SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 5/13/2021 Avalanche Continued 1188073 Ducks goalie John Gibson: ‘We’ve got to start taking some 1188103 Deen’s List: All eyes on the Avalanche’s season finale at steps forward’ 1188104 J.T. Compher’s hat trick lifts Avalanche to 6-0 victory and at the Presidents’ Trophy 1188074 For four Coyotes, hockey continues at World 1188106 Avs starting to look Presidential, but can Jonas Johansson Championship tournament later this month win the season finale? 1188107 Ball Arena Attendance Increased for Avalanche Playoff Games 1188075 Bruins are comfortable with 22-year-old Jeremy Swayman 1188108 Dater’s Daily: fires David Quinn; would Avs as backup playoff goalie make offer for ? 1188076 Brad Marchand career timeline: From promising rookie to 1188109 Nathan MacKinnon out again; Girard to return tonight franchise cornerstone, with a few penalties along the 1188077 Bruins’ trade for Taylor Hall may take its place among great deadline deals in Boston history 1188110 Zac Dalpe's resilience, latest NHL return nets Masterton 1188078 Bruins Notebook: Here come the Big, Bad Caps nomination for Blue Jackets 1188079 Neely explains how Bruins need to handle Tom Wilson in 1188111 Five pressing questions as the Blue Jackets head into an playoffs offseason of uncertainty 1188080 Neely on a Taylor Hall extension: 'We'd like to get 1188112 Michael Arace: After 15 years of darkness, Tortorella something done' showed Columbus NHL light 1188081 Bruins reveal which goalie will back up Tuukka Rask in Round 1 1188082 Neely: Boston Bruins Would ‘Like To Get Something 1188113 Why a bridge contract makes more sense than a longer Done’ With Taylor Hall deal for Miro Heiskanen, Stars 1188083 BHN Daily: The Boston Bruins Don’t Have The Eichel 1188114 Four biggest factors affecting Dallas Stars’ pending Pieces offseason roster moves 1188084 From disdain to inspiration, Taylor Hall’s new view of Brad Marchand makes a future with Bruins more likely 1188115 Detroit News 2020-21 Red Wings final grades 1188116 Michigan's Matt Beniers patterned two-way game after 1188085 Mike Harrington: As weird saga unfolds, Sabres go on Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk offense against Jack Eichel 1188117 Danny DeKeyser is Red Wings’ Masterton nominee after 1188086 As coaching search begins, reaffirms desire return from back surgery to lead Sabres 1188087 Sabres GM : Jack Eichel wants surgery never performed on NHL player 1188118 Edmonton Oilers build momentum with OT win in 1188088 How are the Sabres reacting to the Jack Eichel situation? 1188119 OILERS SNAPSHOTS: Kahun, expecting to sit, wins it for GM Kevyn Adams speaks Oilers in OT 1188120 Lowetide: How the Oilers can improve their depth in a trade with the Rangers 1188089 Monahan shut down for season with hip injury 1188090 Flames lament missed opportunities after playoff hopes end 1188121 Panthers know Lightning will present greater challenge in playoffs than what they just faced 1188122 When will the Panthers and Lightning start the playoffs? 1188091 2021 NHL playoff preview: Predators vs. Hurricanes 1188123 Panthers NHL Award WATCH: , Jack Adams Coach of the Year Blackhawks 1188124 A scout, coach and former players break down Lightning- 1188092 10 things we learned about the Panthers playoff series offseason from Bowman and , 1188125 2021 NHL playoff preview: Lightning vs. Panthers including Jo 1188093 Blackhawks’ Dylan Strome, Nikita Zadorov hold contrasting mindsets entering uncertain offseasons 1188126 Avalanche bury Kings with 3- flurry in first period 1188094 Blackhawks sign prospect Henrik Borgstrom to 2-year 1188127 and Alyssa Greene’s WEAR apparel line: contract From the to an NHL license 1188095 Are Chicago Blackhawks positioned to become perennial 1188128 FINAL – Kings 0, Avalanche 6 – McLellan playoff team? 1188129 Game Thread – Kings @ Avalanche, 5/12 1188096 Blackhawks missed 'in a lot of ways' 1188130 5/12 Preview – No expected changes, Iafallo – Vilardi – 1188097 Patrick Kane opens up about nagging season-long injury Andersson line, worlds 1188098 Kiszla: For Avalanche, the Presidents’ Trophy is not a 1188131 Out-of-town games could decide Wild playoff foe tonight; curse. It’s essential to team’s quest for . opening at X possible 1188099 Avalanche hammers Kings 6-0 to get within a victory of 1188132 Wednesday's Wild-St. Louis game recap winning Presidents’ Trophy 1188133 Husso makes 31 stops for first NHL shutout, Blues beat 1188100 Nuggets, Avalanche approved to increase Ball Arena Wild capacity for playoff games 1188134 Wild shut out 4-0 by St. Louis; postseason opponent still 1188101 Avalanche rookie Alex Newhook already asserting himself undetermined early in pro career 1188135 Wild goalie Kaapo Kahkonen won't be forgotten man 1188102 Why Jonas Johansson is starting with the top seed on the 1188136 Wild suffer 4-0 loss to Blues in penultimate game of line, J.T. Compher’s big-game mode, more: Avalanche t regular season Wild Continued Senators 1188137 How one conversation shaped Nick Bonino’s impact on 1188167 GARRIOCH: Josh Norris scores winner in OT as Senators the Wild’s season close out their season with victory over Leafs 1188138 Vegas or Colorado in the 1st round of the playoffs? The 1188168 Logan Brown gets his shot, but is it his last one with the Wild will find out Thursday Senators? 1188169 SNAPSHOTS: Hard work pays off as Parker Kelly makes NHL debut ... Could we see Jake Sanderson with Team 1188139 Leafs, Habs will face off in long-awaited playoff rematch, USA? while Oilers host Jets 1188170 GARRIOCH: wrap up season hoping 1188140 Dominik Kahun scores overtime winner as Oilers edge there are better days on the horizon Canadiens 4-3 1188141 In the Habs' Room: 'Chemistry is there' between Suzuki Flyers and Caufield 1188171 Flyers’ Carter Hart talks about loneliness, and bouncing 1188142 Oilers beat Canadiens 4-3 in overtime — again — in back to become ‘a top goaltender’ in NHL regular-season finale 1188172 Flyers’ ‘Big Three’ say they know problem and believe it 1188143 Stu Cowan: Canadiens fortunate to have Allen in nets for can be fixed playoff push 1188173 'I need a normal season,' concerns with youth, more in 5 1188144 Liveblog replay: Habs lose regular season finale in OT 4-3 Flyers takeaways to Oilers 1188174 offseason to-do list: The top 5 priorities 1188145 Canadiens Game Day: Habs limp to end of regular season for what should be a busy summer with an OT loss 1188146 Canadiens coach Dominique Ducharme says this difficult Penguins season made him grow, yet his most difficult time await 1188175 Penguins defenseman Mike Matheson's game looks 1188147 How the Canadiens can beat the Maple Leafs: different goaltending, depth and pushing the limits of physical play 1188176 Penguins captain cherishes 'every opportunity' in postseason 1188177 Penguins goaltender Casey DeSmith rejoins practice 1188148 Nashville Predators are still chasing 2017, and these 1188178 Mark Madden: Penguins are better than Islanders, but playoffs set up similarly crazy things happen in the playoffs 1188149 2021 NHL playoff preview: Predators vs. Hurricanes 1188179 Tim Benz: Is already playing mind games with Penguins' goalies? Or just telling the truth? 1188180 Penguins notes: Healthy and motivated, Sidney Crosby 1188150 Five takeaways as NJ Devils players reveal injuries, takes aim at fourth Stanley Cup COVID struggles and more 1188181 Joe Starkey: Penguins in far better place than last 1188151 Devils debrief: Ratings, expectation checks for Jack Islanders series Hughes, Nico Hischier and other forwards 1188182 ‘He’s fired up’: Could Jeff Carter complete Penguins’ championship puzzle? 1188183 Yohe: To beat the Islanders, these 10 Penguins will be 1188152 Islanders find big motivation in last year's Stanley Cup most important playoff run 1188184 Playoff Prep: Penguins Scrimmage, Malkin Remains 1188153 Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov doesn't skate, but Limited Barry Trotz confident he'll be ready for playoffs 1188185 Penguins vs. Islanders, Round One: The 4 Key Points and 1188154 Semyon Varlamov Misses Practice, but Islanders Remain Predictions Unconcerned with his Status 1188155 NYHN Daily: A Look Back at Islanders, Penguins Playoff Rivalry & More 1188186 Patrick Marleau presented with amazing gift before his possible final NHL game 1188187 Sharks flattened by Golden Knights, end season with a 1188156 Rangers Fire Coach David Quinn After Three Seasons whimper 1188157 Rangers fire David Quinn, 3 assistants after 1188188 on Sharks’ outlook: ‘We’re not as far away as missing playoffs people think’ 1188158 favorite to become Rangers coach with 1188189 Evander Kane’s future with Sharks, under current contract, Tortorella unlikely remains murky 1188159 Rangers coaching candidates: Seven big-name options to 1188190 After numerous COVID-related disruptions, NHL nears replace David Quinn end of ragged regular season 1188160 Rangers fire coach David Quinn with eye on experienced 1188191 Golden Knights finish regular season with 6-0 win vs. replacement Sharks 1188161 Nine coaching candidates NY Rangers will consider to 1188192 Marleau gets amazing gift from Howe's family to honor replace David Quinn record 1188162 David Quinn fired as NY Rangers coach; Chris Drury 1188193 Sharks' five biggest summer priorities to return to playoffs begins search for replacement 1188194 Sharks GM Doug Wilson identifies offseason priorities, 1188163 David Quinn let go as head coach of the Rangers with a full rebuild unlikely 1188164 Rangers coach David Quinn, by the numbers: Should 1188195 Postgame Notes #56: Sharks Get Shut Out 6-0, Marleau’s player development have outweighed team results? Last Game in Teal? 1188165 Rangers fire coach David Quinn: Why GM Chris Drury did 1188196 Game Preview/Lines #56: Barabanov Re-signs with it, what it achieves and what comes next Sharks 1188166 New York Rangers depth chart heading into the offseason: 1188197 30 Sharks: Johan Garpenlov & the Crossbar Trade chips, roster holes, Kraken bait and more Golden Knights Continued 1188198 Should and be added to list 1188231 Golden Knights Sweep Season Series From San Jose, of Kraken coaching candidates? Await Colorado/LA Game Result Thursday For Division 1188199 Kraken inks first player, Luke Henman, who was drafted Title Wi by Carolina in 2018 1188232 Golden Knights End Regular Season With Win, Await 1188200 Kraken sign their first player as Luke Henman starts Playoff FatePublished 5 hours ago on May 12, 2021 Seattle’s depth chart St Louis Blues 1188233 Zdeno Chara was Boston’s leader. As the Caps’ Cup 1188201 Kostin makes season debut as Blues beat Wild pursuit begins, he must face his former team. 1188202 Blues will get slight boost in capacity at Enterprise for 1188234 Capitals, Bruins poised for physical first-round series in postseason playoffs 1188203 Are the Blues all-in on Berube's system? Jim Thomas 1188235 Oshie's heartfelt exchange with Backes after emotional offers an eyewitness perspective hat trick 1188204 Kostin will make season debut with Blues tonight vs. Wild 1188236 Washington fans should be thankful for what they have in 1188205 Reliving the Monday Night Miracle, 35 years later Caps 1188206 Husso makes 31 stops for first NHL shutout, Blues beat 1188237 Capitals announce Playoff Pack giveaway Wild 1188238 : Bracket, start date, schedule 1188207 What we learned from the Blues’ 2020-21 regular season 1188239 Zdeno Chara proved the Bruins wrong. And they’ll and what it means for the playoffs see him up close in playoff series with Capitals 1188240 2021 NHL playoff preview: Capitals vs. Bruins 1188241 Capitals’ keys to beating the Bruins: Stop the Bergeron 1188208 These 5 Panthers could be pests for Lightning in line and lean on Chara’s insider knowledge postseason 1188209 No, the Lightning are not slumping. But are they beat up? Websites 1188210 A scout, coach and former players break down Lightning- 1188248 The Athletic / NHL hot seat WATCH: The players, coaches Panthers playoff series and GMs with the most on the line 1188211 2021 NHL playoff preview: Lightning vs. Panthers 1188249 The Athletic / Kenny Mayne unplugged: On why he’s leaving ESPN, what the future holds and a business pitch Maple Leafs for 1188212 Senators take the final battle with Maple Leafs but, hey, 1188250 The Athletic / Down Goes Brown: The bandwagon- nobody got hurt hopper’s guide to the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs 1188213 Norris scores winner, Sens beat Leafs 4-3 in OT to end 1188251 The Athletic / Why the NHL’s foray into sports betting may promising season on a high finally mean more specific injury disclosure 1188214 The Maple Leafs will need Frederik Andersen but his 1188252 .ca / Oilers continue to check off boxes as audition is to be the team’s No. 2 goaltender regular season comes to an end 1188215 Leafs defenceman Travis Dermott, taking Montreal’s Jake 1188253 Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs' Andersen feeling confident Evans into the boards in a game last month, learned Fr despite loss in return from injury 1188216 SENS OF DISCOMFORT: Maple Leafs edged by Ottawa 1188254 Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens happy to put regular season to in Andersen's return rest, recharge for playoffs 1188217 Maple Leafs, Canadiens peer ahead and 'cherish' first 1188255 Sportsnet.ca / Canucks taking risk with Green despite playoff meeting in 42 years steering ship through turbulent year 1188218 TRAIK-EOTOMY: The Habs are a much tougher opponent 1188256 Sportsnet.ca / NHL could support women’s league if than some Maple Leafs' fans might think PWHPA, NWHL work together 1188219 SIMMONS: In conversation with living legend Dick Duff, a 1188257 Sportsnet.ca / Breaking down how the Senators' young Stanley Cup champ with both the Maple Leafs and Canad roster could look in 2021-22 1188220 'IT WILL BE HUGE': Maple Leafs excited to face Habs and 1188258 Sportsnet.ca / A look at Mitch Marner's incredible 2021 to have Andersen back season 1188221 Maple Leafs report cards: ‘No life, no energy’ in sloppy 1188259 Sportsnet.ca / Sportsnet’s 2021 NHL Draft Prospect overtime loss to Senators Rankings: May Edition 1188222 What can the Maple Leafs expect from Riley Nash? ‘He 1188260 TSN.CA / Plenty of surprises as Hockey Canada unveils does the little things in-game that allow you to win’ invitees vying for women's Olympic team spots 1188261 TSN.CA / Leafs won’t rest regulars, but Keefe will manage Canucks minutes 1188245 Canucks’ career clock may be ticking down on Alex Edler 1188262 TSN.CA / Wickenheiser moving east to pursue both of her 1188246 Canucks: Hungry Höglander better than advertised in passions rapid NHL transition 1188263 TSN.CA / Leafs keeping focus on task at hand 1188247 Canucks goalie Mike DiPietro off to the world 1188264 USA TODAY / NHL award picks: Connor McDavid runs championships away with MVP, but others are up for grabs Jets 1188223 Marc-Andre Fleury, Robin Lehner win NHL’s Jennings 1188242 Perfetti to play for Canada Trophy 1188243 Wheeler truly a one-of-a-kind athlete 1188224 Golden Knights roll in finale, need Avs loss to win division 1188244 Jets' Maurice channeling Churchill as playoff battle looms 1188225 Silver Knights increase capacity at Orleans Arena SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1188226 Deryk Engelland delivers gifts, plays street hockey with kids 1188227 Avalanche warning: Can anyone stop Colorado? 1188228 Stone-cold boss: Golden Knights’ captain has emerged as a leader on and off the ice 1188229 Golden Knights’ playoff fate will be determined by Colorado result Thursday 1188230 Golden Knights bang for the buck: How each player performed in relation to their salary in 2021 1188073 Anaheim Ducks Asked whether he was optimistic about the future, he said, “Honestly, I’m not sure right now.” Asked whether he saw signs of progress, he said, “I definitely think we’ve got some good young guys coming up. You saw Ducks goalie John Gibson: ‘We’ve got to start taking some steps forward’ how Jamie and ‘Z’ played.”

Gibson referred to defenseman Jamie Drysdale, 19, and center Trevor Zegras, 20, the Ducks’ top draft picks the past two years, who made a By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | [email protected] | Orange County Register rather dramatic jump from junior-level and collegiate hockey, respectively, to the NHL this past season. Drysdale and Zegras will PUBLISHED: May 12, 2021 at 9:05 a.m. | UPDATED: May 12, 2021 at continue their seasons with the Ducks’ AHL team, the San Diego Gulls. 5:03 p.m. It’s hoped they, along with several other young players, will inject much-

needed life into the Ducks’ moribund offense in the seasons to come. Ducks goaltender John Gibson was frustrated. Could you blame him? Gibson declined to fault his teammates for their lack of goal-scoring support this past season, however. The Ducks’ 2020-21 season was many things at many times. “I don’t think it’s anything new,” he said. “If you look at how we’ve been, Mostly, it was bad. Historically bad, in fact. even in the earlier years when Randy (Carlyle was coaching), we always thought we would try to win a game 2-1 or 3-2, and we’d be in close The Ducks’ .384 points percentage was the lowest in franchise history. games. So, I don’t think that’s anything new. Gibson seemed to bear the brunt of it. “That’s the way we found success when we had success. I don’t think we He was a victim of a lack of support more often than not, with the Ducks were ever consistently going to put up six or seven goals (per game). scoring an NHL-low 126 goals during the pandemic-shortened 56-game Looking back, when we had success, it was always in close games. Now, season. He was fed up with losing and sounded off about it. His 9-19-7 we’ve just found ourselves on the wrong end of them and we’ve got to record in 35 games was not what the only two-time All-Star goalie in find a way to get over that hump.” franchise history had in mind.

“I love it here,” he said during a season-ending Zoom call with reporters. Orange County Register: LOADED: 05.13.2021 “I don’t have any intentions of playing anywhere else. I love it here. I love the city. I love the fans. But, at the same time, I want to win. We’ve got to start taking some steps forward and trying to figure out what needs to happen.

“You ask anybody and they want to win. Nobody wants to lose. It seems like the last few years, we kind of found ways to lose games, put ourselves behind the 8-ball and maybe get a little too comfortable with losing. We have to figure out what’s the best plan of action to change it and kind of turn the tide.”

Defenseman Cam Fowler was frustrated, too.

“We’re not a team that’s used to being in a situation like that,” he said. “We’re used to playing meaningful hockey games and competing for the playoffs every year, so that was the expectation of our group and to fall short of that was disappointing.”

Center Adam Henrique was disappointed.

“Hard year,” he said. “Mentally, a hard year. I don’t think we, man-to-man on a nightly basis, were good enough, really.”

Right wing Troy Terry was optimistic and hopeful of a better future, though.

“It’s not like we were winning every game, but it just felt different,” he said. “The last few weeks of that season, it just felt like we were playing a better brand of hockey. We were creating more scoring chances. We were making more plays. Personally, I was excited about where I was and I’m excited to carry that into next year. I think there are a lot of things to be excited about right now. I think it’s a big summer for everyone.”

Each of the players who participated in exit interviews with reporters this week expressed his views on the Ducks’ lost season, the team’s 17-30-9 record and last-place finish in the West Division. No one held back in expressing his frustration, disappointment, anger or optimism.

Gibson was the most forthcoming, though.

“I don’t think anyone likes losing,” he said. “I’m a competitor. I want to win every time I go . There’ve been challenges, I should say some growing pains, trying to keep my frustration level down and just kind of focus on the task at hand. I just had to focus on my game, being the best I could be and giving the team the best I could.”

Of missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season, Gibson said: “We haven’t had much success over the last few years. When that builds up over time, more than likely something is going to change. I wouldn’t be surprised if something changes. I think we need to be contending for a playoff spot. It seemed like after the first month and a half or so of the season, when you look at it, it was going to be tough for us to come back. I don’t think anybody wants that. I think we need to take a step forward and be competing for the playoffs and be a competitive team on a nightly basis.” 1188074 Arizona Coyotes season going in a different way then was hoping to. But just looking forward to it."

For four Coyotes, hockey continues at World Championship tournament later this month Arizona Republic LOADED: 05.13.2021

José M. Romero

Arizona Republic

Conor Garland didn't hesitate to accept the offer to play for the United States at the International Federation World Championship later this month in Riga, Latvia.

"It was really a no-brainer. I think I set the record for fastest reply, telling them I would come. I was extremely excited," the Arizona Coyotes forward from Massachusetts said. "It's a big deal and I look forward to being able to go over there and performing on a bigger stage and play to my capabilities."

Garland heard from his agent on May 4, the day after his first game back from injury, with the invitation from USA Hockey. He responded as fast as he could.

Garland is one of four Coyotes invited to play in the tournament. He's the only American, with goalies Darcy Kuemper and Adin Hill and forward Michael Bunting called in to play for Team Canada.

Garland has memories of watching the U.S. in international competition as a youth, and said the opportunity means a lot to him. He said he's spoken to Coyotes teammates and European players who've played in the championship, and was told it's a fun experience.

"World Championships, you don't hear too much about it here. Over there, it's viewed as kind of everything," Garland said.

Bunting will don the Canadian jersey for the first time in his life. Coyotes chief hockey development officer Shane Doan, also the assistant for Team Canada at the world championship, informed Bunting of his invitation.

"Thanks to Shane Doan for giving me that phone call. I was more probably shocked on that phone call more than anything," Bunting said. "I just told him I'm absolutely looking forward to representing my country and I can't wait to get started."

It's been a two-month period for the ages for Bunting, who flies to Europe on Saturday for his first-ever visit to the continent. After coming up from the minors, he scored a goal in his season debut on March 31 and three goals in a game on April 5. He set an NHL record with his first 14 career NHL games all played on the road.

Bunting can't wait for some friendly back-and-forth with Garland, who will most certainly indulge.

Hill went 9-9-1 in 19 games with a 2.74 goals-against average and a team-best .913 save percentage.

"The World Championships doesn't work for everybody," Coyotes General Manager Bill Armstrong said. "But for some people that haven't played a lot or they need to get that competitive fire and a little bit of pressure, it can really help them. I'm excited that (Kuemper) is going to go over and play for Canada, along with Garland and 'Hilly' and give those guys a chance to take a step forward. And Bunting is going over there, too. He's jumped on the scene, and that's going to help him, to play with some elite players."

Kuemper is set for his second appearance at worlds. He represented Canada at the 2018 tournament in Denmark and had a 2.48 GAA in seven games, as the Canadians took fourth place out of 16 teams.

Kuemper was limited to 27 games and missed 22 due to injury this season with the Coyotes. The squads in Latvia will feature NHL players from teams that did not make the Stanley Cup playoffs this season.

"Anytime you can have the opportunity to put on the Canadian jersey and play for Team Canada is special," Kuemper said. "Just looking forward for that opportunity to play for Team Canada and just keep playing hockey here. Obviously disappointed we're not in the playoffs, but this is an opportunity to go out there and keep playing and in a sense keep the 1188075 Boston Bruins Moffat, summoned in the final days of the season from OHL Kingston. The coach opted for the unproven kid with two games of NHL experience rather than Rogie Vachon or Marco Baron.

Bruins are comfortable with 22-year-old Jeremy Swayman as backup Moffat performed admirably (6-5) across two rounds and never again playoff goalie saw a minute of postseason play, choosing to call it a career after entering only 16 more NHL games over two more seasons. Too nervous, Moffat said later, for a career with that kind of pressure. By Kevin Paul Dupont Globe Staff Roughly a decade earlier, 23-year-old Ken Dryden, with all of six NHL Updated May 12, 2021, 4:38 p.m. games under his belt (and a 6-0-0 record), was tossed into the deep end of the playoff pool as the Canadiens starter and led them to the ’71

Stanley Cup. The run included (cover your ears, Bruins fans), a seven- WASHINGTON — Anchorage is roughly 3,925.5 miles from Savonlinna, game knockout of the powerhouse Big Bad Bruins in Round 1. By the Finland. That’s as the puck flies, as the old expression goes, in either way, Vachon also lost the starter’s role in that one for Montreal. direction. Swayman thus far hasn’t shown a jitter. He appears to thrive on the Now two of those cities’ homeboys, Jeremy Swayman and Tuukka Rask, intensity, having noted his appetite for breakaways and shootouts. He are about to enter the Stanley Cup playoffs as netminding partners, albeit looks every bit the franchise goalie of the future, and that tomorrow could with Swayman, he of a total 602 minutes of NHL experience, positioned be at hand, what with neither Rask nor Halak signed for next year. So as the 34-year-old Rask’s eager backup/running mate. Saturday’s backup could, in theory, be October’s No. 1.

Rask, by the way, has logged 32,206 career minutes, not counting his Yet lest anyone begins stuffing the Vezina ballot box, let’s remember 5,853 extra TOI in 93 playoff appearances. Swayman’s NHL curriculum vitae has been compiled against but a half- dozen teams in the NHL East. Beginning next season, 25 other members Their minutes are Mutt and Jeff. The Bruins hope they can be the brick of the Original 32 would be getting their first looks at him. There is plenty and mortar of the franchise’s seventh Stanley Cup. we don’t yet know.

Following a 2-1 loss to the Capitals here Tuesday night in the regular- It typically takes a minimum of a couple of seasons, having faced, say, season wrap, Bruins coach anointed Swayman the some 600-800 different shooters, to begin to have full confidence in a No. backup for the playoffs, which start here vs. the Capitals Saturday night 1 tender. Just ask the Flyers. They’ve been short a sure hand in net ever (7:15). It promptly ended any debate as to whether the pick would be the since headed off to retirement. That was the spring of 1999. rookie, ex- of the University of Maine, or Jaro Halak, hired three years Rookie Carter Hart looked like the fix in 2018-19. Two seasons later, GM ago to be Rask’s dutiful, experienced second. wonders if Hart is just part of what needs to be repaired.

When Rask abruptly exited the Toronto playoff bubble last summer, that So the days of Sway may be upon us. The early returns have been left Halak as the starter, his first such gig in five years. The Slovak promising, exciting. But just as 3925.5 miles is quite a distance, it’s a stopper showed flashes of brilliance, but for the most part looked like a long, long way between Swayman as backup and Rask at No. 1. No. 2 who hadn’t stood ground as a playoff No. 1 in five years. The Lightning have a way of making lots of goalies look like beaten backups.

Swayman, meanwhile, is the shiny new penny, a 22-year-old with eyes Boston Globe LOADED: 05.13.2021 bright, glove fast, and a devilish penchant to make quick-strike poke checks to defuse front-of-the-crease plays before they become back-of- the-net chances. He has it going right now, the best evidence of which is his eye-popping .945 save percentage in his 10 appearances.

A small sample size, for sure, but for a kid all of five weeks on the job, Swayman has made a humongous impression.

“We just got to the place where Sway was playing really well, and giving us an opportunity to win each and every night,” said general manager , explaining some of the dynamics behind the decision to put the rook with Rask. “We’ve tended to reward the players who’ve done that. That’s something our organization stands by.”

In Swayman’s case, impressive work trumped that small sample size, in Sweeney’s opinion.

“The wins and losses and the stops kind of add up,” noted the GM. “Obviously, you look at how your team has played in front of him. We’ve put him on the road, we’ve put him in situations, and he’s handled them well.

“So for us, there’s still a lot to be determined, and there’s plenty of young goaltenders that have taken huge steps forward and minor steps back. So we’ll see. But again, from what we’ve seen of Jeremy up to this , he has handled well, and we expect it to continue.”

Provided the playoffs stick to standard form, Swayman won’t be seen other than on his assigned perch, ball cap on his head, parked at the end of the bench. The job is Rask’s, first and last, a role he understood and faithfully fulfilled when he was the postseason backup designee watching Tim Thomas.

For now, no one should expect to see Swayman other than in a blowout — be it a win or a loss — or if Rask aggravates a late-season injury (believe to be strained lower back), or if Cassidy is forced into a “break glass in case of emergency” position because Rask’s game suddenly has gone south.

A case somewhat akin to the trust the Bruins have placed in Swayman came in the spring of ’82. Bruins coach , the Hall or Fame netminder, handed the full postseason load to 20-year-old Mike 1188076 Boston Bruins Sept. 26, 2016: While competing for Team Canada in the , Marchand signed an eight-year, $49 million extension. He would go on to score the winning goal, shorthanded of course, to give Canada Brad Marchand career timeline: From promising rookie to franchise the title. cornerstone, with a few penalties along the way Jan. 26, 2017: Fined $10,000 for tripping Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall.

By Andrew Mahoney Globe Staff Jan. 29, 2017: Played in his first NHL All-Star game in Los Angeles.

Updated May 12, 2021, 1:57 p.m. April 6, 2017: Suspended for the final two games of the regular season for spearing Tampa Bay’s Jake Dotchin, striking the defenseman between the legs with his stick.

Brad Marchand did not take long to make an impression with the Bruins. 2016-17: Did not miss any other games aside from his suspension, While the hype entering the 2010-11 season may have been on rookie finishing with a career-high 39 goals in 80 games. He was named to the Tyler Seguin, the No. 2 pick in the 2010 draft, it was Marchand who NHL’s first All-Star Team, joining Johnny Bucyk as the only Bruins to would deliver for the Bruins in his first full NHL season as the franchise earn that distinction at left wing. won its first Stanley Cup in 39 years. Oct. 30, 2017: Scored his 200th goal at Columbus. Skating alongside center Patrice Bergeron for much of his career, Marchand has managed to score at least 20 goals in 10 of his 11 Jan. 2, 2018: Notched his 200th assist at the New York Islanders. seasons, with the one exception coming in 2012-13, when he still Jan. 25, 2018: Suspended five games for an elbow to the head of New managed 18 goals in the NHL’s abbreviated 45-game season. Jersey forward Marcus Johansson, although he was allowed to play in The left wing has run afoul of the rules of the game from time to time, the All-Star game. The hit kept Johansson out of action for two months, helping him to earn the nickname the Lil’ Ball O’ Hate. He’s been although the two would patch things up when the Bruins acquired suspended six times for a total of 19 games and has accrued Johansson the following season. $605,132.36 in fines, but he’s managed to avoid any discipline for the March 9, 2018: Fined $2,000 for embellishing against Pittsburgh. last three years while his offensive production has only increased. April 2, 2018: Fined $5,000 for cross-checking Philadelphia forward As the Bruins get set for the postseason, he has become a cornerstone Andrew McDonald. for the franchise. Here’s a look at his career in Boston. May 5, 2018: Managed to avoid any punishment, but is warned by the June 24, 2006: Drafted by the Bruins with the fourth pick of the third NHL’s director of hockey operations Colin Campbell to stop licking round (71st overall) opponents after he licked Toronto center Leo Komarov in Game 1 of the Oct. 21, 2009: Appeared in first NHL game against Nashville and first round series with the Maple Leafs, as well as Tampa Bay forward recorded an assist on Michael Ryder’s goal in a 3-2 win. Ryan Callahan in Game 4 of the second round series with the Lightning.

Nov. 3, 2010: Scored his first NHL goal, a shorthander on a breakaway to 2018-19: Recorded his first 100-point season, finishing with 36 goals and beat Jhonas Enroth in a 5-2 win at Buffalo. 64 assists.

Brad Marchand (left) celebrated his first NHL goal with teammate Oct. 12, 2019: Collected his 300th assist against the New Jersey Devils, Gregory Campbell. and finishes the 2019-20 season by appearing in all 70 games and leads the Bruins in assists for the fourth straight year. March 17, 2011: Suspended two games for elbowing Columbus forward R.J. Umberger in the back of the head. Feb. 28, 2021: Scored his 300th goal in a 6-2 loss to the New York Rangers. June 15, 2011: After tallying 21 goals and 20 assists in his rookie season, he had 11 goals and eight assists in the playoffs, including two May 3, 2021: Played in his 800th game, a 3-0 win over the New Jersey goals and an assist in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, a 4-0 victory Devils. over Vancouver.

Dec. 5, 2011: Fined $2,500 for slew-footing Pittsburgh defenseman Matt Boston Globe LOADED: 05.13.2021 Niskanen.

Dec. 23, 2011: Recorded his first career hat trick and added two assists in an 8-0 win over the Panthers.

Jan. 7, 2012: Suspended five games for clipping Vancouver defenseman Sami Salo.

Sept. 7, 2012: Signed a four-year, $18 million contract extension.

2012-13: Finishes with his first team scoring title with 36 points in the lockout-shortened season.

2013-14: Plays in all 82 games for the Bruins.

Nov. 15, 2014: Records his 100th assist at Carolina.

Dec. 6, 2014: Scored his 100th goal against Arizona.

2014-15: Becomes just the fourth Bruin to lead the team in both goals (24), and minutes (95). He would repeat that feat in each of the next two seasons.

Jan. 16, 2015: Suspended two games for slew-footing New York Rangers forward Derick Brassard.

Nov. 13, 2015: Fined $5,000 for punching Colorado forward Gabriel Landeskog.

Dec. 30, 2015: Suspended three games for clipping Ottawa defenseman Mark Borowiecki. Marchand is forced to sit out the Winter Classic, which the Bruins hosted on Jan. 1, 2016 at Gillette . 1188077 Boston Bruins Raymond Bourque’s championship with the Colorado Avalanche at City Hall in 2001, but the real embarrassment is that the Bruins put themselves in such a hopeless spot that such a classy player had to Bruins’ trade for Taylor Hall may take its place among great deadline unite with Patrick Roy to win a title. deals in Boston history Sometimes, trading a star ends up igniting the team he left behind. Jason Bay had 1½ excellent seasons here after the Red Sox got him in a three- team transaction that ended the Manny Ramirez era in 2008, and By Chad Finn Globe Staff manager Terry Francona ranked his team that year as perhaps the best he ever had. Updated May 12, 2021, 9:49 a.m. I think we can all agree that Nomar Garciaparra was superior to Derek

Jeter from 1997-2003. (Everyone who has somehow managed to read Can the Bruins win the Stanley Cup? Join us Friday at noon for a this far nods in agreement.) But Red Sox history would be much different, subscriber-only event previewing the NHL playoffs. Sign up here. and 2004 would not have been nearly as cathartic or satisfying, had Theo Epstein chickened out on trading him that July to the Cubs in a four-way The Bruins coveted Taylor Hall — and as he’s since revealed, Taylor Hall deal that brought steady Orlando Cabrera and Doug Mientkiewicz to the coveted the Bruins — in the 2010 NHL draft. Red Sox.

Owning the No. 2 overall pick, the Bruins were a spot too low to get the The afterthought deal that same day worked out pretty well, too: I don’t no-doubt No. 1 overall choice, ending up instead with decent consolation know much about Henri Stanley, sent to the Dodgers, but I’ll never forget prize Tyler Seguin. a thing about Dave Roberts.

More than a decade later, Hall and the Bruins were finally united at last There have been many fulfilling deadline deals for quality if unheralded month’s NHL trade deadline. He has fit in as though he’d been wearing players who went on to have memorable runs here. the Spoked B alongside David Krejci, Brad Marchand, and Patrice Bergeron all along. , acquired from Florida in 2010, was a rock-steady defensive partner alongside Zdeno Chara on the Cup champs. Hall has eight goals and six assists in 16 games with the Bruins, including an absolute beauty of a winner in overtime against the Isaiah Thomas, picked up by the Celtics from the Suns in February 2015, Islanders Monday night. He has reinvigorated Krejci, who hasn’t played had a truly magical run, and nothing with the franchise has gone quite with a winger blessed with anything close to Hall’s skill since Nathan right since his career-altering hip injury in May 2017. Horton. Belichick’s deadline deals for Aqib Talib (2012) and Kyle Van Noy (2016) And I’d say he’s rather reinvigorated himself: Hall already has scored four brought the Patriots a couple of defensive cornerstones at minimal cost. times as many goals with the Bruins than he did in 37 games with the Sweet-swinging switch hitter Victor Martinez (2009) put up an .865 OPS due-to-be-relegated-to-the-AHL Sabres this year. over a season and a half after coming to the Red Sox from the Indians. He’s already shaping up to be one of the best deadline pickups in Bruins You kind of forgot about him, didn’t you? history, if not Boston sports lore. The worst and best deadline deals in Boston sports annals involve If you think about it for even a moment, plenty of memorable deadline prospects and the Red Sox. Jeff Bagwell for Larry Andersen in 1990 deals rush to mind. Across the major sports, there have been haunts here. Jason Varitek and Derek Lowe for Healthcliff Slocumb in extraordinary in-season acquisitions and some regrettable ones too. 1997 haunts in Seattle. They’ve tended to fall into three categories: The 1988 trade that delivered prospects Curt Schilling and Brady ▪ Bold moves for the moment, or trading for established stars to aid an Anderson to Baltimore for reliable veteran Mike Boddicker worked the immediate championship quest. way those kinds of deals are designed to. Schilling and Anderson developed into stars, though it didn’t happen for Schilling until he was ▪ Smaller deals that enhance the quality depth of a contending roster (a with his fourth organization. Boddicker was a dependable cog in the Bill Belichick specialty). rotation on the Red Sox’ 1988 and ’90 AL East champs.

▪ Dealing veterans for young players who ideally help out down the road Giving up a good prospect who ultimately pans out — as the Bruins did (early indications are that this could be a Chaim Bloom specialty). with in 2011, along with Mark Stuart, to get Rich Peverley — is worth it if the deal aided a fulfilled championship pursuit. The Hall deal, which also brought Curtis Lazar to Boston while general manager Don Sweeney sent forward Anders Bjork and a second-round Sometimes there are unsentimental deals that send a favorite away, pick to Buffalo in return, fits that first category. The closest trade to it in leaving the home fans cold. Few liked Danny Ainge’s NBA deadline trade Bruins history is probably the 1992 swap with the Blues that brought of Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City in 2011, though it was probably the aboard while sending Craig Janney and Stephane Quintal right thing to do. And few liked it when Ainge himself was traded back in to St. Louis. 1989, to the Kings for taller folks Ed Pinckney and Joe Kleine. A deal I never liked, that preceded Ainge’s tenure as general manager: rookie Oates proved the ideal setup man for Cam Neely — kind of the inverse of Joe Johnson to the Suns for Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers in 2002. what Hall is for Krejci — while tallying 499 points in 368 games in Boston, including a 45-goal, 97-assist season in 1992-93. Hall is still in the early stages of etching a place in Boston sports and Bruins history. Who knows whether it will even last beyond this spring, Since the Oates deal happened in February, several weeks before the given his pending free agency? But right now, he’s playing like a Bruins deadline, we’ll have to put an asterisk on it. lifer — and with each goal, rising up the list of deadline deals to Because they almost always have had some level of championship appreciate. aspirations over the last decade-plus, the Bruins have made several meaningful moves at the actual deadline, including acquiring a couple of -era former Penguins superstars in (2009) Boston Globe LOADED: 05.13.2021 and Jaromir Jagr (’13).

Recchi proved crucial on the ice and in the locker room during the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup run. Jagr didn’t work out quite so well, going goalless in the ’13 postseason, but he was a blast to have around. It was mesmerizing during his snakebitten performance that postseason to watch him go out, solo, on the Garden ice after a game and put himself through a grueling workout. No wonder he lasted in the league until age 45, five seasons beyond his frustrating Bruins stint.

The biggest Bruins deadline trade actually sent away a franchise icon so he could pursue a Stanley Cup elsewhere. Fans get grief for celebrating 1188078 Boston Bruins It is hard to argue with the success of the Taylor Hall acquisition so far. In 16 games, he notched eight goals and six assists while transforming the depth of the B’s attack. Hall, as well as his centerman David Krejci, will Bruins Notebook: Here come the Big, Bad Caps be an unrestricted free agent. Neely expressed a tentative desire to continue the relationships.

“We’re going to continue to see how things go with the playoffs here. I By STEVE CONROY | [email protected] | Boston Herald think we’d like to get something done, but that remains to be seen. But that’s our hope,” said Neely. PUBLISHED: May 12, 2021 at 4:29 p.m. | UPDATED: May 12, 2021 at 8:31 p.m. Code words?

Neely scoffed at Brad Marchand‘s assertion that former captain Zdeno Chara knows all the “code words” the Bruins use. After the Bruins were bounced from the 2020 Stanley Cup bubble playoffs, one of the deficiencies identified was in the physicality “There’s no code words,” said Neely with a laugh. “Obviously, playing for department. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s offseason and deadline this coaching staff for as long as Zdeno has and playing with the players additions like Pat Maroon, Blake Coleman, Barclay Goodrow and Zach that he has for his tenure here in Boston, you certainly know some Bogosian added much-needed brawn and grit to a highly skilled team tendencies. Guys are aware of that. But also, on the flip side, guys and they bounced the B’s in five games. certainly know how Zdeno is going to play and what to expect from him and maybe how to exploit that a little bit as well.” … The way the B’s addressed the issue was not quite as pronounced as the way the Bolts did. It was by both addition and evolution. But so far it’s Neely believes more than 80% of the B’s have had their first dose of the worked, allowing them to get into the playoffs in one of the NHL’s COVID-19 vaccine but are trying to manage when to give those players toughest divisions. the second shot, given the side effects that some people can suffer. The effects are usually short-term but they could certainly hamper someone Free-agent signee Craig Smith may not drive people into the boards, but for a day or two. … his brand of tenacious puck-hunting and willingness to go to the hard areas is not something they had last year. Nick Ritchie, who can leave a Neely expressed confidence in Jeremy Swayman, who was named as mark when he lands a hit, dedicated himself to becoming a better player Tuukka Rask‘s backup by coach Bruce Cassidy on Tuesday, should he in the offseason and earned a nightly spot in the lineup. His line with be forced into action. The rookie finished 7-3 with a .945 save center Sean Kuraly and right wing Charlie Coyle may have developed out percentage and 1.50 GAA. of different necessities, but it proved to be a good power line in a small sample size. The addition of grinding fourth-line center Curtis Lazar has “Just based on the short sample size that we got and the way he’s allowed the B’s to utilize Kuraly more fully. Trent Frederic, though not a played, from my perspective and probably the players’ perspective, lock to be in the lineup, has brought intermittent edge. And a healthy they’re going to be confident playing in front of him,” said Neely. “You Kevan Miller, whose ruggedness often overshadows his mobility, has don’t get experience until you start playing, so that’s how you gain your been a difference-maker. experience. So, we’ll see what happens here in the playoffs.”

Whether or not all that is enough will be tested immediately, starting Saturday at . The Washington Capitals are not only Boston Herald LOADED: 05.13.2021 physical, they’re nasty about it, too. Batting leadoff is, of course, Tom Wilson, who was suspended for seven games for a head shot that concussed Brandon Carlo. That is just one line item on Wilson’s lengthy resume. The Caps’ fourth line of Garnet Hathaway, Nic Dowd and Carl Hagelin combines sandpaper and . T.J. Oshie, if healthy, is deadly in the slot but can also pack a wallop. Anthony Mantha, all 6-foot-5, 235 pounds of him, was added at the deadline. And let’s not forget the Caps’ superstar, Alex Ovechkin, who has been known to throw a borderline hit every now and then.

But Wilson, with 13-20-33 totals in 47 games this year, tends to stick out.

“Rightfully so, he’s a unique player in the league,” said GM Don Sweeney. “Their team does present some challenges, they’re a physical team. If you look at our matches this year, I think we handled that very well — obviously, the Carlo injury aside. I think our team, all teams have to be prepared to play any style any night. You don’t pick your opponents, you just prepare for them as they come and worry about your own game. I think that’s something we’ve tried to do over the course of my time here, is be the best that we can be, and address some areas of need and fill some holes as we go along throughout the season, try to identify them. Be really honest about them if you have some needs, and then go to war. That’s honestly what it comes down to. You’ve got to have everyone in and ready to chip in.”

Team president Cam Neely acknowledged it’s impossible to ignore Wilson, but they can’t let him dictate to them.

“He’s not flying under the radar from our perspective, everyone knows what kind of player he is,” said Neely. “He plays hard and he’ll take the body. We have to expect that, I don’t think that’s going to change. We also need to focus on how we need to play and what we need to do to be successful. We have to be smart. More importantly, we’ve got to be careful with their power play. We’ve got to try to stay out of the box as much as possible.”

Indeed, the Caps’ power play was not fazed by the B’s excellent penalty- killing unit. In the first seven games before Tuesday’s scrimmage, the B’s took 29 penalties and the Caps gashed them for nine goals for a 31% success rate, well above the 14% season average the B’s had allowed.

Neely expresses desire to re-sign Hall 1188079 Boston Bruins

Neely explains how Bruins need to handle Tom Wilson in playoffs

BY NICK GOSS

The first-round series between the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals figures to be one of the most physical matchups of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

These teams love to play the game with plenty of truculence, and there are many players on both rosters who try to set a physical tone each night.

One of those players is Capitals forward Tom Wilson.

Bruins vs. Capitals first-round playoff preview, prediction

Wilson has become a household name among NHL and even casual sports fans for his physical play. He's certainly capable of being an effective power forward, and he scored 20-plus goals in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.

But Wilson's physical play often goes over the line. He's been suspended five times in his career, and his latest ban came in March after he boarded Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo with a high hit. Wilson was suspended seven games as a result.

He probably should've been suspended last week after his antics against the New York Rangers, which sparked a line brawl in the following game.

Neely on a Taylor Hall extension: 'We'd like to get something done'

How should the Bruins deal with Wilson in their first-round series that begins Saturday night in Washington?

"He's not flying under the radar from our perspective, everyone knows what kind of player he is," Bruins president Cam Neely said Wednesday on a Zoom call with reporters. "He plays hard and he'll take the body. We have to expect that, I don't think that's going to change.

"We also need to focus on how we need to play and what we need to do to be successful. We have to be smart. More importantly, we've got to be careful with their power play. We've got to try to stay out of the box as much as possible."

Bruins reveal which goalie will back up Tuukka Rask in Round 1

The Bruins are a better 5-on-5 team than the Capitals after their trade deadlines moves to acquire Taylor Hall, Curtis Lazar and Mike Reilly. Where the series could slip away from the Bruins is if the Capitals are constantly on the power play.

Washington's power-play scored at a 24.8 percent rate this season, which ranked third-best in the league. Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom are still elite power-play scorers and a nightmare to defend, even for a Bruins team that had the second-best penalty kill at 86 percent.

Wilson loves to get under his opponents' skin, and he will no doubt try to do that throughout this series. If the Bruins are able to control their emotion and not take stupid penalties, they will have a good chance to win this series.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188080 Boston Bruins

Neely on a Taylor Hall extension: 'We'd like to get something done'

BY NICK GOSS

Taylor Hall has been a fantastic fit for the Boston Bruins since they acquired him from the Buffalo Sabres before the April 12 NHL trade deadline, but what does his future with the team look like beyond the 2021 season?

Hall, who is on an expiring contract and eligible to be an unrestricted free agent in the summer, admitted shortly after the trade that "I’d love to be a Bruin for a few years."

What a Taylor Hall contract extension could look like for the Bruins

Bruins president Cam Neely spoke to reporters Wednesday on a Zoom call ahead of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs beginning Saturday versus the Washington Capitals.

He was asked about Hall's future in Boston and noted the team would like to work something out with the veteran right winger.

"As far as Taylor goes, we're going to continue to see how things go with the playoffs here. We'd like to try and get something done, but that remains to be seen. But that's our hopes."

Bruins vs. Capitals first-round playoff preview, prediction

The Bruins were struggling mightily to score goals during 5-on-5 play before the Hall trade. Since the deal, Boston ranks No. 2 in 5-on-5 goals scored with 58 in 17 games. The B's posted a 12-4-1 record after the trade deadline to conclude the regular season.

"I think, mainly, it really solidified some more depth in the offensive position of need, where we're getting a little more production 5-on-5," Neely said of the Hall trade.

"Now teams are looking not just at the (Patrice) Bergeron line, but they now have to look at (David) Krejci's line. And whether it's (Charlie) Coyle, (Sean) Kuraly or (Nick) Ritchie, those guys have chipped in recently. And then our fourth line, adding (Curtis) Lazar, we've got a number of players who can slot in and out there who give us energy and hopefully chip in a little bit (of scoring) as well."

Hall has tallied 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 16 games with the Bruins. He posted 19 points (two goals, 17 assists) in 37 games for the Sabres before moving to Boston.

He needs to produce offensively in the playoffs for the Bruins to return to the Stanley Cup Final. That said, the fit has been so good that it would behoove both sides to find common ground in the offseason and extend the partnership for another couple seasons.

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Bruins reveal which goalie will back up Tuukka Rask in Round 1

BY NICK GOSS

The Boston Bruins have lots of depth in net entering the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and they've officially announced their goalie tandem for the first-round series versus the Washington Capitals.

B's head coach Bruce Cassidy revealed Tuesday night that rookie Jeremy Swayman will be the backup netminder behind starter Tuukka Rask entering Game 1 on Saturday night.

Bruins vs. Capitals first-round playoff preview, prediction

"I think he’s earned that,” Cassidy said of Swayman.

“Obviously, a tough call with Jaro with his experience. He’s just played more down the stretch here, and some of that was out of circumstance. Tuukka got hurt, Jaro went into COVID. So there’s a quarantine, and then the goalie is a little tougher to get thrown back in there, so a little time to get back up to speed. I thought Swayman grabbed the ball and ran with it. That’s the decision there. That could change as we go along, obviously, as Jaro gets more reps, but right now I think Swayman has done everything we’ve asked.”

It's unfortunate for Halak, who lost the job mostly through no fault of his own. Swayman, to his credit, really earned the role with his spectacular play.

He posted a 7-3-0 record with a 1.50 GAA and a .945 save percentage. According to Natural Stat Trick, Swayman's .895 save percentage on high-danger shot attempts was the best among all goalies who played 10 or more games.

Swayman made 30 saves on 32 shots in a 2-1 loss to the Capitals in Tuesday night's regular season finale. It was a quality performance by the rookie, especially when you consider the Bruins rested almost all of their regulars.

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Neely: Boston Bruins Would ‘Like To Get Something Done’ With Taylor Hall

Published 14 hours ago on May 12, 2021

By Joe Haggerty

It certainly sounds like there is motivation for the Boston Bruins to keep left winger Taylor Hall after acquiring him at the NHL trade deadline.

The 29-year-old Hall has been excellent at both ends of the ice since arriving last month and posted eight goals and 14 points along with a plus-2 rating in 16 games for the Bruins while riding left wing on the second line with David Krejci. Certainly, the offensive production was exactly what the doctor ordered for the B’s while energizing Krejci at the center position, and his back-checking and second effort work away from the puck has been noteworthy as well.

Hall is on an expiring deal, however, after signing a one-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres and has several times voiced a desire to stick around Boston beyond this season since the trade happened. The Boston Bruins essentially said they were on the same page when talking about Hall’s future on Wednesday afternoon with the caveat that the picture won’t be complete until after the upcoming Stanley Cup playoff run.

“Mainly, [the Hall trade] really solidified some depth from an offensive position,” said Boston Bruins President Cam Neely. “It was a need where we’re getting a little more production 5-on-5 and now teams are not just looking at the Bergeron line, but they’re also looking at Krejci’s line. Whether it’s Coyle, Kuraly or Ritchie, those guys have chipped in recently and adding Lazar means on the fourth line we’re going to have some players that will bring us energy.

“As far as Taylor goes, we’re going to continue to see how things go with the playoffs here. I think we’d like to try and get something done, but that remains to be seen. But it is our hope [to extend the player].”

The hunch here is that Hall would end up on a 3–5-year deal for around the same money ($6-7 million per season) as other players like Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak have agreed to in order to keep together a winning environment in Boston. Certainly Hall has made no secret that he wants to stick around in Boston as well, something he made very clear in his introductory zoom call before he’d even taken a shift with the team.

That feeling has only intensified since he’s found out what it’s like to be a Bruins.

“It’s been 16 games [and] it’s probably been some of the most enjoyable hockey I’ve ever played in my career,” said Hall. “And I really hope that there’s more to come. I know the Bruins’ history and just the aura around the team has been a lot of fun to play for. I love my time here, the city is amazing just walking around and the energy in this area for the team, just in general, has been really fun to be a part of.”

As the Bruins President alluded to, Hall’s presence has pushed his playmaking center into “Playoff Krejci” mode where he’s got 15 assists in the 16 games since the two forwards were paired together following the trade deadline. So, Hall’s presence is essentially making two players much better while transforming the Boston Bruins into a much more difficult team to defend at the time of year where 5-on-5 scoring is tremendously important.

Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188083 Boston Bruins Jack Eichel over his medical situation. It sounds like the bridge has already been blown to bits. (Sportsnet)

*Pretty cool stuff with the Tampa Bay Lightning featuring what’s believed BHN Daily: The Boston Bruins Don’t Have The Eichel Pieces to be the first all-black forward line in NHL history earlier this week. Hockey truly is for everyone. (The Athletic)

Published 18 hours ago on May 12, 2021 *The will be up to 50 percent capacity for their home playoff games next week, which should make for a nice home ice By Joe Haggerty advantage for them. It’s going to be interesting to see what kind of competitive advantage the hockey teams with the bigger home crowds

will enjoy. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now) There is no question that the Boston Bruins will have deep-rooted, strong *A great story from FOH Ian Mendes on a group of kids in Ottawa that interest in Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel when he inevitably becomes helped celebrate a hat trick for Tim Stuetzle when he wasn’t able to feel available for trade. the love in an empty hockey arena. This is the kind of stuff that makes He’s 24 years old, just entering the prime of his career and the Bruins hockey great. (The Athletic) sorely need some young impact talent at the center position with both *Thank goodness Jaromir Jagr is not planning to retire after recently Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci in the twilight of their NHL careers, completing his 33rd pro season for the team he owns in the Czech and with Krejci in the final year of his contract with the Bruins. The Krejci Republic. (NHL.com) contract situation actually opens up the space for a franchise-type player like Eichel from both a roster perspective and a salary cap point of view *Washington Capitals head coach pretending not to with four more season at $10 million per year still on the books. know who “The Perfection Line” is during yesterday’s media availability with the media is something else. I think he’s going to find out who they There is no worry about how the Bruins would afford him. They could are soon enough. theoretically afford Hall while still holding enough money to re-sign Taylor Hall, Tuukka Rask and anybody else they were motivated to keep in a Boston Bruins uniform. Hall was very vocal in his support of his former teammates, Eichel, when asked about his differences of opinion with the Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 05.13.2021 Sabres a couple of days ago.

The challenges are twofold when it comes to landing Eichel among all other NHL franchises with the interest expected to be league-wide and with the Buffalo Sabres badly in need of a home run when they move the disgruntled face of their franchise. First, they have to believe that the Sabres will move Eichel within the division and to a team that will routinely kick the tar out of them on an annual basis following the deal.

The Sabres are used to being a bit of an embarrassment in NHL circles when it comes to their results on ice but subjecting the fans to Eichel frequently kicking their teeth in isn’t a good business move for Buffalo. They’d be better off sending him out West where he’d be out of the Buffalo picture, or even a very logical move to the New York Rangers would get him out of the Atlantic Division once it’s reconfigured in the near future.

But the bigger issue from a Boston Bruins perspective is the cost for a player like Eichel. We’re talking about a 6-foot-2, 210-pound center that scored 36 goals and 78 points in 68 games last season while finishing as a plus player on a bad Sabres hockey club. Even though Kevyn Adams couldn’t get a first round pick for Taylor Hall and was essentially strong- armed by a player with a no-movement clause to make a deal with the Boston Bruins, he knows he’s going to need to land a major haul for Eichel when he’s dealt.

And the Bruins aren’t really in that position with their prospects and draft picks. They don’t have any high draft picks in the first round, and they won’t anytime soon. The Boston Bruins have some good prospects like Jack Studnicka and Urho Vaakanainen, but other NHL teams around the league have better prospect collateral when it comes to making a seismic NHL trade.

They aren’t going to deal young franchise players like David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy or Jeremy Swayman for Eichel, either. All three of those young players should be just as “off limits” in trade talks as players like Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand clearly are at this point in their Black and Gold careers. Unfortunately, that doesn’t leave Bruins GM Don Sweeney with much at all to wave in front of the Sabres in an Eichel trade. A team like the New York Rangers with a boatload of young assets makes much more sense, and the Chris Drury connection to a player like Eichel (they shared the same agents, Peter Fish and Peter Donatelli, and have the always strong BU connection) shouldn’t be underplayed either.

The bottom line in all of this: As much as the Boston Bruins would love to land Eichel when he inevitably becomes available, it just doesn’t feel like a realistic scenario when you coldly and dispassionately look at all the factors involved.

Now a look at the rest of the BHN Puck Links:

*Interesting stuff from FOH (Friend of Haggs) Elliotte Friedman, who has details behind the differences of opinion between the Buffalo Sabres and 1188084 Boston Bruins checks. He’s good in his routes. Sometimes when you come from a team that might be at the bottom of the league, it’s easy to lose those. He’s so dialed in right now.”

From disdain to inspiration, Taylor Hall’s new view of Brad Marchand This sounds familiar to Bruce Cassidy. makes a future with Bruins more likely Since Cassidy first had Marchand in Providence in 2008-09, he has never known a harder working player. Marchand practices like he plays. By Fluto Shinzawa The intensity usually spills over. Marchand sometimes scuffles with Chris Wagner, who is regularly matched against the left wing. May 12, 2021 The Bruins coach enjoys the benefits of Marchand’s team-leading 29 goals and 40 assists. Just as valuable is the contagious nature of the left wing’s competitiveness. It is a gift for Cassidy to use Marchand, a former For most of 11 seasons, Taylor Hall saw Brad Marchand as an enemy. fourth-liner, as the standard-setter when explaining to others how hard The view was not complimentary. You could fill a dictionary with all the they have to compete. naughty words opponents, including Hall, have used to describe Marchand. “It’s a second-effort league,” Cassidy said. “So it really allows you to take a guy aside, a one-on-one, and say, ‘OK, here’s a guy that’s in the locker The lens has changed, though. Since April 12, when the ex-Sabres room with you. You know what he’s all about. You’ve seen him practice. player became Marchand’s teammate, Hall’s opinion shifted from This is what it takes. He was you once when he came into the league.’ disdainful to awestruck. By sharing Marchand’s foxhole, Hall learned the And you can pull up the statistics to prove it. Or you can have Marshy degree of his fellow left wing’s initiative. right there to say, ‘Yeah, that’s what I was, and look at what I’ve Hall was inspired. become.’ ”

“When I watch a guy like Marchand play, the things he does out there, Hall is faster than Marchand. Their shots are comparable. What makes that was a really good thing for me to watch him play,” Hall said of the Marchand the best all-around left wing in the game, in all likelihood, is his team’s MVP. “To see how hard he is on pucks, to see how many times tenaciousness. Opponents never know when Marchand will lift a stick, he gives a second effort to get a puck back or make a play on D or on reload on a forecheck or turn a shorthanded shift into a scoring chance. offense. He’s been a guy that our whole roster feeds off. But for me Hall has an up-close view of Marchand’s habits. He’s inhaling them. It personally, to see how he plays, I know I can play a similar style. It’s shows. almost like you watch someone do it, and you’re like, ‘OK, I can do that.’ ” Hall is happy. He lives downtown near TD Garden. The neighborhood is Hall has been a Black-and-Gold dynamo. He has eight goals — stirring again. Perhaps it will liven up more in the playoffs. quadruple his number in Buffalo — and six assists in 16 games. The city and organization have been the hydrogen to Hall’s match. The For Hall, who has 19 postseason appearances, it looked like his 20th combination has been pure fire. would not take place this year. He endured 37 games of misery in Buffalo, sharing it with Jack Eichel. Marchand has played a critical role in Hall’s awakening. Not only has Marchand opened Hall’s eyes to the beauty of 200-foot play, but he has “There were some really dark days this year in Buffalo,” Hall said. “I also put his teammate in the right place. For the first time in his career, haven’t really talked a lot about it. But I didn’t play well. I don’t have Hall is a No. 2 left wing, riding with David Krejci and Craig Smith. He’s on anyone else to blame for that, for my play in Buffalo, other than myself. the No. 2 power-play unit. The fit has been as flattering as a custom Just didn’t work out. I came in prepared. I came in and worked hard. For Brioni suit. whatever reason, we just didn’t have it.”

“It’s probably been some of the most enjoyable hockey I’ve ever played Hall was reborn following his exit eastbound. Whether Eichel pulls a get- in my career,” Hall said. “I really hope there’s more to come.” out-of-jail-free card — perhaps even to Boston — remains to be seen.

Hall’s one-year, $8 million contract is expiring. There is a deal to be Hall’s basement-to-rooftop revival has given him a clearer perspective on made to extend his time in Boston. what’s important. The 29-year-old wants to win. He has a good chance of doing that by staying in Boston beyond this season. So far, everything Marchand can take credit for that, too. signals toward an extension. Before Hall’s arrival, the Bruins averaged 1.62 five-on-five goals per If so, the parameters of a deal are clear. The Bruins will give him term. game. Krejci had zero five-on-five in 35 games. Perhaps even six years. But Hall’s yearly salary will not exceed the Since then, the Bruins have averaged 2.63 five-on-five goals per game. $6.125 million that Marchand earns annually. Krejci has five five-on-five goals. The Bruins, according to Natural Stat A $6 million average annual value would place Hall under the $6.5 million Trick, have outscored opponents at five-on-five by a 13-1 margin with AAV Brendan Gallagher scored from Montreal. It would be a team- Hall, Krejci and Smith on the ice. The No. 2 line’s 66.15 Corsi For friendly deal for the Bruins. percentage is better than the first line’s 65.70 percent. Like many things, they would have Marchand to thank for that. For Krejci, playing with Hall has been like reuniting with Milan Lucic. Since the deadline, the No. 2 center leads the team with 21 points.

“Just speaking to people who know hockey, they always told me if Krejci The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 has some linemates that he really likes playing with — he had Lucic and (Nathan) Horton back in the day — when he’s comfortable and playing with players who play with speed and pace, he’s very effective. Obviously, he’s been much more than that,” Hall said. “For me, I’ve never played with right-handed centermen at all in my career. Maybe a little with Sam Gagner in Edmonton. To have a guy that doesn’t have to go to his backhand to pass me the puck when I’m coming up the wall, I think it adds another dimension to our attack off the rush.”

Skating and fearlessness are Hall’s strengths. Being around Marchand has amplified Hall’s assets away from the puck.

He’s blocked shots. He has busted up numerous opposing scoring chances with his blitzkrieg backchecks. He’s drawn penalties.

“What I love seeing about his game is his details,” Marchand said. “He’s committed to taking care of pucks and backchecking hard. He’s busting his butt back. Made a lot of great defensive plays. He’s finished his 1188085 Buffalo Sabres "As bad a day as Monday was for the Sabres, it's easy to put on more of a happy face when you listened to Tuesday's exit media sessions," writes Mike Harrington.

Mike Harrington: As weird saga unfolds, Sabres go on offense against Has it ever struck you as odd all the injuries Zach Bogosian had here and Jack Eichel how he played basically injury free in Tampa Bay and Toronto until a couple of weeks ago? I wonder about all the "setbacks" players have here in rehab. Carter Hutton was just the latest. Then there are weird May 12, 2021 Updated 11 hrs ago missed diagnoses, such as Will Borgen's fractured hand in New Jersey in February that wasn't discovered until two days later. Mike Harrington Adams admitted just in the last couple days he had a bit of an exit Sports Columnist interview with the medical team and "asked them hard questions" probably related to some of the above. Good.

Take that, Jack. But for now, the Sabres' doctors have made their recommendation and Eichel has to follow it. If this is part of an agenda to push himself out of Pretty simple summary really. If you want to cut through all the give and town and force a trade, that's fine. Eichel is mad about another last-place take of Kevyn Adams' 42-minute end-of-season media session on finish. What's wrong with that? Nothing. Wednesday, that's what I kept circling back to. "I think our guys have felt that they know they’re building something, and Jack Eichel and his camp have made some gross miscalculations this that was great to be a part of and obviously I’d like to be a part of moving week and the Sabres, believe it or not, have a much bigger leg to stand forward," Granato said. on. Taking the side of the team is not the norm in these kinds of situations. You only need to think back to how grievously Darcy Regier And Adams said he's got no problem with Eichel, who hasn't officially handled Teppo Numminen's heart situation by suspending him more than asked for a trade, wearing his heart on his sleeve. a decade ago – by the book correct but nonetheless pretty, um, heartless "You're talking about a young professional athlete that wants to be – to realize that the teams are cold and calculating in these spots most of healthy, wants to play and wants to win," Adams said. "We want players the time. and people in this organization that are passionate." Adams provided a detailed timeline regarding discussions between Still, the narrative is already turning away from the unhappiness of Eichel Eichel and the Sabres' medical staff since the six-year pro played his last and Sam Reinhart and the stay-or-go ambivalence of Rasmus game of the season on March 7. Ristolainen. The Sabres have lost big with all three of them and maybe But players have obligations in their contracts, too. And the first one is it's just time to pivot to other guys, especially since that trio will have a not to go rogue. That's where Eichel lands in all this. Sportsnet's Elliotte good market and bring good returns. Friedman reported Tuesday that Eichel wants to have an experimental Adams loved his exit interviews Tuesday with his younger players and surgery to repair the herniated disc with an artificial one. The Sabres are they were no less impressive when they met the media. You could do a pushing back and understandably so: Adams said Wednesday that, to lot worse than build your team around Dylan Cozens, Rasmus Dahlin the team's knowledge, it's never been done on an NHL player. and Casey Mittelstadt. Friedman cited the surgery being used on a couple of MMA fighters, "I was energized, I was excited," Adams said. "We have a tremendous, which hardly qualifies it for use in the NHL or, for that matter, any of the young core of players that truly care about this team and this four North American pro sports leagues. organization and this city. And I was extremely impressed by how honest Said Adams bluntly: "Our doctors aren't comfortable with that." and mature this group was."

"I would be lying to say that things have moved smoothly since my Adams also had high praise Wednesday for interim coach Don Granato, injury,” said Eichel. who deserves to emerge from the GM's search with the job on a permanent basis. Adams then described what he sees as an overriding Nor should be Terry and , Adams or anyone else associated issue regarding the composition of this team that he couldn't figure out with the Sabres. Eichel's eight-year, $80 million contract requires him to this year and both and Tim Murray failed on before him: go through the team physicians like any other player. He can get second Getting players to buy into "something bigger than themselves." opinions, which is what he did in March when he went to Colorado to get the neck examined. The Sabres' doctors prescribed a 12-week dose of Hmm. That seems like a pretty interesting reference to Eichel and rest and rehab for the neck, a period that doesn't end until early June. Reinhart, the latter of whom has had contract squabbles with the club in Interestingly, Adams said Eichel's second opinion group said the same the past and would be headed toward another if he doesn't get traded. thing. "It's more about are you part of the solution and do you want to be here A 24-year-old can't know it all in these spots. Eichel claimed Monday he and do you want to be part of something great?" Adams said. "And do did a lot of research. Given the latest information, it comes off like he just you want to make this fanbase proud or don't you? And if the answer's learned how to use Google and WebMD. no, then we'll make those decisions."

"I would make sure that I was listening to the doctors, because whether I You will never see me criticize the heart of Eichel, Reinhart and was a player or in my current role, I don't read MRIs," Adams said. "I especially Ristolainen, as they have played nearly 1,400 games for this listen to the experts and I think that's very important for everyone to franchise. But results matter. There haven't been any. This latest chapter understand that these are highly regarded medical professionals that all of Eichel's, if it's a final one in Buffalo, is pretty hard to fathom. agree on the same thing: That conservative care is the proper step of "I understand there's players, veteran-type players that have been where we needed to go." through a lot here," Adams said. "Understood. But we are going to get Now, perhaps one of the problems here is Eichel doesn't trust the this right – with the people that want to be here." Sabres' medical team. He wouldn't be the first. There's been a lot of weirdness going on in recent seasons in that area without much explanation. You can't do anything about Kyle Okposo's smashed Buffalo News LOADED: 05.13.2021 cheekbone in the wake of an absurd Matt Irwin dump-in or the mangling of Jake McCabe's ACL in a collision in the corner in New Jersey.

But Eichel breaks a rib shooting a puck in HarborCenter weeks before camp? Zemgus Girgensons rips a hamstring in a camp scrimmage and misses the entire season? What is with all the high ankle sprains this team has had over the years? Eichel has had two himself and there's been an epidemic of them over the years with Sabres goalies. 1188086 Buffalo Sabres Center Dylan Cozens, drafted seventh overall in 2019, and winger Tage Thompson, a prospect acquired in the Ryan O’Reilly trade, were among the young players who thrived, with the latter totaling seven of his career- As coaching search begins, Don Granato reaffirms desire to lead Sabres high eight goals with Granato as coach.

Though changes to the roster are inevitable and Adams wants to speak to coaching candidates from different backgrounds, he will prioritize Lance Lysowski hiring someone who can help young players improve.

May 12, 2021 Updated 12 hrs ago “Certainly, we have a lot of young players, so the development is critical,” said Adams. “And one of the key messages that came out from our

young players at the end of the season meetings was they felt like they The expressions of frustrations from the Buffalo Sabres' top two players, weren’t caught in the middle. They understood exactly what they were Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart, has not changed Don Granato's mind. supposed to do and then they felt that they were believed in by the staff, meaning if they made a mistake, they could understand what it was and Granato, tabbed the interim coach after Ralph Krueger's firing, reaffirmed now let’s go back out there and not do it again.” his desire to lead the franchise next season. The 53-year-old coached the Sabres to a 9-16-3 record, including one game he missed because of a false positive Covid-19 test. Buffalo News LOADED: 05.13.2021 "We’re going to get better every day, and the better we can progress, the more those wins are going to come or signs of those wins are coming," Granato said during his end-of-season media availability Wednesday. "And I think our guys have felt that they know they’re building something, and that was great to be a part of and obviously, I’d like to be a part of moving forward."

However, Granato must wait to hear if he is the Sabres’ choice. General Manager Kevyn Adams told reporters on Wednesday that he plans to conduct a thorough search, much like the one that ended with the Sabres hiring Seth Appert to coach the .

"I told Donnie, selfishly, I learned a ton through the coaching search process that we went through in the with Seth Appert ultimately being named," said Adams. "I talked to a lot of different people. Every one of those conversations I learned from and I’ve said from the beginning that I want to talk to a lot of people with our current situation in Buffalo. I want to learn, I want to ask questions.

"I just want to talk to a lot of different people with a lot of different backgrounds, so we’re going to do that. Donnie totally understood and I think he believes he’s ready and capable of being a head coach of this team. I understand that he did a very good job, like I said, under challenging circumstances and now we’ll go through the process."

Granato and Adams briefly discussed the matter in the aftermath of the Sabres finishing last in the NHL for the fourth time in eight years with a record of 15-34-7. Granato, who was hired as an assistant under Krueger in June 2019, took over on March 17 after the Sabres endured their 12th consecutive loss.

The Sabres were without Jack Eichel, who played his final game March 7 after suffering a herniated disk in his neck. Jake McCabe, the team’s top defenseman, was out for the season after undergoing knee surgery. Their top two goalies, Linus Ullmark and Carter Hutton, also were injured.

Eric Staal, a 36-year-old center with whom Adams won the Stanley Cup in Carolina in 2016, was traded to Montreal on March 26. Former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall and center Curtis Lazar were dealt to Boston ahead of the April 12 deadline.

Yet, the Sabres gradually improved under Granato. After the team earned the dubious distinction of owning the longest winless streak in franchise history (18 games), Granato led the Sabres to a 9-11-2 record, including at least one win over each of the East Division’s four playoff teams: Pittsburgh, Washington, Boston and the New York Islanders.

“I commend Donnie a lot for the job that he did,” said Sabres winger Kyle Okposo. “He was fantastic when he took over. He came in in one of the toughest situations that I’ve seen in 14 years of pro hockey and he came in and he did a heck of a job.”

Most important for the Sabres’ future, the team’s young players thrived under Granato, most notably Casey Mittelstadt, a center who was drafted eighth overall in 2017. Mittelstadt had nine goals and eight assists for 17 points in the final 22 games.

Rasmus Dahlin, the defenseman drafted first overall in 2018, returned to form under Granato and told reporters Tuesday: “His way to play was how I learned to play hockey. But the thing I felt was that he trusted me as a player. He really saw what my potential was and I felt comfortable playing out there. I wasn’t thinking too much." 1188087 Buffalo Sabres And although Eichel stated he remains captain of the Sabres and reaffirmed his commitment to winning here unless his status with the team changes, his comments Monday suggested a change of scenery Sabres GM Kevyn Adams: Jack Eichel wants surgery never performed may be on his mind. on NHL player "It's been tough at times," Eichel said. "Right now, I think for me the most important thing is just trying to get healthy and figure out a way to be available to play hockey next year wherever that might be." Lance Lysowski Eichel was limited to only two goals after missing the start of training May 12, 2021 Updated 11 hrs ago camp with a broken rib suffered during a preseason on-ice shooting drill at LECOM Harborcenter. He also missed two games with a sprained

ankle and played through an abdominal injury that’s bothered him since Jack Eichel stepped in front of a camera Monday in KeyBank Center and the 2019-20 season. proclaimed to the media that a disconnect with the Sabres has him Motivated by a lost season, Eichel stated he's determined to show that questioning his future in Buffalo. he only "scratched the surface" by scoring a career-high 36 goals last Eichel wasn’t done there. year and wants to position himself for a healthy offseason.

The 24-year-old captain and face of the franchise revealed that the "If it was anyone in any job, or certainly a professional athlete, there’s disagreement stemmed from his desire to undergo surgery on the going to be hesitation if there’s not data to support something like that herniated disk in his neck that limited him to only 21 games. Eichel’s and a comfort level," said Adams. "Our doctors, like I said, they’re not bombshell in which he stated, “Listen, my number one interest and my there." number one goal is Jack Eichel,” fueled trade speculation and raised Here are three additional takeaways from Adams' news conference: questions about the Sabres’ handling of the matter. 1. Adams would not use the term “rebuild,” but he is prepared to make Kevyn Adams’ rebuttal Wednesday provided some answers. During an significant changes. He confirmed that exit interviews with older players opening statement to kick-start a 45-minute end-of-season media on this team included one prominent question: “Do you want to be here?” availability, Adams said that Eichel wants to undergo a procedure that’s never been done on a player in the . Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen told reporters Monday that he’s indifferent. Neither Eichel nor Sam Reinhart were committal when asked The Sabres’ doctors, and a medical expert sought out by Eichel for a if they want to stay. Adams’ focus has turned to surrounding the youth on second opinion, agreed on a “conservative rehab approach” for 12 weeks this roster – Dylan Cozens, Rasmus Dahlin and Casey Mittelstadt, before imaging would determine next steps. among others – with the right players and leaders to continue their “Now it's been speculated and discussed from Jack's camp about respective development. potentially having a surgery that's never been done on a National Hockey Those three names appear to have become a few of the core players for League player before,” said Adams. “Our doctors aren't comfortable with this franchise, and their exit interviews with reporters Tuesday left Adams that. But I think we all are in a position where we want the same thing “energized, excited.” and hope that when we re-image this in the timeline I laid out, Jack will have made steps and strides to be in a position where we're in a better Among the primary goals for Adams and associate general manager spot.” Jason Karmanos is to build the Sabres with players who want to be in Buffalo. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Tuesday night that Eichel is exploring an artificial disk replacement, a surgery that has been “It's more about, ‘Are you part of the solution, and do you want to be performed on only one notable high-performance athlete: mixed martial here?’” added Adams. “’And do you want to be part of something great? artist Chris Weidman, who declared it a success. The Sabres’ doctors, And do you want to make this fanbase proud or don't you?’ And if the meanwhile, suggest there’s a “high probability” that Eichel will recover answer is no, then we'll make those decisions.” through a rest and physical rehabilitation, said Adams. 2. An inability to gel as a team is one of Adams’ concerns entering the There wasn’t a contentious tone to the news conference, which began offseason. He made two significant moves to bolster the Sabres in the with Adams saying: “We all want the same thing when it comes to Jack fall, adding Stanley Cup winner Eric Staal and former Hart Trophy winner Eichel. We want Jack Eichel to be healthy, to be able to play at the top of Taylor Hall. his game, to be one of the best players in the world, like he's proven he is. So, we want all the same thing here.” Yet, the Sabres still faltered under Ralph Krueger. Talent isn’t the problem, according to Adams. He views his current roster, when healthy, Adams clarified that there has been constant communication, formal and as capable of competing. But Adams stated that players have failed to informal, between both sides. The 12-week period of rest will conclude at come together as a team. He then called the young Sabres the “bright the end of this month. He also downplayed the “disconnect” with Eichel, light,” a source of hope that brightened the outlook for this franchise in stating that the bigger issue on his mind is the fractured relationship with the season’s final weeks. a fanbase that’s suffered through 10 consecutive seasons outside the Stanley Cup Playoffs. “We have, as I’ve probably characterized before, a lot of good hockey players that maybe haven’t meshed well together and formed what’s The Sabres finished at the bottom of the National Hockey League for the critically important, is buying into something bigger than themselves, fourth time in eight years. Drafted second overall by Buffalo in 2015, which is critical for team success,” said Adams. “That’s what we have to Eichel has yet to experience team success despite scoring at least 20 find. That’s the magic. So, we’re going to work hard to do that.” goals in each of his first five seasons, including a career-high 36 in 2019- 20. 3. Adams acknowledged there is uncertainty with relying on young players. Development can be volatile and varies by position. Insulating "You're talking about a young, professional athlete that wants to be them is important. The next coach must have a strong background in healthy and wants to play and wants to win," said Adams. "I don't want to helping prospects inch closer to their potential. put words in Jack's mouth on why he reacted the way he did on Monday, or why there was emotion there. But I'll flip it around on a positive note to Adams, though, expressed confidence that the young players who say, we want players and people in this organization that are passionate, thrived under interim coach Don Granato will succeed next season. that want to win, that want to be here, and are excited to put this jersey "I'm comfortable and confident we have a core of young players that are on and make this city proud.” just scratching the surface of kind of who they are," said Adams. "They've It’s unclear, though, if Eichel wants to be part of the Sabres’ future. He been in the league a little bit, so they're starting to identify what it takes to has five years remaining on a contract that carries a $10 million annual succeed." cap hit. His full no-movement clause begins July 1, 2022, which would allow him to nix any trade. Teams around the NHL will line up to try to acquire a player who many consider talented enough to someday win the Buffalo News LOADED: 05.13.2021 Hart Trophy. 1188088 Buffalo Sabres Eichel wants to preemptively schedule surgery for the 12-week mark in early June, but the Sabres want to wait to see the results and evaluate further.

How are the Sabres reacting to the Jack Eichel situation? GM Kevyn Recovery time for artificial disk replacement is 2-3 months. If Eichel has Adams speaks successful surgery in early June, he’d be ready for training camp in September. But if he waits, the ailment and recovery could linger into the 2021-22 season. By John Vogl Plus, doctors have told Eichel the surgery will help him now and when May 12, 2021 he’s older.

“Obviously, this is uncharted territory for probably a lot of us on how to move forward,” Eichel said. “I’m just trying to do what’s best for Jack Kevyn Adams presented more facts. The opinion remains. Eichel in the long term because one day — hopefully, a long time from It’s hard to imagine Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart playing for the Sabres now — I won’t play any more hockey. My career will be over, and I’ve got again. to be a father and a husband.

While Buffalo and Eichel wait to see if their medical dispute can be “There’s a lot to take into it. We’re not talking about just a black-and- resolved amicably and with good health, Adams is looking to next white ankle sprain or separated shoulder. We’re talking about a herniated season. The general manager knows what he wants for the Sabres. disk in your neck. It’s a serious thing.”

“We are going to get this right with the people that want to be here,” While the Sabres hope 12 weeks will be enough time for Eichel to show Adams said during his season exit interview. “We want players and progress without surgery, there’s no guarantee the injury will heal itself. people in this organization that are passionate, that want to win and that “Rehabbing and delaying surgery risks a more serious injury that could want to be here and are excited to put this jersey on and make the city lead to fusion surgery,” said Virginia Zakas, managing director of Inside proud.” Injuries. “That would come with more long-term complications and a Eichel has not requested a trade, but he and Reinhart have made it clear longer recovery time. Even if Eichel’s injury doesn’t get worse next their excitement and passion for the Sabres is waning. Six years of season, it could still bother him enough that it hurts his performance.” losing, disappointment and dysfunction have them contemplating happier Adams, though, has complete faith in the Sabres’ medical team. The homes. While Adams wouldn’t divulge details of his one-on-one chats medical director is Dr. Leslie J. Bisson, an orthopedic surgeon who with the team leaders, he admitted there are players in Buffalo ready to completed a fellowship at American Sports Medicine Institute and is also get out. medical director of the . (Full disclosure: Bisson performed “There was an honesty both ways, and I appreciate that,” Adams said. “I the author’s meniscus surgery and advised against shoulder surgery.) asked some hard questions. Players were very honest with me back. There are three other doctors on the Sabres’ staff, all specializing in “Some of those type of questions were asked by me, ‘Do you want to be sports medicine. here? Is this a place that you see yourself having success?’ When I look “Do I have comfort in our doctors? One hundred percent,” Adams said. at certain situations, some of it was, ‘Hey, I’m all in. This is the only place I want to play.’ And some of it was, ‘I’m up for anything.’ The GM played parts of 10 seasons in the NHL. He was asked to put his player’s cap back on and say how he would have felt being told by the “We’ll sort that out.” team that he couldn’t follow his own medical preference. It remains to be seen whether Adams can build a winning organization, “First of all, I would make sure that I was listening to the doctors,” Adams but the first-year GM has a clear vision for his construction process. It said. “Whether I was a player or in my current role, I don’t read MRIs. I features players eager to be part of a team in Buffalo. Adams said the listen to the experts. I think that’s very important for everyone to Sabres have a lot of good players who haven’t “meshed well together” understand that these are highly regarded medical professionals that all and haven’t been “buying into something bigger than themselves, which agree on the same thing: that conservative care is the proper step of is critical for team success.” where we needed to go. “That’s what we have to find,” Adams said. “That’s the magic, right? “It’s not just the Sabres doctors. That’s also the second-opinion situation We’re going to work hard to do that.” we’re in.” The offseason could shake the Sabres to their core, though the seismic Eichel is at the Sabres’ mercy until at least the end of the month when activity may not start until Eichel is healthy. He’s still dealing with a doctors evaluate him following the 12-week rehab program. Adams herniated disk in his neck suffered in March, an ailment that has created declined to speculate what might happen if Eichel isn’t healed. The public a rift between the captain and the organization. fight regarding surgery could become more bitter and feature the NHL Team doctors are opposed to surgery. Eichel would like to schedule an Players’ Association or lawyers. artificial disk replacement for June. The procedure been around for two “We’ll update you all when it’s appropriate with the situation,” Adams in the United States and longer in Europe, but that information said. “The key part is that we’re still in that conservative care window, comes with a major asterisk. and then we’ll see where we go from here.” “It’s never been performed on an NHL hockey player,” Adams said. “Our It will also be interesting to see where Eichel goes because it’s doubtful doctors aren’t comfortable with that. he’ll remain in Buffalo. He won’t be the only one departing. The Sabres “Anyone in any job, but certainly professional athletes, there’s going to be will make changes. hesitation if there’s not data to support something like that.” Adams has a new team in mind. Instead of surgery, the Sabres’ medical team outlined a 12-week rest and “We have to think about what’s gone on, then we have to think about how rehab treatment plan, which carries into the final week of May. When we get better and move forward,” Adams said. “I want players waking up Eichel got a second opinion outside the organization, that doctor (or every day thinking about, ‘How can I be the best version of myself? How doctors) agreed with the Sabres’ strategy. can I help this franchise go the right way?’ “There’s a high probability that through a conservative rehab approach, “I’m certainly not going to back down from that.” you are able to avoid surgery and you’re able to come back and perform at the top of your game,” Adams said. “That is what everybody agreed upon, and that’s the hopes that we all still have. What I want to make sure you all understand is we’re still in that window.” The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021

Eichel has agreed to the 12-week window, but he has also talked with multiple neurosurgeons. They’ve told the 24-year-old that if a disk doesn’t retract into place within six weeks, it’s not going to happen. Therefore, 1188089 Calgary Flames

Monahan shut down for season with hip injury

Daniel Austin

Publishing date: May 12, 2021

The Calgary Flames are shutting down Sean Monahan for the rest of the season.

With the Flames now out of playoff contention, it announced Wednesday morning that Monahan will miss their final four games so he can get hip surgery and be ready to return the ice in time for next season’s training camp.

The hip injury has been bothering Monahan for “20-some games,” according to head coach .

“He did battle through it. He’s done it not for two or three games, he’s done it for the last 20 games,” Sutter said.

“It tells you about his character and desire and give-you-what-he’s-got. I’ve said that all along about him, Sean tried to do everything I asked him to do and he did it with pain. I give him a lot of credit.”

The hip injury does explain a lot about Monahan’s productivity this season, which was down from past years. He’ll end the season with 10 goals and 18 assists in 50 games, which is a considerably slower pace than he’s managed in most of his seven other seasons with the Flames.

That inevitably led to criticism, despite the 26-year-old upping his defensive game to the point where Sutter placed him on the team’s penalty-kill for a number of games.

It’s worth noting, though, that Monahan’s production did slow considerably over his final 24 games. That happens to roughly coincide with the timeline that Sutter presented for Monahan’s injury. In those two- dozen games, Monahan scored only three goals and added four assists.

“Mony, a guy who battles through injuries means a lot to us as teammates,” said Flames captain Mark Giordano.

“That’s the type of guy Mony is. I’ve played with him and known him for a long time now. I thought he did a lot of really good things this year as far as playing a good all-around game. For him to be battling like that towards the end tell you what type of guy he is.

“He’s always been a guy who does that. He’s a quiet guy, so it goes unnoticed a lot, but I think he continues to work on Mony as a player. He continues to get better on his all-around game. Me just knowing him from right where he started, his 200-foot game, his face-offs, has all gotten so much better every year. I think people are always going to judge him based on goals and assists, but as a teammate and player who has played with him, we don’t just judge him on that.”

That was a sentiment echoed by Flames forward Milan Lucic, who was quick to credit Monahan for the toughness he showed in fighting through his injury this season.

“He’s a teammate I’ve been close with ever since I’ve been a part of the Flames,” Lucic said. “He battled through a lot just to get through this season, fighting with the hip injury that he’s had.

“A lot of people can say what they want to say about him, but at the end of the day he’s one of the guys who will battle through anything to help his teammates and try to help them be in the best position that they can. He is a really good character guy and a great teammate.”

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188090 Calgary Flames team were, were placed on this team because of the bubble and from people that really don’t follow the team very well.

“This team was going to have to fight to be a playoff team. They weren’t Flames lament missed opportunities after playoff hopes end a top-three team in this division, for sure. It was going to be a fourth- to fifth- to sixth-place team, and that’s exactly what it played out to be.”

Daniel Austin Ultimately, the Flames didn’t win enough games to make the playoffs. Long before Sutter arrived, the players spoke about wanting to establish Publishing date: May 12, 2021 their team as a real Stanley Cup contender this year, and they simply couldn’t bounce back from a slow start. Losing nine of 11 games in late-

March and early-April certainly didn’t help, either, especially because For weeks, the Calgary Flames kept their game faces on. they badly needed a winning streak of some sort to turn things around.

As a playoff berth became less and less likely, the Flames players “We didn’t have that at all,” Lucic said. “To me, that’s the most dutifully sat in front of the media and repeated that as long as there was disappointing part, especially because of the resiliency I saw in this still a possibility, they were going to continue fighting for it. group, in this team, last year and even the year before when I was in Edmonton. Now, though, it is impossible. The Montreal Canadiens mathematically eliminated the Flames from post-season contention when they earned a “I got to watch a lot when they finished first in the conference. They tied a point by getting to overtime against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday lot of games up six-on-five, winning in overtime, coming back in games, night. going on win streaks and all that type of stuff. That’s the thing that I’m disappointed in as an individual and as a team, that we didn’t have that There’s some poetry in that, given that the Habs’ ability to push games resiliency as a group this year.” into overtime played such a key part in them separating themselves from the Flames in the playoff race.

“It’s been hard,” said Flames forward Milan Lucic. “Especially, you look Calgary Sun: LOADED: 05.13.2021 back and there’s more than a handful of games where we were tied or up a goal or down a goal and we didn’t take it to overtime. We lost in regulation, we didn’t get those points we should’ve got.

“I could sit here and give you eight examples of it, but that’s the frustrating and disappointing part, is we weren’t able to pull through in those certain games.”

In the coming days, the focus will likely shift to the off-season and what moves Flames management may make to improve the team.

The sting of missing the playoffs remains fresh, though, especially for guys like Lucic and Flames captain Mark Giordano who are in their 30s.

Those one-goal losses are particularly frustrating, too. The Flames lost 10 one-goal games in regulation this season. The Habs lost only four in regulation but also had 10 overtime defeats where they collected at least one point. The Flames only had three.

Even if the Flames hadn’t been able to turn some of those losses into wins, simply scoring a few more goals and picking up loser-points in OT would have made the playoff race a lot closer.

“Honestly, you have to find a way to get games into overtime,” Giordano said. “It’s such a close league. Just looking at Montreal, I think they had (seven) more loser points than we did, so right there it shows you how important those points are to get when you don’t win games.

“As far as us, there’s lots of different areas we have to go over. It just felt like we couldn’t get those games into overtime. We weren’t scoring enough. We were getting one goal or sometimes none. That’s definitely one area that stands out, but there’s a lot of different things that go into that.”

Looking back at the season, it’s hard to pinpoint where exactly things went wrong. They talked about needing to get off to a fast start during training camp, and then struggled in the early going.

There were make-or-break road trips in February where the Flames couldn’t string wins together.

There were growing pains as the Flames adjusted to new head coach Darryl Sutter’s demanding system in March and early-April, and then a couple key losses in close games down the stretch.

Maybe if a couple of those one-goal losses had gone to overtime, things might have wound up differently, but the Flames were 1-21-1 in games where they trailed after two periods and 7-10-3 in one-goal games.

Even then, though, the Flames weren’t going to suddenly turn into a team that was fighting with the for first-place in the North Division.

“When you play in a seven-team league and you get behind the eight-ball and you get anywhere from four to eight to 10 points out, it’s really tough to get in,” Sutter said. “I think that a lot of what the expectations of this 1188091 Carolina Hurricanes The Predators have a pretty pitiful power play for the year, but that reached new lows against Carolina where they only generated 4.4 expected goals and 3.6 actual goals per 60. The latter mark is almost half 2021 NHL playoff preview: Predators vs. Hurricanes their season total. The penalty kill was an even bigger disaster as they allowed 7.7 expected goals and nearly double the actual goals per 60. Scoring 14.5 goals per 60 is a very high rate, one that led to a 34.6 percent success rate. Keeping Carolina in check at five-on-five means By Dom Luszczyszyn nothing if the special teams are that horrendous. May 12, 2021 Power plays can be notoriously streaky, though, and that gives Nashville an avenue to success. It’ll be an exceptionally difficult one to accomplish given the series results, but the Predators should have a fighting chance If only things were back to normal with arenas at full capacity. Carolina if they can stop the Hurricanes’ power play and generate something the and Nashville have two of the league’s most passionate fan bases other way. creating raucous crowds and absolutely electric atmospheres. The two teams are right near the top of the league in that department, nearly A lot of people figure the team will need Juuse Saros to steal the series neck-and-neck with each other. as he’s been doing marvellously during the second half, and that’s correct to an extent given Carolina’s power-play prowess. But the The actual on-ice matchup likely won’t be that close. Carolina handily Hurricanes are also one of the few teams where Nashville doesn’t have won a very competitive Central Division and has looked like one of the the edge between the pipes. The two teams finished first and second in very best teams in hockey all season. Nashville has done well in the five-on-five save percentage this year with next to nothing separating season’s second half, miraculously climbing out of an early season hole them. If that continues, Nashville will need more than Saros to come out to make the playoffs, but there is still a rather wide chasm between these ahead — and that’s where a path to victory becomes a bit more difficult two clubs. to envision with the talent the team has at its disposal.

This is a mismatch and the proof is in the games the teams have already Roster breakdown played against each other. Matchup adjustment takes into account each player’s Game Score Series odds against this specific opponent as well as his Game Score over the last six weeks. The numbers may be slightly skewed as a result of ice-time Matchup adjustment takes into account each player’s Game Score allocation. against this specific opponent as well as his Game Score over the last six weeks. Before the season started this model was very high on both Petr Mrazek and Saros, much to the ire of some Canadiens fans who figured the It took seven tries for the Predators to beat the Hurricanes this season, thought of either of them being better than Carey Price was audacious. and that happened on one of the final nights of the season when Carolina Mrazek only suited up for 12 games, but had a .923 save percentage in no longer had anything to really play for. The Predators won another that time frame, saving 10 goals above expected. That’s almost one per meaningless matchup two nights later when both teams rested a plethora game. Saros was just as hot in the season’s second half and finished the of starters, but for the most part, this has been the Carolina show. The season with a .927 save percentage, saving seven goals above two wins against Carolina to close the season did help lessen Nashville’s expected. They were in fact two of the league’s top goalies and big matchup disadvantage slightly, but it’s still an extra 3.3 percentage points reasons either team is in this position. in Carolina’s favour. Carolina has the slightest edge here (especially considering Alex Underdogs come through all the time and 35 percent is hardly a death Nedeljkovic is rated just as highly as Mrazek and can step in if Mrazek sentence; in all honesty, it’s a lot better than I expected. The Predators falters) which doesn’t bode well for the Predators. Saros is the team’s already faced much longer odds this season just to make the playoffs. biggest strength and he’ll need to be the best goalie in the series for Before this weekend’s games, the odds were even steeper (closer to 30 Nashville to have a chance, but that doesn’t seem to be the likeliest percent), but Carolina is still rightfully the expected winner here with a scenario here. With goaltending, “likely” is always a crapshoot, but it’s five-, six- or seven-game series all being equally likely. never a good thing when a team’s biggest strength is still a step below The Hurricanes are deeper on paper, finished higher in the standings, the team it’s facing. had stronger underlying numbers down the stretch and owned the head- Across the rest of the lineup, Nashville lacks the high-end talent to keep to-head matchup during the season. There aren’t many reasons to like up with the Hurricanes, both up front and on the back end. The depth is the Predators here and they will be in tough to pull off the upset, but there, sure, but depth isn’t going to win a playoff series when there are Nashville won’t be a pushover. Despite the lopsided head-to-head colossal differences in top of the lineup talent. record, the games were closer than they appear. At forward, Carolina’s top line is very much one to fear, especially since Season stats Teuvo Teravainen has returned from injury. In the eight games since Across the board, the Hurricanes were just plain better this year, which is where all three played, the trio has dominated with a 59 percent expected to be expected given the seeding. Carolina was better at five-on-five, goals rate, outscoring opponents 8-4 at five-on-five. Sebastian Aho and playing a high-event style that worked in the team’s favour given their Andrei Svechnikov have been a terrific pair all season, putting up a 56 weak finishing and strong goaltending. Nashville allowed fewer expected percent expected goals percentage without Teravainen, but there’s no goals against but didn’t generate anywhere near the same amount of doubt his playmaking and defensive ability adds an extra boost. The top chances the other way. That led to a five percentage point edge in line was incredible during last year’s playoffs and they’re looking to pick expected goals, though the edge in actual goals was tighter due in part to up right where they left off during this postseason. Carolina’s lack of finishing ability. Aho, in particular, has been red hot down the stretch, scoring 24 points in The difference on special teams is much more substantial and it’s here his last 19 games, which ranks third leaguewide over the time frame. where Carolina will likely do the most damage. The Hurricanes are the That’s put him above a point-per-game pace for the season and while he league’s best overall team in that area, earning the second-best goal rate may not be at the level of Connor McDavid or , he’s an on both the power play and penalty kill this season. Nashville, on the elite talent thanks to his play-driving ability. He’s the type of top centre other hand, was bottom 10 in both. that teams can win a Stanley Cup with.

That turned out to be the team’s demise during the season series as the The problem in previous seasons for Carolina was the depth behind the Predators actually kept the attempts and chances closer than one might top line and down the middle behind Aho specifically. It was good, but not expect at even strength (though that’s slightly obfuscated by the last great. That’s changed this season thanks to the resurgence of Vincent couple of games). Despite being a below-average expected goals team, Trocheck, who has looked a lot closer to his peak self in his first full they kept the Hurricanes under their season average when the two went season as a Hurricane. He’s projected for two wins here, but played head-to-head at five-on-five. The power play was an entirely different closer to a three-win rate this season, resembling his peak from 2015 to story and it’s the main reason Carolina went 6-2-0 against Nashville this 2017 in Florida. Injuries derailed his play since and he was on a worrying season. trajectory when Carolina acquired him at last year’s deadline, but it’s safe to say he’s back. Trocheck scored 43 points in 47 games this season and was one of the team’s top play drivers. When a team’s first and second- nightmare for the Predators, who don’t look like they have the answers to line centres can both put up a 56 percent expected goals rate and earn solve Carolina’s high-end depth. Only four players in the top nine had a over 60 percent of the actual goals, they’re going to be in a good spot. positive expected goals percentage this season and that was led by Arvidsson at 53 percent. That would rank 11th among Carolina’s It helps to have lineup consistency throughout the year and Trocheck forwards. Forsberg was the only imposing force against Carolina this found some strong chemistry early with Nino Niederreiter and Martin year in terms of tilting the ice and he still only managed three points in six Necas. The trio created one of the league’s best and most unheralded games. This is going to be an uphill battle, though Duchene returning to second lines. Niederreiter continued his play-driving excellence thanks to form would certainly help. his offensive zone ability and got back up to a 30-goal pace. The speedy Necas was an absolute revelation in his second season, scoring at a 63- Things are a bit closer on the back end where both teams are led by a point pace while unsurprisingly being the team’s most efficient player at clear top three, and while Nashville indeed has some strong defensive entering the zone with control. He did struggle against the Predators this talent, it once again pales in comparison to what Carolina can offer. season, though, with just three points and a 37 percent expected goals rate in eight games. There aren’t many teams that can match the triumvirate of Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm, but unfortunately for the Predators, Overall, the trio clicked and it allowed the Hurricanes to keep that Carolina is one of them. The comparison may have been in Nashville’s terrifying top line intact (when Teravainen was healthy) as they finally had favour last season when Josi won the Norris Trophy and Ellis was the requisite depth to allow it. It also allowed the team to establish an playing similarly well when healthy, but it’s completely flipped this annoying checking line that doesn’t have the pressure of providing season. secondary offense (though still has the ability to), headlined by Jordan Staal and Warren Foegele. Staal and Foegele are the team’s best Dougie Hamilton was right there with Josi in the Norris Trophy race last forecheckers and will be a pain in the butt during the playoffs, grinding year before getting injured and he’s managed to stay in that top tier this down opponents hard. Staal fits a lot better as the third-line centre on a season. By GSVA, Hamilton ranks third in defencemen value this year contender rather than the 2C. Though he had a productive scoring behind only Adam Fox and Devon Toews. He puts up points with the season, his on-ice numbers were his weakest in a long time. The best of them, handles tough minutes well and drives play better than any Hurricanes’ expected goal difference was 0.4 per 60 better with Staal on other defender in the league. The Hurricanes have enjoyed a 57 percent the bench, the first time since 2011-12 that Staal has been in the expected goals rate of better in each season Hamilton has been on the negatives. He has the capacity to be better and showed that against team and a 62 percent goal rate in each of the last two. At five-on-five, Nashville this season with a 64 percent expected goals rate to go with it’s hard to find a more valuable defenceman and it’s no coincidence that five points in six games. Carolina’s power play started to take off once Hamilton became the top option for it. It’s a deep top nine with a clear hierarchy of ability. The Predators’ top nine is much more of a mixed bag — spreading the wealth to create the Josi was incredible at five-on-five last year, but a lot of that was on him illusion of depth, masking the lack of high-end talent. With the current enjoying some fortunate percentages at both ends of the ice that were lineup formation, the Predators don’t really have a top line, they have likely outside his control. There’s a massive difference between his 62 three lines that look far too close to what Carolina puts out as its third percent goal rate from last year and 45 percent from this year, but not line. That’s … a problem. much when it comes to expected goals where he’s been steady at 52-53 percent in each season. Those percentages play a big role in shaping The Predators have a number of forwards with recognizable track perception. Per the model, Josi isn’t as bad as his numbers this season, records, the issue is that aside from , none of them appear but he’s also not as good as he was last season. There are very few to be very good anymore — at least not to their previous level. After a defenders who can move the puck up ice as well as Josi, but this year down year in 2019-20, there was an expectation of a bounce-back for a that hasn’t translated to elite results. number of the team’s top offensive players. Instead, there was further degradation. Forsberg led the team with 32 points in 39 games, which is In the battle of No. 1 defencemen, Carolina gets the edge. It wasn’t even roughly par for the course for him, but everyone else with any semblance close head-to-head. Josi had one goal in five games and a 44 percent of offensive expectations failed to deliver. Viktor Arvidsson had 25 points expected goals rate, good for an average Game Score of 0.10. Hamilton in 50 games (41-point pace) though to his credit 10 of those were in his led the Hurricanes at 1.38, thanks to seven points in seven games and a last 15 games. More alarming are the team’s highest-paid forwards: 61 percent expected goals rate. Ryan Johansen had 21 points in 48 games (36-point pace) this season Outside of the obvious Hamilton vs. Josi battle is the one featuring a while somehow managed just 13 points in 34 games (31- quartet of the league’s most underrated defencemen, with similar point pace). qualities on each side. Jaccob Slavin and Ellis round out the top pairs to The latter two are especially disappointing because they’re supposed to the superstar partners, providing a quietly staunch defensive presence be the team’s top two centres and they cost $8 million a year each to that allows Hamilton and Josi to do their thing. They both play a combine to be about as productive as Trocheck. Duchene has had some dependable 200-foot game while staying out of the box, a very difficult very bad luck this year and is still the team’s best player off the rush. He thing to do for their role. On the second pair, both Brett Pesce and shouldn’t be saddled to the third line, but a 52.3 percent expected goals Ekholm don’t earn the same praise as the top two defenders on their rate doesn’t scream dominance, either. Johansen has been out-chanced teams, but they are both defensive stalwarts with a surprising ability to at five-on-five for the second straight season and was particularly weak drive offence, capable of manning their own pair. The quartet would against Carolina this season. normally be equal in value, but the matchup/recency adjustment skews things back toward Carolina. Slavin has been a rock on the top pair The top nine feels like a mish-mash of throwing things at a wall and against Nashville while Pesce has quietly been one of the league’s best seeing what sticks. The entire second line, and Duchene’s presence on defenders down the stretch, posting a 61 percent expected goals rate the third line, speaks volumes about what coach values: while chipping in eight points in his last 22 games. By average Game goals. Duchene’s PDO has been in the toilet all season and he’s seen his Score, he’s seventh among defencemen in that time frame. The ice time crater as a result. The second line was put together in mid- Nashville duo has both been out-chanced during that stretch. March and has stayed together despite an ugly 42 percent expected goals percentage together. Miraculously outscoring opponents 16-7 will Brady Skjei rounds out the top four for Carolina and his low rating here do that for you. It’s working for now as Hynes rides the hot hand, but that likely requires some explanation. He’s been a capable top-four player for only stays true for so long. It’s only a matter of time before the clock the Hurricanes this year, but the model seems to be giving a lot of credit strikes midnight on those percentages and Nashville better hope it’s not for that to Pesce. While Skjei’s expected and actual goals percentage are during this series because whichever of the top two Carolina lines that both above break-even, his relative numbers were fairly negative this gets that matchup will likely eat it alive. Svechnikov and Aho already season. Skjei looks a lot better than the numbers give him credit for and, have expected goals shares north of 62 percent against Nashville this according to data tracked by Corey Sznajder, this year he was one of year, so the team has already had plenty of trouble keeping the top line Carolina’s best puck-movers from the back end. That’s a welcome at bay. That second line likely won’t be the answer. development given Skjei was a turnover machine in New York. He really cleaned that up this year, but there’s still some reason for skepticism I’m not sure there’s a combination of forwards here that would be the regarding his value. answer. The best trio Nashville can make still wouldn’t be as good as Carolina’s second line, let alone its first — and it would only leave the The third pair isn’t much to write home about on either side, but that’s par rest of the lineup more vulnerable. This looks like it’ll be a matchup for the course for most teams. I’m not sure what it’ll take to get Jake Gardiner in the lineup, but he seems to still be one of Carolina’s six best defencemen. His numbers have returned right to normal this year and his presence would give Carolina a boost. Nashville has a ton of options for the third pair and the one listed is by far the best case scenario. If the Predators opt for one or both of Erik Gudbranson or Ben Harpur, they’re going to have a bad time and their odds will drop by a sizeable margin. Their lineup already has very little room for error.

The bottom line

Fancy math is unnecessary to make sense of any David vs. Goliath matchup and this series is no different. Carolina was one of the best teams this year while Nashville needed a small miracle to make the playoffs. The Hurricanes are relatively heavy favourites and it would be difficult to find anyone that would disagree with that.

Carolina had better numbers across the board this season that were driven by high-end talent and depth that Nashville will have a very difficult time matching. There aren’t many answers in the Predators lineup for what the Hurricanes will throw at them. And while depending on goaltending got them this far, Nashville meets their match in that department against the Hurricanes.

With all that being said, the two teams did play a relatively tight five-on- five game during the regular season. On paper, it looks like a heavy mismatch and special teams might make it so, but at even strength, Nashville might be able to hang with Carolina if the season series was any indication. This one has the potential to get interesting if the Predators’ best players find a resurgence elixir somehow and Saros outduels Mrazek by a substantial margin, but all signs point to Carolina coming out on top.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188092 Chicago Blackhawks Lankinen finished with the best numbers, handily, in the three-goalie race. The rookie compiled a 17-14-5 record with a 3.01 goals-against average and .909 save percentage.

10 things we learned about the Chicago Blackhawks offseason from Stan Malcolm Subban was 6-8-1 with a 3.20 GAA and .900 save percentage, Bowman and Jeremy Colliton, including Jonathan Toews’ status and while Collin Delia finished at 1-3-1, 3.59 and .902. None had anywhere whether Kevin Lankinen has a grip on the starting goalie job close to a full sample size.

“I think (Lankinen) emerged as the guy who stepped forward, but they all By PHIL THOMPSON had their moments,” Bowman said. “Certainly Delia was later in the year, and Malcolm had good stretches in the middle, kind of in support of CHICAGO TRIBUNE Kevin.”

MAY 12, 2021 AT 6:53 PM It would be a shocker if Lankinen isn’t in net for next season’s opener, but Bowman stopped short of making that declaration.

“Kevin probably took the biggest step forward, but I don’t think any took a and Jeremy Colliton are usually the ones conducting the step backward,” he said. “It was great to see Kevin take that. It was a big exit interviews, but they were the ones taking questions Wednesday workload, a lot of games in a short amount of time and his first about the state of the Chicago Blackhawks. experience with NHL action. He handled it well. The team’s president of hockey operations and coach addressed “We want everyone to look to be better.” questions about the rebuild’s progress, the 2021 season, contract negotiations and plans for the offseason and next season, which the NHL Blackhawks goaltender Kevin Lankinen stops a shot against the Dallas reportedly has targeted to begin Oct. 12. Stars at the on Sunday, May 9, 2021.

Here are 10 observations from their end-of-season interview. 4. Telling Dylan Strome earlier about his possible scratch would’ve been ‘the wrong thing to do.’ 1. Stan Bowman assessed the season and what went wrong. Strome’s revelation Tuesday was a bit of an eye-opener: He didn’t find The Hawks went 14-9-5 in the first half and were in strong position to out that he was scratched from the lineup for the April 21 game against contend for a playoff spot. But they went 10-16-2 the rest of the way and the Nashville Predators until after warmups. missed the postseason cut. “That’s never fun,” he said. “I had no idea that day.” “We had the most games by rookies in the whole league,” Bowman noted. Ten rookies were in the lineup for each of the final two games, According to Colliton, the late notice couldn’t be avoided. and both Bowman and Colliton said the rookies and other young players eventually wore down. “Wyatt (Kalynuk) was banged up going into the game, and so we didn’t know if he was going to be able to play,” Colliton said. “When you have as many young players (as we did), you have to figure out a way, when you don’t have your A-game, you can’t have your C- The Hawks went through a late stretch in which a defenseman would get game,” Bowman said. “You have to at least have a B-game there so you hurt during a game and they would be down to five. They started can stay competitive, find a way to keep the game in reach and then get dressing seven defensemen, meaning a forward had to sit. In fact, during some points out of the games.” that April 21 game, Calvin de Haan reinjured his hip and left in the first period. It wasn’t just youth, however. When the Hawks were great at transition offense, opponents bogged it down at the blue line. When the Hawks Ideally, Colliton said, he would’ve informed Strome in the morning or the depended on the power play, teams tried to take away Patrick Kane or day before, but “in that situation, I think the wrong thing to do is before Alex DeBrincat. the game or in the morning say, ‘Hey, you’re going to be a healthy scratch tonight, but if Kalynuk can’t go, you’ll play, so get ready to play.’ “When one area slipped — whether it was the forwards, the (defense), the goaltending, the special teams — when one of those was not sharp, “You never like letting a guy know late like that, but we feel like we made we didn’t have enough to overcome it,” Bowman said. “As we go ahead the best (decision) and we explained that to Stromer, so it shouldn’t be to next year, what does it look like? an issue.”

“Hopefully we can bring in some new players — whether they’re players 5. What separates the Blackhawks from elite teams? Depth, according to from within, players that we trade for or that we sign as free agents — Jeremy Colliton. who can help bring the minimum level higher. And then also we need The Hawks competed for a while despite a youthful core, but they’re young players to take the next step in their career.” going to need more from those players, as well as reinforcements, if 2. Few teams depended more on rookies than the Blackhawks. they’re going to move up a rung next season.

The Hawks got major contributions from Pius Suter and Brandon Hagel “When you look back to the (Edmonton) bubble and that (2020 playoff) throughout the season, and defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk came on late. series against Vegas, we just felt like we didn’t have enough depth,” Colliton said. “I thought we played hard and we competed and the details The Hawks had the most goals (42) and second-most points (95) in the of our game were pretty good, but we just couldn’t sustain it at that level league by rookies. Hawks rookies also generated 22.2% of the team’s for long enough.” points, the third-biggest share in the league behind the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators. 6. Jeremy Colliton explained his offseason plans.

“We saw some of those young players, they really performed well in the The summer is a time for not only scouting and reviewing film but also beginning,” Bowman said. “You’re trying to prove yourself. … Once you self-reflection. Colliton revealed the questions he’ll be asking himself and get to the middle of the season, you’ve played a lot more games than you his staff. normally would in a six- or eight-week period. What ended up happening “How can we help these guys have more success?” he said. “What can with some of our guys, they hit the wall a little bit.” we do tactically? Different ideas, how can we be more flexible?

But in the big picture, Bowman said, “I’m happy … we had so many “This year we tried a lot of different things tactically, whether it’s different young players that not only had the opportunity to get a game or two, forechecks, adjustments in (the defensive) zone, little details that can (but) they played a long stretch of games consecutively. hopefully help us get better. We’re going to keep talking about those “We talked about it coming into the year, that that was going to be things and how we can help our guys have more success individually.” important for us to have some players step forward, and we had even 7. Should the Blackhawks have rested Patrick Kane? more than expected that came through and were big contributors.” Kane on Tuesday revealed he has been dealing with an injury “issue” 3. Kevin Lankinen is the starting goalie next season, right? since the summer, though he played all 56 games and among the most minutes in the league for a forward. Colliton dismissed the idea the Hawks should’ve shut Kane down once they were out of playoff contention.

“He at no point felt like that was something he wanted to do,” Colliton said. “He wants to play. He feels like he’s going to have an impact on the game no matter what.”

8. Don’t expect major changes to the defensive system.

The Hawks ranked 24th in goals against per game (3.29) entering Wednesday’s games and allowed the sixth-most five-on-five goals. They’re also No. 1 in high-danger chances against per 60 minutes (12.17), according to NaturalStatTrick.com.

To Colliton, it’s more about individual execution than the system.

“There’s lots of little adjustments you make during the season and little tweaks that we have done and will continue to do to make it easier,” he said. “Ultimately, a lot of it boils down to … being on the defensive side, making sure that we’re boxing out at the net, taking sticks, making sure that we’re quick to close, get a stop and then ready to support to go the other way.

“That’s the base and that’s going to be the base of success in most systems. … There’s going to be minor differences in approach in specific situations, but where we’ve got to invest most of our time is individually, continuing to help guys get better and understanding what it takes to defend in the league.”

Bowman essentially agreed: “As far as goals against, that’s something we want to work on as a team. We know that. It can be a combination of players executing better.”

9. Nikita Zadorov is just one of the free agents likely to be back next season.

Zadorov has said he wants to stay in Chicago, and it looks like the defenseman will get his wish — if his camp and Bowman can reach an agreement. Zadorov is a restricted free agent after carrying a $3.2 million cap hit this season.

“We started that process,” Bowman said about negotiations. “He and a few other guys, we’ve got some contracts we’ve got to sign. Not a real busy offseason, but we do have a handful of guys who need new contracts.

Pius Suter, Adam Gaudette and David Kampf are also restricted free agents, and Hagel is up for a new deal as well.

“We’ve engaged at the beginning stages with most of them already,” Bowman said.

10. We can pretty much stop asking about Jonathan Toews — for now.

The status of the star center’s undisclosed illness, which sidelined him for the entire season, has been one of the most asked questions from fans. Bowman addressed it during a podcast for fans Tuesday night and again with reporters Wednesday morning.

“I talked to Jonathan a couple of weeks ago. He’s doing well, had a good chat,” Bowman said. “We talked for about 15-20 minutes about a lot of things, our team but non-hockey stuff too. It was good to connect with him and catch up.

“I don’t have anything more than that. We’re hopeful he’ll be back, but we’re going to let it play out and we’ll see.”

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188093 Chicago Blackhawks General manager Stan Bowman’s comments Wednesday seemed to support Zadorov’s confidence. Bowman said he has started the contract negotiation process with Zadorov and “a few other guys,” shortly after Blackhawks’ Dylan Strome, Nikita Zadorov hold contrasting mindsets insisting Zadorov was — after Connor Murphy — “in that top group of two entering uncertain offseasons or three” defensemen on the team.

Zadorov disclosed his wrist wasn’t 100% healthy at the start of this season, and he’s anticipating a summer of “getting healed” from the By Ben Pope@BenPopeCST bumps and bruises caused by his physical play all spring.

May 12, 2021, 2:42pm CDT Like Strome, the healed version of Zadorov might be back come September — or might be somewhere else in North America.

Blackhawks forward Dylan Strome scored only 17 points in 40 games this season. Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 05.13.2021 Blackhawks forward Dylan Strome made his frustrations about his nightmarish 2021 season clear at his exit interview Tuesday.

“When you get scratched or you don’t expect to be scratched ... it sucks,” he said. “It pissed me off a lot.”

Strome, 24, missed a month with a concussion and saw his production decline precipitously, finishing with only 17 points in 40 games. The scratches, though, were the biggest source of contention — particularly April 21 against the Predators.

At 6:30 p.m. that night, Strome took warmups on a third line with Dominik Kubalik and Philipp Kurashev. But 30 minutes later, he was listed as a healthy extra.

Coach Jeremy Colliton explained Wednesday that defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk had been a game-time decision. If Kalynuk felt good enough to play (which he ultimately did), he would. But if Kalynuk didn’t, Strome would’ve played instead.

“In that situation, the wrong thing to do is in the morning say [to Strome], ‘Hey, you’re going to be a healthy scratch tonight, but if Kalynuk can’t go, you’ll play, so get ready to play.’ You never like letting a guy know late like that, but I feel like that was best.”

The lack of transparency upset Strome, however.

“I took warmups and didn’t know I was going to be scratched, and then I got scratched,” he said. “That’s never fun. I had no idea that day.”

That memorable night was one of four occasions Strome was scratched in the Hawks’ last 10 games, underlining how far he plummeted down the team’s depth chart. As a result, he enters this highly uncertain offseason low on confidence.

“It’s been a crazy year and I don’t want to say I’m thankful it’s over, but . . .” he said.

He has one contract year left with a $3 million cap hit, but it’s unclear if he’ll spend it with the Hawks. He might be exposed to the Kraken in the expansion draft. He also could be floated on the trade market or included in an acquisition package.

“I’ve been a really good NHL [player], a good point producer and someone that can be relied upon,” Strome said. “Hopefully I can get back to that and they see me as a valuable asset.

“I love [Chicago]. I’ve had my best NHL success here. [I have] great friends here. But at the same time, you don’t really know what’s going to happen, especially with Seattle. I’m prepared for anything.”

If Strome is the biggest question mark this summer among the Hawks’ forward group, then Nikita Zadorov is an equally big question mark among the defensemen.

Zadorov, 26, will be a restricted free agent with a sizable price tag ($3.2 million at minimum, probably more like $4-4.5 million). His contrast of stout defense but poor puck management makes him polarizing, and the Hawks considered offers for him at the trade deadline.

Yet the hulking Russian enters this uncertain offseason with a far more confident mentality than Strome.

“I was actually thinking last night, it was probably the most solid season of my career,” Zadorov said Tuesday. “I was really solid defensively. I improved in that area a lot. Playing against top lines every night . . . averaging around 20 minutes, it’s hard to do in this league, and I did a pretty good job.” 1188094 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks sign prospect Henrik Borgstrom to 2-year contract

By Ben Pope@BenPopeCST

May 12, 2021, 9:03am CDT

Former Panthers prospect Henrik Borgstrom has signed with the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks officially announced Wednesday they signed prospect forward Henrik Borgstrom to a two-year contract.

Borgstrom’s rights were acquired in a multifaceted deadline trade with the Panthers, of which he was the centerpiece asset.

The 23rd overall pick in 2016, Borgstrom impressed Hawks general manager Stan Bowman while starring at the University of Denver. But he fizzled out in the Panthers’ organization after a decent 2018-19 NHL rookie year and spent this season playing for HIFK in Finland, scoring 21 points in 30 games.

The signing doesn’t come as a surprise. Borgstrom, now 23, was ranked the Hawks’ No. 2 prospect in the Sun-Times’ most recent rankings and will compete for an NHL spot in training camp this fall.

His new contract carries an affordable $1 million cap hit.

“He could be a nice piece for us next year,” Bowman said Wednesday. “It’s going to be important for him to be a solid two-way player so we can tap into the skill he has. He can make plays, and he can score goals, set up goals... We’re looking for him to come in and have a strong training camp and jumpstart his career.”

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188095 Chicago Blackhawks "That's a learning process for our team," Bowman said. "When we were playing well for that stretch ... everybody was really focused. Their details were good and that gave our team a chance every night. And then when Are Chicago Blackhawks positioned to become perennial playoff team? one area slipped -- whether it was the forwards, the (defense), the goaltending, the special teams -- we didn't have enough to overcome it."

Who's coming? John Dietz Like any evolving squad, we can expect moving roster parts between Follow @johndietzdh today and Opening Night. There will be trades, free-agent additions, and one player will be taken by Seattle in the expansion draft. Updated 5/12/2021 5:31 PM Two players to keep an eye on are forwards Henrik Borgstrom and Lukas

Reichel. After the Blackhawks were swept by the Nashville Predators in 2017, a The Hawks signed Borgstrom, whose rights were acquired from Florida seething Stan Bowman addressed the media at the United Center. in April, to a two-year, $2 million deal Wednesday. Although he fell out of The frustrated, angry general manager said it was "unacceptable to be favor with Joel Quenneville, Bowman is high on the 6-foot-3, 198-pound where we are today." Finland native, who scored 11 goals in 30 games for HIFK Helsinki in the Finnish Elite League. He promised to be better. And he promised change was coming. He'll compete for a spot at center next season. In the four years since, the Hawks have missed the playoffs three times and only qualified last season because the NHL gave eight extra teams Reichel was drafted 17th overall in 2020. He scored 10 goals in 38 the chance to move on. games for the Berlin Polar Bears in Germany.

Change certainly came. But not all for the better. "Style-wise, he's going to fit in nicely with our team," Bowman said. "We're going to be aware he's only 19. I'm not putting high expectations After what was a successful season for a team that admitted it was on him. ... It might take him a year or two, but that's OK. rebuilding, the big question is: Now what? "We like the skillset he brings, and I think he's going to be a player to Does Bowman have the Hawks positioned properly to become a help us out in the coming years." perennial playoff team? Or are more near misses in the future as , Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews see their skills decline with Goaltenders age? For most of the year, Kevin Lankinen proved he could be a No. 1 goalie. There are no clear answers. Can he keep it up for an 82-game season?

Bowman and coach Jeremy Colliton addressed the media for 90 minutes If he can't, there's no way the Hawks can become a consistent force. Wednesday on a variety of topics. With that in mind, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Hawks add a veteran in free agency. Jonathan Toews Don't forget that they took Drew Commesso in the second round last Bowman "had a good chat" with the Hawks' captain a couple of weeks year. If he progresses as the Hawks hope, it's possible the 18-year-old ago and said "he's doing well." They spoke for 15 to 20 minutes. could be a factor in two to three years.

Hard as iron

While Bowman is hopeful, he would not say if Toews will be back next As I wrote a while back, one of the biggest issues is the Hawks' lack of season. size.

"It's a bit of unchartered waters here," Bowman said. "We're taking it as it They outworked opponents the first half of the season. And it led to a comes." surprising start that helped them compete for a playoff berth.

TSN's said last month Toews is improving and expects But talent and physicality usually beats heart over the long haul. the future Hall of Famer to return. What kind of player would Toews be after 15 months away from competitive hockey? The Hawks need more size and talented guys who are tough to play against. Think Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov on the If Toews can return and play well it would be a massive boost to a team Panthers; Roman Josi on the Predators; Yanni Gourde, Alex Killorn and that wasn't that far from a playoff berth. Victor Hedman on the Lightning.

Playoffs? Just to name a few.

So what is the timeline for the playoffs? It's a question Bowman is often "We want to ... play a relentless style, have the capability of being a hard asked and Wednesday was no exception. forechecking team. More physical," Colliton said. "Especially when you go into playoff series, you've got to have that element where you're Bowman said what the Hawks are going through is "a process." They getting in on their 'D' and finishing and wearing them down. gave young players opportunities -- and big opportunities at that. We had little to no idea how Pius Suter, Brandon Hagel, Philipp Kurashev, Adam "We have some skill guys and we want to score off the rush and be Boqvist, Wyatt Kalynuk, Ian Mitchell, Nicolas Beaudin and Kevin dynamic in transition. But against teams that really clog it up ... it's gonna Lankinen would perform. be hard to out - skill teams. We're gonna have to be able to grind teams to create offense and win 3-1 or 3-2. For the most part, they all reached or exceeded expectations. "We've got to be able to develop that part of our game. We're making Now they must take big steps heading into 2021-22. strides, but we've got lots of work left." "When you look back at our year, what I noticed most was when we were We'll see if they do enough of it over the coming months to finally end really on our game, we could play with anybody and we could beat this run of mediocrity and once again join the ranks of the elite. anybody," Bowman said. "The challenge was, when we didn't have everything going at one time, then it was hard for us. Our minimum level of performance isn't as high as some of the top teams." Daily Herald Times LOADED: 05.13.2021 Bowman went on to say you're not going to have your "A" game every night. But you can't bring your "C" game and expect to beat Tampa, Carolina, Florida and Nashville. 1188096 Chicago Blackhawks on the here and now and present and not worry about the outside things. We can’t do anything about it, you've got to focus on what’s in front of you.

Blackhawks missed Jonathan Toews 'in a lot of ways' "Of course, we hope he’s going to be back. He’s a great player and he’d really help us, but gotta give him time to sort things out and we’ll go from there." BY CHARLIE ROUMELIOTIS

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.13.2021 The Blackhawks went into the 2020-21 season planning to give their young players larger roles and that's exactly what they did. They're trying to integrate a new wave of talent into the lineup.

But there was a notable presence missing, both on and off the ice, all season: Jonathan Toews.

In December, the Blackhawks captain revealed he would not join the team for training camp because he had been "experiencing symptoms that have left me feeling drained and lethargic." Nobody knew how long his absence would last, but hockey became secondary at that point and his health was the main priority.

Five months later, the Blackhawks completed their campaign with a 24- 25-7 record and did so without the face of their franchise. And to say they felt his absence is an understatement.

"I miss him in a lot of ways," Patrick Kane said. "Off the ice, he's a great leader, great friend. So you miss him just in that sense. And then obviously on the ice, for me, it makes things a lot easier, too. Whether we’re playing together or not, you have that 1-2 punch that gives the other team something to think about, about who they’re going to defend. They've got to be more aware when he’s on the ice and I can come on next and maybe get easier matchups."

Kane wasn't finished.

"You miss him a lot in the faceoff department," he continued. "We saw that a lot with the power play this year. It gets to a point where it becomes frustrating you’re losing the draws and you've got to start on the breakout on the power play. He was so good at that. You took that for granted where you were always starting with the puck in the offensive zone. It seems like when we did that this year, we had a little bit more success and could create more. Miss him there.

"There’s a bunch of other ways we miss him. You expect him to be back, hopefully, he is back, and he’s obviously a big part of the organization."

The good news? Toews' health is reportedly improving and he's expected to be back for the 2021-22 campaign if he continues on the path he's been on as of late.

President/GM Stan Bowman said he talked to Toews a few weeks ago, but declined to elaborate on his status.

"He’s doing well, had a good chat," Bowman said. "We talked for about 15-20 minutes about a lot of things, our team but non-hockey stuff too. It was good to connect with him and catch up. That’s the update I have, though. I don’t have anything more than that. We’re hopeful he’ll be back, but we’re going to let it play out and we’ll see. It’s uncharted waters here. The situation came up and we’re taking it as it comes. When we have more information, we’ll pass that along. I don’t have another update on that right now."

Toews is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe Trophy winner who has already established himself as one of the greatest players to ever put on a Blackhawks uniform. Everybody wants him back next season, but, most importantly, they want him feeling 100 percent again.

In a rebuilding year, it was challenging for the Blackhawks not to have their captain around. But they handled the situation as best as they could.

"He’s an extremely important player for us, for our team," head coach Jeremy Colliton said. "He’s meant a lot for the organization and the success we’ve been able to have. I think the team handled it very well, whether it was the players taking on more of a leadership role, the players taking on more responsibility as far as their play, focusing as a team on each game, that’s the most important thing.

"Not worrying so much about who is and isn’t in the lineup and what was being said on the outside about what kind of team we were going to be and who we didn’t have. That’s what you've got to do. You've got to focus 1188097 Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Kane opens up about nagging season-long injury

BY CHARLIE ROUMELIOTIS

Patrick Kane just completed his 14th NHL season and turned in yet another Hart Trophy-type campaign after finishing with 66 points, which ranked No. 5 among all skaters as of Tuesday. He was one of the biggest reasons why the Blackhawks were sitting in a playoff spot when the calendar flipped to March.

But down the stretch, you could tell something was bothering the 32- year-old superstar.

Kane, who likes to be on the ice as much as possible, took multiple maintenance days in the final few weeks of the season to rest his body instead of participating in practice. During the team's morning skate on April 27 following a three-day break in the schedule, Kane was the first one on the ice and appeared to be testing whatever injury was nagging at him.

On Tuesday, the Blackhawks held their player exit interviews and Kane confirmed that he's been dealing with "one little issue" that began even before the bubble in Edmonton last season.

"Trying to figure that out and hopefully it’s nothing too serious," Kane said. "Hopefully just get it fixed, not have to worry about it next year. But besides that, conditioning and being able to play a lot of minutes, I feel really good about that and happy with where all that is at."

Kane declined to provide specifics on the injury but did admit he doesn't expect it to interfere with his offseason training. The only potential change in his summer routine is that he was advised to take a little bit more time off the ice.

"It was just something I’ve kind of been dealing with up close to the return to the bubble last year," said Kane, who will not participate in the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship after captaining Team USA for the past two years. "I feel we’ve done a lot of good things to make it feel good in games, and then other games it hasn’t felt as great. So it’s just like an ongoing process.

"Hopefully we can get to the point where I’m not feeling it at all, and just feel strong on the puck and feel like it’s not an issue when I’m out there. That’s the ultimate goal."

Even though he was battling through an injury all season long, Kane still had ways to produce. He racked up 51 assists, which is tied for second among all skaters; 33 of those assists were primary.

The one area he was unsatisfied with was his goal production. He had a career-low 7.9 shooting percentage and scored only 15 goals this season; over the course of an 82-game schedule, he was projected to finish with 22, which would've been his lowest total since scoring 21 his rookie year.

If there's one thing you can bet on next season, it's Kane having a monster bounce-back year in that department.

"Disappointed and obviously not happy about the goal production, but I’m happy I still found a way to produce, given that that wasn’t there for me this year," Kane said. "Just gotta figure that out, obviously. Not too concerned about it because I feel like I can score goals and be a big-time goal producer in the league. Gotta maybe figure out how to find a way to get to the net a little bit more maybe or get more chances.

"With the way our team plays now, it’s not so much puck possession as it is moving the puck ahead and tracking it down. I've been used to playing that puck possession game my whole career, so it’s a little different, but I've just got to find a way to create no matter what the situation is. Looking forward to bouncing back next year."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188098 Colorado Avalanche While the Cup will be won with scrums in the crease and gritty road victories, the Avalanche can show its championship mettle in the final regular-season game against Los Angeles, by showing no mercy against Kiszla: For Avalanche, the Presidents’ Trophy is not a curse. It’s a foe that will quit if encouraged to tap out and go home. essential to team’s quest for Stanley Cup. Do the Avs have the killer instinct of a champion?

With brutal playoff battles ahead, let there be no doubt.

By MARK KISZLA | [email protected] | The Denver Post

May 12, 2021 at 10:16 p.m. Denver Post: LOADED: 05.13.2021

Raise a glass. Let’s offer a toast:

Stanley Cup or bust!

These Avs are so fast, so skilled and so deep that anything less than showering in champagne after the upcoming NHL playoffs will leave a bitter taste. Watching Colorado rout the Los Angeles Kings 6-0 Wednesday, it was difficult to believe there’s a better team anywhere in the league.

Twenty long years after handed the Cup to Raymond Bourque, isn’t it about time? It’s time for Nate MacKinnon and these boys in burgundy to make championship memories for a new generation of hockey fans in the Rocky Mountain West.

Nate who?

Nursing an injury and resting for the long playoff run ahead, MacKinnon didn’t dress Wednesday night. Not that the Avs needed him, with J.T. “The Lamplighter” Compher on fire against the Kings, collecting a hat trick. It delighted the home crowd scattered at a safe social distance throughout Ball Arena, which was turned into Denver’s hippest, happiest karaoke bar during the third period, as fans joined in a huge group sing- along of “All the Small Things” by Blink-182.

No offense to Tom Brady or LeBron James, but the best playoffs in North American sports are played on ice. Sorry, my football and - loving friends, but it’s not even close. The NHL postseason is a heady mixture of blood, acrimony and weirdness inspired by a goalie standing on his head, eh?

Home ice is where the heart breaks, often for a team that has worked all winter long to earn it. In these COVID-19 times, when pandemic anxiety lingers in every empty seat of barns throughout the league, maybe winning the Presidents’ Trophy as the No. 1 regular-season team won’t mean much. What’s more, if you believe league lore, the Presidents’ Trophy is a jinx, or maybe a curse of unfulfilled expectations, come playoff time.

Well, Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog respectfully disagrees with all that nonsense.

The goal from the outset of training camp was to fashion the best record in the league, which would allow Colorado to open every series and play any Game 7 at home. “And here we are, one step away from doing that,” Landeskog said.

But I say the Avs absolutely, positively need to beat the lowly Kings again Thursday night and claim home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs if they want to win the championship in 2021. A bit overstated? Perhaps. But I would strongly advise against Colorado attempting to disprove my little theory.

By beating L.A. again, Colorado can steal the top spot in the West division from Vegas during the 56th and final game of this abbreviated regular season. The achievement would earn the Avalanche the pleasure of playing St. Louis in the opening round of the playoffs. That’s a sweep waiting to happen.

OK, maybe it would require five games to dispose of the Blues. But it’s definitely the easiest path for MacKinnon and the boys to get rolling on what’s always a long and winding road to the Cup.

The Kings look as if they’ve already hung up their skates and grabbed their fishing poles for summer at the lake house. Could the Avs take L.A. for granted and lose the final regular-season game against a team that’s already checked out? Please, don’t even think about it.

Suffer a loss to the Kings and Colorado falls into a first-round series against Minnesota. That’s an upset waiting to happen, because 23-year- old Kirill “The Thrill” Kaprizov and the Wild are sneaky good. 1188099 Colorado Avalanche Grubauer finished with 18 saves for his seventh shutout of the season, tied with former teammate Semyon Varlamov of the Islanders for the NHL lead.

Avalanche hammers Kings 6-0 to get within a victory of winning Jonas Johansson is the scheduled starter on Thursday, Avs coach Jared Presidents’ Trophy Bednar said. Bednar said he thought about pulling Grubauer after the second period Wednesday but was already set to go with Johansson.

By MIKE CHAMBERS | [email protected] | The Denver Post “Johansson’s been good for us,” Bednar said. “You got to be fair to Johansson, too. He’s been doing a good job with his preparation. He PUBLISHED: May 12, 2021 at 9:49 p.m. | UPDATED: May 13, 2021 at knows it’s his game tomorrow.” 12:09 a.m. Footnotes. Colorado has not won the Presidents’ Trophy in 20 years — since 2001 when it went on to win the Stanley Cup with a Game 7 victory against the New Jersey Devils at what was then called the Center. All is well at Avalanche headquarters, and the NHL’s top regular-season … Only three teams have won the Presidents’ Trophy and the Stanley prize is just a win away. Cup since then (2002 and 2008 Detroit Red Wings and 2013 Chicago Two nights after leaning heavily on goalie Philipp Grubauer and luckily Blackhawks). … Bednar said MacKinnon suffered an injury on Monday at prevailing over the division-leading Vegas Golden Knights to keep their Vegas, and it’s a different injury that forced him out of the lineup in the Presidents’ Trophy hopes alive, the Avs on Wednesday returned to their two previous games against the Kings. The Avs are 3-0 against the Kings dominating ways and didn’t need Grubauer to do much between the without MacKinnon. … Defenseman Sam Girard returned from a six- pipes at Ball Arena. game injury absence and was reunited on the second pairing with Ryan Graves. Girard replaced Jacob MacDonald. Colorado manhandled the Los Angeles Kings 6-0 behind J.T. Compher’s hat trick and Mikko Rantanen’s three assists. Grubauer only faced 11 shots through two periods and the Avs — who will win the Presidents’ Denver Post: LOADED: 05.13.2021 Trophy with another win over the Kings in Thursday’s regular-season finale — took a 6-0 lead into the third period without the services of star center and leading scorer Nathan MacKinnon.

MacKinnon is nursing a minor injury and being held out until the start of this weekend’s playoffs. If the Avs win Thursday, they will leapfrog Vegas for the West Division title/Presidents’ Trophy and open against No. 4 St. Louis with home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. If Colorado loses Thursday, Vegas will win the division and the trophy and the Avs will be the No. 2 seed and open against No. 3 Minnesota.

Colorado (38-13-4, 80 points) owns the playoff tiebreaker with an NHL- high 34 regulation wins. Vegas (40-14-2, 82 points) has 30 after defeating San Jose in its regular-season finale Wednesday.

“(The Presidents’ Trophy) was our goal in training camp and here we are, one win away from doing that,” said Avs captain Gabe Landeskog, who had two points, including a goal. “Having said that, we know it’s just Step 1 and then a lot of work is going to start after that. We know the playoffs are the playoffs, a completely new season and you have to prove yourself once again. We know how important matchups are in the playoffs and if we’re able to have Game 7s in our building and to start off series in our building that’s a big key for us. So we’re excited for tomorrow.”

Before the Avs game, Ball Arena was given approval from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to increase fan capacity for the playoffs to 42.3%, approximately 7,750 fans in the building that seats 18,007 for hockey. The current variance is 22.1%, or 4,050 fans.

The Avs, now 15-0-1 in their last 16 games at Ball Arena, cruised Wednesday night against the Kings by scoring three goals in each of the first two periods. Forwards Joonas Donskoi (power play), Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Compher scored within a five-minute span at the end of the opening frame, and Compher added his second of the game early in the second period four seconds after an Avalanche power-play expired.

Defenseman Devon Toews set up Compher’s second goal, as well as the ensuing one from Landeskog less than six minutes later. Landeskog’s wicked back-hand shot served as his 218th career goal — 10 more than MacKinnon and third-most in Avalanche history behind Joe Sakic and Milan Hejduk.

Compher completed his hat trick just 1:44 after Landeskog’s goal with a pretty give-and-go with Valeri Nichushkin.

“Pretty cool,” Compher said. “It’s exciting to get three (goals) during a game when we’re pushing towards the end of the season and doing it at home.”

Compher entered Wednesday with seven goals. He now has 10, four coming in the last two games. He scored the game-winner Monday at Vegas in the third period.

“It’s good for my confidence to see them go in, especially at an important time of the season,” Compher said. “I pride myself on playing big in big games.” 1188100 Colorado Avalanche

Nuggets, Avalanche approved to increase Ball Arena capacity for playoff games

By THE DENVER POST | [email protected]

PUBLISHED: May 12, 2021 at 4:19 p.m. | UPDATED: May 12, 2021 at 4:44 p.m.

The playoff atmosphere for Nuggets and Avalanche games inside Ball Arena this spring received a boost Wednesday.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment granted approval for both teams to nearly double the number of fans allowed inside the arena during the NBA and NHL playoffs, from 4,050 (22.1% capacity) during the remaining regular-season games to 7,750 (42.3%) for the postseason.

Those limits follow guidelines set forth by CDPHE as well as the NBA and NHL, according to Wednesday afternoon’s announcement from Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, as the state continues to loosen restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to increase our venue capacity as both of our teams extend their exciting seasons into the playoffs,” Matt Bell, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment Vice President of Venue Booking, said in a news release. “We will continue to work with CDPHE along with the leadership of the NBA and NHL to monitor ongoing public health matters and take all necessary precautions to ensure the health, safety and wellness of our fans, frontline workers, staff and athletes.”

Nuggets and Avalanche season-ticket holders will get first dibs on playoff tickets during a series of presales, according to KSE. Any remaining seats will be available at a later date. Those who sign up for limited ticket release waitlists will be notified by the teams.

Denver Post: LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188101 Colorado Avalanche

Avalanche rookie Alex Newhook already asserting himself early in pro career

By MIKE CHAMBERS | [email protected] | The Denver Post

May 12, 2021 at 1:06 p.m.

Alex Newhook has been a point-per-game forward his entire hockey career.

Give him another game or two with the Avalanche, and he just might be that at the NHL level, too.

The 20-year-old rookie has three points in four games since being called up by the Avs — slightly off his usual production but certainly still something to build upon. Now playing for his fourth team since last fall, Newhook has a combined 34 points in 20 games for Boston College, Canada’s World Junior Championship team, the AHL’s Colorado Eagles and the Avalanche.

After signing his three-year, entry-level contract March 31 and forgoing his final two seasons at BC, Newhook has an impressive 12 points (five goals) in 12 games as a professional. His five goals and nine points in eight games with the Eagles led to the Avs’ decision to bring him up and burn the first year of his ELC.

Newhook has a plus-4 rating with the Avs — a plus-1 in each of his four games — and had the game-winning assist in Monday’s 2-1 victory at the Vegas Golden Knights.

“It’s really been a crazy year for everyone and I think right from the start I’ve tried to take it day-by-day,” Newhook said after Wednesday’s morning skate at Ball Arena. “This opportunity, I’m lucky to have it in front of me. It’s exciting and I’m going to try to do everything I can to help this team and try to be a part of it, be a part of a winning group.”

Newhook, selected by the Avs with the 16th pick of the 2019 draft, has a chance to make a big impact Wednesday when the Avs host the Los Angeles Kings to begin a two-game, consecutive-night set that concludes the regular season. Colorado will be without star center Nathan MacKinnon in the last two games to ensure he is ready for the postseason, but defenseman Sam Girard will return from a six-game injury absence as the Avs make a run at the Presidents’ Trophy.

Newhook, who has played wing and center for the Avs, could take on a larger role with MacKinnon out.

“It’s been a steady incline,” Newhook said. “I think the first game was definitely a feeling out process but it’s been great, an easy transition and the guys have really helped me with that. I’ve been lucky to play with some really good players who make it easy to play, always in the right spot. When guys are doing that it’s easy for me.

“I’ve been feeling better every game and hopefully we can keep that going the next two. Couple big games.”

By sweeping the Kings, the Avs will leapfrog the Vegas Golden Knights and win the West Division and Presidents’ Trophy with the NHL’s best record. In that scenario, Colorado would open the playoffs against the No. 4-seeded St. Louis Blues. The Avs need just a point against L.A. to clinch the No. 2 seed and open against the Minnesota Wild.

Colorado owns the playoff tiebreaker with an NHL-high 33 regulation wins. Vegas has 29 and Minnesota 27.

Footnotes. Avs coach said MacKinnon suffered an injury on Monday at Vegas, and it’s a different injury that forced him out of the lineup in the two previous games. .. Bednar no longer reveals his lineup on game day, but he said Girard will step in for Jacob MacDonald. … No. 1 goalie Philipp Grubauer will likely start Wednesday and then serve as backup Thursday, giving him at least two full days of rest before Saturday’s start to the playoffs. The Avs, however, might not open until Sunday.

Denver Post: LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188102 Colorado Avalanche After Compher’s third goal, a quick two-on-zer0 break with Valeri Nichushkin, fans managed to rain hats onto the ice, even with the front five rows of seats blocked off because of the COVID-19 seating Why Jonas Johansson is starting with the top seed on the line, J.T. arrangements. Compher was named the first star of the game for his Compher’s big-game mode, more: Avalanche takeaways performance. One fan parroted radio announcer Conor McGahey’s goal call for Compher, screaming out, “Call J.T. Compher! 877-Goals-Now!”

“It’s good for the confidence to see them go in, especially at an important By Peter Baugh time of the season,” said Compher, who has 10 goals on the season, one shy of his total from last year. “I pride myself in playing big in big games, May 13, 2021 and I want to be a big part of the run this year.”

“I’ve really liked his game as of late,” Bednar said. “I thought he’s been After a year of searching for backup goalie consistency, the Avalanche’s skating really well and hounding pucks. He has to be a tenacious player regular-season finale will have a fitting twist: No. 2 goaltender Jonas to have success. When he’s skating really well like he has over the last Johansson will start in net Thursday against the Kings. The team’s couple of weeks, then good things will happen for him.” Presidents’ Trophy hopes fall on his shoulders. Quick hits Coach Jared Bednar announced his decision Wednesday after starting • Andre Burakovsky continued his torrid stretch, collecting an assist goalie Philipp Grubauer posted his seventh shutout of the season in a 6- against the Kings to extend his point streak to seven games. 0 drubbing of the Kings. Grubauer has been marvelous this season, but the team has resisted playing him with less than a full day of rest. That’s • Gabriel Landeskog scored his 20th goal of the season and 218th of his not going to change, even with the stakes raised. career, moving him into sixth on the franchise scoring list. The player he passed? Fellow Swede Peter Forsberg, whom Landeskog kept posters of “He’s played well for us,” Bednar said when asked about Johansson, who in his childhood bedroom. has a .907 save percentage and 4-1-1 record with the Avalanche. “We haven’t played Grubi in any back-to-backs all year. We’re not going to • Nathan MacKinnon will not play against the Kings on Thursday, Bednar risk an injury or put him in a position where it’s not something he normally said. He got dinged up against the Golden Knights on Monday, according does. As far as I know, in the first round of the playoffs, there’s no back- to the coach. “We’re trying to get him ready for the playoffs,” Bednar said. to-backs, and we want him to be rested and ready to go for the playoffs. “Hopefully he’s good and healthy and ready to go for Game 1 of the playoffs.” “He’s done his job. Now it’s time for someone else to go get us a win.” • needs to log one point Thursday to finish the season First-place Vegas beat San Jose on Wednesday to conclude its regular averaging a point a game. season, but the Avalanche will catch the Golden Knights in points if they win Thursday. With more regulation wins on the year, Colorado has the • On his 23rd birthday, Samuel Girard returned from a lower-body injury tiebreaker against the Golden Knights, so one final victory against the sustained earlier this month when he slid into the end boards against the Kings would clinch the division for the Avalanche and give them home- Sharks. Any guesses on who broke the news? Unless you said Girard’s ice advantage throughout the postseason. The top seed in the division Goldendoodle, Tornade, you’re incorrect. The pup’s Instagram page will play the Blues, and the No. 2 will face the Wild. posted a happy birthday message for Girard, then replied to a fan comment saying the defenseman would be back on the ice against the The Avalanche have not had a set backup goaltender since No. 2 Pavel Kings. (Bednar confirmed the pup’s scoop later in the morning.) Francouz went down with a season-ending lower-body injury before playing a game. Hunter Miska struggled in five games played as backup, leading the Avalanche to trade with the Sabres for Johansson, who had significantly worse numbers in Buffalo (.884 save percentage). Then, in The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 the days before the trade deadline, Colorado acquired veteran Devan Dubnyk from San Jose, but he went on the league’s COVID-19 protocol list after playing five games for Colorado and posting an .886 save percentage. He won’t be available until the postseason.

The decision puts a wrap on Grubauer’s regular season, assuming he doesn’t enter in relief. He had a league-leading seven shutouts, .922 save percentage (ninth in the league) and 1.95 goals-against average (second).

Ultimately, if Thursday’s game resembles Wednesday’s at all, Colorado shouldn’t have trouble, no matter who is in net. The Avalanche dominated Los Angeles, leading 37-18 in shots and checking well throughout. Johansson played decently in his most recent game, also against the Kings, in which he saved 16 of 18 shots in an Avalanche victory.

“If we play the way we can play in front of him,” Bednar said, “we’ll have a good chance to win.”

Compher’s big-game mojo

Two nights after scoring the Avalanche’s biggest goal of the season, a go-ahead tally against Vegas, J.T. Compher once again stepped up, potting three goals for his first career hat trick. The fifth-year forward has had, in his words, an up-and-down season, but he’s coming on strong as the games get more important.

“It’s exciting to get three and do it in a game when we’re pushing toward the end of the season and do it at home,” he said.

“We need everybody to be going at this time of year, and we need everybody to be playing well,” captain Gabriel Landeskog added. “I’m just super happy for him. Works really hard and is a guy who is dedicated to his game and always trying to find ways to get better. I’m happy to see him get rewarded tonight on the scoresheet, but having said that, even the nights he doesn’t score, I think he’s very effective for us.” 1188103 Colorado Avalanche It’s not a game note but it’s certainly a worthy one.

The Avalanche and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment announced Wednesday that Ball Arena will increase capacity from 22.1 percent to Deen’s List: All eyes on the Avalanche’s season finale at Ball Arena 42.3 percent starting with Game 1 of the playoffs. The current capacity of 4,050 will nearly double as 7,750 will be in attendance for playoff games.

By Aarif Deen “It’s going to be super exciting. We’re super happy to hear the news,” Landeskog said. “The four thousand that we’ve had, it means a lot for us May 12, 2021 and sounds a lot more than four thousand. We’re excited to almost double that and get some more people in for the playoffs.”

The Avalanche have a chance to do something they haven’t done in 20 years on Thursday. milehighsports.com LOADED: 05.13.2021 Game 56. Ball Arena. Los Angeles Kings.

Win that game, and you’re the Presidents’ Trophy winners, which guarantees home-ice advantage throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Colorado defeated L.A. 6-0 in the first of two meetings Wednesday at Ball Arena to give itself a shot at having the NHL’s best record. The Vegas Golden Knights, who have a two-point lead on the Avs, won their season finale Wednesday at San Jose to remain atop the West Division. At least for now.

Deen’s List:

Compher’s scoring spree

Heating up right before the start of the playoffs is exactly what the Avalanche could use from one of their depth forwards. J.T. Compher, who has played both wing and center on each of the four lines, is suddenly on fire.

He scored the game-winning goal in a crucial 2-1 come-from-behind victory at Vegas on Monday, then followed that up with his first career hat trick Wednesday. Compher has 10 goals and four have come in the last four periods.

Not bad for a forward outside of the top-six.

Landeskog’s milestones

Captain Gabe Landeskog’s goal was a milestone marker in two ways. The goal was his 20th of the season — an accomplishment he’s reached for the eighth time in 10 seasons.

But it was also the 218th goal of his career, which passes Peter Forsberg (217 goals) for sixth-most in franchise history. Landeskog is also third in goals scored with just the Avalanche after relocating from Quebec. He trails legendary Hall of Famer and current Avs general manager Joe Sakic and fellow Colorado legend Milan Hejduk.

And he’s only 28.

Grubauer’s big 30

Goaltender Philipp Grubauer is having himself an incredible season. Coming off an injury-riddled 2019-20 campaign — one that saw him split time with backup Pavel Francouz in both the regular season and playoffs — Grubauer has rebounded in a massive way.

He appeared in 40 of the Avalanche’s games and is not playing Thursday unless it is in relief. Grubauer is one of just two goalies to reach 30 wins in this shortened season (Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay). He is also tied for the league lead with former Av netminder Semyon Varlamov, now of the New York Islanders, with seven shutouts.

Grubauer has a legitimate shot at winning the Vezina Trophy. And it’s very much deserved.

Scoring race

Mikko Rantanen’s three assists bring him to 64 points on the season. Heading into Thursday’s finale, Rantanen is just one point back of superstar center Nathan MacKinnon for the team’s scoring lead. MacKinnon is shut down until the playoffs because of a minor injury.

If Rantanen records two points, he will pass MacKinnon and be the first player not named MacKinnon to lead the Avalanche in scoring since former Avs center Matt Duchene in 2015-16.

The Moose wants it. Can he get it?

Ball Arena crowd 1188104 Colorado Avalanche Footnotes. Defenseman Sam Girard made his return to the lineup. Girard missed the last six games after suffering a lower-body injury in a home against San Jose on April 30. He finished the game with one assist and a J.T. Compher’s hat trick lifts Avalanche to 6-0 victory and shot at the plus-1 in 19:02. “I thought Sam was good, maybe a little rusty early,” Avs Presidents’ Trophy coach Jared Bednar said. “Some of his puck touches weren’t as clear as they normally are but he did some good things for us, defended well, all the things we’ve come to expect from him.” … Without MacKinnon, and forward Carl Soderberg, who missed his second of three games, both By Aarif Deen Kiefer Sherwood and Jayson Megna were inserted into the lineup and May 12, 2021 played on the fourth line with Bellemare. Each of them recorded an assist on Bellemare’s tally.

It all comes down to Game 56. milehighsports.com LOADED: 05.13.2021 J.T. Compher scored a hat trick and the Avalanche exploded offensively without superstar center Nathan MacKinnon, defeating the Los Angeles Kings 6-0 at Ball Arena on Wednesday.

The Avs host the Kings in the 56th and final regular-season game on Thursday and a victory will clinch the West Division title and the Presidents’ Trophy. Colorado (38-13-4, 80 points) is two points back of the Vegas Golden Knights, who won their regular-season finale at San Jose on Wednesday to keep their Presidents’ Trophy hopes alive.

Colorado owns the tiebreaker over the Knights, with 33 regulation wins. The Knights have 30.

“We can control our own destiny,” Avs captain Gabriel Landeskog said. “Our goal from training camp was to win the league and win the Presidents’ Trophy and make sure we have home ice all the way through the playoffs. We put ourselves in a position to win a hockey game tomorrow to do that.”

If the Avs win Thursday’s finale, they will play the No. 4 St. Louis Blues in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. If they lose, Colorado remains the No. 2 seed and plays the No. 3 Minnesota Wild.

The playoffs begin Saturday but it is unclear when the Avalanche will begin.

MacKinnon did not play for the third time in four games. He was mostly ineffective against Vegas on Monday, finishing with zero points and two shots 20:32. Avs coach Jared Bednar said MacKinnon was dinged up in that game and his absence is unrelated to the injury that kept him out at L.A. last week.

Bednar said the hope is for MacKinnon to be ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Philipp Grubauer got the nod in goal, making 18 saves for his seventh shutout — tied with former teammate Semyon Varlamov of the Islanders for first in the NHL.

Bednar confirmed that goalie Jonas Johansson will start in Thursday’s finale. If Grubauer does not appear in relief, his season ends with a spectacular 30-9-1 record, a .922 save percentage and 1.95 goals- against average.

“Johansson’s been good for us,” said Bednar about starting the 25-year- old Thursday. “You got to be fair to Johansson, too. He’s been doing a good job with his preparation. He knows it’s his game tomorrow.”

The game swung in the Avalanche’s favor from the onset. The Avs did not surrender a shot to L.A. until the final two minutes of the first period after taking a 2-0 lead. They outshot the Kings 27-11 through two periods and 37-18 for the game.

Compher added two more goals in the second period, completing his first career hat trick, where the Avs took a 6-0 lead and put the game away. Forwards Joonas Donskoi, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Landeskog also scored. Top-line winger Mikko Rantanen pitched in with three assists and defenseman Devon Toews added two helpers.

Compher has four goals in two games after scoring the game-winner on Monday.

“It’s good for my confidence to see them go in, especially at an important time of the season,” Compher said of his recent scoring surge. “I pride myself on playing big in big games.”

Colorado has not won the Presidents’ Trophy in 20 years — since it last won the Stanley Cup in 2001. Since then, only three teams have won both in the same season (2002 Detroit, 2008 Detroit and 2013 Chicago). 1188105 Colorado Avalanche Footnotes. Bednar said MacKinnon suffered an injury on Monday at Vegas, and it’s a different injury that forced him out of the lineup in the two previous games against the Kings. The Avs are 3-0 against the Kings Avalanche hammers Kings 6-0 to get within a victory of winning without MacKinnon. … Defenseman Sam Girard returned from a six- Presidents’ Trophy game injury absence and was reunited on the second pairing with Ryan Graves. Girard replaced Jacob MacDonald.

By MIKE CHAMBERS | [email protected] | The Denver Post Greeley Tribune LOADED: 05.13.2021 PUBLISHED: May 12, 2021 at 10:51 p.m. | UPDATED: May 12, 2021 at 10:52 p.m.

All is well at Avalanche headquarters, and the NHL’s top regular-season prize is just a win away.

Two nights after leaning heavily on goalie Philipp Grubauer and luckily prevailing over the division-leading Vegas Golden Knights to keep their Presidents’ Trophy hopes alive, the Avs on Wednesday returned to their dominating ways and didn’t need Grubauer to do much between the pipes at Ball Arena.

Colorado manhandled the Los Angeles Kings 6-0 behind J.T. Compher’s hat trick and Mikko Rantanen’s three assists. Grubauer only faced 11 shots through two periods and the Avs — who will win the Presidents’ Trophy with another win over the Kings in Thursday’s regular-season finale — took a 6-0 lead into the third period without the services of star center and leading scorer Nathan MacKinnon.

MacKinnon is nursing a minor injury and being held out until the start of this weekend’s playoffs. If the Avs win Thursday, they will leapfrog Vegas for the West Division title/Presidents’ Trophy and open against No. 4 St. Louis with home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. If Colorado loses Thursday, Vegas will win the division and the trophy and the Avs will be the No. 2 seed and open against No. 3 Minnesota.

Colorado (38-13-4, 80 points) owns the playoff tiebreaker with an NHL- high 34 regulation wins. Vegas (40-14-2, 82 points) has 30 after defeating San Jose in its regular-season finale Wednesday.

“(The Presidents’ Trophy) was our goal in training camp and here we are, one win away from doing that,” said Avs captain Gabe Landeskog, who had two points, including a goal. “Having said that, we know it’s just Step 1 and then a lot of work is going to start after that. We know the playoffs are the playoffs, a completely new season and you have to prove yourself once again. We know how important matchups are in the playoffs and if we’re able to have Game 7s in our building and to start off series in our building that’s a big key for us. So we’re excited for tomorrow.”

Before the Avs game, Ball Arena was given approval from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to increase fan capacity for the playoffs to 42.3%, approximately 7,750 fans in the building that seats 18,007 for hockey. The current variance is 22.1%, or 4,050 fans.

The Avs, now 15-0-1 in their last 16 games at Ball Arena, cruised Wednesday night against the Kings by scoring three goals in each of the first two periods. Forwards Joonas Donskoi (power play), Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Compher scored within a five-minute span at the end of the opening frame, and Compher added his second of the game early in the second period four seconds after an Avalanche power-play expired.

Defenseman Devon Toews set up Compher’s second goal, as well as the ensuing one from Landeskog less than six minutes later. Landeskog’s wicked back-hand shot served as his 218th career goal — 10 more than MacKinnon and third-most in Avalanche history behind Joe Sakic and Milan Hejduk.

Compher completed his hat trick just 1:44 after Landeskog’s goal with a pretty give-and-go with Valeri Nichushkin.

“Pretty cool,” Compher said. “It’s exciting to get three (goals) during a game when we’re pushing towards the end of the season and doing it at home.”

Grubauer finished with 18 saves for his seventh shutout of the season, tied with former teammate Semyon Varlamov of the Islanders for the NHL lead.

Jonas Johansson is the scheduled starter on Thursday, Avs coach Jared Bednar said. Bednar said he thought about pulling Grubauer after the second period Wednesday but was already set to go with Johansson. 1188106 Colorado Avalanche building and to start off series in our building that’s a big key for us. So we’re excited for tomorrow,” Gabe Landeskog said. ““(The Presidents’ Trophy) was our goal in training camp and here we are, one win away Avs starting to look Presidential, but can Jonas Johansson win the from doing that. Having said that, we know it’s just Step 1 and then a lot season finale? of work is going to start after that.”

This game was a rout from the jump. The Avs got the first 13 shots in the game and had a 3-0 lead, on goals by Joonas Donskoi, P.E. Bellemare Published 5 hours ago on May 13, 2021 and Compher, whose three goals gave him 10 on the season. He has four goals in the last two games, which has really helped, considering the By Adrian Dater Avs had to play without Nathan MacKinnon for the third time in four games.

I know the first question on a lot of Avalanche fans’ minds right now: Do Said Compher: “It’s pretty cool to get three. But all three goals were from we really want the Presidents’ Trophy? Isn’t that kind of like, a curse or great plays from teammates. They made it real easy for me.” something? And the answer is: well, it has been for many teams that won So, win just one more against a bad team, and the regular-season title is the honor, for best regular-season record in the NHL. yours. But will this be a case of: be careful what you wished for? But let’s take time out for a little history lesson here too. Was it a curse I don’t think you can look at life like that. Win what you can, when you for the 2001 Avalanche? No, it wasn’t. But for the last seven teams that can, and don’t worry about the past. have won it? Yes, it was. NOTEBOOK: Bednar said Nathan MacKinnon will not play Thursday. He The last team to win the Presidents’ Trophy and the Stanley Cup in the still indicated he’ll be ready to start the playoffs. I gotta be honest though: same season were the 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks. The team before I’m worried. Two injuries in the final week of the regular season? Not that? Detroit, in 2008. So, um, yeah…it hasn’t worked out too well for good, Bob. Let’s hope I’m just fretting for nothing. … Avs are now 15-0-1 most teams that have won the hardware. But, again…2001 Avs. Two in the last 16 at Ball. … Landeskog reached the 20-goal mark for the Game 7 victories in the playoffs that year. That trophy was the gateway eighth time in his 10-year career. Three more and he’ll tie the franchise for the bigger one, the Stanley Cup. record held by Joe Sakic and Milan Hejduk. … Grubauer’s 1.95 goals- Only four teams have won the Presidents’ Trophy and the Cup in the against average ranks second in franchise history to Patrick Roy’s 1.94 in same season since 2001. But I’m of the opinion that this is a good year to 2001-02. … Cale Makar played in his 100th NHL game. He has 93 win it. I would much rather have a seventh game at Ball Arena than that points. … Jayson Megna got an assist, his first career point as an Av and madhouse in . And besides, it’s not really the first two games first in the NHL since 2017. … Free vaccinations were given out at the of a playoff series where it matters so much in having home ice. It’s game tonight, and I assume that will be the case tomorrow too. games 5 and 7 that always seem to matter most. Plus, keep this in mind: the Avs have never won a seventh game on the road in a playoff series, which is pretty hard to believe actually. Colorado hockeynow LOADED: 05.13.2021 The Avs can clinch home ice for any round of the playoffs with a win Thursday night against the same L.A. Kings squad they obliterated tonight at Ball. Final score was 6-0, in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score would indicate. A hat trick from J.T. Compher led the way for the Avs, who scored thrice in the first two periods each.

The scenario is this: if the Avs win, in any fashion possible, they win best record in the NHL, and would face the St. Louis Blues in a best-of-seven first-round matchup. A loss – either in regulation or overtime/shootout, and the Vegas Golden Knights win the division and the No. 1 seed in the Honda West Division, and the Avs would play the Minnesota Wild in the first round, with home-ice advantage.

There was something of a shocking development after the game, however. Jared Bednar said he will start Jonas Johansson in goal, not Philipp Grubauer. I thought I misheard when another reporter asked if Grubauer would start and he said no. I asked Bednar if, in fact, I misheard, and he said I hadn’t. Bednar said he hasn’t started Grubauer in back-to-backs all season long, and he isn’t going to start now.

Not even with a Presidents’ Trophy and home ice throughout the playoffs on the line, after a game in which a pylon could have won the game in the net tonight?

No, said Bednar. Johansson has played well, he said, and he doesn’t want to risk an injury to Grubauer in the last game of the year before the first round.

Again, I’m kinda shocked by this. You’re going to sit the potential Vezina Trophy winner in a game like this, in favor of the backup who was booted out of Buffalo not too long ago? I don’t quite get that one at all, but he’s the coach.

Stanley Cup Bet

So, do you want the Blues, who won the Cup two years ago, or do you want the Wild, who have beaten the Avs twice in previous playoff series – both times when the Avs were favored?

The fact is, the Avs want the Blues. Because, if they get the Blues, that means the team will have accomplished one of its preseason goals: getting home ice for any series.

“We know the playoffs are the playoffs, a completely new season and you have to prove yourself once again. We know how important matchups are in the playoffs and if we’re able to have Game 7s in our 1188107 Colorado Avalanche

Ball Arena Attendance Increased for Avalanche Playoff Games

Published 11 hours ago on May 12, 2021

By Adrian Dater

Just in to the breaking news desk: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has OK’d an increase of attendance at Avalanche games, starting with Game 1 of the postseason. Now, instead of 4,050 capacity at Ball Arena, 7,750 fans will be allowed in. This goes for Nuggets games too.

That is 42.3 percent of capacity at Ball, up from the current 22.1 percent.

Colorado hockeynow LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188108 Colorado Avalanche

Dater’s Daily: Chris Drury fires David Quinn; would Avs make offer for Jack Eichel?

Published 12 hours ago on May 12, 2021

By Adrian Dater

Former Av Chris Drury wasted little time in shaking up his New York Rangers in a big way today, firing David Quinn as coach, along with several assistants – including former Avs assistant Jacques Martin. That couldn’t have been too easy, as Drury is a fellow alum of Boston University, where Quinn played and coached. Quinn, as you’ll recall, also was an Avs assistant coach once.

But it’s also a statement, if people didn’t know it already, that Chris Drury isn’t about to be swayed by friendships when making business decisions as the Rangers’ new president and GM. One thing I well remember about covering Drury for several years: he’s about winning, period. Nothing else matters.

Patrick Roy’s name has made the list of some pundits’ speculation as the next Rangers coach, but despite Drury knowing Roy well too, I don’t see it. I think Drury is going to look for a rising coach from the college, minor- pro or junior ranks, but we’ll see.

Stanley Cup Bet

Links:

So, Jack Eichel says there is a “disconnect” between him and the Sabres, because of his latest injury and the treatment of said injury. If he is traded, Buffalo will ask for a king’s ransom. But he very well might get traded. Would the Avs make an offer? I’d say how they do in the playoffs could answer that, but I think you always have to consider it when a player like him comes on the market. What about Nazem Kadri, Bo Byram and a first-round pick? I doubt the Avs will actually offer Byram to anyone, but don’t let anyone kid you: the fact that Byram already has a concussion history is a real source of worry. Byram’s status remains murky at best. Jared Bednar said he’s skating some days. Some days, he isn’t.

I probably wouldn’t do some mega-deal for an Eichel. I mean, his own injury history is a worry too. But if the Avs get bounced early from the playoffs, anything absent a trade involving anyone but the inner, inner core of this team might be on the table. It would be hard to fit Eichel under the salary cap, for sure. But it could be done, moving some pieces around.

Great story here on the unlikely rise of a sports podcaster – a guy who also happens to be a friend of mine (SI.com)

If Eichel does get traded, don’t expect him to go back to his home state (Boston Hockey Now)

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be up to 50 percent capacity for their home playoff games next week, which should make for a nice home ice advantage for them. It’s going to be interesting to see what kind of competitive advantage the hockey teams with the bigger home crowds will enjoy. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

I would think there is reason to hope that Denver will allow more fans to Ball Arena for the playoffs, but as of yet it hasn’t happened obviously.

Thank goodness Jaromir Jagr is not planning to retire after recently completing his 33rd pro season for the team he owns in the Czech Republic. (NHL.com)

Ah, memories

Two of those guys in those pictures are now NHL GMs, one has been an NHL coach and might be again, and the other coached in major junior. Not bad.

Colorado hockeynow LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188109 Colorado Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon out again; Girard to return tonight

Published 17 hours ago on May 12, 2021

By Adrian Dater

So, Nathan MacKinnon is out again. Jared Bednar said that earlier this morning on his Wednesday radio show on Altitude. Bednar said MacKinnon “got dinged up” Monday night against Vegas, an injury he said was unrelated to his previous lower-body injury.

BUT, Bednar said MacKinnon would be good to go for the start of the playoffs. Well, actually what he said was “hopefully he’s good and ready to go for Game 1 of the playoffs.”

Hopefully.

Frankly, this worries me quite a bit. Two separate injuries to MacKinnon right before the playoffs? Not good, Bob.

This team just can’t stay healthy, period, end of story.

Some good news at least: Sam Girard returns tonight, Bednar said. It’ll be great to see La Tornade doing his one-man breakouts again. I think the Avs were hemmed in their own zone too easily against Vegas, and a guy like Tornade would have helped that. Bednar said Brandon Saad is skating again, but won’t play tonight. I think they’ve missed Saad a lot, as I said before. They need his swagger and championship experience back in the lineup as soon as possible.

I’ll update this soon…

UPDATE: Bednar said he has “hope” MacKinnon will be ready for Game 1. This isn’t good at all folks, sorry. I’m worried. Jacob MacDonald comes out of the lineup tonight with Girard coming back in.

Here are some division/President’s Trophy scenarios, courtesy of NHL.com:

Stanley Cup Bet

Here are the Stanley Cup Playoffs clinching scenarios for May 12:

The Vegas Golden Knights will clinch the Presidents’ Trophy and No. 1 seed in the Honda West Division if:

– Their points earned vs. the San Jose Sharks (9 p.m. ET; ESPN+, NBCSCA+, ATTSN-RM, NHL.TV) exceeds the Colorado Avalanche’s points earned vs. the Los Angeles Kings (9 p.m. ET, ESPN+, ALT, BSW, NHL.TV).

The Colorado Avalanche will clinch the Presidents’ Trophy and No. 1 seed in the Honda West Division if:

– They defeat the Kings in any fashion AND the Sharks defeat the Golden Knights in regulation.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will remain in Presidents’ Trophy contention if:

– They defeat the Ottawa Senators in any fashion (8 p.m. ET; SN, TVAS2, NHL.TV) AND the Sharks defeat the Golden Knights in regulation AND the Kings defeat the Avalanche in any fashion.

Avs are -340 favorites to win outright tonight, at SuperBook Colorado.

Colorado hockeynow LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188110 Columbus Blue Jackets Technically, the Bartletts were “advisers” before Dalpe turned professional. That's how it works in hockey. Their interest paid off when Dalpe had a growth spurt and was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in Zac Dalpe's resilience, latest NHL return nets Masterton nomination for the second round of the 2008 NHL draft. Blue Jackets He also played two seasons for Ohio State before launching his professional career, which has included NHL stints with the Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, , Minnesota Wild and Blue Jackets, Brian Hedger who’ve had him in their organization since 2017.

The Columbus Dispatch Hockey nerd

Patrick Marleau suited up for the San Jose Sharks on April 19 in Las Vegas and skated in his 1,768th NHL game. That moved him past Blue Jackets forward Zac Dalpe celebrates his goal against Tampa Bay legendary Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe, “Mr. Hockey,” for the on April 6. Dalpe is the Jackets' nominee for the 2021 Masterson Award, top spot in all-time games played. given annually to an NHL player who displays perseverance and commitment to hockey. Some hockey purists note that Howe also played 419 games in the World Hockey Association, but that didn’t stop Dalpe from sending his older Zac Dalpe's hockey story is filled with defining anecdotes. brother Phil a text that read: “Is it weird that I’m kind of emotional about There’s one about the Blue Jackets forward shooting pucks on the family this?” farm in tiny Paris, , until his hands blistered. There’s another Phil's replied, “No,” because the Dalpe brothers — including the about his father, Paul, who defied doctors’ expectations when Dalpe was youngest, Ben — all reached at least the junior level. They all understand young by merely walking again after breaking both legs in a work how difficult it is just to make it to the NHL, let alone play almost 1,800 accident — nine fractures in one and 10 in the other. games. There’s the story of a Gibson guitar his dad bought for $500 in 1980 for “Patrick Marleau has probably broken more skate laces than I’ve played his mother, Lisa, which bears her maiden name “Wilson” and remains a NHL games, but I was emotional about it,” said Dalpe, who has logged treasured family possession six years after her death from kidney cancer. 153 games over 10 seasons. “It just brought me into why I like the game And then there’s the beaming smile on Dalpe’s face on April 6 at and why I respect the game.” , when he scored his first NHL goal in more than two It also played into his Masterton nomination. Dalpe earned that after years to put the Blue Jackets up 1-0 in a 4-2 win against Tampa Bay. returning from a knee injury that ended his 2019-20 season with the Dalpe, 31, has been reassigned to the minor leagues more than he’d like Cleveland Monsters early. He played through a complete tear of the to recall, each time working his way back, and he's now a father to three patellar tendon in his right knee before undergoing season-ending young boys — including the youngest born in April. surgery that made him wonder if his playing days were over.

“He’s just a great kid,” said agent Steve Bartlett, who has represented After working last summer with a new offseason trainer in London, Dalpe since discovering him as small, scrawny teenager playing Junior B Ontario, he realized it wasn’t. level in Ontario. “He’s had a lot on his plate, but he’s a great guy and a “I don’t ever regret how I went about it,” Dalpe said. “I’m not saying you great family man. I have nothing but respect for who he is, what he’s should ever play through serious injuries, but at the time, I was like, ‘They done and how he goes about living his life.” pay me money to play hockey, so I’ve got to perform.’ I have kids and That pretty much sums up Dalpe, who this week was chosen as the Blue stuff like that. Looking back on it, it was probably a bit ludicrous to try to Jackets’ nominee for the Masterton Trophy this season by the Columbus play through what I had ...” chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. It's an award that But that’s just part of Dalpe’s story. A big part. You always go hard in goes to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of warmups, because what’s the point if you don’t? perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey — and Dalpe is a perfect fit. Bartlett acknowledged that Dalpe could have ended his NHL dream then and there. That Dalpe didn’t earned him even more respect. A ‘try-hard’ guy “You could’ve said, ‘Hey, his NHL dream is over,’ so to speak, and then Dalpe is 6 feet 2, 197 pounds now, but as a teenager he was short and he came back this year and played quite well in the games he played for skinny — 5-5, 115 in 2005, the first year he was eligible for the Ontario Columbus,” said Bartlett, who’s tasked with finding Dalpe another Hockey League draft. After going undrafted by a major junior team, Dalpe contract this offseason. “Those are the things that are quite gratifying as returned for another season with the Brantford 99ers, then logged two an agent, a player who just never quite gives up the dream and is able to seasons of Junior B with the Stratford Cullitons. come back and be one of those nice stories,” he said. That’s where Bartlett and his sons, Brian and Scott, entered the picture.

Before a game in Guelph, Ontario, the family of hockey agents took notice of a scrappy little forward flying around the ice during warmups. Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 05.13.2021 That was Paul Dalpe's doing.

“Growing up, my dad always thought you needed to go hard in warmups," Dalpe said, chuckling. “They came to watch somebody else, but they saw how hard I was going in warmups. I was flying around out there and they were like, ‘Who is this kid? This kid is a try-hard guy,’ but they loved it.”

The Bartletts located Dalpe's parents, which led to a conversation with Paul. They handed him a brochure, which noted some of their NHL clients — including Zdeno Chara and Thomas Vanek — and said they’d keep in touch.

They drove off in a Mercedes, leaving the Dalpes trying to make sense of it.

“They had Chara and Thomas Vanek, and my dad’s like, ‘Why do you guys want to represent my son?’ ” Dalpe said. “I’m almost 32 now and I’ve had them since I was 15 or 16. They’ve been there for the very lows of my life and the highs with my kids being born. They’re like an extension of the family.” 1188111 Columbus Blue Jackets of Eichel’s injury, which might require surgery, is a concern, and the Jackets might not have enough to sway the Sabres anyway.

Regardless, it’s worth checking out. Five pressing questions as the Blue Jackets head into an offseason of uncertainty How will the first-round picks be used?

After obtaining two first-round picks in this year’s draft in trades that sent Nick Foligno to Toronto and David Savard to Tampa, Kekalainen has Brian Hedger three top picks. It will be interesting to see if he uses them all to boost the The Columbus Dispatch organization’s prospect pool or package them in a trade aimed at filling holes on the NHL roster.

The Jackets have the sixth-best odds of winning the draft lottery with Seth Jones, rear left, and Zach Werenski are regarded as the core of the their own pick, which is easily the most valuable of the three. The other Blue Jackets, and both are due to become pending free agents. Their two are likely to be late-round selections, but those still have value, negotiations are among the most important offseason tasks ahead for especially when most of the scouting was done remotely for this draft and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the ’s season entirely. The Blue Jackets’ season of discontent ended on Max Domi’s wrist shot in overtime Saturday at Nationwide Arena. There could easily be some gems that fall to those draft slots, which will reward teams that do the best job of scouting. The Jackets pride They finished in last in the Central Division, separated from the rebuilding themselves on their scouting staff, but their amateur scouts aren’t the Detroit Red Wings by only a tiebreaker, and the offseason has arrived only ones in the organization who are busy right now. much sooner than planned in Columbus. The Blue Jackets and coach John Tortorella have already "mutually" parted ways, players are Which goalie will be traded? scattering off to vacations or offseason residences and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has a long “to do” list in front of him. This was also a question last offseason, after Joonas Korpisalo and Elvis Merzlikins signed two-year contract extensions within a week of each A new coach needs to be hired. Three first-round picks are burning a other during the NHL’s four-month pandemic pause. hole his pocket. Seth Jones and Zach Werenski will become pending free agents and the Jackets could use some help at center, which feels like Nothing materialized thanks to a large class of UFA goalies last year, but an endless saga. this summer will almost certainly be different. One of them will be traded and the other will likely sign a long-term extension to remain the Jackets’ It’s going to be a busy summer in Columbus, so get the popcorn ready. top net-minder. Here are five questions to ponder going into the Blue Jackets’ offseason: Merzlikins and Korpisalo have both proven themselves as capable No. 1 Will Jones, Werenski stay long term? options and both are popular with fans, which makes it difficult to choose between them. Merzlikins has thrived whenever Korpisalo has gone The coaching search comes first, but if items on the “to do” list were down with an injury — which is reflected in his higher $4 million salary — ranked by importance this question would be right at the top. Simply put, but Korpisalo was outstanding in last summer’s postseason and set a the Jackets’ top two defensemen are integral puzzle pieces, and record with 85 saves in the Jackets’ five-overtime loss to the Lightning in Kekalainen needs to find out his odds of keeping them long term sooner Game 1 of the first round. than later. Both would like to stay with the Jackets. Both also want to become full- If either shows interest in staying for the long haul, a lucrative long-term time NHL starters. Top prospect Daniil Tarasov is also waiting in the deal should be offered to get a signature. If there are signs of hesitancy wings and the time to make a choice is fast approaching. from Jones, who will be a pending unrestricted free agent July 28, a blockbuster trade might be necessary.

The Blue Jackets cannot afford to let another superstar hit the open Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 05.13.2021 market without getting anything in return, as they did with Artemi Panarin and in 2019.

Who will replace Tortorella?

Kekalainen plans to have a new coach in place before the start of free agency, which could also mean it will happen before the draft on July 23- 24.

The GM laid out the basic qualities he’ll be looking for in his next head coach on Monday and mentioned Tortorella’s strong points multiple times. Finding Tortorella 2.0 won’t be an easy task, but the field is wide open with possibilities and could grow larger in the next week or two.

“The league is still playing,” Kekalainen said. “There’s still some regular- season games. Other organizations are going to make their decisions at the end of the regular season, maybe even after the first round of playoffs, and we're going to make sure that we do our due diligence with all the candidates that we think are worthy of consideration and can be a good fit with us.”

Should they go after Jack Eichel?

The answer is probably yes if teams are allowed to make their own evaluation of the herniated disc in the 24-year-old star’s neck.

The Blue Jackets desperately need a proven No. 1 center after trading Pierre-Luc Dubois to Winnipeg and Eichel — who blasted the Sabres during his exit interview with reporters Monday — is often mentioned in the same breath as superstars Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) and Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs).

Eichel is not McDavid, who’s in a class of his own, but he is a big, fast, highly skilled headache to opposing teams when healthy. The prognosis 1188112 Columbus Blue Jackets demanding ways. Yet, here in Columbus, he was not a cartoon. Far from it.

For instance: For every moment when “old Torts” popped off at a news Michael Arace: After 15 years of darkness, Tortorella showed Columbus conference, there were hours and hours of thoughtful, considered and NHL light considerate repartee. He has fewer airs than just about any coach I’ve ever known.

Michael Arace He was unafraid, even, to describe his faults and vulnerabilities. He laid himself wide open to his players, too, and I think that is one reason why The Columbus Dispatch they tended to cede to his demands. Aside from saying things like, “I don’t know Seth Jones's status because I haven’t checked with the

trainers,” there was nothing phony about him. In six years in Columbus, John Tortorella went 447-227-166 (.568) and Surely, some of his players didn't like him. The vast majority did — or, at took the Blue Jackets to the playoffs four times. least, they respected him for making them better. Is that a criticism? John Tortorella’s tenure as coach of the Blue Jackets coach, which In the end, Tortorella must be judged by his job performance. In six years stretched for six years, reached its official termination point Saturday — a long tenure by modern standards — he went 447-227-166 (.568) night. For all practical purposes, however, the end came on Aug. 11, and took the Jackets to the playoffs four times. He gave them an identity, 2020, at 9:22 p.m. which might be understated thusly: They were tightly glued and nearly On that day, at that minute, Brayden Point beat Joonas Korpisalo to lift shatterproof. the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 3-2 victory over the Jackets in Game 1 of Tortorella’s critics point out that only once did his Jackets get past the their first-round playoff series in Toronto. The game stretched over 2 ½ first round of the playoffs. I would say that his teams were better than the hours of on-ice clock and 6 ¼ hours of on-the-wall clock. sum of their parts, a testament to their coach. Twice they were eliminated The year previous, the Jackets, seeded eighth, shocked Tampa Bay, by the eventual Stanley Cup champion, once by the eventual Eastern which was coming off one of the greatest regular seasons in NHL history. Conference finalist. With just a bit more luck, a goal or a save here or Not only did the Jackets beat those Lightning, they swept them, and thus there, a few nice runs might've turned into the stuff of legend. claimed the biggest first-round upset in Stanley Cup playoff history. As it is, Tortorella will remain a local legend. After 15 years of darkness, From there, the Jackets owned the Lightning from the neck up. They did he brought a winning culture to Columbus. He shed the light. He moves until Aug. 11, 2020, at 9:22 p.m. Although their series in the Toronto on now, his eyes still bright, his coat still shiny. bubble would grind forward with four more grueling games, the spell was broken. Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 05.13.2021 The Jackets were already playing on adrenaline after a five-game slog against the Maple Leafs in the qualifying round of the COVID Cup. Point’s goal was destiny’s shoulder tap: The Lightning went on to win it all; the Jackets went on to unravel.

Last year — or, more accurately, the 2019-20 season — marked the best coaching job in Columbus franchise history. The team led the league in injuries, by a mile. Somehow, Tortorella steered them into playoff position, got them prepped for the bubble, beat the Maple Leafs on the Leafs’ home ice and got them a goal away from believing they could actually do it again — beat Tampa.

Rarely has one man gotten so much out of so few. Tortorella should have won his third Jack Adams Award, and his second with the Jackets. What his players dug down to give him was remarkable. It was just nigh unbelievable.

In retrospect, Tortorella and the team should have parted ways after Point’s final dagger, a series-clinching goal, in overtime, in Game 5. He probably knew better than anyone that his shelf life with this group had reached term. I’d bet he came back for one more year out of respect for general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

In any case, the core of the team was hollowed out in the coming months. Veteran Gus Nyquist was lost to season-ending surgery. Disgruntled Josh Anderson was traded in the offseason and disgruntled Pierre-Luc Dubois was traded just as the season got underway. Captain Nick Foligno and cornerstone David Savard were dealt at the deadline in April. Boone Jenner went off for repairs just prior to the deadline and Zach Werenski just after it.

The official end came Saturday night.

Criticisms of Tortorella have, after 20-plus years at the highest level of the game, turned into memes. He alienates his best players, belittles them in public and manhandles delicate situations. His old-school style is unsuited to a new age of sensitive athletes and team-building theories. He’s an egocentric jerk who craves attention. And so forth.

Tortorella’s previous job, in Vancouver, lasted for one season and will be best remembered for his attempt to assault an opposing coach (Bob Hartley) in an arena hallway, between periods. He spent a year in the wilderness, on television. He was rescued, by then-Jackets president John Davidson and Kekalainen, and introduced to Columbus on Oct. 15, 2015.

Tortorella still treated every player uniformly, retained his brutal honesty and, when it came to playing the game “the right way,” lost none of his 1188113 Dallas Stars “I’m going to put everything on myself just because the way I am. I’m going to get ready for the next season, re-charge, work, train and get ready for the next one.”

Why a bridge contract makes more sense than a longer deal for Miro Khudobin was pulled in five games, and only won consecutive games Heiskanen, Stars during two stretches this season: the first three games from Jan. 22-26 and three games from April 1-10.

By Matthew DeFranks While it’s not a forgone conclusion that Khudobin has played his last game as a Star, it is possible. Jake Oettinger’s emergence and Ben 6:27 PM on May 12, 2021 CDT — Updated at 6:30 PM on May 12, 2021 Bishop’s return means the goaltending position is suddenly crowded. CDT Khudobin will also be exposed in the expansion draft in July, something he went through as a member of the Bruins during the Vegas expansion

draft. For Miro Heiskanen, the expectations are about to be higher. “You’re just waiting and see what’s going to happen,” Khudobin said. The former No. 3 overall pick of the Stars has had lofty standards set “There is nothing that I can tell you. I just had a couple meetings right upon him during his first three seasons in the NHL, but all of them came now with coaching staff and Jim. What I can tell you? There is expansion at a discount on his entry-level contract. Heiskanen will be a restricted draft, yes, what going to be? I don’t know.” free agent this summer, which means the dollars — and expectations — come with it. Dallas Morning News LOADED: 05.13.2021 Heiskanen was the team’s most-used player, averaging 24:58 of ice time per game, and posting eight goals and 19 assists. In an 82-game season, that would put him on pace for about 40 points. In 2019-20, Heiskanen had 35 points in 68 games, a 42-point pace.

“His play was better than his numbers,” Stars coach said. “He was snakebitten a little bit, some of his shots his posts and missed some opportunities. So those numbers will get better.”

Heiskanen hit a combined five posts and crossbars this season, the third- most among NHL defensemen. He also played on the power play, penalty kill and against the opposition’s top lines.

“I think [my season] went pretty well,” Heiskanen said. “Of course, can always be better, but I’m really happy how I played defensively. Of course, offensively, want to create more and be more effective. I think the overall game was really good. Of course, want to create more offensively.”

Now comes the interesting part of Heiskanen’s year, and the part that could impact the Stars’ future More:his upcoming contract negotiations. On Wednesday, Heiskanen said he had not thought about what length of contract he would like to sign with the Stars.

“We had lots of games and I was focusing on them,” Heiskanen said. “I haven’t think about a lot of my contract, but I have time to think about it now. We’ll see. We’ll see what happens.”

A bridge deal of three years might make the most sense for both Heiskanen and the Stars.

For the Stars, bridge deals are cheaper since they do not buy out the lucrative years of unrestricted free agency. That would allow them some flexibility in the near term as they try to re-sign Jamie Oleksiak, John Klingberg and ready themselves for the next extensions for Roope Hintz and Denis Gurianov. A three-year term would also make Heiskanen an RFA at the end of the deal instead of walking him directly to UFA.

For Heiskanen, a three-year deal would give him time to boost his offensive numbers and cash in on his third contract. It would also mean the Stars would only have one more season of Jamie Benn’s contract on the books, and would likely be signed when the salary cap is going up again. Currently, because of the financial hit of the pandemic, the salary cap is stagnant.

“He’s a young defenseman,” Bowness said. “You don’t hit your stride as an NHL defenseman until five, six, seven years in the league. He’ll just keep getting better. He’s a great kid, and he loves the game. He’s a huge part of the future of this franchise.”

Khudobin’s roller coaster: Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin took a step back this season after two stellar years in Dallas as ’s backup. In 32 starts, Khudobin went 12-11-7 with a .905 save percentage and 2.54 goals against average.

“I’ll tell you right now, numbers wasn’t good,” Khudobin said. “Yes, there was some issues with a lot of ups and downs, but every hockey player is going through that. I have to deal with some other issues, family stuff and stuff like this. But numbers wasn’t good. I didn’t like them, and one game was good, another game wasn’t good. 1188114 Dallas Stars year) and fill their roles with younger, cheaper players like Ty Dellandrea, Rhett Gardner or Nick Caamano.

The Stars could also look at the free agent market for a bottom-six Four biggest factors affecting Dallas Stars’ pending offseason roster forward in case they feel their youngsters aren’t ready to be full-time moves NHLers just yet. Blake Coleman, Mikael Granlund, Nick Bonino, Brandon Saad, Erik Haula and Barclay Goodrow are all UFAs.

By Matthew DeFranks The other option would be to acquire a top-six option in order to push players like Joel Kiviranta and Jason Dickinson down the lineup, creating 9:00 AM on May 12, 2021 CDT a deeper and more offensive lineup. That would cost more cap space, which the Stars might be able to afford depending on the expansion draft

and the contracts handed out to their RFAs. The Stars roster will look different when training camp begins in Backup goaltender September, if just accounting for the return of injured players like Tyler Seguin, Alexander Radulov and Ben Bishop. But there could be more If Seattle does not take Khudobin willingly, the Stars have a dilemma on shifting on the roster depending on what general manager does their hands. Ben Bishop returns in the fall after missing the entire season this offseason. following knee surgery, and Jake Oettinger played well enough this spring to warrant NHL experience instead of AHL games. Here are some things to keep an eye on. That leaves Khudobin as the key: not good enough to be the starter, not Expansion draft able to go to the AHL. Might the Stars try to entice the Kraken to take The Seattle Kraken begin play next season in the Pacific Division and Khudobin by shipping a draft pick to Seattle? Or is there a suitor their expansion draft is on July 21, an important date that could decide elsewhere in the league that would trade assets for the goalie that what other teams do at the draft (July 23-24) and during free agency manned the crease during the Cup Final run? (July 28). For the Stars, there are a few ways the draft could go, and it Who knows? But it will be interesting to find out. would have trickle down effects elsewhere.

Assuming Dallas chooses a 7-3-1 protection model, here is what a potential protection list could look like. Dallas Morning News LOADED: 05.13.2021

Forwards (7): Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Alexander Radulov, Roope Hintz, Denis Gurianov, Radek Faksa and Joe Pavelski.

Defensemen (3): John Klingberg, Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell.

Goaltender (1): Ben Bishop.

Seattle could choose Jason Dickinson, the Stars’ versatile forward who is a restricted free agent this summer. It might opt for Anton Khudobin, but his age (35), performance (.905 save percentage), and contract (two more years at a $3.333 million cap hit) may scare Seattle. Seattle could select Jamie Oleksiak with the hope that they can convince him to sign there instead of hitting free agency. The Kraken could also take a flier on a Stars prospect like Adam Mascherin or Ben Gleason.

Or maybe the Stars protect Dickinson instead of Pavelski or Faksa, opening an opportunity for Seattle to select one of the two veteran centers. The expansion draft is the most prominent unknown of the summer.

Second defensive pairing

The headliner on the second pair is Miro Heiskanen, who hits restricted free agency this summer after his three-year entry-level contract expired this year. A short-term bridge deal makes the most sense for both Heiskanen and the Stars, which would come in cheaper than a long-term deal, allow the Stars immediate cap flexibility and give Heiskanen the ability to sign his third contract once the salary cap begins to rise again.

But the comparable bridge contracts are scarce on the marketplace. There’s Tampa Bay’s Mikhail Sergachev (three years, $4.8 million cap hit), Boston’s Charlie McAvoy (three years, $4.9 million cap hit) and Columbus’ Zach Werenski (three years, $5 million cap hit). Heiskanen is also one of four marquee young defensemen becoming RFAs this summer, and Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes, Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin or Colorado’s Cale Makar could set the market for Heiskanen.

Heiskanen’s partner Oleksiak is an unrestricted free agent who the Stars would like to bring back to Dallas.

Oleksiak will be the key to Dallas’ offseason, whether they re-sign him at a reasonable number after the expansion draft (so they don’t have to protect him) or don’t. If they don’t, do the Stars find a blue-liner elsewhere, do they trust Thomas Harley, or do they use that money to go get a free agent forward?

Bottom-six forwards

Andrew Cogliano, 33, and Blake Comeau, 35, are both unrestricted free agents after each spending parts of three seasons in Dallas, primarily on a checking line with Radek Faksa. The Stars could let both veterans walk in free agency (as they did with Corey Perry and Mattias Janmark last 1188115 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit News 2020-21 Red Wings final grades

TED KULFAN | The Detroit News

Detroit — The record was better, the product on the ice was improved.

No, the Red Wings aren’t going to the playoffs. That streak has now reached five seasons.

But when you watched the Wings often enough, you saw a team that was much more competitive than a year ago, and showed promise for the future.

The Wings finished 19-27-10, ahead of Columbus by virtue of more victories. But after a 4-12-3 start, due in large part to a lineup ravaged by COVID-19, the Wings finished 15-15-7 in the final 37 games, despite key injuries late up and down the lineup.

The Wings were a harder team to play against, and bought in to coach ’s desire to play a defensive system.

Here are the full-season individual grades, based on expectations for each player heading into this pandemic-ridden, anything-but-normal season.

Detroit News LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188116 Detroit Red Wings Wolverines linemate Johnson, who played center in the British Columbia Junior League in 2019, said Beniers helped his transition to the wing this year by handling a lot of the defensive responsibilities.

Michigan's Matt Beniers patterned two-way game after Red Wings' Pavel "I kind of noticed pretty quickly that he doesn't seem to get tired like most Datsyuk other guys," Johnson said. "His motor is pretty crazy and that makes him a special player. He's always moving and he can get you out of the D zone and make really good plays in transition."

MARK FALKNER | The Detroit News Beniers' career path has been compared to Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, who had 85 points in 76 games during two years at

North Dakota from 2006-2007 before leading Chicago to three Stanley There's one shootout move that University of Michigan center Matt Cups in six years (2010, 2013, 2015). Beniers practiced more than any other growing up in the Boston area. Pearson praised Beniers' leadership skills and says he's "humble, Beniers, a consensus top-10 pick for the 2021 NHL Draft and a potential hardworking, doesn't put himself above the team and he's not afraid to first-line center for the Detroit Red Wings, patterned his two-way game work hard to earn what he does." after two of the league's best defensive centers, Patrice Bergeron of his If drafted by the Red Wings, who won't find out their first-round draft hometown Boston Bruins and two-time Stanley Cup champion Pavel position until the NHL lottery on June 2, Beniers said it would be "pretty Datsyuk of the Red Wings. surreal" to go from playing hockey in Plymouth to Ann Arbor to Detroit. But it was Datsyuk's shootout goal against Nashville Predators "It would be really cool if coach Draper called my name," Beniers said of goaltender Tomas Vokoun at Joe Louis Arena on March 21, 2006, that the former Selke winner and now the head of the Red Wings' amateur left the biggest impact on the native of Hingham, Mass. scouting department. "I actually remember him coaching me in one "I absolutely loved the Datsyuk shootout move," said the 18-year-old tournament with his son Kienan. Obviously though, it would be pretty Beniers, who was born the same year Datsyuk won his first Cup in 2002 special playing in Michigan most of my whole life." and was 6 when the Russian star raised the Cup for the final time in

2008. Detroit News LOADED: 05.13.2021 "That was the coolest thing I had ever seen. He would come in, hold it on his forehand, wait out the goalie. The goalie would think he's shooting far side. He would almost pull it back on his backhand. The goalie would go the other way and he would have the open net."

Beniers didn't have a shootout opportunity in his freshman season with the Wolverines (15-10-1), who won one game in overtime and didn't advance to the conference-only shootout format in the COVID-shortened season.

Ranked the fourth-best prospect by TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie and playing on the same team with No. 1-ranked Owen Power and eighth-ranked Kent Johnson, Beniers had 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points in 24 games with a team-best plus-21 among the Michigan forwards.

Beniers said he tried to emulate his 200-foot game after Bergeron and Datsyuk, who won three Frank Selke Trophy Awards as the NHL's best defensive forward, one less than four-time winners Bergeron and former Montreal Canadiens winger Bob Gainey.

"I obviously loved the way he (Datsyuk) played the game with so much skill, so much patience," Beniers said. "He worked hard but he was always so calm. I just started to fall in love with his game."

Michigan coach Mel Pearson said he noticed Beniers' "calmness and patience" in the defensive zone right away and he credits Beniers' two years with the National Team Development Program for refining those skills.

In his final year with the Plymouth-based NTDP in 2019, Beniers had 31 points in 34 games and he played a shutdown role with high-scoring wingers Cole Caulfield and Matthew Boldy with the 2020 gold-medal winning U.S. team at the world championships in Edmonton.

"He's played in those tough buildings with the program," Pearson said. "He's played against college teams. He's one of those kids when everything is going crazy on the bench and guys are getting excited and anxious, he'll say, 'Hey, what's the big deal? Just settle down. Relax guys.'"

Beniers said the transition to college hockey "wasn't that big of a jump" after playing against top-ranked college teams like North Dakota and that he learned "how to hang around the middle of the ice and be in the right place and the right time" by watching Datsyuk and Bergeron.

"You have to pick and choose your spots," Beniers said. "You've got to be smart. You've got to look at the time of the game, if you're down a goal, up a goal, a lot of things you have to think of in a split second, whether you're going to make the nice saucer pass over a couple of guys or make the smart, easy play back to the D (defense)." 1188117 Detroit Red Wings

Danny DeKeyser is Red Wings’ Masterton nominee after return from back surgery

Updated May 10, 2021; Posted May 10, 2021

By Ansar Khan | [email protected]

Danny DeKeyser went nearly 15 months between games, struggled a bit at the start of the season and was scratched for a nine-game stretch.

But he finished the season strong, capping a successful comeback from back surgery.

As a result, DeKeyser is the Detroit Red Wings’ nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of “perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication” to hockey.

The selection was made by the Detroit chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The winner will be announced in July.

DeKeyser was limited to eight games in 2019-20 before undergoing surgery in December 2019.

“It’s not an easy surgery to go through,” DeKeyser said. “The down time after that is extended. It’s tough to even get around the house after a surgery like that.”

He started the 2021 season on time after it was pushed back to mid- January due to the pandemic. But a tough start prompted coach Jeff Blashill to scratch DeKeyser from the lineup for nine games from Feb. 3- 19.

“Coming out of training camp I was definitely struggling a bit,” DeKeyser said. “They sat me down and told me to work on some stuff and try to get back healthy again, it had been so long since I played.

“Second half of the season I definitely felt a lot better, thought I was moving better and felt stronger out there. One of my goals coming into the year was, first of all, to play, and to just get better as the weeks and months went on, and I think that’s what I did.”

DeKeyser, 31, had four goals and eight assists in 47 games. He tied for the team lead with a plus-3 rating.

“That (finish) was pretty positive going into a full offseason where I can be healthy and train,” DeKeyser said. “Last year I was still on rehab and I couldn’t get to the point where I wanted to be to play at this level. That’ll be important for me this summer.”

He has one year remaining on his contract.

The Red Wings have had two Masterton winners -- in 1984 and in 2003.

Michigan Live LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188118 Edmonton Oilers and you wonder why he doesn’t get more points. He’s had a phenomenal year.”

While Tippett wasn’t crazy about how the Oilers went about improving Edmonton Oilers build momentum with OT win in Montreal their record to 34-18-2, he understands the human element that comes with playing a meaningless second-last game of the season on the road. Overall, he’s giving it a passing grade.

Robert Tychkowski “Some of the turnovers, some of the sloppiness, you’d like to take out of our game,” he said “But we’re trying to get some players some minutes, Publishing date: May 12, 2021 trying to get some rhythm in our lines and you want to be cognizant of not overplaying anybody.

Dave Tippett summed up the second last game of the regular season “There are a lot of factors that come into play. Every game we put in a perfectly. couple of thoughts about things we want to be cognizant of and, so far, the players have done a pretty good job. There are some things that we “Sloppy, nobody got hurt and we got two points.” can do better, but there are things where we feel like our game is trending the right way.” On a day when the only thing that really mattered was the second part of his synopsis — staying healthy for the playoffs — the Edmonton Oilers Late Hits: Barrie’s two point night lifted him to the league lead in scoring went the extra mile and posted their second overtime victory over the among defencemen with 48 points … Cole Caufield’s goal at 1:58 of the Montreal Canadiens in as many games. first period is the ninth time this season the Oilers have allowed a goal on the first shot … The Oilers wrap up the regular season Saturday against The 4-3 decision wasn’t as sweet as what happened on Monday night, the Vancouver Canucks. when letting the Canadiens get a single point officially eliminated the Calgary Flames from playoff contention, but a win is a win.

And it’s better to be rolling this late in the season than to be trying to get Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 05.13.2021 your act together at the last minute.

Ask the .

“I think, as a group, we’ve identified that, we’ve talked about using the last 12-14 games to build our game and feel good about ourselves,” said winger Alex Chiasson, who scored his ninth of the season in the win.

“You don’t want to create any bad habits. There’s nothing better than feeling good about your game going into Game 1 in the first round. I like where our team is at right now.”

For a game that didn’t matter, neither side stopped swinging until the last shot of the game. When Montreal, playing a skeleton lineup because of injuries and resting players, went up 1-0 on the first shot of the game, Chiasson tied it for Edmonton at 8:35.

When Nick Suzuki put Montreal up 2-1 on a shorthanded goal midway through the first period, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tied it again moments later on the same power play.

When Leon Draisaitl gave Edmonton its first lead of the game in the second period, Suzuki tied it again in the third.

But there’s no coming back in overtime, and before anyone even had a chance to say: ‘Why is Tippett sending Dominik Kahun out to the start the OT instead of Connor McDavid?’ Kahun scored the winning goal on a breakaway at the 27-second mark.

It was his first overtime winner.

“I tried to make my way there, Leon found me and I’m happy I scored,” grinned Kahun, who loved the way Edmonton battled through to win a game that didn’t really mean much.

“That’s the character of this group, we go hard. It would be a bad thing if we didn’t, because we want to be ready for the best part of the season.”

The line of Chiasson, James Neal and rookie Ryan McLeod turned in another solid night after being put together four games ago. This is exactly what the Oilers were looking for down the stretch, chemistry in their depth.

“I feel like the last two years, me and Nealer have always played well together,” said Chiasson. “We understand the game and we understand how each other play. We know where to go depending on where the puck is.

“And adding McLeod in the middle, he’s a young kid with a tremendous amount of talent. We’re trying to use the last couple of games to figure out how we can be effective as a line.”

Oilers captain McDavid, meanwhile, had a relatively quiet night by his standards. Just two assists to up his total to 104 points on the season and 12 multi-point games in his last 13 starts.

“He’s had a heck of year,” said Tippett. “There are some nights, to tell you the truth, where I look at how many chances he creates on the ice 1188119 Edmonton Oilers “Solid player, positionally very sound, gaining more confidence every game with his puck play. He transports the puck well with the two big guys (James Neal and Alex Chiasson) on the wing and they surround the front of the net,” said Tippett. Chiasson had a goal and an assist, Neal an OILERS SNAPSHOTS: Kahun, expecting to sit, wins it for Oilers in OT assist, the third straight game he’s got a point.{

'Just looking for a little German magic and they came through' SPECIAL TEAM SALUTE

While the Oilers are No. 1 on the power play for a second straight year, first time that’s happened since Montreal back-to-back in 2006-07 and Jim Matheson • Edmonton Journal 2007-08, their penalty kill has been almost perfect the last 20 games. Publishing date: May 12, 2021 They’ve killed off 49 of their last 52 tries and are now 10th overall at 82.5 per cent. They’ve seen lots of sunlight after their numbers were dungeon- like in the early part of the season. It’s always McDavid and Draisaitl over the boards first in overtime for the Edmonton Oilers, and it was that way for the first five three-on-threes this “Early on, we struggled and had some bad luck with pucks going in off season, until it wasn’t. skates. Our goals-against got better and so did the penalty kill. Our structure’s good and so is our discipline.” Enter Dominik Kahun, who had eight goals all season. This ‘n’ that: Kailer Yamamoto has some bumps and bruises and took the “I was thinking my game is probably over,” said Kahun, “but then the game off as taxi squadder was plugged into the right-wing coach says: ‘Get on the ice with Drai.’ I was, uh, surprised.” spot with Draisaitl and Nugent-Hopkins … Habs assistant coach Alex Burrows was absent Wednesday. Head man Dom Ducharme said he’s No kidding. got not feeling well … Joakim Nygard (hand) is a strong possibility to play “Why not? Just looking for a little German magic and they came through,” in the final league game after missing the last three. Centre Gaetan Haas said Oilers coach , after Kahun took a Draisaitl feed on the (foot), who hasn’t played since April 1, is 50-50 … Tippett said there’s an first shift and beat Montreal goalie Cayden Primeau for a 4-3 win outside chance defenceman Slater Koekkoek (broken collarbone in Wednesday. “Just playing a hunch, he and Drai have worked well February) might get into the last game … While there’s sentiment for together before.” goalie Alex Stalock to get some playing time against the Canucks in the last game Saturday afternoon, Tippett said there was no plan for that but Kahun hasn’t had anywhere near the offensive season he was hoping for he would talk it over with goalie coach Dustin Schwartz … Darnell when he signed in December as a free-agent, but he made it look easy, Nurse’s cousin, Sarah, who has been doing national commentary on when he hasn’t had a lot of practise at it. SportsNet, was one of 28 players named for Canada’s 2022 Olympic “I’ve had two shootouts, missed on one, actually with the same move selection. Also local defenceman Meaghan Mikkelson, who has worked (hesitation and up high) I tried in this game, and scored on (Braden) with Gene Principe on some Oilers TV broadcasts, was one of nine blue- Holtby.” liners picked. Mikkelson won gold in 2010 and ’14.

He was the seventh shooter for Buffalo in March, 2020 and scored on the Capitals’ Holtby. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 05.13.2021 This time, he was the first shooter, with Draisaitl, who has nine career OT goals (same as McDavid), tops in the team history, finding him just as he did McDavid Monday night for a breakaway, as well. Kahun is the 73rd different Oiler to score in OT in team history.

The Oilers have only had six games out of 55 go past regulation, winning four in OT. None have gone to a shootout. They’re the only team that hasn’t gone that route this season.

LOOKING TO HISTORY

Tyson Barrie helped on the OT goal, as did Draisaitl after first assisting on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ power-play marker in the opening period.

He now leads the NHL defencemen with 48 points in 55 games, one more than Adam Fox, whose New York Rangers’ season is over. He also played 55.

Barrie, one of five Oilers — Draisaitl, McDavid, Darnell Nurse and Adam Larsson— who have played every game, was at fault on Habs winger Cole Caufield’s opening goal on a pass to Kahun that misfired, but atoned with his two assists, which give him 40 along with his eight goals.

Tom Gilbert (2008-09) and Chris Pronger (2005-06) are the only other Oilers D-men to get 40 assists over the last 30 years. Paul Coffey (1986- 87) did it the fastest in 46 games. He was hurt that season and only played 59 games (50 assists).

“Tyson finds a way to get pucks to the net, makes a lot of plays out of nothing,” said Oilers winger Alex Chiasson, who got the same sentiment from Tippett.

“The fact that he leads all defencemen in points speaks to his skill. He’s very knowledgeable with the puck, makes plays under pressure.”

TRUST GAINED

It’s unusual for a farmhand to come up and immediately find a regular spot late in a season, but Tippett continues to play centre Ryan McLeod early and late in games. He played 14 minutes. 1188120 Edmonton Oilers also has defensive acumen and could slide in on the 97 line with Jesse Puljujarvi and help provide two big, skilled wingers with speed next season.

Lowetide: How the Oilers can improve their depth in a trade with the The Rangers would want a handsome return, Chytil is 21 and could be Rangers on the cusp of a breakout season. The ask could be Ethan Bear or more (that’s a dangerous deal for Edmonton due to Bear’s positional rarity as a right-handed defenceman), but New York’s owner is impatient and that could create an opportunity for a lesser (but substantial) payoff for Chytil. By Allan Mitchell Alexandar Georgiev May 12, 2021 Signed as a free agent in the summer of 2017 after several solid seasons

in Finland’s Liiga, Georgiev (who is from Bulgaria) has been in the NHL Bringing up the idea of a trade between the Edmonton Oilers and New for part or all of four seasons now. His overall save percentage totals York Rangers can outrage fans of the western team, young and old. have been eroding overall, but at five-on-five (special teams numbers can skew results for goaltenders) he has been solid: The older set still bristles over the multi-layered thievery of October 1991 that saw and (later) Jeff Beukeboom sent to Manhattan for As promising as his career with the Rangers began, Georgiev’s final year , Steven Rice, Louie DeBrusk and . That trade (at $2.425 million) of the current contract might be difficult to move. In his was the final devastating blow to the dynasty Oilers. time with Edmonton, Mikko Koskinen owns a .916 save percentage at five-on-five, just shy of Georgiev’s .918 during his time with New York. Younger fans might recall the instant talent drain that occurred when Ryan Strome was sent away for Ryan Spooner and the constant ongoing Georgiev doesn’t represent a clear upgrade on Koskinen, but he is less search for a replacement No. 3 centre that followed. expensive. It’s also possible the Oilers could make a deal for more assets by taking on Georgiev’s contract and moving Koskinen elsewhere Both trades worked in the Rangers’ favour. Perhaps it’s time for a trade by trade or buyout. At 25, Georgiev should be a productive NHL that sets the overall ledger a little closer to even. It appears possible this goaltender for years to come. summer, with management changes going on in New York City. Julien Gauthier The Rangers story has many wrinkles and has been covered expertly by The Athletic’s Rick Carpiniello. Among the items that caught my eye Gauthier was one of the names bounced around as a possible trade were: option when the Puljujarvi trade rumours involved the Carolina Hurricanes. Gauthier is a big winger with good speed and skill, but he’s is involved at some level. on his second NHL team because the tools haven’t completely translated. At five-on-five, the right winger has some things that the The five-point plan for the summer includes shopping the world for Oilers could use (he’s 6-foot-4, 227 pounds and can move) and his 2020- toughness (“toughness playing along the walls, in the corners, at the net 21 season shows signs of life. Here’s Gautier compared to Edmonton’s front”) and help up the middle. young skill right wingers this year: New president and general manager Chris Drury has a wealth of I see Gauthier as a possible replacement for Alex Chiasson. The experience in the game, and there are men like Sather, Brian Leetch and Rangers winger is an RFA whose cap hit was $863,333 in 2020-21, so Doug Risebrough on staff to advise on any number of opportunities. he should come in at a reasonable number. Gauthier could slide up the So Oilers fans expecting a major return for a small asset given in trade depth chart when one of Puljujarvi or Yamamoto slump and increase shouldn’t look at Drury as a former player without front office experience competition among the younger group (he turns 24 in October). who’s ripe for the picking. Strome’s value is clear to all, including Drury, In terms of assets out, and Carpiniello set out some interesting areas in so your “ and a fourth for Strome” idea isn’t going to win the his series for The Athletic on the moves in New York. day. As mentioned earlier, trading with the Rangers this summer isn’t so much There are some interesting possibilities, in particular, these three about stealing talent as taking advantage of an opportunity brought on by Rangers players. a new administration. Drury may not see Chytil as a centre and that Filip Chytil creates a window of opportunity for trade. Something less than Bear might be workable for New York when Tony DeAngelo’s situation He had a solid year with the Rangers offensively (8-14-22 in 42 games) reaches its conclusion. but is perhaps miscast at centre (42.8 winning percentage over 304 faceoffs). Chytil could be vulnerable if Drury aggressively pursues a pivot One area that could make sense for Edmonton is dealing a young to play behind No. 1 man Mika Zibanejad and Strome (No. 2 centre) via defenceman who might otherwise land with the Seattle Kraken (like trade or free agency. Moving him to another position has issues: New Caleb Jones) for a forward who could be protected in the expansion York’s left wing depth chart (Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, Alexis draft. If general manager decides to go 7-3-1, the Oilers Lafrenière) would appear to be set for years. may protect only Bear, Darnell Nurse and Adam Larsson (if he’s signed before expansion). In Edmonton, Chytil would be a promising replacement for this year’s skill left wingers. If we compare his numbers with the Rangers to Edmonton’s That could mean Edmonton protects seven forwards and an acquisition top two left wingers, the appeal of Chytil comes into view: before the expansion draft could increase the talent base for the Oilers by making the roster more efficient. That’s some quality five-on-five scoring by the Rangers centre, whose most common linemates in the discipline were Kaapo Kakko and It will come at a cost, but a line of Chytil-McDavid-Puljujarvi or Dylan Lafrenière. The offence posted in 2020-21 represents a leap for Chytil, Holloway-Ryan McLeod-Gauthier might give Edmonton a boost next who posted 0.94 points per 60 in 2018-19 and 1.47 points per 60 in season without using up huge free-agent dollars. Some of that free-agent 2019-20 at five-on-five. money could be spent elsewhere on the roster.

This season’s scoring totals by Chytil does not represent an established Bottom line: There are going to be changes on the Rangers roster and number (three years of consistent output is long enough to establish a several players of value could be playing elsewhere by the fall. The level). A major consideration is the increased quality of competition faced Oilers might benefit from a trade between the two teams, especially if by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Dominik Kahun compared to Chytil and his Chytil gets caught in a numbers game at centre or left wing. young wingers.

Chytil’s additional appeal for the Oilers would be cap hit (he’s an RFA The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 with a contract that paid him less than $900,000 this season) and a skill set that might be close to a perfect fit for Connor McDavid’s left wing.

Chytil is 6-foot-2, 206 pounds and has impressive skill plus speed. He can win puck battles and pass well and has a good, quick release. He 1188121 Florida Panthers season finale, updated the sentiment at Wednesday’s practice to include Lightning defensemen Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh, whom the Panthers did not see in the last two regular-season meetings, to the hand Tampa Bay is holding. Panthers know Lightning will present greater challenge in playoffs than what they just faced “You got all four aces covered there,” said Quenneville. “I think great players have that ability to change the complexion of a game, and a lot of times can change the complexion of a series. You can say deny him the puck, but they always find the puck on their stick, so deny him quality By DAVID FURONES opportunities is something you got to be aware of. SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL “Tampa’s got a lot of guys that have a high-end skill level, so it’s not just MAY 12, 2021 AT 5:42 PM Kucherov that you have to be worried about, but there’s a ton of respect from our group here and not seeing him all year, I think won’t take long to getting acquainted with what his strengths are and we’ll go from there.”

SUNRISE — The Florida Panthers are going into their first-round Stanley Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat, who was second on the team in points Cup playoff series versus the Tampa Bay Lightning hot against their in- (15 goals, 31 assists), also missed Monday’s regular-season finale. state rival. Winning the final two regular-season meetings by a combined score of 9-1 on Saturday and Monday, the Panthers went 5-2-1 against Panthers center Sam Bennett, who was out Monday, was not seen at the Lightning. practice on Wednesday, but Quenneville said he skated earlier.

But facing the defending Stanley Cup champions in the postseason “We expect him to be playing and likely join the practice on Friday,” stands to be a completely different gauntlet, even as Florida has secured Quenneville said. home-ice advantage for the matchup of No. 2 and 3 seeds in the Central The Panthers and Lightning continue to await the NHL’s announcement Division. of their series schedule. All that has been released as of Wednesday It’s not only because the team up I-75 went all the way in 2020 or that the evening is that Game 1 of the East Division’s matchup between the Lightning are a far more postseason-experienced team, reaching the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins will kick off NBC’s television playoffs for the seventh time in the past eight seasons under coach Jon coverage of the playoffs on Saturday night. Cooper.

The Lightning roster the Panthers faced in the 4-0 win in the regular- Sun Sentinel LOADED: 05.13.2021 season finale or 5-1 victory in the penultimate game will be drastically different from what they’ll see in the first postseason series between Sunshine State foes.

To start, star forwards Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos are expected to be available for the Lightning after Kucherov missed the entire regular season recovering from hip surgery and Stamkos has been out since April 8 with a lower-body injury. Both are reportedly expected to return for the playoffs.

“All of a sudden, you think you’re playing Texas Hold ‘Em, and now you’ve got a pair of aces right off the bat,” said Panthers coach Joel Quenneville of what his team is up against if Kucherov and Stamkos are back. “It’s a pretty good addition to your team. You get them back together, all of a sudden, your penalty kill is going to have different looks on it that you got to be aware of. Matchups, you got to be aware when those guys are on the ice — not that you don’t have to worry about other guys when they’re on the ice — but their balance throughout their lineup is dangerous, their quickness, their possession, their intelligence.”

Kucherov was the Hart Memorial Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award and Art Ross Trophy winner in the 2018-19 season when he led the NHL with 128 points (41 goals and a league-leading 87 assists). He then led the 2020 postseason in assists (27) and points (34) in the Lightning title run.

Stamkos, 31, is the franchise’s all-time goals leader (439) and had 34 points (17 goals, 17 assists) in 38 games this season.

“They’re both really special players,” Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe, who won the Cup alongside of them as a rookie with Tampa Bay last season. “They’re obviously some of the best players in the league, and it definitely gives them a different look. But it doesn’t really change much from our side of things. You still want to play the same way. You can’t really focus on what they’re doing. We kind of want to just stick to what we do best, and that’s why we’re here.”

Now on the other side of the rivalry, Verhaeghe, who returned from a 13- game absence for a pre-postseason tune-up on Monday in which he scored a goal, also was able to pick up a few things from the elite Lightning forwards.

“Playing with those guys all year last year was huge,” said Verhaeghe, who posted 36 points (18 goals, 18 assists) in his sophomore season, tied with MacKenzie Weegar for third on the team behind Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov. “There’s so many great players on that team. You can take something from a lot of the players. Stanley Cup run was huge. … What it takes to have success, they all know it, and I took a lot away from that run.”

Quenneville, originally making his “pair of aces” remark on Kucherov and Stamkos after the team’s Monday morning skate ahead of the regular- 1188122 Florida Panthers

When will the Panthers and Lightning start the playoffs?

Published 14 hours ago on May 12, 2021

By George Richards

We have known the Panthers and Lightning would square off in the playoffs for over a week now.

On Monday night, Florida clinched second place in the Central Division meaning home ice as it plays Tampa Bay in the postseason for the first time.

Yet by Wednesday afternoon, we still don’t know when the series will start.

While the NHL has not made anything official yet, Florida Hockey Now is hearing that Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs will be Sunday with Game 2 on Tuesday night.

Subscribe to FHN for daily, ad-free coverage of the Florida Panthers as they head to the Stanley Cup playoffs

Although NBC has two national time slots on Sunday afternoon (noon and 3 p.m.), Game 1 of the Panthers-Lightning is expected to be on NBCSN at 7:30.

As long as the Panthers are not on the NBC over-the-air national broadcast, Florida/Sun would broadcast the game locally meaning Steve Goldstein, Randy Moller & Co. would have the call at least for the first couple of games.

Hopefully we will see the full schedule in the coming hours.

Or days.

What’s the rush?

Florida Hockey Now LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188123 Florida Panthers The Panthers go into the postseason riding a six-game winning streak although that doesn’t mean much of anything once the playoffs begin.

“It’s a fresh start, it’s a whole new ballgame,” Quenneville said after Panthers NHL Award WATCH: Joel Quenneville, Jack Adams Coach of Monday’s 4-0 win over the Lightning which earned the Panthers home the Year ice in the opening round.

“We should be excited about how the season went for us in a lot of ways. I think we got a lot of guys included in our team game. We got some Published 21 hours ago on May 12, 2021 depth over the course of the season. But this is what we play for, what we shoot for in our careers. By George Richards “It has been a special year, but we have our hands full with our

opponents. They have a couple of aces coming back … we have to be Even though his Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup three times better than we’ve been. Welcoming that challenge is where we’ve got to and he is the second-winningest coach in NHL history, Joel Quenneville go to.” has won the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year just one time in FLORIDA’S PLAYOFF DROUGHT his legendary, Hall of Fame career. The Panthers have not advanced out of the first round of the playoffs That came 21 years ago when, during the 1999-2000 season, Coach Q’s since 1996 — the year Quenneville was an assistant coach and hoisted St. Louis Blues won 51 games. the Stanley Cup at Miami Arena when the Avalanche swept those lovable That’s almost as long as it has taken the Panthers to get out of the first expansion Panthers. round of the playoffs. Quenneville left Colorado during the following season when he was hired Almost. to take over in St. Louis. Florida is his fourth head coaching stop.

The Panthers wrapped up one of their best regular seasons in franchise Yes, 1996 was a long time ago. history Monday night. Home Cooking: Panthers start NHL playoffs vs. Lightning in Sunrise As they head into the playoffs this weekend against the Lightning, there “When I first got the job, I wasn’t aware of that (1996) stat,” Quenneville is renewed hope the Panthers can, finally, make a deep playoff run. said. “I was surprised. At the same time, they’ve had some decent teams Florida’s success this season has placed Quenneville as a likely finalist but you only remember the playoffs series, the big moments, the rivalries for the Jack Adams Award. created from playoff series which will build with us and Tampa. … We have to take that next step.” At the midseason point, a panel of 17 NHL.com writers had him the overwhelming favorite over Carolina’s Rod Brind’Amour, Chicago’s A lot of long droughts may be coming to an end — for Quenneville and Jeremy Colliton, Minnesota’s and Toronto’s Sheldon the Panthers both. Keefe. Zito does not have a vote for the Jack Adams Award and, admittedly in Florida’s second half was as good as its first. this case, is a bit of a homer.

When it comes to the Jack Adams, Quenneville is looked at as the But he makes it clear who his choice to be is. favorite to win with Brind’Amour and Evason the top competitors. “To me, there are a lot of good coaches out there and I am so biased, but Unfortunately for Quenneville, the NHL.com writers don’t vote on this I can legitimately make the argument for Joel as coach of the year,” Zito award; that goes to the National Hockey League Broadcasters said. Association. “The new faces alone tip the scales. It has been truly remarkable what he It is hard to overlook the work Quenneville has done in two years with the has done this year.” Panthers. Joel Quenneville coaches up the St. Louis Blues in his first head Last year was a bit of a disappointment although the team was playing coaching stop. well when the NHL shut its season down.

With 13 games left, it is more than plausable Florida would have made it Florida Hockey Now LOADED: 05.13.2021 to the playoffs had the season continued.

This season, the Panthers’ playoff hopes were really never in doubt.

Despite the addition of a number of key players, a limited training camp and no preseason, the Panthers got off to a hot start at 6-0-2 and did not lose consecutive games in regulation until Game No. 32.

The Panthers ended the season second in the highly-competitive Central Division, finishing just one point behind the only team it had a losing record against — Brind’Amour’s Hurricanes.

“I think for a confidence standpoint, the players know the coach believes in them and he just lets them play,’’ said Florida general manager , who is a favorite to win the league’s GM of the Year Award.

“It has been great. It has been a fascinating learning experience for me. The wisdom, the magic … his ability to put players in positions to succeed, to coach them, to push them to get the effort out of them and get the skill out of them was amazing.

“This and we didn’t have much of a training camp, no exhibition games, he had a new GM, new players, dealt with Covid. All coaches faced the same challenges, but I don’t think many faced this kind of turnover and had to evaluate them all in such a short period of time. Then he plugged them in and they all succeeded.

“It’s unbelievable what he has managed to do.”

Now, Quenneville’s biggest challenge of the season is upon him. 1188124 Florida Panthers playing well. If he has a good playoff series, and I remember that experience against Tampa a couple year ago when they beat us four straight, it’ll be tough. It’s a very well build team, very disciplined team, extending from their coach. It’s going to be a hell of a series. A scout, coach and former players break down Lightning-Panthers playoff series NBCSN analyst Patrick Sharp, former NHL winger: All the moves they made sent shockwaves through the lineup from a player standpoint. All of a sudden things are different and expectations get raised a little bit. It’s one thing to say we have the expectation to win a playoff round, but By Joe Smith when you’re making moves and players leave the team, it’s a wakeup May 12, 2021 call for everyone. Watching them play, they’ve got plenty of good players that are often overlooked nationally. They play fast, and not necessarily individual team speed, but they seem to be organized and know where the puck is going to be, and that’s half the battle of playing. They look like This Lightning-Panthers series is going to be nasty. they’re not just happy to be in the playoffs, they know they have a team And a whole heck of a lot of fun. that can win a very tough matchup.

Judging by the eight-game regular-season series, there’s no love lost NHL scout: Everyone thought when (Aaron) Ekblad got hurt, Florida was between the two Sunshine State rivals who will be meeting for the first done. But (MacKenzie Weegar) has been something else. He’s a wild time in the playoffs. You have the Panthers, who have revamped their card. He’s really believed in himself and taking it to the next level. He’s roster and culture, looking like the kind of team that is ready to take the playing in every situation, plays all three zones, and has got a little next step and win a round. And then you have the banged-up defending pushback. He’s probably their best out there. And (Gus) Forsling, he’s Stanley Cup champions, who are just ready for the fun to begin. come out of nowhere. From the first couple months of the season, he’s really spiked. I can’t believe he’s the same person, and I wrote him off. “There seems to be a real hatred growing and that’s going to be great for playoff hockey,” said former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau. “It reminds me Who are the X-factors in the series? of the L.A. and Anaheim rivalry. Even during the preseason, games were Boudreau: Kucherov can be a difference-maker. He’s hard to contain at a higher pace and meanness. It’s quite possible the winner of this because he’s so elusive. He finds open space so well. When he’s got the series can come out of the Central and win the Cup too. puck, his passes are spot on. He likes to sneak behind the defense. He’s “Tampa has always been the successful one and Florida has been the also somebody extra to worry about all the time. He can pass forehand, kid sister. It seems like they try harder against Tampa than anyone else.” backhand, he’s as skilled as anyone in the league and he loves playing in the playoffs. I don’t think there will be any rustiness on him at all. And if Former Cup champions will tell you the first round is usually the toughest. Kucherov is ready to go off the bat, he’ll make Brayden Point better. For the Lightning, they’re not worried about losing their final three regular-season games, including two to the Panthers, or the fact they lost Sharp: Sam Bennett for Florida. He’s got a lot to prove, a chip on his home-ice advantage. shoulder. He can play better in the playoffs. He can play up and down the lineup. He could have a heck of a series. The biggest X-factor in this series, to me, is the health of Tampa Bay’s top players. Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos are expected to return NHL scout: He’s the type of player who is good in small areas. He’s got a but haven’t played in seven months and one month, respectively. Victor lot of pushback and snot in him. I’ve seen him do it before. Hedman and Ryan McDonagh have been sidelined, and Barclay Callahan: Mathieu Joseph has come in after an up and down year last Goodrow is out indefinitely. year and has made a really good impact throughout the lineup. Whether When I polled former players, coaches and scouts for this series preview, it’s playing on the top line or playing on the fourth line, I think those are they all still gave Tampa Bay the edge. guys you need in a playoff series that can jump around your lineup. Almost like a Swiss Army Knife. If someone goes down, you can plug him “If everyone is healthy, Tampa has the experience factor,” said one NHL in the top six. Or if you need speed, energy, put him in the bottom six. scout. “I’ve been to some games where they’ve been so good, they don’t even look like they’re even pressing the gas pedal. Florida has been The coaching factor pretty consistent all year. I don’t think they’re as good a team as Tampa.” Sharp: Quenneville’s best work gets done when he has a group of guys Are injuries a concern for Tampa? that are committed, a team that knows they can win in the playoffs. I don’t know anyone better managing the series and pushing the right Former Lightning winger Ryan Callahan: In playoffs, it’s a war of attrition. buttons and getting the best out of the group and coach Q can play a You’ve seen enough to know that. You need a couple bounces here or factor in the series. I feel like his intensity behind the bench filters through there, but it’s who can avoid the major injuries. You lose your top guys the group. He’ll get excited about a small detailed play in the neutral zone and it’s definitely a blow. that may not have an impact on the outcome of the game, and when you Boudreau: It’s really going to depend on not just getting Kucherov and hear the coach react like that for a simple play, all of a sudden the details Stamkos back, but the health of Hedman, who is the rock back there. He in your game improve. I like how he’s separated his top two players in can change a game by himself. You hear that he’s been playing hurt. It (Aleksander) Barkov and (Jonathan) Huberdeau. It’s similar to how he wouldn’t surprise me if he’s a target every time. did in Chicago with (Patrick) Kane and (Jonathan) Toews.

Lightning color analyst : Over the last seven, eight, nine Boudreau: You have probably two of the best coaches in the game going games, Hedman has just been dialed back. Whether he’s tired, whether at it right off the bat. The strategies are going to be really important with he’s a little off for his lofty standards, I didn’t see him pushing the pace both guys working every single angle they have. Joel changed up his offensively. There could be varying circumstances. I thought there were style from last year because he’s smart enough to know what he did in some times where he was overly aggressive and it was getting away Chicago wasn’t working 100 percent in Florida. He tweaked it, added a from him. The Nashville game was a good example. He was super couple player and it worked out perfectly. aggressive and up on the play and everything was going awry. Some of it Engblom: There’s no secrets anymore. One thing Florida is going to try to can be fatigue. There’s a lot of miles and stress — you’re on every take advantage of is the Lightning being aggressive, and sometimes too situation, every power play. aggressive, in the neutral zone and the Florida blue line when they start What’s different with the Panthers this year? breaking out. Maybe the Lightning will back up — we’ll see. But if you start giving up the 2-on-1s and 3-on-2s, the forwards have to be Callahan: Florida is a team where every year I’d look at their lineup and conscientious too. be like, “Wow, those guys are good, they should be competitive.” But for whatever reason, they don’t pan out. The big change I think this year has Boudreau: The same way Columbus stopped Tampa is you turn pucks been the second year with (coach Joel) Quenneville. He’s really got his over at the blue line. One thing about really skilled players is they think fingerprint on this team. They’ve picked up some complementary guys they can always deke a guy or make that play or make that pass. If you that helped their top guys. (Carter) Verhaeghe, Anthony Duclair, who is break up pucks between the red line and your blue line, you’re going to having a great year. The biggest thing lately is that (Sergei) Bobrovsky is be able to turn it over and you’re going to give yourself some odd-man rushes the other way. If anyone can exploit it, Quenneville can. Who wins?

They were pretty even in their season series until the last two games, when both teams had several players hurt.

Callahan: It’s more about Tampa than it is about Florida. It’s making sure they stay disciplined, with special teams such a huge thing in the playoffs. Florida has a really good power play, Tampa does as well. Who is going to win the special teams? 5-on-5, it’s pretty even, they match up well against each other. Tampa has more forward depth, and D depth. For me, I look at this series in intangibles and where it’s won and special teams is huge. Which team is more healthy? That will play into it.

Boudreau: Florida has to get to (Andrei) Vasilevskiy (who has allowed four or more goals against Florida in four starts this year). If they can score three goals, I think they can win. Their power play has got to be as good as they’ve been all year. That’ll dictate if they can get the PP working as it’ll dictate how the game is played.

NHL scout: I think it’s Tampa in five or six. Barkov is a top five player in the league, he’s so smart. But the Lightning have the intangibles. They’ve got guys like (Anthony) Cirelli, Yanni Gourde. They’ve been there, done that.

Sharp: I don’t have too many concerns with Tampa. My only concern is Stamkos and Kucherov, if they can come back and play from the start. What I see from Tampa is a team that’s been tested over the last few years and they know what they have. They have experience, the trust and belief that when the game gets tight they have the experience to shut things down and do what needs to be done. It’s like as soon as they get a lead in the third period (25-0 when leading after two periods), they just go into shutdown mode. They’re one of the best in the league in closing out games. I know everyone wants to say there’s concern when you’re not playing well down the stretch, but I don’t buy that. I was on a team that won three Stanley Cups and the year we won the third in 2015, we were not playing very good hockey in February and March. There were all kinds of concerns about our group on the outside. But for us in the room, there was zero concern. When the playoffs start, I hate to use the cliche, but the light switches on. I legit believe they can. When their lineup is full and ready to go, the boys are going to know how to fall back into their routine and they’ll be the team we all know.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188125 Florida Panthers Even without him, the team had no full-season flaws, which is a scary thought.

Kucherov also adds an extremely dangerous weapon to Tampa Bay’s 2021 NHL playoff preview: Lightning vs. Panthers power play, arguably the team’s biggest edge in the series. Florida was a bottom third penalty killing team this season (and only getting worse down the stretch) while the Lightning managed to finish firmly in the top 10 despite a recent cold stretch and no Kucherov for the entire season. By Dom Luszczyszyn There’s a lot riding on Kucherov not missing a step after sitting out an May 12, 2021 entire season, but he remains one of the game’s most talented players.

His presence will have a significant impact, one that should bring plenty of pause when comparing the season numbers between the two teams. Finally, the Battle of Florida: the Sunshine Showdown. We’ve waited a Florida had 53 percent of the expected goals and 59 percent of the actual long time for the two teams from Florida to square off, and this series goals during the season series, while also keeping the special teams may be the most hotly anticipated of the first round. tighter than expected. The matchup looks to be in the Panthers’ favour, but it’s tough to gauge how meaningful it is to compare the two through That’s partly because of the in-state rivalry, but it’s also because Florida that lens when Tampa Bay was without its biggest weapon (and without and Tampa Bay have been two of the league’s best teams this season, plenty of key players in the final two matchups). ranking third and ninth, respectively, leaguewide (at time of writing). The expectation is for a close, hard-fought series — especially considering Without Kucherov, the talent on both sides is roughly neck-and-neck, but how Florida has played of late and how the two teams matched up in the that’s not the situation anymore for the Panthers. Florida faces a new foe season series. Florida was the better team there. now.

The Panthers have a lot going for them in that regard, but that was under Roster breakdown a different context. The Lightning are the defending Stanley Cup champions and for the first time this year will likely be at full strength with Matchup adjustment takes into account each player’s Game Score the return of superstar Nikita Kucherov, arguably their best player. against this specific opponent as well as his Game Score over the last six Tampa Bay has the edge here, hoping to prove that the season series weeks. The numbers may be slightly skewed as a result of ice-time doesn’t mean anything now that the playoffs begin. allocation.

Series odds Assuming the Lightning are at full health (not exactly the safest assumption given how the season ended), Game 1 will be the first time Matchup adjustment takes into account each player’s Game Score all season that the gang will all be back together. The lineup immediately against this specific opponent as well as his Game Score over the last six looks much more potent with Kucherov slotted into his familiar spot on weeks. the top line.

The Lightning have just under a three-in-five chance of advancing, which Kucherov hasn’t played all year so you’re forgiven if you’ve forgotten the makes this one of the tightest series of the opening round. Without kind of impact he can have. At four wins (the minus-0.1 adjustment is to adjustments made for recent play and matchups, it would be a lot more make sure everyone’s ice time fits), Kucherov is projected to be the lopsided in Tampa Bay’s favour. While Tampa Bay should be favoured, NHL’s sixth most valuable skater, as he can tilt the scales at both ends of the Lightning don’t deserve the reverence of being 65.8 percent the ice. Brayden Point led the Lightning in expected goals percentage favourites given those factors. Those would be the odds if not for the this season at 57.6 percent this year, a step up from last year’s 56 adjustment, which moves things closer to the right direction. Florida is no percent — but the actual goal rate went way down without Kucherov. pushover, even after losing Aaron Ekblad for the season. Part of that is on regression from a 12.3 percent on-ice shooting percentage, but it’s still difficult to fathom such a hearty drop with The odds above expect a few things that likely aren’t 100 percent. Kucherov riding shotgun on his line. The trio with Ondrej Palat on the left For Florida, it expects Sergei Bobrovsky to start every game, but I’m not side was unstoppable during the Cup run with an expected goals rate sure how short his leash will be as the presumed starter. Chris Driedger’s north of 62 percent, and while that would be difficult to maintain over a numbers have been stronger in each of the past two seasons and if he full season, it helps show Kucherov’s impact. Point is elite in his own were the playoff starter the team’s odds would be about 10 percentage right, but he went from scoring 33 points in 23 playoff games to 48 in 56 points higher. Florida would be favoured, meaning if Driedger starts any games without his wingman. Kucherov brings out the best in him and his games in the series then Florida’s chances improve from its current return makes Tampa Bay’s top line one of the league’s best. standing. That line will have their hands very full with Florida’s top line, though. The Though Kucherov is expected to be back, as is Steven Stamkos, the unlikely winger duo of Carter Verhaeghe and Anthony Duclair — picked team still has some injury concerns on its blue line. Left-handed stalwarts up off the scrap heap during the offseason — have somehow been the Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh both sat out the team’s final two perfect complements to superstar center Aleksander Barkov. He’s taken games of the season and any playoff absence by either player could also his game to new heights this season, turning both wingers into legitimate tip the scales further toward Florida. top line forwards in the process. Perhaps it’s a testament to the value Barkov brings, but he’s never played at a level this high either so it’s The Lightning are a little vulnerable here with a wide range of what their clear there are some mutual benefits coming from the chemistry of the lineup might look like. Florida already isn’t an easy out. trio. Among 119 forward lines that played 100 minutes together this Season stats season, Florida’s top line was second with a 70 percent expected goals percentage with an elite presence at both ends of the ice. If the two Based on the season stats, recent stats and head-to-head stats, the teams choose to go power vs. power in the matchup game it’s difficult to outcome of this series looks like it will come down to how big of a factor imagine which lines comes out on top. Both lines have shown an ability special teams will be. At five-on-five, the two teams are pretty even to completely dominate games for long stretches, so what happens when defensively for the year, but Florida has the stronger offence leading to they meet their match? better shot attempt, scoring chance and goal rates. Those edges only became larger down the stretch. Florida found another gear while Tampa It would be fascinating to watch, but who knows how much of it we’ll Bay’s goaltending sputtered. The Panthers seem like the stronger actually see as the matchup game will likely be a chess match between possession team, somehow growing even stronger since losing Ekblad. both coaches. Florida might have no problem sending out Barkov to stifle Hard to believe, but true. Point and Kucherov at home (the Panthers opted for the Barkov vs. Point matchup a fair bit during the season to some success, though Kucherov’s With this series, the question is whether any of the numbers from the return may change the math), but Tampa Bay will likely send its vaunted season really mean anything for the Lightning. Kucherov is a massive checking line anchored by Yanni Gourde instead. That frees up the top piece, one that carries a huge impact at five-on-five. It doesn’t take too line to feast on a different matchup. The Gourde, Blake Coleman and much effort to recall just how dominant Tampa Bay’s top line was during Barclay Goodrow line was one of the major keys to the Lightning’s the entire postseason thanks to his excellence and he alone has the success last playoffs and they kept that energy going this season. In 403 power to tip the puck possession scales back in Tampa Bay’s favour. minutes together they had a 60 percent expected goals rate and were a pain in the ass for every single second they were on the ice. But it didn’t really translate against Barkov. Gourde had a 41 percent with Tampa Bay and the same is true on the back end where the two expected goals rate against Florida this season and saw a heavy dose of groups are nearly identical in value — and that’s without Ekblad. Add the Barkov whenever Tampa Bay had last change. The checking line usually matchup and recency adjustment and Florida might actually have the lost that battle. Whether it’s worth it to free up the top line is up for edge. debate, but head-to-head this year the Gourde line couldn’t really handle the heat. You probably wouldn’t know it from looking at the names on each side and I admit it’s probably a bit of a stretch. The name brand value isn’t Tampa Bay has another option, though, and that’s the second line there for Florida, but the group as a whole has bought into the system centered by Anthony Cirelli. But can he can regain his 2019-20 form that and is delivering strong results to warrant the high valuations. had him in the Selke Trophy conversation? Last season, Cirelli was a play-driving force and the main reason coach was able to not The biggest value driver for defencemen by this model is how well they only free up the top line from playing tough minutes, but super-charge it can drive play at five-on-five and it certainly helps that every Panthers by putting Steven Stamkos with Point and Kucherov. Cirelli was a defenceman is above 50 percent in expected goals for the season. defensive ace, but he struggled during the playoffs and has been MacKenzie Weegar is at the top here and he’s blossomed into a inconsistent this season. Cirelli has the lowest goals percentage of the legitimate No. 1 defenceman — especially in the absence of Ekblad. He team’s forwards, one of two under 50 percent for the year. His expected leads all Panthers defenders with a 58 percent expected goals rate, rate is only barely above average too. Offensively, his game has really managing that while playing top pairing minutes. His production has cratered down the stretch with just one point in his last 22 games. He taken a big step forward as his role has increased. He’s scored 17 points hasn’t exactly played well against the Panthers either with an average in 20 games since Ekblad’s injury; by average Game Score, he’s second Game Score of minus-0.3. to only Cale Makar since Ekblad was sidelined. It’s why he sees a big Part of Cirelli’s struggles might come down to the team’s second line, a jump in the matchup adjustment (though he actually hasn’t been strong trio that just hasn’t worked all that well this season. Alex Killorn and Cirelli against Tampa Bay) as he’s been red hot down the stretch. Weegar is for formed two-thirds of Tampa Bay’s most disappointing playoff line last real. year and that’s carried over this year with the duo being out-chanced So for real that Gustav Forsling, a completely replaceable defenceman, whenever playing together. Add Stamkos to the mix and the trio drops to now suddenly looks like a capable top pairing defender next to Weegar 46 percent expected goals on the season. Stamkos’ underlying numbers (and he too gets a sizeable boost for how he’s played down the stretch). don’t look too different from last season, but that’s in part because he Forsling has a 58 percent expected goals rate this season, a complete seems to benefit a lot from playing with Point, who is mostly unaffected transformation from prior seasons. Keith Yandle mans the top power play by playing with or without Stamkos. The Lightning captain has a 49 so most of his value comes from that, but even he and Radko Gudas percent expected goals rate in 269 minutes away from Point. have done well on a sheltered third pair. Even Brandon Montour, who The first and third lines work really well and the fourth line has the looked awful in Buffalo, has found new life in Florida with a 60 percent potential to be strong too, but the second line is vulnerable if the trio expected goals rate in his first 12 Panthers games. There’s another trade doesn’t find a way to click. I was skeptical about and one I will quickly admit I was wrong about. The Panthers have done exceptionally well this season finding talent. That’s the opposite of what’s happening in Florida with the addition of Sam Bennett. I was incredibly skeptical of the trade at the time given the As rosy as those stats all are, it’s still very hard to actually take Florida’s price to acquire him considering his career to date. But it took no time at defence on paper over Tampa Bay’s. The Panthers players may all for me to eat crow as Bennett has been an absolute steal at that price, suddenly have strong numbers, but Mikhail Sergachev and Ryan immediately morphing into a capable top-six forward. He’s fit like a glove McDonagh have been legitimate top pairing options for longer — there’s next to Jonathan Huberdeau and it seems a change of scenery was much more safety in their value due to longer priors. Both have been really all that he needed to reach his potential. In 10 games with the solid this year at driving play, it’s just not on Florida’s level, which may Panthers, Bennett has six goals, nine assists and a remarkable 73 speak more to the team ability than the actual players. Erik Cernak took a percent expected goals rate. None of that is sustainable, but it’s enough nice step this year and his 56 percent expected goals rate was second to to suggest he’s a true top-six player like he’s now rated by GSVA. Maybe only Luke Schenn (wait, what?) among Lightning defenders. He’s one of even more if he does find a way to keep it up. It’s a meteoric rise from the the league’s best shutdown defenders, leading the team with 1.78 near replacement level status he had prior to the trade. expected goals against per 60 this season. Trade acquisition David Savard should be a good fit, but he hasn’t clicked with the team yet. A lot of credit for that goes to Huberdeau, who is once again putting together an elite scoring season that flies under the radar. Huberdeau It’s a solid group, but it needs its headliner to steal the spotlight again. isn’t the best play-driver on the team, but his vision and playmaking give We all know what Victor Hedman is capable of, he’s a living legend that’s him the ability to outscore his expected rate and he’s obviously a real delivered masterpieces, culminating in last year’s Conn Smythe win. Call asset on the power play. His 61 points in 55 games led the team and it it his magnum opus, his “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” The 2020- was his third straight season scoring at a 90-plus point pace. He’s eighth 21 season in comparison is “The Life of Pablo.” It’s good, maybe even in assists over the last three seasons and is second in the league in high great to some. It had some bangers and starts off strong, but it turns into danger passes per 60 this year behind only Connor McDavid, according a bit of an uneven mess in some spots, failing to live up to the grandiose to data tracked by Corey Sznajder. heights of previous work. It doesn’t take away from the respect Hedman has earned from previous seasons, but he clearly isn’t at his best. One of the real keys to Florida’s success this season was the team’s Hedman has not played tough minutes this year and though he puts up ability to find players that fit next to Barkov and Huberdeau so that they points, he’s last among Lightning defenceman in goals percentage at weren’t forced to play them together. That was the issue in prior seasons 49.5 percent and his 51.3 percent expected goals percentage is ahead of and over the past two years, the duo played 69 percent of their five-on- only Cal Foote and Jan Rutta. That’s not the Hedman we all know and five minutes together. This year that’s dropped all the way down to 14 love and it’s why the factual statement “Tampa Bay has been stronger percent. Those two have the ability to drive their own line and it’s shown with Hedman on the bench this season” feels so strange. this year — but finding the right pieces to fit next to them has been crucial. Florida deserves a lot of credit for that. A lot of that has been brought about in an ugly recent stretch of games where he’s likely been playing injured. From the start of the season to The addition of Bennett allows Alex Wennberg to slide down to the third March 28, Hedman’s average Game Score was 1.12. It’s dropped to 0.27 line where he fits a lot better. He’s had a strong year in Florida, another since and he sat out the final two games of the season as a result. A great fit, and the pure playmaker has two trigger-happy players to feed healthy Hedman is a lot stronger than this and the recent stretch is why the puck to on the third line. He’s been a Lightning killer too this season, his value has fallen so harshly. Hedman was rated as the top defender scoring eight points in eight games, cruising along with potential going into the season by GSVA with a value north of three wins and was linemates Patric Hornqvist (five points in six games) and Frank Vatrano still around that range in March before his unusual decline. Tampa Bay (six points in eight games). needs that version in this series to have a larger edge; the current version of Hedman projects this series to be a lot tighter. Florida’s issue for years has always been depth, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem this season. Even the fourth line has some effective players Up and down the skater ranks, the two teams stack up fairly evenly. (Nikita Gusev also looks like a new man in Florida) and there are players Florida has a narrow 0.7-win edge — mostly driven by the waiting in the wings that can step in. The Lightning forward group is matchup/recency adjustment that creates a three-win swing in its favour. deep, but Florida is no slouch. The Panthers can go pound for pound But Tampa Bay is still the favourite and that’s because of the massive disparity between the pipes where the Lightning have Andrei Vasilevskiy and the Panthers do not.

Vasilevskiy was Tampa Bay’s MVP this season with his underlying numbers finally living up to his reputation, saving 12.6 goals above expected. He led the league for most of the season in that category, but a recent slump pushed him down to second behind Vegas’ Marc-Andre Fleury. As a result of the strong season, the model now views him as one of the league’s best goalies. Rightfully so. He adds 3.9 wins of value as a starter, the most of any player in this series.

Bobrovsky is no longer in that realm, not since joining the Panthers anyway. Though his save percentage bounced back to .906 this season, he still allowed 11.2 goals more than expected, the 11th worst mark in the league. Last season he was sixth worst with 13.8 goals allowed more than expected. Over the last two seasons, only six goalies have allowed more goals above expected than Bobrovsky and none of them will be starters in the playoffs this season.

At this point in his career, he’s a replacement level goalie, and though Florida has better options, it feels unlikely the Panthers will use them before it’s too late. That may just be the team’s demise in this series. It is worth noting that in six games against the Panthers this season Vasilevskiy has an .898 save percentage — though that’s still higher than Bobrovsky’s .879.

The bottom line

This is a really tough series to judge. Everything that has happened this year during the season and in head-to-head matchups screams Florida. They have the depth and star power to handle Tampa Bay, and they’ve been red hot down the stretch.

But we all know the regular season probably didn’t mean all that much to Tampa Bay, not when it played the entirety of it without Kucherov. That the Lightning still flirted with finishing first in the division for much of the season is a testament to how terrifying they are. They only get scarier now when back to better health in games that actually matter to them. They have championship pedigree that’s hard to bet against.

From top to bottom the two rosters aren’t as far off as it may seem, even with Kucherov back. The forward and defence groups are comparable if Florida’s fleet of newcomers can keep up their surprisingly strong play from this season.

What it comes down to is goaltending: it’s just so difficult to trust Bobrovsky and bet against Vasilevskiy. That’s the main difference-maker here and why, despite Florida’s strong regular season against their in- state rivals, this is still Tampa Bay’s series to lose.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188126 Los Angeles Kings Compher for a one-timer from the right faceoff circle. It was his eighth goal and he finished the night with 10, meaning he scored 30 percent of his goals for the season in one night.

Avalanche bury Kings with 3-goal flurry in first period The Kings earned three shots to start the second period during a power play, which doubled their total from the first period. They did not score and shortly after took a penalty of their own. The Kings killed that penalty, despite sterling opportunities for Donskoi and Landeskog. By ANDREW KNOLL Though the Kings technically killed the penalty, as defenseman Sean PUBLISHED: May 12, 2021 at 8:59 p.m. | UPDATED: May 12, 2021 at Walker was exiting the penalty box, the Avs were breaking out with 11:21 p.m. speed to set up a give-and-go play. Compher dished the puck to Toews, and defenseman Olli Maatta was caught watching the puck as it returned unimpeded to Compher for a tap-in tally 4:16 into the period. If one were to chronicle what went right for the Kings on Wednesday, the volume would simply look like a ream of blank paper. The Avs fore-checked aggressively and moved the puck high and then to the left-wing wall, creating a massive aperture in the center of the ice for Conversely, Coach Todd McLellan said that what went wrong could fill an Landeskog to skate through. His hard, backhand shot on the move encyclopedia. zipped past Petersen for the Colorado captain’s 20th goal of 2021, which came right in the middle of the match. “The first period, the second period, the third period, execution, a little more consideration for teammates, I could go on and on; you could write Less than two minutes later, Compher completed his hat trick on a play a book about it,” McLellan said, before storming out of a news where the Kings first allowed a controlled breakout to liberate winger conference, rendering the aforementioned book an impossibility. Valeri Nichushkin for a breakaway. Nichushkin missed the net and the Kings recovered the puck momentarily, only to turn it over to Compher, The Kings were shelled, 6-0, by the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena, creating a two-on-none chance. He sent the puck to Nichushkin, who meaning that tomorrow’s rematch will determine the winner of the West unselfishly touch-passed it back to Compher for an uncontested tally. Division and the Presidents’ Trophy for the NHL’s best record. In the final period, both teams and the officials seemed to have an eye on The Vegas Golden Knights beat the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, the buzzer, during a relatively low-event period. Landeskog nearly scored meaning that if Colorado wins tomorrow it would finish with 82 points and again, but the puck stayed out of the net improbably during a goalmouth earn both the division title and the Presidents’ Trophy. If the Kings win, scramble. those honors go to Vegas, which has already concluded its season. The Avalanche hold the tiebreaker with Vegas (regulation wins).

On Wednesday, the Kings were nothing if not consistent through 40 Orange County Register: LOADED: 05.13.2021 minutes. They were down 3-0 at the first intermission and 6-0 after the second. They were out-shot 14-3 in the first period and 27-11 through two periods. They have lost four consecutive games, and if they lose tomorrow it will match their season-worst losing streak.

“We need an effort, we need a group of guys that actually care about finishing the season, individual pride and it’s not too much to ask a group to work for 60 minutes,” McLellan said.

Cal Petersen allowed six goals on 37 shots, thrown to the wolves by a seemingly magnetic puck that yanked Kings defenders out of position repeatedly.

McLellan confirmed that third-string goalie Troy Grosenick will make his second start of the season and the fourth of the 31-year-old’s career on Thursday, the Kings’ season finale.

Winger J.T. Compher recorded his first career hat trick. Winger Joonas Donskoi, center Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and winger Gabriel Landeskog also score for Colorado. Winger Mikko Rantanen picked up three assists and defenseman Devon Toews had two. Philipp Grubauer made 17 saves and earned his seventh shutout, tying the Islanders’ Semyon Varlamov for the league lead.

Colorado’s top scorer and No. 1 center Nathan MacKinnon did not play, but defenseman Samuel Girard was back in the lineup for the Avs for the first time since April 30.

The Avalanche scored three goals in a span of 4 minutes, 32 seconds, including one by Compher, at the end of the first period.

Colorado’s first goal came on the power play. Rantanen connected on a seam pass to winger Andre Burakovsky, who let fly with a shot that created a rebound for Donskoi’s follow-up bid. Donskoi tied the career- high in goals he set last year, 16, despite both seasons being shortened.

Colorado’s second goal was an exercise in persistence and resilience. Bellemare knelt over a puck in the corner and took multiple jabs from the stick and hands of defenseman Drew Doughty. He won the puck battle to create a shot by forward Jayson Megna before Bellemare got inside position on Doughty and followed up for a rebound goal as he took another shove from the former Norris Trophy winner. The Frenchman was rewarded with his eighth goal of the season.

Next, it was the first of Compher’s three goals. Colorado broke out and gained the offensive zone with a dump-in to the right corner. There were four Kings to defend three Avs – and only one of them was in a position to shoot – but all four were near the goal line as the puck came to 1188127 Los Angeles Kings where I started my career, and Matt and Jarret are in our lives. But Alyssa got really emotional when she started thinking that it was being announced that we’re doing a hockey line.

Erin Andrews and Alyssa Greene’s WEAR apparel line: From the Super The collection has a subtlety that is different than a lot of conventional Bowl to an NHL license team apparel.

Andrews: A couple months ago, Alyssa started designing all of this once we knew that we got the NHL and it was funny. Matt was looking at lot of By Lisa Dillman designs, and Jarret was coming up (with), ‘Can we have this in unisex? Because I want to wear this.’ May 12, 2021 We were in Boston about a year and a half ago, during our first

commercial shoot. And we were at the hotel in the lobby. Alyssa had her Sometimes, it’s abundantly clear when and where a breakthrough of computer out, and Jarret was in town because he was going to go see significance occurred. the Patriots game I was covering. Alyssa was showing him the 2020 line. He’s like, ‘Oh, yeah, yeah, I love it.’ The boys are very much involved. Veteran broadcaster Erin Andrews, armed with a concept and plan for a sports-licensed apparel line for women, experienced it at the Super Bowl Greene: We’re doing vintage logo (T-shirts). Some of the logos I wanted in Houston in 2017. Her manager said they could get a short meeting to run by Matt. But there were some that I felt quite passionate about – all with Michael Rubin, the executive chairman of Fanatics. the Canadian teams because that’s where I’m from. He is so passionate and grew up with it (in Michigan). It was fun to work with him. I really did A casual sports fan may not be familiar with Fanatics, but it is the global get emotional like when we finally when we knew that the NHL was leader for licensed sports merchandise and is cited as a company worth happening because of all of my family in Canada. $13 billion, according to a March story in the Philadelphia Inquirer. When we were first pitching it years ago, we were using the Kings as Rubin also happens to have an increasing footprint in professional sports inspiration – to show people to sell the story, and now it’s finally come full ownership, holding stakes in the New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia 76ers circle. and the English soccer team Crystal Palace FC. The clothing line is predominately casual with a wear-at-home vibe but “I ran up to him and I just said, ‘Hey, I’m Erin Andrews, I’ve got this idea it’s chic enough to wear outside the home. for a clothing line. Please, please, please just give me five minutes of your time after the Super Bowl is over,’” Andrews said. Greene: We have the comfy cozy stuff but then we have the plaid shirts and that sort of thing. A denim top. A classy T to dress up or down. “And I flew to New York. We’ve spoken to a lot of people and I didn’t know if this would work out. (Rubin) just basically said, ‘There’s a lot of Andrews started in hockey broadcasting but said she doesn’t give much people that want to try to do this. I’ll give you a shot. I’ll see how it goes.’ advice to Stoll when it comes to his appearances on the Kings’ They basically threw us in the deep end with the NFL.” broadcasts.

Not only did they survive the deep plunge but they thrived. Andrews: The only thing I’ve said to him are things my dad said to me: you need to smile more. The line, WEAR by Erin Andrews, launched in October of 2019 with the NFL and has expanded to include more than 100 teams with other He’s done an amazing job this year and just goes with the flow and has a partner leagues. On Tuesday, a multi-year agreement with the NHL was good time with it with Patrick (O’Neal). Listen, it’s not easy talking about a announced. team that isn’t winning as much you want them to, and I think he’s had it harder than I have. And I’m proud of him. There is a full-circle vibe for Andrews, who is married to former NHL center and current Kings broadcaster Jarret Stoll. Her first full-time job It’s an interesting time for Matt and Jarret because they’re really close after graduation from the University of Florida in 2000 was covering the with that core that are still kind of hanging around. Their roles have kind Tampa Lightning as a rinkside reporter for the Sunshine Network. of evolved over the last couple years. I think he’s handled it really well.

Hockey also has long been in the blood of Alyssa Greene, WEAR’s Canadian-born creative director and wife of Kings pro scout (and former The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 defenseman) Matt Greene. The arrival of Greene and Stoll, who came to the Kings in the same trade from Edmonton in 2008, created a culture of accountability within the team and helped pave the way for the Kings’ championship era, with Stanley Cup wins in 2012 and 2014.

The launching point with our conversation about WEAR with Andrews and Alyssa Greene, in fact, happened to involve the Kings’ second Stanley Cup championship.

Andrews: This all started in 2014. We were just like, ‘There’s nothing to wear to these games. There’s nothing to wear in the parade.’ I just felt working in sports, and being a girlfriend and a wife, we wished there were more options. Alyssa and I talked about it on a weekend in Montana and thank God it finally worked out.

Greene: We were just talking about how we felt that there wasn’t anything for the girls to wear, ever.

Andrews: What do you wear to the bar after games? We just wanted more options. And Alyssa was thinking about kids down the road. She’s just like, ‘What can we dress kids in?’

Andrews: We did a soft launch in 2019. Whether it’s fair or not, year two was 2020 and that was obviously in the middle of a global pandemic. Somebody just asked me: Did I think that WEAR would have the success that it is having so early? Even Matt and Jarret talked about it when we started telling each other about this idea. We thought if people can get behind this and see that we’re offering something different, I think this thing could blow up.

Andrews: We’ve worked with the NFL and the NBA and the NCAA. But we were talking about this (the NHL) as the one we really wanted. This is 1188128 Los Angeles Kings

FINAL – Kings 0, Avalanche 6 – McLellan

By Zach Dooley

Night one between the Kings and Avalanche went the way of the hosts, in convincing fashion, with Colorado skating to a 6-0 victory in the second to last game of the season for LA.

The first period was played almost exclusively in front of the Kings net, with Colorado scoring three times in the second half of the opening frame, to take a 3-0 lead into the first intermission

Joonas Donskoi opened the scoring 14:43 into the game, as he buried a rebound past Kings netminder Cal Petersen on the power play to break the deadlock. Just over a minute later, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare doubled the advantage as the Kings were unable to clear a puck out of the crease and Bellemare put it in, through the five hole, for his eighth goal of the season. The Avalanche capped things off 45 seconds from the break, as J.T. Compher scored from the right-hand circle, to make it 3-0 for the hosts.

The Avalanche added three more in the second period, as they opened up a 6-0 lead through 40 minutes.

Colorado got things started immediately after an LA penalty kill as Devon Toews, moving down the left wing, fed a cross-crease pass to Compher for a slam dunk goal at the back post, his second of the evening. The Avalanche made it 5-0 just past the midway park of the game, as Gabriel Landeskog cut through the slot on his backhand and fired home from below the hashmarks. Compher completed his hat trick, off of an incredibly unselfish pass back from Valeri Nichushkin, to make it 6-0.

Neither team scored in the third period, with the shots on goal finishing 10-7 in favor of Colorado.

Well, it’s quite obvious. I think we need an effort, we need a group of guys that actually care about finishing the season. Individual pride. And it’s not too much to ask a group to work for 60 minutes. We might not have the skill, we might not have the quality of team that our opponents have tonight and the same group tomorrow night, but we have a lot more in us than we showed. It’s quite disappointing.

Troy will play.

On what he specifically didn’t like from the team tonight

The first period, the second period, the third period. Execution. More consideration for teammates when it comes to effort. I could go on and on, you could write a book about it.

Notes –

– With 20:53 tonight in total time on ice, defenseman Mikey Anderson will finish the season as the leader in TOI amongst first-year players. Anderson has logged 1,119:26 this season.

– Tonight’s game marked the fourth time the Kings were shutout this season, and the second time from three games played at Ball Arena.

– The Kings tied a season-low for shots in a single period with three in tonight’s first 20 minutes.

The Kings are not scheduled to skate tomorrow morning, considering the back-to-back, and will return to action tomorrow night.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188129 Los Angeles Kings

Game Thread – Kings @ Avalanche, 5/12

By Zach Dooley

Pre-Game Live Show (Call-In 877-KINGS20)

SOG: LAK – 18 COL – 36

PP: LAK – 0/2 COL – 1/4

First Period

1. COL – Joonas Donskoi (16) – (Andre Burakovsky, Mikko Rantanen) – 14:43 (PP)

2. COL – Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (8) – (Jayson Megna, Kiefer Sherwood) – 16:02

3. COL – J.T. Compher (8) – (Mikko Rantanen, Gabriel Landeskog) – 19:15

Second Period

4. COL – J.T. Compher (9) – (Devon Toews) – 4:16

5. COL – Gabriel Landeskog (20) – (Devon Toews, Mikko Rantanen) – 10:03

6. COL – J.T. Compher (10) – (Valeri Nichushkin) – 11:47

Wednesday, May 12, 2021 – 6:00 p.m. PT

Ball Arena – Denver, COL

Referees: #29 Ian Walsh #44 Furman South

Linesmen: #82 Ryan Galloway, #98

Bally Sports SoCal, GO, LA Kings Audio Network

LAK Starters: G Cal Petersen, D Mikey Anderson, Drew Doughty, F Adrian Kempe, Anze Kopitar, Andreas Athanasiou

LAK Scratches: Dustin Brown, Blake Lizotte, Matt Luff, Kurtis MacDermid, Jonathan Quick, Christian Wolanin

COL Starters: G Philipp Grubauer, D Devon Toews, Cale Makar, F Gabriel Landeskog, Tyson Jost, Mikko Rantanen

COL Scratches: Devin Dubnyk, Jacob MacDonald, Nathan MacKinnon, Liam O’Brien, Brendan Saad, Carl Soderberg

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188130 Los Angeles Kings As the Kings cooled, so did the production, however, and what resulted was Iafallo being moved with a new centerman for the first time in a long time, skating with Gabriel Vilardi, as well as Lias Andersson, on what has become the team’s second line. Though overall shot attempts have been 5/12 Preview – No expected changes, Iafallo – Vilardi – Andersson line, just about even as a unit, scoring chances are over 58 percent, and high- Canada worlds danger chances are a whopping 81.8 percent in the Kings’ favor with those three on the ice at 5-on-5. Naturally, 81 percent is not a

sustainable total over the course of an 82-game schedule, but it’s By Zach Dooley translated to the most consistently productive group for the Kings since they were put together five games prior.

In four straight games, that line has produced a “low-to-high” goal, with a TONIGHT’S MATCHUP: The Kings hit the ice tonight for the penultimate pass or a rebound created from the goal line area finding a player in a game of the 2020-21 regular season, with the first of two games in two good scoring position in front. That has been a big part of that line’s days against the Colorado Avalanche. success on the high-danger chances. McLellan pointed to their ability to shoot pucks and then get pucks back as positives of that unit, and HEAD-TO-HEAD: As is the case against most opponents, forward Anze something they’ve done consistently since they were put together. Kopitar leads the Kings with five points (0-5-5) from six games played this season against Colorado, while defenseman Sean Walker leads LAK “If you go back to some of the opportunities they’ve been able to create, blueliners with four points (1-3-4). Forwards Adrian Kempe and Gabriel a lot of times the initial shot, I’m not talking one or two seconds before Vilardi have each scored two goals against Colorado this season. The they score, maybe five or six, the shot has come and they’ve went and Avalanche are led by forward Mikko Rantanen this season, who has retrieved the puck,” McLellan said. “Whether it’s the D coming down and tallied eight points (4-4-8) from six games played, and has points in ten pinching, somebody covering, whether they get into a situation where straight games versus the Kings, dating back to 2018. their recovery is quicker than the defending team….those guys have played some grinding, shooting, get it back on the garbage type shifts KINGS VITALS: The Kings hit the ice for their final morning skate of the lately, and they’re getting rewarded for it.” season today, an optional skate, after a full-team practice yesterday in El Segundo. There hasn’t been one player dragging the other two along, by any means, all three have been consistent and productive. From my point of Tonight’s probable starter, Cal Petersen, has posted a .926 save view, Iafallo’s game and Vilardi’s game are a strong match for each percentage and a 2.66 goals against average from five starts this season other, and that has proven true thus far, with Andersson fitting in nicely against Colorado, but has found himself on the losing end of all five as well. games, despite allowing three or fewer goals in all five games. Speaking with Vilardi the other day, he noted all of the things Iafallo does After this morning’s skate, Todd McLellan said that the team is not to make life easier on those he’s playing with. He’s not the first center dealing with any long-term injuries amongst the group that traveled to who has enjoyed playing with the Western New York native, and it Colorado, and that he’s just waiting on some final updates on short-term doesn’t seem to come as much of a surprise to hear it at this point, stuff, more in the bumps and bruises category, regarding tonight’s either. availability. Assuming everyone is good, McLellan said he is not anticipating any lineup changes. “He’s very easy to play with, I’m sure you’ve heard that from many people,” Vilardi said. “He’s very consistent every night, you know what That assessment seems to bode well for defenseman Sean Walker, who you’re going to get from him. He works, he’s hard on the forecheck, he missed yesterday’s practice with a lower-body injury and was deemed as has great hands, good vision, he does a lot of small things that make “day-to-day”. Walker has seven points (2-5-7) from six games played so everyone else’s job easier. He attracts guys to him in the d-zone, just by far in May, tied for the most amongst defensemen leaguewide so far this how hard he works, so it makes things easier for his linemates, it gives month. you more space.” Up front, the Kings did not have any apparent changes from Monday to Expect to see that line continue together tonight, and likely tomorrow as today, with the same forward lines expected at this time, though that is well, with the hope of continuing the strong finish to the season for all always subject to change. three members. AVALANCHE VITALS: The Avalanche have their playoff berth locked in, It was reported this morning that three Kings players – Jaret Anderson- but are still playing for seeding, with 1, 2 and 3 all still in play. Colorado, Dolan, Gabriel Vilardi and Sean Walker – were on Team Canada’s which currently sits in second place, would lock up the number one seed preliminary list for the 2021 World Championships. in the West Division with victories both tonight and tomorrow over the Kings, but could fall to third with regulation losses in both games and a For all three players, it would be their first time representing Canada at pair of Minnesota victories over St. Louis. So, with home-ice advantage the senior level and is naturally an exciting opportunity for all three for the postseason at stake, in both rounds one and two, Colorado players. certainly has much to play for. “I think, any time your country calls you, if you’re healthy and in your From the above alignment, Colorado will play tonight without their family life, everything is under control, I think you should consider the number-one center in Nathan MacKinnon, who will miss tonight’s game, opportunity,” McLellan said this morning. “I personally have had the but should be set to return for the playoffs. Defenseman Samuel Girard is opportunity to do that, numerous times, in a coaching role and it’s one of expected to return from injury tonight, in place of defenseman Jacob the best experiences I think somebody can have.” MacDonald, so expect at least a couple of changes on the Colorado front. Naturally this season presents different challenges, if you will, in terms of accepting the call. In net, Philipp Grubauer is the expected starter, as he looks to continue his strong play against the Kings so far this season. The German It’s been a long season in more ways than one, with the challenges that goaltender is 4-0-0 from four starts, with a .943 save percentage and a COVID has presented. Players choosing to attend the IIHF World 1.25 goals against average, along with one shutout. Grubauer is Championships would now be extending that season, in Latvia, for likely Colorado’s number one heading into the postseason, ranking inside the close to another month. It’s challenging in that way, as McLellan noted, NHL’s Top 10 in several categories. but he was still highly complimentary of the experience for those who do decide to accept. Low To High Line “It adds to a long season, it adds to a messed up season, when you think Throughout the course of this season, the Kings rarely strayed from the about COVID and the protocols, and that certainly takes its toll on an top line of Alex Iafallo – Anze Kopitar – Dustin Brown. individual or a group,” McLellan said. “The experience that anybody that goes to those tournaments can gain from playing a different type of By possession metrics, and scoring metrics, it made sense with that hockey, playing on the big ice, listening and learning form a different trio controlling more than 55 percent of shot attempts while together this coaching staff, being around other players that have more experience, or season and all three forward experiencing upticks in offensive production sometimes less experience than you, I think there’s so many positives from the season prior, on a per-game basis. that can come out of it, I think it will be a great experience for them.” The trio on Team Canada likely will not be the only players from the Kings that will participate, with names and rosters trickling out here over the last week, something that will continue in the coming days as we approach the tournament. It was already announced that two Kings staff members – Dana Bryson (equipment) and Jon Gomez (media relations) will represent Team USA.

More to come on that front, with games beginning on May 21.

Beginning tonight, though, is the final series of the season for the Kings. Los Angeles and Colorado, from Ball Arena, tonight at 6 PM Pacific.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188131 Minnesota Wild

Out-of-town games could decide Wild playoff foe tonight; opening at X possible

By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune

MAY 12, 2021 — 1:04PM

ST. LOUIS – What happens on the out-of-town scoreboard will loom large over the action between the Wild and Blues Wednesday night at , as the Wild could find out its first-round playoff opponent after the evening's slate of games.

Vegas is taking on San Jose and can clinch the No.1 seed in the West Division if its point total from the night exceeds what Colorado earns against Los Angeles. And the Avalanche can claim the top spot with a win in any fashion and a Golden Knights regulation loss.

"Everyone knows that our situation here in the West is still up for grabs and obviously we want to get that sorted out as best we can," defenseman Ian Cole said. "But primarily we want to play well tonight. We want to go into the playoffs playing well. Yeah, we want to win this hockey game against St. Louis. They've been a tough opponent for us. We need to continue to get better and grow as a team and refine our game.

"Even the last two games here, I don't think anyone should be resting or taking their foot off the gas. If we can refine our game and get better these next two games, we should 100 percent do that. We concentrate on winning and playing well tonight. We have no bearing on how Colorado plays or how Vegas plays. We'll worry about ourselves, and we'll check the scoreboard after I think."

Home-ice advantage for the Wild in Round 1 is also not out of the question.

If the Wild wins its last two games against the Blues and Colorado drops its final back-to-back vs. the Kings, the Wild could move from third to second.

The Wild will roll out its usual lineup Wednesday, and goalie Cam Talbot will be in net.

"Guys are doing their thing to get ready to play the game," coach Dean Evason said. "Nothing different here this morning."

Star Tribune LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188132 Minnesota Wild

Wednesday's Wild-St. Louis game recap

MAY 12, 2021 — 11:55PM

GAME RECAP

STAR TRIBUNE'S THREE STARS

1. Ville Husso, Blues: The goaltender was perfect, making 30 saves for his first career shutout.

2. , Blues: The winger scored and assisted on two other goals.

3. Torey Krug, Blues: The defenseman had a goal and assist.

BY THE NUMBERS

0 Goals by the Wild for the fourth time this season.

3 Unsuccessful power plays for the Wild.

10 Saves by Husso against Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello.

Sarah Mclellan

Star Tribune LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188133 Minnesota Wild The first-round draft choice spent the last seven days in quarantine after arriving last week from Russia. He scored one goal in four games with St. Louis last season.

Husso makes 31 stops for first NHL shutout, Blues beat Wild

Star Tribune LOADED: 05.13.2021

By STEVE OVERBEY Associated Press

MAY 12, 2021 — 11:24PM

ST. LOUIS — Ville Husso stopped 31 shots for his first career shutout and David Perron had a goal and two assists in the St. Louis Blues' 4-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night.

Torey Krug, Ivan Barbashev and Jaden Schwartz also scored. The Blues have won two in a row and seven of 11.

After winning four of its previous five, Minnesota was locked into the third spot in the West Division with the loss. St. Louis had already nailed down the fourth spot.

The teams will finish the regular season Thursday night in St. Louis.

Husso improved to 9-6-1. It was the first shutout of the season for the Blues leaving Buffalo as the only team without a shutout in this truncated 56-game season.

"When I came to the rink, I was just thinking to have fun tonight," Husso said "There was no pressure for our team. It worked out pretty well. It was nice."

Husso made 13 saves in the opening period as the Wild created a host of good chances.

"If it wasn't for him the score definitely looks a little bit different tonight," Krug said.

St. Louis defenseman Colton Parayko saved the puck for Husso, who said his parents were watching back home in Helsinki, Finland. where the contest began just after 4 a.m.

"Early on, he made some key saves," St. Louis coach said. "(Minnesota) came out hard and we were caught on our heels a little bit. He played a heck of a game."

Perron pushed his points total to a team-high 55 (17 goals, 38 assists) in 55 games.

"Our energy was up, it was a lot better," Perron said. "Our details, we've got to keep harping on that, same with the execution."

Barbashev stuffed in the rebound of Perron's shot midway through the first period. Schwartz scored while falling to the ice to push the lead to 2- 0 late in the opening period.

Krug scored his first goal since Jan. 23 off a pass from Ryan O'Reilly midway through the second period.

The Blues have reached the post-season for the third year in a row and the ninth time in the last 10 seasons. They will face either Vegas or Colorado.

"I don't know if they want to play us," Krug said. "We're going to be a tough out."

Cam Talbot made 23 saves for the Wild. He was 5-0-2 in his previous seven road games.

"The mistakes that we made were clearly assignment mistakes that allowed for wide open opportunities." Minnesota coach Dean Evason said. "Those things are hopefully easily corrected."

THEY WILL COME

The Blues announced they will increase capacity to 5,000 for the upcoming playoffs. They were limited to 4,100 fans per game during the regular season.

HE'S BACK

St. Louis right wing Klim Kostin made his season debut after helping of the KHL to the championship late last month. 1188134 Minnesota Wild Talbot ended up with 23 saves and although he's given up four or more goals in four of his past six starts, he felt he had a sounder game than some of his recent showings.

Wild shut out 4-0 by St. Louis; postseason opponent still undetermined "I still thought that I played fairly well," Talbot said, "and I'm confident going into Game 1."

When Game 1 is remains unclear, but the Wild is running out of time to By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune prepare for it.

MAY 13, 2021 — 1:08AM "You're trying to get your game where it needs to be," Dumba said. "It's an important part of this time of the year and just being sharp and

everyone on the same page. We'll be just pressing hard to dial in some ST. LOUIS – The jumbotron anchoring Enterprise Center kept track of things [Thursday] night and make sure we're ready for the first round." the action between the Wild and Blues while the out-of-town scoreboard determined how significant it would be. Star Tribune LOADED: 05.13.2021 And before the first period was over, the game was facing a downgrade to irrelevant.

A 4-0 loss to St. Louis didn't change the Wild's spot in the standings, and a win wouldn't have either.

The Avalanche made it impossible for the Wild to climb into second and snare home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs by running away early from the Kings in a 6-0 rout, an outcome that locked the Wild into third place in the West Division and a matchup with the second seed.

"We don't care where we play," coach Dean Evason said. "Doesn't matter. We're in the playoffs. We're looking forward to playing."

The Wild won't know until Thursday night whether it's going to Colorado or Vegas for Game 1.

Since the Golden Knights also won, overwhelming the Sharks 6-0, the top seed in the division won't be decided until after the Avalanche wraps up its regular season with another game against the Kings.

If Colorado wins, the Avalanche will claim the division and hand the Wild off to Vegas. But if the Avalanche loses, Colorado will finish second and take on the Wild.

"When it comes to playoffs, yeah, it's nice to have home-ice advantage," Marcus Johansson said. "But it doesn't matter that much. It's a battle, and it doesn't matter Game 7 or whatever it is. If you're home or on the road, it's still the same game."

The Wild was planning to huddle after the game Wednesday to figure out whether the team will keep the usual lineup intact for the regular-season finale Thursday against the Blues or rest players.

While the break could be valuable to some, the Wild also runs the risk of going into the playoffs on a losing streak if the team falls again to St. Louis.

Although the Wild was shut out for the fourth time this season, Evason liked many parts of the Wild's effort, including its start before the Blues pulled away on David Perron's goal and two assists and Torey Krug's goal and assist.

St. Louis backup goalie Ville Husso, however, was the best player on the ice, making 31 saves for the first shutout of his career.

Some of his strongest work came in the first period. After blocking a one- timer from Ryan Hartman off a Kirill Kaprizov pass, Husso also kept out Matt Dumba's attempt on the rebound. The Wild power play also went 0- for-3.

"Their goalie played outstanding," Dumba said.

The St. Louis players in front of Husso got better as the first progressed, rewarding him with a 2-0 lead.

Ivan Barbashev buried the rebound off a sharp-angle shot by Perron at 12 minutes, 54 seconds before Jaden Schwartz redirected in a Jordan Kyrou feed at 14:40.

In the second, Krug buried a behind-the-net pass from captain Ryan O'Reilly at 9:56 and Perron's shot from beyond the circles at 13:10 eluded Wild goalie Cam Talbot.

"The mistakes that we made were clearly assignment mistakes that allowed for wide-open opportunities," Evason said. "So, those things are hopefully easily corrected with some video and some discussion." 1188135 Minnesota Wild us because he said I'm going to do whatever it takes for the team to have success," Evason said.

Parise sits again Wild goalie Kaapo Kahkonen won't be forgotten man Zach Parise remained a healthy scratch Wednesday for a third straight game, and it's possible the Wild's all-time leading scorer in the postseason is also absent for Game 1 if the lineup the Wild used against By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune the Blues is the same one the team debuts in the playoffs.

MAY 13, 2021 — 12:25AM "We're going into the playoffs. We're going to use bodies," Evason said. "People are going to get banged up. We expect everybody that's not

playing to be ready to play if called upon." ST. LOUIS – Kaapo Kahkonen has starred in fewer Wild games as the schedule's progressed, settling into the backup role behind starter Cam Talbot. Star Tribune LOADED: 05.13.2021 But how Kahkonen's played this year is one of the reasons why the Wild extended its season, a performance that'll link the rookie goalie to the playoffs even if he doesn't participate.

"We as a team appreciate what he's done and how he's contributed and how he competes not only in games but in practices," coach Dean Evason said. "Just his professionalism, he's fit in wonderfully with the group. When you have depth, and you have people contributing in so many different ways and everybody feels a part of it, that's very exciting."

Kahkonen could be in net Thursday when the Wild wraps up the regular season against the Blues if the team decides to split the back-to-back and rest Talbot ahead of Round 1.

Regardless, what Kahkonen's accomplished in his first full-time stint with the Wild after limited action last season is already intertwined with the team's overall success.

His 16 wins are the most by a Wild rookie goaltender in a season, and the 24-year-old is tied for the fifth longest win streak by a rookie netminder in NHL history after going 9-0 from Feb. 18. to March 16.

In all, Kahkonen has backstopped the Wild to 32 points — a sizable enough chunk that if those points were subtracted the Wild wouldn't be in a playoff position.

Overall, he's 16-7 with a .908 save percentage, 2.70 goals-against average and two shutouts — this after Kahkonen was initially third on the Wild depth chart until Alex Stalock became unavailable, starting the season on the COVID list and then getting claimed off waivers by Edmonton in March.

"I felt pretty confident last year, too, but I think it's just more getting to know your teammates better, getting to know everything better," said Kahkonen, who was drafted by the Wild in the fourth round in 2014. "Now you've been here for a whole year you kind of feel like you belong here rather than you're just called up on an emergency basis or what have you."

Although it's unclear how much he'll be utilized in the playoffs if at all, Kahkonen will use the same process he depended on in the regular season to stay ready — combining video with on-ice work.

And even if he is idle, Kahkonen's already made a lasting impression on the team.

"Maybe Kaapo doesn't play another game all season," defenseman Ian Cole said. "I don't think that diminishes what Kaapo has done or the future he's going to have or how good of a goaltender he is. A lot of times young goalies play three, four, five, six years in the minors before they're ready to come and he showed how ahead of the curve he is as a goaltender and how much he can be relied on.

"He's got the right mentality. He's got the right frame of mind and obviously extremely talented. We are very fortunate to have him. He's going to have a long career in this league."

Versatile veteran

Earlier this season, Nick Bonino told the coaches that he was prepared to play in any situation the team put him in, and that versatility has become the veteran's calling card in his first season with the Wild.

Aside from playing at wing and center, Bonino helps on the penalty kill and power play and is the team's best faceoff specialist.

"When somebody like that, that's been in the game and had the success that he has, says something like that to a coaching staff, it's exciting for 1188136 Minnesota Wild

Wild suffer 4-0 loss to Blues in penultimate game of regular season

By DANE MIZUTANI | [email protected] | Pioneer Press

PUBLISHED: May 12, 2021 at 10:30 p.m. | UPDATED: May 12, 2021 at 11:07 p.m.

The good news? Nobody on the Wild got hurt in Wednesday’s game against the St. Louis Blues. That’s the most important thing with the playoffs starting up over the weekend.

The bad news? The matchup itself didn’t inspire much confidence as the Wild suffered a 4-0 loss in the penultimate game of the regular season.

This game was hardly competitive as the Wild looked lackadaisical and/or disinterested for most of the 60 minutes. It’s hard to blame them considering there wasn’t much to play for by midway through the game.

With the Colorado Avalanche earning a blowout win over the Los Angeles Kings elsewhere, the Wild were pretty much locked into the No. 3 seed before their game even ended. That means the Wild will open the first round on the road against either the Vegas Golden Knights or Colorado Avalanche.

“It wasn’t really in our own hands, so there’s nothing we can do about it,” winger Marcus Johansson said. “When it comes to the playoffs, yeah it’s nice to have home-ice advantage. But it doesn’t matter that much. It’s a battle and it doesn’t matter Game 7 or whatever if we’re home or on the road. It’s still the same game.”

As for the game against the Blues, the Wild actually started fast before quickly shifting into neutral. That happened midway through the first period as the Blues took control with a goal from Ivan Barbashev to make it 1-0, followed by a goal from Jaden Schwartz to stretch the lead to 2-0.

It got worse in the second period as the Wild struggled to solve backup goaltender Ville Husso. He stood on his head for prolong stretches making notable saves on Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello, among others.

Meanwhile, the Blues kept their foot on the gas with a one-timer from Torey Krug to make it 3-0 and a goal from David Perron a few minutes later to make it 4-0. Both goals stemmed from a couple of breakdowns by the Wild in the defensive zone.

“The mistakes that we made were clearly assignments mistakes that allowed for wide-open opportunities,” coach Dean Evason said. “Those things are easily corrected with some video and some discussion.”

That paved the way for the third period where neither the Wild nor the Blues seemed interested in scoring goals. They took a combined eight shots on goal in the final frame before the final buzzer sounded.

“I thought that I played better tonight and more sound tonight than the last couple of games at home,” said goaltender Cam Talbot, who made 23 saves in the loss. “You look at the goals tonight and I still thought I played fairly well and I’m confident going into Game 1.”

For the glass-half-full people, the Wild losing won’t mean much. They secured a playoff berth a long time ago, and thus, the final week of the regular season was pretty much pointless.

For the glass-half-empty people, the Wild losing might be a little concerning. They struggled in a matchup with another playoff team, and with the playoffs starting up over the weekend, they aren’t exactly firing on all cylinders.

“It’s not the easiest thing in the world to play these games,” defenseman Matt Dumba said. “At the same time we know what these games mean and we want to use them and get the positives out of them and try to build our game up so we’re going into the first round with confidence.”

Pioneer Press LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188137 Minnesota Wild

How one conversation shaped Nick Bonino’s impact on the Wild’s season

By DANE MIZUTANI | [email protected] | Pioneer Press

PUBLISHED: May 12, 2021 at 5:22 p.m. | UPDATED: May 12, 2021 at 5:24 p.m.

Neither Wild coach Dean Evason nor veteran forward Nick Bonino can remember the exact timeline of the events. Or so they say.

The details have been lost over the course of a condensed 56-game schedule.

Nonetheless, at some point early this season there was a simple conversation that changed the Bonino’s impact on the Wild. After watching his playing time steadily decrease, Bonino walked into Evason’s office and voiced his frustrations.

He wasn’t contentious. Just a 33-year-old veteran saying he had more to give.

“That was the turning point,” Evason said. “There were situations early in the year where maybe he didn’t play as much and was frustrated a little bit. He came in and said, ‘I’m prepared to play in whatever situation is presented.’ That’s what a professional does.”

It wasn’t so much Bonino demanding more playing time, as it was him subtly reminding the coaching staff that he’s comfortable playing in any situation. After all, he helped win a couple of Stanley Cups earlier in his career playing a utility-man role for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“Everybody wants to play more,” Evason said. “Everybody would love to play more minutes. Everybody would love to play on the power play. Everybody would love to play on the penalty kill. Not everybody on their team can. That said, when somebody like that, that’s been in the game and had success, when he has says something like that to the coaching staff, it’s exciting for us.”

Asked about the dialogue with the coaching staff, Bonino responded, “I can’t remember exactly how it went. Just saying I feel like I can contribute more and I feel like I can do more.”

Fittingly, as Bonino’s playing time has increased, so has his production. He has lifted his game to another level in the final month of the regular season, and he enters Wednesday’s game against the St. Louis Blues with 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists) over the past 20 games.

“Just trying to do whatever the team needs,” Bonino said. “If it’s a faceoff or penalty kill or a power play or a shift to protect the lead, those are things that I pride myself on.”

Maybe it’s not surprising that Bonino has emerged as a been-there-done- that voice in the locker room. He has reached the mountaintop a couple of times in his career and that experience will be vital as the playoffs begin.

As will his play on the ice.

“He didn’t come in and say, ‘Nick Bonino needs to do this and Nick Bonino needs to do that,’ ” Evason said. “It was like, ‘I’ll do whatever it takes and play wherever we feel the group needs to have success.’ That’s the attitude we want our group to have, and he has it.”

Pioneer Press LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188138 Minnesota Wild “You want to use (these games) and get the positives out of them and try to build your game up so you’re going into the first round with confidence,” defenseman Matt Dumba said.

Vegas or Colorado in the 1st round of the playoffs? The Wild will find out One player whose game has taken a turn south may be the most Thursday important player heading into the playoffs if the Wild plan to upset the Golden Knights or Avs.

That’s goaltender Cam Talbot. By Michael Russo While he made a number of quality saves Wednesday, Talbot also gave May 13, 2021 up at least three goals for a sixth consecutive start.

“I didn’t feel I played a four-goal game,” Talbot said. “I thought I played better tonight, more sound tonight, than I played in my last couple games Learning which opponent the Wild will square off against in the first round at home. … I’m confident going into Game 1.” of the playoffs will come down to the final day of the United States portion of the NHL regular season Thursday night. Talbot returned from the West Coast to open the Wild’s recent seven- game homestand with a five-game winning streak. He was at the tail end The Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche each took care of of a run in which he went 13-2-2 with a 2.03 goals-against average and business Wednesday night, coincidentally, with 6-0 wins over the San .937 save percentage. Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings, respectively. But in his last six starts likely of the regular season with Kaapo Kahkonen The Wild? expected to get the final nod Thursday night, Talbot went 2-2-2 with a They were smoked 4-0 in St. Louis in the penultimate game of the 3.93 goals-against average and .857 save percentage. regular season for both the Wild and Blues. Asked if he’s concerned, Evason, not shockingly, voiced his confidence While Thursday night’s finale with the Blues means squat to both teams in Talbot, saying, “One hundred percent not a problem.” because the Wild are now locked into the third seed in the West Division It’ll be interesting to see the lineup Evason ushers out in Thursday’s playoffs and the Blues find themselves in fourth, each team may have finale. It could be a chance for him to rest a banged-up player like Kevin one eye on Thursday night’s finale between the Avs and Kings in Denver. Fiala or protect a player or two whom the Wild can’t afford to get hurt. If the Avs win, they will win the division and the Presidents’ Trophy for the The game means nothing, so one would assume he’ll get defenseman best record in the NHL and face the Blues in the first round of the Brad Hunt, scratched since March 24, and veteran Zach Parise, playoffs, while the Wild would play the Golden Knights for the first time in scratched in the past three games, into the lineup. According to playoff history. If Colorado loses, it will remain in the second spot and PuckPedia, the Wild also have roughly $730,000 of cap space left. face the Wild for the fourth time in playoff history. There’s a chance that can be massaged by the league, but if not, the The Wild were 5-2-1 this season against the Golden Knights, 11-2-3 all Wild would be able to afford only one taxi squad call-up unless Kirill time. The Wild were 3-5 this season against the Avs, 56-47-11 all time. In Kaprizov gets the night off. He’s the only Wild skater who doesn’t require their three previous playoff meetings, the lower seed won each series, waivers to be sent to the taxi squad. with the Wild winning a pair of Game 7s. The players on the taxi squad are forwards Luke Johnson, Joseph So, the only thing cemented in stone by Wednesday’s division-wide Cramarossa and Kyle Rau, defenseman Dakota Mermis and goalie action was the fact that the Wild learned they would open the playoffs on Andrew Hammond. the road. Evason and his staff planned to meet with general manager “We don’t care where we play. Doesn’t matter,” coach Dean Evason said and his staff at the hotel after Wednesday’s game to game plan how the after the Wild were blanked for the fourth time this season and the first Wild will proceed Thursday. since March 20. “We’re in the playoffs. We’re looking forward to playing.” “I’m not sure what we have in store exactly,” Dumba said. “But regardless Many coaches don’t mind starting the playoffs on the road because if of who’s in the lineup, I think trying to get a good rhythm and trying to get their team steals one win in the road city, home-ice advantage changes your game where it needs to be is an important part of this time of year hands. But since 2013, the Wild are 5-18 on the road in the playoffs and just being sharp and having everyone on the same page. We’ll be (excluding last summer’s neutral-site bubble qualifying round in pressing hard to dial in some little things (Thursday) night and make sure Edmonton.) we’re ready for the first round.”

“I think we’ve surprised a lot of people this year,” veteran Marcus Johansson said. “We’ve played a really solid game throughout the whole The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 year. When it comes to playoffs, yeah, it’s nice to have home-ice advantage, but it doesn’t matter that much.”

That’s true as long as the Wild tighten up their game from Wednesday. The Wild were loose and disinterested on the defensive side of the puck, something that would be a killer in the playoffs against the Avs (league- best 3.49 goals per game) or Golden Knights (third-best 3.39 goals per game).

Offensively, the Wild generated plenty of chances and were stymied by a terrific goaltending performance by Ville Husso, who made 30 stops for his first career shutout. Defensively, the Wild made a lot of soft plays and missed an atypical number of assignments in the first couple of periods.

Evason feels the mistakes can be easily corrected with some video and “some discussion” before Thursday’s game.

These games aren’t always the easiest to play. The Wild and Blues were basically locked in their spots, so players often find themselves even subconsciously avoiding shooting lanes and checks in order to remain healthy for the playoffs.

But there’s a balance there because players also don’t want to develop bad habits heading into the postseason. 1188139 Montreal Canadiens “We just played Montreal four times so we know what to expect there in that sense,” he said. “Of course we know their roster will look different and they’ll be a much more rested team when we see them again.

Leafs, Habs will face off in long-awaited playoff rematch, while Oilers “We’ve got two regular-season games to play this week, and we’re just host Jets remaining focused on that.”

Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen, meanwhile, did seem to think the series carried a sense of occasion. CURTIS WITHERS “To be able to play the Leafs in the first round of the playoffs, even just THE CANADIAN PRESS playing the Leafs in general, is a special feeling,” he said. “It’s been such a long time since that’s happened. We’ve got to cherish it. PUBLISHED 8 HOURS AGO “It’s going to be fun, it’s going to be hard. But it’s going to be a great UPDATED MAY 12, 2021 opportunity for us.”

Allen said it would also be an opportunity to balance the books with the The hype around the first playoff series in 42 years between the Maple Leafs, who won the season series 7-2-1. Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens doesn’t appear to have made its way “They got our number in the regular season, but this is a new chance and into Toronto’s dressing room. a new chapter,” Allen said. “We didn’t even bring it up or discuss it this morning,” Toronto coach The Jets will be facing the Oilers for the first time since the NHL returned said after the Maple Leafs’ skate on Wednesday. to Manitoba’s capital in 2011-12. “I’m not going to talk about the series until the series comes to Day 1,” The original Winnipeg Jets faced the Oilers six times in the post-season added forward Mitch Marner, who appeared annoyed to be asked about between 1983 and 1990, with Edmonton winning each time. the series for a second time. And once again, the Jets will be facing an Oilers team led by the The rivals were confirmed as first-round playoff opponents presumptive best player in the world. In the eighties it was Wayne Tuesday night when the Winnipeg Jets beat the Vancouver Canucks 5-0. Gretzky. Now it’s Connor McDavid, who needed just 53 games to reach That result locked in the top four teams in the North Division and set up the 100-point mark this season. the matchup between the division-leading Leafs and the fourth-pace Edmonton went 7-2-0 against the Jets this year, with McDavid piling up Habs, as well as the second-seeded Edmonton Oilers and the third-place seven goals and 15 assists over those games. Jets. “We’ve got two more games here to try to prepare and keep good habits Toronto and Montreal, who built up a rivalry as the only two Canadian in place, then we’ll dig into Winnipeg starting next week,” Oilers coach teams in the NHL from 1938 until Vancouver’s addition in 1970, have met Dave Tippett said. 16 times in the playoffs, with the most recent showdown coming back in 1979 when Montreal swept Toronto in the quarter-final en route to “It’s not as if we don’t know them, we’ve played them nine times this winning the Stanley Cup. year. We know them well, they know us well, so it’ll be a good series.”

While media and hockey fans seem to be buzzing about the upcoming matchup, the response among the Leafs who spoke on Wednesday was, perhaps predictably, far more muted. Globe And Mail LOADED: 05.13.2021

“It’s Leafs versus Habs. It’s everything you want in a playoff series,” said defenceman Travis Dermott, before punctuating his endorsement with an “I guess.”

“I mean, you could look at all the history and probably leave it at that,” added Dermott, who was born 17 years after the most recent playoff meeting between the clubs.

Maybe it’s a case of the coaches and players sticking to the script before a potentially testy post-season showdown. Or maybe the rivalry has simply been diluted over time.

Certainly none of the players were alive when that 1979 series took place, but neither was Keefe. Habs coach Dominique Ducharme, meanwhile, was only six years old.

Also, the playoff détente comes despite the Leafs and Habs playing in the same division since the 1998-99 season, largely owing to one club being in ascendancy while the other was in decline over that span.

Over that time, a shared provincial home plus four testy playoff series made enemies of the Leafs and the Ottawa Senators. Meanwhile, the Canadiens have continued a famous rivalry with the Boston Bruins, facing them 17 times since dispatching the Leafs in ’79.

Of course, the much-anticipated Habs-Leafs series will be played in front of zero fans because of COVID-19 restrictions. Bars and restaurants also are closed for in-person activity, preventing what would normally be big nights for downtown establishments in both cities.

Regular-season games between the two teams normally are hot tickets, with plenty of travelling fans typically making the trip down Hwy. 401.

While not outwardly showing a great deal of enthusiasm for the series, Keefe did acknowledge that it was beneficial for the Leafs to know who their first-round opponent would be. 1188140 Montreal Canadiens “This last stretch has been exactly that, unique. A ton of hockey. We almost felt like we lived at the , lived at whatever game rink we were playing at.

Dominik Kahun scores overtime winner as Oilers edge Canadiens 4-3 “It was a lot of hockey. We’re through it now. We get a nice break and get ready for playoffs.”

The score was knotted 2-2 after the opening period. Staff Report Draisaitl made it 3-2 for the visitors with a power-play goal at 10:47 of the The Canadian Press second period, but Suzuki’s second of the game at 8:33 of the third made it 3-3. Published May 12, 2021 Suzuki scored short-handed at 9:58 of the first period for a 2-1 Montreal Updated 7 hours ago lead, but Nugent-Hopkins drew the Oilers even on the same power-play at 10:53.

The Montreal Canadiens can start thinking about playoffs, while the Caufield scored his fourth goal of the season in his ninth NHL game just Edmonton Oilers aren’t quite there yet following a 4-3 overtime win 1:58 after the opening faceoff. Chiasson countered for Edmonton at 8:35. Wednesday over the Habs.

Edmonton’s Dominik Kahun scored the first overtime winner of his career Globe And Mail LOADED: 05.13.2021 27 seconds into the extra period on a feed from fellow-German Leon Draisaitl.

The Oilers posted back-to-back OT wins at the Bell Centre following Monday’s 4-3 victory, in which captain Connor McDavid scored the winner.

Kahun was surprised it was him, and not McDavid, sent out with Draisaitl in OT on Wednesday.

“Of course I was thinking my game was probably over,” Kahun said. “When coach said I was going out with Drais I was a little bit surprised.

“I’m very happy for the opportunity and obviously very happy that it went that way.”

Draisaitl with his 31st of the season, Alex Chaisson and Ryan Nugent- Hopkins also scored for Edmonton (35-18-2).

“Sloppy, nobody got hurt and we got two points, so other than that it was good,” was Oilers head coach Dave Tippett’s assessment of the game.

Edmonton caps the regular season Saturday at home against the Vancouver Canucks before facing the Winnipeg Jets in the playoffs. Series dates have yet to be announced.

“We’ve got one more game here to keep building and preparing for next week,” Chiasson said. “Everyone that’s going into Game 1, you want everyone to feel good about where they’re at.

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“That’s what needs to happen to be successful.”

McDavid had two assists for 104 points in 55 games this season, and Mike Smith made 26 saves for the win.

Tyson Barrie also had two assists to lead all NHL defenceman with 48 points in 55 games, with one more point than New York Rangers blueliner Adam Fox.

Nick Suzuki scored twice and Cole Caufield had a goal and an assist for the Canadiens, who finished their regular season at 24-21-11 and face the division-topping Toronto Maple Leafs in the post-season.

Cayden Primeau stopped 18 shots in the loss.

The Canadiens went 16-16-6 under head coach Dominique Ducharme after Claude Julien was sacked in February.

Montreal secured the fourth and final playoff berth in the North Division with Monday’s overtime point.

“I really believe that we will have time to prepare now for the playoffs,” Ducharme said. “I think we’re going to be stronger because of everything we went through this year.”

Montreal played every second day in the month of April, including a pair of back-to-backs. The Canadiens finished with seven games in 12 days.

“I don’t think any of us will ever go through a stretch of hockey like this again,” Canadiens defenceman Ben Chiarot said. “Everything about this year has been unique. 1188141 Montreal Canadiens Ducharme gave the players two days off Thursday and Friday, although they will take some time to be vaccinated. When the Canadiens return to practice Saturday, he’ll get a chance to do some coaching — something that hasn’t been possible because of the crowded schedule. In the Habs' Room: 'Chemistry is there' between Suzuki and Caufield The best-of-seven series against the Maple Leafs will begin Wednesday or Thursday in Toronto.

Pat Hickey • Montreal Gazette

Publishing date: May 12, 2021 Montreal Gazette LOADED: 05.13.2021

Cole Caufield has the puck poked away from him by Edmonton Oilers goalie Mike Smith during the third period in Montreal Wednesday May 12, 2021.

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It would be a mistake to say the Canadiens-Oilers game Wednesday was meaningless.

It didn’t have an impact on the standings, with both teams locked into their positions, but the game had meaning for those Montreal players who were making a case for ice time when the playoffs begin next week.

With four key people expected to return for the post-season, there were players who had something to prove.

Rookie centre Jake Evans probably cemented his place in the opening- night lineup with another solid game. Evans and linemates Artturi Lehkonen and Paul Byron were matched against the Connor McDavid line and, for the second consecutive game, they did a good job of limiting the superstar’s chances. McDavid, who has run away with the NHL scoring title, had two assists, but both came on the power play. He won only two of his eight faceoffs against Evans.

When Phil Danault returns from his concussion, he’ll join Brendan Gallagher and Tomas Tatar on Montreal’s No. 1 checking line, but the Canadiens will need more than one defensive unit against the high- powered Maple Leafs, and that’s where Evans will fit in.

Another rookie, Cole Caufield, showed why he should be in the lineup as he used his quick release to open the scoring with his fourth goal in 10 games since he left the University of Wisconsin. He also set up Nick Suzuki for the tying goal, but he was trailing the play when Dominik Kahun scored the overtime winner.

“The chemistry is there,” Suzuki said when asked about playing with Caufield. “He sees the ice well and he’s always ready to shoot, and I like to play with guys like that.”

Caufield was equally appreciative of Suzuki’s skills.

“There are a lot of guys that want to play with him,” said Caufield. “He’s dynamic with the puck, he makes a lot of great plays and plays at a high pace. I think we complement each other pretty well. You kind of saw that tonight.”

But chemistry may not be enough to earn Caufield a top-six, or even a top-nine, role in the playoffs. The Canadiens have been averse to giving young players a lot of responsibility, and he’ll likely play on a fourth line and be available for the power play.

Coach Dominique Ducharme was cautious when discussing a potential role for Caufield.

“We’ll look at our lineup and see what we’re doing for Game 1,” said Ducharme. “He did some good things. We also have to look at the health status of the other guys. We’ll make a decision eventually.”

Jesperi Kotkaniemi has struggled of late, but Ducharme said his performance Wednesday was “a step in the right direction.”

The one glaring shortcoming in Kotkaniemi’s game is a reluctance to shoot the puck. He could take a cue from Caufield, who had a team-high five shots on goal, and Suzuki, who had four.

There was a general feeling of relief after the Canadiens concluded the regular season with 25 games over 45 nights after a COVID break.

“There were a lot of ups and downs,” said Ducharme. “We knew that the stretch after the COVID-19 pause would be difficult. We overcame it. It’s over. We have time to recharge the batteries and prepare for Game 1.” 1188142 Montreal Canadiens

Oilers beat Canadiens 4-3 in overtime — again — in regular-season finale

Pat Hickey • Montreal Gazette

Publishing date: May 12, 2021

Dominik Kahun scored at the 27-second mark of overtime to give the Edmonton Oilers a 4-3 win over the Canadiens Wednesday at the Bell Centre. Kahun took a pass from Leon Draisaitl and slipped behind rookie Cole Caufield. Kahun faked a shot on his backhand then went to his forehand to beat Cayden Primeau.

It was the second overtime game in three nights for the teams, and the Oilers also won by a 4-3 score on Monday.

Nick Suzuki pulled the Canadiens even at 3-3 when he scored his second goal of the game at 8:22 of the third period with rookie Caufield providing the assist. Caufield, who opened the scoring, jumped on a loose puck in the offensive zone and found Suzuki for a backhand tip-in.

It was the 15th goal for Suzuki, who had 13 as a rookie last season. He’s heating up at the right time of the year, with seven goals and seven assists in his last 11 games.

The teams took far different approaches to the game, which had no bearing on the final standings — Edmonton was already locked into second place in the Canadian division and the Canadiens in fourth.

The Oilers went with their full lineup led by superstars Connor McDavid and Draisaitl, while the Canadiens were playing their 33rd game in 45 nights and coach Dominique Ducharme decided to give some of his key players a rest

Goaltender Jake Allen, defencemen Jeff Petry and Joel Edmundson and forwards Eric Staal, Tyler Toffoli and Josh Anderson were all given the night off.

The Canadiens used defensive plays to score two goals as they stayed even with a high-powered Edmonton offence in a wide-open first period.

Caufield scored on the game’s first shot at 1:58. He picked up the puck on the forecheck deep in the Oilers’ zone and beat Mike Smith through his pads.

After Alex Chiasson got that one back, the teams exchanged goals during an Edmonton power play. Suzuki restored the Canadiens’ lead when he beat Smith off the rush with a low shot to the glove side for Montreal’s ninth shorthanded goal of the season.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins took advantage of a screen by James Neal to beat Primeau for a power-play goal 55 seconds later.

The Oilers added another power-play goal when Draisaitl scored midway through the second period to give the Oilers their first lead at 3-2. Primeau was unable to control the puck in a scrum and it came out to Draisaitl, who had an easy tap-in. It was Draisaitl’s 31st goal of the season, and he leads the NHL with 15 power-play goals.

Edmonton went 2-for-3 on the power play while the Canadiens came up empty on their only advantage.

The Canadiens will get two days of rest Thursday and Friday before resuming practice Saturday in Brossard. They will face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the playoffs with the best-of-seven series beginning in Toronto Wednesday or Thursday.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188143 Montreal Canadiens during a season when journalists haven’t been allowed in the locker rooms. He has become a great spokesperson for the team.

“It definitely was difficult at the beginning, no question,” Allen said. “Just Stu Cowan: Canadiens fortunate to have Allen in nets for playoff push to be able to figure things out around the town, just little things away from the rink. I always said all year that the transition off the ice was probably harder than it was on the ice for me.”

Stu Cowan • Montreal Gazette Allen’s wife and their two young daughters were with him in Montreal at the start of the season, but went back to their home province of New Publishing date: May 12, 2021 Brunswick in March because they are moving into a new house there. Allen said his life since arriving in Montreal last December has basically been eat, sleep, hockey and travel. If the Canadiens didn’t already have a Jacques Beauchamp Trophy they would have had to invent a similar award this season for goalie Jake “Without the fans it’s been unfortunate,” he said. “You don’t get the Allen. whole, full Montreal experience. But envisioning the best, I can (get that experience) when the Bell Centre’s packed (and) wear the red jersey at The Canadiens announced Wednesday that Allen is this year’s recipient home. But it’s been a fun first year.” of the trophy, which goes to a member of the team who played a dominant role during the regular season without earning any particular And it’s not over yet — thanks in large part to the backup goalie who honour. The award is voted on by members of the media who cover the really deserved an award. Canadiens and the trophy is named in honour of the legendary Montreal sportswriter who died in 1988 at age 61. Doug Jarvis was the first winner of the trophy following the 1981-82 season. Montreal Gazette LOADED: 05.13.2021 Allen narrowly beat out Joel Edmundson for the trophy this season (both received nine first-place votes) with Corey Perry finishing a distant third with three first-place votes.

Allen got my first-place vote because the Canadiens would not have made the playoffs without him, earning the fourth and final spot in the all- Canadian North Division to set up a first-round series with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

GM acquired the 30-year-old Allen from the St. Louis Blues last September and signed him to a two-year contract extension worth US$5.75 million that runs through the 2022-23 season because he wanted an experienced, proven backup goalie for Carey Price. Instead, Allen became the Canadiens’ No. 1 goalie because of Price’s inconsistent play and injuries. Price has been sidelined since suffering a concussion on April 19, missing the final 13 games of the regular season. Before that, Price missed six games with a lower-body injury, suffering the concussion in only his second game back.

As a result, Allen ended up playing in 29 games — four more than Price — while posting an 11-12-5 record with a 2.68 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage. Price had a 12-7-5 record with a 2.64 GAA and a .901 save percentage.

“At the start of the year, if you would have told me that, I would have probably laughed a little bit,” Allen said about playing more games than Price. “But, you know, that’s just the way hockey is. We’re a better team with Carey in our lineup … that’s just the way it is. It’s unfortunate that he’s had a couple of injuries and he’s working his way back. My job is to come in here and play a role that, whether he was healthy or not, was to support him and to support the team and fill his void when either he was having a rest or, in this case, he was injured.

“So that was my objective all year long. Nothing really changed whether we were with Carey or without Carey. Just trying to give the boys a chance every night.”

That’s exactly what Allen did — without a lot of help from “the boys.” In 19 of the games Allen played, the Canadiens scored two or fewer goals.

But Allen battled every night. He was like Brendan Gallagher in goalie pads during this crazy, condensed 56-game schedule. Allen played in 17 of 20 games during a 34-day span before being given the night off Wednesday with Cayden Primeau getting the start for the regular-season finale against the Edmonton Oilers and Charlie Lindgren dressing as the backup.

Price is expected to be ready to play when the playoffs start next week, so head coach Dominique Ducharme will have a decision to make on his starting goalie. Price will probably get the call but, unlike in previous seasons, the Canadiens’ fortunes won’t ride only on Price. Allen has proven he can do the job if needed.

Adjusting to a new team and a new city can be difficult during the best of times for an NHL player. Throw in a pandemic and this season has been a real challenge for Allen, who has taken everything in stride. Apart from his play on the ice, Allen has become a media favourite for his thoughtful and honest answers about himself and the team in video conferences 1188144 Montreal Canadiens

Liveblog replay: Habs lose regular season finale in OT 4-3 to Oilers

Erik Leijon • Special to Montreal Gazette

Publishing date: May 12, 2021

The playoff-bound Montreal Canadiens will lean on their understudies in their final game of the regular season against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday at the Bell Centre at 5 p.m. That includes 2018 second- round pick Jesse Ylönen, who will make his NHL debut.

He will join Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Alexander Romanov as players from that draft class to suit up for the Habs. Coach Dominique Ducharme confirmed a host of other lineup adjustments: Alex Belzile, Michael Frolik, Xavier Ouellet and Erik Gustafsson will all dress in place of resting regulars. Cayden Primeau will start, and Charlie Lindgren will back up.

Ducharme confirme que Belzile, Frolik, Ylönen, Ouellet et Gustafsson seront de la formation. Primeau sera devant le filet.

Last night also sealed Montreal’s first-round fate. They will meet the Toronto Maple Leafs for an opening round best-of-seven series.

In other Habs umlaut news, the team announced they signed forward Rafaël Harvey-Pinard to a two-year, entry-level contract.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188145 Montreal Canadiens Defenceman Xavier Ouellet and forward Jesse Ylonen, who were called up from the AHL’s on Wednesday morning, were both be in the lineup. Ylonen, selected by the Canadiens in the second round (35th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft, made his NHL debut and the 21-year-old Canadiens Game Day: Habs limp to end of regular season with an OT had one shot on goal in 11:23 of ice time while playing right wing on the loss fourth line with Michael Frolik and Alex Belzile. In 26 games with the Rocket this season, Ylonen posted 9-8-17 totals.

Sean Burke, the director of goaltending, replaced assistant coach Alex Stu Cowan • Montreal Gazette Burrows behind the bench for the game. Publishing date: May 12, 2021 “(Burrows) had some symptoms and just to make sure we’re clear he was not with the team this morning and this afternoon, so Sean’s going to be behind the bench with me and Luke (Richardson),” Ducharme Let the playoffs begin. explained before the game.

The Canadiens limped to the finish line of this condensed 56-game NHL Finally a break season with a 4-3 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night at the Bell Centre. The Canadiens will certainly enjoy this long break before the playoffs begin after playing their final 25 games over 44 days. The Canadiens finished the season in fourth place in the all-Canadian North Division with a 24-21-11 record (including 13-11-4 at the Bell “I don’t think any of us will ever go through a stretch of hockey like this Centre) and were winless in their last five games (0-3-2). They will meet again,” Canadiens defenceman Ben Chiarot said. “Everything about this the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the playoffs, which will start year has been unique and this last stretch has been exactly that. It’s next week. The final game of the regular season is scheduled for next been unique. A ton of hockey. It almost felt like we lived at the Bell Wednesday when the Vancouver Canucks play the Calgary Flames. Centre or whatever game rink we were playing at. It was a lot of hockey, but we’re through it now. We get a nice break and get ready for playoffs.” Nick Suzuki scored twice for the Canadiens and Cole Caufield added a single. Alex Chiasson, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl scored “It definitely has been a grind, especially when we had that week off in regulation time for the Oilers before Dominik Kahun scored the winner (after Joel Armia tested positive for COVID-19 in March) and the games only 27 seconds into OT. The Oilers’ Connor McDavid picked up two got even tighter,” Suzuki said. “Just trying to learn how to prepare myself assists, giving him 33-71-104 totals in 55 games to lead the NHL in for each game, doing the right things after each game to feel better the scoring. next day so it doesn’t catch up to you.”

This COVID-19 season was a roller-coaster ride for the Canadiens, who The Canadiens will be big underdogs against the Maple Leafs, but got off to a 7-1-2 start and were 9-5-4 when head coach Claude Julien Chiarot is confident in his team’s chances because of the character he was fired in late February. They went 15-16-7 under interim head coach says in the room. Dominique Ducharme. “I know that everyone in there is judging off of last year and the way we “Coming in, it was kind of a unique situation,” Ducharme said after played in the (playoff) bubble I’m pretty confident moving forward that Wednesday’s game. “Even the first day I said it. If you asked me the way we’ll see guys bring their A game for the playoffs,” Chiarot said. to become a head coach and becoming head coach of the Canadiens, I A glimpse of the future would probably write the story differently. I said it the first day. And then we encountered even more and different challenges with the schedule During an informal media scrum early last season when the Canadiens and the COVID and all those things. Every situation as a coach, every were in Vancouver, GM Marc Bergevin wondered about the possibility of level, it’s experience and it’s something that you need to go through. It having Suzuki and Caufield play together on the same line at some point makes us as a group a stronger group to go through those things and for in the future. me, personally, like other experiences it makes me grow as a coach.” That future was on display Wednesday with Suzuki at centre between Ducharme didn’t even get a full practice before taking over as head Caufield and Armia. Suzuki had two goals, while Caufield had a goal and coach and there was very little practice time all season because of the an assist. condensed schedule. That made it difficult for Ducharme to implement the new system he wants the Canadiens to play. “I thought we had a great game, creating a lot,” Suzuki said. “The chemistry is going to keep getting better. He sees the ice very well, he’s The Canadiens will now get two days off before beginning playoff always ready to shoot. I like playing with guys like that.” preparations with a practice Saturday at the in Brossard. Injured players Carey Price (concussion), Brendan Gallagher “I thought we created a lot of chances,” Caufield said. “We had the puck (fractured thumb), (upper body) and Phillip Danault most of the time out there. Armia out there helped us out a lot, too. Nick (concussion) are all expected to be ready to play when the playoffs makes some great plays, finds me when I’m open and stuff. I felt we had begin. some chemistry there tonight and he’s obviously a lot of fun to play with.”

“I really believe that we’ll have time to prepare now for the playoffs,” Suzuki finished the season with 15-26-41 totals in 56 games. That Ducharme said. “I think all that that we lived and have gone through … I matches his point total from last season as a rookie when he had 13-28- said it before: we’re going to get through it and it’s going to make us 41 totals in 71 games. Suzuki finished this season with 7-7-14 totals in stronger. I think we’re going to be stronger because of everything that we the last 11 games. went through this year.” “It’s pretty well known that I had a little rough stretch there, but I’m seeing Take the night off the game, feeling the game a lot better right now,” he said. “I just want to keep that going into the playoffs and help the team win in any way I can.” With a playoff spot clinched and the first-round matchup with the Leafs already confirmed before Wednesday’s game, Ducharme decided to sit As for Caufield, Ducharme wasn’t ready to confirm the rookie will be in out some of his key players against the Oilers. the lineup when the playoffs begin, but it’s hard to imagine him not being there after posting 4-1-5 totals 10 games. Goalie Jake Allen, defencemen Jeff Petry and Joel Edmundson, and forwards Tyler Toffoli, Josh Anderson and Eric Staal all had the night off. “I’d say I feel pretty comfortable out there,” Caufield said. “Each game Ducharme noted that Staal is dealing with an injury. you kind of learn a little bit more. You take what you can from video and learn as much as you can in the little time that I had. I’m focused and all Cayden Primeau started in goal with Charlie Lindgren dressed as his the guys are ready for this next challenge and we can’t wait to get going.” backup. Primeau allowed four goals on 22 shots and seemed to be fighting the puck much of the night. The 21-year-old allowed two goals on Ducharme has been using video to work with Caufield as the 20-year-old the first seven shots he faced. Primeau finishes the season with a 1-2-1 adjusts to the NHL game. record, a 4.16 goals-against average and a .849 save percentage. “Just going over video, shift by shift, breaking it down it makes the game simple,” Caufield said. “Instead of having it all come at you at once he breaks it down and makes it pretty simple for me. So there’s some things in the game that I didn’t even have to think about. It just happened because of that talk. It was good for me and we’ll continue that moving forward.”

The Canadiens still seem to be struggling to find their identity with Ducharme as head coach.

The extra practice time now leading up to the playoffs should help with that.

“Going through a coaching change, things take time,” Allen said. “You have one coach that preaches one thing and you have another coach that comes in and tries to solidify his message. I’ve been through coaching changes, so it takes a while.

“I think when we’re at the top of our game we’re on top of pucks, there’s no hesitation in our game,” the goalie added. “We’re quick, we’re relentless. We’re physical, but we’re not always slamming people into the boards. We’re stick-checking, we’re in the right places at the right time. Sort of not giving other teams room to breathe and that’s the way we play. We’re good with our speed through the neutral zone and the transition game.

“It’s not going to be perfect and easy in the playoffs that way. There’s going to be times where we can’t find our game right away for five or 10 minutes. But that’s playoff hockey and we got to find ways to stick to those guns as much as possible and get the job done. It’s definitely been a transition and a change and there’s been some ups and downs where our identity sort of strayed away. But when we play well that’s the way we play and we’re successful at it.”

Edmonton Oilers Dominik Kahun shoots the puck past Montreal Canadiens goalie Cayden Primeau for the game-winning goal as Cole Caulfield and Nick Suzuki watch during overtime of National Hockey League game in Montreal Wednesday May 12, 2021.

Oilers beat Canadiens 4-3 in overtime — again — in regular-season finale

Some stats

The Canadiens outshot the Oilers 29-22 and won 61 per cent of the faceoffs, while the Oilers led 26-20 in hits.

The Canadiens went 0-for-1 on the power play, while the Oilers went 2- for-3.

Chiarot led the Canadiens with 24:08 of ice time, followed by Brett Kulak with 23:22 and Erik Gustafsson with 18:24. Suzuki led the forwards with 17:28 of ice time, followed by Caufield with 16:25 and Jake Evans with 16:05.

Caufield had five shots and Suzuki had four, while Chiarot had four hits.

Suzuki went 6-2 on faceoffs (75 per cent), Evans went 9-4 (69 per cent), Frolik went 3-3 (50 per cent) and Jesperi Kotkaniemi went 5-6 (45 per cent).

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188146 Montreal Canadiens “I’ve managed young players,” Ducharme said. “It’s not different in juniors when you have a 16-year-old kid, keeping him and it’s important that he plays, but at one point you’re putting him in bad situations or situations where he cannot succeed, it’s not better. It’s better sometimes to back Canadiens coach Dominique Ducharme says this difficult season made off, let him progress, take another step at the right time.” him grow, yet his most difficult time awaits Then Wednesday, Caufield went out and got a goal and an assist playing on Suzuki’s right wing and most of the time with Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins facing him. It was an impressive performance, and By Arpon Basu Ducharme did not want to diminish that. May 13, 2021 But he also probably didn’t want to say that Caufield should have had Dominik Kahun on the Oilers’ overtime winner, that there are other aspects of his game he still has questions about. After numerous Dominique Ducharme spoke at length following the final game of the questions on the subject, however, Ducharme could not avoid adding a season Wednesday about the challenges the Canadiens faced this dose of perspective to what we saw from Caufield. season, and even his own experience trying to navigate them through those challenges as a rookie coach. “For Cole, every game is different,” he said. “I thought tonight was a different game. You could see that there was a little bit less on the line in Those challenges are well documented, the brutal schedule, the lack of the game. But he did fine.” practice, the lack of rest, the injuries predictably piling up, all of it. Then, when Ducharme was asked whether Caufield can play in a top-six “The first day (I was named coach) I said if you asked me the way to or top-nine role in the playoffs, the biggest tell came. become a head coach and the head coach of the Canadiens, I would probably write the story differently,” Ducharme said. “Then we encounter “Top six, top nine, top 12, I don’t know,” he said. “One thing that I do even more and different challenges with the schedule and COVID and all know is that when we get into the playoffs, we’ll need our 12 forwards. To those things. go through a round, so many things can happen. We have good depth and it helped us get through that storm at the end of the year, and we “Every situation as a coach at every level, it’s experience and it’s feel that we’ll need it, too, in the playoffs.” something that you need to go through. It makes us … a stronger group to go through those things, and for me personally, as with other Translation, at least as far as I’m concerned, is he will need to be experiences, it makes me grow as a coach.” comfortable putting all 12 forwards in all sorts of situations, situations where he as a coach will be confident they can succeed, and Caufield, He didn’t know on Feb. 24 what he would be facing, and now that the just like those 16-year-old junior players Ducharme referred to, probably Canadiens have gone through all of that and come out the other side, isn’t quite there yet. Ducharme has reason to believe all of it will help his team as it prepares to face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the playoffs next week after two days But even if Caufield does not crack the Game 1 lineup in Toronto, he has of rest and multiple days of practice. proved he can be an excellent secret weapon to be deployed if necessary. But there is one challenge Ducharme failed to mention among the long list of things he had to go through as a rookie coach, and it is something “I feel pretty comfortable out there,” Caufield said. “I thought I just pushed a veteran coach would have trouble with, because it’s not easy and there myself each day to prove I belong. I can’t really think too much into that is no roadmap for how to do it properly. right now. We’re just a team that’s trying to win games going forward and that’s all that matters. You’ve got to be team first and we’ll look to do that That is how to manage a hot prospect arriving at the most difficult time of going forward.” year, a prospect the fan base has been dying to see, but a prospect that might or might not be ready to make this jump. Or managing a veteran Even without Caufield in the lineup, there will be a difficult decision to player, a Stanley Cup winner, that the general manager who gave you make assuming everyone comes back healthy (again, aside from this dream job acquired long before the trade deadline to help you out, Jonathan Drouin, as it doesn’t sound like he will be ready to start the but having that veteran player fail to perform. Or having the team’s No. 3 playoffs). pick from three years ago underperforming down the stretch and being With Ducharme already stating we can expect to see Tomas Tatar, asked about it nearly every day. Phillip Danault and Brendan Gallagher on one line, that we can expect to Ducharme is correct when he says what he and the Canadiens just went see Suzuki and Tyler Toffoli on another with an unknown at right wing, through is something no hockey team has ever experienced before, and and that he’s liked what Artturi Lehkonen, Jake Evans and Paul Byron we can only hope it is something no hockey team will ever need to have shown him of late, that leaves, in theory, four spots at forward for experience again. But what he is about to experience is a different Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Josh Anderson, Joel Armia, Corey Perry and Eric challenge altogether, managing lineup decisions with so many delicate Staal. dossiers in a playoff series between the world’s two biggest hockey That is a list of five players. markets for the first time in 42 years. Anderson, assuming he is healthy, will obviously take one of those spots, Cole Caufield played his 10th NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers on whether that’s on the Suzuki line or the third line. That would leave Wednesday, which is a small sample, but still represents nearly 18 Kotkaniemi, Armia, Perry and Staal for the three remaining slots, and this percent of this season. He scored his fourth goal of the season which, is where it gets complicated for Ducharme. extrapolated over 82 games, would be a 32-goal pace. Of course, that’s not how this works. There are highs and lows in a season that long, as Armia and Perry appear to be pretty well locked in, especially considering his centreman for this game, Nick Suzuki, could attest to. So could that their importance on special teams. Based on merit, Staal would not be in No. 3 draft pick. the lineup. But, again, Marc Bergevin went out and got him for the playoffs because he felt the Canadiens were “vulnerable” at centre, so The reason Caufield entered the lineup to begin with was injuries, and that’s not an easy guy for Ducharme to scratch. But an argument could the reason he may come out of the lineup would be the return of those also be made that based on merit recently, Kotkaniemi would be the odd players from injury. There is no way of knowing what Ducharme will do, man out, which is an even more complicated decision because of his but it is difficult not to see him laying the groundwork for a decision that own status and importance to the Canadiens’ future. he must know will be met with a heavy dose of criticism. How do you decide between these two players considering everything To keep Caufield in the lineup, another healthy regular would need to that decision entails? come out. And that doesn’t appear to be something Ducharme is very willing to do, at least not to start. Staal is injured, and Ducharme hinted that he’s been playing injured for a while, so that might explain how he’s played. Staal spoke a few weeks On Tuesday, he was asked about the value of getting his young players ago about how once the playoffs begin a switch gets flipped to on. He some playoff experience, and Ducharme rejected that idea. He even couldn’t explain it, it was just a fact to him. Ducharme has mentioned went so far as to say putting a young player in a situation he is not ready repeatedly how much he respects Staal’s veteran savvy, how his for can impede his development to a certain extent. decision-making and situational play can account for some of the speed and, frankly, production he lacks.

When you watch Kotkaniemi play right now, however, he looks confused. Simple plays appear difficult. At one point in the first period Wednesday, Kotkaniemi got the puck all alone just to the right of the Edmonton goal, not in a prime scoring area, but in a position where he could make a play to get into a prime scoring area. He held the puck and looked for someone to pass to, never seeming to consider making that play himself, before ultimately deciding to send the puck to Ben Chiarot at the blue line.

He is lacking confidence in his game, and Ducharme knows it. Whereas he qualified Caufield’s game Wednesday by saying it looked like a game of no consequence, almost in the same breath he called Kotkaniemi’s performance in that same game a step in the right direction.

Having said all that, it would still be absurd to scratch Kotkaniemi for the start of the playoffs. When he is on his game, he is a far more effective player than Staal, and the Canadiens have a solid week to get Kotkaniemi back on his game.

Ducharme did not discount the possibility of moving a centre to the wing for the playoffs, and both Staal and Kotkaniemi would be candidates to do that. But either way, these decisions are not easy.

Ducharme says he has grown as a coach over the last three months, and he will need to put that growth to good use. Every one of his decisions will be scrutinized as never before as they will be made under the biggest media glare he has ever experienced.

But one thing Ducharme has already demonstrated under these trying circumstances is that he is able to make difficult decisions and stand by them, even defend them publicly with clarity and confidence.

It helps that the Canadiens have so many lineup options after going so long without having any options. But as crazy as it sounds considering what he has just gone through, those options place Ducharme — an interim coach, remember — in the most difficult situation he has faced.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188147 Montreal Canadiens appear to fear a whole lot. He rarely makes any effort to get Matthews away from it.

But it’s not only about Matthews, it’s about the Canadiens being physical How the Canadiens can beat the Maple Leafs: goaltending, depth and all over the ice, with everyone they can. Joel Edmundson will need to do pushing the limits of physical play the same in a likely matchup with and William Nylander, and Josh Anderson will need to do it whenever he is on the ice.

The last time he played in the playoffs with the Columbus Blue Jackets By Arpon Basu against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Anderson had a goal and an assist in Game 1 and then didn’t touch the scoresheet the rest of the series. And May 12, 2021 yet after the Blue Jackets swept the series, Lightning GM Steve Yzerman admitted his team did not have an answer for Anderson.

It has all the makings of a bloodbath. Now Anderson finds himself in this situation, and tell me if this seems familiar. The Canadiens have won seven of their last 20 games heading into the regular season finale on Wednesday. They’ve won three of their 10 “I think we had a game plan right from the start,” Anderson said of that regular-season meetings with the Toronto Maple Leafs, getting outscored series against the Lightning. “We knew we were facing the No. 1 team in 35-24 in the process, though five of the 10 games were decided by one the league who had a bunch of skill, and we had certain guys with goal. The Leafs have the firepower up front the Canadiens don’t have. different roles. If I wasn’t producing, I was going out there and playing as physical as I can and trying to make their skill guys not have fun. I just But the Canadiens also have a few things the Leafs don’t, and they will tried to get on top of their top D-men, like Hedman. We just had a game need to exploit those things to the fullest to win this series. And that will plan, everybody bought into the system, everybody did a great job in their mean getting back to some of the basic tenets used in constructing this roles and that’s why we had success in that series.” roster in the offseason: a big, physical defence, a forward group that comes at you in waves, a good mix of youth and experience and, this The physical nature of hockey has heightened importance in the playoffs, one’s the most important, a rock in goal. and while the Leafs are not devoid of players capable of playing that style of game, the Canadiens clearly have an edge in this department. They This team was built with the playoffs in mind, and now the Canadiens will must exploit it and hit the Leafs every opportunity they get. have to prove it against one of the best teams in the league. But there is a clear path for them to get there. Even if it means an extra cross-check here and there. Maybe we can have another referendum. I believe that the team we saw barely survive a hellish regular-season schedule is not the team we will see in the playoffs. Aside from Jonathan Carey Price will need to perform a miracle or two Drouin — Dominique Ducharme reiterated Tuesday there is no plan in This one is obvious, but it bears repeating. The Leafs have their place for his return to the lineup — the Canadiens will be a healthy difference-makers in Matthews and Marner, the Canadiens have theirs in group. Ducharme will have multiple practices to fine-tune his system, and Price. The only problem is he has not shown an ability to be that the players will get some much-needed rest that should give them the difference-maker on a consistent basis. mental clarity to execute it more consistently. But when the return-to-play plan was announced by the NHL last year, The Leafs will benefit from many of the same things, so that’s hardly the Pittsburgh Penguins were not thrilled with the play-in format because unique to the Canadiens, but the difference is the schedule Montreal just they were a legitimate Stanley Cup contender and they had a less-than- completed has created a distorted view of what this team is. It is not as favourable matchup in the first round. And it was not the matchup with bad as this team has looked since returning from their one-week COVID- the Canadiens they were referring to. It was the matchup with Price. 19 related pause and played four games a week ever since. Price put up a .947 save percentage in the series, and the Penguins Does that mean they are as good as the Leafs? No. Can they beat them were sent home from the bubble. in a seven-game series? Yes. I was talking to a scout at the Bell Centre at some point late this season Here’s how. when I asked what he thought about how different the Canadiens will Push that line as far as it will go look in the playoffs and how difficult an opponent they could be. I was mainly referring to the item above, the physical defence, the playoff Remember how the regular season began? Yes, it began with a 5-4 experience, everything that was added in the offseason. The scout overtime loss in Toronto, a foreshadowing of overtime ineptitude that immediately agreed, but not for the reasons I was talking about. dominated the first half of the Canadiens’ season. But it also began with a national referendum — OK, it was just in Toronto, it just felt national — “Well yeah,” he said. “Price.” on Shea Weber’s right to cross-check anyone he pleases. Most notably, When I responded that it depends on which version of Price the in this case, Auston Matthews. That first game was a difficult one for Canadiens get, his response was just as swift. Matthews physically and it was Weber and Ben Chiarot doling out most of the abuse. “He’ll be there when it counts,” he said. “He always is.”

This is what made that pairing effective in the bubble last summer, the Last year, Price’s save percentage in the bubble finished at .936. It was hard, physical play that pushed the boundaries of the NHL rule book. at .933 during the 2017 playoffs. In 2015 it was .920, the year before that They need to find that boundary again and live there. Chiarot and Weber it was .919. Over the last decade, among goalies who have played at have not had a good season together, and they will likely see a heavy least 20 playoff games, Price’s save percentage of .924 is eighth-best in dose of Matthews and Mitch Marner in this series, which would appear to the NHL, in a virtual tie with his backup Jake Allen. advantage the Leafs. But the physical toll it could take on those two could tilt that advantage to the Canadiens. Goaltending should be an advantage for the Canadiens, and it can be the ultimate difference-maker. Price has had far more rest than he would The Leafs’ expected goal percentage at five-on-five with Matthews and have wanted this season due to injuries, but that makes this situation Weber on the ice this season was 49.38 percent, per Natural Stat Trick. somewhat similar to what he was facing entering the bubble a year ago. Matthews had a similar number this season when matched up with Edmonton Oilers giant Darnell Nurse (48.49 percent) or Calgary Flames He doesn’t need to perform at the same level he did against the defensive pest Chris Tanev (40.42). There were only 15 players in the Penguins. But he will need to come close. division who played at least 30 minutes at five-on-five with Matthews this Use the depth up front to its fullest season where the Leafs had an expected goal percentage of less than 50 percent (which is crazy). The Canadiens have five of them: Brendan The Leafs lean heavily on their top guys up front. I would too. But one Gallagher, Phillip Danault, Tomas Tatar, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Weber. way to counter that is to ensure that your guys are fresher than their It just so happens that four of those players should be facing Matthews guys, and then to use that energy to your advantage. This is how the on a regular basis, seeing as it is a matchup Sheldon Keefe doesn’t Canadiens were built, and this is how Ducharme wants the Canadiens to play. We have heard often since Ducharme took over as coach on Feb. 24 This team will go as far as the top-four on defence and the goalie will how he wants the Canadiens moving up and down the ice in groups of take it. five. What that means is the forwards need to drop lower in the defensive zone to support the defence in the breakout, and the defence in turn Accept it and embrace it. needs to keep up on the rush to support the attack. Basically, it means The Gallagher effect everyone has to skate a lot. When Gallagher broke his thumb on April 5, the Canadiens had a record If everyone has to skate a lot, that means everyone needs to play a lot. of 17-9-9. Since then, they have a record of 7-12-1. Ducharme needs to find line combinations that allow him to do that, something he has been unable to find for weeks. But he did drop a There are other factors at play there, but Gallagher’s importance to how couple of hints Tuesday after practice. this team functions cannot be underestimated. In fact, Petry made sure of that Tuesday when asked about the injured players returning. “We have combinations that we know,” he said. “We know the chemistry the Danault line has, so you should expect to see them together. “Gally coming back, everyone knows how much he means to this team,” Generally, I like how (Nick) Suzuki and (Tyler) Toffoli go together, so who Petry said. “So him alone is a big boost.” will be on the right? (Joel) Armia did well, it was more difficult (Monday), With Price, Weber, Danault and Drouin currently out, the fact Petry so there are things like that. The (Jake) Evans line was excellent decided to single out Gallagher’s return spoke volumes. He was asked a (Monday), so we’re counting on things like that and we’ll make decisions very general question about injured players returning, and he went to as they come.” Gallagher all on his own. The one line Ducharme did not touch was the third line. Jesperi When a team gets its heartbeat back right before the playoffs, it can Kotkaniemi was benched for the final seven minutes of regulation time make a big difference. against the Oilers on Monday, a game Ducharme said he was treating like a Game 7. Eric Staal was not benched. If Jake Evans is a given centering Artturi Lehkonen and Paul Byron, at least to start, which is how Ducharme made it sound Tuesday, then a decision will need to be made The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 between Kotkaniemi and Staal.

What Ducharme needs to beat the Leafs is pace up and down the lineup, which should benefit Kotkaniemi over Staal. Perhaps one of them moves to the wing. But what will be important is to keep in mind how skating and pace are central to how Ducharme wants his team to play, and his decisions will need to be a reflection of that. That is what made that Evans line effective Monday, that is what makes the Danault line effective, that is generally what makes the Canadiens effective.

The good thing is that Ducharme has options he didn’t have before. The trade deadline completely handcuffed his ability to make changes to the lineup up front, then injuries further handcuffed him. Now he is free from both those restrictions.

He has a very intriguing option in Cole Caufield to play with Kotkaniemi (or Staal, I suppose), but from the sounds of it, he might be watching the start of the playoffs as opposed to participating in them.

“Sometimes giving less to a younger player is not something that will make him regress. Sometimes giving him more might make his regress even more,” Ducharme said Tuesday. “So every case is different. Obviously, you come into the playoffs, you have a chance to be winning the Stanley Cup. Well, you’re going to be putting the best lineup you can on the ice. I don’t care if the guy’s 18 or 40, it’s right now, what he can do.”

That’s totally fair. But what is also important that Ducharme not only pick the best lineup, but also the lineup that is best suited to the way he wants his team to play.

If he does that, if the Canadiens forwards are able to pressure the puck all over the ice and create turnovers and counterattacks consistently up and down the lineup, they will have a chance to produce enough offence to allow Price to win them games.

Ride the top-four on defence

As opposed to the forward group, Ducharme is not swimming in options on the blue line. Alexander Romanov and Jon Merril have been a less than ideal third pairing of late, and the only other option is Erik Gustafsson and, once Weber is back, Brett Kulak.

No matter what direction Ducharme decides to go, it’s pretty clear the Canadiens will need to lean heavily on their top two pairings of Chiarot and Weber and Edmundson and Petry to play the lion’s share of the games. It’s not dissimilar to last year’s playoffs when Chiarot, Weber and Petry were playing huge minutes, but the addition of Edmundson and his incredibly consistent play this season at least allows Ducharme and Luke Richardson to be working with two pairings they can trust as opposed to a group of three.

It will be interesting to see what they decide for the third pairing — much of what Ducharme had to say on playing young players in the playoffs could conceivably apply to Romanov — but ultimately it shouldn’t matter much. 1188148 Nashville Predators their own awful start to the season and manage to squeeze into the postseason.

Again, kind of like in 2017. Nashville Predators are still chasing 2017, and these playoffs set up Years later, that memory continues to both delight and taunt the similarly Predators. It created new expectations by showing what might be possible, and yet it was ultimately unsatisfying. The Predators didn’t win the Stanley Cup. They got just close enough to taste it. Thus the bar was Gentry Estes raised for subsequent teams, whether their talent level justified that or not – and I’m not sure it ever did. Nashville Tennessean The Predators weren’t that good for much of 2017. And yet, they are still

chasing 2017, despite the fact that 2017 was an exception. Sean Henry still has the emails from 2017. After Saturday night’s victory clinched a playoff spot, the NHL put out this They’re a lot like the emails the Nashville Predators’ president and CEO fact: Since their first playoff berth in 2004, the Predators have made the received earlier this season. The ones that were calling for everyone to postseason 14 times. Only one NHL team – the Pittsburgh Penguins (15) be fired and players to be traded or cut, typically with a colorful array of – had done that more often. “not very kind words,” Henry said with a laugh. Yet during that same timeframe, the Penguins have won the Cup three So no, this hockey season hasn’t been the most enjoyable for Henry, as more times than the Predators’ zero. That's why the Predators, despite seasons go. all those playoffs appearances, aren't generally viewed as a member of the NHL’s upper crust. They haven’t won the big prize. Their playoff But neither was 2017. frustration has been routine, even after producing better regular seasons than in 2017. Prior to their indelible run to the Stanley Cup Final, those Predators barely even got in the playoffs. Hardly anyone expected them to get past Doesn’t matter. All that counts is what happens now – in the playoffs. the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks in the opening round. Prior to that series, in fact, Nashville’s expectations were so measured that the The Predators know that as well as any franchise. All they’ve earned this Predators were having to work hard just to sell out ’s season is another opportunity to recapture what made 2017 so special – first two playoff games. and then eclipse it.

“Now when people look back on that year,” Henry said, “they talk about the greatest year ever, the most fun year ever. They just go on and on Tennessean LOADED: 05.13.2021 and romanticized it so much.” And yet, that Predators fan who was seething in disappointment just a few months ago “was the same guy that did it in 2017 but at the end of the year was hugging everyone,” Henry added.

“That, to me, is somewhat of a similarity to this year.”

You have to admit it. There are similarities. Those looking for reasons to expect the unexpected again from the playoff Predators can note that the setup in 2017 does resemble the 2021 team’s improbably heroic run of form these past two months.

Whatever mystical forces continued to line up in those 2017 playoffs – the magic and mojo and momentum and catfish – the Predators will need all of them again in 2021.

As of Wednesday, BetMGM had the Predators at 35-to-1 odds to win the Stanley Cup. That tied them with the Winnipeg Jets as the longest of the long shots in the 16-team bracket, given about a 2.8% chance. The Predators’ opening-round opponent, the Central Division’s No. 1 seed Carolina Hurricanes, was listed at close to 7-to-1.

Oddsmakers aren’t putting any stock in the final two games of the regular season at Bridgestone, and they shouldn't.

Just like at the past week for the Hurricanes. After dominating the Predators all season, they ended up playing an unwilling role in two magnificent nights at Bridgestone. They barely lost to let the Predators celebrate clinching a playoff spot Saturday, and then Monday’s shutout loss – with players resting – made for Pekka Rinne’s emotional, presumed sendoff.

The Hurricanes had to endure all this, and they’ve since gotten to chew on it for a while.

Best believe they’ll be in Category 5 temper when the playoff series finally begins.

That said, the odds don’t mean as much in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Hockey is different from most professional sports – baseball might be the closest, and even its randomness pales in comparison – in how unpredictable its postseason is each year. Every team legitimately can feel it has a chance.

Because it’s not as much which team is better as which team happens to be playing best at that time.

So why not these Predators? They’ve got a hot goaltender in Juuse Saros. They’ve been dealing with playoff-level pressure for weeks now. They’ve been playing their best for the past two months just to overcome 1188149 Nashville Predators The Predators have a pretty pitiful power play for the year, but that reached new lows against Carolina where they only generated 4.4 expected goals and 3.6 actual goals per 60. The latter mark is almost half their season total. The penalty kill was an even bigger disaster as they 2021 NHL playoff preview: Predators vs. Hurricanes allowed 7.7 expected goals and nearly double the actual goals per 60. Scoring 14.5 goals per 60 is a very high rate, one that led to a 34.6

percent success rate. Keeping Carolina in check at five-on-five means By Dom Luszczyszyn nothing if the special teams are that horrendous.

May 12, 2021 Power plays can be notoriously streaky, though, and that gives Nashville an avenue to success. It’ll be an exceptionally difficult one to accomplish given the series results, but the Predators should have a fighting chance if they can stop the Hurricanes’ power play and generate something the If only things were back to normal with arenas at full capacity. Carolina other way. and Nashville have two of the league’s most passionate fan bases creating raucous crowds and absolutely electric atmospheres. The two A lot of people figure the team will need Juuse Saros to steal the series teams are right near the top of the league in that department, nearly as he’s been doing marvellously during the second half, and that’s neck-and-neck with each other. correct to an extent given Carolina’s power-play prowess. But the Hurricanes are also one of the few teams where Nashville doesn’t have The actual on-ice matchup likely won’t be that close. Carolina handily the edge between the pipes. The two teams finished first and second in won a very competitive Central Division and has looked like one of the five-on-five save percentage this year with next to nothing separating very best teams in hockey all season. Nashville has done well in the them. If that continues, Nashville will need more than Saros to come out season’s second half, miraculously climbing out of an early season hole ahead — and that’s where a path to victory becomes a bit more difficult to make the playoffs, but there is still a rather wide chasm between these to envision with the talent the team has at its disposal. two clubs. Roster breakdown This is a mismatch and the proof is in the games the teams have already played against each other. Matchup adjustment takes into account each player’s Game Score against this specific opponent as well as his Game Score over the last six Series odds weeks. The numbers may be slightly skewed as a result of ice-time Matchup adjustment takes into account each player’s Game Score allocation. against this specific opponent as well as his Game Score over the last six Before the season started this model was very high on both Petr Mrazek weeks. and Saros, much to the ire of some Canadiens fans who figured the It took seven tries for the Predators to beat the Hurricanes this season, thought of either of them being better than Carey Price was audacious. and that happened on one of the final nights of the season when Carolina Mrazek only suited up for 12 games, but had a .923 save percentage in no longer had anything to really play for. The Predators won another that time frame, saving 10 goals above expected. That’s almost one per meaningless matchup two nights later when both teams rested a plethora game. Saros was just as hot in the season’s second half and finished the of starters, but for the most part, this has been the Carolina show. The season with a .927 save percentage, saving seven goals above two wins against Carolina to close the season did help lessen Nashville’s expected. They were in fact two of the league’s top goalies and big matchup disadvantage slightly, but it’s still an extra 3.3 percentage points reasons either team is in this position. in Carolina’s favour. Carolina has the slightest edge here (especially considering Alex Underdogs come through all the time and 35 percent is hardly a death Nedeljkovic is rated just as highly as Mrazek and can step in if Mrazek sentence; in all honesty, it’s a lot better than I expected. The Predators falters) which doesn’t bode well for the Predators. Saros is the team’s already faced much longer odds this season just to make the playoffs. biggest strength and he’ll need to be the best goalie in the series for Before this weekend’s games, the odds were even steeper (closer to 30 Nashville to have a chance, but that doesn’t seem to be the likeliest percent), but Carolina is still rightfully the expected winner here with a scenario here. With goaltending, “likely” is always a crapshoot, but it’s five-, six- or seven-game series all being equally likely. never a good thing when a team’s biggest strength is still a step below the team it’s facing. The Hurricanes are deeper on paper, finished higher in the standings, had stronger underlying numbers down the stretch and owned the head- Across the rest of the lineup, Nashville lacks the high-end talent to keep to-head matchup during the season. There aren’t many reasons to like up with the Hurricanes, both up front and on the back end. The depth is the Predators here and they will be in tough to pull off the upset, but there, sure, but depth isn’t going to win a playoff series when there are Nashville won’t be a pushover. Despite the lopsided head-to-head colossal differences in top of the lineup talent. record, the games were closer than they appear. At forward, Carolina’s top line is very much one to fear, especially since Season stats Teuvo Teravainen has returned from injury. In the eight games since where all three played, the trio has dominated with a 59 percent expected Across the board, the Hurricanes were just plain better this year, which is goals rate, outscoring opponents 8-4 at five-on-five. Sebastian Aho and to be expected given the seeding. Carolina was better at five-on-five, Andrei Svechnikov have been a terrific pair all season, putting up a 56 playing a high-event style that worked in the team’s favour given their percent expected goals percentage without Teravainen, but there’s no weak finishing and strong goaltending. Nashville allowed fewer expected doubt his playmaking and defensive ability adds an extra boost. The top goals against but didn’t generate anywhere near the same amount of line was incredible during last year’s playoffs and they’re looking to pick chances the other way. That led to a five percentage point edge in up right where they left off during this postseason. expected goals, though the edge in actual goals was tighter due in part to Carolina’s lack of finishing ability. Aho, in particular, has been red hot down the stretch, scoring 24 points in his last 19 games, which ranks third leaguewide over the time frame. The difference on special teams is much more substantial and it’s here That’s put him above a point-per-game pace for the season and while he where Carolina will likely do the most damage. The Hurricanes are the may not be at the level of Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews, he’s an league’s best overall team in that area, earning the second-best goal rate elite talent thanks to his play-driving ability. He’s the type of top centre on both the power play and penalty kill this season. Nashville, on the that teams can win a Stanley Cup with. other hand, was bottom 10 in both. The problem in previous seasons for Carolina was the depth behind the That turned out to be the team’s demise during the season series as the top line and down the middle behind Aho specifically. It was good, but not Predators actually kept the attempts and chances closer than one might great. That’s changed this season thanks to the resurgence of Vincent expect at even strength (though that’s slightly obfuscated by the last Trocheck, who has looked a lot closer to his peak self in his first full couple of games). Despite being a below-average expected goals team, season as a Hurricane. He’s projected for two wins here, but played they kept the Hurricanes under their season average when the two went closer to a three-win rate this season, resembling his peak from 2015 to head-to-head at five-on-five. The power play was an entirely different 2017 in Florida. Injuries derailed his play since and he was on a worrying story and it’s the main reason Carolina went 6-2-0 against Nashville this trajectory when Carolina acquired him at last year’s deadline, but it’s safe season. to say he’s back. Trocheck scored 43 points in 47 games this season and was one of the team’s top play drivers. When a team’s first and second- nightmare for the Predators, who don’t look like they have the answers to line centres can both put up a 56 percent expected goals rate and earn solve Carolina’s high-end depth. Only four players in the top nine had a over 60 percent of the actual goals, they’re going to be in a good spot. positive expected goals percentage this season and that was led by Arvidsson at 53 percent. That would rank 11th among Carolina’s It helps to have lineup consistency throughout the year and Trocheck forwards. Forsberg was the only imposing force against Carolina this found some strong chemistry early with Nino Niederreiter and Martin year in terms of tilting the ice and he still only managed three points in six Necas. The trio created one of the league’s best and most unheralded games. This is going to be an uphill battle, though Duchene returning to second lines. Niederreiter continued his play-driving excellence thanks to form would certainly help. his offensive zone ability and got back up to a 30-goal pace. The speedy Necas was an absolute revelation in his second season, scoring at a 63- Things are a bit closer on the back end where both teams are led by a point pace while unsurprisingly being the team’s most efficient player at clear top three, and while Nashville indeed has some strong defensive entering the zone with control. He did struggle against the Predators this talent, it once again pales in comparison to what Carolina can offer. season, though, with just three points and a 37 percent expected goals rate in eight games. There aren’t many teams that can match the triumvirate of Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm, but unfortunately for the Predators, Overall, the trio clicked and it allowed the Hurricanes to keep that Carolina is one of them. The comparison may have been in Nashville’s terrifying top line intact (when Teravainen was healthy) as they finally had favour last season when Josi won the Norris Trophy and Ellis was the requisite depth to allow it. It also allowed the team to establish an playing similarly well when healthy, but it’s completely flipped this annoying checking line that doesn’t have the pressure of providing season. secondary offense (though still has the ability to), headlined by Jordan Staal and Warren Foegele. Staal and Foegele are the team’s best Dougie Hamilton was right there with Josi in the Norris Trophy race last forecheckers and will be a pain in the butt during the playoffs, grinding year before getting injured and he’s managed to stay in that top tier this down opponents hard. Staal fits a lot better as the third-line centre on a season. By GSVA, Hamilton ranks third in defencemen value this year contender rather than the 2C. Though he had a productive scoring behind only Adam Fox and Devon Toews. He puts up points with the season, his on-ice numbers were his weakest in a long time. The best of them, handles tough minutes well and drives play better than any Hurricanes’ expected goal difference was 0.4 per 60 better with Staal on other defender in the league. The Hurricanes have enjoyed a 57 percent the bench, the first time since 2011-12 that Staal has been in the expected goals rate of better in each season Hamilton has been on the negatives. He has the capacity to be better and showed that against team and a 62 percent goal rate in each of the last two. At five-on-five, Nashville this season with a 64 percent expected goals rate to go with it’s hard to find a more valuable defenceman and it’s no coincidence that five points in six games. Carolina’s power play started to take off once Hamilton became the top option for it. It’s a deep top nine with a clear hierarchy of ability. The Predators’ top nine is much more of a mixed bag — spreading the wealth to create the Josi was incredible at five-on-five last year, but a lot of that was on him illusion of depth, masking the lack of high-end talent. With the current enjoying some fortunate percentages at both ends of the ice that were lineup formation, the Predators don’t really have a top line, they have likely outside his control. There’s a massive difference between his 62 three lines that look far too close to what Carolina puts out as its third percent goal rate from last year and 45 percent from this year, but not line. That’s … a problem. much when it comes to expected goals where he’s been steady at 52-53 percent in each season. Those percentages play a big role in shaping The Predators have a number of forwards with recognizable track perception. Per the model, Josi isn’t as bad as his numbers this season, records, the issue is that aside from Filip Forsberg, none of them appear but he’s also not as good as he was last season. There are very few to be very good anymore — at least not to their previous level. After a defenders who can move the puck up ice as well as Josi, but this year down year in 2019-20, there was an expectation of a bounce-back for a that hasn’t translated to elite results. number of the team’s top offensive players. Instead, there was further degradation. Forsberg led the team with 32 points in 39 games, which is In the battle of No. 1 defencemen, Carolina gets the edge. It wasn’t even roughly par for the course for him, but everyone else with any semblance close head-to-head. Josi had one goal in five games and a 44 percent of offensive expectations failed to deliver. Viktor Arvidsson had 25 points expected goals rate, good for an average Game Score of 0.10. Hamilton in 50 games (41-point pace) though to his credit 10 of those were in his led the Hurricanes at 1.38, thanks to seven points in seven games and a last 15 games. More alarming are the team’s highest-paid forwards: 61 percent expected goals rate. Ryan Johansen had 21 points in 48 games (36-point pace) this season Outside of the obvious Hamilton vs. Josi battle is the one featuring a while Matt Duchene somehow managed just 13 points in 34 games (31- quartet of the league’s most underrated defencemen, with similar point pace). qualities on each side. Jaccob Slavin and Ellis round out the top pairs to The latter two are especially disappointing because they’re supposed to the superstar partners, providing a quietly staunch defensive presence be the team’s top two centres and they cost $8 million a year each to that allows Hamilton and Josi to do their thing. They both play a combine to be about as productive as Trocheck. Duchene has had some dependable 200-foot game while staying out of the box, a very difficult very bad luck this year and is still the team’s best player off the rush. He thing to do for their role. On the second pair, both Brett Pesce and shouldn’t be saddled to the third line, but a 52.3 percent expected goals Ekholm don’t earn the same praise as the top two defenders on their rate doesn’t scream dominance, either. Johansen has been out-chanced teams, but they are both defensive stalwarts with a surprising ability to at five-on-five for the second straight season and was particularly weak drive offence, capable of manning their own pair. The quartet would against Carolina this season. normally be equal in value, but the matchup/recency adjustment skews things back toward Carolina. Slavin has been a rock on the top pair The top nine feels like a mish-mash of throwing things at a wall and against Nashville while Pesce has quietly been one of the league’s best seeing what sticks. The entire second line, and Duchene’s presence on defenders down the stretch, posting a 61 percent expected goals rate the third line, speaks volumes about what coach John Hynes values: while chipping in eight points in his last 22 games. By average Game goals. Duchene’s PDO has been in the toilet all season and he’s seen his Score, he’s seventh among defencemen in that time frame. The ice time crater as a result. The second line was put together in mid- Nashville duo has both been out-chanced during that stretch. March and has stayed together despite an ugly 42 percent expected goals percentage together. Miraculously outscoring opponents 16-7 will Brady Skjei rounds out the top four for Carolina and his low rating here do that for you. It’s working for now as Hynes rides the hot hand, but that likely requires some explanation. He’s been a capable top-four player for only stays true for so long. It’s only a matter of time before the clock the Hurricanes this year, but the model seems to be giving a lot of credit strikes midnight on those percentages and Nashville better hope it’s not for that to Pesce. While Skjei’s expected and actual goals percentage are during this series because whichever of the top two Carolina lines that both above break-even, his relative numbers were fairly negative this gets that matchup will likely eat it alive. Svechnikov and Aho already season. Skjei looks a lot better than the numbers give him credit for and, have expected goals shares north of 62 percent against Nashville this according to data tracked by Corey Sznajder, this year he was one of year, so the team has already had plenty of trouble keeping the top line Carolina’s best puck-movers from the back end. That’s a welcome at bay. That second line likely won’t be the answer. development given Skjei was a turnover machine in New York. He really cleaned that up this year, but there’s still some reason for skepticism I’m not sure there’s a combination of forwards here that would be the regarding his value. answer. The best trio Nashville can make still wouldn’t be as good as Carolina’s second line, let alone its first — and it would only leave the The third pair isn’t much to write home about on either side, but that’s par rest of the lineup more vulnerable. This looks like it’ll be a matchup for the course for most teams. I’m not sure what it’ll take to get Jake Gardiner in the lineup, but he seems to still be one of Carolina’s six best defencemen. His numbers have returned right to normal this year and his presence would give Carolina a boost. Nashville has a ton of options for the third pair and the one listed is by far the best case scenario. If the Predators opt for one or both of Erik Gudbranson or Ben Harpur, they’re going to have a bad time and their odds will drop by a sizeable margin. Their lineup already has very little room for error.

The bottom line

Fancy math is unnecessary to make sense of any David vs. Goliath matchup and this series is no different. Carolina was one of the best teams this year while Nashville needed a small miracle to make the playoffs. The Hurricanes are relatively heavy favourites and it would be difficult to find anyone that would disagree with that.

Carolina had better numbers across the board this season that were driven by high-end talent and depth that Nashville will have a very difficult time matching. There aren’t many answers in the Predators lineup for what the Hurricanes will throw at them. And while depending on goaltending got them this far, Nashville meets their match in that department against the Hurricanes.

With all that being said, the two teams did play a relatively tight five-on- five game during the regular season. On paper, it looks like a heavy mismatch and special teams might make it so, but at even strength, Nashville might be able to hang with Carolina if the season series was any indication. This one has the potential to get interesting if the Predators’ best players find a resurgence elixir somehow and Saros outduels Mrazek by a substantial margin, but all signs point to Carolina coming out on top.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188150 New Jersey Devils Jack's other brother, Quinn Hughes, is a defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks and both teams are among the teams in line for a top pick. It means one of the Hughes brothers could be joined soon by a sibling.

Five takeaways as NJ Devils players reveal injuries, COVID struggles "At the end of the day, it is what it is," said Hughes. "Luke's going to find and more his way. He's a great player and I'd love to have him in New Jersey, but if it doesn't work out, then it doesn't work out. There's a good chance we get a pick and Luke is gone before us. I'd love him here, but it is what it is." Robert Aitken Jr. It's not uncommon to see players reveal injuries after the season, NorthJersey.com especially after playoff runs. That was the case for defenseman Damon Severson, who revealed Wednesday that he had suffered a broken toe during the season and played through the injury. The 2021 season has ended for the New Jersey Devils, and it's time to clean out the lockers. Severson said he suffered a broken bone in one of his toes right after returning from COVID protocol in February. Severson said that the toe As the players wrap up their season and talk to coaches and still hasn't properly healed yet. management about the offseason, they are also able to reflect on the year with the media. "I feel like that affected my game a little bit," said Severson. "It affected the way I skated and stuff like that. I'll obviously take some time now to Here are five takeaways from the second day of their exit interviews. get that healed up and I hate to use that as an excuse."

Blackwood's rollercoaster year Severson said he was approached about playing in the World Championships, but declined due to his injury and wanting it to heal Mackenzie Blackwood was expected to step in as the primary goalie for properly in the offseason. the Devils following a strong 2019-20 season that saw him in the race for the Calder Trophy. A strong start to the year was derailed in January "It was the first time I had broken a toe," said Severson. "So you tape a when Blackwood became the first Devils player put in COVID protocol few of them together and then just being pushed into the skate. There during the regular season. Eventually, the team spent the first half of would be certain ways I would stop or turn or make a quick reaction in a February shut down from COVID and Blackwood continued to work game or even a practice and my body would try to protect the toe." himself back. The Devils have a lot of young players safely under control, but the team "This year was pretty crazy," said Blackwood. "I got off to a good start will still have some veterans unsure what their fate will be for the 2021-22 and then missed about a month with COVID. Trying to get your feet back season. Among them are goalie Scott Wedgewood, who returned to the underneath you for a while and you're playing catch up and going uphill." team that drafted him as the third goalie on the depth chart. Wedgewood was given 15 starts by the Devils as the goalie situation shuffled around Blackwood returned to the team in February from COVID protocol, but and Wedgewood had multiple shutouts in his first NHL starts in three had his struggles and linked it to his lung capacity. It was difficult for seasons. Blackwood at times during starts, even being pulled during a blowout loss to the Rangers during the year. According to Blackwood, it took him Wedgewood was named the Devils' candidate for the Bill Masterson roughly two months after returning to the team to feel more like his Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player in the league who best regular self. exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. "I felt pretty good for the last three weeks, a month maybe," said Blackwood. "It's just a little too late at that point. You don't have much "They were obviously not expecting what I was going to be asked to do season left to make up for it. That's the difficult part about the shortened this year when I signed," said Wedgewood. "To get the opportunity that I year. There wasn't a ton of time to practice and work on a lot stuff had and run with it and play the games that I did and the effort I showed, because you're playing so much. It was a tough year in that aspect." they were very commending of that. I hope I did enough to come back and be on this team for more years." Blackwood had a save percentage of .901 during his final 10 starts, a span which began in mid-April. The Devils were 5-4-1 in those starts, Wedgewood is an unrestricted free agent during this offseason, but including the win that ended the team's 10-game losing streak. despite his most action in the NHL in a couple of years, Wedgewood has stated that he would be comfortable remaining with New Jersey. In his first interview since going into COVID protocol, P.K. Subban spoke about his second season in New Jersey. Subban last played on April 18 "No point in leaving to come back," joked Wedgewood. "I've already done and missed the remainder of the Devils schedule after testing positive for that once." the virus.

"I think I had a negative test on day seven, but with the protocols it kind of extended it a little bit, which was difficult for me," said Subban. "I also Bergen Record LOADED: 05.13.2021 have asthma, so it was a little bit of concern there just to make sure that I was feeling good and things got better as the days went on."

Subban was traded to the Devils almost two years ago from Nashville and still has one year remaining on an eight-year deal he signed when still in Montreal.

"Whether it's a contract year or the first year of my deal, I prepare the same way," said Subban. "The good thing is that I still don't think that New Jersey has seen the best version of myself yet and hopefully that comes next year."

Another Hughes coming?

Jack Hughes will be 20 years old later this week and could potentially be the joined by a family member in the Devils organization. Jack's younger brother, Luke, is a top prospect in the upcoming draft and could be a possibility for the Devils depending on where the team gets to draft. With the draft still two months away, Hughes provided a bit of a scouting report on his brother.

"There shouldn't be much convincing needed for me to do," said Hughes about his brother's draft stock. "I would think that if he's there, I'd want us to take him and I'm not shy about saying that." 1188151 New Jersey Devils Reality: What an incredible 12 to 18 months. From bottom-six center on a struggling AHL team to the top of an NHL depth chart, with an AHL surge and a KHL star turn along the way. Sharangovich finished third on the Devils and should finish third among NHL rookies in goals. Devils debrief: Ratings, expectation checks for Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and other forwards His shooting percent might be a touch high, but it wasn’t at five-on-five and that wrist shot is legit and he also might be someone who can consistently shoot a higher percentage. He did score twice on three power-play shots (10 attempts). By Corey Masisak Sharangovich also led New Jersey’s forwards in total shorthanded ice May 12, 2021 time. He proved he can skate at this level, and the defensive instincts he already had before the offensive evolution over the past 18 months are going to give him a solid base moving forward, even if he can’t score 25 to 30 goals a year.

The 2021 season is over for the Devils and the debriefing has begun. Janne Kuokkanen — 7.5

While the players spend Tuesday and Wednesday meeting with coach 50 GP, 8 goals, 25 points, 14:46, 20.5 GS (0.41) and general manager Tom Fitzgerald to assess the season and discuss plans for the future, let’s take a look back at what just 82-game pace: 13 goals, 41 points transpired at the individual level as well. At times this twice-condensed Expectations: Compete for a roster spot during training camp. season felt like a blur, so it was easy to miss things or lose sight of the overall picture. Reality: He began the season on the fourth line and finished it next to Hughes. The only New Jersey player who exceeded expectations more As Nathan Bastian noted during his exit interview Tuesday, he only was the guy on the other side of Hughes. Kuokkanen is a smart, crafty missed about four weeks with an injury, but it ended up being 15 games player who proved after a couple of brief trials in years past that his feet because of the compressed schedule. In a season that doesn’t take could keep up with his hands at this level. place during a global pandemic, he might have missed two-thirds of that many. Is he going to be a first- or second-line player the rest of his career? He’d need to shoot and score a little more, but he’s got a combination of This is going to be the same exercise from one quarter and midway offensive instincts and size that could work on any line. If he’s in a top- through the season. A European soccer-style rating for each player, with nine role the next time the Devils host Game 1 of a playoff series, that the forwards, defensemen and goalies split up over two days. deal with Carolina to get him will be one of the best the organization has There is also a look back at what our readers voted on for preseason made in the salary-cap era. expectations. That was only for players who had significant experience Miles Wood — 7.5 with the Devils — for the young players who have found large roles this season, the expectations were set at “compete for a roster spot during 55 GP, 17 goals, 25 points, 14:59, 23.65 GS (0.43) training camp.” For the prospects who only played a few games, just getting to play in the NHL helped make it a successful season. 82-game pace: 25 goals, 37 points

Jack Hughes — 8.5 Expectations: Status quo — Tantalizing with scoring-chance creation but inconsistent finishing (10 to 12 goals, 20 to 24 points). 56 GP, 11 goals, 31 points, 19:04, 37.52 Game Score (0.67 average) Reality: Nearly matched his career-high in goals despite the shortened 82-game pace: 16 goals, 45 points season. Moved up and down the lineup, but was one of the club’s most consistent producers. Set a career mark in time on ice per game (14:59). Expectations: A medium step forward: 15 to 18 goals, 35 to 40 points, Did not go more than six games without a goal at any point. improved possession numbers, finishes the season as the No. 2 center. Wood embraced a role next to Michael McLeod and Nathan Bastian on Reality: While the traditional statistics did not take off the way it could or the “energy line” and Ruff leaned on that trio to play more minutes than a should have, Hughes had a fantastic sophomore season. He averaged typical “fourth line” does on many nights. His ability to create offensive 19:04 of ice time per game and played nearly 1,068 minutes this season. chances has never been in question. He finished more of them, and in Only 15 forwards have logged more minutes, and all of them are at least general, seemed to embrace the idea of being a more integral player as 23 years old. the roster got younger around him. While there are still a few regular-season games left to be played, Jesper Bratt — 7 Hughes is inside the top 30 in Corsi For percentage (55.87 percent) among forwards with at least 500 minutes of five-on-five ice time and 46 GP, 7 goals, 30 points, 16:05, 30.36 GS (0.66) inside the top 25 in Scoring Chances For percentage (56.84). It did not matter who his linemates, or the opposition, were. Hughes helped tilt the 82-game pace: 12 goals, 53 points ice in New Jersey’s favor. Expectations: A small step forward: 18 to 20 goals, 37 to 40 points, a He did that by showcasing his elite skating ability — something that didn’t solid contributor on the second line, PP2 work. always pop during his rookie year — his playmaking creativity and a Reality: Bratt’s season started late because he was a restricted free willingness to go get the puck when he didn’t have it. Hughes is second agent and didn’t sign a contract in time. Then Ruff gave him some of the in the NHL with 49 takeaways. He also led the Devils by drawing 13 same tough love early in the season that John Hynes and Alain penalties and taking only three minors, and helping your team collect Nasreddine got, limiting his ice time and speaking publicly about the extra power plays is a valuable skill. need for him to compete harder in certain areas of the ice. Hughes will need to continue working on his shot this offseason, and on There is no question at this point that Bratt can be an impact offensive getting stronger, but he justified so much of the hype from his amateur player, and his per-minute numbers make an even stronger case. He did career and quelled many of the concerns from a tough rookie season in get to settle in on the second line, and even became a fixture on PP1 2021. He was already the most dynamic offensive player on the roster in once the Devils made some trades. 2021, and the potential to be one of the most dominant offensive weapons in the league is there. More goals would be ideal, but he also shot worse than Hughes, and particularly at five-on-five (3.9 percent). He’s one of several young Yegor Sharangovich — 8 players who have one more left on their contract, and the next one will be 54 GP, 16 goals, 30 points, 16:48, 21.6 GS (0.40) an intriguing decision/negotiation. Next season could be a big one to get a better read on where he could or should fit in the lineup when the 82-game pace: 27 goals, 45 points Devils are ready to expect deep playoff runs.

Expectations: Compete for a roster spot during training camp. Michael McLeod — 7 52 GP, 9 goals, 15 points, 13:49, 11.44 GS (0.22) 21 GP, 6 goals, 11 points, 18:31, 7.14 GS (0.34)

82-game pace: 14 goals, 23 points 82-game pace: 23 goals, 42 points

Expectations: Compete for a roster spot during training camp. Expectations: A medium step forward — Let’s say 25 to 27 goals and 60 points as a fringe Selke Trophy contender because of improved Reality: From zero goals in 33 NHL games over two seasons to being a possession numbers. fixture in the lineup, it was a massive season for McLeod’s career. He found a way to translate his high-end skating into a more controlled Reality: A broken leg, COVID-19 and a nasal fracture — that’s a hat trick brand of chaos. Ruff rewarded him with an everyday spot, plus increased of maladies that no player would wish on his biggest rival. Hischier did responsibility on the penalty kill. get a run of 16 straight games to finish the season, and he’ll add at least a handful more with Switzerland at the world championships. McLeod had three goals before the COVID-19 outbreak, then one point in 16 games after the Devils returned. From that point on, he had six There were some strong performances mixed in there, and a moment goals, 10 points and averaged 14:59 per game over the final 27 contests. he’ll remember the rest of his life (being named the captain). Otherwise, it If he’s destined to be an energy player, there’s enough skill there to make was a frustrating season. There could be an offensive breakout coming him one of the more valuable guys in that role. If he could add a little for Hischier, but it was delayed at least one more year because of the more playmaking, he could be pretty valuable with more ice time as the injuries. matchup center behind Hughes and Nico Hischier. Nick Merkley — 6 Travis Zajac — 7 27 GP, 2 goals, 10 points, 11:30, 4.32 GS (0.16) 33 GP, 7 goals, 18 points, 16:59, 13.86 GS (0.42) 82-game pace: 6 goals, 30 points 82-game pace: 17 goals, 44 points Expectations: Compete for a roster spot during training camp. Expectations: Status quo — 7 to 10 goals, 25 points, approximately 17 minutes per game while drawing all the tough assignments and top PK Reality: He’s a playmaker and his passing and creativity work at the NHL duties level. The challenge for him moving forward is earning more trust from the coaching staff. It seemed like he was always one of the guys who got Reality: Zajac surged a bit offensively before the trade, but it was partly caught in the numbers game when Ruff wanted to shorten the bench, or on the strength of a career-best shooting percentage that did not end up when the Devils wanted to give another rookie a look. in the suitcase he packed for Long Island. Playing his 1,000th game for the Devils was one of the top moments of the season, and his legacy in Merkley was third among the forwards in points per 60 minutes at five- New Jersey is safely secured, regardless of what happens after this on-five, but that production didn’t lead to more minutes. He probably season. needs to get a little quicker or faster or both, and that could help his playmaking play up even more and allow him to make an impact in other Pavel Zacha — 6.5 ways.

50 GP, 17 goals, 35 points, 17:09, 21.5 GS (0.43) Nolan Foote — 6

82-game pace: 27 goals, 57 points 6 GP, 1 goal, 2 points, 9:41, 0.54 GS (0.09)

Expectations: A small step forward — Improved possession numbers, 12 Foote has 16 points in 22 games for Binghamton (with three to play). to 15 goals, 30 to 35 points (not just one or the other), solidifies spot on Because of an injury he sustained last season, Foote has only played in improved PP2. 28 regular-season games since Jan. 11, 2020. He said Tuesday the injury bothered him a couple of times during the offseason, but any Reality: Probably deserves an 8 for his production and surpassing concerns were put to rest when he started playing for the B-Devils. expectations, and a 5 for another season of below-average underlying numbers, so let’s meet in the middle. Ruff and Zacha’s teammates The Devils clearly could use a player with his size and skill profile gushed about his ability to shoot, and becoming a fixture in all situations somewhere in the top three lines in the coming seasons. If Foote can helped him easily surpass his per-game and overall goal-scoring highs. improve his skating a little over the next offseason or two, his hands and size should make him an impactful player at the offensive end. Zacha’s shooting percentage was more than a little high. Some regression next season could be expected, so he could need to shoot it Mikael Maltsev — 6 more frequently. Sticking on the wing and on PP1 full time could help. He scored eight of his 17 goals this season when it wasn’t five-on-five. 33 GP, 6 goals, 9 points, 11:27, 7.59 GS (0.23) There’s nothing wrong with scoring at other strengths — it’s not like they 82-game pace: 14 goals, 22 points count for less. It is harder to project those gains as sustainable though. Expectations: Compete for a roster spot during training camp. Like Bratt, he has one more year left on his contract. If he produces like this again next season, but with more impact at even strength, he’ll likely Reality: There weren’t many people who expected Maltsev to finish be in line for a big payday and there might finally be a consensus about among the top 12 forwards in games played for New Jersey this season, where or how he should fit with the club. but he ended up tied for 11th with Zajac. He can dangle the puck in tight spaces, and the size certainly helps even if he’s not going to fly around Nathan Bastian — 6.5 and try to put people through the boards.

41 GP, 3 goals, 10 points, 12:37, 13.12 GS (0.32) Given that McLeod scored at closer to a third-line rate than anyone might 82-game pace: 6 goals, 20 points have expected, Maltsev could slot in behind him. The Devils look like they have nine forwards who should be heavy favorites for a lineup spot Expectations: Compete for a roster spot during training camp. on opening night next year, though the expansion draft or other offseason roster alterations could affect that. Maltsev could be one of Reality: He didn’t produce quite like Wood or McLeod, but Bastian (1.35) about a dozen guys competing for one of those last three spots. outscored Hischier (1.29) and Kyle Palmieri (1.2) on a per-60 minutes basis at five-on-five this season and was just 0.02 behind Hughes (1.37). Tyce Thompson — 5.5 Bastian said he wants to work on the things that can help him score more next year, like tipping pucks and finding position for rebounds and other 7 GP, 0 goals, 1 point, 8:43, 1.19 GS (0.17) opportunities near the goal crease. It was a disappointing end to his college career, missing out on the There might not be as much discussion about his ability to play further up NCAA tournament, but logging 15 professional games (with a chance to in the lineup as McLeod or Wood, but his size, physicality and defensive get to 18) is a nice consolation prize. He seems like a good bet to start aptitude are going to make him tough to dislodge from a regular role as next season with Binghamton, but a big offseason and impressive camp long as Ruff is the coach. could change that.

Nico Hischier — 6 Jesper Boqvist — 5 28 GP: 4 goals, 7 points, 11:09, 2.52 GS (0.09)

82-game pace: 11 goals, 20 points

Expectations: A small step forward — Earns a roster spot in training camp, doesn’t return to Binghamton (8 to 10 goals, 20 to 25 points).

Reality: Boqvist did end up back with the B-Devils after a slow start to his season. His best moments with the big club came later in the season while playing center. Can he solidify his place there next season, with Hughes, Hischier and McLeod locked in and a few others who could play there (not to mention a potential offseason addition)?

He’s a talented player who has scuffled through some confidence issues at this level. If he overcomes that, then figuring out what role is the best fit for him and maximizes his impact is the next challenge. He is in a similar position to Merkley, but with a little more positional flexibility.

Marian Studenic — 5

8 GP, 1 goal, 2 points, 10:47, 0.88 GS (0.11)

Studenic played in 55 games across three leagues. His production sagged with Binghamton (seven points in 22 games), but he had a few moments with New Jersey. He’ll be 23 in October, so next season could be a big one for him if he’s going to become an NHL regular. It’s hard to see a spot for him now, but his electric first couple of strides are an asset if other parts of his game can improve.

Kyle Palmieri — 5

34 GP, 8 goals, 17 points, 17:47, 16.66 GS (0.49)

82-game pace: 19 goals, 41 points

Expectations: Status quo — 25 goals, 48 to 50 points.

Reality: A frustrating season filled with missed opportunities. He played more than three minutes less per game after the trade and didn’t regain his scoring touch with the Islanders (two goals in 17 games). This is going to be a big postseason for him, with free agency looming.

Andreas Johnsson — 4

50 GP, 5 goals, 11 points, 13:56, 14.5 GS (0.29)

82-game pace: 8 goals, 18 points

Expectations: A small step forward: Settles in as a regular in the top six, finds a role on the power play (18 to 20 goals, 37 to 40 points).

Reality: Probably a 2 for production and a 5 or 6 for his underlying numbers, so let’s split the difference. Several players did not produce the goals or points that their play or possession and scoring chance metrics might have suggested, but Johnsson’s struggles to produce were a significant issue for a team short on scoring, particularly on the wings.

Johnsson might be in danger of being exposed in the expansion draft, and Seattle could see him as a bounce-back candidate. He could be that in New Jersey also, if the Devils protect him or he isn’t selected. Sharangovich, Kuokkanen, Bratt and Zacha finished this season ahead of him on the wing depth chart, but the Devils would find a significant role for him if he could recapture the mojo he had in Toronto.

Nikita Gusev — 2

20 GP, 2 goals, 5 points, 13:32, -4.8 GS (-0.24)

82-game pace: 8 goals, 20 points

Expectations: A medium step forward — 20-plus goals, 55-plus points, a focal point of PP1, consistently impactful at even strength.

Reality: A slow start, a new system that probably didn’t suit his strengths and a collection of young players ready to squeeze their way into NHL roles — all of it affected Gusev. It was hard to find fault in the process when the Devils traded for him, but those are two significant assets missing from the stockpile for what became a disappointing return.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188152 New York Islanders

Islanders find big motivation in last year's Stanley Cup playoff run

By Andrew Gross [email protected] @AGrossNewsday

Updated May 12, 2021 6:44 PM

The Islanders enter this season’s playoffs still motivated by last season’s run to the Eastern Conference finals.

Mathew Barzal said after Monday’s season finale in Boston that, "last year was heartbreaking so it’s a hungry group." The Islanders face the Penguins in the first round after being eliminated in six games by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Lightning last season.

"It gives you a taste of how hard it can be; it gives you a taste of how fun it can be," Cal Clutterbuck said after Wednesday’s practice at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow. "When you come close like that, it changes your perception of the playoffs and it changes your perception of how hard it’s going to be.

"That creates a fire in guys, when you know you’ve got the team to do it and all you’ve got to do is go out there and do it and give yourself a chance," Clutterbuck added. "We’ve all been on teams in the past where I think, deep down, you know you don’t really have what it takes. But it hasn’t been that way here and I think that’s why we’re excited."

Island Ice: Newsday's podcast about the Islanders. Island Ice: Newsday's podcast about the Islanders.

Andrew Gross, Neil Best and Colin Stephenson discuss the upcoming Islanders-Penguins playoff series.

The Penguins announced on Wednesday that capacity at PPG Paints Arena will be expanded to 50% starting on Monday. Full capacity at the Pittsburgh building is slightly more than 18,000.

Nassau Coliseum will also be able to host at approximately 50% of capacity — about 6,800 — when the playoffs begin.

Tickets for the vaccinated sections will go on sale Thursday. Seats in the non-vaccinated sections will go on sale Friday.

"As many people as you can get in there is better," Clutterbuck said.

Practice squad

Goalie Ken Appleby, defensemen Samuel Bolduc, Grant Hutton and Bode Wilde and Simon Holmstrom, , Otto Koivula, Cole Bardreau and Anatolii Golyshev were brought up from the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport to join the team’s practice squad — The Black Aces — in the playoffs.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188153 New York Islanders While the rest of us were just hanging out, playing cards and getting our work done at the rink, he was trying to get accustomed to a different size rink.

Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov doesn't skate, but Barry Trotz "That couldn’t have been an easy couple months for him. But he really confident he'll be ready for playoffs went to work. He went to work learning English and he went to work adapting his game."

By Andrew Gross Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 05.13.2021 [email protected] @AGrossNewsday

Updated May 12, 2021 5:11 PM

The Islanders opened practice for their first-round playoff series against the Penguins on Wednesday. Semyon Varlamov did not.

The presumed Game 1 goalie was given a maintenance day off from the team’s session at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow and also did not skate on his own. Coach Barry Trotz listed him as day-to-day.

But Trotz also insisted he anticipates Varlamov — who exited Monday’s season-finale in Boston after two periods with what the coach termed a strain — being ready to start the playoffs. The series is expected to get underway either Saturday or Sunday in Pittsburgh.

"I don’t have any concerns that he’s not going to be ready for the series," Trotz said. "We’re just being cautious. He worked on some treatment and did some stuff like that. We’ll see what he feels [Thursday]."

Island Ice: Newsday's podcast about the Islanders. Island Ice: Newsday's podcast about the Islanders.

Andrew Gross, Neil Best and Colin Stephenson discuss the upcoming Islanders-Penguins playoff series.

Varlamov went 19-11-4 this season, setting a team record with his 2.04 goals-against average and matching Chico Resch’s team-record seven shutouts. Varlamov’s .929 save percentage and his GAA were both career bests.

Last season, his first with the Islanders after eight with the Avalanche and three with the Capitals, Varlamov went 11-7-0 with a 2.14 GAA and .921 save percentage in the playoffs as the Islanders reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 1993.

The three other goalies in this series, the Islanders’ Ilya Sorokin and the Penguins’ Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith, have a combined one game of NHL playoff experience. Cory Schneider, the former Devils’ No. 1 goalie who has Stanley Cup Final experience with the Canucks, is the Islanders’ third goalie but did not play an NHL minute this season.

So, yes, whether or not Varlamov is healthy for Game 1 is a significant factor in the series.

"Varly is just low maintenance," Trotz said. "He’s calm. He’s had some experiences good and bad in the playoffs. It can’t hurt having that experience."

Which is not to say the Islanders are sunk if Varlamov remains unavailable at the start of the series.

Sorokin, the highly-touted Russian rookie who was a KHL all-star the past five seasons and led CSKA Moscow to that league’s championship while being named the playoff MVP in 2019, has lived up to the hype surrounding his arrival in North America.

He went 13-6-3 — including eight wins at Nassau Coliseum — with a 2.17 GAA and .918 save percentage in his first NHL season.

"He’s been a pro for a long time," defenseman Adam Pelech said. "He acclimated right away. Right off the bat we could tell that he was going to be a great goalie and a huge part of this team and he has been. We have tons of confidence in both of our goalies."

Sorokin was with the Islanders in last season’s playoff bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton and practicing, though he was ineligible to play.

Cal Clutterbuck said Sorokin immediately impressed his new teammates.

"He's just extremely talented and he's got a fantastic personality," Clutterbuck said. "That experience in the bubble last year for him was, I'm sure, great for him to get used to the guys and everything. But he had a lot of work to do. He was taking English lessons a couple hours a day. 1188154 New York Islanders

Semyon Varlamov Misses Practice, but Islanders Remain Unconcerned with his Status

Published 16 hours ago on May 12, 2021

By Christian Arnold

Semyon Varlamov was not on the ice for the New York Islanders first day of practice for the playoffs, but head coach Barry Trotz wasn’t too concerned.

Trotz called Wednesday’s absence a maintenance day for the veteran netminder, who had exited the Islanders season finale in Boston after two periods with a strain. Ilya Sorokin and Cory Schneider were the two netminders taking part in practice, according to Newsday’s Andrew Gross, and Trotz said that Varlamov was day-to-day.

“I don’t have any concerns that he’s not going to be ready for the series,” Trotz said. “We’re just being cautious. He worked on some treatment. He did some stuff like that and we’ll see where he feels tomorrow. By all indications, there’s a good chance that he’ll be on (the ice).”

Semyon Varlamov has been one of the biggest reasons for the Islanders’ success this season. The Russian netminder finished the regular season with a 19-11-4 record, a .929 save percentage and a 2.04 goals-against average.

His seven shutouts this year were a new career-best for the Islanders goalie.

He will play a prominent role in whether or not the Isles make it back to the Eastern Conference Finals or further, just like he did last year. Semyon Varlamov and Thomas Greis shared the net last season during the Islanders’ first trip to the conference finals since 1993.

Trotz worked both goaltenders into the Islanders playoff run last season without any issues. It’s why Trotz feels that Varlamov is so well equipped for the postseason this year.

“Of all the goaltenders in this series, I think Varly obviously has the most experience,” Trotz said. “Varly is low maintenance and he’s been around a bit. There is something to be said about the experience. He knows that things are done for the now. … He’s calm, he’s had some experiences good and bad in the playoffs. It can’t hurt having that experience.”

The NHL has still not set a date or time for when the Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins will begin their first-round series. It is expected that the series will begin on either Saturday or Sunday in Pittsburgh.

Monday was the Islanders’ first practice since they lost to the Boston Bruins in overtime on Monday night. The lines and defensive pairings were the ones that the Islanders had featured down the stretch, with Ross Johnston, Travis Zajac and Michael Dal Colle serving as extras, according to Gross.

Braydon Coburn and Thomas Hickey were the extra defensive pair.

“The (lines) that you saw in the last two games those are the types of lines you feel most comfortable with,” Trotz said.

NYI Hockey Now LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188155 New York Islanders Blake Wheeler had two goals and two assists, and the Winnipeg Jets secured the No. 3 seed from the Scotia North Division with a 5-0 win against the Vancouver Canucks at Bell MTS Place on Tuesday. The Jets will play the Edmonton Oilers, the No. 2 seed, in the first round of the NYHN Daily: A Look Back at Islanders, Penguins Playoff Rivalry & More Stanley Cup Playoffs. (NHL)

Here is the May 12 edition of the mailbag. Each week, an NHL.com writer will answer your questions asked using #OvertheBoards. (NHL) Published 20 hours ago on May 12, 2021 Frederik Andersen is expected to start for the Toronto Maple Leafs when By Stefen Rosner they play at the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday. The goalie, who has missed 23 games because of a knee injury, practiced for a second straight day Tuesday. He has not played since March 19. (NHL) The Islanders will face the Penguins in the opening round of the playoffs, a team they have come all too familiar with in postseason play. Given the Patrick Kane may have to get an unspecified issue taken care of during fact that the Islanders faced the Penguins eight times this season, this the offseason, but the Chicago Blackhawks forward said he expects to be playoff should be one for the ages. These stories and more in today’s ready for training camp. Kane said it was bothering him before the start daily links! of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. (NHL)

In the Islanders final season at the Nassau Coliseum it only seems fitting The 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs start Saturday and NHL.com is taking a that when the building begins its playoff swan song, the Pittsburgh look at different types of players who can have a big impact on the Penguins will be the ones the Isles see across the ice. In the New York postseason. Today, players who changed teams before the 2021 NHL Islanders final season at the Nassau Coliseum it only seems fitting that Trade Deadline on April 12. Taylor Hall, Jeff Carter and Nick Foligno are when the building begins its playoff swan song, the Pittsburgh Penguins among the big names acquired before the 2021 NHL Trade Deadline will be the ones the Isles see across the ice. (NYI Hockey Now) who could help their new teams make a deep run in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs. (NHL) It usually takes a game or two in a typical Stanley Cup playoff series for some hard feelings to build between the teams. That won’t be the case in Carter Hart still has to prove he can be a top goalie in the NHL, this unique season in which every game was against a divisional Philadelphia Flyers coach said Tuesday. “He’s still a very opponent. This time, the animosity will be there from the opening faceoff young player playing a real tough position,” Vigneault said. “With the right in the first round given the opponents have already faced each other mindset, the right attitude, the right work ethic moving forward, he’s got eight times. The Islanders were 2-4-2 against the Penguins this season. all the capabilities to become a real solid goaltender. Now he’s got to go The playoffs are expected to open either Saturday or Sunday. (Newsday) out and prove it.” (NHL

The Boston Bruins left most of their regular lineup back in Boston for a While Jack Eichel hasn’t officially asked for a trade, it certainly sounds meaningless regular-season finale against the Washington Capitals on like the star centre would welcome a change of scenery. The TSN Tuesday night. They did it ostensibly to avoid any potentially damaging Hockey Insiders get you up to date on potential landing spots for Eichel. injuries ahead of this weekend’s playoff opener against the very same As well, with the offseason looming who are the top available free Capitals team on Saturday night at Capital One Arena, and that mission agents? All that and more in this edition of Insider Trading. (TSN) was accomplished. But the Bruins did appear to suffer at least one injury General manager and the Flames organization face a as young defenseman Jakub Zboril was knocked out in the first period of delicate balance with four games – all against the Vancouver Canucks – a 2-1 loss to the Capitals with an upper-body injury. (Boston Hockey remaining in the schedule. There is the development of younger players Now) on the current roster, namely 22-year-old blueliner Juuso Valimaki. (TSN) Well now! The Pittsburgh Penguins will have more than a few thousand With the Canucks officially eliminated from playoff contention, fans chanting, “Let’s Go Pens,” beginning next week as they begin the speculation about the future in Vancouver is ramping up. Despite the playoffs at PPG Paints Arena against the New York Islanders. The NHL team still having six games to play over the next nine days – four of them has not yet scheduled a date for the series to begin, which only adds against the Calgary Flames – questions are already swirling about the more intrigue to what comes next. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now) future of head coach , whose contract is set to expire at the The Flyers need to make changes this offseason. The media knows it. end of the season. (NHL) The fans know it. Even the organization knows it. Here are five players –

– in alphabetical order –– that may have played their final game with the Flyers on Monday night. (Philly Hockey Now) NYI Hockey Now LOADED: 05.13.2021 It did not take long for Bill Zito to put his stamp on the Florida Panthers. After years of being a candidate for general manager positions around the league, Zito was one of more than 20 to interview with the Panthers via Zoom before he was brought in for some mask-to-mask meetings with the team’s ownership and hierarchy. With rare exception, every move Zito has made in his first year as the general manager of the Panthers has worked. (Florida Hockey Now)

Noah Gregor, Alexander True, and Joachim Blichfeld were all premier players with the Barracuda this season who are now looking to make an impact at the NHL level. Barracuda assistant coach Jimmy Bonneau spoke recently with San Jose Hockey Now about the development of these three forwards, who are all up with the San Jose Sharks right now. (San Jose Hockey Now)

Alex Ovechkin returned after missing seven of eight games, and Michael Raffl scored with three seconds left to give the Washington Capitals a 2-1 win against the Boston Bruins at Capital One Arena on Tuesday. (NHL)

Alex Ovechkin failed to score 30 goals in a season for the first time in his 16-season NHL career when the Washington Capitals forward did not score Tuesday in a 2-1 win against the Boston Bruins. (NHL)

The Toronto Maple Leafs will play the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Toronto (35-13-6) won the Scotia North Division and will have home-ice advantage against fourth-place Montreal (24-21-10) in the best-of-7 series. (NHL) 1188156 New York Rangers

Rangers Fire Coach David Quinn After Three Seasons

By Allan Kreda

May 12, 2021

Tumult continued for the Rangers as David Quinn was fired on Wednesday after three seasons as the team’s coach.

The decision to part ways with Quinn, hired with much fanfare in May 2018 from Boston University, was made by new President and General Manager Chris Drury, who took over when President John Davidson and G.M. Jeff Gorton were dismissed a week ago.

The 54-year-old Quinn was 96-87-25 behind the bench since replacing Alain Vigneault, who had coached the Rangers for the previous five seasons. Quinn has two years remaining on the five-year, $12 million contract the Rangers gave him to leave his college job for the N.H.L.

Assistants David Oliver, Greg Brown and Jacques Martin were also dismissed, while goaltending coach Benoit Allaire, who has been with the organization since 2004, was retained.

“I would like to thank David Quinn, David Oliver, Jacques Martin, and Greg Brown for all of their efforts and dedication to the Rangers,” Drury said in a statement. “I wish each of them the best in their future endeavors. We will begin our search for a new head coach immediately.”

Among available candidates to take over are former Rangers coach John Tortorella — who parted ways with Columbus earlier this week — as well as veteran coaches Gerard Gallant and Mike Babcock, former Arizona Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet, plus Hall-of-Fame goaltender Patrick Roy, a former Colorado coach who was Drury’s teammate with the Avalanche when they won the Stanley Cup in 2001.

Former Rangers captain Mark Messier — who led the team to the Stanley Cup title in 1994 — has also recently expressed interest in a role with the team.

Quinn was expected to develop the group of young talent on the team’s roster. The Rangers have made eight first-round picks since 2017, five of whom were on the roster during the just-completed 56-game season that the Rangers finished with a disappointing 27-23-6 record.

Under Quinn’s leadership, young defensemen Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren made significant progress in their development, and K’Andre Miller showed promise in his rookie season. Quinn was behind the bench as the Rangers added Kaapo Kakko second overall in 2019 and Alex Lafreniere with the top draft pick last year. He also presided over the emotional torch-passing in goal from the franchise legend Henrik Lundqvist to Igor Shesterkin.

But Quinn’s squads were regularly inconsistent and developed a reputation for being flat early in games. They seemed flummoxed when the opposition bottled up top scorers Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, and often seemed incapable of making in-game adjustments.

Three late-season drubbings by the Islanders, which eliminated any chance the Rangers had of making the playoffs for the first time since 2017, may have sealed Quinn’s fate. The Rangers were included in last summer’s qualifying round in the Toronto bubble, but were swept in three games by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Quinn was only the second coach in franchise history who came to the Rangers with a college pedigree; the other was , who was behind the bench from 1981-85 after he led the U.S. Olympic team to the gold medal at the 1980 Games in Lake Placid.

New York Times LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188157 New York Rangers

Rangers fire head coach David Quinn, 3 assistants after missing playoffs

Staff Report

ASSOCIATED PRESS

MAY 12, 2021 AT 1:48 PM

The Rangers fired coach David Quinn and three assistant coaches Wednesday after missing the playoffs with one of the NHL’s up-and- coming young teams.

The move is the first major one from new general manager Chris Drury, who took over last week after the team fired popular president John Davidson and general manager Jeff Gorton in the beginning of a major front-office overhaul.

In a brief statement issued by the team, Drury thanked Quinn and the others and said the Rangers will begin a search for a new head coach immediately.

In three years, Quinn posted 96-87-25 record in rebuilding the Rangers with a much younger team that included No. 1 overall pick Alexis Lafreniere this past season. The roster also includes talented forwards Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Pavel Buchnevich, Kaapo Kakko and standout defenseman Adam Fox.

Assistant coaches Jacques Martin, David Oliver, Greg Brown were also fired. Goaltending coach Benoit Allaire was retained.

David Quinn is fired after three seasons in charge of the Blueshirts.

Quinn, who was hired by the Rangers after a stint at Boston University, is the fourth NHL coach fired this season, joining Claude Julien of Montreal, Ralph Krueger of Buffalo and Geoff Ward of Calgary. Contracts were also not renewed for John Tortorella of Columbus and Rick Tocchet of Arizona.

The Rangers made the expanded playoffs in the 2019-20 season but were swept in the play-in round by the Carolina Hurricanes. New York posted a 27-23-6 record in this shortened 56-game season and finished in fifth place in the tough East Division.

The past week has been wild for the Rangers.

The unexpected firings of Davidson and Gorton came a day after the team called for the removal of NHL head of player safety George Parros, who fined but did not suspened the Capitals’ Tom Wilson for a scrum that injured Panarin. The league fined the Rangers a whopping $250,000.

The firings of Davidson and Gorton were described as unrelated to the Wilson saga.

New York Daily News LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188158 New York Rangers I talked with several individuals in the league familiar with Gallant. Their scouting reports were close to identical. To wit: Gallant is a no-nonsense guy who commands respect, communicates well with his players and staff but not necessarily the media and public. He is low-key and shuns Gerard Gallant favorite to become Rangers coach with Tortorella unlikely the spotlight, but is not necessarily known for bringing structure to a team. He can coach prospects but cuts them little slack.

Perusing his résumé, I found it interesting that in each of his previous By Larry Brooks three stops, the first in Columbus beginning in 2003-04, he was fired May 12, 2021 | 5:14pm | Updated during the middle of his third season. That does not represent much of a shelf life.

Claude Julien, a Cup winner, is available. So is Mike Babcock, a Cup First things first. winner who left Toronto under a cloud and whose reputation needs rehabilitation. This is probably not the best time or place for that. Bruce I can guarantee you that if John Tortorella returns to New York for a Boudreau is looking for a job. second term as Rangers head coach, he and I will make certain to get the rights to our own material and then stream it on our very own Rick Tocchet, another no-nonsense guy who won a Cup as a power YouTube channel. winger for the Penguins in 1992, sets a blue-collar tone and can work well with kids. There is Patrick Roy, the larger than life four-time Cup- So there is that. winning personality, who had mixed results behind the Colorado bench But I do not believe that there will be a reunion even if Tortorella has and was Drury’s teammate for four years. might be maintained warm relationships with Jim Dolan and Glen Sather in the available if dismissed in Winnipeg. aftermath of his dismissal following 2012-13. This is not the right time for And there is Bob Hartley, who won the 2001 Cup with Drury on the a coach whose eternal instinct is to break down players before building Avalanche, outcoached twice during the Colorado- them back up in his own image. This is not the time for a coach who Detroit maelstrom, and just won the 2021 KHL Gagarin Cup with endorses confrontation as a constructive tool in team-building. Avangard Omsk to add to previous championships won in the AHL and He has been successful following that path in varying degrees in all of his QMJHL. Hartley is believed to have a clause in his contract that would stops except Vancouver. His influence sure took hold on Broadway. But allow him to take an NHL job. His relationship with Drury is strong. the first time around Tortorella had Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, So here we are. The past is in the rearview. The Rangers’ eyes — and Dan Girardi, Derek Stepan, Marc Staal, Ryan McDonagh and Henrik Drury’s — are on the road ahead. Lundqvist to mold — a far different cast of characters than Alexis Lafreniere, Kaapo Kakko, Vitali Kravtsov, Adam Fox, Filip Chytil, presumably Nils Lundkvist and Igor Shesterkin. New York Post LOADED: 05.13.2021 Plus, his first time around there was a fissure with Marian Gaborik, the team’s most talented athlete. Talented players left Columbus during his term that ended with this year’s finale. It is believed that a significant part of the reason David Quinn was dismissed on Wednesday by president- general manager Chris Drury is the disconnect that developed between the coach and his marquee players as the season evolved.

Another time and another place, Hartford coach Kris Knoblauch would be among the most serious persons of interest to fill the vacancy off of his performance as acting coach for the six games and 11-day stretch Quinn and his assistants were quarantined under COVID protocols. The Blueshirts responded, appeared more relaxed under the acting coach and went 4-2 with Knoblauch behind the bench.

John Tortorella struggled as head coach of the Canucks.

But this is not the time for a first-time NHL coach. Drury is seeking a coach with experience and backdrop of NHL success to take the baton from Quinn and take command of the program.

Sources have indicated that Gerard Gallant, who engineered the revival of the Panthers before taking the Golden Knights to the Cup final in the expansion team’s inaugural season, is at the top of the list and should expect an interview with Drury forthwith.

By the way, though Drury will remain GM of Team USA for the upcoming World Championships, he is not going to be on hand for the tournament in Latvia that runs from May 21 to June 6. Oh, and this notion that Dolan and Glen Sather are going to be behind the curtain is as ignorant as it gets.

Gallant believes in up-tempo, puck-pursuit, puck-pressure hockey. He was successful with a very young group in Florida that featured 20-year- old Aleksander Barkov, 19-year-old Aaron Ekblad, and 22-year-olds Jonathan Huberdeau and Vincent Trocheck as core pieces. They combined with 43-year-old Jaromir Jagr and 36-year-old netminder Roberto Luongo in leading the Puddy Tats to the 2016 playoffs before Gallant was kicked to the curb the following year after a philosophical fallout with ownership.

And he was successful in Vegas with a group of castoffs who had something to prove, molding discards with chips on their shoulders into a Stanley Cup finalist in the franchise’s first season in 2017-18 before being replaced two years later when Pete DeBoer came on the market.

Gerard Gallant 1188159 New York Rangers

Rangers coaching candidates: Seven big-name options to replace David Quinn

By Larry Brooks

May 12, 2021 | 11:58am | Updated

The Rangers are expected to hire an experienced NHL head coach to replace David Quinn. Here are the leading candidates right out of the gate, listed in alphabetical order:

Mike Babcock

Fifty-eight years old, ranks ninth on the all-time list with 700 victories. Has 2008 Stanley Cup with Red Wings and both 2010 and 2014 Olympic gold medal victories for Canada to his credit. Teams won only one playoff round his final eight years behind NHL bench, was dismissed by Maple Leafs during 2019-20 amid revelations of mistreatment of players.

Gerard Gallant

Fifty-seven years old, had estimable playing career with Red Wings, famously kicked to the curb by Panthers two months into 2016-17 after leading developing Puddy Tats to division title a year earlier. Guided Golden Knights to Cup final in expansion team’s inaugural 2017-18 season but was fired two years later.

Bob Hartley

Sixty years old, coached Rangers president and GM Chris Drury and the Avalanche to 2001 Stanley Cup, reinvigorated programs in Atlanta (with Thrashers) and Calgary. Last behind NHL bench in 2015-16 but won KHL Gagarin Cup with Avangard Omsk this season to add to titles won as coach in NHL, AHL and QMJHL.

Rod Brind’Amour; John Tortorella; Patrick Roy

Patrick Roy

Fifty-five years old, had legendary goaltending career with Montreal and Colorado while winning four Stanley Cups, the final one as Drury’s teammate with the 2001 Avalanche. Colorful, emotional and creative, coached Colorado for three seasons to mixed results while also acting as nominal GM before stepping down amid front office intrigue. Is currently GM-coach of QMJHL Quebec Ramparts.

Rick Tocchet

Fifty-seven years old, quintessential power forward throughout 18-year career in which he won Cup with Penguins in 1992. Coming off four-year run as head coach of Coyotes in which team qualified for playoffs once, last year under the bubble after winning in the qualifying round.

John Tortorella

Sixty-two years old, tied for 12th in NHL history with 673 career victories and fourth-winningest coach in franchise history with 171 regular-season victories. Created a Black-and-Blueshirt mentality during his tenure behind the bench from mid-2008-09 through 2012-13 that crested with trip to 2012 conference finals. Believes in confrontational culture, breaks down teams and players before building them back up in his image.

*Rod Brind’Amour

Fifty years old, current coach of Hurricanes with a contract that expires at end of the league year. Expected to remain in Carolina, but if negotiations break down and Rangers are willing to wait until it all plays out, he would go to the top of the list. There would, of course, be mad competition to hire him.

New York Post LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188160 New York Rangers Of course, Quinn, a man who is grounded in establishing personal relationships with his players and those around him, would hardly agree. One could make the case that he deserved another season — and one not so dramatically impacted by the pandemic as this one — with a roster Rangers fire coach David Quinn with eye on experienced replacement that is expected to be fortified by additions of grit, muscle and north-south players that the coach has coveted.

That was a case, however, Quinn was unable to make well enough to By Larry Brooks and Mollie Walker sway Drury. So it will be onto Head Coach No. 36 in franchise history May 12, 2021 | 10:48am | Updated who will attempt to become only the fourth one (following Lester Patrick, Frank Boucher and ) to win the Stanley Cup.

The tsunami that swept John Davidson and Jeff Gorton out of their executive offices last week has also claimed David Quinn as a victim. New York Post LOADED: 05.13.2021

The head coach was dismissed on Wednesday by club president Chris Drury following a three-year run in which the 54-year-old Quinn compiled a record of 96-87-25 while charged with developing the Rangers’ robust youth movement. Assistants Jacques Martin, David Oliver and Greg Brown were also dismissed, while goaltending coach Benoit Allaire will stick around for his fifth coaching regime.

“I would like to thank David Quinn, David Oliver, Jacques Martin, and Greg Brown for all of their efforts and dedication to the Rangers,” Drury said in the team announcement. “I wish each of them the best in their future endeavors. We will begin our search for a new head coach immediately.”

It is expected that Drury will replace Quinn with an experienced NHL head coach who will face a mandate to take the Blueshirts to the next level, and sooner rather than later.

Gerard Gallant, Rick Tocchet, Bob Hartley, John Tortorella, Mike Babcock and Patrick Roy are among the early candidates to follow Quinn, who came to New York three years ago after a successful stint behind the bench at Boston University.

The Rangers have fired head coach David Quinn.

Robert Sabo

Sources indicate that Gallant, the first head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights who was fired last January, is believed to be at the top of the list. The 57-year-old brings nine NHL seasons of head coaching experience, as well as seven in an assistant role.

Drury, of course, shares that college heritage with Quinn and was instrumental in his hiring three years ago. But this is not about sentiment, as former president Davidson and former GM Gorton well know.

CEO Jim Dolan made it abundantly clear that he was looking for a culture change, and retaining the head coach that had installed said culture was not likely.

Quinn was instrumental in the development of the cadre of impressive young blue bloods that features Adam Fox, K’Andre Miller, Ryan Lindgren, Pavel Buchnevich and Kaapo Kakko. He presided over Alexis Lafreniere’s improvement through his freshman season and over the wrenching transfer in goal from the iconic Henrik Lundqvist to Igor Shesterkin.

But the Rangers too often seemed flat at the start of games and were unable to maintain a level of consistency through this unique season, and were hammered three times within 12 days by the Islanders by an aggregate 13-1 margin when the playoffs were still in sight late in the season.

As well, Quinn was unable to get his marquee players to buy in on the need to adopt a more straight-line approach when opponents such as the Islanders game-planned to take away their time and space.

His pleas for the club to adopt more of a shooting mentality never seemed to get through to the skilled players, who became increasingly stubborn this year in their quest to score picture-perfect goals.

One can make the case that Quinn, who has two years and $4.8 million remaining on his contract, did exactly what he was brought here to do. That was to oversee Phase I of the rebuild before passing the baton to the coach who would then guide the team to championship contention.

John Davidson, Jeff Gorton and David Quinn were all fired by the Rangers over the past week. 1188161 New York Rangers That's why he's considered a solid bet to get a job somewhere for the 2021-22 season.

Rangers' fans became familiar with the 42-year-old this season when he Nine coaching candidates NY Rangers will consider to replace David was thrust into action as the fill-in coach while Quinn missed six games Quinn due to COVID-19. The team went 4-2 during that span, and while Knoblauch deflected game-planning credit to Quinn, the organization was impressed with the substitute's steady hand.

VINCENT Z. MERCOGLIANO | NHL Writer It was Drury who hired Knoblauch two years ago in an effort to revitalize the Rangers' AHL affiliate, the . It's been a mostly

successful endeavor, with the team compiling a 45-29-7-5 record on his And so the search begins. watch. He and Drury have worked closely during that time and built a strong relationship, but the likelihood is that Knoblauch will remain in his In the first major move of his tenure as New York Rangers team current role. Throwing a young coach into a win-now situation for his first president and general manager, Chris Drury fired head coach David NHL job might be asking too much. Quinn and most of his staff on Wednesday. If you can't beat 'em... hire their top assistant? Of all the potential There was a compelling argument to keep Quinn, who compiled a 96-87- candidates with no head coaching experience in the NHL, the 56-year- 25 record while navigating two pandemic-shortened seasons with an old may be the most intriguing. He's been Barry Trotz's right-hand man extremely young roster. But in the end, Drury decided a new voice was for years, helping the Washington Capitals win a Stanley Cup title in necessary in order for the Rangers to take the next step and become a 2017-18 and now turning the Islanders into a hard-hat contender. true contender. Lambert is expected to get an opportunity at some point, and with the Rangers looking to implement some of the Isles' physical-and-aggressive He must feel there are available options that will represent an upgrade — traits into their own game, perhaps they can do so by stripping their rival now it's a matter of making the right choice. of a key strategist. All signs are pointing to experienced coaches holding an advantage in The legendary goaltender represents one of the splashiest candidates. this search. Coming out of a rebuild, which was guided by a first-time He's regarded as one of, if not the best, goalies of all-time, with three NHL coach who came from the college ranks, the feeling around Vezina Trophies and four Stanley Cup championships won during his 20- is that an established bench boss will be the year NHL career. Roy coached the Colorado Avalanche for three years, preference. Drury will prioritize someone who can mold the Rangers into winning the Jack Adams Award in his first season of 2013-14. But they a unit capable of imposing their will against playoff-hardened teams, yet would miss the playoffs in each of the next two seasons before he do so without stunting the development of their young, skilled players. decided to step down. The 55-year-old, who played with Drury for four There are a bevy of free-agent coaches with strong NHL résumés. A years in Colorado, is currently the general manager and head coach of handful who are expected to be interviewed are mentioned here, the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts, but has expressed interest in another although we're leaving one of the most prominent, Mike Babcock, off the NHL opportunity. list. Coming off a somewhat controversial exit in Toronto in 2019, he Fresh of being fired by the Arizona Coyotes after four seasons, there are seems to be ranked behind others in the Rangers' current pecking order. rumors that the Rangers might be interested. Many around the league The same goes for Jack Capuano, despite the fact that Drury just tapped felt that the 57-year-old did a solid job with a young-and-limited Coyotes' him to coach the U.S. Men's National Team at the 2021 IIHF World roster, where he compiled a 125-131-34 record, and deserves another Championships. And there doesn't appear to be any traction for beloved chance. He was known for his toughness in his 18-year playing career former captain Mark Messier, despite his recent lobbying. and could bring some of those elements to New York, but the knock on That still leaves us with a long list of intriguing candidates. And while the him in Arizona was that his teams didn't produce much offense. (Which front-runners might be the most recognizable names, there a few wild- some believe was a reflection of talent more than coaching.) card possibilities. And, finally, we get the name on the tip of everyone's tongue. Would the The 66-year-old didn't coach this season after being fired by the Rangers really consider a reunion with their fiery former coach? The Minnesota Wild last year. The 2007-08 Jack Adams Award winner has short answer is yes, but there are several complicated factors in play. been a very effective regular-season coach, only missing the playoffs The 62-year-old is out after a six-year run in Columbus, where his twice in 12 full seasons of coaching the Wild, Anaheim Ducks and combative style had grown stale. After four straight playoff appearances, Washington Capitals, but he's never been able to get his teams past the the Blue Jackets fell off and went 18-26-12 this season. That's the risk conference finals. And while Boudreau is known as a good you run with Tortorella, but there's no doubt he can provide a jolt. He communicator, which will be an important requirement, his lack of big- went 171-115-28 in five seasons with the Rangers from 2009-13, making game success may be a deterrent. the playoffs four times while kick-starting a successful decade for the A popular choice among Rangers' fans already, the 57-year-old is best franchise. known for guiding the expansion Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley There are many people at MSG who still have a soft spot for Tortorella, Cup Finals in their first year of existence. That unprecedented success including owner James Dolan. He's proven he can effectively toughen came after two nondescript stints in Florida and Columbus, elevating teams up and mold them into winners. But what may cause hesitation is Gallant's status across the league. The Knights surprisingly fired him how some of the Rangers' mild-mannered players will react to his after a 24-19-6 start in 2019-20, but the hard-and-fast style he abrasive nature. Would they rally or wilt if faced with Torts' tough love on implemented in Vegas represents the brand of hockey Drury is looking a daily basis? for the Rangers to play more of. Gallant will coach Team Canada at the upcoming World Championships.

The 60-year-old was the man in charge when Drury played for the Bergen Record LOADED: 05.13.2021 Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche in 2000-01. That connection could give Hartley, who is still very well-liked around the league, a leg up, assuming the two maintain a good relationship. He hasn't coached in the NHL since 2015-16 with the Calgary Flames. They missed the playoffs three times in his four-year stint, but Hartley won the Jack Adams Award the one year they made it in 2014-15. He's most recently coached in the KHL, where he just guided Avangard Omsk to the Gagarin Cup.

A Jack Adams Award winner in 2008-09 and Stanley Cup champion in 2011-12 as the head coach for the Boston Bruins, the 61-year-old ranks 15th all-time with 667 career wins. He spent the past five seasons with the Montreal Canadiens before getting fired just 18 games into the 2020- 21 season. The move came as a surprise to many around the league, especially considering the Habs weren't playing all that poorly at 9-5-4. 1188162 New York Rangers

David Quinn fired as NY Rangers coach; Chris Drury begins search for replacement

VINCENT Z. MERCOGLIANO | NHL Writer

In the final step of a major shift in leadership for the New York Rangers, head coach David Quinn and most of his staff were fired Wednesday, the team announced.

New team president and general manager Chris Drury took a few days to mull the decision, but ultimately decided to move on. The dismissal came one week after Drury replaced former team president John Davidson and GM Jeff Gorton, who were abruptly ousted by Rangers owner James Dolan.

The only coaches who will be kept on are goaltending coach Benoit Allaire and skills coach Mark Ciaccio, a source close to the situation confirmed to the USA TODAY Network. Assistants Jacques Martin, David Oliver and Greg Brown were each let go.

"I would like to thank David Quinn, David Oliver, Jacques Martin and Greg Brown for all of their efforts and dedication to the Rangers," Drury said in a statement. "I wish each of them the best in their future endeavors. We will begin our search for a new head coach immediately."

Quinn, 54, compiled a 96-87-25 record in three seasons at the helm, with two of those seasons shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rangers failed to make the playoffs on his watch, although they did qualify for the NHL's expanded 24-team tournament last summer. That may have been where the questions about Quinn's future with the organization began, as the Rangers were out-matched and out-witted while getting swept in three games against the Carolina Hurricanes.

He was originally hired in May 2018 after coaching five seasons at his alma matter, Boston University. The Rangers were just entering their rebuild at the time, with Quinn thought to be a developmental coach and good communicator for the younger players the organization planned to infuse the roster with.

Several players made positive strides on his watch, including breakout forwards in Mika Zibanejad, Pavel Buchnevich and Ryan Strome, as well as a trio of young defensemen in Adam Fox, K'Andre Miller and the recently re-signed Ryan Lindgren. Their high draft picks, particularly Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafrenière, have yet to produce points at a high rate. But both improved their defensive play and physicality with Quinn pushing them to become complete players.

Inconsistency plagued Quinn's young squad throughout his tenure. They battled it throughout the first half of the 2019-20 season before rallying in the final two months, right up until the season was paused due the pandemic. And it was a similar story in 2021, with the Rangers hovering around .500 for the first 25 games of the season, including some lopsided defeats, before going 16-6-3 in their next 25. They followed that hot streak with five straight losses, which eliminated them from the playoff race and cast the dye for a changing of the guard.

The surprise firings of Davidson and Gorton last week certainly did not help Quinn's cause. Multiple sources indicated that duo was planning to keep the coach for a fourth season, but in his first major decision in his new role, Drury opted for a new voice be

With the pressure ramped up and playoffs set as a clear expectation for the 2021-22 season, it'll be fascinating to see which direction the new front-office boss goes. Will he prefer an experienced coach for the win- now situation? Or does he have an up-and-comer in mind who can help guide the Rangers to the next level?

Bergen Record LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188163 New York Rangers can happen. And that's how I go about it. I don't think anything further than that.’’

The last time they did this, the Rangers were in full rebuild mode, and David Quinn let go as head coach of the Rangers they were looking specifically for a teacher type of coach, someone who could shape and guide and develop the young players who were going to be entering the lineup over the next few seasons. So they hired David Quinn, a college coach with no NHL head coaching experience. By Colin Stephenson But now, the Rangers are thinking the rebuild is over, and it’s time to take [email protected] @ColinSNewsday the next step, which is to make the playoffs and go even beyond that. A Updated May 12, 2021 6:53 PM veteran, proven guy, who will drive a just-about-ready team to where it needs to go, is what president/GM Chris Drury is looking for this time around. These five guys would fit the bill:

Rangers coach David Quinn did not survive the sweeping changes made John Tortorella: He’s won a Stanley Cup, is a two-time Coach of the by the organization at the end of a fourth-straight playoffs-less season. Year, and he’s been with the Rangers organization twice before, as an Less than a week after team president John Davidson and general assistant and a head coach. And it just so happens he’s available right manager Jeff Gorton were fired, the ax fell on Quinn, who was let go on now, having parted ways with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Seems Wednesday with two seasons remaining on his contract. perfect.

Quinn’s coaching staff – with the exception of goaltending coach Benoit Patrick Roy: He hasn’t won a Stanley Cup behind the bench, but he won Allaire – also has been let go, two days after the players had their exit four of them while playing goalie, two each with Montreal and Colorado. meetings with new president and general manager Chris Drury. He coached in the NHL before and won Coach of the Year in his first year behind the bench. He’s currently a GM/coach in the Quebec "I would like to thank David Quinn, David Oliver, Jacques Martin and League, and is interested in getting back in the NHL. Greg Brown for all of their efforts and dedication to the Rangers,’’ Drury said in the statement announcing the move. "I wish each of them the best Gerard Gallant: Led the expansion Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley in their future endeavors. We will begin our search for a new head coach Cup Final in 2018 and was Coach of the Year that season. Doesn’t seem immediately.’’ to last long – he’s been fired in his third season in each of his three previous stops – but that wouldn’t seem to be all that important for a On Sunday, the Columbus Blue Jackets parted ways with coach John team that wants to win now. Tortorella, the former Rangers coach, and the Arizona Coyotes moved on from their coach, Rick Tocchet. Those two men, along with veteran Rick Tocchet: Has a losing career record behind the bench, but is coaches like Mike Babcock and Gerard Gallant, will be at the top of the nevertheless highly thought of, and viewed as a guy who’s gotten the list of potential candidates to take over for Quinn. most out of some under-talented rosters with the Arizona Coyotes. If having a tougher team is something the Rangers are interested in (and it Quinn, who was hired away from Boston University in May 2018 to is) he’ll demand that out of his players, for sure. oversee the development of the young prospects entering the lineup during the Rangers’ rebuild, departs with a career record of 96-87-25 in Mike Babcock: He’s won a Cup, and guided teams to the Final two other three seasons, including two COVID-19-shortened campaigns in 2019-20 times. He’s had three losing seasons in 17 years, and his last two full and 2020-21. seasons in Toronto guided the Maple Leafs to 100-point seasons. After he got fired 23 games into the 2019-20 season, stories came out that he In his time behind the bench, he saw Mika Zibanejad go from being a isn’t such a nice guy. The Rangers aren’t looking for a nice guy right now. good player to a true star in the league, and he helped turn Pavel Buchnevich into a mature, complete player. He also groomed prospects like Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil, Adam Fox, Ryan Lindgren, as well as this season’s rookies, Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller. Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 05.13.2021

But the Rangers’ only postseason experience during his time behind the bench came at the end of the 2019-20 season, when the Blueshirts were included in the 24-team field when the league restarted in the bubble environments of Toronto and Edmonton. Their stay in the Toronto bubble lasted only three games, however, as they were swept in the best-of-five play-in series against Carolina and failed to advance to the 16-team playoff tournament.

This season, the Rangers were in contention for a playoff spot in the East Division until they were shut out in consecutive games by the rival Islanders April 29 and May 1. In their next game, on May 3 against the Washington Capitals, they were beaten 6-3 in the game where Capitals forward Tom Wilson attacked Rangers forward Artemi Panarin, injuring him and ending his season. The Rangers were eliminated from playoff contention that night, when the Boston Bruins defeated the New Jersey Devils.

Two days later, Davidson and Gorton were fired, with three games remaining in the season, and just hours before the Rangers played a rematch against the Capitals. The Rangers lost that fight-filled game, 4-2, and ended up losing five straight games before winning their season finale in Boston against the Bruins on Saturday.

In an interview last week with the New York Post, MSG CEO and Knicks and Rangers owner James Dolan said the decision whether or not to keep Quinn was "totally Chris’ call.’’ When the Rangers players did their Zoom calls with the media at Monday’s Breakup Day, neither Drury nor Quinn was made available.

But Quinn certainly knew, once Davidson and Gorton were dismissed, that he might end up following them out the door.

"Listen, this is pro sports, and when you sign up for a job like this, and I certainly understood it when you get in the NHL,’’ he said last Wednesday night, after the changes were made. "Every day, anything 1188164 New York Rangers Another change under Quinn and Martin, in particular, came on the penalty kill. The Rangers’ short-handed identity could be defined as a defensive shell. They failed to defend the blue line, suppress passing lanes or push the puck out of the zone. Goaltending was relied on to be Rangers coach David Quinn, by the numbers: Should player the difference. development have outweighed team results? According to HockeyViz, the team last season was 24 percent weaker than league average in terms of expected goals against while short- handed. This season, the Rangers were above average most of the By Shayna Goldman season before the late losses of Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren cost May 12, 2021 them. They ended the season just 1 percent weaker than league average.

Up front, there were also adjustments, as more offense-minded forwards The offseason of change continued for the New York Rangers on were deployed to better disrupt teams’ ability to get into power-play Wednesday, with coach David Quinn and much of his staff being fired a formation. Pavel Buchnevich, for example, who ran with the ice time week after general manager Jeff Gorton and team president John Quinn trusted him to play, developed into one of the team’s best two-way Davidson were let go. forwards and top penalty killers.

Associate general manager Chris Drury was promoted to take over The heat maps below show the staggering difference between seasons, Gorton’s and Davidson’s jobs, and much of the speculation after those with orange and brown showing where more shots were allowed, and moves was whether Drury would stick with Quinn, whom he played a purple representing where the team limited shots. major role in hiring. The differences in the defense under Quinn between Ruff and Martin Now Quinn, along with assistants David Oliver, Greg Brown and Jacques show the influence of assistant coaches. Quinn isn’t as tactically driven Martin, are gone, leaving just skills coach Mark Ciaccio and goaltending as some coaches. His assistants are more hands-on with X’s and O’s of coach Benoit Allaire. the game. The constant trend defensively was a willingness to deploy younger defenders in key minutes. Some of that was because of a lack of Was it the right decision? Did Quinn have the team headed in the wrong personnel able to absorb tougher minutes, but players like Adam Fox, direction? Was progress not coming fast or steady enough under his Lindgren and Miller all played key roles very soon into their careers. That leadership? ran counter to previous tendencies to rely on veterans when like Staal or Let’s dive in. Adam McQuaid or even this season Jack Johnson before an injury held him out of the lineup. Quinn was brought in during the Rangers’ first full rebuilding season and spent three seasons as their bench boss. Coming from Boston On the other end of the ice, there’s the team’s offense. This is the area University, he didn’t have much NHL experience or even a long history of the team underachieved the most under Quinn. To be fair, personnel has success at the college level, but he was touted as a leader who could to be considered too. To start his tenure, the Rangers didn’t have much help a young team grow. His NCAA work gave him a different game-changing talent. But that changed over the past two seasons. perspective from many recycled coaches flowing through the NHL’s Artemi Panarin, who was already elite when he came to New York, took carousel and prepared him to deal with frequent roster turnover, which he his game to another level last year. Mika Zibanejad, Ryan Strome and faced more so earlier in his tenure. Pavel Buchnevich all experienced career seasons under Quinn, too. The team Quinn took over was a defensive disaster. The Rangers’ play Among those forwards, Chris Kreider, Kaapo Kakko and Alexis in their own zone trended down throughout former coach Alain Lafrenière to highlight the top-nine this year, this team should have had a Vigneault’s tenure and hit rock bottom in 2017-18, despite numerous more dynamic offensive approach. personnel changes on the ice and hiring three different coaches to work Instead, it was a bottom-five team in shot generation and created less on the defense and penalty kill. than it allowed at just 49.5 percent of the shot attempts per 60 minutes at Lindy Ruff, the last of those three, who started in 2017-18, remained on five-on-five. More often than not, the Rangers under Quinn didn’t create a New York’s coaching staff with Quinn. He collaborated with assistant high shot volume while searching for higher quality chances. This year, Greg Brown, who served as the team’s eye in the sky through the first their expected goal rate, which factors in those quality chances, was 11 two periods of each game. Though Ruff brought NHL experience the percent below league average. coach lacked, there wasn’t enough defensive improvement until he left The heat maps below show the Rangers’ lack of offensive generation for New Jersey after last season. over the past few years. Though there are some areas of red in front of The defense did, however, improve throughout the Quinn era. The first the net, the amount of blue over the years reflects how their offense noticeable change came last season, around the time the calendar lacked dimension and unquestionably held them back, despite the turned to 2020. There appeared to be tactical adjustments in the neutral increase in skill, from season to season. zone to better their gap control, and through much of the second half of (Via HockeyViz) the season, the team was able to execute those strategic tweaks. At times this season, the team was able to ride a high shooting The animated heat map below helps show the changes as the season percentage, but it didn’t make enough offensive adjustments along the progressed. Areas of red aptly show where the Rangers were bleeding way. So when its shooting percentage eventually regressed to the mean shots against in their own zone at five-on-five. Blue splotches, which — because what comes up usually comes down — the offensive success become more apparent in January, show their improved shot slipped and there wasn’t a quick solution to remedy it. At points, the suppression as the season rolled on. coaching staff was too rigid and didn’t adjust enough to account for those Drastic changes in personnel came ahead of the 2020-21 season. Brady shooting-percentage swings to build a more sustainable type of success Skjei was moved at the deadline and Marc Staal was flipped during the — at least not until injuries forced them to make necessary changes. offseason. K’Andre Miller not only made his debut but also became a This season wasn’t without its challenges, especially offensively. The mainstay playing key minutes. team had to find a way to move forward while Panarin took a leave of But this year’s improvements also timed with Ruff’s departure and the absence and Zibanejad got off to a slow start because of the effects of Rangers’ hiring of Martin, who previously worked in Pittsburgh under COVID-19 — among other chaos throughout the season. Plus, the Mike Sullivan. development of key young players had to be considered to ensure they weren’t overwhelmed. That led to Lafrenière’s, Kakko’s and eventually Not only did the team limit shots against — at five-on-five, but the Vitali Kravtsov’s minutes being managed as the coaches saw fit. Rangers also conceded about seven attempts per 60 minutes less than Lafrenière played just 13:53 in all situations this season and didn’t net a last season — but it limited quality chances as well. That shift pushed single power-play point. Quinn’s squad from being one of the NHL’s worst-ranking defensive teams to being middle of the pack, as the chart below shows. Though young, incoming defenders saw their minutes tick up fairly quickly, that hasn’t been the case with forwards. The Rangers do have a deeper forward group, which can block or limit just how much ice time there is to go around, and there was all the room in the world for their young defenders at points. But the argument could be made the forwards’ minutes were overly managed — especially when it came to power-play time and experience.

Development isn’t linear, and there’s no one-size-fits-all path for all players. Coaches have to adjust as the season goes to figure out how best to help a player reach his potential — and how to do that as quickly as possible. But sometimes it’s tricky balancing player development and competing, and coaches often have a tendency to lean on their veterans in those crucial situations.

Quinn was the right type of coach at the time of hiring. The rebuilding Rangers needed someone who could prioritize development, and as a former coach at the NCAA and AHL level, he fit that mold.

Quinn often worked with a depleted lineup, and he helped instill a level of resilience in a team that kept being broken apart to move players for future assets. But whether he would be the coach to help this group take the next steps in becoming a playoff team and eventually a contending team wasn’t clear at the time he was hired. In the NHL, coaches have a shelf life. Sometimes their message becomes stale, and other times a team’s needs change and it’s simply no longer a fit.

So why make this move now? Why not just make adjustments where they appeared to be necessary, such as adding a new voice to coordinate the offense after a change in assistants made a significant difference this season? Maybe the answer was as simple as giving Kris Knoblauch, the Hartford Wolf Pack’s head coach, a look alongside Quinn to work on the offense.

What the change does make obvious is that going into next season, the Rangers have a clear goal: making the playoffs. Recognizing that Quinn and his staff are no longer a fit early in the season could set the team back or add a sense of instability early in the Drury era. It also doesn’t allow the incoming bench boss to help shape the roster until after the fact or management to find players that will fit a coach’s system.

The Rangers’ front office now has to find the right coach for this iteration of the team as it strives for the playoffs. The spotlight is on Drury — who built a reputation in the NHL for his play in high-pressure situations — and what he does next after the team’s made so many changes. As a younger general manager, he could go against convention while still looking for a playoff-caliber coach. The question is just how innovative they’ll go with their next hire, or how much they’ll rely on experience from the same group of coaches circulating the NHL.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188165 New York Rangers That makes all the sense in the world, too, because Dolan wouldn’t make a serious hockey decision without consulting Sather. And he likely wouldn’t draw a conclusion in disagreement with Sather, either.

Rangers fire coach David Quinn: Why GM Chris Drury did it, what it I’ve often said that in Sather’s Hall of Fame career as a coach, GM and achieves and what comes next executive, perhaps his greatest achievement is having kept Dolan’s hands off Dolan’s hockey team for 20 years, while the Garden’s basketball team burned to the ground.

By Rick Carpiniello But when Sather began to show up again regularly in the past few weeks, well, that’s when Dolan’s scheme began to hatch. So chicken or May 12, 2021 the egg? Either way, you can be sure Dolan didn’t make the Davidson, Gorton and Quinn decisions on his own. In fact, Sather was sitting in on exit meetings between Drury and the players Monday. The upheaval at the top of the Rangers’ organization continued Wednesday. Rangers fans must be praying now that Drury will be allowed serious autonomy, to make his own hires — and there are many he must make A mind-boggling one-week span that flipped what was seen league-wide — and to at least start to build the roster on his own, without interference. as one of the most promising, up-and-coming franchises into chaos, If he can do that, there’s a chance, because Davidson and Gorton (and continued with the firing of head coach David Quinn and three of his Quinn) knew there was work to be done before the Rangers turn the assistants, David Oliver, Greg Brown and Jacques Martin. corner, and they were prepared, and had a plan in place, to do it — and Drury was in on that plan in a big, big way, as Gorton’s associate GM That after Rangers president John Davidson and general manager Jeff and right-hand man. Gorton were let go by owner Jim Dolan last Wednesday. There was also no guarantee that Quinn would have been back under Will the last person out turn off the lights? Davidson and Gorton, but it was much more likely than not that he would. The last person on the coaching staff is Benoit Allaire, the goalie guru Drury will have people lining up for the head coaching job, despite the who is irreplaceable and has outlasted five head coaches. owner, because the Rangers, around the NHL, are seen as a stocked Look, Quinn’s dismissal was probably a matter of time once Dolan got model-rebuild franchise that has the potential to be really good for a long the ball rolling behind his misguided thinking that the Rangers time — a younger version, perhaps, of the Colorado Avalanche. underachieved, that the culture needed changing, that they should have If they don’t blow up all the good work just to achieve the mandate to made the playoffs. make the playoffs. If those were the standards, then, yes, Quinn had to go. You could argue So Drury, who has to find an assistant GM, at the very least, and who will whether the Rangers overachieved, but it’s folly to suggest they very likely re-tool some of the other remaining staff, has to find a head underachieved. It’s even more hilarious to suggest that most of his young coach and assistant coaches too. players didn’t make loads of progress — Adam Fox, Alexis Lafrenière, Kaapo Kakko, Ryan Lindgren, K’Andre Miller among them. In fact, one Don’t be surprised if he comes up with a coach who is not on a lot of lists. team source noted that several veterans, including Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Ryan Strome and Pavel Buchnevich have had career years The usual suspects include two-time former Rangers coach John under Quinn. Tortorella, who just left Columbus — and who has a great relationship with both Drury, who was his captain in New York, and with Panarin, the Sources insist this was new president and general manager Chris Drury’s top player on the roster. By the way, the last time Tortorella coached the decision, but really what choice did he have? Another source said that Rangers, they were a young team on the rise and actually arrived a year Drury (and perhaps Quinn, too) didn’t want to go into next season early, in 2011-12, nearly winning the Presidents’ Trophy and reaching the knowing that the heat would be turning up at any point — an early three- Eastern Conference final. The team Alain Vigneault took to the Stanley game losing streak, a 10-10 start, whatever. Because if what the Cup final in 2014 was largely Tortorella’s team. And another by-the-way Rangers — widely projected to be the sixth-best team in a very difficult note: Sather loved Tortorella when he was here, and I think Dolan did division this season and with the league’s youngest roster and clearly still too, until the players’ exit-meetings mutiny of 2013. in a rebuild – did in finishing fifth in the East is underachieving, then there was going to be hell to pay next season. The list includes Patrick Roy, who won a Stanley Cup with Drury as Colorado teammates, and then coached the Avs. And there will be hell to pay. So better to start fresh in the offseason. It might, but probably won’t, include Rod Brind’Amour, who is likely to re- Remember, Drury and Quinn are very close friends and have been sign with Carolina; and almost surely won’t include Mark Messier, whose throughout their hockey careers, and I’m told they parted on very good name is bound to come up elsewhere but who has zero coaching terms. Drury surely knows that the Rangers did not underachieve in experience. 2021. Also on the list of availables: Gerard Gallant, Mike Babcock, Rick Now the pressure is on Drury to make moves that perhaps could have Tocchet, Bruce Boudreau and Bob Hartley. I don’t know if Kris waited until the next trade deadline and next summer, in order to assure Knoblauch, hired by Drury to coach the Hartford AHL affiliate, will get a that this team is in position to make the playoffs because as constructed, serious look. I thought before he was fired alongside Quinn that Martin it is not. Nor was it meant to be at this juncture, just over three years after would be a candidate, too. The Letter. Perhaps to be considered: Jim Montgomery, who was in the running The rebuild is now in overdrive. In win-now mode. when the Rangers, with loads of input from Drury, hired Quinn. An NHL source told The Athletic last week that Montgomery didn’t want the job, Good luck with that. not that it was offered, because he feared the top of the organization I think Drury was a superb choice to replace Gorton if that move had to wouldn’t have the patience to see the rebuild through. He wound up in be made (it didn’t). But I also wonder, now, how much say Drury will Dallas, left due to personal reasons, and is an assistant in St. Louis. have, and how much interference there will be from above, and how Don’t be surprised if Drury goes back to the college level, at least for much the course will have to be changed. some interviewees, or if he comes up with an NHL assistant coach who The funny part of the whole thing is that the Rangers, a laughingstock for seems ready to run an NHL bench of his own. Drury is a super-smart guy decades, had become a beacon of stability, with only three general and is plugged in, which is why multiple teams had interest in him for managers over a 31-year period, and only three head coaches over the prior GM jobs. past 12 years. Drury will also serve as GM for Team USA at the World Championships Then, in one tantrum, Dolan has potentially turned the Rangers into the in Latvia later this month. Even without hiring a new coach and an Knicks. And though I’m told that Glen Sather, the former president and assistant GM (and a GM for Hartford), there’s a lot for him to do before GM and now an advisor, does not want to or intend to become involved, and after that, with the Seattle expansion draft July 21, the entry draft persons in the organization say that he had his hands on these moves. July 23-24, and free agency beginning July 28. As for Quinn, it might take some time before he becomes an NHL head coach again. You wonder if Seattle will go young in the expansion draft and seek a developmental coach — and he could be in line for an assistant’s role. (Perhaps with his buddy Mike Sullivan in Pittsburgh at some point?)

He has two years left on his Rangers contract, so he’ll be fine in that department. And if Drury can navigate the corner-turning and the Rangers do turn into what most NHL execs believe they will be, Quinn, like Gorton, will be fondly remembered for putting in place the foundation of a complete and successful rebuild.

But, according to the person, or persons, who matter, together they underachieved. Got it.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188166 New York Rangers Zibanejad, as I wrote Monday, must be re-signed before it gets to the ticking clock of the trade deadline and facing unrestricted free agency. The Rangers simply are unlikely to be able to get another center who can replace him, and in fact will need a Zibanejad and another 1A or solid No. New York Rangers depth chart heading into the offseason: Trade chips, 2 if they’re going to truly be contenders at some point. roster holes, Kraken bait and more Strome has sold me that he could be a fine solution as Panarin’s center — if the Rangers can get a rugged sniper type on the wing instead of another center. He has proven over two years to be more than capable, By Rick Carpiniello and in fact quite valuable, No. 2. But like Zibanejad, he’s an unrestricted May 12, 2021 free agent after next season.

If the Rangers ever actually do acquire a better center — a Jack Eichel, an Aleksander Barkov, someone of that ilk — and if they have to give up If Chris Drury moved into a new office with his new titles, I’m sure he Chytil in the package to get him, how great could Strome be as the No. hung his official Rangers depth chart on his new wall. Or maybe he just 3? Answer: pretty great. kept the one Jeff Gorton had hanging on the wall originally. Chytil made strides this season and is very much improved, much I don’t have my hands on the official one, but I have a pretty good idea stronger and faster, with a shooter’s mentality. Whether he will be the what his looks like, and some opinions on what it might look like on long-term answer in the middle or the chip they use to address needs — opening night, 2021-22. he’s not among the untouchables, by any means — we’ll see. He must improve on faceoffs if he’s going to play center. So here goes: Rooney was, in my opinion, a terrific fourth-line center — dependable, (Note: Unrestricted free agents shaded red, restricted free agents blue, consistent, surprisingly tough and a good penalty killer too. Not a roster holes orange.) dependable faceoff man, though. Artemi Panarin I think faceoffs will have to be addressed by Drury and Co. this Alexis Lafrenière offseason. And it will be incumbent upon the team to find a faceoff center who can also kill penalties and play in the last minutes of games. So a Chris Kreider fourth-line center with penalty killing and faceoff skills is a need.

Morgan Barron I mentioned this the other day, but if the Rangers could sign UFA Casey Brett Howden Cizikas away from the Islanders or find another similar prototypical fourth-line center, that would be ideal. Will Cuylle Pavel Buchnevich My take: Kaapo Kakko It’s going to be very interesting to watch as Alexis Lafrenière morphs into a permanent top-six player, and what that means for Chris Kreider. Does Vitali Kravtsov it make sense to slide him down to a third line? Ignoring his contract, I’d Colin Blackwell say yes for this reason: The third line, as much as the top two lines, needs more straight ahead. Especially if it’s going to be Filip Chytil in the Phillip Di Giuseppe middle and either Kaapo Kakko or Vitali Kravtsov on the wing. My take: I see there being only one way Morgan Barron is not on the opening- While I think Pavel Buchnevich has established himself as a legit top-six night roster, and that is if he’s one of the assets they trade to get that No. winger, I don’t think he’s seen as untouchable by any stretch because of 1A center they desire. Barron is one automatic and easy fix for the the arrivals of Kakko and Kravtsov. team’s lack of muscle and physical presence up front. I also firmly believe that Quinn, or a new coach, should seriously Artemi Panarin, of course, is an automatic and really not much else consider moving Kreider to the right side, especially if Lafrenière and needs to be said about him. Though it sure as hell would be worth Panarin are your top two left wingers. Kreider will benefit from shooting watching if David Quinn, or whomever the coach may be, decides to give from his off-wing (as Panarin does, and many other top scorers do) with him an extended look on Mika Zibanejad’s left. Boy, that might be fun. his stick blade in the middle of the ice rather than toward the wall. The original Bread and Butter line, which we saw only briefly the last two seasons. More important than that, though, is that Panarin and Strome haven’t had a winger like Kreider, who can retrieve pucks, do the dirty work, be a Brett Howden, I think, projects as a left winger now, particularly if the speed threat … and score goals. Jesper Fast did most of that but wasn’t Rangers are going to get help in the middle, and particularly since I don’t the offensive complement to his linemates and certainly didn’t back off think he’s the player Kevin Rooney is. In fact, if there’s a new coach, opponents with speed as Kreider does. I would give that a long look. Howden might not be in the lineup every night. Or some nights. Again, the Rangers have assets to move to fill their needs — and one of I do think the left flank has enough options — including Chytil, too — that those could be Buchnevich or Kravtsov (or Chytil, or even Barron) — the Rangers don’t necessarily need to add here. because they’re not about to move Lafrenière or, likely, Kakko. I imagine Will Cuylle will start in Hartford, but depending on who the Colin Blackwell deserves full marks for the season he put up in 2021, and coach is in training camp, he will have a chance to earn a spot. He’s a though I think the Rangers would be in a good spot depth-wise if he’s in power winger with all of the traits the Rangers need and also enough skill the bottom six, the opposite is true if he’s in the top six. to contribute offense. I’m sure the organization would be thrilled if he elbowed his way onto the roster. And if he is in the bottom six, then Di Giuseppe — who can play either wing, but let’s face it, is a fourth-liner winger at best — won’t be coming Mika Zibanejad back. He’s an unrestricted free agent, and he’d certainly be affordable to Ryan Strome keep as an extra player/fourth liner.

(New player) I think, barring a trade of one of these left wingers, that the Rangers are pretty well set at the position. Filip Chytil Ryan Lindgren Kevin Rooney K’Andre Miller (New player) (New player) My take: Libor Hájek Brendan Smith Alexandar Georgiev

Matthew Robertson Adam Huska

Tarmo Reunanen Keith Kinkaid

Anthony Bitetto My take:

My take: It wasn’t a banner year for either Igor Shesterkin or Alexandar Georgiev in the first season of the post-Henrik Lundqvist era. Shesterkin clearly There is organizational depth on the way, certainly, in Matthew was the No. 1, and he hit more bumps than he did in his first half a Robertson, and more on the right side. But I believe the Rangers will be season. Georgiev was even more inconsistent. in the market for a veteran defensive presence who would be an upgrade on Brendan Smith — someone who will be in the top six, and not by So do the Rangers try to trade Georgiev even though his value wouldn’t default. I think that will be their target on free agency day (which in this be very high right now? Do they keep Keith Kinkaid, who was quite good unusual year is July 28). in his limited appearances — and is one of those who makes you wonder if he’d be exposed if he were forced to play more? Speaking of exposed I think Alec Martinez will be in their sights, a left-shooting defenseman … Kinkaid will be the one unprotected goalie there for Seattle to take. with skill and two Stanley Cup rings at age 33. He checks a ton of boxes Then there’s the highly regarded Huska, who was invited to play for and needs for this young team, and if they can get him, or another like Slovakia in the World Championships — and Drury, as GM of Team him, they can allow their coming-soon defensemen to take the proper USA, will be there to get an even closer look at him. It’s possible that steps to the NHL — starting in the AHL and working their way up. Since Huska, out of UConn, is given a shot to be Shesterkin’s backup. the rebuild is (cough, cough) over in the eyes of the owner, and the mandate is now (cough, cough) to make the playoffs, there shouldn’t be As I mentioned a few days ago, Goalie Whisperer Benoit Allaire will be any more defensemen forced to play their first pro games at the NHL involved in making these calls, along with the head coach, whomever he level. Plain and simple, at least in my eyes. turns out to be.

That goes for Robertson, a big defenseman with so much promise. He Julien Gauthier should start in Hartford, no question. That’s where Tarmo Reunanen will play next season, too, I’m sure. Brendan Smith

Ryan Lindgren and K’Andre Miller are close to untouchable and should Jack Johnson be on that left side for years. My take:

After that, it’s tricky. Libor Hájek is still seen, organizationally, as a If Seattle doesn’t grab Julien Gauthier — and Kraken GM prospect, but frankly he’s a third-pair at best, and he’s never going to originally drafted him in Carolina — I don’t see where he fits on the play a higher role than Lindgren or Miller. current roster. Despite his size, speed and shot, he has shown very little If the Rangers can’t upgrade with a veteran, and if they can get him on a here and has defensive deficiencies and inconsistent use of his big body. very reasonable deal, they might bring back Smith, who did yeoman’s Time to move on. work the past two seasons, first as a fourth-line winger then as a depth Smith could be retained as noted above, and the case has been made defenseman. I don’t see where this leaves Anthony Bitetto, who has one that he’s a terrific teammate who really helps the kids. But at this stage, year left on his contract and likely won’t be taken by Seattle. he shouldn’t be a regular.

Adam Fox Jack Johnson was just an epic fail from the moment he signed. What Jacob Trouba they were hoping to get from him, at his bargain cap hit, they certainly could have gotten better from someone else. And now they will spend Nils Lundkvist again to get that veteran presence in a much better player on the blue line. Zac Jones

Braden Schneider The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 My take:

Adam Fox is the most untouchable young player in the organization, plain and simple — the one who has the best chance of being an NHL star for years.

Jacob Trouba might be the next captain and isn’t going anywhere. The Rangers need more players with his presence.

Then it gets tricky unless one of the lefts can move over to the right.

I think that it would benefit everybody if Nils Lundkvist, Braden Schneider and Zac Jones play in Hartford to start. Again (cough, cough) the rebuild is over.

I expect that the team will sign Lundkvist to his entry-level deal soon; the Rangers don’t want to get into a countdown to losing his rights on June 1, 2022. But the deal might be tricky if he’s not promised a good chance to make the team. I don’t think I’d give that promise, but I also wouldn’t want to lose him for good. And by all accounts, he’s more Fox than is Jones. He may be indeed NHL ready, especially if he can ease in on the third pair with a veteran partner.

Jones looked awfully comfortable in his brief NHL cameo, and you can see the skill and poise.

As with many of the other positions, the Rangers may be dealing one or more of these young defensemen if they put together a package for Eichel — or a rugged scoring winger or another need. There won’t be a time in their future when Trouba, Fox, Jones, Lundkvist and Schneider are all on the roster together.

Igor Shesterkin 1188167 Ottawa Senators The Senators looked like they were in control until Tavares’ 19th of the season brought Toronto to within a goal at 16:29 of the period. Well, at least we knew we were in for an interesting final frame of the season.

GARRIOCH: Josh Norris scores winner in OT as Senators close out their Give Kelly credit for the way he scored his first NHL goal. After taking the season with victory over Leafs solo lap in warmup, he did a great job banking the puck in off Andersen from the corner at 12:12 of the second to open up a 3-1 lead for the "The Ottawa Senators closed out their season exactly the same way they Senators. Called up earlier in the day from Belleville, Kelly knew he had started it with a victory in the ." scored, but the officials had to go upstairs because Andersen pulled the puck out of the net.

“This is crazy. I didn’t think it would go like this,” said Kelly. “I just really Bruce Garrioch wanted to get a win and the first time I touch the puck it goes in. I’m just still in shock.

Senators 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT) “I was just trying to get it towards the net. I saw Tim (Stuetzle) celebrating and I saw the ref point towards the net and I thought, ‘Did that just The Ottawa Senators closed out their season exactly the same way they happen?’ It was kind of funny with the suspense of the video review and started it with a victory in the Battle of Ontario. it’s just something I’ll never forget. I feel really blessed and thankful to have had the opportunity.” And they sent a message to their faithful that they can’t wait until next year. Earlier, Brown’s fifth short-handed goal of the season gave the club a 2-1 lead at 9:07 off the second. It was also his 21st of the year, and that’s a Even with the building empty, there was no place like home for the career-high. Senators this season as Josh Norris scored the overtime winner only nine seconds into the extra period as the club scored a 4-3 victory over The Leafs tied it up at 6:07 of the second on the power play. Muzzin took the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night. Ottawa finished with a 14- a pass from Joe Thornton and fired a blast by Gustavsson from the top of 10-4 record at the . the slot that he had no chance to stop. It was the third power play of the game for Toronto, and you can’t give this kind of team that many Making his first start in seven weeks, goaltender Frederik Andersen didn’t opportunities. look like he was in mid-season form as the Leafs prepare to face the Montreal Canadiens in Round 1 of the playoffs. Winger Parker Kelly The Senators outshot the Leafs 10-6 in the first, so if Toronto wanted to scored his first NHL goal in his first game in the league while Connor make sure Andersen faced a difficult test going into the post-season then Brown and Nikita Zaitsev also chipped in for Ottawa. that goal was achieved. A lot of the first was spent with both teams killing penalties as each team had two chances on the power play. “It’s always nice to win the last one of the year and go out on a good note,” said Brown. “I think us and the city of Ottawa have a lot to look Zaitsev’s fourth of the year, this one against his former team, gave the forward to for next year.” Senators a 1-0 lead at 18:52 of the period. He fired a shot from the point that Andersen had no chance to stop. After scoring his first two goals this Auston Matthews scored his 41st of the season by beating Filip season into empty nets, this was Zaitsev’s second straight on a Gustavsson on the stick side at 17:28 of the third to tie it up 3-3 and force goaltender, so at least he’s trending in the right direction. the Senators to work OT try to get a win. John Tavares and Jake Muzzin also scored for the Leafs. The Senators will hold their locker cleanup and exit meetings Thursday morning. Coach D.J. Smith will meet with the media in the afternoon and “I was getting a little bit tired in that third period so I’m glad we ended it general manager is scheduled to speak Friday morning. first,” Norris said with a smile. “What a way to end the season on pass from Brady (Tkachuk). It was just a great end of the year for the team. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 05.13.2021 We played so well down the stretch and that’s very exciting.”

The Senators had a golden opportunity to put this one away late in the third, but couldn’t score on the power play.

Coach D.J. Smith was hopeful his club would close out the season with a strong effort against its arch-rival and the Senators delivered, but couldn’t hold the third-period lead.

The Senators have played well at both ends of the ice and went into this game ranked No. 21 in the NHL in goal scoring. These are all good signs of steps in the right direction, and that’s why trying to finish with a win was important.

The Senators have refused to back down from anybody in the last six weeks and though they were coming off a 6-1 loss to the Calgary Flames on Sunday, the club was confident it would finish the right way.

“I’m just proud of the guys in the last little bit,” said Smith. “Certainly, when you’re out of it with a couple of months to go, I feel we played right to the end, win or lose. These guys are getting better and it’s just good to see.

“We worked, we didn’t cheat the game, maybe a little bit in the second period, but we skated and made some plays. They’ve got to go through the motions, they’ve got playoffs coming and they’re trying to get in and out without getting hurt. I just thought our guys played hard right to the end and didn’t take it like a joke game.”

The Senators came into this game with a 3-4-1 record against the Leafs this season. The club started this 56-game schedule with a 5-3 victory over Toronto on Jan. 15 and Ottawa went into this game with its highest league-wide finish since the Senators went to the Eastern final in 2017.

Through 40 minutes, the Senators were up 3-2 on the Leafs. A lot happened in the second period and there was no shortage of twists or turns. 1188168 Ottawa Senators Since then, Lazar spent a couple of years jockeying between the NHL and the AHL before returning permanently to the NHL with Buffalo last season.

Logan Brown gets his shot, but is it his last one with the Senators? At the March trade deadline, he was part of the deal that sent Taylor Hall to Boston and has become a depth player for the Bruins going into the playoffs against Washington.

Ken Warren Interestingly, Formenton, the guy manning Brown’s left wing against Toronto, was selected with the draft pick the Senators secured for

dealing Lazar to Calgary. Finally getting a chance to look around the Ottawa Senators dressing So, what happens from here for Brown, due to become a restricted free room Wednesday night, Logan Brown must have felt a bit like the last kid agent this summer? invited to the party. The Senators could retain his rights by issuing him a qualifying offer, but The mystery now is whether Brown’s call-up and appearance in the 4-3 then leave him unprotected for the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft, overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs amounts to a goodbye giving Brown a chance to reboot his career. party. Or, they could trade him elsewhere in the summer, perhaps as part of a From Brady Tkachuk to Drake Batherson to Josh Norris to Alex package deal. Formenton to Shane Pinto to Erik Brannstrom to Tim Stuetzle to Jacob Bernard-Docker to Joey Daccord to Filip Gustavsson, the grand There is, of course, a more remote possibility that Brown could remain in organizational rebuild has gone on without him this season. the organization as a depth centre.

Not so long ago, Brown’s name was mentioned in the middle of all of the At this point, however, he is playing behind the 22-year-old Norris, the above. 20-year-old Pinto and 24-year-old Colin White.

Brown, the Senators’ 11th overall draft selection in 2016, played his first Norris is a power-play presence, a spot where Brown needs to play to NHL game before any of them, but has played a grand total of 30 games. produce points. Pinto is being given every chance to carve out a niche as The game against Toronto was also his first NHL contest in 17 months. a penalty killer.

Brown, 23, was in the hunt for a prime centre ice position in training Waiting in the wings, perhaps a year or two away, is Ridly Greig, the 18- camp, a spot that Norris ultimately took and skated away with, never year-old centre drafted 28th overall last October. looking back while delivering his exceptional rookie season. Fittingly, perhaps, Norris capped off the season by scoring in overtime. Is there still room for Brown somewhere amid that mixture of youngsters?

Brown, meanwhile, had since slid further into the background due to Ottawa Sun LOADED: 05.13.2021 inconsistencies and an assortment of injuries.

A back injury kept him from receiving a mid-season recall and he has played only 12 games with Belleville of the AHL, where he has scored one goal and added six assists. Those are a far cry from his numbers in 2018-19, when he scored 14 goals and 28 assists in 56 games with Belleville, playing on a line with Batherson and Nick Paul that was one of the AHL’s most dominant.

A brilliant power-play passer, the hope then was that Brown could eventually develop into a top-line centre with the Senators, but that’s slipping away fast, if it’s not gone altogether.

In a conversation with Postmedia last week, Belleville coach Troy Mann said he was “satisfied” with the work Brown had put in during games and practices of late. Mann, however, believed Brown could still find another gear, while also recognizing how few games the 6-foot-6, 220-pound centre has played due to injuries and the COVID-19 stoppage during the past two seasons.

Brown’s ability to keep up with the play has held him back. In an NHL that is only getting faster, Senators coach D.J. Smith said it’s “pace” that has kept Brown from becoming an NHL regular.

His chance against Toronto came with the speedster Formenton and the pesky Parker Kelly — who made a brilliant NHL debut by scoring in his first game — on his wings. Brown finished with 9:40 of ice time and his best work did come on the power play, where he created several chances. After the game, veteran winger Connor Brown credited both Kelly and Logan Brown for their efforts.

Just the same, his appearance in the Senators’ final game of the season raises the very legitimate question — or questions — about whether it may also be his last ever game with the Senators.

At this point, there could be a mutual benefit for both Brown and the organization to move on. Heavy pressure and lofty expectations can eat away at some first round picks and the organizations that drafted them. Whether there’s merit or not, Brown’s camp — he has since switched agents — has talked in the past about him not receiving a fair opportunity to make his mark in the big leagues.

The circumstances aren’t exactly the same, but back in 2017, Senators’ 2013 first-round pick Curtis Lazar was traded away to Calgary when it became clear that then-coach Guy Boucher wasn’t going to play him. Lazar had one assist in 33 games in 2016-17. 1188169 Ottawa Senators Those two won’t be alone. Defenceman Artem Zub will suit up for Team Russia while there are reports that defenceman Jake Sanderson, the club’s No. 5 overall pick in the draft, is being pencilled in for Team USA.

SNAPSHOTS: Hard work pays off as Parker Kelly makes NHL debut ... If that’s the case, that would give Senators associate coach Jack Could we see Jake Sanderson with Team USA? Capuano, who will be behind the bench with Team USA as the head coach, a chance to get a first-hand look at the 18-year-old University of "Parker is a guy that does it right all the time." North Dakota defenceman first.

Capuano is in charge of Ottawa’s blueline, so he may be able get a good handle on where Sanderson’s game is at. Bruce Garrioch “To go over there and play in a big tournament like that against some

bigger and older players, there’s really nothing to lose,” Smith said. It may not have meant much in the standings, but this night meant a lot to “You’re going over there, I think they’ll have a really young team, that’s Parker Kelly. more development based. So if he ends up going over there, that’s great for him and he’s only going to continue to get better. The 21-year-old forward was called up from the club’s AHL affiliate in Belleville on Wednesday to make his NHL debut in the Ottawa Senators’ “Every time I watch him play, he gets better and better. We look forward final game of the regular season against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the to the day he’s here, and the more he plays the more ready he’ll be when Canadian Tire Centre. he gets here.”

Though he wasn’t drafted after a strong junior career with the Western THE LAST WORDS Hockey League’s , Kelly has spent the last two Kelly became the seventh player to make his NHL debut for the Senators seasons with Belleville and the organization felt he deserved the this season. opportunity to play. The others were LW Tim Stuetzle, D Artem Zub, C Shane Pinto, D Jacob “Parker is a guy that does it right all the time,” coach D.J. Smith said Bernard-Docker, D Olle Alsing and goalie Filip Gustavsson. Wednesday. “He plays at 100 m.p.h., he finishes his checks and he’s a guy that’s going to have to carve a role out for himself in the NHL by The club also inserted Belleville C Logan Brown for his first game this bringing energy and emotion every night. season in place of veteran centre Chris Tierney. He had suited up for 134 consecutive games, but hasn’t had a great season. “He’s done that through a tough season in the AHL with no playoffs down there. It’s a good reward for him to get an opportunity and to show A nice gesture by Smith was allowing veteran centre Artem Anismov to everyone that if you work hard and if you do it right the NHL is a suit up in place of an injured Colin White. Anismov is a UFA and won’t be possibility for you.” back next season. Yes, he’d like to play in the NHL, but he may sign with a club in the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia this summer. It hasn’t been an easy road to the NHL for Kelly. He attended the club’s development camp and rookie tournament in 2017 before signing a pro Ottawa Sun LOADED: 05.13.2021 contract. Twice in development camp, he won the prestigious Jonathan Pitre Award, which is given to the hardest worker by the hockey operations staff.

“It’s a pretty special feeling,” Kelly said before facing the Leafs. “I’ve never really been the top guy (on any team). I’ve always had to work my way up, build trust with the coaches, and I was always a late bloomer. I always worked hard, that’s how my parents raised me, so that’s definitely a big reason why I’m here today.”

Perhaps all that was missing from this game for Kelly was his parents, who were back home in Alberta watching because fans aren’t allowed in the building.

“That’s definitely the only downfall,’ said Kelly. “With COVID-19, it’s not possible for that to happen, but I know a lot of my family and friends will be watching back home. That’s probably the only downfall to this whole situation, that my closest friends and family won’t be able to be here.”

TAKING ON THE WORLD

The Senators will be well-represented at the IIHF world championship that will take place May 21 to June 6 in Riga, Latvia.

Team Canada’s initial roster was posted by the IIHF on Wednesday and, as reported in the space earlier this week, wingers ConnorBrown and Nick Paul will both play. Brown went into the club’s final game with 20 goals and 34 points this season while Paul has been a strong contributor with his physical play.

In a normal year, Brown and Paul may not get this chance, but general manager Roberto Luongo has had a tough time putting a roster together because of the COVID-19 protocols.

“Connor Brown has had as good a year as anyone,” said Smith. “Twenty goals in a shortened season and he can play in all situations. It’s certainly an honour to play for your country.

“Nick Paul could play for anyone at any time, no matter what the team and no matter what the skill set, a coach would always find a role for him. He can play centre, left wing, right wing, play low, the power play or the penalty kill, you can’t have enough of those guys. It’s a great honour for Nick to put himself on this stage, but we’re certainly happy to have him.” 1188170 Ottawa Senators Or it could be rookie defenceman Jacob Bernard-Docker, who is expected to start next season with the club’s AHL affiliate in Belleville, but could push for a job midway through year.

GARRIOCH: Ottawa Senators wrap up season hoping there are better Up front, there has been a lot of talk about bringing in a second-line days on the horizon centre. As stated in this space in the past, those answers may come from within. Shane Pinto has shown through the 11 games he’s played since "The Ottawa Senators head into this off-season hopeful the strides they signing out of the University of North Dakota that he can play in this made in the last couple of months will go a long way in delivering playoff league. games here next spring." One question: Is he ready for an expanded role?

Those will be among the decisions Dorion, assistant GM Peter Bruce Garrioch MacTavish, chief scout Trent Mann and Smith will have to make in the off-season with this roster. The pieces are in place, the young players

have shown improvement and the expectation is they’ll be able to help The Ottawa Senators arrived at the finish line of their season Wednesday this club take the next step next season. night at the Canadian Tire Centre. If all goes as planned, the Senators will open training camp Sept. 22 and They only wish there was more racetrack left on the schedule. the season will get underway Oct. 12. The capacity in the building will be determined by the vaccination rate in Ontario and a decision by Ottawa Closing out the shortened 56-game schedule the same way it started Public Health officials. with one last chapter of the Battle of Ontario against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Senators head into this off-season hopeful the strides they No, the Senators didn’t like the way they started this season, but they made in the last couple of months will go a long way in delivering playoff can be pleased with the way they’ve wrapped it up. games here next spring. The patience through this rebuild looks like it’s about to start paying Yes, that will be a tall order if the border to the United States reopens dividends. and the Senators return to the difficult Atlantic Division, but the club has Ottawa Sun LOADED: 05.13.2021 made strides in a lot of areas. The young core this team is built around has emerged to show leadership, and that bodes well for success down the road.

Alternate captain Brady Tkachuk has emerged as the top candidate to wear the “C” if he signs a long-term extension this summer while Josh Norris, Drake Batherson and rookie winger Tim Stuetzle have helped carry this team. On defence, Erik Brannstrom and Victor Mete have both gotten the opportunity to play big roles down the stretch.

Coach D.J. Smith has seen a maturity level with this group, and where has he noticed it most?

“In the leadership department amongst themselves,” Smith said before facing the Leafs. “Their own accountability towards how we have to play, how you have to do things to win games and how you have to practise. It’s more that on a day-to-day basis.

“Any particular night, any of those guys could go out and score a bunch of goals. People will talk about that for a couple of days. For me, I look at the overall growth on a day-to-day basis, just their overall confidence level with the way they practise and the way they talk. It’s so much better now than it was at the start of the year, and that usually bodes well going forward.”

For the fourth straight year, the Senators will miss the playoffs, and if you look back their 2-12-1 start turned out to be costly because they dug themselves such a deep hole they couldn’t dig their way out of it. They made a push at the end, but they had already dealt with the reality that the season wouldn’t go past this game against the Leafs.

The growth of those young players is what owner and general manager Pierre Dorion wanted to see coming into this season. We’ve heard ad nauseam about the use of veteran players like Derek Stepan, Cedric Paquette and Erik Gudbranson at the start of this year, but that start had everything to do with goaltending.

If newcomer Matt Murray and backup Marcus Hogberg had been able to stop the puck during those first 15 games, then this club would have been in a playoff position. The club played well defensively in its first game with a 5-3 win over the Leafs on Jan. 15 in which Murray made 20 stops, but then the roof caved in.

If you don’t get saves, then it really doesn’t matter how young your lineup is or isn’t because it doesn’t make a difference if you can’t keep the puck out of your own net. Naturally, this team won’t look the same next season. We’ve likely seen the last of unrestricted free agents Artem Anisimov and Ryan Dzingel.

The club would like to add a top-four defenceman to the mix. Whether that’s a partner for alternate captain Thomas Chabot remains to be seen because Nikita Zaitsev has been a nice fit this season. Maybe the Senators want someone who can play a little better defensively, and if that’s the case then the free agency route to find that fit is a possibility. 1188171 Philadelphia Flyers Said Hart: “I’m looking forward to having a clean slate next year. I think we all are, and we’re all going to be better next year. I know it.”

Hart, a pending restricted free agent, has been on the ice recently, and Flyers’ Carter Hart talks about loneliness, and bouncing back to become has not had any ill effects from his knee injury. ‘a top goaltender’ in NHL “I feel great,” he said Wednesday, adding that he and his longtime sports Hart talked about some lonely times in a COVID-19 world, regrouping psychologist, John Stevenson, are back to talking regularly. from a disappointing season, and what lies ahead. “Carter’s no different than a lot of 22-year-old individuals,” general manager Chuck Fletcher said. “Every walk of life, whether you are in college, working or in sports, he’s a young man that’s finding his way.” by Sam Carchidi ‘A precocious talent’

Like Vigneault, Fletcher believes Hart will come back strongly next Carter Hart lost a lot of games this season, but the Flyers’ 22-year-old season. goaltender hasn’t lost his confidence. “We’ve asked a lot out of Carter,” Fletcher said. “He’s a precocious “I believe in myself and I believe that I can be a top goaltender in this talent. He’s climbed the ladder very quickly. This year didn’t go the way league,” he said Tuesday in a Zoom call with reporters. “I’m just going to he had hoped, the way we had all hoped, but there’s a lot of talent there. be looking forward to a great offseason of training. Get settled back in I think our expectation is that Carter will make the adjustments necessary with my family and friends, and get a good plan going forward for this and come back, be the goalie we all want him to be and that he expects offseason.” to be.”

It was a disastrous season for Hart, and, at times, somewhat lonely. In his first full NHL season in 2019-20, Hart had the league’s eighth- lowest GAA (2.42), along with a .914 save percentage. That season, he He hasn’t seen his family in the Edmonton area since December. And steered the Flyers past Montreal in the opening round of the playoffs, and because he lives alone — and because of COVID-19 restrictions — he carried them into a Game 7 in the conference semifinals against the New sometimes felt isolated when he was away from the rink and his York Islanders. teammates. “He’s a top-end talent,” Fletcher said. “It’s a tough league, but he’ll make “You kind of go home and you’re just in your own thoughts the whole the adjustments he has to make and he’ll return to form.” time because you just sit and sit in your apartment alone,” he said. “But things were a lot better at the end [of the season]. I was feeling a lot Hart’s teammates feel the same way. happier and hanging out with the boys more, and I think that that was kind of a big part of my [improved] play toward the end was just enjoying “From getting to know him, seeing his work ethic and how he goes about the game more and being more grateful for where I am — in the NHL, in his professional game, I think he’ll be one of the best goalies in the the best league in the world. league next year,” center Kevin Hayes said. “He’s a player that myself, this team, and this organization are really relying on. I think everyone has “So instead of dwelling on other things, [I was] shifting my focus toward a ton of confidence in him and knows how hard he works. I think he’ll get being more grateful.” away from the rink, reset, and figure out his best way to go about getting back to where he was.” New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad scores a power-play goal on Flyers goaltender Carter Hart on March 25. Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 05.13.2021 Hart called the abbreviated 56-game season, which featured a condensed schedule, “challenging for everyone. Tough circumstances, COVID and everything. Some guys, it didn’t affect them, and others more than others”

Hart finished with a 9-11-5 record, a 3.67 goals-against average, and an .877 save percentage. The latter two stats were among the worst in the NHL. He did not resemble the guy who looked like one of the league’s best young goalies the previous season. Opponents found a weakness — shooting high to the glove side — and capitalized.

Encouraging vibes

But Hart takes some encouraging vibes into the offseason. He played better in two of his last three outings — including a 31-save, 2-1 shootout win April 15 in Pittsburgh in his final appearance — before a sprained left knee kept him out of the last 13 games as a precaution.

“My level of confidence in Carter is very high. He’s a good young man,” coach Alain Vigneault said. “He probably went through, for the first time in his life and his career, adversity. You have to go through adversity to get better and to grow. He’s gone through that.”

During one 10-game stretch, these were Hart’s game-by-game save percentages: .815, .889, .625, .846, .833, .750, .880, 786, .875, and .545.

That’s adversity.

“He got off to a good start and then it became challenging,” Vigneault said, mindful that the defense in front of Hart, including the forwards, struggled during most of the season. “He faced some adversity. I think that adversity is good. It’s going to make him better. He’s still a very young player playing a real tough position. With the right mindset, the right attitude and the right work ethic moving forward, he’s got all the capabilities to become a real solid goaltender. Now he’s got to go out and prove it.”

Phillies rally past Nationals, 5-2, as Bryce Harper, Odúbel Herrera redeem themselves 1188172 Philadelphia Flyers “If you look at the last couple months, nobody played harder than . Sean Couturier played really hard on his line, carried our team early in the season. Jake Voracek led our team in scoring again, or tied for the lead.’’ Flyers’ ‘Big Three’ say they know problem and believe it can be fixed In other words, the entire roster should share the brunt of the blame, right?

Wayne Fish “A lot of these players that have been here a while I thought did their part,’’ Fletcher said. “Hockey’s a team sport. Twenty players on the ice. I

don’t know that one guy giving a speech in a dressing room or doing Center Claude Giroux (28) and teammates acknowledge the home crowd something can turn a season around. after the Flyers last game of the regular season, awin against the New “We had a tough March, there’s no question. We had 17 games in that Jersey Devils. month. I’ve never been on a team that played 17 games in a month. I Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher, left, and coach Alain Vigneault think I’ve been on a team that played 16 maybe once. Typically you’re speak during a news conference. Zack Hill/Flyers playing 15 games a month, so it was tough. There wasn’t a lot of time to reset.’’ Flyers CEO Dave Scott, general manager Chuck Fletcher and coach Alain Vigneault all agree the team’s performance just wasn’t acceptable. It sounds like Fletcher still has complete faith in Vigneault and his core players. But they are also in concert that the problem involving this year’s playoff misfire can be fixed. “A lot of other teams went through it,’’ Fletcher said. “It was probably a harder time to go through when you’re struggling, you don’t have much During wrapup interviews on Tuesday, the three key people in Flyers’ time to practice or reset. To me, I’m not sure leadership is the first thing decision-making made it clear they didn’t want to use things like the I’m looking at in this group, but we’ll take some time over the next few pandemic as an excuse but rather a way of stating they want to be weeks here to look at every angle. Find a way to plug the holes we need patient before making any drastic offseason moves. to plug.’’

In particular, Vigneault was emphatic with his comments about wanting to Fletcher was Scott’s hand-picked choice to replace Ron Hextall in experience a “normal’’ schedule with a complete training camp and a full November, 2018, so deep-down, the CEO is still on board with the slate of 82 games. program, although he used some pretty strong words to express his dissatisfaction. That, he said, will be a true test of what this team’s potential really is. “It’s just not an acceptable level of performance, period,’’ Scott said. Apparently, Scott agrees because he has given both Fletcher and “We’ve all talked about it. We’re not happy with where we are. There’s Vigneault the proverbial vote of confidence. been frustration. There’s been anger. This is where we sit. One gets the impression if this had been your average, uninterrupted “It comes down to accountability and we’re all accountable for the season and the Flyers had fallen flat, Scott and the boys at Comcast success of this team. That starts with me, ownership, the front office, the might not be so lenient. coaching staff and the players.’’ If the Flyers are to rediscover the game that got them within one win of Scott doesn’t want to go through this again. The Flyers haven’t missed the Eastern Conference finals in the 2019-20 season, it will be up to the playoffs in two straight seasons since 1994. Vigneault to put his foot down and demand more than he got this past year. “At this point, the season is over and we’re picking up our heads, Scott said. “I think Alain said it best, it’s time to reflect a little bit about where Some of the drawbacks – goaltender Carter Hart’s struggles, a lack of we’re going. Certainly we have the resources to put something pretty progress by some of the young players, failure to replace valuable good together this summer. We have the time. Not easy in a cap world, veteran defenseman Matt Niskanen – all conspired to set up the Flyers but I’m confident that Chuck will be creative. We’ll figure a way to for failure once COVID-19 struck. improve as we look to the next season.’’ “I think I have a couple of theories,’’ Vigneault said during a media Zoom Burlington County Times LOADED: 05.13.2021 call from the Skate Zone in Voorhees, N.J. “After starting the season where we got off – at least results-wise -- to a good start, mainly due some real solid goaltending, our team started to play better.’’

Then, after COVID hit in early February, things started to slip. Still, the Flyers had the highest winning percentage in the East Division as of March 1 until the struggles began.

“Our goaltending slipped a little bit. COVID hit us and after COVID, all we basically did was play games and not practice,’’ Vigneault said. “(Our) younger players, when the game slips a little bit, were not quite executing the way we need to have success.

“You have to practice and we didn’t have any practice time. I’m not saying that’s the reason. A lot of things happened, but I’m going to need some time to reflect on it. But I do think that played a part in our game slipping and our season going the way it did.’’

Rather than worry about adding a flashy 35-goal scorer or a Niskanen look-alike, Fletcher might consider recruiting a few foot soldiers to bolster a cellar-dwelling penalty kill and a league worst goals-against average.

Tied to that is the public perception that changes should be made to the team’s leadership, but that’s a group Fletcher says he can’t fault. He’s studying the big picture, examining whether this is the “right mix’’ of players.

“I think that’s something we’ll take a look at,’’ he said. “I don’t know that I’m sitting here questioning our leadership. I thought our leaders played hard this year. 1188173 Philadelphia Flyers chance to show what he can do again in normalcy. That might not jive with some fans right now. Maybe it eventually will when the dust of 2020- 21 settles.

'I need a normal season,' concerns with youth, more in 5 Flyers "At the end of the day, what I need, Chuck can’t give me," Vigneault said. takeaways "Society can give me though: I need a normal season. I need people to go out and get vaccinated so that we can have a normal season next year. I’ve been here two years and we haven’t had one of those. I want guys coming into camp having trained in a normal way during the BY JORDAN HALL summer. I want to go through a normal camp. I want to go through a normal season that’s 82 games worth. I want to go through normal playoffs where you play in front of your fans, you feel the energy, you feel he Flyers' 2020-21 exit interviews arrived much earlier than the club had the passion, you go on the road, tight-knit group, you try and win on the hoped and envisioned when it set out on this season.T road. Chuck can’t give me a normal season, but society can if we do our part. Hopefully we can all get there for next year." A year after having the NHL's sixth-best point percentage and coming one win away from the Eastern Conference Final, the Flyers were Zack Hill/Philadelphia Flyers eliminated from postseason contention with six games left on their 2020- 21 schedule, finished sixth in the realigned eight-team East Division and 2. 'That's a big concern for me' allowed more goals than any other club in hockey. The Flyers clearly have holes. When a team surrenders the NHL's most The Flyers' 56-game season went by fast and fell hard. It started with goals (197; 3.52 per game), sports the league's worst save percentage fans abuzz and finished with many of them in anger and demanding (.883) and owns the 30th-ranked penalty kill (73.1 percent), it needs help. answers. The club "didn’t fill the void" left by top-pair defenseman Matt Niskanen, "There’s no doubt that it’s very hard to take," Flyers head coach Alain as Fletcher said in March. The general manager has gone 1 for 2 in his Vigneault said Monday. "I feel like I’ve let people down." offseasons with the Flyers and this is undoubtedly his biggest one ahead.

On Monday at Virtua Center Flyers Skate Zone, three of the leaders in In order for the Flyers to fill holes, they may need to make a decent charge of the organization's direction offered answers for why they felt a shakeup because of the flat-cap world. The decisions won't be easy. season with such high expectations went so badly awry. "I think we have quite a few priorities," Fletcher said. "Looking outside the Here are our five takeaways from Monday's end-of-the-season press organization, certainly we could upgrade I think everywhere — up front, conference with Vigneault, general manager Chuck Fletcher and defense. Certainly we’re going to have to take a look at our situation in Comcast Spectacor chairman and CEO Dave Scott. goal, which has kind of been a constant struggle here for years. So we have different areas we have to look at." 1. 'I need a normal season' But Fletcher bluntly admitted the Flyers were let down by just about all of The Flyers entered March with an 11-4-3 record and East Division-best their younger pieces. Much of his quieter offseason last fall revolved .694 points percentage. They went 14-19-5 with a .434 points percentage around the stagnant cap and the Flyers trusting their youth to jump on and minus-46 goal differential the rest of the way. greater roles. It did not happen. The Flyers' inexperience showed as growing pains were prevalent throughout the roster. The season went off course in March, but the derailment may have started brewing in February. The Flyers had a COVID-19 shutdown from "We also need a lot of our young players to be better," Fletcher said, Feb. 9-15, which seemed to cause serious ripple effects. Six key regulars following up. "I would say really with the exception of Joel Farabee, I had 14-day quarantines after testing positive. The Flyers got their full would say the majority of our young players either plateaued or took a lineup back for the first time March 2 and played 17 games that month. step back this year. That’s a big concern for me. Since 2014, this They went from Feb. 27 to March 31 without having two days between franchise has put a lot of time and effort into drafting and developing games. young players. Frankly, for us to take a step forward, we’re going to need that group of players to take on a bigger role, play better and help us win "We had a tough March, there’s no question," Fletcher said. "I’ve never games. been on a team that played 17 games in a month; I think I’ve been on a team that had 16 maybe once, but typically you’re playing 15 games a "We’re going to have to look outside the organization, but certainly it’s month. So it was tough, there wasn’t a lot of time to reset. A lot of other difficult to replace the whole team. You’re going to need your young teams went through it. It was probably a harder time of the year to go players to take a step and be better. They have a big summer ahead of through when you’re struggling — you don’t have much time to practice them, so we’re hopeful that as things normalize, this offseason hopefully or reset." it’s easier for many of these young players to skate, to train and to prepare more normally than maybe they were able to do last offseason. The topic of the Flyers' struggles with the COVID-19-impacted season We’re hopeful that we’ll see an energized group of players come training has been a polarizing one. It was a season of unprecedented camp.” adjustments. Because the entire NHL had to deal with the same adjustments, many do not want the Flyers to use them as an excuse for Zack Hill/Philadelphia Flyers their failures this season. But the Flyers would be ignorant and dishonest if they claimed COVID-19 had nothing to do with the outcome of their 3. Talkin' 'bout practice season. As evident by the Flyers' current state, the club did not adjust to The Flyers mentioned one of the various challenges to the 2020-21 or rebound well from the circumstances. season was the condensed schedule resulting in less practice time. "It was really challenging," Fletcher said. "Maybe some teams handled it Vigneault said what compounded the problems for the younger players better than we did. I think of the 28, 29 players that were around our was having little time to correct issues in practice, particularly following team this year, counting the taxi squad, 20 players over the course of the the club's COVID-19 pause. last five or six months had COVID. We got hit pretty hard at various "After starting the season where we got off, results-wise, to a good start times. Some players seemed to come back stronger. I give [Claude] — a lot due to we had some real solid goaltending — our team started to Giroux a lot of credit, [Jakub] Voracek, some of these guys came back play better, our goaltending slipped a little bit, COVID hit us and after and seemed to get better. Other players seemed to struggle. Some COVID, all we basically did was play games and not practice," Vigneault players got hit November and December right before camp, which wasn’t said. “I think this group, because we’ve got veteran players, just a small ideal for coming into a shortened camp in top shape. Look, every team group of players in that middle age frame of 27, 28, and a lot of younger had to deal with it. We did the best we could." players — those younger players, when the game slips a little bit or we’re Vigneault emphasized "normal." If the head coach held back his feelings not quite executing the way we need to to have success, you have to during the season, he did not hide them Monday. He's itching for practice. And we didn’t have any practice time. normalcy and the opportunities it could offer the Flyers. Last season was "I’m not saying that’s the reason; a lot of things happened. I’m going to halted, restarted and finished in the Toronto bubble. This season began need some time to reflect on it, but I do think that played a part in our late, was shortened and crammed. Vigneault is asking Flyers fans for the game slipping and our season going the way it did.” Some food for thought: But, overall, he expressed faith in Fletcher, Vigneault and the Flyers' direction. It sounded as if he certainly understood the extenuating Vigneault's system is predicated on a relentless forecheck, a constant circumstances of this season. get-after-you effort and a possession-based game. The Flyers are not an immensely skilled team. They're not the Lightning or the Oilers or the "We’ve all talked about it, we’re not happy where we are," Scott said. Maple Leafs. Last season, the Flyers dictated games by wearing teams "There’s been frustration, there’s been anger, but this is where we sit. It down. To play that style, you have to be conditioned and balanced, like a comes down to accountability and we’re all accountable for the success well-oiled machine. The Flyers must've experienced difficulty playing their of this team. That starts with me, ownership, the front office, the coaching system, the way they truly wanted to play, if they struggled with rest and staff and the players. recovery through a unique schedule. "Where we sit, I can’t help but feel for our fans. I’ve talked about this "I came to Philly to win a Stanley Cup," Vigneault said. "I told Chuck publicly — they deserve so much more, the city of Philadelphia deserves when we were officially eliminated that I sort of felt like I’ve let everyone so much more, we deserve a winning hockey team. down here, from him to ownership to our fans to our players. Just after the start that we had, got the team playing better, and then, like I "At this point, the season's over and I think we’re picking up our head. I mentioned, goaltending, COVID and no practice time — I just wasn’t able think Alain said it best, it’s time to reflect a little bit about where we’re to put the ship back on track. I’m going to need some time obviously on a going. Certainly we have the resources to put something pretty good personal level to reflect on the season. Like the rest of society, it’s our together this summer, we have the time. Not easy in a cap world, but I’m first pandemic that we go through — there’s obviously some things confident Chuck will be creative and we’ll figure a way to improve the reflecting on that we might want to change how I handled and how I did team as we look to the next season." things. On a personal level, I’m going to need some time here to get the Was Scott disappointed with Fletcher's second offseason? emotion out of the way and analyze this properly." “I wouldn’t say disappointed," he said. "I can tell you it wasn’t a lack of Zack Hill/Philadelphia Flyers effort. There were a lot of conversations with different teams, tried to get 4. Oh, Canada some things done. We weren’t able to get everything done that we would have liked to have gotten done. Matt Niskanen left a big hole and we Vigneault said he had a couple of theories for why the Flyers' season fell weren’t able to fill that hole. But I can tell you it wasn’t a lack of effort on so short. Chuck’s part.”

On the topic of preparing through a pandemic, the Flyers said some of Carter Hart, the 22-year-old goalie who was expected to be the backbone their younger players who reside in Canada during the offseason had to the club's anticipated run in 2020-21, was one of the Flyers' young trouble with training amid the tight COVID restrictions. players who struggled the most with the pandemic season.

"Talking about our young players and just Joel Farabee taking strides," There's no ignoring the reality of the world right now. Nobody is immune Vigneault said. "The difference between Joel Farabee, an American who to it. The Flyers were forthright in admitting they didn't deal with it well, stayed in the States and was able to train, and our Canadian players, all stemming to offseason preparation. the ones that went back to Canada — G had a good year, more experience. [Sean Couturier], in my estimation, had a good year but But, boy, the pressure is on in 2021-22 to get it right. There won't be didn’t have a Coots-type season like he had with me last year. If I look at excuses if the NHL expectedly returns to normal. The Flyers are saying all the other players that went to Canada, they struggled. Whether it's they can get back as the world gets back. The offseason has arrived and because of lack of training possibilities, lack of skating possibilities, but so, too, has the time for the Flyers to start proving themselves in 2021- one of my questions — and we're meeting with the players this afternoon 22. — is what are you doing this summer? If things stay the way they are "I’m going to regroup, analyze and come back better next year," right now in Canada, they’re going to have to make some adjustments to Vigneault said. "It didn’t go the way we anticipated, it’s adversity. If their summer plans. This is just our team, I can’t reflect on throughout the adversity can help Carter Hart become better, adversity can help Alain rest of the NHL, but our team, the Canadian players that went back to Vigneault get better, adversity can help the Flyers get better. Maybe the Canada, had a challenging time." Flyers have been through a lot of that in the last little while, but it’s our Assistant coaches Michel Therrien and Mike Yeo have head coaching job, Chuck and I, to get these players to play up to their full potential. And experience. Therrien led the Penguins to the 2008 Stanley Cup Final as that’s what we’re going to do starting next year." a head coach, while Yeo has a Stanley Cup ring from his days as an Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.13.2021 assistant in Pittsburgh. Assistant coach Ian Laperriere knows the roster extremely well, having held a role in the Flyers' player development since 2012.

The 2020-21 season was Year 2 under Vigneault, Therrien and Yeo. Fletcher believes the qualifications above will steer the Flyers' youth back in the right direction.

"That’s why, to be honest with you, I’m happy we have this experienced coaching staff," Fletcher said. "A.V., Mike Therrien, Mike Yeo, Ian Laperriere, they’ve seen a lot of different scenarios during their time in the league. I’m fully confident that they’ll have the best approach for how to bring these kids back.

"Some of it has to fall on the players, it’s up to the players to be prepared to come into camp next year. As A.V. alluded to, a couple of those kids that did go back to Canada, I remember speaking with them in October and November, they were having a hard time getting ice time, they were having a hard time, gyms were shut down. Some of them had some adjustments to make and were having a tough time doing the training that they normally do. Our expectation is they'll be able to find a better path to train this offseason."

Zack Hill/Philadelphia Flyers

5. Will Flyers back it all up?

Scott said the Flyers' 2020-21 season was "not an acceptable level of performance — period." 1188174 Philadelphia Flyers Instead, Hart delivered one of the worst seasons by a starting NHL goalie in recent history.

Hart’s exit interview day acknowledgment that he struggled with the Philadelphia Flyers offseason to-do list: The top 5 priorities for what mental challenges related to the pandemic helped explain what went should be a busy summer wrong and was perfectly understandable given the unprecedented nature of the past calendar year. But the technical side of Hart’s game wasn’t perfect either, and he’ll need to address those issues thoroughly this summer to bounce back. By Charlie O'Connor May 12, 2021 For the Flyers, few things are more important to their long-term plan than

the revitalization of Hart. Former general manager Ron Hextall’s The Philadelphia Flyers’ season is over. The coaches, management and restocking of the prospect pipeline brought in tons of viable NHL youth, players have had their final say in exit interviews. It’s now time for the but realistically, there were only three players who projected as potential long offseason. stars if everything broke right: Provorov, Nolan Patrick and Hart. Provorov, while good, doesn’t exactly look poised to reach Alex But don’t worry: It promises to be a busy one. Pietrangelo levels at the moment. Patrick, the Flyers’ No. 2 overall pick from 2017, hasn’t lived up to expectations at all. So that leaves Hart, who It’s been clear for months that the Flyers are expecting to be busy this did appear to be on track to becoming a top-tier NHL goalie — until the summer. That’s what happens when a team underachieves dramatically floor fell out from under him this season. in the wake of an apparent step-forward season. But what will that busy offseason entail? What should the Flyers’ top priorities be entering the Getting Hart back on track would go a long way toward “fixing” the Flyers, summer, as the front office does its deep dive on the season and tries to and without him at least performing like a solid NHL goalie, they’ll be plot its next move? hard-pressed to return even to minor relevancy. Is it as simple as trusting Hart will have a successful offseason back home? Should the Flyers be Here are the top five: more hands-on with him this summer? Do they have the right coaching 1. Top-pair defenseman staff in place to help him reach his ceiling? These are all questions the Flyers need to ask themselves to give Hart the best chance of long-term In other words, the glaring need that they failed to address heading into success. 2020-21. Can Carter Hart get back to his 2019-20 form after a tough 2020-21 It’s not quite fair to say that general manager Chuck Fletcher’s failure to season? (Eric Hartline / USA Today) properly replace Matt Niskanen singlehandedly buried the Flyers this past season, but let’s be honest: It was a big part of the problem. None of 3. Figure out the penalty kill the internal candidates — Philippe Myers, , Travis In fairness, addressing Priorities 1 and 2 would likely go a long way Sanheim, Justin Braun — thrived in the role, with Myers, in particular, toward an improvement in Priority 3. But it still deserves to be its own regressing even when used further down the lineup. The Flyers entered category, simply because the penalty kill has been such a longstanding the season with only three defensemen they had relative confidence problem. were of top-four quality (Ivan Provorov, Sanheim and Myers), and Myers’ regression left them with two. Braun and Gostisbehere did their best to Yes, it was a clear strength in 2019-20. Under new assistant coach Mike be stopgaps, but they were always temporary solutions to a long-term Yeo, the Flyers’ penalty kill transformed into a dynamic, attacking unit problem. capable of forcing turnovers and even cashing in with shorthanded goals on a semi-regular basis. But after this season’s ranking of 30th, 2019-20 In fact, this particular hole is even more pressing in 2021 than 2020, is looking like the anomaly. Since 2014-15, the Flyers have ranked 27th, because of the season Provorov had. In 2019-20, Provorov appeared to 20th, 21st, 29th, 26th, 11th, and 30th. Which season looks like the outlier have taken a significant step forward in his progression, shaking off a there? disappointing 2018-19 campaign and re-establishing himself as a legitimate top-pair blueliner in terms of value added. Niskanen had In Yeo’s defense, he showed last season that he can coach a successful certainly helped, but the thinking went that Provorov could now be ready PK. But is he still the right person for the job, after watching the two units for true No. 1 defenseman status — capable of taking second-pair caliber he coaches — the PK and defense — struggle mightily all season? If Yeo blueliners and elevating their play to top-pair quality. does stick around, which seems likely based on Chuck Fletcher’s comments on exit interview day, what additions need to be made in order Instead, Provorov regressed too. His scoring numbers remained solid, to allow for his preferred system to work? Robert Hägg noted on Tuesday and his off-puck defense was generally fine. But he was back to being a that from an X’s and O’s standpoint, the PK system preached by Yeo negative-impact defenseman at even strength, both from a shot-volume was basically identical to the one that succeeded in 2019-20. The issue and shot-quality standpoint. His semi-regular flubs with the puck make it was more a matter of execution. difficult for him to facilitate offense at even strength and difficult to rely upon him for consistency on the power play. Right now, Provorov looks a So do they have the pieces already on hand to turn around the PK? lot more like a good No. 2 — who needs a balanced, strong partner to Recent history implies they might not. And if that’s the case, is one high- excel in difficult minutes — than a true No. 1. end defenseman enough to fix things, or do they need multiple pieces (at defense and forward) to turn a liability back into a strength? This means for the Flyers’ blueline corps to slot in comfortably, they don’t merely need to add a Niskanen replacement, since he was more of a No. 4. Clear out cap space necessary to make additions 2 as well. They need a high-end top-pair defenseman, capable of both moving the puck and defending at a high level. That won’t be easy to The Flyers’ brain trust hasn’t been shy about its desire to make additions acquire, but it stands as a clear need. to the roster this offseason. Top-pair defenseman, a shoot-first forward, a high-end backup netminder, perhaps some skilled grit for the bottom of 2. Get Carter Hart right the lineup — apparently, they’re all priorities for the front office this summer. It’s impossible to overstate just how “out-of-nowhere” Carter Hart’s 2020- 21 season was. The problem with those lofty aspirations? Philadelphia doesn’t exactly have the cap space available for 2021-22 to add all of those players. It We’re talking about a goalie who dominated junior hockey to a ridiculous might not have enough to add more than one. degree, who made it to the NHL by the age of 20 and put up solid results there, who was an above-average NHL goalie by 21, and who put up a Let’s assume that all of Morgan Frost, Wade Allison, Tanner Laczynski stellar .926 save percentage in the NHL playoffs just after turning 22. and Cam York make the roster out of camp (or prospects with similar cap Sure, there were still scattered concerns about his athleticism and the hits to them). That gives the Flyers 19 players under contract for 2021-22 understanding that netminder performance is notoriously volatile from with $12.2 million in space left to fill four spots. Not bad, right? Except year to year, but Hart certainly looked the part of a goaltender worthy of two of those players are restricted free agents Hart and Sanheim, who trust. He had given the Flyers no reason to doubt his ability to at least even after down years, can still be expected to take up a big chunk of provide competent netminding and possibly far more. that remaining space with their looming extensions. Add in Patrick, also an RFA, and the need for a backup goalie, and that $12 million disappears fast — even without making “big adds” elsewhere on the roster.

So if the Flyers want that impact blueliner or shoot-first sniper, they’re going to need to move some pieces out to fit them. Perhaps the expansion draft could aid them in this endeavor, but it’s no guarantee that the Seattle Kraken would want to take any of Philadelphia’s big contracts, even if James van Riemsdyk, in particular, does make sense as an option for them. It’s possible that Fletcher could work out an arrangement where Kraken GM Ron Francis takes on a specific Flyers player of Fletcher’s choice for additional compensation. Fletcher could also look to make a “hockey trade” involving a big-contract player for a cheaper one. Or he could look to sell off a player or two in salary dumps, so long as he can find a taker.

In a stagnant-cap world, such moves won’t be easy. But they’re necessary if Fletcher and the Flyers front office want to make the moves that they claim to be looking to make.

5. Identify if there truly is an issue with “the mix”

This is the most nebulous of priorities, but one could argue it’s also the most important.

Maybe there is nothing wrong with the current mix. Maybe the organization’s “one good year, one bad year” trend that has held since 2013 was solely the result of a limited roster, and 2019-20 really was the start of a “new era” of Flyers hockey, with 2020-21 only being ruined by the pandemic. Maybe the best course of action for the Flyers is to make a few adds but avoid an overreaction and reap the rewards come next season.

But there were concerning signs this season. The poor starts, the defensive breakdowns, the blown leads, the ugly losses — they all spoke to a potential intangible problem with the club, especially because all four issues were recurring ones from 2013 to 2018, as well. Add in legitimate concerns about the roster composition — too many pass-first forwards, a lack of true speedsters, one too many offense-leaning defensemen, a perceived lack of physicality and pushback against intimidation — and it’s not difficult to go down the rabbit hole of this particular Flyers club being one that just isn’t destined to work as a cohesive whole.

Some of these “issues” are likely fantasy, merely frustrated rantings from a fanbase tired of a decade’s worth of mediocrity. But there are likely a few that truly hold water. It’s on Fletcher and his staff to identify which ones they are and address them as quickly and effectively as possible. That could involve trading a popular youngster or moving out a long- standing veteran. It could result in Fletcher “losing” a trade or two, at least on paper. But if it removes role redundancy in the lineup and serves to create a more cohesive team, then it’s justified. Fletcher just has to be sure he’s right before taking that kind of risk.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188175 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins defenseman Mike Matheson's game looks different

SETH RORABAUGH | Wednesday, May 12, 2021 8:03 p.m.

Mike Matheson looks different.

After all, the Penguins defenseman has a black left eye.

That came from a teammate. During a 3-0 road win against the Washington Capitals, Matheson took a puck in the face on an errant clearing attempt by goaltender Tristan Jarry.

As a result, Matheson missed the final four games of the regular season and saw his chances to land on the cover of GQ decrease substantially.

He also had to dress differently.

At least from the neck up.

During practices this week in Cranberry, Matheson has been donning a cage on his helmet to protect the unspecified injury to his face.

He has not sported such an apparatus since he was playing at the NCAA level with Boston College in 2015.

“I feel good,” Matheson said. “It’s weird putting that cage back on. I haven’t worn it since college. It’s a bit of an adjustment, but I feel good.”

Matheson also looks different in ways that go beyond the boundaries of cosmetic appeal.

He appears much more assured of himself as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins than he ever did with the Florida Panthers.

“My confidence level is just at a new level compared to last year. It was a tough year, and I put all of that on my shoulders,” said Matheson, who largely was disappointing after the Panthers selected him in the first round of the 2012 draft.

“ Obviously, I didn’t deliver, and I didn’t play up to my potential. And I only have myself to blame for that. That’s where my head was at going into the offseason, and my only focus was making sure that I came ready to play this year. Throughout this season, my focus was just to build my game up, and step by step, get back to the level that I wanted to be at. I feel like I’m getting there. I still have a lot to work on, just like any player.

“But I think my confidence level is in a lot better place where I’m less worried about making mistakes. That’s the hardest thing to do is if you’re thinking about making mistakes … you’re going to make a lot of them because that’s what you’re thinking about. Being able to be in a better place mentally during games, I’m reading and reacting and making plays and being a little more sure of myself.”

Matheson participated in the Panthers’ brief entry in the 2020 postseason tournament that was jury-rigged with a different format because of the pandemic. But during the Panthers’ four-game run in which they were eliminated by the New York Islanders, Matheson was a healthy scratch for two of those contests.

Acquired by the Penguins in a September trade, he is eager to get back to a more traditional playoff format for the first time since 2016.

“I’m super excited to be able to get into the playoffs here,” Matheson said. “As much as the (qualifying-round games) were playoff hockey in a sense, they weren’t the real playoffs. It’s been a long time. It’s been five years I guess since I played in a playoff hockey game, and I’m pumped to back in one.”

Notes: Goaltender Casey DeSmith participated in practice Wednesday in Cranberry for the first time since he suffered an undisclosed injury during a 7-2 road loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on May 3. While DeSmith and forward Evgeni Malkin each practiced, they did not take part in a scrimmage for what coach Mike Sullivan termed as a “coach’s decision.” Malkin recently missed 23 games with a presumed right knee injury.

Tribune Review LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188176 Pittsburgh Penguins hockey down the stretch. So I think we need to bring that and to another level when the playoff start.”

Regardless of their success this postseason, the Penguins likely will be Penguins captain Sidney Crosby cherishes 'every opportunity' in entering a busy offseason. With an expansion draft, a flat salary cap and postseason new management, this franchise could look drastically different, especially given that Crosby’s longtime teammates, Letang and forward Evgeni Malkin, will be entering the final years of their contracts.

Seth Rorabaugh If the prospect of this team being broken up by the realities listed above is anything Crosby and company are dwelling on, the captain isn’t tipping

his hand. Practice was over. And Alex D’Orio was doing his “job.” “We don’t really talk about it,” Crosby said. “It’s enough when you have to As a mid-level prospect, D’Orio, an undrafted goaltender, was doing what prepare and get ready to start. We’re excited. We’ve been fortunate most rookies are “supposed” to do, clearing the ice of pucks and the nets enough to share a lot of playoff games together, and important ones. You Wednesday in Cranberry after the Penguins had concluded nearly two try to cherish every opportunity. Make the most of it. hours of practicing and scrimmaging. “Regardless of what the situation is, you’ve just got to take advantage of He was skating to the northeast end of the rink to dislodge the net and the opportunities when you get them and we have one. We’re looking to clear the way for a maintenance crew to clean the ice. do something with it.”

But just as he crossed the center-ice red line, he was given something of Tribune Review LOADED: 05.13.2021 a reprieve.

“No, I got it!”

The captain had spoken, and D’Orio felt secure enough to head to the dressing room.

Sidney Crosby grabbed the net and skated it to the left-wing boards before leaving the rink.

The name on the building the Penguins practice in is Mario Lemieux’s and sure enough, he’s one of the owners of the team.

But this is Crosby’s team.

And he wants to do everything within his power to give it the best chance to win.

If making D’Orio — no better than fourth on the organization’s depth chart in net — comfortable around a lineup full of All-Stars gets the Penguins even one-tenth of 1% closer to another Stanley Cup title, Crosby will exhaust everything at his disposal to make sure the rookie feels part of the team.

Before he grabbed the net, Crosby and defenseman Kris Letang spent a handful of minutes helping D’Orio pick up stray pucks.

“I know how excited he gets to play at this time of year,” coach Mike Sullivan said via video conference. “He wants to win in the worst way. When he comes to the rink, he exudes that. Just the way he carries himself, the way he interacts with his teammates, both on the ice and off the ice. Our players recognize that. Certainly, our coaching staff does. That’s part of what makes Sid the leader that he is.”

Considering the Penguins were forced to use 35 players during the regular season because of traditional hockey-related injuries to the still- evolving protocols related to covid-19, Crosby had to roll out the welcome mat for more than a few people, ranging from neophyte prospects such as forward Radim Zohorna and battle-hardened veterans such as defenseman Yannick Weber.

Crosby views those new faces as a strength.

“There’s been a lot of injuries and a lot of guys in and out of the lineup,” Crosby said. “When you’re thrown into it and given a lot of responsibility, I think that helps right away to feel comfortable. As far as off the ice, I think just the energy and the excitement guys have brought just coming to our team — whether they came from other places or came from (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) — whatever their situation was, I think they came in and really thrived on the opportunity and were really excited. That’s contagious. There’s been some great energy and enthusiasm all year long., especially given the situation that we’re in.

The Penguins are hoping to avoid the situation they’ve been in each of the past two postseasons when they failed to win a series. In 2019, they were swept by the New York Islanders in the first round. Then, during the qualifying round of the 2020 postseason tournament, they were upset by the lowly Montreal Canadiens, 3-1.

“You’re always motivated going into the playoffs,” Crosby said. “To have those two experiences fresh in your mind will add some motivation for guys who are a part of it. But it’s a new group, and we played some good 1188177 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins goaltender Casey DeSmith rejoins practice

Seth Rorabaugh

Penguins goaltender Casey DeSmith rejoined his team for practice Wednesday in Cranberry.

He had been sidelined since May 3 after he suffered an undisclosed injury during a 7-2 road loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.

While DeSmith and forward Evgeni Malkin did participate in practice, neither player took part in a scrimmage session. Coach Mike Sullivan labeled their absence from the scrimmages as a “coach’s decision.”

Malkin recently missed 23 games because of a presumed knee injury.

Tribune Review LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188178 Pittsburgh Penguins brilliant all-around season. Letang added structure and sense without losing his game’s identity. That was no easy task.

Make no mistake: The Penguins’ chances revolve around the core three Mark Madden: Penguins are better than Islanders, but crazy things as much as ever. happen in the playoffs With nine goals in 14 games since coming to Pittsburgh, Jeff Carter is a true wild card. The Penguins’ third line of Carter, McCann and Frederick Gaudreau might be a godsend. If only it had initials that fit together in Mark Madden snappy fashion. (GMC? Maybe get a truck sponsorship.)

Playoff series are funny. Crazy things occur sometimes.

The New York Islanders are the preferred first-round matchup for the Defenseman Ron Hainsey descended from the press box to be a stalwart Penguins. You asked for it, you got it. The players and staff likely feel the in 2017’s Stanley Cup victory. Center Nick Bonino had 18 points in 24 same, albeit quietly. playoff games when the Penguins won the Cup in ’16. Bonino never has produced at that rate since, nor did he before. That’s sometimes when the trouble starts. But mostly, crazy things don’t happen. The Penguins will beat the But that shouldn’t be the case on this occasion, the Islanders’ series Islanders in six games, maybe five. sweep of the Penguins in 2019 duly noted. Tribune Review LOADED: 05.13.2021 It’s only two years later, but these aren’t those Penguins or those Islanders.

These Penguins counter system with system. Cheating on the offensive side of the puck has given way to intelligent weighing of risk vs. reward. They manage score and situation.

These Penguins have speed and skill through the neutral zone from back to front. Erik Gudbranson, Jack Johnson and Olli Maatta have been replaced on defense by Cody Ceci, Mike Matheson and John Marino. Brandon Tanev adds a lightning bolt at wing. Tanev, Teddy Blueger and Zach Aston-Reese give the Penguins a legit answer to the Islanders’ famous fourth line of Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin.

The Penguins defensive corps has the talent to move the puck through the neutral zone via skating or passing. It has the wheels to deal with the Islanders’ relentless forecheck.

The Penguins have won eight of 10. The Islanders have lost seven of 10.

The Penguins went 6-2 against the Islanders this season. That includes going 4-0 at PPG Paints Arena, where the series’ first two games get played. The Penguins are a league-best 22-4-2 at home. The Islanders are just 11-13-4 on the road.

Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov is quality, but his eye-popping stats mostly reflect his team’s defense-first system. Varlamov was second in save percentage (.929), third in goals-against average (2.04). But he’s no Robin Lehner, who stymied the Penguins in ’19 and was a Vezina Trophy (top goalie) finalist that year. Varlamov is nursing an injury. That could put rookie Ilya Sorokin in goal for Game 1.

Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry is a question mark. He never has won a playoff game, let alone a series. But Jarry had a solid year. Just don’t play too deep in the net.

Attack is where the Penguins have an overwhelming edge. The Penguins scored a league-best 196 goals. The Islanders scored 40 less. (The Islanders also allowed 28 less.)

The Penguins’ top-end offensive talent dwarfs the Islanders’. Center Matthew Barzal is the only Islanders forward who could crack the Penguins’ top six, and he’d have to move to wing. (Barzal is real good.)

The Islanders can labor to score, especially in the absence of power forward Anders Lee, out for the season after knee surgery. Winger Kyle Palmieri came from New Jersey at the trade deadline, but he scored just twice in 17 games. Center J-G Pageau was last season’s big deadline get, but he netted just 14 goals.

The Islanders just don’t score much. They tallied just 22 even-strength goals in their last 14 games. Their rigid system can stop foes, but it might stifle their own talent a bit.

A defenseman led the Islanders in assists. But isn’t Paul Coffey.

After a season that saw them lose more man-games than all but three NHL teams, the Penguins might be 100% for the playoffs.

Sidney Crosby has seven goals in his last 11 outings, blazing a 200-foot trail each game. Evgeni Malkin still seems a bit gimpy but has four assists in four games since returning and mostly looks the part. Kris Letang got 45 points in 55 games, was a team-best plus-19 and had a 1188179 Pittsburgh Penguins That makes me believe Trotz’s comments were as much mind games as anything else. We’ve seen Trotz do this during prior series against the Penguins when he was coaching with the Islanders or the Capitals.

Tim Benz: Is Barry Trotz already playing mind games with Penguins' He usually avoids bluster and bombast but specializes in mild jabs and goalies? Or just telling the truth? complaints about officiating and game trends. As he did after that Bruins game when he shoehorned in an understated but obvious gripe that the Bruins were allegedly exaggerating contact to draw penalties.

TIM BENZ | Wednesday, May 12, 2021 6:03 a.m. If Sullivan is looking for another counter to deflect the attempts to rattle Jarry and DeSmith, it’s pretty easy. “Inexperienced” as they may be,

those two were good enough to win six games in eight tries against the I don’t think what New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said about Islanders this year, allowing just 2.38 goals per game. Of their seven the Pittsburgh Penguins exactly qualifies as “trash talk.” East Division opponents, only the last-place Buffalo Sabres had a worse goals per game average against the Penguins this season (1.75). Hardly “straight fire” as you kids say on the Twitters and the TikToks. For his part, Jarry is 8-1 against the Islanders in nine starts over his But it’s worth noting. career. His .925 save percentage and 2.12 goals against average are better numbers than he has against any other East Division team. During his postgame comments following New York’s overtime loss in Boston on Monday night, Trotz was asked about facing the Penguins in If I know that, then Trotz knows that. Which, if you made me guess, is the first round of the NHL playoffs. exactly why he said what he said.

He went through the usual coach speak of propping up the opponent, Jarry knows he can beat the Islanders. What he doesn’t know is if he can citing chapter and verse all the positive attributes of the 2021 East win playoff games. So Trotz wants him thinking about that second thing Division champs. Until he got to one position in particular. instead.

“They’ve got a real good forward group. The (defensemen) are mobile. So let the games begin. On the ice. And in the heads of the players. They’ve got two inexperienced goaltenders. And they play a real good team game. They aren’t afraid to put it north and forecheck. They play a The Penguins are certainly “experienced” enough to know this is all part 200-foot game,” Trotz said. of the process.

Pretty dismissive assessment of the Penguins goalie situation, wasn’t it? Tribune Review LOADED: 05.13.2021

Everything about the Penguins is great. But, simply put, the goalies are “inexperienced.”

And that’s it.

As I said, I’m not even sure that quote rises to the level of bulletin-board material. How about we call that … umm … “accidental transparency”?

Does that work for you? Because I think that sums up what was said.

We need to point out something else. Trotz is right.

Both Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith are inexperienced in the playoffs. Jarry has one start — a 2-0 loss in Game 4 of the 2020 qualifying round series failure against the Montreal Canadiens.

DeSmith has exactly one less postseason start than that.

So all Trotz is doing is telling the truth. But that statement is also a window into his mind about what he thinks of the Penguins goalies heading into the series. It’s obvious he’s thinking that there might be an advantage for his Islanders to exploit in the opposing net.

Since Trotz is accurate, the response back from Penguins fans — or even Pens head coach Mike Sullivan — should be: “Yeah. Our guys are inexperienced. But what’s the situation in their cage?”

One of the New York goalies, 25-year-old Ilya Sorokin, doesn’t have any postseason experience either. His NHL debut just occurred in January. The other netminder, presumptive series starter Semyon Varlamov, does have lots of experience. He’s 32 and has been between the pipes in 46 postseason games.

His numbers are respectable. Varlamov is 24-20 with a 2.38 goals against average and a .917 save percentage. But four of those losses came against Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2009 playoffs. He allowed 16 goals in those four defeats.

Not to mention, Varlamov suffered what Trotz called a “strain” of some sort during that loss Monday night and was pulled from the game. Yet Trotz insisted that Varlamov could’ve kept playing if necessary. He just preferred to be cautious so close to the playoffs.

Later in his comments, Trotz also managed to work in how much he liked his own goaltending situation. And he subtly stated how his Islanders are “comfortable when things are uncomfortable.”

Which, perhaps, “inexperienced” goalies may not be. 1188180 Pittsburgh Penguins it. Certainly, our coaching staff does. I think that’s part of what makes Sid the leader he is."

In a few months, Crosby will blow out the candles to celebrate his 34th. If Penguins notes: Healthy and motivated, Sidney Crosby takes aim at all goes well, he’ll be raising more than a glass. fourth Stanley Cup Malkin practices, but skips scrimmage

Malkin participated in a full capacity at practice on Wednesday. Well, at MIKE DEFABO least for part of it.

The big center skated for a significant period of time before practice began with skills coach Ty Hennes. He continued on-ice training during Sidney Crosby’s 33rd birthday party had just been crashed by the the Penguins normal practice segment, which featured power play work Montreal Canadiens, ending the Penguins' brief stay in the 2020 and other drills. postseason bubble, when the captain turned reflective. However, the star center did not take part in the live scrimmage during “It’s been a tough year and a half,” a candid Crosby said in a postgame the second part of practice. Sullivan said it was a coach’s decision to video call about nine months ago. hold Malkin out.

It began in 2019, when the Penguins were swept in four games by the Malkin missed about six weeks due to the right knee injury he sustained New York Islanders. One of the longest offseasons in Crosby’s career on March 16. He returned for the final four games of the season, tallying turned into one of the strangest regular seasons in NHL history. Crosby four assists. In the final game of the season against the Sabres, Malkin played through an injury initially before eventually opting for sports hernia believed he tweaked something and did not take a shift for the final eight surgery in November of 2019. Then, just as he was getting back up to minutes. Sullivan said after the game the Penguins held Malkin out for speed, the COVID-19 pandemic paused the season. precautionary reasons.

Four months off. Four games in the bubble. And then it was over. The star center was a full participant in each of the Penguins’ previous practices this week, including Monday’s optional workout and Tuesday’s ‘He’s fired up’: Could Jeff Carter complete Penguins’ championship full-team skate. He also stuck around after Tuesday to do a variety of puzzle? intense skating drills. This season, in a lot of ways, it’s been the opposite. While nothing has Injury updates been easy for anyone over the last calendar year, the Penguins made the most of their unprecedented season thanks in large part to the Penguins backup goalie Casey DeSmith returned to practice in a full- leadership of their captain. contact capacity on Wednesday. Like Malkin, he participated in the initial practice session but not in the scrimmage. Healthy and motivated, Crosby once again led the Penguins in goals (24) and points (62) on the way to claiming the East Division title. Along the The 29-year-old netminder left a game against the Philadelphia Flyers on way, Crosby continued to prove his prowess as a two-way player. Don’t May 3 with a lower-body injury. He was not available for the final three be surprised when he appears on a number of Selke Trophy ballots. games of the season and had been working separately with goaltending coach Mike Buckley. In 20 games this season, DeSmith has posted a Now, after crossing off several more milestones (including his 1,000th 2.54 goals-against average and .912 save percentage. game), Crosby will take aim at his fourth Stanley Cup with an opportunity to push those recent postseason flameouts into the rearview mirror. In other injury news, Brandon Tanev (upper body), Mike Matheson (face) and Evan Rodrigues (lower body) all skated in a full capacity for the “I think to have those two experiences fresh in your mind will add some entirety of practice and the scrimmage. motivation for guys who were part of it,” Crosby said on Wednesday when asked about the 2019 and 2020 playoffs. “But it’s a new group. We Post Gazette LOADED: 05.13.2021 played some good hockey down the stretch. I think we need to bring that, and another level, when the playoffs start.”

Seemingly every year, people are trying to define and quantify the Penguins’ championship window. How many more years will the core, featuring Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, stick together? How many more shots will Crosby himself have?

Answering those questions is a fool’s errand, with about as good of odds as winning the 50-50 raffle at PPG Paints Arena.

But just looking at the depth that the Penguins have accumulated and the relative health of this team, if Crosby is going to win another Cup, this seems like as good of a chance as any. And if he’s going to hand that Cup to Geno or Letang? Well, it's not unreasonable to wonder if this might be one of the last chances.

Analysis: Penguins could face tough first-round test in an Islanders team that’s gotten better since 2019

“We’ve been fortunate to share a lot of playoff games together, and important ones,” Crosby said. “I think you try to cherish every opportunity and make the most of it regardless of what the situation is.”

At recent practices, Crosby has consistently been one of the last players off the ice. On Tuesday, he stuck around to keep Malkin company while the Russian center went through some skating drills to get back up to full speed. On Wednesday, Crosby again was the final player on the ice after finishing the session off alongside Letang.

Even without saying a word, there’s a certain energy around Crosby this time of year.

“I know how excited he gets this time of year,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “He wants to win in the worst way. I think when he comes to the rink, he exudes that. The way he carries himself. The way he interacts with his teammates, both on the ice and off the ice. I think our players recognize 1188181 Pittsburgh Penguins case, new GM Ron Hextall for the upgrades. The Islanders were quicker than the Penguins two years ago. That decidedly is not the case this time around.

Joe Starkey: Penguins in far better place than last Islanders series The Penguins also have much better versions of Jared McCann, Zach Aston-Reese and Bryan Rust (no goals, four shots, minus-4 rating in four-game series), who found himself on the fourth line when training camp began the next season. JOE STARKEY Now look on defense. In addition to Kris Letang, Brian Dumoulin and

Marcus Pettersson, the Penguins dressed Justin Schultz — who still A single word sprang to mind as I perused the Game 4 box score of the wasn’t right after an early season broken leg — Erik Gudbranson and Penguins’ disastrous series against the New York Islanders two years Jack Johnson, who had famously been scratched for Game 1 after ago. playing all 82 regular-season games.

Wow. Do I need to tell you that Mike Matheson, Codi Ceci and John Marino represent an upgrade in virtually every facet of the game, starting with Make that … WOW!! mobility? Not that I — or any other living being — predicted the Matheson-Ceci combo would flourish like this. Again, credit Rutherford The world obviously was much different on April 16, 2019, as 18,609 fans for that and for finally swallowing his pride and moving on from Johnson. packed PPG Paints Arena, hoping to see their team avoid a humiliating sweep. The catastrophic Schultz-Johnson combo went a long way toward bursting the Penguins’ playoff bubble last season in Toronto. Penguins left wing Jason Zucker takes a hard check from New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock on Monday, March 29, 2021, at PPG Pettersson remains an interesting case. The Islanders’ quick, clever Paints Arena. forwards victimized him two years ago. I would imagine Hextall favorite Mark Friedman is on standby in case Pettersson struggles again. Matt Vensel The goalie has changed, too, and while Matt Murray wasn’t really the Analysis: Penguins could face tough first-round test in an Islanders team story in 2019 — the Penguins scored six goals in four games, after all — that’s gotten better since 2019 Tristan Jarry remains an unknown quantity in the crucible of playoff The Penguins were different, too. Far different. Two years truly is a hockey. lifetime in the NHL. The Islanders, meanwhile, are not as menacing as they were two years Am I the only person who forgot that Matt Cullen played in that game? ago, mostly because they lost captain and net-front destroyer Anders Lee, and because the Penguins have consistently damaged goalie God bless Cullen, a Stanley Cup hero and one of my all-time favorite Semyon Varlamov, who replaced Robin Lehner. (Having said that, Penguins, but he was 42 at the time and clearly on his last legs. The Varlamov was mostly great this season; recent acquisitions Travis Zajac shell of also suited up for the Penguins. He managed two and Kyle Palmieri have tortured the Penguins; Jean-Gabriel Pageau is a shots, no points and a minus-two rating in the final two games, which major upgrade from two years ago; and 20-year-old Oliver Wahlstrom is turned out to be the final two games of his mostly stellar Penguins a dangerous player up front, possessing a wicked release.) career. Bottom line: These Penguins are much more capable of executing coach Look elsewhere in the lineup. Start up front. The Penguins dressed Mike Sullivan’s preferred speed/swarm game — and if they don’t win, Dominic Simon, Nick Bjugstad and Garrett Wilson, who hasn’t played an you can bet there will be some alterations to that method. It shouldn’t go NHL game since. A still robust Patric Hornqvist was the other forward unnoticed that the club’s new head of hockey operations, Brian Burke, who’s no longer here (and has played well in Florida). sees the game a bit differently than Sullivan.

So let’s lay out the comparison, as the Penguins prepare for the rematch Burke has openly admitted he prefers a different style, or at least a mix of 757 days later: thumpers thrown in. One of the big questions heading into these playoffs Forwards out: is whether the Penguins can withstand the physical toll playoff hockey exacts over the course of four rounds. • Bjugstad First, they have to survive Round 1 — and while it figures to be a titanic Fans cheer on the Penguins as they come onto the ice to play the Flyers battle, they are so much better suited to do so than they were 757 days Tuesday, March. 2, 2021, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. ago.

Mike DeFabo Post Gazette LOADED: 05.13.2021

Penguins set to open PPG Paints Arena to 50% capacity

• Simon

• Wilson

• Hornqvist

• Cullen

• Kessel

Forwards in:

• Kasperi Kapanen

• Brandon Tanev

• Teddy Blueger (mostly scratched in ’19 series)

• Jeff Carter

• Jason Zucker

• Freddy Gaudreau (Evan Rodrigues)

Think the Penguins are faster? They’re also mostly younger and flat-out better. Credit exiled general manager Jim Rutherford and in Carter’s 1188182 Pittsburgh Penguins “Jim and Sue are wonderful parents. Look at how he turned out,” Debbie said. “And Jeffrey always said that other than Hartsy, Jim was his favorite coach.”

‘He’s fired up’: Could Jeff Carter complete Penguins’ championship Hartsy would be former NHL head coach Craig Hartsburg, who coached puzzle? Carter at Sault Ste. Marie. He remembers a tall, scrawny 16-year-old who hadn’t yet grown into his frame. But Carter was quick, both of feet and of mind, and had a responsible defensive game to go with his “natural gift of scoring.” MATT VENSEL “You just knew he had to get bigger and stronger and he would be a real

good NHL player,” Hartsburg said. “And he’s always had a great shot. A It was still April 11 in L.A. and Jeff Carter would have to finish packing lot of kids can shoot the puck. But it’s all over the place. Jeff very rarely soon. missed the net.”

The Penguins had just acquired the 36-year-old forward from the Los Hartsburg said Carter was “a man of few words,” which remains the case Angeles Kings, ending his unforgettable nine years there. And the next today. He was not “loud and attention-seeking” like a lot of kids that age day it would be wheels up to Pittsburgh to join his new team. But first, he can be. He carried himself with an air of seriousness and was driven to had to say goodbye. reach the NHL.

Carter headed to Jonathan Quick’s house in Manhattan Beach. Dustin “He was so focused it was unbelievable. When they preach being Brown and Drew Doughty, now his ex-teammates, met him there, as did focused, Jeff’s the poster boy,” Campbell added. “In four years he never, Jarret Stoll and Matt Greene, former Kings players who now work within never missed a curfew. That was his life. He was going to the NHL and the organization. that’s all there was to it.”

The last six champions left from their Stanley Cup wins in 2012 and 2014 Other billet kids joked that Jeff didn’t need to attend school because he sat out on Quick’s patio and reminisced about all the great times was going to the NHL. But he fulfilled his mother’s wishes and got his together. diploma.

Penguins notes: Healthy and motivated, Sidney Crosby takes aim at Hartsburg said he was one of the most coachable kids he’s been around. fourth Stanley Cup “I remember telling his dad, ‘Jeff has been unbelievable following the “It was awesome. But it was sad. It definitely was,” Stoll said two weeks program,’” Hartsburg said. “And he was like, ‘Just be careful what you tell ago. “And I know Jeff was sad about it even though he’s going to a team him, because he’ll do exactly what you tell him to do.’ He understood that wants him and has a good chance to win. But I know he’s excited what we had in Jeff.” about the team.” It didn’t take long for NHL scouts and player agents to figure it out, too. The feeling is mutual for the Penguins, who will face the New York “One morning I answered the phone and this fella said, ‘Can I speak to Islanders in the first round of the playoffs. They believe Carter, with his Jeff?’ I told him he was sleeping,” Campbell said. “And he goes, ‘Well, quiet confidence and sneaky shot and postseason pedigree, might just Deb, this is Bobby Orr and I’d like to speak with him for a minute.’ Jeff got be their finishing piece. a lot of attention.” He certainly was that for the Kings in 2012, which is why the first The Flyers drafted him 11th overall in 2003, after his second OHL significant move that new general manager Ron Hextall made was to season. bring the big lug in. Just getting started Carter has come a long way since his early years in Philadelphia, when he had quite a few battles with Sidney Crosby and Co. before the Flyers Carter was ready for the NHL upon arrival. He scored 23 goals as a 21- shockingly traded him away. He is all grown up now, with a couple of year-old rookie in 2005-06 and doubled that total three years later, when rings and a couple of kids. he was named an All-Star for the first time and received a handful of Hart Trophy votes. “It’s just neat to see the evolution of a young boy growing into a man. Now he’s the grizzled veteran with the beard,” Hextall said. “Jeff has Longtime NHL goalie , who played with Carter during his always been a very humble guy, and after 16 or 17 years in the league early years in Philadelphia, was often fooled in practice by his long reach that isn’t going to change.” and deceptive release. And Carter had a knack for knowing when a hole would open up. A natural on the ice Biron, now an analyst for SiriusXM NHL Radio, remembers a chat he had Carter hails from London, Ontario. His father Jim, who was selected with Carter after the young forward scored a shootout goal on Buffalo’s between Mike Gartner and Dino Ciccarelli in the 1976 Ontario Hockey Ryan Miller. League draft, coached him until he was 16. Jim didn’t push Jeff too hard. Just go out and have fun. “I said something to him to the effect of, ‘Oh, it’s a good thing you fanned on your shot,’” Biron said. “And he said, ‘No, that’s exactly what I was Pittsburgh Penguins center Jeff Carter skates up ice against the Sabres trying to do.” Saturday May 8, 2021, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. Carter explained that he knew Miller liked to hold his glove high and out Joe Starkey from his body to take away the top shelf. So he made his release look as Joe Starkey’s mailbag: Is Jeff Carter the new version of Bill Guerin? if he was aiming high then took a little off the shot to sneak it under the goalie’s glove. Jeff didn’t attend many hockey camps as a kid. The family driveway would suffice. Father and son spent hour after hour out there blasting “It worked perfectly,” Biron said. “That’s a pretty smart shooter right pucks. there.”

“It just kind of came to me,” Jeff recently said of his prodigious shot. Carter scored 181 of his 399 regular season goals during his six years in Philly. Dad emphasized skating and positioning, too. And Jeff’s well-rounded game grabbed the attention of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. They “Mike Richards was our captain and he was reserved. But he was fiery. took Carter third in the 2001 OHL draft, one spot ahead of future NHL Richie really wore his emotions on his sleeve whereas Jeff was more teammate Mike Richards. guarded,” Brian Boucher, now an analyst for NBC Sports, said. “You had a hard time knowing what was going on in his head. But, man, there was Carter lived with John and Debbie Campbell all four years he was in just a presence about him.” Sault Ste. Marie and his family and he remain close with them today. He flew them out to California in 2019 for his 1,000th career game and they The Flyers, with Carter and Richards leading the way, became a meet up every summer. perennial playoff team. But they twice ran into another up-and-coming team from . They dodged the Penguins in 2009-10 and broke through to the Cup final. Patrick Kane and the Chicago On the ice, Carter was just as predictable, in a good way. That’s why Blackhawks dispatched the Flyers in six games. coach Todd McLellan often tapped a young pro on the pads and nodded in his direction. It looked then as if Richards, Carter and the Flyers were just getting started. “You just saw him taking over the team,” Stoll said. “He would invite guys over and have barbecues or line up beach volleyball games, just getting A year later, they moved on from both players in a pair of stunning everybody together. Jeff took that really seriously and he wanted the trades. team to get close.”

The Philadelphia Inquirer speculated that the Flyers traded them But for Carter, the fire still burned inside to chase after another Stanley because they had enjoyed Philadelphia’s nightlife a little too much. But Cup. Boucher pushed back on that, saying he never saw anything extraordinary from Carter and that he believed Carter was misunderstood In the past, he was hesitant to leave behind his family. His wife, Megan, in Philadelphia because of his reticent nature. and their two young children loved living in California. And Carter was content in his trunks as he lugged all of their beach chairs and sand toys “Jeff loved Philly. That’s one thing I do know,” the ex-Flyers goalie said. down to the shore. “Make no mistake about it, he would have been a Flyer for life. He loved Philadelphia.” But when Hextall came calling again a month ago today, sensing that Carter could be the final piece to another championship puzzle, Carter Carter initially protested his trade to Columbus before reporting. The Blue was “all in.” Jackets moved on from him less than a year later, trading him to the Kings for Jack Johnson. The assistant GM in Los Angeles knew exactly He made sure to gather with the guys who were still around from the two what they were getting. Cup runs before flying to Pittsburgh, though he will never really leave L.A. behind. A match made in heaven “As you grow older and you’re around good people, you just kind of grasp Hextall was the director of professional player personnel for the Flyers some things. I think going out to L.A. was big for me, being around some when they drafted Carter in 2003. Three years later, Hextall left to join really good teammates, really good people. Starting a family,” he said. “It the Kings. all just kind of helps you grow as a person. So I was lucky to spend my The Kings, with their young core of Kopitar and Doughty and Quick, were nine years there.” a plucky playoff team in 2010 and 2011 and were on the fringes of the As was the case in 2012, he has fit in with his new team as well as postseason picture in 2012. Scoring was an issue. They averaged just hoped. 2.11 goals per game. Feeling free in coach Mike Sullivan’s scheme after years of buttoned-up As the Kings considered their options prior to the trade deadline, Carter play in L.A., Carter had nine goals, 11 points and a plus-9 rating in 14 checked a bunch of boxes beyond his goal-scoring. He was 6-foot-3 and games with the Penguins. His four-goal game last week was the first of about 220 pounds. He could skate and defend. He was a righty. Plus, he his career. And he has taken linemate Jared McCann, another Sault Ste. had chemistry on and off the ice with Richards, whom they had acquired Marie standout, under his wing. the previous summer. “He’s fired up,” Stoll said. “He texted me [two weeks ago] and said, ‘Man, Then there was the most important box. Would Carter fit in with the this team can score goals.’ He’s excited he can play at both ends of the group? ice now.”

“Jeff’s always been a really good human being,” Hextall said. “From the Now “the grizzled veteran with the beard” hopes to push them over the research that our scouts did when we drafted him in Philly to the time we top. got him in Los Angeles to where he is now as a father and a husband and a great family man, Jeff’s always been a good person. And we knew “It’s been a great transition,” Carter said. “I think from day one the guys that right from the start.” have been great to me. … We’re really looking forward to keeping it going here.” The Kings, despite all the palm trees and Hollywood types away from the rink, were a blue-collar team under Darryl Sutter. They had a lot of Post Gazette LOADED: 05.13.2021 respect for Carter based on what he did in Philadelphia and also while representing Team Canada.

“You could tell right away he was a confident guy. He wasn’t cocky. But he had a swagger to him, for sure. And he knew he could score,” Stoll said. “He just fit in. It was a match made in heaven. We needed goals and he provided that.”

Carter scored six to help get the Kings into the playoffs. He had a hat trick in Arizona in the third round. He beat Martin Brodeur in overtime in Game 2 of the final. And he buried two more big ones in the Cup- clinching win over New Jersey.

“Whenever there was a big, big play or a big goal, he was around it,” Stoll said.

That was also the case in 2014, when the Kings lifted the Stanley Cup again.

“He went to Los Angeles and really committed himself to being a tremendous pro, won a couple of Stanley Cups,” Boucher said. “He’s had a great career. I’m not shocked one bit. Not shocked one bit from the time I spent with him.”

All in for another Cup chase

The Kings have won just a single playoff game since 2014. After the organization entered into a rebuilding mode, Carter bear-hugged his leadership role.

Stoll, after retiring, returned to the Kings in a player development role. He noticed how the young guys kept a close eye on Carter as he went about his business. Carter, whom Stoll called “a rink rat,” has followed the same routine for years. 1188183 Pittsburgh Penguins I don’t see a great deal of chemistry when Zucker is on the second line, but it appears he’ll be playing there when the playoffs arrive. It’s time for him to produce more consistently. I have a feeling he’s going to come through, but we shall see. Yohe: To beat the Islanders, these 10 Penguins will be most important 6. Mike Matheson

Will he be wearing a full cage? If so, will it impact him? Will he be the By Josh Yohe May 12, 2021 offensive force that he was before leaving the lineup? Will he continue to avoid the defensive miscues that have largely been absent from his

game during the past couple of months? You know all the cliches associated with the playoffs. Lots of questions. Important player. It takes a whole team to win a championship. 5. Sidney Crosby Goaltender is the most important position in hockey. Well yeah, he had to make the list. I don’t think anyone should be worried You’re only as good as your worst player. about Crosby entering this series. He’s gotten the rest he needed, he’s healthy and he knows that only so many chances for a championship These are all cliches because, well, they’re all accurate to some extent. remain. That said, it’s more fun to get a little more in-depth, so let’s do so. On the surface, the Penguins have a favorable matchup against the struggling The captain is always important to the Penguins, even if his performance Islanders. However, the Islanders have won playoff series in each of the is essentially a given. past two seasons, including a sweep against the Penguins in 2019. 4. Kris Letang Beating them will be no piece of cake. Crosby rightfully was named team MVP last week. I’d have ranked So, who are the most important Penguins figures in this series? Letang second. Oh, he was terrible during the season’s first month. That Let’s take a look. much is undeniable. Then, somewhat suddenly, Letang started playing the best hockey that we’ve seen from him in five years. 10. Brandon Tanev Letang is playing great right now. He also possesses that nasty little habit There are many reasons that Tanev is making this list. First and of making horrendous defensive blunders when games are hanging in foremost, a head of steam is a good way to break through the Islanders’ the balance. That won’t do. Repeat after me: The Penguins go as Kris trapping style, and not many players are faster than Tanev. Of course, Letang goes. some old-fashioned brute force is also a pretty effective method in the playoffs. Tanev handles himself quite well in that regard too. 3. Mike Sullivan

The Islanders are among the NHL’s deeper teams and, in particular, You’ll hear plenty of Barry Trotz talk this week, and hey, he’s great. No boast a wonderful fourth line. With Tanev in the lineup, the Penguins’ one is disputing that. Sullivan isn’t so bad himself. fourth line is capable of being outstanding, too. Teddy Blueger and Zach The coaching matchup should be fun in this series. Sullivan has had Aston-Reese are very good, but make no mistake, Tanev is the engine extreme success as Penguins coach, but he’s had his trouble with Trotz. that makes the fourth line go. Additionally, the Penguins’ coaching staff Only twice in Sullivan’s time in Pittsburgh have the Penguins been hates it when its players get too fancy against the Islanders. It’s been a eliminated in a best-of-seven series. Both times — 2018 against the problem in the past. There is absolutely nothing fancy about Tanev’s Capitals and 2019 against the Islanders — came against Trotz. It’s game. simple, really. He’ll have his Islanders sitting back and looking to counter- Is he healthy? We’ll know soon enough. His inclusion into the lineup is a attack against the Penguins. big deal. If the Penguins stay reasonably patient and make intelligent decisions 9. Marcus Pettersson with the puck, they’ll be just fine in this series. Easier said than done, though. The Penguins’ penalty kill hasn’t been very good all season. In fact, it’s been a black eye on an otherwise beautiful regular season. Pettersson 2. Evgeni Malkin will be relied upon plenty in this regard. This goes for the playoffs in general as much as right now. Who is the Don’t be surprised if the Islanders target Pettersson, too. He’s not a real Malkin these days? It’s impossible to say. He didn’t score a goal in rough-and-tumble type. Far from it, in fact. Pettersson can expect the his four games back into the lineup, but he did manage four points. He Islanders to attempt to forecheck him into submission. didn’t look terrible by any stretch, but he was hardly locked in.

He’s played his best hockey the past few weeks. It will be a wonderful We’ve seen him struggle against this team in the playoffs before. sign for the Penguins if Pettersson handles the Islanders’ forwards with But still, this is Malkin we’re talking about. He remains a great player. He ease. can make the kind of mistakes that can cripple a team in the playoffs, 8. Jared McCann yes. But the Penguins aren’t going all the way without it. That’s just the way it is. That makes Malkin a very important player in these playoffs. I appreciate all the accolades Jeff Carter is receiving, and they’re quite deserved. What a player. Nine goals in 14 games speak for themselves. 1. Tristan Jarry

However, when I think of the suddenly vaunted Penguins’ third line, I No curveballs with this selection. I suspect Jarry will play well in the can’t help but think of McCann. How many better two-way forwards are postseason spotlight, but I don’t know how he’ll handle it. Neither do you. there in the game right now? Seriously? The guy is a monster. He’s fast, The Penguins, on paper, are very much a Stanley Cup contender and he’s physical enough and he’s bringing it every single shift. should beat the Islanders. However, they’re one bad goaltender streak This is a suddenly elite player who is giving the Penguins untold depth. It from being in a horrible struggle. needs to continue. They’re also one hot Jarry run from winning the whole thing. 7. Jason Zucker First things first, though. A victory against the Islanders would be a big He’s a tough one to figure. He’s a good player who hasn’t fit in with the deal for the Penguins and perhaps an even bigger deal for Jarry. The on-ice product, and yet, nothing about that makes sense. The Penguins public opinion of Jarry, whether it’s good or bad, will be dramatically love to deploy fast wingers, and that’s precisely what Zucker is. He works impacted by how he plays against the Islanders. his tail off, is willing to take a beating in front of the net and has The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 something of a shoot-first mentality, which the Penguins need right now. 1188184 Pittsburgh Penguins

Playoff Prep: Penguins Scrimmage, Malkin Remains Limited

By Dan Kingerski

CRANBERRY Twp, Pa – The Pittsburgh Penguins got after it on Wednesday. After a brief dual-rink practice in which coaches separated players into two groups and used both ice surfaces at the UPMC Lemieux Complex, Team Gold and Team Black dropped the puck in a full 5v5 scrimmage.

At one point, things got so aggressive, coaches had to blow the whistle as starting goalie Tristan Jarry was dumped on the ice, and his mask flew off. Sidney Crosby may have been the offending player.

Crosby offered a few words of encouragement and a pad tap. The boys played on.

What are you going to say to Sidney Crosby in an intra-squad scrimmage? But that’s how boisterous the Penguins were. In the video below, you’ll even see home hitting and scrapping.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188185 Pittsburgh Penguins *Best Players Being Their Best Team MVP Sidney Crosby had nine points (3-6-9), Kris Letang had nine

points (4-5-9), and Bryan Rust had eight points (5-3-8). The Penguins’ Penguins vs. Islanders, Round One: The 4 Key Points and Predictions best players were indeed their best players against the New York Islanders.

Conversely, Islanders’ top-line center Mathew Barzal had six points (3-3- By Dan Kingerski 6) but was a minus-4. New York was 18th in scoring and was inept at putting the puck in the net after Anders Lee suffered a knee injury which

ended his season. The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders played eight times this After Lee’s injury on March 11, New York scored more than three goals season, and the Penguins won six, including four regulation wins. The just six times in 27 games. The team was only 15-11-3 after Lee was Penguins allowed the fewest goals and earned the most points against injured. the Islanders than any of the three other East Division playoff teams. Jordan Eberle had four goals against the Penguins but only four points On paper, it’s a perfect match for the Penguins. (4-0-4). But there are two factors to consider: Islanders head coach Barry Trotz Advantage Penguins. and the rigid defensive structure the Fish Sticks love to deploy. *Depth Scoring; Kyle Palmieri? The Penguins have a historical jam with the Islanders, too. In 1975, New York rallied from a 3-0 games deficit to win in seven. In 1993…ugh. The The Pittsburgh Penguins have four lines that can score. On paper, the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins second- New York Islanders lose at least three of four line matchups. round playoff loss to the Islanders and David Volek sent the Penguins franchise careening towards bankruptcy and an inch from contraction or Crosby’s line with Guentzel and Rust is superior to Barzal’s line with relocation. Eberle and the mystery LW. Evgeni Malkin’s line with Kasperi Kapanen is better than Brock Nelson’s line with Josh Bailey and Anthony Beauvillier. The rested 2019 Pittsburgh Penguins were supposed to rebound from their 2018 disappointment and reclaim their third Stanley Cup in four Jeff Carter gives the Penguins a big advantage over most teams with a years. Instead, the Islanders sent them packing with a four-game sweep. potent third line that plays fast. This is where New York GM probably screwed up. He acquired RW Kyle Palmieri and The Penguins are 1-4 against the Islanders in the NHL playoffs. It’s been third-line center Travis Zajac to fill the hole created by Lee’s injury. The a wild history, which NYI Hockey Now happily chronicled. problem is that Palmieri struggled to adjust to LW.

Beyond a playoff series, the Penguins aging core also knows their time is Palmieri had four points (2-2-4) in 17 games. No Bueno. That only short. New GM Ron Hextall and President of Hockey Operations Brian exacerbates the Penguins’ third-line advantage because Palmieri was Burke could make significant changes after this season if the Penguins paired with third-line center Jean-Gabriel Pageau. again flame out in the postseason. The Penguins can’t afford another early loss and stay intact. Zajac took the RW spot on the “best fourth-line in hockey,” but at best, the Islanders’ strength is a wash against Teddy Blueger, Brandon Tanev, No pressure. and Zach Aston-Reese. Aston-Reese and Tanev set career highs in points per game, and both received Selke consideration last season. The 4 Key Points, Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders Blueger line was a solid third line which chipped in offense, but with *Speed and The Penguins Defensemen Carter’s acquisition, they are the fourth line and can easily challenge as one of the best in hockey. A speed game isn’t about who can skate faster. It’s about who plays faster. The Pittsburgh Penguins are blazingly fast on both accounts, and New York doesn’t have a matchup advantage anywhere in the lineup. it starts with their defensemen. 3.5 of four Penguins advantages. The Penguins were able to blaze past New York this season. Head Pittsburgh Penguins Final Analysis coach Mike Sullivan had defensemen working this drill on Tuesday morning. Notice how the defensemen create a passing lane to move the It will be about patience, converting opportunities, and keeping defensive puck up the ice. It was all about dealing with the forecheck and postures. If the Islanders break their posture, it’s over. If the Penguins breakouts. lose their patience against the methodical New York structure, they’re in deep trouble. The Penguins defensemen have been especially fast this season, and it’s been rocket fuel for the Penguins offense, even without Evgeni Malkin In this series, the goaltending should be close to even, which is good and Kasperi Kapanen for long stretches. The Penguins were THE news for the Penguins. Tristan Jarry showed well in his only previous highest-scoring team in the league (196 goals). In their best games career playoff appearance, which was Game 4 of the playoff bubble against Washington, Philadephia, and the New York Islanders, the Qualifying Round series in Toronto against Montreal. Penguins laid waste to the forecheck, which opened up their rush game. New York goalie Semyon Varlamov is as solid as they come, though he Mike Matheson and Cody Ceci as the Penguins second pairing create a struggled against the Penguins this season, with a 1-3-2 record and a dangerous matchup for every team. Matheson’s elite speed and sickly .897 save percentage. willingness to use it, and Ceci’s ability to read the play and join the rush, give the Penguins the equivalent four forwards when the second-pair is This season, Jarry was 5-1-0 against New York with a .917 save on the ice. percentage and outright stole the game on Feb. 20.

However, New York will likely pull back and clog the neutral zone. That’s The Penguins also showed an ability to play a stingy, tight, and wholly a Barry Trotz thing to do. defensive game in a pair of 1-0 wins over the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres in the final weeks of the season. That’s where the Penguins team speed will play a big role. That’s a game-changer, too. “(We have to) move the puck quickly. (You) try to get up the ice as fast as you can to join the rush to beat the opposition to the corners or get in “These guys have played in those environments against teams that have the play…,” Bryan Rust said. “The Islanders defend so well, always have been stingy defensively. You don’t win Stanley Cups unless you the numbers back. I think for us, we’ve got to really work on using our understand how to play in those environments,” Penguins head coach speed to maybe gain a foot or two, or a little bit of space on some guys to Mike Sullivan said. “I know our team is very much capable of playing a try to make some plays when they’re there.” certain game that can bring us success against any opponent.”

The Penguins have a huge advantage on the blue line in this series. If each team plays well, the Penguins will win this series quickly. The Pittsburgh Penguins are deeper, faster, and far more complete than the On speed and defensemen, both advantage Penguins. debacle in 2019. ESPN radio’s Adam Crowley noted via Twitter that four of the Penguins 2019 defensemen were Jack Johnson, Olli Maatta, Erik Gudbranson, and Marcus Pettersson.

That’s not exactly a speed defense. This is a much different series, and New York didn’t patch their biggest hole at the trade deadline. Palmieri’s lack of offense won’t cut it for the New York Islanders.

The Penguins offensive power, speed on the backend, and willingness to play a defensive game covers all of the bases against the New York Islanders.

This shouldn’t be a long series, but we’ll account for the unknown. Instead of five games, we’ll concede six.

PHN Prediction: Penguins in 6.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188186 San Jose Sharks

Patrick Marleau presented with amazing gift before his possible final NHL game

NHLPA, at the request of Gordie Howe’s family, presented Marleau with the stick “Mr. Hockey” used in his final NHL game 41 years ago

By CURTIS PASHELKA | PUBLISHED: May 12, 2021 at 9:54 p.m. | UPDATED: May 12, 2021 at 10:04 p.m.

Patrick Marleau was given a special gift by the NHL Players’ Association before the Sharks played the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday at SAP Center.

At the request of Gordie Howe’s family, the NHLPA presented Marleau with the stick used by Howe in his 1,767th and final NHL game on April 6, 1980.

The stick had been on display in the in Toronto and will be replaced by a stick used by Marleau on April 19 when he played in his 1,768th career game and broke Howe’s all-time record.

The Sharks also presented Marleau with a custom painting by Lucasfilm and Disney Master Artist Kevin-John, which is of him and Howe.

“It was a really nice, touching moment,” Sharks coach said. “The Players Association also sent a gift that was amazing.”

Also, on behalf of the @NHLPA and in a request from the Howe family, Marleau was presented with the stick used in Gordie Howe's final NHL game.

The stick that was displayed in the @HockeyHallFame will be replaced by a stick used by Marleau in his record-breaking game. pic.twitter.com/bwCsaL19Bw

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 13, 2021

Wednesday’s Sharks game, a 6-0 loss to the Golden Knights, might have been the last of Marleau’s 23-season NHL career, as he is set to become a free agent this summer.

Marleau filled in for Logan Couture as the Sharks’ second-line center, playing with Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc in what was his 1,779th career NHL game. He came into Wednesday with nine points in 55 games. His ironman streak of 910 consecutive games dates back to April 9, 2009.

After the game, Marleau shook hands and hugged Golden Knights coach Pete DeBoer and his assistant Steve Spott, both of whom coached Marleau for two seasons from 2015 to 2017, and part of a third in 2019.

Marleau hugged and shook hands with his teammates and waved to the Golden Knights players before they left the ice. As other Sharks players filtered off the ice, Marleau, the last remaining player, gave one final salute to the crowd before he made his way to the Sharks’ dressing room.

One last curtain call for Patrick Marleau pic.twitter.com/6a4ONJgRc9

— Sharks on (@NBCSSharks) May 13, 2021

“It was honestly so cool,” said Sharks rookie defenseman Brinson Pasichnuk, who played in his fourth career NHL game Wednesday. “it’s something I’m going to tell my kids about one day.

“I was just talking about it my dad. He said that’s a tough game, but think about how cool it is that in some of your first few games in the NHL, you get to be a part of something with an absolute legend like Patrick Marleau helping honor him and his huge milestone this season so I’m so grateful to be around for that.”

San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188187 San Jose Sharks After the game, Marleau shook hands and hugged Golden Knights coach Pete DeBoer and his assistant Steve Spott, both of whom coached Marleau for two seasons from 2015 to 2017, and part of a third in 2019.

Sharks flattened by Golden Knights, end season with a whimper Marleau hugged and shook hands with his teammates and waved to the Golden Knights players before they left the ice. As other Sharks players NHL: San Jose Sharks no match for Vegas Golden Knights as season filtered off the ice, Marleau, the last remaining player, gave one final ends at SAP Center salute to the crowd before he made his way to the Sharks’ dressing room.

“If it is his last game in the NHL, I’m happy I had a front-row seat for it,” By CURTIS PASHELKA | PUBLISHED: May 12, 2021 at 8:26 p.m. | DeBoer said. “Happy I had the opportunity to coach him for a few years UPDATED: May 13, 2021 at 12:11 a.m. in San Jose. As great a player as he is and as accomplished a hockey player he is, he’s a better person, a better father, and a better guy.”

SAN JOSE – The Sharks ended their season knowing exactly how wide Burns, 36, still has four years remaining on his contract, but he could be the gulf is between themselves and the potential winners of the West exposed by the Sharks in July’s expansion draft in which the Seattle Division, the Vegas Golden Knights. Kraken will get to select one unprotected player from each NHL team’s roster. Right now, it’s enormous. The Sharks and other NHL teams can either protect seven forwards, The Sharks were no match for the Golden Knights on Wednesday, three defensemen and one goalie, or eight skaters and one goalie. All allowing two goals in both the first and second periods in what became a teams have until July 17 to submit their protection lists. 6-0 season-ending loss before an announced crowd of 1,654 at SAP Center. San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 05.13.2021

In what could have been the last game in a Sharks uniform for both forward Patrick Marleau and defenseman Brent Burns, the Sharks allowed goals by Alex Pietrangelo and Keegan Kolesar in the first period and William Carrier and Jonathan Marchessault in the second.

Sharks rookie goalie Alexei Melnichuk, who was making his second career NHL start, was peppered with 35 shots in the first 40 minutes. The Sharks managed 13 shots on Vegas goalie Marc-Andre Fleury in the first two periods.

“Let’s be honest, we played a real good hockey team tonight and we weren’t very good at all,” Sharks coach Bob Boughner said. “I don’t put much of this on (Melnichuk).”

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Dylan Sikura scored twice in the third period for the Golden Knights, who maintained their two-point lead over the Colorado Avalanche for first place in the West Division and the overall lead in the NHL standings.

The Golden Knights finished the regular season with a 40-14-2 record. Colorado is now 38-13-4 after its win over Los Angeles on Wednesday and needs a victory over the Kings on Thursday to overtake Vegas for first place. Whichever team wins the division will also have home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Sharks went 0-6-2 against the Golden Knights this season, the first time they’ve gone winless against a divisional opponent since 2002-03. That season the Sharks went 0-5-0 against the Dallas Stars as both teams were in the Pacific Division. The Sharks finished fifth and last, and the Stars were the runaway winners.

The Sharks will finish in seventh place in the West Division with a 21-28- 7 record.

The Sharks dressed four rookies Wednesday – Melnichuk, forwards Sasha Chmelevski and Ivan Chekhovich, and defenseman Brinson Pasichnuk.

“Our dressing room is a better room than it was in training camp,” Boughner said. “This is just a good learning experience for everyone. If I could take anything from this, and I just told this to the guys, I think we all have to learn to remember this feeling. This organization had to take a step back in order to take a step forward.”

The Sharks were without captain Logan Couture, who missed the last three games of the regular season with a lower-body injury.

Marleau filled in for Couture as he centered the Sharks’ second line with Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc in his 1,779th career NHL game. He came into Wednesday with nine points in 55 games, as he played his 910th consecutive game, an ironman streak that dates back to April 9, 2009.

Marleau, who played in his 1,768th career NHL game on April 19, passing Gordie Howe to become the league’s all-time leader games played, is set to become a free agent this summer. 1188188 San Jose Sharks Wilson said the Sharks will have the necessary cap space “to be in conversations with teams that could make people available, whether it be Seattle or other teams that may be in a different expansion position than we are. We’ve thought this through.” Doug Wilson on Sharks’ outlook: ‘We’re not as far away as people think’ The Sharks will also be looking to add a third-line center this offseason. NHL: San Jose Sharks GM not worried about potentially being on hot seat after missing playoffs again Dylan Gambrell played that role for most of this season and would appear to still have a future with the organization should he not be exposed and taken by Seattle in the expansion draft. Gambrell, though, had just five goals and 12 points in 48 games this season before By CURTIS PASHELKA | PUBLISHED: May 12, 2021 at 4:24 p.m. | Wednesday. UPDATED: May 12, 2021 at 4:41 p.m. Wilson said the addition of another experienced centerman would ease

the burden on the Sharks’ top two centers in Logan Couture and Tomas SAN JOSE – Despite seeing his team finish well out of a playoff position Hertl, who had combined for 36 goals and 74 points. Couture will miss for the second straight season, general manager Doug Wilson doesn’t his third straight game Wednesday with a lower-body injury. feel the Sharks will need to be overhauled this summer to be in a better During an 0-7-1 stretch from April 10 to April 24, Hertl had five points, but position to compete for a postseason spot in 2022. Couture had just one as the Sharks fell out of the playoff picture, as A year after they ended an abbreviated season with the worst record in Wilson felt they were “running on empty.” the Western Conference, the Sharks (21-27-7) are once again on the “What we really need is to give up half a goal less every game and score outside looking in, as they’ll finish in sixth or seventh place in the half a goal more,” Wilson said. “That’s why addressing the goaltending, temporary West Division. addressing the 3C, having people in proper roles. I think it allows your The Sharks enter their game with the Vegas Golden Knights 23rd out of best players to be your best players not run out of gas. 31 teams in the NHL in goals scored per game at 2.66, and 29th in goals “We’ve got to build a really good third line, you’ve got to have a good allowed per game at 3.46. fourth line. We think we have some young players certainly that can “We’re not as far away as people think,” Wilson said Wednesday. “We’re evolve into those roles, but we’ll add things that we need between now not.” and September and October to put the pieces of the puzzle together.”

Wilson will have been the Sharks’ GM for exactly 18 years on Thursday, While Hertl and Evander Kane led the Sharks’ offense this season with a and this season marks the first time in his tenure that the team will have combined 92 points before, other players’ statistics have been well below missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons. what they’ve averaged in the past.

Wilson said Sharks majority owner Hasso Plattner was fully aware of the , the NHL’s highest-paid defenseman whose contract direction the team was taking this season. Wilson wanted to use this year carries an $11.5 million cap hit for the next six seasons, had just 22 as a “reset” to improve team culture, get certain veteran players back on points in 51 games before Wednesday. Karlsson, 30, had 45 points in 53 track, and replenish their system through the draft. games two seasons ago.

Unlike in past seasons when the Sharks have had disappointing results, Burns, whose contract carries a cap hit of $8 million for the next four Plattner so far has not publicly endorsed Wilson as his guy going seasons, was asked to play a more defensive role this season, and still forward, although Wilson said the two talk frequently. leads all Sharks defensemen with 29 points in 55 games. Just two years ago, though, Burns now 36, had 83 points in 82 games. Forwards Timo “My job is to do what’s right for the organization,” Wilson said. “(Plattner) Meier and Kevin Labanc also struggled at times. has always been aware of the plan right from the start, we have complete clarity, and we talked about what we’re going to do.” Wilson pointed to the Minnesota Wild as a team that has been able to reset on the fly and get back into the playoffs despite having some Wilson said by using his 2021 first-round draft pick and prospects, he onerous contracts on the payroll. could have acquired players — namely a goalie and a centerman — before last month’s NHL trade deadline that he felt would have propelled “I think they did an excellent job of going from a place where they had the Sharks into the playoffs. some players that maybe are older and on contracts they don’t like, and we all have contracts we don’t like,” Wilson said. “But look what they’ve “But would that have been the right thing to do in the middle of a done. They’ve gone back into being a very good hockey team. We think reset/replenish? We don’t think so,” Wilson said. “And in hindsight sitting we can do the same thing. We do.” where we are right now, we feel comfortable that we committed and stayed to that plan.” San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 05.13.2021

Wilson pointed to two areas of the Sharks’ roster that are priorities for improvement in the offseason: goaltending and center depth.

For the third straight year, the Sharks’ goaltending statistics will be among the worst in the NHL.

Entering Wednesday, the combined save percentage for Martin Jones, Devan Dubnyk, Josef Korenar and Alexei Melnichuk was .891, tied for 30th in the NHL with New Jersey and only ahead of Philadelphia (.880). Fourteen of the 16 teams that have qualified for the playoffs had team save percentages above .900 before Wednesday’s games.

This will be the third straight season than Jones has finished with an .896 save percentage, one of the worst marks in the NHL among goalies who play on a regular basis.

Wilson would not rule out a buyout of Jones’s deal, which has three years remaining and carries a $5.75 million average annual value.

“We will explore all avenues to address goaltending,” Wilson said.

Wilson feels that with the expansion draft being held this summer for the Seattle Kraken, there will be a pool of goalies available. NHL teams can only protect one goalie on their rosters from the draft, and there could be teams willing to trade a netminder to get something in return instead of potentially losing that player for nothing. 1188189 San Jose Sharks is really going to be beneficial, not only for me, but our team moving forward.

“I think I’m not necessarily in the middle of my prime. I’m probably at the Evander Kane’s future with Sharks, under current contract, remains beginning of it.” murky Kane has 49 points in 55 games this season and has been the Sharks’ NHL: San Jose Sharks forward filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in January most consistent player.

“When it comes to hockey, he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do,” Wilson said. “He has a contract, he’s honored the contract. He’s played By CURTIS PASHELKA | PUBLISHED: May 12, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. | and prepared and had a really good season. So we expect him back and UPDATED: May 12, 2021 at 1:22 p.m. we expect him to play the way he did this year.”

BARABANOV STAYING: The Sharks announced the signing of forward Alexander Barabanov to a one-year contract extension Wednesday Evander Kane on Wednesday didn’t sound like someone who was ready morning. The deal is worth $1 million. to leave San Jose, but he also could not definitively say whether he would be back with the Sharks next season under the same contract he Going into the Sharks’ game with the Golden Knights, Barananov, who signed with the team nearly three years ago. will turn 27 next month, had seven points in his first eight games with San Jose after he was acquired by Wilson last month from Toronto for Antti In March, Kane and the Sharks informed federal bankruptcy court that Suomela. they were considering voiding the final four years of his seven-year, $49 million contract extension he signed with San Jose in May 2018. The Sharks on Wednesday also announced the signing of defenseman Santeri Hatakka, 20, and forward Adam Raska, 19, to three-year entry- Kane, 29, did not wish to comment further on whether he will seek to void level contracts. his contract. Kane’s lawyer, Stephen D. Finestone, could not be reached for comment. Hatakka, a sixth-round draft choice by San Jose in 2019, had seven points and 34 penalty minutes in 44 games with Ilves of the Finnish Elite Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said Wednesday he expects Kane League this season. Raska, taken in the seventh round by the Sharks to be back with the team next season, but admitted how the winger last year, had 25 points and 30 penalty minutes in 22 games with the handles his bankruptcy is out of the team’s control. Wilson said earlier Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL this season. this year that the Sharks were committed to fulfilling their contract with Kane. San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 05.13.2021 “That is his personal choice how he handles that,” Wilson said. “I know he loves being here, he knows how supported he is, and for him to play the way that he’s played is his appreciation for the support that he’s received from all of us in the organization.”

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A U.S. Bankruptcy Judge in March approved a stipulation filed by Kane’s lawyers and those from the Sharks that extended a deadline by 90 days to June 7 for Kane to assume or reject the contract, which is worth $26 million in salary over the next four years.

The decision, by Judge Stephen L. Johnson in the Northern District of California, gave Kane more time to decide how he is going to handle his financial affairs.

The term ‘reject’ led to speculation that Kane was perhaps looking to deprive creditors of their means to recoup money owed to them, and that the Sharks may want to shed one of the biggest salaries on their payroll. At the time, however, a Sharks spokesman said that the team wanted to give Kane more time to figure out his off-ice issues, not to have the contract voided.

Kane also said Wednesday he did not know for sure whether his bankruptcy proceedings would be concluded by the time the Sharks reconvene in the fall and begin training camp.

Kane in January filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, listing assets totaling just over $10.2 million and his liabilities at over $26.8 million. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or a straight or liquidation bankruptcy, the court places an automatic temporary stay on an individual’s debts, stops creditors from collecting payments, and prevents foreclosures on homes, among other things.

Recently a major creditor, Zions Bancorporation, filed a motion requesting the bankruptcy be converted to Chapter 11, which would make the money that is still owed to Kane available to creditors. That request, which was joined by other lenders, was denied by a Northern California bankruptcy judge last month, but the decision is being appealed.

In meeting with reporters for the final time this season, Kane said he was looking forward to next season when the Sharks hope to be in a better position to compete for a playoff spot. The Sharks were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention last week and will play their final regular-season game tonight when they host the Vegas Golden Knights.

“I think I’m getting better and better each and every year,” Kane said. “I thought I got a lot better this year, I thought I made a lot more plays. I thought my playmaking really improved and that’s something that I think 1188190 San Jose Sharks The Sharks were knocked out of playoff contention last week, but Wednesday’s game does carry some significance for the Golden Knights.

While the Sharks hope to finish the year on a positive note, Vegas is still After numerous COVID-related disruptions, NHL nears end of ragged looking to clinch first place in the division and win the President’s Trophy regular season as the team with the NHL’s best record, which would mean home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. NHL: San Jose Sharks face Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Center on Wednesday in a game that was delayed three times for coronavirus Vegas enters Wednesday in first place in the division with 80 points, two reasons more than the Avalanche. The Golden Knights can clinch the division and earn the NHL’s No. 1 overall seed if they beat the Sharks and if the Los Angeles Kings can beat the Avalanche once in their season-ending two game series that starts Wednesday in Denver. By CURTIS PASHELKA | May 12, 2021 at 4:01 a.m. The opportunity to play spoiler doesn’t necessarily provide any extra

motivation for the Sharks, who are 0-5-2 against the Golden Knights this SAN JOSE — After three postponements, the Sharks and Vegas Golden season. Knights are finally going to drop the puck on a game that was originally “We’re on the same page as we’ve been the last few weeks,” Boughner supposed to be played in February. said. “We’re going to be giving a lot of young guys some opportunities, Such as it was during an NHL season that saw dozens of games we’re going to start one of the young goalies. This game, more for us, is postponed as COVID-19-related issues throughout the league wreaked about taking looks at guys and giving guys a chance to get up here and havoc on rosters and kept schedule-makers busy. get a taste of it. It doesn’t change much for us.”

Wednesday’s game between the Sharks and Golden Knights at SAP San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 05.13.2021 Center was first supposed to be played on Feb. 3, the second of a two- game series that was going to mark the return of the NHL to San Jose after a nearly 11-month absence.

So much for that idea.

The game was postponed to Feb. 25 because of a COVID-19 outbreak among the Golden Knights, then it was moved to April 23 because of Sharks forward Tomas Hertl’s positive test.

The Colorado Avalanche then had an outbreak in mid-April, causing some late rescheduling within the West Division and the final Sharks- Golden Knights game to be moved to Wednesday.

The NHL has never played regular-season games so late in a calendar year. Then again, no team has ever experienced a season quite like this one, either.

“The opponents that Vegas was supposed to play were going through (COVID), which was Colorado at the time,” Sharks coach Bob Boughner said. “I don’t know how (the NHL) did it, but they tried to fit it in the schedule so that everybody else could get their games in as well.”

Wednesday’s game is part of a ragged end to the regular season, as the league shuffled around more than 50 games this year due to COVID outbreaks and weather delays.

One game between St. Louis and Minnesota that was originally supposed to be played on Feb. 9 was moved to April 12 due to multiple COVID-19 cases within the Wild’s dressing room. The game was postponed again from April 12 to Wednesday following the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright by police on April 11.

Eighteen teams will have completed or will complete their regular seasons as of Tuesday night. But starting Wednesday, eight teams will have at least two games remaining, including four in the North Division – Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver.

The Canucks had their regular season halted for more than three weeks as coaches and 21 players tested positive for COVID-19. Their issues forced the NHL to add days to the end of the regular season, as the league wanted every team to play a 56-game season.

So, even though the Canucks have been eliminated from playoff contention, they still have five games left, including four with the Flames, who are also playing out the string.

The final two games between those teams will be played during the afternoon on both May 18 and 19, with the potential of playoff games taking place around the NHL that night.

A full NHL playoff schedule has yet to be announced as final seedings in each division still have to be finalized.

“I can’t imagine the spot they’re in,” Boughner said of the Flames and Canucks. “To see the league shut down and you’re the last team playing, that would be a tough motivator for me. Maybe they can use that as we’re doing. Give some young guys some looks.” 1188191 San Jose Sharks UP NEXT Golden Knights: Waiting to find out their playoff opponent.

Sharks: The offseason. Golden Knights finish regular season with 6-0 win vs. Sharks Chronicle LOADED: 05.13.2021

JOSH DUBOW

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Alex Pietrangelo and Keegan Kolesar scored in the first period, Marc-Andre Fleury earned his 67th career shutout and the Vegas Golden Knights finished the regular season with a 6-0 victory Wednesday night over the San Jose Sharks that keeps them alive in the race for the division title.

“We played from game 1 right to the final buzzer of game 56 and threw our best record on the board,” coach Peter DeBoer said. “Hopefully it’s enough for first. If it isn’t, I’m still really happy with the regular season that we had.”

Vegas matched Colorado's win over Los Angeles and remains two points ahead of the Avalanche in the West Division and for the top mark in the NHL. Colorado holds the tiebreaker based on regular-season wins and can take the top spot by beating the Kings on Thursday night.

The Golden Knights will have to wait until then to determine whether they will play third-place Minnesota or fourth-place St. Louis in the first round of the playoffs.

“Hopefully we get a little luck and have a big game from LA and finish first,” forward Jonathan Marchessault said. “If not, I thought our good season was good overall. Despite who we play in the first round, I think our team is ready for the playoffs.”

Dylan Sikura scored twice in the third period, and William Carrier and Marchessault also scored to help Vegas complete a sweep of the eight- game season series against the Sharks. Fleury made 17 saves.

San Jose missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons from the first since 1996 and '97 with just 49 points in 56 games.

They were completely outplayed by a motivated Golden Knights, getting outshout 35-13 in the first two periods and giving little help to rookie goalie Alexei Melnichuk. Melnichuk made 38 saves in his second career start.

“Let’s be honest, we played a real good hockey team tonight and we weren’t very good at all,” coach Bob Boughner said. “We didn’t get a crazy amount of help. I don’t put much of this on him.”

The Golden Knights didn't take long to jump on top of the Sharks by scoring twice in the opening eight minutes.

Pietrangelo got a loose puck in front and beat Melnichuk for the first goal and Kolesar added to the lead when he converted a rebound.

Vegas didn't let up from there and put the game out of reach with the goals from Carrier and Marchessault in the second period.

“In this type of game like that, you want to get the will out of the opponent as fast as you can, and we did,” Marchessault said,

MARLEAU'S GOODBYE

Sharks forward Patrick Marleau got some gifts in what could have been his final game with the franchise. His teammates gave him a custom painting of him and Gordie Howe to honor Marleau's breaking Howe's NHL all-times games played record last month. At the request of the Howe family, Marleau also was given the stick Howe used in his final NHL game that had been displayed at the Hall of Fame. That stick will be replaced in the Hall by a stick Marleau used in the record-setting game.

Marleau was the last player to leave the ice and acknowledged the small crowd on hand for the final game of the season.

“If it is his last game in the NHL, I'm happy I had a front row seat for it,” said DeBoer, who coached Marleau in San Jose. “Happy I had the opportunity to coach him for a few years in San Jose. As great a player as he is and as accomplished a hockey player he is, he’s a better person, a better father and a better guy.”

The 41-year-old Marleau will be a free agent this offseason and the Sharks might look to go in a younger direction next season. 1188192 San Jose Sharks

Marleau gets amazing gift from Howe's family to honor record

BY MARCUS WHITE

Gordie Howe's family gave Patrick Marleau a heck of a gift to commemorate the Sharks icon passing the late legend on the NHL's games-played list.

The NHL Players Association this week presented Marleau with a stick from Gordie Howe's 1,767th and final NHL game. That stick was in the Hockey Hall of Fame, and it will be replaced by one of Marleau's from his record-setting 1,768th NHL game.

Howe's family requested the stick be taken out of the Hall of Fame in Toronto and gifted to Marleau.

Classy move by Gordie Howe's family today to present Patrick Marleau with Howe's stick from his final game pic.twitter.com/zqjxjWSiVP— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) May 13, 2021

Also, on behalf of the @NHLPA and in a request from the Howe family, Marleau was presented with the stick used in Gordie Howe's final NHL game.

The stick that was displayed in the @HockeyHallFame will be replaced by a stick used by Marleau in his record-breaking game. pic.twitter.com/bwCsaL19Bw— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 13, 2021

"Mr. Shark" also received a painting of himself alongside "Mr. Hockey," a custom piece created by Disney and Lucasfilm master artist Kevin John.

To honor his historic season, tonight Marleau’s teammates gifted him a custom painting created by Lucasfilm and Disney Master Artist, @KJ_CelebArtist of Patrick Marleau and Gordie Howe.#HistoryMarleaud pic.twitter.com/QtVwK3HrHB— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 13, 2021

The Howes have been supportive of Marleau breaking Gordie's record. Mark Howe, Gordie's son and a 16-year NHL veteran himself, said last month that his father would be happy Marleau broke his record.

"Obviously, Patrick Marleau has to have an incredible passion for the game," Howe told Bay Area News Group's Curtis Pashelka last month. "He's been blessed with good health for the majority of his career, but you can't achieve this goal unless you absolutely love what you're doing and like my dad, have a passion for what you're doing. Kudos to him for that."

Marleau played in his 1,779th -- and, possibly, his final -- NHL game Wednesday, as the Sharks lost 6-0 to the rival Vegas Golden Knights. The 41-year-old has said he hopes to return for another season, but he and the Sharks have not discussed a new contract.

If Wednesday was his last game at SAP Center, Sharks fans sent Marleau off with a fitting tribute. The franchise's all-time leading scorer skated for one last lap around the ice as the fans applauded.

Classy move by Gordie Howe's family today to present Patrick Marleau with Howe's stick from his final game pic.twitter.com/zqjxjWSiVP— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) May 13, 2021

Whether or not lap was Marleau's skate into the sunset, his career will always be remembered in San Jose.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188193 San Jose Sharks Jose would be foolish to incentivize the Seattle Kraken to take one of those three by attaching a first-round pick, but the Sharks should aggressively explore all side deals just short of that.

Sharks' five biggest summer priorities to return to playoffs Tell Jonathan Dahlen the way to San Jose

The Swedish center once again dazzled in his home country, scoring 93 points in 60 games while captaining Timara to promotion to the top-tier BY MARCUS WHITE SHL. With even more confidence under his belt, it's time for the Sharks to convince the 23-year-old to give the NHL another shot.

Dahlen didn't have the best experience in the Vancouver Canucks This Sharks season ended much like the last one, minus an interruption organization, but the Sharks can offer Dahlen a real chance. Wilson of a few months due to the coronavirus pandemic. identified center as a need this offseason, and Dahlen should be able to San Jose will be Stanley Cup playoffs spectators for the second compete for a spot down the middle. consecutive year. The Sharks, officially, are in the longest postseason Dahlen would be, fairly easily, the most dynamic of the Sharks' collection drought of general manager Doug Wilson's tenure. of young forwards if he made the move to North America. San Jose will Wilson and the front office are in a tricky place this summer, with much of hope he's more like Joonas Donskoi than Antti Suomela in the transition, his roster publicly stating they expect the team to be competitive next but Dahlen has talent worth gambling on. season. But after two consecutive cellar-dwelling finishes, and with no Add a top-six forward real blue-chip prospects on the verge of their NHL debuts, is that a reasonable expectation? Whether it's through free agency, trade or the continued development of some of their young players, the Sharks have a pretty big hole (or two) in It is for this franchise, at least, considering the Sharks have never missed their top six. And that's with the unexpected emergence of Alexander the playoffs for three consecutive seasons in their history. Barabanov. With the 2020-21 regular season over following the Sharks' 6-0 loss to If Kane and Hertl are on the roster, they'll be playing with Barabanov. the division rival Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, here are San Logan Couture will center one of the top two lines, but Timo Meier and Jose's biggest offseason priorities eyeing a return to the playoffs. Kevin Labanc didn't endear themselves at times to coach Bob Boughner Find a solution in net during this shortened season. Rudolfs Balcers also cooled off after a hot start, as did Ryan Donato. Rookie goalies Alexei Melnichuk and Josef Korenar both made their NHL debuts after the trade deadline, but both are too green to be the Sharks' Could Russian winger Ivan Checkhovich seize a top-six role after a starter next season. They've combined for just 92 AHL appearances and summer of development? Can Noah Gregor? At the very least, the a .895 save percentage in the NHL's top minor league. Sharks could use another forward (or two) to push their young forwards in camp. Pushing them down the depth chart into roles they're best suited It's also clear that Martin Jones is not the Sharks' answer in the crease. for would be even better. This season was his third straight with a .896 save percentage, and he was pulled from more starts (eight) than any other campaign in his Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.13.2021 career. San Jose tried to platoon Jones with Devan Dubnyk, but the former's season was more of the same.

Jones is signed for each of the next three seasons with a $5.75 million cap hit, so the Sharks -- short of a buyout -- will have to get creative to find him a new home. The free-agent class is loaded with goaltenders, too, but the Sharks will have to be careful not to make the same mistake as they did with Jones by locking up another netminder who isn't elite.

Extend -- or trade -- Tomas Hertl

Hertl was one of the Sharks' few bright spots this season, scoring 43 points (19 goals, 24 assists) in 50 games. He's also an unrestricted free agent in 2022, meaning he's eligible to sign a contract extension this summer.

The Sharks could use more depth behind Hertl down the middle, but San Jose also needs to see where the Czech center fits on a team with five players -- all older than 28 -- making at least $7 million through 2025, all as the salary cap remains flat for the foreseeable future. Trading him this summer, and at the draft, in particular, could allow the Sharks to replenish their prospect pool and the bottom of their roster.

Of course, it's hard to envision the Sharks making the playoffs without Hertl, but a decision on his future must be made either way. San Jose's trade leverage will only decrease after the draft, and entering the season with a lingering contract dilemma would be far from ideal.

Shed a contract in the Expansion Draft

The Sharks, as it stands right now, have just shy of $8 million in space under the salary cap with 19 players under contract. That could make San Jose a player in free agency and, potentially, to acquire another team's unwanted contract.

Wilson could use some more flexibility, though, and the Expansion Draft is a unique opportunity to gain some. It's difficult to envision him exposing all of Jones, defenseman Brent Burns and winger Evander Kane, but he should consider it. Each of those three makes at least $5.75 million through 2024, and the Sharks could be real players this offseason with one of those contracts off the book.

Kane was the Sharks' best player this season, and top prospect Ryan Merkley probably isn't ready to take Burns' place on the blue line. San 1188194 San Jose Sharks it was sandwiched around a tough start and an even worse finish. Jones posted a 1-6-2 record with a 3.90 goals-against average and .870 save percentage in his final 10 games before giving way to the youngsters.

Sharks GM Doug Wilson identifies offseason priorities, with a full rebuild “To be a legit number one guy in this league, you’ve got to give your unlikely team a chance to win every night. There are nights that he did that,” coach Bob Boughner said. “It’s the games where, instead of being a five out of five and having a great night — and an average night is a three out of five — there’s too many ones and twos mixed in there. … He By Kevin Kurz May 13, 2021 understands he takes ownership for it. There’s nights when we didn’t play great in front of them as well, so this is not just on Jonesy.”

Doug Wilson remains optimistic. The Sharks’ longtime general manager Jones evaluated his own performance this season on Tuesday in his exit still believes Erik Karlsson is in the prime of his career and can return to interview. his prior form. He believes Logan Couture, Evander Kane, Timo Meier “It was a trying season. There was a lot of factors. Starting in Arizona, the and Tomas Hertl can score 30 goals in a full season again, as they each COVID protocols that we’re dealing with — it took a toll on a lot of guys, I have in the past at least once. He believes Rudolfs Balcers and think,” Jones said. “For me personally, I played a lot of good hockey this Alexander Barabanov — the latter of whom was signed to a one-year, $1 year. I sort of came undone a little bit towards the end of the season, but million contract extension on Wednesday — can build off of the steps I did play a lot of good hockey, and I think for me I just need to find a way they took this season and become important cogs on what he expects to be a little more consistent.” will be a “very good hockey team” next season. The possibility exists that the Sharks could buy out the final three years Are those realistic goals? That’s highly debatable. And that may be of Jones’ contract. According to Cap Friendy, the Sharks would save putting it politely. approximately $3.8 million in salary-cap space next season, $3.3 million But Wilson, whose hands are tied in remaking the roster because of the in 2021-22, and $2.8 million in 2023-24 before getting dinged with a abundance of long-term, inflated and therefore unmovable contracts on $1.67 million penalty in each of the three years after that, through 2026- the books, is at least realistic when it comes to a couple areas that need 27. to be drastically better. The Sharks need much more reliable goaltending Wilson was asked directly if the Sharks might go the buyout route. and stronger depth down the middle. Assuming Wilson remains in charge of hockey operations, those positions will be addressed in the offseason, “Again, I’ll put it to you this way — we’re in a position to be able to do and which officially began on Wednesday night after a 6-0 loss at home to the explore all options,” he said. “What we decide to do will be made with the Vegas Golden Knights. The Sharks concluded the shortened season with proper thought process. … We have the ability to be in conversations a 21-28-7 record and finished in seventh place in the West Division. with teams that could make people available, whether it be Seattle or other teams that may be in a different expansion position than we are. “Goaltending, we have to address,” Wilson said on Wednesday to a small We’ve thought this through. We will explore all avenues to improve this group of local media. “I think the (third-line center) spot certainly we have hockey team. I’ve shared two of the areas that we’re going to look at.” to look at and explore. We think we’ve positioned ourselves during an expansion year to be able to identify and address and add the pieces that The second of those two is landing another center. While Dylan Gambrell we think we need going forward.” made strides this season, his ceiling looks to be as more of a fourth-liner than a third-liner, and Wilson even suggested that. The Sharks used nine That the goaltending needs an upgrade isn’t new, as it was the Sharks’ different fourth-line centers this season, indicative of just how shallow biggest flaw in their missing the playoffs for the first time in back-to-back they are at that position. If Gambrell is re-signed and isn’t plucked by years under Wilson. The Sharks’ .891 save percentage this season is Seattle in the expansion draft, he could slot in the middle of the Sharks’ 30th in the NHL. Last season, it was also 30th. In 2018-19, it was last. fourth line next season. “We will explore all avenues to address goaltending,” Wilson said. “We Wilson’s view is that other top players will be able to produce more know that it’s important. … We also think this being an expansion (draft) regularly if there is another center who can play in all situations and eat year, that there will be a pool of goaltenders available when we decide to up important minutes. His philosophy has always been to build down the add one.” middle, placing much more importance on the center position rather than The list of pending free agent goalies is distinguished, including Tuukka wing. Another depth center would also benefit some of the younger Rask, Philipp Grubauer, Frederik Andersen and Chris Driedger. Others, wingers on the team, such as John Leonard, Noah Gregor and maybe like Dallas’ Anton Khudobin, for example, may be available via trade. even Kevin Labanc — if Labanc doesn’t end up as the price that Wilson There will undoubtedly be at least one new experienced NHL goalie in has to pay to land such a center, which is certainly possible. teal next season, although whether he is acquired through free agency or “It’s like a puzzle piece, and everything’s connected,” he said. “You put a trade is to be determined. pressure on Logan and Timo if you don’t have a 3C that can take some Prior to adding someone else, though, the Sharks used the final few faceoffs and help some young guys along. And you put (Gambrell) down weeks of the season to see what they have already have in the system. at 4C, which is probably the right role for him.” Josef Korenar played in 10 games, going 3-5-0 with a 3.17 goals-against He continued: “Say I fix the goaltending, and I (find) a really good 3C — average and .899 save percentage, while Alexei Melnichuk got the call you could put a roster together of guys that, if they play up to their for the final two, losing both, including on Wednesday when he allowed capabilities, can be a playoff (team) and a good hockey team.” six goals on 44 shots. It’s not fair to judge either of them in limited action while playing behind an injury-riddled team that had eliminated from Again, that’s all open to argument. But on a Sharks team that features so playoff contention for some time, but it does appear that both goalies many unmovable contracts, preventing a true rebuild from taking place need a little more seasoning in the AHL before they can be considered even if they wanted to, it might be the only realistic path to take. ready for the NHL. The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 So where does all of this leave Martin Jones? It’s difficult to see him playing another game in a Sharks sweater, although that hasn’t been ruled out. Jones finished the season with a 15-13-4 record, 3.28 goals- against average and .896 save percentage, his third straight season under .900. Since the start of the 2018-19 season, there have been 46 NHL goalies to appear in at least 70 games. Jones’ .896 save percentage over that span places him 45th, ahead of only former teammate Jonathan Quick with the rebuilding Kings.

Jones still has the ability to play well, as evidenced by a stretch from early March to early April when he went 7-1-1 with a 1.86 goals-against average and .942 save percentage in nine games. But those stretches have been few and far between in recent seasons, including this one, as 1188195 San Jose Sharks isn’t a playoff game, for the San Jose Sharks, it’s an elevated exhibition game. There’s no responsibility and I’m sure that the Sharks are grading him on a curve.

Postgame Notes #56: Sharks Get Shut Out 6-0, Marleau’s Last Game in PERIOD 3 Teal? Well, at a certain point, hard to evaluate individual players in a massacre. Especially in what is a meaningless game to the San Jose Sharks but still pretty meaningful for Vegas. You would’ve liked to see more gumption By Sheng Peng from the Sharks, but honestly, tonight was a case of it happens.

1 left: Gambrell shanks a one-timer. Not to overfocus on him, but yeah, that’s a spot, 3C, where you need more offense. PERIOD 1 DeBoer and Spott hugged Marleau after the game, then the SAP Center 3 in: That shift seemed representative of Chmelevski’s good and bad: I crowd gave him a loud ovation…is this Patty's last game as a Shark at like him with the puck, but the skating is so choppy. Not to be too hard on the Tank? pic.twitter.com/X6y8zWXfVm him, but he came up short on forecheck there, Vegas went 200 feet the other way to score. Though Melnichuk needs to have that soft — Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) May 13, 2021 Pietrangelo backhand. San Jose Hockey NowLOADED: 05.13.2021 7 in: But the kids should be playing for something: On the breakout, Chekhovich backhands it to Gregor, Gregor doesn’t get it out. That’s early-season stuff still happening now, hopefully that’s ironed mostly out of Gregor’s game next year. The San Jose Sharks need him; he also has obvious talents too. In fairness, it was a tough pass, Chekhovich might’ve helped him more too.

8 left: Nice backcheck by Chmelevski to intercept NZ pass. You can get by with smarts if skating not so much there, that’s an example.

Just 7:48, it's clear which team is playing for something, which team is looking toward the exit: #VegasBorn 12-1 shots, 2-0 lead

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) May 13, 2021

7 left: Between Kane and Hertl, someone needs to pick up Janmark walking down slot. Janmark gets Grade-A because nobody bothers on him. I think it’s Hertl. It’s Vegas 14-5 shots and they’re about to go on the PP. Looking checked out here.

2nd Bergmann penalty: It looks like he holds up on Stephenson, I’d call it a soft boarding call, but it is what it is. Bergmann’s last two shifts result in his penalties.

Crowd would’ve loved a Marleau goal on that SH breakaway. These last couple minutes, unfortunately, are these moments that tell you that Patty has lost even more this year. Not finding the puck on admittedly tough passes — a game effort, but a little slow (for Patrick Marleau) on Carrier breakaway.

#VegasBorn 14-2 Slot Shots over #SJSharks in 1st (All Situations per @SPORTLOGiQ)

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) May 13, 2021

Period 2

Carrier goal: Awful all around. Kane NZ turnover. Counterattack. Burns bites up high when he probably shouldn’t, Tuch passes him and Burns can’t stop the pass from the point to Tuch. Now Ferraro is in no man’s land versus 2-on-1. Hertl doesn’t recognize Ferraro’s predicament, he doesn’t help on 2-on-1.

More thoughts on Gregor: I think he’s a great example of somebody who looks like he 100 percent belongs in the NHL – speed, shot, and even enough strength at his size – but he’s an example of the details matter. You can skate as fast as anybody, you can shoot as hard as anybody, but you gotta process the game at the highest level. He’s just 22, there’s a good chance he’ll get there – a lot of guys take their time and just need seasoning, good chance he’s one of them – I just find his case instructive among San Jose Sharks prospects.

5 left: The more I watch Labanc, I think he has high-end vision, but he’s not a great passer. His touch, like that pass to Karlsson at blueline, doesn’t appear to be consistently there. Not first example of that, just my thoughts from the year at large.

3 left: Well, Bergmann is trying. Nice effort to dig puck put behind Fleury, get it to Knyzhov at blueline. A bit lucky to sail low-high pass up middle straight to your d-man, but regardless, he’s trying to provide energy.

On Melnichuk and thoughts that leaving him out here for this shellacking is potentially “ruining” him. I mean, I’m not in his head, but I’d expect a goalie, even a youngster, to be able to handle this barrage in what is a meaningless audition game. This isn’t the starting job on the line, this 1188196 San Jose Sharks Santeri Hatakka has now signed his entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks, so I thought it would be a good time to re-share my evaluation of his game from earlier this season: https://t.co/AYWTHFvB1v #SJSharks Game Preview/Lines #56: Barabanov Re-signs with Sharks — Marco Bombino (@marco_bombino) May 12, 2021

EXCLUSIVE: Evander Kane discusses his bankruptcy filing, the relief he By Sheng Peng felt after it became public, the role being a father played in that decision and what he has done to manage everything while having the best

season of his NHL career. https://t.co/1rdsuZrN01 SAN JOSE SHARKS (21-27-7) — Ryan S. Clark (@ryan_s_clark) May 10, 2021 We've made it to the last game of the #SJSharks season. San Jose Hockey Now LOADED: 05.13.2021 Miss an episode? —> https://t.co/wmyWBR90aU pic.twitter.com/fQPszfhZzh

— Locked on Karlsson's Apple (@LockedOnSharks) May 12, 2021

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS (39-14-2)

The Vegas Golden Knights trotted out 15 – fifteen — skaters on Monday. They’ll have a couple reinforcements tonight:

Dylan Sikura and Brayden Pachal have been recalled to the @GoldenKnights.#HomeMeansHenderson | #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/yVEn1teABy

— Henderson Silver Knights (@HSKnights) May 12, 2021

This is how they lined up on Monday:

Golden Knights projected lineup vs. #GoAvsGo

Janmark-Stephenson-Stone

Marchessault-Karlsson-Smith

Carrier-Roy-Tuch

Kolesar

Theodore-Pietrangelo

McNabb-Whitecloud

Hague

Lehner #VegasBorn

— David Schoen (@DavidSchoenLVRJ) May 11, 2021

WHERE TO WATCH

Puck drop is 6:00 PM PT at SAP Center. Watch it on NBC Sports Bay Area, AT&T Sportsnet, or NHL.tv.

MORNING SKATE

All kinds of San Jose Sharks news recently! First, impending UFA Alexander Barabanov has re-signed with San Jose:

Barabanov contract is 1-way, 1 year, $1 mil

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) May 12, 2021

Forward Alexander Barabanov, who has had a brief time in the AHL this season with Toronto and San Jose, has been selected to represent Russia at this month's IIHF World Championship in Latvia.

— PATRICK WILLIAMS (@pwilliamsAHL) May 12, 2021

Knyzhov will miss the World Championships because of an injury that will require surgery https://t.co/NTMXeXPRtE

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) May 12, 2021

Other World Championships roster news: San Jose Sharks sophomore defenseman Mario Ferraro will be part of Team Canada.

Welcome to the family

We've signed @adamraska74 to a three-year, entry-level contract with Team Teal.

✍: https://t.co/Y2zFXz7lUc pic.twitter.com/rkEtplj3rg

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 12, 2021 1188197 San Jose Sharks But the Sharks jumped out to a 3-2 series lead before getting blown out 7-1 in Game Six to give the Red Wings the chance to close out the series on home ice.

30 Sharks: Johan Garpenlov & the Crossbar Game Seven, tied score, just over six minutes to go in regulation, Red Wings goalie , out of his net to play the puck, played it to San Jose’s Jamie Baker at the point. Baker fired it, Osgood couldn’t get back to the net, and San Jose suddenly had the lead. That was all the By Ryan Cowley Sharks needed as they pulled off the monumental upset, eliminating the Red Wings.

En route to their dismal finish in their inaugural season, the San Jose “I played with my idols Igor Larionov and Sergei Makarov, we made the Sharks acquired a key veteran late in the year who would ultimately help playoffs and beat my old team, Detroit, in the first round,” Garpenlov the club make the playoffs. recalled. “It was a great run with a tough ending when Toronto beat us in overtime. I had one shot that hit the crossbar in overtime.” In Mar. 1992, San Jose acquired Johan Garpenlov for Bob McGill and a 1992 eighth-round pick. THE CROSSBAR

Drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 1986, Garpenlov was a part of a Garpenlov is understating the moment — it wasn’t just any OT crossbar. promising team that had struggled mightily for two decades. Garpenlov After toppling Detroit, the San Jose Sharks were up 3-2 again, this time had a promising start to his NHL career, scoring 18 goals and 40 points against the Maple Leafs, one step away from upsetting another Western for the Red Wings in his rookie campaign of 1990-91. However, after just Conference power. Game Six was in Toronto on May 12, 1994, and just a goal and an assist in 16 games the following season, the native of minutes into the first overtime, Garpenlov fired the goal that would’ve Stockholm, Sweden was dealt to the expansion side. sent the third-year Sharks to the Conference Finals…off the crossbar. Garpenlov made the most of his new opportunity, regaining his scoring Moments later, Mike Gartner sent Toronto to Game Seven, where they touch in the Bay Area. dispatched San Jose with relative ease 4-2. In a continuation of my “30 Sharks” series for San Jose Hockey Now, Garpenlov hasn’t forgotten Game Six though. Garpenlov reminisces about his time in teal. In line outside Hawks dressing room I ran into Johan Garpenlov. I said: FROM MOTOWN TO THE BAY "Crossbar." He said: "We should have won that series." #oldmemories Being traded from a team on the rise like the Red Wings to the NHL’s — steve simmons (@simmonssteve) June 22, 2013 proverbial basement-dweller in the San Jose Sharks doesn’t seem ideal. Johan Garpenlov, however, was excited for the opportunity to go to San LOOKING BACK Jose. When speaking to him, it was evident how grateful Johan Garpenlov was “I was very proud to be a part of an Original Six team and make it to for his time in San Jose and for his contributions to a vastly improved NHL. My second year in Detroit was tough with not much ice time,” Sharks team. Garpenlov said. “For me, the trade was great. I got playing time in an offensive role with a great center, Kelly Kisio. “For me, my time in San Jose was very important,” he beamed. “I proved that I could play in the NHL and be an important piece in a winning While his stay in Detroit may have been shorter than he would have team.” liked, Garpenlov did not hesitate to give praise where it was due to two pivotal figures in his career. When thinking about his favorite moments with the San Jose Sharks, Garpenlov immediately thought of the 1994 playoff run, which included “I have to thank [then-Detroit head coach and GM] Bryan Murray for playing with his aforementioned idols. believing in me,” the former NHLer reflected. “And [then-Detroit captain] Steve Yzerman for teaching me how to be an NHL player and how to “My favorite memories were when we made the playoff and that run,” the prepare yourself to perform in the NHL.” former NHLer remembered. “I got to play with my idols, Igor Larionov and Sergei Makarov, and play in front of the best fans in the NHL. The Shark In San Jose, Garpenlov had an immediate impact. Tank was the loudest arena and that helped us a lot when we played at home.” After scoring 11 points in 12 games to close out the 1991-92 campaign, the former winger would follow that up with 22 goals and 66 points in Following two solid seasons with the Sharks, Johan Garpenlov would be 1992-93, his first full season with the Sharks. The club, however, finished traded during the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season to the Florida the season with a dismal 11-71-2 record — but better things were on the Panthers for a 1998 fifth-round pick. horizon. He noted: “I took that feeling [from the ’94 playoffs] to the Florida CONSTANTINE TAKES OVER Panthers and got a similar role on a line with Scott Mellanby and Rob Niedermayer.” Shortly following their 24-point campaign in 1992-93, the San Jose Sharks fired head coach George Kingston, replacing him with 35-year-old Garpenlov became a key member of another surprising third-year Kevin Constantine, who brought to the team a new lease on life. franchise, helping Florida make the 1996 Stanley Cup Final. No matter that they were swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the Final. San Jose’s new bench boss would pay immediate dividends. “That Stanley Cup run in Florida was another great experience in my On a club led by one of Garpenlov’s childhood idols, first-year Shark career,” the winger recalled. Sergei Makarov, the Sharks flourished, squeaking into the playoffs with a 33-35-16 record. Garpenlov would finish his NHL career in Atlanta and is now a Swedish Ice Hockey Federation executive. “It was a great year,” the 52-year-old fondly reflected. However, if anyone thought that making the playoffs would be the highlight of that season for San Jose Hockey Now LOADED: 05.13.2021 the Sharks, they would be in for a surprise.

The Sharks opened the 1994 Stanley Cup playoffs with the inevitable task of playing the Western Conference’s top seed, Garpenlov’s former team, the Red Wings.

Overmatched on paper, the Sharks were barely given a chance to compete against the Red Wings. And nobody talked about San Jose actually pulling off the upset. 1188198 Seattle Kraken The story was a big deal at a time sports gambling carried far more stigma, but the NHL allowed players to legally bet on sports other than its own, and no evidence of hockey wagering surfaced. Nowadays, sports betting is legal in some form in two dozen states, including Washington, Should John Tortorella and Rick Tocchet be added to list of Kraken and the NHL has a team in Las Vegas and a hockey data partnership coaching candidates? with casino entity MGM Resorts.

Green actually enjoys a coolness factor among some fans for winning more than $385,000 as a competitive poker player before becoming an By Geoff Baker NHL coach in 2017. Anyhow, the story would be revived at some point if Green or Tocchet gets hired here, so now you know if you didn’t already.

Inside the NHL Another former Francis teammate to watch is Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour, whose team won the Central Division but faces a We’ve arrived at the best part of the NHL campaign, the so-called tough opening round against the surging Nashville Predators. A surprise “second season” comprising the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Hurricanes elimination would force a quicker conclusion to contract talks between Brind’Amour and his team, and it would provide the Kraken an So throw out everything up until now, as the NHL on Saturday embarks earlier opportunity to chart the direction of its coaching course. on a two-month endurance test to crown the final Cup champion before the Kraken takes the ice for its debut in October. Actually, don’t discard For the rest of the playoffs the West Division standings could change, but everything yet, as some coaching moves this final week of the regular as of Wednesday the No. 1-seeded Vegas Golden Knights would face season could have bearing on whoever is behind the Kraken’s bench. the No. 4 St. Louis Blues, and the No. 2 Colorado Avalanche would play the No. 3 Minnesota Wild. The already-set East Division opening round The Columbus Blue Jackets mutually parted ways with coach John features the No. 1 Penguins playing the No. 4 New York Islanders, and in Tortorella, and the Arizona Coyotes did the same with Rick Tocchet to Saturday’s debut playoff matchup the No. 2 Washington Capitals face the free up two more potential Kraken candidates. As has been well- No. 3 Boston Bruins. documented, Tortorella can be a polarizing figure with players and media, which should give the Kraken pause as it seeks fans in a new In the North Division, which won’t end its regular season until next NHL marketplace. Wednesday, the set matchups have the No. 2 Edmonton Oilers playing the No. 3 Winnipeg Jets. But that division also features one of two first- That said, Tortorella does win — more than any other U.S.-born coach — round dream playoff rivalry series decades in the making, as the No. 1 without playing favorites. Still, with today’s younger players responding Toronto Maple Leafs play the No. 4 Montreal Canadiens. less to old-school coaching tactics, you wonder whether Tortorella’s heart-on-his-sleeve approach risks devolving into a proverbial “three-year It’s the first playoff meeting in 42 years between the top-two Cup winners act” going forward. of all-time, with Toronto last beating Montreal in the 1967 Final for its 13th and last title since, while the Canadiens swept the Leafs in their Tocchet hasn’t won nearly as much, at least as a coach. His Coyotes prior postseason bout in the 1979 quarterfinals. Montreal won its 24th made the playoffs once in four seasons, bounced by Colorado in last and most recent title in 1993 over Los Angeles, but only after the Kings year’s opening round. outlasted Toronto in a seven-game conference final to prevent a 1967 Arizona hasn’t been the most stable organization, mind you, and championship rematch. Tocchet’s departure was likely hastened by new general manager Bill The dream Central matchup pits the No. 2 seed Florida Panthers against Armstrong wanting his own coach. For those unaware, Tocchet, who also the defending Cup champion, No. 3 Tampa Bay Lightning. That it’s their coached Tampa Bay in two non-playoff seasons, had quite the playing first cross-state playoff series is pretty amazing considering the Lightning career as a pugnacious yet productive All-Star forward with mostly the has two Cup titles and the Panthers made the final in 1996. Philadelphia Flyers but also the Pittsburgh Penguins. The underrated Panthers spent the season in the division shadow of the That Penguins part is important, because his teammate on those early Hurricanes and Lightning, with Florida coach Joel Quenneville’s staff 1990s clubs was current Kraken GM Ron Francis. featuring assistant , who was briefly a Kraken scout and So, don’t rule Tocchet out quite yet. won a Cup in 1992 as a Penguins player alongside GM Francis and coaching candidate Tocchet. We’ll also see whether Travis Green parts ways with the Vancouver Canucks, whose COVID-19-extended season won’t end until next week Seattle Times LOADED: 05.13.2021 while playoff games are ongoing elsewhere. The former Spokane Chiefs junior star and NHL centerman would almost certainly get a Kraken look given his work with analytics and his Canucks making last year’s second playoff round before this season’s disastrous early showing and three- week COVID-19 layoff.

There’s an interesting, somewhat dubious connection between Green and Tocchet. In many ways it’s a testament to their coaching promise that both emerged intact from a sports gambling scandal 15 years ago that shook the NHL to its core.

“Operation Slap Shot” was a New Jersey state police probe into an illegal, multimillion-dollar nationwide sports gambling ring run partly by Tocchet, then a Coyotes assistant under legendary former player and team owner/coach . Tocchet pleaded guilty in 2007 to conspiracy and promoting gambling and was placed on two years’ probation.

His partner running the ring, a former New Jersey state trooper named Jim Harney, was sentenced to five years in prison. Tocchet was suspended by the NHL and, upon reinstatement, maintained the bets he placed — for himself and others — were primarily on football, never on hockey.

Green, then winding down his journeyman NHL playing career, was named in news reports as one of the ring’s frequent gamblers along with then-player Jeremy Roenick and Gretzky’s wife, Janet. But none faced charges, as placing bets in New Jersey was not a crime. 1188199 Seattle Kraken

Kraken inks first player, Luke Henman, who was drafted by Carolina in 2018

GEOFF BAKER THE SEATTLE TIMES MAY 12, 2021 01:21 PM, UPDATED MAY 12, 2021 01:31 PM

Kraken fans have something more than a team name and logo to cheer for after the expansion squad Wednesday announced its very first player acquisition in junior league centerman Luke Henman.

The Nova Scotia native, 21, was drafted in the fourth round by the Carolina Hurricanes in June 2018, after Kraken general manager Ron Francis had already departed that organization two months prior. But a number of current Kraken employees, including amateur scouting director Robert Kron, scout Mike Dawson and advisor Tony MacDonald were with the Hurricanes at the time and felt Henman could be a good fit with the coming expansion club after Carolina failed to sign him.

“They felt he was a quality character individual that had good skill and hockey sense,” Francis said in an interview after announcing the three- year, entry-level deal.

Size has long been considered Henman’s biggest drawback. Though listed at 6 feet, he was only 143 pounds when drafted.

This past season, playing for Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Henman got his weight up to 172 pounds, scoring 16 goals and adding 27 assists in 32 games of a COVID-19- shortened schedule. Through the first seven playoff games, the Armada’s team captain has an additional six goals and two assists as his team trails Victoriaville 2-1 in a best-of-seven quarterfinal series.

The Kraken officially inked Henman on Monday, but had him hold off telling anyone for 48 hours.

“It was super hard to keep it from my friends and my teammates,” Henman said in a media conference call on Wednesday. “I had trouble sleeping the last few nights, I was just so excited. This is a dream come true for me and I’m extremely honored.”

Henman said he “put my nose down and went to work” after Carolina failed to sign him, adding he knows getting “bigger and stronger” is critical to him making a pro-level jump. “I have a lot of belief in my game. I know that I can contribute at the next level and I’m just looking forward to getting to work and preparing for next season.”

Henman will attend the Kraken’s rookie camp this fall at the soon-to-open Northgate Mall training center and start his professional career in the minors.

“He’s going to need some time to get stronger,” Francis said. “But I have full confidence that he’ll be able to put in the work and get there.”

Francis is in the midst of finalizing an American Hockey League (AHL) player-sharing arrangement with another NHL club that should be announced shortly. The deal would allow the Kraken to place eight to 12 players on the farm club at any given time next season as the team awaits the fall 2022 launch of its AHL affiliate in the Palm Springs, California, area.

That limited AHL roster size for next season means the Kraken must be selective with any amateur free agents it signs. Francis said his team isn’t considering any further junior prospects beyond Henman, but is “kicking the tires” on some potential European players.

The Kraken will select 30 players — one from each team except Vegas — in the July 21 expansion draft, and only 23 can remain on the NHL roster at any point. Some players can be drafted and remain unsigned or get traded away, but the Kraken will also add players in the July 23-24 NHL entry draft as well that will also help stock some of its minor-league depth.

News Tribune LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188200 Seattle Kraken A two-year captain, Henman scored 16 goals and 43 points over 32 games to average 1.34 points while also leading the Armada to the playoffs where he has eight points in seven games.

Kraken sign their first player as Luke Henman starts Seattle’s depth chart NHL organizations are always seeking value. Look no further than the fact around 25 percent of the league went undrafted. Perhaps one of the items that offers the Kraken hope they might have something with Henman is the recent track records of fourth-round draft picks. An By Ryan S. Clark May 12, 2021 average of 13.7 players taken in the fourth round from every draft class from 2007 through 2017 has at least played one game in the NHL.

Maybe the day will come when he finally skates around the Climate Some of those fourth-round picks who found NHL success are the Pledge Arena ice surface. Maybe the day will come when he dons a look Calgary Flames’ Johnny Gaudreau, the New York Islanders’ Jean- that is quickly becoming one of the more trendy designs throughout Gabriel Pageau and the Carolina Hurricanes’ Cedric Paquette, who also hockey. played for the Armada. Yet the most prominent potential comparison in terms of being drafted by one team but finding success elsewhere could As it stands, Luke Henman’s path to the NHL is yet to be determined. He be Joonas Donskoi, who was drafted in the fourth by the Florida does, however, have a more defined role that goes well beyond what is Panthers in 2010. The Panthers never offered him a contract, and he listed on a depth chart. The 21-year-old Blainville-Boisbriand Armada went on to sign with the San Jose Sharks after having a career season in forward will forever have the distinction of being the first player in Seattle the Liiga with Karpat. Since then, Donskoi has averaged 0.46 points over Kraken history after officially agreeing to an entry-level contract with the six full NHL seasons. NHL’s 32nd club. How everything works out with Henman remains to be seen. Duke’s path It was always the organization’s plan to sign an overaged major junior with the Golden Knights could provide some insight. Duke was a sixth- player and make that individual their first player, similar to what the round pick by the Minnesota Wild in 2014 who also did not come to terms Vegas Golden Knights did in 2017 when they signed Brandon Wheat with the club that drafted him. He was seeking a new team and at one Kings forward Reid Duke. point, attended the New York Rangers’ prospect camp before he was returned to the for his final major junior season. So what does it all mean? Henman will likely spend next season playing for an AHL partner club that is yet to be determined because the Duke was verbally offered a contract from the Golden Knights months Kraken’s actual AHL affiliate in Palm Springs, Calif., will not begin play before the announcement. Current Golden Knights GM Kelly until the 2022-23 season. Getting Henman is the first step to building a McCrimmon, who then owned the Wheat Kings, was also Vegas’ farm system and a foundation for the future, which will be supplemented assistant GM. It was made clear to Duke that he could not tell anyone at the NHL Draft on July 23 and 24. beyond his family. In fact, Duke was with his teammates on the way to breakfast when McCrimmon called with the offer. Duke said his Predicting who could have been the first player in Kraken history was teammates all noticed he was smiling and he had to leave as he was always going to be something of an impossible task. They could have having a good day. hypothetically signed any free agent from the OHL, QMJHL or WHL. They could have done the same with collegiate or Europe free agents. “What if I got hurt or did not have a great year?” Duke said. “I was giving Although a sardonic argument can be presented that a major sign them my word and I was hoping they would hold up on their side. It was pointed toward Henman this entire time. not the easiest thing to think about. But I knew the type of person Kelly was and that he was a man of his word. I had zero doubt on his behalf.” The sign? Henman was once part of the Carolina Hurricanes organization, which is the case for a number of current Kraken personnel. Duke said the process was “a little weird,” especially when he had to play it cool with another NHL team that offered him a contract the same week Kraken general manager Ron Francis did not draft Henman during his he signed with the Golden Knights. But what sold Duke – aside from his four-year reign over the Hurricanes. Henman was drafted in 2018, a year relationship with McCrimmon – on the Golden Knights was the idea of after Francis was dismissed by the club. But Robert Kron, who is the making history with a new organization. Having the distinction of being Kraken’s director of amateur scouting, was still a scout with the Canes the first player in Golden Knights’ history is something the 25-year-old when they drafted Henman. Duke described as “one of the best days of my life,” and he believes the The Kraken also have scout Trevor Stienburg with connections to Nova same will apply toward his Kraken counterpart in Henman. Scotia, where Henman spent his childhood and played midget hockey Signing a player like Duke gave the Golden Knights a prospect who before joining the Armada. could immediately play in the AHL. Duke sustained an injury that limited Henman amassed 214 points over 225 games with the Armada. One of him to 14 games with the Chicago Wolves, the Golden Knights’ farm the concerns he faced going into the draft was his build, as he was six- team at that time. But he was still able to be around the team while he foot but only weighed 152 pounds. NHL Central Scouting listed Henman rehabbed, giving him a front-row seat in the club’s inaugural campaign as the No. 83 North American skater, while The Athletic’s Corey when they stunned the hockey world by advancing to the Stanley Cup Pronman had him ranked 68th on his draft board. Pronman wrote that Final. Henman showed a lot of potential while having “good hands, shows “It was so quick for them to turn around and have to get everything coordination handling the puck and can make a quick move to evade going,” Duke said of the Golden Knights. “They had so many incredible pressure. His IQ is his best trait.” people on the ground floor of this organization that they set the precedent “With Henman, the major thing holding him back is his body,” Pronman very early on. They have so many amazing character people in wrote. “He’s a small and very physically immature player who can get management and that they put on the ice. They had an incredible group pushed off pucks too easily. He’s also not a great skater, although you do and it is no surprise that they have had success in the first few years.” wonder if that aspect will improve if he bulks up. I think he has intriguing Since then, the Golden Knights have become one of the premier teams potential, though he does have some risk.” in the NHL. They have reached the postseason every season and are Carolina drafted a player who averaged 0.77 points in his draft year and currently among the favorites to hoist the Stanley Cup this season. As for 0.73 points during the 2018-19 season. Henman’s production increased where Duke fits into Vegas’ big picture? He could still someday be a part throughout the 2019-20 campaign when he scored 25 goals and 74 of the club’s future. Duke is playing in the AHL with the Henderson Silver points over 63 games to average 1.17 points. The Hurricanes ultimately Knights, the Golden Knights’ new AHL affiliate. He has 19 goals and 38 decided against offering Henman a contract, which meant he returned to points in 111 AHL games, but he has still not made his NHL regular- the Armada for a final season. season debut. Players in Duke’s situation could eventually be called up to the NHL to serve as a bottom-six forward with some penalty kill “I felt like I had a good year and things really didn’t work out well with responsibilities. Carolina,” Henman told Jim Moore, the former play-by-play voice of the Halifax Mooseheads last summer. “That’s life. I don’t think another year Exactly what advice would Duke give to Henman, who is now part of an of juniors is going to be bad for me. I’m up to 170 pounds now. I need to exclusive club? get a bit bigger, a bit stronger and hopefully have a good year next year.” “I would say try to manage expectations and keep your head down and give yourself the best opportunity to make the team,” he said. “Even though you are the first person and there is still (no) team, just keep working hard. Keep positive and enjoy the moment for a little while and then go do your best to be on that roster.”

The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188201 St Louis Blues have that guy that can play extremely hard, compete hard and bring energy for us as well as bring skill.”

It was also a breakthrough for Husso in what could well be his final game Kostin makes season debut as Blues beat Wild of the season since Jordan Binnington is likely to get every start in the postseason. Husso was instrumental at the start, when the Wild took it to the Blues and his sharp play in goal kept things in order until a goal by Ivan Barbashev put the Blues ahead and settled things down. Tom Timmermann “We could have fallen behind early and they could have caught up in the

second period,” said defenseman Torey Krug, who snapped a 44-game For someone who had played in four NHL games and has never scored goal-less streak in the second period. “He made a ton of great saves. more than 13 goals in a professional season, a certain mystique has That was the best I’ve seen him track the puck and he worked to make evolved around Blues forward Klim Kostin. all those saves. So if it wasn’t for him, the score definitely looks a little different tonight.” One of the team’s two first-round picks in the 2017 draft, being taken with the last pick in the round, the expectations only grew this season “When I came to the rink, I was thinking like, ‘Have fun tonight.’ “ Husso because he was out of reach. The Blues loaned him to a team in the KHL said. “There was no pressure for our team to play. It worked out pretty in Russia in September when there was uncertainty about whether the well and got a 4-0 win. It was nice.” NHL or AHL would play this season and the Blues didn’t want Kostin to Husso has had trouble this season allowing early goals, but not this time lose a season of development. as the Wild had some prime scoring chances. That was all well and good until the Blues started to get hit by injuries, “I was dialed in right away and saw all the pucks,” he said. “Guys did a causing them to dip deep into their forward reserves while Kostin was good job too in front of the net boxing out. (Those early saves) give you playing in Europe. Add that to the standard intrigue involving young confidence and then we scored a goal. That was big for us. It puts the Russian players — what if he doesn’t come back? — and the Blues’ pressure on the other team and it’s for sure easier for us to play then.” struggles and the mystery that is Klim Kostin only grew. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 05.13.2021 Kostin made his season debut for the Blues on Wednesday, just over a week after completing a successful season in the KHL that was capped by winning the Gagarin Cup as league champions. He didn’t figure in the scoring but turned in a team-high six hits as he made a promising return to hockey on this side of the Atlantic. The result of the game was largely incidental in the grand scheme of life, but the Blues did reach a milestone as they got their first shutout of the season and goalie Ville Husso got the first shutout of his NHL career in a 4-0 win over Minnesota.

The Blues go into their final game of the season on Thursday still with no certainty on who they will face in the playoffs as Vegas and Colorado both won. Vegas, its regular season over, is two points up on Colorado, which plays the Kings on Thursday night. If Colorado wins, they win the division and the President’s Trophy and will face the Blues in the first round. If Colorado loses, Vegas wins the division and the President’s Trophy and will face the Blues. Either way, the Blues won’t know for sure until an hour after their game is over. The loss did assure Minnesota would finish third in the division and that nothing is at stake for either team in the regular-season finale on Thursday.

Kostin was the focal point going into the game, finally back with the Blues after his season in Europe. On his very first shift, he blocked a Minnesota attempt to get the puck out of their zone and turned it into a scoring chance. That was what coach Craig Berube was looking for when he put the 6-foot-3, 212-pound Kostin on a line with Robert Thomas and Mike Hoffman, win pucks for his linemates.

“I think he had a good game,” Berube said. “He played pretty simple, he got pucks deep. He banged bodies, he skated well, so I was pretty pleased with his game overall.”

Banging was a big part of Kostin’s season in Russia. In 24 KHL playoff games, he was credited with 99 hits, an average of more than four per game. In the regular season, he had 121 hits, but his numbers grew throughout the season as his ice time grew.

“I thought in the first period,” said David Perron, who had a goal and two assists to give him 55 points for the season and put him one point away from being the first Blue to average a point per game since Pavol Demitra in 2002-03. “Definitely he made a lot of good passes, good plays. Obviously, the first game back for him. He’s played a lot of hockey this year. I think we were excited to see him play. I thought he was excited to be out there. He had several hits. He’s a guy that doesn’t back down a lot when other guys are pushing him around, too. He’s a big presence for us. Again for him, I think it’s about building his game. He’s probably gonna be in, I guess tomorrow, if other guys are resting or not. We’ll find out. If he’s in tomorrow, just keep building, keep trending the right way and we’ll see where he stands in playoffs.”

That physicality is something that some thought the Blues were missing at points in the season.

“He’s a big dude,” said forward Brayden Schenn, “a big kid and we like it that he brings a little physicality to our team. Whether he’s playing in the playoffs or not (we don’t know), but we know on our roster we always 1188202 St Louis Blues on Sunday and there’s no postseason for the Comets, so by the time Walker clears quarantine, the season will be over.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 05.13.2021 Blues will get slight boost in capacity at Enterprise for postseason

Tom Timmermann

The Blues will increase the capacity for Enterprise Center to 5,000 for the first two rounds of the NHL playoffs.

While the Cardinals anticipate having about 30,000 fans in Busch Stadium for a series with Chicago in late May, restrictions are tougher on indoor facilities. The Blues right now have a capacity of around 4,100 for games.

Larger and larger crowds are being allowed in around the league, with Vegas drawing a league-high 7,567 for each of its games with the Blues last weekend.

“Vegas, they have it rocking up pretty good at 7,500,” Blues forward Brayden Schenn said. “It felt like quite a few compared to what we’ve been playing in front of for the past year. Any fans help, so for us 5,000 (is good), hopefully that goes up more and more. We’ll see. We obviously love playing in front of our fans and look forward to playing in front of more fans each night.”

Enterprise Center’s current hockey capacity is 18,096, so 5,000 fans will be 27.6 percent of capacity. Even at 4,100, 22.6 percent of capacity, Schenn said the players can tell.

“Oh, yeah, absolutely,” he said. “There’s definitely a difference between what we’ve been playing in front in the past with minimal fans and no fans compared to 4,000 or 5,000. Every bit helps. It’s playing in front of eyes and people cheering you on and us as players, that’s what we play for, playing in front of big crowds and playing in front of fans and them cheering us on.”

Walman is positive

The Blues had been confident that defenseman Jake Walman, who had been vaccinated, had a false positive for the illness which kept him out of Monday’s game with Los Angeles. But subsequent testing has confirmed that Walman is positive for COVID, which will keep him out an undetermined amount of time.

Assuming Walman was asymptomatic, which seems likely if the team thought he had a false positive, he has to remain in isolation for 10 days from the first positive test, which was Monday. That would be through next Thursday, which would keep him out of the first two or three playoff games depending on the schedule.

Walman is the first Blue to test positive this season, and the Blues were the last American team to have a player show up on the league’s COVID protocol list, though showing up on the list doesn’t require a positive test. Sammy Blais and Zach Sanford both showed up on the list after positive tests, but subsequent testing showed those to be false positives and each player missed only one game.

Personnel file

The three injured Blues — Vladimir Tarasenko, Blais and Vince Dunn — all missed another game on Wednesday, though coach Craig Berube said there was a chance of any or all of them playing on Thursday in the regular-season finale. The three skated separately from the team on Wednesday with the taxi squad. Niko Mikkola, who missed the game Monday with an upper-body injury, was back in the lineup.

The number of missed games are starting to get large for the three. Dunn has missed 10 games with an upper-body injury, Tarasenko has missed five in a row and seven of eight and Blais has missed five in a row. Berube said it would be beneficial to get them in a game before the season ended. “It is important for sure,” he said.

Tyler Bozak sat out the game Wednesday, but that was to give him the day off.

Along with recalling Klim Kostin to the roster, the Blues on Wednesday sent forward Dakota Joshua back to the taxi squad and sent forward Nathan Walker, who was on the taxi squad, back to Utica. The last move would seem to be procedural more than anything; Utica’s season ends 1188203 St Louis Blues simply because he's missed so much time. I think next season will be a better barometer.

Q: was important in the Blues’ run to the cup. What has Are the Blues all-in on Berube's system? Jim Thomas offers an been their record with and without him in the lineup, and how much do eyewitness perspective they miss him?

A: The Sundqvist Effect hasn't been quite as noticeable this year:

Jim Thomas During the ’18-19 season, the Blues were 2-3-3 without Sundqvist; 43- 25-6 with him.

During the 2019-20 season, it was 5-7-2 without Sundqvist; 37-12-8 with We answer the fans questions during our final regular-season chat. Here him. are some of the highlights. This season, the Blues are 10-10-3 without him; 15-10-3 with him. Q: Have the Blues bought into Craig Berube’s system? Or do you see there needs to be more buy-in, like hitting everything that moves? Sundqvist is an ultra-effort guy. Plays physical. Strong defensively. Long reach. Underrated passer. Blues Kings Hockey Q: Moneypuck gives the Blues a 16% chance of advancing in the first A: Watching the Blues and Kings from close proximity Monday (press round. With the team’s recent strong play, would you bet on them? row was about 20 rows up), I really got a sense of how members of the Would it depend on if it's Vegas or Colorado? top two lines really hound pucks, check, and work like crazy in the corners. Players like Ryan O'Reilly, Jaden Schwartz, Brayden Schenn, A: I don’t think I'd bet on them. Tyler Bozak, David Perron, and Ivan Barbashev are like heat-seeking If it's Colorado vs. Blues, I say Avs in 7. missiles going after the puck. The third line of Mike Hoffman, Robert Thomas, and Jordan Kyrou? Not as much. So there's buy-in, but there If it's Vegas vs. Blues, I say Knights in 6. could be more. Q: From your days as an NFL beat writer, do you stay keep in touch with Q: Great news to see Klim Kostin will be in the lineup (Wednesday) and former Rams players or staff? on a line with Robert Thomas, who is a great passer. What are your thoughts on Kostin? A: I talk to Dick Vermeil and Charley Armey a couple times a year. Same with Isaac Bruce, mainly Hall of Fame topics with him. I talked to John A: I'm excited to see him on the ice for the Blues. I'm sure the adrenaline Shaw and Mike Martz after Jim Hanifan died. So I kind of stay in touch. I will be flowing for the big fella. Minnesota is a big, physical team. I expect think about trying to reach out to Shaw every time I'm in Los Angeles for Kostin to throw his weight around a time or two. a Blues-Kings game, but there usually isn't a ton of time on those trips. I still miss the NFL some, usually around the time training camp starts and Q: Will Craig Berube be in rest-and-reset mode with the Blues in these then once the playoffs start. But I don't miss it nearly as much as I final two games, or will he try and get them to ramp up their intensity a thought I would. Covering hockey has been a great late-career surprise. bit? St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 05.13.2021 A: A little bit of both. He wants more emotion and intensity out of them. But he's resting some players (Tyler Bozak on Wednesday). And he’s looking at some players, like Dakota Joshua on Monday in Los Angeles, and Kostin (Wednesday) and possibly Thursday, too. Berube would like to see Sammy Blais, Vince Dunn and Vladimir Tarasenko in the lineup Thursday, if possible.

Q: With the coaching carousel getting ready to kick into high gear, do you see any of the Blues assistants departing for head coaching positions or greener pastures?

Blues workouts continue before sequestered season

A: I'd keep an eye on Bill Armstrong in Arizona since he worked for the Blues all those years. Does he think Steve Ott and/or Mike Van Ryn have enough experience to be head coaches? Both are pretty young.

And beyond Arizona, I wonder if Jim Montgomery -- who does obviously have plenty of experience, including NHL head-coaching experience -- might get another look.

Q: Is this Vince Dunn’s last season with the Blues? I think either trades him, or he goes to Seattle in the expansion draft.

A: I like Dunn's potential. I like a lot about his game. And I like dealing with him. But I'd say 60-40 he's gone.

Q: Will the Blues get involved in the Jack Eichel sweepstakes?

Sabres GM disputes disconnect between team and Eichel

A: With Doug Armstrong, you should always expect the unexpected. And I'm sure he is doing his due diligence, even if that doesn't necessarily qualify as being "involved" in the Eichel sweepstakes. But it's hard for me to see how to make the money work ($10 million a year), unless some of it stays with Buffalo. And one other thing: After getting fleeced so badly in the Ryan O'Reilly trade, I wouldn't think Buffalo is eager to do business with St. Louis again.

Q: Will Vladimir Tarasenko ever coming back full strength?

A: That's the question, isn't it? Based on what we've seen this year, I'd say no. But I don't think it's time to pass final judgement on Tarasenko, 1188204 St Louis Blues subsequent testing showed those to be false positives and the players could immediately return.

Personnel file Kostin will make season debut with Blues tonight vs. Wild The lines for Wednesday:

FORWARDS Tom Timmermann Barbashev-O'Reilly-Perron

Schwartz-Schenn-Kyrou Forward Klim Kostin will make his long-awaited season debut for the Kostin-Thomas-Hoffman Blues tonight when the team faces Minnesota at Enterprise Center at 8 p.m. Clifford-Sanford-MacEachern

Kostin spent the season playing in the KHL, after the Blues loaned him to DEFENSEMEN Avangard Omsk in September when there were doubts as to when the NHL and AHL seasons would start. The Blues wanted to be sure that Krug-Faulk Kostin's development wasn't stalled by a season without hockey, and the Scandella-Parayko team could have used him at times when injuries depleted their forward corps. Kostin stayed with Avangard the whole season and ended up Mikkola-Bortuzzo winning the Gagarin Cup as champions of the KHL. GOALIE Kostin came back to the States after the KHL season ended and after a weeklong quarantine, can play tonight. Husso

"Obviously, a big body guy, power-forward type hockey," coach Craig Wild projected lineup Berube said. "Up and down the wing and bang bodies and go to the net. Jordan Greenway -- Joel Eriksson Ek -- Marcus Foligno Just simple hockey. He doesn't need to complicate the game. He just needs to go north-south and manage the puck properly and use his big Kirill Kaprizov -- Ryan Hartman -- Mats Zuccarello body." Kevin Fiala -- Victor Rask -- Marcus Johansson Kostin will be on a line with Robert Thomas and Mike Hoffman. Nick Bonino -- Nico Sturm -- Nick Bjugstad "Just some size on that line," Berube said. "You've got two skilled guys that make plays, the other guy's a shooter and you've got a big body that Ryan Suter -- Jared Spurgeon can get pucks for him, bang, get in there on the forecheck and go to the Jonas Brodin -- Matt Dumba net." Carson Soucy -- Ian Cole The Blues again be without Vladimir Tarasenko, Sammy Blais, Vince Dunn and Jake Walman. Tarasenko, Blais and Dunn all skated Cam Talbot separately with the extras and Berube said any combination of them Kaapo Kahkonen could be available on Thursday for the regular-season finale. The team is still waiting for word on Walman, who is on the league's COVID protocol Scratched: Zach Parise, Brad Hunt list. Tyler Bozak is getting a day of rest. Injured: None Berube had earlier said that they hoped to have Kostin available for the final game of the regular season, but now they'll get two looks at him Bringing it prior to the playoffs. The Blues-Kings game on Monday was a fairly lifeless affair between two "It is (a bonus)," he said. "With all the recalls and that stuff that had to be teams without much to play for. The Blues are hoping to have a bit more worked out, it is good that we can get him in a couple games." energy on Wednesday.

"Klim's a good buddy of mine," forward Jordan Kyrou said, "so I'm happy "I think we have to prepare and be ready for what's at stake after those to finally see him. It's been a while. ... I'm sure he's ready to go for sure." two games," Schenn said. "You want to be feeling good and feeling confident heading into whatever series we're in. It's probably pretty "He's a big dude," said center Brayden Schenn, "a big kid and we like it natural once you clinch to maybe take a step back probably emotionally, that he brings a little physicality to our team. Whether he's playing in the we grinded pretty hard for 17 or 18 games there to try and get in, playing playoffs or not (we don't know), but we know on our roster we always against good teams. The LA game, I don't think there was much have that guy that can play extremely hard, compete hard and bring enthusiasm from both sides with them being out but we know tonight energy for us as well as skill." Minny's going to play hard, they can still move up in the standings so we've got to be ready for a tough game." Kostin had seven goals and 11 assists in 43 regular-season games in the KHL and five goals and four assists in 24 playoff games. He had 50 Standings watch penalty minutes in the regular season, 44 in the playoffs. The Blues are locked into fourth in the West Division, but the other three He got into four games with the Blues last season, with one goal. Kostin spots are still in flux. was the team's second first-round pick (the 31st overall), in the 2017 draft. The Blues chose Thomas with the 20th pick in that draft. Vegas can win the division (and the President's Trophy) if they get more points from their game with San Jose than Colorado gets from its game Walman positive confirmed with Los Angeles.

The Blues had been confident that defenseman Jake Walman had a Colorado can take the division (and the President's Trophy) if it wins false positive test for COVID-19 on Monday because he had been while Vegas loses in regulation. vaccinated and tested negative earlier in the day, but subsequent testing confirmed that Walman was indeed positive for COVID. Minnesota has a remote chance for getting second, but for that to happen, the Wild would have to beat the Blues twice while the Avalanche Assuming Walman was asymptomatic, that starts a 10-day clock on lost to the Kings twice. when he can return to the team, assuming he doesn't develop any symptoms. The Blues will play whoever comes in first in the division.

The Blues just missed going the whole season without having a positive St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 05.13.2021 COVID test. Sammy Blais and Zach Sanford both missed games because of the league's COVID protocol earlier in the season, but 1188205 St Louis Blues That set off a deafening blast from the overflow crowd of 17,801. ''We had 14 shots (as a line) in the third,'' said Sutter. ''We had two

chances, and the puck hit the post. Then we scored on three straight Reliving the Monday Night Miracle, 35 years later shots.''

''Pazzer and Dougie and Sudsie just kept plugging away,'' said Federko.

Tom Wheatley Ex-Blues winger Joe Mullen had given Calgary a 5-2 lead against Wamsley with 12:56 left in the game.

The Blues scored on two of seven power plays. The Flames hit three of On May 12, 1986, the St. Louis Blues completed the most remarkable seven. playoff comeback in their history. Here is our original coverage. Dan Quinn scored twice for Calgary on consecutive two-man advantages Video: The Blues Monday Night Miracle at the start of the second period.

May 12, 2011 Quinn's goal broke a scoreless tie and turned the game sharply in Calgary's favor. 0 After Quinn's second goal, an outraged Demers stood with one foot atop The never-say-die Blues didn't. the boards and screamed at referee Kerry Fraser. Down 5-2, those Bad News Blues scored three times in the last 12 The overflowcrowd of 17,801 threw debris on the ice - a disturbing game- minutes of regulation to tie the Calgary Flames. long problem - and chanted a crudity at Fraser. Then Doug Wickenheiser shoved the mortician aside with his second ''I don't want to comment (on the officiating),'' said Demers afterward. goal at 7:30 of overtime, giving the Blues a 6-5 victory on Monday night at The Arena. Then with the Flames up 3-2, Calgary's John Tonelli scored after a running start into the right circle during a faceoff between Gilmour and A Calgary victory would have ousted the Blues from this best-of-seven Quinn. National Hockey LeagueCampbell Conference final. The Blues had gotten just such a head-start goal from Gino Cavallini on a Instead, Game 7 will be at 8:05 (St. Louis time) Wednesday at Calgary. faceoff to help win Game 4. The winner meets Montreal for the Stanley Cup. This goal stood, too, and assistant captain Rob Ramage threw a fit. Once again, the comeback Blues removed their backsides from the wall - the hard way. It ended withhim shooting a paper cup, which had been tossed on the ice, at Fraser. When the Flames led 5-2, said winning goalie Rick Wamsley, ''I wasn't saying this is where we want to be - we've got them right where we want That cost Ramage a 10-minute misconduct. The goal stood. And the 'em. But it's been that kind of year for us.'' game and the Blues' season seemed over there with 5:16 left in the second period. ''I question whether this has ever happened in this level of hockey in the league,'' said center Bernie Federko, who gave himself a 30th birthday With Calgary up 4-2, Fraser gave the Blues a five on three for 1:46 early present by helping set up Wickenheiser's winner. in the third.

''I didn't say much,'' said coach Jacques Demers of his message after the The Blues cashed once on Wickenheiser's first playoff goal. His slapshot Blues trailed 4-1 after two period. ''Just, 'Keep your head up. No matter from the right circle just squeezed inside the right post. what happens, we walk out of here with our head up. The Blues missed another chance as the second penalty expired when ''I told the players we could get about 20 shots in the third period, and Sutter's deflection hit the post and bounced out. now there's still a seventh game to be played. We just didn't want to lose.'' Mullen, the former Blues winger, banged in a slot shot seconds later to make it 5-2. In today’s 10 a.m. video, columnist Ben Hochman reminisces about St. Louis’ “Monday Night Miracle,” which was the precursor to Pat Maroon’s Then Sutter answered a minute later at 8:08 with a drive off Paslawski's famous overtime goal. And, as always, Hochman chooses a random St. rebound. Louis Cards card from the hat. Ten Hochman is presented Monday- It Sutter's first goal and second point in eight playoff games. Friday by The Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center. Blues rookie Cliff Ronning got his first NHL goal early in the second, ''You've got to work hard to be lucky,'' said captain Brian Sutter, who cutting the Blues deficit to 2-1. spearheaded the late rally. ''Let's say I'm not surprised.'' Ronning, playing for the first time in the series, ended an 0-for-14 power- ''Bernie made a beautiful pass, like he always does, over to Mark play dirge. (Hunter),'' said Wickenheiser, who had not scored in the first 17 playoffs games. ''Mark shot, and the rebound came out to me. All I had to do was Ronning scored on a tuck shot from behind that beat rookie goalie Mike make sure it hit the net. Vernon, who has worked all but one of Calgary's 16 playoff games.

''The way my luck's been going, even that's a tough task.'' But Jim Peplinski made it 3-1 with a backhander after Calgary's Steve Bozek won a faceoff from Bernie Federko. Only an almost unbelievable clutch onslaught by the Sutter-Doug Gilmour-Greg Paslawski line kept the Blues alive for Wickenheiser's Then came Tonelli's man-in-motion power-play goal. And the Blues, who winner. had bobbed to the surface twice in the first two rounds when in trouble, appeared dead in the water. They scored three times in the last 12 minutes of regulation. The limp-wristed Blues' power play got a couple of doses of young blood Sutter, making his first big contribution of the playoffs, scored his first - as the Flames expected. playoff goal. Besides Ronning, sophomore defenseman Bruce Bell was reprieved Then Paslawski scored twice in the last 4:11. Sutter had a gritty assist from the press box after a four-game exile. from the corner on the first goal. They replaced ex-Flame winger Kevin LaVallee and rookie defenseman Then Paslawski tied the game single-handedly with 1:08 to play. He stole Brian Benning. the puck from behind defenseman Jamie McCoun, who was heading up ice to the right of rookie goalie Jamie McCoun. Wickenheiser "Monday Night Miracle" goal in 1986 Paslawski wheeled and whipped the puck in. The first period was a slug-a-thon that took 45 minutes to play. Fraser doled out 21 penalties totalling 70minutes.

Both teams were 0-for-3 on first-period power plays, putting the Blues then at 2-for-28 for the series.

The Blues' most damaging pair of penalties came at the end of the first period.

Sutter took a slashing penalty with 40 seconds left in the period. He nailed Calgary's Al MacInnis, apparently in retaliation.

It was the kind of emotional penalty at the end of a period that a rookie, rather than a 10-year veteran and team captain, could be expected to take.

''He takes penalties,'' said Federko. ''That's part of his aggressive play. He's a mucker. He's a plugger.''

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188206 St Louis Blues The first-round draft choice spent the last seven days in quarantine after arriving last week from Russia. He scored one goal in four games with St. Louis last season.

Husso makes 31 stops for first NHL shutout, Blues beat Wild Belleville News-Democrat LOADED: 05.13.2021

BY STEVE OVERBEY ASSOCIATED PRESS MAY 13, 2021 04:24 AM

ST. LOUIS-Ville Husso stopped 31 shots for his first career shutout and David Perron had a goal and two assists in the St. Louis Blues' 4-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night.

Torey Krug, Ivan Barbashev and Jaden Schwartz also scored. The Blues have won two in a row and seven of 11.

After winning four of its previous five, Minnesota was locked into the third spot in the West Division with the loss. St. Louis had already nailed down the fourth spot.

The teams will finish the regular season Thursday night in St. Louis.

Husso improved to 9-6-1. It was the first shutout of the season for the Blues leaving Buffalo as the only team without a shutout in this truncated 56-game season.

“When I came to the rink, I was just thinking to have fun tonight,” Husso said “There was no pressure for our team. It worked out pretty well. It was nice.”

Husso made 13 saves in the opening period as the Wild created a host of good chances.

“If it wasn't for him the score definitely looks a little bit different tonight,” Krug said.

St. Louis defenseman Colton Parayko saved the puck for Husso, who said his parents were watching back home in Helsinki, Finland. where the contest began just after 4 a.m.

“Early on, he made some key saves,” St. Louis coach Craig Berube said. “(Minnesota) came out hard and we were caught on our heels a little bit. He played a heck of a game.”

Perron pushed his points total to a team-high 55 (17 goals, 38 assists) in 55 games.

“Our energy was up, it was a lot better,” Perron said. “Our details, we've got to keep harping on that, same with the execution.”

Barbashev stuffed in the rebound of Perron's shot midway through the first period. Schwartz scored while falling to the ice to push the lead to 2- 0 late in the opening period.

Krug scored his first goal since Jan. 23 off a pass from Ryan O'Reilly midway through the second period.

The Blues have reached the post-season for the third year in a row and the ninth time in the last 10 seasons. They will face either Vegas or Colorado.

“I don't know if they want to play us,” Krug said. “We're going to be a tough out.”

Cam Talbot made 23 saves for the Wild. He was 5-0-2 in his previous seven road games.

“The mistakes that we made were clearly assignment mistakes that allowed for wide open opportunities.” Minnesota coach Dean Evason said. “Those things are hopefully easily corrected.”

THEY WILL COME

The Blues announced they will increase capacity to 5,000 for the upcoming playoffs. They were limited to 4,100 fans per game during the regular season.

HE’S BACK

St. Louis right wing Klim Kostin made his season debut after helping Avangard Omsk of the KHL to the Gagarin Cup championship late last month. 1188207 St Louis Blues are 33 blueliners in the league who have been on the ice for more five- on-five goals than Faulk (39).

The 29-year-old has become a leader on the blue line, and that bodes What we learned from the Blues’ 2020-21 regular season and what it well as the stakes get higher in the postseason. means for the playoffs Colton Parayko has a high pain tolerance: He played several weeks with a back injury that eventually shut him down for 21 consecutive games. When he returned to the lineup on April 5, he wasn’t pain-free, but he By Jeremy Rutherford May 13, 2021 kept playing and kept improving.

Now Parayko looks as assertive and physical as he’s been all season, and while averaging 20:21 of ice time in the last 15 games, he’s taking I know, the regular season isn’t over yet. some pressure off the top pairing of Faulk and Krug. There is one game left: Thursday against Minnesota at Enterprise Parayko won’t be 100 percent the rest of the year, but without him, the Center. Blues aren’t close to 100 percent either. That Blues-Wild game won’t have any real significance, but the final day The Blues’ faith in Jordan Kyrou paid off: It was surprising to see him in of the regular season will determine who they’ll play in the first round of the starting lineup on the first day of training camp, but that appeared to the playoffs. give the young forward all the confidence he needed. After Vegas beat San Jose 6-0 on Wednesday, the Golden Knights Kyrou had 12 points (seven goals, five assists) in the first 10 games of ended their regular season with 82 points. the regular season, and though there was a long lull in the middle of the Colorado also won 6-0 over Los Angeles on Wednesday for 80 points, season, he has picked up the pace lately playing on a line with Robert and the Avalanche have one more game, Thursday against L.A. Thomas and Mike Hoffman.

If the Avs beat the Kings, the Blues will face them in the first round. If the But can the Blues keep that line together in the playoffs? In 77:16 of five- Avs lose, the Blues will meet the Golden Knights. on-five ice time together, they have 37 scoring chances for and 29 against. Despite that advantage, though, they’ve been outscored 7-5, “I think whichever team we play, it’s going to be a good test,” Blues showing they may be a defensive liability. defenseman Torey Krug said. “I don’t know if they want to play us, to be honest. We’re going to be a tough out, and I think everyone is excited You can hit a guy in the head, but if he lands on the ice awkwardly and about it and champing at the bit. One more game and we’ll figure it out.” gets hurt, it’s not your fault: The hit by Vegas’ Mark Stone on the Blues’ Tyler Bozak on Jan. 26 didn’t sit well with fans the second it happened. It Until then, even with one game left in the shortened, 56-game schedule, I certainly didn’t sit well when the NHL’s department of player safety think we’ve gleaned as much about the Blues as we’re going to glean. So decided not to give Stone any supplemental discipline, and then explain let’s look back at what we learned about the club in the regular season later that Bozak was injured because of the fall, not the hit. and what it’ll mean in the playoffs. Bozak suffered a concussion and missed 21 games while Stone went on Hockey sure is better with fans in the building: The NHL and the bubble to post 11 points (five goals, six assists) in eight head-to-head games cities (Edmonton and Toronto) did an admirable job last year hosting the against the Blues. The play of Bozak since he returned to the lineup in playoffs, but let’s be honest, the atmosphere was brutal. The lack of any March illustrates how much he was missed: 23 games, five goals, 15 life in the building was evident watching some teams play with little points (eight even-strength, four power-play, three shorthanded) and a 57 intensity and emotion. That’s not making excuses for the Blues, who percent winning percentage on faceoffs. probably wouldn’t have played well with 18,000 in the building. Well, at least he’s healthy heading into the playoffs. This season started out with only friends, family and first responders in the building — about 400 in total — but the sound of human reaction was The Blues like playing on the road better than at Enterprise Center: long overdue. The attendance in St. Louis has progressed to around There’s no other way to explain why they’re 15-9-4 on the road and 11- 4,200 recently, and word is that it could be around 5,000 for the playoffs. 11-5 at home this season. As someone who’s been in the building for almost every home game this If not for a 3-2 overtime win over San Jose on Feb. 18, the Blues season, I can tell you that it will sound like 10,000, which will be great. might’ve lost 12 straight games on home ice this season. With the OT Fans are great — except when they’re wooing: This is my article, not win, they went 1-8-3 in that stretch, but it was more than two months yours, so if you want to write about the excitement of wooing, put in your (Feb. 2 to April 7) between regulation wins at home. Conversely, they application. LOL! (I was secretly hoping the woo might disappear when had four- and five-game winning streaks on the road this season. the fans came back, but it has returned with a vengeance). Fortunately, the Blues will start the playoffs on the road. Unfortunately, What does that mean for the playoffs? Well, it means that I’m probably they weren’t nearly as good on the road against their likely first-round going to have my headphones on during the game, listening to Chris opponents, going a combined 2-5-1 against Vegas and Colorado. Kerber and Joey Vitale call it on 101 ESPN. Jaden Schwartz is still streaky: The veteran left winger is tied for seventh Defending is more difficult without Alex Pietrangelo: The Blues and their on the team in scoring with eight goals. That’s somewhat understandable captain parted ways last summer, and it did affect the defense. A year since he missed 15 games with an oblique injury. ago, the Blues allowed 2.68 goals per game (fifth-lowest in the NHL), and But what remains a mystery is how inconsistent Schwartz has been, this year it rose to 3.04 (21st in the league). There were more factors offensively. Of his eight goals, he had two-goal games on April 9 and involved in that drop-off, but he was a huge part. April 22, which means he’s scored in just six of his 40 games. The Blues have learned to manage without Pietrangelo — more on that We’ve seen this before from Schwartz, and incredibly, this could be a in a moment — but it’s a double-whammy being in the same division with good omen. In 2018-19, he had 11 goals in 69 regular-season games him. They saw him five times in the regular season (he missed one game and followed it up with 12 goals in 26 playoff games, on the way to the on the COVID list and two with a wrist injury), and now they could see Stanley Cup. The sort of streakiness wouldn’t be a bad thing. him in a seven-game series in either the first or second round. The Blues may want to skip the second period the rest of the season: When Justin Faulk said he’d be better, he wasn’t joking: You’d probably Few fans probably need a reminder on this topic. be hard-pressed to come up with a professional athlete in St. Louis who turned around his performance and enhanced his perception quicker The Blues have scored 48 goals and given up 63 for a minus-15 goal than he did in one year. differential in the second period, when many a game was lost this season. The reasons given stemmed from the long change to not coming In 14 fewer games this season, Faulk has more goals (seven) and points out with enough emotion. (24) than in his first year, and that’s not even the most impressive aspect of Year 2. He’s logging 24:24 per game, including 20:48 at even strength Whatever it is, they had better get it figured out. Colorado has outscored (sixth-most among NHL defensemen), and despite all that ice time, there opponents 74-35 in the second period this season and Vegas has had an advantage, too, at 55-45. The Golden Knights’ goal differential might not which would be career highs. And he’s done that while wearing the “C” look like much, but they haven’t needed as many goals after outscoring for the first time in his career. opponents 57-34 in the first period. In the playoffs, you need someone who can talk the talk, and O’Reilly has Playing the same team seven times in a row gets boring: Thank the proved he can do it. heavenly stars that Arizona did not qualify for the postseason, and we don’t have to watch another “series” against the Coyotes. THE PASSION AND PAIN OF BEING RYAN O’REILLY: THE BLUES CAPTAIN CAN’T STOP CARING — ‘I THINK THAT’S WHO I AM’ In early February, due to COVID issues with other clubs, the Blues and HTTPS://T.CO/IVTYSNE6PA #STLBLUES Arizona played each other in seven straight games, with the Coyotes prevailing 1-0 in “Game 7” and winning the “series” 4-3. Though it was — JEREMY RUTHERFORD (@JPRUTHERFORD) APRIL 26, 2021 three months ago, perhaps that prepped them for the upcoming playoffs. Tarasenko is back, but does it matter?: It was good to see one of the If Jordan Binnington thinks the Blues need a jolt, he may confront best goal scorers in franchise history back on the ice following his third someone: We’d seen it before, so it didn’t come as a surprise. shoulder surgery. However, he had just four goals in 24 games before leaving the lineup again with a lower-body injury. He had just 65 shots in On Feb. 27, the Blues’ starting goalie got pulled against San Jose and those 24 games (2.7 per game), which is down significantly from his last his theatrical exit was credited as the reason behind an eventual 7-6 win full season in 2018-19 (3.2). over the Sharks. After missing five games, Tarasenko could be back in the lineup for As you may recall from the 2019 playoffs, when Binnington took the long Thursday’s game against Minnesota, which the Blues would like to see route off the ice to “visit” Dallas’ Ben Bishop, it doesn’t matter if it’s the because he’ll need a tune-up before the playoffs. He hasn’t been as regular season or the postseason. If he sees an opportunity to get the effective as anyone hoped, but the club could use any offensive attention of his teammates by getting the attention of the opponent, be contribution he can give them. prepared. Klim Kostin playing the entire season in Russia may have been a JORDAN BINNINGTON FIGHTS EVERYONE AFTER BEING PULLED, blessing in disguise: The Blues didn’t plan for that to happen, but after A BREAKDOWN PIC.TWITTER.COM/CEG6U1SVYY winning a championship in the KHL, the Russian winger is back with his NHL club and has a lot more confidence in his game. — JOMBOY (@JOMBOY_) MARCH 1, 2021 Kostin finished his quarantine and played his first NHL game since The Blues could be in trouble if Binnington gets hurt: Ville Husso looked November of 2019 on Wednesday. He played 12:44, had a team-high six like a world-beater on Wednesday, recording his first career shutout in a hits, and afterward Berube said he liked Kostin’s game. The Blues could 4-0 win over the Wild. be getting a playoff-type player at the perfect time.

Husso’s record is now 9-6-1 with a 3.21 goals-against average and an Berube blasting Blues for being fragile might’ve worked: The coach .893 save percentage. The rookie has more wins than losses, and he’s wasn’t shy with his assessment of the club when it wasn’t playing well. kept the Blues in some games with big saves, but the team’s confidence isn’t nearly as high as when Binnington is in net. Did his honesty work? Well, since the last time he uttered the word “fragile” — following a 3-2 loss to Arizona on April 17 — the Blues are 7- The trade deadline passed on April 12, so there are no outside options. 2-3. That run earned them 17 of a possible 24 points down the stretch, After Husso, it’s Jon Gillies, who has played in 12 NHL regular-season and they were just five points ahead of Arizona (since eliminated from games and no playoff games, and prospect Joel Hofer, who hasn’t made playoff contention) going into Wednesday’s game. his NHL debut. It won’t work again, though, because if the Blues show any signs of Mike Hoffman can score on the power play: Who knew? The Blues fragility in the playoffs, they’re likely done. But hey, it helped them get power play made dramatic improvement the last 2 1/2 months of the there. regular season, and Hoffman was a huge part of that with six power-play goals in the last 14 games. Staying up late is hard: I didn’t tell anyone this at the start of the season, but at the time, I didn’t mind the Blues being in the West Division and If the referee raises his hand and sends an opponent to the penalty box, playing the late games. I’ll come clean now, however, and admit that I unless Hoffman just finished a three-minute shift, he should be going might have used some smelling salt in the third period a few times this over the boards. In the playoffs, his presence on the unit can be a season. difference-maker. We’ll have more late starts in the coming weeks, although it may be a David Perron doesn’t want to be left unprotected: Last summer, it was little easier to stay up since it’s playoff hockey. tough to draw up a scenario in which the Blues would be able to make him one of the seven forwards who would be unavailable to Seattle in the Bobby Plager will be missed and never replaced: The date March 24, expansion draft. You had Ryan O’Reilly, Brayden Schenn, Vladimir 2021, was a tough one. It was the day we lost a Blues legend. Tarasenko, Robert Thomas, Schwartz, Kyrou and perhaps Oskar Sundqvist. The purpose of this article was to list the things we learned about the team’s regular season, but in wrapping up with a few words about Mr. The argument for Sundqvist over Perron — pre-injury for Sundqvist — is Plager, I want to note that we didn’t learn anything after his passing. All that the 27-year-old has two more years left on his contract with a that day did was emphasize what we already knew about his reasonable $2.75 million annual average value (AAV) and would be genuineness and generosity. gobbled up by the Kraken. Perron, meanwhile, will turn 33 later this month, has just one year left on his deal. What does that have to do with the playoffs? There’s a No. 5 patch on the chest of every Blues player. Play for it! Perron, though, has been phenomenal again this season. With a three- point night on Wednesday, he leads the team with 55 points and is tied The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 for second with 17 goals. Perron will only want to further prove his worth in the playoffs, so the club should probably look for someone else to knock off the protected list.

Sundqvist remains the glue: On March 29, he was lost for the season after being clipped by teammate Kyle Clifford and sustaining a torn ACL. In the Blues’ next eight games, they went 1-6-1, which has been a trend throughout Sundqvist’s four seasons in St. Louis.

The Blues have other options in their bottom six, but none as versatile and meaningful to the lineup as the big Swedish center.

O’Reilly can be the captain and the best player: If this were a regular 82- game schedule, he would be on pace for 36 goals and 79 points, both of 1188208 Tampa Bay Lightning Lightning right wing Barclay Goodrow gets checked by Panthers defenseman MacKenzie Weegar during first-period action at on April 15.

These 5 Panthers could be pests for Lightning in postseason Weegar is having a career year with a personal-best 36 points and 30 assists, and he leads the team with 83 blocks. The defenseman has Thanks to realigned divisions, the teams met eight times this year stepped up in Aaron Ekblad’s absence from the blue line (Ekblad (Florida with the 5-3 edge) and are set for a Round 1 playoff matchup. fractured his leg in March).

Notable 2021 moment: Weegar opened scoring against the Lightning in the regular-season finale. He stripped the puck from forward Anthony By Mari Faiello Cirelli just past the blue line in the defensive zone and raced up the ice. Then Weegar found forward Mason Marchment in the neutral zone. As Marchment made his way toward goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, he lost The Lightning and Panthers spent eight games this season learning each control of the puck, but Weegar regained it and took a shot from the top other’s strengths and weaknesses, with Florida gaining the winning edge of the slot for his second goal in three games. five times out. The teams will put that knowledge to the test when it really matters as first-round playoff opponents (no official dates yet). What a season MacKenzie Weegar is having! pic.twitter.com/2GQzJJ4rsi

If you’re pulling for the defending Stanley Cup champs, pay special — NHL (@NHL) May 10, 2021 attention to these five Panthers players. They’re the ones who may prove Against the Lightning: Weegar has logged three assists and one goal. He the most problematic for Tampa Bay’s repeat title run. also high-sticked Mathieu Joseph with 1:18 remaining in regulation Aleksander Barkov, center Saturday night, leading to a $5,000 fine.

Barkov leads the team in goals (26) and is second in points (58) behind Power play: Weegar is second on the team in hits (118) behind former Jonathan Huberdeau (61). Even though this year featured fewer games Lightning defenseman Radko Gudas (250). (50), his scoring prowess and pace are notable in comparison to his Sam Bennett, center previous top seasons: 2018-19 (35 goals, 82 games), followed by 2015- 16 (28 goals, 66 games) and 2017-18 (27 goals, 79 games). He’s also a Panthers center Sam Bennett, center, celebrates after scoring a goal with favorite for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the best NHL forward “who defenseman Keith Yandle (3) and center Aleksander Barkov (16) during excels in the defensive aspects of the game.” the second period Saturday in Sunrise.

Notable 2021 moment: Barkov’s 26th goal of the season was a beauty Bennett came to the Panthers in a trade from Calgary on April 12 as a against the Stars on May 3. From the right faceoff circle, he one-timed a bottom-six player with inconsistent linemates (and results). Since the pass past goaltender Anton Khudobin for the overtime win. move, he has logged 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 10 games on Florida’s second line, and only one game has passed without a point. Aleksander Barkov unloads an absolute ROCKET for the @FlaPanthers' OT winner! Notable 2021 moment: Bennett’s chemistry on the power-play unit hasn’t taken long to develop. On Saturday, he scored the only power-play goal : for a 2-0 lead against the Lightning. : https://t.co/rG1bD20rgs Sam Bennett's (@SBennett93) still rolling, folks! Download the new Bally Sports app!#DALvsFLA #FlaPanthers pic.twitter.com/1PpOCXZw4b #OneTerritory #NHL pic.twitter.com/85lIcTDhTs — NHL (@NHL) May 9, 2021 — Bally Sports Florida: Panthers (@BallyPanthers) May 4, 2021 Against the Lightning: Bennett has three assists and one goal in two Against the Lightning: Barkov’s scoring touch wasn’t always evident games against Tampa Bay. One of his most notable plays came in his against Tampa Bay, with just one goal, but he did have seven assists. first game for the Panthers on April 17 when he had two assists (one on the opening goal) in Florida’s 5-3 win. Power play: From March 11 until April 13, the captain logged 13 goals in 10 games. Two of those were two-goal games and he was held Power play: Bennett’s 15 points with the Panthers are a franchise high scoreless only four times. for any player in his first 10 games with the team.

Jonathan Huberdeau, left wing Sergei Bobrovsky, goaltender

Panthers left wing Jonathan Huberdeau watches the replay of his goal Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky reaches to stop a puck during the against the Lightning during the second period on Saturday in Sunrise. first period at Amalie Arena on April 17.

Huberdeau is Florida’s other 20-goal scorer with team highs in points This won’t be the first time Bobrovsky and Vasilevskiy go head-to-head in (61) and assists (41). He missed the season finale against the Lightning a postseason series. Bobrovsky’s season stats (.906 save percentage; with an upper-body injury, but is expected to return for the start of the 2.91 goals-against average) may not be as lofty as Vasilevskiy’s (.925; postseason. About a third of the way through the season (starting March 2.21 — both top 10 in the league), but he does have postseason 4 at Nashville), Huberdeau went on a stretch where he notched 18 points bragging rights. He and the Blue Jackets swept the Lightning in the 2019- (six goals, 12 assists) in 16 games. 20 opening round.

Notable 2021 moment: Against Nashville on April 27, Huberdeau scored Notable 2021 moment: In a high-pressure situation (one that ended with his first career hat trick and had two assists for a five-point outing. a combined 146 penalty minutes from both teams), Bobrovsky kept his cool during Saturday’s fight night against the Lightning. He was right in Jonathan Huberdeau went backhand for his 20th goal of the season the action for the first scrum about six minutes into the game and blocked the next 26 of 27 shots in the Panthers’ 5-1 win. (via @FlaPanthers) pic.twitter.com/BwKiiwvWuS It was only a matter of time. The intensity will continue to — SI NHL (@SI_NHL) May 9, 2021 grow.#TBLvsFLA #FlaPanthers #OneTerritory #NHL Against the Lightning: Huberdeau has collected four assists and three pic.twitter.com/jAqfYmM8Hx goals, including a score in the regular-season finale. — Bally Sports Florida & (@BallySportsFL) May 8, Power play: Huberdeau has logged at least 20 goals in the past four 2021 seasons of his eight-year career in the league. Against the Lightning: Bobrovsky went 3-2 for a combined .877 save MacKenzie Weegar, defenseman percentage. He has turned away 116 of the Lightning’s 132 shots on goal. Power play: With one more win, Bobrovsky will tie Mark Fitzpatrick (43) for fifth-most wins in Panthers history. He is three removed from his 300th career win.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188209 Tampa Bay Lightning returned from hip surgery in the same four-to-five month window that Kucherov has been looking at. Others have taken closer to six months.

Cooper said Monday night that everyone would have a better grip on the No, the Lightning are not slumping. But are they beat up? injury situation as the week goes on, but knowing the Lightning, that could mean we’ll find out when the puck drops. John Romano | It’s no big deal that Tampa Bay stumbled across the regular season finish line, but it is concerning that a lot of players have If you recall, a week before the Lightning left for the postseason bubble in been hanging out with doctors. 2020, Stamkos said he was hopeful of playing in a couple of the round- robin games that preceded the playoffs. He didn’t. In fact, he would miss Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman has not been the same player the next 21 games before his inspirational appearance in Game 3 of the since going into the boards against Columbus on March 30 and needing Stanley Cup final against Dallas seven weeks later. help to get off the ice. On the other hand, Hedman twisted his right ankle in the final round-robin game against Philadelphia and disappeared for three days. There was little word about whether he would be ready for Game 1 of the first round By John Romano against Columbus, but he showed up for pregame warmups, played more than 57 minutes in the five-overtime game and eventually won the Conn Smythe Trophy. TAMPA — When it comes to the Lightning’s playoff fortunes, I promise you this: With everyone in the lineup, the Lightning could look as imposing as last season when they went 16-6 in the postseason on the way to the Stanley The ugly results of the past week will not matter, and blowing off home Cup title. ice will not matter. And finishing with three consecutive losses while getting outscored 14-3 does not mean the Lightning have lost either And I have little doubt Hedman will be in uniform for Game 1 against momentum or mojo. Florida. For that matter, McDonagh and Palat will probably return, too. It’s a harder call on Kucherov and Stamkos, but it wouldn’t be a shock to But when it comes to Tampa Bay’s odds of surviving the first-round see either of them. series against Florida, there is one worry from the past week that matters a great deal: The harder question is what toll these injuries will have taken on players and, ultimately, on Tampa Bay’s hopes. The crowd in the trainer’s room. Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 05.13.2021 Because the NHL allows teams to be coy about injuries, and because the Lightning are more cutesy than most, it’s hard to know whether coach Jon Cooper was just giving a few banged-up guys a breather at the end of the regular season or whether there are legitimate injuries to be concerned about.

We know Nikita Kucherov has not played a game in more than seven months after hip surgery, and Steven Stamkos hasn’t played in five weeks due to a lower-body injury. That’s troubling enough. But having Victor Hedman, Ondrej Palat, Ryan McDonagh and Barclay Goodrow all out of the lineup in recent days without an explanation is a tad bothersome.

Cooper did not want to talk about injuries after Monday night’s regular season finale and, the last we heard, Hedman, Palat and McDonagh were all day-to-day injuries. Goodrow was listed as indefinite.

While it seems likely Hedman, Palat and McDonagh will be on the ice for the playoff opener, there is still reason to be concerned. Particularly with Hedman.

When he was held out of Saturday night’s game against Florida — the first game he had missed in more than a year — Chris Johnston of reported Hedman had been playing with an injury for more than a month and would need offseason surgery.

The concern was an awkward fall into the boards against Columbus on March 30 when Hedman had to be helped off the ice by Stamkos. While he returned later that night and has carried a normal workload since then, Hedman has not been as dominant as we’ve come to expect.

The defenseman had been averaging nearly a point per game (0.97) before that night but saw his production drop by more than one-third (0.60) since then. His plus/minus rating was a positive-15 going into that game and has been a minus-10 since then. Plus/minus is no longer in vogue with advanced analytics, but that’s still a dramatic swing in fortune.

And while the Lightning were able to take their foot off the gas in April/May when it was clear they were going to make the playoffs, it’s worth noting they’ve been a pedestrian 12-9-1 since that March 30 game.

Is any of this relevant going into the playoffs? We don’t know, and that’s the point.

We don’t know how badly Hedman is dinged up. We don’t know if Kucherov’s rehab from surgery is completed. We don’t know the extent of the Stamkos injury.

The Lightning have been aiming for a Kucherov return in the playoffs ever since his hip surgery on Dec. 29, but that timetable has always had leeway. Some players (Boston’s David Pastrnak, for instance) have 1188210 Tampa Bay Lightning straight, it’ll be tough. It’s a very well build team, very disciplined team, extending from their coach. It’s going to be a hell of a series.

NBCSN analyst Patrick Sharp, former NHL winger: All the moves they A scout, coach and former players break down Lightning-Panthers made sent shockwaves through the lineup from a player standpoint. All of playoff series a sudden things are different and expectations get raised a little bit. It’s one thing to say we have the expectation to win a playoff round, but when you’re making moves and players leave the team, it’s a wakeup call for everyone. Watching them play, they’ve got plenty of good players By Joe Smith May 12, 2021 3 that are often overlooked nationally. They play fast, and not necessarily individual team speed, but they seem to be organized and know where the puck is going to be, and that’s half the battle of playing. They look like This Lightning-Panthers series is going to be nasty. they’re not just happy to be in the playoffs, they know they have a team that can win a very tough matchup. And a whole heck of a lot of fun. NHL scout: Everyone thought when (Aaron) Ekblad got hurt, Florida was Judging by the eight-game regular-season series, there’s no love lost done. But (MacKenzie Weegar) has been something else. He’s a wild between the two Sunshine State rivals who will be meeting for the first card. He’s really believed in himself and taking it to the next level. He’s time in the playoffs. You have the Panthers, who have revamped their playing in every situation, plays all three zones, and has got a little roster and culture, looking like the kind of team that is ready to take the pushback. He’s probably their best out there. And (Gus) Forsling, he’s next step and win a round. And then you have the banged-up defending come out of nowhere. From the first couple months of the season, he’s Stanley Cup champions, who are just ready for the fun to begin. really spiked. I can’t believe he’s the same person, and I wrote him off. “There seems to be a real hatred growing and that’s going to be great for MACKENZIE WEEGAR. LEADS ALL D IN EVEN-STRENGTH playoff hockey,” said former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau. “It reminds me SCORING AND IS ONE OF THE BEST AT KILLING PLAYS IN THE of the L.A. and Anaheim rivalry. Even during the preseason, games were NEUTRAL ZONE. WILL BE A PLAYER TO WATCH IN THE FLA VS TB at a higher pace and meanness. It’s quite possible the winner of this SERIES. @NHLNETWORK #NHLONTHEFLY series can come out of the Central and win the Cup too. PIC.TWITTER.COM/WC0ZIHYXAD “Tampa has always been the successful one and Florida has been the — MIKE KELLY (@MIKEKELLYNHL) MAY 11, 2021 kid sister. It seems like they try harder against Tampa than anyone else.” Who are the X-factors in the series? Former Cup champions will tell you the first round is usually the toughest. For the Lightning, they’re not worried about losing their final three Boudreau: Kucherov can be a difference-maker. He’s hard to contain regular-season games, including two to the Panthers, or the fact they lost because he’s so elusive. He finds open space so well. When he’s got the home-ice advantage. puck, his passes are spot on. He likes to sneak behind the defense. He’s also somebody extra to worry about all the time. He can pass forehand, The biggest X-factor in this series, to me, is the health of Tampa Bay’s backhand, he’s as skilled as anyone in the league and he loves playing in top players. Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos are expected to return the playoffs. I don’t think there will be any rustiness on him at all. And if but haven’t played in seven months and one month, respectively. Victor Kucherov is ready to go off the bat, he’ll make Brayden Point better. Hedman and Ryan McDonagh have been sidelined, and Barclay Goodrow is out indefinitely. Sharp: Sam Bennett for Florida. He’s got a lot to prove, a chip on his shoulder. He can play better in the playoffs. He can play up and down the When I polled former players, coaches and scouts for this series preview, lineup. He could have a heck of a series. they all still gave Tampa Bay the edge. SAM BENNETT HAS THE MOST POINTS BY ANY #FLAPANTHERS “If everyone is healthy, Tampa has the experience factor,” said one NHL PLAYER IN TEAM HISTORY IN 10 GAMES WITH THE TEAM…GOAL scout. “I’ve been to some games where they’ve been so good, they don’t AND ASSIST TONIGHT. even look like they’re even pressing the gas pedal. Florida has been pretty consistent all year. I don’t think they’re as good a team as Tampa.” HE PASSES .

Are injuries a concern for Tampa? — STEVE GOLDSTEIN (@GOLDIEONICE) MAY 9, 2021

Former Lightning winger Ryan Callahan: In playoffs, it’s a war of attrition. NHL scout: He’s the type of player who is good in small areas. He’s got a You’ve seen enough to know that. You need a couple bounces here or lot of pushback and snot in him. I’ve seen him do it before. there, but it’s who can avoid the major injuries. You lose your top guys and it’s definitely a blow. Callahan: Mathieu Joseph has come in after an up and down year last year and has made a really good impact throughout the lineup. Whether Boudreau: It’s really going to depend on not just getting Kucherov and it’s playing on the top line or playing on the fourth line, I think those are Stamkos back, but the health of Hedman, who is the rock back there. He guys you need in a playoff series that can jump around your lineup. can change a game by himself. You hear that he’s been playing hurt. It Almost like a Swiss Army Knife. If someone goes down, you can plug him wouldn’t surprise me if he’s a target every time. in the top six. Or if you need speed, energy, put him in the bottom six.

Lightning color analyst Brian Engblom: Over the last seven, eight, nine The coaching factor games, Hedman has just been dialed back. Whether he’s tired, whether he’s a little off for his lofty standards, I didn’t see him pushing the pace Sharp: Quenneville’s best work gets done when he has a group of guys offensively. There could be varying circumstances. I thought there were that are committed, a team that knows they can win in the playoffs. I some times where he was overly aggressive and it was getting away don’t know anyone better managing the series and pushing the right from him. The Nashville game was a good example. He was super buttons and getting the best out of the group and coach Q can play a aggressive and up on the play and everything was going awry. Some of it factor in the series. I feel like his intensity behind the bench filters through can be fatigue. There’s a lot of miles and stress — you’re on every the group. He’ll get excited about a small detailed play in the neutral zone situation, every power play. that may not have an impact on the outcome of the game, and when you hear the coach react like that for a simple play, all of a sudden the details What’s different with the Panthers this year? in your game improve. I like how he’s separated his top two players in (Aleksander) Barkov and (Jonathan) Huberdeau. It’s similar to how he Callahan: Florida is a team where every year I’d look at their lineup and did in Chicago with (Patrick) Kane and (Jonathan) Toews. be like, “Wow, those guys are good, they should be competitive.” But for whatever reason, they don’t pan out. The big change I think this year has Boudreau: You have probably two of the best coaches in the game going been the second year with (coach Joel) Quenneville. He’s really got his at it right off the bat. The strategies are going to be really important with fingerprint on this team. They’ve picked up some complementary guys both guys working every single angle they have. Joel changed up his that helped their top guys. (Carter) Verhaeghe, Anthony Duclair, who is style from last year because he’s smart enough to know what he did in having a great year. The biggest thing lately is that (Sergei) Bobrovsky is Chicago wasn’t working 100 percent in Florida. He tweaked it, added a playing well. If he has a good playoff series, and I remember that couple player and it worked out perfectly. experience against Tampa a couple year ago when they beat us four NEW SYSTEM SHEETS:

THE FLORIDA PANTHERS HAVE QUICKLY BECOME ONE OF THE MOST TACTICALLY PROGRESSIVE TEAMS IN THE NHL.

DIAGRAMS AND EXPLANATION ON THE WHAT, HOW & WHY:HTTPS://T.CO/34YUANDFG5

— JACK HAN (@JHANHKY) MAY 11, 2021

Engblom: There’s no secrets anymore. One thing Florida is going to try to take advantage of is the Lightning being aggressive, and sometimes too aggressive, in the neutral zone and the Florida blue line when they start breaking out. Maybe the Lightning will back up — we’ll see. But if you start giving up the 2-on-1s and 3-on-2s, the forwards have to be conscientious too.

Boudreau: The same way Columbus stopped Tampa is you turn pucks over at the blue line. One thing about really skilled players is they think they can always deke a guy or make that play or make that pass. If you break up pucks between the red line and your blue line, you’re going to be able to turn it over and you’re going to give yourself some odd-man rushes the other way. If anyone can exploit it, Quenneville can.

Who wins?

They were pretty even in their season series until the last two games, when both teams had several players hurt.

Callahan: It’s more about Tampa than it is about Florida. It’s making sure they stay disciplined, with special teams such a huge thing in the playoffs. Florida has a really good power play, Tampa does as well. Who is going to win the special teams? 5-on-5, it’s pretty even, they match up well against each other. Tampa has more forward depth, and D depth. For me, I look at this series in intangibles and where it’s won and special teams is huge. Which team is more healthy? That will play into it.

Boudreau: Florida has to get to (Andrei) Vasilevskiy (who has allowed four or more goals against Florida in four starts this year). If they can score three goals, I think they can win. Their power play has got to be as good as they’ve been all year. That’ll dictate if they can get the PP working as it’ll dictate how the game is played.

PIC.TWITTER.COM/NZRMWME5WL

— NHL NETWORK (@NHLNETWORK) MAY 11, 2021

NHL scout: I think it’s Tampa in five or six. Barkov is a top five player in the league, he’s so smart. But the Lightning have the intangibles. They’ve got guys like (Anthony) Cirelli, Yanni Gourde. They’ve been there, done that.

Sharp: I don’t have too many concerns with Tampa. My only concern is Stamkos and Kucherov, if they can come back and play from the start. What I see from Tampa is a team that’s been tested over the last few years and they know what they have. They have experience, the trust and belief that when the game gets tight they have the experience to shut things down and do what needs to be done. It’s like as soon as they get a lead in the third period (25-0 when leading after two periods), they just go into shutdown mode. They’re one of the best in the league in closing out games. I know everyone wants to say there’s concern when you’re not playing well down the stretch, but I don’t buy that. I was on a team that won three Stanley Cups and the year we won the third in 2015, we were not playing very good hockey in February and March. There were all kinds of concerns about our group on the outside. But for us in the room, there was zero concern. When the playoffs start, I hate to use the cliche, but the light switches on. I legit believe they can. When their lineup is full and ready to go, the boys are going to know how to fall back into their routine and they’ll be the team we all know.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188211 Tampa Bay Lightning Kucherov also adds an extremely dangerous weapon to Tampa Bay’s power play, arguably the team’s biggest edge in the series. Florida was a bottom third penalty killing team this season (and only getting worse down the stretch) while the Lightning managed to finish firmly in the top 2021 NHL playoff preview: Lightning vs. Panthers 10 despite a recent cold stretch and no Kucherov for the entire season. There’s a lot riding on Kucherov not missing a step after sitting out an

entire season, but he remains one of the game’s most talented players. By Dom Luszczyszyn May 12, 2021 His presence will have a significant impact, one that should bring plenty of pause when comparing the season numbers between the two teams. Florida had 53 percent of the expected goals and 59 percent of the actual Finally, the Battle of Florida: the Sunshine Showdown. We’ve waited a goals during the season series, while also keeping the special teams long time for the two teams from Florida to square off, and this series tighter than expected. The matchup looks to be in the Panthers’ favour, may be the most hotly anticipated of the first round. but it’s tough to gauge how meaningful it is to compare the two through that lens when Tampa Bay was without its biggest weapon (and without That’s partly because of the in-state rivalry, but it’s also because Florida plenty of key players in the final two matchups). and Tampa Bay have been two of the league’s best teams this season, ranking third and ninth, respectively, leaguewide (at time of writing). The Without Kucherov, the talent on both sides is roughly neck-and-neck, but expectation is for a close, hard-fought series — especially considering that’s not the situation anymore for the Panthers. Florida faces a new foe how Florida has played of late and how the two teams matched up in the now. season series. Florida was the better team there. Roster breakdown The Panthers have a lot going for them in that regard, but that was under a different context. The Lightning are the defending Stanley Cup Matchup adjustment takes into account each player’s Game Score champions and for the first time this year will likely be at full strength with against this specific opponent as well as his Game Score over the last six the return of superstar Nikita Kucherov, arguably their best player. weeks. The numbers may be slightly skewed as a result of ice-time Tampa Bay has the edge here, hoping to prove that the season series allocation. doesn’t mean anything now that the playoffs begin. Assuming the Lightning are at full health (not exactly the safest Series odds assumption given how the season ended), Game 1 will be the first time all season that the gang will all be back together. The lineup immediately Matchup adjustment takes into account each player’s Game Score looks much more potent with Kucherov slotted into his familiar spot on against this specific opponent as well as his Game Score over the last six the top line. weeks. Kucherov hasn’t played all year so you’re forgiven if you’ve forgotten the The Lightning have just under a three-in-five chance of advancing, which kind of impact he can have. At four wins (the minus-0.1 adjustment is to makes this one of the tightest series of the opening round. Without make sure everyone’s ice time fits), Kucherov is projected to be the adjustments made for recent play and matchups, it would be a lot more NHL’s sixth most valuable skater, as he can tilt the scales at both ends of lopsided in Tampa Bay’s favour. While Tampa Bay should be favoured, the ice. Brayden Point led the Lightning in expected goals percentage the Lightning don’t deserve the reverence of being 65.8 percent this season at 57.6 percent this year, a step up from last year’s 56 favourites given those factors. Those would be the odds if not for the percent — but the actual goal rate went way down without Kucherov. adjustment, which moves things closer to the right direction. Florida is no Part of that is on regression from a 12.3 percent on-ice shooting pushover, even after losing Aaron Ekblad for the season. percentage, but it’s still difficult to fathom such a hearty drop with Kucherov riding shotgun on his line. The trio with Ondrej Palat on the left The odds above expect a few things that likely aren’t 100 percent. side was unstoppable during the Cup run with an expected goals rate For Florida, it expects Sergei Bobrovsky to start every game, but I’m not north of 62 percent, and while that would be difficult to maintain over a sure how short his leash will be as the presumed starter. Chris Driedger’s full season, it helps show Kucherov’s impact. Point is elite in his own numbers have been stronger in each of the past two seasons and if he right, but he went from scoring 33 points in 23 playoff games to 48 in 56 were the playoff starter the team’s odds would be about 10 percentage games without his wingman. Kucherov brings out the best in him and his points higher. Florida would be favoured, meaning if Driedger starts any return makes Tampa Bay’s top line one of the league’s best. games in the series then Florida’s chances improve from its current That line will have their hands very full with Florida’s top line, though. The standing. unlikely winger duo of Carter Verhaeghe and Anthony Duclair — picked Though Kucherov is expected to be back, as is Steven Stamkos, the up off the scrap heap during the offseason — have somehow been the team still has some injury concerns on its blue line. Left-handed stalwarts perfect complements to superstar center Aleksander Barkov. He’s taken Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh both sat out the team’s final two his game to new heights this season, turning both wingers into legitimate games of the season and any playoff absence by either player could also top line forwards in the process. Perhaps it’s a testament to the value tip the scales further toward Florida. Barkov brings, but he’s never played at a level this high either so it’s clear there are some mutual benefits coming from the chemistry of the The Lightning are a little vulnerable here with a wide range of what their trio. Among 119 forward lines that played 100 minutes together this lineup might look like. Florida already isn’t an easy out. season, Florida’s top line was second with a 70 percent expected goals Season stats percentage with an elite presence at both ends of the ice. If the two teams choose to go power vs. power in the matchup game it’s difficult to Based on the season stats, recent stats and head-to-head stats, the imagine which lines comes out on top. Both lines have shown an ability outcome of this series looks like it will come down to how big of a factor to completely dominate games for long stretches, so what happens when special teams will be. At five-on-five, the two teams are pretty even they meet their match? defensively for the year, but Florida has the stronger offence leading to better shot attempt, scoring chance and goal rates. Those edges only It would be fascinating to watch, but who knows how much of it we’ll became larger down the stretch. Florida found another gear while Tampa actually see as the matchup game will likely be a chess match between Bay’s goaltending sputtered. The Panthers seem like the stronger both coaches. Florida might have no problem sending out Barkov to stifle possession team, somehow growing even stronger since losing Ekblad. Point and Kucherov at home (the Panthers opted for the Barkov vs. Point Hard to believe, but true. matchup a fair bit during the season to some success, though Kucherov’s return may change the math), but Tampa Bay will likely send its vaunted With this series, the question is whether any of the numbers from the checking line anchored by Yanni Gourde instead. That frees up the top season really mean anything for the Lightning. Kucherov is a massive line to feast on a different matchup. The Gourde, Blake Coleman and piece, one that carries a huge impact at five-on-five. It doesn’t take too Barclay Goodrow line was one of the major keys to the Lightning’s much effort to recall just how dominant Tampa Bay’s top line was during success last playoffs and they kept that energy going this season. In 403 the entire postseason thanks to his excellence and he alone has the minutes together they had a 60 percent expected goals rate and were a power to tip the puck possession scales back in Tampa Bay’s favour. pain in the ass for every single second they were on the ice. Even without him, the team had no full-season flaws, which is a scary thought. But it didn’t really translate against Barkov. Gourde had a 41 percent expected goals rate against Florida this season and saw a heavy dose of Barkov whenever Tampa Bay had last change. The checking line usually matchup and recency adjustment and Florida might actually have the lost that battle. Whether it’s worth it to free up the top line is up for edge. debate, but head-to-head this year the Gourde line couldn’t really handle the heat. You probably wouldn’t know it from looking at the names on each side and I admit it’s probably a bit of a stretch. The name brand value isn’t Tampa Bay has another option, though, and that’s the second line there for Florida, but the group as a whole has bought into the system centered by Anthony Cirelli. But can he can regain his 2019-20 form that and is delivering strong results to warrant the high valuations. had him in the Selke Trophy conversation? Last season, Cirelli was a play-driving force and the main reason coach Jon Cooper was able to not The biggest value driver for defencemen by this model is how well they only free up the top line from playing tough minutes, but super-charge it can drive play at five-on-five and it certainly helps that every Panthers by putting Steven Stamkos with Point and Kucherov. Cirelli was a defenceman is above 50 percent in expected goals for the season. defensive ace, but he struggled during the playoffs and has been MacKenzie Weegar is at the top here and he’s blossomed into a inconsistent this season. Cirelli has the lowest goals percentage of the legitimate No. 1 defenceman — especially in the absence of Ekblad. He team’s forwards, one of two under 50 percent for the year. His expected leads all Panthers defenders with a 58 percent expected goals rate, rate is only barely above average too. Offensively, his game has really managing that while playing top pairing minutes. His production has cratered down the stretch with just one point in his last 22 games. He taken a big step forward as his role has increased. He’s scored 17 points hasn’t exactly played well against the Panthers either with an average in 20 games since Ekblad’s injury; by average Game Score, he’s second Game Score of minus-0.3. to only Cale Makar since Ekblad was sidelined. It’s why he sees a big Part of Cirelli’s struggles might come down to the team’s second line, a jump in the matchup adjustment (though he actually hasn’t been strong trio that just hasn’t worked all that well this season. Alex Killorn and Cirelli against Tampa Bay) as he’s been red hot down the stretch. Weegar is for formed two-thirds of Tampa Bay’s most disappointing playoff line last real. year and that’s carried over this year with the duo being out-chanced So for real that Gustav Forsling, a completely replaceable defenceman, whenever playing together. Add Stamkos to the mix and the trio drops to now suddenly looks like a capable top pairing defender next to Weegar 46 percent expected goals on the season. Stamkos’ underlying numbers (and he too gets a sizeable boost for how he’s played down the stretch). don’t look too different from last season, but that’s in part because he Forsling has a 58 percent expected goals rate this season, a complete seems to benefit a lot from playing with Point, who is mostly unaffected transformation from prior seasons. Keith Yandle mans the top power play by playing with or without Stamkos. The Lightning captain has a 49 so most of his value comes from that, but even he and Radko Gudas percent expected goals rate in 269 minutes away from Point. have done well on a sheltered third pair. Even Brandon Montour, who The first and third lines work really well and the fourth line has the looked awful in Buffalo, has found new life in Florida with a 60 percent potential to be strong too, but the second line is vulnerable if the trio expected goals rate in his first 12 Panthers games. There’s another trade doesn’t find a way to click. I was skeptical about and one I will quickly admit I was wrong about. The Panthers have done exceptionally well this season finding talent. That’s the opposite of what’s happening in Florida with the addition of Sam Bennett. I was incredibly skeptical of the trade at the time given the As rosy as those stats all are, it’s still very hard to actually take Florida’s price to acquire him considering his career to date. But it took no time at defence on paper over Tampa Bay’s. The Panthers players may all for me to eat crow as Bennett has been an absolute steal at that price, suddenly have strong numbers, but Mikhail Sergachev and Ryan immediately morphing into a capable top-six forward. He’s fit like a glove McDonagh have been legitimate top pairing options for longer — there’s next to Jonathan Huberdeau and it seems a change of scenery was much more safety in their value due to longer priors. Both have been really all that he needed to reach his potential. In 10 games with the solid this year at driving play, it’s just not on Florida’s level, which may Panthers, Bennett has six goals, nine assists and a remarkable 73 speak more to the team ability than the actual players. Erik Cernak took a percent expected goals rate. None of that is sustainable, but it’s enough nice step this year and his 56 percent expected goals rate was second to to suggest he’s a true top-six player like he’s now rated by GSVA. Maybe only Luke Schenn (wait, what?) among Lightning defenders. He’s one of even more if he does find a way to keep it up. It’s a meteoric rise from the the league’s best shutdown defenders, leading the team with 1.78 near replacement level status he had prior to the trade. expected goals against per 60 this season. Trade acquisition David Savard should be a good fit, but he hasn’t clicked with the team yet. A lot of credit for that goes to Huberdeau, who is once again putting together an elite scoring season that flies under the radar. Huberdeau It’s a solid group, but it needs its headliner to steal the spotlight again. isn’t the best play-driver on the team, but his vision and playmaking give We all know what Victor Hedman is capable of, he’s a living legend that’s him the ability to outscore his expected rate and he’s obviously a real delivered masterpieces, culminating in last year’s Conn Smythe win. Call asset on the power play. His 61 points in 55 games led the team and it it his magnum opus, his “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” The 2020- was his third straight season scoring at a 90-plus point pace. He’s eighth 21 season in comparison is “The Life of Pablo.” It’s good, maybe even in assists over the last three seasons and is second in the league in high great to some. It had some bangers and starts off strong, but it turns into danger passes per 60 this year behind only Connor McDavid, according a bit of an uneven mess in some spots, failing to live up to the grandiose to data tracked by Corey Sznajder. heights of previous work. It doesn’t take away from the respect Hedman has earned from previous seasons, but he clearly isn’t at his best. One of the real keys to Florida’s success this season was the team’s Hedman has not played tough minutes this year and though he puts up ability to find players that fit next to Barkov and Huberdeau so that they points, he’s last among Lightning defenceman in goals percentage at weren’t forced to play them together. That was the issue in prior seasons 49.5 percent and his 51.3 percent expected goals percentage is ahead of and over the past two years, the duo played 69 percent of their five-on- only Cal Foote and Jan Rutta. That’s not the Hedman we all know and five minutes together. This year that’s dropped all the way down to 14 love and it’s why the factual statement “Tampa Bay has been stronger percent. Those two have the ability to drive their own line and it’s shown with Hedman on the bench this season” feels so strange. this year — but finding the right pieces to fit next to them has been crucial. Florida deserves a lot of credit for that. A lot of that has been brought about in an ugly recent stretch of games where he’s likely been playing injured. From the start of the season to The addition of Bennett allows Alex Wennberg to slide down to the third March 28, Hedman’s average Game Score was 1.12. It’s dropped to 0.27 line where he fits a lot better. He’s had a strong year in Florida, another since and he sat out the final two games of the season as a result. A great fit, and the pure playmaker has two trigger-happy players to feed healthy Hedman is a lot stronger than this and the recent stretch is why the puck to on the third line. He’s been a Lightning killer too this season, his value has fallen so harshly. Hedman was rated as the top defender scoring eight points in eight games, cruising along with potential going into the season by GSVA with a value north of three wins and was linemates Patric Hornqvist (five points in six games) and Frank Vatrano still around that range in March before his unusual decline. Tampa Bay (six points in eight games). needs that version in this series to have a larger edge; the current version of Hedman projects this series to be a lot tighter. Florida’s issue for years has always been depth, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem this season. Even the fourth line has some effective players Up and down the skater ranks, the two teams stack up fairly evenly. (Nikita Gusev also looks like a new man in Florida) and there are players Florida has a narrow 0.7-win edge — mostly driven by the waiting in the wings that can step in. The Lightning forward group is matchup/recency adjustment that creates a three-win swing in its favour. deep, but Florida is no slouch. The Panthers can go pound for pound But Tampa Bay is still the favourite and that’s because of the massive with Tampa Bay and the same is true on the back end where the two disparity between the pipes where the Lightning have Andrei Vasilevskiy groups are nearly identical in value — and that’s without Ekblad. Add the and the Panthers do not. Vasilevskiy was Tampa Bay’s MVP this season with his underlying numbers finally living up to his reputation, saving 12.6 goals above expected. He led the league for most of the season in that category, but a recent slump pushed him down to second behind Vegas’ Marc-Andre Fleury. As a result of the strong season, the model now views him as one of the league’s best goalies. Rightfully so. He adds 3.9 wins of value as a starter, the most of any player in this series.

Bobrovsky is no longer in that realm, not since joining the Panthers anyway. Though his save percentage bounced back to .906 this season, he still allowed 11.2 goals more than expected, the 11th worst mark in the league. Last season he was sixth worst with 13.8 goals allowed more than expected. Over the last two seasons, only six goalies have allowed more goals above expected than Bobrovsky and none of them will be starters in the playoffs this season.

At this point in his career, he’s a replacement level goalie, and though Florida has better options, it feels unlikely the Panthers will use them before it’s too late. That may just be the team’s demise in this series. It is worth noting that in six games against the Panthers this season Vasilevskiy has an .898 save percentage — though that’s still higher than Bobrovsky’s .879.

The bottom line

This is a really tough series to judge. Everything that has happened this year during the season and in head-to-head matchups screams Florida. They have the depth and star power to handle Tampa Bay, and they’ve been red hot down the stretch.

But we all know the regular season probably didn’t mean all that much to Tampa Bay, not when it played the entirety of it without Kucherov. That the Lightning still flirted with finishing first in the division for much of the season is a testament to how terrifying they are. They only get scarier now when back to better health in games that actually matter to them. They have championship pedigree that’s hard to bet against.

From top to bottom the two rosters aren’t as far off as it may seem, even with Kucherov back. The forward and defence groups are comparable if Florida’s fleet of newcomers can keep up their surprisingly strong play from this season.

What it comes down to is goaltending: it’s just so difficult to trust Bobrovsky and bet against Vasilevskiy. That’s the main difference-maker here and why, despite Florida’s strong regular season against their in- state rivals, this is still Tampa Bay’s series to lose.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188212 Toronto Maple Leafs The finale: The Leafs head to Winnipeg for Friday’s regular-season finale, a game rescheduled due to the Vancouver Canucks’ mid-season COVID-19 outbreak. Jack Campbell is expected to start in net.

Senators take the final battle with Maple Leafs but, hey, nobody got hurt “That is the expectation — that we’re going to get Jack in on Friday,” said Keefe. “Just like all our players, we’re looking to get everybody as ready as possible here. Whether they’re guys who are healthy and available to play or the guys that are still working their way back to being game By Kevin McGran ready, we’ve got to have that focus, of course, of making sure that it’s all systems go at that time.”

The best that can be said about a game that will be mostly scrutinized for Roster implications: The decision to play Andersen had roster how Frederik Andersen performed is that the Maple Leafs played well, implications both for Wednesday’s game and Friday’s finale in Winnipeg. and nobody got hurt. To take Andersen off long-term injured reserve, the Leafs needed to And when you’re playing out the string, with home ice clinched for at clear cap space. They put Zach Hyman on LTIR, retroactively, and sent least the first two rounds, the wins and losses don’t really matter. So Rasmus Sandin to the minors via the taxi squad. maybe it’s staying healthy that’s the most important thing. Neither Hyman nor Sandin, or the rest of players on LTIR, can dress, It was the Ottawa Senators, led by a bunch of former Maple Leafs, who though they can practice. That includes Riley Nash, Zach Bogosian and had the last laugh, taking a 4-3 decision in overtime Wednesday night in Scott Sabourin. The salary cap is not enforced in the playoffs. Hyman, the final Battle of Ontario matchup of the season. Sandin and Nash are expected to have roles in the first round. Bogosian and Sabourin are still recovering from their injuries. The Leafs won the season series, 5-2-2. Roster tidbits: Adam Brooks and Dave Rittich were officially listed as Ex-Leafs Nikita Zaitsev and Connor Brown were among Ottawa’s healthy scratches. But the travelling party for the morning skate was offensive stars, scoring the Senators’ first two goals. Parker Kelly also much larger, including: defenceman Mac Hollowell, forward Denis scored, his first NHL goal in his first NHL game, and Josh Norris had the Malgin, Hyman, Sandin and Nash. overtime winner. Toronto Star LOADED: 05.13.2021 Andersen did about as well as could be reasonably expected, having not played an NHL game since March 19. He got into a couple of Marlies games last week to get himself into game shape. He faced 28 shots, stopping 24

“I actually felt really good,” said Andersen. “Some weird plays. Some unfortunate bounces. Maybe that's rust. But, overall, felt really good. I felt like I was moving really well. I felt confident.”

Jake Muzzin scored on the power play — a rarity for the Leafs lately — though Ottawa also scored short-handed.

John Tavares scored his 19th goal to earn his 50th point. He's reached that plateau in eight straight seasons, and 11 of his 12 in the NHL. He felt short — 47 points in 48 games — in the lockout shortened 2012-13 season.

William Nylander extended a points streak to eight games. And Auston Matthews scored his league-leading 41st goal to force overtime. Matthews has points in seven straight games.

“I thought (Andersen) played really well tonight. I think there was times that we weren't good enough for him and we didn't really help him on a couple of those (goals),” Matthews said. “(The loss) is purely on us, but I thought he looked good, looked confident. I think that's all you can really ask.”

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Bubble wrap: Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe was trying to walk a line between keeping players game-ready and keeping them in bubble wrap.

Unlike other teams that have clinched playoff spots and rested stars, the Leafs don’t have that option because they can’t fit extra players under the salary cap.

So Keefe extolled the virtues of play over rest, pointing out the Leafs probably will have four or five days off between the end of the regular season and Game 1 against Montreal. Plus, the Leafs can pass the likes of Florida, Pittsburgh and Washington in the overall standings before the season ends. Regular-season standings will determine seedings in the third round.

“There’s a lot of different things here that would be motivations for us to continue to pushing here” said Keefe. “Perhaps the biggest one is just, with the schedule, it looks like it’s going to be late into next week before we get going. That’s a large gap. We’ve got to stay sharp and stay game ready.”

The broadcast: They called it Hockey Night In Canada, but it wasn’t on CBC. Worse, someone at Sportsnet felt the opening few minutes of the broadcast was a good time for Ron MacLean and David Amber to shill for Sportsnet’s streaming app in what was supposed to be comedy bit with network’s “Life Coach” advertising spokesman. 1188213 Toronto Maple Leafs — the first post-season meeting between the Original Six rivals since 1979.

“Our guys know what’s around the corner here and nobody wants to go Norris scores winner, Sens beat Leafs 4-3 in OT to end promising into it too banged up,” Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said. “You’re a season on a high little shy on everything that you’re doing and you’re just not quite into it mentally.

“But it’s a 56-game season and we’re only through 55.” By The Canadian Press Andersen played in the NHL for the first time since March 19 because of an injury “around” one of his knees that cost him 23 games. The 31-year- old made two AHL appearances as part of a conditioning stint to get back OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators head into the off-season confident their up to speed. future is bright. “I felt really good,” Andersen said. “Just some weird plays and They’ll also wonder — at least on some level — what might have been. unfortunate bounces.” Josh Norris scored nine seconds into overtime Wednesday as Ottawa Despite having a fairly quite night, Matthews tied the game with 2:40 left concluded its pandemic-shortened campaign with a 4-3 victory over the in the third period before Norris won it. Toronto Maple Leafs. The home side opened the scoring with 68 seconds left in the first when The rebuilding Senators started the 56-game schedule a dismal 2-12-1 Zaitsev’s shot found its way through a screen and off Andersen’s far post thanks in large part to some horrendous goaltending and miscast for the former Toronto blue-liner’s fourth. veterans, but went 21-16-4 from Feb. 13 onwards — good for third in the Canadian-based North Division over that span — after the crease The Leafs got even at 6:01 of the second when Muzzin’s one-timer also situation improved and the organization handed its young core more chimed in off iron for his fourth, and just the visitors’ fifth power-play goal responsibility. since March 11.

“We’re just rolling now,” said Senators forward Connor Brown, who Marner hit the crossbar on a short-handed chance, but Brown — another scored his career-high 21st goal in Ottawa’s finale. “We’re really finding former Leaf — found the range later in the period with Ottawa killing a our stride. We’re competing against the best teams every single night. penalty when he scored his league-topping fifth shorthanded goal at We’re not just squeaking out wins. We’re really playing well. 9:07.

“You wish you could have 82 games, but it is what it is. It’s important to “They play a good game,” Muzzin said of the Senators. “You’ve got to be bottle this up and hit the ground running at the start of next year.” sharp and ready.”

Senators head coach D.J. Smith, whose team finished eight points back Kelly then opened his NHL account at 12:12 when he banked a shot off of the Montreal Canadiens for the North’s fourth and final playoff spot, Andersen moments after getting rocked along the boards. The undrafted said it’s easy to question how things might have played out with a few free-agent forward, who played four seasons with the Western Hockey more saves early or if some of his peach-fuzzed players had supplanted League’s Prince Albert Raiders before signing with Ottawa in 2017, established teammates sooner. became the sixth Senators rookie to score his first NHL goal in 2021.

“But I think the right way to look at it is we learned a real good lesson,” he “This is crazy,” Kelly said. “Very blessed to have gotten an opportunity.” said. “If you don’t play as a team and if everyone’s not all-in at the same time, and you don’t do all the right things, it can get away from you, and The high-energy Camrose, Alta., native lined up against Joe Thornton get away from you real quick. and on his first shift — and had to try hard not to pinch himself. “Our team got better, our young guys got to play a lot and they got better, so I think we’re in a good spot.” “You grow up watching guys like that,” Kelly said. “It’s hard not to get star struck out there, but at the end of the day you’re just playing a game of Parker Kelly scored in his NHL debut for Ottawa (23-28-5), while Nikita hockey, and they’re trying to do the same.” Zaitsev added a goal and an assist. Filip Gustavsson stopped 30 shots as the Senators blew a 3-1 lead before securing a feel-good victory The Leafs got back within one with 3:31 left in the second when Tavares against their provincial rivals to close out the schedule 4-4-1 against took a pass from Nylander, who extended his point streak to eight Toronto. games, and beat Gustavsson for his 19th to set up an eventful final act to the Senators’ season. “They’re going to be a very good team,” Leafs captain John Tavares said. “You can see what’s coming there and what they’re building towards.” “It’s nice to win the last one ... go out on a good note,” Brown said. “I think us and the city of Ottawa have a lot to look forward to.” Ottawa dropped a 6-1 decision to the Flames in Calgary on Sunday, but improved to 10-3-1 over its last 14 contests to wrap up a promising run They’ll also wish they had a little more runway in 2021. ahead to the 2021-22 campaign. Toronto Star LOADED: 05.13.2021 Leafs star Mitch Marner turned the puck over off the faceoff at the start overtime to Brady Tkachuk, who in turn fed Norris to bag his 17th.

“What a way to end the season,” Norris said. “We played so well down the stretch. That’s very exciting.

“We want to carry that into next year.”

Auston Matthews found the back of the net for a league-leading 41st time for Toronto (35-13-7), while Jake Muzzin, with a goal and an assist, and Tavares also scored.

Frederik Andersen made 24 saves in his return to the lineup following an eight-week injury absence for the Leafs, who clinched the North Division’s No. 1 seed Saturday and were sluggish most of this night in a game that meant very little.

“No life, no energy,” Muzzin said. “We battled a little bit, but not good enough.”

Toronto closes out its regular-season schedule Friday in Winnipeg against the Jets before opening the playoffs against Montreal next week 1188214 Toronto Maple Leafs But to say Andersen was inconsistent before injury double-struck is an understatement, dragging along his unsightly .897 save percentage and 2.91 goals against average. There is, as well, the freak-out factor, derived from Andersen’s bad timing in giving up wretched playoff goals, The Maple Leafs will need Frederik Andersen but his audition is to be the the kind that sinks a team’s spirits. team’s No. 2 goaltender We know by now his frailties. Though it may feel like the five-hole is Andersen’s Bermuda Triangle — those stick out in memory — his primary weakness is actually high blocker: 30 goals scored there this By Rosie DiManno season, tied with Ottawa’s Matt Murray for the most in the league, including the shot defenceman Nikita Zaitsev pumped past him in the first period Wednesday, his sightline blocked. Further analytic scrutiny of Is Freddie the Unready and Undesirable? Andersen’s year: beaten for 19 goals high glove (12t in the league); eight low glove (seventh); five low blocker (15th), five 5-hole (23rd). At this point in his career, it’s almost ridiculous that Frederick Andersen’s immediate fortunes were riding on a one-game audition in Ottawa on Middling at best. Yet, if he hits his stride, if he finds his sweet spot lickety- Wednesday. Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe insisted that he split — as much a question of mental sinew and self-confidence — he wouldn’t take the measure of Big Red — as teammates refer to their could and should provide the yin to Campbell’s yang. More crucial, it ginger-haired veteran goalie — on the evidence of a single rust-laden would foster belief from teammates in him. performance. But D-Day for the Dane has surely loomed. Merely dressing the 31-year-old who has backstopped Toronto through Fifty-four days had passed since Andersen last occupied the net for the four playoff engagements — albeit never leading the club beyond a first Leafs because of a knee injury that has never been spelled out. There round — required salary-cap-space contortions, necessitating a dispersal was a one-and-a- half game conditioning stint with the Marlies in which of players to the minors and taxi squad. It was discomfiting for the roster Andersen’s play was less than reassuring and scarcely a week of full as Keefe had only two regular-season games remaining to get a closer practice with the parent club. look at what he’s got, with a clutch of players coming off their own injury woes, with precious little Leaf history as deadline trade acquisitions. Reasserting his No. 1 bona fides at this late stage, with Jack Campbell wresting away the starring role, is manifestly impossible. Andersen deserved at least this much, however — an opportunity to make his case. He’s done the Leafs a solid on plenty of occasions since Almost as preposterous, however, is the scenario of entering the post- arriving from Anaheim and it’s entirely possible that his injuries can be season with either David Rittich or Michael Hutchinson as backup. With traced back to carrying way too much of the load, particularly in the Mike the Leafs tuning fork quivering to make a deep playoff run, no goalie can Babcock era. But has he worn himself straight out of a job out on the be expected to go the entire breadth of what could be a two-month cusp of unrestricted free agency? second season. When the Leafs were in a goaltending crisis earlier this season, when Depth in net is key to a lengthy playoff whirl. Last year, by the second Andersen missed four games with the knee ailment in late February, he round, half a dozen regular-season backups were functioning as No. 1s, rushed back into the crease while Campbell was still recovering from his including: Anton Khudobin, who played 25 games in place of the injured own lower-body injury. Clearly Andersen played hurt until he couldn’t play Ben Bishop, steering Dallas to their first Stanley Cup final in two anymore. decades; Robin Lehner, who took over from Marc-André Fleury in Vegas (prompting Fleury’s agent to post an image on social media of Fleury That didn’t account for his slide in 2021 … or 2020 … or 2019 … each being stabbed in the back with a sword); Thatcher Demko, who assumed season trending downward in goalie stats. Before conceding that he the position as Mr. September for the Canucks when Jacob Markstrom simply wasn’t game-fit and needed an extended period of time to was hurt; Jaroslav Halak, who was pressed into starting duty for Boston hopefully recapture the essence of himself between the pipes, Andersen when Tuukka Rask left the Toronto bubble due to a medical emergency dropped five of his last six starts, surrendering 22 goals. He was beaten involving his young daughter; and even Hutchinson, a third-string goalie on four of 18 shots in his last appearance. for Colorado who came up large, winning two games in the Western Conference semifinal before the Avalanche bowed out to the Stars in a While Leafs GM has shown ample loyalty, repeatedly stating Game 7 overtime defeat. his faith in Andersen’s snap-back ability to recapture form and declining to pluck a replacement from the plethora of quality goalies available in No. 2 matters a hell of a lot. the free-agency cohort over the off-season, the playoffs aren’t a sentimental journey. And who do you want bringing up the rear to a playoff virgin, for all that Campbell has acquitted himself with inspirational aplomb? Players have a crush on Campbell. They’re certainly beholden to him. But they love-love-love Andersen, still. Should that be an element It’s a sad state of affairs for Andersen, slouching towards the factored into the decision? denouement in the waning days, perhaps even hours, of his well- established tenure in Toronto. Any goaltending controversy would be a “He’s put in so much work and we’ve witnessed it every single day at the manufactured dilemma. Campbell’s the guy and Andersen, barring a rink, to get himself prepared,” Matthews said. “He played really, really complete disaster — not even then, frankly — is the No. 2. well tonight. I think at times we didn’t really give him (a chance) on a couple of those. That’s purely on us, but I thought he looked good, The penultimate regular-season game was hardly a disaster for looked confident.” Andersen, if not clutchy. He slid out of position on a shortie by Connor Brown after making the initial breakaways stop. then flopped around the And from captain John Tavares, regretfully: “We wanted to get him a crease when Parker Kelly banked a shot off him for his first NHL goal. He win.’’ took a Brady Tkachuk blast off the mask to boot, with no evident damage. But, as Tina Turner sang the blues: What’s love got to do with it?

“I actually felt really good, just some weird plays, some unfortunate Toronto Star LOADED: 05.13.2021 bounces too. Maybe that’s rust. Maybe if I do a few things differently, those were saves,” Andersen said afterward, claiming he tried to approach it like any other game.

“I felt like I was moving really well. I felt confident out there. I felt pretty calm in the net. Unfortunately some of the goals were some weird bounces.”

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As a litmus test, it was difficult to assay Andersen’s worthiness. It could be spun any which way in the 4-3, nine-seconds-into-overtime loss, with the Leafs rather phlegmatic in the wake of clinching first place in the North Division, excepting No. 41 for Auston Matthews. 1188215 Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs defenceman Travis Dermott, taking Montreal’s Jake Evans into the boards in a game last month, learned French as a youngster at his mother’s urging. “What if you get drafted by Montreal?” she would ask.

LEAFS

The Maple Leafs put any talk of the Canadiens and the first round of the playoffs on hold

By Mark ZwolinskiSports Reporter

The Maple Leafs weren’t ready to discuss a Toronto-Montreal playoff series Wednesday.

With the Leafs facing the Senators on Wednesday night and the Jets in their last game of the regular season Friday, forward Mitch Marner and coach Sheldon Keefe were staying in the moment.

“Obviously, it’s going to be a hard-fought (series against the Canadiens),” Marner said, “but we have two games left, and I don’t want to look at it too much. We have to make sure we play these two games hard.”

“I’m just going to focus on the Ottawa Senators here tonight,” Keefe said. “If I answer those questions, what are you gonna ask me for the next eight days or nine days before we start playing?”

The Leafs-Canadiens matchup, the first post-season meeting between the two Original Six teams since 1979, began trending on social media the moment it became official Tuesday night. Edmonton and Winnipeg will meet in the other North Division semifinal.

Marner said he has noticed the excitement in fans, some of whom congratulated him after the Leafs won a division title for the first time in 21 years. But the players are trying to not look past the next two games. They entered Wednesday as long shots for the Presidents’ Trophy, awarded to the regular-season champions. The needed to win both games this week and have Vegas and Colorado lose their remaining games.

Marner said he is cutting out hockey on TV and social media.

“Social media can be a great thing for some things, but it’s also a very bad thing sometimes, or most times really, so I’m just trying to stay off all that stuff. I think our team’s done a great job of that as well,” Marner said. “Sure, you can feel the energy in Toronto when you’re walking around or see people. I think everyone is excited for what we’ve done this season but we just gotta make sure we keep going, keep working, and get that ultimate goal (of winning the Stanley Cup).”

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Leafs defenceman Travis Dermott at least smiled at the prospect of facing Montreal in the playoffs, and when it was mentioned that he went to a French-immersion school in Newmarket when he was younger.

“I don’t know how interested I was in it first, when all my hockey buddies were taking English classes at an English school,” Dermott said. “But my mom always said, ‘What if you get drafted by Montreal? You want to be able to speak French.’ ”

He was picked by the Leafs instead, a second-round choice in 2015, and will try to help Toronto even the rivalry. Montreal holds an 8-7 edge in 15 playoff meetings, dating back to 1917.

“Yeah, it’s Leafs vs. Habs, its everything you want in a playoff series,” Dermott said. “It’s exciting for us, we feel good against them, we played them a fair amount of times (the Leafs were 7-2-1 in the regular season series against the Canadiens), so we have a good feeling there. But we want to take these next two games (against Ottawa and Winnipeg) and focus in on what will be important come playoff time.”

Toronto Star LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188216 Toronto Maple Leafs Leading the North Division, the Leafs wanted a win to pass cooled out Pittsburgh and Washington and another Friday to possibly track down Vegas, Carolina, Florida and Colorado.

SENS OF DISCOMFORT: Maple Leafs edged by Ottawa in Andersen's One department of concern continues to be the power play, which has return slipped to 16th in the league in recent weeks. Their zone entries were muddled again on two opening-period chances Wednesday, the first with no shots on Filip Gustavsson. Muzzin scored a rare one by a defenceman on the second power play group, but Brown burned his old Lance Hornby team again, his fifth short-handed this year..

Toronto Maple Leafs sniper Auston Matthews says he doesn't mind a few Senators' Connor Brown shoots past Maple Leafs goalie Frederik days off to rest between the end of the regular season and the playoffs. Andersen and centre Auston Matthews to score a goal in the second It's set: Maple Leafs to play Canadiens in opening round of playoffs period at the Canadian Tire Centre on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Though winger Zach Hyman is close to returning from a sprained knee, The Maple Leafs have a couple of things to clean up by next week’s the Leafs put him on retroactive LTIR to create the salary cap room for post-season tournament, besides rust-proofing Frederik Andersen. Andersen. Nick Foligno was back after two games away with an upper Trying not to look ahead to the playoff series against Montreal, they had body injury, but Alex Galchenyuk was moved to his place on the top line their hands full with the Ottawa Senators in Wednesday’s 4-3 overtime with Matthews and Marner, Foligno was with Tavares and William loss. The improved Sens left it all on the Canadian Tire Centre ice in their Nylander. final game of the season, while Toronto has one more in Winnipeg on An old guard of Joe Thornton, Jason Spezza and was Friday to get set. formed while Alex Kerfoot, Pierre Engvall and Ilya Mikheyev were Two of the regulation goals that beat Andersen could’ve been traced to a together, a likely line for newcomer Riley Nash to appear in Engvall’s couple of months away from NHL action, unable to track a puck through spot when he’s activated from injury. a screen and just a bit out of position on a tight angle shot from Parker Hutton, whose physical play is earning him some accolades, partnered Kelly. He got a piece of Josh Norris’ first-shift extra time winner. Travis Dermott on defence. “Overall, I felt really good,” Andersen said. “There were weird plays, Toronto Sun LOADED: 05.13.2021 unfortunate bounces, but I felt like I was moving well, calm in the net.”

Andersen made 24 regulation saves, beaten by two strange ones early in the game and taking a Brady Tkachuk third-period drive off his mask. The Leafs salvaged a point on Auston Matthews’ late third-period goal, his league-leading 41st.

March 19 was the most recent Andersen sighting, before withdrawing to rest a knee-related injury, as Jack Campbell completed a run of 11-0 to take the No. 1 role. After a game and a half with the AHL Marlies, Andersen needed some re-assurance in Wednesday’s match.

“He’s put in so much work that we’ve witnessed every day,” Matthews praised. “I thought he played well and at times, we weren’t good enough for him, a couple o goals were on us. That’s all you can ask from him tonight and hopefully he checks out (healthy) going forward.”

“We’re excited to have the Big Unit back,” Mitch Marner said earlier in the day. “Freddy’s always in a great mood, but I’m sure there were times he definitely felt lonely when we were on the road and he had to stay back. He knows a lot of guys in that room love him and we know what kind of goalie he is, confidence-wise.

“He’s a big part of this team and we have to make sure we play smart in front of him.”

That wasn’t the case through two periods. After a low-maintenance first frame, his team failed on a couple of breakouts and Nikita Zaitsev’s point shot beat him far side as Ben Hutton was trying to cover Nick Paul.

After a big short-handed save on Connor Brown, with Jake Muzzin getting a power-play goal on the same shift, a second Brown shorty attempt got through. Andersen made the initial breakaway save, but Matthews, in trying to help on the rebound, only kept it alive for Brown.

Then came a breakdown during a delayed penalty on Morgan Rielly. He boarded Kelly, who made it to his feet and got enough on it for the 21- year-old Albertan’s first in the NHL game.

Captain John Tavares, in his 200th game as a Leaf, picked up his 19th goal and and 198th point overall to keep the deficit to one entering the third.

The Leafs were trying to maintain high standards in their two remaining games, avoid being caught in the Habs’ series hype, wanting to win for Andersen and not disrespect Ottawa. That was hard, with most questions in the morning media session directed towards next week.

Coach Sheldon Keefe groused about the power play and some other aspects, but was happy Andersen held up and that no injuries resulted with the team almost healthy. 1188217 Toronto Maple Leafs Each club is dealing with injuries to key players, though the Leafs are closer to the finish line in that regard with forwards Zach Hyman (knee) and Riley Nash (knee) and defenceman Zach Bogosian (shoulder) working to get back. Maple Leafs, Canadiens peer ahead and 'cherish' first playoff meeting in 42 years In Montreal, the group in sick bay is bigger and more significant, with Price, defenceman Shea Weber (upper body) and forwards Brendan Gallagher (thumb), Phillip Danault (concussion) and Jonathan Drouin (personal) at various stages in their road to returning. Terry Koshan “It’s nice to know who the opponent is going to be, that helps us as a

coaching staff terms of our preparations, but we didn’t even bring it up Maple Leafs defenceman Travis Dermott says a long-awaited playoff (Wednesday) morning,” Keefe said. “We’ve had a pretty good sense of series against the Canadiens is something he looks forward to. how it was going to work out for a while now.

Travis Dermott and Jake Allen read from the same playoff page on “We know that their roster will look differently, and they will be a much Wednesday. more rested team when we see them again.”

And you had to like what you heard. That won’t be any earlier than next Wednesday. The day can’t come fast enough for a couple of fan bases that have been waiting since 1979. With the Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens on the cusp of their first meeting in the Stanley Cup playoffs in 42 years, the anticipation for Toronto Sun LOADED: 05.13.2021 the North Division first-round series started to build in earnest late Tuesday night, when the Winnipeg Jets’ victory ensured Montreal would finish fourth and face the Leafs in the opening round.

When asked on Wednesday morning about the best-of-seven series, neither Leafs superstar winger Mitch Marner nor coach Sheldon Keefe wanted to get overly invested, citing the Leafs’ last two regular-season games as the primary focus.

Yawn.

Dermott, among the Leafs’ depth defencemen, and Allen, who has helped hold the fort in the Montreal net as Carey Price has recovered from a concussion, didn’t shrug when the topic of the impending post- season clash arose.

“It’s the Leafs versus the Habs,” Dermott said. “It’s everything you want in a playoff series.

“Even if you didn’t watch a game this season, the Leafs-Habs rivalry is is always in the back of your mind. It’s going to be huge, just playing those jerseys against each other.”

Allen, in his first season with the Canadiens after spending 10 years with the St. Louis Blues organization (including a Cup win in 2019), played a couple of years for the Montreal Juniors (who became the Blainville- Boisbriand Armada) of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and has an understanding of the history between the clubs.

“To be able to play for the Canadiens, playing the Leafs in the playoffs, it has been such a long time since that happened,” Allen said. “It’s a special feeling. We have to cherish it, we have to embrace it. It’s going to be fun, it’s going to be hard, but it’s going to be a great opportunity for us.

“They got our number in the regular season, but this is a new chance and a new chapter.”

Dermott figured the teams will match up well.

“We’ve had some good battles against these guys, we got a good rivalry going,” Dermott said. “We go head-to-head pretty evenly.

“This is what playoffs are all about. It’s all about getting fired up, excited about seeing what your team is able to do. Us versus Montreal is going to expand that to something bigger.

“It’s something that people can relate to and think about a rivalry (going back to) pretty much whenever hockey started between these two teams, so it’s going to be fun for everyone.”

The Leafs are the favourite, and if they don’t win in five or six games, mark us down as surprised.

The Leafs are deeper than the Canadiens and have more skill, and the buckle-down resolve that wasn’t a hallmark with Toronto teams in the past is evident with this group. That came to the fore at times against Montreal once the National Hockey League emerged in the midst of the pandemic and returned to play on Jan. 13.

Not only did the Leafs kick a little sand at the Canadiens when they beat them in Toronto last Saturday to clinch the North, that victory gave the Leafs a 7-2-1 record against their Original Six rivals in the 56-game regular season. 1188218 Toronto Maple Leafs getting past the smothering New York Islanders in the first round. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the fourth-place team wins the East Division … As happy as Toronto fans are that the Leafs play the Habs in the first round, fans of the Oilers are probably even happier that Winnipeg — and TRAIK-EOTOMY: The Habs are a much tougher opponent than some not Montreal — finished third in the division. McDavid did more damage Maple Leafs' fans might think to the Jets than he did to any other team in Canada this year, scoring seven goals and 22 points in nine games. Leon Draisaitl, meanwhile, had

seven goals and 12 points. Against the Canadiens, the pair combined for Michael Traikos just three goals and 15 points … Best part about the U.S. teams starting their playoffs a week earlier than in Canada? We don’t have to waste our time watching meaningless regular-season games between Vancouver and Calgary. The opening-round series between Toronto and Montreal is a matchup fans have been waiting for since 1979. FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH

Article content Who has the most to prove in the playoffs? If he were on any other team, I’d say it was Taylor Hall. But playing on the Bruins’ second line changes If it felt like the NHL season was split into two different leagues this year that. Now, my answer is Colorado goalie Philipp Grubauer, who has to — one in the U.S. and one in Canada — having Boston and Washington show he isn’t the weak link on a team that is built to win a Cup … No, Joe play Game 1 of the playoffs on the same day that Edmonton and Thornton doesn’t have any pressure. You can’t have pressure playing on Vancouver will be playing an otherwise meaningless regular-season the fourth line. Anything that the 41-year-old provides from now on is a game probably won’t change that. bonus … My prediction: we’ll be seeing Maple Leafs forward Alex It’s an odd move by the NHL schedule-makers. Galchenyuk at some point in the first round. I just don’t know who comes out of the lineup for that to happen … The Battle of Florida isn’t exactly Call me old fashioned, but is it too much to ask that the regular season the . But I’m excited to see what Selke Trophy favourite ends before the playoffs begin? Aleksander Barkov can do now that he’s finally in the spotlight … How Then again, for most hockey fans the Bruins-Capitals is nothing more many games before Tom Wilson earns a suspension in the playoffs? And than the opening act. The playoffs won’t really begin until a week from no, fines don’t count (or really matter) … Now that he’s finally gone, it’s now, when the Toronto Maple Leafs play the Montreal Canadiens in funny how every Columbus player suddenly loves John Tortorella. It was Game 1 of the North Division semifinal. a different story when he was behind the bench … Overheard in Tampa Bay: “Bah Gawd, that’s Kucherov’s music!” This is the match-up fans have been waiting for since 1979. It’s the investment that Rogers Sportsnet spent more than $5 billion on. And with HERE’S ONE FOR YOU apologies to the Oilers and Jets, who begin the playoffs, it’s the most According to Sabres GM Kevyn Adams, Jack Eichel has not explicitly hyped series of the first round. asked for a trade. But Adams said he asked every player on the team The question is, will it live up to the hype? whether they wanted to remain in Buffalo and some answered they would be “open to everything.” No word on whether that applied to Eichel … If I don’t think it will go seven games. But I’m expecting a tough series — Eichel ends up getting traded, it’s not because he and the team had a tougher than most Toronto fans probably want to admit. difference of opinion on whether he should get surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck. It’s because he’s wasted the first six years of For the first time in the past five years — and, no, last year’s play-in his career on a team that is nowhere close to being a playoff team … The against Columbus doesn’t count — the Leafs will be the favourites. They trade I’d like to see: Eichel for Washington’s Evgeny Kuznetsov. Fans in will have all the pressure. Everyone expects them to win the North Buffalo, who grew up on Alex Mogilny and Miroslav Satan, would love Division and go all the way and win a Stanley Cup. Anything less will be Kuznetsov’s enthusiasm. And it sounds like the Capitals have had considered a disappointment. enough of his off-ice distractions … Travis Greene shouldn’t be But first they need to get past the Habs. And they need to get over the wondering if he’s going to be returning to coach the Canucks. You can first-round hump that has tripped them up so many times. In many ways, blame COVID-19, an injury to Elias Pettersson and some questionable this could be their greatest challenge. decisions by the GM for the team missing the playoffs. But no one should be blaming the coach. I’m not expecting a sweep. I’d be surprised if it went less than six games. IS MIKE BABCOCK THE PERFECT COACH FOR THE RANGERS? There’s something scary about a Montreal team that has this much youth and this much to prove. Anyone who saw the Habs upset the Penguins in Add another one to the pile. the play-in round last year knows that it wasn’t just Carey Price who stole A week after the New York Rangers fired their general manger and the series. president, the team showed the door to head coach David Quinn. For It was Montreal’s me-against-the world mentality. It was Nick Suzuki those counting, Quinn is the sixth coaching casualty of the shortened playing like he was the second coming of Patrice Bergeron and Jesperi season. And while missing the playoffs had something to do with the Kotkaniemi finally showing why he was selected ahead of Brady Tkachuk decision, the bigger justification could be that the team didn’t want to lose in the 2018 draft. It was Brendan Gallagher being Brendan Gallagher and out on one of the many top-end coaches who are available. Shea Weber being Shea Weber. It won’t last long.

Now, the Habs also have Tyler Toffoli, Josh Anderson and Joel With vacancies in Arizona, Buffalo, Columbus and Seattle, don’t expect Edmundson, as well as Corey Perry and Cole Caufield. They are not as Claude Julien, John Tortorella, Gerard Gallant and many others to deep or as top-end talented as the Leafs — especially with Price, remain unemployed. Gallagher and Jonathan Drouin’s status for Game 1 remaining unclear — but they are not pushovers. Here are the five teams looking for a coach and who might be a perfect match: That being said, I’m picking the Leafs in six games. And my fingers are crossed that Edmonton gets past Winnipeg so we can see Auston Arizona Coyotes Matthews versus Connor McDavid in the second round. Only the three California teams were worse than the Coyotes in the West Now, that will be a matchup worth all the hype in the world. Division this year. A lack of top-end talent is in issue. But it didn’t help that Arizona finished in the bottom-10 in goals allowed. TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT Perfect match: John Tortorella isn’t everyone’s cup of scalding hot tea. ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski tweeted “there are several possible scenarios But for a team that is lacking in star power, he can work wonders with through which the Leafs and Bruins end up playing for the Stanley Cup.” some shot-blocking, back-checking and duct tape. There are also several possible scenarios that it could be Edmonton and Pittsburgh. Can you imagine McDavid winning his first Stanley Cup Buffalo Sabres against Sidney Crosby? … That being said, I don’t see the Penguins A future without Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart is a possibility, so Tortorella, who seemed to push all the wrong buttons with Laine and chances are that the Sabres won’t be contending next season. But they’ll many other players this year. need to make sure that Dylan Cozens and Rasmus Dahlin develop into players who can take the team to that next step when the time comes. But Laine didn’t see it that way. He saw himself as the problem. And now he wants to be the solution. Perfect match: David Quinn, who earned his stripes coaching Boston University, is a teacher first and foremost. If he can help Adam Fox “It’s not the systems’ fault. It’s my fault,” he said. “And I don’t think it become a Norris Trophy favourite, then he can help get Dahlin and matters who’s behind the bench. I still have to go out there and do what I Cozens on track. do. I didn’t do that this year, but I’ll do that next year.”

Columbus Blue Jackets Toronto Sun LOADED: 05.13.2021

The team is built around Seth Jones and Zach Werenski on defence, but it’s the offence that needs work. Patrik Laine had the worst season of his career and no one on the Blue Jackets had 20 goals.

Perfect match: Bruce Boudreau, who has missed the playoffs just twice in his career, has a reputation as an offence-first coach. Wasington’s Alex Ovechkin scored 65 goals under him and even Eric Staal became a 40-goal scorer under him in Minnesota.

New York Rangers

It’s time for the rebuilding team to take the next steps and contend, so finding a coach who can develop players isn’t as important as finding one who can implement a system that leads to the playoffs.

Perfect match: Mike Babcock took a team that finished last overall to the playoffs in three straight years. And having coached in Toronto, as well as at two Olympic games, means the pressure of New York won’t get to him.

Seattle Kraken

The expansion franchise, which enters the league in 2021-22, is hoping to follow Vegas’ blueprint of being competitive right out of the gates. For that to happen, they need a coach that can bring a roster of rejected misfits together.

Perfect match: This is a no-brainer. Gerard Gallant was the coach who won a Jack Adams Award after leading Vegas to the Stanley Cup final in their first year of existence and was fired with a 118-75-20 record.

GOOD ON LAINE FOR NOT BLAMING ANYONE BUT HIMSELF

It sure sounds like Patrik Laine could use a hug.

When asked what type of coach he would prefer to play for now that John Tortorella is gone from Columbus, the 23-year-old sniper responded in a rather curious way for someone who scored 30 or more goals in each of his first three years in the league.

“As an ex-offensive guy, it would be fun to play offence obviously,” he said. “But it doesn’t really matter.”

It’s never a good sign when a Rocket Richard Trophy runner-up refers to himself as an “ex-offensive guy.” And yet, GM Jarmo Kekalainen had to love the way that Laine took ownership for his struggles in his end-of- year media availability.

On the same day that Jack Eichel made headlines for the comments regarding his tenuous future in Buffalo, Laine didn’t play the blame game. Instead, he took his lumps, looked at himself in the mirror and repeatedly stated how much he loves Columbus and believes in the team — and how motivated he is to get better.

It was refreshingly honest. And it hinted at bigger things to come for a player who is well aware that he had the worst season of his young career — a fact that was exacerbated by the spectacular seasons that Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews both enjoyed.

Whether you believe it or not, those are the two players that Laine compares himself with. He believes he can be the best scorer in the NHL. He wants to be a superstar. And at his age, there’s no reason to doubt he can get there.

“Obviously, I think it’s tough to watch that,” Laine said of McDavid and Matthews. “But you have to accept that you didn’t have a good year and didn’t play the way you can and the way you need to. You want to race with those guys and I just wasn’t able to do that. But I’ll be better next year. We have a lot of time before the puck drops. Got to get some work in and be better.”

Prior to this season, only six players had scored more goals in the past five seasons than Laine. But with 10 goals this year, he didn’t even rank in the top three on his team. Part of the blame should be attributed to 1188219 Toronto Maple Leafs He won the Cup in 1965 and ’66, lost to the Leafs in ’67 (“we were too busy having fun with Expo”), then won in ’68 and ’69.

“I was there when Beliveau won the first Conn Smythe Trophy ever given SIMMONS: In conversation with living legend Dick Duff, a Stanley Cup out and in ’69, when (Serge) Savard won the Conn Smythe, I finished champ with both the Maple Leafs and Canadiens second in the voting.

“There was something about the playoffs. I always wanted to be one of those guys who played his best in the biggest moments. I remember Steve Simmons watching Rocket Richard and Ted Lindsay when I was younger. They had this way of making a difference. Some guys could bring the crowd

up, just by climbing over the boards. They had that. I wanted to be like Dick Duff is a walking, talking piece of hockey history. that. I wanted to be like them. Detroit did all that winning when Lindsay was there and, when they traded him, they stopped winning.” He won two Stanley Cups and lost in two Stanley Cup finals while playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. To this day, Duff has never stopped being that proud kid from Kirkland Lake, Ont., who couldn’t believe there was a career to be made playing He then won four Stanley Cups and lost once while playing for the hockey. Over the years, he would track his friends from Northern Ontario Montreal Canadiens. and take stock of them. The early Leafs championship years had Duff and Larry Hillman from Kirkland Lake; from Cochrane; In an 11-year run in a 17-year career, Duff won the Cup or played for it Armstrong from Skead; Bob Nevin from South Porcupine; Mahovlich and nine different times, almost all of it coming in the 1960s. Allan Stanley from Timmins; Eddie Shack and Al Arbour from Sudbury. None of this, of course, seems in any way imaginable, not with a Toronto “And you can put Keon in there, too, even though he’s from Quebec. We team that hasn’t won a championship in 54 years or a Montreal club that played against those guys up north when we were kids. hasn’t won a Cup in the eternity that been the past 28 years. And here is Duff, still aware, still strong, as the second-most decorated player to have “And I won Cups in Montreal with Backstrom and Hillman and Mickey worn both the uniforms of the Leafs and the Habs. His close friend, Frank Redmond. Can you imagine that, four Kirkland Lake guys winning Mahovlich, is first on that list. together with the Montreal Canadiens?”

“Everybody,” said Duff, “comes after The Big M.” Duff had remarkable team success, but also enough personal success to find his way to the Hockey Hall of Fame. In the opening game of the Duff did play 1,001 games for the Leafs and Canadiens. That seems 1963 final against the Detroit Red Wings, Duff scored two goals in 11 especially noteworthy now that Toronto and Montreal will meet in the seconds against the legendary Terry Sawchuk. They were the fastest two Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 42 years. goals to start a game in Stanley Cup history. It’s a rare record that “I’m lucky,” said the 85-year-old Duff. “I got to play with Mahovlich and Wayne Gretzky ranks second to. Chief (George Armstrong) and (Dave) Keon in Toronto. And it was a treat He ended the ’62 Cup with the winning goal and started the ’63 final by to play with (Jean) Beliveau and Henri (Richard) and (Ralph) Backstrom scoring twice in the first 68 seconds of Game 1. and (John) Ferguson in Montreal. For a kid from Northern Ontario, that was a dream come true. Now, all these years later, here are the Leafs and the Habs meeting in the playoffs, and Duff, living in the Toronto area, won’t say — or can’t say “You have to understand, there were only two teams that mattered in the — which team he favours most. NHL in those days. It was Toronto or Montreal, Montreal or Toronto. That was the league. If you went in to New York to play, it was, ‘The Leafs are “I was very fortunate that I had a chance to play with both of them, and I coming to town.’ Or ‘The Canadiens coming to town.’ That was the story. like both teams,” he said. “This is Toronto-Montreal. That’s part of If you’re a teenaged kid from Kirkland Lake, like I was, that’s all you Canada’s history and hockey history. That used to be all we had. That knew. That’s all you heard on your radio. Two teams. was the selling point of the NHL.

“And I got to play on both of them.” “Hockey on Saturday night has been the theatre of our country, the opera, the show, and it was a treat to be a part of that. Sports means so Duff didn’t just play. He wasn’t only a participant on the teams he played much to the people in this city, especially now when we want to take the on. He was a difference-maker. tension out of our lives. From 1960-69 — the 10 seasons in which he couldn’t stop winning — he “Do I wish I could play again? We all do. But I’m closer to 100 than I am couldn’t stop starring either. For that decade, the playoff leading scorers to 25. A lot of my friends are gone. A lot of teammates. A lot of good were, in order, Beliveau, , Stan Mikita and Gordie Howe. Four guys. A lot are up there, waiting for me. I’m not ready to join them yet.” of the greatest players ever. DICK DUFF’S STANLEY CUP TRAIL Fifth on that scoring list: Duff. 1958-59: Lost final with Leafs When the Leafs won their four Stanley Cups in the 1960s, the first one came against the defending champions with Hull, Mikita, and Glenn Hall 1959-60: Lost final with Leafs in their lineup. The winning goal in Game 6 at old was scored by Duff. 1961-62: Won Cup with Leafs

“It was meant to be,” said the winger. “I call it the ‘Keon Goal.’ I scored at 1962-63: Won Cup with Leafs 14:14 of the third period. That’s Keon’s number twice. And then, the last 1964-65: Won Cup with Habs five minutes of the game seemed to take forever. They had that old clock at the Chicago Stadium — remember that? — it was impossible to read. 1965-66: Won Cup with Habs We were waiting and waiting. And, finally, it was ours.” 1966-67: Lost Cup with Habs He cherishes them all, but of the six Stanley Cups Duff won, his first was his favourite. Not just because he scored the winning goal. Not just 1967-68: Won Cup with Habs because he left home at age 15 to go to St. Mike’s and train to become 1968-69: Won Cup with Habs an NHL player. But because, in a six-team league, the Leafs hadn’t won in more than a decade — and he knew what that meant in Toronto. Toronto Sun LOADED: 05.13.2021 “That started the run,” said Duff.

The Leafs won three years in a row, but Duff was traded to New York before the third of four Punch Imlach Toronto Cups. A year later, he was sent to Montreal, where he spent just over five crazy great seasons with the Habs. 1188220 Toronto Maple Leafs the minutes a little differently than I would in other games. But it’s a chance for us to really work at our four-line game.”

The Leafs placed Zach Hyman on retroactive LTIR Wednesday to 'IT WILL BE HUGE': Maple Leafs excited to face Habs and to have accommodate Andersen. Andersen back Though departed Quebec native Frederik Gauthier used to handle questions from the French-Canadian media whenever the Leafs met the Habs the past few years, Dermott was an Immersion student in the Lance Hornby Newmarket area.

“Definitely, though I don’t know how interested I was when all my hockey buddies were taking regular English classes. But my mom was always The people got what they wanted, a Toronto-Montreal first-round series saying, ‘What if you get drafted by Montreal?’ That was her motto. It’s for the first time since 1979. something I’m proud to have now.” And try as they may to put off talking of rekindling the historic rivalry in Toronto Sun LOADED: 05.13.2021 playoffs until their last regular season games are done, the teams will get a barrage of those questions. The match became official late Tuesday when Winnipeg beat Vancouver to leave the Canadiens in fourth place in the North versus the division-leading Leafs.

“Leafs-Habs, I guess it’s everything you want in a playoff series,” said Toronto defenceman Travis Dermott. “It’s exciting for us. We’ve played against them a fair amount of times this year (10, with a record of 7-2-1), especially recently and we have a good feeling there.

“But we want to take these next two games (Wednesday night against Ottawa, Friday in Winnipeg) to focus on the things that are going to be important once playoffs come and have those areas dialled in.”

“You can look at the (Leafs-Habs) history and leave it at that, but I think we’ve had some good battles with them this year and it will add to the fire. Even if you didn’t watch a game this year, the rivalry is always in the back of your mind. It will be huge putting those jerseys against each other.”

Forward Mitch Marner was less willing to discuss next week.

“It will be hard fought, but I don’t want to look ahead too much. We have to make sure we play these two games hard. I’m not going to talk about the series until Day One.”

Coach Sheldon Keefe, who wasn’t even born the last time the century- old foes clashed in the spring, was playful about avoiding the topic.

“If I start answering those questions (now), what will you ask me the next eight or nine days? I just want to focus on the Senators.”

It will still be an eventful game in the nation’s capital, as the Leafs welcome goaltender Frederik Andersen, a week shy of two months since his last NHL action. Jack Campbell gets the start in Winnipeg ahead of a projected Game 1 next Wednesday or Thursday.

“We’re excited to have the Big Unit back,” Marner said of Andersen. “He’s a big part of this team and we have to make sure we play smart and ready in front of him.

“Freddy’s always in a great mood, but I’m sure there were times he definitely felt lonely and had to stay back. But he knows a lot of guys in that room love him and we know what kind of goalie he is, confidence- wise.”

Forward Nick Foligno and defenceman Justin Holl will also be available Wednesday night after their status was in doubt.

“We just played Montreal four times (since April 28),” Keefe said. “We know what to expect, but know their roster will look different (with a few injured Habs back in the course of the next week or two) and be a much more rested team when we see them again.

“The most important thing is make sure our own game is in order. I’d say it’s very strong. When we clinched (first place) the other night, the guys were happy of course, but you could sense that was just part of the process.

“We’ve had a couple of great practices, very business-like. There is an opportunity for us to climb in the league standings (passing Pittsburgh and Washington) and the biggest motivation is it looks like the schedule will be late into next week before we get going. So we have to stay sharp and these two games are important. We want to make sure it’s all systems go at that (playoff) time.

“With our salary cap situation, there’s not a whole lot of flexibility in terms of moving things around (with this week’s lineup). I’ll probably manage 1188221 Toronto Maple Leafs — OMAR (@TICTACTOMAR) MAY 13, 2021 This, too:

NICK FOLIGNO SENDING BRADY TKACHUK A MESSAGE Maple Leafs report cards: ‘No life, no energy’ in sloppy overtime loss to PIC.TWITTER.COM/K832HQDDZM Senators — OMAR (@TICTACTOMAR) MAY 13, 2021

The Leafs just felt like a more confident, aggressive team when he was By Joshua Kloke May 13, 2021 on the ice. There was almost palpable energy from a player returning from injury, particularly in his efforts to strip pucks. Given the way he’s able to win puck battles, as he did against the Senators, the second line In what should come as a surprise to no one, with the division locked up, feels like the perfect fit for him right now. their playoff matchup set and the team on the road, the Leafs didn’t exactly come out firing in a meaningless game against the Ottawa A- Senators on Wednesday night. William Nylander (RW, No. 88): I didn’t like Nylander’s effort along the Jake Muzzin aptly summarized the 4-3 overtime loss postgame: “No life, boards ahead of the Senators’ first goal, and I’m sure I’m not alone. He no energy.” did come out strong in the second period, however, digging for loose pucks and creating scoring chances. The Leafs played far more tentatively than they have all season, making sloppy errors and almost seeming afraid to get injured heading into the NYLANDER AND TAVARES NEARLY COMBINED FOR A HIGHLIGHT playoffs. REEL PLAY THERE BUT A BATTLING FOLIGNO WAS IN THE WAY PIC.TWITTER.COM/5DFVL9YGXS “We didn’t seem very sharp. I didn’t think our execution was great,” John Tavares said. — OMAR (@TICTACTOMAR) MAY 13, 2021

If nothing else, Wednesday night’s flat performance probably made a lot Whatever happened in the first intermission must have made a of Leafs fans realize how much they miss Senators forward Connor difference, because Nylander began making game-changing plays Brown being in the Leafs lineup. His energetic play made him the best afterward. It’s always impressive how much he can do in a short amount player on the ice, and it wasn’t even close. of time with the puck:

CONNOR BROWN. HOW CAN YOU CHEER AGAINST HIM? JOHN TAVARES

— NICK WEBER (@BC_BUDS_FAN) MAY 13, 2021 WHAT A PASS BY NYLANDER! PIC.TWITTER.COM/EDZALWBSUF

On to the observations! — OMAR (@TICTACTOMAR) MAY 13, 2021

Player reports B+

First star: John Tavares (C, No. 91): I thought Tavares strung together Alex Kerfoot (C, No. 15): I liked Kerfoot’s ability to put himself in some good passes early on. He used his body well to protect the puck, uncomfortable positions, use a bit of physicality and generally play with a and he was decisive with his quick shot on his goal. As he continues to tenacious edge. He had an assist against the Senators. be effective with the puck and play some of his best hockey of the Joe Thornton (LW, No. 97): Even if he wasn’t exactly spry with his season, there’s been a lot of talk about Tavares’ switching the curve on skating, and the Leafs didn’t always put decent chances together, I his stick. If you haven’t read it yet, Jonas Siegel has the story on his thought Thornton moved the puck well on the first two power plays. change here. Keefe called the second power-play unit “excellent,” and I thought Tavares’ work to shake off Senators on the Matthews goal was Thornton’s play was a big reason for that assessment. He made a important. On a night when some of the Leafs’ best players drifted in and simple, smart pass for the primary assist on the Leafs’ first goal. out of the game, Tavares turned in a really solid performance and looks Auston Matthews (C, No. 34): Matthews showed his lethal combination of ready to make a serious difference in the playoffs. He won 50 percent of puck possession and finding open spots to get a shot off in the first his faceoffs as well. period. He then struggled to make a serious difference in the second Second star: Jake Muzzin (LD, No. 8): Muzzin’s responsible defending period and most of the third period. I was legitimately worried: Do I have and efforts to get back and thwart odd-man rushes against certainly to grade him in uncharted waters? Below a B? Nothing to see here??? stood out. Then, as he’s done so often, he turned the game on its head with one JAKE MUZZIN PREVENTED A SHORTHANDED 2-ON-1 CHANCE shot and the tying goal: WITH THIS PLAY IN THE NEUTRAL ZONE AUSTON MATTHEWS PIC.TWITTER.COM/KE8HKS6AS1 41 ROCKETING GOALS! PIC.TWITTER.COM/F3OFG8HHHZ — OMAR (@TICTACTOMAR) MAY 13, 2021 — OMAR (@TICTACTOMAR) MAY 13, 2021 Also, I got a kick out of Muzzin having a chat with Senators forward Parker Kelly in his first NHL game. Muzzin’s daughter is 2 years old, so He ended up leading the Leafs with six shots and won 8 of 15 faceoffs. you just know he’s used to giving that “What was THAT?” look quite often. B

MUZZIN: DON'T DO THAT KID PIC.TWITTER.COM/SVNTGZEAKT Travis Dermott (LD, No. 23): Dermott remains high on the list of underrated Leafs this season. He’s settled down his play with the puck — OMAR (@TICTACTOMAR) MAY 13, 2021 and was confident skating with the puck through the neutral zone. There were a few turnovers late in the game, which lowered his grade a bit Kelly tried to lay a hit on Muzzin afterward, and Muzzin followed it up with here. a power-play goal. He also added an assist and had three shots. Even if Muzzin sounded like the most disgruntled Leaf postgame when B- assessing his team’s play, individually, I thought he played really well against the Senators. Jason Spezza (RW, No. 19): Some decent puck movement on the power play, and a little more physicality than we often see from Vintage. Three Third star: Nick Foligno (LW, No. 71): This is the Nick Foligno that Kyle shots and 64 percent on faceoffs. Dubas and the Leafs wanted when they acquired him at the trade deadline: C+

NICK FOLIGNO IS ON A POWER KILL Frederik Andersen (G, No. 31): Andersen had no chance on the PIC.TWITTER.COM/HCFQJ3ISKG Senators’ first goal, and I thought he settled into his first game since March 19 looking mobile and in control at times. “I felt like I was moving really well. I felt confident out there,” Andersen He looked to play a bit shaky after the first period, often moving the puck said. to the wrong places and hesitating to use his physicality.

ANOTHER GOOD SAVE BY ANDERSEN COMING ACROSS TO STOP Nothing to see here TKACHUK PIC.TWITTER.COM/ZC7GWJDIEV Pierre Engvall (LW, No. 47): A few decent defensive plays from Engvall, — OMAR (@TICTACTOMAR) MAY 13, 2021 but he had a fairly quiet night otherwise.

But his second period did not go as planned. You’d obviously like him to Wayne Simmonds (LW, No. 24): I didn’t see a lot from Simmonds. There just control this puck a little better: was a turnover in his own zone late in the game, and a good blocked shot, but like a few Leafs, Simmonds didn’t put his stamp on this game. BROWN SCORES SHORTHANDED Justin Holl (RD, No. 3): Holl was barely noticeable in his 17:25 TOI. RIELLY IS COMPLETELY BEAT AND THERE'S A MESS IN FRONT PIC.TWITTER.COM/7JFMI3ZGHW Ilya Mikheyev (RW, No. 65): Not a great night for Mikheyev. Some tentativeness with the puck, and a lack of his typical energy. — OMAR (@TICTACTOMAR) MAY 13, 2021 Final grade: C “There were times that we weren’t good enough for him,” Matthews said. The Senators owned more of the possession (53 percent five-on-five And, even if the third goal felt strange, even fluky, his positioning on the Corsi For) and five-on-five expected goals (57 percent), which was goal leaves a lot to be desired. largely the product of their interest in outworking the Leafs. (All stats via PARKER KELLY FIRST NHL GOAL Natural Stat Trick.) PIC.TWITTER.COM/GMNKCM1ONR The Leafs looked tired, and Keefe noted the mental hurdle his team — OMAR (@TICTACTOMAR) MAY 13, 2021 faced in getting through two games healthy and knowing the playoffs were on the horizon but there were two games remaining. By the end of the game, he made 24 saves on 28 shots, got through the game unhurt and also left little doubt in anyone’s mind who the Leafs’ “I don’t think any of our lines really got much going,” Sheldon Keefe said. Game 1 starter would be. The only real cause for concern from this game is the top power-play T.J. Brodie (RD, No. 78): Some good clearance efforts and defending unit’s lack of execution. It feels wrong to assign blame to a single player overall on the penalty kill from Brodie. for the mostly ineffective play with the man advantage. But blame is nonetheless deserved: Their controlled entries need to improve, but even C when the Leafs did gain the offensive zone, they were far from clinical with the puck. Their first unit’s inability to control the play, given their Mitch Marner (RW, No. 16): Not the most dangerous game from Marner, talent, is bewildering. but he had a few good moments on the penalty kill. He looked upset with himself for not making the smartest play with the puck in overtime ahead “Our best players have the puck on their stick at different times, and we of the winning goal, and rightly so. just don’t make a play,” Keefe said.

Alex Galchenyuk (LW, No. 12): Galchenyuk didn’t exactly make a serious FIRST 22 GAMES FOR THE LEAFS POWER PLAY THIS SEASON: 22- impact alongside Matthews and Marner. He had a few notable shifts in 68 (32.4 PERCENT) the third period when he used his energy to outwork Senators and try to get the puck into dangerous areas. But those types of plays were limited. LAST 33 GAMES FOR THE LEAFS’ POWER PLAY THIS SEASON: 9- 85 (10.5 PERCENT) Morgan Rielly (LD, No. 44): To start the game, Rielly used his stick well to defend against some of the Senators’ more dangerous attackers and — JONAS SIEGEL (@JONASSIEGEL) MAY 13, 2021 break up plays. Stay-ready squad: Rasmus Sandin, Riley Nash, Mac Hollowell, Semyon GOOD DEFENCE BY RIELLY ON STÜTZLE Der-Arguchintsev, Denis Malgin, David Rittich. PIC.TWITTER.COM/RKGLDOBRXX What to watch for Friday versus Winnipeg: There are two things I’ll be — OMAR (@TICTACTOMAR) MAY 13, 2021 watching for. First, can the Leafs go into the playoffs on a high note? There were some lapses in judgment from multiple Leafs on Wednesday He got beat cleanly along the ball by Brown on the Senators’ second night and some strangely quiet performances from some others. The goal, however, and didn’t look much better on the Senators’ third goal as team is going to have more than a few days off between the end of the he was unable to clear the puck from the defensive zone. regular season and the playoffs, and the rest should benefit them.

He was confident with the puck in the neutral zone, which did help his Secondly, and more importantly, can everyone stay healthy? Salary-cap grade. complications limit lineup decisions, but in a perfect world, a few stars probably aren’t playing Friday night. D+ The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 Ben Hutton (LD, No. 55): Hutton’s puck-protection abilities are an underrated part of his game and stuck out on his first shift or two. I was impressed!

But things went south for Hutton after his first few shifts, and it was much harder to be impressed.

This is a tough look for him here, but the list of players who are going to get burned by Tim Stützle throughout the young German’s career is going to be a long one:

THIS WAS SLICK BY TIM STÜTZLE PIC.TWITTER.COM/UCNSFYT6RH

— BRADY TRETTENERO (@BRADYTRETT) MAY 13, 2021

And you can understand why he wore a long face after this goal.

THE ZAITSEV SHOT WAS GOING WIDE AND CHANGED ANGLES OFF OF HUTTON PIC.TWITTER.COM/TJAWVIMVGO

— OMAR (@TICTACTOMAR) MAY 13, 2021 1188222 Toronto Maple Leafs After Nash was traded to the Hurricanes after his third season at Cornell and he arrived in the NHL in the 2011-12 season, teammates found a young player who was eager to engage in meaningful conversations about life outside of hockey. What can the Maple Leafs expect from Riley Nash? ‘He does the little things in-game that allow you to win’ “He’s undercover sneaky smart,” said Eric Staal, Nash’s teammate with Carolina from 2011 to 2016. “I’m sure he was probably reading ‘The Wall Street Journal’ on his own.”

By Joshua Kloke May 12, 2021 In particular, teammates noticed his smarts manifest in a unique hobby: in the dressing room, on the bus and on the plane, Nash’s head was

often buried in a copy of “The New York Times” or “USA Today,” trying to When Nick Foligno looks back at the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Eastern complete the daily crossword. Conference second-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins in “Riley was always very successful with (crosswords), which I can’t say 2019, he has an idea why his former team lost in six games. about myself,” said John-Michael Liles, Nash’s teammate from 2013-14 “When Riley Nash went down, it really threw our team out of balance,” to 2016-17 with Carolina and Boston. said Foligno. Nash has won the respect of his teammates throughout his career by Nash was part of a Blue Jackets fourth line with Brandon Dubinsky and employing his blend of humour and smarts. And that’s why on a Leafs Boone Jenner that logged big minutes against some of the Bruins’ top team with a range of characters, from gregarious ones such as Joe players. Nash played the first three games in the series, two of which the Thornton to the more studious ones like John Tavares, Nash should Blue Jackets won, before a shoulder injury knocked him out. easily blend in.

The Blue Jackets lost the next three games to end their season. “In any dressing room, you’ve got to have a balance of a lot of different people with different backgrounds,” said Staal. “Having a guy like Riley “We just didn’t have the depth that Boston had,” said Foligno. “How was great because he added different elements to conversations and crucial that (depth) is to playoff success, I’ve seen it firsthand.” you’ve got to like that.”

It’s for that reason Kyle Dubas traded a seventh-round pick for Nash at Nash will need to use his smarts to adapt to the Leafs systems and the trade deadline. The 32-year-old has 10 seasons of NHL experience, dressing room in a short amount of time. His injury means he has not had with stops with the Hurricanes, Bruins and Blue Jackets. His experience the time to adjust to his new surroundings in the way that Thornton, T.J. gives the Leafs depth, and his defensive skills give them stability up the Brodie, Wayne Simmonds or even Foligno have. middle that Pierre Engvall does not always provide. Against the Blue Jackets in last season’s qualification round, the Leafs did not score a But Keefe isn’t worried. He credits Nash’s smarts as part of the reason five-on-five goal with Nash on the ice. why he should quickly adjust.

“I always say, he’s a sneaky hockey player,” said Foligno. “He does the “He’s a veteran guy, a lot of experience, both in the regular season and little things in-game that allow you to win.” in playoff hockey,” said Keefe. “He’s a confident guy, very intelligent, a good demeanour about him and fits in well with his teammates. So While Sheldon Keefe and the Leafs will rely on those little things for there’s a lot of good things there that make us not overly concerned playoff success, Foligno believes his impact extends off the ice as well. about the lack of time to adjust to new surroundings and new teammates.” “I think people will really appreciate the little things he does,” said Foligno. “And especially, the guys in the room. Guys will see how he He’s a teammate ‘that you remember’ plays the game. He will really complement this group nicely.” There’s an interesting trend with the recent additions Dubas has made to With the playoffs on the horizon and Nash likely to make his Leafs debut, the Leafs: character seems to be a high priority. The Athletic spoke to current and former teammates to understand what makes him a valuable addition on and off the ice to the Leafs playoff run Simmonds was lauded for being a first-class teammate. Thornton is and, despite an April 4 knee sprain that’s kept him out of action, why he known for his constant desire to be around his teammates. Foligno’s should quickly settle in with his new team. former teammates still miss him to the point that they fake hugging him on the ice. Nash is ‘sneaky smart’ And almost on cue, every one of the former teammates The Athletic has not forgotten the first time he stepped on the ice with spoke to for this story agreed that Nash embodied the exact type of Nash for their first practice together at Cornell University. Nash, a native teammate they’d want alongside them. of Kamloops, B.C., was a first-round pick out of the BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks by the Edmonton Oilers months earlier at the 2007 NHL “When you’re on the side of the road at two in the morning with a flat tire, Draft. he’ll pull up and help you change the tire,” said Patrick Dwyer, Nash’s teammate from 2011 to 2015 in Carolina. Greening was expecting to see Nash’s skill, but he was surprised by another element in his game and character. Dwyer believes he’ll fit in immediately because of his ability to read the room well and use his dry, quick wit to keep teammates loose and lighten “One thing he probably doesn’t get enough credit for is how smart he is,” the mood. said Greening. “He’s good in situations where there’s tension,” said Dwyer. “He can He saw those smarts throughout their next three seasons together as break the ice.” linemates. “You knew he was always going to be there supporting you, with a really “There’s one thing I tried to learn from him. He didn’t really stickhandle great sense of humour,” added Liles. “You obviously have all sorts of the puck. When he skated with the puck, he always kept it on the front of people on a hockey team that you encounter throughout your career, but his blade and almost pushed it. I quickly realized afterward that’s actually those are the guys that you remember.” quite good. Because if you always have it on your forehand, you’re always a threat to pass, right? You can always make a move. And he And should the pressure of a long playoff run mount, Staal argued that was very good at his head fakes and using deception especially at a the level-headed approach he saw from Nash during pressure-filled young age,” said Greening. games will benefit the Leafs. Only seven Leafs players have played in more playoff games than Nash. Those smarts extended off the ice as well. The two took classes together including one managerial accounting class, in which they had to “He’s not going to change,” said Staal. “That’s what makes him complete a marketing project for a start-up company. successful.”

“Very creative,” Greening said of Nash. He’s found his ‘niche’ Nash followed through on his potential as a first-round pick in his three seasons at Cornell, scoring 102 points in 102 games. Even if the opportunity to play in the NHL was presented during his time at Cornell, he wanted to wait.

“Riley was really realistic about where he was with his physical development,” said Mike Schafer, Nash’s head coach at Cornell. “He knew if he wanted to play in the NHL, that he needed to continue to evolve his game. He’s a very, very smart kid. He’s very methodical, he’s going to think about things. He’s not going to be impulsive.”

What he learned toward the end of his college career was that there needed to be more to his game than producing offence. He knew there were far more skilled players in the NHL, and so he had to adapt.

His ability, but also his willingness, to develop a new role for himself in Carolina earned the respect of teammates. He gladly traded his skill-first game to instead make life difficult for the opposition with his defensive play and strong off-puck positioning and became a dependable bottom- six forward.

“He’s a player that does have that skill, that talent and those smarts to be able to chip in,” said Staal. “But he found that niche, that role in the lineup where the coach trusts you and can play you in all situations. With Riley’s hockey smarts, that’s what he learned to develop in Carolina.”

Asked why he thinks Nash will have success in Toronto, Staal said Nash’s willingness to be versatile will benefit a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.

Perhaps Nash sticks on the Leafs’ defensively minded third line as he did at Tuesday’s practice. He could also move to the fourth line and, playing alongside Thornton, chip in offensively. But given his age and that he’s coming off an injury, it feels like he is used in limited minutes strictly as a defensive specialist.

Whatever the role, Staal believes Nash will welcome it.

“He’s smart enough to be able to put himself in the right positions to be successful and help the team,” said Staal. “He can fit anywhere in your lineup. He’s been around now long enough to know that whatever part he needs to do is not only going to help him but the team as well.”

The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188223 Vegas Golden Knights 3. Sikura scores Dylan Sikura’s season ended on a high note.

The 25-year-old forward was recalled from the Silver Knights on Tuesday Marc-Andre Fleury, Robin Lehner win NHL’s Jennings Trophy and scored his first two goals Wednesday in his sixth game with the Golden Knights. By Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal May 12, 2021 - 8:45 Sikura had one goal in his first 52 NHL games. PMUpdated May 12, 2021 - 9:53 PM “It’s nice to get those,” Sikura said. “Obviously, (I’ve) struggled to put the puck in the net at this level, so it’s nice to get those by him. Hopefully get some more moving forward.” The Golden Knights bet big on their goaltending tandem this season, and it paid off in a major way. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 05.13.2021 Marc-Andre Fleury and Robin Lehner secured the NHL’s Jennings Trophy on Wednesday as the primary goaltenders on the team that allowed the fewest goals. The Knights gave up 124, four fewer than the second-place New York Islanders (128). The team invested heavily in its goaltending in the offseason by signing Lehner to a five-year, $25 million extension and hanging onto Fleury. The tandem was the second-most expensive in the NHL with a combined cap hit of $12 million. “For me, hands-down the best goalie tandem in the league,” coach Pete DeBoer said. “They got some good help from our commitment to defending. But those two were outstanding every night for us.” Fleury put the bow on his first Jennings-winning season by recording his sixth shutout Wednesday in a 6-0 victory at the San Jose Sharks. The 36-year-old finished 26-10-0 with a 1.98 goals-against average (fourth- best in the NHL) and .928 save percentage (fifth). He ended the season on a nine-game winning streak in which he never allowed more than two goals a game. He has a strong chance to become a Vezina Trophy finalist for the first time in his career. The season was also a historic one for Fleury. He ranks third all time with 492 wins, behind Martin Brodeur (691) and Patrick Roy (551). His six shutouts put him in a tie with Roy Worters for No. 14 all time with 67. By winning the Jennings, Fleury became the first goaltender in NHL history to claim his first individual award in his 17th season or later. “He was great all year for us,” left wing Jonathan Marchessault said. “He’s in the discussion for the best goalie in the league.” Lehner won the Jennings Trophy for the second time. He also won it in 2018-19 with the Islanders, when he was a Vezina Trophy finalist. He is the seventh goaltender to win the Jennings with multiple teams, joining Ed Belfour, Jaroslav Halak, Dominik Hasek, Manny Fernandez, Roy and Roman Turek. Lehner finished 13-4-2 with a 2.29 goals-against average and 9.13 save percentage. The 29-year-old lost in regulation once in his first 15 starts. The Jennings is the Knights’ sixth NHL award and their first since their inaugural season. It signifies their investment in net was money well spent. But it remains to be seen whether the two will continue splitting time in the playoffs, or whether one will dominate the crease. “We’ve got great goaltending all year from both guys,” DeBoer said Monday. “We’re going to need both guys in the playoffs, too.” Here are three more takeaways from the win: 1. Season-ending stats The Knights set several regular-season franchise records. They finished with the best winning percentage (.714), points percentage (.732), offense (3.39 goals per game), defense (2.18 goals against per game) and penalty kill (86.8 percent) in team history. Their defense and PK rank first in the NHL, and their offense is third. Captain Mark Stone (61 points in 54 games) and left wing Max Pacioretty (51 in 48) became the first Knights players to score more than a point per game. Shea Theodore set a team record in points per game by a defenseman (0.79). 2. Karlsson’s iron man streak Center William Karlsson was the only Knights player to appear in all 56 games. Karlsson hasn’t missed a game in three of his four years with the team. He missed eight games last season, snapping a 234-game iron man streak. Karlsson has played in 70 consecutive games. 1188224 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights roll in finale, need Avs loss to win division

By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Golden Knights and Sharks had varying degrees of motivation entering Wednesday’s regular-season finale. Midway through the first period, it was obvious which team cared and which one was treating the game like an annoying robo call about a new car warranty. The Knights jumped on an indifferent San Jose squad early in the first period and coasted to a 6-0 victory in front of an announced crowd of 1,654 at SAP Center. Marc-Andre Fleury recorded his sixth shutout and extended his personal winning streak to nine games. William Carrier and Jonathan Marchessault each had a goal and an assist as the Knights went 8-0 in the season series against their rival. “We talked about wanting to put the two points on the board and making (Colorado) have to win their games,” coach Pete DeBoer said. “It was an important night and a little bit of a trap game, but I thought we came and got the job done like we have a lot of nights this year.” The Knights (40-14-2, 82 points) finished as the only team in the NHL with 40 victories and will wait to find out their playoff opponent. Colorado hosts Los Angeles on Thursday, and the Knights will win the West Division title and Presidents’ Trophy for the best overall record if the Avalanche lose. Colorado routed Los Angeles 6-0 on Wednesday to remain in control of its own destiny. The Knights will play Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs if Colorado wins the division. St. Louis awaits the top seed. “Obviously, took care of business tonight. Did what we had to do,” said Dylan Sikura, who added two goals in the third period. “I guess we’ll see what happens. We’re going to have to get through those teams regardless, so whether it’s the first round or the second round you have to beat those teams in order to move on.” Fleury made his final case for the Vezina Trophy and finished with 19 saves to earn his 67th career shutout. He broke a tie with Patrick Roy and moved into a tie for 14th on the all-time list. Fleury was fortunate that Patrick Marleau couldn’t finish on a breakaway late in the first period, and he turned away Evander Kane from point- blank range with about three minutes left in the second. The shutout gave Fleury and partner Robin Lehner the Jennings Trophy, which goes to the goalies for the team with the fewest goals allowed. “For me, hands-down the best goalie tandem in the league,” DeBoer said. “They got some good help from our commitment to defending. But those two were outstanding every night for us.” San Jose iced a lineup with several youngsters in front of rookie goalie Alexei Melnichuk and didn’t look interested in playing spoiler in the first period. The Knights finished with a 20-6 advantage in shots on goal in the period, and Alex Pietrangelo gave the Knights a 1-0 lead less than four minutes into the game. After a clean breakout that created a three-on-three rush, Marchessault’s centering pass pinballed around in front of Melnichuk. The puck ended up on Pietrangelo’s stick, and he backhanded in his seventh goal and fourth point in the past three games. Keegan Kolesar doubled the lead at 7:48 of the first when he cleaned up a rebound at the side of the net after Nicolas Roy’s shot was stopped by Melnichuk. “In a type of game like that you want to get the will out of the opponent as fast as you can, and we did,” Marchessault said. “We played with the lead and played well. Structured everywhere in all three zones.” LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188225 Vegas Golden Knights

Silver Knights increase capacity at Orleans Arena

By Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal

The puck drops to start the game between the Henderson Silver Knights and the Ontario Reign during an AHL hockey game at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Erik_Verduzco The Henderson Silver Knights will be able to host 50 percent of capacity at Orleans Arena as they fight to win the Pacific Division. The team announced the increase Wednesday before their final three regular-season games against Bakersfield. The Silver Knights play the Condors on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. They need to win one game or lose in overtime or a shootout three times to win the division in their inaugural season in the American Hockey League. Finishing first would give the team home-ice advantage throughout the Pacific Division playoffs. The Silver Knights had an announced crowd of 2,021, about 25 percent of capacity, at their last home game Tuesday. Tickets to the team’s remaining regular-season games start at $10. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188226 Vegas Golden Knights

Deryk Engelland delivers gifts, plays street hockey with kids

May 12, 2021 - 10:12 am

Former Golden Knights player Deryk Engelland paid a suprise visit to some hockey lovers on Tuesday at Balm of Gilead Global Ministries. Engelland delivered gifts to kids who are a part of a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department youth hockey program and played some street hockey. “It brings you back to the childhood and it’s always fun,” Engelland said. “It’s amazing to see the smile on the kid’s faces.” LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 05.13.2021 Vegas Golden Knights Those risking tens of thousands of dollars on the NHL and shaping the 1188227 betting market on a daily basis seem even higher on the Avalanche. Colorado has amazingly been an underdog only twice all regular season—both against the Golden Knights. And both of those times, the Avalanche warning: Can anyone stop Colorado? Avalanche had significant absences. Makar, Girard and Landeskog missed the first game (a 3-2 Avalanche win on February 16), and Grubauer and Rantanen were out for the second (a 5-2 Vegas victory on By Justin Emerson April 28). Colorado has dipped as low as 4-to-1 in a futures market that rarely sees NHL teams drop past 6-to-1 in the regular season. Winning a Stanley The Avalanche can be beaten Cup is incredibly difficult and there could be bumps along the way, but it’s hard to foresee anyone beating the Avalanche in a seven-game series. There’s no disputing that the Avalanche should be the favorite to win the It’s even harder envisioning anyone in the West division preventing the Stanley Cup. But are these playoffs so preordained that Nathan Avalanche from at least reaching the Final Four. — Case Keefer MacKinnon’s name should start being engraved on the Cup? Of course not. LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 05.13.2021 Colorado’s stacked with one of the best centers in the world in MacKinnon, one of the best defensemen in the world in Makar and a goalie playing better than ever in Philipp Grubauer. But it’s not like other teams don’t have strong forwards, defensemen and goalies, too. Look no further than Las Vegas Boulevard for the most obvious example. Mark Stone just completed a Hart Memorial Trophy-worthy season in his own right. Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore lead the only blue line in the NHL with two players who finished in the top six of Norris Trophy voting last year. And Vegas has something Colorado can’t match: a great goalie tandem in Marc-André Fleury and Robin Lehner. Colorado would have to beat Vegas just to get out of the second round, and that’s no lock. Yes, the Avalanche would be favored, but the Golden Knights have more than held their own in the season series. In fact, they won four of the first seven meetings with a +2 goal differential. Sure, Colorado wasn’t totally healthy for some of those games, but that’s part of hockey. A lot of luck goes into any given season, and the Avalanche has often been on the wrong end of it this season with injuries and COVID-19-related absences. There’s no guarantee Colorado’s fortune will automatically flip with the start of the postseason. Even if the Avalanche does prevail in a long-awaited series with Vegas, it will have an, ahem, avalanche of contenders still waiting. Tampa Bay is the defending champion and could be lifted by the return of former Hart winner Nikita Kucherov for the postseason. The Lightning plays in arguably the league’s most top-heavy division in the Central, where the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers are also legitimate Cup contenders. Whoever comes out of the parity-stricken East division will be a tough out as well, and don’t even get Toronto started on how it could be time to break a 54-year title drought. Colorado might be the favorite to win the Cup, but if sportsbooks offered a “Colorado vs. the Field” bet, anyone with any sense would run to the counter to bet against the Avalanche. — Justin Emerson This looks like the Avalanche's year Injuries and illnesses are the only things that have held the Avalanche back all season, and only slightly at that. With Colorado now mostly healthy and closing in on full-strength, the other teams in the West division should be more than on notice. They should be terrified. The Avalanche has been the seventh-most injury- affected team in the NHL this season, according to Man Games Lost, which adjusts for quantity of player absences and their cumulative quality. And yet, Colorado was still the most efficient team in the league by a landslide. The Avalanche’s expected goal rate has hovered around 60% at 5-on-5 all season, according to naturalstattrick.com. That’s about 5% better than any other team in the NHL has posted during the past three seasons. Colorado has been just as dominant by more conventional statistics, leading the league in goal differential for most of the year despite being hamstrung by terrible backup goalie play. That’s a factor that doesn’t traditionally matter in the postseason, when teams typically commit to one netminder. And the Avalanche can commit to one of the best. It was fair to question goalie Philipp Grubauer coming into the season, but he’s having a career year sure to garner Vezina Trophy votes. In hindsight, it seems easy to see; at 29 years old, his ascent lines up with the usual NHL aging curve. Grubauer also has the luxury of playing behind two of the league’s best defensemen in Cale Makar and Samuel Girard. And goal support is never a problem, since there’s arguably not a trio in the league more dangerous than Colorado’s top line of Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog. Vegas Golden Knights Foley ended up naming the dog McArthur, but maybe he would have 1188228 stuck with Stonewall had he seen the season Stone is turning in first. If not for the pandemic-shortened campaign, Stone likely would have shattered his career-highs in goals and points. Stone-cold boss: Golden Knights’ captain has emerged as a leader on and off the ice He did so on a per-game basis to anchor one of the league’s premier teams, and his impact has come across just as strongly in other areas. Stone has the respect throughout the entire locker room, from young players trying to establish themselves to longtime veterans. By Justin Emerson Thursday, May 13, 2021 | 2 a.m. Second-year forward Nicolas Roy recently joked that he wished he could be more like the captain when asked about a Stone-like play. And The Golden Knights were in their worst slide of the year, having lost four Stanley Cup-winning defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, who signed with the of five games from late March through early April, and Mark Stone was in Golden Knights last offseason after serving as captain for the St. Louis a slump of his own. A tremendous season by the Golden Knights’ best Blues for four years and helping that team to the 2019 Stanley Cup, says player and team captain was trending down for the first time, as Stone he didn’t mind shedding his captaincy to come to a team led by Stone. had no goals and just four assists in his past 10 games. “Statistically, it speaks for itself, but the things throughout a game that he After a 3-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues on April 7, Stone shouldered does show that he cares, show that every night he’s going to put what he responsibility, stating publicly that players like him who are getting paid to can out there and that’s what you want in your leader,” Pietrangelo says. score goals need to do so. And a team turnaround immediately followed. “You want someone to follow, and when you have a guy playing like that, it’s easy to follow.” Vegas emerged victorious in its next 10 games—a franchise-record winning streak—with Stone totaling seven goals and 15 points during that It’s not just new teammates who are impressed by Stone. Like stretch. Weeks later, Stone remembers that shift and what part he might Pietrangelo, forward Max Pacioretty is a former captain, having worn the have played in it. “C” for three years in Montreal before 2018 brought him to Vegas. His tenure here predated Stone’s by five months, and they’ve been linemates “I actually think in that St. Louis game, [top goal-scorer Max Pacioretty] since Stone came over from Ottawa in 2019. and our entire group up front had tons of chances, but when you get those chances, you have to score,” Stone says. “That was kind of my Unlike Pietrangelo, Pacioretty knew Stone as a teammate before he message—when you get your chance, you have to score. At that time we became captain. Pacioretty says captaincy or not, Stone remains the were getting lots of looks, we just weren’t putting them in the net. That’s same player. part of a mentality.” “I think he hasn’t changed his demeanor or personality or character at all, It’s that kind of talk that makes Stone so respected in the locker room and to me that’s the sign of a true leader,” Pacioretty says. “He’s not and has helped the initial year of his captaincy run smoothly. When the talking just to talk. If there’s something that needs to be said, he has our Golden Knights named Stone the first captain in franchise history before full attention.” the season, this is exactly what they envisioned. Stone’s first season as captain has gone so well, it could end with his first Stone, who turned 29 on May 13, is the emotional face of the team on individual award in the NHL. The past two seasons, he has finished in the the ice and its introspective voice in public. And he has managed to be all top five in the voting for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the forward who of that while turning in the best season of his career. Now, as the Golden has played the best on the defensive end—and he’s considered a Knights ready for their fourth playoff run—and Stone’s third since joining favorite again this year. the team during the 2018-2019 season—they have an answer to the It’s a trophy befitting a captain, going to players who care about the less question many in Vegas have wondered for years: Who would be the first flashy elements of the game, while putting up enough scoring to merit Golden Knight to touch the Stanley Cup if they win it? attention. Four of the past five winners currently serve as captains for By NHL tradition, the captain of the Cup-winning team accepts the trophy their respective teams. from the commissioner, celebrates and begins passing it to teammates. It would be an honor for Stone, but like a true leader, he deflects Stone is aware of that, though he jokes that it’s not exactly at the top of discussions of personal honors. That’s not the trophy he’s after. “The his mind. only thing that’s going to change my life is to call myself a Stanley Cup “I think I probably thought more about that when I was 6 years old than I champion,” Stone says. “That’s the only thing that if I don’t get a chance do now,” Stone says with a chuckle. “It’s so cliché, but you have to stay to win, I’ll regret.” in the moment. You can’t take anything for granted.” LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 05.13.2021 Don’t get him wrong, Stone badly wants to win the Cup. He talks about it more publicly than any other Golden Knight. But he’s also grounded in reality. He knows that even though Vegas is among this year’s Stanley Cup favorites, there are no guarantees. Still, the Golden Knights’ chances could actually be better not only because of Stone’s leadership, but simply for him having the “C” on his jersey. Since 1972, no team has won the Stanley Cup without a captain. It’s rare for teams even to advance to the final without one, with the 2018 Golden Knights one of a few to do it. But Vegas has one this year, a player admired throughout the entire organization, all the way to the top. “Mark Stone, he’s my hero,” Golden Knights owner Bill Foley says. “He’s the perfect captain. He’s understated. He’s a leader. He works day and night to improve himself and improve his game. He leads by example, and he’s got the respect of the entire team. He’s just a quiet, gentle force in our locker room. I can’t say enough good things about Mark.” After going three years without a captain, why did the Golden Knights decide this was the right season to name one? Foley says Stone made it obvious. The owner is such a big fan of Stone, when Foley got a new yellow Labrador retriever, he considered naming him Stonewall so the pup could share the captain’s nickname of Stoney. Foley says he told Stone about the possibility at a shared lunch and got a kick out of the player’s reaction. “He looked at me said, ‘Well, that would be an honor,’” Foley recalls. “I thought that was pretty funny.” 1188229 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights’ playoff fate will be determined by Colorado result Thursday Vegas blanks San Jose in regular season finale

By Justin Emerson

The Golden Knights’ regular season is over and they are guaranteed a top-two record in the NHL. Whether they finish with the Presidents’ Trophy for the best record in the league or in second place of the West Division is entirely out of their control. Vegas did what it needed to Wednesday night, obliterating the Sharks 6- 0 in the season finale at SAP Center. The Golden Knights are locked in a race for the division with the Colorado Avalanche, who also won Wednesday, bringing the division down to Colorado’s final game of the season. If the Avalanche lose to the Kings on Thursday, the Golden Knights win the division and the Presidents’ Trophy, guaranteeing them home ice throughout the playoffs. If the Avalanche win, they claim those titles. Colorado holds the tiebreaker based on regulation wins this season. “We won 40 games of 56 we played, so I thought I we played right from Game 1 to the final buzzer of Game 56 and threw our best record on the board,” Vegas coach Pete DeBoer said. “Hopefully it’s enough for first. If it isn’t then I’m still really happy with the regular season we had.” Tonight’s game was produced no drama because the Sharks were eliminated from playoff contention on May 3 and had to wait three days since their last game for Wednesday’s contest as a result of COVID- related postponements. Maybe there was an idea they would relish the chance to keep their rival from a top seed in the West, but that idea evaporated quickly. Vegas dominated San Jose from the jump, firing 12 of the first 13 shots on goal and picking up goals from Alex Pietrangelo and Keegan Kolesar to lead 2-0 after a period. That didn’t slow down in the second either, where William Carrier scored to make it 3-0 and barely reacted, having clearly seen the score in Colorado during intermission, and Jonathan Marchessault added another later in the period. Dylan Sikura netted two in the third period, the second and third goals of his career and first with the Golden Knights. “I’ve struggled putting the puck in the net at this level so it was nice to get those by him and hopefully get some more moving forward here,” Sikura said. Vegas goalie Marc-Andre Fleury made 17 saves to pick up his sixth shutout of the season and secure some hardware. By not allowing a goal, he and Robin Lehner led the Golden Knights to a league-low 124 goals allowed in the season, securing the Jennings Trophy for the pair. Lehner won the award with Thomas Greiss and the Islanders in 2019, and Fleury has never won it. “For me, hands down the best goalie tandem in the league,” DeBoer said. “I like to think that trophy, and I’m sure they would say this, is a team defense trophy, and I think they got some good help from our commitment to defending. But those two were outstanding every night for us.” It was a strong finish to the season for the Golden Knights but unfortunately for them, the Avalanche beat up on a lifeless opponent as well. The Avalanche seized control of the West Division with a victory at T-Mobile Arena on Monday, allowing themselves to control their own fate. All they had to do was win two games against the Kings, who like the Sharks have been long-eliminated and had no reason to play. That will be the case Thursday too in both teams’ season-finales. And all the Golden Knights can do is watch, and hope the Kings can pull off an upset that would hand a division crown to Vegas. “Hopefully we get a little lucky and have a big game from LA and finish first,” Marchessault said. “But if not, I thought our season was good overall and despite who we face in the first round, I think our team is ready to play come playoffs.” LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188230 Vegas Golden Knights $2.75 M 49

2.46 Golden Knights bang for the buck: How each player performed in relation to their salary in 2021 0.55 1.91 By Jesse Granger May 12, 2021 Max Pacioretty $7 M NHL general managers are always looking for an edge. In a league with 48 a hard salary cap and significant parity, finding value in player contracts is the key to success. 3.60 The Golden Knights have taken their quest to find an edge against the 1.88 salary cap to new levels this season, frequently playing with fewer than 1.72 18 skaters due to cap restrictions. The most extreme case happened Monday night when they dressed only 10 forwards and five defensemen Mark Stone against the Colorado Avalanche. $9.5 M General manager Kelly McCrimmon knew the risk he was taking when he pressed his roster against the salary cap ceiling as tightly as he did. It 53 was a calculated risk, because McCrimmon believes utilizing every dollar available to him on the cap maximizes his team’s chances of winning. 3.91 Already in a cap crunch during the past offseason, Vegas still signed free 2.66 agency’s biggest fish, Alex Pietrangelo. Sure, it has caused some minor problems in filling out the bottom of the Golden Knights’ lineup this 1.25 season, but the roster McCrimmon found a way to squeeze underneath the NHL’s $81.5 million limit is incredibly talented. Alex Tuch The Golden Knights currently lead the NHL in points percentage (.727) $4.75 M and goal differential (plus-61) and have cruised to the postseason for the 53 fourth consecutive year. McCrimmon’s strategy, and its consequences, emphasize how important every dollar is in a salary cap world. 2.23 Every team has a few star players who make close to $10 million per 1.17 year, and those players must produce at a high level to justify those cap hits. Every team also has a handful of players near $1 million who fill out 1.06 the bottom of the roster. It’s the salaries in between – and how much Jonathan Marchessault value the players provide above that salary – that separate the best in the league from the rest. Finding players who can produce above the $5 M expectations of their salary is key. 53 With that, let’s examine how each player on the Golden Knights performed this year in relation to their salary. To do that, I’ll compare 2.13 each player’s GSVA for this season to their expected GSVA based on a model by The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn. It would be easy to simply 1.25 divide a player’s cap hit by the number of points they’ve racked up this 0.88 season, but that doesn’t take into account anything but offense and wouldn’t correctly evaluate defensive-minded players. Luszczyszyn’s William Karlsson model for game score value added (GSVA) combines all the basic score stats, along with advanced analytics, into one number to measure a $5.9 M player’s value. 54 As Luszczyszyn has said, the number isn’t perfect. Creating a single 2.17 number to represent the value of a hockey player is nearly impossible. But his model does a fantastic job, and the results over the past few 1.53 seasons have shown it works in not only determining a player’s value but also in projecting their production moving forward. 0.64 To simplify the number and provide context, elite forwards generally have Tomas Nosek a GSVA score of around 3.0, while elite defensemen usually grade out at $1.25 M 2.5. Top-line players are expected to finish around 2.25, while top defenders hover between 2.0 and 1.7. A top-six player is expected to be 38 around 1.0, while top-four defensemen are in the 0.4 range. If a player is well below average, the numbers can go below zero. 0.64 The main thing to remember is three is a great GSVA score, two is good, 0.08 one is average, and zero or below is bad. 0.56 But that player score is only half of the equation. We must then compare Cody Glass that production to the expected GSVA – or expected wins added (xWins) – based on each player’s cap hit. Because of that, a player making less $863,333 money doesn’t need the same production to provide value. The more players you have performing above their xWins, the better off you are. 27 This season, the Golden Knights had nine of their 13 forwards, and four 0.36 of their six defensemen perform above expectations. That’s an impressive mark and is a major reason for their success. Let’s look at -0.04 how each player did, starting with the forwards. Remember, the key 0.40 number is “Difference” which is on the far right column of this chart. Nic Roy PLAYER CAP HIT GP GSVA/82 XWIN DIFFERENCE $750,000 Chandler Stephenson 48 0.09 his level of play, sending him back to the American Hockey League to develop further. At a cap hit of only $863,333, Glass did more than -0.08 asked, but the problem is that most of it came with a man advantage. Six 0.17 of Glass’ 10 points this season came on the power play, and management said they need more from him at even strength. Still, it’s Keegan Kolesar worth noting that Glass’ play this year certainly didn’t fall below the expected contributions based on cap hit alone. $725,000 Of the four forwards to provide negative value in comparison to their cap 42 hit, Smith obviously stands out. He struggled to find the back of the net this season, but Peter DeBoer remained positive about Smith’s play. He -0.56 contributes so much elsewhere, especially in the defensive zone and on -0.08 the penalty kill, that even when he goes through scoring droughts he finds other ways to contribute. Still, his 23 points in 52 games are so -0.48 below expectations for a $5 million player who provided minus-0.53 GSVA for Vegas this year. Lately, Smith’s production has picked up, with William Carrier five goals in his last six games. If he continues that into the playoffs, his $1.4 M down season will be quickly forgotten. 50 The other three forwards who provided negative value aren’t particularly surprising. As strong as the Golden Knights have been this season, their -0.36 fourth line has been a work in progress. With only one goal and four assists in 37 games, Ryan Reaves produced far less than his $1.75 0.13 million cap hit suggests he should. The biggest aspect of his game – the -0.49 physicality – also saw a dip. After leading the league in hits in each of the last two seasons, Reaves dropped to 19th this year. His hits per game Reilly Smith also dropped from 4.45 in 2019-20 to 3.81 this season. $5 M Players and coaches on the team will be the first to defend Reaves’ production, saying his impact is felt elsewhere, in ways that don’t 51 necessarily show up in analytics. That’s a fair argument, but for the purposes of this exercise, Reaves’ lack of production hurts him. 0.72 PLAYER CAP HIT GP GSVA/82 XWIN DIFFERENCE 1.25 Shea Theodore -0.53 $5.2 M Ryan Reaves 51 $1.75 M 37 3.69 -0.95 1.31 0.23 2.38 -1.18 Nic Hague It should come as a surprise to no one that Chandler Stephenson $791,667 provided the most value based on his salary this season. He signed a 50 four-year extension this offseason that bumped his cap hit up to $2.75 million, but that’s still far below expected for a top-line center. But despite 1.72 his minor cap hit, Stephenson had a fantastic year with 35 points in 50 games. His speed and puck skills mesh perfectly with Mark Stone and -0.23 Max Pacioretty, allowing him to score the third-highest GSVA of all 1.95 Vegas forwards with the seventh-highest cap hit. Alec Martinez Right below Stephenson in terms of value are his two linemates – Stone and Pacioretty. Both are paid handsomely, but despite the sky-high $4 M expectations that come with those salaries, they were still both able to outperform them by a considerable margin. At a projected 3.91 GSVA, 53 Stone ranks 12th in the NHL, but his cap hit of $9.5 million ranks 20th. 2.77 Similarly, Pacioretty’s impressive GSVA of 3.6 ranks 26th in the league, but his $7 million cap hit ranks 66th. Both players have performed at an 0.94 elite level. 1.83 Alex Tuch also has provided the Golden Knights with a ton of value this season, not only in relation to his cap hit but also to his ice time. Tuch’s Zach Whitecloud cap hit of $4.75 million is very reasonable for a player with his game- $725,000 breaking talent. Only Pacioretty and Stone have more goals this season, and Tuch’s 18 goals rank 45th in the league while his salary ranks 220th. 49 Add in the fact that Tuch plays 16:53 per game, mostly with third-line players, and his offensive production this year soars above expectations. 0.57 William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault both provided value for -0.24 Vegas this season. Despite Stephenson’s deployment, Karlsson remained the best center on the team, counted on for the game’s biggest 0.81 moments – especially defensively. He improved his face-offs Brayden McNabb tremendously and is the best on the team in the circle this season. He and Marchessault have helped form one of the most formidable second $2.5 M lines in the league, and have done it at reasonable cap hits. Vegas’ top line scored more goals than any other combination in the league. The 39 second line of Karlsson, Marchessault and Reilly Smith ranked fifth, -0.15 making the Golden Knights the only team with two lines in the top five. 0.47 Perhaps the most surprising player providing value for the Golden Knights this season is Cody Glass. It’s surprising to see a positive -0.62 differential next to his name because the team clearly wasn’t happy with Alex Pietrangelo $8.8 M 39 1.58 2.44 -0.86 From the moment the Golden Knights signed Shea Theodore to his seven-year, $36.4 million contract in September of 2018, it looked like a great value. The deal gave Theodore financial certainty and gave Vegas a top-end defensemen for an incredible value. He is currently the 51st highest-paid defenseman in the NHL but ranks sixth in the league in GSVA and seventh in points. Theodore’s cap hit indicates the Golden Knights should be getting a solid second-pair defender, perhaps a low-end top-pair defender. Instead, they’re getting production among the league’s most elite blueliners. Theodore’s role increased this season with the departure of Nate Schmidt. He played a career-high 22:38 and filled in against top lines on a nightly basis when Pietrangelo and Brayden McNabb were out with injuries. He provided more value based on his contract than any other player on the team. The Golden Knights also got incredible value from Alec Martinez, who had a bit of a renaissance season at the age of 33. Martinez racked up 32 points in only 53 games this season. His career-high was 39 points in 82 games for the Los Angeles Kings, all the way back in 2016-17. But Martinez’s impact goes far beyond his points. The veteran leads the NHL with 168 blocked shots – 43 blocks ahead of second place. Nic Hague also gave the Golden Knights value this season, playing well above his entry-level contract. The 22-year-old was a steadying presence on the bottom pair throughout the season and was on the ice for the second-fewest goals against per 60 minutes of any defender on the team (1.87). The only defensemen on the ice for fewer goals per 60 minutes than Hague was Zach Whitecloud. His cap hit of only $725,000 carries an expected GSVA of minus-0.24, meaning he’s expected to perform below a replacement-level player. Despite that, Whitecloud provided 0.57 GSVA and is one of the most reliable players on the team in his own zone. Shockingly, the two defensemen who provided negative value for the Golden Knights were the two who played the most minutes on the top pairing. Pietrangelo clearly hasn’t lived up to the mega-contract he signed in the offseason to this point, with 22 points in 40 games. With a cap hit of $8.8 million he is the fifth-highest paid defenseman, and 26th highest-paid player in the league. But his GSVA score of only 1.58 ranks 184th in the NHL. The good news for the Golden Knights is Pietrangelo has been rounding into form as of late. He has eight points in the last nine games and has looked much more dangerous breaking the puck out of the zone late in the season. The bad news is that when Pietrangelo signed this deal, it was considered a fantastic deal for the first few years, but could become a cap problem in the later years of the seven-year contract. The fact that he is already providing the second-worst value on the team in the first year of it doesn’t bode well for the remaining six years. Perhaps the adjustment period was needed, and this season has been strange for many reasons. Maybe Pietrangelo’s play over the last 10 games is more like what Vegas will get in the coming years. Time will tell. Overall, the Golden Knights have done a good job of squeezing as much value out of every dollar as possible this season. They’ve performed more salary-cap gymnastics than any other team in the league, and have gotten positive value out of the majority of their lineup. The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188231 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights Sweep Season Series From San Jose, Await Colorado/LA Game Result Thursday For Division Title Winner

By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com

The Vegas Golden Knights played their 56th and final game of the 2021 pandemic season in San Jose Wednesday and they took care of business by handily disposing of the Sharks, 6-0. Now, the Golden Knights will wait until Thursday evening to see the outcome of the Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings game in Denver to find out the West Division playoff matchups. If the Avs beat the Kings tomorrow, Colorado plays the St. Louis Blues, while the VGK play the Minnesota Wild in round one. The Avalanche dispatched of the Kings, 6-0, in Denver tonight. We wanted to finish the (regular) season on a good note and I thought we did, we played a good 60 minutes overall. — Jonathan Marchessault The Knights scored twice in each period and cruised to the win. Future Hall-of-Famer Marc-Andre Fleury notched his sixth shutout of the season with Fleury and fellow Knights netminder Robin Lehner combining to snare the Jennings Trophy for fewest goals allowed in the NHL. The Knights won their 40th game out of 56, including eight-for-eight with a season sweep of the once-formidable San Jose Sharks. More importantly, we won 40 of 56 games we played. I thought we played from game one right until the final buzzer of game 56 and threw our best record on the board. — Golden Knights coach Pete DeBoer The Golden Knights were leading 4-0 in the final period when Dylan Sikura scored his first two goals of his career to wrap up the scoring. The Knights finished 40-14-2 for 82 points. The VGK’s Alex Pietrangelo (7th) and Keegan Kolesar (3rd) scored in the first period, while William Carrier (6th) and Jonathan Marchessault (18th) were the Knights goal-scorers in period two. And VGK coach Pete DeBoer said Alex Tuch had a “tweak” and was shut down, but he’s OK. LVSportsBiz.com LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188232 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights End Regular Season With Win, Await Playoff FatePublished 5 hours ago on May 12, 2021

By Tom Callahan

The Vegas Golden Knights took care of business on Wednesday night, wrapping up the 2021 regular season with a 6-0 win over the San Jose Sharks. Vegas must now hope for help from the LA Kings against the Colorado Avalanche in order to win the Honda West Division title. Vegas finishes with 82 points on the season, while Colorado has 80 points with one game remaining against the Kings. Colorado also took down Los Angeles on Wednesday. If the Avalanche gets two points, they would tie Vegas in both points and ROW. Things then go to the next tiebreaker, which is points in the regular-season series head-to-head. Because the March 27 game was won by Vegas in overtime, Colorado has one extra point in the season series and would finish first. Dylan Sikura scored twice to lead the VGK offense, and Marc-Andre Fleury made 19 saves for his 67th career shutout. The Takeaways: Marc-Andre Fleury looked fantastic. He’s been a rock all season long and finishes with a strong nine-game regular-season winning streak. Fleury and Robin Lehner have secured the William Jennings Trophy, awarded to the team that allows the fewest goals against during the regular season. Vegas finished with 124 goals against, four fewer than the New York Islanders. Dylan Sikura’s goals were his second and third career NHL goals. Alex Pietrangelo played his best hockey down the stretch, finishing with points in seven of his last ten games and looking as comfortable as he has all season. It’s good to see him rounding into form at the best possible time. As I watched the Sharks, I kept wondering about whether or not they’re going to move on from the contracts of either Erik Karlsson or Brent Burns next year. What’s the worst that could happen? You miss the playoffs with more cap room? The Sharks are not a good team. It’s time to rebuild. The VGK had something to prove tonight and came out hard. They played well and were able to roll four lines with success. Now they need to get healthy and ready for a playoff challenge. Vegas Hockey Now LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188233 Washington Capitals Boston Coach Bruce Cassidy echoed similar thoughts Monday night. “I imagine he will give whatever information is necessary,” Cassidy said.

“We’ll break down Zee like we would any other player. We know a lot of Zdeno Chara was Boston’s leader. As the Caps’ Cup pursuit begins, he his tendencies. Maybe that will help us in certain situations. At the end of must face his former team. the day, he’s a competitor.” Washington Post LOADED: 05.13.2021 Samantha Pell

When Peter Laviolette met with Zdeno Chara in the offseason, before the 44-year-old defenseman was officially part of the Washington Capitals, there were no expectations about the upcoming season, no X’s and O’s drawn out. It was just two people getting to know each other. The two met on Longboat Key — a Florida island where both have houses. It was the first time they had gotten together in a casual, informal setting. “It was really nice to get to know him, meet his family and kind of hang out,” Chara said. “We knew about each other for a long time. We had those places for some time, but we never got to meet down there, so it was nice to meet up and spend time together.” When the conversation was over, Laviolette recalled calling Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan “right away” to describe the chat and Chara’s impressive character. “Just listening to him speak and what he was going to try to do to help this team be successful … he has not dropped the ball at any point for what we talked about,” Laviolette said Monday. “He’s been a terrific player; he’s been a terrific teammate. He’s all business. He came here for a reason.” From February: In Zdeno Chara, the Capitals don’t just have a defenseman. They have another coach. Chara was the captain of the Boston Bruins for 14 seasons, but as the 2020-21 campaign approached, the Bruins opted to go younger on their blue line and Chara signed with Washington in December. Now he will face his former team in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, beginning with Game 1 on Saturday night at Capital One Arena. “I think he’s delivered everything that he said he was going to do,” Laviolette said. “He was going to come in here and be a factor on the ice. He was going to come in here and be a positive influence in the locker room, a leader in the locker room. He was going to lead by example by the way he lives his life, by the way he plays the game and prepares for the game. “At no point has he disappointed us in what he has delivered for us this year.” Chara has been a rock on Washington’s blue line. Back in December, when Chara signed, he said there were no specifics, no minutes guarantee with the team. Chara said he just wanted to have a “fair chance and compete with the guys for the Stanley Cup.” Since then, he has mainly been skating with Nick Jensen on the third defensive pairing and spending time on the penalty kill. The veteran has not only stayed relatively healthy this season, but he has also acted as a steady presence in the locker room. He averaged 18:19 of ice time per game and recorded two goals and eight assists. “I feel good. I think we are in a good spot. Playoffs are around the corner. … Just like every team, you got to go with the right mind-set and right attitude going into the playoffs and take one game at a time,” Chara said. Chara — who missed only one game this season and played the 1,600th game of his career in April — was nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is awarded for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Each team gets one representative, selected by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. “I don’t think that you could use two better words to describe a player or a person than dedication and perseverance,” Laviolette said. “Dedication for sure and perseverance to keep pushing and playing the way he does at this point in his career.” Chara already acts like another coach, according to assistant coach Kevin McCarthy. His insight will be valuable ahead of this playoff series. “Obviously it can mean a lot,” center Nicklas Backstrom said. “He’s been there for many years, and they haven’t really switched that much. He can be an asset for us, knowing what they are doing. … That is huge in the playoffs. Small things like that can change the series, I think. Hopefully we can take advantage of that.” Washington Capitals is anything to go by, Washington and Boston should produce an evenly 1188234 matched first round.

“It’s going to be an interesting series, and I think both teams can’t wait for Capitals, Bruins poised for physical first-round series in playoffs when it’s going to start,” Ovechkin said. “The season is over and now it’s time to play cool hockey.”

Washington Times LOADED: 05.13.2021 By Andy Kostka - The Washington Times - Wednesday, May 12, 2021

With the way the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins played in their first seven matchups this season, the need for a game-winning goal Tuesday night with under two seconds remaining didn’t come as much of a surprise. For the most part, the Capitals and Bruins competed in physical contests without much separating the sides. Michael Raffl’s late winner for Washington in the regular season finale Tuesday concluded that eight- game season series, and the sides split those games with four wins apiece. Tuesday was just the dress rehearsal, though. On Saturday, Washington and Boston meet in the first round of the playoffs for a seven-game series. If the season’s previous meetings are any indication, both sides should be ready for more high-intensity hockey that could come down to a lucky bounce more so than superior skill. “A physical, tight-checking series, I think,” Raffl said. “It’s two really good hockey teams going at it, but all we can do is prepare ourselves and get ready for Saturday. We can’t change what they’re doing. We’ve got to prepare ourselves and I think we’re ready and hungry to go, so everybody’s very excited.” Tuesday’s matchup had a slightly different feel to it because the Bruins rested the majority of their starters, including Patrice Bergeron and Taylor Hall. The Capitals were without regulars, too, as they recover from injuries. Winger T.J. Oshie and defenseman John Carlson were out due to lower-body injuries while winger Alex Ovechkin played a full game for the first time since April 22. There are other questions surrounding center Evgeny Kuznetsov and goaltender Ilya Samsonov, who remain on the NHL’s coronavirus protocol list. So between the injuries and coronavirus-related absences, the Capitals finished the regular season shorthanded. Coach Peter Laviolette hopes that situation is cleared before Saturday’s puck drop. “We will assess all that,” Laviolette said. “We will start the process to prepare for the Bruins. Obviously, we have seen them enough. We will make sure we are prepared and we are ready. We will make sure we are rested. We will do our best to keep the injuries in the maintenance area and get them taken care of and hopefully get more guys back on the ice.” Despite missing several key names Tuesday, the regular season finale included the zest seen between these teams all season. The Bruins averaged 3.25 goals per game against the Capitals — only the Pittsburgh Penguins, who won the East Division, managed more on average. Washington, meanwhile, scored an average of 3.13 on Boston, the most any East Division foe managed against that team this year. “Obviously, it’s going to be a big battle,” Ovechkin said. “It’s two good teams playing against each other.” Boston has seen a significant uptick in form the last month, though. Since the NHL’s trade deadline, the Bruins have recorded a .735 point percentage, sixth best in the league. They’ve posted the fourth-best save percentage at 92.63. And with 47.69 expected goals for, according to Natural Stat Trick, Boston boasts the third-best offense in hockey over the last month — although six games against the Buffalo Sabres, the East Division’s worst team, likely helped that. But so did the trade deadline acquisition of Hall, who has scored eight goals and added six assists in his first 16 games for Boston. He adds another weapon to an already imposing top six forward grouping. Washington isn’t far behind statistically, though. The Capitals’ 40.59 expected goals for was the second-highest total in the East Division since April 12. And the Capitals’ already potent power play — which ranks third in the league at 24.8% — is even better against the Bruins. Washington has scored nine power play goals on Boston this season, good for a 30% conversion rate. What happens when the puck drops Saturday night remains to be seen. Playoff hockey can lead to unexpected bounces that can sway a series, and injury concerns remain for the Capitals. But if the season as a whole 1188235 Washington Capitals

Oshie's heartfelt exchange with Backes after emotional hat trick

BY KEVIN BROWN

May 5 was an emotional night for a couple of former St. Louis Blues stars. In Washington, T.J. Oshie returned from a one-game absence following the death of his father, Tim, who as affectionately known as "Coach Osh." In a game against the Rangers where the extracurriculars became the storyline, Oshie rose above it all with an emotional hat trick performance to honor his dad. A little over 800 miles away was another former Blues star getting a bit emotional. Anaheim Ducks forward David Backes' likely last game in the Enterprise Center, where he played 10 seasons for St. Louis and seven with Oshie, was given a standing ovation from the Blues faithful and named the No. 1 star after 10:32 of play time on the ice. It was quite the heart-warming moment for both. I have nothing but love for my teammates. I will be forever grateful for this night and especially because I got to share it with my brothers. #ForCoachOsh https://t.co/5EnKx8kjS3— TJ Oshie (@TJOshie77) May 6, 2021 An outstanding tribute can be emotional even for a tough old-school hockey player like David Backes. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/bCIFeS6PBb— x - St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 6, 2021 "Yeah, a couple of crybabies," Backes told the 31 Thoughts Podcast in jest. "We learned that together that grown men ain't scared to cry, maybe that's from having daughters or what." Though Backes hasn't officially announced that he'll be retiring after the season, the 37-year-old appears to be headed in that direction. Backes captained the Blues for five seasons and remains good friends with Oshie to this day. The veteran forward sent Oshie a text to check-in after he'd heard about Coach Osh's passing earlier in the week, including a note at the end making sure Oshie knew he didn't have to respond. "He texts me right back, and I'm like this guy is one of the best teammates and real dudes," Backes said on the podcast. But after Backes got back from his emotional night in St. Louis and saw the amazing night Oshie had, he was ready to send Oshie another message congratulating him on honoring his late father with a stellar performance. "He texts me before I could text him, like 'It was awesome to see that tonight and you're one of the best,' or something like that," Backes said. "I'm like, 'Are you kidding me? You went out there and scored a hat trick after your dad died. Coach Osh was skating along with you tonight, that's pretty amazing.'" That's a touching sentiment from Backes as a former teammate still close to Oshie and knowing how much his relationship with his father meant to him. Though, Oshie's selflessness to send a congratulatory text to Backes instead of dwelling on his memorable night was nothing new to Backes. "My story with him in 2014 in Sochi where he does the shootout thing, wins the game for us and I go back to the room -- we're roommates -- he comes back an hour and a half later after doing NBC," Backes said. "He comes back there and he's got makeup on and he's like, 'Don't you think they're blowing this a little out of proportion?' I'm like, 'You have no idea what you just did.' He's down to earth, just does his thing, loves to do it and that's just the kind of guy he is." Even after Oshie became "Captain America" following his couple of vital scores in that shootout against Russia in those Winter Olympic games, he remained humble. It's exactly the kind of character Caps fans have come to expect from their No. 77. "Those are the friendships and connections you relish," Backes said. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188236 Washington Capitals

Washington fans should be thankful for what they have in Caps

BY J.J. REGAN

The Capitals wrapped up their regular season on Tuesday and now have their sights set on a second Stanley Cup. But, before we turn the page and turn our attention fully to playoffs, let's take a quick moment to appreciate this. Appreciate what? Well, this. In the coming days, the Caps-Boston Bruins series will be dissected ad nauseum. For some fans, the eternal hope of every postseason brings a sense of confidence. Surely there is no one better than this team, right? Why not us? For others, fear and doubt will creep in and convince you that Washington has no shot at advancing and no shot at the championship. You will become almost sick to your stomach thinking about how the season could come to a close in as little as four games. It's all that anxiety and nervousness is just so...fun. It's compelling. It's must-watch. A playoff series always carries with it its own storylines that we will all enjoy following along. There's no guarantee of victory and the harshness of defeat can be shattering, but everyone has at least a chance. This is the fun part of the year. The Caps have earned it and that's the part that we all take for granted. It may not seem like it, but making the playoffs is hard. It requires a high collection of talent, the right mix of players for chemistry on the ice and in the locker room, great coaching, and the right amount of luck. "You should never take anything for granted," head coach Peter Laviolette said. "It’s a hard league and the whole objective is to qualify to play for the Cup." Washington fans by now should know why you can't take any sports success for granted. Since 2007, the Caps have made the playoffs 13 times in 14 seasons, won 10 division titles, one conference title and one Stanley Cup. During that same stretch, the Nationals, Wizards and Washington Football Team combined for 14 playoff appearances, eight division titles, one conference title and one championship. The Nationals have their World Series trophy (2019) and were NL East champs in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017. But even they had seasons (2013, 2015, 2018) that were barely mediocre. The Capitals, who only missed the postseason in 2014, have made hockey fun to watch from the start of the season to its end and sustained that success year in and year out But is this the kind of success players reflect on and feel satisfied with? Of course not. No one dreams of simply qualifying for the playoffs. They all have their hearts set on a bigger goal. "I think for a lot of guys that's been here many years, regular season doesn't really matter that much," Nicklas Backstrom said. "It doesn't really matter if you're No. 1 or No. 4. If you're connecting in the playoffs and playing good as a team, I think that's what matters. Obviously all of us want to reach another goal. I feel like that should be our mindset. Regular season, yeah, great, we made our first goal, but playoffs, that's what matters." But really, that dismissal of the regular season, in and of itself, reflects the level of success they have and the culture they have built there because of that success. There is one reason to celebrate the regular season, however. Because qualifying for the playoffs is Step 1 in the quest for the Cup. "I think you can never take that for granted so that's the first step you've got to accomplish to be able to compete for the Cup," Lars Eller said. "You've got to get in so we can checkmark that, but focus on next game." Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188237 Washington Capitals

Capitals announce Playoff Pack giveaway

BY RYAN WORMELI

The Washington Capitals are preparing to kick off the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs with an opening-round series against the Boston Bruins, and they want to get their fans as involved as possible. To help pump up the fanbase ahead of Saturday's Game 1, the Caps are distributing Playoff Pump Up Packs during a drive-thru pickup at Capital One Arena on Thursday. Are you ready to #UnleashTheFury for the playoffs?! Drive through the Playoff Pack Pick Up, presented by @CapitalOne, tomorrow at the arena from 10am – 4pm! Playoff packs include a car flag, rally towel, jersey koozies and mini cowbell. More info: https://t.co/V04U8ole8U pic.twitter.com/TED8sdJHeH— x - Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 12, 2021 The packs include a car flag, rally towel, jersey koozies and mini cowbell, and they will be available to fans while supplies last to be picked up between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday. To keep things organized, the Caps are asking drivers to "enter the drive-thru coming from the south bound 6th Street direction and exit the pickup station by turning right onto F Street." Fans attending will be required to stay in their cars at all times and stay masked up for safety. The Playoff Pump Up Packs are free, and there is a limit of one per vehicle. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188238 Washington Capitals Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens Edmonton Oilers vs. Winnipeg Jets

Second Round (Division Finals) Stanley Cup Playoffs: Bracket, start date, schedule Penguins/Islanders vs. Capitals/Bruins

Hurricanes/Predators vs. Panthers/Lightning BY BIJAN TODD Winner of series 5 vs. winner of series 6

Maple Leafs/Canadiens vs. Oilers/Jets Of all the adjectives which can be used to describe the 2020-21 NHL season, “normal” certainly is not one of them. Due to the coronavirus Stanley Cup Semifinals outbreak, this year’s hockey campaign was shortened from the usual 82- game regular season to just a 56-game slate. Moreover, the league saw Semifinalist No. 1 vs. Semifinalist No. 4 a complete overhaul of the division breakdown that pitted teams against Semifinalist No. 2 vs. Semifinalist No. 3 each other more rigidly based on geographic locations (for example, all seven Canadian teams are in the ‘North’ division by themselves). Each of Stanley Cup Finals the other three divisions has eight teams each, with the Washington Capitals currently sitting in a playoff spot in the East Division. Winner of series 13 vs. winner of series 14 The Washington Capitals will take on the Boston Bruins in the first round Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.13.2021 this year. It'll only be the fourth ever playoff series between the coastal foes and the first since Washington bested Boston in the first round in 2012. Joel Ward's overtime game-winner in Game 7 in TD Garden was one of the most memorable moments in team history to that point. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak that ran through the Vancouver Canucks organization and postponed eight of their games, the NHL announced in mid-April that the regular season would now end on May 16, eight days later than originally planned. Because of this postponement, the Stanley Cup Playoffs (originally scheduled to begin May 11) has been pushed back as well. The precise start date for the postseason has yet to be determined. What could be most interesting about the 2021 NHL postseason, though, is the matchups. In non-COVID-affected years, eight teams from each conference would qualify for the playoffs, with the seventh- and eighth- ranked teams designated as wild cards. Following many leagues’ classic format, the winner of the Eastern Conference would play the winner of the West in the Stanley Cup Finals. 2021 is different. With the realignment of the divisions, the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals could see some whacky matchups. The top four teams in each division will make the playoffs, the No. 1 seed playing No. 4, the second-best team against No. 3, with the winners advancing to play each other. No wild cards. After these series, one team will be crowned the winner of their division. Then, yet another reshuffling will take place. The four teams that win their division will be re-seeded based on regular season point totals, then will be placed in a pool ranked 1-4. The top team will play No. 4, two and three pitted against each other, with the two winners playing in the Stanley Cup Final. What does this mean? Well, it means the usual East vs. West Finals matchup is not guaranteed. Two teams in the geographical Eastern U.S. could play each other for a shot at the Cup, same with the West. Washington could play Carolina, Vegas could play Winnipeg, etc. With the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning taking on the red hot Florida Panthers in the first round, their repeat is by no means a favorite. Teams that have been turning heads during the regular season, though, such as the Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes, look eager to make a deep playoff run. With all the new rules in place for the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, here’s everything you need to know: 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs How to Watch When: First round begins May 15, 7:15pm EST as Washington hosts Boston TV: NBC, NBC Sports Network, CNBC, USA, NHL Network Stream: NBC Sports App 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket: First Round (beginning May 15) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders Washington Capitals vs. Boston Bruins Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning West Division No. 1 vs. Saint Louis Blues West Division No. 2 vs. West Division No. 3 Washington Capitals Zboril started smoothly on the No. 3 tandem next to Miller. But Zboril’s 1188239 game shuddered after Miller’s knee flared up.

He never shook the jumpiness that infected his retrievals, outlet passes Zdeno Chara proved the Bruins wrong. And now they’ll see him up close and defensive-zone coverage. Zboril was even worse than Lauzon at in playoff series with Capitals getting shots through, hitting the net with only 33 of 77 shot attempts (42.9 percent).

Zboril missed three games because of injuries and exited the regular- By Fluto Shinzawa May 13, 2021 season finale because of an upper-body ailment. He will not be in Saturday’s lineup.

“Jakub, he’s 40-some-odd games into his career,” Sweeney said. “I think Zdeno Chara concluded his 23rd NHL season with 55 games. he’s also had some ups and downs, some challenges that we expected That is four more than the sum of ex-partner Charlie McAvoy, the Bruins’ to have. He’s played through some of those. Injuries as well. He’ll be on blue line leader. It is well above the projection set by the Bruins when the outside of our starting lineup. But as you well know, we’ve used eight, they informed their captain that, in all likelihood, he would not be a lineup nine, 10 D in the course of the playoffs. He has to be prepared and regular. ready. This is his first go-around for that. I think he’s acquitted himself well. I think he’s had some bumps and some ups and downs. But his The Capitals did not give Chara charity games for the sake of nudging ability to move the puck and D-zone exits, while he learns to play against him toward Chris Chelios, Scott Stevens, Larry Murphy and Ray the best players in the National Hockey League, he’s done fine.” Bourque, the only four defensemen in league history ahead of him in career appearances. First-year coach Peter Laviolette leaned on Chara Primarily because of injuries, Sweeney had to go 12 deep on his blue line hard, especially on the penalty kill, where the strongman averaged a depth chart. Unexpected transactions included claiming Jarred Tinordi off team-high 2:41 per game. waivers and promoting first-year pro Jack Ahcan. Chara responded. On occasion, he wore an “A.” Capitals reporters voted Sweeney reinforced the defense by acquiring Mike Reilly from Ottawa. for Chara as the team’s nominee for the Masterton Trophy, awarded to Reilly was a critical add. He recorded eight assists in 15 games. He hit the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship and the net with 25 of 45 shot attempts (55.6 percent). Reilly completed long- dedication to the game. distance passes to Taylor Hall and Craig Smith, his most common even- strength forwards. “It’s a huge honor,” Chara said. “It’s something I take big pride in. I expressed it many times: I love this game. This game gave me and my Because Reilly will start Game 1 next to Brandon Carlo, Cassidy is free family a lot. I learned a lot from this game. I try to do my best every day I to pair Matt Grzelcyk with McAvoy. come to the rink, be a good example on and off the ice and do the things “When we acquired Mike, we felt he would bring the first-pass D-zone that can improve and make a difference for the team.” exits,” Sweeney said. “You’ve seen us stretch a little bit more. He sees Some players live to stick it to their critics. Not Chara. He isn’t one to the ice. He’s been involved at the offensive blue line. He hasn’t chipped wave his middle finger at his doubters. The 44-year-old plays to win and in any goals yet. But he’s certainly gotten his shot through with regularity. feed his passion for his livelihood. Been active taking pucks down the wall, taking plays to the net-front and slot areas. The mobility is something we felt and identified that he could But just by doing what he loves — playing hard 5-on-5 shifts, killing help us with.” penalties, setting the bar for his teammates on the ice and in the gym — beyond his previous employer’s projected best-by date, Chara proved the The Bruins are satisfied with their post-Chara defense. It might be better Bruins wrong about his part-time status. If Chara can help his new team than if they had extended him. win four first-round games, the 44-year-old will enjoy that more than It just took a little work to get there. sending his former teammates to the golf course. Doing his thing Caught in between This has not been an easy year for Chara. Wife Tatiana and kids Elliz, The Bruins didn’t get Chara’s every game pace right. Whether they were Ben and Zach remain in Boston. It was painful, in both senses of the wrong about letting him walk remains to be seen. word, for Chara to miss his only game of 2020-21 at TD Garden on April Chara’s contract expired at the same time Jeremy Lauzon and Jakub 18 because of soreness following a blocked shot. Zboril were drumming their fingers for opportunities. Lauzon was ready But on Feb. 7, it was as a Capital, not a Bruin, that Chara passed Nicklas for third-pairing work. Zboril required waivers to be assigned to the taxi Lidstrom (1,564 games) to become the defenseman with the fifth-most squad or Providence. games played in league history. Lidstrom is special to Chara. He has In hindsight, the timing simply did not align. regularly described meetings with the former Detroit captain with awe. Under optimal circumstances, Lauzon and Zboril would each have had “I think he’s delivered everything he said he was going to do,” Laviolette one more season of preparation before assuming their respective roles of said. “He was going to come here and he was going to be a factor on the shutdown presence and puck mover. At times, Lauzon, the defenseman ice. He was going to be a positive influence in the locker room, a leader with the greatest degree of stylistic overlap with Chara, played well next in the locker room. He was going to lead by example by the way he lives to McAvoy. He became coach Bruce Cassidy’s workhorse on the penalty his life, the way he plays the game and prepares for the game. At no kill, where he averaged a team-leading 3:05 of work per game. point has he disappointed us in what he’s delivered this year.” At other times, Lauzon struggled with his footwork and puck play. His Nobody knows the Bruins’ tendencies, especially on the power play, valley was on March 31 against New Jersey. His pass into Patrice better than Chara. As the Bruins’ penalty-killing ace, Chara always Bergeron’s skates led to a Miles Wood first-period goal. In the second, practiced against the No. 1 unit. He knows all their plays: David following a defensive-zone draw, Lauzon threw an outlet pass onto Kyle Pastrnak’s left-elbow screamer, Bergeron’s bumper one-timer, Brad Palmieri’s stick. Palmieri didn’t miss. Marchand’s up-high rotation. Lauzon was out for 12 games following surgery for his fractured hand. It Concurrently, the Bruins are more familiar with Chara than any team. may be one reason only 44 of his 92 5-on-5 shot attempts (47.8 percent) They know he struggles when turning and going back for pucks. They hit the net. The coaching staff ultimately decided his most optimal know he’s better when he optimizes his reach and stick instead of position for Game 1 is on the No. 3 pairing, most likely, alongside Kevan defending in tight. They know he’s more vulnerable when he’s roaming in Miller. the defensive zone instead of patrolling the house. “Lauzy missed an extensive period of time,” general manager Don They know he’s going to bring it. Sweeney said. “It was a hand injury, so he had to come back and smooth “I think this is truly one of the reasons they signed Z,” Cassidy said. “For out a little of the rough edges that, at times, the game is hard for him. But this time of the year coming up. His impact probably hasn’t even been you can’t deny his compete level. Led our team in penalty minutes’ time truly felt yet. We’re going to be the first ones to find out what it is.” on ice. Embraced the matchup role or hardness role we covet in our players. Kevan Miller in the same light. I think Lauzy’s continuing to move The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 along in his career and getting the appropriate number of games it requires for all players, but in particular on the back end, and continuing to progress. We’re happy and excited where his trajectory continues.” Washington Capitals on Washington’s usual forte. Those numbers leaned more toward 1188240 Boston’s favour before Tuesday’s no-name game, too.

Where the Capitals have a significant edge is via special teams. They are 2021 NHL playoff preview: Capitals vs. Bruins one of just two teams (Carolina is the other), that is top five in goal rates on both the power play and penalty kill. Special teams are a bit of a blind spot in this model and it’s one area where Washington is likely undervalued here. By Dom Luszczyszyn May 13, 2021 After an off season in 2019-20, the Capitals’ power play was back in a big way this season and it pillaged the Bruins in particular, scoring 11.2 For five straight seasons and 10 of the last 14, the Washington Capitals goals per 60. Boston kept the chances down and has the third-best have been division champions. It’s been a truly impressive run of penalty kill in the league so I’m not sure that continues, but it is consistent excellence, and though they finish the season with their noteworthy from the head-to-head matchup. Washington was stellar on highest points percentage in four years, it wasn’t enough to keep the the penalty kill too, surrendering just 3.9 goals against per 60 and not streak alive. allowing many chances, either. Relatively speaking, the power play has been a major problem for Boston all season and the Capitals will not That’s especially unfortunate this year because it means getting a first- make things easy for the Bruins in this series. round date with Boston, a team that’s had the better of the season series (when not resting its entire lineup), as opposed to the Islanders, who the Figuring out the power play might be the key for Boston in this series. Capitals have owned. On top of that, the Bruins and Islanders are That falls on the top guys who, as usual, carry extraordinarily high value heading in vastly different directions with no team being hotter than aided by being capable players with the man advantage. Boston’s edge Boston of late. is in its top-end talent and if those guys can’t click on the power play, that edge shrinks considerably. The Bruins are finally rounding into form, and that’s bad news for the Capitals, who are now tasked with stopping a runaway freight train. Roster breakdown Despite finishing ahead of Boston in the standings and having home ice, Matchup adjustment takes into account each player’s Game Score the Capitals enter this series as underdogs. against this specific opponent as well as his Game Score over the last six Series odds weeks. The numbers may be slightly skewed as a result of ice-time allocation. Matchup adjustment takes into account each player’s Game Score against this specific opponent as well as his Game Score over the last six The difference between the two teams’ top six groups is substantial, weeks. though that would be the case for any team playing the Bruins. Only the Leafs and Avalanche have a top six that’s close to the same level as Death, taxes and Dom’s model underrating Washington’s chances of what the Bruins can unleash. winning a game or series. It’s an expectation at this point, one the team probably doesn’t deserve. They’re admittedly a difficult team to model That top line featuring Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak and Patrice due to their ability to consistently finish their chances above expectations. Bergeron remains the most frightening in hockey and carries more combined value than Washington’s entire top six. That shouldn’t be too Having said that, I still can’t imagine a world where the Capitals should surprising with two 100-point talents and a perennial Selke Trophy be favoured over the new-and-improved Bruins. I mean, they barely beat contender. This year they’ve continued to do their thing, earning a 64 the Providence Bruins earlier this week. Boston has been arguably the percent expected goals rate in 433 minutes together while outscoring league’s hottest team down the stretch, looking completely rejuvenated opponents by a 33-17 margin. They’ve been even better down the stretch post-trade deadline. Couple that with the team’s play against Washington too. With a very nice 69 points in 53 games, Marchand has been the this year where the Bruins have been the better five-on-five team and most prolific member of the Ratatouille line — his fourth straight season Boston gets a sizeable bump in series probability. Recent play plus the scoring at a 100-point pace or higher. He’s been a Capitals killer this matchup effect gives Boston an extra six percentage points in series win season, too, scoring seven goals and 13 points in seven games. The top probability. That means this series would be close to 42/58 without the line as a whole has been especially menacing, outscoring Washington adjustment, which is basically a coin-flip once you discredit the pesky 10-3 this season. They’ll be a handful, as they always are. Dom-Capitals Tax. Most of the damage done by the top line has been at five-on-five this Giving the Bruins a nearly two-thirds chance of winning might be going year as Boston’s power play has been largely inconsistent. That’s a good out on a limb here, but they have a stronger recent history of elite play problem to have given the standards of officiating in the postseason, but that makes them more dependable. Their numbers this year are stronger still one Boston will want to solve in order to go on a lengthy run. nearly across the board, especially of late where they’ve looked much more like themselves. A lot of the team’s power-play issues fall on the team’s most dangerous weapon with the man advantage, David Pastrnak, not being much of a The Bruins are coming into the playoffs hot. The Capitals are not. threat for a majority of the season. Pastrnak had been the most prolific power-play goal scorer over the prior two seasons, but has seen his Season stats scoring rate drop to 1.47 goals per 60 this season — just one-third of Over the last six weeks, the Bruins have controlled 57 percent of the where he was last season. The lack of Torey Krug quarterbacking certainly hurts, but I don’t think that completely explains going 26 games expected goals, the third-best mark in the league. They’ve made good on without a power-play goal. Pastrnak won’t stay quiet forever and it’s a that in terms of actual goals, earning nearly 58 percent of those. Both scary thought that the Bruins have been this good anyway without his numbers rise post-deadline where the Bruins have been a juggernaut at power-play magic. If he figures that out, the top line will be a serious five-on-five. problem for any team in its way this postseason. The Capitals already Washington’s claim to fame is its ability to outscore its modest scoring have had enough trouble containing them. chance share. Over the last six weeks that part of the team’s game has been non-existent as Washington has been completely average. The The Bruins have another big problem for opponents to deal with and expected goals percentage remained consistent in its slightly above that’s the second line behind them. Taylor Hall, who was acquired for the averageness, but the usual execution wasn’t there. bargain bin price of a second-round pick, has been everything the Bruins needed and more, a perfect fit next to David Krejci and Craig Smith. After For the year, the Capitals have the edge at five-on-five in terms of struggling mightily in Buffalo, Hall has looked much more like himself with scoring, but the Bruins have significantly closed the gap since the seven goals and 14 points in 16 games as a Bruin. It’s the damage the deadline. It’s fair to say that version of the team is much closer to the one second line is doing at five-on-five that’s much more worthy of praise, we’ll see in the postseason. It’s one that can match Washington’s offence though. Together the trio has controlled the puck even better than the thanks to more shot volume while being much stronger defensively. vaunted top line with a 68 percent expected goals rate and an even more That’s Boston’s claim to fame and it remains intact. The Bruins are the absurd 13-to-1 goal ratio. That hot stretch to end the season meant both league’s third-best at suppressing chances over the year and second-to- Krejci and Smith finished the season above two points per 60, giving the none the last six weeks. Adding offence to that is what’s made them look Bruins five such forwards. Hall, for what it’s worth, was at 2.83 as a much more imposing. Bruin, theoretically giving the team six. Those top two lines will be extremely difficult to contain with the way they’re rolling lately. It’s worth noting, though, that while the offence has been mostly dormant for Boston all season, it was wide awake when going head-to-head with Washington’s top six just doesn’t stack up and it’s the reason this model Washington. The Bruins converted on 9.3 percent of their shots at five- has been sour on the team over the past few seasons: the stars don’t on-five which led to 2.9 goals per 60 and 56 percent of the goals. That’s shine nearly as bright anymore. The Capitals also have six forwards despite being narrowly out-chanced by the Capitals — turning the tables above two points per 60, with Anthony Mantha being the lone exception in the top six, but all of them are on the lower end of the . goals above expected this year in 19 games while Vanecek wasn’t too There’s no one on the level of any of Boston’s first-liners on this side of much better with nine in 37 games. Rask wasn’t a superstar by any the ledger. Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom were both just shy of means, saving nearly just as many as expected, but we all know how being point-per-game players which is great, but not elite. good he can be. Last season he had a .929 and saved eight goals above expected in 41 games. Those priors play a role in assessing his value Ovechkin and Backstrom remain the team’s strongest players and did a here and help give Boston a larger edge. It’s a necessary one given the much better job of outscoring opponents this season (last year they were sharpshooters he’ll have to face on the other side. even), but were also among the team’s lesser play-driving forwards. It’s possible Backstrom’s playmaking and Ovechkin’s finishing ability might Where Washington does have a slight edge is in its defensive depth. mean this is a model issue where both players should be expected to From top to bottom, all six defenders are top-four quality according to sustain high percentages, but a 12 percent on-ice shooting percentage is GSVA with Justin Schultz being the only player with a below-average always deserving of healthy skepticism. Backstrom’s 12.3 percent and expected goals percentage this season. He’s looked much stronger next Ovechkin’s 12 percent on-ice shooting percentage are both career highs to the safer Brenden Dillon, giving Washington three pairs that fit well and they were both closer to 9 percent last season, which happens to be together. their career average. Betting on that feels safer and that means their projected value going forward is lower than what they delivered this The top pair is of course the one that pays the bills here, one made season. The same goes for Evgeny Kuznetsov, who is even higher at possible by the balance created on the bottom two pairs. Last season the 12.6 percent, though his career average is higher too at 10.3 percent. team was forced to separate their two best defencemen due to a lack of depth but with that no longer being a problem, Washington is afforded The Capitals were second in the league in five-on-five shooting the opportunity to put its best foot forward. The John Carlson and Dmitry percentage at 10.2 percent, so high numbers for their top forwards aren’t Orlov pairing has been a recent development and an effective one at that surprising, it’s just reason to be cautious regarding each player’s true with 57 percent of the expected goals (thanks to some stingy defence) impact. That leads to some questions regarding Ovechkin’s projected and 55 percent of the actual goals. Carlson took a fair bit of flak last value which is lower than some might expect and as usual it’s a result of season for his inability to tilt the ice at five-on-five, but he’s genuinely his defensive game. He has the worst expected goals against rate of any improved this season while maintaining his offensive flair. Dmitry Orlov’s Capitals player and is second by actual goals against. That could spell presence next to him has only accentuated that, giving the Capitals a pair trouble in a matchup against either of Boston’s top two lines and that’s that may be able to stifle Boston’s potent top line. been exactly the case in the season series. In eight games, Ovechkin has four points and has been outscored 11-to-1. Boston’s defence is comparable in value, but much more top-heavy with a few glaring holes. The addition of Mike Reilly has really helped alleviate The Backstrom line, flanked by Mantha and T.J. Oshie, will likely be some of their problems since the deadline and he’s given the team a taking care of the toughest assignment here and they’ve been strong sorely needed top-four defender, allowing it to load up the top pair with its together in limited minutes. The trio has a 58 percent expected goals rate two best defenders. together in 90 minutes. Oshie has arguably been the best player on the team down the stretch with a scintillating 14 goals in his last 20 games The Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk pair was absolutely dominant this and he’ll need to keep up that heat for the Capitals to have a shot in this season, earning a 66 percent expected goals percentage together. That series. That’s especially true since he’s also the team’s leading scorer ranked behind only Colorado’s Samuel Girard and Jacob MacDonald this against the Bruins this season. Mantha started off hot with goals in four season — and those two weren’t playing tough minutes like Boston’s straight games with the Capitals but hasn’t scored in 10 games since. pair. That’s what happens when you put two of the best puck-movers in the league together on the same pair. Combine that with the Bruins’ top The difference in value between the team’s top six groups will be very line and opponents rarely ever saw the puck with the five-man unit difficult to overcome for Washington, a seven-win disadvantage. The earning a 73.5 percent expected goals percentage together. Capitals do make up some ground in the bottom six though where they’re legitimately one of the league’s deeper teams. Putting the duo together wasn’t something the team could afford to do often with the depth issues, and it’s incredible to think about what both Washington doesn’t have the best bottom six among playoff teams, but defenders were capable of doing this year even when apart. McAvoy, in it’s certainly up there with two lines that can hold their own. Lars Eller is tough minutes, somehow still managed a 56 percent expected goals rate one of the game’s best third-line centers and was the team’s top play- with replacement-level defenders saddled next to him. Because he driver at five-on-five with a 56 percent expected goals rate. He can doesn’t get top power-play time, McAvoy isn’t often looked at as one of handle some shutdown duties if Washington feels the need to shelter the the game’s best defensemen — but he’s right there with the massive Ovechkin line a little bit. Conor Sheary was a real savvy depth add and amount of value he brings at five-on-five. He can get results with anyone. he’s looked closer to the player he was back in his first stint with the Grzelcyk, who is pretty underrated himself, was at a respectable 54 Penguins. The duo is assisted by Daniel Sprong, who has had some percent expected goals percentage away from McAvoy. He deserves a strong puck luck this season that may be difficult to sustain. Carl Hagelin fair bit of credit as well. and Garnet Hathaway are fourth-line luxuries, too. Washington has the depth advantage again, but again, it’s the top guys Boston’s bottom two lines leave much more to be desired. Only the that will usually win teams the series. Boston has them beat across the Oilers have it worse among playoff teams according to GSVA. The fourth board in that category with a better top six, top pair and starting goalie. It line always seems to be a sore spot for the Bruins and this season is no will take a lot for Washington to stop that. different with Sean Kuraly and Chris Wagner both struggling at five-on- five. The Bruins are heavily out-chanced and outscored when those two The bottom line are on the ice, and that means more work for the top six to make up for it. Boston is finally coming around, looking like the top five team many Curtis Lazar was an intriguing addition, though, and he’s helped expected the Bruins to be at the start of the season. Key deadline massively. The goal differential wasn’t there over 56 minutes, but the trio acquisitions have really helped the team unlock its potential and though earned 59 percent of the expected goals together. There’s some hope there are still some holes in their game, the Bruins look like an even- there. strength juggernaut that has the ability to dominate the East. The third line might be a bigger issue thanks to the play of Charlie Coyle Washington is the first team standing in their way and the Capitals should this season. He was excellent for the Bruins last season, but has taken a make things interesting. They are a difficult team to model because major step back. His 45 percent expected goals rate is ahead of only “unsustainable” usually doesn’t apply to them, but a cold run down the some of the team’s fourth-liners and he scored at a fourth-line rate this stretch does leave some room for debate on what is and isn’t sustainable season. He’s creating fewer dangerous chances for himself and his for this team. Washington remains an elite offensive force, but regression linemates, an unexpected decline that really hurt the team for much of comes for everyone. Over the final 20 or so games, the Capitals’ the season. Jake DeBrusk has also fallen off a bit, though his issues look shooting percentage was nearly identical to Boston’s. That’s despite like they stem more from bad luck than bad play as he’s earning the Washington finishing the year in second and Boston finishing the year in same quality chances, he just isn’t capitalizing. The duo hasn’t really second last. Take away the elite shooting and the Capitals look a lot clicked much either, earning a 42 percent expected goals rate in 166 more ordinary. minutes. Boston needs both players to turn things around for the team to be at its best. The potential is there based on their prior work. Elite shooting should still be the expectation, don’t get me wrong, but against Boston there will be far fewer opportunities and far fewer Though the depth isn’t there, the forward edge is still decidedly in chances. Boston can suffocate teams with its stingy defence and have a Boston’s favour by a pretty hefty margin. The same is essentially true in goalie that’s capable of stealing games. With a newfound offensive net, where Washington has had problems all season and Boston still has ability, the team looks like a contender, one that should control the puck Tuukka Rask. heavily in this series. Whether it’s Ilya Samsonov or Vitek Vanecek starting, neither is quite on Washington has a good team with plenty of depth. But Boston has a Rask’s level — and that’s in a down year. Samsonov allowed seven great team, loaded with talent at the top of the lineup that Washington will likely struggle to contain. That’s the difference here and it’s why Boston is the favourite in this one. The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188241 Washington Capitals 2. Put Tuukka Rask on the move Rask has been really good recently but was uneven against the Caps in

three starts this season, going 1-0-2 with a .905 save percentage and a Capitals’ keys to beating the Bruins: Stop the Bergeron line and lean on 2.59 goals-against average. Chara’s insider knowledge How should the Caps attack him?

Well, he’s struggled on cross-seam plays from right to left (from the By Tarik El-Bashir May 12, 2021 shooter’s perspective). Per Sportlogiq, he’s given up nine goals on the 25 shots he’s faced on that type of play this season. For the Caps, that means feeding Alex Ovechkin in his spot as often as possible. The Washington Capitals capped off the regular season with a 2-1 victory Rask has also struggled with giving up goals low on the glove side. Of his over Bruins on Tuesday thanks to a goal from Michael Raffl with less 53 goals against this season, eight have been low glove, which is 15.1 than three seconds remaining. It was a thrilling conclusion to an percent of his goals against. League average is 10.6 percent, so he’s otherwise forgettable game against a Boston team that opted to rest well above that. most of its regulars. “You (also) got to get those secondary chances, get traffic in front of the When those teams reconvene on Saturday for Game 1 of the playoffs, net,” Backstrom said. “It’s all about getting the shots through from the however, there’s going to be a different vibe at Capital One Arena — a lot point, as well. They’re good defensively. He’s a good goaltender and he’s different. The hits will be harder. The pace will be quicker. And the a gamer.” intensity will be off the charts, with early control of the East Division rivals’ first-round series at stake. Tuukka Rask vs. the Caps this season “They’re a good team and they’re a very skilled team,” Nicklas Backstrom Record: said of the Bruins. “It’s going to be a great matchup.” 1 - 0 - 2 If the teams’ regular-season series is any indication, it will be a tough Goals against: one, too. Washington went 4-4-0 against Boston. The Bruins held a 26- 24 edge in goals. 8 The Caps will now take a day off before beginning their prep for the Save %: Bruins in earnest. 0.905 Here are six points of emphasis for Backstrom and his teammates as they prepare for Brad Marchand and the B’s: Slot save % 1. Contain the ‘The Perfection Line’ 0.884 In the regular season, the Bruins’ top line of Marchand, Patrice Bergeron Inner slot save %: and David Pastrnak had its way with a lot of opponents, the Capitals 0.882 included. Goals saved above expected: The Perfection Line at ES 0.13 Shots High glove: 49 3 21 High blocker: Slot shots 1 20 Low glove: 6 2 Goals Low blocker: 10 1 3 Five-hole: Will Washington coach Peter Laviolette turn to the Carl Hagelin, Nic Dowd and Garnet Hathaway trio in attempt to slow them? They saw the 1 most even strength ice time against Bergeron and Co. in the regular season but produced mixed results. Meanwhile, the Caps have found some luck firing pucks over Rask’s glove. Expect them to continue aiming there. Perhaps Laviolette will deploy Lars Eller and the third line? 3. Vitek Vanecek needs to find some consistency It’s unclear. As a rival coach told me last week, the Caps don’t need their goalie to What The Athletic did find out on Tuesday morning was this: Laviolette win games. They need their goalie to not lose games. will not be referring to the Bruins’ first line by its nickname. Asked about “The Perfection Line,” Laviolette squinted, then looked into the camera With Ilya Samsonov’s status unclear (he remained on the COVID-19 and said, “What line did you say?” When the reporter (me) clarified and protocol list on Tuesday), the net figures to belong to Vanecek to open, said, “the Bergeron line,” the veteran coach answered the question. though it’s also possible veteran Craig Anderson could enter the conversation. Ah, the playoffs — and gamesmanship that goes along with it — are indeed here. In his first six starts against the Bruins this season, Vanecek was inconsistent. “The Bergeron line,” Laviolette began, “obviously, they are a good line. They’ve got a lot of chemistry and they’ve played together for a quite a Vitek Vanecek vs. the Bruins this season bit. … It’s a dangerous line. It’s a line that’s been effective through the course of time. It’s a challenge for us to make sure we’re doing the right Record: things against them.” 3-3 The Caps don’t need to shut down Marchand, Bergeron and Pastrnak; Goals against: odds are that they’re going to get their share. The Caps do, however, need to keep them in check, particularly in Games 1 and 2 at Capital One 18 Arena, where Laviolette will have the advantage of the last line change. Save %: 0.897 use them in. So even when we played them this season, we could see him talking to guys about the plays that we were going to do. So it could Slot save %: definitely cause some challenges at times. But it’s playoffs, you’ve got to 0.764 work through that there.” Inner slot save %: Laviolette acknowledged that he’s already downloaded some useful information from Chara and will continue to do so. 0.649 “You’re right about his knowledge of the Bruins,” Laviolette said, “and Goals saved above expected: possibly some systems. And possibly some player detail. You often talk to players who played for a team that you’re facing in the playoffs for a -0.49 little more information. He should be a good resource for us.” High glove: The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 4 High blocker: 8 Low glove: 2 Low blocker: 2 Five-hole: 2 *Not including Tuesday’s game Again, Vanecek, who has no NHL postseason experience, doesn’t have to be perfect. And his teammates must do their part in front of him. But the rookie can’t give away any goals, either. 4. Capitalize on power play opportunities Special teams sometimes play an outsized role in determining the outcome of hockey games, particularly in the postseason. And if the Caps’ third-ranked but injury-riddled power play can get on track, that could be the case in this series, too. In the teams’ first seven meetings this season, Washington’s Ovechkin — and T.J. Oshie — fueled unit connected nine times on 29 opportunities for a 31 percent success rate. (The unit also surrendered a pair of shorthanded goals, which is something to monitor.) Interestingly, the Caps filled up the net against a Bruins’ penalty kill that ranks second in the league at 85.9 percent. The big question, though, is how many members of Washington’s first unit will be able to suit up for Game 1. Oshie and John Carlson were sidelined with lower-body injuries on Tuesday, and Evgeny Kuznetsov has been on the COVID-19 protocol list since May 4. 5. The Caps need to keep their emotions in check These teams know each other well after eight regular season meetings. Both like to play a physical game. Both have players who can get under the skin of their opponent. And no one has forgotten about the March 5 meeting, marked by Tom Wilson’s high hit on Brandon Carlo that sent the Bruins defenseman to the hospital and led to a seven-game suspension for Wilson. It’s probably not a stretch to assume the Bruins, at some point in the series, will try to get irritate Wilson and get him off his game. That sideshow stuff, however, is something he must do his best to ignore for a couple of reasons: The Bruins boast a top-10 power play and Wilson is often more valuable than the player who’s also headed to the box. “That’s a big thing in playoffs,” Backstrom said. “For us as a team, we’re so good five-on-five; that’s the momentum we got to build on. To be able to play a hard, tough game without too many penalties, that’s going to be key in this series. With all that’s happened before, you just have to put that aside and focus on what’s more important — and that’s scoring more goals than them.” 6. Lean on Zdeno Chara’s familiarity with the Bruins Prior to signing in Washington, Chara spent 14 seasons in Boston. So he knows Marchand’s strengths. He knows Pastrnak’s weaknesses. He also knows the Bruins’ code names for specific plays when they might be inclined to deploy them. “He knows when we’re doing certain plays,” Marchand told reporters in Boston. “Obviously, teams will do video and stuff like that, but he knows all the code names that we use and typically the situations that we like to Winnipeg Jets Perfetti said it was a pretty surreal moment to hear from Team Canada 1188242 general manager Roberto Luongo. Luongo, a future Hall-of-Fame goalie who played 1,044 NHL games with the New York Islanders, Florida Panthers and Vancouver Canucks before retiring after the 2018-19 Perfetti to play for Canada season, called Perfetti on Monday to welcome him to the team. He had only heard the day before Hockey Canada was interested and he had the Jets prospect will wear Maple Leaf at World Hockey Championship night to consider the opportunity. "Everything happened very fast and kind of went from getting ready to go By: Jeff Hamilton to Ottawa and play the Senators the next night, to all of a sudden, within an hour, figuring out that I'm flying to Latvia in three days and that I get to go home for a couple days and that my season would be done with the Moose," Perfetti said. "It was kind of unexpected, I didn't really know Cole Perfetti, the Jets 2020 first-round draft choice, is heading to Latvia what to do. But I'm really excited with the opportunity that I have and I'm to play for Canada at the World Hockey Championship. thrilled with how everything's gone so far." In a year where many young hockey players’ careers have been stunted Perfetti is home now and will need to fly out Friday to Newark, N.J., owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Winnipeg Jets prospect Cole Perfetti where he'll meet a number of his new teammates before chartering a has seen his development soar to unthinkable heights over what's been a flight to Latvia on Sunday. The team will get a few days to adjust to the very unique year. time change and practise before the tournament begins. Scooped up by the Jets with the 10th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft It might help that Perfetti has already competed in Latvia, while playing in last October, Perfetti would have followed a trajectory similar to that of a tournament as a teen. It's some welcomed familiarity in what will many others selected outside of the top-three. otherwise be a unique experience over the next few weeks. An invite to the Jets development camp in the summer would have "It's cool to go back there and I'm looking forward to seeing what I can preceded his first NHL training camp later that fall. Even if Perfetti was remember," Perfetti said. "Obviously the hockey's gonna be really hard. able to impress, given the Jets depth on forward, it's more than likely he But if I can just carry the confidence that I had from the Moose and would have played in a number of preseason games and perhaps even continue to play the way that I have… I'm just trying to do whatever I can cracked the regular-season roster for a handful more before heading to help the team and hopefully I can put up some points or be productive, back to star with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League. at least offensively, and then bring that two-way game that I started to develop with the Moose." Instead, Perfetti, who turned 19 on New Years Day, not only got to participate in the World Junior Hockey Championship over Christmas Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 05.13.2021 holidays, he also got to sharpen his skills playing a truncated season of pro hockey, suiting up with the AHL's . "For a year where a lot of kids didn’t get much development, I got more than expected, more than normally you'd ever get. Playing in the World Juniors, that's a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so to be able to get that opportunity was unbelievable," Perfetti said Wednesday. "And then obviously playing in the AHL, as a 19-year-old it’s just something that doesn't happen. For me to get that experience it's priceless; it's so crucial for my development. I didn't realize how beneficial it was going to be until looking back at it now, like how much of a better hockey player I became. Where I am now compared to where I started, it's night and day." Playing in the AHL was only made possible because of the uncertainty around junior hockey because of the global health crisis and the need to come up with creative ways to have young players such as Perfetti get the right opportunities to develop. Under normal circumstances, players drafted out of the Canadian Hockey League must either play in the NHL or return to their junior team. A player must be 20 before they're eligible for the AHL. Since the OHL was forced to cancel its season – making it the only major junior hockey league in Canada not to play in 2020-21 – Perfetti was allowed to continue with the Moose. Now, the young product from Whitby, Ont., is getting the chance of a lifetime. He's been invited to join Team Canada at the 2021 World Championship, scheduled in Latvia between May 21 and June 6. "I'm super thrilled and honoured and super excited to get over there and put that (Team Canada) jersey again," Perfetti said. "It's always been a bucket list tournament for me; so to be able to do it, especially as a 19- year-old, and get the chance to play in this tournament it's pretty special." In an ordinary season, Perfetti wouldn't have even been on the radar, let alone offered a spot on a roster often reserved for experienced NHLers. Just consider Team Canada from 2019 – the 2020 tournament was cancelled – that won gold in Slovakia. It included the likes of Mark Stone, Sean Couturier and Pierre-Luc Dubois, who now an important member of the Jets. Every player on the roster had at least some NHL experience. Perfetti, who played admirably with the Moose, registering nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points in 32 games, has yet to play a in the regular season for the Jets. Given the kind of year it's been, with COVID throwing a wrench into most players’ offseason plans, Hockey Canada has had to pivot and look elsewhere for talent. The roster is still being finalized but will include a mix of NHL regulars and prospects such as Perfetti. Perfetti admits he isn't sure how exactly he got on the radar, perhaps through the Hockey Canada connections he developed at the World Juniors. Either way, he's just happy to have made a strong enough impression to get the call. Winnipeg Jets Unfortunately, it led to speculation in some quarters that this was just the 1188243 expected downfall of a rapidly-declining 34-year-old player, which only had Wheeler's back up even more and has led to plenty of combative exchanges with media this season over Zoom. Wheeler truly a one-of-a-kind athlete "Our team was still winning. You guys didn't think I had a big part in that, but I still felt like I was able to help the team and that was the most important thing for me," Wheeler said Tuesday. "I certainly wasn't myself, By: Mike McIntyre but if I was holding us back it'd be a different story. But the team was still going in the right direction." OPINION Should have he stayed in the lineup? Probably not. Is it a surprise that he did? Definitely not. Say this about Blake Wheeler: Love him or loathe him, we've never seen an athlete quite like him around these parts. "We’re playing in Dallas my first year here and Blake gets hit into the door late in the game and crawls out the door down the hallway. So I pull The latest chapter in his legacy was written earlier this week with the my card out and scratch his name off and he’s back on the bench about revelation that the Winnipeg Jets captain quietly played through cracked three minutes later. There’s still time on the clock, we’re down a goal, ribs earlier this season, an experience that would probably rank and I’m thinking that’s not possible," said Maurice. somewhere between having a tooth extracted without freezing and removing your toenails with a pair of rusty pliers. Turns out this rib issue is just the latest in a long list of ailments Wheeler has secretly played through in Winnipeg. Competing in a fast-moving, full-contact sport at the highest level in the world without the ability to properly breathe takes some kind of moxie. "Every player is different. So, it’s cracked ribs; it’s a pain thing. He has an No, kids, I would not recommend trying this at home. incredibly high tolerance for pain and at the same time I’m going to watch that game and if clearly he can’t play the game he’s not going to play. It was while listening to the veteran Jets winger speak Tuesday night, Blake would be a guy that over the time we’ve gotten to know each other, after he'd just completed his biggest offensive outing of the season with would have a real wide latitude of what I would allow," said Maurice two goals and two assists in a 5-0 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, that it dawned on me. "I’m talking about from a coach’s point of view – can he play? He comes in and he says he can play then he can play. He’s done that two or three This Winnipeg team has truly become Wheeler personified. They are times a year that I’ve been here. He’s played with a broken heel at one skilled but not without flaws. They can be streaky and moody and point. The list of injuries he’s played with no one would ever know about unpredictable and downright surly and difficult to deal with at times. It's and his production never fell off and I’m going after the game, ‘How did not always pretty. And they seem to thrive on an us-against-the-world he get through that?’ But he just does." mentality, which they've got in spades right now thanks to a 2-9-0 slide as they head into a first-round playoff meeting with Connor McDavid, Now fully recovered, Wheeler seems to have found another gear at the Leon Draisaitl and the heavily-favoured Edmonton Oilers. most important time of the year. He has five goals and six assists in the last eight games, which leads the team in that span. His 44 points There's no question many of the core players on the club — from Mark through 49 games put him in the Top 50 of NHL scoring, which is pretty Scheifele, Adam Lowry and Andrew Copp to Josh Morrissey, Kyle impressive for a guy who is now just 20 games away from hitting 1,000 in Connor and Mason Appleton — have adopted many of the same work his career and played at least a few weeks of this season gasping for air habits and personality traits as the deeply-respected Wheeler, which you at the end of every shortened shift. can see in their play and hear in what they have to say. That's a compliment, by the way. If the Jets are going to make any noise in the playoffs, it will likely be as a result of following their fearless leader, who has admitted to being hard True story: Last weekend, Connor was asked by a local reporter about a on his teammates at times as he tries to get them all pulling in the same seven-game scoreless skid he was on, and I swear I thought for a minute direction. I was listening to Wheeler's voice coming out of Connor's mouth when he snapped back: "Thanks for reminding me." No, we've never seen another athlete like him around these parts. And we likely never will again. How did Connor respond to that? By scoring in two straight games, almost as if to stick it to the critics. Same goes for Wheeler, who clearly Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 05.13.2021 was growing weary of fielding questions game after game about why his team was struggling so much down the stretch. That was certainly the case on Monday night, after a 3-1 loss to the Canucks, where it was suggested to Wheeler that he almost sounded "defeated." Uh oh. A nerve was clearly struck. "Those words are pretty heavy and they’re words that you use, not me," Wheeler snarled. Naturally, he followed that up 24 hours later with a four- point outing, leading his team to a victory that finally clinched third place in the all-Canadian division and might, at least for a few days, call of the mob of angry fans wielding pitchforks. Question: How many folks around these parts are dealing with sore ankles from jumping on, and off, the bandwagon? Just as the Jets likely weren't as good as their record suggested earlier in the year, I suspect they're not nearly as bad as their recent track record would indicate. The truth is likely somewhere in between. And it seems Wheeler, and many of his teammates, are champing at the bit with the chance to try and stick it to anyone already writing the obituary on their 2021 season. Jets coach Paul Maurice, who is cut from the same cloth as his captain, is clearly taking that approach. He apparently delivered one hell of a pre- game speech on Tuesday, one that Paul Stastny said was like something out of the mouth of Winston Churchill and Wheeler called "one of his all- time best." Not surprisingly, it fed into the "everyone is writing us off for dead" mentality, referencing how almost nobody even picked him to make the playoffs. Yep, that's right out of the Wheeler playbook, which we saw again this week when he was asked why he remained in the lineup despite being nowhere close to 100 per cent. Wheeler's struggles at the time were painfully obvious to all observers, especially when it came to his five-on- five play, but he refused to acknowledge he was injured. Because pride, I guess? Winnipeg Jets We can already hear the coach preparing his speeches: “We shall fight 1188244 them in the corners. We shall fight them on the boards. We shall never surrender.” Jets' Maurice channeling Churchill as playoff battle looms Now if we could only get the Jets to set up a microphone and broadcast Maurice’s locker-room address when the playoffs begin next week.

A nation is looking for hope, after all. Paul Friesen Latvia next stop for prospect Perfetti

Winnipeg Jets prospect Cole Perfetti was on a bus with his Manitoba That was quite the post-game scene after Tuesday night’s Winnipeg Jets’ Moose teammates early this week, on the way to play the Ottawa romp over Vancouver. Senators’ farm team, when he got a call he never dreamed he’d get. The Zoom Room was crackling with news, the sound bites coming faster Team Canada wanted the 19-year-old for the upcoming world than the deadline warriors up in the press box could transcribe them. championship. With every expected cliché, there was something meaty you could sink “And then all of a sudden within an hour figure out that I’m flying to Latvia your teeth into. in three days,” Perfetti said from his home in Whitby, Ont., on Wednesday. “I get to go home for a couple of days and then my season For instance: Jets forward Dominic Toninato, an unheralded free-agent will be done with the Moose. And within hours I’m getting a call from signing back in October who has languished on the taxi squad most of Roberto Luongo saying welcome to the team.” the season, revealed he’d come down with COVID in November and had some concerning complications from it, delaying his return. It was just the latest twist in a whirlwind season that saw Perfetti make Team Canada for the 2021 World Juniors, join the Jets’ AHL farm team Then there was captain Blake Wheeler and head coach Paul Maurice, and stay there when the Ontario League cancelled its junior season. confirming that Wheeler had played with cracked ribs early this season, helping to explain some of his wobbly performances. In a normal year, 19-year-olds can’t play in the minors. They go back to junior, the way Mark Scheifele did several years back. “Our team was still winning. You guys didn’t think I had a big part in that, but I still felt like I was able to help the team,” Wheeler said, no doubt And they certainly don’t crack the Canadian team for the worlds. resisting a more full bodycheck of the assembled media types. “I certainly wasn’t myself, but if I was holding us back it’d be a different story.” “It’s crazy to think about,” Perfetti said. “And to do that before I even have had my first NHL camp, it’s crazy.” Wheeler dropped another not-so-little nugget, saying Maurice had delivered “one of his all-time best speeches” before the Jets went out and The Jets’ first-round pick, 10th overall, in the 2020 NHL draft, Perfetti mauled the visiting Canucks, 5-0. caught fire in the second half of the season. It had something to do with Paul Stastny celebrating his 1,000th NHL He finishes his rookie year as a pro with nine goals, 26 points, in 32 AHL game, we were told. games. It wasn’t long before Stastny entered the room and raised the stakes “For a year where a lot of kids didn’t get development, I got more than considerably, comparing Maurice’s oratory to one of the great expected,” he said. “More than normally you’d ever get. It’s priceless. I motivational speakers the planet has ever known. didn’t realize how beneficial it was going to be until looking back at it now, how much of a better hockey player I became. It’s night and day.” “The one thing that you guys don’t see is he’s got these Winston Churchill speeches, and I don’t even know how he thinks of them,” Winnipeg Sun LOADED 05.13.2021 Stastny began. “We’ve won five in a row, I’m like ‘What’s he going to say?’ He knows exactly what to say. We’ve lost five in a row, guys are down, he knows exactly what to say.” On that night, his Jets losers of nine of their previous 10 and in dire need of an emotional boost, Maurice knew where the hot-button was and pushed it. “He always does a good job of intertwining something special — my 1,000th game — with how we’re trying to build our game, with the way we’re playing,” Stastny continued. “He always takes a step away from hockey and has a different perspective on it.” Stastny, 35, has heard enough pre-game speeches to fill a BFI bin and knows the difference between a keeper and one that belongs in the blue box. Maurice relates to his players “like a father-son” relationship, a mentor, is how Stastny put it. “I don’t take that for granted,” he said. “I always tell the guys that are young to appreciate it because one day they’re going to have a coach who’s not like him. They all coach differently. Some are just Xs and Os, some are motivators, some are guys that have that military approach where they just want you to work hard … and they’re really hard on you. “Paul does a good job of blending everything in and that’s something that I really noticed when I came here three years ago and I noticed now.” It’s not every day you hear a hockey coach compared to the great Sir Winston. The former British Prime Minister, Churchill was instrumental in keeping morale up with troops and citizens around the world in the fight against the Nazis in World War II. It was a Herculean task, but the good guys eventually won. Maurice’s task will be to defeat the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the Stanley Cup tournament, not in the same stratosphere, but a formidable challenge all the same. The Jets booked that matchup by clinching third place in the all-Canadian division on Tuesday. Vancouver Canucks Which brings us back to Edler. If the veteran blueliner returns next year, 1188245 it will be up to Rathbone, and perhaps Juolevi, to ease the burden on him. Canucks’ career clock may be ticking down on Alex Edler Vancouver Province: LOADED: 05.13.2021 Aging blueliner has flaws to his game, but has had positive impact playing with bottom-six forwards

Patrick Johnston

There are many questions to be posed for next season’s edition of the Vancouver Canucks. This 2020-21 season still isn’t over yet, but it’s not too early to think that far ahead. Here’s a big one: Are these the waning days for Alex Edler in a Canucks uniform? The veteran blueliner said after Tuesday’s game in Winnipeg that there haven’t been any contract talks between his representatives and the team. Perhaps it’s not a surprise, given the space the Canucks will have to find this summer to sign anyone, let alone the veteran blueliner. And that’s without getting into what his role on this blue line going forward should be, even if they can re-sign him. Edler has obvious flaws to his game at this late stage of his career: The ability to defend against the rush isn’t what it once was and that declining foot speed will become more and more of an issue. That’s simply the truth of Father Time. But even so, in the right role Edler can still have success. According to HockeyViz.com, using the expected-goals metric that rates the probability of goals being scored when particular shots are taken, six players this season became positive shot-quality players when they were on the ice this season with Edler, and those six players tell a clear story: Antoine Roussel, Brandon Sutter, Adam Gaudette, Zack MacEwen, Jay Beagle and Tyler Motte. In other words, the bottom two lines in the lineup. Alex Edler was an effective player when he was on the ice with bottom- six forwards this season. And there were two players for whom the reverse was true, that when they were on the ice without Edler the Canucks’ quality of shots were better than the opposition’s but negative when they played with Edler: Nils Höglander and Elias Pettersson. Top-six forwards, in other words. And therein lies the rub. If Edler can be deployed in a depth role next season — and the price to retain him is right — there’s a good case to be made to keep him. But that also means hoping for a return to form from Quinn Hughes, whose defensive game saw plenty of struggles this season, and either the emergence of another young defenceman capable of playing top-six minutes or somehow finding such a player either in free agency this summer or through a trade. Jack Rathbone, who is finally getting NHL minutes in the closing chapters of this season, could help with that task, though his strengths are clearly with the puck vs. without the puck. He’s a bright young man who has met just about every other challenge in his life, so it’s a reasonable bet to think he’ll be able to improve his defensive play enough to play regular minutes on the second pair. But will that happen next season? NEXT GAME Thursday Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames 6 p.m., Saddledome. TV: Sportsnet Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650 AM The other leading possibility, of course, is Olli Juolevi, but given his middling rookie season it’s less of a reasonable bet for him to pan out as anything more than a third-pairing blueliner. That Juolevi hasn’t forced himself into the lineup on a regular basis this season, even as his team has often struggled defensively, is a troubling sign. On some nights that was also about salary-cap constraints, while some of it lately has likely been about his recovery from COVID-19. But overall the trend is hard to ignore. Vancouver Canucks Höglander then showed great wheels and good hand-eye co-ordination 1188246 to put the Canucks up 3-1. He sped away on a 2-on-1 with Boeser and his centring pass went off Morrissey and deflected into the net. Höglander would finish with six shots, eight attempts and three Canucks: Hungry Höglander better than advertised in rapid NHL takeaways, and his improved presence at both ends of the rink will really transition resonate with Green. Swedish ‘bowling ball’ has impressed veteran team leaders, coach with In a strong rookie class, Höglander is first in takeaways, fourth in even- his heady, physical two-way play and zest for the game strength points, sixth in even-strength goals, seventh in scoring and has taken just six minor penalties.

Höglander isn’t a quote machine, but his zest for the game is obvious. Ben Kuzma His comments are often peppered with “fun” and “feeling good” about the process. Nils Höglander celebrates his first career NHL goal during the Canucks’ “I think I played great tonight (Monday) and had a lot of chances,” said season-opening win in Edmonton on Jan. 13. ‘I work hard and try to learn Höglander, the 40th overall selection (second round) in the 2019 NHL every day and it’s hard, but it feels good,’ he says. Entry Draft. “I can score more if I score (convert) on my chances. I just have fun every day out there and feel I’ve done a good job this season. When you toss a young dog a bone, he’ll either chew on it or choke on the offering. “I work hard and try to learn every day and it’s hard, but it feels good.” Aligning rookie Nils Höglander with Bo Horvat and Tanner Pearson on Fast forward and the progress could give the Canucks a leg up on the first day of training camp had the optics of a nice gesture by the deploying their lines next fall, depending on pending free agents and Vancouver Canucks. Why not give the kid a look after a strong Swedish buyout options. Hockey League showing and not worry about the challenges of adapting NEXT GAME to a new game and ice surface, a new country and language barrier? Thursday Let him play and see what happens. Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames What occurred that day at was not an eye-opener. It was confirmation that the moxie and creativity that the swift, strong and skilled 6 p.m., . TV: Sportsnet Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet Höglander had been displaying on the European and the world junior 650 AM stages was going to add another dimension to the Canucks’ top-six mix. Höglander has earned the right to reunite with Horvat and Pearson. That It was more than Höglander’s claim to worldwide hockey fame with would allow J.T. Miller to shift back to left wing for a more customary lacrosse-style goals better suited to a midway sideshow that would help support role to Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser. Matthew Highmore is stake his roster spot. Exploding for five goals in seven 2020 world junior a versatile and cap-friendly option to play the left side on the third line championship games looks good on highlight reels, but that’s not enough with highly touted Vasili Podkolzin breaking into the NHL on right wing. A to ensure National Hockey League sustainability. riddle in the middle for that alignment would need to be solved in the off- season. Höglander has been hard on pucks and as a 5-foot-9, 190-pound bowling ball. He has unleashed hard and accurate shots and shown a nose for For Canucks scout Patrik Jonsson, there was no mystery to Höglander the net and a thirst to soak up daily direction both on and off he ice. and he isn’t surprised by the winger’s ascension. It has resulted in 26 points (12-14) in 51 games, and combined with 14 “He has always played really hard, aggressive and strong on the puck in points (5-9) in 23 outings with Rogle BK Angelholm of the SHL, the 20- tight areas,” said Jonsson. “He has no fears. He loves the game so much year-old Bocktrask, Sweden native has already logged a competitive 74- and the confidence and skill is coming from there.” game campaign. It didn’t take long for all that to surface in spectacular fashion. Höglander scored in his first NHL game by shaking off the customary hacks and whacks as a rite of passage before executing a deft deflection During a 5-1 win over Ottawa on Jan. 25, Höglander had another clip- of a Pearson shot to announce his arrival. and-save moment. It started when he bolted through the neutral zone, put the puck off the side wall, beat a defender and then executed a diving “He has been great,” said Horvat. “He keeps getting better. It takes a little and sweeping pass to Pearson, who converted from the slot. bit of time for a young guy to figure things out and he has improved immensely over the season.” “I just tried to get the puck through and he did good to score,” Höglander said that memorable night. “It feels good. It’s easy to play with real good Nils Höglander of the Vancouver Canucks drives to the next after getting players because they do good things all the time. I do my best every day past Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs during their NHL game and practise and play hard. If I do that, the points will be coming, too. last month at Rogers Arena. Linemate Bo Horvat (right) has been impressed by the Swedish rookie. STORY CONTINUES BELOW That’s quite a compliment from the captain. Travis Green went one This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. better. Article content “He’s had a good season,” acknowledged the Canucks’ coach. “He’s a “It feels better and better every game. I feel strong out there and heavy good young player and has a bright future. There have been some on the puck. I can battle out there. I know if I play with confidence, I’ll learning curves for sure, which we all expected from the physical part in keep doing good.” playing a lot of games. He was right. “I give him a lot of credit. He gets a lot of video shown to him and a lot thrown at him. It’s a different game over here and we’ve tried to let him Vancouver Province: LOADED: 05.13.2021 be and play to his offensive instincts. The other end of the rink is where there’s a lot of work that he has been working on and you can see that it’s starting to come through. “He had very strong game (Monday), a lot of shots and action and was good in his zone.” That 3-1 victory in Winnipeg was a window on Höglander’s world. He opened scoring by hounding the puck and getting to goalie Laurent Brossoit. He got his stick on a botched pass between Ville Heinola and Josh Morrissey at the Canucks’ blue line and sped away on a breakaway. His forehand attempt was stopped, but Höglander pounced on the rebound to direct a backhand home for his fifth point (2-3) in a five-game span. 1188247 Vancouver Canucks

Canucks goalie Mike DiPietro off to the world championships The young goalie has had a difficult season, serving mostly as the Canucks' No. 3 goalie.

Patrick Johnston

Mike DiPietro’s bizarre 2020-21 hockey season is going to last a little longer. The Canucks’ top goaltending prospect has been selected by Hockey Canada for the upcoming 2021 men’s world championship. He’ll play at least one more game for the Utica Comets this week — they’re in action Wednesday, Friday and Sunday — before heading to Riga, Latvia, where Canada begins its campaign on May 21. He’s expected to be Canada’s No. 3 goalie, behind a pair of Arizona netminders in Adin Hill and Darcy Kuemper. That means it’s unlikely he’ll play a game, but clearly this is an effort to get him some more ice time at the end of what’s been a nearly lost season. According to InGoal magazine’s Kevin Woodley, the plan was for DiPietro to get as many as eight starts with Utica after he was reassigned to the Canucks’ AHL affiliate. Why he has only played three times to date isn’t known, as you’d expect he’d have played two or three more times if he was supposed to play eight games in all. DiPietro was the Canucks’ taxi-squad goalie for most of the season, after the team chose not to sign another netminder to serve as their league- mandated No. 3 goalie for apparent budgetary reasons. It’s meant that DiPietro went more than a year between games, as he was nothing more than a practice goalie in Vancouver and wasn’t loaned to a European club last fall, where he might have been able to at least play some games. Practising can only do so much for a player’s development; at some point, those skills need to be tested and refined in games for development to properly take place. It’s believed that the Canucks had originally intended to reassign DiPietro to Utica in early April, while bringing Arturs Silovs back to Vancouver from the AHL Manitoba Moose, where he only started once, to serve as their taxi-squad goalie. Of course the Canucks’ COVID-19 outbreak interfered with that plan and DiPietro wasn’t sent to Utica until Apr. 25. CHEK TV’s Rick Dhaliwal suggested Canucks rookie defenceman Jack Rathbone may get a call from USA Hockey to play at the worlds. J.T. Miller and Quinn Hughes were both invited by Team USA, but have declined. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 05.13.2021 Websites vote of confidence that they’d be back with the Sabres in their exit media 1188248 availabilities. Eichel is the key. He’s the captain and he’s owed $10 million annually through 2025-26. He can be moved wherever Adams would like to move him — our guess is Los Angeles — but he’s got to The Athletic / NHL hot seat WATCH: The players, coaches and GMs with make the deal work with a collection of NHL-ready young players. The the most on the line reality is that the return for one or both of those players will likely be far less than market value — that’s what happens when you’re backed into a corner as Adams is — but the key will be seeing beyond the immediate By Scott Burnside May 13, 2021 return to what the return might become. In short, more crucial days for this hard-luck franchise.

Jarmo Kekalainen, GM, Columbus Blue Jackets All of what has transpired in the past five months may indeed be a one- off for the NHL. The four divisions. The divisional-only play. The COVID- Not much on Kekalainen’s to-do list. Find a replacement for polarizing 19 shortened 56-game regular season. head coach John Tortorella, sign disgruntled restricted free Patrik Laine, extend cornerstone defensemen Seth Jones and Zach Werenski, and Doesn’t mean the pressure is any different for the 16 teams that have likely trade one of his two starting goaltenders. And, oh yeah, he’d like to qualified for the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs. And frankly, it doesn’t change get it all done by the end of the draft on July 24 if he can swing that. In the pressure the 15 teams that didn’t qualify for the playoffs face moving short, this may be the most important offseason in Blue Jackets history into what will feel like a very brief offseason. and everything runs through Kekalainen’s office. That’s because there are certain constants regardless of what the NHL Evgeny Kuznetsov, forward, Washington Capitals looks like. The Kuznetsov ship may have already sailed in Washington given a One team will emerge at the end and hold aloft the Stanley Cup, their series of poor decisions dating back to testing positive for cocaine at the names inscribed on the trophy forever. The rest will wonder in varying World Championship in 2019 which earned him an international ban and degrees where it all went wrong or how they fell short. a three-game NHL suspension for “inappropriate conduct.” This season has further muddied the waters as he has twice landed on the COVID-19 The introspection is as inevitable as it is uncomfortable for organizations protocol list as well as being punished by the Caps for tardiness. In short, and for the individuals within those organizations because expectations Kuznetsov has proven to be a bit of a mess. His nine goals ranked 10th are part of the fabric of the game. And this is the time of the NHL season on the Caps, which is what happens when you’re not playing or not at when expectations are at their peak. your best. Our Pierre LeBrun reported the Capitals are already prepared to listen to calls from other teams interested in Kuznetsov, who is under We like to call it the hot seat. contract through 2024-25 at a $7.8 million cap hit. He also has a limited Who’s on the hot seat at this pivotal point in the 2020-21 NHL season? no-trade clause. But here’s the thing. When Kuznetsov is going and Glad you asked. motivated, he’s a force. The Capitals appear to have some of their old swagger back after being one-and-done in 2019 and 2020 but have a Taylor Hall, forward, Boston Bruins mighty task in Boston in the first round. If Kuznetsov can summon his non-mess self the Capitals will be a handful. If not, he should probably Taylor Hall is like a guest-host on my “hot seat” lists. That’s what pack his bags. happens when you’re a first overall pick and a Hart Trophy winner and you still can’t find an NHL home after a decade. But Hall is one of the Craig Berube, head coach, St. Louis Blues feel-good stories of this most peculiar of seasons having been rescued from the dumpster fire that is Buffalo and fitting in seamlessly with the There is certainly lots of reasoning and rationalizing you can do in Bruins. He doesn’t have to be “the” guy just “a” guy on a team that has explaining a wildly up and down season for the Blues. And it sure isn’t surged through the East Division standings since the trade deadline. Hall Berube’s fault that Alex Pietrangelo signed in Vegas and that Torey Krug will help take the pressure off the Bruins’ top line and if he continues to struggled to find a groove with the Blues and then got hurt. And it’s not produce at the level that has seen him score eight times and collect 14 Berube’s fault that pretty much everyone else in the Blues lineup, and points in 16 games as a Bruin, he could be in line for the playoff success especially among the defense corps, took turns in sickbay. But this team that has eluded him throughout his career. He’s played in just 14 is flat out too good to be as inconsistent and at times disinterested as postseason games which is, frankly, more than a little mindboggling. If they were. And they’re lucky the West Division is chock-a-block with the Bruins are one and done, though, does it mean Hall, playing on his floundering teams or they might have missed the playoffs. This is fourth team since the start of last season, will once again be looking for a basically the same team, with Krug swapped out for Pietrangelo and new home come free agency time? Well, that’s a different narrative minus Jay Bouwmeester, that beat Boston in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup altogether. Final two years ago. They looked passive in losing to Vancouver in the first round in the Edmonton bubble last summer and if that style of play Dominique Ducharme, head coach, Montreal Canadiens leads them to another lackluster first-round exit, can’t see how GM Doug Armstrong, never afraid to make the hard call, doesn’t look for someone Loved the piece penned recently by Arpon Basu regarding the else to try and get this deep, talented Blues roster back on track. challenges of taking over the Montreal coaching job in the manner interim coach Dominique Ducharme did following the firing of Claude Julien in Andrei Svechnikov, forward, Carolina Hurricanes February. Ducharme coached his first NHL game without the benefit of a practice and it has gone from there. It would be charitable to suggest the There was a 21-game stretch in the middle of the season, from Feb. 7 to Canadiens enter the playoffs playing an uneven brand of hockey. Were it March 18, where Svechnikov scored just two goals. By the end of the not for the poor play of Calgary and Vancouver they might have missed season, he was back in a familiar groove and finished with 15 goals and the playoffs entirely given their own inconsistency. They will enter the 42 points, tied for third on the team. This is as good a team as the playoffs as one of just two teams with a negative goal differential (St. Hurricanes have ever had. Better, perhaps, than the one that won the Louis is the other). The loss of Carey Price to injury has complicated franchise’s first and only Stanley Cup in 2006. And there is something things and the Habs do look to be getting healthy at just the right time. about the blend of speed, skill and ferociousness that Svechnikov brings Still, the term “honeymoon period” doesn’t really exist in the playbook of to the table that sets him apart from most of his teammates and many in Canadiens fans, management or ownership so if the Habs are bounced the league and that will be crucial to this team making good on its in the first round against Toronto, and especially if they do not put up a enormous promise. Still impossibly young at 21, this postseason is a line valiant effort, it’s hard to imagine there won’t be a coaching vacancy in in the sand of sorts for Svechnikov. To be at his best he’ll need to find Montreal. If that’s how this plays out it’s also entirely possible there’ll be a that line between physical beast and emotionally reckless because new GM that hires the next Montreal coach. So as you can see, not Svechnikov is prone to a lack of discipline and opponents and referees much on the line in Montreal in the coming days. know this. If he can toe that line this may be a summer to remember in Raleigh. Kevyn Adams, GM, Buffalo Sabres Blake Wheeler, forward, Winnipeg Jets Let’s be honest, there were a few moments during the last month of the regular season when you thought, you know, maybe there’s some hope Been a bit of a weird season for the Jets captain and by extension for the for this team in Buffalo. And good on interim head coach Don Granato entire Jets roster as they have lurched their way to the postseason for and journeyman netminder Michael Houser for those feelings, as brief as the fourth straight year. Remember when head coach Paul Maurice had they might have been. Because the reality is this is still a tire fire of an to defend Wheeler because his analytics numbers suggested he was organization and rookie GM Kevyn Adams has to decide on a coach, playing poorly? And with two games left in the regular season, Wheeler which is sort of an appetizer before tending to restricted free agent Sam had earned a whopper minus-23 rating. even though it’s a flawed stat, Reinhart and captain Jack Eichel, both of whom gave the opposite of a that’s still a big number for an important player on a playoff team. Wheeler’s goal totals weren’t where they should be, either, as he had 13 goals heading into the team’s final two games. For us, Wheeler is the heartbeat of this Jets team and we saw some of that in his four-point performance against Vancouver that helped lock down third place in the North Division. The emotional, sometimes caustic, captain has the tools and the disposition to upend a series. The Jets will start the postseason as underdogs against Edmonton, which isn’t a bad place to start, and expectations will be low for a team that, on paper, should match up well against the Oilers regardless of their dismal regular-season record against them. But if there’s an upset to be had it’ll be because Wheeler is leading the charge. Victor Hedman, defenseman, Tampa Bay Lightning When you’re a Norris Trophy winner and the defending playoff MVP not sure “hot seat” really applies but for Victor Hedman, this playoff run looms large. He’s likely going to win a second Norris but it’s fair to say his play has not been at traditional Hedman heights. Lingering injuries? He missed some time in the final days of the regular season but that may have been as much load management ahead of what promises to be a terrific first-round series against the Panthers. Maybe it was just life after a long bubble run last summer that saw Hedman’s play ebb and flow more than we’ve seen in the past. What is undeniable is that the Lightning will begin their Cup defense on the road thanks to a late- season swoon against a red-hot, highly motivated Florida team. The return of Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov from injury is critical for Tampa. Of course. But as it was last summer, it will be the play of Hedman that, for us, will ultimately decide whether the Lightning emerge from the Central Division and take a solid run at back-to-back Cup wins. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, forward, Edmonton Oilers As magical as it’s been to watch Connor McDavid lay waste to everyone en route to a runaway Art Ross Trophy and what we expect will be a similar runaway selection as the Hart Trophy winner, the bigger question on the eve of the playoffs is whether the Oilers can emerge from the North Division let alone take a serious run at a Cup without significant depth contributions. That brings us to another first overall pick, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who has in a most unassuming manner come to a crossroads as it relates to his future in Edmonton. A pending unrestricted free agent, Nugent-Hopkins can play center or wing, he can kill penalties, take draws and all the rest. He is a terrific complementary player even if he has not fortified his case statistically this season tallying just 15 times and winning fewer than 45 percent of his faceoffs. Does a strong playoff change how Edmonton GM Ken Holland views Nugent-Hopkins and his continued presence in an Oilers jersey? Does a strong playoff enhance his value as it relates to Seattle, perhaps, or an emerging team like the Rangers if he hits the open market? Brad Treliving, GM, Calgary Flames The Flames once again surprised no one by underachieving and turning in a lethargic and mostly maddening campaign that sees them once again on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. Yes, they won a play-in round last summer against injury-ravaged Winnipeg but they haven’t won an actual playoff round since 2015 and in fact, have won just one playoff round since advancing to Game 7 of the 2004 Stanley Cup Final. What do they say about folks who do the same thing over and over and expect different results? That’s the Flames. So, does Treliving survive and get a shot at deconstructing this lineup? Has he already made an egregious error in unearthing Darryl Sutter and installing him as head coach with a three-year deal? The immediate results under Sutter suggest the answer is yes. And if it’s Treliving’s job still, who goes? Johnny Gaudreau is an obvious candidate. Sean Monahan? Who else? Calgary fans, numb to the same old, same old, can certainly be excused for hoping this offseason is different. Jack Campbell, goaltender, Toronto Maple Leafs Hey, who doesn’t love the Jack Campbell story? Look up pressure in the dictionary and there is Campbell’s smiling face. Campbell, 29, isn’t the starter just because Frederik Andersen got hurt (although Andersen’s injury did open the door to Campbell’s renaissance) but rather because he’s earned the right to be the starter as the Maple Leafs face the Canadiens in the playoffs for the first time since 1979. With a 17-2-2 record with two games left in the Leafs’ regular season, a .923 save percentage, 2.11 GAA and an impressive ranking leaguewide in advanced goaltending stats, Campbell is the real deal. Unless he’s not. The Leafs have had the second-best goaltending in each of their playoff losses over the past four seasons. In the past three, they have lost in deciding games in part because they didn’t get critical saves. Is Campbell, who has never played a single minute of NHL playoff action, the guy to stop that trend? Did we mention pressure? The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 Websites been good counsel, a good guy. He told me this fun little story about his 1188249 father teaching him a lesson about what is success — when you feel comfortable with what you’re doing and it has nothing to do with possessions or how much something is. It’s just the ability to say no to The Athletic / Kenny Mayne unplugged: On why he’s leaving ESPN, what something and go follow your heart to something else. the future holds and a business pitch for Michael Jordan Dan Patrick, Le Batard, Bill Simmons, Trey Wingo and many, many others have left ESPN and have found not just success outside of it, but greater success after leaving ESPN. If that didn’t factor in your decision, By Richard Deitsch May 12, 2021 have you since reflected on the possibilities that are out there? I mean, a little bit. Trey and I just spoke recently and he gave me some Kenny Mayne is on the phone. He sounds, well, like Kenny Mayne. input to have confidence. Going backwards, I didn’t know what was going Deadpan. Funny. Relaxed. He’s just finished dinner and informs the to be offered or what the back and forth might be. I knew there was a caller that it was grilled chicken, steak tips, sweet potatoes and cucumber whole bunch of people who have done well and maybe even better when and tomato salad. “Pretty healthy overall, although maybe not the rolls,” they left. But it wasn’t like I picked one of them. It was more I know there Mayne says. are other things out there. On Monday, Mayne announced on his Twitter feed that he is leaving But again, previous to this deal, every deal I got I was kind of like, “This is ESPN. He and management could not agree on salary terms, and you’ll a pretty good deal.” I’d look at it like, you know, my dad made 40 grand read about that below. Mayne joined ESPN in 1994 and hosted working at the airport all his life. I have a good life and we make more SportsCenter through multiple generations of sports fans. He is one of than most people, and more than I ever thought I would make. And the the quirkiest on-air figures at the company, including producing and money wasn’t the be-all of it anyway. I looked at it in perspective. I liked starring in an original scripted series on ESPN.com titled Mayne Street, my job. It is fun. And I get to do commercials on the side. I was very where he played himself in a fictionalized version of life at the center of involved in the ESPN commercial-making operation. I think they’ll miss sports television (That show also featured Aubrey Plaza, who has gone me more than the production side. It’s still fun being on TV and saying to boldfaced name fame.) silly things over highlights. That’s still a fun job. But I think once (executive vice president) Norby (Williamson) made the initial offer, I was Since the news hit, Mayne says that he has been inundated with calls, pretty much gone. I knew they weren’t going to agree to what my counter texts and emails from well-wishers, as well as other entities interested in was going to be, but they never even really listened to my counter. hiring him. His ESPN contract officially ends May 31. His last show is scheduled for May 24. On Tuesday night we spoke for about 35 minutes. You are the rare person who got to see everybody say glowing things Here is a lightly edited transcript of the conversation. about you on Twitter while still alive. I don’t know how much you followed it but you trended nationally, your colleagues and viewers said incredibly Why are you no longer working at ESPN? nice things about you. Twenty-four hours later, what are your thoughts on that? The reason I am not there? We could not come to an agreement to keep me working there. They made an offer and I wasn’t exactly flattered and (Deadpan) I was disappointed that more people didn’t care. decided to reject it. Ha. I hear you. So true. So you were asked to take a pay cut, and you were not comfortable with what they offered? (Laughs) I think you know that (my wife) Gretchen and I have this small foundation called Run Freely. I put out tweets all the time about what we It was a significant pay cut. It was a big pay cut to do essentially the are doing for veterans and trying to get people to donate. Sometimes I same job. It was a 14 percent reduction in time worked and a 61 percent will be so disappointed at the response and I will mock my own audience. reduction in money earned. I thought the variance was too much. I’m not So I seriously had no idea what the reaction would be. Since this whole asking anyone to feel sorry for me. It’s my choice to stay or not stay. It thing started, I was thinking how I wanted to write just one tweet. I was still a good amount of money in the real world. I’m not trying to frame thought the vending machine section was pretty solid, personally. this as woe for me. Nothing like that. I just think I can do better elsewhere. So I told them that I feel like you’ve got a certain over-under I AM LEAVING ESPN. on my worth and I’m going to go play the over. They did not seem to care SALARY CAP CASUALTY. that I made that choice. THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY VINCE DORIA & AL JAFFE & FOR What was their reaction to you turning their offer down? TAKING MY SOLICITATIONS They said they understood that I would do it and, you know, it’s just HERMAN/STINTON/LYNCH. business and things like that. They didn’t try to do a car deal with me. It wasn’t like, “What would you take?” It was, “Here’s your offer.” I turned it I WILL MISS THE PEOPLE. down, and we started the exit procedure. I WILL MISS THE VENDING MACHINE SET UP OVER BY THE OLD I heard you on Dan Le Batard’s podcast and you sounded clear and at VAN PELT JOINT. ease with the decision. Is there any part of you that is surprised how your long tenure with this place ended? WE HAD EVERYTHING. I was surprised it went the way it went, but I’m OK with it. I think they INTOTHEGREATWIDEOPEN# might have done me a favor, actually. There are other things out there — KENNY MAYNE (@KENNY_MAYNE) MAY 10, 2021 that might make me happier and might even be more lucrative. I’m not trying to rationalize the whole thing or trying to make myself, my wife or I was joking with a friend, Kory Kozak, who used to work for ESPN as a my kids feel better. It’s like what I said on Dan’s show. It felt like a producer. I was like, “What if only seven people like this tweet?” So when liberation week. My daughter said to me, “Dad, you have been talking it happened and it’s still happening, I was floored. I’ve looked at very little about this since I was like 9.” She’ll be 22 soon. of it. I just know how much of it was complimentary and positive. I have a zillion texts and phone calls, and I have not gotten back to even a quarter None of this is said with any malice. I wish them well. Most of my friends of the people. I mean, after that happened, I still had to do a show. It was are there. I’m not bitter or in some big battle with ESPN. It didn’t work out like, “Shit, I have to go to work at seven.” for me. They made a choice. They put a number on my worth to them. I’ve been pitching many other things and to do more things for them, and On Monday I got to work. Had some Japanese food. Talked to Kevin they weren’t interested in those things. So it was just kind of time. Negandhi and Elle Duncan as they were leaving. People were just so kind at work, like they were mad and sad and a little of everything. And I thought of doing this for a couple of different contracts and it wasn’t as then we did a show, and that part was the surreal part. Norby said, “Do good a market as it is right now to be a free agent. Right now it seems to you want to do the rest of your shows or call it quits today?” I guess I be a good time based on the incoming calls. Previously, it would have could have said I am done and have someone else do it. But I said no. I been, “What the hell am I going to do? Make a movie? Sell pencils?” In am going to fulfill my obligation. I’m on schedule for six more shows. I’d those cases my negotiation point or tactic was, “They will come up to the just be screwing over other people as somebody would have to come in point where I would say, ‘how can I leave,’ because that is too good a that wasn’t scheduled. And, quite honestly, I think it could be a fun last deal and I like my job.” This time that didn’t happen. Their deal wasn’t half-dozen shows. I’m not going to go out there and sabotage the good enough for me to have to take it. It was bad enough to not take it. network. They should trust me as much as they have always trusted me (Former ESPN anchor) Charley Steiner called me, which was so sweet of (laughs). I will be as unprofessional as I have always been! him. He was a mentor way back when I worked with him. He’s always Who have you heard from that was notable? There has to be a part of you that if nothing else feels good about the run you had at ESPN. Multiple generations of sports fans watched you. I I heard from Stuart Scott’s kids — we communicate anyway — but that think we’re all lucky if we get one generation to watch us, read us, listen was kind of cool of them to reach out. They did it in a cool way, just to us. In your case, multiple generations did. That’s a pretty incredible run saying they would be in town soon and wanted to catch up. Some people on sports television, no? were mourning me. I was like, it’s all good. I think I’m going to find some other stuff. I’m not sad. I’m happy. And again I mean this: I don’t have I guess if somebody put it to me in a way to reflect on what happened, some big vendetta against ESPN. It’s not, “Those bastards!” Nothing like yeah, it’s strange to hear. I guess in that same answer, I would say I was that. It’s all good. They gave me 27 years. I gave them 27 years. It always more flattered if like a 40-year-old woman thought I was funny or doesn’t seem like they wanted me to stay very much. It almost seems said something I said was interesting and obviously women are sports like they offered me something that I would turn down, and I did. fans, but I am talking about someone who was not the core, expected audience. That was always cool to me, reaching someone we might not This is an inside-baseball thing. One of the things that was always expect as everyone seemed to be always after the 18-to-34-year-olds. interesting to me about you is you developed this odd bit of fame as the on-air person ESPN would use every year during its upfronts, when it I guess I hit a little of everyone. It’s kind of fun to walk through an airport pitched its programming to media buyers. You clearly enjoyed it and the and be surprised that this person thought something of you or (was) audience enjoyed you. What are your reflections of that? touched by you. I’d say more than anything my greatest accomplishment in all my time there was that Stevie Wonder’s band members knew who I They’re going to miss me. That would be my first comment to it. That was was. I worked with him a couple of times and I got to go backstage for a my way of saying it as a joke but certainly I’ve heard from all sorts of meet-and-greet and his band members knew me. I was seriously like, people on that side of the house. I think they’ll be more disappointed by “Wow, these guys know who I am?” It was one of those moments. my departure than the SportsCenter side. I just mean SportsCenters will get on the air without me and they will be just fine. Everyone will forget I How much are you thinking about your last show, if you’re indeed worked there in a couple weeks. But I had a very good relationship and a thinking about it? very active relationship with our commercial-making and sales side. I guess they didn’t consult with them. The upfronts were always a thrill. I Well, I don’t know which one’s going to be my last show because they got a different kind of nervous for it. I put a lot of time into the writing and may decide we’ve seen enough. Or he did this Barstool podcast (Mayne the trading of ideas and so forth. It became one of my favorite things to is scheduled to do Pardon My Take) so he’s gone. I hope they don’t do, and I looked at it selfishly like, “I’m not stupid. I’ll stand in front of because I don’t think I’ve done anything here to disrespect that place in people who spend money on commercials.” this interview or elsewhere. I don’t think I’ll do that with anyone. I’m just honestly explaining what happened. In my heart, I don’t really have any Would you want to work for another sports network or do you hope to do malice anyway. The old expression — it’s just business and not personal. something independent? That’s actually a thing I would use on NBA highlights. Someone would dunk, and I’d say, “It’s just business.” I said it the other night, and I think Honestly, it’s too early to know. I likely will do something near sports for unironically. Or maybe it was subconscious on the night I quit. But I part of what I do, That would only make sense given I have been known would have said it two years ago. So what will I say at the end? I’ll say for doing sports. That would be the easiest place to get support, something. It depends how much time they give me. Sometimes you only whatever that might be. I definitely want to try to make commercials. have a 12-second goodbye. “It’s been a great 27 years, I’m out!” Right now I’m hoping Michael Jordan’s people get back to me. That was my first commercial pitch. I was just shooting for the moon out of the I did do this last Sunday with intent because I knew I had the Monday gate. I think it was a good bit for him. So if he’s reading this, go ahead meeting coming. I showed my hands like a craps or blackjack dealer. and contact me on Twitter. Leave out the middle man, Mike. But I am You know how they kind of like clap their hands and spread them? Then serious. I literally pitched Michael Jordan a commercial and I am certain Monday what happened, happened. On Monday said at the of the success if he said yes, but I don’t think he will. top, “Anything you want to share?” I just said my Twitter had been hacked. I feel like people think I landed on the sun. I’m really not that big But I have a deeper answer to this question. My old friend Aubrey Plaza a deal. But it is kind of cool that people care. from Parks and Recreation was on Mayne Street. She got married recently and on SportsCenter I was going to say, “Wishing our old friend The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 Aubrey Plaza well.” So I let her know to turn on the TV, to tell her grandma, and that we would say this on ESPN2. It was so funny because she seriously was flattered by the fact that we were going to do that. I was like, “Wait a minute. You are a Hollywood star and you’re actually excited that you will be name-dropped on ESPN2 at 2 in the morning? But she was. So sometimes people talk about the decline of SportsCenter, and it’s not as important as it was but people are still taken by it. I agree that we’re not as important because people know the results. But I think people still watch to hear whomever their guy or girl is. Scott Van Pelt is going to do something much different than just watching a clip on YouTube, and that’s no offense to the game announcers. Everybody is a little different, has a different take, and maybe it’s not quite as important as it was, with everyone having 20 million things to watch, but I still think it has its value. “Right now it seems to be a good time,” Mayne says. “Previously, it would have been, ‘What the hell am I going to do? Make a movie? Sell pencils?'” (Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA Today) You’re very passionate about helping injured military veterans with your foundation. Will that be part of your future, even if those are things you do away from whatever your sports profession is? Oh, I think for sure. I’m not quite as significant as, say, Bono, but we try to throw in our two cents and be helpful, especially during the pandemic. Anybody who has the means to help, I feel like it is a requirement, not optional. If you can help, you should help. Again, the organization is called Run Freely. I ruined my ankle playing football many years back and I got this device to athletically get around. I typically don’t wear shoes. I wear flip-flops to work because if I wear shoes, I usually have a bad day with my ankle. It kind of blows up. I slip on these fake dress shoes for any stand-up. So, yeah, I’m stuck with that, but I’m not as injured as many others who came back from war who literally need a brace to walk to the bathroom. We decided to start a foundation so that we could honor what they’ve done. I got my brace because of veterans. The guy who invented it made it for veterans coming back from war who otherwise might have had to cut off their leg. Websites mix of veterans you’ve heard of and kids you’d fall in love with. Honestly, 1188250 it’s worth considering for the Cole Caufield factor alone.

Also, you’ll probably get to root against the Leafs in the first round, which The Athletic / Down Goes Brown: The bandwagon-hopper’s guide to the tends to work out well. 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs Why you shouldn’t: I mention this every year, but Montreal might be the least bandwagon-friendly market in the league. They’ve got such a large fan base and so much history that there isn’t a ton of room for By Sean McIndoe May 12, 2021 newcomers, and you’re not going to be able to convincingly fake it. Some years, it’s worth the effort to fit in. Is a year where you’re probably going to go from facing Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner to Connor McDavid It’s always a weird time to be an NHL fan when your team misses the and Leon Draisaitl really the year to try? Maybe, especially if you’ve got a postseason, he said, speaking from decades of personal experience. The bit of a contrarian streak, but don’t say you weren’t warned. playoffs are when the most exciting hockey of the year is played. When Bottom line: Hey at least they finished strong, right? (Checks notes.) every moment is high-stakes and every game matters more than any that Yeah, you have better options. came before it. If your team is still alive, it’s all-consuming. But if they don’t make it… now what? 13. St. Louis Blues You really have two options. The first is to just stay neutral, maybe hope Why you should get on board: Their 2019 journey from dead last to the for the worst for a few hated rivals, and otherwise just root for lots of franchise’s first Cup was one of the all-time great bandwagon runs, one overtime and a few seventh games. But for some, there’s another that we told you to get on board for. If you did, maybe you’ve got some possibility: a short-term fling with another team, one you’ll temporarily loyalty here. If you didn’t, maybe this is your chance to make up for your adopt for as long as their run lasts. They won’t really be your team, but if mistake. all goes well, they’ll be close enough to get you through the next two months. Why you shouldn’t: There may not be a team with a tougher path out of their division than the Blues, who’ll have to go through the heavily Yes, we’re talking about the dreaded bandwagon hop. For some fans, it’s favored Golden Knights and then face whoever wins the Avalanche/Wild unacceptable, and if that’s you then you can tag out now and check back series. For a team that wasn’t all that good for long stretches this year, it with my next column later this week, which will have something more feels like you’re just signing yourself up for disappointment. your speed. Bottom line: They’re big underdogs this year but won a Cup recently But if you’re willing to consider finding a bandwagon team for this year’s enough that they can’t really claim any scrappy underdog street cred. For playoffs, you’ll at least want to make sure you choose wisely. An ideal a bandwagon-hopper, it’s the worst of both worlds. bandwagon team will be good because you want them to win it all. But they won’t be too good, because that would make you a shameless front- 12. Pittsburgh Penguins runner and they’re the worst. In a perfect world, they’ll play an exciting Why you should get on board: They have Sidney Crosby, and you’re style, preferably with some elite stars, and an intriguing sub-plot or two. running out of chances to cheer for the biggest star of his generation. Ideally, they’ll have an existing fan base that’s paid their dues and that They also have Brian Burke, and if you’ve never had the experience of you’d want to see good things for, or at least one you don’t already hate. following a team that he’s prominently involved with, you need to treat And it helps if they’re not going to get swept in round one. yourself. And of course, they’re a very good team that’s been hot down So which of this year’s 16 candidates offers the best bandwagon the stretch, so there’s a solid chance you’ll be able to root for a Cup experience? Let’s figure it out, with my annual attempt to rank the winner. bandwagon potential of each of this year’s playoff teams from worst to Why you shouldn’t: Oh good, another Cup run for the Penguins, so nice best. to see this franchise finally get a break. Maybe long-suffering Pens fans 16. Tampa Bay Lightning can enjoy another championship or two before the hockey gods gift them with yet another generational franchise player in a few years. Why you should get on board: They’re really good, but over the last month of the season, they went from consensus Cup favorites to Bottom line: You’ll get hammered by other fans for making this pick, but if something a little less, so you wouldn’t just be picking the best possible you can handle that, you’ll at least enjoy the run. Unless they run into a team. Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos should be returning from hot goalie. injury, and a good comeback story is always nice. And while the NHL’s 11. Boston Bruins marketing department loves parity more than you’ve ever loved anything in your life, there’s something to be said for a mini-dynasty. Why you should get on board: They’re a very good team with some very easy-to-root for players, including Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak, Why you shouldn’t: They won the Cup last year, and we almost always who might be the league’s most marketable star. And they have Taylor rank the reigning champ at 16, because there’s nothing worse than Hall, a super-likable player who’s been cursed to always play for bad showing up to a party one year after all the cool kids did. teams. He’s never had a decent playoff run, but he’s woken up since Bottom line: The Lightning are all sorts of fun to watch and to root for. landing in Boston, and it would be great to see him finally shine in the Here’s hoping you did that last year, because this year it’s too late. postseason. 15. Washington Capitals Why you shouldn’t: For all the same reasons that the Bruins never rank all that high in these lists. You’d have to at least temporarily get on board Why you should get on board: When they won in 2018, they had just with Brad Marchand. And Jack Edwards. And rooting for the city of about the best summer of Cup celebrations we’ve ever seen. If the Boston to win a major championship that would be (run numbers) their sequel is even half as good as the original, that’s worth rooting for. Plus 400th in the last two decades. Also, for reasons nobody can quite you’d get to cheer for Alexander Ovechkin, which is always fun, and for explain, becoming a Bruins fan will make you irrationally hate Tuukka T.J. Oshie, who might be one of the best stories out there these days. Rask and want every random stranger you see on the streets to start the next game instead of him. Also, they have Zdeno Chara, meaning if they win the Stanley Cup there’s a good chance we’ll get to hear him go “YAAAY” again. Even the best reason to root for them, Taylor Hall, was basically stolen from the last-place Sabres for next-to-nothing. They stole the weak kid’s Why you shouldn’t: Oh, you like the Capitals? Cool, you’re a Tom Wilson lunch money, do you really want to reward that? fan now. Enjoy spending the next few weeks using low-quality screen captures to yell at random strangers on Twitter. Bottom line: I can’t rank them all that high, but I’m absolutely willing to move them up several spots if they promise to start dressing like this Bottom line: There’s definitely something to work with here, but Wilson again. combined with a recent Cup, some injuries and a difficult path out of the division make this one a tough sell. And that’s before we mention that a 10. Nashville Predators Caps win would be kind of weird for Henrik Lundqvist’s OGWAC status. Pass. Why you should get on board: They looked awful midway through the season, then got hot and outlasted the Stars to earn the final Central 14. Montreal Canadiens playoff spot. They’re going to be huge underdogs in a loaded division, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing for a bandwagon team if you’ve got the Why you should get on board: They’ll be underdogs, but the North isn’t stomach for it. exactly a murderer’s row, so they’ll have a shot. And the roster is a nice Why you shouldn’t: Seriously, they should get creamed by the Why you shouldn’t: They’re a divisive team in Canada, to put it mildly, so Hurricanes, and if they can pull off an upset then it’s either the Lightning they’ll be a total non-starter for just about anyone up here who doesn’t or Panthers next. And the key to their second-half turnaround was red- already root for them, and I’ve made those fans irrationally angry by even hot goaltender Juuse Saros, which means you’ll basically be watching suggesting it. That’s fair enough, but if you’re an American fan, maybe them play more talented teams and hoping the game ends up being 1-0. you don’t care. Maybe it’s even a selling point. If so, hop aboard, but just know that it’s the Leafs — it always ends badly. Bottom line: They’re this year’s obvious underdog pick. No guts, no glory, but know what you’re in for. Bottom line: I can’t put them in the top five because so many fans will be actively rooting against them. But if you haven’t already yelled “HELL 9. Winnipeg Jets NO” and scrolled to the next team, the Leafs check off a whole lot of Why you should get on board: They’re the only team in the country that boxes on the list of what makes for a great bandwagon fling. almost nobody hates, so if you’re a Canadian that feels obligated to do 5. Colorado Avalanche the whole “Canada’s Team” thing then you really have no other choice. (Note: You should not feel obligated to do the “Canada’s Team” thing.) Why you should get on board: Do you like skilled players? Can I interest They’ve got a bunch of offensive talent and an elite goaltender, which is you in ridiculously good young defensemen? How about watching your a great combination to root for. And the two versions of the Jets have team win hockey games? The Colorado Avalanche might be right for combined to make it out of the second round once in four decades, so you. their long-suffering fans certainly deserve some love. Why you shouldn’t: First of all, the statute of limitations hasn’t run out on Why you shouldn’t: They’ve been terrible down the stretch, and will head Red Wings fans wanting anything good to happen to the Avalanche. If into the postseason as heavy underdogs. Maybe that’s a good thing — you’re too young to understand, ask grandpa, but you’re not allowed to you’ll certainly have lots of legroom on the bandwagon, and if they do go root for the Avs. on a run you can claim to have been there since the beginning. But be prepared to be picking a new team early on. As for anyone else, really the only argument against the Avalanche is that they’re almost too obvious, so you won’t get any cool hipster Bottom line: Do you really want to have to root against Connor McDavid, creativity points. But that’s fine. Sometimes you want to get crafty with or be mad when he does something ridiculous? the curveball, but sometimes it’s OK to go fastball down the middle. 8. Vegas Golden Knights Bottom line: By the way, at some point in the playoffs we’re going to have to have a weirdly manufactured “Wait, is this player better than McDavid Why you should get on board: They’re quite possibly the best team in the now?” argument. Be ready, Nathan MacKinnon fans. league, with a ton of skill and personality. The pregame shenanigans alone are more fun than most teams’ actual games. They have a great 4. Carolina Hurricanes shot at winning the Cup this year. And if you can plausibly fake being a Golden Knights fan, it gives you an excuse to go to Las Vegas to see a Why you should get on board: Last year, I had the Hurricanes ranked game in person someday. number one, and most of those reasons still apply. They’re fun, they do silly celebrations, they tweet weird stuff, they occasionally try the Why you shouldn’t: They joined the league in 2017 and are into year four lacrosse move. They have one Cup in a franchise history that includes of being a legitimate Cup contender without ever suffering through a being the , so you’re not front-running, but they’re rough season, and, at some point, the backlash is going to arrive. More definitely good enough to win another this year. And maybe most concerning: If you decide to cheer for them you’ll have to pretend those importantly, if you cheer for the Hurricanes you’ll be annoying the sort of ridiculous gold helmets look cool. That might be a deal-breaker. perpetually cranky people you should want to annoy. Bottom line: The Knights have pretty much taken up permanent Why you shouldn’t: Last year’s team hit that perfect sweet spot of being residence in the top half of these annual lists, and rightly so. Just be good enough to win but still feeling like underdogs, while this year’s ready for war against the Avalanche or Wild in round two. version is chasing a Presidents’ Trophy. And they were just a little more interesting with Justin Williams. 7. New York Islanders Bottom line: Last season was the year to bandwagon the Hurricanes, but Why you should get on board: One of the great pro sports dynasties of if you missed that chance then this current version isn’t a bad fallback. the 1980s hasn’t won much of anything in a generation, and has had to endure all sorts of hardships since, both on and off the ice. That makes 3. Minnesota Wild them an attractive bandwagon pick most years, and that’s especially true this season since you’ve got the added emotion of saying goodbye to Why you should get on board: The Minnesota Wild are fun, which feels their long-time home, an arena that not many people like but that kind of like writing “The surface of the sun is cold” or “McIndoe’s article certainly has plenty of character. got right to the point”. These guys have spent decades being the league’s least interesting team. It’s their whole thing. Suddenly, Kirill On top of all that, they’re a good team that plays a style designed for the Kaprizov shows up and the Wild are must-see TV. We knew it was going playoffs. to be a weird season, but nobody was prepared for this. Why you shouldn’t: “A style designed for the playoffs” is my subtle way of Why you shouldn’t: Everyone is already getting worked up about a warning you that they can be kind of boring. Only kind of, mind you — second-round series between Colorado and Vegas, and the Wild are the reports of them being some sort of unwatchable slog are greatly team most likely to get in the way and ruin everyone’s fun. Wait, is that a exaggerated. But if you like goals, know that Islander games feature bad thing? I’m not sure it is. fewer of them than any other playoff team. Bottom line: The Wild have never been a great bandwagon pick before They also haven’t been very good down the stretch, and they’re in a and it may never happen again, so this may be a once-in-a-lifetime tough division. It’s never easy for the Islanders, but that might be opportunity. especially true this year. 2. Edmonton Oilers Bottom line: Just as a heads up, if they happen to get out of the division and end up facing this next team, you’re going to have to get very mad Why you should get on board: They have Connor McDavid. about bedsheets. That’s really it. I could give you a list of other reasons, from Leon 6. Toronto Maple Leafs Draisaitl’s brilliance to the Mike Smith comeback story to the fact that Oiler fans have been through more ups and downs than any other fan Why you should get on board: They’ve got a ton of speed and skill and base and deserve some happiness. But I don’t think I need to. It’s maybe not enough defense or goaltending, so you can expect to watch Connor McDavid, in the middle of one of the greatest heaters in modern some high-scoring back-and-forth action. They’ve got a great path out of hockey history. How often will you get the chance to get emotionally the division, so you could reasonably expect to be in for a long-ish run. invested in this sort of player? Take the opportunity while you have it. The OGWAC factor is off the charts, with not only the obvious Joe Thornton story but also Jason Spezza and a few others. The Jack Why you shouldn’t: Even with McDavid, they’re a long shot to go all the Campbell story is cool. And while it’s a little-known fact that doesn’t get way. And be warned, as soon as you start saying nice things about mentioned much, they haven’t won a Stanley Cup since 1967. McDavid, very confused people will show up on your mentions to tell you Remember those heart-warming stories of long-suffering fans when that he’s not all that good because mumble mumble bad division. teams like the Blues and Capitals ended long droughts? That would be Bottom line: If you want to root for a Cup winner, the Oilers are a risky nothing compared to the Leafs finally winning. play at best. But sometimes you just have to cut loose and let yourself have some fun, and it’s been a long time since we’ve seen anything as fun as the Connor McDavid experience. 1. Florida Panthers Why you should get on board: First, they’re a really good team, one stacked with good young players. Jonathan Huberdeau is amazing. Sasha Barkov would be a Hart Trophy candidate if that trophy were available this year. Carter Verhaeghe is a real guy who apparently just decided to be super good this year. Sam Bennett is making Flames fans feel very sad. Even Sergei Bobrovsky could write an impressive comeback story if he doesn’t lose the job to Spencer Knight midway through round one. But while they’ve had a great season, they’re also a classic underdog story. The Panthers haven’t won a playoff series since 1996, a full quarter-century ago. They’ve only made it four times since then. There’s due, and then there’s overdue, and then there’s whatever the Panthers are. Oh, and while they were stumbling around in the void for 25 years, guess who came along and won two Stanley Cups while establishing themselves as one of the best-run franchises in the entire league? That would be their geographic rival and fellow early-90s expansion cousin, the Tampa Bay Lightning, who you may remember from the number sixteen spot on this list. The Panthers have a rivalry with the Lightning, in the same sense that the Generals have a rivalry with the Globetrotters. But they’ve never met in the playoffs. Now they will. You’re going to root for the Lightning in this one? Really? Are you that broken inside? Why you shouldn’t: You’re one of those annoying Canadian fans who think that any southern-U.S. team that doesn’t sell out every game should immediately move to Quebec. Bottom line: Remember all those jokes you made about the Florida Panthers not having enough fans? Well, now we can help, by temporarily becoming one. Yes, they’re playing one of the best teams in the league and might get crushed. All the more reason to get on board now. If you’ve ever made the Panthers into your own personal punchline — and let’s face it, that’s all of us — here’s your chance to pay it back. Grab a dead rat and some sunscreen and start nodding awkwardly at all your friends, because it’s time to fill up the Florida Panthers bandwagon. The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188251 Websites Daly paused here, searching for words. “It wasn’t being honored,” Daly said. “Folks weren’t doing it. We would

send memos out, saying, ‘you have this obligation. There’ll be fines, etc., The Athletic / Why the NHL’s foray into sports betting may finally mean etc.’ and clubs just wouldn’t do it. The conversation at the time was very more specific injury disclosure clear: They felt injury disclosure with any specificity put their players at risk, particularly when they were playing hurt, and that the game was competitive enough that other players wanted to know where players may be vulnerable, not necessarily to take cheap shots or make illegal By Eric Duhatschek and Lisa Dillman May 12, 2021 plays, but to make somebody hurt if they could make somebody hurt with a legal play.” Once upon a time, back when the NHL was a modest 21-team entity, the To Daly, there was a real concern among the NHL’s general managers league had a comprehensive injury disclosure policy that rivalled other that an open injury disclosure policy was “putting players in harm’s way.” professional sports leagues for its detail and transparency. Allen was president of the Professional Hockey Writers Association for a Kevin Allen, the longtime hockey writer for USA Today, recalls just how decade between 2003 and 2013 and spent most of his time in office specific it could be. lobbying unsuccessfully to return to the old policy. “I remember in the Stanley Cup Final between the Minnesota North Stars According to Allen, Daly was, on the whole, extremely helpful in keeping and the Pittsburgh Penguins (in 1991), Stewart Gavin had an injury that the lines of communication open between teams and writers. was described in the notes as ‘bleeding in the testicles,’” said Allen. “So, I But on the injury disclosure issue, he wouldn’t budge. wrote that in USA Today and afterward, Gavin stopped me and said, ‘Kevin, my mother reads your paper! You can’t be writing that!’ “I laid out my logic for why we needed to know about injuries and that if you’re a fan and a season-ticket holder, it helps to know Sidney Crosby is “I said to him, ‘hey, it’s in the notes.’ They revealed the injury as ‘bleeding going to be out of the lineup when Pittsburgh comes to town,” Allen said. in the testicles.’ But that’s how it used to be. And that’s how far we’ve “I said, ‘the fans are like your shareholders, and the more accurate come.” information you can put out there, the better’ then we’re not forced to In the three decades since that memorable injury reveal, the NHL has speculate. become far less open with it comes to disclosing injuries. Unlike the NFL, “And he said ‘I appreciate your take and there’s logic in what you’re which has a clearly defined policy as it relates to injury reporting, NHL saying, but I’m not going to be able to help you here.’ Because he teams routinely get away with describing injured players in terms so actually believed there was a competitive advantage through knowledge vague they are practically meaningless. The vast majority of teams couch of injuries.” player injuries as either “upper body” or “lower body.” So, when did the shift actually occur? Former PHWA president Scott An upper-body injury can cover anything from a concussion to a broken Morrison (1987-1993) believed the move from specific injury disclosure to jaw to a shoulder separation to a hand injury. the broader non-specific description of upper and lower body could be A lower-body injury could be a foot, an ankle, a groin or an abdomen traced back to the 1999 playoffs when Pat Quinn was coaching the injury. Maple Leafs. Occasionally, a coach might whimsically veer off and describe an injury During the conference final between the Maple Leafs and Sabres, the as middle body, which makes it even more confusing. Then there was Leafs listed a player as out with an upper-body injury. Morrison’s the one playoff when Darryl Sutter, then coaching the Los Angeles Kings, newspaper, the Toronto Sun, found out it was a shoulder injury and put it was asked for an injury update on a player and he replied with a single in the paper. The team “lost their minds.” word: Body. “They were saying ‘How could you publish that? Now, he’s going to have A body injury. Well, that certainly narrowed things down. a target on him,'” Morrison said. “I remember saying, ‘Seriously? Everybody knows when and where he got hurt and everybody on the ice But curiously, there was a time when the NHL marched in lockstep with knows who’s got what ailing them.’ These things aren’t secret by any the other North American sports leagues and actually issued a weekly stretch.” injury report, usually on Fridays to bookend the weekly statistics packages, which were released Mondays. Morrison described Quinn’s deliberate evasion as “a clever way to scoot around” the injury disclosure injury, something he attributed to Quinn’s Injury reports were actually quite detailed and identified a) when the law-school training. injury occurred; b) what was wrong with a player; c) the expected timeline for recovery. Morrison believes that no matter how strongly the NHL may feel about limiting injury disclosure nowadays, once their partners in the gaming For example, in an injury report released in mid-February 1990, if you industry start to become a greater revenue source, they may apply scrolled down to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ section, you would have greater pressure to have the policy amended. learned that Mario Lemieux and Kevin Stevens were day-to-day with back and hip injuries, respectively. Jay Caufield’s dislocated finger would Of the 17 U.S. corporate marketing partners listed by the NHL, five are keep him out an additional four weeks while Gil Delorme’s shoulder injury directly or indirectly related to sports betting: Bally, FanDuel, PointsBet, would sideline him for another week. In Quebec, Guy Lafleur’s broken MGM Resorts and William Hill. cheekbone, suffered two weeks previously, would require another three- The NFL has a very specific injury-reporting protocol: Leading up to to-four weeks of recovery time. And in Toronto, Wendel Clark’s early game day on Sunday they list active and inactive players hours before January knee injury was going to keep him out for the rest of the season kickoff. while Tom Fergus was day-to-day with a groin injury. Morrison’s prediction? Over the past three decades, the NHL evolved from a policy of genuine disclosure to disappear down the rabbit hole of upper and lower body “All these gambling sites are eventually just going to tell them ‘Those vagueness. days are done, my friends.’ That’s just not going to fly in that world. I think it will evolve fairly quickly – that there’s going to be a lot more roster With the 2021 playoffs on the horizon, the injury waters will only get and injury disclosure. Now, just how specific will they have to get with the muddier. injuries? That part, I don’t know. But I would have to think that the term Question: With so much of the NHL’s hope for enhanced revenue would have to be a lot more specific.” streams tied to corporate partnerships involving the gaming industry, can But Daly says, thus far anyway, there hasn’t been any pressure from the the practice continue as is? Or will it need to be amended? NHL’s new gaming industry partners to change the way they treat injury Let’s examine the evolution and where things might eventually go. disclosure. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly joined the NHL in 1997, at a time “We’re probably two-plus years into that business, and as far as I know, when the policy of genuine injury disclosure was theoretically still in we’ve never even received a request from any of those companies with place, though it had become a divisive issue internally and that was respect to injury disclosure,” Daly said. “That question has come up made clear to Daly almost from the moment he assumed office. repeatedly, but to this point, there has been zero pressure and zero inquiries from any of the sports betting companies that we do business “When I joined the league, we still had a policy that required clubs to with, with respect to changing our injury disclosure policy.” disclose injuries – although I would tell you, it was …” Joe Asher, the former CEO of William Hill US, sat beside NHL In the meantime, the PHWA continues to advocate for a change in the commissioner at the March 2019 announcement of the NHL’s injury disclosure policy. Frank Seravalli, the current PHWA strategic partnership between the two at the American Gaming president, said his organization has pressed Daly six or seven times. Association sports betting summit. “They’ve put it to the general managers. They’ve asked the question, and “When we did the deal with the NHL, I remember the press conference. they say, the GMs have no interest in revealing more information, which Somebody asked Bettman about injuries and I’ll never forget his answer. is not a surprise to me or you,” Seravalli said. He said, ‘We’re transparent about not being transparent,’” said Asher. “And I thought that was a great answer. “What’s only surprising to me, in terms of how the league does its business, is it relies on what the teams want, rather than say, ‘this is “The key thing is, you don’t want a situation where some people have what’s in the betterment of the league.’ They always allow teams to information and other people don’t. If there’s no information and dictate what they want to do and I really think it should be the other way everybody’s operating without information, that’s fine. The current way around. Media access, all kinds of things like that, it comes down to club they do it has never been an issue for us. Either you want nobody to discretion. Why are the inmates running the asylum?” have it or everybody to have access to it.” The Athletic LOADED: 05.13.2021 Howard Stutz, the long-time executive editor of CDC Gaming Reports believes that as hockey’s footprint expands, there may be more pressure exerted on the league by its partners to be more forthcoming in its injury reports. “When Erik Haula got hurt for the Knights a few years ago, he blew out his knee. He was carried off the ice and it was very clear what happened,” said Stutz. “It was rumored by everybody that he had knee surgery, but all the Knights reported was, ‘lower body injury, day-to-day.’ Really?” Stutz is based in Las Vegas and noted how odd it was that the first details about what was keeping goaltender Robin Lehner out of the lineup for an extended period mid-season came from Lehner himself, via a Zoom call. At the moment, betting on NHL represents a tiny fraction of the dollars bet on other major sports in the U.S., particularly the NFL, the NBA and college basketball. But Stutz believes that as sports betting gets a foothold in Canada, where interest in the NHL is far greater, that may ultimately have an impact on injury disclosure. “Sports betting is live and active in 21 states and in Washington, D.C., and there’s another six states launching,” said Stutz. “Now, Canada is looking to legalize sports betting, that may happen this year. And I think Canada would have a much higher percentage of people wagering on hockey. So maybe that will be the impetus to change their injury policy.” Three years ago, the United States Supreme Court struck down PASPA (the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992), which opened the door for increases in the dollar amount and the variety of sports betting. In time, there is a belief that the NHL’s increasing use of individual player tracking data could be utilized as the basis for more prop bets. For example, Auston Matthews was the top goal scorer in the NHL this year but there was a period when his goal-scoring totals fell off as he played through a wrist injury and eventually left the lineup. If prop bets become an important part of the gaming experience, might that put pressure on the league to disclose injuries on a more specific basis? “My view on that is: You know what the rules are,” said Daly. “You know there is no obligation to disclose injuries so isn’t it, buyer beware? Isn’t there some obligation to understand what the trends are and that Auston Matthews isn’t scoring at the same rate he used to score at, and quite frankly, doesn’t that go into the odds you’re getting on that particular bet? It’s all relevant. I don’t see why there’s a need necessarily for precise information to fuel the business. The business adjusts to the information that’s available.” The NHL already focuses a lot of internal resources on fantasy hockey. One issue the league ran into this past year was the number of coaches who balked at naming a starting goaltender hours before the game, on the grounds that the knowledge might give an opponent a competitive advantage — knowing who is between the pipes. Daly noted that the NHL’s involvement in fantasy hockey “has been around a lot longer than our association with gaming companies, what matters to us is the game on the ice. That’s got to be the first and foremost concern for us and always has been.” Daly added one caveat, however: To make tweaks or changes to fuel other revenue opportunities would only occur, “if it’s a fairly big one” and cited as an example the internal league dialogue over advertising on jerseys. “That’s always been sacrosanct and it’s been important, particularly for the commissioner,” said Daly. “He always felt strongly about it. For him, it’s always been a case of, is the opportunity such that I have to overcome my concerns? I suppose that’s kind of the same equation.” Websites “We’re just trying to use these last couple of games to figure out how we 1188252 can play and be effective as a line.”

Whether or not McDavid and Draisaitl are employed on the same unit or Sportsnet.ca / Oilers continue to check off boxes as regular season separate lines versus Winnipeg, a third line that can produce the odd comes to an end goal and at least neutralize Adam Lowry’s line will be a big story in this series.

• How’s Tyson Barrie doing? Check! Mark Spector With another two assists Wednesday — unless Cale Makar goes wild in Colorado — Barrie will lead all NHL defencemen in points this season. He has 8-40-48, which is more than any other player — forward or If you missed that rare, midweek, afternoon start in the Mountain time defenceman — on a new team this season. zone on Wednesday, allow Edmonton Oilers head coach Dave Tippett to summarize it for you. When’s the last time a team had the top two NHL scorers and the leading defenceman? How about 1985? “Sloppy, nobody got hurt, and we got two points. Other than that it was good.” • Darnell Nurse. OK, we’ll say it: He reminds us of a 25-year-old Alex Pietrangelo. We could spend the next 800 words or so describing a meaningless game between two teams that have their playoff matchups set, but if Nurse’s plus-29 is tied for tops among all NHL players, second only to games like this are your thing we’ll point you towards a season-ending Draisaitl at plus-31. He has taken a huge step this season: he’s a Top 15 series between Calgary and Vancouver that will mercifully unfold in the scorer among NHL blueliners; fourth in the NHL in ice time at 25:42 per soap opera time slots next week. night; and he’s a big part of a Top 10 penalty kill. He rang a shot off the post late in Wednesday’s game that would have been his 17th goal, a This one ended on a lovely Leon Draisaitl feed in overtime, deposited sign that the offensive awareness we always wondered about has finally home by Dominik Kahun, who could barely believe his ears when he arrived. heard his name called for the opening faceoff of overtime. That shift is generally occupied by one Connor McDavid. • Goaltending? Well, the starter seems fine… “I was thinking my game was probably over. Then my coach said I’m If Mike Smith gets Game No. 56 off, this will be the second best season going out with Leon,” chuckled Kahun, who scored just 27 seconds into of his 15-year career, a decade after his best season in Arizona. We OT for Edmonton’s second straight overtime win over the Canadiens. “It never thought we’d be saying this as the playoffs open, but the Oilers gives me confidence when pucks go in.” have the best goaltender in the North this season. Why use Kahun ahead of McDavid in overtime? Smith’s .923 saves percentage ranks fifth among NHL starters. His 2.31 goals against average is sixth, and both numbers are better than any “Why not?” asked Tippett. “We were looking for a little German magic goalie in the North — including Round 1 opponent and reigning Vezina there, and they came through.” winner Connor Hellebuyck (.915, 2.60). Fantasy Hockey Playoffs Bracket Oilers fans had their hearts in their throats when he appeared to get Think you know how this year's playoffs will unfold? Before every round, injured in a crease collision Wednesday, but Tippett shrugged it off. from Round 1 to the Stanley Cup Final, predict the winners and number “Ah, he just got some snow in his eye. He’s all right.” of games for each series and answer a few prop questions. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.13.2021 ENTER NOW So Edmonton wins, and closes out their regular season with seven consecutive road wins, something this franchise has not done since 1987. It can’t hurt going into the playoffs on a heater, nor can six consecutive wins over their Round 1 opponent, the Winnipeg Jets. Look — on its own, none of that stuff is worth anything come playoff time. But this time of year is about ticking off the boxes. Are we confident on the road? Check. How are the special teams? Check. Do we have a third line coming along? Check. So, let’s look at a few of those boxes, as Edmonton closes out what has been a fantastic regular season, ranked 10th in the NHL in winning percentage (.655). • Special teams: With a two-for-three afternoon in Montreal, the Oilers pulled clear of the pack, topping the NHL with a 28.1 per cent power play unit. The penalty kill, meanwhile, is Top 10 at 82.2 per cent, and best in the North. • McDavid and Draisaitl cruise into game No. 56 with seven consecutive multi-point games each. They’ll finish one-two in the NHL scoring race this season, and McDavid will very likely have more assists than any other player — except Draisaitl — has points. “From experience, your top players are going to have to be your top players going into the playoffs," said Alex Chiasson. "We’re not too worried about that.” • How about having a third line that’s coming together, with 21-year-old Ryan McLeod centering a couple of playoff war horses in Chiasson (29) and James Neal (32)? “I feel like me and Nealer have always played well together. We understand the game and how each other plays. We know where to go,” Chiasson said, on a night when his line produced another even strength goal. “Then add in McLeod in the middle. He plays a really mature game for a guy who doesn’t have a lot of experience in this league. Websites Andersen chalked up the goals to “some weird plays and some 1188253 unfortunate bounces.”

“Maybe that’s rust. Maybe I could do a few things differently [and] those Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs' Andersen feeling confident despite loss in would be saves, but overall felt really good,” Andersen said. “I felt like I return from injury was moving really well. Felt confident out there making some plays. Just calm in the net.”

To be fair, the Leafs in front of Andersen were playing cautious. Probably Luke Fox too calm. “Just no life, no energy,” Jake Muzzin said. Is this how it ends? Surely, the mind cannot help but wander to Game 1. Self-preservation is natural. With a whimper, not a bang? “That's the biggest mental hurdle right now,” Keefe said. “Guys want to With not the slightest hint of controversy? play well; they want to win the game. But our guys know what's around Without a single fan in attendance to chant “Fred-die!”? the corner here, and nobody wants to be going into it too banged up. So, you're a little shy on everything that you're doing and you're just not quite With the name “Rittich” — a goaltender who didn’t so much as dress into it mentally. But it's a 56-game season and we're only through 55. Wednesday night — trending on Toronto Twitter, for goodness sakes? “We don't have the [cap] flexibility to be able to make sweeping changes While we are certainly not ready to proclaim the Frederik Andersen’s and sit multiple people. We've got to find a way to stay in it mentally Maple Leafs era over before the puck drops on the post-season — enough to make sure that we don't let our guard down. That's when bad playoff runs can unravel best-laid goalie plans faster than you say “Jake things tend to happen, injuries and such.” Oettinger” — there is no doubt that for the first Leafs series in five years, the crease will no longer be Andersen’s to lose. Home of the Leafs Making his first NHL appearance in 60 days, the 31-year-old’s Yes, Keefe only need look at his goaltender to see the toll injuries and rehabilitation pitch was the most meaningful story in the otherwise such can exact. meaningless game. During his five regular seasons in Toronto, Andersen has started 267 Andersen and the organization have gone to great lengths to set him up games, faced 8,466 shots, made 7,740 saves, and stood in that crease as best as possible for success when he is called upon. for 12,625 minutes. Only Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg has seen more work during that span. First, GM Kyle Dubas first made use of an AHL conditioning stint with the Marlies. Then he stretched the salary cap to its limit (and sacrificed game So, no, Andersen’s Leafs days won’t end like this. If anything, they’ll end reps for skaters Rasmus Sandin, Zach Hyman and Riley Nash) in order with more labour — even if that’s behind the scenes. to accommodate one last regular-season NHL start for Andersen, an “Just keep working in practice, like I have been,” Andersen said of his overworked anchor in this city for half a decade. next step. Andersen allowed four goals on 28 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss to the “I’m looking forward to this journey with this team. Every day is fun to be Ottawa Senators, who squashed the Leafs’ Presidents’ Trophy bid and around this team and battle with the guys. Everyone can do their best deserved full marks for riding out their season on a high note. and contribute. That’s what I’m going to keep doing.” “He got through the game. He moved well. I would say that's what stood Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.13.2021 out,” coach Sheldon Keefe assessed. “That's really what the game was about is just getting him through the 60 minutes and feeling good. By all accounts, it seems that that was the case.” Andersen finishes 2020-21, his critical UFA contract season, with a 13-8- 3 record, 2.96 goals-against average, and .895 save percentage. All these numbers are career worsts. There is no more runway to get Andersen’s knee feeling strong and get the goaltender feeling confident – two intertwined goals since his mid- March hiatus. If he appears in a Maple Leafs net again, it’ll be under the bright lights of a pressurized playoff series. For the first time in Andersen’s tenure, Toronto will be a heavy favourite when it opens its series versus Montreal at home next week. And for once, the defence deployed in front of the Leafs’ crease will rank among the league’s best. Yet it appears only a significant stumble from Jack Campbell — seizing the No. 1 role with a franchise-record-breaking 17-2-2 record and a sparkling .923 save percentage — will pave the way for an Andersen redemption tale. “He's put in so much work. We've witnessed it every single day at the rink, just to get himself prepared and back as healthy as possible to obviously get in the net and get a feel for it,” said close friend Auston Matthews. “I thought he played really, really well tonight. At times, we weren't good enough for him. We didn't really give him, on a couple of those, that's purely on us. I thought he looked good. He looked confident. I think that's all you can really ask for from a big piece like him for this team.” Former Leafs Nikita Zaitsev (a screened point blast) and Connor Brown (a hardworking shorthanded strike, his NHL-best fifth) solved Andersen with excusable goals. But rookie call-up Parker Kelly, making his NHL debut, beat him from a tough angle, and Josh Norris twisted the knife nine seconds into OT. Remaining Time -5:00 Andersen still trying to find his form Websites and only because they’d be able to make it home before Quebec’s 1188254 9:30pm Covid curfew kicked in.

All to say this has been hard. Harder than any of us can possibly Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens happy to put regular season to rest, recharge imagine, no matter what we’ve all personally been through since this for playoffs wretched uninvited guest took residence in our lives. It was hard for Ducharme, who repeated he’d always dreamed of coaching the Canadiens but not ascending to the job in the way he did. Eric Engels There’s not a chance he envisioned doing his tasks under these conditions—without being able to hold practice over consecutive days and without being able to push the players in a way he might have under MONTREAL — Just like that, this Montreal Canadiens regular season normal circumstances. was put to bed, 118 days after it began with a six-game road trip across “At a certain point, towards the end, I found that the guys were taking it,” the country, laid to rest by a forgettable game that ran from 5pm to 7:29 he said, “but I had to pick my spots on when to push because you could p.m. ET and served as a mercy cry for all involved. see in their eyes there was only so much to take.” One of the shortest campaigns in NHL history felt excruciatingly long, 31 Thoughts: The Podcast and no one involved in it will miss it now that it’s gone. Least of all me, who spent almost as much time writing about the salary cap, emergency Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey recall and coronavirus protocols as I did the team on the ice. world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what they think about it. About the Canadiens, who pushed through the bumps and bruises, the brain-tickling nasal swabs, the four trips through Western Canada, the The Canadiens lost more than they wanted to, and certainly more than brush with Covid-19 that shut them down for a week, the nine-to-10- they deserved to. But even if they bent a lot, they never broke, and they game series against each of the six other Canadian teams in empty found a way to collect enough points to realize their first goal. buildings, the sacrificed social lives, the pandemic blues and having to run through the gauntlet of their end-of-season schedule without several In the process, Nick Suzuki became a better player than the one who of their most important players: they extended their winless streak to five started the season. He finished it with two goals on Wednesday, bringing games with a 4-3 overtime loss to Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and a his total to 15 goals and 41 points, which was a nice bump from 13 goals fully-dressed Edmonton Oilers team. and 41 points in 71 games of his rookie season a year ago. Did you expect something different with battered players Tyler Toffoli, Suzuki struggled coming out of the pause, but overcame to post 14 Josh Anderson, Eric Staal, Jeff Petry, Joel Edmundson and Jake Allen points over his last 11 games. joining Carey Price (concussion), Shea Weber (upper-body injury) “Definitely has been a grind, especially when we had that week off and Brendan Gallagher (fractured thumb), Phillip Danault (concussion) and the games got even tighter,” the 21-year-old said. “So, I was just trying to Jonathan Drouin (personal leave) on the sidelines? learn how to prepare myself for each game, do the right things after each With respect to Jesse Ylönen (playing his first NHL game), Alex Belzile game to feel better the next day so it doesn’t catch up to you.” (playing his second NHL game), Cayden Primeau (playing his sixth NHL Cole Caufield had a baptism by fire with that process. The 20-year-old game) and the defensive depth triumvirate of Jon Merrill, Erik Gustafsson signed out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, immediately burned and Xavier Ouellet, neither did I. the first year of his entry-level contract, tore it up over two games in the This team, as it was constructed, will most likely, with the exception of American Hockey League, stepped onto a plane to Edmonton to embark Drouin, finally be intact again next week when the Stanley Cup Playoffs on his first-ever big-league road trip, debuted in the league after a few begin. And for as much as I’d like to wax philosophical on what the last practices, scored back-to-back overtime winners and collected a $25,000 five games meant—with the Canadiens bearing little to no resemblance bonus for appearing in his 10th game on Wednesday. to what they’re supposed to be — I’m failing to see the connection Caufield scored the opening goal and assisted on the team’s second one between them and the ones that come next. from Suzuki, bringing his totals to four goals and an assist. This was his These games are indicative of nothing, and predictive of even less. best game - one that everyone should take with a grain of salt because, as Ducharme said, it wasn’t really played with NHL intensity — but he got “We’re getting ready for Game 1 of the playoffs,” said Canadiens coach better with each one prior and proved he can be an option come playoff Dominique Ducharme, “and this has no impact on where we’re heading.” time. How much of what we saw over 56 games will? “I feel pretty comfortable out there,” Caufield said. Through the first 10, the Canadiens showed us what they could be at One would expect he’ll be more and more comfortable with some much- their best, when they were excited, fresh and ready to play as GM Marc needed rest between now and Saturday and some valuable practice time Bergevin described them before the season — a team that “means between the weekend and when the Canadiens will begin their first-round business,” is “here to win,” and capable of “playing any way you want to series against the North Division champion Toronto Maple Leafs. play.” Same goes for every Canadiens player who slogged through this Then they slammed it into reverse, fell into some habits that resembled unprecedented season. the failings of last season and cost Claude Julien, Kirk Muller and Stephane Waite their jobs. I say good riddance to it. Let the fun part begin! Ducharme took over for Julien, Alex Burrows for Muller and Sean Burke Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.13.2021 for Waite, and right as the team appeared to be applying what the new coaches had instituted as a completely revamped system, Joel Armia caught a variant of Covid-19 and the NHL unplugged the Canadiens and rejigged their schedule to have them finish the season with 25 games in 44 days. Gallagher’s loss, in the team’s fourth game back from break, was devastating. The injured list continuing to expand, a series of trade deadline moves handcuffing Ducharme from dressing his best lineup and the unrelenting schedule was torturous. “I don’t think any of us will ever go through a stretch of hockey like this again,” said Ben Chiarot, who returned from a broken hand to play the final 16 games over 25 nights. “Everything about this year’s been unique, and this last stretch has been exactly that. It’s been unique, and a ton of hockey. “It almost felt like we lived at the Bell Centre.” An empty home that, on this final afternoon/evening, had players' wives and children in it for the first time since the puck dropped in January — Websites Benning in March: “(Travis) has kind of, you know, had these young 1188255 players for the last three years here, four years, and he's grown them to where they're at. I'm not looking to make a coaching change. My feeling on Travis is we really like him (and) he's done a good job with this group. Sportsnet.ca / Canucks taking risk with Green despite steering ship I'm not going to comment on coaching negotiations, but it's something through turbulent year that we would like to get done moving forward.” Highmore and Canucks officially eliminated but still have tons to play for But Green and his staff, including goaltending jedi master Ian Clark, are still without contracts for next season because of what Benning has Canucks' Matthew Highmore and Travis Green discuss the mindset described several times as the financial “holding pattern” the Canucks heading into the rest of their really busy season, after officially being are in during the NHL’s coronavirus-induced depression. eliminated from playoff contention, players want to play, and still feel like there's lots to play for. The prospect of losing many millions this year and possibly next has led to widespread staff reductions within the organization during the pandemic season. Managing partner Francesco Aquilini’s determination Iain MacIntyre tMay 12, 2021, 1:26 PM to defer as much spending as possible is reflected in back-loaded player contracts that, according to CapFriendly.com, will see the Canucks pay nearly $12 million less in actual salaries this season than the salary cap’s $81.5-million limit. VANCOUVER – The elephant in the room has turned into a circus. Amid this dire financial climate, retrenchment by owners is Vancouver Canucks coach Travis Green, marooned on an expiring understandable. The Canucks are not the only team that has downsized. contract without an extension for next season, broke his silence Tuesday Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour has reportedly solved his on his employment status but only to explain that he is a better coach impasse with ownership, but only by accepting a $1.8-million average now than when he came to the National Hockey League team four years salary on his three-year extension that is at least $1 million less than ago. what a lot of people figured he would get. “I think every year has its own challenges,” Green told reporters before Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and others have reported that some NHL the Canucks, freshly eliminated from the playoff race, crashed 5-0 to the teams are trying to push back salaries for head coaches after the period Winnipeg Jets. “We came into the season and you're always hoping for of inflation that followed the Toronto Maple Leafs’ stunning presentation good things. It hasn't gone the way we wanted. But you learn from of a $50-million contract to Mike Babcock in 2015. everything. I think every year you coach you have an opportunity to improve as a coach, and I know over the years in Vancouver, I've But the Canucks are risking a lot long-term by not re-signing Green. improved every year and become a better coach every season. And this year is no different. 31 Thoughts: The Podcast “When you go through challenges and you go through adversity, Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey sometimes you grow even more in those situations than when you're world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what having success. And when I look back at the season ... I know I'll be able they think about it. to look back and say, 'You know, I'm a much better coach today than I The pay raise that Green has earned from his entry-level head coaching was coming into this season.'” salary of about $1 million barely registers as an expense in a billion-dollar And, yet, here we are. company like the Canucks. Obviously, it also costs nothing against the cap. After inheriting a 29th-place, 69-point team in 2017 and taking it three years later into the playoff bubble last summer where the Canucks had Move on to the cost of assistant coaches whose salaries are a small their first post-season success since 2011, Green and his entire staff of fraction of the head coach’s, and the Canucks’ potential “savings” are assistants are about to become coaching free agents. infinitesimal. Benning just committed $25 million over the next five years to starting goalie Thatcher Demko. Isn’t it worth boosting Clark’s salary Remaining Time -1:10 by, say, another $100,000 or so annually — roughly two per cent of Demko’s pay — to retain the goaltending coach who helped build him? How Green grades young Canucks players Put another way, what do you think Clark would be worth as a free agent There are a lot of ways to judge a coach besides wins and losses, and to the Calgary Flames, who signed former Canucks starter Jacob Green’s teams have opened him to criticism even as they improved until Markstrom to a $36-million contract last fall only to discover he’s not the this season. same goalie without his tutor? Since Green replaced , the Canucks have been porous As with good players, the nearer good coaches get to free agency, the defensively. Special teams have been, on the whole, mediocre. With less likely they are to return. The best coaches possess value mightily everything including the global health crisis stacked against the Canucks greater than what their cap-excluded salaries indicate. this year, it’s difficult to know how to judge them beyond the obvious Since the cap-related roster upheaval the Canucks underwent last fall conclusion that Vancouver has slipped backwards for the first time since was one of the first contributing factors to what has turned into a Green arrived. disastrous season in Vancouver, it seems some continuity with the staff, But ask yourself this: Has the head coach squeezed everything he can and a head coach who even the general manager agrees is the right man from the players he has been given over four seasons? The answer is for the job, has a lot of value to it. emphatically, consistently “yes.” It certainly would have value to the players who mostly like Green, universally respect him and continue to play hard for him. Green has built Green is still doing it, working to keep players engaged and battling. In relationships with these players, established trust while overseeing the their three games before Tuesday, the Canucks beat both the Jets and development of young cornerstones Demko, Bo Horvat, Elias Pettersson, Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers. Quinn Hughes and Brock Boeser. The gigantic COVID-19 outbreak, a debilitating schedule and injuries to a roster that wasn’t good enough to begin with made it impossible for the The situation with the coaches is a bad look for the Canucks, and a lot of Canucks to do anything more than try to survive till the end of the people around the NHL can see it. season. But none of the players have quit on their coach. And how bad will it look if Green ends up down the road coaching the The bleak financial landscape that has prevented Green and his staff Seattle Kraken, while the Canucks search the bargain bin for someone from receiving contract extensions beyond this season has never fully who’s supposed to bring Pettersson and Hughes to full stardom? made sense, and feels ominous now that the coach is potentially down to Probably worse than it looks seeing ex-Canuck Tyler Toffoli, the prized his final five games. forward who wanted to stay in Vancouver but somehow got away in free Although his deal expires in June, Green’s last game under contract is agency in October, sitting on 28 goals and about to start the playoffs with May 19. the Montreal Canadiens. General manager has said numerous times since last Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.13.2021 season ended that he likes the work Green has done, believes he’s the right coach for the Canucks and wants to re-sign him. 1188256 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / NHL could support women’s league if PWHPA, NWHL work together

Jeff Marek May 12, 2021, 10:54 PM

The NHL informed both the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association and the National Women’s Hockey League that it is not in position to operate a women’s league in the foreseeable future, but also indicated that if the two entities come together with a plan, the league would be inclined to participate. It is unknown at this time what that level or nature of involvement would be from the NHL. This is consistent with recent comments by NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly on the March 22 edition of . “We’re very supportive of the women’s game, we’re supportive of it being played at an elite level, the highest level,” Daly said. “But we also understand that to some extent that women’s hockey at its elite level is somewhat fractured, continues to be somewhat fractured and that’s a situation that I’m sure will remedy itself with time. But our position is let it remedy itself and then we can evaluate what that means and how we move forward.” Sources say that NWHL Commissioner Tyler Tumminia and PWHPA Operations Consultant Jayna Hefford have held discussions about what a partnership could look like and how it could work. These conversations will determine what next steps will be for all parties involved. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188257 Websites Remaining Time -1:12 Why Senators' Smith sees the Worlds as great opportunity for Brown &

Paul Sportsnet.ca / Breaking down how the Senators' young roster could look Forward thinking: in 2021-22 One of the key developments of the latter half of the season has been

the establishment of Ottawa’s top line of Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris and Wayne Scanlan May 12, 2021, 12:47 PM Drake Batherson. Two of the three, Tkachuk and Batherson, need new contracts as they are pending restricted free agents. It’s remarkable to see the three of them with virtually the same goal/point totals — 17/35 for Tkachuk, 16/34 Norris and 17/34 Batherson. All three are capable of The Ottawa Senators will close out their season the same way it began -- making plays and pulling the trigger. with a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Of the potential four lines for next fall, this is the most likely to start the A lot has changed since Jan. 15. The optimism and euphoria of that season together. And the most important factors that made it happen? opening night, 5-3 victory over Toronto, led by the goaltending of Matt One, the progress of Norris from a maybe-second-or-third line centre into Murray, was short lived. A 2-12-1 run over the first month was too big a a legitimate No. 1. And two, the explosion of Batherson as a goal scorer hole to overcome. at the NHL level. Prior to this season, Batherson was a three-goals-in-20- And yet, a funny thing happened on the way to playoff elimination. Fans games kind of guy — he had that scoreline in 2018-19 and then three in in Ottawa grew MORE optimistic, not less, about their team and its 23 games in 2019-20. future. For Batherson to jump to 17 goals in 55 games projects to a 25-goal A viral video this week of kids in Ottawa tossing hats into the backyard of season in a regular 82-game schedule. And because Norris and Tkachuk rookie winger Tim Stützle to salute his first NHL hat trick (in Winnipeg) have similar numbers, they project to similar territory. was a convenient symbol of the growing affection fans have for the Now, add in the fact that Norris and Tkachuk are 22 and Batherson just Senators young guns. turned 23 and it’s easy to see why fans are excited about Ottawa’s top An infusion of youth, particularly since the April 12 trade deadline, has forward line and the potential for it to be even better next season than it energized their roster and this community, all while turning the Senators is today. into one of the hottest teams in the NHL. How much of that late run was Call on Line 2: Fool’s Gold, in games that held no pressure or significance beyond young players getting established in the league? Things can change by the fall, but the Senators' top six looks fairly set. Smith seems enamoured, for now, of a second line comprising the two Fantasy Hockey Playoffs Bracket kids — Tim Stützle and Shane Pinto — with Connor Brown, an Think you know how this year's playoffs will unfold? Before every round, established veteran who took his game to another level this season and from Round 1 to the Stanley Cup Final, predict the winners and number leads the Senators with 20 goals heading into the final game. of games for each series and answer a few prop questions. Look for Stützle to be physically stronger in his sophomore season after ENTER NOW a summer of training. Pinto already plays like a man, but both players need room to grow as pros, and that means there will be learning pains. That is hard to say. In a way, it doesn’t really matter. Hockey teams The Senators seem to have abandoned the idea of moving Stützle back barely carry any momentum from one game to the next, let alone one to his natural centre position. That could still happen in a year or two, but season to another. So, while the Senators might not exactly pick up with his speed and creativity, even from the wing position, the thinking is where they left off, on a 7-2-1 roll heading into the 2020-21 finale, they to just let him wheel and score -- while the two-way players like Pinto have given the organization a lot to think about as a wave of new and hold down the middle, monitor opposing centres and win faceoffs. relatively new prospects have showcased their talent on an NHL stage -- from Shane Pinto and Alex Formenton, to Jacob Bernard-Docker, Erik Letting Timmy be Timmy seems like a great way to go. Brannstrom and Victor Mete. Remaining Time -1:00 Ottawa’s season comes to an abrupt halt with Wednesday’s Sportsnet Stützle says the best part of his hat trick was that Senators won broadcast of the Leafs vs. the Senators, but in truth the fan base has been looking ahead to next season for the past month or so. Bottom six can mix: Sketching out depth charts has become a popular pandemic activity in Typical of any NHL roster, the bottom six situation is going to be more the Nation’s Capital. fluid. Versatile players like Masterton nominee Nick Paul and Colin White can move up and down the lineup as needed and there could be roster Hey, what else can we do until the province opens up its golf courses changes. White is overpaid at $4.75 million, which means he could be left again? exposed in the expansion draft. Ditto for centre Chris Tierney at $3.5 Some potential line combos and defence pairings for training camp, with million, but for just one more year. Dorion could add a depth forward over the proviso that general manager Pierre Dorion is likely to add a piece or the summer. two over the summer: Mister Breakaway, Alex Formenton, has been a revelation with his speed Forwards and penalty-killing ability. He has played just 29 NHL games and has upside to go with those sweet wheels. Brady Tkachuk - Josh Norris - Drake Batherson Coach Smith will be glad to get tough Austin Watson back from his hand Tim Stützle - Shane Pinto - Connor Brown injury in the fall. He blocks shots, answers challenges and stands up for all the kids in the lineup. Nick Paul - Colin White - Evgenii Dadonov A prospect like centre Ridly Greig could get a look as an energy player, Alex Formenton - Chris Tierney - Austin Watson although he could use a year in the AHL to develop. Logan Brown, a first- round pick in 2016, and a pending RFA, may have run out of F Wild Cards: Ridly Greig, Egor Sokolov, Logan Brown opportunities with this organization and will likely move on. Brown’s only Defence NHL game this season comes in Wednesday’s finale. Thomas Chabot - Nikita Zaitsev Top Belleville scorers this season, wingers Egor Sokolov and Vitaly Abramov, will try to win a spot in camp but will be in tough. Winger Angus Erik Brannstrom - Artem Zub Crookshank has also impressed the organization in his 15 games with Belleville. Victor Mete - Jacob Bernard-Docker How things have changed. Belleville used to be chock full of future D Wild Cards: Jake Sanderson, Josh Brown Senators — Norris, Batherson, Formenton, Brannstrom, etc. Now they Goaltenders are almost all in Ottawa. Matt Murray - Anton Forsberg Case for the defence: G Wild Cards: Filip Gustavsson, Joey Daccord, Mads Sogaard Is next year the time when Jacob Bernard-Docker steps in as a partner for Thomas Chabot, or does Nikita Zaitsev hold down that role for one more year? Jake Sanderson, JBD’s teammate at the University of North Dakota, is going to be a huge piece of Ottawa’s future, but is committed to UND for another season. Don’t be surprised to see him with the Senators by next spring. Where will Victor Mete fit in? There’s a sentence we didn’t expect to write. Yet, Mete came over on waivers from Montreal and has played very well. Mete and Brannstrom have similar styles and both are undersized. Is there room for both? That depends on whether Dorion adds another experienced defenceman in the off-season. Eyes rolled among the fan base when he picked up veterans like Braydon Coburn and Erik Gudbranson last year, but those D-men served a purpose, giving the younger defencemen a chance to ease into the league before stepping up after the trade deadline. Remaining Time -0:40 Expect Senators to play hard in final game against full Leafs' lineup Will there be peace in goal? The Senators might be planning for the playoffs right now if they had had the kind of goaltending in January that they found in April and May. Murray did bounce back from injuries and a terrible start to look like a legitimate No. 1 in his five April appearances (.954 save percentage, 1.37 goals-against average, with two shutouts) before getting hurt again. Stabilizing Murray is the most important need for this team next fall. And yet, his stumbles may have been a blessing in disguise. It enabled the organization to pick up Forsberg on waivers, a useful, experienced backup. Even more importantly, prospects Joey Daccord and Filip Gustavsson both impressed in their sudden opportunities at the NHL level, when Murray and Marcus Hogberg got hurt. A Daccord injury put the focus squarely on Gustavsson, who has been outstanding. It will be fascinating to see which goalies are protected in the expansion draft and whether or not Seattle opts for one of Ottawa’s tenders. Murray is expensive ($6.25 million for another three years), such that the contract might be protection enough. Hogberg is a pending RFA and not likely to return. On the youth front, Sogaard is Sooooo intriguing. Just 20 years old, Sogaard is a massive man at six-foot-seven, but with surprising mobility. Making the most of a late-season opportunity, Sogaard is 4-0-0 with a .921 save percentage and 2.45 goals-against average with the B-Sens in four starts. The Danish goalie, who was drafted out of the WHL (Medicine Hat) will likely continue to develop with Belleville next season. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.13.2021 Websites We all know what hell McDavid and Draisaitl hath wrought on the North 1188258 Division this season, but the two Leafs are pretty devastating in their own right. The percentage of goal output between those two players has made up for roughly a third of all Maple Leafs goals this season. Sportsnet.ca / A look at Mitch Marner's incredible 2021 season Where Mike Babcock was hesitant to use the two together (the idea Matthews, Marner have incredible connection being they could both drive a line), Sheldon Keefe has cashed in hard on the idea of one of the world’s best passers being paired with one of the The Hockey Central Panel break down the Toronto Maple Leafs world’s best shooters, which admittedly sounds obvious when phrased performance against the Montreal Canadiens and how special the that way. connection between Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner has become. The results have been unbelievable.

Marner has assisted on 25 of Matthews’ goals this season, which is the Justin Bourne May 12, 2021, 1:27 PM most goals assisted on by a single teammate this season. Matthews excels at finding soft spots, which is the perfect complement to There’s nothing sportswriters like more than calling attention to Marner’s poise and vision. something previously unnoticed, misunderstood, or misconceived. We’re Remaining Time -2:18 professional Well, actually-ists. Pick just about any topic and we delight in finding a twist. Oh, you thought having a lot of giveaways was bad? Marner racks up assists on Matthews' goals Well actually, the top-20 players in giveaways each year are almost always elite players. Last year’s “leader” was Mathew Barzal. It means They’ve combined on 40 goals through 54 games, which is the second- you have the puck a ton. most of any duo around the NHL. And as you’ll note from this list, there’s some good ones out there. Our draw to the Well Actually topics means you don’t see a lot of columns that say “Hey have you noticed that really great and widely This season Marner has averaged 1.24 points per game, which even celebrated player is really great and worthy of celebrating?” without adjusting for era just qualifies for a top-10 offensive all-time season for a Toronto Maple Leaf. It’s been a show. That void in direct attention leads to weird conversations like “You know who doesn’t get enough love for the season he’s having? Mitch Marner.” During this strange, condensed, fan-less NHL season, nothing was promised and nothing was predictable from player performance. Through Of course Marner gets enough credit for the season he’s having. For it all Marner has been one of the world’s best players, and one of the crying out loud, of course. It’s just that he gets so much that it’s identified driving engines powering the Leafs to their first division title in over 20 as something not really worth going into by sportswriters, because again, years. we get it, we know. With that attitude though, we can miss the chance to contextualize where an “obviously great” season really sits in comparison Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.13.2021 to the many great seasons being had around the NHL, or with that franchise. So, I say let’s do this. Marner’s having a great season. We know. But how great has it really been? First, try to ignore whatever the heck it is Connor McDavid is doing this season because it doesn’t even make sense. If you can bring your eyes and attention back down to Earth, Marner is currently fourth in NHL points, just ahead of such hobos as Nathan MacKinnon, Patrick Kane, and Sidney Crosby. He’s been a huge driver of the Maple Leafs’ vaunted offence (3.35 goals per game) which sits inside the league’s top-five and just a breath (0.01) outside the top-three. Marner has 67 points on 181 Maple Leafs goals (37 per cent), which as a percentage of team goals is the fifth-highest share this season. When the Leafs score, there’s a decent chance Marner’s had something to do with it. You don’t get into the top-five in NHL scoring without both consistency and some big outbursts, and his numbers reflect both. The consistency: Marner has a point in 40 of his 54 games played this season. His 40 games with at least a point are third-most in the NHL. And the outbursts: He has seven games with three-plus points this season, tied for fourth in the NHL. (Hey! I told you not to look at McDavid’s numbers. Eyes off the top line, those are for a thousand other stories.) A crazy fact about Marner’s statistical run this season: He has zero (0) power play goals. Zero! All 20 of his goals are even strength, and his 5- on-5 total of 17 goals is currently fourth in the NHL. That’s doing it the hard way. Not bad for a guy you just think of as solely a disher. What’s interesting about the package below is there’s at least a few goals that made me think “Man that’s not the fastest release,” but then he just … shoots it past the goalie. It’s to his credit that he creates himself opportunities that allow him time to get it off, because when he does, he’s awfully good at hitting his spot and scoring. And of course, when he has to get it off quick he’s able to, but for that to work he has to be in pretty tight. The point is, Marner’s excellent at creating what he needs to score. Remaining Time -1:13 Marner snipes goals for Maple Leafs Where his season has really gone from good to great has been in concert with the guy likely to finish second in Hart Trophy voting this season, Auston Matthews. Websites Think you know how this year's playoffs will unfold? Before every round, 1188259 from Round 1 to the Stanley Cup Final, predict the winners and number of games for each series and answer a few prop questions. Sportsnet.ca / Sportsnet’s 2021 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings: May ENTER NOW Edition 11. Fabian Lysell, RW, Frolunda Jr. (SWE): One of the most skilled players in the draft class, but also one of the most inconsistent. Sam Cosentino May 12, 2021, 10:55 AM 12. Jesper Wallstedt, G, Lulea (SHL): Drafting a goalie this high is always concerning. How long will development take and how far down the line can you project the position? But, if Spencer Knight is the template, have at it. With the World U18 having come to a close, and NHL teams with a little more certainty as to where they will be picking in the 2021 draft, it’s time 13. Fedor Svechkov, C, Togliatti (RUS): Possesses a great blend of top- to get down to business. notched skill with the ability to play responsibly in the neutral and defensive zones. Every scout will tell you that they must caution their assessments based on one short tournament. After all, the four medal teams played a grand 14. Aatu Raty, C, Karpat (Liiga): How much will teams weigh his 2021 total of seven games, the other four quarter-finalists played five games, season in the Liiga (just six points in 35 games) versus multiple strong while two teams played the minimum four preliminary round games. international events from years past? Anyone can see just how difficult it would be to place your future in the hands of seven or fewer live viewings. 15. Cole Sillinger, LW, Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL): At least one USHL coach referred to him as the top forward in the league, despite the fact he The flip side to that is the 2003-born players have had very few played 20 games fewer than most of the draft eligible competition. opportunities to show themselves against one another. This tournament provided that opportunity and that can’t be discounted. Further, it gave 16. Zachary Bolduc, C, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL): His skill set jumps many GMs and head scouts a chance to see the top 2003’s in-person as off the page immediately. This player may need additional seasoning opposed to the mass amount of video that has already been consumed. time, especially after being injured in 2021, but he can make plays and create offence consistently. Some leagues have been able to continue through playoffs, and there have been showcase events planned for further in-person viewing for 17. Samu Tuomaala, RW, Karpat Jr (FIN): A short, scoreless audition in scouts. The rumours are the CHL will host a showcase event in the Liiga notwithstanding, the smallish, energetic forward is a threat from Edmonton before the draft, but there’s still plenty of hurdles to jump the blue line in. before that becomes a reality. If that event comes to fruition, a handful of 18. Carson Lambos, D, Winnipeg Ice (QMJHL): It’s expected medical OHL players who didn’t get a season to strut their stuff, will get a mini issues are now in the rear view mirror and he can get back to being an two-game look. Regardless, the 2021 World U18 Championship was the all-situations stalwart when play begins next season. marquee scouting event of the year. 19. Xavier Bourgault, C, (QMJHL): An excellent Overall, when assessing this draft class, the narrative has not changed. finisher who works best in the offensive zone. An underrated playmaker, It’s defence heavy at the top end. After the first 10 picks, it can go a too. number of ways. If nothing else, the lead-up to the draft and the two-day event itself will be appointment viewing based on how random this thing 20. Nikita Chibrikov, RW, St. Petersburg (KHL): Smallish (5-foot-10, 172 may go. pounds) and skilled, he continues to progress. Wore the “C” for Team Russia at the U18’s and that did not go unnoticed. There’s plenty of work to still be done. In the meantime, here’s our May rankings. 31 Thoughts: The Podcast 1. Owen Power, D, U of Michigan (NCAA): Constantly amazed how agile Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey and light on his feet he is. Has a great frame to work with and there’s world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what plenty of room for growth. they think about it. 2. Matthew Beniers, C, U of Michigan (NCAA): Plays a complete game 21. Matthew Coronato, RW, Chicago Steel (USHL): Is considered one of and combines an excellent work ethic with fierce competitiveness. the top skaters in the class. A driver of play and not a sidecar on the best team in the league. 3. Brandt Clarke, D, Barrie Colts (OHL): Sees the game two steps ahead. Is terrific on the power play, but takes calculated risks to be part of the 22. Isak Rosen, RW, Leksand (SHL): There’s a power element in many offence at even strength too. phases of his game, be it getting off the mark or driving wide on the wing. 4. Simon Edvinsson, D, Frolunda Jr. (SWE): Aside from the obvious 23. Sebastian Cossa, G, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL): Issuing hall passes nationality connection, he won’t escape the Victor Hedman comparisons to any team that takes a goalie in the first round this year, and this year and those are legit based on where Hedman was at this time in 2009. only. Aside from that Cossa, a mass of humanity at 6-foot-6 and 212 pounds, is athletic, technically sound, and confident in his abilities. 5. Dylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL): Thinks the game at a high level and is constantly utilizing all resources to improve his game. 24. Daniil Chayka, D, Guelph Storm (OHL): Somewhat of a wildcard While offence is what jumps out, the proficiency in his game extends the based on a rollercoaster season, but he has size, skates well, has a length of the ice. bomb of a shot, and is still quite raw. 6. Kent Johnson, C, U of Michigan (NCAA): May be the best-in-class 25. Zachary Dean, C, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL): There’s not a when it comes to creativity and elusiveness with the puck on his stick. scout I’ve talked to who doesn’t love the way Dean approaches the game. Skill evaluation will determine how high up the draft board he 7. William Eklund, LW, Djurgarden (SWE): Of all the top Swedish goes. prospects, it was Eklund who maintained a regular shift in the SHL with consistent production from start to finish (23 points in 40 games). 26. Corson Ceulemans, D, Brooks (AJHL): Progressed well from the start of the U18s to the end, but at times he leaves you wanting more. 8. Luke Hughes, D, USNTDP: Skating and puck skills show top-pairing potential. Size (6-foot-2, 176 pounds) is an asset with his evolving 27. Simon Robertsson, RW, Skelleftea Jr. (SWE): Despite a lot of defensive side. movement between leagues and teams, his entire body of work paints a picture where a future third-line role is the absolute floor. 9. Mason McTavish, C, Peterborough Petes (OHL): Plays heavy and hard in every facet of the game. His great hockey sense makes him 28. Francesco Pinelli, C, (OHL): Produced through effective in all situations. some early adversity for Canada at the U18. If NHL teams project him to his natural centre position, he may end up going higher than this ranking. 10. Chaz Lucius, C, USNTDP: Missed out on a big opportunity at the U18s. Will his outstanding 12-game stint with the USNTDP after returning 29. Logan Stankoven, RW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL): In perpetual from injury be enough to keep him in the top half of the draft? motion, another smaller (5-foot-8, 170 pounds), energetic type who works well in-tight. Size will concern some. Fantasy Hockey Playoffs Bracket 30. Logan Mailloux, D, (OHL): With a season in Europe behind him, there’s plenty to like from an on-ice perspective. Big right shot defencemen who move well, skate well and play with bite, are a rarity and valued. 31. Brennan Othmann, LW, Flint Firebirds (OHL): Has been on a nice trajectory from transitioning from minor hockey to Flint, then through Switzerland, and finally as a standout for Canada’s gold medal-winning U18 team. 32. Ayrton Martino, LW, Omaha Lancers (USHL): A prolific scorer for Toronto in Tier II two years ago, Martino took his act to Omaha and didn’t miss a beat. His 56 points in 38 games led all USHL rookies. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.13.2021 Websites “Genevieve has been a pinnacle part of the program for a long period of 1188260 time,” said Pounder. “For her, she’ll surely be missed. She’s a player who brings a lot of spirit. She has the ability to go into a game cold and get the job done, as well as start.” TSN.CA / Plenty of surprises as Hockey Canada unveils invitees vying for women's Olympic team spots Campbell is somewhat of an unknown entity, at least on the international stage. She represented Canada at the 2015 IIHF U18 Women’s World While Hockey Canada’s centralization roster for the national women's Championship, making her lone appearance in the tournament in a 3-2 team boasts several big names, there are also notable omissions and win over Russia. inclusions – including a decidedly less experienced blueline and a goalie who has yet to suit up for Canada at the senior level –among the players But like many of her Canadian teammates, Campbell has not seen much trying out for the team that will compete at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. ice time in the past year. Her senior year with Wisconsin in 2020 was cut short due to the pandemic. She had joined the Badgers after being forced to transfer from North Dakota after the university dropped its women’s hockey program. By Meaghen Johnson “Heading into an Olympic year, you recognize that there are only going to be so many goalies involved and you recognize it’s going to be a Hockey Canada announced its Olympic centralization roster on challenge. It’s always going to be a fight,” said Pounder. Wednesday for the national women’s team, and there were plenty of Campbell, a native of Brandon, Man., thrived with the Badgers. In 2018 surprises. she was a top-10 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award, given annually to Twenty-eight players have been selected to assemble in Calgary this the best collegiate player in women’s hockey. The following year, she summer to begin preparation for the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing. The backstopped Wisconsin to the NCAA Championship. list includes three goaltenders, nine defencemen and 16 forwards. But Campbell has not had many opportunities to prove herself since her Fourteen of those players helped Canada earn silver at the 2018 collegiate career ended abruptly in 2020. She is currently a member of Olympics. Team Scotiabank in the Calgary region of PWHPA. Players and staff will relocate to Calgary in July to begin the Missing Patty Kazmaier winners centralization process and prepare for the upcoming IIHF Women’s World Hockey Championship, which is scheduled for Aug. 20-31 at a The three Canadians who have most recently won the Patty Kazmaier location still to be announced. The final Olympic roster is expected to be Award – presented annually to the top player in NCAA Division I revealed in December. women’s hockey – are not on the centralization roster: forwards Élizabeth Giguère, Loren Gabel and Daryl Watts. “Bringing our group together now is really a huge step forward,” Gina Kingsbury, the director of Canada’s women’s national team, told TSN. “It Watts and Gabel are especially noteworthy omissions. Watts, who was will give us the opportunity to build our team moving forward. We’re really the first freshman to ever win the Patty Kazmaier Award in 2018, was looking forward to that time together.” also one of the three finalists for the honour this year, ultimately losing to American goaltender Aerin Frankel. Watts led the nation this season with The selection process has been unique this year. Due to COVID-19, 1.71 points per game, and she scored the OT winner for Wisconsin in the there has been only one world championship since the 2018 Olympics (in NCAA championship game. 2019). Last year’s tournament was cancelled, and this year’s women’s worlds has been pushed back to August after originally being scheduled “She’s a prolific goal scorer. She has the ability to put the puck in the to be held in Halifax and Truro, N.S. this month. net,” said Pounder. “She’s a young player who I think has a great trajectory, especially in the offensive zone.” “It’s been a challenge for everyone involved,” said Kingsbury. “Obviously we’re not the only sport to have been impacted by the pandemic, but for Kingsbury told TSN’s Frank Seravalli in March that Hockey Canada had women’s hockey, it’s been a trial for the past couple of years.” had “[their] eye on Daryl for a while.” “In a lot of respects, I think the periodization of this whole process has “I’m cautiously optimistic because it is a different pace at a higher level, been thrown off by the pandemic,” said Cheryl Pounder, a two-time but we’re excited to see where she stacks up best-on-best with some of Olympic gold medallist and TSN hockey analyst. “It’s been difficult to the best players in the world,” Kingsbury said. assess and evaluate.” Gabel, who won the Patty Kazmaier Award in 2019, was Canada’s Many of Canada’s players have seen limited ice time over the past year, breakout star at the 2019 world championship. She was tied with Natalie with even fewer taking part in meaningful games – the exception being Spooner for the team lead with six goals, including two in the bronze- NCAA players. The Canadian teams in the Professional Women's medal match against Russia, which Canada won 7-0. She also featured Hockey Players Association have not played in more than a year due to for Canada at the 2019-20 Rivalry Series against the U.S., recording a the pandemic. The teams in Calgary, Toronto and Montreal are set to goal in the final game. play in a Canadian leg of the PWHPA’s Dream Gap Tour May 24-30 in Calgary. Gabel is Clarkson University’s all-time leading scorer with 116 goals and 213 points in 160 games. She also holds the school record for most There have been two camps held by Hockey Canada this year for player goals in a season, notching 40 in her senior year in 2018-19. evaluation. “They are young, and they do represent that offensive gift to put the puck “I do wish Hockey Canada was able to take more players, given the in the net,” Pounder said about Gabel and Watts. “They’re two players situation, because the evaluation process has been halted because of that I’m surprised were left off.” the lack of play and lack of meaningful competition over the last few years,” said Pounder. Pounder also noted the likelihood of this year’s evaluations camps being more heavily weighted than usual due to the lack of playing time, which While the roster boasts plenty of big names like Marie-Philip Poulin, could have also been a contributing factor in the decision to cut Watts Mélodie Daoust and Renata Fast, there are also several notable and Gabel. omissions and inclusions. Here are three of the biggest surprises. “The evaluation process was curbed, so a lot was dependent on these Kristen Campbell over Geneviève Lacasse particular camps,” she said. “When you’re putting a team together, you’re looking at combinations – who goes well together and what looks like it Kristen Campbell, 23, was one of the three goaltenders selected, along fits.” with Ann-Renée Desbiens and Emerance Maschmeyer. Campbell, who has yet to suit up for Canada at the senior level, was chosen over Absent veterans on defence veteran Geneviève Lacasse. Canada’s centralization roster is also missing several notable veterans Lacasse has almost a decade of experience at the international level. from the blueline: Laura Fortino, Brigette Lacquette and Lauriane She has won two Olympic medals, including gold at the 2014 Games in Rougeau. All three were part of the Olympic team that won silver in 2018. Sochi, and has taken home five world championship medals. Fortino has been a member of the senior team since 2011 and won gold Of the six goaltenders who were part of Canada’s most recent camp, with Canada at the 2014 Olympics. She has been a part of six world Lacasse was the only goalie to have won a world championship title, championships and helped her country take home the title in 2012, where taking home gold in 2012. She has also raised the Clarkson Cup twice she was also named a tournament all-star. and was named CWHL Goaltender of the Year in 2013. Lacquette and Rougeau have combined for more than 100 games with the national team. Rougeau was also part of the gold-medal winning squad at the 2014 Olympics, and she has won five world championship medals, including gold in 2012. Lacquette has been a mainstay with the team since 2015 and finished with a plus-7 rating at the 2019 world championship, second only to Renata Fast among Canadian defencemen. “Those three athletes have been solid – the PK with Rougeau, the shot with Lacquette and the mobility of Fortino,” said Pounder. “I think it makes you recognize how difficult this process is to actually crack this lineup because of the depth in this country. It’s a very difficult day for those who aren’t chosen and it’s an exciting one for those who are.” The three exclusions leave Canada with a decidedly less experienced blueline. Only three of the nine defencemen named to the roster have previous Olympic experience: Jocelyne Larocque, Meaghan Mikkelson and Fast. “We also need to look at the future. We have to look at 2026 [Olympics] and beyond,” said Kingsbury. “We can’t forget about the experience and what that brings to our roster. I really like the mix. We brought some young athletes that our mature and ready to play a role for us… and we brought some veterans that I know will lead the way, take charge and be a force for our roster.” TSN.CA LOADED: 05.13.2021 1188261 Websites Holl missed Monday's workout with an undisclosed issue. Foligno, who took a quick spin around the ice this morning in a track suit,

missed the last two games with an upper-body injury. TSN.CA / Leafs won’t rest regulars, but Keefe will manage minutes Leafs Ice Chips: Foligno expected to play; Keefe will manage minutes Despite clinching top spot in the North Division over the weekend, the Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters that forward Nick Leafs will not rest any regulars tonight in Ottawa, Mark Masters writes. Foligno responded well to practice Tuesday and is expected to play tonight as the Leafs take on the Senators. Mark Masters has more. By Mark Masters --- The Leafs need only look to their net tonight for additional motivation. Frederik Andersen is making his first NHL appearance since March 19. The Maple Leafs held an optional skate at Canadian Tire Centre on Wednesday. "He's a big part of this team," said winger Mitch Marner. "It does a lot for us when he's in that net and so everyone's excited to have the Big Unit Despite clinching top spot in the North Division over the weekend, the back. We got to make sure we play smart and be ready in front of him." Leafs will not rest any regulars tonight in Ottawa. "He's a massive part of our team," said defenceman Travis Dermott. "We want to continue to build good habits," coach Sheldon Keefe "Definitely a core guy." explained. "Also, we do have something to play for in terms of positioning in the league standings. And then just the reality is with our roster and Andersen has faced a long road back from a knee injury. salary-cap situation, there's not a whole lot of flexibility there in terms of "I'm sure there's times when he definitely felt by himself or felt lonely and moving things around, so our guys are going to go here today. I'll stuff like that, especially when we went on those road trips and he had to probably manage the minutes a little bit differently than I would in other stay back," said Marner. "We know what kind of goalie he is in the net for types of games. It's a good chance for us to work at our four-line game." us and what he brings to this team confidence-wise. He's grinded. He's The Washington Capitals leapfrogged the Leafs in the standings last worked his butt off to get back into the shape [where] he thinks he's the night, pushing them down to seventh place. But Toronto can still finish as best possible goalie he can be." high as first overall. Keefe announced that the plan is for Jack Campbell to start the regular- The Leafs (76 points) will remain in the hunt for the Presidents' Trophy if season finale on Friday in Winnipeg. they defeat the Senators in any fashion and the San Jose Sharks defeat 'He's worked his butt off': Return of 'Big Unit' Andersen energizes Leafs the Golden Knights (80 points) in regulation and the Los Angeles Kings defeat the Colorado Avalanche (78 points) in any fashion. Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner and defenceman Travis Dermott explain what it means to the team to have Frederik Andersen back The Knights finish their regular-season schedule tonight while the between the pipes tonight against the Senators, and applaud him for all Avalanche, who own the tiebreaker over the Leafs, still have another the hard work he's put in since suffering a lower-body injury two months game against the Kings. ago. "We had a couple great practices here leading up to today," said Keefe. --- "It's been very businesslike in terms of our approach coming in here. There are two games remaining on the schedule and there's an The North Division playoff matchups were confirmed on Tuesday night opportunity for us to continue to climb in the league standings. So, there's when the Winnipeg Jets clinched the No. 3 seed. The Jets will take on a lot of different things here that would be motivations for us to continue the Edmonton Oilers. The Leafs will face the Canadiens in the playoffs pushing. Perhaps the biggest one is with the schedule, it looks like it's for the first time since 1979. going to be late into next week before we get going [with the playoffs] so that's a large gap. We have to stay sharp and stay game ready here so "It's the Leafs versus the Habs so it's everything you want in a playoff these two games are important for that." series," said Dermott. "I mean, you could look at all the history and probably leave it at that, but I think we've had some good battles this year North Division playoffs expected to start next Wednesday, May 19, at that will add to the fire." least for one of the series. Toronto went 7-2-1 against Montreal in the regular season. Jets-Oilers, bring on the old Smythe Division playoffs. As excitement builds in the fan base, the Leafs are doing their best not to Habs-Leafs for the first time since 1979 get caught up in the hype. — Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 12, 2021 "I'm not going to talk about the series until the series comes," said Marner. "We got to make sure we come ready to play this Ottawa team." The Leafs have been surging down the stretch with a 7-0-1 record since April 22 allowing just 14 goals in that stretch. "I'm just going to focus on the Ottawa Senators here tonight," said Keefe before breaking into a smile. "If I answer those questions, what are you "Well, no one talks about it, but they don't give up anything," observed going to ask me for the next eight days or nine days before we start Senators coach D.J. Smith. "They don’t give up a lot of goals. They have playing?” the puck a ton, obviously, but if you look down the middle of their ice and on their back end, they’re now starting to look like a veteran team that’s Keefe described the focus level of his group as "very strong" saying he ready to win ... The guys they brought in are good additions. They're sensed a feeling of "unfinished business" even after the club clinched hungry. They all know how to play. Their team is now ready and they've first place in the division. gone through the growing pains and gone through some tough losses and they're a team that can certainly win right now." "I'm not really watching too much of TSN Hockey or anything, honestly," Marner said. "I'm just trying to stay off all the social media. Social media The Senators have played the Leafs tough this season, going 3-4-1 can be a great thing for some things, but it's also a very bad thing against their provincial rivals. sometimes or most times, really. So, for me, I'm trying to stay off all that stuff. I think our team's done a great job of that this year." Smith wants young Sens to see what a '1A line looks like' tonight against Maple Leafs Even with no fans in the buildings or reporters in the dressing rooms, it may be tough to tune out the buzz ahead of this much-anticipated series. The Senators finish the season tonight against the rival Maple Leafs, and head coach D.J. Smith says that he is happy that Toronto is not resting "I'm sure you can feel the energy in Toronto," Marner said. "Everyone's players. Smith wants to win tonight, and admits he will try to keep some excited for what we've done this season, but we just got to make sure we of his young players away from the Leafs' stronger lines. keep going and keep working and try to get to that ultimate goal." --- Marner maintains focus: 'I'm not going to talk about the series until the series comes' Initially listed as game-time decisions, winger Nick Foligno and defenceman Justin Holl are both expected to play tonight in Ottawa. The Maple Leafs did not talk about the Canadiens at their morning meeting, there was no mention that the first round playoff matchup has "We'll see if anything comes up the rest of the day, but both guys been finalized. And when he spoke to the media, Mitch Marner did responded well from yesterday's practice," Keefe said. everything he could to sidestep questions about the looming showdown. Mark Masters has more. --- Projected Leafs roster for Wednesday's game: Forwards: Pierre Engvall, Nick Foligno, Alex Galchenyuk, Alex Kerfoot, Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, Ilya Mikheyev, William Nylander, Wayne Simmonds, Jason Spezza, John Tavares and Joe Thornton. Defence: T.J. Brodie, Travis Dermott, Justin Holl, Ben Hutton, Jake Muzzin and Morgan Rielly. Goalies: Frederik Andersen and Jack Campbell. Projected Senators lines for Wednesday's game: Tkachuk - Norris - Batherson Stützle - Pinto - C. Brown Paul - Anisimov - Dadonov Formenton - L. Brown - Kelly Mete - Zaitsev Brannstrom - Zub Alsing - Bernard-Docker Gustavsson Forsberg TSN.CA LOADED: 05.13.2021 Websites There is incredible power in writing down your dreams and then making 1188262 them a reality.

Wickenheiser saw just about every angle of medicine over her rounds, TSN.CA / Wickenheiser moving east to pursue both of her passions finding some parts intriguing and others less so. She worked in the emergency department, surgery, obstetrics, intensive care, telemedicine Hockey Hall of Famer will soon begin her residency at a Toronto hospital and family medicine, among others. in the emergency department while continuing in a full-time capacity as assistant director of player development for the Maple Leafs, Frank “It was fascinating. I found the family medicine block to be the hardest,” Seravalli writes. Wickenheiser explained. “I love emergency and I think that is just more aligned with my personality. There is a lot of action that comes with that, there is constant change. It’s in my nature to run towards that action instead of away from it. But it’s not for everyone.” By Frank Seravalli Wickenheiser wasn’t just on the literal front lines in the hospital, she was also at the front of the line in working with and amplifying charitable You can now officially call her Hayley Wickenheiser, M.D. causes during the pandemic. Those are two incredible letters to add to any name at any time, let alone “In addition to completing medical school and performing duties here as a one enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame as one of the most leader of our player development program, when the pandemic began, accomplished players of all time. Hayley used every ounce of remaining free time to lead the fight against COVID-19. Not just by using her social media and public presence, but But to graduate from medical school at the University of Calgary and by actually being on the ground and raising awareness, funds and PPE pass the requisite licensing exam in the middle of the first global drives early – before shifting to vaccine awareness and promotion,” pandemic in a century? Dubas said. “Us graduating medical school students have had the most unique As for her long-term future beyond the next two years of residency and experience ever,” said Wickenheiser, who did her clinical rotations in her new contract with the Maple Leafs? Wickenheiser isn’t sure. Toronto. “I was in the same hospital at the same time Ontario’s first COVID-19 patient tested positive.” Three years ago, Wickenheiser predicted in her letter to herself she’d be an emergency doctor. “Maybe dabble in peds [pediatrics] and sports Wickenheiser has everyone in awe – including her full-time employer in medicine, maybe work in a tent in Africa somewhere.” the Toronto Maple Leafs, where she would trade her scrubs and white coat for a track suit after her shift would end at the hospital to work in the “Who knows?” she said. “I only know one thing about this, and that’s team’s player development department. medicine gives you wings. This is freedom to do a lot of different things.” “What Hayley has contributed most to our program is that Hayley Maybe Wickenheiser will put medicine on hold, become the first female challenges everyone she comes into contact with to challenge what they coach on an NHL bench, or rise through the ranks in management. may be capable of as an athlete, staff member and a teammate,” Leafs “I honestly don’t know. Hockey is less of a sure thing. We’re all hired to general manager Kyle Dubas said Tuesday. be fired,” Wickenheiser said. “I just know I’m not ready to give up hockey. “Anyone in our organization who thinks that they have reached their I like what I do right now. I love to be in the grind, in the video room, potential and limit only needs to look at all Hayley has accomplished and watching hockey. I love helping players get better. We’ll see what kind of continues to accomplish in order to realize we all have a lot more to give opportunity might come up. The world is changing. For now, my plan is to to our community, to our club, and ourselves.” survive residency.” Now, the challenge – even for someone who describes herself as a TSN.CA LOADED: 05.13.2021 “professional multi-tasker” – will continue as Wickenheiser packs to move east from Calgary to Toronto in an attempt to pursue both of her passions at once. Wickenheiser, 42, will soon begin her residency at a Toronto hospital in the emergency department. She has also re-signed with the Maple Leafs, where she will continue in a full-time capacity as assistant director of player development. It is ambitious, but Wickenheiser knows no other way. She has also already juggled this routine for the past couple years. “In some ways, it will actually be easier now living in Toronto,” Wickenheiser said. “I will now be in Toronto full-time. There will time to be at the rink and there will be time at the hospital in rotation – whether it’s at night or during the day. “I’ve been very clear in my goals and it’s definitely doable. But it wouldn’t be possible without great bosses like Kyle and Brendan [Shanahan], who recognized right away that medicine is less flexible than Leafs and they’ve allowed me to work around that schedule." Wickenheiser said she got emotional in late April as medical school wrapped. After completing her final three-hour surgery exam, she was handed a letter that she wrote to herself three years earlier when she began her journey. “My writing was so messy. For the first minute I read it, I didn’t know what it was. I completely forgot that I had even written it,” Wickenheiser said. “But I started to cry because it brought me back to why I wanted to go into medicine. Every word reinforced what I believed, to stay true to yourself, be a team player, take care of yourself. “That was my beacon or guiding light and it felt good that I had never lost that." A letter I wrote myself 3 years ago when I started med school. Today, I wrote my last exam, and they handed the letter back. I gave up Harvard to stay in �� years ago, and I'm glad I did. Congrats to all my fellow Limpkins and thank you to @UCalgaryMed for a terrific education. pic.twitter.com/BxaaDeKB0K — Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) May 1, 2021 Websites The Leafs have aimed to stay even-keeled throughout this lead-up to 1188263 playoffs. Even when Toronto clinched the division in last Saturday’s win (over Montreal, naturally), players showed up hungry to keep improving at this week’s practices. TSN.CA / Leafs keeping focus on task at hand “The guys were happy [to clinch], but you could just sense that there was A first-round playoff series with the Canadiens is coming, but Sheldon unfinished business,” said Keefe. “They knew that was part of the Keefe says his players are taking a businesslike approach to the final two process but that's certainly not the goal. We've had a couple great games of the regular season, Kristen Shilton writes. practices here leading up to today. It's been very businesslike in terms of our approach. There are two games remaining on the schedule and there's an opportunity for us to continue to climb in the league standings. By Kristen Shilton That would be motivation for us to continue to push here.” Toronto currently sits seventh overall in the NHL standings with 76 points, and could technically still win the Presidents’ Trophy. That TORONTO — It’s been 42 years since the Maple Leafs last drew the scenario would involve the Leafs beating both Ottawa on Wednesday Montreal Canadiens in a playoff series. It’ll be at least a few more days and Winnipeg on Friday, and having Vegas and Colorado lose their three before the Leafs start dissecting their first-round opponent. remaining games in regulation. Even though the stage is now set for Toronto and Montreal to clash in the It’s unlikely to happen, but a carrot nonetheless for the Leafs to chase. postseason for the first time since 1979, the Leafs still have two regular- Plus, these final games are the best tune-up Toronto can get before a season games to get through. The penultimate one is Wednesday in long layoff leading up to the playoffs starting. Ottawa, and Toronto isn’t looking past the Sens. Because Vancouver’s COVID-19 outbreak forced an extension of the “I'm just going to focus on the Ottawa Senators here today,” said coach North Division schedule into next week, the earliest possible date for the Sheldon Keefe after Wednesday’s morning meetings. “If I answer those Leafs first playoff game is May 19. questions [about Montreal] now, what are you going to ask me for the next eight or nine days before we start playing? It's nice to know who the “It looks like it's going to be late into next week before we get going so opponent is going to be, but we didn't even bring it up or discuss it [with that's a large gap,” Keefe said. “And we've got to stay sharp, stay game- the players] this morning.” ready here, so these two games are important for that.” And Keefe noted, the Leafs have been on a collision course with Wednesday will be an especially big night for Frederik Andersen. The Montreal for some time. goaltender will see his first NHL action since March 19, after which he was sidelined by a recurring knee injury. Keefe already stated Jack Toronto secured first place in the North Division last week after sitting Campbell will start in Friday’s regular-season finale, so it’s the only atop the standings most of the year, while the Canadiens have hovered appearance Andersen will see before playoffs. around fourth place for weeks. But it wasn’t until Winnipeg blanked Vancouver 5-0 late on Tuesday to clinch third place in the North that the Whether it’ll be Campbell of Andersen manning the net in Game 1 Canadiens were locked in as the fourth seed. against Montreal is yet to be announced. Right now it’s enough for Andersen and his teammates that he’s healthy enough to get back in at There’s no shortage of storylines wrapped up in the forthcoming series, all, and potentially giving the club options for what’s ahead. most of which are tied to the historic decades-long rivalry that binds these Original Six clubs together. “He's a big part of this team. He does a lot for us when he's in the net,” said Marner. “We know what kind of goalie he is in that net for us and Toronto has faced Montreal 757 times in the regular season, with a what he brings to this team confidence-wise. He's grinded, he's worked record of 307-344-88-18. There would have been more meetings had the his butt off to get back into the shape where he thinks he's the best NHL not placed the Leafs in the Western Conference for 17 seasons possible goalie he can be and we're excited for that and we're excited for from 1981-98, pitting them against the Habs only two or three times per him.” year. TSN.CA LOADED: 05.13.2021 It was before that, in April 1979, that Toronto tussled most recently with Montreal in the playoffs. The Leafs were bounced from that series in four straight losses. Fast forward to this pandemic-shortened season, and the Leafs and Habs have more than enough intel on each other to make for an intriguing first-round matchup. Toronto has already played Montreal 10 times, posting a 7-2-1 record. Five of those games were decided by a single goal, and the Leafs outscored Montreal 34-25. That success could fuel Toronto in its next chapter, at a time of year where they've struggled lately. The Leafs lost in the first round of three straight playoff series from 2017 to 2019, and then failed to qualify for the NHL’s playoff tournament last summer. Suffice it to say, there’s a lot to talk about what’s next for Toronto. And they’ll get to it, eventually. “I'm sure [the series is] going to create a lot [of buzz], but we have two games [left],” said Mitch Marner. “I’m not going to talk about the series until the series [comes about]. I don't really want to look ahead too much. We've got to make sure we play these two games hard and focus.” “It's the Leafs versus the Habs. It's everything you want in a playoff series I guess,” said Travis Dermott. “We've played them a fair amount of times and got a good feeling there, but we want to take these next two games in stride, really focus on the things that we think are going to be important once playoffs come, make sure we have those areas dialled in, and really make use of these last two games.” In order to do that, Keefe won't be resting anyone on Wednesday. He also expects to have Nick Foligno (upper body) and Justin Holl (undisclosed injury) back in the lineup. "Our guys are going to go here today," Keefe said. "I'll probably manage the minutes a little bit differently than I would in other types of games but at the same time, it's a good chance for us to really work on our four-line game and we're really looking to get things moving with the entire group." Websites Though significantly older than your average rookie after spending a few 1188264 years playing in his native Russia, there's no denying Kaprizov has had the biggest impact on a franchise of any first-year player. The leading rookie scorer has helped transform the Wild, whom he leads in scoring USA TODAY / NHL award picks: Connor McDavid runs away with MVP, by double digits. but others are up for grabs Selke Trophy (defensive forward)

Hascup: Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins Jace Evans Brehm: Aleksander Barkov, Panthers

Evans: Mark Stone, Vegas Golden Knights The 2021 NHL season is nearly over, and voting on the awards is about to begin. Bergeron continues to be a defensive whiz, a center who continues to tilt the ice and limit chances against. Stone, the NHL leader in takeaways, In a 56-game season with a condensed schedule, nothing has been per StatMuse, also leads his team in scoring. Selke wins are rare among normal. Usually, every team would play every other team at least twice, wingers, but Stone deserves recognition for his fantastic two-way work. giving us a big sample size and ample opportunity to see how players Barkov's solid two-way play will get more notice because of the Panthers' perform against all manner of competition. This year, teams played strong season. strictly within their division and there were plenty of rescheduled games and players having to sit out because of coronavirus protocols. General Manager of the Year Despite the unusual season, awards will still be handed out as many Hascup: Marc Bergevin, Montreal Canadiens players have stood out for their spectacular play. Brehm: Bergevin USA TODAY Sports' NHL staffers are here to make their picks for the top Evans: Joe Sakic, Colorado Avalanche regular-season awards: The offseason acquisitions of defenseman Devon Toews and forward Hart Trophy (MVP to his team) Brandon Saad added nice depth and made an already-potent Colorado Jimmy Hascup: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers squad even more dangerous. More broadly, Sakic should be acknowledged for building a young, exciting team that has become must- Mike Brehm: McDavid watch for hockey fans and should compete for years to come. Bergevin was the busiest in the offseason and most of his moves panned out, Jace Evans: McDavid especially Tyler Toffoli and Jake Allen. Plus he was quick to make a McDavid ran away with the scoring race by recording points at a clip we coaching move. haven't seen since the heyday of Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr on the USA TODAY LOADED: 05.13.2021 mid-1990s Penguins. With over 100 points in this abbreviated 56-game season, McDavid made clear he's the best player in the world and should easily capture his second Hart Trophy. Vezina Trophy (goalie) Hascup: Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning Brehm: Vasilevskiy Evans: Vasilevskiy Vasilevskiy did the heavy lifting for Tampa this year, finishing first in the NHL in wins once again (with 31) while making 42 starts. He faced the second-most shots this season and stopped an impressive 92.5% of them. Norris Trophy (defenseman) Hascup: Adam Fox, New York Rangers Brehm: Fox Evans: Fox Fox checks all the boxes to win this award: he led defensemen in points (47), was second in points per game (0.85) among blueliners with at least 40 games played and recorded a strong 1.13 points per 60 minutes at five-on-five play mark. More important, he was on the ice for 58% of the Rangers' five-on-five goals, more shot attempts for than against, more scoring chances for than against despite starting only 45.8% of the time in the offensive zone. He also logged 24:42 of ice time per game, one of the highest marks in the league. Jack Adams Award (coach) Hascup: Joel Quenneville, Florida Panthers Brehm: Rod Brind'Amour, Carolina Hurricanes Evans: Dean Evason, Minnesota Wild The Wild have been arguably the NHL's most surprising team in their first "full" season with Evason at the helm. A Jack Adams nod for Evason would be a nice recognition of the best season in Wild history by points percentage. Brind'Amour and Quenneville helped their teams finish first and second in the Central Division. Calder Trophy (rookie) Hascup: Kirill Kaprizov, Wild Brehm: Kaprizov Evans: Kaprizov