just to be clear, the Panthers do not want to win games like this.

Seriously, they do not. The Comeback Cats: Panthers rally from 4-0 hole and win — again But they seem to be having a whole lot of fun doing so.

Falling behind a goal or two seemingly every night can get old, although By George Richards Nov 22, 2019 it has strengthened their resolve.

The Panthers came into the night ranked tops in their division for goals scored and second only in the Eastern Conference to the Capitals. They SUNRISE, Fla. — By the time the Anaheim Ducks made it 4-0 late in the can score and they know it. second period, the only cheers the Florida Panthers heard in their home building Thursday were for the kid who belts out the national anthem and Now, they would like to give their goalie a little more help and not have to some guys who attempted to chug White Claws on the big screen. rely on such big comebacks so often.

It was a dead building and the Panthers had given their fans nothing, “It’s crazy,” said Aaron Ekblad, who made it 4-3 in the third period on a really, save for $5 beers and a flatfooted performance. wicked slap shot, then won it by scoring in OT for the first two-goal game of his career. “Obviously, we got together between the second and third Suddenly, the barn bounced to life. and had some words in here. Really, it’s all belief from every guy. We were sitting on the bench and goals are going in, but no one is freaking Just 14 seconds after the Panthers had gone down by four goals, Brett out. Connolly scored to put Florida on the board. Seconds later, he scored again. “Everybody is calm, cool and collected. We’re confident we can come back in any situation. We don’t want to be in that situation all that often The Panthers had a pulse. Again. but it’s a huge win. We just catch a spark and we run with it.’’ For the second time in just over a week, Florida woke up after trailing 4-0 Thursday, the Panthers did not look ready to play as both teams skated in the second period of a game. through a sleepy first period. And for the second time in just over a week, the Panthers rallied to pull The Ducks did crack the ice with 2:45 left in the period, but there was off an improbable victory — this one 5-4 in overtime against the Ducks. nothing to indicate from either side that Anaheim — a team which had “Things kind of woke up on the first one, but after the second one, the surrendered an average of four goals over its past six games — would building really came alive,” Connolly said of the still atmosphere his team sustain a lead on the Panthers. contributed to and how he jump-started things by scoring twice within the Yet Anaheim (which had lost six of seven) not only held onto its lead but final 67 seconds of the second period. built on it. Midway through the second, the Ducks made it 2-0. Then they “The game all changed right there. This is a team that has consistently got a power play goal to make it 3-0 at 15:50 to bring out the first played the same way by continuing to move forward. We may be a little smattering of boos. discouraged being down, but it doesn’t affect our play. We keep on With 1:21 remaining in the second, Ondrej Kase scored on one of the playing. hardest-working goals this game has seen. “We have guys on this team who can turn losses into wins and that can After losing control of a faceoff to Yandle, Kase knocked down a clearing turn losing streaks into winning streaks and keep things rolling. We have pass from Yandle while still in the Florida zone. Kase fired at Sergei that kind of team right now.” Bobrovsky after the quick exchange only to have the shot blocked; Kase Last Tuesday night in Boston, the Panthers pulled off the biggest quickly corralled his own rebound and scored to make it 4-0. comeback in the franchise’s 26 years. For those who left the game early, sorry. Just nine days later, they did it for a second time. The last team to rally ANAHEIM DUCKS 4, #FLAPANTHERS 0 WITH 1:21 LEFT 2ND. from a four-goal deficit twice in the same season were the Wayne GOODNIGHT, BOSTON? Gretzky-led Edmonton Oilers back in 1983. — GEORGE RICHARDS (@GEORGERICHARDS) NOVEMBER 22, Those guys were pretty good. 2019 These Panthers look pretty good, too. Just moments after Kase scored a goal. which should have sealed “It is kind of a cool accomplishment, but obviously, you don’t ever want to Florida’s fate in this one, Frank Vatrano picked off a puck in the neutral be down four goals,” said Keith Yandle, who tied the score at 4-4 in zone, fed Connolly in the slot and his slapper made it 4-1. Boston before the Panthers won that game in a shootout. A mere 27 seconds later, Connolly again slid into the high slot, let “We are not putting ourselves in an ideal situation but there is never a another slap shot go — and the Panthers really did have life again. sense that we’re out of it. When you have as much skill as we do, have “It was more than improbable,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “We were as many guys who can put the puck in the back of the net as we do, you probably playing our poorest game up to that point. … We had some never feel like you can’t come back. There is no panic here.” fortunate breaks to get ourselves even thinking there was a chance at the Florida has won three consecutive games for the first time this season. end of the second. Now it’s a hockey game a little bit.

The Panthers head to Carolina for a date with the Hurricanes as winners “The first one made it all of a sudden 4-1, you think you’ve got a sniff. All of seven of the past 10. of a sudden, you get the next one, and you think ‘OK, we’ve had some amazing comebacks.’ I think that got everybody excited after two.” Between the Miami Heat and the Panthers, the winter sports scene is starting to look up in South Florida. After rallying from the 4-0 deficit in Boston against one of the best teams in the game, the Panthers felt good about their standing in this one, with “Hey, we don’t want to fall behind like that,’’ Brian Boyle said. “We should 20 minutes left to play and their opponent not exactly lighting things up at not be down by four goals. But this is a results-based business, right? the moment. We have a real belief in ourselves to come back. As a team, coming back like this is a learned skill. We’re making the right plays in the right “We have guys who can score and can turn games like this — which places.” should be a loss — into a win,” Connolly said. “We need to be better defensively, no doubt, but this was a good win. IN CASE YOU WONDER OR FEAR DUCKS FAITHFUL, PANTHERS HAVE ERASED A 4-0 DEFICIT. DID IT NINE DAYS AGO IN BOSTON. “Every team, even the best team in the league, has a stinker. It happens. MY BOY @GEORGERICHARDS WAS ON THE SCENE FOR THAT Sometimes you don’t have your legs, you don’t make your plays, the COMEBACK. HTTPS://T.CO/TOVQOZTGLX breaks go against you, the building deflates, whatever. We got it back, though. That’s important.” Said Boyle: “We have stuff we need to work on, for sure. But our ability to keep coming back with different guys each time it seems … this is fun. No matter where we are in a game, we have guys who make plays.

“It is a ton of fun to be part of and play in games like this.”

Toninato’s big moment

With the Panthers struggling to do much of anything, Quenneville changed up some of his lines and moved Dominic Toninato off the fourth line.

With 4:23 left, Toninato was part of the Florida offensive push and refused to give up his station on the right side of the cage when a shot from Ekblad bounced off goalie John Gibson.

Ekblad pulled his own rebound in, but with Gibson down on the ice, sent the puck to Toninato who was standing alone in front of an empty net. He popped it in and the score was tied at 4.

“It was huge,” said Ekblad, who finished with three points. “He was in the right place at the right time.”

It was the second goal in five games for Toninato, who has been recalled from the minors twice — once when Noel Acciari was hurt and again to replace Dryden Hunt.

“It felt awesome. Obviously, we didn’t come out with our best start and we fell behind, but have a special group here and fought back again. It was nice to get that win,” Toninato said.

• Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar is back on the ice and has been put through conditioning skates the past two days.

Weegar, who needed help skating off the ice at Madison Square Garden after being struck in the head by a slap shot on Nov. 10, is expected to join full practice next week.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162898 Los Angeles Kings

Kings aim for 6th consecutive home win against Arizona

Coming off a 5-1 win over division-leading Edmonton, the Kings host the Pacific’s second-best team at 1 p.m. Saturday

By ANDREW KNOLL | PUBLISHED: November 22, 2019 at 12:30 pm | UPDATED: November 22, 2019 at 12:30 PM

We’ll meet again some sunny day.

The Kings and Coyotes face off Saturday afternoon at Staples Center. It will be their second meeting this week after the Coyotes triumphed 3-0 in Arizona on Monday.

The Kings rebounded with a 5-1 victory over division-leading Edmonton on Thursday. They bottled up Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the NHL’s two most productive players, in a thorough, multi-faceted performance.

“All four lines found a way to play really strong shift after shift. When mistakes were made, the goaltender was there for us,” Kings coach Todd McLellan said. “Penalty killing against a top power play, we didn’t have to do it often, but when we did, we did a pretty good job. We even found time to score a power-play goal.”

McLellan said the second day off between games provided the Kings with an opportunity to do less in terms of fatigue management and more in terms of having a spirited practice. Their focus and aggression from a solid session carried over into the game against Edmonton.

Last season, the Kings were only marginally better at home, with 17 victories against 14 on the road. This season, their splits are stark with a 2-8-1 record on the road and a 7-4-0 home mark, including five consecutive home wins.

“We’re trying to create that environment. We’re trying to make it hard on teams to do the things they want to do in our building,” McLellan said.

The Kings will defend home ice and their streak against the Pacific’s second-best team thus far when they face the 13-8-2 Coyotes..

Darcy Kuemper has led the team from between the pipes, but the Coyotes host Edmonton on Sunday, so the Kings may again see backup goalie Antti Raanta on Saturday. Raanta shut them out in the previous meeting.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been a pillar of a stout Coyotes defense. In his first full season, right wing Conor Garland leads the team in goals with 10 in 23 games. He will soon eclipse his total of 13 in 47 games last season. His plus-9 rating is also a team-best for the defensive-minded Coyotes.

Arizona at Kings

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: Staples Center

TV/Radio: Fox Sports West/iHeartRadio

Orange County Register: LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162899 Los Angeles Kings a great job laying that foundation and Darryl came in and said, “There’s a lot of good things here, but we’re not strong enough down the middle to beat the big boys.”

Dean Lombardi on Jeff Carter, ‘Top Gun’ and late-night garage chats And I also remember Darryl saying … because, remember, we used to with Darryl Sutter get into the playoffs as the seventh or eighth seed, and I would always be uptight about it, and he said, “Don’t worry about it.” He said, “Just get in, the playoffs are a totally different game than the regular season. In the regular season, playoff teams are a lot of pretenders.” And he said, By Josh Cooper Nov 22, 2019 “We’re built for the playoffs.” And I remember him saying this in my garage. He said, “Don’t worry about it.” He said, “We’re a playoff team and that’s all that matters. But we’re missing one piece.” And when we Dean Lombardi is one of the most interesting interviews in hockey. did the matchups and everything, it was clear that at center ice if we were going to beat the big boys, that that’s where we were lacking. And that’s Sadly, he doesn’t do a lot of them. The former Kings general manager, still the traditional model in any sport. It’s generally strength down the who led them to two Stanley Cups and now works for the Philadelphia middle. And we figured if we had a middle of (Anze) Kopitar, Carter, Flyers, participates in maybe one or two interviews per year. (Jarret) Stoll in the three-hole and our boy (Colin) Fraser in the four-hole Since he’s no longer front and center as a team architect, it’s that that middle, it was a playoff-type middle. understandable. That’s why when he agreed to come on Point It might not have been sexy. It may not have the rock star, but it was a Breakaway — The Athletic podcast about the Kings, Ducks, Southern playoff-type middle. So we started the process and the conversations California hockey and anything else that comes to mind — we were really went on for at least a couple of months, but the one thing about Jeff that pumped. people on my staff were concerned about was, early in Jeff’s career, you Lombardi said he would only join the podcast to talk about Jeff Carter’s know, he wasn’t a very likable guy. Because I was in Philly when he 1,000th NHL regular-season game, which was played last Saturday broke in. That was my first tour with the Flyers and he had a little bit of, I against Vegas at Staples Center. Lombardi made the 2012 trade that don’t know what you call it, “fratboy arrogance” to him. But he was young. brought Carter to Los Angeles from the Columbus Blue Jackets and And I remember driving to the rink with him and I said, “Yeah, he’s got a helped spur the Kings to a championship that year (and then again in little of that, but that’s not unusual for kids that are top athletes. He’s just 2014). a kid. He’s going to grow up.” But I knew deep down he was a good kid. You get him in the car and you drive and you say, “He’s all right, he’s In case you missed the episode, below are some of the more enjoyable going to grow up.” So I had that in my back pocket (to negate) some of parts of Lombardi’s chat with us. Carter was celebrated for his the rumors about him not being a great team guy or not being very achievement before Thursday night’s game against Edmonton at Staples likable. I said, “I’m going to discount that. I’ve got no problem with that.” Center. (The answers have been lightly edited.) But there were two other things that kind of pushed me because I knew it Dean, we know you’re into ancient leaders, so if Jeff Carter were an was going to be a big deal and we were giving up a good player in Jack ancient leader or a current one, who would he be? Johnson. The idea that when a player goes to Philadelphia he’s drafted Well, I don’t know if I’d go with the leaders. I remember I used to have by them — and I had seen this firsthand, it’s a very special place. The clips for certain players, movies where certain characters reminded me of culture that’s been created there by Mr. Snider (former owner Ed Snider) them, and Justin Williams was “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and before big and Bob Clarke that’s carried on, a player goes there initially and games I’d call him in and we’d watch some Josey Wales clips. “Cool but probably thinks that’s the way it is. And you can get spoiled. And I knew deadly.” But Jeff’s guy was “Top Gun.” So whenever we’d have a big that in my back pocket, and at the time we’re trading for him he’s in game I’d call him in and put in clips of “Top Gun” and “I feel the need, the Columbus. need for speed.” By the time it was over, both of us were fired up so he And I remember scouting him at that time and my scouts would go in and would be my Tom Cruise in “Top Gun.” say, “Geez, he’s awful.” But I could see he’s pouting. And that’s another Wait, so before big games you guys would watch “Top Gun” together? Or thing that’s a red flag. Well, “Even if you’re unhappy you shouldn’t be out that one “need for speed” scene? there pouting.” But he clearly wasn’t playing at the level he was capable of. So that was kind of a red flag. But again I was banking on two things. I’d always have clips of guys that, giving (them) little things that would get One, I knew the kid, and the next one was that I figured, you know what? guys fired up. So I ended up taking a bunch of clips from “Top Gun.” And After going to Columbus, and they certainly got their act together now every once in a while when I saw his game was lagging or we were going and it’s a darn good team and what they’ve done is incredible, but at the into big games, I would say, “Sit down, let’s watch a couple of clips.” It time they were, you know, kind of a mess. And I said if I get this kid now took three minutes and that was done. So no need for any lectures. he’s going to appreciate what he had in Philadelphia, and if he doesn’t go through that and see what it can be like on the other side of the street, I used to think “Top Gun” was overrated and then I saw the “Maverick” you’re not going to have that appreciation. trailer and I was like “I have to re-watch this.” And you’re right, it gets you pumped up every single time. And he’s going to get a second wind here because we’re a good team and I adopted a lot of the Flyer-type culture things in L.A. that he would Well, that’s the thing with Jeff. He’s a great athlete and that kind of then remember when he got here. And the other thing too is I knew he reminds me, he’s got that presence about him that kind of reminds me of had an agent that I had a good relationship with and he was one of the a fighter pilot. old-time agents and he wasn’t afraid to tell his client what he needed to So take us back to pulling the trigger on that trade. You obviously hear. He wasn’t one to make excuses. So anyway, we pulled the trigger meticulously constructed that Kings roster, but that was the trade that is and the rest is history but I remember when we made that decision in the looked upon as the one that really got them over the hump and made garage, Darryl and I were sitting there and it was, “What do you think them a Stanley Cup team. How did that trade happen? about Carter?” And we went through everything and we were sitting in my garage and I said, “Let’s go for it, man, this is our guy.” So anyway it Well, the first thing you can’t underrate is it’s one thing to look at the last certainly worked out. They don’t all work out but that one certainly did. trade that puts you over the hump, but when you’re building from where we were building from, there’s a lot of critical moments that go into that. Your garage talks with Darryl have the appeal of a Roosevelt fireside And you can’t overlook the trade for Matt Greene and . Not chat … only were they solid players, but the biggest thing was it started to I think whenever you’re a general manager it’s a process. I don’t care if change the culture. So some people ask me, “What’s your most you’re a manager of a big business or anything you’re running, where important trade?” Well, they’re all important. But certainly Jeff stands out you have a huge staff. At some point you have to bring it to that small not only because of the quality of player, but as you said, he was the last group and essentially the most important relationship, particularly when piece. But I think if I look back, trades are a long process. And I you’re building or making trades, is that relationship between the coach remember starting this — I think it was back in December, before we got and the GM. They have to be on the same page, and fortunately Darryl him. Or at least it was two months prior. And that was the year we hired and I, you know 95 percent of the things we were different, but we Darryl (Sutter), and Darryl came in and he looked at the team and he believed in the same things and it was all about winning. knew we had something special here. It needed a push. Terry Murray did It wasn’t about ego or anything like that and that’s generally what happened. You take in all the information, you do all the homework. Darryl’s got his sources. He certainly knew how to build good teams. I trusted him on what it took to win and then we’d sit in the garage there late at night and we’d draw on the walls and have a couple of beers and say, “OK, let’s go for it.” And that’s just the way it is. I mean, you don’t go around the room and vote. It’s people’s jobs to get you all that information and then when that decision’s made, your job is to get on board, and I think we were a well-oiled machine on and off the ice back then and that’s why we won two Cups.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162900 Los Angeles Kings On how his legs felt as the game went along and if he felt he had more jump in the first than the third

Not even that, it’s just longer shifts. If you start in the d-zone and you get TUCSON 4, ONTARIO 1 – VILARDI, SODERGRAN, STOTHERS caught in the d-zone for the first 20 seconds, obviously I’m an offensive guy and I want to get some sort of offense on every shift if I can. I’m trying to really temple myself…if I’m in the defensive zone for 30 seconds, that’s my shift, I can’t try to go get offense, because if we get ZACH DOOLEYNOVEMBER 22, 2019 caught on the rush back, we’ll be dogging it for the rest of the shift and we can’t have that. It happened a few times out there where, a lot of miscommunications in the d-zone on my part, it’s because of me and I’m The Ontario Reign took on the Pacific Division leading Tucson putting pressure on Luffer and Sutts, just because I don’t always know Roadrunners on Friday evening and came away on the wrong side of a where to be and I’m not thinking straight because I’ve been out there for 4-1 scoreline, in the first of two meetings between the teams this a minute. I’ve got to really bear down on that, but like I said, that’s going weekend. to come with time.

Ontario showed some positive signs, as the were improved from last Mike Stothers on what he saw from Gabriel Vilardi’s season debut weekend’s sweep against San Diego. The Reign created better chances, though they conceded far too many, but once again the story was the I think it was a real good, solid start for Gabe. I went into the game not penalties taken. Seven power plays for Tucson, just three for Ontario, really expecting miracles out of him, the guy has been through a lot and with one of those three being an abbreviated 30-second 5-on-4 and one he’s been off for an awful long time, but you can see there’s some a 6-on-4 with the goaltender pulled. hockey sense and some awareness, in all zones actually. He was pretty responsible defensively, he created things, had a good stick, positionally From the start, the Reign matched the division leaders at 5-on-5, but a he’s good, won some big draws for us. As far as a debut goes, I thought pair of first-period minor penalties slowed the team’s momentum and it it was very solid. was never really regained. Tucson scored three times in the second period as it took over the game, with Ontario unable to regain its flow On the process of Vilardi’s timing coming back, as he plays in more from the opening 10 minutes. games

There were certainly several positives from the game – Forward Johan Well, I would expect so, yeah. Again, there’s a lot of timing involved. You Sodergran scored his first career AHL goal in defeat, while forward Gabe can practice all you want, but it’s not the same as game situations and he Vilardi made his season debut, centering Matt Luff and Brett Sutter on was playing against a good team. It was really encouraging and it was the evening. solid.

Vilardi created a pair of Grade-A chances, as he hit the post in the first On Johan Sodergran getting his first goal, and what he’s seen from period off a Sutter rebound and created a breakaway opportunity, that Sodergran was denied by Comrie, early in the third. The breakaway opportunity It’s always nice to see a kid get his first goal, especially when you’ve came after he pickpocketed defenseman Kyle Capobianco, one of the been waiting a while, it’s nice when you can get it in your first game but it best blueliners in the division, and created his own chance. More from doesn’t always work out that way. He’s trying and he’s working hard, he’s Vilardi below, who is not expected to play in the second half of the back- working on the things we’ve been asking him to. Was it a thing of to-back tomorrow, as a precautionary measure in his recovery process. beauty? No but it found a way to go in and he was in the right spot. He’s The Reign return to action in 24-hours time, with a rematch against in front of the net, puck comes, rebound and he turns and he fires it at Tucson tomorrow evening. Puck drop is slated for 6:05 PM Pacific Time. the net and it finds a way to go in.

Post-Game Quotes On getting goals like that when the team is struggling to score goals

Gabe Vilardi on getting back into the lineup tonight, nearly a year after Absolutely. We need more of that. You can’t just keep scoring one goal a last playing game, or sometimes less. They’re not going to be pretty, they’re not going to be tic-tac-toe, they’re not going to be bar down. It’s going to be Yeah, it was fun. It felt good honestly, it’s good to get the first one over an ugly goal, a gritty goal, it’s going to be a second chance and Sods’ with and I’ve got to keep moving forward. goal was a good example of that.

On his two big chances, including a breakaway in the third period, and On if he would agree that the Reign’s chances tonight were higher in what he saw on that breakaway look quantity and quality than last weekend

I was just talking about it, that’s where I’ve got to get my head back in the I thought we created a little bit more. I think we had 30 shots. Again, game. That’s not me, I don’t go five-hole, I don’t make that play. It’s just whenever it felt like we had some momentum, we had some play and we that’s where it’s going to take some time for me to really think the game can skate with a team and play with a team 5-on-5, we take a penalty. like I normally do instead of, I don’t want to use the word “panicking” but We took seven minors again, to their three, so clearly we’re not drawing feeling rushed almost. I knew I had a lot of time and I came in I tried to go penalties or we’re taking them and we did. Hooking, slashing, whatever five hole and that’s just not me, I don’t go five hole, I make a play. That’s stick infractions, it’s too much. Their power play is on the ice, our penalty where it’s going to take some time. A lot of other times out there, like on killers are on the ice, we take ourselves out of momentum by taking ill- that 6-on-4, just feeling rushed again, coming in down the wall and advised penalties. dumping it in, it’s just little things. I dump it and I don’t put it in hard enough and the goalie stops it, so they get an easier breakout. It’s just On a strong start, and things changing after taking that first penalty little things like that. Obviously I want to watch the video, see what I can Yeah, that’s what it does, it interrupts everything. It interrupts your line improve on, but it’s tough. It was my first game in over a year and I mean combinations, it interrupts guys’ ice time and then, even if you kill it off, I’m trying to be realistic, that’s very hard. I’m going to have to, like I said you’ve got to get it back, get the flow going and the bench going again. Watch video and really see. I feel like I had more time with the puck than It’s something we keep harping on with a young team that we can’t keep I thought I did out there, but I feel like that’s normal, to feel panicky out hurting ourselves by sitting in the box. there a little bit. LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 11.23.2019 On his comfort level tonight, as compared to his four games last season

I mean, I’ve just got a different mindset. I understand what I need to do with my body. Looking back at last year, I was just, I don’t want to say I had pressure, but I feel like I was putting a lot of pressure on myself to perform, where as this year, I’ve got no pressure, I’ve got the support of everybody. Everybody’s been so supportive. I’m here, I’m doing the right things I think. I’m spending long days at the rink, I’m putting in the work, so hopefully it will pay off and like I said, I’ve got to keep on improving. This is just step one for me. 1162901 Los Angeles Kings — I’ll have more either tomorrow or Monday, but I recently spoke with Assistant General Manager Michael Futa, who returned earlier this week from an extended scouting trip in which he caught the Karjala Cup, the U- 18 and U-20 camps and exhibitions and several club games. That FORBORT UPDATE; DOUGHTY, WALKER, LIZOTTE, SHAFIGULLIN included a KHL game between Nizhnekhamsk and Dynamo Moscow in NOTES; HOCKEY FIGHTS CANCER, MAKE-A-WISH EVENTS which he saw Bulat Shafigullin, who dealt with injury early in the season and is in the process of working his way back into the regular rotation of

a Neftekhimik team that was near the tail end of a 10-game winning JON ROSENNOVEMBER 22, 2019 streak while Futa visited. A 2018 third round pick who turns 20 on December 29, Shafigullin has spent most of the season in the MHL, where he has nine goals and 16 points in 12 games. “Just dynamic, skilled, excellent around the net, great hand/puck skills and stuff like that. INSIDERS. More Gabe Vilardi content from Tucson tonight, courtesy of Skates well,” Futa said. More to come on Shafigullin, Samuel Fagemo Reign Insider. But first, a run-down of the goings-on at Toyota Sports and the cornucopia of European talent recently scouted by Futa, Director Performance Center, which included Derek Forbort’s first full-team of Amateur Scouting Mark Yannetti, Director of European Scouting practice with his Kings teammates and a special visit in the lead-up to Christian Ruuttu, European amateur scouts Niklas Andersson and Jussi Hockey Fights Cancer night. Jari-Koskinen and European pro scout Matjaz Kopitar. Looking forward to Notes! sharing a lot of good stuff here.

— There’s no timetable on Forbort’s return. “He’s been cleared to — So, Sean Walker. Doing things. Again. More on him and Doughty is practice,” Todd McLellan said of the defenseman rehabbing a back below, as are a few quotes from Lizotte, whose Staples Center stall (not injury. “He’ll have to manage himself within a practice, know how far he coincidentally) is between Jeff Carter’s and Dustin Brown’s. can push himself. But he’s been good to practice now. We’ve still got a Todd McLellan, on the balance between encouraging “on-your-toes” long ways to go with him, but he’s making strides.” hockey and allowing dynamic players like Drew Doughty the freedom to It’s a good sign that he graduated from skating with Ontario to soldier read and make plays: through L.A.’s skate Friday when as of last week he was still getting in The last time I checked, he was one of the top defensemen in the league more individualized attention alongside Gabe Vilardi and the and has been for a number of years, so we don’t want to take any of his development staff. He took some light resistance in two-on-two drills late creativity away from him. We have some principles we believe in, and in practice and expressed encouragement in his rehab progress. “I’m last night he accomplished both in that play. He slowed the game down feeling pretty good, and it just kind of comes down to me getting my but sped it up with a nice long pass. We got out of it what we needed it, touches back and my timing back and getting up to the game speed now. and he used his skill set, and that’s what we want the players to do. … At It’s a little different speed out there than having Jarret Stoll streaking the beginning of the year we told them that they needed to find their through the middle for you on one-on-one ice. No offense to Stolly.” games in our structure, and that’s a prime example. He praised John and Lisa Meyer at the Keck Medicine USC and Meyer McLellan, on whether Doughty has the ability to play at a high level deep Institute of Sport within Toyota Sports Performance Center as they into his career: helped him work through his injury, which also addressed “a ton of hip stuff.” I believe he does. I think what happens with these Hall of Fame-type players is that as they get older, they become even more dedicated to “A ton of hip and core – a lot of that stuff helps to stabilize your body and conditioning and living properly, and they just become machines. I prevent stuff like this that happens. I owe a lot to John and Lisa Meyer.” watched Rob Blake do it, Nick Lidstrom, Dan Boyle. These types of guys, Forbort began to skate in a track suit at TSPC in late October, the first they were really good players and they were fit and everything, but as time he’d returned to on-ice activities since testing his progress shortly they got older, they even took it more serious. I believe Drew’s on that before training camp. path and he’ll continue to train. The more you put into it, the longer you play. I firmly believe in that. He seems to be doing that since at least “I didn’t really skate all summer, and it was kind of the week before since I’ve been here. training camp, I just skated hard for four straight days, and by the end of that, I was in pretty rough shape. I think we knew then that I just had to McLellan, on Walker continuing to make good defensive plays against take a step back and really figure out what was going on,” he said. top players:

— 12-year-old Jacob Brown, his parents and a cousin were guests of the Legs, brain, confidence, feeling good about himself. Earned the right to LA Kings on Friday as part of a partnership with Make A Wish feel that way. It doesn’t get easier for him, though. The thing that Walks Foundation. Brown is a hockey player from Huntsville, Alabama – he is will figure out as time goes on is it just gets tougher and tougher because very familiar with Nic Dowd, though Dowd might be rattled to hear Brown the quality of the opponent just keeps coming and you never get to is a Crimson Tide fan – who is battling leukemia and is embedded with breathe when you’re in the top pair. You’ve got to play all the time, and the team through Saturday’s game. it’s both fatiguing physically and mentally, and I think he’s handled it well so far. Rob Blake signed Brown to a two-day contract this morning, after which he observed practice with Daryl Evans from the bench. He joined the McLellan, on how long it takes to become familiar with a new opposing group at the end of the skate and scored a goal on Jonathan Quick, player: leading to a celebration in which he “just put the sword away,” as he I think it takes a while, just because you’re focused on Doughty and described it. As he removed his gear after the game, Blake Lizotte came Kopitar and Brown and the familiar names that have had an impact on by to give him a fist bump and commend him on a good practice. the game for a long. Long time. But it doesn’t take long when you watch “We had two Brownies in practice today,” McLellan said. “Both of them pre-scouts, and you go, ‘who’s 26? Who’s 26?’ That happened at the were good.” beginning of the year for our team with Lizotte. People that I know on other clubs were saying to me, ‘where did you get 46 from? Who is he?’ Brown will take one lap with the team in warm-ups and will get a post- … And all of a sudden, you’re known and it becomes tougher because game locker room tour from Drew Doughty while visiting the FOX Sports they are more aware of you. West broadcast and being joined by Bailey and the ice crew. Blake Lizotte, on sitting between Jeff Carter and Dustin Brown in the “It’s a great opportunity for us to get reminded how some of the real world Staples Center dressing room: lives. To have young men like that come in and us have the chance to fulfill his wish is a pretty special thing for our group,” McLellan said. Being a young guy put between two veterans, you feed off of ‘em. Every day you get a little something, little tips or tricks, so I think that probably Brown wore a big smile through the team’s facility, which also included a plays a role into it. lunch with the team. “I just had a fun time. Lots of fun hanging out with the guys,” he said. “They just have fun and enjoy playing hockey.” Lizotte, on whether he still gets “goose bumps” in those types of situations: Tomorrow is the Kings’ Hockey Fights Cancer game. More information is below. It’s great. I go to the rink and I’m next to Dustin Brown and Jeff Carter, · Siblings Kalea and Noah Avery will be honored as the Hero of the both 1,000-game guys. We had a good laugh yesterday. It’s a long year, Game. The 7 and 5-year old sister and brother were diagnosed with you go through streaks up and down, and I was laughing with Brownie. Medulloblastoma two weeks apart in 2018. We were talking about him possibly having a 40-goal year the year of the lockout because of the shortened season. And I was like, ‘yeah, it’s a · Kids impacted by cancer will participate in special Kings experiences long year, you never know. This year you could get 40.’ He goes, ‘yeah, I throughout the game, including: Honorary Ice Crew, Bench Buddies, Kid can turn on a dime,’ and I just had to laugh. Here, I’m telling these guys, DJ, Guest Announcer and more as part of the new LA Kings Kids’ ‘it’s a long year,’ and they’ve played 1200 games or whatever, so it’s Games series. pretty funny. · Fans can bid on lavender warm-up worn jerseys and sticks, benefiting — Yotes notes. Antti Raanta, who has three shutouts in five career Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer, exclusively available through the appearances against the Kings, will counter L.A. for the second time in a Kings game-night mobile auction. To view the auction, which goes live on week. Michael Grabner is day-to-day. Arizona dropped a 3-1 home the day of the game, visit lakings.com/auction or text the keyword KINGS decision to Toronto last night in Sheldon Keefe’s first game as the Maple to 52182. Leafs’ head coach. Tomorrow’s game is part of a three-in-four that · 50/50 Raffle Tickets proceeds will benefit Amgen’s Breakaway from continues Sunday at home against Edmonton. Cancer.

— Traffic advisory Saturday afternoon. Via Staples Center: · The Kings will donate $500 to Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer for Please be advised that on Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, each goal scored at home by the Kings during the month of November. November 24th there will be multiple events occurring in downtown Los To date, the Kings have scored 15 goals at home, for a total donation of Angeles which include the following: $7,500.

Saturday, November 23rd · Team LA will sell Hockey Fights Cancer branded merchandise to benefit Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer independent non-profit · Los Angeles Kings vs. Arizona at 1:00 p.m. at STAPLES Center partners.

· LA Auto Show from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. at the Los Angeles · Kings players, coaches, staff and broadcasters will wear lavender ties, Convention Center the official color of the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer initiative. Kings staff, Ice Crew and Bailey will also be dressed for the occasion in special Sunday, November 24th lavender gear.

· American Music Awards at 5:00 p.m. at Microsoft Theater · Fans will be encouraged to fill in the name of a loved one and hold up · Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans at 6:00 p.m. at STAPLES Center their placard during Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer placard moment. Placards will be at seats as fans arrive. · LA Auto Show from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Los Angeles Convention Center · All partner dasherboards will be made lavender to raise awareness for Hockey Fights Cancer. Street Closures include: · Learn more about Kings partners doing great work in cancer research · Chick Hearn Court/11th Street (same street) from Georgia Street to and patient care by visiting their informational booths on the main Figueroa Street concourse.

· Georgia Street from Chick Hearn Court to West Access Road LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 11.23.2019 Please note that heavy traffic is expected in the area between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. due to the multiple events taking place in and around the area. Normal routes may not be available until the streets begin to reopen, so please allow additional time when heading to downtown Los Angeles.

LOT C located off L.A. LIVE Way will not be available to purchase day of event parking on October 23rd & 24th.

All L.A. LIVE Restaurants will be open normal operating.

We ask that you please allow yourself additional time when planning a trip to STAPLES Center for all events taking place at STAPLES Center and Microsoft Theater.

— Before we get to Saturday’s HFC events, this is an important note via LA Kings Head Athletic Trainer Chris Kingsley.

And, now, via the Kings:

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Kings’ annual Hockey Fight Cancer™ Night, presented by Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer®, takes place tomorrow, Saturday, at STAPLES Center as the Kings host the Arizona Coyotes beginning at 1 p.m.

Hockey Fights Cancer™ was founded by the NHL and NHL Players’ Association in 1998 to raise funds and awareness for all those impacted by cancer.

Below are details/highlights of all fundraising and awareness activities surrounding this special awareness night, presented by Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer, an initiative to raise awareness about important resources available to those impacted by cancer:

· The LA Kings will fulfill the wish of Jacob Brown from Make-A-Wish Foundation to practice with the team and meet Drew Doughty. Jacob, 12, is currently battling Leukemia. He will enjoy a two-part wish experience beginning today at Toyota Sports Performance Center and ending tomorrow at STAPLES Center for the game. 1162902 Los Angeles Kings October and has totaled 18 points (10-8-18) from 16 games played. Pederson’s 10 goals are tied for sixth in the AHL, with his 18 points tied for seventh.

PREVIEW – ONTARIO @ TUCSON, 11/22 LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 11.23.2019

ZACH DOOLEYNOVEMBER 22, 2019

GAME PREVIEW ONTARIO REIGN

WHO: Ontario Reign (8-6-2-0) vs. Tucson Roadrunners (12-4-0-0)

WHAT: AHL REGULAR-SEASON GAME

WHEN: Friday, November 22, 2019 – 6:05 PM Pacific

WHERE: Tucson Arena – Tucson, AZ

HOW TO FOLLOW: Video: AHLTV & Facebook Watch (Free) – AUDIO – iHeart Radio (TUC Feed) – TWITTER: @ontarioreign & @reigninsider

TONIGHT’S MATCHUP: The Reign hit the road for the first of two in Arizona against the Tucson Roadrunners. Ontario went 2-1-1 at Tucson Arena last season, while the Roadrunners took the only meeting in the 2019-20 season to date, held at Toyota Arena.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The Reign lineup remains a bit fluid tonight, but as of today’s morning skate, Matt Luff, Martin Frk and Gabriel Vilardi all appear on track to play tonight in Tucson. On late for extra work was the contingent of Matthew Villalta, Sean Durzi, Chaz Reddekopp, Mason Bergh, Stephen Baylis and Jacob Doty. Luff, assigned earlier today by the Kings, has not arrived in Tucson but is expected to in plenty of time before tonight’s action. Frk has been sidelined since November 6 with a mid-body injury but skated this morning and Vilardi is expected to make his season debut tonight.

HONEST GABE: Forward Gabriel Vilardi was assigned to Ontario, by Los Angeles, on Tuesday afternoon and is expected to make his season debut with the Reign this evening in Tucson. Vilardi appeared in four games for Ontario a season ago, including two against Tucson, and collected an assist, his first career professional point. Read more on Vilardi here from LAKI after he spoke with media following Reign practice on Wednesday.

REINFORCEMENTS ON THE RIGHT: The Reign right flank appears to be getting some additions, with Luff and Frk both looking to return to the Reign lineup this evening. On his first recall of the season, Luff skated in four games with the Kings and collected an assist, and has 10 points (3- 7-10) from 13 games played with Ontario. Frk leads all Reign skaters with seven goals and has 11 points (7-4-11) from 12 games played with Ontario this season.

MAGIC CONCH SHEL-DON: Reign forward Sheldon Rempal tallied an assist on Saturday in San Diego and now has points in back-to-back games. The second-year forward has seven assists on the season, which is tied for the lead amongst active Ontario players in helpers. Rempal had a multi-point night (0-2-2) in the lone ONT-TUC matchup of the season to date and has seven points (3-4-7) in seven career games against the Roadrunners.

KALE OF DUTY: Ontario defenseman Kale Clague tallied his team’s only goal on Saturday, as he pulled the Reign to within one with a third-period tally. Clague now has three goals on the season, which ties him for the team lead amongst defensemen, with his seven points leading all Ontario blueliners. Clague returns to Tucson Arena tonight for the first time since his 2018-19 season ended with a broken foot in the building in March 2019.

WHO VILL-ALTA: Goaltender Matthew Villalta returns to the Ontario roster after eight games in the ECHL with Fort Wayne. Villalta posted a 4-3-1 record with the Komets, in addition to a 3.85 goals against average and a .864 save percentage. The rookie netminder made his AHL debut with the Reign against Tucson on October 12, as he made eight saves in one period of action in relief of Cal Petersen.

SCOUTING THE ROADRUNNERS: Tucson enters tonight’s action as the top team in the Pacific Division with an 12-4-0 record, which includes a 6-1-0 mark thus far in November. The Roadrunners are led offensively by forward Lane Pederson, who had a hat trick against the Reign in 1162903 Los Angeles Kings

WAKING UP WITH THE KINGS: NOVEMBER 22

JON ROSENNOVEMBER 22, 2019

GAME STORY

Dishing a dash-three to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in the opening 20 minutes? Yielding only two power plays to the league’s best man advantage and killing them both? Both are fine ways to win a hockey game, but the Kings still needed to show some resolve when McDavid worked his magic to single-handedly pull his team into the game with a goal on the second shift of the second period. Dave Tippett teams have the reputation of seizing important moments of games, and a goal 38 seconds into the second was the exact type of spark needed by an Edmonton team that got off to a sleepy start. But L.A shut the door after that, and for the great expanse of the 5-1 game gave off the impression that they were in good ownership of many different aspects of their game. The Oilers’ forecheck never quite got off the ground, allowing the Kings to comfortably employ a glass-and-out prevent defense in the third period rather than any chase-and-react confusion. And they played the superstars hard. Edmonton scores on one of every three power plays, as McLellan shared Thursday morning, and Los Angeles did a good job of smothering their top guns, with Jeff Carter forcing McDavid to skate through forearm shivers and other means of resistance to leave the perimeter. And if we’re talking prime defensive plays on their studs, hey, let’s acknowledge Sean Walker (again). We’ve seen him beat and leverage Johnny Gaudreau and Vladimir Tarasenko for loose pucks, and there he was, in the first period, getting underneath Draisaitl to steal the puck and send it in the opposite direction, where Adrian Kempe drew an offensive zone penalty.

The old fogeys were pretty good, too. Jeff Carter was one of many Kings to have a good practice on Wednesday – both McLellan and players credited an extended practice that addressed specific issues after the win – and it transferred into an assist on his first shift. He’s moving well, he’s back at center, and that’s a good sign for a team that needs a 2C like Jim Fox, Daryl Evans and I need a booster chair. His scoreline looked like a Jeff Carter scoreline against the Oilers from five years ago, and is primary assist on Tyler Toffoli’s goal was set up sublimely by Drew Doughty, who had the wherewithal to demonstrate excellent patience rather than the go-go-go attack in waiting for Carter to hop on the ice and redirect the puck in-stride to Toffoli. It’s interesting management in which Doughty sensed that glitch in The Matrix, and his own intuitiveness took momentary precedence over the team’s encouragement to play on their toes. “In the past, it’s always like, ‘don’t sit back, just get the puck going, just get the puck going,’ and that is how the game has gone,” Doughty said. “Todd realizes different moments in the game, and when you have a change, you’ve got to wait for you guys to get on the ice. Credit to our coaching staff in allowing us to make plays and read the plays the way we want to.” He was as good as he’s been this season, and if you’re looking for a go-go-go example of how good he was on Thursday, his aggressive 10-foot pinch to chip a puck deep in the offensive zone directly led to Anze Kopitar’s howitzer of a goal and was representative of his growing comfort in knowing he’ll have the support behind him to make smart, efficient pinches. Credit Kopitar and Brown as well for a hard, set- an-example shift to will their way to an early insurance goal.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162904 Los Angeles Kings

LUFF ASSIGNED TO ONT; LEWIS, FRK, BAYLIS UPDATES

ZACH DOOLEY NOVEMBER 22, 2019

Good Morning, Insiders!

A few bullets to touch on here, starting with forward Matt Luff, who was assigned to Ontario this morning. Luff skated in four games with the Kings and collected one point, an assist on teammate Nikolai Prokhorkin’s first career NHL goal on November 16. The third-year winger skated a season-high 10:55 against Arizona on Tuesday.

Luff generated positive reviews from the Kings coaching staff here and here, but was a healthy scratch last evening against Edmonton with the Kings currently on 14 forwards on their roster.

Luff is not on the ice this morning with the Reign, but is expected to arrive in Tucson this evening with plenty of time before Ontario takes on the Roadrunners at 7 PM local time (6 PM Pacific). Luff has 10 points (3-7- 10) from 13 games played with the Reign and provides some much needed depth in all situations for Ontario.

A couple of additional notes –

– Forward Trevor Lewis skated this morning at Toyota Sports Performance Center. No timetable yet for his return to the Kings full group. Lewis was placed on IR on November 11 with a lower-body injury.

And I mean jeez, Trevor Lewis, Jarret Stoll, Chris Kingsley, Matt Price… this has got to be the most handsome rehab skate ever.

— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) November 22, 2019

– On the Ontario side, forward Martin Frk took morning skate today in Tucson and could return to the Reign lineup this evening against the Roadrunners. Frk has been out of the lineup since November 6 in Colorado (a game in which he scored twice) with a mid-body injury. Frk returned to Ontario practice this week in a red jersey.

– Also on the ice this morning for Ontario was forward Stephen Baylis, who the Reign recalled from Fort Wayne (ECHL) yesterday afternoon. Baylis signed an AHL contract with Ontario in October and made his professional debut later that month with the Komets. The Bowling Green product collected three points (1-2-3) from 10 games with Fort Wayne.

– All signs point to Gabriel Vilardi making his season-debut with the Reign in tonight’s game. Those interested in watching can tune in via Facebook Watch on the AHL’s page. Tonight’s game will be shown as the free game of the week!

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162905 Minnesota Wild

Boston hosts Minnesota after Marchand's 2-goal game

Associated Press NOVEMBER 23, 2019 — 2:25AM

Minnesota Wild (9-11-2, seventh in the Central Division) vs. Boston Bruins (14-3-5, first in the Atlantic Division)

Boston; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Boston hosts the Minnesota Wild after Brad Marchand scored two goals in the Bruins' 3-2 victory against the Sabres.

The Bruins are 8-0-4 at home. Boston ranks fifth in the league averaging 3.6 goals per game, led by David Pastrnak with 20.

The Wild have gone 4-10-0 away from home. Minnesota has scored 13 power-play goals, converting on 17.8% of chances.

The teams face off Saturday for the first time this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Pastrnak leads the Bruins with 20 goals and has recorded 36 points. Marchand has collected eight goals and eight assists over the last 10 games for Boston.

Eric Staal leads the Wild with 10 total assists and has collected 16 points. Zach Parise has totaled five goals and three assists over the last 10 games for Minnesota.

LAST 10 GAMES: Wild: 5-3-2, averaging 3.1 goals, 5.3 assists, 3.4 penalties and nine penalty minutes while giving up 2.8 goals per game with a .907 save percentage.

Bruins: 5-2-3, averaging 3.7 goals, 5.5 assists, 3.5 penalties and 7.8 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game with a .919 save percentage.

Bruins Injuries: None listed.

Wild Injuries: Mathew Dumba: day to day (undisclosed), Marcus Foligno: out (lower body).

Star Tribune LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162906 Minnesota Wild

Wild-Boston game preview

NOVEMBER 22, 2019 — 10:14PM

Chris Miller

6 p.m. at Boston • TD Garden • FSN, 100.3-FM

Balance is a big Bruins strength

Preview: The Bruins (14-3-5) have the third-best record in the East. They are the league’s second-best defensive team (2.36 goals against per game). The Wild (9-11-2) is six points out of the final West playoff spot after going 3-0-1 in its past four.

Players to WATCH: Bruins RW David Pastrnak leads the NHL with 20 goals. C Brad Marchand (15-22-37) is third in the league in scoring. G Tuuka Rask is second in the NHL with a 2.05 goals-against average. … Alex Stalock (2.56, .913) will be in goal for the Wild, with Devan Dubnyk sidelined. Kaapo Kahkonen could make his NHL debut in goal Monday vs. the Rangers or Tuesday in New Jersey. C Mikko Koivu has 699 career points.

Numbers: The Wild gets 30.4 % of its points from defensemen, tops in the NHL. … The Bruins have a .309 power play percentage, second-best in the league. … The Wild lost to the Bruins 4-0 in Boston and 3-0 at the X last year.

Injuries: Bruins D Torey Krug (upper body) is probable after missing a week. RW Carson Kuhlman (broken leg) and RW David Backes (upper body) are out. Dubnyk (personal), D Greg Pateryn (core muscle surgery) and W Marcus Foligno (lower body) are out for the Wild.

Star Tribune LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162907 Minnesota Wild Donato’s mentality, since he believes reliability is key to becoming more of an offensive presence, a skill set he’s confident he has.

And as he continues to pursue this evolution, Ryan Donato has help Wild trip to Boston is return home for Ryan Donato along the way from someone who’s not only taken the same path but is also proud of him.

“It’s a blessing,” Ryan Donato said. By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune NOVEMBER 23, 2019 — 12:22AM Star Tribune LOADED: 11.23.2019

Ryan Donato is expecting 20 to 30 family members and friends to take in his return to TD Garden on Saturday, his first game back in Boston since the Bruins traded the up-and-coming forward from Scituate, Mass., to the Wild in February before last season’s trade deadline.

He’ll reconnect with his mom, siblings, pals from high school and his girlfriend.

Also in attendance will be someone the 23-year-old chats with almost daily, his confidante, and the person in his life who taught him to be a hockey player: his dad, Ted.

“It’s unbelievably meaningful,” Ryan Donato said. “Being able to have him every step of the way, going through the same exact experience that I’m going through, it’s so useful to have him for advice.”

Before he became the head hockey coach at Harvard, Ted Donato was in the NHL for a 13-year career that spanned nearly 800 games and featured stints with eight organizations, including his hometown Bruins.

That’s who Ted Donato was playing for when Ryan, the eventual oldest of four, was born in 1996. And although there wasn’t any pressure for Ryan Donato to pick up the sport that his dad played, it’s what he gravitated toward, starting at a young age.

“He’s always been enamored,” Ted Donato said. “Since he was 3 years old, he always wanted to have a stick, wanted to be stickhandling, wanted to be shooting. Loved to watch the game, and so I still think even today he loves going to the rink every day. He loves working on his game.”

The Bruins were Ryan Donato’s team growing up, so when he was drafted by the Bruins in the second round in 2014 and went on to don black and gold, it was a dream come true.

“There were so many emotions going into it,” Ryan Donato said. “You watch the Boston Bruins play your entire life. If there was a team I wanted to play for as a kid, that was the team I wanted to play for, and I got to do that.”

After leaving Harvard following three seasons under his dad’s guidance, Ryan Donato toggled between the NHL and minors during his first full- length professional season before he was traded to the Wild along with a conditional draft pick in exchange for forward Charlie Coyle.

While the Bruins immediately improved their depth for their playoff push, which culminated in a berth in the Stanley Cup Final, the Wild became younger amid the hope Ryan Donato would be a cornerstone of the top half of its lineup — a process that’s ongoing. Although he produced at nearly a point-per-game pace in his 22-game debut post-trade, Ryan Donato has just three points through 20 games this season and is currently stationed on the fourth line after signing a two-year, $3.8 million contract in July.

“There’s no denying the fact he’d like to be more productive right now,” Ted Donato said. “But I think he’s going through what a lot of young players do and transition into finding a way to being able to be impactful.”

Ted Donato catches every one of his son’s games, either live or recorded, and he passes along insight that sounds like it’s simultaneously coming from a coach and a father, addressing the tactical and technical aspects while also offering support.

“He could watch my game and say, ‘Hey, you need to be low in the defensive zone. You need to be the first guy on the forecheck more often,’ ” Ryan Donato said. “He could [also] say, ‘Stay with it. You’re starting to change your game to benefit other guys around you.’ ”

Above all, Ted Donato is trying to impress on his son that he shouldn’t waste energy on what he can’t control. Instead, his focus should be on attacking the role that’s been assigned to him as best he can — by becoming a fundamentally sound 200-foot player. This is also Ryan 1162908 Minnesota Wild Since Nov. 1, the Wild has scored 15 goals in the middle period — first in the NHL. But it was the team’s play in the third that was clutch, finalizing two wins in a row since Oct. 20 and 22 against Montreal and Edmonton.

Wild survives frenzied finish to hold off Colorado “Everyone’s chipping in [and] doing the right thing,” Suter said. “We’re getting solid goaltending. It’s contagious.”

Star Tribune LOADED: 11.23.2019 By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune NOVEMBER 22, 2019 — 7:07AM

Ryan Suter and Jared Spurgeon played the final 2 minutes, 55 seconds, all of which was head-to-head against the Colorado Avalanche’s top line anchored by superstar Nathan MacKinnon.

Both defensemen got in front of shots, as did captain Mikko Koivu, and goalie Alex Stalock scrambled around the crease to keep the puck out.

“It was guns versus guns,” Stalock said. “That’s what people pay to watch. It was quite the show.”

And the Wild maximized its admission.

VideoVideo (00:58): Wild coach Bruce Boudreau recaps the 3-2 win over the Avalanche on Thursday.

Despite a frenzied finish, the Wild persevered to hold off Colorado 3-2 Thursday in front of 17,574 at Xcel Energy Center. The significance of doing so was widespread.

Not only did the Wild improve to 3-0-1 in its past four, but it extended its point streak on home ice to seven games (5-0-2).

This was also the team’s first triumph this season against the Central Division after starting 0-6-1.

And perhaps most important, the Wild (9-11-2) sealed back-to-back victories for just the second time — a mini-roll that could lead to the longer run the team has been missing.

“In order to kind of get back in the standings and get things going, we got to string together these games,” winger Jordan Greenway said. “We know that. So, there’s no game that we can take our foot off the gas. I think if we come out and play like that and play the way that we can, we can beat anyone.”

Before the Wild went into survival mode, winger Jason Zucker nixed a 2- 2 tie at 9:58 — this after the Avalanche scored twice late in the second to erase a two-goal deficit.

Both Avalanche goals came from rookie standout Cale Makar.

At 14:19, Makar’s blistering shot from the slot on the power play sailed top shelf. Then with 1:11 remaining in the period, Makar toe-dragged around a sprawled Joel Eriksson Ek and wired the puck past Stalock.

“It was a good thing, quite frankly, that the period ended when it did so you could regather your thoughts,” coach Bruce Boudreau said. “When it’s tied going to the third period, it’s like starting a new [game], all you have to do is win one.”

And that’s what the Wild did.

Goalie Philipp Grubauer stopped Eric Staal, but the puck remained loose and Zucker buried it behind an unsuspecting Grubauer for his seventh goal.

“The maturity is starting to show,” Suter said. “We’re starting to play the right way at the start of games and playing — if they score — to get the momentum back. It’s a good sign for us.”

Just 1:48 into the second, the Wild opened the scoring on the power play when Koivu set up winger Mats Zuccarello for a redirect in front of the net. The helper was Koivu’s fourth in his past four games. Suter also earned an assist, this after becoming the first Wild defenseman to record 100 career power-play assists Tuesday.

The Wild finished 1-for-4 with the man advantage; Colorado went 1-for-2.

Only 53 seconds later, the Wild doubled its lead when Greenway skated past Grubauer and shot into a yawning net.

“I just had to wait the goalie out and put it in,” Greenway said. 1162909 Minnesota Wild

The Wild’s most agitating player? Oddly enough, it’s stoic Joel Eriksson Ek.

By DANE MIZUTANI | PUBLISHED: November 22, 2019 at 11:48 am | UPDATED: November 22, 2019 at 11:52 am

Late Vikings kicker Fred Cox: ‘Nobody’s going to live forever and nobody’s going to live more than I did.’

There’s just something about Joel Eriksson Ek that makes him the No. 1 target of every opponent. Whenever a scrum breaks out during a game, he always seems to be in the middle of it.

“He ticks everybody off,” coach Bruce Boudreau said with a laugh. “He’s really good at it.”

That laugh from the 64-year-old coach likely stems from the fact that Eriksson Ek might be the quietest guy on the team. Yet the young guy who barely speaks has a knack for getting under an opponent’s skin.

Need proof? Just look at Tuesday’s game between the Wild and Sabres in Buffalo, where superstar Jack Eichel mugged Eriksson Ek following a rather innocuous check along the boards.

It happened so fast that Eriksson Ek couldn’t get his gloves off. All he could do was shield his face as best he could while Eichel unloaded with a bevy of haymakers.

Asked what happened, Eriksson Ek replied, “I don’t know. I think he was probably just looking for something to get his guys going and he picked me.”

There’s a reason Eichel picked Eriksson Ek. Just like there was a reason superstar Nathan MacKinnon nearly did the same thing during Thursday’s game between the Wild and Colorado Avalanche.

“He’s just always in their face,” Wild winger Ryan Hartman said. “I’ve been in a role like that before, playing against the other team’s top line. It seems like the more they don’t score, the more frustrated they get. And it escalates from there.

“It could be as simple as Ekker bumping a guy or something like that. That could be the boiling point.”

That style of play from Eriksson Ek — skillfully agitating opponents until they lose their minds — resembles that of longtime captain Mikko Koivu. Both players have the innate ability to get under the skin of opponents without chirping.

“I hate saying he plays like Mikko because he already gets so many comparisons to him,” goaltender Alex Stalock said. “He really does, though, in the way that he’s so competitive. He’s always in somebody’s face. He’s always in the right spot. He’s always making the smart play.

“He just plays the game the right way, and that ends up ticking people off.”

The fact that Eriksson Ek always seems to have that same blank stare on his face probably doesn’t help. He rarely responds to taunting.

“Oh, I’m sure it bothers guys,” linemate Luke Kunin said. “It would tick me off. He’s just a pest out there. He doesn’t say much. He just goes out there and plays hard.”

And lives with the results, so keep an eye on the young third-line center when the Wild play the Bruins Saturday in Boston.

“I just try to play hard and do my best every shift and get the puck back as fast as possible,” Eriksson Ek said. “Maybe that annoys some people; I don’t know if I’m the right guy to ask that. You probably have to ask some of our opponents.”

Pioneer Press LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162910 MontrealCanadiens confidence as you usually do and you got to try your best to find that, and that’s doing extra reps in practice, watching video and just trusting the process. If you kind of let that snowball and you get down on yourself and you start questioning yourself, that’s when it gets out of hand a little bit. Stu Cowan: Canadiens' Max Domi 'not hitting the panic button' on scoring slump “We’re still getting opportunities, we’re still getting chances,” Domi added. “If that wasn’t the case it would be a bit of a different story. We just got to trust that you keep trying to keep it simple, get pucks to the net, go to the net, go to the dirty areas and you’ll get rewarded eventually.” STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: November 22, 2019 Montreal Gazette LOADED: 11.23.2019

Scoring goals in the NHL is not easy.

It’s something the Canadiens’ Max Domi wrote about in his new book — No Days Off: My Life With Type 1 Diabetes and Journey to the NHL.

“In junior, you can beat goalies from the top of the circle with a well- placed shot,” Domi wrote. “But the best players in the world have a hard time beating even an average goalie in the NHL with the same shot.”

Domi noted NHL goalies have sound positioning, are big, fast and their equipment doesn’t leave many holes, adding you’re probably not going to beat them on the first shot or even the second one. Defenders also block a lot of pucks and Domi wrote getting a shot through is “probably the hardest part” of trying to score.

“There are very few players in the NHL who can walk off the half wall and beat a goalie clean,” Domi wrote. “So I was excited to learn how to score goals in new ways.”

Last season, Domi scored a career-high 28 goals. This season, he has only four goals in 22 games and none in the last nine. Domi has only one goal in the last 17 games heading into Saturday’s matchup with the New York Rangers at the (7 p.m., SNE, , TVA Sports, TSN 690 Radio).

“This is where you have an opportunity to kind of really show yourself what you’re made of and get yourself through the tough times, because that’s when your true character comes out, right?” Domi said after practice Friday in . “When adversity hits … it’s not always going to be easy. The game’s tough. It’s a very, very tough game, the best league in the world. Some of the best players in the world go through droughts and they don’t score. If they can do it, then everyone can and you just got to find a way to get through it.”

Last season, Domi went 17 games without a goal between Dec. 11 and Jan. 14. A 30-goal scorer in the NHL is going to have at least 52 games in which he doesn’t score. Players need to find a way to battle through scoring slumps.

“You learn how to deal with that stuff and how to handle it,” said Brendan Gallagher, who with nine goals is on pace for his third straight 30-plus goal season. “For me, the biggest thing is really to try and focus on the things that lead to scoring and not so much the end result. You take care of the process that goes into it, the work that needs to be done. I’ll never look at a chance and say: I should have shot there. I’ve always just trusted my instincts. I’ve scored goals before and eventually you’ll see another one go in the net. It’s the work that you put in that leads to it.”

Gallagher didn’t score in 54 of the Canadiens games last season, including two eight-game slumps.

“I’ve gone nine games a few times in my career …. I never got 10,” Gallagher said about his longest NHL scoring slumps. “It was the same in junior, it was nine games. It happens and, obviously, you don’t enjoy it. You start gripping the stick a little bit tighter when you get a chance. But usually once you see one go in, a few follow.”

That’s what Domi is hoping will happen, and coach Claude Julien will move him back to centre Saturday against the Rangers on a line with Nick Suzuki and Artturi Lehkonen after playing the last three games on the wing.

A balanced scoring attack has been the key to the Canadiens’ success this season, but they have scored only three goals in the last two games and Domi isn’t the only forward struggling to put the puck in the net. Jesperi Kotkaniemi hasn’t scored in his last 12 games, Nick Cousins hasn’t scored in his last 10 and Joel Armia has one goal in his last 11. On defence, Jeff Petry hasn’t scored in the last 16 games.

“I’m not hitting the panic button by any means here,” Domi said. “It’s just the reality of the game. You got to have fun with it, too. You got to make the most of the opportunity that presents itself. You don’t have the same 1162911 MontrealCanadiens The five-game Rivalry Series kicks off in Hartford on Dec. 14, with the second game scheduled for Moncton on Dec. 17.

The top female players from Canada and the U.S. are also competing in Hickey on hockey: Caufield paces Badgers; Poulin & Co. back in a series of showcase tournaments organized by the Professional Montreal Women’s Hockey Player Association. The group has held events in Toronto, New Hampshire and Chicago, and has another event scheduled for January in Toronto with 120 players scheduled to compete. The group is reportedly trying to nail down an event in Montreal, but the details are PAT HICKEY, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: November 22, 2019 sketchy.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 11.23.2019 It has been a while since we checked in on Canadiens prospect Cole Caufield and we’re happy to report that the University of Wisconsin freshman is doing fine, although the Badgers have dropped in the U.S. college rankings. After reaching a high of No. 4 this season, Wisconsin is No. 16 with a 6-6 record.

Wisconsin has had a difficult schedule. When they face Minnesota in a pair of games this weekend, it will mark the first time this season they will play a team that isn’t ranked in the top 15. Last week, they split with No. 3 Notre Dame and handed the Irish their first loss of the season.

Caufield, who’s hoping this is his first and last season at Wisconsin, has nine goals and six assists in 12 games and is tied with Alex Turcotte for the team scoring lead.

Turcotte, who was the fifth overall choice by the Los Angeles Kings in June’s draft, has a Montreal connection. His grandfather Réal left East Angus during the 1960s to play at Michigan State and his father, Réal Jean (Alfie) Turcotte was the Canadiens’ first-round draft choice (No. 17 overall) in 1983 and played with the Canadiens, Winnipeg Jets and Washington Capitals.

Defenceman Jordan Harris, who was a Canadiens third-round draft choice in 2018, has three goals and seven assists with No. 13 Northeastern, while late-bloomer Brett Stapley is one of the top scorers at No. 4 Denver. The Canadiens took a chance on Stapley after he put up strong numbers in the Tier 2 B.C. Hockey League, selecting him in the seventh round in 2018. He had five goals and 14 assists in his freshman season at Denver and he has started his second campaign with three goals and six assists in 11 games.

The fight continues: Fighting may be on the way out in the NHL, but November is time for the annual Hockey Fights Cancer effort. The program, which began in 1998 as a joint undertaking by the NHL sand the NHL Players’ Association, has raised more than $25 million for cancer research and related charities.

The Canadiens have partnered with Leucan, an organization that provides support for youngsters battling cancer and their families. The team has invited 60 youngsters to attend Saturday’s game against the New York Rangers. They will be hosted at a pregame reception organized by the players’ wives and girlfriends, and they will watch the game from suites donated by corporate sponsors. A dozen youngsters will join the teams on the ice for the national anthems. After the game, the youngsters will meet the players and Youppi!

Eleven players have been growing moustaches as part of the Movember movement to increase awareness of men’s health issues — prostate and testicular cancer, depression and suicide. Fans wishing to support that effort can find more information and http://www.movember.com/canadiens.

Women hit the ice: The collapse of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League poses a problem for elite players trying to stay in shape for international competitions such as the Olympics and the world championship.

Hockey Canada is doing its part by staging a series of seven mini-camps across the country and by expanding the Rivalry Series against the United States from three games to five.

Montreal will be the site of a mini-camp next week. Olympic veterans Marie-Philip Poulin, Lauriane Rougeau, Emerance Maschmeyer and Mélodie Daoust will be among the 30 players who will gather at the Université de Montréal CEPSUM for a four-day camp beginning Monday. In addition to practices, the women will play two games against the men’s team from CEGEP André-Laurendeau Monday at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend the game as well as all practice sessions. 1162912 MontrealCanadiens Drouin watches practice Drouin, who had surgery on his left wrist on Monday and is expected to

be sidelined for at least eight weeks, was at the Bell Sports Complex on Canadiens Notebook: Max Domi moving from wing back to centre Friday to watch practice while sporting a large cast.

Drouin had 7-8-15 totals in 19 games before injuring his wrist in a 5-2 win over the Capitals in Washington on Nov. 15. STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: November 22, 2019 Father/son weekend for Thompson

Thompson enjoyed a special father/son day Friday when he brought 4- React, but don’t over-react. year-old Teague to practice and then took him on the ice at the end.

That was coach Claude Julien’s message to his players at practice Teague lives with his mother in Minnesota and was in the stands Friday in Brossard as they prepared to face the New York Rangers watching when the Canadiens lost 4-3 to the Wild in Minnesota on Oct. Saturday at the Bell Centre (7 p.m., CITY, SNE, TVA Sports TSN 690 20. Teague, who is in Montreal for the weekend, will be able to watch his Radio) looking to end a three game winless streak (0-1-2). dad in action again Saturday night at the Bell Centre.

Julien reacted by juggling his lines at practice, moving Max Domi back to “It’s awesome, especially when he came out on the ice,” Thompson said centre and Nick Suzuki to the wing. The coach will also get defenceman while untying his son’s skates after practice. “He also came in the locker Mike Reilly back in the lineup Saturday night after he was a healthy room and hung out with the boys. It’s kind of what it’s all about and he scratch for the last six games. Reilly will take Brett Kulak’s spot on the loves it. third pairing with rookie Cale Fleury. “We’re just trying to make the most of the time here and have him just Domi, who has gone nine games without a goal and has only one in the enjoy himself — and me, too,” Thompson added. last 17, played the last three games at left wing with Suzuki at centre and Joel Armia on the right side. At practice Friday, Domi was at centre with #Habs Nate Thompson brought his son to practice with him today and Artturi Lehkonen on the left wing and Suzuki on the right. took him out on ice. Too cute #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/9GM4oRdW0m— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) November 22, 2019 Julien said it became obvious Domi skates better when he’s playing centre and he’s able to exploit his speed more in the middle, adding that Folin a healthy scratch again rookie Suzuki adapts well to playing on the wing. Defenceman Christian Folin will be a healthy scratch for the 14th straight Large turnout for #Habs practice this morning in Brossard. A lot of kids game Saturday night and hasn’t played since Oct. 19. have day off school today #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/ow0v6zGbel— Stu Reilly and Folin were teammates with the Wild before being reunited with Cowan (@StuCowan1) November 22, 2019 the Canadiens. The coach noted that Domi and Suzuki can both handle the centre’s Costly mistakes in OT responsibilities in the defensive zone and switch up when necessary. The fact Domi shoots left and Suzuki shoots right means they can also also Julien was upset with Suzuki and Tomas Tatar after the Ottawa switch up in the faceoff circle, taking draws on their strong side. Domi Senators’ Brady Tkachuk scored an overtime breakaway goal for a 2-1 has won only 44.8 per cent of his faceoffs this season, while Suzuki has win over the Canadiens Wednesday night at the Bell Centre. won 47.8 per cent. “Laziness on the part of our forwards in overtime ends up costing us Julien also moved Charles Hudon — who has been called up again from another point,” the coach said in his post-game news conference. the AHL’s — up to the third line with Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Armia, while the fourth line had Nate Thompson between Nick On Friday, Julien was asked if he had expressed his unhappiness to Cousins and Jordan Weal. Suzuki and Tatar the same way and, if so, how they responded to it.

The Canadiens have only scored three goals in their last two games and “I don’t know why that matters,” Julien said. “Honestly, what I do with my Julien said it wasn’t a case of players being promoted or demoted, more players is internally personal. It’s not for me to go out there and tell you him looking for offensive balance on the four lines and — hopefully — guys: ‘Hey, I bashed these players.’ ‘Hey guys, I really gave it to those more goals. guys.’ Or I didn’t … I told them this. I think I deal with my players the same way one way or another. And at the end of the day, I think it’s Reilly gets spot on power play pretty obvious they also know when they look at the video, they’re pretty smart people and they see the same mistakes that I saw. And that’s what Julien had Reilly on the second power-play unit at practice Friday, hoping happened At the end of the day, if we don’t repeat that mistake we’ve the defenceman can provide a boost there from the point. Heading into made some progress. That’s how I approach it with players. Friday’s games, the Canadiens ranked 12th in the NHL on the power play with a 20.9 per cent success rate. “There’s mistakes that are being made and it was a frustrating overtime goal that we gave up because we calculated four mistakes,” the coach “At the end of the day, he brings something different than Kulak does,” added. “I’m not going to get into it, four mistakes in a matter of whatever, Julien said about Reilly. “On the offensive side, I think he’s a more gifted 10 seconds, and one goal. So when you look at that it’s frustrating. But at player. On the defensive side, Kulak is a more efficient player … he kills the end of the day, you turn the page because we need to get ready for plays quickly, he does that. So this is what we have with those two guys the Rangers. What I’m telling the guys is if we don’t make that mistake and that’s why you see at times one’s in, one’s out. It depends on teams again, OK, we’ve gained something. So let’s learn from it and that’s how we’re playing. Depending on certain teams that are really aggressive, you move forward with your group.” physical, this is where Kuly will outweigh Reils. Right now, we lose a guy like Jonathan Drouin, who on the power play is a big loss. We may need The lines Reils to step in there and see what he can do in that position because he is good with the puck and that’s why you saw him today on the power Here’s how the Canadiens’ forward lines and defence pairings looked at play.” practice Friday:

Reilly hasn’t played since Nov. 7 in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Flyers in Tatar – Danault – Gallagher Philadelphia, logging 12:54 of ice time with four shots, two hits and an Lehkonen – Domi – Suzuki even in plus/minus. In eight games this season, Reilly has 0-2-2 totals and is plus-1. Hudon – Kotkaniemi – Armia

“It hasn’t been easy, but I think my whole approach to it is I think when I Cousins - Thompson – Weal came out of the lineup after Philly I don’t think it was because of poor play or anything like that,” Reilly said after practice Friday. “So I think if it Chiarot – Weber was the opposite, I think it’d be a little bit more something for me to think Mete – Petry about and try not to get down. But I think my approach is just try to show up to practice every day and have a good attitude and be ready to go.” Reilly – Fleury Kulak – Folin

Coach Claude Julien giving instructions at #Habs practice #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/1VjTV7l4F1— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) November 22, 2019

Power-play units

Here’s how the Canadiens’ two power-play units looked at practice:

FIRST UNIT

Tatar

Hudon-Gallagher-Suzuki

Petry

SECOND UNIT

Domi

Weber-Armia-Kotkaniemi

Reilly

Shea Weber working on his one-timer at end of #Habs practice #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/mzwjP1fuQs— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) November 22, 2019

What’s next?

The Canadiens have a morning skate scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard before facing the New York Rangers Saturday night at the Bell Centre (7 p.m., CITY, SNE, TVA Sports, TSN 690 Radio).

Next week, the Canadiens have three home games with the Boston Bruins at the Bell Centre on Tuesday (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN 690 Radio), followed by the New Jersey Devils on Thursday (7:30 p.m., SN, RDS, TSN 690 Radio) and the Philadelphia Flyers for a rare Saturday afternoon game (3 p.m., SN, RDS, TSN 690 Radio).

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162913 MontrealCanadiens game is against the lowly Senators, then there’s a goaltending controversy brewing. Period.

Still, Montreal is indeed in third place in its division and there are plenty What the Puck: Canadiens' losing streak exposes team's weak spots of positives, notably the strong play of rookies Suzuki and Cale Fleury, the consistency of its first line and the return to form of Shea Weber. But when I heard Friday morning that Julien’s favourite, Artturi Lehkonen, had been promoted to the second line, alongside Suzuki and Domi, it BRENDAN KELLY, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: November 22, gave me pause for thought. The thought? The team’s biggest problem is 2019 its lack of scoring and Julien just put a three-goal scorer on the second line. A move like this is why I worry.

Your Montreal Canadiens are on a three-game losing streak, but even I Montreal Gazette LOADED: 11.23.2019 don’t think it’s time to panic. We’ll leave the hysteria to the hockey fans in Toronto.

But at the same time, I am not ready to embrace the absolute confidence in the Habs shown by so many in the media and among the fan base. The bottom line is that this edition of the Canadiens remains hard to figure out.

As of Friday afternoon, Les Boys were in third place in the Atlantic Division with 27 points, behind the Florida Panthers (29 points) and the oh-so-dominant Boston Bruins (33 points). The crazy thing is the fans and management panicked in T.O. yet, as of Friday, the Leafs were only two points out of a playoff position in the Eastern Conference.

In fact, you could argue that the only teams in disastrous shape in the East are the basement-dwelling Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils. The New York Rangers, who will be at the Bell Centre Saturday to face the Canadiens, are in 14th place in the 16-team Eastern Conference yet they’re only six points out of a playoff berth.

In other words, things are mighty tight in the conference and it’s anyone’s guess which teams are going to make the playoff cut in April. I’ll stick to my pre-season prediction that the Habs will be fighting for one of those two wild-card spots right until the last few games of the season. I wouldn’t bet money on them making it or not making it.

However, there are no shortage of things to worry about if you’re a Habs fan, which is why I am increasingly amazed by how many pundits and fans do cartwheels to try to pretend there are no problems in Habsland. Let’s start with one of the biggest issues. That would be a fellow named Max Domi.

I heard someone on the radio Friday say his stats — four goals and 13 points in 22 games — are perfectly acceptable. That’s nonsense. Those numbers are not nearly good enough. He has one goal in his last 17 games! This is a guy who led the Canadiens in points last season by a wide margin, with 28 goals and 72 points in 82 games. His closest competition was Tomas Tatar with 58 points.

It isn’t just a minor slump and if he doesn’t come around, this is going to be a big problem for the team, especially now that Jonathan Drouin — the team’s best forward by far this season — is out for eight weeks with a wrist injury. Domi is also starting to take thoughtless penalties, notably a four-minute minor on Saturday that basically allowed the New Jersey Devils to claw their way back into the game.

Was Domi peeved because Julien had moved him from centre to wing to free up the centre position for Nick Suzuki against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday? At practice on Friday, Domi was centring the second line, so maybe that’s exactly the coaching move that will provide the spark to get him out of this slump. In any case, Domi needs to be much better.

So does Jesperi Kotkaniemi. It’s kind of hilarious how so many completely dismiss the notion of criticizing KotkaKid, simply saying it’s all good since he’s only 19. That’s absurd. Senators forward Brady Tkachuk is not even a full year older than Kotkaniemi and he is an absolute beast, a fact that was underlined Wednesday night when he had an amazing game against the Canadiens, capped by his OT goal. He has eight goals and 13 points this season and he also adds a physical edge that would be appreciated on this Canadiens team. He also notched 22 goals last season. Kotkaniemi has only two goals and one assist this season.

Then there’s the issue of the Habs’ backup goalie. I brought this up last week and many scoffed at the notion, but there is a problem. It’s incredible to think that Julien went with Carey Price on back-to-back games this week, putting him in nets Wednesday against the Sens after he faced the Columbus Blue Jackets the night before. If you can’t play Keith Kinkaid on the second game of a back-to-back and that second 1162914 MontrealCanadiens Price returned to win three consecutive games but didn’t play another as his season came to an end on November 25.

By the time general manager realized he desperately What Melnick Thinks: The Canadiens need to be proactive before this needed help in goal, it was too late. The best he could do was find Ben goes sideways Scrivens in Edmonton.

A Mike Condon-Scrivens tandem might still occasionally force Bergevin to break out in a cold sweat in the middle of the night. By Mitch Melnick Nov 22, 2019 “The medical staff was really comfortable and Carey was really comfortable to come back,” Therrien said back in November, 2015. “If we had any doubt, for sure, we would not take that risk. That’s all we can say I think the Montreal Canadiens are in trouble. about it. He tweaked it again tonight. That’s why we don’t want to take I know – it’s a wild mood swing from earlier in the week when I suggested any chance. It’s still early in the season, so it’s important for us when he their win in Washington might have been a turning point. But I am a plays, he’s got to make sure he is healthy.” Gemini. I’m not comparing Drouin the player to what Price was four years ago, Because the way it looks just four days later, the 5-2 victory against the merely the timing of the injury to an impact player. At least now Bergevin Capitals might be a high point. knows the timetable. But as we saw back then, potential points – and a playoff spot – can slip away faster than you can say “Two-time 20 goal Besides, there was a caveat. scorer Paul Byron”.

“…and, like almost every team in the salary cap era,” I wrote Monday, The last significant player for player trade made by Bergevin was just “they’ll need to stay free of lengthy injuries to their best players.” prior to the start of last year’s training camp when he sent Max Pacioretty to Vegas for Tatar and Suzuki. Almost right on cue, just a few hours after the piece was published Monday, Jonathan Drouin’s agent Allan Walsh tweeted that the Habs’ I think it’s time for another one. Even if it is way ahead of schedule. winger underwent surgery and would be out for eight weeks. The Canadiens then added the word “minimum” to the prognosis. Or, as the Chambers Brothers put it, time has come today.

In the three games that followed against teams below them in the The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 standings the Canadiens went 0-3 while totaling three, two and one goals respectively.

The loss in Columbus was a weird one. The game turned on a Nick Suzuki breakaway when a soft touch didn’t fool Joonas Korpisalo and what could have been a 3-1 lead soon led to four straight goals by the Blue Jackets including the game winner that bounced off Carey Price as he turned around to search for the stray puck. What a bizarre sight to see Price (and Suzuki) in the crease, standing up and facing the backboards while the puck came to rest inside the net, where Price would have no doubt preferred to hide.

Or maybe that was Price’s way of ignoring the cannon blast. But really, which one of the Hockey Gods has that kind of sense of humor?

Back home Wednesday night against Ottawa, if not for Suzuki on a power play, the Canadiens would have been shut out.

With Drouin done until 2020, Max Domi, sliding into Drouin’s slot at left wing, seemed poised to bust out of his scoring slump, at least in the short term. But Domi is in a deep funk with just one goal in 17 games. Claude Julien is trying to create an offensive spark by teaming Domi with Suzuki.

Maybe it happens (it better). But what does it say about the Habs lack of offensive skill and depth that the most comfortable and unflappable looking player with the puck on his stick is a 20-year-old rookie?

Beyond the continued strong play of the Danault line, attempting to find offence from most of the other nine forwards is a real challenge without Drouin, who appeared headed to his long-awaited break out season.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi looked a lot more assertive against Ottawa. But do you get the feeling he’s about to embark on a scoring spree?

Claude Julien, when he’s not going after his players for being “lazy” (Tatar again, with a dash of Suzuki), had already made it clear – long before losing Drouin – that he could use a goal scorer, even as his team climbed the five-on-five scoring ladder right to the top. No wonder we see Montreal’s defencemen wandering deep into opposition territory, trying to sniff out goals like bloodhounds on the trail of Andy Dufresne.

I smell a trade.

The last time the Canadiens lost a marquee player to a lengthy injury before their season was 20 games old, Carey Price stepped on a puck prior to a game in Edmonton, played hurt, lost, and didn’t play again for nine days.

Remember this?

“(Condon) has a lot of pressure on him, but he’s been flawless in every start so far,” Michel Therrien said back when Price was first injured in November, 2015. 1162915 MontrealCanadiens discernible reason why they did that. In the other four road games there was either a last-minute injury or simply no roster spot available to do it.

So again, it happened only 15 times in 124 pre-trade deadline games The Canadiens appear to be hoarding cap space when they are already over the previous two years that the Canadiens entered a game without swimming in it. The question is why? an extra forward or an extra defenceman on the roster, one that was healthy and available to play if needed.

This season? Through 22 games, it has already happened seven times, By Arpon Basu Nov 22, 2019 a number that is likely to climb to eight when the Canadiens host the New York Rangers on Saturday.

Remember that in two years the Canadiens had only played five road The Canadiens recalled Charles Hudon from the Laval Rocket for the games without an extra forward or defenceman? This season, out of just second time in a week Thursday evening. On its own, this is not a very 11 road games, the Canadiens have already done it five times: Oct. 9 in complicated move to explain. Buffalo, Oct. 19 in St. Louis, Oct. 20 in Minnesota, Nov. 15 in Washington Since Hudon had to clear waivers to be sent down to Laval to begin with, and Nov. 19 in Columbus. every day he is on the NHL roster and every game he plays counts So in less than two months the Canadiens have already done something toward a limit whereby he would need to clear waivers again to be sent as often as they had in the previous two years. Weird, no? down. The limit is either 10 games or 30 days, so sending him down for one day Thursday and one day Sunday saved the Canadiens two days Maybe there’s nothing to it. But maybe there is. Because one benefit of on that 30-day limit. playing games without an extra healthy body around in case of emergency would be that it allows a team to accumulate cap space. Just Make sense? Good. as sending Hudon down to Laval and back again saved them space on Except the move to send Hudon down for one day on two separate the cap, each of those seven games played while missing an extra occasions this week also saves the Canadiens cap space. It could easily healthy body accomplished the same thing. be argued, in a vacuum, that a team that has the second-most cap space Except the Canadiens, according to CapFriendly, have a shade over $6.3 in the NHL doesn’t need to bother with paper transactions that save them million in available cap space this season. At the trade deadline, a few thousand bucks here and there. Hudon’s daily cap hit comes out to CapFriendly calculates that amount of cap space would allow the a little more than $4,300, so by sending him down this week the Canadiens to acquire the equivalent of $29.4 million worth of contracts, Canadiens saved roughly $8,600 on an $81.5 million salary cap. more than enough wiggle room for Marc Bergevin to go on a shopping So that can’t be it, right? It’s the waiver thing. It has to be. spree on Feb. 24 if he so chooses.

Except when you look at some of the other moves the Canadiens have Except let’s put forth a hypothetical. Let’s say there was a player on an made this season, they have done some curious things that also saved expiring contract that will be highly sought after at the deadline. Let’s give money against the cap. that made up player a totally random name that isn’t based on a real person in any way. For the third game of the season in Buffalo, Nick Cousins was not available to play because of a back injury. And yet the Canadiens did not Let’s call him Baylor Fall. call up a forward to make the trip as an extra, meaning that if something So let’s say Baylor Fall makes – again, a totally random number – $6 happened at the morning skate or in warmup, they would be forced to million a year. In order to acquire him at the trade deadline, a team would dress a defenceman up front. need roughly $1.3 million in available cap space. There are currently 15 Teams do this from time to time, but the Canadiens almost never do. At teams with that much space under the cap. least not until now. But let’s say a team wanted to beat the crowds and acquire Baylor Fall When asked for an explanation of why no forward was recalled that day much earlier than the deadline, let’s say Jan. 1. On that date, a team on Oct. 9, the Canadiens didn’t really have one other than they would be would need around $3 million in space to acquire that player, which back home the next day and they didn’t see the need to call someone up. would cut the number of teams who could afford it down to about 10, and In other words, they were willing to risk it. most of those teams wouldn’t necessarily be interested because many teams with lots of cap space don’t go to the playoffs. Again, teams do roll the dice in this manner on occasion, but the Canadiens generally don’t. Of course, it’s not that simple because that team with additional cap space will also have to pay a premium in assets to convince Baylor Fall’s Over the previous two years, or both of Claude Julien’s full seasons as team to trade him before a bidding war can get started. So you need coach, the Canadiens have played 124 games prior to the 2018 and depth in your prospect pool, lots of draft picks and – this is the most 2019 trade deadlines, when the roster limit is lifted. In those 124 games, important one – a willingness to spend them. Having cap space is just the Canadiens did not have an extra forward or an extra defenceman on one small part of the equation. the roster 15 times, and only five of those 15 games were on the road. Just prior to the opening game of the season in Raleigh, in his sitdown Some of them were unavoidable, such as the game on Dec. 22, 2018, in with The Athletic in early October, Bergevin discussed this delicate dance Las Vegas when David Schlemko was injured the game before, leaving ahead of the deadline. the Canadiens without an extra defenceman for the last game of a Western road trip and also the final game before the Christmas break. “You have to be patient,” he said. “If a trade happens in February, it’s Makes perfect sense not to fly a player out there to sit and watch the probably been two months that I’ve been talking to teams about it. The game, so you roll the dice. team that, in my opinion, probably won’t make the playoffs will want to wait and see if they won’t make it, and only then will they make that Coming out of the Christmas break the Canadiens called up Karl Alzner player available. So it’s not like I can call in November and they’ll give me to take Schlemko’s spot on the roster and serve as a healthy scratch for the player. That team is going to want to know who else is interested in the next seven games. Alzner, no need to remind anyone, counts for that player in order to get the biggest haul possible. That’s why it takes $4,625,000 against the cap. Clearly, that was not a consideration then. time, unless you’re willing to overpay to do it right away.

There was also the game Dec. 19, 2017, in Vancouver when Shea “The years we didn’t make the playoffs and I knew I would be trading Weber made the flight out there, only to come right back home because away some players, my price at the end of January might have been a of a foot injury that would ultimately lead to him being sidelined for close third-round pick, for example. A team might offer me a fourth-round pick, to a full calendar year. The Canadiens played that game without an extra but I would say, ‘If you give me a third, we can do it today. But if not I’m defenceman, but called up Brett Lernout and flew him out to Calgary for going to be patient.’ Maybe the price will wind up being a fourth, but if the next game. that’s the case, I’m going to wait until the last minute. The other team also says it’s going to wait and hope it winds up spending just a fourth. In fact, of the five road games where the Canadiens played without an That’s the game you play.” extra at forward or defence over the previous two years, only one of them – Dec. 9, 2018, at the Chicago Blackhawks – seemed to have no So, what does this all mean and what will come of it? Probably nothing. But if the Canadiens are hoping to make a splash well ahead of the trade deadline, the way they have managed their roster thus far this season would be one way of preparing for that. Does that mean that’s definitely what they’re planning to do? Of course not.

But when a team suddenly changes what has become a consistent, well- established pattern of behaviour, it is worth wondering why it is doing that and what might be behind it.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162916 Nashville Predators GA/60 1.99 (5th) 3.49 (31st) xGA/60 1.97 (T-5th) 1.87 (2nd)

PDO 1042 (2nd) 959 (28th) Peter Laviolette: ‘I haven’t felt any’ pressure from above as Predators’ slump continues Source of score/venue adjusted data: Natural Stat Trick

Predictably, the offense has regressed, and the Predators’ reliance on low-percentage attempts appears to be a systemic issue, though By Adam Vingan Nov 22, 2019 Laviolette disputed the notion that the team isn’t generating enough high- quality looks Thursday morning.

The boos from the frustrated fans came at the end of the second period, “I’m probably not going to get into all the numbers, but if you go and do and who could blame them? some work on the numbers, you’ll see that there are the zone-one chances,” he said. “You’ll see that there was a scattering of 50-plus The Predators’ latest debacle saw them surrender five power-play goals chances at the net in the last two games (against the Chicago to the Vancouver Canucks, the incompetence of the penalty kill sending Blackhawks and Jets). We are there. We have redirects. We have tips. them to their eighth loss in nine games. We have rebounds. It didn’t go in the net. … The quality has been there. The quantity has been there.” “It’s the way it’s been going for us lately,” Predators captain Roman Josi said. In those two games, the Predators were credited with 128 shot attempts at five-on-five, 12 of which registered as “high-danger,” according to The particulars of the 6-3 loss aren’t worth discussing. As the Predators Natural Stat Trick. (The methods the Predators use to track scoring plummet toward the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the chances is unclear.) conversation has shifted to whether Peter Laviolette will or should continue to be their coach. There have also been some curious personnel decisions, from recently benching Kyle Turris for rugged rookie Mathieu Olivier to the On Wednesday, the equally underachieving Toronto Maple Leafs fired unproductive reunion of Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen and Viktor Mike Babcock, a topic that came up Thursday morning. Arvidsson. Forsberg, Matt Duchene and Mikael Granlund, a combination “We are in a performance-based industry,” said Laviolette, who is the that Laviolette seems to have abandoned, have a league-best 70.1 third-longest tenured coach in the NHL behind Jon Cooper of the Tampa expected goal percentage as a unit, according to MoneyPuck. Bay Lightning and of the Winnipeg Jets. “There’s no The longer this slump goes, the harder it’s going to be to defend question. It’s about results.” Laviolette. That night, Laviolette was asked to address his own job security. “Change can always happen,” Johansen said. “We’re in a business of “As this slump has progressed,” a reporter asked, “how much pressure winning and results. We don’t worry about that. I worry about myself and have you felt from above?” what I need to do to help this team be better. That’s what everyone in this room does. That’s all you can do is control what you can control.” “I haven’t felt any,” Laviolette said. The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 On the surface, that comment isn’t surprising. In more than 37 years as an NHL general manager, David Poile has had five head coaches, two of whom — Bryan and Terry Murray with the Washington Capitals — were fired in-season. He is patient, perhaps to a fault.

Conversely, it’s possible Laviolette, who is in his sixth season with the Predators and under contract through the end of next season, was just trying to defuse the situation. The Predators have experienced unprecedented success under Laviolette, but since they started last season by winning 13 of their first 16 games, their record is 43-35-9. As we near Thanksgiving, the Predators, who have made the playoffs in each of the past five seasons, are five points out of the second wild-card position in the Western Conference.

“This is not OK with how we’re playing right now,” Poile told local radio station 104.5 FM on Thursday afternoon. “I think we could’ve find a way to (have) won a couple of these games. … We have to get out of this. We’ve got to start getting some wins. This is a hard league, and we’re falling further back than we would want. Everybody is able to refer to St. Louis last year as being the worst team in the on Jan. 3, and they end up winning the Stanley Cup. Well, that’s something that’s never happened before, and who’s to say it’s going to ever happen again?

“I think we’re better than that. I certainly don’t want to get in that position. I’m putting a lot of importance on winning some games right now and getting out of this slump, because the league is too good.”

At times like these, it’s common to hear about how a coach has “lost the room” or something along those lines. Over the past nine games, the Predators have played poorly but not like a team that looks to be trying to sabotage its coach. (For an example of the latter, watch the Maple Leafs’ 6-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins last weekend.)

STATISTIC OCT. 3-29 OCT. 31-NOV. 21

Record 8-3-1 (T-5th) 1-6-2 (30th)

CF/60 58.85 (8th) 59.72 (5th)

GF/60 3.46 (1st) 2.54 (15th) xGF/60 2.1 (T-20th) 2.18 (19th) 1162917 New Jersey Devils

Mackenzie Blackwood chased in Devils’ loss to Penguins

Updated 11:04 PM;Today 9:38 PM

By Chris Ryan

PITTSBURGH -- Mackenzie Blackwood stole a win against the Pittsburgh Penguins one week ago. On Friday, the Devils goalie didn’t make it to the finish line.

Blackwood was pulled after allowing his fourth goal of the night early in the third period, putting the Devils in an insurmountable hole in an eventual 4-1 loss to the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.

Goals from Penguins forward Jared McCann and John Marino 25 seconds apart turned a one-goal Devils deficit into a 4-1 Penguins lead at 2:30 of the final frame, and Blackwood gave way to Louis Domingue, who made his Devils debut.

Devils coach John Hynes said the move had less to do with Blackwood’s performance, and more to do with getting Domingue same game reps. Domingue will play Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings, and Friday was his first NHL action of the season.

Domingue didn’t allow a goal, stopping all five shots he faced. Blackwood had 32 saves on 36 shots.

The Devils trailed 1-0 after the first period while being outshot 18-6 in the first 20 minutes, and Dominik Kahun broke through for the opening goal when he flipped a backhander over Blackwood at 7:51.

Things turned to start the second period, with Taylor Hall tying game with a power-play goal 29 seconds into the frame. The Devils went on to outshoot the Pens, 20-14, in the second, but Pittsburgh still walked into the second intermission with a lead thanks to a Jake Guentzel breakaway goal at 12:27.

Next up

The Devils return home to host the Detroit Red Wings at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Prudential Center in Newark to close out a back-to-back.

They will be off on Sunday before playing three weeks next week: home games against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday and the Rangers on Saturday, plus a road game against the Montreal Canadiens on Thanksgiving night.

Star Ledger LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162918 New Jersey Devils

What Devils’ Jesper Boqvist needs to show to more permanent lineup fixture

Updated Nov 22, 2019;Posted Nov 22, 2019

By Chris Ryan

PITTSBURGH -- Jesper Boqvist has gotten a handful of chances to crack the Devils’ lineup during his first NHL season, and he’ll get another on Friday when the team visits the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.

But he’s yet to carve out a more permanent place among the 12 dressed forwards.

Boqvist has played in seven of the Devils’ 20 games so far. His opportunities have increased as the season has progressed, with five of those seven games coming in the Devils’ 10 November games.

The Devils have seen signs of progression from him in games and practices, which is why he’s still on the NHL roster, rather than back in Sweden. They just haven’t seen his biggest assets on display to make him a more constant fixture on game day.

“His skating is a factor. He shows he’s got a high level of competitiveness. He gets in and he’ll touch first, he can be physical, he’ll block shots. He understands how we want to play,” Devils coach John Hynes said. “The big thing though, there hasn’t been a lot of — for as skilled of a player he is — he hasn’t impacted the game offensively like you’d like him to. We’re trying to figure that out with him. He shows signs that he can really help us, but there’s other signs that he gets pushed off pucks, or is he ready yet to be an impact offensively? That’s, I think, the biggest difference in his game.”

During the preseason, Boqvist frequently found the scoresheet. He scored a handful of times, including two in one game against the New York Islanders. But he’s still looking for his first regular-season point.

He’ll be on a line with Jack Hughes and Wayne Simmonds on Friday, and he’ll also be with the second power-play unit, so his opportunities to create offense should be available. Now it’s just a matter of him translating that into success.

“Competitively and his willingness and his skating and understanding how to play and structure and things like that, he’s good like that,” Hynes continued. “But he’s a guy that when you look at the best things he brings to the table, it’s offense. And he just hasn’t been able to get inside and generate much, and we need to see more from that.”

Star Ledger LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162919 New Jersey Devils The Devils are 5-2-1 at PPG Paints Arena and 9-6-2 overall against Pittsburgh since the 2015-16 season.

Star Ledger LOADED: 11.23.2019 Devils’ lines, pairings vs. Penguins (11/22/19) | Mackenzie Blackwood in net; Jesper Boqvist back in

Updated Nov 22, 2019;Posted Nov 22, 2019

By Chris Ryan

PITTSBURGH -- The Devils will open a back-to-back when they play their first road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins this season at 7 p.m. on Friday at PPG Paints Arena.

Mackenzie Blackwood will make his sixth start in a row in goal for the Devils. He anchored a 2-1 win over the Penguins last Friday at Prudential Center in Newark. John Hynes did not name a starter for Saturday’s home game against the Detroit Red Wings, so it could be Blackwood or Louis Domingue.

The Devils will also roll with the lines they used in Thursday’s practice, so Jesper Boqvist will go back into the lineup for John Hayden.

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Here’s how they will skate against the Penguins:

FORWARDS

Taylor Hall - Nico Hischier - Kyle Palmieri

Blake Coleman - Travis Zajac - Nikita Gusev

Jesper Boqvist - Jack Hughes - Wayne Simmonds

Miles Wood - Pavel Zacha - Jesper Bratt

DEFENSEMEN

Andy Greene - Damon Severson

Will Butcher - P.K. Subban

Mirco Mueller - Sami Vatanen

GOALIES

Mackenzie Blackwood

Louis Domingue

SCRATCHES

F: John Hayden

D: Matt Tennyson

On IR: F Kevin Rooney (upper body, out at least Friday and Saturday); D Connor Carrick (broken pinky)

Here are game notes via the Devils:

Tonight marks the second of four regular season contests between New Jersey and Pittsburgh. The Devils defeated the Penguins, 2-1 in the Nov. 15 matchup. The club was 3-3 on the penalty kill and 0-2 on the man advantage. The Penguins outshot the Devils, 39-21, the most the club had given up all season, at the time.

Travis Zajac and Blake Coleman each tallied one goal in the contest. Coleman’s goal marked his first in 10 games played. Jesper Bratt tallied the Devils lone assist in the tilt, his third of the season. Jack Johnson tallied Pittsburgh’s only goal in the matchup, assisted by Alex Galchenyuk.

Mackenzie Blackwood saw 60 minutes of action in his 12th start of the season. Blackwood stopped 38 of 39 shots against. Matt Murray allowed two goals on 21 shots.

New Jersey opens up their sixth of 16 sets of back-to-back play tonight, looking to improve their 1-2-2 record in first games (2-2-1 in second games). The Devils will face-off against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday to conclude their sixth set of back-to-back action. The Saturday tilt marks New Jersey’s annual Hockey Fights Cancer night. 1162920 New Jersey Devils Jesper Boqvist - Jack Hughes - Wayne Simmonds Miles Wood - Pavel Zacha - Jesper Bratt

Andy Greene - Damon Severson NJ Devils projected lineup: Jesper Boqvist returns to action vs. Penguins Will Butcher - P.K. Subban

Mirco Mueller - Sami Vatanen Abbey Mastracco, NHL writerPublished 1:12 p.m. ET Nov. 22, 2019 | Updated 1:20 p.m. ET Nov. 22, 2019 Mackenzie Blackwood

Louis Domingue

PITTSBURGH — It seems as though a day can’t go by without the New Injured: Connor Carrick (right pinky surgery, IR), Kevin Rooney (upper- Jersey Devils rolling out a new lineup. But until they gain some traction in body, IR) the standings and win more than two consecutive games, the Devils have no reason to stick with what didn’t work. Scratched: John Hayden, Matt Tennyson

Jesper Boqvist will draw back into the lineup Friday night against the Penguins (11-7-4, 26 points) Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s just his eighth game of the season and fans Jake Guentzel - Evgeni Malkin - Bryan Rust have been vocal about wanting to see more of the talented 21-year-old forward, but as I have written many times, part of the development plan Alex Galchenyuk - Jared McCann - Brandon Tanev for Boqvist to spend some time sitting in the pressbox as a healthy scratch and spend some time on the ice in action. Dominik Kahun - Dominik - Simon - Patric Hornqvist

I’ll say it again louder for those in the back: His contract with his Swedish Zach Aston-Reese - Teddy Blueger - Sam Lafferty team, Brynäs, precludes him from being able to play in the American Brian Dumoulin - John Marino Hockey League and the Devils would rather have him with the NHL team able to work with their coaches on a daily basis, at least for now. Jack Johnson - Chad Ruhwedel

Boqvist has yet to make the scoresheet and the Devils need some Marcus Pettersson - Zach Trotman offense from a player who projects as a creative, offensive-minded forward. He seems to have some of the defense figured out already and Tristan Jarry his play away from the puck, which shows you how talented and smart Matt Murray he is since those aspects are typically the last part of a young prospect’s game to come into shape. But it’s the time and space of the NHL ice he’s Injured: Kris Letang (lower-body, IR), Sidney Crosby (abdominal surgery, still struggled w. IR), Nick Bjugstad (lower-body, IR), Justin Schultz (lower-body)

“His skating is a factor, he shows he’s got a high level of Scratched: Joseph Blandisi, Juuso Riikola competitiveness,” coach John Hynes said. “He understands how we want Bergen Record LOADED: 11.23.2019 to play, but the big thing is, for a skill player, he hasn’t impacted the game offensively. We’re trying to figure that out with him. He shows signs that he can really help us but there are other times where he gets pushed off pucks. Is he ready yet to be an impact offensively? That’s the biggest difference in his game.”

Mackenzie Blackwood will make his sixth straight in net. Blackwood hasn’t been shy about saying the workload has been an adjustment. He’s never started this many games in the NHL, he’s never played 10 of 11 games and until last weekend, he had never made back-to-back starts.

Travis Zajac #19 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates his goal with teammates Andy Greene #6 and Blake Coleman #20 in the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Prudential Center on Nov. 15, 2019 in Newark, N.J.

He may be forced to do that again this weekend, as the Devils will return home Saturday to host the Detroit Red Wings.

“Blackwood is going tonight,” Hynes said. “But we have no decision for tomorrow.”

New Jersey has defeated the Penguins seven times in their last nine tries. They’re 5-2-1 at PPG Paint Arena and 9-6-2 overall against Pittsburgh since 2015-16.

Meanwhile, the Penguins, are coming off an overtime loss in Brooklyn on Thursday. They tied it up in the final minute of play only to lose in overtime to the Islanders, who extended their franchise-high 16-game point streak.

The Devils are getting an angry Penguins team on Friday night.

Here are the projected lineups.

Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood #29 of the New Jersey Devils stretches but can't stop a shot from the point by David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins in the first period of an NHL hockey game on November 19, 2019 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Devils (7-9-4, 18 points)

Taylor Hall - Nico Hischier - Kyle Palmieri

Blake Coleman - Travis Zajac - Nikita Gusev 1162921 New Jersey Devils New York Post LOADED: 11.23.2019

MacKenzie Blackwood pulled in Devils’ ugly loss to Penguins

By Associated PressNovember 23, 2019 | 2:45am

PITTSBURGH — It was a rough night for MacKenzie Blackwood and the New Jersey Devils.

Jared McCann and John Marino scored 25 seconds apart in the third period to boost the Pittsburgh Penguins past the Devils 4-1 on Friday night.

Jake Guentzel picked up his team-leading 11th goal for Pittsburgh and Dominik Kahun added his sixth of the season as the Penguins snapped a four-game winless streak at home against New Jersey.

We’re playing well,” Guentzel said. “I think our record might not show some games that we’ve played well in but I think our top to bottom lineup, we’re just playing well and we’re filling spots and guys are stepping up big, so I think it’s been good.”

Taylor Hall scored his third of the season for the Devils. Blackwood made 30 saves before being pulled in favor of Louis Domingue early in the third period after giving up goals on back to back shots by McCann and Marino.

“That one is not on Mackenzie,” New Jersey coach John Hynes said. “I mean, he kept us in the game in the first period. The pull was not regarding Mackenzie or the disappointment in him by any means.”

Tristan Jarry trimmed his goals-against average to 1.81 by stopping 36 shots, weathering an early second-period surge from the Devils then coasting after Guentzel’s pretty backhand goal just past the midway point gave the Penguins the momentum they would need.

“We have some surges, but there’s still some inconsistencies to our game,” Devils center Travis Zajac said. “Just need more out of guys like me, out of other guys, if we want to turn this thing around.”

If the Penguins were drained following consecutive overtime losses to the streaking New York Islanders, it didn’t show. Pittsburgh carried play early and Kahun gave the Penguins the lead 7:51 into the first when linemate Dominik Simon created a turnover along the boards in the New Jersey zone and slipped the puck to Kahun. Kahun worked his way past Devils defenseman Mirco Mueller and flipped the puck past Blackwood’s stick to put Pittsburgh in front.

Hall evened it 31 seconds into the second with a power-play goal, the third Pittsburgh surrendered in two games following a franchise record- tying stretch in which the Penguins went 10 games without giving up a goal while a man down. New Jersey kept pressing, ripping off 12 shots at Jarry in the opening eight minutes of the second. Jarry, however, stood his ground and the offense responded behind a top line that has kept right on humming even with captain Sidney Crosby out following surgery to repair a sports hernia.

Guentzel took a lead pass from Evgeni Malkin — centering the top line in Crosby’s absence — and broke in alone on Blackwood. He dumped the puck into the open net following a nifty deke from his forehand to his backhand to put Pittsburgh back in front.

“It’s just kind of a cluster there when you lose a puck like that and you’re on a breakaway,” Guentzel said. “Just tried to get him to cheat over and it worked.”

The Penguins have been only so-so finishing off opponents this season, coming in 6-2-1 when leading after two periods, including a late collapse against the Islanders on Tuesday that ended with New York extending its point streak to 15 games. There would be no letdown this time against a New Jersey attack that’s struggling to score goals.

Pittsburgh’s Alex Galchenyuk forced a turnover on the forecheck early in the third and the puck came to McCann in the slot. McCann beat Blackwood high to make it 3-1. The buzz in the arena hadn’t died down when Marino pushed the lead to three goals on a slapshot from above the right circle that made its way through a sea of bodies and into the net to chase Blackwood. 1162922 New Jersey Devils SF% 49.64 6th SCF% 49.59 4th

GF% 40.0 T-7th Devils first quarter report card: Do they have a winning surge in them? xGF% 50.57 7th

OiSH% 7.30 9th By Corey Masisak Nov 22, 2019 OiSV% .892 8th

GAR -0.4 T-9th PITTSBURGH — A season that began with significant anticipation for the Devils has yielded a first quarter filled with frustration and consternation. Most frequent linemates

New Jersey made a quartet of significant offseason additions and Palmieri, Hischier, Hughes, Bratt welcomed back key players from injuries. They were pegged as a contender to return to the , a team capable of Analysis finishing somewhere in the 6-10 range in the Eastern Conference. Has anyone written about Hall’s first quarter of the season yet? All The Devils have not looked like that type of club through the first 20 kidding aside, it’s been a frustrating start to the campaign for the 2018 games. They are 7-9-4 with 18 points, better than only the Red Wings in league MVP. Hall has had plenty of individual chances to score more the NHL standings. New Jersey has been better since a disastrous 0-4-2 goals and he’s certainly creating opportunities for others at a high rate. start, but it has still been two steps forward, one back at the best of That said, his underlying numbers could all stand to improve, not just his times. shooting luck.

They’ve been relatively healthy, having so far avoided long-term injuries Hall has had six goals and 21 points in his first 20 games in each of the to any of their core players (unlike the team they play Friday night at PPG past two seasons. He’s also hit the crossbar a league-leading three times Paints Arena). The Devils had significant problems getting the puck out this season, and added one post (officially — I think there is another one of its zone cleanly at the start of the season. They have improved in that missing). Two years ago, he scored six goals in the next 12 games. Last area, but other leaks have sprung at key times. year, he had five goals and 16 points in that span, but played only one more game before eventually needing season-ending knee surgery. The goaltending has been a problem, resulting in the first big personnel decision of the season. Both special teams have been worse than All of the missed opportunities have been compounded by the team’s anticipated. The best player on the team has two goals, and he’s one of lack of success and the looming free agency situation. If anyone wants to about 16 or 17 skaters who has not produced at expected levels. bet that Hall is going to continue to shoot 2.8 percent for the next 20 games, plenty of smart people would line up to take your money. “I think our ability to generate consistent offense is one,” coach John Hynes said of areas that still need further improvement. “That’s Nico Hischier, C ★★★ something that’s been a challenge with our group this year, whether it’s Production line after line or shift after shift of generating more. I think the other part is we’ve just been inconsistent. Sometimes game to game, sometimes line 18 GP, 3 G, 10 Pts, 36 SOGs, 16:57 TOI to line, sometimes player to player, and that’s something that I think when you have some younger players and newer players to incorporate, Underlying numbers that’s part of it. CF% 51.07 2nd “It’s not a structure thing. It’s not a system thing. It’s just mistakes or bad SF% 52.07 3rd reads at the wrong time and those are things that we’ve got to … when you want to win more, those are out of your game.” SCF% 51.89 2nd

The next eight games are an opportunity for the Devils to scramble back GF% 40.0 T-7th into the fringe of the playoff chase. It includes five games against teams in the bottom half of the standings, a wounded and tired opponent (the xGF% 52.56 4th Penguins) and an arena they just won in last week (Bell Centre in OiSH% 8.85 5th Montreal). OiSV% .856 13th The Devils have yet to win more than two games in a row and need a dramatic surge to climb back into playoff contention. GAR 1.7 5th

“I think a big part of this league is being a self-starter and being ready Most frequent linemates every night and understanding what you need to do to win and committing to the style of game and the intensity level and the smarts Hall, Palmieri, Bratt, Zacha that you need to play with on a consistent basis,” Hynes said. “In the first Analysis 20 games, we haven’t strung that along.” Hischier did miss a couple of games with an injury, but he hasn’t shown Here’s a breakdown of every player on the roster through the first quarter that he’s going to make a third-year leap like many pundits predicted. of the 2019-20 season. The rating scale is 1-5 stars, with the third He’s been a goals above replacement darling in his first two seasons — column in every chart reflecting the players’ rank among their Devils he was 21st in the NHL in GAR in that span. Part of that was being the position group. For the goaltenders, it is where they rank in the NHL. third most valuable player behind Johnny Gadreau and Connor McDavid KEY: CF% = Corsi for percentatge; SF% = Shots on goal for percentage; when it comes to drawing penalties and taking few of them. He’s not in SCF% = Scoring chances for percentage; GF% = Goals for percentage; the top 50 in either category so far this season. OiSH% = On-ice shooting percentage; OiSV% = On-ice save There hasn’t been any time for him on the top power-play unit, and PP2 percentage; GAR = Goals above replacement has not scored a goal yet this season. That’s going to need to change to Forwards help Hischier (and a few other guys) boost their overall production. Still, Hischier’s two-way play has been consistent and valuable; some of his Taylor Hall, LW ★★★ underlying numbers are suffering from that ghastly on-ice save percentage. Maybe he’s had a few breakdowns that have led to goals, Production but there’s no way a player of his defensive repute is going to be one of 20 GP, 2 G, 17 Pts, 71 SOGs, 19:29 TOI the main reasons a team is shooting 14.4 percent when he’s on the ice. That will almost certainly decrease. How much he can increase his Underlying numbers offensive output will be a key component for any surge the Devils might have in them. CF% 49.32 3rd Kyle Palmieri, RW ★★★★ xGF% 52.79 3rd

Production OiSH% 6.73 10th

20 GP, 7 G, 12 Pts, 46 SOGs, 16:55 TOI OiSV% .907 5th

Underlying numbers GAR 1.5 T-6th

CF% 51.76 1st Most frequent linemates

SF% 52.27 2nd Palmieri, Hall, Simmonds, Wood

SCF% 53.85 1st Analysis

GF% 50.0 T-3rd Hughes’ season can essentially be split into three acts. Act I: Figuring out the speed of an NHL game, and the limits of his time/space to do what he xGF% 56.05 1st likes to do. Act II: A move to the top power-play unit coincides with finding a way to make more impact at even strength, and the points start OiSH% 8.7 6th flowing (nine in eight games). Act III: His first lull after figuring things out. OiSV% .905 6th He played arguably his best game of the season in Vancouver in Act III, but if we were ranking his games 1-20, a couple of his worst GAR 2.7 3rd performances fall in this range, as well.

Most frequent linemates That’s probably how it’ll go for Hughes in his rookie season — games Hall, Hughes, Hischier, Wood where he looks like a dominant two-way player, games where he makes a couple of highlight-reel plays and games where doesn’t have the same, Analysis consistent impact. He’s played a ton of hockey the past two years at the U.S. development program, but he’s going to experience a different kind Palmieri leads the club in goals and is tied for 30th in the NHL with 114 of grind in the next 40 or so games. If he can have a few more point-per- since he arrived in New Jersey for the 2015-16 season. Finding guys game spurts while mixing in a little more offense during the downswings, who can score 25-30 goals and post strong possession numbers it’ll still be considered a productive rookie season. consistently is not that easy. Palmieri actually leads the team with the fewest shot attempts against per 60 minutes (48.6) when he’s on the ice Wayne Simmonds, RW ★★ at 5-on-5. He also leads the forwards in fewest shots on goal against/60 and fewest scoring chances against/60. Production

Travis Zajac, C ★★★ 20 GP, 4 G, 9 Pts, 51 SOGs, 15:43 TOI

Production Underlying numbers

20 GP, 2 G, 6 Pts, 14 SOGs, 16:43 TOI CF% 45.88 9th

Underlying numbers SF% 51.77 4th

CF% 48.16 4th SCF% 46.97 8th

SF% 54.32 1st GF% 31.58 T-12th

SCF% 47.29 7th xGF% 55.14 2nd

GF% 47.83 5th OiSH% 5.13 12th xGF% 49.28 8th OiSV% .881 11th

OiSH% 8.33 8th GAR -0.4 T-9th

OiSV% .892 9th Most frequent linemates

GAR 1.5 T-6th Zajac, Coleman, Zacha, Wood

Most frequent linemates Analysis

Coleman, Simmonds, Wood, Gusev Simmonds started his first season with New Jersey in a shooting funk. The chances were there, but the puck wasn’t going in. Three goals in the Analysis past five games have helped. Anecdotally, he’s also made a few more helpful plays away from the net to help the Devils keep the puck. It’s fair Zajac went a long time between goals. He has still been one of the to say misfortune has played a part in the goals against when he’s been team’s most consistent players, which is expected of a veteran on a team on the ice, and his goals-for percentage should perk up more in line with with several young players in key roles. He’s handled a lot of tough the other numbers as the season progresses. matchups and is still the No. 2 center some nights based on ice time. Like Hall said, you can set your watch to him. The Devils could use more Blake Coleman, LW/RW ★★★ offense when he’s on the ice, but that’s an evergreen statement for nearly the entire roster. Production

Jack Hughes, C ★★★ 20 GP, 5 G, 8 Pts, 39 SOGs, 15:33 TOI

Production Underlying numbers

20 GP, 4 G, 10 Pts, 36 SOGs, 15:52 TOI CF% 47.58 5th

Underlying numbers SF% 50.64 5th

CF% 47.06 7th SCF% 48.4 5th

SF% 46.85 9th GF% 54.55 2nd

SCF% 50.0 3rd xGF% 50.65 6th

GF% 38.89 10th OiSH% 10.17 4th OiSV% .913 4th GAR 4.3 2nd He was a healthy scratch at one point this season and Hynes spoke of needing more from him. Bratt had a fantastic start to his NHL career after Most frequent linemates being a sixth-round steal in the 2016 draft. That said, he’s got 14 goals Zajac, Simmonds, Gusev, Wood and 46 points in his past 100 games. That’s an 11-goal, 30-point pace over a full, healthy season. He still has more work to do to prove he can Analysis be a top-nine forward on a Cup contender, let alone a top-six guy.

Coleman is on pace for a second 20-goal season, and his underlying Miles Wood, LW ★★ numbers are all solid for a middle-six forward who plays a lot of tough minutes. He continues to be a great bargain for the club and complement Production to Zajac on the team’s shutdown line. The Devils have allowed eight 20 GP, 2 G, 5 Pts, 33 SOGs, 12:37 TOI power-play goals when he’s on the ice, which is about three more than his pace from last season. The shot attempts and shots on goal per 60 Underlying numbers minutes are up, but the scoring chances are pretty much the same. He also hasn’t contributed to a shorthanded goal yet, but he’s had some CF% 44.42 10th chances. SF% 44.02 11th

Pavel Zacha, C/LW/RW ★★★ SCF% 44.0 11th

Production GF% 31.58 T-12th

19 GP, 2 G, 9 Pts, 27 SOG, 14:55 TOI xGF% 45.99 10th

Underlying numbers OiSH% 5.83 11th

CF% 46.41 8th OiSV% .901 7th

SF% 48.58 8th GAR -1.5 13th

SCF% 45.83 9th Most frequent linemates

GF% 40.0 T-7th Rooney, Simmonds, Zajac, Hayden xGF% 51.34 5th Analysis

OiSH% 11.65 2nd Wood might never shoot 11.2 percent again, like he did en route to a 19- OiSV% .835 14th goal season in 2017-18. The issue this year is he’s shooting less, and his team is shooting less when he’s on the ice, than the past two seasons. GAR 4.4 1st His overall playing time is in line with those years, though it’s almost entirely at even strength. He’s also had opportunities to play up in the Most frequent linemates lineup, including a recent stint with Hughes and Palmieri.

Bratt, Simmonds, Gusev, Hischier He’s drawing penalties, but his non-offensive impact has been Analysis inconsistent. The Devils should be shooting more when he’s on the ice, and even if he’s not scoring, his speed/physicality could be a more Zacha scored goals last season but had a stunning lack of assists for a consistent factor. center playing in a second/third-line role. He’s been a better playmaker this season. If he sticks as the fourth-line center for a while, his strong Nikita Gusev, LW/RW ★★★ defensive work will be his calling card. He’s actually looked more impactful at times on the wing, but that’s more of an observation than a (★★ for his start, ★★★★ for his recent play) data-backed argument. Production

Jesper Bratt, LW/RW ★★ 17 GP, 5 G, 8 Pts, 39 SOGs, 12:36 TOI

Production Underlying numbers

17 GP, 4 G, 7 Pts, 19 SOGs, 13:23 TOI CF% 43.18 11th

Underlying numbers SF% 43.92 12th

CF% 47.27 6th SCF% 45.07 10th

SF% 49.12 7th GF% 50.0 T-3rd

SCF% 48.18 6th xGF% 41.79 13th

GF% 47.62 6th OiSH% 10.84 3rd xGF% 48.17 9th OiSV% .915 3rd

OiSH% 11.9 1st GAR -0.6 11th

OiSV% .874 11th Most frequent linemates

GAR 1.3 8th Zacha, Coleman, Zajac, Bratt

Most frequent linemates Analysis

Hischier, Zacha, Gusev, Hall Gusev gets a bonus second chart. Here are all of those same underlying numbers from above, but the first column includes his numbers when Analysis playing Zajac and Coleman. The second column is without them. Bratt’s production is underwhelming, and that’s even with a team-high w/19+20 w/o 19+20 on-ice shooting percentage. He’s a skilled, playmaking forward and the team is shooting a high percentage when he’s on the ice, but he only has CF% 54.55 36.17 three assists. It’s certainly plausible that his ability to create offense is leading to goals even when he’s not credited with a point, but not that SF% 54.9 38.89 many in 17 games getting that amount of ice time. SCF% 64.1 34.44 Boqvist had his best game in Winnipeg, but the two games that followed in Alberta looked more like the others and he returned to part-time duty. GF% 60.0 46.15 Would Boqvist have more impact if the Devils found him a consistent xGF% 56.86 33.3 spot in the lineup, or if he played more in the games he has suited up for? Or does he need to play well in a limited role to earn a bigger one? OiSH% 10.71 12.24 Boqvist is not the first young NHL player to be caught in this developmental quagmire. OiSV% .913 .909 Because of his age, the 10-game mark doesn’t matter (he is too old to Did the Devils find the player who dominated the KHL and drew slide the official start of his entry-level contract to next season by sending comparisons to other great Russians in the NHL after they traded for him back to Sweden with nine games played or fewer). Still, it’s hard to him? They’d certainly be happy to see that line continue to play like this. imagine the Devils want Boqvist to finish the season playing roughly once Gusev has played 44:16 with Zajac and Coleman, and a little more than every three games. There could be openings for more playing time 16 minutes with one or the other. because of injuries or roster movement if the team remains near the It all looks better than his 107:33 with everyone else. And Zajac/Coleman bottom of the league standings. have better numbers with Gusev as their running mate than anyone else. John Hayden, LW/RW ★★ The production can still improve, but Gusev has also spent the entire season on PP2. It’s tough to see a spot for him on PP1 unless Hall, Production Hughes, Palmieri or Simmonds gets hurt. 9 GP, 0 G, 0 Pts, 7 SOGs, 10:29 TOI Kevin Rooney, C/RW ★★ Underlying numbers Production CF% 41.04 12th 13 GP, 0 G, 1 Pt, 14 SOGs, 12:23 TOI SF% 44.87 10th Underlying numbers SCF% 40.0 T-12th CF% 40.99 13th GF% 37.5 11th SF% 37.5 14th xGF% 45.11 11th SCF% 40.0 T-12th OiSH% 8.57 7th GF% 66.7 1st OiSV% .883 10th xGF% 42.07 12th GAR 1.8 4th OiSH% 4.44 13th Most frequent linemates OiSV% .987 1st Wood, Rooney, Zacha, Simmonds GAR -1.3 12th Analysis Most frequent linemates Well, Hayden’s goals above replacement certainly stands out. He’s been Wood, Hayden, Simmonds, Gusev the team’s fourth-best defensive forward and has added the fifth-most value from drawing penalties, according to Evolving Hockey’s GAR Analysis formula. Like Rooney, the Devils are going to need more from him Brad Richardson is the only other player in the NHL with at least 125 offensively at some point. If Boqvist does stick for the season and plays minutes of 5-on-5 ice time and one goal against or fewer (Richardson is better, that could mean less time for Hayden but the club has also at zero). There are also only 14 players with that much ice time whose enjoyed relatively good health at forward. team has scored two goals or fewer. If the Devils’ top offensive players Defensemen were all firing at expected levels, having a fourth-line center who never gets scored on (but also provides little offense) would be more valuable. P.K. Subban ★★ For now, this team needs to find offense in every piggy bank and couch cushion it can find. Production

Jesper Boqvist, LW/RW ★ 20 GP, 2 G, 5 Pts, 52 SOGs, 23:42 TOI

Production Underlying numbers

7 GP, 0 G, 0 Pts, 5 SOGs, 11:00 TOI CF% 50.77 1st

Underlying numbers SF% 52.01 2nd

CF% 36.59 14th SCF% 48.31 3rd

SF% 39.06 13th GF% 37.5 T-4th

SCF% 30.91 14th xGF% 52.7 2nd

GF% 0.0 14th OiSH% 6.19 7th xGF% 36.6 14th OiSV% .888 5th

OiSH% 0.0 14th GAR -2.2 8th

OiSV% .923 2nd Most frequent partners

GAR -3.2 14th Severson, Butcher

Most frequent linemates Analysis

Zajac, Coleman, Zacha, Simmods The advanced stats suggest a better future for Subban, but five points in 20 games is significantly shy of his pace in any season prior to this one. Analysis There is only one other defenseman who leads his team in average ice time and does not have more than five points. That’s Colorado’s Erik Johnson, and he has a teammate (rookie Cale Makar) who is more than Underlying numbers making up for that lack of offense. The Devils didn’t need Subban to be one of the very best defensemen in the NHL, but they do need more CF% 46.23 4th offense and more consistent defense from him in the next 60 games. SF% 49.54 3rd

Damon Severson ★★★ SCF% 50.53 1st

Production GF% 64.71 T-1st

20 GP, 2 G, 4 Pts, 17 SOGs, 21:41 TOI xGF% 55.87 1st

Underlying numbers OiSH% 10.28 3rd

CF% 48.14 3rd OiSV% .945 1st

SF% 47.56 4th GAR 4.2 4th

SCF% 47.21 5th Most frequent partners

GF% 33.33 7th Vatanen, Severson xGF% 52.36 3rd Analysis

OiSH% 5.77 8th Like Vatanen, it’s hard to fathom that opposing teams will continue to shoot this poorly when Greene is on the ice. That said, he’s had a really OiSV% .895 3rd nice start to the season. He’s averaging fewer than 20 minutes per game, GAR -0.5 5th which would be a first for him since 2011-12 if that continues. Greene’s numbers have dipped in each of the past two years as the season Most frequent partners progresses, in part because of his usage in tough situations. The slightly reduced minutes might change that, but he’ll continue to log a heavy Subban, Greene workload on the penalty kill. Analysis Will Butcher ★★ Seventeen shots on goal sticks out as one of the more head-scratching numbers for any player on the roster. He’s averaged at least 1.31 shots Production on goal per game every year of his career and more than 1.5 in every 18 GP, 2 G, 7 Pts, 20 SOGs, 19:14 TOI season but one. Nearly one shot attempt per game isn’t glaring in a short stretch, but is concerning over a longer one. Underlying numbers

Severson has had underlying success with Subban, but they’ve allowed CF% 44.96 5th nine goals when they’re on the ice together. He’s had much less success with Greene, who was his partner for 77 of the 82 games last season, but SF% 47.06 5th they’ve allowed just one goal in 93 minutes. This could be an interesting SCF% 45.02 7th process versus results situation to monitor moving forward. GF% 37.04 6th Sami Vatanen ★★★★ xGF% 44.74 6th Production OiSH% 7.35 6th 16 GP, 4 G, 8 Pts, 24 SOGs, 21:37 TOI OiSV% .889 4th Underlying numbers GAR -1.1 7th CF% 48.44 2nd Most frequent partners SF% 52.6 1st Subban, Vatanen SCF% 47.95 4th Analysis GF% 64.71 T-1st The production is OK, particularly since he hasn’t seen a lot of power- xGF% 50.37 4th play time. He has seven even-strength points in 18 games. He had 20 and 16, respectively, through the same stretch in his first two seasons. OiSH% 10.89 2nd Any successful formula for the Devils involves Butcher directing play at OiSV% .934 2nd even strength and having a significant impact. That’s not happening. He’s GAR 3.9 3rd been in the black with Vatanen, but not to the level of success he’s had the past two seasons. And when he’s played with anyone else for more Most frequent partners than a few minutes (Subban, Severson, Tennyson), it hasn’t worked.

Greene, Butcher Mirco Mueller ★★

Analysis Production

There’s a case for Vatanen as New Jersey’s MVP through the first 13 GP, 0 G, 0 Pts, 7 SOGs, 15:21 TOI quarter of the season. While the Devils won three of the four games he missed, he’s been the club’s most productive defenseman, and the mini- Underlying numbers surge on the power player coincided with him and Hughes joining the top unit. It’s likely that his on-ice shooting percentage and save percentage CF% 43.42 6th will both drop as the season progresses, but the team playing better in SF% 46.29 6th general could help mitigate that. SCF% 48.41 2nd Andy Greene ★★★ GF% 40.0 4th Production xGF% 49.76 5th 16 GP, 0 G, 4 Pts, 14 SOGs, 19:35 TOI OiSH% 9.88 4th OiSV% .872 6th enough when he’s on the ice and he’s committed some obvious individual mistakes that led to goals against. GAR 0.5 4th Goalies Most frequent partners KEY: GSAA = Goals saved above average; GSAx = Expected goals Tennyson, Severson saved above average; EV SV% = Even-strength save percentage; SH Analysis SV% = Shorthanded save percentage

Mueller began the season competing with Connor Carrick for the No. 6 Mackenzie Blackwood ★★★ role. Carrick has played only four games, but Mueller has not cemented Production himself as an everyday player. He’s done a decent job of suppressing scoring chances, relative to the other metrics at least. He and Matt 15 GP (14 starts), 7-5-3 record, .899 Sv Pct, 2.95 GAA Tennyson (and with Carrick, before he was injured) have been acceptable as a third pairing, but other combos have been problematic. If Underlying numbers Mueller wants to stick in the lineup once everyone is healthy, he’ll need Player NHL rank to have better performances with one of the top-five guys. GSAA -4.0 50/62 Connor Carrick ★ (he’d get an incomplete if this were a grade system) GSAx -8.92 55/62 Production EV SV% .910 41/62 4 GP, 0 G, 1 Pt, 4 SOGs, 13:49 TOI SH SV% .828 51/62 Underlying numbers Analysis CF% 42.72 7th Blackwood has stolen a couple of games (at home against Vancouver SF% 42.19 8th and Pittsburgh), and generally has played very well in the club’s wins. SCF% 47.06 6th The Devils have been even more dependent on their goalie playing well over the past three seasons than the average NHL team. Blackwood’s GF% 28.57 8th ultimate potential as an NHL goalie likely will be determined by his ability to limit the bad nights, like the game in Calgary last year and the one in xGF% 44.06 7th Buffalo at the start of this one.

OiSH% 7.41 5th He’s stabilized the position over the past few games and has a chance to OiSV% .865 7th inch back toward league average overall. One key thing to monitor moving forward — his workload. Blackwood has three seasons on his pro GAR -0.9 6th resume. Including the playoffs, he’s played 40, 42 and 43 games. He will start for the 13th time in 15 games Friday night, and 10th in the past 11. Most frequent partners It would be helpful if Louis Domingue, or a rejuvenated Cory Schneider, Butcher, Mueller could get Blackwood more rest.

Analysis Cory Schneider ★

Carrick played four of the first eight games, then ended up with a broken Production pinky finger. He’s getting closer to a return, and the process of trying to 6 GP (6 starts), 0-4-1 record, .852 Sv Pct, 4.59 GAA claw his way into regular playing time will begin again. Underlying numbers Matt Tennyson ★★ Player NHL rank Production GSAA -9.71 60/62 13 GP, 0 G, 3 Pts, 7 SOGs, 12:25 TOI GSAx -10.33 56/62 Underlying numbers EV SV% .863 62/62 CF% 42.09 8th SH SV% .750 60/62 SF% 43.67 7th Analysis SCF% 44.92 8th The numbers don’t always tell the whole story, but it’s hard to look past GF% 37.5 T-4th any of them here. Schneider was waived and sent to Binghamton to try to xGF% 42.93 8th rediscover the form that made him one of the best goalies in the NHL before a hip injury derailed much of the past three seasons. He’s found it OiSH% 13.04 1st in short bursts during that time, but it’s also gone really sideways for him at times. It would be hard for the Devils to count on him the rest of the OiSV% .832 8th season, but even a brief return with some average play would be helpful GAR 2.6 3rd later on.

Most frequent partners The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019

Mueller, Butcher

Analysis

Tennyson was a training camp surprise, winning a job with the big club as the No. 8 defenseman at first. He’s already played more NHL games than he did last season, and is closing in on his 2017-18 total (15). It’s a wacky profile — he’s benefitted from the team shooting better than 13 percent, but teams are also shooting nearly 17 percent when Tennyson is on the ice. He’s earned praise from Hynes for his package of size and physical play and a hard shot, but he (and the team) aren’t shooting it 1162923 New York Islanders “It’s hard when you give up two power-play goals,’’ Penguins Coach Mike Sullivan said. “It makes it hard to win.”

Beauvillier tied it at 2-2 with a power-play goal with 8:22 left in the second Islanders Set Franchise Record With 16-Game Point Streak period. He scored from a sharp angle along the left boards for his eighth and extended his goal-scoring streak to four games, with six in that stretch.

By The Associated Press Derick Brassard, who had an assist on the play, has nine points over the last five games with a goal and eight assists. Nov. 22, 2019 The Islanders had rallied from 4-2 third-period deficit on Tuesday to beat

Penguins, 5-4, with Nelson’s overtime heroics. He repeated recent Brock Nelson came through in overtime again for the Islanders. history before a crowd of 13,212 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn before the Islanders head out for a three-game trip to California. Nelson scored his second goal of the game 4 minutes 16 seconds into the extra period, lifting the Islanders to a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh “We find ways to win, with lots of character, lots of leadership,’’ Penguins on Thursday night to extend their point streak to a franchise- Beauvillier said. “We focus on the process and when it’s time for record 16 games. overtime, we just want to get it done. That’s what we did again tonight.”

Nelson, who also scored the overtime winner at Pittsburgh two nights New York Times LOADED: 11.23.2019 earlier, got a pass from Mathew Barzal on the left side on a rush, cut across the front of a goal to avoid a defender and draw goalie Matt Murray out of position, and then backhanded it into the right side for his eighth.

“Good win by us, sticking with it. It was nice to get the win in overtime,’’ said Nelson, 28, a 2010 first-round draft pick who was playing his 500th N.H.L. game. “We’ve won a number of different ways now on this run.”

Anthony Beauvillier had a goal and an assist, Scott Mayfield also scored, and Barzal had two assists to help the Islanders — who haven’t lost in regulation since Oct. 11 — improve to 15-0-1 during their streak. It was their fifth consecutive victory since an overtime loss to the Penguins here on Nov. 7.

The Islanders had earned points in 15 straight games three times previously, the last during a franchise-record 15-game win streak in the 1981-82 season — before overtime or shootouts. That win streak came during the heyday of their run of four straight Stanley Cup titles from 1980-83.

Thomas Greiss stopped 23 shots for his eighth straight win — all coming during the Islanders’ streak.

“This team comes to work, comes to compete every night,” Islanders Coach Barry Trotz said. “We understand the importance of the right way to play.”

Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an assist, and Bryan Rust and Patric Hornqvist also scored for the Penguins. Murray finished with 20 saves.

Nelson gave the Islanders a 3-2 lead with 4:52 left in the third, scoring off a face-off just 4 seconds after Pittsburgh’s Sam Lafferty was sent off for tripping Beauvillier.

“We have a special group of guys in here,’’ added Nelson, who has four goals and five assists in a five-game points streak. “We have a lot of belief and confidence in everybody and we are finding ways to win.”

With Murray pulled for an extra skater, Hornqvist scored his sixth to tie it with 30 seconds remaining in regulation.

Malkin had opened the scoring for the Penguins at 1:04 of the first with his fourth. He now has 30 goals and 48 assists in his career against the Islanders.

Only his injured teammate Sidney Crosby has more points among active players against the Islanders, with 113. Crosby missed his fifth game since having surgery to repair a core muscle injury. He is expected to be absent from the lineup for six weeks.

Mayfield tied it with 4:48 left in the first on a slap shot from the point that eluded Murray. Mayfield’s third of the season.

Rust put the Penguins ahead by 2-1 at 1:09 of the second with his eighth of the season and fourth against Islanders in three games. Rust has all of his eight goals plus four assists over the last 11 games. He also scored the overtime winner at Barclays Center two weeks ago, when the Penguins beat the Islanders, 4-3.

The Penguins are 3-1-3 in their last seven contests, including the two overtime defeats to the Islanders this week. 1162924 New York Islanders

This West Coast trip sets up as nicely as possible for Islanders

By Andrew Gross

Updated November 23, 2019 12:36 AM

SAN JOSE, Calif. — In the NHL, California swings are never easy. The travel is long from the East Coast, there’s a three-hour time difference to get used to and all three teams typically play a big, physical game.

All things considered, though, this one sets up as favorably as possible for the Islanders, who will attempt to extend their franchise-record streak of 16 consecutive games with at least a point (15-0-1) on Saturday night against the Sharks at SAP Center.

“This is my third year, and the first years that I was part of it, we played like three games in four nights,” said right wing Jordan Eberle, who was acquired from the Oilers before the 2017-18 season. “Flying all that way, you only have time to get adjusted and then you’re playing so quickly. This year, we actually have a little bit of time. We only play every second day, which is a good rhythm.”

The Islanders (16-3-1), who did not practice on Friday before departing for the West Coast and the season’s first extended road trip, will play in Anaheim on Monday night and Los Angeles on Wednesday night.

“[The California trip] is always the one you kind of check out when it’s going to happen,” said center Brock Nelson, who scored the overtime winner both in Thursday night’s 4-3 victory over the Penguins in Brooklyn and in Tuesday night’s 5-4 victory in Pittsburgh. “But it’s a tough trip going out there and playing teams that are tough and in tough buildings.”

The Islanders lost 4-1 decisions in both Anaheim and San Jose last season, their first under coach Barry Trotz, as they played three games in four nights. That trip started in Nashville and was the Islanders’ first of the season, just their fifth through seventh games.

The Islanders also went to California early the previous season for their fourth through sixth games and played three games in five nights. They lost 3-2 decisions in both Anaheim and Los Angeles sandwiched around a win over the Sharks.

This time, though, the Islanders do not have any back-to-back games on the trip, are a quarter of the way through their 82-game schedule and have won five straight games.

“Right now, we’re in a rhythm,” Eberle said. “We’re kind of solidified into the season, so that will help, too.”

Facing the Sharks will be no easy task. Though the Ducks, Sharks and Kings are fifth, sixth and eighth, respectively, in the Pacific Division, the Sharks are on a 7-3-0 streak and had a five-game home winning streak snapped in Tuesday night’s 5-2 loss to the Oilers.

“I think the California swing will be good for us,” said center Mathew Barzal, who had two assists on Thursday to give him three goals and five assists in his last six games. “It’s nice to get on the road every once in a while. We’ve been feeling really good at home, being in the rhythm. I think it’ll be nice to get out of our comfort zone a little bit.”

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162925 New York Islanders There we go looking ahead again, though. That’s not what this is or should be about. The playoffs will be what they will be. For now, just enjoy the show.

It may be early in the NHL season, but go ahead enjoy this Islanders STREAKS points streak Here is our list of the most impressive regular-season unbeaten streaks in New York-area sports history:

November 22, 2019 3:59 PM 1. 1969-70 Knicks, 18 games

By Neil Best No one knew in the fall of 1969 the Knicks were en route to their first championship, but the NBA took notice when they fashioned an early, then-league-record 18-game winning streak, the last victory coming when they scored six points in the final 16 seconds to beat player/coach Bob Two things about the Islanders’ epic, monumental, mind-bending, eye- Cousy and the Cincinnati Royals, 106-105. opening, record-breaking, rollercoaster of a mid-autumn semi-miracle unbeaten streak: 2. 1981-82 Islanders, 15 games

1. It’s only November, people. Relax. This all might end up meaning little The 2019-20 Islanders’ 16-game unbeaten streak entering Saturday is come spring. impressive, but under hockey’s rules in the pre-overtime era, they would have been 9-0-7 in that stretch. That is what was most amazing about 2. It’s big fun. What’s the point in being a fan if you cannot enjoy the 15-game streak in 1982: No ties. Twelve of the 15 wins were by three something like this, no matter its implications in the bigger picture? or more goals, only two by one goal. Regarding Point No. 1: The team-record 16-game unbeaten streak the 3. 1916 Giants, 27 games Isles take into Saturday night’s late game against the Sharks is no guarantee of playoff glory. John McGraw’s baseball Giants started 2-13, then won 17 in a row, then were muddling along at 59-62 in early September when they won 26 in a History shows us this when recalling long streaks by New York-area row – interrupted by a tie with the Pirates in the second game of a teams. doubleheader as darkness descended. Oh, by the way, every win came Take the 1916 baseball Giants, please. They went 27 games without a at home, part of a 31-game homestand! loss – 26 wins and a tie – after having won 17 in a row earlier in the 4. 1990 Giants, 10 games same season. Yet they somehow won only 86 games and finished fourth in the National League, seven games behind first-place Brooklyn. They The Giants cruised through the first part of their schedule behind had the seventh-best record in the majors! quarterback Phil Simms – who would break a foot in Week 15 and miss the run to Super Bowl XXV – beating the Redskins, Colts, Rams and But in fairness that was one of the strangest teams in the history of Lions by double digits for wins 7, 8, 9 and 10. They would lose four of sports. They started 2-13 and later were 59-62 when their record streak their last six but more than made up for that in January. began. 5. 1947 Yankees, 19 games There are many other examples of streaking teams that did keep it going to the finish line. The Yankees’ first post-World War II championship team did not mess around in winning 19 in a row from late June through July. Their run The 1969-70 Knicks won a then-NBA-single-season-record 18 in a row, differential was plus-78, and in 13 of the 19 games they allowed two runs and later won it all. The 1990 Giants won a team-record 10 in a row, then or fewer. They won 97 games, finished 12 ahead of the second-place won the Super Bowl. The 1939-40 Rangers had a 19-game unbeaten Tigers and beat the Dodgers in the World Series. streak and won the Stanley Cup. 6. 1939-40 Rangers, 19 games April, May and June are a long, long way down the road, and there is no sport whose playoffs are more difficult to predict and analyze than The Rangers’ next-to-last Cup winner displayed its defensive prowess hockey. So we shall see. during a 14-0-5 stretch that began 80 years ago Saturday. In the first 15 games of the unbeaten streak, they allowed two or fewer goals. Regarding Point No. 2: What the Islanders have done in the first quarter Goaltender Dave Kerr would finish that season with a league-best 1.80 of the season is remarkable, but it should not come as a shock, no matter goals-against average and eight shutouts. how little was expected of them by the hockey world two months ago. Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 11.23.2019 They had the fifth-best record in the NHL last season, then returned their roster almost intact, and they have arguably the best general manager/coach duo in sports. So why not pick up where they left off?

It does not always work out that way. Sometimes familiarity breeds complacency, and it looked like that might be the case after a 1-3 start.

But since then, the Islanders have won every which way, including back- to-back late comebacks from multiple-goal deficits against the Flyers and Penguins.

Entering Saturday night’s game, they are 9-0-7 in regulation time, which does not sound quite as impressive as saying they had a 16-game points streak, but the fact they won in overtime or a shootout in six of those seven games that were tied after the third period speaks to their grit.

Adding to the fun for Islanders fans has been the fact that the rest of New York-area sports has been in a bit of a rough patch, to put it kindly.

Can the Islanders be the team that ends a New York championship drought that has lasted since Super Bowl XLVI in early 2012?

The odds are against them, only because the odds are against any individual team in the 16-team Cup tournament, no matter its regular- season record. But as of Thanksgiving week, there is no reason to give them lesser odds than any other contender. 1162926 New York Islanders gives a little change of venue and you can’t get stale and it’s a little different. It’s worked out for us.”

Picked from the pod Hockey players are tough, but do they know what's best for their health? Left wing Anthony Beauvillier was a guest on Episode 8 of Island Ice, Newsday’s Islanders’ podcast, discussing his strong development into a two-way player since Barry Trotz became coach and why the team’s Updated November 22, 2019 8:02 PM system suits him so well.

By Andrew Gross He also recalled his single-minded desire to be a professional player while playing youth hockey as he grew up about an hour from Montreal in

Sorel-Tracy, . Hockey players are tough, that’s a given. There are too many “I’ve always been really good with guys my age,” Beauvillier said. documented examples of playing through injuries or pain to recount. “Everyone would just kind of talk about having a Plan B growing up. In The point is, almost all players will want to keep playing if possible. They my mind, I kind of did. I was doing the right things to have a Plan B. But, are not the most objective judges of their own health at times. in the back of my mind, I kind of knew my Plan A was going to work.”

This comes to mind this week through the experiences of two Islanders. Beauvillier also discussed the benefits of having another French- Quickly jumping to the end of the story: Both were OK and did not Canadian on the team as Derick Brassard is from Hull, Quebec. apparently endanger themselves further. Nor did they stay in the game “The same culture, it’s always easier to communicate,” Beauvillier said. without consulting with the Islanders' medical staff. “We don’t really have any French-Canadians besides [goalie] J.F. Berube It was a knee-jerk reaction, though, to question just what had — or had [who played 21 games with the Islanders from 2015-17]. It’s just fun to not — happened. talk French.”

Center Brock Nelson was struck on the top of the helmet by defenseman On point Ryan Pulock’s rising slap shot on Tuesday night at Pittsburgh, briefly The Islanders broke the franchise record for points in consecutive games going flat on his belly on the ice before skating to the bench and waiting when they pushed their streak to 15-0-1 on Thursday. That also gave for his helmet to be repaired before returning to the game. He wound up them an NHL-leading .825 point percentage (points divided by maximum scoring the winner in overtime. possible points) with a 16-3-1 record. Here are the Islanders’ best point Two days later, left wing Matt Martin returned to the Islanders’ lineup percentages through 20 games in team history: against the Penguins after missing nine games. His left knee slammed 2019-20 - .825 (16-3-1, 33 points) into an open door on the Senators’ bench on Oct. 25 at Ottawa, sending him to the dressing room. He returned to finish that game before going 1978-79 - .775 (14-3-3, 31 points) on injured reserve. 1976-77 - .775 (14-3-3, 31 points) Martin said returning to that game did not worsen his injury. 1987-88 - .725 (14-5-1, 29 points) “Not that I’m aware of,” Martin said. “It was kind of an interesting situation. If you have 11 forwards, you probably call it a night. The 2014-15 - .700 (14-6-0, 28 points) hardest thing for athletes is to take us out of the game. Generally, I would Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 11.23.2019 probably remove myself from the situation. But two seconds after I go in the room, I see Cal [Clutterbuck] coming into the room and we’re down to eight forwards. I just wanted to be available as much as possible. It didn’t make it worse. For me, it was a little bit uncomfortable but I was able to get through the game.”

Martin learned the next day he was more injured than he suspected.

“I was somewhat surprised by the news the next day,” Martin said. “I felt pretty good the next morning.”

Nelson never left the bench on Tuesday for concussion protocol after being struck by Pulock’s rocket on the scary sequence. And the NHL spotters assigned to the game, who have the authority to put players into protocol if they suspect behavior that suggests a head injury, did not flag him for observation.

“They told me I had to go off [the ice] because they blew the play down and I’d gone down,” said Nelson of the officiating crew. “Talking to [the training staff], I wasn’t feeling any symptoms so it was kind of a discretionary thing, from what he said. I didn’t think it was necessary to go in. I was feeling all right. It just feeling like you bumped your head.”

Nelson obviously remained clear of symptoms the next day, too.

“I didn’t feel anything,” said Nelson, who also scored the overtime winner in Thursday’s 4-3 win over the Penguins at Barclays Center. “If anything would have come up, we would have done something.”

Unintended benefit

Coach Barry Trotz has frequently opined that he believes teams can get stale if they play too many home games or road games in one stretch.

The Islanders played 13 of their first 20 at home, including 12 of their first 17. Yet, the Islanders clearly didn’t get stale with a 10-2-1 home record. They are 7-2-0 at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum and 3-0-1 at Barclays Center.

“It’s probably helpful we have two arenas at this point, which we haven’t said too often,” Trotz said. “But when you have a lot of home games, it 1162927 New York Islanders Islanders star. He leads the team with nine goals, is tied for second with 44 shots on goal and is seventh in the league among all forwards at 16:59 of even-strength ice time a night. The stick didn’t do all of that, but it sure has helped. Best-of moments from the Islanders’ first 20 games — the best start in franchise history Best projection: 6,620-to-1 — that’s the odds of the Isles going on this 16-game point streak, courtesy of our math whiz, Dom Luszczyszyn. Even if the Islanders go .500 the remaining 62 games, that leaves them with 95 points, right around the number needed to reach the playoffs — By Arthur Staple Nov 22, 2019 and it seems unlikely they’ll go .500.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 We’d give out first-quarter report cards, but pretty much everyone’s getting an A for this franchise-best first 20 games for the Islanders.

The franchise record-setting 15-0-1 streak is unlikely enough. The Islanders extended it Thursday with a 4-3 overtime defeat of the Penguins in another wild, kind of ugly affair — the Isles have led for all of 4:22 in the last three games combined and somehow come away with six points. The 16-3-1 start to the season is unmatched in the Isles’ record books, four points better than the 14-3-3 starts in both 1976-77 and 1978-79.

Since we’re in the midst of so many bests, let’s run down some best-of moments from a frankly unbelievable first 20:

Best line: Derick Brassard moved from the 3C to the 2RW on Oct. 24. The Isles are 11-0-1 since then, of course, and Brassard leads the Isles with 15 points (6-9) over those 12 games; Brock Nelson has 12 points and Anthony Beauvillier has 10. Mathew Barzal is still the engine that makes the Isles go, but that Nelson line has been an incredible force. Brassard’s reborn NHL career isn’t a bad side story either. He’s got 10 assists in 20 games, one more than he had through his three-team, 70- game odyssey last season.

Best defenseman: There are lots of candidates here with all six regulars producing offense and continuing what they did a season ago — playing Barry Trotz’s system well and mostly limiting good scoring chances. Despite a couple of rough shifts against the Penguins, no one’s done the defense part better than Adam Pelech. He’s probably the least gifted offensively of the seven D on the roster, but he’s the highest rated in expected goals percentage (53.3) and high-danger chance share (56.0) over the streak (numbers courtesy of Natural Stat Trick).

Best comeback: There’s been a few in the last week, but you need to go back to the second win of the streak on Columbus Day against the defending Cup champs. The Isles were down 2-0 to the Blues into the final six minutes of regulation. Nelson snuck one by Jordan Binnington, Barzal banked one off Alex Steen to tie it with 26.5 seconds to go, then fed Devon Toews for the OT winner. A humdrum 2-0 loss there and the Isles might be in a very different spot right now.

Best feel-good moment: Cole Bardreau needed five pro years and a lot of fortunate breaks, after years of unfortunate ones, just to make his NHL debut in Columbus on Oct. 19. Getting his first NHL goal on a penalty shot against the Senators in Brooklyn two weeks later was special, even if the 26-year-old may not get back up to the big club again this season.

Best home cooking: Don’t tell anyone, but the Isles are 3-0-1 at Barclays Center. Even with all the nonsense surrounding their time in Brooklyn, the Isles’ record there over four-plus seasons is now 81-48-19. They may actually miss that place.

Best breakout player: Beauvillier can be a streaky scorer and it’s easy to forget he’s already had 21- and 18-goal seasons, but he looks more and more like a complete player this season. Now up to second on the team with eight goals, his confidence is through the roof and he’s getting a lot more ice time — 17:44 a game, up from 14:39 a season ago.

Best pending UFA: Thomas Greiss will be 34 in January, so it’s hard to imagine he’ll command a big, long-term deal anywhere. It’s also hard to imagine the Islanders walking away from a guy who currently sits with the best even-strength save percentage in the NHL since the start of last season — his .938 in 49 starts is ahead of two Vezina finalists, Ben Bishop (.935) and former teammate Robin Lehner (.934).

Ray Petkau, Greiss’ agent, just happened to be on Long Island on Thursday. Even with Semyon Varlamov signed for three more years and Ilya Sorokin planning to join the organization next season, there may yet be room for Greiss.

Best player decision: Barzal changing his stick to a lower lie — the angle where the stick meets the shaft — has translated into a more dangerous 1162928 New York Rangers snapped a career-high 12-game point streak in which he had seven goals and 12 assists. ...

UP NEXT Rangers’ struggles continue with loss to Senators Rangers: At Montreal on Saturday night.

Senators: At Columbus on Monday night. ASSOCIATED PRESS | New York Daily News LOADED: 11.23.2019 NOV 23, 2019 | 12:36 AM

OTTAWA, Ontario — The Ottawa Senators have finally found a winning game plan.

Thomas Chabot had a goal and an assist, Anders Nilsson stopped 30 shots, and the Senators beat the Rangers 4-1 on Friday night for their first three-game win streak of the season.

Logan Brown, Tyler Ennis and Anthony Duclair also scored for Ottawa, which has won seven of its last nine and has 23 points in 23 games (11- 11-1) this season,

"I think we're playing some really good hockey," said Nilsson, who has won his last four starts at home while allowing just five goals in that stretch. "You saw the way we played (Friday) and especially the way we played in the first period. We came out and had one of the best periods all year in the first and shut them down completely."

Jacob Trouba scored for the Rangers, and Henrik Lundqvist finished with 35 saves.

The Rangers have been going through their own struggles and Lundqvist admitted the Rangers could take a page from the Senators’ playbook.

"They work hard and that's why they've been winning," Lundqvist said. "If you look at their record the last few weeks they win because they work really hard and pay attention to the details within their game. They earn their wins."

Ottawa got off to a fast start, scoring twice in the first 6 1/2 minutes. Chabot got the Senators going just 57 seconds in with his first goal in 17 games, and Brown scored on the power play at 6:32 for his first NHL goal.

"That's something I've dreamt about my whole life," said Brown, who was playing his 15th career game. "Especially the past couple weeks with all the unlucky bounces I've had. I've been thinking about getting that one."

Senators center Logan Brown, l, slips the puck past Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, c, to score his first NHL goal.

Trouba got the Rangers on the scoreboard with a shot from inside the blue line that took a bounce that fooled Nilsson with 2:40 left in the opening period.

Ottawa continued to control the pace of the game for much of the second period. Ennis gave the Senators a 3-1 lead at 1:11 as he fought his way to the net and beat Lundqvist with a wrist shot.

After failing to score on two power plays, including a double-minor Ottawa’s Christian Jaros, the Rangers got into penalty trouble themselves.

“An abysmal game in so many ways,” Rangerse coach David Quinn said. “Give Ottawa a lot of credit. They played hard, they played smart, they won every foot race and they won every 1-on-1 battle. This is as disappointing as it’s been because I thought we were going in the right direction and building off a couple real good ones for us, but it’s back to square one.”

Ottawa had a two-man advantage, and Lundqvist made three big saves, but was then beat by Duclair with 6:36 remaining.

The Senators had another two-man advantage 16 seconds later, but were unable to beat Lundqvist again.

NOTES: This was the third and final meeting between the two teams this season. The Rangers won the first meeting, 4-1 here on Oct. 5, and the Senators won 6-2 at the Garden on Nov. 4. ... Ottawa recalled Max Lajoie and Jaros from Belleville of the AHL as it deals with injuries on the blue line. ... Lundqvist remained in a tie with Curtis Joseph for fifth place on the NHL’s goalie wins list at 454. ... Rangers F Artemi Panarin 1162929 New York Rangers

Rangers’ Henrik Lundqvist will have to wait to reach this win milestone

By Brett CyrgalisNovember 23, 2019 | 3:13am

OTTAWA, Ontario — The milestone will have to wait.

Goalie Henrik Lundqvist remained stuck on win No. 454 when the Rangers lost to the Senators, 4-1, on Friday. One more win and Lundqvist will pass Curtis Joseph for sole possession of fifth place on the all-time wins list.

“I know one day, you’ll look back at it and really appreciate it,” Lundqvist said before he was peppered with 39 shots, making 35 saves. “I do [appreciate it] now, as well. But you try to move on and get ready for the next game. Keep pushing.”

Coach David Quinn said he expects Lundqvist to sit for Saturday night’s game in Montreal, where Alex Georgiev will get the call. It could have been predicted, because Lundqvist has not played a regular-season game in the Bell Center since Jan. 14, 2017. He has lost seven straight regular-season games there, his most recent win being March 17, 2009.

There was also that little bit of the 2014 Eastern Conference final, when the Rangers needed six games to beat the Canadiens. But buildings do stick with goalies.

“Some buildings you’ve been winning a lot; some buildings you haven’t been winning a lot. It’s funny how that works out sometimes,” Lundqvist said. “There’s no point in overthinking it.”

“I know I haven’t won a lot there in the regular season, but in the playoffs I have had success. I don’t know, I can’t point to [something to] figure it out.”

Artemi Panarin had his 12-game points streak snapped. The winger had seven goals and 12 assists over that span.

Quinn shuffled the lines to start the third period, moving Filip Chytil up between Panarin and Chris Kreider. Ryan Strome went down between Brendan Lemieux and Kaapo Kakko, while Brett Howden went between Pavel Buchnevich and Jesper Fast.

There was also a flip on defense, with Brady Skjei going with and Libor Hajek going with Tony DeAngelo.

Tim Gettinger picked up his first career point when he assisted on Trouba’s first-period goal. Gettinger got 9:51 of ice time, including 54 seconds on the penalty kill.

New York Post LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162930 New York Rangers “You try everything,” Quinn said. “You try shaking lines up, you try yelling and screaming, you try coddling. I just have to keep trying to find ways to do it.”

Rangers frustrated after listless outing in loss to Senators New York Post LOADED: 11.23.2019

By Brett CyrgalisNovember 22, 2019 | 10:42pm | Updated

OTTAWA, Ontario — The Rangers are starting to show a little more than just frustration. They’re starting to show anger at their own befuddling inconsistency.

This mercurial team put up an absolute dud, a 4-1 loss to the Senators on Friday night that struck a nerve with the players and coaches alike. It washed away the thoughts of their terrific win over the visiting Capitals on Wednesday and drilled home their own deficiency at putting forth a consistent effort.

“This is as disappointing as it’s been,” said coach David Quinn, barely able to keep himself from boiling over after the game. “I thought we were actually going in the right direction, building off a couple really good wins for us. But we’re back to square one.”

There was not a lot the Rangers (9-9-2) carried over from Wednesday’s 4-1 win over Washington, which had them skating and making smart plays and competing. In this one, they grossly mismanaged the puck, they were sluggish in movement and decisions, and they allowed the Senators (11-11-1) to operate without much interference up and down the ice.

“An abysmal game in so many ways,” Quinn said. “They won every foot race. They won every 1-on-1 battle. The trend for us [is] when we start feeling good about ourselves, we don’t do a really good job of handling that.”

For the early part of this season, a lot of dips were attributed to them being such a young team that was learning how to deal with the ups and downs of a game — forget a season. But it’s not solely the young guys who are bothering Quinn. It is, well, everybody.

“I was unhappy with everybody,” Quinn said. “Everybody. The lapses were every single guy in the lineup.”

That angst was also prevalent in the locker room. The doors were closed for a while after this one, and surely a few harsh words were doled out. But that has happened before, too, and the problem persists.

“We beat a good team, regardless of who we play next, we think it’s just about throwing our sticks out there and [we] can out-skill a team,” Chris Kreider said. “I feel like I’m a broken record at this point, because I talk about it after every win, and then again after every loss following a pretty good win. We know the formula. We buy in one game, and we get away from it the next. It’s been like this for the past few weeks, and we have to stop the bleeding.”

The bleeding began in this one when Thomas Chabot scored just 57 seconds into the game — and it hardly got any better. The Rangers’ horrid penalty kill allowed two more goals, the first of Logan Brown’s career at 6:32 of the first to make it 2-0, and one by old pal Anthony Duclair on a 5-on-3 man-advantage that made it 4-1 at 13:24 of the second, turning the second half of the game into something as interesting as a free skate.

“I just think we have guys that obviously don’t understand how hard it is in this league,” Quinn said. “And it’s not our young players. It’s guys that have been in the league before. These guys have to step up and deliver in situations like this.”

The only moment of hope for the Rangers came when Senators goalie (and former Islander) Anders Nilsson whiffed on a harmless Jacob Trouba wrist shot and deflected it into his own net, making it 2-1 going into the second period. But Tyler Ennis needed 71 seconds into the second before he walked right through the heart of the Rangers’ defense and lifted one over Henrik Lundqvist’s glove to make it 3-1.

“If you don’t pay attention to every detail in your game, it’s going to be up and down,” Lundqvist said. “It’s going to be a fight.”

It’s the same, over and over, and it’s anyone’s guess which Rangers team is going to show up Saturday night in Montreal. 1162931 New York Rangers Brady Skjei has also had his struggles in the defensive zone, which led to him earning a healthy scratch earlier in the month. He was on the ice for the goals from Brown and Ennis, with Ennis getting his shot off right after Skjei failed to make solid contact on a check attempt. Postgame analysis: NY Rangers continue up-and-down trend in 'abysmal' loss to Senators "You can talk to (the coaches) more about that," Skjei said when asked about some of the in-game lineup shuffling. "It starts individually. It starts with being focused before the game, and I think we just didn’t quite have that tonight." Vincent Z. Mercogliano, NHL writerPublished 10:04 p.m. ET Nov. 22, 2019 | Updated 11:13 p.m. ET Nov. 22, 2019 The Rangers have been without veteran Marc Staal for two weeks since he had surgery on an ankle infection, with Ryan Lindgren adding some

grit to the lineup in his absence. But a rookie being the most reliable D- OTTAWA - So much for avoiding that letdown. man on the left side is not how the Rangers drew it up.

Following their best win of the season against the NHL-best Washington More takeaways from Vin Capitals, the New York Rangers held a team meeting Thursday to It really is hard to put your finger on these dramatic ups-and-downs. address the importance of being "consistent with our intentions and our Having the youngest roster in the league is surely part of it, but Quinn purpose," according to coach David Quinn. actually pointed to the veterans after the game. "I just think we've got Whether the message got through to the players or not, it didn't translate guys that obviously don't understand how hard it is in this league, and it's to the ice Friday night at the Canadian Tire Centre. not our young players — I'll tell you that right now," he said. "Its guys that have been the league before. These guys have got to step up and deliver The Rangers were lethargic and mistake-prone in a 4-1 loss to the in situations like this." Ottawa Senators — their third in the last four games. Part of it could be Quinn trying to protect his players, because when I "An abysmal game in so many ways," Quinn said. "Give Ottawa a lot of asked about specifics with players who get benched or moved around, credit. I thought they played hard, they played smart, they won every foot he didn't want to name names. "I was unhappy with everybody," he said. race, they won every one-on-one battle. At the end of the day, that's When I followed up and asked about the defensive lapses, he repeated, been the trend for us. When we start feeling good about ourselves, we "Everybody — the lapses were every single guy in the lineup." don't do a really good job of handling that. This was the most disappointed I've seen Quinn at a postgame presser. "This is as disappointing as it's been, because I thought we were actually He's clearly searching for answers, and was quicker to put blame on going in the right direction and building off a couple of real good games himself before any individual players. "You try everything," he said. "You for us," he added. "But back to square one." try shaking lines up, you try yelling and screaming, you try coddling. I just got to keep trying to find ways to do it." Their 9-9-2 record fittingly reflects their tendency to take one step forward and then one step back through the first quarter of the season. Real friends help you find your teeth... pic.twitter.com/Abew7rFcB0

ARTEMI PANARIN: Teammates describe 'a special, otherworldly skill — Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) November 23, 2019 set' Chris Kreider is one of the veterans who sets the tone in the locker room, "We've been up and down," Quinn said prior to the game. "We've been and here's what he had to say about what he sees as the main issues. very inconsistent." He stressed the need to toughened up and simplify their game when things aren't going well. "If you watch that Washington game again, I'm That was apparent in the opening minute, with Thomas Chabot giving sure it looked like awful hockey for stretches, where we're not making Ottawa a 1-0 lead just 57 seconds in. plays, we're just getting pucks out and getting pucks in," he said. "That's Logan Brown added a power-play goal at the 6:32 mark, which was a what you have to do with every team. It’s not a big ice surface. Everyone bad omen considering the Rangers recent issues with taking too many skates well, a lot of big boys out there, they're going to be in your face, penalties and struggling in shorthanded situations. they're going to limit your time and space. ... There's that stubbornness when you shouldn't be (forcing) plays; when you should be just getting Key moment pucks behind them and grinding them down. That's what leads to odd- A lucky bounce on a Jacob Trouba shot helped the Blueshirts escape the man rushes, that's what leads to chances, that's what leads to riding time first period with a manageable 2-1 deficit, but the Senators (11-11-1) — that's winning hockey. We’ll do it for game, then we won't do it for quickly increased it on a Tyler Ennis goal a little over a minute into the game." second period. We could break down all four Ottawa goals and find issues for the The fatal blow came later in the period. Rangers. Their PK was bad again, but so was their five-on-five defense. The first Senators' goal set the tone of what was a game-long lackluster After the Rangers failed to convert on a four-minute power play — which performance in the defensive zone. Henrik Lundqvist made one of his 35 followed a high-sticking double major that cost Brendan Lemieux at least saves, and when the rebound went to the top of the right circle, the entire one tooth — Ottawa netted its second power-play goal of the game. Rangers' D was caught on the other side of the ice. Hájek, in particular, was passive coming after getting caught out of position instead of making The Rangers got called for too many men on the ice, and former Ranger a hard charge and trying to block the shot. "Boy, did we do everything Anthony Duclair blasted a one-timer to up the lead to 4-1 and effectively wrong to put them in a position to score a goal like that," Quinn said. "All put the game out of reach. five guys on the ice made mistakes."

Absolute ROCKET from Duclair on the 5-on-3. #Sens strike early.

GOAL: Duclair (10) PPG GOAL: Chabot (2)

ASSISTS: Pageau (6), Chabot (12) pic.twitter.com/qcVAovJKc7 ASSISTS: Tkachuk (6), Duclair (5) pic.twitter.com/O0mvdOUy79

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) November 23, 2019 — Ottawa Senators (@Senators) November 23, 2019

Caught my eye Abysmal was a fitting description for this performance from the Rangers, There were several issues for the Rangers, but one that's been repetitive but don't dismiss Ottawa as a bad team. They've won eight of their last has been poor play from their left-handed defensemen. 11 — and if you look at those wins, they've beaten some quality opponents. (I know that's the last thing you want to hear, but I feel like it Rookie Libor Hájek has been plagued by inconsistency all season, with had to be said... or written.) his latest performance getting him benched for a good chunk of the first period. He was slow to react on the first goal from Chabot. We'll see how the Rangers respond because they won't have much time to analyze this one. They'll travel to Montreal Friday night and play the Canadiens at 7 p.m. Saturday. "The good news is, unfortunately, we've responded well to games like this," Quinn said. "But they've happened too often, so hopefully we can follow the trend when we don't play well, we come back and put forth a much better effort."

Bergen Record LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162932 New York Rangers Third pair → Ryan Lindgren (L) and Adam Fox (R) Goalies

Starter → Henrik Lundqvist NY Rangers projected lineup: Baby Blueshirts trying to avoid letdown after big win Backup → Alexandar Georgiev

Will not play (healthy scratch): Micheal Haley

Vincent Z. Mercogliano, Published 6:00 a.m. ET Nov. 22, 2019 | Updated Injured: Marc Staal (ankle) and Mika Zibanejad (upper body) 6:25 a.m. ET Nov. 22, 2019 Game notes

How to watch/listen: 7:30 p.m. ET — TV: MSG Network; Radio: ESPN The New York Rangers are coming off their best win of the season, a 98.7 FM convincing 4-1 victory Wednesday over the Washington Capitals and their best record in the NHL. All-time series: 43-47-3-4 (19-27-0-2 at home; 24-20-3-2 on the road)

Where do they go from here? The Bread Man: Artemi Panarin is riding a career-high 12-game point streak and leads the Rangers with 25 points in 19 games. He's one of Game-by-game unpredictably has been a trademark for these Baby five NHL players who have posted a 12-game point streak or longer this Blueshirts, which was the main topic on the agenda for Thursday's team season (David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand, Nathan MacKinnon and Leon meeting before practice. Draisaitl). In 12 career games against Ottawa, Panarin has 13 points (four goals and nine assists). "It's been our track record so far," coach David Quinn said. "We've had good nights, and then we haven't been able to follow it up and be King Henrik: Henrik Lundqvist has earned 454 wins in his NHL career, consistent with our intentions and a purpose. One of the things that we and he is one win away from passing Curtis Joseph for sole possession talked about was, we did all these things that we needed to do to win a of fifth place on the NHL's all-time wins list. He's also made 997 career hockey game against Washington last night. That recipe isn’t going to appearances (regular-season and playoffs combined) as a Ranger. He's change, regardless who we're playing." three appearances away from becoming the sixth player in franchise history to appear in at least 1,000 career games (along with Brian Leetch, The Rangers have proven they can beat some of the best teams in the Harry Howell, Rod Gilbert, Ron Greschner and Walt Tkaczuk). league — such as Washington, the Carolina Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins — but they've also been victim to some dud Striking first: The Blueshirts have tallied the first goal of the game in performances, with the most recent coming last week in a 9-3 loss to the seven of their last nine games, in nine of the last 12, and in 13 of 19 Tampa Bay Lightning. games overall. The Rangers have posted an 8-4-1 record when tallying the first goal. They had previously beaten the Lightning, 4-1, just as they had previously defeated the Ottawa Senators by the same score before Game notes provided by New York Rangers public relations coordinator laying an egg with a 6-2 loss in their second meeting. Michael Rappaport.

"I think with our group, and with our youth, I think sometimes you have to Bergen Record LOADED: 11.23.2019 suffer to really learn something," Quinn said.

The rubber match with the Senators is up next in Ottawa at 7:30 p.m. Friday. And while the Sens certainly aren't on the same level of the Caps, or even the Lightning, they have played much better of late.

Beginning with the Nov. 4 win over the Rangers in New York, Ottawa has won seven of its last 10.

"We're playing a team that's won a lot of hockey games in the last two weeks and have played very well," Quinn said. "It really started in our game where they gave it to us pretty good, and they kind of built off that. We're going to have our hands full."

Quinn said they'll be without Senators-killer Mika Zibanejad, who netted a hat trick in the early-season win. But even without their No. 1 center, the Rangers have gone 6-3-1 and proven they can find ways to prevail — provided they bring the necessary edge.

"We have to understand that can't happen just because we're playing the Washington Capitals," Quinn said. "That's how we have to play — with heightened awareness and alertness defensively."

Projected lineup: Nov. 22 at Ottawa Senators

NOTE: This lineup is subject to change.

Forwards

First line → Artemi Panarin (LW) – Ryan Strome (C) – Jesper Fast (RW)

Second line → Chris Kreider (LW) – Filip Chytil (C) – Pavel Buchnevich (RW)

Third line → Brendan Lemieux (LW) – Brett Howden (C) – Kaapo Kakko (RW)

Fourth line → Tim Gettinger (LW) – Greg McKegg (C) – Brendan Smith (RW)

Defense

First pair → Libor Hájek (L) and Jacob Trouba (R)

Second pair → Brady Skjei (L) and Tony DeAngelo (R) 1162933 New York Rangers "It’s been going on, pretty much since the start of the season," said Lundqvist. "We take a step in the right direction and then we have a game where we’re just not ready."

Inconsistent Rangers can't handle surging Senators Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 11.23.2019

By Colin Stephenson

Updated November 22, 2019 10:53 PM

KANATA, Ont. — After nearly every big victory they’ve had this season, the Rangers have talked about trying to do all the right things, the things that win games for them, on a consistent basis.

Up to now, they haven’t been able to do it.

The yo-yo season continued Friday, in the front end of a two-game weekend trip to French Canada when the Rangers played with little energy, and little regard for the importance of possessing the puck. They were punished with 4-1 loss to the surging Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre. The Rangers will try to rediscover their game Saturday in Montreal, when they take on the Canadiens on Hockey Night in Canada.

"We didn’t learn our lesson from the other times where we beat good teams — not that Ottawa’s not a good team — they’ve been on fire, said Chris Kreider. "We’ve got bad short-term memories when it comes to the success we’ve been having."

The Rangers had beaten Ottawa, 4-1, in the Senators’ home opener back on Oct. 5, but Ottawa (11-11-1) was not a very good team at the time. The Senators have turned things around for themselves, beginning when they beat the Rangers, 6-2, at Madison Square Garden. They are 8-3 in their last 11 games, beginning with that win.

"An abysmal game, in so many ways," said coach David Quinn. "Give Ottawa a lot of credit . . . And the trend for us is, when we start feeling good about ourselves, we don’t do a really good job of handling it. This is as disappointing as it’s been, because I thought we were actually going in the right direction and building off a couple of good games for us. But, we’re back to Square One.''

From the opening faceoff, the team with the better effort was the Senators, who hemmed the Rangers in their own zone on the game’s first shift and took the lead just 57 seconds in on a goal by Thomas Chabot. They made it 2-0 at 6:32 of the first period, on a power-play goal by rookie Logan Brown, his first in the NHL.

The Rangers looked lethargic in that first period, turning the puck over often, and often in dangerous positions on the ice. Henrik Lundqvist, starting his third game in a row, and his first game since he tied Curtis Joseph for fifth on the all-time wins list with his 454th victory Wednesday, was pummeled with 18 shots in the period. The Rangers managed nine against Anders Nilsson.

The Rangers did get on the board, though, when a funky bouncing shot by Jacob Trouba somehow skipped by Nilsson at 17:20 of the period, and so, as poorly as they had played in the opening 20 minutes, they were down only by 2-1 heading into the first intermission.

But any thought of building on the momentum created by Trouba’s goal vanished when Tyler Ennis danced around Brady Skjei and beat Lundqvist from the slot to make it 3-1 at 1:11 of the second period. The Rangers had a golden opportunity to get back in the game when Ottawa’s Christian Jaros was given a double minor high sticking penalty for cutting Brendan Lemieux. But the Blueshirts failed to score with the four-minute man advantage.

Twenty-two seconds after the power play ended, Filip Chytil was sent off for high sticking, and the Rangers’ troubles were compounded when they were called for having too many men on the ice, giving Ottawa a 5-on-3 advantage for 28 seconds. They needed only 23 of them before former Ranger Anthony Duclair hammered a shot past Lundqvist to make it 4-1 at 13:24.

The Rangers were still killing the bench minor penalty when Trouba was sent off for shooting the puck over the glass, giving Ottawa another 5-on- 3, this one for 1:21. But they managed to survive without allowing any more goals in the period. 1162934 New York Rangers

Artemi Panarin's 12-game point streak comes to an end

By Colin Stephenson

Updated November 22, 2019 11:07 PM

KANATA, Ontario — Artemi Panarin’s career-high 12-game point scoring streak came to an end. Coach David Quinn tried everything he could think of to change things up — he changed the lines, splitting up the first line of Panarin, Ryan Strome and Jesper Fast — in an effort to try and get something good going.

“I was unhappy with everybody,’’ Quinn said when asked about the line juggling. “Everybody ... Every single guy in the lineup.’’

At the end of the second period, Quinn dropped Strome to a third line, between Brendan Lemieux and Kaapo Kakko, put Fast at left wing on a second line, with Brett Howden and Pavel Buchnevich, and elevated Filip Chytil and Chris Kreider to play with Panarin, moving Kreider to the right wing.

Lemieux lauded

Lemieux was still sporting a souvenir from his fight with Tom Wilson on Wednesday, a blackened left eye. It served as a reminder of his standing up for himself and the team against one of the league’s most noted ruffians.

“Everyone’s noted how hard he plays and how he plays on the edge,’’ Quinn said of Lemieux. “Unfortunately for him, he didn’t get a good grip right when the fight started, so . . . when you fight someone like Wilson, you’re going to pay the price for it.

“But this guy’s afraid of nobody,’’ he continued. “This isn’t a guy that just goes out there and fights. He plays hard. He makes people’s life miserable out there. And he’s got some skill. If he had a little bit of puck luck, I think he’d have five or six goals here, which is pretty good for a guy who plays the minutes he plays and the situations he plays in.’’

Blue notes

Quinn stayed with the same lineup that played Washington, meaning Tim Gettinger was in and Micheal Haley was the lone healthy scratch . . . Former Ranger Vladislav Namestnikov, who was traded to Ottawa after the Rangers beat the Senators in the second game of the season on Oct. 5, missed the game after being placed on injured reserve because of a lower-body injury. Namestnikov, the second-line center for the Senators, has 12 points in 19 games with them

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162935 New York Rangers

Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist back in goal with chance to pass Curtis Joseph on all-time goaltender wins list

By Colin Stephenson

Updated November 22, 2019 6:46 PM

KANATA, Ontario — Henrik Lundqvist was back in goal Friday, when the Rangers visited the better-than-expected Ottawa Senators in the front end of their two-game weekend trip to French-speaking Canada that concludes Saturday in Montreal.

Lundqvist was starting his third straight game, and his first against the Senators this season, after Alexandar Georgiev started both of the teams’ previous meetings. And Lundqvist was taking his first crack at moving past Curtis Joseph and into sole possession of fifth place on the all-time list for goaltending wins. He had tied Joseph’s career total of 454 with his 4-1 win Wednesday over the NHL’s top team, the Washington Capitals.

“It’s a great honor when you reach certain plateaus,’’ Lundqvist said after taking part in Friday’s optional morning skate at Canadian Tire Centre. “You look at certain names on the list, it’s a great honor. I’m proud about it. But then you kind of move on and try and live in the moment. We’re playing a team tonight (in Ottawa) that … is playing pretty good lately. They’re in a similar spot as us, a pretty young team, trying to find that consistency.’’

Ottawa, a team that had been projected at the start of the season to be perhaps the worst in the league, entered the game with a 10-11-1 record, having gone 7-3 in their previous 10 games, a run that started with their 6-2 win over the Rangers on Nov. 4.

For Lundqvist, who entered Friday with a 5-4-1 record, 3.31 goals- against average and .910 save percentage, this has been a season of transition. With the Rangers (9-8-2 entering Friday) in their third season of a rebuild, Lundqvist has seen his win totals dip significantly the last two years. He won 30 or more games in 11 of his first 12 seasons (he won 26 during the lockout season of 2012-13) but had just 26 wins in 2017-18 when the rebuild began. Last season he won 18 games, the first time in his career he didn’t win at least 20.

With the team still rebuilding, and with two highly regarded goalie prospects behind him in Georgiev and Hartford Wolf Pack rookie Igor Shesterkin, Lundqvist’s ice time this season has been reduced in an effort, management says, to keep him fresh for the second half of the season (and the playoffs, if they make it).

And that means that passing Joseph could be Lundqvist’s last milestone for some time. No. 4 on the all-time list is Hall of Famer , who has 484 wins. At his current pace, Lundqvist isn’t likely to catch Belfour this season.

There’s a good chance Lundqvist may not even finish the season in fifth place. Marc-Andre Fleury, the Vegas Golden Knights goaltender, is right behind Lundqvist, with 450 wins. And Fleury (11-5-2) is getting way more ice time than Lundqvist is. The 34-year-old has started 18 of Vegas’ 24- games.

Lundqvist admitted that he is motivated to keep accumulating achievements and chasing milestones. But he doesn’t have time to look at the big picture right now, he said. For now, all his focus has to be on the next game.

“You keep pushing,’’ he said. “If you want to reach the next (milestone), you have to play a lot more games, you have to win a lot more games. To do that, you have to continue to push yourself to be better and to earn those starts. And also, put your team in a position where you can win.

“So, all those things can lead to good things, but you’ve got to start in the right end,’’ he said. “You just think about, ‘OK, what do I need to do to have success tonight?’ That’s all it is.’’

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162936 New York Rangers Rangers, when they stink, don’t defend well, but a lot of that is because they don’t play in the offensive zone. It is also as big a reason as their defensive play for them getting their butts Corsi’d or xG’d or whatever advanced stat, based on shot attempts, you want to use. It’s not just a The bad isn’t just bad for the Rangers. It’s unacceptable, as evidenced defensive stat. It’s very much partly a product of what you don’t do Friday night offensively.

So these Rangers go to Montreal on Saturday night, where they’ve seen ghosts and goblins in the past. They go up there at NHL-.500, at 9-9-2, By Rick Carpiniello Nov 22, 2019 but really two games under.

Up and down like a yo-yo, but much worse, because the bad isn’t just Maybe one of the Rangers was a good teammate and took his buddies to bad. It’s unacceptable. Especially in this case. dinner or for beers when the team landed in Montreal after Friday’s game Thoughts in Ottawa. Because, heaven knows, they weren’t the definition of good teammates in Canada’s capital. 1. The Rangers’ only goal wasn’t even really a shot on goal. Anders Nilsson made five or six very good saves, maybe more than that. He “You know, being a great teammate isn’t going out and buying a guy really should have had a shutout — and a relatively easy one. dinner or buying beers,” Rangers coach David Quinn said Thursday before the flight to Ottawa. “Being a great teammate is understanding, 2. At least the Rangers are done with Ottawa. The first meeting was an ‘I’m going to do what I’m supposed to do, and you’re going to do what easy, fancy win, and the Rangers got all full of themselves, then, after a you’re supposed to do.’ … I think when we have that mindset, we have week off, lost five in a row. The Senators came to town a mess and beat success, because I think we have enough talent to complement that type the Rangers 6-2 for their only regulation loss in a 5-1-1 stretch. Now this, of talent. When we do it, we’ve had success. Because we’ve done it on the heels of that win Wednesday against the other nation’s capital. against good teams.” 3. I was wondering at the start whether there’s an altitude issue in Yeah, well, these are the split-personality Rangers, like The Hulk and Kanata, Ont. Because the Rangers looked like they had no breath. Or Bruce Banner. You never know which one is going to show up, mild- legs. Or, really, will. But, no, it’s flatland out there in the Ottawa suburbs. mannered or green and ornery. 4. The Rangers’ first shift was awful, with several chances to clear — Whichever one of those is the worse one, that’s the one that showed up Strome, Trouba, Libor Hajek — and it didn’t happen. The scrambling left in Ottawa on Friday, a dreadful, mail-it-in 4-1 loss to the Senators that, in Trouba on the wrong side of the ice and allowed Thomas Chabot to step many ways, was worse than the 9-3 groin kick in Tampa eight nights into the left circle and beat Henrik Lundqvist through Hajek’s screen at earlier. 00:57. 1-0. That defensive pair had another near-nightmare on its second shift when Brady Tkachuk knocked Hajek off the puck behind the net and “It’s been our track record so far,” Quinn said Thursday. “We’ve had good stepped out in front all alone for a point-blank try that Lundqvist stopped nights, then we haven’t been able to follow it up and been consistent with with a pad. our intentions or our purpose. … Any time we change our intentions or our purpose in the slightest, we’re not going to have very much success.” 5. Ryan Lindgren took down Maxime Lajoie at the side of the net, and Ottawa went to the power play, interrupted by a stoppage when Tim Peel That was on the docket of a pre-(optional)practice meeting the day after got beaned by a puck fired around the glass by Trouba — the second the 4-1 win over Washington on Wednesday, an impressive-as-hell and referee to go down in two games (Furman South on Wednesday). Peel quite complete victory — though surely the Capitals other than Tom returned late in the first but really looked bad when he was being helped Wilson weren’t thrilled with their performance that night. off. And yeah, the Rangers are young. How many times have we said that 6. Ottawa’s power play is awful. Just awful. Yet when play resumed, Skjei through the first quarter of a season? How many times will we have to mishandled a puck behind the icing line, Trouba chased to the wrong say it going forward? Eight 21-and-unders have played in their uniform side — again — and so did Strome, allowing Logan Brown to score his through 20 games. first NHL goal with nobody near him. 2-0. J.C. Beaudin nearly made it 3- But Jacob Trouba’s not a baby, certainly not in hockey terms. Brady Skjei 0, beating Tony DeAngelo to the net only to be stopped by Lundqvist. sure isn’t, either. Ryan Strome isn’t. Artemi Panarin isn’t. God knows, 7. With 9:05 left in the first period, Jesper Fast dumped one in and Filip Henrik Lundqvist isn’t. (And yeah, I’m giving Chris Kreider a pass as one Chytil went to work; I think that was the first time they even attempted to of the least guilty, in my opinion.) spend time behind the Ottawa defense. Chytil by then had been If the Rangers lose a game like this, no matter how hideous, because of promoted to Strome’s spot in the first line and would sub in and out of the kids’ inexperience, you live with it. Write it off. It’s a lesson. One of that spot throughout. many. If they lose a game because they were simply out-talented, so be 8. Good luck, and nothing more: Late in the first, Greg McKegg won a it. draw, and Trouba sent a bouncing shot from the right point that was There’s no accepting what went down in Kanata, Ont. headed well wide and somehow hit the stick of goalie Nilsson (named after Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson?) and found the net. The Rangers The relative graybeards, or most of them, weren’t any better than the were in a much better position than they deserved to be. 2-1. All sorts of Baby Rangers in Ottawa. Many of them were worse. fragrance on that one. Tim Gettinger assisted for his first NHL point.

"I WAS UNHAPPY WITH EVERYBODY…EVERYBODY" – COACH 9. At that point, at least one player age 21 or younger had recorded a QUINN PIC.TWITTER.COM/VJQMZ7GO70 point on 19 of the Rangers’ previous 21 goals.

— RANGERS ON MSG (@RANGERSMSGN) NOVEMBER 23, 2019 10. Daily Bread: After their good fortune at the end of the first, in the opening seconds of the second period, Hajek’s hard pass to Panarin Quinn was livid. And he should have been. He often asks, when talking ended up a turnover and a rush, and Nick Paul clanged the post behind about being consistent, “How bad is your bad?” Well, this bad was putrid. Lundqvist. Ottawa came right back down and scored this time, lousy When you play against your fellow bottom-feeders, the one thing you defensive plays by Chytil and Skjei as the Rangers were not outmanned. can’t do is get outworked — to lack effort, not to skate hard, not to do the Tyler Ennis beat Lundqvist, who maybe could have stopped it but also straight-ahead little things — like the Rangers have done against Tampa had every right to be furious with the play in front of him. 3-1. (the time they won), against Nashville, against Washington. 11. The Rangers got gifted a power play when Brown boarded Brendan Another thing: When you see the forwards swinging wide on the breakout Smith behind the net … and the power play did nothing with that gift. with their sticks up in the air, that’s practice/scrimmage speed. When you Meanwhile, Nilsson looked awkward or uncomfortable most of the game go straight-legged on the backcheck, that’s not good enough. That’s not to that point, but the Rangers let him off the hook time after time. NHL-game intensity. Sorry. It isn’t. 12. Another gift, as Brendan Lemieux’s poor discolored and swollen face A lot of nights, the Rangers seem pretty happy to play above the circles took a high stick, resulting maybe in some lost teeth, for a four-minute in the offensive zone, not below the circles or below the icing line. The power play. The first unit did nada, and Lemieux returned with the second unit, which did less.

13. Kakko-Meter: The first unit came on again — and I get it; they don’t want to be too predictable — but Panarin and Kaapo Kakko switching sides is counterproductive. They did, and again nothing — until Ottawa’s Connor Brown nearly scored shorthanded. Kreider finally had a legit scoring chance before the four minutes expired. Then Chytil took a penalty for another Ottawa power play and, unbelievably, the Rangers took a too-many-men penalty during the penalty kill. So during the five- on-three, smoking-hot ex-Ranger Anthony Duclair smoked one past Lundqvist. 4-1. Trouba’s night took another bad turn when he put a puck over the glass, giving Ottawa 1:21 more worth of five-on-three. Holy shish kebab.

14. Nilsson sure didn’t look awkward at the second-period buzzer when he made consecutive big-time saves on Panarin and DeAngelo.

15. Mika Zibanejad update: not on the trip and will miss his 12th straight game with a neck injury Saturday. Probably needs a full-contact practice before he plays. Unless the Rangers can get that accomplished in a morning skate Monday, he likely won’t play until Wednesday. And he still has to be completely cleared for a return.

16. Well, the Rangers held Jean-Gabriel Pageau without a goal. So there’s that.

17. Hank the cartoon? Lundqvist will be in a kids program Saturday. Here’s the info from NHL Network:

Henrik Lundqvist will be featured in a “Goalies” edition of NHL Network Ice Time — NHL Network’s weekly show geared toward kids — tomorrow (Saturday) at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. ET. An animated version of Lundqvist answers rapid-fire questions from Lundqvist’s former Rangers teammate and NHL Network analyst Mike Rupp, including what Lundqvist would do if he didn’t play hockey, and he explains a Swedish hockey chant.

18. Back to the adult programming: I rewatched that nasty dust-up between Lemieux and Tom Wilson on Wednesday, and every time I see it, I cannot believe Wilson got nothing for his cross-check directly to Lemieux’s face (while Alex Ovechkin was cross-checking him from behind). It as a clear-as-day headshot by a repeat offender. But play on. The NHL doesn’t care about headshots. Only spitting.

19. Guess who’s coming to town Monday? Yup, Mats Zuccarello versus the Rangers for the first time. What do you think? Two goals, two assists?

My three Rangers stars:

Adam Fox

Ryan Lindgren

Brendan Smith

The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162937 Ottawa Senators That goal came not long after the Senators were able to kill off a double- minor assessed to Christian Jaros for high-sticking. The Rangers really didn’t have much in the way of chances on the power play and allowed only two shots. The Senators did a good job in front of Nilsson and New GARRIOCH GAME REPORT: Flourishing Senators keep foot on gas in York had a tough time getting to the net. win over Rangers Thanks to a great move by Ennis, the Senators pulled out to a 3-1 lead at 1:11 of the second when he scored his sixth of the season. He split between two players and fired it by Lundqvist on the top shelf from the Bruce Garrioch slot. That’s what the Senators need from their veterans to have the kind Published:November 22, 2019 of consistency they have right now.

Updated:November 22, 2019 11:32 PM EST The Senators were good right from the start.

They outshot the Rangers 18-9 in the first and pulled out to a 2-1 lead. New York was lucky to even get on the board after Nilsson’s attempt to SENATORS 4, RANGERS 1 redirect Jacob Trouba’s shot from the point deflected behind him and into the net. No, it didn’t look good on Nilsson, but it was just an attempt that There is no stopping these Ottawa Senators. went wrong and there wasn’t much he could do about it. At least not right now, anyway. “We’re skating,” coach D.J. Smith said. “We’ve got good energy, we’re Not only did the Senators peel off their third straight victory with a solid 4- getting good miles out of our fourth line. The guys are working in practice 1 victory over the New York Rangers on Friday night at the Canadian and, certainly, some of the guys that have been here that have had a lot Tire Centre, Ottawa has now won five straight at home and moved its of losses, especially at the end of last year, are having some fun getting record to .500 on the season at 11-11-1 in front of 12,349. some success.

You can bet nobody enjoyed this victory more than rookie centre Logan “We can’t get ahead of ourselves but it’s fun to win.” Brown, who scored his NHL career goal, while Anthony Duclair, Thomas TOUGH ONE FOR PEEL Chabot and Tyler Ennis also chipped in for Ottawa. The club also got key saves from goaltender Anders Nilsson, who moved his record to 6-1-0 in Referee Tim Peel was helped to the dressing early in the first period and his last seven. The Senators haven’t lost at home since Oct. 25. returned in the second after he appeared to take a puck off the back of the head or neck. He skated off but was down on the ice a while, “It was good to finally get one tonight and the big win,” said Brown, who however he deserves credit for coming back. fired a blast by Henrik Lundqvist at 6:32 of the first period on the power play to give the club a 2-0 lead while Brady Tkachuk collected the puck BLUELINE TAKES A HIT as a souvenir. These are tough times for the Ottawa Senators’ blueline. And, yes, it meant something to beat Lundqvist for the goal. While they were sailing right along pretty nicely through the first six “When I tell my kids about it, I’ll definitely let them know about that, but weeks of the season with seven defencemen — including extra Cody just to get the monkey off the back and pot one,” said Brown. “That’s Goloubef — a rash of injuries throughout the organization has left the something I’ve dreamed about my whole life, especially the last couple of club a little thin. weeks with all the unlucky bounces I’ve had, I’ve been thinking about that one. It’s definitely a dream come true.” Senators general manager Pierre Dorion has been looking around for a defender for the last month or so on the trade market and that was before Man, these @Senators are really putting on a show this November. the club lost Goloubef to an undisclosed injury Friday, while Erik Kinda don’t want them to tank for a draft pick…maybe battle for a playoff Brannstrom (hand) remains sidelined and Nikita Zaitsev returned to spot. #ghostofhamburgle #sens #Ottawa pic.twitter.com/fUvR7UueSN Russia for a couple of days for personal reasons.

— Kris Waddell (@WinterStarKris1) November 23, 2019 Christian Wolanin (shoulder) has been out since camp and Andreas Englund has a lower-body injury that’s kept him sidelined, but he could Just because the Senators are rebuilding, they’re not using it as an return Monday. excuse to lose and suddenly they’re 8-4-0 in November, one of their toughest months of the season. Ottawa came into this year trying to The good news is Zaitsev will be back in time to face the Columbus Blue prove people wrong and there’s no question the club has taken its game Jackets on the road Monday, however the Senators recalled Max Lajoie to another level. and Christian Jaros from their AHL affiliate in Belleville on Friday, and because of the injury situation they were the last defencemen under “Since the start of the year, everybody put us at the bottom since contract in the organization that were available. training camp. We know we believe in the guys we have in here and everybody’s buying into the system,” said Chabot, who scored his first Going into the game against the Rangers, the only other blueliners in the goal in 17 games with a blast by Lundqvist only 57 seconds into the first. organization available were prospect Olle Alsing, who was signed as a “Things are working out right now. UFA last summer from Sweden, and Finnish blueliner Lassi Thomson, who was taken in the first round in 2019. Alsing would be the first option “There’s still a lot of games and there’s nothing to get crazy about and it’s on an emergency basis. a long season. We’re playing really well, our system is working and our goalies are doing a hell of a job for us, and they’re finding ways to make Belleville’s blueline Friday night included three players on pro tryouts, that big save to keep us in the game.” along with a couple of callups from the ECHL and another that has an AHL contract. The depth is being put to the test big time because the Through 40 minutes, the Senators looked like they were in total control in club also recalled centre J.C. Beaudin with Vladislav Namestnikov placed this one. They had the Rangers frustrated, they were getting the saves on injured reserve with a tailbone injury he suffered in Montreal on they needed from Nilsson and timely goal-scoring by outshooting New Wednesday. York 35-26. The club has talked a lot about finding consistency and they certainly have some at the moment. “It’s just a case where we’re going to try to get through tonight and then we’ll have Zaitsev back and hopefully Goloubef,” Smith said Friday Nilsson’s best stop came late in the period on Tony DeAngelo by getting morning. “You don’t plan on this many guys getting injured and, across the net to get his glove on the puck. unfortunately, Zaitsev having to go home for a day. While there’s been no shortage of concern about the club’s power play, “Things happen, but in saying that you’ve got to look at a guy like Lajoie. you have to give it credit for coming up big in this game. Duclair’s blast This whole process is about us and these kids getting better. We get a from the top of the circle by Lundqvist on a 5-on-3 with 6:36 left in the look at Jaros, who was here last year, and we get a look at Lajoie. If guys second gave Ottawa a 4-1 lead. It was Duclair’s 10th of the season and didn’t get hurt, we wouldn’t have a look at Beaudin and (Filip) Chlapik the club’s second goal with the power play in the game. and these guys. “I don’t want guys to get hurt but I certainly welcome seeing these young kids and seeing how hungry they are. I just love the passion when they come out.”

AROUND THE BOARDS

Sent down early in camp in September, Lajoie, 22, who has no goals and five points in 17 games with Belleville this season, was back after suiting up for 56 games with Ottawa last season. “It’s a great feeling and I’m just really happy to be here,” said Lajoie, who had surgery to repair a sports hernia that ended his season in the AHL last year. “It’s been pretty (good) in Belleville. It was an adjustment at the start but I’ve got my game back. I worked really hard in the gym and on the ice so I’m back to where I should be.” … After suiting up for Boston University during the 2017-18 campaign, Tkachuk has kept in touch with coach David Quinn. He’s behind the Rangers bench for the second year and Tkachuk appreciated their time together. “He helped me out tremendously with just the little details in the game,” Tkahcuk said. “It was pretty much a full pro program at BU so it was the best thing for me. I’ve gotten to be close with him and I’ve kept in touch with him. He helped me out tremendously. He just taught me how to be a true pro even though we were still in college. It was my goal to make it to the NHL so he knows what it takes for guys and how to push them. I just wanted to go to BU and I just felt like that was the best place for me to get to the NHL.”

OFF THE GLASS

Lundqvist kept the puck from his 454th career win on Wednesday night after the club’s 4-1 victory over the Washington Capitals. That victory tied Lundqvist with Curtis Joseph on the NHL’s all-time win list. “It’s a lot of fun and it’s great honour when you reach certain plateaus and you see the names that are on the list,” said Lundqvist. “It’s something you’ve never thought about and you just try to live in the moment.” Lundqvist added: “I try to keep the puck. I know one day you’ll look back at it and really appreciate it. I do now, as well, but you just try to move on, be ready for the next game and keep pushing. I’ve had a lot of fun playing this game in New York for so many years but I think you have to look at the next day and the next challenge.” … The expectation is Brannstrom could possibly return as early as Wednesday when the Boston Bruins come to town. “He won’t be long-term. It’s just more of a nagging thing,” Smith said. “As soon as the pain goes down I think he can play. He’s skating already.”

THE LAST WORDS

It was Hockey Fight’s Cancer Night at the Canadian Tire Centre. The players wore special jerseys in warmup that will be auctioned off to raise money for the initiative. Nicholle Anderson, a survivor of a rare form of throat cancer and the wife of Senators’ goalie Craig Anderson, was in the house. There was a special ceremony at centre ice before the puck drop while fans held up their “I Fight” cards and lit up the rink with the lights up on their phones.

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162938 Ottawa Senators But that shouldn’t be a cause for concern, for several reasons. It starts with the fact that the organization from the general manager, to coaches, to players know where they are at with this year and what the goals are. They aren’t going to ditch them for fleeting success. Not this time. Senators having fun ‘riding the wave’ but don’t expect rebuilding plan to change for postseason run Not to mention that this current wave, however fun it may be, likely isn’t sustainable. The Senators simply don’t have the depth of talent right now to consistently beat elite teams in the NHL. And as Smith pointed out, the team still has a lot of work to do. And honestly, that’s OK. By Hailey Salvian Nov 22, 2019 The goal this year was never to make a miracle wild card playoff run. It

was to rebuild. To create a culture of hard-working hockey, and to After a 2-1 overtime win at the always intense Bell Centre on develop the organization’s young players. So far, almost ten prospects Wednesday, Mark Borowiecki and Tyler Ennis couldn’t help but take note have been called up from Belleville, with two that have made notable of their team’s rise from the basement of the NHL standings. contributions in Nick Paul and Logan Brown.

“Not to get too ahead of ourselves,” Borowiecki explained after the game, Things like Brown and Paul staying up in the NHL, or Tkachuk taking the “but it’s a point of pride for us.” next step in his game, should be the bigger points of celebration and optimism for fans looking forward. Nobody expected anything from this 2019-20 campaign for the Senators. Most analysts agreed the team would finish 31st in the league by a long “This is a process,” Smith said. “For us, whether its three years, four shot. The bar was set so low that positive results on the scoreboard years, however long it takes for these kids to develop … But that’s been come off as a pleasant surprise. But the Senators’ recent hot streak feels the best part, we are finding ways to win with the young guys and they more than just modest gains. are getting minutes and they are getting better.

As of Friday morning, the Senators are ranked a 13th in the Eastern “My job is to make them better by the end of the year, and if we can win Conference with a 10-11-1 record. They have six wins in their last eight some games along the way, it’s great.” games, and that’s in November where they will play 16 games in 29 Even if the Senators start dropping in the standings as the season wears days, with 11 of them on the road. They have the same number of on, if they bring the same enthusiasm and work ethic that should be regulation wins as the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs. considered a win for the organization. And if they can come out of the Nobody, certainly not the former President’s Trophy winners or their draft in June with either Alexis LaFreniere or Quinton Byfield (or both if provincial rivals, saw this coming. San Jose ends up in the basement too) that certainly is another win for the Senators. But here we are. The Ottawa Senators are surprising a lot of people right now. And they are having fun while doing it. But right now Senators fans … just have fun riding the wave.

“We are getting pretty fired up about it,” Borowiecki said with a smile. The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 “When people aren’t expecting much out of you and you’re getting ragged on all the time, to kind of start clawing our way back into things here, I think it’s kind of galvanized the group.

“And it’s definitely fun.”

The current hot streak has benefited greatly from the play of Jean- Gabriel Pageau, who continues to lead the NHL in plus/minus, and has scored a league-leading 10 goals in November. As well as Anders Nilsson who has a 6-4-1 with a goals-against mark of 2.70 and a .924 save percentage. The play of Anthony Duclair and Brady Tkachuk (the overtime hero on Wednesday) certainly help too.

Individual statistics aside though, the Senators seem to have fully bought into coach D.J. Smith’s systems and messaging. Since Day 1, he has preached about the importance of hard work and while that may seem like a typical coach-ism, in the case of the rebuilding Senators, it’s not.

Hard work has become their identity. They want to be known for being hard to play against, no matter the score, and for not giving anybody, not even the top teams in the league, an inch. And right now that identity is helping them win hockey games and boosting the team’s confidence.

“I think overall we have confidence in our room. If you don’t have confidence in your room and you don’t say the right things then you’re not giving yourselves the right message,” Craig Anderson said. “By giving ourselves the right confidence and saying the right things it makes us believe and belief is a powerful thing.”

This time last season, the Senators were in the same spot with 21 points in 22 games. But it felt, considerably less enjoyable. For 18 months it felt like the Senators were the NHL’s punching bag and we’re wrapped in numerous controversies. Some fun on the ice and in the locker room is surely a welcome change for both fans and the team.

“The last 10, 15 games have been really fun for us,” said Anderson. “I think we are starting to find our rhythm, find our groove and find what works for us. And that’s what’s key for us is to figure out what works for us and stick with it.

“You’re going to go through stretches throughout the year and this is a good stretch for us right now and we’re going to ride the wave.”

But not all Senators fans are happy with the team’s recent surge, worrying that management will deviate from their rebuild premise for a shot at the postseason, circa 2014-15. 1162939 Philadelphia Flyers to sit on the bench while his beloved team practiced and hang out afterward with his favorite player, Travis Konecny.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 11.23.2019 Flyers’ Kevin Hayes looks to come out of slump against college teammate Johnny Gaudreau

by Erin McCarthy,

As the Flyers prepare to take on the Calgary Flames on Saturday, forward Kevin Hayes is hoping for a win, increased productivity, and some time to catch up, off the ice, with an old college buddy: Johnny Gaudreau.

“He’s probably one of my best friends, not within hockey, just within my life," Hayes said Friday after practice.

Hayes and Calgary’s star left winger, who’s a South Jersey native, have a lot to reminisce about. They were a dynamic duo for three years at Boston College, a tenure that included a 2012 national championship and a 2014 Frozen Four loss to Shayne Gostisbehere and his Union college squad at the Wells Fargo Center. Hayes got to watch up close the rise of Gaudreau, who’s one year his junior.

“We were pretty much inseparable for three years there, and that’s when he became Johnny Hockey," Hayes said. ”It was cool. There was ‘Johnny Football’ [Johnny Manziel] at Texas A&M and then [Gaudreau] lit it up his freshman year. He was a small kid who looked like he was 12, and he was scoring every night., It was crazy. It was a lot of fun.”

For Calgary, the 26-year-old Gaudreau hasn’t been off to the strongest start this season, and his team, currently on a six-game skid, has struggled. There’s been talk that he could be traded, and that the Flyers could go after him. Hayes doesn’t talk hockey much with Gaudreau, he said, and they haven’t discussed the possibility of a trade.

“He’s one of the best players in the league," Hayes said. “I’m sure if they were winning every game, there’d be no trade talk at all."

In Philly, Hayes has also experienced an early-season slump. Coach Alain Vigneault reiterated Friday that the veteran trio of Hayes, James van Riemsdyk, and Jake Voracek still need to be more productive. In Raleigh on Thursday, Hayes ended a 12-game goal-less streak with an empty-net goal.

“Offensively, I’ve been getting some chances, but not as many as I would like,” Hayes said. “You just got to keep working on it. It’s nice when you’re scoring a lot of goals, but when you’re not, you gotta just grind through it. Keep shooting. Keep getting to the net.”

Hayes said he wasn’t disappointed that it took an empty net for him to score. He was just happy to get a goal.

“I was like ‘Finally,' " he said. “It’s been awhile.’”

Scott Laughton returns

The Flyers activated Scott Laughton from injured reserve on Friday, and the center is expected to return to the lineup on Saturday. To make room, they placed center Nolan Patrick, who’s struggled with a migraine disorder, on long-term injury status, and sent left winger Andy Andreoff down to the Phantoms. Laughton missed 13 games with a broken right index finger, for which he underwent surgery, and was cleared by a doctor on Thursday.

“It felt good out there today with the guys, and I continue to get better every day," Laughton said Friday. "Hopefully I play tomorrow.”

Special visit

Zach Steward, 14, of West Deptford, visits with his favorite Flyer, Travis Konency. Steward is battling leukemia for the second time.

COURTESY ZACK HILL

Zach Steward, 14, of West Deptford, visits with his favorite Flyer, Travis Konency. Steward is battling leukemia for the second time.

The Flyers had a special visitor at practice. In advance of Monday’s “Hockey Fights Cancer” game, Zach Steward, a 14-year-old super-fan who’s battling central nervous system leukemia for the second time, got 1162940 Philadelphia Flyers After scoring in his NHL debut in Florida, Frost met with his mother, father, and 15-year-old sister, who traveled from Toronto to be at his first game.

(Morgan) Frost warning: Electricity is in the air when Flyers rookie is on “My mom was in tears and my dad had a big smile on his face, so it was the ice | Sam Carchidi a really special moment,” Frost said.

When Frost was growing up, he went to games with his father, Andy, who worked as the Toronto Maple Leafs’ public-address announcer. by Sam Carchidi, “It was a nice experience to have that available to me,” Frost said. “I think that kind of made me fall in love with hockey even more. It gave me a sense of what I wanted to do with my life.” Back when the movie Grease was a mega-hit, John Travolta lost it when looking at a remade Olivia Newton-John as she went from girl next door Though he didn’t look it, Frost said he was extremely nervous before his to girl dressed in black leather. first game Tuesday.

Travolta, his voice cracking with excitement, sang that he had “chills" that “I tried to calm myself down. I was talking to myself a lot in my head and were multiplying, and that he was “losing control 'cause the power you’re picturing plays, and after I got a shot on my first shift, I sort of settled in supplying ..." after that,” he said. “Eventually, it just becomes a hockey game and you just have to play hockey.” And then, as he fell to his knees, he proclaimed, “It’s electrifying!” As has become a tradition for players making their NHL debuts, Frost Based on Twitter comments, Flyers fans had a similar reaction after took a solo lap around the ice when the team came out for pregame watching center Morgan Frost’s first two NHL games. warm-ups in Florida. Oh, those hands. “You just want to make sure you don’t fall,” he said with a smile. Oh, those sweet passes. As he skated around the ice, “you have so many feelings. I just thought Oh, those hard, accurate shots. about the road I had taken. There have been so many times in my career where I could have hit a big roadblock, and I kind of overcame that," he Frost displayed all those attributes in becoming the sixth player in said. "I thought about so many things, the people who helped me get franchise history to score goals in each of his first two NHL games. there, and I just enjoyed the moment.”

Yes, to borrow from Travolta’s character, Danny Zuko, he was Then he gave long-suffering Flyers fans several moments to cherish. electrifying. You could even call them electrifying. And he’s only 20. Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 11.23.2019 Impressive credentials

Based on his impressive resume in the OHL and (briefly) AHL, the kid looks like the real deal. It’s early, but it appears the Flyers hit the jackpot when then-general manager Ron Hextall traded to St. Louis for its first-round selections in 2017 and 2018. The 2017 pick turned out to be Frost, who was taken 27th overall, 25 selections after the Flyers chose Nolan Patrick. In 2018, they took Joel Farabee with the first-rounder they acquired.

For Frost, there will be the inevitable growing pains, the peaks and valleys, and some off nights.

But you get the impression he has the patient temperament, the high hockey IQ, and skills to make a name for himself in the NHL.

For someone so young, he has an amazing ability to slow down the game, survey his options, and make a great pass. (See his feed that set up Claude Giroux for the late game-winning goal in Carolina on Thursday).

He can be creative (see his filthy goal Tuesday against Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky) and a sniper (see his shorthanded one-timer that beat Carolina’s Petr Mrazek).

Frost has filled out from the scrawny kid who was drafted in 2017 to a solid 6-foot, 188-pounder who is not a blazer but has good speed.

Smart line placement

His superb start is also a credit to coach Alain Vigneault. Instead of burying him on, say, the third line, he put Frost on an explosive unit with Giroux and Travis Konecny, top wingers who know how to finish, know how to get open. He also had them on the first power-play unit, giving Frost a chance to thrive.

The trio’s quick chemistry has been eye-opening. The three were on the ice for Frost’s goal and created numerous chances in their first game together, and combined for nine points in their second game.

“I’m playing with two great players, and that makes it a lot easier,” said the soft-spoken Frost. “I’m getting more comfortable every shift. All the guys on the team have made it a lot easier for me. It’s been a smooth transition in that sense because everyone has been so nice and helpful.” 1162941 Philadelphia Flyers games. The Flyers want to see the 22-year-old be sound and smart as best he can on a game-to-game basis.

“I’ve said this many times, talent has no age,” Vigneault said Friday. “I’m Johnny Gaudreau trade buzz? Flyers should only think about welcoming looking to have the best possible team that is going to give us the best him for 1 game possible chance to win. I don’t care if you’re 43 or you’re 18, whoever is ready to play and whoever is going to help us win.”

Gaudreau probably isn’t a thought right now because the Flyers believe By Jordan Hall November 22, 2019 9:30 PM in their kids and the process overall. Saturday is Game 23 for the Flyers. They’ll play the Flames. Gaudreau will come and go.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.23.2019 VOORHEES, N.J. — Johnny Gaudreau is coming to the Wells Fargo Center.

No, he did not get traded to the Flyers. He is playing them Saturday.

Moderate buzz has circulated on the beloved interwebs regarding the possibility of Gaudreau being dealt by the Flames. Rewind to 2018-19, the mere thought would have been chastised and deemed ludicrous.

However, Calgary is severely underperforming during 2019-20 after going 50-25-7 with 107 points last season, second best in the NHL to only the Lightning. The Flames are 10-12-3 and have lost six straight, a stretch in which they’ve scored 0.83 goals per game while allowing 3.83.

When a team isn’t in the vicinity of its high expectations, bold ideas come to mind and serious questions are asked.

Kevin Hayes, who said Gaudreau is one of his best friends after the two played together at Boston College, understands this is a part of the NHL in today’s world.

“We haven’t talked about the trade [rumors] at all,” Hayes said Friday after practice. “He’s one of the best players in the league. I’m sure if they were winning every game, there would be no trade talk at all.”

Flyers fans, undoubtedly, know well of “Johnny Hockey.” Gaudreau is from South Jersey and played at Gloucester Catholic High School. The electric 5-foot-9, 165-pound winger has blown up on the NHL stage, becoming a five-time All-Star by the age of 26. He scored a career-high 99 points (36 goals, 63 assists) last season.

Naturally, the local hockey fans will always hold out hope for Gaudreau coming home. The key word is hope. Right now, it is purely hopeful and for many reasons.

Think about the package the Flyers would have to send to the Flames. We’re talking about young, already established NHLers, top prospects and high draft picks.

The Flyers are in Year 1 under general manager Chuck Fletcher and head coach Alain Vigneault. A GM is never quick to give up on his plan or tamper with it to a great degree so early in a season, especially for one player. Fletcher and Vigneault like the club’s current state as they mold the Flyers into their own. The team’s younger cornerstones are starting to blossom, prospects are making an impact and they’re all surrounded by an experienced core.

Whether some see it or not, there’s a lot to like.

Simply put, the Flyers are not in trade mode. Thanksgiving has yet to arrive and the Flyers are better than they were last year, having shown progress but with room for further growth.

Can things change when the Feb. 24 trade deadline is closer? Absolutely, and that brings us to a guy like Morgan Frost. The playmaking center, along with fellow prospects like winger Joel Farabee and defenseman , could have a loud say in what Fletcher and the Flyers aim to do when the trade market actually heats up. What might the Flyers need then?

Frost, a 2017 first-round pick with a bright future, has opened his NHL career by making a bang, scoring two goals and three points in two games. It has been only two games and Frost is only 20 years old. His ceiling, though, is excitingly high.

Farabee, a 2018 first-round pick, rapidly climbed to the Flyers and has shown flashes in 16 games. He’s a point-producing winger that can play all over the lineup. Finding consistency through the NHL grind at just 19 years old will be his challenge.

Myers, a 6-foot-5 blueliner with offensive skills, didn’t crack the Flyers’ season-opening roster but made his way back and has shown why in 10 1162942 Philadelphia Flyers

Scott Laughton returns to Flyers, Nolan Patrick placed on long-term injured reserve

By Jordan Hall November 22, 2019 5:15 PM

VOORHEES, N.J. — In the latest salary cap juggle, the Flyers activated Scott Laughton from long-term injured reserve Friday and placed Nolan Patrick on LTIR.

On Oct. 26, Laughton suffered a broken right index finger that required surgery. With Andy Andreoff loaned to AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley, Laughton will return to the lineup Saturday when the Flyers play the Flames at the Wells Fargo Center (1 p.m. ET/NBCSP). The 25-year-old Laughton, an underrated depth piece with positional versatility, is one of the Flyers' top penalty kill forwards.

“Scotty, before that unfortunate injury, was playing good hockey for our team," Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault said Friday after practice. "Him and Kevin Hayes seemed to have some good chemistry at the time, too, so I’m hoping that they take off exactly where they were prior to the injury. Scott is going to help us on the PK, also. He’s a good penalty killer. Looking forward to having him back in the lineup.”

Laughton underwent surgery Oct. 30 and was placed on LTIR the next day.

“I just wanted to be at a good grip strength where I could come back and not hinder the team with my play," Laughton said Friday. "That’s what I’m looking to do and I’m just excited.

“There’s some stuff in there that there’s going to be a long process no matter what. It’s a broken bone, so things have to heal and everything, but it’s good enough where I can shoot at full and battle … pretty much good to go.”

Patrick missed training camp/preseason and has not played in 2019-20 because of a migraine disorder. The purpose of putting Patrick on LTIR is for salary cap relief. The move is retroactive, which would allow Patrick to return when/if he's ready without the 21-year-old center having to miss 24 calendar days and 10 games.

Patrick has not practiced with the Flyers since toward the end of October, when he was starting to do so in a non-contact jersey.

"Nolan’s a player who will help us win a lot of hockey games when he gets back," Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher said Oct. 31. "We’re hopeful. It’s a tough situation. Again, I won’t speculate because I can’t. I can’t predict what will happen. ... It would be hard for any human being to predict when that will all come together for him."

Here's how the Flyers project to look Saturday afternoon at the forward position:

Claude Giroux-Morgan Frost-Travis Konecny

Oskar Lindblom-Sean Couturier-Jakub Voracek

Scott Laughton-Kevin Hayes-Joel Farabee

James van Riemsdyk-Michael Raffl-Tyler Pitlick

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162943 Philadelphia Flyers

Morgan Frost is NHL ready after all, now trying to prove he can stay

Dave Isaac, Published 4:36 p.m. ET Nov. 22, 2019

VOORHEES — In his first two NHL games, Morgan Frost has been a human highlight reel.

He’s also no dummy. He’s aware that he’s the fifth Flyer to make his NHL debut this season and only he and Joel Farabee are among that group still in the NHL. Connor Bunnaman, German Rubtsov and Carsen Twarynski have all been sent back to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Same for Mikhail Vorobyev (who made his debut last season) and the more experienced Andy Andreoff.

Tying a franchise record with two goals in his first two games is great and all but...

“That’s kind of what my goal is here is to make a statement and stay as long as I can,” Frost said.

The 2017 first-round pick looks like a different player than he did in training camp and even than he did at the end of October, when team president and general manager Chuck Fletcher said he saw “big swings” in Frost’s play.

“I think you’ve got to give credit A. to Morgan. He went to Lehigh Valley and had some things to work on and he did,” Flyers bench boss Alain Vigneault said. “And you’ve got to give credit to (Phantoms coach) Scott Gordon and his crew. They took a good young player there and, as we all saw in training camp, wasn’t quite ready and has improved. He’s taken his first steps and they’ve been positive steps. We’ll see if he can continue it. That’s the challenge of any young player trying to become a full-time pro is that consistency you look for and the execution in the play. Morgan’s had two really good games under his belt and hopefully for our sake (Saturday) it will be three.”

Frost will continue to center a line with Claude Giroux and Travis Konecny Saturday in a matinee against the Calgary Flames, who have been shut out in each of their last three road games.

Giroux has been the one taking the faceoffs most of the time and then moving back to the wing and letting Frost take over at center. The Flyers’ captain has seen more this season than ever before that the team is bringing along its young talent for at least a cup of coffee win the big league.

“I don’t have to do much to be honest, just make sure you communicate and be on the same page,” Giroux said. “There’s a reason why they’re in the NHL at such a young age. They understand the game. They’re talented and you want to let them do their own thing but you’ve got to make sure you’re on the same page.

“It’s not about older guys helping younger guys. It’s just making sure everybody’s on the same page and chemistry is a big thing for a team. Just gotta feel united.”

Frost is a quick study.

He learned in exhibition games that he couldn’t carry the puck into the opposing zone every time he has it like he did in junior hockey. Gordon was happy to see that even in the AHL Frost wouldn’t have to put up a fight about that like many first-time pros do.

He’s also got a ton of confidence. You don’t make moves like his dazzing first NHL goal or the pass and assist that made Giroux shake his head Thursday night against the Carolina Hurricanes without having conviction.

“I think I’m at my best when I’m playing confident and playing loose and having fun,” Frost said. “A little bit of nerves in that first game and even that second game, too, I think that’s totally normal when you’re going into an NHL game. It’s the best league in the world but once I stepped out onto the ice I just felt confident, to be honest. I wasn’t sure if I was going to feel that way, but as the games went on I just felt confident. It helps with confidence when you play with G and TK.”

Courier-Post LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162944 Philadelphia Flyers Courier-Post LOADED: 11.23.2019

West Deptford teen, two-time cancer survivor, meets his favorite Flyer

Dave Isaac, Published 3:51 p.m. ET Nov. 22, 2019

VOORHEES — The goals and points are great and Travis Konecny leads the Flyers in the latter.

What Zach Steward, a 14 year old from West Deptford, appreciates most are the zingers he throws at opposing players.

“I love his chirps. I attempt to chirp people on the rink,” said Steward, who also plays the game. “It may not always be as good as his. His personality, him being a goofball off the rink and seeing how aggressive he is getting those goals and awesome passes, it’s great. I love his game style.”

They got the chance to talk about it Friday after the Flyers practiced, a day Steward won’t forget any time soon.

He is battling CNS Leukemia for the second time. It was in remission for eight years but came back August 1, news that his father Don said, “crushed our family.”

How could it not?

Steward was in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for more than a month and lost nearly 25 pounds. At one point he was only 96 and has now worked his way back up to 120. The Flyers reached out when they heard about Steward’s journey and invited him to practice. He sat on the bench while the Flyers skated, then joined them for lunch in their lounge and played some ball hockey with the players after they practiced.

He will also be in their locker room Monday night, reading out the opening lineup to the team before they face off against the Vancouver Canucks as the team hosts its Hockey Fights Cancer Night.

“It was awesome. I had no idea that all of that behind the rink was actually there,” Steward said. “It was really cool seeing everything they do off the ice. It was a really fun time hanging out with them and playing ball hockey and all that.

“I haven’t been playing for a while and I miss it a lot. Once the chemo is over, I’ll be able to be back on the rink and playing again.”

For a day, he was at least in the locker room.

He didn’t get to try out any chirps of his own but asked Sean Couturier if he ever saw his sign up against the glass during warmups, which read “My love for Coots is as big as his tooth gap.”

Konecny loved that one. So did Couturier, who had just put his false front two teeth in.

Having a sense of humor, a self-proclaimed “goofball” in his own right, has certainly served Steward well in his fights against cancer.

“It was hard hearing it at first,” he said of his second diagnosis a few months ago. “I was like, ‘OK, I have to fight it. There’s nothing I can do about it. Just keep being positive. That’s all I can do.’

“It’s always good to have a positive attitude through it all. Being positive makes you feel good and really affects how you are.”

It also allows for some perspective.

NHLers talk about having good attitudes all the time, most of them 20- somethings and millionaires. Steward is a teenager who has twice been told he has cancer.

“He has a passion for life and helping others,” his father, Don, said. “In the hospital goes around to find other sick kids and just puts a smile on their face. He has parents come up to him in the hospital and say, ‘Thanks for making my kid smile because he hasn’t smiled the whole time he’s been in here.’ There’s something about him that’s unique.”

“It was tough in the beginning,” Zach said. “It was a tough time with the infections going on. I miss playing hockey. It was a hard time but we got through it and now I’m feeling better and we’re gonna kick it again.” 1162945 Pittsburgh Penguins partner Chad Ruhwedel to chip the puck to the Penguins’ left corner. Beating Devils forward Blake Coleman to the puck, Ruhwedel one- handed it to forward Bryan Rust on the half wall. Rust then swiped a forehand pass to the far side of the ice for forward Evgeni Malkin in the Empty Thoughts: Penguins 4, Devils 1 neutral zone. From behind the center red line, Malkin fed a pass up the right wing for Guentzel who got behind Devils defenseman Andy Greene

and created a breakaway. Attacking the net, Guentzel went forehand to SETH RORABAUGH | Saturday, November 23, 2019 3:51 a.m. backhand and lifted the puck past Blackwood’s left skate Assists were credited to Malkin and Rust. 11 minutes ago It became a 3-1 game on a bit of a disjointed sequence at 17:55 of the third period. Coleman turned the puck over off his own right half wall while under pressure from Penguins forward Brandon Tanev. The puck Observations from the Penguins’ 4-1 win against the Devils. was claimed by forward Alex Galchenyuk in the left circle. He tried to fire Of all the questions or criticisms lobbed at Matt Murray throughout his a wrister but fanned on the shot and struck Coleman in the face with his half decade in the NHL, playing too much hasn’t really been one of them. follow-through. The puck slid to the high slot where Penguins forward Jared McCann claimed it and ripped a wrister over Blackwood’s glove. He’s either platooned the goaltending position with Marc-Andre Fleury or Galchenyuk and Tanev got assists. he’s been too injured to take on the workload typical of a No. 1 goaltender. They poured it on only 25 seconds later. After forward Sam Lafferty had a wrister from the left half wall blocked by Zacha, the rebound hopped Yet, with the Penguins just around the quarter pole of the season, Murray across the ice and off the boards. Penguins defenseman John Marino has already logged 1,062:52 minutes, sixth-most in the NHL. That’s played the bank and swatted a one-timer. The puck went through Devils roughly 36 percent of the career-high of 2,880:14 which he established defenseman Damon Severson’s legs and beat Blackwood’s blocker on last season. the far side. Penguins forward Teddy Blueger supplied a solid screen on Make no mistake. The fact that Murray is in a position to play this many the sequence. Assists were credited to forward Zach Aston-Reese and minutes is a wonderful development. So far this season, he has yet to Lafferty. Blackwood was replaced by Louis Domingue after that score. deal with anything like a pulled groin or a concussion, ailments which Statistically speaking have hobbled him in years past. • The Penguins led in shots, 41-37. At the same time, it’s created a scenario which has been scarce with Murray. • Vatanen led the game with seven shots.

This isn’t a commentary on Murray’s abilities or his worthiness of being a • Marino led the Penguins with five shots. No. 1 goaltender. Others can peddle in that discussion. • Penguins defenseman Brian Dumoulin led the game with 23:24 of ice But it is fair to wonder if he’s been used too much less than two months time on 27 shifts. into the season. Especially when you consider what Tristan Jarry has • Defenseman P.K. Subban led the Devils with 21:24 of ice time on 26 offered in very limited usage this season. shifts. On Friday, he made 36 saves on 37 shots and looked calm and • The Devils controlled faceoffs, 34-29 (54 percent). composed, as he has in most of his finite appearances in 2019-20. • Devils forward Travis Zajac was 13 for 18 (72 percent). The team has almost strictly used Jarry in the second portion of contests on back-to-back nights. Using him more often could go a long way • Blueger was 8 for 12 (67 percent). towards keeping Murray a bit fresher, especially when there are more back-to-back scenarios in the second half of the season and against • Johnson led the game with three blocked shots. more divisional or conference opponents. • Subban led the Devils with two blocked shots. It is believed the Penguins have a ratio of 55 or 60 games in mind for Historically speaking Murray and 25 to 20 for Jarry (or whoever the backup is). If this pace of starts for Murray holds true, he’ll appear in 67 games. Last season, • At 3:14 of the second period, Penguins forward Patric Hornqvist Devan Dubnyk of the Minnesota Wild led all NHL goaltenders with 67 recorded his first career fighting major when he battled Severson in games. response to a hit from behind on Guentzel:

Giving Murray a night off on a more regular basis wouldn’t be the worst • Considering how poorly Hornqvist fared in that bout, it’s pretty obvious thing for his benefit. why this was his first career fighting major.

At the very least, Jarry has offered enough evidence he’s capable of Randomly speaking picking up more starts. • After taking eight penalties which led to seven opposing power-play What happened opportunities against the New York Islanders on Thursday, the Penguins cut it down to five penalties leading to four power-play opportunities The Penguins opened the scoring at 7:51 of the first period. After against the Devils. Penguins forward Dominik Simon battled Devils forward Pavel Zacha for a faceoff in New Jersey’s left circle, Penguins forward Dominik Kahun • All 18 of the Penguins’ skaters finished at least a plus-1. swooped in to claim the puck in the left corner. Dragging it past a sliding block attempt from Devils defenseman Mirco Mueller, Kahun worked his • Rust now has 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in 12 games. way to the slot and lifted a deft backhander past the blocker of goaltender Publicly speaking MacKenzie Blackwood. Simon had the lone assist. • Penguins coach Mike Sullivan was asked about Jarry improving his The Devils got on the scoreboard only 31 seconds into the second practice habits: period. Working on a power play on a fresh ice surface, Devils defenseman Sami Vatanen lifted a wrister from the center point. Devils “That was something that we talked to him specifically about. … We’re all forward Kyle Palmieri knocked down in the crease and the puck bounced creatures of habits. We are what we repeatedly do. We felt as though his to the crease where Devils forward Nico Hischier deadened it and fed a attention to detail, his focus in practice will translate to a more consistent slick pass to forward Taylor Hall sneaking in from the left circle. Hall then game. That’s been one of the hurdles that Tristan has to overcome to fired a wrister off the near post and past Jarry’s right skate. Assists went establish himself as a bona fide NHL everyday goaltender. The to Hischier and Palmieri. importance of those daily habits, in my experience, are what help a young player overcome that hurdle of consistency. It’s hard to be A goal by Penguins forward Jake Guentzel, restored a lead, 2-1, at 12:27 consistent in this league. It’s competitive, there’s a grind to it with the of the second. Winning battle on the end boards against Devils forward schedule. So your ability to overcome all of those challenges is so Travis Zajac, Penguins defenseman Jack Johnson allowed defensive critically important to a player’s opportunity to have success. That was a discussion that we had with Tristan at the end of the year. We think he has taken it to heart. And because of that, his overall consistent game has translated to this point.”

• Sullivan on Kahun:

“We always felt Dom has the attributes to play the kind of game which we’re trying to play. We felt as though it was only a matter of time. There’s always an adjustment process that takes time from the player’s standpoint and the coaches’ standpoint. When a new player comes to our team, our coaching staff is trying to figure out how to best utilize that player within the context of the whole group. That’s an adjustment process for the coaches as well. So it takes place on both sides. We always felt like Dom was a good player, has real good offensive instincts, can play a fast game. He has a lot of the attributes that we value in players. As he’s gotten more comfortable with how we’re playing, just the details of our team concept and familiarity with our locker room and building relationships with his teammates and his coaching staff as well, I think all of that helps a player. Especially a young player like Dom. We just feel like he’s gaining more traction with every game that he plays. He’s playing with a lot of confidence. You can see his ability offensively with every game that he plays. He doesn’t score every game but he makes half a dozen plays every game that give us a chance to score.”

Tribune Review LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162946 Pittsburgh Penguins

Minor League Report: Andrew Agozzino leads Penguins to sixth straight win

SETH RORABAUGH | Saturday, November 23, 2019 1:10 a.m.

Forward Andrew Agozzino had a goal and an assist for the Wilkes- Barre/Scranton Penguins in a 4-2 road win against the Springfield Thunderbirds at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass. on Friday.

The Penguins (11-5-1-1) also got two goals from forward Stefan Noesen as well as three assists from forward Adam Johnson. Goaltender Casey DeSmith made 40 saves in the victory which was Wilkes-Barre/Scranton sixth consecutive.

Highlights:

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s next game is at home at the Mohegan Sun Arena against the Charlotte Checkers on Saturday, 7:05 p.m.

Goaltender Alex D’Orio made 41 saves for the Wheeling Nailers in a 3-2 road win against the Indy Fuel at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis.

The Nailers (8-5-2-0) have won three consecutive games. Their next contest is on the road against the Fort Wayne Komets at Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Ind. on Saturday, 7:35 p.m.

Tribune Review LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162947 Pittsburgh Penguins with the Penguins’ way of doing things while building relationships with teammates and coaches.

“I think all of that helps a player, especially a young player like Dom. We Penguins take control in 3rd period to handily defeat Devils at home feel he’s gaining more traction with every game he plays.

“He doesn’t score every game, but he makes a half-dozen plays a game that give us a chance to score.” JERRY DIPAOLA | Friday, November 22, 2019 9:39 p.m. Tribune Review LOADED: 11.23.2019

Tristan Jarry has his job figured out.

“All I’m trying to do is get in front of the puck,” the Pittsburgh Penguins backup goaltender said. “It’s something, I guess, is my job so I’m just going to try to do it to the best of my ability.”

He makes it sound so easy.

What he said he doesn’t know, and doesn’t appear eager to find out, is what his statistics are shouting from a small window of opportunity.

He started for only the sixth time Friday night, making 36 saves on 37 shots and helping the Penguins defeat the New Jersey Devils, 4-1, at PPG Paints Arena.

He said he doesn’t follow his own stats, but here they are in the event he might be paying attention: 1.81 goals-against average, 94.5 save percentage, with 10 goals allowed on 173 shots.

What Jarry has been paying attention to is the coaching he’s receiving as he tries to work toward becoming a consistent goaltender.

Coach Mike Sullivan and his staff sat down with Jarry at the end of last season to help nudge their 24-year-old goaltender toward that viewpoint.

“We felt as though his attention to detail and his focus in practice will translate to a more consistent game,” Sullivan said. “That’s been one of the hurdles Tristan has to overcome to establish himself as a bona fide, NHL, every-day goaltender. The importance of those daily habits, in my experience, is what helps a young player overcome that hurdle of consistency.

“It’s hard to be consistent in this league. There’s a grind to it. Your ability to overcome all those challenges is so critically important to a player’s opportunity to have success. That’s the discussion we had with Tristan at the end of the year, and we think he has taken it to heart.”

Jarry especially was consistent in the second period that started with him allowing the Devils’ Taylor Hall to score on the power play. But he stopped 19 other shots in those 20 minutes when the score was tied 1-1 or the Penguins had a 2-1 lead.

The Penguins broke the tie with 7 minutes, 33 seconds left in the second period when Evgeni Malkin took a pass from Bryan Rust and put the puck on Jake Guentzel’s stick just outside the blue line.

Guentzel was in the clear, so he had time to force Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood to his right while keeping the puck on his stick and shooting toward the open side for his 11th goal.

In the third period, the Penguins put some space between the teams when Jared McCann and rookie John Marino, with his second career goal, scored unassisted with blistering slap shots.

Weary of playing into overtime three times in the previous 10 days, and losing them all, the Penguins held tight to the lead and won for only the second time in the past six games.

The Penguins scored first almost eight minutes into the game, taking advantage of the Devils’ difficulty clearing the puck after a faceoff to the right of Blackwood.

Dominik Simon controlled the puck and slipped it to Domink Kahun, who was cutting in front of the net. Kahun forced defenseman Mirco Mueller to fall flat, and he was clear to push a backhander to the right of Blackwood for his sixth goal of the season.

“It’s fun,” said Kahun of knocking down a defenseman without making contact with him. “That’s what the D is doing right now these days. They try to make the play, and it was good for me that I saw it right away.”

Kahun joined the Penguins this summer in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks for Olli Maatta. Sullivan said Kahun is getting comfortable 1162948 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins’ Mike Sullivan says Alex Galchenyuk needs to find ‘the quiet ice’

JERRY DIPAOLA | Friday, November 22, 2019 7:01 p.m.

Alex Galchenyuk is the only Pittsburgh Penguins forward without a goal, but Mike Sullivan said it has nothing to do with his shot.

“He can really shoot,” the coach said before Friday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.

Galchenyuk has only five shots on goal in the past five games, but the trick for the former No. 1 draft choice (third overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2012) is finding what Sullivan calls “the quiet ice.”

“I think he’s got to get himself in positions to shoot more,” Sullivan said. “That’s the most important thing. That just boils down to the process, just playing the game the right way, finding the quiet ice or the soft spots in the offensive zone so that he can avail himself for those types of opportunities.

“I don’t think Alex is reluctant to shoot the puck.”

Galchenyuk, who is a minus-3, has six assists in 13 games.

He’s a rookie?

John Marino is a defenseman with a plus-6 rating, so Sullivan has barely noticed that he’s a rookie.

“It really doesn’t enter in our conversation,” he said. “Everything we’ve thrown at him, he’s handled extremely well. We just think he’s a real good player. I think he’s gotten better with every game.

“He’s real mobile. He’s strong with the puck. He’s stiff in the battles. He’s got good puck poise. He defends hard and he’s starting to add an offensive dimension to his game. (He has six assists in 20 games.)

“It seems like the more responsibility we give him, he thrives on it. He’s a guy who can eat up minutes. He’s like (Brian Dumoulin) in that are regard. They can play a lot of minutes and they can handle the minutes. It’s a combination of his fitness level and his overall game is pretty efficient.”

Simon in the middle

The Penguins moved Dominik Simon to center during Thursday’s 4-3 overtime road loss to the New York Islanders. Typically used as a winger, Simon centered Dominik Kahun and Patric Hornqvist.

“I thought he did well,” Sullivan said. “I liked his line. I think the two Doms (Simon and Kahun) have a little bit of chemistry. They’re both pretty smart players. They’re good in tight space.

“(Hornqvist) brings an element of grit. He’s heavy on pucks. He’s good in front of the net. That was some of the logic in putting that line together.”

Simon logged 10 minutes, 22 seconds of ice time on 15 shifts and had two shots on goal on four attempts. He was 3 for 9 in faceoffs. During the preseason, the team experimented with him at center after he centered the Czech Republic’s top line in the IIHF World Championship tournament in May.

Tribune Review LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162949 Pittsburgh Penguins Johnston. After the 2014-15 season, Hynes graduated to the NHL when the Devils, and former Penguins general manager , hired him to be their coach.

Devils coach John Hynes still carries respect with Penguins With only one postseason appearance in his first four seasons, there has been speculation as to Hynes’ job security in the early stages of his fifth season as the Devils struggled to a 7-9-4 record before Friday, sufficient for last place in the Metropolitan Division. SETH RORABAUGH | Friday, November 22, 2019 11:30 a.m. After drafting forward Jack Hughes with the top overall pick in this year’s

draft and adding all-star defenseman P.K. Subban via trade, the Devils Anytime John Hynes assumes his spot behind the visiting bench at PPG have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NHL this season. Paints Arena, he can look up and see five Stanley Cup banners. Despite those struggles, the players Hynes guided to the NHL still carry The two of the most recent vintages might not have been possible high opinions of him. without the contributions of the New Jersey Devils’ coach. “Just a real hockey mind,” Murray said. “He’s always thinking about the Hynes wasn’t a member of the organization when the Pittsburgh game. Very passionate about it.” Penguins won the NHL’s championship in 2016 and ’17. His name isn’t Tribune Review LOADED: 11.23.2019 on the Cup, and he doesn’t have anything tangible such as a ring to illustrate what he offered toward achieving that success.

But Brian Dumoulin does. So does Bryan Rust. And Matt Murray.

Also, don’t forget Tom Kuhnhackl, Conor Sheary, Scott Wilson, Oskar Sundqvist and a handful of others who contributed to each title run.

Hynes spent five years as coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the longest tenure of any coach with the American Hockey League affiliate. During that half decade, several of the Penguins key prospects developed under Hynes’ tutelage and graduated to the NHL.

Granted, there were some highly touted prospects such as Derrick Pouliot or Beau Bennett who never realized their potential after an apprenticeship in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, but by most accounts, Hynes’ work in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton satisfied management in Pittsburgh.

His former players certainly endorsed his work with them in those formative years.

In 2014-15, a 20-year-old Murray put together one of the greatest individual seasons by an AHL goaltender by breaking a handful of records and winning virtually every individual trophy of note for his position. The next season, he was recalled by the NHL Penguins and won the Stanley Cup.

“That was my first year pro,” Murray said. “He was big at teaching me how to be a pro, learning kind of the ins and outs. … That first year pro is always a big adjustment, a lot different than junior.

“You’re on your own. A lot different than college for guys like (Rust). That’s a real transformative year, I guess you could say. To have a coach like him there to give you that structure and show you the way was awesome.”

Dumoulin, who has become the team’s top defensive defenseman, spent parts of three seasons in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton playing for Hynes and credited him with teaching him the nuances of being a pro after Dumoulin left Boston College.

“I respected him a lot as a coach,” Dumoulin said. “He was really good for me in my development for defense. He took me, (forward) Bobby Farnham and (defenseman) Joe Morrow, we were down in the corners and just do one-on-ones against each other. That really helped me become a better defensive player. He demanded it and demanded hard work. I’m very thankful I had him in the American Hockey League. He definitely made me a better player.”

Forward Bryan Rust, who spent two seasons playing for Hynes in Wilkes- Barre/Scranton, agreed.

“It was good,” Rust said. “He did a really good job of keeping guys accountable to the details. I think it helped a lot of development in a lot of guys’ games.”

Hynes’ fastidious approach to the game was evident to his players.

“He held everyone accountable,” Dumoulin said. “We couldn’t let it slip in his system. It was the same system that we were playing up here. It was an easy transition, just mentally, when you don’t have to think about systems. You don’t have to think too much. Just come in and play. That was a big benefit. He made sure we played hockey the right way.”

When the Penguins fired Dan Bylsma as coach in the 2014 offseason, they interviewed Hynes for the position before ultimately settling on Mike 1162950 Pittsburgh Penguins “We think he has taken it to heart,” Sullivan said of their September chat. “And because of that his overall consistent game has translated to this point.”

Tristan Jarry makes case for more ice time in Penguins' victory over Friday was the fourth game in a row that the Penguins scored first. Devils Kahun got them on the board 7:51 into the first period. The winger exited the left corner, pulled the puck around a sliding Mirco Mueller and flung a backhand past Mackenzie Blackwood for a 1-0 lead.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE Taylor Hall tied the score, 1-1, just 31 seconds into the second period. The Devils were on a power play that carried over from the first when a NOV 22, 2019 11:31 PM shot from the point hit Nico Hischier in front of Jarry. Hischier pivoted and found Hall with a backdoor pass. Hall, a former league MVP, put the puck off the left post and in. Late Friday, in a happy home locker room after another stingy performance from Tristan Jarry, Dominik Kahun handed the goalie the That would be all that got by Jarry. He shut the door on the Devils the firefighter’s helmet Penguins players typically award to one of their most rest of the second, when they threw 20 shots on goal. Playing with a important players after a win. poise he hadn’t always displayed in past stints with the Penguins, he found pucks through traffic, controlled rebounds and stretched to make a Jarry stopped 36 shots against the New Jersey Devils, his sharp play in few nice saves when things broke down. the second period ensuring a smooth ride to a needed 4-1 win at PPG Paints Arena. “They pushed in the second. They got that power-play goal early on, and I think they got a boost from that. Tristan made some timely saves,” He sheepishly accepted the headgear and addressed his whooping Sullivan said. teammates. Jake Guentzel scored on a breakaway 7:33 left in the period to put the “Good job, fellas,” the 24-year-old told them. “You’re making my job Penguins back on top. Evgeni Malkin calmly one-timed a rolling puck to easy.” Guentzel to get him in all alone on Blackwood. Guentzel turned the goalie inside out before sliding the puck in with his backhand. It was his Alex Galchenyuk practices at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex team-high 11th goal. Tuesday, Sept 10, 2019, in Cranberry. The Penguins blew the game open with two quick goals to open the third. Jarry, meanwhile, might be making coach Mike Sullivan’s a little more Rookie defenseman John Marino scored 25 seconds after Jared McCann challenging. ripped a wrister top shelf. In the victory, which snapped the team’s four-game losing streak to “It definitely feels nice to come out strong and get a lead, and we just Metropolitan Division rivals, Jarry dropped his goals-against average to built from there and held onto it,” Bryan Rust said. “And [Jarry] was really 1.80, tops among qualifying goalies. His .945 save percentage is also good tonight.” best in the biz by a good margin. Good enough that Sullivan might want to consider starting him more It’s a small sample size, sure. He has started just five games, winning often. That’s not to say there is or should be a full-on goalie controversy three. But he is making a case to cut into the workload of Matt Murray, here. who has been mostly solid this season but whose statistics pale in comparison to those of Jarry. Jarry says he isn’t worried about his playing time or obsessing over his stellar stats. To steal a line from Murray, he already is moving on to his “It’s not my decision,” Jarry said. “If I’m called upon, I’ll make sure I’m next start. doing the best I can to be ready. Other than that, it’s not something I can control.” “I’m just trying to help the team win whenever I’m called upon and making sure I’m doing my part and making sure I’m pushing myself as One thing Jarry has been able to control is his approach every single much as I can,” he said. day. Late Friday, in a happy home locker room after another stingy While Jarry was in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, watching from afar as a performance from Tristan Jarry, Dominik Kahun handed the goalie the contemporary in Murray won two Stanley Cup titles, then claimed the full- firefighter’s helmet Penguins players typically award to one of their most time gig in Pittsburgh, he was prone to lapses in focus in practice, which important players after a win. carried over into games. Jarry stopped 36 shots against the New Jersey Devils, his sharp play in That’s something Sullivan and goalie guru Mike Buckley tackled head-on the second period ensuring a smooth ride to a needed 4-1 win at PPG before the season, when Jarry returned for another showdown with Paints Arena. Casey DeSmith. He sheepishly accepted the headgear and addressed his whooping Nick Bjugstad takes the puck away from the Blue Jackets' Anton teammates. Karlsson Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, at PPG Paints Arena. “Good job, fellas,” the 24-year-old told them. “You’re making my job “We’re all creatures of habit. We are what we repeatedly do,” Sullivan easy.” said. “We felt as though his attention to detail and his focus in practice will translate to a more consistent game. And that’s been one of the Jarry, meanwhile, might be making coach Mike Sullivan’s a little more hurdles Tristan has [had] to overcome to establish himself as a bona fide challenging. everyday NHL goaltender.” In the victory, which snapped the team’s four-game losing streak to Jarry put up respectable numbers in the AHL and last season helped an Metropolitan Division rivals, Jarry dropped his goals-against average to overmatched team remain in the playoff hunt until the final two weeks. 1.80, tops among qualifying goalies. His .945 save percentage is also But he was viewed as a B-level prospect by many in the media, and the best in the biz by a good margin. people in NHL front offices likely agreed. It’s a small sample size, sure. He has started just five games, winning The Penguins couldn’t find an offseason trade worth taking for Jarry, a three. But he is making a case to cut into the workload of Matt Murray, second-round pick in 2013, the year after they drafted Murray. In cap hell who has been mostly solid this season but whose statistics pale in and unwilling to lose Jarry for nothing, they put DeSmith on waivers. Last comparison to those of Jarry. season, DeSmith proved capable of stopping pucks after a longer layoff. The Penguins weren’t sure how Jarry would respond to being a clear “It’s not my decision,” Jarry said. “If I’m called upon, I’ll make sure I’m backup. doing the best I can to be ready. Other than that, it’s not something I can control.” So far, so good. Jarry has allowed three or fewer goals in each of his starts. One thing Jarry has been able to control is his approach every single day. While Jarry was in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, watching from afar as a contemporary in Murray won two Stanley Cup titles, then claimed the full- time gig in Pittsburgh, he was prone to lapses in focus in practice, which carried over into games.

That’s something Sullivan and goalie guru Mike Buckley tackled head-on before the season, when Jarry returned for another showdown with Casey DeSmith.

“We’re all creatures of habit. We are what we repeatedly do,” Sullivan said. “We felt as though his attention to detail and his focus in practice will translate to a more consistent game. And that’s been one of the hurdles Tristan has [had] to overcome to establish himself as a bona fide everyday NHL goaltender.”

Jarry put up respectable numbers in the AHL and last season helped an overmatched team remain in the playoff hunt until the final two weeks. But he was viewed as a B-level prospect by many in the media, and the people in NHL front offices likely agreed.

The Penguins couldn’t find an offseason trade worth taking for Jarry, a second-round pick in 2013, the year after they drafted Murray. In cap hell and unwilling to lose Jarry for nothing, they put DeSmith on waivers. Last season, DeSmith proved capable of stopping pucks after a longer layoff. The Penguins weren’t sure how Jarry would respond to being a clear backup.

So far, so good. Jarry has allowed three or fewer goals in each of his starts.

“We think he has taken it to heart,” Sullivan said of their September chat. “And because of that his overall consistent game has translated to this point.”

Friday was the fourth game in a row that the Penguins scored first. Kahun got them on the board 7:51 into the first period. The winger exited the left corner, pulled the puck around a sliding Mirco Mueller and flung a backhand past Mackenzie Blackwood for a 1-0 lead.

Taylor Hall tied the score, 1-1, just 31 seconds into the second period. The Devils were on a power play that carried over from the first when a shot from the point hit Nico Hischier in front of Jarry. Hischier pivoted and found Hall with a backdoor pass. Hall, a former league MVP, put the puck off the left post and in.

That would be all that got by Jarry. He shut the door on the Devils the rest of the second, when they threw 20 shots on goal. Playing with a poise he hadn’t always displayed in past stints with the Penguins, he found pucks through traffic, controlled rebounds and stretched to make a few nice saves when things broke down.

“They pushed in the second. They got that power-play goal early on, and I think they got a boost from that. Tristan made some timely saves,” Sullivan said.

Jake Guentzel scored on a breakaway 7:33 left in the period to put the Penguins back on top. Evgeni Malkin calmly one-timed a rolling puck to Guentzel to get him in all alone on Blackwood. Guentzel turned the goalie inside out before sliding the puck in with his backhand. It was his team-high 11th goal.

The Penguins blew the game open with two quick goals to open the third. Rookie defenseman John Marino scored 25 seconds after Jared McCann ripped a wrister top shelf.

“It definitely feels nice to come out strong and get a lead, and we just built from there and held onto it,” Bryan Rust said. “And [Jarry] was really good tonight.”

Good enough that Sullivan might want to consider starting him more often. That’s not to say there is or should be a full-on goalie controversy here.

Jarry says he isn’t worried about his playing time or obsessing over his stellar stats. To steal a line from Murray, he already is moving on to his next start.

“I’m just trying to help the team win whenever I’m called upon and making sure I’m doing my part and making sure I’m pushing myself as much as I can,” he said.

The Penguins will continue their three-game homestand Monday against Calgary.

Post Gazette LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162951 Pittsburgh Penguins Sullivan said he has been giving no consideration to Marino’s first-year status when trying to figure out how to divvy up the ice time among his defensemen.

Penguins focused on getting Alex Galchenyuk more shots “It really doesn’t enter our conversation. Everything we’ve thrown at him, he’s handled extremely well. We just think he’s a real good player,” Sullivan said, adding, “It seems like the more responsibility we give him, he thrives on it.” PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE Double the Doms NOV 22, 2019 7:11 PM Dominik Simon and Dominik Kahun have skated together on and off

throughout the past two weeks as injuries forced Sullivan to search for Alex Galchenyuk entered Friday with just five shots on goal in the last new combinations. He gave them an extended look together Thursday on four games. With someone who can shoot like Galchenyuk, that rang a line with Patric Hornqvist and liked what he saw. Sullivan kept them alarm bells. together to start Friday’s game.

“He’s got to get himself into position to shoot more,” Mike Sullivan said “I think the two Doms have a little bit of chemistry,” Sullivan explained. before Friday’s game against the New Jersey Devils at PPG Paints “They’re both pretty smart players. They’re good in tight spaces. I think Arena. “I think that’s the most important thing. I don’t think Alex is Horny brings an element of grit and he’s heavy on pucks. He’s good in reluctant to shoot the puck.” front of the net.”

Galchenyuk, acquired from the Arizona Coyotes in the Phil Kessel trade, Simon, who won just three of nine faceoffs Thursday, remained in the was still looking for his first goal with the Penguins when Friday rolled middle Friday. He played center for the Czechs in the IIHF world around. championship this summer, giving the Penguins the idea to try him out there during the preseason. With Sidney Crosby and Nick Bjugstad out, By all accounts, this is the same guy who scored 105 goals over the they gave it another whirl. previous five seasons, including 30 goals for Montreal in the 2015-16 season. He started the season on Evgeni Malkin’s wing, missed some “I thought he did real well,” Sullivan said of the 25-year-old’s play time with an injury and had been unable to make much of a positive Thursday. impact, watching his minutes dwindle. Post Gazette LOADED: 11.23.2019 “That just boils down to the process,” Sullivan said. “Playing the game the right way and understanding what your role is on the forecheck and supporting the puck and finding the quiet ice or the soft spots in the offensive zone so that he can avail himself for those types of opportunities. Because he can really shoot.”

Galchenyuk logged just 10:10 of ice time in Thursday's overtime loss to the New York Islanders. It was the fifth straight game he was under 14 minutes despite having a role on the power play. He essentially was a fourth-liner during 5-on-5 play.

Despite his early struggles in Pittsburgh, he has tried to remain positive.

“I’m sticking to it,” the 25-year-old said after Wednesday’s practice. “I keep working hard. I’m working on the other aspects of my game and sooner or later one is going to go in. And I’ll just build off that. Hopefully it’s sooner than later.”

It’s been a while

With Kris Letang and Justin Schultz out of the lineup Thursday, Sullivan turned to a pair of blue-liners that had gone a while since their last NHL games.

Zach Trotman, who last suited up for the Penguins during the final week of the 2018-19 regular season, received 19 minutes of ice time against the Islanders. Chad Ruhwedel, who had not played since Feb. 26, logged a little over 14.

Undisciplined Penguins fall to Islanders in overtime ... again

“I thought they both had good games,” Sullivan said. “They can both skate. They have decent size. They’re strong. They kept their game simple.”

Juuso Riikola, who was scratched Thursday, was the odd man out again Friday.

No worries about Marino

John Marino has been playing a lot since Letang went down two weeks ago. But Sullivan has no worries about the rookie, who can “eat up” big minutes.

“I just think he’s efficient and his fitness level is really good,” Sullivan said.

Marino has been playing next to Brian Dumoulin on the top Penguins pair. He’s a regular on their penalty kill. And the 22-year-old could become an option on the power play, which is missing their top two point men in Letang and Schultz. 1162952 Pittsburgh Penguins The Penguins had been feast or famine on offense, scoring 34 of their 70 goals in five games before Friday night. Recently, including a week to the day in New Jersey, they had squandered points by not finishing enough in games during which they had dominated possession. Rossi: Jake Guentzel’s bizarre breakaway was symbolic of the Penguins’ season The Devils arrived in Pittsburgh with one of the lowest point totals. If the Penguins were to lose twice to them within a week, there may have been more of a problem than anybody wanted to admit in Pittsburgh.

By Rob Rossi Nov 22, 2019 There still might be a problem, by the way.

The Penguins have scored 69.2 percent of their goals (54 of 78) in 10 games. They are 8-1-1 in those games. As he walked toward the visiting broadcast booth on the Mike Lange Media Level on Friday night, Glenn “Chico” Resch wondered aloud how They are 12-7-4 overall. Jake Guentzel’s backhand shot became a backbreaking goal for the New Jersey Devils. A 4-6-3 mark when scoring three or fewer goals is not the most encouraging of records. What makes it more discouraging is the “Did he ever show forehand?” Resch asked. “I didn’t see him show likelihood that the top line comprises humans, even if it might not seem forehand. So how does he score backhand like that? that way the past few weeks.

“I played goal, so let me explain how it’s supposed to work: A guy shows Malkin has either scored or set up eight of the Penguins’ 20 goals since forehand and then goes backhand. That’s the move. If he doesn’t show captain Sidney Crosby aggravated a lingering sports hernia injury on forehand and still ends up going backhand — it’s not supposed to work Nov. 9. Guentzel and Rust have combined to score six goals over that that way. span.

“What a move by him! That’s a great goal by Guentzel.” Crosby is out at least another five weeks. Nick Bjugstad, also a center, is out a minimum of eight weeks. The Penguins have been playing without No argument here, Chico. Kris Letang, their best offensive defenseman, since Nov. 4 — and now Guentzel’s bizarre backhanded beauty in the second period finished a their second-best offensive player on the back end, Justin Schultz, is out beep-bop-boom sequence by the Penguins’ remade top line. Fellow for the longer term because of a lower-body injury. winger Bryan Rust moved the puck to center Evgeni Malkin, whose Those injuries are the reason Marino is now a top-pairing partner for relaying pass sprung Guentzel. The goal was Guentzel’s team-leading Brian Dumoulin, who probably never expected to find himself on the 11th, which puts him on pace for a 39-goal follow up to his first 40-goal Penguins’ top power-play unit as he has the past couple of games. season. Those injuries are also the reason Dominik Simon, who has played up There was a prettier goal scored in the Penguins’ 4-1 win over the Devils and down the lineup as a winger over the past couple of seasons, is now at PPG Paints Arena. The opening score in the first period, an across- a third-line center. the-grain rising backhander from forward Dominik Kahun, recalled Necessity is the mother of invention, remember? Jaromir Jagr’s mullet 1990s heyday in Pittsburgh. Coach Mike Sullivan has masterfully infused the Penguins with a There was a sharper shot, too. Jared McCann quick-release snipe at the relentlessness and fortitude that are often hallmarks of championship beginning of the third period was from the playbook of former 40-goal clubs. General manager Jim Rutherford has built a deep team that winger James Neal from earlier this decade. generates and denies high-quality scoring chances. There was even a bigger goal for the Penguins against the Devils. But the Penguins have had only two periods with their full lineup. They Rookie defenseman John Marino’s seeing-eyed slapper that ended up won’t have that full lineup for at least another two months. And even behind goalie Mackenzie Blackwood — just 25 seconds after McCann’s when they do, there is real reason to doubt if that lineup will have enough goal — erased any doubt the Penguins were headed for a much-needed high-end scorers to withstand off nights by the likes of Crosby, Malkin breather of a victory after a couple of overtime losses to the New York and Guentzel. Islanders. Of course, it’s probably a tough sell that the Penguins’ weakness this Still, it was Guentzel’s goal that glimmered like those Christmas trees season could be their ability to post goals. Especially after nights like around Pittsburgh on the city’s annual Light Up Night that launches the Friday, when Kahun and McCann are bringing fans out of their seats and holiday seasons. Guentzel is befuddling a guy like Resch, who has spent the better part of How did Resch put it again? “What a move by him!” 45 years either calling or playing goal in NHL games.

Do tell, Jake … Anyway, the holiday seasons are officially upon Pittsburgh, where on Friday night the city’s buildings were lit and fireworks went off and the “Uh, I was going to go to my forehand,” Guentzel said. “Then I just kind of Penguins’ best homegrown winger in a generation fumbled his way into a lost it. I think it was at the top of the circle. Then I had to adjust quickly. goal that gave him something to think about the next time his number is called in the shootout. “So, I mean, I was losing the puck. I kind of just had to get control of it, try to get (Blackwood) sliding a little bit.” “Maybe if you come in wide like that, you can get (the goalie) moving,” Guentzel said. “It’s definitely something you can learn from.” If you’re reading, Chico, here’s the deal: Nobody saw Guentzel show forehand before he went backhand to beat Blackwood. Think forehand. Go backhand. But only after nearly losing the puck in between. As for how he scored “a backhand like that” — well, necessity is the mother of invention. And who would know that better than the Penguins? “Yeah,” Guentzel said, laughing. “Something like that.”

Guentzel conceded his plan for the breakaway changed because he lost The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 the puck. What appeared to everybody else to be a shifty, nifty move was, by Guentzel’s assessment, “a cluster.”

That might have also described the mood around the Penguins had Guentzel’s goal not broken a 1-1 tie. They certainly needed a spark after finding themselves even in a game that probably should have been decided in the first period, when Blackwood made 16 saves, including on each of six combined shots by Malkin and Rust. When defenseman Chad Ruhwedel was penalized for tripping with less than two minutes remaining, there was a sense of concern among the sellout crowd — with good reason. 1162953 Pittsburgh Penguins • Defensive specialist Brian Dumoulin was running the Penguins’ power play Thursday at Barclays Center because, frankly, there was no one else available.

The Penguins keep finding creative ways to lose games • Trotman was seeing heavy minutes. Chad Ruhwedel made his way into a game.

And yet, despite all of the excuses that could be made, the Penguins By Josh Yohe Nov 21, 2019 instead went to work against an Islanders team that now has at least one point in 16 straight games. And for the third time this season, they

generally outplayed the NHL’s hottest team. NEW YORK — When the night was over for Jared McCann — really, The Penguins have a +15 goal differential despite not even coming close when it was totally over — the young forward sat in front of his locker at to fielding a healthy roster this season, good for the fourth-best total in Barclays Center for a moment and could only shake his head. the Eastern Conference. Wins have been difficult to come by, however, “I don’t even know,” he said. leaving the Penguins tied for fourth place in the Metropolitan Division and barely in playoff position despite all of the quality things they’ve It was an understandable reaction, and his teammates seemed similarly accomplished. miffed for a variety of reasons following another overtime loss against the Islanders, this one a 4-3 verdict settled by Brock Nelson at the 4:16 mark “We just have to keep working,” said Bryan Rust, who remained hot with of overtime. yet another goal. “It hurts not to win this game because of how well we played.” In many ways, it was the same old story. The Penguins outplayed the Islanders most of the night, putting on a defensive and puck possession That’s the Penguins in a nutshell. They are playing well. They aren’t clinic. They allowed only five even-strength shots through two periods. winning very often. They keep losing key players to injuries. And they keep succeeding. Well, to some extent. They just aren’t winning enough of these games. It’s fast becoming a team that doesn’t even know if it should feel good McCann said he “doesn’t know” and it’s becoming difficult to know just about itself or not. how to judge these Penguins right now. The Penguins took leads of 1-0 and 2-1 on goals from Evgeni Malkin and This game, in fact, intensified the surreal feeling around the Penguins. Rust. A rash of penalties ultimately saw the Islanders take a late lead thanks to two power-play goals. • Before the game began, the team was informed that Justin Schultz would be out with a “long-term” injury, according to Mike Sullivan. I’ve The determination that has been so evident in the Penguins’ game came been told by numerous sources that Schultz, much like Kris Letang, is to life with 30 seconds remaining when Hornqvist willed the tying goal dealing with a groin injury. Schultz left practice early Wednesday. Schultz past Thomas Greiss. and Letang are by far the Penguins’ two most gifted offensive defensemen. The Penguins have much to feel good about and much to feel frustrated about at the same time. • It was also announced by Sullivan that center Nick Bjugstad is going to miss around eight weeks with a lower-body injury. “I’m just proud of how the guys fought back and got a point,” McCann said. • The Penguins are already playing without Letang and Sidney Crosby. Ten postgame observations • The Penguins entered the game as the NHL’s least-penalized team and yet were shorthanded seven times against the Islanders. • The decision by the officials to resume the game with McCann still in the locker room was absurd. The game would have been delayed a • Jake Guentzel, who isn’t really chatty by nature, said enough to a couple of minutes, not 30. Plain and simple, the referees messed up. It referee to earn himself a double-minor, which led to the Islanders tying was their mistake, no one else’s. Thus, McCann should have been given the score. Earlier in the game, Guentzel was forced to briefly leave the the opportunity to return to the game before play resumed. McCann was game because he was struck in the back of the head by a shot. miffed following the game. So was Sullivan. So were a number of the Penguins. And really, it’s tough to blame them. Nonetheless, many of the • Teddy Blueger picked up a penalty in the third period of a tie game for a calls were of the judgment variety. But waiting for a player to return to the faceoff violation. ice after you’ve told him to leave doesn’t involve judgment of any kind. It • In the game’s most bizarre moment, McCann was ejected. And then he was a pretty horrible decision. wasn’t. With 2:18 remaining in the third period and the Penguins down a • The Islanders were quite lucky that Lee wasn’t given a penalty for goal, Anders Lee struck Brandon Tanev from behind with a dangerous hitting Tanev from behind. It looked like a fairly simple call to me and they hit. A scrum ensued and involved McCann. Lee wasn’t given a penalty on were calling a tight game all night, as evidenced by the Penguins being the play. shorthanded seven times. If you’re going to give a player an extra two “The one ref told me I was gone and to get off the ice,” McCann said. “So minutes for mouthing off about a penalty, fine. But it would seem pretty I did.” reasonable to also give a player a penalty for leveling another player with a dangerous hit. It just didn’t add up. A couple of times every season, McCann sat in the locker room, peeling off his sweater and pads teams rightfully feel like questionable officiating robbed them of a point or following what he believed to be an ejection. Before play resumed, it was two. This was one of those nights for the Penguins. Not a good night for determined by the officials that McCann not only wasn’t ejected but the men in stripes. wasn’t even penalized. Zach Trotman raced to the locker room to inform McCann of the news. McCann hurriedly got dressed, but officials didn’t • I liked what I saw from Hornqvist in his return from an injury. The game- wait for him, resuming play without him. At Barclays Center, which, you tying goal was a vintage Hornqvist goal if ever there has been one. On might have heard, isn’t exactly a great hockey building, the visiting team the game’s first shift, he bulldozed his way into Devon Toews in the must get to the bench from the locker room via an entrance behind the corner. Hornqvist provided a team-leading four hits and was a presence goaltender. Hence, a player can’t report to the bench from the locker throughout the evening, getting under the skin of everyone within room without a whistle. shouting distance and, in general, doing Hornqvist things. I wouldn’t discount his importance in this lineup. His funk during the second half of Sullivan was asked if he would have preferred that officials held up the last season appears to be a thing of the past. The Penguins need game until McCann returned. Hornqvist, and from what I’ve seen this season, he looks pretty close to “Yes,” he said. being back.

When asked about the officiating, Sullivan offered his typical response: “It • Sullivan sure does like his fourth line. The trio of Teddy Blueger, Sam doesn’t matter what I think.” Lafferty and Zach Aston-Reese started each of the three regulation periods. I get it. It is a good fourth line, it’s a line you can trust and, in reality, Sullivan doesn’t particularly think of the unit as a fourth line. But it’s interesting to me that he’s giving that line as much as time as he is, not to mention in such key situations. He’s showing a lot of trust in that line. Let’s see if they stay together when the Penguins get healthy.

• Alex Galchenyuk is simply painful to watch right now. He’s completely lost. He’s trying to skill his way out of a slump and, no matter how much skill one possesses, that’s not how you break out of a slump. Galchenyuk isn’t getting any good looks. He’s pretty invisible these days. Often, when he does have what amounts to a scoring chance, he’s looking to make the pretty play with a cross-ice feed. It simply isn’t working. If the Penguins were totally healthy at the forward position, do you think Galchenyuk would be in the lineup right now? Maybe. He does have a pedigree and he was the crown jewel in the Phil Kessel return. But I’m not so sure he would be. The problem with Galchenyuk is, if he’s not scoring, he’s not helping you win games. He just isn’t. And right now, he’s not scoring. His performance and his confidence level appear to be sagging.

• Apologies for mentioning him after every single game, but John Marino is something else. The rookie played another fine game, meshing beautifully with Dumoulin. Marino’s ability to seemingly make every correct decision is rare for a rookie defenseman. He’s always in control. I particularly was impressed with the play he made in the first period on his first shift, which led to Malkin’s goal. Marino had an open look and could have thrown a shot on net. Instead, with his head up, he located Guentzel’s stick. A moment later, Malkin scored. There is a maturity, thoughtfulness and poise in Marino’s game that is becoming more noticeable on a nightly basis.

• Malkin is playing at a high level. His work on the shift that led to Hornqvist’s game-tying goal was superb, in fact. Malkin has many duties with Crosby out of the lineup, chief among them putting up points. He’s managed six points in his past three games despite operating on a power play that is, to put it kindly, playing shorthanded. The explosive element that always has been part of Malkin’s game hasn’t been all that noticeable this season. Maybe it’s the next step to come in his return from a shaky season and a subsequent injury, or maybe it’s not there anymore. Malkin, however, remains a dynamic player and his performance over the past week should be deemed as encouraging.

• It was an interesting night for Matt Murray. I really liked a lot of what he did in the third period. The Islanders made their only sustained press of the game during the third period, largely because of all of their power plays. Murray was there to meet many of the challenges. The overtime goal, though, was pretty ugly, as Murray literally had his back turned to Nelson when he was scoring the game-winner. I’m not a goaltending expert, but I know that Murray is at his best when he’s making himself appear big in the net. The overtime goal, and New York’s third goal on Tuesday, are examples of Murray making himself look small in the cage. That needs to stop. In general, he’s been good this season and I’d hardly blame any of the Penguins’ occasional struggles on him. He’s part of the solution, not the problem. But he can be better.

• Trotman and Ruhwedel were OK. Nothing special. Nothing fancy. But they were fine. They aren’t the kind of players who are going to especially help in the transition game, but again, you know what you’re getting with them. Sullivan said he was satisfied with their work, and I believe him. Murray said he thought they were “awesome,” and I believe him. Trotman has seen some work during each of the past two seasons at the NHL level, and he hasn’t looked out of place. Perhaps he’s limited in terms of handling the puck, but he’s not so bad.

• I know these are dangerous words, but, how about a little bit of love for Jack Johnson? He’s playing the best hockey of his Penguins’ career right now. Johnson was steady again against the Islanders and, much like what I said about Trotman and Ruhwedel, there’s nothing overly exciting about Johnson’s game. But he’s defending well and has been a reliable contributor for the Penguins all season. His work shouldn’t go overlooked.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162954 San Jose Sharks After a Golden Knights challenge, though, it was ruled that Timo Meier had impaired Marc-Andre Fleury’s ability to stop the puck when he made contact with the Golden Knights goalie on the edge of the crease.

Sharks give health updates on Melker Karlsson, Radim Simek “That was a good shift,” Suomela said. “Coaches say I have to be a good forward one, get good pressure on their defense. It worked yesterday but I want to do the same (Saturday) too.”

By CURTIS PASHELKA | PUBLISHED: November 22, 2019 at 12:29 pm It was the type of aggressiveness that DeBoer wants to see more of from | UPDATED: November 22, 2019 at 2:02 PM Suomela.

“That’s what we’re looking for from him,” DeBoer said. “He chipped it in behind the defenseman, got in, was physical with the defenseman, got SAN JOSE — Forward Melker Karlsson is out for Saturday’s game him off the puck, then got to the net. That’s how you score in the NHL or against the New York Islanders and defenseman Radim Simek is create offense in the NHL.” considered day-to-day after both players were both injured in the Sharks’ 2-1 overtime win over the Vegas Golden Knights. DeBoer on the Isles

Karlsson has an upper body injury, possibly caused by a hit from Golden The Islanders enter Saturday on a franchise-record 16 game point streak Knights winger Ryan Reaves at the 8:26 mark of the second period of (15-0-1), as their last regulation time loss came Oct. 11 against the Thursday’s game at T-Mobile Arena. Karlsson took a regular shift for the Carolina Hurricanes. rest of the period, but had just one shift early in the third before he left the game. Although Mathew Barzal and Brock Nelson lead the team with 20 and 19 points, respectively, New York has allowed just 2.45 goals per game, Simek has a lower body injury, which appeared to be caused by a low hit fourth-best in the NHL. Former Sharks goalie Thomas Greiss is 9-1-0 from Tomas Nosek in the corner to the right of Sharks goalie Aaron Dell with a 2.07 goals against average, third best in the league. His .934 save with 17:00 left in regulation time. Simek left the ice and did not take percentage is tied for second best. another shift. “Definitely a measuring stick game,” DeBoer said. “It’s going to be similar Sharks coach Pete DeBoer said Friday he did not know if Simek’s injury to Vegas. They’re a physical team. They’re fourth line has a similar has anything to do with his surgically repaired right knee, but added the mentality. It really sets the tone for them in their games at the start of malady is in that area. Simek tore the anterior cruciate and medial periods. collateral ligaments and his meniscus in March and just returned to the Sharks’ active roster Nov. 5. “We’re going to have to compete and show up with the same type of physical engagement we did in Vegas.” The Sharks dressed 11 forwards and seven defensemen for Thursday’s game, which ended with Logan Couture’s breakaway goal with 1:40 left San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 11.23.2019 in overtime. Dell made 37 saves in the win, which lifted the Sharks’ record to 11-11-1.

The Sharks are 7-1-0 with Simek in the lineup, as the Czech-born defenseman has a goal and three assists and is averaging over 18 minutes of ice time per game since his return.

Tomas Hertl, who missed Thursday’s game with a lower body injury, is also day-to-day, DeBoer said. Hertl, who was injured in the last two minutes of Tuesday’s game against Edmonton, skated briefly Friday after the team had an optional practice. Hertl also skated Thursday.

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DeBoer said the Sharks, as of early Friday afternoon, were waiting for more medical information on Simek and Hertl before they decide to recall anyone from the Barracuda. The Sharks finished Thursday’s game with 10 forwards and six defensemen.

Barclay Goodrow started Thursday’s game in Hertl’s place as the Sharks’ second line center. He had one shot on goal, but won 10 of 19 faceoffs and played a season-high 18:33.

“I thought Barclay was excellent,” DeBoer said. “He did so many little things during that game, between faceoffs and little plays defensively. He was skating well, was hard, physical. I thought it was one of his best games.”

Suomela’s season debut

DeBoer was also pleased with Antti Suomela’s first game with the Sharks this season. Suomela played just 6:03 but showed a bit more physicality than he had in the past, particularly on one sequence with just over six minutes left in the first period.

Suomela chipped the puck in across the Golden Knights’ blue line and created a turnover on the end boards with a forecheck on defenseman Jon Merrill. The puck later went out to the blue line, where Brenden Dillon’s shot was redirected by Suomela in the high slot into the Vegas net. 1162955 San Jose Sharks “He needed a game like this. We need him this season and he’s been a big part of what we have done here for the past four years,” DeBoer said. “I think it’s just consistency with him. He’s capable of playing games like this on a regular basis. Hopefully this sends him towards that.” Takeaways: Aaron Dell shines in win, but he can’t stop here Other takeaways from Thursday.

Injury bug hits hard: The Sharks were without center Tomas Hertl, who By CURTIS PASHELKA | PUBLISHED: November 22, 2019 at 5:01 am | suffered a lower body injury — not his knee — in the Edmonton game. UPDATED: November 22, 2019 at 6:28 am He’s considered day-to-day.

As of Thursday night, less was known about forward Melker Karlsson and defenseman Radim Simek. Both Sharks players had to leave the LAS VEGAS — Sharks coach Pete DeBoer didn’t mince words earlier game in the third period with injuries. this month when he was asked what his rationale was for starting Martin Jones in goal several times in a row instead of giving Aaron Dell more Karlsson was run over by Ryan Reaves in the second period and didn’t opportunities. take a shift after the 2:03 mark of the third period. Simek suffered a lower body injury, possibly after he appeared to be checked low by Tomas After all, it was DeBoer’s hope when the season began that he could Nosek in the corner to the right of Dell with 17:00 left in regulation time. start Dell in net more consistently than he did last year. He did not take another shift after that. “He’s got to make it easier for us to stick him in there,” DeBoer said Nov. More should be known about both player’s injuries Friday. 12. With Hertl out, the Sharks dressed 11 forwards and seven defensemen Dell had to wait until Thursday’s game with the Vegas Golden Knights to for the game. get another opportunity after he allowed five goals on 28 shots in a lopsided loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Nov. 2. At that point, Dell “We were down to 10 forwards and six defensemen and we found a was 2-3-0 with a 3.83 goals against average and a .878 save way,” Couture said. “I thought we just defended in the last 10 minutes to percentage. try and get that one to overtime.”

Quite frankly, Dell might have been at a crossroads. The Sharks needed Compete level goes up: Perhaps the main message from DeBoer to the better goaltending from their backup and nobody could be totally sure players prior to Thursday’s game was the need to compete harder. The that Dell was still the man for the job. Sharks were outworked by the Oilers on Tuesday, and without a huge piece like Hertl, needed to make up the difference with more effort. Dell took full advantage of his chance Thursday — and got back in his coach’s good graces — as he made 37 saves to lead the Sharks to a 2-1 The Sharks did a good job for the most part in staying above the puck on overtime win over the Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Logan Couture backchecks, limiting Vegas’ opportunities off the rush. Perhaps more scored on a breakaway with 1:40 left in the extra session to give the accurately, they did a better job of that than they did in their last game Sharks their seventh win in eight games. here on Oct. 2, a 4-1 Golden Knights win.

If you have not already, we strongly encourage you to sign up for a digital “That was the only way we were going win tonight with what we had,” subscription, which gives you access to all content on the Mercury News Couture said. “With Tommy being out, we had to work a lot harder than and East Bay Times websites. With your support, we can continue we did last game. We weren’t going to outskill-them. With their lineup bringing these stories — and much more — to your screens. Here’s compared to ours, they got a little more skill up front. But I thought we where to sign up for the season pass: Mercury News, East Bay Times. outworked them for periods in the game and defended pretty hard.”

Timo Meier also scored for the Sharks, who return home Saturday to San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 11.23.2019 face the New York Islanders, who are 15-0-1 since a 5-2 loss to Carolina on Oct. 11.

After the Canucks game, Jones made seven straight starts from Nov. 5- 19. The Sharks won six straight with Jones before they lost 5-2 to Edmonton on Tuesday.

That opened the door for Dell, as DeBoer felt it was time to give his No. 1 goalie a breather.

Dell made 14 saves in both the first and second periods before he allowed a goal from Brayden McNabb at the 9:42 mark of the third period. But Dell responded with three more saves before the end of regulation time and four more in overtime, including clutch stops on Nate Schmidt and William Karlsson on back-to-back glorious opportunities.

“He’s capable of playing games like that where he can steal you a game,” DeBoer said. “He has that type of athleticism, aggressiveness to his game. It’s when he doesn’t have the right amount of that or too much of it is where he starts to get scrambled.

“He was in the zone tonight and he looked great.”

Dell said he’s been working on staying calmer in the net in recent weeks. He also had a visit from goalie consultant Adam Francilia after the loss to the Canucks.

The extra work paid off.

“Yeah I think so. I felt pretty in control,” Dell said. “All the practice I had leading up to this I had some time to hone some things and I think it showed tonight.”

Jones would presumably get the start Saturday and perhaps Monday as well against the Los Angeles Kings. Jones is 11-4-3 with a .928 save percentage in 18 career games against his former team.

Nevertheless, Dell won’t have to wait as long to get his next opportunity. The Sharks play five games in the next eight days. 1162956 St Louis Blues • Calgary’s Andrew Mangiapane, who didn’t return to the game after Vince Dunn’s big hit Thursday, had a broken nose and was wearing a full visor in practice at Enterprise Center on Friday.

Blues notebook: 'If I feel good, I'd like to continue to play,' Bouwmeester • The Blues, who had previously announced a public practice at the new says open-air rink at Centene Community Ice Center for Sunday, have postponed that.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 11.23.2019 By Tom Timmermann 6 hrs ago

A year ago about now, Jay Bouwmeester was struggling on the ice as he came back from hip surgery and his playing future was in doubt. Once back to full health, the veteran defenseman became part of a shutdown pairing with Colton Parayko and signed a one-year contract extension right before the Blues began their Stanley Cup playoff march.

This season, at age 36, he’s kept right on going. He’s third on the team in ice time (21:26 per game), behind only Alex Pietrangelo and Parayko. (Only two players in the league, Boston’s Zdeno Chara and Chicago’s Duncan Keith, are older than Bouwmeester and recording more ice time.) Has Bouwmeester thought about another season yet?

“I feel good,” he said Friday. “If I feel good, I’d like to continue to play. Last year, I was in the same boat, in the last year of my contract, and we approached it like, we’ll see how it goes and see what happens. In February, I talked with Doug (Armstrong, the Blues’ general manager) about if I wanted to do an extension. This year is different, we’ll see how it goes.”

One difference is that, since he has a one-year contract, he can’t sign an extension until after Jan. 1. Last year, he was coming off a multi-year deal and could sign a new deal once he entered the final year.

“It’s not a big deal,” Bouwmeester said. “Last year, I went through a lot of different scenarios. As long as you feel good, you want to keep playing. We’ll see what happens.”

Brouwer in?Blues coach Craig Berube wants to get newly signed forward Troy Brouwer into the lineup as soon as he can. But the decision on when that game will be is out of his hands as Brouwer, who is from Canada, waits for his work visa.

As of the end of practice on Friday, Brouwer hadn’t gotten it, and that potentially could idle him for the weekend. The visa doesn’t have to be in his hands, but it does have to be issued.

Meanwhile, while the official roster on Thursday night had Brouwer wearing No. 22, he said he would be wearing No. 36 for the Blues, as he did when he was with the team in 2015-16. Brouwer has worn 22 at several stops in his career, including last season in Florida. But as a Blue, he feels like he’s No. 36.

“I thought maybe it would be cool to have a new number for every team I went to,” Brouwer said. “Then I had such good success here (with 36), I thought I’d keep it in Calgary, and that didn’t pan out. So I changed my number again. Coming back to the Blues, I see myself as 36 on the Blues.”

Based on practice on Friday, if Brouwer does get in, Klim Kostin would come out.

Notes

Zach Sanford’s four-point game Thursday against Calgary surpassed his previous best, a three-point game vs. Chicago on Oct. 27, 2018. The link between them? The Blues were wearing their third jersey, the powder blue Winter Classic uniform. Sanford wore the retro 1990’s jersey on Thursday, so his two best games in terms of points have come at Enterprise Center, but neither wearing the team’s usual home jersey.

“Have to talk to Adidas and come up with some new ideas,” he said.

• Jordan Binnington’s 40-save shutout against Calgary was the sixth with 40 or more saves in Blues history, joining Carter Hutton, Jake Allen, Ty Conklin, Chris Mason and Jacques Plante, according to St. Louis Blues History on Twitter. Hutton, with 48 saves against Winnipeg on Dec. 16, 2017, faced the most shots.

It was the fourth shutout with 40-or-more saves this season in the NHL. 1162957 St Louis Blues

Preview: Blues vs. Predators

By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch 6 hrs ago

Blues vs. Predators

When, where: 7 p.m. Saturday, Enterprise Center

TV, radio: FSM, WXOS (101.1 FM)

About the Predators: For the second game in a row, another free-falling Western Conference squad comes to town. The Preds are 0-5-1 over their last six contests, falling to 9-9-3 and sixth place in the Central Division. During the current losing streak, they have given up nine, five, seven and six goals. In their most recent game, a 6-3 loss Thursday to Vancouver, the Predators allowed five power play goals, tying a franchise single-game record. After a night like that, little wonder that Nashville ranks last in the NHL in penalty-killing efficiency, at 71.0 percent.

Although the offense has dipped lately, the Predators are averaging 3.52 goals per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Nick Bonino and Filip Forsberg are tied for the team lead with nine goals. Defenseman Roman Josi is the points leader with 21 (seven goals, 14 assists).

The teams meet again Monday in Nashville.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162958 St Louis Blues “The last few games, I think (Sanford has) been a lot more aggressive,” Blues coach Craig Berube said. “More assertive in his game. It paid off last game. Hopefully it continues. He’s got good puck skills. If he keeps up that aggressive mindset, he’ll be able to produce a little bit for us.” Sanford fighting a head game to try to help Blues Sanford needs to score and the Blues need Sanford to score. The absence of Vladimir Tarasenko, probably for the rest of the season, and Sammy Blais for 10 weeks, leaves two holes in the offense. Sanford had By Tom Timmermann St. Louis Post-Dispatch 42 min ago eight goals and 12 assists in 60 games last season. He’s one of the forwards on the team with a chance to see his numbers go up.

Blues forward Zach Sanford was standing alone in the visitors’ dressing “I like to think I have pretty good skill around the net,” he said. “It’s just a room at TD Garden in Boston the morning of Oct. 26, reflecting on what matter of me getting there and getting there when the puck’s there and separated Good Zach Sanford from Healthy Scratch Zach Sanford. making something happen. For me, it’s continuing to focus on the little things and if I can keep getting better, good things will happen. Two days before, he had returned to the lineup after four games as a healthy scratch and had an assist and seven shot attempts. “I’m just trying to focus and play responsible and play physical and create some plays and I think I’m doing a pretty good job of that. … For me, it’s “I just went into the game and I felt more relaxed,” he said. “I think a lot of continuing to build off that and keep getting better and points and stuff times, there’s stuff going on in my head and when I really focus and tell will come.” myself to go play, I just feel more comfortable. Don’t think as much out there.” And keeping all that other stuff out of his head.

The search for a clear head and a strong game continues for Sanford, St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 11.23.2019 but he has shown some progress. On Wednesday, he spoke of the frustration of not having “a ton of points” this season — he had four — and on Thursday he matched the total for his first 17 games with a goal and three assists for his first NHL four-point game in the Blues’ 5-0 win over Calgary.

Could this be the breakthrough he’s been waiting for?

“I think so,” he said Friday. “I hope so.”

The Blues love Sanford’s potential, his size, his strength, his ability with the puck. But potential will only get you so far.

Troy Brouwer has been signed to give the team a veteran presence and will be in the lineup soon. Jordan Kyrou toils in the minors, working to get back into shape for an inevitable callup. This is a key time for Sanford. Injuries have taken out three other forwards and assured him a spot in the lineup for now. How long that lasts, who can say?

“There’s always a little bit of pressure with how my season started and where I was,” he said. “I’ve been trying not to think about that kind of stuff and just go out and play my game. My last five or six games, I’ve been a completely different player than I was at the beginning of the year. I’m playing hard, playing physical, and my body feels good. I think once I was able to kind of get out of my own head a little bit, things started to turn around and hopefully I can keep working at that and keep going.

“When things aren’t going good, it turns into everything’s not going good, on and off the ice. I think a lot of stuff is pretty easy to build up. For me, it’s been trying to stay positive and have fun. It’s pretty easy when you’re around these guys, especially when you’re on the road. It’s a close team. A lot of great guys. They’ve helped me and are keeping me with it.”

Sanford has been historically streaky with the Blues, with a run of good games followed by a run of not-so-good ones. After two games without a shot attempt to start the team’s most recent trip, he has amped up his production in the seven games that followed. In his first 11 games, he had a goal, two assists and 10 shots on goal. In his past seven, he has a goal, four assists and 10 shots on goal.

More shots, more shots on goal, more dangerous chances. He wasn’t getting the results — his only goal this season before Thursday was on a shot taken by Alexander Steen that grazed off the bottom of Sanford’s stick. But he was getting chances, which was the first step.

Sanford’s two games with linemates Robert Thomas and Oskar Sundqvist have helped, because the way Thomas has played since returning to his favored spot of center would boost anyone.

On Thursday, Thomas skated around the Flames’ zone and found Sanford for a one-timer to start the scoring. In the second period, Sanford flipped a puck from deep in his own end that Sundqvist grabbed at center ice and scored on a breakaway. In the third period, he got a puck that Thomas had taken from Calgary goalie and fed Sundqvist in front with an open net at which to shoot. Then he got the second assist on Vince Dunn’s closing goal.

The Thomas line was on the ice for four of the team’s five goals and all four of the even-strength scores. 1162959 St Louis Blues

Brouwer still waiting on visa to play for Blues

By Tom Timmermann St. Louis Post-Dispatch 15 hrs ago

Craig Berube wants Troy Brouwer to get in the lineup. Troy Brouwer wants Troy Brouwer to get in the lineup.

But right now, the U.S. government hasn't given the go-ahead, so Brouwer remains in limbo for the Blues game Saturday.

Brouwer said after practice on Friday that he still has not gotten his work visa to be able to play for the Blues. If he does not get it by the close of business on Friday, he likely will not get it until Monday at the earliest, which would keep him out of Saturday's game with Nashville. Since it just needs to have been issued and he doesn't need to physically have, if it's issued Monday, he could get into the Blues game that night in Nashville.

"As of this morning, we were still waiting," Brouwer said. "It used to be easier, but I think with the new policies it's a little more difficult. Before, every time I would come down, it would be a day or two tops. The other thing, I've been in the United States for 12 of the past 14 years. You don't think I'm a trusted traveler?"

What would happen to him if he tried to play without a visa?

"I think technically I could be deported," he said. I don't know if they would actually do. For obvious reasons, the Blues wouldn't want that."

Brouwer skated on the fourth line again, with Klim Kostin skating as the extra. But if Brouwer isn't good to go, Kostin would be back in.

Berube said he liked what he saw of Jacob de la Rose playing center on Thursday night.

Other than the Brouwer uncertainty, the Blues lines and defensive pairings were the same on Friday, so it looks as if Carl Gunnarsson will be a healthy scratch again. Berube -- and Jordan Binnington -- were very high on Robert Bortuzzo's play on Thursday.

Brouwer, by the way, was listed on the roster sheet for Thursday night as wearing 22, the number he wore last season in Florida and at various other stops in his career. But he said Friday that he'll be wearing 36.

"Joel (Farnsworth, the Blues equipment manager) didn't ask me and with the jerseys that are out there, I just figured I'm going to make them change them," Brouwer said.

He wore 22 when in Chicago, couldn't get it in Washington so switched to 20, and then couldn't get any of the numbers he liked in St. Louis, so got 36.

"I thought maybe it would be cool to have a new number for every team I went to," Brouwer said. "Then I had such good success here (with 36), I thought, I'll keep it in Calgary and that didn't pan out. So I changed my number again. Coming back to the Blues, I see myself as 36 on the Blues."

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162960 St Louis Blues On the other hand, here’s how a controlled zone entry can play out: On this play, Thomas receives the puck at his own blue line, drives

through the middle of the neutral zone then swings wide as he enters the Moving to the middle: Blues’ Robert Thomas poised to seize opportunity zone; the Lightning defenders are stuck in the middle of the ice and as center uncertain of Thomas’ pacing. He then enters with control, feeds a streaking Colton Parayko with a cross-ice pass, and a difficult shot on goal is created. The Blues spend no time recovering the puck in the corners and are able to create dangerous offense without allowing all By Sean Tierney Nov 22, 2019 Lightning skaters to get involved on defense.

After Thursday’s 5-0 win over the Flames, Thomas said this: “(A) lot of No Vladi Tarasenko? No problem. times with zone entry, you want to kind of kick it wide and drive through. That opens up that weak-side guy. But sometimes the (opposing The St. Louis Blues haven’t skipped a beat in the wake of the loss of their defenseman) is sitting to the outside waiting for that, so you just slow star winger. Quite the opposite, in fact. The Blues now sit with a record of down and try to get one of them to bite so you can slip it by them. That’s 14-4-5 and are tied with two Eastern Conference teams at 33 points in the thinking process behind that one.” the standings. Can dump-ins work for creating offense? Certainly. Research shows that In part, this is thanks to the core of the team picking up the Tarasenko dump-ins lead to shot attempts about 30 percent of the time. Carry-in slack. David Perron, Ryan O’Reilly, Jaden Schwartz, Brayden Schenn zone entries, however, lead to shot attempts about 60 percent of the and Alex Pietrangelo each have contributed well offensively, which has time. If you have the time and space to choose, the best option for helped the team weather the loss of their perennial 30-plus-goal scorer in creating offense is a clean, controlled entry. the early going. How do the Blues’ skaters fare by these measures? But as the season wears on, some of the Blues’ young skaters will need to step into more prominent roles to support the upper tier and provide This data is provided by the hand-tracking efforts of Corey Sznajder, who depth for the roster. manually tracks data for all 31 NHL teams to allow this sort of analysis. The sample for this season is still quite small, so we’re getting a sense of That’s where Robert Thomas steps in. what players are capable of, rather than definitive, locked-in conclusions.

The 20-year-old former OHL standout has recently moved to center, his With those caveats in mind, the left side of the chart shows controlled first look at the position since coming to the NHL. How has Thomas zone entry rates for all Blues skaters. Thomas ranks third in the small fared? What can the advanced stats tell us about the kind of player sample, creating more entries than all but puck-control wizard David Thomas is and the likelihood that he can step into a bigger role for Perron and, interestingly, Zach Sanford. The colors show success rate Blues? Can he be a top-six solution at center for a team with eyes on on these entry attempts (red is “poor,” blue is “good”). Thomas hasn’t repeating as Stanley Cup champions? always been successful creating clean entries, but his inclination to enter the zone with control will bode well if he can maintain his high rate of To get some answers, let’s turn to the data. entry creation. Time for Thomas to be in the top-six After the game against the Lightning, Thomas noted that creating these The best place to start a player breakdown from a stats perspective is sorts of entries is on his mind while he’s on the ice: “I think you can get expected goal rates. We have discussed how these are calculated and the puck a lot more exiting the zone and entering the zone (when playing why they’re important in the past. Essentially, rate of expected goals for center). You can use your speed through the middle, be a little bit and against is a good indicator of future goal-scoring: Players that are deceptive. That’s my biggest thing: You control the puck more coming on-ice for more quality shots for their team than they allow against are out of the D-zone and make the pass to come out of there.” likely to enjoy positive goal differentials going forward. I’ve included zone exits on the right side here, in part because the play Here’s how the Blues’ forward group has fared so far this season. we reviewed above showed Thomas circling back to the defensive zone then moving through the neutral zone on his own. Thomas has the The data here is very promising for Robert Thomas, who leads the team second-highest rate of zone exits on the team (again, small sample), with an expected goal rate of 2.4 xG per 60 minutes of play at 5-on-5 which indicates that he routinely comes back deep in order to provide his (xGF60). Just as promising is Thomas’ rate of expected goals against defensemen with a passing option to get out of the defensive zone. His while he’s on the ice. At 1.85 xGA60, Thomas is the Blues’ second-best success rate on creating exits is very, very positive. at preventing opportunities for opponents at 5v5, trailing only veteran Tyler Bozak. As Thomas looks to solidify a spot in the top-six, earning Ultimately, Thomas’ ability here is accentuated when he plays at center, head coach Craig Berube’s trust will be key, and Thomas’ responsible as he has over the past two games. Says Thomas: “[Playing center] even-strength work through 217 minutes this season certainly bodes allows me to control the play, exiting the zone and controlling it coming well. into the zone a little bit more. For me, I’m just trying to make clean exits so that (Sanford) and (Sundqvist) can get some space off the rush. We’re But a top-six role will require more than positive management of quality really finding each other and staying connected, and it’s shown the last chances while the young center is on the ice. Let’s take a deeper dig into two games.” the other contributions Thomas makes. Here’s the takeaway: Zone entries are a great way to create offense, and Observers know that creating clean zone entries is key for creating Robert Thomas creates those entries and is able and willing to come all offense. In fact, controlled zone entries lead to twice as many shots as the way back on defense to get that puck and move it through the neutral dump-ins. There are several reasons for this: Controlled entries allow the zone. attacking team to take a shot or choose a pass to create offense, while a dump-in requires the attacking team to get in deep on the defender, Sounds promising, so let’s keep moving … recover the puck then attempt to create offense from the corners or half- Again, we’re drawing on Sznajder’s data here. This chart shows “shot wall if the puck is recovered. contributions,” which are all shots taken by a player and all passes a Here’s how these situations look in real-time: player makes that lead to a shot for a teammate. This stat is well- connected to offensive results, which you can read more about here. The Here, Schwartz takes the breakout pass in the neutral zone (on his basic idea is that the best offensive players create lots of shots for backhand, to be fair) and dumps the puck into the corner. He then rushes themselves and create passes that lead to shots for their teammates. to cut off the defender’s first read to move the puck behind the net, Bozak crashes down to attempt a puck recovery, and Schenn slides up the Here, Thomas ranks sixth among forwards so far this year. It’s a positive strong-side boards. It’s a fairly classic forecheck. The Lightning diffuse indicator, but not overwhelmingly so. This is partly because Thomas the pressure by recovering the puck — notice all five Lightning skaters hasn’t posted a high shot rate so far. The young forward is generally skate into view — and Brayden Point is able to make an easy pass for a regarded as a strong passer with good vision, which is a skill set that controlled zone exit. works best with quality linemates — for example, playing the middle between Schenn and Schwartz — but may also lead a young skater on a veteran team to defer to veteran linemates too much.

To wit:

Thomas has directed only 32 pucks on goal so far this year. He has 3 goals on about 2.8 expected goals for, which means he’s scoring at the rate we’d expect based on the quantity and quality of shots he takes. The shot map shows that Thomas is willing to get into the most dangerous areas of the ice to score, shooting from about 26.6 feet out on average (average shot distance for forwards is about 32 feet out), and his 12.5 percent shooting percentage reflects that willingness to get into the high- danger slot area. There’s a great deal of untapped potential here if the young center looks for his own opportunities a little more often.

But his high-upside passing ability has already come into focus for Thomas at the NHL level.

This primary shot assist illustrates Thomas’ offensive vision, forcing Lightning netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy to commit to the behind-the-net move before slinging a behind-the-back, no-look pass to a wide-open Sundqvist in front of the net.

On the goal, Thomas explained, “I looked to my left and saw him out of the corner of my eye and had a gut feeling it was the right play to do. I try and trust my gut as much as I can. My gut told me was right there, (so I) just threw it there.”

If the youngster can find his own shot a little more consistently while continuing to show this kind of touch and vision in the zone, there’s some definite upside to what he might provide as a fixture at center going forward.

And from last night:

Again, Thomas’ excellent in-zone vision and patience is on display in this clip. He refuses to chip the puck in aimlessly, instead weaving along the half-wall, giving Sanford time to pop into the slot. Thomas provides the primary shot contribution, a beautiful shot assist, and Sanford finishes the play with a great shot. The young center’s play-making ability is a boon for his linemates, and it’s becoming evident that Thomas has a level of untapped ability that could be unlocked with a greater role on the team at center.

Tying it all together

In the early going this season, the Blues are playing well despite the loss of their biggest offensive star. But if this team intends to repeat as Cup champs, youngsters will need to seize larger roles on the team and carry some of the offensive load. Robert Thomas shows great potential to take on a greater role, particularly at his natural center position. He’s responsible on both sides of the puck, managing the share of quality chances while he’s on the ice. He can support clean zone exits and is a capable zone-entry creator. Thomas’ pass-first demeanor has limited his scoring upside so far, but with a strong ability to create shots for others and a willingness to get to the dirty areas of the ice for his own shot, the underlying data suggests there are more goals to be had here.

Thomas has the profile of a player ready to pop. The next move is on Berube to make.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162961 Tampa Bay Lightning She jokingly (but not-so-jokingly) asks when the Lightning will host a moms trip. Last season, the Ducks had a moms trip that featured a stop in Tampa.

Lightning dads’ trip sparks memories of less extravagant trips One locale of this year’s Lightning trip wasn’t particularly exciting for forward Pat Maroon’s father, Phil, who lives outside St. Louis, but the gathering of dads is fun even if it doesn’t take him someplace new. He, like most of the fathers, looks forward to the dads trip every year. By Diana C. Nearhos “You never get that bonding time together with your dad,” Pat said. Published Earlier today “Sometimes when it’s over, you wish you could go back to those Updated 1 hour ago moments and cherish those moments.”

The Maroons have missed out on a lot of time together as Pat has played mostly in other cities. Since he was 16, Pat, 31, has spent only two CHICAGO — Being a parent can look and feel a lot like being a seasons playing in St. Louis. The memories that do stick out for him chauffeur. So it figures that much of the reminiscing of the Lightning come from the earlier years, and a lot of car rides. players and their dads about their early hockey days center around car rides. The Maroons drove to Michigan; Notre Dame, Ind.,; Chicago; Canada and more places, just the two of them. Pat remembers Phil playing rock There were rides shuttling the boys around town and long rides to music or listening to sports radio all the way. tournaments. Some rides created quality time between father and son. “Those are the moments I’ll always remember,” Pat said. “Just having Grant and Brayden Point’s rides were silent. that time, just having those moments as a kid is just awesome. Your dad can teach you how to be a young man.” “(Brayden would) get in the car and sleep,” Grant said of the Lightning center and Calgary native. “We’d get to the rink and I’d try to wake him Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 11.23.2019 up. No go. Try to wake him up (again). No go. Okay, go.”

On the way home, they always stopped for doughnut holes called Timbits from the Canadian chain Tim Horton.

Drives to far-flung tournaments were different. More kids would be in the car, and they were excited for the games ahead — and for the hotel pool, access to which was a powerful motivating tool for coaches.

Fathers of the Lightning players joined the team on this week’s visit to St. Louis and Chicago for the annual dads trip. But instead of a cross- country car ride, the dads were treated to chartered plane rides, luxury hotels, steak dinners, desserts and an adult beverage or two.

Center Tyler Johnson remembers his dad, Ken, making the seven-hour drive from Spokane, Wash., to Vancouver, often through the night, so he could play.

“He literally sacrificed every single thing for me,” Johnson said. “I owe him so much.”

Steven Stamkos sits out the last two periods of a 4-2 win vs. the #Blackhawks with a lower-body injury. Jon Cooper couldn't say how long he'll be out. https://t.co/Yk5wi2cv8g #GoBolts #Bolts #TBLightning #CHIvsTBL @dianacnearhos

— TampaBayTimesSports (@TBTimes_Sports) November 22, 2019

Most of forward Yanni Gourde’s memories of his dad and hockey revolve around Jean-Guy shuttling the three Gourde boys to practices and games.

Jean-Guy reminded his son of the time he left Yanni at the wrong arena. Yanni sat on his hockey bag waiting for someone to come back for him. He doesn’t remember how he was rescued, but he figures he borrowed a phone to call someone. They got him in time to get to the right rink for puck drop.

“They sacrificed so much for us,” Yanni said. “It’s just nice we get the chance to give back a little bit and they get to see a little bit of behind the scenes here.”

Of 23 players, 15 fathers and one father-in-law made the trip. Twelve other dads and three brothers joined the coaches and staff. Olle Hedman, Pavel Rutta, Alexandr Sergachev, Andrei Vasilevskiy Sr. and Libor Bartik, forward Ondrej Palat’s father-in-law, made the trip from Europe.

Olle Hedman hasn’t missed a trip yet in Victor’s 10 seasons with the team. He got more time with Victor this week than he did during the six days the Lightning spent in Sweden for two games this month.

Forward Alex Killorn’s father, Matt, was at his games during his youth in Quebec, and the one who handed over a toonie ($2 coin) for the postgame Gatorade. But Alex’s mother, Cindy, did a lot of the midweek driving between his city and high school teams. 1162962 Toronto Maple Leafs Three wins in a row? They are unstoppable. Three losses after that? Something’s broken.

One of the many things that made firing Babcock possible was the St. Sheldon Keefe makes a strong first impression with Maple Leafs Louis Blues. The recency of the Blues’ climb from dead last to Cup champions has convinced everyone this sort of thing isn’t just possible, but probable. Consistency is out. Being forged in fire is in. All the bad things that happen to a team are good things. Failure makes success CATHAL KELLY possible, etc. PUBLISHED 12 HOURS AGO The Leafs are not in nearly as bad a position as St. Louis was last year, UPDATED NOVEMBER 22, 2019 though the situations are roughly comparable. Decent team doing badly. Midseason coaching change.

What’s different is the amount of attention those predicaments got. Great news, everyone. The Toronto Maple Leafs are saved. This week, they had their Road-to-Damascus moment, changed their ways and When the Blues were in last place in January, no one cared. People in resolved to lead better, less defensively porous lives. The promised land St. Louis hardly cared. Why should they have? The Blues hadn’t made awaits. the playoffs the year before. This was an average team being somewhat worse than that. At least until Saturday night. Then we’ll reassess. The Blues’ second-half attack on the standings didn’t catch a whole lot of This is the natural order of things when it comes to hockey in Toronto. It’s attention either. They were underdogs right up until they won the whole almost comforting. thing. It was a team of veterans left to do things in as close to isolation as is possible in professional team sport. Toronto beat a good Arizona team in Phoenix on Thursday. There were three miracles – the Leafs scored first; Tyson Barrie scored at all; and Now try to imagine the same set of circumstances playing out the same they came within 20 seconds of a shutout. way for the Leafs. It’s not possible.

Clearly, everything we’d heard about new head coach Sheldon Keefe Whether he is the right coach for the Leafs, Keefe’s manner of arrival being a genius was correct (even though no one was saying that until ensures maximum attention to every small turning of the story. Wednesday). He and Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas are like Spock and Kirk after the Vulcan mind-meld. What this team looks like What we are trying to figure out now is not if the Leafs are any good. now – from roster to coach to executive – is how it was designed to look. They are good, individually at least.

New Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe watches from the What we’re trying to figure out is if they are the right collection of people bench during the second period of a game against the Arizona Coyotes to be good at hockey in Toronto. at Gila River Arena on Nov. 21, 2019 in Glendale. This city is a unique environment in which to play the sport. It’s a little like Keefe wasn’t triumphal in his opening news conference, but he was a saying, “You’re good at Sport X on Earth, but are you good at it on the long way from deferential. moon, where the air is a lot thinner and occasionally non-existent?”

“My message to the players today is that I’m not focused on what this With the exception of Morgan Rielly, none of the current group of Leafs isn’t,” Keefe said. “I’m focused on what this team is.” has experienced what it is like to play in Toronto when the city is in a state of constant frenzy over the hockey team. That’s what Babcock gave As it turns out, Dubas was right not to bother giving Mike Babcock a kick the franchise – a few years of breathing space. We won’t know for a few on his way out the door. Keefe was happy to do it for him. more months if he was worth the money.

Based on one game, the change of background scenery worked. The Getting everyone on the same page is great, but the solution cannot be team did look more spry. Who knew you could rush to the puck, rather confined to what happens on the ice. What’s required is an unusual than wait for it to cycle around to you? Certainly not anyone who’s been collection of people capable of thriving in this environment. What you watching the Leafs this year. need are players who thrive on a toxic mixture of too much love mixed with too much criticism. Afterward, Keefe put some more distance between his own style and Babcock’s. Where Babcock was a folksy authoritarian, Keefe will be the Figuring out the penalty kill is easy. Figuring out that part is Fermat’s Last sort of coach who greets the guy who sharpens the skates with a hug. Theorem of pro sports. Smart people have been going at it for 50 years and haven’t got anywhere close to an answer. “Just the players, they’ve been open-minded and welcoming and engaged,” Keefe said. “They just want to be coached. They allowed me Globe And Mail LOADED: 11.23.2019 to do that.”

Isn’t that what we all want? Just to be coached? And to make millions of dollars while it happens?

All in all, a promising performance from Keefe. Not the coaching. If it only takes a single day to reinvent the mission statement of an NHL team, then I’m not sure why teams employ coaches year-round.

But impressive in the way Keefe presented himself. When one guy leaves, people don’t want the same guy replacing him. They want the complete opposite guy. Whether by calculation or instinct, Keefe understood that. He had one day to make a different sort of impression. He made it.

Now he’s got to make it again. And again. And again. Until he either takes this team very near the top or is fired. At which point, we’ll all say it was obvious from the beginning that he was the wrong man for the job.

This is the cycle the Leafs have once again entered. “Trapped” would be the wrong word. You can’t be trapped when you’re doing the thing you meant to do.

The sort of analysis that ought to be done every couple of months – how’s everyone doing? Is this working? Are we on track to hit our targets? – will now happen every few days. 1162963 Toronto Maple Leafs linchpins of Keefe’s system, after all, is five-man co-operation in every aspect of the game, from advancing up the ice to retreating through the middle on defence.

Sheldon Keefe’s Leafs expect fast results with slower hockey “Everyone has to be on the same page to support one another, especially through the neutral zone,” Matthews said. “I think everybody knows how hard it is to get through the neutral zone in the NHL.”

By Dave Feschuk If any Leaf knows how hard it is to get into an NHL lineup at age 36, it’s Jason Spezza. Scratched by Babcock on opening night, never mind that Fri., Nov. 22, 2019timer5 min. read he’s a GTA guy who took less to sign with the Leafs, suddenly he finds himself a valued commodity in the Keefe era. If a play-fast, straight-line game doesn’t suit a guy who’s not as fleet as the average 20-something, DENVER—If Mike Babcock said it once, he said it a thousand times. Keefe’s new push to be purposeful and patient speaks to why Dubas signed Spezza in the summer. “Play fast.” “He has a skill set that fits the way that we want to play, so that I think During Babcock’s four-plus seasons as Maple Leafs coach it was one of sets him up for success,” Keefe said Friday. the foundational mantras of the organization. And as much as it made sense to some outsiders — this was a team built on speed and skill, after If Dubas and Babcock never found “simpatico,” to use Dubas’s word, all, so playing “fast” only seemed to follow — to many of the speediest Spezza and Keefe seem like kindred spirits. Years ago they played and most skilled denizens of Toronto’s dressing room Babcock’s urgings against one another in the OHL during Keefe’s long-ago days as a to “play fast” were always met with misgivings. To those players, it was wayward junior. Spezza joked on Friday that those years “will not be shorthand for a style that didn’t particularly suit the roster as built by spoken about,” perhaps out of respect to a coach who is now Spezza’s general manager Kyle Dubas. lifeline to extending a career that, under Babcock, looked to have hit a dead end. “Play fast,” as interpreted by more than a few Leafs who matter, often led to a chip-and-chase grind game at which the team only occasionally Playing Keefe’s style of game, Spezza said, “feels natural to me.” If excelled. “Play fast,” too often, was a slightly more sophisticated variation Babcock wanted the team to dump the puck and chase, Keefe wants on “pucks in deep.” Which is why, under Babcock, puck retrieval was them to keep it and improvise, albeit with caveats and with purpose and such a prized skill, and why a forechecking savant such as Zach Hyman with defensive responsibility always in mind. For a roster filled with expert was so cherished by the coach, who was fired on Wednesday. practitioners of a lifetime of skill work, Keefe is speaking in what amounts to a love language. It’s a honeymoon, indeed. But what’s becoming clear in the opening days of Sheldon Keefe’s tenure as head coach is that playing fast is a thing of the past. Don’t get it Said Tyson Barrie, the offensive-minded defenceman who was traded wrong. Speed and skill will still be the keystones of the operation. These from Colorado in the summer: “It’s an exciting time to be a Leaf.” guys certainly aren’t winning with hard-hitting heaviness. And the ability to retrieve loose pucks will still be a valued commodity, because hockey’s Toronto Star LOADED: 11.23.2019 a game of unpredictable bounces that requires resilient adaptation to random situations. So Hyman, though he might not be the new coach’s very favourite player, isn’t going anywhere.

But the core principles being emphasized by Keefe, as the rookie coach held his first full practice at the University of Denver’s Joy Burns Arena in advance of Saturday’s game against the Avalanche, are clearly different than the ones incessantly pushed by Babcock. What’s the biggest discrepancy? Players are always reluctant to make comparisons so soon after a firing. But suffice it to say that if Babcock wanted the team to play fast, the post-Babcock Leafs are being encouraged to play with patience and control. Call it slow hockey with fast players, and fast thinkers.

On Friday, Keefe described the philosophy as “trying to be a little more purposeful” with the puck. Auston Matthews, the team’s leading scorer and forever a Babcock skeptic, said the newly installed concept amounts to “not rushing plays when we have the puck, especially in the neutral zone.

“It’s having more patience,” Matthews said.

Which is not to say it’ll always be as seamless as it looked in Thursday’s 3-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes, wherein Toronto’s players clearly took pleasure in dancing on Babcock’s professional tombstone. To be fair to the Leafs who clearly found glee in Babcock’s ouster, four-plus years of any coach can be too much. As for four-plus years of Babcock’s repetitive shtick — “redneck authenticity” is what the two-time Olympic gold medallist once called it, as though it were a saleable product — nobody who works for the club will tell you Babcock’s act wasn’t at times tiresome. Mike Babcock, when he wasn’t betting on Mike Babcock, was about Mike Babcock. It’s entertaining until it’s not.

Which is not to say Keefe won’t soon experience more trying times than the honeymoon of a 1-0 NHL coaching record. And certainly they’ll face serious opposition on Saturday, when 10-year Maple Leaf Nazem Kadri takes a shot at exacting revenge for the summertime trade that sent him to Colorado against his will, a deal that brought Tyson Barrie and Alex Kerfoot to Leafland.

“(Kadri is) kind of in your face, and I’m sure this is the game he’s had circled on his calendar for a long time,” Matthews said. “You always know what to expect when you go up against him.”

You know what to expect, or you don’t. On Friday, mind you, the Leafs were very much focused on what to expect from each other. One of the 1162964 Toronto Maple Leafs

Saturday NHL preview: Toronto Maple Leafs at Colorado Avalanche

By Dave Feschuk

Fri., Nov. 22, 2019timer2 min. read

PEPSI CENTER

FACEOFF: 7 p.m.

TV: CBC/Sportsnet

RADIO: Sportsnet 590 The FAN

NEED TO KNOW

Kadri reunion: Saturday marks Toronto’s first matchup against Nazem Kadri, the popular centreman who spent about 10 years with the Maple Leafs before he was shipped to Colorado in the deal that brought back Tyson Barrie and Alex Kerfoot. Kadri, who swapped condos with Barrie, is having a better year than the now-Leafs defenceman, who scored his first goal of the season in Thursday’s win in Arizona. Kadri’s on a 26- goal, 55-point pace for the Avalanche, who’ve been giving him first-unit power-play minutes.

Mitch snitch: Name the attention-seeking presence wearing shorts and tossing out chirps from Toronto’s bench during practice in Denver. Yes, that’d be Mitch Marner, who was flown in for the ritual burial of Mike Babcock’s Toronto tenure as he continues rehabbing his high ankle sprain. On Friday, Marner was accused of the high crime of hiding the gear of teammates in the lead-up to the first full practice under Sheldon Keefe. “He’s just being a complete pest,” said Barrie of No. 16. Added Auston Matthews: “He’s bored. Guys are getting on the ice late because they couldn’t find their gear because it was in the other room. I think he’s just antsy to get back so he’s taking it out on us.”

Barrie returns: Barrie said he planned to meet a handful of former teammates for dinner in the lead-up to the game. He said he harboured “fond memories” of the only other city he’s known as a pro. “Playing your first NHL game, scoring your first goal, your first playoffs, meeting new friends and stuff. It’s such a beautiful spot and a great place to live. It’ll just be nice to get back there and see everyone. There’s no ill will there. I had a lot of great years there and met some wonderful people. I’m excited to go back and see everyone.” Barrie was asked who he’s most looking forward to playing against among his former teammates. “I’ll tell you who I’m not looking forward to seeing (on the ice),” Barrie said. A reporter guessed (correctly) that he was referring to the truck-like Nathan MacKinnon, who ranks sixth in the NHL with 32 points in 22 games. “I’ve never played against him in my life … I’m sure he’ll take it easy on me,” Barrie said hopefully.

Toronto Star LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162965 Toronto Maple Leafs need lots of moral support, which is why Shanahan showed up in Arizona to help out.

Together, they tried to exude an air of calm, but there was panic Mike Babcock hasn’t changed, and neither has the Leafs’ tendency to detectable. This is the first time in years that the upward curve of panic under pressure Toronto’s progress under the Shanaplan has swerved downwards. The Leafs president hasn’t had to deal with severe dissatisfaction with his product since Salute-gate, and that wasn’t seen as his fault because he was so new in his job. By Damien Cox This was different, and it’s interesting that his first reaction to this sudden Fri., Nov. 22, 2019timer4 min. read change in attitude was to abruptly fire a highly decorated coach, or at least go along with his sophomore GM’s impulse to fire that coach.

Coaching dismissals usually tell you a lot more about the organization Perhaps it will prove out that the instincts of these two men were than the coach. absolutely perfect. Shanahan said he saw a “lack of belief” in the players’ eyes, and I’ll buy that. He should be able to observe things that a hockey Mike Babcock’s legacy in hockey is secure. As with Larry Murphy or layman can’t. Grant Fuhr, his time in Toronto will be but a small footnote on his terrific résumé when he goes into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Still, it was disheartening to hear him publicly list the team’s deficiencies and seemingly pin them all on Babcock. He knows that’s not true, just as The Leafs, on the other hand, remain a team in search of something he knows Babcock is no worse a coach today than the day he hired him. even remotely close to success. Babcock has known a good deal of glory That’s how hockey works. It’s all a “family” until somebody has to go. at the NHL and international level. The Leafs, since Terry Sawchuk, have known none. Allegiances shift. Shanahan and Babcock posed at a triumphant press conference five years ago. On Thursday in Arizona, it was Shanahan and So this wasn’t really about Babcock being fired. This was about the Leafs Dubas posing together because, as Shanahan put it, he wants people to pink-slipping another coach. believe he and his GM are “aligned,” presumably in the same way we once believed he and Babcock were “aligned.” Having now observed 20 Leafs coaching changes since my dad first took me to watch Johnny MacLellan guide Toronto’s hockey team back in ’71, Everyone’s singing from the same hymn book now. At least until it’s the common ground is that these firings are usually generated when the panic time again. quality of the roster and/or the gravity of the team’s struggles are exaggerated. The history of the Leafs over the past 50 years is that when it comes to choosing between upheaval and stability, they usually can’t resist In this instance, it’s both. choosing upheaval. So, dealing with a moderate six-game losing streak in mid-November with a very young team, the Leafs again chose The Leafs roster as constructed by general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t upheaval. nearly as talented as either he or ardent Babcock-bashers would have you believe. Not yet. The most talented Leafs are also the youngest — Babcock’s the same coach he always was. And the Leafs once again such as Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Mitch Marner — which have demonstrated they’re the organization they’ve usually been. means that skill has not yet been augmented by the competitive experience required to navigate deep into the Stanley Cup playoffs. Toronto Star LOADED: 11.23.2019

Those who admire the Leafs’ talent base simply choose to ignore this fact. They see Matthews and his wondrous puck-handling skill and can’t imagine there are other skills he doesn’t yet possess, but there are.

As well, Dubas was forced to shrink the talent base over the past few months in order to accommodate the paycheques of Matthews, Marner and Nylander, not to mention John Tavares. The team’s third and fourth lines are now built with NHLers making the league minimum or close to it. Cap savings on backup goaltending have backfired.

By firing Babcock, however, team president Brendan Shanahan and Dubas are implicitly saying they believe the depth, quality and flexibility of this group is much greater than it has produced.

They should feel that way — they built this team, picked the players — but that doesn’t make it true.

In terms of the depth of this current crisis, meanwhile, when it comes to the Leafs it’s always worth remembering that the last time they did win the Cup they also lost 10 straight games in the middle of the season. If that’s too ancient for you, the Blues were the worst team in the league last year, long after Craig Berube replaced Mike Yeo as coach.

Just two weeks ago, the Leafs were riding a tidy three-game winning streak, having beaten Philly, the Kings and Vegas while allowing only five goals against. All was well. But six consecutive losses followed. In a league now driven by streaks, both hot and cold, that’s not a particularly lengthy slide. Ask Buffalo. Or Nashville.

But the situation was widely perceived as a major crisis because this is Toronto and everything’s a crisis.

The truth is that this is a young team with substantial shortcomings, playing maddeningly inconsistent hockey. That Dubas and Shanahan decided this could be rectified by Babcock’s departure tells you something about their thinking. They obviously believe the quality of the roster is much stronger than it appears to be, but that Babcock simply wasn’t using it correctly.

Dubas is a young exec, Babcock an old lion. Dubas wants someone to follow his innovative game plan, not question it. Such young execs also 1162966 Toronto Maple Leafs

Barrie, Kadri traded more than just sweaters in Maple Leafs, Avs swap last summer

Terry Koshan

Published:November 22, 2019

Updated:November 22, 2019 8:44 PM EST

DENVER — Tyson Barrie had plenty on his to-do list during the Maple Leafs’ lone visit this season to the Mile High City.

A win against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche, on Saturday night would be foremost. Dinner with ex-teammate Nathan MacKinnon, among other plans, was in store for Friday night.

And perhaps check in with his tenant, who just happens to be Nazem Kadri.

Barrie and Kadri had met a few times yet didn’t know each other well when they went opposite ways in the trade between the Leafs and Avs last summer. Their similar situations led to exchanges of texts, and they eventually agreed to live in each other’s homes for the 2019-20 season.

“I was not going to rent my place out and I don’t think he had plans to with his either and then we got in touch and it was ‘Hey, what do you think about this? Yeah, maybe this could work,’” Barrie said. “And it did. It made it really easy. We both trusted each other, stepped into each other’s homes and it has been a good fit so far.

“It’s different. We’re building a relationship and we don’t really know each other that well.”

While Barrie knew that facing MacKinnon for the first time will present some large challenges, the Leafs pondered the same with Kadri.

The Leafs miss Kadri’s willingness to get his nose into opponents’ business. Kadri has had a good start with Colorado, recording 15 points in 22 games.

“It’s going to be interesting with the way he plays hard, in your face,” Leafs centre Auston Matthews said. “I’m sure this is the game he had circled on his calendar for a long time.”

Toronto Sun LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162967 Toronto Maple Leafs During the 1998-99 OHL season, Keefe was a foe, recording 116 points in 66 games for St. Michael’s and Barrie, while Spezza, three years younger at the age of 15, was putting up 71 points in 67 games for the Brampton Battalion. Leafs' Jason Spezza envisions greater role under old rival Sheldon Keefe Keefe beat Spezza, and Brad Boyes, in the race to be named OHL rookie of the year.

Terry Koshan The Leafs’ new coach has not brought that up with the club’s oldest player. Published:November 22, 2019 “He hasn’t,” Spezza said with his infamous laugh. “It will be unspoken of.” Updated:November 22, 2019 8:09 PM EST MARNER UP TO SHENANIGANS

Never mind his continuing recovery from a sprained ankle, Mitch Marner DENVER — Some 21 years ago, Sheldon Keefe was on the way to is making his presence felt with the Maple Leafs. getting the best of Jason Spezza in the Ontario Hockey League. “He is being a complete pest,” defenceman Tyson Barrie said. “He is A couple of decades later, Keefe wants to get the best out of Spezza with hiding guys’ gear in the locker room. He has been at home too long.”’ the Maple Leafs. Marner joined the Leafs on the trip on Wednesday, flying to the There’s the potential for an increased role for the 36-year-old Spezza southwest with captain John Tavares, who had returned to Toronto for a with the Keefe-coached Leafs that didn’t exist under Mike Babcock, who personal matter, and Sheldon Keefe, who had just been named coach. was fired on Wednesday. On Friday, Marner, clad in shorts and a hoodie, watched practice from “I feel like the system fits how I play and now I have to go and be a good the bench. Marner has missed the past six games and won’t be back in contributor,” Spezza said on Friday after the Leafs practised at Joy Burns the lineup soon. Arena on the campus of the University of Denver. Keefe said he appreciated travelling with Marner and Tavares on “I’m excited about the opportunity. I have always just been looking for a Wednesday. role here and looking to be part of a really good club.” “I was able to spend time and talk with them on the plane and get lots of Specifically, how can the system that Keefe wants to implement help things organized,” Keefe said. “That helped me get a good start.” bring out the talent in Spezza? Toronto Sun LOADED: 11.23.2019 “There is a little more emphasis on controlling the puck and puck possession and that is something that is a strength in my game and something that I can even do better once we get back in the mode of it,” said Spezza, best-described as a hockey nerd who soaks up as much of the game as possible as his NHL career nears an end.

“Just being responsible. I have played similar to this way before in the past and had success. I really enjoyed the detail Sheldon has behind it.

“People might think there is a lot of motion out there and a lot of movement, but for every movement there is an explanation for where you are moving and I think that’s where our game will evolve as a team. It’s not uncontrolled. It’s controlled movement and it’s constantly filling for each other and getting under the puck. It’s a lot more technical than maybe it looks.”

While the Leafs will require some time to get accustomed to the style Keefe envisions — with the next opportunity coming on Saturday night against the Colorado Avalanche following a win against Arizona on Thursday — Keefe has respect for what Spezza can bring on the ice and in leadership. It’s a different outlook for the veteran than that of Babcock, who took an unnecessary shot at Spezza in the initial days of training camp and never did warm to the centre.

“He has a skill set that fits the way that we want to play,” Keefe said after running an upbeat and crisp practice, his first as Leafs coach. “That sets him up for success and will help his cause greatly. Just his energy, his perspective, (Thursday night) on the bench, he was really good. I was a little slow on my line changes, but he was on the ball and he covered for me. Little things like that, I can tell he brings value to the group and that’s important.”

The game against Colorado at the Pepsi Center will mark the first for ex- Avs Tyson Barrie and Alex Kerfoot after the off-season trade that sent Nazem Kadri and Calle Rosen west.

A struggling Barrie made a major gaffe on Tuesday against Vegas that led to a Golden Knights goal, scored his first with the Leafs against the Coyotes and now will try to handle his emotions against the only other NHL club he knew.

“This is a wild (week) for sure,” Barrie said. “Lots of change and we bring Sheldon in and a lot of emotion in that. We get a big win and I finally score a goal, and then to come here, it has been a crazy week, but a fun one. I think all the boys are in good spirits.”

As Barrie and Kerfoot take in their old surroundings as members of the Leafs, Spezza again will centre the third line, determined to demonstrate to Keefe the Leafs were wise to sign Spezza to a one-year deal. 1162968 Toronto Maple Leafs Babcock spent a lot of time with Owen and then arranged for him to be at the door of the dressing room to cheer on the players as they headed out onto the ice.

WARMINGTON: Teen's unforgettable day with former Maple Leafs coach “That was incredible,” said Owen. “I loved fist-bumping the players. They Mike Babcock were all great.”

Plus, when Owen was watching the game, he mentioned how cold his hands were and the coach sent out foam fingers to help him warm them Joe Warmington up.

Published:November 22, 2019 “It’s just a testament to how thoughtful and caring he was and how well Owen was treated,” Sarah said. Updated:November 22, 2019 4:23 PM EST Sarah felt is was important that people hear this story about a man who

did so much behind the scenes for so many. She feels Commodore’s It’s going to be hard to convince Owen Reid that former Maple Leafs bizarre comments were not only unfair but not reflective of who Babcock coach Mike Babcock is a terrible person. really is.

Or his mom, Sarah Orr. I know this is accurate because I saw medical patients brought down to see Babcock every game. You could tell it meant a lot to the coach to They can’t think of anybody they have met who was nicer. brighten up their lives. And it also meant a lot to the people visiting.

In fact, Owen — a 14-year-old with severe medical issues — says his The truth of it is Commodore owes Babcock an apology for his vicious experience with Babcock when he was 13 remains one of the highlights comments and vitriol born out of holding a decade-old grudge. It was of his young life. classless and mean. The next time Commodore is feeling sorry for himself, take a look at how Owen Reid soldiers on and never complains. “He made me very happy,” the Port Hope resident says. “Not everybody is going to like everybody,” said Sarah. “When that This is important, says Sarah, because Owen has major challenges with happens, it does not make someone a horrible person.” his neurodegeneration, brain iron accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction conditions that make some days pretty tough. His medical Turns out, as Owen and Sarah learned for themselves, Mike Babcock is issues are progressive and there is no cure. a tremendous person.

But on April 7, 2018, he was invited into the Maple Leafs dressing room Toronto Sun LOADED: 11.23.2019 before Toronto faced off against the Montreal Canadiens and Babcock hung out with the young man and his mom in his office as he prepared for the game.

“He took the time to sign all kinds of things for Owen. He was very easy to get along with,” Sarah said of the Stanley Cup champ, who also coached Canada to two Olympic gold medals.

This is important in the wake of his firing as the Maple Leafs coach and the nasty smears from former player Mike Commodore who tweeted he was “happy” Babcock was sacked and called him a “terrible human being,“ among other names.

Not true, says Sarah.

“He was super nice and down to earth,” she said.

She didn’t see an ounce of the ego or arrogance Commodore described.

“He was very generous. Very thoughtful,” said Sarah. “Coach Babcock is a wonderful person.”

Hey Mike Babcock….simply put your players quit on you. They quit on you because you are a terrible human being. You are an average coach with an extremely oversized ego. You finally got exactly what you deserve you selfish prick. The hockey world is ecstatic.

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) November 20, 2019

Sarah says she knows that from their first-hand encounter but she has also heard similar testimonies from dozens of families that Babcock has worked with in her Hospital for Sick Kids community.

“He did the same sort of things for a lot of families,” said Sarah. “He is very real. He didn’t do it for the cameras or for attention. He did it for the kids. It says a lot about him.”

In fact, he specifically arranged for Owen to be there when he heard of his love for the game and the Leafs.

“Owen plays hockey. He goes out on the ice with his wheelchair and has a lot of fun,” Sarah said.

Babcock wanted him to come to a game and get an inside look that few get the opportunity to see.

“We were so thrilled when Sick Kids called. So excited,” she said.

Owen Reid got to spend time with former Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock before a game against the Montreal Canadiens on April 7, 2018, and he was sent home with an assortment of signed memorabilia. (supplied photo) 1162969 Toronto Maple Leafs seasons evolve. Sometimes brothers fight. They can be critical of one another over issues without hurting the big picture relationship.

Systematic changes Bourne: Four stories that help explain the way Maple Leafs coach We went to the Conference final my first year with the Marlies, but it Sheldon Keefe operates wasn’t exactly a given we were going to get out of the first round. We had drawn the Albany Devils, who always gave us a tough time. We looked like the Leafs often do today – we were skilled and smaller, and facing a By Justin Bourne Nov 22, 2019 heavier, meaner team in playoffs. That Albany team had talent on the back end, though, namely Damon Severson, who’s now a quality

defender on New Jersey’s blueline. It was almost too fitting that the news of Mike Babcock’s dismissal came All season long, we had been aggressive on the forecheck in the neutral across my phone at about 4:20, because my mind immediately went a zone. We sent one guy hard after the other team’s D because we could little foggy. Foggy, because it came with the news that Sheldon Keefe skate, and wanted to rush plays and disrupt things early, before they had been named his successor, which meant I knew I’d have to figure could set up. What Albany did in playoffs, was pick us apart because of out how to best explain just who Sheldon is given my job, and my it. Most teams rushed plays because of our F1 pressure, so if we were proximity to him as Marlies video coach from 2015-2017. above their players without the puck, we had a good chance of getting it I specify “foggy,” because those aren’t easy answers. Sheldon is an back. But, when our F1 got beat or just got lost, the middle of the ice was interesting guy, and one I came to understand, appreciate and genuinely open, as we were more concerned with their players than where to stand like. But he’s a bit layered, and probably closer to an onion than a on the ice. chocolate cake. He’s just not a guy easily reduced down to a short Severson, mainly, was singlehandedly beating our F1 with jukes and description, or a string of simple adjectives. (Granted, not many humans fakes – NHL skill in the AHL does that – and with that, they were coming are.) at us in waves through the middle with speed (with our now useless F1 What I’ve settled on over the past 48 hours is a few stories that I think chasing). We were down 2-1 in the series after three games, and help explain both how he is as a coach, and provide a window into what suddenly up against it. Location-wise, it was a 2-3-2 series as is common he’s like as a person. I’ve told each of the below stories in audio in some in the AHL, meaning our next two games were to be in Albany, a place form, but time constraints have often left some questions about the we struggled badly. surrounding details. Below I’ll dive a little better into those and hope to So, Sheldon took an internal suggestion (not mine), switched our neutral leave you with a better picture of the man who just took over the Toronto zone forecheck to something we did all of zero times in the regular Maple Leafs. season; we didn’t send anyone. Literally zero, like a 0-3-2 I guess, Let’s start with the one that Sheldon and Kyle probably enjoy me telling something like Tampa Bay famously did against Philadelphia years ago. the least, because fans seem to enjoy it the most. I wouldn’t tell it if I Had they not attempted to skate through us, we’d have stood there and didn’t think it reflected well on both of them. stared at them. But of course, that’s not a thing teams really do – it would take them a while to even realize we had made a change. Dubas and Keefe: Sometimes brothers argue Whether you like that plan or not (and “not aggressive” isn’t one Keefe The Marlies have had some challenging rosters over the past number of would normally like), they no longer had speed through the middle. We years, but for positive reason: they’ve had a ton of talent to fit into their always had players back. We got the puck back a lot, often before our lineups. In a developmental league like the AHL you have to make own blue, and played in their end of the rink. We won 7-2, then 5-1, in decisions about who gets the coveted point-getting opportunities (like the Albany. By the time they adjusted (and beat us in Game 6 with their top PP unit, top line, late-game minutes etc.), you have to keep everyone counter), it had changed the entire look of two games, and in turn, the happy, but in the end, you still have to win. series.

With one Marlies group we had in particular, the vast bulk of our talent Sometimes you gotta call an audible at the line of scrimmage. Keefe isn’t was at forward (if you look at who the Leafs have developed in the past, afraid to do it. that’s been a bit of a theme). So, in a very Sheldon Keefe example, he decided to try something that played to that strength, by rolling out a Just touching base power play unit of five forwards. Managing people is a big part of coaching a hockey team. Happy, I’ll save you the tactical details here and cut to the results. Forwards motivated people are better players, and today keeping players happy simply don’t think “safety first,” and there was a learning curve. We gave involves them understanding their role, why their role is what it is, and up breakaways, we gave up shorties, and then had decisions to make. knowing that they’re at least somewhat cared about. Was it just a learning curve, we wondered, and would we be panicking by The problem is, when you have someone who’s very good at the job of going away from the idea? Would the players figure it out? Even if not, “hockey player,” you don’t need to talk to them much. If they’re always in would giving up some chances against be worth what we’d gain the right spots and don’t need coaching, they don’t get in trouble, and so offensively by sticking with it? if they remain issue free, they can exist entirely separately from the These are the decisions coaches face all the time: this isn’t working, will coaching staff. And that’s not fair – those are the people who probably it, or is it just a bad idea? We wanted to stick with it. Dubas started deserve more praise than anyone, though they often get overlooked. grumbling (his half-winking motto for a while was “try whatever you want, So, one of the things Keefe set out to do one season was to just make it just has to work,” which I think is fantastic). He wasn’t grumbling about sure we checked in with all our guys regularly. He wanted to build a the idea of us trying something new, but about sticking with something sheet where, when a conversation happened organically, that would be that wasn’t working, and was costing us. That boiled over one night, after noted. So Assistant Coach X had a chat with Player Y on November yet another game gave way to two shorthanded breakaways against. 22nd, check. The sheet was just set up to make sure nobody fell through Without getting into the details, there was a short fireworks display in the the cracks. If you reviewed this single-page sheet, you’d note “Wow, it’s coaches office over philosophies (how long should failed experiments been three weeks since player X has really communicated with the staff last?), the type of which could have been taken personally, and could’ve about what’s going on with them.” pushed two parties further apart. I left the rink that night not entirely sure The goal was never to force anything for the sake of forcing it. It was to how that would play out. prevent oversight. But if you aren’t checking in with your people – and How it played out? The next day both guys had moved closer to the other with dozens of players and a big staff and a busy schedule it can just guy’s opinion about what we should do next, and not the opposite. That’s happen – you probably don’t have happy people. Keefe felt like that was the biggest takeaway from this story here. avoidable.

The next day they laughed about god-knows-what like it never happened, And finally … business continued as usual, and it was just one of those blips on the Keefe has questions radar that happen in relationships as they evolve, and in hockey, as This one isn’t so much a story, as a note on how Keefe regularly operated during my time with the Marlies. We would talk about lines and pairings, and he’d have questions about how certain players performed together, or against our next opposition, and so he’d fire off a text to the team’s R&D guy, Bruce Peter (who is very, very good at what he does).

It wasn’t uncommon though, for us to either not have the time, or manpower, to answer the bigger questions about the team, and their play in different situations. It was impossible to know what league norms were in those areas too – data collection in the AHL is dicey and best, incomplete in general, and regularly nonexistent. Being able to answer the questions he has is likely going to be the thing that makes him happiest as the head coach of an NHL team. He very much operates under the mantle of “there’s no excuse to not know.” With resources, I think he’ll push the limits of that.

It’s impossible for me to predict how this will go with Sheldon; his favourite thing to do is coach, and when you coach the Leafs, there’s so much more to do than just that. But as illustrated above, he’s an excellent, open-minded coach. If nothing else, he’s an answer to many of the questions asked of the Leafs previous coach. And given this Leafs group and how they’ve looked so far this season, that alone could be enough.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162970 Toronto Maple Leafs career? Because the Leafs top unit at the time of Mitch Marner, James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak, and Nazem Kadri, was working well. The idea is for the Leafs to score on the power play, not for Matthews to score on the power play. And for those first two seasons they did just Closing the book on Mike Babcock’s complicated, full and true record as that. In fact, only the Pittsburgh Penguins had a more effective power Maple Leafs head coach play than the Leafs during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. The Leafs were tops with 8.8 expected goals per 60 minutes over that span, nearly

a full goal better than second-ranked Dallas Stars. By Jonas Siegel Nov 22, 2019 Zach Hyman in a top-six role: It turns out Babcock was right with this one. Zach Hyman is pretty good. No, he didn’t always convert his scoring opportunities during his days on the top line with Matthews and William Back in the spring of 2015, on his first official day as head coach of the Nylander, but maybe those two guys didn’t (and perhaps don’t still) need Toronto Maple Leafs, Mike Babcock promised there would be “pain.” a third winger who needs the puck, but someone who can go and get it for them. We saw this fall that Marner and John Tavares were both And with the lineup he trotted out in his first regular-season game later negatively impacted to some degree by Hyman’s absence. Was that fall you can see why he felt that way: Babcock’s praise of Hyman over the top at times? Definitely. But he For a bad team that was eventually sold off for parts, the group was wasn’t wrong in recognizing Hyman’s full value. competitive. They were middle of the pack in both possession (50 Backup goalie: A fair criticism of Babcock is that he didn’t use his backup percent) and expected goals (50 percent) and had the 13th-best penalty enough, if only to ensure that Frederik Andersen was fresh for the kill. playoffs. He missed the big picture on that one. Yes, they needed They weren’t good by any stretch of the imagination and weren’t Andersen to get into the playoffs, but what’s the point if your No. 1 goalie designed to be. They finished with the worst record in the league, which — arguably their most important player — is run down when you get eventually won them the rights to select Auston Matthews with the first there? But it’s not like Babcock was gifted with backups worthy of extra pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. playing time with the likes of Jhonas Enroth, Curtis McElhinney, Garret Sparks and Michael Hutchinson. There’s a case to be made around Still, it was evident the Leafs had a coach who might be worthy of all the McElhinney, who proved to be dependable in limited duty, but there’s a hype. A coach who would lay the groundwork for an eventual Stanley counter-argument that his numbers would’ve dipped with more playing Cup contender. In Year 1, Babcock even drew some very dark-horse time. And as for his deployment of backups in back-t0-backs, as buzz for the Jack Adams award as coach of the year. Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston pointed out last month:

Only two years later, under his watch, the Leafs would set franchise Babcock has used Andersen as the opener in 47 of the 48 back-to-backs records with 49 wins and 105 points. In other words, in just two years the team has played dating back to 2016-17, and seen Toronto go 34-8-5 Babcock had transformed the Leafs from the worst team in the league to in those starts. one of the best — maybe even the best — the franchise had iced in its 100-year history. The Leafs hit the century mark in points again last That’s a .777 points percentage. The NHL average in the first game of a season, becoming the first Leafs team to do so in consecutive seasons. back-to-back over that same timeframe is .556, according to Sportsnet Stats. And so while it seemed strange to hear team president Brendan Shanahan talk about the “fantastic job” Babcock did on the same day he It’s hard to argue with those numbers. had fired him, he wasn’t wrong. The 56-year-old Babcock did a better job First impressions: Babcock was often quick to make up his mind up than he’ll get credit for in Toronto. about a player. Frankie Corrado. Peter Holland. Josh Leivo. Connor But his Toronto record will forever be a complicated one. Carrick. Enroth. Even Jason Spezza. In his defense, he wasn’t wrong in most of those cases. Corrado hasn’t stuck as an NHL defenceman amid Did Babcock do a perfect job? No. Could he be overbearing, set in his injuries; Holland is playing in the KHL; Carrick is hanging on with the New ways and unwilling at times to embrace change? Yep. Was the Jersey Devils, and Enroth never played another game in the NHL after considerable talent on the roster a big part of his success? Absolutely, his failed experience with the Leafs. Babcock misfired on Leivo, who’s but just as it is for any successful coach, in any sport. Was he partly to become a contributor in Vancouver, but Leivo wouldn’t have gotten the blame for the dark cloud surrounding the team this fall? Certainly. same minutes with the Leafs he’s now seeing with the Canucks. Babcock But it doesn’t feel right to grade his Toronto legacy, the most successful took far longer than he should have in giving Justin Holl an opportunity, and longest-tenured since Pat Quinn, without considering the full scope and he decided Spezza was washed up far sooner than has proven to be of his time here. the case. But in the aggregate, Babcock’s first impressions were right more often than not. Some of the criticisms around what he did, or didn’t do, over his four-plus seasons — 351 regular-season games, plus 20 more in the playoffs — Not enough minutes for the stars: When Tavares and Nazem Kadri are were either overstated or simply off-base the more you pick them apart. your No. 2 and No. 3 centres, why drive Matthews into the ground during the regular season? For example… “When I look at the teams that got all the points, I look at them, they Top pair problems: OK, so ideally Ron Hainsey shouldn’t have been manage their ice-time. Why? Because they have depth and they can,” playing on the top pair of a Cup contender at age 38. But who were the said Babcock earlier this fall. other options? Nikita Zaitsev? That didn’t work. Travis Dermott? He of scant NHL experience? Jake Muzzin? There’s a case to be made there, But what about the playoffs, you ask? Matthews averaged 25.4 shifts per especially given how little time (seven games) Babcock experimented game over seven games last spring, the same as Sidney Crosby (25.3), with him there last spring. But Babcock’s argument of having your best Brad Marchand (25.4), and (25.2). Matthews just took defender, Morgan Rielly, on his natural side isn’t without merit, either. shorter shifts (47 seconds) than Crosby (53), Marchand (48), Scheifele (50), and yet he was still close to 20 minutes of ice per night. Matthews Under Lou Lamoriello and more recently, Kyle Dubas, the Leafs never should have played more in the 2018 playoffs, when averaged just 17:32 did find a slam-dunk partner for Rielly on the top pair. The Rielly-Hainsey per game, including two games in which he played less than 16 minutes. combination wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t a paring you’d want to throw over That’s inexcusable. That said, this season prior to Babcock’s dismissal, the boards against the Bruins’ top line in a playoff series. But it was, well, Matthews was averaging almost 20 minutes per game. competent. And as we’re seeing now, with Rielly struggling alongside the less consistent Cody Ceci, maybe there was something to Babcock’s It’s also worth noting that just about every young player on the Maple praise for the positive impact Hainsey had on his younger partner. Leafs improved under his watch. Matthews and Marner are stars. Nylander is slowly getting there. Kasperi Kapanen and Andreas Auston Matthews’ time on the No. 1 power-play unit: This one feels like Johnsson have emerged as useful players. old news, but it’s worth revisiting given how big of a story it became, especially after Babcock’s infamous trip to Arizona in the summer of But let’s talk about Morgan Rielly. 2018 to smooth things over with his franchise centre. Why wasn’t From his earliest days behind the Maple Leafs bench back in 2015-16, Matthews on the No. 1 power-play unit for the first two seasons of his Babcock began grooming Rielly to become the Leafs’ No. 1 defenceman. He assigned Rielly to defend top lines and kill penalties. And he eventually named him an alternate captain.

The goal was to mold Rielly into a capable, all-around defender and leader. And with a fifth-place finish in last year’s Norris Trophy voting, it’s hard to argue with the results.

Now, the problems.

The Leafs never were a tight defensive team under Babcock. In the three seasons combined prior to this one, they were the fifth-worst team in expected goals against per 60 minutes, 23rd overall in scoring chances per 60, and 14th in high-danger attempts per 60. Their arch-rival in Boston ranked second, second, and third in those categories over the same period of time.

Special teams were hit-and-miss, too.

By the numbers, the power play was sharp enough last season — eighth- best at 21.8 percent, and even better with some other underlying stats. But the attack unquestionably grew stale as the year progressed and still nothing changed. Beyond a game or two here and there, Babcock didn’t alter the makeup of the units or come up with a more creative approach.

It really hurt them in the playoffs last spring, when the Leafs power play went just 3-16 against the Bruins.

The penalty kill has been just as troublesome, maybe more so: Boston scored seven times in 16 chances in last year’s first-round series. A year ago, the Babcock-led Leafs were 10th in expected goals against per 60 on the penalty kill. This season they’ve plummeted to 25th.

Using a full three-season sample of Babcock’s time in Toronto — excluding his season first year during the tear-down and this season’s smallish sample size of 23 games — here’s where his Maple Leafs teams ranked in some key categories:

That expected 5-on-5 goals against number sticks out, especially given how glaring the errors were early this fall. The PK numbers are concerning too, and they were a key element of Babcock’s eventual demise.

No examination of his record is complete, of course, without talking about the post-season.

It’s worth recalling just how close their 2017 first-round series against Washington really was. The Capitals were the best team in the league during the regular season. The Leafs were a group of largely first-time playoff participants. All six games were decided by a goal — five of them in overtime. Overall, the Caps outscored the Leafs 18-16. At 5-on-5, it was an even 12-12. It was that close.

The next two series against Boston are more complicated to assess. Both went seven games. The Leafs were up 3-2 in the series last spring, with a chance to close it out at home in Game 6, but failed to do and lost Game 7 — again — in Boston. They played the majority of both series without a suspended Kadri and Andersen had moments and games he’d like to have back. Still, in those series, Babcock stubbornly continued to rely upon underperforming players such as Connor Brown and Patrick Marleau, and the Rielly-Hainsey pairing in 2018 when it wasn’t effective against Patrice Bergeron and Co.

Would Babcock still be coaching the Leafs today, struggles and all, had they defeated the Bruins last spring? Did he get enough time to really see this thing through? Or was this a case of change coming at the first sign of real trouble?

So even though Babcock’s teams never quite performed at a “fantastic” level, to use one of Shanahan’s words earlier this week, in time, his record and Leafs legacy will be talked about in more successful terms than it is today.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019

1162971 Vegas Golden Knights

Ex-Golden Knight James Neal enjoys resurgence with Oilers

By Ben Gotz

November 22, 2019 - 6:54 PM

James Neal admitted he still loves feeling a plane’s wheels hit the ground in Las Vegas, a place that always will be special to him.

The former Golden Knight loves his game these days, too. Neal, one of the Knights’ leaders during their magical inaugural season, is experiencing a resurgence in his first year with the Edmonton Oilers.

He struggled last season after signing a five-year contract with the Calgary Flames. Now he’s back to his old self, and he and the rest of the Pacific Division-leading Oilers (14-7-3) should present a stiff test for the Knights (11-9-4) at 7 p.m. Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

“I think just having a great summer and coming in with a different mindset (helped),” said Neal, who has 16 points (13 goals, three assists). “(So did) playing with the guys I’ve been playing with. Great players. I’ve been able to find the back of the net early.”

Neal, 32, could be forgiven for having a somber mindset this offseason. The right wing, who had at least 20 goals in each of his previous 10 seasons, scored seven in 63 games with Calgary. He received the lowest average ice time (14:53) of his career, and the Flames clearly weren’t happy with him or his $28.75 million contract.

So Neal dedicated the summer to living up to that price tag. He had his first full offseason in three years after playing in the 2017 and 2018 Stanley Cup Final with the Nashville Predators and Knights and took advantage.

“He had a great summer working out,” said Knights coach Gerard Gallant, who ran into Neal on Prince Edward Island in Canada during the offseason. “He said he was working his tail off.”

Neal also was working hard because he was traded to the Oilers on July 19 for physical left wing Milan Lucic. Suddenly, he had to prove himself to a fourth team in four years. He’s done that, earning minutes on the second line and the first power-play unit.

The latter gives him the chance to work with superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the NHL’s two leading scorers with 44 points apiece.

“It’s unbelievable,” Neal said. “They’re so good. Their ability to move pucks and draw guys to them and find the open man is the best in the league. They’re special players. When they get going, there’s no one that can stop them.”

That open man often is Neal. McDavid and Draisaitl draw so much attention when they have the puck that Neal is available to head to the net or find a spot he can fire a wrist shot from.

As a result, eight of his goals have come on the power play. McDavid has an assist on seven of them and Draisaitl on three. The three have helped produce the NHL’s top-ranked power play at 31.4 percent.

“You try to get them the puck as much as possible and get free,” Neal said. “They do a great job of finding guys.”

Neal’s success has caught the attention of his former Knights teammates, who are happy for their ex-assistant captain. The Neal who played at T-Mobile Arena last season was struggling. The one who returns Saturday is back to his old tricks.

“I’ll be super happy to see Jimmy Neal tomorrow,” left wing Jonathan Marchessault said. “Obviously, he’s doing good. That’s what we always wish when (players) go somewhere else. We want them to do good, just not against us.”

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162972 Vegas Golden Knights Feeling good Defenseman Nate Schmidt and forward Cody Glass left Thursday’s

game temporarily but returned. Golden Knights’ Jonathan Marchessault looks for consistency Gallant said he’s not concerned with the status of either player. The team did not skate Friday.

By David Schoen “No issues,” Gallant said. “Just a day off today to get ready for tomorrow.” November 22, 2019 - 5:55 PM Gallant did indicate a possible change on defense for Saturday’s game, Updated November 22, 2019 - 6:05 PM but declined to reveal any details.

Roy sent back

Jonathan Marchessault had a point in six straight games and 10 of his The Golden Knights reassigned forward Nicolas Roy to the American past 11 before he was held off the scoresheet in Thursday’s 2-1 overtime Hockey League. He was recalled to the Knights on an emergency basis loss to San Jose at T-Mobile Arena. Wednesday but did not appear in Thursday’s game.

The Golden Knights’ notorious perfectionist said Friday he wants more LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 11.23.2019 from himself.

“We’re aware that, especially myself, it’s hard finding the back of the net,” Marchessault said. “I felt the same last year. The whole first half of the season I couldn’t get it going. I couldn’t get goals, produce offensively.

“Obviously it’s always fun to turn it up when it’s big games, big moments like in February, March, April. But as a hockey player, you need to have consistency in your year long of hockey.”

Marchessault’s recent surge brought his season total to 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 24 games.

But the left wing has slightly underperformed based on his individual expected goals (8.16) at NaturalStatTrick.com, as his shooting percentage has dipped to 6.1 percent from a career average of 10.5 percent.

Marchessault is on pace for 17 goals and 55 points, which would be just behind last season when he led the team with 59 points (25 goals, 34 assists).

But he continues to hold himself to the standard he set in 2017-18 with a career-best 75 points on 27 goals and 48 assists.

“I’m looking at it because we went to the finals and it was a full year of consistency and a full good year,” Marchessault said. “It’s where we want to be again. It starts with a guy like me.”

Theodore reflects

The first ceremonial puck drop of Shea Theodore’s career is one the Golden Knights defenseman will never forget.

Theodore, who was treated over the offseason for testicular cancer, lined up across from San Jose’s Logan Couture before Thursday’s “Hockey Fights Cancer” game and took the faceoff from Kay Darlington, who is battling Stage 4 breast cancer.

Darlington is Theodore’s grandmother.

“It was special,” he said Friday. “I know she was excited for it. I think that’s a pretty cool moment for our family regardless of the circumstances.”

Schedule stiffens

Saturday’s home matchup against division-leading Edmonton begins a stretch of three of the next four games against teams sitting in playoff position.

Vegas is 1-5-2 against teams currently holding a playoff spot as of Friday morning.

“You’ve got to beat everybody,” coach Gerard Gallant said Friday. “When you’re playing good teams, it’s fun to play those games. This week has been a real good week so far. I think we’ve played real good hockey. Disappointing last night to only get the one point, but again we played well. Just keep playing well and trying to earn points and climb the standings.”

The Golden Knights are sitting in the second wild-card position in the Western Conference, the final qualifying spot.

Vegas just finished a stretch of six consecutive games against nonplayoff teams, earning five of 12 possible points. 1162973 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights’ OT struggles continue in loss to San Jose Sharks

By Ben Gotz

November 22, 2019 - 9:14 am

The Golden Knights, through 24 games, have proven tough to hang with 5-on-5. But 3-on-3? That’s a different story.

The Knights lost 2-1 to the San Jose Sharks in overtime Thursday at T- Mobile Arena, dropping them to 0-4 in overtime this season. They also have two shootout wins. Those dropped four points are the difference between the Knights being five points out of first place in the Pacific Division, as they are currently, or one point back with the chance to overtake the Edmonton Oilers in their meeting Saturday.

“They’re big points and it’s tough giving them up in overtime,” defenseman Brayden McNabb said. “It’s something we’ll figure out and we’re pretty confident with the guys who are out there. It’s something I’m sure we’ll work on at some point.”

The Knights’ stats at 5-on-5 are impressive, with a 52.31 shot attempts percentage (seventh in the NHL), 53.71 scoring chance percentage (fourth) and 51.33 high-danger scoring chance percentage (12th). Those numbers plummet in overtime.

The Knights have attempted more shots than their opponent in overtime just once this season, Oct. 22 in Chicago. That’s also the only game they had more high-danger scoring chances.

Through six overtime games they trail their opponents in shot attempts 26-21, scoring chances 20-12 and high-danger scoring chances 10-4.

Thursday was one of the Knights’ better overtime efforts. They edged the Sharks 4-3 in scoring chances and defenseman Nate Schmidt and center William Karlsson both had looks that could’ve ended it.

“I thought tonight it was the best it’s been all year to be honest with you,” coach Gerard Gallant said. “I hate saying that when we lose, but I thought we did a good job tonight creating chances and attacking.”

It was the Sharks, though, that broke through.

With 1:52 remaining, rookie Cody Glass fire a wrist shot from just above the left circle. The puck bounced off Sharks goaltender Aaron Dell’s left pad to defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic.

Knights defenseman Shea Theodore, after seeing the shot, pinched aggressively to go after the rebound but was caught out of position. Vlasic nudged a touch pass past Theodore and sent center Logan Couture on a breakaway.

Couture shot just before a backchecking Max Pacioretty caught him and then pushed his own rebound into the net.

“I thought tonight we did a real good job for the most part, but obviously giving up those breakaways, you can’t do that,” Gallant said. “That’s just a bad read and a little bit of luck by them.”

It might take a little bit of luck for the Knights to get an overtime goal, too. They haven’t scored in their past 11 chances dating back to last season.

While 3-on-3 overtime is a little bit of a “crapshoot,” as center Paul Stastny termed it, coming up empty 11 straight times should signal to the Knights they need to change things. At 11-9-4, they aren’t at liberty to give points away. And the ones available in overtime count the same as the ones in regulation.

“Unfortunately, Glass had that shot and the D just poked it, just changed the angle a bit to get it past (Theodore) and they made a breakaway,” Stastny said. “You can’t ask (goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury) to stop three breakaways in overtime.”

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162974 Vegas Golden Knights Because of all these stats, the Golden Knights are tied for first in the NHL in expected goals per 60 minutes but are somehow 28th in goals.

“We just have to find a way,” William Carrier said. “We’re playing the right Vegas’ Jonathan Marchessault angry over lack of scoring: ‘I should be way right now. We’re playing the way we want to play, it’s just you have willing to break my stick. I need better.’ to put pucks in the net. That’s it.”

This chart by Sean Tierney at ChartingHockey.com really demonstrates how drastic the difference is between chances created and goals for. By Jesse Granger Nov 22, 2019 The Golden Knights are all alone in the bottom right corner, showing just how many quality chances they’ve created without a finish.

The Golden Knights are amongst the NHL’s elite in nearly every The big question is: Why? analytical measure this season, except the ones that matter most: Goals and wins. Why is a team made up of extremely talented forwards, who are creating offense at a fantastic rate, unable to complete the final step in the Vegas has dominated the puck in the vast majority of its games, process and score goals? Are the Golden Knights comprised of players controlling the pace of play, outshooting the opposition and getting the who are exceptionally good at creating chances, but exceptionally bad at lion-share of scoring chances. But when it comes to the final piece of the finishing them? puzzle — beating the goalie and putting the puck in the net — the Golden Knights have continually fallen short. “There are a lot of chances, but a lot of stuff is from the outside, so you have to try to back the defensemen up, and try to get in the goalie’s eyes Vegas ranks second in the NHL in 5-on-5 scoring chances per 60 and create a little havoc,” Stastny said. minutes, with a whopping 28.53. Most players said something similar. They need to get shots closer to the The Golden Knights’ top six has been brilliant at creating in the offensive net. While there are a myriad of variables that factor into shot success, zone. William Karlsson and Reilly Smith have fantastic chemistry and nothing has a closer correlation than shot distance. That makes sense. seem to find each other in the most dangerous spots on the ice, whether The closer a player is to the net when shooting the more accurate he can their left winger is Jonathan Marchessault or Max Pacioretty. Mark Stone be, and the less time the goalie has to react to the shot. has found ways to create regardless of his linemates, as well. Early on it was Paul Stastny and Pacioretty, and lately it’s been Marchessault and However, shot distance hasn’t been an issue for the Golden Knights. In Cody Eakin. fact, they have the closest average shot distance of any team in the NHL at only 34.7 feet, according to MoneyPuck.com. Vegas has perhaps the most defensively-responsible forward group in the entire league. It takes care of its own end first, which is what Gerard “Just find the hole and put it in,” Karlsson said. “I’ve always been a guy Gallant (and front office executives George McPhee and Kelly who says as long as you’re creating the chances you’re doing something McCrimmon) wants. The team is also good through the neutral zone and good, and you just have to be a little sharper when we finish.” entering the zone. This isn’t a case of one or two players struggling to find the net. Nearly The high number of scoring chances the Golden Knights create is a good every player on the team is playing well in most aspects of the game, indicator of their ability to generate offense. Not only is Vegas second in except finishing scoring chances. the league in scoring chances per 60 minutes, but it’s also top 10 in high This chart isn’t the easiest to read because the names for each player danger chances per 60 at 11.14. aren’t visible in this view. But it does show a very clear trend: Golden But for one reason or another, the Golden Knights can’t finish the Knights players aren’t finishing their chances at a good rate. A few opportunities. players (Karlsson, Reilly Smith and Pacioretty) are in the top-right corner, meaning they’re converting at a good rate. Whether it’s poor shooting, great goaltending or simply bad “puck luck,” Vegas has been unusually poor at scoring the puck on dangerous But players like Shea Theodore, Marchessault and Stone are creating chances. chances at a fantastic rate, but not reaping the rewards of those chances nearly enough. “That’s the story of my life right now,” Marchessault said. “When you have chances it’s always positive, but at the end of the day you have to It’s not unusual to have players with low shooting percentages, it find the back of the net. We’re aware of it. If you’re not, you have a happens on every team as they go through the long, 82-game schedule. problem.” However, most teams have players with unusually high shooting percentages to somewhat offset that. The Golden Knights don’t have a Marchessault has been one of the most snakebitten players on the team single player in the top-left corner of this chart, designating players who when it comes to finishing chances. He currently has 2.4 goals below have “lots from little.” expected, meaning he has scored 2.4 fewer goals than one would expect, based on the quality of his shots to this point. That’s the most Stastny offered perhaps the best answer as to why the chances aren’t below expected on the team, and ninth-most in the NHL. going in for Vegas.

“I’ve had a few shots that were in close, and those are the shots that “It’s not easy to score in this league,” he said. “Sometimes you need to need to go in,” Marchessault said. “I can’t miss those. Personally you can take advantage of second opportunities, getting in the goalie’s eyes, and be satisfied to shoot and have a good scoring chance, but I need to have getting a stick on the shot. Those cute plays aren’t always there, so that anger. Every time I have a shot and miss, I should be willing to break sometimes you just have to take it to the net and create a little chaos, my stick. I need better.” and find a loose puck. It’s nice to have the nice goals, but if that doesn’t happen.” The Golden Knights rank 25th in shooting percentage. At 8.7 percent, Vegas is nearly a full percentage point below the league average (9.6) But that doesn’t exactly answer the problem either, because the Golden and 2.8 percent behind the league-leading New York Rangers (11.5). Knights are creating a sufficient number of rebounds. At 2.21 per game, Vegas ranks sixth in the NHL. When you dig deeper into the shooting numbers, it gets even worse. That’s because not only are the Golden Knights scoring on an extremely One area Vegas doesn’t create enough is deflections around the net. low percentage of shots, but they’re doing it with more dangerous shots The Golden Knights rank 21st in the league with only 10 deflections this than almost any other team. season. That’s an area for improvement, and one of the team’s best net- front players — Alex Tuch — just recently returned to the lineup, so that On shots that are deemed a scoring chance, Vegas’ shooting percentage should help. is dead last at only 10.39 percent. For reference, Nashville is first, converting 17.32 percent of its scoring chance shots into goals. If it’s not the quality of chances, or shot distance, or lack of rebounds, could it really just be that the Golden Knights have been insanely On high danger chances it doesn’t get much better. Vegas has the third- unlucky? worst shooting percentage, converting only 13.64 percent of high danger shots into goals. “I think (the goals) are going to go in,” Carrier said. “I think the bounce that we need, the post and in. Pacioretty, I think it must be a record how many posts he has hit. So it just takes one of those that goes in. We need a couple breaks.”

Pacioretty is currently tied for the most posts hit in the NHL with five. As a team, the Golden Knights have hit iron the fourth-most in the NHL with 20 shots off the post.

The stat most often strongly correlated with luck is PDO. It’s simply a team’s shooting percentage plus its save percentage, and the league average will always be 100 (because every shot that goes in adds to shooting percentage and subtracts from save percentage). That means that teams over 100 are “lucky” and teams under 100 are “unlucky.”

Vegas currently has the sixth-lowest PDO in the NHL at 98.4. Most analytics experts say if a team’s PDO is below 98, that team is eventually going to regress back to the mean (100). Vegas isn’t quite that low, but it’s straddling the line.

The players aren’t sure why the goals aren’t coming with the chances, but the good news for the Golden Knights is the law of averages says if they continue playing at this level the results will eventually follow suit. With the scoring talent on this roster, it seems unlikely they’ll fail to finish at this rate for an entire season.

“I’m looking. I’m trying for that. I don’t exactly have that answer,” Theodore said. “I’m just trying to get pucks on net, and hopefully I’ll get a bounce here or there.”

The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162975 Vegas Golden Knights

In Rebranding Play, Paper Goods and Janitorial Supplies Company Buys Naming Rights To New Golden Knights Community Ice Center In Henderson

November 22, 2019

By Alan Snel

A Henderson company specializing in reusable paper goods and janitorial supplies plans to use a new naming rights deal for the Vegas Golden Knights ice center in Henderson to help rebrand its expanding operations.

The VGK community ice center at 240 South Street will be officially called Lifeguard Arena. The ice facility will be similar to the Golden Knights’ training center, City National Arena, in Summerlin. About 30 percent of the users and visitors at City National Arena are from Henderson, so the new VGK ice facility will provide skating and hockey play opportunities close to home for Southern Nevada’s Second City. It will have house two rinks just like at the ice facility in Summerlin.

BT Supplies West, Inc., and its affiliated company, L & M Foodservice Inc., plans to be rebranding their companies in the upcoming months into Lifeguard Industrial and Home Supplies.

The rebranding timing is designed to dovetail into the July opening of the $25 million community ice center. The city of Henderson is giving the Golden Knights more than $10 million so that the VGK can build the community ice facility on 3.2 acres at the corner of Water Street and Atlantic Avenue in the Water Street District of what is the suburban city’s downtown.

BT Supplies/Lifeguard has newly opened offices in Nevada, Arizona and Los Angeles and is expanding operations in Nevada and in other gambling hubs.

“Lifeguard Arena in Henderson will provide locals and hockey fans of all ages and skill levels with a world class location to learn, play and experience the sport. We are thrilled to partner with BT Supplies West Inc. on this endeavor and are eagerly anticipating the grand opening next year,” VGK owner Bill Foley said in a prepared statement in a press release.

Lifeguard Industrial and Home Supplies, the newly branded entity of BT Supplies West and L & M Foodservice, provides hotels, schools, arenas, homes and related businesses with hundreds of goods ranging from cleaning supplies to paper needs and office furniture.

LVSportsBiz.com LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162976 Washington Capitals third line and was not used on special teams. He is expected to center the fourth line Saturday.

“These players will get more comfortable as we are using different Fresh faces crowd Capitals’ dressing room as injuries linger players in different situations and try to find the right combinations to have success and win,” Reirden said.

Washington Post LOADED: 11.23.2019 Samantha Pell

November 22, 2019 at 4:54 PM EST

If you took a quick look around the Washington Capitals’ dressing room at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Friday, you might not have recognized a few names.

There was Beck Malenstyn and Mike Sgarbossa, forwards recently recalled from the team’s American Hockey League affiliate in Hershey, Pa. Then there was a vaguely familiar member of the Stanley Cup- winning roster, defenseman Christian Djoos, who again had a nameplate. Twenty-four games into the regular season, the room looked more like it does during training camp, but with lingering injuries, suspensions and a tight salary cap, the Capitals have few options.

The team faltered in its first test with a depleted lineup, falling, 4-1, at the New York Rangers on Wednesday, but it is still confident in its ability to rebound — as it has all year.

“I think we are upset with what happened,” defenseman John Carlson said. “I feel like there have been parts of our game … that we have to keep working on … and that was one of those games where we didn’t do too much that we would want to see on film the next day. You got to take it all in, good or bad, and assess it and see it for how it was and try to get better.”

New faces or not, the team has been able to overcome challenges in the past. But the injuries are piling up.

Center Nicklas Backstrom (upper body, day-to-day) missed Wednesday’s game and will be out for Saturday’s matinee against visiting Vancouver. Forward Garnet Hathaway will serve the second of his three-game “intent to injure” suspension for spitting. Forward Nic Dowd (hand, injured reserve) skated before Friday’s practice but will sit Saturday, although he can be reactivated when he is healthy. Forward Carl Hagelin (upper body, long-term injured reserve) is out and will be eligible to come back Dec. 3 at San Jose.

The team made an intriguing Friday morning transaction, calling up Djoos and reassigning Tyler Lewington to Hershey. With all six regular defensemen healthy, the move was made to reward Djoos’s play in the AHL rather than because of injury concerns on the blue line.

Djoos is expected to be a healthy scratch for Saturday’s game.

“He’s played really well down in Hershey, and he’s done what he is supposed to do, and the cap •situation presented itself where we could recall him, and he’s well deserving of the opportunity to come back,” Coach Todd Reirden said.

Djoos has 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) in 18 games. He’s tied for sixth among AHL defensemen in assists.

“That’s good if you look at it that way, but you want to play in the NHL,” Djoos said. “That was my goal to do, and for right now I am excited to be here.”

The 6-foot, 180-pound defenseman played 45 games for the Capitals last year and recorded 10 points (one goal, nine assists). Djoos will not have to clear waivers if he is sent down before he plays 10 games or spends 30 days on the NHL roster.

According to CapFriendly.com, after Washington sent down Lewington ($675,000) and recalled Djoos, the Capitals are left with only $76,667 in their long-term injured reserve salary pool. When Hagelin was placed on LTIR on Wednesday, that cleared $2.75 million of cap space.

Malenstyn, who made his NHL debut on Wednesday, recorded 10:02 of ice time while on the fourth line with Chandler Stephenson and Brendan Leipsic. He spent 2:03 on the penalty kill, a depleted special teams unit with four typical forwards (Hagelin, Dowd, Hathaway and Backstrom) out for Wednesday’s game. The penalty kill thrived earlier in the season, but against the Rangers the unit allowed two opposing power-play goals for the first time this season. Sgarbossa had 8:12 of ice time centering the 1162977 Washington Capitals The 21-year-old center is already a superstar. In 23 games this season, he has nine goals and 19 assists. He is tied for 10th in the NHL in points and tied for seventh in assists. He scored one goal and two assists in the Canucks' win over the Nashville Predators on Thursday. 4 things to know for Caps-Canucks: Backstrom, Dowd still out Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.23.2019

By J.J. Regan November 22, 2019 3:40 PM

ARLINGTON, Va. -- A shorthanded Capitals team (16-4-4) suffered just its fourth regulation loss of the season on Wednesday in New York. They will look to rebound on Saturday in a matinee matchup against the Vancouver Canucks (11-8-4). You can catch all the action on NBC Sports Washington with Caps FaceOff Live kicking things off at 11:30 a.m. before Caps Pregame Live begins at 12 p.m. to bring you up to the 12:30 p.m. puck drop. Stick with NBC Sports Washington after the game for Caps Postgame Live and Caps Overtime Live.

Here are four things to know for Saturday's game.

No Backstrom, no Dowd

The suspension to Garnet Hathaway and injuries to Carl Hagelin, Nic Dowd and Nicklas Backstrom prompted several roster moves prior to Wednesday's game. Playing with a depleted roster, the Caps lost 4-1 to the New York Rangers. They won't be getting any of those players back for Saturday.

Hathaway remains suspended for two more games and Hagelin is on LTIR. Dowd is on IR and eligible to return at any time. He skated early on Friday, but neither he nor Backstrom participated in practice. Reirden said both players remain day-to-day with upper-body injuries and will not play against Vancouver.

There was only one small tweak to the lineup from what we saw in New York as Reirden switched centers on the bottom lines.

Alex Ovechkin - Evgeny Kuznetsov - Tom Wilson

Jakub Vrana - Lars Eller - T.J. Oshie

Richard Panik - Chandler Stephenson - Travis Boyd

Beck Malenstyn - Mike Sgarbossa - Brendan Leipsic

Michal Kempny - John Carlson

Dmitry Orlov - Radko Gudas

Jonas Siegenthaler - Nick Jensen

One additional move, Christian Djoos was recalled on Friday and Tyler Lewington was reassigned to Hershey. Djoos, however, will not play Saturday. Reirden said recalling him was both to reward him for his good play in Hershey and as injury insurance with Saturday's game being at 12:30.

The penalty kill struggled in New York

Washington allowed two power play goals in one game for the first time all season on Wednesday. For the season, the Caps' penalty kill is at 83.3-percent, good for 11th in the league, but it was no surprise to see the team struggle on Wednesday given who the team is missing. Hagelin, Dowd and Hathaway have all played significant minutes on the penalty kill this season. Backstrom has not, but he has in the past and, with those other three out, he likely would have stepped in on Wednesday. Having one of the best two-way forwards as a backup plan for the penalty kill is a pretty good strategy, but now all four are out against a lethal Canucks power play that ranks fourth in the league clicking at 27.1-percent.

Caps earned a crazy win in Vancouver

Washington visited Vancouver on Oct. 25 and these two teams played in the craziest game so far this season for the Caps. The Canucks took a 5- 1 lead in the second period, but Kuznetsov scored in the final second of the period to make it 5-2 and spark the comeback. Michal Kempny scored twice in the third period as the Caps tied the game at 5 and went on to win in a shootout.

Here's the recap of that game.

Elias Pettersson is the real deal 1162978 Washington Capitals

Alex Ovechkin delivers again - but this time it's pizza

By Brian McNally November 22, 2019 2:46 PM

Their heads bobbed up and down in the window trying to figure out who was the mysterious figure standing in front of the house.

The Dobbie brothers – Jack, 11, Woody, 8, and Henry, 5 – were just waiting for their Papa John’s pizzas to arrive on Thursday night. They weren’t expecting the delivery man to be Alex Ovechkin.

With what might be his prettiest assist of the week, Ovechkin dropped off pizzas to the Dobbie boys, who should be the talk of their Arlington County elementary school today, took a quick photo with them and was off to his next stop.

It was an afternoon of pizza delivery for Ovechkin, who also delivered pies to kids at a Fairfax County pediatric cancer clinic, a youth hockey team at MedStar Capitals Iceplex and to an Arlington County firehouse.

“Now I want to learn about hockey!” Hank, 5, told his mother, Mary Chris, before digging into his pizza.

Ovechkin has that effect on people. If the Dobbie brothers are growing hockey fans, the firemen at Arlington’s Fire Station 2 are already all-in on the Capitals.

Unfortunately, as Ovechkin pulled in with pizzas for the group working Thursday evening, lights and sirens flashed and the truck and ambulance left the station. Duty called.

But Ovechkin left pizzas and took a few pictures with the crew left behind. Earlier in the afternoon for his first stop, he’d delivered to kids at the cancer clinic in conjunction with Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic. Nurses and hospital staff lined the hallway and applauded as the pizzas made their way in. The children got to hang out with Ovechkin for about a half- hour.

The scene that greeted him at his final stop was a little more chaotic. MedStar Capitals Iceplex is a busy place almost any night of the week with practices and games on both rinks.

Add Ovechkin walking into the rink with a few dozen pizzas and the place goes crazy. He brought the food into a locker room off the main rink and kids playing for the 10-and-under MedStar Youth Hockey team, still in uniform, cheered.

They also peppered him with questions: “Is Sidney Crosby your rival?” one asked.

Anyone who knows how often Ovechkin has been asked that question by professional journalists over the years had to stifle a laugh. Ovechkin had fun with it this time, though.

“No, he’s my friend!”

The budding hockey star stared wide-eyed and slightly horrified. “He is?”

Ovechkin just laughed, took a few more pictures with the kids and signed some equipment. Parents had their cell phones out to capture the moment. And the famished young hockey players got an early jump on dinner. All in a day’s work even when the Capitals are off.

“Pizza is just better when Ovi delivers it,” one of them said to no one in particular.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162979 Washington Capitals percentage in those games. He was named Hershey’s player of the week.

Stats update: Aliaksei Protas leads the WHL in points with 34. Connor Capitals Prospect Report: Why the preseason matters McMichael is tied for the OHL points lead with 46.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.23.2019

By J.J. Regan November 22, 2019 11:05 AM

If you watch him in practice, forward prospect Beck Malenstyn’s skills don’t immediately stand out. Neither do his stats. In 18 games with the this season, Malenstyn has three goals and three assists. And yet, when the Capitals found themselves in injury trouble and in need of bodies not just to serve as healthy scratches but to actually play, Malenstyn got the call.

The Caps have had need of a few players from Hershey already this season. Travis Boyd has been recalled twice and plugged into the lineup, Liam O’Brien was recalled to be a healthy scratch and sent back down to Hershey without playing. But on Wednesday in New York, with Garnet Hathaway suspended and Nicklas Backstrom, Carl Hagelin and Nic Dowd all out injured, Washington needed reinforcements to play against the Rangers. They did not call on O’Brien who has previous NHL experience, Axel Jonsson-Fjallby who has scored five goals this season or Shane Gersich who jumped into the Caps lineup when he was signed in 2018. They called on Malenstyn and it is not hard to figure out why.

Malenstyn was one of the standout performers for the Caps in the preseason and Reirden raved about back in September.

“I like the energy he brings,” Reirden said after a preseason game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sept. 16. “I've liked him for a few years now. ... I just love having him around our room, he's a great kid, really hard worker, passionate. I definitely gravitate towards that type of guy. He can change momentum of a game with his speed, he's physical.”

The NHL preseason is fun to watch because you get a chance to see so many prospects who you otherwise don’t get a chance to see because they play for their junior teams or in the minors. Those brief glimpses can leave on impression not just on the fans or the media, but the coaches as well.

Between O’Brien, Jonsson-Fjallby, Gersich and Malenstyn, Malenstyn easily was the most impressive in an actual game setting. So it was no surprise then, when the Caps needed not just bodies but a player, that Malenstyn was among those who got the call. He delivered energy on Wednesday and fired three shots on goal on Henrik Lundqvist. He nearly scored on a short breakaway opportunity.

The preseason can seem long and tedious when everyone just wants to get into the regular season, but for those prospects trying to leave an impression, the preseason matters a whole heck of a lot.

Other prospect notes

The injury woes continue for the Caps. Malenstyn and Michael Sgarbossa remain with the team. In addition, Christian Djoos was recalled to Washington and Tyler Lewington was reassigned to Hershey. In 18 games with the Bears, Djoos has tallied one goal and 10 assists.

Riley Sutter, who was injured before the season began, finally made his AHL debut on Nov. 15.

Vincent Gibbons of McKeen’s Hockey wrote a profile on Alex Alexeyev:

Alexeyev is a great story wrapped in a very good player who has all the tools to be a top four defender in the NHL. He has good size, skates very well, and has more snarl in his game then most give him credit for. Couple all that with a defender who is an excellent passer both in his own zone as well as when quarterbacking a power play, and he shows real promise. He has had some injury trouble the past couple of seasons and had a tragic loss as his mother passed away mid-season in his draft year. Despite so many ups and downs he has been one of the top defenders in the WHL since his arrival from Russia. He projects as playing both sides of special teams although maybe on second units and he could be a very solid second pairing defender.

With all the goalie shuffling on the rosters, the result was that Pheonix Copley was called upon to play all three of Hershey’s games last week. He went 1-1-1 despite posting an incredible 0.98 GAA and .959 save 1162980 Washington Capitals “Jay Beagle is a phenomenal human being and an excellent hockey player, and we miss him in a number of different aspects,” Caps coach Todd Reirden said. “That being said, we’ve replaced him with other good players and other good people. It’s part of the game; it’s business. But ‘Welcome home Beags’: Jay Beagle’s absence still noticeable in first trip you’d have a hard time getting anyone to say something negative about back to Capitals’ practice rink Jay Beagle, for who he is as a human and the stuff that he does on the ice to help you, whether it’s blocking shots, being the main cog in your

penalty kill or taking big faceoffs. He’s well respected around here, and By Tarik El-Bashir Nov 22, 2019 it’ll be difficult going against him.”

Beagle’s former teammates miss him for other reasons.

ARLINGTON, Va. — For nearly a decade, Jay Beagle pulled up at “Beags — for me as an individual — he was one of the best in the room MedStar Capitals Iceplex, parked his pickup truck in the parking lot and as far as taking me under his wing and showing me the work ethic you walked into the home team’s plush training facility. needed to play in the league,” Caps winger Tom Wilson said. “He just did everything the right way on and off the ice. That’s him to a T. He’s the On Friday afternoon, he arrived on a chartered bus and entered through ultimate pro, an awesome person and a hardworking player.” a different door, one that led to a bare-bones public locker room reserved for visiting teams. Beagle’s lead-by-example reputation is another reason the Canucks pursued him in free agency and felt comfortable handing him a lucrative It’s been more than a year since Beagle signed a four-year, $12 million and lengthy deal. Vancouver has a host of young and impressionable contract with Vancouver and left behind the only NHL organization he’d stars such as Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes and Brock Boeser. known. And although he made his return to Capital One Arena in February, the 34-year-old center hadn’t been back to Washington’s “He’s just a real good influence,” Canucks coach Travis Green said. practice rink as a member of the Canucks, who face the Caps on “He’s a good person and he wants to win bad. He does the right things all Saturday afternoon. the time. He’s really turned himself into a good NHL player. You look at his résumé, he’s won everywhere he’s gone. He’s a good example for “Obviously, a lot of mixed emotions,” Beagle said. “It was a little bit weird not just young guys but a lot of other players, too.” walking in. I didn’t recognize (Ballston Quarter Mall) with all the construction they’ve been doing. When we pulled up on the bus, it was a Wilson said Beagle is the type of guy he’ll stay in touch with long after his little bit different-looking.” playing days are done.

Indeed, the recently renovated mall has changed a lot since Beagle’s “He’s a guy you’ll have a bond with your whole life,” Wilson said. “I’ll try to departure. What hasn’t wavered, though, is the fan base’s love and stay in touch with him. He’s harder than others, but I’ll try my best.” appreciation for one of its all-time favorites. “He’s finally got LTE, so you can reach him,” Wilson cracked, referring to A couple of dozen hearty Caps fans waited outside of the rink on a chilly Beagle’s well-documented disdain for personal technology. and damp weekday afternoon for Beagle and Canucks to arrive. One fan Said John Carlson: “We still talk a little bit. He’s not the best with the held up a sign that read, ‘Welcome home Beags.’ Another wore a red No. electronics. He’s always got some shtick about his phone.” 83 Beagle T-shirt; she had a poster board featuring photos of Beagle and the Stanley Cup. With a Friday night off in Washington, Beagle said he planned to send a group text message to his former teammates to see if anyone would “It’s hard to describe,” Beagle said. “It’s something that’s so special. It’s “bite” on a dinner invitation. something I’ll always remember. A lot of the faces I saw today, I recognized from five, six years ago. The fan base here in Washington is “Or I might send them a letter. That’s probably more appropriate,” Beagle unbelievable. They’re fans who are passionate about the game but also joked as he pulled an older-model iPhone from his pocket. care about the person. I got to know people on a personal level a little bit. That’s pretty cool. It’s special to be a part of that.” All kidding aside, Beagle said changing teams, as hard as it was, has worked out. He got the long-term security he sought. The Caps, Beagle’s eyes moistened ever so slightly. meanwhile, got younger and freed up the salary-cap space they needed to re-sign others. “There’s a lot of stars on that team,” he said of the Alex Ovechkin-led Caps. “I don’t know what they saw in me. I still don’t know. They treated “I was here a long time,” he said, “and it was with great people. In that me a lot better than I deserve. It still is special when I come back here dressing room over there, they have a great group of guys. It’s a tight and see that, the way they respond. And I’m still not sure why. I can’t group and a fun group to be part of. I was very fortunate and blessed to figure it out. be a part of it.”

“For sure,” he added, “this is the (game) that you mark on the calendar Something else that made leaving Washington a little easier? The team’s right away.” breakthrough in 2017-2018, his final season with the Capitals.

Beagle’s first season in Vancouver was difficult. He broke a forearm in “It would have been way different leaving without winning a Cup,” he his fifth game with the Canucks, forcing him to miss six weeks. His said. “After winning the Cup, I could almost walk away like, ‘We did it. We absence coincided with a November tailspin. Vancouver missed the completed it.’ Even though I wanted to come back obviously — that playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. wasn’t in the cards — it was easier to leave because we won the ultimate prize.” This season, though, has gotten off to a smoother and more promising start for Beagle and the team. Although he missed three games last The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 week with a lower-body injury and is questionable for Saturday because of the same ailment, he’s much more comfortable in his role and the Canucks are in the thick of the Western Conference race.

“It was a tough adjustment last year,” he acknowledged. “I feel a lot better now.”

Beagle has a goal and two assists, a modest total for a forward who has appeared in 20 games. Offense, however, is not the reason Vancouver wanted him. It’s all the unglamorous jobs he performs. For example, Beagle is sixth in the league with a 58.7 faceoff winning percentage and leads all Canucks players in shorthanded ice time per game at 3:18.

Without Beagle, the Caps struggled on faceoffs and on the penalty kill a year ago. They’ve been better in both areas this season, but his absence is still felt. 1162981 Winnipeg Jets both player and organization concluded a return to Finland was the most suitable move for his development.

During a conversation in Dallas, Jets head coach Paul Maurice spoke Pionk making Trouba deal look good glowingly about Winnipeg’s return in the Trouba trade.

"You gotta be careful about what you predict about a player (like Heinola) that’s not in the NHL. But fits our team," said Maurice. "He’s Jason Bell just grown. The minutes are good for him, he can handle it. A very fit man, very efficient but plays at a high intensity level. And you have Ville Posted: 11/22/2019 9:56 PM Heinola there. So, this is going to turn out to be a really good thing for both teams. We gave up a good defenceman but added two — one outstanding right now and one we think will be. DALLAS — So many big questions have come out of Dallas. Did Oswald act alone? Who shot J.R.? Was Hull’s skate in the crease? "What you hope for is a certain amount of consistency in a young defenceman, and that, to me, would be (Pionk’s) strength. He has played So, here’s another query from the sprawling metropolis of Dallas-Fort an incredibly consistent game all year long." Worth, the final stop of a prosperous four-game road trip for the Winnipeg Jets that spanned nine days and produced two wins in Florida and one in Want more sports? Tennessee before a defeat in Texas. Get news and notes from the local amateur sports scene in your inbox. Who’s winning the Jacob Trouba trade, seven weeks into the 2019-20 SUBSCRIBE TO ON THE HOME FRONT NHL season? Pionk, listed at 6-0, 190-pounds, was signed as a free agent by the Neal Pionk, 24, the main piece obtained by Winnipeg in a swap of Rangers in May 2017 after two seasons at the University of Minnesota defencemen with the New York Rangers, says he ignored the obvious (Duluth). He played parts of two seasons (7G, 33A, 101GP) for the comparison after the blockbuster deal in June. And he certainly doesn’t Metropolitan Division team before being shipped to Winnipeg, and signed concern himself with it now. a two-year, $6-million deal with the Jets in July. "I don’t know if you can look into (the trade) too much because then you He’ll be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights when the deal put unnecessary pressure on yourself. It’s just part of the business, and concludes after the 2020-21 campaign. Quiet and unassuming, the guy we all know it’s reality for every single guy in this locker room. You have from small-town U.S.A. could be an integral member of Winnipeg’s blue to play your own game, you can’t try to be anybody else," Pionk said late line for years go come. this week. "Coming to Winnipeg, we’ve won for the most part, so we hope to "As far as my style of play, playing that combination of a hard game but continue that for the rest of the year," he said. also a fast game, an up-tempo game, and I think that’s come out here with the Jets." "Just a work in progress all the time. Always watching video, always trying to get better. The coaches here have helped with that, so a lot of Winnipeg was backed into a corner by Trouba, a talented, offensively credit goes to them. There’s ebbs and flows for every year, and the hope minded defenceman coming off a career season with eight goals and 42 is that when you take one step back you take two steps forward. That’s assists. General manager couldn’t sign the restricted been my goal, to continue to get better, whether it’s game to game, free agent long-term, so he accepted offers from around the league and practice to practice or year to year." settled on the Rangers’ offer a week before the draft. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 11.23.2019 That came in the form of Pionk and the 20th overall selection in the draft — a teenage defenceman named who quickly became a household name this fall in Manitoba. The pick originally belonged to Winnipeg but was part of a package, along with feisty forward Brendan Lemieux, sent to Manhattan for Kevin Hayes at the February trade deadline.

The prevailing theme on social media and the opinions of hockey insiders was that Cheveldayoff got taken to the cleaners. That was then, this is now.

Trouba looked like a Norris Trophy candidate as the NHL’s best blue- liner exactly one game into his career in New York. He scored once and set up two goals as the Blueshirts beat his former team in the season- opener at Madison Square Garden Oct. 3.

Since then, the Michigan product’s offensive show has been stuck on pause. In 18 contests since the opener, Trouba has nary a snipe and has helped set up just four more NYR tallies, despite garnering nearly 23 minutes of ice time a night, tops on the Rangers roster.

While he struggles to produce offensively, he is, by all accounts, faring only marginally as he gets acclimatized to the gritty, tight-checking Eastern Conference. The underlying numbers, including possession and expected goals, suggest Pionk is out-playing Trouba through roughly a quarter of the season.

The undrafted 24-year-old from Hermantown, Minn., has two goals and nine assists in 23 contests, showing a tidiness in his own end and a penchant for joining the rush. Pionk has either made a rapid transformation from bum — as impatient, ill-tempered Rangers fans would have the hockey believe — to steady, two-way defenceman, or he wasn’t too shabby a player in the first place.

Heinola, meanwhile, earned his way onto Winnipeg’s roster after an exceptional training camp, despite being a slightly built 18-year-old. He scored a goal and added four assists in eight games before being assigned to the team’s AHL affiliate, the . A week later, 1162982 Winnipeg Jets starting in the offensive zone just 32.1 per cent of the time, so I don’t think I’d mess with it.

If things do go south though, one line that the Jets put together for a Consistent Copp headed for career year with Jets short time this season that was absolutely dominant was Copp with Ehlers and Connor, who posted an expected goals rate of nearly 63 per cent, and Connor is a player who can be expected to cash in on a lot more of those opportunities in the slot than either Lowry or Perreault, Andrew Berkshire despite also starting the season converting on fewer shots than his Posted: 11/22/2019 2:03 PM career average.

Breaking things down to just Copp, he leads the Jets’ forward group in on-ice inner-slot shot differential, the only forward on the roster above 50 In this season of hardship for the Winnipeg Jets, they keep finding ways per cent, and only Ehlers and have bettered him in on-ice to stay in the hunt and push themselves into a playoff position. shot-attempt differential, where Copp boasts a sterling 54.4 per cent.

Going 7-2-1 in their last 10, the Jets haven’t exactly re-invented the All measurements of performance included, Copp has easily been one of wheel and found a new way to play the game. What they are getting is the Jets’ most impactful and consistent performers, and if his puck luck gritty performances at crucial times, along with spectacular goaltending changes a little bit, he might be in for a career year. from . Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 11.23.2019 The focus is often on the team defence in front of Hellebuyck, especially in response to covering for the lack of defensive talent on the blue line after trading away Jacob Trouba, letting Tyler Myers and Ben Chiarot leave as unrestricted free agents and, most important, the ongoing situation with Dustin Byfuglien’s injury and apparent lack of passion for coming back to the game.

The Jets are undeniably playing this season short-handed — and they’re stuck because of the Byfuglien situation; they can’t spend that cap space to add to the roster without assuming an extreme amount of risk should he get healthy and choose to come back.

Part of being able to overcome that defensive loss is performing better offensively, because as much as you can focus on playing great team defence, eventually you’re going to have to score your way out of trouble when you only have one true top-four defenceman on the roster in .

Looking at the Jets so far this season offensively, and who is creating for their teammates, the top of the list is mostly who you expect it to be: at the top, with a stellar 8.29 scoring chances created per 20 minutes at even-strength; next at 7.62; Mark Scheifele at 7.23; and at 6.56.

Wait a second… Andrew Copp?

It probably shouldn’t be a big surprise considering how good the Jets’ grind line of Copp with and Brandon Tanev has been over the last several years, but with Tanev moving on, Copp has taken things to another level offensively. So what is he doing differently this year?

In terms of shooting, Copp is an average Jets forward, but his playmaking has stepped up significantly.

Only Scheifele and Ehlers have managed to connect on more passes to the slot than Copp has so far this season, which is incredible for a player who usually plays on the third or fourth line. You might be thinking at this point, if Copp has been playing so well and creating so much offence, why does he only have six assists? Only nine points?

Those are fair questions. There are both good answers and some that are less satisfying. For starters, Copp has been extremely unlucky so far. As a career 10.8 per cent shooter, he’s scoring on only 6.4 per cent of his shots on goal, so he’s due for more goals than he’s getting, and the assist situation is just as frustrating.

His most frequent linemates are Adam Lowry and , neither of whom are high-end shooters, to convert on those chances, and while Perreault is shooting just fine, Lowry is experiencing the same lousy luck as Copp. Lowry is converting on just 7.4 per cent of his shots with a career average of 11 per cent, so more can be expected of him and Copp going forward, even if nothing changes.

The crazy thing about that line though, is that they’re working extremely well despite the lack of results. Perreault, Copp, and Lowry are third, fourth and fifth on the Jets in slot-pass receptions, a sign that the line is constantly penetrating the slot, but they have struggled a little bit with converting those possessions in dangerous areas into shots on goal, and goals.

A shakeup could be in order to get the most out of them, but according to Sportlogiq’s data, that line has an expected goals rate of 61.6 per cent while playing against the toughest opposition of any Jets line, and 1162983 Winnipeg Jets Luckily, he knew there was another way in for Winnipeg. Public speaking would have to wait longer.

A regulation win for the Calgary Flames who were hosting the Los At long last, Alabama Jets fan fulfills dream to see team up close Angeles Kings would punt the latter from contention. In turn, it would mean the Jets would clinch despite their loss.

“I turned over to that game real quick and it was every more staticky,” he Scott Billeck said. “It was nearly 30 minutes before I saw what happened but when I saw Calgary score the empty-netter to seal it, I went absolutely bonkers, Published:November 22, 2019 yelling we made the playoffs and running around my apartment. Updated:November 22, 2019 9:07 PM CST “That was my big moment.”

That was then. Clay Cawthon’s journey to Nashville this past Tuesday is a story that On Tuesday, perhaps his biggest moment came at Bridgestone Arena in began a decade ago in Alabama. the heart of Nashville’s electric music district. Cawthon’s love for the game of hockey began to blossom during the After years of making excuses for why he couldn’t make the three-hour 2009-10 season. With Birmingham being only a couple hours to the east ride up the I-65, Cawthon said the hell with it. of Atlanta, Cawthon, then a teenager in high school, took an interest in the Thrashers. At 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, he went from his job as an actuary assistant in Birmingham and rushed home. The following season, Cawthon would attend his first NHL game after his father pulled him out of his high school early one day and the two made He put in a 12-hour workday a day earlier so he could leave a couple the trek down the I-20 to A-Town. From thereon, Cawthon was hooked. hours early a day later. The extra time was just enough time to pop into his apartment and throw on his Nikolaj Ehlers jersey. Well, at least until the offseason that followed. By 2:45 p.m., Cawthon was in his Toyota Tacoma heading north to As stood proudly at a podium in downtown Winnipeg to Smashville. announce that the city of Winnipeg would once again have an NHL team to root for, Cawthon’s heart sank. He got there with plenty of time to spare, or so he thought.

“To be honest, I kind of sulked. I was pissed off,” he said during a phone “The GPS was telling me to go down roads that were blocked off,” conversation this past week. “I blamed the commissioner, all this other Cawthon said. stuff, like all of the Thrashers fans, the few of us that there was.” He had purchased a parking pass along with his ticket for the lot Like a lover who bailed without notice, Cawthon was stripped of the team connected to the arena but by the time he found his way there, it was full. he had fallen for and the players that he had come to adore. Slightly frustrated but otherwise undeterred he found a nearby $10 That fall, as the Jets took the ice in Winnipeg for the beginning of the 2.0 parking lot with a sign that read ‘Compact car parking only.’ era, Cawthon was beginning college at Auburn University, which straddles the state line of Alabama and Georgia. He ignored it.

His disdain for the situation he found himself in as a relatively new “If a tow truck could pull me out of there, the more power to him,” he said. hockey fan lasted roughly three weeks into the season. He’d make it, albeit a little late, to his seats in Section 302. He wanted to give the Jets a chance. had already given the Jets a 1-0 lead before he was able to sit down.

“The main reason I did it was because those players were why I fell in During the intermission, Cawthon walked around the concourse love with hockey,” Cawthon said. “The thing is, most of them are gone introducing himself to any Jets fans he saw. now but I stuck with it this long and I fell in love with the players that “I didn’t know how I’d be treated,” he said. replaced them.” With hugs, he’d eventually find out. And a lot of friendly Winnipeggers To watch the games, Cawthon signed up for the NHL’s streaming who made him feel more welcome than he ever imagined. service. Through his Xbox, and a wireless connector he had to purchase to receive a wifi signal, Cawthon could now tune into the games being “They named me an honourary Winnipegger,” he said. “I have never played 1,500 miles or so to the north. been to Canada, much less Winnipeg.”

It wasn’t always easy, however. He’d get to see Nikolaj Ehlers score the eventual gamer winner, and went berzerk during the final minute of the game hoping the Jets could For several, he’d watch the games from his apartment near Auburn. The stave off the Predators, which they did to capture a 2-1 win. broadcasts were often a pixelated blur, a product of a shoddy internet connection that, at the best of times, made it a challenge to do his He couldn’t believe the experience he had, and now he’s looking forward schoolwork, let alone tune into game. to the next — a trip to Winnipeg one day if he can save up enough.

“I have plenty of fond memories watching the pixelated players,” he said, “I’d love to get up there, it’s on the bucket list,” he said. laughing. For now, he’ll keep on streaming the games. He has a much better The fondest of those, he said, came on a wild April night in 2015. internet connection these days.

Now a senior at Auburn, and still working with the same crappy internet Winnipeg Sun LOADED 11.23.2019 connection, the Jets were in Colorado in the penultimate game of the 2014-15 season with a chance to clinch their first playoff spot since returning to Winnipeg.

“The thing is, I know I’m way far behind,” Cawthon said of the game he watched. “It was stopping, starting, pixelating. My roommate was asking me to help him with his public speaking course and I was like, ‘No, no, no. You’ll have to wait until this is over.’”

The Jets would claim a point in that game, ultimately losing in the shootout 1-0.

“I thought, ‘Aw, crap,’” Cawthon said. 1162984 Winnipeg Jets I’m not sure that there is a less heralded star player than Nik “it’s Nikolaj” Ehlers. Goals leader. Third place in WAR. Second place in average game score. But most of all, Ehlers has been able to drive play with his trademark zone entry ability, daring defenders and linemates alike to From MVP candidates to a trio of misadventures: Evaluating Winnipeg’s keep up with his speed, and has done so while generating meaningful forwards at the quarter-season mark offence. The chemistry he’s started to pick up with Jack Roslovic and Blake Wheeler is worth noting — the trio have controlled 58.7 percent of

shot attempts and 60.5 percent of expected goals — and Ehlers has By Murat Ates Nov 22, 2019 been a major driver of that success. Narratives being what they are, some observers won’t fully appreciate Ehlers’ game until he scores in the postseason but, through 22 games of 2019-20, he has found another level. Twenty-three games into the 2019-20 season, the Winnipeg Jets are in 12th place. Strong starts

In so many ways, that’s an incredible accomplishment. Andrew Copp – B+ ($2,280,000 – RFA 2021-22)

The team isn’t dominating at even strength. It’s not dominating on the Andrew Copp has been a strong possession player for three seasons power play or PK. It is dealing with the absence of Dustin Byfuglien and now, combining an ability to read plays at high speed with strong on-ice injuries to , , Mark Letestu, and Gabriel communication and a consistent effort in all three zones. I rate Copp as Bourque. And yet Winnipeg is 13-9-1. the defensive zone standard by which other Jets wingers should be measured and he’s an exemplary transition defender too — to use Paul At the heart of the team’s success? A standard-bearing performance by Maurice’s words, he “doesn’t short a backcheck.” He hasn’t been Connor Hellebuyck in goal. In 18 starts, Hellebuyck has posted a save spectacular this season but Copp is fourth among Jets forwards by all of percentage of at least .950 eight times. Via Evolving Hockey, he is the Evolving Hockey’s WAR and Dom Luszczyszyn’s Average Game Score NHL’s leader in Goals Saved Above Average and league leader in “wins thanks to strong 5-on-5 results, a positive penalty differential, and whilst wearing a toque in .” Trust me. I made it up. Winnipeg’s best rate stats while killing penalties. But as Winnipeg’s four-game road trip to Florida, Tampa Bay, Nashville There is an unanswered question about Copp’s ceiling right now — and Dallas ends with a 3-1 record, the Jets have finally started to win whether or not he can succeed as a possession driver for players with games through offensive excellence as well as goaltending supremacy. more finishing ability than he has. We saw signs when he and Laine ran The Jets forwards are supposed to be this team’s strength — no matter roughshod over the New Jersey Devils early in the season but that was a what the turnover on defence, no matter what the regression in goal, a short-lived audition. For the moment, Copp is on pace for 32 points and group led by Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler and supplemented by his defensive contributions are substantial enough to catapult him above Patrik Laine, Nik Ehlers, Kyle Connor, Jack Roslovic, and more should more impressive offensive players on this list. be capable of winning games all on its own. Jack Roslovic – B ($894,166– RFA 2020-21) It’s the forward group we’re going to talk about today. While Scheifele and Wheeler gave Winnipeg at least one point-per-game scorer for three Jack Roslovic played on a line with Auston Matthews and Matthew straight seasons, no Jet has scored at that rate so far. Scheifele, with 22 Tkachuk in his teens and wasn’t a passenger — he finished second on points in 23 games, is awfully close and has started to take games over the US U-18 team in points. He’s struggled to carve out a prominent role all by himself — he may not be far off. in Winnipeg, largely buried under even more gifted offensive players and by the Jets’ commitment to their excellent Copp/Lowry anchored Still, in my mind, Winnipeg’s most impressive performances at forward so checking line. Roslovic’s offensive ability persists — and so does his goal far this season belong to Laine, Ehlers, Scheifele, and … Andrew Copp? to be an impact player on a Cup contender. I’m not kidding, but we’ll get into that in a minute. At the quarter mark of But it’s not all roses. Roslovic’s season can essentially be divided into 2019-20, here are Winnipeg’s forwards sorted into tiers based on points, three parts: his start with Mason Appleton and Mathieu Perreault, his possession stats, WAR, colleague Dom Luszczyszyn’s Game Score, and promotion to checking line winger with Andrew Copp and Adam Lowry, my own two eyes. and his more recent offensive turn with Blake Wheeler and Nikolaj MVP Candidates Ehlers. Whether through opportunity, role, or chemistry, it’s mostly this latter role in which Roslovic has excelled, perhaps best exemplified by Mark Scheifele – A ($6,125,000 – UFA 2024-25) the pass he made to Ehlers against Nashville on Tuesday night.

Winnipeg’s franchise centreman leads the team with 22 points in 23 He’s a smart two-way player but not yet showing the drive to excel in a games, leads all Jets skaters in Evolving Hockey’s Wins Above checking capacity. He’s a capable offensive player but has only recently Replacement, and carries the team’s third highest average game score been playing in a prime offensive role. As far as I can see it, there’s still according to Dom Luszczyszyn. In short: Scheifele is the standard bearer plenty of ink yet to be spilled about Roslovic’s career and the player he for Winnipeg’s forward group. can be. All told, he’s getting more opportunity than I expected when the Strictly going by gut here but, for all of the (rightful) talk about Blake season began and it’s led to enough results to say that he’s impressed. Wheeler adjusting his leadership style, one of the more endearing Bryan Little – B+/IR ($5,291,666 – UFA 2024-25) aspects of Jets practices this season for me has been watching Scheifele take various younger or new Jets under his wing. I’ve seen him throw fist Oh dear. bumps and good spirits toward players like Jack Roslovic, Andrei What can be said about Bryan Little’s season? Chibisov, and more and have often found myself wondering if Scheifele has made a commitment to leadership a top priority this season. It began with Laine’s comments in Iltalehti. Little’s response — that he knows Laine so well he knew his comments were misinterpreted even Patrik Laine – A ($6,750,000 – RFA 2021-22) before Laine apologized — was pure class. In a turn that no one saw coming, your Winnipeg Jets assist leader is 21- It was interrupted by a concussion, suffered when Minnesota’s Luke year-old Patrik Laine. Six goals, 14 assists, and 20 points in 21 games Kunin caught him with a head shot at the end of pre-season. Little’s make Laine Winnipeg’s second highest scorer, its second-biggest response — an unwillingness to blame Kunin — was classy once again. producer of Wins Above Replacement, and the producer of the Jets’ highest average game score. The young Tamperelainen can still shoot Little came back from that concussion, scored five points in seven the puck as hard as ever and is collecting omenoita by the bucketload games, and was once again his affable self in the Jets room. Then he while playing with Scheifele and Kyle Connor. Winnipeg’s power play took an Ehlers misfire from the point to the head, which required more remains an issue but Laine has shown flashes of ability towards taking than 25 stitches to seal up. When Ehlers spoke to reporters following the games over at 5-on-5 and that, dear reader, is a massive victory for the accident, he was clearly shaken up. He also told us that Little was doing early season Jets. his best to make him feel better — Little joked that he shouldn’t have been skating in the corner anyway. Nik Ehlers – A ($6,000,000 – UFA 2025-26) Little’s on-ice performance has been good. His off-ice attitude has been up plays. I’d go as far as to say that Winnipeg’s “top six and a checking first class. line” strategy depends on him.

Helping but perhaps not as much as one might hope But the 5-on-5 offence just isn’t there. Lowry’s 0.47 points per 60 minutes sandwiches him between Nathan Beaulieu and Dmitry Kulikov for 16th Blake Wheeler – B ($8,250,000 – UFA 2024-25) on the team. He’s a crasher, a banger, and an excellent defender but If we were to assess Blake Wheeler’s first quarter strictly based on his three points in 21 games does not a top tier quarter season make. transition to second line centre, his performance relative to expectations A trio of misadventures would be top tier. Wheeler’s line with Ehlers and Roslovic has been excellent — 57.1 percent of shot attempts, 54.1 percent of expected Mason Appleton – IR ($741,667 – RFA 2020-21) goals — and has led to straight line speed from Wheeler that I haven’t seen since playoffs. I had Mason Appleton’s NHL job written in pencil heading into training camp and began to reach for the ink partway through camp. We all saw It’s the part where Wheeler struggled as a first line right wing that hurts him win a full-time job and then play nine games with the team. None of him here. The duo of Scheifele and Wheeler has been outscored 16-11 us saw him break his foot while playing football at prior this season while generating just 47.2 percent of shot attempts and 43.7 to the but, along with Hellebuyck’s toque, the percent of expected goals. Little’s injury has given Wheeler a dare-to-be- picturesque snowfall, and Josh Morrissey’s bar-down slap shot, one of great situation and he’s seized it but that’s only a recent chapter in the most unforgettable memories of the event was Appleton limping Wheeler’s season. down the tunnel in crutches and a walking boot. To me, his expression was something between disbelief and sheer despondence — it was a He’s also struggled on the power play, shooting more often and setting decidedly sad moment for a 23-year-old player looking to prove he up goals less, generating 1.7 points per 60 minutes at 5-on-4 — the belongs in the NHL. lowest scoring rate of his career. That should get better, but it hasn’t yet and it hurts Wheeler’s score. Finally, he’s 13th among Jets forwards by – IR ($700,000 – UFA 2020-21) Evolving Wild’s WAR and seventh by Luszczyszyn’s Average Game Score. Gabriel Bourque’s NHL job was very nearly guaranteed to him the day he signed with the Jets. He was largely a fourth-line player with poor shot Kyle Connor – B ($7,142,857 – UFA 2026-27) metrics in Colorado but came with a penalty-killing resume that included roughly two minutes per game on the penalty kill for three straight Kyle Connor has been darned near magical at 3-on-3 and in the seasons. Brandon Tanev’s departure opened up a veteran job on the PK shootout. and Bourque appeared primed to take it. Unfortunately, because only He’s been good at 5-on-5 too — in the offensive zone. Connor’s 1.76 Tanev can be Tanev without injury, Bourque was sidelined for at least points per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 so far ranks him fifth among Jets four weeks after suffering a lower body injury against New Jersey on forwards, behind only Little, Scheifele, Laine, and Ehlers. This is slightly November 7th. The result has mostly been a fourth line of David lower than his career average, but I won’t single him out for expressing a Gustafsson, Joona Luoto, and Logan Shaw — with one game of CJ symptom that has stricken the whole team. Suess in the mix — and a fourth line that was struggling to help Winnipeg win is now getting downright buried. We’ll get to that in a minute. It’s the defensive zone where Connor has struggled, most recently when he failed to clear the zone on Nick Bonino’s goal on Tuesday night. On Mark Letestu – IR ($700,000 – UFA 2020-21) the play, Dmitry Kulikov had shovelled a difficult pass to Connor on the Mark Letestu was set to be the feel good story of Winnipeg’s camp. left wing boards which he failed to corral, leading to a turnover and a goal Affable, entertaining, and uniquely enamoured with the electrolytic from a position that Connor had a play on defending. properties of mustard, Letestu was on track to cement a full-time NHL job Winnipeg’s “win the puck on the wall and get it safely across the blue after a 2018-19 played mostly in the AHL. In what is a distinctly line” issues normally get ascribed to Laine but, early in 2019-20, Laine is unfortunate turn, he is now sidelined for at least six months by a heart (mostly) succeeding in this regard while Connor has the Jets’ worst virus called myocarditis. A heart condition is a pressing concern at the defensive GAR according to Evolving Hockey. The only forwards who best of times; in Letestu’s case it may have derailed a terrific opportunity have been on the ice for more expected goals against per minute are CJ to revive his NHL career. Suess and — an AHL player who got into one game What can we really know? and a 19-year-old rookie. Logan Shaw – N/A ($700,000 – UFA 2020-21) Paul Maurice has spoken highly of Connor’s defensive game in the past. If the things he sees — speed, an active stick, a high IQ — translate to Logan Shaw has excelled in the AHL, putting up 51 points in 71 games positive D-zone results, Connor has every offensive tool in the game to for the Moose since Winnipeg signed him and then passed him through step into the next tier. waivers one year ago. He’s played 189 NHL games in his career too, implying a player coaches like despite the fact that his offence hasn’t Mathieu Perreault – C+ ($4,125,000 – UFA 2021-22) followed him to the world’s best league. For now, he’s a game part of If Mathieu Perreault put the puck in the net with consistency, he’d be one Winnipeg’s fourth line — a group that’s largely been buried in its own of Winnipeg’s most effective players. Instead, he’s a third-line player who zone despite various individual strengths. drives possession no matter who he plays with or against. David Gustafsson – N/A ($817,500 – RFA 2022-23)

This has value — particularly on a team loaded with finishing talent. A I’m beginning to wonder if Gustafsson would be better served with the big guy who tracks back in the offensive zone to keep one extra play alive, minutes available to him in Sweden than playing 5:56 a night at 5-on-5 who knocks down pucks in the neutral zone to break up one additional here in Winnipeg. The hockey IQ is there, the hands are there, and the transition play, and who fights to get the puck out at his own blue line to positive attitude is there too. The results aren’t — Gustafsson’s team has stop one extra defensive zone shift, helps his team play more hockey in carried just 29.1 percent of shot attempts when he’s been on the ice — the right end of the rink. Do that with enough talented finishers around and I can’t imagine this is ideal for the 19-year-old’s long term and great things will happen. development.

That is not Perreault’s role on the 2019-20 Jets. His 8 points in 23 games As far as I can see it, full health for the Jets likely leads to Gustafsson’s don’t leap off the page. I don’t expect Winnipeg to roll with SHL assignment. For now, Winnipeg’s unfortunate string of injuries has Perreault/Scheifele/Laine or some similar combination of skill and come with an unfortunate ripple effect of limiting his minutes at an tenacity any time soon so, for now, “French Canadian Army Knife” important stage of his career. appears to be his ceiling. Joona Luoto – N/A ($741,667 – RFA 2022-23) Adam Lowry – C+ ($2,916,666 – UFA 2021-22) What a difference a year can make. From stagnating in the SM-Liiga to Adam Lowry’s story is similar to that of Perreault’s but it is more extreme. playing in his first NHL game — and then following it up with six more — He’s Winnipeg’s best defensive zone centre and can be trusted to match the 22-year-old Luoto has taken massive steps forward in his hockey up against anyone, particularly with Copp as his left wing. He can play career. His straight-line hustle and willingness to battle on the walls has one-on-one with big or skilled players, using his stick or his body to break endeared him to his coach. Still, Winnipeg’s fourth line is mostly getting buried and the offence hasn’t been there. If the Jets should ever return to full health, we’ll likely learn more about Luoto’s development as a Manitoba Moose.

CJ Suess – N/A ($700,000 – RFA 2020-21)

You can count me among the observers who were impressed with the directness of CJ Suess’ routes going as far back as 2018-19 camp. There is a simple professionalism to his game that earned his coaches’ respect. That said, 17 points in 48 AHL career games as a 25-year old probably don’t imply a full time NHL job in the long term.

In the meantime, Suess’ three day NHL callup earned him $11,290 — a huge sum for a player whose AHL salary is $70,000 a year. That’s a big reward for an AHL player who does a lot of little things right.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162985 Winnipeg Jets Mike died in June of 1998 and dealing with the death of his oldest brother at 20 was gut-wrenching.

“It was probably the worst thing that could ever happen,” Pritchard said. Pritch Strong: The Jets’ massage therapist is staying upbeat as he “And watching your mom and dad go through that too, nobody wants to battles cancer for the second time see your parents have to bury their kid … There were a lot of dark days after that, obviously. There is nothing that can be said to prepare you for that. My brother was my idol. He was everything to me. I was young and immature at the time. I tried to be there and thought I was there for him. By Ken Wiebe Nov 22, 2019 Do you have some regrets? Obviously, we all do.

“You can’t do those what-ifs and those could-haves and should-haves. It DALLAS — No matter how positive he tried to be, Al Pritchard was was what it was and we did everything we could. He was in acceptance worried. in the end with it. But watching that, you’re never ready and you’re never going to be fully prepared. It was really tough.” The test results should have been delivered by now. Mike’s death inspired Pritchard to “do something to make him proud “It was one of the worst summers of my life,” Pritchard, the Jets’ every day.” massage therapist, said during a candid conversation earlier this week. “I had the thing in my throat and it was bugging me. When we got closer to But it also made him angry. every test that got close to a final diagnosis, I knew as soon as we did “There was no reason why (Mike) got it,” Pritchard said. “So there was a the final ultrasound that something had gone wrong. It took longer than I lot of hatred toward the disease and the word cancer. When it grabbed thought it would, because I’ve had so many ultrasounds. I tried not to him, you were pissed off. You weren’t accepting of it at the time and I think negatively, but I knew something was wrong. It was hard to move don’t know if I ever will be.” forward because now you’re worried about everything.” During the 2014 season, Pritchard started feeling a bit off. Pritchard braced for the diagnosis. At the urging of his friend and co-worker Rob Milette, the Jets’ head “Even the doctor, because we have such a close relationship, he could athletic therapist, Pritchard’s family history was brought up during a visit barely get the words out of his mouth,” Pritchard said. “He couldn’t to the doctor. believe that someone who was trying to be healthy and live better and work a little harder at life would have this. I’m only four-and-a-half years “It was just simple back pain and we were doing some health history with removed from the kidney diagnosis and now I get another cancer on top the doctor,” Pritchard said. “(Milette) said ‘his brother had cancer.’ I was of it.” appalled that he even brought that word up. It’s back pain. To find out that it was cancer was devastating. A thyroidectomy would be required this time, but Pritchard attacked this battle the same way he did the first time around. “The first thing you think about is that you’re going to die, because everyone around you did. Everyone who got it has passed away. My “You have to regroup and figure out how you’re going to move forward brother, my aunt, my father-in-law, a really close friend from high school. and make sure everyone is aware of what the plan is and that this is the I hadn’t had a lot of good results for it. You didn’t want to die.” treatment for it,” said Pritchard. His first thought after learning he had a tumour enclosed in his kidney When Pritchard told the Jets organization he had cancer, the news sent was for his wife, Rachel, and their children, Nicholas and Addison. shockwaves through the team. I didn’t want them to have to go through it,” he said. “You worry if you’ve “Whenever you hear that word in any context, it’s scary,” said Jets set yourself up financially. Are they going to be all right if I die. defenceman Josh Morrissey. “I didn’t really know much about it, but I basically said ‘I’m there for you if you need anything. And you’ve got this. “But then, you get that mentality out. You’ve got to get away from the You’ve done it before and you can do it again.’” negative — or you’re not going to beat it and you’re not going to fight it. So you think positively … You figure out the diagnosis, you have the Jets centre Mark Scheifele was stunned when Pritchard called him with surgery and a little bit of rehab to get back into it and I was good. It’s just the news this summer. the mental battle after that, because it was a low back pain that turned “Not good. You never want to hear that from anyone,” Scheifele said. “I into cancer.” talked with him right after he found out and there’s not much you can say, Pritchard is quick to describe himself as the class clown, but levity is only other than ‘keep fighting.’ part of the package he brings to the table. “It’s something you never want to see anyone go through, but at the “He works extremely hard to help everyone out,” said Morrissey. same time, it doesn’t change them at all and all you can do as a friend is “Whatever his job description is, he helps out the equipment guys and he to be a friend. For me, I just tried to be the same guy to him and he’s helps out in other areas. He kind of does it all. When you see that kind of been the same guy to me. Nothing has changed. Be there to talk when effort from somebody, going above and beyond, it’s just something that he needs to talk and be a shoulder to cry on when he needs to cry. you really appreciate. He’s just an awesome guy and we’re lucky to have That’s the biggest thing. For anyone going through a tough time, just be him.” there for that person and care for them.” Pritchard doesn’t hold a spot on the roster, though his contributions The Pritchard brothers, Michael, Allen and Darren. (Photo courtesy Al stretch well beyond what one might expect from a massage therapist. Pritchard) “Literally and figuratively, Al touches everyone in the room,” said Jets Pritchard knows all about cancer. head coach Paul Maurice. “This guy is a special guy. He truly brings joy When he was still a teenager, his oldest brother, Mike, found out he had into our room every day. He always did and then, he gets cancer, a sarcoma tumour in his back and the news was devastating for the survives it and he comes in and now he’s just got a perspective that entire family. fortunately, none of us have. Of how lucky we are and how good this life is. “Eventually, he was paralyzed and couldn’t use his legs,” Pritchard said. “It spread everywhere.” “He’s the funniest guy in the room. He’s high energy and he’s got a million stories. You run into Al, you have your interaction and you realize After the diagnosis, Al accompanied Mike to Mexico for some alternative you have a huge smile on your face and you’re probably shaking your treatment. head. He has that type of personality.”

“I was his bedside nurse and we spent a lot of good, quality time together So it was no surprise that members of the Jets reported to training camp before he passed away,” said Pritchard. “We spent five or six weeks and sporting a Pritch Strong logo on various team-issued gear. we had conversations and things that you’ll never be able to replace. We also had a lot of bad days and things we went through.” “It’s about recognition and awareness,” Maurice said. “He has a closer connection to every player and staff member because he interacts with them so closely, one-on-one every day. He’s a really valuable piece to When Pritchard showed up for training camp this fall he mostly stayed in our group here. his regular routine, even though he knew he was having surgery in late September. “We all take a lot of pride in wearing that patch,” Morrissey said. “You know what, obviously Al is a super private guy and he doesn’t want any “Coming into training camp, it was maybe a week or two before the special treatment or anything like that. But it’s something that means a lot surgery and the first time seeing him, I don’t know what to expect and to us as a group to show him that support.” he’s the same guy,” Morrissey said. “Two weeks out from the fight of his life and he’s just the same guy, buzzing around, working his butt off and Pritchard certainly appreciates the gesture. having fun and joking around. It just goes to show his character. Look at “I walk into the rink and everyone is wearing shirts or has (Pritch Strong) what this guy is going through and what he’s been through. If you look at stuff on,” he said. “It almost buckled me because now they’re on TV and the way he carries himself, he’s just inspirational.” now everyone who is watching the interview knows that this is going on. Pritchard missed some time at training camp but returned to work in time Everyone is aware of it. You don’t get that support in another job. Those for the first game of the regular season. guys aren’t just heroes (to hockey fans), they’re real people that are there for you and they’re going to step up, they’re going to help you and they’re “I just came back to work and just worked,” he said. “It was one of those going to help you through it.” things where I came back and I never really missed a beat.”

Al Pritchard has a laugh with former Jets forward Brendan Lemieux. Pritchard’s recovery is progressing well, and though he’ll need to be on (Jonathan Kozub) thyroid medication for the rest of his life, the recent setback hasn’t changed his sunny demeanour. Scheifele was 18 when he encountered Pritchard for the first time in 2011, shortly after being chosen seventh overall in the NHL Draft. “You know what, I feel great,” Pritchard said. “It’s one of those things where you’ve kind of cheated death twice, so you live every day to the The bond forged between the two was almost immediate. fullest. You don’t get a second chance at life and you never know when “The smile on his face is the biggest thing,” Scheifele said. “He’s your last day is going to be. obviously a happy-go-lucky guy and he loves to crack jokes and be loud. “It’s been a battle, but I didn’t win it alone. You stay strong because He’s an awesome guy. He wants to make the people around him happy everyone battles around you.” and that’s a very valuable personality trait.” The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 Morrissey has a similar story about his first encounter with Pritchard at Jets development camp in 2013.

“I remember just being super nervous and coming in, meeting the trainers and meeting the equipment guys and immediately (Pritchard) is just full of energy, life and excitement,” Morrissey said. “Right away, he just made that connection and he did it with everyone, to try and make you feel more comfortable.”

It may not be written into his job description, but Pritchard believes that setting a tone is a key part of things.

“I just try to bring it every day to the rink and make sure everyone is having a good time around me,” he said. “When it’s time to get serious, you get serious. But when it’s time to have some fun with the boys, you make sure that we’re having fun. That’s why we all started playing. This is the greatest game on Earth and guys should be having fun every day. If I can help with that, I’ve done my job.”

Like many kids who grew up on the Canadian Prairies, Al Pritchard had hopes and dreams of playing in the NHL.

He grew up in the town of Roland, 95 km west of Winnipeg, and was a forward who played his minor hockey in Carman and eventually suited up for the Carman Beavers of the South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League, a local senior hockey circuit.

While the dream of making the NHL as a player was long behind him, Pritchard never lost his passion for the sport.

So when he saw an opportunity to take a volunteer game-day position as a massage therapist with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League, he jumped at it.

Pritchard spent five seasons with the Moose and received a phone call from Milette in the summer of 2011 that changed his life path.

“It was unbelievable,” Pritchard said. “I stood up in massage school and I remember it very vividly. You go around the room and they ask everybody what they want to do and I said that I want to massage in the NHL.

“Everyone laughs at you. But it was one of those things where that was my goal. I didn’t think it was going to happen after four or five years of massage. You probably did give up the dream of actually making it.”

Then the dream returned and Pritchard started living it on a daily basis.

“It was just exciting for me to know that the NHL was back in Winnipeg,” said Pritchard. “That was pretty cool and then to be involved with it from Day 1, you were part of building from the ground up. That’s a pretty proud moment when people ask you how long you’ve been with the team and you can say you’ve been there from Day 1.

“It’s the greatest job ever because you get to do what you love.” 1162986 Vancouver Canucks Jay Beagle pulled up at centre ice during a first-period backcheck against the Predators and doubled over in discomfort. The centre played on and logged 14:29, helped the penalty kill go five-for-six, but struggled in the face-off circle by winning just seven of 18 draws (39 per cent). He’s Canucks Game Day Saturday: Ovechkin aims to leave an early ranked sixth overall (58.7 per cent). He’s nursing a core issue and is a impression, and maybe a few bruises game-time decision.

4. Keep loading up Horvat

BEN KUZMA Scratching Loui Eriksson on Thursday meant Horvat also worked with Tim Schaller on the PK to add 5:29 to his PP and even-strength Published:November 22, 2019 presence. His total ice time of 23:52 included a PP goal, and winning 21 Updated:November 22, 2019 4:37 PM PST of 35 draws (60 per cent).

5. Keep Stecher with Edler

Alex Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals are ready to face the visiting Troy Stecher cracked the 15-minute mark Thursday for just the second Canucks on Saturday (9:30 a.m. Vancouver time) at Capital One Arena. time in his previous five outings and looked comfortable with Edler. His ability to transition pucks quicker made the pairing more effective. The Capitals' star winger was leading the league in shots after 24 games (112), was fourth in goals (15), tied for third in power-play goals (seven) TODAY’S PROJECTED LINEUPS and 15th in points (25) CANUCKS NEXT GAME Forwards Saturday Tanner Pearson — Elias Pettersson — Brock Boeser Vancouver Canucks (11-8-4) vs. Washington Capitals (16-4-4) J.T. Miller — Bo Horvat — Zack MacEwen 9:30 a.m., Capital One Arena, TV: SNETP, SNET1; Radio: SNET 650 Josh Leivo — Adam Gaudette — Jake Virtanen AM Tim Schaller — Jay Beagle — Tyler Graovac The Big Matchup Defence Chris Tanev vs. Alex Ovechkin Alex Edler — Troy Stecher Tanev dropped in front of a Patrik Laine slapshot on Nov. 8 in Winnipeg and it looked like the courageous shot-blocking defenceman was going to Quinn Hughes — Chris Tanev drop out of sight. It was one of his four blocks that night and he somehow soldiered on to log 18:52 of ice time. It’s why he ranks third overall in Jordie Benn — Tyler Myers blocked shots with 62 and probably first for gutting it out to fall in front of Goal: Jacob Markstrom, Thatcher Demko big blasts. CAPITALS Which, of course, brings up the task of taking on Ovechkin in the third stop of the Canucks’ six-game road trip. The Capitals’ winger was Forwards leading the league in shots after 24 games (112), was fourth in goals (15), tied for third in power-play goals (seven) and 15th in points (25). Alex Ovechkin — Evgeny Kuznetsov — Tom Wilson Ovechkin’s sweet spot is the face-off dot that Tanev has to defend, so Jakub Vrana — Lars Eller — T.J. Oshie expect that vaunted one-time slapper and expect Tanev to turn his head, drop down to one knee and hope the equipment and his body hold up. Richard Panik — Michael Sgarbossa — Travis Boyd

Tanev was tired of shots finding spots where he didn’t have adequate Beck Malenstyn — Chandler Stephenson — Brendan Leipsic protection. In the off-season he worked in concert with the Canucks’ equipment staff, and an outside source, to employ materials that aren’t Defence included in conventional shinpad designs. Michal Kempny — John Carlson

FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME Dmitry Orlov — Radko Gudas

1. Remember key to PP success Jonas Siegenthaler — Nick Jensen

The Canucks struck for five power-play goals Thursday in a 6-3 win at Goal: Braden Holtby, Ilya Samsonov Nashville by getting more greasy than pretty. Aside from J.T. Miller ripping a wristshot past the glove of Pekka Rinne in the second period, it INJURIES was Brock Boeser and Bo Horvat digging down low for goals and Tyler Graovac establishing position in the slot to re-direct a shot. Canucks: Brandon Sutter (groin, IR), Micheal Ferland (concussion, IR), Tyler Motte (foot, IR), Antoine Roussel (knee surgery, LTIR). Elias Pettersson did direct a shot — that could have been a pass — through a defenceman’s legs to also score on the power play. But those Capitals: Nicklas Backstrom (upper body, day-to-day), Nic Dowd (hand, heavy and accurate one-time releases by Boeser and Pettersson were IR), Carl Hagelin (upper body, IR). replaced by more will than skill. And that will be imperative as clubs SPECIAL TEAMS adjust and take away those sweet shooting spots. Power play: Canucks: Fourth (27.1%); Capitals: Sixth (24.7%) 2. Play hard but play smart Penalty kill: Canucks: 10th (83.6%); Capitals: 13th (82.9%) Veteran defenceman Alex Edler took a slashing penalty in the final minute of the opening period Thursday and upped his total of minor Vancouver Province: LOADED: 11.23.2019 infractions to a league-high 16. He then made it 17 in the third period when he was whistled for a holding-the-stick infraction. It should be a concern, but coach Travis Green doesn’t seem to be worried.

“He plays aggressive and he’s going to take some minors,” said the bench boss. “I’m not asking him to take penalties.” Edler also blocked seven shots in Nashville.

3. Keep an eye on Beagle 1162987 Vancouver Canucks culture and you just try to find your way. But Ovechkin treats everybody the same. That’s great leadership.”

That’s great because Leipsic could be bitter about how his career has Ben Kuzma: Former Canucks winger Leipsic gets career assist from evolved — especially with the Canucks whom he faces Saturday (9:30 Ovechkin a.m. start Vancouver time).

He was exposed by the Toronto Maple Leafs and claimed by Vegas in the 2017 expansion draft. But he didn’t gain traction with the Golden BEN KUZMA Knights and was traded to the Canucks and placed on waivers in his second season. He was then claimed by the Kings but as a restricted Published:November 22, 2019 free agent, he wasn’t tendered a qualifying offer. Updated:November 22, 2019 3:59 PM PST “In Vegas, we didn’t really know what was going on,” said Leipsic. “I was a young guy coming out of junior and in the AHL, I was a point guy that a lot of teams were trying to build up. I wasn’t going to squeeze into the top Brendan Leipsic of the Washington Capitals, left, is excited to face his six in Vancouver and L.A. was another team that was just rolling over former team when the Vancouver Canucks visit Saturday morning for (the roster).” their third game of a six-game road trip. Leipsic had nine points (3-6) in 14 games for the Canucks after arriving "You just try to find your way with a new team, but Ovechkin treats from Las Vegas in February of 2018 in a trade for Philip Holm. He then everybody the same. That’s great leadership." added just five points (2-3) in 17 games the following season as a frequent scratch because Green demands a strong two-way commitment ARLINGTON, Va. — Todd Reirden sounded like one of his NHL from his players. coaching peers when asked to assess the true value of former Vancouver Canucks’ winger Brendan Leipsic. “When I first got there I thought it was fine — nine points in 14 games,” recalled Leipsic. “And for whatever reason, I was in and out of the lineup. “We were looking for somebody to play with a lot of energy and speed It was first line, out for three games, and go to fourth line and I kind of and also have a little edge to his game,” the Washington Capitals’ bench never really got a good shot in the second year. boss said after Friday’s practice here. “It was just a tough situation. There were injuries and different opinions “He has been able to provide that through the first quarter of the season maybe and different voices. It happens. You never know where you’ll on the fourth line and we’ve been able to slot him up because he has the land.” skill to play with top-end guys. And he’s not that fun to play against. He’s tenacious and hunts down pucks and has a physical element.” OVERTIME — Leipsic will be joined on the fourth line by Delta native Beck Malenstyn, who was recalled Tuesday from the Hershey Bears, and They said the same thing about Leipsic in Las Vegas, Vancouver and made his NHL debut Wednesday. The 6-2, 198-pound winger has six Los Angeles. Shuffling between four NHL teams in the last three years is points (3-3) in 18 AHL games this season. Malenstyn played his minor either about not finding the right fit or not living up to expectations. Seven hockey in South Delta and attended the Okanagan Hockey Academy for points (2-5) in 24 games this season doesn’t scream offence, but it three years, played four WHL seasons and had Jake Virtanen as a doesn’t have to. teammate with the . Malenstyn was a 2016 fifth-round The Capitals served up a one-year, show-us, free-agent commitment on pick of the Capitals. July 1 and want Leipsic to play a structured north-south game instead of Vancouver Province: LOADED: 11.23.2019 east-west freelancing. And that could be the ticket for the 25-year-old Winnipeg native to extend his career.

Far removed from a 120-point season with the in 2012-13 under the guidance of Travis Green, the reality of realizing what he actually is at the NHL level is somewhat comforting.

NEXT GAME

Saturday

Vancouver Canucks (11-8-4) vs. Washington Capitals (16-4-4)

9:30 a.m., Capital One Arena, TV: SNETP, SNET1; Radio: SNET 650 AM

“It’s been good so far,” said Leipsic, who has 55 points (15-40) in 150 career NHL games. “It’s kind of nice to find a roll, play with energy and chip in offensively.”

And to prove he’s more than just an NHL journeyman, he doesn’t have to look far for motivation. His US$750,000 contract comes with opportunity but little security. However, it also comes with something else.

When the 25-year-old Winnipeg native looks to the right from his locker- room stall, the imposing figure is bigger than life.

Alex Ovechkin commands respect on every conceivable level and the multi-award winner and Stanley Cup champion has made quite the impression on Leipsic. And it’s not just because the hulking Russian winger is a scoring machine, hits like a truck and has earned the moniker as “The Great 8.” There’s a whole other side that speaks to added greatness.

“It’s pretty surreal,” said Leipsic. “I’ve played with a lot of good players — (Marc-Andre) Fleury, (Anze) Kopitar and (Drew) Doughty — but to just see him go about his business every day. He works so hard on the ice and is probably the best goal scorer of the generation. And he doesn’t play an easy game.

“It’s a treat to have a front-row seat for the power play, but it can be tough when you come to a new team that’s won before, has a good 1162988 Vancouver Canucks “Jay Beagle is a phenomenal human being and an excellent hockey player, and we miss him in a number of different aspects,” Caps coach Todd Reirden said. “That being said, we’ve replaced him with other good players and other good people. It’s part of the game; it’s business. But ‘Welcome home Beags’: Jay Beagle’s absence still noticeable in first trip you’d have a hard time getting anyone to say something negative about back to Capitals’ practice rink Jay Beagle, for who he is as a human and the stuff that he does on the ice to help you, whether it’s blocking shots, being the main cog in your

penalty kill or taking big faceoffs. He’s well respected around here, and By Tarik El-Bashir Nov 22, 2019 it’ll be difficult going against him.”

Beagle’s former teammates miss him for other reasons.

ARLINGTON, Va. — For nearly a decade, Jay Beagle pulled up at “Beags — for me as an individual — he was one of the best in the room MedStar Capitals Iceplex, parked his pickup truck in the parking lot and as far as taking me under his wing and showing me the work ethic you walked into the home team’s plush training facility. needed to play in the league,” Caps winger Tom Wilson said. “He just did everything the right way on and off the ice. That’s him to a T. He’s the On Friday afternoon, he arrived on a chartered bus and entered through ultimate pro, an awesome person and a hardworking player.” a different door, one that led to a bare-bones public locker room reserved for visiting teams. Beagle’s lead-by-example reputation is another reason the Canucks pursued him in free agency and felt comfortable handing him a lucrative It’s been more than a year since Beagle signed a four-year, $12 million and lengthy deal. Vancouver has a host of young and impressionable contract with Vancouver and left behind the only NHL organization he’d stars such as Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes and Brock Boeser. known. And although he made his return to Capital One Arena in February, the 34-year-old center hadn’t been back to Washington’s “He’s just a real good influence,” Canucks coach Travis Green said. practice rink as a member of the Canucks, who face the Caps on “He’s a good person and he wants to win bad. He does the right things all Saturday afternoon. the time. He’s really turned himself into a good NHL player. You look at his résumé, he’s won everywhere he’s gone. He’s a good example for “Obviously, a lot of mixed emotions,” Beagle said. “It was a little bit weird not just young guys but a lot of other players, too.” walking in. I didn’t recognize (Ballston Quarter Mall) with all the construction they’ve been doing. When we pulled up on the bus, it was a Wilson said Beagle is the type of guy he’ll stay in touch with long after his little bit different-looking.” playing days are done.

Indeed, the recently renovated mall has changed a lot since Beagle’s “He’s a guy you’ll have a bond with your whole life,” Wilson said. “I’ll try to departure. What hasn’t wavered, though, is the fan base’s love and stay in touch with him. He’s harder than others, but I’ll try my best.” appreciation for one of its all-time favorites. “He’s finally got LTE, so you can reach him,” Wilson cracked, referring to A couple of dozen hearty Caps fans waited outside of the rink on a chilly Beagle’s well-documented disdain for personal technology. and damp weekday afternoon for Beagle and Canucks to arrive. One fan Said John Carlson: “We still talk a little bit. He’s not the best with the held up a sign that read, ‘Welcome home Beags.’ Another wore a red No. electronics. He’s always got some shtick about his phone.” 83 Beagle T-shirt; she had a poster board featuring photos of Beagle and the Stanley Cup. With a Friday night off in Washington, Beagle said he planned to send a group text message to his former teammates to see if anyone would “It’s hard to describe,” Beagle said. “It’s something that’s so special. It’s “bite” on a dinner invitation. something I’ll always remember. A lot of the faces I saw today, I recognized from five, six years ago. The fan base here in Washington is “Or I might send them a letter. That’s probably more appropriate,” Beagle unbelievable. They’re fans who are passionate about the game but also joked as he pulled an older-model iPhone from his pocket. care about the person. I got to know people on a personal level a little bit. That’s pretty cool. It’s special to be a part of that.” All kidding aside, Beagle said changing teams, as hard as it was, has worked out. He got the long-term security he sought. The Caps, Beagle’s eyes moistened ever so slightly. meanwhile, got younger and freed up the salary-cap space they needed to re-sign others. “There’s a lot of stars on that team,” he said of the Alex Ovechkin-led Caps. “I don’t know what they saw in me. I still don’t know. They treated “I was here a long time,” he said, “and it was with great people. In that me a lot better than I deserve. It still is special when I come back here dressing room over there, they have a great group of guys. It’s a tight and see that, the way they respond. And I’m still not sure why. I can’t group and a fun group to be part of. I was very fortunate and blessed to figure it out. be a part of it.”

“For sure,” he added, “this is the (game) that you mark on the calendar Something else that made leaving Washington a little easier? The team’s right away.” breakthrough in 2017-2018, his final season with the Capitals.

Beagle’s first season in Vancouver was difficult. He broke a forearm in “It would have been way different leaving without winning a Cup,” he his fifth game with the Canucks, forcing him to miss six weeks. His said. “After winning the Cup, I could almost walk away like, ‘We did it. We absence coincided with a November tailspin. Vancouver missed the completed it.’ Even though I wanted to come back obviously — that playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. wasn’t in the cards — it was easier to leave because we won the ultimate prize.” This season, though, has gotten off to a smoother and more promising start for Beagle and the team. Although he missed three games last The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 week with a lower-body injury and is questionable for Saturday because of the same ailment, he’s much more comfortable in his role and the Canucks are in the thick of the Western Conference race.

“It was a tough adjustment last year,” he acknowledged. “I feel a lot better now.”

Beagle has a goal and two assists, a modest total for a forward who has appeared in 20 games. Offense, however, is not the reason Vancouver wanted him. It’s all the unglamorous jobs he performs. For example, Beagle is sixth in the league with a 58.7 faceoff winning percentage and leads all Canucks players in shorthanded ice time per game at 3:18.

Without Beagle, the Caps struggled on faceoffs and on the penalty kill a year ago. They’ve been better in both areas this season, but his absence is still felt. 1162989 Vancouver Canucks “I was a traditional late bloomer,” Rafferty said. “There was never a time when I wanted to throw in the towel. I always had confidence. I always knew I was a good player. I kept my head down, kept working hard, and now I’m where I’m at today.” Brogan Rafferty is finally ready for his shot. Plus, the latest word on Canucks prospects Thus far, Rafferty’s left a strong impression at every level of the organization. He only has two games of NHL regular season action to his credit, in which the Canucks escaped with a plus-seven unblocked shot differential. No such data exists at the AHL level — not for public By JD Burke Nov 22, 2019 consumption, anyway — but Rafferty leads the blue line with 11 points (two goals and nine assists) in 17 games. He makes a great stretch pass, drives play, and does his part to keep possession away from the Utica No two players chart the exact same path to the NHL. net.

Some carve their own path from start to finish. That’s the case for Utica “I’m a reliable puck-moving defenceman with some offensive upside to Comets defenceman Brogan Rafferty, an NCAA free agent whom the my game,” Rafferty said. “I want to move the puck quickly and efficiently. Canucks signed out of Quinnipiac in the NCAA late last season. I see the ice well. I can be put out there in almost any situation and do my best. I’m a puck-moving defenceman first that can join the rush and Rafferty was so uncoordinated as a kid that he couldn’t even hit a create some offence off of that.” baseball. Eventually, he was diagnosed with adolescent scoliosis, a condition that results in the curving of one’s spine. Years of treatment The only question now is how much longer Rafferty has to move the puck have since corrected the problem, but new hurdles emerged in its stead, and flash that upside at the AHL level. He’d vaulted to the top of the each rising like targets in a whack-a-mole and each one suffering the prospect depth chart even before Olli Juolevi’s injury took him out of the same defiant thud. picture.

Next came a condition called amblyopia, which limits a person’s sight to When it last looked like Chris Tanev was set to miss time with an injury, just the one eye — in this case, Rafferty’s left eye. Luckily, his the Canucks called Jalen Chatfield’s number. They needed insurance, grandmother noticed the signs early, and he was able to improve his and nothing more, as it turned out. Whether it’s Tanev or anyone else on condition. Rafferty is still legally blind in his right eye but is still capable of the right side of the Canucks blue line, injuries are a matter of when, not making out shapes, sizes, etc. With the right contacts, Rafferty’s vision is if, in the Western Conference. Rafferty is ready for his shot. just fine. Brogan Rafferty, D, (Addendum) Never mind a hockey career. A medical profile like Rafferty’s raises genuine questions about maintaining an adequate quality of life outside The Canucks were one of three teams that most aggressively pursued of that scope. Rafferty in his junior season at Quinnipiac. They’d been in regular communication with Rafferty and his representation going back to his Instead, Rafferty made the hockey stick his mallet and swatted any freshman year. It was their ability to assess his game, identify the areas conceptions about what he could or couldn’t do in kind. that needed improvement, and offer a real shot at the NHL that tipped the scales. “I just loved playing the game so much,” Rafferty told The Athletic over the phone. “I always just wanted to keep playing — whatever league or “My junior year, (the Canucks) were top three in the NHL teams talking to level.” me and showing interest in me the entire year,” Rafferty said. “They were always good to me, and I thought their interpretation of my game was Eventually, an obstacle arose that Rafferty seemingly couldn’t clear. At best — they didn’t sugarcoat anything. They were honest with what they 16 years old, he was a regular cut from the Triple-A teams and at a liked about me and what they wanted me to work on during the year.” crossroads. He couldn’t bulldoze his way through this one, so with the help of his father, he found a way around it. “I started talking with the Canucks during my freshman year of college. That was when the NHL interest started. I got an agent and had a really “I kept getting cut from every level I tried to play, even some teams in the good start to my freshman year, and I kind of had him fast-track me to NAHL and Triple-A teams when I was younger,” Rafferty recalled. contact with NHL teams.” “I was pretty undersized and not very fast, so my dad recommended I I’ve long maintained that amateur scouts are among the hardest-working, switch to defence. It worked well that summer, and I finally made a least appreciated people in the industry. That the Canucks had people Triple-A team in Illinois … I loved hockey and I wanted to keep playing, tracking Rafferty’s progress as a freshman — at which point we’re talking so I just kept working at it.” about a prospect who profiled with a single-digit percentage likelihood of From there, Rafferty committed to Quinnipiac, finally got the call in the success — so that they might eventually sign him as a junior speaks to USHL Draft, and everything went swimmingly. Both the Quinnipiac that. recruiters and Rafferty agreed that a year spent with the Bloomington Based on Rafferty’s production, age and statistical-based profile, he’s Thunder to delay his freshman season was in everyone’s best interests, now a player who checks in with a 22 percent likelihood of developing and it’s hard to argue otherwise given the results. into a full-time NHLer. That’s according to NextGen Hockey co-founder “That was my year in Bloomington in the USHL [when everything Jeremy Davis’ pGPS (prospect Graduation Probabilities System) draft clicked]. That was my fourth year playing defence and it came together analytic, a metric that compares a player’s season to those of players for me that year. I had two years in the NAHL of testing the waters and who profile similarly to produce an expected likelihood of success. learning, and then I got to the USHL. The league was better, and you had The list of players that Rafferty is most similar to using an 80 percent to be better positionally and better defensively — I think that year was similarity threshold is long, and it includes former and current Canucks really big for my confidence and for my development. like Kevin Bieksa, Jordie Benn, Ryan Parent and Andre Pedan. Split the “To go into Quinnipiac and dress every game and get some ice-time and difference and call him a credible third-pair option at the NHL. play — that was a big year for me when I thought the defensive aspect of Kole Lind, W, Utica Comets my game came together,” Rafferty said. “From there, I just kept picking things up, every year I was in college, and I’m still doing that here.” Last season brought new meaning to the “Why is nobody taking Kole Lind?” meme. Canucks general manager Jim Benning finally got an Rafferty, 24 years old, is at what usually represents a critical juncture for answer. After dominating at the WHL level, Lind struggled to emerge as a developing defencemen. After decades in which the hockey community credible middle-six forward at the AHL level, finishing his rookie season assumed that a skater’s peak was in their late-twenties or even their with 17 points in 51 games. The structure was too rigid, the pace too fast. early-thirties, years of rigorous, peer-reviewed study using contemporary An early injury didn’t help. One can’t imagine the odd healthy scratch did data suggests that a player peaks between their age 23 and 25 seasons. either. Nothing about Rafferty’s path has been ordinary, though, so there’s no Lind fell by the wayside, and questions emerged among a once confident reason to expect that he’ll develop the same way as everyone else Canucks fan base about whether they would ever get him back on track. either. It’s a fact that Rafferty is eminently aware of. Well, there’s an answer to that question, too: a resounding yes. Lind is That lack of production on Podkolzin’s part is due to equal parts a lack of playing at the top of the Comets’ lineup — they’ve mixed things up since ice-time, a lack of a consistent locale, and poor shooting luck. One would hitting a rough patch to start November, but he’s mostly still there — and have to have hands of literal stone to not produce to a greater degree on the first unit power play. Lind is producing plays at speed and is an from the spots Podkolzin is taking the puck and have it reflect on their active member of the Comets unrelenting forecheck, leveraging his size ability. This is true of Podkolzin’s play at nearly every level this season, and speed to dispossess the opposition on a shift-to-shift basis. whether it was dominating the 4 Nations tournament in the summer, the Russian second-tier men’s league, the VHL, as a draft-plus-one skater, Thus far in the young Comets’ season, Lind is up to 12 points in 17 or the Canada-Russia series most recently. games, five off from last season’s high of 17 in less than a third as many games. Through two-plus months of hockey in Russia, Podkolzin’s suited up for SKA-St. Petersburg in the KHL for a total of 11 games in which he’s According to Davis’ pGPS metric, Lind now projects at a 44 percent playing anywhere between 40 seconds and 11 minutes, 12 games in the likelihood of NHL success. Based on his cohort of historically comparable VHL, and two games in the Russian junior league, the MHL. players, Lind profiles as a 36 point scorer per 82 games. Those are numbers that one might commonly associate with a first-round talent. According to Mitch Brown, a peer of mine at The Athletic and EP Rinkside who tirelessly tracks every level of hockey, Podkolzin is Olli Juolevi, D, Utica Comets dominating the KHL in the scant minutes he is playing. “Podkolzin led If it wasn’t for bad news, one might suspect that we wouldn’t hear any one game I tracked in raw expected goal output playing about ten news at all with Olli Juolevi. The Canucks’ embattled former fifth-overall minutes total,” Brown told me. “He’s right near the top of SKA every time pick’s season hangs in the balance, and nobody seems to know whether he gets that kind of ice-time.” this is a short- or long-term injury. Everyone involved is deeply concerned I’ve spoken to members of the Canucks’ organization, and to a person, though, and with good reason. If Juolevi has to miss significant time, that they leave the impression that there’s no concern over the yo-yo act that could result in a grand total of 32 games played over two calendar years. the Russian hockey circuit is putting Podkolzin through. They’d much One can’t overstate the impact that sort of absence from the game might rather he played more often, but they’re seeing a player who is making a have on a player’s development, particularly during a player’s age 20 and lot happen with very little. They’re happy with his progression, and I’d go 21 seasons. so far as to say that they have every reason to be.

As my Athletic Vancouver colleague Thomas Drance reported in Nils Höglander, W, Rögle BK Wednesday night’s Armies, it’s all quiet on the western front. Juolevi is now in Vancouver undergoing evaluation for “a lower-body ailment The Canucks drafted a first-round talent with their second-round pick in unrelated to his recent knee injury.” I suspect it will remain that way until last year’s draft. That’s how good Nils Höglander is. In my final ranking they have absolute certainty on what’s afflicting their top prospect. for last year’s draft on Rinkside, Höglander checked in at No. 19 overall.

For what it’s worth, Juolevi’s mind appeared sharp as ever in his return to He’s gaining cult-like fame in Vancouver with his play across the Atlantic. the Comets’ lineup this season. He completed highly creative plays at All the real Canucks prospect heads know what’s up, and everyone else speed and flashed some of the inventiveness that first enamoured the will soon catch on. Whether it was Höglander’s lacrosse-style goal, Canucks in the first place. This stretch slap-pass through traffic to his lacrosse-style attempt in the slot at the 4 Nations tournament in Helsinki, teammate in the neutral zone to send him in on a breakaway is one such stickhandling on a unicycle or a deadly elbow that gave flashbacks to example. Most players don’t see that play developing, and they certainly Pavel Bure on Shane Churla — he’s a constant in people’s Twitter feeds. don’t complete it. “In practice, it works very often,” Rafferty said. “In the game, when I’m That said, Juolevi’s skating remained a work in progress, and opposition against people, it’s very rare. You need to do it fast. It’s much harder in skaters often exploited this by driving the outside lane past him with the game.” relative ease on far too many occasions for my liking in his 14 games this season. His in-zone defence still has a worthwhile amount of room for “I was just on the bench, and that was a pretty special thing to see,” his improvement. Rögle teammate and former first-round pick Dominik Bokk told The Athletic. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a nice goal live. I see him a lot, According to the pGPS system, Juolevi’s likelihood of developing into a practising it, and I practise it a lot, too. I want to try it, too. But him scoring full-time NHLer if his season did, in fact, end today would stand at a that goal is just great to see, and you look at the confidence it gives him. respectable 30 percent mark — down nearly half of what it was at the That’s probably going to be the goal of the year. He even scored a similar end of last season. goal last year, too.”

Michael DiPietro, G, Utica Comets The Rögle team in the SHL that Höglander plays for is an incredibly deep one, and he often suffers that depth, going from the fourth line to the Everyone I’ve spoken to this season just raves about Michael DiPietro for second and back again depending on the game. Still, Höglander is up to his qualities on and off of the ice. Utica Comets play-by-play voice Joe a respectable three goals and one assist in 14 games, averaging about Roberts joined Rink Wide on TSN 1040 and had nothing but great things 13 minutes a night in all situations play. to say about the first-year pro, citing his sterling save percentage numbers through that portion of the season, splitting starts with Zane Players who score like Höglander go on to have fruitful NHL careers MacIntyre. about 28 percent of the time, according to pGPS. Even if his production seems low when one performs a surface-level analysis, that’s a good clip When I asked Rafferty if there was one Canucks prospect who stood out for a second-round prospect playing as sparingly as Höglander. in a positive way during his time in Utica, he didn’t hesitate to echo much of what Roberts had said. “Michael DiPietro, first and foremost,” Rafferty There isn’t a firm, set plan for what to do with Höglander at the said. “He’s been playing fantastically. Every game he’s in, he’s playing conclusion of his season. The plan, according to Höglander, is to talk amazing hockey and giving us a chance.” with the Canucks’ development staff at the conclusion of his SHL campaign, evaluate the situation in Utica, and decide what’s best from “Our goaltending has been phenomenal this year.” there.

As of this writing, DiPietro sits with a 4-3-1 record and a .918 save Tyler Madden, C, Northeastern percentage at the AHL level. Those are stellar numbers for a rookie. There are voices within the Canucks organization who see DiPietro as a If you thought that an overwhelmingly successful freshman season at long-term fixture in net, and we’re getting a glimpse into why they’re so Northeastern would make Tyler Madden complacent, think again. confident in that. According to Northeastern assistant coach Mike McLaughlin, the exact opposite is true. Madden was a man possessed in the gym this summer, Vasili Podkolzin, W, SKA-Neva St. Petersburg and he came back to Northeastern ready to take the next step.

Everyone in Vancouver is waiting for Vasili Podkolzin to pop off. They’ve “I think he had a huge summer,” McLaughlin told The Athletic. “He got seen the highlights of Podkolzin bulldozing his way through opponents on stronger, a little bit bigger. He’s not going to be a physical powerhouse, a warpath to take that puck to the net, but what they haven’t seen is the but each year he’s developing and getting stronger and focusing on the production follow — certainly not to the degree that one expects of a top areas of his game that he needs to be effective with such a small frame. 10 pick. “The thing with Tyler Madden is that he may weigh in at 155 pounds or whatever it is, but he’s so hockey strong. He’s very hard to knock off of the puck. He’s so dynamic down low. Our ‘D’ always tell me — he’s so hard to cover in practice because you think you have him against the wall, and he’s sneaky strong.”

So far, that diligence in the gym is manifesting in a strong start to his sophomore season. He’s up to 14 points in 12 games, a pace so strong that it produces virtually no comparable players through the pGPS lens.

“He has the talent. He’s got the skill. He’s got the work ethic,” McLaughlin said. “We thought he could be this good. I mean, he has good numbers this year, but he’s missed on a couple of chances, and it took him a couple of games to get going. Once he got going, he’s got his foot on the gas”

McLaughlin offered high praise for Madden’s teammate and fellow Canucks prospect Aidan McDonough. “He’s a big kid. He’s got a pro- shot. He’s always around the net. He gets his chances,” he said of the Canucks’ seventh-round pick last June. “He got injured early on in a practice, so he missed a couple of games. It took him a little while to get into it. He didn’t have that first couple of warmup games if you want to call them that. He’s someone that’s going to have a lot of success. He’s going to score a lot. Every game, he gets better. We’ve worked a lot with him in getting his game to translate to the college level, and then talking about getting to the next level. It’s getting to puck, over pucks, protecting the puck at this level. He’s getting better every game.”

Höglander offered this on fellow Canucks’ prospect and another seventh- round pick from last year’s draft, Arvid Costmar. “Actually, I was just in a tournament in Russia with him,” Höglander said of the 4 Nations tournament in Russia this August. “He’s a skilled guy. He’s got a good shot — scored a goal there. Good playmaker, too.”

Jack Rathbone is off to a torrid start with Harvard. He’s absorbed much of the power play responsibilities that once fell on Adam Fox, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive — Rathbone is up to seven points in five games. Some are speculating that the Canucks might try to sign him at the conclusion of this season, including College Hockey News’ Adam Wodon.

Ethan Keppen’s point production is taking a hit with the surging Flint Firebirds. I wouldn’t waive the caution flag just yet, though. It’s early, and the team is vastly improved relative to last season. There’s less ice-time to go around for players like Keppen.

Keep an eye on Francis Perron. He’s on the older side, but still only 23. There might not be a top-six ceiling there, but surely there’s a role for a defensively diligent forward who can play all three forward positions and in both phases of special teams at the NHL level. The Canucks might have a player there.

After starting the year with the Kalamazoo Wings in the ECHL, Mitch Eliot is up with the Comets and producing at a respectable clip with three points in seven games. The Comets are using Eliot on the second unit power play, and his booming slap shot has proven itself a big-time asset with the man advantage.

Here’s Bokk, again, on what it’s like to be around Höglander on a day-to- day basis: “He works really hard every day in practice. He spends a lot of time sticking around, doing extra stuff on ice. I can see him, and that he really wants to make the NHL, and that’s what stands out for me. I think the fans and everyone else knows that he’s a skilled player, a really strong skater, hard on the puck, but what really stands out, too, is that he’s a hard-worker.”

The Athletic LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162990 Websites The off-season trade to Toronto caught him off-guard and he’s taken ownership of his own role in the slow start. This can’t all be explained away by a differing view from the coach. But his outlook seemed to turn on a dime when Keefe showed an immediate willingness to build him up Sportsnet.ca / Leafs' Tyson Barrie has new lease on life with Sheldon and the Leafs bench erupted when Barrie jumped off the point to finally Keefe at the helm score on his 61st shot this season.

“I think that’s a big monkey off the back for him,” said Matthews.

Chris Johnston | November 22, 2019, 1:47 PM That monkey was heavier than most because Barrie is in a contract year and had been trending towards one of the least productive seasons of his

career. DENVER — When Tyson Barrie was at his absolute best as a member of He’s still dealing with a sense of impermanence — he and Kadri simply the Colorado Avalanche, he and Nathan MacKinnon established a rule: switched houses after being traded for one another, with Barrie not really Barrie was not allowed to get off the ice during a power play before his in a position to lay down stronger roots in Toronto — and will be partner in crime. reminded of what he’s left behind this weekend. “If I changed he’d yell at me,” said Barrie. “He’d ask me if I was tired or “I’ve got to maybe pick up some mail,” he said. whatever. He wanted me back there so I just kind of changed whenever he changed.” Barrie also planned to grab dinner with MacKinnon and some other former teammates on Friday night. It’s a group he remains tight with after That helps explain how the puck-distributing defenceman ended up with spending a decade in the Avalanche organization and essentially more power-play ice time than everyone else at his position over the past growing into a man in Denver. two seasons and accumulated more points than all but John Carlson and Keith Yandle in that game state. There’ll be some different feelings and emotions to contend with when he returns to Pepsi Center as a visitor. He’ll know the guys on the opposite It may also hold the key to rediscovering his lost confidence after a side of the ice much better than he does his own. puzzling first few months with the Toronto Maple Leafs. “Oh, I’ll tell you who I’m not looking forward to seeing,” said Barrie, in For it was not by coincidence that Sheldon Keefe decided to elevate reference to his old buddy MacKinnon, the NHL’s most explosive skater Barrie to the team’s top power-play unit as part of his first changes as this side of Connor McDavid. head coach. He also put him alongside Morgan Rielly to start Thursday’s game in Arizona — a move that was part precursor of things to come, “Yeah. I’ve never played against him in my life,” he said. “I’ve been on part reassuring touch on the shoulder for a guy who never found any the fortunate end of that one when he’s playing well. I’m sure he’ll take it footing under previous coach Mike Babcock. easy on me.”

As much as Barrie didn’t think it was a vote of confidence he needed with Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.23.2019 more than 500 NHL games and three 50-point seasons already under his belt, he appreciated the gesture. And it was immediately followed by his first goal in Leafs colours just in time for Saturday’s return to his old stomping grounds.

“I’m not going to lie: That feels good, especially going into Denver,” Barrie said after the 3-1 victory over the Coyotes. “I didn’t want to go in with no goals.”

Following a July 1 trade that saw the Leafs give up their best-value contract, Nazem Kadri, for Barrie and Alexander Kerfoot, the 28-year-old defenceman represented a fault line between Babcock and general manager Kyle Dubas.

Not only did he have his power-play usage cut in half, there almost seemed to be paralysis by analysis with what the coaching staff wanted him to do at even strength. He was a round peg being hammered into a square hole at the expense of his instincts and he suffered through a two-assists-in-19-games slump that made his situation in Toronto look untenable as recently as a week ago.

“You know I’m trying. I think it’s obviously weighing on me a little bit,” Barrie said on Nov. 14. “I’ve never really gone through a stretch like this in my career and switching teams for the first time. You don’t want to feel like you’re letting teammates down and the fans down.”

Now?

Barrie believes he’s found a new lease on life under Keefe, who is determined to find him a role that looks more like the one he once filled here in Colorado. That will include more shifts beside Rielly and a chance to work the puck around on a power play that features Auston Matthews, John Tavares and William Nylander.

As an offensive play-driver, he certainly fits the profile of the kind of player the new coach is hoping to lean on.

“We feel like with some of the offensive people that we have and what we’re able to do, that that will make us a better defensive team because we’ll have the puck a lot more,” said Keefe. “We’ll put the other team in tough spots that will limit their ability to transition and play against us.”

When Keefe took time during his introductory press conference to say he was focusing on the kind of team the Leafs are, rather than what they’re not, it was hard not to think of Barrie. He’s never been a strong defensive player, per se, but he has a unique vision and a proven ability to make plays with the puck. 1162991 Websites by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment is playing catchup to the NBA team owned by MLSE, and that has quietly put more pressure on Shanahan as much as anybody.

Sportsnet.ca / Leafs coaching change thrusts Brendan Shanahan back Think about it. Bobby Webster is the Raptors GM, and while there has into spotlight been a subtle move to have him assume a higher public profile while Ujiri slides a little into the background, the sense is the really big stuff still lands on Ujiri’s doorstep. That is certainly the impression left by national U.S.-based media and that will be the case as long as Ujiri is still here Jeff Blair | November 22, 2019, 1:54 PM (which, by the way, is another story for another day and one that hasn’t received as much attention as it deserves. But I digress …)

It was the crisis that finally smoked out Brendan Shanahan, who in his Shanahan doesn’t create as much media churn as Ujiri. It is Dubas who six-plus years as Toronto Maple Leafs president hasn’t been as out-front is the front-facing person when it comes to player moves or signings. Yet publicly over a 24-hour period the way he was on Wednesday and there we were, Shanahan handling media responsibilities on Wednesday Thursday. when Babcock was fired; Shanahan’s name all over the press release announcing his firing and Shanahan acknowledging he felt as if he had to The guess here is that many of the details surrounding the firing of Mike fly out to Arizona to do the deed because he was the one who hired Babcock as Leafs head coach will remain murky for some time. That it Babcock in the first place (remember: Dubas’s hiring came after.) will take some kind of diligence to come up with a breakdown of the Shanahan was out-front again Thursday morning, sharing the dais with timing and events in the hours leading up to Babcock being fired an hour Dubas just before Keefe took charge of the morning skate. after running an off-day practice in a city that is two time zones away from Toronto – an hour after some subtle joshing with media members Two Shanahan news conferences in 18 hours? Haven’t seen that before. covering the team. Some of this, of course, can be explained by logistics. Firing a coach in In the end, it is the firing of Babcock and hiring of Sheldon Keefe that is, the middle of a road trip (and keeping it quiet) can’t be the easiest thing of course, the story. The attention, now, will return to the ice. But it to do. But for a president who has more or less stood out of the way became apparent as the Leafs took on the Arizona Coyotes that the publicly while his GM and now former head coach engaged in a passive- process of tea-leaf reading had begun, with the obvious first step being aggressive tug of war – Shanahan surely must have been active behind the question, "Whose job is on the line now?" the scenes and is at practice and games and likely has ways of ensuring his thoughts get plopped into the public discourse, but he was a benign Since conventional wisdom is that the Leafs cannot make a significant figure in the light of most days – this was a lot of wagon hitching. player move due to their salary-cap crunch, the notion that general manager Kyle Dubas and his boss Shanahan can look to the template He left no doubt that he and Dubas are in lock-step philosophically and provided by their championship peer down the hallway at Scotiabank stylistically and that, by extension, so is the MLSE board. He took Arena is, well, fanciful. A couple of weeks ago, I wondered whether there umbrage at the suggestion this was, essentially, the last big "bullet" he wouldn’t be a whiff of familiarity between what Toronto Raptors president and Dubas had to fire, which meant the two of them were next up if this Masai Ujiri did when he fired Dwane Casey, turning what ended up to be thing doesn’t right itself. "That’s not how I or management view it," an NBA champion over to Nick Nurse, and what the Leafs did when or if Shanahan said. they pulled the plug on Babcock. This whole thing was for body language. Dubas sat next to Keefe during Casey, like Babcock, deserves an inordinate amount of credit for bringing his first formal news conference as Leafs coach. I’m not sure how often stability to his team. He was in charge when Toronto went from an NBA we got to see him and Babcock look that comfortable side by side. outpost to a city capable of keeping its all-atars (DeMar DeRozan and Brian Burke, who knows how this stuff looks, smells and works, joked on Kyle Lowry). It was the early stages of the Raptors becoming a cool that Shanahan was still third in line for the "blindfold and franchise in terms of league-wide recognition, something more than the cigarette." That may be the case and the focus will still be on Dubas right place that Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady and Chris Bosh needed to leave. now, but make no mistake: over the course of 48 hours, Brendan Remember LeBron James shouting out the fans of Toronto – this city and Shanahan found himself thrust into the forefront in a manner unlike country? Alas, he did it after eliminating Casey’s team from the playoffs anything we’ve seen in his tenure, certainly not since the hiring of and that was the rub: for all the good Casey did, he was LeBron’d out of Babcock. Stuff just got real for one of the top 100 players in NHL history. a job, unable to beat King James in the playoffs. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.23.2019 Were the Boston Bruins Babcock’s version of LeBron? I mean, you could probably play around with that narrative had Babcock been fired after last year’s playoff elimination. But as my Writers Bloc colleague Stephen Brunt points out: as much as we all loved Casey, he wasn’t Babcock – the latter considered one of the great coaches of his generation and among the highest-paid ever.

The other thing Ujiri did, of course, was trade DeRozan and bench depth to the San Antonio Spurs for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green. He went all in not just emotionally but in personnel terms as well. There is no apparent similar scenario for the Leafs. For this to follow the path set by Ujiri, Shanahan and Dubas would need to add a transcendent performer and they’re supposed to have three or four of those already. To really set this roster aflame the way Ujiri did would take the addition of an all-star stud defenceman and the financial hocus-pocus needed to pull that off would best be exercised around the draft, not in-season.

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.

The guess here is we will see that happen this off-season if the Leafs don’t find any playoff joy this spring. Dubas’s future is now inextricably tied to that of Keefe, and that makes me wonder if he won’t feel more inclined to make a bold transaction to back up his hand-picked coach at some point the way Ujiri did with Nurse; that he won’t aim a little higher to bring in defensive help for Keefe than he would for Babcock.

I admit that might be an example of trying to bend reality to fit a narrative, but again: for the first time in the history of this city, the NHL team owned 1162992 Websites Ailments and those missing from the roster are no excuse as the core is still intact and the goaltending has been beyond competent.

It was the right time to reaffirm the obvious, that coach Bill Peters isn’t Sportsnet.ca / Flames' Treliving points finger at himself with team mired going anywhere. in losing streak This team has gone through far too many coaching changes over the years, which is something Treliving vowed to change when hiring Peters in 2018. Eric Francis | November 22, 2019, 5:37 PM Peters immediately stabilized a team full of moving parts last season to bring the crew to the top of the west conference over 82 games.

No one has done more soul-searching during the Calgary Flames’ six- He’s not part of the problem and certainly not to blame for the team’s game faceplant than Brad Treliving, leading to an assessment he woeful shooting percentage and penchant for mental lapses. decided to share with the world Friday. The Flames’ early gift-giving continued in St. Louis, as it has a team- “It starts with the manager – the manager has been horses**t,” said the record eight games in a row by surrendering the first goal. Flames GM, speaking publicly for the first time since his team’s horrific losing streak began. Work ethic and other engagement issues were addressed by the players in a closed-door meeting following Thursday’s game. It was also “I’m responsible, so if there are fingers to point right now, let’s point them discussed by the GM and his not-so-merry men Friday. in the right direction and that should be at the person in charge and that’s me. So, the manager has underperformed and I take responsibility for the “I met with our leadership group and met with the team as a group performance of the team.” afterwards and we’ll keep that in those four walls,” said Treliving who generally leaves dressing room talks to his coaches. Fingers are indeed pointing everywhere around Southern Alberta these days, which is why the GM opted to face some of the wild speculation, “There’s no ‘poor me.’ We are the ones who have to get out of this.” suggestions and criticism with a few other pointed remarks. As far as using the age-old tactic of falling on his own sword, Treliving “Last couple days I’ve been asked about changes,” said Treliving, whose most certainly failed to effect significant change to the group this club has been outscored 23-5 in its last half-dozen setbacks. summer.

“The coaches aren’t going anywhere. Our top players aren’t going Matthew Tkachuk’s contract situation handcuffed the GM to the point his anywhere. only additions included adding a backup goalie, swapping out one bad contract (James Neal) for another (Milan Lucic) and signing a pair of “In life, in general, you’re going to face difficult times. I met with the group depth charges here on PTOs (Tobias Rieder and Zac Rinaldo.) today, and at the end of the day if a six-game losing streak is the most difficult thing you’re going to face in life you may have some issues. Let’s A trade for Nazem Kadri that could have altered the face of the group deal with it, let’s be honest with each other and let’s hold ourselves and was nixed by the former Leaf, frustrating the GM no end. each other accountable. We’re the ones who are going to get out of this. Senior Writer Ryan Dixon and NHL Editor Rory Boylen always give it There are no saviours coming.” 110%, but never rely on clichés when it comes to podcasting. Instead, In other words, Johnny Gaudreau isn’t getting swapped out as so many they use a mix of facts, fun and a varied group of hockey voices to cover have suggested should be the case. Canada’s most beloved game.

That discussion has been laughably premature, as his fate is far-better There was certainly an argument that little needed to be changed on a determined this summer when clear minds can take stock of whether the roster that finished second in the NHL in points and goals scored. winger with two-and-a-half years left on his contract is capable of Alas, here we are. elevating his game when it matters most this spring. Fact is, it’s early. (Yes, we’re aware there may not be a spring assessment if he doesn’t find his game sometime soon.) Despite low morale, high frustration and lop-sided losses, the 10-12-3 Flames are just three points out of a playoff spot with four months to go. 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 While it might not seem like it right now, this too shall pass. they think about it. And it will do so with the Flames core, coaches and GM in place. Given how tight the Flames and so many other teams in the league are to the salary cap ceiling, changes of significance are hard to come by in As it should. season, never mind when the value of all your assets are grossly Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.23.2019 diminished.

“I believe in this group and believe when you go through difficult times you don’t throw bodies on the tarmac,” said Treliving.

“This is a good group that is underperforming. We’ve got to find a way to get back to being a good group that is performing. When you go through difficult stretches you learn a lot more about yourselves than when you go through good stretches.”

Treliving and the players are clinging to belief this early adversity will ultimately serve them well.

After all, every team goes through it, and there are still a mere 57 games left in the season.

Shut out in a franchise-record three straight road games, the Flames 5-0 drubbing in St. Louis Thursday was followed by airplane issues that prevented them from flying out to Philadelphia afterwards.

They’re getting it from every angle.

Injuries are mounting, as Andrew Mangiapane was the latest to leave a game early when he was rocked by Vince Dunn midway through another humiliating loss. 1162993 Websites We called a scout who has watched Klefbom for his entire NHL career. “I remember when I first laid eyes on him. I thought he looked like a

pretty good player,” said the scout. “He was just learning the NHL game, Sportsnet.ca / Oilers' Klefbom defying common hockey practice as but he had three things: Size, he could skate, and he knew how to play. team's No. 1 defenceman He knew the game. So it was a case of time, patience and experience.

“As the game has evolved, and it has become less gritty, a guy like Klefbom gets a little more time and space to play. He doesn’t have to Mark Spector | November 22, 2019, 7:09 PM look over his shoulder as much … and he looks more comfortable now.

“And he can really shoot the puck. He can fire it.”

LAS VEGAS — There are 31 teams in the National Hockey League, but It’s rare to see a defenceman play as much as Klefbom has on both there likely isn’t even 20 of hockey’s most coveted NHL player — the No. special teams. He doesn’t even lead his own D-corps in even-strength 1 defenceman. time on ice — Darnell Nurse does at 19:31, to Klefbom’s 18:54.

Roman Josi, Victor Hedman, Drew Doughty, Shea Weber, Brent Burns, But Klefbom leads all Oilers defencemen at shorthanded minutes (3:26), Mark Giordano. Now a John Carlson … soon a Cale Makar and Quinn and of course on the power play (3:36), where he is the only D-man on a Hughes. unit that plays at least 90 seconds of every PP opportunity. Often the full two minutes. Buy a jug of beer, get two buddies around the table, and if the three of you can unanimously agree on 20 pure No. 1’s, we’ll buy. Interesting though, that 3:36 of PP time ranks just 12th among NHL defencemen. Vancouver rookie Hughes (4:13) averages more power- Home of the Oilers play time per game than any other NHL blue-liner. Stream all 82 Oilers games this season with Sportsnet NOW. Get over For his part, Klefbom is liking his minutes, and happy to play as much 500 NHL games, blackout-free, including Hockey Night in Canada, all four-on-five as five-on-four. outdoor games, the All-Star Game, 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs and more. “You learn a lot about the powerplay by being on the PK — and vice Which brings us to Oscar Klefbom, who has never made anyone’s versa,” he said. “It’s an advantage (to play both). It’s almost easier to play universal list — even though he has been Edmonton’s No. 1 for some on the powerplay if I am playing the PK. time now. He leads the NHL in time on ice per game (25:56), is ninth among defencemen in points (17), quarterbacks the NHL’s leading The minutes will go down a touch, now that Larson has returned. But powerplay and anchors the league’s second-best penalty-killing unit. Klefbom will always be this team’s No. 1 — even if he’s not an actual No. 1 in most people’s eyes. Yet, you might ask 20 NHL general managers if he’s a legit No. 1 and not get a single “Yes.” “It comes with a lot of responsibility,” he said of his ice time. “I’ve got to do something good with the minutes I get. “Is that fair?” we asked Klefbom after a practice in Las Vegas. “To show that I deserve them.” “For sure, it’s a fair question,” responded the handsome Swede, completely unoffended by the question. “You look at a guy like Drew Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.23.2019 Doughty — he’s been playing 27 minutes for I don’t know how many years now. He’s been consistent for many, many years. Victor Hedman, plays a lot of minutes, a lot of responsibility for so many years.

“I’m really happy with the way I play right now. But, ask me in five years. Hopefully, if I can keep it up, it’s another discussion (for down the road). Now, it’s up to all the experts to compare (him) with Giordano, or Josi, or whoever.”

The thing about Klefbom that defies common hockey practice is this:

Let’s say he’s really a top-notch No. 3, second powerplay unit guy, who should be playing 21, 22 minutes per night. That means that the Oilers have him playing above his level; that they’re over-using Klefbom.

But in almost every case we’ve ever seen, that over-used player caves in. They say that there is ‘Truth in 82,’ and when the player finally buckles under the additional responsibility that his coach and GM have saddled him with, it’s not his fault. It’s theirs.

Klefbom is being asked to be No. 1. He has been for a few years now.

Yet, he’s not caving in. He’s actually getting better.

“He does every little part of the game right, and when you put it like that it means he is an extremely smart D-man,” said countryman Adam Larsson, whose respect for Klefbom’s game grew when he watched him from the press box while injured all of this season. “Good positioning, a tremendous shot, and for being a big guy he is a pretty smooth skater. He has a lot of tools that define his name, his personality out there.

“He has come into his own this year.”

Don’t forget, Klefbom is no Hughes or Tyson Barrie. He is six-foot-three and 216 pounds. — smaller than Weber or Hedman, but two inches taller and 15 pounds heavier than Josi, who is becoming a bit of a comparable for Klefbom.

“He’s not flashy,” Larsson says. “He plays first power play, PK, and he’s pretty good at it. Maybe a left-handed Pietrangelo?”

Hmmm… Stay healthy and give the Oilers a few years of 40-plus point seasons, and Larsson might have something there. 1162994 Websites Stream all 82 Canucks games this season with Sportsnet NOW. Get over 500 NHL games, blackout-free, including Hockey Night in Canada, all outdoor games, the All-Star Game, 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs and more.

Sportsnet.ca / Pettersson embracing responsibilities of being Canucks' Pettersson admitted that he has strayed from those basics in a few best player games recently, sacrificing some details while looking to create offence to help his struggling team.

"I feel like I kind of got away from the way I want to work on the ice, the Iain MacIntyre | November 22, 2019, 3:09 PM way I want to be responsible," he said. "I feel like I haven’t played good. I think it starts with me working hard, and when I’m working hard I get

chances. WASHINGTON – There are eight games this season in which Elias "I feel like I’ve been a little, not sloppy, but maybe thinking my teammate Pettersson has failed to score a point, and the Vancouver Canucks will do this for me. I’m being honest. I feel like I can definitely work harder haven’t won any of them. No wonder hockey coaches say you win or lose and do all those small things that are really important. Working harder. with your best players. Being responsible." The Canucks have managed just two loser points – overtime losses to Before we let Pettersson beg for forgiveness, we’d point out that his 28 the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks – in the eight games Pettersson points in 23 games comfortably lead the Canucks, and the centre still has been blanked. When the National Hockey League’s rookie-of-the- commands even-strength possession with a shots-for percentage of 58.2 year has made it on to the scoresheet, Vancouver is 11-2-2. and goals-for percentage of 61.3. That’s how important the just-turned 21-year-old is to the Canucks. There is an awfully high bar for him – set not by us, but Pettersson. He He scores, they win. He doesn’t score, they lose. It may not be fair, but saw how Nathan MacKinnon carried the Colorado Avalanche on his back it’s pretty simple. in its overtime win against the Canucks last Saturday, how formidable Jamie Benn looked in the Dallas Stars’ two recent wins against In Thursday’s 6-3 win against the Nashville Predators, a slump- Vancouver. interrupting victory driven for two periods by the Vancouver power play and in the final one by goalie Jacob Markstrom, Pettersson had one goal That’s the kind of impact Pettersson wants to have each night. and two assists with the man-advantage. "Yeah, absolutely," he said. "It’s a team game. But of course, I’d love to In the previous eight games, the Swede was held pointless four times be that guy. But it doesn’t come easy. You have to do all the right things, and managed only five points during the Canucks’ 1-5-2 dip in the all the smart things, and bring it every night. You can’t expect it to be standings. served to you."

There are a couple of difficult truths here: the Canucks need to give It’s the National Hockey League; nothing is free. Pettersson more help; and to be the great player he aspires to be, Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.23.2019 Pettersson has to accept the heavy responsibility of leading his team every night.

He is the Canucks’ best player.

"I know I’m young," he told Sportsnet before an optional practice Friday in Washington. "It’s just my second year in the league and I’m new. But that doesn’t matter; I still want to play my best hockey every night. And when I have a bad game, I just want to learn about it, forget about it and play the next game.

"I want to be the best player I can be every game."

Pettersson is learning a lot this fall. He soared along with his team through October before crashing the last two weeks.

The league caught on to Pettersson halfway through last season, when he faded down the stretch of his first NHL marathon. He scored just twice in his last 22 games, while adding 10 assists, and admitted after the season that he needed to be stronger and get better at dealing with the close attention of opponents.

He is stronger and better this season, but is getting even less room on the ice. Teams are playing him physically harder, often taking space away from him in the neutral zone even when Pettersson doesn’t have the puck. He hasn’t scored a power-play one-timer all season, as penalty-killers cheat towards him.

Of course, they’ve been doing that to Alex Ovechkin for 15 years, and the Washington Capital still has 673 goals. The Canucks play the Capitals on Saturday.

"Of course there is less space," Pettersson said. "I’m not new to the league now. Teams know who I am. I’m not saying that to be cocky or anything, but I feel like I have less time now and I always have a guy in my shooting lane.

"I feel stronger and all that. I don’t know if it’s a mindset or what it is, but for me it’s about working hard and not expecting it to be served to you. Some nights, you’re not going to be as good, but it’s important for you to do the small things. Don’t turn the puck over, be smart out there. Just skate."

Home of the Canucks 1162995 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Flames' T.J. Brodie re-joins team, but won't play yet

Emily Sadler | November 22, 2019, 3:08 PM

The Calgary Flames announced on Friday that T.J. Brodie will travel with the team as they continue their U.S. road trip, though he will remain on the sidelines as he continues his recovery after last week’s health scare.

Last Thursday, Brodie collapsed on the ice mid-practice and began convulsing as teammates and staff rushed to attend to him. He was taken to the hospital and was allowed to return home that same day, but continues to be evaluated by medical staff. Flames team physician Dr. Ian Auld indicated during a press conference the following day that it’s likely Brodie fainted, and that the team will continue to oversee further testing.

The team provided a further update this week, announced that Brodie skated Thursday for the first time since the incident.

“T.J. has been working out for the past several days and today skated on his own under the supervision of our medical staff,” Flames general manager Brad Treliving said in a statement. “Over this past week he has had consultations with appropriate specialists in Calgary. To date all medical evaluations and testing have been reassuring.

“We still work to complete final testing and are optimistic he will re-join the team in the near future. TJ has been placed on injury reserve retroactive to Nov. 14.”

Brodie’s presence could provide a boost for his teammates as they travel to Philadelphia ahead of Saturday’s matchup. The Flames have been mired in a six-game losing skid that has them free-falling in the standings.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162996 Websites Know a good winger? 11. Florida Panthers

Moustache means business Sportsnet.ca / NHL Power Rankings: 6th Annual Hockey Haiku Edition Scowling mouth, eyes of wild cat

Q is the logo Luke Fox | November 22, 2019, 8:30 AM 12. Winnipeg Jets

Hole cut in thick ice Our Power Rankings Pole dips, line searches for fish Distilled to tiny poems Byfuglien’s happy place Easy-to-read fun 13. Pittsburgh Penguins 1. New York Islanders Sid’s surgery smarts No 10-goal scorers So the other big star shines Defence wins power rankings Three years Super League In Barry we trust 14. Nashville Predators 2. Washington Capitals We adore Josi, Ovechkin right there Love us some Ellis, and yet… In the circle, always is Two D can’t lead points How ’bout guarding him? 15. Philadelphia Flyers 3. Boston Bruins Untamed shock of orange Marchand, Pastrnak Googly eyes hide demon’s soul Bergeron — three guys, one line, Gritty completes me 93 points… Wow 16. Vegas Golden Knights 4. St. Louis Blues Take flight, reach way back Need Tarasenko? Glove outstretched like flower’s bloom Not when Perron’s piling up Fleury’s save, year’s best The most game winners 17. Tampa Bay Lightning 5. Colorado Avalanche From Presidents’ champs Sick bay full? No prob To twenty-fourth overall Let’s all hop aboard and ride Something ain’t quite right Nate MacKinnon’s back 18. Vancouver Canucks 6. Edmonton Oilers Tell me, Vancouver: That sweet feeling when Are you for real for real? Or… McDavid becomes your team’s Toying with my heart? Second best player 19. Chicago Blackhawks 7. Dallas Stars Da-duh da-duh da When in doubt, call out Duh-duh da-da-da-da-da Benn and Seguin in the press Da-duh da-duh da Always works wonders 20. Anaheim Ducks 8. Carolina Hurricanes If a Silfverberg Leads a Ducks team in goals, does Maybe he’s not the problem Anybody hear? Norris Trophy talk 21. San Jose Sharks 9. Arizona Coyotes 4 Gs, 19 As Meet Darcy Kuemper Captain Logan Couture for Best goalie you barely know The reverse Cy Young One-point-eight cap hit 22. New York Rangers 10. Montreal Canadiens Buchnevich, Hajek Bergevin is French Zibanejad, Chytil, Skjei… For big trade deadline buyer Thank God for spell-check

23. Buffalo Sabres

Miller, Scandella,

Bogosian getting healthy—

Hey! Need a right D?

24. Ottawa Senators

Oh, vast Kanata,

Canvas of what’s possible

Long way to Lyft tho

25. Columbus Blue Jackets

“Puljujarvi!” they screamed

We sided with Pierre-Luc

Team scoring leader

26. Toronto Maple Leafs

Could it really be?

Do mine eyes deceive or true?

A Maple Leaf smiles

27. Minnesota Wild

Something expensive,

Something old, something too slow,

Something to trade, please?

28. Calgary Flames

Mony was money

Johnny be good, blue line great

Last year was fun, eh?

29. New Jersey Devils

Taylor Hall re-signs

With worst club in the Metro?

Best not hold your breath

30. Los Angeles Kings

Ilya Kovalchuk

Snipes, skates, dekes, blows minds and roars

The year is ’06

31. Detroit Red Wings

Ping-pong balls bouncing

Numbers flying, odds in favour

Lottery night dreams

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162997 Websites doing it without getting the usual rookie sheltering that even the best young defencemen get when they break in.

Makar isn’t playing the toughest minutes on the team by any stretch, but Sportsnet.ca / Truth By Numbers: Examining Pageau's stunning he also hasn’t been hidden from anything, head coach Jared Bednar November with Senators trusts him. Part of the reason for that is because as great as Makar has been offensively, he’s been nearly as impactful on the defensive side. 22 games into Colorado’s season, Makar is tied for the best on-ice inner slot shot differential in the NHL among defencemen. Pretty incredible stuff, Andrew Berkshire but let’s look at what everyone is talking about; his offensive performance.

The idea of trading him in order to make the most of the rebuild has been What makes Makar such a threat is that he’s dominant in more than one the talk of the town in Ottawa, and a large reason why that kind of talk is area. Defensively he’s had a huge impact — as previously stated — but happening is because Jean-Gabriel Pageau is shooting the lights out in he’s also one of the league’s premier transition players already in his November. young career, completing the fourth-most successful transition plays in the NHL among defencemen this season. Pageau’s 10 goals in November so far lead the league, just ahead of Connor McDavid’s nine, so how could he not be the guy we shine the That exemplary transition play has allowed him to join the rush more spotlight on this week? often than most defenders, with the only defencemen who produce more chances off the rush being Roman Josi and Miro Heiskanen, with SPOTLIGHT PERFORMANCE Rasmus Dahlin tied with him.

A career average 10.5 per cent shooter, Pageau is scoring on 38.5 per Those are some phenomenal names to be listed next to, and overall cent of his shots on goal in November, so before we go anywhere we Makar ranks 12th among defencemen in the number of chances he know that a large part of this hot streak is going to be good fortune in a creates for his teammates. That’s some incredible work for a rookie small sample, but how much of it is a great performance that might not defenceman, and as great as he is at even strength, he ranks in the be sustainable, and how much is just having everything go right? exact same spot at generating offence on the powerplay. Colorado has a special player on their hands here. When you look at just 5-vs-5 numbers, Pageau’s November doesn’t come out looking very great. He sits just 13th on the team among Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey forwards in scoring chances per minute played, which is the exact world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what opposite of a special performance, but there’s a bit more to dig into than they think about it. rate stats show. BUY OR SELL Part of the reason why Pageau is scoring a lot is that he’s being played a ton; his 170 minutes at even strength so far in November trails only Nick • The Boston Bruins are once again one of the best teams in the league, Paul and Connor Brown, and he’s played a fair amount at 4-vs-4. if not the best, and aside from exerting extreme control over shot locations to control shot quality, they’re continually able to boost their Overall he ranks fourth on the team in scoring chances at even strength, own expected goal rates with their puck movement. Boston takes a which is good but not spectacular, but his completion rate is absurd; but league-leading 15.4 per cent of their 5-vs-5 shots as one-timers, four only from one area. percentage points better than the league average. The area they exploit the most is the high slot; nearly 36 per cent of their shot attempts from In November, Pageau has scored nine goals at even strength, and seven there are one timers. Guess where David Pastrnak likes shooting from? of them have come from the inner slot. That’s the most dangerous area of the ice and carries an expected shooting percentage nearing 20 per • How good is Sidney Crosby? Guess which players lead the entire cent for shots on goal, but he’s managed to take only eight total shot league in pass receptions within the slot… Did you guess Jake Guentzel attempts from there, all eight on net, and 87.5 per cent of them have and Dominik Simon? I don’t think we truly appreciate how many decent gone in. to good players Sid has made great.

From the high slot and perimeter he’s scoring slightly ahead of league • Who receives the most passes from their teammates overall? If you sit expectations, but with only one goal from each, that’s bound to happen if down and think about it you can probably guess. Look at all the rosters in you don’t shoot much and manage to squeeze one puck through. That’s the league, and think which player stands out as the guy all their nothing compared to the more than quadrupling of expectations from the teammates think "just give it to him and we’ll be ok". Nope, not McDavid inner slot. or Draisaitl, it’s Artemi Panarin.

This hot streak hasn’t come with an increased rate of scoring chances for • Know who else receives a ton of passes from their teammates? Young Pageau, or an increased rate from the inner-slot, but he does lead the Quinn Hughes in Vancouver. Only 10 players in the league receive more Sens in one specific area; inner-slot shots with no pressure with five. It passes per minute played than Hughes does, and it’s almost entirely a doesn’t explain his absurd level of success, but it does give a hit as to list of NHL superstars. The only defencemen who receive the puck more what is going on. Pageau is getting great looks, going to the right places, are Erik Karlsson, Mark Giordano, and Kris Letang. and he’s just getting rewarded at more than four times the expected rate for his play. • Breaking things down by possession time, only Sam Girard and Cam Fowler have the puck on their sticks more often than Quinn Hughes does Pageau remains a fantastic defensive centre, but anyone who is looking at 5-vs-5. Hughes is carrying the puck for 5 minutes and 10 seconds for at this hot streak as some unexpected awakening of his offensive every 60 he’s on the ice, which doesn’t sound like a ton but like I said, it’s potential is primed for disappointment, especially if they give up more in a the third most in the league. This kid is one to watch, the Canucks are trade than they would have before. leaning on him heavily and he hasn’t buckled

THE QUESTION Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.23.2019 This week was a crazy one for Steve Dangle, his Leafs are playing terrible, they fired Mike Babcock and promoted Sheldon Keefe, he scored a goal at the Eric Lindros Celebrity Hockey Classic where he and his team raised over $100,000 for Easter Seals Ontario, and I told him he wasn’t allowed to ask me about the Leafs.

So in lieu of more Leafs content, Steve requests…

"Please explain to me how Cale Makar is this good"

It’s pretty crazy what Makar has been able to do offensively this season, scoring over a point per game as a rookie at just 21 years old, and he’s 1162998 Websites With the blaze tearing through the neighbourhood containing the associations home rink, the Frank Lacroix Arena, its president was anxious to get a handle on the damage, and became among the first to return to the city. Sportsnet.ca / How minor hockey survived the chaos of the Fort McMurray fires Getting back into town, Galenzoski confirmed with his own eyes that the arena was still standing.

“Pretty much the only things that survived around the arena were a set of Sonny Sachdeva | November 22, 2019, 11:46 AM condo buildings off to the northwest, the school behind it to the south and the church southeast of us,” he recalls. “Everything else was flattened.

There was a lot of devastation.” TORONTO — For the hockey-hungry kids in Fort McMurray, Alta., the A different result would’ve ended any hope of bringing minor hockey back closest NHL action is a five-hour drive south in Edmonton. Not the most the next year, as Frank Lacroix wasn’t just the site of many an FMMHA convenient of weekend treks. game, it also housed the association’s offices and all of the It’s no surprise, then, that the biggest show in town are the kings of organization’s jerseys and equipment for the participating kids, he says. Casman Centre, the Fort McMurray Oil Barons. Even for the big-league Still, even with the FMMHA one of the lucky organizations in town to not mainstays whose NHL careers eventually swept them out of town, all lose their home base, the plans for the following season seemed murky hockey journeys with roots in the Albertan city can be traced back to that at best. Though they had been spared, heavy smoke damage required beloved junior-A club. the jerseys be sent off to Edmonton for professional cleaning, and the “Hockey was a huge part of growing up in Fort McMurray. I think we all arena be professionally scrubbed down as well. had dreams of playing in the NHL, but we also dreamed of playing for the “There was a lot of talk about whether minor hockey was going to go on Oil Barons,” says Chris Phillips, the longtime Ottawa Senator whose 17 that following Fall of that year,” Galenzoski recalls. “We put our heads seasons with the club made him the longest-serving member in team together and made sure that we had that ability to ensure that our history. “They were stars in our eyes as young players.” members had that sport there that they relied on.” Fifteen-year NHL alum Scottie Upshall remembers spending more than a It was a situation many around town found themselves in, with plenty of few nights down at the rink watching the Oil Barons go to work, too. Even kids simply wanting to get back to playing, unaware of the scope of the in his pre-junior hockey days, he was hooked on the local squads. situation enveloping the city. “Every minor hockey kid, we would go to these games Friday and “My niece and nephew were going through that themselves,” Phillips Saturday nights in Fort Mac and watch our hometown Jr. Barons says. “They made it down to Edmonton and actually got some equipment compete and beat up all the teams [from] all over Alberta,” Upshall told that they borrowed for them to play a little. [It] helped take their minds off Sportsnet from Switzerland, where he’s now suiting up for HC Ambri- of being displaced from their home.” Piotta. As much as securing the return of minor hockey to Fort McMurray was “Our building in Fort McMurray, it would get pretty loud. It would be about getting kids back on the ice, it was also about preserving the heart rocking, maybe like 1,200 people — die-hard fans who live for hockey of a city that seemed very much on life support. It was bigger than games in the middle of winter.” hockey. Celebrate Our Community. Celebrate Our Game. So, from the Oil Barons to the Jr. Barons down to the house league There’s no denying Fort McMurray — the site of this weekend’s Rogers teams, the sport was pulled from the ashes and put back on the ice, with Hometown Hockey festivities — is a hockey town through and through. all eyes on trying to restore some sense of normalcy after a string of life- The roots of that love of the game weave all the way down to the youth altering weeks and months. level, with local kids flocking to the sport just like Upshall and Phillips did An essential step forward for all those families who had lost plenty in the back in their day. Seven single-A and double-A teams play out of the four fires. arenas in town, along with roughly 70 minor hockey house teams competing in the city’s own league. “[The arena] is a common ground,” Galezoski says. “It’s a place where people go and talk. There’s a level of healing that happens just with that “We’ve been on a pretty steady growth trajectory since 2010, and — being together with others and sharing stories and having your kids on probably before that as well,” says Travis Galenzoski, president of the the ice together or on a ball diamond together. That was what it was like Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association (FMMHA). “With the exception in town. of 2016. The end of the 2015-16 season and the beginning of the 2016- 17 season, we dropped 1.5-to-1.6 per cent. “It was maybe a heightened sense of that. Everybody was more looking forward to getting to the arena so that they could have time with friends, “That was the year of the fire.” time with neighbours and other families to compare stories and be there Any timeline that runs through Fort McMurray figures to feature a similar for those who lost.” peculiarity when it reaches May of 2016. It was in the early days of that Upshall, meanwhile, was midway through the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs month that a wildfire swept through town with devastating intensity, with the St. Louis Blues when those early evacuation orders came. He forcing the largest evacuation in Alberta’s history — more than 88,000 returned home to Fort McMurray when the rebuilding effort was in full residents forced to leave everything behind, many for the last time as force. Like Galenzoski, what stood out most to him was the unshakeable roughly 2,500 homes were destroyed in the blaze. resilience of the tight-knit community. “It was one of the toughest phone calls I ever received, when my sister “What you did see as it went on is the healing and the transformation and called and [said] her whole family was in the truck trying to get out of the strength the city,” Upshall said. town,” Phillips says. “They were explaining what was going on and I think in shock at the same time. Like they were living a movie.” “[It’s] amazing to hear the stories of the community helping each other to find equipment for kids that lost theirs in the fire, and rally together Burned-out houses are shown during a media tour of fire-damaged Fort around the re-building of the city,” adds Phillips. McMurray on May 9, 2016. (Jonathan Hayward/CP) Initially heartbroken at the thought of losing the rink he grew up playing in As the month wore on and the fires were slowly, painstakingly tamed, — the 36-year-old’s pee-wee championship banner hangs from the community members began returning to Fort McMurray, wondering how rafters of the Frank Lacroix Arena — Upshall was just as thankful to see the costliest disaster in the province’s history would impact the routines the rink still standing. they had come to know and love. “It’s nice to know it’s still there,” he said. It was top of mind for Galenzoski even earlier than that. Three years on, the wildfire has begun its transition from present “When we were all evacuated, the [FMMHA] executive group, we were catastrophe to historic footnote, even if that shift is far from complete. But constantly in communication with each other,” he says. when it comes to the little things, the age-old routine of watching kids spin around a rink and swapping stories with fellow parents over paper- cup coffees, Fort McMurray is doing its best to get itself back.

“I don’t even think that today we’re truly back to April of 2016, to what normal looked like before May 3rd,” Galenzoski says. “[But] I think … we’re a fairly resilient community. I think we rebounded quite well.

“There’s still a lot of people that are in tough shape around town. But you know what — all things considered, I think the fire made us stronger.”

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.23.2019 1162999 Websites Kings coach Todd McLellan game-planned to try and keep McDavid and Draisaitl off the score sheet. Scoring three on them in Period 1 was surely a bonus.

Sportsnet.ca / Oilers' McDavid, Draisaitl have rare hiccup in loss to Kings "It certainly makes you feel better," McLellan said. "Our group doesn’t play from ahead very often, and certainly not by three. So it makes you feel a little bit better.

Mark Spector | November 22, 2019, 2:28 AM "But when it comes to 29 and 97, I don’t think you can take your foot off the gas. We did a really good job of checking them for most of the night."

Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey LOS ANGELES — It’s hockey’s most worn out cliché. The one about world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what your best players needing to be your best players, if you’re going to (blah they think about it. blah blah)… This loss does, however, put another log on a bit of a disturbing fire that The problem with that particular cliché? It is sooo true. has seen the Oilers burn eight points this season to teams that certainly "If your supposedly best players play the way I did," said Leon Draisaitl weren’t beating anyone else very often: after a 5-1 loss to the last place Los Angeles Kings, "you’re not gonna go • Edmonton lost in Chicago, which was the Blackhawks first win of the very far." season. OK, Edmonton was 5-0, the Hawks were desperate. We get it. The National Hockey League’s leading scorer has, on the whole, been • In a 3-0 loss at Minnesota against a team that was 2-6 coming in, the the Oilers’ best player through the first 24 games. Even better than Wild dominated Edmonton. Connor McDavid, though calibrating that particular measurement would take a sharp instrument indeed. • In a 3-1 loss at Detroit, the Oilers simply did not match the competitive level of a Red Wings team riding an eight-game losing streak. The bubble burst on this night for the big German however, as his 13- game points streak was snapped on a minus-three evening in L.A. We The good news is, beating the bottom feeders is something that a little cannot disagree with his own assessment: "(It) starts with me and our attention to detail can solve. Beating the top teams and winning on the line. It wasn’t good enough." road — where Edmonton is now 7-5-1— are the hallmarks of a good hockey team, which Edmonton has mostly been through its first 24 In fact, the Kings hung a big ol’ minus-three on the line of McDavid, games. Draisaitl and Zack Kassian in the opening 20 minutes, the third one being the goal on which Draisaitl was particularly derelict, lazily following Jeff Take a breath. It’s only one game. Carter to the Oilers net as he made it 3-0 with less than four seconds left in the period. Even Draisaitl and McDavid are going stink the joint out now and again.

"The first one comes off a line change," said McDavid, who scored the It happens. lone Oilers goal. "We need to do a better job in coverage with that. The Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.23.2019 second one (was) not very good, and the third one also (was) not very good.

"It was over pretty early."

Home of the Oilers

Stream all 82 Oilers games this season with Sportsnet NOW. Get over 500 NHL games, blackout-free, including Hockey Night in Canada, all outdoor games, the All-Star Game, 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs and more.

Look — when a team that many picked to miss the post-season wins 14 of its first 23 games, they should be allowed a hiccup or two.

So, a loss at Los Angeles, where the last place Kings have now won five straight, should not be deserving of a public dressing down by the coach. Or a good, old fashioned carving by the hockey writers, right?

Everyone willing to grant the Oilers a stinker can take a step forward.

Dave Tippett… Why are you standing there?

"Can’t make excuses," the Oilers head coach said. "Got beat on the first goal on an easy outside play. On the second got beat because we were late getting back to our net. And on the third poor checking and a goal that should never go in.

"Take our medicine and learn from it."

Did the Oilers walk in here after a statement game in San Jose, see a last place Kings team, and concur that they could win simply by tossing their sticks and gloves over the boards? Maybe, but it’s a stretch to think that a good quarter-season would breed such confidence on a team that has missed the playoffs for the last two seasons.

Did they have an awful game? You bet they did.

Is it because they think they’re so elite they don’t have to dig in against a team like L.A.? If there is even a spark of that overconfidence it will be extinguished this morning, after a Kings team that is 12 points below Edmonton in the Pacific beat the Oilers for fun.

"They played well. We played really bad," said Draisaitl. "Especially our line." 1163000 Websites "It’s been good," the 28-year-old said. "I mean, considering my struggles and some of the games I've played they've taken it pretty easy on me so far."

TSN.CA / Rejuvenated Barrie: ‘It’s an exciting time to be a Leaf’ Barrie gushed about Keefe's system after the win on Thursday night.

"That style that we played tonight, you'll see a lot more of it," Barrie vowed. "Sure, we'll make mistakes and look silly sometimes, but we'll be Mark Masters rewarded for it a lot more than we won't be. That was a lot of fun out there."

What did he think of Keefe's first practice on Friday? TSN Toronto reporter Mark Masters checks in daily with news and notes on the Maple Leafs, who practised at Joy Burns Arena at the University "It's business, but he wants us having fun and to be loose and guys are of Denver on Friday ahead of Saturday’s game against the Colorado cracking jokes and having a laugh," he said. "We're all in this together Avalanche. and trying to figure it out. There'll be some stumbles, but he seems great." When Tyson Barrie scored his first goal of the season, which was also his first as a Maple Leaf and the first goal in the Sheldon Keefe era, Imagine how tough it would've been for Barrie to return to Denver this Toronto's bench erupted in joy. week without any glimmer of hope. To face his old teammates and explain how a guy who scored 14 goals in each of the last two seasons "That, for me, was my favourite part of the day," Keefe said. "The stuff on was shooting blanks in a contract year. the ice, we tweak things and sort that out over time, but the spirit and energy of the team is of the utmost importance." "I certainly don't want to come back without a tuck so it was nice to get one," Barrie said. "Obviously, still haven’t produced to my usual level and "They actually showed us (the video) this morning and it's cool to see what I'm used to, but hopefully that changes here and it’s all good things guys are rooting for me," Barrie said. "We got a great group of guys and moving forward." it’s an exciting time to be a Leaf." Tyson Barrie has admittedly been through a whirlwind of change this Despite being new to the team, Barrie is already a popular figure in the season but after finally scoring his first goal of the season for Toronto, dressing room. the timing couldn't be better for him to face his former team and play "I sit next to him on the plane and spend a lot of time with him and I was against some familiar faces. just happy for him," said Auston Matthews, who had perhaps the most It was way back in the 1998-99 season that Keefe edged Jason Spezza emphatic celebration. "You saw last night the way he can jump up in the for the OHL's rookie of the year award. Has the new coach brought that play, the way he can jump up in the offensive zone and just read plays. up? He skates really well, sees the ice and obviously can shoot it, too." "He hasn't," Spezza said with a laugh. "It will be unspoken of." Tyson Barrie finally potted his first goal of the season and the significance of that goal and the relationship he has with his teammates All these years later, Keefe is now in position to give Spezza a fitting final was evident through the reaction of the bench following his slump-busting chapter in a tremendous carer. It wasn't long ago that the 36-year-old tally. In fact, it was Sheldon Keefe's favourite moment from his NHL head veteran was getting consistently scratched by Babcock (10 times in the coaching debut. Mark Masters has more. first 20 games) and appeared to be a prime candidate to be placed on waivers once the cap-crunched Leafs returned to full health. Barrie racked up 59 points last season in Colorado with 25 coming on the power play. He averaged more than four minutes of ice time on the man Upon taking over, Keefe has installed Spezza as his third-line centre advantage last season, which was second among all NHL defencemen. moving Kerfoot, who had filled that role, to the wing. But since arriving in Toronto via an off-season trade, Barrie seemed to lose his mojo. He wasn't on the top power play unit and admitted it was "He has a skill-set that fits the way that we want to play so that, I think, tough getting used to the system Mike Babcock wanted the team to play. sets him up for success," Keefe said. "So that will help his cause greatly as does his energy, his perspective." "He's an important part of the group and he's a great player," said Keefe, "and when it hasn’t worked out for him to this point that holds the team "I feel like the system fits how I play," Spezza said, "and now I have to go back. The team's capable of more when he's playing at his best. We and be a good, solid contributor. Definitely, I’m excited for the opportunity want to make sure we can get him going and yesterday was a positive ahead and I want to be a big contributor to the team. I’ve always just step in that direction." been looking for a role here."

"The big thing with him is probably confidence," said Alexander Kerfoot, Spezza may not have the same wheels as in the old days, but the hands who played with Barrie in Colorado and was also part of the blockbuster are still there and he has three goals and two assists in the last six trade, which sent Nazem Kadri to the Avalanche. "I think you'll see him games. In Keefe's debut behind the bench, Spezza logged 13:37 of ice activating off the rush a little bit more, having the puck in his hands. time, his third-highest total of the season. When he has confidence he's a heck of a player." "There’s a little more emphasis on controlling the puck and puck Keefe started Barrie with Morgan Rielly Thursday night with the promise possession and that’s something that’s the strength of my game," Spezza of more shifts with his summer training partner in store. Keefe has also said. "I've played similar to this way in the past and had success." promoted Barrie to Toronto's top power play unit. The team didn't get an Once described by former Dallas Stars teammate Tyler Seguin as a opportunity to try out the new look against the Coyotes, but Barrie "hockey nerd," Spezza broke down in great detail how he sees the Keefe describes that move as "a big confidence booster." system working. Barrie calls this the wildest few days in his NHL career. On Saturday "People might think there's a lot of motion out there and a lot of night, a tough start to the season got even worse as Barrie was on the movement, but for every movement there's an explanation to where ice for four goals against during an embarrassing loss in Pittsburgh. Then you're moving and I think that's where our game will evolve as a team. he made a terrible turnover on Tuesday in Vegas leading to Toronto's Like, it's not uncontrolled, it's controlled movement and it's constantly sixth straight loss. feeling for each other and getting under the puck and it's a lot more There seemed to be no end to his misery. technical than maybe it looks like and as we evolve you’ll see that more and more. How quickly things can change. "A big emphasis is going to be on us working away from the puck. It's a "It’s been a crazy week, but a fun one, nonetheless," he insisted. "I think lot more onus on the guys that don't have the puck to work to get to the all the boys are in good spirits and looking forward to a fresh start." good ice and then to allow the guy who has the puck to make the little plays. It’s a big job for the other four guys that don’t have the puck and Asked about dealing with the Toronto media and the fishbowl feel, Barrie it’s poise and patience for the guy who does have the puck to know that cracked a joke. somebody’s going to work to get open so that’s going to be something we’ll grow into here as we get better at it. "The success when you don't have it is tracking through the middle of the Rielly - Ceci ice and just protecting the middle and then flexing out after that and not giving up anything through the middle of the ice. At times we'll probably Muzzin - Holl play in our end a little bit, but you try and keep them to the outside. And Dermott - Barrie we've (heard) talk of the Islanders and how they're playing and sometimes you have to kind of be comfortable with playing in your D- Marincin zone and letting teams be on the outside, just not letting them come on Andersen the inside. So, there’s a lot of emphasis on puck support and playing with the puck, but I think then once you turn the puck over the emphasis is to Kaskisuo get through the middle as quick as possible and retreat and then flex out from there." Power play units at Friday's Leafs practice:

That hockey IQ is a key reason for Spezza's longevity. In fact, the savvy Rielly veteran was helping his rookie head coach out on the bench on Thursday Barrie - Nylander - Matthews night. Tavares "A couple times I was slow on my line changes and he was on the ball and covered for me," Keefe revealed, "little things like that, I can tell he Muzzin brings value to the group. A guy changed before I called the next line and he just knew he was the next guy and he just took care of me that way. Kapanen - Kerfoot - Spezza That was my thing that I wanted to get better at yesterday. I was a little Johnsson slow at times. The AHL guys grind out their shifts a little longer and here guys were pretty good and diligent with their shift lengths and that caught TSN.CA LOADED: 11.23.2019 me off guard so I’ll be better tomorrow."

Spezza on fresh start with Keefe: 'I feel like the system fits how I play'

It's been a struggle for Jason Spezza to find consistency this season, but after one game under Sheldon Keefe, the veteran centre believes he can fit into his new coach's system. The relationship is mutually beneficial, as Keefe reveals a key aspect of the game that Spezza helped him navigate in his NHL debut.

John Tavares also has a good sense of Keefe's philosophy. He and Mitch Marner shared a flight to Phoenix with their newly-hired coach on Wednesday and had a good conversation.

In a behind-the-scenes video posted by the Maple Leafs on social media channels Friday, the captain is seen giving the game puck to Keefe after his debut win.

"We build from here," Tavares told the team. "We keep going. This is the start of something special. Let's keep pushing each other. We get better tomorrow. Coach, congrats."

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) November 22, 2019

Rehabbing from a high ankle sprain, Marner is making his presence felt despite being unable to skate.

"He is being a complete pest," said Barrie with a grin. "He is hiding guys' gear in the locker room. He has been at home too long."

"He's bored," said a deadpan Matthews. "Guys are getting on the ice late, because they couldn't find their gear because it was in the other room. I think he's just antsy to get back so he's taking it out on us."

'He's being a complete pest': Marner pulling pranks, keeping Leafs loose

Leafs forward Mitch Marner has been out of the line-up since November 9th with an ankle injury, and while travelling with the team and not being able to skate, he has decided to turn to off-ice pranks to try and keep the players loose.

Keefe will make one lineup change on Saturday as Denver native Nick Shore, who played at the University of Denver, draws in replacing Nic Petan.

"He's obviously got connections here and I felt it was important to get him in the lineup," Keefe explained. "More important to that, he had played well."

Shore played in 18 straight games prior to being a scratch in Keefe's first game behind the bench.

Lines at Friday's Leafs practice:

Johnsson - Matthews - Nylander

Mikheyev - Tavares - Hyman

Kerfoot - Spezza - Kapanen

Engvall - Gauthier - Shore

Timashov, Petan 1163001 Websites is still just 19, but Montreal’s search for that elusive first-line centre may not be over.

TSN.CA LOADED: 11.23.2019 TSN.CA / The Core 4...Plus Four: Eastern Canadian NHL teams

Frank Seravalli

If you’re a fan of an Eastern Conference Canadian club, it probably wouldn’t take many guesses to nail the Core 4 for your squad. The slotting of the players might vary, but the core would be the same.

But you might want to know: Who is next? Which players have a chance to crack the 2020 version of the Core 4?

With the help of TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button, let’s take a deeper dive into the Canadian cores:

Methodology: We went through every organization, from top to bottom, isolating the top players 23-and-under who are now Core 4 players or are authentic candidates to become Core 4 players. We then graded each eligible player, which came with a corresponding point value that aided in team rankings. In the case of closely graded teams, the edge was given to teams with a stronger total core. With closely graded players, those currently in the NHL earned the edge over prospects in the minors or junior. To be eligible, a player must be 23 or under on Oct. 1, 2019.

Legend

Team moved up from 2018 Ranking

Team moved down from 2018 Ranking

Cream of the Crop

Elite Star

No. 1 goalie, 1st pair defenceman, 1st line forward

No. 1 goalie, 2nd pair defenceman, 2nd line forward

Depth goalie, 3rd pair defenceman, 3rd/4th line forward

3. Toronto (2018: No. 2)

One big question: What is Rasmus Sandin’s ETA for the Leafs?

Toronto is undoubtedly focused on the present, but GM Kyle Dubas has to have one eye on the future on the Leafs’ blueline. Morgan Rielly is the only defenceman on the current roster under contract for next season. Travis Dermott is an RFA, but Tyson Barrie, Jake Muzzin, Cody Ceci, Justin Holl and Martin Marincin are all pending UFAs. That would make next season (2020-21) an ideal start date for Sandin, who is being seasoned with the Marlies right now, because the Leafs might need cap- friendly bodies for the blueline.

12. Ottawa (2018: 10)

One big question: How deep is the Sens’ prospect cupboard?

What makes Ottawa’s Core 4 plus Four so intriguing is the breadth and depth of the group. There are four defencemen, three wingers and one centre. If you go beyond the four, we are projecting five more players with ‘B’ grades as second-line or second-pair players, including Josh Norris, Rudolfs Balcers, Shane Pinto and goaltenders Mads Sogaard and Filip Gustavsson. If the Sens can successfully groom one of Sogaard or Gustavsson to be the long-term future in net, they’ll be well positioned at every position.

15. Montreal (2018: 18)

One big question: Is Jesperi Kotkaniemi coming down with Victor Mete syndrome?

Mete seemed to land in Montreal out of the clear blue sky, stepping onto the NHL blueline at age 18 in 2017-18 after being a fourth-round pick (No. 100 overall) that June. It’s been up and down since then, with Mete needing time in the AHL again, as he’s settled into his role as a depth defenceman. Kotkaniemi was the No. 1 player in the Habs’ Core 4 last year with an ‘A’ grade as a projected top-line centre. This year, Kotkaniemi is down to the fourth slot in the Core 4. The argument could’ve been made to swap Kotkaniemi and Ryan Poehling. Kotkaniemi 1163002 Websites One big question: What happened to the Jets’ core depth? Well, there’s no question that the Jets have graduated some top-flight

talent to the NHL in recent years with Mark Scheifele, Jacob Trouba and TSN.CA / The Core 4...Plus Four: Western Canadian NHL teams Josh Morrissey all aging out. But it seems some of their recent draft picks with high hopes, such as Jack Roslovic, Kristian Vesalainen, Mason Appleton, Logan Stanley and Sami Niku, may not pan out as significant contributors at the next level. They may ultimately be full-time NHL Frank Seravalli players, but not at the level once thought, indicating that there might not be much help on the way.

If you’re a fan of a Western Conference Canadian club, it probably TSN.CA LOADED: 11.23.2019 wouldn’t take many guesses to nail the Core 4 for your squad. The slotting of the players might vary, but the core would be the same.

But you might want to know: Who is next? Which players have a chance to crack the 2020 version of the Core 4?

With the help of TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button, let’s take a deeper dive into the Canadian cores:

Methodology: We went through every organization, from top to bottom, isolating the top players 23-and-under who are now Core 4 players or are authentic candidates to become Core 4 players. We then graded each eligible player, which came with a corresponding point value that aided in team rankings. In the case of closely graded teams, the edge was given to teams with a stronger total core. With closely graded players, those currently in the NHL earned the edge over prospects in the minors or junior. To be eligible, a player must be 23 or under on Oct. 1, 2019.

Legend

Team moved up from 2018 Ranking

Team moved down from 2018 Ranking

Cream of the Crop

Elite Star

No. 1 goalie, 1st pair defenceman, 1st line forward

No. 1 goalie, 2nd pair defenceman, 2nd line forward

Depth goalie, 3rd pair defenceman, 3rd/4th line forward

1. Edmonton (2018: No. 1)

One big question: Is Raphael Lavoie the winger the Oilers have been craving?

It’s certainly shaping up that way. Behind Cole Caufield, Lavoie and Los Angeles’ Arthur Kaliyev were the two best pure goal scorers in the 2019 draft. Lavoie has done nothing to dispel that notion with his incredible start to this season in Halifax. He’s got the big body frame and touch to be a potential impact forward. Even though it was just Ken Holland’s first draft in Oil Country, hitting on a player like Lavoie would be a boon for an organization that hasn’t produced many NHL players outside of the first round in recent years.

4. Vancouver (2019: 4)

One big question: Is Thatcher Demko the Canucks’ goalie of the future?

Vancouver is the only Canadian club with two goaltenders inside their Core 4 plus Four. Demko is certainly in the driver’s seat at the moment, scratching and clawing with Jacob Markstrom for more action. He’s got the pedigree as a second-round pick and has the numbers in the AHL to back it up. But Michael DiPietro, who got a taste of the Vancouver market at last year’s World Junior Championship, has impressed in Utica to begin his professional career. That’s one battle worth watching moving forward.

11. Calgary (2018: 13)

One Big Question: Who is ‘Emilio?’

That’s the coolest thing about Mathias Emilio Pettersen’s story: Born in Norway, the Flames’ sixth-round (No. 167 overall) pick from 2018 grew up wearing just his middle name on his sweater. One name only. Emilio was like the Norwegian Pelé. More importantly, Emilio is playing like a late-round find who can make a dent on the Flames someday. Calgary has a representative in attendance at almost every University of Denver game, with Emilio a candidate to turn pro after this sophomore season.

19. Winnipeg (2018: 5) 1163003 Websites Player 2018 Rank 2019-20 Age GP G A PTS

16 Brock Boeser, RW 26 Vancouver (NHL) 22 TSN.CA / Canada's NHL teams well represented in Core 4 U-24 Top 50 23 10 13 23 Players list 17 Kyle Connor, LW 25 Winnipeg (NHL) 22 23 8 10 18

Frank Seravalli 18 Thomas Chabot, D 18 Ottawa (NHL) 22 22 1 11 12

19 Andrei Svechnikov, RW 48 Carolina (NHL) 19 NHL Core 4 Under-24: The Top 10 players and Cale Makar’s ceiling 22 10 14 24

VIDEO SIGN OUT 20 Jack Hughes, C - New Jersey (NHL) 18 20 4 6 10 Four years ago, TSN’s inaugural Core Four Under-24 ranking had us predicting that the next Golden Age for Canada’s NHL teams was on the Player 2018 Rank 2019-20 Age GP G horizon. A PTS

That hasn’t panned out yet. The Stanley Cup drought is into its 27th year, 21 Bowen Byram, D - Vancouver (WHL) 18 21 and the Winnipeg Jets are the only Canadian club to inch within two 3 12 15 rounds of Lord Stanley during that period. 22 Zach Werenski, D 23 Columbus (NHL) 22 But that doesn't mean that the Golden Age still won't happen, if our Top 21 6 7 13 50 players under the age of 24 rankings are any indication. 23 Ivan Provorov, D 24 Philadelphia (NHL) 22 22 Canadian clubs are incredibly well represented, including the top two 5 9 14 players in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, plus three of the top four, and nine of the top 18. 24 Charlie McAvoy, D 14 Boston (NHL) 21 22 0 7 7 Let's see how the Top 50 young stars stack up: 25 Alex DeBrincat, RW/LW 39 Chicago (NHL) 21 Player 2018 Rank 2019-20 Age GP G 22 5 12 17 A PTS Player 2018 Rank 2019-20 Age GP G 1 Connor McDavid, C 1 Edmonton (NHL) 22 A PTS 24 16 28 44 26 Timo Meier, RW 34 San Jose (NHL) 23 23 2 Leon Draisaitl, C 11 Edmonton (NHL) 24 24 6 8 14 16 28 44 27 Igor Shestyorkin, G - Hartford (AHL) 23 3 David Pastrnak, RW 4 Boston (NHL) 23 11 7-2-4 1.89 .931 22 20 16 36 28 Carter Hart, G 50 Philadelphia (NHL) 21 14 4 Auston Matthews, C 2 Toronto (NHL) 22 6-5-2 2.72 .896 24 15 13 28 29 Nico Hischier, C 29 New Jersey (NHL) 20 18 5 Elias Pettersson, C 5 Vancouver (NHL) 21 3 7 10 23 9 19 28 30 Pierre-Luc Dubois, C 30 Columbus (NHL) 21 Player 2018 Rank 2019-20 Age GP G 21 9 7 16 A PTS Player 2018 Rank 2019-20 Age GP G 6 Brayden Point, C 13 Tampa Bay (NHL) 23 16 A PTS 5 8 13 31 Dylan Larkin, C/LW 32 Detroit (NHL) 23 7 Jack Eichel, C 10 Buffalo (NHL) 23 22 24 6 10 16 13 13 26 32 Ilya Samsonov, G - Washington (NHL) 22 8 Miro Heiskanen, D 21 Dallas (NHL) 20 23 8 5-2-1 2.65 .912 6 11 17 33 Quinn Hughes, D - Vancouver (NHL) 20 22 9 Mikko Rantanen, RW 6 Colorado (NHL) 23 2 15 17 9 5 7 12 34 Patrik Laine, LW 20 Winnipeg (NHL) 21 21 10 Matthew Tkachuk, LW 16 Calgary (NHL) 21 6 14 20 25 10 10 20 35 Kaapo Kakko, RW - NY Rangers (NHL) 19 Player 2018 Rank 2019-20 Age GP G 17 6 4 10 A PTS Player 2018 Rank 2019-20 Age GP G 11 Mitch Marner, RW 8 Toronto (NHL) 22 A PTS 18 4 14 18 36 Kirby Dach, C/RW - Chicago (NHL) 18 12 Cale Makar, D 41 Colorado (NHL) 21 22 16 5 5 10 7 18 25 37 Cole Caufield, RW - Wisconsin (NCAA) 18 13 Sebastian Aho, C 19 Carolina (NHL) 22 12 9 6 15 22 11 6 17 38 Spencer Knight, G - Boston (NCAA) 18 14 Mathew Barzal, C 20 NY Islanders (NHL) 22 11 7-4-0 1.91 .936 20 9 11 20 39 Alexander Romanov, D - Moscow (KHL) 19 15 Rasmus Dahlin, D 9 Buffalo (NHL) 19 28 0 3 3 22 1 13 14 40 Erik Brannstrom, D - Ottawa (NHL) 20 19 0 2 2 Player 2018 Rank 2019-20 Age GP G A PTS

41 William Nylander, RW 28 Toronto (NHL) 23 24 8 10 18

42 Clayton Keller, C/RW 15 Arizona (NHL) 21 23 4 9 13

43 Sam Reinhart, RW - Buffalo (NHL) 24 22 8 9 17

44 Aaron Ekblad, D 36 Florida (NHL) 23 21 4 9 13

45 Travis Konecny, RW - Philadelphia (NHL) 22 22 8 13 23

Player 2018 Rank 2019-20 Age GP G A PTS

46 Brady Tkachuk, LW 43 Ottawa (NHL) 20 22 8 5 13

47 Jakub Vrana, LW - Washington (NHL) 23 23 10 8 18

48 Mikhail Sergachev, D 35 Tampa Bay (NHL) 21 21 1 9 10

49 Nikolaj Ehlers, RW 37 Winnipeg (NHL) 23 23 10 7 17

50 Nick Schmaltz, C - Arizona (NHL) 23 23 4 14 18

TSN.CA LOADED: 11.23.2019 1163004 Websites Aged Out From 2018: Nathan MacKinnon Scoop: Cale Makar is the exception to the rule, the only player without a

significant NHL body of work to earn “AA” status in the Core 4. He’s that TSN.CA / Edmonton Oilers lead the pack in Core 4 U-24 NHL Player smooth. Makar became second-fastest rookie defenceman to 20 points, Ranking hitting the mark in 20 games, ahead of Bobby Orr (33 GP) and Nick Lidstrom (22 GP). That’s decent company.

3. Toronto (2018: No. 2) Frank Seravalli Aged Out From 2018: None

Scoop: There’s been no shortage of disappointment around the Maple The bar has been set high. Leafs to start this season. But one development that’s flown under the radar is that William Nylander is back to producing like the first line talent Only Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl meet it, as we take TSN he’s paid to be. If the Leafs do decide to shake things up, Nylander would Hockey’s annual Core 4 Under 24 ranking to the next level this year, have to be one of their most enticing moveable assets. breaking the best young players in the world into five separate stratospheres. 4. Vancouver (2018: 4)

McDavid and Draisaitl are in a class of their own – the only two AAA Aged Out From 2018: Bo Horvat players in the TSN Hockey rankings. Another 11 burgeoning superstars – AA players – many already lower-case faces of the game, rank below Scoop: Not many NHL teams can graduate their captain from the Core 4 them. They are followed by the usual class of productive and talented and still place in the top four. Then again, not many teams are like the first-line forwards and first-pair defencemen – A players. Canucks, one of just three with an “A” graded player in the fourth slot.

We then assigned each grade a corresponding value, which aided in THE NEXT FOUR team rankings. 5. Carolina (2018: 12) The results are unsurprisingly familiar, with the Edmonton Oilers landing Aged Out From 2018: Brett Pesce at the top of the Core 4 rankings for the third time in four years. Watching McDavid and his second-brain linemate Draisaitl lap the league in Scoop: Over three years, the Canes have climbed from 16 to 12, now up scoring for the first-place Oilers seems to support that result. to five. They’ve always been this good, graduating Brett Pesce, Jaccob Slavin and Teuvo Teravainen over that time. We overlooked them, but But six of the last 12 Stanley Cup finalists find themselves in the bottom now we’re in tune with a franchise ready to be an East power for the next third of the Core 4, a poignant reminder for these teams to strike while number of years. the window of opportunity is wide open. It might not open again for a while. 6. Philadelphia (2018: 16)

That’s a message the Oilers, Maple Leafs and Canucks – three Aged Out From 2018: None Canadian clubs inside the Core’s Top Four – should heed with the salary cap creating as much or more of a threat as a player’s aging curve. Scoop: Here’s the scary thing about the Flyers: Not only does their Core 4 not include 2017 No. 2 overall pick Nolan Patrick, who has sat out this Life comes at you fast, like this ever-changing referendum on the game’s season with migraines, but it also didn’t have room for Philly’s current next greats. leading goal scorer in Oskar Lindblom. The bet is Lindblom, Phil Myers, Travis Sanheim, Patrick and Morgan Frost each might’ve made the Core Methodology: We went through every organization, from top to bottom, for 20 other NHL teams. isolating the top players 23-and-under who are now Core 4 players or are authentic candidates to become Core 4 players. We then graded each 7. Boston (2018: 7) eligible player, which came with a corresponding point value that aided in team rankings. In the case of closely graded teams, the edge was given Aged Out From 2018: None. to teams with a stronger total core. With closely graded players, those Scoop: David Pastrnak was the only player under consideration to join currently in the NHL earned the edge over prospects in the minors or the rarified air of the “AAA” club in the Core 4 alongside McDavid and junior. To be eligible, a player must be 23 or under on Oct. 1, 2019. Draisaitl. He’s scoring at will, on pace this season to be the NHL’s first Legend 70-goal scorer since Alex Mogilny and Teemu Selanne each did it in 1992-93. Team moved up from 2018 Ranking 8. Buffalo (2018: 6) Team moved down from 2018 Ranking Aged Out From 2018: None Cream of the Crop Scoop: Jack Eichel has taken it to the next level this season, one of the Elite Star NHL’s truly dominant players through the first quarter. It’s hard to believe the Sabres’ captain and $10 million man had not yet hit 30 goals in his No. 1 goalie, 1st pair defenceman, 1st line forward first four seasons. No. 1 goalie, 2nd pair defenceman, 2nd line forward THE WILD CARD Depth goalie, 3rd pair defenceman, 3rd/4th line forward 9. NY Rangers (2018: 20) Here are the fourth annual TSN Hockey Core 4 Under 24 rankings for Aged Out From 2018: Neal Pionk (also traded to Winnipeg) 2019: Scoop: New York is home to the Core 4 wild card. The Broadway THE CORE FOUR Blueshirts have Kaapo Kakko, Igor Shestyorkin, Vitaly Kravtsov and 1. Edmonton (2018: No. 1) Adam Fox ready for the big time. But the sky is the limit for rebuilding Rangers, with a varied prospect pool that’s deep and has every position Aged Out From 2018: Darnell Nurse covered, starting with the best goaltending prospect in the world in Shestyorkin, the heir to King Henrik’s throne. Scoop: We’ve run out of superlatives to describe McDavid and Draisaitl. So we’ll ask: When was the last time two teammates had a one-two finish THE BEST OF THE REST in voting for the Hart Trophy? It’s supposed to be for the player adjudged most valuable to his team. They’re impossible to separate. (The answer, 10. Tampa Bay (2018: 14) by the way, is Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito in 1970-71) Aged Out: None 2. Colorado (2018: No. 3) Scoop: Anthony Cirelli’s excellent rookie season got lost in the buzz of an who scored 13 goals in a 10-day span this time last year. He has just 14 exceptional Calder class last year. He ended up with 19 goals and 39 in the calendar year since, leaving plenty of questions about his rank and points and was voted the first-team All-Rookie centre, playing a checking status in the Core 4. role that brings a much-needed different element to the Bolts. 20. Columbus (2018: 17) 11. Calgary (2018: 13) Aged Out From 2018: None Aged Out From 2018: Elias Lindholm Scoop: Remember that audible gasp inside KeyBank Center in Buffalo at Scoop: The big blow to the Flames’ season was losing Juuso Valimaki to the 2016 NHL Draft when GM Jarmo Kekalainen picked Pierre-Luc a torn ACL in August, putting a potential breakout campaign on pause. Dubois over fellow Finn Jesse Puljujarvi? Yeah, that’s the same one Oiler He put a wrench in Calgary’s depth chart and left natural questions about fans have been making into a paper bag over and over again since then. how much his recovery will halt his trending first-pairing progress. 21. NY Islanders (2018: 9) 12. Ottawa (2018: 10) Aged Out From 2018: Ilya Sorokin Aged Out From 2018: None Scoop: Use this same scale two seasons ago and Mathew Barzal Scoop: What a difference a year makes, subbing out Max Lajoie (in the certainly would’ve been in the conversation for that prime “AA” grade. His AHL) for top-end prospect Erik Brannstrom. This Core 4 is experiencing production took a step back last season but seems to have returned to growing pains in the NHL, but they’re doing it together. The fun is in that level this season in Year 2 under Barry Trotz. projecting what this Sens roster will look like with two or three years of seasoning. It’s already catching teams by surprise. 22. Florida (2018: 8)

13. Chicago (2018: 22) Aged Out From 2018: Aleksander Barkov

Aged Out From 2018: None Scoop: Like the Jets, the Panthers also fell 14 slots year over year. But Barkov was also among the best players to graduate from the Core 4 Scoop: It’s been a change on the fly for Stan Bowman’s Blackhawks. program last year. The question now is whether Grigori Denisenko, who Alex DeBrincat is doing his thing and he’s helped Dylan Strome has just 12 points in 47 career KHL games, can help carry the Cats rejuvenate his game. But the additions of Kirby Dach and Adam Boqvist forward. in real time make the future suddenly look a whole lot brighter than it did. 23. Vegas (2018: 19) 14. New Jersey (2018: 26) Aged Out From 2018: Shea Theodore Aged Out From 2018: Will Butcher Scoop: It’s still amazing to think that for all of the success the Golden Scoop: The Devils were the biggest climber in the 2019 edition of the Knights have enjoyed over three years, Cody Glass just became their Core 4, rising 12 spots from 2018. Yep, that’s what you get for winning first draft pick to play in the NHL this season. Don’t forget: the Knights the Draft Lottery and the right to select Jack Hughes. Thanks, Taylor also drafted two other players in the Core 4 in Ottawa’s Erik Brannstrom Hall. and Montreal’s Nick Suzuki. We’ll see how those trades pan out.

15. Montreal (2018: 18) 24. Detroit (2018: 11)

Aged Out From 2018: Max Domi, Jonathan Drouin Aged Out From 2018: None

Scoop: It’s incredible how the shape of the Habs’ Core 4 has changed in Scoop: Steve Yzerman has already begun to put his stamp on the Red just two years. ‘Goal’ Caulfield has jumped to the top of the board on the Wings, making 11 picks in last June’s Draft. The best part about picking basis of scoring goals like no one else. But there is also some concern Moritz Seider at No. 6 is that the Wings have been able to keep close about potential regression from Jesperi Kotkaniemi as he continues to tabs on the rangy German rookie in AHL Grand Rapids this season as an find his way. 18-year-old.

16. Arizona (2018: 15) 25. Los Angeles (2018: 30)

Aged Out From 2018: None Aged Out From 2018: None

Scoop: No prospect has burst onto the scene quite like Jan Jenik, the Scoop: Slowly but steadily, Rob Blake is turning the page in Tinseltown. third-round pick (No. 65 overall) from 2018, who has been electrifying this With four pick inside the Top 50 last year, Alex Turcotte, Tobias Bjornfot season in the OHL. Jenik has notched a point in every single game this and Arthur Kaliyev (the OHL’s leading scorer) have turned over the Core season, a 20-game streak to start the year. He has a long way to go to 4 and given the Kings’ prospect cupboard a much-needed shot in the catch Doug Gilmour for the OHL record at 55 games. arm.

17. Washington (2018: 23) 26. Anaheim (2018: 24)

Aged Out From 2018: Andre Burakovsky (also traded to Colorado) Aged Out From 2018: None

Scoop: It’s the United Nations version of the Core 4 in the U.S. capital Scoop: What the Ducks might lack in top-end talent outside of Trevor with a Czech, a Russian, a Canadian and a Slovak. Ilya Samsonov Zegras, they make up for in organizational depth. They have certainly appears to be showing enough to make the cap-crunched Caps approximately 12 total NHL-bound players under the age of 24 waiting in think long and hard about Braden Holtby moving on as a free agent this the wings, by our estimation. summer. 27. Minnesota (2018: 28) 18. Dallas (2018: 13) Aged Out From 2018: None Aged Out From 2018: None Scoop: The search for a game breaker rages on in Minnesota, where Scoop: Miro Heiskanen may have finished fourth in Calder Trophy voting none of their recent first-round picks have proven to be difference last season but he is one of just 11 players to earn a “AA” grade in the makers. Kirill Kaprizov remains a unicorn for now, still under contract in Core 4. Heiskanen controls the game from the backend for Dallas with a Moscow, where new GM Bill Guerin plans to visit him this month. poise and pace that’s scary for his age. The Stars overhauled the Core 4 under Heiskanen this year, aided by the emergence of Roope Hintz. 28. San Jose (2018: 30)

19. Winnipeg (2018: 5) Aged Out From 2018: None

Aged Out From 2018: Josh Morrissey Scoop: The Sharks were one of the few teams to not have any Core 4 changes in either player or their order. No player bet on himself more Scoop: No team took a bigger tumble in the Core 4 rankings than the than Kevin Labanc last summer with a one-year, $1 million deal to see Jets, who slid 14 spots from last year. That’s on the back of Patrik Laine, whether the Sharks will open up the bank for him. 29. Nashville (2018: 27)

Aged Out From 2018: Juuse Saros, Kevin Fiala (traded)

Scoop: Eeli Tolvanen has quickly arrived at the crossroads his career. Just two years ago, Tolvanen was considered the best prospect not playing in the NHL, starring for Jokerit in the KHL as an 18-year-old. He’s now played just seven NHL games and isn’t yet producing in the AHL.

30. Pittsburgh (2018: 31)

Aged Out From 2018: Tristan Jarry

Scoop: Who said Jim Rutherford was allergic to first-round picks? Samuel Poulin became Rutherford’s first, first-round draft pick (No. 21 overall) in his five-year tenure as Pens GM last spring. Hey, the Hall of Famer can do so without judgment, since the focus is clearly on wringing out as many Cups with Sid and Geno still skating.

THE FINAL FOUR

31. St. Louis (2018: 29)

Aged Out From 2018: Robby Fabbri (also traded to Detroit)

Scoop: This year’s ranking is a little bit easier to swallow after hoisting Lord Stanley. All four players - and Sammy Blais (not ranked) - were contributors to last spring’s Cup run; it’s just that none of them are likely to be front-line players in the next number of years.

TSN.CA LOADED: 11.23.2019